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VIETNAM
BY BYCICLE
Vietnam adventure tours
and outdoors activities
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Tour code
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Route
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HANOI
– HALONG - NINH BINH – HUE – HOI AN- QUANG NGAI – NHA TRANG –
QUY NHON – PHAN THIET – HO CHI MINH CITY - MEKONG DELTA |
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Duration
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15 days / 14 nights
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Features
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Travelling by bicycle
through the length of the country you become part of the scene
rather than remaining a detached onlooker, seeing Vietnam as the
Vietnamese see it with
close-up view of rural life that would be lost by other means of
travel. We go at our own pace, exploring the rolling countryside
on daily rides of 20-50 miles, with options to do more.
From north to south,
visitors are rarely prepared for the magnetic appeal of modern
Vietnam: the beauty of its beaches on the South China Sea; the
French colonial elegance of the capital city, Hanoi; and, most
of all, the genuine welcome of the Vietnamese people.
the picturesque fishing town
of Hoi An, the former Imperial capital of Hue and the vibrant
metropolis of Saigon. Road conditions will vary but for the most
part will be of a decent standard. The scenery is particularly
breathtaking and by travelling by bicycle you’ll have the chance
to meet a multitude of people from farmers to ethnic hill tribes
as well as a host of smiling children along the way. This
itinerary has many spectacular routes, including the scenic Hai
Van Pass from Hue to Hoi An.
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Gears provided |
Sleeping bag, sleeping mat,
mosquito repellent, water boiler, footrest stove, utensil set,
bowls and pots, raincoat, toiletry kits, maps, two-way radio,
GPS. |
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Note |
Clients are expected to provide their own bicycles for this
tour. However, bicycles are still available at Outdoor Vietnam
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Quotation
(per person)
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Currency |
USD |
EUR |
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GBP |
CAD |
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Rate |
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Includes
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Travel Insurance |
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English/French-speaking guides. Other languages are available
upon request.
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Home stays |
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Meals as mentioned in the Program. Special requirements could be
arranged upon prior notice.
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Transfer by Russian Jeep for the whole trip |
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Equipments, facilities and travel gears offered within the tour |
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Admission |
Excludes
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International flight from/to Vietnam and airport tax |
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Visa arrangement. |
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Accommodation in Hanoi |
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Drinks and other personal expenses (laundry, phone calls etc.) |
Itinerary
Day 1:
Arrival Hanoi
Arrive in
Hanoi. This evening meet your tour leader and the rest of the group,
followed by welcome drinks and briefing.
Day 2 –
Hanoi
We start
with the Ho Chi Minh Quarter, taking in the Ho Chi Minh
Mausoleum. We then visit Ho Chi Minh’s simple house on stilts, the
Museum, Presidential Palace and One Pillar Pagoda. We continue our
tour by visiting Hanoi’s first University - the Temple of Literature
- dating back to 1070. After lunch we visit the infamous "Hanoi
Hilton" - Hanoi’s former central prison. End your look at Hanoi with
a cyclo tour through the fascinating Old Quarter. In the evening
attend Hanoi’s amazing water puppet show.
Day 3 – Hanoi - Halong - Hanoi
This morning depart for Halong. We board a private
junk for a cruise on Halong Bay. Three thousand limestone islands
emerge from the emerald green waters of this World Heritage Site;
they are an incredible natural wonder. We stop and visit one of the
many hidden caves with spectacular rock formations. Another seafood
lunch on board, then our van picks us up when we disembark, and
drive back to Hanoi. Boat cruise: 4-5 hours.
Day 4:
Depart Hanoi to Ninh Binh and Visit Tam Coc / Hoa Lu (100km)
Bus to
Hoalu, the ancient capital of Vietnam then cycling to Tam Coc, where
we will be rowed along the Boi River in sampans amidst towering
limestone cliffs. Indeed this area is often referred to as the Ha
Long Bay in land. Dinner at Ninh Binh then take the Reunification
express train for the overnight journey to Hue.
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Day 5 -
Hue
Hue is a
beautiful and welcoming city.After checking into the hotel and then
enjoying lunch at a local restaurant we jump on our mountain bikes
and ride out to the much revered Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue’s oldest and
most beautiful religious monument. We then enjoy an afternoon dragon
boat cruise on the delightful Perfume River.
Day 6 -
Hue
This
morning we continue our bike tour of Hue with a visit to the
impressive home of the Nguyen Dynasty emperors, the Citadel.
Continue on to the magnificent Royal Mausoleums that surround Hue
Day 7 -
Hue to Hoi An
This
morning we travel south to Danang. We stop on top of spectacular Hai
Van
Pass and
see some of the most beautiful scenery in Vietnam. After lunch we
stop at the Cham Museum and the Marble Mountains. From here we take
a short drive around to China Beach, from where you have the option
of riding to the enchanting town of Hoi An. This evening join the
rest of the group for a cooking class at one of Hoi An’s riverside
restaurants.
Day 8 -
Hoi An
This
morning, you have the option of an early morning ride to the nearby
beach. Later, we take a walking tour through the narrow streets and
vibrant markets of Hoi An. Visit some of the town’s historical
buildings including the Hoi An Museum, a Chinese Assembly Hall, an
ancient house, and the Japanese Covered Bridge.
Day 09 –
Hoi An to Qui Nhon
This
morning we drive through more lush scenery down the coast of central
Vietnam. We cycle into the hamlet of My Lai - the site of a 1968
massacre in which over 500 villagers were killed after the Tet
offensive. Continuing along the way we will jump on the bikes to
enjoy firsthand this beautiful part of central Vietnam.
Day 10 –
Qui Nhon to Nha Trang
Continuing south along Highway One we pass the salt, shrimp and fish
farms that are the principal industries in this area. We also pass
stunning coastal scenery around Dai Lanh, and take time to ride
through villages, meet the locals and take photographs and arrive at
the beach resort town of Nha Trang in the late afternoon.
Day 11 –
Nha Trang
This
morning you will be transferred to the port to board your boat for a
day of relaxation and indulgence as you cruise through the clear
blue waters amongst the islands off Nha Trang. You will have the
chance to stop for some swimming and snorkelling before taking a
bountiful seafood lunch on board.
Day 12:
Nha Trang to Phan Thiet (250 km) Part cycling, Part support vehicle
Today we drive along the Central Coastline. We cycle
from a Cham tower complex for approximately 35 kms, before boarding
our bus for the approach Phan Thiet then Mui Ne. Beach relax at
resort.
Day 13:
Phan Thiet to Ho Chi Minh City by support vehicle.
Morning
bus to Saigon Afternoon sightseeing tour of Saigon. Included in
today’s tour is the the Reunification Palace, the former residence
of the President of South Vietnam until April 30th 1975 when North
Vietnamese tanks crashed through the front gates bringing the
American War to a dramatic end. We also visit Notre Dame Cathedral
and the adjacent Post Office – 2 fine examples of French colonial
architecture. We finish off with a look around Cholon, Saigon’s
bustling Chinatown and home of the country’s largest market, Binh
Tay.
Day 14 - Mekong Delta
This morning we hop on our bikes and ride through the
scenic countryside to the Australian Friendship bridge, spanning the
mighty Mekong River. After lunch we drive back to Saigon.
Day 15 - Ho Chi Minh City
Free morning before transferring to the airport for
departure.
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Useful information
Fitness
Requirements: You should be moderately fit and have some
experience riding bicycles longer distances.
Weather:
The weather in Vietnam is usually warm and humid. From
June to September July and August, it is rain and hot (25-30oC) ,
humid conditions with afternoon monsoon rains During the
months of November to March the weather will tend to be drier but
with colder temperatures (25-30oC). In
the hills, mornings and evenings may be cool. Rain is always a
possibility. You need to be prepared for several types of
conditions. Humidity can also play a role, and it's important
to stay hydrated and use sun protection.
Optional
Gears: Besides the outdoors and travel gears provided
within the tour, we would like to recommend you some items for this
trip. All are available at Outdoors and
Travel gears:
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Official
Papers |
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Valid passport
and visa |
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Airline tickets |
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Yellow
International Immunization Card
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Luggage |
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Duffel bag, large
and sturdy |
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Daypack or fanny
pack |
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Luggage tags and
luggage locks
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Bicycling
Accessories |
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Helmet—REQUIRED,
please bring your own |
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Cycling shoes,
mountain bike shoes or trail shoes work well |
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Cycling gloves |
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Cycling glasses
or sunglasses |
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REI water bottle
(sent in final packet) |
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Bicycling
Clothing |
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Long-sleeve
riding jersey |
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Padded cycling
shorts, (2-3 pair) |
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Short-sleeve
shirts or jerseys (several) |
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Outerwear |
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Waterproof,
breathable rain/wind jacket |
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Rain or wind
pants, able to slip on and off easily over your shoes |
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Lightweight
fleece sweater |
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City Clothing |
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Bring a few
lightweight, easily washable items for city and travel wear |
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Comfortable
walking or running shoes |
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Accessories |
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Sunglasses and
retainer strap |
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Sunscreen (SPF 15
or higher) |
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Lip protection
(SPF 15) |
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Toiletry kit
(toothbrush, etc.) |
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First-aid kit,
see medical bulletin |
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Plastic bags,
various sizes including one extra-large garbage bag to line
duffel bag |
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Insect repellent |
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Favorite snack
food, GORP, energy bars, etc. |
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Laundry cord and
clips |
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Face mask/bandana
(for car exhaust) |
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Hand sanitizer/Handi
wipes |
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Optional
Accessories |
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Own bike seat or
'gel' seat cover |
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Camera and film |
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Swimsuit |
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Small neck pouch
or passport carrier |
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Reading and
writing materials |
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Electrical
converter and adapter |
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Flashlight |
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Stuff sack
dedicated to laundry |
Official Papers |
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Valid passport |
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Airline tickets |
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Luggage |
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2-small duffels
(with plastic liner) or dry bags (approx. 18"L x 10"W)—bags must
be this size or smaller to fit in the kayaks |
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Small daypack or
belt pack with plastic bag liner for notebook, camera,
sunglasses, sunscreen, etc. |
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Luggage tags and
luggage locks |
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City Clothing |
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A few lightweight
easily washable items for city wear (these can be left in town
while paddling) |
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Clothing |
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Lightweight
long-sleeve shirt |
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Short-sleeve
T-shirts or tank tops |
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Lightweight
sweater for cool evenings |
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Wool shirt or
sweater (Nov-Mar) |
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Swimsuit(s) |
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Pants
(quick-drying)—long pants are necessary if you choose to do the
optional mule ride |
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Shorts |
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Long underwear
top and bottom (no cotton)—great to wear while snorkeling to
protect yourself from the sun or if the water is cool |
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Underwear |
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Wool or pile
socks (Nov-Mar) |
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Several pairs of
athletic socks |
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Outerwear |
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Wind jacket or
windbreaker |
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Clothing
Accessories |
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Wide-brim hat |
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Wool or pile
gloves (Nov-Mar) |
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Bandana |
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Footwear |
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Tennis or running
shoes for hiking and optional mule ride |
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Old tennis shoes,
river shoes, or dive booties for kayaking |
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Accessories |
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Small flashlight
or headlamp with spare batteries and bulb (one per person) |
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Personal
first-aid kit |
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Personal insect
repellent |
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Moisturizing
lotion and/or aloe vera gel for sunburns and dry skin |
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Sunscreen and lip
protection (SPF 15+) |
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Sunglasses and
retainer strap |
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Toiletry kit |
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Hand sanitizer
gel |
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Seasickness
medication |
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Small container
of biodegradable saltwater soap (Sea Suds or Camp Suds) |
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Plastic ziploc
baggies (various sizes) |
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Medium-size towel
and washcloth |
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Plastic bags - 2
to 4 large Hefty bags |
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Pocket knife or
pocket tool (*pack in checked luggage) |
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Watch with alarm
or travel clock |
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Favorite snacks
and drink mixes |
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Optional
Accessories |
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Camera, lenses
and film in waterproof bag |
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Binoculars |
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Frisbee, cards or
travel game |
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Paddling gloves |
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Reading and
writing material |
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Beach cover-up |
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Short wetsuit or
vest |
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Mask, snorkel and
fins (only a few masks and fins are available, on shared basis) |
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Dry bag for
personal gear (small) |
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Security wallet/
money belt |
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Ground
cover/tarp, if you prefer not to sleep in your tent |
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Camp chair kit
(converts self inflating sleeping pad into chair) |
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Solar shower |
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Compression stuff
sack for sleeping bag |
See also:
other adventure tours
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