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Thursday 11 July 2013

Where Better to Learn to Write like a Travel Professional than in Asia's Most Inspiring Destination, Vietnam?



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Australia's Asia travel specialist, Travel Indochina has teamed up with award-winning Australian travel writer Rob McFarland to offer an exciting literary journey to Vietnam where participants will learn from one of the industry's best before touring through Vietnam to practise their newly honed skills.
 
The exclusive 'Vietnam Travel Writing Tour' itinerary is designed to provide travellers with four days of inspiring tuition in the craft of travel writing while based in Saigon followed by seven days covering some of the most interesting parts of Vietnam, including Hoi An, Hue, Hanoi and Halong Bay. The tour is limited to a maximum of 16 travellers on each departure.

Managing director of Travel Indochina, Paul Hole, describes the tours as truly innovative, combining a memorable holiday experience with developing and honing the skills of a travel writer.
 
"Learning directly from an award-winning writer and experienced teacher such as Rob McFarland in an inspiring environment like Vietnam will truly be a unique experience," says Paul.

"Rob will share insights into what makes great travel writing in an interactive 'classroom' that includes the streets of Saigon, the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta, and will explore the culture, history and cuisine of this fascinating country.  I can't think of a more motivating way to learn how to turn travel experiences into travel stories."

 

Rob will also provide advice on how to take great photos to accompany stories, share a specialised toolkit of travel writing techniques and will give participants an insight into the commercial realities of travel writing, including tips on how to pitch stories. Upon returning home following the tour, travellers will be encouraged to submit a story inspired from their travels to Rob for detailed feedback.

Upon completion of the sessions in Saigon, the intimate group of travel writing enthusiasts will travel to Hoi An, taking in all the town highlights. The experience includes an interactive private cooking class with Hoi An culinary legend Ms Vy, of Cargo, Mermaid and Morning Glory restaurant fame, at her newest endeavour, Market Cooking School. She's renowned for producing the best White Rose traditional dumplings among other traditional delicacies.

Travel to the next destination will take participants along one of the most scenic routes in Vietnam, along the spectacular Hai Van Pass, before arriving in the welcoming former capital city of Hue. The visit will include time at the revered Thien Mu Pagoda, elaborate royal tombs and imperial citadel - home to the last emperors of Vietnam. It is then on to Hanoi, and a visit to the infamous 'Hanoi Hilton' prison plus a walking tour of the lively and bustling Old Quarter for added inspiration. Participants will also have the opportunity to sample some of the unique and delicious street food while enjoying the atmosphere of local street side cafes and bars.

Responsible tourism plays an important part in all Travel Indochina itineraries, and this small group journey is no different. A unique Hanoi experience will be lunch at Jimmy Pham's KOTO Foundation, which has provided training to more than 400 of the city's poorest and most needy children over the past decade. Exclusive to these tours only, Jimmy will personally join the group for a private Q&A about the foundation's history and work.

The next stop on the 12 day tour is Vietnam's greatest natural wonder, Halong Bay, for an overnight cruise on a converted junk through the bay's 3,000 islands that rise out of the turquoise waters of this UNESCO World Heritage Marine Park, before heading back to Hanoi for two more days. This final stay in Hanoi includes a visit to the famous Water Puppet Theatre and a food tour to Chau Long Market, with its abundant photo and story opportunities.

The 12 day/11 night tour is limited to four departures in March 2014, with a maximum of 16 travellers per journey.

Priced from $2,752 per person twin share or $3,635 per person single, the package includes:
  • 10 nights hotel accommodation
  • 1 night cruise accommodation
  • Breakfast daily, five lunches and three dinners
  • 4 day Saigon-based writing course with award-winning travel writer Rob McFarland
  • 2 internal flights within Asia
  • Transport in air-conditioned vehicles
  • Small group touring
  • Entrance fees
  • Expert local English speaking guides throughout
  • A detailed post tour story critique by Rob McFarland
  • Return transfers
For full details of this exclusive travel writing small group journey, Travel Indochina's Asia experts can be contacted on 1300 365 355 or online atwww.travelindochina.com.au.

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