Advertising feature. Some people associate tours with jam-packed buses and being hoarded around a landmark as a guide explains its significance. Even though such excursions are perfect for some people, are there any Vietnam and Cambodia tours that are more inventive? This article explores the opportunities for tourists visiting the Far East nations.

If you are determined to have an adventure when you are visiting Vietnam, doing some research into places which are worthwhile to visit is essential. There are some fantastic websites loaded with recommendations of locations to explore, not to mention idyllic pictures that show you what to expect.

Tour companies operating in the region specialise in providing various ways that you can explore this historic and cultured country. While you might want to unwind on a tour that connects you with the best food and swish hotels, there are other packages on offer which require a little more physical exertion.

For example, you may love the idea of cycling across some of the most beautiful scenery in Vietnam; a hands-on experience that takes sightseeing to a new and intimate level. Alternatively, you might want to engage in a hike that will take you to the top of the most dramatic hills in the country, bringing you panoramic views of Vietnam and Cambodia in all their glory.

Tour providers don’t just care about their customers, either. With many companies in adoration of the countryside they show off to tourists and proud to be based in Vietnam and Cambodia, it is assuring to know that an environmentally-friendly approach to travel is usually taken. As global warming has the potential to affect some of our most delicate climates, the low-carbon methods mostly used to connect you between towns and cities will reduce the impact your holiday has on the environment.

If you fancy the idea of one tour in particular, you should make sure that the duration of your holiday allows for it, preventing any unnecessary disappointment. Even though some tours are relatively brief, lasting anything from a few hours to a couple of days, there are others which are more substantial; with the longest tours from one guide over six weeks in length.

Many people are of the opinion that taking a hiatus over the summer months is the perfect way to cure anxiety. Not only will it allow you to get some perspective and release yourself from the seemingly perpetual stress of work, but the new experiences and the opportunity to relax will leave you refreshed for when you return. In many ways, stepping away from work may make you more productive once you return!

Once you arrive in Vietnam or Cambodia, you can cycle, walk, drive and climb in order to explore the natural beauty in this area of the world. Undoubtedly, the best way to get there is to fly: connections from the main airports in the UK will get you there within hours, allowing you to make the most of your time off. Your only challenge now is to find the flights that offer the best value for money. After all, the less money you fork out on the plane, the more money you can spend while you are on your holiday; taking in the culture of a different world along the way.

Tags: Indochina holiday, vietnam holiday, vietnam tours, Indochina tours , vietnam travel,cambodia tours, Laos tours

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There are only two months to go until the opening ‘National Tourism Year – Hai Phong 2013’, which will be held under the theme ‘Red River Cilivisation’ with the participation of 12 cities and provinces in the Red river delta and northern coastal region.

Halong

The year-long event aims to create and diversify high-quality tourism products which are imbued with the cultural and natural identities of Hai Phong and localities in the region, as well as raising public and local authorities’ awareness of the benefits the hospitality sector has brought and can bring to the community. It also provides a good opportunity to advertise the region’s tourist locations and other places of interest, in order to lure more domestic and foreign visitors, attract investment and step up tourism co-operation between the region and the rest of the country.

According to Nguyen Quy Phuong, Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism’s Travel Department, the programme will help exploit the region’s tourism potential, promote the links between tourism and the economy, cultural and external activities for sustainable socio-economic development while raising the image of Vietnam’s culture, land and people to international friends.

With the theme ‘Red River Civilisation’, the National Tourism Year of 2013 will spotlight the cultural traditions and the historical course of the Red river delta region, the home to a one thousand-year old tangible and intangible cultural heritage. From the region, the Red River civilisation has followed Vietnamese ancestors’ footprints and laid firm foundations in its cultural values.

A wide range of activities will take place during the programme, including traditional festivals, exhibitions, tourism fairs and seminars. The highlight of the event will be the opening ceremony in January 2013, the Red River Delta Culture and Tourism Week, and the Hai Phong city’s Flamboyant Flower Festival in May. Additionally, 66 events will be held throughout the year, which will be hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as well as the 12 participating localities in co-ordination with international organisations and Hai Phong’s sister cities.

vietnam tours

Twelve localities that will attend the ‘National Tourism Year 2013’ are Hanoi, Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, Thai Binh, Nam Dinh, Bac Ninh, Hai Duong, Hung Yen, Ha Nam, Vinh Phuc, Phu Tho and Bac Giang, in which Hai Phong city has been selected as the host venue. Located in the northern key economic region, Hai Phong city pocesses strong benefits for both socio-economic and tourism development, while still possessing typical features of the northern delta and coastal land, which can be seen through its assorted cultural and historical vestiges, festivals, natural landscapes, gastronomy, traditional crafts and various arts forms.

According to Doan Duy Linh, Director of the Hai Phong city Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the city People’s Committee and the hospitality sector have renovated the city’s typical tourism products and programmes, beautified the natural environment, upgraded inner routes to Cat Ba tourist site and advertised the national scale event through various means of communication. The local authorities have also asked relevant agencies to improve the city’s infrastructure and have opened two training courses for tourist guides and volunteers. For such thorough preparations, Hai Phong city and the 12 cities and provinces in Red River delta region are all ready for the National Tourism Year 2013.

Tags: Indochina holiday, vietnam holiday, vietnam tours, Indochina tours , vietnam travel,cambodia tours, Laos tours

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 I. Overview
The central coast of Vietnam is one of the most fascinating, historical and appealing parts of this country. Here days are split between historical wonders of Hue, the former Imperial Capital of Vietnam, a peaceful town set on the gently flowing Perfume River and the delightful charms of Hoi An, where historical sites, beaches and quaint colonial architecture combine to create one of the most visited yet unchanged towns in Central Vietnam.
 Day 1: Arrive Hue
Arrive in Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight in Hue.
Day 2: Hue (B)
0830 depart from your hotel in Hue. Start at the Imperial Citadel where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. From here take a cyclo through dai noi ‘Old City’ to Tinh Tam Lake where the Emperors used to come to relax; full of lotus flowers in summer there are many local style coffee shops around the lake where university students come to study.
Continue to visit Thien Mu (Celestial Lady) Pagoda overlooking the Perfume River; constructed in 1601 the 21-meter tall tower is the centerpiece of the pagoda and represents seven reincarnations of Buddha. In the grounds of the pagoda is the Austin car made famous when in 1963, a resident monk drove the vehicle to what was then Saigon to protest against the southern regime.  The photo of his self immortalization was captured and is one of the most well known images of the war.
In the afternoon see the tomb of the former emperor Minh Mang which is located in a tranquil setting of gardens and ponds.
Journey on to Khai Dinh’s Tomb which is traditional Vietnamese in design with a European touch making it unique from the other tombs in Hue.
Before heading back to your hotel take time to stroll around Dong Ba Market with your guide.  The market is another of the must see sites in Hue, the stalls are teeming with color and a great place to catch a glimpse of everyday life.
Overnight in Hue.
Day 3: Hue – Danang – Hoi An (B)
Leave Hue for Hoi An, a major Asian trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries whose architecture and relaxed lifestyle has changed little over the years. The scenic route passes through the wonderfully photogenic fishing village of Lang Co before climbing over the Pass of Ocean Clouds.
Drive through Danang and visit the Cham Museum, which contains the finest collection of Cham sculptures in the world. In the afternoon take a walking tour of the ancient town centre to visit the former merchants’ homes, the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge and the colourful market.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 4: Hoi An – My Son – Hoi An (B)
Start the day, with a half day trip to visit the capital and religious centre of the former Champa Kingdom, My Son. Here, 40km southwest of Hoi An, in a lush green valley, are dozens of red brick towers and sanctuaries dating from between the 7th and 13th centuries. On the way back to Hoi An stop to visit Tra Kieu, formerly known as Simhapura or the Lion Citadel, the capital of Champa between the 4th and 8th centuries. Some of the finest sculpture in Danang’s Cham Museum originated from here.
On returning to Hoi An, the afternoon is free to relax perhaps browsing for souvenirs in Hoi An’s art galleries and silk shops, or maybe cycling to the nearby Cua Dai Beach (on own account).
Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 5: Depart Danang (B)
The morning is at leisure until transfer to Danang Airport for onward flight.III. Included and Exculuded 
Tour price includes:
+ All private transfer and transportation
+ Accommodation shared in Twin/Double room with daily breakfast
+ French or English Speaking Guide.
+ All In-tour flights as per itinerary.
+ Boat trip & cruise as per tour.
+ Meals as stated in the itinerary (B: breakfast ; L: lunch ; D: dinner)
+ Golf with green fee & caddy fee.
+ All sightseeing tickets.
+ Vietnam visa on arrival approved letter
+ Services charges and government tax.

Tour price excludes:
+ International flights & departures taxes
+ Beverage
+ Travel insurance
+ Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
+ Peak season or Public holidays surcharge if any
+ Compulsory Gala dinner on X-Mas or New Year if any
+ Vietnam visa stamp fee
+ Other services not mentioned above.

Special note:
List of hotels is recommended by Bravo Indochina Tours. Please feel free to advise hotels you prefer in each category or combine hotels category at your wish ( tour price will be changed accordingly).

Tags: Indochina holiday, vietnam holiday, vietnam tours, Indochina tours , vietnam travel,cambodia tours, Laos tours

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Yes, the thing that strikes many visitors to Laos, besides the beauty and solitude of the place, is the incredible number of Buddhist monks walking around. Dressed in those trademark saffron robes, you'll easily spot them walking in pairs, usually with an umbrella in hand to ward off either sunrays or raindrops. In the early morning hours, when they make their daily alms rounds through town, it seems as if a wave of orange is flowing down the streets.

Photo taken in the street of Luang Prabang at 05:50 in the morning. Buddhist monks do make their daily alms rounds through town. We donated rice and bananas. We had a friendly chat with the local people and monks. Lao monks are very friendly and approachable. Most people donate food to the monks to gain merit and improve their karma. The temples of Laos were once seen as "Universities" for monks. Lao monks are highly respected and revered in Lao communities. Many of the novice monks come from poor villages throughout Laos and live and study. Many of them are teenagers and not yet full-fledged men of the cloth. 

Their lifestyle is shaped so as to support their spiritual practice, to live a simple and meditative life. Lao monks are very friendly and approachable. Pay a visit to any temple in town and it's highly likely that a polite young monk - or group of them - will initiate a conversation with you. Most of these curious, conservational monks are of the novice variety, that is, they are usually teenagers still in school and not yet full-fledged men of the cloth. Many of the novice monks come from poor villages throughout Laos to live and study at one of the twenty-odd temples scattered around Luang Prabang. Obviously, being Buddhist monks, they are focused on learning about the teachings of the Lord Buddha, but novices also study a variety of academic subjects and languages such as Pali, French and English. Many of them can also speak Thai, a language that is quite similar to their native Lao. Those monks that want to pursue their education at a university must relocate to the capital of Vientiane and do so at one of the larger temples located there.

I hope you have found this article useful and I’d highly suggest to you check out my site to learn more about “indochina travel”, I’m sure you’ll love it

http://bravoindochinatours.com

http://vietnamtourism-jsc.com 

 Tags: vietnam tours, vietnam travel,  indochina travel , Indochina tours     

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Thank you for choosing Bravo Indochina Tours to organize your travel arrangements in Vietnam. This document will give you some more information about the country, the different destinations to visit, useful information for travelers, a listing of the Exotissimo preferred hotels, reservations and booking procedures.

 

Vietnam is an intriguing destination. At the crossroads of tradition and modernity, an eclectic mix of old and new, this country will reveal astonishing finds to every type of traveler. The old world charm is still retained amid the French influenced architectures, wide tree-lined boulevards gracing the cities and former imperial capitals. History buffs can learn about Vietnam's recent hard fought wars in the museums. Culture seekers will delight in the discovery of the diverse landscapes and everyday sights, from bustling floating markets, lush paddy fields to colorful hill tribes in the highlands. For beach lovers, Vietnam's long coastline is framed with sandy beaches and clear seas with lots of opportunities for water-based adventures.

Whatever your interest may be, we assure you that traveling with Exotissimo to explore Vietnam'shidden treasures will surely be an impressive trip.

 

Tags: Indochina holiday, vietnam holiday, vietnam tours, Indochina tours , vietnam travel, cambodia tours, Laos tours

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Immerse  in pristine beauty of charming  Halong Bay

Halong Bay always enchants visitors with many different tones of experiences. Once visiting Halong you will not miss a trip floating on the water to comtemplate wonderful beauty of nature, explore the life of local people in fishing villages and immerse in romantic nights on the bay. Travellive woule like to introduce a list of the most luxurious cruises among 100 vessels operated in Halong Bay hold many legends that are waiting for your Vietnam holiday

Bravo Indochina Tours offer the wide range of Halong Cruise Packages, you can back to the past with memories of Roques and their fleet in Halong Bay in 1910 with Emeraude Cruise with classic French interior or with Paradise the most luxury cruise in Halong with acient designs and equipped with morden amenities, etc

For further information, please access Bravo Indochina Tours at www.bravoindochinatours.com or www.vietnamtourism-jsc.com

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  I. Overview
Follow the historic Ho Chi Minh Trail for an adventurous biking expedition from Hanoi to Hue. Developed as a trade route to supply resistance forces during the American War, cycling along the trail you will discover remnants of war time history and pristine national parks as well as the deep-rooted culture of the Vietnamese people in towns such as Hue and Hoi An.


II.  Intinerary
Day 1:    Arrive Hanoi (-/-/D)
After checking in to the hotel and freshening up, your guide will help you fit your bike and prepare the equipment for the upcoming journey. This afternoon a short tour by cyclo, pedal-powered trishaw, will introduce you to the local life as you cruise through the bustling city streets.
This evening you will be introduced to the delicious flavors of Vietnamese cuisine with a welcome dinner at one of the city’s best restaurants.
Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2:     Hanoi – Mai Chau – Pu Luong (B/L/D)
Leave the capital early this morning for a drive through rural countryside to Mai Chau, arriving in time to enjoy lunch at a local Thai village house. Hop on your bike for a ride through the spectacular, undulating valley of the Song Ma River on the way to Hoi Xuan. This route was used to carry supplies and ammunition during the war and linked to the main part of the Ho Chi Minh Trail.
Depending on how your legs feel, continue by bike or travel by car to the end destination. Your accommodation tonight is in a traditional Thai village house located on the edge of Pu Luong Nature Reserve and is part of an eco-tourism community project set up by Flora and Fauna International in 2003. This is a great way to experience the unique culture and lifestyle of these hill tribe people.
Overnight in a Thai Village Homestay.
(Cycling Distance: 70 km)

Day 3:Pu Luong – Ngoc Lac(B/L/D)
After breakfast, transfer by road, for about 45 minutes tothe start of today’s ride. The route takes you away from the river and through a range of mountains, which stretches from Mai Chau to Cuc Phuong National Park and the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. As you cycle, the scenery progressively gets more beautiful with limestone cliffs and lush vegetation as a backdrop. The route is challenging with several hills to ascend, but a vehicle is always nearby.
Arrive in the town of Ngoc Lac late this afternoon for your overnight stay.
Overnight in Ngoc Lac.
(Cycling Distance: 70 kms, Rough terrain approximately 20 kms)

Day 4:  Ngoc Loc - Kim Lien - Vinh     (B/L/D)  
Pedal along the newly-built Ho Chi Minh highway for today’s journey. The tarmac makes for smooth, fast riding and there are very few cars or vehicles on the road. A parallel dirt and gravel highway runs alongside which is a challenging option for those who wish!
Along the way to Vinh, stops will be made to visit Ly Thai To Pagoda which was built in honor of the first king of the Ly dynasty. Then, you canstop at Kim Lien village, the birthplace of Ho Chi Minh to visit his house and a museum dedicated to him. After the visit, transfer by road out of the mountainsto the city of Vinh, arriving late this afternoon.
Overnight in Vinh.
(Cycling Distance: 80 km)

Day 5:    Vinh – Huong Khe (B/L/D)
Following breakfast, transfer 40 kilometers by bus to the town of Pho Chau, the start of today’s ride on the Ho Chi Minh’s Highway. The journey winds through lush jungle and beautiful villages nestled under the Truong Son mountain range. During the ride, take your time to admire the stunning scenery and the intricate karst formations.
After a long day of pedalling, arrive in the remote town of Huong Khe. Located in the Nghe An province, this small town is a quiet place to rest up for another busy day of riding.
Overnight in Huong Khe.
(Cycling Distance: 70 km)

Day 6:    Huong Khe – Phong Nha (B/L/D)
Continue along the Ho Chi Minh Highway today to Phong Nha. The route is still a dream to ride on and you’ll appreciate the smooth tarmac as the mountains rise and the road winds up, down and along the hillsides. The scenery is spectacular and the road is tranquil.
After cycling around 80km, trade in your bike for a restful 1 hour bus journey to Phong Nha National Park. The park contains one of the most spectacular caves in Vietnam - a true natural wonder with 65 kilometres of tunnels and underground rivers. Formed approximately 250 million years ago Phong Nha was used as a hospital and ammunition depot during the war, and the entrance still shows
evidence of attacks from fighter aircraft. There are also community projects underway with Flora and Fauna International and it may be possible to visit village
initiatives and learn more about the forests of the national park before the end of today.
Overnight in Phong Nha.
(Cycling Distance: 80 km)

Day 7:    Phong Nha – Cam Lo – Khe Sanh (B/L/D)                 
After an early morning exploration of Phong Nha Cave, transfer 1.5 hours by road to the Ho Chi Minh Trail to resume your ride. Pedal across the DMZ (also known as the 17th Parallel) to Cam Lo. Stop en route to visit Truong Son cemetery, a memorial to the tens of thousands of North Vietnamese soldiers who were killed in the Truong Son Mountains.
From there it’s only 14 kilometres further to the town of Cam Lo and here the trail heads across the country into Laos. Finish today with a short transfer to Khe Sanh, a former US marine base and site of the infamous 1968 battle of the same name.
Overnight in Khe Sanh.
(Cycling Distance: 80 km)

Day 8: Khe Sanh – A Luoi (B/L/D)
Begin this morning with a visit to the Khe Sanh combat base where relics of the war are exhibited and see the airstrip. Then ride through spectacular scenery, mainly downhill, from the Laos border to the Dakrong River. Cross the river by bridge and ride along the waterway to what was considered the southern part of the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Again enjoy a traffic-free road with rolling terrain, a nice contrast to the flat plains of the previous day’s ride.
Overnight in A Luoi.
(Cycling Distance: 65 km)

Day 9: A Luoi - Hue     (B/L/D)  
Due to the bad roads south of A Loui, today you venture off the Ho Chi Minh Trail and head across the country to Hue. The 60km ride through the middle of Vietnam is on back roads before hitting Highway 1 just a few kilometres south of Hue. Here there is the option of transferring by road or continuing by bike to the center of Hue.
Overnight in Hue.
(Cycling Distance: 70 km)
 
Day 10: Hue (B/L/D)         
Following breakfast, enjoy a relatively easy cycle on the back roads of Hue through lush countryside on a mix of footpaths and quiet country lanes. The day begins with a visit to the Imperial Citadel where you will explore the ruins of this grand monument to the emperors. Then, ride along backstreets, following the banks of the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda. Continue through the quiet roads of Hue’s countryside to visit the royal tomb of Ming Manh, a former Nguyen emperor, and loop back across the river to Hue via the funerary monument to Khai Dinh.
Return to central Hue early this afternoon for time at your leisure to relax or tour more on your own.
Overnight in Hue.
(Cycling Distance: 30 km)

Day 11: Hue – Hoi An (B/L/-)
Today is an epic ride with two small hills to conquer before the intense 11 km climb uphill to the top of Hai Van Pass where you will be rewarded with stunning views of the coast. With a recently opened tunnel through the mountain, there is now very little traffic on this uphill road.
Cruise down the pass to Lang Co beach for a swim and lunch. Then transfer the final 35 kilometers by car to Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The remainder of this afternoon and evening is at your leisure to explore the narrow streets and lanes of this charming town.
Overnight in Hoi An.
(Cycling Distance: 100 km)

Day 12: Hoi An – My Son – Hoi An=(B/L/-)
The last day of the journey is an easy ride My Son, the ancient centre of Cham civilization. Transfer a bit out of town to avoid the highway before cycling along scenic country back roads, past rice paddy fields, through a eucalyptus forest and passing many picturesque villages. The meandering road eventually leads us to My Son, once Champa’s greatest city and now an impressive archaeological site. Enjoy lunch near the temples and an afternoon spent touring around the crumbling temples before transferring back to Hoi An by bus.
Overnight in Hoi An.
 (Cycling Distance: 60 km)

Day 13: Hoi An – Departure    =(B/-/-)      
At your leisure until departure for onward flights
 III. Included and Exculuded 
Note:The price applied for Season : January 01, 2013 to December 31, 2013. Reservations during peak times (Christmas, New Year, Vietnamese Lunar New Year, National Holidays) may be subject to supplementary charges and compulsory meals.

Tour price includes: Accommodation(first class option) in a shared twin or shared double room, Meals as mentioned (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner),English or French speaking biking guide (for other languages and a national guide supplements apply), Tours and transfers as mentioned by private air conditioned vehicle, Entrance fees for mentioned visits, Drinking water for riding day from day 2 to day 10 for cycling days, Snack, soft drinks, local fruits and fresh tissues for riding day from day 3 to 10 for cycling days

Tour price excludes:International and domestic Flights  & departures taxes, Beverage, Travel insurance, Personal expenses, tips and gratuities, Local bike hire including transport of bikes, and spares(Trek 4500 Front suspension mountain bikes): 15USD/bike/day X 10 Days=150USD, Vietnam visa stamp fee, Other services not mentioned above.
Tags: vietnam tours, vietnam travel,  indochina travel , Indochina tours      

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