Before boarding our amazing Thailand liveaboard, visit fascinating Vietnam on this fully escorted tour. Vietnam has had a long love affair with the mythical dragon, and given its shape similar to a dragon, there is no more appropriate time to visit Vietnam than in 2012, which is the year of the dragon in the Chinese calendar. Its 2,000 years of history and America’s heavy involvement in its recent past make it an extremely interesting destination. Get to know its many layers of history and culture that have affected them and us so deeply, and come to better appreciate a beautiful, fascinating land and its people.
Traveling from South to North we shall ascend the dragon.
Itinerary:
Friday, 10 February, 2012 Arrive in Bangkok
Arrive anytime today, including late at night, and overnight at Bangkok Suvanabhumi Airport Novotel (book online; this hotel stay is not included). Leave your dive gear at the left luggage storage at the airport.
Saturday, 11 February, 2012 Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Depart for Ho Chi Minh City at 7:50 am and arrive at 9:15 a.m.
Process visas at airport.
Tour of city and War Memorial Museum (former Presidential Palace).
Overnight at 4-star hotel.
Sunday, 12 February, 2012 Cu Chi Tunnels
Visit Cu Chi Tunnels and Tay Ninh, home of Cau Dai Religion.
5 pm departure for Da Nang/Hoi An.
Overnight at Palm Garden Hoi An.
Monday, 13 February, 2012 Hoi An
Visit charming Hoi An with a morning walking tour of old town.
Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight at Palm Garden Hoi An.
Tuesday, 14 February, 2012 Da Nang / China Beach
Depart Hoi An for Da Nang. Tour Cham Museum, China Beach and
Marble Mountain, then continue on to Hue.
Overnight at Morin Hotel in Hue.
Wednesday, 15 February, 2012 Hue
Tour Hue Citadel, Royal tombs of Khai Dinh and Te Duc, pagodas etc
Afternoon flight to Hanoi and overnight in 4-star hotel in Hanoi.
Thursday, 16 February, 2012 Hanoi
City tour of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and grounds.
Overnight at 4 star hotel.
Friday, 17 February, 2012 Halong Bay
Depart Hanoi for Halong Bay cruise, lunch, dinner on board.
Overnight on Halong Bay cruise boat.
Saturday, 18 February, 2012 Halong Bay / Hanoi
Breakfast on Halong Bay, return to port, return to Hanoi.
Free evening in Hanoi and overnight at 4-star hotel.
Sunday, 19 February, 2012 Flight to Phuket and transfer to
Diva Andaman Liveaboard
Morning check-out, pick up and transfer to airport, followed by 6:30 a.m. flight to Bangkok, where you'll retrieve your dive gear from storage and connect to your afternoon flight to Phuket.
That evening you will board S/Y Diva Andaman to be transported to the Similan Islands and fantastic Richelieu Rock on your scuba adventure!
Package Includes:
- Travel Visa on arrival for Vietnam
- Hotels in Saigon, Hoi An, Hue and Hanoi; Halong Bay cruise ship accommodations (double occupancy)
- Air travel: BKK to SGN, SGN to DAD, HUI to HAN and HAN to BKK
- Daily breakfast at hotels
- Meals on Halong Bay cruise
- All transfers and buses for tours, entrance fees to sights
- Services of Harry Roberge as our tour escort
Excluded:
Airfare to Bangkok, overnight at Novotel, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, meals not outlined above, tips and items of a personal nature. Diva Andaman liveaboard billed separately. Flight to Phuket not included.
Air Connections:
From North America, most travelers will depart on Thursday, February 9 and connect in Asia to arrive in Bangkok (BKK) late at night on Friday, February 10 or just after midnight on February 11.
We return from Hanoi on the morning of 19 February with plenty of time to catch a flight to Phuket for the liveaboard (not included). E-mail us for suggestions on which domestic flights to book, tailored to your departing international flights.
Plan to depart Bangkok after the Diva Andaman liveaboard on Sunday, 26 February or later, or join us for a post-liveaboard adventure to Cambodia and the wonders of Angkor Wat. Price and detailed itinerary can be found here.
Deposit:
A $750 deposit is due upon booking. Second payment of $1000 at 180 days. Balance due 120 days prior to departure.
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