Three-Pronged Approach to Asia

Transcription

1 Activity Level: Recreational Duration: 8 Days/7 Nights Three-Pronged Approach to Asia Experience Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia Ha Long Bay, Luang Prabang, and Siem Reap it would be hard to find three destinations so unique. But with B&R s Vietnam to Cambodia Biking trip, the three come together beautifully in one unique journey. We start in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, where famed limestone islands rise magically from the water s surface, offering spectacular scenery along with floating villages that stretch the limits of believability and are like nothing else on earth. Next is Laos, just emerging as a travel destination, offering a UNESCOprotected city, colonial architecture, a Buddhist legacy, and miles and miles of Mekong-side riding. We finish in Siem Reap to explore the ancient Khmer temples of Angkor and the overwhelmingly friendly people of Cambodia. WHY TRAVEL WITH B&R? In Ha Long Bay, a private, traditional sailing junk will be our home for two nights. Floating among the famous karst formations, you ll be able to swim, kayak, bike or simply enjoy the view. No other company charters the whole boat and makes an unforgettable cruise of it. Just wait until you re practicing Tai Chi on the boat s deck with us. 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 2 the journey Days 1 & 2 Ha Long Bay WE MEET TOGETHER THIS MORNING IN HANOI BEFORE A brief drive out of the city towards the coastline. Our ride this morning takes us through lush countryside and the farming village of Tho Ha. We should have time for visits to the old temple and the home of the village chief, before lunch at a Buddhist Temple. From there, we drive to Ha Long Bay to meet our private junk (the name given to the boats in the bay) in time to watch the sun set as we set sail. Dinner will be aboard our new home tonight. Ha Long Bay is an important site in Vietnamese folklore according to local legend, the gods sent a family of dragons here to defend the land from Chinese invaders. When they arrived on earth, the dragons began to spit out jewels and jade, which turned into the islands and islets that fill the bay. Together, these islands formed HOTEL Indochina Sails I, Ha Long Bay This recently built wooden junk will be our floating home for two nights. Boasting three decks and 10 beautifully appointed cabins, the Indochina Sails I affords us the opportunity to explore the waters and islands of Ha Long Bay in quiet, perfect comfort. THE ACTIVITY Day 1: A 22 km (14 mi.) ride through farmland outside of Hanoi. Day 2: A 31 km (19 mi.) ride along the length of Cat Ba Island on rolling terrain. a barrier that kept the Chinese out. With the crisis over and the land safe, the dragons decided to stay in Ha Long Bay. The spot where the mother dragon settled became Ha Long and the place where her children attended to her was named Bái Tu Long (Bái: attend upon ; Tu: children ; Long: dragon ). The island of Bach Long Vy derives its name from the place where the dragons are said to have thrashed their tails about in the water (Bach: white, the colour of sea foam; Long: dragon ; Vy: tail ). The next morning, we wake up surrounded by magnificent jutting limestone formations. After soaking in the tranquil views over breakfast, we pull up to one of the myriad islands for a spectacular meandering bike ride on Cat Ba Island. After lunch in the main village, we ll board our junk again and continue cruising, taking in the views from the open top deck. Dinner will be a special affair on board under the stars.

3 The Journey Laos contains the Plain of Jars, which is home to nearly 6,000 stone jars, each of which weighs a couple of tons. 3 Days 3, 4 & 5 Luang Prabang s Undiscovered Heritage Waking this morning for both breakfast and a Tai Chi lesson, a short flight later and we ll touch down in the UNESCO-protected Luang Prabang.We head straight to our beautiful hotel to enjoy a traditional Lao Baci well-wishing ceremony, complete with dance and music, followed by our first taste of Laos Cuisine. The next day, we re back on our bikes for a gentle day of riding. From the hotel entrance, we cycle through the busy town, across a bike-only bridge and north out of town. The road gets quieter and more scenic with every kilometre behind us, the Mekong by our side the entire time. A few rolling hills toward the end reward us with a boat ride bound for the nearby Pak Ou cave, once inhabited by a hermit who achieved enlightenment. The upper and lower sanctuaries contain more than 4,200 HOTEL Hotel de la Paix, Luang Prabang Built upon a UNESCO site, this former Governor s mansion is a beautifully redesigned oasis of calm. Twenty-three tastefully designed suites, in addition to a spa and pool, form the heart of this blend of classic colonial design and contemporary Asian style. This is serenity and magic in the heart of Luang Prabang. THE ACTIVITY Day 3: Tai Chi, a walk around Hanoi and the opportunity for a little racket sport. Day 4: A 33 km (20 mi.) ride on paved undulating roads that become hillier near the end. In the afternoon, we have a 1.5- hour walking tour of the city. Day 5: A 31 km (19 mi.) ride over rolling terrain with a few bigger hills toward the end; option to ride a few more kilometres in town. wood and gilded Buddha statues. From the caves, we re-board our vessel for a gentle cruise down the Mekong with lunch along the way, arriving back at the hotel that afternoon. After some time to relax or perhaps a plunge in the pool, we venture out for a walking tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. You ll see the town s famed mix of stately temples and vestiges of French colonialism. A definite highlight is Vat Xieng Thong, a beautiful temple dating from the 16th Century. The roof of the main chapel sweeps low to the ground and coloured-glass panels adorn its walls. Our walk ends at the National Museum in the former Royal Palace, open exclusively for us. Tonight we enjoy a fine meal in the hotel s dining room. Luang Prabang is at its prime just after dawn, when the gongs chime to signal the end of morning prayers, more than 600 saffron-clad monks emerge from the temples and silently proceed through town to collect alms. We rise early today to witness and even join in! this extraordinary ritual. When it s all over, we walk through the morning market and then head to the pictureperfect, multi-tiered cascades of the Tad Kouang Si waterfalls for breakfast. Our ride leaves from the falls and traverses terrain that rolls the entire time, mostly downhill initially, then uphill near the end. We finish pedalling once we ve arrived back in town for lunch, and then have the option to stay in town to explore and shop, or ride back to the hotel. For our last night in Laos, dinner is on your own. Your guides will provide insider tips on the best places to dine and take in the sunset.

4 The Journey Buddhism plays an important role in the life of the Lao people. 4 The following morning is dedicated to a deep exploration of the temples of Ta Prohm and Angkor Wat with our local guide, who brings the stone celestial dancers to life for us. After exploring the exquisite Buddhist temples, we take to our bikes to discover the park on two wheels, traversing trails lined by a jungle of silk-cotton and strangler fig trees. After lunch back at our hotel, we head into the magnificent temple of Angkor Wat, where our local guide describes this awe-inspiring temple that has defied time and nature for more than 700 years. Days 6 & 7 The Temples of Angkor This morning we head out again on our bikes. Skirting the Mekong we head out of town towards the village of Banh An. Once we reach our destination we jump onto long tail boats up to a secluded elephant camp. Here we learn all about these gentle giants as we ride on their backs and reward them afterwards with fresh pineapple. We return to our hotel for a quick freshen up and lunch at our hotel. Our early afternoon flight gets us into Siem Reap in time for a dip in the pool or a cocktail as the sun sets. Siem Reap is a town built with hidden alleys and it is yours to explore tonight. Maybe you feel like a famous fish pedicure or some light shopping, the choice as always is yours. Tonight we dine together at one of our favorite local spots, where you will experience your first taste of why Cambodian cuisine is famous all over the world. HOTEL Grand Hotel d Angkor, Siem Reap For us, the only place to stay in Siem Reap is the Grand Hotel d Angkor. Run by the Raffles Group it is the area s finest colonial landmark and provides the perfect base for our temple visits. At the end of each day s explorations, your elegant guestroom awaits you not to mention the historic Elephant bar, fine restaurants, and beautiful pool and spa. THE ACTIVITY Day 6: Roughly 14 km (9 mi.) of biking. Day 7: A 15 km (9 mi.) easygoing bike ride. Day 8 Fond Farewells We say our farewells over breakfast this morning where your guides will help arrange taxis to the airport.

5 Notes from the Road 5 Intro to Indochina By Jonathan Lansdell The very term Indochina conjures up all sorts of romantic images, from regal colonial hotels to junglecovered ancient temples and everywhere the smiles of a happy people whose cultures, history, food and languages are delightful to discover. Our trip starts in the UNESCO-designated site of Ha Long Bay in Northern Vietnam, with a meandering bike ride on our way to the coast through rural Vietnam. The sight of limestone monoliths soaring out of the Gulf of Tonkin greet us on our first morning aboard our private boat. After a stretch and some Tai Chi, we head off to explore the islands by bike and kayak. Our next stop is Laos; with a rich history and charming blend of colonial and local architecture, Luang Prabang is picture-perfect. Boasting glorious gardens and numerous (and increasingly famous) Buddhist temples, Luang Prabang is perched on the banks of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers, making it a real joy to discover by bike. We end our journey in Cambodia with the beautifully preserved temples of Angkor, taking in not only the famous Angkor Wat but also some of the lesser visited temples. Cycling through local villages, modern day Cambodia is also a joy to behold, particularly when you have friends seemingly at every turn. Indochina may no longer exist, but the magic and mysticism certainly do if you know where to look. Lucky for you, we ll show you where. B&R TRIP PLANNER Jonathan Lansdell Born and raised in Britain, John claims to have become a travel researcher at the age 16 the summer he first went backpacking through France on scholarship funds. Nowadays, this creative thinker keeps busy organizing our portfolio of trips in South East Asia, Africa, the Americas and the Middle East.

6 The Details Vietnam stretches 1,600 kilometers north to south, but is only 40 kms wide at its narrowest point towards the centre of the country. 6 CHINA LAOS Luang Prabang VIETNAM Ha Long Bay Hanoi Gulf of Tongking INDIA MYANMAR THAILAND LAOS THAILAND CAMBODIA Bangkok VIETNAM Siem Reap Angkor Thom, Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm temples CAMBODIA MALAYSIA INDONESIA Gulf of Thailand South China Sea 2015 Price: From $7,995 ($1,200 single supplement) Single supplement is based on the most affordable rooms within B&R s allocation. Upgrades often available. Duration 8 Days / 7 Nights Please see our website for list of departures. Start Hanoi Sofitel Legend Metropole Early morning Finish Siem Reap Grand Hotel d Angkor After breakfast the details LEVEL OF ACTIVITY Recreational This trip is Easygoing to Moderate. The longest ride is about 45 km (28 mi.). The riding in Laos in gently rolling and the temperature should be quite comfortable. In Vietnam, the riding on Cat Ba Island will be gently rolling and the ride around Hanoi will be flat. 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 breakfasts, all lunches and five dinners, including wine Services of B&R guide(s) and support vehicle All special events, private tours, guest experts and entrance fees Use of a bicycle and helmet Detailed maps, route suggestions and water bottle All transportation from rendezvous to drop-off, including flights, vans and boats All baggage transportation All gratuities for baggage, porters and hotel service MORE INFO Arriving in Hanoi We recommend arriving in the region a couple of days prior to the start of your trip to ensure you have adjusted to the change in time and climate. Hanoi is a fun city to explore and well worth visiting on your own or of course we can help make arrangements for you. Our rendezvous hotel is the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, a gorgeous French colonial-style hotel located in the heart of Hanoi, the Metropole is a hotel with a history. Built in 1901, it has welcomed politicians, business leaders and artists. It is a true landmark in colonial Hanoi. SOFITEL LEGEND METROPOLE, HANOI Built in 1901, this gorgeous French colonial-style accommodation is located in the heart of Hanoi. It offers 364 guest rooms & suites, complemented by a choice of three restaurants (French cuisine, Vietnamese specialties and Italian flavours), three bars, a lush and relaxing rooftop garden, a heated swimming pool, health club and the luxurious Le Spa du Metropole. 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 your next steps Weather: Laos month high low Jan/Feb Mar/Apr May/Jun Jul/Aug Sep/Oct Nov/Dec Hanoi 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 visas for Laos & 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. 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. PHOTO CONTEST While on your trip, keep in mind you can win some great prizes with the B&R Photo Contest. We ve created three categories that capture the true spirit of B&R adventure: Faces, Places and Moments. Send in your top shots and show us how you see the world with Butterfield & Robinson. Visit for full details. 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.