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Suitability
Suitability
We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
Short rides, up to about 4 hours (or 45 kilometres) per day, mainly on flat or gently undulating terrain. You don’t have to be a regular cyclist but you should be reasonably fit and active. Easy grade trips are ideal if you simply want to explore a region by bike at a relaxed pace.
On some sections of the cycle rides you will be accompanied by a support vehicle. On these days there is the option to ride on the support vehicle instead of cycling if you are feeling unwell or tired, the route taken by the support vehicle is not always the same as the cycling route. The back up vehicle is present on Land Only days 3, 5, 8, 11 and 13.
For logistical reasons we will be using 5 different bike suppliers, details are given below in the bike specification section. The quality of these bikes varies from place to place with more simple local style bikes being used in Hue, Hoi An and Nha Trang.
The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
Hanoi - Water Puppets from US$8. Cyclo ride around Old quarter $6 Hue - Perfume River half day boat trip from US$6; Trip to countryside from US$12. Hoi An - Cookery class from US$25, Vegetable Village visit $3
Local Crew: Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, the Tour Leaders may organise a group’s tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.
Recommended Currency: Carry your money in US$. You can also take GBP but US$ are easier to exchange. (Dollar bills can be used in some hotels and shops; change is often given in local currency).
Where to Exchange: Most major towns - your Tour Leader will advise you on arrival.
ATM Availability: ATMs are available in most of the cities.
Credit Card Acceptance: Credit cards use is limited (Amex is currently not accepted; Visa is in some places).
Travellers Cheques: can only be exchanged at banks during banking hours and are not widely accepted, we recommend you take them for emergency reasons only.
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant. **Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
Important Information
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
Vietnam: An entry visa is required by UK, AUS/NZ, USA, CAN citizens and must be applied for before departing for Vietnam. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against malaria, typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, polio and hepatitis A. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria.
We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link athttp://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
Our bikes are serviced frequently: spokes, tyres, gear and brake mechanisms are checked over and tested thoroughly by experienced mechanics before each tour begins.
We strongly recommend that you wear a helmet whilst cycling. We do not provide helmets locally; by bringing your own you can ensure a good fit and that it hasn’t been damaged.
Your tour leader will give a full safety briefing at the start of the tour, along with instructions on how to deal with any minor mechanical problems you may have along the way. Puncture repair kits will be provided locally, when and where necessary during the trip.
Bike hire is included on all Explore cycling trips: you don’t need to bring your own or pay extra to hire one locally. We also provide a support vehicle, spare parts and take care of day to day bike maintenance. All you need bring is your own helmet. If you prefer to use your own saddle or pedals please bring them too, as they can be fitted to your bike for the duration of the tour.
21" frames are also available in all locations for taller clients. The model of bike is likely to be different but of the same quality as the group bikes.
Hanoi and the north: December to February is dry and cool with temperatures ranging from 10°C-15°C. Please note that temperatures can drop to 0°C in north Vietnam. March to April is a transitional period into the summer months of May to September when conditions are hot and humid 27°C-33°C with some heavy rain. Autumn temperatures October-November are once again transitional (15°C-20°C).
Ho Chi Minh City and the South: There are no great seasonal variations. The south has two seasons: the wet (May to November) and the dry (December to April). The hottest and most humid time is from the end of February to May. Temperatures range from 15°C-35°C year round. Expect tropical afternoon showers May to October. High humidity.
Bear in mind that the area is tropical with high humidity. Lightweight clothing are needed all year round. Other additions that you may find useful are swimming costumes, cycle gloves, cycling shorts/trousers and quick drying cycle tops. Please note shorts are not permitted in certain temples.
Take a cycle helmet, cycle water bottle, sunglasses, sunhat, sunscreen, insect repellent. You may wish to bring a gel seat cover for your saddle and ear plugs often come in handy. Please consider carrying all or some of your cycling equipment, e.g. helmet, as part of your hand luggage. You may wish to bring a small torch for the night on the train. Even though clean bed linen is provided on the train journey, you may want to bring a cotton sleeping sheet (it can be purchased in Hanoi) and a small travel towel.
Then we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
For comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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