26/06/2023
SYMPHONY OF VIETNAM SOUTH CENTRAL COAST 2024: $2640USDpp
DAY 1 – 23 APRIL 2024 : ARRIVAL TO SAIGON (D)
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our local tour guide at the airport and transfer to Elios hotel. Check in. Freshen-up.
WELCOME DINNER WILL BE INCLUDED THIS EVENING
Meals : Dinner
Accommodation : Elios hotel
Address: 231-233-235 Pham Ngu Lao St, Dist 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Tel: (84-028) 38385584 . Fax: (84-028) 38385583
www.elioshotel.vn
DAY 2 - 24 APRIL 2024 : SAIGON - VUNGTAU TRANSFER ( B, L )
In the morning, take 2-hour coach transfer to the city of Vungtau - a popular weekend escape from Saigon.
En route, We visit the White Palace. Built by the French (1898-1916) as a summer holiday house of French Governor General Paul Doumer. The building was named Villa Blanche after his favourite daughter. The name Villa Blanche or Bach Dinh coincides its appearance, for that season, the local people call it Bạch Dinh (White palace).
Lunch will be served at “ Ned Kelly’s “ Restaurant in Vungtau.
Check in Imperial hotel and freshen up.
Overnight in VungTau
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: The Imperial Hotel Vung Tau
Address: 159 Thuy Van St, Vung Tau City, Vietnam
Tel: (84-254) 362 8888. Fax: (84-254) 356 1111
www.imperialhotel.vn
DAY 3 – 25 APRIL 2024 : ANZAC DAY CEREMONY at LONG TAN (B)
Already a popular resort before the war, VungTau came to be headquartered by the 1st Australian Logistics Support Group and various United States military units at different times during the Vietnam War. NuiDat, located at the outskirt of BaRia city, is the site of a former 1st Australian Task Force base considered ideal for the type of counter-insurgency warfare waged by Australian soldiers
Departure at 8am at your hotel, we drive 1 hour to BaRia and on to LongPhuoc commune. We visit LongPhuoc tunnels, constructed by the VC in 1948. Then we proceed to Nui Dat area, visit the former artillery base, medical-aid areas, and a field air-strip as well as several concrete relics. We continue to Long Tan Cross, which was the site of the battle that Australian and Newzeland army were involved in August 18th 1966.
The original LongTan Cross finally returned to Australia in 2017 and has been placed on permanent display at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra
Overnight in VungTau
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: The Imperial Hotel Vung Tau
Address: 159 Thuy Van St, Vung Tau City, Vietnam
Tel: (84-254) 362 8888. Fax: (84-254) 356 1111
www.imperialhotel.vn
DAY 4 - 26 APRIL 2024 : MIDDAY VUNGTAU - SAIGON HYDROFOIL TRANSFER ( B )
Free & Easy in the morning until we check out the Imperial hotel at 11am. Take 2 hour hydrofoil - transfer to Saigon. Check in hotel in Saigon & freshen up
Accommodation : Elios hotel
Address: 231-233-235 Pham Ngu Lao St, Dist 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Tel: (84-028) 38385584 . Fax: (84-028) 38385583
www.elioshotel.vn
DAY 5 - 27 APRIL 2024 : SAIGON – MEKONG DELTA ( B, L )
The Mekong River begins its journey in the high plateau of Eastern Tibet and, after winding its way some 4000+ km’s through China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia, it reaches Vietnam and divides into 9 channels (the Vietnamese refer to the Mekong Delta as “Cuu Long” – which means 9 dragons) and hundreds of tributaries before emptying into the South China Sea. The Mekong Delta is one of the most fertile regions on earth and home to some 20 million people. The best way to see the Delta is, of course, by boat and we join ours at Vietnam's coconut kingdom - Ben Tre province.
This morning, sampans take you through a channel lined with mangroves. We will try one of most popular local transportation named “xe lam” (three-wheeler) to visit a local coconut candy maker. After watching the candy-making process, walking through the village to visit an orchard where fruits native to Vietnam can be seen in various stages of maturity on the vine. After a fresh fruit tasting, you continue to a pier where you board small, local boats for a trip through the narrow creeks lined with Nipah palm. A hearty lunch will be served within the lush fruit orchard belongs to a hospitable and friendly farmer family on Tan Thach Commune of Ben Tre Province.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation : Elios hotel
Address: 231-233-235 Pham Ngu Lao St, Dist 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Tel: (84-028) 38385584 . Fax: (84-028) 38385583
www.elioshotel.vn
DAY 6 – 28 APRIL 2024 : SAIGON – MORNING CUCHI TUNNEL - HALF DAY CYCLO CITY TOUR – EVENING WATER PUPPET SHOW ( B )
You may wish to take a spare shirt with you this morning because we‟re literally going to get down and get dirty‟ A torch or the head light are also suggested for the tunnel crawling. Our excursion to the north of Saigon would have been considered risky business indeed 30 odd years ago but today the peaceful farming communities around the former Viet Cong stronghold of Cu Chi Tunnels belie the horrors of the Vietnam War. Begun by the Viet Minh and later expanded by the Viet Cong, Cu Chi‟s tunnels were constructed to conduct covert operations and then quickly hide from the enemy. There are reputed to be around 200 kilometres of underground tunnels within the area and in some places they even managed to pe*****te the perimeters of nearby US military bases. We‟ll actually be given the opportunity of crawling through a section of the tunnels while we‟re here, and learn how the brave men and women of Cu Chi built underground hospitals, kitchens and meeting rooms during their struggle for a unified Vietnam. Early afternoon we return to Saigon.
We take the sightseeing trip in the afternoon by an unique and traditional cyclo, a three wheeled bicycle with a carriage at the front for the passenger to sit in, while the driver uses pedal power to power us along. The journey will take us to the War Remnant Museum, originally opened in September 1975, the museum displays old military equipment and other related items from the Vietnam War. From here we continue our journey passed the Reunification Palace, previously referred to as the Presidential Palace, it is the sight of the official South Vietnamese surrender on April 30th, 1975. We will not go into the palace however our local guide will provide you with information and a chance to take come photographs. The next destinations the Notre Dame Cathedral, and the General Post Office, are fine examples of architecture from the colonial period. We meet our cyclos again and ride to the Saigon Opera House and City Hall, situated in the centre of Ho Chi Minh city where scenes from the movie "The Quiet American" were filmed, not far from the Opera House we will find the Continental Hotel where Graham Greene, amongst other famous journalists and writers, called home during their stays in Vietnam.
Cap off your day with a show of water puppetry, a Vietnamese unique traditional stage art, performed on the water surface with accompaniment of live orchestra
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Elios hotel
Address: 231-233-235 Pham Ngu Lao St, Dist 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Tel: (84-028) 38385584 . Fax: (84-028) 38385583
www.elioshotel.vn
DAY 7 – 29 APRIL 2024 : SAIGON FREE DAY– EVENING AO SHOW & BONSAI DINING CRUISE ( B, D )
The day is at your leisure for shopping, sightseeing, massage or salon treatment.
The day will be more complete with the delightfulness of the spectacular AO Show at the Saigon Opera House. Be enchanted with Southern Vietnam's life, love and culture in an hour-long performance that will show you a mix of acrobatic acts and theatrical visual drama.
We then get picked up and transferred to Saigon Port to board the Bonsai Legacy, Saigon's Premier River Cruise. Savor our sumptuous dinner, accompanied by live entertainment, while floating past Ho Chi Minh’s enchanting nighttime cityscape.
Overnight in Saigon
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Elios hotel
Address: 231-233-235 Pham Ngu Lao St, Dist 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Tel: (84-028) 38385584 . Fax: (84-028) 38385583
www.elioshotel.vn
DAY 8 – 30 APRIL 2024 : SAIGON FREE MORNING - AFTERNOON FLIGHT SAIGON - NHATRANG ( B, D )
Free & Easy in the morning until the transfer to Saigon Airport for your afternoon flight to Nhatrang
Upon arrival in Nhatrang, In the morning, we will visit Long Son Pagoda - the most impressive construction in Nha Trang founded in 19th century. The new Long Son Pagoda is now the largest pagoda in Vietnam. It is dedicated to Buddhist monks and nuns who set themselves on fires to protest Diem regime. On the hilltop behind the pagoda, there is a huge Buddha seated on a blossoming lotus, symbol of perfection and purity. The statue is visible from afar as one enters the city, from either the national highway or by train.
You will then be transferred to your hotel.
Dinner at Sailing Club
Overnight in Nhatrang
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Alana Nhatrang Beach Hotel
Address: 07 Tran Quang Khai St, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam
Tel: (84-258) 3528686. Fax: (84-258) 3528688
www.alananhatrang.com
DAY 9 – 1 MAY 2024 : VINPEARL LAND THEME PARK TOUR ( B )
In the morning, we get picked up at the hotel and transfered to Phu Quy pier, where you can take the longest distance cable car ride in the world over the NhaTrang to the Vinpearl land Amusement Park. Then you can spend whole day participating & enjoying all attractive, exciting activities & games there such as Compact coaster, Swing Carousel, Evolution, Merry-go-round, 4D Movies, Bumpers Cars, Crazy Bull riding, all 3D & Video games, Children Paradise & Kid Garden, Waterpark & Zoo.
Tour ends around 5.00 pm or at own time. Back to the hotel. Free & easy
Overnight in Nhatrang
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Alana Nhatrang Beach Hotel
Address: 07 Tran Quang Khai St, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam
Tel: (84-258) 3528686. Fax: (84-258) 3528688
www.alananhatrang.com
DAY 10 – 2 MAY 2024 : NHATRANG ISLANDS BOAT TRIP ( B, L )
In the morning, we’ll head out onto the water for a cruise around the stunning Tam, Bamboo, Mot, Mun islands. Bring your towel and swimmers because there is the opportunity for swimming and snorkelling. The turquoise waters play host to teeming marine life, and sunbathing, swimming and snorkeling are perennial favorites. At lunchtime we will enjoy some freshly caught seafood (and other delights for non-seafood eaters). Tour ends around 2.00 pm. Back to your hotel
Overnight in Nhatrang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Alana Nhatrang Beach Hotel
Address: 07 Tran Quang Khai St, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam
Tel: (84-258) 3528686. Fax: (84-258) 3528688
www.alananhatrang.com
DAY 11 – 3 MAY 2024 : NHATRANG MORNING MUD BATH HOT SPRINGS - FREE AFTERNOON ( B )
In the morning, we drive to I Resort Mud Bath Hot springs - one of the a must among things to do in Nha Trang. You can swim there in warm mud to improve your skin and afterwards you can swim in hot mineral water. After relaxing you can enjoy good quality food from a restaurant located just near the swimming pool
Tour ends around 1pm Back to your hotel. Free afternoon for beach or shopping.
Overnight in Nhatrang
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Alana Nhatrang Beach Hotel
Address: 07 Tran Quang Khai St, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam
Tel: (84-258) 3528686. Fax: (84-258) 3528688
www.alananhatrang.com
DAY 12 – 4 MAY 2024 : NHATRANG FREEDAY ( B )
The day is free at your leisure
Overnight in Nhatrang
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Alana Nhatrang Beach Hotel
Address: 07 Tran Quang Khai St, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam
Tel: (84-258) 3528686. Fax: (84-258) 3528688
www.alananhatrang.com
DAY 13 - 5 MAY 2023 : MORNING FLIGHT NHATRANG _ DANANG – AFTERNOON HOIAN WALKING TOUR ( B, D )
In the morning, we take the transfer to Nhatrang Airport for your flight to Danang
Arrival in Danang airport, pick up and transfer to hotel in Hoian for check in.
Afternoon Hoian Walking Tour : Between the 17th and 19th centuries, Hoi An was a prosperous trading port. Today, this World Heritage-listed ancient town boasts well-preserved buildings, pedestrianized streets and unique cuisine, allowing visitors a glimpse of its illustrious past. The narrow lanes are ideal for a guided walking tour. There is plenty to visit including the old merchant’s houses with influences from Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese architecture; the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge; the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation with outstanding wood carvings; and the colourful market with stalls brimming with local specialties.
Dinner will be server at Tam Tam restaurant.
Overnight in Hoian
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Vinh Hung Emerald Resort
Address: An Hoi Islet, Minh An Ward
Tel: (84-510) 3934 999. Fax: (84-510) 3934 998
www.vinhhungemeraldresort.com
DAY 14 – 6 MAY 2024 : HALF DAY SCOOTER, BUFFALO RIDE – BASKET BOAT SPIN - EVENING COOKING CLASS ( B, D )
Morning is free at leisure
In the afternoon, around 2pm, we will meet our fellow scooter riders and set off to explore the quiet backroads amid beautiful lush farmlands of Hoian countryside. We’ll have a chance to stop by at an immense peaceful rice paddy field where you get to leisurely ride a real buffalo, just like the local farmers. We’ll then head off to nearby fishing village and go on the next joyous hands-on experience : paddling the unique local bamboo round boats through the Nipa palm fringed waterways. This fun and fabulous half day excursion will end with a relaxing boat ride back to our hotel in Hoian via Thu Bon River - the “ Mother River” of this ancient town.
Take a gastronomic journey with the cooking course in the evening. You will learn to master a wide selection of favourite local dishes at a traditional waterfront restaurant. You will also learn how to recognise different ingredients, master chopsticks, eat in a Vietnamese way and how to savour what you have cooked.
Overnight in Hoian
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Vinh Hung Emerald Resort
Address: An Hoi Islet, Minh An Ward
Tel: (84-510) 3934 999. Fax: (84-510) 3934 998
www.vinhhungemeraldresort.com
DAY 15 - 7 MAY 2024 : HOIAN FREE DAY ( B )
Full day is free at leisure
Overnight in Hoian
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Vinh Hung Emerald Resort or similar
Address: An Hoi Islet, Minh An Ward
Tel: (84-510) 3934 999. Fax: (84-510) 3934 998
www.vinhhungemeraldresort.com
DAY 16 – 8 MAY 2024 : BANA HILL DAY TRIP ( B )
In the morning , we get picked up at hotel in Hoian and head out to Ba Na hills in Danang. Perched 1,500m high on a mountain, a hill resort inherited from the French who escaped the summer heat for its cool, mountain air, Ba Na Hills provides a welcome change from the coast.
Upon arrival, we take Cable Car which gains 5 world scores to Ba Na hills station. Stop at By Night station to visit Vong Nguyet hills, Linh Ung pagoda, The Old Villas of French. Continue moving up by cable car to the Nui Chua Mountain – the top of Ba Na range, visiting Nghinh Phong top, Le Nim Villas, Orchid Garden… Experience hill climbing train and visit an old French cellar (Debay Ancient Wine Cellar), flower garden Le Jardin D’amour and Linh Ung Pagoda.
Lastly, You should not miss walking on the Golden Bridge amid the foggy hills of the mountain, enjoy the gorgeous panoramic view of Da Nang City.
Overnight in Hoian
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Vinh Hung Emerald Resort or similar
Address: An Hoi Islet, Minh An Ward
DAY 17 – 9 MAY 2024 : HOIAN FREE DAY ( B )
Full day is free at leisure or participating 10 km morning scenic bike ride off the beaten paths to swim & relax by Hoian beaches ( Bike rental in included )
Alternative activities for those who wish to visit My Son Holy Land : In the morning, bus drive from Hoi An Town to My Son Holy Land, a World Heritage, 50 km southwest of Hoi An. Located in a lush valley, My Son was a capital and religious center of Cham people, now remaining with red brick towers and sanctuaries. My Son, considered to be in the same league as some of Southeast Asia's greatest archaeological sites, including Angkor in Cambodia, Bagan in Myanmar, Ayutthaya in Thailand and Borobudur in Indonesia. These towers and sanctuaries was built from the 7 to 13 centuries. Return to Hoian by bus.
Overnight in Hoian
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Vinh Hung Emerald Resort
Address: An Hoi Islet, Minh An Ward
Tel: (84-510) 3934 999. Fax: (84-510) 3934 998
www.vinhhungemeraldresort.com
DAY 18 - 10 MAY 2024: HOIAN FREE DAY – FAREWELL DINNER (B, D )
Full day is free at leisure
Farewell dinner will be served at local restaurant
Overnight in Hoian
Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Accommodation: Vinh Hung Emerald Resort
Address: An Hoi Islet, Minh An Ward
Tel: (84-510) 3934 999. Fax: (84-510) 3934 998
www.vinhhungemeraldresort.com
DAY 19 – 11 MAY 2024 : DEPARTURE (B )
Breakfast at hotel
The day is at your leisure for last minute sight-seeing or shopping until your transfer to Danang Airport for your midday flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
