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14 Days Luxury Vietnam Scenic Trip
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  • Explore the beauty of Halong Bay - in the Gulf of Tonkin, includes some 1,600 islands and islets, forming a spectacular seascape of limestone pillars.
  • Take a fresh air by walking around Hanoi Old Quarter
  • Discover the deep history of Vietnam War in Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Admire the scenic of green fields on train Hue to Danang
     
  • Can't miss the moment of Hoi An Ancient Town, biking and walking round 
  • Get a chance to know more about Mekong River people.
  • Take a truly unique opportunity to have a hand experience in Cu Chi Tunnels

Itinerary

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This 14-day journey offers a fascinating look into the past, present, culture, food, and natural beauty of these amazing places. Each location has magnificent statues, temples, and cultural attractions that we've picked the greatest to display to you.

Day 1
Arrival - Hanoi

Meal provided: No meal
Transportation: Private car

Hanoi Airport, obtain your visa and clear Immigration and Customs. After collecting your baggage, exit the airport to meet outside a local driver and tour guide.
Transfer to the hotel for check-in and relax.

Stay overnight in Hanoi

Day 2
Hanoi City Tour

Meal provided: Breakfast
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 Squarethe Presidential PalaceHo Chi Minh’s Stilt House, Ho Chi Minh Museum. 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 (on your own account)
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 Hanoi 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 leads to the island.
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 wis

Day 3
Hanoi - Mai Chau - Go Lao Waterfall

Meal provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Transportation: Private car 

7h30-8h00: Depart Hanoi, about 3 hours on the bus through National Road No 6. It is the time to stretch your legs at Ba Khan, Enjoy the landscape along the Da river like the Halong bay on the mountain.

12h00: Arrive at Maichau Hideaway resort. For lunch, enjoy your meal at Maichau restaurant and admire the exceptional panorama view of Da river. The view is breathtaking and "could not be missed "when you plan your trip to Mai Chau. Sure that you will get a lot of beautiful photos featuring the green mountains, and blue river.

14h00: Biking to Go Lao Waterfall and visit the village, local houses on stilt

17h00: Back to Mai Chau Hideaway.

Overnight at Mai Chau hideaway.

Day 4
Da River - Fairy Pond - Mai Chau

Meal provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Transportation: Private car

7h30 : Enjoy your breakfast at Maichau restaurant and admire the exceptional panorama view of Da river. The view is breathtaking and "could not be missed "when you plan your trip to Mai Chau. Sure that you will get a lot of beautiful photos featuring the green mountains, and blue river.

8h30: Spend your morning taking a boat trip and kayaking on Da River - the biggest lake in Vietnam. It takes about 45 minutes. 

9h00: Take a short break to visit floating houses and experience fisher man’s daily life.

10h: Kayaking and climbing up to Fairy Pond, it has a pristine beauty that will make you fall in love at first sight. The water here is blue like jade.

11h30: Back to Maichau Hideaway resort by boat.

19h00: Dinner. To enjoy the evening, you may join a traditional dance show with Ruou Can (a local wine). 

Overnight at Mai Chau hideaway.

Day 5
Mai Chau - Ninh Binh - Hoa Lu - Trang An

Meal provided: Breakfast, Lunch

Transportation: Private car

Our driver and tour guide will come to pick you up and depart for Ninh Binh Province. On arrival, visit Hoa Lu temple – The ancient capital of Vietnam in the 10th and 11th centuries. Enjoying the 11th & 17th century architecture style, old sculpture – carving on wood & stone depicting the daily lives, dreams and wishes for peace, good life, etc.

Enjoy lunch at local restaurant. 

Leave for Trang An eco-tourism attraction. You will be amazed by neglected area while having boat trip through cave chains: Sang Cave, Toi Cave, Ba Giot Cave, Sinh Cave…experiencing mysterious views of the so-called “Ha Long Bay in land”.

Stay overnight in Ninh Binh.

Day 6
Halong bay - Overnight on Cruise

Meal provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Transportation: Shuttle bus, Sharing Cruise
After breakfast at hotel, meet our driver and depart for Ha Long bay.
Upon arrival you will be welcomed aboard your traditional junk; designed in the same style as those that have sailed the bay for 100’s of years.
Begin a relaxing and unforgettable cruise around the breathtaking and unique limestone karsts and islets. A delicious fresh seafood lunch will be served as you cruise this spectacular bay, a UNESCO listed site.
After lunch you will explore some of Ha Long Bay’s famous caves by bamboo boat or kayaking based on your preference.
And then reach on the top of Soi Sim beach to have a panorama view of Ha Long Bay.
All activities arranged by the cruise are on a shared basis.
Return to your junk boat to watch a cooking class or fruits & vegetable carving on sundeck – How to make spring rolls. Then enjoy Sunset Party together and Happy Hour (buys two drinks, gets one free 18.00 to 19.00). It is time for chit chat and relaxing before enjoy your dinner and evening activities around the bar.
Stay overnight on Ha Long Bay Cruise
Please note: Program may differ slightly based on each cruise and weather conditions.

Day 7
Halong - Hanoi - Flight to Hue

Meal provided: Breakfast, Lunch

Transportation: Private car, Sharing cruise, Flight

Wake up to see the sunrise over the spectacular horizon, reflecting in the pristine waters of the bay, with a cup of tea or coffee. Then join a Tai Chi class on the sundeck if you wish before enjoying breakfast in the fresh air. Continue to sail around this natural wonder.
Visit to the Sung Sot Cave by walking up about 100 steps to the cave entrance and tour the cave for approximately 45 minutes. Walk down about 100 steps and return to the boat. (Proper shoes are highly recommended)
Return to the boat then check-out of the cabin. Start cruising towards the harbor while an A la carte lunch is served. The crew will bid you farewell and you disembark with our tender boat to the Tuan Chau Pier.
Return your hotel in Hanoi by cruise’s shuttle bus. Meet your private driver and transafer to the airport for your flight to Hue. Arrive in Hue, our driver transfers you to your hotel. 

Check in the hotel and stay overnight in Hue

Day 8
Thuy Bieu Village - City tour

Meal provided: Breakfast, Lunch

Transportation: Private car

Get started with leisure cycling past Le Loi tree-lined boulevard, beautiful French styled architecture in the direction of Phường Đúc, literally “Foundry Ward”. Bronze casting is one of the oldest traditional crafts in Vietnam and Phường Đúc inherited the ancient bronze casting techniques dated back to 1600. Call by a bronze casting manufacturer to learn about the techniques, its products and occasionally watch through some important processes. 

Visit nearby family run workshops like incense sticks, votive objects and try hands making some. More importantly, you gain a deeper understanding about Vietnamese spiritual life. Dead and ancestral worship, spirit medium ritual “Lên Đồng” and Buddhism are especially important practices.

Continue westward and turn off the main road to explore two important legacies of Nguyá»…n Royalty. The Tiger Royal Arena, built in 1830 to host gladiatorial duels between elephants and tigers. Beside playing as an entertainment for the emperors and his courtiers, the intended victory for the elephants represented the affirmed legitimate power of the Nguyá»…n. Take the secret road leading to Voi Ré “Trumpeting Elephant” temple dedicated to worship deceased war elephants of the Kings.

Roam around Thuy Bieu village, along green lanes shaded by luxuriant Thanh Tra grapefruit gardens. Depending on the season, breath in the flagrance of its flowers, leaves and fruits. Some stops by the temples, vegetable fields offer good chances to grasp the legendary village atmosphere

Visit a welcoming family living under an ancestral “Nhà Rường” beam house. Over a cup of tea, the host introduces his family’s traditions then takes you on a relaxing garden tour. Taste some seasonal fruits or pick medicinal and aromatic herbs for cooking, preparing your herbal foot bath. Join the kitchen to prepare a Hue family style meal. Equally, have fun making grandma’s sesame nougat and keep some as family’s gift. 

Gracefully proceed to the Perfume Riverbank where a dragon boat is waiting to ride you back to the city.

Visit Thien Mu pagoda, our local guide will tell you a lot of features of this ancient pagoda via its unique architecture, Fengshui setting as well as interesting Love Curse, and old stories.

Then, head to Hue Citadel, a complex of former working and residences of the Nguyen Dynasty 13 emperors and the royalties. We will admire the great views, and beautiful architecture of the Citadel, Hue Royal City as well as the Forbidden City.

Dong Ba market is the next place where you can learn more about Vietnamese culture, and Hue local life as well as learn how to bargain when going shopping.

Stay overnight in Hue

Day 9
Hue - Danang by Luxury Train - Hoi An
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Meal provided: Breakfast

Transportation: Private car, Train 

After breakfast at hotel, our driver transfers you to Hue Railway Station. At 7.45 AM Take the heritage train Hue to Danang. This arrangement allows passengers to enjoy the picturesque scenery along their trip between Hue and Da Nang, renowned as one of the most beautiful railway routes in Vietnam. The three-hour journey train treats visitors to breathtaking sights, including Lang Co Bay, Hai Van Pass, and Tien Sa Beach.

The cuisine carriage provides an array of Hue delicacies such as ‘banh it’ (sticky rice dumplings), ‘cha lua’ (Vietnamese pork sausage), and 'nem Hue' (Hue cured fermented pork), along with various beverage options for passengers to enjoy during their journey.

Adjacent to this carriage, a group of artists will entertain tourists with Hue chamber music, amidst a décor that pays homage to ancient royal traditions.

Arrive Danang at 10.35 AM, our driver transfers you to your hotel in Hoi An.

Stay overnight in Hoi An. 

Day 10
My Son - Walk the Ancient Town

Meal provided: Breakfast

Transportation: 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.

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.
Drop off at your hotel.

Stay overnight in Hoi An.

Day 11
Hoi An – Danang – Fly To Ho Chi Minh City

Meal Provided: Breakfast.

Transportation: Private car, Flight
Danang Airport to catch flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
On arrival, our driver will pick you up at Tan Son Nhat Airport and transfer to hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Hotel check in and relax.
Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 12
Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels

Meal Provided: Breakfast

Transportation: Private car
Visit the 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 long time back, 1948 to assist Viet Minh in the combat with French. And it was continuing built over 25 years later. It was an underground city with living areas, kitchens, storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers. In places, it was housed up to 10,000 people who virtually lived underground for years…. getting married, giving birth. During the American War the entire area of Cu Chi was designated a free fire zone and was heavily bombarded. 1988, two sections of tunnels have been open for visitors. Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City.
In the afternoon enjoy sightseeing to 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 13
Mekong Delta

Meal provided: Breakfast, Lunch

Transportation: Private car

Our private tour guide and driver will pick you at 7am to head to Vinh Long province (about 110km HCMC) 

We will start with a visit of Vinh Long market in the town. This is the best choice for you to take pictures of fish, shrimps, prawns, crabs, snakes, rice-field rats, tropical fruits, vegetables…

Welcoming you by a fresh coconut, the boat of Mekong Travel will take you to visit the brick kilns where you can see how the local people create beautiful potteries clay. Then, visit of the local workshops where you can see how to make rice paper, coconut candy and pop-rice, pop-corn. Enjoy some kinds of candies with a cup of hot tea. 

The rowing boat will take you deeper the countryside on smaller canals and to enjoy the peaceful time. It is so interesting to see traditional houses made of wood or palm tree leaves and see some activities of the local farmers with an opportunity to make contacts with them and see how they catch fish or pick up fruits by ancestral ways in Mekong Delta.

Then, we can walk in 15 minutes to visit the orchard & traditional house of Ut Trinh family and have local lunch nearby her house we will enjoy some kinds of fruits and tea when listening to the traditional music. Walk around the fruitful orchard to see a variety of tropical fruits…

One more thing to do in this trip is biking! It will be so amazing to bike on village paths to see the local farms, houses, monkey bridge, real life…

Back to Vinh Long city and our driver will transfer you to Ho Chi Minh City.

Stay overnight in Saigon

Day 14
Ho Chi Minh City - Departure

Meal provided: Breakfast

Transportation: Private car
(no guide)

End of tour.

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Number of pax 2 4 Other group size
Price/Adult $2,724 $2,344 Contact Us

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Day 1: Arrival - Hanoi

Tourist attractions

No tourist attractions

Optional Tour

No optional tour

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour

Tourist attractions

No tourist attractions

Optional Tour

No optional tour

Day 3: Hanoi - Mai Chau - Go Lao Waterfall

Tourist attractions

No tourist attractions

Optional Tour

No optional tour

Day 4: Da River - Fairy Pond - Mai Chau

Tourist attractions

No tourist attractions

Optional Tour

No optional tour

Day 5: Mai Chau - Ninh Binh - Hoa Lu - Trang An

Tourist attractions

No tourist attractions

Optional Tour

No optional tour

Day 6: Halong bay - Overnight on Cruise

Tourist attractions

No tourist attractions

Optional Tour

No optional tour

Day 7: Halong - Hanoi - Flight to Hue

Tourist attractions

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Optional Tour

No optional tour

Day 8: Thuy Bieu Village - City tour

Tourist attractions

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Optional Tour

No optional tour

Day 9: Hue - Danang by Luxury Train - Hoi An

Tourist attractions

No tourist attractions

Optional Tour

No optional tour

Day 10: My Son - Walk the Ancient Town

Tourist attractions

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Optional Tour

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Day 11: Hoi An – Danang – Fly To Ho Chi Minh City

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Optional Tour

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Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels

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Optional Tour

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Day 13: Mekong Delta

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Optional Tour

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Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City - Departure

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Optional Tour

No optional tour
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Customer reviews

Average rating
4.5
based on 11 reviews
Your rating

Great value for money

Emily Brown , Sep 2024

Overall, the tour was great value for money. The sights were breathtaking, the activities were exciting, and the hotels were comfortable. However, there were a few minor issues with communication and organization that could be improved.

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Amazing experience

Sarah Johnson , Sep 2024

The tour exceeded all my expectations. The itinerary was well-planned, the accommodations were luxurious, and the tour guides were knowledgeable and friendly. I highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a luxury experience in Vietnam.

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Amazing Experience

Alice Smith , Jun 2024

I had an amazing experience on this tour. The itinerary was well-planned and I got to see all the highlights of Vietnam in luxury. The accommodations were top-notch and the tour guides were knowledgeable and friendly. I highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a stress-free and luxurious travel experience.

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Value for Money

Emily Davis , Jun 2024

Overall, the tour provided great value for money. The included activities, meals, and accommodations exceeded my expectations. However, there were a few instances where communication could have been improved. Nonetheless, I had a fantastic time and would consider booking with this tour company again in the future.

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Great value for money

John Doe , Aug 2024

I was impressed with the quality of the tour considering the price. The itinerary was well-planned, the activities were varied and interesting, and the food was delicious. Overall, a memorable experience at a reasonable cost.

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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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