Vietnam Hill Tribe Walking Tour and 3 Day Cruise - Catalyst Fitness
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Catalyst Journeys
Warren Place
Mapua
7005 New Zealand
Email info@catalystfitness.co.nz
Mob 0272 239 561
Vietnam Hill Tribe Walking Tour and 3 Day Cruise
19 day fully escorted tour - Departs Sept 3rd 2020.
“I am so looking forward to escorting this amazing journey to North and Central Vietnam in
September. We will be accompanied by local experienced guides along the way and enjoy a
variety of accommodation - hotels, homestays with remote hill tribes and 2 nights on a cruise
boat on Halong Bay. You don’t need to be an athlete to join me and it is much cooler up
there in the mountains so as long as you can walk between 2 and 5 hours why not come and
join me” Karyn Holland Owner Catalyst Fitness
Vietnam is simply mesmerizing, whether you feel more at home in the city, the country or
lazing at a beach resort it will never fail to satisfy.
But if you really want to get to know her soul the best way is on foot. This is how you truly
experience the hospitality. Stop at road side coffee shops and you will soon find you have an
audience, local farmers and villagers wanting to know where you come from, the hill tribes
people will join you as you rest by a stream and before long you are invited home for local
Vietnamese tea or if brave enough snake wine.
This amazing adventure explores a beautiful part of Vietnam, offering rustic landscapes with
stunning views. It is an exciting 19 day tour of hill tribe trekking including Cun Mountain,
colourful Hill Tribe villages and markets, a 2 night cruise on Halong Bay and ending with a
chance to take in a countryside bike ride, shop, explore and participate in a food course in
Hoi An, central Vietnam.
DAY 1: Thurs Sept 3rd - HANOI
Arrive at Noi Bai Airport, where we will be met by our local guide and taken to our hotel in
Hanoi. Depending on our time of arrival, we can take an optional guided stroll through
Hanoi’s Old Quarter. In the evening, enjoy traditional Vietnamese cuisine at one of Hanoi’s
best restaurants.
Meal: Dinner
Accommodation: Golden Rice Hotel/ Premium Deluxe
http://www.goldenricehotel.com/
Day 2: Fri Sept 4th - Half-Day Walking Tour of Hanoi
Enjoy the sights of Hanoi, the modern capital city of Vietnam. Hanoi is a unique city with
tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and oriental temples. The
city tour includes such sights as Ho Chi Minh Cottage, Museum and Mausoleum. At Ba Dinh
Square walk single file through the marble and granite Mausoleum with throngs of locals
who come to pay respect to Uncle Ho. See the simple cottage in which he lived and worked,
and experience the Ho Chi Minh Museum, an extraordinary tribute in abstract form to his life
and the evolution of Vietnamese independence. You will also see the One Pillar Pagoda .
Visit the Temple of Literature- the first National University of Vietnam from the 10th century.
Explore the fascinating maze of back streets, fronted by narrow houses known as “tunnel” or
“tube houses”, built to avoid taxes which were based on the width of their street frontage, a
wonderfully eclectic glimpse into Hanoi street life.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Golden Rice Hotel/ Premium Deluxe
http://www.goldenricehotel.com/
Day 3: Sat Sept 5th - Hanoi – Mai Chau trekking (Cun/Poom Coong/Hang
Kia)
After breakfast our guide will drive us through
spectacular limestone mountains dotted with verdant
rice paddies. The first stop is Cun Mountain, which
offers unique photo opportunities capturing the superb
panorama of Mai Chau, with its lush valleys and stilt
house villages. Arrive at the peaceful village of Poom
Cong in time for lunch at a local home–stay. After
lunch we take a gentle walk around this peaceful
village to watch local women working on embroidery.
The day ends at Hang Kia Village where you will
spend the night at a local homestay with friendly and
welcoming hosts who will introduce you to some of their local traditions.
Trekking: Approx. 4 hours trekking
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Homestay in Mai Chau (shared)
(Note: the homestay is basic. The bedding and mosquito net is not of hotel standard;
however, this is a great way to experience life in Mai Chau and if you can cope with NZ
tramping huts you will be fine)
Day 4: Sun Sept 6th Mai Chau trekking (Hang Kai/Cun Pheo/Van/Buoc Village)
Today we have a full day trekking through forests to the Tai village of Buoc. The trail is a
mix of good single track paths and undulating rough jeep trails. The views are stunning as
you pass through villages, past hot springs, across suspension bridges and follow the
contours of beautiful terraced rice fields. On arrival in Cun Pheo village the rest of the
afternoon is free for you to wander by foot or explore the village trails further. Dinner and
overnight in local village home–stay at Buoc Village.
Trekking: Approx. 5 hours trekking
Difficulty: Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Home–stay (multi–share, basic house with thin mattress, blanket and
mosquito net)
Day 5: Mon Sept 7th - Mai Chau trekking (Buoc/Xam Khoe/Ninh Binh)
Today’s hike takes us through some good descents and several more stream crossings. The
trekking is remote yet we are never far from a villager tending his fields. We’ll relax from the
heat of the day at a local home for lunch and afterwards we will be transported to Ninh Binh
(approx. 4 hours)
Trekking: Approx. 2-3 hours trekking
Difficult rating: Easy to Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel/ Superior Room
http://hiddencharmresort.com/
Day 6: Tues Sept 8th - Ninh Bihn
Today we visit Vietnam’s ancient capital of Hoa Lu, the country’s first centralised feudal state
dating back to the end of the 10th century. While the ancient citadel has largely disappeared,
the temples of the Dinh and Le dynasties still stand surrounded by rice paddies. We will
continue to Mua Cave, where we will climb a stone staircase of 500 steps, the amazing
views from the peak make the climb worth while. After lunch at a local restaurant we
continue to Tam Coc, known as “Halong Bay on Land”, where a skilled rower will take us on
a 2hr slow journey on the winding rivers/canals. Enjoy the views of the beautiful karst
formations as we enter three of the many natural caves formed under the hills. Visit Bich
Dong pagoda before returning to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel/ Superior Room
Day 7: Wed Sept 9th - Ninh Binh – Halong Bay/Bai Tu Long Bay
Today we get to explore the most amazing bay in the
North of Vietnam. Our local guide will transport us to
Hon Gai Pier, where we will board a boat for a
leisurely cruise of Bai Tu Long Bay while we enjoy a
delicious Vietnamese lunch. In the afternoon there is
the opportunity to do some kayaking. This is the best
way to see Cap La Island and take in the stunning
scenery. Dinner will be on the boat after which we can watch the sunset and relax with a
cocktail or try our luck at squid fishing.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Renea Cruise - Bai Tu Long Bay/ Deluxe private cabin
www.reneacruiseshalong.com
Day 8: Thurs Sept 10th - Bai Tu Long Bay
We start our day with traditional Tai Chi on the deck or just take in the morning view of the
stunning bay landscapes with a cup of tea or coffee. Continue the cruise passing several
floating hamlets including Cap La and Cong Dam, before entering the Centre of the pristine
Bai Tu Long Geology Park where we will visit Vung Vieng fishing village.
We can spend our afternoon kayaking or swimming at Cong Dam, or relaxing on the boat.
Spend the evening watching the sunset and discussing the events of the day.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Renea Cruise - Bai Tu Long Bay Private cabin www.reneacruiseshalong.com Day 9: Fri Sept 11th - Halong Bay - Hanoi After breakfast and optional Tai Chi we will head off to explore the well-hidden Thien Canh Son Cave and enjoy the white sandy beach at Hon Co Island. When we return to the boat we will be treated to a traditional Vietnamese cooking demonstration and lunch on the boat before departing for the transfer back to Hanoi and overnight. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: Golden Rice Hotel/ Premium Deluxe www.goldenricehotel.com Day 10: Sat Sept 12th - Hanoi – Bac Ha Today we will transfer to Lao Cai and then onto Bac Ha. Along the way we will visit the palace of Hoang A Tuong, an ornate mansion with Oriental and European architectural influences, built in the early 20th century. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: Ngan Nga Hotel in Bac Ha/ Deluxe http://www.nganngabachahotel.com/ Day 11: Sun Sept 13th - Hill Tribe Market Bac Ha Market - Sapa This morning we visit the Bac Ha Market, the largest and most colourful market in the area. Every Sunday morning, many different ethnic groups such as the Flower H’mong, Phu La, Black Dzao, Tay and Nung minorities gather to buy and sell their local products. They dress in amazing handmade colorful clothing. This is also a place for the locals to catch up and meet friends over rice wine at the end of the week. Visit the Tay ethnic village of Trung Do where you can meet and interact with the locals. We then take a local boat ride along the Chay River which snakes between forested mountains before being transferred to Sapa to stay overnight at Ban Ho village. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Homestay in Ban Ho/ shared (basic) Day 12: Mon Sept 14th - Trekking Ban Ho – Nam Toong – My Son – Than Pu Today’s trek is a real challenge along a narrow dirt trail which sneaks up steep hill sides to approx 1,632m. We will take a lunch break at the top of the mountain to enjoy the thick rainforest. After lunch we continue along the same trail through the rainforest of Hoa ng Lien National Park to Nam Toong Village of the Red Zao. Enjoy an easy walk around this quiet and charming village before continuing to My Son Village of the Xa Pho people (a sub group of Phu La group), with a population of about 6,500 who have maintained their traditional way of living. The last portion of the trail takes us across the bottom of Thanh Phu valley of the Tay ethnic people. This is where we will have dinner and spend the night. Trekking hours: 4.5 hours (Approx. 14km) Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Accommodation: Homestay
Day 13: Tues Sept 15th - Trekking Thanh Pu – Nam Nhiu – Nam Sai – Sin Chai A big day today starting with a trek to Nam Toong village of the Red Dao minority. Then onto the Nam Nhiu village where the Xa Pho minority is located, this is one of the smallest ethnic groups in Northern Vietnam. Here we can relax a while by the river and take a swim. From there we trek uphill to Nam Sai village of Tay minority where we break for lunch. After lunch we continue trekking uphill along a small trail to the Red Zao village of Sin Chai, also the location of our homestay. This evening we can take a walk to explore the village before your dinner of traditional Vietnamese dishes. Trekking hours: 5-6 hours (approx. 17km) Difficulty: Moderate Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Accommodation: Homestay Day 14: Wed Sept 16th - Sim Chai – Nam Ket – Ban Den – Lao Cai - Hanoi Today we head for Lao Cai through the remote mountains of Sapa. Red Dao ethnic minority inhabit the entire area. We will pass bamboo forests and jungle and make a stop at Nam Ket for lunch. After lunch, your trek will be mostly downhill. After about half an hour, you will have an opportunity to enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the day over a green valley and the Red River. Our day ends in Ta Thang village of the Tay minority. From here we will be transferred back to Hanoi Trekking hours: Approx. 8km Difficulty: Easy to moderate Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: Golden Rice Hotel/ Premium Deluxe www.goldenricehotel.com Day 15: Thurs Sept 17th - Halong Bay – Hanoi fly to Danong Transfer to Noi Bai airport for a flight to Danang. On arrival we will be met by our local guide and transferred to Hoi An Ancient town. Approx 1.25 hours. Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: Acacia Heritage Hotel (F.Van Loi)/ ROH www.acaciaheritagehotel.com Day 16: Fri Sept 18th - Hoi An – Explore by Kayak We have a free morning to relax and enjoy the surroundings. In the afternoon, we will explore Hoi An by kayak. The scenic Thu Bon River has helped shaped Hoi An’s history and culture. Before flowing into the ocean, the river deposited silt along several villages and created the ancient Hoi An port. Explore the Thu Bon River as we paddle downstream with an opportunity for an up close view of the immense fishing nets being lowered into the river. Along the way, we will see fishing boats, dockyards, vegetable gardens, small estuaries and peaceful countryside. On return to the pier we will be transferred back to our hotel. Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: Acacia Heritage Hotel (F.Van Loi)/ ROH www.acaciaheritagehotel.com
Day 17: Sat Sept 19th - Cycling Hoi An – Evening Sidewalk Food Tour & home
hosted meal
The flat, quiet roads around Hoi An are ideal for
exploring by cycle. Our adventure starts with a short
boat trip across the river from Hoi An. We will be biking
along quiet inland trails and stopping along the way to
discover how wooden river boats are made, learn the
secret of weaving the colorful straw “Hoi An” sleeping
mats and renowned Vietnamese basket boats. We may
wish to stop at Tra Que Vegetable Village to observe
local farmers working the organic fields using traditional
methods that date back hundreds of years. The rich soil
from this village produces some of the most flavorsome vegetables and herbs in all of Hoi
An. If we don’t mind getting our hands dirty we can spend some time helping to water the
plants or fertilize the land before cycling back to the hotel.
Free time in the afternoon to relax before the early evening private Sidewalk Food Tour. The
tour takes us off the beaten path to get a unique glimpse into the daily life in this lovely city
and discover some unforgettable cultural & historical attractions along with interesting and
tasty street food. Stroll through the alleys and indulge in Hoi An’s best foods at places which
have been making these delicacies for generations. We’ll try foods such as white rose,
bread, banana sweet soup and coconut pancakes. Next, we will go to Hoi An market and
roam around the food stalls. Finally, we will gather at a local house for a home-hosted dinner
followed by a walk to the heart of Hoi An ancient town, here we will board a boat to cruise
along Hoai River and enjoy the view of Hoi An at night as we release floating lanterns.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Acacia Heritage Hotel (F.Van Loi)/ ROH
Day 18: Sun Sept 20th - Free Day in Hoi An
This is a free day to do some last minute shopping, explore on your own or perhaps hire
bikes to cycle the 5km to the beach.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Acacia Heritage Hotel (F.Van Loi)/ ROH
Day 19: Mon Sept 21st - Danang Departure
Today is the end of a wonderful experience, we will be transferred to Danang International
Airport to check in for our flight home or onward travels
Meal: Breakfast
TRIP DETAILS
LOCATION Start: Hanoi
End: Danang
Fully Escorted
DATES Starts Hanoi Sept 3rd 2020
Ends Sept 21st 2020
21 days/20 nights
GROUP SIZE Departs with Minimum of 8 travelers
Max Group size 14 travelers
COST NZ$4,400.00 per person land only
Single Supplement $830.00 (only
available in hotels, homestays are group
share.)
Approx airfares $1,750.00 ex Nelson
Please inquire if departing other NZ cities
Plus 1 night Singapore $58.00 twin Share
INCLUDED Daily Breakfast
12 x Lunch
9 x Dinner
Flight from Hanoi to Danang
All entrances fees
New Zealand tour escort + local guides
Accommodation on twin share basis in
hotels and group shared rooms at
homestays, private twin share cabin
during cruise.
Bicycle rental, helmet on cycle day.
3 days/2 night Renea cruise by shared
boat in Halong Bay with private cabins.
Bottled drinking water during excursions
Meals as mentioned in the itinerary.
Local tips for drivers and guides
EXCLUDED International Airfares (please inquire)
Visas
Tips for hotel room porters
Meals and entrance fees not included in
itinerary
Excess luggage charges
Alcoholic drinks
Personal expenses
Travel insurance (compulsory)Disclaimer: Although it is our intention to operate the itinerary as detailed in the proposal, we cannot be held responsible for any last minute changes made as a result of climatic conditions, alterations to flight schedules or other operational factors. Please note this price may vary due to changes to the activities, hotels, exchange rates or other unexpected contingencies. Hotels and services in the itinerary are proposed only. We will confirm services once the tour has sufficient numbers (8 people) to depart. If proposed hotels are unavailable they will be substituted for hotels of equal or better quality. Please see our full terms and conditions. CANCELLATION CHARGES Notice of cancellation of your holiday by you once it has been confirmed must be in writing to us. Cancellation charges will be calculated from the date we receive written notice of cancellation. Any amendment charges that arose before the cancellation, and any deposits paid for any pre-booked items or services will still be payable. If we cancel your holiday you will receive a full refund of all monies paid to us. Deposits are non-refundable. Land & internal air cancellation fees apply. In addition, cancellation fees per person/ per trip. Days prior to Departure 60 or more Loss of deposit 30 – 59 50% of total tour cost 0 – 29 100% of total tour cost
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