|
Muir's
Tours -
Vietnam
Adenture |
North Vietnam
- Land of Adventure
A mix of culture with
Biking, Hiking and Kayaking
Discover the excitement and charm of northern Vietnam as we
explore the hill villages on foot and on our bikes. Then
after trekking in the country’s mountainous north west and staying with
ethnic people in their own homes, we switch across to the north east to swim and
kayak amid the stunning backdrop of Halong Bay. This trip
can be extended to include 4 more days on Halong Bay, or time in other
parts of this elongated country.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi
Begin the tour with a full day city
tour. In the evening, sit back and enjoy a water puppet show – a performing art
unique to Vietnam. (B,L)
Day 2: Hanoi - Mai Chau (Cycle
75km)
After breakfast, take a support vehicle and drive out of Hanoi
heading west for Luong Son town. From here, set off on bikes and ride along the
scenic road for about 25 km to Hoa Binh town. After lunch, continue to Mai Chau.
Overnight at Mai Chau Lodge. (B,L,D)
Day 3: Mai Chau (Cycle 40
Km)
Today is a more challenging day climbing hills and descending into
valleys. The ride will take you through several traditional and friendly hill
tribes before making the loop back to Mai Chau valley. Overnight at Mai Chau
Lodge. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Mai Chau - Son La (150 Km /
Part-cycle)
Son La is notable for the colorful ethnic minorities, the terraced
rice fields, the tea plantations and delicious mangoes. Arrive in Son La
mid-afternoon and enjoy some free time to discover the town.
(B,L,D)
Day 5: Son La – Dien Bien Phu(160 Km /
Part-cycle)
The scenery from Son La and Dien Bien Phu is extremely
breathtaking. The early start this morning gives the opportunity to visit one or
two colorful markets. After checking into the hotel, you will enjoy a tour of
historic Dien Bien Phu. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Dien Bien Phu - Tam Duong (210 Km /
Part-cycle)
Today’s cycling is simply a great experience. The scenery is
nothing short of breathtaking. Arrive in Tam Duong in the late afternoon.
(B,L,D)
Day 7: Tam Duong - Sapa(73 Km /
Part-cycle)
This morning, visit a colorful hill tribe market before making the
ride up to Sapa. The ride today is more challenging cycling 26 km uphill to Tram
Ton pass. Reach Sapa by mid afternoon and spend the remainder of the day
strolling around town. (NB: support vehicles are available for those that wish
not to ride) (B,L)
Day 8: Sapa - Trek &
Homestay
This morning, drive 7 km before commencing downhill walk to visit
Lao Chai, the village of the Black Hmong people. Continue to walk 2 hours to
visit the Zay minority at Ta Van. Then take a jeep transfer into the heart of
the hill tribe region and continue trekking downhill to Thanh Phu, to spend the
night in a stilt house of the Tay people. (B,L,D)
Day 9: Sapa Trek &
Homestay
After breakfast, trek to the village of the Xa Pho tribe, the
smallest ethnic group in Sapa who have very little contact with modern Vietnam.
Continue to trek up to Nam Toong and visit the Nam Ken Village of Red Zao.
Overnight in a homestay. (B,L,D)
Day 10: Sapa -
Hanoi
After breakfast there will be a 2 hour uphill trek to Su Pan
before a jeep transfer to Sapa town. Afternoon is free in town. Catch the
overnight sleeper train to Hanoi. (B,L)
Day 11: Hanoi – Halong
Bay
Arriving in Hanoi early morning, transfer to Halong bay. Today is
a well deserved day of relaxation, cruising Halong bay. Swimming, sunbathing,
cave exploring or night fishing and kayaking are activities available during the
trip. (B,L,D)
Day 12: Halong
Bay
Continue to cruise around the bay to find more secluded areas to
either swim or kayak in. As the sun begins to set, relax with a refreshing drink
and gaze upon the natural splendor of the bay. (B,L,D)
Day 13: Halong Bay –
Hanoi
Whist having breakfast, enjoy a 2 hour cruise heading back to Halong City
where the vehicle is waiting. Transfer back to Hanoi and enjoy a free afternoon
and evening. (B)
Dates - 2008:
29-Apr,
13-May, 27-May, 10-Jun, 24-Jun (2 places free), 08-Jul, 22-Jul, 05-Aug (sold
out), 19-Aug (2 places free), 02-Sep, 16-Sep, 30-Sep, 14-Oct,
28-Oct, 11-Nov (3places free), 25-Nov, 09-Dec and 23-Dec
2008.
When to Go:
Being a long country the seasons vary up and down
the country, but be prepared for some rain whatever time of year you travel. The
better periods for travel, if you are going from end to end, is February to
April and November. In the north, it is most likely to rain in July and August
and can be cold in the hills from November till February. The south can be very
hot in July and August, whilst recent years have seen heavy rain during
September and October.
Email
for current price and availability
Price Indication Per Person 2008:
AUD1750 / GBP730 / USD1280
Single Supplement:
AUD400 / GBP175 / USD300
/ CAD345
The base currency
is the US Dollar.
A fluctuation in exchange rates could involve
an adjustment in the price payable if paid in another currency.
Calculated
when 1GBP = 1.7< /FONT > 53USD.
You can
book as an individual, but we need a minimum of 2 for the trip to proceed
at these prices. The maximum number in the group is 8.
Deposit:
AUD600 / GBP200 / USD400 / CAD500 per person
Balance Due Date:
60
days prior to departure.
Payment by credit
card (deposits only,
unless you accept a 4% service charge),
cheque or direct transfer to our bank account, in US Dollars ideally
or GB Pounds.
What
is Included
Accommodation is based on twin
sharing rooms in 3 star hotels or family homes. Meals included as indicated in the itinerary. All transfers
and sightseeing indicated in the itinerary to be provided with driver.
Local English-speaking guide in every destination. All admissions, tolls,
and other sightseeing fees. Air tickets as detailed below:-
Domestic Air tickets
• Hoi
An – Ho Chi Minh City
What
is Not Included
The price allows for joining in Hanoi and does not include international
airfare. Airport and passenger taxes (local
or international). All visa processing costs and fees. Travel and medical
insurance. Any items of a personal nature such as gratuities to
driver/guides, beverages, telephone / telex / fax charges and
laundry. Services or meals NOT indicated on the itinerary. vaccination
costs, personal clothing and equipment, all items of a personal nature and
all alcoholic and bottled / canned drinks.
Airfare (from the UK)
As a guide, the international airfare should be in the
range £450 to £600 for economy class to Hanoi.
Visas
UK and US passport holders should have no problems in being
granted a visa.
Travel
Insurance
Comprehensive personal
insurance, including search and rescue is required on this trip.
For UK clients we recommend
the policies of the British Mountaineering Council, for their expertise in
evacuation from remote areas worldwide. Details at www.thebmc.co.uk
As Insurance is always
provided by a company based in your home country, we are unable to suggest
suitable insurance companies unless you reside in the UK.
