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Bai
Tu Long bay
4days
highlights
Local
interaction
Boat
ride through
Halong
Bay
and Bai Tu Long Bay limestone islands
Deserted
beaches of Quan Lan and
Cai
Rong
Islands
No
other tourists...
itinerary
disclaimer
The
itinerary attached is correct at time of printing. It may differ
slightly to the one in reality. Occasionally our itineraries
change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers,
comments and our own research. Please note that our brochure is
usually released by the end of each year. If you have booked from
the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to
improve the itinerary. It is very important that you print a final
copy of your Trip Dossier to review a couple of days prior to
travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans
DETAIL
ITINERARY
Day
1
Hanoi
– Ha long bay – Quan Lan island
This
morning you will be picked up from the hotel, then take an
airconditioned bus to
Halong City. Arriving in Ha Long City, you will have time for lunch
(included) in a local restaurant before boarding the ferry to
Quan
Lan
Island. On board the ferry you will have the opportunity to take in the
breathtaking scenery of Bai Tu Long Bay during the 4˝ hour
journey.
Arriving
at
Quan
Lan
Island
, a Vietnamese tuk-tuk will take you to your bungalow on the
beach. It is then free time to chill, read, or take a walk along
the beach.
Note
:You can book a private boat (140 usd) to visit the caves and have
lunch on boat
Overnight:
beach bungalow
Meal:
lunch
Day
2 Quan Lan
Today
is a free day to chill out and relax. A popular option is to hire
a bicycle and take a photographic trip around the Island, which
will allow you to glimpse the remoteness and untouched scenery
that was
Vietnam
before wide-scale tourism made its impact.
Overnight
: beach bungalow
Meals:
breakfast
Day
3 Quan Lan – Cai Rong
Early
this morning you will take a local ferry to Cai
Rong Island, about 3 hours from Quan Lan. Take time to see some beauty spots
on the island like Van Don harbour (
Vietnam’s oldest trade harbour), Cai Rong town market, Hang Doi (Bat
Cave) and especially the
Cua
Ong Temple. Overnight in Cai Rong
Overnight:
Duy Khanh hotel or similar
Meal:
breakfast
Day
4 Cai Rong- Hanoi
After
breakfast our car will come to pick you up from the hotel for a 4
hour drive to
Hanoi
Meal:
breakfast
travel
style: Independent
If
you're looking for something different or you want an extension to your trip, an Independent
adventure could be just the thing. These private itineraries will
take you to a new level of personal experience and self discovery.
They can accommodate a special interest, such as cookery or meditation, or can be as simple as a beach break. Transport, accommodation standard and inclusions vary from trip to trip
group
size
N/A
as this trip is on a private basis
transport
private
Air-conditioned vehicle, boat.
accommodation
2
nights in beach bungalow and 1 night in standard class hotel
This trip operates on a
twin share basis (two single beds in one room). Single supplements
are only applicable to single travellers who wish to have their
own room
physical
rating * easy
Your itinerary may include easy paced walks or bike rides, but these are on mainly flat ground.
travel
insurance
Travel
insurance is highly recommended on these trips. When selecting a
travel insurance policy we recommend that at a minimum you are
covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We
also recommend that the policy also covers personal liability,
cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects
money
exchange
Currency
exchange rates often fluctuate. For the most up to date rates
please refer to the following website: http://www.oanda.com/.
The
official currency in
Vietnam
is Dong (VND). The Dong at the time of writing trades at
approximately 16,000 VND to USD1. The US dollar, preferably crisp
clean bills, can be used to
directly purchase goods and services along with the local
currency,. Travelers checks can be
cashed at authorized foreign exchange outlets and banks and
require presentation of passport. There is normally a 2 to 5
percent transaction fee for cashing,
however it can be difficult to change traveller's
checks outside the big cities. Other major international
currencies may be exchanged in the main cities, where Visa and
MasterCards may also be used for cash advances. ATMs are available
in most large towns throughout
Vietnam
. Most hotels offer exchange services at a reasonable rate. It is
not possible to exchange Vietnamese Dong outside the country so
convert or spend all your Dong before leaving. Black markets are
reemerging in
Vietnam
but are considered a danger and best avoided
Make
sure that the Vietnamese notes you receive are not torn, this
because many shops and restaurants will not accept them. Also try
not to change too much money at one time, as you will end up with
a large wad of notes.
spending
money
Every
traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements
will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other
travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please
consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for
drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following
specific recommendations when planning your trip.
final
payment
Your
final payment needs to be paid to us before the commencement of the tour. We recommend that you organise before
arriving at your destination. If this is not possible, money
exchanges and banks can be found at the Airport upon arrival, or
close to the starting point hotel, where its possible to obtain US
dollars. Charges or commissions may apply.
meal
inclusions
3
breakfasts and 1 lunch
While
travelling with us you will experience the vast array of wonderful
food available in
Vietnam
. Generally, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where
and what to eat, not all meals are included in the trip price. Your
group leader/guide will be able to suggest favourite restaurants
during your trip.
meal
budget
please
allow USD10 each day for meals not included
You
will also need to allow enough money for drinks
and shopping.
tipping
Tipping
is very much appreciated by local guides, hotel staff, drivers and
restaurant staff. To avoid embarrassment and save you money we recommend that you prepare a tipping budget. As a guide, allow US$ 5-8 per day.
emergency
fund
Please
also make sure you have access to an additional USD400 as an
'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our
control (eg. A natural disaster) necessitate a change to our
planned route or unforeseen incidents such as an outbreak of Avian
Influenza. This is a rare occurrence!
For
comparability, all prices in this dossier are quoted in one
currency. We use the US Dollar since that is familiar to most.
However, once on tour you will need to pay for all goods and
services in the local currency.
SUPPLEMENTARY
TOUR INFORMATION
arrival
complications
We don't
expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you
are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible
please contact our management, requesting that you speak to or
leave a message for us. To do this, please refer to our Emergency
Contact.
If
you have pre-booked an airport transfer you will be met on arrival
at
Hanoi
Airport
. Our representative will be holding a sign with your name when
you exit the airport terminal. If for any reason you cannot locate
the person please call our management and if you have not made
contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing
customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way
to the starting point hotel. If you take a taxi directly from the
airport expect to pay around 150,000 Dong (approx. US$10). Use a
metered taxi and avoid taxi touts. Providing you were eligible for
a transfer you will then be reimbursed for this cost on arrival.
emergency
contact
Vietnam
Spirit Travel's Hanoi Office can be reached on Tel: 84 4 37192898
Hotlines
84 1685 734 016 and 84 987 876 013 or alternatively email
info@vietnamspirittravel.com
pre
and post tour accommodation
If you
require extra nights accommodation before or after your tour, we
will be happy to organise this for you. The rates for this service
are shown in the price section. Our pre and post tour
accommodation rates include the cost of a hotel room along with
local taxes, booking services and administration expenses. It is
therefore likely that hotel rates available locally will be lower
than those offered in our brochure. It is not compulsory for you
to book your pre/post tour accommodation through Vietnam Spirit
Travel. Any extra nights accommodation required should be booked
at the same time that you book your tour. We will always try to
book extra nights accommodation in the same hotel that has been
designated as the Starting Point for your tour, but in certain
circumstances, this may not be possible. If your extra
accommodation is prior to the start of the tour your voucher
should be presented to the hotel reception upon check-in. If the
extra accommodation is after the end of your tour, the voucher
should be presented when the accommodation included in your tour
has ended
keeping
in touch-communication while on the road
If you
need to be contacted while travelling we recommend that you set up
an email address that can be accessed on the road, rather than
relying on postal mail. Email cafes are becoming increasingly
commonplace and cheap throughout
Vietnam
, and have quickly become the preferred way for our leaders/guides
and travellers to stay in touch. If someone wishes to contact you
in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend
that they refer to our Emergency Contact at
info@vietnamspirittravel.com
or fax 08 4 37192898
or call
our hot lines 84 1685 734 016 or 84 987 876 013
We
recommend that family and friends don't try to contact you through
phoning hotels en route, as our hotels are subject to change, and
our hotel receptions often don't have English speaking staff.
your
fellow travellers
As you
travel on a trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and
maybe also some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your
fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world
and are likely to be of a variety of ages too. We ask you to be
understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group -
patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the
benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you
have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at
a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of
the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very
best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the
group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.
your
tour guide
All
Independent trips are accompanied by an experienced local English
speaking guide. The aim of the guide is to take the hassle out of
your travels and provide information on the places you are
travelling through including historical, cultural, religious and
social aspects, offer suggestions for things to do and see,
recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local
friends so as to help you have the best trip possible
what
to take
You
can leave your main baggage at the hotel in
Hanoi
and take a small bag on the tour
checklist
Sun
block
Insect
Repellant
Passport
Camera
and Film
Money
(there are no banking facilities in the area)
local
dress
When
packing be aware that dress standards are conservative throughout
this region. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful
and cool in the predominantly hot Asian climate. In winter months
the extra length will keep you warm! Generally speaking, neat and
tidy clothing is also appreciated in
Vietnam
. Shorts should be knee length and singlets/ tanktops are also not
recommended.
a
couple of rules
Illegal
drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. Possessing or using
drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the
rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part
of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable
for Vietnam Spirit travellers. Vietnam Spirit Travel's philosophy
of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in
particular the local people who make our destinations such special
places. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to
this philosophy. Our group leader/guide has the right to expel any
member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or they
use prostitutes.
a
word of warning
As
Vietnam
embraces capitalism with open arms it is also falling victim to
some of the problems of the West. Some parts of city centres are
now a favourite hangout for pickpockets. If doing some exploring
on your own carry only the necessary minimum with you and use a
well-hidden money belt. Valuables, including your passport, should
be left in the hotel safe - organize this at reception. There is
no need to get paranoid, just be cautious.
feedback
After
your travels, we want to hear from you! This is so important to us
and at the end of the trip we ask you to complete an online
survey. Please visit our feedback page on the website.
Before
you travel it is essential that you read carefully this dossier
which you can download from our website.
We
regularly update our dossiers. Please check our website to ensure
that you have the most up to date copy
The
itinerary and supplementary information has been compiled with
care and provided in good faith. However it may be subject to
change, and DOES NOT form part of a contract between the client
and
Vietnam
Spirit Travel
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