PROPOSAL : CHARMING VIETNAM – 15D14N

DEPARTURE : 01 January 2014 – 30 April 2014

NUMBER OF PAX : TBA

PREPARED FOR : TBA

Vietnam is now firmly on the world stage, but only since the

early 1990’s travellers started arriving. Today visitors from all

over the world have the opportunity to discover the beauty of

Vietnam. Brilliant green rice fields, bustling city streets, grand

colonial buildings, colourful markets, temples and pagodas,

deserted sandy beaches, glorious mountain scenery, colourful

ethnic minorities, delicious cuisine, luxurious hotels and resorts,

THIS IS VIETNAM TODAY.

The country is divided into three distinct regions, the south, the

centre and the north. The northern capital Hanoi, is the seat of

government and home of the revered Ho Chi Minh. This is the

artistic and cultural heart of the country, with Hoan Kiem lake

at the centre. In the Old Quarter, at the Temple of Literature, in

the colonial buildings and the museums the past comes to life.

Saigon is the commercial powerhouse of the country, with

international hotels, shiney malls, old markets, museums, China

Town and café life. The city is truly multi-cultural.

There are Seven World Heritage sites in Vietnam declared by

UNESCO in 2011. The spectacular natural wonder of Ha Long Bay (1994), the Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park

(2003), the central sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long - Hanoi (2010), Citadel of the Ho Dynasty (2011),

Complex of Hué Monuments (1993), Hoi An Ancient Town (1999), My Son Sanctuary (1999). Vietnam offers the

ultimate in adventure and luxury travel

VIETNAM DESTINATION

Day 1: HANOI ARRIVAL (-/-/-)

Arrive in Hanoi, our guide and driver will welcome you to our Vietnam and transfer you to your hotel, check in and

free time in the evening. Overnight in Hanoi

Day 2: HANOI CITY FULL DAY (B/-/-)

With imposing colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and scenic lakes, Ha Noi is full of charm. Start the tour at

the historic Ho Chi Minh mausoleum; an imposing monument built using marble and granite, and where the

preserved body of “Uncle Ho” resides. A short walk from the mausoleum is the lotus shaped One Pillar pagoda –

resting on a single stone pillar emerging from the water. Inside is a statue of the Goddess of Mercy with its

legendary “thousand arms and thousand eyes”. Afterwards make your way to the Temple of Literature, the first

University for the sons of mandarins, for an overview of Ha Noi culture and ancient Vietnamese architecture. In the

afternoon, visit the serene museum of Ethnology, (a 30-min drive out of town) which provides an opportunity to

understand some of Viet Nam’s 54 ethnic groups. The museum’s rich displays showcase the cultural heritages of

diverse communities. Drive back and take a cyclo tour through the fascinating old quarter and see the bustling local

life. Then enjoy a show at the water puppet theatre - a uniquely northern Vietnamese art form depicting scenes of

rural life and episodes of national history. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 3: HANOI – HA LONG (B/L/D)

Spend a night aboard a traditional junk and experience the mystical scenery of Halong Bay, where thousands of

limestone islands rise from the emerald sea to create unique sculptural shapes. Surrounded by colourful floating

villages this makes Ha Long a truly wonderful destination.

In the morning, transfer to Ha Long (170km from Hanoi), designated a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1994.

Upon arrival, a welcome cocktail is offered and check- in on board the cruise. At 12:00, the boat starts sailing on Ha

Long Bay. A Vietnamese lunch is served on board. En route, enjoy the view from the sun deck and later visit

beautiful caves. During the afternoon, swimming or kayaking activities (optional) are available. A Vietnamese

dinner is served in the elegant dinning room. Overnight on board in Ha Long Bay.

Note: Our guide will not be on board, there is local English speaking on board.

Day 4: HA LONG – LAO CAI (-/Brunch/-)

In the early morning, watch the sunrise while the cruise sails through the breathtaking scenery of Halong Bay

heading for the shore. Check out of your cabin after brunch. On the way back to Hanoi, you will visit But Thap

pagoda. Continue to drive back Hanoi. In the late evening, you will be transferred to the train station for the night

train to Lao Cai. Overnight on train

Note: Our guide will not be on train.

Day 5: LAO CAI - SAPA - CAT CAT – Y LINH HO – TA VAN (B/L/-)

Arrive in Lao Cai in the early morning. Your guide and driver will welcome you and transfer you to a local restaurant

for breakfast. After breakfast, you will have a trek through the beautiful countryside surrounded by rice paddy

terraces and mountains with forests under the protection of Hoang Lien National Park. Also you will hear about the

life style and traditions of Black Hmong and Giay minorities.

Passing through Sapa market, you leave the busy town behind. After a short time, you follow a road going downhill

to Cat Cat village. You will stop by a waterfall and a hydroelectric station for a while before continuing the trek on a

dirt trail beside rice paddy terraces. You also will enjoy spectacular scenery while walking along a narrow river. You

eventually arrive in Y Linh Ho village of Black Hmong minority, where you can take a rest while you are served lunch

near the river.

After lunch, head toward Muong Hoa valley. You will pass through Lao Chai village of Black Hmong minority and

then Tavan village of Giay minority by following a very popular trekking route. You will return Sapa from Tavan by

car. Overnight in Sapa

Summary: Road transfer approx. 0,5 hour drive/ Hiking - village visiting 5 to 6 hours. Approx.16km/ Grade 2 of 5.

Day 6: SAPA – MONG SEN – TAPHIN – LAO CAI – HA NOI (B/L/-)

Leaving Sapa at 08.30 m, drive 15km to the Mong Sen Bridge with several stops along the way to enjoy the

spectacular landscapes. Start walking along a large dirt path for nearly an hour, then follow a narrow dirt trail

winding its way on steep hill-sides along the eastern bank of the Mong Sen stream for 2 hours to Mong Sen 2

village. This area consists of three isolated hamlets of the Black Hmong and Red Zao people. Spend an hour to

explore these hamlets, then take a lunch break.

Continue hiking along the same trail for nearly an hour up and downhill towards Ta Phin Valley arriving at Ta Phin

commune in mid afternoon. Take a walk around this stunning valley, paying a visit to some Red Zao families. The

Red Zao women are famous for their handicraft skills, especially the embroidery for decorating their traditional

costumes with motifs that depicts their religion, believes or descriptions of the nature surroundings… The walk

ends at about 4.30 to 5.00pm. You will be met and driven to Lao Cai train station for the night train to Hanoi.

Overnight on train

Summary: Transfer approx.1 hour, 30km ways/ Walk approx.5 hours ascending from 721m to 1,301m and

descending to 1,280m, grade 2 of 5.

Important notes:

• This is an off beaten track walk, which is very good for clients who wish to get away from crowds at touristic

places.

• The walk is hard from Mong Sen Bridge to Ta Phin because the trail is uphill most of the time. So it is not

recommended to elderly or family travel with children under 14. Changing direction from Ta Phin to Mong Sen

Bridge makes it easier for most of the walk as it is downhill.

• Good trekking shoes should be worn. Rain gear is also recommended.

Day 7: HANOI - HUE (B/-/-)

Your guide and driver will pick you up at the train station and drive you to the aiport for the flight to Hue in the

morning. On arrival in Hue, your guide and driver will take you to local restaurant for breakfast. After breakfast, you

will begin your tour in Hue.

Hue was the imperial capital of the Nguyen Lords, a feudal dynasty which reigned from the 17th to 19th century.

With splendid emperors’ tombs, ancient pagodas and the remains of the Citadel, the city retains its Royal charm.

Start the cultural tour with the Imperial Citadel including the Capital Citadel (the bastion), Royal Citadel (the

sanctum), and the Forbidden Citadel (the royal family’s residence). Then transfer to the boat dock, where you will

embark on a half-hour boat trip on the picturesque Perfume River to visit Thien Mu pagoda, Hue’s best-preserved

religious monument. Standing on the riverbank with its seven-storey tower, the pagoda is a sight to behold. Drive

30 minutes to the serene Tu Duc Royal Tomb, designed to blend in with the natural surroundings. A small business

making incense sticks is an interesting stop before heading to the elaborate Khai Dinh Royal Tomb, where the

architecture and atmosphere showcase elements of eastern art and western designs. Overnight in Hue

Day 8: HUE – DA NANG – HOI AN CITY TOUR (B/-/-)

AM: Depart from Hue to Hoi An - driving along scenic coast through the picturesque fishing village of Lang Co to

Pass of Ocean Clouds. Arrive in Hoi An ancient town.

PM: Between the 17th and 19th centuries, Hoi An was a prosperous trading port. Today, this World Heritage-listed

ancient town has well-preserved buildings, pedestrianised streets and unique cuisine, allowing visitors a glimpse

into its illustrious past. The narrow lanes are ideal for a walking tour to visit the old merchant’s house with

influences from Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese architecture; the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge; the

Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation with outstanding wood carvings; and the colorful market with

stalls brimming with tropical specialties including textiles, which can be turned into fashionable garments within a

day. You can explore the rest of the ancient city by yourself for the remainder of the day.

Day 9: HOI AN TRA QUE COOKING CLASS – MY SON HOLY LAND (B/L/-)

At 8am. our tour guide will pick you up at your hotel lobby. Then cycle to Hoi An's colourful central market. Here

you will have the opportunity to interact with the local sellers and learn about the ingredients to be used in the

cooking lesson later. Continue to Tra Que herb village. Welcome drink and a rest, before walking through the

market gardens where local farmers work in their fields using traditional methods going back hundreds of years.

Start working together with the chef. Learn the traditional ways of preparing and cooking Vietnamese food. The

chef will show you how to cook. After the lesson, enjoy what you have cooked.

Then, we take a private car from Hoi An town to My Son Holy Land, a World Heritage site, 50 km southwest of Hoi

An. Located in a lush, valley My Son was the capital and religious center of the Cham people. The remaining red

brick towers and sanctuaries are evidence of a once great civilization. My Son is considered to have the same

importance as some of Southeast Asia’s greatest archaeological sites. These towers and sanctuaries were built

between the 7th. to 13th. Centuries. Return to your hotel. Overnight in Hoi An

Day 10: HOI AN - DA NANG – NHA TRANG – DA LAT (B/-/-)

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Danang airport to take the morning flight to Nha Trang (departure around

9:00am). Upon arrival in Nha Trang, you will get transferred from Cam Ranh airport to Da Lat City via beautiful road

linking Nha Trang to Da Lat with great mountain view. Free time at leisure in Da Lat; Overnight in Da Lat

Day 11: DA LAT (B/L/-)

Endowed with fresh and romantic environment, Dalat is considered a “city of love” in Vietnam, and is a very

attractive destination for honeymoon. Dalat has many natural and artificial landscapes such as Xuan Huong Lake,

Lake of Sigh, Tuyen Lam Lake, etc. which are all bordered by rows of pine trees, one of Dalat’s best-known features.

The cool climate in Dalat is very suitable for orchids, roses, lilies, camellias and a wide variety of other flowers.

After breakfast at the hotel, start your day by exploring Da Lat. We will pick you up from your hotel at 8.30 Am. We

will visit the Xuan Huong Lake, the Da Lat Cremaillere Railway and explore the summer palace of the last ruler,

Emperor Bao Dai, of the Nguyen Dynasty (the last monarchy of Vietnam). Explore Da Lat’s flower and vegetable

market before visiting the Truc Lam Buddhist Monastery which is located above the serene Tuyen Lam Lake. Return

to your hotel around 4:00pm and free time at leisure. Overnight in Da Lat

Day 12: DA LAT – HO CHI MINH CITY (B/-/-)

Travel to Ho Chi Minh City by car (around 7-hour drive) with a stop en route to visit the tea and coffee plantations.

You will arrive in Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon. Check in to your hotel. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 13: HO CHI MINH CITY TOUR (B/-/-)

After breakfast at the hotel, our guide will pick you up for the Ho Chi Minh City Tour. The city, is the dynamic

commercial centre of Vietnam. Despite the hustle and bustle, the city retains its connections to the past. Embark on

a tour to see Saigon’s historic landmarks. A stroll down Rue Catinat (of Graham Greene's 'The Quiet American') will

reveal many colonial classics; the Opera House, a three-story classical theatre (outside visit); the former Hotel de

ville constructed in 1901, now The People's Committee building with no public access; the Notre Dame Cathedral,

a stunningly massive red-brick edifice with twin spires, (open only 3-4pm everyday otherwise just outside visit); the

Central Post Office influenced by Renaissance architecture; and the former Presidential Palace, headquarters of

the Saigon Government during the American war. Drive 6km to another area of the city to visit Thien Hau temple

built by the Cantonese congregation in the early 19th century to honor the goddess of the sea and protector of

fishermen. The temple’s internal courtyard is worth seeing with beautiful ceramic figurines and antiques shrouded

in incense-smoke. It is always bustling here with worshippers from the local Chinese community. You may have the

chance to write out your wishes on a small red note and pray for them to come true. Continue with a visit to Binh

Tay market, the biggest one in Viet Nam, built in the early 20th century.

Return to your hotel and relax. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 14: HO CHI MINH CITY – CAI BE – HO CHI MINH CITY (B/L/-)

Join our wooden boat excursion today on the charming Mekong Queen to explore the Mekong Delta’s unique

market and also the symbol of the region, Cai Be floating market.

Only 2.5 hours away from Saigon,beautiful countryside and the hospitable people of the delta are waiting for you.

Boarding our traditional boat at the local pier and start cruising around the floating market while sampling tropical

fresh fruits. Disembark the boat temporarily to explore more about the local life by visiting the town’s business and

craft factories before visiting an ancient house where a delicious home cooked lunch with Mekong’s specialties

awaits. After lunch, enjoy a short sampan ride before we continue to cruise upstream on the Mighty Mekong

toward Vinh Long. Along the way, enjoy a visit to a beautiful orchard with several kinds of tropical fruits. Here, you

will hear the Vietnamese traditional melodies of “Vong Co” before returning to the mainland where your car is

waiting to return you to Ho Chi Minh City. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 15: HO CHI MINH CITY DEPARTURE / BEACH EXTENSION (B/-/-)

Breakfast at the hotel, free time at leisure until the transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

“where journeys begin”

TOUR COST : NET PRICE IN USD

Valid 01 Jan 14 – 30 Apr 14

Categories/ Group size 1 pax 2 pax 3-4 pax 5-6 pax 7-10pax Single Supplement

Standard Category 2,760.00 1,549.00 1,313.00 1,070.00 1,055.00 334.00

Superior Category 3,403.00 1,983.00 1,651.00 1,388.00 1,365.00 543.00

Deluxe Category 4,500.00 2,396.00 2,112.00 1,966.00 1,840.00 1,081.00

All rates are net, quoted per person in U.S.$ in half twin room. Please add the single supplement if you book a

single room (Except on 1 Pax).

Surcharge 50 USD per group per day for any booking falling on 30th,, 31st January, 01st ,02nd February 2014 (Lunar

New Year in Vietnam)

Surcharge during Peak Season and Vietnam Public Holidays is applied upon hotels and cruises policies, please kindly

contact our Travel Consultant for your detailed information.

FLIGHTS: Flight timetable to be advised upon your group’s trip.

ITINERARY CLASS TIMETABLE NET PRICE PER

PERSON

Hanoi – Hue (HAN-HUI) Economy TBA (in the evening of day 7) 110 USD

Danang – Nha Trang (DAD-NHA) Economy TBA (in the morning of day 10) 110 USD

LIST OF HOTEL USAGES:

Standard Category Superior Category Delxue Category

HANOI

Hanoi Boutique 1 Hotel

Deluxe

07 Ngo Gach Street, Hanoi Old Quarter,

Hoan Kiem District , Hanoi

Tel: 084439290366

Web: www.hanoiboutiquehotel1.com

LAO CAI TRAIN

HANOI

Lan Vien

Deluxe

32 Hang Bai / 37A, Ly Thuong Kiet

Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Tel: +84-4-3722 8888

http://lanvienhotel.com.vn

LAO CAI TRAIN

HANOI

Hanoi Melia Hotel

Deluxe (ROH)

44B Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hoan Kiem

District , Ha Noi

Tel: 084439343343

Web: www.meliahanoi.com

LAO CAI TRAIN

Fanxipan Express

Superior Cabin

49 Ngo Tat To, Hanoi

Tel: 084439285616

Web: www.fanxipantrain.com

SAPA

Bamboo Sapa Hotel

Deluxe

18 Muong Hoa, Cau May, Sapa

Tel: 084203871075

Web: www.bamboosapahotel.com.vn

HUE

New Star Hotel

Deluxe

36 Chu Van An Street, Phu Hoi, Hue

Tel: 084543834647

Web: www.newstarhuehotel.com

HOI AN

Ancient House Resort

Ancient House Superior

377 Cua Dai Road, Hoi An

Tel: 0845103923377

Web: www.ancienthouseresort.com

DALAT

Best Western Dalat Hotel

Superior

09 Le Dai Hanh, Da Lat

Tel: 084636252999

Web: www.dalatplazahotel.com.vn

HO CHI MINH CITY

Elios Hotel

King Express

Supeior Cabin

101A Nguyen Khuyen, Hanoi

Tel: 084439263316

Web: www.kingexpresstrain.vn

SAPA

Chau Long Sapa Hotel

New Wing (ROH)

24 Dong Loi, Sapa

Tel: 084203871245

Web: chaulonghotel.com

HUE

Park View Hue Hotel

Deluxe

9 Ngo Quyen Street, Hue

Tel: 084543837382

Web: www.parkviewhotelhue.com

HOI AN

Hoi An Trails Resort

Superior

276 Cua Dai Road, Hoi An

Tel: 0845103923999

Web:www.hoiantrailsresort.com.vn

DALAT

Saigon Dalat Hotel

Deluxe

180 Duong 3/2, Da Lat

Tel: 084633556789

Web: www.saigondalathotel.com

HO CHI MINH CITY

Eden Saigon Hotel

Victoria Express

Superior Cabin

147 Vo Van Tan, HCMC

Tel: 084862909720

Web:www.victoriahotels.asia/en/victo

ria-express-train

SAPA

Victoria Sapa Hotel

Superior

Sapa, Lao Cai

Tel: 084203871522

Web: http://www.victoriahotels.asia

HUE

Pilgrimage Village Hue

Deluxe

130 Minh Mang Road, Hue

Tel: 084543885461

Web: www.pilgrimagevillage.com

HOI AN

Palm Garden Hoi An

Superior Garden View

Lac Long Quan Str, Cua Dai, Hoi An

Tel: 0845103927927

Web: www.palmgardenresort.com.vn

DALAT

Ana Mandara Dalat Hotel

Villa Room

Le Lai, Da Lat

Tel: 084633555888

Web: www.anamandara-resort.com

HO CHI MINH CITY

Sofitel Hotel

Superior

Superior

233 Pham Ngu Lao, District 1

Tel: 084838385584

Web: www.elioshotel.vn

Junior Deluxe City View

38 Bui Thi Xuan, Dist. 1

Tel:084862913371

Web: www.edensaigonhotel.com

17 Le Duan, District 1

Tel: 084838241555

Web: www.sofitel.com

INCLUDING:

Accomodations based on twin share

Private transportation

English-Speaking Guide applied for day-tour only

Meals as mentioned in the program (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)

Entrance Fees

Boat Trip as mentioned in the program

EXCLUDING:

International flight ticket to & out Vietnam

Domestic flight ticket (separate quotation)

Meals not mentioned

Approval Letter and Visa stamp fee at the airport (around 45 USD/person)

Drinks and personal expenses

Tips and gratuities for tour guide and services

Optional tours

Any other items not mentioned

Peak Season Surcharge, Compulsory Christmas & New Year Gala Dinner

BOOKING PROCEDURE

Booking will be confirmed on receipt of advance deposit only.

Asia Destinations (ASD) requires 20% advance deposit to hold the booking.

(2) Balance 80% must reach ASD Travel 30 days prior to tour departure date.

LIABILITY

The prices are subject to amendment should the Transporters/ Hoteliers amend their rates prior to

commencement of the tour.

REFUND

After commencement of Travel, no refund in full or in part will be given for services included in the program,

which are not utilized.

HOTEL CHECK IN- CHECK OUT TIME

Hotel Check in - Check out time is usually 12h00 am.

Extended check in - check out time may be granted subject to availability and agreement by the participating

hotels.

POLICY REGARDING CANCELLATION / NO SHOW / EARLY DEPARTURE

. Cancellation charges would be effective from the date we receive advice in writing and cancellation charges

would apply as follows:

* Before 30 days - 10% of the total tour / service cost

* From 15 days to 07 days - 15% of the total tour / service cost

* From 07 days to 02 days - 25% of the total tour / service cost

* From 02 days (48 hrs) to departure - 50% of the total tour / service cost

TRAVEL INSURANCE

To travel around Asia ASD highly recommended that participants have travel insurance.