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Archive for the ‘eco tours’ Category

Rice and warm in the north (Sapa trekking tours & ecolodge, Vietnam)

Friday, July 17th, 2009

NOTHING can disturb an urban traveller more than silence.

Real silence. This is my early morning thought on the balcony of a stone cabin perched atop a peak in north Vietnam.

On a nearby mountain, hand-carved rice terraces spill down into the valley and farther away there are chiselled ranges that will change colour and texture as the sun moves across a giant sky. Then I hear the distant chatter of women passing the cabin on their way to breakfast, the first sounds I’ve heard since dinner last night. Television and telephones are forbidden around here. The manager tells me there’s no wild night life either, apart from frogs.

Topas Ecolodges - Sapa tours

Topas Ecologdes

Most people come to Topas Ecolodge in a shuttle bus from nearby Sapa, but I hire a local motorbike taxi for a slow ride through intermittent heavy mist along 23km of a runnelled dirt road that is regularly washed by clear-water run-off from the mountains.

We pass through the Muong Hoa Valley, strewn with mysterious, ancient carved stones; the origin and meaning of their inscribed patterns of couples in sexual embrace, the sun and parallel lines still baffle scientists.

This region is home to about 30 Vietnamese minority groups, some of whom moved here from China during the past 200 years. A carved stone, metres long, is fenced off opposite the small local museum. Somewhere around here a French scientist is taking stone impressions the old-fashioned way, with carbon paper and ink, while assigning locations to each one via GPS.

The road snakes through the Hoang Lien Mountains, now recognised as one of the most biologically rich in Vietnam. There’s a race to preserve what is left: years ago, poor Vietnamese used to kill, stuff and sell birds and animals to tourists in the local markets. That seems to have stopped, but the Indochinese tiger has become a prized stock for pharmacies across the border in China and there are fewer than 2000 left here.

Every now and again a human form takes shape out of the mist and is swallowed again. Then the curtain rises and a series of fairytale valleys is revealed. I glance down on earthen terraces of rice stubble and turbid water. Once or twice we dismount the bike to ford a gushing stream: my taxi driver, Hahn, walks through and I jump across rocks.

I want to ride forever but we run out of road and into the Ecolodge. Brilliantly clothed Red Dzao women are sitting and sewing at the entrance. They look so much more relaxed than the Hmong and Red Dzao women in Sapa, trapped in their created cultural villages.

The lodge features 25 white granite and hardwood cabins clustered on one side of the mountain top, all with solar panels. The surprise centrepiece is a huge, reconstructed Tay (minority) meeting house that now houses the bar, upstairs restaurant and office. On the restaurant’s doorstep is a rice field and down the path is the lodge’s organic garden, which supplies ingredients for contemporary Vietnamese dishes: lime and chilli-splashed salads and spiced seasonal vegetables served with tender beef and chicken on silver platters.

The bar is fire-warmed and there is a menu of local rice wines, crystal clear or tinged pink, which slide delicately down the throat like the best malt whisky.

So much of life in rural Vietnam revolves around rice-growing and to every thing there is a season. In July the Red Dzao harvest the rice around the lodge; months later they will plant young rice shoots again. In just two days, the average stay here, you can slip easily into this seasonal rhythm. Or get active. A group of Danes straggle in from a morning walk to nearby villages: the difference between a walk and trek is that the latter, apart from being longer, comes with a swarm of porters drawn from local villages.

“When we have a rush of visitors, we can always call on our neighbours to help us out at short notice,” says manager Walter Ariesen. “That’s one of the many benefits of having built a strong relationship with people in our community.” That philosophy, and the sublime location, is what makes Topas Ecolodoge unique.

Checklist
Topas Ecolodge, near Sapa, north Vietnam. Phone +8420 872 404; www.topasecolodge.com. Tariff: Depends on the season and package inclusions. In December, for example, double or twin is $US115 ($145), including all food and transport.

Getting there: Topas Ecolodge will transfer guests by bus from Sapa.

Checking in: International guests, mostly Germans, Australians, Danes, French, Canadians, Japanese and Taiwanese.

Wheelchair access: All cabins are accessible from a footpath, but there’s a lot of uphill. Suggest an advance request for wheelchair assistance.

Bedtime reading: The Light of the Capital, three short Vietnamese classics from the 1930s (Oxford), translated by Australians Greg and Monique Lockhart.

Stepping out: Breathtaking treks, biking, kayaking, walks to nearby minority villages. Climb Vietnam’s highest peak, Fansipan (3143m).

Brickbats: A torch and umbrella should be standard additions for each room, given the distance from the restaurant. Menu could do with more variety.

Bouquets: Staff are friendly and relaxed and the lodge has a community feel. Vietnamese-grown Arabica coffee is brewed here and served with the Western breakfast. In 2004, the lodge joined Australia’s GreenGlobe21, a worldwide benchmarking and certification program facilitating sustainable tourism.

Article from:  The Australian

Suggested other Itineraries in Topas Ecolodge, Sapa, Vietnam:
Active itineraries: Sapa trekking tours & overnight Topas ecolodges
Excursions: Sapa tours - trekking and stay Topas Ecolodges


Older news items:

  • 09/06/2009 06:10 - Vietnam Hotels & Resorts
  • 09/06/2009 06:07 - Traveling in Vietnam
  • 09/06/2009 05:52 - Ha long bay cruise trip - my unforgettable memory
  • 09/06/2009 05:46 - Active Travel Asia Promotes Vietnam Motorcycle tou…
  • Sapa tags: Trek Fansipan & Sapa Travel, SaPa Hotels , Sapa Tours & daily excursions , Trek Mai Chau , Sapa trekking tours, sapa tours, sapa travel, trekking in sapa  

    ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA co-operates with NGO’s to promote Responsible Travel in Vietnam

    Friday, July 3rd, 2009

    ATA and some owners of Adventure Tour Operators in Vietnam have meeting with NGO’s representative such as FFI and SNV with purpose to support and promote responsible travel products in Vietnam

    Fauna & Flora International (FFI) was established in 1903, it was the world’s first international conservation organization and the pioneering work of its founders in Africa led to the creation of numerous protected areas, including Kruger and Serengeti National Parks

    SNV is a Netherlands-based international development organization that provides advice to local organizations in developing countries. SNV have 30 field offices and 1200 staff working mostly in poor and marginalized communities in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America

    With 3 days meeting in Vu Linh, leaders of tour operators and NGO’s representative have found the co-operated way to create responsible travel package, fund for reponsible and sustainable tourism projects and support the rural and ethnic community in travel industry such as house building, clean the rubbish on trails or in Halong bay.

    Tour operators and NGOs have agreed to establish the club where is gathered by Tour Operators who supports responsible and sustainable travel and NGOs who support poor communities and preserve flora and fauna in National forest by funding responsible tourism projects in Vietnam.

    ATA expresses a desire to promote Vietnam as Responsible and sustainable travel destination as well as become the leader of Tour Operators in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos to develop responsible travel products.

    For reference, please review some tours as below:
    - Trekking in Pu Luong Reserve: http://www.activetravelvietnam.com/tour.php?op=detail&tourId=30
    - Biking in Pu Luong: http://www.activetravelvietnam.com/tour.php?op=detail&tourId=36
    -Sapa trekking & Homestay http://www.activetravelvietnam.com/tour.php?op=detail&tourId=25

    Vietnam Travel & tours guide

    Wednesday, February 4th, 2009

    Introduction

    Vietnam has done very well tourism-wise since reopening its doors to foreign tourists in the mid 1990’s. Combined with a good train system, affordable and frequent flights and a tourist-orientated minibus system, a bunch of very worthwhile destinations have developed into what has become a pretty well worn path running up and down the length of the country.

    Most first time visitors try to get a taste of the north and the south of the country, but be warned, Vietnam is deceptively large and if you try to do too much in too short a time, you’ll wind up needing another holiday to get over your Vietnamese one.

    Running north to south, visitors commence with the capital Hanoi, with many doing side-trips to both Sapa and Ha Long Bay before heading south, generally stopping at Hue, Hoi An, Nha Trang then either Da Lat or Mui Ne before running into Saigon. From there many do a trip into the Mekong Delta. For those with more time, the northwest mountains, the Central Highlands and deep into the Mekong Delta are all well worthwhile extras. How long a holiday?
    While you could see the basics on a top to tail trip in as little as a week to ten days, we’d strongly suggest — at least — two to three weeks as being a more realistic timeline. If you can’t give that much time to Vietnam, then consider just seeing one part of the country and saving the rest for another trip.

    Ways to see more in less
    Fly, fly, fly
    Both Vietnam Airlines and Pacific Airways have affordable domestic fares — a couple of one hour flights can save you 36 hours on a train or bus.

    Suggested itineraries for Vietnam

    HIKING TOURS
    Trekking Mai Chau (4D/3N)
    Mai Chau easy trek & home stay (3D/2N)
    Sapa Trekking & Home-stay (4D/4N)
    Sapa trek & Topas Eco Lodge (5D/5N)
    Sapa Long Trails (6D/6N)
    Different Sapa - Different Trek (6D/6N)
    Conquer Mount Fansipan - Cat Cat Route (6D/6N)
    Conquer Mount Fansipan - Heaven Gate Route (4D/4N)
    Conquer Mount Fansipan - Sinchai Route (5D/5N)
    Conquer Mount Fansipan - Mt. Fansipan & Hoang Lien National Park & Ban Ho Valley (11D/11N)
    Trekking in Pu Luong Nature Reserve (6D/5N)
    Trekking Cuc Phuong National Park (2D/1N)
    Bach Ma National Park Trek & Camping (2D/1N)
    Trekking Nam Cat Tien National Park (2D/1N)
    Jungle Fever - Trekking Dalat (2D/1N)
    MOTORCYCLING TOURS
    Motorcycling the Ho Chi Minh Trail - Half Challenge (11D/10N)
    Motorcycling the Ho Chi Minh Trail - Complete Challenge (18D/17N)
    Motorcycling Northwestern Trails (7D/6N)
    Taste of Ho Chi Minh Trail (3D/2N)
    KAYAKING TOURS
    Kayaking Halong Bay 4days(4D/3N)
    Kayaking Halong Bay 3days(3D/2N)
    Kayaking Halong Bay & Trekking Cat Ba National Park (5D/4N)
    Trekking Cat Ba National Park & Kayaking Lan Ha Bay - Halong Bay (4D/3N)
    BIKING TOURS
    Mekong Explorer (4D/3N)
    West to East Biking Exploration (11D/10N)
    Biking Pu Luong Nature Reserve (4D/3N)
    Biking Hidden Paths of Mai Chau & Ninh Binh (4D/3N)
    A Taste of Mekong (2D/1N)
    Biking Mai Chau (2D/1N)
    Biking Dalat - Northwest Circuit (2D/1N)
    Biking Adventures Mekong & Centre Highland (11D/10N)
    FAMILY TRAVEL
    Family Adventures in Vietnam (12D/11N)
    Northern Highlights (10D/9N)
    The Mighty Mekong (3D/2N)
    Discover Vietnam & her National parks (20D/19N)
    INDOCHINA ADVENTURE
    Vietnam-Laos Adventures (17D/16N)
    Mekong Delta & Angkor Wat (10D/9N)

    Travel, hotels & cruises website - guide to vietnam, Laos, Cambodia

    Wednesday, September 17th, 2008

    Tour Operators

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    Title:Tours, hotels, cheap flights, travel, excursions, package holidays in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia
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    Tile: Travel Cambodia Tours Adventure Cambodia Adventures Tour Cambodia Travel guide
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    Tile: Travel Laos Tours Adventure Laos Adventures Tour Laos Travel guide
    Url: http://www.activetravelLaos.com
    Description: Travel Laos adventure tours, Laos adventures travel guide, great active vacations and package holidays offering by Laos tour operator
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    Title: Halong Kayak Tours, Kayak Halong Bay Vietnam, Kayaking Halong Bay Tours
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    Title:Trek Fansipan tours, Trek Mt Fansipan travel vietnam, Trek Mount Fansipan tours, Fansipan Trekking travel
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    Description: Trek Fansipan tours, Trek Mt Fansipan tour, Trek Mount Fansipan travel, Fansipan Trekking travel guide Vietnam
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    Title: Trek Mai Chau tours, Trek Mai Chau Travel Vietnam, Trekking Mai Chau Tour
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    Description: Trek Mai Chau tours, Trek Mai Chau tour, Trek Mai Chau travel, Mai Chau Trekking travel guide Vietnam
    RSS: http://www.TrekMaiChau.com/?feed=rss2

    Title: Bike Da Lat biking tours, cycle Dalat cycling tour, Biking Dalat Travel guide
    Url: http://www.bikedalat.com
    Description: Cycle Da Lat tours, cycling travel Da Lat biking tour, Dalat bike travel guide Vietnam
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    RSS: http://www.bikedalat.com/?feed=rss2

    Title: Cat Ba Kayak Tours, Kayak Catba travel Vietnam, Kayaking Cat Ba Tour
    Url: http://www.kayakcatba.com/
    Description: Kayak Cat Ba tours, Cat Ba kayaking tour Halong bay travel guide Vietnam
    RSS: http://www.kayakcatba.com/?feed=rss2

    Title: Visit Angkor Wats Tours, Travel Angkor Temples tour Cambodia, trips to Angkor holidays
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    RSS: http://www.VisitAngkorTemples.com/?feed=rss2

    Title: Luang Prabang Kayak Tours, Kayak Luang Prabang travel Laos, Kayaking Luang Prabang Tours
    Url: http://www.KayakLuangPrabang.com
    Description: Kayak Luang Prabang tours, travel Luang Prabang kayaking tour, Luang Prabang travel guide Vietnam
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    Title: Bike Luang Prabang biking Tours, cycle Luang Prabang travel Laos, Cycling Luang Prabang Tours
    Url: http://www.BikeLuangPrabang.com
    Description: Cycle Luang Prabang tours, cycling travel Luang Prabang biking tour, Luang Prabang bike travel guide Vietnam
    RSS: http://www.BikeLuangPrabang.com/?feed=rss2

    Title: Vang Vieng Kayak Tours, Kayak Vang Vieng travel Laos, Kayaking Vang Vieng Tours
    Url: http://www.KayakVangVieng.com
    Description: Kayak Vang Vieng tours, travel Vang Vieng kayaking tour, Vang Vieng travel guide Vietnam
    RSS: http://www.KayakVangVieng.com/?feed=rss2

    Title: Si Phan Don Kayak Tours, Kayak Si Phan Don travel Laos, Kayaking SiPhanDon Tours
    Url: http://www.KayakSiPhanDon.com
    Description: Kayak Si Phan Don tours, travel Si Phan Don kayaking tour, SiPhanDon travel guide Vietnam
    RSS: http://www.KayakSiPhanDon.com/?feed=rss2

    Title: Trek Luang Nam Tha Tours, Trekking LuangNamTha travel Laos, trips to Phong Sali tour guide
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    Title: Trek Phong Sali Tours, Trekking Phong Sali travel Laos, trips to Phong Sali tour guide
    Url: http://www.TrekPhongsali.com
    Description: Trek Phong Sali tours, Trek Phong Sali tour, Trek Phong Sali travel, Phong Sali Trekking travel guide Vietnam
    RSS: http://www.TrekPhongsali.com/?feed=rss2

    Title: Vietnam holiday, vacation, package tours, hotels, travel vietnam, Cambodia, Laos
    Url: http://www.vietnamholidaynow.com/
    Description: Vietnam Holiday Now offering online bookings for hotels, tours, flights, visa, travel packages, holidays, city breaks, car rental in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia
    Link: http://www.vietnamholidaynow.com/useful_links.html

    Cruises, Junks, Boats

    Title:Luxury Junks, cruises, tours, travel package, boats in Halong Bay Vietnam
    Url: http://www.indochinasails.com
    Description
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    Link: http://www.indochinasails.com/en/useful_links.html
    Rss:http://www.indochinasails.com/en/rss.php

    Title:Halong Bay cruise, junks, tours, travel package, boats in Vietnam
    Url: http://www.halongcruise.com
    Description: Stay cruises in Halong Bay Vietnam junks, voyages, holidays, vacations, boat, kayaking tours and travel package in Halong Bay Vietnam
    Link: http://www.halongcruise.com/useful_links.html
    Rss:http://www.halongcruise.com/blog/?feed=rss2

    Title:Vietnam cruises, junks, tours, travel package, boats Halong bay, Mekong river in Vietnam, Cambodia
    Url: http://www.vietnamcruise.com
    Description: Stay Junks, cruises in Halong Bay, Mekong river, Vietnam voyages, holidays, vacations, boat, kayaking tours and travel package in Halong Bay, Mekong River Vietnam
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    Rss: http://www.vietnamcruise.com/?name=rss

    Title:Halong Bay junks, cruises, tours, travel package, boats in Vietnam
    Url: http://www.halongjunks.com
    Description: Stay Junks, cruises in Halong Bay Vietnam voyages, holidays, vacations, boat, kayaking tours and travel package in Halong Bay Vietnam
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    Rss:http://www.halongjunks.com/blog/?feed=rss2

    Title:Halong Bay junks, cruises, tours, travel package, boats in Vietnam
    Url: http://www.halongbayjunks.com
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    Rss:http://www.halongbayjunks.com/blog/?feed=rss2

    Title:Halong Bay boats, cruises, junks, tours, travel package in Vietnam
    Url: http://www.halongbayboats.com
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    Rss:http://www.halongbayboats.com/blog/?feed=rss2

    Title:Cruises in Halong Bay junks, cruises, tours, travel, boats in Vietnam
    Url: http://www.cruises-in-halongbay.com/
    Description: Cruises in Halong Bay Vietnam voyages, holidays, vacations, boat, kayaking tours and travel package in Halong Bay Vietnam
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    Title:Cruises in Halong Bay junks, cruises, tours, travel, boats in Vietnam
    Url: http://www.cruises-in-halong.com/
    Description: Cruises in Halong Bay Vietnam voyages, holidays, vacations, boat, kayaking tours and travel package in Halong Bay Vietnam
    Link: http://www.cruises-in-halong.com/useful_links.html
    Rss:http://www.cruises-in-halong.com/blog/?feed=rss2

    Title:Halong Bay junks, cruises, tours, travel package, boats in Vietnam
    Url: http://www.halongjunks.com
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    Rss:http://www.halongjunks.com/blog/?feed=rss2

    Title: Junks, cruises, boats, tours, travel package in Halong Bay Vietnam
    Url: http://www.halongdiscovery.com
    Description: Discover Halong Bay on Huong Hai Junks, cruises, boat, kayaking tours and travel package, holiday, vacations in Halong Bay Vietnam
    Link: http://www.halongdiscovery.com/en/Useful%20links.html
    Rss:http://www.halongdiscovery.com/en/rss.php

    Hotels

    Title: Sapa Hotels Vietnam, Travel Sapa Accommodation, cheap hotels in Sapa tours, trek Sapa, Hotel in Sapa
    Url: http://www.sapatowntravel.com
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    Link: http://www.sapatowntravel.com/Usefullinks.html
    Keywords: sapa travel, sapa hotels vietnam, sapa tours, trek sapa, visit sapa, hotel in sapa, vietnam hotels, cheap hotels in sapa, sapa hotels discount, sapa, reservation, discount, cheap, reviews

    Travel blogs

    Title: Vietnam kayaking travel guide
    Url: http://www.vietnamkayaking.com
    Description: Provide luxury Junks, cruises, kayaking tours, travel package, boats information in Vietnam
    Rss: http://www.vietnamkayaking.com/?feed=rss2

    Title: Asian Junks, cruises, boats, travel guide
    Url: http://www.asianjunks.com
    Description:Provide luxury Junks, cruises, kayaking tours, travel package, boats information in Vietnam
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    Title: Vietnam Junks, boats, cruises, travel guide
    Url: http://www.vietnamjunks.com
    Description:Provide luxury Junks, cruises, kayaking tours, travel package, boats information in Vietnam
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    Title: Valentine Junk, cruise, boat, travel Halong bay Vietnam
    Url: http://www.valentinejunk.com
    Description:Luxury Junks, cruises, tours, travel package, boats, on Halong Bay Vietnam
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    Title: Halong bay Deluxe Cruises
    Url: http://www.halongdeluxecruise.com
    Description:Provide luxury Junks, cruises, tours, travel package, boats, on Halong Bay Vietnam
    Rss: http://www.halongdeluxecruises.com/?feed=rss2

    Title: Halong bay Travel, tours, cruise, junk, boat
    Url: http://www.halongtravels.com
    Description:Provide luxury Junks, cruises, tours, travel package, boats information on Halong Bay Vietnam
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    Title: Halong bay Luxury Boats
    Url: http://www.halongluxuryboats.com
    Description:Provide luxury Junks, cruises, tours, travel package, boats information on Halong Bay Vietnam
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    Title: Halong Adventure guide
    Url: http://www.halongadventure.com
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    Title: Travel to Vietnam travel guide
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    Title: Hotels in Vietnam hotels & resorts information
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    Travel Guide

    Title: New 7 Wonders: Voting for HaLong Bay, Mt Fansipan Sapa, Phong Nha Cave, Vietnam world natural heritages
    Url: http://www.new7wonders2008.com/
    Description: New 7 Wonders: Ha Long Bay, world natural heritage, Mt. Fansipan and Phong Nha Cave Vietnam

    Title: Active Travel Online Magazine
    Url: http://www.activetravelmagazines.com
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    Travel & hotels E-marketing

    Tittle: Vietnam hotel & travel e-Marketing, Internet Marketing Search Engine Optimization Web Design
    URL http://www.tacimarketing.com
    Description: Offering travel and hotel e-marketing, consultant services for Vietnam travel agents, hotels, resorts, restaurants and other tourism suppliers in Vietnam
    Link: http://www.tacimarketing.com/link_directory.htm

    Full Moon Festival in Luxury cruise on Halong bay

    Friday, August 29th, 2008

    Every night in September is a Full Moon Night on Indochina Sails as we celebrate the Full Moon Festival with decorated lanterns, traditional Chinese mooncakes and “September Double Happy Hour”

    ( VALID FROM 30 AUGUST – 31ST SEPTEMBER 08)

    Full moon festival party

    Full moon on halong bay cruises by you.

    1. Superior cabin: 180 USD/ Person (Twin shared) – 320 USD/ single Cabin - 02 days/01 night
    Deluxe cabin: 200 USD/ Person (Twin shared) – 360 USD/ single Cabin - 02 days/01 night

    2. Superior cabin: 295 USD/ Person (Twin shared) – 540 USD/ single Cabin - 03 days/02 nights
    Deluxe cabin: 315 USD/ Person (Twin shared) – 580 USD/ single Cabin - 02 days/01 night

    INCLUDED

    • Welcome Drink
    • Shuttle bus return Hanoi - Halong Bay – Hanoi
    • Big choice of fresh local seafoods and others dishes
    • Candlelight Dinner (Buffet dinner) (Special)
    • Kayaking on Halong Bay. (Special Offer)
    • Cruise Itinerary and Program
    • Entrance and Sightseeing Fees
    • In-house English-speaking Tour Guide
    • Luxurious Cabins and Suites with A/C and en-suite Bathrooms
    • Deluxe Vietnamese and International Lunch and Dinner
    • Vietnamese and International Breakfast
    • Conference Equipment (Charter only)
    • Insurance, Taxes and Service Charges

    EXCLUDED

    • Airfares, Car Transfers and Hotels
    • Visa Arrangements
    • Massage Services (please see massage menu in cabin)
    • Kayaking (Ten dollars U.S. per person, when not pre-booked)
    • Beverages, Tips and Personal Expenses
    • All other services not clearly mentioned above

    - Full moon tinerary for 02 days/01 nights
    - Full moon tinerary for 03 days/02 nights

    Contact us at info@indochinasails.com

    Vietnam travel: Meet & Greet in Vietnam

    Tuesday, April 15th, 2008

    Meet & Greet in Vietnam

    meet & greet Vietnamese What you should do when meeting Vietnamese at the first time? These are some general notes which help you to be polite with Vietnamese culture and people.

    Greeting People

    Most of the Vietnamese in urban areas no longer bow when they meet each other. In formal gatherings, at religious place, and sometimes in the country areas, one may see the people clasp their hands together in a prayer-like gesture and bow slightly. This is not practiced to any extent in everyday life in Vietnam as it is in neighboring Thailand.

    The custom of handshaking, formerly considered barbaric to the Vietnamese, is now achieving popularity due to the Western influence in the country. Men will generally shake hands and say the equivalent of “how are you” and tip their hats when greeting people. Women, especially those in the countryside, still shy away from shaking hands, especially with men from their own country. It is best not to offer to shake hands with a woman unless she offers her hand first.

    Introductions

    Whereas Americans often immediately introduce themselves in given situations, the ordinary people of Vietnam think this to be rather bold and like to have a mutual acquaintance make the introduction. They will rarely introduce themselves when going into a home or office until asked to do so. This may be due to their innate shyness and modesty.

    vietnamese people

    Names carry great importance in Vietnam. Often Vietnamese will have secret names, known only to themselves and their parents. If it is given away, the person believes he is exposed to evil spirits. Except in rare cases, family names are seldom used outside of the family circle. Children are often called names in rank of birth, such as Chi-hai, Chi-ba (daughter two, daughter three).

    One should call Vietnamese people by Mr., Mrs., or Miss until asked to go on a first name basis. They do not do this as quickly as Americans in their relationships with people. Especially important, when in the company of a third person, your friend must be called by his name with a Mr., Miss, or Mrs. proceeding it, as the case may be. If this is not done, it may suggest great intimacy or friendliness, or can also be interpreted as being arrogant treatment of the individual by a superior.

    Most Vietnamese names consist of a family name, middle name and a personal or given name. The order is reverse to the American custom. For instance, John Paul Jones’ name in Vietnamese style would be Jones Paul John. However, we do not call someone by his family name in Vietnam. If we use the names for instance, Miss Hau Dinh Cam. Hau is the family name. We would call her Miss Cam. Jones Paul John would be Mr. John. On very informal occasions, we might at their request call them Cam or John, but would always add a Miss or Mr. to the name in the presence of other people outside of the group.

    An exception to this rule dates back to traditional customs of long ago when beloved leaders were called by their family names.

    It is desirable to call Vietnamese professional and government officials by their title, i.e., Mr. Assemblyman, Mr. Doctor, Mr. Lieutenant, etc.

    Taboos in Personal Relationships

    It is best to call to people in a quiet voice, using their names preceded by Mr. Mrs., or Miss. Waving or beckoning with an upturned finger is considered highly impolite. If you must silently signal for someone to come toward you, do so by using the whole hand with the palm turned down. Not to do so would indicate an air of authority or superiority over the person being called or beckoned.

    Never touch anyone on the head as this would be considered as a personal insult to the individual and perhaps even to his ancestors. Many Vietnamese believe the spirit resides there. Hence, the belief is that if a person is beheaded, his spirit will roam forever without finding a resting place. Also, don’t touch anyone on the shoulder. Some people believe that a genie resides there and it is undesirable to disturb him. If you mistakenly touch one shoulder, you must also touch the other shoulder and this helps offset the bad luck.

    Confusing Personal Traits of Vietnamese

    Vietnamese people have a habit of not looking into your eyes when they talk to you. This is often because of shyness, but one of the main reasons is that traditionally they do not look into the eyes of those they respect or those higher in rank when talking to them. This is to indicate politeness.

    The smile of a Vietnamese can be very confusing in Vietnam to an outsider and cause misunderstandings. In some Oriental countries, a smile can mean sorrow, worry, or embarrassment. In Vietnam, it may indicate a polite, but perhaps skeptical reaction to something, compliance or toleration of a blunder or misunderstanding, or on occasion represents submission to judgment that may be wrong or unfair. This is particularly true if the one making the judgment is at a superior level and perhaps has lost his temper. For instance, a laundress may ruin a favorite shirt and is called in by her employer to be asked about it. She may smile. This does not mean that she thinks it is funny that she burned the shirt, but instead is submission to the fact. If the owner of the shirt loses his temper, she may keep smiling indicating politeness or patience with superiors.

    Because of this, foreigners should be very cautious in voicing their opinions and perhaps be a little more delicate, more tolerant and restrain from being obstinate.

    Loud arguments or heated discussions are frowned upon and are seldom heard among the Vietnamese. Well-bred people are trained in self-discipline. It is best, therefore, for Americans or other foreigners to do their best to keep tempers in check, no matter what the circumstances, lest they be looked upon with disdain.

    Vietnamese seldom use a direct approach in their dealings. To do so indicates a lack of tact or delicacy. Directness is appreciated in the Western world, but not in Vietnam. The Vietnamese do not like to say “no” and will often reply “yes” when the answer should be negative. This problem is further complicated by Americans posing negative questions such as, “It doesn’t look like it will rain today, does it?” The correct answer is often the one given by the Vietnamese–”Yes.” We expect to hear “No.” Think it out and you will see that the Vietnamese is really correct.

    Best advice, don’t ask negative questions.

    Hospitality

    The Vietnamese love to be hospitable and will often invite you to dinner. If gifts are taken for the family, they should be items that they could not easily obtain themselves. To take something that they could buy easily would be a bad reflection on their economic means. They love anything from western countries, and it does not have to be expensive. If you give the children things, each should have a separate gift. It is not polite to take a whole bag of candy and give it to them as a group.

    On short visits, drink the tea that is offered, even if you don’t like it and are afraid of the local water. It shows that you are welcome and well respected.

    Rank is always carefully observed by the Vietnamese in their homes and elsewhere. Servants never sit at the same table with their employers if outsiders are present, and only in rare cases otherwise.

    On some occasions at an informal meal, the whole family except for the person inviting you to dinner, may get up from the table and eat elsewhere. This is not a show of disrespect for you but is simply a way of letting the guest spend time with his special friend.

    At banquets, one should arrive on time and greet elderly persons first. If the dinner is served Chinese style, food should be transferred from the main bowl to your individual bowl before eating. It is impolite to eat anything with your chopsticks directly from the serving bowl. A guest may refrain from taking something he doesn’t like, but if the hostess serves it to you unknowingly, force it down if at all possible. If the guest refuses, the host may doubt his sincerity and coax him even more. Individual bowls are usually changed with each course and are generally removed only when empty, except the last course. Here, a little something should be left to indicate to the host that there was enough food and everyone is satisfied.

    More information at: Active Travel Vietnam

    Supported by Active Travel Shop, New 7 wonders 2008, http://www.indochinasails.com

    Trek Pu Luong Nature Reserve - Vietnam National Parks

    Tuesday, April 8th, 2008

    Alternative site name(s)
    Phu Luong
    Province(s)
    Thanh Hoa
    Area
    17,662 ha
    Coordinates
    20o21′ – 20o34′N, 105o02′ – 105o20′E
    Distance(s)
    From Hanoi: 180 km
    Eco-tours
    Trekking, Mountain Biking … more information

    Topography and hydrology

    Pu Luong proposed nature reserve is located in Quan Hoa and Ba Thuoc districts, in north-western Thanh Hoa province. To the north-east, the nature reserve is bordered by Mai Chau, Tan Lac and Lac Son districts, Hoa Binh province. The proposed nature reserve lies along two parallel mountain ridges, that run from north-west to south-east, and are bisected by a central valley. This valley contains several human settlements and a large area of agricultural land, and, hence, is not included within the proposed nature reserve.

    The two mountain ridges in the proposed nature reserve have starkly contrasting landforms, based on their different substrates. The smaller, south-western ridge is made up of mostly igneous and metamorphic rocks, and consists of rounded forested hills and wide, shallow valleys. The larger, north-eastern ridge is composed of heavily dissected limestone karst, and is a continuation of the limestone range that runs from Cuc Phuong National Park to Son La province. Elevations in the proposed nature reserve range from 60 to 1,667 m.

    The hydrology of the limestone ridge is complex, and there is little or no permanent surface water. On the south-western ridge, surface water is more common and streams are much less seasonal. However, the main drainage features of the proposed nature reserve are located in the central valley. This valley is not continuous but has a saddle at its mid-point, which forms the watershed between two small rivers. One of these rivers flows north-west along the valley, and joins the Ma river, which runs to the west and south of the proposed nature reserve. The other river flows south-east along the valley, and joins the Ma river further downstream.

    Biodiversity values

    The primary forest at Pu Luong nature reserve is classified as closed evergreen tropical seasonal forest. Five major subtypes occur as a result of local variations in underlying substrate and elevation: lowland broadleaved forest on limestone (60 to 700 m); lowland broadleaved forest on schist/shale and clayey sandstone (60 to 1,000 m); broadleaved submontane forest on limestone (700 to 950 m); coniferous submontane forest on limestone (700 to 850 m); and broadleaved submontane forest on basalt (1,000 to 1,650 m). The nature reserve also supports a range of secondary vegetation types, including secondary forests, bamboo, scrub and agricultural land.
    The results of recent botanical work at Pu Luong indicate that the nature reserve supports a diverse flora, with at least 1,109 vascular plant species documented at the site. From a conservation perspective, three primary forest subtypes found at the site may be considered particularly significant. The first, primary lowland forest on limestone and schist/shale, occurs near the eastern border of the site, in the Co Lung area. Primary forest in the area extends from 60 to 1,000 m, and, at the lowest elevations, supports very high plant species diversity.

    The second significant primary forest subtype, primary coniferous submontane forest on limestone, is restricted to a few peaks within the uplands of the Co Luong area and supports outstanding plant diversity, particularly with respect to lithophytes and epiphytes. The globally threatened conifer Pinus kwangtungensis forms a conspicuous element of the flora within this forest subtype.

    The third significant primary forest subtype is primary submontane forest on basalt, which occurs on the upper slopes of the south-western mountain ridge within the proposed nature reserve. The primary forest on these upper slopes is characterised by very high plant species diversity, including several nationally threatened conifers.
    With regard to the vertebrate fauna of Pu Luong, a total of 84 mammal species (including 24 bat species), 162 bird species, 55 fish species, 28 reptile species and 13 amphibian species have been recorded at the nature reserve to date. Pu Luong nature reserve is an important site for the conservation of the globally critically endangered, endemic primate, Delacour’s Leaf Monkey. The population at Pu Luong has been estimated to number 40 to 45 individuals, making it one of the largest known populations in Vietnam.

    Knowledge of the invertebrate fauna of the proposed nature reserve remains rudimentary. However, recent surveys conducted at the site indicate that its insect fauna includes at least 158 species of butterfly and 96 species of land snail, including 12 snail species possibly endemic to the site. Most promising perhaps, the botanical uniqueness and natural isolation of certain forest formations at the site suggests that the proposed nature reserve has strong potential to support high levels of invertebrate endemism and, quite possibly, new taxa to science.

    It is likely that Pu Luong has strong faunal and floral affinities with Cuc Phuong National Park, which is situated to 25 km to the south-east, along the same limestone range. However, the higher elevations at Pu Luong and the presence of more extensive areas of evergreen forest means that Pu Luong can be expected to support a number of species that do not occur at Cuc Phuong. Indeed, the results of recent survey work conducted at Pu Luong nature reserve indicate that this is in fact the case.

    Other documented values

    Forest in the proposed nature reserve has a role in protecting the watershed of the Ma river, the largest river in Thanh Hoa province. Just as importantly, the forest has an important role in protecting the water resources of local communities. Already, water is scarce during the dry season, because of the limestone geology of much of the area. Therefore, forest loss would be expected to increase periods of drought, leading to reduced agricultural productivity.

    Vietnam

    Saturday, April 5th, 2008

    XIN CHAO Vietnam…

    Vietnam is a country most people have heard of but until recently few have had the opportunity to visit. It was not until the early 1990s that the first intrepid travelers started arriving. Things have come a long way in the past decade and visitors from all over the world are now discovering what a hidden gem of a country Vietnam is. Brilliant green rice fields, exotic temples and pagodas, grand colonial buildings, bustling city streets, thatched bamboo huts, grand colonial buildings, exotic temples and pagodas, deserted sandy beaches, breathtaking mountain scenery, conical straw hats, colorful ethnic minorities, graceful women in ao dai tunics, delicious cuisine, great out door activities luxurious hotels, stunning resorts and more, much more, it’s all here in Vietnam.

    The two great metropolises of the country are the elegant capital city Hanoi and the dynamic, economic powerhouse Ho Chi Minh City. Since 1993 UNESCO has declared five World Heritage Sites in Vietnam, four in central Vietnam and one in the north. The four sites in central Vietnam are the former imperial capital Hue, the historic trading port of Hoi An, the centre of the former Cham Kingdom, My Son, and Phong Nha Caves. The fifth World Heritage Site is the spectacular natural wonder that is Halong Bay in northern Vietnam, breathtakingly featured in James Bond and other films. More information

    Active Travel ShopAn online travel shop offering both online and call center bookings for hotels, tours, flights, visa, travel packages, holidays, city breaks, car rental in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia

    Adventure tours on Vietnam - Active Travel Vietnam, 303, Building 30 Nguyen Du, Hanoi, 04 944 6230

    Vote for Halong Bay - new Natural Wonders in Vietnam

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    Visa to Vietnam, Vietnam travel guide

    Friday, April 4th, 2008
    vietnam travel tips
    vietnam travel tips
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    Visa to Vietnam

    No matter which way of access you choose, a Vietnamese entry visa is required for all foreigners, except for citizens of countries having bilateral agreements on visa exemption with Vietnam.


    Types of visa to Vietnam

    • Diplomatic and official visa:
      No fees unless otherwise agreed upon between Vietnam and applicant’s country. On applying this visa, you must submit an official letter from the concerned agencies of local government, foreign embassies or consulates accredited to the country, international organizations, or other accredited organizations based in that country.

    • Business visa:
      On applying this visa, you should obtain an approval through your sponsor in Vietnam. It’s generally much easier to apply once in Vietnam. Multiple entry and stay of three-month or six-month is possible.

    • Tourist visa: (short staying time) It’s what you need to enter Vietnam!
      Available one-month single-entry visa (maximum stay in Vietnam of one month). Tourist visa may be extended one time for 30 days after your arrival in Vietnam.
      If you plan to spend more than a month in Vietnam, or if you plan to exit Vietnam and re-enter from Cambodia, Laos or China, you will need a three-month multiple-entry visa with the approval from local agents.


    How to apply visa to Vietnam

    You can either apply yourself at Vietnamese embassies or consulates in your country or have a local travel agent (your sponsor) to do a part or full its procedure.

    By yourself:

    • Required documentations:
      you have to submit: passport of six months’ validity, visa application forms, and probably some others required by Vietnamese embassy or consulates in your country. Visa forms are available by getting directly or by mail with a stamped, self-addressed envelope addressed to their Visa section. Request by email is perhaps acceptable (in some cases).
      See Visa application form and list of Vietnamese Embassies and Consulates abroad (also available Foreign Embassies and Consulates in Vietnam).

    • Time:
      processing tourist visa application typically takes four or five working days.

    • Cost:
      fees vary from embassy to embassy; about $50 in Bangkok and $85 in Washington, for example.

    By local agent:

    Provide two types of visa services: Visa Application letter and Full-packaged service (on-arrival visa). Please refer to the Detailed visa procedure and services for more information

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    New 7 Wonders 2008: Voting for Ha Long Bay, Mt. Fansipan and Phong Nha Cave Vietnam

    Monday, March 10th, 2008
    People of Vietnam

    The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism has called for the public to get behind a campaign that would see the World Heritage site of Halong Bay selected as one of the world’s seven natural wonders. Share your love and support Vietnam nature beauty by Joining New7Wonders.com and voting.

    Today is March 10, 2008
    Current Number of Referals
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    Voting for nominees will continue through 31.12.08. A New7Wonders Panel of Experts will then select the 21 finalists, from which voters worldwide will elect the New 7 Wonders of Nature.


    See the Live Ranking of the New 7 Wonders of Nature Nominees


    The New 7 Wonders of the World were announced during the Official Declaration ceremony in Lisbon, Portugal on Saturday, July 7, 2007 - 07.07.07.

    Halong Bay

    The bay covers more than 430 square km and is dotted with nearly 800 limestone and islands that rise spectacularly from the ocean and is renowned for diverse geographical features such as a unique system of caves that were formed by the encroaching sea ( )
    Halong travel guide
    Halong beaches
    Hotels in Halong

    Mt. Fansipan (3,143m)

    At 3143m, Mt Fansipan is the highest peak in Vietnam and the entire Indochina peninsula. The summit towers is 19km from Sapa, often obscured by clouds and can be reached only on foot. The peak is accessible all year to those in good shape and properly equipped, but don’t underestimate the challenge ( )
    Sapa travel guide
    Hotels in Sapa

    Phong Nha Cave

    Phong Nha - Ke Bang is a national park in the center of Quang Binh province in north-central Vietnam. It protects one of the world’s two
    largest karst regions with several hundred
    caves and grottoes. The park deprives it name from Phong Nha cave, the most beautiful of all, containing many fascinating rock formations, and Ke Bang forest ( )
    Quang Binh travel guide

    New7wonders2008.com project is made & contributed by ActiveTravelVietnam.com and TACi Group