16-Year Friendship, Stronger Than Ever

Transcription

1 (November December) Activity Level: Recreational Duration: 7 Days/6 Nights 16-Year Friendship, Stronger Than Ever Experience Vietnam THE B&R DIFFERENCE I loved the first day s ride... it was absolutely breathtaking scenery. There were so many experiences that I never would have found on my own, from special dinners to cooking school. Holly Brooks, Vietnam Biking Even in the midst of vibrant economic growth, Vietnam is as quaint and picturesque as the first time we cycled here more than a decade ago. Certainly, the country is thriving, but that just means the roads are a bit better (making our bikes a little happier) and even more luxurious hotels pepper the coast. The people remain the same: gracious, warm and infinitely inviting and we certainly meet a lot of them on this epic journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh. In between, we take in all the highlights, from historic Hoi An to the Imperial tombs, to endless miles of scenic country and coastal roads. *This itinerary runs during departures from November December. Please see January April itinerary for spring departure details. LAOS & CAMBODIA Consider extending your journey with one or both of our Cambodia and Laos posttrips. Our Vietnam & Cambodia Biking and Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos Biking itineraries are a great way to see even more of Southeast Asia. See website for details. Call us at the journey p.2 view > / notes from the road p.5 view > / the details p.6 view > / next steps p.7 view >

2 The Journey More than 20 million people in Vietnam ride a bicycle. 2 the journey Days 1, 2 & 3 Hoi An, Vietnam YOU MIGHT CHOOSE TO WAKE UP EARLY THIS MORNING, as the entire city of Hanoi seems to do just that! A walk around the lake observing the morning Tai Chi, aerobics, group meditation, badminton and any other activity you can imagine! After breakfast fly to Da Nang, where we will stop for a quick riverside lunch in the city s hippest restaurant. Afterwards, head to the outskirts of town to begin a ride through the countryside, passing dykes that help irrigate an enormous plain of rice paddies. Then, prepare to take a step back in time as we head on to explore Hoi An. Once a vital seaport on par with Macau, the now tranquil city has been incredibly well-preserved. Its fascinating medley of architecturally diverse 400 year old buildings and totally intact streets have merited it UNESCO status. You may also choose to do some shopping in this garment mecca; a tailor-made suit or dress is the usual call, or you can simply take in the sights of this magnificent little town. Scattered among all of the dressmakers, shoemakers and spas you ll find a multitude of tiny silver shops where local jewelers will handcraft you a personalized design. Tonight, we meet for cocktails at our friend Duc s restaurant, where we ll enjoy this culinary wizard s signature Passion Rumba and then sit down for some of Vietnam s best fusion cuisine. Today, you may choose to visit the vibrant market of Hoi An early in the morning to watch the women haggle over the daily fish catch, or visit the stalls offering the freshest vegetables in Hoi An. Both promise to stimulate the senses and provide some of the best photo memories in your trip scrapbook. If you are feeling a little adventurous, forage a little further into the morning market scene and have a local breakfast of pho surrounded by the noises and smells of this memorable space. We then venture out for a scenic bike loop around the city, passing through traditional rice paddies and fish farms interspersed with ancestral tombs, water buffalo and hundreds of smiling children. Following lunch this afternoon, head into town for a historical city tour visiting some of the architectural highlights that make Hoi An so charming. Or, if you d prefer to pay a visit to the local tailor shop for a custom piece, this is your opportunity. Tonight, your guides will take you to their favorite restaurant in town, serving up some truly authentic dishes. This morning, head for a bike ride straight from the door of our hotel, passing through a local pottery village along the way. In the 16th and 17th century, Thanh Ha villagers produced the bricks, tiles and floor slabs for the old buildings in Hoi An Ancient Town. Although there have been many changes and economic difficulties over time, the local craftsmen endeavor to preserve the traditional pottery-making skills inherited from their ancestors. We ll have a chance to try our hand at this ancient art form with a master who is over 90 years old!

3 The Journey Ho Chi Minh City began as a small fishing village known as Prey Nokor and is now the largest city in Vietnam. 3 From here, we continue on our bikes through fragrant gardening villages and charming fishing villages. Our ride ends at B&R s favorite riverside cooking school, making for a beautiful backdrop to our cooking class; an event that promises to keep you trained, entertained and well fed. Upon returning to the hotel this afternoon, you re free to indulge in some R&R or a spa treatment. Dinner tonight is on your own in the heart of Hoi An this is your final chance to stroll amongst the lanterns and savour the surroundings of this charming town. your beachfront villa, or socialize on deck before exploring the hotel s dining options on your own. HOTEL Anantara Resort, Hoi An Located along the scenic Thu Bon River, Anantara Hoi An Resort is only a short stroll from the colourful and bustling Ancient Town. Touches of French, Dutch, Chinese and Japanese cultures make up the distinct ambiance. The luxurious spa treatments and breathtaking tropical gardens are just the icing on the cake. THE ACTIVITY Day 1: An 18 km (11 mi.) ride near Da Nang. Day 2: A 20 km (12.5 mi.) ride in the Hoi An countryside. Day 3: A 23 km (14 mi.) ride throughout the charming countryside. Days 4 & 5 Nha Trang and Coastal Bliss Fly to the beach city of Nha Trang this morning, where we will head to the coast for a light seaside lunch before hitting the road on our bikes. The route is a rolling coastal ride that highlights why the Vietnamese love Nha Trang for a family holiday and why it has been a popular tourist destination for decades. We will arrive at our hotel in the afternoon with plenty of time to enjoy the resort sip champagne while watching the sunset from the privacy of Today, complete and total relaxation is encouraged (correction: *mandatory). Take the entire day off explore the Hideaway and enjoy the Six Senses spa. Play a game of tennis and beach volleyball, or spend the day sun tanning the choice (as always) is yours. After breakfast with a view, for those who want to hit the trail again, there are two options: head back to the mainland by private boat for a bike ride exploring local villages and rice paddies, or choose to explore the jungle around the resort with a challenging hike that finishes at a secluded beach. Either choice will get you sweating and leave you feeling like you deserve to spend the afternoon poolside! We will regroup tonight for a beautiful hotel dinner, organized especially for us.

4 The Journey Vietnam gained independence from the French in HOTEL Six Senses Hideaway, Ninh Van Bay This remarkable boutique hotel has undoubtedly raised the standard of luxury resorts throughout the country. Accessible only by water, the hotel s 58 private villas, each with a private plunge pool, sit on dramatic Ninh Van Bay, with its impressive rock formations overlooking the East Vietnam Sea, pristine white sand beach and towering mountains behind. THE ACTIVITY Day 4: A 30 km (18.5 mi.) rolling coastal ride. Day 5: An optional 30 km (18.5 mi.) of picture-perfect inland riding in the rice paddies. Day 6 Ho Chi Minh City: Vietnam s Metropolis Hello Ho Chi Minh City (aka. Saigon). Now the largest city in Vietnam, this vibrant metropolis began as a small fishing village known as Prey Nokor and now resembles a fire-breathing dragon of a city. After a leisurely breakfast, we will fly to Ho Chi Minh, where our individual vespas and drivers await! We ll whisk into town and explore the best of Saigon on a different kind of two wheels. After lunch, we ll visit a few of Saigon s highlights on our vespas. You will arrive back at your hotel mid-afternoon so that you have time to enjoy the beautiful property. If you re keen to see more of the city, you can head out on foot to explore and shop in the heart of District 1. Our final night culminates in an unforgettable dinner. With a few surprises left up our sleeves, it is a night not to be forgotten and a great way to say goodbye to Vietnam in style. HOTEL Park Hyatt Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City This beautiful new hotel is centrally located on Lam Son Square near the elegant Opera House in downtown Ho Chi Minh City and within walking distance of businesses, shopping, entertainment and main tourist attractions. The Park Hyatt is a 25-minute drive from the airport, and a 5-minute walk to the famous Ben Thanh Market. THE ACTIVITY Day 6: 2 hour vespa city tour. Day 7 Fond Farewells! Today, we bid adieu to Vietnam. Breakfast and departure are at your leisure this morning. We can drop you off at the airport or even better, continue to Cambodia and Laos with us!

5 Notes From the Road 5 Eat Fast, Walk Slow, Laugh Often By Nathan Lane My friend and guide Anh once told me, the Vietnamese eat fast, walk slow and laugh at everything. I laughed, but sure enough, this observation, while light-hearted in context, turned about to be as true as everything else he has told me. During my 15 years in Vietnam, I have learned much about the Vietnamese: they are industrious; they have incredibly strong family values; they are creative and hard working. They love spicy food and don t need to go to the pagoda too much because almost everybody has an altar at home. They have an amazing appreciation for fresh fruit, vegetables and seafood. They can carry anything and everything on the back of a motorbike (a family of five with two live pigs strapped on back is my personal record). But I prefer things to be simple. I think Anh knew that when he told me this, and his quote is a wonderful simplification of this fascinating and complex country. The Vietnamese eat fast. Fast and constantly. The roads in Vietnam are like one big dining hall: every other shop is a restaurant, usually serving the local noodle. I haven t gotten a good count yet, but it seems to me that the noodle variations here rival those of Italy. They walk slow. This country is growing fast, but the people haven t forgotten how to slow down and enjoy life. Perhaps it s because the sidewalks are so full of action its hard to walk fast, but I think there s more to it. Wandering the streets, I often find families having little reunions and cyclo drivers chatting with friends. Vietnam is full of magical small corners, and you have to slow down to see them. The Vietnamese laugh at everything. When we ride our bikes down the small streets, I feel like the greatest comedian that has ever lived. The kids love us; they smile and wave and scream with joy. But it s not just them: it s also the lady picking the rice and the old man on the porch. They are all laughing. When I try to buy something in a store, it always begins with my earnest attempts to speak Vietnamese and ends with both the shopkeeper and I smiling and laughing as we cheerfully banter from opposite sides of the language barrier. I always leave with a smile. It s hard to not love Vietnam. With everybody laughing and smiling all the time, it just makes sense. B&R REGIONAL EXPERT Nathan Lane Originally born in Lebanon, New York, we first met Nathan while he was guiding walking tours through Rome in his own inimitable way. Since then he s guided 100+ trips through locales as varied as Puglia, Southeast Asia and Spain, and crafted dozens more as one of our expert trip designers.

6 The Details Price: From $6,995 *Price is inclusive of $395 domestic flights. ($2,000 single supplement) Single supplement is based on the most affordable rooms within B&R s allocation. Upgrades often available. Duration 7 days / 6 nights Please see our website for list of departures. Start Hanoi, Vietnam Sofitel Legend Metropole Early morning Finish Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam The Park Hyatt Hotel At your leisure the details HOTEL TYPE Signature Hotels Hotels on our Signature trips are unique expressions of the region. Oftentimes that means they ve had a previous life as a monastery or a castle, but in every case it means they offer both an exceptionally comfortable stay and a taste of the region s culture. Best of all, we re friends with our hoteliers. (Translation? Preferential treatment for you.) WHAT S INCLUDED All hotel accommodation All breakfasts, 4 lunches & 4 dinners, including wine Services of amazing B&R-trained local guide(s) Support vehicle(s) during bike rides. Use of a customized bicycle and helmet. Detailed maps and water bottle All special events and private tours All transportation from rendezvous to dropoff LEVEL OF ACTIVITY Recreational The daily distances for bike rides range from 18 to 35 km (11 to 22 mi.); some days offer longer/ shorter ride options. The terrain is moderate on the first two days and then easygoing for the rest of the trip. MORE INFO How do I get to Hanoi? Your B&R trip starts in Hanoi the nation s capital. Depending on the airline you are flying with, you will probably fly through Singapore, Tokyo, Bangkok or Hong Kong. All of these cities have hotels near the airport with easy access to downtown areas, should you want to include a stopover. THE SOFITEL LEGEND METROPOLE, HANOI A gorgeous French colonial-style hotel located in the heart of Hanoi, the Legend Metropole is a hotel with a history. Built in 1901, it has welcomed politicians, business leaders, artists... and now us. The itinerary information may vary slightly for your specific departure as we continuously research and develop each trip. Inclement weather may also necessitate minor alterations. Prices are per person and in USD Butterfield & Robinson Inc.

7 Your Next Steps 7 FIND US ON FACEBOOK Like B&R on Facebook and get the latest news and photos from the road, updates from guides and more. Weather: Vietnam your next steps month high low Jan/Feb Mar/Apr May/Jun Jul/Aug Sep/Oct Nov/Dec At Butterfield & Robinson, the guiding starts while you re still at home. We make sure you know everything you need to know before you ve even left your living room. READY TO BOOK? Call or a Travel Advisor (or your travel agent) with any remaining questions, and to reserve your space / Reserve your flights to and from the region. Book your night before hotel. Make sure your passport is up to date. Enquire after travel insurance. Begin steps to secure a visa for Vietnam. Once you are confirmed on a B&R trip, you will receive a Confirmation that links to tons of information to help you prepare for your trip. Then, about a month before you leave, we will send you a list of your fellow travellers, final rendezvous instructions and your hotel contact numbers. YOUR BIKE We pride ourselves on having the very best equipment for each activity and locale, maintained by expert staff and custom tweaked just for you. Visit us at to learn about our biking equipment and see pictures of what you ll be riding. And don t forget that we will modify your bike to accommodate most special gear requests. Just ask. EXTENDING YOUR TRIP We strongly encourage you to extend your trip in this region with a post-trip to Cambodia and exotic Laos. Please see our Vietnam & Cambodia Biking and Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos Biking trip itineraries. You may also want to spend a few days in Hanoi it offers great shopping and provides an easy starting point for a daytrip to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay. STAY IN TOUCH! Sign up to receive The Slow Road our newsletter that is full of travel news, unique offers and B&R insider info. In the meantime, if you have any questions about your B&R experience big, small or downright quirky please call a Travel Advisor or contact your Travel Professional. We are always happy to help. The itinerary information may vary slightly for your specific departure as we continuously research and develop each trip. Inclement weather may also necessitate minor alterations. Prices are per person and in USD Butterfield & Robinson Inc.