Vietnam--The Hidden Charm

(Type a title for your page here) "Vietnam Explorer" is designed for holiday makers who have only a short vacation and business travellers who wish to do some brief sightseeing. This journey will take you to major cities in Vietnam: peaceful Hanoi, picturesque Halong, poetic Hue, ancient Hoi An, bustling Danang and dynamic Ho Chi Minh City where visitors will find different ways of life and different customs and practices.

Day 1: Australia / Hanoi

Fly from Australia to Hanoi; your tour guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel.

Day 2: Excursion to Halong Bay Meal: B/L/D

Enjoy a day excursion to Halong, 170km from Hanoi. Board a private boat for a cruise in Halong Bay (4 hours), a world heritage site recognised by UNESCO in 1994. Visit some magical grottoes and relax in the best scenic beauty of Vietnam. Lunch of fresh sea food is served on board. Return to Hanoi with stop-overs at ceramic and hand embroidery workshops en route. The sightseeing day ends with a water puppet show, a theatrical genre reflecting the agricultural civilisation of thousands of years ago. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 3: Hanoi / Hue Meal: B/L/D

An morning sightseeing tour features both cultural and historical highlights, comprising the Temple of Literature, the Ethnology Museum, the old quarters and a downtown pedicab ride (1 hour). In the afternoon, transfer to Noi Bai Airport for a short flight to Hue. Pick up and transfer to a hotel in the city. In the evening, a typical royal court dinner with a presentation of ancient dancing and music is arranged.

Day 4: Hue / Hoi An Meal: B/L/D

A morning tour focuses on the Imperial Citadel, built in 1804 on a site chosen in accordance with geomancy and the tomb of King Tu Duc (ruled 1848 - 1883). The monument, designed by the king himself, was also used as holiday retreat during his lifetime. Proceed to Thien Mu Pagoda to attend the afternoon service. After lunch, transfer to Hoi An Ancient town (140Km). Admire beautiful landscape on the road through the Hai Van Pass. Panoramic views of the clouds, the sea and the mountains around are unfolded from the summit. Evening, enjoy a lively show of traditional dancing & music. Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 5: Hoi An / Danang / Ho Chi Minh City Meal: B/L/D

In the morning, take a leisurely walk through the ancient town, a world heritage site recognised by UNESCO in 1999, to feast your eyes on antique structures: residential houses, assembly halls, pagodas, markets. Transfer to Danang, visit the stone-carving village of Non Nuoc and the Cham Sculpture Museum. Take a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Pick up and transfer to a hotel in the city. Enjoy sunset on board a tour boat sailing up the Saigon River to the Binh Quoi Tourist Village for a folk show and dinner. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 6: Ho Chi Minh City Meal: B/L/D

In the morning, have an excursion to Cu Chi, 70km north of Saigon, famed for its 200-kilometre-long tunnels. Crawl down a tunnel to feel the underground life. In the afternoon, take a tour round Ho Chi Minh City, formerly called Saigon, features the History Museum, the Binh Tay Market in Chinatown, Thien Hau Temple and a lacquer workshop. Western dinner served at hotel.

Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City / Australia Meal: B

Spend last minutes shopping or at leisure during the day. In the afternoon transfer to the airport for your flight bound for Australia.

Day 8: Sydney

Arrive in Australia in the morning.

Pricing and Departure:

Code: VE27122 Starts at Hanoi   21/12/2007 Ends at Saigon 27/12/2007 Vietnam Airline: A$ 2450 Malaysia Airline: A$ 2260 Singapore Airline (to be requested)
Code: VE280222 Starts at Hanoi 22/02/2008 Ends at Saigon 28/02/2008 Vietnam Airline: A$ 2080 Malaysia Airline A$ 2380 Singapore Airline:     A$ 2260
Code: VE280314 Starts at Hanoi 14/03/2008 Ends at Saigon 20/03/2008 Vietnam Airline: A$ 2080 Malaysia Airline: A$ 2380 Singapore Airline:     A$ 2260

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Inclusions of Full Package Group Tours

  • Return economy class air fares from Sydney with selected airlines to Vietnam, Cambodia, India or Nepal and the domestic flights, excluding any applicable airport taxes & charges;
  • Fully inclusive tour with all transfers between airports / piers / stations and hotels in each city; daily sightseeing and entrance fees as per itinerary; evening entertainments; professional English speaking local guides; most of the meals. (breakfast served Western/Asian local style buffet at hotel, while lunch and dinner are mostly Asian local cuisine served at selected restaurants, please refer to meal code on itinerary, B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
  • Twin share superior class accommodations, most of our hotels are 4 star international standard located in the city centre; all rooms are with private facilities, telephone, colour TV and some are with swimming pool or even room internet facilities etc.
  • Professional English speaking national guide, who will accompany the group throughout the country, in association with the local tour guides, this is subject to the minimum of 16 clients for each tour.
  • Beautiful travel wallet and travel bag.