BRIEF PROGRAM

(B: Breakfast/ L: Lunch/ D: Dinner)

Highlights

-         Discovery of magnificient landscapes in Vietnam

-         Cruise in the wonderful Ha Long Bay

-         Discovery of gastronomy

-         Various activities thoughout the journey

-         Learn about Vietnamese history in different ages

Day 1: Hanoi                                                                                                                  (-/-/-)

Welcome at the airport by private car and transfer to the Hotel in Old Quarter.

Day at leisure

Included:

-         Transfer Airport – Hotel by private car

-         Night at Hotel

Day 2: Hanoi                                                                                                                  (B/L/D)

After breakfast, the driver and tour guide will pick you up to begin with a tour of Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex where the Vietnamese people honor the country's 'Great Father'. Here you'll visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum which contains the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh and his House on Stilts to observe how he lived and how his life unfolded to become one of modern history's greatest names. Nearside his house is the miniature 11th-century One Pillar Pagoda, a Buddhist temple of historical and cultural significance.

Then take a short drive to the millennia-old Temple of Literature and explore its role in the country's past, as both a university and a Confucius temple. Next is Hoa Lo (so-called Hanoi Hilton), a prison used by the French colonists in Vietnam for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for U.S. Prisoners of War.

You will then stop on the way to taste one of the tradional northen dish, the “Phở”. Soup with rice noodle, beef and herbs.

After lunch, continue to visit the Ethnologic museum (closed on every Monday) which retraces the history of the 54 minority ethnic groups in Vietnam. Composed of two parts, one indoor with relics, costumes and tools of each minority, and another outdoor part with some reproduction of traditional houses.

Back to the hotel to refresh. Free diner to walk around the Old Quarter. (walking street around the Hoan Kiem lake with various activities from Friday evening to Sunday night).

Overnight in the capital.

Included:

-         Transportation in private car

-         Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

-         English speaking tour guide

-         Entrance fees

-         Night at hotel in Hanoi

Day 3: Hanoi – Ninh Binh                                                                                 (B/L/D)

8am, a private car will pick you up at your hotel to start the journey to the Halong Bay on Land, Ninh Binh. On the way, you will stop at the incense village, Quang Phu Cau to learn process of incense. You will continue the road to Ninh Binh. After droping the bag at the homestay, you will visit the ancient and first capital of Vietnam, Hoa Lu. Get some informations about the daily life of the emperors at the X and XI century.

After, you will head to a local restaurant to try the local speciality, the goat.

In the afternoon, you will enjoy a boat ride (2.5 to 3 hours) in Trang An complex, an UNESCO site. The sampan (traditional rowing boat), will flow between karst pics and under a cave. Relaxing and splendid cruise. 

End of afternoon, back to the homestay for a peaceful diner and evening at the hotel.

          Included:

-         Private transportation

-         English speaking tour guide

-         Activities mentioned

-         All meals

-         Entrance tickets

-         Overnight at hotel

Day 4: Ninh Binh – Ha Long Bay                                                                                          (B/L/D)

8am, a private car will pick you up at your hotel to start the journey to the Tuan Chau pier. Arrival at the waiting lounge for check in. Transfer with the shuttle boat to take you to the main junk.

After registration and safety instructions, a lunch will be served while starting cruising in Halong bay where the magic starts to happen.

Afternoon, you will visit Bright and Dark cave (option to reach the caves by kayak or bamboo boat). You will totally immerse yourself in those wonderful and out of time atmosphere.

Back to the main boat, you will have free time to enjoy a swim in the bay. Then, you can assist at a cooking demonstration or just relax and enjoy a cocktail on the upper deck while the boat continues his journey until the anchor area.

A special diner with fresh ingredients will be served, beautiful combination of French and Oriental flavors and style. 

Free evening on board to chill and enjoy the magical ambient of the bay. Possibility to enjoy a massage (prior booking recommended), watch a movie or try your luck at the squid fishing.

Overnight on board.

Included:

-         Private transportation to the Pier

-         All meals

-         Activities mentioned

-         Overnight in cruise

Day 5: Ha Long – Hanoi – Hue                                                             (B/L/D)

Early morning (around 6am), you are inviting to join a Tai chi initiation on the upper deck of the boat. Special moment to practice a spritual activity while being in such a wonder.

Then, you will enjoy a breakfast to regain anergy before kayaking in the Ao ech area, in Lan Ha Bay.

Around 9am, back on the boat to prepare your suitcases before checking out.

10am, you will enjoy a delighful brunch while the junk is coming back to Tuan Chau pier.

End of morning, it will be time to say goodbye to the crew and the splendid Halong Bay. A car will wait for you at the pier to transfer you directly to the airport to take a flight to the ancient capital, Hue.

Arrival in Hue, you will be transferred to your hotel to check in.

Diner and evening free.

Overnight in Hue

Included:

-         Transportation mentioned

-         Air tickets to Hue

-         Breakfast / Brunch/ Dinner

-         Overnight at hotel

Day 6: Hue                                                                                                               (B/L/D)

After breakfast, the tour guide and the driver will meet you at the lobby of the hotel to start the day.

8h30: You will first visit the Citadel complex, in the past the palace for the Emperors. You will learn about the daily life during those old ages and the ingenious and meaningful architectural system of the complex.

You will enjoy a lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon, you will visit two amazing sites. First the Khai Dinh tomb, before last emperor who built a very special and excentric tomb on top of the Chau Chu mountain. You will then go to Tu Duc tomb, huge area with the tomb for the emperor and also for his empress. He was the only emperor who live in the sanctuary while he was still alive, considered as his second home.

On the way back, quick stop at Thuy Xuan incense village where you will learn the making process of the incense sticks but also of the conical hats.

Back to the center of the city, you will be taken for a cruise on the perfume river at the sunset time followed by a local diner.

After diner, back to the hotel. Free time

Overnight in Hue

Included:

-          Transportation in private car

-          English speaking tour guide

-          Meals (Breakfast / Lunch / Diner)

-          Entrance fees

-          Boat tour on the perfume river

-          Overnight at hotel

Day 7: Hue – Hoi An                                                                                                                (B/L/D)

After breakfast, meet with the tour guide and the driver. You will start the day by visiting Dong Ba market, the biggest market in Central Vietnam, this local market provides everything for daily life and some areas for the tourists to bring back souvenirs.   

After the visit, you take the road in direction of Hoi An passing by the Hai Van Pass, name as the “Clouds pass”, one of the most beautiful roads of Vietnam (be aware that following is name, it can be very cloudy and disturb the view).

Arrival in Danang, you will stop at the Cham Museum. The Cham Museum was built in Cham architectural style, using thin lines that a

re simple and gentle. The museum displays an intensive and diverse collection of Champa sculpture dating from the 7th to the 15th centuries, when a matriarchal society prevailed. The day will end after reaching out your hotel in Hoi An. 

Dinner and evening free.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Included :

-         Transportation in private car

-         English speaking tour guide

-         Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

-         Entrance fees

                                                                       -         Overnight at hotel

Day 8: Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh                                                                                                 (B/L/D)

After the breakfast, you will be transferred to Danang airport to catch the flight to Ho Chi Minh. Arrival at Ho Chi Minh, the driver will welcome you and take you to your hotel.

Rest of the day is free.

Included :

-         Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

-         Transfer Hoi An – Danang airport and Ho Chi Minh airport – Hotel

-         Air ticket Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh city

-         Overnight at hotel

Day 9: Ho Chi Minh                                                                                      (B/L/D)

In the morning, you will head to the famous Cu Chi tunnels. Arriving on site, you will first watch an introduction video about the area and discover some archives video from that time.

Then, you will head into the park, discovering the multitude of traps the Vietnamese used during the war. After that, you will finally reach the entrance of the tunnels. Get a chance to visit them and find out the ingenious and surprising life created underground.

Note: The tunnels are very narrow and it is hot and humid inside. Not convenient for claustrophobic people.

On the way back to Ho Chi Minh, you will stop for lunch.

ln the afternoon, start a walking tour to visit the Reunification Palace. The war officially ended here on Apri

ln 30th 1975 when tank 843 of the North Vietnamese Army crashed through the gates of the home of the President of the Republic of Vietnam. Then we visit the War Remnants Museum, a poignant display of the futility of war. We also stop at the Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office. The post office, built between 1877 and 1883, is an excellent example of classic 

French colonial architecture.

Diner and evening at leisure

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh

Included:

-         Transportation by private car to the Cu Chi Tunnels

-         English speaking tour guide

-         Entrance fees

-         Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner

-         Overnight at hotel

Day 10: 14/04: Ho Chi Minh Airport – tour end                        (B/L/-)

Day at leisure until transfer to Ho Chi Minh airport.

Included:

-         Breakfast

-         Transfer to Ho Chi Minh airport

TOUR ENDS!

PRICE CONDITIONS

(Apply for group)

NOTE :

·        The price is valid to book until DEC 31 2023

·        All the domestic air tickets are not reserved yet, and may change the price when you confirm the tour

·        We strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance (covering emergency medical repatriation) for any trip to Vietnam

·        Certain periods (Christmas, New Year, Lunar New Year, National Holidays) may give rise to additional costs.

·        Hotel rooms are only available from 2 p.m. on the day of arrival and until 12 p.m. on the day of departure. A supplement will be invoiced in the event of “early check-in” and/or “late check-out”.

·        This proposal, non-contractual, will only be validated after reservation of all the services.

·        If one or more of the services offered is not available at the time of booking, you will be offered other options or similar services in order to avoid, as far as possible, any substantial modification of the program.

SONG VOYAGES – MOVING IN HARMONY

We wish you a great trip to Vietnam

GENERAL BOOKING CONDITIONS

Reservation

Reservations are made directly with our office. Once Song Voyages confirms the trip, 30% (thirty percent) of the total trip amount must be paid to us. The balance of the trip must be paid no later than 15 days before your arrival date. Otherwise, Song Voyages reserves the right to cancel reservations without refunding the sums already paid.

Our bank beneficiary:

Beneficiary: BUI QUANG DOANH

Account number in VND: 1666676869

Account number in EUR: 1888676869

Account number in USD: 1999676869

Military Commercial Joint Stock Bank

SWIFIT CODE: MSCBVNVX

Note:

(The trip price does not include bank transfer fees)

In Vietnam the banking system is different from that in Europe, it does not use the IBAN code (International Bank Account Number). When making a bank transfer, you do not need an IBAN code. Please tell your bank, your transfer will be made to Asia and not to Europe.

Upon payment of a deposit or the balance by the Client/Agency, Song Voyages will establish a paid invoice which will be given to the Client/Agency before or upon the arrival of the travelers in Vietnam.

Rules

Payments can be made by bank transfer. Bank charges are the responsibility of the customer.

Cancellation and refund

Once the trip has started, the services included in the program will not be subject to any partial or full refund, even if they are not used.

All cancellations must be made in writing: Cancellation fees will be charged as follows:

-      More than 30 days before the arrival date        : no cancellation fees

-      Between 30 days and 21 days before arrival   : 10% of the total price

-      Between 20 days and 8 days before arrival      : 25% of the total price

-      Between 7 days and 48 hours before arrival   : 50% of the total price

-      Less than 48 hours before arrival                       : 90% of the total price

-      No - show                                                                  : 100%

Specific conditions

Rates are likely to be readjusted if changes are notified to us by the minivanriers / hoteliers before the start date of the trip. An informative note will be sent to you by your travel advisor.

Responsibilities and Disputes

Any disagreement or dispute must first be resolved amicably. In case of disagreement, the competent court will be the place of arrival of the travellers. (“The Vietnam International Arbitration Center” under the “Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry”) shall have sole jurisdiction. Any complaint must be sent in writing thirty days maximum after the end of the trip.

For information, our Tour Operator and investment license issued by the Ministry of Planning and Investments of Ha Noi and License as an International Travel Organizer in the field of Luxury: 01-1791 / 2022 TCDL-GPLHQT.

IMPORTANT NOTES RELATING TO YOUR STAY:

1/- In case the stay falls on the period of Christmas, New Year, traditional Têt (Lunar New Year…) the prices will have to be revised and at certain hotels, a supplement will be applied for the room as well as for dinner Christmas Eve.

2/- Rooms in hotels including the day of arrival are only available from 2 p.m. However, we will do our best depending on availability to obtain delivery before this contractual time.

3/- Subject to confirmation of the file, any room classification in relation to the category proposed above will result in a supplement.

4/- The visits and excursions mentioned in the program can - be modified or reversed according to local particularities.

5/- Before departure, we strongly recommend taking out insurance including repatriation costs.

Important Notes :

·        Your passport information must reach us at least 15 working days before your arrival.

·        This proposal does not include personal insurance costs. We recommend that you check your insurance before undertaking this trip and, if necessary, take out additional insurance, particularly in the event of hospitalization and repatriation.

·        Song Voyages does its best to provide you with the fairest price proposals. However, air fares, hotels and other services constantly vary according to their availability. To guarantee the prices stated, (flight prices, airport taxes, exchange fees, etc.) we recommend that you proceed to payment as soon as possible. The rates are in effect rechecked at the time of payment and a surplus may be requested.

·        Anything that happens outside of the program or the contract is not the responsibility of Song Voyages.

Asked documents:

To travel, you will need a passport valid for at least 6 months after the return date of the plane ticket and the appropriate visas. Song Voyages cannot be held responsible if you are refused entry into the country.

Vietnam

Colors, flavors, light, Vietnam is a constant wonder for the senses. Celadon, turquoise, soft pink, raspberry from the facades of Hanoi, playing with the shade of the plane trees. Grazing light from the setting sun on the lagoons and their weightless fishing nets. Royal blues, midnight blues, pale blues of the China Sea which bathes the coasts of the Mandarin road with its hypnotic gradations. Vibrant neon lights of the Saigon night, orange-red silk lamps, immaculate white ao dai …

TRAVEL GUIDE

https://songvoyages.com/je-veux-le-vietnam-en-bref/

https://songvoyages.com/page-de-blog-vietnam/

ARTS AND CRAFTS

If certain ancestral techniques have disappeared, there nevertheless remains a very rich craft: weaving and embroidery, lacquers, silver work...

LAUNDRY

Most large hotels have a quick cleaning service (during the day or 24 hours). Avoid, however, entrusting fragile textiles.

DRINKS

Our prices do not include drinks. Count from 1 to 3 dollars for a local beer or for a small bottle of mineral water, depending on the standing of the restaurant. There are sometimes Australian or French wines but their price remains high and the preservation sometimes leaves something to be desired. Tea is ubiquitous, often served as green tea. Coffee lovers will find in Vietnam in particular the opportunity to discover strong coffee flavored with vanilla.

EXCHANGE AND CURRENCY

The monetary unit is the Dong (VND). You can take Euros or dollars in cash. The exchange is done in the hotels. Make sure the tickets are in perfect condition. All stained or torn tickets will be systematically refused for exchange.

As an indication (December 2022 ), the rate is: 1 €: 24,563 dongs and 1 US$ = 23,450 dongs.

ATMs have developed considerably and you now have the possibility of withdrawing money (VND only) in most cities and tourist centers (VISA and EUROMINIVAND minivand)

A currency declaration is required upon entry into the country for amounts over 5000 USD or equivalent.

FOOD

Vietnamese cuisine is very varied and mixes Vietnamese, Thai, Chinese and French influences. Rice accompanies all meals, many soups, fish and seafood in the south, vegetables, but also chicken and pork are served. The preparations are embellished with lemongrass, coriander, mint, ginger and “ nuoc mam” (fish sauce). In the hotels where you stay the breakfast will be western everywhere.

CUSTOMS

Control procedures have been considerably relaxed. However, be minivaneful not to misplace the duplicates of the declaration forms that you will make when entering the country. You will be asked to exit. Antiquities are prohibited for export (especially porcelain).

ELECTRICITY

The voltage is usually 220 volts. As power outages may occur, minivanry a flashlight. Also bring an international plug adapter.

HOUR

In winter the difference is + 6 hours in winter, + 5 hours in summer, compared to French time.

INTERNET

It is possible to connect almost everywhere to WIFI for free (café, restaurant, hotel)

PHOTOS-FILMS

With rare exceptions, the Vietnamese are very friendly and willingly accept having their photograph taken. It is better to ask permission if you photograph the monks or if you do a close-up. Only strategic places are prohibited from filming – airports, bridges…

TIPS

They are obligatory and reward a service rendered of good quality, but they should in no case be solicited. Its amount remains at your sole discretion.

As an indication, allow about 5 US $ / person / day to be divided between the guide and the driver.

HEALTH

It goes without saying that it is better to be in good health to undertake a distant journey. No vaccine is compulsory. If you are undergoing specific medical treatment, plan to bring enough medication for the duration of the trip. On-site pharmacies are generally well stocked, but it is always best to bring your own stock. As an indication, your kit will contain: bandages, analgesic, anti-diarrheal, anti-mosquito cream, sunscreen and medicines against colds and angina. We advise you to protect yourself against malaria. For more information, consult the specialized departments of Tropical Medicine.

Circuits off the beaten track require good physical condition, in particular long journeys on sometimes damaged roads can be difficult for people with weak backs.

KNOW HOW TO LIVE

As in all Asian countries, the main rule is patience. You should never get upset and avoid raising your voice. There are some taboos: we do not kiss but we shake hands or we practice the old-fashioned greeting by joining hands. Do not plant your chopsticks vertically in your bowl of rice. They would look like incense sticks burned for the dead.

- proper attire is essential everywhere (avoid shorts, miniskirts and large necklines for women).

- the notion of "face" is very important. It is sometimes translated by "yes" which are in fact "no"

intended to preserve your "face". Don't show your anger by raising your voice; you would lose face yourself and get no results.

- discussion or contradiction must be done with gentleness, mutual respect and great calm
- criticism must be done with humor in order to avoid confrontation

SECURITY

Incidents are rare, but it is necessary, as everywhere in the world, to be minivaneful in the very tourist sites. Avoid bringing jewelry, it is useless to create temptations. It is preferable to lock the suitcases in the rooms.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

THAILAND / VIETNAM Dial 00 + 84 + the city code + the number of your correspondent.

VIETNAM / THAILAND Dial 00 + 66 + the number of your correspondent without the 0. The mobile phone network covers most of Vietnamese territory. French operators (SFR, Orange among others) have agreements with Vietnamese operators and the network works perfectly (World option) – Check with your operator before departure.

CLOTHES

Bring simple, light and easy-to-wash clothes, preferably cotton, and very comfortable shoes for day visits. It is not customary to "dress up". In autumn and winter, bring warm clothing in Hanoi (sweater and parka for North Vietnam in January/February). A light raincoat may be useful, especially during the monsoon.

VISA

Your passport must be valid for 6 months after the return date of your trip.

Visa exemption for Swiss nationals wishing to travel to Vietnam, with the following terms:

- The visa waiver is valid for single entry. Thus, travelers wishing to leave Vietnamese territory will have to apply for a visa for their 2nd entry, even if the 15-day exemption period is still valid.

- The visa exemption is valid for 15 days or 360 hours. Travelers wishing to stay longer in Vietnam will need to re-apply for a visa with an Evisa

An entry visa is mandatory for stays of more than 15 days and must be obtained before your departure from the Vietnamese embassy in your country of residence.