Vietnam DMC 13 Days Package Womens Tour

Refine Asia Operation Offices: Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, Yunnan
Email: sales@refineasia.com / www.refineasia.com
Women’s Tour Vietnam
Duration : 13 Days / 12 Nights
Validity : Until December 31st 2014
Destination : Hanoi – Halong Bay – Hue – Hoi An – Saigon – Mekong Delta

Geography
Vietnam covers an area of 330,363 sq. km and is
about as big as Italy or New Mexico. The country has
three main geographic regions - the tropical south
dominated by the Mekong River estuary, the dry
central region, and the more temperate north
comprising the River delta and mountain highlands.
Religion
Vietnam supports adherents of all the major world
religions, as well as followers of religions that are
peculiarly Vietnamese: Theravada and Mahayana
Buddhism, Protestant and Catholic Christianity,
Taoism, Confucianism, Islam, Cao Daism, Hoa Hao
and Hinduism. In addition spirit and ancestor worship,
To Tien, is also practiced. Confucianism is probably
the most pervasive doctrine of all.
Climate
Vietnam’s climate is very diverse because the
country covers a wide range of latitudes and
altitudes.
The North: The cold season is between November
and April when average temperatures are around
60°F/16°C and it is often wet and chilly. In the hot
period, between May and October, the average
temperature is about 86°F/30°C. The South: The
temperatures in the south are constant all year,
ranging from 77-86°F/25-30°C. The dry season is from
November to April and the wet period from May to
October.
People
Ethnic Vietnamese constitute almost 90 percent of
the population in Vietnam. Originating in what is
now southern China and northern Vietnam, the
Vietnamese people pushed southward over several
centuries to occupy the entire eastern seacoast of
the Indochinese Peninsula. Nearly 100 years of
French rule (1858-1954) introduced important
European elements, but the Vietnamese still attach
great importance to the family and continue to
observe rites honoring their ancestors, indicating the
persistence of tradition.
Manners
The Vietnamese used to greet one another by
clasping their hands, prayer-like, in front of their
faces and bowing slightly. Unfortunately, this
charming custom has been replaced by the
handshake. When trying to gain the attention of a
Vietnamese, try not to point or gesture excessively.
This is regarded as rude. Call out their names if
possible, if not beckon by using the whole hand,
palm downwards.

“This is a land of serene beauty, traditional charm and bustling industry. A great holiday
destination, Vietnam boasts a landscape of misty hills and tropical beaches, a fascinating
cultural heritage and a climate that ranges from the cool of the northern highlands to the
warmth of the South China Sea coast and the Mekong Delta”
Day 1 Arrival in Hanoi (-/-/D)
Welcome to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. As soon as you arrive at Noi Bai airport on your
flight from home, you will be warmly greeted by Refine Asia staff who will assist to clear all
formalities and handle the luggage directly to the truck. Afterwards, you will be transferred to
the hotel for check-in.
The remaining day is free for leisure to relax after a long flight.
A warm welcome dinner will be served in the evening, while the guide will brief the program
Overnight in Hanoi
Day 2 Hanoi (B/-/D)
Today you will enjoy a full-day City tour through Hanoi. Hanoi is one of the oldest and most
charming cities in Asia, and apart from its traditional Vietnamese architecture, there is a
French quarter with grand French colonial villas and broad boulevards lined with sandalwood
trees and coffee houses. On this tour you will visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, Quan Thanh Temple,
Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, the One-Pillar Pagoda, the Museum of Ethnology and the Temple
of Literature. In the end, you will do a 1 hour cyclo ride.
Ho Chi Minh Mausuleum: This commanding stone
monument houses the embalmed remains of Ho Chi Minh,
Vietnam’s national hero, and it is a pilgrimage site for
many Vietnamese people. Visitors file silently past his glass
tomb to pay their respects.

The One Pillar Pagoda: Built by the Emperor Ly Thai Tong in
thanksgiving for his heir in 1922, this pagoda is a Buddhist
representation of the world in the form of a lotus coming
out of the water, containing a statue of the Goddess of
Mercy. Originally made of wood on one single stone
column, the current pillar was reconstructed in 1955 after
being destroyed by the French in 1954.
The Temple of Literature: The Temple of Literature is a
peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful
gateways and is one of the best-preserved examples of
traditional Vietnamese architecture. Founded in 1070 and
dedicated to Confucius, this was also the site of Vietnam’s
first university. In one courtyard, giant stone tortoises bear
stelae on their backs, listing the accomplishments of
graduating scholars.
Museum of Ethnology: This museum brings to life the
astonishing ethnic diversity in Vietnam, with art and
artefacts from the 54 different ethnic groups that inhabit
the country. Inside the museum are detailed descriptions of
minority groups, with examples of their traditional clothing
and way of life. Outside are faithful reconstructions of
traditional longhouses, cemeteries and other distinctive
ethnic buildings.
There are many ways to see the city, but the best and most
unique way to discover the Old Quarter of Hanoi and its
authentic atmosphere is to take the traditional
transportation “cyclo”. You will ride through the 36 streets
which are dedicated to 36 different products in the old
quarter of Hanoi. You will gain a lot of knowledge about
the authentic Vietnamese culture and way of life

In the evening, you enjoy a water puppet show, created during the Ly Dynasty (1009-1224), in
which the artists controlling the puppets stand in water behind the stage door. This will be a
uniquely Vietnamese artistic endeavor. Performances can be seen throughout Vietnam, but
Hanoi is the best place to see one.
Dinner at Bobby Chinn Restaurant
Restaurant Bobby Chinn Hanoi is situated within the home of Chef and Restaurateur Bobby
Chinn. The intimate style is reflected in the space with furnishings and artwork from Chinn’s
private collection. It is the only restaurant in Vietnam that received the prestigious 5 Star
Diamond Award. The wine list at Bobby Chinn Restaurant moreover has won the Wine
Spectator Award of Excellence for seven consecutive years.
Overnight in Hanoi

Day 3 Hanoi – Duong Lam – Hanoi (B/L/-)
Depart your hotel at 08.30 and travel west of
Hanoi to Duong Lam village, a purely agricultural
village of the Northern Red River Delta which still
preserves many hundred-year-old houses. An
optional (as clients’ desire and ability) biking tour
through Duong Lam is a great way to explore the
area’s twelve-hundred year history. Visit Mong
Phu temple in Mong Phu commune - the only
hamlet whose original village entrance remains intact.
Continue on through the narrow alleys to see the old laterite houses which make up this
charming village. For lunch enjoy a local style meal in a 100-year old house. After your meal,
continue driving to Mia Pagoda (another hamlet of Duong Lam), built in the 15th century,
some 287 statues of all sizes can be seen here, along with famous sculptures such as the
statue of Buddha and the statues of the ‘Eight Vajra Deities’. Then, visit Ngo Quyen temple
and Phung Hung temple, places dedicated to two national heroes - Ngo Quyen and Phung
Hung. On the way back to Hanoi stop at Tay Phuong Pagoda. The pagoda offers beautiful
architecture and ancient and unique sculptures. It was one of the first pagodas built in
Vietnam and has magnificent dragons and demons carved into the wooden roof. From here
continue back to Hanoi, a 45-minute drive.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 4 Hanoi - Halong Bay (B/L/D)
Your early morning departure from your hotel to Halong Bay takes you on a journey through
the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta. You observe everyday life of Vietnamese Villages as
you see villagers work the local rice fields, take live pigs to market on bicycles or motorbikes,
and plough the fields with their large water buffaloes. Arrival in Halong Bay.

Halong Bay is one of the most magnificent scenic spots in all of Vietnam and was recognized
as a world natural heritage site by UNESCO in 1994. Halong is a picturesque bay with almost
2,000 islets rising from the clear emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin.
Welcome on board and set sail through bay while lunch is served. Passage into the magical
bay, where thousands of sculpted limestone islands rise from the waves like dragons’ teeth.
After lunch, take a short trek to a nearby summit for a panoramic view of the bay dotted with
golden sails, go swimming on a quite beach or sunbathing on the sundeck. Later afternoon,
visit an interesting fishing village with opportunity to interact with fishermen who have been
living in the bay for almost three generations.
At sunset time, kayak or simply take a bamboo row boat to discover a water tunnel with
many coral reefs in a scenic lagoon. Back on board, enjoy cocktails while watching sunset
and later unwind at luxury restaurant.
Overnight on boat

Day 5 Halong Bay – Hanoi - Hue (B/-/-)
Greet the day with a morning Tai Chi exercise with an opportunity to view the sunrise over the
bay.
After breakfast, visit beautiful limestone grotto then back to the boat for a final glimpse of the
Halong Bay while cruising back to the dock. Upon disembarkation you will be met and
transferred back to Hanoi airport for flight to Hue/Danang. Upon arrival you will warmly
greeted by your guide and transferred to Hue for check-in. The remaining day is free for
leisure.
Overnight in Hue
Day 6 Hue (B/-/D)
Today after breakfast you will enjoy a sightseeing
tour of Hue. Hue was Vietnam’s feudal capital
from 1802 to 1945 under the Nguyen dynasty. It is
widely known for the magnificent architecture of
its citadels, palaces, royal tombs, pagodas and
temples set in a poetic background of greenery
on the banks of the Perfume River. Hue became
Vietnam’s first World Cultural Heritage site
recognized by UNESCO in 1993.

You will start at the Imperial Citadel where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and
1945. The ancient citadel reflects the pomp and ceremony of the dynastic rulers as well as
the scars of many years of turmoil, both ancient and modern (the Royal Citadel was badly
damaged in the latter stages of the war) but retains a sense of grace and majesty even
today.
From here take a cyclo through dai noi ‘Old City’ to Tinh Tam Lake where the Emperors used
to come to relax; full of lotus flowers in summer there are many local style coffee shops
around the lake where university students come to study.
Continue to visit Thien Mu (Celestial Lady) Pagoda overlooking the Perfume River; constructed
in 1601 the 21-meter tall tower is the centerpiece of the pagoda and represents seven
reincarnations of Buddha. In the grounds of the pagoda is the Austin car made famous when
in 1963, a resident monk drove the vehicle to what was then Saigon to protest against the
southern regime, the photo of his self immortalization was captured and was one of the most
well known images of the war.
In the afternoon see the tomb of the
former emperor Minh Mang which is
located in a tranquil setting of gardens
and ponds.
Journey on to Khai Dinh’s Tomb which
is traditional Vietnamese in design with
a European touch making it unique
from the other tombs in Hue.
Before heading back to your hotel take time to stroll around Dong Ba Market with your
guide. The market is another of the must see sites in Hue, the stalls are teeming with color
and a great place to catch a glimpse of everyday life.
For dinner to try some renowned Hue cuisine at a home garden restaurant, Y Thao.
Overnight in Hue

Day 7 Hue – Hoi An (B/-/-)
You will depart Hue for Hoi An via Danang. The guide
will show you the beautiful Hai Van Pass - Vietnam's
geographical and psychological boundary between
north and south. The peak of the pass lies perpetually
shrouded in clouds. Stop en route at the beautiful Non
Nuoc Beach and the Cham Museum, which contains
the finest collection of Cham sculpture in the world. In
Danang you will visit the Marble Mountains, five sacred hills containing dozens of Buddhist
shrines. Arrival in Hoi An.
In Hoi An you will discover the beauty of the blending in architecture of Vietnamese, Chinese
and Japanese who have been living in this small port town since the 17th century. Hoi An was
declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Its colourful shop houses and temples reflect
a diverse heritage, dating back to the 16th and 17th century, when it was a major port for
Western, Chinese and Japanese traders. Today it is a thriving centre of traditional crafts and a
shopper’s paradise.
Another way to enjoy Vietnam is to sit in one of Hoi An’s beautiful little café with their special
view along Thu Bon river in Hoi An ancient town.
The rest of day is free for leisure to relax at the beach or to go shopping.
Optional: Visit a local tailor to observe his work and have a dress tailored for yourself as
wonderful memory of this great trip (at own cost).
Overnight in Hoi An

Day 8 Hoi An (B/L/-)
Taking a gourmet cookery session, where you can learn about this delicious cuisine from
someone with a rare passion for it. Ms. Vy is a third generation chef in her family. Her cooking
classes were the first in Hoi An and her particular passion is how to use food to create and
maintain health. The tour includes a market visit to show you how to select good fresh
ingredients. Getting back at the school, there is around one and half hours spent on
explaining the art of Vietnamese gastronomy and the use of special ingredients. After being
demonstrated by Ms. Vy, you will make some her delicious dishes yourself. Enjoy lunch of the
dishes you cooked.
As all kind of transportations are banned in the old
quarter of Hoi An, the best way to explore the beauty
of this port town is the walking tour. Besides visiting the
old temples, the famous Japanese bridge and some
other well-known landscapes of Hoi An, the group
also stops at some ancient houses in Hoi An for tea to
learn about the differences in architectures of the
Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese in this port town.
Overnight in Hoi An

Day 9 Hoi An - Tra Que Vegetable Village – Craft Villages – Hoi An (B/L/-)
This morning transfer from your hotel in Hoi An
to the center of Hoi An where you begin your
bicycle ride to a local farm in Tra Que Village.
Upon arrival in the village you can walk around
the vegetable garden and join the farmers in
preparing and fertilizing the garden with
seaweed if you like. Other gardening activities
which you can participate in are raking,
sowing, watering and picking greens etc. After farming activities are done you are shown
how to prepare the tam huu, a local delicacy you can enjoy before your return to Hoi An.
After your lunch, starting afternoon trip with your transfer from your hotel in Hoi An to the
centre of Hoi An. Embark upon a private boat to take a cruise on the Thu Bon River with stops
at Thanh Ha Pottery Village, Kim Bong Carpenters’ Village, and Hoi An’s large shipbuilding
yard.
Overnight in Hoi An
Day 10 Hoi An – Saigon (B/-/D)
After breakfast, you will have some free time for leisure until you will be transferred to Danang
airport for your domestic flight to Saigon. Upon arrival in Saigon, you will be warmly greeted
by your guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in.
Saigon also known as Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam's largest city with a growing population of
around 8.4 million. This is a city on the go 24 hours a day, where everybody seems to be busy
either buying, selling, studying, working or just enjoying themselves. Despite the fact that
modern high-rise buildings have begun to dominate the skyline in recent years there are still
many fine examples of French colonial architecture in Saigon.
The remaining day is free for leisure. Dinner at local restaurant.
Overnight in Saigon

Day 11 Saigon (B/L/-)
Depart Saigon in the morning for the drive to Cu Chi
district. Leaving the city behind, the scenery changes to
views of rice paddies, villagers drying noodles by the
side of the road and other scenes typical to southern
Vietnam. Arrive and start the visit of the famous Cu Chi
Tunnels which consist of an incredible underground
tunnel network constructed by Vietnamese resistance
fighters (Viet Cong) during both the French and
American wars. Start the visit with the Ben Dinh or Ben Duoc sections of the tunnel. Here you
can imagine what it was like to be a guerrilla complete with Russian Carbine rifles and AK 47’s
on display.
Return to Saigon for lunch.
This afternoon you will enjoy a half day city tour of Saigon. The tour will take you around the
busiest city of Vietnam. You will get to know its history and culture with stops at History
Museum and Thien Hau Temple. You will not only learn about the past but also get a glimpse
of the daily life of stall and street vendors at the Binh Tay Market and see other places of
interests such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the Municipal Post Office and the Reunification Hall,
formerly known as Presidential Palace.
Overnight in Saigon

Day 12 Saigon – Mekong Delta - Saigon (B/L/D)
In the morning depart from the southern economic hub of Saigon to the Mekong Delta, an
area referred locally as ‘the rice bowl of Vietnam’.
The Mekong Delta is Vietnam’s most fertile region, the Mekong’s riverine environment is
simultaneously unique and beautiful. It is one of Asia’s most picturesque regions that offers
travelers the opportunity to experience rural Vietnam and a way of life little changed over
centuries.
On arrival in Ben Tre Province head towards Tien Giang where you will board your local boat
for a cruise among the aptly named Dragon, Unicorn, Turtle and Phoenix Islands. En-route visit
a small factory producing handicrafts made of coconut and Turtle Island, where a stop will be
made in a tropical orchard to taste some exotic fruit.
After the boat trip, take a ride on a horse driven cart along country roads to a famed
garden for a honey tasting session. Continue on a smaller rowing boat for a more
adventurous cruise on the Xep Canal which is set amongst a forest of palm trees.
In the afternoon return to Ben Tre/My Tho for lunch and a visit to Vinh Trang Pagoda before
heading back to Saigon where you will arrive in the afternoon.

Farewell Dinner Cruise on Saigon River
In the evening, an exotic cruise dinner on the famous Saigon River is arranged, where you
will be enjoying the city of style and glamour at night. Accompanied with some light
traditional Vietnamese background music – the boat sets off to its 2 hours journey on the
Saigon river.
Overnight in Saigon
Day 13 Departure (B/-/-)
In the morning and after breakfast, the group will be transferred to the airport for their
international flight back home.
Refine Asia wishes a safe trip home!

Prices & Conditions
Price
Validity 1 2 3-4 5-6 7-10 11 up Sgl Sup.
Per person in US$ Now – 30 Sept 14 3876 2255 2026 1787 1752 1661 906
Per person in US$ 1 Oct – 31 Dec 14 4186 2435 2188 1930 1892 1793 979
*Price is based on sharing twin or double room per person in $US
*Price is valid until 31st December 2014
*Surcharge will apply for travel during Vietnamese public holidays (Lunar New Year, Tet
holidays, Hung’s king day…) – to be advised
Airfares incl. taxes
ROUTE AIRLINE US Dollars per person
Hanoi – Hue/Danang Vietnam Airlines (VN) 115
Danang - Saigon Vietnam Airlines (VN) 115
* All airfares and taxes are subject to change without prior notice until ticket issuance.
Accommodation
CITIES HOTELS HOTEL CATEGORY ROOM TYPE
HANOI LAN VIEN Superior 3+ * Superior Room
HALONG VICTORY CRUISE Superior 4* Superior Cabin
HUE SAIGON MORIN Superior 4* Superior Room
HOI AN BOUTIQUE HOI AN Superior 4* Superior Room
SAIGON DUXTON Superior 4* Deluxe Room
*Accommodation is subject to availability

Service includes
Hotel accommodation in TWN / DBL sharing room with daily breakfast
Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)
12 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 6 Dinner
English speaking Female local guides
Tours and transfers as mentioned by private air-conditioned vehicles
Boat trip as mentioned in the itinerary
Entrance fees for all visits as mentioned in the itinerary
Mineral water & cold towels during sightseeing tours
Service excludes
Vietnam visa arrangement
Any other meals not mentioned above
International flights & airport taxes
Domestic flights HANOI – HUE/ DANANG – SAIGON & Airport taxes
Camera/video entrance fees
Early/Late Check-in Fees
Tipping fees
Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, drinks, tip...)
Travel insurance
All other services which are not mentioned in INCLUDING
General Remarks
Rooms at hotels are available only from 14:00 on the arrival day and up to 12:00 on the
departure date. A supplement will be added if clients want a guaranteed early check-in
or late check-out.
For any modification of date or itinerary, the prices can be revised.

A warm welcome awaits you at the LanVien Hotel, a newest
three and a half stars Hotel situated in the heart of Hanoi,
at the corner of Ly Thuong Kiet street and Hang Bai street.
A great location allows you to explore and connect to our
wonderful city over 1000 years. You can stroll out of our
doors and enjoy the surrounding shopping area, just take
you 3 minutes to see stunning views of legendary Hoan Kiem
Lake, the famous Opera House. The LanVien Hotel offers the
perfect combination of modern luxuries, impeccable service
and excellent value for the business or pleasure travelers
Lan Vien Hotel
Hanoi
Refine Asia Operation Offices: Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, Yunnan
Email: sales@refineasia.com / www.refineasia.com
With 115 luxuries rooms is ideal for business and leisure
travelers alike. The hotel offers 5 Superior, 63 Deluxe, 43
Executive and 4 Junior Suite. Room comes with either king
or twin beds and a choice between bathtub and standing
shower. Guests also enjoy view of City with fresh air window.
Openfrom6:00amto10:00pm,with120seatsLanVienRestaurant
serves daily buffet breakfast, lunch, dinner and any other
banquet with elegant Vietnamese and International cuisines.
LanVien Restaurant located on 11th floor, guests can
enjoy wining, dining and looking down to the beautiful
view of City through the restaurant’s impressive windows.

Built in 1901 by French, the Morin Hotel is the oldest hotel in Hue
City, Vietnam. Survived through many wars, this is more than a
Hotel, it’s a part of the History of Hue city in the last 100 years.
Now lovingly restored to its century-old glory, Hotel Saigon
Morin is once ready to live up to it’s reputation as the
choice of celebrities, intrepid adventures and businessmen.
The Hotel offers everything a discerning traveller would
expect form a world class hotel without sacriﬁcing the
old world charm that made the Morin Hotel legendary.
Saigon Morin
Hue
Hue is the home of Vietnam’s ﬁnest cuisine Don’t miss an
opportunity to discover the Vietnamese Cuisine while staying
in Saigon Morin Hotel. Our Chefs invites you to gourmet cuisine
with delicious choice of local, regional and international dishes.
The Hotel boats 180 rooms including 18 suites
provide guests with excellent service and facilities.

At Boutique Hoi An Resort, our guests can enjoy superb cuisine
fromaroundtheglobeincludingauthenticVietnamesecuisine
in Le Café where a full breakfast buffet is served in the morning
and truly delectable a la carte dishes for lunch or dinner,
all prepared with fresh items with a modern presentation
and a cultural twist. Our chefs are more than happy to
tailor your menu to your special requests and requirements.
Boutique Hoi An
Resort
Boutique Hoi An Resort offers a variety of unique facilities
and services. A large swimming pool surrounded
by a tropical garden forms the centerpiece of the
resort. Our Hoi An spa is located next to the pool, and
provides a haven for pure relaxation and rejuvenation.
Boutique Hoi An Resort is ideally located on Hoi An beach,
Vietnam. Our resort is only 5 minutes from Hoi An centre, 35
minutesfromtheairportand30minutesfromthetownofDaNang.
All rooms at Boutique Hoi An accommodation face the
sea with private balconies. Some of our rooms have direct
access to the beach from private terraces. Boutique
Hoi An Resort offers a total of 82 rooms and villas.

Duxton Hotel
Saigon
Located right in the heart of vibrant Saigon,
the Duxton Hotel Saigon is a luxury 4 star
boutique hotel offering a refined and relaxing
environment for business and leisure travellers alike.
As well as a range of deluxe rooms, executive
rooms and suites, the hotel also has a restaurant,
bar, gymnasium, swimming pool, spa and business
centre, along with several meeting rooms.
The Duxton Saigon is situated on Nguyen Hue
Boulevard, within easy walking distance of many
of the city’s most famous attractions including Ben
Thanh Market, the Opera House, the Hotel de Ville,
and Saigon River. The hotel is also ideally located
for those who want to experience the city’s bustling
nightlife, from cheap & cheerful street food vendors
to chic cosmopolitan nightclubs and lounge bars.

THANK YOU!
Your Refine Asia team

Vietnam DMC 13 Days Package Womens Tour

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