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Rivers, Waterfall and Lake
You can hear it first. A quiet roar. A distant hum through the forest. When you round the corner and first see the waterfall the roar is no longer quiet, and you begin to feel the fine spray on your face. Refreshing and cool, the mist moves on the wind as the waterfall courses between the trees. Cool your feet or take a swim while your guide makes a picnic lunch.
Lying between steep mountains and the sea, Vietnam has many complex river systems that carve through the countryside, producing a wonderful variety of lakes and waterfalls on their way, and many have strong spiritual or historical significance for Vietnamese people. Take a boat ride. Feel the spray on your cheek. Let Handspan take you there.
Often referred to as "Inland Ha Long Bay", the area of Tam Coc and Hoa Lu is characterized by the limestone geology that gives rise to the towering karst formations that make this picturesque area so unique. Let's embark on a small rowboat tour to explore the area, with some scenic cycling also on the menu.
Ba Be conjures images of lush forests, sparkling deep lakes resplendent with glimmering fish, mysterious caves and the cloud-capped limestone mountains standing as guardians to a hidden natural kingdom. This trip takes you deep into Ba Be National Park. With simplicity and humility, let’s meet the Queen and her extremely hospitable subjects who are eager to share their natural and cultural heritage.
...Tucked away in a majestic mountain range lying between Vietnam and China, the Cao Son Ecolodge is the perfect base from which to explore the surrounding natural and cultural diversity. Let us introduce you to deep valleys, stunningly terraced rice fields, lush forests, weekly markets, remote villages, and the ethnic minority groups with their colorful textiles and personalities, dwelling for centuries in mountains high above the rest of us. Spend the second night in Sapa and enjoy one day at leisure to discover the town or choose of our optional day-tour... Read More
Beware! This trip is a must, but is reserved for fellow adventurers with an unquenchable love of ecological beauty, and an equal desire to mingle and share time with locals. In four days you will get acquainted with the Dao culture and meet a few green farmers who decided to veer away from the standard agricultural practices. Hiking, biking, boating, bathing... there are too many to list here. Some travelers have gone there and decided to never return... you might meet them along your way.
Pretty scenes of lush orchards, vibrant flower gardens and musicians playing traditional music complete our backdrop as we boat through the canals and stroll on small islands. The trip includes a visit to the most amazing floating markets of the Mekong delta, the Cai Rang floating market where hundreds of boats of all sizes fill the river trading in agricultural goods of all kinds.
This trip is designed especially for travelers who will leave Vietnam and continue on to Phnom Penh, Cambodia by traveling along the beautiful waterways of the Mekong... Read More
As one of the world's largest rivers and Vietnam's agricultural heart, the Mekong River and its vast delta provide endless opportunities to experience sights, sounds and smells that will stay with you long after you have left the region. This lovely cycling tour takes you to a variety of Mekong Delta highlights. You can marvel at the variety of bird life in nature reserves, encounter Khmer monks in incense-filled pagodas, cruise through tangled mangrove swamps, and join one of the most lively floating markets in the region.
As one of the world's largest rivers and Vietnam's agricultural heart, the Mekong River and its vast delta provide endless opportunities to experience sights, sounds and smells that will stay with you long after you have left the region. This lovely cycling tour takes you to a variety of Mekong Delta highlights. You can marvel at the variety of bird life in nature reserves, encounter Khmer monks in incense-filled pagodas, cruise through tangled mangrove swamps, and join one of the most lively floating markets in the region.
For an in-depth Mekong delta experience this trip is a must! ... This part of the delta is home to a myriad of rice fields, canals and small villages. Pretty scenes of lush orchards, vibrant flower gardens and musicians playing traditional music complete our backdrop as we boat through the canals and stroll on small islands. The trip includes a visit to the most amazing floating markets of the Mekong delta, the Cai Rang floating market where hundreds of boats of all sizes fill the river trading in agricultural goods of all kinds... Read More
For an in-depth, introduction to the delta this trip is a must! We drive to My Tho and start our exploration by boat. This area is home of myriad of rice fields, canals and small villages. Pretty scenes of lush orchards, vibrant flower gardens and musicians playing traditional music complete our backdrop. The trip includes a visit to the most amazing floating markets of the Mekong delta, the Cai Rang floating market where hundreds of boats of all sizes fill the river trading in agricultural goods of all kinds.
This special trip is designed for travelers who will leave Vietnam and continue on to Cambodia. Our tour covers all of the iconic highlights of Mekong, with plenty of time for your to explore deeply this amazing delta. So come along with us and let our experienced guides give you a value-packed tour of natural outstanding sights with plenty of fun and a few little surprises along the way.
The Mekong Eyes cruise offers the most luxurious chance to sleep peacefully aboard ship as you journey deep into the mighty delta; a brand new and simply gorgeous boat that lets you enjoy your Mekong holiday like never before. The boat is outfitted out with the latest in style and comfort, from the natural wood interiors, to the panorama windows in your cabin, and the extensive wine list in the lounge. We promise you an unforgettable cruising experience.
This is a Handspan-exclusive trip to discover and tread lightly in a very pristine area. We're talking about an untouched secret garden inhabited by the Muong people. The deep roots of their ethnic culture and their isolated location have contributed to the preservation of what is a cultural and natural treasure. This is what Handspan is all about: using responsible tourism to promote sustainability according to the priorities of the locals themselves.
While it is essential to preserve the treasures here, it is also important to help the community to improve their (very poor) living conditions. Finding this balance is the challenge that we chose to face in partnership with an NGO in charge of nature conservation and livelihood improvement in the reserve. Get ready for a very special tour... Read More
The North East mountainous areas of Ba Be Lake, Cao Bang offer breathtaking views and interesting subcultures. It is the least travelled area of the North and attracts hardier travellers craving a glimpse of some of the more remote ethnic minority people.
This tour lets you wander through diverse sights and sounds of Vietnam's country lifestyle by motorbike. We take you away from the standard city tour routes to explore rural life, country lanes, and picturesque mountain scenery. What could be better than sitting on motorbike while waving at locals and getting great smiles in return? Come make an unforgettable memory with us in and around this fantastic land.
Hoi An outskirts are the perfect cycling places to explore the agricultural & natural waterway sights in the normal life of local farmers, and surrounding landscape of this charming town. Peaceful & ancient villages, farmlands, fields, markets... sketch out a long story about the legendary Thu Bon river. This half-day cycling route gives you a true appreciation of Hoi An outskirts.
This trip is a must for the travelers who crave adventure and who are eager to find unique destinations and veer off the well trodden paths. We'll begin with a mellow cycling exploration of Hue's tree-lined back roads. We'll do more than a mere 'transfer by car' to take you to Hoi An, instead we'll take the scenic route and journey along the Ho Chi Minh trail into the lands of the Co Tu people. Encounter locals and gain insights in their ancient culture. We'll finish in relaxing, natural style with a trip to the Cham Islands archipelago by chilling out in clear blue waters and savouring a full set of aquatic and sub-aquatic activities... Read More
In the hills above Hoi An, Ba Hom Village is home to the Co Tu people, one of the smallest of Vietnam's diverse 54 ethnic groups. A visit to Ba Hom is an immersion into lifestyles and traditions untouched by time. Our vision of the Ba Hom Homestay is to offer you the rare opportunity to tread lightly here and help maintain the culture by briefly living life like the Co Tu: partaking in daily activities and experiencing their customs and culture first-hand. While in Ba Hom, guests stay in traditional stilt houses and dine on Co Tu culinary specialties many of which are foraged from the land. Swim in the river or the hot springs,... Read More
Kampot is a charming riverside town, rich in French colonial-era architecture and a popular place for scenic riverboat trips. There are several pagodas hidden in caves we can explore throughout the area, including ancient, perfectly preserved brick temples from the pre-Angkorian period.
Koh Kong Island is the largest in Cambodia. The west coast is flanked by beautiful white sand beaches, and the island is becoming an increasingly popular gateway to Cambodia for overland travelers. It is also emerging as a new centre for ecotourism, with several protected areas and community tourism projects now established in the area. Waterfalls, mangroves, wooded groves, and diverse bird and marine life are all easily seen here.
A three day exploration to the northern roads of Cambodia along the Mekong river to Kratie – home of the rare freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins. This tour is also a great way to learn about Cambodian rural life as we visit an impressive spider market, and stroll through lush green rice fields in Kampong Thom. We also explore the impressive pre-Angkorian capital of Isanapura, known today as Sambor Prei Kuk. The first major temple city in southeast Asia, the brick temples of Sambor Prei Kuk offer a peaceful contrast to their more illustrious (and crowded) cousins at Angkor... Read More
This tour takes you along the mighty Mekong River for an in-depth exploration of Ratanakiri province. Many beautiful sites and activities are available to us all along the route. Temple explorations, boating excursions, elephant riding, dolphin spotting... and so much more.
This trip brings you from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap through Battambang, the rice bowl of Cambodia. The adventure begins with a visit to the incredible floating town of Kompong Luang, the largest floating community on the massive Tonle Sap Lake. At Battambang we'll make an in depth exploration of rural Cambodian life by visiting local villages and sacred temples. There is also an option to visit the incredible jungle temple of Banteay Chhmar, famous for its signature carved faces of King Jayavarman VII.
A Handspan-exclusive trip to discover some very pristine areas of the North. We're taking you on strolls through the 1000 year-old history of Hanoi, scenic trails through an untouched secret valley inhabited by the Muong people, and cruising through the globe's largest and loveliest karst formations in the World Heritage Halong Bay. We're living up to the principles of responsible tourism by working in partnership with an NGO that promotes nature conservation and livelihood improvement in the Ngoc Son Nature Reserve. We then explore the least visited part of Halong Bay and kayak through the lush lagoons with a private overnight ship anchorage in an incredible and secluded spot. Get ready for a very special and unforgettable journey.
Koh Kong Island is the largest in Cambodia. The west coast is flanked by beautiful white sand beaches, and the island is becoming an increasingly popular gateway to Cambodia for overland travelers. It is also emerging as a new centre for ecotourism, with several protected areas and community tourism projects now established in the area. Waterfalls, mangroves, wooded groves, and diverse bird and marine life are all easily seen here.
We explore the beautiful region of Pakse, located in the southern part of Laos, also home to the famous Ancient Khmer ruins of Wat Phou from the 5th century and the awe-inspiring Khone Pabeng waterfall, the biggest in Southeast Asia! The surrounding forests teem with flourishing vegetation and you will be greeted by the friendly, waving locals as we visit a few villages.
Visiting friendly Laos capital city where many ancient monuments and stupas. Beside, this city boasts outstanding French colonial architecture and low level buildings that are spread out in the city, enhancing a cultural and relaxed atmosphere. Up there in Luang Prabang, you experience the ancient kingdom of Laos where traditionally remain uncharged in century. It is known as the 'Thousand Pagoda City', there are countless intriguing architectural highlights in the sleepy and once royal capital.
A tour with a difference, allowing you to really immerse yourself in Lao culture; you will venture out into the rural hill tribe villages to see the different ethnic minorities and to learn about their fascinating lifestyles, traditions and colourful history. You will be scenically rewarded by the stunning river views, such as on the Wat Phou cruise that takes you in comfort down the majestic Mekong River, zigzagging through mild rapids to Champassak, through the 4,000 islands region, and to the scenic splendour Khong Pha Peng waterfall, known as the "Niagara of the East".
Visiting friendly Laos capital city where many ancient monuments and stupas. Beside, this city boasts outstanding French colonial architecture and low level buildings that are spread out in the city, enhancing a cultural and relaxed atmosphere. Up there in Luang Prabang, you experience the ancient kingdom of Laos where traditionally remain uncharged in century. It is known as the 'Thousand Pagoda City', there are countless intriguing architectural highlights in the sleepy and once royal capital.
Vang Vieng is a stunning small riverside town and a traveller's paradise, you will take in some of the most spectacular scenery you're ever going to encounter, as this town is located at the foot of the breathtaking mountains and nestled on the banks of the gorgeous Nam Song River. The tour explores Southeast Asia's most laid back capital, Vientiane and the fairy-tale kingdom of Luang Prabang, visiting magnificent temple structures and monuments of national and historical importance.
A full day dedicated to adventure sites around Luang Prabang: trekking through lush forest and rice fields, climbing to explore the hidden Pha Long cave, then visit Pak Ou caves which remain an important place for all Lao pilgrims. We will also have some time for a kayaking trip on Mekong river to a wine-making village.
A full day cycling to minorities' villages around Luang Prabang: Ban Xieng Man, Ban Na Kham, Ban Houay Tan (Khmu village), Ban Chan Neua and Ban Chan Tai – a perfect way to get closer to ethnic cultures of Laos and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
The 7.5 kilometers of Nam Hinboun flows through the cave of Konglor. It is the longest and grandest cave in Laos measuring up to 70-80 meters in some places. Climb to the dark summit to see the top of the waterfall. It is a true cave explorer's experience complete with darkness and small spaces. When light shines on the water, you will be amazed by how clear it is.
In the extreme South of Laos, Mekong River breaks down into a myriad of arms and channels, which surround countless islands and islets. This region is called "Si Phan Don", which in Laos means "4000 islands". These idyllic islands where a bamboo bungalow goes for a buck and the stunning sunsets are free. Come here to see the dolphins, savor the atmosphere on your relaxing time!
Visiting friendly Laos capital city where many ancient monuments and stupas. Then Xieng Khoang offers you an impressive archaeological Plain of Jars and colorful hill tribe market of Phonsavan. Up there in Luang Prabang, you experience the ancient kingdom of Laos where traditionally remain uncharged in century. It is known as the 'Thousand Pagoda City', there are countless intriguing architectural highlights in the sleepy and once royal capital.
"We love adventure – we love biking!!!" – ...We give you "Moc Chau plateau" with a range of traditional and deep-rooted ethnic cultures, hidden misty valleys ...; .. "Journey from one World Heritage Site to another" - experience two different atmospheres, both charming and deeply etched with history,...; ..."fantastic coastal bike route" from Da Lat to Mui Ne through small minority villages, jungle forested valleys and beautiful beaches; ..."lovely cycling Mekong Delta highlights" to marvel at the variety of bird life in nature reserves, encounter Khmer monks in incense-filled pagodas, cruise through tangled mangrove swamps, and join one of the most lively floating markets in the region... Read More
To visit Kompong Pluk is to step into another world; this remote village is home to the fabled bamboo skyscrapers and fascinating people. Its exploration is part of our journey on the mighty Tonle Sap lake, which was registered as a Unesco Biosphere Reserve in 1997. The area is home to many Cham communities living a "floating life" on the lake. Our trip takes us to two main villages in the area for an opportunity to chat with some villagers and learn more about the beauties and challenges of their uncommon lives.
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A visit to the temples of Angkor is a profound experience, as few sights on earth can match the immense majesty of Angkor Wat, the overgrowth of nature run amok at Ta Prohm, or the mysterious faces of the Bayon. The temples of the Angkor complex are situated in the northwest province of Siem Reap, close to the town of the same name. Its exploration is part of our journey on the mighty Tonle Sap lake, which was registered as a Unesco Biosphere Reserve in 1997. The area is home to many Cham communities living a "floating life" on the lake...
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... Almost a thousand years ago, this was the largest city in the world, and truly is one of our planet's most special places. Make sure you see it in your lifetime!
Nestled under the hill of Phnom Krom, the floating village of Chong Kneas changes location with the waters of the lake. Floating schools, floating shops, floating petrol stations, even floating karaoke bars... Let's get on the water to discover more about this way of life.
Explore Vietnam's southern highlights on a journey into one of Southeast Asia's most fascinating regions.
Begin your laid back adventure exploring the streets of Ho Chi Minh City and taking in its many striking contrasts. You'll then escapte the chaos city and drive through the green and tranquil Vietnamese countryside to the legendary Mekong River, taking in traditional villages and the hustle and bustle of the river on the way, and experience the most colorful floating market on the Delta.
A full day spent on the mighty Tonle Sap lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. It was registered as a Unesco Biosphere Reserve in 1997. The area is home to many Cham communities living a "floating life" on the lake. Our trip takes us to two main villages in the area for an opportunity to chat with some villagers and learn more about the beauties and challenges of their uncommon lives.
This is a great day trip to some of our favorite spots around Luang Prabang. We take you across the Mekong river to visit several villages of various ethnic cultures where we promise you the chance for enriching encounters. Our day's excursion finishes in style as we check out the Khuang Si Waterfall and its sublime turquoise pools amid a jungle setting. Take the time to cool off in the pools or with a gentle walk along forest trails.
This trip gives offers you the chance to visit the area outside the city and see a slice of rural Lao life. We shake hands with locals and meet school kids in a traditional village who are always up for some fun and games. We then head to the famous Pak Ou caves, still a place of pilgrimage for many Lao people. This trip offers heartwarming moments of human contact, a picturesque boat ride and some fascinating insights into Lao culture.
This trip is a smooth combination of the two excursions to Khuang Si waterfall and Pak Ou caves. It includes the perfect ingredients for a very complete full day tour: local market, ethnic minorities villages, handicrafts introduction, stunning waterfall, refreshing natural pools, forest trails, boat trip on the Mekong, caves exploration, local alcohol tasting... What else could we include to make this trip unforgettable?
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