Recent Posts

1

Politics / RAW Network In Afghanistan Destabilizing Pakistan..

« Last post by rajonsk on Today at 02:18:19 AM »

India Terrorism: Militants held in Karachi with Indian made explosives.Indian intelligence network in Afghanistan main cause of destabilization in Pakistan.
According to informed sources Indian intelligence officials working in the disguise of diplomats in Embassy and Consulates in Afghanistan have set up a vast network to destablise FATA, Northern Areas and Baluchistan engaging dozens of Afghan-Indians, drug dealers and Afghan warlords.




According to sources several agents hired by the RAW but captured recently in FATA, Waziristan and Southern Eastern areas have provided extensive details claiming that the Indian had managed to penetrate deeply in collaboration with Indian allies in the region.





Chiemsee Hotels

2

Travel Guide / Cheap spring break trip to Cancun

« Last post by mannu on September 09, 2010, 11:48:36 PM »

Want a cheap spring break trip to Cancun? you can book with Inertia Tours. We will get your roundtrip airfare, a beachfront hotel, and 2 dine around restaurant meals per day with NO HIDDEN FEES for $799/person. Cancun spring break is a great choice because:
*cheapest spring break trip with a flight anywhere
*Brilliant blue water is clear over 100 feet deep. Amazing water!
*Nicest hotels you can find at any spring break destination
*American set up on food - pizza hut, mcdonalds, subway, etc.

3

Travel News Forum / spring break trips for you

« Last post by mannu on September 09, 2010, 11:36:25 PM »

Inertia Tours is a travel portal which is offering great alternative spring break trips to Breckenridge, Colorado for college spring break ski trips that are priced from $350 to $450/person with 5 nights lodging and 4 days of lift tickets included, or Leon & Las Penitas Beach. you can see more useful information related to travel and tourism through the website.

4

Central America / Rank the Central American Countries

« Last post by emonsk on September 09, 2010, 02:46:55 AM »

My wife and I are not 100% certain, but are considering Central America as the starting point for our RTW. This would likely begin in mid-June 2011.

Although we would love to hit every country on the globe, we recognize that this is not going to happen, and CA is no exception, so we were hoping you would rank these for us, as far as the "must-see" countries, and countries which you would recommend settling for a month or at least a couple of weeks. We may look at Spanish language school somewhere as well. Although we may drive (bus) through most of the region, we would likely only stop for significant periods of time (more than 3-4 days) in half of the countries...

We are not huge party people at all, but a few beers in the hot sun is always great. We enjoy meeting locals, don't mind the occasional museum, and a bit of history, but prefer more active outdoor activities. Again, ideally we would look at a Spanish school, or perhaps even a volunteering op if one became available.





Chiemsee

5

Asia / Ha Long - Cat Ba 3 days 2 nights ( 1 night on Cristina Deluxe Cruise & 1 night o

« Last post by nguyennamhg on September 08, 2010, 09:43:23 PM »

Cat Ba Island is situated in Ha Long Bay, 50 km to the east of Hai Phong City, in Northern Vietnam. It is the largest of 366 islands in the Cat Ba Archipelago, and has a surface area of about 140 square km.
Day 1: Ha Noi – Ha Long

08.00: Pick up at hotel and start the 3 hour and a half drive to Ha Long bay, 

11.30: Arrive Ha Long, get on Cristina Deluxe Cruise, enjoy welcome drink and a lunch, fantastic  4 hour cruising around of the bay to see the fighting Cock, Incense Urn, Finger, Toad islet, Dog islet…and many other strange shape islands. Especially, visit to Sung Sot cave “Amazing Cave”, one of the most spacious and beautiful caves of Ha Long bay

16.30: Arrive at Titop Island, free time for swimming and kayaking through Luon cave.

18.30: Have dinner with fresh seafoods, then squid fishing, Karaoke, Dancing and Overnight on the Cruise.

Day 2: Cat Ba National park – Cat Ba Town Discovery

07.30: Breakfast on cruise, After transfer to Cat Ba National Park. Trekking to discover the wild beauty of Cat Ba nationnal park.

12.15: Arrive in Cat Ba island, check in hotel, lunch at restaurant and relaxation.

14.00: Transfer to another boad then visit to Monkey island, kayaking around Lan Ha Bay with full of exploration before back to the town of Cat Ba.

18.00: Enjoy dinner, free time at night to explore the town of Cat Ba, Overnight in the 3 star hotel in Cat Ba island)

Day 3: Cat Ba – Ha Long – Ha Noi

07.30: Breakfast at hotel, then transfer to Cristina Deluxe Cruise take back to Ha Long city at approx

11.30: Lunch at restaurant in Ha Long city.

13:00: The bus transfer to Ha Noi.

16.30: Arrive in Hanoi, finishes.
Please transfer your payment to: AST TRAVEL JSC
-------------------
Number 56 Cau Go street, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi, Vietnam
Website : www.asttravelvietnam.com
Tel: (84-43) 9262628 - 9262688
Fax: (84-43) 9264898
Email: info@asttravelvietnam.com - sales@asttravelvietnam.com

6

Asia / Hanoi - Ha Long Package Tour

« Last post by zonzon on September 08, 2010, 05:53:02 PM »

Depart from    :  Ha noi
Duration    :  5 days 4 nights
This package provides good arrangement to the tourists Who have just little time in Hanoi and Ha Long. In a few days you will have time to see all the beauty of Hanoi and Ha Long, overnight on Junk boat such as Huong Hai Junk, Dragon's pearl junk, Emeraude Classic cruises....

Day 01 : Hanoi arrival
Pick up at the airport and transfer to the hotel, check in. Free time for relaxing.

Day 02 : Hanoi City tour (B,L)
[Vietnam tour, Hanoi, The huc bridge] 8h00: Start the tour by visiting  Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum. Enjoy the architectural and historical aspects of Uncle Ho's final resting-palace .Just next door is Ho Chi Minh's house on stilts where he used to live in the past. Lying to one side of the Mausoleum is the One Pillar Pagoda, built by King Ly Thai To in 1049 the structure has become an important symbol for the people of Hanoi. Continue to visit the Quan Thanh Temple ( Taoist, dating from the Ly Dynasty) and Buddhist Tran Quoc Pagoda on West lake ( One of the oldest in Vietnam ). Lunch.
PM : After lunch proceed to visit the Ethnology Museum, continue to visit the Literature Temple and Quoc Tu Giam - Vietnam"s first university constructed in 1070, Its gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam"s past. After that we will take you to Hoan Kiem Lake, see the peaceful water, and visit Ngoc Son temple.
01 hour visit the old quarter by Cyclo and enjoying the Water puppet show before going back to the hotel.

Day 03 : Hanoi - Ha Long (B,L,D)
[Vietnam travel- Halong huong Hai junk] 8h00: Depart to Ha Long city with short break on the way. After 3.5hours drive you will  arrive in Halong City. Board check in the cabin on Huong hai junk and start cruise through emerald waters of Halong Bay, the junk will stop cruising for the lunch time. After lunch continue with  a fantastic cruise in Ha Long bay, visit Dinh Huong island, Ga Choi island, Dog island, Sail island, visit Sung Sot cave and a swim at Titov beach.
17h30: Drinking Vietnamese wine and enjoy sunset.
19h30: Enjoy dinner on board.
21h00: Fishing or relax and spending a romantic night on Huong Hai junk.

Day 04 : Ha Long - Hanoi (B,L)
Get up for breakfast. A morning cruise to visit Man's head island, Tortoise island, visit Luon cave by small bamboo boat this is a big surprise for you when getting in this cave, passing Bai Tu Long bay.
10h00: Arrange luggage and check-out, 10h30: Have lunch on board,
11h45: Arrive Halong wharf. Say goodbye to the crew on Huong Hai junk and the last look to the bay before the bus back to Ha Noi.
Arrive in Hanoi arround 4:00 at your hotel.

Day 05 : Hanoi Departure (B)
Free time until transfer to the airport for your flight home

Inclusions :
Private car/van with AC
Hotel : 03 stars in Hanoi - you can upgrade to 04 or 05 star hotel
Junk boat : Huong Hai, Bai tho or Dragon's Pearl Junk in Ha Long
Engish/french speaking tour guide
Meals as mentioned in program
Service charge

Exclusions :
Personal expenses, drinks, tip.

7

Asia / Freight Transport in Vietnam

« Last post by hellosirdo on September 07, 2010, 09:51:17 AM »

The working time of stations
Freight stations are opened from 7 a.m to 5 p.m everyday. Freight transport and delivery are carried out all days and nights.

Responsibility

Vietnam Railway Corporation has responsibility of transporting freight from senders to receivers safely, punctually as well as securing the equality and co-operation between railway sector and senders as the freight transport regulations of Vietnam Railway Corporation and other relevant ones.
Vietnam Railway Corporation also transports freight among Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the People Republic of China as well as countries in International Railway Cooperation Association (OSZD).
Vietnam Railway Corporation has many kinds of freight transport such as wagon load, in-part wagon load, container from station to station, from warehouse to warehouse, from warehouse to station and vice versa satisfying the demands of senders. There are 2 ways of transport:
- Fast transport.
- Regular transport.

Besides, Vietnam Railway Corporation also transports dangerous freight which requires the strict implementation of special conditions. The over-size, over-length, over-weight freight are also transported by Vietnam Railways.

Freight train schedule

- 2 couples of GS1, GS2 trains with 4-day itinerary run everyday on Ha Noi - Ho Chi Minh city route.
+ GS1 train runs from Giap Bat station at 8: 30 to Song Than station at 11: 59.
+ GS2 train runs from Song Than station at 2: 20 to Giap Bat station at 5: 35.
2 couples of GS2, GS4 regular freight trains with 4-day itinerary run everyday from Song Than to Giap Bat.
+ GS2 train runs from Song Than station at 0: 08 to Giap Bat station at 5: 32.
+ GS4 train runs from Song Than station at 2: 10 to Giap Bat station at 11: 58. A couple of HBN1 express freight trains with 2.5-day itinerary also run to meet the demand of customers.
+ HBN1 train runs from Giap Bat station at 23: 30 to Sai Gon station at 7: 05.
+ HBN2 train runs from Sai Gon station at 21: 25 to Giap Bat station at 3: 06.

Besides, there are other regional freight trains, further information is provided at freight stations of Vietnamm Railway Corporation.

8

Asia / Victoria Sapa - Monday Package

« Last post by redlables on September 07, 2010, 09:45:26 AM »

Depart from: Hanoi
Stop off: Sapa
Duration: 4 days 4 nights
Price is  base on twin sharing accommodation. Single supplement is at extra cost

Package    1 pax    2-3 pax   4-6 pax   Over 7
Standard   $705     $503       $437    $403
Deluxe     $798     $568       $506    $473
Customize this tour
Day 1: Hanoi - Lao Cai (Monday)

At 21:00 Pick up at your hotel and residence in Hanoi and transfer to the Hanoi train station to board night train to Lao Cai. Stay overnight on the train.
Meals: N/A

Day 2: Lao Cai - Sapa (Tuesday)
The train arrives in Lao Cai station at around 05:30 am. Our local tour guide and transportation will pick up and transfer to Sapa. Check-in Victoria Sapa Hotel and you will be free at leisure for the rest of morning. Afternoon, we take a light trek to Cat Cat village to see Black H'mong hill tribes. Walking back to hotel. Overnight in Sapa
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Sapa Trekking (Wednesday)
Morning trek to Lao Chai and Ta Van villages. Enjoy the breath-taking landscapes. Touring the villages and car will transfer you back to the hotel. Overnight in Sapa
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Sapa - Lao Cai - Hanoi (Thursday)
Check-out and have breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Lao Cai to take day train back to Hanoi (The train will leave Lao Cai at 10:20 AM)
Meals: Breakfast
Upon arrival in Hanoi at about 08:30 AM on, you will arrange transportation by your selves back to your hotel.
 
Inclusions :
Accommodation (double/twin sharing)
Private pick up and transfer (A/C van)
English/French speaking local tour guide
Meals specified in tour program
Return train tickets (Hanoi - Sapa - Hanoi)
Sightseeing tours per program
All entrance, permission and visiting fees

Exclusions :
Meals which do not specify in the program
Personal travel insurance
All personal expenses
All gratuities and tips to driver and tour guide
   

9

Asia / Trek in Pu Luong reserve area

« Last post by zonzon on September 04, 2010, 05:59:45 PM »

Depart from
: Hanoi
Stop off
: Hanoi
Duration
: 7 days 6 nighs
This trek explores an area four hours southwest of Hanoi. The scenery is similar to that of Halong Bay, with beautiful views of towering limestone karst populated mainly by Thai minority people, though black and White H’Mong minorities live on the hillsides of the Mau Chau Valley. While the trekking is not as dramatic as Sapa, it has the added charm of being off the beaten track. Pu Luong in particular is a newly-opened sustainable tourism project put together by Flora and Fauna International to help protect the forests of Pu Luong and the endangered Delacours Langur that live there. The trekking is moderate and all accommodation is in homestays similar in style to that of the Sapa region - ‘longhouses’, some on stilts.

Day 1: Hanoi (B)

Arrive at Noi Bai Airport, Hanoi, guides will greet you and take you by private coach to the city; trip briefing and, if time, a guided walk through the Old Quarter before dinner at Seasons of Hanoi Restaurant.

Day 2: Hanoi- Hoa Binh- Tan Lac- Ngo Luong- Xom Village (B,L,D)

Depart Hanoi early morning and transfer three hours to the trailhead in Hoa Binh Province, at Tan Lac; remote valley to Ngo Luong o­n a beautiful trail crisscrossed by local footpaths. From Ngo Luong, steep hill to Son Village high in the limestone hillside; nature reserve (warm clothing here). Overnight in Xom Village.
Trekking hours: 5 hours - Grade: Easy/Moderate

Day 3: Xom- Cao Hoong- Hin Village ( B,L,D)

Hike in undisturbed forest, plunge steeply into the heart of the reserve; minority Thai peoples; downhill may be challenging if it has rained recently; rice fields; idyllic farming villages; jeep trail to Hin and Nua villages for overnight. Optional: continue uphill into the limestone hills to Ban Cao Hoong. This is a there-and-back. Enjoy an evening of traditional music by the local villagers. Overnight in ecotourism homestay, Hin or Nua Village.
Trekking hours: (5 - 8 hours trekking)- Grade: Moderate

Day 4: Hin- Pa Kha- Kho Muong (B,L,D)

Start hiking early to the market (open o­n Thursday o­nly); three hours uphill to a hidden Kho Muong Village, the most remote. Trek to a recently discovered cave. Overnight in ecotourism homestay, Kho Muong.
Trekking hours: 6 hours- Grade: Moderate

Day 5: Kho Muong- Hang Village (B,L,D)

Hike is 50% o­n village paths 50% o­n an old unpaved French road, good descents and several more stream crossings. The trekking is remote; lunch before picturesque path to picturesque village. Stroll around, relax in eco homestay. Overnight - a stilt house in Hang Village.
Trekking hours: 5 hours- Grade: Moderate

Day 6: Hang- Sai- Mai Chau- Hanoi (B,L)

After a leisurely breakfast, hike through the narrow valley for two hours to the bus; transfer to Hanoi. Bring plastic sandals, as there are two more streams to cross. Drive to Lac village in Mai Chau for coffee and second breakfast before five-hour drive to Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi.
Trekking hours: 2 hours trekking- Grade: Moderate

Day 7: Departure. (B)

Transfer to airport for  flight.

Inclusions
- Accommodation
- Experienced tour guide
- Air-condition bus or minivan
- All entrance fees, travel permit
- Meals as stated

Exclusions
- Personal expenses,
- Insurance, tips and other services

10

Asia / Red River Delta tour - Ha Tay Craft villages (1 day)

« Last post by redlables on September 03, 2010, 06:42:08 AM »

a Tay province is not only famous of its pagodas, temples, communal houses but also famous of its many handicraft villages. Our Red River tour brings you to root of the culture in the Red river Delta: The rice culture and its numorous handicraft villages. Those are Van Phuc – silk village, where the best silk in Vietnam comes from, Chuong village - where the conical hat is made, Uoc Le village - where you can see one of the most beautiful village gate in Vietnam and Dau pagoda - one of the most famous pagoda which was built in 11th century.
Hanoi - Van Phuc - Chuong Village - Uoc Le Village - Dau Pagoda

Details & hotel 

Morning:
8:00 The bus picks you up at hotel then brings you to a village 30 km away from Hanoi. On the way, visit Van Phuc – silk village, where the best  silk in Vietnam comes from. Stay here about 30 mins, visit some silk hand-making families, listen to the story of the village.
9:00 Leave Van Phuc for Chuong village. Visit Chuong market, Bell, Floating bridge and a family making conical hat.
10:00 Leave Chuong village to Chi Le. Short stop before the bridge for the story of the house gate in the middle of the river. Visit Chi Le communal house and then a family making hats.
11:00 Visit Uoc Le village, 2km walking through village, visit the church, communal house with the village's well. Stop in front of the Uoc Le village's gate. Lunch in Uoc Le, in a village's house or on the market. Rest.

Afternoon:
13:00 Heading to Dau pagoda. According to the stele literature built and prepared in Duong Hoa king year the fifth generation, this pagoda was prepared and built in Ly Dynasty (the 11th century). This pagoda is now famous for the two embalmed bodies of Buddhist monks from 17th century.
Walk arround the village then at 14:30 leave the village for back Hanoi.
16:00 Arrive in Hanoi. End of the tour.

Price

Tour package   1 pax     2-3 paxs   4-6 paxs   Over 7 paxs   
Standard         $135.00   $79.00    $52.00       $45.00