VIETNAM: The Reality and the Myth

 

DECEMBER 16, 1995 ‑ JANUARY 1, 1996

 

16‑17               Depart in the evening on Korean Air for Seoul. Plane change to

Dec                  for your flight to HoChi Minh City (Saigon). Lose one day crossing the

                        International Dateline.

 

18 Dec             SAIGON ‑ HO CHI MINH CITY

                        "Arrive mid‑day and transfer to METROPOLE HOTEL or

                        similar. Afternoon city tour of Saigon and Cholon (the Chinese sector

                        of the city), the Presidential Palace, the War Museum, the Giac Lam

                        Pagoda, the former US Embassy and a lacquer factory. Evening

                        welcome cocktail party.

 

19 Dec             SAIGON

                        After breakfast, we travel to the town of Tay Ninh to visit the Holy

                        See of the, CaoDal Temple which adheres to a fascinating mix of

                        Western and Eastern faith. We observe the mid‑day ceremony

                        "wed by a picnic lunch. Afterward, we depart by road for the

                        Cu Chi tunnels. This network of underground passageways was

                        started in the late 40's by resistance fighters and was used extensively

                        by the Viet Cong during the Viet Nam conflict. You may explore

                        some of the tunnels. We then return to Ho Chi Minh City.

 

20 Dec               HO CHI MINH CITY

        Begin your exploration of the Mekong Delta with a stop in My Tho.

        The Mekong Delta is the richest agricultural area in Vietnam known as

        the "rice cave" of the world. Visit to Coconut Monk Island. Explore the

        surrounding villages by boat and observe the day to day life of the

        Vietnamese families along the tributaries of the Mekong River.

 

21 Dec             NHA TRANG

                           Today we fly to Nha Trang, the Caribbean‑like seaside and beach resort

        The Vietnamese people enjoy. We stop for a visit to the Cham tower of

        Po Ro and the Long Son Pagoda where the largest Buddha figure is

        Visible from afar. VIEN DONG HOTEL.

 

22             DA NANG

                        After breakfast we depart for Da Nang. We go for a steep but rewarding

       climb to the top of the Marble Mountain made of natural caves carved

       In marble in which Buddhist sanctuaries have been built over the cen-

       turies. We visit the famous China Beach, a relaxation spot for

       American Army personnel where we sample the fresh seafood of the

       region. BACH DANG HOTEL.

 

23 Dec             DA NANG ‑ HOI AN

                        Full day visit to the charming Ancient town of Hoi An, one of the most

                        important trading ports in Southeast Asia. Tour the ancient homes,

                        the colorful open air market, visit its famous art galleries, or take a boat

                        across to some of its, untouched islands. It is a day of exploration and

                        enjoyment. Return to Da Nang. BACH DANG HOTEL.

 

24 Dec             HUE

                        Morning departure for Hue, the Imperial City. Cross Hai Van Pass, one

                        of the highest pants in Viet Nam. Drive thru villages, see rice paddies

                        and rural life. Check, into a hotel located right on the banks of the

                        Perfume River., This afternoon, we visit the, elaborate tomb of Khai

                        Dinh. Considered the most decorated of all the Nguyen Dynasty tombs"

                        it combines aspects of both Vietnamese and French architecture.

                        HUONG GIANG HOTEL

 

25 Dec             HUE

                        Morning visit to the Imperial Citadel, a walled city built within a larger

                        walled city (the Imperial City) constructed in the early 19th Century; the

                        Royal Relics Museum and the lively Dong Ba Market At mid‑day, we

                        sample Hue delicacies at a famous local restaurant. Afternoon sampan

                        cruise on the Perfume River ends at Thien Mu Pagoda. Tonight we are

                        treated to the‑King’s Night, an unforgettable experience reserved only

                        for the Emperor and his entourage.

 

26 Dec             HUE ‑IJ[A NOI

                        Morning on your own. We take a mid‑day night to Hs Noi, one of the

                        most ancient, cities of Southeast Asia and the cultural center of Viet Nam.

                        Take a stroll to see the elegant French colonial buildings by the Restored

                        Sword Lake, the Fine Arts Museum and the lively Dong Xuan Market.

                        Tonight we enjoy an evening of water puppetry. DIAMOND HOTEL

 

27 Dec           HA LONG

                        Leisurely drive to Ha Long with several stops along the way, notably

                        Hai Phong, the third largest city, to enjoy the landscape and local life

                        ,of this northern region. VAN RAI HOTEL

 

28 Dec             HA LONG

                        A full day exploring by boat this spectacular bay, dotted with one

                        thousand islands, large and small, rising dramatically from the sea. We

                        visit fascinating Monkey Island, the grottos, and swim along the small

                        white sandy beaches. Lunch will be onboard. Late return to Hanoi.

                        DIAMOND HOTEL

 

29 Dec             HANOI

 

                        City tour of Hanoi. Visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the

                        One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, and the infamous 36 Guilds,

                        the 36 commercial streets. The afternoon is free for you to explore

                        the historic and political capital of unified Vietnam on your own.

                        Tonight we enjoy an evening of water puppetry.

 

30 Dec             HANOI

                        Morning visit to, the Fine Arts Museum. This is followed by visit to the

                        History Museum. Afternoon free to shop in Old Town or explore some

                        of Hanoi's fine art galleries, or take a bicycle ride. Farewell dinner at a

                        special restaurant.

 

31Dec              HANOI ‑ BANGKOK

                        Late morning departure on Vietnam Air #831. Transfer

                        to BEL AIR PRINCESS or similar. Afternoon at leisure.

                        Special evening New Year's surprise.

 

1 Jan                8 AM departure flight to Seoul for connection to LAX. Early morning

                        arrival at LAX.