Vietnam Expedition 2008: 14-day Trek & Home stay0Motorcycling the Ho Chi Minh Trail - Half Challenge10-JUL-2005 11:54:53Hanoi - Mai Chau - Vinh - Huong Khe - Phong Nha - Dong Hoi - Dong Ha - Khe Sanh - A Luoi - Hoi An - Da Nang
11-day trip with 7-day motorcycling
Motorcycling grade: Moderate
The legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail was the supply line used by North Vietnam to link North and South Vietnam during the American War. Soldiers, ammunition, weapons and supplies were carried by hand, bicycle and truck for hundreds of kilometers through the otherwise impenetrable jungle that covered Vietnam’s mountainous border with Laos. A testimony to the ingenuity, fortitude and commitment of the northern Vietnamese, the trail slipped from use at the end of the war and was taken back by the jungle. Recent road work that follow original sections of the trail have changed this.
Highlights
Beautiful natural scenery
Historical sites
Charming ancient trading town of Hoian
Just you, no others travelers
All inclusive
Inclusion:
Support vehicle
Minsk motorbike
Helmet
Gasoline for the ride
English or French speaking guide
Mechanic
Hotels & Guesthouse based on twin shared
Home stay permission
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
Water & Snacks
First-aid kit
Entrance fees & Sightseeing fees
Exclusion:
Travel insurance
Visa
Air-tickets
Tips
Personal expenses
Itinerary at a glance
Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
Day 2: City tour of Hanoi
Day 3: Ride to Mai Chau/village home stay
Day 4: Head south to Vinh
Day 5: Drive to Huong Khe
Day 6: Drive to Phong Nha for cave exploration / continue to Dong Hoi
Day 7: Ride to Dong Ha
Day 8: Head west to Khe Sanh/ride to Aluoi
Day 9: Long drive to Hoian
Day 10: In Hoian
Day 11: Transfer to Da Nang Airport for departure
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 01: Arrival in Hanoi
Arriving in Hanoi, you will clear customs and immigration. Leaving the airport, you will be met by your guide, holding a sign with your name on it. He will transfer you to your hotel. The rest of day is free to wash up and rest.
In the evening we will attend the famous Water Puppet Show, with its introduction to Vietnamese history and mythology. At night, you will have a welcome dinner with local delights. Overnight in Hanoi.
Summary
Transfer: 50min
Hotel: Hanoi
Meal: Welcome dinner
Day 02: Hanoi city tour
After breakfast we will begin our city tour of Hanoi. At first, we visit to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and the “Uncle Ho” house. After that we head to the unique One Stilt Pagoda, which date from one thousand year ago.
Continue to the Hanoi’s famous Temple of Literature, the first university of Vietnam founded in 1070. The highlight of this cultural, historical site is the garden of stelae where you find 82 stone stelae bearing names, places of birth and achievements of men who received doctorates in each triennial examination from 1442; each stelae sits on a stone tortoise.
Lunch in local restaurant before heading to the Old Quarter for a relaxing cyclo tour through the ancient part of Hanoi. Perhaps the most interesting area you will visit is the Old Quarter. Here many tiny streets join to sell a huge diversity of products. In the old days, each street bore the name of the product sold – “Shoe Street,” “Noodle Street,” and the like. Today, the streets sometimes sell a variety of items, but often the names are accurate. The Old Quarter also houses some of the most interesting art galleries and fashion houses.
After the cyclo tour we will drive to the Museum of Ethnology, which is quite away from the central Hanoi. It features a fascinating collection of art and everyday objects gathered from Vietnam and its diverse tribal people. On our trip we will meet some tribal groups – now it is time to learn about them. Overnight in Hanoi.
Summary
Sightseeing: full day
Hotel: Hanoi
Meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 03: Hanoi – Mai Chau
In the morning we take a short bus drive the Ho Chi Minh Trail Museum on the outskirts of Hanoi. The museum is a great place to learn about the historic trail which we will ride on. After the visit to the museum we will jump on our Minsks and spend sometime to get familiar with the bikes.
Now, let’s begin our adventure. We will ride on Highway 6 passing extensive farming lands comprising a sea of paddy fields split by tree-lined roads punctuated by limestone karst scenery.
After a light lunch in Hoa Binh Town, the capital of Hoa Binh Province, we cross two short mountain passes then descent to the mountain valley settlement of Mai Chau. Dinner and overnight in a stilt house of the Thai people.
Summary
Distance: 140km
Home-stay: village in Mai Chau
Meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 04: Mai Chau – Vinh
Say goodbye to the villagers we then head south on a beautiful winding road which follow the banks of the Ma River. After some hours riding on undulating quiet road we join the new Ho Chi Minh Highway. This newly carved route leads us due south, through remote back country , not far from the Laos boder. Lunch will be on the way with local foods. In the afternoon we cut eastward towards the coast and stay overnight in the peaceful city of Vinh, which is close to where Ho Chi Minh was born. Dinner in local restaurant and overnight in hotel.
Summary
Distance: 268km
Hotel: Vinh City
Meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 05: Vinh – Huong Khe
This morning we head inland towards the Laos border after 40min riding we can reach the birthplace of Ho Chi Minh in Kim Lien Village. The place is truly a shrine to the Vietnamese and visited by few westerners.
After paying respects to Uncle Ho, we head to the HCM Highway via Thanh Chuong District. You cross the Lam River on the Ro Bridge and then drive primarily on the beautiful new highway of Ho Chi Minh. Lunch break in Pho Chau Town, a tiny town about 40km from Thanh Chuong.
After lunch, we continue on the quiet highway to Dong Loc Intersection, (main junction for supply lines during the war) which is widely regarded in Vietnamese eyes as the beginning of Ho Chi Minh Trail. We then pass through renote back country , close to the border , as the scenery steadily becomes dominated by karst limestone rock formations. We will reach our overnight spot, Huong Khe Town, around 5pm. Dinner in local restaurant and overnight in a mini hotel.
Summary
Distance: 160km
Hotel: Huong Khe Town
Meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 06: Huong Khe – Phong Nha – Dong Hoi (Quang Binh)
Today’s ride is on a very quiet section of the new highway. En route, you will come to Khe Ve Intersection and Pheo – the very first branch of the Ho Chi Minh Trail into Laos.
Continuing on from Pheo, we will arrive in Phong Nha around noon. After lunch in local restaurant, we board a dragon boat to explore the famous Nature World Heritage Site of Phong Nha cave.
After the exploration of Phong Nha, we ride 30km eastward to the costal town of Dong Hoi, our today’s overnight spot. Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Summary
Distance: 210km
Hotel: Dong Hoi Town
Meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 07: Dong Hoi – Dong Ha (Quang Tri)
Today’s ride is also on the new, quiet highway. Along the way, we will have a short stop at Truong Son National Cemetery to pay respect to the soldiers who fought and died on the trail during the American War. After here we head to Dong Ha Town passing Ben Tat Bridge, built by the VC over the Ben Hai River.
Arriving in Dong Ha, we will check into the hotel, and have some lunch. In the afternoon, we dride to the mystic Vinh Moc Tunnel and the famous DMZ, Doc Mieu fire base and the historic Hien Luong Bridge.
Dinner and overnight in Dong Ha.
Summary
Distance: 176km in the moring & 80km in the afternoon
Hotel: Dong Ha Town
Meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 08: Dong Ha – Khe Sanh – A Luoi (Thua Thien Hue Province)
Continuing west on Highway 9, we will climb into the Truong Son foothills. About 16km from Khe Sanh is the Dakrong Bridge and the road turns winding and narrow. A bit further, we will come to Huang Hoa, once known as Khe Sanh Base, which was established as a forward base by General Westmoreland near Laos to secure Highway 9. About 3km from Khe Sanh is Ta Con Airbase.
Lunch in Khe Sanh and then head out across the famous Dakrong River Bridge on Rte. 14 Near the town of Ta Rut, we will stop for a visit with the Pa Co people and a walk through their village.
From Ta Rut, you head over scenic Pe Ke Pass and then down to A Luoi for the night.
Dinner in local restaurant and overnight in a simple gueshouse.
Summary
Distance: 200km
Hotel: guesthouse in A Luoi Town
Meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 09: A Luoi – Hien – Thanh My – Hoi An
Today’s riding is the best riding of the whole route. For the first 110km, we cross one of the longest and most stunning pass on new and quiet road, through stunning scenery of primitive forests backed by the imposing Truong Son mountain range. There are also two long tunnels and very little traffic. The next 68km from Hien to Thanh My are on good road with some gentle climbs. Lunch on the way in local restaurant. The last 40km of the day are on an older, bumpier road all the way from Ai Nghia to the charming ancient town of Hoi An. Dinner and overnight in Hoi An.
Summary
Distance: 240km
Hotel: Hoi An Town
Meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 10: Hoi An – Free at leisure
Hoi An, nestled on the banks of the Thu Bon River. Before the river silted up, Hoi An was one of the most important trading ports in Southeast Asia, and a center for East-West exchange and trade.
You will spend the day visiting the town of Hoi An on your own. Overnight in Hoi An.
Summary
Hotel: Hoi An Town
Meal: breakfast
Day 11: Departure
Transfer from Hoi An to Da Nang to take flight to onward destination.
Summary
Transfer: 1 hr
Meal: breakfast.
More information at: http://www.activetravelvietnam.com/tour.php?op=detail&tourId=220Vietnam Expedition 2008: 14-day Trek & Home stay in Cao Bang Area - Northern Vietnam29-DEC-2007 11:54:53Vietnam Expedition - What is that?
For the ultimate in off-the-beaten-track travel experiences it's difficult to beat going on an ATV expedition. If you embark on our expeditions you will travel through the Vietnam's most hidden places with extreme environments. ATV expeditions aren't easy going and they are most definitely not for a traveler that likes their creature comforts - but it's precisely this fact that makes going on an ATV expedition such an exciting prospect. Going on an ATV expedition gets you away from the usual tourist trail and enables you to see some incredible places few other people ever get to see.
ATV organizes the expeditions in order to test its operation, itineraries and services. After 2 expeditions to the place, basing on expeditors' feed back, ATV will refine the program and promote the place to public. Thus ATV does not aim at making profit from the expeditions but running the trips with small mark-up on net rate to cover organizing fee.
Part of ATV expedition operating philosophy is to respect the communities in which we operate. We do this by acting in a manner that is environmentally, socially and economically responsible. On the expedition participants would do a charity event in order to support the community. The cost of this charity event would be totally funded by ATV.
The expedition
• Join-in group
• Guided expedition
• Outdoor activities
• Charity event
• 2 departures a year
• Small group
• Fully supported Your will have
• Fun
• Real expedition
• Real adventure
• Lowest rate
• Discount on other trips with ATV What we expect from you
• Your feedback
• Your suggestion
Expedition program:
14-day Trek & Home stay in Cao Bang Area - Northern Vietnam
This area offers breathtaking views and interesting subcultures. The North East mountainous areas of Ba Be Lake, Cao Bang and Lang Son offer opportunities for rugged jeep rides and stunning trekking routes. It is the least traveled area of the north and is ideal for more hardy travelers craving a glimpse of some of the more remote ethnic minority people.
Highlights of the this expedition experience in Cao Bang include stunning trek across mountain ranges, interesting home stay in different tribal villages and beautiful cruise on Ba Be Lake.
Rough Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi. Welcome dinner. Group meeting & Trip briefing (D)
Day 2: Transfer to Cao Bang. Overnight in hotel. (B)
Day 3 - 10: Trek over an area of rugged mountains, Home stay in different tribal villages & Charity event. (B,L,D)
Day 11: Transfer to Ba Be Lake. Overnight in National Park. (B,L,D)
Day 12: Boat trip on the lake. Transfer to Hanoi. (B)
Day 13: Free at leisure. Group meeting & Farewell dinner. Overnight in Hanoi. (B,D)
Day 14: Check-out the hotel. Trip completes.
Click to order detailed itinerary
Start date Finish date Place available
16 Dec 2007 29 Dec 2007 9 Join now
06 Apr 2008 19 May 2008 10 Join now
Trip Notes
Duration: 14 days, 13 nights
Group size: Minimum 6 persons Maximum 12 persons
Depart from: Hanoi
End at: Hanoi
When: May & December
Activities: Trekking, Home stay, Cruise, Cultural expedition & Charity event
Trekking grade: Challenging
Transport: Chartered bus, Chartered boat, Walking
Accommodation: 3-night hotels, 10-night home stays
Tour guide: English speaking guide from Hanoi
Support crew: Local cooks, Porters
Equipments provided: Trekking poles, Sleeping bags, Gaiter, Maps, T-shirt of the expedition logo. See the ATV Gear list.
Meals: As indicated in the itinerary (B: breakfast, L: lunch, D: dinner)
Food
All meals, which are indicated in the itinerary, are included in the price of this trip. While in big towns we will enjoy Vietnamese cuisine in fine restaurants. Once we travel away from big towns, the emphasis will be on healthy and nutritious fresh local produce.
The home stay
Home stay in remote villages is simple in term of bedding condition and toilet. We will sleep on beds or floor with sleeping bags.
ATV tour guide
The tour will be led by one of our tour guides who are experienced in guiding trekking tours in Vietnam. He has been carefully trained in this field and is fully licensed in tour guiding by the government. In addition, he has been trained in first-aid by SOS International and he knows how to deal with difficult situations. You will have a great time traveling with him.
The trekking day
A typical trekking day start at about 8.30 am after breakfast. Lunch times can vary depending on the terrain. We aim to reach the next overnight stop by 4.30 pm or 5 pm. During the trek we will have short breaks for rest, snack and photographing.
What to bring
Trekking boots, sun block, hat, anti-insect repellent, sunglasses, sleeping bag (optional), rain coat, toiletries, original passport.
Note on client safety
We reserve the right to deviate from this itinerary for any reasons, including road and weather conditions, frequency of visits to a village, or for any other factor which may influence client safety.
Booking Conditions
Reservation should be made at least 20 days prior to departure. Depending on the number of participant we would work out the final trip cost and inform participants about the final trip cost per person then.
Confirmation should be made at least 15 days prior to departure. A deposit of 50% of the total trip cost should be made at the time of confirmation.
If you fancy the idea of going on a real expedition and have any question you would like to discuss with someone in person then why not give one of ATV's team of expert travel advisers an e-mail.
Source: http://www.activetravelvietnam.com/atv_expedition_2008.html00