This trip was postponed from 2020 to 2022 and is sponsored by Appalachian State University’s Biology Department. As such, it is a private trip designed for students and is not open to the public. However, Vietnam is a popular destination and EcoQuest Travel leads many different trips to Vietnam. If you are interested in Vietnam as a destination please contact EcoQuest Travel by email at: info@ecoquesttravel.net
VIETNAM
Ancient Land of Natural Splendor
EcoQuest Travel, Inc. is proud to partner with the Biology Department at Appalachian State University to offer an exciting trip to the ancient land of Vietnam. Vietnam offers a unique blend of rich cultural history and exquisite natural beauty. It is a land that overloads the senses with ancient temples and pagodas, emerald waters, a seemingly endless patchwork of rice paddies, busy cities, incredible forests and cuisines full of pungent smells and dynamic tastes. This trip will focus on Vietnam’s unique ecology, and conservation issues, by exploring some of the country’s most important National Parks. Join us as we journey to Cat Ba, Cuc Phuong, Bach Ma and Cat Tien National Parks and search for Vietnam’s elusive wildlife. The haunting calls of gibbons, the whoosh of air through a hornbill’s wings and the metallic sheen of a Silver Pheasant in dappled light are some of what awaits us in Cuc Phuong. While in Cuc Phuong we will also visit important conservation programs at the Endangered Primate Rescue Center and the Turtle Conservation Center. Bach Ma is a beautiful park full of waterfalls and excellent wildlife. The mountains of Bach Ma still contain Clouded Leopard, Asiatic Black Bear, several species of primates and prolific birdlife with over 330 species inhabiting the park. Cat Tien National Park is perhaps Vietnam’s greatest park and
contains an incredible number of rare species including Black-shanked Douc Langur, Pygmy Loris, Leopard Cat, Sambar Deer, Woolly-necked Stork and Green Peafowl. In 2016 we were really lucky and observed a herd of Gaur near the Dong Nai River. We invite you to join us as we discover the natural wonders, cultural sites and magic of Vietnam.
24-DAY ITINERARY
Day 1 – Tuesday, May 10: Charlotte to Our Gateway City and on to either Tokyo or Seoul
Day 2 – Wednesday, May 11: Tokyo or Seoul to Hanoi, Vietnam
Day 3 – Thursday, May 12: Hanoi
Day 4 – Friday, May 13: Hanoi to Halong Bay – Lan Ha
Day 5 – Saturday, May 14: Halong Bay, Lan Ha and back to Hanoi
Day 6 – Sunday, May 15: Hanoi to Cuc Phuong National Park
Days 7 & 8 – Monday and Tuesday, May 16 & 17: Cuc Phuong NP
Day 9 – Wednesday, May 18: Cuc Phuong NP and Van Long Nature Reserve
Day 10 – Thursday, May 19: Fly to Hue
Day 10 – Friday, May 20: Hue to Bach Ma NP
Days 12, 13 & 14 – Saturday, Sunday & Monday, May 21, 22 & 23: Bach Ma National Park
Day 15 – Tuesday, May 24: Son Tra Nature Reserve
Day 16 – Wednesday, May 25: Son Tra Nature Reserve and Fly from Danang to Ho Chi Minh City
Day 17 – Thursday, May 26: Can Gio Biosphere Reserve
Day 18 – Friday, May 27: Ho Chi Minh City to Cat Tien National Park
Day 19 – Saturday, May 28: Cat Tien National Park – Crocodile Lake
Day 20 – Sunday, May 29: Cat Tien NP
Day 21 – Monday, May 30: Cat Tien NP and the Dong Nai River
Day 22 – Tuesday, May 31: Cat Tien NP and back to Ho Chi Minh City
Day 23 – Wednesday, June 1: Cu Chi Tunnels, Ho Chi Minh City and our Departure
Day 24 – Thursday, June 2: Tokyo or Seoul to the US and Home
* Please note that EcoQuest Travel, Inc. will make every effort to adhere to this itinerary, but dates, times, activities and prices are subject to change depending on scheduling and availability.