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vietnam
the spirit of vietnam northbound
Original
10 days, Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi
Departs every Mon, Wed & Sat itiNerary... Days 1-2 ho chi Minh city The endless energy of Ho Chi Minh City will surely put a spring in your step. Why not soak it all up while sipping a cocktail at a rooftop bar or get right in the *plus Local Payment US$100
Physical culture shock
middle of it eating steaming pho at a street stall? Later, delve into an underground world of guerilla warfare in the incredible Cu Chi Tunnels. Days 3-4 hoi an Lined with centuries-old temples, houses and community halls, Hoi An offers plenty of places to explore. The many art galleries, shops and restaurants are also a great way to wile away time. Days 5-6 hue Head up into the clouds, driving over the aptly-named Sky-Cloud Pass en route to the regal city of Hue. Sense the spirits of the Nguyen dynasty amid the intricate tombs, ruined palaces and pagodas within the crumbling citadel walls. Theres also a chance to eat like the emperors once did, sampling royal rice cakes in the many riverfront restaurants. Day 7 hanoi Rub shoulders with sombre groups of local Vietnamese in Ba Dinh Square, all here to pay respects to the countrys revolutionary leader, embalmed and displayed in a glass case in the imposing mausoleum. Afterwards, discover the old Asia of dreams, all exotic smells and sights, in the evocative Old Quarter. Day 8 halong Bay Thousands of towering limestone peaks form a stunning backdrop for a relaxing overnight boat trip over the deep green waters of the bay. Days 9-10 hanoi Back in the capital, theres time for a cyclo ride past old French-style mansions, to peruse silk shops in Hang Gai or to relax with a ca phe sua nong (hot coffee with milk) in an atmospheric cafe.
accoMMoDatioN Hotels (7 nts), boat (1 nt) overnight train (1 nt) traNsPort Plane, overnight train, minibus, boat, cyclo GrouP siZe Max 12 Meals 9 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner BuDGet Allow US$150 for meals not included DeParts Every Mon, Wed & Sat GuaraNtee Departure guaranteed traVeller ratiNG 4.59 out of 5 triP coDe Intrepid Photography Competition 2007, Artist at work - Zilpher Thompson
" see the sights of ho chi Minh city from a cyclo " Discover the temples of charming hoi an " experience the magic of halong Bay " explore colonial hanoi
vsq
sapa adventure
independent
6 days, ex Hanoi
Departs daily itiNerary... Days 1-2 hanoi Staying in the heart of Hanois fabulous Old Quarter, theres lots to explore just outside your door. Tour the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex before giving in to the temptation of the many street stalls selling local snacks and souvenirs. Wander around the parks and lakes which help make
Physical culture shock
Hanoi one of the greenest cities in Asia or sit and watch the turtles of Hoan Kiem Lake. Board a sleeper train to Sapa, the homeland of Vietnams many minorities. Day 3 sapa Travel through dramatic mountainous terrain en route to Sapa, where theres time to trek to Cat Cat village, home to the Hmong hilltribe. Meet Blue and Black Hmong tribespeople and maybe pick up local handicrafts at the colourful village market. Ta Phin villlage can be reached by xe om (motorbike taxi) and gives wonderful insight into the lives of the Dao people. The women here are particularly striking, with their jewellery-studded scarlet turbans and shaved eyebrows. Day 4 hilltribe trek Stretch those legs on a long, scenic trek along buffalo paths. Stop in at friendly hilltribe villages, enjoy a picnic lunch and spend a memorable night in the home of a Zay family in Ta Van Village. Zay tribespeople are adept at rice cultivation and are responsible for tending to the manicured rice terraces that stretch as far as the eye can see. Days 5-6 overnight train/hanoi Hike through more stunning rural countryside before returning to Sapa by private vehicle. Theres time for a warming cup of traditional Vietnamese coffee in one of the many hotel cafes before boarding a sleeper train back to the capital.
Intrepid Photography Competition 2007, Sapa girl and bub, Vietnam - Cherie Morrison accoMMoDatioN Hotels (2 nts), homestay (1 nt), overnight trains (2 nts) traNsPort Overnight train, minibus, walking Meals 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner BuDGet Allow US$50 for meals not included DeParts Daily, subject to availability Notes 1. Roundtrip airport to hotel transfers are included, please advise of flight details at least 14 days in advance. 2. Some accommodation may be multishare traVeller ratiNG 4.85 out of 5 triP coDe
" Visit the former French hill station of sapa " trek through the spectacular scenery of North Vietnam " experience life in a hilltribe village " Meet friendly hmong tribespeople
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