Dear Ms Tu,
Having returned to Europe I would like to thank you on my behalf and on behalf of our entire group for organizing this unforgettable trip to Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. The communication with you was always excellent, your answers prompt and always very professional, this was very much appreciated. It was also a great pleasure for us to meet you and your team personally at your office.
Regarding the quality of the product offered we would like to comment as follows:
Accommodation:
Most accommodations where very good and some excellent (Victoria Sa Pa and Chau Doc and Le Residence, Hue and Pavilion d Orient, Siam Rap) it was a pity that the view from our hotel rooms where not as described in the program The Light Hotel with delux city view, which was in reality a view to the wall and the same in Maichau. From our experience of other trips in other countries the quality of the rooms provided depend very much on the bargaining power of the travel agent, but we also would not have minded to pay a little bit more for rooms with nice views.
Transportation:
The trip with the speedboat to Phnom Pen was very interesting however the seats for a 6 hour trip very uncomfortable for those sitting next to each other, I was lucky to have two seats for me.
Guide:
The command of English of our guides improved the more we moved west. We would have been very happy if we would have had a guide like the young man who picked us up in Hoi An und brought us to the airport in Danang. Not only was his English excellent, but he was also very compassionate about his country and he was eager to share his knowledge with us. The same goes for our guide in Phnom Pen Mrs. Sok, Kim in Ankor Wat had a very good knowledge of everything and took good care of us.
Food:
Food was very good to excellent and we especially enjoyed our lunches at homestays. In future, typical tourist restaurants like the one in Hue should be avoided.
Regarding my trip to Laos I only can say that I wished that our whole trip would have been of the excellent standard offered in Laos.
What we liked most: Me, Bruno the valley walk on the second day in SaPa and the base reliefs in Ankor Wat and all our boat trips on water especially Holong Bay.
The others: +++ Van Long Nature Reserve, +++ Halong Bay, ++Kbal Spean “The river of a Thousand Lingas” and + Thuy Bieu eco-village.
We all disliked the walk to Cat Cat village and the town of SaPa which has become very touristic.
Having said this I would however assure you Ms. Tu that we will recommend your services to our friends, as you have been recommended to us.
Should you come to Europa and visit Vienna or Athens please do not hesitate to contact us, it will be our pleasure to show you around our home towns.
Best wishes
Bruno
PROGRAM DETAIL
Day 01 . Wed 01 November 2017 : Hanoi arrival (-) | Guide and driver
Arrival in Noi Bai airport , you will be picked up then transferred to the hotel in city center. The check-in is available at 2 pm. The day is free for your own exploration and shopping. Overnight at hotel.
3 pax (Mr Steinhauer party) (EK394 @12:30)
1 pax (Mr Bruno Freytag) (VN610 @14:10)
Day 02 . Thu 02 November 2017 : Hanoi city tour (B, L) | Guide and driver
You will be picked up at the hotel at 8:00am. Starting the day trip will be a visit of the Ho Chi Minh Complex, which compromises Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum (closed on Mondays & Fridays), his former stilt-house residence, the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh Museum. We will then visit the Temple of Literature constructed in 1070 to worship Confucius, which served as the first Royal National University in Vietnam. The site also honors 82 Vietnamese doctorates who passed a number of rigid exams in the feudal ages. Their names, birthdays and birthplaces are engraved in 82 headstones perched on stone tortoises. It is widely believed that touching the heads of these tortoises will bring luck. Its peaceful green compound with its neatly maintained lawns, gardens and lotus ponds make it a tranquil hideaway from the city’s bustle and heat. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, we will visit the Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays, the alternative being the History Museum), which offers informative and well-documented displays of the country’s 54 ethnic groups, including elaborate and colorful hill tribe costumes. The display continues in the museum’s garden with fascinating examples of traditional houses of numerous minority groups, from the Kinhs to the ethnic groups of the Central Highlands. Then back to the Old Quarter for a 1 hour cyclo tour. We then head to Ngoc Son Temple set on a tiny island in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake. Ngoc Son Temple dates back to the 13th century, and the lake itself is the picturesque heart of Hanoi, frequented by tourists and locals alike.
Day 03 . Fri 03 November 2017 : Hanoi - drive to Sapa - Cat Cat village (B, L) | Guide and driver
Today we will depart early to take 6-hour drive to Sapa. On arrival, check in hotel & have lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Cat Cat village, home to H’Mong ethnic people. They are excellent “tho cam” weavers, a kind of brocade fabric. The “tho cam” of Cat Cat village is of especially high quality, as it is dyed with natural colors, polished with beeswax and embroidered with unique designs. Cat Cat silver jewelry such as necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings are known for their sophisticated production techniques. A walk through this old village offers a glimpse into traditional customs and practices of the ethnic Black Hmong. We will stop at a beautiful waterfall and the remains of a hydroelectric plant built by the French during their colonization of Vietnam.
Overnight at hotel in Sapa
Day 04 . Sat 04 November 2017 : Sapa- Lao Chai- Ta Van - Giang Ta Chai (B, L) | Guide and driver
After breakfast, we will drive to Lao Chai village, following the road down the hill. Views of the Muong Hoa valley and magnificent surroundings of mountains and rice terrace fields can be seen from this road. Along the road, people from many ethnic groups (H’mong, Zay, and Red Dao) are likely to be met, and there are stalls along the way that serve tea, fruits and sweets. Soon after turning off the main road and taking a local path, we will arrive in theBlack H’mong village of Lao Chai, where you will experience the daily life of the villagers.After that, we walk from Lao Chai to Ta Van village, where the Zay hill tribes live. Here you take a rest and enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by your local guide in a local house. After lunch you trek up and downhill. Specially you will trek through bamboo forest then relax beside the waterfall. Explore the Red Dao village of Giang Ta Chai where you will also have the chance to see their daily activities. In the afternoon the car will pick you up for the return journey to Sa Pa. Overnight in Sapa
Day 05 . Sun 05 November 2017 : Sapa - Bac Ha ethnic market - night train to Hanoi (B, L) | Guide and driver
Arrive in Lao Cai 6:00am, and drive to Bac Ha by car to visit Bac Ha market. This is the biggest local ethnic market of the region and takes place every Sunday. Tribal people from surrounding villages flock here to exchange their products. Most still use horses to carry their loads, which means an early departure to get to the market in time.
If you visit Sapa during a spring weekend, you will frequently meet locals in their colorful costumes heading to the markets as this is the best time for youngsters to find a partner to marry. Spring in Sapa, especially around Tet Holiday (late January to early February), is therefore a very joyful time despite the cool temperatures. This is the season of courting, dating and weddings. Nature also contributes to the atmosphere vibrant red and white flowers blooming everywhere. It all makes for a rather unique setting.
After lunch, you will leave the colorful market behind, to follow a zigzag road along the mountain to visit Ban Pho 1 and Ban Pho 2 villages, inhabited by Flower H'mong people. We will stop at a local house to see how corn wine is made - a special wine Bac Ha is renowned for. Taste some and you will truly feel its local flavor. Transfer to the railway station for night train to Hanoi. Overnight on train (soft sleeper 4-berth cabin)
Day 06 . Mon 06 November 2017 : Hanoi arrival - Mai Chau (B, L, D) | Guide and driver
We will arrive at Hanoi train station at 5:30am where you will be picked up brought to a small hotel to freshen up and have breakfast. Depart from Hanoi to Mai Chau, a picturesque valley, home to many hill tribes including the Dzao, Muong and Thai. We will arrive in Mai Chau around noon and check into the Thai ethnic homestay in Van village. A village of the ‘White Thai’, who predominantly inhabit this area. A typical Thai meal will be served for lunch at the homestay. In the afternoon, you can take a short walk around the village where you will encounter friendly local people, and get the chance to communicate with them and get to know their traditional lifestyle. Enjoy a traditional dance show at night while tasting Ruou Can, the local rice wine. Overnight at hotel.
Day 07 . Tue 07 November 2017 : Mai Chau - Van Long - Hoa Lu (B, L) | Guide and driver
After breakfast, we will drive to Ninh Binh via Nho Quan with its peaceful countryside settings. After lunch, you have the choice of exploring the village either by buffalo cart or bicycle. Don’t forget to stop and take pictures! We will then board a small rowing boat to explore the Van Long Nature Reserve which covers some 3,000 hectares of picturesque waterscape. You will enjoy two hours of rowing through a spectacular scenery made up of limestone mountains reflected in emerald waters adorned by lush rice paddies. The forest is home to the Delacour Langur, an endangered species counting a mere 200 animals globally. We will disembark our boats and walk to visit two temples dedicated to King Dinh and Le in Hoa Lu, which served as the capital of Vietnam during the 10th century. Overnight at hotel in Hoa Lu.
Day 08 . Wed 08 November 2017 : Ninh Binh - Halong (B, L, D) | Guide and driver
After breakfast depart to Halong Bay via Thai Binh and Nam Dinh, passing a peaceful countryside typical of Red River Delta with endless rice fields and winding rivers. We will arrive at Halong’s tourist wharf around noon and embark an elegant wooden junk. Lunch will be served while the boat gently cruises past numerous islands and limestone structures rising from the emerald water. A fresh seafood dinner will be prepared by an experienced chef and served on deck. A peaceful night on board in your private cabin.
Day 09 . Thu 09 November 2017 : Halong - Hanoi - fly to Hue (VN1545S 09NOV HANHUI HK4 1830 1940 by Asiatica) (B) | Guide and driver
Rising to the tranquil beauty of the bay you have time for an early morning dip while the sun rises, followed by breakfast on board. We will continue to sail through the bay during the morning to explore more secluded areas. The junk will stay close at all times serving as a backup vessel for those that require it. Around midday we will return to the main harbor. A 3-hour drive will take you to Noi Bai airport for your flight to Hue where you check into your hotel. Overnight at hotel in Hue.
Day 10 . Fri 10 November 2017 : Hue visit (B, L) | Guide and driver
The morning will be spent visiting Hue Imperial City, the last royal city of Vietnam with various beautiful structures including the Flag Tower, Ngo Mon Gate, Nine Dynastic Urns, Nine Holy Cannons, Thai Hoa Palace and the Forbidden Purple City or Tu Cam Thanh. We then visit the Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, which was built between 1864 and 1867 by 3000 soldiers and workers. It includes 50 monuments surrounded by a 1500m long wall and covers an area of 12 hectare. Take time to soak in its tranquil and relaxing setting.
Disembark for lunch at a local restaurant.
After lunch, you will visit a local family & learn to craft your own conical hat & recognize their details regards their region with an expert. Ms Thuy will welcome you in her house to pass down her art. One of the best opportunities to make an authentic memory & to bring it home.. End your tour by a visit to Dong Ba market to get a closer insight of daily local life
Overnight at hotel in Hue.
Day 11 . Sat 11 November 2017 : Hue- Thuy Bieu village (B, L) | Guide and driver
Start the day with a visit to Minh Mang Mausoleum, one of Hue's finest royal tombs, an architectural complex compromised of 40 buildings (palaces, temples, pavilions, etc.), then take a boat trip on poetic Perfume River. Stop to visit Thien Mu Pagoda (Celestial Lady Pagoda) built in 1601 - the symbol of Hue city. Cruise toward Thuy Bieu eco-village, an old laid back village situated on the bank of Perfume River known for its green tea fruit orchards. Arrive in the village, and join our cooking class to prepare Hue’s signature dishes with our chef’s instruction, then enjoy your creations in the open air riverside restaurant surrounded by lush trees. The afternoon is reserved for cycling through the peaceful village, visiting several communal houses, ancient temples and the garden-house, a typical and unique feature of Hue. Soaking your feet in medicinal herb water followed by an excellent blind massage will refresh them after a day of sightseeing. Back to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Hue.
Day 12 . Sun 12 November 2017 : Hue- Danang- Hoian (B, L) | Guide and driver
After breakfast, drive on the Mandarin road, a scenic journey from Hue to Hoi An, which allows you to see a picturesque Vietnam with stunning beaches and lush tropical forest. Take some photos en route of Danang Beach and visit Marble Mountain, Cham Museam before arriving in Hoi An’s ancient town.
In the afternoon, you will be taken on a half-day walking tour through the narrow, winding streets of Hoi An’s ancient town, visiting Chua Ong Pagoda, Chinese assembly halls, the 200- year old Tan Ky ancestral house, and the Japanese Bridge. Following the tour you can explore the town and go shopping on your own. Overnight at hotel in Hoi An
Day 13 . Mon 13 November 2017 : Hoi An - Danang - Flight to Ho Chi Minh - city tour (VN117 DADSGN 1030 1155 by Asiatica) (B) | Guide and driver
Have breakfast, then transfer to the airport at 8AM for flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and the General Post Office. The Saigon city tour then continues along Dong Khoi Street, where the Opera House and the Peoples’ Committee building, built in 1897 by French architect Ferret Eugene, are situated. The 800 seat Opera House served as the home of the Lower House Assembly of South Vietnam after 1956. You will then visit The Reunification Palace, formerly known as Presidential Palace, which was the residence of the president of South Vietnam until the end of April 1975.
Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 14 . Tue 14 November 2017 : Saigon - Ben Tre - Can Tho (B, L) | Guide and driver
Leaving the bustling city of Saigon behind, you depart to the Mekong Delta considered Vietnam’s biggest rice basket. Arrive at Hung Vuong pier in Ben Tre and embark your boat to cruise along Bến Tre River, a tributary of the great Mekong, to explore the local lifestyle and the daily hustle and bustle. Stop at the brickfield belonging to Mr. Tu Lo to see how bricks are made by hand in Vietnam and a coconut candy home factory located along the canal to witness the process of making this local candy and other souvenirs. You will then have the opportunity to taste bee honey tea at a local honey farm and a variety of tropical fruit that grow amply in the orchards of the Mekong Delta. You can then walk or go by tuk-tuk through the coconut groves and green rice paddies to soak up and relax in the tranquil countryside atmosphere. Lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon you will take a trip on small rowing boats through a maze of waterways lined by two rows of palm tree. Cruise back to the pier and disembark. Drive to Can Tho for the night.
Day 15 . Wed 15 November 2017 : Can Tho – Chau Doc (B, L) | Guide and driver
We will rise at 5 a.m to take a boat trip through the winding waterways of Cai Rang floating market, the biggest and busiest floating market in the Mekong Delta. Here the waterways become a labyrinth of hundreds of motor sampans filled with fruit, vegetables, plants and food, all jostling for a space. This is an opportunity to take photos, communicate with the locals and taste delicious fresh fruit. After disembarking we will drive to Chau Doc, the closet town to the Vietnam Cambodian border in An Giang province. Here we will again take to the water to visit floating houses and fish farms where you can feed the fish and discover life on the river. We will end the day with a visit to a village of the Cham ethnic minority group. Overnight at Chau Doc.
Day 16 . Thu 16 November 2017 : Chau Doc - speedboat to Phnom Penh (B, L) | Guide and driver
In the morning we will take a speed boat to Phnom Penh and arrive in the capital city of Cambodia around noon. Time to rest and have lunch. The afternoon will be spent exploring Phnom Penh. We commence our tour with a visit to the National Museum, then on to the Silver Pagoda situated inside the Royal Palace complex and lastly Wat Phnom Pagoda considered the spirittual heart of the city. Overnight at hotel.
Day 17 . Fri 17 November 2017 : Phnom Penh - fly to Siem Reap - Rolous group (5B901 PNHREP 0920 1000 by Asiatica) (B) | Guide and driver
After breakfast, at 7:00AM we will be transfered to the airport to take flight to Siem Reap. On your arrival, check in hotel, then start our trip by visiting Roluos Group of temples built between 877-889, situated 13km from Siemreap. They were constructed when the ancient Khmers created their first settlement in the Angkor region. There are 3 temples:
- Bakong is the most impressive temple, much older than Angkor Wat with beautiful carvings on its lintels that are still in good shape
- Preahko temple is close to the main temple Bakong and consists of 6 elegant brick towers with exquisite decoration and statues of Nandi, Shiva's sacred bull.
- Lolei temple constructed in 893, is an island temple dedicated to members of the royal family and the Hindu God Shiva.
Back to hotel for relaxation. Overnight in Siem Reap
Day 18 . Sat 18 November 2017 : Siemreap - Angkor Thom - Angkor Wat - Siemreap (B, L, D) | Guide and driver
We will visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom also referred to as "Great City", the famous Bayon Temple built in the late 12th century and the Baphoun Temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, the Terrace of Elephants, the Terrace of the Leper King and Phimean Akas known as "Heavenly Palace". In the afternoon, we will tour the World Heritage site "Angkor Wat", the world's largest religious building. We continue our day with a visit to Bakheng Hill Temple and watch the sunset from the top of the hill. Back to the hotel. Dinner with special Aspara dance show.
Day 19 . Sun 19 November 2017 : Siem Reap - Kbal Spean - Banteay Srei - Siem Reap (B, L) | Guide and driver
We will start our day trip by visiting Kbal Spean referred to as “The river of a Thousand Lingas” which is situated 30km north of Angkor Wat, roughly a one hour drive. It closes at 3pm. We will take a forest walk and then return for lunch. We will continue from there straight to Banteay Srei, "The Citadel of Women" built at a time when the Khmer Empire was gaining significant power. Like numerous others, it is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. It is a masterpiece of Khmer art with its intricate, pink sandstone construction and ornate design. On the way back to Siem Reap, we will visit Srah Srang, "The Royal Bath" and Banteay Kdei, a richly decorated Buddhist temple. Overnight at hotel.
Day 20 . Mon 20 November 2017 : Siem Reap - Beng Mealea - Siem Reap (B, L) | Guide and driver
We will start our morning with a visit to Beng Melea temple located 60km east of the city, a 2 hour drive. The temple was constructed around the same time as and in the style of Angkor Wat. It is hidden in the middle of a lush jungle, an ideal place for those looking for an off the beaten track adventure in Cambodia. Picnic lunch on the way. We will then visit Koh Keh, which used to be the most remote and inaccessible Angkor temple complex, but thanks to reconstruction, the road is now in good condition. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 21 . Tue 21 November 2017 : Siem Reap - Tonle Sap - fly to Hanoi (B, L) | Guide and driver
Mr Bruno Freytag departs to Luang Prabang via PG924 @09:50
At 06:30AM, Mr Bruno will be picked up to the airport for departure flight
Note: 3 other persons depart on the flight REP HAN 1915 2100
3 persons: In the morning, explore Tonle Sap Lake - the largest natural lake in Indochina, cruising for 1 or 2 hours to visit its floating villages and discover the waterfront life. Disembark and drive back to Siemreap through the peaceful countryside and quaint villages with lush rice fields and rows of palm. Visit the Artisans d’Angkor established in 1992 with the purpose of trainning young Cambodians in reestablishing the arts of their ancestral heritage and help increasing job opportunities. Drop by some workshops to know about the process of stone and wood carving. The afternoon spent for visiting the Siem Reap Market & shopping, then transfer to the airport at 4PM for departure. The room is available until noon only.