Vietnam & China: Across the Tribal Heartlands
15 days starting on Sun 14 Oct 2012This fascinating and original tour combines the tribes of Northern Vietnam with the minority peoples of Southern Yunnan. Starting in Hanoi, a...
Group Tours in Vietnam
Starting in October 2012
Vietnam Travel Guide
Danang
Vietnam's fourth-largest city is a busy seaport and booming commercial centre. During the American-Vietnamese war it was the nerve centre of the US military machine. The city is located on the western bank of the Han River. This whole area was once part of the ancient Cham Kingdom and the city museum holds an internationally renowned collection of Cham artefacts and sculpture. Danang cathedral, built in 1923, serves a catholic community of around 4,000 and there is a convent next door. Just outside the city is famous China Beach where US soldiers were sent for rest and relaxation. A short drive away are the Marble Mountains, five large rocky outcrops which have been used as places of Buddhist pilgrimage for centuries.
Dalat
Set in Vietnam's picturesque Central Highlands, this quiet town boast cool mountain air, some of the best preserved French colonial architecture in Indochina, and stunning natural beauty. Year round, temperatures hover around 20 degree Celsius making this a favourite destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Established as a hill station at the beginning of the century, Dalat is reminiscent of an alpine town popular for its landscape of pine forests, rolling hills, tranquil lakes and French chalets.
Hanoi
Hanoi, Vietnam's capital has a slow and pleasant pace, unlike most cities of the region. An amazing example of the ever changing faces of Vietnam, Hanoi reveals its past, whilst pushing towards a 21st century future. Tree lined boulevards, parks and French-colonial architecture cohabit with temples, monuments and the historical narrow streets of the Old Quarter.
Halong Bay
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay is one of the natural marvels of Vietnam, with over 3000 limestone islands rising from the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. Entrancingly shaped by nature, the islands have gained names such as “where the dragon descended into the sea and the only way to explore these secret islands is by boat.
Hoi An
Once a busy international trading port, receiving ships from around the world, Hoi An is without doubt one of Vietnam's treasures and a highlight of any visit to this southeast Asian country. Now a delightful small market town, known throughout the region for its beautiful silk paintings, Hoi An Ancient Town has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The local market sells fish straight from the South China Sea and you can witness nimble fingered tailors at work in the adjoining streets.
Lao Cai
This mountainous region is situated in the North of Vietnam and is populated by numerous ethnic minorities. Although traditional economic activities are still of great importance, tourism is a growing source of income. The highest mountain in Vietnam, the Fansipan, can be found here amongst stunning scenery, beautiful terraced rice fields and lush rainforest. The diverse cultures and unspoilt landscape make this a brilliant area to explore and a great place to discover a unique side of Vietnam.
Sapa
A remote land littered by a patchwork of diverse ethic groups, each with its unique, rich culture, Sapa was originally built as a hill station by the French in the 1920’s. Situated in the sweeping valleys near the Chinese border, Sapa is an incredibly picturesque village that sits at an elevation of 1600 metres - giving it a cool climate. The members of the Black Hmong ethnic minority are very present in town and other ethnic minorities come for the weekly market to trade their wares. Today, Sapa still attracts visitors for its stunning scenery, comfortable climate, colourful markets, and a variety of ethnic hill tribes who live in nearby villages.
Lang Son
Situated up in the mountainous north-east region of the country the medium-sized town of Lang Song is close to the Chinese border and was partially destroyed by invading Chinese forces in 1979. The area is home to Nung, Tho, Man and Dzao Montagnards who continue to live a very traditional way of life. Just outside the town is the wonderful Tam Thanh Cave. This huge cavern has a pool of water and a Buddhist altar inside. Next door are the ruins of the Mac Dynasty Citadel that date back to the 17th century. Also worth seeing is the Buddhist Tien Pagoda and the local Dong Kinh Market.
Cao Bang
The small town of Cao Bang, capital of the province of the same name, is situated high above sea level. The countryside in this area is regarded as being the most beautiful in the north-east and Cao Bang makes an ideal place from which to base your exploration. Ban Gioc waterfall on the Chinese border is a beautiful spot that sees very few visitors. It is the largest waterfall in the country if not the highest. Not far is Pac Bo Cave (Water Wheel Cave). This cave has special significance for Vietnamese nationalists and revolutionaries as it was here that Ho Chi Minh re-entered the country in 1941.
Ba Be Lake National Park
Covering more than 23,000 hectares, the Ba Be National Park is a large tract of land that surrounds the largest natural lake in Vietnam. Encircled by steep limestone mountains up to 1554 m high the Ba Be Lake is 8 km long and 400 m wide, with a maximum depth of 35 m. Nearly 50 kinds of freshwater fish reside there. A beautiful region, this area of limestone and lowland evergreen rainforest hosts more than 700 flora and fauna species. There are 3000 people living in villages on park land belonging to the Tay, Dzao, and Hmong people.
Hue
The traditional religious, cultural and educational centre of Vietnam, Hue is built upon the banks of the Perfume River and is an important trade centre surrounded by rice fields. Hue was the capital of Vietnam, the feudal sovereignty, from 1744 when the Nguyen lords controlled all of southern Vietnam, until 1945 when the last emperor abdicated. The city was severely damaged in 1968 during the American war, when house-to-house fighting lasted for weeks, but many architectural gems remain and are well worth a visit.
Bach Ma National Park
Bach Ma National Park is located in central Vietnam (less than an hour drive from Hue city) and around 680 km from the country's capital Hanoi. The national park covers an area of 22,031 ha and was created in 1991 to protect the centre of the last corridor of forest stretching from the South China Sea to the border with Laos. With steep mountains and dense forests this area is home to a wide variety of animals and plants. At the base of the mountains there is tropical monsoon forest, above 900 m the forest is sub-tropical. There are species from both the northern and southern areas of the country and Bach Ma is recognised as one of the biodiversity centres of Indochina. The highest point in the park, Bach Ma mountain, is 1,450 m above sea level and only 18 km away from the coast. Visitors have been coming to Bach Ma since the 1930s, when the French Colonials built a hill resort here to escape the hot and humid plains during the summer months.
Nha Trang
Nha Trang is a popular beach resort north of Ho Chi Minh City. The waters are warm and clear and there are excellent opportunities for snorkelling and scuba-diving. Altogether there are 6km of clean beaches and with every kind of facility available. One of the best things to do in Nha Trang is visit one of the many islands that lie off the shore. Among these are Hon Mieu - where there is an outdoor aquarium, Monkey Island, and Birds-Nest Island all of which can be easily reached by boat. On the edge of town the Po Nagar Cham towers are also a must see. The Long Song Pagoda is another impressive sight and was founded in the 19th century and still has a resident community of monks.
Phu Quoc Island
Phu Quoc Island is one of the unspoiled destinations in Southeast Asia, its mountains and hills covered by primary forests and ringed with white sandy beaches. Phu Quoc Island is situated in the Gulf of Thailand and Vietnam Airlines operate 4 flights everyday between Phu Quoc and Ho Chi Minh City. Alternatively there are regular speed boat and high speed catamaran services between the island and the mainland.
Pleiku
With its almost always foggy atmosphere and cool evenings, the little visited market town of Pleiku -situated in the lush scenery of the Central Highlands, in the centre of a vast and fertile plateau of red volcanic soil - is the perfect base from which to discover remote ethnic peoples. Pleiku is the capital of the Gia Lai Province and it was strategically important during the war. It was a North Vietnam Army attack on Pleiku that prompted Lyndon Johnson to authorise the 'Operation Rolling Thunder', a campaign of sustained heavy bombing. It was also the site of the war's first conventional battle. When Buon Ma Thuot fell to the North Vietnam Army, the South Vietnam Army abandoned Pleiku, leaving it little more than a ruin. After the war, it was rebuilt with USSR assistance, so the Soviet influence is hardly surprising.
Ho Chi Minh City
In the south of the country lies Ho Chi Minh City, the largest city in Vietnam. Formerly called Saigon it was renamed after the American withdrawal and is a city of never ending action. Its population of five million people range from businessmen to monks, its traffic from pedicab to Mercedes; it is a fascinating contrast of ancient culture, communism and modern day consumerism.
Can Tho (Mekong Delta)
Starting over three miles above sea level high on a Tibetan plateau, the mighty Mekong River sweeps its way through China, forms the western border between Laos and Thailand, passes through Cambodia, before forming the vast Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam. The flat landscape and abundant water supply make this the perfect place for rice production. Alongside the paddy fields, succulent fruit hang from the trees and there exists a quiet harmony between the people and the river.
Chau Doc
Starting over three miles above sea level high on a Tibetan plateau, the mighty Mekong River sweeps its way through China, forms the western border between Laos and Thailand, passes through Cambodia, before forming the vast Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam. The flat landscape and abundant water supply make this the perfect place for rice production. Alongside the paddy fields, succulent fruit hang from the trees and there exists a quiet harmony between the people and the river.
Mui Ne
Surrounded by miles of deserted golden sands, this stunning stretch of coastline makes an idyllic spot. With mile after mile of palm-shaded golden sand lapped by clear waters, Mui Ne encapsulates all the magic of the South China Sea. There are more than 16 km of pristine white sand beaches, bordered with coconut trees with the famous Red and White Sand Dunes as background, Mui Neis also a traditional Vietnamese village with hundreds of colourful traditional fishing boats. There are also breathtaking landscapes such as Suoi Tien (Fairy Spring), the Ong Hoang Building and the Poshanu Cham Tower.
Sin Chai
Sin Chai is a traditional village located near to the town of Sapa and surrounded by the mountains of Northern Vietnam. It is populated by the Yao ethnic minority who are distinctive for their beautifully embroidered clothes, bright red turbans and eye catching jewellery. This is another perfect location for trekking and discovering the diverse culture of Northern Vietnam.
Mekong Delta
Starting over three miles above sea level high on a Tibetan plateau, the mighty Mekong River sweeps its way through China, forms the western border between Laos and Thailand, passes through Cambodia, before forming the vast Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam.
The life blood for the inhabitants of the delta region, the waters of the Mekong enable varied crops to be grown. The flat landscape and abundant water supply make this the perfect place for rice production. Alongside the paddy fields, succulent fruit hang from the trees and there exists a quiet harmony between the people and the river. Witness life on the river at Cai Be floating market, set to a back drop of a huge Catholic cathedral.
Vietnam Travel Information
Visa Information
UK Passport holders require a visa to visit Vietnam.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the end of your trip, and it must have at least one blank page for each visa required. Please ensure the passport details we hold for you are correct. It is recommended that you apply one month prior to departure.
Please note it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa documentation when starting your trip. Country entry regulations can alter daily and it is always best to check with the relevant embassies for any changes.
If you wish to apply for your visa before departure this can be done through a visa company such as:
Travcour (UK)
Tempo House
15 Falcon Road
Battersea
London SW11 2PJ
Tel: 020 7223 5295
Fax: 020 7738 2617
Email: info@travcour.com
Website: www.travcour.com
If you are travelling on a non UK passport please contact your relevant consulate/embassy for the latest visa information.
Insurance:
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours.
You should be aware that many standard insurance policies may not cover you adequately for all aspects of a Wild Frontiers trip and so we strongly recommend that you purchase a suitably designed insurance policy.
One such policy is the "Wild Frontiers" policy underwritten by Ace European Group Limited (ACE " firm reference 202803), which is available to EU residents (which excludes Norway & Switzerland) through our website or via the insurance company direct on 0845 345 3456. Under this policy there are two different levels of cover available.
Standard policy: a comprehensive travel insurance policy that provides cover for all Wild Frontiers activities, including trekking up to 6,000m. This policy does not provide cover for travel to areas where the FCO is advising against all or all but essential travel.
Elite policy: provides the same comprehensive level of cover as the standard policy. In addition the Elite policy also provides cover for travel to areas where the FCO is advising against all or all but essential travel. The policy will not provide cover for any claims arising from or relating to the reasons why the FCO is advising against travel.
If purchasing the Elite policy you also have the option to extend the cover provided by the policy to include cover for claims arising from a terrorist act in an area where the FCO is advising against travel. You can add this cover to your policy when purchasing online or over the telephone.
These policies are only available to those travelling on a Wild Frontiers holiday.
For more information and to purchase your policy online please visit the Insurance section of our website.
The cover is underwritten by Ace European Group Limited (ACE), and is arranged by Travel & General Insurance Service Limited. Both companies are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA). Wild Frontiers Limited is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Travel & General Insurance Company plc, details of which can be found at the FSA's website www.fsa.gov.uk.
To contact them please visit their website at www.travel-general.com or call 0845 408 0583.
Health and Vaccinations:
There are no mandatory immunisations for travellers to Vietnam though you should be up-to-date with Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio and Hepatitis A. Malaria is preset in some parts so we recommend you seek advice from your local GP or travel centre as to the correct immunisations and preventative treatments.
We also recommend:
• A dental check-up prior to travelling.
• You inform us of any pre-existing medical conditions or medication.
To be on the safe side you can also check on www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk
Tour Leaders
Tom Skipwith
As a baby being taken around India on the back of a motorbike by his travel-crazed parents, the adventure bug was firmly embedded and a nomadic soul was... Read More
Peter O'Sullivan
Peter first visited Cambodia in 1993 and spent 2 months travelling from Phnom Penh to Angkor Wat with a film crew recording the lives of the water-dwellers.... Read More
Sara Harris
Sara’s family were involved in Scouting so in her youth she was regularly dragged off hiking and camping, which instilled a love of the outdoors from... Read More
