Highlights of Vietnam Duration : 09 Days / 08 Nights Destinations : Hanoi Halong Hue Hoi An Ho Chi Minh City Mekong Delta Validity : Now 30.09.2014 Code : RAVNRT002E
Geography Vietnam covers an area of 330,363 sq. km and is about as big as Italy or New Mexico. The country has three main geographic regions - the tropical south dominated by the Mekong River estuary, the dry central region, and the more temperate north comprising the River delta and mountain highlands. Religion Vietnam supports adherents of all the major world religions, as well as followers of religions that are peculiarly Vietnamese: Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism, Protestant and Catholic Christianity, Taoism, Confucianism, Islam, Cao Daism, Hoa Hao and Hinduism. In addition spirit and ancestor worship, To Tien, is also practiced. Confucianism is probably the most pervasive doctrine of all. Climate Vietnam s climate is very diverse because the country covers a wide range of latitudes and altitudes. The North: The cold season is between November and April when average temperatures are around 60 F/16 C and it is often wet and chilly. In the hot period, between May and October, the average temperature is about 86 F/30 C. The South: The temperatures in the south are constant all year, ranging from 77-86 F/25-30 C. The dry season is from November to April and the wet period from May to October. People Ethnic Vietnamese constitute almost 90 percent of the population in Vietnam. Originating in what is now southern China and northern Vietnam, the Vietnamese people pushed southward over several centuries to occupy the entire eastern seacoast of the Indochinese Peninsula. Nearly 100 years of French rule (1858-1954) introduced important European elements, but the Vietnamese still attach great importance to the family and continue to observe rites honoring their ancestors, indicating the persistence of tradition. Manners The Vietnamese used to greet one another by clasping their hands, prayer-like, in front of their faces and bowing slightly. Unfortunately, this charming custom has been replaced by the handshake. When trying to gain the attention of a Vietnamese, try not to point or gesture excessively. This is regarded as rude. Call out their names if possible, if not beckon by using the whole hand, palm downwards. Again, as in the other countries of Southeast Asia, do not touch people on the head as it is regarded as spiritually the 'highest' part of the body. Expect to be the center of attention outside Saigon, Hanoi and the main tourist centers. React accordingly and be a good ambassador.
This is a land of serene beauty, traditional charm and bustling industry. A great holiday destination, Vietnam boasts a landscape of misty hills and tropical beaches, a fascinating cultural heritage and a climate that ranges from the cool of the northern highlands to the warmth of the South China Sea coast and the Mekong Delta Day 1 Arrival in Hanoi (-/-/-) Meet and greet your guide upon arrival and transfer to your hotel. Soon after, start the half day city tour in Hanoi. With a millennium-long history, Hanoi is a city of lakes, shaded boulevards and public parks dotted with French-style buildings and historical monuments. The city centre is an architectural museum piece, retaining the air of a quaint and peaceful provincial town, contrary to the fast-paced atmosphere of Saigon. During the half-day city tour, you ll see cultural and historical highlights, comprising: ONE PILLAR PAGODA: built by the Emperor Ly Thai Tong, who ruled from 1028 to 1054. Constructed of wood on a single stone pillar, it is designed to resemble a lotus blossom. HO CHI MINH MAUSOLEUM: This commanding stone monument houses the embalmed remains of Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam national hero and is a pilgrimage site for many Vietnamese. Visitors file silently past his glass tomb to pay their respects. THE TEMPLE OF LITERATURE: Originally built as a temple to Confucius, this is the site of Vietnam s first university dating back to 1070. Inside are the stone steles mounted on the backs of turtles, inscribed with the names of the university s graduates. The complex is divided into five courtyards with different paths that would originally have been reserved for the Emperor and his mandarins.
One of the courtyards contains the statue of Confucius guarded by two beautiful bronze storks standing on turtles. The temple highlights the importance influence that Vietnamese society has placed on education. THE OLD QUARTER: The Old Quarter has history of over a thousand years, 36 streets with each taking a different name after its product. It remains one of Vietnam s most lively and unusual places, where visitors can buy anything from precious stones to silk kimonos. Overnight in Hanoi Day 2 Hanoi - Halong Bay (B/-/-) After breakfast start your transfer to Halong Bay. En route you will visit the Thay and Thay Phuong Pagoda. The Thay Pagoda, also known as Thien Phuc Tu Pagoda, was built in the 11th century and consists of three sections: the outer part for offerings and ceremonies, the middle part to worship Buddha and the inner part to worship the monk Tu Dao Hanh, the master after whom the pagoda is named. Overnight in Halong Day 3 Halong - Hanoi (B/L/-) Halong Bay is one of the most magnificent scenic spots in all of Vietnam and was recognized as a world natural heritage site by UNESCO in 1994. Halong is a picturesque bay with almost 2,000 islets rising from the clear emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. Cruise for four hours in the tranquility of Halong Bay and visit two limestone caves with colorful stalagmites and stalactites, an unforgettable experience. Enjoy a lunch of fresh seafood, served on board. Afterwards return to Hanoi by vehicle. Overnight in Hanoi
Day 4 Hanoi Hue (B/-/-) Airport Transfer Hanoi Domestic Flight to Hue Airport Transfer to Hotel in Hue In the afternoon you will start your half day city tour of Hue. Hue was Vietnam s feudal capital from 1802 to 1945 under the Nguyen dynasty. It is widely known for the magnificent architecture of its citadels, palaces, royal tombs, pagodas and temples set in a poetic background of greenery on the banks of the Perfume River. All were laid out in harmony with nature and in accordance with the principles of Geomancy or Feng Shui. THE TOMB OF TU DUC is one of the most beautiful works of royal architecture of the Nguyen Dynasty. In a sprawling lush pine forest 8km (5 miles) from Hue, this tomb is the final resting place of Emperor Tu Duc (1848-83) who enjoyed the longest reign of any monarch of the Nguyen dynasty. The construction of the tomb started in December 1864 and was completed in 1867. Visit the OLD IMPERIAL CITADEL, which construction begun in 1805 on the northern bank of the Perfume River. Within the Imperial Enclosure is the Forbidden Purple City, which used to be the living quarters of the King. With more than 100 buildings such as palaces, temples and fortresses, the Citadel is one of the most interesting place to visit in Hue. Overnight in Hue Day 5 Hue Hoi An (B/-/-) In the early morning you will start with a relaxing boat ride on the perfume river to the Thien Mu Pagoda and then continue to the Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang. THE THIEN MU PAGODA was created in 1601 and is one of the most famous architectural structures in Vietnam. The most striking feature is the 21m-high octagonal tower, the 7-storeyed Phuoc Duyen Tower. The tower has become the unofficial symbol of Hue.
The Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang is perhaps the most majestic of the Royal Tombs, built for Minh Mang who ruled from 1820-1840. On the way to Hoi An you ll pass the Hai Van Pass. Hai Van pass means in Vietnamese the pass of ocean clouds. It is located on Highway 1 between Danang and Hue. One can see a spectacular stretch of scenery where mountains seem to fall into the sea. In the past, Hai Van Pass was the site of the historic struggle between several nations in the region (Kingdoms of Champa, Vietnam, Laos, etc.). Stop en route for a visit of Danang s Cham Museum. The museum houses probably the best collection of Cham art in the world. More than 300 artifacts, many dating to the 4th century are waiting to be explored. Overnight in Hoi An Day 6 Hoi An (B/-/-) Hoi An is an ancient trading post of seafaring Chinese, Japanese and European merchants. This picturesque town with colorful shops and temples was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1999. Start your walking tour at the CULTURE AND HISTORY MUSEUM where you will learn about the history of this charming and peaceful town before you walk around the SMALL MARKET regarded as more authentic than markets in Vietnam s big cities.
Walk along the main street to the CHINESE ASSEMBLY HALL of Fujien Chinese community. The hall, built in 1697, has been used as the worshipping place to dedicate to Thien Hau (the Goddess of the Sea or Holy Mother) and also the meeting place for the Fujien Chinese community. Continue to the riverbank along narrow streets on both sides are old houses transformed into beautifully decorated shops with colorful lanterns in different shapes. Next we ll stop to see the JAPANESE COVERED BRIDGE built in the early 17th century by Japanese traders who settled in the town. The special pagoda-shaped bridge is now the official symbol of Hoi An. We finish with a visit to a historic old house of this UNESCO - recognized town. In the afternoon embark on a public boat for a visit of CAM KIM a small carpentry village. One can watch the locals building fishing boats and furniture using techniques dating back to as early as the 18th century. Continue to the pottery village of Thanh Ha, where clay objects for the everyday use are produced. Return to Hoi An. Overnight in Hoi An Day 7 Hoi An Ho Chi Minh City (B/-/-) Airport Transfer Danang - Domestic Flight to Ho Chi Minh City Airport Transfer to Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City Drive to visit CU CHI TUNNELS. Cu Chi was a bitter battleground for many years during the Vietnam War. Don t miss a visit to this underground village, an intricate network of more than 200km (125 miles) of Cu Chi District, 75km (46 miles) from Ho Chi Minh City. Explore a short segment of this labyrinth of interlaced tunnels; you will be amazed by the tunnels numerous branches connecting to underground hideouts and shelters. Drive back to Ho Chi Minh City. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Day 8 Ho Chi Minh City Mekong Delta Ho Chi Minh City (B/-/-) After breakfast proceed to the amazing Mekong Delta and experience life on the mighty Mekong river. On board a public boat, sail to the CAI BE FLOATING MARKET, in the heart of the Delta. Wholesalers on big boats moor here, each specializing in different types of fruit and vegetables. Continue through small canals and stop at Mekong river islands where you will visit fruit orchards and the local cottage industry. Afterwards return to Vinh Long and drive back to Ho Chi Minh. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh Day 9 Ho Chi Minh City (B/-/-) Enjoy a half day tour through colonial Saigon. The OLD SAIGON POST OFFICE is the largest of Vietnam's post offices; it was built from 1886 to 1891 by the great architect Gustave Eiffel. The same architect who gave his name to the Eiffel tower in Paris. The post office is large, open, and with a big picture of Ho Chi Minh overlooking the proceedings. This unique place will remind you of being in a train station. The OPERA HOUSE is another example for French colonial architecture in Saigon. It was built in 1897 by the famous architect Ferret Eugene and the magnificent facade decor was renovated in 1998. NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL is one of the landmarks among the impressive avenues and open spaces north of Dong Khoi. The huge red-brick edifice with twin spires is placed between two streams of traffic and is a clear reminder that the French once ruled this city. Inside, the decor is relatively austere, but the church gets very full and very lively during services. This peaceful place is perfect for quiet contemplation. Sunday Mass is held at 9.30am.
The former PRESIDENTIAL PALACE is now renamed the Reunification Hall. It is one of the most interesting places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City. This building remains almost exactly as it was on the morning of 30th April 1975 when the Saigon regime surrendered to the victorious liberation forces and the country was reunified for the first time since 1945. Included on the tour are visits to conference rooms, the Presidential Receiving Room, basement tunnels and war room, telecommunications centre and the residential area of the former president. The OLD CITY HALL is a stroll down from Dong Khoi Street and is a colonial building dated back to 1906. The city's best-known market, where you can buy anything from fresh fruit and flowers to the latest imported electronics and cosmetics is located at one of the key intersections in the city centre. Inside is a tightly organized grid of aisles, arranged according to product. Clothes, shoes and fabric dominate the front, before giving over to kitchenware, cooked food, fresh vegetables and a somewhat alarming display of seafood and meat, some of it still alive. There is plenty for the visitor to buy, but the main attraction is the way in which the bustling market is still very much part of the city's life and economy. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight back home. Refine Asia wishes a safe flight home!
Tour Price per Person Pax Standard Deluxe 1 Pax in SGL 1,720 1,966 2,407 2 Pax 1,021 1,140 1,358 3-6 Pax 890 1,009 1,226 7-9 Pax 727 845 1,062 10+ Pax 683 801 1,018 SGL SUP 180 307 530 Rates mentioned above are based on sharing Twin or Double and per person. Please add Single Supplement for any odd number of pax or pax requesting SGL rooms (except 1 pax). Rates are net and in US$. Rates are valid from now until 30.September 2014 Accommodation City Standard Deluxe Hanoi May de Ville Old Quarter Classic Medallion Hotel Melia Hotel Deluxe Halong Mithrin Hotel Royal Lotus Halong Premium Novotel Halong Bay Standard Hue New Star Hotel Hue Romance Hotel Deluxe Stadium View Pilgrimage Village Villa Deluxe Hoi An Lotus Hoi An Hotel Hoi An Historic Hotel Boutique Hoi An Saigon Elios Hotel Liberty Central Hotel Deluxe Equatorial Hotel Deluxe
Services Included Services Excluded Services All described sightseeing as in program above Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle Accommodation in hotels with daily breakfast English-speaking local guides flight tickets as mentioned in program Admission fees to indicated sights Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (Meals: B= breakfast, L= lunch, D= dinner) Domestic gov t tax and service charge Domestic flights HAN-HUI and DAD-SGN International air tickets Visa fee Travel Insurance in all kinds Meals: if not mentioned in itinerary compulsory meals Drinks during Meals Tip, drinks, personal expenses and others not stated Early Check In and Late Check Out Compulsory surcharges and meal options apply during peak holiday period such as Christmas, Mai 1st, New Years and Chinese New Year. These will be advised at the time of booking or at any time should the hotel apply on an ad hoc basis. Please note that this is an offer only and no reservations will be processed until we receive a written booking order.
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