VIETNAM MOTHERLAND TOUR - APRIL 2012
April 01, 2012: Arrive Saigon (L, D)
The group arrives in Saigon and welcomed by Viet, who have guided the Vietnam Motherland Tour for many years. Transfer to the hotel for check in. Brief lunch is at the local restaurant; followed by an orientation tour of Saigon, which recalls your former home land. Welcome dinner is in town.
Overnight at the Grand hotel
April 2, 2012: In Saigon (B, L, D)
This morning the group reunite with the local child- carers to visit our former homes where the adoptees had lived and been cared, including Phu My, New Haven, Hy Vong, To Am, etc. Lunch is at local restaurant. Dinner is at Vietnam House.
Overnight at the Grand hotel
April 3, 2012: In Saigon (B, L)
Morning visit to Cu Chi Tunnel, which was built by local VC fighters during the War; optional visit to Thien Phuoc Center, nursing home for Agent Orange affected children. Return to Saigon and free for leisure or shopping. Overnight at the Grand hotel
April 4, 2012: In Saigon (B, L)
We join our child-care workers and head over the 1975 C-5 crash site to attend the 35th memorial service to remember those who lost their lives in the plane crash. After lunch, we continue exploring the city with visits to the former Presidential Palace, War Museum. Overnight at the Grand hotel
April 5, 2012: Saigon – Mekong Delta (Can Tho) (B, L, D) We depart for the Mekong Delta to take some adoptees back to their motherland. We will discover the peaceful life of this rich agricultural cultivation and culture by experiencing the cruise on the Mekong River, tasting the tropical fruits, and enjoying lunch served with local specialties. Late afternoon we continue onto Can Tho for overnight stay at the riverside resort.
Overnight at Victoria Can Tho Resort
After breakfast, we visit Cantho Providence Orphanage. After lunch, we opt to go further down to Soc Trang for visiting Providence Soc Trang. Return to hotel for relaxation at the poolside. Overnight at Victoria Can Tho
69/3 Nguyen Trai St., Dist5; HCMC. Tel: +84 39244207; Fax: +84 39244209. Email: info@vietorienttours.com. Website: www.vietorienttours.com
April 7, 2012: Can Tho – Saigon – Hue (B, L, D)
Early morning cruise to visit the colourful floating market of Cai Rang, a unique trading activity in the delta, where hundred of trading boats converge to exchange farming products. Return to Saigon in the afternoon and catch the flight to Hue. Overnight at Saigon - Morin
April 8, 2012: In Hue (B, L, D)
April 9: Hue – Hoi An (B, L, D)
As an ancient capital of Vietnam for almost 200 years, Hue retains its old charms and historical landmarks of the regal past, including the Imperial City and royal tombs. We will visit the kings’ palace and their elaborate mausoleum, and other monuments built in 18-19th centuries. This evening dinner is hosted at the home of a former princess where the group will interact with family members and learn about the last Vietnam’s Nguyen Dynasty history.
Overnight at Saigon - Morin
After the morning cruise upstream the Perfume River, we take a scenic drive toward Danang where we visit the former Sacred Heart Orphanage and enjoy China Beach. Continue onto Hoi An, a UNESCO cultural heritage, famous for friendly people, special foods, and clothing service.
Overnight at a beach resort
April 10, 2012: In Hoi An (B, L, D)
We begin the morning with a walking tour of the Hoi An old town. As a former international trading port, Hoi An had experienced the inter- cultural exchange, inheriting the unique cultural landmarks by foreign merchants. We will see the Japanese Bridge, Pagoda Phuc Kien, Tan Ky Old House owned by the Chinese- Vietnamese generations, the ceramics museum, and other Buddhist temples dated in over 100 years ago. In the afternoon we opt to bike through the countryside of Hoi An to discover the hidden parts of this most visited town in Vietnam
Overnight at a beach resort
April 11, 2012: In Hoian (B)
We take option to spend the day exploring more this charming old town; shopping and having your clothes tailor made or relaxing on the beach. Overnight at beach resort
April 12, 2012: Danang – Saigon (B, D)
Breakfast in the hotel, and we have free time until transfer to the airport for the flight back to Saigon. Tonight our farewell dinner is arranged on the junk with the cruise on the Saigon River. Overnight at the Grand hotel
April 13, 2012: Departure (B)
Transfer to the airport for the departure flight.
69/3 Nguyen Trai St., Dist5; HCMC. Tel: +84 39244207; Fax: +84 39244209. Email: info@vietorienttours.com. Website: www.vietorienttours.com
Thailand extension
March 29, 2012: Arrive in Bangkok (by flight) (B)
On arrival at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, you will process for passport control and immigration formality, then reclaim your checked luggage and go through Customs check point. Meet and greet after you have exited to public arrival hall, then process to waiting transportation for hotel
Overnight at Sofitel Silom March 30, 2012: Highlights of Bangkok (B, L)
Enjoy healthy breakfast at the hotel Then, we will take a 20 to 50 minute drive (depending on hotel location) to Wat Po in time to experience the monks’ morning chanting ritual starting at 9AM. One of the oldest temples in Bangkok, Wat Po is home to the famous 45m reclining Buddha; it is also the original school of traditional Thai massage. From here, take a tuk-tuk ride via Pak Klong Taland Flower Market towards The Grand Palace, the most important and impressive royal palace in Thailand. The mysterious Emerald Buddha, the most
revered Buddha image in Thailand is housed here.
Then, get a brief walk through local market to local pier, boarding an exclusive hot rod “007” long tailed boat for in search of Bangkokian’s local life style along the small canals of Thonburi. What you will see of this water borne way life is fascinating & it gives you a taste of a bygone era when much of the city life revolved around the rivers & its network of canals. You’ll be surprised at how different the city looks from the canals & how quickly you seem to be in the countryside. The water journey 1st stop is made at Wat Arun – the Temple of Dawn – one of the cities earliest temples, now often used as a symbol of the city & the country. It is beautifully decorated with China & porcelain.
Continue to Wat Trimitr, which houses a huge 5 ton solid Gold Buddha and cross the river again and embark for a drive to Chinatown and get a first-hand look at old Bangkok. Walk along Yaworat Road where you visit interesting shops selling anything imaginable. Enjoy a cup of Chinese tea with the locals at a very old teashop before exploring the bustling Talad Kao market, where a variety of food, fresh and dry fruits, and Chinese herbs are on offer. After visit, transfer back to the hotel for relaxing and enjoying the facilities of the hotel.
We will have some free time to meet with Sister Rosemary, who used to work with Sister Susan McDonald in taking care of the adoptees before 1975.
March 31, 2012: Day trip to Pattaya (B, L)
After breakfast, board your vehicle and drive to Pattaya (approximately 2.5 hours). On arrival, meet your friend and visit the grave at St. Nicholas Church – this special trip offers us the opportunity to reunite with those who lost their life on April 4 and has rested perpetually at this place since. We will spend a moment of silence to remember them. Enjoy lunch and then return to Bangkok for time at leisure
April 01, 2012: Bangkok – Saigon (B)
Relax on your own until time to check out and travel to the airport for your flight onward.
Regroup with the other participants who are not doing the Thailand extension to begin the Vietnam Motherland Tour from April 1 to April 13, 2012
69/3 Nguyen Trai St., Dist5; HCMC. Tel: +84 39244207; Fax: +84 39244209. Email: info@vietorienttours.com. Website: www.vietorienttours.com
B. Pricing: based on twin shared room at all hotels
C. Services to be included:
- Hotel accommodation with daily breakfast (4-star category) - Private bus for transfers and tours - English-speaking national guide throughout the trip - Admission fees; boat trips; domestic flights: Saigon-Hue, Da Nang-Saigon - Meals as specified on the itinerary; lunches and 1 hotel room at Victoria in Can Tho for 4 childcare workers joining the group in Saigon
- Tip for service team (drivers, porters, local guide) - Vietnam visa upon arrival approval letter processing
D. Services to be not included: - International flight into Vietnam and on Thailand side trip (see separate cost above) - Vietnam visa stamping fee to be paid at the airport on arrival ($25) - Travel insurance - Personal expenses - Private airport transfers for individual arrivals
Updated on Nov 21st, 2011
69/3 Nguyen Trai St., Dist5; HCMC. Tel: +84 39244207; Fax: +84 39244209. Email: info@vietorienttours.com. Website: www.vietorienttours.com
Group size
7-10 people
11-15 people
16-19 people
Vietnam main trip April 1-13, 2012
US$2594
US$2213
US$2006
Thailand land tour April 13-16, 2012
US$485
US$439
US$473
Round trip flight from Saigon to Bangkok $333