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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.
Back to topPlease Note: Participation in canoeing, kayaking, or rafting (including white-water) requires that you are able to swim 25 metres unaided.
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Whether in swimming pools, rivers, lakes, the sea or the ocean, this icon indicates on which days you will have an opportunity to swim. |
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.
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Hanoi - Water Puppets from US$4.00.
Hoi An - My Lai visit from US$15.00 (depending on group size)
Local Staff: Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. Accordingly you should allow approx. US$25 for gratuities for local staff.
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Tour Leader: At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.
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Up-to-date information on global exchange rates can be obtained at www.oanda.com
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Local Currency: Dong.
Recommended Currency for Exchange: US Dollar is the best currency to use (Dollar bills can be used in some hotels and shops; change is often given in local currency).
Where to Exchange: Banks or 'Forex' offices in main towns/cities.
ATM Availability: ATMs are available in main towns/cities.
Credit Card Acceptance: Large stores and restaurants in major towns only.
Travellers Cheques: Travellers cheques are not widely acceptable and can be difficult to exchange.
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| 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.
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.
Back to topA 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.
Back to topNothing 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.
Back to topSingle 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
Back to topWe 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/
Back to topDecember 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.
Back to topSeasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
Back to topTo assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
Back to topUnfortunately 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
Back to topOne 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
Back to topPack 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.
Back to topComfortable walking shoes/boots, plus trainers or sandals for relaxing in.
Back to topBinoculars, 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.
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.
Back to topArea: 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.
Back to topFor comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
Back to topRecommended 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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