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Vietnam Classic Tour - 11 Days
Saigon - Nha Trang - Cam Ranh Bay - Danang - Hoi
An
Hue - Halong - Hanoi - Price from 1,011 US$
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| Day 1 - Saigon |
• Arrival in Saigon
(Ho Chi Minh City)
• Transfer
• Overnight in Saigon |
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| Day 2 - Saigon |
• Sightseeing in Saigon and Cholon (Chinatown)
Saigon is the largest of Vietnamese cities, with the hustle
and bustle of Vietnamese life visible everywhere. There are
street markets, sidewalk cafes and sleek new bars. The city
churns and bubbles. Yet within this teeming metropolis are 300
years of timeless traditions and the beauty of an ancient culture.
To the west of the city is District 5, the huge Chinese neighborhood
called Cholon, which means 'Big Market'.
• Notre Dame Cathedral: built between
1877 and 1883 and set in the heart of Saigon's government quarter.
It has a neo-Romanesque form and two high square towers, tipped
with iron spires. In front of the cathedral is a statue of the
Virgin Mary.
• Central Post Office: a French-style
building with a glass canopy and iron frame, situated next to
the Notre Dame Cathedral. The structure was built between 1886
and 1891 and is by far the largest post office in Vietnam.
• City Hall: completed in 1908, also
known as Hotel de Ville , and located at the northern end of
Nguyen Hue Boulevard. With its ornate gingerbread façade,
it looks like the town hall of a French town. (May be viewed
from the outside only).
• Opera House: built around the turn
of the century and first renovated in the 1940s, the building
housed the lower division of the National Assembly. Today it
is a Municipal Theatre and also known as the Saigon Concert
Hall. (May be viewed from the outside only).
• Jade Emperor Pagoda: was a key meeting
place for Chinese secret societies. It has very colorful and
mysterious ambience.
• Reunification Palace: this was the
Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese president and was
stormed by tanks on 30 April 1975, signifying the fall of South
Vietnam. It has been preserved in its original state.
WAR REMNANTS MUSEUM: collections of weapons and photographs
from two Indochina wars are exhibited along with the original
French 'Guillotine' brought here in the early 20th century.
• Ben Thanh Market: the central market
of Saigon, its surrounding streets make up one of the city's
liveliest areas. Everything commonly eaten, worn or used by
the average resident of Saigon is available here.
• Giac Lam Pagoda: the oldest pagoda
in Saigon, built at the end of the 17th century. Because the
last reconstruction here was in 1900, the architecture, layout
and ornamentation remain almost unaltered by the modernist renovations
that have transformed so many other religious structures in
Vietnam. Ten monks live in this pagoda, which also incorporates
aspects of Taoism and Confucianism.
• Binh Tay Market: Cholon's main marketplace,
much of the business conducted here is wholesale.
• Thien Hau Pagoda: built by the Cantonese
congregation in the early 19th century. The pagoda is one of
the most active in Cholon and is dedicated to Thien Hau. It
is said that she can travel over the oceans on a mat and ride
the clouds to wherever she pleases.
• Overnight in Saigon |
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| Day 3 - Saigon - Nha Trang |
• By vehicle from Saigon to Nha Trang with sightseeing
at the dunes of Mui Ne and the Po Klong Garai Cham Towers
Journey north along the coast and Highway 1 past Bien Hoa, Xuan
Loc, Phan Tiet, Phan Rang, Lam and Dien Khanh. Ninh Tuan Province
where Phan Rang is, is home to tens of thousands of descendents
of the Cham people.
• Po Klong Garai Cham Towers: the
four brick towers constructed at the end of the 13th century,
during the reign of the Cham monarch Jaya Simhavarman III, were
built as Hindu temples and stand on the top of a crumbly granite
hill.
• Overnight in Nha Trang |
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| Day 4 - Nha Trang |
• Excursion by boat to nearby islands and the
seawater aquarium
• Ebony Island: just south east of Bamboo
Island, it is known for snorkeling.
HON TAM: southwest of Bamboo Island, Hon Tam is similar to the
nearby Ebony Island.
• Seawater Aquarium: Mieu Island has an important
fish-breeding farm where over forty species of fish, crustaceans
and other marine life are raised in three separate compartments.Afternoon
at leisure
• Overnight in Nha Trang
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| Day 5 - Nha Trang - Cam Ranh Bay - Danang
- Hoi An |
• Transfer from Nha Trang to Cam Ranh Airport
• Flight from Cam Ranh Bay / Nha Trang to Danang.
• By vehicle from Danang to Hoi An
Journey south past the Marble Mountains and small villages.
• Sightseeing in Hoi An
Hoi An is a picturesque riverside town south of Danang. Known
as Faifo to early western traders, it was one of South East
Asia's major international ports during the 17th, 18th and 19th
centuries. Now, this beautifully preserved historic city is
best seen on foot. The walking tour will include five of the
following sites:
• Quan Cong Temple: founded in 1653, this
Chinese temple is dedicated to Quan Cong, whose partially gilded
statue is in the central altar at the back of the sanctuary.
Stone plaques on the walls list contributors to the construction
and repair of the temple.
• Phuoc Kien Pagoda: Chinese pagoda built
around 1690 and then restored and enlarged in 1900. It is typical
of the Chinese 'clans' that were established in the Hoi An area.
The temple is dedicated to Thien Hau Thanh Mau (Goddess of the
Sea and Protector of Sailors and Fishermen).
• Japanese Covered Bridge: the first bridge
on this site was constructed in 1593 by the Japanese community
of Hoi An to link the town with the Chinese quarters across
the stream. The bridge was provided with a roof so it could
be used as a shelter from rain and sun.
• Tran Family Chapel: this house for worshipping
ancestors was built about 200 years ago with donations from
family members. The Tran family traces its origins to China
and moved to Vietnam around 1700. The architecture of the building
reflects the influence of Chinese and Japanese styles.
• Sa Huynh Museum: located near the Japanese
Covered Bridge, it contains exhibitions from the earliest period
of Hoi An's history.
• Phung Hung House: the same family has been
living here for eight generations. The house is a combination
of Vietnamese, Japanese and Chinese styles.
• Quang Dong Pagoda: this pagoda was open
to all Chinese traders or seamen and is dedicated to Thien Hau.
it's a small Chinese style temple with a lintel gate, a rockery
courtyard and lucky animals depicted in statuary.
• Overnight in Hoi An |
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| Day 6 - Hoi An - Hue |
• Boat trip on the Thu Bon River to Kim Bong
Village on Cam Kim Island: Kim Bong Village is a village
of woodworkers and boatbuilding families.
• Thanh Ha Village: Famous for it's simple
brown pottery.
• By vehicle from Hoi An to Hue
Journey north along Highway 1 past Danang, Lang Co and the Hai
Van Pass.
• Hai Van Pass: the pass crosses over a spur
of the Truong Son Mountain Range that juts into the South China
Sea. It is an incredible mountainous stretch of highway with
spectacular views.
• Lang Co: a pretty, island-like stretch
of palm-shaded sand with a crystal-clear lagoon on one side
and many kilometers of beachfront facing the South China Sea.
• Sightseeing in the Old Imperial City
• Imperial City: located in the Citadel,
it was built in the early 19th century and modeled after the
Forbidden City in Peking. There are numerous palaces and temples
within these walls, as well as towers, a library and a museum.
• Ngo Mon Gate: the principal entrance to
the Imperial Enclosure, facing the Flag Tower. The central passageway
with its yellow doors was reserved for use by the emperor, as
was the bridge across the lotus pond.
• Thai Hoa Palace: built in 1803 and moved
to its present site in 1833, Thai Hoa Palace is a spacious hall
with an ornate roof of huge timbers supported by 80 carved and
lacquered columns.
• Halls of the Mandarins: these buildings,
in which the mandarins prepared for court ceremonies held in
the Can Chanh Reception Hall, were restored in 1977.
• Nine Dynastic Urns: these were cast in
1835-36. Traditional ornamentation was then chiseled into the
sides of the urns, each dedicated to a different Nguyen sovereign.
• Forbidden Purple City: this was reserved
for the personal use of the emperor. The only servants allowed
into the compound were eunuchs, who would pose no threat to
the royal concubines. (Today the site is in ruins).
• Overnight in Hue |
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| Day 7 - Hue |
• Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda and Tomb of Emperor
Minh Mang with boat trip
• Thien Mu Pagoda: just outside of Hue, on
the bank of the Perfume River, this was a hotbed of anti-government
protest during the early 1960s. Behind the main sanctuary of
the pagoda is the Austin motorcar which transported the monk
Thich Quang Duc to the site of his 1963 self-immolation.
• Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang: a complex built
in 1840 by King Minh Mang, known for its magnificent architecture,
military statuaries and elaborate decorations. It is perhaps
the most beautiful of Hue's pagodas and tombs.
• Sightseeing in Hue: Hue served as the capital
of Vietnam for more than 140 years. It houses ancient temples,
imperial buildings and French-style edifices. It was established
in the 17th century.Visit the Imperial Tombs of Tu Duc and Khai
Dinh
• Tu Duc Tomb: Emperor Tu Duc, who ruled
Hue more than 100 years ago, built his tomb when he was still
alive and used it for meditation, reading and theater performances.
There are pavilions in a tranquil setting of forested hills
and lakes. The tomb was constructed between 1864 and 1867. Tu
Duc, who was the longest reigning Emperor, lived a luxurious
life.
• Khai Dinh: this was the last monument of
the Nguyen dynasty and was constructed between 1920 and 1931.
It sits magnificently on the slopes of Chau E Mountain in Chau
Chau Village. It has a long staircase flanked by dragons. There
are ceiling murals and ceramic frescoes.
• Visit Dong Ba Market: a local market near
the Imperial City.
• Overnight in Hue |
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| Day 8 - Hue - Hanoi |
• Transfer
• Flight from Hue to Hanoi.
• Transfer
• Sightseeing in Hanoi
• Visit the Old Quarter of Hanoi by cyclo:
It is also called "36 streets," most of which are
named after the crafts or merchandise traditionally sold there.
• Visit a Water Puppet Show: a fantastic
art form originating in northern Vietnam, best seen in Hanoi.
The Municipal Water Puppet Theater is located on the shore of
Hoan Kiem Lake.
• Overnight in Hanoi |
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| Day 9 - Hanoi - Halong |
• By vehicle from Hanoi to Halong with sightseeing
at But Thap Pagoda
• Phat Tich Pagoda: surrounded by hills considered
noteworthy for their beauty, this pagoda was founded in 1037.
• But Thao Pagoda: also known as Ninh Phuc
Pagoda, is known for its four storey stone stupa dedicated to
the monk Chuyet Cong. The pagoda was rebuilt in the 17th and
18th centuries and the layout of the structure is traditional.
• Overnight in Halong |
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| Day 10 - Halong - Hanoi |
• Excursion by boat through Halong Bay (4 hours)
Cruise on a traditional wooden boat among the emerald waters
and craggy limestone cliffs of Halong Bay, stopping at different
islands to explore some of the many caves in this area. Sail
past floating villages, fishermen casting their nets and pearl
fisheries and observe the rhythms of daily life on the bay.
• By vehicle from Halong to Hanoi
Journey around Halong Bay to Hai Phong and west along Highway
5, across Hai Hung Province.
• Overnight in Hanoi |
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| Day 11 - Hanoi |
| • Transfer |
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| USD p.p | 1 Pax | 2 Pax | 3-6 Pax | SGL S/C | Booking |
| Var A | 1,949 | 1,088 | 905 | 206 |  |
| Var B | 2,148 | 1,187 | 1,005 | 305 | |
| Var C | 3,004 | 1,630 | 1,448 | 718 | |
All prices are per person in USD, based on twin-sharing in double rooms in the default hotel for the listed category.
Above prices are subject to US$14/Person airport tax for all international flights out of Vietnam from 1 November 2006 which will be calculated as a seperate service on top of the international airfares in all quotations and invoices.
* Meal plan: ABF.
** Reduction for 3rd pax in triple room Var. A:$69; Var. B:$72; Var. C:$223.
*** Child reduction (sharing bed of parents): under 2 years FOC; under 12 years -30%%.
NOTE: The itinerary can slightly change according to the season, local conditions, climate, flight schedules and room availability. |
| Hotel | Var A | Var B | Var C |
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| Saigon | Saigon Star Hotel
ROH
Saigon Royal Hotel
ROH
Bong Sen Annex
Economy | Chancery Hotel
Standard Room
Dai Nam Hotel
ROH
Liberty 6 Hotel
Standard
Oscar Hotel
ROH / Standard | Equatorial Hotel
Deluxe
Omni Saigon Hotel
Deluxe
Windsor Plaza Hotel
Superior | | Nha Trang | Hai Yen Hotel Nha Trang
1st Class - Gardenview
Vien Dong Hotel Nha Trang
1st Class Cityview | Nha Trang Lodge Hotel
Standard
Que Huong Hotel
Deluxe
Yasaka Saigon Nha Trang Hotel
ROH | Sunrise Beach Resort
Standard Seaview | | Hoi An | Phu Thinh 2 Hotel
2nd Class
Vinh Hung 2
1st Class | Lotus Hotel
Standard
Ancient House Resort
Superior
Glory Hotel
Executive Superior | Life Heritage Resort Hoi An
Superior
Palm Garden Beach Resort & Spa
Superior Gardenview
Hoi An Riverside Resort
VN Standard | | Hue | Imperial Garden Hotel
Deluxe
Ngoc Huong Hotel
ROH
Thuan Hoa Hotel
Deluxe | Festival Hue Hotel
ROH - Festival Wing
Hue Heritage
ROH
Huong Giang Hotel
Superior Gardenview | Saigon Morin Hotel
Superior | | Hanoi | Phuc Loi Hotel
Standard
Ha Long Hotel Hanoi
ROH
Prince Hanoi Hotel
ROH
Huy Hoang 1
2nd Class | Galaxy Hotel
ROH
Golden Key Hotel
ROH
Green Park Hotel
ROH | Melia Hotel
Deluxe
Nikko Hotel Hanoi
ROH-Leisure
Sofitel Plaza Hanoi
Deluxe | | Halong Bay | Sunlight Hotel
Superior
Van Hai Hotel
ROH | Halong Pearl
SUP room
Mithrin
SUP room | Halong Plaza
SUP room
Heritage Halong
SUP room
Tuan Chau
DLX Pine Hill |
We will confirm one of the hotels mentioned above according to the selected category. Please note that compulsory gala dinners and peak season surcharges may apply during peak periods surrounding the public holidays of Christmas and New Year - these surcharges will be confirmed at the time of booking.
Included in the price:
Accommodation and meals as described, food only (please note that some hotels provide only CBF).
All transfers within the journey, including pick-up at airport.
Domestic airfares as states in the itinerary in economy class.
All entrance fees.
English, French or German speaking guides (other languages available upon request).
Not included in the price:
Visa fees.
Airport taxes.
Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, souvenirs.
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