HANOI - celebrating 1,000 years

Hanoi - the capital of Socialist Republic of Vietnam, is the Political, Economic, Cultural, Scientific and Technological center of the whole country. Hanoi is located on the life-giving Red River’s banks of the Northern Delta.

Hanoi has within it the finest touch of what a Vietnamese cultural tradition of over a thousand years has to offer. The city hosts more cultural sites than any other city in Vietnam, including over 600 pagodas and temples. Even though some relics have not survived war and time, the city still has many interesting cultural and historic monuments for visitors and residents alike.

The Temple of Literature (Van Mieu) is the cultural symbol of Hanoi. An example of ancient Vietnamese architecture, Van Mieu was originally built in 1070. In 1076, Quoc Tu Giam was built on the temple’s vicinity as the country's first University. King Le Thanh Ton ordered the names of prominent scholars to be engraved on stone steles in 1482 to honor their scholarship. The tradition was carried on to the following dynasties. To this day, 82 remaining plates are placed on stone turtles and situated in the complex.

The Old Quarter, near Hoan Kiem lake, has the original street layout and architecture of the Old Hanoi. At the beginning of the 20^th century the city consisted of only about 36 streets, most of which are now part of the Old Quarter. Each street then was comprised of merchants and households specialized in a particular trade, such as silk, jewelry, etc. The street names nowadays still reflect these specializations. Local cuisine specialties, clubs, bars and night market are among the highlights with a variety of clothing, souvenirs and food.

West Lake (Ho Tay) is a popular leisure area. The 500-hectare lake is the largest of tha many Hanoi lakes, with many temples in the area. Of special interest are Tay Ho Temple (Phu Tay Ho) and Kim Lien Pagoda (Chua Kim Lien). There are junk-trips and floating restaurants for dining.

Special Celebration Tours & Travel

Vietnam Airlines is the only airline that has direct Boeing 777 flights between Melbourne or Sydney and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) with connecting flights to Hanoi, Danang (Hoi An), Hue, and Siem Reap (Cambodia) .  To complement these flights there are competitive airfares and IT (Inclusive Tour) Packages - in both Economy and Business classes.

Vietnam is a kaleidoscope of beautiful scenery, bustling energetic cities and a veritable smorgasborg of wonderful food and friendly people.  For more details please click here.

Hanoi is a wonderful city and one of the two main entry points into Vietnam.  This an opportunity for you to not just see Hanoi, but all of fascinating Vietnam awaits you.

HALONG BAY - a UNESCO World Heritage Site (actually there are 6 in Vietnam) is well worth a visit.  We recommend a one or two night stay on a specially built comfortable (air-conditioned) wooden junk.  Prices - including return transfers from Hanoi, start from $240.00 per person for the 2 day/1 night tour which includes all meals on the junk and is based on share twin room.             Surcharges may apply for Christmas/New Year/Tet

SAPA - is high in the mountains and home the Hmung Hill Tribe people.  Overnight sleeper trains connect between Hanoi and Lao Cai and a 3 night (2 nights on the train and 1 night Sapa hotel accommodation) package starts from $598.00 per person share cabin/twin room.      Surcharges may apply for Christmas/New Year/Tet

HIGHLIGHTS OF VIETNAM

10 DAYS/9 NIGHTS Seat-In-Car or Coach TOUR PROGRAMME

Hanoi – Halong Bay – Hoi An – Hue – Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

LIST OF HOTELS:

DEPARTURE DATES:

TOUR PRICE:    Based on Double/ Twin share

INCLUDES:

·         Hotel accommodation in half twin or double room with daily breakfast - including Government taxes and service charges

·         Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)

·         Vietnam Airlines flights ex MEL return into SYD with Qantas connections to MEL

·         Taxes and airline surcharges based on ex Melbourne $220.00pp – this will vary for other cities

·         English speaking local guide

·         Tours and transfers as mentioned by air-conditioned vehicles

·         Entrance fees for all visits as mentioned in the itinerary

·         Boat trips as mentioned in the itinerary

·         Vietnam cities map

 EXCLUDES:

·         Vietnam visa – single entry $70.00pp

·         Any other meals not mentioned above.

·         Camera/video entrance fees

·         Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, drinks, tip...)

·         Travel insurance (*)

·         All other services which are not mentioned in “INCLUDES”