Price

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Payment of 300usd due at time of booking. Final payment is required to pay 50days before the trip starts. Any payments are non-refundable if you cancel after their date due. You will be charged in USD and your bank may charge a slightly different rate or fees.

Inclusions

• All 4&5 star accommodation, meals as mentioned above [Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), dinner (D)]
• Private transportation, entrance fees for included activities
• Domestic flights.

Exclusions

• International airfares
• Visa/passport handling fees if required
• Meals not listed in itinerary
• Tips for local tour guides and drivers
• Alcoholic Beverages
• Personal gratuities
• Optional Activities
• Personal expenses
• Early check-in and late check-out of hotel

Activity Level

This is a fairly relaxed tour. Some walking while visiting areas and a few shorter walking tours.

Group Size

Maximum: 12 

Joining point

May De Ville Luxury Hotel & Spa (5-star Boutique)

Address: 43-45-47 Gia Ngu Str, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.

Joining point instructions

Please make sure that you provide your flight details no later than 14 days before departure to book your arrival transfer with datsvietnam.

For your confirmed arrival transfer, you’ll be met outside Noi Bai Airport by a transfer representative holding a DATSVIETNAM sign. In case of flight cancellations, changes, if you experience severe delays at immigration, baggage collection or customs, or if you are not able to find the driver, please contact Dat Nguyen via mobile phone or WhatsApp at +84 912073422

Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 2 where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak directly to Dat Nguyen for further information.
   2. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to Dat Nguyen at least 14 days prior to travel.
   3. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for train and flight tickets. Ticketing fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket.
   4. This trip includes domestic flights as indicated on the trip map. The luggage allowance is 20kg for check in luggage and 7kg for carry on.
2. As you might have noticed that tipping custom is a part of our tourism culture in Vietnam. We have a saying that “ A penny tipped is more precious than ten pennies earned “. When travelling, we are happy to give some tip to those who took good care of us during our holiday. So if you simply enjoyed the tour , we highly recommend you to give some small  minimum tips of 150.000vnd (7usd)/person/day for local guide and 80.000vnd (3,5usd)/person/day for driver.

Passports, visa and entry requirements

PASSPORT
You’ ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and check the expiry date, most countries require a minimum of 6 months validity. I also need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details.
I also recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport and leave a copy at home with family or friends too.

VIETNAM VISA:
Most nationalities are required to obtain a tourist visa in advance to travel to Vietnam.

An E-visa is available for some nationalities including passport holders from Australia, France, Ireland, Italy, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States of America, valid for a single entry of a maximum of 30 days stay in Vietnam. For information on obtaining an eVisa visit the immigration website: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/

E-visas take up to 3 business days to be processed. You will need a clear electronic copy of your passport data page and passport photo, and to make a non-refundable payment as outlined on the immigration website.
Keep the customs and immigration form you receive on arrival, as you need it to complete exit formalities on departure.

Some nationalities are exempt from visas for a stay of a maximum of 15 days, including British, German, French, Spanish and Italian citizens travelling to Vietnam (for all purposes). This exemption is based upon meeting all conditions prescribed by Vietnamese laws. If you are planning on staying in Vietnam for longer than 15 days you will need to obtain a visa extension in advance (please contact your relevant Consulate or Embassy). Please also check requirements if you plan to re-enter Vietnam.

If you are obtaining a tourist visa in your passport from an embassy or consulate, you should allow 3 weeks for processing. The cost is approximately US$60 to US$100. Please check with your embassy or consulate for further requirements.

Medical and health information

GENERAL HEALTH
All travelers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. When selecting this trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in my own opinion, you are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to yourself and/or the rest of the group, I reserve the right to exclude you from all or part of a trip without refund.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements as they may not easily be obtained while travelling.

MOSQUITO-BORNE ILLNESSES:
Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis are widespread in Vietnam. Malaria is also prevalent in some parts of my country, particularly in mountainous regions. Take preventative measures such as wearing long clothing, using repellent and being indoors particularly around dusk and dawn. Seek medical advice prior to travel for medication or vaccination advice.

ZIKA VIRUS:
There have been reports of transmission of the mosquito-borne Zika virus in this region and I advise you to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Given possible transmission of the disease to unborn babies, and taking a very cautious approach, I recommend all women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant to consult with their doctors before booking their trip.

Money matters

SPENDING MONEY
When it comes to spending money on the trip, everyone is a little different. You know your spending habits better than I do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling.

You can use your credit/debit card in ATMs, which are common throughout Vietnam. These machines dispense cash in VND (Vietnamese dong). Credit/debit cards aren’t accepted for small payments in Vietnam so please ensure you have VND cash to cover daily expenses. Clean banknotes in small denominations are most useful. There is no need to bring lots of cash with you unless you prefer not to use ATMs. You can obtain VND cash prior to arriving in Vietnam, through normal outlets such as banks and currency exchange offices. 

MEALS NOT INCLUDED
I recommend USD350 for meals not included.

CONTINGENCY FUNDS

I try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still things beyond my control. I reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note I am not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD.

Packing

What you need to bring will vary when you are traveling. Generally speaking, I recommend you pack as lightly as possible and make sure that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage, and walk with it for short distances or up or down a flight of stairs. You can carry your luggage in a compact smaller suitcase or backpack with wheels. I recommend your bag has carry straps or handles so it is easy to lift and carry for the times you are unable to wheel it ( on rough surfaces or up steps).

If you are taking overnight train, the smaller your luggage the easier it will be to store under or above bunks. Large suitcases may not be able to be taken on board. A lockable bag or small padlock for your bag will be useful.

You’ll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, camera, and jacket etc. when you’re exploring during the day.

INTERNAL FLIGHT LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE:
Checked luggage allowance is a maximum 20kg, with up to 7kg carry- on luggage. Any excess luggage charges can be paid directly to the airline at check-in.

Climate and seasonal information

WEATHER IN VIETNAM
The most popular times to visit Vietnam are spring (February-April) and autumn (September-December) but because of the huge variations in latitude and altitude, there is no best time to go to Vietnam. Temperatures vary from 4°C (39°F) in Sapa in winter to humid 36°C (97°F) days in Saigon in the middle of the dry season. The monsoons bring heavy rain to the south, and a cooler winter to the north. It’s a good destination all year.

WET SEASON
Flooding is common across Vietnam during rainy season (June-December) and could also lead to landslides. Typhoons are also common during this period. During these months there may be disruptions to transport and some activities or destinations may need to be changed as a result at short notice.

Safety

I strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home – you won’t need it while travelling. Most of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.

I will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you’ll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While I will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of the itinerary, and I make 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. Please also note that I have the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it’s deemed necessary due to safety concerns.

FIRE PRECAUTIONS:
Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in my country differs from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which I use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms.

SEAT BELTS:
Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and not all the transport which we use is able to provide seat belts.

PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY:
While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. I recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing.

MOTORBIKE BAG SNATCHING:
Be particularly aware of motorbike bag snatching, especially in the bigger cities.

A couple of rules

Everyone has the right to feel safe when they travel. I don’t tolerate any form of violence (verbal or physical) or sexual harassment, either between customers or involving my partners or local people.

Use or possession of illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. If you choose to consume alcohol while travelling, we encourage responsible drinking and expect that you’ll abide by the local laws regarding alcohol consumption.

The sex tourism industry is known to exploit vulnerable people and have negative consequences on communities, including undermining the development of sustainable tourism. For this reason, patronising sex workers will not be tolerated on my trip.

By travelling with me you are agreeing to adhere to these rules. You must at all times comply with the laws, customs, foreign exchange and drug regulations of my country.

My decision is final on all matters likely to affect the safety or well-being of any traveller or staff member participating in the trip. If you fail to comply with a decision made by me, or interfere with the well-being or mobility of the group, I may direct you to leave the trip immediately, with no right of refund.

If you feel that someone is behaving inappropriately while traveling with me, please inform me immediately

Travelling on a group trip

As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of traveling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. I ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group – patience with your fellow travelers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone’s travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don’t keep the rest of the group waiting. I have found time and time again that the very best trips I operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well – this takes just a little effort on your part.

SOLO TRAVELERS
The beauty of the style of travel is that it caters to travellers who are travelling solo and who want to meet and share experiences with like-minded people.

On this trip, rooming is organised on a twin-share. I pair up solo travellers with another traveler of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports.

As a responsible tour operator, I strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. In the case that your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact me so that I can discuss rooming options with you.

I also have an optional single supplement available on the trip for travelers who prefer to have your own room. Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked will be on a single room basis.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory on all my trips for those travelling internationally. I require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. I strongly recommend you have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects.

If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank’s name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in Vietnam.

Itinerary disclaimer

ITINERARY CHANGES
Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once on tour. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure you have the best experience. I will keep you up to date with any such changes once on tour.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travelers will be informed by Dat Nguyen once on tour. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities in the time available at each destination, so make your own decision for what you are most interested in is advised.

Where activities are considered medium or high risk, I work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Problems and emergency contact information

While I always endeavour  to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with me straight away so that I can do my best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for me to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing me while still travelling will give me the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time. I am always very flexible when running trip, so please don’t hesitate to let me know if you have any concerns during the trip.