Hello Tuan,
The holiday has ended and I am now back at work. Just a quick email to say thank you for your professionalism in arranging our recent trip to Vietnam and Cambodia. It was a lovely experience and the guides were all very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. They all went out of their way to accommodate us.
We would like to single out Cha our lovely Sa Pa guide who made our short time in the North a truly memorable experience. We were thrilled she wore traditional Hill tribe dress while escorting us in the region. All the accommodation was good and conveniently located for our needs.
We enjoyed the lovely bottle of French wine while relaxing at the beautiful La Veranda Resort on Phu Quoc.
We had a wonderful time exploring Vietnam and Cambodia and have some lovely memories (and over 1500 photos to sort through). Once again thank you.
Regards,
Daniella Tringali | Policy and Reporting Officer, Titling and Registry Services
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 – Hoi An – Hue – Hanoi – Sapa – Siem Reap – Phnom Penh – Chau Doc – Can Tho – Phu Quoc Island
ITINERARY
04 Aug 12 Arrival Saigon
Arrive at Tan Son Nhat airport, transfer to the hotel in Saigon, 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. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel, free time at leisure. Overnight in Saigon
Meals: None
Accommodation: May Hotel / Deluxe
05 Aug 12 Saigon – Cu Chi Tunnels – Saigon
Morning pick up from the hotel for Cu Chi tour, en route to visit the bustling market at Thu Dao Mot. Upon arrival in Cu Chi, we visit the incredible underground tunnel network of approximately 200 kilometres hand-constructed by Vietnamese guerillas and was the military base of the North Vietnamese Army during the US-Vietnam war. After lunch, drive back to Saigon and visit the War Remnants or History Museum and the former Presidential Palace. From there, the Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Saigon Post Office, Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat), Continental Hotel, Opera House and City Hall are all within walking distance and absolutely nice choices for a free stroll.
Stay overnight in Saigon.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: May Hotel / Deluxe
06 Aug 12 Saigon – Danang – Hoi An
After breakfast, we take you back to the airport for the short flight to Danang with VN1316O 06AUG M SGNDAD HK2 1130 1240. Pick up on arrival and visit famous Cham Museum before driving to the hotel. Check in and afternoon walking visit to 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, Lunch
Accommodation: Ancient House / Superior
07 Aug 12 Hoi An Cooking Class
We start the day (8.15am) with a welcome drink at Hai Café
(98 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Hoi An Ancient Town, Tel: 863210) – our meeting point.
Visit Hoi An’s colourful market, and experience the amazing sights, sounds and aromas of this busy market. We will have the opportunity to interact with the local sellers and learn about all the ingredients to be used in the cooking lesson later.
We board the Red Bridge boat for a leisurely cruise (25 minutes) along the Hoi An River to the Red Bridge Cooking School. This is a chance to view local river life, so make sure your camera is handy.
On arrival, we explore the cooking school’s herb garden, before learning about some of Hoi An’s and Vietnam’s well-known dishes. The cooking lesson runs for about 2 hours – the Red Bridge chefs first demonstrate each dish before we prepare the same dish ourselves. Included in the class is a brief introduction to Vietnamese food carving (plate decoration). After the lesson, we sit down and eat what we have cooked.
Bring your swimsuit and after the cooking tour has finished relax and enjoy free use of our new 20 metre swimming pool.
Overnight in Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Ancient House / Superior
08 Aug 12 Hoi An – Hue
Leave Hoi An for Hue, the last imperial capital of Vietnam, well-known for magnific architecture, pagodas and royal tombs laid in small villages and surrounding hills. En route have a look at the famous China Beach. Upon arrival in Hue, visit the Imperial Citadel, the Purple Forbidden City, Famous Thien Mu Pagoda and Romantic sunset Perfume River Cruise back to the hotel. Free at leisure. Overnight in Hue.
Meals: Breakfast
Acommodation: Romance / Deluxe
09 Aug 12 Hue – Hanoi
Hue is one of places, which has many cultural heritages. Up to now, there is no place like Hue remaining a lot of originally historical vestiges as in this ancient Capital City and favorite destination for all Vietnam Tours. After breakfast, our tour starts with the visit to the Mausoleum of former emperor Minh Mang and Khai Dinh in a tranquil setting of gardens and lakes then to Khai Dinh before we transfer you to the airport for the flight to Hanoi (VN1542K 09AUG Q HUIHAN HK2 1350 1500). 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.
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. In the evening, we enjoy a fantastic traditional water puppet show.
Free at leisure. Overnight in Hanoi.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Elegance Essence / Deluxe
10 Aug 12 Hanoi – Train to Sapa
Hanoi without a doubt a beautiful start for your Vietnam Tours. 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, the beautiful West Lake, the Tran Vu Pagoda, the peaceful lake of the Restored Sword. Free at leisure.
At 20:00, we drive you to the train station for the overnight train to Lao Cai.
Meals: Breakfast
Train: Fanxipan / Private cabin
11 Aug 12 Lao Cai – Sapa – Muong Hoa Valley
Arrive in the early morning in the border town of Lao Cai where it's a short transfer to Sapa. In the terraced hills and mountains of this area, the monotony of the expansive green landscape is enlivened by the colours of its hill tribe population. It is here you will find hands stained with colour from fabric dyes and shades of blue, red and green intricately embroidered and stitched into jackets, waistcoats, pants, skirts, caps, purses and leggings.
After breakfast at a local restaurant, take a morning walking tour of Sapa for a visit to the busy market where Red Dao, Black & Flower H'Mong, Tay and other ethnic minority people converge from the surrounding countryside to sell their silverware and handicrafts, and to buy provisions. Afterwards, we will do one of the most beautiful Sapa Tours by driving to visit Lao Chai and Ta Van village of the Black H'mong and the Day people where you can enjoy fresh air, amazing scenery of the imposing mountain range, trek down world's most beautiful terraced rice fields, visit some local family on the way and learn unique culture and life of these ethnic groups. Back to Sapa by private car, free at leisure for the rest of the day. Overnight in Sapa.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Sapa View Hotel / Deluxe
12 Aug 12 Sapa – Bac Ha Market – Train to Hanoi
After breakfast, we drive to visit famous Bac Ha Market Market where many ethnic minorities such as Flower H'mong, Phu La, Black Dao, Tay and Nung minorities gather to buy and sell local products that cannot be found elsewhere. The maket is also a meeting place for men to drink away troubles, women to talk, the young to find lover. After lunch in a local restaurant, we walk to Giang Thai Pho village of the H'mong, Nung people for visit and earn about their life, customs and habit then stop at Hoang A Tuong Palace (King of H'mong). Drive back to Lao Cai, ttop at Lao Cai border gate for a short break to walk to Thuong Temple or take some memorial photos. Check in on arrival. Free at leisure until you take the overnight train back to Hanoi.
Meals: Breakfast
Train: Fanxipan / Private cabin
13 Aug 12 Hanoi – Halong Cruise
Early pick up from the train station and this morning, we have arranged a mini hotel for you to have shower and breakfast before 3, 5 hour scenic drive to Halong Bay (165km), Vietnam most scenic sight, a recognized World Natural Heritage Site and highlight of any Vietnam Tours
12h00-12h30: Arrive in Halong Tourist Wharf. Transfer to Halong Emotion Boat by tender
12h30: Welcome cocktail on the boat and check in to your private cabin.
13h15-14h15: Vietnamese lunch served on board, during crusing toward Ha Long bay.
14h30: Visit the Ba Hang floating fishing village by Sampan.
16h00: Cooking class by chef cook of the Emotion Boat on the sundeck.
17h30: Visit the Pearl tourist village in Ha Long bay. Available activities as :
Available activities as:
See view on sundeck, relaxing in restaurant.
Kayaking and Swimming
See and visit the daily life of local people
Or requested activities such as: Massage service ( you made contact with tour guide or reception).
18h45: Stop in row of coconut trees area for overnight.
19h30: Have buffet dinner with seafoods provided by Ba Hang fishing village.
20h00-24h00: Freely enjoying the beauty of Ha long at night, join us with one of the
Optional activities:
Enjoy chatting at Bar.
Enjoy night fishing.
Relax and spend a romantic night on Emotion Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Emotion / Deluxe
14 Aug 12 Halong Cruise – Hanoi and Flight to Siem Reap
6-6.30: Practice Tai Chi on the Sundeck
7h00-7h30: Start your day with a light breakfast.
7h30: Arrive in Surprise cave, explore the Cave, one of the most beautiful caves in Ha Long bay.
9h15: Check out and take all luggage outside of your cabin, cruise back to the Tourist Wharf through Ha Long bay.
9h45: Have brunch and clear bills.
11.30: Back to the Tourist Wharf
12.00: Departure to Hanoi airport for the short flight to Siem Reap VN 835S 14AUG T HANREP HK2 1825 2005. Pick up and transfer to your hotel. Check in and free at leisure. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Meals: Brunch
Accommodation: Angkor Holiday hotel / Superior
15 Aug 12 Siem Reap Angkor Tour
Breakfast at hotel, in the morning departure to visit South gate of Angkor Thom, - this royal city was built under the reign of Udayadityavarman II in the 11th century, the famous Bayon temple - this temple mountain built by Jayavarman VII is situated in the centre of the city of Angkor Thom, Baphoun - this temple built by Udayadityavarman II was the most poorly constructed of all the temples in Angkor. Phimeanakas - this temple constructed late 10th - early 11th century by Jayavarman V. Elephants and Leper King Terrace, Lunch local restaurant, afternoon visit one of 7 wonder of the world "Angkor Wat temple" early - 12th by King Soryavarman II. the temple is one of the largest monuments to religion ever built and is truly one the wonders of the world and then watching sunset view from the top of Bakheng hill, dinner Apsara dance show.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Angkor Holiday hotel / Superior
16 Aug 12 Siem Reap - Ta Prhom - Tonle Sap lake
Breakfast at hotel, discover the Angkor Temples in the small circuit: Thammanon with some very nice walled-doors and stylized devata, Chau Seytevoda, Ta Keo one of the first to be build out of sandstone, Ta Prhom was a monastery built by Jayavarman VII as a residence for his mother, it has been largely overgrown by the jungle and as you climb through the dilapidated stone structures you see many giant banyan growing out of the top of the temple itself. Banteay Kdie, this temple was constructed by Jayavarman VII during the 12th and 13th centuries (Citadel of the cells) used to be religious monastery, lunch local restaurant, afternoon excursion to Tonle Sap lake, visit floating village, mangrove forest, fresh fish exhibition and the activities of people's daily lives, visit Artisan d'Angkor "Chanties - Ecole" and old market,
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Angkor Holiday hotel / Superior
17 Aug 12 Siem Reap – Flight to Phnom Penh
After breakfast, we drive you to the airport for the flight to Phnom Penh. (K6 104T 17AUG 5 REPPNH HK2 1425 1510). Pick up and transfer to your hotel. Free at leisure and overnight in Phnom Penh.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Cardamom hotel / Superior
18 Aug 12 Phnom Penh City Tour
Breakfast at hotel, in the morning starting charming city of Phnom Penh capital with attractive: visit Killing field (Cheoung Ek), the memorial at 1 Choeung Ek just outside Phnom Penh. During the Khmer Rouge regime it became one of the killing fields the site of the brutal executions of more then 17,000 individuals, most of who first suffered through torture and deprivation in Toul Sleng Prison. Choeung Ek is now a group of mass graves and a memorial stupa containing thousands of skulls and then visit S-21 or Toul Sleng prison (Genocide museum) was the most secret organ of the Kr regime. S-21 stands for "Security Office 21" S-21 was Angkar's premier security institution, specifically designed for the interrogarion and extermination of anti Angkar elements. Lunch local restaurant, Independence monument - this monument commemorates the end of Cambodia's ruled by France in 1953 and was built in 1954, Visit National Museum - was constructed in 1917, this museum shows the fascinating of Cambodia art archaeology, Visit Wat Phnom - a small hill crowned by an active Wat (Pagoda) marks the legendary founding place of the Phnom Penh, afternoon visit Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda - so called because of the 5,329 silver tiles that cover the floor- was built in 1892, , visit central market - this unique art deco building is a Phnom Penh landmark constgructed in 1935-1937. Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Cardamom hotel / Superior
19 Aug 12 Phnom Penh – Chau Doc
Early breakfast at hotel and until we transfer you to the boat pier for your boat departure to Chau Doc at 12.30pm. Upon your arrival, pick up and overnight in Chau Doc.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Chau Pho / Standard
20 Aug 12 Chau Doc – Can Tho
After breakfast, we take the boat trip to explore the floating and fishing village of Chau Doc then a unique Cham ethnic minority village before driving to Can Tho. Stop on the way to see famous Sam Mountain and enjoy a great view from the summit. Continue to Can Tho, the heart of Mekong Delta in Vietnam. Check in and free at leisure. Overnight in Can Tho.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Kim Tho / Superior
21 Aug 12 Can Tho (Cai Rang Floating Market) – Phu Quoc
In the morning, we make the boat cruise to see the Cai Rang floating market (the nicest one with heaps of rowing boats), truly highlights of any Vietnam Tours where you will enjoy the beautiful scenery and see the daily activities of the locals who live along the Mekong canals and later, you will roam through the village to visit a rice husking mill, a rice noodles making shop which are nice chances to discover the daily life of Vietnamese people in Mekong Delta. Around noon, transfer to Can Tho airport for the short flight to Phu Quoc (VN1014 VN1014Q 21AUG T VCAPQC HK2 1250 1335). Met on arrival and transfer to your resort. Overnight in Phu Quoc.
Meals: Breakfast
Opt2: Laveranda / Deluxe Villa (Garden View) /
21 - 25 Aug 12 Phu Quoc
One of Vietnam’s star attractions, mountainous and forested Phu Quoc is a splendid tropical getaway set with soft secluded beaches, the water a thousand different shades of turquoise. Stunning sunsets, thunderclouds heaped on the horizon. Palm trees protruding perpendicular over the gentle waves. That's Phu Quoc island and paradise for Vietnam beach lovers and great place to end your amazing Vietnam Holiday. Days free at leisure. Overnight in Phu Quoc.
Meals: Breakfast
Opt2: Laveranda / Deluxe Villa (Garden View) /
26 Aug 12 Phu Quoc Island – Ho Chi Minh (B)
Free time at leisure for you to wrap up your memorial Vietnam Holiday until we transfer you to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh and connect with your international flight home (VN1002M 26AUG S PQCSGN HK2 1215 1420) with the sincere thanks for traveling with Vivutravel. We hope that you have enjoyed your Vietnam Tours with us and look forward to welcoming you back for your next Vietnam Tours, goodbye and see you again!!!
END OF SERVICE
Inclusion:
• Flights: Saigon – Danang, Hue – Hanoi, Hanoi – Siem Reap, Siem Reap – Phnom Penh, Can Tho – Phu Quoc, Phu Quoc – Saigon (Economy Class)
• All transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver
• Hotel accommodation in twin/double sharing room
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
• English speaking guide (except free days)
• Entrance fees to indicated sights
• Boat trips as indicated
• Boat Phnom Penh – Chau Doc (Hang Chau Express)
• Bottled mineral water during touring days
• Train Hanoi – Lao Cai – Hanoi as indicated
Exclusion:
• International FLIGHTS
• Drinks
• Other meals
• Insurance
• Personal expenses
• Expenses for any optional tours or activities during free time