ITINERARY. Meals included: B, L, D. Day 4: Mekong Delta

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2 ITINERARY Discover an exotic land of wonderful natural beauty, filled with history and culture, as we journey south to north, exploring Vietnam s variety of landscapes, cultures, sights and flavours. Day 3: Cu Chi underground village and Ho Chi Minh City We drive into the countryside to Cu Chi, to explore the famed underground village and discover the area where the Vietnamese guerillas lived and fought during the war. Distance: 1 mile (1½km) with no ascent. We return to the city for a sightseeing tour, including Notre Dame Cathedral and Vinh Nghiem pagoda, plus any sights we were unable to see on our arrival day. Distance: 1 mile (2km) with no ascent. Day 4: Mekong Delta Explore chaotic Ho Chi Minh City, with its remnants of the Vietnam wars, and beaches, coastal forests and echoes from the ancient empires of the coast. Savour the beautiful landscapes of Halong Bay and around Sapa and wonder at the historic city of Hanoi. Walks are generally 1-4 miles (1½-6½km). On one day there is the choice of two walks; the harder of these is up to 9 miles (14½km). Ascents are up to 1,500 feet (457m). Day 1: Departure from the UK Day 2: arrive Ho Chi Minh City On arrival, we ll be met by our local guide and driver and transfer to our hotel; depending on local conditions, we may stop en route to pick up a snack. Later we ll enjoy a walking tour to the Reunification Palace, China Town, Thien Hau temple and War Museum. Some places may be visited the next day if time doesn t allow. Accommodation: Pullman Saigon Centre, or similar (3 nights) Meals included: D Today we travel south towards Ben Tre on the Mekong Delta. This is an area of small fishing villages, houses on stilts, wetlands and bustling river life, one of the most evocative of Asian scenes. Walk in the local countryside and experience the daily life of the locals who work in the coconut industry - you ll have the chance to work alongside them if you wish to. We visit a handicraft workshop before we transfer to the pier to take a rowboat along the palm creek; we ll stop to visit grapefruit and coconut gardens where we can enjoy some juice and fruit while listening to folk music. We travel on by motor-cart or bicycle along the village road to reach Mr Ten s garden. Lunch will be taken at a local house and will 2 Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk

3 feature dishes of the Mekong river region. After lunch, we ll walk into the village and meet the locals before a boat trip along Ba Lai river. We stop to visit the coconut coir manufacturing facility, before we continue cruising along the river before returning to the city. Day 5: to Hoi An Today starts with an early flight to Danang, located in the centre of Vietnam. We then transfer to Hoi An, stopping en route to discover the culture of Vietnam s ancient civilisations at Cham museum. ancient streets to visit the Fujian Congregation Hall, the 400-year old Japanese covered bridge, the Tan Ky ancestral house and Hoi An museum. Distance: 1½ miles (2½km) with no ascent. Day 7: Hué This morning we travel north from Hoi An, stopping at the Marble Mountains. Our walk in the area affords good views of the surrounding landscapes and the coast. We also stop at the famed Non Nuoc stone carving village and China beach before continuing to Hué, the ancient capital of Vietnam, with sightseeing stops en route at Cloudy Pass and Lang Co beach. Enjoy a dragon boat ride on the Perfume River to visit the Thien Mu pagoda and Tu Duc tomb before transferring to our hotel in Hué. Accommodation: Pilgrimage Village Hotel, or similar (2 nights) The well-preserved ancient town of Hoi An was one of the world s most prosperous port towns in the 15th century, serving trade routes from the ancient empires of China and Japan and beyond. It is now an attractive town, perfect for wandering around. Day 8: Hué Accommodation: Little Hoi An Central, or similar (2 nights) Day 6: My Son and Hoi An We start with a morning visit to the ancient city of My Son for walks in the Holy Valley area, a 4th century religious sanctuary. Its history is reflected in the remaining temples and towers. Distance: 2 miles (3km) with little/no ascent but on undulating paths. In the afternoon we take a walking tour along Hoi An s narrow, winding and peaceful Today, enjoy a free morning at leisure before an afternoon walking tour of the ancient heart of Hué, once the Nguyen capital of Vietnam. Visit the Royal Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City. Impressive city walls enclose a collection of palaces, temples and courtyards that have survived the centuries. 3 Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk

4 This was the power house of 18th century Nguyen Emperors, an important centre for arts and religion. These influences are still visible around Hué today. Later we walk through the lively Dong Ba market, where you can find Hué s speciality the poem hat and an array of fruit and vegetables, both exotic and familiar. Day 9: to Hanoi After breakfast, we ll transfer to the airport for our flight to Hanoi. We ll head downtown for lunch we recommend you try the special Hanoi dish, cha ca. After lunch and once we ve checked into our hotel, we ll take an afternoon walking tour of the capital, which may include visits to the Temple of Literature, the first university in Vietnam, the Ngoc Son temple and the charming Sword Lake. We ll then be taken around the city streets on one of Hanoi s cyclos (pedal rickshaws). This is a great way to see Hanoi s bustling Old Quarter from a different perspective. Day 10: Hanoi to Sapa After breakfast we depart Hanoi on the new highway to Sapa. On arrival in Sapa, enjoy lunch and settle in to your hotel before enjoying an afternoon exploration of the town and local market and Ham Rong mountain. Sapa is located amidst marvellous scenery and was first developed as a health resort by the French in the early 1920s. Indochina s highest mountain, Mount Fansipan (10,300 feet/3,143m) overlooks the town. Accommodation: Victoria Sapa Resort & Spa, or similar (2 nights) Day 11: Sapa After breakfast we have two walk options which introduce us to the traditions of Black H mong and Dzay minorities who live in the surrounding area. This evening enjoy a real cultural treat with a visit to the water puppets show and a traditional Vietnamese music performance. Accommodation: Pan Pacific Hotel, or similar (1 night) Easier walk: Cat Cat/Lao Chai to Tavan. Enjoy spectacular scenery, idyllic rice paddy terraces and pass a beautiful waterfall as we walk to Cat Cat village. We return by transport to Sapa for lunch then take the hilltribe route through Lao Chai and Tavan where the Dzay minority live. Distance: 3 miles (5km). Harder walk: Cat Cat to Tavan via Y Linh Ho and Lao Chai. We begin on the same route as the easier walk before walking towards the Muong Hoa 4 Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk

5 valley, passing through Lao Chai with its Black H mong residents and then Tavan village, a Dzay minority village. We meet the rest of the group in Tavan in the afternoon. Distance: 9 miles (14½ km). Day 12: Bac Ha Market and to Hanoi Halong Bay is known as the Bay of the Descending Dragon and is one of the world s most beautiful natural wonders; it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in We cruise the peaceful waters past small fishing villages and towards the magnificent views of this bay of many thousands of islands and islets, many of which are uninhabited and undisturbed by humans. This afternoon we stop on one of the islands to visit a fishing village, before anchoring on a quiet bay where we enjoy the evening and hopefully an unforgettable sunset amid beautiful surroundings. Accommodation: Paradise Cruise (2 nights) Today we visit the most popular market in the region at Bac Ha. This is a lively and colourful market: hill tribe people come here to buy and sell animals, silverware, embroidery, handicrafts and stock up on provisions. We ll have time to visit the market before we take a walking tour of nearby Pho village and H mong Palace. Day 14: Halong Bay Today we cruise around a different part of the bay, taking the time to relax and enjoy this idyllic part of our Vietnamese tour. This afternoon we return to Hanoi for the night ahead of traveling to the unsurpassable Halong Bay. Accommodation: Pan Pacific Hanoi, Hanoi, or similar (1 night) Meals included: B, L (boxed), D Day 13: to Halong Bay After breakfast we begin our three-and-ahalf-hour drive to the magnificent and breathtakingly beautiful Halong Bay. Along the way we stop to see the beautiful scenery of the Red River Delta with its rice fields and water buffalo and catch a glimpse of everyday life. Day 15: Halong Bay and Hanoi After a morning on board our boat, we return to port and travel back to Hanoi. En route, we ll stop to visit the Dong Trieu ceramic workshop. Accommodation: Pan Pacific Hanoi (formerly Sofitel Plaza), or similar (1 night). 5 Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk

6 Day 16: Hanoi Today is a free day to explore Hanoi further before our late evening flight to the UK; there ll be hotel rooms available for day use should you wish. Meals included: B, L 6 Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk

7 ACCOMMODATION Our accommodation and partner hotels, though varied, is all of a very high standard. We stay in 4 and 5-star hotels throughout, and the Halong Bay cruise is sure to be a highlight of your holiday. In Ho Chi Minh City we stay at the Pullman Saigon Centre in the heart of the city near to Notre Dame Cathedral and Reunification Palace. The modern rooms offer stunning views and the hotel has the highest rooftop bar in the city. Little Hoi An is a 4-star hotel in Hoi An, housed in a colonial style building. The hotel is adjacent to the old town and features an outdoor pool and private beach area (located 4km away). In Hué, we stay at the Pilgrimage Village, a wonderful boutique hotel in the quiet countryside surrounding Hué. Rooms are thatched bungalows designed in a traditional Vietnamese style yet with full modern facilities. The bungalows are set around a pool and tropical gardens. The hotel is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World group. 7 Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk

8 The Pan Pacific Hanoi is our base on our visits to the capital. This large 5-star hotel has an excellent central location, close to Hoan Kiem Lake, with large rooms and a range of facilities. In Sapa, we stay at the Victoria Hotel, a lovely 4-star resort hotel. Perched atop a hill overlooking the valley, it s been built in the style of a traditional mountain chalet. Rooms are authentically style with traditional local handicrafts yet provide the comfort and facilities of an international hotel. Cruise through the waters on board your well-appointed cruise ship and wake to the beautiful scenery of Halong Bay this will surely be a highlight of your holiday. We spend two nights on board to fully appreciate the splendour of this stunning area. 8 Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk

9 BEFORE YOUR HOLIDAY Ahead of your trip, we hope you find this information comprehensive. If you need anything else, please get in touch. All details were correct at the time of writing. Passport and visa requirements are subject to change: please check with your consulate before you travel to ensure you meet all travel and entry requirements. We advise that you check your government s travel advice before travelling. For UK travellers, please check In all instances during your holiday, your first point of contact should be your HF Holidays leader or local leader. If for any reason this is not possible, HF Holidays emergency contact details are as follows: Mon - Fri 9am - 7pm Tel +44 (0) or +44(0) (from overseas) Fri - Mon 7pm - 9am Tel +44 (0) Airport parking & accommodation If you require airport parking or accommodation before your flight, we recommend our partner Holiday Extras. Call and quote HX031 or book online at: Suggested Kit List As you ll be carrying your own luggage at airports and between your transport and hotels we recommend you try to keep your luggage to a minimum. These items are a general suggestion of what to pack for an active outdoor and walking holiday; depending on your destination, you may need more of some things and less or none! of others. We advise being prepared for all weather conditions, but you ll know best what you prefer to wear when out walking or while taking part in other outdoor activities. Walking boots (worn in), with good ankle support and spare bootlaces Walking socks Walking sandals Lightweight fleece, waterproof trousers and jacket Shorts and short-sleeved t-shirts Long trousers and long-sleeved lightcoloured shirts with collars to protect from the sun. Your clothing should ideally be pre-treated with insect repellent and in-built sun protection (available from specialist clothing stores such as Rohan, Cotswold Outdoor). Warm fleece, scarf/buff hat and gloves Torch Comfortable clothes and shoes for evenings and sightseeing Sun protection sun hat, sunglasses, high factor sunscreen and lip protection Water bottle at least 2-litre capacity Lightweight survival bag Small/medium rucksack (30 litre) and a liner or cover to keep contents dry Insect repellent Personal first aid kit including: personal medication, tissues, plasters, blister kit, painkillers, antiseptic wipes, Imodium, rehydration sachets; hand sanitiser Essential: Passport (and copies); booking confirmation; insurance cover note; HF Holidays registration form. Please ensure you have access to emergency funds should you need them; 9 Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk

10 carrying a credit card is probably the most convenient method. Optional: trekking poles (especially if you find these useful); camera; umbrella; binoculars; high energy food bars; swimming costume and towel; walking sandals [if not included above] Please note that your HF Holidays leader reserves the right to refuse to take any guest on a walk should they consider that a lack of suitable clothing/footwear may affect safety. Baggage allowance 1 piece checked-in luggage (max 20kg). Please check details of your airline s baggage allowance, as shown on your e-ticket. Remember to also check any connecting flights you may have booked. Passports & visas Passports must be valid for one month after visa expiry. A tourist visa is required for most nationalities. British passport holders do not need to apply for a tourist visa for stays of up to 15 days. This means you do not need a visa for this holiday; this information is valid until 30 June If you are planning to stay longer than 15 days and up to 30 days, an e-visa can now be obtained via: The cost is approx. US$25. Once approved, you will need to print your e-visa and take it with you to Vietnam. If you are planning to stay longer than 30 days, you must apply for a visa in advance from the Vietnamese consulate: Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Victoria Road, London, W8 5RD, For relevant and up to date fee information, contact the embassy. Ensure you retain the yellow customs form on entry to Vietnam; this is required for exit. Citizens of other countries should consult the embassy for advice. Travel insurance Insurance is a condition of booking. Therefore, if you have not already arranged insurance, it is imperative that you do so, and advise us of the insurance company and policy number. We have negotiated special holiday insurance and full details of this cover can be found in our brochure or at There is no extra charge for pre-existing illnesses. If you would like to purchase insurance from us, please call us on or holidayservices@hfholidays.co.uk. For more information about healthcare abroad and its costs, please visit: If you are arranging your own travel insurance, please ensure it is adequate for your specific itinerary. Generally, this should include cover for walking at altitudes over 2,000m, which will cover you for a wide range of our holidays. Health advice This information is subject to change. In all cases, we highly recommend you consult your GP both for up to date details and for more information on what is appropriate to your situation. As a rule, travellers should be up to date with their routine vaccinations and boosters as recommended in the UK - including, for example, the MMR and diptheria, tetanus, polio vaccines. 10 Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk

11 Requirements can change, and we recommend you check in good time ahead of your holiday. It is recommended for most travellers to have: Diphtheria Hepatitis A Typhoid Tetanus Some travellers may require: Rabies Mosquito bite prevention is recommended to avoid picking up malaria or dengue fever. Please note: the use or possession of some common prescription or over-the-counter medicines is banned in some countries. If you will be carrying medication, please check with the country s embassy/consulate prior to travel. As an extra precaution, it is recommended to: Keep medication in its original packet Take a copy of your prescription If possible, ask your chemist to write the name of your medication in the language of the country you re visiting For further information on country specific advice, visit or Dietary requirements Please contact us as far in advance as possible if you have any specific dietary requirements; we will do our best to accommodate you. If you require a specific meal on the flight, please let us know as soon as possible, and no later than 96 hours before travel. Lost/damaged luggage If your bag or its contents are damaged or lost while in the airline s care, this should be reported to the baggage service agents at the airport on arrival. They will assess the damage; in some cases, the airline may decide to settle your claim immediately. You will be given a reference to quote to your insurance company if an immediate settlement is not possible - in many cases, baggage claims can only be accepted in writing. A baggage claim form must be obtained from the airport. HF Holidays with-flight guests On arrival, please proceed to the arrivals hall once you have passed through passport control, customs and baggage reclaim. Your HF Holidays leader or local leader will assemble the group in the arrivals hall - look out for the HF Holidays sign. Independent travellers If you are arriving ahead of the group, and are meeting them at the first hotel, please leave a message at the hotel reception for the HF Holidays leader or local leader, detailing your room number, and a mobile telephone number if possible. The leader will contact you once the group arrives. If you are arriving after the group, a message will be left for you at the hotel reception, welcoming you and giving details of the time and place to meet the group. If your flight arrives before the group flight and you would like to join the transfer to the first hotel (at additional cost), please contact our Abroad Administration team on (0) to enquire about availability and make arrangements. Safety on your holiday Once you have made your booking, you will receive a pre-holiday questionnaire where we ask for details of next of kin and insurance details. You must complete and return this to 11 Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk

12 us - we need to have this from you at least 10 weeks before travel. Please also inform us of any medical situation which may affect your enjoyment of the holiday. This is important because our leaders must consider both group and individual safety at all times. Whilst out with the group, we respectfully request that you: Please listen to any safety instructions from the leader Keep group members in view, especially if weather or visibility is poor Please stay where you are if you become separated from the group. The leader will retrace their steps to find you. Each leader carries a first aid kit but is not allowed to supply any medication including aspirin, paracetamol, antihistamines and antiseptic cream. You may wish to bring these items with you in your own kit (see Suggested Kit List). In the unlikely event that your leader is incapacitated, please use any emergency kit in their rucksack and call emergency services on 115 (ambulance), 114 (fire) or 113 (police). Please then call our emergency number (see p. 9) and let us know there is a problem. Tipping Tips have been included in your holiday price for key services such as local guides/ driver/restaurants. Any additional tips are at your own discretion. Climate Vietnam s climate varies from south to north, and from lowland and coastal areas to highland and mountain regions. There are also distinct seasons in the far north of the country. In general, our holidays are during the drier season. Temperatures in the south of the country rarely fall below 20 C, with daytime temperatures in the high 20s. Further north, temperatures are lower but even in Hanoi the average daily temperature is usually in the high teens. There may be some light rainfall in the central coastal area. In the higher mountain areas temperatures during the day are ideal for walking and rarely drop to freezing at night. Local currency & money matters Vietnamese Dông (VND). Credit cards are increasingly accepted. ATMs can be found in the major tourist locations. It is easy to exchange foreign currency at banks, hotels and exchange bureaux - US dollars are easily exchanged, but if you are using them in shops etc, they must be clean, and not torn. Travellers cheques are not advised. Language Vietnamese, or tieng Viet ( dee-uhng veeuht ) is the official language of Vietnam. It belongs to the Mon-Khmer language family and has Muong (a hill-tribe language) as its closest relative. Most Vietnamese sounds also exist in English, so the pronunciation isn t as hard as it might at first appear. Some basics to get you started include: Xin chào ( Sin jòw) Hello Tam biêt ( Daam bee-uht ) Goodbye Vâng ( Vuhng) or Da (Ya) Yes, in the North and South Không ( Kawm) No Làm on ( Laàm ern) Please Cám on ( Ğaám ern ) Thank you 12 Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk

13 Ban có nói đuoc tiêng Anh không? ( Baan ğó nóy đuhr-erk ding aang kawm? Do you speak English? Suggested reading and maps Lonely Planet, Vietnam (Aug 2018) Martin Zatko and Rachel Mills, The Rough Guide to Vietnam (Mar 2018) Graham Greene, The Quiet American (Oct 2004) Bill Hayton, Vietnam Rising Dragon (Sep 2011) Although you won t need them, if you d like any maps of the destination, you can obtain some in advance from The Map Shop: Electricity Electricity supply is 220V with a frequency of 50hz. The following plugs are used: A universal plug which fits a variety of outlets will be most ideally suited. Group size Group size is typically 7 to 18 guests, plus an HF Holidays leader and local leader(s). Time difference GMT/UTC +7 hours 13 Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk

14 14 Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk