Vietnam In Luxury

Itinerary

• Vietnam

  Vietnam is the easternmost country on the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. Vietnam was under Chinese control for a thousand years before becoming a nation-state in the 10th century. Successive dynasties flourished along with geographic and political expansion deeper into Southeast Asia, until it was colonized by the French in the mid-19th century. The French were expelled in the mid-20th century, leaving a nation divided politically into two countries. Bitter fighting between the two sides continued during the Vietnam War, ending with a communist victory in 1975. In 1986, Vietnam instituted economic and political reforms and began a path towards international reintegration. By 2000, it had established diplomatic relations with most nations. Its economic growth has been among the highest in the world in the past decade. Tourism is centered on Hanoi and Ha Long Bay in the north, Hue and Da Nang in the center, and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) in the south.

• Dalat

  Da Lat is a popular vacation spot for native Vietnamese who are looking for some R&R in a cool spot. This city is popular due to its crisp mountain air, beautiful surrounding forests, and California like weather.

• Halong Bay

  Ha Long Bay is located 160km (100 miles) north of Hanoi, this is an amazing complex of 3000 chalk islands rising out of the South China Sea. The area is strange, eerie and very beautiful. Many of the islands contain bizarre cave formations and grottoes. An entire culture of floating villages has evolved with interlinked boats that can move from island to island.

• Hanoi

  Hanoi is nestled on the banks of the Red River, it is a beautiful city that retains an air of French colonial elegance with pretty yellow stucco buildings lining leafy streets. Hanoi is also a city of lakes, which adds to its air of sleepy grace. In the middle of the city lies the peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake with the 18th-century Ngoc Son Temple sitting on an island in its center. To the north of Hoan Kiem Lake is the Old Quarter, a fascinating maze of small antiquated streets lined with markets and pavement restaurants and cafes. Also worth a visit, the former Ville Française was the old French administrative center and is characterized by enormous colonial-era châteaux and wide spacious boulevards. It also houses Hanoi’s most popular attraction, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

• Ho Chi Minh City

  Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is more modern than other Vietnamese cities, and has retained its French colonial influences. The streets are jam-packed with mopeds and scooters, often carrying whole families. Highlights in the city include the colorful Emperor of Jade Pagoda, an excellent example of a Chinese temple. The Hôtel de Ville is a wonderful example of French colonial architecture. The twin towers of Notre Dame Cathedral have been a familiar landmark in Ho Chi Minh City since the 1880s. The War Remnants Museum bears witness to the suffering inflicted on the Vietnamese people during the Vietnam War in the 1960s and 1970s. Other sites relevant to that era are Reunification Hall and the former US Embassy. An interesting excursion from Saigon is a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels in which the South Vietnamese Communists concealed themselves and from which they launched attacks on US soldiers.

• Hoi An

  Hoi An is a small town in Central Vietnam famous for its wooden houses, for its family chapels, for its Assembly Halls and for its silk shops. The town of Hoi An, known as Faifo in Europe, played a central role in the commerce between Vietnam and the rest of the world from the 16th to the 19th century. Nowadays the town attracts tourists from all the continents.

• Hue

  Hue was the capitol of Vietnam, from 1744 until 1945, when the last emperor abdicated. The city was severely damaged in the war, but many architectural gems remain. The city features the old Imperial complex, the Citadel and the Forbidden city, pagodas, and the many tombs of the emperors that lie a few kilometers south of the city. Each tomb is a walled compound containing temples, palaces, and lakes. Hue is divided between the older fortified Citadel, containing almost everything interesting, and the new, smaller sprawl that has developed across the river. The new side contains most of the facilities, the hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, and banks. It is a quiet, relaxing city, big enough to be interesting but small enough to bicycle around.

• Nha Trang

  The city of Nha Trang is becoming more popular with tourists in recent years. Yet, with a population of 300,000, Nha Trang still retains its small town atmosphere. This resort town is well known for its miles of beach and the friendliness of its people. The city is flanked by nearly ten kilometers of prime beach where the water is warm year round. The average temperature in Nha Trang is 26 C. It is 1,287 km south of Hanoi, 624 km south of Hue and 442 km from Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon). Nha Trang has several famous islands. Most notable are Hon Tre, Hon Yen, Hon Rua and the Spratly islands.

• • Hanoi
  • the structure of Sofitel Hanoi

  Day 1: Hanoi

  You will be met and transferred between the airport to your hotel in a private vehicle with an English speaking driver.

  Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Metropole (5*)

  The exquisite Metropole in Hanoi, which was built by the French in the colonial style in the early 1900s, combines old-world charm with modern convenience. With its rich history and evocative public spaces, it is easy to imagine the days when Graham Greene propped up the bar and intrigue radiated from every room. Located in the heart of downtown, the hotel features 363 rooms and suites and a beautiful interior garden. Le Beaulieu serves fine French cuisine while Hanoi specialties are served at the Spices Garden. A swimming pool and fitness center are available and the beautiful city of Hanoi is just at the doorstep, ready for you to explore its sights and sounds.

• • Dragon & Incense sticks in Temple of Literature

  Day 2: Hanoi

  Visit the Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh and his former residence, One pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature. After lunch, continue your city tour to one of Hanoi's many museums: Fine Art, History, Revolutionary, War, Ethnology (of your choosing), then head to Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. Experience a one hour cyclo ride. Finish your day off at the Thang Long Opera Theatre for a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show.

  Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Metropole (5*)
• • Halong Bay
  • The Halong Violet

  Day 3: Halong Bay

  You will be picked up at 8am for your private transfer to Halong City. This takes roughly 3 hours. You may stop enroute to admire the local scenery. Arrive at the port around 11:30am and board the ship. Begin sailing and pass through magical bay, where thousands of sculpted limestone islands rise from the waves like dragons’ teeth. After lunch, take a short trek to a nearby summit for a panoramic view of the bay dotted with golden sails, go swimming on a quiet beach or sunbath on the sundeck. Later in the afternoon, you will visit an interesting fishing village with an opportunity to interact with local people who have been living in the bay for almost three generations. Back on board enjoy a lavish dinner. Overnight on board.

  .

  Accommodation: Halong Violet (5*)

  Halong Violet is the newest five star junk on Halong Bay. The ship is fitted out in the 1930’s Indochine style. It featured a boutique dinning room, library & lounge, Spa & Gym and 6 individual theme cabins with marble bathroom, jacuzzi & balcony. The junk also cruise its own routine away from the crowd to untouched areas of the bay.

• • Hue
  • La Residence

  Day 4: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Hue

  Wake up to Tai Chi exercises on the sun deck and continue cruising the bays. Breakfast buffet will be served in the restaurant, then you will visit the limestone grotto. Disembark in Halong City around 11am and transfer back to Hanoi with your private vehicle, guide and driver.

  Relax during this short domestic flight travelling between Hanoi and Hue, Vietnam.

  Airport transfer with private guide, driver and vehicle.

  Accommodation: La Residence (5*)

  La Residence Hotel & Spa is brilliantly located on the river banks of the Perfume River in the centre of Hue. Its incredible location overlooking the Citadel and the Perfume River gives this resort its uniqueness, embracing total serene tranquility. Art Deco inspired rooms are stylishly decorated with lovely details of the great 1920's and 1950's era. Dine at Le Parfum restaurant, ideal for breakfast and dinner buffets, and have a tantalizing cocktail at the lobby bar. Indulge your senses at La Flamboyant Spa, or merely laze around the pool all day and gaze out toward the river.

• • Pillars at the Thien Mu pagoda

  Day 5: Hue

  In the morning you will be transferred by private vehicle to visit the Hue Citadel - Vietnam’s former imperial capital and a recognized UNESCO World Heritage site. With an area of 500ha and a system of three circles of ramparts, this citadel is far more elaborate than those constructed by previous empires. After lunch (included), continue your tour with a boat cruise along the Perfume River. Enjoy this romantic cruise and visit the Minh Mang Tomb. Finish up at Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest ancient architectural structures for religious worship in Hue.

  Accommodation: La Residence (5*)
• • Hoi An
  • The Nam Hai Hotel

  Day 6: Hue - Hoi An

  Transfer between Hue and Hoi An with private car and English speaking Driver.

  Morning departure to Danang to visit the Cham Museum, Marble mountain and China Beach, then drive back to Hoi An for lunch. Afternoon, take a city tour to discover this historic town which used to be a prosperous seaport city during the 16th to 18th centuries. Visit Hoi An colourful local market, Tan Ky old house, Fukien Assembly Hall, and the 400-year-old Japanese covered bridge. Travelers can also see local residents raise silkworms and produce silk for Hoi An's burgeoning textile industry. Lunch is included.

  Accommodation: The Nam Hai (5*)

  The Nam Hai Hotel, Hoi An is located 30 minutes by car from Danang International Airport and 15 minutes from the picturesque town of Hoi-An. The Nam Hai features 60 One-Bedroom Villas and 40 Pool Villas, all offering views of the South China Sea and feature large bedrooms and living spaces, en-suite bathtubs, walk-in closets and luxurious bathrooms. The hotel's restaurants are sure to please with delectable dishes and lovely cocktails. The Nam Hai Hotel is self-contained luxury, meeting a guest's every need on-site with a spa and numerous recreational facilities, such as tennis courts, beachfront swimming pools and a library.

• • Chef Thanh making Eggplant in Clay Pot

  Day 7: Hoi An

  You will be picked up by car today for a full day tour. Join a small group for the cooking school portion. Pick out your ingredients at the local market and take a boat 25-minutes up the river to the cooking school. Watch the fishermen cast their nets on the water and experience the life along the river. We arrive at a small town and walk to the cooking school. The lesson is in an open-air pavilion next to the river. Chef Thanh will teach you how to cook a traditional Vietnamese meal. Work off that lunch with an afternoon cycling tour to Cua Dai beach (5km) and relax. You will return back to your hotel by about 4:00PM.

  Accommodation: The Nam Hai (5*)
• • Nha Trang
  • Ana Mandara Resort

  Day 8: Hoi An - Danang - Nha Trang

  Airport transfer between Danang airport and Hoi An with private vehicle, Driver, and English-speaking guide.

  Relax during this short domestic flight travelling between Danang and Nha Trang, Vietnam.

  Enjoy a private transfer between Nha Trang airport and your hotel.

  Accommodation: Evason Ana Mandara (5*)

  Set in the cool climate of the rural highlands of Central Vietnam, Evason Ana Mandara comprises 17 French colonial villas, each originally constructed between the 1920's and 1930's and lovingly restored to their former glory, with all care taken to preserve original design, décor and charm. The surrounding countryside and town provide beautiful views from all areas of the gently sloping hillside property. Rest in the comfort of your spacious and peaceful villa and enjoy privately arranged in-room dining while relaxing to the breeze of the refreshing mountain air coming through your window.

• • Snorkeling

  Day 9: Nha Trang

  You will be picked up today by private car and english speaking guide for a day trip to Mun island - a Marine Protected Area MPA, in Nha Trang Bay. Spend the day diving and snorkeling with your guide. Experience the richest coral biodiversity of corals identified in Vietnam with over 350 species and many kinds of big, colourful fish. Enjoy seafood lunch on the island before returning back to your hotel late afternoon.

  Accommodation: Evason Ana Mandara (5*)
• • Dalat
  • Ana Mandara Villas, Dalat

  Day 10: Nha Trang - Dalat

  Private transfer between Nha Trang and Dalat with private car, driver, and english speaking guide. (225km, approx 5 hours)

  Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Dalat, visiting Xuan Huong Lake, the Flower Garden, Linh Son Pagoda, Bao Dai's summer palace, built in 1933 and the famous Hang Nga guest house and art gallery, also known as the "crazy house".

  Accommodation: Ana Mandara Villas

  Ana Mandara Villas are lush French colonial-influenced accommodations seated in the countryside of Central Vietnam. Built almost one hundred years ago, each of the 17 villas have been renovated and preserved. Acres of land promise stunning views of the region. Spacious and marked by luxurious accents and fittings, 64 individual spaces are offered, some with living rooms and some as spa suites, but all guaranteeing comfort and peace. The surrounding countryside and town provide beautiful views from all areas of the gently sloping hillside property.
  
  

• • Da Lat Flower Market.

  Day 11: Dalat

  You will be picked up by private car and English speaking Driver for a visit into the country side today. Da Lat is known for its large variety of fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers. In the afternoon, visit the Lat village (located 15km north of Dalat), where different hilltribe groups live. Transfer back to the hotel in the afternoon after a short stop at the Da Lat Flower Market.

  Accommodation: Ana Mandara Villas
• • Ho Chi Minh City
  • Park Hyatt Saigon hotel

  Day 12: Dalat - Ho Chi Minh City

  Transfer between Da Lat airport and your hotel with private vehicle and English speaking Driver.

  Relax during this short domestic flight travelling between Dalat and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

  Enjoy a private transfer with English Speaking Driver between Ho Chi Minh City airport and your hotel.

  Accommodation: Park Hyatt (5*)

  The Park Hyatt is centrally located at Lam Son Square, near the elegant Opera House in downtown Saigon, The 252-room Park Hyatt Saigon hotel is within walking distance of business, shopping, entertainment and main tourist attractions. The colonial style rooms feature beautiful wooden floors, white marble baths with a luxurious walk-in rain shower and stunning pool view. Overlook Lam Son Square while dining at the casual yet contemporary Morocco Restaurant or at Square One, featuring simple and authentic Vietnamese and Western cuisine. Situated next to the beautifully landscaped pool, The Xuan Spa is an oasis of tranquility within the hustle of Ho Chi Minh City. Pamper yourself in this luxurious and peaceful setting and allow the treatments to inspire your senses and renew your spirit.

• • Post Office Ho Chi Minh City

  Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City

  Visit to Cu Chi tunnels ( 70 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh city ) an amazing complex of underground tunnels used during the Vietnam war. The residents of Cu Chi took their war underground, literally, developing a network of tunnels that, at its height, stretched as far as Cambodia and included meeting rooms, kitchens, and triage area. In the afternoon, return to the city for a tour visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral, Post Office and the former Presidential Palace. Continue to visit the War Museum. After a Vietnamese lunch at local restaurant (is in the price included), explore the China Town area and visit Thien Mu pagoda. Finish your tour off with a visit to Ben Thanh market.

  Accommodation: Park Hyatt (5*)

• Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City

  Enjoy a private transfer with English Speaking Driver between Ho Chi Minh City airport and your hotel.

  Accommodation: Depart

  Depart from Ho Chi Minh City International airport - end of itinerary.

Accommodation

• Cultural Moments

  Throughout Asia, rice paddies are somewhat of a constant landscape element. Rice is grown in paddies, or shallow puddles carefully controlled to ensure the appropriate water depth (typically 15 cm).  The farmers take advantage of the rice plant's tolerance to water: the water in the paddies prevents weeds from outgrowing the crop. Once the rice has established dominance of the field, the water can be drained in preparation for harvest.

• Culinary Moments

  There are a vast array of fruits native to Asia that we are sure to see along the way - keep your eyes peeled for jackfruit, lychee, rambutan, mangosteen, durian, and starfruit  - all fruits somewhat unknown to the North American

• Fun Facts

  The conical leaf hat, or in Vietnamese, non la, is hand-woven with palm leaves and bamboo, then coated with attar to keep it clean, smooth, and waterproof – helping to protect from sun and rain in tropical Vietnam.

• • Sofitel Legend Metropole

  Sofitel Legend Metropole (5*)

  The exquisite Metropole in Hanoi, which was built by the French in the colonial style in the early 1900s, combines old-world charm with modern convenience. With its rich history and evocative public spaces, it is easy to imagine the days when Graham Greene propped up the bar and intrigue radiated from every room. Located in the heart of downtown, the hotel features 363 rooms and suites and a beautiful interior garden. Le Beaulieu serves fine French cuisine while Hanoi specialties are served at the Spices Garden. A swimming pool and fitness center are available and the beautiful city of Hanoi is just at the doorstep, ready for you to explore its sights and sounds.

  • More information
• • The Halong Violet

  Halong Violet (5*)

  Halong Violet is the newest five star junk on Halong Bay. The ship is fitted out in the 1930’s Indochine style. It featured a boutique dinning room, library & lounge, Spa & Gym and 6 individual theme cabins with marble bathroom, jacuzzi & balcony. The junk also cruise its own routine away from the crowd to untouched areas of the bay.

  • More information
• • La Residence

  La Residence (5*)

  La Residence Hotel & Spa is brilliantly located on the river banks of the Perfume River in the centre of Hue. Its incredible location overlooking the Citadel and the Perfume River gives this resort its uniqueness, embracing total serene tranquility. Art Deco inspired rooms are stylishly decorated with lovely details of the great 1920's and 1950's era. Dine at Le Parfum restaurant, ideal for breakfast and dinner buffets, and have a tantalizing cocktail at the lobby bar. Indulge your senses at La Flamboyant Spa, or merely laze around the pool all day and gaze out toward the river.

  • More information

• The Nam Hai (5*)

  The Nam Hai Hotel, Hoi An is located 30 minutes by car from Danang International Airport and 15 minutes from the picturesque town of Hoi-An. The Nam Hai features 60 One-Bedroom Villas and 40 Pool Villas, all offering views of the South China Sea and feature large bedrooms and living spaces, en-suite bathtubs, walk-in closets and luxurious bathrooms. The hotel's restaurants are sure to please with delectable dishes and lovely cocktails. The Nam Hai Hotel is self-contained luxury, meeting a guest's every need on-site with a spa and numerous recreational facilities, such as tennis courts, beachfront swimming pools and a library.

  • More information
• • Ana Mandara Resort

  Evason Ana Mandara (5*)

  Set in the cool climate of the rural highlands of Central Vietnam, Evason Ana Mandara comprises 17 French colonial villas, each originally constructed between the 1920's and 1930's and lovingly restored to their former glory, with all care taken to preserve original design, décor and charm. The surrounding countryside and town provide beautiful views from all areas of the gently sloping hillside property. Rest in the comfort of your spacious and peaceful villa and enjoy privately arranged in-room dining while relaxing to the breeze of the refreshing mountain air coming through your window.

  • More information
• • Ana Mandara Villas

  Ana Mandara Villas

  Ana Mandara Villas are lush French colonial-influenced accommodations seated in the countryside of Central Vietnam. Built almost one hundred years ago, each of the 17 villas have been renovated and preserved. Acres of land promise stunning views of the region. Spacious and marked by luxurious accents and fittings, 64 individual spaces are offered, some with living rooms and some as spa suites, but all guaranteeing comfort and peace. The surrounding countryside and town provide beautiful views from all areas of the gently sloping hillside property.
  
  

  • More information
• • Park Hyatt Saigon
  • Park Hyatt - Dining

  Park Hyatt (5*)

  The Park Hyatt is centrally located at Lam Son Square, near the elegant Opera House in downtown Saigon, The 252-room Park Hyatt Saigon hotel is within walking distance of business, shopping, entertainment and main tourist attractions. The colonial style rooms feature beautiful wooden floors, white marble baths with a luxurious walk-in rain shower and stunning pool view. Overlook Lam Son Square while dining at the casual yet contemporary Morocco Restaurant or at Square One, featuring simple and authentic Vietnamese and Western cuisine. Situated next to the beautifully landscaped pool, The Xuan Spa is an oasis of tranquility within the hustle of Ho Chi Minh City. Pamper yourself in this luxurious and peaceful setting and allow the treatments to inspire your senses and renew your spirit.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-co.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

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