Great Indochina Holiday – 30 Days/ 29 Nights

BRIEF ITINERARY:

Day 1: Saigon Arrival

Day 2: Saigon City tour – Cu Chi Tunnels

Day 3: Saigon – Mekong Delta – My Tho – Ngu Hiep Island

Day 4: My Tho – Cai Be – Saigon.

Day 5: Saigon – Phnom Penh – Half day city tour

Day 6: Phnom Penh city tour – Flight to Siem Reap

Day 7: Siem Reap Angkor Complex

Day 8: Siem Reap Tour – Flight to Hanoi

Day 9: Hanoi – Halong bay

Day 10: Halong Bay – Cat Ba Island

Day 11: Cat ba Island – Lan Ha Bay – Hanoi

Day 12: Hanoi – free day – Night train to Sapa

Day 13: Sapa – Y Linh Ho – Lao Chai – Ta Van – Giang Ta Chai – Sapa

Day 14: Sapa – Sin Ma Tra – Ta Phin – Sapa

Day 15: Sapa Free day – Transfer to Lao Cai Train Station – Train back to Hanoi (B, L)

Day 16: Hanoi – free day at leisure

Day 17: Hanoi – Flight to  Danang

Day 18: Danang free day

Day 19: Danang – Transfer to Hoi An

Day 20: Hoi An – Free day

Day 21: Hoi An – Free day

Day 22: Hoi An – Free day

Day 23: Hoi An – Free day

Day 24: Hoi An – Danang – Flight to Nha Trang

Day 25: Nha Trang – Free day

Day 26: Nha Trang – Free day

Day 27: Nha Trang – Free day

Day 28: Nha Trang – Free day

Day 29: Nha Trang free day – Flight to Saigon

Day 30: Saigon – Free day – Departure.

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DETAIL ITINERARY:

Day 1: Saigon Arrival

Transfer via: International flight – Your own arrangement.

Arrival at the Saigon International Airport, we will be transferred to our hotel in Saigon city center for check in and take rest of the day.

Overnight in Saigon.

Day 2: Saigon – Cao Dai Temple – Cu Chi Tunnels (Breakfast/ Lunch)

In the morning, we will be met our guide and driver then we will start our tour, drive to the region near the Cambodian border. This is home to the unique Cao Dai sect whose patron saints include Joan of Arc, Victor Hugo and Winston Churchill to name but a few. This religion is an odd mix of Buddhist, Taoist, Confucianism and Christianity. Join Cao Dai worshippers for their daily noontide ceremony where hundreds of worshipers attired in lively red, yellow blue and white, chant religious hymns. Following is Lunch in local restaurant. After lunch we will continue to the Cu Chi tunnels, otherwise known as the “Iron Triangle” or “Iron Land”. On our way there we will drive through pleasant countryside; rubber plantations and rice paddies. Before entering the tunnels, we will see a short introductory video showing how they were constructed, followed by an exploration of the maze of tunnels, some of which have been widened to allow tourist access. Also on display are various mantraps and the remains of an American tank as well as numerous bomb craters made by 500lb bombs dropped by B52 bombers. We will back to Saigon and arrive hotel at around 5:00 PM. Free at your own leisure.

Overnight in Saigon.

Day 3: Saigon – Mekong Delta – My Tho – Ngu Hiep Island (Breakfast/ Lunch)

07h30am: Our tour guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel in Saigon then route for Cai Be (120km).

10h00am: Upon arrival  Cai Be, we will get on small motor boat trip to explore the lively Cai Be floating market in the morning. After that, we will walking for visit a handicraft village of the local people and sample various tropical fruits.

We continue boat trip to Mekong Lodge – an eco-resort Mekong Lodge includes more than 40 private pretty bungalows and River View Restaurant, stretched in an area of more than 10.000 m2 lays just beside the Tien River.

We then visit Mekong Lodge and walking around this area to see local people who are doing daily activities and preparing lunch for their families.

After embark Mien Tay sampan, we will enjoy welcome drink and check in Mien Tay sampan.

Our lunch will be served on board.

After lunch, we will be transferred to the cruise, cruise depart from Cai Be to My Tho via Ngu Hiep island.

At 02h30pm, we arrive Ngu Hiep island. We disembark and leisure biking or walking tour on this island seeing daily life and local people’s activities. Leisurely cruise down the Mekong River while enyoying the beautiful scenery and enjoy the magnificent sunset on the Tien river.

Overnight on board between Ngu Hiep Island and My Tho.

Day 4: My Tho – Cai Be – Saigon (Breakfast/ Lunch)

In the morning, the noise of the floating market wake you up, then we will visit the daily life of the local people who live on both sides of the Mekong river, breakfast on board, then boat depart for Cai Be.

After breakfast, we will check out  hotel and carry our luggage to a small motor boat to explore the lively Cai Be floating market in the morning.

This morning, we will walking for visiting a handicraft village of the local people and sample various tropical fruits.

We then visit Mekong Lodge and walking around this area to see local people who are doing daily activities and preparing lunch for their families.

Our lunch will be served at River View Restaurant of Mekong Lodge.

After lunch, we will take a boat return to Cai Be harbor then disembark and route for Saigon.

Arrive Saigon at around 5:30 PM. Overnight in Saigon.

Day 5: Saigon – Flight to Phnom Penh – Half day city tour (Breakfast)

Today you will have free time at your own leisure and wait until transferring to the airport for your flight to Phnom Penh.

Upon your arrival in Phnom Penh, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in. After check-in hotel, take rest at hotel.

In the afternoon, we will start our Phnom Penh city tour. We will be picked up  at our hotel and transfer to visit Independence Monument, Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum, and Wat (Hill Pagoda). Then we transfer back to your hotel. Free at your own leisure. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 6: Phnom Penh city tour – Flight to Siem Reap (Breakfast)

Transfer via: International flight – Our own arrangement.

Today morning, our tour guide and driver will meet you and transfer you to visit Cheung Toul Sleng Museum (Prison in Khmer Rouge Regime), then we move to visit Cheung Ek Museum (Killing Field), and Russian Market for shopping.

In the afternoon, we will be transferred to the airport, take flight to Siem Reap.

Upon your arrival in Siem Reap, you will be welcomed by our local tour guide and driver, then transfer to our hotel in Siem Reap city center. Free time at your own leisure

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 7: Siem Reap Angkor Complex (Breakfast)

In the morning will exploration of the temples. Enter this last capital of the Khmer empire through the Southern Gate where giant carvings of gods and demons flank each side of the entrance. Inside this great city, explore the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, Elephant Terrace and Terrace of Leper King. Feel the serenity that exudes from the stone face carvings of the Bayon and temple walls covered in emerald-green moss intertwined with roots which many deem the most charming of all, Ta Prohm.

Afternoon set off on an exploration to Angkor Wat, an architectural and artistic masterpiece of the mighty Khmer Empire. Sunset at Phnom Bakheng or Pre Rup paints the temple in an orange hue.

Day 8: Siem Reap Tour – Flight to Hanoi (Breakfast)

In the morning we will enjoy Tonle Sap Lake, Asia’s largest inland lake also the biggest harvest fresh water fish in the world, which swells to ten times its normal size during the wet season; here you will visit the people living, school, hospital, church, fishing farm, crocodile farm, souvenir shop in the floating village then back in town to visit Les Artisan D’Angkor to observe student learning of art carving. Free time until transfer to airport for flight to Hanoi.

Upon your arrival in Noi bai airport, you will be welcomed by our local tour guide at the airport, then transfer you to your hotel in Hanoi City center. Free at your own leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 9: Hanoi – Halong bay (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)

Notes: Sharing shuttle bus/minivan with another group.

08:00 – 8:30 Pick-up at your hotel and depart for Halong city.

12:00 – 12:15 On arrival at Halong city, you will board your Imperial Junk Boat and you are warmly welcomed by professional and friendly crew. Check into cabin.

13:00 Enjoy specially prepared lunch while cruising towards thousands of amazing limestone islands emerging from emerald water, passing by Stone Dog islet, floating fishing village, incense burner islet, fighting cocks islet,…

15:00 visit Surprising Cave – the most beautiful one in Halong Bay.

16:00 Kayaking for an hour or more through slide rock cliffs.

17:30 Swimming time, this is great chance to relax in water.

19:00 Enjoy dinner.

20:30 Evening activities like singing karaoke, dancing, squid fishing, playing cards or relax at leisure

Day 10: Halong Bay – Cat Ba Island (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)

07:30 Breakfast, fruits, coffee and tea will be served. Continue to cruise further before stop over the pearl farm to sea real pearl cultivated by local fisherman.

09:00 Back to the cruise for check-out.

09:30 Take a local boat to Lan Ha Bay.

11:30 Check in at bungalow for whom stay there.

12:00 Lunch time.

13:30-15:00 Free time for kayaking and many activities in Nam Cat island exploring untouched area in Lan Ha Bay or join the trip to Viet Hai village (if you stay in Cat Ba Sandy Beach resort) – biking to visit the village in the valley – located in the middle of Catba national park (The trip to Viet Hai village is optional and not included: Extra USD 5/per for entrance fee, boat trip, tour guide, bike and insurance)

15:00 Back to the boat (option to stay in boat in the 2nd night) or hotel in Catba Island.

19:00 Buffet dinner at Bungalow, go fishing, relax on the sandy beach, listening to sea wave at very peaceful and quite place.

Day 11: Cat ba Island – Lan Ha Bay – Hanoi  (Breakfast/ Lunch)

07:20 Breakfast served at bungalow

08:00 Pick-up at Bungalow by boat (If you stay at the hotel in Catba Town: 07:00 Breakfast at the hotel. 07:30 Pick-up at the hotel by bus back to the boat)

09:30 Get on the cruise to attend the cooking class while cruising back Halong harbor

11:15 Farewell lunch served on the cruise before you arrive at harbor around 12 and get on the bus back to Hanoi

16:30 Transfer you back to your hotel. The tour ends.

Opt 4: 02 nights on the boat.

08:00 Breakfast, fruits, coffee and tea will be served.

09:30 Cooking class while cruising back Halong harbor

11:15 Farewell lunch served on the cruise before you arrive at harbor around 12 and get on the bus back to Hanoi

16:30 Transfer you back to your hotel. Free at your own leisure!

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 12: Hanoi – City tour – Night train to Sapa (Breakfast)

8:00 Our drive and tour guide pick you up at your hotel then transfer to Ho Chi Minh Complex, including the mausoleum of the nation’s founder and leader. Here, the large crowds gather to pay their respects to the man they simply call Uncle Ho as they silently file past his glass sarcophagus. The Presidential Palace and Uncle Ho’s wooden stilt house can also be seen here. One of must-see places in the complex is One Pillar Pagoda dating back 11th century. From far view its shape looks like a huge lotus flower.

The next stop is Temple of Literature – the first university in Vietnam, the site of Vietnam’s oldest university and dedicated to one of the world’s most famous scholars, Confucius. Inside the temple grounds, huge steles rest on the backs of even larger stone turtles (in Vietnam’s culture, the turtle represents longevity). The stele recorded the names of the successful candidates who later became mandarins in the Emperor’s court.

From here, we continue the walking tour of Hanoi ‘s vibrant Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake , the focal point of the city. This is not only a beautiful spot but also is the historical site of the legend of Le King and golden turtle in the lake. Our guide will tell you about the legend of the lake and how it becomes one of the Must-See places in Hanoi Old Quarter for both domestic and international tourists.

Back to your hotel at around 12:00 PM. Take the rest of the day at your own leisure.

In the evening, at around 19:30 you will meet our guide and driver again, then transfer to the train station, take a night train to Sapa.

Overnight on train.

Day 13: Sapa – Y Linh Ho – Lao Chai – Ta Van – Giang Ta Chai – Sapa (Breakfast/ Lunch)

06:30: arriving at Lao Cai Railways station, welcome and transfer to Sapa. Breakfast at hotel. Check in up on availability. The day is devoted to a beautiful hike through the breath-taking scenery of Sapa valley. Start by road that descends in the wake of the street Cau May (6 km) En route, admire the rice terraces hidden behind mist of the morning, a truly awe-inspiring sight.

Follow a small track and cross Muong Hoa River and pass well-tended rice terraces on our way to the Black Hmong village of Lao Chai. Continuing through the colourful rice terraces we will reach the village of Ta Van of Giay people. As we continue your trek along the Muong Hoa River we will cross a small suspension bridge, roughly 2km from the settlement. Here we can discover a fascinating collection of rock carvings.

These engravings depict some beautiful images of man, stilt houses and some beautiful decorative patterns. We lunch in a home in the village. After lunch the walk continues through a bamboo forest to Giang Ta Chai, a Red Dao ethnic minority village. After taking a rest nearby a waterfall to refresh, we start climbing uphill to a road where the car is ready for our journey back to Sapa. Overnight in Sapa.

Approx: 1-hour driving/ 4 hours walking/ 1-hour lunch.

Day 14: Sapa – Sin Ma Tra – Ta Phin – Sapa (Breakfast/ Lunch)

We enjoy a scenic hike to Ma Tra and Ta Phin, home to dramatic mountains and lush fertile hills and colorful Red Dao people. The women here are particularly striking, with their coin and jeweler-studded turbans and shaved eyebrows.

Hiking through more stunning rural countryside and meeting friendly the local people offer us wonderful foray into their way of life. In the afternoon, we will transfer back to Sapa Town. Overnight in Sapa.

Day 15: Sapa Free day – Transfer to Lao Cai Train Station – Train back to Hanoi (Breakfast)

Today you have free day to relax and explore Sapa town by your own.

Late in the afternoon we board a sleeper train back to Hanoi. Overnight on train.

Day 16: Hanoi – free day at leisure (Breakfast)

Upon your arrival in Hanoi train station, you will be picked up by our guide and driver, then transfer back to your hotel in Hanoi.

Today you have free day at your own leisure to explore Hanoi Old Quarter on your own.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 17: Hanoi – Flight to  Danang (Breakfast)

Today morning, you will take a morning flight to Danang.

Arrive Danang, you will be welcomed by our local guide and driver, then transfer to our hotel in Danang City center. Take rest of the day at your own leisure.

Overnight in Danang.

Day 18: Danang free day (Breakfast)

Today you have free day in Danang, explore the town and relax at your own leisure. Overnight in Danang.

Day 19: Danang – Transfer to Hoi An (Breakfast)

Today we will transfer you to Hoi An ancient town, after check-in hotel, you will have free time to explore the town and relax at your own leisure. Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 20: Hoi An – Free day (Breakfast)

Free day at your own leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 21: Hoi An – Free day (Breakfast)

Free day at your own leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 22: Hoi An – Free day  (Breakfast)

Free day at your own leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 23: Hoi An – Free day (Breakfast)

Free day at your own leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 24: Hoi An – Danang – Flight to Nha Trang (Breakfast)

Today we will transfer from Hoi An town to Danang airport, take a flight to Nha Trang.

Upon arrival Nha Trang, you will be welcomed by our tour guide in Nha Trang, then transfer you to your resort in Nha Trang.

Take rest of the day at your own leisure.

Overnight in Nha Trang.

Day 25: Nha Trang – Free day (Breakfast)

Free day at your own leisure.

Overnight in Nha Trang.

Day 26: Nha Trang – Free day (Breakfast)

Free day at your own leisure.

Overnight in Nha Trang.

Day 27: Nha Trang – Free day (Breakfast)

Free day at your own leisure.

Overnight in Nha Trang.

Day 28: Nha Trang – Free day (Breakfast)

Free day at your own leisure.

Overnight in Nha Trang.

Day 29: Nha Trang free day – Flight to Saigon (Breakfast)

Today we will transfer from your hotel to Nha Trang airport, take a flight to Saigon.

Upon arrival Tan Son Nhat airport, you will be welcomed by our local guide in Saigon, then transfer you to your hotel in Saigon

Overnight in Saigon.

Day 30: Saigon – Free day – Departure (Breakfast).

Today you will have free time until transfer to the Tan Son Nhat Airport, take a flight back to your country. Tour ends.

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SPECIAL OFFERED PRICE OF TOUR PACKAGE

The price is valid till the end of Dec, 2016

Price is quoted in American USD dollar at the newest exchange rate

• Hotel 3 Stars and Resort Category:

 Note:

• This is a cash price. Credit cards incur a 2.5% fee
• This is private tour design for your group two people
• This price is Nett. price and non-commission

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What’s included?

• Entrance Fees: To scenic spots as listed in the itinerary.
• Meals: All meals as specified in the itinerary with authentic Vietnamese food.
• Private Transfers: 4 seats car – Transfers between airports, hotels and scenic spots while sightseeing by private air conditioned vehicle with a driver and English-speaking guide (as listed above). Your comfort is our priority!
• Guide: As outlined in the itinerary an English-speaking guide and driver will be provided in each city they will remain with you throughout your time in that city. A new guide and a new driver will meet you at each city on your tour, to provide you with the best local knowledge available.
• Hotels: Deluxe Hotel and Resort three stars fees are based on two people sharing with Double (Twin) Rooms. All hotels as listed in the above itinerary serve daily Western or Local breakfast. All rooms are air-conditioned with private facilities unless specified.
• Boat cruise 3D1N on Halong Bay
• Private Boat cruise in Mekong Delta
• Domestic flights: Saigon – Phnom Penh

                                             Phnom Penh – Siem Reap

                                             Siem Reap – Hanoi

                                             Hanoi – Danang

                                             Danang – Nha Trang

                                             Nha Trang – Saigon

• Daily bottle of mineral water
• Service Charge & Government Taxes

What’s excluded?

• Excess Baggage Charges. Passengers holding an adult fare or half fare ticket are entitled to a free baggage allowance of 20kg, for economy class. Total weight of carryon baggage each passenger may not exceed 5kg. The size may not exceed 20x40x 55cm.
• Personal Expenses: Expenses of a purely personal nature such as laundry, drinks, fax, telephone calls, optional activities, sightseeing or meals which are not included in the tour itinerary.
• Tip
• Single Room Supplement

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NOTES:

• Please be aware that flight times, hotels and all other logistics, services and days of travel are subject to availability. Where flights are cancelled or delayed, we will endeavor to secure alternative arrangements of similar value as noted in our booking conditions.
• The overnight sleeper trains used on this trip are the comfortable available although they cannot be compared to European standards. Please note that whist we always endeavor to secure soft sleeper berths on overnight trains there may be occasions when we are unable to do this due to circumstances beyond our control. In these situations we will secure the best available class.
• The traveling times mentioned within this dossier are approximations only. These times will vary according to weather, road, traffic or any other prevailing conditions.
• This itinerary and supplementary information has been complied in good faith and was accurate at time of writing. However it DOES NOT form part of a contract between the client and Green Discovery Indochina.

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Vietnam visa service

Visitors must obtain visa approval prior to entry. The procedure is as follows:

(1) Passport details and arrival and departure dates are sent to us not later than 14 days before passengers’ departure to Vietnam. (Customer can send through email or fax, we need: full name in passport, gender, date of birth, passport number, expiry date, nationality, occupation, the first international airport (Hanoi or HCMC) where customers arrive, flight detail)

(2) We submit details to the Immigration Department.

(3) The Immigration Department sends us the original visa approval document.

(4) We send customer a copy of the approval document via email (Note: All customers need this paper to get onboard for flight to Vietnam)

(5) Each customer needs passport + 2 passport-sized photos + USD45 (in cash USD) to get the visa stamp.

Thank you so much for your interest in our company!

Have a wonderful trip in Indochina!

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