ADI01: Indochina Tour off the beaten track - 22 days from Laos

22 days

Indochina Tour off  the beaten track covers the main attractions as well as offers an unforgettable experience in the little - visited destinations in Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia.

Indochina Tour off the beaten track - 22 days from Laos in briefADI01

Day 1: Luang Prabang - Arrival
Day 2 : Luang Prabang - Xieng Khuang
Day 4 : Xieng Khuang - Vieng xay
Day 5 : Vieng Xay - Mai Chau Valley
Day 6 : Mai Chau - Hanoi
Day 7 : Hoanoi - City tour
Day 8 : Hanoi - Halong Cruise
Day 9 : Halong - Hanoi - Flight to Hue
Day 10 : Hue - City tour
Day 11 : Hue - Driver to Hoi An
Day 12 : Hoi An - My Son - Hoi An
Day 13 : Hoi an - Free day
Day 14 : Hoi An - Danang - Flight to Ho Chi Minh
Day 15: Ho Chi Minh - Cu Chi Tunnels - Ho Chi Minh
Day 16: Ho Chi Minh - cai Be Floating market - Can Tho
Day 17: Can Tho - Cai Rang Floating _ Chau Doc
Day 18: Chau Doc - Speed boat to Phnom penh
Day 19: Phnom penh - Siem Reap
Day 20: Siem Reap - Angkor Thom - Angkor Wat
Day 21: Siem Reap - Tonle Sap Cruise - Phaukvillage
Day 22: Siem Reap - Departure


  • Tour Class

  • 3 Star Hotel
  • 4 Star Hotel
  • 5 Star Hotel

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    High Season

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    (Jan 1 - Apr 30 & Oct 1 - Dec 31)

  • 3 Star HotelFrom $
  • 4 Star HotelFrom $
  • 5 Star HotelFrom $

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    Low season

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    (May 1 - Sep 9)

  • 3 Star HotelFrom $
  • 4 Star HotelFrom $
  • 5 Star HotelFrom $
Day 01

Luang Prabang Arrival (G)

Luang Prabang, the first stop for your Indochina tours isUnesco Heritage listed city.Upon your arrival, pick up and transfer to your hotel. Today, depends on your flight, we will arrange a suitable itinerary for you to visit Luong Prabang.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Accommodation at:

Day 02

Luang Prabang (B/L) (G)

If you wish, get an early start (6:00am or so) and watch or participate in the traditional Lao rite of Almsgiving to the monks. In the city, some 300+ monks file through silently collecting alms. This is an amazing sight and your guide will be on hand to demonstrate and explain this important ritual. Return to your hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast, begin a Mekong Riverboat trip with your guide on the mighty Mekong River to visit the famous & sacred Pak Ou Buddha Caves. These caves, overlooking the confluence of the Mekong & Ou Rivers from on high, have been home to many thousands of Buddha images that were placed here by local people since 16th century, when King Setthathirat found the caves and declared them a holy spot. Today many still pay respect with this old tradition. Walk through the caves before returning to your boat and to Luang Prabang town. Enjoy lunch en route.

Return to the hotel to relax or explore on your own. Luang Prabang is a wonderful walking town, and you can find dinner on your own at any number of fine international restaurants.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Accommodation at:

Day 03

Luang Prabang – Xieng Khuang (B/L) (G)

Today, we continue our beautiful Indochina tours with drive through wonderful natural scenery to Xieng khuang. The journey will give you plenty of opportunities for photos and visiting hill tribe villages. Upon arrival, we transfer out to visit Site 1 of the Plain of Jars, an impressive archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are scattered all over the plateau.  
Overnight in Xiengkhuang.

Accommodation at:

Day 04

Xieng Khuang – Vieng Xay (B/L) (G)

After breakfast, continue the trip to Vieng Xay- The former Pathet Lao (PL) revolutionary headquarters of Vieng Xai sit in a striking valley of fertile hills and limestone cliffs riddled with caves, several of which were used to shelter PL officers during the Second Indochina War. The town is famous for the caves in which the stoic officers and some 23, 000 people found shelter, but Vieng Xai itself is unbearably pretty. Manmade lakes spot the landscape and wildflowers explode in crimson and yellow to join the emerald and karst backdrop. The beauty of the terrain somehow underscores the decimation it suffered during the American bombing campaign.
Overnight in Vieng Xay.

Accommodation at:

Day 05

Vieng Xay – Mai Chau Valley (B/L/D) (G)

Today, beautiful drive through of one of the most beautiful countryside of Laos to Na Neo border gate, continue to Mai Chau Valley (Vietnam) which is the heart of a beautiful valley that is a world away from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi. The modern village is an unappealing sprawl, but as you emerge on the rice fields and rural living it is transformed into a real paradise. It’s a stunning area, and most people here are ethnic White Thai who are very friendly. Tonight, we stay in the homestay, this evening, enjoy the traditional musice and dance.

Accommodation at:

Day 06

Mai Chau – Hanoi (B/L) (G)

Have breakfast at homestay and then have 2 hours of easy cycling through the verdant rice paddies and the villages of Chieng Sai, Na Phin, Nhot of the ethnic minority people. Lunch at homestay, relax and drive to Hanoi, a city where the exotic chic of old Asia blends with the dynamic face of new Asia. Where the medieval and modern co-exist. A city with a blend of Parisian grace and Asian pace, an architectural museum piece evolving in harmony with its history, rather than bulldozing through like many of the region’s capitals. Hanoi is where imagination becomes reality. Free at leisure.
Overnight in Hanoi.

Accommodation at:

Day 07

HanoiCity Tour (B/L) (G)

Hanoi without a doubt is an exotic city for your Indochina Tours. Today we enjoy a full day Hanoi city tour of this charming capital city including the mausoleum of the nation's founder Ho Chi Minh (close on Monday & Friday), the Presidential Palace, the Ho Chi Minh's house on stilts, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, the impressive Ethnologic Museum, the beautiful West Lake, the Tran Vu Pagoda, the peaceful lake of the Restored Sword.

Late afternoon we take a cyclo tour for a short excursion through the bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places. In the evening, we end Hanoi city tour with a fantastic traditional water puppet show.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Accommodation at:

Day 08

Hanoi – HalongBay Cruise (B/L/D) (G)

Halong Cruise must be the most beautiful tour in Vietnam for any visitors to Vietnam. This morning, after breakfast, we drive to Halong Bay (165km), Vietnam most scenic sight, a recognized World Natural Heritage Site and highlight of any Indochina tours. Upon arrival, board your deluxe traditional wooden junk. Welcome drink on board. After a relaxing break, enjoy a delicious seafood lunch while cruising through the wonderful Ha Long bay visiting its amazing grottoes and caves. Opportunity to dive off the boat and have a pleasant swimming in the deep blue water of East Sea before relaxing on your sun deck to view a Halong sunset.  Dinner on board with excellent fresh seafood.
Overnight on boat.

Accommodation at:

Day 09

HalongBay – Hue (B/L) (G)

People describe Halong Bay as majestic and mysterious, inspiring and imperious and words alone cannot do justice to the natural wonder that is Halong Bay. Imagine 3000 or more incredible islands rising from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin and you have a vision of breathtaking beauty. Halong Bay is pure art, a priceless collection of unfinished sculptures hewn from the hand of nature and it is said that your Vietnam Tours will not be complete without a trip to Halong Bay and spending one night on romantic Halong Cruise.

This morning, let get up early to catch the sunrise on the bay, doing Ta Chi on sundeck and relax with a cup of hot coffee or tea when the boat cruising to explore more of Halong Bay. All makes your Indochina Holiday with full sweet memory. Back to Halong city at around noon where Vivutravel's private guide and driver are waiting for the transfer back to Hanoi Airport for afternoon flight to Hue. Pick up on arrival and transfer to your hotel, evening free at leisure in Hue.

Overnight in Hue.

Accommodation at:

Day 10

Hue City Tour (B/L) (G)

Hue is one of places, which has many cultural heritages. Up to now, there is no place like Hue remaining a lot of originally historical vestiges as in this ancient Capital City and favorite destination for all Indochina tours. After breakfast, our tour starts with the visit to Imperial Citadel before taking the beautiful boat trip on the romantic Perfume River and visit Hue's best-known religious site-Thien Mu Pagoda and the Mausoleum of former emperor Minh Mang in a tranquil setting of gardens and lakes. Return to the hotel. Free at leisure.
Overnight in Hue.

Accommodation at:

Day 11

Hue – Hoi An (B/L) (G)

After breakfast, we drive to Hoi An,  a major Asian trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries whose architecture and relaxed lifestyle has changed little over the years and for sure, Hoi An is a wonderful destination and choice for all kinds of Vietnam Tours. This scenic drive passes through the fishing village of Lang Co before climbing over the Pass of Ocean Clouds. Along the way, stop in Danang to visit the Cham Museum which contains the finest collection of Cham sculptures in the world. Upon arrival in Hoi An, free to take walking tour of the Hoi An ancient town centre.
Overnight in Hoi An.

Accommodation at:

Day 12

Hoi An – My Son – Hoi An (B/L) (G)

After breakfast, we invite you an interesting visit to My Son Holy land, once the spiritual capital of Champa Kingdom that dominated South East Asia for nearly a thousand years and occupied most of the central parts of Vietnam from 2nd century to 16th century with very rich in history and culture. Contemplate its remarkable red brick towers and sanctuaries dating from between the 7th and 13th centuries.

Drive back to Hoi An, end of your today's beautiful Indochina tour with the visit to the former merchants' homes, the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, Phuc Kien Pagoda and the colourful riverside market.
Overnight in Hoi An.

Accommodation at:

Day 13

Hoi An (B)

Hoi An Ancient Town - highlight of any tour to Vietnam - is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. Its buildings and its street plan reflect the influences, both indigenous and foreign, that have combined to produce this unique heritage site.

Day free to cycle through rice paddies in the countryside of Hoi An ancient town, shop for souvenirs among the antique shops and art galleries, or just sit at sidewalk cafes and soak up the atmosphere of this quaint town. Or relax on the white sandy beach of the famous China Beach.
Overnight in Hoi An.

Accommodation at:

Day 14

Hoi An – Danang – Ho Chi Minh City (B) (G)

After breakfast, our Vietnam tour guide and driver in Hoi An will transfer you to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh city. Arrive at Tan Son Nhat airport, welcome by our private Vietnam tour guide and driver and transfer to you hotel for check in. Ho Chi Minh, the most exciting city of Vietnam, a mecca of commerce, also a city with a chequered history and a rich culture, its pagodas, museums, public buildings, parks and boulevards make it one of the most delightful Vietnam Toursand cities to visit in Vietnam.

In the afternoon, we will do the city tour of Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, visiting to Reunification Palace, Vietnam War Museum and the environment of Ben Thanh market.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Accommodation at:

Day 15

Ho Chi Minh – Cu Chi Tunnels – Ho Chi Minh (B/L) (G)

Morning pick up from the hotel for Cu Chi Tunnels tour, en route to visit the bustling market at Thu Dao Mot. Upon arrival in Cu Chi, we visit the incredible underground tunnel network of approximately 200 kilometres hand-constructed by Vietnamese guerillas during the long struggle for independence where you will understand more about the Vietnam War or American War, a must see Vietnam Tour for any tourists to learn about Vietnam past and present days. Back to Ho Chi Minh, this afternoon we the War Remnants Museum, Presidential Palace and buildings of old colonial Saigon.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Accommodation at:

Day 16

Ho Chi Minh City – Cai Be floating market – Can Tho (B/L) (G)

Today we will start our exploration of the Mekong Delta, a major rice producing area. This must be one of the most fascinating riverine deltas in the world. The Mekong splits into nine major arteries. A vast network of rivers and waterways with thousands of ships of all sizes plowing the waters gives the Mekong Delta a very special atmosphere and no double one of the most favorite destinations for Vietnam Tours. On arrival,we will make a boat trip to the Cai Be floating Market, visit villages and meet the people of the Mekong Delta. Continue your boat trip to An Binh Island for Lunch in a local family and bike trip in the afternoon. Continue to Can Tho – the heart of Mekong Delta in Vietnam.

Check in on your arrival, free at leisure and overnight in Can Tho.

Accommodation at:

Day 17

Can Tho – Cai Rang loating market –Chau Doc (B/L) (G)

In the morning, we make the boat cruise to see the Cai Rang floating market (the nicest one with heaps of rowing boats), truly highlights of any Indochina tours where you will enjoy the beautiful scenery and see the daily activities of the locals who live along the Mekong canals and later, you will roam through the village to visit a rice husking mill, a rice noodles making shop which are nice chances to discover the daily life of Vietnamese people in Mekong Delta. Around noon, transfer to Chau Doc via Long Xuyen. Check in on arrival. Visit the Sam mountain to enjoy the a breath-taking view on the Vietnamese-Cambodian border with flat rice fields and nice canals, visit caved pagoda.
Overnight in Chau Doc.

Accommodation at:

Day 18

Chau Doc – Phnom Penh (B/L) (G)

After breakfast, we take the boat trip to Phnom Penh, once the ‘Pearl of Asia’, Phnom Penh’s shine was tarnished by the impact of war and revolution. But that’s history, and Phnom Penh has risen from the ashes to take its place among the cool capitals of the region. Pick up and transfer hotel for check in. After a short rest, transfer to visit Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum and Russian Market.
Dinner at local restaurant & Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Accommodation at:

Day 19

Phnom Penh – Siem Reap (B) (G)

After breakfast, our Indochina tour guide and driver in Phnom Penh will transfer you to the airport for flight departure to Siem Reap. Upon your arrival, pick up and transfer to your hotel.

Free a leisure and overnight in Siem Reap.

Accommodation at:

Day 20

Siem Reap – Angkor Thom – Angkor Wat (B/L/D) (G)

Siem Reap is no doubt a surprise for your Indochina tours. Morning visit to the South Gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon, Baphoun, Terrace of Elephant, Terrace of Leper King and Pimean Akas. Lunch at local restaurant.

Afternoon visit to the famous temple of Cambodia, Angkor Wat then continue to visit the Bakheng Hill temple with Sun Set included from the top of this hill. Dinner in a local restaurant and enjoy Apsara dance show.
 Overnight in Siem Reap.

Accommodation at:

Day 21

iem Reap – Tonle Sap Cruise – PhaukVillage (B/L) (G)

This morning, we take a wonderful cruise on Tonle Sap Lake for 1hour, visit floating village and  fisherman life, then back to visit Chantie Ecole-Artisan D’Angkor and Old Market. Lunch at local restaurant.

This afternoon, transfer to visit the base of Silk Village Phauk, it’s the village of Marble work, silk weaving and silk sewing and back to visit West Baray. Back hotel.
Overnight in Siem Reap.

Accommodation at:

Day 22

Siem Reap Departure (B) (G)

Free time at leisure for you to wrap up your memorial Indochina tours until Vivutravel's private guide will see you off at the airportl. We hope that you have enjoyed your Indochina tours with us and look forward to your next Indochina tours. Indochinavalue says goodbye and see you again!!!

Accommodation at:

Inclusion:

  • All transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver
  • Accommodation in twin/double sharing (triple room, extra bed, interconnecting room... are on request)
  • 3 Flight tickets: Hanoi - Hue, Danang - HCMC, Phnom Penh - Siem Reap (Economy class)
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
  • English speaking guide (French, Spanish, Russian, Italian Speaking tour guides are available and on request)
  • Entrance fees to indicated sights and activities as stated
  • Boat trips (if mentioned)
  • Bottled mineral water during touring days

Exclusion:

  • Tips
  • Drinks
  • Other meals
  • Insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Expenses for any optional tours or activities during free time

Tour guide

Tour guides who wor with usk are well-paid, experienced with a university background, eager to exchange our cultures and lifestyles ... with travelers, and have a great passion for their country and understand the personal touch. In some parts such as Sapa, we may use local tour guides who come from the ethnic hilltribes like H'Mong or Red Dao as they know about their land much better than anyone else and this is also the way that Indochinavalue helps the local people a better life.

Vietnam tour guide

Tour guide is one of the most inportant factors to a successful holiday. Indochinavalue understands that a good tour guide needs not only good knowledge on history, culture, good English, French... but also needs to have general requirements and follow our guidelines as below:

1 - Licensed at least for 4 years with work experience.

2 - Guiding does require more than just hanging out in the sun. Guides must be friendly and good with people, organized enough to keep groups or people on schedule, quick on their feet and ready for the inevitable snafus that arises.

3 - Must be an honest broker of their services and able to take criticism.

4 - Should be qualified at some level in health, health care or first aid.

5 - Able to relate to people from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds.

6 - Clear speech and good hearing.

7 - Must not be a alcoholic or No-alcohol during working time or anytime when on tour.

8 - Tour guide is a nurse to take care of visitors, a boss to keep the right itinerary, a teacher to give information, an ambassador to introduce our country, an entertainer because Indochinavalue's clients want to be entertained in extend, a friend...

9 - Must be on time every time. Being late or delay is unacceptable.

10 - Check flight tickets, train tickets, meals, weather... to make sure things are in order and inform local office if any changes that might effect the tour.

11 - Solve problems with care when there is dissatisfy. Argument should be averted by courtesy.

Transport

Kind of vehicle (offered on tour) depends on the size of your group size or your requirements.To ensure your comfort, all cars feature air conditioning and enough room inside. Drivers are local, with years of experience, taking you to your destination quickly and safely.

1 - Our drivers are professional and reliable with at least 5 years of experience, driving safely.

2 - Our drivers are not allowed to hear cell-phone or smoke, chat, drink when driving.

3 - Our drivers must be friendly, helpful with good behavior and attitude.

4 - Our drivers are not allowed to take you to shops unless you ask for.

Vietnam hotel

2 Stars from: US$35 -> US$40

The 2 star hotels are good for budget travelers and sometimes, we have no choice but stay in a guesthouse, mini hotel, 2 star hotel in the remote and mountainous areas. Basically, 2 star hotels will offer good size and clean guest rooms with AC, TV, hot water, shower and private bathrooms

3 Stars from: US$40 -> US$80

The 3 star hotels are good for many travelers because they offer basic needs for a comfortable stay, good size and clean guest rooms with Free access high speed Internet, Welcome baskets and drinking water, Telephone with international dialing, Electronic safe box in room, Hairdryer, Coffee and Tea, Wake-up service, AC, TV, hot water, shower and private bathrooms. On-site restaurants with breakfast included and lunch or dinner at your own pick up. A small fitness center, spa and swimming pool can be expected.

4 Stars from: US$80 -> US$130

Offering a wide range of comfortable boutique hotels are available with shopping, dining andentertainment facilities nearby. Featuring quality service, fully furnished rooms, restaurants, fitness center with spa (and swimming pool in most cases), the hotels are expected to offer an above-average accommodation experience.

5 Stars from: US$130 -> US$200 –> US$ 300

Offering an extensive range of facilities for an excellent experience. Multiple restaurants on siteand a wide range of choice for buffet breakfast, good size of swimming pool, fitness center and concierge service round out the experience.

The restaurants we will take you for lunch or dinner are all designated tourist restaurants approved by local tourist administration bureau. They have very good sanitary conditions and the food is prepared fresh and clean.

Note: If you have any special dietary needs, just let your travel consultant know when booking.

Breakfast:

Breakfast is included at all hotels and is buffet breakfast with Asian and Western food.

Lunch:

Lunches (if included) are usually set menu at handpicked local restaurant with comfortable dining environment where you can rest assure to taste the local flavor. All restaurants are carefully selected and highly recommended.

Vietnam restaurant

Dinner:

Dinners are only included if you stay overnight in a homestay with a local family, on cruise inHalong Bay, Mekong Delta or at some special occasions such as welcome dinner, farewell dinner or on requested. So dinners are at your own choice and arrangement, but our tour guides will always give you good suggestions based on your preferences.

If allergic to some food

We suggest you to list any food or ingredients that you are allergic to and let our travel consultant know. Then your travel consultant will mark them in the guide’s itinerary, so that our guides in different cities can make some preparations and arrangements in advance.

Do our guide and driver join the meal with us?

The tour guides and driver will be at the same restaurants with you, but they will only join themeal when you invite. Sometimes the drivers are shy to join as they usually eat fast and could not understand English talk around the table, so the guide will be with you more often.

Street food tour:

Street foods in Vietnam are very delicious and should you want to taste the specialities of each Vietnam holiday destination, we can arrange a street food tour for you. Please contact us at info@indochinavalue.com for a detailed tour itinerary and quotation.

How to request a tour package?

To request for a free tour itinerary and quotation, you can just fill out the tour inquiry form at www.indochinavalue.com or send us an email at info@indochinavalue.com then give us as much information as possible. One of our experienced travel consultants will get back to you shortly. All changes will be made (free of charge) until the your tour package meets your needs and personal interests.

How to book a tour package?

As soon as you agree on our proposal, please send us your full name, international flightinformation (if you have) and your special requirements. We will make reservations and arrange everything then confirm back to you when all done.

Payment

- Deposit is a "must". We request 30% of the tour cost. You can pay by wire transfer, creditcards, western union, onepay (online)

- Balance can be made before your arrival or on arrival in cash or by credit cards.

Changes

Changes are possible at the last minutes. However, if changes caused extra costs, you willhave to pay for. (For examples, hotels, flights, cruises...)

Cancellation

In case of cancellation, we will not apply any charge if we are not charged by the third partiessuch as hotels, cruises, flights, trains...We will recalculate the costs and resend you the money as soon as possible.

Tipping

Thanks you Tipping is not mandatory but it is expected inThanks youTipping is not mandatory but it is expected in many circumstances for service. You can tip your driver/tour guide more or less or nothing. All depends on the services you receive.

Suggested tips:

- US$10 – US$ 15 per day for tour guide

- US$7 – US$ 10 per day for driver

- US$1 – US$ 3 per meal for waiter or waitress

- US$2 – US$ 5 for short boat trips/ cyclo/ tuktuk (1 – 2) hours

Note: Please check with your travel consultant before coming and your tour guide if you are to tip someone on tour.

What you get when booking a private tour with Indochinavalue?

1. Private guide, driver and vehicle are for your exclusive use; no matter you are individually,or in a family or friends group. The tour is run exclusively for you without strangers.

2. Every itinerary can be customized to meet your specific interests/ wishes, that is, you can choose your favored hotels, sightseeing spots, the tour length, means of transportation, budget, etc. All are free of charge.

3. Start the tour on any date you want.

4. Escort you from start to finish. All private transfers during the tour are offered, including airport/ train station transfer, hotel-attractions round trip transfer.

5. The sightseeing during the tour could be based on your own timetable and pace. Flexible to change at your short notice.

6. Considerate care and assistance, such as the old, the disabled or families with small kids and children.

7. You can save time and money when traveling with us or your wants meet you budget.

How do I get a visa?

Vietnam Visa On Arrival is available for help. It is legitimated and supported by the VietnameseImmigration Department. We recommend that you choose visa upon arrival, as picking up visa at the Vietnam int'l airport/ border is quite simple, easy, no additional charges and no fail.

Please provide the following information for us to apply for your visa:

apply vietnam visa1) Full name on passport

2) Passport number

3) Date of birth

4) Nationality

5) Date of arrival

6) Date of issue

7) Date of expire

8) Please make sure that your passport is still valid for 6 months.

Can I use credit cards in Vietnam?

Major credit cards such as Master Card, Visa, Diner's Card, American Express and JCB can beused to purchase goods in large shopping malls and stores in the big and medium cities, to pay for hotel rooms and for meals in some of the fancier restaurants, and to buy plane tickets with them.

Note:

- You can use US dollar, Euro in all big cities or at major tourist sites, airports.

- If you are to travel to those small cities or even remote rural areas, only cash in Dong can be used.

Do I need to bring my medical record with me?

Yes, we suggest you take your medical record with you in case that you need it in the event ofan emergency, and please also take with you your doctor's name, address and phone number, emergency contact name and phone number, and your insurance company's name, address and phone number.

Note: You can buy medicines everywhere in Vietnam so do not need to bring medicines from home.Money exchange in Vietnam

When I finish my tour in Vietnam, if I still have some local money, what can I do?

Upon leaving Vietnam, if you still have some local money, you can change them back to foreign currency with your passport and the exchange memos given by the banks or money exchange counters. So please keep those exchange memos well whenever you change money.

What should we bring along on our trip to Vietnam?

It is best to travel light in Vietnam. Onemedium sized bag and a day pack will provide more than enough room to carry everything you'll need, and enough space for the things you'll buy in Vietnam.

There are lots of consumer goods in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, so do not worry about running out of something. If you do forget something you can easily find it here. Before you leave home complete the following checklist:

- Lightweight and quick dry clothing is most appropriate for the summer months, and warmer  clothing for the winter months. As well, sun hat, swim suit, ultra lightweight rain jacket.

- Travel Documents: Passport, Visa, Travel Insurance, Air Tickets (you should scan them and email them to yourself in case you loose them).

- Health requirements, medications, and travel insurance arranged.

- Flashlight, alarm clock, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, small personal first aid kit, personal toiletries.

- Money: US dollars or travelers cheques and/ or credit card(s).

- Raincoat or umbrella, good hiking shoes are needed for all Footprint trekking trips.

- Camera with charger, extra batteries, and memory cards.

Are there any restrictions on the type of luggage that we bring? Domestic airlines have their weight restrictions. On most domestic and low-cost airlines You may only have one suitcase or backpack, with a maximum weight of 20kg, and one piece of hand luggage, with a maximum weight of (5 – 7)kg. An extra charge for overweight is applied.

There is no actual limit on our trips, but we would suggest you travel light with one suitcase or backpack and one small daypack or small bag which you can access during the day and carry items like your camera, drinking water, toilet paper, hat, sunscreen, etc.

It is essential that you have a lock for each piece of luggage. Without one, railway and airline staff and some hotels may refuse to handle it.

What is the best type of clothing we should bring?

Here is a short checklist of best type of clothing you should bring:

- Shorts and comfortable pants;

- Shirts, t-shirts and maybe some long sleeves shirts (for regions with mosquitos like the Mekong delta);

- Swim suits (for the beaches and Halong Bay);

- Good sandles as well as good shoes if trekking.

Nevertheless, it will really depend on where you travel to, when you plan on travelling, and what you plan on doing. Please note that the weather can be very cold during the winter in the Northern Vietnam (Nov to Mar) and quite cool in the central highlands (Dalat). You will need to bring a good jacket along for this time of the year, the avarage temperature is about 15 oC, but can get as cold as 3 oC.

Tip: Do not worry if you do not pack enough clothes or forget something because you can buy in Vietnam.

Shopping in Vietnam

Shopping in VietnamMany tourists can’t help but throw themselvesShopping in Vietnam head-first into shopping while in Vietnam. Why? Probably the variety of quality goods and the tempting prices have a lot to do with it. Many low-budget travelers considered Vietnam a heavenly place because in many shopping situations they can bargain the prices down to as much as a third of the original cost.

The list of Vietnamese bargains is seemingly endless and features bespoke tailoring and the national dress, the 'ao dai' from high-quality silk and many other types of material and textiles while many shoppers cannot get enough of the local handicraft, art and jewelry.

How to bargain?

Bargain is not common in some countries, but in Vietnam it really is. In Vietnam, bargaining isalways worthwhile. Yet, it is not always due to the fact that the local have a great deal of time and very little money. Bargaining is part of Vietnamese culture as through bargaining people communicate with others, create and build up their relationship, not to mention a form of entertainment.

Rule - 1: It's like the monster ride at the amusement park. If you're not having fun, get off.

Rule - 2: Don't bargain with the first person who approaches you (i.e., when looking for a taxi at the airport.) In general the further you go from the center of action, the cheaper the price.

Rule - 3: Don't be afraid to use walking away as a bargaining tool. You can always come back.

Rule - 4: Don't let pride get in the way of coming back (or Rule #3 is useless).

Rule - 5: If you really want something and the price isn't coming down, give in gracefully. (It's that pride thing again.)

Rule - 6: Don't always assume you're getting ripped off just because you're in a third-world country. Sometimes the price they're asking is the real one.

Rule - 7: Bargaining is a time/ money tradeoff. If you're in a hurry, be prepared to pay for it.

Rule - 8: Ask (Vietnamese) fellow shoppers the price of an item before you begin bargaining.

Rule - 9: Always carry small bills. Otherwise all that work is likely to be for nothing.

Rule - 10: Always bargain in native currency. Conventional wisdom says anyone who has dollars can afford to spend them.

Rule - 11: If possible, keep going back to the same person until you've gotten to know him/ her. Most third world countries have a name for this kind of relationship. The deal is that you offer your business on a regular basis and the seller responds by saving you their best tomatoes

Rule - 12: No matter what your parents told you, when you're bargaining it's perfectly okay to lie

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Activities:

This tour is sample tour and can always be customized to meet your personal needs and budget.

This is private tour with a flexible schedule. There is no other traveler on the tour. You will have a private English speaking tour guide and a private air-conditioned vehicle in each destination.

Planning the tour:
Prompt response in 0.5-10 hours
Supported by private travel consultant
Unlimited changes, no charge

Our guarantee:
Fair Price with added value
Use of excellent local guides
Use of well-selected Hotels
Use of comfortable vehicles
Worry-free & one-stop Service
Focus on customer care

Methods of payment:
Deposit 30% in advance after the tour is confirmed
Balance paid on arrival
Online and secure payment by ban transfer or credit cards

ADI01: Indochina Tour off  the beaten track - 22 days from Laos map
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