India
Sri Lanka
Bali
Bhutan
Burma
Thailand
Nepal
Tibet-China
Vietnam
Cambodia/Laos
Mongolia

Asia Group Tours

Tours Outside Asia

Passport-Visa Service

Request Brochure

Download Reservation Form

Healing Arts

Special Deals

What's Your Style?
Spirit of Asia Story
Gen. Info/Policies
Our Credentials
What Travelers Say
Destinations:
   a photo overview
Maps - Icons
Travel Resources
   links, books, health kit
FAQs
Contact Us
Home

Looking for a Travel Partner? Click Here to View & Place Postings

Inter-Cultural Arts Exchange

From the North to the Mekong Delta -13 Days

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
Transfer to hotel. Evening Waterpuppet Show.

Day 2: Hanoi Full Day Sightseeing
Hanoi, a city of lakes, shaded boulevards and public parks, is the capital of Vietnam. It is a very attractive city with French style buildings.

ONE PILLAR PAGODA: built by the Emperor Ly Thai Tong, who ruled from 1028 to 1054. Built of wood on a single stone pillar, it is designed to resemble a lotus blossom.

TEMPLE OF LITERATURE: founded in1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong who dedicated it to Confucius in order to honour scholars and men of literary accomplishment. HOAN KIEM LAKE: right in the heart of Hanoi, this lake has the tiny Tortoise Pagoda topped with a red star, on an islet in the middle of the lake.

HO CHI MINH MAUSOLEUM: in the tradition of Lenin and Stalin before him and Mao after him, the final resting place of Ho Chi Minh is a glass sarcophagus set deep in the bowels of a monumental edifice that has become a site of pilgrimage. (closed Mon & Fri)

OPERA HOUSE: magnificent 900 seat Hanoi Opera House built in 1911. Just view from outside - no inside sightseeing possible.

ST JOSEPH CATHEDRAL: neo-Gothic cathedral inaugurated in 1886 noteworthy for its square towers, elaborate altar and stained-glass windows.

Day 3: Hanoi - Hai Phong - Halong Bay
Drive from Hanoi via Chua But Thap Pagoda to Hai Phong (21/2 hr). Enroute Visit: VAN PUC PAGODA: surrounded by hills considered noteworthy for its beauty, this pagoda was founded in 1037.

BAT THAP PAGODA: also known as Ninh Phuc Pagoda, is known for its four story stone stupa dedicated to the monk Chuyet Cong. The pagoda was rebuilt in the 17th and 18th centuries and the layout of the structure is traditional. Sightseeing Hai Phong: Hai Phong is Vietnam's third most populous city. It is the north's main industrial centre and one of the country's most important seaports. Time permitting visit one or two of the most famous attractions in town.

DINH HANG KENH: a communal house on Pho Hang Kenh known for its 500 relief sculptures in wood. The area the structure is in, was once part of the village of Kenh. DEN NGHE: the temple is dedicated to Le Chan one of the female generals in the army of the Trung sisters. It was built in the 19th Century.

CHO TAM BAC MARKET: market in town selling food.

CHO SAT MARKET: market in town selling all sorts of goods.

HANG KENH TAPASTRY HOUSE: founded 65 years ago, the factory produces wool tapestries for export.

DU HANG PAGODA: founded 3 centuries ago and rebuilt several times, a good example of traditional Vietnamese architecture.

From Hai Phong you can choose to either hydrofoil (1 hr) to Cat Ba Island, or drive to Halong Bay (31/2 hr).
Overnight in Hai Phong if visiting Cat Ba Island, or in Halong Bay. Note: Accommodations on Cat Ba Island are clean with private bath, but very basic. We donŐt recommend.

Day 4: Halong (or Cat Ba) - Hanoi
Boat trip Halong Bay (4 hrs) past the islands of Trong, Mai, Am, Chen and Cong Troi (Heaven Gates). Stop at one of the islands and visit of one of the following caves. Wonderful fresh seasfood lunch on the boat.

HANG DAU GO: huge cave consisting of three chambers which are reached via 90 steps. The cave derives its Vietnamese name from the third of the chambers, which is said to have been used by Trang Hung Dao during the 13th century to store bamboo stakes, used against the Mongol invaders.

BO NAU: 'Pelican' caves of interest.

THIEN CUNG: "Heaven Palace" or CAT BA NATIONAL PARK: largest island in Halong Bay and declared a NP in 1986 to protect the island's diverse ecosystems which include subtropical forests, swamp forests, offshore coral reefs and mangrove forests. The park is home to 20 types of mammals, including Francois monkeys, wild boar, deer, squirrels and hedgehogs; 69 species of birds, including hawks, hornbills and cuckoos; trees and plants including many with medicinal value. It lies on a major migration route for waterfowl (ducks, geese and shorebirds)This park is considered to have the most abundant wildlife in Vietnam.

HIKING ON CAT BA ISKLAND hikes include visits to remote minority villages and caves. Return to Hanoi by car. Overnight in Hanoi

Day 5: Hanoi - Hue Morning flight from Hanoi to Hue - Hue sightseeing-Overnight in Hue

IMPERIAL CITY: this is in the Citadel and was built in the early 19th century and modeled after the Forbidden City in Peking. There are numerous palaces and temples within these walls, as well as towers, a library and a museum. NGO MON GATE: this is the principal entrance to the Imperial Enclosure and faces the Flag Tower. The central passageway with its yellow doors was reserved for use by the emperor, as was the bridge across the lotus pond.

THAI HOA PALACE: built in 1803 and moved to its present site in 1833, Thai Hoa Palace is a spacious hall with an ornate roof of huge timbers supported by 80 carved and lacquered columns.

HALLS OF THE MANDARINS: these buildings, in which the mandarins prepared for court ceremonies, held in Can Chanh Reception Hall, were restored in 1977.

NINE DYNASTIC URNS: these were cast in 1835-36. Traditional ornamentation was then chiselled into the sides of the urns, each dedicated to a different Nguyen sovereign.

FORBIDDEN PURPLE CITY: this was reserved for the personal use of the emperor. The only servants allowed into the compound were eunuchs, who would pose no threat to the royal concubines. **today site in ruins** Sightseeing Tombs of the Emperors Tu Duc and Khai Dinh

TU DUC TOMB: Emperor Tu Duc, who ruled Hue more than 100 years ago, built his tomb when he was still alive and used it for meditation, reading and theater performances. There are pavillions in a tranquil setting of forested hills and lakes. The tomb was contructed between 1864 and 1867. Tu Duc, who was the longest reigning Emperor, lived a luxurious life.

KHAI DINH: this was the last monument of the Nguyen dynasty and was constructed between 1920 and 1931. It sits magnificently on the slopes of Chau E Mountain in Chau Chau Village. It has a long staircase flanked by dragons. There are ceiling murals and ceramic frescoes. Day 6: Hue-Danang-Hoi An Early morning excursion on boat on Huong Giang River and sightseeing Tien Mu Pagoda and Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang; drive to Danang (3 hrs) sightseeing China Beach and Marble Mountains, drive owardn to Hoi An (45 min) for overnight.

THIEN MU PAGODA: just outside of Hue, on the bank of the Perfume River, was a hotbed of anti-government protest during the early 1960s. Behind the main sanctuary of the pagoda is the Austin motorcar which transported the monk Thich Quang Duc to the site of his 1963 self-immolations.

TOMB OF EMPEROR MINH MANG: complex built in 1840 by King Minh Mang and its known for its magnificent architecture, military statuaries and elaborate decorations. It is perhaps the most beautiful of Hue's pagodas and tombs. HAI VAN PASS: the pass crosses over a spur of the Truong Son Mountain Range that juts into the South China Sea. It is an incredible mountainous stretch of highway with spectacular views.

LANG CO: has a pretty, island-like stretch of palm-shaded sand with a crystal-clear lagoon on one side and many km of beachfront facing the South China Sea. Sightseeing Danang, China Beach and Marble Mountains Vietnam's fourth largest city marks the northern limits of Vietnam's tropical zone, boasting a pleasant year-round climate.

CHAM MUSEUM: founded in 1915 by the Ecole Francaise d'Extreme Orient, the open-air collection of Cham sculpture is the finest in the world. Many of the sandstone carvings are breathtaking.

CHINA BEACH: made famous in the American TV series of the same name, it stretches for many kilometres north and south of the Marble Mountains. During the American War, soldiers were airlifted here for 'rest and relaxation'.

MARBLE MOUNTAINS: consist of 5 stone hillocks, once islands, made of marble. Each is said to represent one of the five elements of the universe. The largest and most famous, Thuy Son, has a number of natural caves in which Buddhist sanctuaries have been built over the centuries. When the Champas ruled this area, these same caves were used as Hindu shrines.

Day 7: Hoi An: Half Day Morning Sightseeing/Afternoon Independent
Hoi An is a picturesque riverside town south of Danang. Known as Faifo to early western traders, it was one of South East Asia's major international ports during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. It is best to visit some of the following sites of Hoi An by walking around and/or by cyclo.

QUAN CONG TEMPLE: founded in 1653, the main altar is dedicated to Quan Cong, whose partially gilt statue is in the central altar at the back of the sanctuary. Stone plaques on the walls list contributors to the contruction and repair of the temple. The temple was open to all Chinese traders or seamen and is dedicated to Thien Hau  it s a small chinese style temple with a lintel gate, a rockery courtyard and lucky animals depicted in statuary.

PHUOC KIEN PAGODA: Chinese pagoda built around 1690 and then restored and enlarged in 1900. It is typical of the Chinese 'clans' that were established in the Hoi An area. The temple is dedicated to Thien Hau Thanh Mau (Goddess of the Sea and Protector of Sailors and Fishermen).

JAPANESE COVERED BRIDGE: the first bridge on this site was constructed in 1593. It was built by the Japanese community of Hoi An to link them with the Chinese quarters across the stream. The bridge was provided with a roof so it could be used as a shelter from rain and sun.

TRAN FAMILY CHAPEL: thishouse for worshipping ancestors was built about 200 years ago with donations from the family members. The Tran family traces itsorigins to China and moved to Vietnam around 1700. The architecture of the building reflects the influence of Chinese and Japanese styles.

SA HUYNH MUSEUM: located near the Japanese covered Bridge, it contains exhibitions from the earliest period of Hoi An's history. PHUNG HUNG HOUSE: one family has been living here for already 8 generations. The house is a combination of Vietnamese, Japanese and Chinese style. QUANG DONG PAGODA: this pagoda was open to all Chinese traders or seamen and is dedicated to Thien Hau ?itâs a small chinese style temple with a lintel gate, a rockery courtyard and lucky animals depicted in statuary

Day 8 Excursion to My Son, one of the most stunning sights in the Hoi An area, and Vietnam's most important Cham site. Overnight in Hoi An

MY SON: considered to be Champa's counterpart to the grand cities of South East Asia's other Indian-influenced civilizations: Angkor, Bagan etc. The monuments are set in a verdant valley surrounded by hills and overlooked by massive Cat's Tooth Mountain.

TRA KIEU: formerly known as Simhapura, it was the first capital city of Champa, serving in that capacity from the 4th through to the 8th century. A large number of artifacts, including some of the finest carvings in the Cham Museum in Danang, were found here.

Day 9 Drive to Danang (45 min); flight from Danang to Saigon
Visit Cholon - Overnight in Saigon

Saigon is the largest of Vietnamese cities, and one will see the hustle and bustle of Vietnamese life everywhere. There are street markets, pavement cafes and sleek new cafes and pubs. The city churns and bubbles. Yet within this teeming metropolis are 300 years of timeless traditions and the beauty of an ancient culture. To the west of the city is district 5, the huge Chinese neighbourhood called Cholon, which means 'Big Market', a good indication of the importance the Chinese have traditionally played in Vietnam's economy.

Sightseeing Cholon (Chinatown) 4 hrs

BINH TAY MARKET: is Cholon's main marketplace with much of the business here being wholesale.

THIEN HAU PAGODA: built by the Cantonese congregation in the early 19th century. The pagoda is one of the most active in Cholon and is dedicated to Thien Hau. It is said that she can travel over the oceans on a mat and ride the clouds to wherever she pleases. NGHIA AN HOI PAGODA: built by the Chaozhou Chinese congregation, is noteworthy for its gilded woodwork. There is a carved wooden boat over the entrance and inside is an enormous representation of Quan Cong's red horse with its groom. TAM SON HOI QUAN PAGODA: built by the Fujian Congregation in the 19th century and retains most of the unmodified, original rich ornamentation. The pagoda is dedicated to Me Sanh, the Goddess of Fertility.

Day 10 Saigon-Half Day City Tour

NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL: built between 1877 and 1883, is set in the heart of Saigon's governement quarter. It has a neo-Romanesque form and two high square towers, tipped with iron spires. In front of the cathedral is a statue of the Virgin Mary. CENTRAL POST OFFICE: this is a French-style building with its glass canopy and iron frame right next to the Notre Dame Cathedral. The structure was built between 1886 and 1891 and is by far the largest post office in Vietnam.

CITY HALL: completed 1908, also known as Hotel de Ville at the northern end of Nguyen Hue Boulevard. With it s ornate gingerbread facade it looks like the town hall of a French town. **view from outside only**

WAR REMNANTS MUSEUM: collections of weapons and photographs from 2 Indochina wars are exhibited along with the original French 'Guillotine' brought here in the early 20th century.

BEN THANH MARKET: this is the central market of Saigon and the market and the surrounding streets make up one of the city's liveliest areas. Everything commonly eaten, worn or used by the average resident of Saigon is available here.

DONG KHOI STREET: known as 'Rue Catinet' during the French years, this is a main shopping street in the centre of Saigon where there is a lot of choice of handicrafts and laquerware.

Day 11 Drive Saigon-My Tho- boat trip on the Mekong -Drive to Can Tho-Overnight in Can Tho
Drive past Ben Luc, Tan An and Chau Thanh enroute to My Tho (70 km, approx 2 hrs drive); excursion to Mekong Islands with boat trip; drive to Can Tho (110km, approx 21/2 hrs drive).

MY THO: capital of Tien Giang Province. The economy is based on fishing and the cultivation of rice, coconuts, bananas, mangoes, longans and citrus fruit.

MEKONG DELTA: this is the southernmost region of Vietnam and it was formed by sediment deposited by the Mekong River. Silt deposits extend the delta shoreline at the mouth of the river by as mush as 79m per year. The area is known as Vietnam's 'bread basket' and produces rice to feed the entire country. Visit one or two of the islands with traditional handcrafts, bee farms and coconut candy production.

UNICORN ISLAND: the island also known as Thoi Son Island has many longan orchards which can be visited and the lush, palmfringed shores of the island are lined with wooden fishing boats. There is a honey bee and coconut candy production also to be visited.

VINH TRANG PAGODA: a beautiful and well maintained sanctuary. Oldest pagoda in the delta. The charitable monks here provide a home to orphans, disabled and other needy children.

PHOENIX ISLAND: until his imprisonment and the consequent dispersion of his flock, the Coconut Monk (Ong Dao Dua) led a small community on this island. By vehicle from My Tho to Can Tho Journey south west past Vinh Long and then across the Hau Giang River by ferry.

VINH LONG: capital of the province, this is a medium-sized town along the banks of the Mekong River about midway between My Tho and Can Tho. From Vinh Long, one can access all the islands in the river which are totally given over to agriculture. Overnight in Can Tho

Day 12: Can Tho: Excursion to Phong Dien Floating Market - By car from Can Tho to Saigon - Overnight in Saigon PHONG DIEN FLOATING MARKET: the best floating market in the Mekong Delta with many stand-up rowing boats around. The market is visited by boat first and then one returns to Can Tho by car. By vehicle from Can Tho to Saigon Journey first across the Hau Giang River by ferry between Can Tho and Vinh Long and then past Vinh Long and My Tho.

Day 13 Transfer to airport according to your flight schedule.

HOTELS: Cat A /Cat B

Hanoi: Hilton Hanoi Opera Plaza 5*/ Sofitel Plaza 4-5*
Request quotes for: Sofitel Metropole 5*; Sunway Hotel 4*

Hai Phong: Harbour View Hotel 4*

Halong: Halong Plaza 4* (10 min walk to beach; quieter area)/Heritage Halong 4* (across from the beach)
Request quotes for: Ha Long 1 Hotel 3*

Hue: Saigon Morin 3-4*/ deluxe superior

Hoi An: Hoi An Beach Resort/deluxe-garden view Hoi An Riverside 4*
Request quotes for: Victoria Hotel

Saigon: Renaissance Riverside Hotel 5*/deluxe city view; Majestic 4*/superior
Request quotes for: Grand 4*/superior Rex 4*/superior

Can Tho: Victoria Hotel 4* Saigon-Can Tho Hotel 2-3*

PRICES: Cat A/B
With Excursion to Ha Long Bay
Solo traveler: $2708/$2409 ; 2 people: $1521/1360 ; 3-6 people: $1388/$1224; Single room supplement: $585/$441

With Excursion to Cat Ba Island:
Solo traveler: $2520/$2325 ; 2 people: $1428/1315 ; 3-6 people: $1300/$1188; Single room supplement: $514/$430 Above rates are valid from 20-Aug-02 to 31-Mar-04; itinerary subject to change due to flight schedule changes.

Other hotels priced upon request.

Includes:

• accommodation, dbl occ
• Meals as indicated in the tour itineraries.
• Air-conditioned cars/minibuses/buses for ground transportation and transfers.
• Boat ride(s), three-wheeled cycle tours, shows as indicated in the itineraries.
• Sightseeing entrance fees
• Local English-speaking guides
• Domestic flights and domestic airport tax

Does Not Include:

• Meals (lunch & dinner) other than those indicated in the tour itineraries.
• Travel insurance
• International flights to and from Vietnam and airport taxes.
• Visa fee
• Gratuities and porter
• Any expenses of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, phone calls, fax and telex transmission, postage, etc., and other services unspecified above.

Mekong Delta + Cambodia 10 Days Saigon to Angkor Wat
Eco Delta, 11 Days: Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi
Comprehensive 25 Days