Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Vietnam Train Tickets

OVERNIGHT TRAIN HANOI - LAO CAI - HANOI
The best way to go to Sapa from Hanoi is to take night trains, because it saves time and two nights of accommodations. The train runs along the Red River. All trains leave at night from Hanoi and arrive at Lao Cai train station in the early morning. Trains also leave at night from Lao Cai and arrive in the morning in Hanoi.
To meet tourist demand, some service providers upgrade carriages and put them different names. These carriages are clean, comfortable, fully meet tourist standard with air-conditioners and soft berths.
Lao Cai – Sapa Transfer:
The Hanoi - Lao Cai train stops at valley of Lao Cai, just 40 km from Sapa; to reach Sapa, you need to travel an hour by shuttle buses or private car. The buses stop at Sapa's main post office, leaving you almost right in town center. It can also drop you at your hotel, depending upon the location of the hotel. Ticket price for connecting buses Lao Cai station - Sapa is VND 60,000/ person/ way.
The tourist bus back to Lao Cai leaves from outside Sapa's church, but usually it can pick you up at your hotel. You can ask the receptionist at your hotel for getting a bus ticket back to Lao Cai station.
Train name
Cabin Type
Fare
VND/ticket/way
Livitrans Express Train
VIP cabin
VIP II cabin
Business Class, 4-berth cabin
1,870,000
1,650,000
840,000
Tulico Train
VIP cabin
First Class, wooden cabin, 4 berths
1,520,000
795,000
Fanxipan Express Train
First Class, wooden cabin, 4 berths
840,000
Pumpkin Train
First Class, wooden cabin, 4 berths
770,000
SC Train
Business Class, wooden cabin, 4 berths
815,000
Ratraco Train
Ratraco AC soft sleeper, 4 berths
815,000
Royal Train
First Class, wooden cabin, 4 berths
815,000
King Express Train
Deluxe King Express 4-berth
Wooden cabin, 4-berth
840,000
770,000
Hara Train
VIP cabin
Business Class, wooden cabin, 4-berth
AC 4-berth cabin
1,805,000
840,000
770,000
NOTE:
  • We recommend that you choose the above cabins for cleaner cabins and sleepers.
  • We can only provide return tickets booking from Hanoi for the mentioned tourist trains. For normal trains, you need to buy the return ticket yourself when you are in Lao Cai or Sapa, or request the hotel to buy it for you.
  • Child fare: under 5 years is free of charge if sharing bed with parent; 5 years/up: adult rate.
REUNIFICATION TRAIN fr. NORTH to SOUTH: HANOI - HUE - DA NANG - NHA TRANG - SAIGON
This page shows main destinations only, for other destinations, kindly contact us!
I month before and after Tet Holiday (Lunar New Year) 20% more price is added for Saigon-Hanoi and Hanoi-Saigon direction respectively
Train Information
Price with A/C (VND)
From
To
Train Name
Dep. Time
Arr. Time
Soft Seat
Soft Berth
Hanoi
Saigon
SE1 (33h10)
SE3 (29h30)
SE5 (31h35)
SE7 (35h00)
19:00
23:00
15:45
06:15
04:10
05:00
04:40
15:05
1,430,000
1,390,000
1,320,000
1,210,000
1,870,000
1,740,000
1,650,000
1,540,000
Hanoi
Nha Trang
SE1
SE3
SE5
SE7
19:00
23:00
15:45
06:15
20:06
22:03
19:40
07:37
990,000
1,060,000
990,000
880,000
1,390,000
1,430,000
1,390,000
1,300,000
Hanoi
Da Nang
SE1
SE3
SE5
SE7
Livitrans
19:00
23:00
15:45
06:15
19:00
10:35
13:12
08:56
21:40
10:35
860,000
815,000
795,000
750,000
N/A
990,000
970,000
950,000
880,000
1,430,000
Hanoi
Hue
SE1
SE3
SE5
SE7
Livitrans
Tulico
19:00
23:00
15:45
06:15
19:00
19:00
08:01
10:45
06:07
19:07
08:01
08:01
770,000
730,000
770,000
660,000
N/A
N/A
950,000
880,000
840,000
880,000
1,235,000
1,210,000
Saigon
Hanoi
SE2 (33h10)
SE4 (29h30)
SE6 (31h40)
SE8 (34h20)
19:00
23:00
15:45
06:30
04:10
05:00
04:45
15:28
1,430,000
1,390,000
1,320,000
1,210,000
1,870,000
1,740,000
1,650,000
1,540,000
Saigon
Nha Trang
SE2
SE4
SE6
STN2
19:00
23:00
15:45
20:05
02:33
05:33
23:50
05:00
600,000
575,000
620,000
N/A
730,000
705,000
660,000
925,000
Saigon
Phan Thiet
SPT1
06:30
11:00
510,000
N/A
For the International trains: Hanoi – China (Beijing, Nanning, Zhengzhau…), please contact us!

Vietnam Flight Tickets

We have good contracts with many airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Jestar Pacific Airlines, Air France, British Airways, Singapore Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Malaysia Airlines, Thai Airways…
Here are the quotations for some popular Flights within Vietnam:
ONE-WAY AIRFARES
(Including airport tax)
The economy class, net per person in Vietnam Dong (VND).
The airfares subject to be changed by airline agencies without prior notice.
Please contact us to book your flight within Vietnam!
Destination
Service day
Flt. No
Dep. time
Arr. time
Aircraft type
Fare
VND
Hue
1,2,3,4,5,6,7
1,2,3,4,5,6,7
1,2,3,4,5,6,7
VN 241
VN 245
VN 247
06:30
12:30
19:20
07:40
13:40
20:30
Airbus
Airbus
ATR72
2,150,000
2,150,000
2,150,000
Da Nang
1,2,3,4,5,6,7
1,2,3,4,5,6,7
1,2,3,4,5,6,7
1,2,3,4,5,6,7
VN 307
VN 309
VN 311
VN 315
VN 317
08:10
12:15
15:35
19:10
20:35
09:25
13:30
16:50
20:25
21:50
Airbus
Airbus
Airbus
Airbus
Airbus
2,150,000
2,150,000
2,150,000
2,150,000
2,150,000
Nha Trang
1,2,3,4,5,6,7
1,2,3,4,5,6,7
1,2,3,4,5,6,7
VN 263
VN 265
VN 267
06:20
11:30
16:25
08:00
13:10
18:05
Airbus
Airbus
Airbus
3,010,000
3,010,000
3,010,000
Da Lat
1,2,3,4,5,6,7
VN 277
13:35
15:15
F70
3,010,000
Saigon
(Ho Chi Minh City)
1,2,3,4,5,6,7
1,2,3,4,5,6,7
1,3,4
1,2,3,4,5,6,7
1,2,3,4,5,6,7
1,2,3,4,5,6,7
1,2,3,4,5,6,7
1,2,3,4,5,6,7
1,2,3,4,5,6,7
1,2,3,4,5,6,7
1,2,3,4,5,6,7
1,2,3,4,5,6,7
VN 757
VN 211
VN 213
VN 215
VN 217
VN 219
VN 723
VN 725
VN 227
VN 781
VN 229
VN 231
06:30
08:00
09:30
11:00
12:30
13:30
14:00
15:30
16:30
17:00
18:30
20:00
08:30
10:00
11:30
13:00
14:30
15:30
16:00
17:30
18:30
19:00
20:30
22:00
321
772
 772
772
772
 772
 772
772
Airbus
Airbus
Airbus
Airbus
3,010,000
3,010,000
3,010,000
3,010,000
3,010,000
3,010,000
3,010,000
3,010,000
3,010,000
3,010,000
3,010,000
3,010,000
Phu Quoc
1,2,3,4,5,6,7
1,2,3,4,5,6,7
1,2,3,4,5,6,7
1,2,3,4,5,6,7
VN 757
VN 211
VN 213
VN 215
06:30
08:00
09:30
11:00
10:20
13:40
13:40
15:00
321
321
 321
 321
4,465,000
4,465,000
4,465,000
4,465,000
Pleiku
1,2,3,4,5,6,7
VN 289
11:15
17:35
321
2,725,000
Quy Nhon
1,3,6
VN 291
08:00
09:40
321
2,725,000
Dien Bien Phu
1,2,3,4,5,6,7
3,5,7
VN 494
VN 496
10:00
13:30
11:00
14:30
AT7
AT7
1,650,000
1,650,000
Day of service:
1: Monday
2: Tuesday
3: Wednesday
4: Thursday
5: Friday
6: Saturday
7: Sunday
Readmore:  Flight Tickets

Vietnam Visa


VIETNAM VISA SERVICES
Visa to Vietnam is required except for citizens of countries having a bilateral or unilateral visa exemption agreement with Vietnam
There are two options to get visa to Vietnam:
  • Visa on arrival at Vietnam international airports
  • Visa approval code (Visa issued at Vietnam Embassies and Consulates abroad)
What is a Visa Approval Code?
This is the normal way of getting visa. The visa is issued by Vietnam Embassies or Consulates abroad prior to your trip to Vietnam. This visa takes time to process since you are required to send the visa application & passport to the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate of your selection but this guarantees your entry to Vietnam and a fast check-in at the airport
What is a ‘Visa On Arrival’?
This is most likely the easiest way to obtain your visa without having to chase down embassies, consulates prior to your trip, and is a valid alternative when applying for a tourist visa. The entry visa will be stamped on your passport as you pass through our immigration checkpoint. Though valid for thirty days, it can be extended once you enter Viet Nam. With this type of visa, you only can enter the country by air.
How to get Visa with Vietnam Travel Online?
For Visa Approval Code, upon receiving all your information, we will apply the Visa Approval Code for you with the Immigration Department in Vietnam. When it is approved, the Immigration Department will send the Visa Approval Letter to the Vietnam Embassy or Consulate of your selection by fax and notify us of the Approval Code. Your visa will be issued right away once you inform the Embassy or Consulate of this Approval Code.
In case of Visa on arrival, we will obtain the “Approval Letter” for you from the Viet Nam Immigration Department in Hanoi and send you its copy by fax or email. This Letter will also be sent to immigration checkpoints at Vietnam International Airports (Hanoi; Danang; Ho Chi Minh city), so that when you arrive in Viet Nam, the Immigration officers will have those documents on hand and will be able to issue/stamp your entry visa immediately. Please remember to bring at least 01 passport size photo (regular size: 4cm x 6cm) and pay for stamp fees to Vietnam customs officer of the Immigration Entry Point at the Airport.
VISA PRICE LIST (in Vietnam Dong - VND)
Type of Visa
Our Service Fee ***
Visa Stamp Fee
Single Entry
Multiple Entries
Visa On Arrival
1 month
440,000
550,000
Single Entry: 550,000
Multiple Entries: 1,100,000
3 months
660,000
770,000
6 months
660,000
880,000
2,200,000
Visa Approval Code
1 month
550,000

Visa stamp fee is set by Vietnamese Embassies and Consulates abroad
3 months
550,000
660,000
6 months
550,000
660,000
Visa Extension
1 months
1,100,000


3 months

2,750,000
6 months

3,300,000
 *** A surcharge will be applied for urgent visa applications.
VISA EXEMPTION:
  • Visas are exempted for the citizens of the countries, which have signed a bilateral or unilateral visa exemption agreement with Vietnam.
  • Not more than 30 days: for citizens of Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Laos.
  • Not more than 15 days: for citizens of Japan and South Korea, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Russia.
  • Not more than 90 days for Vietnamese Overseas
  • Readmore:  Vietnam Visa

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

The Australian Theatre 3 days

This three-day programme is designed for Australian and New Zealand veterans and their relatives and friends, and visitors interested in the battle sites where those countries soldiers fought and died. The focus will be on the people and much as the sights – wherever possible, we bring past combatants together in a spirit of reconciliation.
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City - Vung Tau (L, G)
Around eight o’clock in the morning, you’ll travel to Vung Tau by road (100 km – about a 2½ hour drive). There'll be visits to Long Tan Cross, Horse Shoe then to Long Phuoc Tunnels en-route. In the afternoon, you'll visit Nui Dat (SAS Hill) and continue to Vung Tau to visit the Ba Ria Orphanage. You’ll spend the night in Vung Tau.
If you visit these sites on Anzac day, we can arrange for an appropriate wreath to lay on the Long Tan Cross or elsewhere.
Day 2: Vung Tau (B, L, G)
Your car will take you to Long Hai town, Phuoc Hai and Dat Do (Red Soil), with lunch en-route. You’ll spend the night in Vung Tau.
Day 3: Vung Tau - Ho Chi Minh (B, L, G)
In the morning, you'll return to Ho Chi Minh City, visiting Long Dien town and the War museum in Dong Nai Town. In the evening, you’ll return to Ho Chi Minh City.
Readmore:  The Australian Theatre 3 days

Cycling the Limestone Mountain Range of Vietnam 5 Days

This short 5 day cycling tour will lead you through a variety of terrains, introducing you to the countryside of Vietnam with visits to a Nature Reserve and a National Park, and is also highly suited to inclusion as an element within a longer holiday.

Day 1: Hanoi - Mai Chau (30km cycling) (B, L, D, G)
After breakfast, you’ll be driven through mountainous landscape to Mai Chau, where you’ll ‘check in’ to a stilt house in Pom Coong village, the home of a Thai ethnic minority group. In the afternoon, you’ll pick up your bike for a ride following a mountain stream along a single-track trail to the Thai village of Buoc, nestled in a deep valley surrounded by rocky limestone outcrops.
This bike ride is approx 30km in length, and involves short sections of single-track motorbike/cycle trails. The trail is fun, crossing rice paddy fields and passing through villages untouched by tourism. The beginning of the route will be challenging as it’s quite a climb for the first few kilometres, but easy enough to walk with a bike if you need a break. The remainder of the journey will be mostly downhill or flat.
You’ll cycle across a rickety suspension bridge, stop to visit a small kindergarten, passing through villages and countryside. During your ride you’ll never be more than a couple of hundred metres from the motorbike support so you’ll always be within easy reach of assistance. You’ll spend the night in a local Thai minority village.
Day 2: Mai Chau - Pu Luong Nature Reserve (40km cycling) (B, L, D, G)
After breakfast, you’ll continue your ride along the valley through country lanes and riding alongside the Ma River until arrive Co Luong. From there, you’ll hop on a boat travelling downstream, until you encounter the gateway of Pu Luong Nature reserve. The views along the river are lovely and you will be able to stop en-route to visit local villages on the riverbank, if you wish.
After the one hour recuperating boat ride, you’ll continue with your bike to ride into the Nature Reserve along vehicle tracks and single-track trails. There are two stream crossings to negotiate, and hidden villages to contour around. 8km into the reserve, we will stop for lunch at Hang Village. Afterwards, you’ll cycle on the main jeep trail (a mix of hard packed gravel and clay) to Kho Muong village, nestled at the base of limestone hills. There are some steepish climbs and although the terrain is more remote, one is never far from a villager tending fields or walking back from early morning market.  Upon arrival at the village, you’ll settle into a local stilt-house where you’ll stay overnight. 
You’ll spend the night in a Thai house (ecotourism home stay). The house is on stilts, with bedding and mosquito nets provided. You will sleep dormitory style, as is the tradition in these villages. Facilities include 2 western style toilets and a simple shower. Your diner will be cooked by your hosts and our cook, in a small kitchen attached to the main sleeping area.
Day 3: Pu Luong Nature Reserve - Cuc Phuong National Park (20km cycling) (B, L, D, G)
Today there are two options for riding available. Cycle a challenging but glorious downhill single-track trail to the Nature Reserve’s only market.  This ride is 12km in length, with some technical sections – a 3km steep downhill, some short sharp ascents and stream crossings) Alternatively, take the jeep trail to visit the market (Market day is Thursday and Sunday only). You’ll be able to stop at a local café for noodle soup, before riding to the end of the reserve at La Han Ferry. You’ll continue by crossing the Ma River over the newly built bridge, and cycle to the small town of Canh Nang for lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll be driven to Cuc Phuong National Park where you’ll visit the Primate Rescue Centre. Your overnight stay will be in a guesthouse in the Park.
The Endangered Primate Rescue Centre is a temporary home for many gibbons and langurs, injured or orphaned by poachers. Among them are two of the rarest species in the world, Delacourt’s Langur, confined to two or three spots in north Vietnam, and the elegant Cat Ba Golden Langur, now reduced to a colony of around 50 individuals in Cat Ba Island National Park. Strenuous efforts are being made to conserve both species. When those in the rescue centre have regained their strength, a carefully managed release programme will restore them to the wild.
Day 4: Cuc Phuong National Park - Tam Coc (40km cycling) (B, L, D, G)
In the morning, you’ll drive to the starting point of today’s 7 km hike through subtropical forest, rich in flora and fauna with thousand-year-old trees and dripping vines. On the return drive to headquarters, you’ll visit a cave where prehistoric graves and relics have been found. Your lunch will be at the Park’s canteen. In the afternoon, you’ll ride the quiet roads through the Dong Giao Farm, arriving at Tam Coc in the late afternoon, where you will have the rest of the day free to relax or wander around the village. You’ll spend the night in a mini-hotel in Tam Coc.
Day 5: Tam Coc - Ninh Binh - Ha Noi (12km cycling) (B, L, G)
In the morning, you’ll visit Tam Coc (“three caves”), a peaceful valley among limestone ‘karst’ hills. And be rowed along a gentle river between paddy fields and through the caves. On the way back, you’ll disembark for a pleasant stroll of about 2km through the rural scenery to Thai Vi temple. After lunch, you’ll cycle along the single lane road passing villages towards Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam. On arrival, you’ll visit two temples, one dedicated to Emperor Dinh and the other in memory of Emperor Le, followed by a brief visit to the remains of the old Palace. From there, you’ll be driven in your support vehicle to Hanoi.
Readmore:  Cycling the Limestone Mountain Range of Vietnam 5 Days

Vietnam Sonata 19 days

This is a wonderful journey designed for those who want to experience the very best of Vietnam from Ha Noi's 1000 years of history to the economic hustle of Ho Chi Minh City, from the mystical limestone peaks of Halong Bay to the Imperial City of Hue and, from the rugged northern mountains to the intricate waterways of the Mekong Delta.
Day 1: Arrive Hanoi (GP)
On arrival at Hanoi Noibai Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. After our welcome drink and tour briefing we enjoy a performance of Viet Nam's unique traditional Water Puppetry. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi (B, G)
Commencing the day with a heritage walk, we visit President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and humble house on stilts, as well as the famous One Pillar Pagoda and Temple of Literature (Viet Nam's first University). Insight into Viet Nam's ethnic diversity is gained at the Museum of Ethnology, while Hoa Lo Prison Museum is a more sobering experience. After enjoying the tranquility of Hoan Kiem Lake's Ngoc Son Temple we are free to explore the intriguing and bustling Old Quarter with its 36 streets packed with traditional handicrafts and goods. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 3: Hanoi - Mai Chau (B, L, D, G)
Traveling to the province of Hoa Binh, we pass through a region of spectacular limestone mountains and tea plantations to arrive in Mai Chau. We spend the night in a village long house of Thai minority in Lac village, experiencing their wonderful hospitality, traditional dancing and rice wine. Overnight in Mai Chau.
Day 4: Mai Chau - Hoa Lu - Hanoi (B, L,G)
Leaving the people of the mountains behind, we drive through rural countryside to the 10th Century capital of Hoa Lu to visit temples of King Ding & Le. Continue to visit the magnificent grotto of Tam Coc, also known as “Halong Bay on land”, we navigate the river's limestone outcrops by rowboat, discovering the ancient temples before heading back to Hanoi for overnight.
Day 5: Hanoi - Halong bay (B, L, D, G)
Leave Hanoi by road for Halong Bay. Enjoy the journey through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta and the scenery of rice fields, water buffalo and everyday Vietnamese village life. Arrive in Halong and board our traditional sailing junk. Enjoy the fresh seafood lunch while cruising the exquisite waters and viewing Dog Island, Incense Urn Island, Fighting Coq Island, Finger Island, Hoa Cuong Island and explore the mystery of Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave). Enjoy a swim in the emerald waters of Halong Bay at any spot that you wish to visit. Watch the sun set over the bay whilst enjoying a delicious dinner. Overnight on board .
Day 6: Halong - Hanoi (B, L, G)
Wake up to enjoy a wholesome breakfast and fresh coffee before cruising to visit Man’s head island, Tortoise island, Bai Tu Long bay and take small bamboo boat to visit Luon cave. After another wonderful fresh seafood lunch on board, disembark at the dock at Halong City. Transfer back to Hanoi by road.
Day 7: Hanoi - Hue (B, DP in Hanoi, GP in Hue)
Free time in Hanoi until transfer to airport for flight to Hue. Upon arrival, pick you up and transfer to hotel for checking in. Relax at hotel. Overnight in Hue.
Day 8: Hue (B, L, G)
In the morning, we glimpse the regal splendour of a time now past as we walk the cobbled paths through the grounds of the imposing Imperial Citadel and Forbidden Purple City.
In the afternoon, we take a leisurely cruise by royal dragon boat on the Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda's stone steps, our boat waits as we climb the stairs to explore one of Viet Nam's oldest and most revered Pagodas. Gliding through the clear waters we arrive at the majestic and serene tomb of King Ming Mang. Free time for shopping at Dong Ba market in the late afternoon. Overnight in Hue.
Day 9: Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An (B, G)
In the morning, we will start the trip to Da Nang, where the Museum of Cham Sculpture displays carvings from a once powerful and prosperous civilization.
Arriving into the old merchant town of Hoi An, the heritage streets beckon exploration. We enjoy a guided introduction to Hoi An, where restored shop houses, Chinese Assembly Halls, Japanese Bridge and shared water wells paint a vivid story.Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 10: Hoi An - Nha Trang (B, DP in Hoi An and Nha Trang)
Free morning on the beach/ town.
In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for flight to Nha Trang. Upon arrival in Nha Trang, our driver will pick you up and transfer to hotel for overnight.
Day 11: Nha Trang (B, L, G)
A visit to the imposing 7th century Cham Tower of Po Nagar is followed by a tour of the Oceanographic Institute's staggering collection of aquatic flora and fauna. At Ben Da harbour we board our boat and cruise the island dotted turquoise waters of Nha Trang Bay. Bobbing boats and swaying nets can be observed as we sit down to a sumptuous lunch of the freshest seafood at the Mieu Island fishing village. Overnight in Nha Trang.
Day 12: Nha Trang free (B)
We are free enjoy the beachfront and swim or relax in the shade of a thatched umbrella or swaying coconut palm, and take advantage of a massage and manicure. Overnight in Nha Trang.
Day 13: Nha Trang - Da Lat (B, DP)
Leaving the golden sands behind, we visit the remarkable Cham Towers of Poklon Garai before commencing our ascent into the mountains of the South Central Highlands. Panoramic views of the costal plains pine clad mountains and crisp cool air herald our approach to the scenic French Hill Station of Da Lat. Overnight in Da Lat.
Day 14: Da Lat - Ho Chi Minh City by air plane (B, G)
In the morning, we have time to explore Da Lat's, stairways and cobbled lanes, colorful central market, beautiful flower gardens, tranquil lake and grand French villas. As we descend from the 'City of Eternal Spring'
In the afternoon we take the plane to the frenetic bustle of Ho Chi Minh City. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.
Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City (B, G)
We are engulfed by the dynamic energy of Ho Chi Minh City as we explore historic landmarks including Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral and the former US Embassy. As we enter the Chinese District of Cho Lon, home to the largest wholesale market in Viet Nam, the energy is palpable and respite from the frenetic activity is found within the ornate walls of Chinatown's oldest Pagoda, Thien Hau. Continue to visit the War Museum before ending the day-tour at Ben Thanh market for shopping. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.
Day 16: Tay Ninh - Cu Chi (B, L, G)
A morning drive will take you to Tay Ninh to visit the Cao Dai Holy See in time to watch the mid-day ceremony. After lunch, you’ll visit the famous Cu Chi tunnels, a Byzantine maze of underground passages, chambers, rooms and booby traps used by both the Vietminh and the Viet Cong to suddenly materialise as if from nowhere, launch a lightning ambush, and vanish equally rapidly. You’ll spend the night in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 17: Ho Chi Minh City - My Tho - Can Tho (B, L, G)
At 8:00 AM Pick up at your hotel in HCMC. Depart for My tho. Take the boat ride through the Bao Dinh natural canal, view the stilt houses and the fruit plantation along the river sides. Visit the My Tho wholesale fruit market. Proceed to the Tortoise island. Lunch served in the heart of the orchard. Enjoy the nice boat ride through the Tan Thach natural canal in Ben Tre, cruise under the shadow of the water coconut trees. Visit the family where you can experience the agricultural lifestyle. Trekking through the fruit plantation in Thoi Son island, enjoy the rowing boat ride along the creeks before returning to My Tho by motorised boat. Proceed to Can Tho. Dinner on guests' account. Overnight at your proposed hotel in Can Tho. Overnight in Can Tho.
Day 18: Can Tho - HCM City (B, L, G)
07:00 AM After breakfast, take the morning boat trip to visit the Cai Rang floating market with the busy sence right at the time. Keep cruising through the small chanels system, visit the rice noodles making viallge. Experience the "monkey Bridge" in the Delta. Return to Ho Chi Minh city and stop en route for lunch. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

Day 19: Ho Chi Minh City Departure (B, DP)
A good opportunity to do some last minute shopping before your transfer to Ho Chi Minh City Airport for your ongoing flight. Trip ends.
Readmore: Vietnam Sonata 19 days

Vietnam Heritage Overture 9 days

A nine-day introduction to Vietnam’s rich heritage - natural and manufactured, art and artefact, majestic and vernacular. It includes three cultural World Heritage sites and Ha Long Bay, Vietnam’s famous limestone seascape.

Day 1: Hanoi arrival (D, GP)
Arriving at Noi bai Airport in hanoi, you'll be met and driven to your hotel,  you’ll have time to relax after your journey. Later, you’ll be picked up for a welcome dinner at a good restaurant hosted in a French colonial building. In the evening, you’ll have tickets for a performance of traditional Water Puppetry (an art form unique to northern Viet Nam, and a good, light-hearted introduction to its rural culture). Your overnight stay will be in Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi’s tangible and intangible heritage (B, L, G)
An all-day tour of Vietnam’s thousand-year-old capital city, possibly including the Ethnology Museum, the Art Museum. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the stilt house of a famous Vietnamese artist to view his antique collection and restoration work. Next, you’ll meet another talented painter who will enjoy showing you his lacquer and oil painting artwork. Your guide can then show you the bustling Old Quarter. Apart from its maze of small streets, it’s an architectural pot-pourri - traditional tube houses, religious buildings, colonial houses, artisans’ dwellings and modern concrete constructions. Your overnight stay will be in Hanoi.
Day 3: Hanoi/Ha Long (B, L, D, G)
After an early breakfast, you’ll leave for Ha Long Bay, one of the most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Areas and the world’s largest marine limestone ‘karst’ landscape. There you’ll board your boat, a wooden junk built from the model of the old Vietnamese court vessels with sails, a wide transom and rectangular superstructure, that will take you first to the busy World Heritage area and then to some of the less well-known grottoes and caves. Weather permitting, you’ll be able to swim, fish, climb a hill (not a mountain!) for an overview of the Bay’s remarkable seascape, or venture into some of the sea level caves in a small sampan. All your meals will be provided on board, usually based on fresh seafood, and you’ll sleep in a twin cabin with an en suite toilet and shower.
Day 4: Ha Long/Hanoi (Brunch, DP)
You’ll spend the morning cruising Ha Long Bay, followed by brunch, just before docking around noon and leaving for Hanoi. You should arrive in the late afternoon and spend the night in Hanoi.
Day 5: Hanoi/Hue (B, DP in Hanoi, G in Hue)
You’ll have a free morning before we pick you up for a noon flight to Hue. When you arrive, you’ll be met by our guide and driven to visit the Imperial Citadel of Hue, the nearby Antiquity Museum and the local Dong Ba market. Your overnight stay will be in Hue.
Day 6: Hue (B, L, D, G)
After breakfast, you’ll be met by our guide to board a riverboat to take you upstream on the Perfume River to visit the tranquil Thien Mu Pagoda. In the afternoon, you’ll visit Emperor Tu Duc’s mausoleum and one of Hue’s ‘garden houses’. After returning to your hotel to freshen up, you’ll return to sit down for dinner in the pleasant surroundings and a comfortable atmosphere of another of the garden houses. You’ll spend the night in Hue.
Day 7: Hue/Danang/Hoi An (B, L, G)
In the morning, you’ll drive to Danang (the views from top of Hai Van Pass are excellent – you’ll be able to see Lang Co beach and the lagoon far below, and Danang spread out before you to the south). Upon arriving in Danang, you’ll have a brief look at the remarkable Hindu statuary in the Cham Museum before leaving for Hoi An. After lunch, you’ll have a guided visit to the Ancient Town. Your overnight stay will be in Hoi An.
Day 8: Hoi An/My Son/Hoi An (B, G)
After breakfast, you’ll be driven to My Son Sanctuary, once the spiritual capital of the Cham Kingdom that dominated SE Asia for nearly a thousand years, and now a World Heritage Area. Its remarkable brick towers were badly bombed by the Americans, but are still impressive as is its remote valley setting. Your afternoon will be free to relax on the beach or wander around Hoi An. Your overnight stay will be in Hoi An or Danang.
Day 9: Hoi An/Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City departure (B, G)
You’ll be picked up in good time to board either the morning or afternoon flight to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City for your departure flight. Trip ends.
Readmore:  Vietnam Heritage Overture 9 days

Cycling the North West Mountain Tracks 8 days

This eight-day tour will take you through some of Vietnam’s most remote areas. The Northwest of Vietnam offers striking mountainous scenery, rivers and forests as well as many distinctive ethnic minority groups. As there are few roads and hardly any tourism infrastructure, you’ll probably have the trails and paths to yourself. Most of the landscape is inaccessible to vehicles, but mountain bikes will enable you to reach deep into the remote ‘hill-tribe’ culture and explore the many markets that are part of the unique customs of the local communities.

Day 1: Hanoi arrival - Sleeper train to Lao Cai (D, GP)
Arriving at Noi Bai airport in Hanoi, you’ll be met and driven to your hotel. You’ll have time to relax after your journey before a ‘Welcome’ dinner at a family restaurant situated in a small alley in the Old Quarter of Hanoi. The owner is a talented cook who will be preparing your food. After that you’ll be driven to Hanoi Railway Station to board the overnight sleeper train to Sapa. Your overnight stay will be on the train.
You may consider arriving in Hanoi one day earlier so that you can relax and/or recover from a possible jetlag before starting your biking adventure.
Day 2: Lao Cai/Cycling in Sapa (B, L, G)
Arriving in Lao Cai station in early morning, you’ll be met and driven to Sapa. After breakfast and a shower, you'll bike to explore Sapa valley. You’ll cycle downhill on a winding road which runs along Muong Hoa valley, home to Black Hmong, Giay and Red Dao minorities. From the road you’ll have many opportunities to enjoy scenery of mountains and rice paddy terraces as far as the eyes can see. After a short break in Su Pan, you’ll bike to Ban Ho on a good asphalted road. The approach to Ban Ho will be a steep downhill – the village is on the foot of the mountains. After lunch in Ban Ho, you’ll be able to take a walk up to Red Dao village of Nam Toong. Here you have time to visit the local school and a Red Dao house. After exploring Nam Toong you’ll walk back to Ban Ho where your car is waiting to take you back to Sapa for your overnight stay.
Today’s ride will be downhill most of the way on both paved and dirt roads passing villages and rice paddy fields en-route. The total biking distance is 30 kilometres at moderate level.
Day 3: Sapa - Heavens Gate - Binh Lu - Tam Duong (B, L, D, G)
After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll bike for 20 kilometres on a bumpy uphill road to ‘Heaven’s Gate’, Vietnam's highest pass. A break at the top of the pass allows an opportunity to enjoy the view of the Sapa valley and the long snaking road ahead. A further 20 kilometres leads to Binh Lu through mountainous landscape via a winding downhill road, passing several ethnic villages, mostly small Black Dao and Giay communities, on the way. The final section is an easy ride downhill all the way to Tam Duong where you’ll spend the night.
Day 4: Tam Duong - Paso (B, L, D, G)
Assuming you’re able to arrange your dates to coincide with the Tam Duong weekly market that takes place every Thursday, you’ll be able to mingle with several different ethnic minority groups. They will include White H’mong, Flower H’mong, Nhang and Pu Na people dressed in their colourful costumes. Leaving Tam Duong, a lift on the support vehicle will take you to the top of the Hong Thu Meo pass between Tam Duong and Paso. From there, you’ll cycle 21 kilometres downhill towards Paso passing a Thai ethnic minority group and banana plantation en-route. After lunch at your hotel in Paso, you’ll be driven for 10 kilometres to Phong Tho, situated beside a picturesque tributary of the Na River. From there, you’ll pick up your bikes to ride along an undulating quiet road for about 8 kilometres through ethnic minority villages and acres of lush banana plantation alongside a river. When you arrive at a small bridge, it’s time to board the escort vehicle to drive to the Vietnam-China border for a brief visit. Returning to the bridge, and after a visit a Thai village, 7 kilometres on a scenic route takes you back your hotel in Paso, where you’ll spend the night.
Day 5: Paso - Muong Lay (once called Lai Chau) (B, L, D, G)
Today, the road meanders through the picturesque Na river valley past many small Red and White Hmong, Kho Mu and White Thai ethnic minority villages - the sound of the running river water follows you all the way. You’ll reach Muong Lay in the early afternoon with time to wander around the small town, hike in the nearby mountains, cruise on a boat downstream or just relax. Your overnight stay will be in Muong Lay.
Today’s total biking distance is 91 kilometres (about 6 hours) mostly downhill alongside the Na River on a winding asphalted road.
Day 6: Muong Lay - Dien Bien Phu (B, L, D, G)
Today is the end destination of your four-day biking adventure. You will be driven in the support vehicle for the first 30 km before cycling to Dien Bien Phu, passing more White Thai, Red and White Hmong and Kho Mu ethnic minority villages on the way. In the afternoon you will reach Dien Bien Phu for your overnight stay.
The day’s ride is 72 kilometres (about 5 hours) on a good asphalted road, mostly twisting downhill and including three passes on the way. It’s reasonably straightforward - the most challenging is Co Chay Pass - 4 kilometres uphill and 5 downhill. The last 6km to Dien Bien Phu after Co Chay Pass is flat.
Day 7: Dien Bien Phu - Hanoi (B, L, G, DP in Hanoi)
After breakfast, you have an easy bicycle trip around the town to visit Dien Bien Phu’s famous historical sites including the Museum, Glory Statue, A1 Hill and the De Castrerie Tunnel.  After lunch, you’ll be free until your driver arrives to take you to the airport for your flight to Hanoi.
If you prefer, we can arrange a vehicle to visit the sites.
Day 8: Hanoi departure (B, DP)
After breakfast, your time is your own until your car arrives to take you to Noi Bai airport for your departure flight. Trip ends.
Readmore:  Cycling the North West Mountain Tracks 8 days

Monday, December 28, 2015

Vietnam Culinary Tour 12 Days

Love Asian food? Enjoy cooking? Would you like to learn the art of Vietnamese cuisine? This has to be the tour for you… combining a comprehensive cultural sightseeing tour of Vietnam, with mouth-watering opportunities to indulge your passion for eating and cooking. When you arrive back home, you are sure to be able to impress your friends with some truly authentic Vietnamese recipes.

Day 1: Hanoi arrival (D, GP)
Arriving at Noi Bai airport in Hanoi, you’ll be met and driven to your hotel.
In the afternoon, you’ll ride a cyclo to visit the bustling Old Quarter, a magnet for visitors – it’s noisy and hectic, but definitely a ‘must-see’ attraction. The Old Quarter is a maze of shopping streets and restaurants with a hotchpotch of architecture - traditional tube houses, religious buildings, artisans’ workshops and cottages, colonial houses and modern concrete edifices.
In the evening, you’ll have tickets for a performance of traditional Water Puppetry (an art form unique to northern Vietnam, and an interesting, light-hearted introduction to its rural culture).
You’ll have time to relax after your journey before a welcome dinner at a good restaurant housed in the pleasant atmosphere of a colonial building. Your overnight stay will be in Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi architecture walk and afternoon tea (B, L, G)
The day begins with an architectural tour of Hanoi. You’ll walk around the city centre with your guide, examining French colonial villas, traditional communal architecture and local houses.
After lunch, you’ll visit the Temple of literature, dating to the 11th century, and fine piece of architecture itself. You’ll also call in the excellent Ethnology museum for an overview of Vietnam's 54 distinct ethnic groups. The day will finish with an afternoon tea and a choice of cookies at the Sofitel Metropole hotel. You’ll spend the night in Hanoi.
Day 3: Cycling and exploring villages around Hanoi (B, L, G)
In the morning, you’ll be picked up to drive to Bat Trang. On arrival, you’ll be able to stroll in the small alleys of this old village to watch local people producing their fine products and visit some of the houses used as workshops and showrooms. You’ll then pick up your bicycles and ride along the riverside dike, through some more of the many villages surrounding Hanoi. The total distance on bicycles is around 7km, along a small road that runs alongside a tributary of the Red River.
You’ll then drive to Dong Ho village - famous for its traditional paintings. After a picnic lunch, your vehicle will take to Tam Tao village to enjoy its traditional Quan Ho music performed by villagers in the commune house. The singers have recently been officially designated as part of Vietnam’s ‘living heritage’. In the late afternoon, you’ll return to Hanoi for your overnight accommodation.
Day 4: Cooking Class in Hanoi - Hue (B, L, G)
In the morning, you’ll walk to a family restaurant, where the owner is also a famous chef, who will invite you a cup of Vietnamese green tea. She’ll then take you to a local market where you’ll get a chance to learn all about Vietnamese ingredients and to buy or bargain as the locals do. When you return to the restaurant, you’ll learn to cook some typical Vietnamese dishes, characteristic of North Vietnam. After the class, you’ll sample all the different dishes in a comfortable home.
In the afternoon, you will be picked up to Noi Bai airport for your evening flight to Hue. On arrival, you’ll be met and driven to your hotel in Hue centre where you’ll spend the night.
Day 5: Hue city and Cooking Class at a Garden House (B, L, D, G)
Your morning will be taken to visit the ancient Citadel, followed by a cruise along the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, and then by road to the Royal Tombs of Emperor Minh Mang. The mausoleum and the citadel span the long reign of the Nguyen King’s imperial dynasty – the contrast is stark.
Each Royal mausoleum reflects the personality of the Emperor it commemorates. The most majestic is that of Emperor Minh Mang, a staunch follower of Confucianism with many wives, concubines and a small army of children. Planned by the Emperor and built shortly after his death in formal Chinese style, it’s opulent and exotic, and a good example of classic Sino-Vietnamese architecture.
In the afternoon, you’ll visit one of city’s ‘garden houses’. Here, you’ll learn to cook some of Hue’s traditional dishes. As well as preparing and serving a traditional meal, the owner will also explain the distinctive characteristics of classic Hue cuisine. After finishing your cooking, be able to enjoy the fruits of your labours in the pleasant surroundings and comfortable atmosphere. You’ll spend the night in Hue.
The garden houses are a unique feature of Hue. The houses are traditional, privately owned, and set in attractive formal gardens. Some have connections with the old Royal Imperial Court. Hue traditional architecture has long had close associations with the natural environment. The garden houses reflect this association. Each is highly individual - house and garden, people and scenery, plants, clouds and water co-exist and blend with each other in a harmonious context. The narrow streets and abundant flora give the garden house area a country village feeling.
Day 6: Hue - Danang - Hoi An (B, L, G)
In the morning, your car will arrive to drive you to Danang. On the way, you'll cross the high mountain pass of Hai Van. The views from the top are excellent – you should be able be able to see Lang Co beach and village, and the lagoon far below, with Danang spread out before you to the south.
Upon arriving in Danang, you’ll have a brief look at the remarkable Hindu statuary in the Cham Museum and call at Marble Mountain before leaving for Hoi An. After lunch, you’ll have a guided visit to the Ancient Town of Hoi An. You’ll spend the night in Hoi An.
Day 7: Hoi An rural life (B, L, G)
After breakfast, you’ll ride a bicycle through the rural scenery of Hoi An to a small village located on the banks of the Tra Que lagoon, three kilometres northeast of the old town. You’ll join local people in their daily work of planting and watering vegetables. You’ll then return to the old town to learn how to make silk lanterns at a local house. You’ll also be able to view the complex process of creating Hoi An-style lanterns. Your lunch will be prepared by the family. You’ll spend the night in Hoi An.
Day 8: Hoi An - Danang - Da Lat (B, G)
You’ll have a free morning until you’re picked up for your noon flight to Dalat. On arrival, you’ll be met and driven to check in to your hotel in Dalat, with the rest of the day free at leisure.
Day 9: Da Lat City Tour (B, L, G)
In the morning, you’ll ride a cable car to Truc Lam Pagoda and Tuyen Lam Lake. The pagoda is quite plain, but is surrounded by an attractive flower garden. There are good views of the lake, lying beneath with thick forest on the far side and which can be reached by a staircase. You’ll visit the ‘crazy monk’ in Lam Ti Ni pagoda, a prolific local artist,  the uncoventional design of Hang Nga ‘Crazy house,’ and explore traditional Vietnamese woman’ embroidery at Da Lat Su Quan. Your over night accommodation will be in Dalat.
Day 10: Da Lat - Ho Chi Minh City (B, G)
Your morning will be free until your car arrives to take you to the airport for your noon flight to Ho Chi Minh City. You’ll be welcomed at Tan Son Nhat airport in Ho Chi Minh City and transferred to your hotel in the centre for check-in.
In the afternoon, your guide will meet you at your hotel and show you around Ho Chi Minh City. You’ll visit the Museum of War Remnants, providing a very partial, but riveting, perspective of the ‘American War’: not for the squeamish! The huge Ben Thanh market, one of the liveliest areas of Ho Chi Minh City, is packed with every conceivable commodity. You’ll finish your day with a visit to a lacquer workshop to see the complex processes and meticulous workmanship involved in this traditional Vietnamese craft product. You’ll spend the night in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 11: Cooking class in Ho Chi Minh City (B, L, DP)
Today you’ll join a morning cooking class at Ho Chi Minh City’s Cookery Centre. After visiting a local market to purchase fresh ingredients, there follows an introduction to Vietnamese culinary culture, after which you will get busy in the kitchen under the careful supervision of an English-speaking Vietnamese cook. There is a whole range of menus to choose from – one for each day of the week! Each has been specially developed to give an all-round flavour of Vietnamese cuisine. You’ll have lunch with the dishes that you’ve cooked, and afterwards be awarded of certificates of competence and souvenir gifts. In the afternoon, your time will be your own. You’ll spend the night in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City departure (B, GP)
Your time will be your own until your private car and driver arrives to take you to Tan Son Nhat airport for your departure flight. Tour ends.
Readmore:  Vietnam Culinary Tour 12 Days

The American Theatre 14 Days

This fourteen-day tour is designed mainly for returning war veterans, their family and friends, and military history enthusiasts who would recognize the terrain as the I CORP area. More than thirty-five years have passed since the cessation of hostilities, and much has changed during that time. We specialize in finding the names and locations of specific hills, bunkers and other sites of great personal significance for our returning vets. No task is too difficult, however impossible it seems.

Day 1: Hanoi arrival (D, GP)
Arriving at the airport in Hanoi, you’ll be met and driven to your hotel. You’ll have time to relax after your journey before a ‘Welcome’ dinner at a restaurant in a restored French colonial building. You’ll spend the night in Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi (B, L, G)
A full day city tour of Hanoi including visits to Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and residence, the National Army Museum or the Women’s Museum (a large display of the role of Vietnamese ‘long haired army’) and the Hoa Lo Prison, (the famous ‘Hanoi Hilton’, now a small museum). There will also be time for lunch en-route, a visit to one of Hanoi’s large markets, Hoan Kiem Lake and an evening ‘cyclo’ (bicycle taxi) ride round the famous ‘Old Quarter’. You’ll spend the night in Hanoi.
Day 3: Hanoi/Danang (B, L, G)
Your morning will be free until your car and driver arrives to take you to the airport for your noon flight to Danang. Upon arriving in Danang, you’ll visit the Son Tra Peninsula (known as Monkey Mountain during the war), the Marble Mountains and a nearby stone carving village, and Danang Beach. You’ll spend the night in Danang.
Day 4: Danang (B, L, G)
You’ll have a full day to visit the sites south and west of Danang in the Rocket Belt, including the Vu Gia – Tu Bon River Basin, Go Noi Island, Liberty Bridge, ‘Arizona Territory’, Dodge City, Hill 55, Hill 65, and the An Hoa Combat Base. We can easily arrange for you to visit other sites as requested, time permitting. You’ll spend the night in Danang.
Your guide will be a specialist in the history of the area and the places where battles took place and the locations of bases, bunkers and other points of interest. Please note that, wherever possible, we try to locate war veterans and civilians to provide a Vietnamese perspective on the conflict – when this occurs, it’s invariably a moving experience greatly enjoyed by both sides. However, if you feel uneasy about direct contact with those that were once your enemy, let us know and we’ll brief your guide accordingly.
If you would like to visit specific locations associated with wartime experiences, or to make contact with particular individuals, please let us know well in advance to allow us time to undertake the necessary research. We can’t guarantee success because the terrain, place names and other identifiable features have been largely obliterated, but we’ll do our best.
Infrastructure in the DMZ and surrounding area is minimal. Depending upon the route you take, it’s likely that you’ll need to transfer to the back of a motorbike to visit locations away from roads or tracks impassable by four-wheel vehicles.
Day 5: Danang/Quang Nam/Chu Lai (B, L, G)
In the morning, you’ll drive to visit the Chu Lai Airbase and spend a whole day visiting the sites around this area. Your overnight stay will be in Tam Ky Town in Quang Nam.
Chu Lai Airbase is being used as a military area by the Vietnamese government at present, so access is prohibited. Visitors can only look from outside – photography is strictly forbidden anywhere in the area. The same restrictions apply to any other Vietnamese military buildings or installations that you come across – the naval base and an artillery unit on the Son Tra Peninsula, for example.
Day 6: Quang Nam/Que Son (B, L, G)
You’ll spend a full day visiting the sites in Que Son Valley. Your overnight stay will be in Tam Ky town in Quang Nam.
Day 7: Que Son/Danang (B, L, G)
After breakfast, you’ll travel westwards to Que Son Basin and explore all the battle sites of Operation Swift along the Ly Ly River. You’ll return to Danang for an overnight stay.
Day 8: Danang (B)
The time will be your own!
Day 9: Danang/Hue (B, L, G)
In the morning, your car will arrive at your hotel to drive you to Hue. On the way, you'll cross the high mountain pass of Hai Van. The views from top are excellent – you should be able be able to see Lang Co beach and village, the lagoon far below, and Danang spread out to the south. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Imperial Citadel of Hue and the Dong Ba market. Your overnight stay will be in Hue.
Day 10: Hue (B, L, D, G)
After breakfast, you’ll visit some of the battle sites south of the Perfume River, including all the areas of 1/5 and 2/5 operations to reclaim the city. You’ll walk around the sites of the Phu Cam Canal, the ‘Old Shell Station,’ the original Hue University, and the Provincial Headquarters Building.
After lunch, you’ll be free for shopping in Hue or just relaxing in one of the many sidewalk cafés. Your overnight stay will be in Hue.
In the evening, you’ll sit down for dinner in the pleasant surroundings and comfortable atmosphere of one of Hue’s garden houses. You’ll spend the night in Hue.
Day 11: Hue/DMZ/Dong Ha (B, L, D, G)
In the morning, your car and guide will take you northwards to Quang Tri province to the DMZ. On the way, you’ll visit the Old Citadel of Quang Tri, La Vang church and Dong Ha town for lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Doc Mieu Base, Hien Luong Bridge and the Ben Hai river battle sites. You’ll also visit the Vinh Moc Tunnels (these are more authentic and easier to enter than those in Cu Chi. They have been preserved more of less in their original form). You’ll spend the night in Dong Ha town.
Day 12: Dong Ha/DMZ/Hue (B, L, G)
After breakfast, your car will take to what was once the Con Tien firebase, and to Truong Son national cemetery, Camp Carroll, the Rock pile, Dakrong Bridge, the Ho Chi Minh trail, and the ethnic minority village of Bru Van Kieu. After lunch at Khe Sanh town, you’ll visit the Khe Sanh combat base, Lang Vay Special Forces Camp and the Laos/Vietnam border before returning to Hue.
Day 13: Hue/A Shau Valley (B, L, G)
In the morning, you’ll drive to visit A Shau Valley including the major battle sites of the Landing Zones and Fire Support Bases. In the afternoon, you’ll return to Hue for an overnight stay.
Some of the sites in this area are open for visitors, but some are not. The entry permission situation may be different at the time of your visit.
Day 14: Hue/Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City departure (B, GP)
In the afternoon, you’ll fly to Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City in good time to connect with your international departure flight. Trip ends.
Readmore:  The American Theatre 14 Days

Ho Chi Minh City - Hanoi 6 days

Duration : 6 Days / 5 Nights
Highlight : Hanoi, the capital with a millennium-long history, Ha Long Bay – a Natural World Heritage cruising, Visit an unique Muslim mosque in Hanoi, Halal restaurants & Local pure seafood, Shop at center markets Hanoi
Depart From : Ho Chi Minh
Stop Off : hanoi
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City Arrival (Dinner & guide)
On arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, you will be met our local guide at the airport (TBA Flight) and transferred to down town for short Ho Chi Minh city tour including: Cho Lon (Big market of Chinese in Saigon), Visit Duong Ba Trac Muslim Village was managed By Imam Ajim of Dong Du Mosque, you can pray at there and dinner at halal restaurant. Overnight in HCMC.

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City – My Tho/ Mekong Delta (Breakfast, lunch, dinner & guide) 
Morning: After breakfast, a two hour drive to My Tho will expose the colourful outskirt life as well as picturesque rice fields along the journey. Upon arrival, get on a boat trip up Mekong River with islet stop at Thoi Son to taste seasonal fruits, enjoy traditional folk songs. Then, visit the authentic life of the local and challenge your bargaining power at cottage handicraft shops. An adventurous sampan ride in palm shading creeks will be the next experience of the riverside region. the 150 year- old Vinh Trang pagoda, which combines Vietnamese, Khmer and French architecture, Dong Tam snake farm, Lunch to be served with the Mekong Delta specialty – Deep Fried Elephant ear fish.
Afternoon: Back to Ho Chi Minh City. Praying at Muslim Mosque and dinner at halal restaurant. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City Tour & Cu Chi Tunnels – Hanoi (Breakfast, lunch, dinner & guide)
Morning: Pick up at hotel, transfer to visit Cu Chi. Sight-seeing on road: rice field, potter's kilns. Visit the underground village, which used to be a bitter battle ground for a long period during the Vietnam War. The amazing network of over 200 km of underground tunnels will offer you impression of the former fierce war in South Vietnam. Return to Ho Chi Minh for Lunch at halal restaurant.
Afternoon: You will have a city tour: Visit to Reunification Palace, War Crime Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office, former US Embassy. Transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for flight to Hanoi City (TBA Flight). Upon Arrival, pick up and transfer to Hanoi Centre & Dinner at halal restaurant. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 4: Hanoi City tour – Ha Long Bay (Breakfast, lunch, dinner & guide)   
Morning: You will be transferred to the historic complex of Ba Dinh. Visit Ba Dinh Square, where The Late President Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnams Independence on 2 September 1945, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and continue to the One Pillar Pagoda, the must-see monument in Hanoi -  It is an ancient Buddhist pagoda, built in the early 11th century in the reign of King Ly Thai Tong, all construction supported by only one pillar, resembling a Buddhist lotus. Tran Quoc Pagoda. Quan Thanh Temple. Visit Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature - The first Imperial school in Vietnam) built in 1070 during the dynasty of King Ly. Lunch at halal restaurant.
Afternoon: Transfer to Ha Long (3.5 hours road trip). Dinner at local pure seafood restaurant. Visit Ha Long Night Market. Overnight at hotel in Ha Long.

Day 5: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi (Breakfast, lunch, dinner & guide) 
Morning: You will take a private boat trip 4 hours to visit Ha Long bay (A Natural World Heritage) with: Thien Cung grotto, Dau Go Cave, Dinh Huong, Ga Choi Islet, which is crammed with stalactites and stalagmites. There are numerous rocks and islands, which are predominantly composed of hardened dolomite together with smaller amounts of calcium carbonate. Lunch on boat with fresh seafood.
Afternoon: Back to Hanoi, The sightseeing tour including Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, But Tower (Pen - shaped tower), Dai Nghien (Ink Stand), the Red - painted wooden and The Huc bridge…. Have a cyclo (predicable) trip around with 36 streets of Hanoi Old Quarter you have a free time to shopping at 36 streets of Hanoi Old Quarter. Enjoy the special Vietnam Traditional Water Puppet Show. Dinner at halal restaurant. Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi.

Day 6: Hanoi Departure (Breakfast)
Free at leisure till driving to Noi Bai International Airport for departure (Flight TBA). Home sweet home.
Readmore: Ho Chi Minh City - Hanoi 6 days

Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh City 5 days

Duration : 5 Days / 4 Nights
Highlight : Tour program designed for Muslim tourists, Enjoy food at halal restaurants, Pray at mosques daily, You can buy Muslim traditional clothes at Muslim Shop
Depart From : Hanoi
Stop Off : Ho Chi Minh
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival (Dinner & guide) 
Arrival in Hanoi, our local guide will pick you up at Noi Bai Internal Airport (Flight TBA) and transfer to have a Hanoi city tour: Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, But Tower (Pen - shaped tower), Dai Nghien (Ink Stand), the Red - painted wooden and The Huc bridge. Have a cyclo (predicable) trip around with 36 streets of Hanoi Old Quarter and you have a free time to shopping at 36 streets of Hanoi Old Quarter. Visit one MOSQUE at Number 12 Hang Luoc street – in Old Quarter Hanoi where most Muslim foreigners come and see. Dinner at halal restaurant. Enjoy the special Vietnam traditional Water puppet show. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi City tour – Ha Long Bay (Breakfast, lunch, dinner & guide)  
Morning: Drive to the historic complex of Ba Dinh. Visit Ba Dinh Square, where The Late President Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnams Independence on 2 September 1945, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and continue to the One Pillar Pagoda, the must-see monument in Hanoi - It is an ancient Buddhist pagoda, built in the early 11th century in the reign of King Ly Thai Tong, all construction supported by only one pillar, resembling a Buddhist lotus. Tran Quoc Pagoda. Quan Thanh Temple. Visit Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature - The first Imperal school in Vietnam) built in 1070 during the dynasty of King Ly.  Lunch at halal restaurant.Afternoon: Transfer to Ha Long (03 hours road trip). Free to discover Ha Long night market. Dinner at a local seafood restaurant and overnight in Ha Long.

Day 3: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City (Breakfast, lunch, dinner & guide)
Morning: you will be transferred to Hanoi bay. Visit Ha Long bay (A Natural World Heritage) with: Thien Cung grotto, Dau Go Cave, Dinh Huong, Ga Choi Islet, which is crammed with stalactites and stalagmites. There are numerous rocks and islands, which are predominantly composed of hardened dolomite together with smaller amounts of calcium carbonate. Lunch on boat with fresh seafood.

Afternoon: Our tour guide and driver pick you up and transfer to Noi Bai Airport for a domestic flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City. Dinner at halal restaurant and overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 4: Ho Chi Minh City Tours & Cu Chi Tunnels (Breakfast, lunch, dinner & guide)   
Morning: Pick up at hotel, transfer to visit Cu Chi. Sight-seeing on road: rice field, potter's kilns. Visit the underground village, which used to be a bitter battle ground for a long period during the Vietnam War. The amazing network of over 200 km of underground tunnels will offer you impression of the former fierce war in South Vietnam. Lunch at halal restaurant.
Afternoon: Drive back to Ho Chi Minh. You will have a city tour: Visit to Reunification Palace, War Crime Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office, former US Embassy, and shopping at Ben Thanh Market. Praying at Muslim Mosque and dinner at halal restaurant. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 5:  Ho Chi Minh City Departure (Breakfast)
Free at leisure until transferring to Tan Son Nhat International airport for departure (Flight TBA). Home sweet home.
Readmore: Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh City 5 days

Vietnam Promotion Tour

Spend less for the same services as in a private tour, only US$1749 for 18-day tour along Vietnam.
The only thing helps reduce the price is a promotional purpose, our target is not profit but introducing, promoting our services, so you can enjoy the high quality services at a low expense. To ensure quality the number of tourists in group is limited to 16.

Whether you are traveling alone or in a small group, join us in this group tour. Enjoy and share your experience with others in exploring our long country that spreading over 15 latitudes.
Tour type: group tour.
Duration: 18 days.
Departure date: 02 August 2013 and 06 September 2013.
Departure/end: Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City.

Highlights: Hanoi, Sapa, Bac Ha hill tribe market, Halong Bay, Hue former capital, Hoi An ancient town, Gong music, Elephant riding, Nha Trang, Da Lat, Cu Chi tunnels, Mekong delta.
Group size: min 4; max 16 persons.

Promotion price: US$1749/person.
Single supplement: US$450 (Single room is not applied on trains, in Rong house).
ITINERARY:
Day 1 (Fri): Hanoi (D)
Vietnam's capital, Hanoi, is a stylish and gracious city which retains a unique old world charm and some Asia's most striking colonial architecture. There are many lakes and parks for relaxing and entertaining.

You can arrive at any time today as there are no activities planned but the welcome meeting (6:00PM). Your guide will leave a note at reception telling you about the meeting. Please ask the receptionist for this information. After the meeting there will be an optional group dinner.

Overnight at Luxor hotel in Hanoi.
Day 2 (Sat): Hanoi City tour - Lao Cai (B, L)
After breakfast, we check out. And at about 8:30, start the full day city tour including Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, One-Pillar Pagoda, and Uncle Ho’s stilt house. Then continue with the Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of the oldest ones in Vietnam. In the afternoon we visit the Temple of Literature and take a walking tour to visit the Ngoc Son Temple on Hoan Kiem Lake and Hanoi's vibrant Old Quarter. In the late afternoon enjoy a Water Puppet show, before having dinner and transfer to the train station to get on the train to Lao Cai.
Overnight on the train.
Day 3 (Sun): Lao Cai – Bac Ha Market – Sapa (B, L)
We are welcomed by a local guide at Lao Cai train station and transferred by bus to Bac Ha Market. This market attracts a wide variety of ethnic minority groups including the variegated H'mong, Dao, Phula, Lachi and Tay. They still retain their old cultural traditions and are recognizably distinct from each other by their clothes. The experience of this tour is colorful and unique. After visiting the market, we enjoy a walk around the area, visiting the H’mong King's former residence and Ban Pho where the villagers make the potent local maize alcohol.
Late afternoon, we drive to Sapa, a town in the middle of the clouds.
Overnight at Bamboo Sapa hotel.
Day 4 (Mon): Sapa Trekking - Hanoi (B, L)
Breakfast then start walking down to the South-west of Sapa (around 4 km) to visit Cat Cat village of the Black H’mong. Relax at the foot of the stunning waterfall and the vestige of a hydroelectric power station that was constructed by the French during the colonial time in Vietnam. Enjoy picnic lunch by the side of the stream, and then next 6 km to Sin Chai, the village located at the foot of Fansipan Mountain, “the roof of Indochina”. From here you can enjoy stunning landscapes before climbing up on the way back to Sapa. Late afternoon, transfer to Lao Cai station for dinner and the night train back to Hanoi.
Overnight on the train to Hanoi.
Day 5 (Tue): Hanoi - Halong Bay (B, L, D)
Arrive in Hanoi in the early morning. Have a light breakfast with Vietnamese food then transfer to Halong Bay. On arrival, we embark on a boat for a fantastic cruise to explore the legendary Halong Bay. Views of the junk navigating past over 3,000 limestone islands and islets jutting out of the clear and emerald water of the bay are sort of spectacular. These limestone karst formations are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. Along the way we will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and an enjoyable visit to one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs.
Overnight on board.
Day 6 (Wed): Halong Bay – Hanoi – Hue (Brunch)
Early risers can enjoy a morning swim in a quiet firth. Have a light breakfast and continue enjoy the cruise until time for a brunch at about 9:30 - 10:30. Check out and get on land, pick up and drive back Hanoi. Have dinner then take the night train to Hue at 19:00.
Overnight on train to Hue.
Day 7 (Thu): Hue (B, L)
Arrive in Hue at around 8:00 AM. Following a light breakfast with Hue’s specialty - beef rice vermicelli (Bun Bo Hue), we have a tour of Hue and the surrounding area: the old Imperial Citadel, the Royal Fine Arts Museum, the Dong Ba market, the Royal Tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh.
Overnight at New Star hotel.
Day 8 (Fri): Hue – Da Nang - Hoi An (B)
After breakfast transfer to Da Nang via the Hai Van Pass and through the picturesque fishing village of Lang Co. On arrival visit the Cham Museum and Marble Mountain (Ngu Hanh Son or the Mounts of Five Elements). Continue toward the riverside town of Hoi An, which was an important trading port during the 17th and 18th centuries and which nowadays, is officially listed as a world heritage site. Check in the hotel and have free time.

Overnight at Pho Hoi Riverside Resort.
Day 9 (Sat): Hoi An walking tour (B)
Breakfast at hotel. Then start a walking tour at 8:00 AM to visit the old structures of Hoi An ancient town: Japanese bridge, Tan Ky House, the Historical Museum and the Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation. Afternoon is free for relaxation. You can have a swim at nearby Cua Dai Beach, browse for souvenirs or hire a bicycle to ride on the beach or to nearby peaceful villages.
Overnight at Pho Hoi Riverside Resort.

Day 10 (Sun): Hoi An - Kon Tum - Kon Kotu Village (B, L, D)
After breakfast, we head on to Kon Tum on the historical route 14, part of the former Ho Chi Minh trails. Enjoy the off beaten- track excursion with isolated villages, historical sites along the road. Arrive Kon Tum, transfer to Kon KoTu village for dinner and traditional gong music show of the Bahnar tribe around a fire. Overnight in the village’s Rong house.
Day 11 (Mon): Kon KoTu – Kon Tum (B, L)
Morning trek from Kong Klor suspension bridge to the Bahnar villages and wooden church.
Following lunch, transfer to remote villages for the afternoon trek which offers rare experience about the hill tribe's daily life and traditions.
Dinner and overnight in Kon Tum/ Indochine hotel.
Day 12 (Tue): Kon Tum – Pleiku – Buon Ma Thuot (B, L)
Drive southward along the 14 route to Buon Ma Thuot. Stop by volcanic T’Nung lake near Pleiku. Lunch in Buon Ma Thuot. Transfer to Lak lake for dinner and overnight.
Overnight at Lak Resort.
Day 13 (Wed): Buon Ma Thuot - Nha Trang (B, L)
Enjoy the morning on the tranquil Lak lake. After breakfast, ride the elephant cross Jun village for scenic lake- side village, farms and fields. Drive to Nha Trang.
Overnight at The Light hotel in Nha Trang.
Day 14 (Thu): Nha Trang – Da Lat (B, L)
Depart Nha Trang for Da Lat in the morning. Upon arrival, you will first visit Prenn waterfalls about 10km away from Da Lat on the way, then Tuyen Lam Reservoir, Truc Lam grandiose temple. Have lunch, and then take the horse cart round the hilly roads of Da Lat to the graceful Xuan Huong Lake in the centre of the city. In the evening, if you like to hike around, remember that coffee and cake in Da Lat are some of the best in Vietnam and easy to be found in any fine cafe.
Overnight at Vietso Petro hotel in Da Lat.
Day 15 (Fri): Da Lat - Ho Chi Minh City (B, L)
Departing Da Lat this morning, we head back down to sea level and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). It is around an 8-hour drive but it will be broken up with stops at some of the tea and coffee plantations and lunch at Dambri Falls. Arrival in Saigon will be late afternoon.
Overnight at Sapphire hotel in Ho Chi Minh city.
Day 16 (Sat): Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta (B, L)
Breakfast at your hotel. Drive to Tien Giang, one of the provinces of Mekong Delta. Arrive in My Tho City. Take a boat ride to visit Con Phung Island full of tropical fruit gardens. Enjoy the fruit and Mekong folk songs performed by local artists. Then visit the most ancient pagoda in Mekong Delta - Vinh Trang. Have lunch at Trung Luong restaurant with unique Elephant-Ear fish. Visit Dong Tam Snake Farm. Drive back to Saigon.
Overnight at Sapphire hotel in Ho Chi Minh city.
Day 17 (Sun): Cu Chi Tunnels - Ho Chi Minh City (B)
In the morning, drive north to Cu Chi where locates an admirable tunnel system left from the War against American troops. The Vietnamese guerillas made this to create sudden attacks to enemy and gained many advantages. Return to Ho Chi Minh City before noon.
In the afternoon, you are free to discover the city with many other interesting places of interests such as the Reunification Palace, Nothedam Cathedral, the War Remnants Museum, History Museum as well as the Ben Thanh Market for shopping.
Overnight at Sapphire hotel in Ho Chi Minh city.
Day 18 (Mon): Ho Chi Minh City – departure (B)
End tour. Free time until your flight out of Vietnam. Airport transfer service is available upon advance request.
Readmore: Vietnam Promotion Tour