HELEN WONG’S TOURS’ EXPANDS VIETNAM PROGRAM

A leisurely cruise aboard luxury ship La Marguerite along the mighty Mekong River from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Cambodia’s Siem Reap is one of a host of exciting new additions to Helen Wong’s Tours’ expanded – and more comprehensive - Vietnam program for 2012-2013.

In commemorating its 25th anniversary in Australia, the tour specialist has also added an overnight stay on board a traditional junk in beautiful Halong Bay along with a tantalising culinary tour, a child-friendly itinerary for families and a historically significant tour to Vietnam’s demilitarised zone.

After a brief absence, Myanmar (Burma) has been re-introduced to Helen Wong’s Tours’ list of destinations for 2012-2013, of note the one-hour cruise along the famous Irrawaddy (Ayeyarwady) River near the ancient kingdom of Bagan and its historic temples before flying to Mandalay.

In addition to the normal daily sightseeing and to further strengthen an objective to offer good value, Helen Wong has personally selected unique and everlasting experiences: bonus activities - at no extra cost, notably “Helen’s Choice”.

“Over the past 12 months, Vietnam and neighbouring Cambodia and Laos have proved popular with Australians on our group and independent tours and we see this positive trend continuing into the next 12 months,” said Helen Wong, founder and managing director of Helen Wong’s Tours.

“Not only have we expanded our Vietnam program from 11 to 18 itineraries, we continue to guarantee accommodation at all hotels listed in the programs. Furthermore, we guarantee a B category/deluxe balcony cabin on the La Marguerite cruise and two-berth compartments on the Victoria express train from Hanoi to Sapa return instead of four-berth,” she said.

“By adding new inclusions and by creating new itineraries, we offer more options and more flexibility to our program. The fact that Myanmar has been re-introduced makes the program even more comprehensive, more extensive,” she said.

With group tour prices beginning at $3260 per person, twin share from Australia for a 12-day Glimpse of Vietnam itinerary, Helen Wong’s Tours continues to offer good value for money, especially in the light of the tour inclusions.

Prices include return air fare from Australia, accommodation with daily breakfast and lunch, some dinners, all specified transfers, sightseeing and entrance fees, evening cultural show, English-speaking guides, departure taxes, security charges and fuel surcharges, travel kit and cabin bag and Vietnam visa for Australian passport holders.

Then there’s “Helen’s Choice” of substantial inclusions – at no extra charge.
“Due to popular demand, guests can now spend a night on a junk to experience more of scenic Halong Bay,” said Ms Wong. “We have also created an itinerary for families – a big plus for 2012-2013 as the growth in popularity for these specially tailored holidays is quite noticeable.”

All tour programs are guaranteed to go ahead with a minimum of six people, groups sizes of an “intimate size”, no bigger than 25.

New tours in the latest program are as follow (prices per person twin share):
14-day Halong to Mekong, priced from $3690;
16-day Reflections of Vietnam, from $4260;
12-day Family Affair, from $3930 (children 2-11 years from $2960);
12-day Culinary Delights, from $4420;
20-day Mekong River Cruising, from $6980;
10-day Charms of Laos, from $4050;
14-day Charms of Cambodia, from $4340;
12-day Charms of Myanmar, from $4200.

The popular 12-day Glimpse of Vietnam and 17-day Best of Vietnam have been extended a day each to accommodate the one-night stay in Halong Bay, prices starting from $3260pp, twin share and from $4460pp twin share respectively.

In Myanmar, guests will have the chance to dine on a simple vegetarian meal and learn how Burmese nuns lead their daily lives.

“By being a guest you will support their studies and lifestyle,” said Ms Wong. “It’s a wonderful thing to be able to offer that assistance.”

Details: Helen Wong’s Tours, phone (02) 9267 7833, 1300 788328 or check out the website www.helenwongstours.com