TRAVEL SERVICE & RESERVATION – Christiaan

Day 1 – 10 Apr: Ho Chi Minh (Arrival)

Please be ready around 2.5 to 3 hours at the airport before your departure time to check – in your flight. Take flight to Ho Chi Minh (depart at 10:35 AM – VN 780).

Arrival at Tan Son Nhat airport at 16:25 PM, our driver welcomes and transfers you to hotel for check-in. Rest of the day is your leisure time for walking around the city for shopping and relax.

• Overnight at Majestic Saigon Hotel in Ho Chi Minh.
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Day 2 – 11 Apr: Ho Chi Minh city → Mekong Delta

Breakfast at hotel.

At 08:00 AM – pick you up at your hotel, then transfer to My Tho by bus (1.5 hours). On the way, we will visit Vinh Trang pagoda, the biggest pagoda in the Mekong delta. Upon arrival in My Tho, we will take a boat trip along the Mekong River, where you can see fish cages and floating houses on the river. The boat takes you to a small canal, where you can totally escape from the busy town. The boat cruise takes you to a coconut island in Ben Tre. Stop at a local family home to enjoy tropical fruit, taste the honey tea, honey wine and listen to Vietnamese traditional music, performed by the villagers.

Stop by the village coconut candy shop, learn how to make candy, and see some handicraft made out of coconut trees. Take a walk through the village and admire the fruits, flowers, trees, local houses, children and people. Then, we head to the local restaurant. Lunch is set with special Vietnamese food at here.

After lunch, relax, go for a walk or bicycle around the area. We’ll then travel back to the river ferry and head back to Saigon by bus, arriving at around 17:30 PM.

• Overnight at Majestic Saigon Hotel in Ho Chi Minh.
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Day 3 – 12 Apr: Ho Chi Minh (Cu Chi tunnel 1/2 day) → Hoi An

Breakfast at your hotel then check out your hotel, you can leave big luggage at hotel (please note to hotel staff to keep for you) as you will be back to this hotel to take luggage and wait for pick up to airport.

At 08:30 AM, our guide picks up you to visit Ho Chi Minh. Depart for Cu Chi tunnel, the trip will take approximately one and a half hours bus driving. Upon arrival, before exploring the tunnels, you will have some short introduction followed by introductory video about how the tunnels were constructed and how the people survived in the harsh conditions of the war time. Then, spend your time to explore the remaining area and tunnel systems which included the special constructed living areas with kitchens, bedrooms side by side with other martial facilities like storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers helping whoever lives inside the tunnels meet their basic needs. Besides, there are also many hidden trap doors and dangerous traps within the maze-like tunnels for security purpose during the war. Afterward, special tea and cassava (guerilla’s food during the war) will be served.

Break time for relax or time for those who want to try the real shooting gun. Have lunch at restaurant in HCM city.

After the lunch, drop you off at the hotel.

At 16:45 PM, our driver transfer you to airport for flight to Da Nang (depart at 19:20 PM – VJ 634).

Upon Da Nang airport at 20:40 PM, our driver picks up and transfers you to hotel in Hoi An for your stay.

• Overnight at Bel Marina Hoi An Resort in Hoi An.
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Day 4 – 13 Apr: Hoi An (My Son Sanctuary)

Breakfast at hotel.

At 08:30 AM, Our guide picks you up at hotel and leave Hoi An for visiting My Son Holly Land – the ruins of Cham people and was an imperial city during Cham dynasty. Here you can have more chance to explore and understand of technique of Old Cham people in making red bricks to build Tower which still now a secret to everyone, you can see a large complex of religious relics that comprises more than 65 architectural works. It also surprises for those who are curious with architectural art. In 1999, UNESCO labeled the Cham architecture in My Son as a World Cultural Heritage Site.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon, your free time to explore Hoi An ancient town.

• Overnight at Bel Marina Hoi An Resort in Hoi An.
• B,L

Day 5 – 14 Apr: Hoi An (Leisure)

Enjoy breakfast at hotel.

Spend your leisure time for explore ancient town. You can also visit some famous places on your own and try local cuisine.

• Overnight at Bel Marina Hoi An Resort in Da Nang.
• B

Day 6 – 15 Apr: Hoi An → Hanoi

Breakfast at your hotel.

Your free time to explore the Old Town until 12:00 PM – our driver transfers you to airport for flight to Hanoi (depart at 14:25 PM – VN 170).

Once arrived in Noi Bai airport at 15:50 PM, you’ll be taken to hotel for your stay. Enjoy your night in Hanoi Old Quarter.

• Overnight at Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel in Hanoi.
• B

Day 7 – 16 Apr: Hanoi → Halong bay

Breakfast at your hotel then check out your hotel, you can leave big luggage at hotel (please note to hotel staff to keep for you) and bring small bag for Halong bay trip as you will be back to this hotel to stay more.

7:45 – 8:15: Get picked up from your hotel. 

8:15 ~ 11:30: Follow the newest highway connecting Hanoi and Hai Phong. 

Upon arrival at Station number 17 – OVERNIGHT CRUISE PORT, Tuan Chau Maria, Ha Long passengers will be welcomed by receptionist at La Casta’s waiting lounge. 

11:30 – 12:00: After taking a rest, our high speed tender will transfer you to the main boat (Around 25 minutes). 

Get onboard and warmly welcome from La Casta crew team with welcome drink.

After that, you will be given a short briefing about La Casta Cruise and safety guideline at our restaurant. 

Complete the check-in procedure and check-into our suite cabins.

13:00: Enjoy a lunch in the restaurant. La Casta Cruise start to depart for the voyage to discover the Lan Ha Bay.

15:45: Visit the Ba Trai Dao area and the natural lagoon of Lan Ha Bay – this area includes the beach breaths a romantic atmosphere and three smaller islets like three giant peaches on the sea. You can join with our activities such as: kayaking, swimming, sightseeing and explore the Ba Trai Dao area.

(In unfavorable weather conditions, to ensure the safety of our guest, this destination would be change into Light cave- famous for the pristine natural beauty and poetic, attractive seascape of Lan Ha Bay. You can join with our activities such as: kayaking, sightseeing on the   bamboo boat, … – This is the best time for you to enjoy bamboo boats or swimming which is an interesting activity to discover the truest beauty of the stunning limestone structure and the blue sky of Lan Ha Bay).

17:30 – 18:30: Come back to our La Casta cruise and enjoy the pre-dinner sunset party with Happy Hour Promotion (buy 2 get 1 free with some kinds of drinks) at the bar while watching the view of the bay at sunset.

18:00: Join a cooking demonstration, our chef will guide you how to make some simple signature Vietnamese dishes.

19:30: Enjoy special seafood and typical Vietnamese food on the cruise.

21:00: Evening entertainment: Squid fishing, karaoke…

• Stay overnight on La Casta Regal Cruise in Halong.
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Day 8 – 17 Apr: Halong bay → Hanoi

• 6:15: Wake up early, join the Tai Chi session on sundeck area, enjoy the fresh atmosphere and watch the sunrise in Lan Ha Bay.
• 7:00 – 7:45: Have breakfast. Admit morning view of bay’s landscape with a cup of tea or coffee.
• 08:00:
• Stroke the stunning views of the Bay and it’s dramatic limestone islets
• Visit the famous Tra Bau, it’s time for freely kayak and explore the landscape, or swim…
• 09:00: Back to your cabin, relax and check carefully all the luggage before leaving your cabin.
• 09:30: Check-out and enjoy a fantastic cruise on the bay for room service. Complete check out procedure and enjoy your brunch at La Casta cruise.
• 10:30: Enjoy the brunch at restaurant.
• 11:30: Disembark at Tuan Chau harbor, we hope you have enjoyed your time with us and wish you a safe onward journey.

• 14:30 – 15:00 drop off your hotel.

* Because of cruising conditions, the program may be changed slightly due to specific weather or tide conditions without prior notice to visitors. Wi-Fi is available although internet connectivity is limited due to the geography of Ha Long.

• Overnight at Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel in Hanoi.
• B,L

Day 9 – 18 Apr: Hanoi (City tour)

Breakfast at your hotel.

At 08:30 AM, Get picked up by our friendly guide and start to explore Hanoi City.

08.45: Arrive at Tran Quoc Pagoda located on Golden Fish IsLand in West Lake. It is the oldest pagoda in Ha Noi built in the 6th century.

09.30: Visit Ho Chi Minh complex, you have a chance to see the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh then walk around the garden to see 2 houses where he lived & worked from 1954 to 1969. Then visit One Pillar Pagoda where worships the Godess of Mercy – It is the most unique padoga in the world

• Should dress modestly by covering from shoulders to knees when visiting Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, temples, pagodas…

• Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays.

• Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed at least 2 months (15thJune -15thAugust) for the annual maintaining but still can take picture Mausoleum and visit around that area

11.15: Visit Vietnam Ethnology Museum to learn about the culture of 54 ethnic groups living in the whole country of Vietnam.

Special Note: we will visit Women Museum instead of Ethnology Museum closed on Mondays

12.45: Have lunch at our restaurant. You have an opportunity to enjoy Vietnamese cuisine with 8 delicious dishes.

14.00 – 14.15: Continue to visit Temple of Literature – the first university of Vietnam, established in the 11 century.

15.15: Leave for Hoa Lo Prison Museum which originally used by the French colonists in Indochina for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for U.S. prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. During this later period, it was known to American POWs as the “Hanoi Hilton”

After the tour, drop you off at hotel

• Overnight at Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel in Hanoi.
• B,L

Day 10 – 19 Apr: Hanoi → Siem Reap

Breakfast at your hotel. Please check out the hotel before 12:00 PM.

Your free time to explore Hanoi Old Quarter until 13:00 PM our driver transfer you to airport for flight to Siem Reap (depart at 16:20 PM – VJ 913).

Arrival at the airport in Siem Reap at 18:05 PM, our driver picks up and transfers you to hotel for check-in.

• Overnight at Hotel Vellita Siem Reap in Siem Reap.
• B

Day 11- 20 Apr: Siem Reap (Angkor Complex)

Breakfast at your hotel. 

At 08:30 AM, Our guide picks up you to visit the antique capital of Angkor Thom (literally: “Great City”), located in present day Cambodia, was the last and most enduring capital city of the Khmer empire. Continue your visit 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.

Continue your visit to Ta Prohm, one of the most beautiful temples in Angkor. Ta Prohm has been relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery.

In the afternoon, visit Angkor Wat the most famous of all the temples on the plain of Angkor. 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.

Before ending the tour today, enjoy a wonderful sunset scenery from the Top of Phnom Bakhen Hill.

Evening, enjoy buffet dinner and watch Khmer Traditional Dance Show at a local restaurant. Watch a Apsara dance show while dining

• Overnight at Hotel Vellita Siem Reap in Siem Reap.
• B,L,D

Day 12 – 21 Apr: Siem Reap (City tour) → Departure

Monring, your breakfast at hotel.

At 08:30 AM, start the tour by visiting the National Museum. Here, you can explore a collection of Khmer art, artifacts, and historical exhibits that provide insights into the culture and history of Cambodia.

After the museum, take a boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake, one of the largest lakes in Asia. This is an opportunity to enjoy stunning views of the lake and see some of the local fishing villages and floating communities that call it home.

After the lake tour, head to downtown to visit Artisan’s D’angkor, the carving art school, where you can witness the intricate art of stone carving and other traditional crafts. Next, continue your visit to Wat Thmei, a beautiful pagoda that is known for its memorial stupa that contains the skulls of Khmer Rouge victims.

Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

At 15:00 PM – our driver transfers you to airport for flight to Ho Chi Minh (depart at 18:20 PM – VN 812) then take connecting flight to Melbourne (depart at 21:30 PM – VN 781).

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End of service!