A Photographic Journey Through Vietnamwith Vincent Versace2015 Dates TBA |
 © Vincent Versace |
Double Occupancy: $6795 • Single Occupancy: $TBA
Space Limited to 12 participants.Description
Steeped in a history of powerful dynasties, diverse religious traditions, and political transformations, Vietnam beckons the sophisticated traveler to visit now. The landscape hosts emerald green rice fields, seldom-visited hill tribes and the remnants of ancient temples. Hanoi has served as Vietnam's capital for close on a thousand years and is a wonder city of pagodas and dynastic temples. Sapa is an old French hill station, nestled among the Hoang Lien Son Mountains near the Chinese border. Explore the dramatic hills and valleys of the Sapa region and several minority villages along the way. Enjoy the fresh air, lush green landscapes, fresh rivers and, perhaps, a visit to a Black Hmong tribe to see their beautiful handicrafts. Hoi An is a small town in Central Vietnam, famous for its wooden houses, its family chapels, Assembly Halls and for its silk shops. Nowadays the town attracts tourists from all the world! The traditional lifestyle and Chinese architecture have remained virtually unspoiled since the 17th century. Photographers will be overwhelmed by the sublime natural beauty of Vietnam. Whether it is the tranquil village life, the highlands and rainforest regions, the exotic wildlife, each will provide for captivating photos! Come with the Palm Beach Photographic Centre to this ancient country, where you will capture many wonderful photographs and make new friends.
Additional Information
INCLUDED
- Tuition
- Internal air
- Hotel accommodations at best available hotel in the area inclusive of taxes and service fees.
- Meals as indicated (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner)
- Services of a local English speaking guide
- All transportation
- Entrances at monuments
- Boat ticket for the overnight cruise on Halong Bay
- Train tickets per the itinerary (Sharing 4 berth cabin)
- Gratuities to guides and drivers
- Trip Interruption Insurance (not intended to replace comprehensive travel insurance) includes trip delay - $100 maximum per day up to $500; missed connections up to $500; and lost baggage and personal affects up to $250 (delayed baggage not included).
NOT INCLUDED
Any international airfare; Any passport or visa fees (a visa is required to enter Vietnam); Any airport departure taxes; Excess baggage fees; Items of a personal nature; Telecommunications fees; Laundry services; Gratuities to porters; Meals and services not specified
OTHER INFORMATION
A visa is required to enter Vietnam. Please make sure you obtain your Vietnamese visa prior to departing the United States.
ADDITIONAL TRAVEL INSURANCE (not included):
We highly recommend purchasing additional insurance, including trip cancellation. We recommend Travel Insurance Select (TIS). Visit http://www.asiatranspacific.com/insurance to learn more. To be eligible for maximum benefits, you must purchase within 2 weeks of paying your initial deposit.
AIR COST INCLUDES:
INTERNATIONAL AIR: There is no international air included in this trip cost.
INTERNAL AIR: Included.
VISAS:
Visa FEES ARE NOT INCLUDED in your trip cost. You are welcome to obtain the visa on your own or through our recommended service provider G3 Visas & Passports (visit http://www.asiatranspacific.com/visas for links to their site and select 'Asia Transpacific Journeys Custom Traveler' to print all required forms). Following are requirements for your program for U.S. citizens (different regulations may apply for other nationalities):
• Vietnam - Pre-arranged (Single or Multiple Entry). Vietnam requires a visa to be pre-arranged. If you will be entering and exiting Vietnam more than once, you will need to obtain a multiple entry visa.
CANCELLATION POLICY - CUSTOM TRAVEL:
Up to 60 days prior to departure - cancellation fee is 50%
No refund is available if less than 60 days prior to departure
Biography
VINCENT VERSACE is a recipient of the Computerworld Smithsonian Award in Media Arts & Entertainment, the Shellenberg fine art award, a six time nominee to the Photoshop Hall of Fame and is the author of the best selling book, Welcome to Oz: A cinematic Approach to Digital Still Photography with Photoshop which was chosen as Shutterbug Magazine's best how to book of the year. His work is part of the permanent collection of the Smithsonian Institution's Museum of American History. Vincent is the photographer of Immediate Assistants Medical Rescue Go Team. He is a member of the Epson Stylus Pros, a a Nikon Legend Behind the Lens, an Xrite Colorotti, Lexar Elite Photographer, an American Photo Magazine Mentor Trek and Master Class instructor and a member of the National Association of Photoshop Professionals Instructor Dream Team teaching regularly at Photoshop World and the Maine Photographic and Palm Beach Photographic Workshops. Vincent was the original host of the Epson Print Academy. Articles about his work in conjunction with digital workflows have appeared in American Photo, Popular Photography, Shutterbug, Outdoor Photographer, Pro Digital Imaging, PDN, What Digital camera, Petersen's Photographic, PC Camera, Studio Design and Photography Professional Photographer and Digital Imaging magazines.
Website: http://www.versacephotography.com
Itinerary
OCT 06: ARRIVAL HANOI, VIETNAM
Welcome to Vietnam! Upon arrival in Hanoi you will be met and privately transferred to your hotel.
SOFITEL LEGEND METROPOLE HOTEL – Premier Room, Opera Wing
Note: Hotel check in time is 1:00 PM
OCT 07: HANOI
Although it is the modern-day capital of Vietnam, HANOI still retains the mystery and charm of past centuries. Narrow lanes and traditional shop houses invite an exciting exploration by walking, while its many beautiful public spaces lakes, parks, tree-lined boulevards and monuments give the city an air of elegance and harmony with nature unique among Asian capitals.
On your tour you visit Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple and the Rising Sun Bridge
HOAN KIEM LAKE: Hoan Kiem means Lake of the Returned, which is a lake in the historical centre of Hanoi capital. The lake is one of the major scenic spots in the city and serves as a focal point for its public life. Legend has it that King Le Loi handed a magic sword called Heaven's Will which brought him victory in his revolt against the Chinese Ming dynasty back to the Golden Turtle God in the lake. The Tortoise Tower (Thap Rua) standing on a small island near the centre of lake is linked to the legend. NGOC SON TEMPLE: The temple was erected in the 18th century. It honors the 13th -century military leader Tran Hung Dao who distinguished himself in the fight against the Yuan Mongol invaders, Van Xuong, a scholar and Nguyen Van Sieu, a Confucian master and famous writer in charge of repairs made to the temple in 1864. Jade Island is connected to the shore by the wooden red-painted Huc Bridge (The Huc, means Morning Sunlight Bridge).
Visit the Old Quarter: they have well over a thousand years of history and remain one of Vietnam's most lively and unusual places, where one can buy anything from a gravestone to silk pajamas. Exploring by walk to the maze of back streets which is fascinating and there are endless things to buy wool clothes, cosmetics, gold and silver jewelry, silk clothes and herbal medicines.
Visit the Opera House: This magnificent 900-seat European-style OPERA HOUSE was built in 1911. May be viewed from the outside only
Visit Ho Tay Lake (Westlake) and Tran Quoc Pagoda: also called the Lake of the Mist. It covers 583 ha and was named by the Song Dynasty (Chinese) and carries several legends. Also stop for a visit at the Tran Quoc Pagoda on the shore of the lake.
SOFITEL LEGEND METROPOLE HOTEL – Premier Room, Opera Wing (B)
OCT 08: HANOI / HALONG BAY (Drive)
Transfer to the pier on Halong Bay where you will board your overnight junk cruise.
Board the Au Co Cruise for your 2 nights cruise thru Halong Bay.
The first day of your cruise provides an introduction to the amazing scenery of HALONG BAY and BAI TU LONG BAY. Cruising through Halong Bay will literally take your breath away. After cruising to the east of Halong Bay, enjoy a relaxing tour of the FLOATING VILLAGE OF VUNG VIENG by rowing boat before cruising into the geological park of amazing Bai Tu Long Bay.
At dinner time, the boat will anchor for the night in a peaceful location.
AU CO CRUISE JUNK BOAT – Deluxe Cabin (B,L,D)
OCT 09: HALONG BAY
Start the day with Tai Chi - physical movements designed for relaxation, balance and health - on the sundeck of the boat while enjoying the panorama. After breakfast on board, enjoy a guided kayaking tour, or refresh yourself with a swim, in the VUNG HA AREA, a remote part of the GULF OF TONKIN, boasting isolated beaches and nature at its best. Savour a delicious lunch in the Halong Restaurant while the ship cruises towards Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island. CAT BA ISLAND is the largest in the Gulf of Tonkin, covered by a dense rainforest with numerous indigenous species of flora and fauna. The secluded VILLAGE OF VIET HAI, situated in the middle of this pristine environment, is easily accessible via a short walk or cycle trip. Bhaya Cruises is developing an organic farm in the village that guests can visit.
AU CO CRUISE JUNK BOAT – Deluxe Cabin (B,L,D)
OCT 10: HALONG BAY / HANOI / OVERNIGHT TRAIN
Halong Bay, designated a UNESCO world heritage site for its limestone rock formations, is home to about 2,000 isles and islets of different shapes and sizes, creating a truly breathtaking seascape. At its heart is the highest concentration of limestone rocks in the area and caves and grottoes abound. One of the most beautiful is the SUNG SOT CAVE (Surprise). Exceptional because of its size and the shapes which have been created by millions of years of erosion, the Surprise Cave is not to be missed.
This afternoon you disembark from your cruise and will be transferred to Hanoi enrout visiting the Bat Trang (Ceramic Village)
BAT TRANG, a small village in the north of Vietnam, is about 13 km southwest of Hanoi centre, on the other side of the Red River. The village was said to be established in 14th century and the village is famous for ceramic and pottery products of high quality. The village specialized in large scale pottery and porcelain production using traditional methods. Upon arrival, you have an amazing view of all the pottery and ceramic showrooms scattering all over the village. Stop at a small family factory to see how they manufacture their products. Watch the artisans form, paint and glaze their products and you will have a chance to practice your talent with wet clay and a mould. Or you can join the drawing class in the factory.
Continue onwards to the Hanoi train station where you will board your overnight train to Lao Cai.
VICTORIA EXPRESS TRAIN – Superior 4 Berth Cabin (B)
Note: The Victoria express train operates every day of the week except Saturdays. The departure time from Hanoi is 9:50 PM.
OCT 11: (Saturday) LAO CAI / SAPA
Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Sapa where you will have breakfast.
Enrout you will be making a stop to visit the vibrant CAN CAU market, an open-air market situated near the Chinese border. The Flower Hmong minority with their colorful dresses is the most common here.
Afternoon visit Sa Pa town. Take a walk around the town of SA PA, a former colonial mountain retreat. Stroll through parks and squares, enjoying the beautiful mountain scenery all around. On clear days, it is possible to see the summit of MOUNT FANSIPAN, the highest mountain in Southeast Asia.
VICTORIA SAPA RESORT – Superior Room (B)
OCT 12: SAPA / LAO CAI / OVERNIGHT TRAIN
The walk commence from Sapa on a trail running through the beautiful gardens and lush pine forests. Pass through the Black Hmong ethnic minority village of Matra, a very small village hiding way from the civilization. The walk continues through rice paddy fields and spectacular scenery. During the day, enjoy visiting a local school. In the afternoon, arriving at the TA PHIN VILLAGE, the unmixed cultural life of Black Hmong and Red Dao minorities, and two largest ethnic groups in the area which can be recognized them by dressing while they are both very famous of handicraft. Enjoy walking among local people. The trip also offers with the opportunity to visit the local houses as well as visit the caves. Return Lao Cai by vehicle and board your overnight train to Hanoi.
VICTORIA EXPRESS TRAIN – Superior 4 Berth Cabin (B)
OCT 13: HANOI / MAI CHAU (Drive)
Upon arrival in Hanoi you will be met and transferred to Mai Chau. Mai Chau is the closest authentic Montagnard village to Hanoi. It is very rural and most of the people here are White Thai ethnic, distantly related to tribes in Thailand, Laos and China. Start walking around Poom Coong and Lac Village to enjoy the daily life of White Thai people. Afterwards, drive to Van Mai for more insight of local people's life. Stop en route for taking pictures of the river and houses on stilts.
MAI CHAU LODGE – Deluxe Mountain View Room (B,D)
OCT 14: MAI CHAU
Drive from Mai Chau around 15 km to Hmong village of Xa Linh and Pa Co. Walking around the village to see how people live. Enjoy the small jungle of plum trees, peach trees and persimom tree along the way.
MAI CHAU LODGE – Deluxe Mountain View Room (B,D)
OCT 15: MAI CHAU / HANOI / DANANG / HOI AN (Drive & Flight)
Bid farewell as you check out of your lodge and transfer by road to Hanoi where you will connect your flight to Danang. On arrival you are met and transferred to your hotel in Hoi An where the rest of the evening is at leisure.
HOI AN GOLDEN SAND RESORT & SPA – Beach Front Suite (B)
OCT 16: HOI AN
Today you are taken on a tour of the city, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hoi An is a picturesque riverside town south of Danang. Known as Faifo to early western traders, it was one of South East Asia's major international ports during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. It is best to visit some of the following sites of Hoi An by walking around and/or by cyclo. One of your stops will be the Lantern Making Workshop. Visit one of the lantern workshops in Hoi An.
The framework of lantern will be made by the industry itself and you can observe locals making silk cloth on the lanterns. Quan Cong Temple founded in 1653, the main altar is dedicated to Quan Cong, whose partially gilded statue is in the central altar at the back of the sanctuary. Stone plaques on the walls list contributors to the construction and repair of the temple. The temple was open to all Chinese traders or seamen and is dedicated to Thien Hau – it’s a small Chinese style temple with a lintel gate, a rockery courtyard and lucky animals depicted in statuary. Phuoc Kien Pagoda Chinese pagoda built around 1690 and then restored and enlarged in 1900. It is typical of the Chinese 'clans' that were established in the Hoi An area. The temple is dedicated to Thien Hau Thanh Mau (Goddess of the Sea and Protector of Sailors and Fishermen). Japanese Covered Bridge the first bridge on this site was constructed in 1593. It was built by the Japanese community of Hoi An to link them with the Chinese quarters across the stream. The bridge was provided with a roof so it could be used as a shelter from rain and sun. Tran Family Chapel this house for worshipping ancestors was built about 200 years ago with donations from the family members. The Tran family traces its origins to China and moved to Vietnam around 1700. The architecture of the building reflects the influence of Chinese and Japanese styles. Sa Huynh Museum located near the Japanese covered Bridge, it contains exhibitions from the earliest period of Hoi An's history. Phung Hung House one family has been living here for already 8 generations. The house is a combination of Vietnamese, Japanese and Chinese style.
HOI AN GOLDEN SANDS RESORT & SPA – Beach Front Suite (B)
OCT 17: HOI AN / DANANG / HANOI / HOME (Flight)
Today you are transferred to the Danang airport for your flight to Hanoi, on arrival in Hanoi you are met and assisted to connect your evening international flight home. (B)
Note: No hotel booked in Hanoi on this day.