+ DISCOVERY HUE - HOI AN "Hoi An is definitely a traveler's favorite, with many of travellers saying it was a highlight of their trip. It just has so much to offer, from shopping and eating, to historic monuments and stunning beaches. Nearby Hue is ideal for those that are interested in Vietnam's history and culture, and it have a fascinating royal past." SISTERS TOURS VIETNAM www.sisterstoursvn.com 2013 Hue Thanks to the long precious history, Hue has integrated material and spiritual values, which become its own unique special culture. Palaces and pagodas, tombs and temples, culture and cuisine, history and heartbreak - there's no shortage of poetic pairings to describe Hue. Hue is located in central Vietnam on the banks of Perfume River (Song Huong), just a few miles inland from the East Sea. It is about 700 kilometers (438 miles) south of the national capital of Hanoi and about 1100 kilometers (690 miles) north of Ho Chi Minh City. Hue people take their pride in a long - lasting history. The city has gone through 7 centuries of establishment and development. Its obstacle - filled topography has given Hue a particular position in Vietnam history. For approximately 400 years, Hue was the political and cultural Centre of the Feudal State of Vietnam. This explains why there are hundreds of historical and cultural remains located in the area. Although Hue is not strictly a coastal city, beach lovers will not be disappointed as there are several good beaches like Thuan An, less than 15 minutes away, you can even cycle there! In short, Hue is a perfect location to explore the cultural heart and soul of Vietnamese people while still having easy access to the beach. 2 Hoi An Most travellers will rate Hoi An close t the top of their list of places to visit in Vietnam. It's perfect combination of history, architecture, cuisine and glorious beaches. And then there's the shopping. Hoi An's World Heritage listed old streets have been overrun with tailors, trinket vendors, galleries and restaurants all vying for the traveller spending. Foreign trade has been the lifeblood of this town for centuries and Hoi An tourism onslaught has continued the tradition. The town is home to some 88,000 people and even though it is small attracts many tourists. There are many popular nightspots and several interest cafes, bars and restaurants have opened along the riverfront. Lying just a few kilometers inland, Hoi An packs in lots of standard accommodation, budget shopping, authentic eating experiences, and interesting sights which are best explored on foot. Close by is the fascinating ruins of My Son, as well as Cua Dai Beach and China Beach - the latter which are popular for beach activities like windsurfing, snorkeling, swimming and sunbathing. + HUE MOST POLULAR ATTRACTIONS Hue once served as the capital of Vietnam. Even though this is no longer the case many Vietnamese still rate the city highly as a center of historical and cultural value. There are many pagodas, tombs and other types of buildings that link the past to present around Hue's beautiful countryside. Many of them were ruined (but luckily not totally destroyed) by war but many managed to escape without any damage. Such places include the Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda and Long An Palace Museum)... . Hue Imperial City The complex of Hue Monuments is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located in the city of Hue in central Vietnam. Hue was found as the Vietnam capital city by Gia Long- the first king of the Nguyen Dynasty in 1802. The massive complex features hundreds of monuments and ruins, such as the Forbidden Purple City, once the residence of royal family and badly damaged during the Vietnam War, the Imperial City, royal tombs, flag tower, pagodas, temples, a library and museum. Royal Tombs Hue has long been recognized as being rich in Vietnamese history. There are many tombs in Hue's countryside to see. Visitors interested in its history should take a bit of time to admire the emperor's tombs and most them are located in large and beautiful grounds. Such important tombs include Tu Duc, Minh Mang, Khai Dinh and Gia Long. Thien Mu Pagoda The Thien Mu Pagoda is the most famous pagoda in Hue. Built in 1844 by Emperor Thieu Tri, it features golden Buddha images at the base, along with a big bell cast in 1710, and a stone turtle holding a marble stele inscribed in the 17th century. This pagoda is also famous for being the home monastery of the Buddhist monk Thich Quang Duc, who, in 1963, traveled to Saigon and burned himself to death at a busy downtown junction to protest against the government. Vinh Moc Tunnels The tunnels at Vinh Moc are a testament of human tenacity. Like the tunnels in Cu Chi, soldiers and civilians took to the underground, literally, digging over a mile of tunnels from 1965/1966 to support Viet Cong troops and confound U.S battalions at this strategic position near the line of North - South demarcation. An estimated 7 tons of bombs were dropped per person living in the tunnels. All tunnels also have ingenious exit points inland and along the coast, providing some cross - ventilation Read more: http://www.frommers.com/destinations/hue/A34938.html#ixzz2gYPFhy31 3 + HOI AN MOST POPULAR ATTRACTIONS Let's face it - Hoi An, with its beautifully restored houses, shops and public buildings, is one huge attraction in itself but there are certain sights that should be highlighted and underscored for the visitor. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Hoi an was once the major Vietnamese trading centrer for silk, porcelain, pepper, cinnamon and medicinal plants. When the Thu Bon River eventually filled with slit, trading moved further north do Danang. Whe. Hoi An Old Town Once a major Southeast Asian trading port in the 16th and 17th centuries, the seaside town Hoi An is basically a living museum featuring a unique mixture of East and West in the firm of its old - town architecture. Among the heritage architecture stand Chinese temples, a Japanese-designed bridge, pagodas, wooden shop-houses, French- colonial houses and old canals. Though large-scale trading had long moved elsewhere Hoi An has been successful in preserving and restoring its charming roots and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in December 1999. Hoi An is known for its great food, fun shopping, skilled tailors, friendly people and cozy atmosphere – all key characteristics that draw people to this picturesque town. My Son Sanctuary My Son Hindu Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a great sample of the ancient Champa civilization located in the southern part of Vietnam. It was an independent state from around the 2nd to the 17th century, at which time it was occupied by Vietnam. The impressive Hindu-themed ruins feature many beautiful stone sculptures, temples and towers in tropical jungle surroundings. However, the majority of the central complex managed to survive the bombs and parts of the ruins have now been rebuilt. Overall, this Hindu sanctuary reminds visitors of other similar sites in Southeast Asia including the great Angkor Wat in Cambodia. A must-visit for those who appreciate history Hoi An Centre Market Sharpen your bargaining skills and head south east to Hoi An Central Market, one of Vietnam’s best, offering shopping experience. Rich in the smell of fragrant herbs and spices and the vibrant colors of Vietnamese silk delve deep and you are guaranteed a bargain. Prices tend to be more inflated at the stalls closest to the entrance so head right in for the best buys. There is a vast array of foodstuff for sale including spices such as saffron and cinnamon, which are superb, purchases as are the exotic fresh fruit and vegetables on display. Due to its riverside location there is also a huge selection of fresh fish available. Fujian Assembly Hall The photogenic Fujian (Phuc Kien) assembly hall was created as a place in which residents from Fujian in China could meet up and socialize whilst living or visiting Hoi An. Built around 1690 with the main gate added much later, the assembly hall is also a World Cultural Heritage site and is much visited today by those seeking a glimpse of this superb piece of architecture. The inside of the assembly hall contains the Jinshang Golden Mountain temple dedicated to Thien Hau, the goddess of the sea and caretaker of sailors, featuring altars adorned with delicately carved dragons. There is also a fertility shrine to help answer the prayers of childless couples who visit. 4 Read more: http://www.frommers.com/destinations/hue/A34938.html#ixzz2gYPFhy31 + HOI AN MOST POPULAR ATTRACTIONS Hoi An Riverside From the16th to the 18th centuries, Hoi An attracted international traders because of its location on the banks of Thu Bon River, conveniently flowing into the East China Sea. The merchants chose to stop here to wait for the right wind directions for their next destinations. Among them were traders from China, Japan, the Netherlands, France, Portugal and India. Of all the streets in the Old Town, the one that runs east west to the river’s edge is the liveliest. The traditional buildings and shops have welcomed foreign merchants since the days when the town was known as Hai Pho (Seaside Town). Nowadays it no longer greets foreign traders but tourists and travelers. However, the seemingly untouched architecture in Hoi An’s Riverside and Old Town was built only about 200 years ago and is made up of a mix of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese and colonial styles. Hoi An Museum of History and Culture Hoi An's Riverside Museum of History and Culture showcases a range of artifacts such as photographs of local architecture, ceramics and pottery depicting the changing faces of Hoi An including the Champa era dating from 7th-15th centuries and Da Viet from 15th to 19th centuries. The museum resides in the picturesque Quan Am pagoda, one of Vietnam's oldest, built in 1653, containing relics spanning 2,000 years of Hoi An history. The museum offers an interesting insight into the heritage of Hoi An including traditional burial rites with some very old coffins on display alongside what is a very eclectic mix of exhibitions portraying Hoi An throughout the ages. Japanese Covered Bridge One of Vietnam's most iconic attractions, Hoi An's Japanese covered bridge dates back to the 18th century and is a beautiful historical piece of Japanese architecture. It is claimed that it was created by the Japanese then living in Hoi An as a way to reach the Chinese quarter across the water. The bridge was opened by Nguyen Phuc Chu Lord in 1719 who carved three Chinese symbols above the door in commemoration.. The Japanese Covered Bridge underwent renovation work in 1986, which saw the restoration of the arch that was once flattened to make way for cars. Today, the bridge stands as a symbol of Hoi An and remains as aesthetically pleasing as it was when it first opened. Museum of Trade Ceramic It’s worth a trip to the Museum of Trade Ceramics just to see the beautifully restored timber house in which the museum resides. Stepping inside you'll discover a vast selection of Chinese, Vietnamese and Japanese ceramics found during archaeological digs in the area, mainly dating from the 8th to the 18th centuries. The museum is located in Hoi An's old quarter and offers a cultural insight into the history of the town and foreign relationships with Asian counterparts including Japan, China and India. There are also a host of fascinating drawings on display showcasing the different types of architecture found in Hoi An along with a detailed history of the life and times of this ancient town which once acted as a very important trade centre. Read more: http://www.frommers.com/destinations/hue/A34938.html#ixzz2gYPFhy31 5 HUE HUE FULL CITY TRIP (L) HUE - DMZ DAY TRIP In the morning, tour the symbol of Hue, the 19th century Hue is famous for the Citadel also known, as the Imperial City Royal Citadel and learn the story of Vietnam’s royal with it's many beautiful structures behind endless walls; where pastunder the Nguyen Dynasty. Explore the moated ruins of from 1805 to 1945 the Nguyen Dynasty’s held court. Early the Forbidden Purple City. Continue to visit two of the finest breakfast, then drive 200 KM to DMZ to visit an amazing examples of Imperial architecture, the tombs of Tu Duc and tunnel system of Vinh Moc. See how the Vietnamese warriors Khai Dinh. Board private traditional Dragon Boat for transit lived and fought under ground. Continue to visit Hien Luong upriver to visit Thien Mu pagoda and Minh Mang tomb. In Bridge located at the 17 paralleled where Vietnam was divided the late afternoon free at leisure or exploration of the bustling into North and South during the Vietnam War. We will also Dong Ba Market, shopping and sign seeing in Hue Centre. visit Phuoc Tich, an ancient village in the area and meet with people who grow up during the war and growing old and Price experience the changes then and now. Return to Hue in the late afternoon 6 Group size 2 pax 4 pax 6 pax Price/person (USD) 122 93 82 Distance: ~220km / driving: ~4.5hours (one way) Group size 2 pax 4 pax 6 pax Price/person (USD) 148 107 91 Hue - Bach Ma National Park Full Day Depart at 8:00 Am from your hotel, one and half-hour you will arrive at Bach Ma National Park. After that, drive up to the top of Bach Ma National Park. You will visit Do Quyen Waterfall - is astounding and huge in the wooded mountain. It is more than 300m high and 20-30m wide. It is amazing to watch the silver water running into the bright red of water-rail flowers. Lunchtime at the local restaurant. After lunch, we will walk to Hai Vong Dai - Sea Observation Post. Where people can have a panoramic view of immense sea and surrounding scenery. Walking around and discover the nature. Return Hue in the late afternoon. Price: Group size 2pax 4pax 6pax Price/ person (USD$) 148 109 92 Hue - Phong Nha 2 days/1 night Day 1: Hue - Phong Nha a World Heritage Site of Vietnam. You will be awed by the breathtaking giant grotto, a wonderful 8,000 m combination of mountain, river and ancient limestone formations. Besides being the largest and most beautiful cave in Vietnam, the area has been used as sanctuaries for Vietnamese solders during the wars. Return to the center, check in and relax on the Nhat Le white sand beach. Accommodate in Quang Binh Province. Day 2: Phong Nha - Hue Relax at the beach in the morning. Transfer back to Hue. On the way, we can visit Phuoc Tich ancient village (far from Hue about 40km). Return to Hue in the late afternoon. Ends of services. Price: Low Season 2pax 4pax 6pax SGL Hotel 3* (Bao Ninh) 287 217 190 27 Hotel 4* (Sun Spa) 304 234 207 41 Hotel 5* (Sun Spa) 365 267 231 50 High Season 2pax 4pax 6pax SGL Hotel 3* (Bao Ninh) 293 223 196 32 Hotel 4* (Sun Spa) 311 241 215 48 Hotel 5* (Sun Spa) 320 251 224 55 8AM - Depart from Hue for 2,5hrs up north to Phong Nha Caves. On the way we stop to visit some of the most famous battlefield in Vietnam War, Ben Hai River, Hien Luong Bridge, lying in the Demilitarized Zone of the Vietnam War. Have a lunch at local restaurant then getting on boat and cruise along the river to Phong Nha Cave – 7 HOI AN HOI AN CITY TRIP Walking tour of Hoi An Walking tour of Hoi An - visit Japanese bridge, Phuc Kien pagoda, Tan Ky ancient house aging more than 200 years old. and visit small shops, local aritist galleries... Order your clothes made at hundreds of tailor shops which Hoian is known for. It take about 1 day to make clothers if you would like. Visit local specialty workshop such as White Rose and learn to make your own bamboo lantern. Ends of services. Group size 2pax 4pax 6pax Price/person (USD 112 83 73 kilometers wide, surrounded by two mountain ranges. It was the site of religious ceremony of kings of the Champa dynasty, and was also a burial place of Champa royals and national heroes. The My Son temple complex is one of the foremost temple complexes of Hinduism in South East Asia and is the foremost heritage site of this nature in Vietnam. Though the complex has been destroyed over the time, we still see many majestic ancient ruins of temples in the area. Go back by car about 30 km; we take a boat trip along the Thu Bon River. Have a lunch box; disembark sometimes to visit the handicraft pottery village located along riverside. Boating on the river back to Hoi AN old town. Finish tour around 3-4 pm. Group size 2pax 4pax 6pax Price /person (USD) 104 73 62 HOI AN PEDICAB RIDING & BOAT TOUR In the afternoon, our local guide will meet you at the hotel in the town and ride a “Xich Lo” through the opposite site of Hoi An River bank where you can take a panorama of Hoi An town. Keep on the “Xich Lo” through the tiny lanes of Hoi An countryside, passing the fields of corn, sweet potatoes, beautiful local fruit-garden ... Stop over the local fishing village, get on boat for 2 hours streaming down the Cua Dai estuary to enjoy the sunset on the river. Group size 2pax 4pax 6pax Price /person (USD) 89 69 62 HOI AN - MY SON SANCTUARY We travel about 50km from Hoi An to My Son sanctuary. It comprises many Champa temples, in a valley roughly two 8 HOI AN - TRA QUE VILLAGE CYCLING Depart at your hotel at 9:00 am, you will ride by bicycle to Tra Que Vegetable Village; experience a day of living and working with the local farmers in this village. A tour of the organic vegetable and herb gardens, observing farmers working on their farm. It’s a chance to work and chat with them and lear about the local ingredients. Then enjoy herbal foot massage; followed by a session of cooking with local dishes after lunch, ride to An Bang sandy beach for swimming or relax moment. Return to hotel. Tour ends. (L) Group size 2pax 4pax 6pax Price /person (USD) 163 114 97 Hoi An Eco Tour Half Day Hoi An Game Tour Half Day "A unique cultural window into The Vietnamese way of life" will help you to understand more about the daily life of the locals. The local Vietnamese people, who are always friendly, open - minded and so hospitable throughout the daily life of their work there. What's important is that you will be able to take part in it. The hands-on experience will be fun and enjoying, located on near the Estuary between the charming Cua Dai Sea and Hoi An River, 5 km away from the Hoi An old town and distance beach 2km, The Coconut Water Palm Paradise is such a fantastic place and peacefulness for you to come exploring and relax.During the war between Viet Nam and American before 1975, this was the place where the brave and clever Northern Army soldiers hid themselves inside the very large Coconut Water Palm Canal to fight against the American & Southern troops. Let us help you with Hoi An Eco-tour to explore The Water Palm Coconut Canal Paradise with very unique round boat or basket boat locally named "Thung Chai" to see charming beauty of The Eco Coconut Water Palm Paradise, where there are many interesting stories to hear about and see the people who were involved in the past war. Hoi An Game Tour, designed as a one-day adventure, exposes you to authentic Hoi An life by allowing you to discover the town in a natural way. Cast a glance behind the scenes and experience real Hoi An and use all your six senses to soak in truly Hoi An charm. Hoi An Game Tour is a quest designed to make you explore charming Hoi An areas by guided clues 8am – Leave hotel by bicycle to Thu Bon river 8.30 – Get on boat and explore around the canals 11.30 – Lunch is prepared on boat by the crew with specialty of Hoian 12.30 – Disembark and return hotel. Tour ends Group size 2pax 4pax 6pax Price /person (USD) 177 144 132 The Game starts as you meet our Agent who hands you an envelope with points of the quest, some Vietnamese language, and some Vietnam currency. You need to get some places such an herbs village, a fishing village as indication. Communicate with locals in Vietnamese, use Vietnam currency to find out the places, to solve the tasks on the way in a most creative way. You will learn about the place, how the local people earn living, how the local make their traditional products such as lantern…. This will give you an absolutely stunning experience to remember about Hoi An people and places. Group size 2pax 4pax 6pax Price /person (USD) 217 198 185 9