This morning we returned home safely. Annette is very happy she is back as she missed the cat and friends, I would have liked to stay a bit longer. A good moment for a final evaluation.
First of all: (I assume you got my mail from 27-11) You made Annette very happy with the birthday cake and flowers. It was a complete surprise. Super. Do you send me a bill?
Then: the trip was excellent. Not a cheap product, but the program was very diverse, hotels were good to very good and the organization perfect. Always someone waiting for you. It felt royal.
So we will definitely recommend your organization to friends and relatives.
Linda, I hope my remarks can make a small contribution in the development of Asiatica.
Day 01. 20 Nov 15 : Hanoi arrival
Upon arrival in Hanoi at 15h30 by flight VN593 (Vietnam Airlines coming from Hong Kong), you will be welcomed by our guide and driver and transferred to your hotel. The day is free for your own exploration and shopping. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02. 21 Nov 15 : Hanoi city tour- Night train to Lao Cai (B)
You will be picked up at the hotel at 08am. A full day spent for visiting Hanoi – the politic, economic and cultural capital of Vietnam. Starting with Museum of Ethnography. Then we come to visit Tran Quoc Pagoda - the oldest pagoda in Hanoi. In the afternoon, we discover the Temple of Literature - a complex of the Confucius Temple built in 1070 and the first Royal National university in Vietnam built in 1076. This temple and its beautiful garden provide an opportunity to learn more about madarin education in Vietnam since 1000 years ago and to relax in tranquility. After that, walk around the alleys of Hanoi Old Quater, visit Hoan Kiem lake and Ngoc Son temple or Jade Mountain temple situated in the heart of Hanoi. An interesting Water puppet show will wrap our day with delight. Evening transfer to the station where you will take the night train to Lao cai. Overnight on board of 4-berth airconditioned sharing cabin (for 4 people).
Day 03- 22 Nov 15- Sunday : Lao Cai arrival- Bac Ha market- Sapa (B,L)
Arrival in Lao Cai around 5.30am, you will be welcomed by our local guide and driver in Lao Cai. Breakfast at a local restaurant, then transferred to Bac Ha. Upon arrival, we will visit the vibrant Bac Ha sunday ethnic market. Ethnic people from near and far villages flock to Bac Ha to exchange their products. Most still use horses to carry their loads, so they depart very early in the morning to get here in time. Their colorful costumes create a stunning picture. Stroll around the market to get a glimpse of hill tribal culture. Then, we will have time walking in surrouding villages (Ban Pho) to discover Flowered Hmong culture before being transferred take the road to the charming town of Sapa. Check-in at hotel. Overnight in Sapa.
Note: ~1-2h walk
Day 04. 23 Nov 15 : Sapa- Y Linh Ho- Lao Chai- Ta Van- Sapa (B,L)
After having breakfast, we will go to visit the surrounding villages of Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai inhabited by Black Hmong and Ta Van village, home to the Dzay (Giay) ethnic people, located at the heart of the Muong Hoa valley. You can admire fabulous views of the valley, terraced fields and winding streams.
Note: ~4h walk
Day 05. 24 Nov 15 : Sapa- Ban Khoang- Ta Giang Phinh- Lao Cai- Night train to Hanoi (B,L)
In the morning, continue to visit Ban Khoang village, a still authentic and isolated region. This village is inhabited by Black Hmong and Red Dzao. Tour around the village and continue through the tropical forest and the valley to the village of Ta Giang Phinh. This is where you will have a unique opportunity to experience the authentic culture and daily life of local communities and enjoy amazing landscapes, waterfall, terraced rice fields... Meet again your driver then being transferred to Lao Cai station. Visit on the way another village Ma Tra inhabited by Hmong. Take the night train back to Hanoi. Overnight on board of 4-berth airconditioned sharing cabin (for 4 people).
Note: ~3-4h walk
Day 06. 25 Nov 15 : Hanoi arrival- Halong Bay (B,L,D). No guide from Hanoi
Upon arrival in Hanoi, you will be taken to a minihotel near the station for early check-in.
At 08 am, after breakfast at the hotel, we drive through the Red River Delta to Halong. Arrive in Halong and immediate boarding our boat for an exploration of the Bay. Lunch will be served during the cruise in Halong Bay. We will admire the islets of all shapes. Visit Sung Sot Cave in the afternoon. Visit Titov beach. It is time for swimming, relaxing on the beach or climb the steps to the top of the mountain for fantastic views. Meals served by our excellent team. Silent night aboard our comfortable private cabin.
Note:
- There is an English speaking guide on board the junk that will take care of all customers.
- The excursion program is the subject of any changes from the junk.
Day 07. 26 Nov 15 : Ha Long (on board) (B,L,D). Neither guide nor driver
Possibility of practicing Taichi in the morning. You descend a tour boat for the cruise is to Lan Ha Bay. Exploring the Dark Cave and Claire kayak. Return to the ship for lunch on board. Continuation of the cruise to the Ba Tra Dao beach if time permits. Sunbathing or explore around this area by kayak. Visit of a village and meeting local fishermen. Return to the boat for relaxing on board. Second night on board.
Day 08. 27 Nov 15 : Halong- Hanoi- Flight to Hue (B,L). No guide
After breakfast on board, discover Luon Cave and the cruise will continue in the wonderful setting of countless islands ... Restuation rooms at 09.00-09.30. Lunch will be served while the boat back to the pier around noon. You will be driven from Halong directly to Hanoi airport for your evening flight to Hue VN1543 19h15/20h25. Upon arrival at Phu Bai airport, you will be taken to your hotel for check-in. Overnight at hotel in Hue.
Day 09. 28 Nov 15 : Hue- Thuy Bieu village (B,L)
After having breakfast, visit Hue Imperial City, the last royal city of Vietnam with various beautiful structures including the Flag Tower, Ngo Mon Gate, Nine Dynastic Urns, Nine Holy Cannons, Thai Hoa Palace and the Forbidden Purple City or Tu Cam Thanh. Overnight at hotel in Hue.
Then, we will take a boat trip on poetic Perfume River. Stop to visit Thien Mu Pagoda (Celestial Lady Pagoda) built in 1601 - the symbol of Hue city. Cruise toward Thuy Bieu eco-village, an old laid back village situated on the bank of Perfume River known for its green tea fruit orchards. Lunch in the village. The afternoon spent for biking through the peacful village, visiting several communal houses, ancient temples and especially the garden- house - a typical and unique feature of Hue. After a day of walking, your foot will be refreshed by soaking in the medicinal herb water with excellent blind massage. Back to the hotel for overnight.
Day 10. 29 Nov 15 : Hue- Danang- Hoian (B)
Start the day with a visit to Minh Mang Mausoleum, one of Hue's finest royal tombs. An architectural complex compromised of 40 buildings (palaces, temples, pavilions, etc.) Then, drive on the Mandarin road, a scenic journey from Hue to Hoi An, which allows you to see a picturesque Vietnam with stunning beaches and lush tropical forest. Take some photos en route before arriving in Hoi An’s ancient town. Upon arrival check into hotel and relax. In the afternoon, explore Hoi An ancient town, once an important international trading port and now a charming riverside town. Hoi An features a fantastic combination of Chinese, Dutch, Japanese and Portuguese culture.
Step back in time while strolling around its narrow streets decorted with colorful lanterns, and visit examples of Hoi An’ architecture, the Japanese Covered Bridge, and Chinese street, an old Phung Hung house, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, Hoi An market and Hoian ancient port. Overnight at hotel in Hoi An.
Day 11. 30 Nov 15 : Hoian- Free & Easy (B). Neither guide nor driver
Free time to explore the town. Overnight at hotel in Hoi An.
Day 12. 01 Dec 15 : Hoian- Flight to Saigon- ½ day city tour (B). No guide in Hoian
Pick you up at hotel at 07h00 then transfer to the airport for the morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City VN109 09h10/10h40. Upon arrival, you will be picked up by our driver and guide then transferred to the city.
Start in the afternoon the city tour by visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral and the General Post Office, then continue along Dong Khoi Street, where the Opera House and the Peoples’ Committee building, built in 1897 by French architect Ferret Eugene, are situated. The 800 seat Opera House served as the home of the Lower House Assembly of South Vietnam after 1956. You will then visit The Reunification Palace, formerly known as Presidential Palace, which was the residence of the president of South Vietnam until the end of April 1975. Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 13. 02 Dec 15 : Saigon- Tay Ninh- Cu Chi- Saigon (B)
You will be picked up at the hotel at 8:00am to drive to the Cu Chi Tunnels, situated 70km from Saigon. The Cu Chi Tunnel system was created around 1948 to assist the Viet Minh in their combat against French occupiers. Construction and enlargement continued during American bombings and they were turned into an underground city with living areas, kitchens, storage, weapon factories and field hospitals. The Cu Chi Tunnels could house up to 10,000 people who lived underground for years, getting married and raising children. During the Vietnam - American War the entire area of Cu Chi was designated as a fire free zone yet was heavily bombarded. Since 1988, two sections of the tunnels are open for visitors to crawl through and better understand the war. Then next site is Tay Ninh, 100km from Saigon, to visit the ornate temple of Cao Dai and attend a fantastic mid-day service. Caodaism followers fill the hall wearing colored robes, a symbol of this curious combination of Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. you will drive back to Ho CHi Minh. Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 14. 03 Dec 15 : Saigon- Ben Tre- Can Tho (B,L)
Leave the bustling city behind we depart to the Mekong Delta, the largest rice basket of Vietnam. Arrive at Hung Vuong pier (Ben Tre town), embark and cruise along the Ben Tre river– a tributary of Mekong River to discover the local culture and their daily activities. Stop at a brick-field belonged to Mr Tu Lo to see how Vietnamese make bricks by hand and a coconut candy workshop located along the canal to witness the process of making coconut candies. Continue rowing through the canals to visit Nhon Thanh village. Stroll around the village to enjoy the tranquility and taste fresh tropical fruit. You will cyclo on the small road passing green fileds, vegetable gardens and fruit orchards. Have lunch at a local house on the river bank.
Road to Can Tho where you will arrive in the late afternoon. Overnight in the hotel in Can Tho.
Day 15. 04 Dec 15 : Can Tho- Saigon (B)
Early morning, take a boat trip through the winding waterways of Cai Rang floating market- the biggest and busiest floating market in Mekong Delta. This is the best time to visit the market as it is crowded with hundreds of sampans that offer fruits, vegetables, plants, food and other goods for trade. You will earn a great oppotunity to take photos, communicate with locals and taste fruits. You then disembark to visit a beautiful old Binh Thuy house. In the afternoon you will return to Ho Chi Minh City. En route, you will visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, a beautiful pagoda in the Mekong Delta. Overnight at hotel in Saigon.
Day 16. 05 Dec 15 : Saigon- Flight to Con Dao (B). No guide in Con Dao
Transfer at 07h00 from your hotel to the airport to take the daily flight to Con Dao VN8053 09h10/10h10. Transfer by our driver to hotel. Check into hotel and relax. Overnight at hotel in Con Dao.
Day 17. 06 Dec 15 : Con Dao Free & Easy (B). Neither guide nor driver
Free time to explore the island. There will be no guide and driver. Overnight at hotel in Con Dao.
Day 18. 07 Dec 15 : Con Dao Free & Easy (B). Neither guide nor driver
Free time to explore the island. There will be no guide and driver. Overnight at hotel in Con Dao.
Day 19. 08 Dec 15 : Con Dao- Flight back to Saigon (B). No guide
Free time until transferred to the the airport for flight back to Ho Chi Minh city VN8058 16h50/ 17h55. Overnight at hotel.
Day 20. 09 Dec 15 : Saigon departure (B). No guide
Pick up at 15h30 at hotel then transfer to the airport for your departure flight from Saigon at 18h35 flight QR971. The hotel room is available until noon only. Asiatica Travel’s services end here.
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