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| Hotline: +84 983730882 | Email: hcns@vietourtravels.com |
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In the past few years Vietnamese food has become more and more popular around the world. With its long history and colonial influence, its own appropriation of the middle and southern regions, and its varied regional geographies, Vietnam provides diverse food culture and interesting dining etiquette. Savour the flavours of Vietnam from Saigon to Hanoi on this tasty discovery.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:
► South to north foodie discovery of Vietnam
Explore interesting culinary scene from coffee to craft beer to street food by vintage vespa.
► Culinary discovery of Hoi An
Visit a family-run organic farm and engage in a ‘from farm to table’ hands-on cooking experience with a nutrient expert in Hoi An.
► Private dinner in the home of celebrity chef
Enjoy an interactive family home meal while understanding Vietnamese cuisine in the home of a celebrity chef in Hanoi.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL SAIGON
► HCMC airport – HCMC center (12km): 30 minutes
Upon arrival, your private guide and car will meet you outside and transfer to hotel for check in.
Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Saigon.
DAY 2: HO CHI MINH CITY (B, L, D)
This morning at 09:00 meet the guide and engage in a leisurely 2km walking city tour passing the iconic Saigon Central Post Office built between 1886 and 1891. Based on the design of famous French architect Gustave Eiffel, it is now considered a symbol of Saigon and one of its most famous landmarks. Walk along Dong Khoi street, formerly La Rue Catinat and pay a visit to Gia Long Palace – Ho Chi Minh City Museum for its beautiful architecture and listen to its history through times. Then stroll through Ben Thanh market to enjoy the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Enjoy a welcome lunch at the cozy Secret House with authentic family shared style meal in the village feel ambiance. Remainder of the afternoon is free at leisure.
Saigon 2CV evening tour
This evening be picked up from the hotel at 19:00. Hop on a small and colourful Citroen car (2CV or La Dalat dating back 1969-1975) and delve into Vietnam’s nightlife and booming craft beer culture. Meet and mingle with the locals while enjoying locally brewed beer and snacking on gourmet tapas. Then get a taste of the broad range of flavours from the impressive craft beer scene in this vibrant city. Enjoy the beer while a representative at each brewery venue shares knowledge, stories and the actual brewing process with unique ingredients to understand and appreciate the taste of their creations. Pay a visit to the independent brewers who still produce small homemade batches of beer, to the more famous brand of craft beer and cider in town. Apart from multiple tastings of the best beers, each place also offers a variety of delicious and elaborate food pairings including gourmet tapas and some Vietnamese inspired bites. Raise a glass and toast to a night out alongside locals before returning to the hotel around 22:30.
Overnight in Saigon.
DAY 3: SAIGON – HOI AN (FLIGHT) (B)
► HCMC – HCMC’s airport (12km): 30 minutes Danang airport – Hoi An (40Km): 50 minutes
This tour begins at 08:30. Meet with the guide and walk through different corners of the city to explore Saigonese’s morning habits and the importance of coffee drinking in Vietnamese's culture.
Start with a stroll through a buzzing local residential area and delve right into local life while browsing the street café, watching people enjoying their morning coffee and reading news or chatting with each other. Locals usually drink coffee after having breakfast. Do the way locals do by ordering ‘bun thit nuong’ consisting of fresh noodles topped with grilled pork at an eatery. Walk around to observe the bustling street eats scene and try another piece of sticky rice or hollow donut.
Carry on to discover an 80-year old stocking coffee shop where they have unique ways of making coffee and listen to coffee tales.
Conclude the tour by heading to Barista Saigon coffee studio. Meet with a certified barista to get an introduction about Vietnamese specialty coffee and learn expert coffee brewing techniques. Choose from a variety of courses, focusing on espresso, latte art or professional ways to judge the quality of coffee. Transfer back to your hotel around 11:30 for checking out.
Later this afternoon, transfer to the Saigon airport for a flight to central Vietnam. From the Danang airport, it’s a 30-minute drive to the ancient port town of Hoi An. Despite the passing of 200 years and the ravages of weather and war, the center of Hoi An remains much the same as it was in its heyday.
Overnight in Hoi An.
DAY 4: HOI AN (B, L)
Today, leave the hotel at 09:00 for a short ride to a family-run organic farm today. Located quietly away about 3km from the Old Town center, this farm is established by love for food and local cuisine of the founder, a nutrient expert and her teammates. Be greeted by her team start the unique experience!
With the varied landscape of Vietnam, the country’s cuisine contains a brilliant balance of aromatics, heat, sweetness, sourness, and fish-sauciness. As with other Asian cuisines, it's all about the yin and yang; the sweet and salty, the cooling and the heat, the fresh and the fermenter. Follow her to explore the farm while listening to her inspiring stories about how to use food and vegetables as a cure for health. Pick up some ingredients and head to the lovely kitchen right at the farm to make some dishes.
There are five dishes to learn to cook. Take a chance to get hands-on on how to make rice flour with the old stone grinder, rice paper with copper vessels and invent a personal organic juice recipe. Once ready, sit down and feast on a delicious meal of authentic local cuisine. After filling up on these home-cooked delights, return to Hoi An in the afternoon.
This afternoon, take a 1.5 hour walking tour - the best way to see this marvelous town. Visit the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge and appreciate remarkably well-preserved traditional merchant houses that have withstood more than 200 years of weather and war.
Hoi An ancient town
Then spend the remainder of the afternoon and evening at leisure to explore the hidden corners or return to the hotel to rest.
Overnight in Hoi An
DAY 5: HOI AN - HUE (B, D)
► Hoi An to your chosen hotel in Hue (150km): 3 hours
Spend the morning at leisure. Check out of the hotel at noon and then take a 2.5 hour transfer to Hue via Hai Van tunnels.
Arrive Hue and check-in to the hotel. This late afternoon at 16:00, go on an exhilarating and fun vintage Vespa experience to discover Hue. The old imperial capital of Hue is popular not only for its attractive historical monuments of the Nguyen Dynasty but also for its richness in culture and cuisine. There’s no better way to explore the nightlife of Hue and its tasteful flavors than sitting on the back seat of a Vespa for an adventure through charming streets.
Get a great chance to learn about Hue’s gastronomy and local culture. First, visit a vintage Vespa collector and taste food with the family. Then ride to some hand-picked local family-run venues that serve the best authentic local foods. Immerse in a world of Hue specialties, including bun bo hue (Hue beef noodle soup), ‘banh khoai (sizzling pancakes), sweet soups and a variety of Hue green leaf cakes. With a full tummy, take a leisurely ride back on the Vespa to the hotel.
Sweet soups in Hue
Overnight in Hue
DAY 6: HUE (B, L)
Meet the tour guide at 08:30. Start at the Imperial Citadel where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. From here take a cyclo through the ‘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-metre 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 in 1963 when a resident monk drove the vehicle to what was then Saigon to protest against the southern regime. The photo of his self-immortalisation was captured and is one of the most well-known images of the war.
At noon, visit Dong Thien Pagoda then experience the vegetarian lunch prepared by the nun. The Pagoda also runs some kindergartens for poor children and the visit will contribute directly to children in these classes. Spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.
Overnight in Hue.
DAY 7: HUE - HANOI (B)
► Hue to Phu Bai Airport (17km): 30 mins Noi Bai airport - Hanoi (38km): 40min
This morning, take a flight and head to the next city, Hanoi, the heart of Vietnam.
Today’s tour begins at 14:00. Visit the famed Temple of Literature. Wander around this incredible compound which was constructed in 1076. Become fascinated with the stories of the building and get a glimpse of the past when it served as a university and temple. Walk through Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter. This area of 36 narrow streets is a lively place to walk around while seeing and learning about Vietnam’s traditional ways of life. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon and enjoy an evening at leisure.
Flower street vender in Hanoi Old Quarter
Overnight in Hanoi.
DAY 8: HANOI (B, L, D)
This late morning at around 10:30, be met at the hotel and transferred to a local family’s home whose host is a mini celebrity chef. This is an exclusive chance to meet a top 5 contestant on a reality cooking TV programme. This evening, get a distinctive feeling of traditional Hanoi families where long established dining etiquette has been passed down through numerous generations.
Gather around a typical family meal with a shared tray of food in the center and enjoy an interactive talk with the chef about dining practices including and some interesting dos and don’ts. For example, younger members always have to wait for the elders to eat first, or a woman always needs to sit right next to the rice pot.
Then get hands-on to prepare a traditional Hanoi family meal tray which normally includes the five fundamental tastes - spicy, sour, bitter, salty and sweet that also represent the elements such as metal, wood, fire, water and earth in Vietnamese culture. It is common to also find eggplant pickles that is a must for every meal. If feeling adventurous, take a sniff of the strong flavour of typical fermented shrimp paste.
Once ready, take a seat and practice the dining etiquette that was just learned while indulging in the meal and tuck-in just like how a traditional Hanoian does. Bid farewell to the host with a little hand-made souvenir gift.
Spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.
Wine pairing dinner with fusion cuisine.
Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner with wine-pairing. Be served a fusion menu at the relaxing ambiance of Colette’s 32 restaurant. The ultimate food and wine pairing is when the flavours of both are good on their own, but together they make a blockbuster combination and accentuate the best in each other.
Overnight in Hanoi
DAY 10: HANOI DEPARTURE (B)
► Hanoi - Noi Bai airport (38km): 40min
Today is departure day. The private car and guide will be at disposal to enjoy some free time for last-minute purchases or simply relax before the transfer to Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport for the onward flight.
INCLUSIONS:
º Hotel accommodation in a shared twin or shared double room with daily breakfast
º Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
º Tours and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicles with English-speaking local guide
º Entrance fees for all visits mentioned
º Boat trips as mentioned in the itinerary
º Special arrangements as specified above
º Fast track airport on arrival and departure
º Two way private charter to and from Hai Au Seaplane Hanoi and Halong (flight schedule set by airlines)
º Bottled water in the vehicles
º Travel insurance
EXCLUSIONS:
º Drinks and other meals not mentioned
º Domestic flights if not mentioned in inclusions
º Price extra for Camera / Video
º Laundry, telephone calls and expenditure of a personal nature
º Tips
º Visa & Visa stamping fee to Vietnam
º International flights if not mentioned in inclusions
º Gratuities to guides, drivers, boats staff, servants…
º Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, drinks, ...)
º Any services not mentioned in the itinerary
NOTES:
º Note: This tour may be subject to change depending on weather conditions.
º This is a proposed itinerary and at this point no reservations have been made.
º This itinerary may alter due to local conditions, the strength of the group and other unexpected circumstances. We will do our very best to adhere to the set itinerary, however we cannot be held responsible for any last minute changes that might occur. In all such circumstances, your biking or trekking guide will have the final say.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
º We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance (covering emergency medical evacuation) for trips to Vietnam.
º Prices are valid 30 days from date of offer. Past this date price and conditions may be readjusted.
º The cost of air tickets is subject to change without prior notice by the airlines.
º Reservations during peak times (Christmas, New Year, Vietnamese Lunar New Year, National Holidays) may be subject to supplementary charges.
º Rooms at hotels are available only from 1400 on arrival day till 1200 on departure date. A supplement will be added if early check-in or late check-out is desired.
º Please note that all the above services & tours have yet to be booked, they are proposed for your information only and we will not make any reservations before we receive your confirmation to do so.
º If one or some proposed service(s) is (are) not available at the moment of booking, we will try to find other possibilities/options or other similar service(s) in order to avoid changes to the program.
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These terms and conditions constitute an agreement between you and Vietour Travel. By using the site you accept these terms and conditions. The terms and conditions are subject to change at any time, and it is your responsibility to check these terms and conditions regularly in case there are any changes. Continuing to use the site after a change has been made is your acceptance of those changes.
In these Terms & Conditions, The word “Company” refers to Vietour Travel. “Customer” means you and the Customer ‘s means your, the person who agrees to buy the tour and/or any person on whose behalf you agree to purchase the package tours, day trips, flights, car rental and other travel services provided by Vietour Travel.
1/ Prices
All rates shown on the website for tours, flights, train tickets, hotels and car rental are quoted in US dollars. Our team updates the rates according to the season and subject to availability. There will be special promotions during certain months of the year. Our sale consultants will advise The Customer of these promotions (if any) at the time of your request.
2/ Booking services with Vietour Travel
Bookings can be made to our office by email: hcns@vietourtravels.com or by call +84 98 373 0882. We will reply to your enquiry within 12hours. The booking will be processed as soon as we have received The Customer‘s confirmation and payment deposit as per instructions.
3/ Deposit
We require a payment deposit of 25% for package tours, day trips, cruises, car rental and other travel services to secure your booking.
Notes: We require full payment for all flights, train tickets, invitation letters (for visa approval at the airport) and hotel reservations in order to issue pre-paid vouchers for your services.
4/ Full payment
Full payment shall be received no later than 30 days prior to your arrival, or if the booking is made within 30 days of your arrival, full payment must be made upon the acknowledgement of your confirmation.
All payments shall be made either by telegraphic transfer (Bank wire) to our company account:
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Notes: In the meantime, we also accept payment by Western Union, Credit Card Authorization or through our Paypal account. Our clients will be informed of the most convenient payment method by our sales consultants to save time and money.
5/ Vouchers
Vietour Travel will issue the official vouchers and invoices to you as soon as the booked trip is confirmed and payment is completed. A service voucher will be sent by email / fax or regular mail depending on your wishes.
6/ Refund of Unused Services
No refunds or exchanges can be made in respect of accommodation, meals, sightseeing tours, transport or any other services which are included in the Tour price but not utilized by the Tour member.
7/ Changes made by The Customer
In case The Customer has to change the confirmed itinerary for certain reasons, we are happy to assist subject to the following fees and conditions:
♦ Domestic airfare: Minimum US$20/person plus the airlines fee.
♦ International airfare: Minimum US$30/person plus the airlines fee
♦ Domestic land arrangement: Minimum 40/person plus the supplier’s fee.
♦ International land arrangement: Minimum US$40/person plus supplier’s fee.
Where travel documents and tickets have been issued, your changes can be only made subject to the availability of the airlines and the supplier’s conditions at that time. Kindly be advised that you may not be allowed to change the outbound date of departure on most discounted airfares. Please note, most discounted domestic airfares and air reservations for groups do not allow changes to be made to the date of departure for any pre-booked flights. Accommodation and cruises cannot be changed and revised within 2 working days prior to departure.
8/ Changes made by the Suppliers/Vietour Travel
Regrettably, amendments may sometimes be necessary and errors occasionally happen. We reserve the right to make changes or correct errors at any time both before and after our confirmation. Flight timings, aircraft types and routings, train schedules and cruises are subject to change for operational and technical reasons. If changes need to be made to your itinerary, we will inform you as soon as it is reasonably possible.
9/ Cancellation made by The Customer
For certain reasons, if The Customer has to cancel his booked tour/travel services with Vietour Travel, we will obviously be sorry not to be able to serve you and will accept the cancellation subject to the cancellation fees and conditions as listed below:
♦ More than 45 days prior to your departure day: No charge
♦ Between 30 and 44 days prior: deposit is forfeited
♦ Between 11 and 20 days prior: 30% of the tour price is charged
♦ Between 6 and 10 days prior: 50% of the tour price is charged
♦ 5 days prior: 100% of tour price is charged
10/ Force Majeure
If as a consequence of “Force Majeure” (as defined below), Vietour Travel is obliged to curtail, alter, extend or cancel the Tour, you shall not be at liberty to maintain a claim for compensation or otherwise for any loss arising as a consequence of said curtailment, alteration, extension or cancellation of the Tour.
“Force Majeur” means Acts of God, natural disasters, adverse weather conditions, fire or other destruction of any vessel, craft or vehicle to be used in connection with a holiday, destruction or damage to holiday accommodation, riots, acts of war, civil commotion, exercise of legislative or government action, municipal or military or other authority, strikes, industrial action, requisition of equipment, mechanical breakdown, shortage of fuel, insolvency or default of any carrier or service connected with the Tour, fraud perpetrated against Vietour Travel.
11/ Travel Documentations
All Customers must be in possession of a valid passport and necessary visas or permits at the commencement of travel. All such documentations are the sole responsibility of the client. Your travel advisor may assist you in applying for the necessary travel documentation upon request Vietour Travel accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever for the failure of clients to obtain appropriate documentation.
12/ Insurance
Since our package tours, day trips and other travel services DO NOT INCLUDE TRAVEL INSURANCE you are required to obtain your own full travel insurance. It is your responsibility to read your insurance policy before you travel and ensure that the insurance scheme provides you with the requisite level of cover.
13/ Luggage Allowance
In accordance with the regulations of Vietnam Airlines, the free baggage allowance within Vietnam is 20 kg for economy class and 40 kg for business class, plus limited carry-on luggage. Excess baggage charges are the sole responsibility of the client. Regulations within Vietnam specify that all suitcases must have a locking device attached. Failure to follow this regulation may result in refusal by airport staff to load suitcases onto the aircraft.
14/ Liability
Vietour Travel is not responsible for any loss, injury or damage sustained by Customers. Additional expenses incurred due to delays, accidents, natural disaster, political actions and unrest must be borne by Customers.
15/ Complaints
If you have a problem during your trip, it is a legal requirement that you bring it to the attention of the relevant suppliers (e.g. hotelier or airline) as soon as possible. We hope that any complaint which you may have can be handled amicably and efficiently. Our Operations staff are empowered to deal with complaints on the spot. However, where a complaint is not dealt with to the Customers’ satisfaction, Vietour Travel management can be reached at any time. You can contact our General Director by email at hcns@vietourtravels.com or on our Customer Hotline: +84 983 730 882 (24/7) for a quick response.
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