Symbiosis Custom Travel » Vietnam

20% discount on cruise through the Mekong river

AnhLam — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 06:32:18 +0000

Take this opportunity and enjoy 20% off onboard the Toum Toiu 1, cruising the Mekong from Siem Reap to Saigon.

Guaranteed Departure: 07th-14th August 2018

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Typhoon hits central Vietnam

chris — Mon, 06 Nov 2017 12:12:53 +0000

Typhoon Damrey, the 12th major storm to hit Vietnam this year, made landfall on Saturday 04 November 2017 with winds of up to 90 km/h (56 mph) that damaged more than 40,000 homes, knocked down electricity poles and uprooted trees, leaving 29 dead and 29 missing according to the Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control. Vietnam is no stranger to cyclones but Accuweather reported this was the strongest in the area for the last 16 years. Damrey made landfall near Nha Trang with the equivalent strength of a Category 2 hurricane.

The typhoon destroyed many homes, blew the roofs off more than 25,000 others, and sank transport and fishing boats. There was also extensive damage to the provinces’ rice fields and other crop farms. Widespread blackouts were reported in the region and dozens of flights were cancelled.

The hardest hit regions include the south central provinces of Khanh Hoa, Phu Yen, and Bình Dịnh, the Central Highlands provinces of Dak Lak, Dak Nong and Lam Dong, and the central provinces of Quang Nam, Quang Trị and Thua Thien-Hue, and Da Nang City, where the first events of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week were taking place. The Heavy rain and high tide combined to inundate many areas.

In Hoi An, many hotels were affected by the storm. Hoi An Silk Boutique Hotel & Spa experienced flooding in their restaurant situated at the basement level and we assisted in transferring their guests to a hotel in Da Nang City. Little Hoian Central Boutique Hotel & Spa is temporarily closing their resort and evacuating their guests to Da Nang as well.

In Hue, all hotels remain open and are operating regularly.

All of Phu Yen Province and Khanh Hoa Province except for Nha Trang City; and all of Bình Dịnh Province other than Tam Quan District suffered from total blackouts. Parts of Dak Lak, Kon Tum, Dak Nong and Quang Ngai provinces shared the same fate.

In Ninh Van Bay, the An Lam Retreats Ninh Van Bay has announced its temporary closure and will re-open on the 25th of November 2017. The Six Senses Resort has also informed us of their temporary closure until the 15th of November 2017.

In Nha Trang City, there is no flooding but some streets remained blocked by fallen trees. There is currently no electricity and WIFI connectivity throughout the city.

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Renovations to Saigon Cathedral

chris — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 01:20:09 +0000

Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral will carry out a massive two-year renovation project from 2017 – 2019 with the approval of the Ho Chi Minh’s municipal government. This is the first major refurbishment for the 137-year-old landmark, one of Saigon’s most famous tourist attractions.

The restoration work will be conducted carefully to “keep the original beauty” of the cathedral and split into three phases: the roof, the interior and finally the two bell towers. The walls of the cathedral, which have been vandalized, will also be repainted. During that time, the cathedral will only open for church services.

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50% off Mekong River Cruise, Jan 17

chris — Fri, 11 Nov 2016 05:05:12 +0000

Amazing last minute special offer on this wonderful 8 day river cruise down the might Mekong River from Siem Reap to Saigon, passing through 2 countries, Cambodia and Vietnam.

The cruise starts at the home of Angkor Wat, the World’s largest collection of ancient religious monuments and a World Heritage Site, passes across South East Asia’s largest lake, the Tonle Sap, arriving at the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh. From there the cruise continues lazily sailing through the verdant Mekong Delta of South Vietnam to the bustling commercial hub of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest city.

Vessel: Tour Tiou 1
Dates: 3rd to 10th January 2017
Discount: 50% Discount

For inquiries and reservations contact Symbiosis Custom Travel

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Strong typhoon approaching Vietnam

chris — Mon, 17 Oct 2016 10:58:16 +0000

Four central provinces in Vietnam have been hit by flooding as Typhoon Sarika, forecast to be one of the strongest in years, approaches Vietnam’s east coast.

Severe flooding in central Vietnam has left at least 21 people dead and submerged tens of thousands of homes.

Worst affected is the province of Quang Binh, where at least 11 people have been killed, crops destroyed and livestock washed away.

The floods have been caused by torrential rain, but local media say sudden discharges from hydropower reservoirs worsened the flooding.

Typhoon Sarika could bring more bad weather if it strikes Vietnam.

Sarika battered the northern Philippines on Sunday, leaving at least 2 dead and more than 15,000 Displaced

Full story on BBC here.

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Late Availability Cycling Adventures in Asia

chris — Sat, 06 Aug 2016 12:39:36 +0000

In need of a getaway? We have an exciting and varied selection of tours that are guaranteed to depart. Get rolling and join a group today!

AUGUST

Bicycling Bangkok to Phuket
Ride along the Gulf of Thailand and see some of the best coastal scenery in Thailand! Rest in resorts, eat fabulous seafood, go barefoot in the sand and ride a mixture of flat road and rolling hills while enjoying the view of endless beaches.
10 days / 9 nights in August 7

Burma Heritage by Bicycle
Bike from Mandalay to the temples of Bagan and be one of the lucky few to experience this up-and-coming travel destination. Be captivated by the people, culture and landscape of Burma.
7 days / 6 nights in August 8

Saigon to Bangkok by Bicycle
Visit three of Southeast Asia’s most interesting countries on this trip- Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia! Explore the best that all these countries have to offer with this SpiceRoads rider favorite tour!
14 days / 13 nights in August 28

Bali Mountain Biking Adventure
Ride the rims of volcanoes, enjoy great off-road tracks and chill out on some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
7 days / 6 nights in September 4

Sri Lanka Spice trails
Explore inland Sir Lanka through a multitude of Buddhist and Hindu monuments, enjoying a resulting curious mix of ancient cities and atmospheric colonial architecture that have been influenced by ancient dynasties, Indians, Portuguese, Dutch and British.
12 days / 11 nights in September 25

Road Biking from Saigon to Angkor
See the best of two countries as you cycle from the bustling Vietnamese capital, then cross the border to the serenity of Cambodia and the temples of Angkor.
13 days / 12 nights in September 25

Sri Lanka Heritage by Bicycle
Visit five of Sri Lanka’s UNESCO World Heritage sites while cycling through the rural tranquility of local life. This tour will enrich you with the history and heritage of central Sri Lanka.
7 days / 6 nights in September 26

North of Thailand by Bike
An off-road adventure through the hills of the Golden Triangle, where Thailand borders Burma and Laos. Visit remote villages in the beautiful north of Thailand using a combination of bikes and boats.
10 days / 9 nights in October 9

Yunnan Discovery
Discover the diverse culture and ancient architecture of the southern Chinese province of Yunnan, from its snow capped mountains to lush green forests. Prepare for breathtaking scenery and an incredible cultural experience.
12 days / 11 nights in October 9

Thailand to Singapore by Road Bike
Tackle three countries and ride 1,391 kilometres in 15 days on this epic cross-country road bike trip, and discover Thailand’s scenic south, charming Malaysia, and the booming city-state of Singapore!
15 days / 14 nights in October 16

Cycling Sikkim’s Tea Trails
Rugged and remote Sikkim is steeped in history and Buddhist culture. This challenging ride through the Kanchenjunga mountain range offers breathtaking scenery and countless cultural experiences.
10 days / 9 nights in October 23
Get Inspired here!

Contact Symbiosis Custom Travel today to get riding.

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Vietnam Visa Exemptions Extended

chris — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 11:38:36 +0000

Vietnam has extended the visa exemption to residents of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy and Spain.

Travelers from these countries will not be required to obtain a visa for traveling for up to 15 days in Vietnam. The change will be effective from 01 July 2016 until 30 June 2017.

For other nationalities : Citizens of Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Japan, South Korea and Russia are also exempt from visa requirements until December 31st, 2019.

Travelers must have a passport with at least 6 month validity. Only single entries will be granted; guests entering multiple times will need to apply for a visa.

Please note that an official announcement from the Vietnamese Government is expected to be released in the coming days.

More info contact Symbiosis Custom Travel.

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Late Availability Cycling Adventures in South East Asia

chris — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 19:03:06 +0000

Looking for a last minute cycle tour that departs within the next few months? We have an exciting and varied selection of tours that are guaranteed to depart now.

CAMBODIA
Mar 13 – 19: Biking Bangkok to Angkor Wat (C)
Mar 20 – 28: Wilds of Cambodia (M)

MALAYSIA
April 3 – 13: Untamed Borneo (C)

VIETNAM
Mar 8 – Mar 11: Ha Long Bay Cycle and Cruise (M)
Mar 13 – Mar 29: Saigon to Hanoi (C)
Mar 20 – Mar 30: Road Biking the Ho Chi Minh Highway (R)
Mar 21 – Mar 27: Vietnam Heritage by Bicycle (C)
Mar 22 – Mar 25: Meandering the Mekong Delta (C)
Mar 28 – Mar 31: Trails of Dalat (M)
April 5 – April 8: Meandering the Mekong Delta (C)
April 14 – April 16: Red River Delta by Bike and Boat (C)
May 8 – May 24: Saigon to Hanoi (C)
May 23 – May 29: Vietnam Heritage by Bicycle (C)
Jun 20 – Jun 26: Vietnam Heritage by Bicycle (C)
Jul 3 – Jul 19: Saigon to Hanoi (C)

PHILIPPINES
April 10 – April 22: Island Hopping the Philippines (C)

LAOS
Mar 26 – Mar 27: Luang Prabang Countryside (C)

INDONESIA
May 9 – May 11: Bali Explorer (M)

THAILAND
Mar 8 – Mar 11: Central Thailand Explorer (C)
Mar 9 – Mar 11: Hua Hin Explorer (C)
Mar 13 – Mar 22: Bicycling Bangkok to Phuket (R)
Mar 15 – Mar 18: Central Thailand Explorer (C)
Mar 22 – Mar 25: Central Thailand Explorer (C)
Mar 23 – Mar 25: Hua Hin Explorer (C)
May 16 – May 22: Thailand Heritage by Bicycle (C)
May 17 -May 20: Central Thailand Explorer (C)
Jul 3 – Jul 12: Bicycling Bangkok to Phuket (R)

Multi-Country
Mar 20 – April 1: Road Biking from Saigon to Angkor (R)
April 17 – April 30: Saigon to Bangkok by Bicycle (C)
Jul 31 – Aug 13: Saigon to Bangkok by Bicycle (C)

R = Road Bike Tour
M = Mountain Bike Tour
C = Classic Tour

Check out the Symbiosis website for more details or contact us now to start planning your trip.

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Late Availability Cycling Adventures

chris — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 11:49:36 +0000

Looking for a last minute cycle tour that departs within the next few months? We have an exciting and varied selection of tours that are guaranteed to depart now. Get rolling and join a group TODAY!

Road Bike Tours
Feb 14 – Feb 24: Cycling Chiang Mai to Bangkok
Mar 13 – Mar 22: Bicycling Bangkok to Phuket
Mar 20 – April 1: Road Biking from Saigon to Angkor

Heritage Bike Tours
Feb 15 – Feb 21: Thailand Heritage by Bicycle
Mar 21 – Mar 27: Vietnam Heritage by Bicycle

Classic Bike Tours
Feb 14 – Feb 27: Burma Adventure
Feb 16 – Feb 19: Meandering the Mekong Delta
Feb 21 – Mar 2: Cycling Coastal Thailand
Feb 21 – Feb 29: Wilds of Cambodia
Feb 21 – Feb 28: Wilds of Sarawak by Bicycle
Feb 21 – Mar 3: Sri Lanka Spice trails
Feb 23 – Feb 26: Meandering the Mekong Delta
Feb 28 – Mar 12: Saigon to Bangkok by Bicycle
Mar 6 – Mar 16: Authentic South Thailand
Mar 13 – Mar 29: Saigon to Hanoi
Mar 20 – Mar 28: Wilds of Cambodia
Mar 20 – Mar 26: Cycling Colourful Kyushu Island
Mar 22 – Mar 25: Meandering the Mekong Delta
Mar 26 – April 3: Kyushu’s Hot Springs and Volcanoes (one more rider to depart)
April 10 – April 22: Island Hopping the Philippines

For full information contact Symbiosis Custom Travel today.

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Some Cycle trips in South East Asia confirmed to go

chris — Fri, 13 Nov 2015 05:08:08 +0000

BURMA
Dec 20 – Jan 2: Cycling the Burma Road (C)
Dec 20 – Jan 2: Burma Adventure (C)
Dec 31 – Jan 6: Burma Heritage by Bicycle (C)
Jan 11 – Jan 17: Burma Heritage by Bicycle (C)
Jan 10 – Jan 23: Biking from Bangkok to Yangon (C)
Jan 17 – Jan 30: Burma Adventure (C)
Feb 8 – Feb 14 : Burma Heritage by Bicycle (C)
Feb 14 – Feb 27: Burma Adventure (C)

CAMBODIA
Dec 20 – Dec 28: Wilds of Cambodia (M)
Jan 4 – Jan 10: Cambodia Heritage by Bicycle (C)
Jan 31 – Feb 13: Cambodia Adventure (C)
Feb 21 – Feb 29: Wilds of Cambodia (M)

BORNEO, MALAYSIA
Feb 21 – Feb 28: Wilds of Sarawak by Bicycle (C)

VIETNAM
Dec 20 – Dec 29: Cycling Vietnam’s Central Coast (C)
Dec 20 – Jan 5: Saigon to Hanoi (C)
Jan 10 – Jan 20: Road Biking the Ho Chi Minh Highway (R)
Jan 31 – Feb 9: Cycling Vietnam’s Central Coast (C)  PHILIPPINES
Jan 3 – Jan 15: Island Hopping the Philippines (C)
April 10 – April 22: Island Hopping the Philippines (C)

THAILAND
Dec 21 – Dec 27: Thailand Heritage by Bicycle (R) Jan 3 – Jan 12: Bicycling Bangkok to Phuket (R) Jan 3 – Jan 16: River of Kings Ride (C) Jan 10 – Jan 17: Road Cycling Southern Thailand (R) Jan 10 – Jan 20: Cycling Coastal Thailand (C) Jan 17 – Jan 27: Cycling Chiang Mai to Bangkok (R) Feb 14 – Feb 24: Cycling Chiang Mai to Bangkok (R) Feb 15 – Feb 21: Thailand Heritage by Bicycle (C) Feb 21 – Mar 2: Cycling Coastal Thailand (C) Mar 13 – Mar 22: Bicycling Bangkok to Phuket (R)

Multi-Country

Nov 29 – Dec 12: Saigon to Bangkok by Bicycle (C)
Dec 13 – Dec 26: Saigon to Bangkok by Bicycle (C)
Jan 3 – Jan 16: Saigon to Bangkok by Bicycle (C)
Jan 10 – Jan 23: Cultural Road from Hoi An to Siem Reap (C)
Jan 10 – Jan 23: The Emerald Triangle (M)
Jan 10 – Jan 23: Remote Vietnam and Laos by Bike (C)
Jan 10 – Jan 23: Saigon to Bangkok by Bicycle (C)
Jan 17 – Jan: Saigon to Bangkok by Bicycle (C)
Jan 31 – Feb: Saigon to Bangkok by Bicycle (C)
Feb 14 – Feb 27: Saigon to Bangkok by Bicycle (C)
Feb 28 – Mar 12: Saigon to Bangkok by Bicycle (C)

Key: M = Mountain Bike Tour; R = Road Bike Tour; C = Classic Bike Tour

To book your space on any of these trips contact Symbiosis Custom Travel now. Most rides have a maximum participant number of 16, so don’t wait too long…

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Luxury Mekong River Cruise; October booking discount

chris — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 10:37:39 +0000

Pandaw in front of Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace

Book your cruise along the mighty Mekong River between Cambodia and Vietnam aboard the luxury Pandaw river cruiser before the end of this month (October 2015), and qualify for a discount of up to 20%. The week-long cruises include a visit to the amazing World Heritage site, Angkor Wat and, if you are a single traveler, there is no extra charge for a private cabin to yourself on some of the departures.

Contact Symbiosis now for more details.

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Irresistible 1+1 offer: Saigon to Angkor Mekong River Cruise

chris — Fri, 31 Jul 2015 14:28:37 +0000

Perhaps one of the most evocative cruising experiences that South East Asia has to offer – gently sailing up the mighty Mekong River aboard a comfortable cabin cruiser from Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) in southern Vietnam to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, and then across south East Asia’s largest lake to Siem Reap, home to the magnificent UNESCO Heritage site, Angkor Wat.

Normally this experience is for those with a few pennies to rub together. BUT, in September and October this year, we have 2 departures which will cost you a lot less… so long as you have a loved one to share the experience with!

Two for the price of one aboard the lovely Toum Tiou on the following dates only:

1) 08 to 15 September, Saigon to Siem Reap 8D/7N
2) 24 to 31 October, Saigon to Siem Reap 8D/7N

Guaranteed to sell out very quickly, please contact us at Symbiosis Custom Travel a.s.a.p. if you would like to join.

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Halong Bay cruises suspended

chris — Fri, 31 Jul 2015 11:31:15 +0000

The worst flooding for 40 years in Vietnam’s northern Quang Ninh province, home to the UNESCO-listed Halong Bay, has killed at least 17 people and damaged thousands of houses. Vietnamese authorities have issued a temporary ban on overnight cruises into Halong Bay for safety reasons.

Presently, however, the torrential rains in Halong have significantly decreased and are expected to stop within the next few days. The road from Hanoi to Bai Chay Harbor, the access point for Halong Bay, has already been repaired. Only Cam Pha City, located about 30 km to the North of Halong, is still flooded with waste from the nearby coal mines.

Day cruises have been permitted to resume in Halong Bay, but overnight cruises remain prohibited.

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The Mekong River with Sue Perkins

chris — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 15:11:31 +0000

To those of you in the UK, please watch this – Pailinesque travelogue with lots of useful, insightful knowledge about the wonderful Mekong River and the dangers it faces from over exploitation. Watch on iPlayer

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Mountain Bike rides for 2015

chris — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 09:13:02 +0000

Check out dates for next year’s great bike rides all around South East Asia. Go to the Home page, above, select a country of interest at the top of the page, then click “sports & adventure” and “mountain bike tours”. More to come too!

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