Destinations: Phnom Penh - Kampot - Sihanouk Ville - Battambang - Siem Reap - Phnom Penh
Highlights: visit famous Angkor temples in Siem Reap, Bamboo train in Battambang, main attractions in Phnom Penh to the fishing villages and beaches of the south in Kep and Sihanouk Ville.
Brief Cambodia tour, highlights & little-known treasures
Day 1: Phnom Penh – Arrival day
Day 2: Phnom Penh – Takeo
Day 3: Takeo - Kampot
Day 4: Kampot (Bokor Hill Station)
Day 5: Kampot – Sihanouk Ville
Day 6: Sihanouk Ville
Day 7: Sihanouk Ville
Day 8: Sihanouk Ville – Kirirom National Park
Day 9: Kirirom National Park – Phnom Penh
Day 10: Phnom Penh - Battambang
Day 11: Battambang
Day 12: Battambang – Siem Reap
Day 13: Siem Reap
Day 14: Siem Reap
Day 15: Siem Reap
Day 16: Siem Reap
Day 17: Siem Reap
Day 18: Siem Reap – Kampong Thom
Day 19: Kampong Thom – Phnom Penh
Day 20: Phnom Penh
Day 21: Phnom Penh
If you are looking for a Cambodia holiday that explore rich culture, long history and speedy-developing new look of Cambodia, this will be the best tour to do. With 21 days, you will have a lot of time and great opportunities to learn and understand this kingdom of wonders.
TOUR ITINERARY
Please contact us at info@vivutravel.com for booking and more information
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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 $665
- 4 Star HotelFrom $682
- 5 Star HotelFrom $918
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Low season
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(May 1 - Sep 9)
- 3 Star HotelFrom $635
- 4 Star HotelFrom $645
- 5 Star HotelFrom $885
NOTE: The above tour prices are estimated per person & applied for group of 2 persons! Depending on your favorite hotels, traveling dates & group sizes, the tour prices will be updated! Please contact us at info@vivutravel.com for further information!
Phnom Penh – Arrival day (Dinner)
On your first day in Cambodia, according to your arrival time, we will be pleased to give you some suggestions on what to do with your first day in Cambodia. In the evening, you will have a first group meeting with your local tour leader before going to a local restaurant for a welcome dinner, where you will have chance to taste first Khmer Cuisine.
Overnight in Phnom Penh at Town view I hotel or similar.
Phnom Penh – Takeo (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
After breakfast, we will leave Phnom Penh and drive to the South to the small town of Takeo, about two hours by bus from Phnom Penh, but we will stop for visits on the way. First stop at Phnom Tamao wildlife sanctuary. This zoo was established to preserve and rescue rare and endangered local species from poachers and smugglers. Phnom Tamao is home to 70 Sun bears and Asiatic bears that have been rescued with the help of the NGO Free the Bears which aim to protect, preserve and enrich the lives of bears. We will afterward stop at the two temples of Tonle Bati, an important worshipping place and a popular local weekend picnic site where we will have our picnic lunch. Afternoon, we will visit Phnom Chisor, a well preserved Angkor era temple ruin. After visit, we drive to our homestay. Tonight, we will have friendly meal together.
Overnight in homestay, Takeo
Takeo - Kampot (Breakfast, Lunch)
After breakfast we will enjoy a 40-minute boat trip along the canals of Takeo, through the rice fields and marshland to visit the ancient of Phnom Da which is the oldest historical site in Cambodia and Angkor Borei as well as visit a nearby museum housed in a small colonial building. We will continue to Kampot. Kampot is the durian growing region of Cambodia and is also renowned for producing one of the world’s finest peppers. On arrival, we will relax. Later in the afternoon, we will take a boat on the Prek Kampong Bay River, which runs along the city for a sunset river cruise. Passing through a Cham village, this journey will lead us to the rapids at Tekchhou, a very popular with the locals on weekends. We will return to Kampot
Overnight in Kampot at Borey Bokor hotel or similar
Kampot (Bokor Hill Station) ( Breakfast, Lunch)
After breakfast we will drive to Bokor Hill Station. This site is located on a 1000 meters high plateau of steaming jungle, shy wildlife and abandoned buildings. The specific climate of the site, often shrouded in fog and clouds, completes the mysterious atmosphere of this ghost-town. In addition, the view of the coast from the top is really spectacular. We will spend a full day in this eccentric and surprising site with a picnic lunch near the Popokvil waterfalls. We will drive back to Kampot in the evening. After, you will be perhaps tempted by a shiatsu-style massage or foot massage at “Seeing Hands 5 Massage” or “Kampot Massage by the Blind”, two places offering massages by seeing-impaired masseurs and masseuses.
Overnight in Kampot at Borey Bokor hotel or similar
Kampot – Sihanouk Ville (Breakfast)
We will have breakfast before leaving Kampot for Sihanoukville. It is Cambodia’s leading beach resort. There are white-sand beaches around the headland, un-spoilt islands off the coast and the popular Khal Chhay waterfall. As we will arrive there at noon time, we will first take you for lunch on your own account at a nice local restaurant. Afterwards, you will have a whole free afternoon to explore the beaches after check in. Dinner and drinks at some of local restaurants and bars along the beaches to enjoy sunset on the seaside.
Overnight at Sihanouk Ville at CCS hotel or similar
Sihanouk Ville (Breakfast, Lunch)
Today, we will organize a boat trip on the Gulf of Thailand. The boat will stop close to islands with rocky reefs providing a rich marine life for snorkeling before to shore to an island with uninhabited sandy beaches where you will relax while your guide will prepare lunch. Later, you will return to Sihanouk Ville with one or two more snorkeling stops.
Overnight in Sihanouk Ville, at CCS hotel or similar
Sihanouk Ville (Breakfast)
Here, you will have a full day to unwind and enjoy the beautiful tropical environment. No activities are planned today, but there are many sights around the city which are interesting to explore. You can spend the day in one of the numerous beautiful beaches around the peninsula, explore the surroundings of the city, or visit the maritime national park of Ream by boat to see the mangroves and wildlife on the shore. If someone is interested in diving, this will be possible with Eco sea Dive. Tonight, we will have dinner and drinks at some of local restaurants and bars along the beaches to enjoy sunset on the sea.
Overnight in Sihanouk Ville, at CCS hotel or similar
Sihanouk Ville – Kirirom National Park (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Today, we will take the bus to Chambok Community-based Ecotourism Site.
This place lies at the border of Kirirom National Park. It boasts a beautiful 40-meters high waterfall, which can be reached via a 3 km nature trail. The site serves as a model for best practice in community-based ecotourism in Cambodia. The site offers a wide range of outdoor activities and attractions such as trekking, hiking, bird watching, animal tracking or visiting a bat cave. You can also swimming in the stream, riding a bicycle or experiencing Khmer rural lifestyle. We will spend the night at a homestay which benefit the local community. We will stay at a traditionally fashioned Khmer house of a local farmer’s family and have dinner with our hosts.
Overnight in homestay, Chambok
Kirirom National Park – Phnom Penh ( Breakfast)
After breakfast with our hosts, we will spend some time at the village area before resume our journey to Phnom Penh. In the afternoon, we will drive to the Choeng Ek killing fields and the Tuol Sleng genocide Museum - a mass gravesite and a former high school converted to a detention and torture centre by the Khmers Rouges when they came to power in 1975. Choeung Ek also serves as a memorial to those killed under the Khmers Rouges regime.
Overnight in Phnom Penh at Town view I hotel or similar
Phnom Penh – Battambang ( Breakfast, Lunch)
Early morning, we will take the public bus to Battamang. The journey takes about 4-5 hours the city. After check in at the hotel, we will go for lunch at a local restaurant. Battambang is the provincial capital of Battambang province; it is the second biggest town of Cambodia. However it still has a very local, un-touristic, provincial atmosphere. In the afternoon, we will go around the city to see the old colonial buildings, the small museum and Wat Kampheng, a colorful temple in a peaceful garden. Then, we will drive 11 km along the Sang Ker River to reach Wat Ek Phnom temple (11th century).
Overnight in Battambang at Royal hotel or similar
Battambang (Breakfast)
After breakfast, we will drive 18 km to Phnom Sampov to visit two caves formerly used by the Khmer Rouge and enjoy a spectacular view of the countryside. Afterwards, we will go to Phnom Banon which homes a 12th century temple and the cave of the holy water. The "Kouhea Preah Toeuk" still hosts some Buddha statues brought by locals in this immense natural room. A real life experience on the bamboo train will bring us back to Battambang where we will have some time to relax.
Overnight in Battambang at Royal hotel or similar
Battambang – Siem Reap (Breakfast)
Early morning, we will take a regular boat departing from Battambang at 7:00 am. The boat will first navigate along the Sang Ker river before go onto the Tonle Sap lake, the biggest lake in Southeast Asia. This is a very scenic and picturesque journey; you will enjoy the wonderful landscape, passing through the flooded forest and the floating villages and learn about the daily life on the lake and along the river. This marvelous journey lasts about 4 hours during the wet season but can be considerably longer in the dry season due to low water. After check in, the rest of the afternoon will be free at leisure.
Overnight in Siem Reap at Side Walk Villa or similar
Please note that if water levels are low the journey from Battambang to Siem Reap will be overland. The Tonle Sap Lake presents its lowest level at the end of the dry season, in March and April.
Siem Reap (Breakfast)
After breakfast, we will visit Handicap International, an NGO which provides a range of support activities to disabled people, many of whom are victims of leftover weapons. Then, we will continue to the Jayavarman VII Children’s hospital, a state-of-the-art hospital which provides free medical care to children. Like every hospital in Cambodia, the medical staff is always in need of blood to save lives. We will stop there for the ones who would like to give blood. Afterwards, we will have lunch at a local restaurant. Afternoon, we will visit Angkor Wat which is the largest and most impressive of all the temples. We will proceed to the hilltop temple of Phnom Bakheng afterward, climb to top and meet the crowd for a truly memorable sunset.
Overnight in Siem Reap at Side Walk Villa or similar
Siem Reap (Breakfast)
This morning, we will visit some more temples of the Angkor complex. We will first stop at Prasat Kravan Temple. It consists of five brick towers in a row on one platform and contains some remarkable brick bas-reliefs. Then, we will visit Banteay Kdei and Srah Srang Royal Bath. It is a large lake originally excavated during the mid-10th century and remodeled in the 12th century as part of Jayavarman VII’s massive building campaign. Banteay Kdei is enclosed by a large laterite wall. The afternoon will be free to let you explore Siem Reap on your own.
Overnight in Siem Reap at Side Walk Villa or similar
Siem Reap (Breakfast)
You will have a free morning to have a long lie or continue your exploration of the city and its surroundings. In the afternoon, we will drive about 15 km southeast of Siem Reap to reach the temples of the Roluos group, a collection of monuments representing the remains of Hariharalaya, the first major capital of the Angkorian-era Khmer Empire. We will visit the three main temples of this site, Prasat Bakong, the oldest temple mountain of the Angkor-era, Prasat Preah Ko, with beautiful preserved carvings and Prasat Lolei, 4 tours built in the middle of a now dry baray.
Overnight in Siem Reap at Side Walk Villa or similar
Siem Reap (Breakfast)
After breakfast, we will begin to explore the complex of Angkor Thom including South Gate, a beautiful introduction to Angkor Thom with well-restored statues of asuras (demons) and gods lining the bridge, Bayon Temple, a pyramid temple decorated by about 200 smiling faces. We will also visit the Royal Enclosure, the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. We also visit Preah Khan, a labyrinth of pavilions, halls and chapels. This afternoon, we will visit Ta Phrom. It has been largely consumed by the jungle and as you will climb through the dilapidated stone structures you will see many giant trees growing out of the top of the temple itself. At every turn you will expect to see Indiana Jones or Lara Croft step out from behind a fallen pillar. The rest of the afternoon will be free at leisure.
Overnight in Siem Reap at Side Walk Villa or similar
Siem Reap (Breakfast, Lunch)
Today we will drive to Koh Ker, the most remote ancient royal city of the Khmer Empire.It was the capital city of the Khmer Empire during hardly two decades (928-944). The main ruins at Koh Ker consist of an impressive seven-storey sandstone pyramid (Prasat Thom). On the way back, we will stop at the magnificent Banteay Srei temple – the Citadel of women, decorated with superbly intricate reliefs of male and female divinities, carved on pink sandstone contrasting with the main walls made of laterite. Then, we will visit the Cambodian Landmine museum and Rehabilitation Centre which promotes mine awareness and education to Cambodian people. Our last stop will be the temple of Pre Rup. On upper levels of a pyramid temple offers a brilliant panoramic view of the surrounding countryside and is a good spot to enjoy the sunset.
Overnight in Siem Reap at Side Walk Villa or similar
Siem Reap – Kampong Thom (Breakfast)
Today, after breakfast, we will drive to Kampong Thom Province, East of Siem Reap. A two hours ride on public bus through a beautiful countryside will take us to the central city. Afternoon, we will visit Sambor Prei Kuk. This is the setting of the most impressive group of pre-Angkorian monuments anywhere in Cambodia. There are more than 100 small temples, scattered through the forest.
Accommodation in Stung Sen Hote, Kampong Thom
Kampong Thom – Phnom Penh (Breakfast)
After breakfast, we will go to Phnom Penh by public bus. On the way, we will stop for lunch at the village Skun. If you are very hungry or just looking for a eccentric dessert, you will get the chance to taste the local specialty, the delicious famous fried spiders (Tarantula called A ping in Khmer). Never try, never know, that’s our motto!
On arriving in Phnom Penh, we will check in at our hotel and then we will visit Wat Phnom, a temple on the top of the only hill of Phnom Penh. Then, we will visit the NGO Child’safe. Created and managed by Friends International since 2004, the ChildSafe project is developing a child protection network aimed at safeguarding children in Cambodia.
Overnight at Phnom Penh Town View I hotel or similar
Phnom Penh (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
In the morning, we will drive 35 km north of Phnom Penh to Oudong. It was the royal capital between 1618 and 1866 before the capital was moved to Phnom Penh. Several temples and stupas cover three hills. After lunch in Oudong, we will drive back to Phnom Penh and we will visit the Royal Palace situated on the site of the former citadel includes Wat Preah Keo, better known as the Silver Pagoda. This amazing place, which floor is covered with 5000 silver plates, houses the Preah Keo or emerald Buddha, made of Baccarat crystal. In front stands a 90 kg golden Buddha studded with 9584 diamonds. We return to hotel after visit.
Overnight in Phnom Penh at Town View I hotel or similar
Phnom Penh (Breakfast)
Inclusion:
- All transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver
- Accommodation as indicated
- English speaking tour guide
- Entrance fees
Exclusion:
- Drinks
- Other meals
- Insurance
- Flights
ABOUT VIVUTRAVEL
Vivutravel is a local, trustworthy and professional Vietnam tour operator, offering a wide range of Vietnam and Indochina tour packages to the most exciting destinations at most competitive price. Our Business License Number is 0104000493 and our International Tour Operator License Number is 01 – 258. We are very pleased to be a member of Vietnam Administration of Tourism with financial guarantee – a deposit of 1.000,000,000 million Vietnam Dong (US$ 50,000) in a bank of Vietnam. Besides that, we are also official members of;
Pata http://www.patamanager.org/Members/8088
Asta http://www.travelsense.org/vivutravel
Tripadvisor http://www.tripadvisor.com/vivutravel
Are you planning your Vietnam Holiday, but not sure how to arrange the trip? Getting lost in many tour options? Being sick of searching...? Just leave your troubles behind to read our Vietnam travel guides and send us your requests. Your private travel consultant at Vivutravel will help you design a perfectly suggested tour itinerary and quote which are tailor made to suit your wishes and budget.
* How to plan my Vietnam tour with you?
1. Send us an inquiry by submitting one of our online tour inquiry forms (Click). Tell us as much information as possible. For examples;
- Please tell us how many people will be traveling with you?
- Please tell us your preferred hotels, level of hotel (3, 4 or 5 stars), type of hotel, type of room...
- Please tell us your type of travel, length of travel and activities that you are interested in. For example; Family with kids, Couple's vacation, Honeymoon, Friends, Shopping, Sightseeing, Leisure and Relaxing, Cuisine & Cooking, Kayaking, Caves & Grottoes, Fishing, Swimming, Hiking, Minority, Adventure & Discovery...
- Please tell us where and what you want to visit. If you do not know much about Vietnam and Indochina, just give us your travel plan and ideas and we will create a suggested tour for you.
- Most of our tour guide are English speaking tour guides, but if you want another language like French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Chinese... we can always arrange. Please tell us what you do you expect from your guides, for example; you want a guide with sense of humor? Good knowledge in history & culture? Male/Female guide? Talkative/untalkative? Young/Old guide?
- Please advise if you want breakfast included only or also lunch and dinner. Please let us know if you are a vegetarian, the food you can eat or can't? If you want local food in local restaurants or western food in tourist restaurant...? Actually, you do not have to send us all information, but the more we know, the better we plan your holiday.
2. After having received your inquiry, one of our professional Vietnam travel consultants will email and give you a proposal.
3. If you accept the proposal (you may modify it till you are satisfied with it), we will calculate the tour cost and send you the tour price. If you accept it, please confirm that you would like to book it.
* How Travel Experts at Vivutravel Service you?
"Highest Standards of Quality and Honesty" is the core value of each specialized team at Vivutravel.
Everyone in our company is working hard for only one goal, which is to ensure the highest level of service, luxury, and attention to detail from the minute you begin planning your trip, to the day you return home.
1-on-1 Travel Consultant
After sending us an inquiry, one of our travel consultants will get back to you within 0.5~23.5 hrs. In the next few days, he/she will be working closely with you to formulate a customized tour plan, as well as providing professional suggestions based on your travel interests, time, and budget.
Beside, he/she will keep in contact with you during your entire tour in Vietnam and Indochina, continually checking if everything is going well as planned.
* How to proceed to book Vietnam and Indochina tour with you?
When you decide to book your Vietnam and Indochina holiday with us, please send us your full names (name on passport) for hotel and domestic flight reservations, and your international flight details in and out Vietnam/Indochina for airport transfers / pick up & see off.
* How to pay the deposit and the balance?
Deposit: When the booking is completely confirmed, we will send you confirmation details including confirmed itinerary, invoice, voucher then deposit request of about 30% of the total tour cost (can be less). You can pay by credit cards (via onepay gateway, pay online), make wire transfer, western union. The deposit is used to pay the flight tickets, hotels, train tickets in advance.
Balance: You can pay the rest 2 weeks before your arrival, or you can pay us on your arrival in Vietnam by credit cards, cash (AUD, USD, EUROS, VND...)
* How to enjoy the tour?
Our job is to make your holiday a memorable experience. To make sure you will have a great time, there are something that we should share;
When you request the tour: Please let us know your personal interests so our travel consultants will design and include in the itinerary, or take notes for the hotels, tour guide, restaurants...
Before you come: One week before your arrival. we always send our clients an email to update about the weather and climate, booking status, and remind you to prepare/check the documents, visa...for the holiday.
When on tour: The tour is fixed, but you can always discuss with us if you want to make it more flexible. For example, you want to make some changes in the itinerary, restaurant (meals), tour guide... please just let us know, we will do the best for you.
Tour guide: Please let us know what do you expect from your tour guides and we will arrange the right ones for you.
* Can you buy the international flight tickets for us?
Yes, we do. However, we advise you to buy the flight tickets in and out Vietnam from your end as it is always cheaper than if booked in here.
* Do you offer any discounts?
Yes, we offer discounts for;
- Family with kids and children < 12 years old
- Disable people
- Old people (> 65 years old)
- Second trip with us
- Big group
* How can I pay you the money?
1) Credit card; (secure online payment gateway via Onepay)
ONEPAY - ONLINE PAYMENT GATEWAY (VISA, MASTERCARD, AMEX & JCB ACCEPTED)
Like PayPal, OnePAY is a payment gateway but specialized in Vietnam where the PayPal has not yet reached. This is a perfect and the first payment processor which gains reputation among clients about its efficiency and timely friendly support.
OnePAY in cooperation with biggest bank in Vietnam - Vietcombank which has been implemented this service among many tour operators in Vietnam.
OnePAY is approved by MasterCard for this payment collection on the behalf of us. OnePAY uses SSL Verisign® over internet transaction under 3D-Secure program by respective creditcard companies so you are free from worries your card information disclosed. OnePAY payment portal also meets standards of international financial system such as PCI DSS of PCI Security Standards Council, 3D-Secure of Visa, MasterCard and JCB.
2) Wire transfer (bank transfer)
3) Cash
4) Western union
5) Combination
* Is there any charge if i change my travel plan such as travel dates, tour itinerary, hotels,...?
We are happy to work on your requests, and will not charge you any money. However, if it is too urgent and the date is too close, the hotels or airlines may chare you some money, in this case we will let you know.
* What is the latest time that I can make my reservation?
We suggest you make reservations at least one month before the departure date. If you decide to travel to Vietnam in May, September or October which is peak season, we recommend you make the reservations two months (at least one) before your departure date. Late reservations can not be guaranteed for the availability of domestic flights, hotel rooms, etc.
However, we DO accept late reservations, things are possible at Vivutravel
* What about Cancellation policy?
In case of cancellation, we will not impose any charges if we are not being charged and possible to get refund from our suppliers but if our suppliers apply charges for cancellation, you will have to pay those charges that apply. Cancellation policies vary, depending upon the type of service, the time of year, and the reason for cancellation. We will pass on to you all details of any cancellation policy with our transparent reply upon demand.
General cancellation charges that applied by travel services in Vietnam and Indochina.
- Domestic flights: 25% of the fares
- 3 star hotels, train tickets, no charge if you cancel 3-5 days before your arrival. (FIT)
- 4 star hotels, 7 - 10 days before your arrival (FIT)
- 5 stars hotelS, 10 - 15 days before your arrival (FIT)
However, in peak season, we may have to pay the hotels one month before your arrival to secure the booking, and in this case, the cancellation policy will be based on the hotels' cancellation plolicies.
* Can we get refund?
For the unused services, Vivutravel will refund you the money.
* How do I get a visa?
Vietnam Visa - For those who would like to avoid the perhaps lengthening visa procedures with their local Vietnam's Embassies, the service of Vietnam Visa On Arrival is available for help. It is legitimated and supported by the Vietnamese Immigration 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.
Steps to obtain Visa on arrival
a) Please provide the following information for us to apply for your visa.
1) 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
You can apply Vietnam visa online through our www.vietnamvisaprovider.com.
b) How long does it take?
It will take 2-3 days (Normal process), 01 day (Urgent process) to get the “Visa Approval Letter” which we will send you via mail. What you need is to print it out and take it along to get the stamp at airports/borders
c) Get the stamp
Upon arrival, you will need to fill in a certain form with your personal information, get the stamp and visa will be done. For this process, you will need to prepare 02 photos (4*6) and $25 USD each in cash which is stamping fee.
Download the form that you will need to fill your personal information at airport/border here
* Do our tour guides and drivers have meals with us?
The guide and the driver in each destination will dine at the same restaurant as yours. But, they will not join you unless you invite them.
* Where can I change our money into Vietnam currency?
We advise you to stop in any of a Vietnamese bank during the tour (Our tour guides will take you to the bank), you can change money at your hotel, but the exchange rate is not really good.
* Can I use credit cards in Vietnam?
Major credit cards such as Master Card, Visa, Diner's Card, American Express and JCB can be used 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: 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 of an 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.
* 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.
* Tipping
Tipping is not compulsory, but expected by your tour guide and driver. We advise you to tip as below:
- US$10 - $15 per day for tour guide
- US$7 - US$10 per day for driver
Note:
- Tipping can be more or less or nothing that depends on how big is the group? And how do you enjoy our services?
- Other tipping for tuktuk, sampan boat, cyclo,... please check with your tour guide during the tour.
* Shopping
Vivutravel guarantees "no shopping tour", which means we protect you from the tourist shopping centers or traps. However, if you want to buy something, our travel consultants, tour guides will give you suggestions, advices and help you buy to avoid being overcharged.
Bargaining is a "Must" when buying something in Vietnam and Indochina.
Vivutravel believes that a good choice of accommodation will be the key factor for a successful holiday, and for many years of experience in tourism, we have created a list of the best hotels and resorts each destination that offer us both more benefits of competitive rates, early birds, guaranteed promotion and discounts with availability.
We pick the selected hotels for you as below:
Location: The hotels must be centrally – located, close to the main attractions and most convenient for you to enjoy your holiday.
Facility & Service Quality: Vivutravel only uses the hotels that are regularly and strictly inspected. The hotel must provide international standards and your every need is cared for by the hotel staff.
Variety in Choice: As Vivutravel offers different styles of tour such as honeymoon,, family, adventure, discovery, homestay,... so we will offer many styles and grades of hotels which are available for different budgets, tastes and culture backgrounds.
Hotel Information for planning your holiday and stay.
2 Stars - From US$35 - US$40:
We hardly use 2 star hotels for our clients but sometimes we have no choice if your trip is in the mountainous or remote 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:
Offering 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 from US$80 - US$130:
Offering a wide range of comfortable boutique hotels are available with shopping, dining and entertainment 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 accommodation experience. Multiple restaurants on site and a wide range of choice for buffet breakfast, good size of swimming pool, fitness center and concierge service round out the experience.
Tour guide and driver are Vivutravel's representatives and your travel companions during your travel in Vietnam and Indochina who take care of our travel services and make your holiday a memorable time. Understanding this, Vivutravel always selects the best tour guides and drivers for tours.
Private Guide & Transfer
Vivutravel's tour packages are private and tailor made so during your travel with us, you will have a private tour guide, private driver, and an air-conditioned vehicle escorting you at every destination you travel to. This will provide you with maximized personal care, security, and flexibility.
Tour Guide:
We do understand that a good tour guide will make your holiday a beautiful time and tour guides who work with us are well-paid, experienced with a university background, eager to exchange our culture, lifestyle, knowledge...with travelers, and have a great passion for their country and understand the personal touch.
Note: In Sapa or some mountainous areas, we may use local tour guides who come from the ethnic groups like H'Mong, or Red Dao as they know better than anyone else about their land, culture, customs and habits... and this is also the way that Vivutravel helps the local people a better life.
Vivutravel's requirements for a tour guide:
1 - Licensed at least for 4 years with working 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
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.
12 - If any change of itinerary is needed for unexpected reasons, your private tour guides will be more than accommodating in suggesting alternatives to ensure that you always have a wonderful experience.
Transportation:
Vivutravel guarantees to offer the best means of transport during your holiday in Vietnam and Indochina. The safety, comfort and security of our customers come first. We use only the latest modern cars, vans, coaches and all our drivers are full time workers, government licensed in the tourism industry with at least 5 years driving experience. We are fully in control of our quality and service as we own our vehicles.
Vivutravel's requirements for a tour driver.
- Our drivers must be good drivers with at least 5 years of experience
- Our drivers must keep the vehicles clean,
- Our drivers are not allowed to hear cell-phone or smoke, chat, drink when driving.
- Our drivers must be friendly, helpful.
- Our drivers are not allowed to take you to shops unless you ask for.
- Your vehicle in each destination is air conditioned, insured, clean, and regularly maintained.
Tipping
Tipping is not compulsory, but expected by your tour guide and driver. We advise you to tip as below:
- US$10 - $15 per day for tour guide
- US$7 - US$10 per day for driver
- Tipping can be more or less or nothing that depends on how big is the group? And how do you enjoy our services?
- Other tipping for tuktuk, sampan boat, cyclo,... please check with your tour guide during the tour.
Indochina holiday to Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand offers you some of the world's best food and it is really the highlight of your travel. Vivutravel tends to include meals where necessary and when special. Other meals are at your own choices.
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.
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 reservation's team and tour guides in different cities can make some preparations and arrangements in advance.
Dinner
Dinners are only included if you stay overnight in a homestay, overnight on cruise in Halong 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 Vivutravel's tour guide will always give you good suggestions based on your preferences.
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. This is sample tour and can always be personalized to meet your personal needs and travel budget.
Planning the tour:
Prompt response in 0.5-10 hours
Supported by private travel consultant
Unlimited changes, no charge
Our guarantee:
Quality service and affordable price with added value
Use of excellent local guides
Use of well-selected hotels
Use of comfortable vehicles
Worry-free & one-stop service
Excellent customer care
Methods of payment:
Deposit 30% in advance after the tour is confirmed
Balance paid on arrival in cash, credit cards, traveler's cheque
Online and secure payment by bank transfer or credit cards