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ARMCHAIR VIETNAM
13 days ex Hanoi
What better way to experience the charm and delights of Vietnam than in 5 Star Luxury under the care of our experienced local guides.
Steeped in tradition born out of a colourful history,
Vietnam provides the perfect venue for a very special holiday experience.
From Halong Bay to the Mekong Delta soak in the local culture and cuisine.
"A tour designed to evoke the senses"
Day One
Arrive Hanoi . You will be met by our guide in the arrivals hall and depart by road for majestic Halong Bay,
enroute visiting a
local village popular for embroidery and textile products. On arrival in Halong check in to The Saigon Halong Hotel.
The afternoon is at leisure - enjoy the views from the hotel, wander the seaside boulevard and dine on the fresh seafood.
(D)
Day Two
This morning board a private sailing boat in the traditional Chinese junk style and discover this World Heritage site,
known as the 'Land of 3000 Islands'. Rising from the sea the islands offer a wealth of opportunity for the local people.
Your visit includes exploring the beauty of this area up close, including stops at islands and a visit to incredible
caves systems. Lunch is served on board.
After returning to Halong, return by car to Hanoi and check in at the Sofitel Plaza Hotel downtown. Tonight an introduction
to some of the popular local cuisine - guides surprise for dinner. (B, L, D)
Day Three
After breakfast at the hotel a half-day city tour to visit some of Hanoi's historical sights. Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and
Ho Chi Minh's house, where he preferred to live simply - behind his Palace! One Pillar Pagoda is a small but significant pagoda
with a Buddhist representation of the world and the Temple of Literature which was originally built in 1070. The afternoon is at
leisure to explore Hanoi further or simply to shop for the many bargains and items on offer. Tonight witness the Water Puppet
Theatre - a traditional form of entertainment that originated in the rural areas. End the evening enjoying the night markets,
a bustling mix of shopping and dining. (B)
Day Four
Morning at leisure before your transfer to Hanoi airport for the afternoon flight to Hue. Transfer on arrival to the Le Residence
Hotel to enjoy the riverside location of this stunning new property. (B)
Day Five
A day tour around Hue begins with a boat trip along the Perfume River, before visiting Tu Duc Tomb and the Imperial Citadel -
a day exploring the early history of the Imperial rulers of Vietnam. (B)
Day Six
Discover the spectacular Hai Van Pass, rated by National Geographic as one of the 50 'must-do' journeys in the world.
This scenic road winds alongside the coast before climbing high over the Hai Van Pass with spectacular views of the ocean.
Stops for photographs along the way. On arriving in Danang a stop is made to visit the Cham Museum which hosts a collection
from the Cham people who used to live in this area. Another stop is made at the fascinating Marble Mountain, and then at
China Beach where you may stop for a swim if you wish, before continuing to Hoi An and the Swiss-belle Hotel Golden Sands
Resort. Tonight discover the local specialties from the central Vietnam region with dinner at a local restaurant. (B, D)
Day Seven
Near to Hoi An is My Son Holy Land - a series of wonderful ruins from the ancient Cham Kingdom. A morning visit allows you
time to explore this fascinating city of ruins. On returning to Hoi An a brief walking tour introduces the history of this
fascinating and popular town.
During the 17th and 18th centuries Hoi An was a major Asian trading centre, it is a wonderful town featuring cobblestone
streets filled with cafés, art galleries, markets, and tailors. Perhaps get some clothes or shoes tailor made or pick up
some great art and souvenirs. Hoi An also boasts an excellent beach nearby, maybe hire a bicycle or a car & driver to get
there. Optional cooking lessons are also available, either at the Red Bridge school for a professional half-day lesson or
at one of the local restaurants that offer a 2-hour course. (B)
Day Eight
At leisure in Hoi An to enjoy the wonderful tailors, art galleries and homeware shops - or relax at the beach. (B)
Day Nine
This morning transfer through to Danang for the short flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). On arrival transfer to the
Caravelle Hotel, centrally located downtown close to shopping, restaurants and night life. The afternoon is at leisure,
time to wander the main boulevard, to visit Ben Thanh market enjoy the cafés, shops and restaurants around your downtown
hotel. This evening a special treat. The guides dining surprise at a popular and very local restaurant to sample their
specialties. (B, D)
Day Ten
Today tour to the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels, 30km outside of Saigon, which showcases one of the most intact monuments from
the war. Dug by hand the tunnels were home to the Viet Cong during the US war. A video shows their use and parts have been
excavated for you to see inside. On the way back to Saigon a visit is made to a lacquer ware factory where this beautiful
art is produced on site and offers the opportunity to view pieces being created. In the afternoon visits are made to the
key sights of Saigon including the bustling Cholon (China Town) wholesale market, the ornate and wonderful Thien Hau Pagoda,
Notre Dame Cathedral and if time allows, the War Museum. (B)
Day Eleven
Mekong Delta tour. This morning drive through the 'fruit-bowl' of Vietnam to the Mekong River. A private boat trip explores
the tributaries, visits Orchards and Bonsai Gardens and local 'home industries'. Sample the wonderful array of fruit and
other goodies. On the return to Saigon a photo stop is made at the colourful Cao Dai Temple. (B, L)
Day Twelve
At leisure to enjoy Saigon and take in that last minute shopping. Tonight enjoy a Saigon River Cruise as a farewell to
this wonderful country. (B, D)
Day Thirteen
Transfer to Saigon International Airport for your departure to New Zealand. (B)
Price on Application
Cost Includes:
- Domestic Economy airfares Vietnam
- ticketable airport taxes
- Accommodation as listed
- Meals as specified
- Sightseeing and entrance fees as specified
- Ground transportation as specified
- Registered local guides
B = Breakfast
L = Lunch
D = Dinner
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