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ACTIVE VIETNAM AND CAMBODIA
DAY 1 - HANOI
Arrive at Noi Bai airport and transfer to hotel. The rest day is at your
leisure to relax after your long flight or enjoy an optional guided historical
orientation walk through the Old Quarter, delving into the nooks and crannies
of the back alleys of Hanoi. Have coffee at an 'art' café, a family
home-cum-café with great sunset views out over Hoan Kiem Lake.
Take a guided walk through one of the restored original Old Quarter homes,
and also visit Bach Ma Pagoda (White Horse temple) - hidden away in the
Old Quarter. Overnight in Hanoi.
DAY 2 - HANOI SIGHTSEEING. OVERNIGHT TRAIN TO SAPA
After breakfast, we take in a full day sightseeing to explore the most
peaceful city in Asia. Visit the Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh and then drive
on to the Museum of Ethnology. The Museum of Ethnology is one of Vietnam's
best with interactive displays and a wide collection of well preserved
objects and documents. It is also a great place to learn about Vietnam's
52 ethnic minority peoples. From the Museum of Ethnology, drive back to
the centre of town. Visit Hoa Lo Prison, the Lake of the Restored Sword.
An optional walking tour with guide to explore the famous Hanoi Old quarter
and Dong Xuan market. This large three-story market to the north of Hanoi's
Old Quarter offers a varied cornucopia of goods of all sorts. Hundreds
of stalls, with thousands of workers, trade extremely fresh produce, dried
foods, household goods, appliances and more. The market has an interesting
history. It saw fierce fighting between Vietnamese resistance units and
the French. Later, in 1994, the market was destroyed in a fire that resulted
in the death of five people and the loss of an estimated USD4.5 million
in stock. In the evening, we transfer to Thang Long theatre to watch the
traditional water puppet performance. After the show, we then transfer
to Hanoi station for boarding on overnight train to Lao Cai. Overnight
on board the train. (B)
DAY 3 - SAPA WARM UP TREK
Arrive Lao Cai and be met by your local trekking guide. Drive for one
hour up into the mountains and to the former French hill station of Sapa,
home to some of Vietnam's most colorful ethnic groups. Have breakfast
Victoria hotel. After checking into your hotel ( upon availability), we
start exploring the region. Today's trek will pass through many minority
villages. As there are not so many villages on the ascent of Fansipan,
today is aimed at experiencing as much cultural contact as possible. From
Sapa transfer 20km down hill to the Black Hmong Village of Supan. From
here we start trekking down to the bottom of the Sapa valley to Ban Ho,
a Tay village located on the banks of a stunning river. From here the
trek undulates continuously and then rises steeply to several minority
villages. Return to Sapa for overnight. Overnight in Sapa. (B,L,D)
Trekking hours: 5-7hours trekking
Grade: 2 of 5
DAY 4 - ASCENT OF MOUNT FANSIPAN - PINE CAMP 2000M
After breakfast, Begin trekking from Sapa with our Black Hmong Porter
team, who come from nearby villages. Starting at 1500 m, you pass through
Sapa's 1960s style market and hike downhill to the bottom of the Cat Cat
valley. After a 20-minutes, reach the Hmong village of Cat Cat, where
pigs scuff freely among wooden houses, and children look curiously at
your strange attire. The valley is quite wide and there are expansive
views. The forests have been cut to make way for human habitation. At
the bottom of the valley (1200 m) cross River Linh Ho, carefully edging
across a bamboo bridge. From here the long climb starts. Hike on a small
trail running up through cardamom farms. After approx. 2 hours, reach
to the altitude of 1700m, where lunch will be prepared by your cook. In
the afternoon, continue the ascent into thick rainforest, passing some
tricky, short steep slopes. The steps made by tree roots are very helpful!
Count the numbers of species of orchids on your way up. Before nightfall,
you will reach the first camp base at 2000-m altitude, located next to
a small stream, in a clearing surrounded by pines. Overnight in tented
camp. (B, L, D)
5 - 6 hours trekking
DAY 5 - BASECAMP 1 265M
Start after a leisurely breakfast with a 100m descent, before again moving
upwards. Keep an eye open for giant butterflies - some can reach a wingspan
of 25 cm. At around 2400 m the rainforest gradually gives way to huge,
succulent bamboo. You will trek up some short slopes, but it is a little
easier on the muscles than the previous afternoon. Stop for lunch at a
scenic spot in the forest at 2500 m. The first real challenge comes in
the afternoon. Scramble up a long steep stone slope, which will take about
2.5 hours to the altitude of 2650 m, where your camp will be based today.
From here, you will enjoy the nice view down through the long Sapa valley,
over the area you have just passed, to the mountain range on the other
side. The lights from Sapa below and the lights of the stars above will
give you a magnificent night. And you will have an exciting day tomorrow:
the summit day. If the group is smaller it is possible to continue to
a smaller camp at 2600m. There will be no views though as the site is
situated in a small steep valley near a waterfall. Overnight in tented
camp. (BLD)
Trekking hour: 7 - 8 hours trekking
Grade: 4 of 5
DAY 6 - SUMMIT 3146M - BASECAMP 2 280M
After an early breakfast, continue climbing on limestone through wet bamboo
forest. The ascent is steep, and after an hours hard climbing, emerge
from the forest to trek through an Eco zone where only canes, miniature
bamboo (druc in Vietnamese, meaning chopstick forest -), long grasses
and water-rail flowers can grow. Trek on a narrow track through canes,
up to 3000 m. from here one can enjoy the enormous view of the surrounding
mountain ranges and Sapa town deep below. Follow a stream down through
bamboo forest to 2600 m then continue trekking up another steam up again
to 2800 m, and lunch. After lunch the going is tough. Trek on rocky footpaths
through miniature cane forests eventually and triumphantly reaching the
summit at 3143 m. This is the highest point in Indochina, and the views
are stunning, to the North into China as well as South to Laos, with the
mountainous area of Lai Chau and Dien Bien Phu in between. After celebrations
on the summit descend along a slippery trail to base camp at 2800 m on
the other side of the summit. The forest is clearer here so there are
views all along the way. Basecamp is pleasant set among the canes. Overnight
in tented camp. (BLD)
Trekking hour: 7 - 8 hours trekking
Grade: 4 of 5
DAY 7 - BASECAMP 2800 - HEAVENS GATE 1945M - SAPA
A shorter days trek allows for leisurely morning-coffee and contemplation
of the sounds of nature, while our porters take down the camp and move
ahead down the mountain. Descend through a bamboo forest on a light slope,
and then trek through forest down streambeds eventually emerging at Hoang
Lien National Park's gate. From here the jeeps will take us back to Sapa,
with an opportunity to visit Silver Waterfall. We arrive in Sapa in the
afternoon. Check in hotel for refreshment and shower before transfer to
Lao cai for boarding train to Hanoi. Overnight on board the train. (B,L,D)
Trekking hour: 4 hours trekking
Grade: 3 of 5
DAY 8 - HANOI - HALONG BAY
The train arrives in Hanoi in the early morning. Our air-conditioned coach
meets us and we can continue snoozing as we transfer to our breakfast
stop and then onwards to Halong City. Halong Bay is a natural wonder of
the world and one of Vietnam's five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, magnificent
Halong Bay lies 160km to the east of Hanoi. Over three thousand jagged
limestone islands emerge from the emerald green waters of Halong Bay.
While some islands are no more than large rocks others are much more substantial
and contain huge cathedral-like caves of stalactites and stalagmites.
Most of the islands are clothed in thick green vegetation and ring with
the sound of bird song in the early morning. Secluded sandy coves are
everywhere and in the summer months the warm waters of the bay are ideal
for swimming.
We arrive at this famous port around 12 p.m. and here we board traditional
deluxe junk for a cruise among the 3, 000 spectacular limestone islands
that rise from the emerald green waters of Halong Bay. The boat is one
of the more traditional varieties that sail through the magnificent UNESCO
World Heritage Site. Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch on board while the captain
heads out for the horizon. Cruise to discover Halong bay with breathtaking
scenery and thousands of limestone outcrops. There will be time to enjoy
kayaking in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight on junk.(B,L,D)
DAY 9: HALONG BAY KAYAK
After breakfast, we transfer to a taxi boat for whole day cruise and kayak.
We leave our belongings in the junk's cabin, where return to sleep for
tonight. Following the boat to cruise to Man's Head Island and Tortoise
Island. Paddling to explore Luon Cave ( Tunnel cave), a beautiful crater
like lagoon encircled by towering cliff which is only accessed via half
submerged 30m tunnel cave. Paddle to visit Cua Van fishing village. Enjoy
scrumptious lunch then cruise to unusual Ba Ham Lake, another crater like
lagoon in two sections. The afternoon will be spent at Three Peach Beach,
a stunning swimming spot. In the afternoon, we return to our junk, where
we will stay overnight. Dinner and overnight on board the boat. (Optional
night paddle). (B,L,D)
DAY 10 - HALONG BAY-HANOI
After breakfast, continue kayaking to explore the wonder of Halong bay.
Paddle to Duck Islet and Ba Hang area. Cruise back to Halong city passing
Bai Tho Mountain and Chopstick Islet. Arrive Halong around 12 p.m, enjoy
lunch in a good local restaurant by the ocean before we transfer back
to Hanoi. Along the return journey, stop to visit the famous But Thap
Pagoda with sophisticated architecture. It is thought that the origins
of the But Thap Pagoda date back to 6th century, although much of what
we see today was constructed in the 17th century. The name But Thap means
pen brush and was given to reflect the shape of the Bao Nghiem Tower.
The principal attraction of the pagoda however lies inside. The statue
to the Avalokitesvara or Goddess of Mercy has no fewer than 11 faces,
994 arms and 994 eyes - each eye resting on the palm of a hand. (B,L)
DAY 11: HANOI - HUE
We leave Hanoi for Noi Bai airport in the early morning, we then take
a short flight to Hue. Arrive Hue 1.50pm and transfer to the hotel for
leaving our bagages. Hue served as Vietnam's political capital from 1802
to 1945 under the rule of the 13 emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty. Traditionally,
the city has been one of Vietnam's cultural, religious and educational
centre. Recently, Hue has been listed as a World Heritage Site. Today
we spend a whole day to explore Hue by bike. We cycle a backroads loop
of Hue through lush countryside on a mix of footpaths and quiet country
lanes. Cycle from the hotel to the Imperial Citadel. After exploring the
ruins of this wonderful monument, ride out through backstreets and out
along the banks of the Perfume River to Thien Mu pagoda. Continue to Ming
Manh mausoleum and loop back across the perfume river to Hue via the mausoleum
of Khai Dinh.
Note: Cycling distance: approx 25-30km. There may be time to visit only
one mausoleum. SUPPORT: 100% - 60% vehicle support 40% motorbike support
(on footpath sections.)
DAY 12: HUE - DANANG - HOI AN
Leave Hue after breakfast by road for Danang via the scenic fishing village
of Lang Co and the Pass of Ocean Clouds. Stop in Danang to visit the beautiful
Non Nuoc Beach and the Cham Museum containing the finest collection of
Cham sculpture in the world. The Museum of Champa Sculpture in Danang
was built in 1915, although its origins go back to a late nineteenth century
collection of artifacts from central Vietnam, made by French scholars.
The museum, which was designed by two French architects (Delaval and Auclair)
imitates many well-known features of Champa towers and temples. The museum
was extended in 1935 in order to be able to display artifacts excavated
at Tra Kieu (capital of the Champa kingdom until about the year 1000 AD.
On the road from Danang to Hoi An visit five sacred hills known as the
Marble Mountains containing dozens of Buddhist shrines. On arrival in
Hoi An transfer to hotel. Hoi An was a major Asian trading port in the
17th and 18th centuries and its architecture and relaxed lifestyle has
changed little over the years. Take a walking tour of the ancient town
centre to visit former merchants' houses, the 400 year-old Japanese Covered
Bridge and the colorful market. Overnight in Hoi An. (B)
DAY 13 : HOI AN - MY SON - HOI AN
Depart early in the morning if you wish to My Son tower to enjoy the beautiful
sunrise (it depends on weather condition, our guide will discuss with
you at spot). Stroll around the tower before the tower officially open
at 8.a.m.(if the weather good you can see very fantastic sunrise). My
Son Sanctuary is a large complex of religious relics that comprises more
than 70 architectural works. They include temples and towers that connect
to each other with complicated red brick designs After visiting My Son,
transfer back to Hoi An and the rest day at your leisure to enjoy the
charming of Hoi An. Relax by the beach or experience your shopping in
the pretty charming town of Hoi An. Overnight in Hoi An. (B)
DAY 14: HOI AN - DANANG - NHA TRANG WHALE ISLAND
Morning at your leisure. We meet you again at hotel and transfer to Danang
airport for a short flight to Nha Trang. When we get to Cam Ranh airport,
we transfer out of Nha Trang toward Dam Mon where we take 10 minutes speed
boat from Van Gia wharf to Whale Island. Whale island resort is in the
middle of nowhere is an ideal place to escape from the hustle & bustle
of city life. It is here that you just hear the sound of ocean and wild
life. Its pristine transparent water and offshore corral reef is great
to go for swimming, snorkerling or scuba diving. In the evening, we dine
in the resort. Overnight in bungalow On the tranquil island. (B,D)
DAY 15 : WHALES ISLAND AT LEISURE
Today is free on Whale Island, where you can take the opportunity to relax
by the beach, perhaps some snorkeling or Scuba diving. Breakfast, lunch
and dinner are provided by resort. Overnight in Whale Island Resort.(
B L D)
DAY 16 : WHALE ISLAND - NHA TRANG - SAIGON
We leave the island by speed boat to inland then transfer to Cam Ranh
airport to fly to Ho Chi Minh City. In the afternoon, we follow our guide
to discover the dynamic Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by many
locals, takes in the former Presidential Palace, the Notre Dame Cathedral,
Old Saigon Post Office, a lacquer ware factory and Thien Hau Pagoda in
the city's bustling china town and the well known War Remnant museum.
A stroll around the city biggest marker called Ben Thanh. This is a great
chance to visit one of the key intersections in the city center, Ben Thanh
is the city's main market. Inside is a tightly organized grid of aisles,
arranged according to product. Clothes, shoes and fabric dominate the
front, before giving over to kitchenware, cooked food, fresh vegetables
and a somewhat alarming display of seafood and meat (some of it still
alive). There is plenty for the visitor to buy, but the main attraction
is the way in which the bustling market is still very much part of the
city's life and economy. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City. (B)
DAY 17: SAIGON - MEKONG DELTA
After breakfast, we transfer out of town for the two hour drive to Ben
Tre. As you leave the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City the scenery
changes for lush paddy fields, this area is referred to locally as the
'rice bowl of Vietnam'. On arrival in Ben Tre Province head towards Tien
Giang where you will board your sampan for the cruise among the aptly
named Dragon, Unicorn, Turtle and Phoenix Islands. En route visit a small
factory producing handicrafts made of coconut. On Turtle Island, visit
a typical orchard where you can taste their exotic fruit. Following board
smaller boats (3 to 4 persons to each) for a more adventurous cruise on
the Xep Canal, which is set among a forest of palm trees. After the boat
ride take a ride on a horse-driven cart to the famed garden of Mr Tam
Nen for a honey tasting session. Embark once again by boat To Turtle Island
where a selection of Mekong delicacies will be served for lunch. In the
afternoon return to Ben Tre for a visit to Vinh Trang Pagoda before heading
back to Ho Chi Minh City, arrival time around 1830. . Overnight in Ho
Chi Minh City. (B,L)
DAY 18: SAIGON - SIEM REAP
After breakfast, transfer to Tan Son Nhat airport to fly to Siem Reap.
Siem Reap is a small colonial town just north of Southeast Asia's largest
lake, Tonle Sap. The town itself is charming and pleasant enough to roam
around, with some fine examples of French colonial architecture though
modern developments, mostly in the form of hotels, has been swift here
in recent years since the slow demise of the Khmer Rouge. Start the visits
with the early-Angkor era temples of the Roluos Group (Preah Ko, Ba Kong
and Lo Lei). In the afternoon, tour the South Gate of Angkor Thom, the
famous Bayon, the Terrace of Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King..
Return to hotel after watching the sun set at Phnom Bakheng. Overnight
in Siem Reap. (B)
DAY 19:ANGKOR EXPERIENCE
In the morning, we concentrate our attention on an extensive visit of
the magnificent 12th century Angkor Wat. In the afternoon, continue to
Srah Srang, Banteay Kdei, the fabulous Ta Prohm Temple, embraced by the
roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers and the small twin temples
Chau Say Tevoda and Thommanon. Overnight in Siem Reap. (B)
DAY 20: TEMPLE EXPLORATION
After breakfast visit Banteay Srei, the unique riverbed carvings at Kbal
Spean (River of 1000 Lingas) and Banteay Samre. Lunch at local restaurant.
In the afternoon continue with the "Big circuit" temples comprising
Pre Rup, East Mebon, Neak Poan and Preah Khan. Overnight in Siem Reap.
(B)
DAY 21: DEPARTURE
After breakfast, combine your visits (depending on your departure flight)
between a visit of the "Big circuit" comprising Pre Rup, East
Mebon, Neak Poan and Preah Khan OR the workshops of Artisans d'Angkor
to see wood and stone carving or shop for souvenirs OR a boat trip on
the Tonle Sap lake (July-February) before transferring to Siem Reap Airport
for your onward departure flight. (B)
"This itinerary may alter due to local conditions, the strength
of the group and other unexpected circumstances. We will do our very best
to adhere to the set itinerary, however we cannot be held responsible
for any last minute changes that might occur. In all such circumstances,
your biking or trekking guide will have the final say.'
Price Per Person : £1525
Price based on two people sharing
SELECTED HOTEL AS ITINERARY
Hotels are subject to change according to the availability, we will then
swap for another hotel in the same category if the proposed hotels are
booked out. Hotel check in/out is after 12p.m, early check in/ late check
out upon availability)
City Hotel Category Room type Number of night
Hanoi Hoa Binh/ Army/ Thien Thai 3 star Superior 2
Guoman/Sunway 4 star Superior
Sapa New Chau Long 3 star Superior 1
Victoria 4 star Superior
Halong Traditional Bai Tho Junk Deluxe En-suite cabin 1
Hue Festival 3 star First class 1
La Residence hotel & Spa 4 star Superior
Hoi An Hoi An Trail Resort 3 star Superior 2
Life Resort 4 star Superior Garden view
Nha Trang Whale Island Eco Resort Bungalow 2
Ho Chi Minh Palace/ Oscar 3 star Superior 2
Grand/ Continental/Rex 4 star Superior
Siem Reap Borei Angkor/ Apsara Angkor 3 star Deluxe 3
Angkor Palace resort/ Angkor Palace Resort & Spa 4 star Deluxe
VIETNAM CAMBODIA
INCLUSION INCLUSION
· 01 English speaking guide in Hanoi Local English speaking trekking
guide & in Sapa for trekking days · 01 private air-conditioned
vehicle for transfers in Hanoi as itinerary.· 01 private air -
conditioned vehicle for transfer from/to Lao Cai station Russian jeeps
transfer to/from trekking place.· Train tickets Hanoi - Lao Cai
- Hanoi on local Tulico/ Ratraco train (AC Soft sleeper cabin)Sight seeing
admission fees where indicated in the itinerary · 3 days/2nights
sleep and cruise in traditional Bai Tho Junk.· Taxi boat for Halong
Bay as itinerary. · Kayak rental ( cockpit kayak)· Life
jacket and paddles. · Domestic flight Hanoi- Hue - Danang- Nha
Trang - Saigon on economy class. · Hmong porters during trek to
carry food and luggage.· Bike rental for cycling segment. ·
Tents where indicated in the itinerary · Local homes where indicated
in the itinerary· 01 silk sheet sleeping bag/pax· Village
trekking permission· Sleeping mats (please bring small crunchable
lightweight 2 -3 season bag)· shower tent where possible (some
campsites on the ascent may not have enough space to erect shower tent)·
basic first aid kit (recommend clients to bring their own basic kit including
rehydration sachets)· Waterproof river bag for luggage (recommend
max 15kg - clients must repack their baggage into river bags. They can
leave big luggage at hotel in Sapa or Hanoi. This protects clothing and
helps the porters carry their load.)· Meals as mentioned in the
itinerary (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner).· Ceramic filtered
water during trek (recommend bringing purifying tablets) and snacks for
trekking days only.· Sightseeing tickets where mentioned in the
itinerary.· Water puppet ticket· Cyclo tour in Hanoi·
International flight reconfirmation· Accommodation superior in
twin sharing rooms with daily breakfast. A day used room in Gold Sea hotel
in Sapa after Fansipan trek for shower and refreshment. · English
speaking temples guide· Private air-conditioned vehicle during
the tour. · Private boat trip in Tonle Sap Lake· Excursion
to Banteay Srei & Kbal Spean· All entrance fees to the temples.
· Accommodation in twin/dbl shared room with daily breakfast.
EXCLUSION EXCLUSION
· International air ticket to/from Vietnam.· International
departure tax (14 USD/ticket)· Visa to Vietnam. Please ensure to
get visa before departure· Tips for guide, driver, porter at hotel,
waiter in restaurant · Beverage and alcoholic drinks.· Personal
expenditure (telephone, laundry, camera films and so on…)·
Personal travel insurance· Any other services not clearly mentioned
in the itinerary and in the trip inclusive portion. · International
air tickets to/from Cambodia · Visa to Cambodia· All airport
taxes · Tips for local guides, driver, porter at hotel·
Personal expenses (laundry, telephone call, camera films and so on...)·
Personal travel insuranceAny other services not clearly mentioned in the
itinerary
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Pictures thanks to our agents in Vietnam
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