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US$2,451
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BOOK TOUR
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OVERVIEW
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Enjoy a combination of scenic landscapes, city sightseeing and adventurous trekking or hiking expeditions through villages and highland areas. We journey through many fascinating hill tribe villages, waving to the warm and friendly locals and admiring the dramatic mountain scenery. You will get a feel of their customs and culture as trekking provides a greater insight and staying overnight in a villager’s home offers an authentic experience.
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HIGHLIGHT
• Explore the capital city of Vientiane with an interesting mix of Laos, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, and American influences.
• Kayak and explore the wildlife along the banks of Nam Tha River
• Visit local villages of H’Mong ethnic groups, and visit the cave of Tham Xang and Tham None.
• Get panorama of the sunset reflecting over the Nam Song River.
• Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the old Royal city of Luang Prabang, home to dozens of temples and a way of life that has changed little over the years.
• Trek through the primary forest and sleep in the forest.
• Discover the Angkor Archaeological Park, the remnants of the former Khmer Empire.
• Taking a luxury speedboat to Cu Chi and experience scenic of Saigon river.
• Fascinating daily life and products in Mekong Delta with “Deluxe” Cai Be princess Cruise.
• Experience the culture and taste the typical foods with special cuisines.
• Cruising among local barges full of fruits and vegetables of Cai Be colorful floating market.
• Visiting the local village where the local people make pop rice and coconut candy.
• Have a chance to learn some traditional fishing techniques and how to paddle the unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boats.
• Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites – Hoi An ancient town, Hue Imperial city.
• Cruise along the Perfume River to the Thien Mu pagoda
• Discover underground Vinh Moc tunnels which local people used as a refuge to survive the bombings in the Vietnam war
• Sample the literal life underground on a two-day spelunking adventure through the enormous caves and subterranean rivers of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park by exploring Tu Lan jungle & cave, trek approximately 9 km via overgrown jungle paths and swim 50m through a river cave for soft adventure
• Trek through the Cuc Phuong national park for Endangered Primate Rescue Center and cave of early man
• Cruise on the UNESCO natural heritage Ha Long bay and explore the beautiful karsts and islets.
• Visit the the ancient citadel Hoa Lu and cruise through the Trang An landscape complex grottoes.
• Take a cyclo tour in the charming old quater Hanoi and see the typical Vietnam style.
• Go deep to Hoang Lien Son national park for love waterfall
• Trek or walk through valleys, leisure walk villages to villages through rice paddy
• Interact with Black H'mong, Giay and Red Dzao minorities in the small mountain villages of this region - a true Peregrine experience.
• Relax in clean fresh air of green valleys in Sapa at local homestay.
ITINERARY
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Day 1: ARRIVAL IN VIENTIANE (Nil)
Welcome to Vientiane, Laos’s capital. Your driver and guide will meet you outside the baggage claim of airport and take you to your hotel in the city center for check-in procedures (after 02:00 PM). Overnight in Vientiane.
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Day 2: VIENTIANE – NAM NGUM (Breakfast)
Vientiane is a charming and fascinating capital, with an interesting mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, and American influences. Today, we start visiting the major sights of the capital; including Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple with thousands of miniature Buddha statues, and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. Enroute to Lao’s national icon, the precious and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, you will have the opportunity to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph.
In the afternoon, we head out of the city and make our way to Nam Ngum, a huge reservoir created by damming the Nam Ngum River. We stop over at Ban Keun, which is famous for its salt extraction plant and a village that distills the local Lao whiskey. On arrival at Nam Ngum Lake, we will transfer to your hotel before enjoying the peaceful sunset over the lake and behind the far away mountains. Overnight in Nam Ngum.
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Day 3: NAM NGUM – VANG VIENG (Breakfast)
Rise and shine early today, you never want to miss the wonderful sunrise over the Nam Ngum Lake, and watch the local people preparing for their busy day.
You are free in the morning to stroll around the resort or the nearby fishing villages. Note: There are plenty of water activities that you can enjoy: boating, kayaking, water skiing, etc
In the afternoon, we will take a short drive to the small town of Vang Vieng, which is nestled on a bend of the Nam Song River. Its stunning scenery with its limestone outcrops remains unspoiled, despite recent developments with the advent of tourism. On arrival at Vang Vieng, we cross the Nam Song River to Tham Jang caves. Today ends with a superb panorama of the sunset reflecting over the Nam Song River. Overnight in Vang Vieng.
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Day 4: VANG VIENG – KAYAKING EXPERIENCE (Breakfast, Lunch)
We will transfer to Phatang Resort around 18 km north of Vang Vieng. After an introduction to the basics of kayaking we shall set off down the beautiful Nam Song river which offers various small but fun rapids along the way to our first stop at Tham Xang Cave. Here we will walk up to the massive theater like cave while hearing about local history about the area.
After emerging from the cave a short kayaking will lead us to a picnic spot on the riverside where we shall enjoy lunch. After lunch we shall continue down the river until the next stop at the Organic Farm where mulberry tea and a variety of different fruit wines are produced.
Continuing on downstream we arrive at Tham None Cave which is one of the largest caves in Vang Vieng. It served as a bomb shelter for local villagers during the Second Indochina War. However, today it is home to a bat family and the 'Magic Stone of Vang Vieng'. The final leg of the journey is a gentle paddle downstream to Vang Vieng where we shall arrive just in time to catch the sunset.
Approximately: 15minutes transfer, 4.5 hours (wet season) 3.5 hours (dry season) kayaking, 1.5 hour caving/walking
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Day 5: VANG VIENG – LUANG PRABANG (Breakfast)
In the morning, we start our expedition up route 13 north to Luang Prabang, Luang Prabang that is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. The roads are well paved along the way for a smooth journey; we pass some stunning landscape scenery with a mixture of steep terraced fields and hill villages, we take a few photo stops at some small hill tribe village enroute. Each hill tribe village in Laos has a different feel, some are more prosperous than others but all have plenty of life. Along the way, we still have time to stop at the peak of Phouphiengpha to admire the panoramic view over the mountainous area. The Muang Xieng Nguen village is our next stop and we spend a short amount of time observing the local lifestyle prior to reaching Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
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Day 6: LUANG PRABANG – BAN LONG LAO – KUANG SI WATERFALLS (Breakfast)
We depart from your hotel and drive for around one hour west to Ban Xeng Mouk village where the trek starts.
We begin with a visit to the ethnic Khmu village of Ban Longlao Nung before heading to the nearby Hmong village of Ban Longlao Song. You will be able to observe the lifestyles of these two culturally very different minority groups and see how despite their differences they manage to work together on a day to day basis and even sharing the same school.
As we continue onwards the trail leads through rice paddys and vegetable fields before reaching the mountainous forest. Along the way we explore a cave which was used as a bomb shelter by the locals during the second indochina war.
After visiting the cave one more hour of trekking brings us to one of the many springs which feeds Kuang Xi waterfalls, here a beautiful pool full of sacred fish can be seen. After descending from the top of the waterfall we enjoy a Lao style lunch amongst some beautiful settings.
The afternoon is spent bathing and relaxing around the turquoise pools below the waterfall. You can also visit the bear conservation center which is located nearby and home to many bears which have been rescued from illegal farms.
Before returning to Luang Prabang we take a short walk to a nearby Khmu village of Ban Thapene which is home to some of the most beautiful pools of Kuang Xi Waterfalls.
Approximately: 2 hours driving, 4 hours trekking
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Day 7: LUANG PRABANG – KAMU LODGE (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Board on a traditional long river boat at Kamu Lodge pier at 08:30am and take a leisurely cruise upstream while enjoying the refreshments served on the boat.
Marvel at the thousands of gold Buddha statues placed in sacred Pak Ou caves by devotees. Most people failed to marvel at Pak Ou towering limestone cliff.
Continue upriver and you would reach Kamu Lodge around noon. A Refreshing welcome drink is served. You can check into your super-size tents with attached modern bathroom amenities and facilities. You will enjoy lunch in an airy SALA settled in the middle of r ice paddy fields.
After lunch, you can choose to either relax or to enjoy the traditional Kamu lifestyles and activities such as rice planting and harvesting in surrounding rice fields, gold panning in the Mekong (anything you find is Yours!), traditional fishing techniques (you can sample your catch for dinner!), visit of the Kamu village, archery contest.
Dinner is a feast by Kamu tribe standards. We want you to see the world from the Kamu's eyes.
After dinner, retire to your tent.
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Day 8: KAMU LODGE EXPERIENCE (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
After breakfast, you will have the opportunity to go for a 4-hour trek in the surrounding forest to the waterfall (trekking grade: moderate/challenging). You will enjoy a picnic lunch to the waterfall. On your way back to the Lodge, you will visit one village along the Mekong River.
In the afternoon, you will have time to relax enjoying leisure activities available on site such as bathe in the Mekong, one hour Lao traditional massage, “petanque” contest (…)
Dinner is served at the restaurant.
After Dinner, you can retire to your tent.
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Day 9: KAMU LODGE – LUANG PRABANG (Breakfast, Lunch)
In the morning, you are free to stroll around the lodge or the nearby village. We will take the boat back to Luang Prabang after lunch.
We arrive in Luang Prabang at around 4PM, transfer to your hotel. Free for the rest of the day. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
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Day 10: LUANG PRABANG – SIEM REAP (Breakfast, Lunch)
An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms (ubiquitous sticky rice) from the faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the procession. From there, we will take a short visit to the morning local market near the Royal Palace. At the market, you can find anything from rice, to fresh vegetables, to steamed fish, frogs, and anything else that might be the day’s catch, just set up on the ground, this is what the locals do every day. This is really the chance for you to get a real flavor of the local culture.
After breakfast, your city tour begins with a visit to the Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a range of interesting artifacts. From there, we ascend the 329 steps to the top of Phousi Hill for the panoramic view of the city and the Mekong River. We then head to the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture.
We are then free before taking the departure flight to Siem Reap. (Flight should be VN931 LPQREP 1435 1605)
Upon arival, pick up and transfer to hotel to check in.
Upon arrival at the airport , transfer to check in the hotel. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Note: Flight is on your own arrangement or upon request.
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Day 11: SIEM REAP – ANGKOR COMPLEX BY CYCLING (Breakfast)
Breakfast at hotel.
Start your sightseeing tour of Angkor area we spend a full day exploring the wondrous ancient ruins with the South Gate of Angkor Thom, which is famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone, the impressive Bayon Temple, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King and the largest as well as the most complete temple of Angkor Wat. This architectural masterpiece was constructed in the 12th century and covers an area of about 210 hectares.
We stroll around this massive edifice, seeing the many galleries with columns, libraries, pavilions, courtyards and ponds full of water reflecting the towering temple and the jungle covered temple of Ta Prohm is an incredible sight. There are enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers which embrace themselves in the stone foundations of the structure giving the impression of man's creation being reclaimed by the powerful forces of nature. Overnight in Siem Reap.
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Day 12: SIEM REAP – ROULOUS – BANTEAY SREI – FLIGHT TO SAIGON (Breakfast)
Breakfast at hotel.
Heading out of town we make our way by traveling on a newly paved road to the intricately carved and well preserved temple of Banteay Srei. Along the way we make stopover at the Preah Dark village and we follow these with a visit the Banteay Samre Temple adorned with impressive relief’s depicting scenes of Vishunu as well as Krishna legends. Then continue to visit Roluos Group.The monuments of Roluos, which served as the capital of Indravarman I (reigned 877-89. Preah KO erected by Indravarman I in the late 9th century dedicated by the King to his ancestors in 880. Bakong the largest and most interesting of the Roluos group temples, with his active Buddhist monastery just to the north of the east entrance. Lolei built on an islet in the center of a large reservoir (now rice fields) by Yasovarman I, the founder to the first city at Angkor.
And then transfer to airport for your departure flight to Saigon. (Flight should be VN812 REPSGN 1830/1940)
Upon arrival, pick up and transfer to hotel to check in.
Have dinner at Ngon restaurant. Overnight in Saigon.
Note: Flight is on your own arrangement or upon request.
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Day 13: CU CHI BY SPEEDBOAT (JOIN WITH OTHER TOURIST) – HALF DAY TOUR (Breakfast, Lunch)
Breakfast at hotel.
Travel to Cu Chi as a VIP on one of our modern speedboats arriving hours before the large tour groups. Your guide will explain the life along the banks of the Saigon River as your boat gracefully slaloms through the water hyacinths. After the scenic one-hour boat trip our guide will take you through the historic Cu Chi Tunnels. A light breakfast will be served on the way to Cu Chi and a traditional Vietnamese lunch will be served after visiting the tunnels.
07:00 - Pick-up at hotel and transfer to the pier.
07:15 - Light breakfast on the boat and departure to Cu Chi tunnels.
08 :40 - Arrive in Cu Chi.
09: 00 - Begin Cu Chi Tunnels tour. In Cu Chi, starts with an introductory video detailing its long 25-year construction. Then it is time to go underground in the infamous 120-mile Cu Chi tunnel system which offered a safe haven for soldiers and thousands of Vietnamese people during the Vietnam War. It is virtually an underground city with dwelling houses, schools, hospitals and factories. On display are booby traps, the remains of a US army tank and huge craters left by American B52 bombs. Here you will have the opportunity to witness how rice paper is made and to explore the amazing labyrinth of tunnels used by the guerrillas during the war.
11:00 - Finish Tour. And return to Ho Chi Minh City - Lunch on the boat
13:00 - Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City.
Start your sightseeing to explore the city with a walking tour in Dong Khoi street and visit Notre Dame Cathedral, the spiritual and cultural crucible of the French presence in the Orient & the General Post Office, City Hall and Opera House, the ancient & with French colonial architecture style. Then visit Reunification Palace which was the workplace of the President of South Vietnam & was then known as Independence Palace. Visit Ben Thanh market which is always loaded with varieties of goods, such as consumer goods, cakes and candies, food and foodstuff, and particularly high-quality fruit and vegetables. Overnight in Saigon.
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Day 14: MEKONG DELTA TOUR – SAIGON – FLIGHT TO DA NANG – HOI AN (Breakfast, Lunch)
Breakfast at hotel,
8:30: Drive to Mekong Delta.
Arrival at pier in Phu An Hamlet at 10.00 AM. Welcome on board and fresh towels are served.
Cruise to begin with the visit to Cai Be colorful floating market, cruising among local barges full of fruits and vegetables. Proceed to Dong Hoa Hiep Island located between Vinh Long and Cai Be to discover beautiful landscape along the river.
Visiting the local village where the local people make pop rice, coconut candy, rice paper on their own way, the tourist do not only know how to make cakes but also try on and taste the warm one right after processing by the breezy river bank.
Visit to Ancient Mandarin House dating from 1890 with personal welcome by the House Owner.
Observe the activity of rice business at the biggest rice market in Cai Be while sailing to visit a traditional brick factory or to learn how locals build houses with palm leaves. Stop at local home factories to observe the traditional procedure of making rice ice paste, coconut candies and other specialties.
Lunch at "Le Longanier", a superb Indochinese villa located by the river, in a lush tropical garden surrounded with fruit plantations.
After a short walk along a beautiful canal, the excursion will end at around 3.30 PM at Ba Bon Bridge where your own private transportation vehicle will await for you.
During the cruise, cold towels, hot green tea, mineral water and exotic seasonal fruits will be served on board free of charge. Set menu lunch: vegetable soup, Le Longanier fried spring rolls, fried Mekong elephant ear fish, fried mixed, vegetables with pork, caramelized pork in clay pot, seasonal fresh fruits.
Return back to Ho Chi Minh city and transfer to the airport for flight to Da Nang (Flight should be VN136 SGNDAD 1800/1920).
Upon arrival, pick up and transfer to Hoi An. Free evening. Overnight in Hoi An.
Note: Flight is on your own arrangement or upon request.
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Day 15: FISHERMEN & PALM PARADISE TOUR (JOIN WITH OTHER TOURIST) – HOI (Breakfast, Lunch)
Breakfast at hotel,
On this tour we provide an authentic social and cultural insight into the local Vietnamese way of life. As well you will take part in some hands-on activities that are fun, safe and interesting to people all of ages.
Pick up at hotel in the morning at 08:30am and transfer to a local fishing village. Learn about daily life of Vietnamese fishermen, their families and their community
Go on board of cruise and commence cruising on the Cua Dai River. Join local fisherman on the river and enjoy hands-on experience of round net and cast net fishing. Learn to paddle the unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boats and join in a basket boat race.
Enjoy basket boat dancing of GANGNAM STYLE on the round boat. Explore the now tranquil coconut-palm flanked waterways of a past war and hear of the extreme conditions endured by soldiers of both sides. Learn how to make an origami creations from reeds of palm leaves such as grasshopper , birds, ring, sunglass ,bracelets….etc
Back on-board and enjoy lunch with cold beer or soft drink
14:00pm: Return to Hoi An town.
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.
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Day 16: HOI AN – HUE (Breakfast)
Breakfast at hotel.
Transfer to Hoi An (ca. 130km with 2,5 hours driving). You will stop and visit Marble Mountain which is made up of five limestone outcrops in isolation from the surrounding plains, each riddled with caves and grottoes, with some made into pagodas and shrines. The top offers spectacular views of Da Nang and the surrounding. On the way get through the Hai Van pass, one of the most beautiful panoramas of Vietnam offering stunning view over the central.
Upon arrival, take a boat trip on the romantic Huong (Perfume) river to visit Hue's best-known religious site, Thien Mu 7-storey pagoda, Minh Mang Tomb. Visit Imperial Citadel from where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. Overnight in Hue.
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Day 17: HUE – DONG HOI – PHONG NHA NATIONAL PARK (Breakfast, Dinner)
Breakfast at hotel.
Transfer from Hue to Dong Hoi. You will stop at a couple of historic sites and monuments to understand the past history and story of Vietnam War. Continue up Highway 1A across the Hien Luong Bridge, and over the Ben Hai River which demarcated North and South Vietnam, this area saw some of the heaviest fighting during the war. The journey to Vinh Moc Tunnels is scenic after you leave the main highway, pass through quaint villages and skirt along Cua Tung Beach. The village of Vinh Moc found itself tragically positioned in one of the most heavily bombed areas of Vietnam. In order to escape this bombardment, the villagers constructed approximately 2.8 km of underground tunnels which they used as a refuge to survive the bombings. Three hundred people lived intermittently in the tunnels from 1966 to 1971.
From Vinh Moc drive to Truong Son National Cemetery where the remains of some 15,000 Vietnamese soldiers and civilians have been laid to rest, sadly many tombstones bear no name. In the afternoon, you arrive in Dong Hoi town and drive to Phong Nha national park for overnight stay at Chay Lap farm stay.
This evening is free at your leisure. Have dinner at hotel. Overnight in Chay Lap farm stay.
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Day 18: PHONG NHA – EXPEDITION TU LAN CAVE (JOIN WITH OTHER TOURIST) (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Breakfast at hotel.
Start your day with pick-up from your hotel in Phong Nha between 7:00 am and 7:30 am (please be ready on time).
You’ll then drive 70 km over the Da Deo mountain pass to reach the ethnic minority village of Tan Hoa and the Headquarters. You can leave your entire luggage at our office in the storage room.
After a safety briefing, checking gear and signing our Release Form, the day adventure begins with a 2 km walk across peanut and buffalo fields to reach the Rao Nan River. After crossing the river you’ll reach the impressive Hang Chuot (Rat Cave) to explore its massive formations for 280m. Then climb over the mountain and trek through Hung Ton Valley to reach Hung Ton Cave. Explore this wild cave by descending a 15 m ladder with a safety rope before swimming 50 m through the cave and following an underground river to reach To Mo Valley, where a delicious BBQ lunch will be awaiting you. After swimming at the waterfall, trek over Hung Ton Mountain (1 km), across Hung Ton Valley (500 m), and another small hill down to Rao Nan River (500 m). You’ll finish the day crossing back over peanut and buffalo fields (2.5 km) to the Headquarters, where a cold drink and shower will be awaiting your return.
Depart Tan Hoa at 5:00 pm and return to Phong Nha at 6:30 pm and you will be dropped at your hotel.
Dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Chay Lap farm stay.
Adventure Level
Tu Lan Jungle & Cave Experience is considered easy for anyone who is physically fit and participates in regular outdoor activities, and moderate for anyone with limited outdoor experience. You will trek approximately 9 km via overgrown jungle paths and swim 50 m through a river cave (weather permitting).
· 9 km jungle and mountain trekking, rocky terrain
· Elevation change up to 150 m (between valley and top of mountain)
· 50 m swimming in caves
· 1 km caving
Any member of the guide team reserves the right to turn around any person at any time without compensation or refund as deemed necessary for safety or conservation reasons.
We will provide you with the following:
· Caving & safety gear: caving helmet, caving headlight, life jacket, gloves
· Basic canvas trekking boots (only if you do not have your own pair) sizes 36 - 46
· Meals: picnic lunch
· Professional English-speaking tour guide and guide safety assistant
· Porter to prepare meals and pump water
· Shared dry box for phones and small cameras (limited availability for larger cameras)
· Water filter and purifier (used only by guide and porters)
· Eco-friendly compost toilet using western toilet seat at lunch site
· First Aid Kit and Medical Rescue Equipment (application by guides and porters only)
· Secure Storage Facility at Oxalis Headquarters to store all luggage you will not be taking on the trek
Please also bring with you the following:
· 1 long (easy to dry) pants and 1 long sleeved shirt to wear during the trek (quick dry)
· 1 pair of trekking boots/shoes - difficult terrain, good footwear necessary
· 1 change of clothes for after the tour
· 1 pair of calf-length densely woven socks (not ankle socks!)
· Personal items: mosquito repellent, sunglasses, hat, camera
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Day 19: DONG HOI – FLIGHT TO HA NOI – NINH BINH (Breakfast)
Breakfast at hotel.
Transfer to the airport for flight to Ha Noi (Flight should be VN8590 VDHHAN 1000/1120).
After arrival, pick up and transfer to Ninh Binh. Transfer to hotel to check in. After taking a rest of hotel, take a 3 hour rowing boat for a peaceful cruise on the river to explore Trang An Grottoes. June 2014, UNESCO has inscribed Trang An Scenic Landscape to its World Heritage List. During the journey through Trang An, you will travel through 12 caves and 3 temples and the scenery of the nature of Trang An is just unreal. Overnight in Ninh Binh.
Note: Flight is on your own arrangement or upon request.
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Day 20: NINH BINH – CUC PHUONG NATIONAL PARK – HA NOI (Breakfast, Lunch)
Breakfast at hotel.
8.30: Depart to Cuc Phuong National Park - one of the most popular nature tourist destinations in Vietnam.
Arrive National park visit Endangered Primate Rescue Center. The primate center was established in 1993 with the help of the Frankfurt Zoological Society and has grown to 100 animals in 30 cages, 4 houses, two semi-wild enclosures.
Have lunch in local restaurant. After lunch, depart to the Park Centre, on the way visit the Cave of Early Man ( had over 7000 year), then you’ll start on a long trek through the forest to learn about the diverse flora and fauna of the park. You’ll also make stops at Cho Chi, the oldest tree in the forest, a number of picturesque streams and waterfalls.
15h30: Car pick up and transfer back to Hanoi. Check in at hotel in Ha Noi.
Overnight in Ha Noi.
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Day 21: HA NOI – HA LONG BAY (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Breakfast at hotel.
Halong bay must be a Vietnam’s most famous and most popular UNESCO World Heritage site. We start at 8.00 A.M for the 3 hour drive (170 km) through the Red River delta, which offers plenty of chances for taking photos of Vietnamese farmers tilling the vast green paddy fields. At half way, we'll have a visit to a handicraft workshop with fine clothes, embroidered paintings, stone statuettes and all kinds of gems mined in Vietnam such as star rubies or sapphires. Our destination is the World Heritage site of Ha Long bay. The name “Halong” means the descending dragon in to the sea. Legend states that gods sent dragons, who dropped jewels and jade from their mouths into the bay, creating the islands. The towering limestone karsts represent the dragon’s back, surrounded by jade green water creating an unforgettable site. There are more than 1600 limestone islands and islets with different shapes jutting out from the sea. Most of them are still intact from human activities thanks to their uninhabited and uncultivated characters.
12:30 Upon arrival, receptionists welcome guests at the International Tuan Chau harbour.
12: 45 Captain welcomes guests to Syrena cruise by tender. Check in cruise whilst enjoying a welcome drink, safety briefing and check in cabin.
13:00 Leaving International Tuan Chau harbor to discover the Halong Bay - natural wonders of the world. Have buffet lunch with special dishes while cruising through famous sights Ba Hang fishing village, Đỉnh Hương island, Chó Đá islet, Gà Chọi islet...14:30 Cruise stops at 587, the core area of the world natural heritage. Transfer by tender to Luồn cave - one of the caves with haft-open form has special endemic plants of Halong Bay. Visit Luồn cave by a traditionally woven (bamboo) boat rowed by a local boatman.
15:30 Leaving Luồn cave, transfer by tender to the Titov island which was named by Uncle Ho, after Gherman Stepanovich Titov - the Soviet astronaut who visited in 1962. Enjoy swimming, relaxing on the beach or climb the steps of the Rock mountain. On the top of the mountain, you can see a corner of magical Halong Bay.
16:30 Back to the cruise. Relax and enjoy sunset on the sun deck. You can book 45 minute chargeable kayaking program to discover more about Halong Bay (contact with cruise manager for service price). While cruising to overnight anchorage at Trong cave, you will approach Đầu Người islet, Yên Ngựa islet, Động Tiên cave.
18:00 HAPPY HOUR - Buy 1 drink get 1 free (wine excluded) and join Vietnamese cooking demonstration.
19:00 Dinner is served (set menu)..
20:30 Evening activities include: film entertainment (in the dining room); squid fishing; massage (contact with cruise manager for service price) or karaoke (applied to charter group). Overnight on Syrena Cruise.
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Day 22: HA LONG BAY – HA NOI – SAPA (Breakfast, Dinner)
06:00 Morning call (if you request).
06:30 Enjoy Tai Chi instructions on the sundeck in 30 minutes.
07:00 Coffee, tea, fresh milk, water, pastries, fresh fruit, cereals etc will be served in the dining room.
08:00 Arrive at Bồ Nâu cave. Transfer by tender to the Sửng Sốt cave. - one of the most beautiful caves in Halong Bay.
09:00 Come back to Syrena Cruises relax and check out of cabin. Approaching International Tuan Chau harbour.
09:15 Enjoy brunch buffet menu served in the dining room and settle the bills (if you have).
10:45 Transfer by tender back to Tuan Chau harbour and disembarkation. Your private guide and driver will pick up and transfer you to Ha Noi.
14:00 Arrival in Ha Noi, visit the Temple of Literature, this is the first Royal National university in Vietnam. Continue to visit Hoan Kiem lake (Restored Sword lake) and Ngoc Son temple. Situated in the heart of Hanoi, the lake got its name according to a legend story. In the end of the tour you will take the 45 minutes-cyclo tour around the Old quarter through its streets which are named after the guilds that used to represent such as Hang Bac (Silver Street), Hang Gai (Silk Street), Hang Tre (Bamboo Street) etc
Have dinner at a local restaurant before transferring to train station for overnight train to Lao Cai Sapa. Overnight in Livitrans/King Express (shared cabin - 4 pax/cabin)
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Day 23: LAO CAI – SAPA – HOANG LIEN SON NATIONAL PARK – SAPA (Breakfast, Lunch)
Arrival in the early morning, pick up and transfer to a 3* hotel near the train station for room refreshment in 2 hours and have breakfast.
After breakfast, transfer to Sapa. The tour will take you to Silver Waterfall, the highest in Vietnam with a 300m drop. An ascent to the base of the waterfall will enable you to explore the surrounding landscape. This is a famous spot and is regularly visited by monks to pray.
Continuing our journey, we will drive a further 3km to Tram Ton Pass, the highest road in Vietnam at approximately 2000m above sea level. At this height you will feel a drop in temperature but the views are truly stunning, and you will have the opportunity to stretch your legs, explore and take photographs. A further 3km drive will take you to the start point of your next walk, a descent through the jungle in the Hoang Lien Son national park to the Love Waterfall & Golden Stream. This area is known for cardamom crops, used for medicine, cooking and a significant source of income for the minority people.
Picnic lunch box will be arranged.
After lunch, return back to Sapa. Check in hotel and free at your leisure. Overnight in hotel in Sapa.
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Day 24: SAPA – LAO CHAI – TA VAN (Breakfast, Dinner)
Breakfast at hotel.
Embark on a lovely trek that will take along buffalo paths and trails and through several hill tribe villages Lao Chai and Ta Van, home to Black H’mong and Dzay people. This is an absolutely spectacular walk through stunning scenery inhabited by some of the friendliest people you can meet. Once on the valley floor you can really appreciate the wonderful scenery surrounding you. The walls of the valley are covered with multi-layered rice terraced fields. After small break at noon, we will walk to the rice paddy field where we will have a nice photo session of the amazing surrounding landscapes. A trek through the bamboo forest soon follows which gives you the experience of Vietnam tropical jungle. Along the way, we will stop by a waterfall to have a panorama view of Giang Ta Chai village. Then walk to main road to drive back to Sapa.
Dinner at guesthouse. Overnight in a guesthouse in the village.
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Day 25: SAPA – HA NOI (Breakfast)
Breakfast at hotel.
Free at your leisure in the village until transferring back to Ha Noi on express way with 2 breakstops for toilet or relax.
Arrive in Ha Noi around 18:00pm. Transfer to hotel to check in. Overnight in Ha Noi.
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Day 26: HA NOI – DEPARTURE (Breakfast)
Breakfast at hotel.
Transfer to the airport for flight to the airport for departure flight to home. End of services.
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INCLUSION
Meals
25 Breakfasts, 12 Lunchs, 7 Dinners
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Transport
Private transportation, night cruise
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Accommodation
Hotels (18 nights), Cruise (1 night), Train (1 night), Homestay ( 3 nights), Tent ( 2 nights)
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Activities
Vientiane city tour
Vientiane – Nam Ngum lake
Vang Vieng – kayaking
Luang Prabang city tour
Luang Prabang – Kuang Si waterfalls
Luang Prabang – Kamu Lodge
Siem Reap city tour
Ho Chi Minh – Cu Chi tunnels by speedboat
Ho Chi Minh – Mekong delta
Hoi An city tour
Hue city tour
Hue – Phong Nha national park
Ha Noi – Ninh Binh – Trang An
Ninh Binh – Cuc Phuong national park
Ha Long bay – overnight on cruise
Sapa – Hoang Lien Son national park
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Guide
English speaking guide
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Price
* Any group size greater than 8 pax, please contact us at inbound.sgn@transviet.com for better quotation
* Date and time correspond to Vietnam time zone (GMT+7)
* All prices are quoted in US$
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