Hanoi to Singapore - Overland Trip
6 weeks: Hanoi to Singapore (IMT-SAHS08)
Intro
Youve got all the time in the world! But how do you spend it? Waiting for trains that dont show, overcrowded buses, hotels that have seen better days? Dont waste your time or your money! This trip takes in just about everything that South East Asia has to offer with some offbeat and unusual extras. Join us for this trip of a lifetime.Group Size
Max 18Activities
Hilltribe trek to ethnic minority villages, sea kayaking on Halong Bay, snorkelling, optional hiking in Koh Pha Ngan and the Cameron HighlandsTrek grade
ModerateAccommodation
29 nights simple hotels, 2 nights village houses, 1 night on board boat, 3 nights sleeper train, 2 nights island hut on Whale Island, 1 night homestay, 4 nights beach bungalowsTransport
Private and public bus, reunification express, cyclo, local boat, cruise boat on Halong Bay, songthaew (pick-up truck), sleeper trainFully Escorted
By Imaginative Traveller tour leader, services of qualified guides while trekking, kayaking in the Mekong Delta and guide at Angkor WatMeals
As per itinerary. B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner. On days where meals are not included, allow US$12 per dayITINERARY NOTE
From November - April the tour visits Krabi Province instead of Koh Pha Ngan. Please see trip dossier for more details.Itineraries
Day 1, HANOIArrive Hanoi.
Day 2, HANOIA free day in this elegant city. You can visit the fascinating Ho Chi Minh museum, amble through the winding streets of the Old Quarter or relax in a café by Hoan Kiem Lake. (B)
Day 3, HILLTRIBE TREKTravel west to Hoa Binh province. We visit the White Thai village of Sa Linh and then take a 3 hour trek to the village of Hang Kia. Our hosts for the evening are the Hmong minority people. Their hospitality allows us to find out a little more about their lives and culture - and they will want to learn about you too. (BLD)
Day 4, HILLTRIBE TREKFollowing breakfast we set off on foot for Van village, inhabited by White Thai people (7 hrs walking). Our hosts this evening will treat us to a fine meal and stories of life in Van. Watch out for their home-brewed rice wine! (BLD)
Day 5, HILLTRIBE TREKTrek to Khoe Village from where we drive back to Hanoi (3 hrs walking). (B)
Day 6, HALONG BAY KAYAKING SAFARIIn Halong City we board a private boat to cruise through Halong Bay to the isolated Ho Ba Ham Island. Lunch will be served on board as we cruise and we have the rest of the day to explore the area by kayak or on foot. Tonight you can sleep below deck or under the carpet of stars on deck. (BLD)
Day 7, HALONG BAY KAYAKING SAFARIMore kayaking this morning as we head towards Cat Ba Island. We continue to Hai Phong by local ferry then return to Hanoi. (BL)
Day 8, HANOIFree time until we board the Reunification Express train to Hue. (B)
Days 9-10, HUEWe spend a day and a half in Hue, famous for its stunning imperial architecture and the Perfume River. (Day 10 - B)
Day 11, HOI ANTravel to Hoi An via Ocean Cloud Pass, Danang and China Beach. (B)
Day 12, HOI ANFree day in Hoi An. Travellers love Hoi Ans laid back atmosphere. (B)
Days 13-14, WHALE ISLANDTransfer by road and boat to secluded Whale Island. Two days to swim, laze on pristine beaches or go snorkelling amidst lovely coral gardens. (Day 13 - BD, Day 14 - BLD)
Day 15, WHALE ISLAND - NHA TRANGLate departure from this paradise island and travel south towards Nha Trang, a laid back beach resort. (B)
Day 16, NHA TRANGTheres time to check out the town before we board the overnight train to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). (B)
Day 17, SAIGON (HO CHI MINH CITY)Arrive in Saigon and transfer to the hotel. Free day.
Day 18, MEKONG DELTA HOMESTAYA day exploring the area by boat and on foot provides a great opportunity to learn about life in the delta. Tonight we are guests of a local family. (BLD)
Day 19, MEKONG DELTA - SAIGONThis morning we visit an authentic floating market before returning to Saigon. (B)
Day 20, SAIGONFree day in Saigon. (B)
Day 21, SAIGON - PHNOM PENHToday we travel across the Viet/Cambodian border by bus to Phnom Penh. Arrive late afternoon, time to explore.
Day 22, PHNOM PENHMorning guided tour to visit Royal Palace, National Museum. We will also take time to uncover the history of Cambodias recent tragic past with an optional visit to Tuoel Sleng the former Khmer Rouge torture centre. The visit will also include the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek.
Day 23, PHNOM PENH SIEM REAPThis morning we have an early start and travel to Siem Reap, our gateway to a long awaited visit to the incredible Angkor Wat. Afternoon free.
Day 24, ANGKOR WATA spectacular day of exploration. We rise early for sunrise over Angkor Wat then enjoy a guided tour of the main complex. In the afternoon we visit Angkor Thom, Bayon, South gate and the Terrace of the Leper King. (B)
Day 25, ANGKOR WATA whole free day to explore Angkor Wat or other surrounding sights such as Lake Tonle Sap or the Old Market. (B)
Day 26, SIEM REAP - BANGKOKBoard the local bus from Siem Reap to Bangkok. (B)
Day 27, BANGKOKArrive in Bangkok and check in to hotel. Time to relax or explore the nearby Grand Palace, Wat Phra Keow and Wat Pho.
Day 28, BANGKOK RIVER KWAIEarly departure from Bangkok. We drive to Kanchanaburi and visit the Bridge on the River Kwai, JEATH Museum and War Cemetery. In the afternoon we continue to Nakhon Pathom for the overnight train journey to Surat Thani. (B)
Day 29, KOH PHA NGANTravel to Koh Pha Ngan by ferry and continue by jungle pick-up truck to Thongnaipan beach, one of Thailands most beautiful beaches. Overnight in beach bungalows.
Days 30-32, KOH PHA NGANThree full days to do as you please. There are many options; snorkelling, diving, jungle and waterfall walks, boat trips to surrounding highlights and just lazing on the beach.
Day 33, SATUNToday we leave our island paradise and catch the ferry back to the Thai mainland. Continue to Satun, a fishing town on the Andaman Sea coast.
Day 34, PENANGTravel via Butterworth to the famous island of Penang with its beautiful colonial buildings and wonderfully atmospheric Chinatown - one of the most exciting in the region.
Day 35, PENANGA free day to explore the markets, beaches and interesting buildings of Penang.
Day 36, CAMERON HIGHLANDSWe head back to the mainland and journey south to the spectacular hill country of the Cameron Highlands.
Day 37, CAMERON HIGHLANDSToday you can take jungle walks and visit tea plantations and spice gardens - even pick your own strawberries.
Day 38, KUALA LUMPURWe continue to the capital of Malaysia, an interesting mix of cultures and colonial influences. At night you can visit the famous KL night market.
Day 39, KUALA LUMPURFree day. Optional visit to the Batu Caves.
Day 40, MELAKATravel to Melaka, the capital of the Melaka Sultanate. This beautiful town reflects Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and British influences. The rest of the day is free to wander around.
Day 41, MELAKAA free day to explore this amazing mix of cultures.
Day 42, SINGAPOREDrive to the vibrant island citystate of Singapore and transfer to our hotel. Tonight we have the opportunity to eat together and reflect upon our amazing journey from Bangkok to Singapore.
Day 43, SINGAPORETour ends.
Last updated: 8th June 2008
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