Journey Through Vietnam - Trip is Closed

Discover Vietnam’s captivating beauty and enduring traditions on this 17-day journey. Experience the French-accented capital Hanoi; cruise through scenic Ha Long Bay; visit Da Nang’s acclaimed Cham Museum; explore the colorful village of Hoi An and the imperial capital of Hue.  Explore the Mekong River Delta and bustling Saigon. Optional extension to the temples of Angkor. 

Dates
Feb 20 - Mar 6, 2023  (15 Days)
Cost

$4,697 per person, double occupancy, including air from SFO

For more Information
travel@commonwealthclub.org

(415) 597-6720

    Monday, February 20
    Depart U.S. for Hanoi, Vietnam
    Tuesday, February 21
    Arrive Hanoi

    We arrive in the Vietnamese capital late this evening and transfer to our hotel. InterContinental Hanoi Westlake

    Wednesday, February 22
    Hanoi

    This morning we take a walking tour of Ba Dinh Square. Highlights include the marble and granite mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace, and thousand-year-old One Pillar Pagoda. Following lunch on our own, our orientation tour of this French-accented city features Hoan Kiem Lake; the marvelous Temple of Literature (c. 1070); and the infamous Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the “Hanoi Hilton” during the Vietnam War. Tonight, we visit the bustling Ancient Quarter, where we enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
    InterContinental Hanoi Westlake (B,D)

    Thursday, February 23
    Hanoi / Ha Long Bay

    This morning we depart on a full-day excursion to Ha Long Bay, a breathtaking waterway sprinkled with 3,000 islands and islets, limestone cliffs, secret grottoes, and hidden caves. Our tour includes a boat ride and seafood lunch.
    InterContinental Hanoi Westlake (B,L)

    Friday February 24
    Hanoi / Da Nang

    We fly this afternoon to Da Nang, Vietnam’s third largest city, situated on the south central coast. Upon arrival, we tour the acclaimed Cham Museum, which celebrates the Cham people’s Hindu legacy with a fine collection of sculpture and artifacts dating from the 7th to 15th centuries. After we reach our beachfront hotel, the remainder of the day is at leisure in this splendid setting.
    Hyatt Regency Danang (B,D)

    Saturday, February 25
    Da Nang / Hoi An

    This morning we visit nearby Hoi An, where a succession of Dutch, Chinese, Portuguese, and Japanese traders helped to build an architecturally diverse and colorful village where many ancient traditions still hold sway. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Hoi An’s Old Town is a charming car-free pedestrian zone lined with tailors, shops, and art galleries. This afternoon is at leisure to either remain in Hoi An on your own or return to our beachside resort for a relaxing interlude. Tonight, we enjoy a cooking lesson and dinner in Hoi An. Hyatt Regency Danang (B,D)

    Sunday, February 26
    Da Nang

    A morning walking tour of a nearby farming settlement reveals the daily life of a local community up close. Here rice paddies occupy every spare patch of ground, water buffaloes plow the fields, and villagers ride to market with produce piled high on their bicycles.
    Hyatt Regency Danang (B,L)

    Monday, February 27
    Da Nang / Hue

    We depart this morning by coach for the ancient imperial city of Hue, whose palaces, temples, and tombs evoke its past grandeur as home to emperors and mandarins. We explore the Imperial Citadel, which houses the Forbidden Purple City complex where emperors lived with their families and is now a UNESCO site, enjoying a traditional cyclo ride along the way. We also visit the busy Central Market. Tonight we enjoy dinner accompanied by traditional music.
    Saigon Morin Hotel (B,D)

    Tuesday, February 28
    Hue

    This morning we cruise along Hue’s Perfume River to peaceful Thien Mu Pagoda, a Buddhist monastery that ranks among the city’s oldest and most important monuments. After admiring the seven-story octagonal tower, we visit the palatial Tomb of Minh Mang (c. 1840), with its pavilions and courtyards modeled after the Ming Tombs of China. This afternoon we see the tombs of Tu Duc, a gem of royal architecture; and Khai Dinh, an elaborate mix of ancient and modern, European and Asian.
    Saigon Morin Hotel (B,L)

    Wednesday, March 1
    Hue / Saigon / Can Tho

    Today begins with an early morning flight to Saigon. Upon arrival we board a motorcoach for the three-hour drive south to the Mekong River town of Cai Be, Observe the French architectural influences during a tour of Saigon on March 9. then on to the busy river port and provincial capital of Can Tho.
    Victoria Can Tho Resort (B,D)

    Thursday, March 2
    Can Tho / Mekong Delta

    We rise early for today’s journey by boat to the lively floating market at Cai Rang on the Mekong’s lower reaches. After lunch together at a local restaurant, the remainder of the day is at leisure.
    Victoria Can Tho Resort (B,L)

    Friday, March 3
    Mekong Delta / Saigon

    An hourlong coach ride this morning brings us to the upper reaches of the storied Mekong. Here we board motorized sampans for an up-close look at river life. After lunch at a local restaurant, we continue by coach to Saigon (the name Ho Chi Minh City is used interchangeably). We reach our hotel late afternoon; dinner is on our own in this vibrant city.
    Sofitel Saigon Plaza (B,L)

    Saturday, March 4
    Saigon

    A morning tour includes the former Presidential Palace, which served as the South Vietnamese government’s wartime headquarters. Now called Reunification Palace, it was here that the first Communist tanks rolled into Saigon on April 30, 1975; it remains preserved as a museum almost exactly as it was on that day. We also tour the History Museum. Later we attend a traditional water puppet performance.
    Sofitel Saigon Plaza (B,D)

    Sunday, March 5
    Saigon

    This morning we visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, the infamous underground network from which North Vietnamese forces operated in wartime. Tonight we enjoy a farewell dinner.
    Sofitel Saigon Plaza (B,D)

    Monday, March 6
    Depart for U.S.

    Today we transfer to the airport for our return flights to the U.S. (B)

    Map
    Cambodia's Angkor Wat: Mar 6-10

    Discover the amazing temples and statuary from the Angkorian Empire, and also the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh.

     

     

    Main Program
    Departing from:
    San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle   $4,697
    New York, Portland (OR)  $4,997
    Boston, Chicago, Denver, Washington, DC   $5,097

    Prices are per person based on double occupancy and include airline taxes, surcharges, and fees of $402, which are subject to change until final payment is made.

    Land Only: $3,695 (transfers not included)

    Single Room Supplement: $1,495 

    Airline upgrades on round-trip International flights:
    Business Class - $4,395 per person (upgrades are subject to availability and pricing is subject to change). Upgrade prices are in addition to the costs above. 

    Included in Tour Price
    Round-trip air transportation from listed cities; all flights within itinerary; 13 nights’ accommodations in Deluxe and Superior First Class hotels; 25 meals: 13 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners; Extensive sightseeing as described, including all entrance fees; Services of an Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director; Educational lectures; Commonwealth Club representative at 15 guests; Private motorcoach transportation throughout your trip; Luggage handling for one bag per person; Gratuities for local guides, dining room servers, airport and hotel porters, and all drivers

    Not Included in Tour Price
    Airfare when purchasing a Land Only package; costs of passports and visas; personal expenses such as beverages, laundry, room service, and meals not specified; airport transfers when purchasing a Land Only package; communication charges; gratuities to your Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director, which are at your discretion (suggested gratuities: $10-$15 per traveler, per day); optional sightseeing; and travel protection insurance. Additional baggage fees may apply and are subject to change at any time. You should confirm directly with your airline(s) prior to departure.

    Cambodia: Angkor Wat & Phnom Penh 
    Cost:  $1,495 per person, based on double occupancy
    Single room supplement:  $325 

    Included in extension
    Air transportation Ho Chi Minh City/Siem Reap & Siem Reap/Phnom Penh, inclusive of airline taxes and fees; 3 nights’ accommodations: 2 nights in Siem Reap at Sofitel Angkor (Deluxe); 1 night in Phnom Penh at Sofitel Phnom Penh (Deluxe); rooms reserved for late check-out in Phnom Penh; 6 meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 dinners; Three days’ sightseeing of Angkor complex (UNESCO World Heritage site), including all entrance fees; Phnom Penh sightseeing; Services of an Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director; Private motorcoach transportation; Gratuities for dining room servers, airport and hotel porters, and all drivers

    What to Expect

    This is a moderately active tour and participants must be able to keep up with an active group of travelers. For the safety and enjoyment of each participant and the group, participants must be able to:

    • Walk on average 2-3 miles at a steady pace. On this tour, guests will be walking in cities and town and should be able to walk at a steady pace for approximately 2-4 hours of touring.
    • Be able to walk on cobblestone, gravel and pavement.  Some of walking excursions require good balance as you walk over cobblestone sidewalks/roads and uneven pavement.  
    • Stand for up to approximately 2 hours at a time each day.
    • Walk up and down steep stairs without hand rails, without the assistance of another person.
    • Get off and on tour vehicles without assistance
    • Be able to deal with hot weather – possibly up to the low 90’s F in the middle of the day
    Hear from our expert local guide and tour director. Learn from guest speakers along the way.

    Cancellations, Refunds and Changes
    If you must cancel your trip, the effective date of cancellation will be upon our receipt of your written notification. Refunds for cancellations are subject to the following per person charges:

    Cancel 95 days or more before departure: full refund
    Cancel 94-65 days before departure: 50% of tour price
    Cancel 64-30 days before departure: 75% of tour price
    Cancel 29-0 days before departure: No refund.

    If a guest makes any changes to their reservation within 94 and 30 days prior to departure, Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. will apply a $100 per person administrative fee, in addition to any fees or penalties imposed by third parties. Changes are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed. If your reservation changes from double occupancy to single occupancy for any reason, you will be charged the single supplement. No changes are allowed within 30 days of departure. Upon reservation, you must provide your full legal name as it appears on your passport as well as your date of birth and gender. In the event an airline ticket is issued with incorrect information you have provided, you will be responsible for charges associated with the ticket’s reissue.

    Eligibility
    We require membership to the Commonwealth Club to travel with us. People who live outside of the Bay Area may purchase a worldwide membership. To learn about membership types and to purchase a membership, visit our membership page or call (415) 597-6720.

    Insurance
    We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance, which is available for coverage of expenses in conjunction with cancellation due to illness or accident. Baggage insurance is also recommended. In the event you must cancel your participation in the travel program, trip cancellation insurance may be the only source of reimbursement. Information will be sent upon registration and can be viewed Travel Insurance Services website

    Responsibility
    The liability of the Commonwealth Club, as sponsor, and Odysseys Unlimited, Inc., as tour operator, is strictly limited. Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. purchases transportation, hotel accommodations, restaurant and other services from independent suppliers not under our control. We serve only as agents for these suppliers in securing tour arrangements, and therefore will not accept responsibility for wrongful, negligent or arbitrary acts or omissions of these independent contractors, their employees, agents, servants or representatives. The Commonwealth Club and Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. are not liable for injury, damage, loss, accident or delay that may be caused by events not within our control, including without limitation, acts of terrorism, war, strikes, the defect of any vehicle, or the negligence or default of any third party. All coupons, receipts and tickets issued are subject to the terms and conditions specified by the air carriers, cruise line and other independent suppliers. We will make every effort to operate our tours as planned, but we reserve the right to make itinerary changes as necessary. If unforeseen circumstances require us to change a hotel, we will select alternative accommodations of the same or better quality.

    Health and Medical Issues 
    We request that you be in good health to participate in this tour. There is a considerable amount of walking, and you must be able to get on and off motorcoaches and all boats on your own. We regret that we cannot offer individual assistance; in such cases, you must be accompanied by a companion who will assist you. Please note that our itineraries cannot accommodate wheelchairs. We reserve the right to remove anyone whose physical or mental condition, in our opinion, compromises the operation of the tour or detracts from the enjoyment or safety of the other passengers. In that event, Odysseys Unlimited and the Commonwealth Club assume no financial responsibility for any unused portion of the tour.

    Air Transportation – Important Information
    Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. includes in its tour price round-trip economy air from designated gateway cities as shown and contracts with those airlines the company feels provide the level of service, routings, and value necessary for your entire trip. While another airline may offer a more direct con­nection, it may be at a price unavailable at the lower group rates. You will receive your preliminary air schedule approximately 2½ months prior to departure. Please note that seat assignments on your international flight are usually done at airport check-in. Odysseys Unlimited is unable to guarantee any seat assignments. Due to the nature of tour operator tickets, other restrictions apply, including, but not limited to, frequent flyer mileage accrual, stopovers, alternate travel dates, upgrades, and airline taxes and fees. If you prefer to make your own travel arrangements, Land Only is available on most tours. Since international and domestic air schedules are subject to change at any time, we recommend that if you choose to make your own airline reservations, you do not purchase non-refundable tickets or those with high penalties for changes. If you choose to make your own flight arrangements for an alumni tour and not use those provided by the tour company, we recommend that you do not do so until making your final payment to the tour company confirming details of your trip’s scheduled departure. However, if you choose to make your own flight arrangements, Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. shall not have any liability for any loss resulting from tour cancellations or changes in this tour.

    COVID-19 Health and Safety Protocols: The well-being of our guests and staff members on tour will continue to be our highest priority. To maintain a healthy environment for travel, we will be establishing and adhering to a detailed set of health and safety protocols for all facets of your tour. We are committed to following the guidelines of the State Department, CDC, WHO, and authorities of respective countries regarding travel to a particular destination. Detailed protocols for this tour, based on conditions at the time, will be provided approximately 115 days prior to departure.

    Registration
    Commonwealth Club of California-CST# 2096889-40
    Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. CST #2077973-40