The Perfect Introduction

Transcription

1 Activity Level: Recreational Duration: 9 Days/8 Nights The Perfect Introduction Experience Vietnam After more than 10 years of travelling in Vietnam, we know it like our own backyard (every magical corner and scenic road). We ve walked everywhere, made hundreds of friends, compared hotels, explored tombs, studied the culture and walked some more. The result? A trip that we feel is at the risk of sounding immodest perfect. It introduces you to the best of the best in this incredible land, including UNESCO sites, coastal resorts, colonial gems, and historic must-sees. All the highlights, and then some more those special encounters that only come from exploring a place on two feet. THE B&R DIFFERENCE Our trip with B&R was nothing short of sensational. Walking on quiet, gentle paths beneath towering deciduous trees was an unforgettable moment. Shelley Dark, Vietnam Walking, 2012 IN GOOD COMPANY Each of our trips in Vietnam features a local guide. Travelling and walking with us every day, they add enormously to the depth of our experience in this magical, complicated country. What s more, we always work with the same guides. Which means that, over the years, they ve become a bit like B&R family. Call us at the journey p.2 view > / notes from the road p.6 view > / the details p.7 view > / next steps p.8 view >

2 Title. The Name Vietnam is derived from two separate words; Blurb Viet and Nam. The word Viet refers to the country s 2 largest ethnic group, while Nam is the word south. the journey Days 1 & 2 The Imperial City of Hue We meet in Hanoi and begin our journey exploring the city by cyclo (bike-propelled cart) to experience the historic architecture, tree-lined boulevards and the capital s delightfully chaotic street life. We will enjoy a guided visit of the city, covering everything from its French colonial architecture to Ho Chi Minh s mausoleum. We ll stop for a quick lunch after our midmorning flight to Hue; the Imperial Capital of Vietnam. Once in Hue we have chosen the most picture-perfect area for our first walk and will introduce you to some of the most beautiful scenery central Vietnam has to offer. Our walk today will take us on small concrete paths along canals with wonderful views of rice paddies. Once at the hotel, we will have cocktails, followed by a dinner featuring some local specialties. The next morning, we will drive into the countryside, then walk along small country roads to the Thien Mu pagoda on the Perfume River. From here, we will board our private riverboat and cruise up the river to the tomb of the Nguyen king, Minh Mang, enjoying lunch along the way. Once back at the hotel you may opt for a spa treatment or join us on an afternoon walk that leaves directly from the hotel and winds around small alleyways, visiting imperial tombs. Dinner is in a royal home this evening, where we will be regaled with stories of imperial Vietnam. HOTEL Pilgrimage Village, Hue The Pilgrimage Village is located in the peaceful countryside just 4 km from the centre of Hue. You ll come to appreciate this after learning that the only thing the Vietnamese love more than waking up early is honking the horns on their mopeds! The rooms are simple but comfortable, personal, and stylish. THE ACTIVITY Day 1: A 8 km (5 mi.) walk on flat terrain. Day 2: A 8 km (5 mi.) walk on flat terrain in the morning, and an optional 7 km (4 mi) afternoon walk around the hotel on very slightly rolling terrain.

3 Ancestor worship is a very serious tradition and one of the most unifying aspects of Vietnam. 3 Days 3 & 4 Hoi An In the morning, we head into the Imperial Forbidden City, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to explore the former home of the last Vietnamese Imperial Dynasty. After our visit, we will take a spectacular 2.5-hour drive along coast and cliffs, travelling under the famous Pass of the Clouds, to Da Nang where we ll stop for a quick riverside lunch in the city s hippest restaurant. Afterwards we will head to the outskirts of Da Nang, where we will begin a walk through the countryside and alongside dykes that help irrigate an enormous plain of rice paddies. We will then head to Hoi An to explore this amazing town that will take us back in time. Once a vital seaport on par with Macau, the now-tranquil Hoi An has been incredibly well preserved. Its fascinating medley of architecturally diverse 400-year-old buildings and totally intact streetscapes has merited it UNESCO World Heritage Site 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 just take in the sights of this magnificent little town. Tonight we will meet for cocktails at our friend Duc s restaurant, where we will taste this culinary wizard s signature Mango Margarita and then sit down for a tasting of Vietnam s best fusion cuisine. This evening will be impossible to forget! HOTEL Anantara Hoi An Resort, Hoi An Anantara Hoi An Resort is set in a tropical garden on a tranquil river, a few steps away from a charming ancient town. The resort combines the elements of French colonial, Japanese, Chinese and Dutch cultures with warm hospitality. The spa offers a variety of treatments and Chinese medicine. THE ACTIVITY Day 3: A 7 km (4 mi.) walk, the end of which is along the beach. Day 4: A 9 km (6 km) loop walk around the flat countryside surrounding Hoi An. The next day you may choose to head into the market early in the morning to watch the women haggle over the day s fish catch, or visit the stalls offering the freshest vegetables in Hoi An. Both promise to stimulate all your senses and provide some of the best photo memories in your trip scrapbook. Then we head for a great walk that loops around Hoi An, passing through traditional rice paddies and fish farms interspersed with ancestral tombs, water buffalo and hundreds of smiling children, and finishing at our favourite cooking school in a beautiful river setting. Our midmorning cooking class will keep us entertained, trained and well fed. Afterwards we will head into Hoi An via riverboat, watching the local fishermen bring in their catch. The afternoon is yours to wander through town, followed by dinner on your own at one of the many wonderful small restaurants that Hoi An has to offer.

4 Betel leaf chewing causes the teeth and gums to become stained which is considered attractive and a sign of beauty in traditional Vietnamese society. 4 Days 5 & 6 Nha Trang: Coastal Bliss This morning we take an early one-hour flight to Nha Trang, where we will enjoy a quick lunch at our favorite local spot. We will then continue to the outskirts of town to begin our walk alongside a mellow river that irrigates the amazing emerald-green rice paddies alongside it. After our walk, we will continue onto Ninh Van Bay and our hotel s dock in time to relax and later sip champagne while watching the sunset from the privacy of your beachfront villa, or socialize on the deck before dining at the hotel. A relaxing option the next day is to pretend you are on vacation and take the whole day off, exploring the Hideaway and enjoying pampering and water-sports. For those who want to hit the trail again, after our breakfast with a view, we head off by boat and vehicle, then walk to a secluded fishing village. This is a cultural walk with many stops along the way to see rice-paper making, rice harvesting, or whatever else the locals are up to today. We ll stop to chat wherever there is interesting activity and welcoming faces which is pretty often. At the end of the route we jump in our high-speed boats and get whisked back to the Hideaway in time for lunch and some quality time by the pool or on the beach. Feel free to indulge at the Six Senses Spa; the choice of treatments is endless. Dinner tonight is under the stars at the Hideaway. HOTEL Six Senses Hideaway Ninh Van Bay Overlooking the South China and accessed by water only, the hotel sits on the white sand beach guaranteeing breathtaking views over the bay. Its minimalist architecture poses a nice contrast to the mountains towering behind. Simply put, it is one of the best resorts in Asia. THE ACTIVITY Day 5: An 8 km (5 mi.) flat walk. Day 6: A 3 km (2 mi.) walk.

5 Vietnam was one of the largest importers of rice in the 1970 s and 80 s. 5 Days 7 & 8 Ho Chi Minh City: Vietnam s Metropolis Goodbye Hideaway, hello Ho Chi Minh City. Now the largest city in Vietnam, this vibrant metropolis began as a small fishing village known as Prey Nokor. After a great walk through the emerald green rice fields below the imposing mountains that surround Nha Trang, we will have lunch at a historic nobleman s house built in the French style. After, we will fly to Ho Chi Minh City, arriving in time to check in to our hotel and discuss the tempting options for dinner on your own in town. Will it be Vietnamese, French, Mediterranean or Italian? The next day, we take an early speedboat up the Saigon River to the Cu Chi Tunnels, where we will explore the quiet countryside with its lush tropical vegetation in fresh contrast to the hustle and bustle of modern Ho Chi Minh City. After our walk, we will explore the famous tunnels that served as underground headquarters for the Vietnamese resistance in the south, before speed boating back to Saigon enjoying lunch on board along the way. This afternoon you are free to explore the city or relax as you choose. If you re looking for art, we encourage you to check out the galleries of the contemporary Vietnamese art scene. Our final night culminates in an unforgettable dinner extravaganza in the unmistakable Ly Club a fitting end to our Vietnam journey. 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 7: A 7 km (4 mi.) walk through the flat countryside of Nha Trang. Day 8: An 8 km (5 mi.) walk through the lush terrain of the Saigon River. Day 9 Fond Farewells Breakfast and departure are at your leisure this morning. We strongly recommend that you take an extra day to linger in Ho Chi Minh City or continue on with us to Cambodia!

6 Notes From the Road 6 Changing Expectations By Mark Nojaim Upon arriving in Vietnam seven years ago, my impressions were irreversibly altered, and for the better. Visions of a war-ravaged, bleak communist country were wiped away by the delightful reality: here was a country full of laughter and smiles. The people are industrious with incredibly strong family values; they are creative and hard working, proudly showing this off at the drop of a hat. Vietnam s emergence from a long history of colonialism has put the vibrant country on the world stage, not just for its economic prosperity, but also for the enchanting tourism (which your senses will happily attest to). Everything about this culture is delicious. Coming from Italy, where I lived for 15 years, I longed for great food, and quickly discovered the love the Vietnamese have for flavour, and the amazing appreciation for fresh fruit, vegetables and seafood. And the locals eat fast fast and constantly how could you not? The food is always fresh and exotic! You will notice the roads in Vietnam showcase different dishes almost 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). This country is growing quickly, but the people know how to take it easy and enjoy life. Wandering the streets, I often find families having little reunions or cyclo drivers chatting with friends. Vietnam is full of these magical small corners, and you have to slow down to see them. When we meander down small streets, the kids smile, wave and scream with joy. And they re not the only ones: there s also the lady in the conical hat picking rice and the old man on the porch in his pajamas saluting you with a warm smile and laughter. It s hard not to love a place where the people you encounter at every turn show their love and appreciation of you, and their pride in their long, storied history and culture. This amazing country just makes sense. B&R REGIONAL EXPERT Mark Nojaim Mark s passions include world history, cycling and his newborn son. He has guided 110+ (and counting) trips for B&R and is the Regional Expert for both Vietnam and Puglia. He s a global traveller whose love of travel is infectious.

7 The Details 7 CHINA Hanoi MYANMAR LAOS HANOI South China Hue THAILAND VIETNAM CAMBODIA South China VIETNAM Hoi An Andaman Nha Trang Ho Chi Minh City 2015 Price: From $6,895 ($1,800 single supplement) Single supplement is based on the most affordable rooms within B&R s allocation. Upgrades often available. Duration 9 days / 8 nights Please see our website for list of departures. Hanoi Sofitel Legend Metropole Early morning Finish Ho Chi Minh City The Park Hyatt Hotel At your leisure MALAYSIA 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 accommodation All breakfasts, eight lunches and six dinners, including wine Services of B&R guide(s) and support vehicle Use of two lightweight walking sticks Detailed maps, route suggestions and water bottle All special events and private tours All transportation from rendezvous to drop-off, including van support, coach transfers and internal flights All baggage transportation All gratuities for baggage, porters and hotel service LEVEL OF ACTIVITY Recreational Our daily walks average 6-13 km over easy terrain. 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 hub through Singapore, Tokyo, Bankok or Hong Kong. All of these cities have hotels near the airport with easy access to downtown areas should you want to have 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. Revised January 24, 2014.

8 Your Next Steps 8 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: Hanoi 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. EXTENDING YOUR TRIP We strongly encourage you to extend your trip to this region with a visit to Cambodia and see the awesome Khmer temples at Angkor. B&R offers a post-trip you can join (details on following pages). At the beginning of your journey, you may want to spend a few days in Hanoi it offers great shopping plus provides an easy starting point for a day trip 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. 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. Revised January 24, 2014.

9 Cambodia Post-Trip Cambodia Post-Trip The spectacular ancient Khmer temples at Angkor comprise one of the most impressive and well-preserved temple complexes in the world. Finally, thanks to Cambodia s political stability and the creation of such high-end accommodations as the Grand Hotel d Angkor (which we have chosen as our base), the timing is perfect to visit this magical site. That s why we created this post-trip to our Vietnam trip, dedicating two full days to temple exploration. When you ve already come this far, Angkor should simply not be missed. Our second day will be an extensive discovery of the temples of Bayon and Angkor Wat with our local guide, Fin, who will bring the stone celestial dancers to life for us. In the morning, we will head to Bayon to visit this exquisite Buddhist temple before setting out on our trek around the ancient city of Angkor Thom. Our walk meanders along the quiet path on top of the ancient walls and the trails are lined with a jungle of silk cotton Days 1, 2 & 3 The Temples of Angkor This morning, we will take an early morning flight to Siem Reap and head directly to the hotel for a sumptuous lunch. Afterwards, we will venture into the heart of the Cambodian countryside and finish our walk at Tonle Sap for a lovely sunset boat ride on Asia s largest lake. Our foot journey and activities will explore the local rural landscape of Cambodia before we venture into the ancient Angkor kingdom tomorrow. During our first night in Cambodia, we will dine at the Grand Restaurant in the hotel in anticipation of an early wakeup the following morning. 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 a beautiful pool and spa. The Grand is tastefully appointed with Art Deco-style furnishings and Khmer art objects. THE WALKING Day 1: An easygoing 7 km (4 mi.) walk from the hotel and the Cambodian countryside to the temple of Wat Athvea. Day 2: An easygoing 7.5 km (4 mi.) walk along the ancient walls of Angkor Thom. Day 3: An easygoing 7 km (4 mi.) walk from Ta Prohm through the jungle to the Victory Gate of Angkor Thom.

10 Cambodia Post-Trip and strangler fig trees. We will then head back to our hotel by tuk-tuk to enjoy lunch and the magnificent grounds of our palatial French-colonial hotel (as well as its luxurious spa and pool). After a bit of relaxation, we will head to magnificent Angkor Wat, where our local guide will teach us all about this awe-inspiring temple that has defied time and nature for over 700 years. We will finish our visit alone on the top of the main tower inspecting the renovation project with the temples head restorer and privately taking in the sunset above the crowds below. Tonight you will head into town for dinner on your own, and our guide will be happy to discuss recommendations. the hotel, you will have plenty of time to relax before heading into town for an afternoon of shopping. This evening, we will celebrate our time together by heading into town for a farewell dinner at the trendy Hôtel de la Paix. Day 4 Farewells Our adventure together comes to a close after breakfast at the hotel. On our last morning, we will head out to explore the wild jungle temple of Ta Prohm. Famous for the jungle that still grows around it, this is an awe-inspiring homage to both nature and mankind. We will walk from here through the park, passing through jungle and by quiet temples where none of the thousands of daily tourists pass. We will finish by heading back to the hotel, passing by the temples of Bayon, Angkor Wat, the Elephant Terrace and the gates of Angkor Thom. After lunch at

11 Cambodia Post-Trip 2015 The Details 11 CHINA Hanoi MYANMAR LAOS HANOI South China THAILAND VIETNAM CAMBODIA South China Siem Reap VIETNAM Andaman CAMBODIA Ho Chi Minh City MALAYSIA 2015 Price: From $2,895 ($600 single supplement) Single supplement is based on the most affordable rooms within B&R s allocation. Upgrades often available. Duration 4 days / 3 nights Please see our website for list of departures. Start Ho Chi Minh City Park Hyatt Finish Siem Reap Grand Hotel d Angkor At your leisure post-trip 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.) LEVEL OF ACTIVITY Occasional This is primarily a sightseeing walking trip. WHAT S INCLUDED All hotel accommodation All breakfasts, three lunches and two dinners, including wine Services of a B&R guide, a local guide and support vehicle with driver All special events and private tours, guest experts, entrance fees into historical sights and museums All transportation from rendezvous to drop-off, including van support, coach transfers, and flights All baggage transportation All gratuities for baggage, porters and hotel service