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.
In order to allow as much flexibility as possible for you and to keep our prices exceptional value, many of the sightseeing options and excursions are left optional. See under ‘Other Sightseeing’.
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.
Local Costs
| |
UK |
Vietnam |
| Tea/Coffee |
£1.50 |
$1.50 |
| Soft Drink |
£1.50 |
$1.00 |
| Bottled Water |
£1.50 |
$0.70 |
| Bottle of Beer |
£3.50 |
$2.40 |
| 2 Course Meal* |
£15.00 |
$10.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** |
£20.00 |
$15.00 |
| Bottle of Wine |
£14.50 |
|
| Breakfast |
£5.00 |
$3.50 |
*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.
Back to top
Visa Requirements
An entry visa is required by UK, CAN, AUS, NZ and USA and must be obtained before departure as it is not available on arrival in Vietnam. All other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
Back to top
All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
Back to top
Vaccinations & Protection
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against Tetanus, Infectious Hepatitis, Typhoid and Polio. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria (eg. Paludrine, Chloroquine, Mefloquine etc.).
Back to top
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.
Back to top
Know before you go
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 at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
Back to top
Preparing for your tour
Climate
December to February is normally dry with temperatures ranging from 10°C-20°C. March to April is a transitional period into the summer months of May to September: hot and humid (around 27°C-33°C with some heavy rain and possible storms). Autumn temperatures October-November are once again transitional (15°C-20°C). Temperatures in Ho Chi Minh City are 15°C-35°C all year round.
Back to top
Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
Back to top
Packing for your tour
To assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
Back to top
Luggage
One main piece of baggage and daypack. Total allowance: 44lb/20kg. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so don't overload yourself.
Back to top
Clothing
Pack essentially for hot weather although December through to February warmer clothing is needed for the North. Days are hot and humid. Lightweight rainwear essential at all times.The northern region is cold at night during the winter.
Back to top
Footwear
Comfortable shoes and sandals/trainers for relaxing.
Back to top
Equipment
A torch, water bottle, insect repellent and high factor suncream are all essential, as are good quality sunglasses and a lip salve with sun protection. Don't forget your swim wear! An overnight bag is useful for the overnight trains/ bus and junk.
Back to top
Need help on Clothing or Equipment?
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.
Back to top
General Information
Country info
Area: 329,566 sq km.
Population: 86 million.
Language: Vietnamese, Lao, Russian, French, English & Chinese.
Religion: Buddhism is the principal religion but there are also sizeable Taoist, Confucian, Hoa Hao, Caodaists, Muslim and Christian minorities.
Local Time: GMT +7.
Electric Supply & Plugs: 220v AC 50 Hz. with two round pin plugs.
Back to top
Maps & Books
Recommended Maps: Nelles Verlag: Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos (1:1,500,000), International Travel Map of Vietnam (1:1,000,000).
Recommended Books: Norman Lewis: A Dragon Apparent, Karin Muller: Hitchhiking Vietnam, Graham Greene: The Quiet American, Robert Mason: Chickenhawk, John Pilger: Heroes, Neil Sheehan: A Bright Shining Lie & Two Cities: Hanoi and Saigon.
Back to top
Toll Free USA - 1 800 715 1746 
Toll Free Canada – 1 888 216 3401
This is the UK and European website
