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Vietnam Impression

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Vietnam impressionExplore Vietnam through its memorable landmarks and world heritage sites in two weeks. Begin tracing back the country’s age-old history and legacies with the former capital of Hanoi and go all the way down to the present thriving metropolis, Ho Chi Minh City. Along the way, venture into the nature and traditional way of life along the rivers in Hoian and enjoy the panoramic views of the picturesque seaside towns of Halong and Nha Trang. Dine on local delicacies and stay in high-standard places.

Destination: Hanoi, Vietnam
 
Activity: Arts & Culture, Beach, Boat travel, Historic sites
Nature
 
Price: start from $1,597 per person
 
Duration: 13 Days / 12 Nights
 
Tour Rates* (Price/Person) in U.S. Dollars
Period Single Double Triple 5-6 persons Single Supplement
Deluxe A
1 May 2011 - 30 Sep 2011 4,342 2,428 2,213 1,980 1,394
Deluxe B
1 May 2011 – 30 Sep 2011 3,779 2,159 1,944 1,712 1,125
Superior A
1 May 2011 – 30 Sep 2011 3,275 1,895 1,679 1,447 862
Superior B
1 May 2011 – 30 Sep 2011 3,100 1,808 1,592 1,359 774

Rates include 7% VAT tax and 10% hotel service charge. Major credit cards accepted. No extra charge, no minimum

Note: Booking should be made at least 7 days in advance. The Triple rates are based on a twin sharing room with an extra bed for the third person.

Itinerary

Day 1 Hanoi Arrival (Dinner)

Transfer from the airport to the hotel.  In the evening, enjoy Vietnamese dinner and Water Puppet Show. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

Day 2 Hanoi (Breakfast, Lunch)

After breakfast, Hanoi City exploration including major attractions in town such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (closed on Mon. and Fri.), One Pillar Pagoda and Temple of Literature (the first university in Vietnam). Lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, visit a museum, Tran Quock Pagoda, Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son temple.

Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

Day 3 Hanoi - Battrang – Haiphong - Halong (Breakfast, Lunch)

After the breakfast, check out and proceeding to Halong en route visit to Bat Trang Village which has been renowned for its hand-made ceramics and pottery for almost 500 years. Sightseeing in Haiphong, which is a sea port and the third largest city in Vietnam. Visit Duhang pagoda and Hangkenh Communal House. Lunch at a local restaurant. Then, drive along a beautiful countryside road to Halong Bay. Free at leisure and overnight at hotel in Halong.

Day 4 Halong – Hanoi (Breakfast, Lunch)

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to the pier for a cruise along a picturesque Halong Bay, a UNESCO world heritage. The boat will stop at Thien Cung cave and Dau Go caves for sightseeing. Lunch on board.

Return to Hanoi in the afternoon. The rest of the day is free at leisure. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 5 Hanoi – Hue (Breakfast, Lunch)

Breakfast at the hotel. Then, transfer to the airport for a domestic flight to Hue.  Visit various attractions in town such as Citadel (a former capital and another world heritage site) and Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang.

After lunch, take a boat ride along the Perfume River. The river was an inspiration for local artists and poets. After that, visit Thien Mu Pagoda and Ming Mang Tomb.  Overnight in Hue.

Day 6 Hue – Hoi An (Breakfast, Lunch)

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Dong Ba Market and Khai Dinh Tomb, which is boasted as Vietnamese Neo Classic architecture. Then, drive to Hoi An via Hai Van Pass. Visit Cham Museum in Danang, Marble Mountain and China Beach before going to the World Heritage town of Hoi An. Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 7 Hoi An (Breakfast, Lunch)

Breakfast at the hotel. You will spend a full day exploring the ancient town of Hoi An. Visit attractive centuries-old houses, communal houses, uncanny pagodas constructed in Chinese, Japanese and Portuguese style. The town was declared a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999. Overnight at the hotel in Hoi An.

Day 8 Hoi An – Danang - Nha Trang (Breakfast, Lunch)

Breakfast at hotel and transfer to Danang airport for a departure flight to Nha Trang.  Meet your guide upon arrival at Nha Trang and transfer to the hotel. Lunch at a local restaurant. Then, visit historical sites in town including Cham Towers, Hong Chong Promontory and the Oceanique Institute. Overnight in Nha Trang.

Day 9 Nha Trang (Breakfast, Lunch)

After breakfast, you will be picked up by a guide to Cau Da Jetty for a full day cruise to Hon Mun islands to visit Tri Nguyen Aquarium, Tru Beach and a fishing village. The sea water in this area is clear and the marine life is diverse, thus an opportunity for snorkeling and sunbathing (Optional activities such as scuba, diving snorkeling and Jet skiing can be arranged at your own account upon request). Lunch at a local restaurant on the island. Free at leisure in the afternoon.

Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. Overnight in Nha Trang.

Day 10 Nha Trang – Ho Chi Minh City (Breakfast, Lunch)

Breakfast at the hotel. Then transfer to the airport for a flight to Ho Chi Minh City.  Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. After lunch, take a sightseeing tour in the city, visiting major attractions such as Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, the 19th century Thien Hau Pagoda  and China Town. Stop at Binh Tay market for shopping. Overnight at the hotel in Ho chi Minh.

Day 11 Ho Chi Minh Cityh – Cuchi (Breakfast, Lunch)

Meet your guide in the morning and drive Cu Chi Tunnels, an amazing complex of the underground tunnels used during the Vietnam War.  After lunch, return to Ho Chi Minh City to visit the War Remnants Museum, Reunification palace and a local market.  Overnight at the hotel in Ho Chi Minh.

Day 12 Ho Chi Minh City – Vinhlong (Breakfast, Lunch)

In the morning, drive to Vinh Long,  a small town located along the Mekhong River. Take a boat trip along Mekhong Delta passing passing countless islands and farm lands. You will stop at Binh Hoa Phuoc island for an agricultural tour and lunch. The, return to Ho Chi Minh City in late afternoon. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 13 Ho Chi Minh City  Departure (Breakfast)

Breakfast at the hotel. Time at leisure until your transfer to the airport for departure.

Price Includes:

  • 12 night accommodation in a twin sharing room at specified hotels (breakfast included)
  • All transfers and land transportation in private vehicles
  • Local English or French speaking guides.
  • Entrance fees and sightseeings as indicated in the program
  • Meals plan as mentioned in the program
  • Private boat trips for sightseeing at Halong, Hue, Nha Trang and Vinh Long as mentioned in the program

Price Excludes:

  • International air ticket
  • Domestic air tickets Hanoi – Hui // Danang – Nhatrang // Nhatrang – Ho Chi Minh City.
    Domestic Airfare: USD 215 per person (Subject to change without prior notice)
  • Drinks, personal expenses, meals and other services not mentioned in the program

Note:

  • If you plan to arrive in Vietnam from Bangkok (Thailand), we can arrange the air ticket for you upon request.

Visa-on-arrival Application:

A visa is required before entering Vietnam. However, passport holders of some countries can visit Vietnam without an entry visa. These countries include Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, The Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Brunei. The maximum length of stay allowed for each nation varies depending on an agreement between them. Please contact Vietnamese embassies and consulates in your country for more details.

If there is no Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country, you can apply for a visa on arrival at international airports in Hanoi, Danang and Ho Chi Minh (you must have a visa beforehand if you plan to travel overland to Vietnam). To apply for visa on arrival, you need to have an approval letter from a tour company in Vietnam. If an approval letter is to be obtained via Circle Of Asia Limited, the following document must be supplied to us at least 2 weeks prior to your arrival in Vietnam:

  • Full name as per passport
  • Passport number/ date of issuance and expiry
  • Date and place of birth
  • Occupation and nationality

An approval letter can only be requested via Circle Of Asia in connection with the booking of travel arrangements to Vietnam. A handling fee of 25 USD per person (subject to change) will be charged to your reservation.

Alternatively, you can apply for an entry visa by yourself at the Vietnamese Embassy in Bangkok with the supply of 2 passport-sized photos, your passport and application fees. The application process takes about 5 working days.

Hotels used in the Package:

The Deluxe A package includes accommodation at

The Deluxe B package includes accommodation at

The Superior A package includes accommodation at

The Superior B package includes accommodation at

  • Hanoi: Serenade Hotel, Flower Garden Hotel, Sunway Hotel
  • Halong: Grand Halong, Halong Pearl, Asean Halong
  • Hue: Park View Hotel, Green Hue Hotel, Camela Hue Hotel
  • Hoi’an: Vinh Hung Resort, River Beach Hotel, Hoi an Historic Hotel
  • Nha Trang: Yasaka Saigon Nhatrang Resort, Nha Tang Lodge
  • Ho Chi Minh: Kimdo Hotel, Amara Hotel, Palace Golden Center Hotel

About the Package

Ho Chi Minh
While Hanoi is considered the center of arts and culture, Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon is the commercial hub of Vietnam and, certainly its most bustling city. The place springs to life early in the morning with the hustle and bustle of the local markets and incessant honks from all manner of vehicles. But if you really want to get to know Saigon, visit Ben Thanh Market, the oldest and largest market in Saigon. It is famous for its fresh flowers but you can find almost anything here. It’s more convenient and safe to take a cab or cyclo taxi to the market; driving in Saigon can make you crazy if you’re not familiar with the traffic and the locals’ driving style. For those who prefer a leisurely walk in a French colonial atmosphere, try strolling down Kong Khoi Street. This clean, well-paved avenue has a public park and a collection of French colonial-style buildings, most of which have been converted into boutique hotels. Look out for the Hotel Continental building. This legendary structure was the place where foreign journalists and diplomats gathered to discuss the latest events and drink away their blues during the Vietnam War.

Hanoi
There are some sightseeing activities you can do before heading out to the countryside. Most center around Hoan Kiem River; the river shares its name with the district. The area, north of Nguyen Du Street, comprises charming old streets, a cluster of French colonial-style buildings including hotels and embassies alongside bustling markets, museums and temples. The lake is a pleasant place for a leisurely stroll to take in the local way of life. For shoppers, there are plenty of shopping options around the lake, mostly on Trand Tien Street and Hang Gai Street – look out for Dong Xuan Market for local and foreign goods. Like anywhere in Asia, bargaining is a way of life. Make sure you agree on the price you feel comfortable with. Patience and smiling face are always the best policy when negotiating the price – bargain hard but keep it friendly.

One Pillar Pagoda
The original motive to build the famous One Pillar Pagoda (Chua Mot Cot) stemmed from the celestial dream of the Emperor Ly Thai Tong, reigning from 1028 to 1054. The heirless emperor dreamt that he had met Quan The Am Bo Tat (Goddess of Mercy), who handed him a male child while she seated in the middle of a lotus flower. After that, the emperor married with a young peasant girl who bore him a son. The One Pillar Pagoda was then constructed as a gratitude to the goddess in 1049.

The pagoda bears a resemblance of a lotus blossom, built as a wooden shrine on a single stone pillar of 1.25m in diameter. It was reconstructed after being destroyed by the French in 1954. The child is well respected by the locals and located near Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, another revered monument.

Temple of Literature
The Temple of Literature (Van Mieu) was founded in1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong in order to honor scholars of literary. Later in 1076, the place was reestablished as Vietnam’s first university that is used to educate sons of mandarins. During that time, the fifth courtyard, Ouac Tu Giam or School for the Sons of the Nation, was used as classrooms and dormitories. The temple is actually a complex made up of five main courtyards and divided by gates -the two courtyards in front of the temple were newly added in the early 19th century. The temple is now a peaceful asylum for urban people. Most of the spaces in the compound are devoted to gardens, fishponds, gates and footpaths through avenues of trees.

The place was truly a tribute to the greatness of the knowledge as it can be seen on the inscription on the gate at the main entrance requiring any visitors in the ancient time–ordinary citizens or kings–to dismount their horses before entering.

Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum
The resting place of Ho Chi Minh, the legendary leader of Vietnam, is Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. This granite museum was built from 1973 and 1975 with the stern cubicle look, absolutely contrasting to the characteristic of the man called ‘Uncle Ho’ and to the traditional architectural style. It is erected upon the foundations of the old rostrum on the Ba Dinh Square where President Ho Chi Minh usually held the national meetings in the past. Inside lies the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh, wearing faded khaki clothes and plain rubber shoes. The body is placed in the glass sarcophagus that allowed people to visit all year round, except a three-month period from September to December in which the body will be sent for maintenance in Russia. Restrictions must be strictly followed, such as no photo taking, no belongings inside the building and polite attire. No admission fee.

Hue
This ancient capital, also known as Thua Thien Hue, was founded on the northern bank of Perfume River in the 17th century by Nguyen Dynasty. Nowadays, the city, about 660 kilometers from Hanoi, looks more like a massive open-air museum with hundreds of temples, pagodas, palaces and tombs. Some parts of the city were badly damaged during the war but there are still many notable structures worth a visit.

This ancient capital, also known as Thua Thien Hue, was founded on the northern bank of Perfume River in the 17th century by Nguyen Dynasty. Nowadays, the city, about 660 kilometers from Hanoi, looks more like a massive open-air museum with hundreds of temples, pagodas, palaces and tombs. Some parts of the city were badly damaged during the war but there are still many notable structures worth a visit.If you are short on time, some must-see places you can visit in one day are The Citadel & Forbidden City, Khai Dinh Emperor’s Tomb, Tu Duc Emperor’s Tomb and Thien Mu Pagoda. The first is an ancient city, a replica of the Forbidden City in Beijing while the last is 19th century 7-story pagoda perched on a hill. The complex consists of three temples and a tower looking out to Perfume River. It is the oldest pagoda in Hue and built in honor of Nhu Lai Buddha.

Flag Tower
Standing right in front of the Ngo Mon (Noon) Gate on the south, the Flag Tower (Cot Co) is also part or the royal Citadel. The 37m-high tower, also known as the King’s Knight, is Vietnam’s tallest flagpole, erected in 1809 and almost completely destroyed in 1947. It was erected again in 1949 in its present form of three tiers, representing the natural order of earth, human beings and heaven.

Thien Mu Pagoda
Situated on the left bank of the Perfume River is the age-old elegant Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the most beautiful architectural structures in Vietnam. With the outstanding octagonal seven-story tower, it was constructed under the reign of Emperor Thieu Tri in 1844. The king had the pagoda built after having heard that Thien Mu, a Fairy Women, appeared to the people and prophesied that a lord would come to build a pagoda for the kingdom’s prosperity. After that some other small constructions were erected within the compound. For example, there is a six-sided pavilion that shelters an enormous bell of 2052 kg called Dai Hong Chung, which was cast in 1710. In addition the pagoda was the site of the anti-government demonstrators in the early 60s. A shrine and an Austin car behind the pagoda are worth taking a look. The story is the monk Thich Quang Duc, who resided at the shrine, drove the car from the temple to Saigon in 1963 to commit the self-immolation in protest of the government.

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