VIETNAM March 10 - 25, 2015 16 Days • 25 Meals

Escorted by Nick and Pam Cannon

Ha Long Bay - Credit: David Craig

With the overwhelming success of our recent journeys through the heart of Indochina, we have arranged a journey

to focus in on one of this regions most exciting and

interesting destinations: Vietnam.

Highlighting the best of this nation we will begin in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest urban centre. Next we

head to the coast to stay at our luxurious Beach Side resort in Hoi An. See the old and the new meld together in this

eclectic city by the sea. Heading north we find ourselves in

the capital city of Hanoi. Located in the centre of this city is the Ho Chi Minh complex, home to Vietnam’s first

president’s mausoleum, one pillar pagoda, and the Temple of Literature. Next we explore rural Vietnam in the far north

of the country. See the variety of ethnic minorities that inhabit the far north of Vietnam, and take in the spectacular

views from Heaven’s Gate, the highest stretch of road in

the country. Before heading home we have a very special overnight cruise on Ha Long Bay. Felt by many to be the

most beautiful landscapes of South East Asia.

Designed for the experienced traveller, this journey moves at a leisurely pace, with ample time to experience

the uniqueness of this untouched part of the world.

Everything is carefully planned to ensure a fascinating journey through lands that are truly off the beaten track.

Call today to reserve your places.

INCLUSIVE FEATURES

Return economy class airfare from Canada to Vietnam

including all current taxes, fuel surcharges and fees

Accommodations in deluxe hotels as indicated or

similar

Overnight deluxe cruise on Ha Long Bay

25 meals included as indicated in the itinerary (B - 12

breakfasts, L - 5 lunches, D - 7 dinners)

Transfers between airports, hotels, ship and rail

Baggage handling at the hotels

Services of your Canadian escort and local guides

Gratuities for all included services (guides, drivers,

hotel and ship staff)

Visa fees for Vietnam for Canadian passport holders

All taxes and fees including departure and port taxes

Airport transfers in Canada or equivalent value

Comprehensive insurance coverage

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Bustling Saigon and the Cu Chi Tunnels

Three nights in a luxurious Beach Resort in Hoi An

Three nights in Hanoi, with its classical buildings and

memories of Ho Chi Minh

Overnight rail journey to / from Sa Pa

Experience the hill tribes and magical landscapes of Sa

Pa, in northern Vietnam

Overnight cruise in a traditional junk through Ha Long

Bay, with its spectacular seascape of limestone pillars

Credit David Craig

TOUR ESCORTS

We are very pleased to have Nick and Pam Cannon

escorting this upcoming journey to Vietnam. Nick and

Pam, who are inveterate travellers, have journeyed

through the United Kingdom, Africa, the Caribbean, and

the Mediterranean. As two of our most popular leaders,

they have escorted both cruise and tour groups in the last

few years to a wide variety of destinations including

Panama, Alaska, South Africa, Europe and South

America. Their warm and caring personalities and love of

travel will be sure to enhance your travel experience.

March 18, Wednesday Hanoi

Early risers may opt to visit to Hoan Kiem Lake where hundreds of locals can be seen practicing Tai Chi and calisthenics or playing badminton and ping pong. Nearby is Hang Be Market, where upper-class residents shop for their daily supplies. Following breakfast in the hotel, we will visit the city centre site dedicated to Ho Chi Minh. See his mausoleum, his simple wooden house, One Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature. Drive through the heart of the city to see tree lined streets, resplendent with French colonial architecture, including the recently restored Opera House. In Hanoi’s old quarter we enjoy a walking tour through 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. We also walk around the Hoan Kiem

Lake, located in the very centre of the city. BL

March 19, Thursday Hanoi / Sa Pa

Today enjoy some free time to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities or continue to explore Hanoi city at your own pace. After a late check out, we will be taken to the 1911 Restaurant, ideally located in one of the city’s most famous colonial buildings, for dinner. Later we board the colonial era Victoria Express for the overnight rail journey to Lao

Cai. See additional notes on this train service on reverse.

Victoria Express (1 night - 4 berth Superior cabin) BD

March 20, Friday Sa Pa

Early this morning our train arrives at Lao Cai train station. After disembarking, we will take the scenic drive to the former French hill station of Sa Pa via a panoramic winding road through the terraced mountainsides. Upon arrival we enjoy a walk through Sa Pa's colourful market and stroll down into the valley to visit the small community of Cat Cat. Enroute to the hotel we will visit Ham Rong Mountain. Take the chance to climb up the Cloud Yard to enjoy the panorama of Sa Pa town or see the numerous caves and

extraordinarily shaped stones. Victoria Hotel (2 nights) BL

March 21, Saturday Sa Pa

Today enjoy a full day tour with lunch at a quaint local restaurant, exploring the settlements of Dao, Giay and Hmong in Lao Chai and Ta Van Ray districts. This area is renowned for it’s welcoming and colourful ethnic minorities that vary from town to town. This afternoon we visit the Silver Waterfall and then Heaven’s Gate, the highest stretch of road in all of Vietnam. From there you can see Fansipan, the highest peak of Indochina as well as enjoy

the stunning views. BL

March 10/11, Tuesday / Wednesday Depart Canada

Tour members from across Canada gather in Toronto or Vancouver late Tuesday evening for the overnight Cathay

Pacific flights via Hong Kong to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).

March 12, Thursday Ho Chi Minh City

Upon arrival at Saigon Tan Son Nhat airport, we will be met and transferred to our hotel. Afternoon will be at leisure to rest or explore until we gather for dinner at our hotel.

Intercontinental Asiana Hotel (2 nights) D

March 13, Friday Ho Chi Minh City

This morning we explore Cu Chi, the district outside Saigon, made famous by its vast underground network of tunnels built first as a defense against the French, and later expanded during the American war. It was from these tunnels that the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong waged their guerrilla warfare. Marvel at their ingenuity and resilience! Following lunch back in the city, we shall visit the former Presidential Palace, now a museum, including the bunkers which were the headquarters for the Saigon Government during the American War. Continue to the History Museum, which houses an excellent display tracing the origins of the indigenous Vietnamese. If time permits

we will visit to the very busy Ben Thanh market. BL

March 14, Saturday Ho Chi Minh City / Danang / Hoi An

Today we depart Vietnam’s largest city and fly north to historic Hoi An. Situated in between the famous De Vong River and the white sands of Cua Dai Beach, our resort is one of the finest in the area. There will be time this afternoon for a swim or a stroll along the beach. This evening we will be taken to the Brother Café, one of the best restaurants in

Hoi An. Hoi An Beach Resort (3 nights) BD

March 15, Sunday Hoi An

In a country so ravaged by war only a generation ago, Hoi An managed to remain untouched. As we wander the traffic-free cobbled streets of this ancient seaport it is easy to be transported back to when it was one of the busiest ports in Asia. Our guided walk leads us to visit former merchant homes, temples and art galleries, as we absorb the atmosphere of one of the country’s most colourful market

places. B

March 16, Monday Hoi An

Today we will venture into the very heart of rural Hoi An for a special insight into the every day life of local fishing and farming villages. In this region we will find many groves of water palms, plants that grow in a mixture of fresh and salt waters. The palms are harvested and used for making traditional roofing on houses. The grove is a maze of small canals and ideal for exploring on foot. Our guided walk will take us through the villages, shaded from the sun by a canopy of bamboo thickets, passing by local homes, and vegetable and fruit gardens. Your afternoon is at leisure to

relax at our resort or to venture back into town. B

March 17, Tuesday Hoi An / Hanoi

Today we leave our rural Vietnams paradise and head for the capital city of Hanoi. When we arrive we will be transferred to the hotel for check in and have the rest of the day at your leisure, followed by a sumptuous buffet at the

hotel. Intercontinental West Lake Hanoi (2 nights) BD

Credit Jon Gurr

CT Rating 3.5 - Challenging: Members can expect a busy itinerary in a region known for hot and humid conditions - high temperatures can exceed 30°C. The program includes free time during which members will have opportunities to explore on their own and try some local restaurants. The trip to the hill country (Sa Pa) features two overnight rail journeys and includes long walks involving many steps and over rough terrain. The boats in Ha Long Bay do not have elevators but do have steep steps. Members must be fully mobile and physically active to fully enjoy this journey.

The price includes the cost of comprehensive insurance ($250pp) for passengers up to and including 74 years on departure date (rate varies by the cost of the trip). Cost supplements will apply for members aged 75 - 85 years. Clients 86 years and older and/or residing outside Ontario - please contact our staff. This insurance is effective from the date of confirmation and carries limitations on pre-existing medical conditions. Please discuss your insurance coverage prior to booking. Check our website for most current information. Refer to enrollment form for general information and conditions. Final payment will be due

December 18, 2014.

To reserve your places on this tour, simply complete the enrollment form, indicating the tour you wish to join and your home city, and forward it with your deposit of $600

per person plus the cost of insurance to:

CRAIG CANADIAN GROUP TRAVEL LTD

1092 Mount Pleasant Road Toronto ON M4P 2M6

Tel: 416-484-0926 or 1-800-387-8890 / Fax: 416-484-8143

Email: tours@craigtravel.com / Web: www.craigtravel.com

EFF01MAY14

March 22, Sunday Sa Pa

Enjoy a free day to relax and to explore the village of Sa Pa at our own pace. We shall gather at the hotel for dinner before we transfer to Lao Cai Railway station for the

overnight rail journey to Hanoi. Victoria Express Rail BD

March 23, Monday Sa Pa / Ha Long

After our early morning arrival in Hanoi station we depart north to Ha Long Bay, considered Vietnam’s eighth wonder of the world. Three thousand spectacular chalk and limestone outcroppings, cliffs, arches, and coves form a dragon’s tail across the bay. On board a traditional-style sailing junk we meander through the area whose name translates as 'Where the Dragon Descends into the Sea', stop off at an islet and climb through a series of breath-taking caves and grottoes, marvelling at some of the most impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations anywhere in the world. Enjoy a swim in the bay or relax and sunbathe

on the deck. Paradise Junk Boat (1 night) BLD

March 24, Tuesday Ha Long / Hanoi

Early this morning there is the chance to practice Tai Chi skills on the Sundeck whilst the sun rises over the bay. A buffet breakfast is served as the boat continues cruising allowing guests a last chance to enjoy the spectacular views of this unique seascape. All too soon our cruise comes to an end and we return to Hanoi for our last night. Enjoy a special farewell dinner of Vietnamese specialities at the Wild Lotus Restaurant, in a converted colonial

mansion. Intercontinental West Lake Hanoi (1 night) BD

March 25, Wednesday Hanoi / Canada

Today our journey home begins. After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our flights via Hong Kong to

Canada, arriving home the same day. B

Tour Cost in Canadian Dollars (per person)

Land Only (Join Ho Chi Minh / Leave Hanoi) ............ $3,695 Vancouver ............................................................... $5,365 Victoria .................................................................... $5,495 Calgary / Edmonton ................................................. $5,565 Winnipeg / Regina / Saskatoon ................................ $5,695 Toronto .................................................................... $5,495 Montreal / Ottawa ..................................................... $5,695 Halifax / St. John’s .................................................. $5,875 Single Supplement (at hotels and on cruise) ............. $1,480

Land Only is based on joining at the hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and leaving at the hotel in Hanoi and include all internal flights and the rail journeys.

Airfares from other gateways are available on request. Airfares and air carriers are subject to change and will be confirmed prior to final payment. Refer to Inclusive Features for details.

Upgrade to Premium Economy Seats*

Canada to Hong Kong & return .............................. $1,095

Victoria Express Rail Upgrade*

Double Occupancy Superior or Deluxe Cabin ............. $350

* Subject to confirmation at time of booking (rate is per person)

Tour price is based on sharing a twin-bedded room at hotels and a quad train cabin. Prices are based on a minimum 20 members and on rates, taxes, and fees effective April 2014 and are subject to change due to factors beyond our control. All cabins on the Ha Long Bay cruise are outside twin cabins with private bathroom.

Victoria Express Rail Journey to / from Sa Pa

With its elegant carriages, the Victoria Express Train recalls a more romantic era of travel. Passing through the exotic landscapes of North Vietnam, it offers a truly unique travel experience. The train ride is a 8.5 hour trip from Hanoi to Lao Cai, accommodating up to 52 passengers in two luxurious sleeping carriages. Each sleeping carriage has 6 superior cabins (4 berths) and 1 deluxe cabin (2 berths). All cabins are air-conditioned and wood panelled, with individual reading lights, baggage storage and oversized windows. Each carriage has shared toilet facilities. Included in the tour cost is one berth, quad sharing in a Superior Cabin. Each cabin has two upper and two lower berths. A very limited number of 2 lower berth cabins are available for a supplement.

Credit Jon Gurr