Vietnam: The Red River & Halong Bay

with Martin Thompson

7th - 20th October 2016

Optional extension to Luang Prabang

3rd – 8th October 2016

The Ultimate Travel Company

Escorted Tours

Vietnam: The Red River & Halong Bay

with Martin Thompson

7th - 20th October 2016

Contact Verity Smith

Direct Line 020 7386 4642

Telephone 020 7386 4620

Fax 020 7386 8652

Email verity@theultimatetravelcompany.co.uk

Martin Thompson

Martin has always worked in the leisure industry. He started life as an hotelier which took him to Kenya for

nine years, followed in 1982 by 15 years running Abercrombie and Kent before he went on to found The

Ultimate Travel Company. He is very well travelled and has a large amount of experience in leading tours to

destinations worldwide including a cruise expedition to Borneo and Bali, fishing in the Himalayas and Tiger

Safaris in Northern India.

Detailed Itinerary

This fascinating journey, following its launch in Summer 2015, will be one of the first chances to

explore the key sites of Northern Vietnam by river.

We will traverse the Red River Delta and its main tributaries, sailing deep into the Vietnamese

highlands in search of beautiful mountain villages and remote tribal communities, and connecting

the excitement of downtown Hanoi with the wonders of Halong Bay. Our route will take us as far as

is navigable up the Song Red River, then down the little known Da or Black River.

‘Home’ is the very comfortable RV Angkor Pandaw, a part of the renowned Pandaw fleet and the

perfect base for our journey with spacious interior, delicious food and a friendly, enthusiastic crew.

They have also offered us exceptional rates for the private charter.

With the maximum capacity of 30 guests and The Ultimate Travel Company Director Martin

Thompson on board to ensure everything runs smoothly, this is an adventure not to be missed.

Food Market, Hanoi RV Angkor Pandaw

Day 1: Friday, 7th October London / Bangkok

Depart London Heathrow on a Thai Airways overnight flight to Bangkok.

Day 2: Saturday, 8th October Bangkok / Hanoi

On arrival in Bangkok connect to an onward Thai Airways flight to Hanoi, Vietnam. On arrival in Hanoi

transfer to the classical, French colonial-style Sofitel Metropole Hotel for a one night stay.

Lunch under own arrangements at the hotel. This afternoon explore the city with an orientation cyclo ride

(individual rickshaw) through the French Colonial Quarter. Return to the hotel for dinner in a local

restaurant.

Day 3: Sunday, 9th October Hanoi / Hao Binh

Morning at leisure. Depart Hanoi by coach for Hao Binh.

Lunch in a local restaurant. Arrive at Hao Binh jetty to embark on the RV Angkor Pandaw. Set sail

downstream on the Da River to admire the unspoilt beauty. Moor on a secluded stretch of the river. Dinner

on board.

Day 4: Monday, 10th October Hao Binh & Mai Chau

Cruise to Hao Binh, the site of a major battle in 1951 and 1952 with the French and home to the Hmong

ethnic group. Visit the Hmong Hill Tribe Museum to see the traditional houses followed by a visit to a

village to see their tribal dress.

Lunch on board. Optional excursion to Mai Chau through staggeringly beautiful scenery. The sleepy town of

Mai Chau is home to the Black Thai and White Thai, an ethnic minority who still live in Thai bamboo stilt

houses. Dinner on board with a traditional Hmong dance performance.

Day 5: Tuesday, 11th October Hao Binh / Trunh Ha

Enjoy a day sailing downstream on the Da River, pass the Ba Vi National Park with its rich and diverse

tropical and sub tropical flora and fauna before arriving at Trunh Ha.

Lunch on board. Whilst cruising there will be a cooking lesson on board and a lecture on Vietnamese history

and culture. Dinner on board.

Day 6: Wednesday, 12th October Hoa Binh / Viet Tri

Breakfast on board whilst sailing, The Red River flows down from China’s Yunnan province and has for

centuries been a key trade route between nations. In this section of the river the mountains loom large and

the river narrows and flows fast. Visit to the UNESCO rural village of Duang Lam.

Lunch on board. Continue downstream to Viet Tri, not the most picturesque of towns but an excellent base

for going deeper into Highland Vietnam. Dinner on board.

Day 7: Thursday, 13th October Tien Du & Gia Thanh

Morning cruise on the Lo River to Tien Du. Take a walking tour of Gia Thanh, a village renowned for its

production of traditional conical hats. Return to the boat via Hung Lo Temple and enjoy a traditional dance

performance.

Lunch on board. Afternoon sailing on the Lo River and moor overnight at Viet Tri. Dinner on board.

Day 8: Friday, 14th October Viet Tri / Hanoi

Visit the surrounding highlands near to Viet Tri, with emerald green rice paddies punctuated by limestone

rock formations. Of particular interest is the Tay village, hardly known, yet with exquisite temples dating

from the 8th and 11th century and home to some fine Buddhist statuary carved from jackfruit trees. Continue

to visit Bat Trang ceramic village, where traditions of producing ceramic items are passed on from

generation to generation.

Following lunch on board, sail the Lower Red River to Hanoi. Evening Dragon and Unicorn dancing

performance. Dinner on board.

Day 9: Saturday, 15th October Hanoi

Docked in the bustling city of Hanoi, visit the highlights of this Asian metropolis, including the notorious

Vietnam War prison known as the Hanoi Hilton, the Temple of Literature and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

Lunch on board. Afternoon to explore Hanoi, visit the shops and markets of the Old French Quarter with its

cafe life and interesting boutiques. This evening visit a private house of a contemporary art gallery owner for

an evening reception in her salon house. Dinner on board.

Hanoi Opera House Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi

Day 10: Sunday, 16th October Hanoi / Ninh Giang

Take a local river boat to visit Stork’s Island to see the bird sanctuary, continue to Ninh Giang for a walking

tour, see the local market and village life with the opportunity to try local traditional cake.

Lunch on board. Sail to Thanh Ha and visit the community living here. See a traditional water puppet

performance. Dinner on board.

Day 11: Monday 17th October Ninh Giang / Halong Bay

From Ninh Gaing sail the Duong River to Duc Tai. Visit the village to see how bamboo baskets are made.

Lunch on board. Continue sailing towards Halong Bay with an afternoon on board. Arrive in spectacular

Halong Bay for sunset to see its amazing island scenery. Barbeque dinner in a secluded bay.

Day 12: Tuesday 18th October Halong Bay

This morning sail through Halong Bay with its 1,500 dramatic limestone islands and extraordinary rock

formations, dating back 20 million years. Visit a sandy beach for a swim and explore a beautiful limestone

cave.

Lunch on board. This afternoon take a sampan boat to visit local floating homes. Also time to kayak in the

bay. Farewell dinner on board.

Day 13: Wednesday, 19th October Halong Bay / Hanoi / Bangkok

This morning return to Tuan Chu to disembark late morning and transfer to Hanoi Airport.

Lunch en route. Mid afternoon arrive at Hanoi Airport to check-in for an evening Thai Airways flight to

Bangkok.

Day 14: Thursday, 20th October Halong Bay / Hanoi / Bangkok

Just after midnight take a Thai Airways flight from Bangkok to London Heathrow, arriving early morning.

The RV Angkor Pandaw

The RV Angkor Pandaw is a traditional 16 cabin river vessel. Part of the renowned Pandaw fleet, it is the

perfect base for our journey with spacious interior, delicious food and a friendly, enthusiastic crew.

Facilities on board the ship include a Ship’s Office, Observation Deck, Promenade Decks and a shop selling

local handicrafts, postcards and stamps.

The Dining Room is designed to open up along the sides and only at night do they close the windows and use

air conditioning. Breakfast is a buffet, lunch and dinner served at the tables. A great choice of local cuisine

and exotic foods are offered with a fusion menu of Asian and Western cuisine including exotic fruit, fresh

organic vegetables and locally caught fish. Passengers who do not like hot or spicy foods are offered

European alternatives and vegetarians and special diets are well catered for.

The Pandaw Stateroom Cabins

Finished in brass and teak, the main and upper deck rooms are very spacious at 168 square feet (15.6 sqm).

All Staterooms include a mini-safe, luggage storage, wardrobe, writing desk and amenities including hair

drier, dressing gown and slippers. All cabins have a fan and are air-conditioned, adjustable for your comfort.

Please note there is no mini bar, internet, TV or phones. The windows are covered with insect netting should

you prefer to have your windows open at night. There is also a laundry service available on board.

The RV Angkor Pandaw Boat Plan

Tour Price

COST PER PERSON: £3,995 per person

Single supplement: £795

Upper Deck Cabin Upgrade: £500 per person

(not available for single occupancy)

Business Class upgrade: TBA

A fee of £95 per person will be charged for those who would like to travel out or

back separately from the main group.

The tour cost includes:

economy class scheduled flights

air passenger duty, passenger service charge, airline security charges, airport taxes and fuel surcharges

where applicable – currently £370 (liable to change without notice)

accommodation throughout as shown in the itinerary

breakfast daily; 11 lunches; 11 dinners

during meals on land local beers, soft drinks, mineral water, tea and coffee are included

on board the RV Angkor Pandaw all soft drinks, local beers, local spirits, mineral water, coffee and tea

are included

all visits and excursions as per the itinerary

all transportation as detailed in the itinerary

all entrance fees

local English-speaking guide/s

gratuities in restaurants; gratuities to driver/s; porterage

the services of your tour leaders throughout

The tour cost does NOT include:

travel insurance

items of personal expenditure (e.g. telephone calls / laundry etc.)

wine and spirits at meals

on board the RV Angkor Pandaw imported spirits, liquors, wine, espresso and imported mineral water are

not included

gratuities to guide/s

government levies or taxes introduced after costing and publication of this programme on 13/11/15

Optional pre-tour extension to Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is encircled by the mist-shrouded mountains of northern Laos and set at the

confluence of the Khan River and the mighty Mekong River. The once Royal capital and now a

UNESCO World Heritage site is a wonderful introduction to Laos. During our stay we will explore

its ornately carved temples and its French colonial architecture, meanwhile learning about

Buddhism and the Laos way of life.

The Mekong, Luang Prabang Wat Xieng Thong Temple, Luang Pra bang

Day 1: Monday, 3rd October London / Bangkok

Depart London Heathrow on a Thai Airways overnight flight to Bangkok.

Day 2: Tuesday, 4th October Bangkok / Luang Prabang

On arrival in Bangkok connect to an onward Bangkok Airways flight to Luang Prabang, Laos. On arrival in

Luang Prabang transfer to the Sofitel Luang Prabang, where three nights are spent. It is in the heart of the

historic town and a perfect location from which to explore Luang Prabang.

Lunch under own arrangements. This afternoon begin to explore Luang Prabang, the former capital of Laos

and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk to the summit of Mount Phousi offering stunning panoramic

views of the city’s numerous Wats, temples and religious sites. Visit the colourful night market before

returning to the hotel for dinner.

Day 3: Wednesday, 5th October Luang Prabang

This morning visit the National Museum housed in the former Royal Palace. Continue to visit Wat Mai, Wat

Visoun and Wat Aham, a selection of the numerous temples of Luang Prabang.

Return to the hotel for lunch. Afternoon at leisure to relax by the pool or to see more of Luang Prabang’s

temples and secular architecture. Dinner independently.

Day 4: Thursday, 6th October Luang Prabang

This morning visit Wat Xieng Thong, one of the most emblematic temples in Laos, and then take a boat on

the Mekong to the nearby holy Pak Ou Caves. In the two caves you will see numerous Buddha images cut

into the limestone cliff. Enjoy a leisurely sail on the Mekong.

Following lunch on board visit Bang Xang Kong village to see Sa paper made and traditional weavers looms.

Return to the hotel for dinner.

Day 5: Friday, 7th October Luang Prabang / Hanoi

This morning there is the option to see the alms giving to the monks and visit the food market. Return to the

hotel for breakfast and the morning at leisure.

Lunch independently. This afternoon transfer to Luang Prabang Airport to take a Laos Airlines flight to

Hanoi arriving early evening. On arrival transfer to the classical, French colonial-style Sofitel Metropole

Hotel for a one night stay before the start of the tour (two nights in total at the hotel).

Day 2: Saturday, 8th October Bangkok / Hanoi

Morning at leisure in Hanoi to independently explore the city or relax at the hotel and use the spa. Members

of the group not extending to Luang Prabang will arrive at the hotel at approximately midday.

Tour Price

COST PER PERSON: £1550 per person

Based on a minimum of 10 participants

Single supplement: £530

The tour cost includes:

economy class scheduled flights

air passenger duty, passenger service charge, airline security charges, airport taxes and fuel surcharges

where applicable (liable to change without notice)

accommodation throughout as shown in the itinerary

breakfast daily; 2 lunches; 3 dinners

during meals wine, mineral water, tea and coffee are included

all visits and excursions as per the itinerary

all transportation as detailed in the itinerary

all entrance fees

local English-speaking guide/s

gratuities in restaurants; gratuities to driver/s; porterage

the services of your tour leader throughout, on a minimum of 10 participants

The tour cost does NOT include:

travel insurance

items of personal expenditure (e.g. telephone calls / laundry etc.)

gratuities to guide/s

government levies or taxes introduced after costing and publication of this programme on 13/11/15

Changes to the Itinerary

Please note, that certain elements of this itinerary, and/or the order of events, may well be subject to

alteration due to circumstances beyond our control.

River conditions may vary depending on the seasonal weather as well as local factors. The water levels can

change dramatically overnight and in such instances alternative itineraries will be provided locally. During

the cruise if there are any amendments to the programme your tour leader will keep you informed. On board

passengers are thus forewarned and requested to be flexible and patient.

Fitness to travel

Whilst we do not impose any age limitations on joining a tour, participants must be reasonably fit. The very

nature of the sightseeing involved in our tours (and the difficulties of direct access by coach in various

places) means that a considerable amount of walking and standing is unavoidable on almost all tours. We

regret that our tours are not suitable for people who have difficulty in walking, may require wheelchair

assistance at any time, or are unable to keep pace with the group. If you are in any doubt as to the suitability

of a tour, please make this known to us before you book and we will advise you accordingly. The Ultimate

Travel Company reserves the right to decline a reservation without necessarily giving a reason. Your tour

leader may also refuse to take participants on particular excursions if they feel that the rest of the group will

be held up.

Airline Tickets

As a tour operator we have access to special airfares. While these offer good value, they do carry certain

restrictions applied by the airline. Please ask us for details.

Note: If you are thinking about using air miles to upgrade to a premium cabin on the flights, please check

with us first as fare restrictions might not permit this.

Accommodation

Hotels are chosen on the basis of category, character and location. The majority will be at least 4 star,

otherwise the best available. The projected size of the group will often rule out the use of luxury boutique

hotels. Sometimes the style of hotel will mean that not all rooms are of the same size or have the same

outlook.

Health Requirements

No vaccinations are required for entry into Vietnam or Laos. The following inoculations are recommended:

Typhoid, Hepatitis A and B, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Cholera, Japanese Encephalitis and Rabies. Malaria is

present in Vietnam to in some of the areas you are visiting so anti-malaria prophylactics are advised. Please

check recommended practice with your GP, practice nurse or travel health clinic. Detailed advice can be

found on: www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations

Passport and Visa Information

A Laos tourist visa is issued on entry to the country. You will need US$35 cash and two passport photos per

person. Your visa will require one free passport page. Please make sure you have your passport photos prior

to departure for your visas. Nationals of other countries should consult their local Laos Embassy.

A tourist visa to Vietnam has been waivered for nationals from the U.K., France, Germany, Spain and Italy

for up to 15 days travel; we will inform you should this policy change prior to the tour. Nationals of other

countries should consult their local Vietnam Embassy.

For non-British nationals resident in the UK, visas can be arranged through CIBT Visa Service Company (an

application pack will be provided two months before travel) or direct to the Embassy of Vietnam or the

Embassy of Laos in London.

Passengers should hold a full passport, which should be valid for six months after you return to the UK.

FCO Advice

Travel advice issued by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office can be viewed at

www.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo.