Vietnam Pathways

Vietnam Pathways Itinerary:

• Day 1

  Your trip begins today in Hanoi, Vietnam. Serving as the political center of Vietnam for almost 1000 years, Hanoi's abundance of cultural and historic monuments pay tribute to those who have inhabited this capital city throughout the past millennium. In addition to hundreds of temples and pagodas, the city contains many well-preserved examples of colonial architecture from the 80-year period of French rule (beginning in 1874) during which Hanoi became the capital of French Indochina. Upon arrival at the airport, we are met and transferred to our downtown hotel before meeting with our local guide for dinner and orientation. Dinner and hotel included.

• Day 2

  The wide tree-lined boulevards beckon as we begin a full-day tour of this beguiling city's most notable sights. Highlights of our morning exploration include Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum Complex and the ancient Temple of Literature, considered to be the site of Vietnam's first university established in 1076 A.D... We enjoy lunch aboard the Jewel of the Delta on a scenic cruise along the Red River before docking at Bat Trang Ceramic Village and transferring to the Old Quarter for a walking tour. Dating back to the 13th-century, no visit to Hanoi would be complete without experiencing the frenetic energy, charming architecture and terrific people-watching that the Old Quarter's maze of streets have to offer. This evening, we attend a traditional hour–long water puppet show after which we are free to sample the local cuisine and explore Hanoi's nightlife on our own. Breakfast and lunch included.

• Day 3

  We depart Hanoi after breakfast and set out on a picturesque 4-hour drive to Vietnam's northwest highlands and the Pu Luong Nature Reserve, the starting point of our first hike. Known for its exceptional natural beauty and biodiversity, Pu Luong is home to over 1000 plant species, 80 mammal species and 160 varieties of birds. After a lunch stop in Mai Chau, we begin our porter-supported trek (we carry only daypacks) to the Thai village of Hang. In Hang, we spend the evening with a local family who will host us in a traditional stilt house. While enjoying their warm hospitality, we learn more about their daily lives and fascinating culture. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 4 miles (appox. 2 hours) with elevation gain of 300'

• Day 4

  After a morning stroll around the village, we continue our trek through the verdant countryside past terraced farmland, rice paddies and through several Thai villages and hamlets before ultimately arriving at the village of Kho Muong. One of the loveliest villages in the region set amongst steep karst limestone peaks, Kho Muong is home to the Muong minority people and we will be their guests for the night. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 9 miles (approx. 6 hours) with elevation gain of 1,600' including some steep uphill stretches and shallow stream crossings.

• Day 5

  This morning's hike provides great views of the valley and the charming, isolated Kho Muong village where we slept last night. The trail follows the contour of the hillside and eventually begins a descent through more villages and rice paddies to Pho Doan Market where we stop for the night. We arrive at our guesthouse in the early afternoon and, after lunch, those who want to continue on to explore the surrounding countryside with our guides, may do so. The afternoon also allows time for relaxation and conversation with our hosts for those who prefer to forego the afternoon hike. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 7 miles in the morning with elevation gain of 600'. Optional afternoon hike adds 4-5 miles.

• Day 6

  Our final morning of trekking provides more dramatic highland views as we make our way towards our shuttle vehicle, waiting at trail's end to transport us to the tribal valley of Mai Chau and the comforts of the fabulous Mai Chau Lodge. Mai Chau is home to a variety of local ethnic groups including the White Thai, Viet, Tay and Hoa, known for their handicrafts and the warm welcome they extend to visiting travelers. The lodge follows and promotes sustainable tourism practices and employs and trains a staff of local people in hospitality services and various trade skills. We have time this afternoon to enjoy all of the lodge facilities including an outdoor swimming pool and relaxing Jacuzzi. After a brief rest, a visit to the Mo Luong cave directly across the street from the lodge is well worth it. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 6 miles (approx. 3-4 hours).

• Day 7

  Today we explore the beautiful Mai Chau area. Following breakfast, we drive 30 minutes to Hoa Binh Lake where after a 1½-hour hike we reach the "put-in" spot for our morning kayaking exploration. This vast and tranquil lake is far-removed from major population centers and encountering other watercraft on it is rare. We enjoy two hours of paddling time on our sit-on-top kayaks before heading back to the Mai Chau Lodge for lunch. This afternoon offers a variety of options. For those looking for a great workout and dramatic view of the Mai Chau valley, climb the 1302 stairs to another local cave only a 15-minutes walk from the lodge. After the stair climb, hop on one of the lodge bikes and follow our guide on a spin through some of the surrounding villages perhaps making a few handicraft purchases along the way. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 2 hours; Kayaking: 2 hours; Cycling: 1½ hours (optional).

• Day 8

  We say goodbye to the Mai Chau staff and depart at 8 a.m. for the drive back to Hanoi. After a delicious lunch in Hanoi, we end the day with an excursion to the fascinating Ethnology Museum where the exhibits focus on the 53 ethnic minority groups that call Vietnam home. Our museum visit takes on even greater significance after having spent some time meeting and interacting with members of some of these groups. Tonight's dinner is on our own, offering an opportunity to explore the local neighborhoods and try whatever cuisine suits our taste. Breakfast and lunch included.

• Day 9

  Situated 3-hours by road from Hanoi, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay consists of thousands of limestone islands and pinnacles of various shapes and sizes, together forming a seascape of astonishing natural beauty. Our two-day cruise gives us the chance to enjoy the bay from the luxury of a traditional junk. We depart from Hanoi this morning and reach the water in time for lunch aboard ship. This afternoon, our captain will find secluded, scenic spots among the myriad of islands to kayak, swim and sunbath before dinner. Night fishing will be an available option for the anglers among us. All meals included.
  
  Kayaking: 2 hours.

• Day 10

  A refreshing dip in the warm waters of Halong Bay is a perfect way to begin our day! This morning will be dedicated to some additional swimming and paddling time before we set a return course for the harbor and begin our drive back to Hanoi. We have soft sleeper reservations this evening aboard the overnight train to central Vietnam and the vibrant city of Hue. Breakfast and lunch included.
  
  Kayaking: 1 hour.

• Day 11

  Known for its well-preserved traditional architecture and delicious food preparations (the best in Vietnam by many accounts), the laid-back city of Hue has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status due to the numerous historical structures and monuments that line the banks of the Perfume River. After arriving by train early this morning, we check in to our hotel and freshen up before embarking on a dragon boat ride along the river. Our stops will include the tomb of Tu Duc, one of the most beautiful examples of Vietnamese royal architecture, and the lovely Thien Mu Pagoda, the tallest pagoda in the country built in 1601. Serving as the imperial capital of Vietnam during the feudal Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945), Hue is also the site of a massive walled fortress built to function as both primary administrative center and palace complex for the former ruling class. We continue this afternoon with a walking tour of the imposing Citadel and learn more about the structures within including the Imperial City and Purple Forbidden City, off limits (under punishment of death) to all but the emperor, his most trusted advisors and the royal family. Suffering heavy damage during the 1968 Tet Offensive, numerous buildings in the Citadel complex have recently undergone extensive renovation. Overnight tonight in Hue. All meals included.

• Day 12

  After breakfast, we begin our drive to the enchanting city of Hoi An where we spend the next two nights. En route, we make a stop at famous "China Beach"near Da Nang where U.S. servicemen were helicoptered in for R&R. Upon reaching Hoi An, the quaint tile-roofed wooden houses and narrow streets make it easy to imagine what life here must have been like during the town's economic heyday as a major Southeast Asian seaport from the 15th-19th century. Easily explored on foot, we'll spend the late morning with our guide visiting the sights, shops and markets that all contribute to this laid-back coastal town's unique appeal. After getting a better feel for the layout of the city, we'll have the rest of the afternoon to explore on our own and observe the local merchants and residents going about their day, or perhaps visit one of the many local tailors to have a made-to-order garment sewn. We meet up again for dinner this evening. All meals included.

• Day 13

  Today's exploration begins with a 20-mile bike ride to the intriguing My Son ruins. One of Vietnam's premier archaeological sites, My Son served as the religious and political capital of the powerful Champa kingdom from the 7th – 13th century and contains numerous temple ruins and burial sites built in a variety of Cham architectural styles. Upon arrival at My Son, surrounded by lush jungle vegetation, we'll take a guided tour of the complex and learn more about the history and culture of its former inhabitants. In mid-afternoon, we transfer back to Hoi An in our support vehicle and enjoy dinner on our own – a perfect opportunity to try the fresh seafood or some tasty Cau Lau noodles, the locally famous specialty the city is renowned for. Breakfast and lunch included.
  
  Cycling: 20 miles with vehicle support.

• Day 14

  We take a short transfer this morning to the Da Nang airport for a one-hour flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Dynamic and exhilarating, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is Vietnam's largest city offering a dramatic contrast to the tranquil minority villages and jungles where our journey began. Our afternoon tour encompasses the War Remnants Museum, the Reunification Palace and the bustling Ben Thanh market, an enduring symbol of this lively metropolis. Our farewell celebration dinner tonight provides an opportunity to spend a final evening in the warm company of our traveling companions and newfound friends. All meals included.

• Day 15

  Transfer to the airport anytime this morning for homeward-bound flights or continue your Southeast Asian adventure on our 4-day Angkor Extension. Breakfast and airport transfer included.

Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control including unexpected weather and terrain conditions.

If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted on the trip itinerary.  If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign you a roommate if one is available.  If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee which is half of the full single supplement.  Please be advised that there are a limited number of single rooms available on most departures and single rooms are not available during homestays.

All accommodations as noted (including sleeper berth on overnight train); meals as noted on the itinerary; all vehicle transfers as noted (in air-conditioned vehicles); guide leadership; bicycles (for ride to My Son); kayaks and related gear (in Mai Chau and Halong Bay); airport transfers; trekking permit and porter support; admission fees to sights.

Air transportation to/from Vietnam; flight from Da Nang-Ho Chi Minh City ($100 additional airfare); 1 lunch and 4 dinners; guide gratuities; travel insurance; items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages.

This trip is rated Moderate [3]. Trip members should arrive in good physical condition and plan to spend 3-8 hours engaged in hiking, paddling, cycling, swimming and/or walking on most days. Hikes are typically on-trail but terrain conditions can occasionally be challenging with steep uphill/downhill stretches, stream crossings and elevation gains of up to 1,600'. Temperatures on some days may be quite warm requiring participants to focus on staying adequately hydrated. Trip participants will have the option of choosing single or double kayaks when sea kayaking in Halong Bay. As our paddling takes place in protected waters, this portion of the trip is suitable for novice paddlers. We recommend an exercise regimen beginning at least 3 months prior to departure consisting of hiking/walking, cycling and upper body conditioning to prepare for this adventure. The better shape you are in, the more you will enjoy all this trip has to offer!

Throughout our trip, morning temperatures are typically in the 60-70°F range, warming to the 80s or low 90s during the afternoon. High humidity can be expected in most of the regions we visit.  Rainfall is a possibility during any month of the year making adequate raingear a necessity.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

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