Footprint Vietnam Travel Brochure - 2010

True Value in Travel

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Destinations, Stories and Itineraries - Vieät Nam Destinations, Stories and Itineraries - Vieät Nam

Rice terraces in Sapa

Welcome to Footprint Vietnam!

Cam on, Thank you!

My name is Son, Footprint’s Product Manager; I’m so excited topresent this new type of brochure, which includes short storiesfrom different Viet Nam destinations, tour descriptions, and touritineraries.

To add some life to these pages and to your vacation planning wehave chosen to write these descriptions in the voice of travelers,holiday makers, adventurers, and even our tour guides. Hopefullyyou will find a little bit of yourself in some of those words. Touroptions include trekking, cruising, cycling, all-inclusive packagedtours to see all of Viet Nam; or simply, short trips from the maincities to see something extra special.

Footprint’s mission is to bring value to your trips. We have workedtirelessly over the past year on every aspect of our company andour product to make sure that you experience that True Value inTravel.In this redevelopment we learned something. We learned that totruly increase the value in travel we had to insure that the tripwas first valuable to you - our client - and second, and maybeeven more importantly, to the small local economies that we bringyou to. We have been doing this for 8 years and continually strive,year by year, to be and do better. To bring increased value to thelocals and destinations we visit, we have taken the lead and part-nered in a variety of activities, national and international NGOs,that work to involve the local through cultural exchanges, trainingand capacity building and, to protect and conserve their heritageand natural surroundings.

If you do not find your dream tour or what interests you here,please visit our newly updated website www.footprint.vn or emailus at [email protected] with your questions or ideas. We can cus-tomize your creativity or special needs into the perfect programfor you or your clients.

I would like to thank you on behalf of our entire team at Foot-print, for your support and interest in Viet Nam and in Footprint.We wish you all the best in your travels and adventures.

True Value in Travel4

IndexYour Footprint team 5Your safety & our customer service 7Accommodation and transportation during your stay 10A taste of the ancient Haø Noäi 11Cycling in Ninh Binh 15Soft eco-adventures 18 days 17H! Long Bay, fairy tales and fantasies 19The Red Dragon junk 21Cruise Baùi Töû Long on our Red Dragon 23Changed by Sapa 24Our Sapa trekking experience in 3 days 25Haø Giang adventures on motorbike 28The daily life in Puø Luoâng & Mai Chaâu 30Hueá & Hoäi An: authentic ancient orient 33Nha Trang 36The SE Asian life-line called the Meâ Koâng Delta 37We’ve gone to Saøi Goøn 3814 days of valued impressions in Vieät Nam 39Destination Muõi Neù 43Phuù Quoác island – our paradise 43A new chapter in Cambodia 45Together in Laos 47Responsible Travel 48

Zigzagging road from Tam Ñöôøng to Sapa

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Your Footprint TeamThere is no better feeling then to show someone - a new friend - your home;especially when your home is in a far away country. And, to make them feelcomfortable and safe while they are there is what we at Footprint do natu-rally.We at Footprint are all Vietnamese. Most of us went to school together andnow some of us have had families together. We are like one big family.From the moment we get a request on a trip we strive, in true Vietnamesespirit, to bring you in as part of the Footprint family. We do our very best toget to know a little bit about you and to make sure those added touches areorganized into your itinerary. Recently, the whole Footprint team made a decision to change the way wedo things. From the travel consultants, to our guides, to the responsibilitiesof our IT guy; from the emails we send to our new friends, to our tour pack-ages, to the way we treat our partners - whether they be the owner of one ofthe homestays, a general manager of a hotel, or a local tour guide; all of this,to insure value for everyone involved.

People behind the scene (Hà n"i offfice)

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Team cycling in Ninh Binh

Canyoning team in Ñaø Laït


Ñieän guiding in Haø Noäi old town.

Your Safety Top priority is safety for everyone. You are our guests andwe make every effort before, during, and after your staywith us that you are safe. Our standards are at an interna-tional level. To insure this we have had trainers join usfrom Vieät Nam, Canada, and the Netherlands. As thepremier local tour operator in Vieät Nam we have a repu-tation to uphold. This we have done for a numbers ofyears and for many years to come.

Our Customer ServiceFootprint firmly stands by its brand: True Value inTravel. This is a global industry and we believe we areleaders in that industry. As experts we know that yourholiday or adventure to Vieät Nam starts from the momentyou start thinking about a trip to go on and does not fin-ish till you get home.

The planning, the searching on the internet, the read-ing-up on the country, the decisions, the last-minutechanges, the packing of your suitcase, then, the flight,those dreaded visa procedures and the new stamp inthe passport, the first impressions, the new tastes andsmells, the journey and journeys, right up to the lastimpressions and then, the return flight home, the un-packing, the printing of photos and the sharing of yourmemories and maybe some of the bragging rights withyour friends and loved ones.

Through all of this we are here to serve you; the client; afriend; our family.

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Map of Vieät nam, Laos & Cambodia

Diverse Inspirations in Vieät NamWar and foreign occupation are history now, yet the lega-cies are left as reminders for some and lessons for others.However, it is the ancientness – the thousands of years ofhistory – that shines through the last hundred years.

The detail and craftsmanship, and the customs and tradi-tions make up the folds of culture that is presented in thefood, handicraft, and hospitality. From North to South, Eastto West, and on land and sea, Vieät Nam’s diversity in cul-ture and geography is astounding.

In Vieät Nam, it doesn’t take long for one to have all of theirsenses challenged and more than a lifetime’s worth ofmemories gained.

9www.footprint.vn/vietnam

Children in Mai Chaâu Mrs. Hearson enjoys a cyclo in Hoäi An

Accommodation and Transportation During Your StayOn your holiday to Vieät Nam with Footprint you have the opportunity to stay in arange of accommodation; from 5 star hotels on the beach to traditional hill-tribehomestays in remote areas. All of the hotels are classified on an international rat-ing system. Whenever possible, Footprint has chosen small-sized, locally-ownedaccommodation. Wherever you stay be assured that your safety and comfort areour top priority.

To insure your comfort and safety whenever and wherever possible you will bein one of Footprint’s vehicles. All are equipped with air conditioning, large view-ing windows, and seatbelts. All of our drivers are trained to the highest of stan-dards and have at least five years experience.

When transferring regionally you will be either flying or aboard a train. Theflights are on our premier national airline and while on the train you can be as-sured a first class sleeper car. While traveling in Vieät Nam with Footprint youmay also find yourself on boat. All of our boats and services on the boat are alsoup to international standard. In fact, Footprint has just invested in a fleet of thenewest Chinese junks currently on Haï Long Bay. Finally, you may also find your-self adventuring on bicycle. If so, you will always have vehicle support on yourjourney. For motorbike tours please consult our travel consultant for more infor-mation.


Suite garden – Palm Garden Hoäi An

A Taste of the Ancient Haø NoäiAll the pictures in all the travel magazines are remarkably true. The over-loaded motorcycles, the heaps of food and busy markets are all here inHaø Noäi.

In one direction there was a man selling so many red balloons that itlooked as though he could be lifted off the ground. In another, a woman,shaded by her conical hat, balancing on her shoulder, an entire portablerestaurant in two baskets at either end of a bamboo stick. How could weresist?

We sat there on the side of the busy street taking it all in, eating the smil-ing woman’s fresh noodle soup and snails. Tang, our guide told us 1000year old stories of past Hanoian kings and Buddhist gods in the form ofmystic animals. We were assured that we would understand so muchmore about the county’s culture and ancient tales after our show at thewater puppet theatre.

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Water puppets in Haø Noäi

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Theâ Huùc Bridge – Hoaøn Kieám Lake

Our Haø Noäi City Tour in a day Take the opportunity to have a full day in Haø Noäi fully organized andplanned in such a way that you see all the sites and still get a taste of localHaø Noäi culture.

Full day in Hanoi

8:00 am: We were picked up just after our breakfast and started the day byvisiting and learning about Uncle Hoà at the Hoà Chí Minh Mausoleum, Presi-dential Palace and Residential Place.

Mid-Morning: Visited the Temple of Literature - Vieät Nam’s first university -and a musical performance for added measure. Lunch: Got to taste and ex-perience authentic Haø Noäi Phôû (noodle soup).

Afternoon: Choice of a visit to any one of the numerous museums or templesaround Haø Noäi (Museum of Ethnology, Women’s Museum, History Museumor Quaùn Thaùnh Temple). We chose the Museum of Ethonology.

Late Afternoon: Did some walking around the Old Quarter. Great fun andexciting shopping for me while the others took it easy with a walk aroundHoaøn Kieám Lake.

Finished the day with a show at the Water Puppet Theatre. Everyone’s fa-vorite part!

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Leslie joins the traditional dance.


Limestone formations in Ninh Binh

Cycling in Ninh BinhThis trip is perfect for all types of travelers including families and groups. Thebikes are fully ridged standard bikes for ease of travel. All of our cycling toursare fully supported by a van, so to be flexible for those who want to exploremore of this beautiful area.

Two days on two wheels.Day 1: Haø Noäi – Cuùc Phöông National Park - Up at 8:00am for some familystretching and a big breakfast before we got picked up. Covered good groundon countryside roads. Now and then we would stop for a little history lessonand to get a few photographs of the spectacular scenery. Slept in a bungalowinside the National Park.Day 2: Cuùc Phöông National Park – Vaân Long – Haø Noäi – Had some earlymorning cycling through the jungle. Feeling the burn today. Much tougher thenyesterday but the fresh air is keeping us on pace. Lunch was followed by ashort boat tour then it was back on the bikes. Return and overnight in Hanoi.

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Group cycling Ninh Binh

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Traditional rowboat in Vaân Long

Cycle in Cuùc Phöông park


Busy traffic in Haø Noäi

Soft Eco-adventures packed into 18 days of funFeature: This 18 day package tour is an adventurous mix of colorful culture, an-cient history and diverse geographies and is an ideal package for travelers whowish to experience the beauty of Vieät Nam in an active style, it is a good funfor the family as well.Day 1: Haø Noäi – It was a long flight, but well worth it; especially, when youget off the plane to a Vietnamese welcome dinner! (Overnight in Haø Noäi).Day 2: Haø Noäi by ‘cyclo’ – What a great way to start the trip. A little ‘adven-ture’ through the busy streets catching all the sites – and with someone elsedoing all the work! (Again, overnight in Haø Noäi).Day 3: Haø Noäi – Haï Long Bay by boat and kayak - Cruised the bay all day onthe Red Dragon junk and had a chance to get up close and personal by kayak.(Slept on board).Day 4: Haï Long Bay, paddle in hand kayaking – Haø Noäi – Woke up with thesun and did my best to explore everything I could. (Back to Haø Noäi for thenight).Day 5: Haø Noäi – Hueá – Had my own unplanned, solo adventure in Haø Noäi try-ing all the street foods. (Overnight train to Haø Noäi).Day 6: Hueá by river-boat – Loving every minute and every new sight andevery new city. Today, it was a day of pagodas, kings, and ancient ruins.(Night in town).Day 7: Hueá - Baïch Maõ National Park on foot – Summitted Baïch Maõ by carthen had a fun-filled day of trekking. (Slept in the jungle).Day 8: Baïch Maõ - Laêng Coâ – Hoäi An – Some well-deserved beach time and astop at a museum for a history lesson. (Overnight in Hoäi An).

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Long Bieân bridge built in 1901

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Day 9: Hoäi An – Nha Trang: Guided city exploring, adventurous bargainingand souvenir shopping, then off to Nha Trang for the evening on the beach.Day 10: Nha Trang - Beach relaxation at its best!Day 11: Nha Trang under water – Early morning, then it was off to the harbourto catch our boat for a full-days’ worth of scuba diving in the colourful watersoff Vieät Nam’s coast. Back to the hotel in Nha Trang for the night.Day 12: Nha Trang – Ñaø Laït – A scenic drive south to Ñaø Laït and eveningpreperation for a big day tomorrow on the water and in the canyons. Day 13: Ñaø Laït – Hiking, canyoning, climbing, canoeing, swimming, and rap-pelling all in one day! This is what I have been waiting for! (Overnight in ÑaøLaït).Day 14: Ñaø Laït – Saøi Goøn - Busy day of sightseeing and driving. City tour inSaøi Goøn before finding myself in bed – need a rest! Day 15: Saøi Goøn – Cuû Chi tunnels - Headed to the unforgettable Cuû Chi tun-nels. Made it through the authentic section but not as easy as you would think!(Back to Saøi Goøn for the evening).Day 16: Vónh Long - Caàn Thô by boat and bike – Thought that Thôøi, my guide,would not be able to keep up to me, but was I ever mistaken. He took me allover the place in between short tours by boat. (Overnight in Caàn Thô).Day 17: Caàn Thô by boat – Saøi Goøn – Started the day with another boat trip tothe exciting and chaotic Caùi Rang Floating Market. Then it was back on ourbikes to explore some backcountry roads of the Meâ koâng Delta. (Returned to SaøiGoøn for the night).Day 18: Saøi Goøn – Last minute shopping by rented motorbike which I rentedand drove on my own – in Saøi Goøn! (Headed home on the plane with greatmemories).

Sandra and Paul cycling in the Meâ Koâng

Haï Long Bay, Fairy Tales and FantasiesIf you listen quietly in the evening, just as the sun has set and the pinksand baby-blues silhouette the shapes of the towering limestone features,you can still hear whispering legends carried from those first stars on thegentle Haï Long breeze.

There is magic here. We were witness to it all day. From the time westepped on our vessel - which was built for royalty to say the least - weengaged in the magnificent memories that I have still never forgotten.

That tiny floating fishing village; how they lived so connected to the sea;and that morning yoga class on the deck of our boat; and the food, thefreshest of prawns, squid, and fish, all in Vietnamese style and true Viet-namese hospitality. When you thought it couldn’t get any better, Footprinthad a surprise waiting just around the bend. Absolutely tremendous! Amagic trick that needs to be experienced by all.

Haï Long Bay is truly invaluable - for your mind, body and soul.

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Sunset in Haï Long bay

One of the dishes served aboard

View from a cave


The Princess Junk in Baùi Töû Long Bay

The Red Dragon Junk Named and designed after an authentic Chinese junk, which had plied therivers, seas and harbors of the Far East, from Singapore to northern China,the Red Dragon Junk now can be found amongst the karst landscape of HaïLong and Baùi Töû Long Bay.

Superior in class and grandeur, the vessel has been completed with fivedeluxe cabins, fully serviced kitchen and bar, outside and inside eatingareas, and massive lounging space. The boat was sized perfectly to get in-timate with the natural wonders, pocket lagoons, and small fishing com-munities of Vieät Nam’s prized World Heritage Site.

As soon as you board the Red Dragon, you will be surrounded by tradi-tional handmade artisan woodwork - truly a masterpiece on the sea.Whether you are relaxing in your comfortable cabin, lounging on the spa-cious sun deck, or dinning in the cozy restaurant you will feel and betreated like royalty.

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The Red Dragon junk

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The twin room on the Red Dragon Dinner in the cave


Kayaking in Baùi Töû Long Bay

Cruise Baùi Töû Long on our Red DragonSlow cruise through the seemingly never-ending bay of islands. Lie in thesun, enjoy a selection of the freshest seafood, and capture photographafter photograph on Footprint’s brand new Red Dragon junk.

Two days on the water

Day 1: Haø Noäi - Haï Long Bay – Boarded the Red Dragon for afternoon andevening cruising. Visits to caves, secret beaches, some off-the-boat swim-ming and kayaking. Star gazing in the evening and slept aboard.

Day 2: Haï Long Bay - Baùi Töû Long Bay - Haø Noäi – There was Yoga to startthe morning, then breakfast, then more cruising. To finish the day we had avisit to the floating fishing village of Vong Vieâng. This was the perfect littlegetaway.

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View of Baùi Töû Long Bay

Sunrise in Baùi Töû Long

Kayaking in the fishing village

Changed by SapaThere is a beautiful Dao woman named May. She lives in her husband’ssmall village, not far, but tucked away from the main road. Her heart is sowarm it had the ability to push away the clouds that had followed us onour exhilarating trek. At her home, she greeted us with the most humbleof handshakes and a smile that touched you.

You could see, for once, that we the tourists were actually playing a rolein the betterment of the community. May was proud to tell us that herdaughter, who was busy in the kitchen, was going to be continuingschool. Even the bathroom area was spick and span, up to western stan-dards. Our guide translated for May’s husband who said he was soon tostart showing others in the village how to build similar toilets for obviousreasons.

A sleep on traditional rice stock mattresses then roosters alerting us thatmorning had arrived. As the family and some of the neighbors helped uswith our bags to the main road, it was the two of us who were truly hum-bled by the experience.


May Pham in her village Taû Phìn

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Our Sapa Trekking Experience in 3 daysA perfect combination of trek and culture. Journey away from the crowdsand homestay at a traditional Dao home. Learn and participate in villagelife and truly feel the warmth and hospitality of these incredible peoples.

A soft adventure with fun!Day 1: Arrival Laøo Cai - Village – Spent last night on train from Haø Noäi -met some interesting characters all headed up to Sapa - seemed like wewere the only ones going to a secret spot; and we did! After a half-day oftrekking in the terraced landscape we were greeted at the homestay wherewe spent a night that will be in my memories forever.Day 2: Village - Sapa – A second half day of trekking to Sapa town. Marketshopping and friendly faces in the afternoon. Bumped into a few peoplefrom the train. Slept in town. Day 3: Early wake-up to enjoy the morning mist and openings of the marketin Sapa. Finished the trip with a short leisurely trek to a nearby Hmong vil-lage. Tough leaving this all behind. Night on the train back to Haø Noäi.

Trek with the locals in Sapa

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Sewing machine at night in Taû Phìn Sapa

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Haø Giang Time Travel Adventure and cultural extremes in a setting that, even while sitting onthat lookout, there was not one in the group who could describe what wewere seeing and feeling with words.

Somehow these Russian Minsk motorbikes are pushing on. It’s been hardto notice how hard they really have been working because I have beenpreoccupied with what’s happening all around me. We have driven upand down winding, seemingly-impossible roads through the mountainsand have arrived in a place the Vietnamese call the ‘Kingdom of theHmong’.

As we role up to a busy ethnic marketplace on our motorized beasts ofburden, in our clunky helmets, coated in dirt, we are a crowd-stoppingshow. Chickens scatter, children hold their breath, and all business stops.Aliens in an alien world. A scene of speechless onlookers. The silence fi-nally broken, with an exchange of two familiar, not-so foreign greetingscommon to all - smiles!

Ñoàng Vaên Market in Haø Giang

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Haø Giang Adventures on MotorbikeOn motorbikes is an exciting way to adventure and explore Vieät Nam. Travelin freedom, on two wheels, to places that have only seen a handful of for-eigners. Experience is recommended.

Let’s hit the roadDay 1: Haø Noäi – Haø Giang (~ 300 km) – Early start. Quick inspection of thebikes. Final gear-check. Then off we go on our longest day, straight into theNorth. Short stopover at the Museum of Ethnology to get acquainted with theethnic minorities we will visit. Sleep in Haø Giang town.Day 2: Haø Giang - Quaûn Baï - Yeân Minh (~ 70 km) – Incredible drivingthrough even more incredible mountain features. Saw and visited local hilltribevillages. Getting used to the bike. Starting to settle in nicely. O/N in Yeân Minh.Day 3: Yeân Minh - Meøo Vaïc - Ñoàng Vaên (~ 100 km) – Scenic route with somebig climbs and descents. Awesome zigzagging mountain roads. Many smalltowns and villages where trade takes place. Only one mechanical to report -flat tire - easily fixed. O/N in Ñoàng Vaên town.Day 4: Ñoàng Vaên - Yeân Minh - Quaûn Baï - Haø Giang (~ 150 km) – Finished

Jim motor biking in Haø Giang

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the Haø Giang loop with some historical sites. Great colonial architecture. Lov-ing the ipod. O/N in Haø Giang.

Day 5: Haø Giang - Hoaøng Sun Phì - Baéc Haø (~ 209 km) – Early departure. Themost colourful of hilltribes at our destination. Fun day with stunning views.Had lunch with a family of water buffalos on the side of the road. O/N in BaécHaø town.

Day 6: Baéc Haø - Sapa (~ 120 km) – Huge descent followed by an equally sig-nificant climb. Made it to Sapa by noon. Town was a French hill station nowtourist destination. No more mechanicals to report. O/N in Sapa.

Day 7: Sapa - Laøo Cai - Haø Noäi – Decided to spend the day off the bikes for aday of trekking. Biked back to Laøo Cai. Loaded the bikes on the train. On thetrain now, looking at our pictures. All smiles! Night on train to Haø Noäi.

Our friends – the Paø Theûn in Haø Giang

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True Value in Travelel30

The Daily Life in Puø Luoâng & Mai Chaâu Your driver will tell you to “Get out your cameras, we are almost there!”

Cameras in hand, you will be awestruck with the panorama that stretches outa 1000 meters below where you are standing to an endless valley of lush-ness. Green-green, patterned rice fields dotted here-and-there with ethnicminority villages of the Thaùi people. Pointing to one near the winding river,our guide does his very best to show us the exact home we will spend thenight at.

He begins to tell us about his favorite local food - smoked pork - and aboutthe fresh fried vegetables that are in season as we begin to descend into thevalley that is now filled with our curiosities and excitement.

Paddy fields in Mai Chaâu

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Mai Chaâu & Puø Luoâng for 3 daysTrek Mai Chaâu, the mountainous townlet of the Thaùi people. Here is oneof the most picturesque regions of Vieät Nam’s northwest. The Puø LuoângNature Reserve, an area with outstanding beauty and biodiversity, is amust-see.Nature trekking and hilltribe living Day 1: Haø Noäi - Mai Chaâu - Puø Luoâng – I think I daydreamed all day in thevan. Didn’t even read my book. Reached Mai Chaâu and took a short boattrip. Then some leisurely trekking through Puø Luoâng Nature Reserve and thehilltribe villages and rice paddies - very picturesque. Homestay in Hang vil-lage.Day 2: Puø Luoâng - Mai Chaâu – A full day’s worth of vigorous and rewardingtrekking. I really felt the legs burning on some of the climbs but totallyworth it. Homestay in Kho Möôøng village.Day 3: Puø Luoâng - Thanh Hoaù - Haø Noäi – Another half-day of trekking.Practiced some of my Vietnamese and Thaùi with the hilltribe children thatcame out to meet us - not doing to bad if I say so myself. Slept the wholedrive back to Haø Noäi.

Ms. Veronica’s group trek in Puø Luoâng

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32Liza with children in Puø Luoâng

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Hueá & Hoäi An: Authentic Ancient OrientVisiting a place like Hueá or Hoäi An is like going back in time. Ancientsplendor and the elegance of the orient is hard to put a value on. By wayof claim, these two World Heritage Sites put our ways of life in the west-ern world into perspective.

We did however, manage to have some fun. All of us are coming homewith brand new handmade custom-fit suits and dresses. I even had a pairof leather shoes made. The art, pottery and handicraft which is so proudlydisplayed is astonishing. The craftsmanship and detail truly deserves itsthousand years of respect it has taken to refine.

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Imperial city of Hueá

Making ceramics in Hoäi An

Bridge pagoda in Hoäi An

34Handmade lanterns in Hoäi An

A day in the Imperial city of Hueá This interesting day trip will bring you a great understanding about our Im-perial city of the 19th century. The highlights include the magnificentcitadel, splendid royal tombs, a Buddhist pagoda, and a lovely boat ridealong the Perfume River.

Today’s trip9:30 am: This morning I picked up the Australian couple who were brightand early already having their breakfast, coffee and vegemite (?). We startedthe day with a riverside walk and boat trip along the same river. Taughtthem, I think, everything I knew about Buddhism in Vieät Nam, with visits tothe Thieân Muï Pagoda and the former Imperial Citadel. Took them for lunch at my favorite local restaurant. So funny, those Aussieswith chopsticks, but good-sports! In the afternoon, toured them to the royaltombs of Minh Maïng and Khaûi Ñònh. Vieät Nam has so many things to learnabout – even I am still learning. Late afternoon, 5:30: Back at the hotel safe and sound, a few free recom-mendations of my other favorite restaurants and exchanged emails. Must re-member to put them on my facebook!

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Hieàn guiding in Hueá

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Lots of things to do in Nha TrangFinally, the beach! And one with options - swimming, scuba diving, snorkel-ing, wind surfing, and kite boarding. I choose absolutely nothing! Com-pletely content with sun, sand, and the occasional cool down in the ocean.

The others did however come back later in the afternoon raving about thediving. My sister had one of the Footprint guides take her up to the toweringWhite Buddha that can been seen from just about everywhere in NhaTrang.

Looking forward to the next few days. Still have half the country to explore.This little bit of rest and relaxation was the perfect addition to our Vieät Namadventure.


Nha Trang beach

Diving Nha Trang Bay Fun kayaking

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The SE Asian Life-line called the Meâ Koâng DeltaTo think the Meâ Koâng was a last minute decision when we were planningour trip is difficult to comprehend. This spot has put the true value in whatFootprint calls travel. The delta of this great river has provided the naturalsurroundings and the people with so much aliveness and fertility “the mightytributaries of life and culture” I call them.After our boat trip and bike ride, the fresh fruit and best fish lunch I haveever had filled me to the brim and forced a welcomed nap on one of the se-cret hammocks I found at the local restaurant.

Holiday-cycling around Meâ Koâng for a couple of daysA great way to see the Meâ Koâng countryside and life of the locals is on thepeacefulness of two wheels. Fully supported by a vehicle, your tour can beas invigorating or as relaxing as you like.Family funDay 1: Saøi Goøn - Caùi Beø - Vónh Long - Caàn Thô – After a drive to our destina-tion we began the day with a short boat tour of a Meâ koâng floating market. Inthe boat, it was the sisters in the front and the husbands in the back. The restof the day, as planned, was spent on bicycles - this time, husbands in thefront, and sisters, only slightly trailing in the back. O/N in Caàn Thô.Day 2: Caàn Thô - Saøi Goøn – Another morning boat trip, then back on thebikes, where we covered a fair bit of the Meâ Koâng area. We had all kinds ofopportunities to meet the locals, many who were on bicycle too. Is it so funnyto try and hear the boys speak Vietnamese with those little phrasebooks and aperiod. Was good to be together again!

Caùi Rang floating market

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Tell the kids we’ve gone to Saøi Goøn What an incredible contrast from Haø Noäâi. From street side meals and ancientkings to neon lights and all hustle-and-bustle. Saøi Goøn is youthful yet sophisti-cated holding a charming air of modern philosophy in a post-colonial-Viet-namese setting.

Our two days were well spent. Surely we could have added another day ofsightseeing so that we could have included the Cuû Chi tunnels to our list ofattractions. What a joy our cyclo-tour to the museums and the Notre DameCathedral was. Loved all the daytime shopping; especially, my new whitesilk AÙo Daøi. And in the evening? Well, we even lost a few of our inhabita-tions and did a little dancing. Good to feel young again!


Saøi Goøn post office

Busy life in Saøi goønTraditional Vietnamese AÙo daøi

14 days of Valued Impressions in Vieät NamThis newly redeveloped set tour is ideal for travelers whose time is limitedand want to have a panorama of the diversity and majestic beauty of VieätNam.

Our two weeks in briefDay 1: Arrival Haø Noäi – We got off the plane with enough time for a few XinChao’s and a bia hôi on the corner down from the hotel I think. I like thisplace already. My first night in Haø Noäi.Day 2: Haø Noäi – Today we toured so much of this intense city. Sights to bechecked off: the Hoà Chí Minh Mausoleum, the Woman’s Museum and a WaterPuppet Show. Overnight on the train to Sapa.Day 3: Arrival Laøo Cai - Village – Half-day of trekking in the terraced land-scape of Sapa. Don’t seem to notice the legs, too busy enjoying the scenery.Homestay in the home of the Red Dao.Day 4: Village - Sapa – Having the whole family at the homestay has mademe rethink the way I live. Very special indeed. Looking forward to a secondhalf-day of trekking to Sapa town. Night in Sapa town.Day 5: Woke-up extra early and enjoyed the morning activity in Sapa town bymyself, then a short leisurely trek to a nearby Hmong village – completely in-trigued with the daily life here. (O/N on the train back to Haø Noäi).Day 6: Haø Noäi - Haï Long Bay – My ninth World Heritage site, this one byboat and by far the most awesome in nature. Slept on the boat.

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a smiling crewmember on the Red Dragon

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Day 7: Haï Long Bay - Baùi Töû Long Bay - Haø Noäi - Hueá – Had a great sleep on-board. Today, more cruising around the bay: Haï Long and Baùi Töû Long. (O/Non train to Hueá).Day 8: Hueá – All day city tour and another boat trip - just over half way onthis trip and have seen so much already! Night in Hueá.

Day 9: Hueá - Hoäi An – Did a market-cyclo tour, some souvenir shopping andthen ample opportunity to see more of the Vietnamese countryside on the wayto Hoäi An. Overngiht in Hoäi An town. Lovely hotel.

Day 10: Hoäi An – Maybe my favorite spot yet and a day’s worth of free timeto take it all in. Not to forget that the new suit and shoes need to be picked upat 8:30 am! Same hotel in Hoäi An.

Day 11: Hoäi An - Ñaø Naüng - Saøi Goøn – Transferred to Ñaø Naüng, afternoonflight to Saøi Goøn, good little city tour - so many motorcycles?! O/N in Saøi Goøn.

Day 12: Saøi Goøn - Taây Ninh - Cuû Chi tunnels – Definitely a long day of sight-seeing, the tunnels were unforgettable. Slept in town.

Day 13: Saøi Goøn - Meâ Koâng - Saøi Goøn – We got to see more of the countrysideand great to be on the water / river again. My last night in Saøi Goøn was fullyspent at another another bia hôi corner.

Last day in Vieät Nam: Departure Saøi Goøn. Well taken care of the whole time.Too bad it’s time to head home.


Inside Hueá’s Imperial City

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Revived in Ñaø LaïtTake a deep breath, then another, and another; because one will simplynot do. Reenergized with the temperate climate, the mountains of Ñaø Laïthave brought me back to life after our long journey South.

Dalat is located in Lam Dong province, approximately 200 km northeast ofHo Chi Minh City. At an elevation of 1,500 m, Dalat bears the look of anOld French city. It was founded in 1897 when Doctor Alexandre Yersinrecommended that the area be developed as a resort town.

My husband the ‘adventurous botanist’ cannot keep himself out of theflower markets, and myself, the ‘casual shopaholic’ can’t wait to get intothe mountains for more of the fresh air and a little exercise.

Ñaø Laït in the mist

The city of flowers Adventure in Ñaø Laït

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Relaxing on the beaches (Palm Garden Hoäi An)

Destination Muõi NeùEven though I knew that some of the most pristine untouched beachesawaited me at the seaside, I was torn away by my creative-side to take outthe camera and play amateur photographer once again. None of my pic-tures had ever turned out the way I wanted them to until that day.

The curves of the landscape and the tones of the culture were incrediblyinspiring. Capturing the essence and spirit of Vieät Nam seemed easy. Snap-shots of people and life came to me as if I were spellbound.

Today as I sit in my living room, admiring my ‘best shot’ of that day, I won-der if I should have spent more time at the beach – with my camera.

Phuù Quoác Island – Our ParadiseOur own little piece of paradise and all the sentimental value it will alwayshold, how I never wanted those three days to end. Who would havethought, Vieät Nam for our honeymoon?!

Exotic and romantic. The weather was perfect.The beaches were ours – allours. In the days, we explored, built sandcastles, walked along the beachand, and drank from coconuts when we felt necessary. We sipped cham-pagne as the sun fell behind the ocean, and with our little portable ipod wedanced on the moonlit sand. Barefoot from the time we arrived.

So that I never forget our secret little island, I keep my little upturned shellfilled with its sand on my bedside table.

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Pristine beach Muõi Neù

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Tug of war statues in Siem Reap

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A new chapter in CambodiaCambodia is country of stories, both good and bad. It is a country where bright or-ange robes contrast against the shadows of colossal stone faces. The greater ma-jority of the people are youth, and their energy and smiles filled our days with thebrightness that will surely carry on through the future. And as we made our way through the country, we gained lasting memories inworlds so different then ours. We were humbled, shaken, surprised and awe-somed all at the same time. We hit the beach and visited Angkor Wat, lost ourselves in the city and medi-tated in the temples. At the end of the trip it was our souls that were glowing, andwe all agreed that we had grown together.

Ankor Wat in Siem Reap

A floating village on Tonle Sap Lake Golden pagoda in Phomphenh

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46A Buddhist temple in Luang Prabang

Together in Laos As far as the country seems so far away from everything, the one thing we all tookhome with us was a sense of connectedness. In Laos everything seems connected;and we all felt a sense of comfort because of it. The people, the nature, the Buddhist religion, the history, and the cultures are allone. The whole experience made us a part of something special, a part somethingbigger.We traveled the country, north to south, by boat, by land, by bike, and by foot;and everywhere we went it seemed like the Mekong River was there, holdingeverything together.

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Ikor girl in Pakse

At one market in Champassak

The boat trip in Meâ Kong river

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Responsible TravelThe idea of responsible tourism has evolved out of concern about the nega-tive impacts of tourism. Responsible tourism aims to protect the environment and to respect people, their communities, and their cultures. The benefits of tourism should contribute to improving the quality of life in host communities instead of creating the negative impacts that we too often see.The Footprint team does not want to see the people or places of Vieät Namexploited. We would rather take you to the unspoiled Vieät Nam and travel ina way that treads lightly and plays a role in benefiting the area's we visit.Protecting these destinations and working to keep them unspoiled willinsurethat you, your children and future generations will also have the opportunityto visit and learn. As tourists and tour operators we do have a responsibility.As a responsible tourism company we do our best to minimize our negativeimpacts. We do this by:- Planning products that will have positive outcomes to everyone involved. - Respecting culture through learning and knowledge exchange. - Using local products and services. - Training our staff, locals and tourists in responsible travel, and encouraging others to do the same.

- Supporting local and international NGOs and other community-based tourism development projects.

We are all in this together

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Here are a few tips for you, the tourist, for before, during and after your stay:

- Before you go, please take the extra effort to read up and learn about the historyof Vieät Nam and try to learn a few of the key phrases.

- When making decisions on travel options, be sure to think locally.

- All of our actions have an impact on the environment. Making conservative choices for transport and travel are important.

- Travel with humility, humbleness and respect. Vietnamese culture may be very different than your culture; listen carefully, respect, and embrace it.

- Gift-giving is very appropriate in Vieät Nam. Please ask your guide about the proper procedures or best to do your gift giving in private.

- Please ask before taking photos. In some regions photos are thought to take the soul of infants.

- Keep your promises. If you promised to send an email or some of your photos, please be sure that you do.

We at Footprint hope that these few tips help you along your way wherever you may travel to. Safe and happy travels!

Incense burner in Saøi Goøn

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True Value in Travel Phan Maùn Maûy and Lyù Maùn Maûy in Taû Phìn Sapa.

6 Le Thanh Tong Str., HanoiTel: (844) 3933 2844 / Fax: 3933 2855www.Footprint.vn / info@ footprint.vn

True Value in Travel

Documents

Footprint Vietnam Travel Brochure - 2010