VIETNAM MOTHERLAND TOUR 2006

 

March 25 - April 10, 2006

 

Escorted by Sr. Susan McDonald

 

 

PRELIMINARY ITINERARY

March 25, Saturday

Depart from Los Angeles at 11pm.

 

March 26, Sunday

Transit

 

Day 1: March 27, Monday: Ho Chi Minh City

Morning arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. Transfer to the hotel. After a brief rest followed by lunch, we take a city tour visiting the Old Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, grounds of the US consulate, and Ben Thanh market. Overnight Ho Chi Minh City (LD)

 

Day 2: March 28, Tuesday: Ho Chi Minh City

Childcare workers join us in visiting places of personal significance of each adoptee including Phu My orphanage, Allambie, New Haven, To Am, Hy Vong, and former adoption offices and agencies. Overnight Ho Chi Minh City (BLD)

 

Day 3: March 29, Wednesday: Ho Chi Minh City

Morning tour of the former Presidential Palace before driving to Cu Chi to visit the Cu Chi tunnels, an elaborate tunnel system used during the American war. Optional drinks on the rooftop of the Rex Hotel. Overnight Ho Chi Minh City (BL)

 

Day 4: March 30, Thursday: Ho Chi Minh City – Vinh Long Morning departure for our 2-day excursion to the Mekong Delta. We pick up a boat and cruise to Vinh Long where we stop at the bonsai gardener’s home for lunch. Afternoon walk through a village and visit several family-run handicraft centers before retiring to our homestay. Overnight Homestay (BLD)

 

Day 5: March 31, Friday: Can Tho/Soc Trang

Morning drive to Can Tho, the commercial capital of the Delta, and visit Providence Orphanage. After lunch, optional trip to Soc Trang to visit Providence Orphanage or leisure time in Can Tho. Overnight Can Tho (BLD)

 

Day 6: April 1, Saturday: Can Tho – Ho Chi Minh City

Morning visit to the colorful floating market before driving directly back to Ho Chi Minh City. Dinner on your own. Overnight Ho Chi Minh City (BL)

 

Day 7: April 2, Sunday: Ho Chi Minh City

Optional morning church service at Notre Dame Cathedral before attending a memorial service at the C-5 crash site to remember those who did not survive the Operation Babylift tragedy. Remaining time free on your own. Overnight Ho Chi Minh City (B)

 

Day 8: April 3, Monday: Ho Chi Minh City - Hue

Morning flight to Hue, the former imperial capital, and transfer to hotel. Today's city tour includes the royal tombs of former emperor Minh Mang, Imperial Citadel and Thien Mu Pagoda. This evening we dress up as royalty and enjoy a traditional imperial dinner. Overnight Hue (BLD)  

 

Day 9: April 4, Tuesday: Danang - Hoi An

Late morning drive via Hai Van Pass and enjoy the spectacular view with a stop at Lang Co beach for lunch. We continue our drive to Danang and visit former Sacred Heart Orphanage. Late afternoon drive to Hoi An where we overnight. Dinner on your own. Overnight Hoi An (BL)

 

Day 10: April 5, Wednesday:  Hoi An

Morning walking tour of Hoi An's ancient quarters. Remaining time free for your own exploration. This historic town was a former international shipping port in the 18th century and today is popular among tourists for its eccentric architecture and variety of art galleries, restaurants, souvenir and tailor shops. Lunch and dinner on your own. Overnight Hoi An (B)

 

Day 11: April 6, Thursday: Danang - Hanoi

Morning drive to Danang for our flight to Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. After lunch and checking into our hotel, we begin a city tour visiting Ho Chi Minh Museum, Temple of Literature, the "Hanoi Hilton" prison, and Ethnology Museum. Tonight enjoy a traditional water puppet performance followed by dinner. Overnight Hanoi (BLD)

 

Day 12: April 7, Friday: Hanoi

Morning visit to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum followed by a cyclo tour of the Old Quarter of “36 streets of 36 wares.” Afternoon free for your own exploration. Dinner on your own. Overnight Hanoi (BL)

 

Day 13: April 8, Saturday: Hanoi - Halong Bay

Morning drive to Halong City with a stop at Sao Do handicraft center where crafts are made by disadvantaged youth. We arrive by noontime and board our private boat for a 4-hour cruise through the spectacular Halong Bay, a World Heritage Site, where thousands of limestone islets soar from the emerald sea. We are served a fresh seafood lunch on board. Early evening drive back to Hanoi. Overnight Hanoi (BL)

 

Day 14: April 9, Sunday: Hanoi

Free day for last minute shopping and sightseeing. This evening enjoy our farewell dinner. Overnight Hanoi (BD)

 

Day 15: April 10, Monday: DEPARTURE

Transfer to Noi Bai airport for US departure. Return to Los Angeles the same day. (B)

 

 

TOUR INFORMATION

Price: USD3,200 per person based on sharing room. Single supplement USD500. Price is based on 10 travelers. $200 surcharge will apply if less than 10 traveling.

Includes: International airfare from Los Angeles; hotels and hotel taxes based on double occupancy; ground transportation, English-speaking guide; entrance and sightseeing fees; meals as indicated (B-breakfast; L-lunch; D-dinner); 2 domestic flights and airport taxes; limited travel insurance; and Vietnam tourist visa.

Does not include: Airfare to Los Angeles, drinks, camera and video fees, and items of personal nature.

 

Note: Itinerary & price is subject to change.

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© Vietnam Motherland Tour, 2005-2006