PROPOSAL : SOUTH VIETNAM – 9D8N

DEPARTURE : 01 Jan 2014 – 30 April 2014

NUMBER OF PAX : TBA

PREPARED FOR : TBA

VIETNAM DESTINATION

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

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

over the world have the opportunity to discover the beauty of

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

colonial buildings, colourful markets, temples and pagodas,

deserted sandy beaches, glorious mountain scenery, colourful

ethnic minorities, delicious cuisine, luxurious hotels and resorts,

THIS IS VIETNAM TODAY.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saigon is the commercial powerhouse of the country, with

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

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

There are Seven World Heritage sites in Vietnam declared by

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

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

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

ultimate in adventure and luxury travel

With so much to see and do in Ho Chi Minh City and the scenic surrounding area, this tour ensures you take it all in.

Covering the most significant landmarks in the city to learn about its history and culture, the tour then takes you out

to the diverse landscape of the Mekong Delta. Cruise on a traditional rice barge through the network of canals,

passing riverside life and stopping to meet the locals. A deep discovery of the Southern region with Ho Chi Minh City,

Mekong Delta and Dalat will bring you an unforgettable and valuable experience of our country.

DAY 1: HO CHI MINH CITY ARRIVAL (-/-/-)

Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, our guide and driver will welcome you to Vietnam and drive you to your hotel for check

in. Free time in the evening.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 2: HO CHI MINH CITY FULL DAY (B/-/-)

After breakfast at the hotel, our guide will pick you up to start the Ho Chi Minh City Tour. Saigon is the dynamic

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

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

American') will reveal more colonial classics; the Opera House, a three-story classical theatre (outside visit); the

former Hotel de ville constructed in 1901, now The People's Committee building with no public access; the Notre

Dame Cathedral, a stunningly massive red-brick edifice with twin spires(open only 3-4pm everyday otherwise just

outside visit); the Central Post Office influenced by Renaissance architecture; and the former Presidential Palace,

headquarters of the Saigon Government during past conflicts. Drive 6km to another area of the city to visit Thien

Hau temple built by the Cantonese congregation in the early 19th century. It is to honor the goddess of the sea and

protector of fishermen. The temple’s interior courtyard is worth seeing with beautiful ceramic figurines and

antiques shrouded in incense-smoke. It is always bustling here with worshippers from the local Chinese community.

You may have the chance to write out your wishes on a small red note and pray for your wishes to come true.

Continue to visit Binh Tay market, the biggest one in Viet Nam, built in the early 20th century.

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

DAY 3: TAY NINH – CU CHI TUNNELS (B/L/-)

Start your journey with a 3-hour drive northwest of Saigon to the Cao Dai Great Temple. The modern sect, founded

in the 1920s, is a fusion of Buddhism, Confucism, Taoism, and Christian beliefs. The temple holds a very colorful

service at midday which outsiders can observe. A simple local lunch is at a rural cafe (the best available in this

undeveloped area). Another one and haft hour drive will take us to the Cu Chi tunnels. The tunnel complex was dug

in 1948 for the guerrillas to hide during past conflicts. It also served as communication routes and food and weapon

caches as well as hospitals and living quarters for guerrilla fighters. Visit the underground villages to understand the

tunnels’ history, life in the tunnels and the Vietnamese’s resilience during the conflicts. Return to Saigon for an

evening at your leisure. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 4: HO CHI MINH CITY – CAI BE (B/L/D)

Start the day with an excursion to Cai Be in the Mekong Delta; known as the country’s ‘rice-basket’. Embark on a

3- hour drive with ever-changing views – from the rapidly developing Saigon city to the hectic delta. On arrival,

board a wooden motorized boat to explore life and agriculture on the river. The first stop is the bustling Cai Be

floating market, filled with a mass of boats bursting with fruits, vegetables, and other products along the

river banks. Traders have lived on the river in their boats for generations. After another 20-minute cruise, leave

your boat, and enjoy a 10-min walk on narrow lane watching the world go by. Visit an ancient house where four

generations of family members are living together and have lunch there. After a lunch filled with Mekong Delta

specialties, you can also take a stroll around the orchard to learn how it contributes to the family’s livelihood.

Then head to the home where you will spend the night. After freshening up, and if the sky is still bright, take a stroll

to find out more about the neighborhood. The Mekong delta sleeps early, and wakes early. The bed may be not

luxurious but this is a great way to experience nature and the surroundings, with the sounds of crickets, lizards,

frogs as your goodnight lullaby!

Note: Homestay as an optional tour

Overnight in Cai Be

DAY 5: CAI BE – SOC TRANG – CAN THO (B/L/D)

Rise up early and watch the village come to life in the early morning, enjoy walking or cycling tour around the island.

Boat transfer to Cai Be harbor where the car is ready to bring you to the next spot – Soc Trang province - a perfect

destination for who love to explore off-the-beaten-track place and try the local food. You can see the Khmer cultural

characteristics everywhere, especially at Khmer pagodas. You will visit Doi Pagoda or Bat Pagoda which is the most

famous pagoda in this province. The pagoda is the place where thousands of bats used to stay, hanging their body

under the pagoda’s roofs or threes. Other which cannot be missed is Kh’leang pagoda - one of the oldest pagodas in

Soc Trang with harmony combination of great buildings and nature. One more well-known pagoda is Chen Kieu

pagoda where you will be impressed by the sophisticated design by Chinese. It is skillfully decorated with a layer of

stylishly designed bowls and plates of different colors by ancient artisans and was built with a spiritual significance.

Then continue to get to Can Tho – the biggest center of Mekong Delta for hotel check-in.

18.30 When the Ninh Kieu boat will take you to relax and enjoy the romantic evening of lovely Can Tho city. A

dinner with the particular dishes of the Delta will be served. Cruising boat, under the sky full of stars, you enjoy an

interesting kind of Southern music in Can Tho - the renovated opera “Dan ca tai tu”. Specially, you’ll send your

wishes on lotus-like lanterns on the Hau River with twinkling candle. It will be engraved on unforgettable memory.

Overnight in Can Tho.

Day 6: CAN THO – HO CHI MINH CITY (B/-/-)

08:00am, board a local boat to explore the colorful Cai Rang floating market, where number of boats laden with

fruit, vegetables and fish jostle for trade. Sellers advertise their wares by crying out across the waters or tie their

goods to a tall pole so that buyers can see from them from a distance. Or you can get off your boat and meander

around the local Le Binh market to enjoy another part of local life. Cruise back to the hotel to freshen up and check-

out. Return to Ho Chi Minh City; free time at leisure.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 7: HO CHI MINH CITY – DALAT (B/-/-)

After breakfast, you will get transferred from Ho Chi Minh City to Dalat (8 hours) with a stop en route to vist tea

and coffee plantations. Endowed with the fresh and romantic environment; Dalat is considered a city of love in

Vietnam, becoming a very attractive destination for honeymoon vacations. Upon arrival in Da Lat, visit Dalat local

market to get some local specialities. Overnight in Dalat.

ay 8: DA LA

Day 8: DALAT CITY TOUR (B/-/-)

After breakfast, start your day with the visit at Dalat City and its surroundings. 6km south west of Dalat is Datanla

Waterfall which is not so imposing or tumultuous as some others in Dalat but it exerts an extraordinary attraction

to adventurers. You can see Datanla waterfall with a wild and attractive landscape; then continue to Thien Vien

Truc Lam pagoda located on Phoenix Mountain and next to Tuyen Lam Lake. Every year, from all over the world,

hundreds of Zen followers come here to practice meditation. We will visit Dalat’s Flower Garden considered a

natural museum that houses a fine collection of native and exotic flowers.

In the afternoon, drive up the hill to the Summer Palace of the last Emperor of Viet Nam – Bao Dai, and visit his

residence giving you an insight to how royalty would have lived in the 1930s with its wonderful location.

Wind your way to Crazy House, with its unusual architecture has strange twists and turns, roofs and rooms. This

guesthouse and art gallery is designed by the daughter of a former Vietnamese President. Each room is decorated

with its specific theme, such as Ant Room, Bamboo Room, the Eagle Room, etc.

Drive up the hill to the French-built rail station opened in 1928. The old steam engine is still there, but replicas

have replaced the old cars. Embark on a back-in-time train ride 7km further to Trai Mat, passing vegetable and

flower gardens. Hard seat, open air, loud machine, all part of the experience! Pay a visit to Linh Phuoc pagoda built

from debris of glass, pottery bowls and porcelain between 1949 and 1952.

Return to your hotel and relax. Overnight in Dalat

Day 9: DALAT– PHAN THIET/NHA TRANG – BEACH EXTENSION (B/-/-)

After breakfast at hotel, free time at leisure till the transfer to Phan Thiet or Nha Trang (Extra Cost) for beach

vacation upon your request (3 nights/ 5nights/ 7 nights).

Recommended Hotel in Phan Thiet/Nha Trang:

Standard: Blue Ocean Phan Thiet Resort/ Yasaka Nha Trang

Superior: Phu Hai Resort/ Yasaka Nha Trang

Deluxe: Anantara Mui Ne/ Sheraton Nha Trang

“where journeys begin”

TOUR COST : NET PRICE IN USD

Valid 01 Jan 14 – 30 Apr 14

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

Standard Category 1,785.00 968.00 781.00 611.00 575.00 205.00

Superior Category 2,056.00 1,090.00 902.00 733.00 697.00 354.00

Deluxe Category 2,818.00 1,493.00 1,305.00 1,153.00 1,099.00 633.00

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

single room (Except on 1 Pax).

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

New Year in Vietnam)

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

ITINERARY

CLASS

TIMETABLE

NET PRICE PER

PERSON Ho Chi Minh City – Da Nang (SGN-DAD) Economy Day 5 (to be advised) 113 USD

Danang – Ha Noi (DAD-HAN) Economy Day 6 (to be advised) 113 USD

All airfares are excluding taxes and subject to change by the airlines.

LIST OF HOTEL USAGES:

Standard Category Superior Category Delxue Category

HO CHI MINH CITY

Elios Hotel

Superior Room

233 Pham Ngu Lao, District 1

Tel: 084838385584

Web: www.elioshotel.vn

CAI BE

Mekong Lodge

New Wing Room

Dong Hoa Hiep, Cai Be

Tel: 084733924026

Web: www.mekonglodge.com

CAN THO

Kim Tho Hotel

Superior City View

Add: 1A Ngo Gia Tu, Ninh Kieu

Tel: 0847102227979

Web: www.kimtho.com

DALAT

Best Western Dalat Hotel

Superior

09 Le Dai Hanh, Da Lat

Tel: 084636252999

Web:www.dalatplazahotel.com.vn

HO CHI MINH CITY

Eden Saigon Hotel

Junior Deluxe City View

38 Bui Thi Xuan, District 1

Tel: 08. 6298 8388

www.edensaigonhotel.com

CAI BE

Mekong Lodge

New Wing Room

Dong Hoa Hiep, Cai Be

Tel: 084733924026

Web: www.mekonglodge.com

CAN THO

Victoria Can Tho Hotel

Superior Room

Add: 293 Tran Van Kheo, Cai Khe

Tel: 0847102227979

Web:www.victoriahotels.asia/en/our-

hotels-in-viet-nam can-tho-resort

DALAT

Saigon Dalat Hotel

Deluxe

180 Duong 3/2, Da Lat

Tel: 084633556789

Web: www.saigondalathotel.com

HO CHI MINH CITY

Sofitel Plaza Saigon

Superior

17 Le Duan, District 1

Tel: 084838241555

Web: www.sofitel.com

CAI BE

Mekong Riverside Resort & Spa

Lake view Room

Hoa Khanh, Cai Be

Tel: 084733924026

Web: www.mekongriversideresort.vn

CAN THO

Victoria Can Tho Hotel

Deluxe Room

Add: 293 Tran Van Kheo, Cai Khe

Tel: 0847102227979

Web:www.victoriahotels.asia/en/our-

hotels-in-viet-nam can-tho-resort

DALAT

Ana Mandara Dalat Hotel

Villa Room

Le Lai, Da Lat

Tel: 084633555888

Web: www.anamandara-resort.com

INCLUDING:

Accomodations based on twin share

Private transportation

English-Speaking Guide applied for day-tour only

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

Entrance Fees

Boat Trip as mentioned in the program

EXCLUDING:

International flight ticket to & out Vietnam

Domestic flight ticket (separate quotation)

Meals not mentioned

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

Drinks and personal expenses

Optional tours

Tips and gratuities for tour guide and services

Any other items not mentioned

Compulsory Christmas - & New Year Gala Dinner

BOOKING PROCEDURE

Booking will be confirmed on receipt of advance deposit only.

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

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

LIABILITY

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

commencement of the tour.

REFUND

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

which are not utilized.

HOTEL CHECK IN- CHECK OUT TIME

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

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

hotels.

POLICY REGARDING CANCELLATION / NO SHOW / EARLY DEPARTURE

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

would apply as follows:

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

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

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

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

TRAVEL INSURANCE

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