True Value in Travel
Destinations, Stories
and Itineraries - Vie채t Nam
www.Footprint.vn
Rice terraces in Sapa
Welcome to Footprint Vietnam! My name is Son, Footprint’s Product Manager; I’m so excited to present this new type of brochure, which includes short stories from different Viet Nam destinations, tour descriptions, and tour itineraries. To add some life to these pages and to your vacation planning we have chosen to write these descriptions in the voice of travelers, holiday makers, adventurers, and even our tour guides. Hopefully you will find a little bit of yourself in some of those words. Tour options include trekking, cruising, cycling, all-inclusive packaged tours to see all of Viet Nam; or simply, short trips from the main cities to see something extra special. Footprint’s mission is to bring value to your trips. We have worked tirelessly over the past year on every aspect of our company and our product to make sure that you experience that True Value in Travel. In this redevelopment we learned something. We learned that to truly increase the value in travel we had to insure that the trip was first valuable to you - our client - and second, and maybe even more importantly, to the small local economies that we bring you to. We have been doing this for 8 years and continually strive, year by year, to be and do better. To bring increased value to the locals and destinations we visit, we have taken the lead and partnered in a variety of activities, national and international NGOs, that work to involve the local through cultural exchanges, training and capacity building and, to protect and conserve their heritage and natural surroundings. If you do not find your dream tour or what interests you here, please visit our newly updated website www.footprint.vn or email us at info@footprint.vn with your questions or ideas. We can customize your creativity or special needs into the perfect program for you or your clients. I would like to thank you on behalf of our entire team at Footprint, for your support and interest in Viet Nam and in Footprint. We wish you all the best in your travels and adventures. Cam on, Thank you!
Zigzagging road from Tam Ñöôøng to Sapa
Index Your Footprint team Your safety & our customer service Accommodation and transportation during your stay A taste of the ancient Haø Noäi Cycling in Ninh Binh Soft eco-adventures 18 days Hạ Long Bay, fairy tales and fantasies The Red Dragon junk Cruise Baùi Töû Long on our Red Dragon Changed by Sapa Our Sapa trekking experience in 3 days Haø Giang adventures on motorbike The daily life in Puø Luoâng & Mai Chaâu Hueá & Hoäi An: authentic ancient orient Nha Trang The SE Asian life-line called the Meâ Koâng Delta We’ve gone to Saøi Goøn 14 days of valued impressions in Vieät Nam Destination Muõi Neù Phuù Quoác island – our paradise A new chapter in Cambodia Together in Laos Responsible Travel
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People behind the scene (Hà nội offfice)
Your Footprint Team There is no better feeling then to show someone - a new friend - your home; especially when your home is in a far away country. And, to make them feel comfortable and safe while they are there is what we at Footprint do naturally. We at Footprint are all Vietnamese. Most of us went to school together and now some of us have had families together. We are like one big family. From the moment we get a request on a trip we strive, in true Vietnamese spirit, to bring you in as part of the Footprint family. We do our very best to get to know a little bit about you and to make sure those added touches are organized into your itinerary. Recently, the whole Footprint team made a decision to change the way we do things. From the travel consultants, to our guides, to the responsibilities of our IT guy; from the emails we send to our new friends, to our tour packages, to the way we treat our partners - whether they be the owner of one of the homestays, a general manager of a hotel, or a local tour guide; all of this, to insure value for everyone involved.
Canyoning team
in Ñaø Laït Team cycling
in Ninh Binh
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Ñieän guiding in Haø Noäi old town.
Your Safety Top priority is safety for everyone. You are our guests and we make every effort before, during, and after your stay with us that you are safe. Our standards are at an international level. To insure this we have had trainers join us from Vie채t Nam, Canada, and the Netherlands. As the premier local tour operator in Vie채t Nam we have a reputation to uphold. This we have done for a numbers of years and for many years to come.
Our Customer Service Footprint firmly stands by its brand: True Value in Travel. This is a global industry and we believe we are leaders in that industry. As experts we know that your holiday or adventure to Vie채t Nam starts from the moment you start thinking about a trip to go on and does not finish till you get home. The planning, the searching on the internet, the reading-up on the country, the decisions, the last-minute changes, the packing of your suitcase, then, the flight, those dreaded visa procedures and the new stamp in the passport, the first impressions, the new tastes and smells, the journey and journeys, right up to the last impressions and then, the return flight home, the unpacking, the printing of photos and the sharing of your memories and maybe some of the bragging rights with your friends and loved ones. Through all of this we are here to serve you; the client; a friend; our family.
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Map of Vie채t nam, Laos & Cambodia
Diverse Inspirations in Vieät Nam War and foreign occupation are history now, yet the legacies are left as reminders for some and lessons for others. However, it is the ancientness – the thousands of years of history – that shines through the last hundred years. The detail and craftsmanship, and the customs and traditions make up the folds of culture that is presented in the food, handicraft, and hospitality. From North to South, East to West, and on land and sea, Vieät Nam’s diversity in culture and geography is astounding. In Vieät Nam, it doesn’t take long for one to have all of their senses challenged and more than a lifetime’s worth of memories gained.
Children in Mai Chaâu
Mrs. Hearson enjoys a cyclo in Hoäi An
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Suite garden – Palm Garden Hoäi An
Accommodation and Transportation During Your Stay On your holiday to Vieät Nam with Footprint you have the opportunity to stay in a range of accommodation; from 5 star hotels on the beach to traditional hill-tribe homestays in remote areas. All of the hotels are classified on an international rating system. Whenever possible, Footprint has chosen small-sized, locally-owned accommodation. Wherever you stay be assured that your safety and comfort are our top priority. To insure your comfort and safety whenever and wherever possible you will be in one of Footprint’s vehicles. All are equipped with air conditioning, large viewing windows, and seatbelts. All of our drivers are trained to the highest of standards and have at least five years experience. When transferring regionally you will be either flying or aboard a train. The flights are on our premier national airline and while on the train you can be assured a first class sleeper car. While traveling in Vieät Nam with Footprint you may also find yourself on boat. All of our boats and services on the boat are also up to international standard. In fact, Footprint has just invested in a fleet of the newest Chinese junks currently on Haï Long Bay. Finally, you may also find yourself adventuring on bicycle. If so, you will always have vehicle support on your journey. For motorbike tours please consult our travel consultant for more information.
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Water puppets in Haø Noäi
A Taste of the Ancient Haø Noäi All the pictures in all the travel magazines are remarkably true. The overloaded motorcycles, the heaps of food and busy markets are all here in Haø Noäi. In one direction there was a man selling so many red balloons that it looked as though he could be lifted off the ground. In another, a woman, shaded by her conical hat, balancing on her shoulder, an entire portable restaurant in two baskets at either end of a bamboo stick. How could we resist? We sat there on the side of the busy street taking it all in, eating the smiling woman’s fresh noodle soup and snails. Tang, our guide told us 1000 year old stories of past Hanoian kings and Buddhist gods in the form of mystic animals. We were assured that we would understand so much more about the county’s culture and ancient tales after our show at the water puppet theatre.
www.footprint.vn/hanoi
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Theâ Huùc Bridge – Hoaøn Kieám Lake
Leslie joins the traditional dance.
Our Haø Noäi City Tour in a day Take the opportunity to have a full day in Haø Noäi fully organized and planned in such a way that you see all the sites and still get a taste of local Haø Noäi culture. Full day in Hanoi 8:00 am: We were picked up just after our breakfast and started the day by visiting and learning about Uncle Hoà at the Hoà Chí Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Palace and Residential Place. Mid-Morning: Visited the Temple of Literature - Vieät Nam’s first university and a musical performance for added measure. Lunch: Got to taste and experience authentic Haø Noäi Phôû (noodle soup). Afternoon: Choice of a visit to any one of the numerous museums or temples around Haø Noäi (Museum of Ethnology, Women’s Museum, History Museum or Quaùn Thaùnh Temple). We chose the Museum of Ethonology. Late Afternoon: Did some walking around the Old Quarter. Great fun and exciting shopping for me while the others took it easy with a walk around Hoaøn Kieám Lake. Finished the day with a show at the Water Puppet Theatre. Everyone’s favorite part!
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Limestone formations in Ninh Binh
Group cycling Ninh Binh
Cycling in Ninh Binh This trip is perfect for all types of travelers including families and groups. The bikes are fully ridged standard bikes for ease of travel. All of our cycling tours are fully supported by a van, so to be flexible for those who want to explore more of this beautiful area. Two days on two wheels. Day 1: Haø Noäi – Cuùc Phöông National Park - Up at 8:00am for some family stretching and a big breakfast before we got picked up. Covered good ground on countryside roads. Now and then we would stop for a little history lesson and to get a few photographs of the spectacular scenery. Slept in a bungalow inside the National Park. Day 2: Cuùc Phöông National Park – Vaân Long – Haø Noäi – Had some early morning cycling through the jungle. Feeling the burn today. Much tougher then yesterday but the fresh air is keeping us on pace. Lunch was followed by a short boat tour then it was back on the bikes. Return and overnight in Hanoi.
Traditional ro
wboat in Vaân
Long
ng park
Cycle in Cuùc Phöô
www.footprint.vn/ninhbinh
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Busy traffic in Haø Noäi
Long Bieân bridge built in 1901
Soft Eco-adventures packed into 18 days of fun Feature: This 18 day package tour is an adventurous mix of colorful culture, ancient history and diverse geographies and is an ideal package for travelers who wish to experience the beauty of Vieät Nam in an active style, it is a good fun for the family as well. Day 1: Haø Noäi – It was a long flight, but well worth it; especially, when you get off the plane to a Vietnamese welcome dinner! (Overnight in Haø Noäi). Day 2: Haø Noäi by ‘cyclo’ – What a great way to start the trip. A little ‘adventure’ through the busy streets catching all the sites – and with someone else doing all the work! (Again, overnight in Haø Noäi). Day 3: Haø Noäi – Haï Long Bay by boat and kayak - Cruised the bay all day on the Red Dragon junk and had a chance to get up close and personal by kayak. (Slept on board). Day 4: Haï Long Bay, paddle in hand kayaking – Haø Noäi – Woke up with the sun and did my best to explore everything I could. (Back to Haø Noäi for the night). Day 5: Haø Noäi – Hueá – Had my own unplanned, solo adventure in Haø Noäi trying all the street foods. (Overnight train to Haø Noäi). Day 6: Hueá by river-boat – Loving every minute and every new sight and every new city. Today, it was a day of pagodas, kings, and ancient ruins. (Night in town). Day 7: Hueá - Baïch Maõ National Park on foot – Summitted Baïch Maõ by car then had a fun-filled day of trekking. (Slept in the jungle). Day 8: Baïch Maõ - Laêng Coâ – Hoäi An – Some well-deserved beach time and a stop at a museum for a history lesson. (Overnight in Hoäi An). www.footprint.vn/eco-adventures
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Sandra and Paul cycling in the Meâ Koâng
Day 9: Hoäi An – Nha Trang: Guided city exploring, adventurous bargaining and souvenir shopping, then off to Nha Trang for the evening on the beach. Day 10: Nha Trang - Beach relaxation at its best! Day 11: Nha Trang under water – Early morning, then it was off to the harbour to catch our boat for a full-days’ worth of scuba diving in the colourful waters off Vieät Nam’s coast. Back to the hotel in Nha Trang for the night. Day 12: Nha Trang – Ñaø Laït – A scenic drive south to Ñaø Laït and evening preperation for a big day tomorrow on the water and in the canyons. Day 13: Ñaø Laït – Hiking, canyoning, climbing, canoeing, swimming, and rappelling all in one day! This is what I have been waiting for! (Overnight in Ñaø Laït). Day 14: Ñaø Laït – Saøi Goøn - Busy day of sightseeing and driving. City tour in Saøi Goøn before finding myself in bed – need a rest! Day 15: Saøi Goøn – Cuû Chi tunnels - Headed to the unforgettable Cuû Chi tunnels. Made it through the authentic section but not as easy as you would think! (Back to Saøi Goøn for the evening). Day 16: Vónh Long - Caàn Thô by boat and bike – Thought that Thôøi, my guide, would not be able to keep up to me, but was I ever mistaken. He took me all over the place in between short tours by boat. (Overnight in Caàn Thô). Day 17: Caàn Thô by boat – Saøi Goøn – Started the day with another boat trip to the exciting and chaotic Caùi Rang Floating Market. Then it was back on our bikes to explore some backcountry roads of the Meâ koâng Delta. (Returned to Saøi Goøn for the night). Day 18: Saøi Goøn – Last minute shopping by rented motorbike which I rented and drove on my own – in Saøi Goøn! (Headed home on the plane with great memories). True Value in Travel
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Sunset in Haï Long bay
Haï Long Bay, Fairy Tales and Fantasies If you listen quietly in the evening, just as the sun has set and the pinks and baby-blues silhouette the shapes of the towering limestone features, you can still hear whispering legends carried from those first stars on the gentle Haï Long breeze. There is magic here. We were witness to it all day. From the time we stepped on our vessel - which was built for royalty to say the least - we engaged in the magnificent memories that I have still never forgotten. That tiny floating fishing village; how they lived so connected to the sea; and that morning yoga class on the deck of our boat; and the food, the freshest of prawns, squid, and fish, all in Vietnamese style and true Vietnamese hospitality. When you thought it couldn’t get any better, Footprint had a surprise waiting just around the bend. Absolutely tremendous! A magic trick that needs to be experienced by all. Haï Long Bay is truly invaluable - for your mind, body and soul.
e
View from a cav
One of the di
shes served ab
oard
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The Princess Junk in Baùi Töû Long Bay
The Red Dragon junk
The Red Dragon Junk Named and designed after an authentic Chinese junk, which had plied the rivers, seas and harbors of the Far East, from Singapore to northern China, the Red Dragon Junk now can be found amongst the karst landscape of Haï Long and Baùi Töû Long Bay. Superior in class and grandeur, the vessel has been completed with five deluxe cabins, fully serviced kitchen and bar, outside and inside eating areas, and massive lounging space. The boat was sized perfectly to get intimate with the natural wonders, pocket lagoons, and small fishing communities of Vieät Nam’s prized World Heritage Site. As soon as you board the Red Dragon, you will be surrounded by traditional handmade artisan woodwork - truly a masterpiece on the sea. Whether you are relaxing in your comfortable cabin, lounging on the spacious sun deck, or dinning in the cozy restaurant you will feel and be treated like royalty.
The twin room on the Red Dragon
Dinner in the cave
www.footprint.vn/red-dragon
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Kayaking in Baùi Töû Long Bay
View of Baùi Töû Long Bay
Cruise Baùi Töû Long on our Red Dragon Slow cruise through the seemingly never-ending bay of islands. Lie in the sun, enjoy a selection of the freshest seafood, and capture photograph after photograph on Footprint’s brand new Red Dragon junk. Two days on the water Day 1: Haø Noäi - Haï Long Bay – Boarded the Red Dragon for afternoon and evening cruising. Visits to caves, secret beaches, some off-the-boat swimming and kayaking. Star gazing in the evening and slept aboard. Day 2: Haï Long Bay - Baùi Töû Long Bay - Haø Noäi – There was Yoga to start the morning, then breakfast, then more cruising. To finish the day we had a visit to the floating fishing village of Vong Vieâng. This was the perfect little getaway.
Sunrise in Ba
ùi Töû Long
ing village
Kayaking in the fish
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May Pham in her village Taû Phìn
Changed by Sapa There is a beautiful Dao woman named May. She lives in her husband’s small village, not far, but tucked away from the main road. Her heart is so warm it had the ability to push away the clouds that had followed us on our exhilarating trek. At her home, she greeted us with the most humble of handshakes and a smile that touched you. You could see, for once, that we the tourists were actually playing a role in the betterment of the community. May was proud to tell us that her daughter, who was busy in the kitchen, was going to be continuing school. Even the bathroom area was spick and span, up to western standards. Our guide translated for May’s husband who said he was soon to start showing others in the village how to build similar toilets for obvious reasons. A sleep on traditional rice stock mattresses then roosters alerting us that morning had arrived. As the family and some of the neighbors helped us with our bags to the main road, it was the two of us who were truly humbled by the experience.
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Trek with the locals in Sapa
Our Sapa Trekking Experience in 3 days A perfect combination of trek and culture. Journey away from the crowds and homestay at a traditional Dao home. Learn and participate in village life and truly feel the warmth and hospitality of these incredible peoples. A soft adventure with fun! Day 1: Arrival Laøo Cai - Village – Spent last night on train from Haø Noäi met some interesting characters all headed up to Sapa - seemed like we were the only ones going to a secret spot; and we did! After a half-day of trekking in the terraced landscape we were greeted at the homestay where we spent a night that will be in my memories forever. Day 2: Village - Sapa – A second half day of trekking to Sapa town. Market shopping and friendly faces in the afternoon. Bumped into a few people from the train. Slept in town. Day 3: Early wake-up to enjoy the morning mist and openings of the market in Sapa. Finished the trip with a short leisurely trek to a nearby Hmong village. Tough leaving this all behind. Night on the train back to Haø Noäi.
www.footprint.vn/sapa-trek
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Sewing machine at night in Ta没 Ph矛n Sapa
Ñoàng Vaên Market in Haø Giang
Haø Giang Time Travel Adventure and cultural extremes in a setting that, even while sitting on that lookout, there was not one in the group who could describe what we were seeing and feeling with words. Somehow these Russian Minsk motorbikes are pushing on. It’s been hard to notice how hard they really have been working because I have been preoccupied with what’s happening all around me. We have driven up and down winding, seemingly-impossible roads through the mountains and have arrived in a place the Vietnamese call the ‘Kingdom of the Hmong’. As we role up to a busy ethnic marketplace on our motorized beasts of burden, in our clunky helmets, coated in dirt, we are a crowd-stopping show. Chickens scatter, children hold their breath, and all business stops. Aliens in an alien world. A scene of speechless onlookers. The silence finally broken, with an exchange of two familiar, not-so foreign greetings common to all - smiles!
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Jim motor biking in Haø Giang
Haø Giang Adventures on Motorbike On motorbikes is an exciting way to adventure and explore Vieät Nam. Travel in freedom, on two wheels, to places that have only seen a handful of foreigners. Experience is recommended. Let’s hit the road Day 1: Haø Noäi – Haø Giang (~ 300 km) – Early start. Quick inspection of the bikes. Final gear-check. Then off we go on our longest day, straight into the North. Short stopover at the Museum of Ethnology to get acquainted with the ethnic minorities we will visit. Sleep in Haø Giang town. Day 2: Haø Giang - Quaûn Baï - Yeân Minh (~ 70 km) – Incredible driving through even more incredible mountain features. Saw and visited local hilltribe villages. Getting used to the bike. Starting to settle in nicely. O/N in Yeân Minh. Day 3: Yeân Minh - Meøo Vaïc - Ñoàng Vaên (~ 100 km) – Scenic route with some big climbs and descents. Awesome zigzagging mountain roads. Many small towns and villages where trade takes place. Only one mechanical to report flat tire - easily fixed. O/N in Ñoàng Vaên town. Day 4: Ñoàng Vaên - Yeân Minh - Quaûn Baï - Haø Giang (~ 150 km) – Finished
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Our friends – the Paø Theûn in Haø Giang
the Haø Giang loop with some historical sites. Great colonial architecture. Loving the ipod. O/N in Haø Giang. Day 5: Haø Giang - Hoaøng Sun Phì - Baéc Haø (~ 209 km) – Early departure. The most colourful of hilltribes at our destination. Fun day with stunning views. Had lunch with a family of water buffalos on the side of the road. O/N in Baéc Haø town. Day 6: Baéc Haø - Sapa (~ 120 km) – Huge descent followed by an equally significant climb. Made it to Sapa by noon. Town was a French hill station now tourist destination. No more mechanicals to report. O/N in Sapa. Day 7: Sapa - Laøo Cai - Haø Noäi – Decided to spend the day off the bikes for a day of trekking. Biked back to Laøo Cai. Loaded the bikes on the train. On the train now, looking at our pictures. All smiles! Night on train to Haø Noäi.
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Paddy fields in Mai Chaâu
The Daily Life in Puø Luoâng & Mai Chaâu Your driver will tell you to “Get out your cameras, we are almost there!” Cameras in hand, you will be awestruck with the panorama that stretches out a 1000 meters below where you are standing to an endless valley of lushness. Green-green, patterned rice fields dotted here-and-there with ethnic minority villages of the Thaùi people. Pointing to one near the winding river, our guide does his very best to show us the exact home we will spend the night at. He begins to tell us about his favorite local food - smoked pork - and about the fresh fried vegetables that are in season as we begin to descend into the valley that is now filled with our curiosities and excitement.
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Ms. Veronica’s group trek in Puø Luoâng
Mai Chaâu & Puø Luoâng for 3 days Trek Mai Chaâu, the mountainous townlet of the Thaùi people. Here is one of the most picturesque regions of Vieät Nam’s northwest. The Puø Luoâng Nature Reserve, an area with outstanding beauty and biodiversity, is a must-see. Nature trekking and hilltribe living Day 1: Haø Noäi - Mai Chaâu - Puø Luoâng – I think I daydreamed all day in the van. Didn’t even read my book. Reached Mai Chaâu and took a short boat trip. Then some leisurely trekking through Puø Luoâng Nature Reserve and the hilltribe villages and rice paddies - very picturesque. Homestay in Hang village. Day 2: Puø Luoâng - Mai Chaâu – A full day’s worth of vigorous and rewarding trekking. I really felt the legs burning on some of the climbs but totally worth it. Homestay in Kho Möôøng village. Day 3: Puø Luoâng - Thanh Hoaù - Haø Noäi – Another half-day of trekking. Practiced some of my Vietnamese and Thaùi with the hilltribe children that came out to meet us - not doing to bad if I say so myself. Slept the whole drive back to Haø Noäi.
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Liza with children in Puø Luoâng
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Imperial city of Hueá
Hueá & Hoäi An: Authentic Ancient Orient Visiting a place like Hueá or Hoäi An is like going back in time. Ancient splendor and the elegance of the orient is hard to put a value on. By way of claim, these two World Heritage Sites put our ways of life in the western world into perspective. We did however, manage to have some fun. All of us are coming home with brand new handmade custom-fit suits and dresses. I even had a pair of leather shoes made. The art, pottery and handicraft which is so proudly displayed is astonishing. The craftsmanship and detail truly deserves its thousand years of respect it has taken to refine.
Bridge pagoda in
Hoäi An Making ceram
ics in Hoäi An
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Handmade lanterns in Ho채i An
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Hieàn guiding in Hueá
A day in the Imperial city of Hueá This interesting day trip will bring you a great understanding about our Imperial city of the 19th century. The highlights include the magnificent citadel, splendid royal tombs, a Buddhist pagoda, and a lovely boat ride along the Perfume River. Today’s trip 9:30 am: This morning I picked up the Australian couple who were bright and early already having their breakfast, coffee and vegemite (?). We started the day with a riverside walk and boat trip along the same river. Taught them, I think, everything I knew about Buddhism in Vieät Nam, with visits to the Thieân Muï Pagoda and the former Imperial Citadel. Took them for lunch at my favorite local restaurant. So funny, those Aussies with chopsticks, but good-sports! In the afternoon, toured them to the royal tombs of Minh Maïng and Khaûi Ñònh. Vieät Nam has so many things to learn about – even I am still learning. Late afternoon, 5:30: Back at the hotel safe and sound, a few free recommendations of my other favorite restaurants and exchanged emails. Must remember to put them on my facebook!
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Nha Trang beach
Lots of things to do in Nha Trang Finally, the beach! And one with options - swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, wind surfing, and kite boarding. I choose absolutely nothing! Completely content with sun, sand, and the occasional cool down in the ocean. The others did however come back later in the afternoon raving about the diving. My sister had one of the Footprint guides take her up to the towering White Buddha that can been seen from just about everywhere in Nha Trang. Looking forward to the next few days. Still have half the country to explore. This little bit of rest and relaxation was the perfect addition to our Vie채t Nam adventure.
Diving Nha Trang Bay
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Fun kayaking
Caùi Rang floating market
The SE Asian Life-line called the Meâ Koâng Delta To think the Meâ Koâng was a last minute decision when we were planning our trip is difficult to comprehend. This spot has put the true value in what Footprint calls travel. The delta of this great river has provided the natural surroundings and the people with so much aliveness and fertility “the mighty tributaries of life and culture” I call them. After our boat trip and bike ride, the fresh fruit and best fish lunch I have ever had filled me to the brim and forced a welcomed nap on one of the secret hammocks I found at the local restaurant.
Holiday-cycling around Meâ Koâng for a couple of days A great way to see the Meâ Koâng countryside and life of the locals is on the peacefulness of two wheels. Fully supported by a vehicle, your tour can be as invigorating or as relaxing as you like. Family fun Day 1: Saøi Goøn - Caùi Beø - Vónh Long - Caàn Thô – After a drive to our destination we began the day with a short boat tour of a Meâ koâng floating market. In the boat, it was the sisters in the front and the husbands in the back. The rest of the day, as planned, was spent on bicycles - this time, husbands in the front, and sisters, only slightly trailing in the back. O/N in Caàn Thô. Day 2: Caàn Thô - Saøi Goøn – Another morning boat trip, then back on the bikes, where we covered a fair bit of the Meâ Koâng area. We had all kinds of opportunities to meet the locals, many who were on bicycle too. Is it so funny to try and hear the boys speak Vietnamese with those little phrasebooks and a period. Was good to be together again!
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Saøi Goøn post office
Tell the kids we’ve gone to Saøi Goøn What an incredible contrast from Haø Noäiâ . From street side meals and ancient kings to neon lights and all hustle-and-bustle. Saøi Goøn is youthful yet sophisticated holding a charming air of modern philosophy in a post-colonial-Vietnamese setting. Our two days were well spent. Surely we could have added another day of sightseeing so that we could have included the Cuû Chi tunnels to our list of attractions. What a joy our cyclo-tour to the museums and the Notre Dame Cathedral was. Loved all the daytime shopping; especially, my new white silk AÙo Daøi. And in the evening? Well, we even lost a few of our inhabitations and did a little dancing. Good to feel young again!
etnamese AÙo
Traditional Vi
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daøi
Busy life in Sa
øi goøn
a smiling crewmember on the Red Dragon
14 days of Valued Impressions in Vieät Nam This newly redeveloped set tour is ideal for travelers whose time is limited and want to have a panorama of the diversity and majestic beauty of Vieät Nam. Our two weeks in brief Day 1: Arrival Haø Noäi – We got off the plane with enough time for a few Xin Chao’s and a bia hôi on the corner down from the hotel I think. I like this place already. My first night in Haø Noäi. Day 2: Haø Noäi – Today we toured so much of this intense city. Sights to be checked off: the Hoà Chí Minh Mausoleum, the Woman’s Museum and a Water Puppet Show. Overnight on the train to Sapa. Day 3: Arrival Laøo Cai - Village – Half-day of trekking in the terraced landscape of Sapa. Don’t seem to notice the legs, too busy enjoying the scenery. Homestay in the home of the Red Dao. Day 4: Village - Sapa – Having the whole family at the homestay has made me rethink the way I live. Very special indeed. Looking forward to a second half-day of trekking to Sapa town. Night in Sapa town. Day 5: Woke-up extra early and enjoyed the morning activity in Sapa town by myself, then a short leisurely trek to a nearby Hmong village – completely intrigued with the daily life here. (O/N on the train back to Haø Noäi). Day 6: Haø Noäi - Haï Long Bay – My ninth World Heritage site, this one by boat and by far the most awesome in nature. Slept on the boat.
www.footprint.vn/vietnam-14days
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Inside Hueá’s Imperial City
Day 7: Haï Long Bay - Baùi Töû Long Bay - Haø Noäi - Hueá – Had a great sleep onboard. Today, more cruising around the bay: Haï Long and Baùi Töû Long. (O/N on train to Hueá). Day 8: Hueá – All day city tour and another boat trip - just over half way on this trip and have seen so much already! Night in Hueá. Day 9: Hueá - Hoäi An – Did a market-cyclo tour, some souvenir shopping and then ample opportunity to see more of the Vietnamese countryside on the way to Hoäi An. Overngiht in Hoäi An town. Lovely hotel. Day 10: Hoäi An – Maybe my favorite spot yet and a day’s worth of free time to take it all in. Not to forget that the new suit and shoes need to be picked up at 8:30 am! Same hotel in Hoäi An. Day 11: Hoäi An - Ñaø Naüng - Saøi Goøn – Transferred to Ñaø Naüng, afternoon flight to Saøi Goøn, good little city tour - so many motorcycles?! O/N in Saøi Goøn. Day 12: Saøi Goøn - Taây Ninh - Cuû Chi tunnels – Definitely a long day of sightseeing, the tunnels were unforgettable. Slept in town. Day 13: Saøi Goøn - Meâ Koâng - Saøi Goøn – We got to see more of the countryside and great to be on the water / river again. My last night in Saøi Goøn was fully spent at another another bia hôi corner. Last day in Vieät Nam: Departure Saøi Goøn. Well taken care of the whole time. Too bad it’s time to head home.
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Ñaø Laït in the mist
Revived in Ñaø Laït Take a deep breath, then another, and another; because one will simply not do. Reenergized with the temperate climate, the mountains of Ñaø Laït have brought me back to life after our long journey South. Dalat is located in Lam Dong province, approximately 200 km northeast of Ho Chi Minh City. At an elevation of 1,500 m, Dalat bears the look of an Old French city. It was founded in 1897 when Doctor Alexandre Yersin recommended that the area be developed as a resort town. My husband the ‘adventurous botanist’ cannot keep himself out of the flower markets, and myself, the ‘casual shopaholic’ can’t wait to get into the mountains for more of the fresh air and a little exercise.
The city of flowers
Adventure in Ñaø Laït
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Relaxing on the beaches (Palm Garden Ho채i An)
Pristine beach Muõi Neù
Destination Muõi Neù Even though I knew that some of the most pristine untouched beaches awaited me at the seaside, I was torn away by my creative-side to take out the camera and play amateur photographer once again. None of my pictures had ever turned out the way I wanted them to until that day. The curves of the landscape and the tones of the culture were incredibly inspiring. Capturing the essence and spirit of Vieät Nam seemed easy. Snapshots of people and life came to me as if I were spellbound. Today as I sit in my living room, admiring my ‘best shot’ of that day, I wonder if I should have spent more time at the beach – with my camera.
Phuù Quoác Island – Our Paradise Our own little piece of paradise and all the sentimental value it will always hold, how I never wanted those three days to end. Who would have thought, Vieät Nam for our honeymoon?! Exotic and romantic. The weather was perfect.The beaches were ours – all ours. In the days, we explored, built sandcastles, walked along the beach and, and drank from coconuts when we felt necessary. We sipped champagne as the sun fell behind the ocean, and with our little portable ipod we danced on the moonlit sand. Barefoot from the time we arrived. So that I never forget our secret little island, I keep my little upturned shell filled with its sand on my bedside table.
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Tug of war statues in Siem Reap
Ankor Wat in Siem Reap
A new chapter in Cambodia Cambodia is country of stories, both good and bad. It is a country where bright orange robes contrast against the shadows of colossal stone faces. The greater majority of the people are youth, and their energy and smiles filled our days with the brightness that will surely carry on through the future. And as we made our way through the country, we gained lasting memories in worlds so different then ours. We were humbled, shaken, surprised and awesomed all at the same time. We hit the beach and visited Angkor Wat, lost ourselves in the city and meditated in the temples. At the end of the trip it was our souls that were glowing, and we all agreed that we had grown together.
A floating village on Tonle Sap Lake
Golden pagoda in Phomphenh
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A Buddhist temple in Luang Prabang
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The boat trip in Me창 Kong river
Together in Laos As far as the country seems so far away from everything, the one thing we all took home with us was a sense of connectedness. In Laos everything seems connected; and we all felt a sense of comfort because of it. The people, the nature, the Buddhist religion, the history, and the cultures are all one. The whole experience made us a part of something special, a part something bigger. We traveled the country, north to south, by boat, by land, by bike, and by foot; and everywhere we went it seemed like the Mekong River was there, holding everything together.
At one marke
t in Champassa
k
Ikor girl in Pakse
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We are all in this together
Responsible Travel The idea of responsible tourism has evolved out of concern about the negative impacts of tourism. Responsible tourism aims to protect the environ ment and to respect people, their communities, and their cultures. The benefits of tourism should contribute to improving the quality of life in host communities instead of creating the negative impacts that we too often see. The Footprint team does not want to see the people or places of Vie채t Nam exploited. We would rather take you to the unspoiled Vie채t Nam and travel in a way that treads lightly and plays a role in benefiting the area's we visit. Protecting these destinations and working to keep them unspoiled willinsure that you, your children and future generations will also have the opportunity to visit and learn. As tourists and tour operators we do have a responsibility. As a responsible tourism company we do our best to minimize our negative impacts. We do this by: - Planning products that will have positive outcomes to everyone involved. - Respecting culture through learning and knowledge exchange. - Using local products and services. - Training our staff, locals and tourists in responsible travel, and encouraging others to do the same. - Supporting local and international NGOs and other community-based tourism development projects.
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Incense burner in Saøi Goøn
Here are a few tips for you, the tourist, for before, during and after your stay: - Before you go, please take the extra effort to read up and learn about the history of Vieät Nam and try to learn a few of the key phrases. - When making decisions on travel options, be sure to think locally. - All of our actions have an impact on the environment. Making conservative choices for transport and travel are important. - Travel with humility, humbleness and respect. Vietnamese culture may be very different than your culture; listen carefully, respect, and embrace it. - Gift-giving is very appropriate in Vieät Nam. Please ask your guide about the proper procedures or best to do your gift giving in private. - Please ask before taking photos. In some regions photos are thought to take the soul of infants. - Keep your promises. If you promised to send an email or some of your photos, please be sure that you do. We at Footprint hope that these few tips help you along your way wherever you may travel to. Safe and happy travels!
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Phan Maùn Maûy and Lyù Maùn Maûy in Taû Phìn Sapa.
True Value in Travel 6 Le Thanh Tong Str., Hanoi Tel: (844) 3933 2844 / Fax: 3933 2855 www.Footprint.vn / info@ footprint.vn