Vietnam Classic Tour - 12 days
Vietnam Classic Tour - Best 12 day Vietnam Tour by Tripadvisor Reviews with 234 reviews
Vietnam Classic Tour best 12 day tour which covers all interesting sites in Vietname. Most recommended with 456 Tripadvisor Reviews.
_resize.jpg)
Vietnam Classic Tour - 12 days
Itinerary Overview
A wide-ranging journey showcasing the best of Vietnam's wonders, fascinating cultures and history, this 12-day trip offers a combination of guided excursions and free time to explore beaches, ruins, urban culture, and awe-inspiring landscapes. Cruise the Mekong for a day or 2 and overnight on a boat cruise in Halong Bay. Enjoy the atmospheric imperial capital of Huế, and the charms of Hoi An to the modern day life of Saigon, experience the energy of Vietnam in 12 jam-packed days.
Highlights
- Explore the Mekong Delta culture and lifestyle
- Observe the unique way of trading at floating market where barges loaded with fruits and vegetables gather for the early morning trade
- Experience a slow pace of life when you walk around the impossibly atmospheric Ancient Town of Hoi An
- Spend the night on boat that cruise between the limestone peaks of Halong Bay while feasting on sumptuous meals on board
- Explore the underground system of Cu Chi Tunnels and learn about hard life in war time
Detailed Itinerary
- 1. Hanoi to Saigon
- 2. Saigon to Hanoi
Route*: Hanoi - Halong Bay Cruise - Hoian - Hue - Saigon - Mekong River Cruise
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Arrive in Hanoi. Greeted by your driver at the airport. Transfer to your hotel in the city centre for check-in and at leisure in the rest of the day.
Note*:
- The hotel room will be available at 2:00pm, and in case that you would like to secure an early-check in, an additional charge will be applied.
- Please be advised that both international and domestic might be crowded at sometimes during the day, so in case that you arrive and cannot find our representatives, please be presented at Pole No.10 outside lobby A2 (International) or Lobby of domestic arrival (Domestic flight) and contact us, so we could easily search for you
- Meals: N/A
- Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Day 2: HANOI HALF DAY CITY TOUR
Free to relax in the morning.
Pickup at 13:30. We will spend a half day to visit the city. We start with visit to President Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum (Outside). We also visit the famous One Pillar Pagoda nearby. Leaving the President's complex, we continue to visit the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu). Although several Van Mieu can be found throughout Vietnam, the most prominent and famous is that situated in the city of Hanoi, and was functioned as Vietnam's first university.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
DAY 3: HANOI - HALONG BAY - NIGHT ON BOARD
08h00: Pick up from your hotel in Hanoi. Drive to Halong City through the paddy fields in the Red River Delta.
10h00: Stopover on the way for a refreshment break
12h00: Arrive at Tuan Chau wharf – Break and photography time
12h30: Board the Cruise for departure. Welcome drink will be served
13h00: Lunch is served while cruising through the bay
15h30: Visit exciting Cua Van fishing village. The village is free of busy roads and streets, electric lights, houses and high rise buildings. Instead, there are only herds of little boats and rafts. You will have the chance to discover the traditional culture and customs of the fishermen.
16h30: Enjoy kayaking or swimming (if the weather permits).
17h00: Back on board and continue cruising.
19h00: Dinner is served.
21h00: Take some leisure time to enjoy chatting at the bar or enjoy some night fishing.
Note*: the itinerary and activities on board would vary depending on the boat you choose. Please see the choice of boat in Hotel Inclusions.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
- Accommodation: Night on board
DAY 4: HALONG BAY - HANOI - FIGHT TO DANANG
07.00: Coffee and tea will be served
08.00: Continue cruising
08h15: Visit splendid Sung Sot Cave
09h00: Check out and enjoy a fantastic cruise on the bay, passing Dinh Huong Island, fishing villages, Ga Choi Island, Dog Island and Sail Island.
09.30: Buffet brunch (breakfast/lunch) while cruising back through Halong Bay to the pier
11h30: Arrive at the pier. Time to say goodbye to the crew.
12.00: Return from Halong to Hanoi. Arrive Hanoi at about 17pm.
Airport transfer for late flight to Danang. Transfer to the hotel in Hoian upon arrival.
Note*: the itinerary and activities on board would vary depending on the boat you choose. Please see the choice of boat in Hotel Inclusions.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch
- Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian
DAY 5: HOIAN - FREE DAY
Free and easy day to explore Hoian town or swim at nearby beach.
Optional tours/activities you can do in Hoian
Option 1: Hoian - Countryside and cycling tour
Option 2: Hoian Cooking at Red Bridge School
Option 3: Hoian Food Tour by Vintage Vespa
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian
DAY 6: HOIAN - My Son Towers Tour
Pickup at the hotel at 7:50 am, we drive to visit My Son. The My Son temple complex is regarded one of the foremost Hindu temple complexes in Southeast Asia and is the foremost heritage site of this nature in Vietnam. It is often compared with other historical temple complexes in Southeast Asia, such as Borobodur of Java in Indonesia, Angkor Wat of Cambodia, Bagan of Myanmar and Ayutthaya of Thailand. Although badly damaged by bombing raids in the 1960s, the site still has more than 20 structures and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.
Leaving My Son for boat station and taking a boat trip on Thu Bon river. You could see the living of the local people and feeling the fresh air. Enjoy the beautiful views along the river. Arrive Hoian in early afternoon. Free time to shop or explore Hoian ancient town.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch
- Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian
DAY 7: HOIAN - HUE SCENIC TRAIN JOURNEY
Free in the morning.
In the afternoon, transfer to the station for day train to Hue. Enjoy scenic view of Hai Van Pass on the way. Arrive Hue in late afternoon. Transfer to the hotel and enjoy free time.
Note*: The train journey is part of a great local experience. Restrooms at either end of the carriages.
Optional activities: instead of the Train Journey, you can do full day tour to visit the Bana Hill and Golden Hand Bridge, then transfer to Hue. Please view the tour to Bana Hill and Golden Hand Brige.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Hue
DAY 8: HUE CITY TOUR - FLIGHT TO SAIGON
08:00: Pickup at the hotel.
Today, we will spend a full day touring Hue city.
In the morning: visit Old Imperial City, Flag Tower, Thien Mu Pagoda and Dong Ba bustling market. Lunch at the local restaurant.
In the afternoon: visit Royal Tombs of Minh Mang and Khai Dinh. We will also visit a Conical hat village and incense stick village
Then airport transfer for late afternoon flight to Saigon. Transfer to your hotel for checkin upon arrival.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch
- Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon
DAY 9: SAIGON CITY + CU CHI TUNNELS TOUR
Pickup at the hotel at 7:40, we head out of town to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, which is an extensive underground network of approximately 200 kilometers of tunnels dug initially by the Viet Minh and then expanded by the Viet Cong. Here contains hospitals, plus accommodation and schools, and were used extensively for refuge and storage and also utilized as a military base for the Viet Cong close to Saigon.
In the afternoon afternoon, transfer to Saigon for half day city tour. Our city tour will help you to see the best of Saigon. We visit the historic Reunification palace and War Remnants Museum, followed by the architectural treats of French colonial Notre Dame Cathedral and the post Office. Free time at leisure or shopping at Ben Thanh Market nearby.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch
- Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon
OPTION 1: MEKONG RIVER CRUISE - 2 DAYS WITH 1 NIGHT ON BOARD
DAY 10: SAIGON - PANORAMA MEKONG RIVER CRUISE
Note*: depending on the cruise availability, you would do the Caibe – Can Tho or Can Tho – Caibe itinerary. We will keep you updated.
07:10 – 07:30: Pickup at the hotel for Cantho – Caibe itinerary
08:00 – 08:20: Pickup at the hotel for Caibe – Can Tho Itinerary.
You board your comfortable wooden Mekong Eyes cruise vessel around noon. After a refreshing welcome drink we show you our on-board facilities and your cosy cabin. As lunch is served, the Mekong Eyes Cruise starts cruising. Sit back and watch the fantastic scenery and the daily life of the Mekong people.
In the afternoon you can disembark for a guided leisurely stroll through a village and the surrounding fruit orchards or rice fields. Meet the friendly locals and taste the local produce and fruits.
Get back on board and enjoy a drink at the bar or relax on deck as the sun sets over the magnificent water landscape of the Mekong river. The Mekong Eyes Cruise will anchor for the night. The day ends with a delicious on-board dinner. You stay overnight on board your floating hotel in the Mekong Delta.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
- Accommodation: Night on board
DAY 11: CAIBE/CAI RANG FLOATING MARKET - SAIGON
Wake up well rested to the sound of the river and get ready for another exciting day of sightseeing in the Mekong Delta. At 6.30h the Mekong Eyes cruise vessel sets off for a sunrise cruise. Watch the locals go about their daily work drying exotic fruits and building ships on the wooden yards while enjoying an early breakfast.
After breakfast, we will board a sampan boat to Cai Be or Cai Rang floating market, the region’s busiest and most lively markets. Marvel at the sheer abundance of exotic fruits, vegetables and skilfully handcrafted regional products. We will pull up to the boats for talking and bargaining with the merchants. We will also visit some of the local candy and cake making factories or boat through the green water landscape to see local houses, verdant orchards and ship-building yards.
Note*: The floating markets in the Mekong Delta are no tourist markets but wholesale markets where produce of the Mekong Delta like fruits and vegetables are traded. For this reason the number of boats on the market fluctuates depending on harvesting seasons and market demand. Furthermore, modern wholesale markets are becoming more popular in Vietnam. This can result in decreasing numbers of boats being present on the markets.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon
-------- End of Option 1 ------------
OPTION 2: MEKONG FULL DAY + FREE DAY
DAY 10: SAIGON - MEKONG RIVER TOUR
8:00am Pick you up at your hotel and head south to Ben Tre province (90km ~ 2.0 hours).
Enjoy boat trip along the river to visit a brick kiln factory, a coconut processing workshop and a local mat-weaving house.
We will then visit a quite village where you can have a short walk to experience real Delta village life and try some local fresh fruits before taking Xe Loi ride (tuktuk car) or cycling tour to explore around village under coconut row.
Enjoy lunch at a local riverside restaurant. After lunch, row a sampan along the water coconut canals with beautiful tropical scenery. Take boat back to pier and return to Saigon. Arrive Saigon at about 5pm.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch
- Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon
DAY 11: SAIGON - FREE AND EASY
Enjoy your free day for shopping and personal activities in Saigon. You can also join suggested tours to explore Saigon in very authentic way
- Option 1: Join a Vespa tour by night
- Option 2: Do a street food walking tour
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon
-------- End of Option 2 ------------
Route*: Saigon - Mekong River Cruise - Hue - Hoian - Hanoi - Halong Bay Cruise
DAY 2: SAIGON CITY + CU CHI TUNNELS TOUR
Pickup at the hotel at 7:40, we head out of town to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, which is an extensive underground network of approximately 200 kilometers of tunnels dug initially by the Viet Minh and then expanded by the Viet Cong. Here contains hospitals, plus accommodation and schools, and were used extensively for refuge and storage and also utilized as a military base for the Viet Cong close to Saigon.
In the afternoon afternoon, transfer to Saigon for half day city tour. Our city tour will help you to see the best of Saigon. We visit the historic Reunification palace and War Remnants Museum, followed by the architectural treats of French colonial Notre Dame Cathedral and the post Office. Free time at leisure or shopping at Ben Thanh Market nearby.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch
- Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon
OPTION 1: MEKONG RIVER CRUISE - 2 DAYS WITH 1 NIGHT ON BOARD
DAY 3: SAIGON - PANORAMA MEKONG RIVER CRUISE
Note*: depending on the cruise availability, you would do the Caibe – Can Tho or Can Tho – Caibe itinerary. We will keep you updated.
07:10 – 07:30: Pickup at the hotel for Cantho – Caibe itinerary
08:00 – 08:20: Pickup at the hotel for Caibe – Can Tho Itinerary.
You board your comfortable wooden Mekong Eyes cruise vessel around noon. After a refreshing welcome drink we show you our on-board facilities and your cosy cabin. As lunch is served, the Mekong Eyes Cruise starts cruising. Sit back and watch the fantastic scenery and the daily life of the Mekong people.
In the afternoon you can disembark for a guided leisurely stroll through a village and the surrounding fruit orchards or rice fields. Meet the friendly locals and taste the local produce and fruits.
Get back on board and enjoy a drink at the bar or relax on deck as the sun sets over the magnificent water landscape of the Mekong river. The Mekong Eyes Cruise will anchor for the night. The day ends with a delicious on-board dinner. You stay overnight on board your floating hotel in the Mekong Delta.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
- Accommodation: Night on board
DAY 4: CAIBE/CAI RANG FLOATING MARKET - Hue
Wake up well rested to the sound of the river and get ready for another exciting day of sightseeing in the Mekong Delta. At 6.30h the Mekong Eyes cruise vessel sets off for a sunrise cruise. Watch the locals go about their daily work drying exotic fruits and building ships on the wooden yards while enjoying an early breakfast.
After breakfast, we will board a sampan boat to Cai Be or Cai Rang floating market, the region’s busiest and most lively markets. Marvel at the sheer abundance of exotic fruits, vegetables and skilfully handcrafted regional products. We will pull up to the boats for talking and bargaining with the merchants. We will also visit some of the local candy and cake making factories or boat through the green water landscape to see local houses, verdant orchards and ship-building yards. After the tour, transfer back to Saigon. Airport transfer to the airport for late afternoon flight to Hue. Arrive Hue in the evening.
Note*: The floating markets in the Mekong Delta are no tourist markets but wholesale markets where produce of the Mekong Delta like fruits and vegetables are traded. For this reason the number of boats on the market fluctuates depending on harvesting seasons and market demand. Furthermore, modern wholesale markets are becoming more popular in Vietnam. This can result in decreasing numbers of boats being present on the markets.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Hue
-------- End of Option 1 ------------
OPTION 2: MEKONG FULL DAY + FREE DAY
DAY 3: SAIGON - MEKONG RIVER TOUR
8:00am Pick you up at your hotel and head south to Ben Tre province (90km ~ 2.0 hours).
Enjoy boat trip along the river to visit a brick kiln factory, a coconut processing workshop and a local mat-weaving house.
We will then visit a quite village where you can have a short walk to experience real Delta village life and try some local fresh fruits before taking Xe Loi ride (tuktuk car) or cycling tour to explore around village under coconut row.
Enjoy lunch at a local riverside restaurant. After lunch, row a sampan along the water coconut canals with beautiful tropical scenery. Take boat back to pier and return to Saigon. Arrive Saigon at about 5pm.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch
- Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon
DAY 4: SAIGON - hue
In the morning, enjoy your free day for shopping and personal activities in Saigon. You can also join suggested tours to explore Saigon in very authentic way
- Option 1: Join a Vespa tour by night
- Option 2: Do a street food walking tour
In the afternoon, airport transfer for the flight to Hue. Transfer to the hotel in Hue upon arrival.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Hue
-------- End of Option 2 ------------
DAY 5: Hue City Tour
08:00: Pickup at the hotel.
Today, we will spend a full day touring Hue city.
In the morning: visit Old Imperial City, Flag Tower, Thien Mu Pagoda and Dong Ba bustling market. Lunch at the local restaurant.
In the afternoon: visit Royal Tombs of Minh Mang and Khai Dinh. We will also visit a Conical hat village and incense stick village
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch
- Accommodation: Hotel in Hue
DAY 6: HUE - Hoian SCENIC TRAIN JOURNEY
Free in the morning.
In the afternoon, transfer to the station for day train to Hoian. Enjoy scenic view of Hai Van Pass on the way. Arrive Hoian in late afternoon. Transfer to the hotel and enjoy free time.
Note*: The train journey is part of a great local experience. Restrooms at either end of the carriages.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian
DAY 7: Hoian - My Son Towers
Pickup at the hotel at 7:50 am, we drive to visit My Son. The My Son temple complex is regarded one of the foremost Hindu temple complexes in Southeast Asia and is the foremost heritage site of this nature in Vietnam. It is often compared with other historical temple complexes in Southeast Asia, such as Borobodur of Java in Indonesia, Angkor Wat of Cambodia, Bagan of Myanmar and Ayutthaya of Thailand. Although badly damaged by bombing raids in the 1960s, the site still has more than 20 structures and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.
Leaving My Son for boat station and taking a boat trip on Thu Bon river. You could see the living of the local people and feeling the fresh air. Enjoy the beautiful views along the river. Arrive Hoian in early afternoon. Free time to shop or explore Hoian ancient town.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch
- Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian
DAY 8: HOIAN - FREE DAY - flight to Hanoi
Free and easy day to explore Hoian town or swim at nearby beach.
Optional tours/activities you can do in Hoian
Option 1: Hoian - Countryside and cycling tour
Option 2: Hoian Cooking at Red Bridge School
Option 3: Hoian Food Tour by Vintage Vespa
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian
DAY 9: HANOI HALF DAY CITY TOUR
Free to relax in the morning.
Pickup at 13:30. We will spend a half day to visit the city. We start with visit to President Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum (Outside). We also visit the famous One Pillar Pagoda nearby. Leaving the President's complex, we continue to visit the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu). Although several Van Mieu can be found throughout Vietnam, the most prominent and famous is that situated in the city of Hanoi, and was functioned as Vietnam's first university.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
DAY 10: HANOI - HALONG BAY - NIGHT ON BOARD
08h00: Pick up from your hotel in Hanoi. Drive to Halong City through the paddy fields in the Red River Delta.
10h00: Stopover on the way for a refreshment break
12h00: Arrive at Tuan Chau wharf – Break and photography time
12h30: Board the Cruise for departure. Welcome drink will be served
13h00: Lunch is served while cruising through the bay
15h30: Visit exciting Cua Van fishing village. The village is free of busy roads and streets, electric lights, houses and high rise buildings. Instead, there are only herds of little boats and rafts. You will have the chance to discover the traditional culture and customs of the fishermen.
16h30: Enjoy kayaking or swimming (if the weather permits).
17h00: Back on board and continue cruising.
19h00: Dinner is served.
21h00: Take some leisure time to enjoy chatting at the bar or enjoy some night fishing.
Note*: the itinerary and activities on board would vary depending on the boat you choose. Please see the choice of boat in Hotel Inclusions.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
- Accommodation: Night on board
DAY 11: HALONG BAY - HANOI
07.00: Coffee and tea will be served
08.00: Continue cruising
08h15: Visit splendid Sung Sot Cave
09h00: Check out and enjoy a fantastic cruise on the bay, passing Dinh Huong Island, fishing villages, Ga Choi Island, Dog Island and Sail Island.
09.30: Buffet brunch (breakfast/lunch) while cruising back through Halong Bay to the pier
11h30: Arrive at the pier. Time to say goodbye to the crew.
12.00: Return from Halong to Hanoi. Arrive Hanoi at about 17pm. Free to relax and explore Hanoi
Note*: the itinerary and activities on board would vary depending on the boat you choose. Please see the choice of boat in Hotel Inclusions.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch
- Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Important Notes:
- THIS IS OUR DEFAULT ITINERARY AND IS CHANGEABLE DEPENDING ON YOUR ITEREST
- In case of unpredictable bad conditions of weather in Halong Bay, please kindly understand that the cancellation will be made ONLY by the Management Board of Halong Bay and normally the announcement will be informed in short notice.
Vietnam Classic Tour
Hotels & Prices
|
Hotel Categories |
Small Group |
|||
|
01 May - 30 Sept |
01 Oct - 30 Apr |
|||
|
Option 1 |
Option 2 |
Option 1 |
Option 2 |
|
Notes*:
- All prices are in USD per adult, in Double/Twin sharing
- Small group tour - daily departure with max 12 pax (for Halong and Mekong Cruises, you will join bus by boat companies)
- In some major cities in Vietnam, hotel rooms may not have windows.
- Similar hotels are selected if any of above are booked
- Surcharge will be applied for single traveler or single room request
What's included ?
Transportation
Accommodation
Meals
Option 2: 11 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 1 Dinners
Note*: breakfast is included at the hotel.
Price Includes
- Overnights in selected hotels or similar
- Vietnam visa approval letter
- Halong bay 2 day Cruise package
- Mekong 2 day cruise package for tour option 1
- All in-tour stationed local English speaking guide.
- Entrance fees for sightseeing mentioned in the itinerary
- Excursions as mentioned in the itinerary
- Transfers as mentioned by air-conditioned vehicles (including airport pick up & see off)
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Internal flights (Hanoi - Danang, Hue - Saigon / or Saigon - Hue, Danang - Hanoi)
- 1 day train for Danang - Hue / or Hue - Danangg
Price Excludes
- Meals and services other than those noted in the itinerary
- Visa stamping fee
- International flights pre/post tour
- Laundry, telephone calls, and personal expenditures
- Gratuities for guides, drivers, porters, boat crew, and personal, non-itinerary services
Children Rates
- FOC for infant under 2 years old (full charge for flight tickets - US$180)
- 02 - 6 years old without bed: 35% adult rate
- 06 - 11 years old with extra bed: 75% adult rate
- 06 - 11 years old in twin share: 90% adult rate
Cancellation Policies
- Cancellation received 60 days or more before arrival date: 10% of total rate
- Cancellation received from 30 days to 59 days prior arrival date: 20% of total rate
- Cancellation received from 15 days to 29 days prior arrival date: 30% of total rate
- Cancellation received from 7 days to 14 days prior arrival date: 50% of total rate
- Cancellation received less than 7 days prior arrival date or No show: 100% of total rate
Important information
Emergency Contact
Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call the travel consultant whom you deal with and then our hot line contact. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please send us a detailed message and contact information by email, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.Our all travel consultants use WhatApps. Please ensure that you have the contact number. It's best to buy a local sim-card. Most hotels offer free wifi. So it's very easy to contact in urgent case.
Emergency contact numbers
Mr. Kelvin Do: +84 986759655
Ms. Thuy Pham: +84 984654964
COMBO TRIP
If you book small group tour option, please note that the tour combines with our other tours. As such, As such, the staff and/or particular vehicles operating your tour may change between tour segments. You may also expect some group members to join or leave the tour, between tour segments.
You can start the tour on any date (please contact our consultant in advance to avoid peak dates or holidays) and customize itinerary with extra days/activities at any destination.
Internal Flights
For all internal flights - if included, we would use any as Vietnamairlines, Vietjesair, Jestar, Cambodia Angkorair or Laos Airlines, depending on the itinerary. Most domestic flights in Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar, airlines would use small 70 seat ATR72 for short distances. Most airlines in Vietnam use the Airbus A321. 20kg for checkin luggage and 7kg for hand-bag is included in the price.
International flights pre/post tour must be booked by your self before travelling date.
Packing List
Conservative Dress
- Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)
- Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)
Note*: Please pack clothing for the season in which you will be travelling. From Dec-Feb weather can be cold, so please pack warm clothing. From May-Nov it is the wet season, so please bring waterproof clothing.
Documents
- All tickets (required)
- Passport (required) (With photocopies)
- Required visas
- Hotel & Tour Vouchers
- Meeting sign (with your names and flight details that we will use for transfers)
Train Travel
Train travel in Vietnam is very basic and not at western standard. Sleeper trains normally have 4 seats per compartment, which convert into sleeping bunks (two upper and two lower). A sheet, pillow and blanket are provided. At times, passengers of different genders may be required to share a sleeper train berth and/or share a compartment with people not travelling in your group. For short distance - 3 hours (as Hue to Danang or vv), you will do the trip on soft/hard seat carriage.
Simple food is available on the train but many people like to stock up on freshly baked bread, cheese and fruit prior to departure. You should have meal and buy water before the journey.
Train journeys in Vietnam are an experience and allow you to get a real taste of Vietnam.
Airport transfers
All airport transfers are included in the tour price. You should provide us your arrival/departure flight details and we will arrange things basing on the information. A meeting sign with your name and all flight details will be sent to you. Please be ready at the lobby at pointed time for pickup.Driver/guide should always be present at the airport before your arrival time. If you could not find the driver, please contact your travel consultant who you deal with. For any reason that airport transfer could not be arranged, please take the taxi to the hotel. We will refund the money then.
Trip Specific Safety
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Be aware that petty theft can be an issue in some towns and cities especially late at night. A common tactic is opportunists on motorbikes that drive by and snatch bags. Please always leave valuables and passports etc in your hotel in safety boxes if available and only carry with you enough cash to spend for the day. Bags should always be carried over the neck and not left to sit on your shoulder.
Visas and Entry Requirements
Please note that visas for Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos are the responsibility of the inpidual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. For the most up to date information please check your Governments Foreign Ministry website or with you travel agent as rules do change.
CAMBODIA - Visas can be obtained at the Cambodian border or Siem Reap Airport for approx. $35 USD very easily. Please have *at least* 2 passport photos with you as well.
VIETNAM - As of March 2017, a select 80 nationalities are now eligible to enter Vietnam with an E-Visa. Please contact your Foreign Ministry or Vietnamese consulate to see if your nationality is eligible. Please note that you should ONLY apply for a Vietnam E-Visa if you are entering Vietnam by international airport - either Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi) or Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City).
If you are entering Vietnam by land border, please apply for a regular visa for Vietnam. Many of the land borders we travel through do not accept the Vietnam E-Visa. Please view this link to apply E-Visa: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/web/guest/trang-chu-ttdt
We will help you apply an approval letter for visa on arrival if you enter Vietnam through international airports. You will have to pay for stamping fees to the custom at the airport. View how visa on arrival works through this link: https://www.indochinatreks.com/Vietnam_Visa_On_Arrival
LAOS - Visas are issued upon arrival in Laos. You will need two passport size photographs and approx $35. Tourists are generally admitted to Laos for 15 days with a visa on arrival or for 30 days with a visa issued at a Lao embassy. Please bring visa photos with you.
Please be aware that you will require four clean pages (minimum) in your passport and at least six months validity.
Tipping
It is customary in Asia to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected - though not compulsory - and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $3-$5 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service.
