At a Glance
Let yourself in on the beautiful mysteries spread across the mesmerizing lands of Vietnam and Cambodia. From sailing among the limestone peaks of Halong Bay to the ethereal ruins of Angor Wat, unearth their unique culture, bustling communities, majestic temples and exquisite cuisine on this 10-day walking adventure.
Your journey begins at Halong Bay where you’ll set sail for 2 days onboard the opulent Indochina Sails ship. Cruise into the bay and enjoy the stunning view of karst formations out of the water. Back on dry land, uncover the charms of Hanoi. Immerse into the serenity of nature as you hike the beautiful isle of Cát Bà on foot to engaging in a sunrise tai chi class. Embark on a flight where astonishing view awaits you at the imperial Hué, with ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- All meals as specified in itinerary
- All luggage, airport, hotel transfers and shuttle transfers as specified in itinerary
- 9 nights’ accommodation in luxury hotels on a twin share basis
- Professional guiding: two support vans, 6:1 guest to leader ratio on average
- Activities and sightseeing as stated in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees
- Comprehensive travel planner with detailed pre trip information
- Fares for ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Itinerary
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THREE HIKING OPTIONS: On the first day of the trip, meet your tour leaders at 9:30 am at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. Please arrive dressed in comfortable clothes and shoes and bring your luggage and a daypack with your passport, rain gear, and anything else you may want for the afternoon shuttle to Halong Bay. Begin with a trip orientation where your local guides bring to life the intertwined cultures of Vietnam and Cambodia. We cross the Red River, so named because of the slit that colours its waters, and pass a cluster of urban villages and wide-open rice paddles en route to the bustling city of Halong. Sail and kayak on Halong Bay, a world heritage site. Cruise into the bay, where karst cliffs jut out of the water and wind-carved grottoes, beaches, and more than 3,000 islands dot the mouth of the Gulf of Tonkin. Journey through the isle of Cát Bà on foot. |
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The Indochina Sails ship will be our base for these 2 nights. A luxurious ship that perfectly showcases the warmth of both the traditional culture and modern comfort of Vietnam. It offers Vietnamese-style wooden cabins featuring an on-site restaurant and outdoor dining. These fully-equipped boats allow us to explore Halong Bay's spectacular karst formations by day, then retreat to quiet coves at night. Relax your muscles and enjoy the various activities/services Indochina Sails offer: spa, hot tub/Jacuzzi, beautiful beachfront, therapeutic massage, fishing, karaoke, and happy hour. The chef of Indochina Sails Ship then entices your taste buds with traditional Vietnamese fresh cuisines. |
Indochina Sails Ship
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Level 2, Approx. 10km (6 miles), Elevation gain: minimal We begin today with a soothing sunrise tai chi class. Then we walk through the lush farms and gardens hidden just outside of Hanoi. Visit Hoa Lo Prison and learn about Vietnam's colonial past. You can walk through Hanoi's Old Quarter, famous for its 36 guilds. Hanoi is a fantastic place to explore on foot with its tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, lakes, and parks, along with its rich history and vitality. It's a place bursting with energy and creativity, yet steadfastly proud of its traditions. While that's part of what we love about Hanoi, be prepared for this city as well as the rest of Vietnam and Cambodia—to feel chaotic, like most developing places. |
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In the evening, we make our way to our lodge for the night, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. An award-winning 5-star colonial and neoclassical luxury family hotel located in the heart of Hanoi. Settle in your luxurious rooms, savour the serenity in the outdoor terrace, take a refreshing dip in the pool or indulge in a drink by the elegant cocktail bar and whisky lounge. |
Sofitel Legend Metropole, Hanoi (5*)Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Level 1, Approx. 5km (3 miles), Elevation gain: minimal Rise early for a scenic flight to Hué. Saunter through a quaint village on the coast of the South China Sea and learn about the ritual of honouring ancestors with lavish tombs, many of which resemble small temples and villages. This rural area sees few foreign travelers and offers a unique perspective on daily life in coastal Vietnam. Then take a walking tour through Hue's citadel and the "Forbidden Purple City". Much of the structure was destroyed during the Tet Offensive in 1968, but enough remains to give a compelling glimpse into its past. UNESCO has restored some of the adjacent complexes, such as the temple honouring the Nguyen emperors, and the Women's Temple honouring queens and princesses. For a unique look at everyday life, tonight we're welcomed into the home of a local historian for dinner and a discussion of everything from his antique collection to feng shui. |
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You’ll stay at a boutique colonial charm hotel, Azerai La Residence Hué. It is housed in the former governor's mansion and nestled on the bank of the Perfume River. Settle in your luxury rooms, take a lovely stroll in its lush gardens or refresh with a soothing swim in the pool. |
Azerai La Residence, Hué (5*)Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
DAY 5 DAY 6 Start the day with an exploration of the tomb of Tu Duc, often regarded as the last Emperor of Vietnam since he was the last to rule independently, and a walk through riverside villages and past family temples. Ride a dragon boat down the Perfume River and stroll the regal mausoleums. Saunter the lantern-lit streets of World Heritage Hoi An, an ancient trading town with gorgeously preserved architecture. Hoi An is also known for its multitude of tailors, a tradition resulting from its past as a trading port on the silk route—opt for some fun spicing up your wardrobe! Relish the feel of the sea breezes as you explore Vietnam's central coast and enjoy a feel for rural life on Cam Kim Island, a remote agricultural village. Stroll around the island interacting with the locals and getting a feel for the rhythm of rural life in its charming villages. Try out one of Hoi An's many restaurants or enjoy dinner back at the resort at your own leisure. Among the many traditional menu items, you may be tempted by popular regional specialties like cau lau soup (flavorful beef broth with shrimp and pork, topped with crunchy onions, sesame seeds, rice crackers, and Hoi An chilli sauce). |
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You’ll stay two nights at the boutique riverside, Anantara Hoi An Resort. The luxury French colonial hideaway is set in lush gardens fronting the picturesque Thu Ban River. Stroll along the promenade past small cafes and into the charming UNESCO World Heritage site of historic old town of Hoi An, less than a kilometer away. Unwind in the heated pool and indulge in riverside dining. |
Anantara Hoi An Resort, Hoi An (5*)Breakfast, Lunch |
DAY 7 DAY 8 DAY 9 DAY 10 Today we begin with a morning stroll in a nearby village where farming and fresh herbs are on display around every corner. Learn the secret to local dishes in a cooking class. We then fly to Cambodia, home to the World Heritage site of Angkor, Cambodia's monumental ancient capital. Built by the Khmer between the 9th and 13th centuries, this ancient empire will leave you mind-blown with its towering spires, giant carved images, and breathtaking bas-reliefs. Explore the stilted villages on the edge of massive Ton Le Sap lake, a UNESCO biosphere reserve and home to one of the world's most productive fisheries. After, we come together for an edgy, all-singing-and-dancing Cambodian circus in the Cirque du Soleil tradition. Explore the Bayon Temple, one of Angkor's most recognized structures, and Ta Prohm Temple, where majestic trees coil around the ruins. Round up this wonderful experience as we watch the sunrise over Angkor Wat and listen to the stories behind the magnificent bas-reliefs that surround the temple. |
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You’ll stay the last three nights in Cambodia’s Zannier Hotels Phum Baitang, amid 20 acres of green gardens and picturesque rice fields just beyond the entrance to World Heritage Angkor Wat. Perched high on stilts in luxuriant tropical gardens, unwind in this all-villa resort with freestanding baths, private plunge pools and an open air infinity pool overlooking the lush countryside. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
Zannier Hotels Phum Baitang (5*)Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation
Dates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure point is Hanoi, Vietnam
- The finish point is Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Hanoi.
Hanoi
Hanoi can often be much cooler than the rest of our trip, especially in November and December, with warmer weather during the months of January through April. Central Vietnam is almost always hot and humid with rainfall typical in November and sometimes in December. Because the seasonal showers can oftentimes break the heat and offer relief, our trips are not interrupted due to weather. However, we may need to amend our biking routes accordingly. Please be prepared for wet conditions.
Cambodia
Siem Reap, Cambodia, you may expect to find warm weather year-round. As a result, our trip has been designed to incorporate more morning rides to escape the afternoon heat and humidity.
Lightweight clothing is suitable for Vietnam and Cambodia's tropical (often humid) daytime climate; however, a fleece jacket or warm sweater and long pants are essential for the cooler mornings and evenings in the north. Keep in mind that rain is always possible; in Vietnam, weather is especially unpredictable.
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 1-2.
Level 1, 2-5 hours, 3-8km (2-5 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 244m (800 ft)
Level 2, 2-4 hours, 6-11km (4-7 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 396m (1300 ft)
Level 3, 3-5 hours, 8-14km (5-9 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 610m (2000 ft)
Level 4, 4-6 hours, 10-18km(6-11 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 914m (3000 ft)
Level 5, 5-7 hours, 11-21+ km (7-13+ miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1219m (4000+ ft)
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 120 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 120 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 120 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 120 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
