Stamford United Church

 http://www.wondercafe.ca/

~A Sacred Place to Seek God in the Heart of all Life~ 

Five Oaks Centre

1 Bethel Road, R.R.3 Paris ON N3L 3E3

Phone: 519-442-3212      registrar@fiveoaks.on.ca

 

http://www.projectshare.ca/

  www.cavespringscamp.on.ca

NEW Year Round DIRECTOR
Alex Sillett

 

Healthy Horizons
for Children and Families

Here is an up date
on what we have been doing over the past few months and also a project we are working on right now. 

The great news is, once again we were able to help in having surgery preformed on a 5 year old little girl we met on our last trip to Honduras.  She had a tumour in the back of her head that needed to be removed.  With the help and financial support of our donors and the help of the local medical community in Honduras she had the surgery done a few weeks ago and is now back home with her mother and grandmother and doing extremely well.  Again, these things can only happen with your support!  (please see attached photos)

The other project we are currently working on is the construction of a small home for a family in Jesus De Otoro.  This family really needs our help after all that happen to them over the past few months.  The family is composed of a single mother with 6 children and one grandchild.  The mother and the three oldest girls were seriously abused by the father over the past years.  He is now in prison, but the family lost everything.  Their home currently is made of plastic tarps and bags that they have found at the local dump. (see attached pictures).  Over the past few months we have been working with the Mayor's office in  Jesus De Otoro to secure some land for the construction of a very basic home.  They have agreed to donate a small piece of land and we also have a local company donating some gravel and sand.  We can get this small home built for the for about $2500.00.  We have asked the family to provide $200.00 and some labour to help getting their home up.  By asking for the money and the labour they will have a sense of ownership and feel a sense of pride!  We are asking if any of you can make a donation to this project if possible.

Healthy Horizons for Children and Families is gearing up already for our winter mission to Honduras.  The trip will take place in March from the 8 to the 19.  Again we hope to be able to meet our annual goals. These include having enough donations of money to buy food and supplies for the orphanage, 3 medical Physician Travel packs for the medical mission we will conduct during our mission trip in March.  Our goal for this year is to raise $8000.00 We have six months to reach this goal and we believe that with your help it will be reached once again this year.  

Because we have 6 moths prior to our next trip we are asking if you would like to help raise these funds by raising awareness about our charity and the work we do in Honduras by sharing this e-mail with your friends and family.   And please remember that we are a official registered Charity with the CRA and all donations are tax deductible.  

Please help us help others, our work can only be accomplished if we get the support we need.

The children and families in Honduras are very appreciative for what you do and say "THANK YOU CANADA FOR LOVING US"
Sharon & Steve Malone
Registered Canadian Charity # 809674096RR0001
Healthy Horizons for Children and Families
3956 St-James Ave

Niagara Falls, Ontario

L2J 2R3

289 296 3086
www.hhcf.ca

Happy Being Me             http://www.happybeingme.com/newproducts/index

would like to give you a 10% discount just by mentioning you saw their t-shirt on this web site!
Happy Being Me     4 Secord Drive, St. Catharines, ON.  L2N 1K8
Phone 905-935-2082  Between 9am-5pm EST       info@happybeingme.com

 

Here it is !

  Russia with Norm and Harvey

   

TOUR PRICE FROM TORONTO / OTTAWA

Price per person based on twin sharing:

$ 5150

(Outside Upper Cabin)

CONTACT:

Rev. Norm Baines: normbaines@gmail.com • Rev. Harvey Tobey: harveytobey@gmail.com

To book the cruise please call Indus Travels at 1 866 978 2997 

June 12, 2012: Toronto/Ottawa

Today make your own way to Toronto’s Pearson International Airport or Ottawa

International Airport to check in for your international fight. Enjoy onboard

services.

June 13, 2012: St Petersburg

Arrive at St. Petersburg International airport and transfer to your cruise ship for

check in and embarkation. Created by Peter the Great to rival Venice, St.

Petersburg’s 101 islands, 66 canals, and hundreds of bridges have secured its

reputation as the most beautiful city in the country. While your ship is docked in

port, you’ll enjoy daily sightseeing tours. You will see the Nevsky prospect’s

shops, cafes and theatres, and you will tour the impressive St.Isaac’s, the city’s

large cathedral, now a museum of elaborate icons and artworks. We will spend

time in the world famous hermitage Museum, formerly the Winter Palace, home

of the last six czars. A treasure trove of three million exhibits, its 320 halls display

DaVincis, Rembrandts, Titians, Micheleangelos, French impressionists and North

American artists. (D)

June 14, 2012: St. Petersburg

Today you will enjoy a sightseeing tour of St Petersburg by coach featuring the

main city highlights and the impressive Palace Square. Your tour today will

included Nevsky Prospect, Palace Square and the Winter Palace (from the

outside), spit of Vassilievsky Island, the University Embankment, the main

building of the State St. Petersburg University, Admiralty, Senat Square, the

Monument to Peter the Great (the Bronze Horseman), St. Isaak's Cathedral and

St. Isaak's Square, the Field of Mars (from the outside) and the Summer Gardens

(from the outside). Overnight in St. Petersburg on board (B, L, D)

June 15, 2012: St. Petersburg

This morning visit one of the largest museums in the world, founded 1764 the

Hermitage’s collection includes over 2.7 million items, including masterpieces by

Leonardo Da Vinci, Raphael, Rodin, Rembrandt, Rubens, many French impressionists,

etc. You will also visit the Gala room of the Winter Palace, a former royal

residence, home to the last six czars. Overnight in St. Petersburg on board (B, L,

D)

June 16, 2012: St. Petersburg

Today visit Yussupov Palace built for the Yussupov family, considered the richest

noble family in Russia. The palace is a fine example of Russian architecture from

the 2nd half of the 19th century. Its facade is executed in the classical style. Its

interiors, including state rooms, palace theatre and the private rooms of the

Yussupov family are decorated with works by Rembrandt and Rubens, French

tapestries and porcelain, Venetian mirrors and wood carvings. The palace is also

interesting from an historical point of view. It was in the palace basement that

Grigory Rasputin was assassinated in 1916. Today there is an exposition

recreating the atmosphere of the assassination in the basement. Overnight in St.

Petersburg on board (B, L, D)

June 17, 2012: Mandrogi

Today, your cruise heads  along the Volga, stopping for sightseeing at a river

village with homes built of traditional wooden architecture. There is a museum

of Russian Vodka where you can learn about the history of the Russian vodka

industry (entrance not included). You will have the opportunity to enjoy the

rustic atmosphere of the village and experience some Russian hospitality before

re-boarding the ship. Enjoy your evening onboard. (B, L, D)

June 18, 2012: Kizhi

Via the Volga/Baltic canal, your cruise will take you to the mysterious tiny island

of Kizhi, located at the northern end of Lake Onega. Renowned for its open-air

Museum of Architecture assembled from various areas of the country with some

wonderful 18th century wooden buildings which have been carefully restored

to their original state. The highlight at Kizhi is the magnificent Church of the

Transfiguration with its 22 onion domes. Enjoy your evening on board the ship.

(B, L, D)

June 19, 2012: Goritsy

Today your cruise will stop at Goritsy a tiny settlement seven kilometers from the

Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery. Visit what remains of the Nunnery of the resurrection

on the banks of the Sheksna River in Goritsy. This stop will be interesting for

anyone with a real interest in Russian history. Enjoy your evening onboard. (B, L,

D)

June 20, 2012: Uglich - Yaroslavl

Founded in 1148, Uglich is one of the most beloved towns in old Russia. The view

of the town as it is approached from the Volga River is especially lovely with the

Cathedral of the Resurrection and St. John’s Church looming on the horizon. At

the end of the 16th century, Maria Nagaya, the seventh wife of Ivan the Terrible,

lived in honorary exile in the Kremlin in Uglich. It was here in her garden that

Tsarevich Dmitry met his death and where the Church of St. Demitrius of the

Blood was built and still stands today. Within the Kremlin is the oldest building in

Uglich, the Palace of Tsarevich Dmitry. Stretching for 18 miles on both banks of

the Volga, Yaroslavl is an important Volga port with a population of 600,000. It

was founded in the 11th century by Prince Yaroslav the Wise and today retains

many noteworthy monuments of its colorful past. Of special interest is the

magnificent 13th-century Spassky Monastery ensemble, a group of majestic 17th

century cathedrals, an elegant rotunda and remnants of an ancient trading

center. Loveliest of all is the Church of Elijah the Prophet, situated in the town’s

central square. The frescoes on the walls and vaulting inside the church,

constitutes a veritable museum of Old Russian paintings. This afternoon take a

sightseeing tour of Yaroslavl by coach. Enjoy your evening onboard. (B, L, D)

June 21, 2012: Moscow

Spend three unforgettable days in the capital of Russia and admire numerous

treasures of its history and present days and enjoy its beauty! Your city tour today

will include a stop at St. Sofia Embankment on the Moskva River, the Bolshoy

Stone Bridge, stops at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior and the Pushkin Museum

of Fine Arts, the new monument to Peter the Great, Gorky Park. There will be a

stop at the New Maiden Convent, see the observation platform of Sparrow

(Lenin) Hills, Viktory Park and Poklonnaya Hill with its World War II Memorial,

Kutuzov Avenue and the White House. Return back to your ship for the evening.

(B, L, D)

June 22, 2012: Moscow

Today's tour takes you to the Kremlin, the historic site in the centre of Moscow

which houses many cathedrals and palaces and still the official residence of the

Russian President. This former residence of Russian czars is an architectural

ensemble of unique beauty, which took shape between the 15th and 20th

centuries. Cathedral Square, the center of the Kremlin with the 15th century

Assumption Cathedral, the main church of Russia and the 15th century

Annunciation Cathedral, the private church of Russian czars and the 16th century

Cathedral of the Archangel, the burial place of the czars. On the grounds of the

Kremlin are a famous Czar Cannon from the 16th century and a Czar Bell from the

18th century. This afternoon visit the Armory Chamber during your visit to the

Kremlin. The armory is home to a treasury of a unique collection of gold and

silver items from the 12 to the 19th centuries, Russian arms and armor from the

12 to the 16th centuries, state regalia, thrones, carriages and coronation dresses

from the 16 to the 19th centuries, as well as ambassadorial gifts from the 16 to

the 19th centuries belonging to the Russian Czars. This evening take in various

Moscow underground stations, take two or three metro rides and see four or five

stations (the most beautiful ones). Each station was built to be different from the

others and designed in an original manner. Enjoy your evening onboard. (B, L, D)

June 23, 2012: Depart for North America

Today, transfer to Moscow International airport for your return flight to Canada.

1-866-978-2997

Ask for Tordes

Or how about January 2013

Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam

 17 Nights / 18 Days     starting January 28, 2013

 travel in January/February 2013

Price per person based on twin sharing:         CAD 6,275.00

TOUR LODGING INFO: 17 Nights    

Cities                   Nights                  Hotels                 

Bangkok            2 Nights             Novotel Siam Square – Standard room

Battambang        2 Nights             Stung Sangke Hotel – Deluxe room

Siem Reap          3 Nights             Tara Angkor Hotel – Superior room

Phnom Penh       2 Nights             Sunway Hotel Phnom Penh – Deluxe room

Chau Doc           1 Night               Victoria Hotel Chau Doc – Superior room

Can Tho             2 Nights                         Victoria Can Tho Resort – Superior room                 

Saigon               2 Nights             Star City Saigon Hotel – Deluxe room

Hanoi                3 Nights             Hilton Hanoi Opera – Deluxe room

 

Tour Price Includes:

·        English-speaking guide

·        Accommodation at listed hotels or similar

·        Full board (no lunch on Day 15 due to flying)

·        1 complimentary bottle of drinking water & 1 cold towel per person per day

·        Flight from Saigon to Hanoi

·        Full time tour escorts in Thailand, Cambodia  & Vietnam

·        Sightseeing & Entrance fees as per the itinerary

·        Ground transportation in a private A/C vehicle

·        International airfare from YYZ including departure taxes

·        Tips & gratuities

·        Travel Insurance

·        All currently applicable taxes

 

Tour Price Excludes:

·        Items of a personal nature

·        Visa fees

·        Optional Tours

·        Meals not mentioned as being included

·        Beverages with meals

·        Items not mentioned as being included

 

TOUR ITINERARY:

 

Day 1                   Bangkok

On arrival at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport you will be met and transferred to the hotel. Enjoy a welcome group dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Bangkok

 

Day 2                   Bangkok

Today enjoy a full day tour of the temples and klongs of Bangkok. Visit the Grand Palace which has no equal and is the "Must see" for every visitor to Bangkok. Built by King Rama I in 1782, it was the centre of power for more than 150 years and today is Bangkok's major landmark. Within the compound is the Temple of The Emerald Buddha (Wat Pra Kaew) which houses Thailand most precious image of the Lord Buddha, the Golden Chedi, the Pantheon of the Chakri Kings and the Eight Coloured Towers. In Thailand by many, it is considered to be a living example of the classical Siamese Court, being the former residence of the kings of Thailand. The Reclining Buddha at Wat Po is an enormous Buddha covered in gold leaf and lying majestically on its side. Wat Po is also regarded as the first centre of public education and is sometimes called 'Thailand's first university'. Mural paintings, inscriptions, and statues found in the temple educated people on varied subjects such as literature, warfare, archaeology, astronomy, geology, meditation and is considered, home of the traditional Thai massage. Here, you will enjoy a 30-minute Thai massage as an excellent break after a morning of sightseeing! Experience an afternoon trip along the bustling Chao Phya River and the quiet klongs (canals) in a long tail boat enjoying scenes of life on the water. You will discover a more traditional way of living, more serene and traditional, away from all the high-rise and modern buildings of Bangkok City Centre, as we gently pass Thonburi residential areas. You will have the opportunity to observe and photograph family homes and temples along the waterways which gave the city the name the Venice of the East. You will also visit a major riverside landmark, the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun). The significant shrine has a pagoda (spire) which soars 79 m. into the sky. It is decorated with glazed ceramic pieces from top to bottom. Finally, a visit to the Flower and vegetable market will round off this day. Located close to the Chao Phraya River, this part of Bangkok brings you to a rural piece of Bangkok where a vast selection of all kinds of flowers, especially orchids and tropical flowers can be seen and watch how the merchants create very special flower garlands. The end of this Bangkok day ends at the Golden Mountain where photography is permitted in the Royal Palace Grounds and in the compounds of the Emerald Buddha Temple, but not inside the buildings. Lunch and dinner will be in local restaurants. Overnight in Bangkok

Please note: Respectful dress is required for the Grand Palace complex

Day 3                   Bangkok, Thailand – Poipet, Cambodia - Battambang

This morning you will be transferred overland to Aranyaprathet on the Thai side of the border and Poipet on the Cambodian side of the border where you will go through border formalities before continuing on to Battambang, the second largest city in Cambodia. The city is located on the Sangker River, a tranquil, small body of water that winds its way through Battambang Province providing its picturesque setting. As with much of Cambodia, the French colonial architecture is an attractive bonus of the city. Battambang is home to some of the best-preserved, French colonial architecture in the country. Lunch will be in a local restaurant in Cambodia and dinner is at the hotel. Overnight in Battambang

Day 4                   Battambang

Battambang is a bustling provincial capital in western Cambodia. Explore the town center to get a feel for the modern-day city, strolling past old French shop houses, and visiting the Battambang Museum and Wat Piphit a modern temple on the outskirts of Battambang with colourful paintings of the life of Buddha. Continue outside the city to see the region's Angkorian past, exploring the hill temples of Wat Ek Phnom, Wat Phnom Banon and Wat Phnow Sampeau. Near Wat Sampeau, stop to visit the caves of Laan Thom and Laan Kirirum home to Buddhist shrines and the mass graves of victims from the Pol Pot Regime. Lunch and dinner will be in local restaurants. Overnight in Battambang

 

Day 5                   Battambang – Siem Reap

This morning you will travel overland to Siem Reap en-route visiting Banteay Chhmar a sprawling temple complex set deep in the Cambodian jungle. Dating back to the 12^th century when it briefly served as the Khmer capital. The complex covers over 9 square kilometers and is surrounded by a vast moat. Within the compound are a number of well preserved bas reliefs and sculptures. Rarely visited by tourists, the temple’s remote and peaceful atmosphere makes it an unforgettable experience. On arrival in Siem Reap you will be met and transferred to the hotel for check in. Dinner will be in a local restaurant. Overnight in Siem Reap

Day 6                   Siem Reap

Again return to Angkor Thom. The crowning jewel of Khmer architecture, Angkor Wat is the national symbol and the highlight of any visit to Cambodia. The largest, best preserved, and most religiously significant of the Angkor temples, Angkor impresses visitors both by its sheer scale and beautifully proportioned layout, as well as the delicate artistry of its carvings. To approach the temple, first cross the vast moat, continuing along a broad causeway lined with naga balustrades. As you enter the main building, ascend through a series of galleries and courtyard before reaching the central sanctuary, which offers beautiful views back over the causeway and across the surrounding countryside. On the way stop to enjoy the intricate stone carvings that adorn nearly every surface, with some 1,700 Apsaras, or celestial dancers, sculpted into the walls. Along the outer gallery walls run the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which narrates stories from Hindu mythology, including the famous Churning of the Ocean of Milk. Angkor Wat is stunning at any time of the day, but sunrise and sunset are especially beautiful times to watch the play of light on the stones. Then visit Preah Khan a temple built by King Jayavarman VII with towered enclosures and shoulder-hugging corridors in a jungle setting. Preah Khan covers a very large area but the temple itself is enclosed within a rectangular wall of around 700 by 800 meters seemingly miniature in comparison to the other Angkor temples. Afterwards visit Banteay Srei Temple considered to be the jewel of classical Khmer art. Built in pink sandstone, the walls are covered in exquisitely preserved carvings of unusual delicacy. Because of its small size, fairy-like atmosphere and extraordinary examples of Khmer sculpture, this temple is often a favorite with visitors. Watch the sunset over the Cambodian countryside from the upper terraces of an ancient Angkorian Temple. Lunch and dinner will be in a local restaurant. Overnight in Siem Reap 

Day 7                   Siem Reap

Enjoy a morning at leisure before visiting the fortified city of Angkor Thom covering an area of 10 square km. Enclosed by a wall and wide moats the city includes many of Angkor's most popular sights. Enter by the monumental South Gate over a causeway lined on either side by statues of demons and gods, each carrying a giant naga. Continue to the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper Kings, former spaces for public ceremonies, both adorned with dramatic bas reliefs. Visit the ruined Baphuon Royal Enclosure and Phimeanakas before continuing to the mysterious Bayon Temple. In this temple, one of the most popular and compelling in Angkor, explore the galleries of beautifully preserved bas reliefs and ascend narrow stairs to reach the central sanctuary, where you will find giant stone faces smiling enigmatically down at you from every angle. Then on to Prasat Kravan whose five brick towers were built for Hindu worship in 921 and are notable for the bas-reliefs cut into the bricks on the interior walls. It is a massive Buddhist temple dating from the second half of the 12th century. Then visit Banteay Kdei surrounded by four concentric walls, the outer walls measuring 500 by 700 meters. Sras Srang is a basin opposite Banteay Kdei measuring 800 by 400 metres with a tiny island in the middle where only the stone base remains of what was once a wooden temple. Visit Ta Prohm one of the most popular attractions of Angkor as much of the jungle has not been cleared and it looks very much as most of the Angkor monuments would have appeared when European explorers first stumbled across them. Ta Keo was built by Jayavarman V who ruled from 968 to 1001, it was the first Angkorian monument built entirely of sandstone and was dedicated to Shiva. The summit of the central tower is 50 meters high and is surrounded by four lower towers. Thom Manon Temple which mirrors Chau Say Tevoda (just to the north) was built around the same time and has a similar plan. It is also dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu. Chau Say Tevoda was built during the second quarter of the 12th century opposite of Thom Manon and was also dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu. Lunch and dinner will be in a local restaurant. Overnight in Siem Reap

 Day 8                   Siem Reap – Phnom Penh

This morning continue your travels overland to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. En-route located outside of Kampong Thom; visit Sambor Prei Kuk perhaps the most important grouping of pre-Angkorian monuments in Cambodia. Before the rise of the Angor, this was the capital of Chenla during the sixth century, known as Isanapura; today, over 100 small temple ruins sit peacefully in a forest setting. Explore the main central complex and gain an insight into the early architectural styles of Cambodia. On arrival in Phnom Penh, check in to the hotel. Lunch and dinner will be in a local restaurant. Overnight in Phnom Penh

Day 9                   Phnom Penh

Explore Phnom Penh, a chaotic, energetic and always fascinating city. Graceful tree-lined boulevards and riverfront promenades are reminders of bygone eras; today they teem with life and activity, as motorcycles weave in and out of traffic, vendor hawk their wares, and pedestrians go about their business.  Start your tour with an insight into Cambodia's cultural heritage with a visit to the Royal Palace, still the official residence of King Norodom Sihamoi and the adjacent Silver Pagoda, also known as the Pagoda of the Emerald Buddha.  Continue to the elegant National Museum, which contains a comprehensive collection of Khmer Art.  Finally, explore the modern-day city, visiting one of Phnom Penh's two great markets, the  Central Market, located in a distinctive domed Art Deco building (please note that the Central Market is currently under renovation but is open for business) or the sprawling Russian Market, a labyrinth of stalls selling everything from CDs and DVDs to silks, crafts, jewelry and more. You will also visit Tuol Sleng (S-21) where you will learn about a chapter from Cambodia's more recent, tragic, past at the Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocide. Formerly the Tuol Svay Prey High School, in 1975 became the interrogation and torture facility for the Khmer Rouge regime at that time known as Security Prison 21, or simply S-21. Kept largely unchanged, this prison now showcases photographs and exhibits about the thousands of victims that passed through these doors, only seven of whom came out alive. Drive out to the Killing Fields just outside Phnom Penh, in a peaceful rural setting. The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek provide a stark reminder of the atrocities under the Pol Pot regime.  Thousands of people were killed here between 1975 and 1978 and buried in mass graves. Lunch and dinner will be in a local restaurant. Overnight in Phnom Penh 

Day 10                 Phnom Penh, Cambodia – Chau Doc, Vietnam

This morning transferred to the pier where you will say good bye to your Cambodian guide before boarding a Tu Trang speed boat, including a picnic lunch for the journey along the Mekong to Chau Doc. On arrival you will be met by your Vietnamese guide and transferred to your hotel. Dinner is included at the hotel. Overnight in Chau Doc

Day 11                 Chau Doc – Can Tho

This morning after breakfast drive to the base of Sam Mountain which rises sharply from the surrounding rice paddies to visit Lady Chua Xu Pagoda. Visit the Temple of Thoai Ngoc Hau and Tay An Pagoda before returning to Chau Doc and then driving on to Can Tho. Lunch will be in a local restaurant and dinner will be at the hotel. Overnight in Can Tho

Day 12                 Can Tho

Early this morning, set out by boat to explore Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest and most bustling of the Mekong Delta markets, which attracts fruit and vegetable vendors from all over the region. Buyers on smaller boats weave between the large barges selling wholesale produce. Each vendor advertises fresh samples of their wares on long poles that tower overhead above the colorful boats. Sail through the market, watching people haggle and trade, and possibly sample some of the fruit yourself. By 9 am, the activity has died down and it is time to return to the pier, after exploring some of the backwaters and canals. Afterwards explore the rural city of Can Tho passing by a distinctive Khmer-style temple and the local market. Continue the journey along back roads, the river, then return by the main road passing through Can Tho University. Lunch will be in a local restaurant and dinner will be at the hotel. Overnight in Can Tho

 

Day 13                 Can Tho - Saigon

Today drive overland to Saigon the vibrant metropolis. Saigon teems with energy, activity and motion. Everywhere you look, you see the meeting of traditional and modern life. The emerging modern skyline stands cheek by jowl with colonial buildings and traditional temples. Outside on the streets, young professionals zip by on motorcycles, chatting on cell phones; inside the quiet temple courtyards, worshippers pray amidst clouds of incense. Lunch and dinner will be in a local restaurant. Overnight in Saigon

 

Day 14                 Saigon

This morning visit Cu Chi Tunnels never discovered by American forces. The tunnels were an important Vietcong base during the American War. Stretching over 200 km, this incredible underground network, dug by hand out of hard laterite, connected command posts, hospitals, shelter and weapon factories. Today, you can walk through the area and learn about the day-to-day life of the VC, see the cleverly disguised entrances and elaborate booby-traps, and even venture inside the tunnels, some of which have been modified to accommodate tourists. Then return to Saigon to begin your tour into modern history with a tour of the Reunification Palace formerly the Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese president. This 60s style building was famously stormed by tanks on April 30, 1975 signifying the fall of South Vietnam. It has been preserved in its original state, and the original tanks remain on display near the entrance gates. Afterwards drive to the historic center to visit the Emperor of Jade Pagoda one of Saigon’s most interesting pagoda. Then pay a quick visit to the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. Pass by the classic European style landmarks such as the ornate City Hall (Hotel de Ville), the old Opera House (both may only be viewed from the outside). Finally, end up at the central Ben Thanh Market, where vendors display a vast array of goods and handicrafts, appealing to every taste. Lunch and dinner will be in a local restaurant. Overnight in Saigon

 

Day 15                 Saigon – Hanoi

Early this morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to 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 invite an exciting exploration, 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 arrival in Hanoi you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Dinner will be at the hotel this evening. Overnight in Hanoi 

Day 16                 Hanoi