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Vietnam Delights
Friday 6th – Sunday 22nd May 2011
Fri 6th May CHECK IN AUCKLAND AIRPORT
9:30 pm Please meet in the departure hall at Auckland International Airport and proceed to check-in for our Malaysia Airlines flight. Check-in staff will issue boarding passes and tag baggage all the way to Hanoi.
Contact Kylee on 021 899 677 if required.
Sat 7th May AUCKLAND – KUALA LUMPUR – HANOI (D)
00:15 am Depart Auckland on flight MH132 to Kuala Lumpur.
7.40 am Arrive in Kuala Lumpur.
On arrival, proceed in transit to board our onward Malaysia Airlines flight to Hanoi.
10:45 am Depart Kuala Lumpur on flight MH752 to Hanoi.
1.10 pm Arrive in Hanoi.
We will be met on arrival into Hanoi and transferred to the hotel.
Hanoi means `City on a River Bend' and the city has been inhabited since Neolithic times. In 1010 AD the Emperor made Than Long (`City of the Soaring Dragon') his capital and today it remains the capital of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Hanoi has been known as the Eastern Capital and as Tonkin by Europeans. The city's variety of beautiful architecture, historical sites and pleasant atmosphere is conducive to exploration on foot. Take a stroll or cycle through the Old Quarters of "36 streets and 36 wares" where artisans still ply their century-old trades, and visit the many souvenir shops and art galleries located nearby.
Accommodation for 3 nights at Hong Ngoc 1 Hotel including breakfast daily. Please note this is one of the more basic hotels that we will be staying in, however the location in the Old Quarter is excellent.
HONG NGOC 1 HOTEL
30-34 Hang Manh Street
Hanoi, Vietnam
Tel: 84-4 8285053
Fax: 84-4 8285054
Note: A credit card imprint may be required at check in. As you will be sharing your room please discuss with your roommate how you would like to work out any items charged back to your room account. Also I’d recommend always leaving the key at reception, so not to lock your roommate out. This will apply throughout the trip.
After checking into our rooms, and having some time to refresh, we will meet for a trip briefing. We will discuss what sightseeing options are available in Hanoi and go over the tour in detail. We will then head off on an orientation walking tour of the Old Quarter, a great way to get your bearings for further exploration. This evening we will enjoy a cyclo ride around the lake area, ending at our restaurant for this evening.
Dinner & welcome drink included this evening.
Sun 8th May HANOI (B)
This morning, after breakfast, we will visit One Pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Museum of Ethnology & beautiful Temple of Literature. We will then enjoy lunch (own cost) at a nearby cafe.
Afternoon at leisure or for independent activities.
Mon 9th May HANOI (B)
Morning at leisure or for independent activities.
This afternoon enjoy the famous water puppet show, a great performance of short stories and legends played out to traditional music.
Tue 10th May HANOI - HALONG (B/L/D)
We will be collected from our hotel in the morning and transferred to Halong Bay. Arriving Halong Bay, board our sailing Junk to 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. Our visit includes exploring the beauty of this area close up. We will enjoy a seafood lunch and a swim (weather permitting). In the afternoon, visit a grotto before dropping anchor for the night in Halong Bay.
Our lunch and dinner will be on board the Junk and these are included. Alternatives available if you don’t eat seafood.
Wed 11th May HALONG – HANOI – HUE (B/D)
Enjoy the sunrise in Halong Bay. Early morning tea/coffee is served on board the Junk before we visit Luon Cave on small bamboo boat. Return to the Junk and continue the cruise to see Man’s Head Island and Tortoise Island.
A brunch is served on board before we disembark from the Junk around noon as the Junk sails back to the pier. After cruise, disembark from the Junk and leave for Hanoi.
Arrive Hanoi and proceed to train station for overnight train to Hue. Packed dinner prepared in Hanoi will be given to you before the train leaves.
7:00 pm Depart on overnight train (in 4-berth sleeper cabins).
Thu 12th May HUE (B/D)
8:12 am Arrive Hue in the morning, where we will be met and transferred to our Hotel. Rooms and breakfast will be available on arrival.
Hue: Hue was Vietnam's political capital under 13 Nguyen emperors from 1802 until 1945. Situated on the Perfume River, it was always a cultural, religious and educational centre with many pagodas, the tombs of the emperors and a citadel built in 1687. During the French period many artefacts disappeared and, in the 1968 Tet Offensive, countless lives were lost. Regarded as a unique city due to its retention of original architecture and relics of its royal history as well as being an important centre of Buddhism with hundreds of temples and pagodas, Hue has been recognised as an invaluable `museum' and, to that end, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.
Accommodation for 2 nights at the Hotel Pilgrimage Village in Villa Deluxe Rooms including breakfast daily and early check-in.
HOTEL PILGRIMAGE VILLAGE
130 Minh Mang Road
Hue City, Vietnam
Phone : (84) 54 3885 461
Fax : (84) 54 3887 057
The rest of the morning is at leisure to enjoy the hotels facilities. Perhaps participate in a Yoga or Tai Chi class or treat yourself to a treatment at Vedana Spa........
In the afternoon visit the Imperial Citadel and Dong Ba market. Later proceed to the elegant Thien Mu Pagoda to witness a daily Buddhist prayer recital by the monks before enjoying a sunset cruise on the Perfume River.
Tonight we will enjoy dinner at the hotel (included).
Fri 13th May HUE (B)
After breakfast, drive to visit the elaborate tombs of Emperor Khai Dinh & Tu Duc.
Afternoon is at leisure to explore this historical town on your own.
Sat 14th May HUE – DANANG – HOI AN (B/D)
After breakfast, leave by road for Hoi An, driving through Hai Van Pass and stop at Lang Co beach enroute for a visit to the fishing village.
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Hoi An was a bustling seaport until the 19th century when the river silted up and Danang took over. The heartland of the Champa Kingdom, it was the site of the first Chinese settlement in South Vietnam. The architecture of the city reflects the influence of Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, French and British traders. Today, Hoi An is popular for its quaint charm and interesting mix of architecture dating as far back as the 18th century. Hoi an is best explored on foot - visit its ancient quarters which feature Chinese temples, original wooden houses, souvenir shops and art galleries.
Arrive in Hoi An for a short orientation walk before proceeding to our Hotel.
Accommodation for 4 nights at the Hoi An Riverside Resort in River View Rooms including breakfast daily.
HOI AN RIVERSIDE RESORT
Cua Dai Road
Hoi An, Vietnam
Tel : (84) 510 864 800
Fax: (84) 810 864 900
Relax and enjoy the resort facilities before enjoying dinner at the resort.
Sun 15th May HOI AN (B/D)
Day at leisure or to explore town on own.
Optional sightseeing to My Son. Full details will be given on tour.
This evening we will learn to cook local Vietnamese food at a deliciously tasty cooking class held at Morning Glory Restaurant.
Mon 16th May HOI AN (B)
Day at leisure or to explore town on own.
This evening we will experience life on the river when we enjoy a scenic cruise on the Thu Bon River experiencing the famous Full Moon Festival, before heading out to dinner (own cost).
Tue 17th May HOI AN (B)
Day at leisure or to explore town on own.
Optional sightseeing Cham Island. Full details will be given on tour.
Wed 18th May HOI AN – HO CHI MINH CITY (B)
We will be met at our hotel this morning and transferred to Danang airport in time for our onward flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). The hotel will prepare a takeaway breakfast for the group.
8:30 am Depart Danang on board Vietnam Airlines flight VN1309 to Saigon
9:40 am Arrive Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City.
On arrival at Saigon airport we will be taken for an orientation tour of Saigon visiting the War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral and Saigon Post Office.
Ho Chi Minh City is the heart and soul of Vietnam. It's a bustling, dynamic and industrious centre, the largest city in the country, the economic capital and the cultural trendsetter. The streets, where much of the city's life takes place, is a myriad of street markets, shops, pavement cafes, stands-on-wheels and vendors selling wares spread out on sidewalks. The city churn6s, ferments, bubbles and fumes. Yet within the teeming metropolis are the timeless traditions and beauty of an ancient culture.
After the tour, proceed to the hotel and check-in.
Accommodation for 3 nights at the Majestic Hotel in Colonial Rooms including breakfast daily.
MAJESTIC HOTEL
1 Dong Khoi Street, District 1
Saigon, Vietnam
TEL: (84) 8 829 5517
FAX: (84) 8 829 5510
Rest of the afternoon at leisure or for independent activities
Thurs 19th May MEKONG DELTA (B/L)
This morning, after breakfast, depart Ho Chi Minh City for a scenic morning drive to Mekong Delta, stopping en route at the ornate Cao Dai Temple in Ben Luc. From Cai Be, take a boat trip along the mighty Mekong River and its tributaries to view the daily lives of people who work and play on the waterways of the Mekong Delta. The trip includes a visit to the unique “floating” market at Cai Be, and to a family-run business producing rice paper - a key ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine.
Lunch is on an island mid-river, in a local house set amongst fruit orchards and bonsai trees and then followed by a performance of traditional Vietnamese music.
Return to Ho Chi Minh City in late afternoon.
Fri 20th May HO CHI MINH CITY (B/D)
This morning, after breakfast, proceed for an excursion to Cu Chi Tunnels. An amazing complex of underground bunkers about 40 kms northwest of Ho Chi Minh City and near the Cambodian Border. The tunnel system was commenced in the 1940's. During the US War, at one time the tunnels spread out for 350kms and were up to 7 metres deep. They served as shelter, storage facilities and a secret means of communication for the guerrilla army.
Afternoon at leisure to explore this city on your own.
This evening we will enjoy our Farewell Dinner and a fun night out!!
Sat 21st May HO CHI MINH CITY – KUALA LUMPUR –AUCKLAND (B)
Morning at leisure or for independent activities (last minute shopping!!).
Today we have late check out until 1.30pm.
Early afternoon we will be collected from our hotel and transferred to the airport in time for our onward Malaysia Airlines flight to Kuala Lumpur.
3:40 pm Depart Ho Chi Minh City on flight MH759.
7:35 pm Arrive in Kuala Lumpur.
On arrival, proceed in transit to board our onward Malaysia Airlines flight to Auckland.
9:20 pm Depart Kuala Lumpur on flight MH131.
Sun 22nd May AUCKLAND
11:20 am Arrive Auckland.
***ARRANGEMENTS WITH TRAVEL VUDA CONCLUDE***
WHERE MEALS ARE SHOWN, B=BREAKFAST, L=LUNCH AND D=DINNER
PLEASE NOTE:
Every care and attention is taken in providing the services stated in this itinerary, however alterations can occur due to local factors beyond our control. The information provided in this itinerary is prepared for the purpose of giving clients accurate information available at the time of printing. However, unforeseen circumstances may result in changes to the material advised
