We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
Where to Exchange: Banks or 'Forex' offices in main towns/cities.
Local Costs
| |
UK |
Vietnam |
| Tea/Coffee |
£1.50 |
$1.50 |
| Soft Drink |
£1.50 |
$1.00 |
| Bottled Water |
£1.50 |
$0.70 |
| Bottle of Beer |
£3.50 |
$2.40 |
| 2 Course Meal* |
£15.00 |
$10.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** |
£20.00 |
$15.00 |
| Bottle of Wine |
£14.50 |
|
| Breakfast |
£5.00 |
$3.50 |
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
Important Information
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
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Visa Requirements
A single entry visa is required by UK,AUS, NZ, USA & CAN citizens and must be obtained before departure as these are not available on arrival in Vietnam. All other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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Vaccinations & Protection
Nothing compulsory, we recommend protection against malaria, typhoid, tetanus, polio and hepatitis A. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. Although not compulsory travellers may also wish to immunise themselves against Japanese encephalitis.
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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
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Lone Parents
Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentation confirming that the individual has authority to travel with the minor. It is crucial that you contact the relevant country embassy for further information on exactly what may be required. These details can be found on the Foreign & Commonwealth Website under the appropriate country www.fco.gov.uk/travel
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Know before you go
We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Preparing for your tour
Climate
December to February is normally dry with temperatures ranging from 10°C-20°C. March to April is a transitional period into the summer months of May to September: hot and humid (around 27°C-33°C with some heavy rain and possible storms). Autumn temperatures October-November are once again transitional (15°C-20°C). Temperatures in Ho Chi Minh City are 15°C-35°C all year round.
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Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
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Packing for your tour
To assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
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Luggage
Unfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
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One main piece and a daysac. Total allowance: 44lbs/20kgs. Remember, you will frequently be expected to carry your own luggage– so don’t overload yourself
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Clothing
Pack essentially for ‘Hot Conditions’. Bear in mind that the area is tropical with high humidity. Lightweights are needed all year round, with some warmer clothes for the colder winter evenings in the north between December and February. Lightweight rainwear is essential at all times. Casual clothes are the most practical: tight fitting garments, brief shorts and skirts should be avoided, since they attract unwelcome attention. Other additions that you may find useful are swimming costumes. Please note shorts are not permitted in certain temples.
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Footwear
Comfortable walking shoes/boots, plus trainers or sandals for relaxing in.
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Equipment
Binoculars, torch, water bottle, insect repellent, high factor suncream, good quality sunglasses and a lip salve with sun protection. An overnight bag and swimming gear and towel is also recommended.
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Need help on Clothing or Equipment?
Then we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
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General Information
Trip Summary
Vietnam’s vibrant cities and eclectic mix of cultures and histories, makes this breathtaking land one of South East Asia’s most fascinating destinations. Inextricably linked to the life giving waters of the mighty Mekong, its staunch resilience has seen it emerge from the dark days of the Vietnam War to become one of Asia’s most dynamic nations, where the past and the present create a wonderful blend of tradition and progress. From the bustling setting of Hanoi we journey across a timeless landscape of beauty and wonder, taking in the majesty of Halong Bay and the Mekong Delta, as well as the fascinating settings of Hue and Hoi An, as we make our way south towards the chaotic splendour of Ho Chi Minh City. We’ll travel by junk and kayak, train and plane, enjoying a myriad of exhilarating adventures along the way: taking lessons in cookery and martial arts, exploring the islands of the Mekong and venturing into the infamous tunnels of Chu Chi, before the end of our journey amongst Saigon’s fabulously energetic, motorbike filled streets.
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Country info
Area: 329,566 sq km.
Population: 86 million.
Language: Vietnamese, Lao, Russian, French, English & Chinese.
Religion: Buddhism is the principal religion but there are also sizeable Taoist, Confucian, Hoa Hao, Caodaists, Muslim and Christian minorities.
Local Time: GMT +7.
Electric Supply & Plugs: 220v AC 50 Hz. with two round pin plugs.
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Electric Supply & Plugs
For comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Maps & Books
Recommended Maps: Nelles Verlag: Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos (1:1,500,000), International Travel Map of Vietnam (1:1,000,000);
Recommended Books: Norman Lewis: A Dragon Apparent, Karin Muller: Hitchhiking Vietnam, Graham Greene: The Quiet American, Robert Mason: Chickenhawk, John Pilger: Heroes, Neil Sheehan: A Bright Shining Lie & Two Cities: Hanoi and Saigon, Lonely Planet Guide to Vietnam; Viet Nam – A History written by Stanley Karnow published by Pimlico (1994, revised and updated)
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