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| Kuoni Travel — Indochina, Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos 2008 |
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 | North Vietnam - inc Halong bay and Hanoi (8 pages) |
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Page Text Content
A heady mix of wonderful sightseeing, beautiful scenery and charming, friendly people.
north vietnam
From lofty mountains densely clad in a coat of trees to the incredible limestone rock formations in Halong Bay, this is one of the most scenically magnificent areas of the country. You will see the unique contrast of mountain villages inhabited by tribes virtually untouched by western influence and the urban bustle of the capital, Hanoi. A journey through North Vietnam will give you memories to last a lifetime.
INFORMATION Population: Hanoi 4,100,000 Airport: Noi Bai International Airport serves Hanoi. Weather: Generally good Jan-May and Sep-Dec, some showers Jun-Aug. Local Transport: Traffic in the main cities and towns is frantic. Buses are best avoided, instead take a taxi (metered or unmetered) or go local with a `cyclo', essentially a bicycle with a seat at the front. Both offer good value, although be prepared to barter with unmetered taxis. Outside the major cities, bicycles are an excellent way to see the local areas. Shops: Open 9-5 MonSat, many remaining open later. Souvenirs: Hanoi's Old Quarter is a heady mix of everything you could wish for. Try the streets of Cau Go and Hong Gai for Vietnamese lacquerware, sandalwood, ceramics and inlaid mother of pearl. NORTH VIETNAM REGIONAL MAP China
Lao Cai Sapa
Vietnam
Hanoi
Laos
Mai Chau Ky Son
Halong Bay Haiphong Ninh Binh
Sam Son G U L F Vinh
OF TONKIN
Thailand
Lao Bao
Hanoi is your gateway to this region of the country and you should certainly stay a night or two. If you want to explore independently there are metered taxis and for the really adventurous you can also hire a bicycle and travel as the locals do. Be sure to include a visit to Sapa where there is an old French colonial hill station. At weekends there are lively markets where the locals come to shop. From June to August the weather is warm (although wet) whilst from November to April it is cool and in the mountains especially, it can sometimes reach freezing.
Cambodia
see & do
HANOI Considered by many to be one of the most beautiful cities in South East Asia it offers lakes, immaculately manicured parks and wide, shady, tree lined boulevards. There is plenty to see and do here with many fine old buildings to explore, more than 600 pagodas and Hoan Kiem Lake at the heart of the city. Some of the most popular things to see include Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum, the Temple of Literature and the One Pillar Pagoda. If your time is short it is a good idea to take an organised tour which will enable you to take in the city's highlights. HALONG BAY All along the coastline are more than 3,000 huge limestone rock formations, quite spectacular and considered by many to be a wonder of the natural world. A traditional Junk cruise is the best way to see this awe inspiring place. Little wonder that it has been used for the backdrop for countless movies. 64 WATER PUPPET SHOWS This fantastic form of performance art is unique to Vietnam and Hanoi in particular is one of the best places to take in a show. The origins of water puppetry date back to the 10th Century when farmers devised a means of entertainment using their natural environment of rice paddies and lakes. SAPA This French hill station built in 1922 sits amongst riverine landscapes against a backdrop of lush forested mountains. Home to a number of minority groups, this delightful area is ideal for trekking and escaping the hustle and bustle of Hanoi's busy streets.
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