Fansipan Adventure
- Length of the trip : 8 days/7 nights
- Trip Starts from : Hanoi City
- Trip Ends in : Hanoi City
- Required booking time : At least 20 days in advance for individuals and 45 days in advance for group.
- Rates are net per person : 975 USD
- Single Supplement : 345 USD
- Rates are valid from 1 January 2009
Details of the trip:
Day 1: Arrival Hanoi: Meals : B
On arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you are met and transferred to the hotel. Ha Noi, Vietnam's capital, is a stylish and gracious city that retains an unique old world charm and some Asia ‘s most striking colonial architecture. The many lakes and parks make for relaxing atmosphere. If time permits, we take a short cyclo excursion through the bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi
Day 2: Hanoi - Lao Cai Meals : B
Today we enjoy a half day city tour, seeing the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s House. Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda. We also visit the Temple of Literature and the peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem with its sacred temple before continuing on to the impressive Ethnologic Museum, dedicated to Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minorities, some of which we will see on our forthcoming days. The reminder of the day is free for your own exploration of Ha Noi until transferring to the rail way station for a night train to Lao Cai. The train conditions are very basic however we will travel in soft sleeper class which is compartment for 4 passengers. Overnight on the train.
Day 3: Lao Cai - SaPa Meals : B
The train journey arrives in Laocai this morning. After breakfast at local restaurant we embark on a scenic drive uphill to Sapa. At an elevation of 1,500 meters, Sa Pa is the former hill retreat for French administrators when the heat in plain became unbearable. The remoteness and simple lifestyle of ethnic minorities are a highlight of Sa Pa although conditions are very basic. After checking into hotel we can soak up the fresh climate as much as we want by spending our time wandering around this charming town and seeing some legacies of the French period. Overnight in Sapa
Day 4: Sapa - Trekking Meals : B/L/D
The range of Fansipan boasts Vietnam’s highest mountain and lends an alpine feel to the area surrounding this hill station. The expedition begins as we depart the town and walk through many hill villages, home to the H'mong hill tribe people. They are very poor but have an interesting culture and a colorful history. After a short rest at the peak of 1300m, we trek up to the peak of 1650m. Here we pitch tents and enjoy our dinner around the camp fire in exotic nocturnal sound of the forest. Overnight in tents
Day 5 : Fansipan Trekking Meals : B/L/D
Today we spend a full day trekking mountain sides. The walk is very strenuous at times so some physical preparation will enable you to maximize enjoyment from the trip. On arrival at the ridge of 2200m we stop to have lunch, stretch our legs and catch a breathtaking views over the valley of Sapa. The next stop of our trip is the peak of 2900m where will set up our tents. Overnight in tents or Camping
Day 6 : Fansipan Trekking Meals : B/L/D
The expedition continues leading us towards Phan Si Pan Summit at 3143 m. The steep path is very challenging as we weave our way through bamboo forest, but the impression of standing on the roof of Vietnam makes the hardship all worthwhile. After lunch and rest at the summit, we descend to our camping place of previous night.
Overnight in tents or Camping.
Day 7 : Fansipan Trekking - Sapa Meals : B/L/D
Upon leaving the peak of 2900m., we begin walking downhill back to Sapa Town. The steep trails is somewhat arduous but we have a chance to get some fantastic views over the surrounding mountains to the valley and the quite villages in the far distance. The memorable expeditions ends as we arrive in Sapa Town. A farewell dinner held at one of the many famous eating spots is the perfect way to thank the local team.
Day 8: Sapa - Lao Cai - Hanoi Meals : B
The journey back to Hanoi is also by rail but this time day train. After breakfast we transfer to Lao Cai and set off on a full day journey to Hanoi. The train conditions are basic; however this journey is in keeping with the adventurous nature of our trips and allows you to experience a taste of the 'real Vietnam'. The food on board is not the best you will have in Vietnam, so we recommend you to prepare some foods, water and snack. Overnight in Hanoi
Day 9: Hanooi - Departure Meals : B
There is free time to relax and further explore Ha Noi. The trip ends after your transfer to Noi Bai Airport for departure.
Inclusions :
o Accommodation (double or twin sharing)
o Private pick up and transfer (A/C van)
o English/French speaking tour guide
o Meals specified in tour program
o Return trains (Night trains with 4beds/ cabin)
o All entrance, permission and visiting fees
Exclusions :
o Visa to Vietnam (Request and send your passport to us before 20 days)
o Departure airport tax
o Meals which do not specify in the program
o Personal travel insurance
o All other international flights
o All personal expenses
What should you bring:
o Good trekking booths
o Camera + rolls
o Rain coat
o Warm Clothes
o Sun Lotion
o Personal medicines
o Wide brim hat
o Insect Repellent
o Original Passport.
Note:
· Surcharges for peak seasons, Christmas and New Year Holidays, lunar New Year Festival, extras for room, air tickets upgrades shall be applied
General information before traveling.
International flights to & from Vietnam
We are locally based travel agency so we do not have promotion rates for all international flights to and from Vietnam. Passengers are recommended to book flights to and from Vietnam in advance. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon City) are 2 major international gateways. Below are airlines have daily direct flights to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. You can book with them online or through local air ticketing agencies based in your countries.
· Vietnam Airlines - http://www.vietnamairlines.com
· Thai Airways - www.thaiair.com
· Singapore Airlines - www.singaporeair.com
· Air France - www.airfrance.com
· Cathay Pacific Airways - www.cathaypacific.com
· Air Asia from Bangkok, Thailand - www.airasia.com
· Tiger Airway from Singapore - www.tigerairways.com
· United Airlines - http://www.united.com
· Southern China Airlines - www.cs-air.com/en/
· Japan Airlines - www.japanair.com
· United Airlines - http://www.united.com
· Malaysia Airlines - www.malaysiaairlines.com
· Qantas Airways cooperated with Jetstar - www.qantas.com.au
· Korean Air - www.koreanair.com
Departure Tax: For Vietnam there is a 14 USD International Departure tax from Hanoi and 15 USD International Departure tax from Ho Chi Minh City. If we book air tickets for you. The taxes are included in the airfare.
Domestic flight
All internal flights are included in the tour fares and are operated by Vietnam Airlines or Pacific Airlines (All airport tax, gasoline surcharged are included)
Accomdation:
· Hotels and type of rooms are specified in the trip dossier. The room based on double/twin or triple sharing. When you book full package tours with us, meaning that accommodation in every cities and provinces are also included with daily breakfast prevailing government tax and service charges.
· Check-in time & check-out time at hotel: from 12:00 - 14:00 o'clock. Early check-in or late check-out shall be surcharged. The surcharges shall be collected by hotels.
· Pre & Post Accommodation: You may wish to extend your holiday by booking some pre or post tour accommodation - ask Luxury & Leisure Travel for details and prices when you book your trip.
Local tour guide:
To minimize the costing for customers as well as to make sure you will be accompanied by experienced tour guides who have good command of local history, culture and knowledge, we will use different tour guides in places that you will reach there by internal flights. You can also use 1 tour guide for the whole trip but surcharges for tour guides' accommodation, meals and air transportation shall be applied accordingly.
Tour and sightseeing
All entrances, permission and visiting fees per programme are included in the tour fares. If you want to visit more sites which are not mentioned in the itinerary, the entrance and visiting fees shall be paid by tourists. They are optional
Land transportation
Included: All airport pick up & transfer plus land transportation per programme. Depending on people in your group, we will arrange a suitable vehicles. Our cars or vans are in good conditions equipped with A/C and driven by experienced drivers.
Excluded: Because of fees for luxurious car rental in Vietnam are extremely high so luxurious cars or limousines like Mercedes, BMW, Lexus, Camry, Prado Toyota are optional and excluded in the tour programme. If you want to rent a luxurious car for your holiday, please kindly advise us to get more information and tariffs.
Local dress:
Local Dress: In Asia the dress standard is more conservative than it is back home. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate of Asian summers. In predominately Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim countries we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting temples or mosques or other holy sites.
Optional activities
All activities which are not specified in the programme are optional. Please fully consult our tour guides and travel consultants prior to taking your optional activities.
Tips & gratuities
It is customary in Asia to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected - though not compulsory - and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. You may do this individually.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Meals
Some of meals are included and compulsory while you traveling on the roads but the rest are exclusive as this gives you the flexibility to go out and make your own choices as far as where to go and what to eat. This flexibility reflects the very nature of Luxury & Leisure Travel's tours. Your tour guides will always be on hand to offer recommendations and, in many cases, organize meals that introduce you to the local specialties. These meals are optional.
Fitness
A reasonably good level of fitness is required for almost of our classic packages and you should be in good health. Any physical preparation will always be to your advantage. Anyone with respiratory or cardiac problems, or over the age of 60, should fully consult their medical adviser prior to booking and we may require full medical clearance.
Safety and security
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.
What to take
What you need to bring depends on the trip you have chosen and the countries or regions you are planning to visit. We suggest that you pack as lightly as possible as your are expected to carry your own luggage. As a rule we try not to have to walk more than 15-20 mintues with your bags which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 10-15kg/22-30lb. Suitcases are not recommended for G.A.P Adventures trips! Most travellers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size (no XXL ones please!) as they need to fit under the beds when travelling on sleeper trains. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras and other electronics like ipods and mobile phones. If your trip involves overnights in homestays, villages or camping then you usually have the opportunity to rent sleeping bags if need be instead of bringing them with you.
Check -list
· Passport (with photocopies)
· Travel insurance (with photocopies)
· Airline tickets (with photocopies)
· USD cash and travellers cheques
· Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
· Trip vouchers, pre-departure information and dossier
· Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
· Alarm clock (optional, you can use alarm call service at any hotel)
· Flashlight (optional)
· Wide brim Sunhat, Sunblock, Sungalsses
· Insect Repellent
· Water bottle
· Small towel and swim wear
· Toiletries (biodegradable)
· Sturdy walking shoes/Sport sandals
· Moneybelt
· Shorts
· Long trousers
· Hiking pants/track pants (for hiking and adventure tours only)
· Shirts/T-shirts
· Warm clothes for Nov-Feb. Fleece, Windproof/waterproof jacket
· Waterproof clothes for wet season May-Oct. Umbrella or waterproof jacket.
· Cover for backpack or plastic bags to keep clothes dry.
· Clothes for temples – long pants or sarongs.
· Sleep sheet for trekking or sea safari trips.
· Thermarest or sleeping mat and travel pillow for trekking or sea safari trips.
· Snorkel gear – optional (also available for hire)
· Camera and film
· Reading/writing material
· Binoculars
· Pocketknife
First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking).
Precautions for traveling during Vietnamese lunar tet festival
Please note that Vietnam is a developing country whose infrastructure may differ from what you expect in your homeland. Expect poor road conditions and be prepared for some inconveniences due to such things as restaurants or tourist sites being closed and our regular transport services not always being available, especially so during the Tet holiday period (Vietnamese New Year).
Tet holiday period will be from Wednesday 6th February 2008 till Tuesday 12th February 2008. Most businesses will be closed and Vietnamese people usually spend this period returning to their homes and celebrating with their families. This will involve a major burden on all forms of transport, and despite booking in advance, tickets for trains and planes especially are difficult to obtain during this period.
