Central Vietnam is an area immensely rich in history, culture and heritage. We shall be visiting Cham sanctuaries including the UNESCO World Heritage site at My Son (meaning “Good Mountain”). The Cham empire flourished in this area from the 2nd to 15th centuries, but was finally overcome by the Vietnamese in the nineteenth century. We shall visit the superb Cham Museum in Danang to see some of its treasures, particularly of stone carvings.
Just to the south of Danang we shall drive via China Beach and Marble Mountain to the ancient town and port of Hoi An. This is another UNESCO World Heritage site. Hoi An was a major international port in the 16th and 17th centuries. It controlled the strategic spice trade with Indonesia. Foreign influences, including Dutch and Portuguese, are still discernible and are exemplified in its fascinating museums and the Japanese Covered Bridge was first built in the 1590’s by the Japanese community. These days Hoi An better known for its silk and delightful silk lanterns, illuminated in the evenings.
Our third UNESCO World Heritage Site will be Hue, just to the north of Da Nang where we shall visit the vast Imperial Citadel, home of the Nguyen Dynasty that ruled in the area from 1802 to 1945. Here we shall visit some of the palaces, temples and tombs and take a cruise on the Perfumed River.
Between Danang and Hue we shall drive over the spectacular Hai Van Pass (Ocean Cloud Pass) on National Highway 1A. This Pass provided a natural boundary at times between the Champa and the Dai Viet Kingdoms and now, mists permitting, gives a wonderful elevated viewpoint over the S China Sea and the highlands of central Vietnam.
We shall fly directly to Da Nang and are deliberately restricting ourselves to a relatively small area of Vietnam, (Hue is around 100 kms. north of Danang, which in turn is about 70 kms. distant from Hoi An and also My Son). We intend that, after arrival in Hue, this will be a more relaxing and comfortable tour than some of the others. We plan to use just two hotels during the four nights, probably two nights each in Hue and Hoi An).
Cost: HK$15,300/ per person on twin/double room basis
Single-bed room: HK$2,800 supplement; Non RASHK Members: HK$700 supplement
Tour price does not include:
Insurance, Visa (most passports do not require a visa, please check with us). Beverages (other than water/tea) at meals, Personal expenses.
Booking Deadline: As soon as possible (if in doubt please check with Eugenia - 2722 7378)
For more details/enquiries, please contact Phoenix Services Agency (HK) Ltd. Rm 1417, Austin Tower, 22-26 Austin Avenue, TST, Kowloon Eugenia Choi (ras@phoenixtrvl.com; 2722 7378) and/or Rocky Dang (rockydang@yahoo.com; 9182 3483)
Travel Agent License No.: 350706