This tour is organised and lead by Steve Davey | The land arrangements are sub-contracted to Intrepid Travel, but the tours don't appear on the Intrepid Travel website | The only way to book is through this site! | ||
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The histories of Laos and Vietnam have been intertwined in recent history, yet they have wildy different characters and atmospheres. This exciting travel photography tour takes in the best of what they have to offer the keen photographer.
Laos is one of my favourite countries. For all of it's turbulent past Laos has also managed to preserve it's traditions and way of life: Buddhism is the national religion. There are ancient and exquisite monasteries all over the country and Luang Prabang is reputed to be the best preserved town in Asia. Vietnam is more fast-paced and sometimes frenetic and has rushed headlong towards development, but there are still regions of incredible beauty and also of thriving local culture. Our trip centres on the North of both of these countries: regions that are the most varied, characteristic and photogenic.
The trip will include extensive photography tuition from professional travel photographer, Steve Davey, countless photo opportunities and the company of fellow photography enthusiasts.
Highlights of this trip
• Historic Luang Prabang
• Bustling capital of Hanoi
• Scenery at Vang Vieng
• Vibrant Buddhist culture
• Monasteries of Vientiane
• Hilltribe markets at SaPa
• Stunning Halong Bay
better travel photography
•COM
impressions of laos & vietnam
Start: 21 Nov. 2012
End: 5 Dec. 2012 Code: TBA
Price: £1765 pp ex. int. flights, based on
Min 8, max 12 people
Approx other currencies*:
€ 2115 • US$ 2810
AU$2610 • NZ$3365
Note: if you have travelled with Intrepid and have a 5% feedback discount you can use it on this trip
impressions of laos & vietnam
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Impressions of Laos & Vietnam Itinerary
Day 1: Bangkok/train
Day 2: Vientiane
Day 3: Vang Vieng
Day 4: Vang Vieng
Day 5: Luang Prabang
Day 6: Luang Prabang
Day 7: Luang Prabang
Day 8: Hanoi
Day 9: Night train
Day 10: Sapa
Day 11: Bac Ha
Day 12: Night train
Day 13: Halong Bay
Day 14: Hanoi
Day 15: Tour ends
Impressions of Laos & Vietnam itinerary
Day 1: Bangkok
Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. You can arrive at any time today as there are no activities planned until the important welcome meeting. Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand.
You are met on arrival at Suvannaphumi airport and transferred to Viengtai hotel to relax before going on the overnight train.
Thailand's bustling capital, Bangkok is famous for its tuk tuks, khlong boats and street vendors serving up delicious Thai food.
Bangkok has so much to offer those with time to explore - why not take a riverboat to Chinatown and explore the crowded streets, uncover the magnificent Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, wander down the tourist mecca of Khao San Road, or indulge in some Thai massage?
Overnight: 2nd class sleeping air-conditioned train.
Day 2: Vientiane
We arrive early morning in Nong Khai, where we will make our way to the Laos border across the other side of the mighty Mekong River, before travelling on to Vientiane, the capital city of Laos.
Life in Vientiane is relaxed with daily affairs conducted at a slow pace. The city's isolation from the fast pace of modernity, however, means that there are a wealth of cultural delights to discover, on foot, by bicycle or, for the less energetic, by jumbo (the Laos version of the tuk-tuk). Follow dusty tracks along the river to find villages full of friendly children, dogs and chickens. Vientiane's vibrant, colourful morning market is full of local treasures.
After an early lunch we will venture out on a guided tour of Vientiane, including a visit to Laos's most important national monument, Pha That Luang. We'll also be visiting the oldest temple in Vientiane, Wat Sisaket in addition to the temple of Wat Phra Keo which formerly housed the Jade Buddha which is now on display at the Royal Palace in Bangkok. No visit to Vientiane is complete without a stop at the Patuxay (nick-named the Vertical Runway because it was built from concrete provided by the US Government for the construction of a runway at the airport). Patuxay resembles the Arc De Triumph and was built in honor of those who fought in the struggle for independence from France (the first Indochina War).
In Vientiane we stay in a 3 star standard hotel with restaurant
Day 3: Van Vieng
We make our way to Vang Vieng. En-route, we stop to visit Ban Bor, a village where natural salt is produced.
Situated on a bend in the Nam Song River, Vang Vieng is a charming and relaxed place known for its outdoor adventure activities. In your time here, you can explore nearby limestone cliffs and caverns, many associated with well known local legends, walk along the river bank or simply sit back and soak up peaceful river scenes of local pole boats and fishermen going about their work.
In Vang Vieng we stay in a 3 star hotel on the river.
Day 4: Van Vieng
Following breakfast, we start the day by exploring the highlights of this scenic area, we drive to the outskirts of Vang Vieng to visit natural caves of Tham Norn one of the biggest caves in Vang Vieng. We begin to trek through some beautiful forest at the base of the range of high limestone mountains as well as rice fields and gardens to another cave of Tham Phapork.
Day 5 - 7: Luang Prabang
We take our minibus through dusty villages and winding mountain roads to Luang Prabang (approx 7 hrs).
The atmospheric World Heritage-listed city of Luang Prabang is a favourite of many. Nestled in the hills of northern Laos on the confluence of the Mekong and Khan rivers, it's studded with ornate temples and French colonial architecture.
Join our local guide on a walk of the local area, learn more about Laos culture at the ruins of Wat Pha Mahathat and explore the local market where the variety of local produce will amaze.
Head out to the beautiful Kuang Si Falls, where pale turquoise waters cascade over limestone formations. The lovely pool at the base of the falls is perfect for a refreshing afternoon dip.
There's plenty to explore here from the Royal Palace and many temples to the sacred caves of Pak Ou a short distance outside the city. You can also make the steep climb up Mount Phousi, the spiritual and geographical heart of the city, and a great spot to watch the sunset over the Mekong.
Overnight : Comfortable hotel by the river
Day 8: Flight to Hanoi
After breakfast transfer to the airport for the flight to Hanoi
Your will meet you on arrival at Hanoi Airport and transfer you to hotel for checking in hotel in time. And leader will inform you where and when the important meeting will take place. The meeting will be followed by an optional group dinner.
In Hanoi our fully equipped hotel is centrally located near the historic Old Quarter. It has both twin and double rooms with private facilities and air conditioning, and the hotel has its own restaurant and bar.
The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi is a charming city with a population around four million. This city is famous for its beautiful lakes, shaded boulevards, verdant public parks and for its thriving centre which is an architectural museum piece, with blocks of ochre buildings retaining the air of a 1930s provincial French town. As Vietnam develops to compete with other South East Asian countries, Hanoi's beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake reflects the contrasts of modern office buildings, old Buddhist temples and tangle of ancient streets in its still surface. The city hums with the never-ending flow of bicycles, cyclos, latest model Mercedes Benzs and everything from racy new Honda Dreams to 30-year-old Russian motor bikes.
Day 9: Hanoi city tour - train to Sapa
In the morning we’ll head out, cameras in hand, to capture Hanoi as it wakes up for the day.
A few hours photographing followed by a Lunch at KOTO restaurant. KOTO is famous for employing street kids and teaching them a way out of poverty. Some more street photography as we walk to the West Lake past Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum and coffee at a local café by the lake.
Early afternoon will be back in the old quarter then a sunset walk on Long Bien Bridge to view Red River and people biking home and local fishing boats.
This will be a great chance to practice night photography on the bridge and also as we walk back to town.
This evening, we are transferred to the train station where we board the sleeper train bound for Sapa via the town of Lao Cai (8 hour journey).
Overnight: Soft class sleeper train
Compartments are simple, with padded berths (four people per cabin), sheets, pillows, blankets and boiling water are available. Most trains have a dining carriage and there are snacks available on the train along the way.
Day 10: SaPa
We are met on arrival into Lao Cai in the early morning and transferred to Sapa by minibus, driving through dramatic scenery along the way. On the way, we visit Ta Phin Village, where we can meet Red Dao people (the most colorfull people in Sapa). We will walk around Ta Phin village where 2 ethnic groups, Black Hmong and Red Dao minorities, live their own way with no cultural mixture. Experience how different they are in many ways by visiting their house and interact with the locals.
In the afternoon, we drive to MuongHoa valley where are home to many ethnic minority peoples such as H’mong, Zao, Zay, Tay and Xapho. The landscapes are very beautiful with terraced rice fields and local homes of ethnic minority peoples scattered on the mountain side. Many photo stops on the way as you will trek through amazing landscape and local villages. Walk visiting Ta Van village of Zay people.
In the late afternoon we return to Sapa where we spend the night in a hotel. The hotel has fully equipped rooms, a wonderful restaurant and bar.
Day 11: Can Cau market then Bac Ha
Start early in the morning, we drive to Can Cau market, passing Bac Ha Town. The road between the two is hilly but very beautiful. The products at the market are interesting, and many different groups of ethic minority people represent make the market an unforgettable experience. Back to for lunch. Check-in at a hotel in Bac Ha. We have free time at your leisure in the afternoon.
Day 12: Bac Ha Market - Night train
This morning we visit Sunday market in Bac Ha Town. This is one of the most colourful marets in North Vietnam and is visited by a number of colourful hilltribes.
We have more free time to relax and do last shopping at Bac Ha town before jump on bus to train station for night train back to Hanoi.
Day 13: Halong Bay
Day use room is available at our centrally located Hanoi hotel to freshen before heading to Halong Bay.
After breakfast we drive to Halong Bay (approx. 4 hours), stopping en route at a handicraft centre run to raise money for disabled people. On arrival, we board a private boat for a cruise around Halong Bay to soak up the misty atmosphere of this wonderful World Heritage site. With over 2,000 limestone islands rising from the emerald waters of the Bac Bo Gulf, this secluded bay is simply breathtaking. The bay covers an area of about 1,500 sq km and is dotted with innumerable beaches and grottoes, created over thousands of years by the waves and wind. Spend time exploring caves filled with amazing rock formations, swim in the turquoise waters if it's warm enough and enjoy sumptuous seafood on board.
Tonight, enjoy the tranquillity of the bay sleeping on board our private boat. Our overnight accommodation on Halong Bay is on a sailing junk with twin bed cabins that have air-conditioning and private facilities. There is a dining room and bar on board the boat.
Day 14: Halong Bay - Hanoi
We return to Hanoi, stopping en route at some villages where locally made blue and white ceramics can be purchased. Your afternoon is free to further explore Hanoi's sights and to do some last-minute shopping. This evening, we jump onboard cyclos to visit the famous water puppets.
Our fully equipped hotel in Hanoi is centrally located and has modern twin and double rooms, ensuite bathrooms and air conditioning.
Day 15: Tour ends
There are no activities planned today and you are able to depart the hotel at any time. Check out time from the hotel is at 12 noon. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel. You will be transferred to the airport for your return flight.
Included in the trip price
• 10 nights hotel accommodation
• 3 nights on train
• 1 night boat cruise
• 12 breakfasts
• 4 lunches & 4 dinners
• All transport as per itinerary
• Luang Prabang/Hanoi Flight
• Walking tour of Vientiane
• Luang Prabang walking tour
• Vang Vieng walk
• Arts & Ethnology Museum LPG
• Boat trip to Pak Ou Caves
• Bangkok/Hanoi airport transfers
• Sapa mini trek
• Hanoi water puppets
• Hanoi city tour
• Halong Bay overnight cruise
• Bac Ha and Can Cau markets
• Pre-trip Facebook group
• Experienced Intrepid leaders
• Expert photographic tuition
• Post-trip picture crit. session
• Signed copy of Steve's book
Website, Images and text © Steve Davey/stevedavey.com 1990 - 2012
Land arrangements are sub-contracted to Intrepid Travel, who have many years experience in running small group adventures.
Bookings are made through the Intrepid Special Groups Dept. in Melbourne not the Intrepid website or Stores. Use this link for more information
This tour is lead by Steve Davey - a professional photographer, whose work appears in publications all over the world. He is the author of the bestselling Unforgettable Places To See Before You Die (BBC Books). Steve recently published Footprint Travel Photography (Footprint Books), which covers everything that you would ever want to know about travelling with a camera. Click for more.
