Water Puppetry Casa Verde

Vietnam North to South

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18 days (Hanoi)

Destinations visited: Vietnam, Hanoi, World

Grading:

Introductory to Moderate level

Grading Definitions

Discovery & Cruising

These are our least demanding trips. These journeys of discovery and cruises involve little or no extended activity and are suitable for people with a basic level of fitness and good health. The itinerary may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and may involve long travel days on various types of transport. Sightseeing may be conducted on foot and all participants should be capable of carrying their own luggage from vehicle to hotel rooms. These adventures do not go above 2500m and rarely involve camping.
Suggested preparation: Once or twice a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour, for at least 2 -3 months prior to departure.

Adventure Touring

Suggested preparation: Two or three times a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour or more, for at least 3 months prior to departure.

Introductory

These trips involve trekking or walking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to five or six hours a day at a slow but steady pace and should never be misinterpreted to mean they are easy trips. These trips do not spend time at altitudes above 4000m and are usually a week in duration. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health.
Suggested preparation: 30 minutes of aerobic type exercise, (either cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trek. For trekking, hill walking with a daypack in variable weather conditions is also recommended. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week for three months prior to departure is recommended.

Introductory to Moderate

These trips involve a combination of what is described in our INTRODUCTORY and MODERATE levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity with several moderate stages

Moderate

These adventures involve trekking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to 6 or 7 hours a day at a steady pace. These trips may spend successive days at altitudes not generally exceeding 5,500m and are usually between 10 and 15 days in duration. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health.
Suggested preparation: 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise, three to five times a week for the three months leading up to your trek. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling is also recommended depending upon the activity you plan to undertake.

Moderate to Challenging

These adventures involve trekking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to 6 or 7 hours a day at a steady pace. These trips may spend successive days at altitudes not generally exceeding 5,500m and are usually between 10 and 15 days in duration. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health. Suggested preparation: 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise, three to five times a week for the three months leading up to your trek. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling is also recommended depending upon the activity you plan to undertake.

Challenging

These adventures involve trekking, cycling or rafting in remote areas in variable weather conditions for up to 8 to 10 hours a day (possibly more subject to weather conditions and altitude). This may include spending successive days at altitudes not generally exceeding 6000m. These trips may often be over three weeks in duration. You will need an excellent level of fitness, be prepared to carry a daypack weighing up to 8kgs (and in some cases a full pack) and be completely comfortable in adverse weather conditions.
Suggested preparation: One hour of aerobic type exercise, four to five times a week for three to six months prior to departure. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or on/off road cycling is also recommended.

Entry Mtn/Exploratory Treks

These adventures are classed as expeditions. They involve either extreme trekking and or basic mountaineering. Expect remote and poorly defined trails in variable weather conditions for up to 12 hours a day (possibly more subject to weather conditions and altitude). This may include a number of demanding high pass crossings and evacuation may be difficult from remote areas. Suitable for first time mountaineers wishing to take the step from trekking into the realm of mountaineering. Prior experience trekking at altitude is preferable but not essential and you should be comfortable in adverse weather conditions. Prior technical mountaineering experience is not necessary. Terrain will involve low angle snow slopes. Ropes may be used during treks for glacier travel and steeper sections of ice and snow. When mountaineering, basic mountaineering instruction is given by our mountaineering guides.
Suggested preparation: For grade 8-10 mountaineering expeditions you will need to be very fit and healthy. A minimum of 1 hour of aerobic exercise per session, four to five times a week is essential. Running and cycling in hilly areas is particularly beneficial as are multi day walks on the weekends. This is the ideal time to try out your boots and other gear to make sure you are prepared and ready for your expedition. If you are considering Intermediate or advanced level trips, you will need to discuss your preparation leading up to the trip with our expert staff.

Intermediate Mtn Expedition

Participants should be competent and self sufficient in the outdoors and have experience in multi day trekking at altitude. Prior experience on an entry level mountaineering expedition is highly recommended. The terrain will involve low to moderate angle snow slopes and traveling on crevassed glaciers. Experience using ice axe and crampons is preferred but not essential.
Suggested preparation: For grade 8-10 mountaineering expeditions you will need to be very fit and healthy. A minimum of 1 hour of aerobic exercise per session, four to five times a week is essential. Running and cycling in hilly areas is particularly beneficial as are multi day walks on the weekends. This is the ideal time to try out your boots and other gear to make sure you are prepared and ready for your expedition. If you are considering Intermediate or advanced level trips, you will need to discuss your preparation leading up to the trip with our expert staff.

Advanced Mtn Expedition

These are our most challenging expeditions. Clients must have prior mountaineering experience. Most are participatory expeditions & involve load carrying, setting up of camps, cooking and campcraft. Altitude is generally greater than 6500m. Some of these expeditions also involve “technical” climbing and are for experienced alpine climbers / mountaineers only. Technical expeditions involve steep climbing at high altitude (including rock climbing). Participation on one of these expeditions is subject to acceptance by one of our high altitude mountaineering guides.
Suggested preparation: For grade 8-10 mountaineering expeditions you will need to be very fit and healthy. A minimum of 1 hour of aerobic exercise per session, four to five times a week is essential. Running and cycling in hilly areas is particularly beneficial as are multi day walks on the weekends. This is the ideal time to try out your boots and other gear to make sure you are prepared and ready for your expedition. If you are considering Intermediate or advanced level trips, you will need to discuss your preparation leading up to the trip with our expert staff.

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Combine a stunning trek with the highlights of Vietnam.

For an in-depth, active adventure in Vietnam this trip is a must! From Hanoi we transfer to the remote northern region of Ha Giang with its limestone outcrops near the China border. This area is home to some of Vietnam's 15 ethnic minority groups whose fascinating cultures and warm hospitality is experienced first hand as we trek through villages and stay as guests in their homes. Pretty scenes of lush prime rain forests, silver waterfalls, bamboo forests and tea and rice terraces complete our backdrop. From here we retreat to the serenity of Halong Bay where we spend the night aboard a traditional wooden 'junk' boat floating amongst its 3000 limestone islets and emerald waters. In elegant Hue we explore ancient imperial pagodas before relaxing in the World Heritage coastal town of Hoi An. Venturing further south, we discover the stilted houses of the Mekong Delta before completing our adventure in amongst the markets and mayhem of Ho Chi Minh City.

Highlights

Enjoy the hustle and bustle of Hanoi
Trek the remote northern region of Ha Giang with its limestone outcrops near the China border
Meet Vietnam's fascinating ethnic minority groups
Retreat to the serenity of Halong Bay
Explore elegant Hue and its Imperial pagodas
Wander the World Heritage coastal town of Hoi An
Discover the colourful waterways of the Mekong Delta
Get amongst the markets and mayhem of Ho Chi Minh City and Cu Chi Tunnels

Itinerary

Day 1 Join Hanoi

Upon arrival, you will be met and transfer to our group hotel. A group meeting will be held around 5pm with our local tour guide followed by a welcome dinner to sample some delicious local cuisine.

Day 2 Hanoi

Enjoy a full day city tour of Hanoi taking in it's highlights such as the Ethnology Museum and the Temple of Literature in the morning. We then transfer for a quick lunch on board the Jewel of the Delta, the only cruise boat on the Red River. We dock at Bat Trang Ceramic Village then transfer back to the Old Quarter for a fascinating walking tour. In the evening, sit back and enjoy a traditional water puppet show.

Day 3 Hanoi-Hoang Su phi, Ha Giang (7 hours drive, 2-3 hours trekking)

Following breakfast we departure from Hanoi and transfer by private vehicle to the northern region of Ha Giang via Hoang Sy Phi. Upon arrival we enjoy a gentle and relaxing walk along the Silver River, stopping to visit some minority villages to experience their lifestyle first hand. This evening we have our first overnight home-stay in Nam Hong village of the Red Yao people. Accommodation: Basic home-stay

Day 4 Nam Hong-Nam Khoa (6-7 hours trekking)

Following breakfast, we trek to Nam Khoa village of Man Ta Pan people, stopping to enjoy a picnic lunch on the way. The scenery is breath-taking; lush green forest, silver waterfalls, serene mountains and stunning views of rice, cassava and tea terraces around the mountain slopes. As we trek we will meet different ethnic minorities such as Tay, Red Yao, Long Tunic Yao. We end today's adventure at the homestay of the Man Ta Pan people. All of the local minority groups in this area are distinguished by their traditional costumes, language and housing. Accommodation: Basic home-stay

Day 5 Nam Khoa-Nam Son-Giang Thuong (6-7 hours trekking)

After breakfast we emark on another memorable days trek passing Nam Son market and the local High School en route to Giang Thuong village of the Tay people. The Tay people's housing is particularly interesting, traditionally set high up on stilts. The local people will be as interested in you as you are in them as this area receive very few foreign visitors. Accommodation: Basic home-stay

Day 6 Giang Thuong- Phin Ho (6-7 hours trekking)

Today our adventure is truly special as we trek through prime rainforest, ascend bamboo forests and special tea plantation farms on the mountain slopes. Once we are at Phin Ho, we have time to further explore the village or perhaps help locals pick tea from their garden, collect vegetables for dinner or just simply sit back and enjoy local life. Accommodation: Basic home-stay

Day 7 Phin Ho-Pan Hou (2.5 hours trekking)

An easy days trek as we descend through small bamboo forest trails to Pan Hou, a newly established eco-lodge in the area. The afternoon is free to relax or pamper yourself in the herbal sauna or take a body massage to relieve your aching legs! Accommodation: Pan Hou Lodge

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Day 8 Hoang Su Phi, Ha Giang-Tuyen Quang-Hanoi (4hours trekking & 7 hours 4WD)

This morning we take a 4WD trip back to Hanoi, en route we stop at Tuyen Quang town and visit Hung King temple.This is the holiest temple in Vietnam, considered as ancestral land, and the cradle of Vietnamese culture. Here you can see the biggest ancestral-national altar and a complex of hundreds of temples on the hills. This is a very interesting site for any traveller who is interested in local culture and history. We arrive back in Hanoi in the evening.

Day 9 Hanoi-Halong Bay

After breakfast we set out for a 3-hour drive to Halong Bay. On arrival we will board our traditional ‘junk’ sailing boat and head out into the Gulf of Tonkin amongst the huge limestone outcrops and emerald waters. After lunch on board our captain will find a secluded spot for swimming, sun bathing and kayaking before dinner. In the evening there is the option for night fishing or just sit out on the deck and relax under the stars.

Day 10 Halong Bay-Hanoi-Overnight train to Hue

This morning we continue to enjoy our Halong Bay journey with an early morning dip and a leisurely breakfast. At midday we return to the main harbor for a 3-hour journey back to Hanoi. In the evening we transfer to Hanoi train station for our overnight journey to Hue in our comfortable sleeper carriages.

Day 11 Hue

Hue, Vietnam's former capital until 1945, is regarded by many as the cultural centre of Vietnam. After breakfast and freshening up, we embark on a dragon boat ride on the perfume river. Along the way we visit Thien Mu Pagoda and the tomb of Tu Duc Emperor. Lunch will be served on the boat. The Nguyen dynasty ruled Vietnam from 1802 until 1945 and several of its most prominent Emperors are buried in the surrounding countryside.

Day 12 Hue - Hoi An (5 hours drive)

This morning we visit the Citadel which contains the Imperial City and the Forbidden Purple City- the Emperor's private residence. Later today we continue south by road to Hoi An. The scenery en route is beautiful as we hug the coastline of the South China Sea before winding our way up the spectacular Hai Van Pass. Here we stop to admire the stunning views north, to Lang Co beach and south to Danang City. In the afternoon we will have our first glimpse of Hoi An, a beautiful boutique town recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site.

Day 13 Hoi An

Hoi An is a charming, small town which can be easily explored on foot. More than any other place in Vietnam, Hoi An retains the feeling of centuries past and is a favorite with all travelers. Between the 17th and 19th centuries, Hoi An was a thriving international trading port with a large Chinese and Japanese population. This morning we will enjoy a walking tour of Hoi An and the afternoon at leisure. You may wish to hire a bicycle and head off on a scenic ride to Cua Dai beach, visit Hoi An's famous taylor shops or take a Vietnamese cooking class!

Day 14 Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City

This morning we transfer to Danang to take a 1 hour flight to Ho Chi Minh City. After checking into our hotel, we take a 2.5 hour drive to the famous Cu Chi tunnels. This network of tunnels, which stretched for over 200km, became legendary during the 1960's. The Cu Chi tunnels played a vital part in the American war as they allowed the Viet Cong to control a large rural area only 30-40km from Ho Chi Minh City. At its height the tunnel system stretched from Ho Chi minh City to the Cambodian border.

Day 15 Ho Chi Minh City

This morning we enjoy a wonderful tour of this fascinating city to unravels Ho Chi Minh City's turbulent past and provide a glimpse of this city's coulourful character. The tour is split into a morning and afternoon schedule visiting its cathedrals, pogodas and vibrant markets.

Day 16 Ho Chi Minh City-Mekong Delta

This morning, we set off for a drive through the Mekong Delta to the town of Cai Be. Here we will board our private boat for a cruise along the maze of waterways and canals to Vinh Long. We will stop at the home of a Bonsai gardener for a sumptuous Delta lunch. Towards the end of the day, we’ll arrive at the home of a local family whose house is built on stilts over the water. These people will be our hosts for this evening and will tell us more about life in the Delta.

Day 17 Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Rising early to the sounds of the Delta coming to life, we enjoy breakfast before boarding our river boat once more for a cruise to Vinh Long town, stopping along the way to visit some local cottage industries. Following this we will meet with our vehicle and drive to the town of My Tho where we will visit the Vinh Trang pagoda. The evening is spent in Ho Chi Minh City celebrating over our final nights dinner.

Day 18 Ho Chi Minh City-trip concludes

The trip concludes this morning following breakfast where upon transfers to the airport will be arranged.

Additional Information

Inclusions

17 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 7 dinners
Airport transfers on day 1 & day 18
Internal flight Danang/Ho Chi Minh City valued at US$85
Expert bilingual guide
Medical kit
Comfortable well located accommodation and local homestays
Private air-conditioned vehicles
Comfortable train travel in 4 berth sleeper carriages
Sightseeing and site entry fees as listed in itinerary
Traditional 'junk' boat in Halong Bay
Porters during trek

Summary

9 nights hotel
1 night eco-lodge
1 night traditional boat
5 nights local home-stays
1 night train

Trip Main Activities

6 days trekking
Cruising
Adventure Touring

Group Size Min

Group Size Max

Accommodation Summary

Equipment Required

Specialist gear required include walking boots and day pack (a comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre-departure information provided on booking).

What You Carry

During the trek you will just need to carry your small day pack with essential items such as sunscreen, raincoat, sunglasses etc, porters will carry the rest of your gear. This means you will need to provide a soft bag for your gear e.g a duffle bag or backpack. Hard suitcases are not suitable. Please pack a minimum for the porter to carry. Additional luggage not needed for the trek can be left in Hanoi. For the rest of the trip you will need to be able to carry all your luggage on and off transport and to and from your hotel room. During the day when out touring you will just need to carry your day pack with essentials.

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Pioneers in responsible travel.
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True adventures in every sense.
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