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Vietnam Veteran Return 14 Days
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• Spend time talking with both US and Vietnamese war veterans about their experiences during the Vietnam War.
• 
Exploration of the Demilitarized Zone in depth, including visits to historic fighting sites such as Khe Sanh military base and "Hamburger Hill."
Explore the intriguing Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City.

Itinerary

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Day 1
Arrival Hanoi

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, 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) – 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.

Lunch is at local restaurant.

In the afternoon, you are transferred to visit the 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’s 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.

  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 Hanoi.

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

Meal provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Transportation: sharing Limousine

08:00 – 08:30 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: Ready at Athena check-in lounge

12:00: Boarding time.

13:00: Check in your cabin.

13:15: The Cruise Manager will give a welcome speech with all the cruise information and Safety instructions.

13:30: Enjoy the Buffet Lunch with the best products of the Bay.

14:45: Visit the Vung Vieng Floating fishing village by kayak or bamboo boat

15:30-16:30: If you want to relax on the boat instead of participating in other activities feel free to use our sauna for no extra cost.

16:30: Relaxing time: the right moment for a massage or to take some pictures of the spectacular sunset in the bay.

17:00-18:30: Happy Hour: buy 01 get 01 drink

17:30:The Cooking Demonstration is waiting for you to discover the secrets of Vietnamese Cuisine

19:00: Dinner is ready in the restaurant. Fill your senses with a selection of Western fusion food and Vietnamese traditional dishes.

21:00: Enjoy the Squid Fishing activity. Free time on the boat. The bar is open late to serve you.

Stay overnight on board Halong Bay

Day 4
Ha Long - Ha Noi by sharing Limousine - Flight to Hue

Meals provided: Breakfast, Brunch

Transportation: sharing Limousine

06:30: Practice one of the oldest traditions of East Asia: Tai Chi – A beautiful and relaxing experience on the open deck. Tea and coffee are served.

07:00: Light breakfast is served.

07:30: Explore Thien Canh Son cave in Ha Long Bay. Witness its beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. Note: there are about 200 steps to get up to the cave.

09:00: Check-out time.

Please put your luggage outside the cabin and the key at the reception desk. Our staff will transfer your luggage to our lounge for you. Bill settlement at the reception desk.

09:30: Brunch is served at the restaurant on the 2nd deck.

10:45: The boat arrives at the pier. In Vietnam, we never say “Goodbye” we always say “See you again”.

Please note:

All activities arranged by the cruise are on a shared basis

Program may differ slightly based on each cruise and weather conditions.

~15.00 Arriving 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 City Tour
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. 

Then enjoy a visit to the two tombs of the Kings of Nguyen Dynasty. Each tomb has a specific style and architecture. 

King Tu Duc's tomb is located in a narrow valley in Duong Xuan Thuong village (currently Thuong Ba village, Thuy Xuan Commune, Hue City). It is one of the most beautiful works of royal architecture of the Nguyen dynasty. 

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.

Enjoy a private boat trip along Hue city in Perfume River, you'll deeply immerse in Hue's pure nature & famous cultural places. The boat will take you to Thien Mu pagoda, an ancient pagoda in Hue city, can’t be missed while being in Hue. 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. 

Stay overnight in Hue. 

Day 6
Hue - DMZ - Hue
Meal provided: Breakfast, Lunch

Transportation: private car

Located 100km north of Hue, the Former Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) along the Ben Hai River was a dividing line between north and south Vietnam, and saw some of the worst battles in the country’s history. 

This early morning, start the trip Hue for 2-hour ride along Highway 1A to Quang Tri province, where you can visit the remains of former American military foundations or the fascinating tunnel complex linked to the sea.

First, we will visit “The high way of Horror’’ where in the summer of 1972 a host of Southern soldiers lost a battle, retreated to Hue, and were shoot to death there. Along this road are the most military Cemeteries in the country.

Then, we will visit Long Hung Church and Quang Tri Old Citadel which was a battlefield in 1972 between North and South Vietnam for 81 days and nights.

We also stop at the Hien Luong Bridge and Ben Hai River (as known the 17th Parallel and also the border line between South and North Vietnam during the American war). The place that divided the border of South and North Vietnam during the 20 years of the Civil War.

Lunch is at local restaurant before heading to Vinh Moc Tunnels - the famous “Underground city”. The route is scenic after leaving the main highway passing through quaint villages and skirting along Cua Tung Beach. The Vinh Moc village story is a feat of humanity and resistance.  In order to escape heavy bombardment during the war, the villagers constructed approximately 2.8 km of underground tunnels which they used as a refuge to survive the bombings. Three hundred people lived intermittently in the tunnels 1966 to 1971. Explore the tunnels and enjoy the beautiful sea view upon exit. 

Transfer back to your hotel in Hue.

Stay overnight in Hue.

Day 7
Hue – A Luoi – Hue
Meal provided: Breakfast, Lunch

Transportation: private car

This morning we start our guided tour and drive for the township of A luoi, exactly to A shau valley on the Laos border south of A luoi. In May 1969 around 700 lives were lost in 9 days on the slopes of Apia hill (70 American and about 633 NVA troops died) – better known to cinema audiences as HAMBURGER HILL. Next we will visit Hong Bac tunnels and the village of Ta Oil people in A Shau before returning back to Hue.

Stay overnight in Hue.

Day 8
Hue - Land transfer to Hoi An ancient town - Boat trip on Thu Bon river
Meal provided: Breakfast, Lunch

Transportation: private car

After breakfast, you’ll be driven south along Highway 1 to Hoi An, a journey of approximately 2.5 hours.

On arrival in Hoi An, we’ll discover how the traditions of the past are treasured in the present in Hoi An on the Thu Bon River, a key international trading port between the 15th and 19th centuries – now a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved, centuries-old streets, dwellings, temples and pagodas, touring Hoi An’s historic highlights, explore its shop-lined streets, view the red-painted Japanese Covered Bridge – the three Chinese characters over the door means “bridge for passers-by afar” and tour the 200-year-old “Phung Hung” house, noted for its unique architecture. What you’ll see there will reveal much about the lives of Hoi An merchants long ago.

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). 

Hoi An, the cobblestone streets in the old French Quarter are a delight to roam with many cafes, art galleries, and handicraft shops. Hoi An is especially well known for its local artists and tailor-made clothing, with over sixty shops providing this service in town. Rest of the day is free at leisure.

Stay overnight in Hoi An.

Day 9
Hoi An – My Lai – Hoi An
Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch
Transportation: private car
Chu Lai base or Cam doi base in Quang Ngai province. Next to visit the MYLAI where was happened the massacre of civilians on March 16th, 1968. End of this day, we return back to Hoi An.
Stay overnight in Hoi An.
Day 10
Hoi An - Da Nang - Flight to Ho Chi Minh city - Visit Cu Chi tunnels
Meal Provided: Breakfast, Lunch

Transportation: private car

After breakfast, your driver will pick you up for a private transfer to the airport and you will board your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, after collecting your baggage, exit the airport to meet your guide and driver for a short transfer to your hotel.
Transfer to 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 a long time back, in 1948 to assist Viet Minh in the combat with French. During the American War, the entire area of Cu Chi has designated a free-fire zone and was heavily bombarded. Since 1988, two sections of tunnels have been open for visitors.

Transfer back to your hotel and relax.

Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 11
Ho Chi Minh – Cai Be – Vinh Long – Ho Chi Minh
Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch

Transportation: private car

This morning, have a road journey through the Mekong Delta to Vinh Long, via Cai Be: Leave the city and drive south to Cai Be in the Mekong Delta, a journey of approximately 2 hours.

The program will start at Cai Be  tourist harbor. Then, we’ll come to Tân Phong island for biking / walking on village paths to see the local daily life: orchard, school, church, pagoda, traditional houses... On the way, we can make some stops to see how they wave the dried water-hyacinth to make many products: baskets, bags, hats, wallets, shoes... stop at local garden enjoy some cups of tea when listening to the traditional music .
Then, the rowing boat will take you deeper the countryside on smaller canals to enjoy the peaceful time. Back to our boat to go across one of the longest rivers in the world, Mekong River, to come to An Bình Island. Travel on a handmade canal to local home & have traditional lunch. After lunch, we can walk in the local village to visit the local workshop to see how to make rice paper, coconut candy, pop-rice... Enjoy some sweets with a cup of hot tea. 
Visit the brick kilns where you can see how the local people create beautiful potteries clay. The cruise will end at VinhLong city!

Return back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 12
Ho Chi Minh City - Long Tan cross - Nui Dat Battle site - Vung Tau
Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch
Transportation: private car
Ba Ria town to get a Travel permit to the Long Tan site. Our first stop is the sight of the former Nui Dat Task Force Base in Hoa Long village. Little remains of this camp except for the columns of the main gate. The former runway is now a wide street in the local village and the old helipad is now a soccer field.
Nui Dat Kindergarten which is built by Australian Veterans for children in the village. We drive past the location of the Horseshoe (access not permitted these days due to mining activity) to the Discourtesy Rubber Plantation.
Long Tan village to visit the Long Tan Cross Memorial, which was re-built by Australian veterans for soldiers in the battle of Long Tan in 1966; then travel to The Horseshoe- fire support base; Long Phuoc Tunnel, Minh Dam hill (no longer the ‘Secret Zone’) called Long Hai hill. Later on, we transfer to Ba Ria town for our lunch at a local restaurant (your own payment) and then keep driving to Vung Tau city to visit Radar Hill Vung Tau by cable car, you will have a very nice view of the whole city the top of the hill, enjoy the beautiful scenery on the hill with a nice lake, flower garden.
Back Beach – the site of an Australian logistics group and the Peter Badcoe Club and Harold Holt Pool (nothing remains at all). The area is now dominated by a massive war memorial, the airport area (many will remember as the home of ‘Wallaby Airlines’ and our ‘hues’), the ever-bustling town center, and the market area.
Stay overnight in Vung Tau.
Day 13
Vung Tau – Ho Chi Minh
Meals provided: Breakfast
Transportation: private car
Vung Tau Beach. After afternoon lunch at a local restaurant, we will visit The White Palace, also named Villa Blanche which was built in 1897 for the Indochina governor.
Statue of Jesus Christ on the top of Small Mountain. The statue is 32 meters high, standing on a 4 meters high platform, for a 36 meters total monument height with two outstretched arms spanning 18.3 meters, there is a 133-step staircase inside the statue. Continue visiting The Old Vung Tau Lighthouse and Nirvana Temple which is also known as the Pagoda of the Lying Buddha.
Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh.
Day 14
Ho Chi Minh city - Departure
Meal provided: Breakfast

Transportation: private car

This morning, enjoy the sightseeing to 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 $1,410 $1,055 Contact Us

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Day 1: Arrival Hanoi

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 - Ha Noi by sharing Limousine - Flight to Hue

Tourist attractions

No tourist attractions

Optional Tour

No optional tour

Day 5: Hue City Tour

Tourist attractions

No tourist attractions

Optional Tour

No optional tour

Day 6: Hue - DMZ - Hue

Tourist attractions

No tourist attractions

Optional Tour

No optional tour

Day 7: Hue – A Luoi – Hue

Tourist attractions

No tourist attractions

Optional Tour

No optional tour

Day 8: Hue - Land transfer to Hoi An ancient town - Boat trip on Thu Bon river

Tourist attractions

No tourist attractions

Optional Tour

No optional tour

Day 9: Hoi An – My Lai – Hoi An

Tourist attractions

No tourist attractions

Optional Tour

No optional tour

Day 10: Hoi An - Da Nang - Flight to Ho Chi Minh city - Visit Cu Chi tunnels

Tourist attractions

No tourist attractions

Optional Tour

No optional tour

Day 11: Ho Chi Minh – Cai Be – Vinh Long – Ho Chi Minh

Tourist attractions

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Optional Tour

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Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City - Long Tan cross - Nui Dat Battle site - Vung Tau

Tourist attractions

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Optional Tour

No optional tour

Day 13: Vung Tau – Ho Chi Minh

Tourist attractions

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Optional Tour

No optional tour

Day 14: 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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