Thai Travel Call

No sooner than New Year & Chinese New Year are over, and another one, Songkran in Thailand, is almost upon us!

The Thai New Year, Songkran, is celebrated from 13th. April to 15th. every year, except if you are in Pattaya, where the main festival day is on 19th. April, which is also the last official day of Songkran in the city. This is because the Songkran festival floats that have been traveling around the other main cities of Chonburi province arrive on the 19th. So, Songkran in Pattaya is probably from the 13th. April to the 19th., although nobody is really too sure about that!

As Songkran this year falls on Monday through to Wednesday this year, I expect most business will be closed for the week.

Songkran, which is often called the Water Festival, is probably the most important holiday period in Thailand, and is a time to visit family and pay respect to elders, including family and friends.

Traditionally, Songkran was a religious purification event, with the actual ceremony being scented water poured over the palms of the hands in order to wash away bad thoughts and actions of the previous year. The scented water is also poured over the shoulders. Generally, these actions are carried out by children and younger people to show respect to their elders.

Whilst the traditional pouring of water still happens throughout Thailand in homes, hotels, and offices, nowadays, it has evolved into drenching people with copious amounts of water.

Various methods are used to soak people. One popular way is climb into the back of a pick-up loaded up with at least one large barrel of iced-water and throwing buckets of water on passers-by. Another is to stand on street corners and shooting water at the passers-by, and the pick-up riders, with high pressure plastic water guns and hose pipes.

In addition to a good dowsing, you can also expect to have a chalk-based paste smeared on your face and neck. Again, this has traditional roots, and the intentions are to help protect you from evil spirits.

Whilst many farangs, foreigners in the Thai language, may not always see the funny side of this of all of this, to the Thai, especially youngsters, it is all about having sanook, or fun. And, given that April is generally the hottest month of the year in Thailand, with temperatures often over 40 degrees centigrade, it can be a great way to cool down!

As I already mentioned, it is a time to visit family, and with Songkran being a national holiday, Bangkok is almost deserted. This means that it is an excellent time to explore Bangkok without sitting for hours in traffic jams.

If you plan to go to the provinces during Songkran do take care on the roads. Over the holiday period the number of fatal road accidents dramatically increases, with several hundred people dying each year.

I still very much enjoy Songkran, and whilst I no longer partake in the Bangkok water parties in Patpong, NEP and Soi Cowboy, it is a great time to wander around your local area and, literally, soak up the fun and games. So go on, put on your shorts and T-shirt, wrap your wallet in a plastic bag, and, importantly, leave the mobile phone at home!!

If you want to go a little further, try out Wat Po, well known for the Reclining Buddha and its Tradition Thai Massage Centre. You will find Wat Po on Maharat Rod., and, being near the Chaophya River, you can get there by river boat if you stop at the Tha Tien pier. From the 10th. April to the 15th., you will find some great Thai food and traditional cultural entertainment.

So yet again, sawadee pi mai, or happy new year! Or, if want to try an alternative version in Thai, suksan wan Songkran! And if you want to send a few free Songkran e-cards go to www.songkran.net/en/online_5.php

And finally, and as usual, a big hello to all my friends at the Thailand Web Zone, www.thailandwebzone.com, which is a new Thai social networking and Thailand community site. Share information in Thai forums and Thailand articles, meet people, share photos, music and video, find & submit information on Thailand travel. Make new friends from all over the world! For those readers who have not visited TWZ, go have a look now!

asean_al

Pu Luong Biking Tour

Detail Itinerary
The Pu Luong Nature Reserve is an area of outstanding beauty, cultural interest and biodiversity. Stretching from Mai Chau in the northwest and to Cuc Phuong National Park in the southeast. The region is blessed with rich forest, limestone mountains, magnificent rice terraces and breathtaking scenery. Biking in Pu Luong is one of the best ways to discover the natural beauty of the region and exotic culture of minority groups. On this biking tour we will ride on the first part of the historic Ho Chi Minh Trail and spend 3 nights in villages of Thai people.

Day 1: Overland to Mai Chau/Biking to Pu Luong (Hang Village)
Leave Hanoi at 8 am. We drive southwest to Ma Chau, the gateway to the impressive mountainous area of northern Vietnam. The drive is very nice with stunning view of mountains, valleys, sugarcane farms and rice paddies. We would have a stop en route for refreshment. Upon arrival in Mai Chau we have a lunch stop in Pom Coong, a village of Thai ethnic minority. We will have lunch in a local house. After lunch we embark on a biking on village road to Hin, a village of Thai minority group which is located within Pu Luong Nature Reserve. We will first bike on beautiful tar road through Mai Chau valley before jumping into undulating dirt paths. We reach Hang Village around 5 pm. We will have dinner and overnight in a traditional stilt-house of a Thai family.

Summary
Biking:   40km - unpaved bumpy road - Moderate grade
Meals:   Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Home stay

Day 2: Climbing mountain slopes to Hin Village
Today is a tough day with long climb on mix of dirt paths and village roads. In the morning we climb mainly. In the afternoon we enjoy easier ride slightly downhill to Hin, a village of Thai minority. Great mountain view and scenic villages. Lunch in local house en route. Dinner and overnight in Hin village.

Summary
Biking:   30km - unpaved bumpy road - Challenging grade
Meals:   Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Home stay

Day 3: Downhill ride to Canh Nang Town/Transfer to Mai Chau
After breakfast we say good bye to the villagers and ride toward Ma River passing expansive maize fields. Near the river we would see many water wheels which used by the local to water their farms. We cross the river on bridge and have lunch in Canh Nang town. After lunch we can continue biking along Ma River or take the bus back to Mai Chau. Dinner and overnight in Pom Coong Village.

Summary
Biking:   25km - unpaved bumpy road - Moderate grade
Meals:   Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Home stay

Day 4: Drive back Hanoi
Breakfast at the home-stay and drive back to Hanoi. We reach Hanoi around noon time. Trip concludes.

Summary
Transfer:   2 hrs
Meals:   Breakfast

More...

 

Cycling in Ho Chi Minh Trail Tour

Code: VNBKTD18 Duration: 14 & 15 Days
Itinerary in brief
Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
Day 2: Hanoi - Phu Yen.
Day 3: Phu Yen - Mai Chau.
Day 4: Mai Chau - Tan Ky.
Day 5: Tan Ky - Phong Nha.
Day 6: Phong Nha - Dong Hoi.
Day 7: Dong Hoi - Khe Sanh.
Day 8: Khe Sanh - Hue.
Day 9: Hue - Hoi An.
Day 10: Hoi An.
Day 11: Hoi An - Kon Tum.
Day 12: Kon Tum - Buon Ma Thuot.
Day 13: Buon Ma Thuot - Nha Trang.
Day 14: Nha Trang. Farewell lunch.
Day 15: Departure

Detail Itinerary

OPTION: 01

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
Arriving in Hanoi, you will clear customs and immigration. Leaving the airport, you will be met by your guide, holding a sign with your name on it. He will transfer you to your hotel. The rest of day is free to wash up and rest.  
In the evening we will attend the famous Water Puppet Show, with its introduction to Vietnamese history and mythology.  At night, you will have a welcome dinner with local delights. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi - Phu Yen
Ride to Phu Yen on country road with a stop in Son Tay. On November 20-21, 1970, a joint force composed of USAF Special Operations and rescue personnel and U.S. Army Special Forces, supported by U.S. Navy Carrier Task Force 77, made a daring raid on the Son Tay prison camp located less than 50 miles from Hanoi. The objective was to rescue as many as 100 U.S. captives thought to be held there. The assault troops, in six ARRS helicopters accompanied by two C-130 aircraft, flew 640km to Son Tay from bases in Thailand. U.S. Navy pilots made a diversionary raid while 116 USAF and Navy aircraft from seven air bases and three aircraft carriers flew refueling, surface-to-air missile suppression, fighter cover, close air support, early warning, communications support and reconnaissance missions. There was no prisoners found in camp.
After lunch, ride on the winding mountain road to Phu Yen to take in some of the best mountain views in Northwest Vietnam and overnight in Hoang Gia Hotel.(L, D)
Cycling : 80km

Day 3: Phu Yen - Mai Chau
There are many small roads that lead into the mountains around Mai Chau so we'll take the chance to ride out to isolated H'mong, Dao and Thai villages. We will take on the challenge of an old road built by the French army and spend the afternoon exploring nearby villages. Overnight in a Thai ethnicity stilt house in Mai Chau. (B, L, D)
Cycling: 80km

Day 4: Mai Chau - Tan Ky
Ride on a small, spectacular and paved trail along the Ma river until Cam Thuy town where we stop for lunch. Hit the Ho Chi Minh trail (now a newly built highway) all the way to Tan Ky town where we spend the night in a hotel. (B, L, D)
Cycling: 90km

Day 5: Tan Ky - Phong Nha
Ride on Ho Chi Minh Highway until Pho Chau where we stop to visit the HCM Trail victory monument which is in fact the real starting point of our HCM Trail ride.

Ride all the way to Phong Nha - Ke Bang, the biggest and also the most beautiful cave in Vietnam and Indochina and is now a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. The karst formation of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park has evolved since the Paleozoic (some 400 million years ago) and so is the oldest major karst area in Asia. Subject to massive tectonic changes, the park's karst landscape is extremely complex with many geographic features of considerable significance. The vast area, extending to the border of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, contains spectacular formations including 65 km of caves and underground rivers. (B, L, D)
Cycling: 80km

Day 6: Phong Nha - Dong Hoi
Boating and exploring World Heritage site of Phong Nha where local civilians and military sheltered from incessant bombing during wartime. Then we drive down to the coastal town of Dong Hoi, which was heavily shelled by US warships during the war. At a hotel over looking the beach, we can take in some sunbathing by the beach. Overnight in Dong Hoi. (B, L, D)
Cycling: 60km

Day 7: Dong Hoi - Khe Sanh
We strike south through foothills which were once sprayed heavily by Agent Orange towards the former DMZ. There is still much evidence of bombing on the mountain sides and from time to time we will see remnants of the original Trail. We take in the Vinh Moc tunnel, the famous Hien Luong Bridge (former demarcation line between North and South Vietnam, the Truong Son Cemetery and finally Khe Sanh (former US Marine base). Overnight in Khe Sanh. (B, L, D)
Cycling: 90km

Day 8: Khe Sanh - Hue
In the morning we head south over the Da Krong Bridge (built by the Cubans in 1973) into the infamous A Shau valley, an area of intense wartime activity. Passing Hamburger Hill and mountains still barren due to the extended effects of Agent Orange, we arrive at A Luoi, where there are many Bru Van hill tribe people. Then, cruising through green back country down the steep Me Oi Pass, we continue on to the beautiful city of Hue which lies along the banks of the Perfume River. Overnight in Hue. (B, L, D)
Cycling: 80km

Day 9: Hue - Hoi An
See the Forbidden Citadel in the morning. Join the National Highway 1 and head up the Hai Van Pass (Cloudy Pass) before the World Heritage site of Hoi An, a major trading centre in SE Asia in the 16th and 17th centuries. Overnight in Hoi An. (B, L, D)
Cycling: 80km

Day 10: Hoi An
Whole morning exploring the old town of Hoi An. Afternoon at the Cua Dai beach, about 6km from the old town.

The former harbour town of the Champa people at the estuary of the Thu Bon river was an important Vietnamese trading centre in the 16th and 17th centuries, where Chinese from various provinces as well as Japanese, Dutch and Indians settled down. During this period of the China trade, the town was called Hai Pho (Seaside Town) in Vietnamese. During the French colonial period (1883 - 1945), it was called Faifo. Originally Hai Pho was a divided town, because across the "Japanese Bridge", it used to be the Japanese settlement (16th - 17th century). The bridge (Chua Cau) is a unique covered structure built by the Japanese, the only known covered bridge with a Buddhist pagoda attached to one side.

The town is known to the French and Spanish as Faifo, and by similar names in Portuguese and Dutch. A number of theories have been put forth as to the origin of this name. Some scholars have suggested that it comes from the word "Hai pho" meaning "sea town", while others have said that it seems more likely to simply be a shortening of Hoi An pho, "the town of Hoi An", to "Hoi pho" which became "Faifo".

In 1999, the old town was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) as a well-preserved example of a Southeast Asian trading port of the 15th to 19th centuries, whose buildings display a unique blend of local and foreign influences.

Today, Hoi An is still a small city, but it attracts a fair number of tourists, also being a well established place on the backpacker trail. Many visit for the numerous art and craft shops and tailors, who produce made-to-measure clothes for a fraction of the western price. (B, L, D)

Day 11: Hoi An - Kon Tum
We strike back up to the mountains, rejoining the Trail at Phuoc Son (also known as Kham Duc). From there we head up the towering Lo So Pass, passing through remote areas thinly populated by peoples of the Ba Na ethnicity. Edging close to the border with Laos, where a number of Trail arteries crossed over in Laos, we continue on to Kon Tum.Overnight in Kon Tum.
Cycling: 80km

Day 12: Kon Tum - Buon Ma Thuot
In the morning we head south through the Central Highlands, passing Pleiku and the Ia Drang valley battlefield, before continuing onto Buon Ma Thuot (also known as Buon Me Thuot), the city where northern forces launched their final assault on the then Saigon. Buon Ma Thuot produces most and best coffee products in Vietnam.Overnight in Buon Ma Thuot.
Cycling: 80km

Day 13: Buon Ma Thuot - Nha Trang
We take an easy drive back down off the Tay Son highlands towards the coast, arriving at Highway 1 some 30 km north of Nha Trang. Taking in this scenic coastal stretch past turquoise waters and scarlet fishing boats, we arrive in the bright lights of Nha Trang and its relaxing holiday options.Overnight in Nha Trang.
Cycling: 80km

Day 14: Nha Trang (relax)
A free day by the beach before gathering for a seafood feast to recount our adventure and toast the Ho Chi Minh Trail. There are two options: Return to Hanoi on train or by air or go down South on your own.

Day 15:  Departure
Free until time to be transferred to the airport for your flight home.

OPTION: 02

Day1: Hanoi Arrival
Arriving in Hanoi, you will clear customs and immigration. Leaving the airport, you will be met by your guide, holding a sign with your name on it. He will transfer you to your hotel. The rest of day is free to wash up and rest.  
In the evening we will attend the famous Water Puppet Show, with its introduction to Vietnamese history and mythology.  At night, you will have a welcome dinner with local delights. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi - Mai Chau - Biking to Pu Luong (Hang Village)
Leave Hanoi at 8 am. We drive southwest to Ma Chau, the gateway to the impressive mountainous area of northern Vietnam. The drive is very nice with stunning view of mountains, valleys, sugarcane farms and rice paddies. We would have a stop en route for refreshment. Upon arrival in Mai Chau we have a lunch stop in Pom Coong, a village of Thai ethnic minority. We will have lunch in a local house. After lunch we embark on a biking on village road to Hin, a village of Thai minority group which is located within Pu Luong Nature Reserve. We will first bike on beautiful tar road through Mai Chau valley before jumping into undulating dirt paths. We reach Hang Village around 5 pm. We will have dinner and overnight in a traditional stilt-house of a Thai family. (B, L, D)
Biking:40km - unpaved bumpy road - Moderate grade

Day 3: Climbing mountain slopes to Hin Village
Today is a tough day with long climb on mix of dirt paths and village roads. In the morning we climb mainly. In the afternoon we enjoy easier ride slightly downhill to Hin, a village of Thai minority. Great mountain view and scenic villages. Lunch in local house en route. Dinner and overnight in Hin village. (B, L, D)
Biking:30km - unpaved bumpy road - Challenging grade

Day 4: Downhill ride to Canh Nang Town - Ngoc Lac
After breakfast we say good bye to the villagers and ride toward Ma River passing expansive maize fields. Near the river we would see many water wheels which used by the local to water their farms. We cross the river on bridge and have lunch in Canh Nang town. After lunch we can continue biking along Ma River with the road gets more beautiful the closer you ride to Ngoc Lac with looming karst limestone cliffs and lush vegetation. The route is tarmac all the way, but quite hard riding due to the undulating terrain. Overnight in local hotel Ngoc Lac. (B, L, D)
Biking: 80km - unpaved bumpy road - Moderate grade

Day5: Ngoc Lac - Thai Hoa
Ride for the first time on the newly built two lanes Ho Chi Minh Highway. It hardly warrants two lanes as there is no traffic! The road makes for smooth fast riding, and for those who prefer there is always the old highway dirt and gravel - that weaves around the new highway allowing for plenty of exploring possibilities along the way. 
Ride to Muc Son, on the banks of River Song Chu. On the outskirts of this small town are the famous Kan Linh historical relics - a pagoda where the first king of the Ly dynasty, Le Thai To, ruled, in 1428. Continue riding on the trail to Yen Cat. The distance covered today is quite long and there will be the chance to transfer some sections by the back-up vehicle to rest weary legs. There are fewer villages today as the route cuts through forests and jungle. Picnic lunch en route. Overnight Thai Hoa guesthouse. (B, L, D)
Biking: 80km - Moderate grade

Day6: Thai Hoa - Nghe An
Continue riding the incredible Ho Chi Minh Trail. Have lunch in Lat town. In Kim Lien visit the famousmuseum and birthplace of Ho Chi Minh in 1890. This province has a reputation for producing charismatic revolutionary leaders; not only Ho Chi Minh but also Phan Boi Chau â€" another fervent anti colonialist -was born here. Overnight in Nghe An Town (B, L, D)
Biking: 80km - Moderate grade

Day7: Nghe An - Khuong Khe
After a relaxing breakfast continues riding on the Ho Chi Minh Trail. The trail is still a dream to ride on. Again there is virtually no traffic. Transfer if tired in the afternoon to Huong Khe for overnight in a local guesthouse. (B, L, D)
Biking: 80km - Moderate grade

Day8: Huong Khe - Phong Nha National Park
From Huong Khe the mountains rise and the road winds up, down and along the hillsides. The scenery is spectacular, the road tranquil. Ride up to 80km then transfer the last few km to Phong Nha National Park. The park contains one of the most spectacular caves in Vietnam; it is a true speleological wonder. Visit the cave by boat then wander through the cavern, past the foundations of ancient Cham ruins. Pause to admire the incredible formation of stalactites and stalagmites. Formed approximately 250 million years ago and during the American war, the North Vietnam army had used Phong Nha cave as a hospital and ammunition depot. The entrance still showing evidence of fighter aircraft attacks. There are community projects underway with Flora and Fauna International and it may be possible to visit village initiatives and learn more about the forests of the National Park. Overnight at the National Park. (B, L, D)
Biking: 55km - Moderate grade

Day9: Phong Nha - Dong Hoi
Boating and exploring World Heritage site of Phong Nha where local civilians and military sheltered from incessant bombing during wartime. Then we drive down to the coastal town of Dong Hoi, which was heavily shelled by US warships during the war. At a hotel over looking the beach, we can take in some sunbathing by the beach. Overnight in Dong Hoi. (B, L, D)
Biking: 50km - Moderate grade

Day 10: Dong Hoi - Dong Ha -Vinh Moc - Dong Ha
Today we continue south along Highway 1 using both our bicycles and our support vehicle. We reach the town of Dong Ha where we stay for the night. In reaching Dong Ha we pass through the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone), scene of some of the bitterest fighting during the American War. Here we will visit Vinh Moc tunnels to see at first hand how the Viet Cong fought. The stretch of tunnels runs for nearly 3km and have not been altered for the tourists benefit. (B, L, D)
Biking: 63km - Moderate grade

Day 11: Dong Ha - Hue
Today we drive to the former Imperial capital and cultural centre of Vietnam, Hue. After all check-in formalities are done, we set out our bike and explore this ancient city. (B, L, D)
Biking: 78km - Moderate grade

Day 12: Hue - Hoi An
Hue was the capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty of emperors from 1802 till 1945. In the morning cycle to the elaborate mausoleums of Emperor Tu Duc and Khai Dinh along the banks of the Perfume River . Leave Hue in the afternoon for the ancient trading port of Hoi An 120km to the south via the spectacular Pass of Ocean Clouds . Arrive in Hoi An late afternoon and transfer to hotel. Overnight in Hoi An. (B, L, D)
Biking: 70km - Moderate grade

Day 13: Hoi An
Leave Hoi An after breakfast and cycle to the sacred Marble Mountains where caves contain dozens of Buddhist shrines. Stop off at Da Nang to visit the famous China Beach , once a 'rest and recreation' resort for American servicemen. Return to Hoi An for lunch and spend the afternoon discovering the delights of Hoi An's historic town centre or perhaps cycle to Cua Dai Beach 5km away. Overnight in Hoi An. (B, L, D)
Biking: 30km - Moderate grade

Day14: Hoi An Departure
today we have free time until transfer to airport for your departure . (B)

More....