Vietnam by Private Train

www.railwayadventures.co VIETNAM BY PRIVATE TRAIN

17 days  2 – 18 September 2013

HO CHI MINH CITY – DALAT – HOI AN – HUE – HANOI – HALONG BAY

Featuring: The Reunification Express, The Dalat Railway, Steam at Thai Nguyen and the Indochina Sails on Ha Long Bay

Embrace this rare opportunity to explore Vietnam by Private Train on the legendary Reunification Express – one of the world’s great rail journeys. Welcomed onto your private sleeping and restaurant cars in Ho Chi Minh City you will travel in stages enjoying Vietnam’s most iconic destinations on a 1,700 kilometre odyssey all the way north to Hanoi. The adventure includes side trips to the colourful colonial hill station city of Dalat, the ancient trading port of Hoi An, a special charter on the normally inaccessible last steam railway in Indochina and an overnight cruise on the stunning World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay. An optional extension to the mountainous colonial hill station of Sapa, near the Chinese border, caps off this special journey.

Enjoy two nights on board our private train, in two-berth compartments, a night on the luxury Indochina Sails on Ha Long Bay and the balance in luxury 4- and 5- star hotels. On the way discover the rich culture of Vietnam: its ancient kingdoms and colourful colonial past, the fascinating ethnic diversity and triumphant post-war reconstruction. Legendary food, friendly people and excellent shopping complete the experiences of this wonderful and unique railway adventure.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Monday 2 September 2013 – Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City (D)

Suggested flights Vietnam Airlines departing Sydney:

Sydney – Ho Chi Minh City 11.15am – 4.30pm

Arrive Ho Chi Minh City late afternoon.

Transfer to your hotel on arrival.

Scott McGregor – host of Railway Adventures

Guidepost Tours, Gerringong NSW 2534 Australia Phone 1300 733323 Lic # 2TA5895 A division of SCT Travel Group – IATA AFTA Uniglobe JTW TCF 01022013 website: www.guideposttours.com.au email: [email protected]

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Later this evening enjoy a welcome dinner with Scott McGregor and your fellow tour members.

Overnight at the newly renovated Grand Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 2 – Tuesday 3 September 2013 – Ho Chi Minh City (B, L)

Begin your exploration of Ho Chi Minh City with a leisurely introductory city tour stopping at the Ben Thanh Market, the historic City Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral. After lunch at a local restaurant take a look at the Vietnam War Remnants Museum and the old Presidential Palace now known as the Reunification Palace including a little-visited secret VC Hiding Place used to store weapons for an attack on the Independence Palace in 1968.

Overnight at Grand Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 3 – Wednesday 4 September 2013 – Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho, Mekong River (B, L, D)

After breakfast follow the path of Vietnam’s very first railway line (opened in 1885, abandoned in 1958) to My Tho, 70 kilometres south west of Ho Chi Minh City in the Mekong Delta. On the way you are introduced to the railway history of southern Vietnam and see some of the surviving vestiges of the abandoned line. From the site of the former railway station on My Tho quayside take a boat cruise on the Mekong River to a nearby island, where you can walk through rice fields and orchards, sample local fruit and rice wine and listen to a musical performance. Afterwards row a small sampan along a canal to another island where you will have lunch, sampling the delicious local specialty – ‘elephant ear fish’. Then it’s back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight at Grand Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 4 – Thursday 5 September 2013 – Ho Chi Minh City, Thap Cham, Dalat (B, L, D)

After breakfast head for Saigon Railway Station where your private railway carriages are coupled onto Train TN2, departing at 1005. The first scenic train journey takes you along the southernmost section of the former Transindochinois railway, built between 1904 and 1913. It meanders across the rice paddies and busy towns of the fertile south while lunch is served in your private buffet car. Reaching Thap Cham (‘Cham Tower’) Station at 1655, you are conveyed by bus up the mountain to the old French hill station of Dalat. This was once the favourite retreat of the French Colonists in the cool climate of the Central Highlands and you will reside in the old world grandeur of the Sofitel Dalat Palace Hotel. Dinner will be served in the opulent dining hall at the hotel.

Overnight at Sofitel Dalat Palace Hotel, Dalat.

Day 5 – Friday 6 September 2013 – Dalat (B, L)

This morning take an exhilarating tour of Dalat by motorbike, visiting the summer residence of the last Emperor, Bao Dai, who was forced to abdicate in 1945. Take in the quirky architecture of the Crazy House Art Gallery and then the Truc Lam Temple on scenic Tuyen Lam Lake. On the way, stop at the Prenn Waterfall. After lunch head for the old Dalat Railway Station, an art deco masterpiece completed in 1938 and the terminus of the former Langbian Cog Railway (1932-1969, now earmarked for reconstruction) to take a short diesel-hauled train trip along a reopened 7-kilometre (adhesion rail) stretch of the old line and learn about the line’s fascinating history. Take time to see the tall Linh Phuoc Pagoda before the return journey behind the vintage Russian diesel railcar.

Overnight at Sofitel Dalat Palace Hotel, Dalat.

Guidepost Tours, Gerringong NSW 2534 Australia Phone 1300 733323 Lic # 2TA5895 A division of SCT Travel Group – IATA AFTA Uniglobe JTW TCF website: www.guideposttours.com.au email: [email protected]

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Day 6 – Saturday 7 September 2013 – Dalat, Thap Cham, Danang (B, L, D)

After a leisurely breakfast head back down the mountain taking in the breathtaking scenery on the way to resume our train journey in Thap Cham, stopping to view some surviving vestiges of the old Langbian Cog Railway. After lunch visit the Poklong Garai Temple, built by the Cham in the early 14th century to discover more about this ancient people who left their architectural mark on the entire south-central coastal region of Vietnam. Then reboard your private train, coupled onto Train TN2, departing at 1655 and travelling overnight along the final section of the Transindochinois railway built by the French colonial government in 1935-1936. Dinner will be served in the private buffet car as the countryside rolls by in the deep glow of evening. As you travel, enjoy a talk on the history of the line you are riding and enjoy the on-board Karaoke and Movie system.

Overnight on Transindochinois railway.

Day 7 – Sunday 8 September 2013 – Danang, Hoi An (B, L)

The sights and sounds of villagers beginning their day flash by as you enjoy an early breakfast on board, arriving at Danang Station at 0644. The coach will meet you for the short trip by road to the old port of Hoi An, renowned for its architectural heritage. After depositing the luggage at the Life Heritage Resort, enjoy a guided walking tour of the town exploring the Thien Hau Temple, the Japanese Covered Bridge and several ancient houses. Hoi An is also renowned for its skilled tailors, who can make up any type of clothing within 24 hours, so today will also provide an opportunity for a fitting session. After lunch you can check into the hotel, enjoy a free afternoon to stroll around the ancient town, lounge by the pool or be fitted for the latest tailored fashions.

Overnight at Life Heritage Resort, Hoi An.

Day 8 – Monday 9 September 2013 – Free day at Hoi An (B)

Free day to enjoy and explore the wonders of Hoi An or take in the many options available. Highly recommended is a cooking class where you can study how to cook some Vietnamese traditional dishes in the company of an experienced chef. You will be taken to Tra Que organic herb gardens to purchase ingredients at the local village market, then it’s in-depth hands on cooking followed by lunch and a return trip to Hoi An by boat: OR an early morning by road to the My Son temple complex, a cluster of stone towers and sanctuaries built by the Cham from the 7th to the 14th centuries which is often compared to South East Asia’s other major temple complexes such as Angkor Wat, Borobudur, Pagan and Ayutthaya. In 1999, My Son was listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Arrive back in time for a late lunch.

Overnight at Life Heritage Resort, Hoi An.

Day 9 – Tuesday 10 September 2013 – Hoi An (B)

Day at leisure to enjoy optional tours or just relax at the resort in the spa or by the pool.

Overnight at Life Heritage Resort, Hoi An.

Day 10 – Wednesday 11 September 2013 – Hoi An, Danang, Hue (B, L)

This morning follow the route once taken by a 0.6m gauge steam tramway known as the Tramway de l’Îlot de l'Observatoire (1907-1915) back to Danang, learning about the railway history of the central region. We then offer an option of either: (i) visiting the world-renowned Cham Sculpture Museum, established in 1915-6 by academics of the École Française de l’extrème orient, containing the world’s largest and most valuable collection of Cham sculptures from various temple sites, including Tra Kieu (Singapura), Dong Duong (Indrapura) and Thap Mam (Vijaya) and dating from the 4th to the 15th centuries CE; or (ii) visiting

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Danang Diesel Depot, Vietnam Railways’ main traction hub for the central region (guests must indicate choice when booking this tour as permits must be arranged in advance).

Finally, head back to Danang Station where your private carriages will be coupled onto Train SE2 departing at 1201. Lunch will be served in your buffet car as the train rolls over the stunningly beautiful Hai Van Pass. Stone-lined tunnels and viaducts are a feature of this dramatically engineered line completed by the French in 1906. Perched on the cliff and hugging the coast, the railway has wide views across the sea and beyond to our destination, the old imperial capital of Hue. The train will pull into the grand colonial station at 1500 and you are transferred to the new luxury Imperial Hotel. The evening is free to enjoy the many dining options in the busy district around the hotel.

Overnight at Imperial Hotel, Hue.

Day 11 – Thursday 12 September 2013 – Hue (B, L, D)

Hue acted as Vietnam’s political and royal capital during the 19th century and remains one of the country’s most important cultural and religious centres. Your full day tour starts with a visit to the vast Hue Citadel, followed by visits to the Tu Duc and Khai Dinh Mausolea and the Royal Arena, where tigers and elephants once fought for the king’s amusement. Visit a ‘garden house’ (a unique architectural feature of Nguyen-dynasty Hue, surrounded by flower gardens and orchards) and after a picnic lunch you will explore the tranquil Thien Mu Pagoda. Take a boat trip back to your hotel along the Perfume River and in the evening enjoy a Royal Banquet featuring dishes once served only in the Forbidden City.

Overnight at Imperial Hotel, Hue.

Day 12 – Friday 13 September 2013 – Hue, Hanoi (B, L, D)

This morning there will be free time for a walk around the city or a visit to Dong Ba Market. After a picnic lunch it’s back to Hue Station to reboard the private train before it’s coupled onto Train SE10, departing at 1219 and heading along the northernmost section of the former Transindochinois to Hanoi. The railway line north of Dong Ha was one of the most heavily bombed in the world and during the journey you will learn more about its fascinating history. Dinner will be served in the buffet car after which you are welcome to enjoy the evening ambience or simply retire to your private sleeper as the train continues on its last leg to Hanoi.

Overnight on Reunification Express.

Day 13 – Saturday 14 September 2013 – Hanoi (B, L)

The train arrives at 0515 the next morning in Hanoi, a city of tree-lined boulevards, colonial architecture, picturesque lakes and ancient temples, which celebrated its 1000th anniversary in 2010. After saying goodbye to the staff of your private train, the luggage is transferred to the Moevenpick Hotel in central Hanoi and you will enjoy a leisurely breakfast. The morning will be spent exploring some of the capital city’s more famous sights, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Presidential Palace Vestiges Area, the One-Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature.

Check into the hotel and the rest of the afternoon is at leisure. In the evening suggested options include the famous water puppet theatre and dinner at one of the

favourite local haunts.

Overnight at the Movenpick Hotel, Hanoi.

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Day 14 – Sunday 15 September 2013 – Hanoi, Thai Nguyen (B, L)

Today’s exclusive excursion takes you to the industrial city of Thai Nguyen, home of the Thai Nguyen Steel Company (TISCO), now the only place left in Vietnam with working steam trains. Explore the steel works and see the normal working day of this fascinating steam railway inside the factory, followed by a train trip hauled by a Gongjian-class 0-6-0T steam tank locomotive out along the line.

Thai Nguyen is also home to the museum of ethnology and your visit to this extensive and well-curated display will illuminate the story of the more than 40 ethnic tribes of the country. Lunch is provided at a local restaurant before returning to Hanoi in the afternoon for an evening at leisure.

Overnight at Movenpick Hotel, Hanoi.

Day 15 – Monday 16 September 2013 – Hanoi, Ha Long Bay (B, L, D)

The morning coach trip to the coastal port of Ha Long City delivers you to the boarding point for the Indochina Sails. After checking in enjoy a welcome drink as you soak up the atmosphere of the spacious newly built traditional teak cruising ‘junk’. It sets sail through the mysterious bay while an exquisite lunch is served and you float amongst the natural rock formations and the picturesque beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage listed seascape. Visit Ba Hang floating village and drop anchor in the calm water surrounded by beautiful islets for swimming, kayaking and an optional visit to Luon Cave. Enjoy the complimentary sunset party on the sundeck with local wine and fresh fruits and, as the sun sets on the islands, you will hear more from the guide about the customs and lifestyles of the locals. You can also join a cooking demonstration learning about the craft of fruit and vegetable carving. After dinner you can try squid fishing with the crew, watch a movie, have a drink at the bar or just relax in your cabin with the gentle sounds of the water lapping in the protected bay where the ship drops anchor for the night.

Overnight on Indochina Sails on Ha Long Bay.

Day 16 – Tuesday 17 September 2013 – Ha Long Bay, Hanoi (B, L, D)

Join the fellow passengers for a light breakfast while sailing to Sung Sot Cave. Drop anchor to explore Sung Sot Cave, one of the largest and the most beautiful caves in Ha Long Bay and regarded as an opera theatre on Ha Long Bay with three main chambers covering an area of over 10,000 square metres. Once back at the boat you can relax and then a buffet lunch will be served on board whilst the cruiser keeps on its route through the bay arriving back to Ha Long City around midday. Later that evening enjoy a farewell dinner (drinks included) at one of Hanoi’s finest restaurants with Scott and your fellow travellers.

Overnight at the Movenpick Hotel, Hanoi.

Day 17 – Wednesday 18 September 2013 – Hanoi, Noi Bai Airport (B)

You will have the opportunity for a late check-out today so after breakfast use your free day to make the most of Hanoi’s endless opportunities for last-minute shopping, dining or sightseeing.

Transfer to the airport for overnight flights to Australia.

Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City 5.00pm – 7.00pm

Ho Chi Minh City – Sydney 8.40pm – overnight arriving 19th 8.15am

OR evening transfer to Hanoi Railway Station for optional extension up to Sapa.

Note: unexpected circumstances may cause changes to the events outlined in the itinerary

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Tour Price

Per person twin share AUD$5495 Single supplement AUD$985 (not available for the 2 nights when on the train, twin share will apply) Plus airfares

Inclusions

• Hotel accommodation in centrally located 4- or 5-star hotels • Train journeys soft sleeper in twin-share cabins on Private Blue Train Coach + 01 Restaurant Car (no single rooming on train)

• 1 night on board a traditional Vietnamese ‘junk’ boat in twin-share cabins with private facilities • Meals as per itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner) • Comfortable air-conditioned coach transportation throughout • Comprehensive sightseeing including local guides and entrance fees as per itinerary • Gratuities for local guides, drivers and on board the train • Porterage at hotels and railway stations (1 piece per person)

Exclusions

• Visa • Transfers on arrival and departure if not travelling on group flights • Drinks with meals, except for welcome and farewell dinners • Items of a personal nature (e.g. telephone, laundry, minibar)

Pre/Post Travel Pre- and post-travel can be arranged including extended stays in Asia, international flights, and rail travel to and from Vietnam and South East Asia. Call our office on 1300 733 323 if you would like to discuss options.

How to Book Complete, sign and return the booking form available from Guidepost Tours with your deposit.

Fitness and Preparation For the overall benefit of the group, all tour members must possess a moderate level of mobility, including the ability to:

 Negotiate airports and railway stations without wheelchair assistance  Use combined shower/bath facilities (it is impossible to guarantee walk-in shower facilities)  Undertake walking tour of 2-3 hours duration, including using stairs, walking over cobblestones and other uneven surfaces  Stand for long periods in museums and other sites  Embark/disembark coaches, trains and other modes of transportation without assistance  Handle your own luggage The Flam Railway

Luggage

This is an adventure journey with many train trips and single overnight stays. Keeping the size of your luggage to a minimum will help to ease movement and storage on and off trains and in and out of hotels.

You will need a small bag for the single overnight trips on the train and the boat as it will be much more convenient to stow the bigger bags while on board.

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Please note:

If you (or we) have any doubts about your ability to participate in this tour you may be required to have a doctor’s appraisal. This would require your doctor reading the itinerary and providing you with a written confirmation of your ability to participate.

OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO SAPA BY PRIVATE TRAIN

Day 1 – Wednesday 18 September – Hanoi (B)

Your transfer to Hanoi’s main railway station will see you settled into your special private and well-appointed railway carriage for the overnight trip to Lao Cai on the Chinese border.

Overnight on train in twin berth compartment.

Day 2 – Thursday 19 September – Lao Cai, Sapa, Dragon Jaw Mountain (B, L, D)

Welcomed by your local guide at Lao Cai railway station you will have breakfast and will then be transferred by coach to Sapa, high in the Hoang Lien Range of mountains. After checking into your hotel you will visit Sapa town, Sapa Post Office, Sapa Hospital and be taken to the best valley view walking tracks. Lunch will be enjoyed at the hotel before trekking up to Ham Rong Mountain: take in an amazing panorama of Sapa town, then visit the Orchid Garden and a traditional ethnic village.

Overnight Bamboo Hotel, Sapa.

Day 3 – Friday 20 September – Sapa, Cat Cat, Silver Waterfall, Lao Cai (B, L, D)

After breakfast take an excursion by road and foot to Cat Cat Village (Black H’mong ethnic minority) in the morning. Lunch is at the hotel. Check out then transfer to Silver Waterfall. Continue to Lao Cai City and visit Upper Temple and the Lao Cai international border. Have dinner at a local restaurant and then board the night train coach back Hanoi.

Overnight on train in twin-berth compartment.

Day 4 – Saturday 21 September

Arrive early in Hanoi the next morning at 0500 and transfer to the hotel for the day prior to late check-out. Transfer to Noi Bai Airport for return flights to Australia.

Flights:

Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City 5.00pm – 7.00pm

Ho Chi Minh City – Sydney 8.40pm – overnight arriving 19th 8.15am

Optional extension to Sapa

Per person twin share AUD$895

Single supplement AUD$75