Proposal: Vietnam - Cambodia Tour

 

Group name: Sandra and Joel Barkan

Group size: 2 pax

Travel period: February 09 – 26, 2009

 

Itinerary Outline

Bangkok – Hanoi – Ha Long Bay – Can Cau - Bac Ha – Hoang Su Phi – Thac Ba –

Da Nang/Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City – Siem Reap – Bangkok

 

Day to Day Itinerary

 

Monday, February 09 Hanoi Arrival

Upon arrival you will be met at Noi Bai International Airport by a driver with a signboard and transferred to the Church Hotel.  The hotel is on a street with several restaurants and easy walking distance to Hoan Kiem Lake.

 

Accommodation: Church Hotel Hanoi  

Meals: none

 

Tuesday, February 10 Hanoi Tour

 

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.

After lunch, you’ll drive to the excellent Ethnology Museum for an overview of Vietnam’s 54 distinct ethnic groups in anticipation of your trip to the north of Vietnam. Followed by a visit to the serene Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest in Hanoi, on the banks of Hanoi’s Ho Tay (West) Lake. The bustling Old Quarter is a magnet for visitors, it’s noisy and hectic, but definitely a ‘must-see’ attraction. The Old Quarter is a maze of shopping streets and restaurants with a hodgepodge of architecture - traditional tube houses, religious buildings, artisans’ workshops and cottages, colonial houses and modern concrete edifices.

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). The guide will not accompany you to the theater, only transport to and from your hotel.

We’ll arrange your program to avoid the busy times at popular destinations.

 

Accommodation: Church Hotel Hanoi 

Meals: B, L, G, T

Wednesday, February 11 Free Day in Hanoi

 

Today is a free day and an option (as quoted) is to meet a local Hanoi artist for some time.  Taxi around the city is the transportation mode for the day and the hotel reception can assist with translations for each destination you desire to visit.

Alternative for Day 2: ‘Secret Art Tour’ 

In the morning, you’ll visit Hanoi’s Fine Art Museum for an overview and historical perspective of Vietnamese art. Then you’ll call in on two or three of the better commercial galleries in the city. If there are any good exhibitions running at the time, they could replace one or more of the gallery visits according to your preference.

After lunch, you can tune yourself in with some traditional Vietnamese music. A local musician, Mr. Ba Pho, will guide you through his music studio displaying many rare and unique Vietnamese musical instruments. Ba Pho’s enthusiastic insight into the origins of these instruments is extraordinary: he's also well-schooled in the geography and history of the Vietnamese ethnic minorities.

The best way to experience his vast collection is by listening to them in concert. An exclusive hour-long performance by Ba Pho can be arranged for an extra fee. Your afternoon will be your own. Finally, you’ll meet another artist who brush-paints traditional Vietnamese calligraphy at the Old House in the Hanoi Old Quarter.

 

Accommodation: Church Hotel Hanoi

Meals: B

 

Thursday, February 12 Hanoi - Ha Long

 

After an early breakfast, you’ll leave for Ha Long Bay, one of the most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Areas and the world’s largest marine limestone ‘karst’ landscape. There you’ll board a wooden junk to take you round the Bay before stopping off at a beach on an island. Weather permitting, you’ll be able to swim, fish, and climb a hill (not a mountain!) for an overview of the Bay’s remarkable seascape. From there, you’ll continue your cruise to visit a fishing village - you’ll also have an opportunity to explore one of the bay’s sea level caves in a small sampan or a kayak. The route is designed to avoid the busy areas and includes a very quiet location for your overnight stay.

For your two-day Ha Long excursion, you'll board the Valentine Junk, one of the best wooden boats on the Bay. It’s a wooden junk based on the model of the old Vietnamese court vessels with two barge sails, a wide transom and a rectangular superstructure. The vessel has several cabins and most likely other couples will be aboard. All cabins are air-conditioned and have windows overlooking the bay. Each Deluxe cabin is furnished with two twin beds or a double queen size bed. The interior panelling, floor and furniture are made of hard wood. Each cabin has a wardrobe, desk, pillows, white cotton sheets, and an en-suite toilet and shower with a good selection of high-quality toiletries.  All meals, usually based on fresh seafood, will be provided on board. Kayaking is available upon request and at surcharge.

 

Note: The use of kayaking is not included in the price, this option you may choose while you are on the junk.
 
Accommodation:  Valentine Junk, www.valentinejunk.com
Services/Meals: B, L, D, DP

 

Friday, February 13 Ha Long – Hanoi – Lao Cai

You’ll wake in the fresh air on the bay with a swim and/or a Yoga session on the large sundeck (beginners welcome!). After a light pastry and a tea or coffee for breakfast, you’ll dock to visit one of the most famous caves in the Bay. You’ll return to the junk for a brunch while cruising back to dock around noon whereupon you’ll leave for Hanoi. Arriving at your hotel in the mid-afternoon, the remainder of the day will be your own.

In the evening, a car will arrive to take you to Hanoi railway station in time to board the 21.15 overnight sleeper to Lao Cai.

 

Accommodation: Fansipan Express Train, private cabin (twin beds)
Services/Meals: Brunch, DP

Saturday, February 14: Lao Cai – Can Cau Market – Bac Ha

You’ll arrive in the early morning, where you’ll be met and taken by jeep to visit Can Cau market frequented by ethnic minority peoples every Satyrday. After a picnic lunch, you’ll continue your journey to Bac Ha where you’ll spend the night.

 

Although it’s quite a long drive, the landscape is attractive and the ethnic markets are a fascinating experience. Unlike those in the tourist areas, the markets that we choose are not only for buying and selling, but are also meeting places for ethnic minority people to meet and exchange news. There will be plenty of colour and authentic costumes, but very little to buy as souvenirs unless you want to barter for a water buffalo or a sack of fertilizer!

 

Accommodation: Sao Mai Hotel
Services: B, L, D, G

 

Sunday, February 15 Bac Ha Market – Xin Man – Hoang Su Phi

After breakfast, you’ll visit Bac Ha market, other style of the local ethnic minority.  After lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll continue driving on a winding single lane road through strikingly

mmountainous scenery. In the mid-afternoon you’ll arrive at the small rural district of Hoang Su Phi. You’ll spend the night in the ‘base camp’ hotel called Pan Hou Village.

Pan Hou Village is a purpose-built eco-tourism hotel which uses solar energy for lighting and heating. The village includes 14 rooms with bathrooms attached in 5 stilt-houses modeled on the traditional house of the Dzao ethnic people. It has one large restaurant, serving Vietnamese and international dishes in separate buildings. The staff are from the local ethnic community.

Accommodation: Pan Hou Village
Transit: 4 hours by
Services/Meals: B, L, D, G

Monday, February 16 Hoang Su Phi – Thac Ba

After breakfast, you’ll hike to the nearby villages to learn about the local culture and daily life of local people. You’ll then drive along a picturesque road to Thac Ba Lake.  You’ll be staying at a home stay tonight at the southern end of the Lake. There are few home stays here and if we are unable to book one in advance, there are simple and descent hotels in the area around the lake. 

Accommodation: Vu Linh Information pdf
Services/Meals: B, L, D, G

Tuesday, February 17 Thac Ba – Noi Bai Airport – Da Nang – Hoi An

In the morning, you’ll depart to Noi Bai airport in Hanoi for your flight to Danang (VN317 14:30 – 15:45). Upon arriving in Danang, you’ll be picked up by a local guide and driver to Hoi An where you’ll spend the night The Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa is situated 30 km (18 miles) from Danang International Airport (a mere 30 minute drive on the newly opened beach road) and only 5 km (3 miles) from the ancient town of Hoi An, along a unique private beach of white sand. The resort replicates a traditional fishing village with small streets, water ponds and village houses with clay-tiled roofs, providing a warm and restful environment.

Accommodation:  Victoria Hotels and Resorts Hoi An
Services/Meals: B, L, G, DP

Wednesday, February 18 Hoi An - My Son - Hoi An

 

After breakfast, you’ll be driven to the World Heritage ‘My Son Sanctuary’.

Your guide will show you the remains of the remarkable towers constructed

by the Cham builders, many centuries ago - their origins and purpose have

yet to be fully explained.   In the afternoon, you’ll return to your hotel or town if you choose, the remainder of the day will be free to explore Hoi An.

The Cham craftsmen built a network of intricately-worked red brick columns heavily incised with figures and motifs as well as many striking statues. Their towers were badly bombed in the American war, but are still impressive, as is its remote valley setting. The complex is set in a quiet, richly forested area bisected by a clear stream. However, the tree cover is not complete and the valley acts as suntrap, so good sun protection is important.

Accommodation:  Victoria Hotels and Resorts Hoi An
Walking time:  2 - 3 hours
Services/Meals: B, G, T

Thursday, February 19 Hoi An – Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh City

You’ll have a free morning until you’re picked up for an afternoon flight to Ho Chi Minh City (VN325 17.40 – 18.50). After transferring to your Ho Chi Minh City central hotel and checking-in, you’ll be free for a preliminary wander around District 1.

Accommodation:  Grand Hotel
Transit: 2 airport transfers, 30 minutes each
Services/Meals: B

Friday, February 20 Ho Chi Minh City orientation/Cu Chi/Ho Chi Minh City

After breakfast, your guide will take you to visit the famous Cu Chi tunnels, a Byzantine maze of underground passages, chambers, rooms and booby traps used by both the Vietminh and the Viet Cong to suddenly materialize as if from nowhere, launch a lightning ambush, and vanish equally rapidly. You’ll return to Ho Chi Minh City for lunch.

In the afternoon, your guide will arrive to show you around Ho Chi Minh City. You’ll visit the Museum of War Remnants provides a very partial, but riveting, perspective of the ‘American War’: not for the squeamish! 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.

Accommodation: Grand Hotel
Walking time: 2 - 3 hours
Walking difficulty: Easy, tunnels are slightly challenging
Services/Meals:  B, L, G, T

Saturday, February 21 Ho Chi Minh City

Today is a free day for you to enjoy the city.  Perhaps a self guided trip to Cho Lon, the large market or walk the downtown area and shop in some of the newest western style malls, a free day and it’s all up to you.  Taxi as in Hanoi is the mode of transport.

Ho Chi Minh City: possible alternative attractions

- Giac Lam pagoda: (Tan Binh District)

Located in Tan Binh district, it’s one of the oldest pagodas in Ho Chi Minh City. It was built in 1744 and is now a National Relic. It contains many Buddhist effigies, and is surrounded by a flower garden and large trees.

- Vinh Nghiem pagoda: (District 3)

Built from 1964 to 1971, the pagoda includes a seven-storey and many Buddhist statues.

- Van Hanh Institute (From Phu Nhuan district to Go Vap district) 

A Buddhism seminary on a large site

- Notre Dame Catholic Church (District 1):

Designed in France, built in 1877. French architecture.

- Protestant Church: (District 1)

The largest Protestant Church in the South.
- Main Post Office (adjacent to Notre Dame)

Masterpiece of French colonial architecture

- Van Thanh Tourism areas (Binh Thanh District):

Huge land with lake and natural gardens – very popular with Vietnamese people - festivals, sport activities etc on special days.

Accommodation: Grand Hotel
Services/Meals:  B

Sunday, February 22 Ho Chi Minh – Siem Reap

Your time will be your own until your private car and driver arrives to take you to Tan Son Nhat airport for your flight to Siem Reap (VN823 15.35 – 16.00). You’ll have a morning free until your driver arrives at your the hotel to take you to Tan Son Nhat airport for the flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival in Siem Reap International Airport, you will be met on arrival and transferred to hotel.

Accommodation: Borann Hotel
Services/Meals:  B, DP (HCMC, SR)

Monday, February 23 Angkor Wat Complex

After breakfast, you’ll visit to Angkor Thom, starting with the Bayon, a bizarre structure of several architectural changes reflecting a switch from Hinduism (the foundations) to Buddhism (the superstructure). Your next visit will be to the Elephant and Leper King Terraces followed by the Baphoun Temple, which is now nearing the end of an eight-year multi-million dollar restoration programme.

In the afternoon, you’ll explore Angkor Wat itself, the largest, and for most people, the most impressive temple in the complex . Sunset tonight is from atop Bakheng Hill.

 

Accommodation: Borann Hotel
Walking time: at your discretion
Walking difficulty: Easy, temple areas are uneven surfaces and some steep stairs
Services/Meals: B, L, G, T

Tuesday, February 24 Banteay Srey, Western Baray

Your day will be taken up with visit to Banteay Srey Temple which displays some of the finest examples of classical Khmer art with some of the most beautiful, deep and intricate carvings, and Bantey Samre which has been admirably restored. You’ll return to the city for lunch.

In the afternoon, you’ll also see Ta Prohm, strangled by massive tree roots and typical of the condition of the whole complex when it was discovered in 1860 by French naturalist Henri Mouhot. The remainder of the day will be your own.

Accommodation: Borann Hotel
Walking time: at your discretion
Walking difficulty: Easy, temple areas are uneven surfaces and some steep stairs
Services/Meals: B, L, G, T

Wednesday, February 25: Siem Reap - Beng Mealea - Siem Reap

After breakfast, your guide and driver will drive you 50km through the countryside, the rice fields alongside the Kulen Mountain range to Beng Mealea Temple complex. Beng Mealea is almost the size of Angkor Wat and is one of the largest ensembles build during Khmer reign and still seldom visited. Its galeries, pools, libraries and sancturies lie under fig-tree roots and creepers and are waiting to be discovered. The decoration of Beng Mealea is simple but you can find bas-reliefs showing scenes from the Khmer Mythology. You’ll have a picnic lunch and drive back to Siem Reap in the afternoon.

Accommodation: Borann Hotel
Walking time: at your discretion
Walking difficulty: Easy, temple areas are uneven surfaces and some steep stairs
Services/Meals: B, L, DP

Thursday, February 26 Siem Reap - Bangkok

Today is the flight back to Bangkok and either one night in Bangkok or direct transfer.  The flight out of Siem Reap is at 09:50 and arrives in Bangkok International Airport at 10:45 allowing enough time for the connection to the Thai Airways International flight to Bangkok.

Services/Meals: B, DP

End Of Services