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VIETNAM: THE LAND YOU NEVER KNEW

Tripoto
18th Nov 2017
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An 8 day trip plan, that starts from Vietnam’s historic capital Ho Chinh Minh city (Saigon), followed by exploring the colorful life on the Mekong Delta, a day trip to explore the labyrinthine Cu Chi tunnels, then on to the picturesque Mu Nei and finally to the charming Hanoi and the mesmerizing Halong Bay. We bring you beaches, boat rides, swimming in azure open waters, water sports and sand dunes, delicious local food, cooking classes, fun cities with a rich history and more! Come along and immerse yourself in this amazing Vietnamese adventure.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Saigon

Take a flight to Sai Gon. Welcome at the airport and check-in at the hotel. Free at your leisure till pick-up for the street food tour. A quick, fun overview of Ho Chi Minh City’s best street food.

Get a glimpse of local life as you sample a range of dishes in a little neighbourhood that’s been serving cheap and cheerful street food for nearly 30 years.

This tour is designed to give you the confidence to go out and try street food on your own once you’re released back into the wilds of Ho Chi Minh City. We’ll take you to and from the tour area by xe om (motorbike taxis).

Overnight in Saigon (Dinner)

Day 2: Saigon Chu Chi tunnels and sightseeing

This morning, leaving Saigon we drive through pleasant countryside before arriving at Cu Chi. Before entering the tunnels we watch a short introductory video showing how the tunnels were constructed. We then spend the next hour exploring the maze of tunnels. Also on display are various mantraps and the remains of an American tank as well as numerous bomb craters made by 500 pound bombs dropped by B52 bombers.

After lunch, we visit the following places of interest.

-The Reunification Palace: Here on April 30th 1975 the ‘American War’ officially ended when tank number 843 of the North Vietnamese Army crashed through the gates of what was, at the time the residence of the President of the Republic of Vietnam.

-War Remnants Museum: Formerly known as the Museum of American War Crimes, this is a poignant display of the futility of war.

-Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office: Built between 1877 and 1883 this is one of the best examples of classical French colonial architecture.

-Ben Thanh Market: This bustling market is very popular with tourists, primarily due to its central location. It has a wide selection of goods ranging from fake Nike shoes to beautiful silk Ao Dais. Return to hotel.

Overnight in Sai Gon (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 3: Saigon-Mekong delta

Pick up and drive 02 hours to Ben Tre province. On arrival, take a boat on Ben Tre River – one of tributaries of Mekong River, sightseeing lively activities along river. Stop at local brick kilns to see how to make bricks in handy traditional style. Continue going through palm tree- lined canals and visit one of coconut-processing workshops located along canal. It is a chance to interact with local people to know more about rural life and enjoy some candies, coconut juice. Take a short walk to family workshop where they make traditional mats and enjoy some fruits and tea.

Take a motor cart or cycle riding on shady road, pass by green fields and vegetable plantation and find out about tropical culture from peasants. Lunch at “Coconut riverside “Restaurant with specialties such as: Elephant- ear Fish, spring rolls… After lunch, take rowing boats along water palm creek back to pier and driving back to Sai Gon.

Overnight in Sai Gon (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 4: Saigon-Mui Ne

This morning, get transfer to Mui Ne beach town (4-hour). On arrival, visiting a fishing village (seasonal), the White and Yellow sand dunes which are top attractions in Mui Ne. A small stand of pine trees sitting on the bank of the lake (Bàu Trắng) overlooking the sand dunes makes a popular spot for photo-snapping.

Afterwards, it is free time for swimming and sunbathing.

Overnight in Mui Ne (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 5: Mui Ne-Saigon-Hanoi

In the morning, get transfer to the airport for flight to Ha Noi. On arrival, get pick-up for a city tour with a tasty lunch at the beginning. Then we start to visit:

-Ho Chi Minh Complex: Completed in 1975, the complex includes Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, House-on-Stilts, and the Ho Chi Minh Museum.

-The Temple of Literature: Originally built as a temple to Confucius, this is the site of Vietnam’s first University dating back to 1070. Inside are the stone steles mounted on the backs of turtles, inscribed with names of Vietnam best scholars.

-Ngoc Son Temple and Hoan Kiem Lake: The Ngoc Son temple is set on a tiny island on the Hoan KiemLake, its history dating back to the 13th century. The temple is reached by crossing the The Huc Bridge which literally means the ‘Place Touched by Morning Sunbeams’. The Hoan Kiem Lake is the local point of the city and the source of many legends.

-One hour Cycle Tour through the Old Quarter: Also known as the 36 streets, this bustling area of narrow streets is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers.

At the end of the trip, process to the Water Puppet Show theater to enjoy the show, return back to hotel.

Overnight in Ha Noi (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 6: Hanoi-Halong Bay

Pick-up at hotel and start the scenic, 3 and ½ hour drive to Halong Bay. Embark on V’Spirit Classic Cruise followed by a short cruise briefing. Savor a delectable lunch as V’Spirit Classic cruises among the limestone islands. Explore the amazing Sung Sot Cave – the most beautiful cave in Halong Bay. Cruising to Titov island. Go swimming and relaxing at the beach of Titov or climb up to the top of the island for a panorama view of Halong Bay. Return to the main boat and continue cruising to the quiet area while enjoy beautiful seascape on the way.

Enjoy Sunset Party on sundeck and admire the best moments of the day when the sun starts to set.

Dinner is served!. Socialize with other guests, take part in board games, fish for squid, or just laze around.

Overnight on board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7: Halong Bay-Hanoi

Get an early start to your day with Tai Chi exercises or a photo hunt. Have breakfast on board and enjoy the peaceful morning of Halong Bay.Kayak among the hidden areas of the bay, around the Man’s Head Islet area. Return to the boat. Freshen up and check out of your cabin. Continue your cruise exploring the Bay, passing Ba Hang fishing village, Dog Islet, and more.

While heading back to the harbor, watch the fruit carving demonstration and participate in the Cooking Class before enjoying a traditional Vietnamese lunch.

Disembark V’Spirit Classic.

Transfer back to Hanoi. (Trip finishes at around 17:00hrs)

Overnight in Ha Noi (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 8: Hanoi departure

Bat Trang Pottery Village is located in the south east of Hanoi, passing Chuong Duong Bridge turns right and go about 10km along the dike of Red River. Bat Trang belongs to Bat Trang Commune, Gia Lam District, Hanoi. This is a pottery village with a half-millenary historic development. This day tour to Bat Trang gives you some insights into Vietnamese ceramic art. You also earn a chance to test your skills and creativeness.

Pick you up at hotel at 08:00 am for driving to Bat Trang ceramic village (13km far from Hanoi centre). The guide will take you around the village to see the artisans at work and you have chance to witness the process of molding and carving clay pots, dishes and vases. Here you can create the pottery products by yourself. Then back Hanoi centre.

Free time to do your last minute shopping before your transfer to the airport for your flight home. Leave Vietnam with a bag full of memories!

(Breakfast)

PRICING

WHAT: Vietnam: The land you never knew

WHEN: 18th-25th November (7 Nights / 8 Days)

WHERE: Saigon-Mekong delta-Mui Ne-Hanoi-Halong Bay-Hanoi

HOW MUCH: Rs. 57,850 + 3.75% service tax per person

INCLUSIONS

-All meals mentioned

-Stays in 3* hotels

-Air conditioned transportation by private car

-English speaking guide

-Boat trip to Halong bay

-Internal flight from Saigon to Hanoi

-Entrance fees

EXCLUSIONS

-3.75% service tax

-Flights from India-Vietnam

-Tips and gratituties

-Personal expenses

-Anything not mentioned specifically under "inclusions"

-Additional activities you may undertake at the location

-Entrance fees at parks, monuments etc. unless specifically included

-Meals not mentioned

-Local transport within the city

-Any costs arising from flight delays, change in weather conditions, strikes etc. which are beyond our control

-Visa charges and processing

-Travel insurance

NOTES

* Please be aware that flight times, hotels and all other logistics, services and days of travel are subject to availability.

* The traveling times will vary according to weather, road, traffic or any other prevailing conditions.