NAWPAQ EXPEDITIONS
AFFORDABLE EDUCATIONAL TOURS
TO PERU AND BEYOND
INDO CHINE
THE LEGENDARY LAND OF VIETNAM
Narrated by anthropologist Manuel Arboleda G.
Co Hosted by VinhPhung
Photo by VinhPhung
24 February – 09 March 2019
13 nights / 14 days
INTRODUCTION
Nawpaq Expeditions invites you to take an unforgettable expedition to the Legendary Land of Vietnam (24 February – 09 March). Join us and feel the experience of traveling in a small and private tour (limited to 18 paxs) that offers an all-inclusive sightseeing program with a bent on education. Our mantra: If itis worth seeing, it’s included. Our 14-day tour will take you from the mouth of the Mekong River to Hanoi and the Red River, all told a distance of some 1,300 kilometers. We will tour Imperial Hue and enjoy its spacious royal buildings, gardens and gates, all with striking Chinese influence. Navigate the meandering canals of the mighty Mekong River and visit Cai Rang, one of the last authentic floating markets in South East Asia. Admire the ancient architecture of the Cham Civilization at My Son and relish its art laced with Hindu influence. Cross the Hai VanPass of the forest-clad An Nam Mountains and enjoy the breath-taking view of its abrupt descend into the South China Sea. Explore Hoi An’surban charm and Hanoi’s picturesque streets teeming with lakes and shady streets. Mingle with Vietnamese vendors donning their conical hats in the various colorful markets. And yes, cruise the emerald-colored waters of Ha Long Bay and see the soaring limestone formations teeming with lush vegetation, many of them containing deep caverns and caves. Rest assured that you will enjoy all of these activities that are usually not included in conventional tours. So go ahead and sign up! Space is limited.
ITINERARY
DAY 01 (sun)24Feb), DEPARTURES
Depart your home country arriving into Hanoi sometime on Day 02.
DAY 02, (mon), 25 FEB, HANOI
Arrive sometime today. Our transfer person will be at the airport to greet you and take you to your hotel, the Hanoi Garden Inn. Note: rooms will not be available until 1300 hrs., the check in time.
Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn (4*).
DAY 03 (tue), 26 FEB, HANOI (B, L)
With its leafy streets, lakes and imposing colonial buildings, Hanoi easily qualified as a “World Heritage” site. We start with a visit to the Ho ChiMinhMausoleum containing the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh (the “Father” of the country) It forms part of a beautifully landscaped complex that includes the renowned 800- year old One-Pillar Pagoda, the opulent former French Governor Palace and, in sharp contrast, the humble house of Ho Chi Minh where he preferred to live and work Then off for our Welcome Lunch at the NgonRestaurant followed by a visit to Confucious’Temple of Literature where impressive rows of carved columns contain the teachings of Confucious, an influential Chinese philosopher whose teachings remain relevant today. Next, drive along the imposing Hanoi Opera House (a copy of Paris’ opulent Garnier Palace) and then stop for a brief visit to the old “Hanoi HiltonPrison Museum where U.S prisoners of war were kept. Late in the afternoon, you will be treated to a cyclo ride through Hanoi’s old quarter to see, among other things, motorcycles carrying everything from furniture to live animals! In the evening, we will take a walk along Hanoi’s legendary HoanKiem Lake, home to the “Cu Rua” aquatic turtle (who died recently), and finally, enjoy Hanoi’s unique Water Puppet Show.
Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn (4*)
DAY 04 (wed), 27 FEB, HA LONG BAY, (B, L, D)
Get set for a 3.5 hour –drive, paralleling the Red River, to Hon Gai Harbor in BauTu Long Bay. Once on board our comfortable 10-cabin boat, the Garden Bay Cruise, we will have lunch and then navigate the emerald-colored water of Ha Long Bay, a World Heritage site, that spreads over 1,500 square kilometers. Although technically submerged, these forest-clad limestone formations seem to spring out of the clear water creating spectacular backdrops. Indeed, some of islands contain huge caverns and caves teeming with stalactites that defy the imagination. You will have ample time to explore them and enjoy kayaking or swimming in the sandy beaches of Ha Long Bay as well. In the evening the boat staff will offer a variety of activities for your pleasure and entertainment.
Boat: Garden Bay Cruise
DAY 05 (thu),28 FEB, HANOI, (B, Br)
Our adventure continues with a visit to one of the largest caves in Ha Long Bay, theThienCanh Son Cave in the Hon Co Area. To reach the cave, we must climb over 100 steps but you will be rewarded once you reach the summit and enter the cave. Spiraling stalactites, formed by the action of dripping water, line the ceiling of the cave and natural light, emanating from the penetrating sun rays, seem to cast shadows on the stalactites forming different patterns of color, in awe of the forces of nature. We will then return for brunch and disembark for our trip back to Hanoi arriving there late afternoon.
Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn (4*)
DAY 06 (fri), 01 MAR, HUE, (B,)
Flight: VN 1547 1400 – 1510 hrs.
Enjoy a leisure morning exploring the quaint streets of charming Hanoi before taking off for an afternoon flight to the imperial city of Hue, the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty (1802 -1945 CE). Upon arrival, we will check into our centrally located hotel and then off to explore the tomb of EmperorMinh Mang. The tomb, surrounded by a large park, garden and ponds, clearly reflect vigorous Chinese influence. We cap our afternoon by visiting the home of ProfessorPhan Thuanwhose house was built according to the ancient Chinese tradition of Feng Shui, a practice that seeks to find harmony in spatial relationships between nature and culture. Professor Phanis one of the last remaining members of the Nguyen Dynasty (his father was a senior mandarin to the Royal Court). He will talk about Hue and his connection to royalty. Note the visit to Professor Phan’s house cannot be guaranteed.
Hotel Moonlight (4*)
DAY 07 (sat), 02 MAR, HUE, (B, L)
Enjoy a full-day exploring Hue, the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty (1802 -1945 CE). Unlike the Cham and the Khmer Civilizations, the Nguyen emperors embraced Chinese culture and designed their imperial city to emulate Beijing’s “Forbidden City.” Thus you will have ample time to explore the spacious courtyards, religious and ceremonial buildings that include a large harem built adjacent to the emperor’s residential quarter. Unfortunately, the U.S bombed the citadel in 1968 during the Tet Offensive in an attempt to drive out the NLF guerillas. Many of the historical buildings were totally destroyed and have not been rebuilt. Then on to lunch to sample Hue’s regional cuisine and, afterwards, we will take a leisure cruise along the Perfume River to visit the towering and well-preserved Thien Mu Pagoda.
DAY 08(sun), 03 MAR, HOI AN (B, L)
Get set for a breath-taking journey from Hue to Hoi An that will take you through some of the most remarkable landscapes of Vietnam. We start with a visit to Marble Mountain (technically a spur of the An NamMountains). The mountain served as a quarry and was considered sacred enough for the Buddhists monks to build a monastery. To be sure, even the ancient Cham felt its spiritual aura by carving Hindu shrines inside the numerous caves that dot the craggy mountain. We then descend to the thriving town of Danang known for its historic China Beach, the site of the first landing of U.S “combat troops” in Vietnam. Much of it served as an “R & R” center for U.S forces from 1965 until the final years of the “American War.” Then there is the well knownCham Museum. Established in 1919 as a repository of Cham art by the French, the museum now contains the world’s largest collection of Cham art. Enjoy glancing at the over 300sculptures, most of them displaying Hindu influence reminiscent of the Khmer sculptures found in Greater Angkor. And now get ready to ascend the forest-clad Hai Van Pass. On our way up, we pass through some spectacular scenery. Particularly when the pass takes a dramatic plunge into the South China Sea, a scene that was immortalized in the 1992 award- winning film, Indo Chine. We then descend into Lang Co Beach where we will enjoy our box lunch before arriving to Hoi An.
DAY 09 (mon) 04 MAR, HOI AN (B)
Just one hour east of Hoi An lies the enigmatic ruins of My Son. Built in the 7th century CE.,amid a lush green forest, it was the cultural and religious enter of the Champa Kingdom (7thto 15th century CE). Enjoy a walk through the forest- clad and serene grounds of the site and marvel at the magnificent brick towers adorned with Hindu-inspired low-relief sculptures. Indeed, these towers, or Kalems, represent the Cham’s most important contribution to Hindu architecture. Unfortunately, most of them were destroyed during the American War, the landscape still marred with huge craters created by unrelenting U.S bombs in a vain effort to dislodge the NLF guerillas. Then glance at the numerous stelas (upright monument) with inscriptions in both Cham and Sanskrit script commemorating the accession of Cham Kings and/or their military deeds. We will also enjoy a live performance of Classical Cham Dancing before departing for Hoi An in time for lunch (on your own). In the afternoon, we will engage in a walking tour of Hoi An’s “Old Quarter” to enjoy the city’s rich architectural tradition including the majestic PhuocKien Pagoda and the 400 year-oldJapanese Bridge. In the evening, you may want to walk along the promenade to see a flotilla of petit floating paper lanterns illuminating the inlet with subdued lighting, a perfect drop for nocturnal photography.
Hotel Vinh Hung Riverside (4*)
DAY 10 (tue)05 MAR, HOI AN (B).
Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Hoi An’s quaint streets on your own. For those who want to engage in a morning activity, join Vinh and Manuel on a walking tour of Hoi An’s colorful market located adjacent to the main inlet. Hear Vinh engage in a lively discussion with these women vendors-- donning their customary conical hats- -about the different fruits and vegetables that go into every Vietnamese dish! You may also want to visit some of the fine silk stores found through outHoi An’s “Old Quarter.” Their Taylors excel in the art of making a fine silk dress, shirts or pants in just a few hours! Enjoy!
HotelVinh Hung Riverside (4*).
DAY 11 (wed) 06 MAR,HO CHI MINH (B).
Flight VN 117 DNG –SGN 1015 – 1145 hrs.
Today we will take a morning flight to bustling Ho Chi Minh City, the financial capital of the country. This afternoon, enjoy a walking tour of downtown. Once ruled directly by the French, the city bears the trappings of French urban planning: shady streets sprinkled with colonial buildings, trendy cafes, and broad avenues punctuated by soaring KhayaSenegalensis trees and yes, unrelenting waves of motorcycles! Our walking tour includes the ornate City Hal; the Romanesque Notre DameCathedral; the imposing Post Officeand Opera House and a walk by Dong Khoi St., the city’s main shopping thoroughfare and where most of the hotels, frequented by American personnel during the “American War” (as the Vietnamese call the war), are located. We terminate our tour with a visit to the large Ben ThanhMarket where vendors sell everything from tee-shirts to ttropical fruits, vegetables and other items that come from all over Vietnam.
HotelNorfolk (4*)
DAY 12 (thu) 07 MAR, HO CHI MINH (B, L)
Start your day with an early drive to visit the renowned Cu Chi Tunnels. On our way, you will pass by a tropical landscape dotted with interminable rice fields that has transformed Vietnam into the 2nd largest producer of rice in the world! Strategically built to resist the French occupation, the tunnels were expanded to a network of some 150 kilometers long during the Vietnam Wars. A small part of this network has been restored and opened to visitors to cast a fascinating light on the daily lives of the National Liberation Front (NLF) guerrillas and their undaunted spirit to resist, first the French, and then the Americans. From here we will drive back to HCMCity for lunch at the Ngon Restaurant then take a brief drive to visit the “Reunification Palace.” Stormed by soldiers of the National Liberation Front (NLF) in 1975, the momentous act put an end to the Vietnam Wars and led to the final reunification of the country. We end our tour with a visit to the well – organized “War Museum” where relics of the wars, including dioramas and photos stock all three floors of the revamped museum.
Hotel Norfolk (4*)
DAY 13 (fri) 08 MAR,CAN THO, (B, L)
Get set for a two-day expedition of the mighty Mekong River Delta. Spanning over 4,200 kilometers, the Mekong is the largest river in Southeast Asia. Our drive will take us to Cai Be town located deep in the Mekong Delta, an area that was once a stronghold of the NLF. On the way, we will stop for coffee and do a brief visit to a small Cao DaiTemple. Founded in 1926, Caodaism claims to be a synthesis of half- a- dozen faiths and, it was hoped, its fusion would lead to a universal religion. At Cai Be, we will embark on a private boat and navigate the amazing meandering canals of the mighty Mekong Delta. We then continue to Be Linh., an area flooded by endless rice paddies, a staple in Vietnam. Here, you will be treated to a typical Vietnamese lunch in a restaurant that was once the house of a former NLF guerilla. You will see his medals proudly displayed in a room specifically devoted to his ancestors, a common Vietnamese tradition. We will then end our cruise at Vinh Long and transfer to our bus for the short drive to Can Tho. It is here where we will overnight in our luxurious and beautifully landscaped Victoria Can Tho Hotel arriving there late in the afternoon.
Hotel Victoria Can Tho (4*).
DAY 14 (sat) 09 MAR, DEPARTURESFOR SIEM RIEP, (B, L)
Flight: VN 815 SGN-REP 1925 - 2035 hrs.
Today, we will visit Cai Rang, one of last remaining floating market in Southeast Asia. Witness a large flotilla of fishing boats laden with not just fish but also with fruits, vegetables and other enticing items. This is truly an authentic market that is blessed by the fact that it is far from HCM thus discouraging the hordes of tourist that come here on day- trips. We will then disembark at the Can Tho indoor market to see some of the live fish from the floating market butchered alive for hungry consumers! Then take a short walk to the hotel, freshen up, and get ready to depart for our long drive to HCM airport for our flight to SiemReip, gateway to Greater Angkor in the Kingdom of Cambodia. We will first make a stop for a late lunch at the Mekong Rest Stop Restaurant to enjoy its fine selection of Vietnamese dishes (particularly its “Spring Rolls”).
Important: nearly all of the sites covered on this tour require moderate and, in some cases, strenuous walking. Climbing the uneven steps at My Son; walking on the pot-holed streets of Hue or Ho Chi Minh City; ascending the uneven steps of the limestone formations at Ha Long Bay etc., may pose a challenge to some participants. To remedy the situation, we will structure staging areas where the tour members can wait and not participate in a given walk or hike.
End of service
THE PRICE
(All landprices are per person, in USD, and are based on two people sharing a room.)
12-16 persons: $ 2,085
17-18 persons: $ 1,875
Add:$ 730 if travelling single (Single Supplement)
We require a $ 200 USD initial deposit per-person to hold your space. The amount is fully refundable until01 September 2018, the date in which we will release your funds to book your intra-tour air. The balance is due 45 daysbefore the commencement of the tour (15 January 2019).
THE PRICE INCLUDES
…all of the landservices which begin in Hanoi and end in Ho Chi Minh City. It is also guaranteed providing a minimum of 12 persons sign up. The tour includesall entrance fees; sightseeing services; transfers and rides in buses and boats and, unlike other tour companies, it also includes all of the portage service (tips) at hotels and airports. Likewise, the tour also includes a Nawpaq Expeditionseducational kit (eg. essays, maps) designed to enhance your cultural experiences as well as daily breakfasts and other meals as specified in the itinerary.
THE PRICE EXCLUDES
…the “multi-cities or open jaw” international airfare from your home country to Hanoi and from Ho Chi Minh (or SiemRiep) back to your home country cost range between $ 700 to $ 800 USD and the three intra-tour air segments cost approximately $ 415 USD on an “instant purchase’ basis. The tour price also excludestips to local guides, drivers, assistants and such personal incidentals as room service, laundry, telephone calls, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, pre-tour inoculations, visas etc. Note: Visa for both Vietnam and Cambodia can now be obtained on- line. Cost for both is approximately $ 60 USD.