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9/13/2014 Proposed Vietnam Trip - April 2005
http://www.itbyus.com/vietnam/ 1/7
Vietnam Trip April 2005
(If printing, print LANDSCAPE)
The principal idea is that I am keen to travel through and have Kerrie and Michaela experience Vietnam. Because I get so excited and animated when talking about Vietnam or showing photograhs of myprevious trip, many have asked that I include them in the next trip.
This will not be a 'shepherded tour'. There will be a lot of flexibilty to do your 'own thing' at anydestination. But it will be fun to catch up with others during the day or in the evening.
The really good news is that Vietnam itself is a very safe, clean country and is incredibly cheap. Togive you an idea, it was a struggle spending more than US$2 on a meal. CD's are US$1 and designeroutfits are approx US$35. I could go on and on.
Photos of Vietnam Trip
Final Costings now in. Please see below.
Price Includes: * Accommodation in hotels such as Tam Duong Guesthouse in Phuong Thanh, Chau Long Hotel Sa Pa,Thien Thai HotelHanoi, Hoi An Hotel, Que Hong Nha Trang, Asian Hotel Saigon with breakfast daily* Arrival transfers at each airport (Hanoi, Danang, Nha Trang & Saigon). * Departures transfers can be arranged locally. Usually recommend a taxi.* Handspan Sapa trip 5days/4 nights ( 2 nights on train 2 nights Sa pa)* Dragon Peal Junk or similar tour 2days/1 night Halong Bay World Heritage area * Estimated air fares with Vietnam Airlines
*A$1,990.00 per person share twin + current compulsory ticket taxes $132.00 per person*A$1,965.00 per person share triple + current compulsory ticket taxes $132.00 per person*Additional to stay at Continental Hotel Saigon (std room) $20.00 per person per night share twin, $17.00per person share triple.*Late Checkout option before leaving Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City for Australia 50% of daily room cost. Irecommend that each family have a least one room for that last minute shower and freshen up before theflight home.*Discount for Children (under 12) $300*Ex Melbourne same price except $40 extra in taxes
PLEASE SEE INDIVIDUAL CONFIRMATIONS FOR FINAL COSTINGS
Visa for Vietnam $82.00 Adult $59 per child (under 12)Visa forms can be downloaded from: http://www.visalink.com.auSan Michele will send the passports into the consulate and return them with your tickets
Insurance (Complete online) Full detailsPayment in total amountFamily: A$254Single: A$130
Including Cambodia: $319
Medical Advice: May I recommend visiting one of the TMVC Centres.Full details: http://www.tmvc.com.au
Optional Extensions:Angor Wat Cambodia:
$320.00 per person share twin$305.00 per person share triple
Inclusions:Vietnam Airlines Saigon/Siem Reap/SaigonArrival transferFull day tour to Angkor Temples2 nights Royal Crown Hotel or similar incl b'fast.
Visa for Cambodia $55 or on arrival airport US$20.2 photosVisa forms can be downloaded from: http://www.visalink.com.au
Recommended:
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Reading:My preference: Rough Guide to Vietnam ($19.95 from Dymocks)Another option: Lonely Planet (While the Lonely Planet guides are good, I find them a bit too factual withnot enough subjective comment).
Luggage:Soft Bags. They make them with wheels these days+Day Bag
ClothesIf you are considering having any clothes made in Hoi An, I recommend cutting some pictures out ofmagazines in advance. This will save you time.
Climate:HanoiSa PaSapa is 1600 meters above sea level, so its always cooler than Hanoi. The mornings are often cool andmisty, most trekkers start out with a couple of layers on, but shed this as you descend down the valleyand the day warms up. During the night the temperature can dip down to 3 to 5 degrees Celsius, so agood jumper is recommended. The weather can be unpredictable in the mountains, so a wind breakerand/or rain coat are recommended.Halong Bay/ HaiphongHoi An/ DanangNa TrangHo Chi Minh City/ Saigon
Angor Wat / Siem Riep
Plugs: mostly 220V but check before plugging in
:
Seating can only be requested at the airport. Checkin 2 hours before departure
Vietnam Airlines have a frequent flyer program. Application forms can be obtained from Vietnam Airlines at:Level 13, 31 Market Street Sydney or 1300 888 028or the forms can be obtained at the airport on departureFuul details:http://www.vietnamairlines.com/ > Frequent Flyer Program(I am not so sure that it is worth the effort Check rewards for full details)
Itinerary as of 16MAR 2005
(Mc Ewan Ex Mel Syd QF408 08Apr 07000820)Apr 08 Vietnam Airlines���� Flight# 782 � Depart: Sydney�� 1020 Arrive: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)������ 1550 Depart: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) 1800Arrive: Hanoi 2000
Apr 08 Transfer Hanoi Airport/Hotel������������Apr 08 Thien Thai Hotel Hanoi Sup Room/Full B'fast�� Twin� 1 night
Full day in Hanoi then: (we spend more time in Hanoi after the cruise but to see the best of the markets around Sa Pa, we leave for SaPa on Sat Night):HANOI ... STREETS OF OLDThe capital city of Vietnam, with its refined colonial architecture and treelined boulevards dotted with lakes and parks, is quite acontrast to Saigon. Its vintage is a rich historical background dating back to the 9th century and there is no better place to see thisthan in the Old Quarter, where traditional trades have been passed down from generation to generation.�
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Ho Chi Minh Tomb - Hanoi Hanoi Street Scene Halong Bay
Optional: (On the last visit we just walked to all the interesting sites)Hanoi City Tour (Full day)AM: 8h00 Visit Ngoc Son temple, coach trip along the Hanoi Old Quarters, pass by Dong Xuan market then continue to the Old Citadel.Stop for visiting Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum, One Pillar Pagoda. Continue to visit the Quan Thanh Temple and Tran QuocPagoda. Lunch. PM: After lunch proceed to visit the Ethnology Museum , continue to visit the Literature Temple and Quoc Tu Giam.PRICE: 12 U$/ personPrice includes: Transport, entrance fee, lunch and guide.
Saturday Night 09 AprMeet at 8:30pm at the Handspan office, 80 Ma May St. Transfer by private coach to the train station for the night train to Lao Cai. ***Soft sleeper with aircon, dep. 9:30pm, arr. 5:30am.
Then on to Sa Pa Hill Tribes
Full details of trip below:
Market Explorer � A Cultural Insight
3 Days, 4 Nights, 3 Markets & Sapa trek
Highlights: Vibrant hilltribe markets,stunning vista views and healthy treksto visit the locals. What's included:
Train tickets (soft sleeper)English speaking guideTransportationEverydayMeals as mentionedAccommodationEntrance fees
We've designed this exciting new itinerary to give you an insider's perspective into theimportance weekly markets have in the social and economic aspects of hill tribe life. Duringthis educational journey you'll interact with a diverse range of ethnic minorities as youexplore three of Northern Vietnam's most interesting markets. This is both a culturally andphysically rewarding trip, you'll trek through verdant tea plantations and rice terraces to visitlocal villages and experience their daily life as it has existed for hundreds of years. You'll notsoon forget your experiences here nor the awe inspiring scenery and breathtaking vistaviews as you traverse through some of the most stunning valleys and mountain passesfound anywhere. We encourage you to share your experiences and knowledge with othersto help protect this valuable cultural resource that makes this region such a unique place tovisit. Itinerary:
Saturday Night 09 Apr: Meet your guide at 8:30pm at the Handspan office, 80 Ma May St.Transfer by private coach to the train station for the night train to Lao Cai. ***Soft sleeperwith aircon, dep. 9:30pm, arr. 5:30am.
Sunday 10 Apr(BLD): From Lao Cai, drive up the mountain road to Sapa, continue overthe Tram Tom Pass, the highest mountain pass in Vietnam at 1900M, down to the town ofBinh Lu (2.53hrs). Binh Lu is one of the most interesting markets to visit due to its diversityof ethnic minority groups including Dzao (red, black, coin), Giay, Meo, H'mong, Nung andPhu La. Continue along the valley to Tam Duong. This vibrant market attracts H'mongdressed in colorful skirts and plaid head dress, Black & Lan Ten Dzao and Nung. After lunch
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trek through beautiful tea plantations, rice terraces and farmland to local villages of Dzaoand Lu people, then down to Ban Hon village and back to Tam Duong for dinner andovernight in a guesthouse.***Note: The Tam Duong Guesthouse in Phuong Thanh offers basic accommodation, but itis clean and equipped with hot shower and aircon.
Monday 11 Apr (B): After breakfast in Tam Duong, start your ride back up over themountains to Sapa. Arrive approx. 10 10:30am and check into your hotel. Take some freetime to explore the town, check out the market and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. TheHoang Lien mountain range, home to Mt. Fansipan, Vietnam's highest peak at over 3100M,and its nature preserve, create a towering backdrop and great setting for trekking. Meet yourguide at the Handspan office at 1pm and take a jeep ride down the valley to visit the BlackH'Mong people of Lao Chai village, from there trek to see the Dzay people of Ta Van village.At the end of the day you'll be picked up by jeep, return to Sapa and overnight in the Hotel.Chau Long Hotel
Tuesday 12 Apr (BLD): Enjoy an early breakfast buffet before or 6:30am departure fromSapa to Coc Ly. You'll head back down to Lao Cai and across to the east side of the redriver and up to the Bac Ha region. Coc Ly is a small Flower H'mong Village located on thebanks of the Chay River, its remote location in this mountain area gives you an appreciationof the harsh geography in which these people carve out their agricultural existence. TheFlower H'mong people are the most colorful ethnic group with elaborately embroideredspirals and geometric figures on their clothes and colorful bands for leg wrappings. Afterexploring this vibrant and fascinating market, you'll board a local boat for a 2.5hr trip downthe Chay River, stopping along the way to explore the 'Fairy Cave' and enjoy a picnic lunch.You'll be picked up in Bao Nhai then return to Lao Cai for dinner and the night train back toHanoi. Time depending, you can visit the Thuong Temple with its impressive 500+ year oldBanyan Tree. Trip ends Hanoi Station, 5:30am.
Click here for more great pics
Sapa Trekking FAQs :Q What is the night train like?
A The train is very updated and you�ll be staying in an airconditioned cabin with four bunks.
Q Why take the night train, and not the day train?
A You won�t miss much in the way of scenery and this will give you extra time in Sapa for shopping etc� basically you won�t wastea day traveling. The soft sleeper on the night train is also much more comfortable than the wooden bench on the day train.
Q Do the guides go with us for the whole trip?
A Yes, most of the time. In some cases, your guide is already in Sapa, so a Handspan representative will take you to the train andshow you to your sleeping berth. You�ll then be met by our representative at the station in Lao Cai and he�ll take you to our Sapaoffice to meet your guide. You�ll be well taken care of on all legs of your journey!
Q How hard is the trekking?
A We have treks to suit most fitness levels, including light treks of only 3 hours. Basically we trek from 3 to 6 hours, covering a distanceof 8 to 15Km. There can be some tough and muddy terrain depending on the weather, including walking along some rice terraces. Youcan buy a nice bamboo walking stick from a local H�mong for 1000VND� that�s about 7 cents!
Q How cold is it in Sapa?
A Sapa is 1600 meters above sea level, so its always cooler than Hanoi. The mornings are often cool and misty, most trekkers startout with a couple of layers on, but shed this as you descend down the valley and the day warms up. During the night the temperaturecan dip down to 3 to 5 degrees Celsius, so a good jumper is recommended. The weather can be unpredictable in the mountains, so awind breaker and/or rain coat are recommended.
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Sapa Hilltribe Market Sapa Rice Terraces SapaHalong Bay Cruise 2 Days (this trip is slight more expensive than the previous quote as the boat is of a much higherstandard). Weds 13Ap Day 1 (LD): Depart Hanoi from the Handspan office, 80 Ma May St and drive 3.5 hrs by private coach to Halong City.Transfer from the dock to the Dragon's Pearl or similar, enjoy a welcome drink and a lunch of savory local sea food. Start on a 4 hourcruise of the bay to see the amazing karsts with different formations: Lion, Tea Pot, Toad, Dau Nguoi (Human Head) islet, and then visitthe Sung Sot (Amazing) cave. Stop for a walk through the "Amazing Cave". There'll be plenty of time for swimming andsunbathing (weather permitting) as you anchor for a night on the Bay. Enjoy a wonderful sunset dinner in our beautiful restaurant beforeretiring to the comfort of your cabin.
Thurs 14Apr Day 2 (BL): Early risers will enjoy a refreshing swim in a quiet firth. Brunch buffet will be served from 9:00am11:00am.Cruise to see more of the bay passing such interesting formations as Titov, Soi Sim Beaches, Ngon Tay (Finger) islet, Thien Nga(Swan) islet, Ga Choi (Cock Fighting) islet as you make your way back to Halong City. Check out procedure (10.30am11.30am).Transfer back to the dock and enjoy lunch in a restaurant before returning back to Hanoi. Arrive in Hanoi around 5:30pm.
World Heritage Halong Bay FAQsQ Does the boat rock or shake during the night?A No. 1600 islands provide natural shelter in Halong bay, so it's quite calm.
Q Where do I sleep on the boat?A The Dragon's Pearl or similar has fully equipped cabins with ensuite bathroom and aircon.Cabins are twin share and there aredoubles. Q I'm traveling alone, is there any chance that I can pay extra to have my own cabin and hotel room, or do I have to sharewith someone else?A If it's available at the time you book, you can pay $15 extra to have a cabin to yourself. Hotels are based on availability as well,and the cost is usually $10$15. Q Where does the tour depart from and return to?A All of our Halong Bay tours Depart and Return to our 80 Ma May office. Q Can I sleep on the deck? Are there mosquito nets on the deck?A Yes, you can sleep on the upper deck if you wish, there are comfortable lounge chairs there. There are no mosquito netsavailable on the deck. Q Are there lifejackets onboard? Will they fit children?A The Dragon's Pearl is fully equipped with all the latest safety gear and each cabin has lifejackets. There are also life buoyssuitable for children. Q Will you take us to places that other don't go to?A The �Amazing Cave� is a very touristy place. The rest of the trip we try to avoid other boats but at night we have to sleep in thesame vicinity as a few other boats due to security regulations in the bay.Apr 14 and Apr 15 Thien Thai Hotel Hanoi Sup Room/Full B'fast�� Twin� 2 nights2 nights and one full day in Hanoi. (1 Full day to explore Hanoi again). As above.Apr 16 Transfer Hotel/Hanoi Airport����Apr 16 Vietnam Airlines���� Flight# 315Depart: Hanoi����������� 1145
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Arrive: Danang���������1300Apr 16 Tsfr Danang/Hoi AnApr 16 Hoi An Hotel Room/Cont B'fast Twin� 3 nights
HOI AN & HISTORYThe ancient town of Hoi An is 32 kms. south of Danang on the banks of the Thu Bon River. Known to early Western traders, Hoi Anwas one of the major trading centres of South East Aisa in the 16th century. With a distinctive Chinese atmosphere, low tiled roofhouses and narrow cobblestone streets where no traffic is allowed, the original structure of the town is virtually left intact. Hoi Anhas turned into a travellers` mecca with many low cost restaurants and street tailors where a complete designer outfit can be madewithin 12 hrs at an absurdly low cost.�Optional Day Tour to My Son with river trip on the return: approx US$7.A day trip from 7:30 am, 55 km from Hoi An. A small trek from the road to the valley where My Son Holy Land was constructed by KingBhadravarman 1 of the Cham in the 4th century. Here Gods of Hinduism in Champa Kingdom were worshipped. Originally there wereabout 70 towers, now they remain only 20 towers, square and built of red bricks without mortar, typical of the architectural art of theCham people.
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Hoi An Hoi An Beach Hoi An Street SceneApr 19 Transfer Hotel/Danang Airport�����������Apr 19 Vietnam Airlines���� Flight# 337Depart: Danang���1410 pmArrive: NhaTrang��1530 pmApr 19 Transfer Nhatrang Airport/Hotel���������Apr 19 Que Huong Hotel Nha Trang Dlx Room/Cont B'fast� Twin� 2 nights
NHA TRANG ... ASIAN RIVIERAWith it`s palmlined streets fronting white sand beaches, ocean front seafood restaurants and sidewalk cafes give a livelyatmosphere similar to the French Riviera. Clear turquoise waters are excellent for snorkelling and scuba diving making Nha Trang apopular alternative to the beaches of Thailand. Optional Tour: (recommended)THE ISLAND TOUR Price: 7 USD/PAX * Visiting Mun Island. Mot Island, Tam Island, The Fishing village * Snorkeling equipment is freeof charge * Meal service: sea food specialities and fruit varieties. * Free transport from and back
Nha Trang Beach Nha Trang Hotel Nha Trang
Apr 21 Transfer Hotel/Nhatrang Airport����Apr 21 Vietnam Airlines���� Flight# 455 Depart: NhaTrang����������� 1545 pmArrive: Ho Chi Minh City��� 1645 pmApr 21 Transfer Saigon Airport/Hotel�����Apr 21 Saigon�Continental Hotel (no pool) (extra A$20pp per night) Std Room/Full B'fast� Twin� 3 nights.
SAIGON or HO CHI MINH CITY Even the locals still say `Saigon` although the official name is `Ho Chi Minh City`. Quickly turning into one of Asia`s most dynamiccities, the bustling pace of activities offer a more contemporary perspective of `the new Vietnam�
Optional Tours:Cu Chi Tunnels US$5.00 half dayMekong Delta US$7.00 full day
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Palace Saigon Traffic Saigon Rickshaw Saigon�����Apr 24 Vietnam Airlines���� Flight# 783 Depart: Ho Chi Minh City������������ 2055 pmArrive: Sydney ��08.20 am on the 25th(Mc Ewan to Mel Syd QF427 25Apr 11001230) Hamilton/Campbell return flights (Cambodia sidetrip)VN827 24APR Saigon Siem Riep 1140/1240
Arrival transfer 24 AprTwin room Royal Crown Hotel for 2 nights incl b'fast 2426AprFull day tour to Angkor Temples 25Apr.
VN828 26APR Siem Riep Saigon 1820/1920VN873 26APR Saigon Sydney 2055/0820+1