Accommodation
Hotels (11 nights), overnight trains (3 nights).
Transport
Train, boat, cyclo, bus, walking.
Meals
1 lunch.
Staff
Drivers, group leader, local boat staff.
All group trips are accompanied by a group leader. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. We endeavour to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders.
Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.
Age Restriction
Minimum 18 years unless accompanied by a legal guardian.
What To Bring
What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking though, you should pack as lightly as possible. On the vast majority of our trips you are expected to carry your own luggage (please see below for exceptions), and though you will not be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes) we recommend keeping the weight under 10kg/22lb.
Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags with wheels are acceptable, although we recommend your bag has carry straps as well, as you may be required to negotiate bus and railway station steps. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day walks and day trips.
You will be on the move a good deal, so pack as lightly as possible (try to stay under 10 kg /22lb). 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.
The following checklist is to be used as a guide only and is not intended to be a complete packing list. Any other items that you wish to pack are at your own discretion however you should attempt to comply with the suggested luggage weight limit.
Travel documents: passport, visa, travel insurance, air tickets, voucher
Health requirements arranged
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
Light weight travel towel
Mosquito repellent
Hat, sun cream and sun glasses
Refillable water bottle
Tampons can be difficult to buy in Vietnam
Vietnam travel guide - great for history and general information
Light raincoat or umbrella in the wet season (May to Oct.)
Long pants, short pants, long sleeved shirt, T shirt, swimming costume.
Warm clothes for the winter months (Nov. to Feb.).
The mean temperature in Hanoi in January is just 16c - so pretty cold 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.
When packing be aware that dress standards are conservative throughout Asia. To respect this and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. This means covering shoulders and no short shorts. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot Asian climate. Shorts should be knee-length. Singlets and tank tops are not suitable. Topless sun bathing is unacceptable.
Group Size
Minimum 1, Maximum 16
Other Information
During 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.
With the exception of our Comfort trips, our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers share with people of the same sex for the duration of the trip, in accommodation ranging from twin to multi-share. Please note some of our itineraries have accommodation booked on a mixed gender share basis - where applicable this will be specified in our Trip Notes. On our Comfort trips you have the choice of sharing or paying a single supplement. Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre- and post-trip accommodation will be booked on a single room basis.