2014 Lonsdale & IOOF Alliances Annual Conference Vietnam Extension: 7 Days 6 Nights

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2014 Lonsdale & IOOF Alliances Annual Conference

Vietnam Extension: 7 Days 6 Nights

Hanoi

Hanoi –––– Halong Bay

Halong Bay

Halong Bay ---- Hoi An

Halong Bay

Hoi An

((((NORTH to SOUNORTH to SOUNORTH to SOUTHNORTH to SOUTHTHTH))))

Make the most of your trip to Vietnam and travel to Vietnam’s capital Hanoi followed by an overnight experience on board a junk boat amongst the limestone cliffs of Halong Bay before exploring the charming city of Hoi An.

DAY 1: Arrive Hanoi

Upon arrival in Hoi An you will be met by your Destination Asia English speaking tour guide and transferred by private vehicle to the Hotel for check- in.

Hanoi, Vietnam's capital is described by almost all who go there as "an old-fashioned city". Old-fashioned in style, it is a city of lakes, parks, trees, villas, mansions and an area called the Old French Quarter where crumbling houses are crammed into narrow alleyways that are still named after the goods that were traded there - Silk Street, Gold Street, even Fried Fish Street!

Old-fashioned in atmosphere, Hanoi has sidewalk cafes, pavement barbers, wide tree-lined bicycle-filled boulevards, and elegant colonial French mansions. The grandeur and solemnity of Ho Chi Minh's monumental Mausoleum, the incongruous rustic simplicity of the house in which 'Uncle Ho' lived out his final years, the barely concealed misery of the Hoa Lo Prison, the 'Hanoi Hilton' where so many prisoners of war were incarcerated, the religious pride that constructed the beautiful temple of Literature compound - it's all here in Hanoi, a microcosm of the Vietnamese culture. Dinner at leisure at your own cost.

Meal included : Breakfast

Accommodation : At select hotel in Hoi An

Day 2: Hanoi Sights

After breakfast, visit the outside of the Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum complex (note: the mausoleum is only open in the mornings and is closed all day on Mondays and Fridays. It is also closed to all visitors during the months of October & November for maintenance). The tomb is monumental, built of marble, granite and precious wood. Behind the Mausoleum is Ho Chi Minh's house. The simple house where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked is made of wood and enjoyed a tranquil setting, with a view of a lotus pond. Ho Chi Minh’s belongings are on display and visitors can walk up the steps of his house to see his bedroom. Close by, you will see a famous pagoda built in the 11th Century named the One Pillar Pagoda.

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Continue to the Temple of Literature founded in 1070. An excellent example of traditional Vietnamese architecture, the pagoda housed Vietnam’s first university which was established in 1076 to educate the sons of Mandarins. The temple, dedicated to Confucius, consists of 5 walled courtyards leading to a pavilion where 82 stelae of an original 117 record the names and places of birth of successful candidates of the gruelling mandarin examinations from 1498 to 1787, the years of the Ly dynasty. The stelae sit on the backs of giant turtles, symbol of longevity; these emblems along with the crane, another creature denoting longevity, are also found in the main red-lacquered temple nearby.

Lunch will be at Wild Lotus Restaurant, an elegant restaurant with Vietnamese contemporary art decoration that serves excellent Vietnamese cuisine as well as delicious offerings from throughout the Indochina region.

This afternoon, enjoy an orientation tour of the tree-lined streets of Hanoi, resplendent with French colonial architecture, including the recently restored Opera House. The magnificent 900-seat Municipal Theatre was built in 1911 and is a jewel of French colonial architecture. Originally modeled as a smaller version of the Great Paris Opera House, it was from the balcony of this wonderfully restored French colonial building that the Viet Minh-run committee of citizens announced that it had taken over the city on 16 August 1945.Pass by Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as Lake of the Restored Sword from the legend that surrounds it en-route to one of the city's fascinating museums (Army, History or Fine Arts, depending on your preference).

Then enjoy a cyclo (pedi-cab) tour and a walking tour of 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. Still a thriving community of sellers today, you will see street names such as Sugar Street, Tin Street and Paper Street. Ancient homes and temples are interspersed with stores in this souvenir hunter's paradise!

Dinner at leisure at your own cost. Meal included : Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Hanoi to Halong Bay, Cruise Halong Bay

Following breakfast this morning depart Hanoi by road to Ha Long for your Ha Long Bay overnight cruise aboard a Junk boat. The road transfer is approx. 3.5hrs.

Upon arrival at Ha Long City, embark a traditional junk boat and enjoy a delicious fresh seafood lunch on board while cruising on the Bay.

Ha Long Bay is often called Vietnam's eighth wonder of the world and once visited, it is hard to dispute that claim. 3000 spectacular limestone outcroppings, cliffs, arches and coves compete for space in an area that offers without doubt one of the most impressive and unforgettable sceneries and natural beauty this country has to offer. Cruise aboard a traditional sailing junk (none exclusive - you join a scheduled departure) and 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.

During the cruise, enjoy the solitude and beauty of the bay, marveling at its formations before watching the sun go down on the deck of the boat. Dinner is served onboard

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Your accommodation tonight is on board the junk boat allowing for a peaceful nights’ sleep and a memorable morning out on the bay.

Meal included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation : Your chosen cruise boat in Ha Long

Day 4: Halong Bay to Hanoi, Flight to Danang, Arrive Hoi An

Enjoy breakfast on board the junk boat in the still of the morning before returning to shore where you arrive approx. 10.30am. Transfer back to Hoi An airport for your onward flight.

Road transfer back to Hanoi airport (3.5hrs) and flight from Hanoi to Danang: Vietnam Airlines flight VN175 18.10/19.25 (current flight schedule subject to change without notice).

On arrival at Danang you will be met by your local English speaking Destination Asia tour guide. One of the most ancient cities in Vietnam, Da Nang was the centre of the Cham Dynasty from the 2nd century and today boasts the largest and most impressive collection of Cham artefacts anywhere in the world. Da Nang's rich cultural history, it's proximity to the extraordinary ruins of My Son, it's atmospheric riverfront promenade, it's world-famous Cham Museum all continue to draw visitors. Unwelcome visitors have made their mark here too - Danang was the first landing-point for the invading French troops and again decades later for the US Marines.

Close by Da Nang is Non Nuoc Beach, immortalised for many by the US television show and still one of the most spectacular beaches in Asia. Also nearby are the Marble Mountains, the 5 craggy limestone peaks that are said to represent the 5 elements of the universe. A climb inside through the hundreds of natural caves and grottoes is a must.

Arrival transfer to your resort and evening at leisure. Dinner at leisure at your own cost.

Meal included : Breakfast,

Day 5: Hoi An Sightseeing & Cooking Class

Breakfast at leisure at hotel.

We start the day with a drink at a local restaurant then visit Hoi An’s colorful market to experience the amazing sights, sounds and aromas of this busy market. We will have the opportunity to interact with the local sellers and purchase some of the ingredients to be used in the cooking lesson later. Then board a boat for a leisurely cruise along the Hoi An River to the local restaurant. This is a chance to view local river life along riverbanks.

On arrival, we explore the cooking school’s herb and vegetable garden, before learning about some of Hoi An’s and Vietnam’s well-known dishes. The cooking lesson runs for about 2 hours – each dish is first demonstrated by a local chef before we prepare the same dish ourselves. Included in the class

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is a brief introduction to Vietnamese food carving (plate decoration). After the lesson it is time for lunch and to eat exactly what we have cooked!

Afternoon, free at leisure.

Dinner at leisure at your own cost. Meal included : Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: Rural Hoi An by Bicycle & Hoi An Sightseeing

In this morning enjoy a tour by bicycle into the very heart of rural Hoi An for a special insight into the everyday life of a local village community. The small settlement of Cam Thanh, nestled among seemingly endless rice fields, allows the visitor to experience first hand the very backbone of Vietnam's rural culture.

The short bicycle ride through the deepest countryside of the village will be one of the highlights of your time in Vietnam – this unique glimpse into the rural lives of the villagers is a sight that very few other visitors will see – and in turn you will delight the local people with your presence on their most favoured form of transportation – the humble bicycle!

Depending on the season, you will have the opportunity to see the local farming community threshing and harvesting.

Lunch at your own arrangements.

This afternoon, take an excursion to Hoi An, the unique trading town of Hoi An was a civilisation cut off by destroyed rail lines and a silted river, leaving it untouched by war and frozen in time. See architecture reminiscent of traders of a bygone era - Japanese, French, Chinese, and Indian, as well as beautifully preserved ancient houses. No cars are allowed to pass through Hoi An, rendering it an excellent walking village. Visit the local centre market, unique Japanese covered bridge and a Chinese communal house. Shop for art at one of the numerous galleries and enjoy the riverside ambience.

Dinner at leisure at your own cost. Meal included : Breakfast

Day 7: Depart Hoi An

You are at your leisure until your transfer to Da Nang airport. Flight from Danang to Ho Chi Minh City: Vietnam Airlines flight VN117 14.20/15.35 (current flight schedule subject to change without notice)

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Extension Tour Costs:

Vietnam NORTH 2 SOUTH: Hanoi - Halong Bay – Hoi An: 7 Days/6 Nights Tour:

Package Hotel Accommodation Twin/Double pp Single Supplement

5 Star Option A

Hanoi (2 Nights) Sofitel Metropole Hanoi

(Premium Room)

Halong Bay (1 Night) Paradise Cruise Junk Boat

(Deluxe Balcony Cabin)

Hoi An (3 Nights)

Palm Garden Resort & Spa

(Superior Garden View)

$ 1,980 per person $ 1,250

5 Star Option B

Hanoi (2 Nights)

Moevenpick Hotel Hanoi

(Superior Deluxe)

Halong Bay (1 Night) Paradise Cruise Junk Boat

(Deluxe Balcony Cabin)

Hoi An (3 Nights)

Palm Garden Resort & Spa

(Superior Garden View)

$ 1,730 per person

$ 960

4 Star Option

Hanoi (2 Nights) Sunway Hotel Hanoi

(Superior Room)

Halong Bay (1 Night) Bhaya Cruise Junk Boat

(Deluxe Cabin) Hoi An (3 Nights) Hoi An Beach Resort

(Garden View Deluxe)

$ 1,520 per person $ 880

Inclusions:

• Two (2) nights’ accommodation in Hanoi, Three (3) nights’ accommodation in Hoi An • Overnight Cruise in Ha Long Bay (1 night accommodation aboard a Junk boat) • Economy Class airfare and taxes from Hanoi to Danang with Vietnam Airlines

• Economy Class airfare and taxes from Danang to Ho Chi Minh City with Vietnam Airlines • All transfers and sightseeing activities as per itinerary

• Private air-conditioned vehicle

• Entrance fees to sights as per itinerary

• Local English speaking guide in each destination for all included sightseeing and transfers • Meals as per itinerary

Prices are per person in Australian Dollars and current at the time of printing (May 2014). ETM reserves the right to adjust the package cost subject to currency fluctuations and increases imposed by hotels, airlines or other suppliers.

Not Included

• Airfare and taxes to Hanoi/from Ho Chi Minh City

• Transfer from airport in Ho Chi Minh City to Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City (Note: ifyou arrive into Ho Chi Minh City on 18th October Lonsdale will cover airport transfer costs in Ho Chi Minh City)

• Meals other than those specified as included • Beverages throughout the trip

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• Incidentals at the Hotel (e.g. laundry, minibar etc.)

• Entrance fees for any extra sightseeing or optional activities arranged on site • Tipping of local staff (guide/driver)

• Personal expenses and additional services not listed in itinerary • Travel Insurance (highly recommended)

• Vietnam Visa

Please note: Destination Asia reserves the right to modify the itinerary of the tour if flight schedule or any events beyond their control make such alterations necessary. If the confirmed tour has to be changed only due to the guest's own wishes during the tour, the guest is required to pay for the corresponding additional cost.

Attendance & Participant Numbers

The above Extension Tours are offered exclusively for participants of the Lonsdale & IOOF Alliances Annual Conference.

Minimum Participant Numbers:

We require a minimum of 1 participant to operate this Extension Tour.

Vietnam Visa Information

Australian, New Zealand & UK passport holders require a visa to enter Vietnam. If you are travelling on another passport please contact ETM to determine your visa requirements.

Lonsdale & IOOF will cover the cost of a one (1) month single entry Vietnam visa as part of your conference package. If you require a Vietnam visa with extended validity (3 months) or a double entry visa, additional visa costs will be at your own cost.

How to book the Extension Trip

We recommend you book as early as possible to secure your spot as space is subject to availability at the time of request. The “Lonsdale & IOOF Alliances Annual conference On-line Registration Site” includes a section for you to book this exclusive Extension Tour. Alternatively contact Melanie Combe at ETM on 1300 059 176 or E: lonsdale2014@eventsctm.com

BOOINE

The deadline to book an exclusive Lonsdale & IOOF Extension Tour is Friday, 12th September 2014.

Extension Trip Terms & Conditions – Please read carefully

DEPOSIT

A deposit of $ 400.00 per person is required to secure your booking. This deposit is required within 7 days of receipt of the tour confirmation or no later than Friday, 12th September 2014 whichever comes first. A deposit invoice will be sent along with your booking confirmation.

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Paying by Direct Debit: Our bank details are: Bank: ANZ Banking Group

324 Queens Road, Brisbane QLD 4000

Account Name: Corporate Travel Management Group Pty Ltd. BSB: 014 002

Account Number: 8361 39512

If you are paying by direct debit please use LON1125E or the Invoice number as a reference in order for our finance team to easily identify your payment.

Paying by Credit Card:

Should you wish to pay by Credit Card, you will be required to complete a credit card authorisation form which will be sent to you together with your invoice. Once completed please fax/email the signed form to ETM. Email:lonsdale2014@eventctm.com or Fax: 03 9567 3697

We accept Visa, American Express, Mastercard and Diners. The following service fee will apply to payments made by credit card.

• Visa/Mastercard = 1.5% • Diners = 2.5%

• American Express = 3.2%

Paying by Cheque:

Please make your cheque payable to “Event Travel Management” and send the cheque to: ETM – Event Travel Management

Attn: Melanie Combe Level 2, 271 Collins Street Melbourne VIC 3000

PAYMENT OF BALANCE

ETM will send you an invoice for the balance due no later than 45 days prior to your extension trip date. Final payment of the balance is required within 7 days of receipt of the balance invoice or no later than 45 days prior to your extension trip (whichever comes first).

CANCELLATION FEES

If it is necessary to cancel you Extension trip, you should notify us immediately in writing and this will take effect the day it is received by us. The following cancellation fees apply per person:

• Cancellations received between 60-31 days prior to your extension trip date will incur a per

person cancellation fee of $ 200 per person.

person cancellation fee of 30% of the total package cost.

person cancellation fee of 50% of the total package cost.

• Cancellations received inside 10 days prior to your extension trip date will incur 100%

cancellation fees. Important

• Refunds will not be given for unused or cancelled services after your tour arrangements

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Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend that insurance be purchased at the time you pay your trip deposit as our cancellation conditions will be strictly enforced. The choice of the insurer is at your sole discretion. ETM can provide you with a quote for insurance. Please contact us.

Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The Australian Government will not pay for a traveller's medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs.

Questions

Should you have any questions relating to the Lonsdale & IOOF Alliances Annual Conference Extension Options please contact Melanie Combe or Danielle Sampson at ETM – Event Travel Management on 1300 059 176, D 03 9567 3639, or E: lonsdale2014@eventsctm.com