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Guided walking & holiday packages
Touring: France, Vietnam, Bhutan, Italy & Turkey
VIETNAM/CAMBODIA - A Classic Tour with a
3 day Mekong River Cruise
Tour Overview
Vietnam and Cambodia are a logical combination. The Mekong River
links the two countries, flowing through the jungles of Cambodia,
past Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital, before entering Vietnam in
the far south of the country, where it finally reaches the South
China Sea. Culturally, the countries are surprisingly different,
their respective languages, cuisine and history being quite distinct.
I've led trips to Vietnam for more than a decade, typically with
a focus on walking in both rural and urban settings. This year,
we include the classic sites of Vietnam, from Hanoi in the north,
then a cruise on spectacular Halong Bay, then the historic town
of Hoi An before heading south to Saigon. We change the pace of
the tour here and spend three days cruising the waterways of the
Mekong Delta, to the Cambodian border, before a short river trip
from the Vietnamese town of Chau Doc brings us to Phnom Penh. Our
programme concludes with a visit to the stupendous archaeological
sites of Angkor. Throughout, I'll be leading several walks in a
range of settings in both Vietnam and Cambodia - and introduce you
to some outstanding restaurants! This is a great area in which to
eat, one of my very favorite pastimes!!
Travel is by comfortable private vehicle, with two internal flights.
Hotels are of a very good standard. We cruise Halong Bay aboard
a deluxe sailing junk and our boat on the Mekong is also most comfortable,
featuring cabins with ensuite facilities, a spacious dining area
and pleasant sun lounge/observation deck. In addition to me as tour
host, you'll enjoy the services of several excellent local guides
throughout the tour, who explain aspects of Vietnamese and Khmer
culture, cuisine, history and geography and act as interpreters
in those out of the way places. Such guides bring a fantastic dimension
to our experience. This is an excellent programme for those interested
in the culture of the area, history, scenery & relaxation.
TRIP ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival into Hanoi - 11 NOV 2010
Upon arrival in Hanoi, we are transferred to our comfortable hotel
located in the Old Quarter adjacent to Hoan Kiem Lake and the fascinating
'guild streets'.
Day 2: Explore Hanoi - 12 NOV
We head out after breakfast to explore some of the city's most interesting
sites including the Ho Chi Minh quarter, One Pillar Pagoda and the
Temple of Literature. Afternoon at leisure in Hanoi for further
exploration. (B)
Day 3 & 4: Halong Bay - 13 & 14 NOV
Halong Bay, truly one of Vietnam's most impressive scenic sights.
We board our comfortable sailing junk for an exploration of the
bay. It's a wonderful experience to be spending a couple of nights
on the bay - the views at sunset are incredible. There may also
be the chance to do some sea kayaking and some walks ashore. (BLD)
Day 5: Halong Bay & return to Hanoi then Hoi An - 15 NOV
After breakfast, we return to port and on to Hanoi, making several
stops en route, including a wonderful old pottery village. Then,
we transfer directly to Hanoi airport for our flight to Danang where
we are met and transferred to Hoi An. This is one of my favourite
places in Vietnam and brimming with excellent restaurants and lovely
old buildings (Brunch)
Day 6 & 7: Hoi An exploration - 16 & 17 NOV
Hoi An's heritage zone has largely been restored and is a wonderful
place to wander through. There are many cafés to check out
and it is also a good place to have clothes made up at the excellent
tailor shops (I have a tried and trusted favourite which I'll happily
show you), all within 24 hours. We'll go on an orientation walk
through the streets and laneways of the old quarter. Past guests
have always said 'they wish they had just one more day in Hoi An'
and so we have deliberately left our second day free. There are
some good bike riding trails in the area, the beach is not far there's
a really good cookery school approached by river. The morning market
is also a riot of colour! Our charming resort here is also very
relaxing. (B)
Day 8: Hoi An to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) - 18 N0V
After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Saigon.
In the afternoon, we embark on a city tour to admire Saigon's historic
landmarks including the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office,
the former Presidential Palace and Ben Thanh Market. (B)
Day 9: Into the Mekong Delta - Cruise - 19 NOV
We leave Ho Chi Minh City and drive south into the Mekong Delta.
Boarding our comfortable cruise boat, we enjoy lunch on the upper
deck as we sail upstream. Rest on the sun deck, as the boat manoeuvres
through the river traffic of local boats and barges. The scenery
along the way is a mix of rice paddy fields, fruit orchards and
cottage industries. We enjoy a village visit, and if you like exploring,
there are opportunities for walks in the vicinity. (BLD)
Day 10: Cruising the Mekong Delta - 20 NOV
This morning we cruise towards Can Tho, the major trading hub and
the heart of the delta. Upon arrival at Cai Rang floating market,
we board a local boat to visit the nearby sights and gardens. We
spend the night at a lovely French colonial style resort in Can
Tho - relax by the pool or go for a walk. (BLD)
Day 11: To Chau Doc - 21 NOV
After a leisurely breakfast we transfer through the rice paddies
and rural scenes to our hotel in Chau Doc, close to the Cambodian
border. Our hotel here is very comfortable and you may want to enjoy
the hotel facilities. If you wish, you can visit the town centre
or Dave may arrange an excursion to the nearby mountain-top temple
if guests are interested. (B)
Day 12: Into Cambodia and to Phnom Penh - 22 NOV
We have an early morning transfer to the river where we board the
shuttle speed boat to Phnom Penh in Cambodia. The entire journey
takes around five hours and we arrive right in the heart of the
city at Sisowath Quay. On arrival, transfer to our well located
hotel. Afternoon visit to the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. (B)
Day 13: Phnom Penh - 23 NOV
This morning we visit the National Museum which houses Khmer art
and sculptures from different periods of Cambodian history. In the
afternoon, we learn more about the terrible years of the Khmer Rouge
in the 1970's, through a visit to the infamous Tuol Sleng Museum
'S-21' and killing fields. In the afternoon we visit the celebrated
hill top temple of Wat Phnom. (B)
Day 14: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap - 24 NOV
Drive northwest to rural Kompong Thom. After lunch, we visit the
ruins of the Chenla 6th century temples (three groups of pre- Angkor
temples collectively known as Ishanapura). The civilisation here
eventually gave birth to the mighty Angkor dynasties, which controlled
much of south-east Asia including the greater parts of modern day
Thailand, Vietnam and Laos. After lunch continue driving to Siem
Reap - gateway to Angkor! (BL)
Day 15: Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm and Banteay Kdei excursion - 25
NOV
Today we visit the intricately carved Khmer temples at Angkor Wat,
one of the world's most impressive archaeological sites constructed
between the 9th and 13th centuries. Stroll around the massive hallways
and discover small shrines still in use today by the local people.
In the afternoon travel to nearby Ta Prohm, always a favourite as
it has virtually been reclaimed by the surrounding jungle. In the
afternoon, we walk between Ta Phrom and Banteay Kdei temple. It
will be a busy though very rewarding day and for many, undoubtedly
a highlight. We return to the hotel to relax for the remainder of
the afternoon.
Day 16: Day free in Siem Reap for additional temple visits,
shopping or relaxing by the pool! - 26 NOV
As our tour comes to an end, we have included a day at leisure
to explore further the ruins of Angkor, including Bantey Srei -
located around 30kms to the north of the main temple complex. Crafts
and local textile production are in important part of the Cambodian
economy and there are some excellent workshops to visit in Siem
Reap. The local market here is also worth a look. Siem Reap is small
enough to explore on foot, or you can try the local moto-taxis.
I'll be on hand along with our local guide, to offer suggestions
and point you in the right direction today. (B)
Day 17: Depart Siem Reap - 27 NOV
Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to the
airport for your onward flight. Please note, hotel check out is
midday. It may be possible to negotiate a late check out with hotel
concierge, should your flight leave in the afternoon or evening.
(B)
Vietnam: - a Classic Tour with a 3 day Mekong River Cruise
Dates and costs
11 - 27 November 2010
Price: The price, beginning in Hanoi on 18 November and
concluding in Siem Reap on 04 December is A$3990 per person on a
twin share basis. Estimated air travel from Australia is $A1400
- $1500. Single Supplement: A$1150
Price includes: Arrival transfer, all accommodation, local
English speaking guides to work with me, sightseeing, transport
including 2 domestic flights, Halong Bay sailing junk, Mekong cruise,
private boat trip Chau Doc to Phnom Penh, entrance fees to attractions
listed, 25 meals
Not Included: Items not included are drinks (soft drinks
and alcoholic beverages such as beer are inexpensive), extra food,
departure transfers from Siem Reap, travel insurance and gratuities.
Vietnam Visas are $75 and MUST be arranged prior to travel to Vietnam.
Contact Active Travel (02 9264 1231) for assistance with insurance
and visas.
Accommodation: We use comfortable, well located hotels with
en-suite bathroom. Hot water and western toilets are standard facilities
in Vietnam. Our deluxe cruise boats on Halong Bay and the Mekong
have twin-share cabins with ensuite facilities
Food: This is a major highlight of travel in Vietnam and
we include a total of 25 meals (including all breakfasts) on this
tour. I have a good selection of restaurants and dining options
to choose from, based on 10 years of travel in Vietnam. Additional
meals are inexpensive compared to Australian restaurant prices.
Dinner, with an entrée and main plus a few drinks ought not
to cost more than $A20-25. Typically much less.
Flights: The cost of your air travel is not included simply
because there are so many changes taking place right now (MAY 10)
with specials and promotional fares. Singapore Airlines have fares
for around A$1400-1500. Other airlines options exist and you may
extend your stay in Asia. Contact Active Travel (02 9264 1231) for
the latest updates and deals.
Documentation: Trip notes, itineraries, country background
information and other documents will be sent to you around 21 days
prior departure.
What next?: Time is short and my escorted travel programmes
normally sell out so please register your interest ASAP with me
in order to secure your place. A deposit of A$500 per person is
required with final payment due mid September.
Best Travels, 82 Bellevue Street, CAMMERAY, NSW
2062
tel (61+) 2 9929 9391 besttravels@ozemail.com.au
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