| Vietnam- Back to Nature - 20 Days / 19 Nights Hanoi – Cuc Phuong National Park – Pu Luong Nature Reserve – Mai Chau – Hanoi - Halong Bay – Hue – Bach Ma National Park – Hoi An – Nha Trang – Dalat – Cat Tien National Park – Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta – Can Tho – Phu Quoc – Ho Chi Minh City From the northern to southern Vietnam, this sustainable tour conducts you through very authentic places in Vietnam to offer you some unique experience closely with the locals and the nature. During the trip, you will meet the Vietnamese beauty in Cuc Phuong National Park, Pu Luong Nature Reserve, Bach Ma National Park and Cat Tien National Park in Dalat, all that feature various floras and wildlife especially birds and primate animals. You will be impressed with the warm touch of Vietnamese hospitality in the villages you go though, where you will learn more and more about the local cultures such as the customs and cuisines through cooking. From Halong Bay to the Mekong Delta, the tour will have an important interface with the water ecosystem before ending your journey on the peaceful Phu Quoc’s beaches.
Detailed Tour Itinerary Day 1 - Arrival Hanoi (B,L,D) Stop to visit a few cottage industries and meet local people who will explain the wonder of their craft making, and talk a little about life in Hanoi. Potter round some of Hanoi’s fascinating markets, sampling unusual fruits. Drink coffee at a local café and admire the fabulous views across Hoan Kiem Lake. Overnight in Hotel. Day 2 - Hanoi – Cuc Phuong National Park (B,L,D) Travel on a tiny road up into the mountains and arrive at Cuc Phuong National Park. The national contains the largest area of lowland primary forest in Vietnam and home to the Primate Rescue Centre. After tea with a Ranger, check in to one of the old French colonial houses. In the afternoon visit the Rescue Centre, and learn about the plight of the Cat Ba langur, Dalacour’s langur and other primates. Vietnam contains five of the world’s most endangered primates, three of which are housed at the centre. As time permitting, drive 20 kilometres into the centre of the park through primary and secondary forest. On the way, you will have an opportunity to learn about the minority people who had done farming in the forests here. There are trails to hike in the centre, short and enjoyable. Be prepared for Vietnamese style trail making – some of the tracks have been concreted! The plus side to this is that all local minority people were employed to make the trail easier for trekking and the walk is still thoroughly enjoyable. Overnight in the national park.
Pu Luong is a globally important example of a lowland limestone forest ecosystem and is recognised as a world centre for plant diversity. The forests support many unique species including the Delacour’s langur, one of the most threatened primate species, found only in this area. The forests of Pu Luong are also of immense importance to local communities. However, these forests are threatened due to illegal logging, hunting and fire. Community based ecotourism initiatives provides income which helps to encourage support for forest conservation. Initially seven pilot villages are participating in the ecotourism project. Cross the majestic Ma River by local ferry and travel on a rough track to Ban Hin Village. En route you will enjoy wonderful unspoilt scenery. There will be time in the afternoon to explore water wheels and hike out to waterfalls as well as explore the friendly village. Ban Hai is one of the new ecotourism homestay villages and the facilities though comfortable, are simple. However the villagers are extremely welcoming. Overnight in eco-tourism homestay. Day 4 - Pu Luong Nature Reserve Exploration (B,L,D) There are several tracks and trails that can be taken to suit all levels of ability. One particularly scenic route is to Ban Hang Via Eo Ken. This is a truly unique part of Vietnam and newly welcoming to tourists. Take time to chat with villagers and experience the ethnic minority way of life. As one homestay host put it ‘Though we are still very poor and lack experience, we will open our hearts to all tourists and trekkers, both Vietnamese and foreigners’. Overnight in eco- tourism homestay. Day 5 - Pu Luong – Mai Chau – Hanoi (B,L,D) Take a long tail boat up the Ma River to Mai Chau (This activity depends on season). Have lunch in Mai Chau before transferring back to Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi
There is a diversity of flora and fauna throughout Ha Long, and primary tropical forest is found, mostly on the islands of Ba Mun and Cat Ba. Results from preliminary surveys indicate the presence of about 1,000 fish species. Mammals, reptiles and birds are found on the islands, especially the earth type. Principal conservation values appear to be scenic, landscape values; geological interest; biological diversity, especially in marine species; and archaeological remains. Spend the fantastic time cruising on board the luxurious Emeraude, a wonderful replica of a classic steamship for the ultimate Halong Bay experience. Enjoy optional high tea in the late afternoon. A sunset cocktail is served on the sundeck followed by a buffet dinner. If a steam ship doesn't fit, cruise by private or shared wooden junk. Overnight on board junk. Day 7 - Halong Bay - Hanoi – Hue (B,L,D) After cruise trip, drive to the airport for the early afternoon flight to Hue. Have picnic lunch en route. Arrive at Hue and take visits to Hue Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda and one of the more famous mausoleums of Khai Dinh or Tu Duc. Overnight in Hotel Day 8 – Hue – Bach Ma National Park (B,L,D) The park is noted for its bird species of which there are some 280. The most characteristic feature of Bach Ma’s birdlife is the large number of pheasants! Of 12 species in Vietnam, 7 have been recorded here in Bac Ma. After lunch take a self- guided trek along one of the 4 new nature trails that have been created. Listen for the sound of the black gibbon, swim in a fresh water pool and keep an eye out for the 50cm long earthworms! Nearby there is another village community initiative underway supported by SNV – a Netherlands based sustainable tourism development program. The village will actively welcome interested guests to share tea and to discuss the community’s progress towards promoting environmental awareness through tourism and their efforts to learn about the conservation and protection of their forest environment. Overnight Bach Ma National Park Day 9 - Bach Ma National Park – Hoi An (L,D) After a leisurely breakfast transfer down onto the plains and travel along a spectacular coastline to Hoi An, stopping en route to swim in the delicious waters of Lang Co beach. Traverse over the Hai Van Pass and down to China Beach, the infamous R and R retreat for American troops during the war with Vietnam. Stop to visit the Cham museum in Danang. The museum contains the largest display of Cham art anywhere in the world and gives a fascinating insight into a once incredible civilization. Continue onto Hoi An along the coast. Overnight at the wonderful open air restaurant and traditional Hoi An style accommodations set in delightful gardens on the banks of the river.
In the afternoon, explore at leisure the charming ambience of this beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hire a local boatwoman for a floating tour of the town’s riversides, or wander through the numerous old houses and temples – hire a local bike and pedal to the nearby beach. Overnight at the Riverside Resort. Day 11 - Hoi An – Nha Trang (B) There may be time for sunset stroll along the beachfront or quick massage. Nha Trang is flanked by nearly 10kms of prime beach where the water is warm year around. The average temperature in Nha Trang is 26 Celcius Degrees with the lowest levels of humidity in all of Vietnam. Today, Nha Trang ranks as a favorite honeymoon destination for Vietnamese with great beaches and good food. Fortunately it still retains its friendly small town atmosphere. Dinner is a delicious cook – your-own BBQ at local restaurant. Overnight at the Saigon Nha Trang hotel. Day 12 - Nha Trang – Dalat (B,L) Dalat has been the holiday spot for well-to-do Vietnamese and foreigner. Professionally trained guides will navigate you through a canyon containing waterfalls. Learn the basics of knot tying, harness wearing, hardware and proper rappelling technique. The first rappel / abseil is an exciting 18m descent, the second more challenging as you rappel downwards alongside cascading falls. Enjoy picnic lunch of Dalat organic bread, fruits and vegetables before continuing the canyon descent. For those with an avid taste for adventure, there is an optional advanced canyoning trip available. Return in the afternoon for a half day rock climbing in the shadow of Langbian Mountain. Overnight in Old Dalat Palace Hotel.
An incredible diversity of birds and mammals live in the forest and wetland habitats of Cat Tien, including an estimated 230 species of birds. Endangered birds that can be found here include Germain’s Peacock- Pheasant, Green Peafowl and the very elusive Orange- necked Partridge. Mammals that can sometimes be seen include wild boar, Samba Deer, the rare Black-shanked Duoc Langur, Yellow-cheeked and Crested Gibbon. Enjoy a half day of birding along the road and forest trails of Cat Tien. A jeep can be hired at the park headquarters to visit areas further a field such as Bird Lake to look for visiting waders or Crocodile Lake where Green Peafowl, Lesser Adjutant and Purple Heron may be seen. During the walk through the forest to Crocodile Lake look out for Bar-bellied and Blue- rumped Pitta, Red and Black and Banded Broadbill and Orange-breasted Trogon amongst others. Overnight at National Guest house in Cat Tien. Day 14 - Cat Tien National Park – Ho Chi Minh City (B,L,D) Check out of the park guest house and meet up with the driver before leaving for the 170km drive to Ho Chi Minh City. Overnight in comfortable Bong Sen 2 Hotel.
As you leave the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City, the scenery changes for lush paddy fields and this area is locally referred as the 'rice bowl of Vietnam'. Around noon when you arrive in Cai Be in the heart of the delta, board the Bassac Boat and enjoy a welcome drink given on arrival followed by an introduction to the ship and crew. Check in to the cabins. Depart towards Cho Lach on the Tien Giang River. Lunch will be served en route. There is an ample deck space to view the wonderful scenery of the delta following lunch. Cruise into a branch of the Cho Lach Canal for 30 minutes, along the way pass by river craft carrying everything from sand to rice, on the sides of the river bank admire the views of local villagers drying fruit and wooden ship building yards. Visit a village on the banks of the Mang Thit River. Here you can have the opportunity to appreciate the way of life and hospitality of the local people. Visit of the orchards or rice fields nearby. Back on board the Bassac a complimentary drink will be served, so sit back and enjoy the sunset overlooking the Mekong's magical water ways. Overnight on board. Day 16 - Tra On – Can Tho (B,L) Arrive in Cai Rang. then check out and transfer onto a local boat to visit the floating market, the nearby arroyos and gardens then return to the Ninh Kieu Pier where your vehicle will be waiting for you to transfer to Can Tho. Free at leisure. After lunch, depend on time it may be to rent kayaks from the hotel to explore the narrow channels and rivulets around Can Tho. Dine in the evening at the hotel in Victoria in Can Tho. Day 17 - Can Tho – Rach Gia – Phu Quoc (B,L,D) At 1:15 pm, embark Duong Dong Express boat to Phu Quoc Island, which is known as the biggest and most beautiful island of Vietnam. It is really a wonderful place to relax. Arrive at An Thoi pier at 4:00 pm. Spend 45 minutes more drive to centre of Phu Quoc. Check in to Cassia Cottage. Overnight in Phu Quoc. Day 18 - 19 - Phu Quoc (B) Day 20 - Phu Quoc – Ho Chi Min City (B) Note: We can arrange additional customized trips for you if the above itinerary does not match your expectations.
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Day 3 - Cuc Phuong – Pu Luong Nature Reserve (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Hanoi - Halong Bay (B,L,D)
Day 10 - Hoi An, Culture & Cuisine (B)
Day 13 - Dalat – Cat Tien National Park (B,L,D)
Day 15 - Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta Bassac Cruise (B,L,D)
