Routes: Hanoi – Halong – Hanoi-Sapa
Duration: 7 days 6 nights, sleep aboard
Difficulty: (3/5)
Feature: 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 and combine few days to trekking and wildlife sightseeing up Sapa hill of Vietnam
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive at Noi Bai Airport
Meet and transfer to hotel. Take the City tour if the time permit to Visit Ethnology Museum, Hoan Kiem lake, Ngoc Son temple, 36 old streets. Water puppetry show. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi – Halong
Depart 8:00 am to Ha Long. 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. Includes: (L, D).
Day 3: Have Lost and let's see what happens
A 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 spectacle 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. Includes: (B, L, D).
Day 4: More kayaking then onto Hanoi
Breakfast, then more cruising and kayaking. Then we return to Ha Long 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. Dinner by your owner, Night train up to Sapa. Includes: (B, L).
Day 5: Lao Cai – Sapa, trek to Lao chai, Tavan (6 hours)
The Night Before: Transfer from your hotel to the Hanoi Train Station for boarding at 9:30 pm. You will be in shared AC soft sleeper cabins of 4 to travel North to Lao Cai town. Today’s Morning: The train arrives in Lao Cai at about 6:30 am where your Heritage guide will welcome you. Look for the “Heritage Travel” sign when you exit the train station. Then take a morning drive through the clouds by car / van to Sapa (about 1.5 hours).
When you arrive in Sapa you will be taken to a local restaurant for a morning shower & breakfast. Then we will take short ride from Sapa to our trekking base where we start our trek through terraced rice fields and Hmong villages. Chances to meet and talk with locals working in the fields are plentiful. We will break for a picnic lunch en route then continue trekking to Ta Phin village of the Dao people (6 hours). Your Dao host family will warmly welcome you to their traditional home where we will share in an ethnic style dinner and stay in Tay Family the night. Includes: Transfer(s), train ticket, tour guide, all meals, entrance fee(s), homestay.
Day 6: More trekking and back to Sapa
At the first of gleam of daylight, you will see and hear the sounds of morning village life. You can join them in some of their activities, like feeding the animals; cleaning the houses, gardening or preparing breakfast. After breakfast, we will complete our trek on a valley route to the main road (4 hours) linking Lao Cai and Sapa. Alternatively, for this long trek, you can choose take a short morning wander around the village for about 1 hour, resulting in more time spent with the host family and other villagers. For both options, you will be supported by our car / van back to Sapa (30 minutes).
When we arrive back in Sapa we will check in to the hotel, shower, and break for lunch. At 2:30 pm we will visit the gardens of beautiful Ham Rong mountain & take part in a traditional ethnic music performance put on by the ethnic minority people. Then return at your own leisure with free time to discover the secrets of this colorful town. Overnight at the hotel in Sapa town. Includes: Transfer(s), tour guide, breakfast, entrance fee(s), hotel.
Day 7: (if Wed) Sapa - Xi Cheng market, (You will have chance to see one Market by this any day) and night train to Hanoi
Get up early for breakfast from sapa,check out of the hotel, and then drive to Xi Cheng market (146 km). Just before reaching the market we will see colorful activity. Beautiful Flower Hmong people carrying hand crafted products or pulling dogs or buffalos, all on their way to the market. You are free to wonder around the market and become a part of the trading activities. Please be respectful to the locals as they are reluctant to have their photo taken without permission. You can have lunch at one of the market stalls inside the market for more of a traditional taste. In the afternoon we transfer to Lao Cai town. Dinner here on your own before boarding the train at 8:50 pm back to Hanoi. Arrive in Hanoi by 4:30 am. Van would take you back to your Hotel. End Tours
Trip Attentions
* Mekong Delta Extension: Why not add a visit to the beautiful Mekong Delta to the start of your Vietnam holiday? Experience the lively markets and delightful scenery of the delta on this two-night tour extension. Arrive in Saigon on Friday and on Saturday morning head to our villa homestay located on an island in the middle of the delta waterways. Enjoy boat rides through the narrow channels, observing local life and visiting a floating market. Return to Saigon on Sunday evening in time to join up with your main tour. This tour extension can be booked in conjunction with your main Vietnam tour. Includes 2 additional breakfasts and 1 additional dinner. Please contact us for further details.
* Homestay condition: Very basic, please open your mind,please and visit our website for FAQs on
* Kayaking on Halong Bay: At Halong Bay, we stay overnight on board our comfortable boat. Weather permitting, you may be able to try kayaking on the bay before watching the sun set over the spectacular limestone islands.
* Infrastructure and Tet Holiday Period: Please note that Vietnam is a developing country whose infrastructure may differ from what you expect in your homeland. Expect poor road conditions and be prepared for some inconveniences due to such things as restaurants or tourist sites being closed and our regular transport services not always being available, especially so during the Tet holiday period (Vietnamese New Year).
The official Tet holiday period for 2009 will be from Saturday 24th January till Friday 30th January; however, disruptions can start as early as 1st January and end as late as mid-February. Most businesses will be closed as Vietnamese people usually spend this period returning to their homes and celebrating with their families. This will involve a major burden on all forms of transport, and despite booking in advance, tickets for planes and trains especially are extremely difficult to obtain. Even if bookings are obtained, transport services during this period will be overcrowded and heavy delays are to be expected, so you will need to make sure that you pack your sense of humour. In order to facilitate your travels during the Tet period, we would likely be offering to substitute your train/plane journey with a private bus trip wherever possible. This is an 'adventure' trip and we hope to expose you to all aspects of Vietnamese culture. Please be open-minded.
* Visas-Vietnam: Australians, Americans, Canadians, British and New Zealanders currently require a visa for Vietnam. Visas must be obtained prior to the commencement of your tour. For all other nationalities please reconfirm your visa requirements with your travel agent.
* Vaccinations- may be required for this trip. Please consult your doctor or a travel health specialist. The choice of vaccinations can depend on a range of issues including the specific destination, the duration of the trip, your personal health and of course what vaccines you have had before. For travellers from Australia and New Zealand, we strongly recommend Travel Doctor-TMVC clinics to obtain the most up-to-date advice on health risks and vaccinations (see www.traveldoctor.com.au for locations and detailed vaccine information or phone 1300 658 844 for an appointment in Australia).
* Passport-Well before travelling, please ensure that you have a current passport, with an accurate photo, that is valid for at least six months after your scheduled return home. Also check that your airline tickets are in exactly the same name as your passport. Some countries may require that you have a return air ticket, or have sufficient funds to purchase such a ticket
* Heritages Travel Community Trust: The Heritages Travel Community Trust, a division of Heritages Travel Adventures, provides funds for local community projects and initiatives that promote responsible and sustainable tourism development in the destinations in which we operate. First and foremost, but not exclusively, the Trust supports projects and initiatives that advance education and employment within the tourism and hospitality industry. The Trust operates on a not-for-profit basis, with funds donated by Heritages Travel, our staff and our travellers, with every cent going to the nominated projects. By donating to one on the projects supported by The Heritages Travel Community Trust you will help promote responsible and sustainable tourism and make a positive difference for communities and travellers right now, and for the future.
* Local Tour Leaders: By employing and training local guides to lead our group holidays, there is a two-fold benefit. Firstly, we provide employment opportunities for the local community. Just as importantly is the benefit to you, the traveller. Your tour leader’s friendship, humour, passion and intimate knowledge of the region will be key factors in making your holiday a success.
* Tipping: Tipping has become an accepted part of tourism in South East Asia. Your tour leader will be able to advise you in this area; however, as a guideline we would recommend tipping 10% of the total bill in restaurants and a small tip to hotel bellboys for carrying your bags.
* At you pre-tour briefing your tour leader will discuss with you the idea of running a tipping kitty, whereby everybody contributes an equal amount and then the tour leader pays the tips and keeps a record of all monies spent (except restaurant tips). The record can be checked at any time and any money remaining at the end of the tour is returned to group members. This is often the easiest way to avoid the hassles of needing small change and knowing what is an appropriate amount to tip.
* It is customary to tip your tour leader,at the end of the trip, if you are happy with the service. A minimum tip of US$2 per day, from each member of the group, is the usual amount expected.
* Please be aware that flight times, trains, hotels and other services are subject to availability. Where flights/trains are cancelled or delayed Heritages Vietnam will endeavor to secure alternative arrangements of similar value.
* Hotels, flights, train’s details will be updated at time of booking confirmed (your fax of confirmation)
* This itinerary and supplementary information has been complied in good faith and was accurate at time of writing.
* Please help travel responsibly in Vietnam so that you will have wonderful memories.
* Check–in: 14:00; out: 12:00 noon. Early check in if it is subject to availability.
* Where: Trip starts in Hanoi capital and ends Hanoi
* When: All year round;
* Grade: Moderate to Strenous;
* Accommodation: Tourist-class hotels(3 stars Standard),
* Transport: Private car or bus,boat,
* Meals: As indicated: (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
** What to Bring: Passport with a valid visa, sun hat, sunglasses, sun cream, insect repellent, good shoes for some hiking, camera with lots of films
* Please Travel Responsibly: The small things you do will make a big difference!
* Booking Terms & Conditions: Tour itinerary and tour prices are subject to change without notice.
Accommodation offering on this trip:
- Cities & 3 stars-hotel class
- Hanoi: Thien Thai Hotel
- Halong: On Junk
- Sapa: Royal view and Home stay
Rate in USD Per person:
- If 2-4 persons: Cost in USD $ 890/Pax (3-star hotel)
- If 5-7 persons: Cost in USD $ 770/Pax (3-star hotel)
- Single Sup + USD $80/pax
* For upgrades to 4-star hotels, please add US$120 per person (surcharge for Single room: US$130 ). Validity Until 31 Oct 2009.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Full transportation as tour program indicated.
- Full meals as indicated in the itinerary. Lunch and dinner at local restaurant - Vietnamese food
- English/French-speaking guide
- Two way train tickets Hanoi-Lao cai-Hanoi(shared cabinet-A/C)
- Private cabinet Boat trip in Halong Bay-A/c
- Twin-share accommodation with daily breakfast;
- All entrance and sightseeing fees in the program
- 01 Night in Hanoi Hotel at 1st day arrive
Price Excludes:
- Airport taxes; Visas; travel insurance; tips; personal expenses, emergency transfer
- International airport tax in Hanoi at USD 14.00 net per person
- International airfare to/from Vietnam
- Personal insurance
- Expenditure of a personal nature, tips, such as drinks, souvenirs, laundry, emergency transfers & etc.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Vietnam
Outdoor: Water Drifter
Canoeing/Kayaking/Rafting
Wildlife Viewing
Email it to a friend:
Click here to email this vacation to a friend
|
, ext: 19288
