Madagascar - The Land of The White Pygmies

One of the fourth largest islands in the world, Madagascar is surrounded by beautiful beaches and palm trees filled with natural reserves, grassy plateaus and dense forests. The Republic of Madagascar lies in the Indian Ocean separated from the African mainland by the 248 mile wide Mozambique Channel. The eco tourist friendly place is fun to enjoy amidst beautiful flowering plants natural history and a great place to explore and have an adventure of a lifetime.

Antananarivo

Antananarivo - Capital city of Madagascar

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The place retains most of its French flavor with French being the main language spoken here. Even the road and shop signs are in French.

Anjajavy Reserve

Anjajavy Reserve

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This is the best place to not only enjoy the natural habitat but also the natural history of the place. It is a nicely preserved habitat of dry deciduous forest with a lot of mouse lemurs, Coquerel’s sifaka, chameleons and the Madagascan fish eagle and of course the lovely beaches.

Ankarana Reserve

Ankarana Reserve

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Situated 65 km south of Diego Suarez, it has a plateau made of limestone in the shape of a fortress decorated with fields of pinnacles. You can find subterranean rivers, caves and passages underneath the plateau.

Mahajanga

Mahajanga - Town of Flowers

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Mahajanga, situated at the mouth of the Betsiboka River is a wonderful place to be in surrounded by shaded arcades, flowering bougainvillea shrubs and pre-colonial architecture. The place also has many churches and mosques.

Ambohimanga

Ambohimanga

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Ambohimanga is the birthplace of Malagasy state and is a significant Merina stronghold. The citadel’s main gate is a huge stone disc.

Markets of Madagascar

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The markets here are full of life with the various colors and scents. In fact, the daily Zoma Market is stated to be the second largest in the world. Other busy and interesting markets are the Bazary Be and the Toamasina Market which is the country’s main port.

Things to do

Visit the country’s national monument in Antananarivo which is the Queen’s Palace and the Royal Palace or Rova said to be occupied by the Merina Dynasty in the 19^th century.

Don’t miss out on Ampefy which is a volcanic region with beautiful waterfalls and a natural reserve, Perinet that has innumerable species of orchid and the indri or the tailless lemur.

For those interested in water sports, try water skiing or sailing at Lake Mantasoa, Andraikiba Lake and Ramona. You can also do some river rafting in the Highlands and on the East Coast.

Relax on the innumerable beaches like for instance the one in Antseranana which is a cosmopolitan seaport overlooking lakes, waterfalls and grottoes.

Do snorkeling and diving at the tourist friendly place like Nosy Be.

How to get there

Madagascar can be reached by air anytime. Air Madagascar offers many frequent air services to and fro. Moving around in Madagascar can be done by the many coastal transport services. Small boat safaris are also available. Other modes of travel are the bus, train, taxi and rickshaw. Car and bikes are also available on hire to make your ride more personal and convenient.

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Tasmania - The Land of the Tasmanian Devil

Ask any child about the Tasmanian Devil and he is bound to identify the cartoon character on television. But, Tasmania is much more than this national emblem and its natural heritage called the Tasmanian Tiger. Situated 200 km south of Australia, Tasmania or Tassie as it is affectionately known is all about exotic sceneries, beautiful beaches, caves and gorgeous surf and a fun place to have the greatest adventure of your life. Combining modern facilities like restaurants, shopping centers, nightclubs and historic sites, Tasmania is all that you wanted to experience during a vacation not to mention the famous Wines of Tasmania and the Tasmanian Apples.

Cradle Mountain National Park

Waterfall - Cradle Mountain National Park

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Cradle Mountain Park with the Dove Lake and the Lake St. Clair National Park with their alpine peaks and beautiful lakes make it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tasmania. As you take a leisurely walk you can experience and enjoy the natural beauty. What makes it all appealing is that there are a lot of places like the beaches for instance that are not crowded giving you more opportunities to appreciate the soothing atmosphere.

Port Arthur

Port Arthur

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Port Arthur is a historic site bringing alive the ruins of a cruel criminal colony in Tasmania where prisoners were sent. The place stands today as a reminiscence of survival. Today, the place is surrounded by impressive architecture and beautiful gardens and a museum.

The Tasmanian Tiger

The Tasmanian Tiger

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The Tasmanian Tiger is a national emblem of Tasmania. It became extinct due to the European settlers way back. Another Tasmanian creature facing threat is the Tasmanian Devil. A Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park exists in Tasmania especially to make the people aware of its existence and the importance of preserving it.

Things to Do

Tasmania is a great place for people interested in adventure sports. You can have fun kayaking, river rafting, jump falls, climbing, hang gliding, jet boating, sailing, golf and fishing.

Don’t miss out on visiting wineries like the Cascade Brewery which is Australia’s oldest operating brewery against the background of the Mount Wellington and untouched forest area.

Take a river cruise through the beautiful Gordon river from Strahan and enjoy the rainforest with the river flowing below.

Take a walk around Sullivan’s Cove and the Salamanca Markets. Many fishing boats, tall-masted wooden vessels and millionaire yachts come there. There are shops selling craft materials apart from coffee shops and eateries so you can have fun shopping and dining too.

Visit Hobart, the capital of Tasmania located down below Mount Wellington and Mount Nelson. Here, you get to experience the urban side of Tasmania with restaurants, shopping malls, clubs and other facilities available.

How to reach there

You can reach Tasmania by flight and with numerous flights available to and fro Tasmania making the place a well sought after economical destination. Getting around Tasmania is easy with buses run by Metro Tasmania being the largest passenger transport company in Tasmania. Cars (both public and private) are also available on hire.

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Orlando - Entertainment 24X7

If you are in search of wholesome entertainment for your vacation then this time, make it to Orlando. It is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. Located in central Florida, it is famous the world over for attractions like Disney World, Universal Studio and Sea World. Named Orlando after a brave soldier Orlando Reeves who fought during the war against the Seminole Indian in 1836, Orlando is one great place to have fun. In fact, there are so many places to see, enjoy and have fun that you might run out of time!
Orlando’s main attractions are its theme parks.
The Walt Disney World Resort is one such tourist attraction.
Walt Disney World Resort

Walt Disney World Resort

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The Walt Disney World has four theme parks with 24 onsite resorts, golf courses, water courses and interactive video game park not to leave out the shopping area. The high tech rides, the wonderful shows with the cute characters provide great entertainment to last a lifetime!
Universal Studios, Orlando

Universal Studios, Orlando

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Universal Studios in Orlando has three onsite hotels and two amusement parks offering interactive adventure rides based on movies like Shrek, Revenge of the Mummy, Jaws, Men in Black, Alien Attack, Terminator, Jurassic Park and many more interesting movies. The whole process is great fun leaving you no time to pause and wonder. Universal Express Passes are available that offer faster access to select rides.
Sea World Adventure Park

Sea World Adventure Park, Orlando

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The Park is filled with a host of things like an amusement park, aquarium, beer garden, sea lions, whales, dolphins and the ever so cute otters. The Kraken roller coaster ride is another added attraction. It is also well known for the Sea World Animal Rescue Team that rescues endangered animals and takes care of them till they are fine.
Things to Do
Take an airboat trip through the headwaters of the Florida everglades or take a helicopter or even a hot air balloon ride giving you an entirely new experience.
Dine in the various theme restaurants with food served to you from all over the globe.
Take a walk in the Lake Eola Park if the roller coasters tire you out. The Park is filled with fountains, swans and a playground. The whole family is bound to enjoy it.
Go hiking in the Ocala National Forest if you need a change from all the parks.
The Disney town of Celebration is another place that is worth visiting if you have time on your hands. The place has an interactive fountain, beautiful houses and a playground for children to play.
How to get there
You can reach Orlando at the Orlando International Airport (MCO) being ranked one of the second largest airports in the world. Within Orlando, transportation is best done by FL Tours that take you to the all the places you want to go without any hitch. Trains, buses and cruises are also available as alternative methods of travel.

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The Swiss Connection in Switzerland

The Land of the Alps, Switzerland is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the entire world. It is bordered by countries like Germany, France, Austria and Italy and offers some of the most panoramic views giving you ample opportunities to ski, fish, hunt and do some boating. No wonder, people rush to Switzerland for a grand holiday, with many movies shooting some of their best shots here. It is also one of the richest countries in the world with numerous people having Swiss accounts. There is plenty that you can see in Switzerland so you need to plan your visit beforehand. Here are some of the places you just cannot not miss.
Chillon Castle

Chillon Castle

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It is one of the most famous castles in Switzerland located on the shore of Lake Geneva. It has around 100 buildings and all date way back to the 11^th century related to the Savoy nobility.
Piz Gloria atop Schilthorn Mountain

Piz Gloria

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2970 m above sea level
The Piz Gloria is a revolving restaurant atop the Schilthorn Mountain in the Swiss Alps. Apart from its unique location and structure, it is well known for having been used as the shooting site for one of James Bond’s movies, ‘On Her Majesty’s Service.’ The restaurant gives you a 360 degree view of the entire place even as you dine. It is definitely, one of the most spectacular sights in Switzerland.


Chalet in Switzerland

Chalet

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No stay or visit in Switzerland is complete if you haven’t stayed in a chalet which is a traditional wooden house. It makes you feel very cozy and comfortable.
Geneva Jet D’eau

Geneva Jet D’eau

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Considered as a symbol of the land, the fountain is located in the heart of one of the main cities in Switzerland and projects water as high as 140 meters.
What not to miss out on in Switzerland
Mountain sports are one of the most popular pastimes in Switzerland. So, don’t miss out ice climbing, ski touring, glacier walking and snowboarding.
Do take a ride in one of the world’s highest aerial cable cars up the Little Matterhorn at Zermatt.
Enjoy some of the country’s street parades or theatre performances.
Go lake cruising or ferrying on lakes like Lake Zurich, Lake Geneva, or Lake Constance.
Travel by the Glacier Express, one of Europe’s greatest rail journeys.
Traveling in Switzerland
Traveling in Switzerland is one of the smoothest and comfortable things that you will ever experience here. The public transport is clean, clear and punctual. You can get discount options on tickets for buses, trains or bike rentals. Driving by car is also one of the best ways to explore the country.
Currency

All ATMs accept foreign cards so getting cash is no problem. Although Switzerland is not part of the European Union, almost all public places like restaurants, supermarkets and the like accept Euro. Of course, the currency basically used here is the Swiss franc.
Best Known Products

If you are here in Switzerland how can you not have a look or purchase some of the world’s best known Swiss watches (Rolex, Omega), the famous Swiss chocolates (Nestle is a Swiss company by the way), the delicious Swiss cheese and of course the impressive Swiss knives!

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Eastern Cape – The Land of The Great Karoo

Filled with sunshine the whole year around, the Eastern Cape is one great place to go for a vacation. If it is the seaside you are searching for or beautiful greenery and unspoiled areas of natural beauty then, the Eastern Cape is the place for you. A great hit amongst people wanting to get away from hurried, strenuous city life, the Eastern Cape serves as a respite with its innumerable mountains, game reserves, beaches and beautiful landscape. It is the second largest of South Africa’s nine provinces with world famous leaders like Nelson Mandela born here.

Port Elizabeth

Friendly City, Port Elizabeth

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The capital city of Eastern Cape is called so because it offers fun and attraction for families interested in a nice vacation filled with wildlife, nature trails and plenty of water sports. Port Elizabeth is the largest city on the coast between Cape Town and Durban.

Karoo Heartland

‘Dry heart’ of South Africa

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The large open spaces, the mountains, the towns and villages embedded with history and tradition and the beautiful sunsets personify all that is Eastern Cape in South Africa. The beauty of the rocky mountains and the succulents apart from the varies animals make a visit to Karoo Heartland a great experience.

Things to do

Don’t miss out on East London, the only river port city here filled with wide unending stretches of white beaches. The place boasts of its African lineage very harmoniously revealing its English and German connections too. People are very friendly here adding to your holiday pleasure.

Do visit Sunshine Coast that is filled with beaches, water sports, sheltered coves and the nature reserves. Its main charm is that it is yet to get commercialized unlike other tourist destinations.

Visit the Addo Elephant Park which also contains the Sundays River Valley a, crook formed within the Elephant Park.

Visit the Nelson Mandela Museum in Qunu which gives you an insight into the life of the man who freed mankind from the shackles of discrimination. See the Bhunga Building in Umtata, Mvezo, the birthplace of Mandela and Qunu, a village where the Youth and Heritage Center stands today.

Don’t miss Tsitsikamma which is a splendid piece of land surrounded by ancient trees and homes of wild animals. Gorges carve their way out through the mountains and trickle into clean streams, pools and even waterfalls. The Storms River is one such river. Canopy tours are available here.

Play with real lion cubs in the Seaview Lion Park in Port Elizabeth. Other animals like the giraffe, zebra, duiker monkeys and other species walk freely in this natural reserve.

Tstisikamma - place of abundant water

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How to get there

The airports are at Port Elizabeth and East London. When you get into Eastern Cape, moving around in a car is the best option especially between cities and towns. Minibuses are also available for longer distances. The train service is best suited for areas like the Wild Coast for the beautiful scenery otherwise; road travel is the best here.

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Pretty Venice: Land of Canals and Churches

Filled with attractive and beautiful monuments, Venice is one of the most important cities of Italy and of course, one of the most famous tourist destinations the world over. Its history dates back to more than 1,500 years old connecting about 117 islands with about 150 canals, around 400 bridges and innumerable ancient pavements and landmarks that still attract visitors in hordes. For those looking for a place that offers interesting towns, beautiful Gothic architecture, delicious Italian cuisine and of course most venerated and spectacular churches then, Venice is the place to go.
St. Mark’s Basilica (Basilica San Marco)

Cathedral of Venice

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It is one of the most famous sights in Venice dedicated to St. Mark in the 9^th century. The church is a real masterpiece with beautiful carvings and statutes with five large domes. For those interested in having a view from the roof, a lift takes you up from where you can get a beautiful view above the lagoons and rooftops.
The Grand Canal

The Grand Canal - Connecting the City

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The heart of Venice lies in the Grand Canal that is actually a long stretch of water running throughout the city. It is also referred to as ‘the most beautiful street in the whole of Venice.’



Rialto Bridge

Rialto Bridge - The first bridge built atop the Grand Canal

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The Rialto Bridge was the first stone bridge to replace the earlier wooden bridge on the Grand Canal and was constructed by Anotnio da Ponte (Anthony of the Bridge). It is one of the cities most famous bridges with the commercial hub operating right from there. The surrounding area is bustling with activity especially the ever popular fruit and vegetable market apart from the Fondaco dei Tedeschi or the central post office.
Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale)

Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale)

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Situated just next to St. Basilica, it is a must see in Venice. It is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture with the waterfront view simply splendid. Constructed initially as a fortress in the 9^th century, the building now includes the Scala d’Oro that is a huge ceremonial staircase and the Sala del Maggior Consiglio that is actually a Grand Council Chamber. Many paintings are also on display so a tour of this place is a must as it serves as a memorable museum of sorts.
Things to do

The first thing that you need to do here in Venice is to take a Grand Canal tour on a ‘vaporetti’ or water bus. It will surely be one of the most romantic and beautiful rides that you ever had.
Visit St. Mark’s Square or the Piazza San Marco which is a popular tourist attraction with cafes, live music and the general busy life dominant here. The Square is surrounded by beautiful buildings on all three sides making the visit all the more worthwhile.
Watch a glass blowing demonstration or glass sculpture on Murano Island.
Visit Burano Island filled with brightly colored buildings.
Take a hike on Torcello Island to see a nature reserve and beautiful scenery.
How to get there

The Venice Marco Polo Airport serves a number of domestic and international flights. Getting around in Venice is easy with sights within walking distance. While walking is a good way to find your way around (with a map of course), water buses, water taxis, gondolas are the most common means of getting around in the city. Of course, regular taxis, buses and trains are also available, but the heart of the city is by water travel.

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Vietnam Sighseeing Trekking Tour – Visit Mai Chau Tam Coc Sapa Bac Ha Halong Bay Hue Hoian Saigon Vinh Long Can Tho

The 21-day trip includes Vietnam important travel destinations and outdoor activities such as trekking in Mai chau, Trekking in Sapa, Hilltribe Colorful market, Countryside bicycle tour, Halong bay cruise with sea kayaking, Hue imperial citadel, Hoian ancient town, Ho Chi Minh busy city, the Mekong delta and much more.

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi.

Arrive at Noi Bai airport, Hanoi. You’ll be greeted at the airport by Lotussia local guide and driver and then escorted to your hotel in town. The rest of the day is free at leisure. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour. Travel to Maichau

A half day city tour of Vietnam’s capital. Hanoi is a unique city with tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and oriental temples. The city tour includes such sights as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature – The first National University of Vietnam and the Ethlology museum where you can find the biggest object collection of 54 Vietnamese ethnic groups.

In the afternoon, depart Hanoi for Hoa Binh province and up then to Mai Chau valley. This scenic drive takes around four hours. Along the way we pass fields of tapioca and sugar cane as well as rice paddies. Upon arriving in Mai Chau valley, we take a short walk around Lac & Poom Coong villages to have the first sights of the White Thai community culture.

In the evening, assist to the traditional music and dance show which is performed by The Thai young girls and boys. They all come from this village. Try also some rice alcohol made of traditional plants and local sticky rice. Overnight at stilt-house.

Day 3: Maichau Full day Hiking

Breakfast at the Thai stilt house then we leave the village for a full day hiking around. We will pass many different Thai hamlets, through rice fields, hill sides…Stop sometimes to visit local houses and talk with local people. And one of the highlight on this walk is to experience the everyday life and culture white Thai people and stay in their traditional house on stilts as honoured guests.

Day 4: Maichau – Ninhbinh. Boat trip visiting Kenh Ga floating village

Breakfast then we say good bye to the warm-hearted Thai people. Depart for Ninhbinh. We will arrive at Kenh Ga around noon.

Have your lunch in a local restaurant and try some specialty of the region. After lunch, the car will drive you to Kenh Ga floating village where you will take the boat trip along the beautiful river. Set on the banks of the Hoang Long River, Kenh Ga is a remarkable place, not only because it is surrounded by the same massive rocks that dominate Hoa Lu, but also because for most of the year the entire community lives on the water itself. The floating village of Kenh Ga receives relatively few visitors compared to nearby Hoa Lu and the peoples’ aquatic way of life has changed little over the centuries.

After the boat trip, continue our journey to Ninhbinh town where we stop for overnight.
Overnight at local guest-house.

Day 5: Ninhbinh Tam Coc – Hanoi – Laocai (Night train)

The river trip in Tam coc is wonderful for photo hunters, especially when local people come to harvest the water rice planted along the river, or when they transplant some seedling for the next crops. The tourists often compare the place with Guilin – China, or more closely, to the limestone islets of Halong Bay in the Tonkin Gulf for their similar geological structures and shapes. Thus Tam Coc is also called Halong-Bay-On-Land.

We move on to Tam Coc for a 3-hour boat trip along the Boi river. Along the way we will visit caves and ancient temples. After lunch we can make a visit Bich Dong Pagodas before making our way back to Hanoi.

After dinner (at your own account), transfer to Hanoi railway station to take the night train to Laocai. Overnight on the train.

Day 6: Laocai – Cancau – Bac Ha (This day must be Saturday)

The train arrive Laocai station early morning. You will be meet by another Lotussia local guide and driver. After having breakfast in town, start the ride up to Can Cau market. The ride is relatively flat from Lao Cai to Bao Nhai, where you will be taken through rural area. Situated in the mountains in border area, 20 km from Bac Ha, Can Cau is a small, but very colorful market. Opening only on Saturdays, it always delivers a very photogenic display of Flower Hmong, Black Zao, Phu La ethnic costumes. Chinese people also come for trading. After spending the whole morning exploring the market, you will leave the market for Bac Ha town for lunch.

In the afternoon, you will take a walk to Ban Pho village of Nung and Flower Hmong, which locate in a small valley. The villagers grow vegetables and fruit trees. One of the most famous fruit of the area is plum. You will be able to visit a local house, where you might have chance to taste a cup of corn wine, another famous product of the village. You will go back to hotel late in the afternoon.

Overnight in Bac Ha.

Day 7: Bacha – Sapa (This day must be Sunday)

After having a morning coffee, you take a short walk to visit the old castle of the former Hmong King. From there you can have a view over the town. You will then visit the huge market of Bac Ha with its colorful array of ethnic minority people such as Flower Hmong, Phu La, Black Dao, Tay, Nung who gather to buy and sell. After spending the whole morning exploring the market, your lunch will be served in a local restaurant.

After lunch, you drive downhill for about half an hour. You will then start a short walk to Trung Do village, which belongs to the Tay minority. Here you can stop by a traditional Tay house for a cup of tea before you get on a boat. You will have a cruise upstream the Chay River to experience the picturesque scenes and the magnificent sight of a beautiful cave. The boat ride ends at Coc Ly, where you get on the car for the journey to Sapa.

Overnight in Sapa.

Day 8: Sapa – Ban Ho – Sinchai

The day commences with a jeep ride to the trekking route. The trek starts by walking through the incredibly scenic “Ban Ho” valley. Here you will have the opportunity to visit and explore the wooden houses, which traditionally belong to the Tay ethnic minority. You will then continue to walk to Thanh Phu village where you stop for lunch in a local house.

After lunchtime, you head to Sin Chai village of Red Dao minority where the night will be spent in bamboo huts. The wonderful hospitable atmosphere of the Red Dao will attract you.

Overnight in village.

Day 9: Sin Chai – Nam Nhiu – Nam Than – Thanh Phu

Today’s trek takes you through several villages where you will be able to meet Tay, Hmong and Xa Pho ethnic minorities. You will have time to photograph the beautiful rice paddy terraces and the surrounding mountain. On the way you will visit a local school. Your lunch will be prepared and served in a local house.

In the afternoon, you head back to Thanh Phu village of Tay minority. Here you will spend the night. You can take a walk to explore local daily life while your dinner will be served with Vietnamese dishes.

Day 10: Thanh Phu – My Son – Nam Toong – Sapa – Laocai – Hanoi

On the last day of the trek you will cross several suspension bridges and trek through lush rice paddy fields and stunning scenery. You have a unique opportunity to meet Xa Pho minority in My Son village, one of the smallest group ethnic living in Northern Viet Nam. They always maintain their unique costume and nomadic life. You trek uphill to Nam Toong village of Red Dao minority, where you have lunch in a local school.

In the afternoon, your trek will be firstly downhill to Ban Ho village where you will have time for a swim in the river. You will then climb toward Su Pan. The car will meet you there and take you then to Laocai railways station for the night train back to hanoi. Overnight on the train.

Day 11: Hanoi – Halong. Overnight on boat.

Arrive in Hanoi in the early morning, transfer to a local restaurant for early breakfast then depart to Halong. Enjoy the journey through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta and the scenery of rice fields, water buffalo and everyday Vietnamese village life. Arrive in Halong and board the Bai Tho traditional sailing junk (or similar junk). Whilst cruising the exquisite waters sample the regions fresh seafood. Visit the recently discovered Surprise Grotto with its great views, and on the next island see the yawning mouth of Bo Nau Cave. Alternatively journey to Dau Go Cave and nearby see the famous stalagmites and stalactites of Thien Cung Cave. Enjoy a swim in the emerald waters of Halong Bay at any spot that you wish to visit or take a kayaking trip to explore the Bay. Watch the sun set over the bay whilst enjoying a delicious dinner. Overnight on board junk.

Day 12: Halong – Hanoi

Wake up to fresh coffee and a wholesome breakfast before cruising back to Halong City. En route the junk weaves through strange-shaped rock formations that invite comparisons from fighting cocks to dragons. After another wonderful fresh seafood lunch (early) on board disembark at the dock at Halong City. Transfer back to Hanoi.

Enjoy a short cyclo excursion through the bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sales at these places. In the evening, attend to the water puppet whow, one of famous Vietnamese traditional art. Overnight in Ha Noi.

Day 13: Hanoi full day free

Breakfast at hotel. Full day free at leisure or for personal discovery of the town or to do some more shopping before leaving Hanoi.

Day 14: Hanoi – Hue (AM flight). Hue city tour.

Breakfast at hotel then transfer to Noibai airport for your flight to Hue. Flight number???. Dpt. At ?h. HAN-HUI.

You will be greeted at Hue airport by another Lotussia guide and driver and transfered to the hotel in town.

Starting visiting Hue by taking the boat trip on Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda considered as Royal Pagoda of the Nguyen Dynasty and Imperial Citadel.

In the afternoon, visit Mausoleums of Tu Duc or the one of Khai Dinh King. Visit a typical garden-house in Hue (Hue has another name as “city of garden”). Overnight at hotel.

Day 15: Hue city tour. Hue – Danang – Hoian

Breakfast at hotel. Depart for Lang Co, a small village of fishermen. Taking photograph from Hai Van Pass (The pass of Sea and Cloud). Visit Cham Museum in Danang. Free lunch en route.

You will arrive in Hoian in the afternoon. Free dinner and overnight in Hoian.

Day 16: Hoian

Start the visit of this charming small town, first commercial center in Vietnam since the 15th century, with more than 800 classified buildings : Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Old house, Assembly Hall Chinese. Phuc Kien Pagoda, Hoian Museum and Market. After lunch, continue the visit. In the evening, walk on the river Thu Bon in sunset. Free diner in town. Overnight at hotel.

Day 17: Hoian – Danang – Saigon. Saigon city tour.

After breakfast, transfer to Danang airport for the morning flight to Saigon. Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh city airport, you will be meet by another Lotussia local guide and driver and transferred to city center.

Start the tour with Ho Chi Minh City highlights including the Post Office, cathedral, Reunification palace, centre town, then continuation towards Cholon, visit Thien Hau temple, Binh Tay market. Free lunch in town.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 18: Ho Chi Minh city – Tay Ninh & Cuchi Tunnels - Ho Chi Minh city.

Breakfast at hotel. Enjoy a morning drive through typical southern Vietnamese countryside to Tay Ninh Province in the west of Vietnam. At Tay Ninh visit the incredible Cao Dai Great Temple, with architecture that could have come straight from a Walt Disney fantasy and where all the major faiths of the world blend together in a unique religious cocktail. After lunch in a local restaurant visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground tunnel network constructed by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the long struggle for independence. Overnight in Saigon

Day 19: Saigon – Vinhlong – Cantho

Breakfast at hotel. Then drive to Cai Be. Upon arrial in Caibe, we take a boat trip to visit Cai Be floating market, fruits and orchards. Stop for walking on the village roads to visit the Rice Paper workshop, Pop Corn and Rice workshop. Lunh is in a farmer’s house at the fruit or bonsai garden. Procceed to Vinh Long town by boat then transfer to Cantho.

Overnight in Cantho

Day 20: Cantho – Saigon

Depart Can Tho to Cai Rang, take a boat trip to Cai Rang floating market. You also have the opportunity to stop by an island to watch local villagers producing instand rice noodles, aboat builder yard and rice – husking. Drive back to Saigon, check in hotel. Overnight in HCMC.

Day 21: Saigon Departure.

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