Vietnam Tours | Culture Tours
'Rediscovering' our Senses'
Vietnam — French Colonial Opulence — Excellence
Tripcode: REVN15D
- Private pick-up & drop-off services
- Private tour with English speaking guide
- Date of departure: 15 March 2012
Day 1 [01, Mar]: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City (D)
Upon arrival, a guide will be waiting to transfer you to the hotel. Next, you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Day 2 [02, Mar]: Ho Chi Minh City - Half day city tour (B)
Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon as the city is still frequently referred to, is Vietnam’s largest city. It is a fast-paced metropolis full of contrasts, with street vendors selling fruit and vegetables next to glitzy Western-style bars and boutiques. Amazingly, the city's history dates back only 300 years. In 1859 the city was captured by the French and became the capital of Cochin China. From 1956 until April 1975 it was the capital of the US-backed Republic of Vietnam. Today, Ho Chi Minh City is very much the heart of Vietnamese business and entrepreneurial activity.
Today you’ll enjoy a tour of the main city highlights after being picked up at your hotel at 08:00. Here just some of the sights you will see:
- The Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office: Built between 1877 and 1883, this is one of the best examples of classical French colonial architecture. Remarkably, every stone used in its creation was shipped from France to Vietnam. Two forty metre towers, topped with iron spires, still dominate the city's skyline.
- Dong Khoi Street, the Opera House and the Peoples' Committee Building: Built in 1897 by French architect Ferret Eugene, the 800 seat Opera House was used as the home of the Lower House Assembly of South Vietnam after 1956. It was not until 1975 that it was again used for performances. The structure was restored in 1995. The Opera House is located on historic Dong Khoi Street, which is home to many boutiques and fine restaurants. Just around the corner are the iconic Rex hotel and the beautiful Peoples' Committee Building
- The Reunification Palace: This is one of the most important buildings in the city. It was here, on April 30th 1975, that the American War officially ended when tank number 843 of the North Vietnamese Army crashed through the gates of what was, at the time, the residence of the President of the Republic of Vietnam.
- The War Remnants Museum: Formerly known as the Museum of American War Crimes, this is a poignant display of the futility of war. Some of the black and white photography in the Requiem exhibit is particularly touching, dedicated to both foreign and Vietnamese journalists and photographers who perished during the conflict. The courtyard outside contains the spoils of war, namely rusting jets, tanks and cannons captured from the American military machine.
Day 3 [03, Mar]: Hoa Tuc - Deluxe Cooking Class OR Golf (optional extra) (B, L)
Golfers - Clubs can be rented at most courses. However, golf are not included in the tour price, but we can
arrange transfers, book tee times, etc. Suggested courses in HCMC (Saigon) to visit:
- Song Be Golf Resort. 18-hole golf course. Par 72- 22kms from HCMC
- Bochang Dong Nai Golf Resort. 27-hole golf course. Par 36 Dong Nai, about 50kms from HCMC
Non Golfers - We will pick you up at 8:15 am at your hotel lobby then transfer you to Ben Thanh market where our chef will be waiting. You will visit the market with you chef as a guide, who will purchase the exotic ingredients that the participants will use to cook 3 dishes. Focus will be on the great variety of leaves, banana flower, coconut heart, Taro, lotus seeds and fruits. You’ll visit the food corner to learn about the main Vietnamese culinary specialties. After visiting market, we will transfer you to our restaurant, Hoa Tuc, to cook the freshly purchased ingredients. You will enjoy the 3 dishes cooked plus a complimentary dessert.
In the afternoon, you may make an optional visit to the Sen Spa which provides the perfect retreat from the excitement of a busy day sightseeing (not included in tour price). Inspired by the traditions and rituals of Asian cultures, we offer you a unique environment in which to relax and renew. Sit back, relax and enjoy!
Revive Foot Treatment (30 min). Herbal Steam Bath + Aromatic Hot & Cold Jacuzzi (15 min). Aromatherapy Massage (75 min)
Day 4 [04, Mar]: Ho Chi Minh - Flight to Dalat (B)
You will be transferred from the hotel to the airport for your flight to Dalat. Upon arrival, You’ll be guided to check in and be free for the rest of the day is free to explore this beautiful town. You can take a walk around the lake (7km) or stroll the streets. Or you might want to indulge in round of golf on the 18-hole course at the Dalat Palace Golf Club. (Optional extra)
Day 5 [05, Mar]: Dalat - Nha Trang (B)
After being picked up from your hotel, you’ll be taken to Nha Trang to check in and have free time to relax.
Day 6 [06, Mar]: Nha Trang (B)
Today you will be picked up from your hotel and be transferred to the Six Senses Lounge in Nha Trang City. It is then a short 20-minute boat ride to Six Senses Ninh Van Bay. Ninh Van Bay provides the ultimate seclusion as it is accessible only by water.
The Six Senses Spa is an open design nestled beside a gentle waterfall to allow the rhythm of the waters and aroma of essential oils and incense to infuse throughout. Presenting some of Vietnam's specialty treatments together with an extensive menu of signature therapies, expertly trained therapists create sensory journeys for guests with a range of holistic wellness and pampering treatments. There is something for everyone, including a selection of wellness activities such as yoga and tai chi. A selection of spa treatments are available but not included in the price and advanced bookings should be made.
Day 7 [07, Mar]: Nha Trang - Danang - Hoi An (B, D)
You will be picked up at the hotel for transfer to the airport for your flight to Danang. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Hoi An. Tonight you’ll enjoy a beautiful dinner at the Nam Hai restaurant. It will be a set menu and the price does not include drinks (price subject to change without prior notice). After dinner, you will be transferred back to your back to your hotel in Hoi An.
Day 8 [08, Mar]: Hoi An (B)
You will have the day free to go shopping, play golf or spa treatments.
Golfers info - The Montgomerie Links, located just off historical China Beach and minutes from the Danang, is a stunning 7090 yard, Par 72 Championship Golf Course.
Day 9 [09, Mar]: Hoi An-Hue (B)
After breakfast, you will travel overland to Hue via the spectacular Cloudy Pass and check in to your hotel. In the afternoon you can enjoy a relax half day city tour of Hue. The tour begins with a visit to the ancient walled Citadel containing the former Imperial Palace.
Day 10 [10, Mar]: Hue (B,L)
You’ll have free time in the morning and then transfer to the Pagoda for lunch (possibly with Monks). Then you’ll enjoy a cruise down the Perfume River on a local boat visiting the Thien Mu Pagoda and the final resting place of the Emperors at two of the most impressive royal tombs.
Day 11 [11, Mar]: Hue-Hanoi (B)
You’ll be picked up at the hotel for transfer to the airport and take a flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, a guide will be waiting to transfer guests to the hotel.
Afternoon half-day city tour:
- The Temple of Literature - Vietnams first university dating back to 1070
- Ngoc Son Temple and Hoan Kiem Lake - the Ngoc Son Temple is set on a tiny island on Hoan Kiem Lake, its history dating back to the 13th century
- A one-hour cyclo tour through the narrow, chaotic streets of the Old Quarter - a must for any visitor to Hanoi!
- A traditional performance of the famous Vietnamese water puppets
Day 12 [12, Mar]: Hanoi (B)
You will have free time today.
For the golfers - Two full days to catch up with some golf (optional extra, price not included in tour).
- Kings Island Golf Resort - Situated in Ha Tay province, Kings' Island Golf is an international standard golf club located 36 km west of Hanoi, and 45 km from Noi Bai International Airport. The club is located in the Kings' Valley on 350 hectares along the shores of Dong Mo Lake. Access to the course is by boat.
- Van Tri Golf club is the first exclusively private golf estate in Vietnam. The Van Tri Golf Club is conveniently located four kilometers from the Hanoi - Noi Bai Highway and situated in a secure gated community. The Golf course measures 6.700 yards from the medal tees, but stretches to over 7,200 yards from the "Tiger Tees" and provides golfers of all skill levels the opportunity to enjoy a round of golf.
Day 13 [13, Mar]: Hanoi (B)
Today will be a free day to relax.
Day 14 [14, Mar]: Hanoi - Halong Bay - Ginger (B, L, D)
You’ll depart from the hotel at 8:30 and head to Hanoi. Once there, you’ll go to the UNESCO heritage-listed Halong Bay for a two-day cruise through thousands of limestone islands. You will climb aboard a deluxe junk, meet the crew and set sail while lunch is served. In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy a pleasant bamboo boat ride to a traditional fishing village, followed by swimming on the quiet beach or sunbathing on the boat deck. As the sun sets over the water, you’ll enjoy cocktails on the deck. In the evening, you will indulge in a unique dinner experience at Tien Ong Cave.
Day 15 [15, Mar]: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Departure (B)
Once you awaken, you can enjoy morning tai chi and take a leisurely cruise to Bai Tu Long Bay. There, you will discover the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine with a cooking demonstration, followed by a buffet brunch before returning to the dock to depart for Hanoi. Then there will be an opportunity to collect your luggage and head straight to the airport for your domestic flight back to Siagon and on to your international flight.
Note: The kayaking service is not included. The surcharge for kayaking is US$40 per person based on twin share kayaks. The itinerary is subject to change depending upon weather conditions.
Cities |
Hotels List |
Room Type |
Most recommnded hotels |
Ho Chi Minh |
Park Hyatt Saigon Hotel
|
Park Deluxe |
Dalat |
Ana Mandara Villas & Spa Dalat
|
Villa Double |
Nha Trang |
Evason Ana Mandara NhaTrang & Six Senses Spa
|
Garden View Villa Dbl/Twn |
Hoi An |
Life Heritage Resort Hoi An
|
Superior Garden View |
Hue |
La Residence Hotel &Spa Hue
|
Deluxe |
Hanoi |
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
|
Premium Dbl/Twn |
Halong Bay |
Ginger Boat
|
Ginger room 2day/1night |
Tour includes:
Shared accommodations at the above selected hotels with daily breakfast
Check-in time at all hotels is 2:00 pm and check-out time at all hotels is 12:00 pm
Early check-in and late check-out is subject to availability with surcharge
All transfers as mentioned by air-conditioned vehicle
All airport transfers
All meals: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
All entrance fees during guided time
English speaking guide during included excursions only
Domestic Flight tickets only: Ho Chi Minh - Dalat//Nha Trang - Danang//Hue - Hanoi (economy class with VN including taxes $170)
Tour excludes:
Travel Insurance (compulsory)
Visas
Meals and drinks other than those mentioned in the itinerary
Laundry, telephone calls and expenditures of a personal nature
Tips and gratuities
International flights
Group size |
Date of departure: 15 March 2012
Price in USD per person, guarantee departure from minimum 8 people. (Not including all flight tickets) |
| 8 Pax |
Sgl Sup |
Optional extra for GolfersGreen Fees-clubs hire-buggy hire-transfers etc |
| Most Recommeded |
$4418 |
$1965 |
+- $231 per 18 holes on average |
ADDITIONAL FLIGHT PRICE PER PERSON
with Vietnam Airlines in economy class |
+ 1 March SYD or MEL-SGN
+ 4th March SGN- DU
+ 7th March NHA-DAD
+ 11th March HUI-HAN
+ 15th March HAN-SYD or MEL |
Flights departing Sydney or Melbourne are the same price. However if clients need to travel to either SYD or Mel then the domestic flights are not included in the above prices. The same when returning home. If the flight arrives back into Sydney or Melbourne the Australian domestic sectors to get clients back to their home capital city is not included. There are no direct departures to Vietnam from SYD and MEL on the same day. All flights are subject to availability and price fluctuations at the time of booking as the no seats have been held.

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