Travel Vietnam - Vietnam travel, hotels, tours guide

Exploring the world heritage site and overnight on board - 2 DAYS 1 NIGHT
( VALID FROM 15 JULY – 31ST AUGUST 08)

1. Superior cabin: 135 USD/ person (Twin shared) – 210 USD/ single Cabin
2. Deluxe cabin: 155 USD/ person (Twin shared) – 260 USD/ single Cabin

INCLUDED
•Superior Double/Twin (Twin shared)
• Shuttle bus return Hanoi - Halong Bay – Hanoi
• Candlelight Dinner BBQ Seafood dinner with Big choice of fresh local sea foods and others dishes
• Welcome Drink
• Entrance and Sightseeing Fees.
• Luxury en-suite air-conditioned Cabins
• Vietnamese Set Lunch Menu
• International Breakfast Buffet
• Onboard Insurance
• Tax and Service Charges

EXCLUDED
• International Wine tasting - A select wine list for 1 hour free flow from Spain, Chile,US, Italy
• Visa Arrangements
• Beauty Spa Services and Massage
• Kayaking
• Beverages
• Tips and Personal Expenses
• All other services not clearly mentioned above

Terms & Conditions
• Cruise rates based on group of two adults
• This promotion applies for new bookings made and paid directly by guests
• This promotion could not combined with other promotion
• Advance reservation required
• Supplement cabins for normal walk-in rate without extras
• Other terms and conditions apply
• Available on Indochina Sails I and II only
• Cruise Itinerary and program for 2 days on Halong Bay

For reservations, Please email info@indochinasails.com
More information at: http://www.indochinasails.com
Supported by Active Travel Shop, Active Travel Vietnam, New 7 wonders 2008

We departed from Hanoi at 8a.m, chatting loudly as we were on the way. We were joining in an interesting journey to one the new natural wonders. In this 3 day 2 night trip, we were gonna visit Surprise Cave, swim at Ti Top beach, visit fishing villages but the most interesting part must be Squid fishing and Ngoc Vung Island.

Time flies, we only had 15 minute break at a traditional handicraft village on the way. 11h 30 we reached Quang Ninh province. We stopped at Bai Chay wharf to aboard with Indochinasails. Cool towers were served as we came in an airconditioned friendly restaurant. A tender took us to Indochinasails. From the distance of 10m, we could hear the drums, see friendly smiles of the boarding staff. Welcome drink served at the restaurant onboard made us refresh. We had a short snap before having lunch at 1 p.m. The big and full menu kept us almost 1h to go through. The sailboat moved slowly during lunch. We could see the outside scenes through the glass windows but felt no moves at all as everything was perfect. After lunch, we rushed to the sun deck to take photos as the sun shone so brightly. There were no time to spare, at 3p.m we either had a swim at Ti Top beach or Kayaking to discover Bat Cave. No one wasted any moments as we were noticed of a Wine Tasting on the sundeck at 6p.m.

Before dinner, it is the most amazing time of the day if you are lying on one of the long chairs on the sundeck. Summer breezes and classic music, you would wonder how they match together, sipping some wine. Buffet dinner began at 7p.m. Each table was lighed by a candle light. Traditional musical instruments were played by local artists in such a closed and simple manner. After a day of activities, we gathered on the sundeck, listening to the music. Some of us tried squid fishing at the head of the boat. We went to bed early for tomorrow’s program.

We were informed to take dayboat to Ngoc Vung island at 7a.m but we cannot wait to wake up at 5.30 a.m for Tai Chi exercises and sunrise on the sundeck. We temporarily transferred to a dayboat to explore Ngoc Vung island. They prepared some bikes to move on the island. It took us nearly 3 hours to get Ngoc Vung island. We had no time to get bored. Having breakfast, sunbathing and telling jokes. The island we reached was so peaceful. Fresh water were transported by pass-by boats. They seemed to have no links with the outside world. On the way to the beach, we had a chance to discover their lives as we were moving nearby. Passing through a pine line, an amazing beach facing us. At the very first moments, we recall its name Ngoc Vung – sesame diamonds. The sand was just white and tiny as sesame seeds. Imagine just you and the nature, you could hear the waves moving towards the beach. A true paradise away from noisy city life.

We back to the boat for lunch, chatting noisily on the way back. We shared the photos taken and rested for a while. One hour after lunch, we started kayaking. It was a real adventure, we ourselves could explore the beautiful scenes. We expected another exciting evening at fishing village. We were lucky to have a dark night, without moonlight, the squids would easily be attracted by the neon light. We saw a lot of fish and quids in the fishing net. They were pushed out onto the front deck. At that moment, we seemed to feel the hardness of a fisherman life.

The next morning, the boat is anchored so near Surprise Cave that we could visit the cave in just few minute transferred by tender. We had a big brunch before check out. It is a very special journey in luxury, a fancy indochinasails and amazing initerary, the experience that deserves to be shared.

More information, contact:

Hanoi Sales Office:

Tel: (84-4) 984 2362

Fax: (84-4) 984 4150

Email: info@indochinasails.com
W: www.indochinasails.com

Supported by Active Travel Shop , Active Travel Vietnam 

Ha Long bay is very picturesque with many magnificent landscapes and seascapes. Nowadays it sparkles even more with the appearance of big sea sails printed with the letters Indochina Sails.

In the immense atmosphere permeated with sunlight and wind, one suddenly feels lonely. In the distance, ranges of mountains emerge from the sea.

The Indochina Sails cruise ship moves gently towards Bai Tu Long Bay.

In the luxurious dining room, every one looks out through the big windows. The European and Asian dishes are delicious, prepared by outstanding chefs and served up by a professional staff. The cruise ship moves out towards the centre of the bay. Hon Trong Mai (Male and Female Chicken island) appears before us. This island attracts a great number of visitors and is the pre-eminent symbol of Vietnamese tourism.

Vung Vieng fishing village is more beautiful in the weak sunlight of dusk. The Indochina Sails cruise ship drops anchor so that tourists can visit the village. The sunlight gleaming on the sea looks like an oil painting, but is formed entirely by the hand of nature.

Staying overnight on the Indochina Sails cruise ship is a memorable experience. This is not only because one floats in one of the most remarkable natural wonders of the world. It is also due to the cozy and luxurious cabins on Indochina Sails cruises. Though the buffet has finished, everyone wants to stay on deck and enjoy the stunning scenery. The melodious light music, played in the traditional style, creates an unforgettable atmosphere.

Further information:
- Indochina Sails are the newly built wooden junks designed in the contemporary traditional Vietnamese style
- The cruise ship has spacious cabins and suites with large private bathrooms, a big sun deck, elegant dining room (32 seats), bar, beauty spa, massage, kayaking and entertainment. This luxury is enhanced by the professional manner of the friendly and enthusiastic management and staff.
- At the present time 3 Junks are operating in Halong Bay, namely Indochina Sails I with 14 cabins, Indochina Sails II with 15 cabins and Valentine with 5 cabins. By the end of October 2008 an addition to the fleet is expected, namely Indochina Sails III with 15 luxury cabins.

*Services:
- Excellent local cuisine
- Vietnamese and International buffets
- International Wine and Drinks List
- Daily light Music Performances
- Cruise Itinerary and Program
- In-house English speaking Tour Guide
- Kayaking and Snorkeling
- Movie nights, Board Games and night fishing

Summer Promotion from 1st to August 30th, 2008:
For US$180/person/twin shared, you can stay in a luxurious cabin of Indochina Sails on Halong bay. The package includes shuttle bus return from Hanoi to Halong bay, kayaking on Halong bay, entrance and sight seeing fees, Vietnamese buffet lunch and dinner, International breakfast buffet, you can also enjoy BBQ seafood dinner and the International wine tasting with a wide selection of wine from Spain, Chile, US and Italy.

Supported by Active Travel Vietnam & Active Travel Shop

Overview

Fansipan is Vietnam’s highest peak located in the far north just outside of Sapa. Fansipan a very steep mountain that gets a lot of moisture. Those looking to climb it should be in good shape and prepared to to have muddy wet feet The scenery is incredible remember to bring a camera. For most of Vietnam having a rain coat is a little excessive because it is so warm. On the mountain having a rain coat is not a bad idea especially at night. The trails around Sapa are a lot of fun. You will get the chance to go through some minority vilages if you have the time to explore. The people in Sapa are extremely nice. Be aware of the children on the street, before you know it you will have hats and bracelets and rugs all over you. Explore the restraunts that are not on the main strip, you will get great food at a fraction of the cost. Hanoi beer is available in local restraunts for around 30 cents a liter. Down from Hotel in Sapa there is a little old man that serves plum wine and plays board games, I suggest paying him a visit. The food there is great!

Getting There

To get to the mountain you need to take a train from Hanoi to Lao Cai. From there you will take a mini bus up in to the town of Sapa. Transportation from Hanoi to Sappa can be arrange for a reasonable price. I think you might also be able to take a bus but I know it takes much longer. When you get into town, to make reservations for transprotation go to the Hotel in Sapa - 2-way transportation can be hired, but I recomend you hire a guide. By hiriing a guide (english speaking?) you will get meals, a porter, 2-way transprotation, accomodations in a hut, and waived permit and entrance fees.

The Trail:

Day1: You start going through several different valleys with a lot of lush jungle. The first day entails 2-4 hours of hiking. There is typically a lot of mud so come prepared. You might have the option of moving up to a high camp but the camp right by the river is beautiful. Enjoy the river to clean off( it is a btit nippy)

Day2: From the camp you pretty much go straight up the mountain side. It is a mixture of light 3rd class rock, root and tree climbing. The trail can be very slick and there are a lot of spots where the trail drops off. If you have trouble with heights you might not want to consider this hike.From the camp it takes 2-5 hours to reach the summit. Going up is not to bad but if it rained recently the trial can be very slick. Coming down is whre you want to be careful.

Day3: From the camp it takes about 3 hours to get down, bec areful about grabbing on to the grass if the trail is slick it will tear up you hands. When you reach the bottom you will end up in a beautiful hill tribe village.

Red Tape

There are permit and entrance fees. Not sure what the cost is. Part of the package deal if you hire a guide. Dont be suprised to find trash on the trail, Guides have not heard of the Leave No Trace Program I guess.

When To Climb

The prime time to climb the mountain is between October and April. During the summer it is very rainy but is still climbable if the weather holds. ( I went during the summer)

Camping

If you have your own tent and sleeping bags you can arrange to camp on the mountain. Tents and Sleeping bags can be hired for Active Travel Vietnam. If you are going to rent the gear you might as well hire the guide because the price difference is minimal. I am a very adventurous person and I am good with route finding but if I did this again I think I would still hire a guide because there are trails that go off everywhere. The hut on the mountain is for guests of the hired guides. If you can I recomend you bring a sleeping bag that is rated to at least 40 degrees. It can get a bit cold at night.

Supported by Trek Fansipan: Trek Fansipan tours, Trek Mt Fansipan travel vietnam, Trek Mount Fansipan tours, Fansipan Trekking travel

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Anyone going to Vietnam would be wise to bone up on some of the unique customs and superstitions of the country, lest they cause confusion, misunderstandings, hard-feelings, or loss of friendship. The old saying, “when in Rome, do as the Romans do” cannot be applied to the letter in Vietnam, but it is still very important that we respect certain customs and superstitions of the people.

Many Vietnamese having extensive contact with foreigners have begun to understand foreigner ways and have even adopted some of them for their own use. However, there are thousands of ordinary folk whose customs have not changed in generations. This chapter is about those people.

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