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Pearl S. Buck International
Explores Vietnam

November 1 – 12, 2007

Optional Bangkok Extension
November 12 – 15, 2007

Itinerary:
Nov. 1 Depart USA for your flight to Hanoi, the capitol of Vietnam.
Nov. 2 Enroute to Hanoi
Nov. 3 Hanoi Arrival

Upon arrival in Hanoi you will be met by your guide who will escort you to your deluxe hotel which is surrounded by lush gardens, sweeping lawns, tranquil courtyards, and overlooks the picturesque West Lake. Since it is about ten minutes from the hustle and bustle of downtown you have the choice of jumping into your own sightseeing or relaxing by the lake. Dinner is at the hotel this evening. D
Nov. 4 Hanoi Sightseeing

After Breakfast we will undertake a full day exploration of the architecture and history of Hanoi. In the morning, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, his former residence, the One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature. After lunch we visit the Museum of Ethnology, Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. We will wind up the afternoon with a cyclo (two passenger vehicles powered by a cyclist in front) tour of Hanoi's Old Quarter. This evening we will attend a performance of the renowned water puppet theater whose origins date back over a thousand years. B, L, D
Nov. 5 Hanoi and Ha Long Bay

This morning we will head through the red river delta to Ha Long Bay. Arguably Vietnam's most spectacular natural wonder, the bay is comprised of thousands of towering, steep-sided islands rising from the emerald green ocean. Legend tells of how the bay came to be formed when a dragon fell to the earth thrashing its tail and talons and carving out the extraordinary scenery. Boarding our own private boat, we embark on an extensive tour of the bay and enjoy a fresh seafood lunch on board before returning to Hanoi. B, L, D
Nov. 6 Hanoi Orphanage Visit

The highlight of today is a visit to an orphanage supported by Pearl S. Buck International. The first visit will be to the Hanoi Birla Children's Village. Presently, there are 110 orphans between the ages 4 - 18 years old living in this village. Later we will visit the Nguyen Viet Xuan Orphanage and Boarding School which besides being a home for over 200 children functions as a primary and secondary school. You will tour the facility and meet with the staff and, of course, the children.
Tour passengers may bring small items for the children. Please see the list at the end of the itinerary. B, L, D
Nov. 7 Hanoi- Danang- Hoi An

This morning we will fly to the coastal resort of Danang renowned for its white sandy beach and the history that comes with it- it was a favorite location for GIs to unwind. We will visit the Cham Museum, Marble Mountains and China Beach (made famous by the TV series) before arriving at the quaint beach resort of Hoi An where the balance of the day is at leisure to relax at your hotel on Cua Dai beach B, L, D
Nov. 8 Hoi An Sightseeing

Originally developed as a trading port for Chinese, Japanese and European traders, Hoi An exudes charm and character with its narrow winding streets replete with art galleries, textile houses and antique shops. We will take a cyclo tour around town visiting ancient merchants' houses, a Hoikien temple, a 400 year old Japanese covered bridge and the vibrant riverside market. Later, we will visit to a traditional village at Tra Que with gardens of herbs and vegetables. We will end the day with a sunset boat trip on the Thu Bon River followed by dinner B, L, D
Nov. 9 Hoi An- Danang- Ho Chi Minh City

After breakfast we will depart from Danang to catch the flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival we will drive to the remarkable Cu chi tunnels located in the suburbs of the city. During the war, Viet Cong guerillas built a labyrinth of narrow tunnels using them to move about and to hide in during bombing raids. After the visit we will return to Ho Chi Minh City where the rest of the day is at leisure B, L, D
Nov. 10 Ho Chi Minh City Sightseeing and Orphanage Visit

Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon as it is still often referred to is a city of contradictions. The pace of life in the 'Pearl of the Orient' is frenetic and yet the wide boulevards retain an air of calm. French neo-classical architecture vies for attention with modern apartments whilst on the Saigon River cruise ships jostle for space with the ubiquitous sampans and rice barges. In the morning we will visit some of the key sites including the former Presidential Palace and Notre Dame Cathedral.
After lunch we will visit two orphanages supported by Pearl S. Buck International. Thi Nghe Orphanage educates and cares for about 400 orphans and children with disabilities. The Thu Duc Youth Village cares for orphans and disadvantaged children under 18 yrs old.
Tour passengers may bring small items for the children. Please see the list at the end of the itinerary B, L, D
Nov. 11 Cai Be and the Mekong Delta

After Breakfast we leave the city for a scenic morning drive to Cai Be, stopping en route at the ornate Cao Dai Temple in Ben Luc. At Cai Be we will take a boat trip along the mighty Mekong River and its tributaries to view the daily lives of people who work and live on the waterways of the Mekong Delta. We will visit a floating market and a family-run business producing rice paper- a key ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine. Lunch will be served on an island in the middle of the river. Surrounded by fruit orchards and bonsai trees you will follow lunch with a performance of traditional Vietnamese music. We will return to the city late in the afternoon. B, L, D
Nov. 12 Return to USA or continue with the tour to Bangkok

In the morning you will be transferred to the airport for your international flight home. You will 'get back' the day you lost coming over arriving back in the USA the same day B
Bangkok Extension - Optional
Nov. 12 Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok

Depart from Ho Chi Minh City and arrive in Bangkok in 1 ½ hours.. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel and have free time to shop and explore city streets and nights markets
Nov. 13 Pearl S. Buck International in Thailand.

Today we will have an overview of the services and programs offered by PSBI - Thailand. The day will include a visit to PSBI offices in Chonburi, a visit to a camp for children and a community visit to observe home based care service. We will have the opportunity to have lunch with the staff and volunteers. B, L
Nov. 14 Bangkok Temples and Palace Tour

This morning you will visit two famous Buddhist Temples in Bangkok, The Wat Traimit with its Golden Buddha and Wat Pho with its massive reclining Buddha and "Chedi of the Kings". Afterwards, continue on to the Grand Palace, known for its golden pavilions and view the most sacred Emerald Buddha. B
Nov. 15 Departure for US

Transfer to the airport for a flight back to the US. B

Tour Includes for Vietnam:
  • International flights New York/LAX - Hanoi; Ho Chi Minh City - New York/LAX
  • All domestic flights within Vietnam
  • Deluxe hotel accommodations
    Hotel accommodations: Hanoi - Melia Hotel; Ho An - Hoi An Beach; Ho Chi Minh City - Majestic Hotel
  • 9 breakfasts; 8 lunches, 8 dinners
  • Services of an English-speaking guide; Private sightseeing throughout as detailed in the day to day itinerary including admission charges
  • Private visits to PSBI facilities in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
  • All local taxes
  • TRAVEL INSURANCE

Tour Includes for Bangkok Extension:
  • Air transportation between Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok; Bangkok - JFK/LAX
  • Transfer to/from airport and hotel
  • Hotel accommodations for three nights; 3 Breakfast; 1 Lunch
  • Sightseeing as detailed including admission charges
  • Private visits to PSBI offices and activities listed in itinerary

Not Included:
  • International air taxes (approximately $200)
  • Tips to drivers and guides
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Vietnam visa

SUGGESTED ITEMS FOR ORPHANAGE VISITS: Tooth paste, tooth brushes, combs, soap, shampoo, towels, pens, pencils, crayons, note books, book bags, hairclips, balls, books or magazines, shoes or sandals; clothes for children from 5 - 8 yrs old; small or medium sizes

Price: Vietnam:
$3349 per person based on double room
$650 additional for single room

Bangkok
$720 per person based on double room

Deposit: $300 per person, due July 15, 2007
Final Payment: due by September 10, 2007

Payment can be made by Credit Card (AmEx, Visa or MasterCard) or Check. Checks should be made payable to: Travel Counsellors, LLC
Sent to: 4001 Century Lane, Chadds Ford, PA 19317

Please note: price includes a donation to Pearl S. Buck International.

Download Application adobe pdf format

Please contact Kate DeLosso, Travel Counsellors, toll free 866-361-0535 or email info@collectibletours.com for questions or a credit card authorization form.