Indochina Travel Presents En Route, USA to Vietnam
Optional pre-tour stopover in Hong Kong en route to Vietnam (or following trip). Explore this vibrant metropolitan port city that grew from a small British colony to a thriving city-state that served as the crossraods of Asia's trade for decades. Bustling markets, busy boulevards, and tall buildings and mountains afford sweeping views of all Hong Kong. The perfect place for a short stopover. |
December 16 , Arrive Hanoi After settling in, there will be a lunch orientation at the Press Club, right across the street from the hotel, followed by a one-hour cyclo (pedicab) tour to soak up Hanoi's stoic atmosphere along Hoan Kiem Lake an ancient, yet lively Old Quarter. Evening Water Puppets Theater, a magical puppet show where the puppets emerge from the surface of a small watery stage telling tales of old Vietnam, a performance art unique to Vietnam. Dinner at Green Tangerine, a lovingly restored 1928 colonial in the center of the Old Quarter featuring French-Vietnamese cuisine. |
December 17, Hanoi to Halong Bay
The Gulf of Tonkin was once the haunt of Vietnamese and Chinese pirates, and in Halong Bay the romance of old Vietnam still lingers, with scenic karst islets randomly scattered and the odd red-sailed junks lazing across the languid waters. With 3,000 limestone and dolomite islets sprinkled over an area of 1,500 square kilometers, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a geographic wonderland. Arrive Halong port and board private traditional wooden cruiser (replica junk) for a private tour of Halong Bay with a seafood lunch banquet prepared on board. Exploration of Sung Sot Cave, the largest grotto in Halong. Afterwards, optional assisted kayaking — paddling Halong Bay and exploration of the bay by kayak, including floating villages, hidden beach coves, caves and lakes. Dinner banquet prepared on board. Overnight in private cabin. |
December 18, Halong Bay to Hanoi
Savor the opaque sunrise on misty Halong Bay and be warmed by Vietnamese coffee, noodle soup, and omelettes. You can leisurely explore grottos, cragged coves, inland lagoons, and white-sand beaches before returning to Halong City port. After farewell lunch with crew, return to Hanoi, stopping at an interesting crafts center en route. After arrival back in Hanoi, late afternoon and dinner will be on your own. We will provide a list of wonderful choices, such as Wild Lotus, a popular restaurant with pleasant decor offering delicious Vietnamese fusion. |
December 19, Hanoi
Luncheon with special guest Ms. Suzanne Lecht, art consultant who has lived in Hanoi since 1992 and manages the Vietnam Art Gallery in Hanoi featuring the most comprehensive collection of works from artists throughout Vietnam. Evening cocktail party at the home of internationally-renowned artists Mai Hien and Anh Khanh and hosted by artist and PBS journalist Nguyen Qui Duc, who has retired to Hanoi after 20 years in San Francisco. Duc has intimate knowledge of the arts community in his native country and is fascinating lecturer on culture. Dinner at Wild Rice, featuring traditional Vietnamese cuisine and contemporary fusion. Accommodation at the Metropole. |
December 20, Hanoi to Hue Afterwards, lunch at Café des Arts de Hanoi, a popular ex-patriate cafe with changing exhibits of paintings by local artists. Afterwards, transfer to airport for a one-hour flight to Hue, the ancient Imperial Capital and arguably Vietnam's most pleasant city set on the languid Perfume River. Afternoon tour of the waterfront by traditional pedicab (cyclo). Dinner at the tranquil private home/restaurant, Y Thao, featuring delicious Hue specialties, including Banh Khoai, a Vietnamese-style crepe. |
December 21, Hue
After breakfast, venture into the scenic hills around Hue for exploration of two of the finest examples of 18th century Imperial architecture: the tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh. Return by traditional dragon boat, while our onboard chef prepares Hue delicacies for lunch. Afterwards, sightseeing along the misty Perfume River and through the high-walled Imperial Citadel, where Vietnam's kings once ruled and a familiar sight from television images during the Tet Offensive in 1968. We will also visit to the Thien Mu Pagoda, Vietnam's most important Buddhist site overlooking the river. Enjoy traditional live music while having dinner at Tropical Garden Restaurant. |
December 22, Hue to Hoi An
After breakfast, we depart for Hoi An pausing to take in picturesque beach views at Lang Co Lagoon and the spectacular coastline panorama of the Hai Van Pass. We will also visit the Cham Museum, with a private tour of the world’s finest collection of Cham sculpture that dates from the 2nd to the 15th century. Much of the country was destroyed during wars, but Hoi An survived intact, even through the traumatic 1960s and 1970s. Hoi An has a flourishing custom tailoring trade and the artist community has successfully established itself in the last few years. Afternoon exploring this charming arts and crafts town and its mix of Japanese, Chinese and Vietnamese architecture. Accommodation at the Life Resort, a spa hotel with a pool, massage and beauty treatments. You can also learn about Chinese medicine and enjoy a tai chi session. Dinner at hotel overlooking the Thu Bon River. |
December 23, Hoi An Afternoon free for relaxing. Go beach combing at Cua Dai beach, take a boat cruise, and pickup your custom tailored made clothing or footwear, ordered the December before! In the evening, we have a cooking demonstration and dinner at the Cargo Club Restaurant overlooking the Thu Bon River. |
December 24, Hoi An to Dalat
Morning flight from Danang to Dalat airport and into the beautiful pine forests of the Central Highlands around Dalat. Small villages and strawberry, carrot and other crops line the empty road passing into Dalat. Overnight at the majestic Sofitel Dalat Palace, restored in perfect detail and one of the finest hotel in Asia with expansive views of Dalat valley. Christmas Eve banquet.
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December 25, Dalat
Dalat - a beautiful colonial hill-station with cooler weather and some very
interesting and sites, such as Vien
Thuc's Pagoda, Bao Dai Palace and the Valley of Love. The gem
of Vietnam, Dalat was where the French came for relief from the heat
of Saigon - hundreds of well-preserved colonial
villas cover the hills. Also a center for exotic game hunting
- even Teddy Roosevelt had a villa here. Ride to see the Valley of
Love and other local attractions including waterfalls and lakes. Afternoon
city tour of the central marketplace, Dalat Cathedral, the artist
community and numerous cafes. Evening free to partake of the many restaurants
in town. |
December 26, Dalat to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
After lunch and coffee tasting, we will visit historic landmarks including the colonial post office, Notre Dame Cathedral, the former Presidential Palace, and the spellbinding War Remnants Museum (formerly the War Crimes Museum). Dinner at Nam Kha — Saigon's finest Vietnamese restaurant. |
December 27 , Depart Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) |
A N G K O R E X T E N S I O N
One-hour flight from Saigon to Siem Reap, launching off point for Angkor. Check-in to Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor. Join our guide, the Under-secretary of State for The Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia, Dr. Sar Promnea and begin our tour exploring the spectacular Angkor Wat. Conclude the December with a panoramic view of the area and dramatic sunset from the summit Phnom Bakheng. Dinner banquet at the Raffles. |
December
28, Angkor
Continued exploration of the south gate of Angkor Thom and the enigmatic Bayon (left). Visit other temples in the area including Ta Keo, Chau Say Tevoda, Thammanon, Banteay Kdei, and Srah Srang. Afternoon stop at the Enfants D'asie Aspeca — a unique orphanage supported by a French organization Enfants d'Asie, where orphans from far-remote areas are trained the Khmer music and dance to preserve the traditional art. Afterwards, return to hotel to relax before dinner. |
December
30, Ho Chi Minh City to USA Note: You may extend your time in Saigon, Siem Reap, and/or Hong Kong and we can assist with recommendations and arrangements. Please contact us for more information.
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GENERAL
INFORMATION:
1. Airfare. Please call us for group
airfare information. If you are arranging your own
airline, we recommend you do this as soon as possible, airline seating
is difficult to find for this period. Please note airport transfers only apply
to our designated group flight.
2. Deposits. Space
is limited. We expect this tour to fill quickly. Reservations
are on a first come basis. A non-refundable $500 deposit is required to hold your
space (we can assist you with trip cancellation insurance). Upon receipt of your
deposit, a pre-tour packet will be mailed to you which includes guidebook, maps,
phrase book, cultural primer, health and medical, visa, and other information.
3. To ensure your comfort, we have
selected the best hotels Vietnam and Cambodia have to offer, including the renowned Sofitel
Metropole in Hanoi and Palace in Dalat.
LANDCOST: Inclusions (Landcost is based on double occupancy, Single Supplement applies): SOS air evacuation insurance, deluxe hotel accommodations with breakfast, all meals with the exception of one lunch in Hoi An two dinners free (in Saigon and Hanoi), bottled water during transport, private airport transfers for designated flights, private air-conditioned van transfers during tour, sightseeing with English speaking guides, exclusive meetings, visits, and intimate encounters with artists, specialists, and dignitaries, admission fees per itinerary, private boat cruises, water puppets theater, domestic airfare Hanoi to Hue, and Danang to HCM City, and surprise gifts!
Payments policy and schedule:
Tour deposit is due to secure a space and is non-refundable. Remaining balance
is due 60 Decembers before departure. Details on cancellation and other insurance information can be found here. Airline ticket policy is dependent on airline,
please call for details. An extensive pre-tour packet is included in your tour
fee which contains daily itinerary, maps, guidebooks, cultural primer, health
and insurance information, visa forms, and much more. Aside
from some dinners and souvenir shopping, your expenses will be minimal.
AIRLINES: Our tour flight will be with Cathay Pacific, with departures from Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and Vancouver (add-on segment from your destination airport will be made through a local carrier, such as United). More information about airlines can be found here: Vietnam Airline Travel Information. If you want to use your miles, Cathay is a member of One World Alliance which includes American Airlines.
HOTELS: Hotels are finest luxury hotels, such as Hanoi's Sofitel Metropole, chosen for character, location and/or amenities. Please view our hotel list for this trip.
HEALTH & MEDICAL: All travelers are automatically covered for emergency in-country medical treatment and air evacuation though AEA/SOS International (www.sosinternational.com). Immunization schedule, medical insurance and other information will be included in your pre-tour packet.
SAFETY: We cannot emphasize enough that Vietnam is very safe place and statisics over the past decade reveal Vietnam to be one of the safest countries in the world for travelers. Aside from camera snatching and pickpockets working the central Saigon district, crimes of any nature against travelers is uncommon.
COMMUNITY: Participants will be asked to bring school supplies, such as pens, to donate to local schools along the way.
NOTE: A rare occurrence, but some modifications to the itinerary may be made for reasons beyond our control (such as weather or airline delay) without obligation for refund.
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painting: Vietnam by Le
An Dung |
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