TRAVEL FROM SAN FRANCISCO TO VIETNAM

1. Best plane trip prices in August/September – from San Francisco to Ho Chi Minh (Saigon)

a. August 22-28, 2011 (round-trip)

Korean Air - $1,075Departing FlightDeparting: San Francisco – Aug. 22, 12:45pm Connects in Seoul, Korea (2h, 10m layover)Arriving: Ho Chi Minh – Aug. 23, 10:20pmTotal time – 19h 35m

Returning FlightDeparting: Ho Chi Minh – Aug. 28, 11:50pm Connects in Seoul, Korea (9h 15m layover)Arriving: San Francisco – Aug. 29, 10:45amTotal time – 24h 55m

Cathay Pacific - $1,151Departing FlightDeparting: San Francisco – Aug. 22, 1:20am Connects in Kowloon, China (2h, 25m layover)Arriving: Ho Chi Minh – Aug. 23, 10:20amTotal time – 19h 0m

Returning FlightDeparting: Ho Chi Minh – Aug. 28, 6:55pm Connects in Kowloon, China (1h 55m layover)Arriving: San Francisco – Aug. 28, 10:00pmTotal time – 17h 5m

b. Sept. 5-11, 2011 (round-trip)

Asiana - $1,012Departing: San Francisco – Sept. 5, 1:10pm Connects in Seoul, Korea (1h, 45m layover)Arriving: Ho Chi Minh – Sept. 6, 10:30pmTotal time – 19h 20m

Returning FlightDeparting: Ho Chi Minh – Sept. 11, 11:50pm Connects in Seoul, Korea (9h 35m layover)Arriving: San Francisco – Sept. 12, 11:15amTotal time – 25h 25m

China Airlines - $1,085Departing: San Francisco – Sept. 5, 1:35am Connects in Taipei, Taiwan (2h, 0m layover)Arriving: Ho Chi Minh – Sept. 6, 9:50amTotal time – 18h 15m

Returning FlightDeparting: Ho Chi Minh – Sept. 11, 5:20pm Connects in Taipei, Taiwan (1h 25m layover)Arriving: San Francisco – Sept. 11, 7:50pmTotal time – 16h 30m

c. Sept. 18-24, 2011 (round trip)

China Airlines - $1,115Departing: San Francisco – Sept. 18, 1:05am Connects in Taipei, Taiwan (2h, 0m layover)Arriving: Ho Chi Minh – Sept. 19, 9:50amTotal time – 18h 45m

Returning FlightDeparting: Ho Chi Minh – Sept. 24, 5:20pm Connects in Taipei, Taiwan (1h 25m layover)Arriving: San Francisco – Sept. 24, 7:20pmTotal time – 16h 0m

Cathay Pacific - $1,163Departing: San Francisco – Sept. 18, 1:20am Connects in Kowloon, China (2h, 25m layover)Arriving: Ho Chi Minh – Sept. 19, 10:20amTotal time – 19h 0m

Returning FlightDeparting: Ho Chi Minh – Sept. 24, 6:55pm Connects in Kowloon, China (1h 55m layover)Arriving: San Francisco – Sept. 24, 10:00pmTotal time – 17h 5m

SOURCE: www.priceline.com

2. Best hotels that are nice but not too expensive (mid range price wise)

a. Asian Ruby 3 Hotel100 Le Lai Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, District 1 - Pham Ngu Lao / Tay Balo, Ho Chi Minh City

Room Rates per night (approx):Superior double – US$50Deluxe – US$59

b. Hoang Hai Long52B-62-64 Pham Hong Thai Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1 - Ben Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh City

Room Rates per night (approx):Superior – US$56Deluxe – US$69

c. Sanouva175-177 Ly Tu Trong st, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, District 1 - Ben Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh City

Room Rates per night (approx):Deluxe city view (double) – US$52

d. Liberty 4 Hotel265 Pham Ngu Lao Street, District 1, District 1 - Pham Ngu Lao / Tay Balo, Ho Chi Minh City

Room Rates per night (approx):Signature superior (room only) – US$59Signature superior (w/ breakfast) – US$69

e. Oscar Saigon Hotel68A Nguyen Hue Street, District 1, District 1 - Dong Khoi / Nguyen Hue, Ho Chi Minh City

Room Rates per night (approx):Oscar cosy – US$63Oscar elegant – US$68

3. Links to blogs & specifically articles about at least 7 cool things to do in each

a. Cruise in HALONG BAY

QUICK INFO:A highlight of any trip to Vietnam, the enchanting archipelago of Halong Bay lies off the north east coast of Vietnam and comprises around 3000 limestone islands. Cruising around this magical bay on board a traditional junk boat is a magical experience that no trip to Vietnam should be without.

HOW TO GET THERE FROM HO CHI MINH:Take a plane from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi.The best way to travel to Halong bay is to rent or hire private car, mini van or bus. The drive takes approximately 3.5 hours one way.

SOURCES:

http://www.halongbay-vietnam.com/

b. Trekking tour in SAPA

QUICK INFO:Sapa is located at Lao Cai Province, northern part of Vietnam. Sapa is endowed with favorable natural conditions and is very attractive to travelers. Vietnam’s highest peak, the 3, 143 metre Mount Fansipan, looms overhead, while the surrounding valleys feature terraced rice paddies and blazing green fields cut by fast-flowing streams.

HOW TO GET THERE FROM HO CHI MINHTake a plane from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi.Sapa is 380km from Hanoi and various options exist to get there. The most popular is to sign up for one of the overnight trips which includes a train journey to Lao Cai followed by minibus transfer up to Sapa.

SOURCES: http://www.sapatrekking.com/index.html http://www.sapatravelvietnam.com/default.asp?loading=33&newsID=1397

c. Watch a WATER PUPPET SHOW IN HANOI

QUICK INFO:The art of water puppetry is unique to the areas surrounding the Red River (Song Hong) and not to be missed when you are in Hanoi. It used to be pratised by rice farmers in flooded paddy fields for centuries, and is handed down from generation to generation. Basically, this involves wooden puppets manipulated by bamboo wooden sticks hidden beneath the water which depict stories of Vietnamese folk tales and daily life. This exciting performance also comes with special effects such as smoke and mini-fireworks, plus traditional music played by old folks.

HOW TO GET TO HANOI FROM HO CHI MINH:By Train: It will take 3 days to get to Hanoi. Air-conditioned trains have sleepers and on-board catering link Hanoi, Hué, Danang, Nha Trang, and Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City).

By Plane: Travel will take anywhere between 7 to 13 hours depending on the connecting flight/stop-over.

SOURCES: http://www.seat61.com/Vietnam.htm#Why%20travel%20by%20train%20in

%20Vietnam http://www.expedia.com/pub/agent.dll?

qscr=fexp&flag=q&city1=SGN&citd1=HAN&date1=8/1/2011&time1=362&cAdu=1&cSen=0&cChi=0&cInf=&infs=2&tktt=&trpt=1&ecrc=&eccn=&qryt=8&rdct=1&olacid=buttons-meta.farecompare.farecompare.buttons.compare.international.frontdoor.

d. Shop at BEN THANH MARKET in HO CHI MINH

QUICK INFO:The clock tower over the main entrance to what was formerly known as Les Halles Centrale is the symbol of Saigon, and the market might as well be, too. Opened first in 1914, it's crowded, with its narrow, one-way aisles, and loaded with people clamoring to sell cheap goods (T-shirts, aluminum wares, silk, bamboo, and lacquer) and postcards. The Market is divided into two main areas: an outer part of various shops running around the entire market, and one big inner market divided into aisles and sections.

ADDRESS:Le Loi and Tran Hung Dao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh

SOURCES: http://talk.onevietnam.org/top-markets-of-vietnam-ben-thanh-market/

e. Cruise at the MEKONG DELTA

QUICK INFO:Mekong Delta is the region in southwestern Vietnam where the Mekong River approaches and empties into the sea through a network of distributaries. The Mekong Delta region

encompasses a large portion of southeastern Vietnam of 38,000 square kilometers. This vast delta is formed by the deposition of the multiple tentacles and tributaries of the mighty Mekong River which has its origin in the Tibetan highland plateau 2,800 miles away.

SOURCES: http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Asia/Vietnam/Thanh_Pho_Ho_Chi_Minh/

Ho_Chi_Minh_City-1470720/Things_To_Do-Ho_Chi_Minh_City-Mekong_Delta-BR-1.html

f. Enjoy a HILLSIDE RETREAT AT DALAT

QUICK INFO:The first person to explore this region was Mr. Nguyen Thong. Approximately 25 years later, in 1893, Dr. Yersin, a French immunologist discovered Dankia high lands while on an expedition to the Langbian high lands. Dankia is 10 km from the city of Da Lat. This region reminded Dr. Yersin of his homeland, and particularly the similarities between Da Lat's evergreen forests and those in the Swiss Alps. He made the recommendation to the government to form a resort town with health spas for government officials and foreign dignitaries in Dankia.

Da Lat city is probably one of Vietnam's most well known vacation destination. Da Lat has a number of beautiful French colonial buildings - the most famous of them seems to be the Sofitel Dalat Palace a big fine hotel overlooking the artificial lake.

HO W TO GET TO DALAT FROM HO CHI MINH:By Air: Flight time from Dalat to Ho Chi Minh is about 45 minutesBy Bus: Public buses are slightly cheaper than minivan though not as comfortable. From Ho Chi Minh, one can book one’s bus ticket to Dalat from most travel agent or bus company office.

SOURCES: http://www.vietscape.com/travel/dalat/yersin.html http://photo.net/travel/vietnam/weinreb/da-lat.html

g. Sled at the SAND DUNES OF MUI NE

QUICK INFO:Many visitors enjoy a trip to these surprisingly Saharan-like sand dunes located not far from Mui Ne’s important beaches. There is a good view of Mui Ne and the coastline from the top of the dunes but the most enjoyable experience is sliding down them. Transport yourself back into childhood and spent a few hours playing on the dunes with the plastic boards supplied by the gangs of small children renting them out.

HOW TO GET THERE FROM HO CHI MINH:By Bus: Travel time is about 5 hrs. Book Phuong Trang or Mai Linh or any open bus tour on Pham Ngu Lao Street.

SOURCES: http://www.visit-mekong.com/vietnam/mui-ne/attractions.htm#dune http://www.discounttravelblogger.com/golden-sand-dunes-in-mui-ne/ http://www.vietnamonline.com/destination/mui-ne/getting-there.html

4. LINKS TO OTHER THINGS TO DO IN VIETNAM

http://vietnam.blognhanh.com/2011/06/top-10-things-to-do-in-vietnam_07.html http://www.vietnamtravelarticle.com/articles/travel-to-vietnam/ http://www.greentrail-indochina.com/vietnam/things_to_do.html