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Family Fun in Vietnam Tour - 10 Days
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  • Hanoi City Tour and join in Vietnamese family to have dinner with authentic Vietnamese food
  • Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and meet the local people by hiking in the Pu Luong Nature Reserve
  • Cruising around the World Heritage Halong Bay for magnificent landscape
  • Get to know more about Hoi An - a city once was the international trading port  
  • Explore Mekong Delta and especially Ben Tre to observe the unique way of life of local people 

 

Itinerary

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Day 1
Arrival Hanoi
Meal provided: No Meal

Transportationn: 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 City Tour - Dinner with Local Family
Meal provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transportationn: private car

Morning, transfer to the center and visit West Lake, the largest lake of the capital, once named “Foggy Lake” of its misty condition. Its name was changed to “West Lake” in 1573 to avoid the given name of King Le The Tong. Stop at Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in the city, originally constructed in the sixth century during the reign of Emperor Ly Nam De, thus giving it an age of 1,400 years. Have ice cream at West Lake Ice Cream – Kem Ho Tay – right opposite the Tran Quoc Pagoda. 

Drive to visit the Museum of Ethnology, a valuable center for the exhibition and the preservation of cultural heritages of the 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam.

Have lunch at a local restaurant.

This afternoon, 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.

Evening, have you ever had any chance to join in Vietnamese family to have dinner with authentic Vietnamese food? If you have not done it before, this is the must thing to do before you leave Vietnam. This is not only about the good food and good time but also where we share and learn each other’s culture. Welcome to our home in Hanoi! We are a family of 4, parents and two teenagers who speak English well. We will join the meal with the group sharing all my family stories as well as the Vietnamese culture. We are sure to provide a unique experience while they visit our family.

Stay overnight in Hanoi

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

Day 3
Ha Noi to Ninh Binh province (Tam Coc - Bich Dong - Mua cave)
Meal Provided: Breakfast, Lunch

Transportationn: private car

Travel to Ninh Binh province.

On arrival in Tam Coc, enjoy hours of excursion by small boat along the Ngo Dong River, beginning at the village of Van Lam and proceeding through a scenic landscape dominated by rice fields and karst towers. The route includes floating through Tam Coc - the three natural grottos (Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba), the largest of which is 125m long with its ceiling about 2m high above the water. The boats are typically rowed by one or two local women who also sell embroidered goods.

Lunch is served at local restaurant.

Then visit to Bich Dong pagoda - a cave pagoda - which was built in the 15th century. There are 3 main pagodas here called Chua Ha, Chua Trung and Chua Thuong. We'll start a walking tour across a stone bridge and start hiking up the mountains on the stone steps, passing through the dark cave and we'll find ourselves on top of the mountains with private view of the surroundings.

Last stop, we’ll visit Mua Caves viewpoint or (Hang Múa) one of the most attractive tourist places in Ninh Binh recently one of the most attractive tourist spots near Hanoi. Ninh Binh and its karst surroundings. There are many beautiful tourist spots around Ninh Binh town mostly in Trang An scenic complex one of these places in this complex are the Mua caves hang múa and its peak mountain which is a fascinating view of the nearby surroundings this is one of the most visited places in the area that you should not miss there are about 500 steps on the 2 peaks and viewpoints the highest viewpoint is the Lying Dragon Mountain (Núi Ngoạ Long) with its stone statue of Quan am (The Goddess of Mercy this is also a popular selfie spot in Ninh Binh).

Stay overnight in Ninh Binh

Day 4
Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay overnight cruise

Meal provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Transportationn: private car

Have a leisure breakfast before taking private transfer to Ha Long Bay.

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 5
Ha Long - Hanoi - Flight to Da Nang/Hoi An

Meal provided: Breakfast, Brunch

Transportationn: private car, plane
 

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.

Meals provided: Breakfast, Brunch

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!

15.00 – 16.00 Back to your drop-off point in Hanoi. End of the trip.

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

Our guide and driver will take you back to Hanoi Airport for your evening flight to Da Nang. On arrival at Da Nang Airport , meet your driver for a short transfer to your hotel in Hoi An and relax.

Stay overnight in Hoi An.

Day 6
Full Day visit My Son - Thanh Ha Pottery Village - Ancient Town
Meal provided: Breakfast, Lunch

Transportationn: private car

This morning, drive 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 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 Ayutthava of Thailand. As of 1999, My Son has been recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site.

Lunch is at local restaurant.

In the afternoon, take a boat trip on Thu Bon River to visit Thanh Ha Pottery village and start experiencing the daily life of Thanh Ha villagers. It is famous nationwide for its traditional craft of making pottery and its delicate pottery products. 

Visiting the village, tourists not only see artisans making beautiful pottery products and learn about the process of making pottery products in the traditional way but also make their own products with instructions the village’s artisans (fees are on guests’ own account). 

Coming to Ancient Town, spending the of afternoon for a walking tour 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: the 400-year old Japanese Covered Bridge, the Phuc Kien Assembly Halls, the Tan Ky old house, the local market …

  • 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. 

Around the town you can see numerous art galleries and tailor shops. You are also free to get some made-to-order clothes if you like.
Transfer back to your hotel.

Stay overnight in Hoi An.

Day 7
Hoi An - Biking tour to Cam Thanh and Tra Que villages
Meal provided: Breakfast, Lunch

Transportationn: bicycle

- 8: 30 our local guide will welcome guests at the hotel and start the bicycle tour to Cam Thanh coconut wood.

- 9: 00 arriving at Cam Thanh coconut wood, you can enjoy fresh air of river countryside to see everyday activities of fishermen on the river such as row their boats to catch fish, buying and selling kinds of seafood.

- Specially, you are sat on round coracles and taken to water coconut woods to discover green water coconuts hanging down their shapes to the water and covering the creatures in the water, very spectacular…

- You are fished crabs by themselves and are able to watch the water coconut trees and presented with article made of water coconut leaves…

- 10:00 Keep cycling to An My rice village. Visiting the rice fields

- 10: 45 Arriving at the local residents’ houses in Tra Que vegetable village drinking fennel juice and taking a rest.

- 11: 00  Learning how to cut and clip vegetable for decoration for courses.

- Learning how to cook 02 dishes

 Banh xeo (rice pancake)

 Tam Huu ( Three Friends )

- Having lunch 

- 13 : 00 Local farmers take you to visit Tra Que vegetable village.

- Leading to work as farmers, hoeing soil, planting vegetables, watering, fertilizing.

- 13 :45 Soaking your feet in medicinal herbs combining with massage of heads, shoulders, feet to be release tiredness  and relax their mind ….

- 14 : 30 Ending the program. You will cycle back to hotel.

Rest of the day is free at leisure.

Stay overnight in Hoi An.

Day 8
Hoi An - Bana Hill / Golden Bridge – Flight to Ho Chi Minh city

Meal provided: Breakfast, Lunch

Transportationn: 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. Transfer directly to Da Nang airport for flight to Ho Chi Minh city.

On arrival, meet your local driver (NO GUIDE) and transfer to your hotel in city center. 

Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

Day 9
Ho Chi Minh city - Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh city
Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch

Transportationn: private car

In the morning, we leave Ho Chi Minh 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.

Arrival, boarding the motorboat at a pier and cruising on the Mekong River. Here, overlooking floating houses where fishes are farmed beneath the house (viewing the motorboat).

Continuing the journey on the river until reaching Unicorn Island, here taking a ride to reach a performance site where Vietnamese traditional music can be heard and seasonal tropical fruit can be tasted (included).

Afterward, being on a small hand-rowing boat in An Khanh (the main mean of transportation in My Tho & Ben Tre) and slowly cruised through a small creek with beautiful overhanging coconut trees. Lives both sides of the creek can be observed.

Before heading to lunch, passing through a bee-keeping farm, and enjoying honey tea, a typical Mekong house can be viewed here.

Continue traveling to learn the coconut candies-making process a workshop. A sample of candies can be tasted. Back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 10
HCMC City Tour - Departure
Meals provided: Breakfast

Transportationn: private car

This morning, enjoy the sightseeing at Reunification Palace formerly known as Independence Palace, built on the site of the former Norodom Palace, a landmark in Hochiminh City.

Our next stop is the War Remnants Museum. It is the unique museum in Vietnam to systematically study, collect, conserve and display exhibits on war crimes and consequences inflicted on the Vietnamese people by foreign aggressive forces. 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).

You are let free to stroll around before being transferred by private car with a driver to the Airport for the departure flight to the next destination.
End of tour.

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Private Tour
Number of pax 2 4 Other group size
Price/Adult $1,075 $830 Contact Us

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Day 1: Arrival Hanoi

Tourist attractions

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Optional Tour

No optional tour

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour - Dinner with Local Family

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Optional Tour

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Day 3: Ha Noi to Ninh Binh province (Tam Coc - Bich Dong - Mua cave)

Tourist attractions

No tourist attractions

Optional Tour

No optional tour

Day 4: Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay overnight cruise

Tourist attractions

No tourist attractions

Optional Tour

No optional tour

Day 5: Ha Long - Hanoi - Flight to Da Nang/Hoi An

Tourist attractions

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Optional Tour

No optional tour

Day 6: Full Day visit My Son - Thanh Ha Pottery Village - Ancient Town

Tourist attractions

No tourist attractions

Optional Tour

No optional tour

Day 7: Hoi An - Biking tour to Cam Thanh and Tra Que villages

Tourist attractions

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Optional Tour

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Day 8: Hoi An - Bana Hill / Golden Bridge – Flight to Ho Chi Minh city

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Optional Tour

No optional tour

Day 9: Ho Chi Minh city - Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh city

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Day 10: HCMC City Tour - Departure

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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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