Vietnam DMC 13 Days Package Womens Tour

Refine Asia Operation Offices: Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, Yunnan

Email: [email protected] / www.refineasia.com

Women’s Tour Vietnam

Duration : 13 Days / 12 Nights

Validity : Until December 31st 2014

Destination : Hanoi – Halong Bay – Hue – Hoi An – Saigon – Mekong Delta



Geography

Vietnam covers an area of 330,363 sq. km and is

about as big as Italy or New Mexico. The country has

three main geographic regions - the tropical south

dominated by the Mekong River estuary, the dry

central region, and the more temperate north

comprising the River delta and mountain highlands.

Religion

Vietnam supports adherents of all the major world

religions, as well as followers of religions that are

peculiarly Vietnamese: Theravada and Mahayana

Buddhism, Protestant and Catholic Christianity,

Taoism, Confucianism, Islam, Cao Daism, Hoa Hao

and Hinduism. In addition spirit and ancestor worship,

To Tien, is also practiced. Confucianism is probably

the most pervasive doctrine of all.

Climate

Vietnam’s climate is very diverse because the

country covers a wide range of latitudes and

altitudes.

The North: The cold season is between November

and April when average temperatures are around

60°F/16°C and it is often wet and chilly. In the hot

period, between May and October, the average

temperature is about 86°F/30°C. The South: The

temperatures in the south are constant all year,

ranging from 77-86°F/25-30°C. The dry season is from

November to April and the wet period from May to

October.

People

Ethnic Vietnamese constitute almost 90 percent of

the population in Vietnam. Originating in what is

now southern China and northern Vietnam, the

Vietnamese people pushed southward over several

centuries to occupy the entire eastern seacoast of

the Indochinese Peninsula. Nearly 100 years of

French rule (1858-1954) introduced important

European elements, but the Vietnamese still attach

great importance to the family and continue to

observe rites honoring their ancestors, indicating the

persistence of tradition.

Manners

The Vietnamese used to greet one another by

clasping their hands, prayer-like, in front of their

faces and bowing slightly. Unfortunately, this

charming custom has been replaced by the

handshake. When trying to gain the attention of a

Vietnamese, try not to point or gesture excessively.

This is regarded as rude. Call out their names if

possible, if not beckon by using the whole hand,

palm downwards.



“This is a land of serene beauty, traditional charm and bustling industry. A great holiday

destination, Vietnam boasts a landscape of misty hills and tropical beaches, a fascinating

cultural heritage and a climate that ranges from the cool of the northern highlands to the

warmth of the South China Sea coast and the Mekong Delta”

Day 1 Arrival in Hanoi (-/-/D)

Welcome to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. As soon as you arrive at Noi Bai airport on your

flight from home, you will be warmly greeted by Refine Asia staff who will assist to clear all

formalities and handle the luggage directly to the truck. Afterwards, you will be transferred to

the hotel for check-in.

The remaining day is free for leisure to relax after a long flight.

A warm welcome dinner will be served in the evening, while the guide will brief the program

Overnight in Hanoi

Day 2 Hanoi (B/-/D)

Today you will enjoy a full-day City tour through Hanoi. Hanoi is one of the oldest and most

charming cities in Asia, and apart from its traditional Vietnamese architecture, there is a

French quarter with grand French colonial villas and broad boulevards lined with sandalwood

trees and coffee houses. On this tour you will visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, Quan Thanh Temple,

Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, the One-Pillar Pagoda, the Museum of Ethnology and the Temple

of Literature. In the end, you will do a 1 hour cyclo ride.

Ho Chi Minh Mausuleum: This commanding stone

monument houses the embalmed remains of Ho Chi Minh,

Vietnam’s national hero, and it is a pilgrimage site for

many Vietnamese people. Visitors file silently past his glass

tomb to pay their respects.



The One Pillar Pagoda: Built by the Emperor Ly Thai Tong in

thanksgiving for his heir in 1922, this pagoda is a Buddhist

representation of the world in the form of a lotus coming

out of the water, containing a statue of the Goddess of

Mercy. Originally made of wood on one single stone

column, the current pillar was reconstructed in 1955 after

being destroyed by the French in 1954.

The Temple of Literature: The Temple of Literature is a

peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful

gateways and is one of the best-preserved examples of

traditional Vietnamese architecture. Founded in 1070 and

dedicated to Confucius, this was also the site of Vietnam’s

first university. In one courtyard, giant stone tortoises bear

stelae on their backs, listing the accomplishments of

graduating scholars.

Museum of Ethnology: This museum brings to life the

astonishing ethnic diversity in Vietnam, with art and

artefacts from the 54 different ethnic groups that inhabit

the country. Inside the museum are detailed descriptions of

minority groups, with examples of their traditional clothing

and way of life. Outside are faithful reconstructions of

traditional longhouses, cemeteries and other distinctive

ethnic buildings.

There are many ways to see the city, but the best and most

unique way to discover the Old Quarter of Hanoi and its

authentic atmosphere is to take the traditional

transportation “cyclo”. You will ride through the 36 streets

which are dedicated to 36 different products in the old

quarter of Hanoi. You will gain a lot of knowledge about

the authentic Vietnamese culture and way of life



In the evening, you enjoy a water puppet show, created during the Ly Dynasty (1009-1224), in

which the artists controlling the puppets stand in water behind the stage door. This will be a

uniquely Vietnamese artistic endeavor. Performances can be seen throughout Vietnam, but

Hanoi is the best place to see one.

Dinner at Bobby Chinn Restaurant

Restaurant Bobby Chinn Hanoi is situated within the home of Chef and Restaurateur Bobby

Chinn. The intimate style is reflected in the space with furnishings and artwork from Chinn’s

private collection. It is the only restaurant in Vietnam that received the prestigious 5 Star

Diamond Award. The wine list at Bobby Chinn Restaurant moreover has won the Wine

Spectator Award of Excellence for seven consecutive years.

Overnight in Hanoi



Day 3 Hanoi – Duong Lam – Hanoi (B/L/-)

Depart your hotel at 08.30 and travel west of

Hanoi to Duong Lam village, a purely agricultural

village of the Northern Red River Delta which still

preserves many hundred-year-old houses. An

optional (as clients’ desire and ability) biking tour

through Duong Lam is a great way to explore the

area’s twelve-hundred year history. Visit Mong

Phu temple in Mong Phu commune - the only

hamlet whose original village entrance remains intact.

Continue on through the narrow alleys to see the old laterite houses which make up this

charming village. For lunch enjoy a local style meal in a 100-year old house. After your meal,

continue driving to Mia Pagoda (another hamlet of Duong Lam), built in the 15th century,

some 287 statues of all sizes can be seen here, along with famous sculptures such as the

statue of Buddha and the statues of the ‘Eight Vajra Deities’. Then, visit Ngo Quyen temple

and Phung Hung temple, places dedicated to two national heroes - Ngo Quyen and Phung

Hung. On the way back to Hanoi stop at Tay Phuong Pagoda. The pagoda offers beautiful

architecture and ancient and unique sculptures. It was one of the first pagodas built in

Vietnam and has magnificent dragons and demons carved into the wooden roof. From here

continue back to Hanoi, a 45-minute drive.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 4 Hanoi - Halong Bay (B/L/D)

Your early morning departure from your hotel to Halong Bay takes you on a journey through

the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta. You observe everyday life of Vietnamese Villages as

you see villagers work the local rice fields, take live pigs to market on bicycles or motorbikes,

and plough the fields with their large water buffaloes. Arrival in Halong Bay.



Halong Bay is one of the most magnificent scenic spots in all of Vietnam and was recognized

as a world natural heritage site by UNESCO in 1994. Halong is a picturesque bay with almost

2,000 islets rising from the clear emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin.

Welcome on board and set sail through bay while lunch is served. Passage into the magical

bay, where thousands of sculpted limestone islands rise from the waves like dragons’ teeth.

After lunch, take a short trek to a nearby summit for a panoramic view of the bay dotted with

golden sails, go swimming on a quite beach or sunbathing on the sundeck. Later afternoon,

visit an interesting fishing village with opportunity to interact with fishermen who have been

living in the bay for almost three generations.

At sunset time, kayak or simply take a bamboo row boat to discover a water tunnel with

many coral reefs in a scenic lagoon. Back on board, enjoy cocktails while watching sunset

and later unwind at luxury restaurant.

Overnight on boat



Day 5 Halong Bay – Hanoi - Hue (B/-/-)

Greet the day with a morning Tai Chi exercise with an opportunity to view the sunrise over the

bay.

After breakfast, visit beautiful limestone grotto then back to the boat for a final glimpse of the

Halong Bay while cruising back to the dock. Upon disembarkation you will be met and

transferred back to Hanoi airport for flight to Hue/Danang. Upon arrival you will warmly

greeted by your guide and transferred to Hue for check-in. The remaining day is free for

leisure.

Overnight in Hue

Day 6 Hue (B/-/D)

Today after breakfast you will enjoy a sightseeing

tour of Hue. Hue was Vietnam’s feudal capital

from 1802 to 1945 under the Nguyen dynasty. It is

widely known for the magnificent architecture of

its citadels, palaces, royal tombs, pagodas and

temples set in a poetic background of greenery

on the banks of the Perfume River. Hue became

Vietnam’s first World Cultural Heritage site

recognized by UNESCO in 1993.



You will start at the Imperial Citadel where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and

1945. The ancient citadel reflects the pomp and ceremony of the dynastic rulers as well as

the scars of many years of turmoil, both ancient and modern (the Royal Citadel was badly

damaged in the latter stages of the war) but retains a sense of grace and majesty even

today.

From here take a cyclo through dai noi ‘Old City’ to Tinh Tam Lake where the Emperors used

to come to relax; full of lotus flowers in summer there are many local style coffee shops

around the lake where university students come to study.

Continue to visit Thien Mu (Celestial Lady) Pagoda overlooking the Perfume River; constructed

in 1601 the 21-meter tall tower is the centerpiece of the pagoda and represents seven

reincarnations of Buddha. In the grounds of the pagoda is the Austin car made famous when

in 1963, a resident monk drove the vehicle to what was then Saigon to protest against the

southern regime, the photo of his self immortalization was captured and was one of the most

well known images of the war.

In the afternoon see the tomb of the

former emperor Minh Mang which is

located in a tranquil setting of gardens

and ponds.

Journey on to Khai Dinh’s Tomb which

is traditional Vietnamese in design with

a European touch making it unique

from the other tombs in Hue.

Before heading back to your hotel take time to stroll around Dong Ba Market with your

guide. The market is another of the must see sites in Hue, the stalls are teeming with color

and a great place to catch a glimpse of everyday life.

For dinner to try some renowned Hue cuisine at a home garden restaurant, Y Thao.

Overnight in Hue



Day 7 Hue – Hoi An (B/-/-)

You will depart Hue for Hoi An via Danang. The guide

will show you the beautiful Hai Van Pass - Vietnam's

geographical and psychological boundary between

north and south. The peak of the pass lies perpetually

shrouded in clouds. Stop en route at the beautiful Non

Nuoc Beach and the Cham Museum, which contains

the finest collection of Cham sculpture in the world. In

Danang you will visit the Marble Mountains, five sacred hills containing dozens of Buddhist

shrines. Arrival in Hoi An.

In Hoi An you will discover the beauty of the blending in architecture of Vietnamese, Chinese

and Japanese who have been living in this small port town since the 17th century. Hoi An was

declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Its colourful shop houses and temples reflect

a diverse heritage, dating back to the 16th and 17th century, when it was a major port for

Western, Chinese and Japanese traders. Today it is a thriving centre of traditional crafts and a

shopper’s paradise.

Another way to enjoy Vietnam is to sit in one of Hoi An’s beautiful little café with their special

view along Thu Bon river in Hoi An ancient town.

The rest of day is free for leisure to relax at the beach or to go shopping.

Optional: Visit a local tailor to observe his work and have a dress tailored for yourself as

wonderful memory of this great trip (at own cost).

Overnight in Hoi An



Day 8 Hoi An (B/L/-)

Taking a gourmet cookery session, where you can learn about this delicious cuisine from

someone with a rare passion for it. Ms. Vy is a third generation chef in her family. Her cooking

classes were the first in Hoi An and her particular passion is how to use food to create and

maintain health. The tour includes a market visit to show you how to select good fresh

ingredients. Getting back at the school, there is around one and half hours spent on

explaining the art of Vietnamese gastronomy and the use of special ingredients. After being

demonstrated by Ms. Vy, you will make some her delicious dishes yourself. Enjoy lunch of the

dishes you cooked.

As all kind of transportations are banned in the old

quarter of Hoi An, the best way to explore the beauty

of this port town is the walking tour. Besides visiting the

old temples, the famous Japanese bridge and some

other well-known landscapes of Hoi An, the group

also stops at some ancient houses in Hoi An for tea to

learn about the differences in architectures of the

Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese in this port town.

Overnight in Hoi An



Day 9 Hoi An - Tra Que Vegetable Village – Craft Villages – Hoi An (B/L/-)

This morning transfer from your hotel in Hoi An

to the center of Hoi An where you begin your

bicycle ride to a local farm in Tra Que Village.

Upon arrival in the village you can walk around

the vegetable garden and join the farmers in

preparing and fertilizing the garden with

seaweed if you like. Other gardening activities

which you can participate in are raking,

sowing, watering and picking greens etc. After farming activities are done you are shown

how to prepare the tam huu, a local delicacy you can enjoy before your return to Hoi An.

After your lunch, starting afternoon trip with your transfer from your hotel in Hoi An to the

centre of Hoi An. Embark upon a private boat to take a cruise on the Thu Bon River with stops

at Thanh Ha Pottery Village, Kim Bong Carpenters’ Village, and Hoi An’s large shipbuilding

yard.

Overnight in Hoi An

Day 10 Hoi An – Saigon (B/-/D)

After breakfast, you will have some free time for leisure until you will be transferred to Danang

airport for your domestic flight to Saigon. Upon arrival in Saigon, you will be warmly greeted

by your guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in.

Saigon also known as Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam's largest city with a growing population of

around 8.4 million. This is a city on the go 24 hours a day, where everybody seems to be busy

either buying, selling, studying, working or just enjoying themselves. Despite the fact that

modern high-rise buildings have begun to dominate the skyline in recent years there are still

many fine examples of French colonial architecture in Saigon.

The remaining day is free for leisure. Dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight in Saigon



Day 11 Saigon (B/L/-)

Depart Saigon in the morning for the drive to Cu Chi

district. Leaving the city behind, the scenery changes to

views of rice paddies, villagers drying noodles by the

side of the road and other scenes typical to southern

Vietnam. Arrive and start the visit of the famous Cu Chi

Tunnels which consist of an incredible underground

tunnel network constructed by Vietnamese resistance

fighters (Viet Cong) during both the French and

American wars. Start the visit with the Ben Dinh or Ben Duoc sections of the tunnel. Here you

can imagine what it was like to be a guerrilla complete with Russian Carbine rifles and AK 47’s

on display.

Return to Saigon for lunch.

This afternoon you will enjoy a half day city tour of Saigon. The tour will take you around the

busiest city of Vietnam. You will get to know its history and culture with stops at History

Museum and Thien Hau Temple. You will not only learn about the past but also get a glimpse

of the daily life of stall and street vendors at the Binh Tay Market and see other places of

interests such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the Municipal Post Office and the Reunification Hall,

formerly known as Presidential Palace.

Overnight in Saigon



Day 12 Saigon – Mekong Delta - Saigon (B/L/D)

In the morning depart from the southern economic hub of Saigon to the Mekong Delta, an

area referred locally as ‘the rice bowl of Vietnam’.

The Mekong Delta is Vietnam’s most fertile region, the Mekong’s riverine environment is

simultaneously unique and beautiful. It is one of Asia’s most picturesque regions that offers

travelers the opportunity to experience rural Vietnam and a way of life little changed over

centuries.

On arrival in Ben Tre Province head towards Tien Giang where you will board your local boat

for a cruise among the aptly named Dragon, Unicorn, Turtle and Phoenix Islands. En-route visit

a small factory producing handicrafts made of coconut and Turtle Island, where a stop will be

made in a tropical orchard to taste some exotic fruit.

After the boat trip, take a ride on a horse driven cart along country roads to a famed

garden for a honey tasting session. Continue on a smaller rowing boat for a more

adventurous cruise on the Xep Canal which is set amongst a forest of palm trees.

In the afternoon return to Ben Tre/My Tho for lunch and a visit to Vinh Trang Pagoda before

heading back to Saigon where you will arrive in the afternoon.



Farewell Dinner Cruise on Saigon River

In the evening, an exotic cruise dinner on the famous Saigon River is arranged, where you

will be enjoying the city of style and glamour at night. Accompanied with some light

traditional Vietnamese background music – the boat sets off to its 2 hours journey on the

Saigon river.

Overnight in Saigon

Day 13 Departure (B/-/-)

In the morning and after breakfast, the group will be transferred to the airport for their

international flight back home.

Refine Asia wishes a safe trip home!



Prices & Conditions

Price

Validity 1 2 3-4 5-6 7-10 11 up Sgl Sup.

Per person in US$

Now – 30 Sept 14

3876 2255 2026

1787 1752 1661

906

Per person in US$

1 Oct – 31 Dec 14 4186 2435 2188

1930 1892 1793

979

*Price is based on sharing twin or double room per person in $US *Price is valid until 31st December 2014 *Surcharge will apply for travel during Vietnamese public holidays (Lunar New Year, Tet holidays, Hung’s king day…) – to be advised

Airfares incl. taxes ROUTE AIRLINE US Dollars per person

Hanoi – Hue/Danang Vietnam Airlines (VN) 115

Danang - Saigon Vietnam Airlines (VN) 115

* All airfares and taxes are subject to change without prior notice until ticket issuance.

Accommodation

CITIES HOTELS HOTEL CATEGORY ROOM TYPE

HANOI LAN VIEN Superior 3+ * Superior Room

HALONG VICTORY CRUISE Superior 4* Superior Cabin

HUE SAIGON MORIN Superior 4* Superior Room

HOI AN BOUTIQUE HOI AN Superior 4* Superior Room

SAIGON DUXTON Superior 4* Deluxe Room

*Accommodation is subject to availability



Service includes

� Hotel accommodation in TWN / DBL sharing room with daily breakfast

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

� 12 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 6 Dinner

� English speaking Female local guides

� Tours and transfers as mentioned by private air-conditioned vehicles

� Boat trip as mentioned in the itinerary

� Entrance fees for all visits as mentioned in the itinerary

� Mineral water & cold towels during sightseeing tours

Service excludes

� Vietnam visa arrangement

� Any other meals not mentioned above

� International flights & airport taxes

� Domestic flights HANOI – HUE/ DANANG – SAIGON & Airport taxes

� Camera/video entrance fees

� Early/Late Check-in Fees

� Tipping fees

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

� Travel insurance

� All other services which are not mentioned in INCLUDING

General Remarks

� Rooms at hotels are available only from 14:00 on the arrival day and up to 12:00 on the

departure date. A supplement will be added if clients want a guaranteed early check-in

or late check-out.

� For any modification of date or itinerary, the prices can be revised.

A warm welcome awaits you at the LanVien Hotel, a newest

three and a half stars Hotel situated in the heart of Hanoi,

at the corner of Ly Thuong Kiet street and Hang Bai street.

A great location allows you to explore and connect to our

wonderful city over 1000 years. You can stroll out of our

doors and enjoy the surrounding shopping area, just take

you 3 minutes to see stunning views of legendary Hoan Kiem

Lake, the famous Opera House. The LanVien Hotel offers the

perfect combination of modern luxuries, impeccable service

and excellent value for the business or pleasure travelers

Lan Vien Hotel Hanoi

Refi ne Asia Operation Offi ces: Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, Yunnan

Email: sales@refi neasia.com / www.refi neasia.com

With 115 luxuries rooms is ideal for business and leisure

travelers alike. The hotel offers 5 Superior, 63 Deluxe, 43

Executive and 4 Junior Suite. Room comes with either king

or twin beds and a choice between bathtub and standing

shower. Guests also enjoy view of City with fresh air window.

Open from 6:00am to 10:00pm, with 120 seats LanVien Restaurant serves daily buffet breakfast, lunch, dinner and any other banquet with elegant Vietnamese and International cuisines.

LanVien Restaurant located on 11th fl oor, guests can enjoy wining, dining and looking down to the beautiful view of City through the restaurant’s impressive windows.

Built in 1901 by French, the Morin Hotel is the oldest hotel in Hue

City, Vietnam. Survived through many wars, this is more than a

Hotel, it’s a part of the History of Hue city in the last 100 years.

Now lovingly restored to its century-old glory, Hotel Saigon

Morin is once ready to live up to it’s reputation as the

choice of celebrities, intrepid adventures and businessmen.

The Hotel offers everything a discerning traveller would

expect form a world class hotel without sacrifi cing the

old world charm that made the Morin Hotel legendary.

Saigon Morin Hue



Hue is the home of Vietnam’s fi nest cuisine Don’t miss an

opportunity to discover the Vietnamese Cuisine while staying

in Saigon Morin Hotel. Our Chefs invites you to gourmet cuisine

with delicious choice of local, regional and international dishes.

The Hotel boats 180 rooms including 18 suites provide guests with excellent service and facilities.

At Boutique Hoi An Resort, our guests can enjoy superb cuisine

from around the globe including authentic Vietnamese cuisine

in Le Café where a full breakfast buffet is served in the morning

and truly delectable a la carte dishes for lunch or dinner,

all prepared with fresh items with a modern presentation

and a cultural twist. Our chefs are more than happy to

tailor your menu to your special requests and requirements.

Boutique Hoi An Resort



Boutique Hoi An Resort offers a variety of unique facilities and services. A large swimming pool surrounded by a tropical garden forms the centerpiece of the resort. Our Hoi An spa is located next to the pool, and provides a haven for pure relaxation and rejuvenation.

Boutique Hoi An Resort is ideally located on Hoi An beach, Vietnam. Our resort is only 5 minutes from Hoi An centre, 35 minutes from the airport and 30 minutes from the town of Da Nang.

All rooms at Boutique Hoi An accommodation face the sea with private balconies. Some of our rooms have direct access to the beach from private terraces. Boutique Hoi An Resort offers a total of 82 rooms and villas.

Duxton Hotel Saigon



Located right in the heart of vibrant Saigon, the Duxton Hotel Saigon is a luxury 4 star boutique hotel offering a refined and relaxing environment for business and leisure travellers alike.

As well as a range of deluxe rooms, executive rooms and suites, the hotel also has a restaurant, bar, gymnasium, swimming pool, spa and business centre, along with several meeting rooms.

The Duxton Saigon is situated on Nguyen Hue Boulevard, within easy walking distance of many of the city’s most famous attractions including Ben Thanh Market, the Opera House, the Hotel de Ville, and Saigon River. The hotel is also ideally located for those who want to experience the city’s bustling nightlife, from cheap & cheerful street food vendors to chic cosmopolitan nightclubs and lounge bars.



THANK YOU!

Your Refine Asia team