Detailed Trip Notes
Suitability
Your tour itinerary
February Departure
Chinese New Year, known as Tet in Vietnam, coincides with our February departure. Tet dates are 09-17 February 2013. This celebration, bringing in the Year of the Snake, and is a major holiday in Vietnam during which normal services are disrupted.
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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.
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Tour Itinerary
Budgeting for your Tour
Other Sightseeing & Activites
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.
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Please note: you may be required to pay a fee to take a camera into certain sites (usually approx US$2) although at some sites you may not be able to use your camera. Please check with your tour leader on arrival.
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Excursion Prices
- Hanoi - Water Puppets Show from US$5; Cyclo tour of Old Quarter US$6
- Hoi An - Half day trip to My Son from US$25; Cookery class US$15
- Hue - Cruise along Perfume River visiting Thien Mu Pagoda and the Royal Tombs from U$15
- Nha Trang - Mud baths from US$6
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Tipping
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.
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Accordingly, you should allow US$35.
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Tour Leader: At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.
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Foreign Exchange
Local Currency: Vietnam: Dong.
Recommended Currency for Exchange: USD/GBP – note that of the two US dollars are easier to exchange. Where to Exchange: Most towns.
ATM Availability: There are ATM’s virtually everywhere in Vietnam but we suggest you also bring cash.
Credit Card Acceptance: There is limited use of credit cards. (Amex not accepted; Visa in some places).
Travellers Cheques: Travellers cheques can be changed in International Banks or bureaus in the major cities.
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Up-to-date information on global exchange rates can be obtained at www.oanda.com
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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.
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Visa Requirements
Vietnam: An entry visa is required by UK, AUS/NZ, USA, CAN citizens and must be applied for before departing for Vietnam. Visa on arrival is not guaranteed and is therefore NOT recommended as some airlines can refuse boarding if you dont have a visa beforehand. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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Vaccinations & Protection
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.
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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.
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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/
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Preparing for your tour
Climate
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.
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Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
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Packing for your tour
To assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
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Luggage
One main piece of lockable baggage, an overnight bag for your 2 night trip to Halong Bay and the Mekong Delta when your main luggage is left behind, and a daypack. Total allowance: 44lbs/20kgs.
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Clothing
From December through to February warmer clothing is needed for the North. Bear in mind that the region is tropical (humid) and can be hot. Lightweight rainwear is advisable at all times. The north is cold at night during the winter and the Central Highlands can be chilly. Casual clothes are the most practical.
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Footwear
Comfortable walking shoes, trainers and sandals.
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Equipment
Bring a small torch. Even though 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.
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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.
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General Information
Please note:
Water-based activities: Participation in canoeing, kayaking, or rafting (including whitewater) requires that you are able to swim 25 metres unaided.
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Electric Supply & Plugs
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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