French Colonial Opulence – Excellence - Warmth – High End Travelers - Rest, Relax, Recover and relive.

Discover stunning French Colonial Architecture, Tree-lined boulevards, baguettes and croissants to rival any Parisian cafe - AAH, good morning Vietnam

Upon arrival, a guide is waiting to transfer guests to the hotel. A welcome dinner is included at local restaurant close to your hotel. Park Hyatt Saigon Hotel   - let the opulence begin

Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon as the city is still frequently referred to, is Vietnam’s largest city. It is a fast-paced metropolis full of contrasts, with street vendors selling fruit and vegetables next to glitzy western-style bars and boutiques. Amazingly, the city’s history dates back only 300 years. In 1859 the city was captured by the French and became the capital of Cochin China. From 1956 until April 1975 it was the capital of the US-backed Republic of Vietnam. Today, Ho Chi Minh City is very much the heart of Vietnamese business and entrepreneurial activity.  

 Today enjoy a half day tour of the main city highlights. You will be picked up at 08:00 am in the main lobby of your hotel.

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

·    Dong Khoi Street, the Opera House and the Peoples’ Committee Building: built in 1897 by French architect Ferret Eugene, the 800 seat Opera House was used as the home of the Lower House Assembly of South Vietnam after 1956. 

 ·    The Reunification Palace: This is one of the most important buildings in the city. 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. 

·    The War Remnants Museum: Formerly known as the Museum of American War Crimes, this is a poignant display of the futility of war. Some of the black and white photography in the ‘Requiem’ exhibit is particularly touching, dedicated to both foreign and Vietnamese journalists and photographers who perished during the conflict.  

In the afternoon?..  spa, shopping, or simply relaxing in one of the many great cafe's about with a Vietnamese coffee.  

PS.. One spa treatment of your choice/venue/resort per person,  to the  value of $75 is included in our Tour Package,  – use it whenever you feel you need it.   

We will pick you up at 8:15am at hotel lobby then transfer to Ben Thanh market where our Chef is waiting.  

Visit the market with the "Chef guide", and then the Chef will purchase the exotic ingredients that the participants will use to cook 3 dishes. Focus on the great variety of leaves, banana flower, coconut heart, Taro, lotus seeds and stems, fruits.   Visit the food corner to explain the main Vietnamese culinary specialty. After visiting market, we will transfer you to our restaurant, Hoa Tuc, to cook the freshly purchased ingredients. Enjoy the 3 dishes cooked, complimentary dessert. Tour ends at 13:00pm.  

In the afternoon, a few possible options are 

 

·         A visit  to Blue Dragon Children’s Home  

·         Visit Thann Sanctuary for the ultimate spa treatment 

·         Visit quilters and marvel at their fine work – embroidery/quilting/etc.,  

·         Shop at the Ben Thanh Market  or Antique street or one of the many Malls.. oooh!

You are transferred from the hotel to the airport for your flight to Dalat. Upon arrival, meet and transfer to hotel for check in. Ana Mandara Villas & Spa Dalat - The rest of the day is free to explore this beautiful town. Walk around the lake (7km) or strolls the streets. Dinner own arrangements – speak to Jean for options/suggestions  - we'll do a group dinner somewhere. 

Pick up from hotel for transfer to Nha Trang. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel in Nha Trang. Evason Ana Mandara Nha Trang & Six Senses Spa. Time to relax.   

This afternoon we have optional 3 hour tour with local photographer, Mai Loc for a photo session. (Own costs $30)  

Tody be picked up from your hotel and be transferred to the Six Senses Lounge in Nha Trang City. It is then a short 20-minute boat ride to Six Senses Ninh Van Bay. Ninh Van Bay provides the ultimate seclusion as it is accessible only by water. 

The Six Senses Spa is an open design nestled beside a gentle waterfall to allow the rhythm of the waters and aroma of essential oils and incense to infuse throughout. Presenting some of Vietnam's specialty treatments together with an extensive menu of signature therapies, expertly trained therapists create sensory journeys for guests with a range of holistic wellness and pampering treatments. There is something for everyone, including a selection of wellness activities such as yoga and Tai Chi. A selection of Spa treatments are available but not included in the price and advanced bookings should be made.  http://www.sixsenses.com/SixSensesNinhVanBay/Six-Senses-Spa.php  We'll do dinner tonight as a group back at our Hotel (own charges) 

Pick up at the hotel for transfer to airport - flight to Danang. Upon arrival, meet and transfer to hotel in Hoi An. Life Heritage Resort Hoi An - the old town declared Unesco World Heritage.

Meet the tailors to get our new outfits/shoes made – bring along any samples/pictures you would like of clothes copied.  

Late afternoon visit the Nam Hai hotel for an optional Spa Treatment (not included in price) before enjoying a beautiful set menu dinner (drinks not included) – price subject to change without prior notice. After dinner your transfer will return you back to your hotel at the Life Heritage in Hoi An 

Day at leisure – (shopping, tailors, walking around this beautiful old town. Some suggestions - Meet Mr. Lam, the shoemaker, do a cookery lesson @ The Red Bridge Cookery School, make your own beautiful silk lantern or visit Ahn Lu, the bamboo boat builder. Savour a meal in one of the many splendid restaurants here.  

After breakfast travel overland to Hue via the spectacular Cloudy Pass. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel for check in. Pilgrimage Village. Enjoy a relax half day city tour of Hue. The tour begins with a visit to the ancient walled Citadel containing the former Imperial Palace. 

Free time in the morning then transfer to the Pagoda for lunch included (possibly with Monks). Then enjoy a cruise down the Perfume River on a local boat visiting the Thien Mu Pagoda and the final resting place of the Emperors at two of the most impressive Royal Tombs.    

Pick up at the hotel for transfer to airport - take flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, a guide is waiting to transfer guests to the hotel. Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi 

Afternoon half-day city tour included:

• The Temple of Literature - Vietnam’s first university dating back to 1070

• Ngoc Son Temple and Hoan Kiem Lake - the Ngoc Son Temple is set on a tiny island on Hoan Kiem Lake, its history dating back to the 13th century

• A one-hour Cyclo tour through the narrow, chaotic streets of the Old Quarter - a must for any visitor to Hanoi!

• A traditional performance of the famous Vietnamese water puppets 

Day at leisure – Thi chi with locals this morning – then let’s discover Hanoi – visit 36 streets in Old Quarter, visit to KOTO (Know one teach One giving street kids chef opportunity, a visit to the Opera House, walk around the 17km lake if you’re energetic or simply find a good restaurant and soak up this Paris of the East city.   Full day ahead, but once again, you may choose to sit and savour another fantastic Vietnamese meal in one of their superb restaurants. 

Day at leisure, or shopping, or sight seeing, or relaxing at our stunning hotel.. aah, can life get any better?

Depart at 08:30am from the hotel. Depart Hanoi for the UNESCO heritage-listed Halong Bay on a two-day cruise through thousands of limestone islands. Climb onboard a deluxe junk, Ginger Boat meet the crew and set sail while lunch is served. In the afternoon, enjoy a pleasant bamboo boat ride to a traditional fishing village, followed by swimming on the quiet beach or sunbathing on the boat deck. As the sun sets over the water enjoy cocktails on the deck. In the evening, enjoy a unique dinner experience at Tien Ong Cave. 

Awake to morning tai chi and cruise leisurely to Bai Tu Long Bay. Discover the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine with the cooking demonstration, followed by a buffet brunch before returning  to the dock to depart for Hanoi. Then there will be an opportunity to collect your luggage and straight to the airport for your domestic flight back to Saigon which connects with your International flight. Note: The kayaking service is not included. The surcharge for kayaking is US$40 per person based on twin share kayaks. The itinerary is subject to change upon weather conditions. You are transferred from the hotel to the airport for your flight.  

 TOUR PRICE PER PERSON (includes all travel arrangements as set out above, plus domestic  flights in Vietnam)  *subject to currency fluctuations 

Prices in  US$4228 -  minimum 8 maximum 12 - this does NOT include International Air flights but DOES INCLUDE all Domestic Airfares, Taxes and local transfers. Accommodation plus lots of meals. 

Also includes one $75 spa voucher to use when you feel you need it the most at any of the 7 luxury Spa Resorts we'll be visiting. 

USD $1970 - Additional Single Supplement