21 Days

Hanoi - Sapa - Ha Long Bay - Hue - Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta Phnom Penh - Siem Reap - Temples of Angkor.

 August 15th – September 4, 2008.

TRIP DOSSIER

Adventure by day, comfort by night; this comprehensive 21-day trip is designed for travellers wanting to see Vietnam and Cambodia on their own terms and at their own pace. The itinerary features a number of excursions to seldom visited areas, while also allowing ample time for independent exploration. This trip also includes the opportunity to enjoy the region’s finest cuisine, some of Southeast Asia’s most breathtaking scenery and all of Vietnam and Cambodia’s must see attractions including Hoi An, the remote hill tribes of Sapa, beautiful Ha Long Bay and the magnificent Temples of Angkor.

NB: There is no real physical difficulty although you will be expected to carry your own day/overnight pack while undertaking the walking sections of this trip.

ITINERARY

This itinerary is correct at the time of printing. From time to time there may be slight changes due to uncontrollable circumstances. Your group leader will advise you of any changes at the initial group meeting.

Day 1:

Depart Australia / Arrive Hanoi Upon arrival in Hanoi you will be met at the airport and transfer to our centrally located hotel. In the afternoon we will have a group meeting to discuss details of the days ahead, followed by dinner at one of Hanoi’s fine local restaurants. Tonight we will also attend a performance of Hanoi's famous Water Puppets. (D)

Day 2:

Hanoi / Train to Sapa This morning we take to the streets of Hanoi for a walking tour of Hanoi’s fascinating old quarter – 36 ancient streets all named after the goods which are sold on them. These goods include all manner of curios, fabrics and foodstuffs as well as some of the finest handicrafts in the country. No tour of the city would be complete without a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, now a site of pilgrimage. We will also stop at St. Joseph’s Cathedral and pass by the infamous Hanoi Hilton Prison Museum that once held U.S. pilots shot down during the American War in Vietnam. In the evening we board our overnight 4-berth soft sleeper train bound for Sapa. The train trip is an adventure in itself. (B)

Day 3 & 4:

Sapa A former French retreat from the days when Vietnam was a colony of France, Sapa is our gateway to exploring the wild border areas of the north inhabited by some of Vietnam’s most colourful hill tribes. We will walk (approx. 4 hrs per day) through stunning rice terraced valleys as we negotiate suspension bridges and picturesque paddy fields eventually arriving at our local Dao or H’mong village.

While the facilities here are basic, the rewards are indeed great as we experience everyday village life. (Accommodation on night 3 is our hotel in Sapa township, night 4 accommodation will be a traditional style long house. A thin mattress and mosquito net are provided.) All meals are included during our hill tribe excursion. Water is also included at the home stay and while trekking. (1B,2L,1D)

Day 5:

Sapa/Train Returning from our overnight trek we check-in to our Sapa hotel for the afternoon to freshen up. There is plenty of time to visit the delightful Sapa Market and Ham Rong Gardens before the return journey to Hanoi, once again by rail. (B)

Day 6:

Hanoi / Ha Long Bay Arriving back in Hanoi in the early morning, we will check into our hotel and relax. There will be free time this morning for independent exploration. After lunch we will journey east to Ha Long Bay stopping en route to visit a village famous for its production of high quality ceramics. In the evening there is plenty of time to wonder along the beach in the town of Bai Chay (Ha Long City West) and eat at any of the numerous restaurants along its main street.
We have the use of hotel day rooms from the time we arrive in Hanoi by train this morning until when we depart for Ha Long Bay at 1pm. (-)

Day 7:

Ha Long Bay / Hanoi This morning we board our private boat to go cruising in this secluded bay with its 1,969 limestone peaks. We have the opportunity to visit spectacular caves, swim, snorkel and dine on a seafood buffet lunch. Returning to Hanoi late afternoon there will be time for shopping or sightseeing. (B, L)

Day 8, 9 & 10:

Hue An early morning flight takes us to Hue city in the central provinces. Mid-morning we explore this sleepy city on foot at a leisurely pace taking in Dong Ba market, the moated ruins of the Imperial Citadel and the famous Thien Mu Pagoda.

After lunch we will venture into the countryside, exploring markets and isolated villages far removed from the mainstream attractions. Whilst in Hue we will venture out to see one of the intriguing tombs of the Nguyen Emperors. He we will learn about Vietnam's royal traditions and the reason why Hue is the 'Student City' of Vietnam. Other attractions we will visit include the Coliseum, Thanh Toan Covered Bridge and Bao Vien Market at the junction of 4 rivers.

On day 10 we will take an adventurous excursion (optional) into the mountainous country side or Hue Peninsular on the east coast. (2B)

Day 11, 12 & 13:

Hoi An We travel by bus to Hoi An, a former merchant town and contemporary of Malacca and Macau in China. Hoi An is laden with art galleries, historic buildings and fine restaurants all of which you’ll have ample time to enjoy. Another one of this town’s highlights is its abundance of first-class tailors who can make, design and copy for you virtually any item of clothing within a few hours.

Hoi An is one of Vietnam's truly memorable gourmet destinations featuring among the best food available in the country. One evening you will attend a cooking class hosted by one of the towns most renowned young chefs to see how Hoi An's specialties are prepared and of course taste. (3B,1D)

Day 14:

Ho Chi Minh City A short morning flight takes us to the dynamic city of Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon), the powerhouse of the south and a place of fascinating contrasts. What better way to take in the hustle and bustle of this city than by leisurely cyclo ride. We journey into Ho Chi Minh City’s own China Town, visit the War Remnants Museum, pagodas and tour a fantastic city market. (B)

Day 15:

Mekong Delta Heading further south today we explore the great expanse of water that is the Mekong Delta. This area is relatively new to foreign tourism and indeed is among the friendliest parts of Vietnam. Tonight we will stay with a local Vietnamese family, experiencing their laid-backed lifestyle and picturesque surroundings. Whilst here will also enjoy a walking/boat tour of the local farming community and cottage industries, many of which are still practiced as they have been for hundreds of years. (B,L,D)
The home stay is equipped with bunk beds, blankets pillows mosquito nets, western style toilets. All meals will be prepared by the host family.

Day 16:

Ho Chi Minh City Arriving back from the Mekong Delta around lunchtime we will have time to explore vibrant Ho Chi Minh City. The afternoon is free to explore independently although your leader will be on hand to guide you to the best places to buy anything you might want including lacquer ware, textiles, cosmetics and the cheapest software and CD’s in the world. Our final nights’ dinner in Ho Chi Minh City will be at a popular local restaurant famous for its varied and authentic southern fare. (B, D)

CAMBODIA
A visit to Cambodia is a challenging experience. Exploring the beauty of what was once the most prominent empire of Southeast Asia, while trying to come to terms with the country’s tragic recent history is confronting to all who visit this beautiful country. These days Cambodia is one of the safest and friendliest countries in Southeast Asia.

Day 17 & 18:

Phnom Penh This morning we take a 50-minute international flight to Cambodia. On arrival in Phnom Penh, we will travel to our hotel before we head out in the afternoon to explore this most fascinating city including the Silver Pagoda and the Russian Market. In the afternoon we will visit the infamous Toul Sleng Prison and the Killing Fields – both stark reminders of Cambodia's tragic recent history. In the evening will wander down to city’s lively esplanade to enjoying our first taste of Khmer food at one of the city’s fine restaurants overlooking the Tonle Sap River. On day 18 we visit more attractions including the Central Market and the National Museum. (2B)

Day 19:

Siem Reap We farewell Phnom Penh this morning and take our private bus trip to Siem Reap, gateway to the Angkor Temples.

On route we will pass remote villages and rural scenery. Upon arrival we will check into our Siem Reap hotel. This afternoon we will explore the world famous Angkor Temple complex, beginning with one of the largest of all the temples-Pre Rup Temple (The Crematorium Temple) revealing panoramic views of the surrounding area as the sun sets. Our specialist local guide will explain the rise of the Khmer empire, myths and legends and finally the sacking of the great Khmer city that once commanded much of Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand. (B)

Day 20:

Siem Reap Today we will have ample time to explore this amazing complex guided by one of our carefully selected local guides. We will visit the temples of Ta Prohm, The Bayon, Preah Khan and the outer lying pink temple of Bantei Srei. Listen as your guide tells stories of the glory of the Angkor period, Khmer myths and legends and finally the sacking of Angkor. Most of our activities in Siem Reap will involve walking. Indeed, only by foot can one really enjoy the beauty of the Angkor Temples and the many other delights around the complex. (B,D)

Day 21:

Departure Today is departure day. Your group leader will take care of all you transfers, flight confirmations and onward travel arrangements, then bid you farewell. (B)

Day 22:

Arrive Australia
KEY: B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner (meals included on tour)

Grade: Easy. Anyone in good health should be able to take part. There is no real physical difficulty. You will be expected to carry your own luggage throughout the trip but only for very short distances.
Accommodation: Accommodation is on a twin share basis. If you are travelling alone you will be paired with another passenger of the same sex. A single supplement is available at cost should you choose not to share.
Hotels Used: Golden Key Hotel (Hanoi),Royal View (Sapa), Van Hai Hotel (Ha Long Bay), Asia Hotel (Hue), Hoi An Hotel (Hoi An), Huong Sen (HCMC), Asia Palace Hotel (Phnom Penh), Monoreach Hotel (Siem Reap).
Transport: Bus, plane, boat, cyclo/bicycle, train, motor scooter (optional).
Meals Included: 6 dinners, 4 lunches, 17 breakfasts.
Group Size: Minimum of 14, maximum of 22.

If you would like to join us in August/September or you would like further information, please contact us at info@relaxasia.com.au or ring 1300 88 28 13.
Numbers will be limited to 22 people to ensure a relaxed, informal feeling to the tour. Minimum number of people required to run tour is 14.

For Further information or Bookings Contact info@relaxasia.com.au