Vietnam DMC 10 Days Package Golf and Gourmet

Refine Asia Operation Offices: Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, Yunnan

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Vietnam

Golf & Gourmet Tour

Starting City: Saigon | Final City: Saigon Accommodation: 4 – 5* Hotels

Saigon: Duxton Dalat: Ana Mandara Villas

Phan Thiet: Du Parc Ocean Dunes Duration: 10D / 9N

Tour Code: RA-VN-GG-099



Geography

Vietnam covers an area of 330,363 sq. km and

is about as big as Italy or New Mexico. The

country has three main geographic regions -

the tropical south dominated by the Mekong

River estuary, the dry central region, and the

more temperate north comprising the River

delta and mountain highlands.

Religion

Vietnam supports adherents of all the major

world religions, as well as followers of religions

that are peculiarly Vietnamese: Theravada and

Mahayana Buddhism, Protestant and Catholic

Christianity, Taoism, Confucianism, Islam, Cao

Daism, Hoa Hao and Hinduism. In addition

spirit and ancestor worship, To Tien, is also

practiced. Confucianism is probably the most

pervasive doctrine of all.

Climate

Vietnam’s climate is very diverse because the country

covers a wide range of latitudes and altitudes.

The North : The cold season is between November

and April when average temperatures are around

60°F/16°C and it is often wet and chilly. In the hot

period, between May and October, the average

temperature is about 86°F/30°C. The South: The

temperatures in the south are constant all year, ranging

from 77-86°F/25-30°C. The dry season is from

November to April and the wet period from May to

October.

People

Ethnic Vietnamese constitute almost 90 percent of the

population in Vietnam. Originating in what is now

southern China and northern Vietnam, the Vietnamese

people pushed southward over several centuries to

occupy the entire eastern seacoast of the Indochinese

Peninsula. Nearly 100 years of French rule (1858-

1954) introduced important European elements, but the

Vietnamese still attach great importance to the family

and continue to observe rites honoring their ancestors,

indicating the persistence of tradition.

Manners

The Vietnamese used to greet one another by clasping

their hands, prayer-like, in front of their faces and

bowing slightly. Unfortunately, this charming custom

has been replaced by the handshake. When trying to

gain the attention of a Vietnamese, try not to point or

gesture excessively. This is regarded as rude. Call out

their names if possible, if not beckon by using the

whole hand, palm downwards. Again, as in the other

countries of Southeast Asia, do not touch people on the

head as it is regarded as spiritually the 'highest' part of

the body. Expect to be the center of attention outside

Saigon, Hanoi and the main tourist centers. React

accordingly and be a good ambassador.

Vietnam



This is a land of serene beauty, traditional charm and bustling industry. A great holiday destination,

Vietnam boasts a landscape of misty hills and tropical beaches, a fascinating cultural heritage and a

climate that ranges from the cool of the northern highlands to the warmth of the South China Sea

coast and the Mekong Delta.

Day 1 Warmly Welcome to Saigon (D)

Arrival to Saigon airport. Warmly welcome by Refine Asia team. Transfer by coach to your hotel.

Saigon also known as Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam's largest city with a growing population of around

8.4 million. This is a city on the go 24 hours a day, where everybody seems to be busy either buying,

selling, studying, working or just enjoying themselves. Despite the fact that modern high-rise buildings

have begun to dominate the skyline in recent years there are still many fine examples of French

colonial architecture in Saigon. The city is crammed full of restaurants and bars ranging from simple

pavement stalls where you can buy a bowl of noodles for a few cents to sophisticated restaurants

serving fine European cuisine at a fraction of the price you would pay in Europe. Saigon’s nightlife has

become very cosmopolitan in recent years and there are literally hundreds of bars, pubs, nightclubs

and discotheques to pick from for a night on the town. It is also a real shopper s paradise with modern

shopping centres and trendy boutiques rubbing shoulders with traditional street markets.

Bonsai Dinner Cruise

After check-in to your hotel you will board the replica of the emperors’ dragon boat “Bonsai I” for a

magnificent and memorable dining and entertainment spectacle on the Saigon River. All star

delicacies of European and Asian Buffet will be delighted in your choice by our executive chefs and

show-cooks at the best. You will be accompanied by a magical sound-journey performed from our one

and only in-house orchestra “Hoa Mai” — chill out and get surprised.

Overnight in Saigon



Day 2 Golf at Palm Song Be Golf Course (B)

After breakfast in the hotel transfer to the Palm Song Be Golf Course in Binh Duong Province.

Golf Course Location Distance Holes

Palmo Song Be Saigon 30 Min from

Saigon City Center

27

Palm Song Be Golf Course

Well known for being the first international

standard championship course in Vietnam

and one of the most challenging and

stimulating in the country, Song Be Golf

Resort has been gently crafted out of the

beautiful landscape and features numerous

lakes, tree lined fairways and subtle

undulating greens. The 27-hole course is

officially rated in accordance with the

USGA/SGA (United States Golfers

Association) requirements. The 3 golf

courses with various difficulties are a

challenge for golfers at any levels.

Transport back to hotel.

Overnight in Saigon



Day 3 Saigon City Tour Half Day and visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels (B/D)

Enjoy a half day tour through colonial Saigon.

The Old Saigon Post Office is the largest of Vietnam's post offices; it was built from 1886 to 1891 by

the great architect Gustave Eiffel. The same architect who gave his name to the Eiffel tower in Paris.

The post office is large, open, and with a big picture of Saigon overlooking the proceedings. This

unique place will remind you of being in a train station.

The Opera House is another example for French colonial

architecture in Saigon. It was built in 1897 by the famous

architect Ferret Eugene and the magnificent facade decor was

renovated in 1998.

Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the

landmarks among the impressive

avenues and open spaces north of

Dong Khoi. The huge red-brick edifice with twin spires is placed between

two streams of traffic and is a clear reminder that the French once ruled this

city. Inside, the decor is relatively austere, but the church gets very full and

very lively during services. This peaceful place is perfect for quiet

contemplation. Sunday Mass is held at 9.30am.

The former Presidential Palace is now renamed the

Reunification Hall. It is one of the most interesting places to

visit in Saigon. This building remains almost exactly as it was

on the morning of 30th April 1975 when the Saigon regime

surrendered to the victorious liberation forces and the country

was reunified for the first time since 1945. Included on the tour

are visits to conference rooms, the Presidential Receiving

Room, basement tunnels and war room, telecommunications

center and the residential area of the former president.

The old city hall is a stroll down from Dong Khoi Street and is a colonial building dated back to 1906.

The city's best-known market, where you can buy anything from fresh fruit and flowers to the latest

imported electronics and cosmetics is located at one of the key intersections in the city center. Inside

is a tightly organized grid of aisles, arranged according to product. Clothes, shoes and fabric dominate

the front, before giving over to kitchenware, cooked food, fresh vegetables and a somewhat alarming

display of seafood and meat, some of it still alive. There is plenty for the visitor to buy, but the main

attraction is the way in which the bustling market is still very much part of the city's life and economy.



In the afternoon travel 75km North West from Saigon to visit the Cu

Chi Tunnels. Cu Chi was part of the bitter battleground for many

years during the Vietnam-American War. Visitors cannot miss a visit

to this 'underground village ', an intricate network of over 200km-

long tunnels at Ben Duoc. Enter a short segment of this labyrinth of

interlaced tunnels and you will see the cunning and ingenuity of the

local people.

Dinner at Au Manoir de Khai

In the evening enjoy dinner at Au Manoir de Khai. This restaurant

exudes a colonial charm and luxurious beauty that is different,

unique and second to nine! The moment you step in, be fascinated

and awed by luscious greenery, earth nature and tropical, paradise

garden.

Overnight in Saigon

Day 4 Saigon – Free of leisure (B)

After breakfast in the hotel the rest of the day is free for own leisure. Spend the day shopping at the

markets of Saigon, enjoy a Spa treatment in your selected hotel or play another round of golf or join a

cooking class at the Vietnamese Cookery Center.

Optional activity: Cooking class at the Vietnamese Cookery Center

The hands-on cooking course is tailored for a maximum of 40 participants. It is run from Monday to

Friday taking around 3 hours from 9: 30 am to 12:30 pm. Saturday & Sunday are only reserved for

groups of more than 4 people. It is conducted by a professional Chef and entertained by a MC who will

explain the teaching of our chef - and talk about the history and culture Vietnamese Cuisine (in English

or French).

You visit the local market to buy fresh ingredients for your traditional Vietnamese menu with 4 dishes.

After having a welcome traditional tea together, you start preparing the first two dishes, which you will

enjoy before having a little break. Around noon you cook the two remaining dishes. Eventually, you

have lunch and receive a certificate and souvenir gift.



Optional activity: Vietnam Golf & Country Club Saigon

Vietnam Golf & Country Club was the first 36 hole golf club in Vietnam. Located 20km from the centre

of Saigon, accessible by highway and inside a large 300 hectare woodland estate, which includes the

Lakeview Villa residential complex. Some facilities include; swimming pools, tennis courts,

gymnasium, squash court, and an international restaurant.

VGCC has long been recognized as Vietnam’s premier golf club, and was twice voted Runner up as

Asia best golf course. In 2011VGCC received another great honor when it was voted as Vietnam’s

best customer service golfing venue.

The West Coast Open since 1995

Golden Tee (professional) 7106 yards

Blue Tee (championship) 6498 yards

White Tee (men) 6043 yards

Red Tee (women) 5464 yards

Overnight in Saigon

The East Coast Open since 199

Gold Tee (professional) 6946 yards

Blue Tee (championship) 6526 yards

White Tee (men) 5879 yards

Red Tee (women) 2539 yards



Day 5 Saigon to Dalat (B/D)

After breakfast in the hotel transfer to Dalat. On the way you will make an excursion to Lat Village via

Bien Hoa and Bao Loc, which is the home to tea plantations and worm silk. You also stop at Dambri

Falls, one of the most magnificent waterfalls in Vietnam and visit a tea-processing plant for tea tasting.

Lat Village

The nine hamlets of Lat Village are at the base of Lang Bian Mountain. The ethnic groups to be found

here are the Lat, Chill, Ma and Koho. The people earn their living with growing rice, coffee, black

beans and sweet potatoes.

Dinner at Au Parc Restaurant - Dalat

Opened in 2003, Au Parc is a coffee shop, restaurant and delicatessen featuring Mediterranean and

Middle Eastern flavors. At Au Parc, they are serious about the term Mediterranean. They don’t just

serve delicacies from Southern France and Italy. They mean Mediterranean in the wide sense: Turkey,

Cyprus, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Spain, France, Italy and Greece.

Overnight in Dalat

Day 6 Golf in Dalat (B)

After breakfast transfer to Dalat Palace Golf Club. This club is the only golf course in South East Asia

that boasts bent grass tees, fairways and greens, this club overlooks the majestic Xuan Huong lake.

Situated on 5000 feet (1,500 meters) above sea level in the cool central highlands of Vietnam lies

Dalat Palace Golf Club. At 7,009 yards in length, Dalat Palace Golf Club is an enjoyable challenge for

golfers of all levels. Low handicap players will be tested by a series of lakes, which meander through

ten of the eighteen holes. This undulating course sits right in the heart of the city with panoramic views

of Dalat and its stunning beauty is unforgettable.



City Tour Dalat

Dalat is a slice of Europe in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. It

found favor with the French rulers for its cool climate. Today,

Dalat’s mild temperatures are popular with Focus Asia Indochina’s

travelers, as is the town’s attractive landscape of colonial villas,

gardens, lakes and rolling hills. Dalat’s colorful market features

locally-made specialties such as artichoke tea, candied fruits,

coffee and the finest cool climate vegetables and flowers in

Vietnam. Visit the former summer residence of Vietnam’s last emperor, Bao Dai, and meet Dalat’s

famous artist monk Vien Thuc in his studio lined with thousands of his quirky compositions. The

brilliantly colored silk weavings of the K’hor tribes people are a popular purchase, as are finely detailed

silk embroideries.

Enjoy a sightseeing tour in Dalat including a visit of the Valley of Love, Bao Dais Summer

residence, the flower garden and the Hang Nha Gallery amongst other sites.

Overnight in Dalat

Golf Course Location Distance Holes Par / Yardage

Dalat Palace Golf

Club

Dalat Right in the center of

Dalat City

18 72 / 7009



Day 7 Dalat – Phan Thiet (B)

Breakfast in the hotel, afterwards transfer to Phan Thiet. Enjoy spectacular views of the coast as the

road heads towards Phan Rang. Ninh Tuan Province, where Phan

Rang is located, is home to tens of thousands of descendents of the

Cham people. Continue on Highway 1 along the cost to Phan Thiet.

Upon arrival in Phan Tiet you will enjoy an excursion to the dunes of

Mui Ne. Mui Ne Beach is famous for its enormous sand dunes and is

located twenty-two kilometers east of Phan Thiet, near a fishing

village at the tip of the Mui Ne Peninsula.

Overnight in Phan Thiet

Day 8 Golf in Phan Thiet (B)

After breakfast play a round of golf at the Ocean Dunes Golf Club in Phan Thiet. The golf club is

located directly opposite of the DuParc Resort. Enjoy the sea breezes as you tee-off at one of the

most challenging links-style golf courses in the region, designed by legendary golfer Nick Faldo.

After the game, stroll through the quaint fishing village of Phan Thiet.


Golf Course Designer Location Holes Par / Yardage

Ocean Dunes Golf Club Nick Faldo Phan Thiet 18 72 / 6746



Day 9 City Tour Phan Thiet by cyclo (B,D)

After breakfast in the hotel, enjoy Phan Thiet by cyclo. This trip includes a visit to the Chinese

Pagoda and the Central Market.

Farewell BBQ Seafood Dinner Ngoc Suong Seafood restaurant


Day 10 Transfer to Saigon - Departure (B)

After breakfast in the hotel, transfer to Saigon Airport for you departure back home.

*End of Service through Refine Asia*



Accommodation

Duxton Hotel Saigon

Duxton Hotel Saigon is strategically located in the

heart of the city and it is only 20 minutes' drive

from the airport. The hotel offers easy access to

the business and Government precinct, and is

also perfectly positioned close to the shopping,

sightseeing and entertainment areas. From the

hotel, you can enjoy views overlooking the Saigon

River and its surrounding historical sites.

Duxton Hotel Saigon offers 203 deluxe rooms and

suites, boasting views of the Saigon River, or over

the city and beyond. Furnished with contemporary

Vietnamese artwork and traditional fabrics, each

room offers a warm and comfortable environment

for the discerning traveller.

Ana Mandara Villas Dalat

Ana Mandara Villas Dalat Resort & Spa, an award

winning resort and spa, is located in the central

highlands of Vietnam, within lush rolling hills. This

unique destination offers a peaceful haven away

from the stresses of city life.

A total of 70 accommodations spread between

seventeen individual, original French colonial

villas. Rooms are independently furnished and are

true to their original design and décor.

Du Parc Ocean Dunes & Golf Resort

Novotel Ocean Dunes Resort, located in close

proximity to Phan Thiet, is easily reached from

Saigon on the national highway. The resort is a

favorite weekend getaway site for expatriates and

locals, with well-developed holiday facilities,

remarkable beaches and close to many historic

sites and natural wonders.

The Novotel Ocean Dunes Resort is located on a

private beach and offers an array of water

activities including jet skiing, wind surfing and

swimming.

Please not that accommodation and restaurants are subject to availability



Thank you!

Your Refine Asia Team

Travel

Vietnam DMC 10 Days Package Golf and Gourmet