Journey to a local village by cyclo. ⢠Meet a local rural family and learn about the culture. ⢠Explore the narrow w
Essence Tours: Vietnam November 2015
Hanoi & Surroundings • Bay of Descending Dragons • Monuments and Alleyways • Waterways and Karsts
Saigon • Past and Present
Vietnam
Sapa • H’Mong Valley Trail
Hoi An •Highlights and Hidden Charms
Essence Tours: Vietnam Essence of Ha Long: The Bay of Descending Dragons L’Azalee’s private Cruises offer customers an opportunity to discover the unique beauty of Halong Bay, northern Vietnam’s scenic gem. With private cruises specifically designed to provide an exclusive and very individualized experience, these cruises don’t miss out on any of the highlights, from kayaking excursions to cave exploration. • Offer two different basic itineraries, the guest and the host/captain can discuss and decide about the cruise route at the start. • Guests are invited to choose their preferred menus and drinks selection prior to sailing. Full board package included. • Absolute privacy during the whole trip. 2 guests have their own boat and a small crew to tend to their every need. • Option for private sea plane transfer from Hanoi.
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Essence Tours: Vietnam Essence of Hanoi: Monuments and Alleyways Explore some of the highlights of central Hanoi with a visit to Ho Chi Minh’s final resting place - an imposing mausoleum in the centre of the government district - and The Temple of Literature. From there, travel through small streets and alleyways to lunch before taking in a boutique lunch. Refreshed, meander and weave through the Old Quarter’s alleyways to see some of this frenetic districts’ intriguing sights. • We see the sights but get away from the Old Quarter and explore the real Hanoi • Lovely boutique surroundings in an old mansion for lunch • Visit Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum and Hanoi’s ancient university • Enjoy traditional Vietnamese coffee 7
Essence Tours: Vietnam Essence of Sapa: H’Mong Valley Trail
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North of Sapa Town, this immersive trekking journey explores the quiet valleys surrounding the village of O Quy Ho. The valley sits in the shadow of Fansipan Mountain, and you can enjoy superb views of the mountain range. Pass by tea farms and hike along the rice terraces past grazing buffalo and toiling farmers. Hear the story of the Black H’Mong migration, visit a local Black H’Mong home, and learn about the distinct cultures that make northern Vietnam so fascinating. Exclusive - the only tour operated in this area Very few tourists, but a gentle trail Experience the tranquil and idyllic scenery of the path less-traveled far away from the popular trekking routes thronging with tourists. Opportunity to communicate with a local Black H’Mong family – go beyond the window into a local life.
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Essence Tours: Vietnam Essence of Hoi An: Highlights and Hidden Charms Spend the morning enjoying the highlights of Hoi An’s old town - including assembly halls, ancient houses, pagodas and the famous Japanese Bridge. After tea in a local tea house and lunch in a boutique restaurant before leaving the town behind to explore the calm of the surrounding countryside. Here you can chat with and get to know the locals and explore the waterways of a coconut forest by bamboo boat before returning to the town for a sunset cocktail. • See the best of the old town on a morning walking tour • Journey to a local village by cyclo • Meet a local rural family and learn about the culture • Explore the narrow waterways of a coconut forest by bamboo boat. • Lunch in the famous Green Mango restaurant 15
Essence Tours: Vietnam Essence of Saigon: Past and Present Explore the highlights and encounter the hidden charm of Ho Chi Minh City on a guided, comfortable journey through Vietnam’s southern metropolis. After visits to the Central Post Office, Opera House, Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum and Ben Thanh Market, set off on an exclusive wander through the fascinating ancient alleyways of Chinatown District for some cultural surprises. • Visit the highlights but also get a chance to see the busy streets of Saigon up close by cyclo • Great food Mandarin restaurant with cooking demonstration. • Learn about Vietnam’s recent and tragic history in the war remnants museum • Enjoy a local fruit market and herbal medicine street 19
Essence Tours: Vietnam Essence of Ninh Binh: Waterways and Karsts Take a day trip from Hanoi to the stunning countryside around Ninh Binh; a rural province south of Hanoi. Pick a deserted path through the ricefields, away from other tourists and learn about the agricultural way of life still so prevalent in large swathes of Vietnam. Enjoy lunch at a local homestay and take a boat trip along still rivers between green rice fields before heading back to Hanoi. • Get the real experience of being a farmer in rual Vietnam • Interact with lcoals and learn about their way of life – maybe even take them on in a game of chess • Private boat trip through beautiful scenery • Delicious Vietnamese food and welcoming atmosphere in local family house and learn some cooking skills. • Includes transfer to and from Hanoi
