11/29/10

Vietnam steam Locomotive charter tour

$1,279/ person
We offer the last alive steam locomotive charter tour in Vietnam with special technique visit to take photo or filming of the Locomotive with cargo cars or passenger cars. Beside that, we also offer other visits to Railway depots of the Vietnam Railways to see not only the steam locomotive but also Diesel Locomotives which we called " Made in Vietnam Loco " This is the most interesting trip for rail enthusiastic persons. Combination with the technical visit will be a visit to the most beautiful bay in Vietnam, a World Natural Heritage Ha Long Bay awarded by UNESCO in 1994 . Please see the itinerary below for details of the trip.
Hanoi - Thai Nguyen Steam charter tour - Halong
(5 days - 4 nights )
Day 1 : Arrival in Hanoi - Thai Nguyen (D)
Our driver and guide pick up group at Noi Bai International Airport. Transfer to Thai Nguyen 75 Km from Hanoi. Check in hotel in Thai Nguyen and dinner.
Day 2: Thai Nguyen Steam charter day from Thai Nguyen Steel Corporation to Luu Xa railway station (B/L/D)
After breakfast at hotel, 08h30 departure from Thai Nguyen city to visit to the steam Locomotive in the workshop, Scenario preparation & discussion with steam locomotive conductors before the charter really starts from the workshop to Luu Xa Railway station. From Thai Nguyen Iron Loco to Luu xa railway station about 3,5 Km and steam locomotive will run on 1,435 M standard gauge which is only available at some routes of Vietnam. Charter time from 09h00 at work shop and to Luu xa railway station at 10h30 and from Luu Xa station Back to Workshop at 12h00. Stops on the way are fixed at total 6 stops for a return trip. It is enough time for you to take good photographs of the steam loco or make a film to memorize the wonderful steam charter trip in Vietnam. Saying good bye to the steam conductors and moving to city center for lunch. Afer lunch. We move back to Hanoi. On the way back, Visit to Dong Anh Railway station to see the local trains running from Hanoi & Long Bien station to Thai Nguyen , Yen Bai and Lao Cai. Taking photo of standard gauges at railway station and passenger train. 17h30 check in hotel in Hanoi for a shower. 19h00' Dinner in restaurant in hotel or downtown. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 3: Hanoi City with Technical visits (B/L/D)
After breakfast at hotel . 08h30 our driver and guide pick up and transfer group to visit Hanoi Railways Locomotive workshop where locomotives are being serviced or maintained by skillful railway workers. 10h00 an other visit to Vietnam Railway Museum to study about the History of building up and development of Vietnam Railways . Books and photos are available in English & French language for sales. Listen to explanation Museum keeper to have the real information of Vietnam Railways. These information and photos of Vietnam railways can be found nowhere in Vietnam but only in this Museum. Lunch in town. 14h30' Transfer to Dong Anh to Visit Yen Vien Deport where you can find some mixed old style and new style Locomotives and Diesel Locomotives. 17h00 Back to Hanoi for dinner. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 4: Hanoi - Ha Long (B/L/D)
06h10 pick up and transfer to Gia Lam Station to take local train to Halong departure at 07h05 and arrival in Ha Long station at 12h00. Our bus will carry your luggage and waiting for group to arrival in Ha Long town. Taking this train, you will have a good chance to see how local people transport their merchandizes from Hanoi to Ha Long. It is just like the scene of Vietnam in 1980s. Train stops at 17 stations before arrival in the last one Ha Long Railway station. Bus pick up group from station and transfer to Cruise station to check in Cabin. Lunch on board with fresh seafood while the cruise keeps on going to start the fascinating trip to discover Ha Long Bay. After Lunch. a short break on the deck for sun bathing and enjoying Vietnamese green tea and green bean cake, a specialty of Hai Duong province. If the weather is warm, It will be a good chance to swim at the emerald water of Halong Bay. Dinner and overnight on board.
Day 5 : Ha Long - Hanoi - Departure. (B/L/-)
Breakfast will be served on board and cooked by cabin crew. Continue your trip to visit multi shapes islands in Halong with a stop at Hen & Cock island for photos. 11h00 arrival in the Harbor. Driver pick up group and transfer to Restaurant in town for lunch. After lunch. Return to Hanoi with one stop at the middle of the road for your refreshment, then transfer directly to Noi Bai airport for your flight back Home. ( Please book your late afternoon flight from Vietnam to your home country when you take this trip.)
Quotation: 1,279 USD/person in twin sharing room for group of minimum 6-11 persons. For group size from 12 to 30 persons, please contact us for discount tour fare and Free of charge for Tour leader in half twin room.
Single supplement: 180 USD
For this kind of special tour. We accept booking from minimum group size of 06 persons and maximum 30 persons. Request should be made at least 20 days prior to arrival date of the group in Vietnam, so that we can have enough time to arrange permission & fix date to charter steam locomotive. We request all participant to supply us with 1 copy of scanned passport for permission approval.
+ Included in our price:
- 4 nights accommodation with 1 night on Junk cruise.  Rental cost of charter steam locomotive with 2 cargo and 01 passenger car for 3 hours with conductors.  8 meal as mentioned in the itinerary and 4 breakfast at hotel. Transportation by good Van or Bus depending on group size.  English or French speaking guide for the whole itinerary. Permission to visit to administrative offices of Vietnam Railways. Entrance fee to sightseeing places other than offices.  Cruise in Halong Bay.
+ Excluded:
- International air ticket to and from Vietnam.  Vietnam Visa ( If applicable). Tip to local Tour guide, driver and steam conductors.  Personal expenses, laundry, telephone calls, beverage of all kinds and any other services not mentioned in the " INCLUDED" above.

18 days - Vietnam culture & Historical relics

$1,559/person
Day 01: Ha Noi arrival (-/-/D)  
Pick up at Noi Bai airport in Hanoi - Vietnam by your guide. Transfer to town. Stop at the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, discovery one pillar pagoda (built in 1049). Lunch at restaurant. Visit the Temple of Literature built in 1070 dedicated to Confucius. Discovery Hoan Kiem Lake, Temple of Jade Mountain, located in the middle of the lake. Cyclo-ride in the old quarters of 36 old streets. Dinner and overnight 3*** hotel in Hanoi.
Day 02: Ha Noi - Hoa Binh - Son La (B-L-D)
Departure for SonLa through the beautiful valley Mai Chau , discovery stage of life of ethnic Thai province of Hoa Binh. Continue on road to son La. During the trip, visit ethnic villages and plantation hills of tea. Check in hotel in Son La.
Day 03: Son La - Dien Bien Phu (B-L-D)
After breakfast, Departure for Dien Bien Phu - a province in the northwest of Vietnam. On the road, stop over to see the magnificent panoramic view on the bottom of a valley or to enjoy calm and senery of rice fields. Dien Bien Phu is located in the heart of the valley Muong Thanh, which means "Heavenly". For Thai people, it is considered the cradle of their civilization. Even for the world against France, Dien Bien Phu battle was a test of the total defeat of French forces in Indochina shipments. Visit rice field Muong Thanh. Dinner and overnight at Dien Bien Phu Valley.
Day 04: Dien Bien Phu - Lai Chau (B-L-D)
Continuation of visit Dien Bien Phu. Visit the museum and the former French penal colony built in 1908 which was deported a large chamber of Vietnamese revolutionary, Eliane Column 1, Bunker General of Castries. Lunch before the start for Lai Chau. Dinner and overnight in Lai Chau.
Day 05: Lai Chau - Sa Pa (B-L-D)
Departure to Sa Pa, during the colonial road 4D.Visit minority villages and markets mountainous. Continuing road to Sapa, at an altitude of 1.750m - a climate ideal for holidays and discovery of nature, the life of ethnic minorities North Vietnamese. Walk in the market at night of the city, known as "Contract of Love" (if Saturday night) the most typical of Vietnam minority, a great meeting place for all villagers. Dinner and overnight at 3 stars hotel in Sapa.
Day 06: Sa Pa - Bac Ha - Ha Noi (B-L-D)
Road to Bac Ha (130km from Sapa). Visit weekly market Bacha (if Sunday), discovery stage of life H'Mong flowers Bac Ha. Lunch at Bac Ha. Walk through the village before Do Trung excursion boat on the river Bai Chay bridge Nhai. Return to Lao Cai for dinner. Boarding in the cabin air-conditioned sleeper train to Hanoi. Overnight on train.
Day 07: Ha Noi - Ha Long (B-L-D)
Arrival morning. Breakfast before leaving for Halong. Embankment on junk boat in Halong extraordinary - classified as World Heritage by UNESCO in 1994. The bay is dotted with more than 3,000 islands and islets of all sizes in the Gulf of Tonkin which most of the limestone mountains arise dramatically from the sea by its natural beauty, Halong is considered one of the wonders of world. Cruises for a tour of the bay with caves or the possibility of swimming. Lunch on board .Dinner and overnight on Cruise.
Day 08: Ha Long - Hanoi (B-L/-)
Getting up early to see the magnificent beauty of Ha Long Bay. Cruise to the Bay Bai Tu Long. Lunch before leaving the Junk to Ha Noi. On the road stop at Hai Duong for refreshment. Dinner and enjoy Puppet on water. overnight at 3 stars hotel in Hanoi.
Day 09: Hanoi - Hoa Lu (B-L/-)
Route to Ninh Binh. Visit the ancient capital of Vietnam in the X century and temples dedicated to Kings Dinh & Le. Continuing road to Tam Coc. Lunch at local restaurant. A magical walk to the rhythm of flat-bottomed boats rolling over water, you prevail in the beautiful caves Tam Coc (3 caves) dug by Nature under the high karts monoliths. For 3 hours, a Taoist landscape prints, quiet and peaceful, takes place before your eyes. Back in Hanoi. Dinner and overnight in Hanoi.
Day 10: Ha Noi - Hue (B-L-D)
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Hue. Pick up and transfer to the hotel. Lunch in town. Visit the Imperial citadel (Hoang Thanh) to the 13 feudal kingdoms of Nguyen dynasty(1802-1945), the pagoda Celeste Dame, discovery of Dong Ba market built in the French period. Dinner and overnight at 3***hotel in Hue.
Day 11: Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An (B-L/-)
Departure for Hoi An. Visit the city with the Fujian sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Thien Hau, the museum of antiques, the Japanese bridge built in 1593 allowing access between the neighborhood and Japanese & Chinese quarter, the Tan Ky house whose architecture is a striking example of the integration of Sino-Japanese influences in local style, market and the port. Hoi An was a bustling port in the fifteenth century when docking ships and junks of all countries (Chinese, Dutch, Japanese, Portuguese .)Dinner and overnight in Hoi An.
Day 12: Hoi An - Da Nang - Buon Me Thuot (B-L-D)
Back to Da Nang to visit marble mountain (marble work), beautiful Cham in Danang. Then transfer to Danang for flight to Buon Me Thuot , the heart of the central highlands populated by a mosaic of ethnic groups. Upon arrival, route to Lake in a bucolic landscape of hills dotted with villages of the minority M'nong visits village Jun. In the evening performances of dances and gongs for M'nong. Overnight at minorities house on stilts.
Day 13: Buon Me Thuot - Lak Lake - Nha Trang (B-L-D)
Excursion boat on the placid waters of Lake then ride by elephant to a village of ethnic Jun. Lunch at Buon Me Thuot and back to Nha Trang on route through scenic mountains. Dinner and overnight in 3*** star hotel in Nha Trang.
Day 14: Nha Trang (B-L/-)
Tourist boat cruise to visit Nha Trang Bay, Hon Tam island. Lunch, and in the afternoon, Visit Long Son Pagoda, Tour Cham and market Dam. Dinner at local restaurant and over night at the hotel in Nha Trang.
Day 15: Nha Trang - Saigon (B-L-D)
Morning flight to Ho Chi Minh city. Discover Ho Chi Minh city, in colonial times, it was the capital of Cochin: former colonial, with the municipality and the central post office in metal architecture (late 19th century) style Eiffel, Notre Dame Church de Saigon ( building of red brick neo-Romanesque), the Reunification Palace (former Norodom Palace), the Dong Khoi Street, former Catinat Street; municipal. Overnight in 3***hotel in Saigon.
Day 16: Saigon - Cai Be - Mekong Delta (B-L-D) 
Departure to Cai Be and the beautiful lake scenery of the Mekong Delta. Embarking on board the sampan Bassac. Lunch and rising Mekong during lunch and then Nicolai canal and river Mang Thit between villages, orchards and colorful scenes of life in the river. Walks in a village and meeting with residents. Dinner and overnight on board.
Day 17: Can Tho - Saigon(B-L/-)  
Breakfast on board and then landing on canoe ride in the heart of the floating market of Cai Rang My Tho colorful and lively. Visit of a traditional house in Binh Thuy. Lunch at the edge of the river and back to Ho Chi Minh. Farewell dinner and over night in 3***hotel in Saigon.
Day 18: Saigon -Departure back home( B)  
Free for last minute shopping until transfer to the airport for departure back home.
Quotation: 1,559 USD/person - Single supplement: 480 USD
Tour price included: Pick up and Transfers inland listed in the program, Accommodation in twin sharing room in hotels of category 3*** hotel , Meals mentioned in program. Cruise in Halong Bay and Mekong delta, Entrance fees to sightseeing places in the program and shows mentioned in the program, Local Guide speaking your language, Domestic air tickets and train tickets.
Tour price excluded: International flights to and from Vietnam, Any services not expressly specified in the program, Airport Taxes , The visa fee. Travel insurance, beverages and tips to local driver and Tour guide
Note: B= Breakfast- L = Lunch- D = Dinner 
For cheaper options or higher standard services, Please click here to tell us what you expect for your trip!
If you have a Facebook account. You can see our full photos album for free. You will be extremely excited and wish to go to the real place immediately when seeing our beautiful country photos! to register a Facebook account, it is easy and with your email. You can upload your personal pretty photos as well! just add us as your friend by finding the account name as: tranxuanoanh

17 days - Going along Vietnam to discover the beautiful scenery and lifestyle

$1,449/person
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival (D)
Pick up at Noi Bai international airport in Hanoi transfer to the hotel in town. One day free for discovering the capital. Overnight at 3*** hotel in Hanoi.
Day 2: Ha noi - Hoa Lu Ninh Binh (B/L/-)
After breakfast, Take a drive around 70 Km to the south of Ha Noi capital to visit Ninh Binh. Arrive in the first capital of Viet Nam- Hoa Lu. Visit the two remaining sanctuaries of the ancient citadel. After that , take a small boat controlling by local people to visit three caves of Tam Coc along Boi river. Back to Ha Noi around 6 pm. Have dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 3: Ha Noi - Lao Cai ( B/L/D)
A full day to discover Hanoi capital with sightseeing places such as; Ho Chi Minh complex, Temple of literature- the first university of Viet Nam, West Lake, Hoan Kiem lake. In the afternoon, take a cyclo tour around the Ha Noi Old Quarter. After dinner , ready to take a night train to Lao Cai. Overnight on train
Day 4: Lao Cai - Sapa ( B/L/D)
Arrive in Lao Cai railway station and have breakfast. And then take a bus to Sa Pa town through terrace fields. On the way , you will have chance to enjoy the fresh air and the natural life of hill tribes: Dzao, H'mong. Arrive in the town, check- in hotel. Afternoon, Visit the Cat Cat hill tribe village. Overnight 3 stars hotel in Sapa.
Day 5: Sapa - Ha Noi (B/L/D)
A trek to the red Dzao village of Taphin. Enjoy traditional local food in the village. In the after noon, trek through green valley to H'mong village of Sin Chai and Ta Van. And then get on bus back to Lao Cai. After dinner, catch night train from Lao Cai back to Ha Noi. Overnight on train
Day 6: Ha Noi - Ha Long (B/L/D)
Arrive in Ha Noi around 5 pm. After breakfast, Take a bus to Halong , The most beautiful Bay in Vietnam on the way stop to visit Dong Ho painting village and But Thap Pagoda, continue going to Ha Long, have short-break in Hai Duong city for a rest. Arrive in Ha Long around 12.00, lunch and then check-in hotel. Afternoon, free to discover the city
Day 7: Ha Long - Ha Noi - Hue (B/L/D)
Check out hotel and the leave to Ha Long wharf , ready to visit the World natural heritage of Halong cruise. Visit Thien Cung grotto, Cho Da , Ga Choi, islands. Back to Ha Long around 12.00. After lunch , get on bus back to Ha Noi and then transfer to Noi Bai airport catch your flight to Hue. Overnight in 3***hotel in Hue.
Day 8: Hue ( B/L/-)
Morning: Visit the Imperial ancient Citadel and then boat trip on Perfume river to enjoy natural tranquil on the bank, Thien Mu pagoda, Minh Mang mausoleum. In the afternoon, visit Khai Dinh, Tu Duc king tombs . Enjoy imperial dinner in Royal costume. Overnight in Hue  
Day 9: Hue - Hoi An (B/L/-)
Leave for Hoi An through Hai Van Pass. Visit Da Nang Cham museum. Arrive in Hoi An, have lunch and then check in hotel. Afternoon: trip to a lantern workshop and Thanh Ha pottery village followed by a sunset boat trip. Night free for discovering the ancient town. Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 10: Hoi An- My Son - Hoi An ( B/L/-)
After breakfast, take a road trip to My Son- the capital and religious center of the former Champa kingdom, 40 km south west of Hoi An. Afternoon, Free at leisure in Hoi An ancient town. Overnight in 3*** Hotel in Hoi An.
Day 11: Hoi An - Nha Trang ( B/L/D) Transfer to Nha Trang by bus, 530km south of Hoi An. Have lunch on the way. Arrive in Nha Trang, have dinner after checking in hotel. Overnight in Nha Trang.
Day 12: Nha Trang ( B/L/-)
All day for visiting islands of Nha Trang: Hon Mun, Hon Mot, Hon Mieu. Visit Tri Nguyen fish lake . Night : Free for discovering Nha Trang city or catch cable-car to visit Vinpearland amusement park. Overnight in 3*** star hotel in Nha Trang.
Day 13: Nha Trang - Da Lat ( B/L/D)
07.30: Take a road trip from Nha Trang to Da Lat. Arrive in Da Lat around 2 pm. Check in hotel and then free at leisure , visit Ho Xuan Huong lake .Overnight at hotel.
Day 14: Da Lat (B/L/D)
Visit Thien Vien Truc Lam, Tuyen Lam lake, Preen waterfall, Than Tho lake, Bao Dai palace. Night is free. Overnight at hotel.
Day 15 : Da Lat- Ho Chi Minh ( B/L/D)
Morning: :Take a road trip around 320km from Da Lat to Ho Chi Minh City . Lunch on the way. Arrive in Ho Chi Minh city, check-in hotel for dinner. Night is free to discover Saigon the far east Pearl. Overnight in 3***hotel in Saigon. Day 16: Ho Chi Minh - Mekong delta - Ho Chi Minh ( B/L/-)
Am: Pick you up at your hotel and then take a drive to My tho 80 km from downtown Saigon. Arrive in My Tho after 1.5 hours, get on boat which shall start off to Turtle island, a beautiful island with many orchards. Here you can enjoy a variety of tropical fruits while listening to traditional South Vietnamese folk songs performed by local artists. Following up by a short horse cart ride to a Bee Farm, where we can play with the pythons, try some honey tea, and taste local confectionery. Finally, take a short rowing boat ride to our main boat, which in turn will take us to Phoenix island for lunch. Pm: After lunch, we go back to the harbor. Drive back to Ho Chi Minh. On the way stop to visit Dong Tam Snake farm. Overnight in Ho chi Minh city
Day 17: Ho Chi Minh city- departure ( B/-/-)
A haft day for city tour: Ben Thanh market, independence palace, china town, Lunch and the leave to Tan Son Nhat airport. End of a wonderful trip.
Quote per person: 1,349 USD - Single supplement : 340 USD
Service included:
- Domestic Air ticket Hanoi - Hue.  3*** hotel accommodation following program.  A/C Transportation + train tickets 4 soft berths compartment - Meals as mentioned in Itinerary.  English or other language speaking tour guide. Entrance fees to sightseeing places and shows in itinerary
Service excluded:
- Visa arrangement and visa stamp at Airport, International flight from and to Vietnam, Drinks, Telephone, Laundry, Emergency transfer fee. Tips & other personal expenses.
Note: B= Breakfast- L = Lunch- D = Dinner
For cheaper options or higher standard services, Please click here to tell us what you expect for your trip!
If you have a Facebook account. You can see our full photos album for free. You will be extremely excited and wish to go to the real place immediately when seeing our beautiful country photos! to register a Facebook account, it is easy and with your email. You can upload your personal pretty photos as well! just add us as your friend by finding the account name as: tranxuanoanh