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Vietnam Tour : Vietnam Tour Package
Vietnam
borders with China in the north, Laos and Kampuchea in the West, and the Pacific
Ocean in the east. Its lies in the centre of South-East Asia. Vietnam's territory
stretches from Lung Cu village (Ha Tuyen province) in the north to Rach Tau
hamlet (Minh Hai province) in the south. It is a S-shaped pennisula, with thousands
of off-shore islands and archipelagoes; the biggest of which are the Hoang SA
(Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) Archipelagoes. Vietnam's mainland covers 331,689
square kilometres . According to archaeological discoveries made at Do Mountain,
it is believed that life in Vietnam began as far back as 300,000 years ago.
Officially, the history of Vietnam stretches back 4,000 years when it was founded
by the Hung Kings.
It was then named Van Lang. When speaking upon the history of Vietnam, it is important to note the large role played by the French in Vietnam. It began in 1858, when the French took over Danang in southern Vietnam. Over time, more and more territory was won over by the French. It wasn't until 1954, when the French surrendered to to the Viet Minh, ending the French Indochina War, that the French colonial control in Vietnam ended. The immediate image in the minds of most people at the mention of Vietnam is that of the war fought against the United States some twenty years ago. Most people think of the country only in terms of the American conflict in Indochina.
The war ended nearly twenty years ago, and today, despite lingering signs of past American involvement, the situation in Vietnam is markedly different. People have finally begun to look at the country from another perspective, now that travelers and tourists from the West are being welcomed into what was once a forbidden country. It may take a bit more effort and tenacity to plan an excursion into Vietnam than it would for another Southeast Asian country, but Vietnam has much to offer in terms of culture and sights.
Weather Condition
The weather in the southern part of Vietnam is tropical. It is monsoonal in the north, bringing a hot, rainy season from mid-May to mid-September and a warm, dry season from mid-October to mid-March. Occasional typhoons from May to January bring extensive flooding to the middle regions of Vietnam.
People & Culture
The vast majority of the population is Vietnamese with minute percentages of Chinese. The Viet culture originated on the delta of the Red River and the Ma River where the Viet people cultivated paddy fields. They led a simple farming life in small villages, usually living around a communal house. Today the people living in the countryside follow this lifestyle. The Viet people are influenced by Confucianism, in particular the principle of respect for their elders. In spite of the immense suffering of the Vietnamese and the somewhat ruined state of the country, they are generally warm and friendly, and surprisingly, the Vietnamese bear little if any resentment or bitterness toward Americans. Children in the streets will commonly greet visitors with the name Lien Xo, which means Russian, but they will easily be corrected if you respond, "Hello!" or "Good morning" and explain you are an American, European or Australian, etc. Ethnic Groups:
The country is predominantly 85-90% Vietnamese, 3% Chinese, ethnic minorities include Muong, Thai, Meo, Khmer, Man, Cham, and other mountain tribes.
Languages:
Vietnamese is the official language; French, Chinese, English, Khmer and tribal dialects (Mon-Khmer and Malayo-Polynesian) are also spoken.
Religion:
Buddhist, Confucian, Taoist, Roman Catholic, indigenous beliefs, Islamic and Protestant.
Local Custom
Be
firm, yet diplomatic when dealing with officials who will often be very rigid.
In the case of misunderstanding, patience is the best policy. Small gifts such
as cigarette lighters, pens, foreign cigarettes, liquor, perfume and even shampoo
are greatly appreciated by anyone you wish to make friends with in Vietnam.
Out of politeness, always ask permission before taking photos of people. The
same rule of thumb also applies to photos taken in places of worship. Permission
will almost always be granted. A gentle handshake is the most appropriate manner
of greeting. Be very discrete about giving anything to beggars frequently encountered
in Ho Chi Minh City. If anyone is seen giving handouts to a beggar, he or she
may end up being pursued by a mob of other beggars. This does not help create
a good image for foreigners; it gives them instead the reputation of being easy
to hit up for money. Beware of pickpockets. Keep your ID and passport in a safe
place and carry only photocopies of those items. Remove your shoes before entering
Buddhist pagodas. Small donations placed in the boxes found in temples are appreciated.
It is acceptable to keep your shoes on within Chinese pagodas. Never let the
soles of your feet face other people or any sacred monument, such as a statue
of Buddha.
Currency
The Dong (D) is the official currency in Vietnam.
Exchange rate is approximatley 1 USD = 15,000 Dong (Sep 01) Bank notes currently in circulation are in denominations of 100 / 200 / 500 / 1,000 / 2,000 / 5,000 / 10,000 / 20,000 and 50,000 Dong Notes under 200 Dong have little value and are rarely used. The U.S. dollar is more or less a second currency in Vietnam. Other foreign currencies are not readily accepted. A large supply of US$1, US$5 and US$10 are almost essential for tipping, for small expenses and for hotel bills. U.S. money is so common that change will frequently be given in dollars. You may bring in an unlimited amount of foreign currency as long as it is declared on the forms provided by customs officers. Foreign currency can be exchanged for dong at your hotel or at the State Bank of Vietnam.
Things to Know
Population: About 78 Million People
Capital: Hanoi
Flag: The flag of Vietman is red with a large yellow five-pointed star in the center.
Shop Hours: Shops run from 7 or 8am to 11 or 11:30pm. Some are open from 1 or 2pm to 4 or 5pm.
Bank Hours: Most banks are opened from 7am or 8am to 11am or 11:30am Some are open from 1pm or 2pm to 4pm or 5pm.
3 DAYS/2 NIGHTS HO CHI MINH STOPOVER
8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS GLIMPSE OF VIET NAM
8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SOUTH
Vietnam Tour Package
General InformationVietnam
borders with China in the north, Laos and Kampuchea in the West, and the Pacific
Ocean in the east. Its lies in the centre of South-East Asia. Vietnam's territory
stretches from Lung Cu village (Ha Tuyen province) in the north to Rach Tau
hamlet (Minh Hai province) in the south. It is a S-shaped pennisula, with thousands
of off-shore islands and archipelagoes; the biggest of which are the Hoang SA
(Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) Archipelagoes. Vietnam's mainland covers 331,689
square kilometres . According to archaeological discoveries made at Do Mountain,
it is believed that life in Vietnam began as far back as 300,000 years ago.
Officially, the history of Vietnam stretches back 4,000 years when it was founded
by the Hung Kings. It was then named Van Lang. When speaking upon the history of Vietnam, it is important to note the large role played by the French in Vietnam. It began in 1858, when the French took over Danang in southern Vietnam. Over time, more and more territory was won over by the French. It wasn't until 1954, when the French surrendered to to the Viet Minh, ending the French Indochina War, that the French colonial control in Vietnam ended. The immediate image in the minds of most people at the mention of Vietnam is that of the war fought against the United States some twenty years ago. Most people think of the country only in terms of the American conflict in Indochina.
The war ended nearly twenty years ago, and today, despite lingering signs of past American involvement, the situation in Vietnam is markedly different. People have finally begun to look at the country from another perspective, now that travelers and tourists from the West are being welcomed into what was once a forbidden country. It may take a bit more effort and tenacity to plan an excursion into Vietnam than it would for another Southeast Asian country, but Vietnam has much to offer in terms of culture and sights.
Weather Condition
The weather in the southern part of Vietnam is tropical. It is monsoonal in the north, bringing a hot, rainy season from mid-May to mid-September and a warm, dry season from mid-October to mid-March. Occasional typhoons from May to January bring extensive flooding to the middle regions of Vietnam.
People & Culture
The vast majority of the population is Vietnamese with minute percentages of Chinese. The Viet culture originated on the delta of the Red River and the Ma River where the Viet people cultivated paddy fields. They led a simple farming life in small villages, usually living around a communal house. Today the people living in the countryside follow this lifestyle. The Viet people are influenced by Confucianism, in particular the principle of respect for their elders. In spite of the immense suffering of the Vietnamese and the somewhat ruined state of the country, they are generally warm and friendly, and surprisingly, the Vietnamese bear little if any resentment or bitterness toward Americans. Children in the streets will commonly greet visitors with the name Lien Xo, which means Russian, but they will easily be corrected if you respond, "Hello!" or "Good morning" and explain you are an American, European or Australian, etc. Ethnic Groups:
The country is predominantly 85-90% Vietnamese, 3% Chinese, ethnic minorities include Muong, Thai, Meo, Khmer, Man, Cham, and other mountain tribes.
Languages:
Vietnamese is the official language; French, Chinese, English, Khmer and tribal dialects (Mon-Khmer and Malayo-Polynesian) are also spoken.
Religion:
Buddhist, Confucian, Taoist, Roman Catholic, indigenous beliefs, Islamic and Protestant.
Local Custom
Be
firm, yet diplomatic when dealing with officials who will often be very rigid.
In the case of misunderstanding, patience is the best policy. Small gifts such
as cigarette lighters, pens, foreign cigarettes, liquor, perfume and even shampoo
are greatly appreciated by anyone you wish to make friends with in Vietnam.
Out of politeness, always ask permission before taking photos of people. The
same rule of thumb also applies to photos taken in places of worship. Permission
will almost always be granted. A gentle handshake is the most appropriate manner
of greeting. Be very discrete about giving anything to beggars frequently encountered
in Ho Chi Minh City. If anyone is seen giving handouts to a beggar, he or she
may end up being pursued by a mob of other beggars. This does not help create
a good image for foreigners; it gives them instead the reputation of being easy
to hit up for money. Beware of pickpockets. Keep your ID and passport in a safe
place and carry only photocopies of those items. Remove your shoes before entering
Buddhist pagodas. Small donations placed in the boxes found in temples are appreciated.
It is acceptable to keep your shoes on within Chinese pagodas. Never let the
soles of your feet face other people or any sacred monument, such as a statue
of Buddha. Currency
The Dong (D) is the official currency in Vietnam.
Exchange rate is approximatley 1 USD = 15,000 Dong (Sep 01) Bank notes currently in circulation are in denominations of 100 / 200 / 500 / 1,000 / 2,000 / 5,000 / 10,000 / 20,000 and 50,000 Dong Notes under 200 Dong have little value and are rarely used. The U.S. dollar is more or less a second currency in Vietnam. Other foreign currencies are not readily accepted. A large supply of US$1, US$5 and US$10 are almost essential for tipping, for small expenses and for hotel bills. U.S. money is so common that change will frequently be given in dollars. You may bring in an unlimited amount of foreign currency as long as it is declared on the forms provided by customs officers. Foreign currency can be exchanged for dong at your hotel or at the State Bank of Vietnam.
Things to Know
Population: About 78 Million People
Capital: Hanoi
Flag: The flag of Vietman is red with a large yellow five-pointed star in the center.
Shop Hours: Shops run from 7 or 8am to 11 or 11:30pm. Some are open from 1 or 2pm to 4 or 5pm.
Bank Hours: Most banks are opened from 7am or 8am to 11am or 11:30am Some are open from 1pm or 2pm to 4pm or 5pm.
3 DAYS/2 NIGHTS HO CHI MINH STOPOVER
| Day 1: Arrival - Ho Chi Minh |
| On arrival at Tan San Nhat Airport, you are met and transferred to hotel. Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by many locals, is a center of commerce, finance, culture and tourism in Vietnam. This bustling metropolis ,contradiction of its northern counterpart, is crowded with bikes and motorbikes, excited by numerous shopping area and sidewalk cafes. ( If time permits) we stroll around the down town to explore the different local ways of life. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh. |
| Day 2 : Ho Chi Minh - Cu Chi - Ho Chi Minh |
| The sightseeing tour acquaints us with some major sights of the city. We pass the now-demolished wartime American Embassy before we visit the Reunification Palace which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until end of April 1975, and some French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Sai Gon Post Office. After seeing the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War Remnant Museum, we continue our trip on to the Cho Lon, Saigon's Chinatown, which is crammed with fascinating temples and mysterious, narrow lanes. We then drive this afternoon, to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground tunnel network of approximately 200 kilometres constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle for independence. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh. (B) |
| Day 3: Ho Chi Minh - Departure |
| There is a free time to relax or further explore Ho Chi Minh City. The tour ends after your transfer to Tan San Nhat Airport for departure. (B) |
| Book Your Tour Now |
8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS GLIMPSE OF VIET NAM
| Day 1: Arrival - Ha Noi |
| On arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you
are met and transferred to hotel. Ha Noi , Vietnam's capital, is a stylish
and gracious city that retains an unique old world charm and some Asia
's most striking colonial architecture. The many lakes and parks make
for relaxing atmosphere. If time permits we enjoy a short cyclo excursion
through the bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods
once offered for sale at these places. Overnight in Ha Noi. |
| Day 2: Ha Noi - Halong |
| Today we enjoy a half day city tour
starting with the Ho Chi Minh Complex, containing the mausoleum of the
nation's founder Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh's
house on stilts. The complex also comprises the One Pillar Pagoda, whose
origins date back to the foundation of Hanoi. We follow this with a trip
to the Temple of Literature, well known as Vietnam's first university,
and the History Museum which displays an excellent collection of artifacts
illustrating the Vietnamese history. The peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem and
the bustling Dong Xuan Market are also visited before we depart for Halong
Bay through the scenic countryside. Along the way we make stop over at
Dong Trieu pottery village to observe many craft man at work. Overnight
in Ha Long. (B) |
| Day 3: Ha Long - Ha Noi |
| The wondrous Halong Bay is truly one
of Vietnam's most impressive scenic sights. Heading out of the town we
embark on a boat for an exploration of the legendary Halong Bay. This
exciting five hour cruise will provide us a fantastic view of the picturesque
scenery blending with the sky and some 3,000 limestone islands rising
amazingly from the clear and emerald water. The limestone karst formations
are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. Along the way
we will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and an enjoyable
visit to one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs. After
a seafood lunch on board we return to Ha Noi, stopping en route at Dong
Trieu pottery village. We arrive in time to see an evening performance
of Hanoi's famous water puppets. Overnight in Ha Noi. (B,L) |
| Day 4: Hanoi - Danang - Hoian |
| An early morning flight to Da Nang. The sightseeing
tour of central Vietnam begins with Hoi An Town which was originally a
Cham seaport but has been influenced down centuries by a myriad of traders
from various cultures. The tranquillity and charm of the town with its
low tiled houses and assembly halls scattered along the small streets
make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Vietnam. After checking
into hotel, we will have time strolling around the town to explore the
lively central market and visit the famous Japanese Covered Bridges, the
Pottery Museum, the many temples and pagodas of Chinese appearance. Overnight
in Hoi An. (B) |
| Day 5: Hoi An - Hue |
| The journey continues to Hue, Vietnam's imperial capital between 1802 and 1945. Along the way, we make stopover at the sensational Marble Mountains before arriving in Danang City for a visit to the Cham Museum, home to Vietnam's largest collection of Cham treasures. We then follow the road hugging the central coast before crossing over the scenic Hai Van Pass and dropping down to the fishing villages of Lang Co. On arrival in Hue, we enjoy a cruise on the Perfume River, stopping at bustling Dong Ba Market and the beautiful Thien Mu Pagoda, then visit the Imperial City and the Forbidden Purple City. This royal residence was all but destroyed during the 1968 Tet Offensive. Overnight in Hue. (B) |
| Day 6: Hue - Ho Chi Minh |
| The sightseeing tour of Hue would not be complete without
a visit to the elaborate tomb of Emperor Tu Duc. After seeing this sight
we board a flight south. Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by many
locals, is crowded with bikes and motorbikes, excited by numerous shopping
area and sidewalk caf?s. An afternoon city tour takes us in the Reunification
Palace which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam
until end of April 1975. Close to the palace are some beautiful French
colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Sai
Gon Post Office. We also visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War Remnant
before we continue to the bustling Ben Thanh Market where anything and
everything is for sale. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City. (B) |
| Day 7 : Ho Chi Minh - Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh |
| Heading out of the town, we travel by roads to the Mekong
Delta, Vietnam's largest rice bowl. On arrival in My Tho we embark on
a boat navigating around the intricate small canals in the delta region,
which is a great way to observe the local lifestyle close-up and catch
a view dotted by many islands. The exciting excursion will pass the lush
green vegetation before arriving at the famous Unicorn Island. Here we
have opportunities to stroll around an orchard, taste many seasonal fruits
and enjoy wonderful traditional music. The next stop of our trip is Ben
Tre Province to visit some fascinating local industries. After feasting
on a huge lunch we return to Ho Chi Minh, stopping off along the way to
see the beautiful Ving Trang Pagoda and the Cho Lon, Saigon's Chinatown,
which is crammed with sacred temples and mysterious, narrow lanes. Overnight
in Ho Chi Minh. (B,L) |
| Day 8: Ho Chi Minh - Departure |
| There is a free time to relax or further explore Ho
Chi Minh. The tour ends after your transfer to Tan San Nhat Airport for
departure. (B) |
| Book Your Tour Now |
8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SOUTH
| Day 2 : Ho Chi Minh - Cu Chi - Ho Chi Minh |
| Day 3 : Ho Chi Minh - Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh |
| Day 4: Ho Chi Minh - Da Lat |
| Day 5: Da Lat - Nha Trang |
| After breakfast, we embark on a short drive past the charming pine hill to visit the summer residence of Vietnam's last Emperor Bao Dai, who was forced to abdicate in 1945, shortly after the end of the World War II. We follow this with a trip to the Lam Ty Ni Pagoda and the Hang Nga Guesthouse , well known as the Crazy House because of its bizarre architecture. The central market and the old rail station are also visited this morning before we travel by roads through the undulating terrains to the picturesque coastal town of Nha Trang. Along the way we make stopover at the scenic Ngoan Muc Pass and the Po Klong Jarai Cham Towers. These amazing structures represent an interesting culture and a colorful history of the Cham people. Overnight in Nha Trang. (B) |
| Day 6: Nha Trang |
| The fabulous sunny weather, turquoise water surrounding
a string of islands and white sandy beach stretching the whole length
of the city make Nha Trang one of Vietnam's premier beach resorts. We
board a boat for a day trip around the coastal islands, stopping on the
way at a local fishing village to observe the island life. Today we also
have lots of time on the blue clear water enjoying swimming and snorkeling
or lazing on a beach. A seafood lunch is some enjoyment of the trip. We
arrive back in town late afternoon and visit the Long Son Pagoda and the
impressive Ponagar Cham Towers, which are overlooking the colourful fishing
port. Overnight in NhaTrang. (B,L) |
| Day 7: Nha Trang - Ho Chi Minh |
| Today we can get up from dawn to enjoy our last minute
swimming on Nha Trang Beach. After breakfast we set off on a long but
scenic drive on very goods roads which link Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh.
A part of the pleasure of travelling through this region is the simple
joy of seeing the charming countryside and the smiling faces of the people.
Along the way we can make stop as we please, to stretch our legs and take
some wonderful photographs. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh. (B) |
| Day 8: Ho Chi Minh - departure |
| Book Your Tour Now |
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