GOWAY SPECIAL EVENTS

The 95th Lions Clubs International Convention

Vietnam
7 Day Tour Option

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Located in South East Asia, Vietnam is emerging as a major tourist attraction with its legacy of Colonialism and War. With its two main cities, the political capital Hanoi and the economic capital Ho Chi Minh City (also known as Saigon) Vietnam is fast becoming a travellers paradise.

Apart from these cities, Vietnam's countryside also offers many beautiful attractions. Vietnam covers two different climatic zones - the moderate climate zone in the North of the country and the tropical climate zone in the South. In the moderate northern zone we distinguish two seasons, winter from November to April, and summer from May to October.

In the tropical South of the country we distinguish, like anywhere else in Southeast Asia, among three seasons: the cold season from November to January, the hot season from February to April or May and the rainy season from May or June to October.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

Day 1. Arrive Ho Chi Minh. (Formerly Saigon). Welcome. You will be met by Goway's representative and transferred to your chosen hotel. Balance of the day at leisure. Ho Chi Minh City is the main commercial centre of the southern part of Vietnam. French colonial influences are still present with cafes and shops which add to the ever changing city. Ho Chi Minh City is famous for colourful Chinese Temples and sculptures depicting local deities. Trading from clothing to food can all be seen and experienced at the Ben Thanh Market.

Day 2. Ho Chi Minh City sightseeing. A full day tour includes a visit to the former Presidential Palace, History Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Cu Chi Tunnels. BL

Day 3. Ho ChiMinh/Danang/Hoi An. This morning, take a short, early flight from Ho Chi Minh city to Danang. On arrival, you will drive to the Cham Museum. Situated in a quiet area of Da Nang City, the Cham Museum was built in 1915. The kingdom of Champa controlled what is now south and central Vietnam from approximately 192 through 1697. At present, the museum houses 297 stone and terracotta sculptural works made between the 7th and the 15th centuries. These are impressive works typical of the Cham culture. From here, continue on to Hoi An, a major Asian trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries with period architecture and relaxed lifestyle. On arrival, take a walking tour of the ancient town centre to visit former merchant houses, the 400 year old Japanese Covered Bridge and colourful markets. The afternoon is free to explore Hoi An on your own. Overnight in Hoi An or Danang. B

Day 4. Hoi An/Danang/Hue. This morning, travel over the Pass of Mountain Clouds visiting the attractive fishing village of Lang Co before arriving in the afternoon in Hue, the former capital of Vietnam. After check-in to your hotel, enjoy a boat ride on the Perfume River to visit the Seven-story Thien Mu Pagoda. Overnight in Hue. BL

Day 5. Hue/Hanoi. Morning tour to the elaborate mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc. This afternoon transfer to the airport for your flight to Hanoi. You will be met by Goway's representative and transferred to your hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure. Hanoi is without question one of S.E. Asia's most fascinating cities. None other can compare in terms of the concentration of quality architecture, built during the Chinese and French colonial era. B

Day 6. Hanoi sightseeing. In this morning you will start with a half day to visit Ho Chi Minh complex. Visit Ba Dinh Square, where silent sentries guard the marble and granite mausoleum where Ho Chi Minh lies in state. (Subject to opening times the interior of the mausoleum can be visited). See the simple cottage where Uncle Ho lived and worked, Nearby, visit the Ho Chi Minh Museum, an extraordinary tribute in abstract form to the life of the 'father of the country' and the evolution of Vietnamese independence.
French architecture is a feature of Hanoi, and the nearby former Governor's Residence is a fine example. The last stop before lunch will be the One Pillar Pagoda.

Following lunch, enjoy an orientation of the tree-lined streets of Hanoi, resplendent with French colonial architecture, including the recently restored Opera House. Pass by Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as Lake of the Restored Sword from the legend that surrounds it en-route to one of the city's fascinating museums.

Continue to the Temple of Literature, built in 1070 and then dedicated to Confucius, it is a serene retreat from the busy streets outside, and later became Vietnam's first university. Then take to the streets on foot for a walking tour of the Ancient Quarter or 36 Streets District. This densely populated corner of the city was once a centre of commerce where goods were sold under the street name of a particular guild. Still a thriving community of sellers today, you will see street names such as Sugar Street, Tin Street and Paper Street. Ancient homes and temples are interspersed with stores in this souvenir hunter's paradise! BL

Day 7. Hanoi to your next stop. The day is free until your transfer to the airport for your departure flight. B

DISCLAIMER: Lions Clubs International (including its officers, directors, employees and volunteers) has no connection, no responsibility and is not a contracting party with regard to the transportation or other facilities offered by Goway Travel or any other tour operators making the arrangements for the pre- and post convention tours being offered. By making a reservation and/or payment for any pre- and post convention tour, participants acknowledge and understand that they are contracting directly with Goway Travel or another tour operator, that any contractual responsibilities are directly between the participant and Goway Travel or another tour operator, that participants are fully aware of all risks of travel and arrangements for tours of this nature, and that participants fully disclaim, waive, release and discharge Lions Clubs International (including its officers, directors, employees and volunteers) from any and all liability, claims or responsibilities with regard to the pre- or post convention tours being offered.