Hello Linda,
First of all, on behalf of my family, I would like to thank you and all the staff of "ASIATICA" for the wonderful experience in our trip to Vietnam and Cambodia,
which you tailor made to our requests. We had very good time, sightseeing and touring all across Vietnam,
from Bac-HA in the north to the Mekong delta in the south. All the same for our tour in Siam Reap, Cambodia.
It was most enriching and very interesting to see different cultures, cities, villages, people and many attractions for the first time.
Secondly, I would like to apologize for the long period of time, which it took to write this Thank You letter. I was very busy at work closing gaps after a long vacation.
All our guides were very good. Their English was very good and their knowledge was profound on all aspects, from history to modern life in Indochina.
All our questions were answered until we got the whole concept.
They were very friendly and made light and nice atmosphere along the trip, in the car or while touring around, which was exactly what we have wished for.
Furthermore we were advised sometimes by our guides who have helped us a lot and made our stay more pleasant.
For example, Mr. Phan Vũ Hoàng , advised us to bring drinking water to the cruise in Ha-Long Bay, after he saw us drinking a lot of water during our trip .
He checked for our preferred kinds of food before the cruise and informed the staff on the boat.
Two of my sons preferred only chicken or beef and the kitchen on the boat met their demands.
It saved us a lot of headache and unpleasant feelings because of unfit meals on board.
The food met all our expectations and more, and everyone was happy.
Sightseeing attractions was very interesting, and very intriguing.
Many activities were fun, especially the day at Thuy Bieu Eco Village, and the cooking class was unique.
Of course, the lunch we ate there was the best ever. Maybe because it was our doing. AT least, part of it.
We came back home loaded with good memories, thoughts and many pictures from our trip.
We have enjoyed our trip very much and we would like to thank you all for planning and guiding and making it happened.
Especially we will never forget the birthday cake and the greetings that my son received in Can-Tho from your guide.
Even now, when I remember this, I get very emotional.
We have learnt a valuable lesson about your commitment to very good service.
We had a great experience and we will remember this trip forever. Thank you.
We are and will recommend to all our family and friends to tour Indochina and use your services to do so.
The next day, our guide arranged for us lunch in Hoi-An as a compensation to the horrible sail at the lagoon. Thank you for that.
On behalf of Lerner family
Yoav Lerner.
Detailed Program
Day 01 19/08/16 Hanoi – arrival
Flight to Hanoi HX 528 16:45
Upon arrival in Hanoi, you will be welcomed by our guide and brought to your hotel. Hanoi is one of Asia's most charming cities, with romantic tree-lined boulevards and colonial houses. The rest of the day is free for your own exploration and shopping.
Day 02 20/08/16 Hanoi - city tour – night train to Lao Cai - B
You will be picked up at the hotel at 8:00am. Starting the day trip will be a visit of the Ho Chi Minh Complex, which compromises Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum (closed on Mondays & Fridays), his former stilt-house residence, the Presidential Palace. You will then visit the Temple of Literature constructed in 1070 to worship Confucius, which served as the first Royal National University in Vietnam. The site also honors 82 Vietnamese doctorates who passed a number of rigid exams in the feudal ages. Their names, birthdays and birthplaces are engraved in 82 headstones perched on stone tortoises. It is widely believed that touching the heads of these tortoises will bring luck. Its peaceful green compound with its neatly maintained lawns, gardens and lotus ponds make it a tranquil hideaway from the city’s bustle and heat.
In the afternoon, you will visit the Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays, the alternative being the History Museum), which offers informative and well-documented displays of the country’s 54 ethnic groups, including elaborate and colorful hill tribe costumes. The display continues in the museum’s garden with fascinating examples of traditional houses of numerous minority groups, from the Kinhs to the ethnic groups of the Central Highlands. You then head to Ngoc Son Temple set on a tiny island in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake. Ngoc Son Temple dates back to the 13th century and the lake itself is the picturesque heart of Hanoi, frequented by tourists and locals alike.
You can then continue exploring Hanoi by yourself until the departure of the night train to Lao Cai. Overnight on train. (4 persons/cabin).
Day 03 21/08/16 Lao Cai – Bac Ha – Sapa - B
Arrive in Lao Cai 6:00am. Drive to Bac Ha by car to visit Bac Ha market. This is the biggest local ethnic market of the region and takes place every Sunday. Tribal people from surrounding villages flock here to exchange their products. Most still use horses to carry their loads, which means an early departure to get to the market in time.
Then follow a zigzag road along the mountain to visit Ban Pho 1 and Ban Pho 2 villages, inhabited by Flower H'mong people. We will stop at a local house to see how corn wine is made - a special wine Bac Ha is renowned for. Taste some and you will truly feel its local flavor. Then drive to Sapa to overnight.
Day 04 22/08/16 Sapa – B
After breakfast we will explore Sapa town, founded by the French as a holiday resort.
Visit Cat Cat village, home to H’Mong ethnic people. They are excellent “tho cam” weavers, a kind of brocade fabric. The “tho cam” of Cat Cat village is of especially high quality, as it is dyed with natural colors, polished with beeswax and embroidered with unique designs. Cat Cat silver jewelry such as necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings are known for their sophisticated production techniques. A walk through this old village offers a glimpse into traditional customs and practices of the ethnic Black Hmong.
We will climb Mount Ham Rong and be rewarded with a panoramic view of the town. Overnight at hotel in Sapa. Overnight at hotel in Sapa.
Day 05 23/08/16 Sapa – Lao Cai – night train to Hanoi – B
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before commencing your full day tour of Sapa, starting with its vibrant market and colonial houses. Descending into the Muong Hoa Valley, you will reach the picturesque Lao Chai village home to the Black H'mong ethnic minority and Ta Van village inhabited by Dzay. Enjoy stunning views of rice terraces curving around the hillside, winding rivers and streams glistening in the sunshine.
On the way back to Sapa, you will visit Tra Ma village, home to Black Hmong ethnic people. You then return to Lao Cai train station by car to catch the night train to Hanoi. Overnight on the train. (4persons/cabin).
Day 06 24/08/16 Hanoi – Halong – B , L, D
Hotel pick-up. Arriving Hon Gai Harbor, Ha Long City. Transfer to Cruise by tender (5 -10 minutes)
Enjoy welcome drink
Cruising through Bai Tu Long & having lunch with Set Menu
Exploring Vung Vieng Village: Guest choose to discover the daily life of the fisher communities with bamboo boat (one hour) or kayaking around Vung Vieng area (one hour)
Swimming, Sunbathing and Relaxing at Ban Chan Beach
Relax and enjoy the sunset cocktail while the boat is cruising to Cong Dong-Cong Do area .Docking for overnight
Taking part into cooking class on boat: Learning how to cook traditional Vietnamese cuisines
Having BBQ dinner on Sundeck
Free evening or taking part in some activities of board games or squid fishing, Karaoke
Taste the variety of drink at our luxury sundeck bar (chargeable) with wines, cocktails, brandy, juices…
Day 07 25/08/16 Halong – B , L, D
Doing exercises with Tai chi on the sundeck.
Having breakfast (Set Menu for Garden Bay)
Transfer to the day boat to go to Cap La area
Go fishing with the fisherman
Back to the day boat, free time & relaxing on the sundeck
Having Set lunch with seafood and grills.
Kayaking & swimming (kayak at your charge)
Back to the Cruise.
Day 08 26/08/16 Halong - Hanoi - flight to Hue – B
Doing exercises with Tai chi on the sundeck.
Having breakfast
Exploring the Thien Canh Son Cave.
Checking-out and relaxing on sundeck or watching fruits carving demonstration
Enjoy the last of the Ha Long Bay scenery over lunch (Set Menu) as the boat cruises back to shore.
Transfer back to Hanoi.
Our driver will take you to Noi Bai airport for your flight to Hue VN1545 1955 2105
Before going to the airport, you will enjoy the Water Puppet Show in Yen Duc village.
Overnight at hotel in Hue.
Day 09 27/08/16 Hue – city tour – B
In the morning, you will visit Hue Imperial City, the remaining vestige of Hue Citadel, including : Flag Tower, Ngo Mon Gate, Nine Dynastic Urns, Nine Holy Cannons, Thai Hoa Palace and the Forbidden Purple City (Tu Cam Thanh).
We then visit the Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, which was built between 1864 and 1867 by 3000 soldiers and workers. It includes 50 monuments surrounded by a 1500m long wall and covers an area of 12 hectare.
We then stroll through the bustling Dong Ba Market, passing many fantastic eating spots where visitors have a chance to sample various local delicacies. Overnight at hotel in Hue.
Day 10 28/08/16 Hue – B, L
You take a boat trip on the poetic Perfume River. Stop to visit Thien Mu Pagoda also knows as ”Heavenly Lady Pagoda” built in 1601, the symbol of Hue. Continue your cruise toward Thuy Bieu eco-village, an old laid back village situated on the bank of the Perfume River known for its green tea fruit orchards. Cooking class and lunch at the village. The afternoon is reserved for cycling through the peaceful village and visiting several communal houses, ancient temples and most importantly the garden-house, a typical and unique feature of Hue. After this full day of sightseeing, your feet will be refreshed in a bath of medicinal herb water followed by an excellent blind massage.
Then transfer to Dam Chuon lagoon to see a fantastic view.
Day 11 29/08/16 Hue - Danang - Hoi An – B
Morning 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 visiting the Museum of Cham Sculptures, with many precious antique artifacts of the former Cham Kingdom on display. We then continue our drive to Hoi An’s 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. Explores each, when visiting the Japanese Pagoda Bridge, Chinese streets, old Phung Hung houses, Hoi An’s market and ancient port. On the 1st and 15th of every lunar month, Hoi An’s ancient town is lit up by hundreds of colorful lanterns, giving it an extra portion of sparkle. Enjoy the city’s transformation and stroll through this quaint, glowing fairytale town in your free time. Overnight at hotel.
Day 12 30/08/16 Hoi An – Da Nang – Saigon – B
In the morning you will be taken to airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City formerly known as Saigon or “Pear of the Far East” VN 109 0935 1105 . The whole day will be spent exploring this vibrant city situated on the banks of Saigon River, famous for its wide boulevards and historic French colonial buildings. Visit all must-see attractions, including: Ton Duc Thang and Nguyen Hue Avenue, Reunification Palace (President Palace), the Notre Dame Cathedral built in 1877 and the Central Post Office. The tour ends with a bit of shopping at Ben Thanh Market, the busiest business centre in Ho Chi Minh City. Overnight at hotel in Saigon.
Day 13 31/08/16 Saigon – Cu Chi – Tay Ninh – 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 1/09/16 Saigon - Ben Tre - Can Tho – B , L
You will be picked up at your hotel at 8:30am and driven to Ben Tre. Upon arrival at Hung Vuong pier you will embark a boat to cruise on Ben Tre River, one of the tributaries of the Mekong River. Enjoy the lively activities on the river like fishing and water transferring. We will stop at a brick-factory, to see how bricks are made by hand in a traditional way. Our next stop is one of numerous coconut processing workshops located along the canal.
Take a bicycle-cart along a village path and stop at a farmer’s house for lunch. We then talk a walk to a mat-weaving village before embarking small rowing-boats to travel along palm tree lined waterways back to Hung Vuong pier. We then drive to Can Tho. Upon arrival, check into hotel and relax. Overnight at hotel in Can Tho
Day 15 2/09/16 Can Tho - Saigon – Siem Reap - B
In the early morning, you will visit Cai Rang floating market, the biggest and most famous floating market in the Mekong Delta. Get into a sampan to explore the complicated canal system of Can Tho. 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 Ho Chi Minh City. Flight to Siem Reap VN 815 19:35 20:35. Pick up by our guide and driver.
Day 16 3/09/16 Siem Reap– Roluos Group of temples – Angkor Wat – B , D
Start our day by visiting Roluos Group of temples built between 877-889, situated 13km from Siemreap. They were constructed when the ancient Khmers created their first settlement in the Angkor region. There are 3 temples:
- Bakong is the most impressive temple, much older than Angkor Wat with beautiful carvings on its lintels that are still in good shape
- Preahko temple is close to the main temple Bakong and consists of 6 elegant brick towers with exquisite decoration and statues of Nandi, Shiva's sacred bull.
- Lolei temple constructed in 893, is an island temple dedicated to members of the royal family and the Hindu God Shiva.
The afternoon is spent for exploring the amazing World Heritage "Angkor Wat" - the world's largest religious building, and Phnom Bakheng (Bakheng hill) the first major temple to be constructed in the Angkor era, marking the move of Khmer empire's capital from Roluos to Angkor in the late 9th century AD.
Diner Apsara. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 17 4/09/16 Siem Reap - Banteay Srei - Angkor Thom – B
Start our day by visiting Banteay Srei built at the time when Khmer Empire was gaining significant power and dedicated to Hindu God Shiva. It’s a masterpiece of Khmer Art with small size, sandstone construction and ornate design. We then back to visit Banteay Samre temple in the Angkor Wat style.
Afternoon, transfer to visit South Gate of Angkor Thom, famous Bayon, Baphoun, Terrace of Elephant, Phimean Akas, Terrace of Leper King. Overnight at the hotel in Siem Reap
Day 18 5/09/16 Siem Reap – Tonle Sap - departure – B
After having breakfast at hotel, take a boat trip to explore Tonle Sap lake- the largest natural lake in Indochina. 1 to 2 hours cruising will bring you closer to the floating villages and Cambodian waterfront life. We continue to one of the city’s lively open markets, Psar Chhas, all called the “Old Market”, where everything is for sales. Then you are free & easy until transferring to the airport for the flight to Bangkok PG 910 2030 2145.
***End of our services***