Details may vary depending on departure date. Please choose
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.
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.
Accordingly you should allow approximately £20.
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. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
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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
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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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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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 baggage and daypack. Total allowance: 44lb/20kg. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so don't overload yourself.
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Clothing
Pack essentially for hot weather although 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. Casual clothes are the most practical.
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Equipment
Binoculars, torch, water bottle, insect repellent, high factor suncream, good quality sunglasses and a lip salve with sun protection. An overnight bag and swimming gear and towel is also recommended.
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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
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.
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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, Lonely Planet Guide to Vietnam; Viet Nam – A History written by Stanley Karnow published by Pimlico (1994, revised and updated)
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Toll Free USA - 1 800 715 1746 
Toll Free Canada – 1 888 216 3401
This is the North American website
