2. HOW WE DEFINE
TRAVEL TODAY
It is all too easy to travel to the main centres of a destination
and consider having ‘seen it’. However, the true backbone of
Vietnam’s culture and society is found in the unknown, the
unaware, the places and areas where throngs of tourists do
not tread because, quite simply, the knowledge and insight is
not there to begin with. This is where we come in.
As tourism in the country expands and develops most of us
yearn for a travel experience away from the commercial
centres. We have therefore carefully researched and created a
series of select journeys that best represent another side of
Vietnam ... a Vietnam that will enrich a trip with memories,
an experience and an education.
This is about travelling with style, a degree of comfort but, at
the same time, being out of ones comfort zone to formulate a
travel experience that will enrich a visit with insights and
exchanges that will, hopefully, prove to be the highlight of
your stay in this enigmatic country.
Ranging from the exclusive to the moderate these selective
journeys are either half or full day excursions from the
main centres of Vietnam and are therefore easily placed
into your itinerary.
AN INTRODUCTION
TO SELECTIVE JOURNEYS
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Vietnam
4. HANOI
(VIETNAM’S CULTURAL HEART)
The North of Vietnam is the country’s true cultural heart. Its art, its
music and dance, its cuisine, its heritage, architecture and rich tapestry
of life all starts with Hanoi and makes its way south. Hanoi may not have
the prosperity or modern wealth of its southern counterpart, but it does
provide the visitor with a far greater cultural understanding and
experience of what Vietnam is all about to the Vietnamese.
Faded colonial architecture, some restored beautifully, sits side by side
hidden pagodas and temples. Tree lined boulevards are filled with
local street side cafes and restaurants. Its shaded parks provide respite
from the summer heat or the trickle of winter rain and are always filled
with life within. Its street markets and street culture continues to play
out as if one is wandering through a set of a play or a movie on how life
used to be in Asia. Yes, Hanoi is modernising, but it is wise enough to
know that what brings visitors here and what keeps the fabric of Hanoi
society together is its heritage and distinctly Vietnamese traditions.
This is the very fabric that helps us build tour product with an air of
exclusivity about it, whether a private evening exploration of the Temple
of Literature or a simple visit to a rural Buddhist pagoda where time has
stood still, Hanoi enchants and delivers on all fronts.
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5. EARLY MORNING MARKETS, RITUALS,
RESIDENTIAL STREETS & LOCAL CAFES
Hanoians tend to rise at dawn, and this short early
morning tour gives an opportunity to experience
a side of the city and its culture that few visitors are
privy to.
After departing your hotel very early in the
morning visit the fresh vegetable wholesale market
(named Cho Rau Dau Cau) which operates daily
from 04:00– 06:30am. This is where the farmers from the coun-
tryside bring their wholesale produce to the city for
sale. Early in the morning it has to be Hanoi’s busiest
spot and simply disappears by 7am.
Next visit the lively and very colorful flower mar-
ket (Cho Hoa) which is a photographers’ delight and
again its most active early in the morning. You will
see vendors carting their flowers off on the back of
their bicycles and riding through the Hanoi streets
HANOI’S MORNING GLORY
8
Continue to Hanoi’s nearby West Lake area, where you
may choose to take a brisk walk or a bicycle ride around
the paths of the quiet foreshore and the nearby residen-
tial streets, which are a popular place for the Hanoi lo-
cal residents to socialize and enjoy their early morning
exercises.
There is the opportunity for the energetic to join
with the locals in some Tai Chi. Visit a small local
pagoda rarely frequented by foreigners, and take a
break for a traditional Vietnamese coffee with the
locals by the lake before returning to your hotel.
On special request, for small groups or individuals, we
can add-in a meet with martial art instructors at their
school or a pagoda or park (subject to availability, with
surcharge payable).
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6. MUSIC, PRIVATE ACCESS, PERFORMANCE,
GRAND ARCHITECTURE
The Opera House is one of the most photographed
sites in Hanoi, with most visitors to the city including
a stop to view the outside of this iconic building dur-
ing their city sightseeing tour. It is usually not pos-
sible during the day to visit the inside of the
building, however indus experiences can now offer
our clients the unique opportunity to attend an
evening perfor-mance (Vietnam National
Symphony Orchestra or an alternative special
performance if scheduled) which is held at this
historic venue on selected dates.
Amid the flow of history, The Hanoi Opera House
stands as the architectural, cultural and political sym-
bol of the 1000 year old Capital. Constructed by the
French colonial administration between 1901 and
1911, it was modeled on the Palais Garnier in Par-
is, and is considered to be one of the architectural
landmarks of Hanoi. Its design is influenced by the
European architectural style under the Renaissance
period.
BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE OPERA
Besidesitsuseasatheatre,theHanoiOperaHousehas
also been a historical witness to the most significant
events the city’s recent history including the Revolu-
tion of Hanoi in 1945 and the first key meetings of the
National Assembly in 1946. Completely restored in
1995 the Opera House is now a cultural center of the
country and a cultural landmark in Southeast Asia.
Enjoy enjoy a glass of champagne at the Opera
Garden prior to the performance and a private
talk on the history of the building.
After the performance you have exclusive access to
visit the backstage area to be introduced to some of
the performers – a unique experience to meet and
interact with these talented musicians. This special
evening is capped off with a late dinner at one of Ha-
noi’s finest restaurants.
Please note, selective dates will apply for this
excur-sion. Please contact us for further
infromation.
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7. STREET CUISINE, HOSTED CHEF, SIDEWALK
CAFES,AUTHENTIC DISHES
Private tour is available on Mon/Thu/Sat from
9:45 AM~14:15PM
Daniel Hoyer is a well-known Hanoi chef and a re-
nowned culinary writer, who authored Culinary Vi-
etnam amongst other titles, and presides over the
kitchen at Provecho. A morning spent with Daniel
allows the opportunity to see one side of Hanoi from
his perspective, using food as an insight to Vietnam.
Daniel takes guests to places tourists wouldn’t nor-
mally venture on their own where most guidebooks
neglect to mention, hence guests will see daily life in
the city as it has always been.
The morning experience starts with a visit to either
the Chợ Hôm or Chợ Châu Long market to learn
about and taste some of the ingredients used in the
local cuisine and to admire the buying and selling
rituals of a Vietnamese market. Daniel will introduce
the guests to some of the vendors, explain about the
ingredients for sale and assist with purchasing items
to take home.
HANOI’S STREET FOOD WITH CULINARY EXPERT
BUDDHIST CENTRES, MEDITATION, RIVER
COMMUNITIES
This morning journey out of the hustle and bustle
of Vietnam’s crowded capital into the quiet and tra-
ditional countryside areas of the Red River Delta to
visit one of the finest pagodas in northern Vietnam -
But Thap. Known as Vietnam’s first Buddhist center,
the pagoda was first built under the dynasty of King
Tran Thanh Tong (1258-1278) and rebuilt in 1647 in
the Le Dynasty by Buddhist priest Zhus Zhus.
Withmorethan100compartments,ButThapislarger
than most other pagodas in the north of the country.
Inside the pagoda are more than 50 statues of differ-
ent sizes with the most remarkable a thousand-hand-
ed and thousand-eyed Guanyin, which is described
as a sculptural masterpiece of Vietnam.
RED RIVER BUDDHIST PAGODA (with meditation and lunch)
Many photo opportunities will be available in
this bustling, vibrant and colorful scene. After-
wards enjoy a Vietnamese Cà Phê (coffee) or Trà
(tea) with the locals at one of Daniel’s favorite side-
walk cafes. Here Daniel will give an overview of
the Vietnamese food scene, particularly in Ha-
noi, and discuss the daily life and culture of Viet-
nam from a well-informed expatriate’s perspective.
Continue your exploration of the city and its street
food and then enjoy lunch with Daniel at one of
Hanoi’s Pho Cuong establishments, to enjoy tradi-
tional grilled beef and rice noodle rolls with fresh
herbs, along with several other favorite local snacks.
Leaving But Thap pagoda, guests will visit nearby
Bong Lai pagoda and here they will enjoy the unique
chance to practice meditation with the monks for
thirty minutes followed by a special vegetarian lunch
prepared by the Pagoda’s resident nuns from natural
ingredients.
Guests may interact with the nuns to understand
more about their practice of Vietnamese Buddhism,
their life experiences and their charitable activities
within the community.
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8. COLONIAL MANSIONS, HISTORICAL
GRANDEUR, CULTURAL INFLUENCES
Hanoi has been referred to as ‘Asia’s most Asian city’,
however the legacies from the period of French Co-
lonialism still permeate the city and adds to the al-
lure of Vietnam’s capital.
Spend today exploring Hanoi’s historical vestiges by
vintage car and your local guide. First visit St. Jo-
seph’s Cathedral, a neo-Gothic edifice with twin bell
towers to match those of Notre Dame de Paris, com-
pleted in 1886. Next, the vintage car will bring you
to the Hanoi Opera House, which stands as the ar-
chitectural, cultural and political symbol of this 1000
year old Capital. Constructed by the French colonial
administration between 1901 and 1911, it was mod-
eled on the beautiful Palais Garnier in Paris.
Drive and walk down Phan Dinh Phung Street,
arguably Hanoi’s, if not Vietnam’s most
attractive boulevard filled with both restored and
rustic French built villas. Your guide will point
out some of the hidden treasures here.
HANOI’S FRENCH LEGACY BY VINTAGE CAR (with lunch)
Continuing the drive along some of Hanoi’s
charming streets before stopping for lunch at La
Verticale, often acknowledged as the city’s finest
French eatery. The French owner and chef Didier
Courlou has cre-ated this timeless establishment
renowned for its fine French cuisine with a
Vietnamese twist, located in a four-story 1930’s
French townhouse.
This afternoon visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
the University of Medicine and the History
Museum, with its distinct Indochine style. Late
afternoon visit the Long Bien Bridge – one of the
most iconic landmarks in the capital and now
regarded as a sym-bol of the city’s tenacity and
spirit. Commissioned by the French Governor
General of Indochina, when the bridge opened in
1903 it was one of the longest bridges in Asia, and
was of strategic importance in securing the areas
north of the city and providing ac-cess to the
seaport at Hai Phong. There is the chance to walk
all or part way across the bridge to enjoy the views
and take advantage of the photographic oppor-
tunities.
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9. TEMPLE OF LEARNING, MANDARINS,
CONFUSIONISM, STONE STELEAS
Founded in 1076, Van Mieu, or the Temple of Litera-
ture, was built by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong to honor
academics and men of literary accomplishment.
Six years later, Vietnam’s first university was founded
here to teach the children of royalty and aristocracy.
In 1484, another Emperor Le Thanh Tong had stele
erected in one of the courtyards to record the statis-
tics and achievements of those who received doctor-
ates from the university. The school continued until
its functions were transferred by Emperor Gia Long
to the new capital at Hue in 1802.
Whileduringtheday,thishistoriccomplex,oneofthe
highlights of an Hanoi city tour, can become crowded
with other tourists and vendors our exclusively
nego-tiated evening access enables you the chance
to fully appreciate the majesty of this monument
in solitude and provides a respite from both the
tourist scene and the bustle of Hanoi’s street life
beyond its walls.
TEMPLE UNDER THE STARS (private access)
Enter the site from its main entrance after six
o’clock in the evening. The temple site is often
soflty lit at night when private access is given.
Stroll alone through the venue with a glass of wine
accompanied by our local expert guide soaking up
the tranquility, illuminated by the night-lights of the
monument and its Confusious temple. A priviledge
only few have been accorded.
After your evening visit continue with dinner at one
of Hanoi’s finest restaurants.
Due to the private access costs involved we generally
recommend this special visit to small group parties
rather than indivdiuals.
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10. HUE & DANANG
(THE CENTRE)
With such a short distance between them no two cities could be more at
odds with each other. Hue, the former Imperial Capital, exudes charm
and history and is very much enriched by its intrisic culture and tradi-
tions that continue to this day with little outside interference. With its
restored Imperical Citadel, its lands decorated with magnificent tombs of
the Emperors, its ancient pagodas and serene Perfume River, Hue is pos-
sibly Vietnam’s prettiest city and its inhabitants intend to keep it that way.
With so much to offer, culturally, Hue has an abundance of tour product
to warrant an extended stay and yet, the beaches of Danang, its cutting
edge resorts and the tourist friendly town of Hoi An tends to attract the
long stayer in search of relaxation, shopping and luxury. But away from
that, the region holds many surprises in its diverse landscape and hidden
areas of beauty. From ancient relics of a former civilsation to rural vil-
lages of ethinic minorities that still maintain their authenticity, to serene
countryside where rice is cultivated and buffalos roam, Danang and its
environs offers far more than may meet the eye.
Explore and stay a little longer in this region as these experiences will be
the ones remembered most.
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11. ANCIENT CIVILISATIONS, KINGDOMS,
TOWERS & SCULPTURES
My Son, located approximately 70 km southwest of
Danang, was the former capital of this mysterious
ancient Cham civilization. The Cham religion was
primarily derived from Indian Hinduism and the ru-
ins at My Son, are considered to be the most exten-
sive and best-preserved Cham relics in Vietnam. The
My Son complex is comprised of seventy Hindu-like
towers and temples that connect to each other with
complicated red brick designs.
This important archeological site represents the long-
est continuous occupation for religious purposes
within Southeast Asia as a whole, and is now under
UNESCO protection as a World Heritage Site and
conservation efforts under way.
Begin your visit early afternoon first to explore the
My Son complex with our local guide, where there
is time to explore the ruins.
UNCOVERING THE MYSTERIOUS CHAM (private access)
Learn about the restoration efforts, and you may even
be able to enjoy the traditional Cham dance perfor-
mance at the site (only show starts at 2:30PM). After
departing My Son travel to Danang, where we have
arranged special after hours access to visit the world
renowned Cham Museum to complete your under-
standing of the Champa kingdom, its culture and his-
tory.
The museum was built by the French in 1915 and
most of the artifacts it houses were retrieved from
My Son, and thus saved from the ravages of war that
followed.
You have the exclusive privilege of being able to wan-
der through the museum in the early evening after
closing time, when all other visitors have departed,
whilst enjoying a glass of wine. Wander in solitude
along the frangipani lined entranceway to the halls
of stone work and art from different periods of the
Champakingdomwithourescort,anexpertonCham
history and culture.
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12. ROYAL ARCHITECTURE, FENG SHUI
PRINCIPALS, EMPERORS & MANDARINS
Hue used to be the Capital of the Nguyen dynasty,
the last royal monarchy in the history of Vietnam.
The architecture of the Ancient Capital of Hue re-
flects a deeply Vietnamese traditional soul. In 1993,
the complex of Hue monuments was included in UN-
ESCO list of World Cultural Heritage.
First first visit the Imperial Citadel with a distinct
fo-cus on the beliefs behind its structure and royal
ar-chitecture with an expert guide.
Then visit one of the royal tombs, each with its
own characteristics, some small, some grand.
Guests will learn about the eastern phi-losophy of
Feng Shui which influenced their con-struction
and underlies their design.
Hidden in the nearby forest is the delightful Tu Hieu
Pagoda and monastery. It best represents the reli-
gious architecture of Hue where most of the popula-
tion is devoted to Buddhism. Arriving prior to
noon see the monks praying inside.
HUE’S RELIGIOUS PRACTICES & MYSTERIOUS BELIEFS
Later head further into the residential districts
where one can find the traditional Hue garden
homes. These are wooden houses, elaborately
carved and decorated, located in the middle of
large gardens with beautiful bonsai and ancient
trees. Hue’s garden houses used to be the living
places of royal relatives, royal officials, elite families,
poets and writers during the time when Hue was the
capital of Vietnam. Today ancestors are worshiped
in the main buildings while their descendants are
living in the divided parts of the home. It can be
said that these garden houses are a link between
royal and folk architecture from the time when
Hue was the epicentre of Vietnamese cul-ture.
Lunch will be hosted at the exclusive garden house
named Tha Om which only excepts one booking per
day.
After lunch, continue to visit the European
quarter in Hue which had been constructed on the
Southern bank of the Perfume river during French
rule to see some of the colonial style buildings from
this era.
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13. HIDDEN EMPEROR’S TOMBS, COUNTRYSIDE
LANES, RIVERSIDE SETTINGS
Discover the countryside and hidden back roads of
Hue by bicycle on this captivating excursion to visit
the lesser known Tomb of Emperor Gia Long.
Gia Long was the first of the Nguyen dynasty emper-
ors. After more than 20 years of almost continuous
warfare, he succeeded in ending the Tay Son rebel-
lion and, for the first time unifying all of what we rec-
ognize today as Vietnam. His tomb is located 18km
from Hue making it the most distant of the major
tombs. It’s a sprawling, serene complex set in pictur-
esque hill country. While few of the structures re-
main, Gia Long’s sarcophagus survived the Vietnam
War era battles that destroyed other structures here.
Being the furthest from Hue, Gia Long’s tomb is the
least visited and the most difficult to get to, but argu-
ably the most significant - his tomb was the template
for those of the Emperors that followed.
GIA LONG TOMB BY BICYCLE (with picnic lunch)
RELIGIOUS PRACTICES, BELIEFS, CULTURAL
EXCHANGE
Hue is considered as the center of Buddhism in Vi-
etnam and the city and surrounding rural areas have
many pagodas that have been built in the last 400 years.
Although small compared to other pagodas, Dong
Thien Pagoda is a very special place, where our guests
may visit and enjoy a modest but delicious Buddhist
vegetarian lunch with the pagoda’s friendly resident
nuns.
Peacefully located on top of a hill in the countryside
outside the city, Dong Thien is surrounded by lush
countryside and pleasant views. There is a distinct air
oftranquility,andtimeseemstopassmuchslowerhere.
The pagoda has a beautiful yard and a garden that sup-
plies the vegetables for the nuns.
LUNCH AT A HUE NUNNERY
Depart early in the morning and ride out of the
town centre along the smaller roads, fol-lowing
the banks of the Perfume River.
Along the way pass landscapes of traditional
Vietnam, with charming views over the river and the
surrounding countryside. Meander tranquil country
roads largely free of other tourists, passing by small
villages, some local craft workshops, small shrines
and pagodas, and then taking a local ferryboat across
the Perfume River with the locals.
After crossing the river, continue cycling the short
distance along the village pathways to the tomb.
After taking time to explore the tomb enjoy a picnic
lunch to appreciate the tranquil setting. Afterwards
cycle back to the river where you may elect to either
cycle or travel by vehicle back to Hue city centre for
the remainder of the day.
Arriving at Dong Thien Pagoda follow a
beautiful path in the cool shade of the trees while
go-ing uphill. From the vantage point, enjoy the
views and admire the serene location of the pagoda
before entering through the main gate.
Take a walk around the pagoda and visit the main
hall with its beautiful collection of Buddha statues.
Guests will have chance to talk with the chief nun
who is a master of Zen, and note the influence of this
peaceful philosophy that is evident everywhere.
Visit the kitchen and meet the nuns who will pre-
pare your lunch to experience the typical vegetari-
an lunchtime meal of the nuns in Hue. After lunch,
guests can enjoy some dessert and interact with the
nuns to discover more about their lives in the pago-
da, their practice of Buddhism, and how they came
to become nuns.
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14. PRESERVED VILLAGES, HOME HOSTED MEAL,
TIMELESS ATMOSPHERE
Depart Hue early morning and transfer to Phuoc
Tich, an ancient village dating back to the 15th cen-
tury and located around 37 kilometers north.
Phuoc Tich has all of the cultural elements of an an-
cient Central Vietnamese village that many other vil-
lages in the country have not been able to maintain.
This quaint village is circled by the O Lau river with
winding walkways along the riverbanks. Traditional
crafts, crumbling communal houses, small temples,
river wharfs, and spacious ancient houses in various
stages of disrepair are nestled amongst the
evergreen trees. Choose to walk or ride a bicycle
with your local guide to explore the village.
Visit some of Phuoc Tich’s ancient houses (known as
“Nha Ruong”) which are believed to be between 100
and 500 years old. Surprisingly many are still well
preserved up to now with most residents not seeing
the value in changing the face of the house for com-
mercal purposes.
PHUOC TICH ANCIENT VILLAGE, HUE (with lunch)
ETHNIC MINORITIES, MOUNTAIN ESCAPE,
JEEP RIDE
A relatively short drive from Hoi An or Danang, Bho
Hoong village of traditional Co Tu minority can
be visited in a day by Army Jeeps.
Journey by jeep from the golden coast to the
emer-ald mountains through quaint villages and
hamlets in the Thu Bon river delta on the way to
the ethnic minority Co Tu village of Bho Hoong
where guests can capture a glimpse of everyday
rural Vietnamese lifestyle.
Stop en-route to see farm-ers at work in the fields
and the tea plantations that line the elevated hill
sides.
Upon entering one of the few remaining hilltribe
vil-lages in Central Vietnam take a light guided
walk with a local resident and explore the
communities and unlock its cultural secrets.
MINORITY VILLAGES BY JEEP, DANANG (with lunch)
Most local homes here are made by lacquered iron-
wood, tile covered roofs and graceful green fences.
This area is rarely visited by tourists and retains its
traditional atmosphere and way of life.
Depending on the season there may be the opportu-
nity to watch rice planting, harvesting, or the fields
being ploughed and locals working in their vegetable
gardens. Some local villagers also weave mats and
baskets from a type of locally grown grass, in order
to supplement their income.
Follow the path along the river to enjoy the rural
scenery, communal houses, traces of Cham cultural
relics, local crafts and stop to chat with the local resi-
dents you will meet along the way.
Enjoy a home-hosted lunch at one of the ancient
houses in the village, or a picnic meal before return-
ing to Hue in the mid afternoon.
After the walk, enjoy a traditional Co Tu lunch and
music performance. Alternatively, a picnic lunch can
be arranged from Danang or Hoi An for a surcharge.
Leaving Co Tu village, make your way through more
tea plantations to Trung Mung commune where you
will be introduced to the Co Tu’s former king – Y
Khong and his family.
Under their hospitality enjoy a cup of tea or coffee or
even a nip of traditional Co Tu rice wine. As you
drink and converse, enjoy the traditional wood carv-
ings and other cultural items in the households.
Explore the villages until late afternoon before
journeying back to Hoi An - seemingly a dif-ferent
world away.
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Selective Journeys
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15. SAIGON
(HO CHI MINH CITY)
Saigon, or Ho Chi Minh City, as it is officially called, is Vietnam’s epi-centre.
Although we can say Saigon is not Vietnam that would simply not do this
remarkable city justice. It is here that the country is speeding ahead in its
zealous approach to development.
Modern shopping malls, manicured streets and parks, towering skyscrapers,
international brands, luxurious hotels, stylish bars and restaurants and lots
and lots of beautiful people! Saigon, for the Saigonese is all about style.
Sadly, all of this comes at a price, with the rapid demise of prized French
colonial architecture, however, the real, old Saigon is still there. It may be
harder to find but with insight, local knowledge and a sense of adventure
we try to bring this to the forefront in our selection of newly created tour
product found in these pages.
Whether you wish to sip cocktails from a modern day sky bar, or walk
down hidden alleys to find a pagoda or street market that hasn’t changed in
centuries, Saigon has everything you could wish for in an Asian city.
It is a difficult city to know but it is all there to be embraced.
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16. FLOWER MARKETS, MEDICINAL HERBS,
MARTIAL ARTS, MODERN HISTORY
In this special morning tour, explore this vibrant,
electric city, moving away from the initial
tourist-type sights to some of the lesser-visited but
equally interesting places in the city. The trip
starts early morning with a visit to a local flower
mar-ket in District 10, where varieties of flowers are
sold. This busy local market has about 100 trading
house-holds and is said to receive between
1,000-3000 flow-er boxes daily, depending on the
season, which are then traded to buyers who visit
from all areas of the city.
Continue to visit the first and only museum in the
city that specializes in Vietnamese traditional medi-
cine – the Fito Museum. This very first museum of
traditional medicine in Vietnam has been skillfully
crafted with stunning interiors made from wood.
Frames of wooden houses were transported from
some northern provinces to give the museum an
an-tique look. Afterwards, visit the local home of a
friendly chef who is willing to show some of her fa-
vorite local dishes and invite guests to dine with the
family.
SECRET SAIGON
Back to the city center enjoy some cool drinks at
one of the best local coffee shops in Saigon - Tram
coffee. This popular coffee shop for local residents is
located alongside a pagoda, and offers a tranquil en-
vironment filled with water pools and green plants.
Nearby visit the 100 year old Nam Chom temple built
as a place of worship for local residents. Everyday
martial artists gather around to practice Vietnamese
Kungfu called Nam Huynh Dao. If lucky, you may
meet and join a Kungfu class with the instructor.
In the heart of the city visit the building where the
last helicopter evacuated employees of the U. S. Gov-
ernment. This apartment building became an icon of
the Fall of Saigon in 1975. A Dutch photographer,
Hubert van Es, working for UPI, took the famous
photograph that captured the last chaotic days of the
war. Whilst not normally accessible to the public,
subject to special advance permission, a visit to
this rooftop may be organized.
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17. DANCE, DRAMA, MUSIC, STORY TELLING,
ACROBATICS
Commencing early in 2013, an innovative new en-
tertainment option named the ‘A O Show’ has been
added into the evening “should see” performances in
Ho Chi Minh City.
The A O show has been created by the same group
of artists who successfully created the Lang Toi show
since 2009 and have performed more than 200 shows
world wide. That show received much attention,
praise and support from international press and me-
dia. The A O Show was inspired by Lang Toi, and
pledged with a mission to enrich the entertainment
scene of Ho Chi Minh city.
The aim of the A O Show is to introduce to the
au-dience the transformation of modern
Vietnamese society and its people. The A O show
aims to take the audience to the serene and
beautiful village of South Vietnam and swiftly
transfer them back to the ruckus of the hasty city
life. Bamboo and its use in the daily life of
Vietnamese is applied as key visual throughout the
show.
‘A O’ PERFORMANCE
LIGHTS,ACTION, STREET LIFE, COCKTAILS,
VESPA RIDE
Saigon is a frenetic city with a palpable energy that
never seems to cease, even as the night falls. This
evening’s experience is partly night excursion, partly
street food adventure, and a chance to experience the
energy of this vibrant city by night.
At 6PM guests are picked up by antique vespa or
sidecar and the first stop is a favorite local
hideaway to ‘watch the world go by’ and to enjoy a
cocktail and appetizer before adventuring into one of
the popular local eating spots for a dinner of South-
ern Vietnamese favourite dishes. Guests experience
the nightlife of Saigon as the way locals do, all from
the back of a vintage Vespa scooter or riding in a mo-
torbike sidecar.
Ride through busy streets and quiet alleys to see the
city’s local nightlife and places that foreign tourists
normally would not discover. Continue to a hidden
Vietnamese-style bar frequented by young local resi-
dents to experience a taste of the budding Vietnam-
ese live music scene and finish with a cocktail at the
Chill Skybar.
SAIGON NIGHT MOVES
Performances and routines are presented in groups ac-
cording to the nature of each scene. Performers are di-
verse in term of background, from circus performers,
acrobats, jugglers, martial arts performers to refine
street-style dancers. Musicians play live the music us-
ing traditional musical instruments - including those
rare instruments that can only be played by a handful
of Vietnamese. While the music plot is being set, the
musicians are inspired to play according to the act &
the feel of the artists.
Each A O Show performance lasts approximately
60 minutes and is held at Saigon’s famous Opera
House right in the city center. After the
performance, you will have the chance for a friendly
chat with the show’s director or artists, where you
will be able to raise as many question as you want in
relevance to the performance
Located on the 26th floor in the heart of Saigon,
this uber modern rooftop bar provides unsurpassed
views of this vibrant and ever changing city below.
The two-story bar features a state of the art sound
system with indoor and outdoor lounges and awe-
inspiring views. Designed by the same creators as the
renowned Soroco Bar in Bangkok, the designers have
now brought their sophisticated flair to Saigon and
the bar has proved to be very popular with visitors
and locals alike.
Afterwards return to your hotel with your driver, or
alternatively you may choose to continue your
ad-venture exploring the delights of Saigon by
night.
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Selective Journeys
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18. RIVER LIFE, TROPICAL GARDENS, RELAXING
TREATMENTS
For weary travellers yearning to leave behind the pres-
sure of everyday life or in need of a relaxing day after
long trip in Vietnam guests can visit a haven of luxuri-
ous surroundings, soothing sounds and rippling wa-
ters - Thao Dien sanctuary offers the perfect spa re-
treat. Drawing on traditional healing art with modern
day touches, the spa menu merges old with new to cre-
ate treatments that recharge your body’s essential en-
ergies and envelop you in a world of new discovery.
In minutes, leave the urban metropolis behind by
speedboat to emerge along scenic jungle-fringed ca-
nals and minor tributaries where locals still observe
more traditional ways of life.
On arrival at Thao Dien Village enjoy a massage from
their selection, and afterwards indulge in the sauna or
their on site swimming pool overlooking the Saigon
River.
TIME OUT SAIGON
After your spa experience continue by speedboat to
Binh An Village where you will enjoy a specially pre-
pared lunch or dinner. Binh An Village is conveni-
ently located just 8 km from Saigon city center on
Thanh Da Island, however it feels like it could be a
world away. The village is situated on 12,000 square
metres of land and offers an open air-dining experi-
ence surrounded by gorgeous tropical gardens and
coconut trees by the banks of the Saigon River. After
your set menu lunch or dinner at Binh An Village,
transfer back to the city centre by speedboat (or by
road for dinner guests).
This package will cover the return transfers between
Saigon city center to Thao Dien village by speedboat
(transfer back by road for dinner guests), one mas-
sage session at the Authentic Spa, and set menu lunch
or dinner at Binh An Village.
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19. BIRD PARKS, TAI CHI,WORSHIP & LOCAL
NOODLES
Created for the early riser, this delightful pick me up
tour starts at 6AM to catch the first rays of the sun
and a chance to see Saigon waking up to a new day.
The traffic is light at this hour and you will be fully
immersed in the atmosphere of the city.
The first stop is ‘Tao Dan Park’ where local people
each morning practice the art of Thai Cuc Quyen - or
slow-motion shadow boxing.
There is the opportunity to exercise with a local in-
structor in Tai Chi either by yourself or with others.
Guests can stroll around the park to a small pagoda
where you are likely to see locals engaged in their dai-
ly prayers. Buddhism in Vietnam has had a symbiotic
relationship with Taoism and Chinese spirituality as
well as aspects of indigenous Vietnamese religion.
SAIGON’S MORNING GLORY
INSPIRING ARCHITECTURE, EMERGING ART,
COMMUNITY ARTISTS
This morning take a closer look at the major shifts in
20th and 21st century Vietnam through the eyes of
artists. From the grand halls of the HCMC Fine Art
Museum to the fresh white spaces of leading
con-temporary art galleries, this journey will take
you from colonialism to independence,
communism to globalization.
This special tour is not just for art lovers but for all
those who want to gain a deeper understanding of
Vietnam’s modern and contemporary history and
will be conducted by an English speaking native ex-
pert to provide a clearer appreciation of Vietnamese
art. The tour begins at a café where our expert
will join you for breakfast. An overview of what
you can expect from the morning is given along
with a historical background that sets the stage for
the tour.
The first stop on the tour is a collection of works by
students at the first French founded School of Fine
Arts housed in a traditional Saigon villa. Using visual
aids clients are invited to see the striking depictions
of 1930’s and 1940’s Vietnam.
VIETNAM’S ART THROUGH THE AGES (with expert)
From here continue to walk to the other side of the
park to reach the Bird Café where guests can hear
the songs of beautiful birds chirping while enjoying
a cup of coffee as the locals do.
Next continue on to visit a local residential market
where shoppers haggle over the fresh produce on of-
fer and stroll through as the sellers set up their stalls
and prepare for the day’s trading.
Finally visit a family-owned restau-rant to enjoy a
bowl of Pho – Vietnam’s famous noo-dle soup,
before returning to your hotel.
There are many aspects of life in Asia that only occur
early in the morning and this tour offers the chance
to see certain aspects that simply do not exist after
breakfast.
Guests are then taken to a gallery showing the largest
private collection of propaganda art in Vietnam.
Here learn about how propaganda was produced
and distributed and how the style was influenced by
Vietnam’s relationship to Russia and China.
The t our c ontinues t o H CMC F ine A rts Museum,
an impressive example of Sino-French
architecture, where you could see work of wartime
artists. See the difference between pre and post re-
uni-fication and learn how politics lead to
Vietnam’s 90’s art market boom.
Next visit a contemporary art gallery which works
with Vietnamese and international artists nurtur-
ing experimentation and creating opportunities
for emerging artists. Meet the Director and talk
about the current exhibition and the challenges
local artists face. Visit an area across the Saigon
River in District 2, where a number of local
artists reside in almost an artists’ community
setting.
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Selective Journeys
indus experiences
