FAR EAST SPECIALIST COLLECTION SPECIALIST OVER 40 YEARS OF TRUSTED TRAVEL EXPERIENCE EXPERIENCE EXPLORE DISCOVER The mystique of Your taste buds The fascinating the Orient with exotic cuisine Oriental ports www.thompsons.co.za CULTURALLY EXOTIC WHY FAR EAST WITH THOMPSONS? For centuries, the mysteries of the Far East have enticed travellers to uncover the secrets of the Orient with its ancient history, fascinating cultures and traditions. The Far East promises a sensory overload of vivid colours, scented aromas, delectable cuisine, magnificent temples and friendly people. Explore a plethora of wonders and sights with Thompsons Holidays, from the breathtaking Marble Mountains of Da Nang in Vietnam and Shanghai’s soaring skyscrapers to Singapore, home to the busiest harbour in the world. TRAVEL WITH CONFIDENCE WITH A GLOBAL COMPANY With 40 years of trusted travel experience you will receive expert advice. No request is too large, no detail too small. Thompsons Holidays is a division of Cullinan Holdings Group and a member of THE TRAVEL CORPORATION, a fourth generation family owned group. Our financial stability is the key to a relaxed holiday. UNRIVALLED VALUE FOR MONEY ON TRIED AND TESTED HOLIDAYS As the largest South African tour operator, our greater buying power means you get the best deal on your holiday, unrivalled value for money and unexpected bonus offers. WE ARE WITH YOU 24/7 With you all the way – our care line is your friend in an emergency. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO LANGUAGE: English is widely spoken. CURRENCY: US Dollars are also widely accepted. VISA: Enquire about visa requirements. TIME: Vietnam – 5 Hours ahead of South Africa; China, Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia - 6 Hours ahead of South Africa. WEATHER: Generally hot and humid. Northeast monsoon – mild and pleasant (Nov - Apr) / Southwest monsoon – wet season (May to Oct). PLUG TYPE: Standard socket: UK-style 3-pin plug. International adaptor recommended. Standard voltage: 220-240 V. TRAVEL INSURANCE: For peace of mind, contact Thompsons for more info. 2 Share your memories with us on @thompsonsholidays @ThompsonsH Beijing Xian Shanghai CHINA Hong Kong Guangzhou Halong Bay Hanoi Mumbai INDIA Hue Da Nang NORTH VIETNAM PACIFIC Saigon OCEAN Kota Kinabalu Langkawi MALAYSIA Sabah INDIAN Penang Cameron Highlands Pangkor Island OCEAN Kuala Lumpur SINGAPORE Share your memories with us on @thompsonsholidays @ThompsonsH 3 VIETNAM - GENTLE OASIS ietnam epitomises the convergence of the in the trading quarters, which are rich in indigenous crafts old and the new. This fascinating country and showcase centuries-old mercantile influences. Ancient Vboasts incredibly varied landscapes, from temples display distinctly Chinese influences and Hindu mountains and uncharted forests to emerald origins. The tree-lined boulevards and spectacular state terraced rice fields and deserted pristine beaches. buildings that grace the capital date from the French The culture is as diverse as its landscapes; the colonial period. Vietnamese cuisine also reflects the population is comprised of almost 60 different country’s diversity. Delight in a culinary adventure with a ethnic groups. This cultural diversity is reflected host of local dishes paired with rice wine in local markets. TOP SIGHTSEEING EXPERIENCES ISLAND AND SNORKELLING TOUR SAIGON CITY HOI AN HIGHLIGHTS SUNSET CRUISE his exciting city tour takes in oard a local river boat for ha Trang is renowned for its some of Saigon’s most historic a sunset cruise. You’ll see Nyear-round sunny weather, T B landmarks including Notre Dame the town’s fishermen board turquoise water, and a white Cathedral, the Central Post Office their boats and head out to the sandy beach that stretches the and the former Presidential Palace Cua Dai Sea for a spot of night entire length of the city. Transfer which was the headquarters of the fishing. The boat will stop along to the pier and cruise to Mun Saigon Government during the the shore where you can try (Ebony) Island, where you will American War. You continue to your hand at casting traditional enjoy snorkelling in the crystal the War Remnants Museum for a fishing nets, a common fishing clear waters of this protected vivid perspective of the American method still practised today. maritime reserve, which is War through the eyes of the Also learn the art of paddling famous for its vivid coral and Vietnamese. Experience Saigon’s these unique Vietnamese round diverse marine life. Cruise to famed street coffee culture and basket boats before enjoying a another island for lunch before insights into the daily life of a refreshing drink and a snack as making your way back to the Saigon resident. the sun disappears below the pier and your hotel. horizon. THOMPSONS TIP: Pre-book memorable sightseeing experiences prior to departure. ENQUIRE FOR MORE SIGHTSEEING EXPERIENCES OPTIONS. 4 Share your memories with us on @thompsonsholidays @ThompsonsH Hanoi Halong Bay Hue Da Nang Saigon VIETNAM CITIES HANOI Vietnam’s capital city offers the perfect pairing of ancient Asia mixed with the dynamic face of new Asia. The city is filled with ancient temples and pagodas, colonial buildings, monuments, museums and narrow streets. Sample delicious Vietnamese street food as you venture through the city while doing some shopping, sightseeing or taking a stroll through the pretty park. HUE Hue invites visitors to explore its rich history of the Nguyen dynasty DA NANG and emperors. This charming city boasts monuments, tombs, Da Nang is renowned as a laid- pagodas, beautiful beaches, hot back and welcoming city that springs, nightlife, fine dining as entices visitors with some beautiful well as the perfectly picturesque beaches, picturesque mountains, Perfume River. intricate caves, abundant ancient history, as well as arguably the friendliest people in Vietnam. Delight in tasty morsels from the street vendors as you explore the bustling marketplace and the Han River. HALONG BAY Just a few hours from Hanoi, this is SAIGON the ideal location for adventure and With its rich culture and history, discovery. Renowned for its natural Saigon invites you to venture along splendour, Hanoi offers visitors its ancient boulevards and view delightful sites including limestone the striking colonial architecture. islands, rock formations and caves. Sample sumptuous delights from a The more adventurous can partake in host of fining dining restaurants or endless activities – from kayaking and delight in exotic street food from swimming to exploring the caves and the sidewalk stalls. Make your way rainforest. One can also experience through the motorbikes crowding the life of the locals and delight in the little streets and explore the delicious seafood and local specialities. markets at your leisure. Share your memories with us on @thompsonsholidays @ThompsonsH 5 VIETNAM BEACH DESTINATIONS PHU QUOC Phu Quoc offers some of the best beaches in the country. Long Beach offers crystal clear calm waters. There’s also Ong Lang Beach, which is an unspoiled paradise offering breathtaking Hoi An sunsets. And don’t forget Bai Sao Beach, which is absolutely glorious with its unparalleled beauty. Nha Trang Beach Phu Quoc Long Hai Beach NHA TRANG BEACH Nha Trang Beach boasts golden sand and turquoise waters that invite you to relax. This beach is also located close to the area’s busy tourist centres. After a dip in the sea, take a stroll along the promenade to delight in the spectacular ocean views. HOI AN Hoi An is a renowned beach destination known for its serene blue waters. An Bang beach is the perfect paradise with its pristine beach with a backdrop LONG HAI BEACH of picturesque mountains, Long Hai is a lively seaside area with many beachfront restaurants beautiful sandy beaches and a fish and trendy bars. Cua Dai beach market. It’s a popular destination offers a palm-lined coastline, for families and those who wish to with a lively atmosphere and it’s explore an unspoiled paradise. surrounded by big resorts. 6 Share your memories with us on @thompsonsholidays @ThompsonsH ESCORTED TOURS VIETNAM CITY & BEACH - 7 NIGHTS Day 1: Saigon fruit farms. Embark on a fascinating Arrive in Saigon and transfer to your motorboat excursion past stilt houses, hotel. fish farms and scenes of countryside Day 2: Saigon – Cu Chi – Saigon (B/L) living. Arrive at Turtle Island and enjoy Take a drive to the famous Cu Chi country hospitality with a local farming Tunnels and tour the underground family and watch a traditional folk song compounds. Lunch in Saigon and performance. a city tour to see the Notre Dame Day 4: Saigon – Phan Thiet (B) Cathedral, the historic Central Post Transfer to Phan Thiet. Office, Reunification Palace and the Day 5 - 7: Phan Thiet (B) War Remnants Museum. Full days free to explore Phan Thiet and Day 3: Saigon – Ben Tre – Saigon (B/L) its surrounds. Depart for Ben Tre, situated in the Day 7: Phan Thiet – Saigon (B) Mekong River Delta, exchanging Transfer from Phan Thiet back to Saigon city scenes for lush rice paddies and airport for your departure flight. VIETNAM CLASSIC - 8 NIGHTS Day 1: Hanoi cruise back to the mainland and Arrive in Hanoi and transfer to your transfer back to Hanoi for your flight hotel. to Danang. Day 2: Hanoi (B) Day 5: Hoi An (B) Pick up from your hotel and visit the Half day tour of this World Heritage Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Buddhist site, an ancient town where you Tran Quoc Pagoda at West lake and can view sights including the old Bat Trang pottery village. Visit the merchant houses, the 400-year- Ethnology Museum and Hanoi’s Old old Japanese Covered Bridge and Quarter for shopping. colourful markets. Day 3: Hanoi – Halong (B/L/D) Day 6: Hoi An – Hue (B) Transfer to Halong Bay and board Transfer to Hue and enjoy a half your junk boat.