Vietnam
Please refer to the Intrepid Booklet for further useful information on your trip and travelling in Asia. Dossier updates are made from time to time to reflect changes to improve our trips. The dossier you are holding may therefore not be the latest available for your trip. For the latest updated dossier please visit our website at: <www.intrepidtravel.com/dossier/> ItineraryThe itinerary attached is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers’ comments and our own research. The group leader will advise you of any changes at the initial group meeting. Please note that our brochure is released in September each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to improve the itinerary.Accom.Comfortable hotels and guesthouses (18 nights), overnight sleeper train (1 night),simple homestay (1 night). TransportMinibus, train, cyclo, boats. Some long travelling days are involved.Travel StyleThis trip is an Intrepid Small Group Adventure.Activities includedSaigon cyclo tour, Entrance to the War Crimes Museum, Mekong Delta boat trip and Homestay, Entrance to Cu Chi Tunnels; Entrance to Bao Dai’s Summer Palace; Entrance to the Crazy House; Entrance to Cham Towers; Nha Trang boat cruise, basket boat and deck chair hire ; Entrance to My Lai; Perfume River boat cruise; Entrance to Citadel and Tomb - Hue; Entrance to Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and Museum; Entrance to water puppet show and transport, Breakfast at KOTO restaurant, Entrance to Cat Ba National Park, Entrance to Halong Bay, Boat Cruise and Lunch on boat. Half day trip from Hanoi.Physical grading
This is an active trip but not
particularly demanding. General sightseeing can be made a little strenuous
due to humid and hot conditions. You are expected to carry your own bags
on/off transport and up hotel steps etc. There are some more adventurous
options for those with lots of energy.Culture shock grading
The homestay is group share, with limited
bathing facilities and no access to hot water. There are some long travel
days.NotesDuring the months of October and November Vietnam is prone to heavy rains. While we continue to run successful trips during this period please note that our itinerary is subject to change as the conditions require.Travel InsuranceTravel insurance including emergency evacuation cover is compulsory. You will not be permitted to participate in the trip until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your group leader.HealthThere are no specific health requirements for entry into Vietnam. However, you should consult your doctor for up to date information and prescriptions for vaccinations, anti-malarial requirements and any reasonably foreseeable illnesses whilst travelling in Vietnam. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements (including a spare pair of glasses). Please be aware that for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. Please ensure that you are adequately prepared.Intrepid recommends the services of International SOS for all the medical requirements of our travellers and staff when travelling in Vietnam and Cambodia. International SOS's 24 hour clinics have expatriate doctors and specialists, and can be found at the following locations: VIETNAM Hanoi - 31 Hai Ba Trung, Clinic Tel: 84-4-9340 666, 24hr Alarm Centre: 84-4-934 0666 Ho Chi Minh City - 65 Nguyen Du, District 1, Clinic Tel: 84-8-829 8424, 24hr Alarm Centre:84-8-829 8520 CAMBODIA Phnom Penh - House 161, Street 51, Sang-Kat, Boeung Pen, Khon Doun Penh, Clinic Tel: 855-23-216 911 Web: www.internationalsos.com Spending MoneyYou will need to allow enough money for meals, drinks, shopping and additional sightseeing. As a rough guide, if you allowed US$15 per day for food you would eat very well. Drinks extra.Please also bring an additional US$60 as an "emergency" fund, to be used if circumstances outside Intrepid's control (eg. a natural disaster) necessitate a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence! Tipping is not obligatory in Vietnam but it is appreciated. Money ExchangeUS currency (cash or travellers cheques) is the most convenient to carry when travelling in Vietnam. US$'s cash can be used to directly purchase goods and services along with the local currency, Vietnamese Dong. Other major international currencies may be exchanged in the bigger towns and cities where Visa and MasterCards may also be used for cash advances. The hotels we use offer exchange services at a reasonable rate. It is not possible to exchange Vietnamese Dong outside the country so convert or spend all your Dong before leaving. Black markets are reemerging in Vietnam but are considered a danger and best avoided.Meals17 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner included. Allow US$250 for meals not included.LaundryFacilities are offered by most hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own so we suggest you bring non-polluting / biodegradable soap.Departure taxDeparture Tax from Hanoi is 14 USD.VisasIt is your responsibility to arrange visas before you travel. Your travel agent can assist.Vietnam: Required for all nationalities. Please obtain a visa before arriving on the tour. You should allow 3 weeks for processing. The cost is US$60 to $100. Note that when your passport is returned to you or your travel agent from the Vietnamese embassy, one application form with photo will be returned along with it. Retain this form as you will be required to hand it in at immigration on arrival in Vietnam. If by any chance you misplace this form don’t panic - you can complete a new form on arrival and there are photo facilities at the airport. Remember to keep all those customs and immigration forms you receive on arrival, as you need them to complete exit formalities. What to takeYou will be on the move a good deal, so pack as lightly as possible (try to stay under 10 kg). It is in your own interest as you are expected to carry your own luggage, though distances are never great. Most travellers carry their luggage in a pack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice. Suitcases are not recommended for Intrepid travellers! Mosquito nets are provided at the homestay.ChecklistTravel documents: passport, visa, travel insurance, air tickets, travel voucher.Health requirements arranged with your GP Money: travellers cheques/cash/credit card Money pouch First Aid kit Day pack to carry your personal needs during the day Alarm clock and torch/flashlight Hat, sun cream, sunglasses and insect repellent Ear plugs & eye mask for train are recommended Inner sheet/sleeping sheet (silk sheets can be bought in Vietnam at reasonable prices). Raincoat or umbrella in the wet season (May to Oct) Tampons are not readily available in Vietnam. Warm clothes for the winter months (Nov to Feb). The mean temperature in Hanoi in January is around 16 degrees Celsius - cool for South East Asia. Bring a winter weight sweater and trousers when travelling in these months, and a jacket too if you feel the cold. Local DressWhen packing be aware that dress standards are conservative throughout Asia. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot Asian climate. In winter months the extra length will keep you warm! Generally speaking, neat and tidy clothing is also appreciated in Vietnam. Shorts should be knee length and singlets/ tanktops are also not recommended.Safety and optional activitiesYour safety is of paramount concern when travelling with Intrepid. Please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns.During your trip you will have some free time for you to to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. A couple of rulesIllegal drugs will not be tolerated on Intrepid trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land, but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of Asia, but is not acceptable for Intrepid travellers.Intrepid's philosophy of travel is one of mutual respect towards everyone we deal with, and in particularly the local people who make the Asian region the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or they use prostitutes. Joining PointEmbassy Hotel35 Nguyen Trung Truc District 1 Ho Chi Minh City Tel: (84 8) 823 1981 Fax: (84 8) 823 1978 Joining InstructionTo arrive at the Intrepid joining point in Saigon take a public taxi. Taxis are cheap, safe and reliable. As you leave the customs hall in Saigon you can get a taxi. They cost around 5 USD for a metered Taxi. The hotel we use is easy to find and getting a taxi is no drama.If you have pre-booked an airport transfer your driver will be waiting for you as you leave the customs hall with an Intrepid sign bearing your name. Our Joining Point HotelThe Embassy Hotel, our base in Saigon, is located in 'District 1', just a two minute walk from Ben Thanh Market, the busy central city market. Also nearby is the Municipal Theatre and some of Saigon's old world hotels like the Continental and the Rex. The Embassy has a friendly staff, private facilities, air conditioning, phone, refrigerator and TV. Check in time is 12 midday.A Word of Warning!As Saigon embraces capitalism with open arms it is also falling victim to some of the problems of the West. The city centre is now a favourite hangout for pickpockets. If doing some exploring on your own before your trip commences carry only the necessary minimum with you and use a well-hidden money belt. Valuables should be left in the hotel safe - organize this at reception. There is no need to get paranoid. Just cautious.Finishing PointVictory Hotel#9, 225 Tran Quy Cap Hanoi Tel: (84 4) 747 4725 Fax: (84 4) 747 0539 Please note: After your travels, we want to hear from you! This is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 4 weeks of the finish of your trip. Go to: www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/ Thanks! Intrepid Express is our free email newsletter. News, reviews, recipes and updates - along with Impulse Adventures where you can get 25% off last minute Intrepid Adventures. Plus there is a trip to be won each week. Subscribe at Intrepidtravel.com The information in this dossier has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and Intrepid Travel. |
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ItineraryDays 1-2 Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)Your fellow travellers will be arriving at all times from around the world today, so there are no arranged activities for the daytime. We will however hold a pre- trip meeting at 6 pm, followed by a group dinner. Your leader will leave a note at reception explaining this. There is an Intrepid notice board containing sightseeing information and a list of restaurants which you may like to visit prior to the pre-trip meeting.On the morning of Day 2 we experience the hustle and bustle of Saigon as we set off in cyclos (bicycle rickshaws) to explore some of the city's more interesting sights, including the very sobering War Remnants Museum. Our hotel is located close to Ben Thanh Market and the city's main shopping district, so there is much for you to explore and discover on your own. Days 3-4 Mekong DeltaTravelling south to Cai Be, we board our waiting boats to cross the upper Mekong River and explore its intricate waterways. This is our introduction to a world where life depends on the river. We visit a fruit orchard where we can sample tropical fruits and enjoy a simple lunch, before continuing on to visit some local cottage industries. Around sunset we make our way up one of the many canals to our homestay. Our treat this evening is a wonderful meal of Delta specialities before settling down under our mosquito nets for the night. Activity starts early in the Delta, so we're up with the birds. After breakfast we visit the busy Cai Be floating market before re-boarding our bus and heading to the tunnels of Cu Chi. This former Viet Cong stronghold provides an insight into the resourcefulness and tenacity of the Vietnamese people. We return to Saigon in the afternoon.Days 5-6 DalatLeaving the bustle of Saigon behind we travel up highway one to Binh Hoa. Here we have a chance to stop at the Intrepid School, which is administrated by Saigon Children’s Charity. Your leader will give you more information about this en-route. As we turn off Highway One we pass through rubber, tea, coffee and tobacco plantations. The scenery becomes more lush and the temperature cooler as we climb into the hills of the South Central Highlands. We visit the 'Chicken Village' where Chill, Cham and Khor minorities live side by side and produce magnificent silk and cotton weavings. As the sun dips behind the mountains we do the last stretch of road to the former French hill station of Dalat, and our Villa.Known as the 'City of Love', Dalat is a popular honeymoon and holiday destination for the Vietnamese. We will visit Emperor Bao Dai’s Hunting Palace, Lam Thi Ny Pagoda with its famous Zen Buddhist Artist Monk, and Hang Nga – (also known as the crazy house) as well the vibrant and colourful central Market. There is much to see and do in Dalat, exploring market and flower gardens, taking a train ride, walking, cycling or taking a horse & cart around the lake, to name a few. Days 7-8 Nha TrangWinding our way through Ngoan Muc Pass, it is easy to understand where the name came from. Ngoan Muc means literally 'pleasing to the eye', and we have breathtaking views at every turn as we make our way down the mountain.As we approach the coast, we visit the striking Poklon Garrai Cham Towers, one of the more impressive remaining temples of the Cham civilisation. Rural fields give way to white hills of sand, salt pans, prawn farms and groves of mango trees as we make our approach to the fast developing seaside resort of Nha Trang. Once referred to as the 'Cannes of the Orient' the sandy palm lined beach and island dotted bay remain an idyllic picture, though a more cosmopolitan feel prevails in the town itself. A highlight for many Intrepid travellers is our boat trip amongst the islands. We take to basket boats and visit a fishing village, snorkel in the turquoise waters, enjoy a seafood buffet prepared by the crew, laze in deck chairs or enjoy a massage. Day 9 Qui NhonToday we travel one of the most breathtakingly scenic sections of Highway One. The road hugs granite cliffs, which fall away into the blue of the South China Sea. Islands, lagoons and sand dunes give way to sugar plantations and rice fields as we approach our destination of Qui Nhon.Although boasting a beautiful beach and bay, Qui Nhon remains off the main tourist trail. We visit the Nguyen Nga Training Centre, a charity venture established in 1993, with the aim of teaching skills to orphans and people with disabilities in order that they may support themselves. The children are eager to entertain us with their songs and music, as well as practice their English. There is also an opportunity to purchase a wide range of goods, which have been crafted at the workshop. Days 10-12 Hoi AnAnother scenic drive is punctuated with a sobering visit to the My Lai Memorial. In the afternoon we arrive at the recently declared World Heritage site of Hoi An. With two full days you have time to explore its beautifully restored and preserved Chinese shop houses, enjoy the vibrant and busy market, visit Cua Dai Beach, cycle to the rice fields and browse the array of art galleries.A favourite with Intrepid travellers and leaders alike, Hoi An is a true shopping mecca. There is much to tempt even the most reluctant buyer - choose from original paintings, hand crafted woodwork, ceramics, embroidery, lanterns and more. Also famous for its tailoring – there is a huge variety of fabrics to select from. Bring your favourite clothing article or picture to have copied. Days 13-14 HueDeparting Hoi An, we stop briefly at Marble Mountains and China Beach, before crossing the dramatic Hai Van Pass to the picturesque fishing village of Lang Co. The afternoon brings us to the former Imperial Capital of Hue. Here we visit the Citadel, one of the Nguyen Emperors’ tombs, enjoy a dragon boat cruise on the Perfume River and visit the stately Thien Mu Pagoda. There is also time to enjoy the slower pace of this tranquil university town.Days 15-16 Reunification Express and HanoiThere is free time to wander around Hue before we board The Reunification Express bound for Hanoi. The train ride is an adventure in itself which provides a great opportunity to interact with the Vietnamese, who are always curious to learn of our travel experiences in Vietnam. Please don’t expect luxury though, the train is simple but comfortable, but not the 'Orient Express'.Arriving early in Hanoi, we are greeted by tree-lined boulevards, natural lakes and fading French architecture. More traditional than its southern rival, Hanoi has much to offer with its energetic Old Quarter and serene Pagodas. There is time to discover its treasures or relax before attending a performance of Hanoi’s famous Water Puppetry. Days 17-19 Halong BayWe make a morning visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex before beginning our adventure in the World Heritage Site of Halong Bay. After a drive to Hai Phong we board the public ferry for Cat Ba Island, the largest island in the Halong Bay archipelago. We visit Cat Ba National Park in the morning of Day 18, and for those who enjoy a challenge, there is the opportunity to walk through the rainforest and climb to to a lookout. Our private boat awaits us at noon. We climb aboard and enjoy lunch whilst cruising through the limestone islets. There is an opportunity to explore caves filled with formations of stalagmites and stalactites, and swim in the emerald waters before sailing to the city of Halong by sunset.We watch the remarkable islands melt in the distance as we make our way back to Hanoi in the morning of Day 19. The afternoon is free, allowing a perfect opportunity to absorb the ambiance of this stately capital. Days 20-21 HanoiWe enjoy a buffet breakfast at KOTO restaurant before embarking on a morning tour of Hanoi’s less frequented places of interest. There is also time for any last minute shopping before the farewell dinner.You may depart at any time on Day 21, as there are no planned activities. |
