Colonial Vietnam

This exquisite, intimate 14-day tour is for those looking for a bit of adventure, away from the crowds of tourist trails.  Despite being apart from the hustle and bustle, indulge yourself in creature comforts that this itinerary has to offer.  Upon request, special touches can be added such as private limousine transfers to and from the airports; business class flights domestically; private transfers and guides for sightseeing.  Restaurant reservations, meetings with artists, cooking instructors, shopping tours and spa reservations, can also be arranged.  An option to further see the region is also on offer, a four day tour of Angkor with nothing short of luxury is at hand for those wanting to experience more of beautiful Vietnam.

Tour Highlights:

• Ho Chi Minh City
• Mekong Delta
• Hue
• Hoi An
• Hanoi
• Sapa
• Halong Bay

Day 1 – Arrive Ho Chi Minh City

Upon arrival into Ho chi Minh city, a private limousine will transfer you directly to your hotel.  To relax and refresh from your long flight, the day is given at leisure to rejuvenate yourself for the tour to come. 
*Overnight at the Park Hyatt (www.saigon.park.hyatt.com) or the Grand Hotel (www.grandhotel.com.vn)
*Bonus Bonsai Dinner cruise.

 
Day 2 – Mekong Delta Bassac Cruise

The Mekong Delta will unfold its many facets during this overnight cruise on the authentic, classic wooden hull rice barge called the Bassac II.  For the next 2 days this charming vessel has 10 cabins with private facilities which indulges you in a home away from home.
*Overnight on Bassac II boat
*Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner inclusive

Day 3- Mekong Delta – Ho Chi Minh City

In this flouring region, there is an opportunity to witness many of the local handicrafts in the morning.  A journey later in the afternoon by road after leaving the Bassac II takes you to the flamboyant and bustling Ho Chi Minh City.
*Overnight at the Park Hyatt or the Grand Hotel
*Breakfast, Lunch inclusive

Day 4 – Ho Chi Minh City Tour

Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh has many sights that the tour will indulge your through.  The War Crimes Museum, Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral and the effervescent Ben Thanh market are on the agenda as you are acquainted with this remarkable city.
*Overnight at the Park Hyatt or the Grand Hotel
*Breakfast and Lunch inclusive

   
Day 5 – Ho Chi Minh – Hue

This morning, a flight to the historic city of Hue will get you excited for what’s to come.  A city full of charm and romance, this World Heritage City features the Perfume River Hue full filled with local temples, pagodas and the Hue Citadel.
* Overnight at La Residence Hotel (www.la-residence-hue.com) or the Saigon Morin Hotel (www.morinhotel.com.vn)
* Breakfast inclusive

Day 6 – Hue – Danang – Hoi An

This morning, embark on the most scenic drive in Central Vietnam along the beautiful coast road to Hoi An.  In this picturesque town, soak up the atmosphere of local life; with ancient Japanese style bridges, winding streets, vibrant markets, temples and ancient Vietnamese houses this town a exudes magical quality.
*Overnight at the Palm Garden Resort (www.palmgardenresort.com.vn) or The Nam Hai (www.ghmhotels.com)
*Breakfast inclusive

Day 7 – Cooking School – My Son

The art of Vietnamese cooking at a local cooking school and restaurant is taught to heighten the pallet.  Local markets are visited to make purchases of ingredients; then learn from the chefs the secrets of creating a selection of Vietnamese delicacies.  My Son is visited in the afternoon, an ancient kingdom site of the Champa civilization, a cradle of religious, intellectual and political life from the 4th to 15th centuries.
*Overnight at Life Resort
*Breakfast and Lunch inclusive

Day 8 – Danang – Hanoi – Sapa

A commercial flight will take you to Hanoi, know to be the gateway to Northern Vietnam.  Board the overnight Victoria Express train the same evening to Lao Cai and transfer to Sapa.  The Victoria Sapa Hotel has specially reserved private carriages, dining car and couchettes for the journey to Sapa.
*Overnight at The Victoria Express (www.victoriahotels-asia.com)
*Breakfast inclusive

Day 9 – Sapa

Transfer from Lao Cai train station to your hotel in Sapa.
In this mountain village your local guide will take you on a visit to the local hill tribe villages to witness its true beauty.
*Overnight at Victoria Sapa
*Breakfast inclusive

    
Day 10 – Sapa – Victoria Express

A delightful cultural exchange is what awaits in this full day encounter in this most scenic region.  You will be welcomed with open arms into their lives, with language not being a barrier made possible by interpretative skills of your local guide.  Handicrafts of excellent quality and value are abundant in this beautiful remote location.
*Board the Victoria Express for an overnight journey to Hanoi. (www.victoriahotels-asia.com)
*Breakfast inclusive

Day 11 – Hanoi – Halong Bay

An early morning arrival to Hannoi and a transfer to Ha Long Bay known for its stunning scenery.  On arrival at Ha Long harbor, a private boat awaits for a relaxing and luxurious overnight cruise enabling you to take in the breathtaking scenery.  Being one of the natural wonders of Vietnam and now one of the four World Heritage listed sites in the country, the scene of a thousand limestone peaks rising up from its crystalline emerald waters, will be sure to leave you with a panorama never to be forgotten. 
*Overnight on board your private boat, Jewel of the Bay (http://www.buffalotours.com/Vietnam+Tour/Kayaking/Overnight+Cr) 
or on The Ginger Boat (www.cruisehalong.com)
*Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner inclusive

Day 12 – Ha Long Bay – Hanoi

A delightful cultural exchange is what awaits in this full day encounter in this most scenic region.  You will be welcomed with open arms into their lives, with language not being a barrier made possible by interpretative skills of your local guide.  Handicrafts of excellent quality and value are abundant in this beautiful remote location.
*Board the Victoria Express for an overnight journey to Hanoi. (www.victoriahotels-asia.com)
*Breakfast inclusive

Day 13 – Hanoi city tour

Today is spent exploring the city and discovering its vibrant history and secrets.  See the beautiful sights, including the French quarter, the exciting Old Quarter; amongst it, its bustling streets, hundreds of small thriving businesses and the Museum of Ethnology, dedicated to the country’s 54 ethnic minorities.  The famous Water Puppet Theatre is visited later this evening.
*Sofitel Metropole (www.accorhotels.com/asia) or the Sunway Hotel (www.Sunway-Hotel.com)
*Breakfast inclusive

Day 14 – Hanoi Departure

The journey concludes after breakfast, a limousine transfer awaits to take you to theairport for your onward International

Angkor Extension – 4 Days

DAY 1 ARRIVE SIEM REAP

The rolous group of temples will be the first part of the day’s tour, these temples include Prasat Bakong, Preah Ko, and Lo Lei. Climb the imposing remains as the end of the day approaches to catch the final moments of the sun in a memorable sunset. *Breakfast inclusive

DAY 2 ANGKOR TEMPLE COMPLEX

On the route to the exquisite Banteay Srey, visit Pre Rup and the East Mebon.  Lunch will be at Siem Reap.  Built between 1112 and 11152 by King Suryavarman II dedicated to Vishnu, the Hindu god of preservation; the majestic Angkor Wat will sure dazzle you with the lush history of the region.
*Breakfast and Lunch inclusive

DAY 3 ANGKOR TEMPLE COMPLEX

Ta Prohm, Angkor’s most fasciniating ruins will be visit on this morning, afterwhich will be followed by the tour of Banteay Kdei and the nearby lake of Sras Srang.  In the afternoon visit more of the amazing Angkor complex, including Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm temple.
*Breakfast and Lunch inclusive

DAY 4 TONLE SAP & DEPART SIEM REAP

A choice between a boat trip on Tonle Sap, Asia’s largest inland lake, which swells to ten times its normal size during the wet season, or perhaps some last minute shopping before departing. 
*Breakfast inclusive

Colonial Vietnam Package

4 Star Category 

• USD $3,615.00
• Price is per person based on 2 pax travelling together
• Limousine transfer services with best vehicles available: Merecedes E200 in the South, Toyota Altis in Central, Camry 2007 in the North and Ford Everest 2008 in Sapa
• Train Hanoi – Lao Cai – Hanoi: Victoria Express train, Superior ticket for 4-berth sharing compartment.
• Surcharge for weekend: US$51.60 / person for train ticket & hotel room in Sapa
• Surcharge high season from 1st September – 30th October, 2008: US$72 / person,

5 Star Category

• USD $4,910.00
• Price is per person based on 2 pax travelling together
• Limousine transfer services with best vehicles available: Mecerdes E200 in the South, Toyota Altis 2008 in Central, Camry 2.4 year 2007 in the North and Ford Everest 2008 in Sapa.
• Train Hanoi – Lao Cai – Hanoi: Victoria Express train, Private Deluxe compartment.
• Surcharge for weekend: US$105.60 / person for train ticket & hotel room in Sapa
   

All tours include:

• Accommodation based on double shared room at selected hotels with daily breakfast
  • Check-in time at all hotels is 2.00PM and check-out time at all hotels is 12.00PM.
  • Early check-in and late check-out is subject to availability with surcharge.
• Freshen up in mini hotel on day 11 after night train from Sapa
• Meals as mentioned
• English speaking guide during guided time.
• Tours and transfers as mentioned by private air-conditioned vehicle
• Sightseeing fees and permits during guided time
• Flight tickets: Ho Chi Minh – Hue/ Danang – Hanoi with domestic flight taxes

Angkor Extension Package

4 Star

Borei Angkor Hotel

5 Star

Sofitel Royal Angkor

Tour Includes:

• English speaking guide
• Transportation
• Accommodation
• Meal as per Itinerary
• Water
• Entrance fee