NEW ZEALAND – HO CHI MINH – MEKONG DELTA – NHA TRANG – HOIAN – HUE – HANOI – SAPA – HALONG BAY – HCM – NEW ZEALAND

Travel Period : May 2017 – Mar 2018   

DAY 01: NEW ZEALAND/ AUCKLAND   – HO CHI MINH CITY (Inflight meals)

Upon arrival on flight NZ269 / Auckland – HCM / 13:25-19:45, you will be warmly welcome by your guide at the airport and transferred to hotel for check in & relax at own leisure.

Introduction: Ho Chi Minh City, also referred as Saigon by many locals, is Vietnam’s largest city. It is a fast- paced metropolis full of contrasts, with street vendors selling fruit and vegetables next to glitzy western – style bars and boutiques. Amazingly, the city still remains its connections to the past by somehow, particularly in Cho Lon, Saigon’s China town, where dozens of elegant temples and pagodas can be seen. This tour unravels Saigon’s turbulent past and also provides a glimpse into the fascinating variety the city has to offer through its outstanding tourist spots.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

 

DAY 02: HO CHI MINH/ CU CHI TUNNELS – HALF DAY CITY TOUR (Breakfast, Lunch)

Breakfast at hotel

Depart Ho Chi Minh City at 08:00 in the morning for the drive to Cu Chi district. Leaving the city behind, the scenery changes to views of rice paddies, villagers drying noodles by the side of the road and other scenes typical to southern Vietnam.

Arrive and start the visit of the famous Cu Chi Tunnels which consist of an incredible underground tunnel network constructed by Vietnamese resistance fighters (Viet Cong) during both the French and American wars. The tunnels were created since 1948 to assist Viet Nam to combat the French. Construction of the tunnels continued over the next 25 years until they became an underground city with living areas, kitchens, storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers for the war against American. Starting the visit with the Ben Dinh or Ben Duoc sections of the tunnel and here you will have an opportunity to get the unique experience of guerillas living and fighting underground during the war (a crawl through 50 -100 meters out 200 km of the tunnel system is unforgettable). For those interested, there is also an opportunity to fire off rounds from an AK47 or MK16 at the nearby rifle range.

Lunch at local restaurant

In the afternoon, take a half day sightseeing tour starting with the War Remnants Museum telling the story of the Vietnam war from Vietnamese perspective. Exhibits include photographs, machinery, and weapons that depict the harsh realities of war). Continue on to Reunification Palace which was the residence of the President Ngo Dinh Diem of the former South Vietnam until 1975 (1960s – Apr 1975s). You will see many interesting things like formal meeting rooms, private bedrooms, war situation rooms 10 meter beneath earth’s level. This address today still holds many important functions in HCMC. From there, stroll to the major sights of colonial Ho Chi Minh City including the Central Post Office, the Notre Dame then walking along Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat) to reach for the Opera House and the City Hall.

After the tour, enjoy free time shopping at Ben Thanh market or many other shopping malls nearby or you can spend this time to explore the city

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

 

DAY 03: MEKONG DELTA (VINH LONG – CAI BE) (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Breakfast at hotel

After breakfast, depart from the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City for the area referred to locally as ‘the rice bowl of Vietnam’ to discover Mekong Delta local life. Enjoy the scenic journey along the National Highway bordered by green rice fields.

The program will start with a visit of Vinhlong market in the town. This is the best choice for you to take pictures of fish, shrimps, prawns, crabs, snakes, rice-field rats, tropical fruits, vegetable… Next stop will be the brick kilns where you can see how the local people create beautiful potteries from clay. Our boat will go along the floating village. We will learn how to farm catfish on Mekong river. 

Lunch will be served at local house. Then, have a cup of tea when enjoying the Southern traditional music.

Check in at a homestay on An Binh Island

In the afternoon, walk along the village to the local workshops where you can see how to make rice paper, coconut candy and pop-rice, pop-corn… Then come back to your homestay for a fresh shower and cooking some dishes with the owners and enjoy dinner altogether.

Overnight in homestay in Cai Be

 

DAY 04: CAI BE FLOATING MARKET – HO CHI MNIH CITY (Breakfast, Lunch)

Breakfast at hotel

Have breakfast at homestay. Check-out before having a boat trip to Cai Be floating market and cruising among local barges full of fruits and vegetables. Then, we’ll come to Tân Phong island for a biking / walking on village paths will be so amazing to see the local farms, houses, real life and have an opportunity to see farmers picking up their fruits on the ancestral ways in Mekong Delta and how they make rice-net for spring-rolls,  sew coconut-leaves for cottage roof and specially see how they wave the dried water-hyacinth to make many products: baskets, bags, hats, wallets, shoes…

The rowing boat will take you deeper into the countryside on smaller canals and to enjoy the peaceful time under coconut tree shade. It would be also interesting to see traditional houses made of wood and palm tree leaves and see some activities of the local farmers with an opportunity to make contacts with them and see how they catch fish…The cruise will end at Cai Be town.

Lunch at local restaurant

Drive back to Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy free time at own leisure.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

 

DAY 05: HO CHI MNIH CITY – NHA TRANG (Breakfast)

Breakfast at hotel

Free at own leisure until check-out (around 12PM at the latest) and transferred to the airport for your flight to Nha Trang via Vietnam Airlines.

Upon arrival, you will be picked up by your tour guide and transferred to hotel for check-in & enjoy free time relaxing by the beach.

Introduction: Nha Trang is the capital of Khanh Hoa coastal province in South Central Viet Nam. The city not only gets great natural advantages of its geography position, landscape, and climate, but inherits rich background in culture and humanities as well. This is famous for being home to amazing islands and stunning beaches attracting great amount of domestic and international tourists.

Overnight in Nha Trang

 

DAY 06: NHA TRANG/ ISLAND TOUR (Breakfast, Lunch)

Breakfast at hotel

Today, you will be visiting Tri Nguyen Aquarium – Tranh Beach – Mun Marine Park – Fishing Village – Con Se Tre Village

Start from your hotel to Cau Da port. Tri Nguyen Aquarium on Mieu Island is the first place to visit, many sea species of Nha Trang/Khanh Hoa province make a small ocean world there. Mun Island is the best island for snorkeling where you can see lots of lively and colorful corals and fish. From the boat, you will also be able to see caves in which the sea swallows build their nests. Then relaxing, swimming & doing water sports or other activities at Mot Island, Tranh Beach Island or on a small island calling “Mini beach”.

A fresh lunch will be served on the island

On the way back you will visit a fishing village before reaching to the shore.

Overnight in Nha Trang

 

DAY 07: NHA TRANG – DANANG – HOIAN (Breakfast, Lunch)

Breakfast at hotel

After breakfast, you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight to Da Nang via Vietnam Airlines // VN 8026 CXR-DAD 10:55 12:20 (tentatively)

Introduction: Hoian Ancient Town  – an UNESCO World Heritage site – is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a small-scale trading port active the 15th to 19th centuries  which traded widely, both with the countries of Southeast and East Asia and with the rest of the world. Its decline in the later 19th century ensured that it has retained its traditional urban tissue to a remarkable degree. The town reflects a fusion of indigenous and foreign cultures (principally Chinese and Japanese with later European influences) that combined to produce this unique survival. 

Upon arrival in Da Nang, you will be met by your guide who will arrange the private transfer for lunch at local restaurant before heading to Hoi An. Along the way, take a short visit to the Marble Mountain – a cluster of five hills made from limestone and marble. This is a well-known pilgrimage site with peaks, caves, tunnels and temples all just waiting to be discovered. Named after the elements metal, wood, water, fire and earth, Marble Mountains exist in a coastal area that is renowned for stone-cutting and sculpture about 9km south of Danang.

Overnight in Hoian

 

DAY 08: HOIAN/ HALF DAY WALKING TOUR (Breakfast)

Breakfast at hotel

In the morning, take a 2-hour walking tour around the ancient town to visit the former merchants’ homes, the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, a Chinese communal hall and the colorful market. The town has successfully remains complete as a homogenous complex of traditional wooden buildings, with the original organically developed street plan, within the town’s original river/seacoast setting, which partly giving it such a unique skyline. Here you will have chance to admire the gorgeous and peaceful beauty of the town and feel like travelling back in time. Grab this chance to take yourself some nice photos and souvenirs.

Enjoy free time wandering around and further exploring the town on your own.

Overnight in Hoian

 

DAY 09: HOIAN / MY SON SANCTUARY VISIT (Breakfast, Lunch)

Breakfast at hotel

In the morning, leave Hoian for My Son Sanctuary (also referred as My Son Holy Land) and cross Cua Dai Bridge en route with its spectacular views of Hoi An river system, mountains and Cham islands

My Son Sanctuary dates from the 4th to the 13th centuries and comprises of a series of impressive tower-temples located in a dramatic site that was the religious and political capital of the Champa Kingdom for most of its existence. This Champa unique culture which owed its spiritual origins to Indian Hinduism developed on the coast of contemporary Viet Nam. The monuments of this Unesco world heritage site are the most important constructions of the My Son civilization because they presents a vivid picture of spiritual and political life in an important phase of the history of South-East Asia.

The tower temples have a variety of architectural designs symbolizing the greatness and purity of Mount Meru, the mythical sacred mountain home of Hindu gods at the center of the universe, now symbolically reproduced on Earth in the mountainous homeland of the Cham people. They are constructed in fired brick with stone pillars and decorated with sandstone bas-reliefs depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. Their technological sophistication is evidence of Cham engineering skills while the elaborate iconography and symbolism of the tower-temples give insight into the content and evolution of Cham religious and political thought.

Lunch at local restaurant

After lunch, enjoy free time wandering around and further exploring the town on your own.

Overnight in Hoian

 

DAY 10: HOI AN – FREE & EASY (Breakfast)

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy free time at own leisure for the whole day

Overnight in Hoian

 

DAY 11: HOI AN – HUE/ HALF DAY CITY TOUR (Breakfast, Lunch)

Breakfast at the hotel

After breakfast, depart Hoian for Hue which is about 140 km away and drive up to Hai Van pass overlooking gorgeous view.

Introduction: The former imperial city of Hue is the most important historical and cultural monument in Vietnam. It is also a place of great beauty, despite having been badly damaged during the 1968 Tet Offensive. Renowned throughout the country both for the beauty of its women and for the sophistication of its cuisine, Hue lies at the heart of Vietnamese cultural tradition.

Arrive in Hue, transfer for lunch at local restaurant

After lunch, historic sites await you to explore starting with the Citadel of Nguyen Dynasty with forbidden purple city – famously being one of Vietnam’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Imperial City of Hue has long been a must-see attraction for tourists visiting a hidden charm of Vietnam. The Imperial City of Hue was actually a walled fortress and palace belonged to the ancient city of Hue which was a capital city of the Nguyen Dynasty for 140 years date back from 1805 until 1945. This grandeur architecture was the most massive structure being built in the history of modern Vietnam involving thousands of workers, millions cubic meters of rock and huge volume of burden workload. You then take a boat trip on the romantic Huong River to visit Hue’s best-known religious site, Thien Mu seven-story pagoda. When the boat return, you may have chance to admire the sunset on the river with indescribable beauty when the weak sunlight covers upon the Perfume River and its surroundings.

Overnight in Hue

 

DAY 12: HUE – HANOI (Breakfast, Lunch)

Breakfast at hotel

After breakfast, pay a visit to the tomb of Minh Mang King being renowned for its architecture and sublime forest setting. The tomb was planned during Minh Mang’s reign (1820–40) but built by his successor, Thieu Tri. This imperial tomb is a reflection of the Chinese architectural concepts, a standard architectural complex consisting of 40 constructions (palaces, temples, pavilions, etc.) designed on an symmetric axis running from Dai Hong gate to the foot of La Thanh (Surrounding Wall) behind the Emperor’s tomb. The tour then is wrapped up by a visit to Dong Ba market, one of the must-see sites since it still remains the distinctiveness of an ancient market in central Vietnam, which supports the romance herein historic Hue.

Lunch at local restaurant

Free at own leisure until check-out and transfer to the airport for your flight to Ha Noi Vietnam Airlines // VN 1544 HUI-HAN 19:20 20:35 (tentatively)

Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide and transferred to hotel for check-in.

Introduction: With a population of approximately four million, Hanoi – the capital city – is a charming and richly historic city of lakes, shaded boulevards and leafy open parks. The center is an architectural museum piece housing groups of ochre coloured buildings holding the air of provincial French towns of the 1930s, a “Paris of the Orient” as people have called it.

Overnight in Hanoi

 

DAY 13: HANOI/ FULL DAY CITY TOUR – LAO CAI (Breakfast, Lunch)

Breakfast at hotel

AM: Take sightseeing tour featuring both cultural and historical highlights, starting with Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – an important historical attraction of Hanoi, known for honoring the national hero: President Ho Chi Minh. The building is where visitors can express their admiration and gratitude towards the common father/uncle of Vietnamese who has led the country to independence and reunification. Inside the complex, also located his House on Stilts and the One Pillar Pagoda. This is followed by The Temple of Literature – being constructed in 1070 under Ly Thanh Tong’s dynasty, first to honor Confucius and nowadays to celebrate the doctorates and high rank scholars of Vietnam. In 1076, King Ly Nhan Tong continued the work and built Quoc Tu Giam as the first university of Vietnam.

Lunch at local restaurant

In the afternoon, pay a visit to the Ethnology Museum which offers an insight into the 54 different ethnic groups of Vietnam in an effort to preserve cultural heritage and promote socio-cultural diversity within the country. The museum is packed full of information detailing traditional Vietnamese ways of life, from religious events to the symbolic rituals of all the Vietnamese ethnic groups, providing a rich tapestry of the culture melting pot existing in Vietnam. The exhibition hall features everyday objects representing each group, a research centre, library and auditorium. The outdoor display area exhibits a variety of Vietnamese homes as full-scale replicas, with great attention paid to the varying architectural styles set within the authentic and tranquil gardens. The tour then will be wrapped up with the visit to Ngoc Son Temple uniquely set on a tiny island on Hoan Kiem Lake, its history dating back to the 13th century.

In late afternoon, enjoy the Vietnamese water puppets show – a tradition that dates back as far as the 11th century when it originated in the villages of the Red River Delta area of northern Vietnam. Today’s Vietnamese water puppetry is a unique variation on the ancient Asian puppet tradition. The puppets are made out of wood and then lacquered. The shows are performed in a waist-deep pool. A large bamboo rod supports the puppet under the water and is used by the puppeteers, who are normally hidden behind a screen, to control them. Thus the puppets appear to be moving over the water. When the rice fields would flood, the villagers would entertain each other using this form of puppet play.

You then enjoy free time exploring fascinating streets of the Old Quarter and shopping around its hundreds of specialty shops selling silk clothing, lacquer ware, embroidered linens, furniture, bamboo, cooking utensils, ceremonial objects and more.

Transfer to the railway station to catch train heading to Lao Cai – the gateway to Sapa

Overnight on train (sleeping berth in shared cabin)

 

DAY 14: LAO CAI – SAPA (Breakfast, Lunch)

Up on arrival at Lao Cai station, our tour guide will pick you up and transfer to Sapa for breakfast & early check-in hotel

This day explore Sapa town and shopping at Sapa Market. Easily trek up Hàm Rồng (Dragon’s Jaw) Mountain. There are several well-tended flower gardens along the way. Going through two Heaven Gates, you will get the top of Ham Rong Mountain. Up here, you will have a sensational spectacular view of the Hoàng Liên Sơn Mountains, including Vietnam’s highest peak – Mount Fanxipan.

Lunch at local restaurant

Enjoy free time at own leisure

Overnight in Sapa

 

DAY 15: SAPA/ LAO CHAI & TA VAN TOUR – LAO CAI (Breakfast, Lunch)

Breakfast at hotel

Today you will take the walking tour to Lao Chai & Ta Van. The route will expose gorgeous scenery and you will also learn more about the different process of making rice field to the rice served on the dinner table. You will hear about the daily life of Black Hmong and Giay minorities.

Itinerary:

You will commence your short journey by driving south toward Muong Hoa valley. You will then start your walk by descending into the valley, which is the largest rice paddy terraced among Sapa area. The guide can provide you interesting information about rice. If you visit the valley sometime in between May and October, you will be able to observe and experience how the local do planting and harvesting, one of the most important activities in the daily life. The walk takes you from Lao Chai village of Black Hmong minority to Ta Van village of Giay minority including a visit to the local Catholic Church. After visiting Ta Van the car will return you to Sapa.  

Approx: 1 hours driving/ 2 hours walking.

Lunch at local restaurant

Transfer to the railway station in Lao Cai and head back to Hanoi

Overnight on train (sleeping berth in shared cabin)

 

DAY 16: LAO CAI – HANOI – HALONG BAY (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Upon arrival in Hanoi, you will be picked up for breakfast at restaurant. Take a short break and ready for the trip to Halong

Depart for the 3½ hour drive to Halong Bay. Journey through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta, observe everyday life of Vietnamese villagers as they work in the rice fields, take pigs to market on motorbikes and plough the fields with their water buffaloes.

Today, you will be cruising from the awesome limestone cliffs of Ha Long Bay toward the center of the World Natural Heritage site, discovering the exotic formations of a limestone cave, and exploring the daily life of local people living on the bay…

12: 00 Arrive to Bhaya Cafe at Tuan Chau Island.

12: 45 Get on Board: Welcome drinks and a quick briefing of the itinerary and safety information by our Cruise Manager

13: 00 Let the vacation begin with delicious lunch as the boat cruises towards to Cua Van floating village

15: 00 Visit Cua Van floating village by rowing boat or kayaking

16: 00 Back to boat, enjoy Spa, drink at bar counter or relax on sundeck.

17: 00 Bar opens for the Happy Hour “Buy one get one free”

17: 30 Cooking demonstration with traditional Vietnamese food on the sundeck (or in the restaurant if weather does not allow)

19: 00 Set menu dinner will be served in the restaurant

21: 00 Free time for squid fishing at reception, or relaxing at the bar

Overnight onboard Bhaya Classic Cruise

 

DAY 17: HA LONG – HANOI (Brunch)

06: 15 Early start for a Tai Chi demonstration on the sundeck; tea and coffee are available

07: 00 Light breakfast will be served in the restaurant

07: 45 Visit Surprise cave –the most beautiful cave in the Bay

09: 00 Back to main boat for check out: please put your baggage out to the corridor and settle your bill at reception

09: 30 Brunch will be served in the restaurant while the boat heads back to harbor.

10: 30 Disembark to Tuan Chau Marina where you will be picked up for your journey back to Hanoi. You will arrive at your hotel around 5 PM and enjoy free time at own leisure afterwards.

Overnight in Hanoi

 

DAY 18: HANOI-HO CHI MINH  (Breakfast)

Free at own leisure until hotel check-out (around 12PM at the latest) and transfer to the airport for your departure flight: HAN – HCM / VN237 / 13:15 – 15:25 ( or another suitable flight )  

Pick up and transfer to Central HCM City for free and easy .

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh

  

DAY 19 : HCM DEPARTURE – AUCKLAND /NEW ZEALAND  (Breakfast)

Breakfast at hotel

Free at own leisure until hotel check-out (around 12PM at the latest) and transfer to the airport for your departure flight HCM – AKL / NZ268/ 21:25 -12:40

Overnight on flight

NOTES: The above itinerary is only the sample one as it may change with your flight schedule

*** End of services ***

QUOTATION:

Services/ Accommodation : 3/4*

(As sited or similar depending on availability)

PRICE IN NZD PER PERSON
Group size  2-4  persons

(Twin/ Double share)

May – Sept 17

Oct  17 – March 18

2 pax

4 pax

2 pax

4 pax

19 Days Vietnam Package

HCMC – LE DUY GRAND (Grand DLX) 04 nights

CAI BE – HOMESTAY 01 night

NHA TRANG – APUS HOTEL (DLX City View)  02 nights

HOIAN – VINH HUNG RESORT (SUP Garden View) 04 nights

HUE – PARK VIEW (SUP) 01 night

HANOI – MAISON D’HANOI BOUTIQUE (Premium) 02 nights

TSC TRAIN – SLEEPING BERTH 02 nights

SAPA – BAMBOO HOTEL (ROH) 01 night

HALONG – BHAYA CRUISES (DLX) 01 night

3,878

3,135

3,924

 

3,191

 

 

INCLUSIVE services:

  • Domestic flight tickets and taxes x 04  ( HCM-NHA / NHA- DAD / HUI-HAN / HAN-HCM)
  • Vietnam Visa & Stamp fees for New Zealand passport holders.
  • Regional English speaking guides in different parts of Vietnam.
  • All accommodation in twin/double share basis with daily breakfast
  • Private vehicle as tour program
  • All meals as indicated in the itinerary ( 18BF +12L +2D)
  • Entrance fees as sites listed and private boat trip in Mekong Delta and Perfume River
  • 01 drinking water bottle/pax/day

 

EXCLUSIVE services:

  • Meals not included in the itinerary and beverage during meals
  • Personal expenses such as: bar, telephone and laundry bill , Drink during Lunch/Dinner .
  • Personal travel insurance.
  • Additional charges: Tipping –  US$ 80 per person (Subject to change) payable on arrival .
  • Single Supplement : NZD 837 (May – Sept 17)  & NZD 889 (Oct 17 –Mar 18)