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YOUR WAY TO

INDOCHINA WWW.HAPROTRAVEL.COM

YOUR WAY TO INDOCHINA

FOREWORDS Dear valuable travelers, Loving to travel, you have found the agency of your dreams. Hapro Travel can take you on a tailor-made journey throughout Indochina. Our Hapro Travel team has offices in Hanoi, Danang and Saigon, and with networks of partnership extended to Laos and Cambodia making your trip the most convenient.

With experienced professional staff and travel expertise, we have been host to thousands of travelers over the past years. Hapro Travelers choose us to help create a difference of their own adventures.

We are able to guide you to places where you can indulge your senses and create your own image. With Hapro you will travel in your own style, at your pace.

Journey with Hapro Travel to destinations of exploring natural beauty. Visit stunning cultural and historical sites. Wander through charming colonial cities. Find your ideal beach holiday. Discover true South East Asia by observing how people live their lives.

We are honor to invite you to explore our destinations: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa, Laichau, Hue, Hoian, Nhatrang, Phanthiet, Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong River Delta, Laos and Cambodia - to get a taste of the Hapro Travel experience.

Hapro Travel also offers a wide-ranged and complete organizational service for the implementation of events and our services fully meet MICE standards.

Contact us today.

Hapro Travel Team

C

H

Sapa Lai Chau

MYANMAR

I

A

Cao Bang Lao Cai

VIETNAM

Dien Bien Phu Son La

Muang Ngoi

N

HANOI Mai Chau

LAOS

Mong Cai Halong Bay Hai Phong

Ninh Binh

Xam Nua

GULF OF TONKIN

Luang Prabang

VIENTIANE

SOUTH CHINA SEA Savannakhet

T

H

A

I

L

A

N

Hue

Hoang Sa Arch Danang

Saravan

D

Hoi An My Son

Pakse

Quang Ngai Kontum Pleiku

Angkor Siem Reap

Stung Treng

CAMBODIA

Buon Me Thuot Nha Trang

Tonle Sap

Kratie Kompong Cham

PHNOM PENH

Kampot Sihanoukville

GULF OF THAILAND

Dalat

Tay Ninh Cu Chi

Kep

Phu Quoc Island

Quy Nhon

Ho Chi Minh City Vinh Long

Can Tho Ca Mau

Phan Thiet

Vung Tau Truong Sa Arch Con Dao Island

CONTENTS

VIETNAM CLASSIC TRACKS

6

1.

Vietnam At A Glance (6 Days)

7

2.

Cultural Heritages (6 Days)

8

3.

Vietnam Heritage Tour (9 Days)

10

4.

Land Of Festivals (11 Days)

12

5.

Highlights Of Vietnam Holiday (14 Days)

14

6.

Grand Tour Of Vietnam (15 Days)

16

7.

Absolute Vietnam (20 Days)

19

VIETNAM ADVENTURE & ECO TOURS

22

1.

The North Loop (8 Days)

23

2.

Fansipan Discovery Tour (8 Days)

25

3.

Vietnam Biking Trip (13 Days)

26

4.

Vietnam Family Adventure Holiday (16 Days)

27

5.

Bird Watching Experience (18 Days)

30

VIETNAM STOPOVER

32

1.

Hanoi Stopover - Weekend In Style In Sapa (5 Days)

33

2.

A Stopover In Centre Of Vietnam (5 Days)

34

3.

Hochiminh City Stopover - Mekong Delta (4 Days)

35

VIETNAM BEACH BREAKS

36

1.

Honeymoon In Vietnam (15 Days)

37

2.

Ho Chi Minh City – Phu Quoc Island (4 Days)

39

3.

Ho Chi Minh City – Phan Thiet (5 Days)

40

VIETNAM GOLF EXPERIENCE

42

1.

Northern Golf Experience (5 Days)

43

2.

Saigon – Dalat – Mui Ne Golf Tour (10 Days)

44

INDOCHINA DISCOVERY

46

1.

Saigon To Phnompenh Holiday (6 Days)

47

2.

Indochina Holiday (16 Days)

49

VIETNAM CLASSIC TRACKS

VIETNAM CLASSIC TRACKS

YOUR WAY TO INDOCHINA

VIETNAM AT A GLANCE INF 001 - (6 DAYS) HANOI - HALONG BAY - HOI AN - HO CHI MINH CITY - CU CHI - MEKONG DELTA A thorough experience of beautiful Vietnam. Travel through the heart of the country from the terraced rice paddy-fields and diverse ethnic minority groups of the North-west highlands all the way down to the lush farmlands of the Mekong Delta in the south. The journey will take you to the World Heritage listed Halong Bay, charming Hoi An, the pristine beaches of the south China Sea and vibrant Ho Chi Minh City. Meet friendly locals, sample mouth-watering dishes, cruise waters that will carve unforgettable memories in your mind, bargain at local shops, and that is a full wonder in store for you

VIETNAM Halong Bay

HANOI

LAOS Luang Prabang

Vientiane Hue Danang Hoian

Angkor

Siem Reap

CAMBODIA Phnompenh N E

Caibe

W S

Cuchi

Phuquoc Island

Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Hanoi arrival (D) Meet our guide at Noi Bai Airport, transfer to hotel. In the afternoon, take a cyclo tour around the Hoan Kiem lake, Ngoc Son temple, Old quarter streets, the Literature Temple, etc. Water Puppets show. Have dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi - Ha Long Bay - Hanoi (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, Leaving for Halong at 8:00 AM, after 3 hours and a half drive, you will arrive at Halong City. Embark in the traditional style wooden junk around noon with fresh seafood lunch.

With 5-hour boat trip, you are cruising around islets, caves and grottos. You then will visit Sung Sot (‘The Cave of Surprise’) grotto. Drive back to Hanoi for dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 3: Hanoi - Hoian - the Ancient town (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, Our guide and car will pick up you at your hotel Flight to DaNang. On arrival at Da Nang Airport, you are transferred to Hoi An, which was originally one of major trading centers of Southeast Asia in the 16th century. Visit of Hoi An Town with mixed the culture of Vietnam/Chinese/Japanese with Chinese tiled houses, Chinese temples, Japanese covered bridge. Enjoy lunch and dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight in Hoian Town.

Day 4: Hoian - Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnel (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, Visit Cham Museum (rich collection of Cham sculptures from in 14-15 century back with Indian influences) at the time transfer from Hoi an to Da Nang airport for flight to Hochiminh city. This afternoon, you will visit Cu Chi tunnels, the “Iron Triangle”, the basement in the Vietnam war involved

by the Americans. Back to Ho Chi Minh city late after noon. Enjoy lunch and dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 5: Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh City (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, Leaving the busy city, you are going to visit country side of Vietnam. Water, the base life of the South of Vietnam. On arrival at Cai Be, of course, the only way for you to observe the local lifestyle is getting on a boat navigating around the small canals in the delta region. You will see the floating market with sellers and buyers bargaining and exchanging their goods from their boats. Roaming around and observe how the people make the living from fruit trees such as coconut, corn and other local products. On the way back to HCMC, we are stop along the way to see Cho Lon Market, China town. Enjoy lunch and dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight in HCMC. Day 6: Departure (B) Breakfast at the hotel, You are at leisure for shopping or relax before transfer to Tan Son Nhat airport for departure. End of the itinarery.

INCLUSIVE • Domestic flights: Ha Noi – Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh City • Pick up and transfer as itinerary • English speaking tour guide on organized tour • Private boat trips in Ha Long Bay and Mekong Delta.

• All entrance fees • Hotel accommodation based on twin sharing • Meals as indicated in the tour program (B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner) EXCLUSIVE • Drink, tips and other personal expenses • Single supplements • Others those not mentioned in the inclusion.

VIETNAM CLASSIC TRACKS

HAPRO TRAVEL

CULTURAL HERITAGES INF 002 – (6 DAYS) HOCHIMINH - DANANG - HOIAN - HUE - HANOI

VIETNAM Halong Bay

HANOI

LAOS Luang Prabang

Vientiane Hue Danang Hoian

Angkor

Siem Reap

CAMBODIA Phnompenh N E

W S

Ho Chi Minh City

Phuquoc Island

Day 1: Arrive in Saigon (L, D) Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City. Meet your Hapro Travel Guide and transfer to hotel. City tour: Vietnam’s largest city and river port sprawls across an area of 2000 square kilometers on the banks of Saigon river. The streets and sidewalks overflow with the business of commerce, something that has always come quite naturally to the Saigonese.

An endless stream of humanity on motor scooters, bicycles, cars and cyclos crowds every street. New restaurants, bar and cafes catering to naturally-sociable Saigonese, who stay up until late at night partying and relaxing, in contrast to early-to-bed Hanoi reflect the air of a modern, yet still developing, always on the move, Asian city.

The city tour includes such sights as Former Presidential Palace, History Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, central post office, BenThanh market. Have lunch and dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight in HCMC. Day 2: HCMC - Danang - Hoian (B, L) Breakfast at the hotel, Morning flight to Danang. Transfer to Hoian.

Visit Hoi An. Hoi An stands as the most beautiful city in Vietnam for many visitors.

The ancient streets are narrow with houses piled on one another. The architecture, dating from 1700’s, is a mix of Chinese, Japanese, French and other occidental styles. Besides intriguing houses, HoiAn boasts tombs, temples, congregational houses and pagodas. The peaceful place and friendly people evoke comparisons with Venice in earlier days. Take a walking

VIETNAM CLASSIC TRACKS

tour of the ancient town center to visit former merchants’ houses, the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge and the colorful market. Have lunch and dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight in Hoian.

Day 3: Hoian - Hue (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, Visit to fish market and sampan cruise on Thu Bon River to some riverside villages.

Transfer to Hue with stop over at stonecarving village of Non Nuoc and Cham Museum in DaNang. Transfer to hotel. At leisure. Have lunch and dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight in Hue. Day 4: Hue (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, A morning boat trip on the romantically named Perfume River visits Hue’s bestknown religious site, Thien Mu Pagoda, and the Mausoleum of former Emperor Minh Mang, in a tranquil setting of gardens and lakes. Lunch. Overland to Dong Ba Market. In the afternoon visit the elaborate Mausoleums of Emperors Tu Duc and Khai Dinh and the Imperial Citadel from where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. The rhythm of Hue can be felt also by the movement of girls wearing conical hats and traditional violet dresses - the color of Hue. Evening comes up with a dragon boat trips on the Perfume River to enjoy Hue’ folklore music. Have lunch and dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight in Hue.

YOUR WAY TO INDOCHINA Day 5: Hue – Hanoi (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, Transfer to Phubai airport for the flight to Hanoi. Pick up and transfer to hotel.

A full day city tour of Vietnam’s capital. The ancient quarter with its strangle Chinese architecture is bordered by the Red River dike. The 36 ancient streets criss - cross each other in a dizzying network filled with shops, pagodas, temples and homes.

Another Hanoi lies to the west and the south; one of administrative offices, wide boulevards, opera house and palaces, a legacy of French colonial époque. The city tour includes such sights as HoChiMinh’s Mausoleum, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Fine Arts Museum, the Temple of Literature, the Lake of the Restored Sword and the Old Quarter. Lunch in town with Hanoian speciality “ChaCa” (Grilled Fish). Cyclo tour in the Old Quarter. Water Puppet show in the evening. Overnight in Hanoi. Have lunch and dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight in Hanoi.

INCLUSIVE: • Domestic air fare • Private air-con transfer with driver • Tour guide (English, French, Russian and others if require) • Meals as indicated in program (B: breakfast; L: lunch; D: dinner) • Accommodation (double/ twin sharing) • Boat trip on Perfume river.

• Entrance fee and sightseeing tickets EXCLUSIVE: • International air fare • Visa arrangements • Travel insurance • Personal expenses (drinks, extra services and tips) and all others those not mentioned in the inclusion.

Day 6: Depart Hanoi (B) Breakfast at the hotel, Downtown shopping (ceramics, silvercarvings, silk…) or at leisure until transfer to the airport for onward flight. End of the itinerary.

VIETNAM CLASSIC TRACKS

HAPRO TRAVEL

VIETNAM HERITAGE TOUR INF 003 – (9 DAYS)

HANOI – HALONGBAY – HUE – DANANG – HOIAN – MYSON We’ll travel from North to the Centre to visit the key cultural and historical locations of Vietnam.

You’ll see the sights, placed in context by experienced professional guides, and interact with local people in cities, towns and hamlets throughout the tour.

If you wish, the tour can easily be extended to include the South of Vietnam and/or Laos and Cambodia.

VIETNAM Halong Bay

HANOI

LAOS Luang Prabang

Vientiane Hue Danang Hoian Myson

Angkor

Siem Reap

CAMBODIA Phnompenh N E

W S

10

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi (D) Hanoi arrival. A member of our staff will be waiting to greet you when you arrive at Hanoi’s Noi Bai airport. He or she will help with your luggage and accompany you to your hotel where you’ll have time to relax after your journey. Later, you’ll be picked up for a welcome dinner at a good restaurant hosted in a French colonial building.

In the evening, you’ll have tickets for a performance of traditional Water Puppetry (an art form unique to northern Viet Nam, and a good, light-hearted introduction to its rural culture).

Overnight in Ha Noi.

Ho Chi Minh City Phuquoc Island

VIETNAM CLASSIC TRACKS

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, Hanoi’s tangible and intangible heritage.

An all-day tour of Vietnam’s thousandyear-old capital city, possibly including the Ethnology Museum, the Art Museum and the centre of Ha Noi, including the Hoan Kiem Lake and the Ngoc Son temple.

You’ll also visit the bustling Old Quarter.

Apart from its maze of small streets, it’s an

architectural pot-pourri - traditional tube houses, religious buildings, colonial houses, artisans’ dwellings and modern concrete constructions. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the stilt house of a famous Vietnamese artist to view his antique collection and restoration work. Next, you’ll meet another talented painter who will enjoy showing you his lacquer and oil painting artwork.

Finally, you’ll drop in on another artist who brush-paints traditional Vietnamese calligraphy in a tiny house tucked away down an alley. Have lunch and dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight in Ha Noi. Day 3: Hanoi - Halongbay (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, After breakfast, you’ll be driven to Ha Long Bay (one of the most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Areas, and the world’s largest marine ‘karst’ landscape), possibly visiting Bach Dang (a famous 13th century battle site set in attractive north Viet Nam rural scenery) en route. On arrival, you’ll board a traditional-style wooden junk to travel beyond the busy tourist area to some of its less visited grottoes and caves. There will be opportunities for you to swim, fish, climb one of the hills (not a mountain!) for a spectacular overview of the Bay, or venture into some of the sea level caves in a small sampan, all weather permitting, of course. All your meals will be provided on board, usually based on fresh seafood, and

YOUR WAY TO INDOCHINA you’ll sleep in a twin cabin with an en suite toilet and shower. Have seafood lunch and dinner on board.

Overnight on board.

also explain the distinctive characteristics of classic Hue cuisine. Have lunch and dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight in Hue.

Day 4: Halongbay - Hanoi (B, L) Breakfast at the hotel, You’ll spend the morning cruising around Ha Long Bay, followed by lunch and the return journey to Ha Noi. Have dinner at local restaurant..

Overnight in Halnoi.

Day 7: Hoian (B, L) Breakfast at the hotel, In the morning, you’ll drive to Da Nang (the views from top of Hai Van Pass are excellent – you’ll be able to see Lang Co beach and the lagoon far below, and Da Nang spread out before you to the south). Upon arriving in Da Nang, you’ll have a brief look at the remarkable Hindu statuary in the Cham Museum before leaving for Hoi An. After lunch, you’ll have a guided visit to the Ancient Town. Have lunch and dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight in Hoian.

Day 5: Hanoi – Hue (B) Breakfast at the hotel, You’ll have a free morning before we pick you up for a noon flight to Hue. When you arrive, you’ll be met by our guide and driven to visit the Imperial Citadel of Hue and the local Dong Ba market. Have lunch and dinner at local restaurant Overnight in Hue. Day 6: Hue (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, Your morning will be taken up by a visit to the Thien Mu Pagoda, and a cruise along the Perfume River to King Minh Mang’s tomb (exotic, and designed in a typically formal oriental style). In the afternoon, you’ll visit the tombs of King Tu Duc (the poet King, the simplest Royal tomb set in a beautiful garden). Next, you’ll visit and wander around Ms. Diem Phung Thi’s sculpture garden (she’s a well-regarded local artist famous for her paintings and stone sculpture). In the evening, you’ll visit some of Hue’s ‘garden houses’ and sit down to eat dinner in one of them. Their pleasant surroundings and comfortable atmosphere are relaxing. As well as preparing and serving a traditional meal, the owner will

Day 8: Hoian - Myson (B, L) Breakfast at the hotel, After breakfast, you’ll be driven to My Son Sanctuary, once the spiritual capital of the Cham Kingdom that dominated SE Asia for nearly a thousand years, and now a World Heritage Area. Its remarkable brick towers were badly bombedby the Americans, but are still impressive as is its remote valley setting. Your afternoon will be free to relax on the beach or wander around Hoi An. Have lunch and dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight in Hoian.

Day 9: Hoian – Danang Departure (B) Breakfast at the hotel, You’ll be picked up in good time to board either the morning or afternoon flight to Ha Noi or Ho Chi Minh City for your departure flight.

INCLUSIVE: • Domestic air fare (Hanoi – Hue) • Private air-con transfer with driver • English speaking guide as the itinerary • Meals as indicated in program (B: breakfast; L: lunch; D: dinner) • Accommodation (double/ twin sharing) • Over night Junk on Halong bay .

• Entrance fee and sightseeing tickets EXCLUSIVE: • International air fare • Single Suplement.

• Personal expenses (drinks, extra services and tips) and all others those not mentioned in the inclusion.

VIETNAM CLASSIC TRACKS

11

HAPRO TRAVEL

LAND OF FESTIVALS INF 004 –(11 DAYS) HCMC - CANTHO - HUE - HANOI - NINHBINH - BACNINH - HATAY

VIETNAM LAOS

HANOI

Socson Bacninh Hatay

Ninhbinh Luang Prabang

Vientiane Hue Danang Hoian

Angkor

Siem Reap

CAMBODIA Phnompenh N E S

Cantho W Phuquoc Island

Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Arrive in Saigon (L, D) Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City. Meet your Hapro Travel Guide and transfer to hotel.

City tour: Vietnam’s largest city and river port sprawls across an area of 2000 square kilometers on the banks of Saigon river.

The streets and sidewalks overflow with the business of commerce, something that has always come quite naturally to the Saigonese. An endless stream of humanity on motor scooters, bicycles, cars and cyclos crowds every street. New restaurants, bar and cafes catering to naturally-sociable Saigonese, who stay up until late at night partying and relaxing, in contrast to earlyto-bed Hanoi reflect the air of a modern, yet still developing, always on the move, Asian city. The city tour includes such sights as Former Presidential Palace, History Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, BenThanh Market. Have lunch and dinner at local restaurant.

Evening: boat ride on Saigon River to Binh Quoi Village for folk show and dinner.

Overnight in HCMC. Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City - Can Tho (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to Xeo Quyt, boat ride to guerrillas’ stronghold in melaleuca forest. A full day trip to the watery world of the Mekong Delta. The rice basket of Viet Nam, lies between Saigon and Cambodia and the Gulf of Siam. The green rice fields spread forever. Afternoon proceed to Can Tho. Have lunch and dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight in Can Tho.

12

VIETNAM CLASSIC TRACKS

Day 3: Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh City (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel.

A morning boat ride on Mekong River, visit to Cai Rang and Phong Dien floating markets. From Cambodia, the river divides into nine branches creating an unique, rich agriculture area. Inhabitants have an amphibious life; they live in a world of tangled canals, dense gardens, islets and floating villages all moving with the rhythm of Mekong River. Every tide leave behind numerous fish, a gift granted by the “mother water“. In this prosperous area, rice plays the most important role. The nine provinces contain 12% of Vietnam’s land but produce 40% of its grain. The delta nurture the south and center regions. Without the river, agriculture, fishing, transport, communication, entertainment, everything dies. Instead of bicycles, peasants use small boats to pass through the canals to visit parents, go to market, attend meetings.

When a girl gets married, she “ passes over the river”, and the groom rows his boat over to pick up his new bride accompanied by a flotilla of others. The river’s lever rises at the beginning of each rainy season, hitting its height in September. When it reaches its maximum level, an extraordinary event takes place: the river convert its way. The trip takes just a couple of hours by road from the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh city’s streets. Overland to Can Tho. Afternoon back to HCMC. Have lunch and dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight in HCMC.

YOUR WAY TO INDOCHINA Day 4: Ho Chi Minh City - Hue (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, Transfer to airport for flight to Hue. Pickup and transfer to hotel. Visit the Imperial Citadel from where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. The rhythm of Hue can be felt also by the movement of girls wearing conical hats and traditional violet dresses - the color of Hue. Have lunch and dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight in Hue. Day 5: Hue (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, A boat trip on the romantically named Perfume River visits Hue’s best-known religious site, ThienMu Pagoda, and the Mausoleum of former Emperor MinhMang, in a tranquil setting of gardens and lakes.

Afternoon visit the elaborate Mausoleums of Emperors Tu Duc and Khai Dinh. Have lunch and dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight in Hue. Day 6: Hue - Hanoi (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, Transfer to Hue airport after breakfast for the short flight to Hanoi, the modern day capital of Vietnam. City tour, visit to the Lake of the Restored Sword and take a short walk in Hanoi Ancient Quarters. The ancient quarter with its strangle Chinese architecture is bordered by the Red River dike. The 36 ancient streets criss - cross each other in a dizzying network filled with shops, pagodas, temples and homes.

Another Hanoi lies to the west and the south; one of administrative offices, wide boulevards, opera house and palaces, a legacy of French colonial époque. Pedicabe tour around ancient Hanoi. Have lunch and dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 7: Hanoi - Ninhbinh – Hanoi (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, Depart to NinhBinh, enjoying the rural scenery along the road. Visit HoaLu old citadel, this picturesque site was once the ancient capital of Vietnam - or DaiCoViet, as it was then known - under the Dinh, Le (10th century) and Ly (11th century) dynasties. After visiting the two remaining sanctuaries of the ancient citadel, take a sampan on Hoang Long river through the rice paddies to the grottoes of the sacred TamCoc - three caves. Visitors can

admire ranges of mountains on both side of the river while en route. The boats travel thought Luon cave, Muoi cave and Quan cave. Enormous limestone karsts jut out from the green rice fields giving rise to this place’s other name, ‘Halong on land’. A picnic lunch is included with local specialty “Goat Meat”. Have dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 8: Hanoi - Battrang - Bacninh Hanoi (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, Morning transfer to Bat Trang village.

Along the Red River dikes in the Bat Trang village, the pottery remains as traditional craft for hundred years. Almost the village inhabitants work in their family oven, if men shoulder soil and carry goods to the market then women and kids knead peat and varnish raw vases. Transfer to Le Mat village, where feeding snakes is the village’s profession through generations. People breeds snakes and produces snake wine and an ointment containing snake venom that is used to relieve muscles and joint inflammation. A lunch in Le Mat village is strongly recommended as your unique chance to taste the most delicious snake dishes in Vietnam (Opt). Afternoon transfer to Bac Ninh, visit to But Thap Pagoda, Dong Ky wood-carving village. Have lunch and dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 9: Hanoi - Hatay - Hanoi (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, Excursion to Lang Pagoda in Hanoi. A cultural journey to visit the Tay Phuong Pagoda (West Pagoda) dating from the 8th century and its famous for it 73 wooden statues, which are said to illustrate stories from the Buddhist scriptures - their facial expressions reflect the different attitudes and faces of human nature. Built in 12th century, the Thay (the Master) pagoda is dedicated three ways: to the King of the Ly dynasty, to Sakyamuni Buddha and to the bonze Dao Hanh (the Master) of the Ly Dynasty. Within the sandalwood statue of the Master, wooden statues of Buddha and various guardians are also housed in the

temple’s enclosures. Have lunch and dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 10: Hanoi (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, Full day excursion to Hanoi suburbs, visit Co Loa Temple, Soc Son Temple and Ha Loi Temple. Have lunch and dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 11: Depart Hanoi (B) Breakfast at the hotel, Downtown shopping (ceramics, silvercarvings, silk…) or at leisure before transfer to the airport for departure. End of the itinerary.

INCLUSIVE: • Domestic air fare (HCM – Hue // Hue – Hanoi) • Private air-con transfer with driver • Tour guide (English, French, Russian and others if required) • Meals as indicated in program (B: breakfast; L: lunch; D: dinner) • Accommodation (double/ twin sharing) • Boat trip on Sai Gon river, Mekong Delta andPerfume river.

• All entrance fee and sightseeing tickets EXCLUSIVE: • International air fare • Single supplement.

• Personal expenses (drinks, extra services and tips) and all others those not mentioned in the inclusion.

VIETNAM CLASSIC TRACKS

13

HAPRO TRAVEL

HIGHLIGHTS OF VIETNAM HOLIDAY INF 005 – (14 DAYS) HCMC – CUCHI - DANANG – HOIAN – HUE – HANOI – MAICHAU – HALONGBAY – CATBA ISLAND – HANDICRAFT VILLAGES We journey from Saigon northwards, visiting the cultural, historic and scenic highlights of Vietnam. The diverse nature of this tour mirrors the huge contrasts this amazing country has to offer in an unhurried manner. In addition you’ll also experience trekking in the stunning northern hills and the opportunity to bag the highest peak in Indochina.

Experience the dynamic city of Saigon, the French hill station of Dalat, an elephant ride and a night in traditional stilted houses, the beautiful golden beaches and turquoise waters of Nha Trang, the history of Hoi An and Hue, and the present day capital city Hanoi. Then cruise the outstandingly beautiful Halong Bay, before journeying north towards the Chinese border. Our base here is the old French hillstation of Sapa, from where we start our trek through remote hill villages and magnificent scenery. The views from Mount Fansipan (Indochina’s highest peak at 3,143m) are simply breathtaking.

VIETNAM HANOI

LAOS

Halong Bay Catba Island

Maichau

Luang Prabang

Vientiane Hue Danang Hoian

Angkor

Siem Reap

CAMBODIA Phnompenh Cuchi

N E S

14

W Phuquoc Island

Ho Chi Minh City

VIETNAM CLASSIC TRACKS

Day 1: Arrive in HCMC (D) Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City we make our way to the joining hotel. Our comfortable centrally located hotel is a welcome sight for those a little travel weary, or for those with more energy, there is plenty to see and do within the city.

Overnight in Hochiminh City.

Day 2: HCMC – Cuchi – Danang (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, After meeting our tour leader and fellow travellers at 9am we travel to Cu Chi. On the way we stop at a noodle workshop an a rice paper workshop. At Chu Chi we visit the incredible underground tunnel network built by the Viet Cong during the long years of struggle for independence.

We then return to Ho Chi Minh City for a half-day city tour visiting sights such as the Presidential Palace, the Old Saigon Post Office, and the city’s bustling China town before returning to our hotel. Tonight we board the famous Reunification Express overnight train to Danang, light dinner provided. Have lunch at a local restaurant.

Overnight on train.

Day 3: Arrive in Hoian (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, The Reunification Express travels at an average speed of 50km per hour providing an excellent viewing platform as we travel north arriving in Danang around 11.30am.

After lunch we transfer to our hotel in the picturesque riverside town of Hoi An. This was once one of the major trading ports in Asia and much of its architecture has remained from those days. We take a walking tour of the ancient town centre taking in the former merchants’ houses, the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge and visit the colourful market with its stalls brimming with tropical specialities. The rest of the day is free to explore this friendly little town, or maybe browse for souvenirs in the dozens of shops selling antiques, paintings and silk.

Day 4: Hoian (B) Breakfast at the hotel, Today we enjoy a free day in Hoi An with options to explore further or simply relax.

Overnight in Hoian.

Day 5: Hoian – Danang – Hue (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, After driving to Danang to visit the interesting Cham Museum we then continue north towards Hue crossing the scenic Hai Van Pass before descending to the wonderfully photogenic fishing village of Lang Co for lunch break. On arrival in Hue we enjoy a sightseeing tour, Hue was the capital during the Nguyen Dynasty of emperors from 1802 till 1945. We travel by boat on the beautiful Perfume River and visit the amazing Thien Mu Pagoda standing on the riverbank with its seven storey tower, and also the elaborate mausoleums of

YOUR WAY TO INDOCHINA Emporer Minh Mang. Back in Hue we visit the Khai Dinh Mausoleum and the Imperial Citadel from where the Nguyen emperors once ruled Vietnam. Have lunch and dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Hue.’ Day 6: Hue – Hanoi (B) Breakfast at the hotel, We enjoy a free morning to relax and discover the further delights of Hue before we take a mid afternoon flight to Hanoi, the present day capital.Have lunch and dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 7: Hanoi - Maichau (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, After breakfast we depart Hanoi for Hoa Binh province and the town of Mai Chau.

This scenic drive takes around three hours.

Along the way we pass fields of tapioca and sugar cane as well as rice paddies.

Following lunch in Mai Chau town we spend the afternoon walking through the various ethnic minority villages in this area.

We spend the night with a local family, who will be our hosts in a traditional house built on stilts in Poong Con village. Whilst enjoying their hospitality, we will discover a little more about their lives and culture.

Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Mai Chau.

Day 8: Maichau – Hanoi (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, This morning we have the opportunity to spend more time strolling around the hamlets and witnessing the beginnings of another day in rural Vietnam before we return to Hanoi. Our first stop on our return journey will be a Muong village. Arriving late in the morning we spend a couple of hours there before continuing onto Hoa Binh town for lunch and then on to Hanoi.

Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 11: Halong – Catba Island (B, L) Breakfast at the hotel, The bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We transfer to our boat for a full day cruise including a delicious seafood lunch served on boat. We continue to cruise around this spectacular bay where 3,000 limestone islands emerge from the emerald green waters. We make our way to Cat Ba Island where we stay.

Overnight in Catba.

Day 12: Catba – Hanoi (B) Breakfast at the hotel, The following morning we enjoy free time to relax on Cat Ba Island. Half of the island was declared a national park in 1986 to help protect the beaches, lakes, waterfalls and spectacular limestone hills, the highest of which is 330m high. We then take the early afternoon ferry to Hai Phong where we meet our vehicle and continue by road to our hotel in Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi.

INCLUSIVE: • Domestic air fare & train ticket • Private air-con transfer with driver • Tour guide (English, French, Russian and others if required) • Meals as indicated in program (B: breakfast; L: lunch; D: dinner) • Accommodation (double/ twin sharing) • Boat trip on Perfume river and Halong bay - Cat Ba island.

• Entrance fee and sightseeing tickets EXCLUSIVE: • International air fare • Single Supplement.

• Personal expenses (drinks, extra services and tips) and all others those not mentioned in the inclusion.

Day 13: Handicraft villages around Hanoi (B, L) Breakfast at the hotel, Today enjoy a full day guided tour of the handicraft villages around Hanoi, including the village of Bat Trang noted for ceramics.

We also visit the weaving village of Van Phuc and the Thap But pagoda before returning to Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 14: Hanoi departure (B) Breakfast at the hotel, At leasure until transfer to the airport for departure flight. End of the itinerary.

Day 9: Hanoi (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, Full day guided tour of Hanoi, including the ‘Old Quarter’, also known as the 36 streets and the Ho Chi Minh Complex. Also on the tour - the Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, the Temple of Literature and one of the city’s museums, either the History Museum or the Ethnology Museum. Enjoy lunch and dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 10: Hanoi – Halong (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, We drive the 160kms to Halong Bay. We overnight at our hotel in Halong. The name ‘Ha long’ means where the dragon descends into the sea. Enjoy lunch and dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Halong.

VIETNAM CLASSIC TRACKS

15

HAPRO TRAVEL

GRAND TOUR OF VIETNAM INF 006 – (15 DAYS)

HANOI – SAPA – HALONG BAY – HUE – HOI AN – HOCHIMINH CITY – MEKONG DELTA A through experience of beautiful Vietnam: travel through the heart of the country - from the terraced rice paddy-fields and diverse ethnic minority groups of the North-west highlands all the way down to the lush farmlands of the Mekong Delta in the south. The journey will take you to the World Heritage listed Halong Bay, historic Hue, charming Hoi An, the pristine beaches of the South China Sea and vibrant Ho Chi Minh City. Meet friendly locals, sample mouth-watering dishes, cruise waters that will carve unforgettable memories in your mind, bargain at local shops, and that is a full wonder in store for you.

Laocai Bacha Sapa

VIETNAM

Halong Bay

HANOI

LAOS Luang Prabang

Vientiane Hue Danang Hoian

Angkor

Siem Reap

CAMBODIA Phnompenh N E S

16

Caibe

Vinhlong W Phuquoc Island

Ho Chi Minh City

VIETNAM CLASSIC TRACKS

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi (L) Arrive at Noi Bai Airport. Meet Hapro Travel Guide then transfer to hotel (45 minutes drive). Free at leisure. Enjoy lunch at hotel restaurant Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi city tour (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, Enjoy a full day city tour of Vietnam’s capital.

Hanoi is a unique Asian city with tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and oriental temples. The city tour includes such sights as Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum Complex, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Fine Arts Museum, Museum of Ethnic Minority, the Temple of Literature, and Lake of the Restored Sword. Then you take a visit the Old Quarter by cyclo. In the evening, enjoy Vietnamese traditional water puppet show.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, Leave Hanoi by road for Halong Bay (3 hour drive). Enjoy the journey through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta and the scenery of rice fields, water buffalo and everyday Vietnamese village life. Arrive in Halong and board the traditional sailing junk. Whilst cruising the exquisite waters, sample the regions fresh seafood. Visit the recently discovered Surprise Grotto with its great views, and on the next island see the yawning mouth of Bo Nau Cave.

Alternatively journey to Dau Go Cave and nearby see the famous stalagmites and stalactites of Thien Cung Cave. Enjoy a swim in the emerald waters of Halong Bay at any spot that you wish to visit. Watch the sun set over the bay whilst enjoying a delicious dinner.

Overnight on board junk.

Day 4: Halong – Hanoi (B, L, D) - TODAY SHOULD BE FRIDAY Breakfast on board, Wake up to fresh coffee and a wholesome breakfast. Sitting on the upper deck, you can enjoy the breath - taking beauty of the rocky Islands rising from the crystal-clear waters of the Bay. The quiet is almost eerie, we can hear birds singing, cicadas chirping

YOUR WAY TO INDOCHINA ashore and the gentle lapping of the waves against our boat, the perfect soundtrack to accompany the fresh air and gentle breeze.

Take a small sampan to explore Luon Cave before cruising to Tu Long Bay, then back to Halong City. En route the junk weaves through strange-shaped rock formations that invite comparisons from fighting cocks to dragons and even General de Gaulle’s nose! After another wonderful fresh seafood lunch on board disembark at the dock at Halong City. Return to Hanoi by road in the late afternoon. In the evening, transfer to the station for a night train to Lao Cai (boarding time: normally 21:00PM).

Overnight on the train.

Note: day use at hotel in Hanoi is not included today Day 5: Laocai – Sapa (B, L, D) Arrive in Lao Cai – a city nestled on China’s border - in the morning. Transfer to hotel by shuttle bus of hotel. Breakfast at your hotel.

Full day is spent for exploring Lao Chai, Ta Van and Giang Ta Chai for 5 hour trek including a 45 minute jeep drive: In the morning, we go by Russian jeep to Lao Chai village, inhabited by the Black Hmong hill tribe. We walk into the valley from Lao Chai to Ta Van, the only village in the Sapa valley where the Giay tribal people live. In Ta Van we enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by our guide in a local house. After picnic lunch, we continue our walk through the bamboo forest before reaching Giang Ta Chai, where we have the opportunity to meet the Red Dao minority people. A jeep will be awaiting us in Giang Ta Chai to take

us back to Sapa. Free visit the love market in Sapa town at night. Enjoy dinner at hotel restaurant.

Overnight in Sapa.

Day 6: Sapa – Bac Ha market – Sapa.

TODAY SHOULD BE FRIDAY (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, Our friendly driver will take you along the exciting curvy road, surrounded by steep mountains and terraced rice paddies to Bac Ha. Bac Ha is the largest market in the area, situated inside the small town of Bac Ha. On every Sunday mornings, it is literally a riot of color as many different ethnic groups such as Flower Hmong, Phu La, Dao Tuyen, Dao Chi, and Tay... gather to buy and sell. After spending the whole morning exploring the market, you will leave Bac Ha and drive to Trung Do village, which belong to the Tay ethnic minority. From the village, you will have the opportunity to get on a boat and have a cruise down the Chay River to experience the picturesque scenes and the magnificent sight of a beautiful cave. Back to Sapa in the late evening. Enjoy lunch and dinner at hotel/ local restaurant.

Overnight in Sapa.

Day 7: Sapa - Hanoi (B, L, D) Morning: we go by jeep to explore Taphin village of Red Zao people, Silver Waterfall, Gate of Heaven. Back to Sapa at lunch time.

Afternoon: free until transfer to the station for the night train back to Hanoi.

Overnight on the train.

Day 8: Hanoi – Handicraft village (B, L, D) Arrive in Hanoi. Transfer to hotel for breakfast and free at leisure.

Afternoon transfer to Bat Trang village.

Along the Red River dikes in the Bat Trang village, the pottery remains as traditional craft for many hundred years. Almost the village inhabitants work in their family oven, if men shoulder soil and carry goods to the market then women and kids knead peat and varnish raw vases. (Optional) transfer to Bac Ninh to visit But Thap Pagoda, Dong Ky wood-carving village, ruins of Co Loa citadel and King An Duong Vuong Temple.

Enjoy lunch and dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 9: Hanoi – Hue (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, Take the morning flight to Hue. Arrive in Hue. Car picks up and transfers to hotel.

Visit the Imperial Citadel from where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945.

Afternoon: take a boat trip on the romantically named Perfume River to visit Hues best-known religious site, Thien Mu Pagoda, and the mausoleum of former emperor Minh Mang, in a tranquil setting of gardens and lake. Visit the elaborate mausoleums of emperors Khai Dinh.

Overnight in Hue. Day 10: Hue – Danang – Hoian (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, Heading southward to Hoian via Langco – a wonderfully photogenic fishing village on the white sandy beach, then Danang - ex-Tourane (opt: visit Cham’s Museum

VIETNAM CLASSIC TRACKS

17

HAPRO TRAVEL in Danang). Visit Marbles Mountains and China Beach en route. Arrive in Hoian by the lunchtime.

Afternoon tour with shuttle bus from Hotel to Hoian - a major Asian trading port in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries whose architecture and relaxed lifestyle has changed little over the years. Take a walking tour of the ancient town centre to explore the picturesque centre of town with its restored 18th century merchant’s houses. Hoi An also boasts some of the best silk shops, art galleries and handicraft shops in Vietnam as well as dozens of excellent restaurants serving the delicious local specialties. Visit the former merchant’s homes, the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge and the colorful market. Have dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Hoian.

Day 11: Hoian at leisure ( B) Breakfast at the hotel, At leisure. Relax on the private beach or by the resort pool to enjoin sunbathing or drop in town to do shopping by your own.

Overnight in Hoian.

Day 12: Hoian – Danang – Ho Chi Minh City (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, At leisure until transfer to the Danang airport for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City. On arrival, transfer to hotel in the centre.

In the afternoon, a city tour of dynamic Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by many locals, takes in the former Presidential Palace, the Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Saigon Post Office, a lacquer ware factory,

Thien Hau Pagoda in the city’s bustling China Town. Have lunch and dinner at a local restaurant Overnight in HCMC. Day 13: Saigon – Cuchi – Ho Chi Minh City (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, In the morning, drive to Cuchi (over an hour) visiting the famous Tunnels, an incredible underground tunnel network constructed

by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the long struggle for independence. Back to Saigon at lunch time.

Free at leisure in the afternoon. Have lunch and dinner at a local restaurant Overnight in HCMC. Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City – Vinhlong – Ho Chi Minh City (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, Leave Ho Chi Minh City after breakfast for Vinh Long. Arrive in Cai Be floating market, take a boat trip to explore the floating market, one of the most attractions in the Mekong Delta. Continue cruising to Vinh Long the capital of Vinh Long Province, is a medium-sized town on the banks of the Mekong River. What makes a trip to Vinh Long worthwhile is not the town itself but the beautiful small islands in the river.

The islands are totally given to agriculture, especially the growing of tropical fruits, which are shipped to markets in Ho Chi Minh City. Visit Binh Hoa Phuoc Island where one of the fascinating things to be seen is the “monkey bridges”. These are makeshift footbridges built of uneven logs about 30 to 80 cm wide and from 2m to 10m above the canals. For lunch sample the local delicacy, the “Elephants Ear Fish” on Binh Hoa Phuoc Island. Back to Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon. Have dinner at a local restaurant Overnight in HCMC. Day 15: Saigon departure (B) Breakfast at the hotel, Free until transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for departure flight.

End of the itinerary.

INCLUSIVE • Land transportation by private air-conditioned vehicles • Domestic flight HAN – HUE, DAD – HCMC • English speaking guide • Return train tickets Hanoi – Sapa (sofl bed with air conditioner) • Accommodation with twin sharing • Boat trip on Halong Bay, in Hue, in Vinh Long • Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B: breakfast, L: lunch, D: dinner) • All admission fees at attractions mentioned in the itinerary EXCLUSIVE • Drinks, tips and other personal expenses • Single supplements.

• Others those not mentioned in the inclusion.

18

VIETNAM CLASSIC TRACKS

YOUR WAY TO INDOCHINA

ABSOLUTE VIETNAM INF 007 – (20 DAYS) HANOI – HALONGBAY – DIENBIEN – SAPA – CRAFT VILLAGES – HOALU – HOIAN – HUE – QUANGTRI – NHATRANG – HOCHIMINH – CUCHI – MEKONG DELTA A most comprehensive experience of beautiful Vietnam. Choose the ‘road less traveled’ on this journey of surprises. Travel through the heart of the country - from the terraced rice paddy-fields and diverse ethnic minority groups of the North-west highlands, remote handicrafts villages, the cool central highlands all the way down to the lush fertile plains of the Mekong Delta in the south. The journey will take you to Red River Delta, the World Heritage listed Halong Bay, graceful Sapa, world-known battle field in Dien Bien Phu, DMZs, historic Hue, charming Hoi An, the pristine beaches of the south China Sea and vibrant Ho Chi Minh City. Meet friendly locals, attend a gourmet cooking class, cruise in luxury on Halong Bay waters, trek through stunning mountains, snorkel in pristine waters, sample mouth-watering dishes, bargain at local shops and that is a full wonder in store for you.

Laocai Sapa Laichau

Bacha

VIETNAM HANOI

Dienbien

Halong Bay

LAOS Luang Prabang

Vientiane Hue Danang Hoian

Angkor

Siem Reap

CAMBODIA Phnompenh N E S

Vinhlong W Phuquoc Island

Cantho

Nhatrang

Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi (D) Arrive at Noi Bai Airport. Meet your Hapro Travel Guide. Transfer to hotel. Attending an exclusive cooking class at the Sofitel Metropole in the afternoon and have dinner. Free at leisure in the evening.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi city tour (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, A full day city tour of Vietnam’s capital.

Hanoi is a unique Asian city with tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and oriental temples. The city tour includes such sights as Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum Complex, One Pillar Pagoda, Fine Arts Museum, Museum of Ethnic Minority, Temple of Literature, Lake of the Restored Sword. Visit the Old Quarter by cyclo (01 hour). Enjoy Vietnamese traditional water puppet show. Have lunch and dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 3: Hanoi – Halong – Cruise (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, Leave Hanoi by road for Halong Bay. Enjoy the journey through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta and the scenery of rice fields, water buffalo and everyday

Vietnamese village life. Arrive in Halong and board a sailing junk. Whilst cruising the exquisite waters sample the region fresh seafood. Visit the recently discovered Surprise Grotto with its great views, and on the next island see the yawning mouth of Bo Nau Cave. Alternatively journey to Dau Go Cave and nearby see the famous stalagmites and stalactites of Thien Cung Cave. Enjoy a swim in the emerald waters of Halong Bay at any spot that you wish to visit. Watch the sun set over the bay whilst enjoying a delicious dinner.

Overnight on board junk.

Day 4: Halong – Hanoi (B, L, D) Breakfast on board, Wake up to fresh coffee and a wholesome breakfast. Sitting on the upper deck, you can enjoy the breath - taking beauty of the rocky Islands rising from the crystal-clear waters of the Bay. The quiet is almost eerie, we can hear birds singing, cicadas chirping ashore and the gentle lapping of the waves against our boat, the perfect sound-track to accompany the fresh air and gentle breeze.

Take a small sampan to explore Luon Cave before cruising to Tu Long Bay, then back to Halong City. En route the junk weaves through strange-shaped rock formations that invite comparisons from fighting cocks to dragons and even General de Gaulle’s nose! After another wonderful fresh seafood lunch on board disembark at the dock at Halong City. Return to Hanoi by road in the late afternoon. Have lunch and dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 5: Hanoi – Dien Bien (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, Transfer to Noibai Airport for the flight to Dien Bien - one of the remotest

VIETNAM CLASSIC TRACKS

19

HAPRO TRAVEL mountainous parts of Vietnam, inhabited by hill-tribe people, most notably the Thai and H’mong. This place was the site of that rarest of military events, a battle that could be called truly decisive in 1954. It seems to hold the same fascination for the French as the DMZs does for the Americans. The visit covers the small museum, the headquarters of the French commander, a monument to Viet Minh casualties and a memorial to 3,000 French troops burried under the rice paddies and remained battle fields on surrounding hills in Muong Thanh valley.

Have lunch and dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight in Dien Bien.

Day 6: Dien Bien – Lai Chau (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, Leave Dien Bien by road for Lai Chau.

Enroute, visit Muong Phang – a front military headquarter of Viet Minh 40 km away from Dien Bien. Arrive in Lai Chau and overnight.

This small town is nestled in a beautiful valley carved from spectacular mountains by the Da River.

Overnight in Lai Chau.

to take us back to Sapa. (Optional) exlore Taphin village of Red Zao people, Silver Waterfall, Gate of Heaven. Visiting the love market in Sapa town at night. Have dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight in Sapa.

Day 9: Sapa – Bacha – Lao Cai (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, Leave Sapa to Bac Ha by road via Lao Cai - a city nestled on China’s border. Drive along the exciting curvy road, surrounded by steep mountains and terraced rice paddies. Bac Ha is the largest market in the area, situated inside the small town of Bac Ha. On every Sunday mornings, it is literally a riot of color as many different ethnic groups such as Flower Hmong, Phu La, Dao Tuyen, Dao Chi, and Tay... gather to buy and sell. After spending the morning exploring the market, we will leave Bac Ha for Hanoi on the night train.

Overnight on train.

Day 7: Lai Chau – Sapa (B, L, D) TODAY SHOULD BE FRIDAY Breakfast at the hotel, Leave Lai Chau by road for Sapa along the exciting curvy road, surrounded by steep mountains with impressive landscapes. It is worth for an overland trip. Some stop-over made to visiting local markets en route.

Have lunch and dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight in Sapa.

Day 10: Lao Cai – Hanoi – Handicraft village (B, L, D) Arrive in Hanoi in the early morning.

Breakfast at a local restaurant.

Check in your hotel in Hanoi. Short time for refreshment. Then, take a handicraft village tour.

Along the Red River dikes in the Bat Trang Village, the pottery remains as traditional craft for hundreds of years. Optional to visit But Thap Pagoda, Dong Ky wood-carving village, ruins of Co Loa citadel or Van Phuc silk village.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 8: Sapa (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, Full day exploration of Lao Chai, Ta Van and Giang Ta Chai for 5 hour trek including a 45 minute drive. Picnic lunch. At the other end, the car will be waiting us in Giang Ta Chai

Day 11: Hanoi – Hue (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, Transfer to the airport for the flight to Hue. Visit the Imperial Citadel where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945.

Lunch at a local restaurant. Take a boat

20

VIETNAM CLASSIC TRACKS

trip on the romantically named Perfume River in the afternoon to visit Hue’s bestknown religious site, Thien Mu Pagoda, and the mausoleum of former emperor Minh Mang, in a tranquil setting of gardens and lake. Visit the elaborate mausoleums of emperors Khai Dinh.

Overnight in Hue. Day 12: Hue – DMZs – Hue (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, Heading northward to Quang Tri, where DMZ – the absolutely barren Demilitarised Zone - was established during the Vietnam War, consisting of a five km area either side of the demarcation line. The visit covers Khe Sanh Combat Base – a site of the most famous siege during the American Vietnam War, Conthien Firebase – a place suffered heavy bombardment, or Doc Mieu Base – part of an elaborate electronic system (McNamara’s Wall), Truong Son National Cemetery – a memorial to tens of thousands of killed North Vietnamese soldiers. Back to Hue. Have lunch and dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight in Hue. Day 13: Hue – Danang – Hoian (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, Driving southward to Hoian via Langco Town – a wonderfully photogenic fishing village on the white sandy beach, then Danang – ex-Tourane. Visit Marble Mountains and China Beach en route. Arrive in Hoian, check in hotel. Take a walking tour of Hoian ancient town to explore the picturesque centre of town with its restored 18th century merchants’ houses. Hoi An also boasts some of the best silk shops, art galleries and handicraft shops in Vietnam as well as dozens of excellent restaurants serving the delicious local specialties. Have lunch and dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight in Hoian.

YOUR WAY TO INDOCHINA

Day 14: Hoian – Danang – Nha Trang (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, At leisure. Relax on the private beach or by the resort pool until transfer to the airport for the flight to Nha Trang. Afternoon city tour visiting Pasteur Institute, PoNagar Towers and Dam Market. Have lunch and dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight in Nha Trang.

Day 15: Island cruise (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, Full day cruise to off-shore islands: at leisure, snorkeling, sea bathing, sunbathing or scuba diving. Have lunch and dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight in Nha Trang.

Day 16: Nha Trang - Ho Chi Minh City (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, At leisure until transfer to the airport for the flight to Hochiminh City. In the afternoon, a city tour of dynamic Hochiminh City, still called Saigon by many locals, takes in the former Presidential Palace, the Notre Dame Cathedral, City Post Office, a lacquer ware factory, Thien Hau Pagoda in the city’s bustling Chinatown. Have lunch and dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 17: Ho Chi Minh City – Cuchi –Ho Chi Minh City (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel,

In the morning, drive to Cuchi (over an hour) visiting the famous Tunnels, an incredible underground tunnel network constructed

by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the long struggle for independence. Free at leisure in the afternoon. Have lunch and dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh Cityy.

Day 18: Ho Chi Minh City – Vinhlong – Cantho (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, Leave Ho Chi Minh City by road for Vinh Long. Arrive in Cai Be floating market, take a boat trip to explore the floating market, one of the most attractions in the Mekong Delta. Continue cruising to Vinh Long the capital of Vinh Long Province. What makes a trip to Vinh Long worthwhile is not the town itself but the beautiful small islands in the river. The islands are totally given to agriculture, especially the growing of tropical fruits, which are shipped to markets in Saigon. Visit Binh Hoa Phuoc Island where one of the fascinating things to be seen are the “monkey bridges”. These are makeshift footbridges built of uneven logs about 30 to 80 cm wide and from 2m to 10m above the canals. For lunch sample the local delicacy, the “Elephant’s Ear Fish” on Binh Hoa Phuoc Island. Proceed to Cantho. Have lunch and dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Visit the Delta’s biggest floating market by boat, Cai Rang floating market. It offers great photographic opportunities as all manner of produce is traded from boats. To make shopping easier the boats suspend a sample of what they sell from the top of a long pole. Back to Ho Chi Minh City. Have lunch and dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 20: Ho Chi Minh City departure (B) At leisure until transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for departure flight.

End of the itinerary.

INCLUSIVE • Domestic flights: Hanoi – Dien Bien; Hanoi Hue & Danang - Nhatrang • Pick up and transfer as itinerary • Night train from Lao Cai to Hanoi (soft bed with air conditioner) • English speaking tour guide on organized tour • Boat trips as the program mentioned • All entrance fees and sight seeing fee • Accommodation based on twin sharing • Meals as indicated in the tour program ( B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner ) EXCLUSIVE • Drinks, tips and other personal expenses • Single supplements • Others those not mentioned in the inclusion.

Day 19: Cantho – Ho Chi Minh City (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel,

VIETNAM CLASSIC TRACKS

21

VIETNAM ADVENTURE & ECO TOURS 22

VIETNAM ADVENTURE & ECO TOURS

YOUR WAY TO INDOCHINA

THE NORTH LOOP INF 008 –(8 DAYS) HANOI – SAPA – HALONG BAY Explore the wonders of Hanoi, Sapa and Halong Bay. You will be amazed by the exotic landscapes and cultural diversity of North Vietnam. Step into a different world in Sapa. Colourful ethnic hill tribes and stunning mountain vistas make this one of the most facinating, untouched destinations in Asia. Cruise amid the mystical limestone islands and cliffy rock formations of UNESCO World Heritage listed Halong Bay. Travel by both modern and traditional means - on overnight trains, cylos, by foot, boat, car and even by kayak if you wish.

Laocai Sapa

Bacha

VIETNAM LAOS

Halong Bay

HANOI

Luang Prabang

Vientiane Hue Danang Hoian

Angkor

Siem Reap

CAMBODIA Phnompenh N E S

W Phuquoc Island

Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi (D) Arrive at Noi Bai Airport. Meet Hapro Travel Guide. Transfer to hotel in Hanoi. Free at leisure and overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi city tour (B, L, D) A full day city tour of Vietnam’s capital.

Hanoi is a unique Asian city with tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and oriental temples. The city tour includes such sights as Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum Complex, the One Pillar Pagoda, and the Fine Arts Museum.

Afternoon continue to visit Museum of Ethnic Minority, the Temple of Literature, the Lake of the Restored Sword and visit the Old Quarter by cyclo. In the evening, enjoy Vietnamese traditional water puppet show. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 3: Hanoi – Halong - Cruise (B, L, D) Today must be friday Leave Hanoi by road for Halong Bay (3 hour drive). Enjoy the journey through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta and the scenery of rice fields, water buffalo and

everyday Vietnamese village life. Arrive in Halong and board the Huong Hai or Bai Tho traditional sailing junk. Whilst cruising the exquisite waters sample the regions fresh seafood. Visit the recently discovered Surprise Grotto with its great views, and on the next island see the yawning mouth of Bo Nau Cave. Alternatively journey to Dau Go Cave and nearby see the famous stalagmites and stalactites of Thien Cung Cave. Enjoy a swim in the emerald waters of Halong Bay at any spot that you wish to visit. Watch the sun set over the bay whilst enjoying a delicious dinner. Overnight on board junk.

Day 4: Halong – Hanoi – Laocai (B, L, D) Wake up to fresh coffee and a wholesome breakfast. Sitting on the upper deck, you can enjoy the breath - taking beauty of the rocky Islands rising from the crystal-clear waters of the Bay. The quiet is almost eerie, we can hear birds singing, cicadas chirping ashore and the gentle lapping of the waves against our boat, the perfect soundtrack to accompany the fresh air and gentle breeze.

Take a small sampan to explore Luon Cave before cruising to Tu Long Bay, then back to Halong City. En route the junk weaves through strange-shaped rock formations that invite comparisons from fighting cocks to dragons and even General de Gaulle’s nose! After another wonderful fresh seafood lunch on board disembark at the dock at Halong City. Return to Hanoi VIETNAM ADVENTURE & ECO TOURS

23

HAPRO TRAVEL by road in the late afternoon. Dinner. In the evening, transfer to the station for a night train to Lao Cai (boarding time: normally 21:00PM). Overnight on the train.

Note: day use at hotel in Hanoi is not included today Day 5: Laocai – Sapa (B, L, D) Arrive in Lao Cai – a city nestled at the China’s border – in the morning. Transfer to hotel by shuttle bus of hotel. Breakfast in hotel.

Full day exploration of Lao Chai, Ta Van and Giang Ta Chai for 5 hour trek including a 45 minute jeep drive.

This morning, we go by Russian jeep to Lao Chai village, inhabited by the Black Hmong hill tribe. We walk into the valley from Lao Chai to Ta Van, the only village in the Sapa valley where the Giay tribal people live. In Ta Van we enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by our guide in a local house. After picnic lunch, we continue our walk through the bamboo forest before reaching Giang Ta Chai, where we have the opportunity to meet the Red Dao minority people. A jeep will be awaiting us in Giang Ta Chai to take

24

VIETNAM ADVENTURE & ECO TOURS

us back to Sapa.

Free visit the love market in Sapa town at night. Overnight in Sapa.

Day 6: Sapa – Bacha – Hanoi (B, L, D) Today must be sunday Our friendly driver will take you along the exciting curvy road, surrounded by steep mountains and terraced rice paddies to Bac Ha. Bac Ha is the largest market in the area, situated inside the small town of Bac Ha. On every Sunday mornings, it is literally a riot of color as many different ethnic groups such as Flower Hmong, Phu La, Dao Tuyen, Dao Chi, and Tay... gather to buy and sell. After spending the whole morning exploring the market, you will leave Bac Ha and drive to Trung Do village, which belong to the Tay ethnic minority. From the village, you will have the opportunity to get on a boat and have a cruise down the Chay River to experience the picturesque scenes and the magnificent sight of a beautiful cave.

Lunch en-route.

Afternoon: transfer to the station for the night train back to Hanoi. Overnight on the train.

Day 7: Arrive in Hanoi (B) Arrive in Hanoi. Breakfast. Free at leasure.

(Optional) handicraft village tour if required.

Day 8: Departure (B, L, D) Free until transfer to the airport for your flight home. End of the itinerary.

INCLUSIVE • Pick up and transfer as the itinerary • English speaking tour guide on organized tour • Overnight boat trip on Halong Bay • Night train Hanoi – Sapa – Hanoi (soft A/C bed) • Accommodation based on twin sharing • All entrance fee & sight seeing tickets • Meals as indicated in the tour program ( B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner ) EXCLUSIVE • Drink, tips and other personal expenses • Single supplements • Others those not mentioned in the inclusive

YOUR WAY TO INDOCHINA

FANSIPAN DISCOVERY TOUR INF 009 – (8 DAYS) HANOI – FANSIPAN DISCOVERY TOUR Explore the wonders of Hanoi and Sapa. You will be amazed by the exotic landscapes and cultural diversity of North Vietnam. Step into a different world in Sapa. Colourful ethnic hill tribes and stunning mountain vistas make this one of the most facinating, untouched destinations in Asia.

Mount Fansipan, nestled at China’s border, is Indochina’s highest mountain - at 3143m.

It takes at least three days to get there and back. The climb is rough, wet and cold but the views is a big award. The top is accessible year-round to one who is fit. As there are is mountain hut enroute, camping becomes necessary. Equipment and food will be carried by hired porters. Trekking takes five to eight hours a day.

Laocai

Tavan

Sapa

VIETNAM LAOS

Halong Bay

HANOI

Luang Prabang

Vientiane Hue Danang Hoian

Angkor

Siem Reap

CAMBODIA Phnompenh

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi – Lao Cai (D) N Arrive in Noibai Airport. Meet your Ho Chi Minh Hapro City Travel Guide E W and transfer to Hanoi. After dinner, takePhuquoc an overnight train to Lao Cai. Island S

Day 2 : Lao Cai – Sapa – Laochai – Tavan (B, L, D) Arrive early morning in Lao Cai and transfer by road to Sapa. All day trekking to visit some minority villages. Lao Chai – TaVan – GiangTaChai. You will meet different minority people such as H’mong, Zay, Red Dzao in different colorful dresses. Free time to visit Sapa market at night. Overnight in a hotel in Sapa.

Day 3: Start the climb (B, L, D) Breakfast. Commence at the foot of Mt. Fansipan by trekking through terraced rice fields and a hill tribe village of the H’mong.

We will follow buffalo paths, crossing streams, then at elevation of 1700m, we break for lunch. In the afternoon, continue trekking to another 500m where a suitable camping ground is reached. This is the first peak, at 2200m elevation.

Day 7: Hanoi (B) Arrive in Hanoi early and transfer to hotel.

The rest of the day is free at leasure.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 4: Camp 1 – Camp 2 (2700m) (B, L, D) Breakfast. Trekking through a primary forest of giant, century-old pine expanses of yellow bamboo. Continue climbing to a second peak at 2900m where we break for lunch. After lunch, leave Camp 2 for the Fansifan peak. After taking in the scenery and atmosphere on Vietnam’s highest point, roll back to Camp 2 for dinner and overnight.

INCLUSIVE • Bicycle rental incl. insurance, motorcycle escorts, drinking water & cold towels • Pick up and transfer as the itinerary • English speaking tour guide on organized tour • Night train Hanoi – Sapa – Hanoi (soft A/C bed) • All entrance fees and Fansipan trekking license fee.

• Accommodation based on twin sharing • Meals as indicated in the tour program ( B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner )

Day 5: Camp 2 – Sapa (B, L, D) After the last breakfast on the mountain, take another way to go down to the foot of Fansifan, then take bus back to Sapa. Lunch and free at leasure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 8: Hanoi Departure (B) Free at leasure until transfer to the airport for departure. End of the itinerary.

EXCLUSIVE • Drink, tips and other personal expenses • Single supplements • Others those not mentioned in the inclusive

Day 6: Sapa – Hanoi (B, L, D) Free exploring Sapa town. In the afternoon, our bus will take you to Laocai Station for the night train to Hanoi. Overnight on the train.

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HAPRO TRAVEL

VIETNAM BIKING TRIP INF 010 – (13 DAYS) HANOI – HATAY – HUE – DANANG – HOIAN – SAIGON – CUCHI TUNNELS Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi (D) Arrive in Noibai Airport. Meeting Hapro Travel Guide and transfer to hotel in Hanoi.

At leisure. Dinner in a local restaurant.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2: Fullday city tour in Hanoi (B, L, D) A full day city tour of Vietnam’s capital by bike. Hanoi is a unique Asian city with tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and oriental temples. The city tour includes such sights as Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum Complex, the One Pillar Pagoda, and the Fine Arts Museum.

Afternoon continue to visit Museum of Ethnic Minority, the Temple of Literature, the Lake of the Restored Sword and visit the Old Quarter. In the evening, enjoy Vietnamese traditional water puppet show.

Overnight in Hanoi.

VIETNAM HANOI

LAOS

Halong Bay

Hatay

Luang Prabang

Hue Danang Hoian

Siem Reap

CAMBODIA Phnompenh Cuchi

N E S

26

Day 10: Hoian – Danang – Saigon (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to airport for flight to HCM City. Arrive in HCMC and check in. Rest of day is at leisure. Diner on boat cruise on Saigon River. Overnight in HCMC.

Day 4: Hanoi – Hue (B, D) Am : free time to do cycling in the Hanoi city without a tour guide. Free time for lunch.

Pm: Transfer to Hanoi railway station for departure to Hue. Overnight on train.

Day 11: Around Saigon (B, L, D) Saigon city tour by bike will include an orientation tour of the main boulevards of Old Saigon, Notre Dame Cathedral, the splendid Post Office, the bustling BenThanh market, ChoLon China town and ThienHau pagoda. (cycling 20km). Evening at leisure.

Overnight in HCMC.

Day 5: Visit Hue by bike (B, L, D) Arrival in Hue in the morning. Meeting and transfer to your hotel in city centre.

Hue sightseeing by bike includes the Imperial Citadel, DongBa market and TruongTien bridge (cycling about 20km).

Overnight in Hue. Day 6: Hue (B, L, D) Morning boat trip on the Perfume River to ThienMu Pagoda built on the banks of the river. Bike ride to visit the Mausoleums of TuDuc and KhaiDinh. (cycling 12km) Overnight in Hue. Day 7: Hue – Hoian (B, L, D) Morning bicycle ride to HoiAn ancient town (130 km) via HaiVan pass (500m high).

Overnight in HoiAn.

Vientiane

Angkor

Day 3: Hanoi & Pagoda a round (B, L, D) Full day visit by bicycle to the ancient Thay and Tay Phuong pagoda (built in 8th century) in the northern countryside.

Cycling about 30km of the route. Return to Hanoi by car. Overnight in Hanoi.

W Phuquoc Island

Ho Chi Minh City

VIETNAM ADVENTURE & ECO TOURS

Day 8: Visit Hoian Town and Beach by bikes (B, L, D) Walking tour of the old streets of HoiAn where the mix of Japanese and Chinese architecture reflects its past history as an important trading port. Afternoon cycling to CuaDai beach (5km). Overnight in HoiAn. Day 9: Danang (B, L, D) Bike ride to Marble Mountains Danang city (30km). Danang sightseeing includes China beach and the Cham museum. Dinner in a local restaurant in Danang. Overnight in Hoian.

Day 12: Saigon ride to Cuchi (B, L, D) Riding to the famous Cu Chi tunnels about 70km from Saigon. Return to Saigon by minibus. Overnight in HCMC. Day 13: Saigon Departure (B) Free at leasure until transfer to the airport for departure. End of the itinerary.

INCLUSIVE • Domestic air ticket (Danang – Ho Chi Minh City) • Bicycle rental incl. insurance, jeep escorts, drinking water & cold towels • Pick up and transfer as the itinerary • Overnight train from Hanoi to Hue (soft bed with air conditioner) • Boat trip on Perfume River and Saigon River.

• English speaking tour guide on organized tour • Accommodation based on twin sharing • Meals as indicated in the tour program ( B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner ) EXCLUSIVE • Drinks, tips and other personal expenses • Single supplements • Others those not mentioned in the inclusive

YOUR WAY TO INDOCHINA

VIETNAM FAMILY ADVENTURE HOLIDAY INF 011 – (16 DAYS)

HO CHI MINH CITY – MEKONG DELTA – DANANG – HOIAN – HUE – MAICHAU - HALONGBAY Vietnam is perfectly suited for a family adventure. There are few countries where children (of all ages) relate so spontaneously and where lasting friendships are formed on a daily basis.

Activity and variety are the keys to the success of this adventure.

We spend our days wandering the markets of Ho Chi Minh City, cruising the remoter islands of the Mekong Delta, exploring the former seaport of Hoi An, undertaking a short trek to the northern hill tribe villages and taking time out along the endless stretch of beaches off Halong Bay With such a multitude of experiences - and the inevitable delays to your schedule to visit local schools and homes - the younger members of your family will need an extra week to complete their diaries and projects before returning home.

VIETNAM LAOS

Maichau

HANOI

Halong Bay

Luang Prabang

Vientiane Hue Danang Hoian

Angkor

Siem Reap

CAMBODIA Phnompenh N E S

Cantho W Phuquoc Island

Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City arrival (D) Arrive in Saigon. Meet your Hapro Travel guide and transfer to hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Dinner. Free time to discover Saigon by night. Overnight in HCMC. Evening: boat ride on Saigon River to Binh Quoi Village for folk show and dinner.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, There is a full day city tour of dynamic Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by many locals. Vietnam’s largest city and river port sprawls across an area of 2000 square kilometers on the banks of Saigon River.

The streets and sidewalks overflow with the business of commerce, something that has always come quite naturally to the Saigonese. An endless stream of humanity on motor scooters, bicycles, cars and cyclos crowds every streets. New restaurants, bar

and cafes catering to naturally-sociable Saigonese, who stay up until late at night partying and relaxing, in contrast to earlyto-bed Hanoi reflects the air of a modern, yet still developing, always on the move, Asian city. The tour starts in Cholon, the city’s chinatown, with a visit to Thien Hau pagoda and Binh Tay market. At Binh Tay market, the largest in Ho Chi Minh City, there are 30 minutes free time for shopping. Leaving chinatown to visit two fine examples of French colonial architecture, the NotreDame Cathedral and the Old Saigon Post Office. After lunch at the Ancient Town Restaurant, visit a lacquerware factory and Vinh Nghiem Pagoda to see the ceremony at 16:00. The day finishes with a visit to the restored city theatre and a stroll down Dong Khoi Street, the fashionable Rue Catinat of old Saigon. Return to the hotel. Dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City - Can Tho (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, Transfer to Xeo Quyt, boat ride to guerrillas’ stronghold in melaleuca forest. A full day trip to the watery world of the Mekong Delta. The rice basket of Viet Nam, lies between Saigon and Cambodia and the Gulf of Siam. The green rice fields spread forever. Afternoon proceed to Can Tho. Have lunch and dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight in Can Tho.

VIETNAM ADVENTURE & ECO TOURS

27

HAPRO TRAVEL setting of garden and lake. Visit the elaborate mausoleum of emperor Khai Dinh.

Overnight in Hue. Day 10: Hue – Hanoi (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, At leisure until transfer to Phu Bai Airport for the flight to Hanoi.

Take a city tour of Vietnam’s capital. Hanoi is a unique Asian city with tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and oriental temples. The city tour includes such sights as Museum of Ethnic Minority, the Temple of Literature, the Lake of the Restored Sword and visit the Old Quarter by cyclo. In the evening, enjoy Vietnamese traditional water puppet show.

Have lunch and dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 4: Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh City (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, Then a morning boat ride on Mekong River, visit to Cai Rang and Phong Dien floating markets. From Cambodia, the river divides into nine branches creating an unique, rich agriculture area. Inhabitants have an amphibious life; they live in a world of tangled canals, dense gardens, islets and floating villages all moving with the rhythm of Mekong River. Every tide leaves behind numerous fish, a gift granted by the “mother water“. In this prosperous area, rice plays the most important role. The nine provinces contain 12% of Vietnam’s land but produce 40% of its grain. The delta nurtures the south and center regions. Without the river, agriculture, fishing, transport, communication, entertainment, everything dies. Instead of bicycles, peasants use small boats to pass through the canals to visit parents, go to market, attend meetings.

When a girl gets married, she “ passes over the river”, and the groom rows his boat over to pick up his new bride accompanied by a flotilla of others. The river’s level rises at the beginning of each rainy season, hitting its height in September. When it reaches its maximum level, an extraordinary event takes place: the river converts its way. The trip takes just a couple of hours by road from the hustle and bustle of Hochiminh City’s streets. Afternoon back to Hochiminh City.

Overnight in Hochiminh City.

Day 5: Ho Chi Minh City – Danang Hoian (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, Morning: transfer to the airport for the flight to Danang. Visit Marble Mountain and China beach en route. Arrive in Hoian by the lunch time.

Afternoon: City tour in Hoian - a major Asian trading port in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries whose architecture and relaxed lifestyle have changed little over the years. Take a walking tour of

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VIETNAM ADVENTURE & ECO TOURS

the ancient town centre to explore the picturesque centre of town with its restored 18th century merchants’ houses. Hoian also boasts some of the best silk shops, art galleries and handicraft shops in Vietnam as well as dozens of excellent restaurants serving the delicious local specialties. Visit the former merchants’ houses, the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge and the colourful market. Have lunch and dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Hoian.

Day 6: Hoian at leisure (B) Breakfast at the hotel, You are free at leisure to relax on the private beach or by the resort pool to enjoy sunbathing or drop in town to do shopping by your own.

Overnight in Hoian.

Day 7: Hoian at leasure (B) Breakfast at the hotel, You are free at leisure to relax on the private beach or by the resort pool to enjoin sunbathing or drop in town to do shopping by your own.

Overnight in Hoian.

Day 8: Hoian – Danang – Hue (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, Heading North to Hue via Danang and Langco Town – a wonderfully photogenic Fishing Village on the white sandy beach, then Danang - ex-Tourane (opt: visit Cham’s Museum in Danang). Arrive in Hue City.

Visit the Imperial Citadel where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945.

Overnight in Hue. Day 9: Hue (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, Full day city tour in Hue: take a boat trip on the romantical river named Perfume River to visit Hue’s best-known religious site, Thien Mu Pagoda, and the mausoleum of former emperor - Minh Mang, in a tranquil

Day 11: Hanoi – Mai Chau (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, Pick you up from your hotel at 8.00 am and depart for Mai Chau. Traveling to Hoa Binh province, where a region of spectacular limestone mountains and then arriving Ban Lac village which said to be distantly related to tribes in Thailand, Laos. Spend the rest time in exploring this village with the hospitality of Thai minority people.

Have lunch in the village.

In the afternoon, walking across the beautiful valley, through the rice fields and trekking to minority villages. Have dinner in the village. In the evening we have opportunity to enjoy drinking special wine while joining the traditional dances with local people.

Overnight in Mai Chau.

Day 12: Mai Chau – Hanoi (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, Get on the car return to Hanoi. On the way back, stop in Ha Dong town to visit Van Phuc – A traditional silk village. Arrive in Hanoi in the afternoon. Have lunch and dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 13: Ha Noi - Ha Long (B, L, D) 8:00 AM: Leave Hanoi by road for Halong Bay (3 hour drive). Enjoy the journey through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta and the scenery of rice fields, water buffalo and everyday Vietnamese village life. Arrive in Halong and board the Huong Hai traditional sailing junk. Whilst cruising the exquisite waters sample the region fresh seafood. Visit the recently discovered Surprise Cave with its great views, and on the next island see the yawning mouth of Bo Nau Cave. Alternatively journey to Dau Go Cave and nearby see the famous stalagmites and stalactites of Thien Cung Cave. Enjoy a swim in the emerald water of Halong Bay at any spot that you wish to visit. Watch the sun set over the bay whilst enjoying a delicious dinner.

Overnight on board junk.

Day 14: Halong – Hanoi (B, L,D) Breakfast on boat,

YOUR WAY TO INDOCHINA Wake up to fresh coffee and a wholesome breakfast. Sitting on the upper deck, you can enjoy the breath - taking beauty of the rocky Islands rising from the crystal-clear waters of the Bay. The quiet is almost eerie, we can hear birds singing, cicadas chirping ashore and the gentle lapping of the waves against our boat, the perfect soundtrack to accompany the fresh air and gentle breeze, then back to Halong City. En route the junk weaves through strange-shaped rock formations that invite comparisons from fighting cocks to dragons and even General de Gaulle’s nose! After another wonderful fresh seafood lunch on board disembark at the dock at Halong City at 12:00. Return to Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi.

INCLUSIVE • Domestic flights: HCMC – Da Nang & Hue - Hanoi.

• Pick up and transfer as itinerary • English speaking tour guide on organized tour • Boat trips in Ha Long Bay (overnight on board), Hue and Mekong Delta.

• All entrance fees an sight seeing tickets • Hotel accommodation based on twin sharing • Meals as indicated in the tour program ( B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner ) EXCLUSIVE • Drink, tips and other personal expenses • Single supplements • Others those not mentioned in the inclusive

Day 15: Hanoi (B) Breakfast at the hotel, Free at leisure, you are free to stay in hotel, or go on street to experience Hanoi (people, lifestype and more) or shopping down town.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 16: Hanoi departure (B) Breakfast at the hotel, You are free until transfer to the airport for your departure flight. End of the itinerary.

VIETNAM ADVENTURE & ECO TOURS

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HAPRO TRAVEL

BIRD WATCHING EXPERIENCE INF 012 – (18 DAYS)

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City arrival (D) Meet on arrival at Ho Chi Minh City / Tan Son Nhat International Airport and transfer to the hotel for check-in. The rest of the day free at leisure. Dinner will be served at local restaurant.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

VIETNAM

Tamdao

HANOI

LAOS Luang Prabang

Giaothuy Ninhbinh

Vientiane Hue Danang Hoian

Angkor

Siem Reap

CAMBODIA

N E S

Phnompenh Dongnai

W Phuquoc Island

Dalat

Ho Chi Minh City

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City tour (D) Breakfast at the hotel.

We pick you up at the hotel then transfer for city tour: visit former Presidential Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, Museum of War Remnant, History Museum, BenThanh Market. Shopping. Enjoy dinner at foating restaurant on Saigon River. At leisure.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City – Dalat (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel.

Early morning drive to Dalat, a cool mountain resort. Lunch will be served at local restaurant en route. Upon arrival, take your time for a leisurely discovery tour on foot (optional ride on a new cable car at surcharge). Dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight in Dalat.

Day 4: Dalat (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel.

Full day to explore and observe several species of birds around Tuyet Lam Forest.

Lunch box will be provided. In the afternoon, take a boat ride on a nearby lake to further explore fauna and flora. Dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight in Dalat.

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VIETNAM ADVENTURE & ECO TOURS

Day 5: Dalat (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel.

Early morning, start a full day trek to Liangbian Mountain (2,163 m high).

Wearing appropriate shoes and cloths is essential, we further do not recommend elderly persons with weak health conditions to participate in that particular tour). Enjoy the peaceful forest surrounding as well as the wild life around you. Boxed lunch will be provided. Return to Dalat. Dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight in Dalat.

Day 6: Dalat – Nam Cat Tien (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to Cat Tien National Park, which has been certificated as The Cat Tien Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO on Nov. 10, 2001 - being the 411th Biosphere Reserve in the World and the second in Vietnam.

Experience a half-day hike around the National Park with a chance to see some kinds of Afzelia Xylocarpa and the Sky Waterfall. Lunch en route.

(Please note that this particular tour cannot be arranged in the rainy season between July and September).

Dinner and overnight at the National Park Headquarter’s guesthouse.

Day 7: Nam Cat Tien (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel.

Full day exploration and observation of the birds at Cat Tien National Park with lunch and dinner included. In the evening, if you feel not too tired, you should take a Russian built Jeep to the forest for night animal

YOUR WAY TO INDOCHINA watching and if you are lucky, you should indeed be able to observe one of the rare animals within this region of Vietnam.

Overnight at National Park Headquarter’s guesthouse.

Day 8: Nam Cat Tien (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel.

Full-day visit to Cat Tien National Park with lunch provided either at a local restaurant or lunch box. Dinner and overnight at National Park Headquarter’s guesthouse.

Day 9: Nam Cat Tien (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel.

Another full day of visits to the Cat Tien National Park with lunch provided either at a local restaurant or lunch box.

Dinner and overnight at National Park Headquarter’s guesthouse.

Day 10: Nam Cat Tien – Ho Chi Minh City (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel.

Free at leisure for own activities until drive back Ho Chi Minh City. Lunch at local restaurant. Have dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City – Hanoi – Cuc Phuong national park (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to Tan Son Nhat airport for domestic flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival in Noi Bai Airport, welcome and meet Hapro Travel tour guide and proceed right away to Cuc Phuong National Park. Lunch en route. In the afternoon, enjoy a 3 ½ hours easy trek to discover the rich flora of the park.

Dinner and overnight at National Park Headquarter’s guesthouse.

Day 12: Cuc Phuong national park (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel.

Early morning breakfast followed by a full day excursion around Cuc Phuong to visit a traditional minority village on the way.

Local villagers will welcome you in a most friendly and exciting manner to show you their simple but clean living environments.

Lunch box is provided and served at the village. Dinner and overnight at National Park Headquarter’s guesthouse.

side arms and small canals as well as the life along the river banks. After the unique experience, return back to Giao Thuy for dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight in Giao Thuy (Nam Dinh Province) Day 15: Giao Thuy – Tam Dao (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel.

Free at leisure for own activities. After lunch at hotel, transfer to Tam Dao with some stops on the way. Arrival and check-in at your hotel. Have dinner at local restaurant Overnight in Tam Dao. Day 16: Tam Dao (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel.

Full day excursion to the Tam Dao forest. Take your time to observe rare animals including various species of birds. Some of those can be found only in that particular terrain.

Short trekking tour deeper into the forest to guarantee an undisturbed observation experience far off the beaten tracks of local villagers. Lunch box provided. Return back to hotel for dinner and overnight.

Overnight in Tam Dao. Day 17: Tam Dao – Hanoi (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel.

Early morning excursion in Tam Dao area to observe the wildlife and the morning activities of rare animals. Return back to the hotel for lunch, then drive to Hanoi.

Check in hotel, after relaxing for a while, we pick you up for short journey to discover Hanoi city: the first University of Vietnam, the Literature Temple also known as the Confusious Temple, Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple and Cyclo one hour around Hanoi Old Quarter then enjoy water puppet show to discover traditional farming life and culture via traditional art and music.

Dinner at local restaurant. Free at leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 18: Hanoi – Departure (B, L) Breakfast at the hotel. we pick up for half day city tour: visit Ho Chi Minh complex, including Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum - the final resting place of uncle Ho, President Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house where Uncle Ho lived on and off from 1958 to 1969, then visit Ho Chi Minh’s museum, where you will learn what he has done for Viet Nam and some other countries and learn all kinds of information about President Ho Chi Minh. The next place to move to is One Pillar Pagoda - a group of structures consisting of a pagoda and a tower built in the middle of a square lake.

Continue to West Lake to visit Tran Quoc Pagoda. Have lunch at local restaurant. Free relax until transfer to Noi Bai International airport for departure.

INCLUSIVE • Domestic flights: Ho Chi Minh (SGN) – Hanoi (HAN) • Pick up and transfer as itinerary • English speaking guide on organized tour • Hotel accommodation based on twin sharing • Boat trips as the program mentioned • All entrance fees • Meals as indicated in the tour program ( B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner ) EXCLUSIVE • International air ticket & airport departure tax • Drink, tips and other personal expenses • Others those not mentioned in the inclusion.

NOTE: The best time for bird watching in the areas visited is between February and April. Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, and flight schedules

Day 13: Cuc Phuong national park – Giao Thuy (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel.

Early morning excursion around Cuc Phuong. Transfer to Red River Delta, famous for its rich wild life and rare species of birds and reptiles. Lunch en route. Arrival in Giao Thuy, we check in hotel and have dinner at local restaurant. At leisure.

Overnight in Giao Thuy.

Day 14: Giao Thuy (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel.

Full day excursion to the Red River Delta with lunch box provided. In the afternoon, take a boat trip on the river to explore the

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VIETNAM STOPOVER

32

VIETNAM STOPOVER

YOUR WAY TO INDOCHINA 22:00: Join the Victoria Express Train at Hanoi’s Raiway Station. Sit back in airconditioned comfort in your cabin or the Victoria’s restaurant car.

Overnight on the train.

Day 3: Laocai – Sapa (B, L, D) 06:30: Arrival in Laocai. Enjoy the drive to your Hotel by private vehicle. Pass though teraced mountain passes, along the way see the Dao and H’Mong tribes.

Buffet breakfast on arrival.

09:00: Your private guide will be waiting for you in the lobby of the hotel to take you “Off the beaten track” to discover Sapa’s lesser known sites.

In the late afternoon return to the Victoria Hotel and, in the evening enjoin a 3-couse meal. Overnight at your Hotel.

Sapa’s love market takes place once every Saturday night.

HANOI STOPOVER WEEKEND IN STYLE IN SAPA INF 013 – (5 days) Sapa is one of the most beautiful and and appealing destinations in Vietnam. Home to numerous ethnic hill tribes and boasting the highest mountain in Indochina, visitors to the region will understand why the area was a favorite with French colonialists as far back as 1920.

Journey to Sapa and experience a unique “off the beaten track” day trek whilst staying in 4 star luxury aiful. Home to the Victoria Hotel and travelling to the region on the charming Victoria Express Train. However, you still have chance to explore Vietnam’s capital within one day.

Laocai

Sapa

VIETNAM LAOS

HANOI

Halong Bay

Luang Prabang

Vientiane Hue Danang Hoian

Angkor

Siem Reap

CAMBODIA Phnompenh N E S

W Phuquoc Island

Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Hanoi arrival (B) Meet our guide at Noi Bai Airport, transfer to your hotel. Free at your leisure. Enjoy a welcome dinner in a local restaurant hosted by Hapro Travel.

Overnight in Hanoi Day 2: Hanoi – Laocai (Today should be Friday) (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel.

Full day city tour of Vietnam’s capital: Hanoi is a unique Asian city with tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and oriental temples. The city tour includes such sights as Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum Complex, the One Pillar Pagoda, and the Fine Arts Museum.

Afternoon continue to visit Museum of Ethnic Minority, the Temple of Literature, the Lake of the Restored Sword and visit the Old Quarter by cyclo. In the evening, enjoy Vietnamese traditional water puppet show. Have lunch and dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 4: Sapa – Laocai (B, L, D) Buffet breakfast at the hotel.

Free time to explore to discover Sapa town and the surrounding area, take a look at the colourful mix of hill-tribes in the towns Sunday market. At 19:00 your priviate car will be waiting for you at your hotel for the joinney down to Lao Cai town. The Victoria Express Train departs at 21:15.

Day 5: Hanoi(B) Arrive in Hanoi in the early morning.

Breakfast at a local restaurant. Free at your leisure until transfer to the airport for your departure flight or take another journey with Hapro Travel. End of the itinerary.

INCLUSIVE • Accommodation (based on twin sharing) • 2 nights on the Victoria Express sleeper train Hanoi – Lao Cai – Hanoi • Private air-conditioned vehicle during the program • English speaking guide • All entrance fees and sight seeing tickets.

• Meals as indicated in the program.

EXCLUSIVE • Drink, tips and extras • Single supplement.

• Personal expense and others not mentioned in the inclusion

VIETNAM STOPOVER

33

HAPRO TRAVEL

A STOPOVER IN CENTRE OF VIETNAM INF 014 – (5 DAYS)

VIETNAM HANOI

LAOS

Halong Bay

Luang Prabang

Vientiane Hue Danang Hoian Myson

Angkor

Siem Reap

CAMBODIA Phnompenh N E S

W Phuquoc Island

Ho Chi Minh City

DANANG – HUE – HOIAN Day 1: Danang Arrival – Hue Arrive in Danang. Meet your Hapro Travel guide and transfer to Hue. The scenic route climbs over the Pass of Ocean Clouds before dropping down to the wonderfully photogenic fishing village of Lang Co. Arrive in Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, late in the afternoon and transfer to hotel.

Overnight in Hue.

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VIETNAM STOPOVER

Day 2: Hue City Tour (B) Breakfast at the hotel, A boat trip on the romantically named Perfume River visits Hue’s best-known religious site, Thien Mu Pagoda, and the mausoleum of former emperor Minh Mang, in a tranquil setting of gardens and lakes. In the afternoon visit the elaborate mausoleums of emperors Tu Duc and Khai Dinh and the Imperial Citadel from where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945.

Overnight in Hue. Day 3: Hue – Danang – Hoi An (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, Leave after breakfast for the return journey over the Pass of Ocean Clouds to Danang.

Stop in Danang to visit the Cham Museum containing the finest collection of Cham sculpture in the world and China Beach, once famous as a beach resort for resting US soldiers. On the road from Danang to Hoi An visit five sacred hills known as the Marble Mountains containing dozens of Buddhist shrines. On arrival in Hoi An transfer to hotel. Hoi An was a major Asian trading port in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries and its architecture and relaxed lifestyle has changed little over the years. 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.Have lunch and dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 4: Hoi An – Myson – Hoi An (B, L) Breakfast at the hotel, A half day trip to visit the capital and religious centre of the former Champa Kingdom, My Son. Here, 40km southwest of Hoi An, in a lush green valley, are dozens of red brick towers and sanctuaries dating from between the seventh and thirteenth centuries. On returning to Hoi An, the afternoon is free to relax perhaps browsing for souvenirs in Hoi An’s art galleries and silk shops, or maybe cycling to the nearby Cua Dai Beach. Have lunch at local restaurant.

Overnight in Hoi An. Day 5: Depart Danang (B) Breakfast at the hotel, The morning is at leisure until transfer to Danang for onward flight. End of the itinerary.

INCLUSIVE: • Private air-con transfer with driver • Tour guide (English, French, Russian and other if require) • Meals as indicated in program (B: breakfast; L: lunch; D: dinner) • Accommodation (double/ twin sharing) • Entrance fee and sightseeing tickets EXCLUSIVE • All airfares • Single supplement • Personal expenses (drinks, extra services and tips) • Others those not mentioned in the inclusion.

YOUR WAY TO INDOCHINA

HOCHIMINH CITY STOPOVER - MEKONG DELTA INF 015 – (4 DAYS) VIETNAM HANOI

LAOS

Halong Bay

Luang Prabang

Vientiane

HCMC - MY THO - CANTHO - CHAUDOC Hue

Danang Hoian

Angkor

Siem Reap

CAMBODIA Phnompenh N E S

Chaudoc Cantho W Phuquoc Island

Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City arrival (D) Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, we make our way to the joining hotel. Our comfortable centrally located hotel is a welcome sight for those a little travel weary, or for those with more energy, there is plenty to see and do within the city. Have welcome dinner hosted by Hapro Travel at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Hochiminh City.

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City – Can Tho (B, L) Leave Ho Chi Minh City by road and head south to Can Tho deep in the Mekong River Delta. Break the journey at My Tho - 2 hours drive south of HCMC to visit the very ornate Vinh Trang Pagoda and a family-run ricenoodle factory. Arrive in Can Tho and check in hotel. Leave the hotel mid-afternoon for Thot Not 45km north of Can Tho. Visit the bamboo basket-making hamlet of Long Thanh before continuing to the Thot Not Stork Sanctuary. Watch from a viewing tower above the tree tops as thousands of egrets and herons arrive to roost in the branches. Return to Can Tho in the late afternoon. Lunch at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Can Tho. Day 3: Can Tho – Chau Doc (B, L) Breakfast at the hotel, Free relax at the hotel untill check out and drive northwest to Chau Doc, situated on the Cambodian border. Transfer to hotel on arrival. In the afternoon take a boat visit fish farms where fish are bred in wooden cages suspended under floating houses on the river. Continue by boat to visit a village of stilt houses belonging to the Cham minority where colourful traditional textiles are woven on old wooden looms.

Return to the dry land in time to drive up Sam Mountain to watch the sunset over the Cambodian border.

Overnight in Chau Doc. Day 4: Chau Doc – Ho Chi Minh City (B) Breakfast at the hotel, Leave Chau Doc by road after breakfast and head back toward Hochiminh City via Vinh Long. break the journey at Vinh Long to take a boat trip to visit Phan Thanh Giang Confucian Temple and the cottage industries of Cho Cua Village. Visit a ceramic tile factory, a tofu and fish sauce factory, a blacksmith’s, a roof thatcher’s and a rice husking factory. Continue to Cai Be Floating Market and rejoin the car to drive to Hochiminh City . Arrive in Hochiminh City in the late afternoon. Free at leisure until departure or take another journey with Hapro Travel. End of the itinerary.

INCLUSIVE • Pick up and transfer as itinerary • English speaking tour guide on organized tour • Boat trips on Mekong Delta.

• All entrance fees an sight seeing tickets • Hotel accommodation based on twin sharing • Meals as indicated in the tour program ( B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner ) EXCLUSIVE • Drink, tips and other personal expenses • Single supplements • Others those not mentioned in the inclusive

VIETNAM STOPOVER

35

VIETNAM BEACH BREAKS

36

VIETNAM BEACH BREAKS

YOUR WAY TO INDOCHINA

HONEYMOON IN VIETNAM INF 016 – (15 DAYS) HOCHIMINH – NHATRANG – HANOI – HALONG BAY A fifteen-day honeymoon with a touch of romance and plenty of time to relax. You’ll visit vibrant Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, relax in the VinPearl Resort on an offshore island in Nha Trang Bay and cruise overnight on a junk in Ha Long Bay. If you’re the sort of person who wants honeymoon packages that are more than a standard tour or beach holiday dressed up with a bottle of cheap champagne and a candlelit dinner, take a look at our exotic honeymoons and romantic spa vacations in Vietnam! Travel with us, and the term ‘honeymoon packages’ takes on a new meaning. Instead of a hackneyed ‘one size fits all’ standard programme, we design honeymoon vacations individually, so you can have exactly what you want.

You tell us what you think romantic vacations should be like, and we’ll put your wishes together and make them happen! You can use this programme as a starting point and work with one of our personal tour operators to arrange your itinerary to suit your requirements.

You can make as many changes to the programme as you wish, not only before your honeymoon begins, but also while you are in Vietnam if necessary. A most comprehensive experience of beautiful Vietnam. Choose the ‘road less traveled’ on this journey of surprises.

VIETNAM HANOI

LAOS

Halong Bay

Luang Prabang

Vientiane Hue Danang Hoian

Angkor

Siem Reap

CAMBODIA

Nhatrang

Phnompenh N E S

W Phuquoc Island

Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh arrival (D) Arrival at Tan Son Nhat airport in Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll be met and driven to your hotel. You’ll have time to relax after your journey. Have dinner at local restaurant. In the evening, you are free to discover the city by night.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City orientation (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, After breakfast, your guide will arrive to show you around Ho Chi Minh City. You’ll visit the Reunification Hall, Ben Thanh Market, one of the liveliest areas of Ho Chi Minh City, is packed with every conceivable commodity. You’ll also call in at the Jade Emperor Temple. It’s one of the best Taoist temples in Vietnam, with superb effigies, remarkable carved panels of the descent to Hell and somewhat incongruous terrapin and tortoise sanctuaries. You’ll finish your day with a visit to a lacquer workshop to see the complex processes and meticulous workmanship involved in this traditional Vietnamese craft product. Have lunch and dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City - Nha Trang (B) Breakfast at the hotel, Free at leisure until your car arrives to take you to Tan Son Nhat Airport for the afternoon flight to Nha Trang. On arrival, you’ll find a car and driver waiting to take you to a beach-front reception lounge from where you’ll take a ten-minute speed boat trip to arrive one of the best beach resorts in Vietnam located on the exclusive Ngoc Viet Island. You’ll spend the night on the island. VinPearl may well be the best hotel in Vietnam! It’s quite large, but the location, facilities, fittings and furniture are all high quality and the views are superb. It has three swimming pools, a small indoor pool in the fitness area, a large pool behind the main building for people who want some seclusion, and a very large main pool with an island in the middle complete with coconut palms. The main restaurant overlooks the bay, and there’s a good seafood restaurant. The staffs seem to be very friendly and professional, and prices are surprisingly moderate. To get there, you arrive at a luxurious reception lounge on Nha Trang beach, where you check in and board one of a pair of speedboat shuttles.

The crossing takes about ten minutes.

Overnight in Nha Trang.

Day 4 - 10: Nha Trang (B) Breakfast at the hotel, Free days in the resort – relaxing, scuba diving, snorkelling, beach sports, swimming pool games, etc. There’s a comprehensive programme of activities on offer. Nha Trang offers a variety of activities for a short break.

You can take a boat trip up the River to visit some of the craft villages and communities along its banks. The beach is long, busy in front of the town but almost deserted further away. For diving, we usually direct visitors to the PADI 5-star Rainbow Diving Centre (because they’re good - we don’t

VIETNAM BEACH BREAKS

37

HAPRO TRAVEL ask for, or receive, commission). There are many restaurants along the beach offering a variety of cuisines: the Louisiana Café is good, and has a large swimming pool free of charge. There are many more restaurants and cafes, both international and Vietnamese, in the town itself, quite a few bars and a few ‘night clubs’ (i.e. disco’ in Vietnam), and some interesting shops.

Other places to visit are the museum devoted to Dr. Yersin (a much-loved foreigner who created the Pasteur Institute in Nha Trang and founded the city of Dalat) and the Long Son Pagoda. Climbing the steps behind the pagoda takes you to a massive statue of Buddha and spectacular view of Nha Trang and the bay. The cathedral and the Oceanographic Institute are also worth a look.

Overnight in Nha Trang.

Day 11: Nha Trang – Hanoi (B) Breakfast at the hotel, Free morning until you’ll board a ten minute speed boat back to Nha Trang for an afternoon flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and driven to your hotel.

You’ll have time to relax after your journey.

In the evening, you’ll have tickets for a performance of traditional Water Puppetry, an art form unique to northern Vietnam, and a good, light-hearted introduction to its rural culture. You’ll spend the night in Hanoi. Nha Trang’s Thap Ba spa is well worth a visit. You can wallow in mud in an outdoor bath, shower in spring water, and bathe for as long as you like in a large hot mineral water swimming pool set in beautiful gardens. There are two bath options – private and communal. The private bath accommodates two people and is shielded by a bamboo screen. The communal bath takes up to six or eight people, is cheaper, and is much more fun. It’s surprising how quickly strangers become friends when you’re slipping about in the goo! Bathing costumes (functional, but definitely not fashionable) and towels are supplied. The baths are on terraces on a rocky slope, and the gardens are bedecked with colourful ‘paper trees’. A relaxing massage can be included if you wish.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 12: Hanoi (B, L) Breakfast at the hotel, You’ll have the whole day to explore Vietnam’s capital city. Your guide will take you to the Temple of Literature, the first university in Vietnam dating back to the 11th century, and a popular attraction, as is Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, his simple stilt house where he lived and worked, and the museum dedicated to his memory.

After lunch, you’ll call in at the serene Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest in Hanoi, on the banks of Hanoi’s Ho Tay (West) Lake. The centre of Hanoi, including Hoan Kiem Lake, the Ngoc Son temple and the bustling Old Quarter, is a magnet for visitors – it’s noisy and hectic, but definitely a ‘mustsee’ attraction. The Old Quarter is a maze of shopping streets and restaurants with

38

VIETNAM BEACH BREAKS

a hotchpotch of architecture - traditional tube houses, religious buildings, artisans’ workshops and cottages, colonial houses and modern concrete edifices. You’ll spend the night in Hanoi. We’ll arrange your programme to avoid the busy times at popular destinations, but if there’s anything you particularly want to see, let us know.

Have lunch at local restaurant.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 13: Hanoi – Ha Long (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, After an early breakfast, you’ll leave for Ha Long Bay, one of the most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the world’s largest marine limestone ‘karst’ landscape. There you’ll board your boat, a wooden junk built from the model of the old Vietnamese court vessels with sails, a wide transom and rectangular superstructure, that will take you first to the busy World Heritage area and then to some of the less well-known grottoes and caves. Weather permitting, you’ll be able to swim, fish, climb a hill (not a mountain!) for an overview of the Bay’s remarkable seascape, or venture into some of the sea level caves in a small sampan. All your meals will be provided on board, usually based on fresh seafood, and you’ll sleep in a twin cabin with an en suite toilet and shower. For your two-day Ha Long excursion, you’ll board one of the best quality boats on the Bay, a wooden junk based on the model of the old Vietnamese court vessels, with sails, a wide transom and rectangular superstructure. The boats vary in size, accommodating between ten and eighteen people, so you’re likely to be

joining other travellers for the cruise. Your cabin will be about six metres square, and furnished with twin bunks, two fans, an airconditioner, pillows, white cotton sheets, and an en suite toilet and shower. All your meals, usually based on fresh seafood, will be provided on board.

Overnight on board.

Day 14: Ha Long - Hanoi (B, L) Breakfast on board, You’ll spend the morning cruising Ha Long Bay, followed by lunch just before docking around noon and leaving for Hanoi. You should arrive in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 15: Hanoi departure (B) Breakfast at the hotel, You’ll be free until transfer to the airport for your departure flight. End of the itinerary.

INCLUSIVE • Domestic air ticket (Hochiminh City – Nha Trang – Hanoi) • Land transportation by private air-conditioned vehicles with driver • English speaking local guide • Accomodation based on Twn or Dbl sharing room.

• Overnight boat cruise on Halong bay • Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B: breakfast, L: lunch, D: dinner) • All entrance fees EXCLUSIVE • International airtickets and airport tax.

• Drink, tips and other personal expenses • Single supplement.

• Others those not mentioned in the inclusion.

YOUR WAY TO INDOCHINA

HO CHI MINH CITY – PHU QUOC ISLAND INF 017 – (4 DAYS)

VIETNAM HANOI

LAOS

Halong Bay

Luang Prabang

Vientiane Hue Danang Hoian

Angkor

Siem Reap

CAMBODIA Phnompenh N E S

W Phuquoc Island

Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City – Phu Quoc island (D) Pick up and transfer to Tan San Nhat airport for boarding to Phu Quoc. Arrive in Phu Quoc airport, transfer to your hotel/ resort.

Enjoy your private beach in the afternoon.

Have a welcome dinner hosted by Hapro Travel. Free at your leisure.

Overnight on Phu Quoc Island.

Day 2: Phu Quoc (B, L) Breakfast at hotel.

Morning: Drive to An Thoi port, visit the Australian pearl farm on the way to the Southern island. Arrive the An Thoi port; embark the fishing boat to An Thoi archipelago. Drop the anchor in a quite bay, angling to catch few more Garrupas, snappers. Have lunch with special barbecue seafood. After disembarking, drive to the Sao beach for your relaxing on the hammocks. Visit the Ham Ninh fishing village on the way back to the hotel.

Overnight on Phu Quoc Island.

Day 3: Phu Quoc (Natural forest in the North) (B, L) Breakfast at hotel.

Drive to the North to discover the primitive forest then visit the black peppers plantations at Khu Tuong, sightseeing at Phu Quoc national park. Enjoy swimming at the Dai beach. Have lunch in a local restaurant.

Return to your hotel. Free at leisure in the afternoon. Swimming at beautiful beach.

Overnight on Phu Quoc Island.

Day 4: Phu Quoc – Ho Chi Minh City (B) Breakfast at hotel.

Free until transfer to airport for boarding to Ho Chi Minh City or take another journey with Hapro Travel.

INCLUSIVE: • Return air ticket : Sai Gon - Phu Quoc - Sai Gon • A/C Pick up & transfer from/to airport, sight seeing.

• English speaking tour guide.

• Boat trip.

• Fishing lines, life vest, snorkeling equipment.

EXCLUSIVE: • International air ticket • Single supplement • Drinks, tips and meals not indicated in the program • Personal expense and other not indicated in the inclusion

VIETNAM BEACH BREAKS

39

HAPRO TRAVEL

HO CHI MINH CITY – PHAN THIET INF 018 –(5 DAYS)

VIETNAM HANOI

LAOS

Halong Bay

Luang Prabang

Vientiane Hue Danang Hoian

Angkor

Siem Reap

CAMBODIA Phnompenh

Muine Phanthiet

N E S

40

W Phuquoc Island

Ho Chi Minh City

VIETNAM BEACH BREAKS

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City - Phan Thiet (D) Warmly welcome and meet Hapro Travel guide, pick up and transfer to Mui Ne beach. Check in resort. Free to enjoy at one of the nicest beach which being loved by many tourists worldwide. Have welcome dinner hosted by Hapro Travel.

Overnight in Mui Ne. Day 2: Phan Thiet (B) Breakfast at the hotel, Free at leisure and indulge your self: swimming, relaxing and enjoying ...at Mui Ne beach.

Or you can take our Optional 01: White Lake Excursion - Means of conveyance: jeep ( 2-3pax/jeep) - Duration: 4 hours.

- Departure time: 7:30 a.m.

We will pick you up at your hotel for transfer to White Lake which is about 45 km from Phan Thiet city. The first stop is Mui Ne wharf. You will see the hundreds of boats of fishermen that coming back from the sea for catching sea products.

Here, you can also know deeply about the fisherman’s lifestyle. You will be taken along the seaside from Hon Rom to Bau Trang by jeep to listen to the whisper of reaching waves, feel the cool blowing breeze and gaze at the romantic slopes of never - end - white hills. You can enjoy the warm sunny shines of the tropical area as well as. You can pass to “small deserts” of the White Lake to conquer the highest hills - Virgin hill. Here you will see many white sand hills that looking at the blue fresh pure water lake. On the way back your hotel; you have

an overview with the most beautiful road of Binh Thuan. You will visit Fairy Stream and walk in water on foot with us to have a sensation of cool in your feet.

Overnight in Mui Ne. Day 3: Phan Thiet (B) Breakfast at the hotel, Free at leisure and indulge your self: swimming, relaxing and enjoying ...at Mui Ne beach.

Or you can take our Optional 02: Binh Chau hot spring Excursion - Means of conveyance: A/c transportation - Duration: 8 hours.

- Departure time: 7:30 a.m.

It takes about 2 hours from your hotel to Binh Chau hot springs. It belongs to Binh Chau Ward of Ba Ria Vung Tau province.

Here, you will see a huge hot mud and water lake with 70 spraying lots on the ground with it’s heat from 400C – 820C at a large cajuput forest. You please enjoy a fresh air by foot-bath submergence at Hue – Sai Gon – Ha Noi hot springs. You will bath submergence at the 37o C Dreamy Spring public pool. Moreover, you will take some other services such as: mud-bath, going around by ox-cart or horse cart, Crocodile angling, river fishing, etc. . . And then you will enjoy the chicken eggs at 82oC eggboiling natural well. You will have lunch at the Forest Flower restaurant at Binh Chau.

And on the back way your hotel to Ham Thuan Nam and Khe Ga beach, you’ll gaze away some famous tourist attractions, Khe Ga lighthouse and many new resorts.

Overnight in Mui Ne.

YOUR WAY TO INDOCHINA Day 4: Phan Thiet (B) Breakfast at the hotel, Free at leisure and indulge your self: swimming, relaxing and enjoying ...at Mui Ne beach.

Or you can take our Optional 03: Takou Mountain Pagoda Excursion - Means of conveyance: A/c car - Duration: 5 hours.

- Departure time: 7:30 a.m.

Takou mountain pagoda is far away from Phan Thiet city about 30 km to the South.

It takes us about 45 minutes for transfer to Takou mountain of Ham Thuan Nam district by car. You will take a modern cable car to mountain pagoda - Linh Son Truong Tho pagoda. At the height of 475 meters on the slope of the mountain, the pagoda has combined and alternated with the forest and mountain making an area of famous beautiful sights since formerly. Overall of the pagoda, you will see three entrance gates, Main Hall, The group of Amitabha Buddha Statue, Leader’s cave and a 49m length and 10m height statue of “Sakyamuni’s nirvana” lying on the highest position. To enjoy the marvelous natural sight of Takou Mountain, you will walk down the mountain and pass twisting road through the jungle by the hundreds of stairs which made from stone.

On the way back to your hotel, you will also

visit a local farmer’s dragon fruit garden.

Finally, you will stop at Phan Thiet market for shopping before ending the tour.

Overnight in Mui Ne Beach Day 5: Phan Thiet - Ho Chi Minh City Departure (B) Breakfast at the hotel, Free at leisure until pick up and transfer to Tan Son Nhat airport for departure or take another journey with Hapro Travel.

INCLUSIVE • Pick up and transfer as itinerary • English speaking local tour guide • Accommodation based on Twin or Dbl sharing room • Meals as program mentioned (B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner ) EXCLUSIVE • Drink, tips and other personal expenses • Single supplements • Optional tours • Others those not mentioned in the inclusion.

VIETNAM BEACH BREAKS

41

VIETNAM GOLF EXPERIENCE 42

VIETNAM GOLF EXPERIENCE

YOUR WAY TO INDOCHINA

NORTHERN GOLF EXPERIENCE INF 019 – (5 DAYS) HANOI – KING’S ISLAND – CHILINH STAR GOLF – HALONG BAY – HANOI A five-day golf tour that visits two finest golf courses in the North.

This golf tour allows you to immerse yourself in Hanoi, Halong Bay and its equally scenic golf courses. Hanoi is the top tourist destination, after two rounds of golf, you will have more time to stroll around or discover the ancient and charming city dated back 11th Century.

VIETNAM HANOI Haiduong

LAOS

Halong Bay

Luang Prabang

Vientiane Hue Danang Hoian

Angkor

Siem Reap

CAMBODIA Phnompenh N E S

W Phuquoc Island

Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport. Meet Hapro Travel Guide and transfer to your hotel in Hanoi. If time permits, short city tour may be provided, including a ride on a cyclo tour around the Old Quarter. Enjoy the famous water puppet show.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi – King’s Island (B) Breakfast at the hotel, Enjoy a round of golf in one of the finest golf resort - King’s Island Golf Resort in the morning. Return to Hanoi in the afternoon.

At leisure Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 3: Hanoi – Chi Linh Star Golf & Country Club – Halong Bay (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, Leave Hanoi by road for Hai Duong. Enjoy the journey through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta and the scenery of rice fields, water buffalo and everyday Vietnamese village life.

Enjoiy one round golfing at Chi Linh Star Golf & Country Club in Hai Duong. Having lunch before continuing to Halong Bay. Check in hotel in Halong and have dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Halong.

Day 4: Halong Bay - Hanoi (B, L) Breakfast at the hotel,

Morning transfer to the boat pier for boarding a private junk for a 5-hour cruise on the emerald green waters of Ha Long Bay, among the 3,000 spectacular limestone islands. Visit the recently discovered Surprise Grotto with its great views, and on the next island see the yawning mouth of Bo Nau Cave. Alternatively, journey to Dau Go Cave and nearby see the famous stalagmites and stalactites of Thien Cung Cave.

The cruise ends with a fresh seafood lunch on board before heading back to Ha Long, then on to Hanoi. Arrive in Hanoi around 18:00.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 5: Hanoi Departure (B) Breakfast at the hotel, Free at leisure until transfer to the airport for departure flight. End of all services.

INCLUSIVE • Ac transfer with driver • Tour guide if required • Meals (B: breakfast; L: lunch; D: dinner) • Accommodation (double/ twin sharing) • Green and caddie fees • Entrance fees • Cruise through Halong Bay • Tax and service charges.

EXCLUSIVE • All airfares • Visa arrangement • Refreshment and buggy/shoe/clubs rental fees • Travel insurance • Personal expenses (drinks, extra services and tip) and all others those not mentioned in the inclusion.

VIETNAM GOLF EXPERIENCE

43

HAPRO TRAVEL

SAIGON - DALAT - MUI NE GOLF TOUR INF 020 – (10 DAYS)

SAIGON – DALAT – MUI NE - SAIGON A ten-day golf tour around the South to best known golf courses.

This tour allows you not only to best golf courses and beaches but to immerse yourself in Ho Chi Minh City, which is still called Saigon by many locals. The streets and sidewalks overflow with the business of commerce, something that has always come quite naturally to the Saigonese. An endless stream of humanity on motor scooters, bicycles, cars and cyclos crowds every streets. New restaurants, bar and cafes catering to naturally-sociable Saigonese, who stay up until late at night partying and relaxing, in contrast to early-to-bed Hanoi reflect the air of a modern, yet still developing, always on the move, Asian city.

Day 1: Saigon Arrival Arrive at Tan Son Nhat Airport. Meet Hapro Travel Guide and transfer to your hotel in Saigon. At leasure and overnight in Saigon.

VIETNAM HANOI

LAOS

Halong Bay

Luang Prabang

Vientiane Hue Danang Hoian

Angkor

Siem Reap

CAMBODIA Phnompenh N E S

44

Dalat

Muine

Phanthiet W Phuquoc Island

Ho Chi Minh City

VIETNAM GOLF EXPERIENCE

Day 2: Saigon Golf Tour (B) Morning transfer to Vietnam Golf and Country Club (www.vietnamgolfcc.com) – a beautiful 300 hectare of green site with two 18-hole courses surrounded with lakes and natural contours. This is the first International 36-holes golf club in Vietnam and is widely regarded as Vietnam’s Premier Golf and Country Club. Return to HCMC in the evening and overnight.

Day 3: Saigon - Dalat (B) At leisure until transfer to the airport for a short flight to Dalat, where located around five thousand feet above the sea level.

Dependant on arrival time and day light hours, a few holes of twilight golf could be possible before dinner. Overnight at the Sofitel Dalat.

Day 4: Dalat Golfing (B, L) We spend the whole morning at Dalat Golf Palace. After a successful round of golf, have lunch, then take an afternoon exploring the tiny town, including a visit to the Buddha Monastery. Free at leisure and overnight in Dalat.

Day 5: Dalat - Phan Thiet (B, L) After breakfast we drive from Dalat to the Beach Resort in Phan Thiet. A half way break for lunch. Up on arrival, check in at the Novotel Hotel which is situated on the Beach adjacent to the South China Sea and overlooks the Ocean Dunes Golf Club.

Free at your own leisure for the rest of day.

Day 6: Golfing at Ocean Dunes Golf Club (B) Enjoy an early morning round of golf at the only and finest course designed by Nick Faldo. You can play one more round in the afternoon and then you will be free at leisure at one of the best beaches in Vietnam.

Day 7: Golfing at Ocean Dunes Golf Club (B) Today, you will challenge another golf round but in different direction. If you do not like, take the day off to relax and unwind. Go to the beach and soak in the rays.

Day 8: Phan Thiet - Saigon (B) It’s time to head back to Saigon - 200km from Phan Thiet. Free for shopping. At leasure and overnight in Saigon.

YOUR WAY TO INDOCHINA Day 9: Golfing at Song Be Golf Resort (B) Morning transfer to Song Be Golf Resort where you will enjoy a full 18 hole in the middle of a stunning countryside. Return to HCMC in the evening and overnight in Saigon Day 10: Saigon Departure (B) Free until transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for departure flight.

End of the itinerary.

INCLUSIVE • Private air-con transfer with driver • Tour guide if required • Meals (B: breakfast; L: lunch; D: dinner) • Accommodation (double/ twin sharing) • Green and caddie fees • Entrance fee and sightseeing tickets • Tax and service charges.

EXCLUSIVE • All airfares • Visa arrangements •Refreshments and buggy/shoe/clubs rental fees • Travel insurance • Personal expenses (drinks, extra services and tips) and all others those not mentioned in the inclusion.

VIETNAM GOLF EXPERIENCE

45

INDOCHINA DISCOVERY 46

INDOCHINA DISCOVERY

YOUR WAY TO INDOCHINA

SAIGON TO PHNOMPENH HOLIDAY INF 021 – (6 DAYS)

HO CHI MINH CITY - TAYNINH - CUCHI - SIEM RIEP - ANGKOR - PHNOMPENH After visiting Saigon with Reunification Hall, City hall, Notre Dame Cathedral, War Crimes Museum, China Town, Ben Thanh Market and the Tay Ninh – Cu Chi Tunnels, you will be picked up for your flight to Siem Reap. The biggest attraction for most visitors are the temple ruins at Angkor, just a few kilometers from the colonial city of Siem Reap. Well preserved stone temple ruins dating back about 1,000 years cover an area of 200 square kilometers.

Visitors can easily spend several days exploring here, taking in the thousands of exquisite statues and bas relief carvings that adorn the walls of seemingly endless temple buildings and chedis (stone spires).

A cruise on the Tonle Sap -- Asia’s largest freshwater lake -- is also a memorable experience.

The nine square kilometres of Angkor Thom reflect the transition from Hinduism to Mahayana Buddhism and contains the remarkable Bayon, and the famous Elephant and Leper King Terraces. Other temples and monuments have their own distinctive features.

VIETNAM Halong Bay

HANOI

LAOS Luang Prabang

Vientiane Hue Danang Hoian

Angkor Siem Reap

CAMBODIA N E S

Tayninh Cuchi

Phnompenh W Phuquoc Island

Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City (D) Arrive at Tan Son Nhat airport, meet your Hapro Travel Guide then transfer to hotel, take some time resting before city tour, you will visit sites of Reunification Hall, City Hall, Notre Dame Cathedral, War Crimes Museum, China Town, Ben Thanh Market.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City – Tay Ninh Cuchi Tunnels (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, Morning transfer to Tay Ninh with the Great Cao Dai Temple (a mixture of Buddhism, Confucius, Taoism, Hinduism and Christian).

You see the noon mass. Lunch in Tay Ninh.

Afternoon you visit Cu Chi - a fabulous tunnel. You will have the opportunity to get the unique experience of guerrillas living and fighting underground during the war (a crawl through 50 -100 meters out 200 km of the tunnel system is unforgettable).

Local rice paper workshops, nice paddy

fields are pleasant sights on the way. Have dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City – Siem Reap (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, You are free until transfer to the airport for the flight to Siem Reap to discover the spectacular temples of Angkor Wat. Upon arrival we check in the hotel and start exploring Angkor Wat. This afternoon we visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom, famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone, then the impressive Bayon Temple, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King. In the afternoon we continue with visit Taprohm. In the late afternoon we walk up Phnom Bakheng Hill to see the sunset over the magnificent ruins of Angkor.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 4: Angkor Complex (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, In the morning we will drive beyond the main Angkor complex to visit another favourite temple amongst visitors – the enchanting Banteay Srei: It appears that the temple was designed to leave no space undecorated, and the fine carvings in the pink sandstone are quite unique.

Banteay Samre: built in the third quarter of the 12th century. It consists of a central temple with four wings preceded by a hall and accompanied by two libraries, the

INDOCHINA DISCOVERY

47

HAPRO TRAVEL southern most of which is remarkably well preserved. Two concentric walls enclosed the ensemble. After lunch you will visit The Royal city off Srah Srang: A Royal bathing place. Banteay Kdei or the Citadel of Cells: surrounded by 4 concentric walls. Ta Prohm a favourite amongst visitors because it has become part of the jungle. Ta Keo Further east along the victory road you will get to Tekeo. Jayavarman V began construction work on the temple, one of the firsts to built put of sandstone. Prasat Kraven: brick temple guilt by Hashavarman in the first quarter of the 10th century, small but worth the visit.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 5: Siem Reap - Phnompenh (B, L, D) Breakfast at the hotel, Pick up to the airport for the flight to Phnompenh, the capital of Cambodia in the morning. On arrival we check in the hotel and are free at leisure. After lunch, we will start touring around Phnompenh. Firstly, we will visit the Royal Palace compound built in 1866 by the Predecessors of King Norodom - the most conspicuous feature and also an impressive colourful Khmerstyle Palace. Nearside the Royal Palace is Silver pagoda (the Emerald Buddha temple),

48

INDOCHINA DISCOVERY

displaying plenty of Buddha Statues that were decorated and made with diamonds, emerald, gold and silver. You will proceed to visit Independence Monument which was constructed in 1954 after Cambodia took their country back from French colony; continuing visit to National Museum - the distinctive red building with a beautiful Khmer architecture was built since 1917 and contains more than 5000 art objects made of sandstone, bronze, silver, copper, wood and others. The rest of day, you will shopping and excursion at the Central Market and Toul Tompong Market where you will feel a bustling daily life of local people with Cambodia’s special character through local specialties, their houses, their faces, Palaces and buildings of Khmer & Colonial style architecture.

Overnight in Phnompenh.

Day 6: Phnom Penh Departure (B) Breakfast at the hotel, Free until transfer to the airport for departure flight.

INCLUSIVE • Air ticket (HCM City – Siem Riep/ Siem Riep – Phnom Penh) • Private transfer with air-conditioner as indicated in the program • Accommodation based on twin/double sharing • All entrance fees and sight seeing tickets as indicated in the program • Meals as indicated in the program (B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner) EXCLUSIVE • Drink, tips and other personal expenses • Single supplements • Personal expenses and others those not mentioned in the inclusive

YOUR WAY TO INDOCHINA

INDOCHINA HOLIDAY INF 022 – (16 DAYS)

HCMC – DANANG - HOIAN - HUE – SAVANNAKHET - TAD FANE FALLS – FOUR THOUSAND ISLANDS – KRATIE – PHNOM PENH – SIEM REAP From the colourful coast of Vietnam to the staggering temples of Cambodia and the wonderful waterways of Laos, Indochina offers an extraordinary array of landscapes and architecture, culture and cuisine, together with charming and hospitable people. And through it flows the Mekong, winding its way from the Tibetan Plateau bringing a mysterious romance to these far-flung eastern lands.

Our exciting Indochina Explorer Tour takes you through all of these fascinating countries on an epic 18-day itinerary, where you will take a night train through Vietnam, ride elephants in Laos and witness the Angkor Temple Complex.

VIETNAM HANOI

LAOS

Halong Bay

Luang Prabang

Vientiane Hue Danang

Savanakhet

Hoian Tad Fane Angkor

Don Khon Siem Reap

CAMBODIA N E S

Kratie

Phnompenh W Phuquoc Island

Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh arrival (D) Arriving at Tan Son Nhat airport in Ho Chi Minh City. Meet Hapro Travel Guide and transfer to your hotel. At leasure before a welcome dinner and overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City - Danang (B, L, D) A day to get over the rigours of the journey plus a chance to look around the sights.

Lunch at a traditional Pho Restaurant. We will take a boat up the river to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds. We will also visit some of the city’s colourful markets.

After dinner we transfer to the station for the overnight train to Danang and sleep in 6-bunk air-conditioned cabins while travelling north on the Reunification Express.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 3: Danang - Hoian (B, L, D) After some beautiful scenery we arrive in DaNang this afternoon, transfer to mini vans and drive for an hour to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hoi An. Unbombed and authentic, sitting on the banks of the Thu Bon River, Hoi An - in our opinion - is the most enchanting town in Vietnam. Full of French Colonial and traditional Chinese

and Vietnamese architecture, nothing has changed for 200 years. We will stay at Vinh Hung I Hotel: a stunning classic Chinese trading house in the middle of the Old Town.

Overnight in Hoi An. Day 4: Hoian (B, L, D) A full day to take in Hoi An. We start by riding in cyclos around the old town to orientate ourselves, followed by a gentle cruise up the river. After lunch and a rest during the midday heat we will spend the rest of the day exploring this beautiful town. Everything is within a short stroll of the accommodation.

Overnight in Hoi An. Day 5: Hoian – Hue (B, L, D) After breakfast we drive over a stunning pass to Hue, via a delicious seafood restaurant.

We will visit the site of the ancient Imperial citadel - and check into our hotel on the banks of the Perfume River. In the evening we head out for dinner in a beautiful old colonial building. It’s the place to eat, with meals prepared in the traditional style of Hue’s Imperial Court and a closely guarded Wild Frontiers secret.

Overnight in Hue. Day 6: Hue – Savannakhet (B, L, D) Leave Hue early and strike out for the border with Laos. After a beautiful journey over the central highlands and passing through the DMZ (Demilitarised Zone) and scene of the Vietnam War’s most famous siege (Khe Sanh), we forge onwards to the sleepy French colonial town of Savannakhet

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HAPRO TRAVEL on the Mekong. The drive takes all day, passing through some wonderfully typical Laos countryside and parts of the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Savannakhet is an often-missed destination in Laos but is really worth a stopover to recharge the batteries and sip a beer in one of the town’s colonial cafes.

Overnight in Savannakhet.

Day 7: Savannakhet – Tad Fane Falls (B, L, D) Early morning drive due south, hugging the Lao/Thai border and arrive in Pakse for a drink at the Royal Champassak Palace. Then we head east to the Bolaven Plateau and Tad Fane eco resort overlooking the twin waterfalls. After lunch we walk through the (now unused) coffee plantation and forest to another set of falls. We can also visit a working coffee plantation and a tea plantation. We return to our huts for a shower and snooze, after which we will meet up for pre-dinner drinks then have dinner in the lodge.

Overnight in Savannakhet.

Day 8: Tad Fane Falls – Four Thousand Islands (B, L, D) Another early start to visit Wat Phu, an Angkor era temple in southern Laos. Don’t expect the crowds of Angkor Wat as we spend 2-3 hours exploring this obscure ruin… another UNESCO World Heritage Site. We continue south to Four Thousand Islands to begin the river section of the journey and what we’re sure you will feel is one of the highlights of the trip. Travelling in boats around a series of islands in

the middle of the Mekong’s widest spot – 18kms at some points – indescribable beauty greets us as we travel into the heart of light to visit some of the most beautiful and unspoilt subsistence communities in Southeast Asia. Almost totally undiscovered by tourism, you will be one of the first to take word of this region back home.

Overnight in Four thousand Islands.

Day 9: Four thousand Islands (B, L, D) In the morning we can cycle around the islands or take the opportunity to board a longtail boat with our guides. Apart from that we will just soak it all up. It is also possible to take boats out from the southern tip of the island to see the last few Irrawaddy dolphins in Indochina (if we’re very lucky). Beautiful walks abound so the afternoon is free to find your own perfect spot.

Overnight in Four thousand Islands.

Day 10: Four Thousand Islands – Kratie (B, L, D) We bid farewell to Don Khon very early in the morning and take a gentle boat ride to the Lao-Cambodian border. Speedboats then whiz us swiftly through bizarre flooded forest terrain to Stung Treng, where we will be met by our Cambodian guide and continue our adventure down river by speedboat. It should be an unusual day. After being dropped off near Kratie we will check into our hotel on the riverbank and relax before dinner.

Overnight in Kratie.

Day 11: Kratie – Phnom Penh (B, L, D) After breakfast we will leave Kratie and drive south to Phnom Penh – a city of coffee, croissants and Machiavellian coalitions.

All crumbling colonial architecture, this is a truly fascinating city in a country with a dark past. This evening, we will have dinner at a traditional Cambodian roadside restaurant. Then on to the FCC, where we retire upstairs to soak up the atmosphere.

Back to the Billabong with its lush garden and swimming pool…..it’s a hidden oasis in the heart of Phnom Penh.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 12: Phnom Penh (B, L, D) No need for an early rise today! Visit highlights of Phnom Penh in the morning, including National Museum and the Royal Palace. After lunch at the Bhoddi Tree there is time to visit the Genocide museum. An early afternoon rest is followed by trips to the Central Market and the Russian Market. Dinner at a lovely Balinese riverside restaurant.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

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Day 13: Phnom Penh (B, L, D) This morning we take tuk-tuks for a tour of the city. Great fun. The afternoon is free to relax in a roadside cafe or shop. We meet again around 4 p.m. for a slow boat ride along the promenade to the Mekong and watch the sun set over Phnom Penh. Then on to the FCC for dinner and drinks overlooking the busy life on the waterfront.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 14: Phnom Penh – Siem Reap (B, L, D) Transfer to airport for morning flight to Siem Reap and the magnificent Angkor Temple Complex. We check into the sumptuously restored FCC Siem Reap, with its private swimming pool and garden. Freshen up before going to Angkor Wat and a guided tour of the temples. We will go back the hotel and rest before heading back to the temples in the late afternoon. Dinner at the best local Khmer back-street restaurant in Siem Reap.

Overnight in Siem Riep.

Day 15: Siem Reap (B, L, D) We have an entire day to visit the most interesting of the temples. The Bayon, Ta Promh and Preah Khan will be achievable in one day and encompass the best that the Angkor group has to offer. The last two temples have been left to the jungle and are virtually held together by huge tree roots. Then on for drinks and dinner at the FCC Siem Reap. A wander around town (or tuk-tuk ride) and a nightcap on Siem Reap’s strip of bars before bed.

Overnight in Siem Riep.

Day 16: Siem Reap departure (B) We have most of the day to shop and leasure, visit the markets and just soak up the last few hours in Cambodia. Those who want, can visit more temples until the time for transfer to the airport for departure flight.

INCLUSIVE • All transfer ticket as specified in the program.

• Private transfer with air-conditioner as indicated in the program •Accommodation based on twin/double sharing •All entrance fees and sight seeing tickets as indicated in the program • Meals as indicated in the program (B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner) EXCLUSIVE • Drink, tips and other personal expenses • Single supplements •Personal expenses and others those not mentioned in the inclusive

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