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Vietnam Discovery – November
* 4 STAR HOTELS, ALL EXCURSIONS, MEALS & ENTRANCES INCLUDED AS PER PROGRAMME
Dates:
12th – 25th November 2024
From: EUR 2999
Visiting:
Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Halong Bay, Hoi An, Saigon & Mekong Delta
TUESDAY, 12TH NOVEMBER / WEDNESDAY, 13TH NOVEMBER
We meet at Malta International Airport at 12.30 pm for our Emirates flight to Hanoi. The flight leaves at 3.35 pm and arrives in Dubai at 1.05 am (on Wednesday). Our next flight departs at 3.30 am and we arrive in Hanoi, Vietnam at 1.15 pm. Upon arrival we are transferred to our hotel – May De Ville Premier Hotel & Spa (or similar) in Hanoi. We check in and have some free time after the long flight. Welcome dinner in a local restaurant included.
THURSDAY, 14TH NOVEMBER
Today after breakfast we start with a visit to the complex dedicated to Ho Chi Minh- the nation’s founder, containing Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (viewed from outside), and house on stilts. This complex also comprises the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of the city. Then we visit Tran Quoc Pagoda- Hanoi’s oldest pagoda on the bank of West Lake. In the afternoon, we visit the fascinating Ethnology Museum, which is both a research center and a public museum exhibiting ethnic groups of Vietnam. Then we visit Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature & Vietnam’s first university). Constructed in the 11th century, the gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam’s past. Take a cyclo ride around the Old Quarter streets which were named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places. We stop at Hoan Kiem Lake to learn about the legend of the lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple, followed by the Water Puppet show- a uniquely Northern Vietnamese art form depicting scenes from rural life and episodes of national history. Overnight in Hanoi.
FRIDAY, 15TH NOVEMBER
Breakfast and we leave our hotel in Hanoi for 2 2-hour drive to Ninh Binh Province. Our first visit is at Hoa Lu-Vietnam’s former capital before it was moved to Thang Long- Hanoi in 1,010 and the remains of Dinh & Le Kings’ Temples. In the afternoon, we get on small rowing boats to travel along the canals amongst local villages, and green fields. Enjoy the beauty of Tam Coc (3 caves) which is also called “Ha Long Bay on land”. Go through the caves and then row back. Upon disembarking, visit Thai Vi Temple, and then take an ox-cart ride through the countryside, rice fields, and green mountain scenery to Tam Coc. Overnight in Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel in Ninh Binh (or similar).
SATURDAY, 16TH NOVEMBER
Breakfast and we depart from our hotel to Halong Bay, one of the World’s Natural Heritages recognized by UNESCO with over 3,000 spectacular limestone islands rising from the clear, emerald sea in the Gulf of Tonkin. Upon arrival, we board the ship and we check into our cabins. While we pass by many rocky islets, caves, floating villages, and beaches, our fresh seafood lunch will be served on board. During the cruise there will be opportunities to disembark, often using smaller boats or possibly kayaks to venture into hidden grottos and caves. Dinner will be served on board & and overnight.
SUNDAY, 17TH NOVEMBER
Breakfast is served while we continue exploring Halong Bay. Transfer to our day trip with a private crew and cruise to the bay’s most untouched areas. Enjoy swimming on quiet beaches, fishing villages, or kayaking. Then have lunch and return to the mother boat for the night.
MONDAY, 18TH NOVEMBER
In the early morning, many of the islands are alive with the sound of various sea birds nesting in the thick green vegetation that engulfs the limestone karsts. Early risers may wish to start the day with a Tai Chi class. Enjoy breakfast (or brunch) on board whilst the ship turns back to the motherland, stopping at points of interest en route. Arrive back at the port in the late morning. Then disembark and are transferred back to Hanoi. We make our way to the airport for our flight to Danang. Upon arrival, we are transferred to our hotel – Vinh Hung Riverside Resort (or similar) in Hoi An. Today dinner is included.
TUESDAY, 19TH NOVEMBER
Breakfast and today we go for a guided walking tour around Hoi An Ancient Town. We visit the Japanese covered bridge, the Chinese assembly hall, a typical Vietnamese merchant’s house, one of the interesting museums and the local market. There are numerous art galleries, souvenirs, and tailor shops where you can get some express made-to-measure clothes if you like. We then visit a craftsman home in the old streets where we have a brief introduction to the history of the lanterns and will go through the stages of making them. We will make a lantern of our own, decorate it, and keep it as a souvenir of our time in Hoi An. The rest of the afternoon is free for leisure.
WEDNESDAY, 20TH NOVEMBER
This full-day excursion offers an unbeatable chance to discover the worldwide famous Golden Bridge with its unique design and breathtaking views and Ba Na Hills – the complex includes tourist sites, European Architecture Villas, a huge indoor game world, a French Wine Cellar, flower yards and pagodas. After breakfast, we make our way to Danang and transfer to Ba Na Hills cable starting station where we take the cable car to the main cable station to enjoy the time in the Golden Bridge. It has a walkway of 150 meters long and comprises of eight spans, each of which is lined with purple chrysanthemums, the bridge serves as a transit between a replica of a French village and Le Jardin d’Amour flower garden in Ba Na Hills. Free time on Ba Na Hills for a nice walk. In the afternoon, we have the journey downhill by cable car and then transfer to Hoi An.
THURSDAY, 21ST NOVEMBER
Today is filled with interesting activities. We will travel to the countryside area, meet the locals and you will have a chance to learn some traditional fishing techniques and how to paddle the unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boats. Exploring the tranquil coconut-palm-flanked waterways of a past war. On this tour, we provide authentic social and cultural insight of the local way of life. As well, you will take part in some hands-on activities that are fun, safe and interesting to people of all ages. The morning excursion offers you a closer look into the countryside life in the outskirt of Hoi An Ancient town. Such an amazing experience going through picturesque villages, rice fields, graveyard, see water buffalos, water coconut gardens, then meet & talk with local villagers as you meet. Continuing with an exciting basketboat rowing on the water coconut river and learning how to catch crabs. Later on, we take a boat ride on a stunning river to see how local fishermen catch fish, reach Tra Que organic village for a mini-course of cooking class, and enjoy a tasty lunch prepared by your host. After lunch, transfer back to the hotel.
FRIDAY, 22ND NOVEMBER
Packed Breakfast – We are transferred to the airport for our flight to Saigon. Upon arrival, we make our way to the hotel: Bay Hotel (or similar). Lunch at a local restaurant and in the afternoon, we visit the moving War Remnants Museum which presents a partial, but riveting view of the American War as it’s known in Vietnam. We continue to the Reunification Palace, former residence of the Indochina Governer General and later President of the Republic of Southern Vietnam until the fall of Saigon in April 1975. Overnight in Saigon.
SATURDAY, 23RD NOVEMBER
After breakfast, we have a sightseeing tour to Mekong River Delta and Cai Be. We start the tour with a visit to Cai Be Floating Market place. The market is most busy in the very early morning only, which is a very typical floating market in the Mekong Delta region. Our boat will stop for a visit to some local factories making Coconut candies, rice crispy cakes, rice paper making workshop and we will have the chance to visit Ancient houses typical of local landlords in the early 20 th century, with a blend of Oriental and Western architectural styles. A delicious lunch will be served at a local house in the cool shade of An Binh Island’s orchards. In the afternoon, we take a traditional rowboat and venture deeper into the countryside, floating through narrow canals to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. We also stop at a nursery garden to discover how farmers along the delta produce their world famous fruits and vegetables. The cruise ends at Cai Be pier and then we are transferred back to Saigon.
SUNDAY, 24TH NOVEMBER / MONDAY, 25TH NOVEMBER
Breakfast and we enjoy a 2 hour driver north west of Saigon to visit the incredible network of the underground Cu Chi Tunnels constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle for independence and reunification. This network of over 200 km of tunnels became legendary during the 1960’s when they played a vital part in the American War, allowing the Viet Cong to control a large rural area close to Ho Chi Minh City. In their heyday, the tunnels were functioning underground cities. Then we head back to for lunch at local restaurant. The rest of the day is free at leisure for shopping. Later we are transferred to the airport for our flight back home. We depart at 11.50pm and arrive in Dubai at 4.05am (Monday), followed by the next flight that leaves at 8.00am and arrives in Malta at 2.05pm.
PRICE PER PERSON
Adult in Twin € 2999
Adult in Single € 3399
Visa €50
PRICE INCLUDES
- Emirates Airlines flights to Hanoi/from Saigon via Dubai
- Internal flights from Hanoi to Danang & and from Danang to Saigon
- 11 nights’ accommodation in 4* hotels + cruise
- 10 buffet breakfasts, 1 packed breakfast, 10 lunches and 4 dinners
- Meals (except for breakfasts) are taken in typical local restaurants based on local food
- All transfers in a private air-conditioned vehicle
- All excursions are guided by English speaking guide as indicated in the itinerary
- Entrance fees and boat fees where applicable as shown on the itinerary
- Fresh water and wet wipes during day tour (two bottles per person per day)
- Services of tour leader
- All taxes
- Insolvency Fund
The minimum group size is based on 20 passengers
Note: A Maltese passport with a validity date of 6 months beyond the departure date.
Visa: Please ask at the desk for requirements.
Vaccines: Kindly check with the National Immunisation Service at Floriana Health centre.
