Hello Tuan,
I just thought I would write to let you know that my parents are having a great time!!
They are presently travelling into Cambodia by boat and have really enjoyed themselves so far.
Thank you so much for organising their trip for them.
Hopefully the rest of their trip will be just as enjoyable.

Kind regards,
Maria

Hello again Tuan.
I am happy to report that my parents are still loving Vietnam - a beautiful country filled with warm and friendly people!! They are very happy with all of their tour guides and have told me that they have all been very informative.

As their trip draws towards its last few days I just wanted to check with you about their stay in Hoi An. I just wanted to know wether you have included a walking tour of the old town, the covered bridge, merchants homes and the market etc.

I know that this can be done independently and that you usually don't need a guide but as they are older people, I feel they may not feel comfortable venturing out on their own.

Kind regards
Maria

PRIVATE TOURS –Your tour is an individual tour with a flexible schedule. There is no other traveler on the tour. You will have a private English speaking tour guide and a private air-conditioned vehicle at each destination.

Saigon – Cu Chi Tunnels – Can Tho – Chau Doc – Phnom Penh – Siem Reap – Hanoi – Halong Bay – Hue – Hoi An – Saigon

ITINERARY

28 Aug 13             Saigon Arrival

Arrive at Tan Son Nhat airport, transfer to you hotel for check in. Ho Chi Minh, the most exciting city of Vietnam, a mecca of commerce, also a city with a chequered history and a rich culture, its pagodas, museums, public buildings, parks and boulevards make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Vietnam.

Free time at leisure.  Overnight in Ho Chi Minh

Meals: None

Accommodation: May Hotel / Deluxe

29 Aug 13             Saigon – Cu Chi Tunnels – Saigon

Cu Chi Tunnels, 70 km away from HCMC, is miniature battle versatile of the army and people of Cu Chi during the Vietnam war raged for 30 long years against the American for independence and freedom for the country, is a unique architecture, deep in the underground with many stratums, such as arachnoid corner, with accommodation, meeting and fighting with a total length of over 200 km.

Depart Ho Chi Minh City in the comfort of a private air conditioned vehicle. Upon arrival to the Cu Chi Tunnels, watch a short introductory video showing how they were constructed, then spend the next hour exploring the maze of tunnels. Also on display are various mantraps, the remains of an American tank and numerous bomb craters made by 500 pound bombs dropped by B52 bombers. For those interested there's even the opportunity to fire off rounds from an AK47 or MK16 at the nearby rifle range (not included).

Expect to arrive back in Ho Chi Minh City in the early afternoon. Free at leisure and overnight in a hotel in Ho Chi Minh.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: May Hotel / Deluxe

30 Aug 13             Saigon – Can Tho

Today, we start our Vietnam travel with the interesting visit to Cai be floating market.

6am: Pick up at your hotel in HCMC. Depart for Cai Be by private ca, stop to take photos in Tan An town overlooking the picturesque flat rice fields. On arrival in Cai Be, set off by motor boat to visit the Cai Be floating market and watch the locals trading fruit and many other commodities on board their vessels. Then wander into the small villages to visit the orchard and fruit plantation. Keep cruising to Vinh Long through a series of small canals to experience the charms of the Upper Mekong Delta. Visit a small family business to see how coconut candy and crispy rice popcorn are made. Arrive in Binh Hoa Phuoc village, the green pearl of Vinh Long town, where you can immerse yourself in nature. Enjoy a lunch of fresh river food served in the heart of the garden accompanied by traditional southern Vietnamese folk music. Take a delightful walk through the bonsai garden. Meet the car/van in Vinh Long and continue to Can Tho, the heart of Mekong delta in Vietnam. Check in and free at leisure. Overnight in a hotel in Can Tho.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Saigon Can Tho /  PREMIUM

31 Aug 13             Can Tho – Chau Doc

After breakfast, take a boat trip to explore the picturesque tributaries of the Lower Mekong River (Bassac River), then visit the Cai Rang and Phong Dien floating markets, which are the best in the region. You will probably have tried Vietnamese vermicelli soup, so now go and see how it is made. Then wander around the village and talk with the local people. Learn how to cross a "monkey bridge" which is built from a single bamboo. Break for lunch. Proceed to Chau Doc, stopping off at Long Xuyen to visit the Thot Not Bird Sanctuary. From the summit of the Sam Mountain, admire the beautiful landscape around the Vietnamese-Cambodian border. Visit the carved pagoda. Dinner on guests account. Overnight at your chosen hotel in Chau Doc.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Victoria Chau Doc / Superior

01 Sep 13             Chau Doc – Phnom Penh

After breakfast, take the boat trip to Phnom Penh (Hang Chau Express). Upon your arrival, pick up by your private tour guide and driver, check in the hotel and free at leisure. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Cardamom hotel / Superior (Twin)

02 Sep 13             Phnom Penh City Tour – Flight to Siem Reap

Breakfast at hotel in the morning departure to visit the Royal Palace compound build in 1866 by the Predecessors of King Norodom, is the most conspicuous feature and also one of impressive colorful Khmer-style Palaces. Nearside the Royal Palace is Silver Pagoda (The Emerald Buddha temple), display plenty of Buddha Statues that were decorated and made by diamond, emerald, gold and silver, continuing visit to National Museum, the distinctive red building with a beautiful Khmer architecture was build since 1917 and contains more than 5000 art objects made of sandstone, bronze, silver, copper, wood and others. Travelers will proceed to visit Independence Monument which was constructed in 1954 after Cambodian took their country back from French colony. Afternoon transfer to domestic airport flight to Siem Reap K6 130T 02SEP 1 PNHREP HK2  1825. Pick up and transfer to your hotel. Free at leisure. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Angkor Holiday hotel / Superior

03 Sep 13             Siem Reap – Angkor Tour

After breakfast at your hotel we continue our trip to: The ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century) see the South Gate, Bayon Temple – unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara. Baphuon temple lying just to the north of Bayon a pyramidal representation of mythical Mont Meru. The Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas. The Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King.  We continue to visit the fabulous Ta Prohm embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers

The tour start with the visiting to the famous temple: Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat is a World Heritage Site since 1992, famous for its beauty and splendor. Angkor Wat features the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which runs along the outer gallery walls and narrates stories from Hindu mythology.

Enjoy foot massage 1 hour & walking at busy pub street where you can find many bars for cool drink or shopping at Angkor Night Market.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Angkor Holiday hotel / Superior

04 Sep 13            Siem Reap – Tonle Sap Lake – Flight to Hanoi

Daily life of people on lake. The Tonlé Sap is the largest freshwater lake in South East Asia and is an ecological hot spot that was designated as a UNESCO biosphere in 1997.

The Tonlé Sap is unusual for two reasons: its flow changes direction twice a year, and the portion that forms the lake expands and shrinks dramatically with the seasons. From November to May, Cambodia’s dry season, the Tonlé Sap drains into the Mekong River at Phnom Penh. However, when the year’s heavy rains begin in June, the Tonlé Sap backs up to form an enormous lake.

Visit Artisan d’angkor & silk farm, the place are in the Ministry of Education was constructed in 1992 and this place renowned woodworking, stone carving and polychrome training center and workshops. Free tour of the classes and workshops offer a glimpse into the unique skills training program, teaching young artists in the techniques and styles of classic Cambodian artistry.

Late check out until transfer to Siem Reap airport for departure to next destination. It’s time to say goodbye, we thank you for traveling with us and warmly welcome you to come again.

- late flight to Hanoi VN 836B 04SEP 3 REPHAN HK2  1810  1950. Upon arrival, our private Vietnam tour guide and driver will welcome your Vietnam Holiday, pick up and transfer to the hotel for check in. Hanoi, a city where the exotic chic of old Asia blends with the dynamic face of new Asia. Where the medieval and modern co-exist. A city with a blend of Parisian grace and Asian pace, an architectural museum piece evolving in harmony with its history, rather than bulldozing through like many of the region’s capitals. Hanoi is where imagination becomes reality.

Free at leisure.  Overnight in Hanoi.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Paradise Hotel / Suite

05 Sep 13           Hanoi City Tour

Hanoi without a doubt is a beautiful stop for your Vietnam Travel. Today, we enjoy a full day city tour of this charming capital city including the mausoleum of the nation's founder Ho Chi Minh (close on Monday & Friday), the Presidential Palace, the Ho Chi Minh's house on stilts, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, the impressive Ethnologic Museum (or Museum of Fine Arts, Army Museum, History Museum, Woman Museum, Hoa Lo Prison)

Late afternoon we take a cyclo tour for a short excursion through the bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places. Enjoy a glass of "Bia Hoi - draught beer - included" at Ta Hien Street before we enjoy a fantastic traditional water puppet show. Overnight in a Hanoi hotel.

Note: Thuong nhan Huong Dan check voi khach thich dinner or massage, minh se offer cho khach.

- Neu dinner thi dat nha hang 12 -15 usd / pax

- Neu Massage thi check xem massage khach san co khong? Neu co thi dat o khach san, neu khogn co thi dat o ben ngoai, khoang $15 / pax.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Paradise Hotel / Suite

06 Sep 13           Hanoi – Halong Bay

08:00  Pick up at your hotel by our private guide and driver then 3,5 hours scenic drive to Halong

11.30 Arrive at Bai Chay/Halong pier.

12.15 Transfer by tender to the boat – enjoy Welcome Drink, receive cruise briefing and safety instructions.

12.30 Check in and begin cruise. Sail through beautiful Bai Tu Long Bay enroute to Halong Bay.

13.00 Lunch - enjoy deluxe Vietnamese and International Set Menu Lunch.

Massage service available beginning after lunch and throughout the cruise. Please book in advance with your Cruise Manager.

14.45 Arrive at Luon Cave. Depart from the boat and journey past such popular sites as “Đầu Người” Head Island, “Con Rùa” Turtle Island and “Cổng Trời” Heaven’s Gate Island on the way to the cave. There are two options for exploring the cave and surrounding area. One option is to transfer to small bamboo boats which are rowed by the local people. The second option is to travel by kayak (passengers row kayaks for themselves). The kayaking option is $10.00 per person unless pre-booked.

15:45 Return to the boat and sail for about 15 minutes to our second stop – Titop Island.

16.00 Arrive at Titop Island. Enjoy swimming, relaxing on the beach and climbing the steps to the top of the mountain on the island for fantastic views and photo opportunities. Water and towels will be supplied. We will spend about 45 minutes on the island.

17.00 Depart and sail for about 30 minutes to Luon Bo area, where we will anchor for overnight.

19.15 Dinner - deluxe Vietnamese & Western Buffet or Set Menu Dinner.

20.45 Evening activities include: film entertainment (on some boats) in the dining room at 21.00, board games and playing cards are available, and massage services are available. Passengers may also try their luck at squid fishing from the boat.

21.00 – 23.00 Happy Hour! Buy one drink - get one free (wine by the bottle excluded)

23.00 End of Program for Day One.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Indochinasails / Superior

07 Sep 13           Halong Bay – Hanoi – Flight to Danang, Transfer to Hue

06.45 Coffee, tea and breakfast pastries served in the dining room.

07.00 Enjoy Tai Chi instruction on the sundeck (duration about 30 minutes).

07.00 Arrive at the Surprise Cave area. There is a small fishing village here.

07.45 Transfer by tender to the Surprise Cave. Walk up about 100 steps to the cave entrance and tour the cave for approximately 45 minutes. Walk down about 100 steps and return to the boat.

09.00 Upon return to the boat you will have 30 minutes to freshen up and finish packing. Please remove all of your belongings from the cabins, you may leave heavy luggage outside of the cabins (staff will transfer directly to the pier). Depart for Bai Chay/Halong pier.

09.30 Enjoy Breakfast Set Menu or Buffet in the dining room. We will settle bills after breakfast. Relax on the sundeck or in the dining room enjoying the bay scenery as we approach the pier.

11.00 Arrive at Bai Chay/Halong pier. Pick up and drive back to Hanoi airport for the flight to Danang. VN1519R 07SEP J HANDAD HK2 1800 1915. Stop to visit Con Son pagoda on the way. Upon arrival, pick up and private transfer to your hotel in Hue. Check in and free at leisure. Overnight in Hue.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Romance / Deluxe

08 Sep 13           Hue City Tour – Hoi An

Located in the central of Vietnam, Hue was the capital city of the last Dynasty of Vietnam. Hue is the only place where many historic, cultural, architectural, artistic values are preserved. Tangible cultural heritage- the system of historic monuments and intangible cultural heritage- the Imperial court music have their own national and international values that were acknowledged as World Cultural Heritages.  Hue is also the site where the northern and southern ecosystem meets each other, the area of river-hills, greenery and beautiful landscapes. People here are famous for their elegance, mildness and ethical behavior. Hue is also known as one of the religion centers of Vietnam with its many ancient pagodas and churches…. All fall in line together, making Hue one of the most beautiful Vietnam tour destinations.

Our Hue City Tour:

Our private guide and driver pick you up at 8:00 AM and drive to visit Emperor Minh Mang; Emperor Khai Dinh or Emperor Tu Duc ’s Mausoleums & picturesque Vong Canh Hill. Stop on the way to see how conical hats and incense sticks are made. Lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, visit Imperial capital during Nguyen Dynasty, the seven – storey Thien Mu Pagoda on the riverbank. Return by boat on the gentle Perfume River then we drive to Hoi An, a major Asian trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries whose architecture and relaxed lifestyle has changed little over the years and for sure, Hoi An is a nice break during your Vietnam holiday, and actually a must – see destination of all Vietnam tours. This scenic drive passes through the fishing village of Lang Co before climbing over the scenic Pass of Ocean Clouds. Upon arrival in Hoi An, free to take walking tour of the Hoi An ancient town centre. Overnight in a hotel in Hoi An.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hoi An Hotel / Superior

09 Sep 13          Hoi An – My Son – Hoi An

After breakfast, we invite you an interesting visit to My Son Holy land, once the spiritual capital of Champa Kingdom that dominated South East Asia for nearly a thousand years and occupied most of the central parts of Vietnam from 2nd century to 16th century with very rich in history and culture. Contemplate its remarkable red brick towers and sanctuaries dating from between the 7th and 13th centuries.

Drive back to Hoi An,  free to visit the former merchants' homes, the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, Phuc Kien pagoda and the colourful riverside market. Overnight in Hoi An.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hoi An Hotel / Superior

10 Sep 13          Hoi An Free Day

Hoi An Ancient Town - highlight of any tour to Vietnam - is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. Its buildings and its street plan reflect the influences, both indigenous and foreign, that have combined to produce this unique heritage site.

Day free to cycle through rice paddies in the countryside of Hoi An ancient town, shop for souvenirs among the antique shops and art galleries, or just sit at sidewalk cafes and soak up the atmosphere of this quaint town. Or relax on the white sandy beach of the famous Danang Beach. Overnight in Hoi An.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hoi An Hotel / Superior

11 Sep 13          Hoi An – Danang – Flight to Ho Chi Minh City (B)

Free day at leisure until your private tour guide and driver see you off at the airport for the flight to Saigon VN1311P 11SEP W DADSGN HK2 1130 1240 where you connect with your departure flight. Vivutravel thanks you so much for your traveling with us. We  wish you all the best, goodbye and see you again!

END OF SERVICE

Inclusion:

•    Flights: Phnom Penh – Siem Reap – Hanoi – Danang – Saigon (Economy Class)

•    All transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver

•    Hotel accommodation in twin/double sharing room

•    1 night on board the junk in Ha Long

•    Meals as indicated in the itinerary

•    English speaking guide (except free days)

•    Entrance fees to indicated sights

•    Private boat trips as indicated

•    Hang Chau express Chau Doc – Phnom Penh

•    Bottled mineral water during touring days

Exclusion:

•    Visa to Vietnam on arrival

•    International FLIGHTS

•    Drinks

•    Other meals

•    Insurance

•    Personal expenses

•    Expenses for any optional tours or activities during free time

•    Tips: About 10 USD / Day for guide, and 5 USD Day for driver. (Tips is not compulsory and tipping more or less depends on the performance of the guide and driver)