Designed for AGN/Extension – By Huyen Le, dated 10July’2017

Extension trip - specially prepared for AGN

PROGRAM 01: SAIGON – CU CHI – MEKONG DELTA (4 DAYS – 3 NIGHTS)

Day 1: Arrive Saigon With a population of nearly 8 million inhabitants and an almost equal number of scooters, mopeds and motorcycles all competing for space on the ultra-busy streets, bustling and noisy City is quite literally a metropolis on the move. The most western of Vietnamese cities, Saigon, as it is still commonly known, is a city of contrasts; a place where ultra-modern shopping malls and fashionable restaurants vie for space with local retailers selling all manner of wares and quiet roadside cafes making delicious Vietnamese iced coffee (cafe sua da) and other liquid refreshments. There is always something going on in Saigon and a friendly roadside cafe is the perfect place to take five, enjoy a coffee and absorb the dynamic scene unfolding around you.

Ho Chi Minh City is packed with first-rate museums and some elegant French-era colonial architecture, including the Central Post Office and the stunning Saigon Opera House. Away from the city centre, Cholon, where the treasure trove of temples are best explored on foot, is one of the most vibrant Chinatowns in South-east-Asia whilst Ben Thanh Market is the perfect place for a spot of retail therapy and souvenir-hunting. With so much to see and do, an international dining scene and some of the most luxurious hotels in the country, Ho Chi Minh City is a truly remarkable destination waiting to be explored.

After clearing custom procedure and collecting your luggage at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Destination Asia’s tour guide will meet and transfer you by private vehicle to your hotel for check- in. The remaining of the day is at leisure (note that the normal check in time is 2pm so any early check in is subject to hotel availability or at surcharge)

Meal included : None Accommodation : Selected hotel in Saigon

Day 2: Saigon - Full day Cu Chi Tunnels and City Tour This morning’s exploration presents a chance to see a different aspect of Ho Chi Minh City (1 hour). Leaving downtown Saigon behind, travel south across the Khanh Hoi Bridge to the city’s District 4. Once home to hoodlums and gangsters, this triangular district is much friendlier nowadays and a superb place to witness regular Saigonese going about their daily business. Beginning on Ton Dan Street, one of the district’s main thoroughfares, you will almost immediately be in the heart of the community’s street market. Everything you can imagine is on sale here and it’s fascinating to observe the daily goings on. This is real Saigon, where few tourists care to venture, so expect a few curious stares and a

bit of friendly banter with the locals along the way!

After a well-earned Vietnamese coffee or the like at a local café, we leave Saigon for Cu Chi. Work on the tunnels began during the war against the French in the 1940s and over the next 25 years as the conflict with America escalated, they were improved and expanded to create an underground city of meeting areas, storerooms, living quarters and much more. The tunnels allowed the Viet Cong to control a vital area of South and at their height, extended for more than 200KM in length and stretched from what was then Saigon to the Cambodian border.

Preserved as a memorial park, two sections of this remarkable network are open to the public. Visiting the area at Ben Dinh, there is the option to go below the surface and visit sections of the tunnels first hand. The more adventurous may go deeper and your guide will be on hand to give guidance on the degree of expected difficulty. There is plenty of interest above ground as well and it is recommended to bring good footwear, sunscreen and a hat. Please note you may get a little dusty if you decide to go underground.

The first stop on this afternoon’s itinerary is Reunification Palace. Formerly named the Presidential Palace, this important city landmark was assured its place in history on 30th April 1975, when the first North Vietnamese tanks rumbled past, signalling the Fall of Saigon and ultimately the end of the Vietnam War. Now a museum complete with period meeting areas, war rooms and a basement communication centre, after your visit, walk the short distance to Notre Dame Cathedral. At the centre of HCMC’s government district, this romantic church dates back to the late 19th century and is a popular backdrop for wedding photographs. Across the street from the cathedral is the city’s striking -era post office, whilst Hotel de Ville de Saigon, officially Ho Chi Minh City Hall, is another of the city’s most prominent buildings. The Museum of Vietnamese History is housed in yet another fine example of Sino-French architecture. Dating back to the 1920s, it contains an excellent series of exhibits dating from the Bronze Age to the Nguyen dynasty, the last ruling family of Vietnam.

As an alternative to the Museum of Vietnamese History, visit the elegant Fine Arts Museum with its impressive collection of ancient and modern art and sculptures, or the War Remnants Museum, which is primarily dedicated to the Vietnam War but also includes exhibits dating back to French colonialist period and the first Indochina War. *** NOTE: Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral has been under renovated since July 2017. The construction takes about two years to complete. Due to this renovation work, visitor might not visit inside on spot. It is sorry for this inconvenience!

Optional for the evening: Discovery Saigon night life by Antique Vespa (4 hours/ 6PM to 10PM)

Experience the allures of downtown Ho Chi Minh City, still commonly known as Saigon, from the back of a vintage Vespa scooter. Part night excursion, part street food adventure, this after-dark tour of Saigon’s hectic downtown begins at the Vespa-themed Café Zoom. The ideal vantage point from which to observe the hustle and the bustle of the city, after a few drinks continue darting through the buzzing streets and alleyways of Districts 1, 3 and 4 on the back of the scooter. Throughout the evening, there are several occasions to sample the city’s authentic and flavoursome street food, whilst a visit to a Vietnamese-style coffee shop provides the opportunity to listen to some contemporary live music. Finish the evening at a local bar, where the new generation of Saigonese unwind after their busy day in the city, before riding pillion back to your city hotel.

Meal included : Breakfast/Lunch Accommodation : Selected hotel in Saigon

Day 3: Saigon – Mekong Delta (Cai Be area)

The Mekong Delta is known locally as Cuu Long or the 'River of Nine Dragons', and this rich fertile region of farmland interlaced with countless waterways and tributaries of the mighty Mekong River presents one of Vietnam’s most enchanting scenes. Take time to explore the ‘rice bowl’ of Vietnam and you will be rewarded with colourful floating markets, lively towns and a labyrinth of waterways that buzzes with activity. Early in the morning, as the sun rises above the Mekong Delta, is one of the most captivating times to be on the river. See the villages come alive with a flurry of activity as trading of the floating markets begins.

The Mekong Delta is a rich fertile region of farmland interlaced with countless waterways and crisscrossed by low-lying rice paddies. Today you will explore one of the country’s most enchanting landscapes travelling by car and then motorised sampan (a flat bottomed wooden boat) into the ‘rice bowl’ of Vietnam.

As you discover the labyrinth of bustling waterways - the focus of all daily activity - you will learn to what extent the mighty Mekong River is a lifeline to those who live and work along its arteries. Local life for villagers in the Delta revolves around the rivers and canals, so much so that people are more likely to travel by boat than by road.

The Delta is known as Vietnam’s ‘rice bowl’ for good reason and in this fertile region almost every square metre is intensively farmed. Fruit plantations abound and you will visit a farm to sample some of the locally grown tropical produce in a shady garden before continuing by sampan, navigating narrow canals, learning more about the lifestyle, culture and traditions of the people who call the Delta their home.

Lunch will be a local home/restaurant where you will have the opportunity to try some local specialities before re-joining your sampan for the leisurely cruise back to Cai Be. Return by car to Ho Chi Minh City arriving in the late afternoon.

Meal included : Breakfast/Lunch Accommodation : Selected hotel in Saigon

Day 4: Saigon – Departure After breakfast, you are transferred to the airport for your departure flight. Kindly note that and check-in time for international flights is minimum two hours prior to departure.

Meal included Breakfast

SAIGON USD net per person (based on twin/double sharing) Rate is non- commissionable/No FOC (4 DAYS/3 NIGHTS) 2 pax 3-6pax 7-9pax Single Sup.

LAND TOUR PRICE in 5 STAR HOTEL CATEGORY (Validity: Nov’2017) Renaissance Riverside/Deluxe river view room http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/sgnbr-renaissance-riverside-hotel-saigon

LAND TOUR PRICE 479 419 357 223

LAND TOUR PRICE in 4 STAR HOTEL CATEGORY (Validity: Nov’2017) Liberty Central Riverside/Deluxe room http://odysseahotels.com/

LAND TOUR PRICE 458 398 336 201

OTHER SERVICES

Optional tour 115 USD per person Discover Saigon night life by Vespa

AIRFARE Saigon to Bangkok 281 USD per economy class ticket ( One way, current airfare, subject to change)

LAND TOUR PRICE INCLUDES: - All land transport & transfers listed on the above itinerary on a private basis. - Accommodation as listed - All meals as listed on the itinerary (food only) - All entrance fees for included sightseeing as per above itinerary - Services of English speaking local station guides - Two 0.5 liter of bottle water and cool towel provided per day/per pax. - Vietnam Government tax and services charge.

LAND TOUR PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE: - International air tickets - Vietnam visas fee & processing fee (USD25 & USD20 net per person respectively & 1 passport-sized color photo) - Meals other than those mentioned in the itinerary above as included - All Drinks - Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (minibar, phone call, laundry, etc.) - Hotels’ early check- in (before 2pm) and late check- out (after 12:00noon) - Entrance fees or extra charges for any optional activities or extra sightseeing not mentioned as included in the above itinerary. - Tips or Gratuities to guides, drivers, hotel/restaurant staff and local assistances

PROGRAM 02: AND HALONG BAY (5 DAYS – 4 NIGHTS)

Day 1: Arrive Ha Noi A city of lakes, parks and colonial mansions, Ha Noi retains much of its historical charm and, with an eclectic mix of Asian tempo and French refinement, Vietnam’s capital is a city to be savoured. The labyrinthine streets of Ha Noi’s Old Quarter are the ideal place in which to wander and observe daily life. Here street traders jostle for space on the sidewalks and crumbling houses are crammed into narrow alleyways that are still named after the goods that were traded there - Silk Street, Gold Street and even Fried Fish Street! A stroll around reveals a different side of the city and nearby you will find the sombre , which is usually crowded with Vietnamese of all ages wishing to show their respects. The elegant French Quarter is home to some fine colonial architecture including the famous Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel and the Opera House, whilst an early morning wake- up call and a visit to Hoan Kiem Lake will be rewarded by a display of local residents practicing their t’ai chi. Ha Noi is steeped in history from the 'Hanoi Hilton’, the infamous Hoa Lo Prison where so many prisoners of war were incarcerated, to the religious pride that constructed the 11th century Temple of Literature, the heart of the Confucian education system. Ha Noi is a delightful city of contrasts and the ideal city in which soak up the ebb and flow of life in Vietnam.

After clearing custom procedure and collecting your luggage at Noi Bai International Airport, Destination Asia’s tour guide will meet and transfer you by private vehicle to your hotel for check- in. The remaining of the day is at leisure (note that the normal check in time is 2pm so any early check in is subject to hotel availability or at surcharge)

Meal included : None Accommodation : Selected hotel in Hanoi

Day 2: Ha Noi sightseeing. Visit Ba Dinh Square where silent sentries guard the marble mausoleum in which Ho Chi Minh lies in state. Subject to opening hours, the interior of the mausoleum may be visited. Continue to the modest stilted wooden bungalow where Uncle Ho lived and worked, before visiting Ho Chi Minh Museum. Dedicated to the 'father of the country’, the museum chronicles the evolution of Vietnamese independence.

French architecture features prominently in Hanoi and the nearby former Governor's Residence is a fine example. Continue to the , a Buddhist pagoda with a history steeped in folklore. The final stop is the Thang Long Royal Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 11th century during the Ly Viet Dynasty. This important historical site served as the capital of Vietnam for eight centuries.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing your exploration of the city, resplendent with French colonial architecture including the exquisite, Opera House. Pass Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as the ‘Lake of the Restored Sword’ after the legend that surrounds it, en-route to one of the city's many fascinating museums: choose from Ancient History, Military History or Fine Arts, depending on your personal interests. Continue to the Temple of Literature, a serene retreat from the busy streets outside. Built in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, it became Vietnam's first university.

The best way to experience Hanoi's Old Quarter is on foot and next we take a walking tour through an area of the city known as ’36 Streets’. The oldest continuously developed area of Vietnam, this densely populated section of Hanoi was once an important centre of commerce where goods were sold on the street name of a particular guild. The labyrinthine alleyways are perfect for exploring on foot with names such as Sugar Street, Tin Street and Paper Street.

Meal included : Breakfast/Lunch Accommodation : Selected hotel in Hanoi

Day 3: Ha Noi – Ha Long Bay One of Asia’s most iconic sights, the mystical landscape of Halong Bay is made up by some 1,600 islands and islets, forming a spectacular seascape of limestone pillars, lush islands and emerald waters. One of the most beautiful places on earth, this magnificent feat of nature rarely fails to impress. Breathtaking beyond words, Halong Bay is justifiably one of the world’s natural wonders and more than deserves its UNESCO World Heritage status.

Leaving Hanoi early this morning, you will be driven to Halong City, a journey time of approximately 3.5 hours. On arrival, you will transfer to a junk (a traditional Chinese style sailing ship) for your cruise on Halong Bay. Sailing through emerald waters and past rocky islets and lush islands, a delicious lunch will be served on board.

Halong Bay is blessed with numerous grottoes, hidden pools and mystical islands and this afternoon, there will be the opportunity to disembark the boat and explore the region further. Off-boat excursions are usually by ship’s tender although often there is the opportunity to discover the beautiful landscapes of the bay by kayak or bamboo rowing boat. Visits to nearby caves or sandy beaches may also be on the agenda and of course there is always the option to remain on board and take in the glorious vista from the spacious sundeck. As night falls, the boat will drop anchor in a peaceful spot. Enjoy a refreshing drink and the view from the sundeck before sitting down to a leisurely dinner which will either be served on deck or inside the dining room depending on the vessel and local weather conditions.

Overnight onboard a traditional junk boat.

Meal included Breakfast/ Lunch and Dinner on board Accommodation Selected cruise on Halong Bay

Day 4: Ha Long Bay – Ha Noi

Early birds can attend a Tai Chi demonstration on the sundeck at the break of dawn. Start the day enjoying some cruise delights with a colourful buffet breakfast. Continue exploring Ha Long Bay sailing across its 2000 islets and visiting some of its major highlights.

After check- out, return to shore and continue onto Yen Duc Village. This is one of the villages in the Red River Delta that still retains its authentic lifestyle. The local people’s lives revolve around rice cultivation and farming activities. Passing through the village, visitors still find the charming rice fields, traditional houses and gardens, and friendly locals working their farms.

Re-check in your hotel for the remaining of the day at leisure.

Optional tour for the evening: Evening Water Puppet Show with Cyclo Ride (3 hours) Vietnamese water puppetry is a tradition that dates to the 11th century when villagers would wade into the flooded rice fields and entertain one another with puppet play. This evening you will travel by cyclo (pedicab) to a theatre where this ancient and unique art form of water puppetry is re-enacted. The ‘stage’ is a pool of water in which the puppeteers stand waist deep, hidden by a screen from behind which they skilfully manoeuvre the lacquered wooden puppets. Attached to a bamboo pole, the puppets appear to dance and play on the water’s surface. A traditional Vietnamese orchestra provides the musical accompaniment whilst performers sing songs telling the story being acted out by the puppets. Each short act relates to daily life and Vietnamese folklore with names such as 'Returning from school after graduation' and 'Rearing ducks and chasing foxes’. At the performance finale transfer by private vehicle to one of Hanoi's many superb Vietnamese restaurants for dinner

Meal included : Breakfast. Accommodation : Selected hotel in Hanoi

Day 5: Hanoi – Departure. You are free at leisure until your departure flight. Kindly note that and check-in time for international flights is minimum three hours prior to departure.

Meal included Breakfast

USD net per person (based on twin/double sharing) HANOI - HALONG Rate is non- commissionable/No FOC (5 DAYS/4 NIGHTS) 2 pax 3-6pax 7-9pax Single Sup.

LAND TOUR PRICE in 5 STAR HOTEL CATEGORY (Validity: Nov’2017) Melia hotel/Deluxe room Paradise Luxury Cruise/ROH cabin http://www.melia.com/en/hotels/vietnam/hanoi/melia-hanoi/index.html https://www.paradisecruise.com/paradise-luxury.html

LAND TOUR PRICE 738 671 594 464

LAND TOUR PRICE in 4 STAR HOTEL CATEGORY (Validity: Nov’2017) Moevenpick hotel/Superior room La vela Premium Cruise (ROH cabin) http://www.moevenpick-hotels.com/Hanoi https://www.lavelacruisehalong.com/la-vela-premium.html

LAND TOUR PRICE 677 610 533 403

OTHER SERVICES

Optional tour 41 37 32 N/A (Water puppet show and dinner)

AIRFARE Hanoi to Bangkok 286 USD per economy class ticket ( One way, current airfare, subject to change)

LAND TOUR PRICE INCLUDES: - All land transport & transfers listed on the above itinerary on a private basis. - Accommodation as listed - All meals as listed on the itinerary (food only) - All entrance fees for included sightseeing as per above itinerary - Services of English speaking local station guides – note that our guide will not be on board the Halong cruise. - Two 0.5 liter of bottle water and cool towel provided per day/per pax. - Vietnam Government tax and services charge.

LAND TOUR PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE: - International air tickets - Vietnam visas fee & processing fee (USD25 & USD20 net per person respectively & 1 passport-sized color photo) - Meals other than those mentioned in the itinerary above as included - All Drinks - Kayak service on Ha Long cruise - Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (minibar, phone call, laundry, etc.) - Hotels’ early check- in (before 2pm) and late check- out (after 12:00noon) - Entrance fees or extra charges for any optional activities or extra sightseeing not mentioned as included in the above itinerary. - Tips or Gratuities to guides, drivers, hotel/restaurant staff and local assistances