hanoi to halong bay by bike

Transcription

1 Asia hanoi to halong bay by bike trip highlights Culture, history and the colourful Old Quarter in Hanoi Exploring the lush paddies and karst outcrops of the Red River Delta by bike and boat Cycling among the rugged jungle clad mountains of Cat Ba island Cruising among emerald waters and thousands of limestone islands in Halong Bay Stunning landscapes, rural villages and endless photo opportunities Trip Duration 5 days Trip Code: HHB Grade Introductory Activities Cycling Summary 2 day cycle, 3 nights hotel, 1 night traditional boat welcome to World Expeditions Thank you for your interest in our Hanoi to Halong Bay by Bike trip. At World Expeditions we are passionate about our off the beaten track experiences as they provide our travellers with the thrill of coming face to face with untouched cultures as well as wilderness regions of great natural beauty. We are committed to ensuring that our unique itineraries are well researched, affordable and tailored for the enjoyment of small groups or individuals philosophies that have been at our core since 1975 when we began operating adventure holidays. Our itineraries will give you the very best travel experience, designed by people with incredible local knowledge who share our vision of authentic exchange and real exploration with a responsible tourism approach. Whether you like your adventures to include trekking, touring, cycling, mountaineering, kayaking or cruising World Expeditions can make it happen for you. We hope you will join us for a life changing experience!! why travel with World Expeditions? We were the first company to pioneer cycle touring in Vietnam in Our bicycle equipment is the best available and we provide a support crew and vehicle. Most meals and excursions are included. Our expert local guides are the best available, and to ensure the smooth operation of all trips our partners in Vietnam continually work with us to improve our itineraries to ensure we are taking the paths less travelled. Most importantly, our adventures always aim to benefit the local people we interact with, safeguard the ecosystems we explore and contribute to the sustainability of travel in the regions we experience World Expeditions Travel Group - Laura Kirk 5/17/2017 4:19:49 PM

2 trip cost Joining Hanoi: $1260 All prices are per person options & supplements Single Supplement: $110 Single Traveller Surcharge: $610 Single travellers are required to pay a single supplement when joining this adventure. The cost of the single supplement is listed above. For competitive airfares and stopover ideas to join this adventure, contact our expert staff today to receive a detailed quote. the trip If you re short on time but after an active and engaging adventure in Northern Vietnam, this is the one for you. Our compact itinerary allows you to experience this beautiful part of the world at handlebar level as we cycle through some of Northern Vietnam s most magnificent scenery, with our comfortable geared bikes, support crew, backup vehicle and steady pace meaning that you re free to enjoy the scenery along the way. We start off in the intriguing capital of Hanoi, where we ll soak up the culture and atmosphere of the city s French colonial architecture and the bustling market streets of the Old Quarter. From here we head to the low lush paddies and towering karst outcrops of the Red River Delta s Ninh Binh province, where we ll get to explore this incredible region by bike. We continue on to the rugged jungle clad coastal scenery of Cat Ba Island, and finish our adventure with an overnight stay aboard a traditional junk boat, cruising the emerald waters and limestone islands of Halong Bay. at a glance DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5 ARRIVE IN HANOI DRIVE TO NINH BINH, CYCLING AROUND NINH BINH CAT BA ISLAND TRANSFER TO HALONG BAY, OVERNIGHT CRUISE HALONG BAY, TRANSFER BACK TO HANOI, TRIP CONCLUDES what s included 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 4 dinners Airport transfers (day 1 and 5 only) Comfortable accommodation on a twin share basis Private air conditioned vehicles Bike mechanic and support vehicle on cycling days Drinking water, snacks and fruit whilst cycling 21 gear bike on cycling days Sightseeing and entry fees as listed in itinerary Expert bilingual guide Medical kit Local cash payments are becoming increasingly popular with many operators in the adventure travel industry. The policy seems to benefit the tour operators, more than the local economies or travellers, as it avoids local taxes and transfers the cost and risk of cash handling to travellers. In accordance with our Responsible Travel practices we have chosen a policy not to ask for such payments. detailed itinerary DAY 1 Arrive in Hanoi If you re flying into Hanoi today you will be met at the airport and transferred to the group hotel. The afternoon is at leisure to start exploring Hanoi, with a group meeting being held in the hotel foyer at a time indicated in your final documents. If time permits, you could head out on foot or by cyclo (bicycle rickshaw) to explore some of the capital city s sights and significant landmarks. You could visit the iconic Ho Chi Minh complex including the President s Mausoleum, stilt house and French colonial Presidential Palace; the 11th century One-Pillar Pagoda; the excellent Ethnology Museum; the tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake; or the vibrant Old Quarter. The bustling streets of the Old Quarter are home to hundreds of thriving small businesses, with each of its 36 streets named after its main trade, such as Lantern Street, Silk Street, Fish Street, and so on. In the evening we ll enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, allowing us to sample specialty dishes of the north. Then after dinner, we have tickets to see a performance of Hanoi s famous Water Puppet Theatre. This was World Expeditions Travel Group - Laura Kirk 5/17/2017 4:19:49 PM

3 trip dates Departs daily year round important notes Note: - prices valid up to 31/12/2017. For trips departing after this date, the price will likely increase subject to local inflationary pressures on operational costs. fast facts Countries Visited: Vietnam Visas: Yes* Vaccinations: Please consult a travel vaccination specialist for up to date information Private Groups: Private group options are available for this trip* Singles: A single supplement is available for this trip* Leader: Expert local leader Brochure Reference: Asia *Ask our staff for more information. traditionally performed during the monsoon months when rice farming was not possible, becoming a very popular and beloved art form for local people, with the stories reflecting life in the Red River Delta. Water Puppet Theatre is an important vehicle for local people to pass down stories of daily life, culture and mythology to younger generations, and performances are extremely popular among locals and visitors alike. Overnight in Hanoi. meals: D DAY 2 Drive to Ninh Binh, cycling around Ninh Binh After breakfast, we will take drive towards Ninh Binh town for around 100km. Cycle along Van Long Nature Reserve. Next stop is Hoa Lu, which was the capital of the Dinh and Early Le dynasties in Vietnam in the 10th and 11th century. The sanctuaries were built in the 17th century. We will see the stone pedestal of a royal throne, bronze bells and statues of the Emperors. Afterwards, we will get off on our bike and ride to visit Trang An. Upon arrival, we will take a sampan ride through a karst landscape to visit grottos. The sampan rower will drive the boat through shallow rice paddies and several splendid long grottos. We will ride back to the hotel and dinner at local restaurant Cycling distance: 40 km Overnight in Ninh Binh. meals: B,L,D DAY 3 Cat Ba Island Today we drive to Haiphong City where we ll take a boat to Cat Ba Island, the largest of the 366 islands and islets that make up the Cat Ba archipelago. Once we arrive on the island, we ll hop on our bikes and cycle along the coast to Cat Ba town. Cycling distance: 25 km Overnight at Cat Ba Island. meals: B,L,D DAY 4 Transfer to Halong Bay, overnight cruise Farewell to Cat Ba Island, you continue your cycling through Cat Ba National Park. On the way, you will visit Hospital Cave. This is a hospital built in a cave for Vietnam Army Officers during Vietnam War. Keep your biking to Gia Luan Dock, where you will take another ferry across Ha Long Bay to Tuan Chau Island. Continue to the boat pier. On arrival, you will join traditional junk sailing boat and head out into the Gulf of Tonkin amongst the huge limestone outcrops and emerald waters. It is time to explore the bay at a leisure pace: swimming, sunbathing, relaxing and experiencing the magic of falling asleep on board in this beautiful part of the world. The boat will stop at the emerald water of the bay where you would enjoy the kayaking activity. After you have finished exploring, you retire to the junk and relax on the top deck with a refreshing drink. Cycle approx: 22kms Overnight in Ha Long on boat meals: B,L,D DAY 5 Halong Bay, transfer back to Hanoi, trip concludes We ll continue to explore the caves and islands of Halong Bay, enjoying a buffet brunch onboard before cruising back to port where our car will be waiting to transfer us back to Hanoi. If you are flying home today you will be transferred to the airport in time for your departure. meals: B This itinerary is subject to change with any change in Community regulations as well as Governmental changes and natural circumstances beyond our control World Expeditions Travel Group - Laura Kirk 5/17/2017 4:19:49 PM

4 boat cruise responsible travel The environments we travel through are fragile. It is our responsibility as visitors to minimise the impact of our presence. World Expeditions were the proud recipients of the inaugural Australian National Travel Industry s Environmental Achievement award for our Responsible Travel Guidebook. This detailed guide to responsible and sustainable travel is provided to all World Expeditions clients before they travel. Please ask your consultant if you have not received your copy of our award winning book. Alternatively, you may like to download a copy from our website Elephant Welfare For centuries throughout Asia the elephant has been revered, as well as utilised for the purpose of logging. However in the late 80s the use of elephants in the logging industry was banned because of over logging, and so mahouts turned to the tourism industry for income. As a result elephant tourism experiences have popped up throughout Asia and it can be difficult for travellers to resist the temptation to ride these beautiful and incredibly intelligent creatures. In recent years there has been much research into the impact of tourism activities on elephants well being. From the brutal taming of baby elephants called the crush to ongoing confinement and the mere fact that the elephants spine is not meant to carry heavy weights there are many instances where incorrect management results in a negative impact for the elephants. Because of this World Expeditions discourages travellers from riding on the back of elephants and we do not include elephant rides in our itineraries throughout our global program and across all World Expeditions brands. There are a few carefully selected elephant orphanages and sanctuaries in South East Asia and India that we include in some of our itineraries because we believe their operations put the elephants well being before the tourist experience. In Halong Bay, we stay aboard a deluxe, traditional style junk. Its built entirely of wood and featuring an elegant dining room and bar, creating the perfect balance of modern comforts and traditional junk ambience. With 10 cabins on board and a staff of 12 as well, you will soon feel pampered by the Garden Bay family. You will experience a personalized and attentive service by the crew who understand that friendliness and efficiency contribute to the wow factor of Halong Bay. Sailing on a junk provides true ambiance due to the traditional wooden oriental design. The medium sized wooden junks give easy access to secluded areas within the bay. The spacious sun deck is the ideal place to bask under the sun, or you can just sit under the shaded area and let your senses drift while looking at the view. The dining room is located on the upper deck and is surrounded by panoramic windows providing beautiful views of the bays wonder and accommodates its guests serving both set menus and/ or a buffet. Right next to dining room, Marguerite Bar provides a wide selection of drinks, cocktails, smoothies and juices. Your cabin is your personal retreat. Fully equipped spacious timbered bedrooms with private bathrooms that define true comfort and privacy. Each cabin has a large viewing window providing the most beautiful views and fully furnished with a variety of amenities. Individually controlled Air conditioning, mini bar, bedside table, hairdryer, slippers en suite bathroom with standing shower, toilet and towels. High quality white bed linen and complimentary drinking water are provided. Built: in Halong September 2012 Decks: 3 Length: 31.6m Width: 7.6m Height: 6.5m Sundeck: 26x6m2 Cabins: 10 Crew: 12 Passenger Capacity: 22 suggested extensions Mekong Delta Cycle cycling We believe that cycling is one of the best ways to see a country. Our cycling trips have been well researched to take you on the best route which usually means a combination of tarmac and dirt roads, the odd main road but generally smaller secondary roads. And sometimes even the occasional hill! All of this so that you can see the incredible scenery and landscapes, view the main sights and along the way eat delicious food, stay at unique accommodation and discover the incredible people. Generally we supply you with geared (21 27) mountain or touring bikes and support vehicle which will follow the group on almost all sections of the ride. All equipment and luggage will be carried by the support vehicle. You will need to carry a small day pack with your camera, World Expeditions Travel Group - Laura Kirk 5/17/2017 4:19:49 PM

5 trip grading Introductory These trips involve cycling for up to five or six hours a day at a slow but steady pace. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health. (Note: These are not easy trips). Suggested preparation: 30 minutes of aerobic type exercise, (either cycling or jogging) three times a week. 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. adventure travel By its very nature adventure travel involves an element of the unexpected. In remote and developing countries do not expect standards you are used to at home. Remote areas are sometimes unpredictable and itineraries may be altered. To get the most out of your adventure it is important that you are flexible, positive and eager to take on all the challenges that arise. If you are uncertain about your suitability for this trip we recommend that you speak with your consultant or travel agent. important note These trip notes represent the most current information for this itinerary, and may supersede any information in the current brochure, including but not limited to the itinerary and price. The itinerary should be seen as a guide only. This itinerary may change at any time due to inclement weather, forces of nature and other circumstances beyond our control. sunscreen and water. It is important to remember that these cycling journeys are not designed to be a marathon event. No one needs to feel under pressure to ride. If at any point you do not wish to ride the vehicle is always available for you and your bike to be transported. Usually we stop every 10 to 20kms for a rest. This will be the time to recover your breath and replenish your fluids and energy with water and snacks. Remember that cycling involves some physical exertion, so you cannot expect that you will not feel tired. A little bit of preparation will go a long way. Cycling, of course, is an active pursuit and to maximise your own personal protection in case of a tumble or fall, the wearing of a bicycle helmet is compulsory at all times whilst cycling. country information Stretching over 1,650 km (1025 mi) from north to south along the eastern coast of mainland Southeast Asia, Vietnam is a country of immense beauty and geographic diversity. The main features of Northern Vietnam are mountains, forests, the vast Red River Delta, and the beautiful Gulf of Tonkin coastline with its labyrinth of waterways and islands. Central Vietnam is made up of agricultural plains wedged between the Truong Son Mountains and the South China Sea, making for some dramatic mountain passes overlooking ocean vistas. The fertile waterways of the Mekong Delta dominate the south, and over 3,200 km of coastline and countless islands fringe the country. Vietnam s rich cultural identity has been steeped in the traditions of its ancient civilizations and shaped by the influences of occupation, war and communism. Since the relaxation of political and economic controls that began in the late 1980s, Vietnam has experienced both exposure to capitalist liberalism and a return to many traditional cultural practices. The country is a mosaic of different cultures, with over 50 ethnic groups officially recognised. The lingering impact of socialism is evident here, especially in the capital of Hanoi, where faded propaganda artworks adorn billboards throughout the city, but there s never been a better time to visit this fascinating and beautiful country. There s so much to love about Vietnam: lush mountains and great rivers, sandy beaches and tropical islands, chaotic cities and bustling markets, ancient towns and sleepy villages, tranquil lakes and peaceful pagodas, crumbling ruins and grand imperial palaces, lively culture and sophisticated cuisine, and above all, the humble nature and determined spirit of its people, that rises above the country s dark and complex history. climate Vietnam s climate can vary markedly from region to region due to its extreme latitudinal span. You can go from soaring temperatures and extreme humidity in Ho Chi Minh City to cool and mild conditions in Dalat to frosts and even occasional snow in the mountains of the north. Generally two distinct seasons prevail in Vietnam: from November to April, the temperatures are usually fairly cool, especially in the north of the country. In the mountain areas temperatures can be as low as 0 C (32 F) and there can be a constant light drizzle. Hotter temperatures and heavy monsoon rains characterise the months from May to October, although you can experience rain at any time. The hottest months of the year are June, July and August. Southern Vietnam s weather patterns are more constant with a rainy season from May to October and a relative dry season from November to February. The temperatures in the south can rise as high as 35 C (95 F) from March to May. dietary requirements Provided we are advised in advance of your departure we are able to cater for vegetarian diets and can assist with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please ensure you discuss your requirements with us well in advance (at least 1 month prior to your trip) to determine whether we can cater to such dietary requirements on your chosen adventure. Please note that options are likely to be limited in very remote locations or alternatives may be more expensive or unavailable. There may be times when those with World Expeditions Travel Group - Laura Kirk 5/17/2017 4:19:49 PM

6 special requirements may need to provide their own food. We are unable to guarantee a peanut free or allergen free trip, and therefore, we strongly encourage that travellers with life threatening or severe allergies take all necessary medical precautions to prepare for the possibility of exposure. Passengers must travel with all necessary medications for food allergies and be capable of self administering these medications. equipment provided The bicycles used on this program are 21 speed, aluminium frame, mountain bikes, equipped with hand brakes. The bikes are supplied with a water bottle rack maximum capacity 750ml. These bicycles are used on all of the trips and therefore are used by many different people throughout a season. It is possible that your bicycle might need certain slight adjustments before you commence riding. However, additional adjustments or repairs may have to be made along the way and at least one additional bicycle is supplied for each group in case a replacement becomes necessary. Sets of basic tools are aboard the follow up truck and your trip leader will assist with any difficulties. If you already have a saddle that you are comfortable cycling long distances on, you should bring this with you. A gel seat cover is also highly recommended and well worth the additional cost (available in cycling shops). We regret that there are only a few smaller women s bicycles and these can be reserved for shorter group members, so long as we are advised of your height well in advance of your tour departure. *For safety reasons, we also insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list. accommodation on the trip Hotels: in cities and large towns you will be accommodated in 3 to 4 star properties that are generally well located, atmospheric and reliable and where we have seen a good track record with traveller satisfaction over many years. what you carry In your daypack you will need to carry a rainjacket, water bottle, camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip eze etc. equipment required It is mandatory that you wear a helmet on all bike tours. We deliberately do not supply rental helmets because only a well fitting helmet can offer a certain amount of protection. Cycling helmets are offered by numerous suppliers in various price and quality categories. When buying a bicycle helmet we recommend getting advice at a specialist store since finding the optimum helmet depends on quite a number of things. Avoid at all cost buying a helmet because of its looks; the main criteria should be a perfect fit. In some areas there are a limited number of World Expeditions Travel Group - Laura Kirk 5/17/2017 4:19:49 PM

7 helmets are available for hire but as suitability cannot be guaranteed we ask that you bring your own for the best fit and comfort vehicles & safety During the course of your trip, we will use a variety of vehicles, all of which are fit for purpose and the conditions encountered. It should be noted that laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and on occasion some vehicles may not have seat belts fitted. While game viewing within a national park could be one example, public bus transfers or specialised transport such as tuk tuk s could be another. Where seat belts are not provided we strongly recommend that you hold tight to a fixed part of the vehicle at all times. what s not included International airfares Visa fees Travel Insurance (compulsory) Bike Helmet (compulsory) Meals and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary Items of a personal nature such as laundry, phone calls, alcohol etc Tips and gratuities visas Most visitors, including Australian, Canadian, American and New Zealand passport holders require visas for Vietnam. United Kingdom Vietnam visa exemption for a period of up to 15 days until 30/6/2017. For stays longer than 15 days a visa must be obtained prior to arrival in Vietnam. Generally, when sending your passport to your nearest Vietnamese Consulate, it must be accompanied by the following: 1. Passport with a validity of at least 6 months remaining. 2. Completed visa application form with a passport photo attached. 3. Visa fee (as a bank cheque, money order or cash). 4. Travel itinerary. 5. Return postage. The visa processing will usually take 10 working days. You may need 2 extra passport size photographs for customs. These are only sometimes required, however, it is better to be prepared and carry them with you on arrival. Please Note: The Embassy of Vietnam advises the following in relation to companies promoting online visas for Vietnam: The Vietnamese Embassies and Consular Offices are the only competent Government Agencies, who are authorised to issue visas abroad. In order to avoid any risks that may arise when boarding flights or at ports of entry in Vietnam, travellers are strongly recommended to contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Vietnam to secure visas before departure. Please bear in mind that visas may be required for countries you are visiting en route or transiting through on the way to your destination. It is important that you check the requirements of all countries you will visit. Visa costs and requirements do change regularly so we suggest you check with your travel agent or World Expeditions reservations consultant. It is your responsibility to obtain all necessary visas World Expeditions Travel Group - Automated Import 11/29/ :29:39 AM

8 info nights World Expeditions invites you to attend our inspiring adventure travel information nights. These special evenings are designed to inform and entertain and are hosted by our most experienced and passionate adventure travellers and mountaineers. Ask our staff for a info night schedule or register on our website Shows can fill early so it is important to register your attendance so we know to save a seat, or two! private groups The adventures featured in our brochures, and on our website, are just a starting point for many of our private group travellers. Working closely with our Groups Department we can organise custom designed itineraries for groups of friends, clubs, charity s, schools or even work colleagues. Our team will assist you with all aspects of your private group adventure from itinerary design to group flights. Contact our team today. subscribe to our e-newsletter To keep up to date with our new and exciting adventure opportunities, special promotions and adventure news, subscribe to our monthly e newsletter! You can do this on line through our website, or contact our office. social networking Follow us on Facebook at trip availability If this trip seems right for you then we encourage you to call us now to check availability. There are many reasons why you may not be able to join your desired departure and limited space on our small group departures is just one of them. Many of our adventures require us to secure services on your behalf; such as trekking permits, train travel and visa invitation letters. The demand is increasing each year making it difficult to join a trip last minute. To ensure we can assist you onto your adventure of a lifetime we ask that you check your trip availability with our team at your earliest convenience. how to book To book a World Expeditions trip, you will need to complete a booking form and pay a non refundable deposit which you can do by using our online booking function for most trips, or if you prefer, download a booking form from the website and return to us by fax, or mail your booking form and deposit to your nearest World Expeditions office or travel agent. We can also help you with any additional arrangements that you require, such as competitive airfares to get you to your destination, stopovers, pre or post trip accommodation or any additional tours that you wish to take in conjunction with the main World Expeditions trip World Expeditions Travel Group - Automated Import 11/29/ :29:39 AM