2006 Return
to Vietnam
A Spiritual Journey of Healing
Lead
by Combat Veteran, Minister & Author: Bill McDonald
Author of "A Spiritual Warrior's Journey"
Mission chaplain for the documentary film "In The Shadow of The Blade"
Over 3 decades of experience dealing with veteran concerns
20 Days:
18 Day Itinerary In-Country
WHAT MAKES THIS A JOURNEY AND NOT A TRIP?
This is a once in a lifetime kind of experience - this
is not just about taking a guided tour and seeing one of the most beautiful
countries in the world - but rather about experiencing an emotional and
spiritual journey of the heart and spirit. This will be a healing experience for
those who are open and willing to find that inner peace they have been seeking
since they left Nam. For those who had fathers that served there - it will
provide them an understanding at a level they will never get without having
walked on this sacred land. For those who did not serve but wish to better understand the history, the emotions and the spiritual meaning of the war
and the healing - you are most welcomed to share in this journey. This trip is
one for the soul - an adventure of the spirit and heart; we hope that in joining
with us that you too will find the healing!
I will be taking you there
and showing you what I saw and felt on my last trip back there in 2002 - and so
much more.
During the journey, I will be taking time to talk to everyone - sometimes in a group and
sometimes one on one. We want everyone to have support with what might be
happening to them emotionally. No one will be alone and no one will be
emotionally left behind. We will have ceremonies at scared places and where our
troops fought and died. We will be seeing some of the most beautiful places in
the world and also some 3rd world poverty at times.
We will all take this trip together and my experience has shown that the
relationships that you make with your fellow travelers can very well become life
long associations. You will find brotherhood and fellowship like you have never felt
before. I will be there day by day to guide us along from breakfast to dinner
together.
So join me and become part of this healing journey! Bill McDonald
For Veterans & families (spouses, sons, daughters, relatives), and Non-Vets too who have always wanted to know more about Vietnam. Nothing can match the “direct” experience, and seeing Vietnam at Peace today.
18 Days Vietnam country-wide tour visiting Saigon (Commercial Capital) and Hanoi (Political Capital), and Hue (Ancient Capital). The Tour also includes: Former war areas and locations of history significance (Iron Triangle, Cu Chi Tunnels, Ap Bac Village, etc.); cultural and spiritual centers (pagodas, churches, ethnic minority village, traditional music/dance etc.); economic development areas and activities; and many scenic locations (Da Lat, Nha Trang, China Beach, Hue, Ha Long Bay etc.)
Trip Extensions can be easily arranged for other specific locations of personal interest to Veterans.
Day 1: Departure USA
Late Evening West Coast Departure (San Francisco)
We will all be meeting at the SFO Airport ahead of time to
meet each other and board our plane together.
Prior to meeting in person I will be sending everyone's email to the group with
short introductions so that people can choose to get to know each other before
we leave and even request who they may like to share a room with if they wish.
Board a transpacific flight late evening for the
Orient.
Day 2 – Transit Day
Crossing International Date Line (Advance one day)
We will gain a day back when we return from
Vietnam at the end of the trip.
Day 3 – Connection to Vietnam –Arrival in Saigon
Early morning arrival in Transit city (Normally, Hong Kong) and direct connection to Saigon. Arrive at a modernized Ton Son Nhut Airport mid morning and transfer to the elegant & historical Rex Hotel. Take an afternoon rest from long flight and time zone change (Vietnam is 12 hours ahead of EST and 15 hours of PST). Early evening cyclo tour of downtown Saigon and dinner & show at famous Maxims on Tu Do Street (now Dong Khoi)
Day 4 – Full Day Saigon City Tour
Today we take in the sights and sounds of Vietnam’s commercial capital city. Begin with tour of former Presidential Palace (Old capitol of South VN) now called Independence Palace, site of former US Embassy (now US Conciliate Office – US Embassy is now in Hanoi) , Notre Dame Church, Catholic Church in Cholon where Diem prayed the night before his assassination, famous Cholon Wholesale Market, drive by General Westmoreland’s old Saigon headquarters, visit a pagoda, stop at the street corner where the Buddhist monk burned himself, and much more etc. Dinner with traditional Vietnamese music and dancing.
Day 5 – East and Southeast of Saigon –Former American Army Hqts to the Beaches & Hot Springs
After Breakfast head East on Hwy 1 to visit Bien Hoa and Long Binh, former USARV Hqts, since transformed into industrial parks developed by foreign investment. (Nike has a factory in this area). Turing southwest we head towards Vung Tau (crowded and no longer scenic) but veer west to the coast and the quiet and beautiful eco-tour beaches at Ho Coc. Enjoy a lunch of fresh grilled seafood and relax for a while on the beach. In afternoon we scoot over about 15 clicks to the soothing natural hot springs of Binh Chau. Relax in the hot pools, and visit this newest resort for overnight stay. (Tennis courts, and golf driving range)
Day 6 – The Last Battle of the War at Xuan Loc and Return to Saigon for Free Afternoon
After leisurely breakfast we return to Saigon using slightly different route passing by former headquarters of the 11th Armored Cav, plus a stop at Xuan Loc (40 clicks East of Saigon), the site of the last fierce ARVN/NVA battle in 75 before the fall of Saigon. Free afternoon in Saigon to relax, shop, walk along Tu Do Street and downtown area.
Day 7 – North & Northwest to Binh Duong Province, Lai Khe, Iron Triangle & Tay Ninh Province.
We leave early from Saigon and travel due North up Hwy 13 (Thunder Road) past Phu Cuong, and stop for short visit at Phu Loi (ARVN 5th Div. Hqts, 1st US Aviation Brigade, POW Camp and next door to the old 128th AHC airfield). Then continue north to Ben Cat (VC country) and Lai Khe (3rd Bde Hqts of the US 1st Inf. Div , home also to the 173rd AHC and now a rubber research center). Then we spearhead east into the Iron Triangle (Operation Cedar Falls) to the restored village of Ben Suc - a well know VC arms port on the Saigon river where the Col Alexander Haig landed with his 1st Div. unit to kick off Operation Cedar Falls. This village was completely evacuated and burned to the ground, but you would never know it from how it looks today. Then we cross a new bridge over the Saigon River and link up with HWY 22 heading northwest past Trang Bang. We stop at a coffee shop in Trang Bang owned by relatives of the girl burned by napalm photographed running down the road. Also stop to see a roadside brick factory along the Van Co Dong River, and maybe even a roadside rice harvest in process. Then on past Go Dau Ha (tip of the old Parrots Beak) to Tay Ninh City and check it at the Hoa Binh Hotel , right across the street from the old airfield in Tay Ninh City. Attend 6 pm service at the colorful Cao Dai Temple. Cao Dai is a unique Vietnamese religion practiced by several million people in Tay Ninh and the Mekong Delta area. It combines worship of Christ, Buddha, Lao Tzu (The Dao), and Mohammed. The unique temple architecture is a striking hybrid of a church and pagoda.
Day 8 – Nui Ba Den Mountain, Cui Chi Tunnels, 25th Div. Basecamp, and Return to Saigon
Morning visit to Tay Ninh cemetery for brief memorial tribute to all war dead, and then continue on to Tay Ninh Mountain also known as Nui Ba Den (Black Woman Mountain). Ride the cable tram half way up the mountain to visit the pagodas and pilgrimage and recreational site for local residents of the province. This mountain was the scene of much fierce fighting, and the most photographed during the war and seen on American TV. Learn why the Americans controlled only the top and base of the mountain while the VC controlled the rest. Lunch in Tay Ninh and head back toward Saigon stopping at the famous Cu Chi Tunnels. For those so inclined, you can fire an old M16 or AK 47 at the firing range. After Cu Chi, we pass by Dong Zu, former base camp of the 25th Infantry Div, now used by Vietnam’s current army, and return to Saigon via the Saigon River and enjoy a memorable dinner and boat cruise, and then back to the Rex Hotel
Day 9 – Day Tour and Cruise of the Mekong Delta
Our tour today heads south past the city of My Tho on the northern branch of the Mekong River (Song Tien). We then travel west and stop briefly at the historic village of Ap Bac where in Jan 1963, the VC shot down their first helicopter in the war. This battle was written up in the book “Bright and Shinning Lie. Then we continue on a short way and board a boat at Cai Be to cruise the Mekong, visiting a floating market, and several family enterprises making rice paper/ and popped rice. Then we put on our brown water Navy hats and patrol the side canals across several river islands, stopping for lunch on the way. We leave the boat at Vinh Long City, where the bus will take us back across the Mekong’s first bridge at My Thuan designed and built by the Australians (opened 2001) and then head back to Saigon.
Day 10 – To the Mountains of Da Lat: Lakes, Waterfalls, and COOL Weather!!!
Board the bus today for a trip to the mountains of Da Lat. We pass by the Tri An Reservoir (400 MW power plant), and continue on past Bao Loc (tea plantation country), before we are welcomed by the cool air of one of Vietnam’s most scenic mountain resorts in the South. Visit a few waterfalls, and beautiful Tuyen Lam Lake, also home of a Buddhist monastery. Visit the former resort palace of Vietnam’s last Emperor Bao Dai, and other beautiful sites in the area. Enjoy some night shopping at the Da Lat Market.
Day 11- Out of the Mountains to Nha Trang
Today we ride out of the mountains toward the sea coast to Phan Rang (former Air force base), then heading north on Hwy 1 past Cam Ranh Bay to the sandy beaches of Nha Trang. Afternoon boat ride to near by offshore islands, and snorkeling to view the underwater life. Dinner and relax.
Day 12 – Airborne to Da Nang
Board morning flight on Vietnam Airlines to Da Nang. Brief visit at the “Village of Hope” an orphanage funded in part by American vets. Afternoon visits to nearby Marble Mountain, China Beach, and then on to the historic seaport town of Hoi An, settled by Chinese and Japanese 500 years ago. We explore this ancient town on foot and visit many historic structures, and there are many places to shop for fine silks, and other things. Dinner and overnight in Hoi An
Day 13 – Over the Hai Van Pass to Hue
Today, we bus north back to Da Nang and continue over the Hai Van pass towards Vietnam’s ancient capitol of Hue. We pause at the top of the pass at the old French fort to enjoy the view. Then we descend the mountain and stop for lunch at the fishing village of Lan Co to enjoy seafood lunch. Afternoon visit the the famous Citadel which is now slowly being restored by artisans and craftspeople. Our hotel is right along the Perfume River.
Day 13 – Day Tour of Hue
Today we explore this historic town. Boat Ride on the Perfume River and visit the 7 story pagoda. Also travel to nearby locations of palaces and tombs built by former Emperors who ruled Vietnam from this Central Region. Time for relaxing in the afternoon.
Day 15 – Fly to Hanoi and City Tour
Board a flight to Vietnam’s political capital of Hanoi and enjoy touring a city which retains the full splendor of the French colonial days. You will see for yourself and experience the sharp contrast between Hanoi and Saigon. Visiting the One Pillar Pagoda (Chua Mot Cot), Uncle Ho’s Tomb and museum, the Van Mieu Pagoda which was Vietnamese first university built in the 9th century (now restored), the Army museum, and many other locations.. Dinner at the famous Cha Ca Fish Restaurant and then enjoy evening performance of the renowned Water Puppet Theater. Our hotel is the quaint guest house of the Ministry of Defense, which is the old headquarters of the French Army in the Colonial days.
Day 16 – To Ha Long Bay and Bay Cruise
Morning trip* to beautiful and unique Ha Long Bay and
afternoon cruise on the bay and overnight. The
following day, return to Hanoi.
*Optional helicopter flight if the group is large enough.
Extra cost of $175 for one way. If a enough people wish to take the helicopter
ride (And weather permitting) we can spilt the group into half and have some fly
out and the rest go by bus then switching for the return trip. This is strictly
optional and bus transportation will be there to take us both directions to Ha
Long Bay.
Day 17 –Return to Hanoi and Free Afternoon
Today we return to Hanoi. Afternoon is free to enjoy downtown Hanoi, walking around Hoan Kiem lake and shopping in Hanoi’s old quarter of 36 narrow streets.
Day 18 – Trek Out to Mai Chau (ethnic minority village in Hoa Binh Province
Morning ride from Hanoi west to Hoa Binh Province. We travel on the mountain roads with rest stop at the hydroelectric dam along the Da River (2000 Megawatts built by Russians in mid 90s). Continue on and arrive at the mountain village of Mai Chau set in the beautiful mountains of Hoa Binh Province. Afternoon walking tour of this scenic valley where 100 families cultivate wet rice, weave cloth on their mechanical looms, and just hang out. This is the closest thing to Shangri –la that you will experience. Overnight in the village guest house and enjoy evening performances of music and dancing by the local villagers. This village is NOT a tourist trap like the more famous Sa Pa ethnic village in far west Lai Chau Province. And yes, we all drink rice wine with long straws out of the village jug…..
Day 19 – Return to Hanoi – Farewell Dinner
You may not want to leave Mai Chau, but you have no choice. Return to Hanoi (about 4 hour ride) stopping at the Tay Phuong Pagoda just outside Hanoi. Enjoy farewell dinner on Hanoi’s beautiful Ho Tay Lake, followed by after dinner drinks in the old French Colonial Metropole Hotel
Day 20 – Return to USA
Board Flight for Return to USA landing the same day we leave since we gain back the day we lost going over.
All-Inclusive Price
$4025 per person, twin share room. Single supplement $500
Price includes:
International airfare
All land transportation, lodging, & meals (vegetarian available)
All airport taxes (domestic and international)
Entrance fees for all sightseeing
Vietnam visa fees
All tips and gratuities
Price Does Not Include: Insurance: for trip cancellation, medical emergencies, etc. (Can be purchased separately) The only money you need to bring is for personal spending.
Please contact Peace Patrols
Phone: ; Dave Gallo (415) 826-7049 or cell 415-4078171
E-mail: Dave Gallo dgallo1@mindspring.com
Questions for Bill McDonald can be directed to:
angelnet@citlink.net
Phone number is: 916-685-9091
Mailing address for McDonald: Post Office Box 2441, Elk Grove, CA
95759-2441
