<b>Februa</b><b>ry 25th…</b>Depart for Vietnam on Singapore air

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<b>February 26th…Hanoi  </b>

We are met on arrival at Noi Bai Airport then transferred to our hotel.

You will have free time to relax. There will be a welcome dinner.

Overnight…Lanvien Hotel

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<b>February 27th…</b>

<b>Hanoi City Tour – Lao Cai  </b>

We will have a city tour of Hanoi with the Ho Chi Minh Complex, containing the mausoleum of the nation's founder Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh's house on stilts. Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of Hanoi. We follow this with a visit to the Temple of Literature, well known as Vietnam's first university. We take a tour by cyclo around the old quarter to observe the local life. The peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem with its sacred temple and the bustling Hang Be or Dong Xuan Market are also visited.

You will have free time in late afternoon

Overnight…Lanvien Hotel

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<b>February 28th…</b>

<b>Hanoi – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Lao Cai  </b>

At 9am we depart for Ninh Binh, the countries capital during the Dinh and early Le Dynasties is Hoa Lu, which has left its legacy in the form of two small temples, each one nearly a thousand years old. Today we will visit these two remaining structures. The first one is dedicated to the Dinh Dynasty. The second one commemorates the Le Rulers. In front of these temples is the rugged Ma Yen mount; it involves a walk over 200 steps for a fantastic view over the surrounding areas. Tam Coc is known as “Halong Bay on land”. We board a sampan for a leisurely trip through the quiet, peaceful landscape of rice fields, which are surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, to the grottoes of Tam Coc. Drive back to Hanoi. An early dinner before we take the night train to Lao Cai.

Overnight on board.

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<b>March 1st… Lao Cai - Sapa  </b>

Upon arrival at Lao Cai station, we will be met &amp; picked up for our transfer to Sapa. We will  have breakfast at a local restaurant. Sapa is known as the home to the Red Dao, Black Hmong, Tay , and Xa Pho ethnic minorities.

This afternoon we will visit the Sapa market where people have gathered from the surrounding mountains and valleys to trade their goods. There will be colourful embroideries made by hand. Coming here you will learn more about the market culture of the hill tribe people in the North Vietnam. We will visit Ham Rong mountian to enjoy the cool atmosphere and charming landscapes. There are stone gardens, gardens of medicinal plants, and orchid gardens. Here we find houses on stilts, homes of the ethnic minorities.

Overnight…Sunny Mountain Hotel

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<b>March 2nd… Sapa – Lao Chai &amp; Ta Van Villages </b>

This morning we will walk down to a beautiful valley near Sapa to see the Lao Chai &amp; Ta Van villages situated on the terraces with rice-paddies. This is the home of the H'mong &amp; Dzao people.

You will have free time to stroll around Sapa in the afternoon..

Overnight…Sunny Mountain Hotel

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<b>March 3rd…Sapa – Bac Ha Market – Lao Cai - Hanoi  </b>

Today we  travel further north into Vietnam with the next stop Bac Ha Market which attracts a wide variety of ethnic minority groups including the Variegated Hmong, Dao, Phu La, La Chi, Tay people. This congregation is colorful and unique.

This afternoon we will travel down stream by boat on the Chay River visiting the villages along the way. We drive back Lao Cai City and have dinner in a local restaurant. Free time to explore the town until our transfer to Lao Cai Railway Station for the overnight train back to Hanoi.

Overnight on board.

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<b>March 4th…Hanoi – Ha Long Bay  </b>

Arrive Hanoi in the early morning, transfer to mini hotel to have showers. After breakfast, at approximately 8:15, we are transferred to Halong Bay. On arrival at 12:30 we embark on a cruise to visit Ha Long Bay. This is listed as a World Heritage area of outstanding natural beauty. This picturesque “Dragon descending to the sea” Bay has 1,969 limestone islets rising from the sea, many of them containing beautiful grottoes. A fantastic cruise in Ha Long bay, visit Dinh Huong island, Ga Choi island, Dog island, Sail island, visit Sung Sot cave. Paddle from Titov beach to Luon Cave. Enjoy dinner on board

Optional night paddle: Fishing, drinking Vietnamese wine, and spending a night on board.

Overnight…Glory Cruise boat

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<b>March 5th…Ha Long Bay - Hanoi  </b>

Today we continue to explore other side of Ha Long Bay. A brunch is served on board at 11:30. Our driver will pick us up and transfer us back to Hanoi with a stopover at Dong Trieu village.

Overnight…Lanvien Hotel

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<b>March 6th…Hanoi </b>

Today you are free to shop and or explore Hanoi.

Overnight…Lanvien Hotel

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<b>March 7th…Hanoi – Danang – Hoi An Sightseeing  </b>

After breakfast<b>, </b>transfer to Noi Bai airport for late morning flight to Danang. On arrival we continue further south to Hoi An, which was one of major trading centers of Southeast Asia in the 16th century.

Hoi An was originally a Cham seaport but has been influenced through the centuries by a myriad of traders from various cultures. This is a tranquil, delightful town, home of the famous Japanese Covered Bridge, the Pottery Museum, the 200 year old Tamky House, the Chua Ong Pagoda, and a vibrant market. We will do a walking tour past many low tiled houses scattered along the small streets and assembly halls which reflect the town's multi-cultural past.

You will have free time in late afternoon.

Overnight…Ancient House Resort

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<b>March 8th…Half Day To My Son &amp; Boat Trip On Thu Bon River  </b>

Today, we have a half-day trip in the morning to visit the capital and religious centre of the former Champa Kingdom of My Son, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, 40km southwest of Hoi An, in a lush green valley, are dozens of red brick towers and sanctuaries dating from the seventh to thirteenth centuries.

We will have a short boat trip on Thu Bon River.

You will have free time for shopping and further discovery of Hoi An.

Hoi An is known for it’s silk production, and tailors await you on every street for custom made clothing.

Overnight…Ancient House resort

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<b>March 9th…Hoi An Cooking Class At Moning Glory With Ms Vy  </b>

Become more familiar with the art of Vietnamese cooking with a start to finish cooking course. This 4-hourclass combines a market tour, an overview of ingredients common in Vietnamese food, and a hands-on cooking class that ends with each participant making their own multi course meal. It is a great way to see all the nooks and crannies of a Vietnamese market and understand the secrets behind Vietnamese cooking.

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<b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Cooking Class:</span></b> An 8:30 start, with a transfer from the hotel. It begins with a 1 hour tour of the Hoi An market. Learn how to select the freshest ingredients. Return to Morning Glory, where a lovely air-conditioned room with individual cooking stations will be used for the cooking class. Here each dish is made step by step as you follow along. Additional assistance is offered by staff, for those that might need some extra help. The class not only covers cooking techniques, but also herbal remedies, and tricks to using Vietnamese vegetable graters and knives. All efforts are rewarded with the lunch that you have made for yourself!

<b>Note:</b> Dishes vary based on the seasonal availability of fresh ingredients.

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You will have free time in afternoon.

Overnight…Ancient House Resort

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<b> March 10th…Hoi An - Hue  </b>

After breakfast we will depart for Hue. The scenic 4-hour drive will be via Hai Van Pass known as one of Vietnam’s most impressive panoramic scenes offering spectacular views of mountains, the sea, idyllic beaches and villages. On the way to Hue, we will stop by one very famous Cham Museum. This structure contains many exquisite limestone carvings from the vanquished Kingdom of Champa.

In the afternoon, visit the Royal Mausoleum of Tu Duc designed in a tranquil setting of gardens and lakes. We will then enjoy a boat trip on the Perfumes River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda.

Overnight…Festival Hotel

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<b>March 11th…Hue Sightseeing  </b>

Today we start our sightseeing tour with the massive citadel consisting of the Imperial Citadel including Flag Tower, Noon Gate, Nine Dynastic Urns, Nine Holy Cannons, Thai Hoa Palace and the Purple Forbidden City. This royal residence was all but destroyed during the 1968 Tet Offensive, however it is still fascinating to walk among the ruins. Close to this masterpiece is Hue Imperial Museum which displays an interesting collection of bronzes, Chinaware, court robes and various emperors’ personal belongings.

We will stroll around Dong Ba market which sells a wide variety of local goods and handicrafts.

Overnight…Festival Hotel

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<b>March 12th…Hue - Ho Chi Minh …Saigon </b>

After breakfast, we are transferred to the airport for our late morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City.  Met and transferred to our hotel for check in.

In the afternoon, we spend half day exploring the captivating Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Most places of interest are located near the town center. We pass by the, now-demolished, wartime American Embassy on our way to the Reunification Palace. This famous mansion was a former residence of the President of Southern Vietnam until the end of April 1975. Close to the palace are some striking French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Saigon Post Office. We follow that with a visit to the Jade Emperor Pagoda.

Overnight…Sapphire Hotel

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<b>March 13th…Ho Chi Minh </b>

After breakfastwe drive to see the crowded Saigon Chinatown, locally named Cho Lon. The mysterious narrow lanes are crammed with fascinating temples. We will also visit the Thien Hau Pagoda.

You will have a free afternoon to explore Ho Chi Minh.

Overnight…Sapphire Hotel

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<b>March 14th…Ho Chi Minh – Departure</b>
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Today you will have free time until our driver picks us up for our airport transfer. Head home or onward to Cambodia.

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<b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">OPTION TOUR FOR CAMBODIA:</span></b>

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<b>March 14th…</b>Arrival – Siem Reap

We will arrival in Siem Reap late morning and will be transferred to our hotel

for check in with our guide.

You will have free time in afternoon.

Overnight…Casa Ankor Hotel

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<b>March 15th…Siem Reap – Angkor Thom Temple </b>

After breakfast we begin our visits in the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12 century) We begin at the South Gate with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk. The Bayon Temple, unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara, the Phimeanakas, the Royal Enclosure, the Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King.

In the afternoon, you are free to relax at pool, take an optional boat trip or explore the shopping area.

Evening: Have buffet dinner and enjoy Khmer Traditional Dance Show at local restaurant

Overnight…Casa Ankor Hotel

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* Optional for Tonle Sap trip in afternoon: <b>US$ 20/person</b>

We board a boat on Tonle Sap Lake, the “Great Lake” of Cambodia, one of the largest in Asia. Here enjoy a brief cruise past floating villages complete with schools, restaurants, and hospitals

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<b>March 16th…Siem Reap – Angkor Wat Temple </b>

After breakfast we visit the most famous of all the temples on the plain of Angkor: Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture.

In the afternoon, you are free to relax at the pool or shop.

Overnight…Casa Ankor Hotel

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* Optional for elephant riding in morning: <b>US$ 25/person</b>

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<p align="center"><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Cost</span></b></p>
<p align="center">Vietnam only R27,400</p>
<p align="center">Cambodia R6,400</p>
<p align="center">Includes all domestic flights including to Cambodia</p>
<p align="center">***Excludes international airfare</p>
<p align="center">~~Minimum 8 people~~</p>
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<b>\March 17th…Siem Reap - Ta Prohm </b>

After breakfast, a visit to Ta Prohm, one of the area’s most beautiful temples. Ta Prohm has been relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery. Neak Pean, a fountain built in the middle of a pool (representing the paradisiacal Himalayan mountain-lake), Ta Som, built in late 12th century C.E. the most distant temple on the grand circuit, small but classic. Preah Khan temple, Built by the King Jayavarman VII. Preah Khan is, like Ta Prohm, a place of towered enclosures and shoulder hugging corridors. Unlike Ta Prohm, however, the temple of Preah Khan is in a reasonable state of preservation and ongoing restoration efforts should maintain and even improve this situation.

In the afternoon, you are free to relax at pool or shop.

Overnight…Casa Ankor Hotel

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<b>March 18th…Siem Reap – Departure </b>

After breakfast you will have free time until the transfer to Siem Reap International airport.

Fly to Singapore

Fly onto Cape Town
<p align="center"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Included</span></p>
<p align="center">In Vietnam 2 domestic flights, R/T Vietnam trains, all transportation,</p>
<p align="center">Cruises, tours with guides, all hotels with breakfast,</p>
<p align="center">all meals in Halong Bay,</p>
<p align="center"> 1 welcome dinner in Vietnam.</p>
<p align="center">~~</p>
<p align="center">In Siem Reap: all hotels with breakfast, a dinner show,</p>
<p align="center">all transportation,</p>
<p align="center">tours to temples with guides.</p>
<p align="center">~~</p>
<p align="center"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Excluded</span></p>
<p align="center"> visas, travel insurance, meals</p>