Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Thailand Adventure 12 Days/ 11 Nights

Thousands of less traveled roads, remote wilderness tracks, and great waterways combine to make Thailand a paradise for adventure lovers! Our Thailand adventure tour varies from trekking to elephant riding. All combination of active holidays can be created, incorporating cultural touring or focusing purely on adrenaline. Whatever you want to experience, we will help you find it and deliver a quality experience.
Thailand Adventure 12 Days/ 11 Nights
Duration: 12 days/11 nights
Tour Code: MTAT04
Tour Valid: Until April, 2014
Highlights: Bangkok - Kanchanaburi - Bangkok - Chiang Rai - Chiang Saen - Chiang Mai - Trekking

  • Day 1 - Bangkok Arrival

    Place Transport: Airplane->Car
    Meals: Dinner
    Upon arrival, meet our tour guide before transferring to the hotel. Free at leisure.
    Stay overnight in Bangkok

    Day 2 - City Temple Tours- Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha Temple

    Place Transport: Car
    Meals: Breakfast
    The tour takes you through some of the most interesting parts of Bangkok, including stops at the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) which is famous as the oldest and largest temple in Bangkok, and the Temple of the Golden Buddha (Wat Trimit) which is the home of a 5.5 ton Buddha image, found when the port of Bangkok was being expanded and dating back more than 200 years.Visit the Grand Palace, Coronation Hall and the holiest of all Thai Temples “The Emerald Buddha Temple” (Wat Phra Kaew) where the replica of Angkor Wat and the late Ayutthaya-style murals on the surrounding walls illustrate scenes from the Ramayana are included in the temple's compound.
    Stay overnight at Bangkok.

    Day 3 - Damnoensaduak Floating Market- Kanchanaburi

    Place Transport: Car->Boat
    Meals: Breakfast
    A 120 km drive to the most colorful Floating Market in Thailand. Pass the largest source of Salt Production in Thailand along the roadside of the highway. At Damnoen Saduak, visit the gardener's house and see how the sugar is being made right from the coconut tree. And take the long tailed speedboat to the main part market. See a fascinating Thai's life from the ancient time which is still widely practiced in this area. A chance to try various kinds of exotic Thai fruits and choices of Thai handicrafts available at the spot. Later on, continue to Kanchanaburi for visit the infamous Bridge over the River Kwai as the Memorial of World War II. Then, visit at the War museum and war cemetery nearby. Check in at the hotel and free at leisure.
    Stay overnight in Kanchaburi

    Day 4 - Kanchanaburi- Ayutthaya- Bangkok

    Place Transport: Car->Boat
    Meals: Breakfast
    After breakfast, transfer to Ayutthaya the former capital of Thailand. Visit one of the most beautiful Summer Palace namely Bang Pa-In Summer Palace. Later on, transfer to Krung Sri River for buffet Lunch. Later, embark to Temple of Ruins , Wat Phra Sri Sanpetch (The former Royal Temple), Wat Yai Chai Mongkol (the temple of reclining Buddha Image and biggest chedi), Wat Mahathat (where the head of Lord Buddha Image is corvered by Poh Tree so far), Wat Ratchabura (where the national treasure were kept). After that, return to the hotel in Bangkok and free at leisure.
    Stay overnight in Bangkok

    Day 5 - Bangkok- Chiang Rai- Chiang Saen

    Place Transport: Car->Airplane
    Meals: Breakfast
    Breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for flight depart to Chiang Rai. Upon arrival, meet our local tour guide before transferring to Chiang Saen. After checking in, proceed to the infamous Golden Triangle renowned for centuries as the center of the opium trade. From a hill top viewpoint, marvel at the splendor of the mighty Mekong joining with the Ruak and forming the actual “Triangle” with Laos Burma and Thailand. Visit the Opium museum nearby before return to the hotel.
    Stay overnight in Chiang Saen

    Day 6 - Mae Sai- Doi Tung- Chiang Mai

    Place Transport: 
    Meals: Breakfast
    Breakfast at the hotel, tour to Mae Sai Border Market which is one of the biggest border market where you can access to Tha Khi Lek Province, and Myanmar . At the market, you will find a lot of goods, local products and many items which are import from China and yanmar such as electronic devices, fruits, clothes, stones, jewelry, Jade and etc. Lunch at a local restaurant before continue to Doi Tung or Switzerland of Asia to visit Doi Tung, look no further outstanding than the Mae Fah Luang Garden where is situated at an elevation of 950 meters above sea-level, the Mae Fah Luang Garden consists of flowerbeds planted with a dazzling variety of flowers and shrubs from all corners of the world; among these, over 70 species of cool climate and temperate ornamental and flowering plants that thrive at high altitude are planted in the midst of native plants, leafy shrubs and perennials. A myriad of flowering plants come into bloom all year round and form a splendid hill-side tapestry that changes with the seasons. After that, transfer to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and free at leisure.
    Stay overnight in Chiang Mai.

    Day 7 - Doi Suthep Temple- Meo Doi Pui- local Handicraft Village

    Place Transport: Car
    Meals: Breakfast
    The journey begins with a visit to a Meo Hill tribe village. Since they originally migrated from South China, the physical features of the tribe are similar to Chinese. They prefer large families. They practice shifting agriculture. Mostly planting upland rice, corn and soybeans. Generally, you will find that the womenfolk's works harder than the men. A traits similar with most hill tribes. Their houses are not built on stilt rather directly on the ground. Due to its proximity to Doi Suthep, this particular village is slightly more commercial and less traditional. Doi Pui was once famous for opium cultivation. It's 1500 meters above the sea level. The trip continues on to Wat Doi Suthep Temple. Driving up offers a panoramic view of Chiang Mai city. Later on, embark to the San Kamphaeng district, heart of the silk and cotton home industries to witness the fascinating process of making and weaving these popular fabrics. Continue on the Bor Sang, the umbrella village where the delicate Thai paper umbrellas are produced and hand-painted. From here, onward to Thai Celadon, about 6kms north of Chiang Mai where exquisite ceramics are produced. These are modeled on the Sawankhalok pottery that used to be made hundreds of years ago at Sukhothai and exported all over the region. With its deep, cracked glazed finish the style is very distinctive and some pieces are exceptionally beautiful. Last but not least, there are some stops to observe the intricacies of both lacquer ware and silverware craftsmen.
    Say overnight in Chiang Mai 

    Day 8 - Chiang Mai- Trekking Hill Tribe Villages

    Place Transport: 
    Meals: Breakfast
    Leave from Chiang Mai by pick up truck to the hill tribe village, en-route at waterfall before drive to Hot Spring, then have an enjoy trekking 1.5 hrs to Karen Village. Dinner and overnight at the village.

    Day 9 - Trekking Lisu Village- Karen Village- Lahu Village

    Place Transport: 
    Meals: Breakfast
    After breakfast, walk around the village and observe how people live their life, usual activities and the unique traditional as closely before walking to the elephant camp (45 min). Enjoy elephant riding for 1.5 hr through the scenery jungle before stopping to visit at Lahu Village.
    Dinner and overnight at the village.

    Day 10 - Lahu Village- Chiang Mai

    Place Transport: Car
    Meals: Breakfast
    After breakfast, enjoy an exciting bamboo rafting for 2 hrs to Shan Village. Lunch is promptly provided. After lunch, return to Chiang Mai.
    Stay overnight in Chiang Mai

    Day 11 - Chiang Mai free & easy

    Place Transport: 
    Meals: Breakfast
    Today is free. Stay overnight in Chiang Mai

    Day 12 - Chiang Mai- Bangkok

    Place Transport: Car->Airplane
    Meals: Breakfast
    Breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for flight departure to Bangkok.

    The Tour Inclusion:

    - 11 Nights Accommodation.
    - Pick-ups and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle as specified in the itinerary above.


    - Boat as indicated in the itinerary.



    - Domestic flight tickets as indicated in the itinerary.

    - The services of experienced English-speaking guides as indicated in the itinerary.
    - Where necessary, entry fees for all visits as mentioned in the program.
    - Lunches and dinners (as specified in the itinerary) in the best local restaurants, or picnics where no suitable restaurant is available.

    The Tour Exclusion:

    - Visas on arrival
    - International flight tickets and airport tax.
    - Dinners, except as specified above.
    - Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses.


    - Travel insurance 

    - Surcharge for peak season (if any) & other not mentioned in the above detail program.

    Additional Information

    Importance note
    - The itinerary is just a sample of our Thailand tours; we'll be pleased to design similar programs with dates and itinerary customized to your personal preferences in Tailor Made Tours section. Rates may vary frequently. Please contact us to get the best possible price based upon your travel period and specific touring needs.

    What to bring?
    - Sun Block, Wide brim hat, Camera + Film, Comfortable shoes, Rain gear, Warm clothes, original Passport...

    How to start?
    - MinMax Travel is a fully escorted tour and best-available all year round; the only thing you need to prepare in advance is the international air-ticket from/to your country.
    - If you don’t have enough time to complete visa before your departure, we will help you to obtain Thailand Visa on arrival easily (getting visa at the airport, on your arrival).

Hoa Lu - The Ancient Capital

Hoa Lu is situated 100 km south of Hanoi, was the capital city of Vietnam under the Dinh and Le Dynasties between 968 and 1009 AD. Some of the sanctuaries and tombs have survived the years and can still be seen today. In choosing the location for his new capital, King Dinh Tien Hoang decided to base himself among the rugged mountains, fed by a system of water currents which would surround the capital forming natural barriers, vital for defense as well as agriculture. The area is also one of astounding natural beauty with limestone peaks whose splendor is often said to surpass that of Ha Long Bay. You will enjoy being rowed along the Boi River in traditional boats, All will make an unforgettable experience for you.

Duration: Full Day
Tour Code: MVDT07
Price from: US $ 68.00 Pax
Tour Valid: Until April, 2014
Highlights: Ha Noi - Hoa Lu

  • Day 1 - Ha Noi - Hoa Lu

    Place Transport: Car->Boat 
    Meals: Lunch
    We leave Hanoi at 08.00 and head to the south for the two hours drive along the highway one. We spend one hour to visit the Dinh and Le sanctuaries. These are the two remaining temples of the ancient citadel of Hoa Lu. The first is dedicated to Dinh Tien Hoang (also known as Dinh Bo Linh), an Emperor from the Dinh Dynasty. The second commemorates the rulers of the Le Dynasty. Dinh Bo Linh successfully conquered Vietnam’s first independent rulers, the Ngo Dynasty. On his death in 980, General Le Hoan wisely married Dinh’s widow and established the Le Dynasty and enlarged the citadel.
    We then move on to Tam Coc for a two hours boat trip along the Boi River. This area is rightly often referred to as the Ha Long Bay on land due to the similar topography. We return back to Hanoi at 6pm.

    The Tour Inclusion:

    - Pick-ups and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle as specified in the itinerary above (Please note: pick-ups will be by a guide and driver or, where a guide is not necessary, a driver only. All unaccompanied drivers will be briefed in advance, and will carry a mobile phone to ensure smooth transfer arrangements)

    - The services of experienced English-speaking guides as indicated in the itinerary (please note: guides will be on hand from pick-up until guests' return to their hotel or reaching their destination). Free days or part days will not include the services of a guide unless requested and included in the final itinerary.

    - Where necessary, entry fees for all visits as mentioned in the program

    - Lunches (as specified in the itinerary) in the best local restaurants, or picnics where no suitable restaurant is available.

    The Tour Exclusion:

    - International flight tickets and airport tax.Visas.
    - Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses.
    - Surcharge for peak season (if any) & Other not mentioned in the above detail program.

    Additional Information

    Importance note
    - The itinerary is just a sample of our Vietnam tours; we'll be pleased to design similar programs with dates and itinerary customized to your personal preferences in Tailor Made Tours section. Rates may vary frequently. Please contact us to get the best possible price based upon your travel period and specific touring needs.

    What to bring ?
    - Sun Block, Wide brim hat, Camera + Film, Comfortable shoes, Rain gear, Warm clothes, original Passport...

    How to start ?
    - MinMax Travel is a fully escorted tour and best-available all year round; the only thing you need to prepare in advance is the international air-ticket from/to your country.
    - If you don’t have enough time to complete visa before your departure, we will help you to obtain Vietnam Visa on arrival easily (getting visa at the airport, on your arrival).

Friday, June 21, 2013

Diversity of Vietnam

This tour is organized for travelers, who want to explore the real Vietnam for two weeks but discover all diversity of Vietnam: Wide range of natural beauty - Vietnam Culture with World Culture Heritages and World Intangible Heritage - Daily life of Vietnam people. Let's join with us !!


Duration: 15 days/14 nights
Tour Code: MVSD17
Price from: US $ 1372.00 Pax
Tour Valid: Until December 30th, 2013
Highlights: Discover the diversity of Vietnam! Vietnam has 54 different ethnic groups. Apart from the Vietnamese, there are 53 other ethnic groups in this densely populated.
  • Day 1 - Ho Chi Minh Arrival

    Place Transport: Car
    Meals: Dinner
    Our guide will warmly greets you at Tan Son Nhat International Airport and escorts you to the hotel in the center of HCM city to check in hotel and take a rest.
    Enjoy our welcome dinner- a French colony style restaurant. Stay overnight in HCM hotel ( Include: Deluxe Double and Twin City View room).

    Day 2 - Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnel – Ho Chi Minh City Tour

    Place Transport: Car
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch
    After breakfast, you will visit a fabulous tunnel – Cu Chi. You will have a chane to get unique experience of guerillas living and fighting underground during wartime, unforgettable craw through 50-100 m in total of 200km of the tunnel system. Local rice paper workshop, nice paddy field are pleasant sights on the way. Then you will go back to HCM city for lunch.
    In the afternoon: visit War Museum, Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral
    Stay overnight at the hotel in HCM ( Include: Deluxe Double and Twin City View room)

    Day 3 - Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta

    Place Transport: Car
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch
    Heading out of the bustling city, we ride along the rice field to My Tho – one of Mekong Delta province. Arrive to My Tho, we get on a boat to go around the small canals in the Delta region and pass through My Tho fruit market, join the daily activities with local people and enjoy the riverlife along the canal and the Tien river. The exciting cruise will take you to Unicorn Island where you can try many seasonal fruits and local traditional music performed by islanders.
    Having lunch in a typical garden style house. Then, the next stops are milk coconut candy factory and find out about other local industries in Ben tre.
    Back to HCM and spend all night here ( Include: Deluxe Double and Twin City View room)

    Day 4 - Ho Chi Minh City – Nha Trang

    Place Transport: Airplane
    Meals: Breakfast
    After breakfast, you will take a short flight to Nha Trang – a city right on the beach, check in hotel, rush to the beach, relax and take part in some activities there.
    At night: stay overnight in Nha trang, you can chose Deluxe Double or Twin Sea View room.

    Day 5 - Nha Trang

    Place Transport: Car
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch
    Today, we will go Cau Da port. Come to Tri Nguyen Aquarium on Mieu Island you can see a small ocean world here with many sea creatures in Nha Trang/Khanh Hoa. Mun Island is the best island for snorkeling. It's great chance to see lots of live colorful corals and fish. After that, we will visit a fishing village and have a fresh lunch right on the island. On the way back, you will be able to see caves in which the sea swallows make their nest.
    In the afternoon, you have a half day to visit Cham Po Nagar temples, the Thap ba Hot spring center where you enjoy the Mud bath and mineral spring swimming
    Spend all night in Nha Trang (Deluxe Double/Twin Sea View room)

    Day 6 - Nha Trang – Da Nang - Hoi An Ancient Town Walking Tour

    Place Transport: Car
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch
    You will take a flight to Da Nang airport and move 35km to Hoi An. In the afternoon, you will walk around Hoi An ancient town which combines the culture of Vietnam/China/Japan with Chinese tiled house, Chinese Temples and japanese covered bridge
    Stay overnight in Hoi An ( Deluxe double/Twin city view room).

    Day 7 - Hoi An - Da Nang – Hue

    Place Transport: Car
    Meals: Breakfast
    After breakfast, it’s time for you to relax and go shopping. In the afternoon: on the way to Hue, we will pass through Hai Van and visit Cham Museum. Check in hotel in Hue, stay overnight in Hue ( Deluxe double/Twin city view room).

    Day 8 - Hue Citadel

    Place Transport: Car
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
    Visit the Imperial Citadel- another World Cultural heritage site. Then visit to Thien Mu pagoda, King Tu Duc tomb, and King minh mang tomb. Enjoy dinner at Royal Park restaurant with traditional Hue folk song. Stay overnight in Hue ( Deluxe double/Twin city view room)

    Day 9 - Hue - Hanoi

    Place Transport: Airplane
    Meals: Breakfast
    This morning is for your free activities and at noon, we have a flight to Hanoi – our thousand-year-old capital city.
    Afternoon: our guide will welcome you at Noi Bai International Airport and escort you to the Hotel which is in the center of Hanoi Old Quarter, check in hotel and relax
    Stay overnight in Hanoi ( Deluxe double/Twin city view room).

    Day 10 - Hanoi – Sapa

    Place Transport: Train
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch
    Begin your day in Hanoi by visiting Uncle Ho’s Mausoleum, his residence area, One Pillar pagoda nearby and Tran Quoc pagoda. Next destination is Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam ( The temple of Literature and The first university in Vietnam)
    Then you will have one hour cyclo tour (trishaws) around Old Quarters, Ngoc Son temple, and Hoan Kiem lake (with a legend of the lake of restored sword) and continue by one hour of Traditional Water Puppet Shows at Thang Long Theatre.
    After finishing city tour, you will back to the hotel to fresh up, prepare luggage and take a night train to Lao Cai (overnight on train: first class soft bed – sleeper 4 beds wooden cabin with A/C)

    Day 11 - Lao Cai Train Station – Cao Son Market & HikingTour - Sapa

    Place Transport: Car
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
    You will be greeted by our guide at Lao Cai Train Station and have a breakfast in Lao Cai city then proceed to Cao Son region by private car/minivan and stop to take a photo. Besides, you will join the Cao Son trekking with a stream of people from Lung Khau Nhin and some nearby villages heading to Cao Son. You will have a chance to discover the traditional market with our guide and having lunch right in Cao Son. In the afternoon, you will visit the primitive forest in La Pan Tan Commune. Then back to Sapa for dinner and spend all night in Sapa (Deluxe double/Twin mountain view room).

    Day 12 - Sapa - Lao Cai – Hanoi

    Place Transport: Train
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
    After breakfast, you will take a Jeep trip to Lao Chai and Ta Van villages, Home of Dzay and Black H’Mong hill tribes. Hiking around the village, talking with local hill folk to understand more about their daily life, customs and traditional habits. In the afternoon, it’s optional for you: visiting Sapa town or take a rest before taking a bus back to Lao Cai train station. Dinner will be served in Lao Cai before getting on the train turn back to Hanoi, departure time is around 9.00pm and stay overnight on train (first class soft bed – sleeper 4 beds wooden cabin with A/C).

    Day 13 - Halong Bay with stunning views of the Bai Tu Long Bay and Vong Vieng floating village.

    Place Transport: Car->Cruise
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
    After breakfast, we will pick you up from hotel to go to Halong Bay around 8 am. On the way, you can enjoy the peaceful scene, farmlands and Red River Delta and have a short break.
    At 12.30, we will arrive to Hon Gai wharf, meet the captain, crews and have a welcome drink, then a brief of cruise, safety instructions and check in cabin. Then, you will have a lunch with fresh seafood right on the cruise on the way to Vong Vieng floating village and pass through extraordinary shaped-islands. At 15.30, we will drop anchor at Vong Vieng to visit local people’s house, fish farming, school and have a talk with friendly fisherman. (optional you can swim here or travel by kayak by yourself – kayaking option is $ 10.00 per person unless pre-booked. At 17.00pm, you will back on board, enjoy sunset and head to Luom Bo to drop anchor. Dinner will be served on board. At night, you can enjoy night fishing and spend all night on junk (Deluxe double/ twin cabin with A/C and private bath).

    Day 14 - Visit "Sung Sot cave” & Halong Bay - Hanoi

    Place Transport: Cruise->Car
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch
    In the morning, enjoy the bay’s morning landscape with a cup of tea/coffee and light breakfast at 6:30 am. At 8.30 am, explore the mystery of Sung Sot cave- one of the most beautiful caves in Halong Bay then back to the board to cruise to enjoy the stunning views of Bay. At 10.30 am, brunch is served while we turn back through Halong Bay to the pier. Then check out and arrive Hon Gai wharf and return to Hanoi at 12.30. On the way back to Hanoi, we will stop at Dong Trieu for a ceramics workshops. Arrive in Hanoi at 16.30, then it's time for you to relax and stay overnight in hotel ( deluxe double/ twin city view room).

    Day 15 - Departure

    Place Transport: Car->Airplane
    Meals: Breakfast
    After breakfast, you have free time before guide take you to the airport for your flight to your home. We would like to express our sincere thanks for traveling with MinMax Travel. We hope that you have enjoyed your tour with us and look forward to welcoming you back for your next tours. End of Tour!

    The Tour Inclusion:

    - 14 Nights Accommodation in deluxe twin / double room view with daily buffet BKF.
    - Pick-ups and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle as specified in the itinerary above (Please note: pick-ups will be by a guide and driver or, where a guide is not necessary, a driver only. All unaccompanied drivers will be briefed in advance, and will carry a mobile phone to ensure smooth transfer arrangements)
    - Domestic flight tickets, including domestic airport taxes.
    - Boat cruises as specified in the program
    - Experienced English-speaking guides as indicated in the itinerary (please note: guides will be on hand from pick-up until guest return to the hotel or reach their destination). Free days or part days will not include the services of a guide unless requested and included in the final itinerary.
    - Entry fees are mentioned in the program if necessary.
    - Meals (as specified in the itinerary) in the best local restaurants, or picnics where no suitable restaurant is available.

    The Tour Exclusion:

    - International flight tickets and airport taxes.
    - Visas
    - Dinners, except as specified above.
    - Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses.
    - Surcharge for peak season (if any) & Others not mentioned in the above detail program.

    Additional Information

    Importance note
    - The itinerary is just a sample of our Vietnam tours; we'll be pleased to design similar programs with dates and itinerary customized to your personal preferences in Tailor Made Tours section. Rates may vary frequently. Please contact us to get the best possible price based upon your travel period and specific touring needs.

    What to bring ?
    - Sun Block, Wide brim hat, Camera + Film, Comfortable shoes, Rain gear, Warm clothes, original Passport...

    How to start ?
    - MinMax Travel is a fully escorted tour and best-available all year round; the only thing you need to prepare in advance is the international air-ticket from/to your country.

    - If you don’t have enough time to complete visa before your departure, we will help you to obtain Vietnam Visa on arrival easily (getting visa at the airport, on your arrival).

Friday, June 14, 2013

Ho Chi Minh City Dicovery

Discover one of the Asia's most dynamic cities with our innovative Ho Chi Minh City Escape tour. Combining unique excursions, off the beaten path locales and the town's trendiest dining and drinking spots, we bring you a glimpse into the heart and soul of the city.

Duration: 3 days/2 nights
Tour Code: MVSB09
Price from: US $ 165.00 Pax
Tour Valid: Until December 30th, 2013
Highlights: Ho Chi Minh City

  • Day 1 - Ho Chi Minh City Arrival

    Place Transport: Car
    Meals: Dinner
    Arrive in Ho Chi Minh city and check in to your chosen hotel. Spend the afternoon at leisure.
    Stay overnight Ho Chi Minh City.

    Day 2 - Ho Chi Minh City

    Place Transport: Car
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
    Experience Ho Chi Minh City like a local today! Start this morning with a visit to a local home for a cooking course. Travel with your chef to the local market to purchase fresh ingredients and chat with the friendly vendors before returning to their house to prepare lunch together. Then, zip through the city on the back of a Vespa motorbike to discover the city's sites.
    Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

    Day 3 - Ho Chi Minh City Departure

    Place Transport: Car
    Meals: Breakfast
    Today is free at your leisure for last minute shopping or sight-seeing before transferring to the airport for your onward flight. Thanks a lot for traveling with Minmax.

    The Tour Inclusion:

    - 02 Nights Accommodation in deluxe twin / double room view with daily BKF.
    - Pick-ups and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle as specified in the itinerary above (Please note: pick-ups will be by a guide and driver or, where a guide is not necessary, a driver only. All unaccompanied drivers will be briefed in advance, and will carry a mobile phone to ensure smooth transfer arrangements)
    - The services of experienced English-speaking guides as indicated in the itinerary (please note: guides will be on hand from pick-up until guests' return to their hotel or reaching their destination). Free days or part days will not include the services of a guide unless requested and included in the final itinerary.
    - Where necessary, entry fees for all visits as mentioned in the program
    - Meals (as specified in the itinerary) in the best local restaurants, or picnics where no suitable restaurant is available.

    The Tour Exclusion:

    - International flight tickets and airport tax.Visas.
    - Dinners, except as specified above.
    - Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses.
    - Surcharge for peak season (if any) & Other not mentioned in the above detail program.

    Additional Information

    Importance note
    - The itinerary is just a sample of our Vietnam tours; we'll be pleased to design similar programs with dates and itinerary customized to your personal preferences in Tailor Made Tours section. Rates may vary frequently. Please contact us to get the best possible price based upon your travel period and specific touring needs.

    What to bring ?
    - Sun Block, Wide brim hat, Camera + Film, Comfortable shoes, Rain gear, Warm clothes, original Passport...

    How to start ?
    - MinMax Travel is a fully escorted tour and best-available all year round; the only thing you need to prepare in advance is the international air-ticket from/to your country.

    - If you don’t have enough time to complete visa before your departure, we will help you to obtain Vietnam Visa on arrival easily (getting visa at the airport, on your arrival).

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

West to East Biking Exploration

Our unique biking trip in northern Vietnam takes place against a backdrop of endless lush green paddy fields and irregular tree-covered limestone mountains. Providing a fleeting insight into the traditional lives, friendly tribes and exotic landscapes of north-west and north-east Vietnam, our trip also delivers surprisingly good riding across the mountainous area of northern Vietnam. There are technical sections, easy hills, huge flowing descents and some glorious single-tracks.

Duration: 11 days/10 nights
Tour Code: MVAT13
Tour Valid: Until December 30th, 2013
Highlights: Colorful tribes - Stunning scenery - Glorious single tracks of Sapa and Bac Ha - Homestay among friendly tribesmen: Hanoi - Sapa - Ban Ho - Trung Do - Bac Ha - Xi Man - Ha Giang - Bac Me - Ba Be - Hanoi: A 11-day tour with 7-day biking.
  • Day 1 - Arrival in Hanoi

    Place Transport: Airplane
    Meals: Dinner
    Arrive at Hanoi International Airport. You'll meet your guide at the airport and will be transferred to your hotel in downtown of Hanoi. The remainder of day is free at leisure to explore Hanoi by yourself. In the evening, please enjoy a welcome dinner at local restaurant with Vietnamese delicacies. Stay overnight in Hanoi.

    Day 2 - Hanoi city tour & Night train to Lao Cai

    Place Transport: Car
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch
    After breakfast, we will begin our city tour of Hanoi. At first, we will visit to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and the “Uncle Ho” house. After that, we head to the unique One Stilt Pagoda which date from one thousand year ago. Continue go to the Hanoi’s famous Temple of Literature- the first university of Vietnam founded in 1070. The highlight of this cultural, historical site is the garden of stelae where you find 82 stone stelae bearing names, places of birth and achievements of men who received doctorates in each triennial examination from 1442; each stelae sits on a stone tortoise. Have lunch in local restaurant before heading to the Old Quarter for a relaxing cyclo tour through the ancient part of Hanoi.
    After the cyclo tour we will drive to the Museum of Ethnology which is quite away from the central Hanoi. It features a fascinating collection of art and everyday objects gathered from Vietnam and its diverse tribal people. On our trip, we will meet some tribal groups – now it is time to learn about their culture.
    Drive back to hotel to take shower. Free time until we get on the night train to Lao Cai around 10pm.

    * Cyclo is three wheeled rickshaws, operated by pedal-power, with a seat attached in the front.

    Day 3 - Lao Cai - Sapa - Biking Ban Ho Village - Sapa

    Place Transport: Bicycle
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
    Once we arrive in Lao Cai, we get a transfer around 1hr to our hotel in Sapa. After checking in, freshening up and having breakfast, we will get our bikes together with a wonderful day’s biking though the Sapa Valley. We will begin on a dirt road then on single-track path. We will descent to Ban Ho village - home to Tay people. We will bike beside the main river, on a fast undulating route to Nam Toong- a village of Red Dzao people. Picnic lunch on the way before continuing to My Son- a village populated by Xafo people, one of the smallest ethnic group in Vietnam. We return to Sapa by a jeep ride. Dinner at local restaurant and stay overnight in the hotel.

    Day 4 - Sapa - Suoi Ho Village - Ban Khoang Village - Ta Giang Phin Village - Ban Seo Village - Lao Cai

    Place Transport: Bicycle
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
    After breakfast in the hotel, we will begin the ride around 8.30am, directly from Sapa and straight away we are flying along on a 38km stretch involving a challenging climb at first and then a spectacular, fast flowing downhill to join a remote jeep track. We will meet up for picnic lunch at lower downhill. The jeep track climbs at first then provide a fast descent before we hit a short section of paved road that leads to Lao Cai Town. This is a long and challenging day with one short section where we might have to carry our bikes. Dinner in local restaurant and stay overnight in the hotel.

    Day 5 - Lao Cai - Phong Hai - Coc Ly - Bac Ha

    Place Transport: Bicycle
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
    Have breakfast and load our bikes on support vehicle for 1-hr transfer to the village of Phong Hai. Our ridding begins on a good hardpack track along the side of a quiet road. Climb gently then descending steeply to the small village of Coc Ly. Take a boat trip on Chay River- a beautiful river with stunning mountain gorge. The boat trip is followed by a ride on riverbank single-track and an alpine road climb to the quiet town of Bac Ha. Picnic lunch on the way. Have dinner and stay overnight in Bac Ha.

    Day 6 - Bac Ha - Lung Phin - Xin Man - Hoang Su Phi

    Place Transport: Car
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
    After breakfast in hotel, we drive 10 km west to Lung Phin where we start climbing toward Xin Man. Today, we will bike across one of the most remote parts of northern Vietnam. At first, we tackle a steady climb for 1 hr and then hitting the tarmac for a fast descent into the quiet town of Xin Man. Lunch in Xin Man before starting the afternoon ride. The riding in the afternoon takes us down to a bridge over the upstream of Chay River and for the next 40 km, we experience a quiet road that follows the river to the town of Hoang Su Phi. We will stay overnight in the only hotel in town

    Day 7 - Hoang Su Phi - Cao Banh - Vi Xuyen - Ha Giang

    Place Transport: Bicycle
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
    This is one of the most challenging biking days of the trip. Leaving Hoang Su Phi in the early morning, there are 6 km downhill before we turn off onto a remote track leading though mountains. On this part, our support vehicle will not be able to follow us, so we'll continue ride to the main mountain road to get to Viet Lam where we will meet up later this day. However, we still have the emergency back up for water, lunch and first-aid as we ride through the mountains. The ride highlight today is a long descent punctuated with waterfall and switchbacks which flows seamlessly into some sinuous riverside single track making for fantastic riding. Eventually, we emerge onto rough tarmac and climb before finally dropping down again to the hot springs of Viet Lam where we can ease our aching muscles. Then we transfer the final 20 miles along Highway 2 to the busy district capital of Ha Giang. Dinner in local restaurant and overnight in hotel.

    Day 8 - Ha Giang - Bac Me

    Place Transport: Car
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
    Today, the ride is mostly road based. At first, we tackle 12 km gentle climbs and then, it is an undulating and idyllic route through friendly villages and paddy fields, surrounded by jagged limestone hills. Light lunch en route and we will reach the small town of Bac Me in the early afternoon. As for the rest of the day, we can explore this litter town and its surroundings or relax with a cold beer in local bars. Dinner and overnight in Bac Me.

    Day 9 - Bac Me - Duong An - Yen Hoa - Da Vi - Dau Dang - Boat trip to Ba Be National Park

    Place Transport: Car
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
    Just outside Bac Me, we cross the Gam River and leave the main road to follow a small track cross-country off-road all the way to Ba Be. Our support vehicle will not be able to follow us on this route and travel along way to meet us in Ba Be National Park. Depending to the condition of the track, we will have an emergency jeep or motorbike for water, food and first-aid. The ride involves three climbs and cross a succession of river valleys. At the village of Dan Dong, we will be transferred into traditional long boats for a relaxing 1.5-hr ride along the beautiful Nang River and cross the lake into the stunning Ba Be National Park. The park is centered on the country’s largest natural lake which is surrounded by limestone cliffs, waterfalls, caves and abundant of wildlife. We will have dinner and spend our night in a traditional house of Tay minority.

    Day 10 - Ba Be - Cho Ra - Hanoi

    Place Transport: Car
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch
    Today, we have a relaxing and peaceful day. After the breakfast, we say goodbye to the hosts and take a short walk through the village. We will board a long boat for a fantastic boat trip on the stunning Ba Be Lake. After 1.5-hr interesting boat trip, we will head  to Cho Ra Town for lunch. Drive 5 hrs back to Hanoi with a lunch stop on the way. Stay overnight in Hanoi.

    Day 11 - Departure

    Place Transport: Airplane
    Meals: Breakfast
    Breakfast and transfer to the airport for flight home. The tour ends. Thanks a lot for traveling with Minmax.
Place Transport: Airplane
Meals: Breakfast
Breakfast and transfer to the airport for flight home. The tour ends. Thanks a lot for traveling with Minmax.

The Tour Inclusion:

- 10 Nights Accommodation with daily BKF.
- Pick-ups and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle as specified in the itinerary above (Please note: pick-ups will be by a guide and driver or, where a guide is not necessary, a driver only. All unaccompanied drivers will be briefed in advance, and will carry a mobile phone to ensure smooth transfer arrangements)
- The services of experienced English-speaking guides as indicated in the itinerary (please note: guides will be on hand from pick-up until guests' return to their hotel or reaching their destination). Free days or part days will not include the services of a guide unless requested and included in the final itinerary.
- Where necessary, entry fees for all visits as mentioned in the program
- Meals (as specified in the itinerary) in the best local restaurants, or picnics where no suitable restaurant is available.

The Tour Exclusion:

- International flight tickets and airport tax.Visas
- Dinners, except as specified above.
- Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses.
- Surcharge for peak season (if any) & Other not mentioned in the above detail program.

Additional Information

Importance note
- The itinerary is just a sample of our Vietnam tours; we'll be pleased to design similar programs with dates and itinerary customized to your personal preferences in Tailor Made Tours section. Rates may vary frequently. Please contact us to get the best possible price based upon your travel period and specific touring needs.

What to bring ?
- Sun Block, Wide brim hat, Camera + Film, Comfortable shoes, Rain gear, Warm clothes, original Passport...

How to start ?
- MinMax Travel is a fully escorted tour and best-available all year round; the only thing you need to prepare in advance is the international air-ticket from/to your country.

- If you don’t have enough time to complete visa before your departure, we will help you to obtain Vietnam Visa on arrival easily (getting visa at the airport, on your arrival).