VIETNAM 17 SOUTH EAST ASIA Vietnam Explorer Imaginative Facts Tour code: SAVE • Activities: Hilltribe trek to ethnic minority villages, sea kayaking in Halong Bay, snorkelling, Mekong Delta homestay. Trek grade - Moderate • Accommodation: 11 nights simple hotels, 2 nights village houses, 1 night on board boat, 2 nights sleeper train, 2 nights island hut on Whale Island, 1 night homestay • Transport: Public and private bus, Reunification Express, local boat, cruise boat on Halong Bay • Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller tour leader/ trekking guide, services of qualified guides while trekking, kayaking and in the Mekong Delta • Imaginative Traveller Suggests: Add our ' Angkor Wat Extension' DAY 1: HANOI- Arrive Hanoi. DAY 2: HANOI- A 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) DAYS 3 & 4: HILLTRIBE TREK- Travel 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. The next day we set off on foot for Van village, inhabited by White Thai people ( 7 hrs walking). ( BLD) DAY 5: HILLTRIBE TREK- Trek to Khoe Village from where we drive back to Hanoi ( 3 hrs walking). ( B) DAYS 6 & 7: HALONG BAY KAYAKING SAFARI- In Halong City we board a private boat to cruise through Halong Bay to the isolated Ho Ba Ham Island. Explore the area with its mesmerising limestone karst scenery by kayak or on foot before returning to Hanoi. ( Day 6 - BLD, Day 7 - BL) DAY 8: HANOI- Free time until we board the famous Reunification Express train to Hue. ( B) DAYS 9 & 10: HUE- We spend a day and a half in Hue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for its stunning imperial architecture and the Perfume River. ( Day 10 - B) DAYS 11 & 12: HOI AN- Travel to the ancient trading town of Hoi An via Ocean Cloud Pass, Danang and China Beach. Free time in Hoi An, a favourite for travellers with its beautiful architecture and picturesque seafront. ( B) DAYS 13 & 14: WHALE ISLAND- Transfer by road and boat to secluded Whale Island, so named because of the sperm whales which can sometimes be spotted off its shores. Two days to relax on pristine beaches. ( Day 13 - BD, Day 14 - BLD) DAY 15: WHALE ISLAND - NHA TRANG-Late departure from this paradise island and travel south towards Nha Trang, a laid back beach resort. ( B) DAY 16: NHA TRANG- There's 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. DAY 18: MEKONG DELTA HOMESTAY- A day exploring this area of islands and rivers. Travelling by boat and on foot provides a great opportunity to learn about life here. Tonight we are guests of a local family. ( BLD) DAY 19: MEKONG DELTA - SAIGON- This morning we visit an authentic floating market before returning to Saigon. ( B) DAY 20: SAIGON- Tour ends. ( B) Vietnam at its best - away from the well worn trail • Kayak around beautiful Halong Bay and explore the Mekong Delta by boat • Trek far off the beaten track among the minority hilltribe villages • Snorkel, swim and relax on the beautiful eco- resort of Whale Island • Contrast the excitement of Saigonwith the quiet elegance of Hanoi • Visit imperial Hueand the charming coastal town of Hoi An Beyond the Ho Chi Minh Trail Imaginative Facts Tour code: STBH • Activities: Cruise on Halong Bay, light hiking to ethnic minority villages, Mekong Delta cruise and homestay, optional cycling in Hue • Accommodation: 8 nights tourist class hotels, 2 nights Whale Island, 1 night homestay, 1 night Halong Bay cruise boat, 2 overnight trains ( soft sleeper) • Transport: Private a/ c minibus/ coach, local boat, overnight train, plane • Flights: Saigon to Nha Trang, Nha Trang to Danang and Hue to Hanoi • Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller tour leader, services of local guides DAY 1: SAIGON ( HO CHI MINH CITY)- Arrive in Saigon. DAY 2: MEKONG DELTA HOMESTAY- We head south to the Mekong Delta, an area of islands and rivers. Spend the day exploring the area by boat and on foot. Tonight we are guests of a local family. ( BLD) DAY 3: MEKONG DELTA - SAIGON- This morning we visit an authentic floating market before returning to Saigon. ( B) DAY 4: SAIGON - WHALE ISLAND-Morning walking tour of this amazing city. Afternoon flight to Nha Trang and transfer to the idyllic Whale Island, so named because of the sperm whales which can sometimes be spotted off its shores. ( BD) DAY 5: WHALE ISLAND- A relaxing free day to enjoy the pristine beaches. ( BLD) DAYS 6 & 7: HOI AN- Today we drive to Nha Trang for a short flight to Danang then transfer to the wonderful ancient trading town of Hoi An. Take a guided tour of the town, a favourite for travellers with its beautiful architecture and picturesque seafront. ( Day 6 - B, Day 7 - BD) DAYS 8 & 9: HUE- Drive along the coast via Ocean Cloud Pass, the geographical divide between north and south Vietnam. Arrive in Hue and enjoy an afternoon cruise along the Perfume River to the Heavenly Lady Pagoda and the tomb of the Nguyen Emperor Minh Mang. The next morning take a morning tour of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Imperial City. Flight to Hanoi. ( Day 8 - B, Day 9 - BD) DAY 10: HANOI - HALONG BAY- We head out to Halong Bay where we board the exquisite ' Jewel of the Bay' sampan. This traditional- style boat is lavishly furnished with private cabins, sun deck and a dining room. We carry sea kayaks on board so you can take to the sea amidst the towering limestone karst peaks. ( BLD) DAY 11: HANOI- After breakfast we leave Halong Bay and head to Hanoi where we have a walking tour of the old city before boarding our overnight train to the beautiful old French hill- station of Sapa. ( B) DAY 12: SAPA- A short drive through breathtaking scenery takes us to Sapa town. Afternoon excursion by road and on foot to remote outlying villages - home to some of Vietnam's most colourful ethnic minorities. ( BD) DAY 13: SAPA- Time to relax. This afternoon we drive to Lao Cai for the sleeper train back to Hanoi. ( B) DAY 14: HANOI- Free day. ( BD) DAY 15: HANOI- Tour ends. ( B) Discover the diversity which makes Vietnam so special • Contrast the excitement of Saigonwith the quiet elegance of Hanoi • Cruise the Mekong Delta and stunning Halong Bayby boat • Visit the charming coastal town of Hoi Anand the UNESCO city of Hue • Enjoy a two night stay on the beautiful eco- resort of Whale Island • Explore the colourful northern hilltribe villages near Sapa Single Supplement £ 185 ( optional) Voluntary Carbon Offset £ 23.36 * Price includes tour price of £ 725and local payment of US$ 300All prices are subject to currency fluctuations £ 880pp Land Only *• Seasonal Supplement £ 45 Single Supplement £ 250 ( optional) Voluntary Carbon Offset £ 23.36 * Price includes tour price of £ 825and local payment of US$ 230All prices are subject to currency fluctuations £ 945pp Land Only * adventurertraveller Tour duration 20 daysTour duration 15 days Starts SatEnds Thu HanoiSaigon 2009 10- Jan- 0929- Jan- 09 31- Jan- 0919- Feb- 09 21- Feb- 0912- Mar- 09 14- Mar- 0902- Apr- 09 04- Apr- 0923- Apr- 09 25- Apr- 0914- May- 09 16- May- 0904- Jun- 09 06- Jun- 0925- Jun- 09 27- Jun- 0916- Jul- 09 18- Jul- 0906- Aug- 09 08- Aug- 0927- Aug- 09 29- Aug- 0917- Sep- 09 19- Sep- 0908- Oct- 09 03- Oct- 0922- Oct- 09 17- Oct- 0905- Nov- 09 31- Oct- 0919- Nov- 09 14- Nov- 0903- Dec- 09 28- Nov- 0917- Dec- 09 12- Dec- 0931- Dec- 09 26- Dec- 0914- Jan- 10 Starts SatEnds Thu HanoiSaigon 2010 09- Jan- 1028- Jan- 10 23- Jan- 1011- Feb- 10 13- Feb- 1004- Mar- 10 06- Mar- 1025- Mar- 10 27- Mar- 1015- Apr- 10 17- Apr- 1006- May- 10 08- May- 1027- May- 10 29- May- 1017- Jun- 10 19- Jun- 1008- Jul- 10 10- Jul- 1029- Jul- 10 31- Jul- 1019- Aug- 10 21- Aug- 1009- Sep- 10 11- Sep- 1030- Sep- 10 02- Oct- 1021- Oct- 10 16- Oct- 1004- Nov- 10 30- Oct- 1018- Nov- 10 13- Nov- 1002- Dec- 10 27- Nov- 1016- Dec- 10 11- Dec- 1030- Dec- 10 25- Dec- 1013- Jan- 11 Starts SatEnds Sat SaigonHanoi 2009 03- Jan- 0917- Jan- 09 24- Jan- 0907- Feb- 09 14- Feb- 0928- Feb- 09 07- Mar- 0921- Mar- 09 28- Mar- 0911- Apr- 09 • 18- Apr- 0902- May- 09 09- May- 0923- May- 09 30- May- 0913- Jun- 09 20- Jun- 0904- Jul- 09 04- Jul- 0918- Jul- 09 11- Jul- 0925- Jul- 09 01- Aug- 0915- Aug- 09 22- Aug- 0905- Sep- 09 05- Sep- 0919- Sep- 09 12- Sep- 0926- Sep- 09 03- Oct- 0917- Oct- 09 24- Oct- 0907- Nov- 09 14- Nov- 0928- Nov- 09 05- Dec- 0919- Dec- 09 26- Dec- 0909- Jan- 10 • Starts SatEnds Sat SaigonHanoi 2010 16- Jan- 1030- Jan- 10 06- Feb- 1020- Feb- 10 27- Feb- 1013- Mar- 10 20- Mar- 1003- Apr- 10 • 10- Apr- 1024- Apr- 10 01- May- 1015- May- 10 22- May- 1005- Jun- 10 12- Jun- 1026- Jun- 10 03- Jul- 1017- Jul- 10 10- Jul- 1024- Jul- 10 24- Jul- 1007- Aug- 10 14- Aug- 1028- Aug- 10 04- Sep- 1018- Sep- 10 11- Sep- 1025- Sep- 10 25- Sep- 1009- Oct- 10 16- Oct- 1030- Oct- 10 06- Nov- 1020- Nov- 10 27- Nov- 1011- Dec- 10 18- Dec- 1001- Jan- 11 • 25- Dec- 1008- Jan- 11 • • Seasonal supplement applies Save up to 15% on your tour - see page 243 Save up to 15% on your tour - see page 243

SOUTH EAST ASIAVIETNAM 18 " I loved it all - visiting the tribes, the amazing tailors in Hoi An, the madness of Hanoi.... just generally a darn good itinerary!" Elena Dickson south east asia Essential Vietnam Imaginative Facts Tour code: STES • Activities: Extensive walking at sites • Accommodation: 6 nights in tourist class hotels, 2 nights bungalows on Whale Island, 1 night homestay • Transport: Private air- conditioned minibus/ coach, plane • Flights: Saigon to Nha Trang, Nha Trang to Danang and Hue to Hanoi • Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller tour leader, services of local guides • Imaginative Traveller Suggests: Add our ' Sapa Hilltribe Extension' DAY 1: SAIGON ( HO CHI MINH CITY)- Arrive in Saigon. DAY 2: MEKONG DELTA HOMESTAY-We head south to the Mekong Delta, an area of islands and rivers where boats are the only form of transport. We spend the day exploring the area by boat and on foot. Tonight we are guests of a local family. ( BLD) DAY 3: MEKONG DELTA - SAIGON- This morning we visit an authentic floating market before returning to Saigon. ( B) DAY 4: SAIGON - WHALE ISLAND-Morning walking tour of this amazing city. Afternoon flight to Nha Trang and transfer to the idyllic Whale Island, so named because of the sperm whales which can sometimes be spotted off its shores. ( BD) DAY 5: WHALE ISLAND- A relaxing free day to swim, laze on pristine beaches or go snorkelling amidst lovely coral gardens. ( BLD) DAYS 6 & 7: HOI AN - Today we drive to Nha Trang for a short flight to Danang then transfer to the wonderful ancient trading town of Hoi An. Take a guided tour of the town, a favourite for travellers with its beautiful architecture and picturesque seafront. The rest of the time you are free to wander the streets at leisure. ( Day 6 - B, Day 7 - BD) DAYS 8 & 9: HUE- Drive along the coast via Ocean Cloud Pass, the geographical divide between north and south Vietnam. Arrive in Hue and enjoy an afternoon cruise along the Perfume River to the Heavenly Lady Pagoda and the tomb of the Nguyen Emperor Minh Mang. The next morning take a morning tour of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Imperial City. In the late afternoon we transfer to the airport for a short flight to Hanoi. ( Day 8 - B, Day 9 - BD) DAY 10: HANOI- Enjoy a walking tour of the Old Quarter. Tour ends early afternoon. ( B) All the highlights of Vietnam in a fabulous 10- day journey • Contrast the excitement of Saigonwith the quiet elegance of Hanoi • Explore the Mekong Delta by boat and overnight at a simple homestay • Immerse yourself in the delights of the charming coastal town of Hoi An • Enjoy a two night stay on the beautiful eco- resort of Whale Island • Visit the pagodas and imperial tombsof the UNESCO city of Hue Vietnam Hanoi Halong Bay Saigon Mekong Delta Hue Hoi An Whale Island Essential Vietnam A Taste of Vietnam Thailand Bangkok Chiang Mai Village Homestay A Taste of Thailand • Seasonal Supplement £ 35 Single Supplement £ 165 ( optional) Voluntary Carbon Offset £ 23.36 * Price includes tour price of £ 625and local payment of US$ 170All prices are subject to currency fluctuations £ 715pp Land Only * traveller Tour duration 10 days © Imaginative Traveller © Imaginative Traveller Starts SatEnds Mon SaigonHanoi 2009 03- Jan- 0912- Jan- 09 24- Jan- 0902- Feb- 09 14- Feb- 0923- Feb- 09 07- Mar- 0916- Mar- 09 28- Mar- 0906- Apr- 09 18- Apr- 0927- Apr- 09 09- May- 0918- May- 09 30- May- 0908- Jun- 09 20- Jun- 0929- Jun- 09 04- Jul- 0913- Jul- 09 11- Jul- 0920- Jul- 09 01- Aug- 0910- Aug- 09 22- Aug- 0931- Aug- 09 05- Sep- 0914- Sep- 09 12- Sep- 0921- Sep- 09 03- Oct- 0912- Oct- 09 24- Oct- 0902- Nov- 09 14- Nov- 0923- Nov- 09 05- Dec- 0914- Dec- 09 26- Dec- 0904- Jan- 10 • Starts SatEnds Mon SaigonHanoi 2010 16- Jan- 1025- Jan- 10 06- Feb- 1015- Feb- 10 27- Feb- 1008- Mar- 10 20- Mar- 1029- Mar- 10 10- Apr- 1019- Apr- 10 01- May- 1010- May- 10 22- May- 1031- May- 10 12- Jun- 1021- Jun- 10 03- Jul- 1012- Jul- 10 10- Jul- 1019- Jul- 10 24- Jul- 1002- Aug- 10 14- Aug- 1023- Aug- 10 04- Sep- 1013- Sep- 10 11- Sep- 1020- Sep- 10 25- Sep- 1004- Oct- 10 16- Oct- 1025- Oct- 10 06- Nov- 1015- Nov- 10 27- Nov- 1006- Dec- 10 18- Dec- 1027- Dec- 10 • 25- Dec- 1003- Jan- 11 • • Seasonal supplement applies You can extend your holiday experience trekking in northern Vietnam on our Sapa Hilltribe Extension on page 23. don't forget ... We can also offer Extra Accommodation, Adventure Travel Insurance& Flights Save up to 15% on your tour - see page 243