Great Summer Promotion 2009
NEW CAT BA ISLAND KAYAKING TRIP : 2Days, 3Days, 4Days
  

Impressive Vietnam - Great Summer Promotion
Detail Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive Hanoi (D)
Arrive in Hanoi. Free time to discover around the Old Quarter or just relax. Our guide and driver will warmly welcome you at your hotel lobby and escort you to a local restaurant for trip briefing and dinner. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.
Note: please contact us should you need an airport pick up, a supplement will be advised upon your flight information advised.

Day 02: City tour in Hanoi - Overnight train to Lao Cai (B,L,D)
After breakfast, drive to visit Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum (outside only), Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilt,  One Pillar Pagoda and then the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university constructed in1070, its gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam's past. Continue to lunch at the Brothers café for a buffet style feast – an interesting fusion of Viet and western flavours, housed in a beautiful old style Vietnamese building with traditional music. In the afternoon drive to the Museum of Ethnology, Hanoi’s best and most interactive museum. Transfer toward Thanh Nien road and stop to visit Quan Thanh temple (Taoist, dating from the Ly Dynasty) and the Buddhist Tran Quoc Pagoda on West Lake (one of the oldest in Vietnam). Spend one hour on foot or by cyclo with a guided orientation stroll around the Old Quarter. Meet later to drive to the Thang Long Theater for a showing of the famous water puppets. From here drive to dinner in a small restaurant in Hanoi with good Vietnamese food. Following the dinner, transfer to Hanoi railway station in Le Duan Street for boarding on a night train to Lao Cai. Overnight on SUPERIOR train.
Note: the Mausoleum is open from 08.00 to 11.00 from Tuesday to Thursday, and over the weekends. It is close in Oct and Nov for yearly maintenance.

Day 03: Lao Cai - Muong Khuong district - Colorful market day - Sapa (B,L,D)
Arrive Lao Cai approximately 5h30 am. Our local team will meet the group at the station. Enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant in Lao Cai.
Transfer to Muong Khuong district and enjoy beautiful scenery along the ride until Lung Khau Nhin or Cao Son market on every Wednesday or Thursday. The market locates inside a small border quite modern town which is frequented by Flower Hmong, Tu Di, Pa Di, Tay and Giay ethnic minorities. They come to buy and sell local products such as food and material for agriculture and fabric. After spending the whole morning exploring the market, you will have lunch in a local restaurant nearby. You will then visit a village of Dao or Nung people, where you have opportunity to explore their daily life. You can make a stop nearby a waterfall before you get on the car heading back to Sapa. Check in hotel and free time for relax or discover this very small town. Dinner in town and overnight in hotel in Sapa.
Note: 4 hour driving, 3 hours walking and visiting the market.

Day 04: Sapa - Ma Tra - Ta Phin - Overnight train to Hanoi (B,L,D)
Leisure breakfast at hotel. Check out your room and start your moderate trekking day at 09h00. You will be heading toward Tram Ton direction around five kilometers from Sapa and going  by foot while passing through several minority villages along the way. The walk under the shadow of pine trees on other side of the Sapa town is very enjoyable. Continue through beautiful rice paddy and a local water flowing system by bamboo. Stop on the way to Ma Tra village of Black H’mong for lunch at a hill top then walk down hill to Ta Phin village of Red Dao. Arrive in Ta Phin in the afternoon and free time to communicate with local villagers and admire their perfect hand embroideries. Red Dao people is a master of medicinal plants and you can try a herb bath inside the village. Return to Sapa for shower and dinner before transfer to Lao Cai station and get the night train back to Hanoi. Overnight on board the superior train.
Note:  4 - 5 hours walking/ 1 hour 30 driving. This is a soft trek and not touristy

Day 05:  Hanoi - Halong half day cruise (B, L, D)
Our driver will pick up the group at the Ha Noi train station and drive toward a local  restaurant for breakfast. Driving time 3 – 3.5 hours to Halong city. Depart 08.00 arrive 11.30am. The route out to Halong City is newly upgraded. Learn about ancestor worship and the importance of the family in Vietnamese life, and how Vietnamese people bury their dead. Learn too about the rotation of rice crops compared with Southern Vietnam. Photo stop with some nice farmlands of the Red River Delta and the scenery of rice fields, water buffalo and everyday Vietnamese village life. Arrive in Halong and embark on the traditional comfortable junk. Fresh seafood lunch served on board whilst the junk will weaves through strange-shaped rock formations that invite comparisons from fighting cocks to dragons and even General de Gaulle’s nose. Visit the Sung sot (Surprise Grotto) with its great views. Free time on the Titop or Soi Sim beaches. Fresh sea food dinner and overnight on board.
Note: all junks in Halong bay will be grouped in some areas for overnight so you are aware of the noisy a little bit.

Day 06: Halong half day cruise - Hanoi (Brunch or B & L. Dinner is not included)
Continue to cruise the Bay. The karts outcrops that you will sail by were formed from sediment that settled on the seafloor in prehistoric times. They rose to the surface through geological upheaval and erosion. When exposed to rainfall, the striking limestone formations weathered into their current strange, remarkable shapes. Gradually meander back towards Halong city with brunch or lunch served on board (depending on your choice of junks, meals will be organized differently). Check out time will be 11h00 – 11h45. Transfer by your car toward Bac Ninh province. If time permitted, visit Phu Lang pottery village in Que Vo district and learn how to make a product from a piece of land to a picture or vases. Continue to Hanoi and free time at hotel.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 07 : Hanoi – Departure (B)
Breakfast at hotel. Free day for your own program. End of Northern trip. 

CENTRAL VIETNAM EXTENSION

Day 01: Hanoi - Extension Beach break to the Centre (B,D)
Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to Noi Bai airport in Hanoi. Fly to Danang. Welcome and pick up at Danang airport and transfer directly to your hotel in Hoian. Dinner in town. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02: Beach break in Hoi An (B,L)
After breakfast, our guide will lead you to the boat pier. You will enjoy 4 hours cruising by boat to a fishing village then by “Thuyen Thung”, a typical round boat like a basket, on the Thu Bon River. The trip will bring you to the Water Coconut Palm, a fantastic place where you can see and hear the history about Vietnam soldiers (Viet Cong) who hid themselves in the very large coconut palm canal to fight against the American Southern troops during the war in Vietnam from 1965 to 1973. The highlight of this trip is that you have the opportunity to fish with ex-Vietcong soldiers and taste the grilled fish or shrimp on the spot. Lunch will be served on board. Return to pier and short transfer to Hoi An town.
A guided walking tour is the best way to see the wooden-fronted houses that once belonged to the town’s prosperous merchants, the Japanese Covered- Bridge and the wonderful fish and vegetable market. Hoi An is one of the best places in Vietnam to shop for souvenirs at bargain prices including silk, handicrafts, antiques and paintings.
Five kilometers from the centre of town is Cua Dai Beach, popular with both locals and visitors alike for its sandy beach, warm sea and seafood stalls. Hoi An is known throughout Vietnam for its excellent seafood and it also boasts its own unique dishes such as Cao Lau, a delicious combination of noodles, pork, bean sprouts, mint and croutons.
Free time to enjoy Hoi An night life with coffee shops, bars and handicraft workshops or relax at Cua Dai beach. Overnight in Hoian.

Day 03: Beach break in Hoi An (B)
Breakfast at hotel. Free day for leisure. Overnight in Hoian.

Day 04: Hoi An - Da Nang - Ho Chi Minh city (B,L)
Breakfast at hotel. Free morning until transfer to Danang airport for early afternoon flight to Ho Chi Minh city. Welcome and pick up at Tan Son Nhat airport by our local team and transfer directly to your hotel. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.

SOUTHERN VIETNAM EXTENSION (MEKONG DELTA)

Day 01: Arrive in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh city)
Upon your arrival at Tan Son Nhat airport. Welcome by our guide. Transfer to hotel for check in. Night in Saigon.  
 
Day 02: City tour Saigon - Cu Chi (B)
In the morning we drive to visit unbelievable Cu Chi Underground tunnel-The most famous battle field constructed by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the long struggle for independence in Viet Nam. Four meters below the ground, the three level tunnel complex spread over 200 kilometers and was able to withstand the force of repeated bombings and the weight of the heavy army vehicles above. Transfer to hotel.  In the afternoon, city tour Saigon: Visit the War Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Head Post Office, Phuoc Hai Pagoda

Day 03: Saigon - Caibe - Cantho (B,L)
Breakfast in hotel & check out. Transfer to Caibe. Arrival in Cai Be, enjoy the boat trip on Tien Giang River, visiting the floating market Cai be where organizes special market in Mekong Delta. Continue to visit green rice flakes, rice crispy cake, coconut candy milk90 and enjoy. Visiting Mr. Ba Kiet’s ancient house (Ut Kiet) – one of the ninth ancient houses of Vietnam were restored by Japanese. Then tasting exotic fruits in the South of Vietnam.  Lunch at ancient house. Walking on the country lane and discover local people’s life. Rowing on small boat to return motorboat. Drive to Can Tho, the city considered as the heart of the Mekong Delta. Overnight in Can Tho.

Day 04: Cantho - Thotnot - Chau doc (B,L)
Breakfast in the hotel. Check out hotel. Enjoy a boat trip on the Mekong river to visit Cai Rang, the famous floating market in the west of Viet Nam, along narrow waterways through the lush vegetation to an orchard garden where we have the opportunity to visit local homes.  Disembarking and having lunch in local  restaurant. Transfer to Chau Doc. Check-in hotel. Then, visit the Sam Mountain, the Tomb of Thoai Ngoc Hau, the foundator of Chau Doc area. Ba Chua Xu pagoda is a famous place with a legend for popular people. Overnight in Chau Doc.

Day 05: Chau Doc - Phnom penh (B)
Breakfast in the hotel. Transfer to Phnom Penh by speed boat.

CAMBODIA EXTENSION

Day 01: Chau Doc - Pnhom Penh (D)
Arrive in Phnom Penh. Afternoon, visit National Museum, Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. Welcome dinner at local restaurant. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 02: Phnom Penh - Siem Reap (B,D)
Early breakfast, then transfer to board speedboat to Siem Reap. It is one of the best boat trip in Cambodia crossing Tonle Sap lake, one of the biggest fresh water lake in Southeast Asia. The boat journey takes about 6 hours. The boat has aircon, toilet and life jacket. Arrive in Siem Reap, transfer to the hotel. Transfer for the sunset at Phnom Bakheng to view over Angkor Wat. Dinner and overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 03: Siem Reap (B,L)
Breakfast at the hotel. Visit South Gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon, Baphoun, Phimean Akas, Terrace of Elephants, Terrace of Leper King. Lunch at Angkor Café. Afternoon, extensively explore Angkor Wat and visit the jungle Ta Phrom temple embraced by giant trees and creepers. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 04: Departure (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Artisan d’ Angkor of wood carving and stone carving and Old Market before transfer for departure. End of tour.

NORTHERN VIETNAM PACKAGE

Inclusions:

• English speaking  guide  through out (Different guides in the North, Centre and South).
• Porter and support team during trekking in Sapa.
• Private air-conditioned vehicle for transfer as mentioned in the programme.
• Accommodation in double or twin sharing room with daily breakfast.
• Boat package in Halong in 22 hours in double or twin sharing room on a comfortable wooden junk.
• Train ticket  Hanoi - Lao Cai on day 2 and Lao Cai - Hanoi on day 4 (superior class).
• Meals as mentioned in the itinerary with following detail (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner).
• All sightseeing entrance fees where mentioned in the itinerary.
• Boat trip in Mekong Delta.
• Visa authorization letter to Vietnam. You can get the visa stamping on arrival at the international airports in Vietnam or in a Vietnamese Embassy/ Consulate in your country.
• All government taxes.

Exclusions:

• International to/from Vietnam and international airport departure tax.
• Visa stamping fee to Vietnam: 25 USD per person only for single entry and 50 USD for multi entry with 01 (4cm x 6cm) passport photo.
• Domestic flight tickets Hanoi – Danang – Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh city.
• Tips for guides, driver, porters at hotels.
• Donations at pagodas/shrines.
• Meals not inclusive in the programme.
• All beverages.
• Personal travel insurance.
• Personal expenditure (telephone, laundry, shopping, camera film and so on…).
• Any other services not clearly mentioned in the itinerary.

CENTRAL VIETNAM EXTENSION

Inclusions:

• Transportation by A/C car or mini bus or bus with driver.
• Accommodation in DBL share (standard two or three star hotels).
• English or French speaking guide
• Meals as program mentioned: B =  breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner
• Boat trip in Hoian.

Exclusions:

• International flight and airport tax.
• Drinks
• Tips
• Personal expenses and extras

SOUTHERN VIETNAM EXTENSION:

Inclusions:

• Transportation by A/C car or mini bus or bus with driver.
• Accommodation in DBL share (standard two or three hotels).
• English or French speaking guide
• Entrance fee for visits mentioned.
• Meals as program mentioned: B =  breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner
• Speed boat: Chau Doc – Phnom Penh + Phnom Penh – Siem Reap
• Visa to Cambodia.

Exclusions:

• International flight and airport tax.
• Drinks
• Tips
• Personal expenses and extras

CAMBODIA EXTENSION:

Inclusions:

• Transportation by A/C car or mini bus or bus with driver.
• Accommodation in DBL share (standard two or three hotels).
• English or French speaking guide
• Entrance fee for visits mentioned.
• Meals as program mentioned: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.

Exclusions:

• International flight and airport tax.
• Drinks
• Tips
• Personal expenses and extras

Guaranteed Departures: Starting from 04 persons

Trip Name: Impressive Vietnam - Great Summer Promotion

Trip Grade: Easy [Grade Definitions]

Trip Length: 7 days + Extensions

Start From: Hanoi

End At: Hanoi/Hoian/Saigon/Chaudoc/Siem Reap

Transport: A/C 4-seat car or 16-seat minibus or 30 seat bus with driver; Bai Tho Junk or similar superior junks in Halong Bay.

Accommodation: Standard accommodation or Homestay.

Tour Guide: Experienced English or French-speaking local tour guide. Extra charge may be applied for other language. Contact us for further details.

Meals:  Breakfast (B); Lunches (L) & Dinners (D) as outlined

Trip Highlights:

• Wonderful boat cruise among thousands of limestone islets of Halong Bay, a World Heritatage Site
• Muong Khuong colorful ethnic market 
• Trekking to remote village of Red Dzao ethnic group in Sapa.
• Beach break in Hoian ancient town.
• Cu Chi underground tunnels
• Boat trip in the Mekong Delta
• Phnom Penh highlights
• Siem Reap Angkor Wat sites

Fitness Requirements: There are no specific fitness requirements for this trip, although please note that the Vietnamese climate is probably hotter and more humid than you would otherwise be used to.

Joining instructions: You can join from Hanoi, the beginning the the trip or take any extension trips (Hoian, Mekong Delta, Cambodia extension)

What to take: We suggest a main backpack with a reasonable daypack for any treks and day tours. Large suitcases are not advisable.