OVERVIEW

The cultural, religious, and educational centre of Vietnam, Hue has a lot of historic sites waiting to be discovered.  Visit historic Thanh Toan Bridge, one of two covered bridges remaining in the country as well as the 500-year old village of Phuoc Tich with its worship halls and communal houses for a taste of ancient Vietnam. Recommend departure from Hue at 0800 in order to see the morning countryside market at Thanh Toan Bridge.    

PROGRAM DETAILS

Built two centuries ago the covered bridge of Thanh Toan is unique in that only two exist in Vietnam (the other being in Hoi An).  Built as a tribute to the villagers by the wife of a high ranking Mandarin, the bridge has survived storms, floods and wars however after it was damaged, the villagers always contributed to repair, renovate and preserve it. Next to the bridge is the local village morning market which can be explored if you desire.

After visiting Thanh Toan it's an hour's drive north to the 500-year-old village of Phuoc Tich. Once famous and prosperous because of its pottery, the village has dozens of homes that are from 100 to 200 years old and several old temples, pagodas, worship halls and communal houses still remain. Many imprints of Champa and ancient Viet cultures are still preserved such as lingas (a very complex symbol of Hinduism). The religious culture of the village is seen via families, which have their own ancestor worship halls, each worshiping five direct generations.

Enjoy a typical Vietnamese family style lunch in one of the old houses Phuoc Tich Village. Following your meal drive back to Hue where you will arrive mid afternoon (L)

PRICING: in US Dollars per person

Rates are valid until 30 September 2012

Our services include:

• Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)
• English or French speaking local guide
• Tours and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicles
• Entrance fees for all visits as mentioned in the itinerary
• Boat trips as mentioned in the itinerary

Our services do not include:

• Vietnam visa  arrangements (a visa to Vietnam is compulsory for most nationalities)
• International and Domestic Flights  (quoted separately )
• Meals other than mentioned above.
• Camera/video entrance fees
• Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, drinks, tips etc..)
• Travel insurance (*)
• Any service not mentioned above.