Explore Vietnam

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the culture and history of Vietnam on a journey that spans from the emerald mountains of the north to the sun-drenched beaches of the south. Spend a night on a traditional junk boat in stunning Ha Long Bay, roam the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hoi An, glimpse rural life on a trek through hilltribe villages, and enjoy a cyclo ride through the heart of bustling Hanoi. As you travel the length of the country, take in the long view of this fascinating corner of Indochina.

Duration: 13 days Start/Finish City: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Travel Style: National Geographic Journeys Greater exploration, insider access, and the freedom to roam – all without sacrificing comfort.

Service Level: Upgraded Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.

Trip Type: Small Group Group trips average 12 travellers per departure, depending on the adventure. The maximum is usually no more than 16, but some can be smaller or bigger, depending on the trip. Check individual trips for details.

Physical Grading: 2 - Light Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.

Day 1 Hanoi Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included. There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting.

Private Vehicle

Gia Lam Airport – Hanoi

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. After picking up your bags exit the baggage hall and look for your driver. This area can be busy but keep an eye out for a driver holding a sign with your name on it.

Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting

1h18:00

The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early. Accommodation Golden Silk Boutique Hotel (or similar) Hotel

Day 2 Hanoi/Mai Châu(Breakfast)

Travel to the lush Mai Chau Valley and enjoy a countryside walk through rice paddies and local villages. Continue to the lush Mai Chau Valley where we stay in a rural lodge, the perfect base for exploration, hiking and learning about Vietnam's ethnic hill tribes.

Private Vehicle

Hanoi – Mai Châu3h-4h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Village Walking Tour

Mai Châu3h-3h30m 6km

Enjoy an easy walk through rice rice paddies, terraces and scenic green hills. Visit Na Phon village and a local traditional brickworks, continuing to Lac Village (White Tai ethnic group) or Mai Chau market for some exotic fruit tasting. Enjoy a stunning natural landscapes while earning about the local ethnic tribes of the Mai Chau valley.

Optional Activities Mai Chau Village home meal Mai Châu1h-2h

Enjoy a truly authentic dinner at a local home and get to know the ethnic White Tai culture first hand. Accommodation Mai Chau Ecolodge (or similar) Hotel

Day 3 Mai Châu(Breakfast) Enjoy free time to explore the valley. Options include cycling in the countryside, cooking class, relaxing or kayaking.

Free Time

Mai ChâuFull Day

Spend the day paddling on a kayak, learning to make delicious food in a cooking class or cycling through the lush rice fields.

Optional Activities Cycling Mai Chầu Mai Châu

Cycle through the lush countryside and small towns to get a great view of local life and the surrounding paddy fields.

Kayaking

Mai Châu

Take a kayak out on the beautiful Hoa Binh reservoir (Vietnam's largest man-made reservoir) and take in the views of the surrounding hills and villages.

Cooking Class

Mai Châu

Create some delicious Vietnamese dishes with a little help from an expert.

Accommodation Mai Chau Ecolodge (or similar) Hotel

Day 4 Mai Châu/Hanoi(Breakfast) Return to Hanoi to explore Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton), visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and go on a cyclo tour of the Old Quarter. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is open until 11:00am and closed on Monday and Friday. Entry is dependent on what time the group arrives in Hanoi.

Private Vehicle

Mai Châu – Hanoi3h-4h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum Guided Tour

Hanoi

Take a guided tour of the mausoleum where Ho Chi Minh’s embalmed body is housed in a glass case. Visit the museum and learn about Ho Chi Minh’s life and political history. Note: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is open until 11:00am and closed on Monday and Friday.

Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton) Guided Tour

Hanoi

Tour the museum of Hoa Lo Prison, referred to as Hanoi Hilton by American prisoners, to learn more about the Vietnam War.

Hanoi Cyclo Tour

Hanoi

Take a seat on a cyclo for a tour of Hanoi’s lively Old Quarter. Let the driver navigate through the bustling streets and start taking some photos or just use the tour to help get familiar with the area.

Optional Activities Thăng Long Water Puppet Theatre Performance Hanoi

Watch a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show with beautiful live music and intricate puppets dancing in a water stage. Accommodation Golden Silk Boutique Hotel (or similar) Hotel

Day 5 Hanoi/Ha Long(Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner) Start your day off right with breakfast at Hoa Sua, a non-profit training restaurant for underprivileged Hanoi youth. Help yourself to some yummy cuisine while helping others. Afterwards, transfer to Halong Bay and spend the night on a traditional junk boat surrounded by turquoise waters, where thousands of sculpted limestone islands rise from the calm waters. Cruise through Bai Tu Long Bay, a more secluded section of this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to cruise around the Bay and explore the Me Cung cave with our local guide.

Board a junk boat, our home for the evening. This traditional wooden sailing boat offers a unique way of navigating the lime karsts of Halong Bay with all the comforts of a motorized, floating hotel. The boat crew will prepare an included seafood lunch and dinner to feast on. All cabins are twin share and have an en-suite bathroom. The boat features an enclosed dining and sitting area and of course plenty of outside deck space to enjoy your beautiful surroundings. On rare occasion Halong Bay is closed to tourist vessels by the government authorities due to extreme weather conditions. Should this occur, an alternate activity will be provided.

Private Vehicle

Hanoi – Ha Long4h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Halong Bay Overnight Junk boat Cruise

Ha Long

Cruise through stunning and secluded Bai Tu Long Bay, a less visited section of Ha Long Bay. Relax on board our comfortable traditional wooden junk boat. Enjoy your time afloat eating fresh seafood, admiring the magnificent karst formations and exploring Me Cung Cave. Spend a peaceful night anchored in the bay under the stars. Accommodation Halong Bay Boat (or similar) Hotel

Day 6 Ha Long/Huế(Breakfast | Lunch) Have an early lunch on board before returning to land and heading back to Hanoi to catch our short flight to Hue.

Private Vehicle

Ha Long – Hanoi4h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Plane

Hanoi – Huế1h

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually. Accommodation Romance Hotel (or similar) Hotel

Day 7 Huế(Breakfast) Visit the ancient walled Citadel containing the former Imperial Palace. Take a trip into the surrounding countryside to see the final resting place of former emperors, visiting one of the most impressive royal tombs. Opt to explore Hue like the locals on a motorbike taxi, visiting local shops and a Convent for lunch. Hue is the gateway to the treasures of Vietnam's royal past and remains one of Vietnam's major tourist attractions. This quiet city is widely known for the magnificent architecture of its citadel, royal tombs, pagodas, and temples built under the Nguyen dynasty on the lush banks of the Perfume River.

Imperial Citadel Tour

Huế

Tour this one-time capital city and UNESCO World Heritage site. See the walled fortress and former palace, which has many palaces, gateways, courtyards, and gardens to explore. The

Forbidden Purple City (modelled on China's Forbidden City) inside the citadel was once home to the imperial family and was significantly damaged during the Vietnam War.

Emperor's Tomb Guided Tour

Huế

Tour the tombs of Vietnam’s great emperors. Just outside of Hue, along the Perfume River are several impressive tombs dating back to the 1800s. Ranging in size and states of ruin, the ornate architecture and history make the sites a great place to learn more about the history of Hue.

Private Vehicle

Huế

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Optional Activities Hue local tour and Convent lunch Huế

Get an insider view of local life, exploring by motorbike taxi. Visit markets, learn how rice is made, travel by local boat and learn how incense and conical hats are made. This whirlwind immersion is topped off with a visit to a local Convent for lunch. Accommodation Romance Hotel (or similar) Hotel

Day 8 Huế/Hoi An(Breakfast) Enjoy a scenic drive to Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site and take a walking tour of the ancient town. Also visit the Lifestart Foundation and learn how to make a traditional lantern from one of the beneficiaries of this program. Supported by Planeterra, this project helps local Vietnamese with chronic disabilities gain sustainable employment. Depart Hue for the scenic journey to Hoi An, via the Hai Van Pass, an incredibly scenic and mountainous stretch of highway with spectacular views of Lang Co Beach. Hoi An itself is a charming small town 30km (19 mi) south of Danang.

Private Vehicle

Huế – Hoi An4h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Hoi An Walking Tour

Hoi An

Stroll through the narrow winding streets of Hoi An’s Old Town to see the Chinese assembly halls, ancestral homes, the Japanese covered bridge, and well-preserved pagodas. Opt to stop for lunch to sample delicious local delicacies and fusion food at one of the restaurants for which Hoi An is becoming famous. Accommodation Thanh Binh Riverside Hotel (or similar) Hotel

Day 9 Hoi An(Breakfast | Lunch)

Enjoy the Oodles of Noodles market visit, street food experience and cooking class at a supported culinary training school. Visit the local markets with two students and their trainer to learn about and taste noodles, and then return to the school to cook lunch with the students.

Free Time

Hoi AnAfternoon

Spend free time this afternoon visiting a tailor, wandering through the temples and tombs at a UNESCO World Heritage site, or take a bike ride to a nearby beach. Accommodation Thanh Binh Riverside Hotel (or similar) Hotel

Day 10 Hoi An(Breakfast) The day is free for optional activities of your choice. During your time in Hoi An, you may like to visit a local tailor and be fitted for some very reasonably priced clothes. Alternatively, you can organize an optional day tour to My Son, a major Cham site around one hour outside of Hoi An. These historical ruins are now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Or opt to spend the day by the pool or head to the nearby Cua Dai beach, a bike ride away.

Free Time

Hoi An

Numerous optional activities are available today.

Optional Activities Mỹ Sơn Excursion Mỹ Sơn

Travel approximately one hour from Hoi An to arrive at My Son. Tour these Hindu temples built between the fourth and 14th centuries; the site is widely accepted as one of the most important Hindu temple complexes in Southeast Asia. Learn about the architectural style and history of a site that’s often compared to Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Bagan in Burma.

Cua Dai Beach

Play in the surf at Cua Dai beach about 4km (2.5 mi) away from the Old Town. Make your own picnic of local food and rest under one of the palm trees lining the shore. Accommodation Thanh Binh Riverside Hotel (or similar) Hotel

Day 11 Hoi An/Ho Chi Minh City(Breakfast) Flight to Ho Chi Minh CIty. Opt to take a cyclo tour and visit the markets and shops. Discover the infectious energy of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s biggest city. Formerly known as Saigon, it was once the capital of South Vietnam and remains the country’s commercial center. During your free time you can take a tour by cyclo (rickshaw) to various sights around town. See Notre Dame Cathedral, Gustav Eiffel's Post Office, the Opera House, Rex Hotel, and town hall. Or you may wish to visit the War Remnants Museum or the Reunification Palace.

Plane

Nha Trang – Ho Chi Minh City45m

30 minute transfer from hotel in Hoi An to Nha Trang airport. One hour transfer from Ho Chi Minh City airport to hotel.

Free Time

Ho Chi Minh CityAfternoon

Free time to enjoy the city.

Optional Activities Ho Chi Minh City Cyclo Tour Ho Chi Minh City

Take a city tour on a cyclo (cycle rickshaw) – a great way to absorb the sights, sounds, and smells of Ho Chi Minh City. Watch your belongings though – they’re easy for people to grab, if you're not careful.

War Remnants Museum Visit Ho Chi Minh City

Visit the War Remnants Museum, a gut-wrenching but worthwhile experience that includes three storeys of exhibits and military hardware. Learn about the devastation that occurred in Saigon during the Vietnam War, a period that greatly contrasts the joy and liveliness of the Vietnamese people today.

Reunification Palace Visit Ho Chi Minh City

Wander the historic halls of the Reunification Palace (Independence Palace), a landmark in Ho Chi Minh City. This former home of the South Vietnamese president during the Vietnam War became the location of the end of the war when a North Vietnamese tank pushed through the palace gates on April 30, 1975. Accommodation Continental Saigon Hotel (or similar) Hotel

Day 12 Ho Chi Minh City(Breakfast | Dinner) Visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, legendary for the vital part they played during the Vietnam War.

Private Vehicle

Ho Chi Minh City – Củ Chi1h-1h30m

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Cu Chi Tunnels Guided Tour

Củ Chi

Take a guided tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels, a complex network of tunnels that the Viet Cong lived in to protect themselves from opposing forces during the Vietnam War. Try crawling through some of the tunnels (if you’re not claustrophobic). These tunnels stored ammunition, had underground hospitals, and served as a hidden base for attacking allied forces.

Private Vehicle

Củ Chi – Ho Chi Minh City1h-1h30m

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Accommodation Continental Saigon Hotel (or similar) Hotel

Day 13 Ho Chi Minh City(Breakfast) Depart at any time

What's Included National Geographic Journeys Exclusives: Breakfast at Hoa Sua, Hanoi National Geographic Journeys Exclusives: Traditional Lantern Experience, Hoi An National Geographic Journeys Exclusives: Oodles of Noodles Local Market Excursion, Hoi An G for Good: Oodles of Noodles Demonstration and Lunch, Hoi An. Arrival transfer. Visit Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton) and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Cyclo tour of Hanoi's Old Quarter. Overnight on a junk boat on Halong Bay. Guided tour of Emperor's Tomb and Imperial Citadel Hue. Walking tour of Hoi An Old Town. Guided tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels. Internal flights. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Highlights Learn to cook oodles of noodles at a youth-training school, cruise along Halong Bay in a traditional junk boat, learn how to make a traditional lantern in the lantern capital of Vietnam, step back into history at the Cu Chi Tunnels and Hanoi Hilton, enjoy lunch at Hoa Sua (a training restaurant for disadvantaged youth)

Dossier Disclaimer The information in this trip details document 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 the operator. The itinerary featured 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. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Itinerary Disclaimer While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Important Notes

LUGGAGE There may be a weight restriction for the internal flight on this tour. Each passenger is allowed to carry one checked bag with a maximum weight of 20 kg (40lbs). Additional bags or excess weight charges may apply. These charges are the responsibility of the passengers.

Group Size Notes Max 16, Avg 10.

Meals Included 12 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners

Meals Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with us you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. Included breakfasts will usually be asian style consisting of noodles or congee (rice porridge) or bread and eggs. Vegetarians will be able to find a range of different foods, although in some areas the choice maybe limited. While trekking in remote regions food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.

Transport Bus, boat, cyclo, plane, walking.

Local Flights All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure. There may be a weight restriction for the internal flight on this tour. Each passenger is allowed to carry one checked bag with a maximum weight of 20 kg (40lbs). Additional bags or excess weight charges may apply. These charges are the responsibility of the passengers.

Solo Travellers We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Accommodation Hotels (9 nts), junk boat (1 nt), lodge (2 nt).

My Own Room Exceptions Nights 2-3 Lodge and day 5 Halong Bay

About Accommodation

Please note that in some major cities in Vietnam, many hotel rooms do not have windows and rooms can be small.

Laundry Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

Visas and Entry Requirements Please note that visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. For the most up to date information please check your Governments Foreign Ministry website or with your travel agent as rules do change. VIETNAM - If you are arriving at the Hanoi airport, you can get a visa on arrival if you have arranged an official Vietnam visa approval letter beforehand. Otherwise Vietnamese visas need to be arranged ahead of time (BEFORE your trip). For many nationalities, an E-visa cannot be processed if entering Vietnam at a land border. As of March 2017, a select 40 nationalities are now eligible to enter Vietnam with an E-visa at a land border. Please contact your Foreign Ministry or Vietnamese consulate to see if your nationality is eligible. Please note that while MOST countries require a Visa ahead of time for Vietnam, certain countries may be allowed entrance for 15 days with proof of exit. As of July 1st, 2015 this will include citizens of Scandinavian countries, Japan, Russia, the UK, France, Germany, Spain and Italy. However, we STRONGLY recommend checking with your Embassy on the requirements as these change often. Please contact your Foreign Ministry for up to date entry/exit requirements.

Spending Money Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

Emergency Fund Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $250 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

Departure Tax Departure Tax is included in all International and Domestic tickets in China, Thailand & Vietnam.

Tipping It is customary in Asia to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected - though not compulsory - and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would

range from $1.5-$3.5 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. Also at the end of each trip if you felt your CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $20-25 USD per person, per week can be used.

Optional Activities Bring along USD150 for optional activities not included in the trip - Approximate costs (per person) for popular optional activities taken in free time are: Kayak Rental for 1 person (Halong Bay)- USD10 **Please note that some museums in Hanoi are closed on Mondays** Hoa Lao Prison- aka ‘Hanoi Hilton’ (Hanoi)- USD 2 Museum of Ethnology (Hanoi)- USD 2 plus transport National History Museum- USD 2 Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum (Hanoi) - free (Please note that Mausoleum is only open in the mornings on Tue-Thu & Sat-Sun. Closed Mondays, Fridays and full months of October & November. Please check ahead as Mausoleum may be periodically closed at other times also.) Temple of Literature (Hanoi)- USD 2 Fine Arts Museum (Hanoi) - USD 2 Women's Museum (Hanoi) - USD 2 Army Museum (Hanoi) - USD 2 Taxi to each museum - approx USD 3 Bicycle Hire (Hue) - USD 2 Normal bike, USD 8 mountain bike My Son Cham Ruins including car transport (Hoi An) - USD 25 Tu Bon River Boat Trip (Hoi An)- USD12 5/short ride USD 10/Long ride Cyclo tour (Ho Chi Minh City)- USD 10/ hour War Crimes museum (Ho Chi Minh City)- USD 1 The Reunification Palace (Ho Chi Minh City) - USD 2 Saigon Dam Sen Water Park (Ho Chi Minh City) - USD 7 All prices are per person (unless stated otherwise), and are subject to change as services are provided by third party operators.

Health Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical information pertaining to the country you are traveling to well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as a full supply of any personal medical requirements. In Asia, you will not find the same drugs as you get at home. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities. Also note that for legal reasons our Leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. For travelers over 70 years a completed Medical Form is required. The Tour Operator reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip

without refund if, in the reasonable opinion of the CEO, they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.

Trip Specific Safety Be aware that petty theft can be an issue in some Vietnamese towns and cities especially late at night. A common tactic is opportunists on motorbikes that drive by and snatch bags. Please always leave valuables and passports etc in your hotel,in safety boxes if available,and only carry with you enough cash to spend for the day. Bags should always be carried over the neck and not left to sit on your shoulder.

Medical Form Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility' is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our CEOs work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings in this Trip Details document for more information.

Travel Insurance Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

Local Dress 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 very short shorts. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot Asian climate. Shorts should be knee-length.