VIETNAM AND CAMBODIA
ANGKOR WAT & THE WILDLIFE OF TONKIN & ANNAM
Vietnam's sublime landscapes range from the immense Mekong Delta to the hill stations of the Annamite Mountains, and from the vibrant elegance of Hanoi to the Rainforests and rivers of southern Tonkin.
Vietnam's marvellous national parks preserve a fabulously varied fauna and we concentrate on two of the finest, Cuc Phuong in the north and Cat Tien in the south. There are endless colourful birds typical of Southeast Asia - Minivets, Trogons, Sunbirds, Kingfishers and Orioles - and there are many avian wonders special to the area such as Germain's Peacock Pheasant, Bar-bellied Pitta and Grey-crowned Crocias. We'll encounter Black Bazas, Pied Falconets, Great-eared Nightjars and impressive Hornbills. The beautiful Black-shanked Douc Langur is among eight or more species of Primate on the agenda. Butterflies are plentiful, particularly so the swallowtails with brilliant Jays, Swordtails, Roses, Clubtails and Helens, and the lovely shimmering blue-greens of Papilio paris. Birdwings, the Leaf Butterfly and improbably named Redtail Marquis, Sullied Sailor, Painted Jezebel and the Great Archduke, are amongst a hundred or more species expected.
Southeast Asia's prime archaeological site at Angkor Wat is truly a wonder of the world with its almost kilometre-long intricately carved temple. Nearby roads lined with continuous ranks of statues lead to the stone-elephant gates of the fabulous 10 sq km fortified city of Angkor Thom. The central Bayon Temple has 54 'gothic towers' decorated with intricate Avalokiteshvara faces and many fine bas-reliefs. There's untouched Ta Prohm set deep in the 'jungle' and Preah Khan with wonderful Garuda figures on the outer walls.
INFORMATION
Focus
Birds, Mammals (particularly Primates), Butterflies, Reptiles, Amphibians, Landscapes and Angkor Wat.
Leaders
Walking
Relaxed and easy. Usually only two or three miles a day but on a couple of days up to five, though always at a slow pace, perfectly suited to photographers.
Included in the Price
All flights. All transport, meals and accommodation in Vietnam and Cambodia. Services of your leaders. Please note: Vietnamese and Cambodian Visas, drinks, tips and items of a personal nature including insurance, are not included.
Group Size
The minimum is 5 and the maximum is 12. Only one leader will accompany a group of 7 or less.
Accommodation
We start at the very fine Sofitel Metropole in Hanoi. A classy comfortable hotel, it is within walking distance of the Old Quarter, the Opera House, and Hoan Kiem Lake. At Cuc Phuong we stay in basic chalets. Pleasant inside, each comes with two beds, cane furniture and have A/C when the generator is on, though in practise it is not overly hot here! At Cat Tien we stay in basic A/C rooms with comfortable bamboo-constructed beds and canvas chairs and curtains. We move back upmarket for the rest of the tour, staying at the fine old colonial Novotel in Dalat, and the luxurious ‘Angkor Village’ in Cambodia. All are very good quality hotels and all have the full range of furnishings and facilities that one would expect of ‘deluxe’ hotels. All rooms on this tour are en suite.
Climate
Though often quite hot (especially at Angkor Wat) in the middle of the day, temperatures are generally pleasant mornings and evenings and can be on the cool side all day long in Hanoi and at Cuc Phuong where it is often overcast and sometimes drizzly.
How To Book
Download a booking form (or contact us and we will send one to you)from the Booking Information section. Complete and send to us. You will receive confirmation of your place and then a detailed information pack will be dispatched to you about twelve weeks before departure. This will contain up-to-date health news. Flower, bird and butterfly checklists are available.
