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Experience all the colour and excitement of the culture, people and landscapes of this vibrant country in the comfort of 4 star hotels.
Fully escorted by professional tour leader Richard Neale, this tour features an overnight cruise in Halong Bay, visits to the historic cities of Hue and Hoi An, a cruise on the Mekong River and the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh.
Extend this tour and enjoy a 7 night cruise from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap, Cambodia aboard the RV Mekong Pandaw or fly to Siem Reap to take in the amazing sights at Angkor Wat.
Tour Inclusions:
* Economy class airfares from Auckland to Vietnam return on Singapore Airlines
* All domestic flights within Vietnam
* 1 night 4 star accommodation in Singapore
* 9 nights 4 star accommodation in Vietnam
* 1 night cruising in Halong Bay with Paradise Cruises (or similar)
* All transportation in Vietnam in air-conditioned vehicles
* All sightseeing and entrance fees as specified in the itinerary
* 10 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners
* Professional Tour Escort plus local English speaking guide
* All airport taxes and surcharges
Tour Exclusions:
* Personal expenses
* Insurance (compulsory)
* Visa Costs
 Meet Your Escort – Richard Neale
Richard has escorted tours for over 25 years locally and internationally, and in the last decade has taken many groups through China, Vietnam and all the countries of South East Asia working as tour director for luxury USA Tour operator TRAVCOA. He has a particular passion for Vietnam and looks forward to sharing his experiences of its people, vibrant culture and great cuisine with you.
 Itinerary Overview:
THU 02 AUG 2012 - DEPART AUCKLAND
Depart on your early afternoon flight to Singapore. Accommodation tonight is at a Singapore Airport Hotel.
FRI 03 AUG 2012 ARRIVE HANOI (B, D)
Fly this morning from Singapore to Hanoi. We take an orientation walk around the local area taking in some of the main sights of Hanoi such as the Opera House, Old quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner at a fine local Vietnamese restaurant.
SAT 04 AUG 2012 HANOI (B)
This morning we take morning tour around Hanoi’s most interesting sights including: the Ho Chi Minh Complex. You also explore the Old Quarter, also known as the 36 streets, Guilds and the Temple of Literature. The afternoon is yours at leisure. The evening’s highlight will be the Water Puppet Performance – a unique form of Vietnamese art derived from the wet-rice civilization of South East Asia.
SUN 05 AUG 2012 HANOI – HALONG BAY (B,L,D)
Drive to Halong Bay where we transfer to our cruise ship. The highlights of our afternoon cruise are: Hang Sung Sot (Surprise Cave) a famous limestone grotto with its spectacular lighting effects; Cua Van fishing village where we experience the life of local people who live mostly on their fishing boats and Dong Tien (Fairy Cave). As evening approaches we will have the opportunity to swim or kayak in the warm waters of Halong Bay, or enjoy a relaxing cocktail and be enthralled by a glorious sunset before dining onboard. ‘Paradise’- one of only a very small number of small luxury ships to cruise Halong Bay, sets new standards with spacious and smartly designed cabins featuring large viewing windows. The crew offer exceptional and personalized on-board services.
MON 06 AUG 2012 HALONG BAY – HANOI – HUE (B)
Disembark your ship this morning and return to Hanoi for your flight to Hue. Rest of the day is at leisure.
TUE 07 AUG 2012 HUE – DANANG – HOI AN (B)
This morning enjoy a Hue City Tour. Firstly take a scenic boat trip on the romantically-named Perfume River terminating at Hue’s best-known religious site – Thien Mu Pagoda. We then continue on to the Imperial Citadel from where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled Vietnam between 1802 and 1945. Following the Hue City tour, we travel by bus to Hoi An, taking in the beautiful landscapes of Central Vietnam as we drive over the famed Hai Van Pass. Arriving late afternoon to your hotel and the rest of your evening is at leisure.
WED 08 AUG 2012 HOI AN (B)
This morning you take a half-day walking tour through the narrow winding streets of the Ancient quarter. Hoi An is a quaint riverside town, popular for its eclectic architecture, numerous tailor shops and wide range of excellent restaurants and cafes. Following the tour we will have free time to shop or relax. The rest of your evening is at leisure.
THU 09 AUG 2012 HOI AN – DANANG - SAIGON (B)
Travel to Marble Mountain to explore the amazing village that has grown up around the art and business of carving marble out of the surrounding mountain. We then continue to Danang, Vietnam’s 3rd largest city, where if time permits, we will call in to the Cham Museum which represents the little-known Cham civilization of Central Vietnam. Fly to Vietnam’s largest city - Ho Chi Minh City, formerly - and still locally - known as Saigon. A short City Sightseeing Tour is included and the then the rest of the day is at leisure.
FRI 10 AUG 2012 SAIGON (B,L,D)
Today we drive to Tay Ninh near the Cambodian border and visit the unique Dao Dai Temple where you will observe the midday service. From Tay Ninh your trip takes you back towards Ho Chi Minh City as we visit the Cu Chi tunnels of Vietnam-American War infamy. Tonight we will share a farewell dinner with your fellow travellers.
SAT 11 AUG 2012 SAIGON – FULL DAY MEKONG DELTA (B)
This morning travel by bus to the Mekong Delta and Cai Be. Board the ‘Cai Be Princess’ sampan (traditional Vietnamese boat) for your Mekong Delta excursion where you will enjoy the floating markets, the biggest rice stock markets in the country, an opportunity to see a traditional brick and tile factory, and how locals use palm leaves for houses. You will have enough time to visit several local 'cottage industries' to see how rice paste, rice cookies and candies are made; as well as seeing the process of drying longan fruits. Lunch is included at a superb Indo-Chinese villa, located in a lush tropical garden by the river; surrounded by fruit orchards. The rest of the day is at leisure.
SUN 12 AUG 2012 - SAIGON TO AUCKLAND (B)
You will be transferred to the airport today for your flight home.
MON 13 AUG 2012 - ARRIVE AUCKLAND
COST: $5,549 per person share twin
EXTEND YOUR STAY:
CAMBODIA & ANGKOR WAT - 4 days/3 nights $569 per person share twin
At the end of your Vietnam Tour, fly to Siem Reap in the heart of Cambodia where you will take in all the major highlights including the magnificent Angkor Temples and the famous Angkor Wat. A free day is included for some last minute shopping at the many markets of Siem Reap.
MEKONG RIVER CRUISE ABOARD PANDAW – HIGHLY RECOMMENDED - 9 days/8 nights $2,899 per person share twin
From Ho Chi Minh City you will travel to the world famous Mekong River for your seven night cruise aboard the 4 star Mekong Pandaw. This journey takes you along the vital ‘lifeblood’ artery of Vietnam and Cambodia where you get to experience life as it is for the locals. Finishing in Siem Reap you can travel back home or extend your stay to take in the surrounds and magnificent Angkor Temples.
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