Designers of Discerning Holidays
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10 June 2018
Late evening flight on Singapore Airlines from Auckland via Singapore to Vietnam
Day 1 - Arrive Hanoi
Arrive Hanoi around midday. We are met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. We then get to relax after our long flight.
Vietnam’s capital Hanoi blends old world charm with the dynamic bustle of new Asia. Its French colonial past is evident from the colonial architecture and enchanting lakes which contrast with the throng of thousands of motorbikes and cosmopolitan new restaurants and boutiques. To the north of central Hoan Kiem Lake lies the frenetic maze of narrow streets of the Old Quarter while to the south are the broad tree-lined boulevards and majestic buildings of the French Quarter.
Early evening, we meet in hotel bar for pre-dinner drinks.
This evening we enjoy dinner with the finest traditional Vietnamese food with inspired contemporary cuisine at Home Restaurant. Set within a former French residence in the charming Truc Bach neighbourhood, Home is the unique Vietnamese restaurant situated between the historic labyrinth of the old trading quarter and the expansive serenity of West Lake. (Drinks not included)
Overnight Silk Path Boutique Hotel (B / D - Entree & Main)
Day 2 - Hanoi - Old Quarter
After breakfast, approx 08.30am, we depart the hotel for a tour of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, also known as the ‘36 Streets’. This walking tour passes through the charming Hang Be Market and around Hoan Kiem Lake. Stop at Ngoc Son Temple.
We continue to the Temple of Literature with well-preserved architecture offering a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s past. We then carry onto the mausoleum of the father of modern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh (viewed from the outside) and visit the former president’s stilted house where he lived from 1958 to 1969. Visit the small but iconic One Pillar Pagoda.
We finish our tour at the highly acclaimed Vietnam Women’s Museum. The museum offers wonderful insight into the lives of Vietnamese women. Learn historic and modern-day traditions centered around births, weddings, motherhood, spirituality and more.
We return to the hotel for a well earned rest.
Late PM: Street food tour of Hanoi - This afternoon explore Hanoi's culture through a street food tour with a senior member of the Hanoi Gastronomy Club. Start off with a stroll around a local market to experience the sights and sounds of an authentic daily scene. Then wander about the Old Quarter streets to enjoy aromas from local street food stalls. The first stop will be made at Ly Quoc Su Street to taste the pan fried "Banh Goi" which is made of mashed rice, pork, and vermicelli served with vegetables and bean sprouts. Continue to Hang Manh Street where you will have a chance to taste fantastic "Bun Cha", a Hanoi noodle soup, which is served with fried "Nem", or spring-rolls filled with pork or crab. After this snack, a short stroll to Hang Da market will allow you to try some assorted sweet fried fruits "O Mai". End the trip at a well-known rustic restaurant - Cha Ca La Vong. There is only one dish - grilled fish fillets, smothered in dill and saffron-infused oil, served straight from the frying pan onto your plate.
Note: This tour may be subject to change due to weather conditions etc. The tour will be mostly conducted on foot so be sure that you are wearing comfortable walking shoes.
Overnight Silk Path Boutique Hotel. (B / D - Street Food)
Day 3 - Halong Bay
After breakfast we leave Hanoi for our 2 night boat trip in Halong Bay. The journey there (approx 4 hours) passes through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta. On the way, we will stop for refreshments, and upon arriving in Halong City, we will take a tender transfer to our junk and set sail through the bay while lunch is served.
As the boat sets sail to cruise into the Bay, a delectable buffet lunch with a feast of choices is served in the restaurant. Savour your first hours in Halong Bay on the sun deck by simply let your eyes wander around the scenery.
We arrive at the area of Cua Van floating fishing village. From here we start to explore a cave, named Tien Ong, and the floating fishing village. Tien Ong is the most recently explored cave. It shows evidences of human civilization dating back to 10,000 – 8,000 BC. The cave is just 5 meters above sea level, 50 meters deep and covers 1000 square meters. Our guide takes you on a loop though the cave and explains about the historical findings and the cave’s particularities.
The voyage continues to the fishing village. We can either hop on a small bamboo boat rowed by the local people or paddle by ourselves in a kayak. The second option is a perfect way to freely move around in the calm area and gain an insight into the village life.
After returning to the boat we sail to the overnight mooring area Luom Bo. During this time Halong Bay reveals its most magnificent beauty - we call it the “blue hour”. Rewind on the sun deck with a drink of your choice and let the moment sink in.
Dinner is served in the restaurant either à la carte or buffet style. Afterwards the night is ours to enjoy these moments amidst a surreal landscape. A presentation in the dining area with more interesting facts and insights on Halong Bay is also offered after dinner.
Overnight Halong Bay Cruise (B / L / D)
Day 4 - Halong Bay
Wake up at dawn to the lapping of the waves and the smell of freshly brewed coffee and pastries. Join the Tai Chi morning class on the sun deck - a truly one-time experience.
By tender boat we transfer to our day boat named “Sunset”. It is a smaller, cozy vessel via which we discover the further hidden charms of Halong Bay. Breakfast is served as Sunset sails for the Surprise Cave, in Vietnamese “Sung Sot”. Sung Sot is the biggest cave in Halong Bay at over 10,000 square meters. It is a magnificent site with the most beautiful stalagmites and stalactites. The further you go inside the bigger it gets. We explore this natural sensation for about 60 minutes.
Once back on the Sunset, take some time to relax. Lean back on your sun bed while Sunset smoothly sails further into the Bay. Here you have the chance to have another close encounter with the fairylike Halong Bay. Via kayak you can float through this bizarre water landscape. The cliffs stretch vertically out of the water and you feel a sense of freedom meandering through this green medley of water and tree-topped islets.
Back on board, lunch is served in the restaurant. Sunset continues the journey to a floating pearl farm. Halong Bay is also a place where pearls are cultivated. In a small factory we learn how pearls are harvested and processed.
After the visit we leisurely sail back to the mother ship. Back “home” you have time for spa or sunbathing while we sail to the overnight night spot. Dinner is served in the restaurant around seven o’clock. Before we retire to our cabin, we might like to have some fun with squid fishing together with our crew or simply lean back on one of the loungers and listen to serenity of Halong Bay.
Overnight Halong Bay Cruise. (B / L / D)
Day 5 - Halong Bay - Hanoi - Hue
For early risers (around 06.30 AM) tea, coffee and pastries are available at the restaurant area. A Tai Chi class is offered on the sundeck again to ease mind and muscles.
The boat continues to sail to Titop Island. We set over by tender to this little landmass in the bay. Prepare yourself for a refreshing morning swim on a sandy beach beneath high rock formations. If you prefer to be more active climb up to the hill top of Titop Island from where you have stunning views over Halong Bay (it is 400 stone steps up which takes about 20 minutes to the top, minimal fitness and proper footwear is required). There is also a viewing platform about half-way up with great panoramic views.
Back on board (around 08.45 AM) you may like to shower and freshen up. Now it is time to enjoy the last sailing time back to the harbour. A full breakfast is served in the dining room. Relax on the sun deck or dine in the restaurant while savouring the last cruise moments of this iconic site before arriving back on shore where the crew bids us farewell.
Upon disembarkation our driver will meet us for the transfer back to Hanoi airport for our flight to Hue. *Domestic flight to Hue at 18.30 PM, arrival into Hue at 19.40 PM
Upon arrival in Hue, we will be greeted by our local guide and transferred to the hotel for check-in. We will relax and can take a bite in the hotel's restaurant.
Overnight Pilgrimage Village. (B)
Day 6 - Hue
Today we will discover the hidden back roads and waterways of Hue by boat and bicycle.
Meander country roads passing craft villages, countless shrines and pagodas as well as ancient tombs of past kings as well as taking a traditional boat across the Perfume River. **A moderate level of fitness is required for this trip, however most of the terrain is flat. The van will be available to those that do not want to bike.
After breakfast we will transfer from our hotel to Perfume River port and then take a private traditional boat for a cruise on the romantic Perfume River heading out of town. Get on your bicycle and meander country roads passing craft villages, countless shrines and pagodas as well as ancient tombs of past kings. Notable sites include a visit to An Hien Garden house and Hue Citadel, the Imperial City, the Forbidden Purple City, and the Imperial Museum to learn about the lifestyle of the royal family and the aristocrats of the Nguyen Dynasty in the old days.
A late lunch will be arranged for us at a garden house with specialties of Hue. Dine at the private Nha Vuon, or “garden house”, of one Hue’s most famous architects. This traditional-style house, which is set in a large and attractive formal garden, has connections with the ancient Hue Royal Imperial Court. The traditional architecture has long been associated with the natural environment and the ancient belief of ‘feng-shui’.
We return to the hotel for rest and relaxation.
This evening, an optional Royal dinner will be arranged for us at Ancient Hue restaurant.
Overnight Pilgrimage Village. (B / L )
Day 7 - Han Vai Pass - Hoi An
This morning, we leave Hue for the three-hour drive to Hoi An Ancient Town over the Hai Van Pass. The scenic route passes through the wonderfully photogenic fishing village of Lang Co before climbing over the Pass of Ocean Clouds. Drive through Danang and visit the Cham Museum, which contains the finest collection of Cham sculptures in the world.
Arrive Hoi An. Check into hotel – relax.
Afternoon: A walking tour is the best way to see this marvellous town, so in the afternoon, we enjoy a half day walking tour through the narrow winding streets of the Ancient Quarter, visiting Chua Ong Pagoda, the Chinese Assembly Halls, the 200 year old Tam Ky ancestral house, and the Japanese Bridge and Hoi An market.
Return to hotel. Rest and relax.
This evening we will have a table reserved at Morning Glory Restaurant. Situated in an elegant traditional-style building in the heart of Hoi An’s old town, Morning Glory specializes in local Hoi An ‘street food’.
Overnight La Siesta Resort & Spa (B)
Day 8 - Hoi An - Culinary Day
We start the day around 08.15 AM with a drink at Hai Scout Café. We then visit Hoi An’s colorful market, and experience the amazing sights, sounds and aromas of this busy market. We will have the opportunity to interact with the local sellers and purchase some of the ingredients to be used in the cooking lesson later.
We board the Red Bridge boat for a leisurely cruise - 25 minutes - along the Hoi An River to the Red Bridge Cooking School. On arrival, we explore the cooking school’s herb and vegetable garden, before learning about some of Hoi An’s and Vietnam’s well-known dishes. The cooking lesson runs for about 2 hours – each dish is first demonstrated by the Red Bridge chef’s before we prepare the same dish ourselves. We also have a brief introduction to Vietnamese food carving (plate decoration). After the lesson, we sit down and eat exactly what we have cooked!
We will make fresh Rice Paper Rolls of Shrimp; Crispy Hoi An Pancakes with Shrimp, Herbs & a Peanut Sauce; Seafood Salad with mixed Vietnamese Herbs served in Half a Pineapple and Mi Quang Chicken Noodles. *Note: We will also eat Steamed Ocean Fish on a bed of Freshly Chopped Vegetables (not included in the demonstration). *A vegetarian lunch can be provided on request.
We finish at approximately 13.00 PM – transfer back to Hoi An. Rest and relax. Evening is free. Evening option: Relax and enjoy a tranquil evening in the Hoi An countryside with a sunset cruise. Travel along the Thu Bon River by boat through the water coconut palm plantations as the sun is setting. Take a short journey in a traditional basket boat en route to experience a truly local mode of transport. A special moment of the day is watching the sun setting and there is no better place to see this than in Hoi An beside a water coconut palm plantation on the Thu Bon River. Along the way ride in a local basket boat know as a thung chai.
Overnight La Siesta Resort & Spa (B / L)
Day 9 - Tra Que Village - Hoi An
Today we spend time with a local farming family to learn about their daily lifestyle and to discover the flavours of fresh Vietnamese cuisine. After breakfast, we will bike along shady lanes to the village of Tra Que (about 30 minutes) and take a casual stroll around the vegetable garden and listen to the history of this unique village.
We then join in and participate in farming activities like the locals by preparing the soil, fertilizing with seaweed, raking, sowing, watering and picking vegetables. Prior to lunch we enjoy a herbal foot bath before helping to prepare lunch with the local family. Join in and try cooking the local specialty dishes ‘Tam Huu’ spring rolls and ‘Banh xeo’ pancake of the central region of Viet Nam. After your morning activities and lunch, we then learn how to harvest and wrap the vegetables before farewelling our host family and cycling back to our hotel.
Afternoon free.
This evening will have a reservation at STREETS Restaurant. Awarded membership to Clinton Global Initiative in 2014, Streets is a non-profit organization established in 2005 with the aim of providing training and employment for disadvantaged youths and street kids in the catering and hospitality industries. As part of the training programme, the trainees work at the restaurant where they learn to cook and serve international and contemporary Vietnamese cuisine. The profit from the restaurant is then reinvested for future training.
Overnight La Siesta Resort & Spa (B / L)
Day 10 - Saigon
Breakfast and check-out. We are transferred to Danang airport for our morning flight to Ho Chi Minh, flight departing at 10.30am.
Upon arrival in Saigon (11.55am), we will be greeted by our local guide and transferred to our hotel.
After check in, rest and refresh, we then depart for half day city tour. Our tour starts at the Reunification Hall, formerly known as the Presidential Palace; from here we stroll (our vehicle will be available at all times) to the major sights of colonial Ho Chi Minh City: Reunification Palace, the Jade Emperor Pagoda, Notre Dame Cathedral the Opera House and the Hotel de Ville. Later, explore colorful outdoor Markets and Dong Khoi Street, the city's main shopping boulevard, with fashionable boutiques and accessories designed by up-and-coming Vietnamese designers.
Evening: A foodie night out on the town by Vespa. This Saigon night tour is part night excursion, part street food adventure. Experience Saigon nightlife the way locals do, all from the back of a vintage Vespa scooter. The city comes alive come sundown and people congregate on sidewalks, parks and all over the city at the end of each day. To start off this Saigon night tour, we enjoy drinks at a Vespa-themed café, Café Zoom. Throughout the night we try a variety of food and drinks at 2 local restaurants and samplings of Saigon’s best authentic local food. Zoom past the famous must- see sights of Ho Chi Minh City while in the bustling traffic. We’ll also go to a Vietnamese-style coffee shop with special live music, and then wrap up the evening at an exciting music bar where the new generation of Vietnamese unwind and flaunt their unique styles.
We will ride pillion behind our drivers to enjoy and experience the Vietnamese nightlife with friends. We retunr to the hotel approx 10pm.
Overnight Hotel Des Arts Saigon. (B / Street Foods - D)
Day 11 - Mekong Delta
Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta is only around 2 hours away from Saigon, and 15 minutes from My Tho. However, this wonderful destination retains an authenticity which has been somewhat lessened in nearby My Tho.
This picturesque and friendly Mekong Delta town has historically seen very few travellers, but the recent opening of a bridge connecting Ben Tre and My Tho has made it far easier for day trippers to visit from Saigon.
Our one day cruise excursion starts at 8:00 am from the lobby of our hotel in Saigon with a drive to Ben Tre. While there, we can take a walk along the waterfront, lined with French era shops and houses, and we’ll see plenty of coconuts being unloaded from boats for dispatch around the country. Then we jump on a boat for a couple of hours of cruising on the Mekong River. We enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant or on board. The excursion will end at around 16.00 PM where the vehicle will await us for our transfer back to Saigon.
Return to hotel Evening free.
Overnight Hotel Des Arts Saigon. (B / L)
Day 12 - Depart Vietnam
This morning we have free time until check-out. We are then transferred to Ho Chi Minh airport for afternoon flight on Singapore Airlines.
23 June 2018
Arrive Auckland this morning
PRICE
NZD$7,140 per person twin share
NZD$8,440 single
Price is subject to change until confirmed and paid in full. This tour departs with a minimum of 6 guests. A 'Willing to Share' may be possible on this tour. Please enquire.
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