A classic Indochina tour making use of short internal flights provides clients with a real insight to two countries, Cambodia and Vietnam. It begins in one capital, Phnom Penh in Cambodia, and finishes in another, Hanoi in Vietnam, two weeks’ later. Within that time, you will see some of the best Indochina has to offer; the Killing Fields, Angkor Wat, the iconic Mekong Delta, an ancient capital of Vietnam, Hoi An, the UNESCO World Heritage site that is Halong Bay and the atmospheric city of Hanoi.
Within a couple of days of starting you will be reminded of the terrible recent history of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge and the rich cultural past in Angkor. Happily, Cambodia is at peace and provides a great opening to an Indochina tour package.
Onward travel to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) reveals further ‘’treasures’’, the Cu Chi Tunnels to the north which the Viet Cong used so effectively during the Vietnam War, and the iconic Mekong Delta to the west.
The next flight is up to Danang which opens up Central Vietnam to visitors. The coastal city of Hoi An was a trading port as early as the 7th Century is first followed by the old imperial capital of Hue which was the home of the Nguyen Dynasty in the 19th and 20th Century.
Hanoi is the next stop, a city that still has some colonial French architecture mixed with traditional wooden houses. There is much to see and do in Hanoi but everyone visiting the north must surely go to Halong Bay, the UNESCO World Heritage site due east of Hanoi? Travellers on this Indochina tour can enjoy a cruise in the Bay before returning to Hanoi for a last look around the streets of the City before the holiday ends.
Destinations: Phnom Penh - Siem Reap - Ho Chi Minh - Cu Chi - Mekong Delta - Hoi An - Hue - Hanoi - Halong
Highlights: Sightseeing, Culture & History, Minority, Leisure Activities & Entertainment, Cruising, Cuisine, Shopping
Indochina Tour Essential in brief:
Day 1: Phnom Penh Arrival - City tour
Day 2: Killing Field - Flight to Siem Reap
Day 3: Siem Reap Tour
Day 4: Siem Reap - Flight to Ho Chi Minh
Day 5: Ho Chi Minh - Cu Chi Tunnels - Ho Chi Minh
Day 6: Ho Chi Minh - Mekong Delta Cruise
Day 7: Mekong Cruise - Ho Chi Minh & Flight to Danang (Hoi An)
Day 8: Hoi An free day
Day 9: Hoi An - Hue
Day 10: Hue - Flight to Hanoi
Day 11: Hanoi City Tour
Day 12: Hanoi - Halong Cruise
Day 13: Halong Cruise - Hanoi - Street food tour
Day 14: Hanoi Departure
This Indochina tour designed by Vivutravel's speicalists for tourists to visit the best of what Vietnam and Cambodia have to offer. Each country has their own beautiful nature, unique culture and traditional value for you to admire and discover.
TOUR ITINERARY
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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)
- From
- From
- From
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Low season
-
(May 1 - Sep 9)
- From
- From
- From
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 (None)
Phnom Penh, the first stop for your Indochina tours, 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. After touching down in Cambodia's capital, check in hotel and relax
Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Killing Field – Flight to Siem Reap (Breakfast)
After breakfast, we will visit the Killing Field, the peaceful stretch of green fields of Cheung Ek may not indicate what kinds of horrors have taken place there. Situated 17km from Phnom Penh town, Cheung Ek was made famous by the movie “The Killing Fields”. Nowadays, a large memorial has been built to commemorate the 17,000 victims who died here under the reign of Khmer Rouge leader, Pol Pot.
Then we take a short flight to Siem Reap, one of the most exciting Indochina tours, the home of the Temples of Angkor.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Siem Reap Tour (Breakfast)
After breakfast in the hotel, we will start our first visit to Angkor Complex: Angkor Thom, the fortified city of Angkor Thom covers an area of 10 square km. Enter by the monumental South Gate over a causeway lined on either side by statues of demons and gods, each carrying a giant Naga. We will stop at the famous Bayon temple and continue to the Terrace of the Elephants and the terrace of the Leper Kings, then to Ta Phrom - It has been controversially left to the destructive power of the jungle by French archaeologists to demonstrate the awesome power of nature.
In the afternoon we continue to Angkor Wat – is the largest and most impressive of all the temples and also the 7th wonder of the world. Then we will enjoy viewing the sunset from Phnom Bakheng. Return to town after tour and overnight at Siem Reap.
Siem Reap – Flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Breakfast)
Today after breakfast, we will visit to Banteay Srei is considered to be the jewel of classical Khmer art. This temple is often a favourite with visitors. Visit Banteay Samre. Banteay Samre is a mid-12th century temple dedicated to the god Vishnu.
In the afternoon we visit to Pre Rup, East Mebon, Ta Som, Neak Pean and Preah Khan. Pre Rup is a temple-mountain symbolising the Mount Meru, close in style to the East Mebon but higher and artistically superior than its predecessor.
Then continue transfer to the airport for flight to Ho Chi Minh. Upon your arrival at Ho Chi Minh airport, pick up and transfer to hotel for check-in.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.
Ho Chi Minh city tour & Cu Chi tunnels (Breakfast)
On this full-day program, you’ll depart Ho Chi Minh City at 08:00 for a pleasant drive through the countryside to Cu Chi.
Before entering the tunnels you’ll see a short introductory video about their construction. Spend the next hour exploring the tunnel maze. Also on display are various mantraps, the remains of an American tank, and numerous bomb craters created by 500-pound bombs dropped by B52 bombers.
Afterwards, you’ll head back to Ho Chi Minh City, arriving at around 13:00.
In the afternoon your Ho Chi Minh City tour begins with a visit to Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Post Office, fine examples of classical French colonial architecture.
See the Reunification Palace, one of the city’s most important buildings. Here on 30 April 1975 the American War officially ended when tank number 843 of the North Vietnamese Army crashed through the gates of what was at the time the residence of the President of the Republic of Vietnam.
Formerly known as the Museum of American War Crimes, the War Remnants Museum features poignant displays of the futility of war. The courtyard outside contains the spoils of war, namely rusting jets, tanks, and cannons captured from the American military machine.
Visit the bustling Ben Thanh Market, which is very popular with tourists, primarily due to its central location. It has a wide selection of goods ranging from fake Nike shoes to beautiful silk ao dais, the traditional costume for women.
The tour ends at approximately 18:00 and you’ll be transferred back to your hotel. Note that you have the option of staying on at Ben Thanh Market and making your own way back to the hotel.
Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
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 doubt one of the most interesting destinations for Vietnam Tours.
Boarding at Ninh Kieu pier. Welcome drink, introduction to the ship and crew, check into the cabins. Departure downstream of the Hau river. Lunch on board while en route. Tour near Tra On floating market.
Turning into Nicolai canal, towards the Mang Thit and Co Chien rivers. Rest on the upper deck in a scenery of rice fields, sugar cane, woods on the near banks.
Visit of a village on the banks of river Mang Thit, an opportunity to appreciate the way of life and hospitality of the local inhabitants. Visit of the orchard or rice fields nearby.
Boarding back, complimentary drink as a welcome back on board. Rest on the deck or around the bar enjoying the sunset. The crew will serve dinner while the Bassac is cruising Mang Thit river towards her anchorage point for the night.
The Bassac sets anchor for the night on river Mang Thit. Overnight on board.
Mekong – Ho Chi Minh City – Flight to Danang – Hoi An (Breakfast)
06:30 Departure towards Cai Be. The passengers take their breakfast while enjoying the scenery on the banks.
The Bassac crosses Co Chien river then branches into Cho Lach canal for 30 minutes through the traffic of sand and rice barges, in a scenery of fruit drying facilities and wooden ship building yards.
Arrival in Cai Be, check-out and boarding of a local boat for a tour of Cai Be floating market and handicraft.
Leaving the board at: Cái Bè. Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City's domestic airport for your flight to Danang. Pick up and transfer to Hoi An. Overnight in Hoi An.
Hoi An free day (Breakfast)
Hoi An Ancient Town -the highlight of any tour to Vietnam that no Vietnam Tours maker would skip, 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 Cua Dai Beach. Overnight in a Hoi An hotel.
Hoi An – Hue (Breakfast)
After breakfast, leave Hoi An for Hue, the last imperial capital of Vietnam, well-known for magnific architecture, pagodas and royal tombs laid in small villages and surrounding hills and one of the most popular cities for all the Vietnam Tours. En route have a look at the famous Danang Beach and visit Cham Museum which contains the finest collection of Cham sculpture in the world.
Upon arrival in Hue, visit the Imperial Citadel, the Purple Forbidden City. Overnight in Hue.
Hue – Flight to Hanoi (Breakfast)
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 Vietnam Tours.
After breakfast, our tour starts with 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.
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, our private Indochina tour guide and driver will welcome your Indochina Holiday 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.
Hanoi City Tour (Breakfast)
Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam with a long background of history and culture. Besides historical destinations, Hanoi is well-known for its beautiful lakes with the image of local Tai Chi in the early morning, tree-line boulevards, funny street vendors & special street food cuisine.
05:30 Wake up early and be ready for an amazing morning trip around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter - the symbols of Hanoi city and Hanoian. You will be surprised by seeing local Hanoians doing morning exercises around Hoan Kiem Lake as they are so natural practicing such strange Tai Chi in their own ways. Let’s see the way they do and join with them! From Hoan Kiem Lake, take a look at the Old Quarter as it is the only time in day you can enjoy quiet atmosphere.
07:00 Have breakfast with Pho - the most famous and popular dish in Vietnam in general and Hanoi in particular.
08:00 Transfer to visit Ho Chi Minh complex with first stop at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – a large memorial to the national hero - President Ho Chi Minh who led the country to independence and reunification. The Mausoleum is located at Ba Dinh Square where Ho Chi Minh President read the Declaration of Independence on 02nd Sep 1945 establishing the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. Then take a short walk to the Presidential Palace & House on Stilt. Near from Ho Chi Minh complex, One Pillar Pagoda – symbol of Vietnam with unique architecture of lotus flower is a must-see destination for all Vietnam tours. Our next stop will be the Temple of Literature which is the first university in Vietnam. It was constructed in 1070, first to honor Confucius and nowadays to celebrate the doctorates and high rank scholars of Vietnam.
After lunch time, we continue our Hanoi city tour to the Museum of Ethnology offering an insight into the 54 different ethnic groups of Vietnam. It introduces Vietnamese traditional ways of life from religious events to the symbolic rituals as well as displays a variety of Vietnamese homes as full-scale replicas outside.
End the day with a short cyclo ride around the old streets observing daily life of Hanoian, take exotic photos of Hanoi traffic and enjoy a fantastic water puppet show.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Hanoi – Halong Cruise (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
We start at 8.00 A.M for the 3.5 hour drive (170 km) through the Red River Delta, which offers plenty of chances for taking photos of Vietnamese farmers tilling the vast green paddy fields. At half way, we'll have a visit to a handicraft workshop with fine clothes, embroidered paintings, stone statuettes and all kinds of gems mined in Vietnam such as star rubies or sapphires... Our destination is Halong bay – the most famous World Heritage Site in Vietnam, famous for its beautiful seascape, thousands of spectacular islands and islets jutting out from the sea, amazing caves with marvelous stalagmites and stalactites in different sizes and shapes.
11:30 – 12:00 Upon arrival, you'll be welcomed on board our luxury junk and treated with wine and fresh local seafood. As our junk gliding further into the tranquility of Ha Long Bay amid the towering mountain cliffs and on the emerald green water, you'll have relaxing time combining the fine tastes of the wine and the freshness of Ha Long Bay. During the cruise, we'll stop some times for visiting the amazing Sung Sot cave and the Ti Top white sand beach before anchoring for the night.
Overnight on board the junk in the wild of Halong Bay.
Halong Bay – Hanoi - Street food tour (Breakfast, Lunch)
It is said that your Vietnam Tours will not be complete without a tour to Halong Bay and spending one night on romantic Halong Cruise. 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, a priceless collection of unfinished sculptures hewn from the hand of nature.
After breakfast, we'll take a little sampan to visit a secret lagoon of Ha Long Bay while the surrounding mountains are just waking up. After that our cruise takes us further into the Bay of Bai Tu Long traveling past the Human Head Island, the Turtle Island, and the Duck Islet... to the studio site where the famous Indochine film was shot. Around noon, our junk travels back to the harbor, pick up and drive back to Hanoi.
Arrive in Hanoi, enjoy the food tour experience with a first visit to one of the local markets in the city to see all different kinds of food that used for a Vietnamese breakfast, lunch, dinner and understand more about life of Vietnamese.
Secondly, we walk to explore everyday life of Hanoian, try some more different dishes which are very special, popular and favourite such as;
1. Banh Ran - Sticky rice pancake
2. Fried Tofu and Vermicelli Shrimp Sauce
3. Bun Cha - Hanoi Style Vermicelli with Grilled Pork
4. Hanoi grilled pork in stick
5. Bia Hoi – Draught beer
6. Trung Vit Lon - Fertilized duck eggs
7. Egg coffee
8. Mix fruits
Finally, we will try Cha Ca - Fried Fish which is considered as one of the best dishes to try while you are traveling in Hanoi. This unforgettable Hanoi food tour will take about 4 hours and you will end the trip at your hotel at around 19:00.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Hanoi Departure (Breakfast)
Inclusion:
- All transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver
- Accommodation as indicated
- Flight tickets: Phnom Penh - Siem Reap, Siem Reap - Ho Chi Minh, Ho Chi Minh - Danang & Hue - Hanoi
- English speaking guides (Except for free days)
- Meals as mentioned
- All entrance fees & boat trips to indicated sights
- Visa on arrival to Vietnam (Except for $25 usd per person as stamping fee at the airport)
Exclusion:
- Tips
- Drinks
- Other meals
- Insurance
* What about Cancellation policy?
In case of cancellation, we will not impose any charges if we are not being charged and possible to get refund from our suppliers but if our suppliers apply charges for cancellation, you will have to pay those charges that apply. Cancellation policies vary, depending upon the type of service, the time of year, and the reason for cancellation. We will pass on to you all details of any cancellation policy with our transparent reply upon demand.
General cancellation charges that applied by travel services in Vietnam and Indochina.
- Domestic flights: 25% of the fares
- 3 star hotels, no charge if you cancel 5 -7 days before your arrival. (FIT)
- 4 star hotels, no charge if you cancel 10 - 15 days before your arrival (FIT)
- 5 stars hotels, no charge if you cancel 15 - 20 days before your arrival (FIT)
However, in peak season, we may have to pay the hotels one month before your arrival to secure the booking, and in this case, the cancellation policy will be based on the hotels' cancellation plolicies.
* Can we get refund?
For the unused services, Vivutravel will refund you the money.
ABOUT VIVUTRAVEL
Vivutravel is a local, trustworthy and professional Vietnam tour operator, offering a wide range of Vietnam and Indochina tour packages to the most exciting destinations at most competitive price. Our Business License Number is 0104000493 and our International Tour Operator License Number is 01 – 258. We are very pleased to be a member of Vietnam Administration of Tourism with financial guarantee – a deposit of 1.000,000,000 million Vietnam Dong (US$ 50,000) in a bank of Vietnam. Besides that, we are also official members of VISTA (Vietnam Society of Travel Agents), PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) and higky recommended on Tripadvisor.
Are you planning your Vietnam and Cambodia tour, 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 guide 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 guides 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, no charge if you cancel 5 -7 days before your arrival. (FIT)
- 4 star hotels, no charge if you cancel 10 - 15 days before your arrival (FIT)
- 5 stars hotels, no charge if you cancel 15 - 20 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.
* 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 exchange 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 also exchange 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.
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.
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.
Katy, Bridgnorth, United Kingdom
Wonderful Personalised Private Tour As party of 3 we experienced the best holiday I have ever had. Kim at Vivu organised everything for us in a very efficient and helpful manner, always ready with suggestions to improve on our ideas and able to accommodate all the extras that we wanted. Never having been on this type of tour before we were impressed by how well everything ran. Always met at the airport, guides and buses always on time and accommodation to a high standard. And when we had a problem, of our own making, Kim had everything sorted in record time which I feel is the sign of the best agents. Our guides were knowledgeable and friendly and keen to work with us so that we got the best out of our time. A special mention to Thang who we were with in Hanoi and Sapa, Lay in Pnom Phen and Doh in Saigon. Overall a truly memorable experience and I couldn't recommend Viviu and Kim highly enough. Thank you!!!
Bambado Sydney, Australia
A wonderful family adventure around Cambodia and Vietnam Thank you Ngoc at Vivu Travel for all your help and going above and beyond to plan such a great itinerary for us. Vivu Travel was recommended by a few friends from Australia and we found them very easy to communicate with and book through. The trip they planned for us was just perfect!
Ruth C. Turner
We use vivutravel for a two week tour around Vietnam and Cambodia. They did a great job in organizing and customizing our itinerary to meet our needs. With young children it was important to us to strike a balance between sight seeing and relaxation and they really helped us get this right. All the organized trips were excellent with great guides who were well informed and helpful. They kept in touch throughout our holiday to make sure everything was going to plan and notifying us if any of our flights changed (something which happens a lot with internal Vietnam flights). Thanks for making this an unforgettable holiday!
Joanne Shah
We have just made a trip in Vietnam – Cambodia with Vivutravel and I confirm that this agency is to recommend. Great quality for the price. We had 14 days tour and everything was perfectly organized with high quality services, very profressional guides. The selected hotels which I had validated before, were all very good with some charming hotels. I really recommend Vivutravel for those who want to travel in Vietnam and Cambodia
Tanya Shane
We made a first trip to Vietnam in 2014 with Vivutravel and had no complaints: perfect for the organization with changes based on our desires, our travel consultant were always adorable and available. We have once again called on them this year for a two week tour in Vietnam and Cambodia. The same availability and patience!!! At the level of the organization, no problems on site, very interesting guides. In brief, we recommend Vivutravel for its kindness, its availability and the quality of its services.
Robert Lawton
You can learn a lot about places by reading but there is no substitute for actually visiting, absorbing the atmosphere and meeting the people. This was my experience in Cambodia and Vietnam recently and I have Vivu Travel in Hanoi to thank for that. I discussed a variety of its tours with travel consultant, Trang, and I have to say I did not regret my decision for an instant. I have always been interested in history and there was plenty, modern and ancient to enjoy during my holiday. I’m not sure ‘’enjoy’’ is appropriate for the Killing Fields but my mood soon improved down in Angkor. In Vietnam, I was met by Lien in Ho Chi Minh City and visited the Mekong that I have seen many times on film. As I travelled through Vietnam, there was a different experience every day until I was ready to leave for home. I called into Vivu Travel to thank Trang; I’ll be back in touch in the future having found a very reliable tour operator. Perhaps even later this year?
Michael Allen
I could not possibly thank Ms. Lan and Vivutravel enough for such a wonderful trip. When my parents, my husband, my 6-year old daughter and I decided to spend 2 weeks traveling together to Vietnam and Cambodia, I extensively researched for a travel agent who could put together the perfect itinerary for us. I discovered Vivutravel through TripAdvisor and I am so glad that I did. Viutravel helped me build up together an itinerary that made the most sense given where we wanted to go (Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Mekong Delta, Hoi An & Halong Bay) and set us up with the best private tour guides in each destination. This was once-of-a-lifetime experience for my parents and my family. And we will never forget the wonderful times we shared together. We are extremely grateful for everything.
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