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Cycle Saigon to Hanoi

Vietnam - Trip code CVIE Cycling
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681Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

Experience Vietnam on two wheels on our cycling trip from Saigon to Hanoi. Discover the country's rich history, exploring temples, war relics and old merchant towns - not to mention local markets and street food stalls. Finish up with an overnight cruise on a traditional junk boat along breathtaking Halong Bay.

Why we love this trip
  • Central Highlands - Explore Vietnam's lush hill country and cycle over the Hon Giao Pass.
  • Saigon - Cycle out to the Cu Chi Tunnels and explore the Mekong Delta.
  • Hoi An - Discover the bustling streets and shops in this beautiful World Heritage town.
  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 13

    Lunch: 2

    Dinner: 1

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

    Bike Mechanic

    Driver(s)

    Local Guide(s)

  • Transport

    Bus

    Bicycle

    Boat

    Train

  • i

    Accommodation

    9 nights comfortable hotel

    2 nights premium hotel

    1 nights comfortable junk

    1 nights simple overnight train

  • i

    Cycling grade:

    Moderate

  • i

    Group Size:

    Trip maximum 16
    Explore Average 11

Itinerary

Day 1 - Join trip Saigon; afternoon orientation tour

Still commonly referred to by locals as 'Saigon', Ho Chi Minh is the largest city in Vietnam and the country's commercial hub. Here, you can find an eclectic mix of the traditional and the new, where pagodas and markets compete alongside the trappings of Vietnam's newly discovered entrepreneurial spirit.

For those arriving on time today, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 4pm for the welcome meeting and to take us on the walking tour. The tour will take in some of the central sights of the city, including the Opera House (formerly South Vietnam National Assembly), Hotel de Ville, Notre Dame Cathedral and the impressive French-style edifice that is the GPO building.

If you'd like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), which is 30 to 40 minutes from the hotel.

Please note that if you wish to join the afternoon orientation walk today, you must arrive at the hotel by 3.30pm. If you're booking your own flights, we recommend giving yourself at least 30 minutes to clear the airport. From the airport to the hotel is around a 30-minute drive, so the latest your flight can arrive is 2pm. Should you miss the welcome meeting, our tour leader will leave a note at the front desk to inform you of any essential information.

If you arrive earlier in the day, head out to explore at your own pace - you could visit the Presidential Palace, the War Crimes Museum, or even just take a walk around this bustling city.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: None

Day 2 - Cycle to Cu Chi Tunnels

First thing this morning, we drive for 90 minutes - through Saigon's remarkable rush-hour traffic - to reach the quieter suburbs. We'll collect our bikes near the remains of an old US military base and start our ride to Ben Duoc (30 kilometres/18.6 miles), the site of the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels.

The infamous tunnels were an underground command base which was a major part of the 1968 Tet Offensive. If you're up to experiencing the claustrophobic conditions the Viet Cong lived in, there's the opportunity to crawl through a small, specially adapted section of the tunnels. Be warned, the tunnels are low and narrow and can be claustrophobic.

After lunch, our cycle continues for around 20 kilometres/12.4 miles towards Ben Nay. Then, we'll swap our bikes for our bus and drive for two hours back to Saigon arriving in the early evening.

If you'd prefer to see more of Saigon, you can choose to spend the day exploring instead.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 50 kilometres/31.1 miles (total accumulated ascent 50 meters/164 feet, total accumulated descent 40 metres/131 feet).

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 3 - Drive to Mekong Delta then cycle backroads to Cai Be

Today we journey down into the Mekong Delta, to explore the hinterland between the South China Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. Leaving Saigon by bus, a two-hour drive brings us to Binh Duc (My Tho), from where we begin cycling through a landscape of waterways, markets, orchards and riverside villages. Here, we can see local cottage industries making rice paper or coconut sweets as they have been for generations. The first 30 kilometres/18.6 miles of today's ride is on roads with moderate traffic and the remaining 20 kilometres/12.4 miles are on narrow pathways and routes that our support bus cannot follow.

We'll refuel with a lunch of fresh Vietnamese flavours, made using local produce. Then, we cycle on through Tan Phong to visit a beautifully restored traditional house in Ut Kiet. Our ride finishes at Cai Be, from where we have a two-to-three-hour drive back to Saigon - arriving in the early evening.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 51 kilometres/31.7 miles on flat terrain.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 4 - Exploring Vietnam’s Central Highlands

Departing Saigon this morning, we head north through the southern Central Highlands towards the mountain town of Dalat (set at 1,500 metres/4,922 feet elevation). After a two-hour drive, we pedal off on a picturesque 30-kilometre/18.6-mile ride through the hills of the Langbiang Plateau, negotiating our way along reasonably quiet, gently undulating back roads to the town of Gia Kiem and then Bao Loc.

After a relaxing lunch in Bao Loc, we board our bus again for a scenic two-to-three-hour drive across the mountains, rewarding us with stunning views over the forested hills and tea and coffee plantations. In the late afternoon, we'll arrive at the bustling mountain town of Dalat. The city has a European feel in its architecture and a cooler climate due to the higher altitude.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 30 kilometres/18.6 miles (total accumulated ascent 210 metres/689 feet, total accumulated descent 150 metres/492 feet).

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 5 - Cycle over Hon Giao Pass then drive to Nha Trang

Hop on the bus as we depart Dalat this morning, driving for 30 minutes before we pedal off.

The beginning of today's ride is on relatively quiet mountain roads with plenty of ascent and descent for the first 20 kilometres/12.4 miles. We'll stop for a break then head on for another 30 kilometres/18.6 miles, which finishes with an ascent of the Hon Giao Pass (1,700 metres/5,578 feet). This challenging section takes us up through forests of pine and across a landscape of dramatic mountain scenery. After celebrating reaching the pass and a chance to rest at the top, the rest of our ride is an easy descent of 30 kilometres/18.6 miles towards the town of Khanh Vinh, where we'll stop for lunch. The rest of our journey to Nha Trang is by bus and should take around 90 minutes.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 80 kilometres/49.7 miles (total accumulated ascent 1,140 metres/3,740 feet, total accumulated descent 2,962 metres/9,718 feet).

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 6 - Boat trip to tropical islands

Thanks to its beautiful bays, golden beaches and turquoise waters, Nha Trang has quickly grown into a bustling town and popular tourist destination. Weather permitting, this morning we take a cruise out to explore the surrounding seas and islands. We'll aim to stop near one of the islands where you have the option to swim from the boat (possible to hire snorkelling equipment). We'll move on to another tiny island where we plan to spend a few hours to relax and swim. The island is privately owned and it's possible to rent a sun lounger and parasol. There will also be the option to enjoy drinks, a seafood lunch or a snack on the island (at your own expense). Returning to Nha Trang later this afternoon, the rest of the day is free.

No cycling today. Rest day.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 7 - Cycle and drive from Nha Trang to Quy Nhon

Travelling by bus this morning, we continue along the coast to the city of Quy Nhon. We'll drive north over the scenic Ca Pass to Bai Tien Song Cau. From here, we resume our journey by bike with a 60-kilometre/37.3-mile ride to complete the final leg to Quy Nhon and our hotel for the night.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 60 kilometres/37.3 miles (total accumulated ascent 640 metres/2,100 feet, total accumulated descent 775 metres/2,543 feet).

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 8 - Pedal over the Thi Nai sea bridge; drive to Hoi An

Departing Quy Nhon this morning, we cycle out across Thi Nai Bridge, the longest sea bridge in Vietnam, which connects the city with the Phuong Mai Peninsula. Once across, we'll continue by bike along the Quy Nyon lagoon towards Phu My some 50 kilometres/31.1 miles away. From Phu My, we'll travel by bus to Quang Ngai, the scene of the My Lai massacre - one of the most infamous episodes of the Vietnam War. After visiting the site and visitor's centre, we'll complete the final leg to Hoi An by bus, a journey of around two-to-three hours.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 59 kilometres/36.7 miles (total accumulated ascent 395 metres/1,296 feet, total accumulated descent 390 metres/1,280 feet).

Accommodation:

Grade: Premium Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 9 - Morning walking tour of Hoi An; free afternoon

The historic merchant town of Hoi An was one of the busiest international trading ports of Southeast Asia in the 17th and 18th centuries. Colonised by the Portuguese in the 16th century, it still retains its charm today.

This morning, we'll take a walk through the historic heart of this World Heritage Site, taking in the city's famous Japanese Bridge and its museum, before wandering amongst its traditional wooden houses and Chinese temples. This afternoon is free to spend as you like - you could take a gentle river cruise, try your hand at Vietnamese cooking or pay a visit to one of Hoi An's renowned tailors' shops, or maybe explore further afield by bike.

No cycling today. Rest day.

Accommodation:

Grade: Premium Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 10 - Cycle and drive to Hue via the Hai Van pass

Leaving Hoi An after breakfast, we travel by bus up the coast to Danang followed by a twisting drive up to the lofty heights of the Hai Van (Sea Cloud) Pass. This stunningly scenic region once marked the boundary between Vietnam and the Champa Kingdom to the south and, as we reach the summit of the pass, the panoramas before us are simply spectacular. Descending by bus we head next to Lang Co where today's ride starts. We cycle along scenic back roads as we wind our way alongside the Cau Hai Lagoon to end the ride finally at Phu Bai. Meeting our bus in Thuan An, we then drive for around one hour to Hué on the shores of the Perfume River.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 80 kilometres/49.7 miles (total accumulated ascent 100 metres/328 feet, total accumulated descent 100 metres/328 feet).

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 11 - Cycling around Hue then overnight train to Hanoi

Once the capital of Vietnam and an inspiration for poets and artists alike for centuries, Hue is still a thriving and important city. First thing this morning, we'll drive to the impressive Old Citadel that still dominates the left bank of the river. After visiting the citadel, we'll set off for our final cycle ride. Our route follows the Perfume River and leads us to the 19th-century Nguyen Tomb of Ming Mang. After visiting the mausoleum, we return to our hotel to freshen up before the mid- to late-afternoon departure of the overnight train to Hanoi.

We plan to stay in 'soft-sleeper' four berth cabins, bunk bed style and bedding is provided. Both Western and Asian style toilets are at the end of each carriage as well as a basin. Our tour leader will allocate beds and will try to keep our group together as far as possible, however, it might be necessary to share with other travellers and passengers of a different gender.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 20 kilometres/12.4 miles (total accumulated ascent 130 metres/427 feet, total accumulated descent 115 metres/377 feet).

Accommodation:

Grade: Simple Overnight Train

Single Room Unavailable

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 12 - Arrive in Hanoi; Drive to Halong bay for overnight cruise

Arriving in the Vietnamese capital early this morning, we'll drive to the hotel in time for breakfast. Later this morning, we then drive (two-and-a-half hours) to the Gulf of Tonkin and the breathtaking scenery of Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visually impressive landscapes in Southeast Asia. Boarding the boat in time for lunch we set sail and visit Sung Sot Cave, spending this evening aboard the junk in twin-share, en suite cabins. Please note - the boat is not exclusive to us and we may be sharing with other tourists. You have the option to leave the majority of your luggage in the hotel in Hanoi and take only an overnight bag. If you prefer to take your main luggage it is fine but please note that the cabins are inevitably small.

No cycling today. Rest day.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Junk

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 13 - Morning cruise then drive to Hanoi then city tour

This morning, we'll continue cruising through this wonderfully scenic landscape, enjoying the serenity of its limestone islands and visiting some of the caves (the optional cave visits can involve climbing some slippery steps). Returning to shore mid-morning, we'll then drive back to Hanoi, a two-and-a-half hour journey that gets us into the capital in time to enjoy a short tour of the city. Our late afternoon walking tour includes a visit to the Ba Dinh Square and the Temple of Literature, as well as a chance to explore a little something of the city's fascinating Old Quarter.

No cycling today. Rest day.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 14 - Trip ends Hanoi

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Hanoi.

There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Hanoi at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), which is around 45 minutes from the hotel.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Trip information

Climate and country information

Vietnam

Climate

As Vietnam is a long, narrow country from north to south climate conditions vary considerably. The climate can be divided into three distinct patterns between the north, central and south regions. The climate in the north is generally humid and subtropical, although the winter months from November to March can be colder with temperatures from 10 - 15 degrees. Summer months, May to September can be quite hot with temperatures from 30 - 35 degrees. Meanwhile south Vietnam enjoys a tropical climate all year round, with little variation throughout the year (around 27 - 32 degrees), however May to November is the rainy season when short, heavy downpours are quite frequent. Central Vietnam lies somewhere in between. The coastal strip is usually dry and hotter from April to October while November to March is wetter and cooler. A light rain jacket and small umbrella are recommended year round.

Time difference to GMT

+7

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Mahayana Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism

Language

Vietnamese

Budgeting and packing

Optional activities

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 tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for locally and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.


Fruit kitty - the TL may organise a fruit kitty for those interested - 8 USD per person.
Hanoi - Water Puppets from USD 11. Cyclo ride around Old quarter USD 10
Hoi An - Cookery class from USD 32, Vegetable Village visit USD 8

Both cash and card accepted but cash is preferred

The prices stated are based on a minimum number of participants (usually 5-6). Please be aware that the optional excursions can run with fewer people but the price may be higher. Likewise, a slightly reduced price may be applicable where the participation greater. The prices listed are generally only entrance fees and do not include the price of transport to and from the excursion, Your Explore Leader will quote this when you are on tour, as the price for transport will depend on the number of participants.

These excursions are generally run via our agent in the country. Local companies may offer similar excursions at a cheaper price. Should you want to use these companies please be aware that a lower price may mean that not all costs are included (entrance fees etc.) or services will not operate at the same safety and quality standards.


Clothing

Bring cycle shorts, quick drying cycle tops and gloves. From December through to February warmer clothing is needed for the North and the highlands. Days are hot and humid. Lightweight rainwear essential at all times.The northern region and highlands are cold at night during the winter.

Footwear

If you are not bringing cycle shoes then try to bring stiff-soled shoes as these are better for cycling - transmitting your energy into the pedals more efficiently. This becomes more relevant and recommended the more demanding the grade and distances to cover. SPD cycle shoes are not well suited to trips that combine sightseeing with cycling.
Comfortable shoes, trainers, sandals or flip flops are useful when not on the bike.

Luggage

20kg

Luggage: On tour

We recommend you bring a daypack and one main piece of luggage (total allowance: 44lb/20kg) which will be transported between hotels while you cycle. Check the bike details section to see if a pannier or handlebar bag is provided on the bike.

Equipment

It is compulsory to wear a cycling helmet on all Explore cycling holidays. As we cannot guarantee the quality or structural integrity of locally hired cycling helmets, it is a requirement that you bring your own helmet with you. Most insurance providers require helmets to be worn whilst cycling, so in the event of an accident, it is likely that any insurance claim will be invalidated if you are not wearing a helmet.

Cycle glasses to protect against dust, pollen and the sun, padded cycle gloves and a water bottle or water delivery system (e.g. camelback or platypus) are also useful. You may choose to bring your own gel seat cover for added comfort. If a handle bar bag or pannier is not provided (check bike details) then you may like to bring a small rucksack to wear while cycling. Other items to consider bringing are a sunhat and sun cream, torch, earplugs and insect repellent. Please carry some or all of your cycling equipment e.g. helmet as part of your hand luggage.20

Tipping

Explore leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. You may however, want to recognise a leader that's done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It's a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we'd recommend between £15 to £20 per person per week as a guideline.
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. Accordingly, you should allow US$ 45.

Vietnam

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Dinner price
£9
Beer price
£2.00 - 4.00
Water price
£0.5
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Dong.
Recommended Currency For Exchange
Carry your money in US$ Dollars cash. 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 towns.
ATM Availability
There are ATMs virtually everywhere in Vietnam and in Cambodia, though we also recommend bringing cash.
Credit Card Acceptance
Credit card's are widely accepted throughout Vietnam
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Bus, Bicycle, Boat, Train

Accommodation notes

During our tour of Vietnam, we stay in predominantly comfortable-grade accommodation, with one night in a simple homestay and one night on a simple sleeper train. Accommodation has been chosen based on location and authenticity, to bring us closer to local life in our destination.
In general, comfortable-grade accommodation is three-star with good facilities such as en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning and WiFi. Most hotels will have added amenities such as a restaurant or bar, or a swimming pool. See your final documentation for a list of confirmed hotels for your departure.
On Day 11, we take the overnight train to Hanoi, sleeping in comfortable four-berth cabins. Passing through some of Vietnam's most breathtaking landscapes, it's an authentic and practical way to travel. That being said, amenities are fairly basic. While we try to ensure our group stays together, at times we might have to share cabins with local travellers.
During our overnight Junk cruise, we stay in twin-share, en-suite cabins. The boat is not exclusive to Explore travellers. Single Room Option is available.

Vietnam

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
The water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip. 

 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page.  The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information

British passport holders can visit Vietnam for up to 45 days without a visa. A visa will be required if you wish to re-enter within 30 days of your departure.

Visas are required for any other nationalities including the Republic of Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand and can be obtained in the form of an eVisas via: www.evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn

We strongly recommend applying for the online visa at least 6 weeks before departure, making sure all the information entered is exactly as per your passport. You won't be able to enter Vietnam without a valid visa if you do not hold a British Passport.

All visa related issues including information for other nationalities should be confirmed with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.

Please note that it is a pre-requisite for entry into Vietnam that your passport is valid for a minimum of 6 months from your date of entry.


If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Ability to swim

An ability to swim is essential for your safe enjoyment of the water based activities on this trip. If you wish to participate in these activities then we insist that you are able to swim.

Vietnam

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory, we recommend protection against malaria, typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, polio and hepatitis A. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on Malaria and Zika Virus. Although not compulsory travellers may also wish to immunise themselves against Japanese encephalitis. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. 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 Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

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Airport Transfers
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