Ha Noi Overview

Hanoi is the elegant capital city of Vietnam sprawling

Kunming, China

I was in Kunming for about a month and half. I don't really want to talk about it too much here. If you would like to know more about it, please email me I would love to tell you more.I made some amazing friends in Kunming. The food is amazing! I am planning on going back there sometime in the near future.

Sunday in Chiang Mai

This morning we went on a river cruise down the Mae Ping river, was very peaceful (apart from the noisy engine!) and we ended up going to a herb garden and were given fresh fruit to eat, the pineapple was LOVELY! Today we also unsucessfully visited some wats in the old city centre, the main ones that we went to visit looked like they were being renovated/closed... not sure if it was something to do with the sunday market that takes place every week (will tell more about later) but they needed the room for parking and setting up.. so we ended up walking to the park in the corner of the old city centre, it was really nice again to get away from all the traffic and hustle/bustle! After that we went to dinner (pizza again) and spent the rest of the eve going around the sunday walking street/market, where everyone fills the main road in the city and some areas around the wats and has lots of crafts/clothes/jewellery to sell. so many people were about, it's a little crazy that they do this every week until midnight! The national anthem came on again and everyone in the street stopped whilst the music was playing, dont think i'm gonna get used to that, its very bizarre when it happens!

Ha Noi Overview

Hanoi is the elegant capital city of Vietnam sprawling

Bangkok, Thailand Day 2

I woke up at 0730. I had fallen asleep the night before without showering as I was so tired. So I got up, showered and washed up. I didn’t feel like going out today. I just wanted to stayed in and rest. But I knew I had some stuff to get and lunch to eat. Anyway, I decided to stay in to read and leave late. I only left the hotel at 1430. I went to the noodle stand situated in an alley about 2 minutes away from the hotel. I like this noodle stall which sells really nice duck noodles. After lunch, I walked to the BTS to go to Ekamai. I had read about a discounted bookshop opened by Asia Books, one of the most famous bookstores in Bangkok. I thought the rates would be good given it was a discounted store but the prices were off by maybe 100baht and it was really messy in there. I went off without buying anything.I next walked to another bookstore. This bookstore is a secondhand bookstore that sells books really cheaply. I got books for 150-190baht each. I bought in total 4books for 610baht (SG$27). I like this bookstore…not only are the books cheap but some of them are in really good condition plus they have a very wide selection. After the bookstore, I walked over to Emporium to visit Asia Books. This, unlike the earlier is not discounted. After this bookstore, I went over to Kinokuniya. I was looking for a book; No one takes my children by Donya Al-Nahi. I thought the book was really fascinating. It is about a British woman who marries a Middle Eastern guy. During her marriage, she knew of many British women who had married Middle Eastern guys. What happened to some of these British women was that some of these Middle Eastern guys unhappy with their lives would suddenly take the children back to the Middle East and disappear without telling their wives anything. And these wives, they are helpless because the law can’t do anything for them and they are not familiar with Middle East. They can’t find their husbands and can’t get back their kids and really the Middle East is so vast, to search for a person is like looking for a needle in a haystack. So this lady, Donya, hears of these stories and would help the British women by going with them to Middle East to find their husbands and take back their kids. In the end, her own husband did the same thing to her. He disappeared to Iraq with two of their children. So she tracks him down and takes back the two kids. All this “kidnapping” was really unusual to me. I’ve never heard of parents kidnapping their own children and disappearing into their own country. What’s more unusual is that the law can’t do anything for them. I mean, the kids were taken away against one parent’s consent. It just isn’t right.Anyway, the bookstore closed at 2130. I left only because they were switching off some of the lights and pulling the shutters partially down. Walked to the nearest BTS which is Phrom Phong station. On the way back to the hotel, I stopped at the nearby Burger King to get dinner because a lot of places were closed. And as I was walking, I heard loud popping noises that sounded like firecrackers. And it was firecrackers. I wonder what the event was. Anyway, I got back to my room; I was having my dinner and reading the local papers when I read an article about Suan Lum Night Bazaar. A lady had written in to the papers protesting about the closure of the night bazaar. Apparently, tonight is the last night before they close the bazzar to build a shopping centre. I was shocked. I read somewhere that it would close on 1st April. I thought back to the firecrackers. The direction of the firecrackers was where the bazaar is. I decided to make a trip down to the bazaar even though it was about 2320. The bazaar and I go way back to my first solo trip to Bangkok in 2004. I remember staying a few minutes away from the night bazaar and almost every night I would go there and walk around. I went down and asked the front desk if it was the Bazaar’s last night, they said no, not yet. But I decided to go because if it really was the last night, I would forever regret not going for the last time. So I sat a cab to the bazaar as it was late. I got there about 15minutes later. Already a lot of shops were closed and quite a few were in the midst of closing. I wandered around just looking. Even the food stalls were closing. It was a sad night. And really why they wanted to close the bazaar is beyond me. I mean the bazaar is a nice place to do some night shopping. Truth be told, I would rather shop at the bazaar then at some shopping centre. There are lots of shopping centers in Bangkok and one more or one less really doesn’t make a difference. But the atmosphere at the bazaar is something shopping centers can’t replace. Sure, shopping centers are air conditioned but I would rather forgo that and sweat buckets then shop at a shopping centre. I doubt I’ll go back to Suan Lum when the new shopping center opens. At 12mn, 90percent of the shops were closed. I continued to walk around to those who were opened. Even then most of the 10percent remaining were packing up to close. Even the huge ferris wheel went off at 12mn. I decided to leave at about 0030. I thought of going to Patpong to walk the streetside stalls since it was nearby but I was tired and I really hadn’t finish my dinner as I rushed out when I found out the Bazaar was closing so I sat a cab back to the hotel.Did I mention CNN reported it’s 35 Deg C out in Bangkok!!Check out http://www.bts.co.th/en/index.asp for the skytrain service. It's a cheap and fast way of travelling within Bangkok and it gets you to most places. There is a section under Routes that is really good. It shows important buildings around the various BTS. A good way to see if your hotel is near the BTS. You can also check fare prices when travelling on the BTS in order to work out your transport costs.

CHAM VESTIGES AND ANGKOR RUINS Tours

Hue - HoiAn - MySon - KonTum - BuonMeThuat - NhatrangSaiGon - MeKong Delta - SiemReap Day 1. Arrival in HueGreetting by our guide at Phu Bai airport and transfer to hotel. Enjoy the brief excursion to visit the last imperial capital of Vietnam from 1524 to 1945. Overnight in Hue. Day 2. HueA day tour of Hue offers you an opportunity to explore the combination of the history, the culture and the romance of "Forbidden City", Imperial Palace, Tu Duc Royal tomb. Discover the people life by a tour round the Dong Ba market. Overnight in Hue. Day 3 . Hue – Da Nang – Hoi AnBoat cruise on the Huong River to visit Thien Mu pagoda featured by fine architecture of the 14th century. Heading south, we visit the fascinating Cham Art museum in Da Nang and explore the Buddhist Shrines of the Marble Mountain caves. On arrival Hoi An, take a walking tour of the ancient town centre to visit former merchants’ houses, the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge and the colourful market. Overnight in Hoi An. Day 4. Hoi An – My Son – Kon TumTransfer to sivit My Son – former sanctuary of Indianized Champa Kingdom in the First Millenium. Continue to Kon Tum – the garden spot of the central highlands. Overnight in Kon Tum. Day 5. Kon Tum - Pleiku - Buon Me ThuotVisit of Kon Tum, home to Bahnar minority with their typical Rong house – a house built on tall stilts, visit Kon Tum Orphanage. Continue to Pleiku, the granary of Gialai province. Procede to Buon Me Thuot. Overnight in Buon Me Thuot. Day 6. Buon Me Thuot - Nha TrangVisit of Buon Me Thuot : ethnographic museum, visit Lak Lake and discover authentic M’nong villages by a half hour on elephant riding through forest to the villages. Continue to Nha Trang. Overnight in Nha Trang. Day 7. Nha Trang - SaigonLeisure time for enjoying one of the nicest beaches in the World. Afternoon, visit of Po Nagar Cham towers, Oceanographic Institute, Long Son pagoda. Night train to Saigon (22.10 – 05.00) Day 8. SaigonCity tour visit to fine examples of French colonial architecture, the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Saigon Post Office. In the afternoon, visit Thien Hau pagoda, Cho Lon, lacquer ware factory. Overnight in Saigon. Day 9. Saigon – Mekong Delta - SaigonTransfer to Vinh Long, full day trip to the watery world of the Mekong Delta. Take a boat trip along narrow waterways overhung with dense vegetation and try exotic fruits in one of the many orchards. Enjoy the landscape of the Mekong delta where we take a boat to visit Cai Be floating market. Lunch with local delicacy in the bonsai garden. Back to Saigon. Overnight in Saigon. Day 10. Saigon – Siem ReapTransfer to the airport for flight to Siem Reap. Afternoon, transfer to visit the famous temple of Cambodia, Angkor Wat, and it’s visually, architecturally and artistically breathtaking. It’s massive three tiered pyramid crowned by five beehive-like towers rising 65 meters from ground level and this temple is the centerpiece of any visit to the temple of Angkor and take a romantic view sunset from Bakheng Hill. Overnigh in Siem Reap. Day 11. Siem Reap – Angkor ThomTransfer to visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon, Baphoun, Terrace of Elephant, Terrace of Leper King and Pimean Akas. Lunch at local restaurant.Afternoon, visit Thommanon, Chau Say Teveda, Ta Keo, Ta Prom, Banteay Kdei and Sras Srang. Dinner with show at local restaurant & overnight in Siem Reap. Day 12. Siem Reap – Tonle Sap lake - DepartureTransfer to take the Tonle Sap Great Lake Cruise, visit floating village, fisher man life, and back to visit Old Market. Lunch at local restaurant.Afternoon, transfer to visit Chantie Ecole-Artisan D’Angkor before transfer to the airport for departure flight.

Cat Tien Vietnam

We spent four days at a national park/preserve outside of Saigon, which is famous for the protection of the endangered Java rhino. The park has only 8, while the remaining population live in Indoneasa.It was trully beautiful, and peacful in a really loud jungle sort of way. A nice contrast to the crazy concreat jungle of Saigon!Trying to be thrifty travelors, we slept outside with only our hammoks and a mosquito net and rented bikes to explore. One day we rode, and hiked, into Crokodile lake, paddled around in a canoe observing the splashes here and there around us (we assured the crokodiles were human friendly) and spoke with the resident park ranger.On our last day we went with an indigenous/minority man named K'Woai to his village. We spoke with him about creating a business relationship where we can purchase their crafts (woven cloth, cloths, bags, wallets, belts, etc.)and create a market for them in the U.S. This would create a better source of income than they currently recieve from selling to tourists, and it can sustain and support their cultural arts and traditions. This was extreamly exciting for me as it is a business idea I have been working on for manny years, since my first trip to Peru when I befriended a family of Alpaca weavers. So I have been building the relationships through out my travels and now, finally, I have begun the process of actuall commerce (we will be bringing home a selection of beautiful, hand woven crafts to assess the interest at home). :)K'Woai is an itellegent and wise man, and a pleasure to be around. I look forward to the potential of this relationship. :)

Heading for Cambodia

On the 10th we pretty much had the day to ourselves so explored the local area and markets in more detail and to our dislike discovered just what a durian fruit smells like. Take our word for it, it is not very nice. In the evening we met our new tour guide for Cambodia and a new member of our group.On the morning of the 11th we headed off in a mini bus for a long drive to Chau Doc, a border town in Vietnam. After lunch at the floating restaurant at the back of our hotel (Although I think it was only just still floating) we headed off once more on the back of motorbikes. This time we headed up the mountain to the hammock bar where we enjoyed a cold Ankor beer and took our first look over the border into Cambodia. On the way back to our hotel in the early evening Charlie had a scare when her bike, and her and her driver, were almost crushed by a bus driver not paying attention. Luckily her driver was able to get out of the way but it is a pretty safe bet that the next words Charlie heard were all Vietnamese swear words being directed from several of the bike drivers at the bus.Nevertheless, we made it safely back and the next morning jumped on a boat at the back of the hotel to travel down the Mekong and into Cambodia.

Snake Village

My friends Mike and Buffalo Joe were determined to eat snake, and so was I. We wanted to see if the blood, actually had viagraic effects like the Lonely planet claimed. We asked our moped-taxi drivers from earlier to take us to this "Snake village", they were very willing to do so. It was raining in Hanoi, and the three drivers handed us ponchos. Although mine smelled distinctly of urine, I was just happy to be somewhat dry, and hey beggers can't be choosers. The journey took around 30 minutes by scooter. The roads seemed to have only one regulation, when someone beeps, get out of the way or die. We passed through the outskirts of town and crossed a bridge over a wide river. Where we ended up was definitely less seen by the tourist eye but had a magical feeling about it. We arrived at a restaurant that was completely open at the front with an upstairs balcony. The walls were adorned with vases, large and small, filled with cobras, geckos, and scorpions of all shapes and sizes. The owner immediately greeted us and showed us his missing finger, an apparent casualty of the profession of handling cobras. There were two cages along the wall filled with snakes, one for male and the other female. A man threw one on the cement in front of us and then proceeded to torment it until its neck flared out in discontent. We went upstairs and drank beer with our local tour guides while we waited. Two workers then brought a snake in front of us and cut it open, removing the still beating heart and draining the blood into a glass. The blood was poured into shot glasses and mixed with grain alcohol. As the heart pulsated on the plate before us, we cut it up and "shot" it with the blood/vodka. The combination of the vodka and fresh blood warmed the body and made us feel somewhat more manly. Who would believe us? Good thing we had video and pictures. Another shot was on its way, this time of vodka and bile, not delicious, but then again neither is tequila. For $40 american we received this and an eight course meal of snake. Each course was small, but different from the next. Our guides, and now friends, were celebrating a sucessful days work. As we chatted with them, they sold eachother out. One was smoking "rustic tobacco" and the other was clearly drunk. We talked about politics and Mohammed Ali, and then sung "Don't worry be Happy" together. Priceless

Stories from Hanoi

As with Laos, Vietnam has a history of French colonialism that is strongly reflected in its current culture. European style buildings are filled with Vietnamese musical instruments for sale, old men wear berets and again, baguettes and pastries are available everywhere. What I was surprised to see was the influence of Chinese culture on Vietnam's northern capital, though in hindsight, it makes perfect sense.We could immediately see the difference from Thailand and Laos. The plump, jolly Chinese Buddha had replaced the reverent (and thin) Thai and Laotian Buddha images. Chinese-style, red pagodas were common and Confucian philosophy had been taught and is still revered at the ancient University.Religion does not seem to play nearly as large of a role in Hanoi as in Thailand and Laos, which are packed with Buddhist temples, monks and family shrines. Though many Vietnamese practice various forms of Buddhism, we did not see any monks. I'm not sure if this has anything to do with religious suppression by Communist rule, or that Confucian and Taoist theology are also very prevalent in Vietnam.Most of the buildings in Hanoi are tall, deep and thin, multiple-storied (usually 3-5), concrete structures. Picture a flat, anorexic, communist San Francisco on speed. They are ornately decorated on the front, but have starkly bare, unpainted side walls. No need to waste paint! Another traveller told us that property is leased from the government for 99 years before it must be returned. Families pay higher rent for the first story of the building than the rest and as a result of this, many open shops on the first floor to help cover the costs. The families usually reside in the upper stories of the building, or in the case of hotels, sometimes on the roofs, which are decorated with hanging laundry drying in the sun. The Vietnamese are very family oriented and often times one home will be packed with many related family units. I'm not sure how deep many of the buildings go. Occasionally, we catch glimpses of dark hallways between structures resembling deep tunnels, often, motorbikes are parked near the end. We haven't figured out if they ever open into courtyards.The sidewalks and streets in front of Hanoi's homes seem to carry the most important social activities. Before meals, mothers will set up their temporary propane or pressed charcoal stoves on the sidewalk, shield them from the wind with a metal pipe, and set their pot or frying pan on top. Other family members bust out plastic child-sized chairs and take a seat nearby. Dad puffs on his smokes or tobacco fed bamboo-bong, while sister gets busy chopping up fish or pork on a thick, wooden block and scrapes the scraps with his knife into the gutter nearby. Numerous dishes are prepared including mustard greens, fried tofu, pig, fish, other misc. meaty unmentionables, things that look like larvae, steamed bean sprouts, potatoes, etc. Each person dishes rice into their small bowl and communally shares the rest of the dishes. Using their chopsticks they grab mouthfuls of the side dishes then follow each bite with another of rice. One would normally associate cooking and eating on the street with poverty, but you would be pressed to find an unkempt, dirty individual sit down to these meals. I believe it is more of a cultural norm. More than anywhere else I have been, life here for everyone is literally lived on the streets (with no bad connotation).As for the scraps of pig in the gutter, don't worry, every morning, residents sweep the sidewalks in front of their homes, creating little garbage piles on the streets. City workers then come by to pick up the trash. As you can reason, this practice of casually tossing garbage can turn into a major problem outside the bounds of these regimented disposal collection programs.Because everyone is hanging out on the sidewalks and any remaining space is filled with vendors and parked scooters, pedestrians are forced onto the street. In Hanoi for newcomers this can be particularly harrowing. Many streets are small, luxury vehicles, thousands of motorbikes, bicycles and conical-capped women balancing produce-filled baskets from sticks on their shoulders all try to navigate the same paths. Now throw in some plump, fumbling tourists to disrupt the delicate balance and it becomes comical madness!Though people in general are not as openly warm and welcoming to foreigners here in Hanoi (maybe its the classic city brush-off?), we a little effort we were able to break through some of the tourist barriers. What we were very impressed with people's open affection towards one another. Old friends, both male and females commonly strolled with their arms linked or draped over eachother's shoulders and everyone joked and laughed with eachother.It has been an amazing experience to get an inside look (though brief) at such a culturally rich, historically tragic and tight-knit city. Unfortunately, we were unable to experience more on this trip, but we will definitely have much to bring home with us.

CHAM VESTIGES AND ANGKOR RUINS Tours

Hue - HoiAn - MySon - KonTum - BuonMeThuat - NhatrangSaiGon - MeKong Delta - SiemReap Day 1. Arrival in HueGreetting by our guide at Phu Bai airport and transfer to hotel. Enjoy the brief excursion to visit the last imperial capital of Vietnam from 1524 to 1945. Overnight in Hue. Day 2. HueA day tour of Hue offers you an opportunity to explore the combination of the history, the culture and the romance of "Forbidden City", Imperial Palace, Tu Duc Royal tomb. Discover the people life by a tour round the Dong Ba market. Overnight in Hue. Day 3 . Hue – Da Nang – Hoi AnBoat cruise on the Huong River to visit Thien Mu pagoda featured by fine architecture of the 14th century. Heading south, we visit the fascinating Cham Art museum in Da Nang and explore the Buddhist Shrines of the Marble Mountain caves. On arrival Hoi An, take a walking tour of the ancient town centre to visit former merchants’ houses, the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge and the colourful market. Overnight in Hoi An. Day 4. Hoi An – My Son – Kon TumTransfer to sivit My Son – former sanctuary of Indianized Champa Kingdom in the First Millenium. Continue to Kon Tum – the garden spot of the central highlands. Overnight in Kon Tum. Day 5. Kon Tum - Pleiku - Buon Me ThuotVisit of Kon Tum, home to Bahnar minority with their typical Rong house – a house built on tall stilts, visit Kon Tum Orphanage. Continue to Pleiku, the granary of Gialai province. Procede to Buon Me Thuot. Overnight in Buon Me Thuot. Day 6. Buon Me Thuot - Nha TrangVisit of Buon Me Thuot : ethnographic museum, visit Lak Lake and discover authentic M’nong villages by a half hour on elephant riding through forest to the villages. Continue to Nha Trang. Overnight in Nha Trang. Day 7. Nha Trang - SaigonLeisure time for enjoying one of the nicest beaches in the World. Afternoon, visit of Po Nagar Cham towers, Oceanographic Institute, Long Son pagoda. Night train to Saigon (22.10 – 05.00) Day 8. SaigonCity tour visit to fine examples of French colonial architecture, the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Saigon Post Office. In the afternoon, visit Thien Hau pagoda, Cho Lon, lacquer ware factory. Overnight in Saigon. Day 9. Saigon – Mekong Delta - SaigonTransfer to Vinh Long, full day trip to the watery world of the Mekong Delta. Take a boat trip along narrow waterways overhung with dense vegetation and try exotic fruits in one of the many orchards. Enjoy the landscape of the Mekong delta where we take a boat to visit Cai Be floating market. Lunch with local delicacy in the bonsai garden. Back to Saigon. Overnight in Saigon. Day 10. Saigon – Siem ReapTransfer to the airport for flight to Siem Reap. Afternoon, transfer to visit the famous temple of Cambodia, Angkor Wat, and it’s visually, architecturally and artistically breathtaking. It’s massive three tiered pyramid crowned by five beehive-like towers rising 65 meters from ground level and this temple is the centerpiece of any visit to the temple of Angkor and take a romantic view sunset from Bakheng Hill. Overnigh in Siem Reap. Day 11. Siem Reap – Angkor ThomTransfer to visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon, Baphoun, Terrace of Elephant, Terrace of Leper King and Pimean Akas. Lunch at local restaurant.Afternoon, visit Thommanon, Chau Say Teveda, Ta Keo, Ta Prom, Banteay Kdei and Sras Srang. Dinner with show at local restaurant & overnight in Siem Reap. Day 12. Siem Reap – Tonle Sap lake - DepartureTransfer to take the Tonle Sap Great Lake Cruise, visit floating village, fisher man life, and back to visit Old Market. Lunch at local restaurant.Afternoon, transfer to visit Chantie Ecole-Artisan D’Angkor before transfer to the airport for departure flight.

Arrived in Hue

hey. thats me in hue, the city where i have been placed. to be honest i am really struggling. its not at all what i expected...i have been taken off the baby orphan programme and i am teaching adults which is not at all what i signed up for. i can still go to the orphanages to help out in my free time but there are few babies in the ones in hue and its a different focus here. the accomodation is what is killing me most. i knew it would be bad but its totally beyond hardcore. i am sharing a room with a nice canadian girl but and our beds touch side by side it is so small (its just really hard having absolutely no privacy or space to get away from things). the walls are crumbling and shower facilities ect are just horrendous. i dont want to pull out at this stage as i would be so dissapointed in myself but the thought of a month of this is just not something i think i am going to be able to handle. i have eaten white rice and beansprouts and beans for the past three days...my body is beginning to starve. dave had to go to the shop topday at our break to get me a chocolate bar as i was about to faint. as far as the people go they are vnice, but i am feeling lonely and crowded all at the same time. (heather is 24 from canada, dave is 55 from aus and jill is 62 also from aus. a slightly weird mix...hanging out socially is a bit weird.)There are very few westerners here in hue so when you walk down the street (especially as a girl) people try and touch you and women literally throw their children at you. Every 2 minutes someone says 'hello' or 'how are you' or 'teach me english', the people are incredibly friendly. literally everyone is living in what i would consider to be poverty here. it is heartbreaking. many of the orphans in the Home of Affection and Hoa My orphanages are there because their parents cannot support them. they bring them to the gates of the orphanage and leave them. and they dont go back to visit them. ever. also, if a woman here re-marries then she may have to give up the children from her first marriage. the most shocking thing i have seen so far is in da nang where there is an orphanage where a couple of the children are chained up... there are only two women for 18 children. a couple have ADD and/or behavioural problems or mental illnesses and the 'mothers' in the orphanage cant control themn and also care for the other kids so they are forced to tie them up in a room. mr viet says that hopefully by next year we will have enough volunteers so that someone can work with these kids so they no longer have to be tied.i am finding this whole experience totally emotionally draining. i knew it would be hard but with the living situation so bad it is making the daytimes even hrarder. i came here to work with children and instead i feel i will be teaching adults how to pronounce words better. one of the girls in da nang already left and another was really upset today and i think she is going to go also. they dont tell you this part before you get here. the ones that love it are the kind of hippy traveller types who lie around alot and smoke and think its 'totally cool to experience this man'. i am really trying to take one day at a time and i really wanted to come here and spend time with the children and, but its not working out anything like that and this is just so hard. i will update you all in a few days. i take all my donations to the orphanage on monday where i understand they are desperate for clothes ect so i will make sure to take lots of photos and post them online. love and miss you all lots. victoria xxx

Treasure of Mekong tours in Vietnam

16 days -15 nights: Luang Prabang - Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hue - Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City - Phnom Penh - Siem ReapDay 1: Luang Prabang - Arrival (D)Upon arrival at the airport, you are met and transferred to the hotel. Luang Prabang is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. The tranquility and charm of this town with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Laos . After a short rest, we visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham, Wat Mai; we then climb up to the top of Phousi Mount for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a beautiful sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. From there, we explore Street Night Bazaar, where you can find the lovely collection and handmade textile by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang.Day 2: Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Cave - Kuangsi Water Fall (B/L)After breakfast, we enjoy a short-guided tour seeing the city's oldest temple of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represent the classical architecture of Luang Prabang temple. We then board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a beautiful view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious of Pak Ou Caves, crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes.In the afternoon, drive to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where you can splash around in the pools or walk along the forest paths, return to Luang Prabang by late afternoon and continue to Ban Phanom, a well known weaving village, return to the city by late evening, for observing the sunset at Wat Siphouthabath. Overnight in Luang Prabang.Day 3: Luang Prabang - Hanoi (B/L)Free time for relax until time for transfering to airport for flight to Hanoi. Once again our guide will meet you and transfer you to Hanoi city. Lunch at local restaurant before check-in at hotel. After two or more hours relax, our cyclo tour do not make you more tired but more relax. After one hour ride around the trading area in Hanoi Old Quarter, the cyclo will stop you at Ngoc Son Temple for a short visit, then take one minute walk to Thang Long theatre for Water Puppet show. Overnight in hotel in Hanoi.Day 4: Hanoi (B/L)In the morning to visit Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, House on Stilt, One Pillar Pagoda, Tran Quoc pagoda, Quan Thanh temple, Army Museum and Hanoi Flag Tower. Time for lunch and check-out. In the afternoon, visit Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam (The First National University established in 1076). The next visiting place should be the Museum of Vietnam Ethnology in Cau Giay District or just go shopping around Silk shops and Art shops in Hang Gai street. Overnight in hotel in Hanoi.Day 5: Hanoi - Halong Bay (B/L/D)Today we leave Hanoi to Halong Bay, "Dragon Descending to the Sea". Upon arrival, we will embark to a junk /boat for a cruise around Ha Long Bay. While the junk cruising caves, grottoes, floating villages and beaches on Ha Long bay, having fresh seafood lunch on boat. Stop for a while for an excursing to Surprise Caves, (Grotto of Surprises) and Swimming, Kayaking (kayak cost is not include in this package) if weather permitted. Have dinner on board. In the evening, enjoy the night fishing (if weather permitted). Overnight on board.Day 6: Ha Long Bay - Hanoi (B/L)In the morning, cruising more in the Halong bay before return to the Halong pier. Having lunch in Halong before return back Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi.Day 7: Hanoi - Hue (B/L)Free time in the morning before transfer to the airport of Hanoi for noon flight to Hue. Transfer to a local restaurant in the city for lunch before check in. In the afternoon we pay a visit to the Imperial Citadel, constituted from the Real Fortress and the Forbidden City, and the market of Dong Ba. Overnight in Hue.Day 8: Hue - Hoi An (B/L)In morning we embark on a dragon boat sail along the Huong River to visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, and the tomb of Khai Dinh Kinh. Lunch at local restaurant. In the afternoon transfer to Hoi An through the famous of Hai Van Pass. Passing Danang, the car will stop for the visit to Cham Museum. Cham Museum is the open air collection of Cham sculpture. Overnight in Hoi An.Day 9: Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City B/L)In the morning, you will walk to visit ancient tiny town Hoi An. The visit will includes Japanese covered bridge, some Chinese Assembly Halls, and some typical Vietnamese houses of 18 century. In the afternoon, transfer to Danang Airport for evening flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi (B/L)In the morning drive to Cu Chi, one incredible city basement constituted from one series of tightened tunnel, used from the Vietcong during the war with the Americans. Lunch at local restaurant. In the afternoon pause to the colonial buildings of Saigon like the Independent Palace, Post Office and the Cathedral of Notre Dame, Ben Thanh market. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City - Vinh Long - Can Tho (L)Our car will pick up at your hotel in early morning. Upon arrival at Cai Be, embark a private boat to cruise around Cai Be Floating Market to see local people being selling, buying, exchanging goods from their boats. Visit local garden and house to see orchard, rice crisped producing process, .. After lunch taking a cruise along river to see peaceful tranquil life of villagers, admire marvelous natural natural setting of Mekong Delta region. About 3 pm, the boat will arrival at Vinh Long, walking around to explore Vinh Long Market. Then transfer to Can Tho City. Over night in Can Tho. Day 12: Can Tho - Cai Rang - Chau Doc (B/L)Cruising along the small and picturesque tributaries by boat, we will see the Cai Rang floating market (the nicest one with heaps of rowing boats). Take in the beautiful scenery and the daily activities of the locals who lives along the Mekong canals and you will roam through the village to visit a rice husking mill and a rice noodles making shop. Then continue going to Chau Doc via Long Xuyen. Check in on arrival. Visit the Sam mountain to enjoy the a breath-taking view on the Vietnamese-Cambodian border with flat rice fields and nice canals, visit caved pagoda. Over night in Chau Doc.Day 13: Chau Doc - Phnom Penh (B/L)In morning departure in boat to Phnom Penh going back one of the arms of the Mekong. Arrival and lunch. In the afternoon, visits of the city, in particular of the National Museum, rich art of Khmer, of the Silver Pagoda, inserted in the fencing of the Royal Palace, Preahkeo Morokot & Central Market. Overnight in Phnom Penh.Day 14: Phnom Penh - Siem Reap (B/L)In morning departure by flight to Siem Reap and transfer your hotel in the city. Angkor, luminous understood them of the great reign Khmer, is one of more important testimonies that the human genius knew to create in the field of the limbs, the architecture and the urban planning. Lunch at local restaurant. Then start tour to visit famous temple Angkor Wat with enjoying sunset from top of Bakheng Hill. Overnight in Siem Reap.Day 15: Siem Reap - Angkor Complex (B/L/D)Breakfast at hotel, then visit the Angkor Thom: South Gate, Bayon, Baphoun, Terrace of Elephants, Terrace of Leper King and Phimean Akas temple. Lunch at local restaurant. Afternoon, transfer to visit Angkor Ruins: Thommanom, chao Say Tevoda, Takeo, Ta Prom, Banteay Kdey and Sras Srang until Sunset. Dinner at local restaurant with Apsaras show & overnight in Siem Reap.Day 16: Siem Reap - Departure (B)After breakfast, transfer to take the Tonlé Sap for a cruise on the lake with the visiting to floating village to explore the fish man life. Then visit Chantier Ecole-Artisant d’Angkor. Free time for shopping before departure home.Type of tour: - Private tour. (This is the sample tour, you may go with all details above or we can modify to fix your way of travel) - Easy tourDeparture: Any dayFeature of tour: This Indochina vacation tour organize for travelers, who want to know the charmng of Angkor - Siem Reap and charming of Vietnam. You will understand Cambodia and Vietnam with:- Our history- Our literature- Our religious

Northern Vietnam Tour

Day 1: Hanoi arrival (D).Our guide will meet you at Noi Bai airport and escort you to a hotel in the center of Hanoi. The tour will start in the afternoon with 2 hours cyclo tour around the Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple and Old Quarter streets. You are then attend the Water Puppets show. Enjoy welcome dinner and over night in Hanoi.Day 2: Hanoi- Ha Long bay (B/L/D)8:00 our car will drive you to Halong. 12h30: Welcome on board of Halong Boat and set sail through bay while lunch is serverd. Please into the magical bay, where thousands of sculpted limestone islands rise from the waves like dragons’teeth. Opportunity to visit beautiful limestone grotto, go swimming or sunbathing. Enjoy cocktails while watching sunset and later unwind at restaurant. If weather permits a short night cruise could bring you a nice discovery of the sea life by night.Day 3: Halong- Hanoi (B/L)7h30: Breakfast. After breakfast, a short trek to a nearby summit. 9h30: Return on board for a final glimpse of the Halong Bay while cruising back to the dock. Drive back Hanoi.In late evening take the night train to Lao Cai - Sapa.Day 4: Lao Cai- Sapa (B/ L/D)You will arrive at Lao Cai at about 6.30. Short car trip to Sapa of about 40km from Lao Cai. Check in a hotel in Sapa. Relax or optional visit in the morning. In the afternoon, 2 hours trekking to visit Catcat village, home of a Black H?mong hill tribe, which is just 7 km from Sapa town. Overnight in Sapa. Day 5: Sapa (B/ L/D) In the morning, taking a Jeep trip to Lao Chai - Ta Van village, Home of Dzay and Black Mong hill tribes. While trekking around the village, meeting and talking with local hill tribes to learn more about their daily life, customs and traditional habits. Optional visit around Sapa town or take a rest before taking car trip back to Lao Cai train station. Get on the train return to Hanoi.Day 6: Hanoi (B)5:30 our car will pick you up the the train. After breakfast, take a bath and relax at Sunny or Nam Hai hotel for a while (check-out time is at noon) before the car will take you to airport for departure home or more visit the South of Vietnam.Type of tour: * Private tour * Easy/Adventure tour * Departure: Any dayFeature of tour: The life of urban, suburban, country side and hill tribes Vietnam people. The beautiful landscape of North Vietnam

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Letter from Phu Quoc

I am writing from the Thien Hai Son resort in Duong Dong town on Phu Quoc. The resort sits on Long Beach on the western side of the island. Our host is Mr. Thi, a vice-director with the Ministry of Fisheries in Hanoi whom we met when we first arrived. He is here in Phu Quoc because creating an MPA here in the archipelago of small islands at the southern tip of Phu Quoc is a priority for his agency. Other members of the team here, besides Ed and me are Mr. Linh who works for Mr. Thi and Mr. Huong who is our interpreter and socioeconomic specialist. Mr. Thi has graciously taken us all around the island, brought us out to the proposed MPA site by boat, and provided for meals along the way.I had assumed this island, because it was remote and in the far south near Cambodia, would be less heavily utilized than the rest of the coast of Vietnam and that it would be a lush tropical setting. I was wrong on both accounts. The island is quite arid most of the year and has very poor soil for growing crops. About 80% of the island is a national park for forest protection and represents the largest forested area remaining in Vietnam. There are many large hardwood trees in the forest and a fairly dense canopy but I’d call it semi-tropical arid hardwood forest- not a rainforest at all. Apparently there are monkeys, wild boar and deer in the forest. I’ve also seen two sea eagles along the coast- a majestic eagle similar in size to our bald eagle that feeds on fish.Despite the fact that it is an offshore island, Phu Quoc is heavily fished by local boats and by boats from many other Vietnamese provinces. It’s quite astounding how many boats there are, how often they are fishing, and the fishing power that each one represents. They use fine mesh nets to catch whatever they can usually at night with the aid of 10 or more high intensity lights. Supposedly the intensity of the lights is regulated but it’s not enforced. The main fisheries are anchovy, used to make famous Phu Quoc fish sauce, squid, and bottom fish. Trawlers are prevalent and are wreaking havoc on the bottom habitat according to local fishermen. The anchovy resource is extremely important and is apparently sustained by upwelling events in the southern island archipelago. Nuoc mam or fish sauce is Phu Quoc’s claim to fame. This fish sauce is revered throughout Vietnam and beyond for its purity and flavor- it’s unlike any other in the world. It’s made by dumping some anchovies in a huge vat, mixing them with salt and letting them rot and ferment for several months to years and then pouring off the refined fish oil product from the bottom of the vat. It’s served as a dipping sauce in a small side dish with many entrees in Vietnam.Today we met with the vice chairman of the Provincial People’s Party as well as several vice directors of the Department of Fisheries (DOFI). We learned that the plan is to make an MPA in the southern archipelago and to relocate hundreds of fishing families and boats to ports on the east and north coast of the island. The southern archipelago would then be available for development as an ecotourism area. It appears to be an incredibly ambitious plan but there does seem to be a plan in the works to carry it out. Time will tell.

Cyclo Hanoi City Tour

8.00 am transfer by car to visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum, One pillar pagoda, Tran Quoc pagoda. After lunch, visit to Ethenology Museum, Temple of Literature. Wandering around Hoan Kiem lake then visit Ngoc Son Temple and enjoy one hour cyclo trip around the trading area in Hanoi Old Quarter. Tour end about 16.30 pm.Hanoi Cyclo TourCyclo TourType of tour: Private Departure: Every day, Except Monday (due to close of Mausoleum & Museum) Low Season (5th May - 31st August)Size of Group 1 2 3 4 - 5 6 - 7 8 pax upCost/pax (USD) 59 40 35 28 25 22High Season (1st Sep - 4th May)Size of Group 1 2 3 4 - 5 6 - 7 8 pax upCost/pax (USD) 65 44 40 31 28 25Inclusive: Transportation (cyclo, private car/mini van), Entrance fees, Speaking guide (English or French), LunchExclusive: Drinks, Insurance, Personal expenses, Tips

Vietnam Travel Directory

Vietnam travel directory, provides you Vietnam travel links, hotels Directory, directory listings, add travel url! Vietnam Travel Directory You can add to more sub directory for free at: DestinationsHalong Bay Destination, Sapa Destination,... Hotelshalong_hotels, Hanoi Hotels, SaPa Hotels, ... ToursCycling Tours, Trekking Tours, Kayaking Tours, ... Tour OperatorsHalong Tour Operators, Sapa Tour Operators, ... TransportationHanoi Transportation, Ho Chi Minh Transportation, ... Travel AgentsHanoi Travel Agents, Ho Chi Minh Travel Agents, Hoi An Travel Agents, ... Travel GuidesMaps, Weather Travel HealthHanoi Travel Health, Ho Chi Minh Travel Health

Vietnam Travel Directory and Resources - DirectRooms

Vietnam travel directory compiled by DirectRooms. A comprehensive resource centre of the best travel websites for Vietnam, all graded by our human editorslink: http://www.directrooms.com/travel-directory/asia/vietnam/index.htm

Halong Bay Tours

Bai Tu Long Cruise 2 daysBai Tu Long Cruise tour 2 days On Footprint Red Dragon traditional junk, we aim to get off the beaten track but still at as leisurely pace. The size of the new vessel will allow the passengers to get much closer to Halong Bay’s natural wonders, pocket lagoons, and its small fishing communities.Depart, 8:00 am, from your hotel to Halong city. After 3.5 hours driving and viewing simple, country side, rice paddy life, we arrive at the at port. At 12.00, the junk crews welcome guests on board at Hon Gai WharfHalong Tours
Halong Cruise 2 days Halong Bay tours, Halong Cruise 2 days A great way to see spectacular Halong Bay is on a slow cruise through the seemingly never-ending bay of islands. Lay in the sun, enjoy a selection of the freshest seafood, and capture photograph after photograph.Later take a more intense look of one of the islands, "get off the beaten track” at a more leisurely pace. Finish the day with an amazing night's swim in the phosphorescent water. On board the Chinese Junk take part in boat-watching, sunset and sunrise. Actually be a part of the magic
Halong Cruise & Kayak 3 daysTravel to Halong Bay, Halong Cruise & Kayak 3 daysHaLong Bay is spectacular! The best way to visit all the hidden inlets and islands is via kayak. You will have 3 days on the water to explore this World Heritage Site with the support of our helpful experts and an authentic liveaboard Chinese Junk. Sleep on board under the stars and endulge in selections of the freshest seafood seved at lunch and dinner. On your kayak discover the magic as you paddle your way through narrow caves and secret interior lakes. Touch the untouched, name the unnamed
Day 1: Hanoi – HalongHalong Cruise tour, travel to halongDepart 8:00 am to Halong. After a 3.5 hours drive we will board our private vessel, an authentic Chinese Junk, for a relaxing cruise to the bay. After lunch on the boat we will stop at a small floating fishing village where our kayaks will be waiting. Then take advantage of the afternoon (2-3 hours) by kayaking amidst the magic of Halong. Tonight's dinner will include a selection of the freshest sea food. Retire to your quarters on the boat or sleep under the stars on the top deck.(L,D)Day 2: Lost, let's sea what happens...book Halong kayaking tours in VietnamA full day of kayaking follows breakfast on the boat. This is the day to discover the hidden Halong and uncover the secrets of this World Heritage Site. Paddle through the emerald water to magnificent caves and deserted lagoons. Explore every nook and cranny of this specticle of towering limestone and ocean, kayak to places some have never been to.
The day we will be fully supported by our boat. We will not have any designated route, we just paddle to the places you wish to go. Our only concern will be the weather's possible heavy rain or too much sun. If this is the case, we can easily go back to the boat for lunch, a short rest, more water or swimming. For those who are not feeling up to a full day of kayaking, cruising on the boat capturing photograph after photograph or sun bathing are some alternatives. As the sun sets, take pleasure in knowing that our second night will be spent on the water as well. (B,L,D)Day 3: More kayaking then onto HanoiHalong kayaking tour, travel to Halong VietnamBreakfast, then more cruising and kayaking. Then we return to Halong City. We will see a little bit of the town as we will have lunch at a local restaurant here, then we will begin our return to Hanoi. You should be back in your hotel around 5:00 pm where your smile, tan and stories of adventure on the water will be the envy of others. (B,L)

Sapa Tours in Vietnam

Sapa Tours
Sapa Trek & Bac Ha Sunday Market
Sapa Trek with Sunday Market Bac Ha - 3 daysSapa Trek with Sunday Market Bac HaThis 3-day 4-night tour is a wonderful offer from Footprint. Including not only trekking to the hidden villages and staying at their home, but also a visit to one of the most colorful tribal markets in Vietnam. Bac Ha is a rainbow of culture and local trading activities. Different tribes and villages all congregate here only on Sunday to do their business. Please schedule your departure from Hanoi on Thursday night so you too can participate in this renowned market...

Sapa Easy Trek - 3 days
Sapa Easy Trek tour - Vietnam trekkingThis is a perfect combination of trek and culture while visiting the hill tribes’ villages at a pace and style that compliments you. Journey away from the crowds and homestay a traditional Dao home. Learn and participate in village life and truly feel the warmth and hospitality of these incredible people. This is an unforgettable soft adventure to Sapa that should be part of everyone’s time in Vietnam, yet probably only offered by Footprint.
Sapa is a special place with an energy like no other. Take advantage of the secret spots we take you to, and make this an adventure you will never forget. This is the way travel truly should be...

Conquer the top of Mt. Fansipan - 4 days
Fansipan Sapa adventure trek in VietnamSapa is a beautiful former French hill-station. At an altitude of 1,650 m Sapa boasts warm days and cool evenings and all day fresh air. Nowadays, Sapa has become a favorite destination due to its inspiring scenery of mounatin ranges and terraced valley floors dotted with small ethnic villages. Sapa is home to several of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minority groups, each with their own distinctive dress, customs and dialects making it a colorful mosaic of culture.
Sapa is also renowned for its trekking. With South East Asia's highest peak, Mt. Fansipan (3,143 m) providing the perfect backdrop for some great trekking routes. This 3 day trek with outdoor camping offers all of the challenges and rewards of any hike. And, at the summit you be one of the few to have reached up and touched the clouds marking the roof of Indochina...

Sapa Moderate Trek - 4 daysSapa Moderate Trek Tour - trekking in VietnamCombing a mix of adventure and culture in this multi-day trek suites those who have a little extra time, are willing to get a little dirty, and want to explore . We will travel South of Sapa along the inspiring Muong Hoa valley and mountain streams, visiting villages of Hmong, Zay, Dao and Tay ethnic minorities.
Sources: Sapa Tours
http://www.footprintsvietnam.com/Tours/Sapa/

This trek can be difficult at times but is worth the effort as you will be taken off the beaten path, away from the crowds, and into the unspoiled Vietnam. Visit and stay with a Zay and Tay family and learn about village life. We promise that this trip will be unforgettable, educational, rewarding with a healthy dose of fun...

Vietnam tours listing

NORTHERN PRIVATE TOURS ( NPT )
NPT 01: Hanoi City Tour ( Full day )
NPT 02: Perfume Pagoda ( Full day )
NPT 03: Hoa Lu- Tam Coc ( Full day )
NPT 04: Cuc Phuong National Park ( Full day )
NPT 05: Halong Bay ( Full day )
NPT 06: Cuc Phuong- Van Long Area- Kenh Ga Geyser ( 02 days/ 01 night )
NPT 07: Halong Bay ( 02 days/ 01 night )
NPT 08: Halong Bay- Cat Ba island- Hai Phong ( 02 days/ 01 night )
NPT 09: Mai Chau ( 2 days/ 1 night )
NPT 10: Hai Phong- Cat Ba- Halong ( 03 days/ 02 nights )
NPT 11: Traditional Villages and Pagoda around Hanoi ( Full day )
NPT 12: Mai Chau Trekking ( 3 days )
NPT 13: Ninh Binh- Hoa Lu- Tam Coc- Mai Chau- Xa Linh (3 days/ 2 nights)
NPT 14: Phong Tho Trekking ( 3 days/ 2 nights )
NPT 15: Ninh Binh- Cuc Phuong National Park- Mai Chau (3 days/ 2 nights)
NPT 16: Hanoi- Ha Long- Ninh Binh ( 5 days/ 4 nights )
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CENTRAL PRIVATE TOURS ( CPT )
CPT 01: Hue Tours
CPT 02: Hoi An Tours
CPT 03: Nha Trang Tours
CPT 04: Nha Trang- Dak Lak Highland- Buon Me Thuot- Lak Lake- Dalat- Lang Biang Highland ( 4 days / 3 nights )
CPT 05: Dalat- Tuyen Lam Lake- Fairy Rock- Mount Elephant ( 02 days )
CPT 06: Hoi An- Qui Nhon- Nha Trang- Dak Lak- Buon Me Thuot- Lak Lake- Dalat- Lang Biang ( 7 days )
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SOUTHERN PRIVATE TOURS ( SPT )
SPT 01: Ho Chi Minh City Tour ( Full day )
SPT 02: Ho Chi Minh City Tour- Cu Chi Tunnel ( Full day )
SPT 03: Cu Chi Tunnel- Cao Dai Temple ( Full day )
SPT 04: Cu Chi Tunnel ( Half day )
SPT 05: Mekong Delta: Saigon- My Tho- Ben Tre ( Full day )
SPT 06: Mekong Delta: Sai Gon- Cai Be- Vinh Long- Can Tho- Cai Rang- Phong Dien- My Tho ( 2 days/ 1 night )
SPT 07: Mekong Delta: Sai Gon- Cai Be- Vinh Long- Can Tho- Cai Rang- Phong Dien- Long Xuyen- Chau Doc ( 3 days/ 2 nights )
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SPECIAL TOURS ( ST )
ST 01: Sapa Trekking Tours
ST 02: Kayaking Tours on Halong Bay
ST 03: Adventure Tours
ST 04: Beach Breaks
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRANS- VIETNAM TOURS ( T-VT )
T-VT 01: Beaches along Vietnam ( 8 days )
T-VT 02: Hanoi- Saigon Discovery ( 10 days/ 09 nights )
T-VT 03: Trans- Vietnam Open Tour ( 12 days )
T-VT 04: Trans- Vietnam Open Tour ( 13 days )
T-VT 05: Hanoi- Saigon ( 14 days )
T-VT 06: Saigon- Hanoi by train ( 13 days )
T-VT 07: 17 Days Vietnam Discovery
T-VT 08: Trans- Vietnam Open Tour ( 18 days )
T-VT 09: Trans- Vietnam Open Tour ( 22 days )
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NORTHERN BUDGET TOURS ( NBT )
NBT 01: Hanoi City Tour ( Full day )
NBT 02: Perfume Pagoda ( Full day )
NBT 03: Hoa Lu- Tam Coc ( Full day )
NBT 04: Cuc Phuong National Park ( Full day )
NBT 05: Mai Chau ( 2 days/ 1 night )
NBT 06: Halong Bay ( Full day )
NBT 07: Halong- Catba ( 2 days/ 1 night )
NBT 08: Halong- Catba ( 3 days/ 2 nights )
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CENTRAL BUDGET TOURS ( CBT )
CBT 01: Hue Tours
CBT 02: Hoi An City Tours
CBT 03: Nha Trang
CBT 04: Da Lat
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SOUTHERN BUDGET TOURS ( SBT )
SBT 01: Ho Chi Minh City Tours
SBT 02: Mekong Delta Tours

Travel Information of Vietnam1. GENERAL INFORMATION

Halong Cruise and Kayak 3 days

Halong Cruise & Kayak 3 days
Routes: Hanoi � Halong � Hanoi (175km one-way)Duration: 3 days 2 nights, sleep aboardFeature: Halong Bay is spectacular! The best way to visit all the hidden inlets and islands is via kayak. You will have 3 days on the water to explore this World Heritage Site with the support of our helpful experts and an authentic liveaboard Chinese Junk. Sleep on board under the stars and endulge in selections of the freshest seafood seved at lunch and dinner. On your kayak discover the magic as you paddle your way through narrow caves and secret interior lakes. Touch the untouched, name the unnamed, make your own magic, find your own route. Travel your way, the way travel should be!Difficulty: (3/5)Itinerary in Detail:Day 1: Hanoi � HalongHalong Cruise tour, travel to halongDepart 8:00 am to Halong. After a 3.5 hours drive we will board our private vessel, an authentic Chinese Junk, for a relaxing cruise to the bay. After lunch on the boat we will stop at a small floating fishing village where our kayaks will be waiting. Then take advantage of the afternoon (2-3 hours) by kayaking amidst the magic of Halong. Tonight's dinner will include a selection of the freshest sea food. Retire to your quarters on the boat or sleep under the stars on the top deck.(L,D)Day 2: Lost, let's sea what happens...book Halong kayaking tours in VietnamA full day of kayaking follows breakfast on the boat. This is the day to discover the hidden Halong and uncover the secrets of this World Heritage Site. Paddle through the emerald water to magnificent caves and deserted lagoons. Explore every nook and cranny of this specticle of towering limestone and ocean, kayak to places some have never been to.The day we will be fully supported by our boat. We will not have any designated route, we just paddle to the places you wish to go. Our only concern will be the weather's possible heavy rain or too much sun. If this is the case, we can easily go back to the boat for lunch, a short rest, more water or swimming. For those who are not feeling up to a full day of kayaking, cruising on the boat capturing photograph after photograph or sun bathing are some alternatives. As the sun sets, take pleasure in knowing that our second night will be spent on the water as well. (B,L,D)Day 3: More kayaking then onto HanoiHalong kayaking tour, travel to Halong VietnamSources: http://www.footprintsvietnam.com/Tours/Halong/DayTripsExcursions/Bai-Tu-Long-2days.htm
More Halong Tours
Breakfast, then more cruising and kayaking. Then we return to Halong City. We will see a little bit of the town as we will have lunch at a local restaurant here, then we will begin our return to Hanoi. You should be back in your hotel around 5:00 pm where your smile, tan and stories of adventure on the water will be the envy of others. (B,L)

ETHNIC MINORITIES IN NORTH-WEST HIGHLANDS Vietnam

Hanoi - Hoabinh - Maichau - Sonla - Dienbienphu - Laichau - Sapa - Bacha - Hanoi Day 1. Arrival in HanoiGreetting by our guide at Noi Bai airport and transfer to hotel. Enjoy the brief excursion to visit the Old Quarters by Cyclo in one hour. Enjoy the traditional performance of water puppetry. Dinner. Overnight in the hotel. Day 2. Hanoi – Hoa Binh – Mai ChauDrive to Mai Chau – home of white Thai minority. Enjoy songs and dance show by Thai amateur artists. Dinner and overnight in a house-on-stilts in a Thai village. Day 3. Mai Chau – Son LaTransfer to Son La – home town of the Black Thai, Meo, Muong and White Thai, on the way you take the chance to overview of Moc Chau highland, stops for photos and visiting minority villages. Overnight in Son La. Day 4. Son La – Dien Bien PhuDrive to Dien Bien Phu via the Pha Din Pass. Upon arrival, visit the former battlefield. Overnight in Dien Bien Phu. Day 5. Dien Bien Phu – Lai ChauDrive through a various scenery to reach Lai Chau with stop over for photos and visit to ethnic villages. Overnight in Lai Chau. Day 6. Lai Chau – Sa PaTransfer to Sa Pa, discover some nearby minority villages of Red Meo, Thai, Dzao. Arrive in Sa Pa, a highland resort 1600m above sea level in the northen province of Lao Cai, well-known for spectacular sceneries and multi-cultural acticities of hilltribes. Overnight in Sa Pa. Day 7. Sa PaVisit Ham Rong mountain, down town to Lao Chai village to visit the Black H’mong tribe, going along Sa Pa valley to get to Ta Van village to visit the Dzay, Cat Cat village of Black H’mong tribe and the waterfall.. Enjoy the time and communicate with the people and you will be impressed on their hand-made products. Overnight in Sa Pa. Day 8. Sa Pa – Bac HaTransfer to Bac Ha for visiting colourful Bac Ha market on Sunday where the Black Dzao, Black H’mong, Nung peoples exchange their embroidery, silverware and handicrafts. Enjoy corn wine when trekking to visit Pho village – home to H’mong minority. Overnight in Bac Ha. Day 9. Bac Ha – HanoiLight trekking to further explore the rustic villages before transfer to Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi Day 10. Hanoi departureEnjoy free time for shopping beforee transfer to the airport for departure flight.

Hoi An

Due to the miserable weather we have been having over the last few days, we were unable to catch the overnight bus to Hoi An as planned (a landslide, apparently) and so changed our plans to take the overnight train instead. What a great way to travel! Not only did we get our own beds to sleep on (I struggled a bit to get up onto the top bunk - a little bit high for me), but we also got sheets, duvets and pillows. We both slept really well, until the announcements on the train started, after which there was no more sleep to be had.

Vietnam Tours

Footprint is an expert in personal custom-made travel packages to holiday Vietnam. We are a local tour operator. This means you deal directly with us and not through a broker or travel agent, and you will get exactly what you want and need, at a fair price, for your unique and fun experience in Vietnam.Here lists some of our set tours and other sample tours to Vietnam. Please take a look at these offers and let us know what you want us to help you with for your travels to Vietnam. You can either book these set tours with instant confirmation or talk to our travel consultants for a tailor-made trip that meets all your wishes - No matter what your foot size is, we have a perfect path and fit for it!
* Halong Cruise - 2 days
* Mai Chau Puluong - 2 days
* Hanoi City - 1 day
* MeKong - 2 days
* Hoa Lu Tam Coc - 1 day
* Visit Vietnam�s Center - 8 days
* A Glimpse of Vietnam - 17 days
* Vietnam Package Tour - 21 days
* Essential North - 9 days
* Impression of the North - 14 days
* Imposing Saigon & Mekong - 6 days
* 4WD Adventures
* Canyoning & Climbing
* Cycling
* Eco-Adventures
* Kayaking
* Motorbiking
* Trekking
Vietnam ToursThe geography of Vietnam has inspired us to create a variety of adventure packages. Our adventure tours have been reccomended in many travel guides. Get off the beaten path to witness the unspoiled Vietnam with all safety concerns taken into account. Our Vietnam adventure options include trekking, kayaking, cycling, motorcycling, canyoning and rock-climbing, and 4WD adventures. Vietnam is a really beautiful place and truly worth some kind of active travel.
If you choose to see Vietnam from the it's main city centres - from the diversity of Danang to historical Hanoi, to Bustling Saigon - here are some short tours or sightseeing day trips and excursions. Find ideas here and let us know if you need more information or options. We have other offers and alternatives for your easy-to-sightsee holiday in Vietnam
Halong Tours
Code: HL02Routes: Hanoi � Halong � Hanoi (175km one-way)Duration: 2 days 1 night, sleep aboardFeature: A great way to see spectacular Halong Bay is on a slow cruise through the seemingly never-ending bay of islands. Lay in the sun, enjoy a selection of the freshest seafood, and capture photograph after photograph.Later take a more intense look of one of the islands, "get off the beaten track� at a more leisurely pace. Finish the day with an amazing night's swim in the phosphorescent water. On board the Chinese Junk take part in boat-watching, sunset and sunrise. Actually be a part of the magic.Difficulty: (1/5)Itinerary in Detail:Day 1: Hanoi � HalongHalong bay, Hanoi cruise tour, Halong travelDepart, 8:00 am, from your hotel to Halong city in our private mini-van. After 3.5 hours driving and viewing simple, country side, rice paddy life, we arrive at the at port. Board your private boat, an authentic Chinese Junk and start your amazing cruise through this World Heritage Site. Lunch is served onboard, a selection of the freshest seafood. We visit "the amazing cave", followed by a swim in the tranquility of Halong Bay and its emerald water.We will cruise further into a quiet area where we will anchor and stay overnight. Dinner and relax as the sun sets. Then you are free to swim in the phosphorous water, retire to your cabin, or fall asleep under the stars amidst the magic of Halong on the top deck. (L,D)Day 2: Halong � Hanoitour Halong to Hanoi Vietnam
Wake up early in the morning for a great sunrise and a breath of fresh ocean air. Breakfast served on boat then we do a leisurely cruise through thousands of seemingly never ending islands. These are great opportunities to capture some amazing photographs.We stop to visit a floating fishing village and listen to some legendary stories of the fishermen's daily life. Take one last swim somewhere in the middle of the bay to refresh before cruising back to the Halong city pier. By noon we will be ashore and break for lunch at a local restaurant. Then we hit the road back to Hanoi. We arrive and finish our tour at your hotel by 5:00 pm. (B,L)
Halong Cruise 2 days
Halong Tours
Sources: http://www.footprintsvietnam.com/Tours/Halong/DayTripsExcursions/HalongCruise-2days.htm

TOur to SOUTH VIETNAM

SaiGon - VinhLong - CanTho - SaiGon - DaLatPhanthiet - SaiGon Day 1. Arrival in SaigonCity tour visit to fine examples of French colonial architecture, the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Saigon Post Office. In the afternoon, visit Thien Hau pagoda, Cho Lon, lacquer ware factory. Overnight in Saigon. Day 2. Saigon – Vinh Long – Can ThoTransfer to Vinh Long, full day trip to the watery world of the Mekong Delta. Take a boat trip along narrow waterways overhung with dense vegetation and try exotic fruits in one of the many orchards. Enjoy the landscape of the Mekong delta where we take a boat to visit Cai Be floating market. Lunch with local delicacy in the bonsai garden. Procede to Can Tho. Overnight in Can Tho. Day 3. Can Tho – SaigonMake an excursion to visit the biggest market in the Mekong Delta - Cai Rang floating market. Back to Saigon. Overnight in Saigon. Day 4. Saigon – Da LatLeave Saigon for a scenic drive through rubber and tea plantations en route to the cooler climes of Da Lat, 300km from saigon. Established as a hill station, Da Lat is reminiscent of an alpine town with its French chalets and pine forests. Visit of Prenn waterfall on the way, Hang Nga tree house, and the centre market. Overnight in Da Lat. Day 5. Da LatA free day to enjoy golf amongst the pines at the Da Lat Palace Golf Club. A masterpiece of design, the 72 Da Lat Palace course offers an enjoyable challenge for players of all levels and a through test for experienced players. Overnight in Da Lat Day 6. Da Lat – Phan ThietLeave Da Lat for the 250km drive from the hill down to Phan Thiet beach on the coastal plain via the scenic Marvellous Mountain Pass. Enjoy the time at the beach. Overnight in Phan Thiet. Day 7. Phan ThietA free day to enjoy the beach and playing golf at the Nick Faldo-designed Ocean Dunes Golf Club. A links course, Ocean Dunes is rated as Vietnam’ s second best course after the Da Lat course. Overnight in Phan Thiet. Day 8. Phan Thiet – Saigon - DepartureReturn to Saigon and transfer directly to the airport for departure flight.

Mekong Delta (Vietnam & Caombodia) - Toum Tiou Cruise

TOUM TIOU CRUISE: SAIGON to SIEM REAP10 Days/9 NightsINTRODUCTIONSiem Reap, Phnom Penh and Saigon are the key destinations that we use to offer you trips into lands of disconcerting beauty, with an incomparable historical heritage and legendary traditions. Cambodia's waterways are more than a convenient way of getting around; they are the country's lifeblood. Take a trip on them and you get an unparalleled in-depth look at the real country, becoming totally immersed in something both gentle and spectacular that cannot be experienced by any other mode of transportation. The shallow draught of the Toum Tiou makes it possible to reach the very heart of the remotest of villages where the sense of discovery is often reciprocal. Is it the travelers or the Khmers who are most surprised by the encounter ? ITINERARYDay 1 - Monday: Saigon – My ThoAt 7:45, in the Saigon Port at Dock No. 1 (in front if Ho Chi Minh Museum), Toum Tiou is open for embarking, together with clearance of departure formalities. Then at at 8:30, the cruise depart for My Tho. Lunch and leisure on board during navigation. At about 17h, when arrival at My Tho – Toum Tiou drops anchor on river in the proximity of Thoi Son Island. Local musician band embarks to play traditional music for 45 minutes. Follow is welcome drink and info meeting about cruise, crew introduction. Welcome dinner. Overnight onboardDay 2 - Thursday: My Tho – Cai BeAt 8h in the morning, local boats are coming alongside Toum Tiou to pick up passengers and transfer to the mainland. Departure for Vinh Trang Pagoda by car - Short panoramic tour of My Tho town on the way. Continuing for Dong Tam Snake Farm and My Tho Market. On the banks of a northern arm of the Mekong, My Tho, which translates as "fragrant herb", where tourists come to discover the beauty of the delta. It's a quiet, prosperous city of about 100,000 inhabitants, famous for its many fruit orchards, gardens and the huge rice fields that surround it. The climate is warm and pleasant year round. The surrounding countryside is home to one of the most luxuriant gardens of Vietnam, with its coconut palms, banana and mango trees. When return at the pier - Passengers cruise on the river to Thoi Son Island by local boat to visit the island, explore local people’s daily life and enjoy locally seasonal fruits. At 13:00 passengers re-embark Toum Tiou and leaves My Tho for Cai Be. Lunch and leisure on board. Late afternoon, Toum Tiou at anchor on river on the proximity of Cai Be. Dinner and overnight on board.Day 3 - Wednesday: Cai Be – Vinh Long – Sa DecAt 8h, local boats are coming alongside Toum Tiou, picking up the passengers and cruise around Cai Be FloatingMarket. Continuing for Vinh Long - a brick and pottery factory, the Binh Hoa Phuoc Islet Nursery of Fruit Trees as well a typical house and a show room of traditional farming tools. Vinh Long, which translates as "Majestic Dragon", is right in the middle of the delta, between two arms of the Mekong. The soil of Vinh Long is enriched by silt deposits, making it ideal for growing mandarins and other citrus fruits. Life is organized around the water. Houses on stilts, hawkers in boats, hundreds of small craft crisscross in all directions. The hospitality of the locals makes it a tourist destination par excellence. Return on the Toum Tiou, departure for Sa Dec.Lunch on board during the navigation. Arrival at Sa Dec at about 15.00. Short panoramic tour of Sa Dec and transfer to Trung Vuong primary school. Continuing to Kien An Cung Pagoda. Stroll around Sa Dec Market along Sa Dec River bank. This small city of 30,000 inhabitants is fascinating in its unspoiled authenticity and undisturbed by tourists. It provides a glimpse of the delta where a few colonial houses still remain, including the "Chinaman's house" (from Duras' novel "The Lover", also made into a movie). Return to the boat with stopover at a nursery of flower and bonsai trees. Famous for its horticulture (it has many varieties of fabulously exotic flowers) Sa Dec was known as the "Garden of Cochin Chine" during colonial times. At about 18:30 passengers re-embark, Toum Tiou leaves Sa Dec port and drop anchor few miles away. Dinner and overnight on the river.Day 4 - Thursday: Chau DocEarly departure for Chau Doc. Breakfast during navigation. Leisure and relax onboard. Arrival after lunch at Victoria Hotel Chau Doc jetty. Located to the north at the beginning of Mekong's famous delta, Chau Doc straddles both banks of the Mekong which fans out to the dimensions of a river mouth here. Floating fish farms have sprung up everywhere. Bamboo fish drying racks are set up a meter above the water's surface. The bourgeoning downtown area features some charmingly rustic colonial buildings, squeezed in by the marketplace - the colorful, vibrant heart of the city. As always, these busy parts of town, despite their sometimes strong odors, offer wonderful photo opportunities... At 14:30 departure for fish raising rafts and Cham minority village by local boat. Return to the Victoria hotel for a walk to Chau Doc market. Visit of Sam Mountain which peaks at 237 meters. Its well-known Buddhist sanctuaries offer an unobstructed view over the mosaic of glistening rice paddies below. To the left is Cambodia, the flow of the Mekong on the horizon breaks into an infinity of silver ribbons. Visit on the way of the Lady Chua Xu temple and Tay An Pagoda. Return to the boat after sunset. Dinner at the Victoria Hotel’s restaurant. Overnight onboard at the jetty of the hotel; passengers are free to enjoy the hotel facilities (swimming pool, sauna, bar) or stroll in Chau Doc.Day 5 - Friday: Chau Doc – Kôh Dek ChauIn early morning, Toum Tiou leaves for Vinh Xuong (Vietnamese border). Arrival at Vinh Xuong check-point – Formalities clearance for Toum Tiou to cross the border. At 13:30 Toum Tiou leaves Vinh Xuong check point for Cambodia. Lunch during the navigation. 14:00 arrival at Kaam Samnaar check-point – Formalities clearance for crossing the border. Toum Tiou leaves Kaam Samnaar check point for Kôh Dek Chau Island. Arrival at Kôh Dek Chau island, at 16.30. A short break along the way, it allows to get a fascinating, close-up look at daily life in Cambodia. On the fringes of civilization, the 600 people who live on Kôh Dek Chau will receive your visit with some surprise. School children will escort you along your way. You will go through the village that occupies the full length of the island, walking along a trail shaded by date palms. Toum Tiou leaves for Phnom Penh and drops anchor few miles away. Dinner and overnight on board.Day 6 - Saturday: Kôh Dek Chau – Phnom PenhDeparture of Toum Tiou for Phnom Penh. Lunch during the navigation. Arrival at Phnom Penh, formalities clearance. At 14:30 departure for the “KILLING FIELDS” – return to the boat around 18:30. Dinner on board.Local group performs on board “APSARA” show. Overnight onboard.Day 7 - Sunday: Phnom PenhHalf day city sightseeing tour including the Royal Palace and the National Museum. At 12:30 return to the ship for the lunch on board. Afternoon is the day free exploration on own. Suggestions can be made up on the interest of passengers. (FCC, Russian market, other boutiques (antiques), etc.) Diner and overnight on board.Day 8 - Monday: Phnom Penh – Kôh Chen / Oudong – Kampong TralachDeparture of the Toum Tiou for Kôh Chen (Chinese Island). Breakfast during navigation. Arrival to Kôh Chen, small village of whose inhabitants specialize in silver and copper smiting. They make ornamental items, including delicately engraved tropical fruits, used in traditional ceremonies at the pagoda or for marriages. The distant hills of Cambodia's old capital, Oudong, and its royal stupas can be seen a few kilometers away from the ferry. At the top of the hill, the ruins of Anthareu temple. Passengers re-embark the Toum Tiou at 14.45. Lunch on board on the way to Kampong Tralach. Arrival at Kampong Tralach to visit its wonderful Vihara belonging to Wat Kampong Tralach Leu pagoda. To get to it, we cross Kampong Tralach Krom village along a small road perpendicular to the river, crossing some gorgeous stretches of emerald rice paddy as we leave the river behind. The Vihara dates back to early last century. It was probably built on an older site, as indicated by thelatérite foundations, and is home to some outstanding mural paintings. These, however, are starting tosuffer from weathering. They remain one of the last survivors of cultural destruction that continuesunabated due to widespread indifference. Standing by itself in the middle of rice fields, it is a modest pagoda that receives very few visitors. Its isolation may well be its undoing, as was the case for Wat Tani Pagoda in the province of Kampot. Passengers re-embark. The Toum Tiou drops anchor few miles away.Diner and overnight on board.Day 9 - Tuesday: Kampong Tralach - Kampong Chnang – Chnok TruDeparture of the Toum Tiou early in the morning. Sail to Kampong Chnang. Breakfast during navigation. Arrival to Kampong Chnang at about 9.00. Located some 56 miles from Phnom Penh, the town of Kampong Chnang is one of the largest fishing ports on the Tonlé Sap. Fish farming is also widely practiced in the area. The area is famous for its pottery ware, unchanged in style for centuries, which is produced in sufficient quantities to supply the entire country. And not to be overlooked are the products of the Thnot tree (sugar palm – a real national symbol) that abounds in the area: a mellow tasting, caramel-colored sugar sold in large cakes and palm wine. At noon, passengers re-embark the Toum Tiou. Lunch on board on the way to Chnok Tru. Arrival at Chnok Tru at 15.00. Local boats are coming along the Toum Tiou and picking passengers for the visit of thebiggest floating village on the Tonlé Sap River. Passengers re-embark. The Toum Tiou stays overnight in the proximity of Chnok Tru. Farewell cocktail (1 glass of local liquor or juice) with Master of Ship & Cruise ManagerCaptain’s farewell dinner (Enriched menu + 1 glass of wine). Overnight on board.Day 10 - Wednesday: Chnok Tru – Siem Reap1. High water, July - January.Departure of the Toum Tiou early in the morning. Time to pack and relax a half a day by crossing the TonléSap Lake. At 13:00, enjoy the last lunch on board, then passengers disembark.2. Low water, approximately February - June.Breakfast and relaxing morning on the boat, time to pack. Daily speedboat is coming along the boat and picks up passengers for crossing the Lake. At 13:30 arrival at Phnom Krom pier. Enjoy the last lunch in a restaurant in Siem Reap.

Discover North Vietnam 7 days, tours

Day 1: Hanoi arrival (D).Our guide will meet you at Noi Bai airport and escort you to a hotel in the center of Hanoi. The tour will start in the afternoon with 2 hours cyclo tour around the Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple and Old Quarter streets. You are then attend the Water Puppets show. Enjoy welcome dinner and overnight in Hanoi.Day 2: Hanoi - Ninh Binh (B/L/D)Vietnam TourEthnic people8:00 A.M you will visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh Residence, One-Pillar pagoda Tran Quoc pagoda, Quan Thanh temple, Army Museum and Hanoi Flag Tower. In the afternoon, departure to Ninh Binh. On the way, visit Hoa Lu - ancient capital of Vietnam in the 10 century and the remaining two temples of Dinh King & Le King. Dinner and Over night in Ninh Binh.Day 3: Ninh Binh - Ha Long bay (B/L)8:00 our car will drive you to Tam Coc, then take a sampan on winding streams deep in rice fields and limestone rocks to visit Tam Coc cave. After lunch leave Ninh Binh for Halong bay. On the way, the car will stop for the short visit to Tran temple and Pho Minh tower in Nam Dinh province. Dinner and Overnight in Halong.Day 4 : Ha Long Bay - Hanoi (B/L/D)Hanoi Hoan Kiem LakeHoan Kiem LakeBoat trip through majestic HaLong bay. Enjoy beautiful landscape of HaLong Bay, naturally formed by islands and islets, explore natural caves or sunbathing. Enjoy lunch on board. Return to Hanoi in the afternoon with stop over at Phu Lang Pottery Village at Bac Ninh. In late evening take the night train to Lao Cai - Sapa.Day 5: Lao Cai- Sapa (B/ L/D)You will arrive at Lao Cai at about 6.30. Short car trip to Sapa of about 40km from Lao Cai. Check in a hotel in Sapa. Relax or optional visit in the morning. In the afternoon, 2 hours trekking to visit Catcat village, home of a Black H'mong hill tribe, which is just 7 km from Sapa town. Overnight in Sapa. Day 6: Sapa (B/ L/D)Halong bayHalong Bay8:00 taking a jeep trip to Lao Chai - Ta Van village, Home of Dzay and Black Mong hill tribes. While trekking around the village, meeting and talking with local hill tribes to learn more about their daily life, customs and traditional habits. Optional visit around Sapa town or take a rest before taking car trip back to Lao Cai train station. Get on the train return to Hanoi.Day 7: Hanoi (B)5:30 our car will pick you up the the train. After breakfast, take a bath and relax at Sunny hotel for a while (check-out time is at noon) before the car will take you to airport for departure home or more visit the South of Vietnam.Type of tour: * Private tour. (This is the sample tour, you may go with all details above or we can modify to fix your way of travel) * Easy/Adventure tour * Departure: Any dayFeature of tour: The life of urban, suburban, country side and hill tribes Vietnam people. The beautiful landscape of North VietnamPrice in USD per person

Ho Chi Minh City

After a short flight from Denang we arrived in the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh. Vietnam's most modern city. After a quick freshen up we went out exploring and to get a bite to eat.The first thing we noticed about Ho Chi Minh City is not just how modern it is compared to the rest of Vietnam but how big it is, and we have never seen so many motorbikes. To cross the road here the advice is to move very, very slowly.One of the favourite sayings of people in Asia is 'Same Same but Different' and they use it when describing something that is basically similar to something but not quite right. This was wonderfully used in a restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City when Charlie ordered a chicken dish and was presented with a seafood dish instead (Charlie cannot eat seafood). We asked for it to be changed only to be told "No, it is fine, same same....but different" We couldn't help but laugh, although we did get the dish changed.That night we ate in the market and had great fun with our food as we ordered our own personal hot tile over coals and cooked our meat ourselves. We went to bed reasonably early that night as we were off to Cu Chi and the tunnels early in the morning.

Treasure of Mekong tours in Vietnam

16 days -15 nights: Luang Prabang - Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hue - Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City - Phnom Penh - Siem ReapDay 1: Luang Prabang - Arrival (D)Upon arrival at the airport, you are met and transferred to the hotel. Luang Prabang is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. The tranquility and charm of this town with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Laos . After a short rest, we visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham, Wat Mai; we then climb up to the top of Phousi Mount for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a beautiful sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. From there, we explore Street Night Bazaar, where you can find the lovely collection and handmade textile by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang.Day 2: Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Cave - Kuangsi Water Fall (B/L)After breakfast, we enjoy a short-guided tour seeing the city's oldest temple of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represent the classical architecture of Luang Prabang temple. We then board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a beautiful view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious of Pak Ou Caves, crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes.In the afternoon, drive to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where you can splash around in the pools or walk along the forest paths, return to Luang Prabang by late afternoon and continue to Ban Phanom, a well known weaving village, return to the city by late evening, for observing the sunset at Wat Siphouthabath. Overnight in Luang Prabang.Day 3: Luang Prabang - Hanoi (B/L)Free time for relax until time for transfering to airport for flight to Hanoi. Once again our guide will meet you and transfer you to Hanoi city. Lunch at local restaurant before check-in at hotel. After two or more hours relax, our cyclo tour do not make you more tired but more relax. After one hour ride around the trading area in Hanoi Old Quarter, the cyclo will stop you at Ngoc Son Temple for a short visit, then take one minute walk to Thang Long theatre for Water Puppet show. Overnight in hotel in Hanoi.Day 4: Hanoi (B/L)In the morning to visit Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, House on Stilt, One Pillar Pagoda, Tran Quoc pagoda, Quan Thanh temple, Army Museum and Hanoi Flag Tower. Time for lunch and check-out. In the afternoon, visit Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam (The First National University established in 1076). The next visiting place should be the Museum of Vietnam Ethnology in Cau Giay District or just go shopping around Silk shops and Art shops in Hang Gai street. Overnight in hotel in Hanoi.Day 5: Hanoi - Halong Bay (B/L/D)Today we leave Hanoi to Halong Bay, "Dragon Descending to the Sea". Upon arrival, we will embark to a junk /boat for a cruise around Ha Long Bay. While the junk cruising caves, grottoes, floating villages and beaches on Ha Long bay, having fresh seafood lunch on boat. Stop for a while for an excursing to Surprise Caves, (Grotto of Surprises) and Swimming, Kayaking (kayak cost is not include in this package) if weather permitted. Have dinner on board. In the evening, enjoy the night fishing (if weather permitted). Overnight on board.Day 6: Ha Long Bay - Hanoi (B/L)In the morning, cruising more in the Halong bay before return to the Halong pier. Having lunch in Halong before return back Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi.Day 7: Hanoi - Hue (B/L)Free time in the morning before transfer to the airport of Hanoi for noon flight to Hue. Transfer to a local restaurant in the city for lunch before check in. In the afternoon we pay a visit to the Imperial Citadel, constituted from the Real Fortress and the Forbidden City, and the market of Dong Ba. Overnight in Hue.Day 8: Hue - Hoi An (B/L)In morning we embark on a dragon boat sail along the Huong River to visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, and the tomb of Khai Dinh Kinh. Lunch at local restaurant. In the afternoon transfer to Hoi An through the famous of Hai Van Pass. Passing Danang, the car will stop for the visit to Cham Museum. Cham Museum is the open air collection of Cham sculpture. Overnight in Hoi An.Day 9: Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City B/L)In the morning, you will walk to visit ancient tiny town Hoi An. The visit will includes Japanese covered bridge, some Chinese Assembly Halls, and some typical Vietnamese houses of 18 century. In the afternoon, transfer to Danang Airport for evening flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi (B/L)In the morning drive to Cu Chi, one incredible city basement constituted from one series of tightened tunnel, used from the Vietcong during the war with the Americans. Lunch at local restaurant. In the afternoon pause to the colonial buildings of Saigon like the Independent Palace, Post Office and the Cathedral of Notre Dame, Ben Thanh market. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City - Vinh Long - Can Tho (L)Our car will pick up at your hotel in early morning. Upon arrival at Cai Be, embark a private boat to cruise around Cai Be Floating Market to see local people being selling, buying, exchanging goods from their boats. Visit local garden and house to see orchard, rice crisped producing process, .. After lunch taking a cruise along river to see peaceful tranquil life of villagers, admire marvelous natural natural setting of Mekong Delta region. About 3 pm, the boat will arrival at Vinh Long, walking around to explore Vinh Long Market. Then transfer to Can Tho City. Over night in Can Tho. Day 12: Can Tho - Cai Rang - Chau Doc (B/L)Cruising along the small and picturesque tributaries by boat, we will see the Cai Rang floating market (the nicest one with heaps of rowing boats). Take in the beautiful scenery and the daily activities of the locals who lives along the Mekong canals and you will roam through the village to visit a rice husking mill and a rice noodles making shop. Then continue going to Chau Doc via Long Xuyen. Check in on arrival. Visit the Sam mountain to enjoy the a breath-taking view on the Vietnamese-Cambodian border with flat rice fields and nice canals, visit caved pagoda. Over night in Chau Doc.Day 13: Chau Doc - Phnom Penh (B/L)In morning departure in boat to Phnom Penh going back one of the arms of the Mekong. Arrival and lunch. In the afternoon, visits of the city, in particular of the National Museum, rich art of Khmer, of the Silver Pagoda, inserted in the fencing of the Royal Palace, Preahkeo Morokot & Central Market. Overnight in Phnom Penh.Day 14: Phnom Penh - Siem Reap (B/L)In morning departure by flight to Siem Reap and transfer your hotel in the city. Angkor, luminous understood them of the great reign Khmer, is one of more important testimonies that the human genius knew to create in the field of the limbs, the architecture and the urban planning. Lunch at local restaurant. Then start tour to visit famous temple Angkor Wat with enjoying sunset from top of Bakheng Hill. Overnight in Siem Reap.Day 15: Siem Reap - Angkor Complex (B/L/D)Breakfast at hotel, then visit the Angkor Thom: South Gate, Bayon, Baphoun, Terrace of Elephants, Terrace of Leper King and Phimean Akas temple. Lunch at local restaurant. Afternoon, transfer to visit Angkor Ruins: Thommanom, chao Say Tevoda, Takeo, Ta Prom, Banteay Kdey and Sras Srang until Sunset. Dinner at local restaurant with Apsaras show & overnight in Siem Reap.Day 16: Siem Reap - Departure (B)After breakfast, transfer to take the Tonlé Sap for a cruise on the lake with the visiting to floating village to explore the fish man life. Then visit Chantier Ecole-Artisant d’Angkor. Free time for shopping before departure home.Type of tour: - Private tour. (This is the sample tour, you may go with all details above or we can modify to fix your way of travel) - Easy tourDeparture: Any dayFeature of tour: This Indochina vacation tour organize for travelers, who want to know the charmng of Angkor - Siem Reap and charming of Vietnam. You will understand Cambodia and Vietnam with:- Our history- Our literature- Our religious

Brief Halong Bay 1 Day tours, Vietnam

Depart at 8.00am at your hotel (in Hanoi). Drive directly to Ha Long city. Arrive at Ha long about 11.30am. Getting on boat at a private junk. While the junk cruising caves, grottoes, floating villages and beaches on Ha Long bay, having fresh seafood lunch on boat. Stop for a while visiting to Surprise Caves, en route. Finish the cruise about 15.30pm. Drive back to Hanoi, tour end at your hotel about at 19.00pm.Low Season (5th May - 31st August)Group 1 pax 2 pax 3 pax 4 - 5 pax 6 - 7 pax 8 - 12 paxCost/pax (US$) 145 90 75 60 50 45High Season (1st Sep - 4th May)Group 1 pax 2 pax 3 pax 4 - 5 pax 6 - 7 pax 8 - 12 paxCost/pax (US$) 159 99 83 66 55 50Type of tour: Private tour, Easy styleDeparture: Every dayInclusive: Private car/mini van, Private boat - min. 4 hour cruise, Entrance fees, English or French speaking guide, Sea food lunch with one non-alcohol bottle, coffee/tea after lunch, fruitExclusive: Drinks, Insurance, Personal expenses, TipPacking list: Passport, insect repellent, proper shoes

Heading for Cambodia

On the 10th we pretty much had the day to ourselves so explored the local area and markets in more detail and to our dislike discovered just what a durian fruit smells like. Take our word for it, it is not very nice. In the evening we met our new tour guide for Cambodia and a new member of our group.On the morning of the 11th we headed off in a mini bus for a long drive to Chau Doc, a border town in Vietnam. After lunch at the floating restaurant at the back of our hotel (Although I think it was only just still floating) we headed off once more on the back of motorbikes. This time we headed up the mountain to the hammock bar where we enjoyed a cold Ankor beer and took our first look over the border into Cambodia. On the way back to our hotel in the early evening Charlie had a scare when her bike, and her and her driver, were almost crushed by a bus driver not paying attention. Luckily her driver was able to get out of the way but it is a pretty safe bet that the next words Charlie heard were all Vietnamese swear words being directed from several of the bike drivers at the bus.Nevertheless, we made it safely back and the next morning jumped on a boat at the back of the hotel to travel down the Mekong and into Cambodia.

Halong Bay Vietnam

Geographical locationHalong bay is in northeastern Vietnam, from E106°56' to E107°37' and from N20°43' to N21°09'. The bay stretches from Yên Hưng district, past Hạ Long city, Cẩm Phả town to Vân Đồn district, bordered on the south and southeast by the Gulf of Tonkin, on the north by China and on the west and southwest by Cát Bà island. The bay has a 120 kilometre long coastline and is approximately 1,553 square kilometres in size with 1969 islets. The area designated by UNESCO as the World Natural Heritage Site includes 434 km² with 775 islets, of which the core zone is delimited by 69 points: Đầu Gỗ island on the west, Ba Hầm lake on the south and Cống Tây island on the east. The protected area is from the Cái Dăm petrol store to Quang Hanh commune, Cẩm Phả town and the surrounding giants zone.ClimateThe bay is a sea islands in tropical wet with 2 seasons: hot and moist summer, dry and cold winter. Average temperature is from 15°C- 25°C. Annual rainfall is between 2000mm and 2200mm. Halong bay has the typical diurnal tide system (tide amplitude ranges from 3.5-4m). The salinity is from 31 to 34.5MT in dry season and lower in rainy season.HistorySoi Nhụ culture (16000- 5000 BCE)Located in Hạ Long and Bái Tử Long, there are symbolic archaeological sites such as Mê Cung and Thiên Long. There are mounds of remains of mountain shellfishes (Cyclophorus) and spring shellfishes (Melania), some fresh water mollusk and some rudimentary labour tools. The main living procedures of Soi Nhụ's habitants were catching shellfish and fish, collecting fruits and digging for bulbs and roots. Their living environment is coastal area unlike other Vietnamese cultures, for example those found in Hoà Bình, Bắc Sơn, etc.Cái Bèo culture (5000- 3000BCE)Located in Hạ Long and Cát Bà island, its habitants developed to the level of sea exploitation.History shows that Halong Bay has been the setting for local naval battles against Vietnam's coastal neighbours. On three occasions in the labyrinth of channels in Bach Dang river near the islands the Vietnamese army stopped the Chinese from landing. In 1288 General Tran Hung Dao stopped Mongol ships from sailing up the nearby Bach Dang River by placing steel-tipped wooden stakes at high tide, sinking the Mongol Dubhai Khan's fleet.During the Vietnam War, many of the channels between the islands were heavily mined by the navy of the United States, some of which pose a threat to shipping to this day.System of isles and cavesThien Cung grottoThien Cung grottoThe bay consists of a dense cluster of 1,969 limestone monolithic islands, each topped with thick jungle vegetation, which rise spectacularly from the ocean. Several of the islands are hollow, with enormous caves. Hang Đầu Gỗ (Wooden stakes Cave) is the largest grotto in the Halong area. French tourists visited in the late 19th century, and named the cave Grotte des Merveilles. Its three large chambers contain large numerous stalactites and stalagmites (as well as 19th century French graffiti). There are two bigger islands, Tuan Chau and Cat Ba, that have permanent inhabitants. Both of them have tourist facilities, including hotels and beaches. There are a number of wonderful beaches on the smaller islands.Some of the islands support floating villages of fishermen, who ply the shallow waters for 200 species of fish and 450 different kinds of mollusks. Many of the islands have acquired their names as a result of interpretation of their unusual shapes: such names include Voi Islet (elephant), Ga Choi Islet (fighting cock), and Mai Nha Islet (roof). 989 of the islands have been given names. Birds and animals including bantams, antelopes, monkeys, and iguanas also live on some of the islands.CivilizationFloating fishing villageFloating fishing villageA community of around 1600 people live on Halong bay in four fishing villages: Cửa Vạn, Ba Hang, Cống Tàu and Vông Viêng in Hùng Thắng commune, Hạ Long city. They live on floating houses and are sustained by capture fishing and marine aquaculture (cultivating marine biota).Originally in Ha Long Bay there was only one fishing village. Now there are about ten.Honourable nameIn 1962, Vietnam Ministry of Culture, Sport and Tourism arranged Halong Bay as National Renowned Lanscape Vestige.The bay was World's Natural Heritage listed by UNESCO at the 18th meeting of the Committee of the World Heritages of UNESCO (in Phuket, Thailand on December 17th, 1994) for its outstanding universal aesthetic value according to the criteria explained in the Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention. On December 2nd, 2000 at the 24th meeting of Committee of the World Heritages in Cairns, Australia, Halong bay was admitted as a World Heritage Site for its outstanding geological and geomorphological value according to the criteria of that Convention.[1]Halong bay was introduced to nominate by New Open World Foundation as World's 7 Natural Wonder having result on 08/08/2008.[1]The Kissing RocksThe Kissing RocksGeology and geomorphologyHistory of tectonicsScientists say that Halong bay has experienced at least 500 million years in the various geological states of orogeny, marine transgression and marine regression. During the Ordovician and Silurian periods (500-410 million years ago), Halong bay was deep sea. During the Carboniferous and Permian periods (340-250 million years ago), Halong Bay was at shallow sea level.Karst geomorphology valueAs of simultaneous combination of factors like thick limestone layer, hot and moist climate and slow tectonic process in whole, Ha Long bay has had a complete karst evolutionary for 20 million years. There are many of karst topography kind in Ha Long such as karst field.BiodiversityHa Long Bay is host to two ecosystems: a tropical, moist, evergreen rainforest ecosystem and a marine & coastal ecosystem. The bay is home to seven endemic species.Endemic species * Livistona halongensis * Impatiens halongensis * Chirieta halongensis * Chirieta hiepii * Chirieta modesta * Paraboea halongensis * Alpinia calcicolaThe many islands that dot the bay are home to a great many other species, including (but likely not limited to): 477 magnoliales, 12 pteris, 20 salt marsh flora and 4 amphibia, 10 reptilia, 40 aves, and 4 mammalia.EconomyTourismHa Long Bay is perhaps the most popular travel destination of the country. Foreigners and natives alike are attracted to its natural, universal appeal, not to mention the shopping and dining prospects located close by.CuisineSeafood in Ha Long is diversifying. Cuttle-fish- mực, oyester- hà, cyclinae- ngán, prawn (penaeidea- tôm he, panulirus- tôm hùm, parapenaeopsis- tôm sắt...), spunculoideas- sá sùng, nerita- ốc đĩa, charonia tritonis- ốc tù và, cà sáy... are popular in many famous delicious dishes.In literatureNguyễn Trãi wrote about Halong bay: "This wonder is ground raises up in the middle of the high sky". Xuân Diệu utter a praise: "Here is the unfinished works of the Beings...Here is the stones which the Giant played and threw away". Nguyên Ngọc summarized: "...to form this first- rate wonder, nature only uses: Stone and Water...There is just only two materials themselves chosen from as much as materials, in order to write, to draw, to sculpture, to create everything...It is quite possible that here is the image of the future world". Ho Chi Minh remarks: "It is the wonder that one cannot impart to others". Pham Van Dong embarrassed: "Is it one scenery or many seceneries? Is it the scenery in the world or somewhere?". Nguyễn Tuân recognized that:"Only mountains accept to be old, but Ha Long sea and wave is young for ever".Che Lan Vien sensed:"Hạ Long, Bái Tử Long- Dragons were hidden, only stones still remainOn the moonlight night, stones meditate as men..."Lord Trịnh Cương overflowed with emotion: "Mountains are glistend by water shadow, water spill all over the sky".Huy Cận was agitated: "Night breathes, stars wave Ha Long's water".