Tel:  02-6651-2747  or  1300-738-888
Email:   coffsharbour@escapetravel.com.au

 


Vietnam:

Verdant patchworks of rice paddies, pointed lampshade-style hats, a country ravaged by war, and economic repression - these are the international images of Vietnam, seen on worldwide television and read about in the newspapers. But there are other scenes to be found, ones of natural beauty, ethnic culture, and imperial history, of timeless traditional villages, idyllic sea resorts and dynamic cities.

Shaped like an elongated 'S', Vietnam stretches along the east coast of the Indochinese Peninsula and is likened by its people to a long bamboo pole hung with two baskets of rice, represented by the two fertile regions at either end of the country. Between the lush Red River Delta and the highlands in the north, known for their magnificent scenery and colourful hill tribes, and the agricultural plains and floating markets of the Mekong Delta in the south, lie miles of white sandy beaches, towering mountains, rivers and dense forests, and the thousands of bizarre rock and cave formations on the islands of Halong Bay.

The impact of Japanese and Chinese trade, French occupation and American intervention has left its stain on Vietnam, smeared over a period of more than two thousand years of recorded history. However, the country has also been left with a vivid legacy from different cultures evident in the character of its towns, as well as in the architecture and food. The quaint town of Hoi An, once a major trading port, boasts the perfectly preserved architectural influences of the Asian merchants from the north, while the broad leafy boulevards of the capital Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are reminiscent of France. Menus offer Chinese variations of spring rolls, steamed dumplings and noodles. Hué is the old imperial capital of Vietnam with its royal palaces and palatial mausoleums, and nearby the battle sites of the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) are reminders of the brutality of war.

Ancient temples and colourful pagodas are scattered throughout the urban centres, while among them stand hotels of modern luxury, and the development of tourism infrastructure is a booming business. Vietnam is a perfect balance between ancient times and the here and now, a country that reveres its past heroes, a nation that has collectively put the woes of war behind it, and people who welcome visitors to their country with open arms and friendly smiles.
 

Two Top Natural Attractions:

Halong Bay:  The natural wonder of Halong Bay, renowned for its spectacular scenery and limestone grottos and caves, has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The bay is peppered with over 3,000 tiny islands emerging almost mystically out of the pea green waters of the Gulf of Tonkin, scoured by wind and wave erosion to form dramatic rock shapes, many of which contain caves filled with stalagmites and stalactites. Many of the islands have been named for their astonishing resemblance to their namesakes, such as Dragon, Incense Burner, Pair of Roosters and Man's Head Islands. The weird protuberances have been at the source of several local legends, particularly about the dragon whose thrashing tail created the bay and its islands. The name Ha Long means 'where the dragon descended into the sea'.

Mekong Delta:  The delta is a vast network of waterways formed by the Mekong River, and the surrounding fertile patchwork of endless green rice paddies, orchards and swamplands is where most of the country's rice is grown. Not only does the Mekong River irrigate what is known as 'the rice bowl of Vietnam', but it also serves as a vital form of transport. A unique way of life has evolved among the villagers that have lived on or beside the river for centuries. The best way to experience the delta is by boat, joining the rowing boats and fishermen, rickety houseboats, ferries and traditional sampans on the brown water. On the banks are small villages, vegetable gardens, fish farms and stilted houses. Trading is carried out between boats at floating markets, where whole sections of the river are covered by bobbing merchants who publicize their wares hung from the top of a long bamboo pole. There are several towns in the region from where visitors can arrange boat trips if not already on an organised tour. Try to avoid the rainy season as the tides may be too high for canal travel. Local food dishes are a speciality and besides seafood there are opportunities for the adventurous to sample such delights as snake, eels and bats.


Vietnam on Sale!
 From $1409* per person twin share.  Includes return flights to Saigon, 5 nights accommodation at the Metropole Hotel, Full Day Tour of the Mekong Delta, Half Day Saigon City Tour, breakfast daily, return airport transfers and taxes payable from Australia.  READ MORE >>

Sanya & Halong Bay Adventure
 3 night FLY / CRUISE on SuperStar Virgo from $1518* per person twin share.  Includes return flights to Hong Kong, 3 night cruise on SuperStar Virgo with all meals, entertainment, port charges, government and air taxes included. Ports of call include Hong Kong - Sanya, China - Halong Bay, Vietnam - Hong Kong.   READ MORE >>

To find out more information email: sarah.luck@escapetravel.com.au
 

      Did you know.......


Today there are about 85 million people in Vietnam. Eighty percent of these are ethnic Vietnamese, while the remaining twenty percent comprises more than fifty separate ethnic groups. About seven million of these ethnic minorities are members of the hill tribes or montagnards (French for mountain people), making their homes and livelihoods in the spectacular mountains of the north and central highlands. Among the many languages spoken in Vietnam are Vietnamese, Chinese, English, French, and Russian.
 


Email:   coffsharbour@escapetravel.com.au
 
   


Resort of the Week:  Contiki Resort, Bali....  for 18's - 35's.
 


Bali is one of the most picturesque tropical islands in the world with its sacred temples, cascading rice paddies, towering mountains and volcanoes, scenic lakes, lush tropical forests and amazing surf beaches.  On top of that, the Balinese people are renowned for their friendliness and the shopping is second to none with bargains galore! Contiki Resort Bali is located in stylish Seminyak and just 100 metres from the beach; it makes for a great base for exploring all Bali has to offer.

You’ve got to be between the ages of 18 and 35 to stay at Contiki Resort as they know that it’s the people that makes a holiday great – think common interests, the same sense of fun and a higher probability of sweet eye candy!

Want to go snorkelling? Want to know where the best club is? Want to find out where the best shopping bargains are? Whatever you need, Contiki Action Planners are on-hand day and night to point you in the right direction. They’ll do everything from book day-trips, help plan your time on the island or let you in on a few local secrets to get the most out of your holiday – it pays to have someone in the know on your side!

BALI - Stay 7, Pay 6 at Contiki Resort Bali:  An amazing 4-star resort, at unbeatable prices, designed just for 18-35's in Bali's latest hotspot, Seminyak.  Don't forget all the awesome inclusions, free resort activities and facilities.  7 nights from $323* per person twin share land only.  Includes 7 nights twin share 4-star accommodation, return airport transfers, brunch and dinner daily and heaps of FREE resort activities.   READ MORE >>

To find out more information, email:  sarah.luck@escapetravel.com.au
 
 

Email:   coffsharbour@escapetravel.com.au
 
 

  MALDIVES:


MALDIVES
 5 Magical nights from $2319* per person twin share.  Includes return flights to Male, meet & greet at Male Airport, return speedboat transfers, 5 nights accommodation, half board (breakfast & dinner daily) and taxes payable from Australia.  READ MORE >>
 


For more information, email sarah.luck@escapetravel.com.au or CLICK HERE for website.
                                                   1300-738-888

 

  NEW ZEALAND:


NZ Earlybird SKI Specials Finish 30 APRIL 08!

 Up to 4 days FREE skiing!
FREE accommodation!
FREE car rental!

Priced from $1205* per person twin share. 
Includes return flights to Christchurch, 7 nights accommodation at the Mercure Resort Queenstown (including 1 FREE night), 7 days Britz economy size car rental with unlimited klms, ski racks & snow chains (including 1 FREE day), 8 day Resort Ski Pass (including 4 days FREE), FREE night skiing and all applicable prepaid taxes.   READ MORE >>
 


Christchurch Short Break
 From $715* per person twin share.  Includes return flights to Christchurch, 3 nights accommodation (for the price of 2 nights), Christchurch Morning City Sights Tour (2 for the price of 1), Tamaki Heritage Village Tour (2 for the price of 1) and all prepayable taxes.  READ MORE >>

Wellington Short Break
 From $815* per person twin share.  Includes return flights to Wellington, 3 nights accommodation (for the price of 2 nights), Wellington Rover Half Day Tour (2 for the price of 1) and all prepayable taxes.  READ MORE >>

Auckland Short Break
 From $825* per person twin share.  Includes return flights to Auckland, 3 nights accommodation (for the price of 2 nights), Auckland Morning Tour (2 for the price of 1) and all prepayable taxes.
 READ MORE >>

For more information, email haydee.payer@escapetravel.com.au or CLICK HERE for website.
                                                   1300-738-888

 

  SOUTH PACIFIC:


New Caledonia on a budget!
 From $1295* per person twin share. Includes return Qantas flights to Noumea, 5 nights accommodation at NC Pacifique in a Standard Pool View Room (for the price of 4 nights), full breakfast daily, return airport transfers and taxes payable from Australia.
READ MORE >>
 


Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu:  Moyyan House by the Sea OPENING SPECIAL!!
From $1539* per person twin share.  Includes return flights to Espiritu Santo, 6 nights accommodation (for the price of 5), continental breakfast daily, FREE 2 x 30 minute massages, FREE romantic beach picnic, return airport transfers and taxes payable from Australia.    READ MORE >>

FIJI - Castaway Island
 Experience the "Magic" that is Castaway!  From $2025* per person twin share. Includes return flights, return transfers throughout, 5 nights accommodation and taxes payable from Australia.
BONUS:  Stay between 16 October - 23 December 08 & 11 January - 31 March 09 and pay just $123* per person and receive ALL MEALS DAILY for as long as you stay.  The longer you stay, the greater the value!
SPOIL YOURSELF:  Upgrade to Ocean View from just $215* per person.  READ MORE >>

For more information, email belinda.parmenter@escapetravel.com.au or CLICK HERE for website.
                                                   1300-738-888

 

  CRUISING:


MV Ammari.... introducing the Platinum Package!
 Your holiday begins when your chauffeur arrives to take you to the airport....your flight from Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane is arranged, enjoy a massage in the MV Fantasea Ammari Day Spa.... 23 expert crew, only 60 guests.... visit secret sports, experience postcard beauty... water and sand like you've never seen onboard MV Fantasea Ammari 4 night cruise.  All from $2460* per person twin share.  READ MORE >>
 


Pearls of the Riviera
 10 nights cruising on Insignia from $3216* per person twin share cruise only.  Includes 10 night cruise onboard Oceania Cruises' Insignia, all meals and entertainment onboard the ship, gratuities on the cruise, port charges and government taxes.  Ports of call include Barcelona, Spain - Palma de Mallorca, Spain - Provence, France - Saint Tropez, France - Monte Carlo, Monaco - Portofino, Italy - Florence, Italy - Porto Cervo, Italy - Sorrento, Capri - Amalfi, Italy - Rome, Italy.  READ MORE >>

For more information, email belinda.parmenter@escapetravel.com.au or CLICK HERE for website.
                                                   1300-738-888

 

  USA & CANADA:

 
Hot Hawaiian Deals....
 HOT WAIKIKI DEAL:  From $1559* pp twin share.
HOT KAUA'I DEAL:  From $1729* pp twin share.
HOT MAUI DEAL: From $1869* pp twin share.

Prices include return flights, 3 nights accommodation, return airport transfers and taxes payable from Australia.   READ MORE >>
 


DISNEYLAND RESORT... Where dreams come true!
 From $2289* per person twin share.  Includes return flights to Los Angeles, return airport transfers, 4 nights accommodation, a 3-day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Bonus Ticket with one Magic Morning early admission, continental breakfast daily & taxes payable from Australia. READ MORE >>

Best of both worlds... Disneyland & Tahiti
 Holiday at the happiest place on earth followed by one of the most beautiful places on earth!  From $3452* per person twin share.  Includes return flights to Los Angeles with Air Tahiti Nui, 5 nights accommodation at Disney's Pier Hotel, 3-day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Bonus Ticket, return Disneyland Resort Express airport/hotel transfers, 6 nights accommodation at the 4.5-star Star InterContinental Tahiti Resort, return airport/ hotel transfers in Tahiti and taxes payable from Australia.  READ MORE >>

Vibrant Vancouver
 Vancouver City Stay from $409* per person twin share land only. Includes 3 nights accommodation, return airport transfers and Hop-On/Hop-Off Trolley Tour with Vancouver Tower and Aquarium.
READ MORE >>

Canada East Coast Self Drive
 EASTERN ICONS:  Toronto - Kingston - Montreal - Quebec City - Ottawa - Huntsville - Niagara Falls - Toronto.  12 nights / 13 days from $2159* per person twin share land only. Includes 13 days compact car hire, 12 nights superior accommodation and an exclusive travel documentation package with personalised maps, itinerary and driving directions.  READ MORE >>

For more information, email roger.atwal@escapetravel.com.au or CLICK HERE for website.
                                                   1300-738-888

 

  UK & EUROPE:


Renault Eurodrive 2008 Earlybird EXTENDED!
 Car leasing with Renault Eurodrive is a simple, yet exciting way to experience Europe at your leisure.  28 days from $1390* PER VEHICLE!  Includes 21 days Renault Car Leasing + 7 extra days FREE, a brand new Renault of your choice, unlimited klms, full insurance with no excess in 43 countries, no additional driver charges, 24 hour roadside assistance, full factory warranty... PLUS 50%
discount off total delivery/return fees and 3 FREE days 'Past Client Loyalty Bonus'.   READ MORE >>
 


For more information, email peter.elks@escapetravel.com.au or CLICK HERE for website.
                                                   1300-738-888

 

  AFRICA:


Buy 1, Get 1 FREE*
when you book an Acacia Africa Safari.  Travel with a companion on all Acacia Overland Tours (departing until 30 June 08) and selected Small Group Safaris and the COMPANION TRAVELS FREE*!!!
READ MORE >>
 


For more information, email peter.elks@escapetravel.com.au or CLICK HERE for website.
                                                   1300-738-888

 

  AROUND AUSTRALIA:


FREE* 30 minute Kakadu Scenic Flight!!!
 Enjoy a FREE* scenic flight when you book an AAT Kings 11 Day Outback Panorama or a 9 day Red Centre & Top End fully escorted tour. READ MORE >>
 


The Phantom of the Opera is Back!
 Acclaimed as the most popular musical of all time, Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera makes a triumphant return to Australia!  After a hugely successful season in Melbourne, the show will soon open in Sydney, playing at the Lyric Theatre.  Packages from $211* per person twin share land only.  Includes overnight accommodation and an "A" Reserve ticket to The Phantom of the Opera.   READ MORE >>

Tropical North Queensland Accommodation Deals:  STAY 4 NIGHTS FOR THE PRICE OF 3!!!!
CAIRNS:  4 nights in 3.5-star hotel from just $177* pp twin share.
PALM COVE:  4 nights in 4-star comfort from just $203* pp twin share.
PORT DOUGLAS:  4 nights in 4.5-star resort from just $188* pp twin share.  READ MORE >>

See the other side of Australia:  WA
 Hotel Ibis Perth (3.5-star):  From $80* per person twin share.
Travelodge Perth (4-star): From $78* per person twin share.
Medina Grand Perth (4.5-star): From $97* per person twin share.
2 day Margaret River Wine Experience ex Perth:  From $470* per person twin share.  Includes luxury coach travel, 1 night accommodation, Half day wine tour, Afternoon Swan Valley Wildlife, Wine & Chocolate Tour, entry fees and 3 meals.
3 day Pinnacles, Kalbarri & Monkey Mia Tour ex Perth:  From $535* per person twin share.  Includes luxury coach travel, 2 nights accommodation, Entry Fees, 2 breakfasts and a 1 day Margaret River, Eagles Wine & Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse Tour.  READ MORE >>

For more information, email haydee.payer@escapetravel.com.au or CLICK HERE for website.
                                                   1300-738-888

 

Email:   coffsharbour@escapetravel.com.au
 
 


Crispy Vietnamese Spring Rolls
 

INGREDIENTS:
50g bean thread vermicelli noodles
350g pork mince
170g can crab meat, drained
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
3 green onions, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon fish sauce
2 cups warm water
1 tablespoon caster sugar
12 round rice paper wrappers
1 eggwhite
peanut oil, for cooking
iceberg lettuce, mint leaves and sweet chilli sauce, to serve
 

METHOD:
Place noodles into a small heatproof bowl. Cover with boiling water. Stand for 10 minutes. Drain.
Roughly chop.
Combine noodles, mince, crab, garlic, onions and fish sauce in a bowl. Mix well.
Line a tray with a damp tea towel. Combine warm water and sugar in a round shallow dish. Soak 1 rice paper wrapper in water mixture for 5 seconds or until just softening. Place onto a tea towel. Place 2 tablespoonfuls of mince mixture along edge of wrapper closest to you. Fold in sides. Roll up to enclose filling. Brush edge with eggwhite. Press to seal. Place onto tray. Repeat with remaining rice paper wrappers, mince mixture and eggwhite.
Preheat oven to 160C. Pour oil into a wok to half-fill it. Heat over medium-high heat until hot. Cook spring rolls, in batches, for 5 minutes or until light golden. Remove to a wire rack. Keep warm in oven.
Serve with lettuce, mint and sweet chilli.

Source:  Super Food Ideas - February 2005 , Page 58. Recipe by Annette Forrest
http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/1426/crispy+vietnamese+spring+rolls
 

Email:   coffsharbour@escapetravel.com.au
 

Airport Parking in Coffs Harbour
 CLICK HERE for more information


 

1300- 738 -888


 * Prices are per person, twin share (where accommodation/car hire is included, unless otherwise stated), subject to availability at the time you make a booking and conditions apply.  Travel date restrictions apply. Prices may vary due to changes in taxes, currency and flight routings.  Travel agent booking fees may apply in addition to prices quoted. Offers may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please see our website for further details.
   

Kelly Travel Company, Escape Travel.
PO Box 1224
 Suite 3, 144-148 High St,
(Corner Moonee Street)
Coffs Harbour NSW 2450
Phone: (02) 6651-2747
Fax: (02) 6651-3334
Email: coffsharbour@escapetravel.com.au
Web: www.kellytravel.com.au
ABN: 37 067 920 441 

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