Thursday, November 29, 2012

Vietnam, Sri Lanka seek to cooperate in tourism

Vietnam’s leading travel agencies, including Hanoi Toserco, Saigontourist and Fiditour, met with over 150 Sri Lankan partners in Colombo city on June 8 in their efforts to promote Vietnamese tourism. 

The event was coorganised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Sri Lanka and the Travel Agents Association of Sri Lanka (AITA). 

Speaking at the event, AITA Vice President U. Silva said Sri Lankan tourists are showing more interest in Vietnam . He called on local travel agencies and media companies to exploit the market that he described as the one with potential for development. 

Vietnamese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Ton Sinh Thanh said the first-ever event aims to help Sri Lankan travel agents gain a better understanding about people, land, history, culture, landscape and cuisine of Vietnam. 

While appraising Sri Lankan travel agencies’ active involvement in the event, Thanh said this is a good chance for Vietnam to promote its tourism industry and explore Sri Lanka ’s tourism market. 

The ambassador expressed his hope that the meeting along with a ten-day Fam Trip for 15 Sri Lankan tourism and media representatives launched by the Vietnamese Embassy in August will further promote tourism cooperation between the two countries. 

At the meeting, the Vietnamese embassy and travel agencies delivered documents, pictures, and souvenirs capturing the country’s tourism and culture.

Bako National Park Full Day Tour

Bako National Park is an ideal day trip for nature lovers and eco-minded adventurers! Bako National Park known for its extraordinary variety and contrast in its natural scenery, habitats, plant life, and its wildlife. Be thrilled at the wide range of vegetation including the varieties of pitcher plants and wild orchids. See Bako's famous resident, the Proboscis monkeys, wild boar, monitor lizards and hundreds of bird species.


Bako National Park Full Day Tour
Duration: Full Day
Tour Code: MMDT02
Tour Valid: Until December 30th, 2013
Highlights: Bako National Park
  • Day 1 - Bako National Park

    Place Transport: Boat 
    Meals: Lunch
    Bako National Park is only reachable by a 20-minute longboat ride from Kampung Bako. Travel one-hour from your Kuching hotel by car plus longboat to Baku National Park, home to seven distinct rainforest ecosystems giving it a remarkable diversity of animal and plant life. Constant erosion over millions of years had turned Bako into a picturesque coastline of steep cliffs, rocky headlands, and many stretches of sandy bays.

    Bako's most famous residents are the bizarre Proboscis monkeys, and it is also home to silvered langurs (leaf monkeys), long-tailed macaque monkeys, wild boar, flying squirrels and monitor lizards as well as hundreds of different bird species. Fascinating plant life includes mangroves, strangling figs, carnivorous pitcher plants and symbiotic ant plants.

    Unique geological features mark the coastline, including the famous Sea Stack, whilst well-marked trails lead to rugged jungle-covered hilltops and secluded beaches.

    The Tour Inclusion:

    - Pick-ups and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle as specified in the itinerary above.
    - The services of experienced English-speaking guides as indicated in the itinerary.
    - Where necessary, entry fees for all visits as mentioned in the program.
    - Lunch (as specified in the itinerary) in the best local restaurants, or picnics where no suitable restaurant is available.

    The Tour Exclusion:

    - Visas on arrival
    - International flight tickets and airport tax.
    - Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses.

    - Travel insurance 
    - Surcharge for peak season (if any) & other not mentioned in the above detail program.

    Additional Information

    Importance note
    - The itinerary is just a sample of our Malaysia tours; we'll be pleased to design similar programs with dates and itinerary customized to your personal preferences in Tailor Made Tours section. Rates may vary frequently. Please contact us to get the best possible price based upon your travel period and specific touring needs.

    What to bring?
    - Sun Block, Wide brim hat, Camera + Film, Comfortable shoes, Rain gear, Warm clothes, original Passport...

    How to start?
    - MinMax Travel is a fully escorted tour and best-available all year round; the only thing you need to prepare in advance is the international air-ticket from/to your country.
    - If you don’t have enough time to complete visa before your departure, we will help you to obtain Malaysia Visa on arrival easily (getting visa at the airport, on your arrival).

Singapore Round Island Day Trip


Singapore Round Island Day Trip
Duration: Full Day
Tour Code: MSDT12
Tour Valid: Until December 30th, 2013
Highlights: Singapore Round Island
  • Day 1 - Singapore Round Island Day Trip

    Place Transport: 
    Meals: Lunch
    Take a Singapore round-island day tour to Haw Par Villa, Singapore's Chinese mythology theme park crammed with statues of legendary figures. The full-day trip also retraces Singapore's World War II history, with visits to Kranji Dam, Kranji War Memorial, Bright Hill Temple and Changi. Haw Par Villa's colorful statues and landscaped grounds are a Singapore highlight, and were formerly known as the Tiger Balm Gardens.

    The gardens provide a relaxing sojourn before the sobering reminders of Singapore's experience in World War II. Kranji Dam, in Singapore's north-west, was the first landing spot for Japanese advance boats. You'll have clear views across the Straits of Johor to Malaysia and visit the Kranji War Memorial, the last resting place for allied soldiers who lost their lives in World War II. The memorial commemorates by name over 20,000 men and women of the forces who have no known grave.

    WW2 War Memorial, Singapore After lunch on your round-island tour you'll visit Singapore's Bright Hill Temple, famous for its Chinese crematorium and well-stocked turtle pond. The final loop of your Singapore day trip brings you to Changi Chapel and Museum, with its memories of the Changi prisoner-of-war camp. You'll pass the Johor Battery built by the British in 1939 and see a replica Monster Gun , one of the largest guns installed outside Great Britain during World War II. Your Singapore day tour returns to Singapore via a drive through Changi Village.

    The Tour Inclusion:

     - Pick-ups and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle as specified in the itinerary above
    - The services of experienced English-speaking guides as indicated in the itinerary
    - Where necessary, entry fees for all visits as mentioned in the program
    - Lunch (as specified in the itinerary) in the best local restaurants, or picnics where no suitable restaurant is available.

    The Tour Exclusion:

    - International flight tickets and airport tax.Visas.
    - Dinners, except as specified above.
    - Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses.
    - Surcharge for peak season (if any) & Other not mentioned in the above detail program.

    Additional Information

    Importance note- The itinerary is just a sample of our tours; we'll be pleased to design similar programs with dates and itinerary customized to your personal preferences in Tailor Made Tours section. Rates may vary frequently. Please contact us to get the best possible price based upon your travel period and specific touring needs.
    What to bring ?
    - Sun Block, Wide brim hat, Camera + Film, Comfortable shoes, Rain gear, Warm clothes, original Passport...
    How to start ?- MinMax Travel is a fully escorted tour and best-available all year round; the only thing you need to prepare in advance is the international air-ticket from/to your country.
    - If you don’t have enough time to complete visa before your departure, we will help you to obtain Singapore Visa on arrival easily (getting visa at the airport, on your arrival).

The Perfect Thai Honeymoon 12 Days / 11 Nights


There are few more romantic destinations than Thailand for your honeymoon. The landscape itself; from the forested hills of the north to the picture book islands of the Andaman Sea, are imbued with eastern romance. Add to this some of the best hotels in the world, fine dining and hundreds of years of Thai hospitality and you have the perfect recipe for love.
The Perfect Thai Honeymoon 12 Days / 11 Nights
Duration: 12 days/11 nights
Tour Code: MTLT02
Tour Valid: Until December 30th, 2013
Highlights: Bangkok - Chiang Mai - Krabi - Koh Lanta - Bangkok
  • Day 1 - Arrive Bangkok

    Place Transport: Airplane->Car 
    Meals: Breakfast
    On arrival in Bangkok a limousine will take you to the luxurious Peninsula Hotel on the river. You can spend an afternoon relaxing or enjoying some traditional treatments in the spa.

    Head to the Grand Palace and marvel at the graceful structures' evening illumination. Enjoy a lavish Thai dinner riverside against the stunning Rattanakosin backdrop. Then stroll along the Flower Market to see the myriad varieties of exotic orchids and sweet smelling flowers. Overnight in Bangkok.

    Day 2 - Bangkok

    Place Transport: Car->Boat 
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch
    An early start will allow you to witness the 9am monk chanting in Wat Pho. After the unique and private experience, continue onto the temple's 45 meter Reclining Buddha statue. Take a short stroll to the Grand Palace for a tour of the complex's buildings and throne halls as well as the Emerald Buddha, a highly revered image.

    After lunch, board a boat for a journey along the Chao Phraya River and its network of canals and see a more subdued side of Bangkok. A stop at the glowing Temple of the Dawn is included.

    Next, we'll head to Chiantown and to Bangkok's oldest section as you walk along Yaowarat Road and take in the lively and colorful atmosphere. End the walk at Wat Leng Neng Yee to visit the Taoist temple. Return to your hotel late afternoon. Overnight in Bangkok.


    Day 3 - Bangkok

    Place Transport: Car 
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch
    Start the day at Wat Saket for some insight into Buddhism. Make a short climb to the temple's golden mount to enjoy the panoramic view of Rattanakosin Island amidst the chimes of temple bells. Come back down and enjoy the view as we take you for a drive through the historical side of Bangkok, passing some of the most beautiful landmarks and temples.

    The beauty, smoothness and grace of Thai silk will be revealed as you tour Jim Thompson's mansion. Afterwards, head back to your hotel for some down time and possibly a scrumptious spa session. Overnight in Bangkok.


    Day 4 - Bangkok - Chiang Mai

    Place Transport: Car 
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch
    An early start so that you can travel into the mountains to visit an elephant camp. Spend the morning riding elephants and on a gentle bamboo raft ride along the Ping River. After lunch you can travel further into the hills to see local hill tribes such as the Palong. Overnight at The Chedi, Chiang Mai.

    Day 5 - Chiang Mai

    Place Transport: Car 
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch
    After breakfast, arrangements will be made for your traditional Thai wedding. You will be dressed in Lanna attire while the ceremony takes place in a beautiful temple. While the sweet scent of incense fills the air, the monk will bless you with water and tie a symbolically 'binding' string around your wrists. End the ceremony planting a love tree before returning to your hotel.

    Enjoy a traditional Kao Soy noodle soup lunch and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Chiang Mai.


    Day 6 - Chiang Mai: Elephant ride - Discover centuries old traditions

    Place Transport: Car->Elephant->Boat 
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch
    Head to Chiang Dao Elephant Camp, located in the jungles outside of Chiang Mai. Enjoy an elephant ride as well as a gentle bamboo cruise along the Ping River. After lunch, drive further north and discover centuries old traditions as you meet the area's hilltribes. Return to the htel in the afternoon.





    Overnight in Chiang Mai

    Day 7 - Chiang Mai - Krabi - Lanta Island

    Place Transport: Airplane->Cruise 
    Meals: Breakfast
    Hop on a limousine and head to the airport. Today, we will be experiencing the beauty of Thailand's southern island beaches at Koh Lanta. After landing in Krabi, head to the pier, hop on a boat and reach your beautiful, private beachside resort. Overnight in Lanta Island.


    Day 8 - 10 - Koh Lanta

    Place Transport: 
    Meals: Breakfast
    Spend your days here in complete leisure. Overnight in Lanta Island.

    Day 11 - Lanta Island - Krabi - Bangkok

    Place Transport: Car->Airplane 
    Meals: Breakfast
    After breakfast, depart from Koh Lanta for returning flight to Bangkok. Spend the rest of the day in the capital at leisure.

    Day 12 - Bangkok Depature

    Place Transport: Car->Airplane 
    Meals: Breakfast
    You will be at leisure until our guide arrives for your limousine transfer to the airport for your return flight.

    The Tour Inclusion:

    - 11 Nights Accommodation in deluxe twin / double room view with daily BKF.
    - Pick-ups and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle as specified in the itinerary above.

    - Boat, cruise as indicated in the itinerary.

    - Domestic flight tickets as indicated in the itinerary.
    - The services of experienced English-speaking guides as indicated in the itinerary.
    - Where necessary, entry fees for all visits as mentioned in the program.
    - Lunches and dinners (as specified in the itinerary) in the best local restaurants, or picnics where no suitable restaurant is available.

    The Tour Exclusion:

    - Visas on arrival
    - International flight tickets and airport tax.
    - Dinners, except as specified above.
    - Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses.

    - Travel insurance 
    - Surcharge for peak season (if any) & other not mentioned in the above detail program.

    Additional Information

    Importance note
    - The itinerary is just a sample of our Thailand tours; we'll be pleased to design similar programs with dates and itinerary customized to your personal preferences in Tailor Made Tours section. Rates may vary frequently. Please contact us to get the best possible price based upon your travel period and specific touring needs.

    What to bring?
    - Sun Block, Wide brim hat, Camera + Film, Comfortable shoes, Rain gear, Warm clothes, original Passport...

    How to start?
    - MinMax Travel is a fully escorted tour and best-available all year round; the only thing you need to prepare in advance is the international air-ticket from/to your country.
    - If you don’t have enough time to complete visa before your departure, we will help you to obtain Thailand Visa on arrival easily (getting visa at the airport, on your arrival).

Angkor Adventure 6 Days/ 5 Nights

The trip will start the same day after arrival, where the mountain bikes have been prepared. Our cycling guide will brief on the tour. Cycling around Angkor is the best way to explore the temple complex. Starting to explore Angkor complex on the shady road with tree lines. Most recently potholes have been eliminated. There are one temple in almost every Km, so it won't be boring and it is worth to stop and take photo. Our guide can also take you to explore back road cycling on the gate of Angkor Thom. It is such a wonderful road for cycling, quiet and peaceful. We ride approximately 315 km mostly on tarmac roads on most of the days except from Banteay Srei to Kbal Spean which is about 15km on the dirt road. Apart from Angkor complex, the other main interest are Kbal Spean known as the river of thousand lingas and Beng Mealea ruin temple hidden in the jungle. The temple is charming, peaceful and has its own special character. Once it was featured in the movie stared by Indiana Jones and the Two Brother by French movie maker Jean Jacques Annaud.


Duration: 6 days/5 nights
Tour Code: MCAT04
Tour Valid: Until December 30th, 2013
Highlights: Tonle Sap Lake - Rolous Group - Small Circuit - Banteay Srei - River of Thousand Lingas - Grand Circuit - Beng Mealea - Siem Reap Departure
  • Day 1 - Tonle Sap Lake (30km)

    Place Transport: Bicycle->Boat 
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
    Arrive in Siem Reap. Transfer to your hotel for check in and brief on the road safety. Afternoon, cycle to Tonle Sap Lake, the biggest fresh water lake in South East Asia. Turn left at the crocodile farm crossing the bridge. Then cycle on small road along the river through villages, pagodas and school. This road is good for cycling as to avoid the busy traffic. After cycling 8km, turn right crossing the bridge to the main road as there is no further access on the small road. Continue cycling toward the hill about 3km (July-December) where the boat stop. (Note: January-June, the water is low and the boat will stop further 3km). Board on the boat to visit the floating village, floating school, fishing farm. After 1 hour boat drive. Return the Siem Reap on the main road to avoid cycling the same road. Overnight in Siem Reap. 

    Day 2 - Rolous Group & Small Circuit (50km)

    Place Transport: Bicycle 
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
    Depart from the hotel, crossing the bridge at Old Market to cycle 15km toward Rolous Group. The first 2km, is on the tarmac road toward the bus station. Then, passing the rice field and the village. Rolous Group was the first capital of Angkor Empire during 800 A.D. Visit the Pre-Angkorian temples including Preak Ko, Bakong and Lo Lei. From Rolous, we cycle to Angkor Complex. There you will begin to see Kravan temple, Banteay Kdei, and stop at the famous Ta Phrom, embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers. Visit Ta Phrom (45 minutes-1 hour). It was built in 12th century by the famous King Jayavarvan VII indicated to his mother. 
    While clearing back the forest archaeologists decided to leave the vegetation of Ta Phrom in place to serve as a reminder of how the original discoverers found it and the other Angkor temples. Many of the trees have grown around and through the remains and soar high above the temples. Visit the magnificent 12th century Angkor Wat. It is visually, architecturally and artistically breathtaking. Angkor Wat is a massive three-tiered pyramid crowned by five beehive-like towers rising 65 meters from ground level. Suryavarman II constructed Angkor Wat in the form of massive 'temple mountain' dedicated to the Hindu god, Vishnu. 

    Day 3 - Banteay Srei & River of Thousand Lingas (90km)

    Place Transport: Bicycle 
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
    Depart from the hotel on the main road. Arrive at Angkor Wat and turn left to the west. Continue to cycle 2km before turn right to the rural road. The road is good for cycling as you can avoid the busy traffic but you can see rice field, village, pagoda. Arrive in Banteay Srei before lunch. Visit (45 minutes) Banteay Srei temple known as women citadel (built in 967 A.D dedicated to Brahma). While some of temple are impressive because of their sheer size, Banteay Srei stands alone in the quality of its construction and decoration. Its pink sandstone walls are decorated with what some consider the best carving of all, and still an excellent state of preservation. 

    Continue cycling to visit Kbal Spean, the River of Thousands Lingas, lying under the river bed, people believe it brings fertility and blessing Angkor area as the river flows to Siem Reap. Walk 1,200meters to visit the Lingas and enjoy lunch and the water fall. On the way back, cycle on the main road to visit Landmine Museum of Mr. Akira. Mr. Ra is dedicated to clearing the Cambodia countryside of landmines laid during the years of conflict and relies entirely on visitors' donation to fund his work. Overnight in Siem Reap. 

    Day 4 - Grand Circuit (40km)

    Place Transport: Bicycle 
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
    Breakfast at the hotel. Depart from the hotel on the main road. Turn right at Jayavarman VII Children Hospital. Begin the visit with Pre Rup which was built in before Angkor period and belief to serve as the cremation temple. Then continue to cycle to East Mebon and Ta Som, Neak Pean. Stop for the visit at Preah Khan temple. Preah Khan means sword was built by the King Jayavarman VII indicated to his father. The temple was built on the battlefield where Khmer soldiers succeeded over Siam military. Overnight in Siem Reap. 

    Day 5 - Beng Mealea (100km)

    Place Transport: Bicycle 
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
    Breakfast at the hotel. Depart from the hotel on the National Road No.6, turn left at Dam Dek market after 42km. Visit Beng Mealea temple. Beng Mealea is an untouched temple hidden in the jungle surrounded by its mood 900 meters by 1,200 meters. Beng Mealea is a beautiful, charming temple. It has it own character which cannot be found in any other temple. We can feel very peaceful sitting inside the temple as we can get rid of the many tourists at Angkor area. Overnight in Siem Reap. 

    Day 6 - Siem Reap Departure

    Place Transport: Airplane 
    Meals: Breakfast
    Breakfast at the hotel. Free at leisure until transfer for departure flight.

Luang Prabang World Heritage Discovery


Luang Prabang is Laos’ foremost tourist show piece. Deservedly so! The gleaming temple roofs, partially renovated provincial French architecture and eclectic mix of residence gives this town loads of character and style. This four day sightseeing tour presents the highlights of UNESCO World Heritage town, Luang Prabang and surrounding areas. From pagodas to temples, old colonial architecture to a boat trip on the Mekong River and a refreshing swim at Kuang Si Waterfalls.
Duration: 4 days/3 nights
Tour Code: MLLS02
Tour Valid: Until December 30th, 2013
Highlights: Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Cave - Traditional Villages - Kuang Si Waterfall
  • Day 1 - Luang Prabang Arrival - City Tour

    Place Transport: Airplane->Car 
    Meals: Dinner
    Warmly welcome to Luang Prabang - the ancient first capital of Lane Xang kingdom, the center of religious life in Laos and today the World Heritage City . Transfer to hotel for check-in.

    In the afternoon, you take a sightseeing tour of the sacred city of temples, of which nearly fifty temples still remain in the town and surrounding areas. Visit Wat Visoun, the 16th century temple served as a small museum for religious artifacts; Wat Aham, the early 19th century temple, whose two guardian figures at the foot of the steps which represent two characters from the Ramayana – Hanuman, the Monkey God and a fierce Yaksa; Wat Xiengthong, the 16th century temple which, more than any temples in Luang Prabang, epitomizes all the elegance and grace of Luang Prabang architecture; Phousi Hill, the 328 steps leads to the summit of Phousi hill that dominates the sky-line of Luang Prabang overlooking the finest panoramic view in the whole Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang. 

    Day 2 - Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Cave - Traditional Villages

    Place Transport: Car->Cruise 
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch
    An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms (often in the form of sticky rice) from the faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in Laos , being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the ritual.

    Following breakfast, you depart from hotel to the boat landing for an excursion by boat upstream on the Mekong to visit Pak Ou cave in the side of a lime stone cliff and opposite of the mouth of the Mekong and Ou rivers. The sanctuaries at Pak Ou consist of two large caves, both repositories for thousands of Buddha images, which range from mere centimeter to two meters in height.

    En route, Lao typical villages are barely visible behind a screen of foliage. Slender canoes bobbing by the shore, bamboo poles and floats mark the location of nets and fish traps. First stop will be at Ban Muangkeo, a well-known village for Lao traditional rice whisky, namely Laoh-Khao to be distilled. We are welcome to taste it and also take away. Lunch is at a riverside restaurant.

    You drive back to Luang Prabang in late afternoon and continue by car to outskirt of town to visit Ban Xangkhong, a well-known village for its wood paper making and also Lao silk weavings with natural dyes. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

    Day 3 - Luang Prabang - Kuang Si Waterfall

    Place Transport: Car 
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch
    Today you take a drive (30 km South) to visit Kuangsi Waterfall, which, though not very high, is spectacular and really beautiful with its green surroundings as the preserved National park. En-route, you stop to visit a fresh produced market namely Talad Phosy, and also visit Ban Na Oune , a small village of a hill-tribe group “Hmong”, probably the best-known minority group in Laos . Just before arriving at Kuangsi waterfall, there is another village of Khmu minority group, namely Ban Tha Pane that we will visit. Picnic lunch is served at the shady park nearby Kuangsi waterfall. There is plenty of time for relaxing and a swim in cool water, before you head back to Luang Prabang in the late afternoon. The rest of the day is spent by visiting various craft-shops, including silver smiths' and also Hmong market in town, where some skilled embroidery-works of Hmong ladies can be seen. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

    Day 4 - Luang Prabang Departure

    Place Transport: Car->Airplane 
    Meals: Breakfast
    Enjoy your free time for souvenir shopping until transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

    The Tour Inclusion:

    - 03 Nights Accommodation with breakfast.

    - Pick-ups and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle as specified in the itinerary above.
    - Boat cruises as specified in the program.
    - The services of experienced English-speaking guides as indicated in the itinerary.

    - Where necessary, entry fees for all visits as mentioned in the program 

    - Lunches and dinners (as specified in the itinerary) in the best local restaurants, or picnics where no suitable restaurant is available.

    The Tour Exclusion:

    - International flight tickets and airport tax.Visas.

    - Dinners, except as specified above.

    - Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses. 

    - Surcharge for peak season (if any) & other not mentioned in the above detail program.

    Additional Information

    Importance note
    - The itinerary is just a sample of our tours; we'll be pleased to design similar programs with dates and itinerary customized to your personal preferences in Tailor Made Tours section. Rates may vary frequently. Please contact us to get the best possible price based upon your travel period and specific touring needs.

    What to bring?
    - Sun Block, Wide brim hat, Camera + Film, Comfortable shoes, Rain gear, Warm clothes, original Passport...z

    How to start?
    - MinMax Travel is a fully escorted tour and best-available all year round; the only thing you need to prepare in advance is the international air-ticket from/to your country. 
    - You can get Laos Visa on arrival easily (getting visa at the airport).

Sapa Homestay Adventure 3 Nights/2 Days

At an elevation of 1,600 meters, Sapa is a delightful former French hill station situated in the mountainous region of Vietnam's northwest, close to the Chinese border. The region is home to many ethnic minority groups, each wearing traditional and colorful attire.


Duration: 2 days/3 nights
Tour Code: MVAT05
Price from: US $ 149.00 Pax
Tour Valid: Until December 30th, 2013
Highlights: This trip includes a trek through the hills and valleys of the Sapa region, discovering several different minorities along the way. You will experience overnight accommodation in the hospitable villages of Giay and Tay ethnic minorities. The apparent hardships are worth it though as we walk through some of the most spectacular scenery that Vietnam has to offer and experience unique villages culture.
  • Night 1 - Hanoi – Lao Cai

    Place Transport: Car->Train 
    Meals: Breakfast
    8.00pm – MinMax Travel tour guide pick you up from your hotel then transfer to Hanoi Railway Station and catch the night train to Lao Cai (cabin withsoft sleeper and air-conditioning). Arrive Lao Cai 5:30 or 6:00am

    Day 1 - Lao Cai – Sapa home stay

    Place Transport: Car 
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
    Arrive in Lao Cai. The car ride uphill to Sa Pa takes a little over an hour, giving you a glimpse of the stunning vistas and impressive rice terraces. You’ll have breakfast in a local Restaurant. At 10 am we start trekking. The first part is on the road but we soon turn to the right and walk on a small path down the valley to the Muong Hoa River along Y Linh Ho valley and from here lead to the Black H’mong village Lao Chai. Black H’mong is one of the biggest minority groups in the Sapa area. They are proud of their culture and keep their traditions and way of living. They have their own language and wear traditional indigio blue clothing. After this you continue to Ta Van village (1.200 m) to visit Zay people. Zay is a fairly small minority group of about 38.000 people who live mainly in the mountains in Northwest Vietnam . The development has meant that some of their old customs have been lost but many women still wear traditional shirts with a purple, blue or green color. The Zay houses are build of wood and bamboo with a clay floor. We stay overnight with a local family in Ta Van and have our dinner here.

    Day 2 - Tavan – Giang Ta Chai – Su pan – Sapa - Hanoi

    Place Transport: Train 
    Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
    After the breakfast we continue to visit Red Dao people at Giang Ta Chai where we also have short break near by a hanging brigde made from cane and a beautiful waterfall. The Red Dao women have very colorful red embroidery and coins on their clothing. On their head they wear a red scarf. Some of the women have shaved off their eyebrows because of a nice Red Zao Legend.We continue along small paths in the rice fields, cross the Muong Hoa River and trek up to Su pan where you will meet the jeep and transfer back to Sapa. Have late lunch in Sapa in discover Sapa town in your own before departure to LaoCai train station. You’ll have dinner either in a restaurant in Sapa or on the way back to Lao Cai to catch a night train back to Ha Noi.Take night train from Lao Cai station to go back to Hanoi. Arrive Hanoi next morning.

    The Tour Inclusion:

    - 01 night sleep in homestay in Sapa
    - Pick-ups and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle as specified in the itinerary above (Please note: pick-ups will be by a guide and driver or, where a guide is not necessary, a driver only. All unaccompanied drivers will be briefed in advance, and will carry a mobile phone to ensure smooth transfer arrangements)
    - 02 nights in Sleeper cabin on train for two ways
    - The services of experienced English-speaking guides as indicated in the itinerary (please note: guides will be on hand from pick-up until guests' return to their hotel or reaching their destination). Free days or part days will not include the services of a guide unless requested and included in the final itinerary.
    - Where necessary, entry fees for all visits as mentioned in the program
    - Meals (as specified in the itinerary) in the best local restaurants, or picnics where no suitable restaurant is available.

    The Tour Exclusion:

    - International flight tickets and airport tax.Visas
    - Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses.
    - Surcharge for peak season (if any) & Other not mentioned in the above detail program.

    Additional Information

    Importance note- The itinerary is just a sample of our tours; we'll be pleased to design similar programs with dates and itinerary customized to your personal preferences in Tailor Made Tours section. Rates may vary frequently. Please contact us to get the best possible price based upon your travel period and specific touring needs.
    What to bring ?
    - Sun Block, Wide brim hat, Camera + Film, Comfortable shoes, Rain gear, Warm clothes, original Passport...
    How to start ?- MinMax Travel is a fully escorted tour and best-available all year round; the only thing you need to prepare in advance is the international air-ticket from/to your country.
    - If you don’t have enough time to complete visa before your departure, we will help you to obtain Vietnam Visa on arrival easily (getting visa at the airport, on your arrival).

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Seminar on preserving cultural heritages

The role museums play in protecting cultural heritages in the Mekong and Ganga River valleys and the impacts of climate change were debated at an international science seminar in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue on June 11-12. 

The event was co-organised by the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology and the Vietnam Institute of Literature and Arts Studies with nearly 50 scientists from Vietnam , Bangladesh , Nepal , India, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and China taking part. 

The delegates focused their discussions on climate change’s impacts on cultural heritages. 

Apart from the three main topics of climate change and cultural heritages; climate change and museums and related research, the delegates also talked about setting up a network of museums and cultural agencies in the two river valleys to facilitate research and hold exhibitions. 

The delegates also made a field trip to the lagoon at Tam Giang-Cau Hai and the are at the Thuan An river mouth to evaluate the impacts of climate change on the local environment, people and cultural heritages there.

Penang National Park Full Day Trek

On this day-long adventure, explore the hidden natural beauty and habitats of Malaysia’s tropical rainforest at Penang National Park. Trek around the park and discover various trails leading to lush forests, and dive into the cool water of some of the best beaches on Penang Island. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch and relax by the pristine Monkey Beach before your return trek.


Penang National Park Full Day Trek
Duration: Full Day
Tour Code: MMDT10
Tour Valid: Until December 30th, 2013
Highlights: Penang National Park Full Day Trek
  • Day 1 - Penang National Park Full Day Trek

    Place Transport: 
    Meals: Lunch
    During your time in Penang, escape the urban city life and explore the natural landscape of Penang National Park. Located on the northwestern tip of Penang Island, it is the smallest national park in the world and measures 10 square miles (26 square km). This park is unique in that it contains a collection of habitats not found in other national parks in Malaysia, such as wetlands, mangroves, coral reefs and turtle-nesting beaches. Penang National Park also boasts eight of the best beaches on Penang Island.

    Begin your trip with a visit to the national park’s Interactive Center and Gallery for a brief overview of the park. From here, take an hour-long trek from Telok Bahang, a sleepy fishing village, to the turquoise waters of Telok Tukun beach.

    Experience the 820-foot (250-meter) Canopy Walk, hovering 49 feet (15 meters) from the ground to allow guests to see the lush forest layers from a unique angle. Take a dip in the cool, fresh water pool at the tip of the Tukun River. Enjoy a picnic lunch of sandwiches, sausages and soft drinks as you relax on Monkey Beach. While you're by Monkey Beach, you might see monkeys, green turtles, flying squirrels, flying lemurs and exotic species of birds.

    The Tour Inclusion:

    - Pick-ups and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle as specified in the itinerary above.
    - The services of experienced English-speaking guides as indicated in the itinerary.
    - Where necessary, entry fees for all visits as mentioned in the program.
    - Lunch (as specified in the itinerary) in the best local restaurants, or picnics where no suitable restaurant is available.

    The Tour Exclusion:

    - Visas on arrival
    - International flight tickets and airport tax.
    - Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses.

    - Travel insurance 
    - Surcharge for peak season (if any) & other not mentioned in the above detail program.

    Additional Information

    Importance note
    - The itinerary is just a sample of our Malaysia tours; we'll be pleased to design similar programs with dates and itinerary customized to your personal preferences in Tailor Made Tours section. Rates may vary frequently. Please contact us to get the best possible price based upon your travel period and specific touring needs.

    What to bring?
    - Sun Block, Wide brim hat, Camera + Film, Comfortable shoes, Rain gear, Warm clothes, original Passport...

    How to start?
    - MinMax Travel is a fully escorted tour and best-available all year round; the only thing you need to prepare in advance is the international air-ticket from/to your country.
    - If you don’t have enough time to complete visa before your departure, we will help you to obtain Malaysia Visa on arrival easily (getting visa at the airport, on your arrival).