LOTUSSIA TRAVEL l Multisport Vacations

North Vietnam Holiday Package Travel Hanoi Cuc Phuong Trang An Mai Chau Son La Dien Bien Lai Chau Sapa Hanoi and Halong bay 13 days

admin — Fri, 18 May 2012 16:54:12 +0000

The 13-day tour is arranged in the northern Vietnam and includes such activities as jungle treks, overland tour, sampan cruise tour, hiking, homestay, highland market, boat junk cruise, se canoeing. Depart from Hanoi, travelling through Cuc Phuong National Park, Trang An, Mai Chau, Son La, Dien Bien Phu, Lai Chau, Sin Ho, Sapa, Halong bay. The tour focuses on the wild nature, the rich ethnic culture of the northern region. The itinerary is highly recommended for individuals, small group tours, family holidays and those who are interested in dmz, war sites.

Day 1: Hanoi – Cuc Phuong National Park. Jungle treks.

Make a pleasant journey to Ninh Binh, about 120km in the south of Hanoi. Upon arriving in Cuc Phuong National park, we start visiting the Rescue Center where we will see and learn about the park’s biodiversity and variety of endangered species.

Then, we begin our trekking holidays through the life and songs of the local rain forests. A picnic lunch will be served en route. In the late afternoon, we will arrive at a village of the Muong minority people where we will spend our night in a local house. Dinner, then free time to talk with the host family and learn about the Muong people’s life and culture. Overnight at the stilt house.

Day 2: Cuc Phuong – Trang An. Trang An sampan cruise tour. Travel to Mai Chau.

After breakfast, we will take a short walk of to get reach the main road where we will get picked up by our car and transferred to Thung Nang which can be called “Vietnam’s Inland Halong Bay”.

Thung Nang is wonderful for photo hunters. The tourists often compare the place with Guilin – China, or more closely, to the limestone islets of Halong Bay in the Tonkin Gulf for their similar geological structures and shapes. Thus Thung Nang is also called Halong-Bay-On-Land.

Along the way we will visit caves and ancient temples. After the pleasant boat trip, we disembark the sampan and take our car again for Mai Chau. Arrive in Mai chau late afternoon.

Day 3: Hiking Mai Chau.

Breakfast at the Thai stilt house then we leave the village for a full day hiking around. We will pass many different Thai hamlets, through rice fields, hill sides…Stop sometimes to visit local houses and talk with local people. And one of the highlight on this walk is to experience the everyday life and culture white Thai people and stay in their traditional house on stilts as honoured guests. We will return to the village around late afternoon. Have a short break before enjoying the Thai traditional Music and Dance show which is performed by the village young gilrs and boys. Althrough they are not professional artistes, they will give you an unique experience of their culture life.

Day 4: Mai Chau – Son La – Dien Bien Phu.

The road to Son La is lined with fruit orchards, tea plantations, towering mountains and the traffic of Black Thai, Muong and White Thai hill tribe people heading to markets. Upon arriving in Sonla, we visit the Sonla Prison Museum, which remains as a poignant reminder of the inequities of the former. Then we continue the journey to Dienbien. Impressive scenery, and hill tribe villages fill the journey to Dien Bien Phu, the last bastion of French power in Indochina. Monuments, museums and preserved bunkers tell the story of the final and victorious liberating battle of 1954. Overnight at hotel in Dien Bien.

Day 5: Visit Dien Bien Phu war sites. Travel to Muong Lay.

Half day touring around the battlefields. You see the museum of Dien Bien with exhibits collected during the fiercest war in Indochina during the 1950s, then we visit the vestiges of bunkers and fortified stations of over 16,000 French Expeditionary troops (including Elliane Hill and De Castries bunkers…). Free lunch in town.

In the afternoon, we depart for Muong Lay. The road through Muong Lay valley is both breathtaking and dramatic. Hugging rice terraced mountainsides and fording turbulent rivers, our travels today are visually spectacular. Overnight in Muong lay.

Day 6: Muong Lay – Sin Ho – Lai Chau.

From Muong Lay, the drive to Sin Ho is stunning with tiered tea plantations and verdant rice terraces carved into the landscape. Sin Ho is the most authentic market in the North West region which takes place every Saturday morning. There are many ethnic groups coming from different villages to sell their home made agricultural products such as rice, corn, vegetable, chicken, pork…

In the afternoon, continue our drive downhill to Lai Chau for the night. Overnight in Laichau.

Day 7: Trekking Lai Chau.

Breakfast at hotel. Then the car will drive us to Binh Lu market where we will have a short visit to the very big and colorful market which take place only on Sunday morning. The town is bustling with activity as the local hill tribes gather for their weekly market day here.

Then we start our hiking day. The area you are walking in this morning is a wide valley, spotted with limestone hills wherever you look. You will pass through several villages of Flower Hmong and Giay minorities where you can stop for lunch in local house.

After lunch you continue towards the village of Ban Giang, which is around 1.5 hours away. The Giay people also inhabit Ban Giang. You will then follow a small but good trail to the Lu village of Ban Hon, where you will stay overnight in a local house. You will enjoy dinner in the house, and taste, together with the family of the house, how rice wine tastes in this area of Vietnam. Our car will pick us up and get back to hotel for overnight.

Day 8: Lai Chau – Sapa. Visit Sapa town.

After breakfast, we will continue our drive uphill to Sapa passing Tram Ton Pass which offers beautifull views over the Hoang Lien mountain range. This route part is also considered the most beautiful stretch of road in Vietnam.

Upon our arrival in Sapa, we will have a walk around Sapa town. Climb up to Ham Rong mountain to enjoy the wonderful views of Sapa town.

Day 9: Sapa villages trek.

After breakfast at hotel, we begin our hiking day by taking a jeep ride to Ban Ho village. This is a village of Tay ethnic minority. The Tay preserve a traditional and fairly developed agriculture with cultivation of all kinds of plants including rice, maize and sweet potato as well as seasonable fruit and vegetables. Then we continue walking to Thanh Phu village where your lunch will be provided in a local house. After lunchtime, heading to Sin Chai village. This is a village of of Red Dao people. Special dinner to celebrate the New Year Festival. Lotussia Travel is delighted to offer each guest 01 bottle of French wine to make the New year more special.

Day 10: Continue trekking Sapa. Travel to Lao Cai. Overnight train back to Hanoi.

After breakfast, we will continue our day with a long trek downhill to Lao Cai. The route from Sin Chai, one of the most remote area in Sapa offers beautiful scenery and landscape. The trek will take us through rice paddy fields, bamboo forest, old trees jungle. Your lunch will be provided at Nam Ket. After lunch, we will trek further downhill. Upon arriving in Ta Thang village, a Tay village we will be greeted again by our driver who transfer us then to Laocai station for our journey back to Hanoi.

Day 11: Arrive Hanoi. Travel to Halong bay. Boat cruise with kayaking tour.

Arrive in Hanoi in the early morning, transfer to a local restaurant for early breakfast then depart to Halong. Enjoy the journey through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta and the scenery of rice fields, water buffalo and everyday Vietnamese village life. Arrive in Halong and board the Bai Tho traditional sailing junk (or similar junk). Whilst cruising the exquisite waters sample the regions fresh seafood. Visit the recently discovered Surprise Grotto with its great views, and on the next island see the yawning mouth of Bo Nau Cave. Alternatively journey to Dau Go Cave and nearby see the famous stalagmites and stalactites of Thien Cung Cave. Enjoy a swim in the emerald waters of Halong Bay at any spot that you wish to visit or take a kayaking trip to explore the Bay. Watch the sun set over the bay whilst enjoying a delicious dinner. Overnight on board junk.

Day 12: Halong bay – Hanoi. Water puppet show.

In the evening, attend to the water puppet show, one of famous Vietnamese traditional art. Overnight in Ha Noi.

Day 13: Day trip to Duong Lam ancient village.

We travel west of Hanoi to visit Duong Lam village, a purely agricultural village of the Northern Red River delta where still preserve many hundred-year-old houses. It will be your unique experience as you walk along tiny ancient alleys; visit Mong Phu temple in Mong Phu hamlet – the only hamlet whose original village entrance gate remains intact, dedicated to national heroes. Then cycle to Cam Lam by village’s roads. Magnificent landscape with rice-fields and hills. The two Kings Phung Hung & Ngo Quyen were born there and the village people are very proud of this. That’s why it has the second name as “The village of 2 Kings”. At Cam Lam, we can visit the temple of Phung Hung – very beautiful temple and also the Mausoleum of Ngo Quyen in the countryside facing rice fields and nice landscape. Back to Hanoi in the late afternoon. Trip ends.

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Trekking North-Western Vietnam and Kayaking Halong bay 11 days

admin — Fri, 18 May 2012 16:21:34 +0000

The 11-day tour takes you to the less traveled places in the north-western Vietnam. Begin the tour in Hanoi, you travel through Mai Chau, Suoi Lon, Bac Yen, Thu Cuc, Nghi Lo, Tu Le, Mu Cang Chai, Than Uyen, Sapa, Cao Son, Lao Cai and Halong bay. You trek through local Thai, Muong, H’mong, Dzao ethnic villages, terraced paddy fields; visit the Cao Son market is open only on Wednesday morning. Spending the nights at a local home (homestay) also offers a great experience. You enjoy the 3-day tour to Halong bay before the tour takes its ends. Contact your Lotussia Travel consultant for more details.

Day 1: Ha noi – Mai Chau. Trekking Mai Chau.

Transfer to Mai Chau. Mai Chau is in a valley just over the biggest hump, about 10km from the Song Da river and only 150 metres above sea level. The village, nestled between two towering cliffs and surrounded by emerald green paddies, is an enchanting sight as you wind down the cliff side. On the way, trek some kilometers through ethnic villages (Muong and Thai). Lunch will be providd in Mai Chau. Dinner and overnight in Lac village.

Day 2: Continue trekking Mai Chau. Travel to Suoi Lon.

After breakfast, transfer 17 kilometers then we start trekking in an area of inhabitants of ethnic minority Thai, Muong the villages of Cun Pheo and Hang Kia. On arriving at Bai Sang wharf, we will take a boat to cruise on the Black river. Arrive at Suoi Lon for overnight in Muong’ Village.

Day 3: Suoi Lon – Bac Yen – Thu Cuc.

Transfer to Ta Sua plateau, you can contemplate the highland scenery of it. Visit some villages of ethnic Black H’mong and discover the daily life and custom of local inhabitants here, especially you can enjoy the local specialties: Ta Sua Tea and agriculture products then come back the mountain town for lunch. After having lunch, visit the local market, the handicraft and farming products made by many ethnics are available here. Then continue to trek over 5 Kilometers through villages of Thai and Muong village. During the trekking tour you can take a rest and enjoy the local wine distillated by ethnics. Transfer to Thu cuc. Overnight in Muong Village.

Day 4: Thu Cuc – Nghia Lo.

Trek through Thai, Dao, Mong visit the water wheel. It is used to scoop the water for the rice fields near the streams. Continue going to Nghia Lo through the direction of Lung Lo pass. Arrive at Nghia Lo, check in hotel then take a visit the local market at the moment of decline of day.

Day 5: Nghia Lo – Tu Le.

Leave Nghia Lo for the itinerary, trek and visit some villages of ethnic’s minorities along the road: black Dzao, H’mong, white Thai, etc. They are very kind, honest and plain. Arrive at Tu Le village, dinner and overnight in house on stilt of inhabitants here. You can discover the daily life activities of this village in particular and the Thai ethnic in general in Vietnam. Overnight in Thai Village.

Day 6: Tu Le – Mu Cang Chai – Than Uyen.

Take leave of inhabitants of Tu Le, it takes 2 Km to village center, you can visit lots of activity on the early market day and it is typical colorful ethnics of this high mountain regions. Transfer to the the footing of Kau Pha pass for us to start trekking about 9 Km through the forest and ethnic villages. This trail runs parallel with the famous and beautiful Kau Pha pass. We finish the trail at the peak of the pass (1800m above sea level). Transfer to Mu Cang Chai for lunch. Visit the local market and go on to Than Uyen. Arrive at Than Uyen, check in local guest house.

Day 7: Than Uyen – Binh Lu – Sapa.

Transfer to Sapa, on the way, we can take trek to visit lots of beautiful villages of ethnic. Especially, you can meet the most typical ethics as: Lao, Lu (Xa Pho). They wear the long traditional and colorful costumes with jeweler hand made. Moreover, you can discover the kind face in black dyed teeth of ethnics here. Arrive at Sa Pa. Check in and rest of the day at leisure or visit Sa Pa famous tourist town in Northern Vietnam . You can visit and go shopping, market for buying souvenirs such as handicraft made by ethics, ethics’ traditional costumes, etc before ending the days in North West Vietnam.

Day 8: Visit Cao Son Market. Travel to Lao Cai. Overnight train back to Hanoi.

Drive to Muong Khuong district, via tea plantation and forest of pine. You might encounter Giay tribe in their traditional dress in Ban Lau or Thanh Binh. Reaching Cao Son about 10.am, enjoy the excitement of this weekly market. The shining dress of colorful Hmong girls attracts you much as you fall down to a new world , a world of interest and fun. Having lunch in Cao Son lodge. In the afternoon, commence your walk to the most secluded yet peaceful village- Tin Thang. In this village, people still distill the wine from corn, making bacon in the most basic way and offering special corn cake to anyone who drop by their house. Transfer to Lao Cai Railways Station for overnight train back to Hanoi.

Day 9: Arrival in Hanoi. Travel to Halong Bay. Cruise, kayaking.

Upon your arrival at Hanoi Railways Station, you will be greeted by Lotussia Travel local guide and driver then transferred to a small hotel in town for breakfast and quick shower. Depart to Halong Bay.

Enjoy the journey through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta and the scenery of rice fields, water buffalo and everyday Vietnamese village life. Arrive in Halong and board the Bai Tho traditional sailing junk. Whilst cruising the exquisite waters sample the regions fresh seafood. Visit the recently discovered Surprise Grotto with its great views, and on the next island see the yawning mouth of Bo Nau Cave. Take a kayaking trip to explore the Bay or enjoy a swim in the emerald waters of Halong Bay at any spot that you wish to visit. Watch the sunset over the bay whilst enjoying a delicious dinner.

Day 10: Continue kayaking Halong bay.

Breakfast on board. Then we continue kayaking zigzagging through many small islets of different shapes. We will kayak to the Black Grottoe and The lake of Three Grottoe. The journey is really wonderfull and adventurous! Back to the support boat for our lunch which will be provided on board.

In the afternoon, we cruise towards the Islands of Rocks and visit the Fishermen floating village. We will kayak in Ba Men temple area which is also a important highlight of our journey. Swimming at the sandy Three Peach beach if weather permits and enjoy the great view of Halong bay sunset. Dinner and Overnight on board.

Day 11: Halong Bay – Hanoi.

Breakfast on board. Then we continue our cruise in Halong bay before going back to shore. Arrive at Ha long wharf about 11h00 and take our car for journey back to Hanoi.

Arrive in Hanoi at around 15h00. Trip ends.

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Vietnam Family Vacation Travel Hanoi Mai Chau Tam Coc Halong Bay Hue Hoian Saigon Phan Thiet 11 days

admin — Fri, 18 May 2012 09:13:26 +0000

The 11-day tour is specially customized by the Hanoi based tour operator for individuals, small group tours, family holidays touring in Vietnam. The tour begins in Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, taking you to Mai Chau, Tam Coc, Halong bay, Hue, Danang, Hoian, Ho Chi Minh city and Mui Ne beach, Phan Thiet. Activities available are hiking, sampan cruise tour, countryside cycle, boat, junk cruise, sea canoeing, visit world heritage sites and beach break. The best time to travel this itinerary are April, May, October, November. But this multi activity holiday package can be available all year round. Contact your travel consultant for more details.

Day 1: Hanoi – Mai Chau. Hiking Mai Chau.

Depart for Hoa Binh province and up then to Mai Chau valley. This scenic drive takes around four hours. Along the way we pass fields of tapioca and sugar cane as well as rice paddies. Free lunch.

In the afternoon, enjoy a half day walking around Lac & Poom Coong villages to have the first sights of the White Thai community culture.

In the evening, assist to the traditional music and dance show which is performed by The Thai young girls and boys. They all come from this village. Try also some rice alcohol made of traditional plants and local sticky rice. Overnight at stilt-house.

Day 2: Mai Chau – Tam Coc, Ninh Binh. Sampan cruise tour.

Breakfast then we say good bye to the warm-hearted Thai people. Depart for Ninhbinh. We will arrive in Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh around noon. After lunch (optional), visit the two remaining sanctuaries of the ancient citadel of Dinh & Le, then countinue driving to Tam Coc, also called Halong-Bay-On-Land. Upon arrival in Tam coc, we will have a short rest before taking a 2-hour boat trip along the Boi river. The river trip in Tam coc is wonderful for photo hunters, especially when local people come to harvest the water rice planted along the river, or when they transplant some seedling for the next crops. The tourists often compare the place with Guilin – China, or more closely, to the limestone islets of Halong Bay in the Tonkin Gulf for their similar geological structures and shapes. Overnight in Tam Coc.

Day 3: Tam Coc – Halong bay. Halong bay cruise and kayaking tour.

Enjoy the journey through the scenery of rice fields, water buffalo and everyday Vietnamese village life. Arrive in Halong around noon and board the Bai Tho traditional sailing junk (or similar junk). Whilst cruising the exquisite waters sample the regions fresh seafood. Visit the recently discovered Surprise Grotto with its great views, and on the next island see the yawning mouth of Bo Nau Cave. Alternatively journey to Dau Go Cave and nearby see the famous stalagmites and stalactites of Thien Cung Cave. Take a kayaking trip to explore the Bay (optional). Watch the sun set over the bay whilst enjoying a delicious dinner. Overnight on board junk.

Day 4: Halong bay – Hanoi.

Breakfast on board. Then we continue our cruise in Halong bay. Lunch will be served early on board while the boat is going back to shore. Arrive at Ha long wharf about 11h00 and take our car for our journey back to Hanoi.

Arrive in Hanoi at around 15h00. Enjoy a short cyclo excursion through the bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sales at these places. Free dinner. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 5: Fly to Hue. Hue sightseeing tour.

Transfer to Noibai airport for a short flight to Hue. VN ???/ ???. Welcome at Hue airport by Lotussia Travel guide, driver and then escorted to Hue center.

We will board a private boat for a cruise on the romantic Perfume River. The charming Lady Pagoda (Thien Mu Pagoda), setting in converge of rivers will be the first stop of the day. The pagoda gives you a great view on the Perfume River and the surrounding area. Then we will be picked up again by our car for a short drive to the Minh Mang tomb. The tomb of emperor Minh Mang is an architectural unit comprising several monuments laid out symmetrically.

Overnight in Hue.

Day 6: Hue – Danang – Hoian. Hoian sightseeing tour.

After breakfast, continue exploring Hue with the imperial citadel, which is recognized as a World Heritage Site.

Then depart for Hoian. Stop en route at Lang Co, a small village of fishermen. Taking photograph from Hai Van Pass (The pass of Sea and Cloud). Arrive in Hoian around late afternoon. Overnight in Hoian.

Day 7: Hoian city tour.

Begin our visit of this charming small town, first commercial center in Vietnam since the 15th century, with more than 800 classified buildings such as Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Old house, Assembly Hall Chinese. Phuc Kien Pagoda, Hoian Museum and Market.

Free lunch in town. Free afternoon.

Overnight in Hoian.

Day 8: Travel to Da Nang. Fly to Ho Chi Minh city. Travel to Mui Ne beach, Phan Thiet.

Free time until transfer to Danang airport for a short flight to Ho Chi Minh city. Flight ???

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam named after the late communist leader Ho Chi Minh. Welcome at Tan Son Nhat airport in Ho Chi Minh city by Lotussia Travel guide, driver and then transferred to Mui Ne beach, Phan Thiet.

Overnight in Phan Thiet.

Day 9 & 10: Phan Thiet beach resort.

Full day free at leisure to enjoy the prime beach of Phan Thiet or just relax on the hotel/resort poolside. Optional beach activities can be arranged on the spot with the resort. Overnight in Phan Thiet.

Day 11: Phan Thiet – Saigon.

Free at leisure until transfer back to Saigon (check out at 12:00). Arrive in Saigon and stay free for the rest of time.

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Vietnam Multisport Trip Travel Hanoi Mai Chau Tam Coc Lao Cai Bac Ha Sapa Halong Bay Hue Hoian Ho Chi Minh city Cu Chi Mekong Delta 17 days

admin — Thu, 17 May 2012 09:22:47 +0000

The 17-day tour offers the opportunity to visit some of Vietnam most popular travel destinations such as Hanoi, Mai Chau, Kenh Ga village, Tam Coc, Lao Cai, Can Cau market, Bac Ha market, Sapa, Halong bay, Hue, Da Nang, Hoian, Cu Chi tunnels, Ho Chi Minh city and the Mekong Delta. Begin the tour in Hanoi, continue with the north-western mountainous area, then the central cost and finally the southern Vietnam. You will experience different travel activities such as trekking, cycling, sea kayaking, cooking, sightseeing culture, history discovery and more. The itinerary is recommended for individuals, small group size, family holidays. Contact your travel consultant for more details.

Day 1: Hanoi – Mai Chau. Hiking Mai Chau valley.

Depart Hanoi for Hoa Binh province and the town of Mai Chau. This scenic drive takes around three hours. Along the way we pass fields of tapioca and sugar cane as well as rice paddies. Arrive in Mai Chau village, we take a short walk around Lac & Poom Coong village to have the first sights of the White Thai community culture.

In the evening, assist to the traditional music and dance show which is performed by The Thai young girls and boys. Try also some rice alcohol made of traditional plants and local sticky rice.

Overnight on a stilt house.

Day 2: Hiking Mai Chau villages.

Day 3: Mai Chau – Kenh Ga floating village – Tam Coc.

Breakfast then we say good bye to the warm-hearted Thai people. Depart for Ninhbinh. We will arrive at Kenh Ga around noon.

Have lunch in a local restaurant and try some specialty of the region. After lunch, the car will drive you to Kenh Ga floating village. Set on the banks of the Hoang Long River, Kenh Ga is a remarkable place, not only because it is surrounded by the same massive rocks that dominate Hoa Lu, but also because for most of the year the entire community lives on the water itself. The floating village of Kenh Ga receives relatively few visitors compared to nearby Hoa Lu and the peoples’ aquatic way of life has changed little over the centuries.

Then take to boat trip to the floating village. Here there are many people live on their boats. They formed a community with their particular ways of life and culture. Have some stop on the way to visit local people and talk with them.

Overnight at local guest-house.

Day 4: Tam Coc sampan cruise tour. Travel back to Hanoi. Overnight train to Lao Cai.

The river trip in Tam coc is wonderful for photo hunters, especially when local people come to harvest the water rice planted along the river, or when they transplant some seedling for the next crops. The tourists often compare the place with Guilin – China, or more closely, to the limestone islets of Halong Bay in the Tonkin Gulf for their similar geological structures and shapes. Thus Tam Coc is also called Halong-Bay-On-Land.

We move on to Tam Coc for a 3-hour boat trip along the Boi river. Along the way we will visit caves and ancient temples. After lunch we can make a visit Bich Dong Pagodas before making our way back to Hanoi.

After dinner (at your own account), transfer to Hanoi railway station to take the night train to Laocai. Overnight on the train.

Day 5: Lao Cai – Can Cau market – Bac Ha town.

The train arrive Laocai station early morning. You will be meet by another Lotussia local guide and driver. After having breakfast in town, start the ride up to Can Cau market. The ride is relatively flat from Lao Cai to Bao Nhai, where you will be taken through rural area. Situated in the mountains in border area, 20 km from Bac Ha, Can Cau is a small, but very colorful market. Opening only on Saturdays, it always delivers a very photogenic display of Flower Hmong, Black Zao, Phu La ethnic costumes. Chinese people also come for trading. After spending the whole morning exploring the market, you will leave the market for Bac Ha town for lunch.

In the afternoon, you will take a walk to Ban Pho village of Nung and Flower Hmong, which locate in a small valley. The villagers grow vegetables and fruit trees. One of the most famous fruit of the area is plum. You will be able to visit a local house, where you might have chance to taste a cup of corn wine, another famous product of the village. You will go back to hotel late in the afternoon.

Overnight in Bac Ha.

Day 6: Visit Bac Ha Sunday market. Travel to Sapa.

After having a morning coffee, you take a short walk to visit the old castle of the former Hmong King. From there you can have a view over the town. You will then visit the huge market of Bac Ha with its colorful array of ethnic minority people such as Flower Hmong, Phu La, Black Dao, Tay, Nung who gather to buy and sell. After spending the whole morning exploring the market, your lunch will be served in a local restaurant.

After lunch, you drive downhill for about half an hour. You will then start a short walk to Trung Do village, which belongs to the Tay minority. Here you can stop by a traditional Tay house for a cup of tea before you get on a boat. You will have a cruise upstream the Chay River to experience the picturesque scenes and the magnificent sight of a beautiful cave. The boat ride ends at Coc Ly Market, where you get on the car for the journey to Sapa.

Overnight in Sapa.

Day 7: Hiking Sapa villages.

The day commences with a jeep ride to the trekking route. The trek starts by walking through the incredibly scenic “Ban Ho” valley. Here you will have the opportunity to visit and explore the wooden houses, which traditionally belong to the Tay ethnic minority. You will then continue to walk to Thanh Phu village where you stop for lunch in a local house.

After lunchtime, you head to Sin Chai village of Red Dao minority where the night will be spent in bamboo huts. The wonderful hospitable atmosphere of the Red Dao will attract you.

Overnight in Sapa.

Day 8: Continue trekking Sapa (Sin Chai village – Nam Nhiu village – Nam Than village – Thanh Phu village).

Today’s Sapa trek takes you through several villages where you will be able to meet Tay, Hmong and Xa Pho ethnic minorities. You will have time to photograph the beautiful rice paddy terraces and the surrounding mountain. On the way you will visit a local school. Your lunch will be prepared and served in a local house.

In the afternoon, you head back to Thanh Phu village of Tay minority. Here you will spend the night. You can take a walk to explore local daily life while your dinner will be served with Vietnamese dishes.

Day 9: Continue trekking. Return Sapa town. Travel to Lao Cai. Overnight train back to Hanoi.

On the last day of the trek you will cross several suspension bridges and trek through lush rice paddy fields and stunning scenery. You have a unique opportunity to meet Xa Pho minority in My Son village, one of the smallest group ethnic living in Northern Viet Nam. They always maintain their unique costume and nomadic life. You trek uphill to Nam Toong village of Red Dao minority, where you have lunch in a local school.

In the afternoon, your trek will be firstly downhill to Ban Ho village where you will have time for a swim in the river. You will then climb toward Su Pan. The car will meet you there and take you then to Laocai railways station for the night train back to hanoi.

Overnight on the train.

Day 10: Hanoi – Halong bay.

Arrive in Hanoi in the early morning, transfer to a local restaurant for early breakfast then depart to Halong. Enjoy the journey through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta and the scenery of rice fields, water buffalo and everyday Vietnamese village life. Arrive in Halong and board the Bai Tho traditional sailing junk (or similar junk) for the overnight Halong bay cruise. Whilst cruising the exquisite waters sample the regions fresh seafood. Visit the recently discovered Surprise Grotto with its great views, and on the next island see the yawning mouth of Bo Nau Cave. Alternatively journey to Dau Go Cave and nearby see the famous stalagmites and stalactites of Thien Cung Cave. Enjoy a swim in the emerald waters of Halong Bay at any spot that you wish to visit or take a kayaking trip to explore the Bay. Watch the sun set over the bay whilst enjoying a delicious dinner. Overnight on board junk.

Day 11: Halong bay – Hanoi

Wake up to fresh coffee and a wholesome breakfast before cruising back to Halong City. En route the junk weaves through strange-shaped rock formations that invite comparisons from fighting cocks to dragons. After another wonderful fresh seafood lunch (early) on board disembark at the dock at Halong City. Transfer back to Hanoi airport for a domestic flight to Ho Chi Minh city. Meet up by another Lotussia guide and driver at Ho chi Minh airport and you will be transferred to your hotel in the city center.

Day 12: Fly to Hue. Hue city tour.

Breakfast at hotel then transfer to Noibai airport for your flight to Hue. Flight number???. Dpt. At ?h. HAN-HUI.

You will be greeted at Hue airport by another Lotussia guide and driver and transfered to the hotel downtown.

Starting visiting Hue by taking the boat trip on Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda considered as Royal Pagoda of the Nguyen Dynasty and Imperial Citadel.

In the afternoon, visit Mausoleums of Tu Duc or the one of Khai Dinh King. Visit a typical garden-house in Hue (Hue has another name as “city of garden”). Overnight at hotel.

Day 13: Hue – Danang – Hoian.

Breakfast at hotel. Depart for Lang Co, a small village of fishermen. Taking photograph from Hai Van Pass (The pass of Sea and Cloud). Visit Cham Museum in Danang. Free lunch en route.

You will arrive in Hoian in the afternoon. Free dinner and overnight in Hoian.

Day 14: Hoian city tour.

Start the visit of this charming small town, first commercial center in Vietnam since the 15th century, with more than 800 classified buildings : Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Old house, Assembly Hall Chinese. Phuc Kien Pagoda, Hoian Museum and Market. After lunch, continue the visit. In the evening, walk on the river Thu Bon in sunset. Free diner in town. Overnight at hotel.

Day 15: Travel back to Danang. Fly to Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon).

After breakfast, transfer to Danang airport for the morning flight to Saigon. Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh city airport, you will be meet by another Lotussia local guide and driver and transferred to city center.

Start the tour with Ho Chi Minh City highlights including the Post Office, cathedral, Reunification palace, centre town, then continuation towards Cholon, visit Thien Hau temple, Binh Tay market. Free lunch in town.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 16: Ho Chi Minh city – Tay Ninh & Cuchi Tunnels - Ho Chi Minh city.

Breakfast at hotel. Enjoy a morning drive through typical southern Vietnamese countryside to Tay Ninh Province in the west of Vietnam. At Tay Ninh visit the incredible Cao Dai Great Temple, with architecture that could have come straight from a Walt Disney fantasy and where all the major faiths of the world blend together in a unique religious cocktail. After lunch in a local restaurant visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground tunnel network constructed by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the long struggle for independence. Overnight in Saigon

Day 17: A day trip to the Mekong Delta

Breakfast at hotel. Leave Ho Chi Minh City for Vinh Long. On arrival at Cai Be, board a boat to explore the floating market, typical of the Mekong Delta. Continue by boat to Binh Hoa Phuoc Island to visit orchards of tropical fruits. After lunch continue by boat to Vinh Long Town for transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City.

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Vietnam multi activity holidays: Travel Hanoi Mai Chau Tam Coc Lao Cai Sapa Halong bay Saigon Mekong Delta 11 days

admin — Thu, 17 May 2012 07:54:07 +0000

The 11-day tour offers the opportunity to visit all Vietnam essential travel destinations as you travel from the northern to the southern Vietnam. Begin the tour in Hanoi, travel through Mai Chau, Tam Coc, Lao Cai, Sapa, Halong Bay, Ho Chi Minh city, Mekong Delta, Can Tho, Cu Chi tunnels. Different travel activities have been added to the tour making your holidays enjoyable – mountain hiking, homestay, sampan cruise, countryside cycle, boat junk cruises, sea kayaking, cycling, war sites. Optional travel activities such as scuba diving, cooking class, spa are also available upon request. The tour can also be extended with a beach break to the southern beach such as Mui Ne beach or Phu Quoc island beach. Contact your travel consultant for more details.

Day 1: Hanoi – Mai Chau. Hiking Mai Chau villages.

Depart Hanoi for Hoa Binh province and up then to Mai Chau valley. This scenic drive takes around four hours. Along the way we pass fields of tapioca and sugar cane as well as rice paddies. Upon arriving in Mai Chau valley, we take a short walk around Lac & Poom Coong villages to have the first sights of the White Thai community culture.

Day 2: Maichau – Tam Coc, Ninh Binh.

Breakfast then we say good bye to the warm-hearted Thai people. Depart for Ninhbinh. We will arrive at Kenh Ga around noon. Have your lunch in a local restaurant and try some specialty of the region. After lunch, the car will drive you to Kenh Ga floating village where you will take the boat trip along the beautiful river. Set on the banks of the Hoang Long River, Kenh Ga is a remarkable place, not only because it is surrounded by the same massive rocks that dominate Hoa Lu, but also because for most of the year the entire community lives on the water itself. The floating village of Kenh Ga receives relatively few visitors compared to nearby Hoa Lu and the peoples’ aquatic way of life has changed little over the centuries. Overnight at local guest-house.

Day 3: Tam Coc sampan cruise tour. Travel back to Hanoi. Overnight train to Lao Cai.

The river trip in Van Long is wonderful for photo hunters, especially when local people come to harvest the water rice planted along the river, or when they transplant some seedling for the next crops. The tourists often compare the place with Guilin – China, or more closely, to the limestone islets of Halong Bay in the Tonkin Gulf for their similar geological structures and shapes. Thus Van Long is also called Halong-Bay-On-Land. We will have a 3-hour boat trip along the river before making our way back to Hanoi. After dinner, transfer to Hanoi railway station to take the night train to Laocai. Overnight on the train.

Day 4: Arrive Laocai. Travel to Sapa. Hiking Sapa villages.

You will be met up at Lao Cai railways station by another Lotussia Travel local guide and driver then transferred to Sapa for a short rest and breakfast. Then we will travel down hill to Ban Ho. We will trek through the scenic valley of “Ban Ho”. This is a village of Tay ethnic minority. The Tay preserve a traditional and fairly developed agriculture with cultivation of all kinds of plants including rice, maize and sweet potato as well as seasonable fruit and vegetables. Then we continue walking to Thanh Phu village where your lunch will be provided in a local house. After lunchtime, you head to Sin Chai village. This is a village of of Red Dao people. Dinner and overnight at the village.

Day 5: Continue trekking Sapa. Return Sapa town. Travel to Lao Cai. Overnight train back to Hanoi.

After breakfast, we will start our day with a long trek towards Lao Cai. The route from Sin Chai, one of the most remote area in Sapa offers beautiful scenery and landscape. The trek will take us through rice paddy fields, bamboo forest, old trees jungle. Your lunch will be provided at Nam Ket. After lunch, we will trek downhill. Upon arriving in Ta Thang village, a Tay village we will be greeted again by our driver who transfer us then to Laocai station for our journey back to Hanoi. Overnight on the train.

Day 6: Arrive Hanoi. Travel to Halong bay. Cruise tour with kayaking.

Arrive in Hanoi in the early morning, transfer to a local restaurant for early breakfast then depart to Halong. Enjoy the journey through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta and the scenery of rice fields, water buffalo and everyday Vietnamese village life. Arrive in Halong around noon and board the Bai Tho traditional sailing junk (or similar). Whilst cruising the exquisite waters sample the regions fresh seafood. Visit the recently discovered Surprise Grotto with its great views, and on the next island see the yawning mouth of Bo Nau Cave. Alternatively journey to Dau Go Cave and nearby see the famous stalagmites and stalactites of Thien Cung Cave. Take a kayaking trip to explore the Bay. Watch the sun set over the bay whilst enjoying a delicious dinner. Overnight on board junk.

Day 7: Halong Bay – Hanoi.

Wake up to fresh coffee and a wholesome breakfast before cruising back to Halong City. En route the junk weaves through strange-shaped rock formations that invite comparisons from fighting cocks to dragons. After another wonderful fresh seafood lunch (early) on board disembark at the dock at Halong City at around 11h00am. Transfer back to Hanoi. Overnight in Ha Noi.

Day 8: Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh city. City tour.

After breakfast, transfer to Hanoi airport for the morning flight to Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon). Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh city airport, you will be met by another Lotussia Travel local guide and driver and transferred to your hotel in the city center. After your free lunch in town, start the tour with Ho Chi Minh City highlights including the Post Office, cathedral, Reunification palace, centre town, then continue towards Cholon, visit Thien Hau temple and Binh Tay market. Overnight in Saigon

Day 9: Travel to the Mekong Delta. Biking on flat roads (Ho Chi Minh city – My Tho – Can Tho).

After breakfast, transfer (approx 2 hrs) to My Tho to avoid the teeming traffic. My Tho is the gateway to the Mekong Delta and a wonderful place to start our ride. In My Tho, unload the bikes and start to pedal on the beautiful and quiet country lanes along the Tien River to Cai Be. Along the way, pass through the heart of rural Mekong along narrow lanes, passing banana plantations, sugarcane fields and the lush rural landscape of the Delta. After Cai Be, cross on Dinh Khao ferry to Cho Lach. After the ferry, cycle for a couple of kilometres and then shuttle the rest way to Can Tho. O/N in Can Tho.

Day 10: Continue cycling. Travel back Ho Chi Minh city.

After enjoying an early morning breakfast visit the Cai Rang floating market, weave through teeming early morning market bustle along the banks of an active riverfront. Ride on a narrow paved road to Phong Dien floating market. Absorb the sights of endless cottage industries, timber merchants, coconut shredders, small docks loading/unloading rice, tiny vibrant markets. Local lunch in town. Continue by bike on the narrow lane to explore the hidden backwaters of the Mekong Delta. Return to Saigon. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.

Day 11: Day trip to Cu Chi tunnels.

Enjoy a scenic drive through typical southern Vietnamese countryside to Cu Chi to visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground tunnel network constructed by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the long struggle for independence. Back to Saigon. Trip ends.

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Vietnam family holidays 2013: Travel Hanoi Lao Cai Sapa Ho Chi Minh city Mekong Delta Phan Thiet 13 days

admin — Thu, 17 May 2012 03:55:23 +0000

The 13-day tour is specially customized for family travel, small group holidays touring Vietnam. There are boath active adventure outdoor activities and beach breaks offering a bid difference. Start the tour taking the overnight train from Hanoi to Laocai. Travel uphill to Sapa where you enjoy the overnight hike through terraced paddy fields, local hilltribe villages. Arriving back in Hanoi, you continue the trip with the two-day tour to Halong bay. Enjoy boat cruise with optional watersport such as sea canoeing, snorkeling, scuba diving. The trip continues with a cycling adventure to the Mekong delta. The biking trail is easy as you cycle on flat roads. The final part is a beach vacations to Mui Ne, Phan Thiet. You can chose other beach place or extend this leisure package. Contact your travel consultant for more details.

Day 1: Hanoi – Lao Cai by train.

In the evening, transfer to Hanoi Railway Station for overnight train to Laocai. Train???. Departure at??? (To be advised).

Overnight on board train.

Day 2: Arrive Laocai. Visit local hill tribe market. Travel to Sapa.

Arrive Lao cai Railway Station early this morning. You will be greeted by Lotussia local team and transferred to a local restaurant in town for breakfast.

Travel to Muong Khuong district enjoying beautiful scenery along the road. Upon arriving in Muong Khuong, we will take another road which goes up in mountains. Pine trees forests and villages surround the tinny market. Flower Hmong, Tu Di, Tay and Giay ethnic minorities come to buy and sell local products such as food and material for agriculture and fabric. After exploring the market, we will have a short walk to a Black Dao village. Then head back to Muong Khuong where your lunch will be provided in a local restaurant.

After lunch, travel to Sapa where you will spend the night.

Day 3: Trekking Sapa villages.

Travel to Sin Chai village. This is a beautiful village, located right at the foot of Hoang Lien mountain range and inhabited by the Black Hmong minority. There we start our Sapa trekking tour going uphill. Once we reach to the top, you will take a small trail descending to Catcat village.

Your lunch will be provided near a waterfall.

In the afternoon, we will take another trail sneaking through mountain. The scenery is also spectacular. Take a short break upon arriving Y Linh Ho village before climbing up to the main road where our vehicle will be waiting for us for the journey back to Sapa.

Day 4: Continue trekking. Travel to Laocai. Overnight train back to Hanoi.

The morning will be free at leisure.

In the afternoon, start a short walk downhill through beautiful orchids gardens and pine forests. You will then reach a small village of Suoi Ho is inhabited by Hmong ethnic minority. Their house normally built of land has no windows because of the cold in the winter. You will then continue your hiking adventures going through rice paddy fields and spectacular scenery to Ma tra. It is possible to stop by a primary school for a quick visit.

Then get on our vehicle again and travel to Laocai for overnight train back to Hanoi.

Overnight on board train.

Notes: two-hour day use will be provided in a mini standard hotel before the train trip.

Day 5: Arrive Hanoi. Travel to Halong bay. Cruise, kayaking.

Arrive in Hanoi early this morning. You will be greeted by Lotussia Travel team again and transferred to a local restaurant in town for early breakfast and quick shower.

Enjoy the journey through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta and the scenery of rice fields, water buffalo and everyday Vietnamese village life. Arrive in Halong and board the Bai Tho traditional sailing junk (or similar junk). Whilst cruising the exquisite waters sample the regions fresh seafood. Visit the recently discovered Surprise Grotto with its great views, and on the next island see the yawning mouth of Bo Nau Cave. Alternatively journey to Dau Go Cave and nearby see the famous stalagmites and stalactites of Thien Cung Cave. Enjoy a swim in the emerald waters of Halong Bay or have one-hour kayaking trip through strange shaped rock formations.

Watch the sun set over the bay whilst enjoying a delicious dinner.

Overnight on board junk.

Day 6: Halong bay – Hanoi.

Wake up to fresh coffee and a wholesome breakfast before cruising back to Halong City. Disembark at the dock at Halong City at 11:00 and travel back to Hanoi.

Enjoy one-hour massage package in one of most finest spa salon in town – A full body massage both invigorating and relaxing. This massage helps to reduce tension, soothe sore muscles and increase circulation.

Overnight in Ha Noi.

Day 7: Fly to Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon). City tour.

Transfer to Noibai airport for a short flight to Ho Chi Minh city, still called “Saigon”. Flight ??? Departure at??? (To be advised).

Welcome at Tan Son Nhat airport in Ho Chi Minh city by Lotussia Travel local team and then escorted to your hotel in town.

In the afternoon, start the half day city tour tour with Ho Chi Minh City major highlights such as the Post Office, cathedral, Reunification palace, centre town, then continue towards Cholon, visit Thien Hau temple and Binh Tay market.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.

Day 8: Biking the Mekong Delta (Ho Chi Minh city – Can Tho).

Transfer (approx 2 hrs) to My Tho to avoid the teeming traffic. My Tho is the gateway to the Mekong Delta and a wonderful place to start our ride. In My Tho, unload the bikes and start to pedal on the beautiful and quiet country lanes along the Tien River to Cai Be. Along the way, pass through the heart of rural Mekong along narrow lanes, passing banana plantations, sugarcane fields and the lush rural landscape of the Delta.

After Cai Be, cross on Dinh Khao ferry to Cho Lach. After the ferry, cycle for a couple of kilometres and then shuttle the rest way to Can Tho.

Overnight in Can Tho.

Day 9: Continue cycling. Travel back to Ho Chi Minh city.

After enjoying an early morning breakfast visit the Cai Rang floating market, weave through teeming early morning market bustle along the banks of an active riverfront. Ride on a narrow paved road to Phong Dien floating market. Absorb the sights of endless cottage industries, timber merchants, coconut shredders, small docks loading/unloading rice, tiny vibrant markets. Continue by bike on the narrow lane to explore the hidden backwaters of the Mekong Delta.

Lunch in a local restaurant in town.

In the afternoon return to Saigon.

Day 10: Travel to Mui Ne, Phan Thiet.

Travel to Phan Thiet (Muine). The scenic 200km drive north on Highway One passes through the bustling city of Bien Hoa before cutting through dense rubber plantations.

Arrive in Muine and check into resort. Overnight in Muine.

Day 11 & 12: Mui Ne beach resort.

Full day free at leisure to enjoy the prime beach of Mui ne or just relax on the hotel/resort poolside. Optional golf course or beach activities can be arranged on the spot with hotel/resort. Please check with your hotel/resort staff for more information.

Overnight in Muine.

Day 13: Travel back to Ho Chi Minh city.

Free at leisure until transfer back to Ho Chi Minh.

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vietnam family holidays all inclusive: Travel Hanoi Mai Chau Tam Coc Sapa Lao Cai Sapa Halong Bay Saigon Phan Thiet 13 days

admin — Wed, 16 May 2012 10:20:10 +0000

The 13-day tour is specially customized by Lotussia Travel for family holidays touring since the trip includes different activities that are both fine for parents and children – visit highland market, mountain hike, homestay at local home, boat cruise, sea kayaking, countryside cycling and beach resort. The multisport trip takes you to Vietnam top travel destinations including Hanoi, Mai Chau, Tam Coc, Lao Cai, Sapa, Halong Bay, Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon), Mui ne beach, Phan Thiet. Optional outdoor activities are also available upon request such as scuba diving, snorkeling, rock climbing, mountain biking and more. Contact your travel consultant for more details.

Day 1: Hanoi – Mai Chau.

Depart for Hoa Binh province and up then to Mai Chau valley. This scenic drive takes around four hours. Along the way we pass fields of tapioca and sugar cane as well as rice paddies.

Arrive in Mai Chau around late afternoon. Check into a local stilt house for dinner & overnight.

After dinner, assist to the traditional music and dance show which is performed by The Thai young girls and boys. They all come from this village. Try also some rice alcohol made of traditional plants and local sticky rice.

Day 2: Hiking Mai Chau. Travel to Tam Coc, Ninh Binh province.

Leave the village for a half day walking around. We will pass many different Thai hamlets, through rice fields, hill sides…We will stop by some local houses to talk with local people to understand their customs and culture.

Lunch will be provided in a local stilt house.

After lunch enjoy a four hour drive to Tam Coc, also called “Ha Long Bay on land”, or the “Vietnam’s second nicest grotto” (to Huong Tich) for its poetic and inspirational natural scenery.

Arrive in Tam Coc around late afternoon. Check-in hotel. Overnight in Tam Coc.

Day 3: Tam Coc sampan cruise and countryside cycling tour. Travel back to Hanoi .

After breakfast, we will take a two hour boat trip around natural caves and grottoes, admire the wonderful landscape of the tourist area. The trip in Tam Coc is wonderful for photo hunters, especially when local people come to harvest the water rice planted along the river, or when they transplant some seedling for the next crops.

Cycle along the village roads with beautiful sightseeing and friendly local people. Arriving in Hoa Lu, we will visit Hoa Lu – The Ancient Capital and the remaining two temples of Dinh King & Le King.

Lunch in a local restaurant then travel back to Hanoi.

In the evening, attend to the water puppet show, one of famous Vietnamese traditional art.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 4: Hanoi city tour. Overnight train to Lao Cai.

Free morning at leisure.

In the afternoon, we will continue visiting the Ethnology museum where you can find the biggest object collection of 54 Vietnamese ethnic groups.

Enjoy a short cyclo excursion through the bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sales at these places.

In the evening, transfer to Hanoi Railways Station for overnight train to Laocai. Train ??? Departure at??? (To be advised).

Overnight on board train.

Day 5: Arrive Lao Cai. Visit a highland market. Travel to Sapa.

Arrive Laocai Railway Station early this morning. You will be greeted by Lotussia local team and transferred to a local restaurant in town for breakfast.

Travel to Muong Khuong district enjoying beautiful scenery along the road. Upon arriving in Muong Khuong, we will take another road which goes up in mountains. Pine trees forests and villages surround the tinny market. Flower Hmong, Tu Di, Tay and Giay ethnic minorities come to buy and sell local products
such as food and material for agriculture and fabric. After exploring the market, we will have a short walk to a Black Dao village.

Then head back to Muong Khuong where your lunch will be provided in a local restaurant.

After lunch, travel to Sapa where you will spend the night.

Notes: There is no market on Monday and Friday.

Day 6: Trekking Sapa villages.

You first sneak through the market and leave the busy town behind. After a couple of minutes, you will follow a road going downhill to Cat Cat village. You will stop by a waterfall and a hydroelectric station for a while before you trek on a dirt trail through rice paddy terraces. You will also enjoy spectacular scenery while walking along a narrow river. You eventually arrive in Y Linh Ho village of Black Hmong minority, where you can take a rest while you are served lunch nearby the river.

After lunch, you head Muong Hoa valley. You will pass through Lao Chai village of Black Hmong minority and then Tavan village of Giay minority by following a very popular trekking route. You will spend the night in local house of Giay minority. You will be able to take a walk to enjoy the valley view as well as swim in the river nearby.

Day 7: Continue trekking. Travel to Lao Cai. Overnight train back to Hanoi.

After breakfast, depart for Giang Ta Chai village of Red Dao minority. You will trek through bamboo forest, which belongs to Hoang Lien National Park. On the way you will pass by a waterfall where you will have time to take a rest and enjoy the surroundings.

You will find a nice place to have lunch.

After lunch, you continue trekking towards Su Pan, a small village located by the road where your vehicle will waiting for the drive back to Sapa.

Day use will be provided in a mini/standard hotel for quick shower before the overnight train back to Hanoi. Train??? Departure at ??? (To be advised).

Overnight on board train.

Day 8: Arrive Hanoi. Travel to Halong bay. Boat cruise. Kayaking or Scuba diving.

Arrive in Hanoi early this morning, welcome by our team again and transfer to a local restaurant for early breakfast.

At 8:30: Depart for Halong bay. Enjoy the journey through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta and the scenery of rice fields, water buffalo and everyday Vietnamese village life. Arrive in Halong and board the Bai Tho traditional sailing junk (or similar junk) for the Halong bay overnight cruise tour. Whilst cruising the exquisite waters sample the regions fresh seafood. Visit the recently discovered Surprise Grotto with its great views, and on the next island see the yawning mouth of Bo Nau Cave. Alternatively journey to Dau Go Cave and nearby see the famous stalagmites and stalactites of Thien Cung Cave. Enjoy a swim or take a kayaking trip on the emerald waters of Halong bay.

Watch the sun set over the bay whilst enjoying a delicious dinner. Overnight on board junk.

Day 9: Halong bay – Hanoi. Fly to Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon).

Breakfast on board. Then we continue our cruise while the boat is going back to shore. Arrive at Ha long wharf about 11h00 and join our vehicle again for journey back to Hanoi.

Upon your arrival in Hanoi, transfer directly to Noibai airport for a two-hour flight to Ho Chi Minh city.

Welcome at Tan Son Nhat airport in Ho Chi Minh city by Lotussia Travel local team and then escorted to your hotel in town. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.

Day 10: Saigon city tour. Travel to Mui Ne, Phan Thiet.

Enjoy a half day city tour tour with Ho Chi Minh City major highlights such as the Post Office, cathedral, Reunification palace, centre town, then continue towards Cholon, visit Thien Hau temple and Binh Tay market.

In the afternoon, transfer to Mui Ne, Phan Thiet (without guide). The scenic 200km drive north on Highway One passes through the bustling city of Bien Hoa before cutting through dense rubber plantations.

Arrive in Muine and check into resort.

Overnight in Muine.

Day 11 & 12: Phan Thiet beach resort.

Full day free at leisure to enjoy the prime beach of Muine or just relax on the hotel/resort poolside (no guide; no car).

Optional golf course or beach activities can be arranged on the spot with hotel/resort. Please check with your hotel/resort staff for more information.

Overnight in Muine.

Day 13: Travel back to Ho Chi Minh city.

Free at leisure until transfer back to Ho Chi Minh (without guide). Trip ends.

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Vietnam multi activity holidays: Travel Hanoi Lao Cai Cao Son Sapa Halong Bay 11 days

admin — Wed, 16 May 2012 09:39:57 +0000

The 11-day tour is provided by Lotussia Travel to the northern Vietnam. Start the tour by taking the overnight train from Hanoi to Laocai. Then travel to Cao Son, Lao Cai province where you will enjoy a half day hike to an local hilltribe villages before visiting the Cao Son market is open on the following day. The multisport trip continues with a 5- day trek to Sapa. You trek through local ethnic villages are inhabited by the Black H’mong, the Red Dzao, the Xa Pho…Sleeping at local home (homestay) to experience the real life. You then take the overnight train to get back to hanoi then travel to Halong bay to enjoy the boat junk cruise tour. Optional watersport including scuba diving, sea kayaking are also provided by the boat team. Contact your travel consultant for more details.

Day 1: Hanoi – Lao Cai by train.

In the evening, transfer to Hanoi Railways Station for overnight train to Laocai. Departure at 21:00 (TBA).

Day 2: Arrive Laocai. Travel to Cao Son. Trekking Cao Son village.

Arrive Lao Cai Railway Station early this morning. You will be met up by Lotussia Travel local team and transferred to a local restaurant for breakfast. After few minutes resting, the driver will take you to Muong Khuong district, via tea plantation and forest of pine. You might encounter Giay tribe in their traditional dress in Ban Lau or Thanh Binh. Reaching Cao Son about 10.am. Check in Cao Son lodge and relax.

In the afternoon you will commence your walk to the most secluded yet peaceful village – Tin Thang. In this village, people still distill the wine from corn, making bacon in the most basic way and offering special corn cake to anyone who drop by their house.

Back to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Visit Cao Son Wednsday market. Travel to Sapa.

After having breakfast in the Cao son lodge, you will walk on a good paved road with local ethnic minority people to go to Cao Son market. Pine trees forests and villages surround the tinny market. Flower H’mong, Tu Di, Tay, Giay ethnic minorities come to buy and sell local products such as food and material for agriculture and fabric. People coming to the market not only for selling or buying something but also importantly to meet friends, relative and to sip some cups of wine until the dawn comes. No where else but here, Flower H’mong people greet you with a temptation of corn wine and endless hospitality. After exploring the market, you will be able to visit a village of Flower H’mong or a village of Tay people. You will then head back to Muong Khuong and have lunch in a local restaurant. After lunch, you get on the car for journey to Sapa.

Overnight in Sapa.

Day 4: Trekking Sapa (Tavan village).

After breakfast, start your trek through the market and leave the busy town behind. After a couple of minutes, you follow a road going downhill to Cat Cat village. You will stop by a waterfall and a hydroelectric station for a while before you trek on a dirt trail through rice paddy terraces. You also will enjoy spectacular scenery while walking along a narrow river. You eventually arrive in Y Linh Ho village of Black Hmong minority, where you can take a rest while you are served lunch nearby the river.

Day 5: Continue trekking Sapa (Tavan village – Seomity village)

After having breakfast, you start today’s trek, which is mostly uphill until lunchtime. Whenever you stop for a rest, you will be able to enjoy valley view. Before noon, you stop again at a nice spot for lunch.

The Sapa trek will be softer in the afternoon. But the scenery becomes even more beautiful. You pass by
Seomity village of Black Hmong minority before you arrive in a campsite, which locates nearby a
river outside the village. While porters put up tents and cook dinner, you can take a walk to stretch
the legs.

Day 6: Continue trekking Sapa (Seomity village – Ta Trung Ho village)

The trek today takes you through beautiful rice paddies and over old suspension bridges. You will trek on small trail sneaking through rainforest. You arrive in Den Thang village of Black Hmong by noon. Here you stop for lunch either nearby a river or in a local school according to the weather.

After lunch, the trek will becomes tough on tinny footpath going up and down, which requires a lot of concentration. You will reach to Ta Trung Ho village of Red Dao minority where you spend the night in local house. Both the valley and the village have just received foreign visitors. The night will be even more interesting when you are in the wonderful hospitable atmosphere of the Red Dao.

Day 7: Continue trekking Sapa (Ta Trung Ho village – Thanh Phu village)

You are now at the fringe of the rain forest by the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina with its 3143 m, is located in this mountain range. You will start the trek today by ascending to Nam Toong village of Red Dao minority. Here your lunch will be prepared in a local school.

After lunchtime, you descend to the valley where locates My Son village of Xa Pho minority, one of the smallest groups ethnic in Northern Vietnam. From there you take a short walk to Thanh Phu village of Tay minority. Here you spend the night in traditional house of the Tay. You can take a walk to explore local daily life while your dinner will be served with Vietnamese dishes.

Day 8: Trekking from Thanh Phu village to Su Pan village. Travel back to Sapa, then to Laocai. Overnight train back to Hanoi.

Today’s trek is relatively short compared to other days. On the last day of the trek you will cross several suspension bridges. You will be able to stop by a waterfall and have time to swim in the river before arriving in Ban Ho village of Tay minority. Here you stop for lunch in a traditional Tay house.

In the afternoon, you start climbing uphill. On the last hours you can enjoy the valley one final time while heading to Su Pan. Here your car takes you on the journey back to Sapa where you can have a short rest before travelling to Laocai to take night train back to Hanoi.

Day 9: Arrive Hanoi. Travel to Halong bay. Boat cruise with kayaking).

Arrive in Hanoi in the early morning, transfer to a local restaurant in town for breakfast.

Enjoy the journey through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta and the scenery of rice fields, water buffalo and everyday Vietnamese village life. Arrive in Halong and board a traditional sailing junk for your Halong bay cruise tour. Whilst cruising the exquisite waters sample the regions fresh seafood. Visit the recently discovered Surprise Grotto with its great views, and on the next island see the yawning mouth of Bo Nau Cave. Alternatively journey to Dau Go Cave and nearby see the famous stalagmites and stalactites of Thien Cung Cave. Enjoy a swim in the emerald waters of Halong Bay at any spot that you wish to visit or take a kayaking trip to explore the Bay. Watch the sun set over the bay whilst enjoying a delicious dinner.

Overnight on board junk.

Day 10: Continue cruising, kayaking Halong bay.

Breakfast on board. Then we continue cruise. Lunch will be provided on board. In the afternoon, enjoy one more hour kayaking towards the Islands of Rocks or Ba Men temple (Paddling routes may change due to weather or other circumstances. Further details will be informed by our local guide before the trip).

Dinner and Overnight on board.

Day 11: Halong bay – Hanoi.

Disembark at the dock at Halong City at 11:00 and return to Hanoi. Trip ends.

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Vietnam North and South Essential Travel Highlights Tour 10 days

admin — Tue, 15 May 2012 09:42:05 +0000

The 10-day tour includes both the northern and southern Vietnam essential travel highlights such as Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, Halong bay, Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon), the Mekong delta, Cu Chi tunnels and Mui Ne, Phan Thiet beach. Start the tour with a boat cruise, sea kayaking in Halong bay. Enjoy a cyclo ride through Hanoi old quarter, watch water puppet show. Then fly to Ho Chi Minh city where you enjoy a day tour to the Mekong delta, then visit the Cu Chi tunnels before travelling to Mui Ne beach, Phan Thiet. The tour is most suitable for honeymoon couples, family holidays, small group tours who have just enough time to visit Vietnam most important travel sites. Contact your travel consultant for more details.

Day 1: Hanoi – Halong bay. Boat cruise and kayaking tour.

We will depart to Halong Bay. Enjoy the journey through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta and the scenery of rice fields, water buffalo and everyday Vietnamese village life. Arrive in Halong and board the Bai Tho traditional sailing junk (or similar junk). Whilst cruising the exquisite waters sample the regions fresh seafood. Visit the recently discovered Surprise Grotto with its great views, and on the next island see the yawning mouth of Bo Nau Cave. Take a kayaking trip to explore the Bay or enjoy a swim in the emerald waters of Halong Bay at any spot that you wish to visit. Watch the sun set over the bay whilst enjoying a delicious dinner.

Day 2: Halong bay kayaking.

Breakfast on board. Then we continue kayaking Halong bay travel zigzagging through many small islets of different shapes. We will kayak to the Black Grottoe and The lake of Three Grottoe. The journey is really wonderfull and adventurous! Back to the support boat for our lunch which will be provided on board.

Day 3: Halong bay – Hanoi. Cyclo ride. Water puppet show. Overnight in Hanoi.

Brunch on board (Breakfast + Lunch). Then we continue our cruise in Halong bay while the boat is going back to shore. Arrive at Ha long wharf about 11h00 and take our car for our journey back to Hanoi.

Arrive in Hanoi at around 15h00. Enjoy a short cyclo excursion through the bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sales at these places.

In the evening, attend to the water puppet show, one of famous Vietnamese traditional art.

Day 4: Fly to Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon). City tour.

After breakfast, transfer to Hanoi airport for a morning flight to Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon). Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh city airport, you will be met by another Lotussia Travel guide, driver and transferred to your hotel in the city center (checkin after 12:00).

After lunch (optional), start the tour with Ho Chi Minh City highlights including the Post Office, cathedral, Reunification palace, centre town, then continue towards Cholon, visit Thien Hau temple and Binh Tay market. Overnight in Saigon.

Day 5: Travel to the Mekong Delta (Ho Chi Minh city – My Tho – Can Tho).

Day 6: Visit the Mekong delta floating market. Travel back to Ho Chi Minh city.

After enjoying an early morning breakfast visit the Cai Rang floating market, weave through teeming early morning market bustle along the banks of an active riverfront. Ride on a narrow paved road to Phong Dien floating market. Absorb the sights of endless cottage industries, timber merchants, coconut shredders, small docks loading/unloading rice, tiny vibrant markets. Continue by bike on the narrow lane to explore the hidden backwaters of the Mekong Delta. Local lunch in town. In the afternoon return to Saigon.

Day 7: Day trip to Cu Chi tunnels. Travel to Mui Ne, Phan Thiet.

Breakfast at hotel. Enjoy a morning drive through typical southern Vietnamese countryside to Cu Chi to visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground tunnel network constructed by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the long struggle for independence.

Go back to Ho Chi Minh city around noon. Lunch in town (optional). Then drive to Phan Thiet.

Day 8 & 9: Phan Thiet beach resort.

Full day free at leisure to enjoy the prime beach of Phan Thiet or just relax on the hotel/resort poolside. Optional beach activities can be arranged on the spot with the resort (not included in the package). Please check with your resort staff for more details. Overnight in Phan Thiet.

Day 10: Travel back Ho Chi Minh city.

Free at leisure until transfer back to Saigon (check out at 12:00).

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Vietnam multi activity holidays: Travel Hanoi Mai Chau Kenh Ga Tam Coc Sapa Halong Bay Saigon Tay Ninh Cu Chi 10 days

admin — Tue, 15 May 2012 08:59:24 +0000

The 10-day tour is specially customized for individuals, small group tours, family holidays travel since the itinerary includes Vietnam most popular travel destinations such as Hanoi, Mai Chau, Kenh Ga village, Tam Coc, Sapa, Halong bay, Saigon, Cu Chi tunnels, Tay Ninh. Start the tour by traveling south west to Mai Chau where you enjoy a hike through local Thai hamlets, rice fields. The tour continues with a visit to Kenh Ga floating village and a countryside cycle to Tam Coc, Ninh Binh province. You take the the overnight train to Sapa where you have an overnight trek and spend a night at local home (homestay). The trip continues with Halong bay cruise tour, sea kayaking, and a classic sightseeing culture visit to the southern highlights – Saigon, Cu chi tunnels, Tay Ninh…

Day 1: Hanoi – Mai Chau.

We will leave Hanoi for Hoa Binh province and up then to Mai Chau valley. This scenic drive takes around four hours. Along the way we pass fields of tapioca and sugar cane as well as rice paddies. Upon arriving in Mai Chau valley, we take a short walk around Lac & Poom Coong villages to have the first experience of the White Thai community local life and their culture.

In the evening, assist to the traditional music and dance show which is performed by the Thai young girls and boys who all come from the village. We will try some rice wine made of traditional plants and local sticky rice. Overnight at stilt-house.

Day 2: Hiking Mai Chau.

Breakfast at the Thai stilt house then we leave the village for a full day hiking Mai Chau. We will pass many different Thai hamlets, through rice fields, hill sides…Stop sometimes to visit local houses and talk with local people. And one of the highlight on this walk is to experience the everyday life and the culture of the Thai people. We will arrive back to the village in the late afternoon. Overnight on stilt-house

Day 3: Mai Chau – Kenh Ga floating village – Tam Coc (Ninh Binh province).

After breakfast, we will say good bye to the warm-hearted Thai people. We depart for Ninhbinh which is around 150 km from Mai Chau. We will arrive at Kenh Ga around noon.

Lunch will be served in a local restaurant with specialties of the region. After lunch, we will take the car to go to Kenh Ga floating village where we will take the boat trip along the beautiful “Chicken River”. Set on the banks of the Hoang Long River, Kenh Ga is a remarkable place, not only because it is surrounded by the same massive rocks that dominate Hoa Lu, but also because for most of the year the entire community lives on the water itself. The floating village of Kenh Ga receives relatively few visitors compared to nearby Hoa Lu and the peoples’ aquatic way of life has changed little over the centuries.

After the boat trip, we take a bicycle to cycle to Tam Coc – “Halong Bay on-land”.
Overnight at local guest-house.

Day 4: Cycling Tam Coc, Bich Dong. Tam Coc – Hanoi. Overnight rain to Laocai.

Early in the morning, we will take a bike to cycle to Bich Dong pagoda. Enjoy the beautiful scenery along the road. Then we will take a boat trip to cruise rigzaging through many limonestome mountains of Tam Coc.

In the afternoon, we will drive back to Hanoi. Enjoy one hour foot massage in one of well-known spa in town to experience the leisure life of the Hanoi people. In the evening, our car will transfer us to Hanoi railway station for the night train to Laocai. Overnight on the train.

Day 5: Arrival in Laocai. Travel to Sapa. Trekking Sapa.

The train arrive Laocai station early morning. You will be met by another Lotussia local guide and driver and transferred uphill to Sapa.

After breakfast in local restaurant in town, we will take a jeep to go to Ban Ho. This is a village of Tay ethnic minority. The Tay preserve a traditional and fairly developed agriculture with cultivation of all kinds of plants including rice, maize and sweet potato as well as seasonable fruit and vegetables. Upon our arrival in Ban Ho village, we will begin our trek through the scenic valley of “Ban Ho”. Then we continue walking to Thanh Phu village where your lunch will be provided in a local house.

After lunchtime, we will head to Sin Chai village. This is a village of of Red Dao people. Dinner and overnight at the village.

Day 6: Continue trekking Sapa. Travel to Lao Cai. Overnight train back to Hanoi.

Day 7: Arrival in Hanoi. Travel to Halong bay. Boat cruise. Kayaking.

We will arrive in Hanoi in the early morning. Met up again by Lotussia local guide and driver and transferred to a local restaurant for early breakfast then depart to Halong.

Enjoy the journey through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta and the scenery of rice fields, water buffalo and everyday Vietnamese village life.

Arrive in Halong around noon and board the Bai Tho traditional sailing junk (or similar junk). Whilst cruising the exquisite waters sample the regions fresh seafood. Visit the recently discovered Surprise Grotto with its great views, and on the next island see the yawning mouth of Bo Nau Cave. Alternatively journey to Dau Go Cave and nearby see the famous stalagmites and stalactites of Thien Cung Cave. Take a kayaking trip to explore the Bay. Watch the sun set over the bay whilst enjoying a delicious dinner. Overnight on board junk.

Day 8: Halong bay – Hanoi. Hanoi city tour.

Enjoy a short cyclo excursion through the bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sales at these places. In the evening, attend to the water puppet show, one of famous Vietnamese traditional art. Overnight in Ha Noi.

Day 9: Fly to Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon). Saigon city tour.

After breakfast, transfer to Hanoi airport for the morning flight to Saigon. Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh city airport, you will be met by another Lotussia local guide and driver and transferred to your hotel in the city center.

After your free lunch in town, start the tour with Ho Chi Minh City highlights including the Post Office, cathedral, Reunification palace, centre town, then continuation towards Cholon, visit Thien Hau temple and Binh Tay market. Overnight in Saigon.

Day 10: Saigon – Tay Ninh – Cu Chi Tunnels - Saigon.

Breakfast at hotel. Enjoy a morning drive through typical southern Vietnamese countryside to Tay Ninh Province in the west of Vietnam. In Tay Ninh visit the incredible Cao Dai Great Temple, with architecture that could have come straight from a Walt Disney fantasy and where all the major faiths of the world blend together in a unique religious cocktail. After lunch in a local restaurant visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground tunnel network constructed by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the long struggle for independence.

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