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17 Days Majestic Vietnam with Phu Quoc Beach Break
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  • Tour round the Hanoi Old quarter, riding the cyclo on Hanoi Old Quarter’s 36 streets
  • Cruising around the World Heritage Halong Bay to see thousands of sculpted limestone and islands rise from the water like gigantic teeth of dragons
  • Enjoy slow, romantic atmosphere of Hue– the last Feudal Capital of Vietnam
  • Get to know more about Hoi An – a city once was the international trading port
  • Beach stay in Phu Quoc
  • Appreciate the architecture constructed since the French colonial era in Ho Chi Minh city
  • Deep insight in Mekong Delta, feel the true life and interact well with local people

Itinerary

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Day 1
Ha Noi - Arrival

Meal provided: No Meal

Transportation: private car

Welcome to Vietnam.

Upon arrival at Ha Noi Airport, obtain your visa and clear Immigration and Customs.
After collecting your baggage, exit the airport to meet outside a local English speaking guide. the airport, you will be privately transferred to your lovely hotel.
Settle in and enjoy the rest of day at leisure.

Stay overnight in Hanoi

Day 2
Hanoi - Full Day City Tour

Meal provided: Breakfast, Lunch

Transportation: private car

Start a new day by visiting Ho Chi Minh Complex, an important place of pilgrimage. A traffic-free area of botanical gardens, monuments, memorials and pagodas, it’s usually crowded with groups of all ages, all over the nation, who has come to pay their respects. Within the complex you can visit Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum (Outside visiting as it’s closed for annual maintenance), Ba Dinh Square, the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House.
Closed by, the famous One Pillar Pagoda which is built of wood on a single stone pillar 1.25 m in diameter. It is designed to resemble a lotus blossom, which is a Buddhist symbol of purity, since a lotus blossoms in a muddy pond.

After that, continue to visit the Temple of Literature (Vietnamese name is Quoc Tu Giam) – The Vietnam’s first University, which was built in 1070 in honor of Confucius, his followers and Chu Van An, a moral figure in Vietnamese education.

Have lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, you are transferred to visit Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. Almost no foreign tourists to Hanoi refuse to visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, where they can look a vivid picture of the miniaturized Vietnamese ethnic community’s life. Take a cyclo in Ha Noi Old Quarter – 36 streets and guilds to discover the ancient feature of Hanoi and daily life. Stop to visit Ngoc Son Temple which is located at the northern end of Sword Lake (aka Hoan Kiem Lake). the shore, walking on the Welcoming Morning Sunlight Bridge( The Huc bridge) leads to the island.

Please note: The city tour program is flexible. Your guide will be more than happy to adjust the tour itinerary to suit you. You can skip one site or add another if you so wish

Stay overnight in Ha Noi.

Day 3
Ha Noi to Ha Long bay by sharing Limousine transfer

Meal provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Transportation: sharing Limousine

07.30-08.00: You will be picked up at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter and transferred to Ha Long (For guests booking Limousine Bus only).

11:30-12:00 Upon arrival at Tuan Chau International Cruise Port, you will enjoy a warm welcome by our cruise staff in the waiting lounge and complete check-in procedure.

12:00 Upon boarding your Ha Long Cruise, our crew welcome you with a refreshing drink and cold towel before checking your cabin. The vessel leaves Tuan Chau Marina, taking you on an exciting journey to discover the beauty of Ha Long Bay. Along the way, you can enjoy the view of some of the most beautiful spots in Ha Long and admire the grandeur of the Bay with thousands of limestone islands while the vessel heads to Luon Cave & Titop Island.

Enjoy your lunch at our luxurious restaurant on board while the vessel cruises toward Luon Cave.

14.00: You return to your cabin for a short rest and prepare for kayaking activities in Luon Cave.

Arriving at Luon Cave area, you will participate in kayaking or rafting here around the thousand-year-old rock formations.

16.00: You will be transferred to Titop Island by tender.

Visit Titop Island and hike to the top for stunning views of Ha Long Bay, or have a fun swim in the clear blue water.

17.30-18.00 Back on board, you will participate in Sunset party & cooking class while the vessel cruises toward the shore. You can enjoy relaxing moments while sipping a cup of traditional Vietnamese tea or coffee on the sundeck amid wonderful scenery and beautiful sunset. Ha Long Bay is calm during the day, but when the sun goes down, the Bay becomes even more tranquil and peaceful.

You will be instructed to make delicious Fresh Spring rolls by our chef and then enjoy the rolls made on your own.

17.30-18.30 Happy hour – BUY 2 DRINK GET 1 FOR FREE

19.30 Gala Dinner. Enjoy your dinner on the Sundeck (if the weather is favorable)

20.30 After dinner, you will enjoy a peaceful view of the Bay at night on the deck. You can also participate in evening activities such as herbal foot bath in your room (free of charge), Bamboo dancing, fashion show traditional customes “Footsteps of Heritage” and some drinks at Sky Bar and massage (subject to additional charge), while admiring breathtaking view of the Bay at night and squid fishing.

The cruise ship anchors for your peaceful night stay in quiet area

Day 4
Ha Long Bay - Ha Noi - Flight to Hue

Meals provided: Breakfast, Brunch

Transportation: sharing Limousine

06.15: Start your day with Tai Chi class on the sundeck.

06.30-07.00 Enjoy a light breakfast with coffee, tea, cake and fruit.

07.30 Exploring Sung Sot cave. This is one of the largest and most beautiful caves in Ha Long Bay. The cave has some unique rock formations which couldn’t be found anywhere else. The path to the mouth of Sung Sot Cave is under a canopy of leaves. Walking through steep stone steps, tourists may have the feeling of climbing on mountains and experience the excitement as if they are stepping to the sky.

08.30-09.30 Back on board, you can rest in your room, enjoy the herbal foot bath prepared by our crew, sunbathe on the sundeck, take pictures of HaLong Bay or shop for souvenirs on the boat.

09.30 Check-out time.

Please put your luggage outside your cabin and leave the room key at the reception desk. Our staff will transfer your luggage to the waiting area. While waiting, you can shop for some products of Amanda cruise.

10.00 Enjoy an early buffet lunch at the restaurant on the 2nd floor and settle the bills if any.

11.00 Arrival at Tuan Chau Marina. The trip ends.

Thank you for using our services! We look forward to welcoming you again on our cruise.

Good bye and see you on your next trips!

Note: The itinerary is subject to change without notice, in accordance with the weather and other operating conditions.

~15.00 Transfer back to drop off point in Ha Noi where you will meet your driver and have a short drive to the airport for your flight to Hue.
Upon arrival, our driver transfer you to your hotel in Hue.

Stay overnight in Hue.

Day 5
Hue - Full Day City Tour - Direct transfer to Hoi An

Meal provided: Breakfast, Lunch

Transportation: private car

This morning, transfer to visit the Royal Palace which has three perimeters of rampart, namely outside to inside: Kinh Thanh (Capital Citadel), Hoang Thanh (Royal Citadel) and Tu Cam Thanh (Forbidden Citadel)

  • Capital Citadel: This construction started in 1805 under the reign of Emperor Gia Long and completed in 1832 under the reign of Emperor Ming Mang
  • Royal Citadel: The Imperial City is located in the centre of the Citadel where established highest offices of Viet Nam's feudalism and sanctums honoring the cult of decreased Emperors. 
  • Forbidden Citadel: Located inside the Imperial City, behind the Throne Palace, the Forbidden Purple City is reserved for Emperor and his family. 

Visit Hue National School which was founded in order to train those who would serve the feudal colonial government, so in the study curricula French was the main subject. 

Lunch is served at local restaurant.

Continue to visit The tomb of King Khai Dinh is located in Chau Chu mountain near Hue in Vietnam. It was built 1920 to 1931 taking 11 years to complete. In comparison with those of the preceding emperors, Khai Dinh’s tomb is much smaller in surface but it is very elaborate. It is the result of the interminglement of many architectural trends: European and Asian, as well as ancient and modern.

A trip to Thien Mu pagoda, an ancient pagoda in Hue city, can’t be missed. Its pagoda has seven storeys and is the tallest one in Vietnam. The temple is often the subject of folk rhymes about Hue, such is its iconic status and association with the city. It is regarded as the unofficial symbol of the former imperial capital. The pagoda sits on the Ha Khe hill, in the ward of Huong Long in Hue. It is around 3 km the Citadel of Hue constructed by the Nguyen Dynasty and sits on the northern bank of the Perfume River. 

Transfer directly to Hoi An check-in hotel and relax.

Stay overnight in Hoi An.

Day 6
Hoi An eco tour and cooking class - Hoi An ancient town

Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch

Transportation: minivan

8:00 – 8:30am: Picked up at your hotel lobby by a sharing minivan. 
First, a stroll through the Central market to purchase all fresh ingredients for the class.
Then, we board our river basket boat for a relaxing 30-minute ride on the Thu Bon river to Bay Mau Coconut Forest, which is recognized by the Province as an official ecological zone.
We then walk through the vegetable fields to our teaching kitchen overlooking the water coconut trees and rows of vegetables. After that, you have a chance to meet local residents. You will be able to not only go on basket boats but also fish around the beautiful palm forest.
Finally, we will show you 4 traditional Vietnamese dishes while you enjoy the cool breeze and the peaceful setting of the countryside.
MENU
Fresh spring rolls
Pan cakes
Stir fried beef noodles
Hanoi noodles (Pho Hanoi)
13:30: We will drop you of at the Ancient Town. Continue walking around this enchanting port town of Hoi an, follow the narrow lanes lined with centuries-old houses influenced by Chinese, Japanese, French and European architectures and visit its numerous places of interest:
Japanese Covered Bridge dated back to the 18th century and is a beautiful historical piece of Japanese architecture. It is claimed that it was created by the Japanese then living in Hoi An as a way to reach the Chinese quarter across the water. The bridge also features the sculptures of two dogs and two monkeys representing the Chinese years in which many Japanese Emperors were born along with the fact that the building of the bridge began in the year of the dog and was completed in the year of the monkey.
Phuc Kien Assembly Halls was built around 1690 and functions as a traditional assembly hall for the Chinese ethnic group Fujian, China to socialize, but later was transformed a temple dedicated to their deity named Thien Hau – the goddess of sea who protects sailors danger.
Fujian Assembly Hall bears all the fundamental features in structure of a Chinese Assembly Hall.
Tan Ky old house is an almost perfect example of a 18th merchant’s residence in this major commercial port town.

Transfer back to hotel then free at leisure.

Stay overnight in Hoi An.

Day 7
Hoi An - My Son Sanctuary - Da Nang city

Meal Provided: Breakfast, Lunch

Transportation: private car

Take a trip to My Son, a cluster of abandoned and partially ruined Hindu Temples constructed between the 4th and the 14th century AD by the kings of Champa (Chiem Thanh in Vietnamese). The My Son temple complex is regarded as 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 Borobudur of Java in Indonesia, Angkor Wat of Cambodia, Bagan of Myanmar, and Ayutthaya of Thailand. As of 1999, My Son has been recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site.

Lunch is served at local restaurant.

In the afternoon, take a drive to Da Nang city.

The first place we will explore here is the Marble Mountains – A masterpiece of nature presented to Da Nang. Challenge yourself to climb up to over 120 steps to get to the Mable of Water (Thuy Son). here, amazing and fabulous fairylands appear in front of your eyes.

Passing by the Love Lock Bridge Danang, you can enjoy the romantic views of the dynamic Da Nang city and get some nice photos as well.

if time permits, visit Han Market which is the biggest and most famous market in Da nang city. In this grand market, you can find out anything you like even a 30 USD Rolex. This is also a great place where you can learn how to bargain as well. 

Drop off at your lovely hotel and relax.

Stay overnight in Da Nang.

Day 8
Da Nang - Full day trip to Ba Na Hill

Meal provided: Breakfast, Lunch

Transportation: private car

This morning, check out and start our trip to Ba Na Hills, a hill station located in the Truong Son Mountain west of the city of Danang. The station, advertised as “the Dalat of Danang province” by local tourism authorities, was founded in 1919 by French colonists.

A trip on cable car will offer you a chance to admire the panorama of Ba Na Hills, spring stream, Danang city and Danang coast your cabin at the height of 1,487 meters above sea level.

During your time on the mountain, enjoy a visit to:

Fantasy Park: the amusement park reserves countless funs and surprises, which of course involve well-tailored games to keep little kids occupied and delighted all day long.

The Le Jardin with the relics of the French, such as the force of the French horse, nearly 100-year-old grapefruit trees and traces of ancient villas. Especially Debay cellar, wine cellar was built by the French in 1923, spent nearly a century, they still retain cellar wild, mysterious, is the work of the French single remaining fairly intact Ba Na.

Linh Ung Pagoda, located on the peak of Ba Na Mountain at the height of 1.400 meters, was officially inaugurated on the 5th of March, 2004. You can also feel your interests with a lot of pretty villas, newly built hotels, and bungalows here. Each one has its own flower garden with many types of aristocratic flower that Frenchmen during the 50 past years.

Keep taking nice walk to Golden Bridge. Winding its way around a 150-meter course lined with flowers, a golden bridge shimmers against the Ba Na Hills, supported by a pair of giant hands. The bridge sits 1,400 meters above sea level, an altitude which creates the illusion of a silk strip hiding in the clouds above Da Nang.

Take the cable down and transfer to your hotel in Da Nang. Free at leisure.

Stay overnight in Da Nang.

Day 9
Da Nang - Flight to Ho Chi Minh city

Meal Provided: Breakfast

Transportation: private car

Breakfast at hotel. Free time on your own until our driver transfer you to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh

On arrival, our driver will pick you up at Tan Son Nhat Airport and transfer to hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. 

Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

Day 10
Full day visit Cu Chi tunnel and city tour

Meal provided: Breakfast, Lunch

Transportation: private car

The first place we will explore today  famous Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground tunnel network constructed by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the long struggle for independence. The Cu Chi Tunnel system had been created a long time back, in 1948 to assist Viet Minh in the combat with French. And it was continued built over 25 years later. It was an underground city with living areas, kitchens, storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers. In places, it housed up to 10,000 people who virtually lived underground for years…. getting married and giving birth. During the American War, the entire area of Cu Chi was designated a free-fire zone and was heavily bombarded. Since 1988, two sections of tunnels have been open for visitors. 

Have lunch then transfer to Ho Chi Minh City.

In the afternoon enjoy sightseeing at Reunification Palace formerly known as Independence Palace, built on the site of the former Norodom Palace, a landmark in Hochiminh City. Continue to visit City Hall, Ho Chi Minh Monument, and Central Post Office which was constructed when Vietnam was part of French Indochina in the early 20th century. It has a neoclassical architectural style. It was designed and constructed by the famous architect Gustave Eiffel in harmony with the surrounding area. Today, the building is a tourist attraction.

Right nearby, you can see Notre Dame Cathedral, a magnificent building located in the heart of the city and was established by French colonists. This cathedral was constructed between 1863 and 1880. It has two bell towers, reaching a height of 58 meters (190 feet).

Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 11
Ho Chi Minh city - Mekong Delta

Meal provided: Breakfast, Lunch

Transportation: private car

In the morning, we leave Saigon behind and head to Vietnam’s rice basket of the Mekong Delta. We will pass through idyllic, rural scenes until we arrive at My Tho, a peaceful town on the bank of the Mekong River, where we will visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda.

Take a leisure boat ride along the river, and view the stilt houses, fruit plantations, and fishing villages along the river bank. Proceed to Tortoise islet and then enjoy a boat ride to An Khanh – a less touristy attraction in Ben Tre, enjoy cruising on a hand-rowed sampan under the shadow of the water coconut trees along natural canals, then enjoy seasonal fruit & honey tea to the sound of “Southern Vietnamese folk music“, performed by locals.
Visit a family business that epitomizes the idyllic rural lifestyle, taste the delicious coconut candy & observe the pastoral life as you roam through the fruit plantation and village
Head to Can Tho and check-in your hotel. Then it is free leisure at night for your own exploration.

Stay overnight in Can Tho.

Day 12
Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh city

Meal provided: Breakfast, Lunch 

Transportation: private car

Early morning at 5:30 AM, take a boat trip to catch a glimpse the lives of the locals and see the bustling markets full of life and vibrancy in Cai Rang floating market which is one of the three biggest in the Mekong Delta. The shops and stalls at the market are boat of different sizes. Cai Rang Floating Market is open all day but it is busiest sunrise to about 9.00 am. The main items sold there are farm products and specialties of Cai Rang Town, Chau Thanh District of hundreds of boats packed with mango, bananas, papaya, pineapple, and even smuggled goods like cigarettes.

Pick up randomly a “floating restaurant” to have a one-of-a-kind breakfast such as Pho, Snail Noodles, or Crab Noodles right on the motorboat. This experience is verified by the renowned Gordon Ramsay – the famous British Chef in his food adventure in Cai Rang Floating Market.

Make a stop at Binh Thuy ancient house which has long been renowned for its ancient beauty along with its unique architecture. Antiques and prominent traditional cultural features have been still deliberately preserved and promoted by descendants of the founder. It has been captured in many films such as “The silt ways,” “The Bac Lieu Mandarin’s son” and “The Lover” by French director J. Annaud. Get back to your lodge for a short rest.

Hotel check out at 12.00PM. You will have a drive back to Ho Chi Minh City. Rest of the day is free at leisure.

Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 13
Ho Chi Minh city - Flight to Phu Quoc

Meal Provided: Breakfast

Transportation: private car

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy your time before meeting our driver and transfer to the airport for your flight to Phu Quoc
Arrive in Phu Quoc, our driver transfers you to your hotel. 

Stay overnight in Phu Quoc.

Day 14
Phu Quoc - Aquatopia Water Park and 4 Island trip by speedboat

Meal Provided: Breakfast, Lunch

Transportation: sharing minivan

08:30: Pick up your hotel at the lobby in the center of Duong Dong town (Phu Quoc night market, along Tran Hung Dao Street to Eden Resort). If pick up and drop off in other areas, an extra fee may apply.

Arrive at the harbor – board on speed boat

Visit 4 islands in the south
Gam Ghi Island: Snorkeling at the coral reef – Enjoy the beach
Xuong Island (Mong Tay Island): Snorkeling at the coral reef
May Rut Island: white sand lagoon – unique chillout

Having Lunch on the Island

Sea walker (pay by yourself): a new type of service, walking under the ocean, there are the fish flocks swimming & colorful corals reef of Phu Quoc

Speed boat arrives at Thom Island: Enjoy the water park – more than 20 modern games the world’s leading manufacturers.

Back on the cable car (around 25 mins): Enjoy sunset & rides with a panoramic overall view of the islands

17:00: Return to your hotel
Stay overnight in Phu Quoc.

Day 15
Phu Quoc free at leisure

Meal Provided: Breakfast

Transportation: not included

Breakfast at hotel. Free day at leisure to relax in Phu Quoc.

Stay overnight in Phu Quoc.

Day 16
Phu Quoc free at leisure

Meal Provided: Breakfast

Transportation: not included

Breakfast at hotel. Free day at leisure to relax in Phu Quoc.

Stay overnight in Phu Quoc.

Day 17
Phu Quoc - Ho Chi Minh city - Departure

Meal provided: Breakfast

Transportation: resort shuttle bus

You are let free to stroll around before being transferred to the Airport for the departure flight to Ho Chi Minh city and connect flight to the next destination.
End of tour.

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Private Tour
Number of pax 2 4 Other group size
Price/Adult $1,386 $1,130 Contact Us

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Day 1: Ha Noi - Arrival

Tourist attractions

No tourist attractions

Optional Tour

No optional tour

Day 2: Hanoi - Full Day City Tour

Tourist attractions

No tourist attractions

Optional Tour

No optional tour

Day 3: Ha Noi to Ha Long bay by sharing Limousine transfer

Tourist attractions

No tourist attractions

Optional Tour

No optional tour

Day 4: Ha Long Bay - Ha Noi - Flight to Hue

Tourist attractions

No tourist attractions

Optional Tour

No optional tour

Day 5: Hue - Full Day City Tour - Direct transfer to Hoi An

Tourist attractions

No tourist attractions

Optional Tour

No optional tour

Day 6: Hoi An eco tour and cooking class - Hoi An ancient town

Tourist attractions

No tourist attractions

Optional Tour

No optional tour

Day 7: Hoi An - My Son Sanctuary - Da Nang city

Tourist attractions

No tourist attractions

Optional Tour

No optional tour

Day 8: Da Nang - Full day trip to Ba Na Hill

Tourist attractions

No tourist attractions

Optional Tour

No optional tour

Day 9: Da Nang - Flight to Ho Chi Minh city

Tourist attractions

No tourist attractions

Optional Tour

No optional tour

Day 10: Full day visit Cu Chi tunnel and city tour

Tourist attractions

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Optional Tour

No optional tour

Day 11: Ho Chi Minh city - Mekong Delta

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Optional Tour

No optional tour

Day 12: Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh city

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No tourist attractions

Optional Tour

No optional tour

Day 13: Ho Chi Minh city - Flight to Phu Quoc

Tourist attractions

No tourist attractions

Optional Tour

No optional tour

Day 14: Phu Quoc - Aquatopia Water Park and 4 Island trip by speedboat

Tourist attractions

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Optional Tour

No optional tour

Day 15: Phu Quoc free at leisure

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Optional Tour

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Day 16: Phu Quoc free at leisure

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Optional Tour

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Day 17: Phu Quoc - Ho Chi Minh city - Departure

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No tourist attractions

Optional Tour

No optional tour
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FAQs

What is the weather like in Vietnam?
In general, Vietnam has a tropical climate with average annual temperatures ranging from 22ºC (72ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF). There are two distinct seasons: wet and dry. From April to October, most of the country is affected by south-western monsoons. The rains, which tend to be concentrated in the late afternoons, provide welcome relief to the heat. Travel to very remote areas may be affected by the rains, but overall they should not interfere with your trip.

Packing for a trip to Vietnam can be challenging, as the climate can vary depending on when and where you go. When the weather isn’t ideal in one area, it’s great in another. While Hanoi is cold enough to warrant a coat from December to February, this is an excellent time to visit Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta. Although the temperatures are consistent year round, various parts of the country, at certain times of the year, can be affected by unpredictable storms which may cause flooding.

Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Ninh binh, Halong bay, Sapa, Quang Binh)
The north is defined by four seasons with a cold winter and hot summer. The temperature can range from 5ºC (41ºF) in winter up to 35ºC (95ºF) in the summer. From April to October, it is generally warm and humid with average temperature around 31ºC (90 ºF) and heaviest rainfall between July and August. The average temperature during the cold season (December to February) is 20ºC (68ºF). However, in the mountainous regions in the far north such as Sapa, the temperature can at times drop below zero (32ºF). The loveliest time of the year to visit is from September to December when there’s a good chance of clear skies and low humidity.

Central Vietnam (Hue, Danang, Hoian)
The average high temperature in the central region is 30ºC (86ºF). Heavy storms and highest amount of rainfall occurs from October to December and is prone to flooding. The best time to enjoy the beach weather and cultural sightseeing is between February to August.

Southern Vietnam (Ho chi minh city – other name: called Saigon, Mekong delta, Dalat..)
The south has a dry and rainy season. The highest amount of rainfall is from June to October with 80% average humidity. The average high temperature year round is 32ºC (90ºF). The central highland town of Dalat has a year-round temperate of 18ºC to 21ºC (64ºF to 70ºF) earning it the epithet “City of Eternal Spring”. Beach destinations such as Nha Trang, Phan Thiet, and Phu Quoc Island are warm and sunny most of the year. However, the rainy season varies for each destination: Nha Trang (October to December); Phan Thiet (July to November); and Phu Quoc (June to September).

How can I use a local mobile phone service?
Mobile phone service is available across in South East Asia, except Myanmar where the GSM network does not support the global network. Ask your guide to bring you to a local phone shop to purchase a SIM card to obtain a local number and prepaid credit. Please make sure your phone set is compatible to the local network. Coverage in rural areas, especially in the Angkor temple areas (Cambodia) is inconsistent.

How can I get in touch with my family, workplace and friends?
Telephone:
Most hotels now have IDD phones in rooms. If you have worldwide coverage, you can bring your own mobile phone and use it to make domestic or international calls. Check with your mobile phone provider for the costs before using it abroad as it may be expensive.

Internet:
Major hotels these days have wireless broadband access in rooms or public areas. Cyber cafes are popular and are easily found in major towns and cities. In many Internet cafes, you can buy pre-paid international phone cards to dial from a computer to a landline or mobile phone worldwide. Most Internet cafes are equipped with webcams, headsets and microphones suitable for Skype conversations.

How are 5 star hotels rated in South East Asia?
To quote a standard 5-star property, people usually base on flawless guest service, professional staff, accommodation with impressive interior design and immaculate furnishings, and additional services such as a spa, swimming pool, and health club. However, there remains no international standard to define a five-star hotel as each country uses its own criteria to rate hotels. It is fair to say that it is possible to judge different-starred hotels in relation to one another within the same country as at least they are subject to the same criteria.

Do most major hotels have a non-smoking room type?
The non-smoking definition in most countries does not necessarily mean it is smoke-free. While most reputable five-star hotels have non-smoking rooms, some lower-grade hotels consider non-smoking as simply removing the ashtray.

If my departure flight is later than the regular check-out time, can I keep my hotel room until departure?
Generally not, although it depends on the hotel occupancy that day. It is recommended to speak with hotel reception and they will advise if they can offer a complimentary late checkout. Otherwise, most hotels implement a 50% charge for any late check out before 6.00 pm and one full night charge for later than 6.00 pm. This policy varies for each hotel.

Could we order special dishes? Do we have a special diet?
For vegetarians/vegans, you will have no problem. Most allergies are easy to accommodate. Halal food is only available in the major cities and Kosher food is not readily available. For specific requirements, please contact us in advance. Is food spicy in Southeast Asia?

Is food spicy in Southeast Asia?
In some cases, food in Southeast Asia can be very spicy. For example, a Lao “laab” salad. However, most of the time, guests in restaurants are able to order the food according to their desired level of spiciness. In even more cases, food is not spicy at all and is served with spicy condiments which you can mix with your food as much or as little as you like.

What general food and water precautions should be followed in South East Asian countries?
The golden rule is: If you cannot peel it, boil it, or cook it - do not eat it. Generally, try to avoid fresh salads or raw vegetables as they may be washed with contaminated water, and avoid eating raw shellfish, raw crab, and cold-cooked meats. Across the countries, regardless of where you are staying, drink bottled water, and make sure the seal is not broken. Beware that ground-up ice, although manufactured with clean water, is open to contamination when it is transported as the large blocks come into contact with the ground. Ice cubes are generally considered safe.

Which countries require me to obtain a visa?
Most countries in South East Asia require you to obtain a visa. Please check carefully with your travel specialist regarding specific visa requirements for each country you plan to visit as the legislation does change frequently. Thailand offers a free visa on arrival to most nationalities. Other countries including Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar offer a “visa-on-arrival” service that requires you to pay a fee at the airport, or you may prefer to obtain this in advance through the relevant embassy or a visa agent. For visa-on-arrival in Vietnam, you must submit some paperwork before you arrive. Please note there can be long queues on arrival at immigration counters.

What do I need to obtain a visa?
Please make sure your passport is valid for more than 6 months from the date of arrival in each country you are visiting. Please also remember to check that you have sufficient blank pages in your passport as most visas require a full page. There are varying costs of visas in each country and you are usually required to pay a USD fee to process the visa on arrival. Please check this amount before you arrive so that you can have the correct money available.

When I get the visa-on-arrival authorization letter, what should I do?
Once you receive the copy of the visa on arrival authorization letter, please recheck all relevant information including the entry date and passport information. Note down the entry date which must be exact as per the date of your arrival flight. Remember to bring this copy along to board the plane to your destination. If you forget, it could be problematic and you might have to fly to a neighboring country and wait for the new approval letter.

If my flight home from Cambodia has a stopover in Vietnam which I already visited before the Cambodia trip, will I need to get another Vietnam visa?
If your stopover does not involve leaving the airport area then a Vietnam visa is not required. But if it is a connecting flight with a couple of transit hours in between and you want to get to a city for other sightseeing or shopping, then a multi-entry visa is needed.

Where can I find current exchange rates for local currency?
One currency website we recommend is www.xe.com. On arrival at your destination, you can find current local exchange rates easily at the hotel reception or at most local banks. The rates offered by the hotels are often favorable to the bank rate as they do not charge commissions.

Should I use Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and/or Traveler’s Cheques?
Credit Cards
In Vietnam and Cambodia, credit cards are widely accepted at most hotels and better restaurants and shops. In Laos, credit cards are accepted in major hotels in main cities like Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Yangon (only). Bear in mind that a surcharge usually applies for credit card purchases at 3% (Visa& Mastercard) or 4% (American Express).
Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) ATMs are now found widely across Southeast Asia, except for Myanmar. ATMs accept a wide variety of different card types and usually issue the local currency, except in Cambodia where it is USD. There is a maximum daily withdrawal limit, and this varies between different countries and banks up to from approx US$100 - US$400 per day. There will be a local fee for the ATM service, plus your own bank’s charges for foreign withdrawals and currency exchange.

Traveler’s Cheques
In Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, traveler's cheques are accepted on a limited basis and there is a fee for exchange in most cases.

Should I use USD, Euro, or the local currency?
In Vietnam, you must change money into local currency. However, the Vietnam Dong is not tradable outside Vietnam so you should only change a little at a time. In Cambodia, Laos & Myanmar, you can make larger purchases with USD but you will need some local currency for day-to-day small purchases like local restaurants, a bottle of water, souvenirs, etc. As a general rule across all countries, if shopping in the market or in a shop where you might bargain, you will probably get a better price in the local currency.

How do I bargain when buying things in Southeast Asia?
Bargaining is acceptable and common in small local shops and vendors in the market since they do not have fixed prices. You can start by discounting 50% of the offered price and slowly bargain upwards. The fixed price concept is applicable in international shops and department stores.

What is the best way to ship items home?
The vendor may be able to recommend a freight forwarder or shipping agent. If you choose to ship items home, we highly recommend that you buy shipping insurance and check the policy details including import tax in your country as shops will not be held responsible for damages or taxes incurred en route. It is better to be safe than sorry.

What is a reasonable amount to tip a tour guide or driver if I am happy with their service?
Tipping is not compulsory but it is greatly appreciated throughout Southeast Asia, especially in the service industry. For reference, we have provided a general guideline below.

Tour Guide/Drivers
If you are pleased with the services provided by your tour guide and driver, then a tip for their hard work will be very much appreciated. In general, we recommend around US$7 -10/day/traveler for guides and US$5-7/day/traveler for drivers if less than 4 people in a group. We recommend around US$5-10/day/traveler for guides and US$3-5/day/traveler for drivers if there are 5 people or more.

A tipping of 5-10% of the total bill in restaurants is appreciated. If you stay a couple of days in the same hotel, a tip to the maid service of $1-2/day is appreciated. For porters, US$1-2/time/room is acceptable.

Boat Cruise
If you travel on a local basic boat such as in the Mekong Delta, Nha Trang, Hue, Hoi An, etc., a suggested tip from US$5-10 per boat is appreciated - more or less depending on the group size and the trip's duration. For an overnight boat trip such as in Halong Bay or river cruises, the suggestion is $10 - $15 per person per night to cover all the boat crew.

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