NB07: Mai Chau - Ninh Binh - Halong Bay - 5 days / 4 nights

TOUR ITINERARY

Please contact us at info@vivutravel.com for booking and more information

  • Tour Class

  • 3 Star Hotel
  • 4 Star Hotel
  • 5 Star Hotel
  •  

    High Season

  •  

    (Jan 1 - Apr 30 & Oct 1 - Dec 31)

  • 3 Star HotelFrom $
  • 4 Star HotelFrom $
  • 5 Star HotelFrom $
  •  

    Low season

  •  

    (May 1 - Sep 9)

  • 3 Star HotelFrom $
  • 4 Star HotelFrom $
  • 5 Star HotelFrom $

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!

Hanoi - Mai Chau Valley (Lunch, Dinner) Guide)

Depart early in the morning for a beautiful Vietnam Tour with drive on the hilly road to Mai Chau. On half way, Optional, stop for visiting Hoa Binh Hydro Power Station – The biggest power station in Vietnam. On arrival to Tan Lac township, turn right to drive through beautiful rice and corn fields, villages and along Hoa Binh Lake. Stop at a local family and have picnic lunch with what we prepare. After lunch, we take one hour boat trip to explore the beautiful lake and refresh with cool and fresh air.

We continue to Mai Chau and arrive at Mai Chau at around 3 pm. Relax before, we cycle to visit Lac & Poom Coong villages here you will have chance to see “Tho Cam” - a unique product of Thai people. See the houses on stilts and beautiful rice paddy fields and sink deep in Thai’s customs by enjoying a traditional music show and taste “Ruou Can” – special local wine. Overnight in the home of Thai hill tribe (Poom Coong village).

Day 01

Mai Chau - Van Long Natural Reserve - Ninh Binh (Breakfast, Lunch) (Guide)

This morning, we cycle around the valley of Mai Chau to experience the everyday life of the White Thai ethnic.

After lunch, drive to Ninh Binh and take a picturesque boat trip at Van Long natural reserve. It is here where the Skull Island filmed.

Overnight in Ninh Binh at a hotel.

Day 02

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital - Mua Cave - Tam Coc (Breakfast, Lunch) (Guide)

After breakfast, visit Hoa Lu, the picturesque site of a 10th-century capital of an ancient Vietnamese Kingdom called Dai Co Viet for 41 years (968-1009).

Continue to Mua Cave, the most picturesque spot in Ninh Binh where you will climb around 500 steps to enjoy amazing panoramic view of Tam Coc, rice fields and karst landscape.

Lunch in a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we make a beautiful and exciting boat trip to explore Tam Coc (three caves region and named as Halong bay among the rice paddies).

After 2,5 hours boat trip to admire the mystical beauty of Tam Coc, drive to Thung Nham for birdwatching.

Overnight in Ninh Binh

Day 03

Ninh Binh - Halong Bay (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) (Guide)

08:00: Pick up at your hotel and transfer to Halong Bay - the most famous World Heritage Site in Vietnam that attracts tourists from all over the world. The Bay is fulfilled with thousands of islands and islets emerging from the emerald sea water.

12.00 – 12.30: Embark Dragon's Pearl Cruise upon your arrival at Hon Gai International harbor.

12.30 – 13.00: Check-in your deluxe cabin, enjoy welcome drink while being introduced about the cruise itinerary.

13.30 – 15.00: Have lunch on board while cruising out to the magnificent Bai Tu Long bay and you can enjoy the fascinating formations on the way.

15.15 – 15.40: Explore the beautiful and amazing Canh Son cave.

15.45 – 18:00: It's time for relaxing on a white sandy beach at Hon Co island and you can swim or kayak.

18:00 – 19.00: Back to junk for refreshment before having dinner on board.

20.00 – 21.00: Relax, enjoy fresh air & overnight on board.

Day 04

Halong Bay - Hanoi (Brunch) (Guide)

07.30 – 08.00: Good morning from the spectacular view of Halong Bay that will surely surprise you. Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and have breakfast in the fresh air.

08.30 – 09.30: Visit Vung Vieng fishing village by a rustic row-boat to see the daily life of local people who live in the midde of the bay.

10.00: Check out of your cabin while the cruise is heading back to the harbor. Have a la carte lunch before disembark.

11.45 – 12.00: Disembark. Get on car and take a drive back to Hanoi.

On the way, stop to visit Phu Lang pottery village.

Drop off at your hotel in Hanoi or Noi Bai airport for your next destination.

Vivutravel would like to thank you so much for your travelling with us and wish to see you again.

Day 05

Inclusion:

  • Private transportation as program
  • Hotel accommodation as indicated (Check-in time: 14:00, Check-out time: 12:00)
  • All entrance fees & boat trip as indicated
  • English speaking guides
  • Meals as mentioned
  • Visa approval letter to Vietnam (Except for $25 usd per person as stamping fee at the airport)

Exclusion:

  • Early check-in & late check-out
  • Tips
  • Personal expenses
  • Drinks
  • Other meals
  • Insurance

Where is Ninh Binh?
Ninh Binh city is the capital of Ninh Binh Province in Northern Vietnam. It is 100km southeast of Hanoi, and is often passed over in typical Vietnam itineraries.

ninh binh travel faq

What is there to eat in Ninh Binh?
The most well known food in Ninh Binh is mountain goat. There are many dishes made with goat served with fried rice, and you will often see whole goats being roasted on the highway. Tourists from all around Vietnam come to try to goat and other delicacies in Ninh Binh. Another local specialty is Com Chay. This is fried rice and pork, while the pork is specifically burnt slightly around the edges.

What is the weather like in Ninh Binh?
The weather in Ninh Minh can be categorized into four seasons. Summer is extremely hot, while winter can be very cold. Ninh Binh is located on the Vietnamese red delta which makes the area is quite flat on the mainland.

During the rainy season of May through September, there is flooding and the possibility of mudslides. The weather is hot and humid and, in September, often the area has a lot of typhoons. Although, also during this time until September the rice fields are beautiful and bring green. November through February is known as the peak winter season and dry season. During this dry season, it can be a bit foggy, but generally there are good and cool temperatures. The temperatures range from 19-23 degrees celsius. The only negative about this time is that the landscape in terms of color, is very brown. There are two side seasons which go from February through March, and Summer is April to July. Definitely be prepared with a jacket if you decide to travel in the winter, and proper clothes if you plan to visit in the hot and humid summer months.

When is the BEST time to visit Ninh Binh?
There are two times that are known as the best times to visit Ninh Binh which is characterized by the beautiful ripening rice fields. Late May to early July is when the summer rice is harvested, and September through October is the harvesting of wet rice.  There is also the chance to see lotus flowers during June. They grow around Bich Dong, and the air is filled with the sweet scent of lotus.

What is there to see and do in Ninh Binh?
Ninh Binh is known for beautiful limestone mountains within the waterways, large rice fields, temples and ancient ruins. There is also the former ancient capital of Vietnam, Hoa Lu. Within this area, there are monuments pagodas, temples, and even tombs to see.

Trang An grottoes are within the ancient capital. There are many caves that you can take a boat through. Sampan boats can take you on two set routes through this whole area. You will see caves and grottoes, temples, and limestone formations similar to those in Halong Bay. You can see the infamous Skull Island from King Kong, and the Vu Lam Royal Step-Over Place which is a 13th-century sanctum. This tour through Tran An will take about 2 hours, be sure to bring proper clothes depending on the weather. Be aware that besides your ticket fee, the rowers on the boat you will take may ask for some type of compensation. A small tip will go a long way so if you felt the service was good, feel free to tip.

Tam Coc is similar to Trang An. Tam Coc, a town that can be visited for a day or 2 at most. It is very beautiful with rice fields and mountains. Another interesting thing to see in Ninh Binh is the Phat Diem Cathedral. This is a bit different from pagodas or other structures because it is a mix of Western and Middle Eastern architecture, rather than traditional Vietnamese.

The Mua Caves, also known as Hang Mua, is an area with many grottoes at the bottom of a limestone mountain. There is also Lying Dragon Mountain, which is a hike of 450 stairs. There are two paths but the higher one leads to a dragon statue, hence the name. If you decide to visit during the summer, make sure to bring water. Especially if you are climbing during the afternoon, you want to avoid heat stroke at all costs. Remember to bring proper shoes and clothing suitable for exercise. This will be a somewhat tough hike if you are not an avid gym goer. Take your time and prepare to spend about 1-2 hours here at least. If the weather seems gloomy, it is recommended to skip this and try a different day as there is no shelter along the way and you will be fully caught in a storm.

The ancient capital of Vietnam is called Hoa Lu. This was the capital during the 10th and 11th centuries, and used to be a huge collection of palaces, temples, and shrines. Currently there are only a few things left of the ancient city. There are two ancient temples and a few pagodas. The Truong Yen Festival will be held January 25 2020, in Hoa Lu for the Vietnamese New Year.

Cuc Phuong National Park is a bit more of a distance, 1.5 hours, from Ninh Binh but worth it for the avid nature lover. It is a well preserved national park filled with hiking trails, prehistoric caves, and different types of animals. There is even an endangered species of primate here. Either hire/rent a car, or rent a motorbike to see this area. You will most likely want at least 4 hours to explore this beautiful area.

What is the difference between Ninh Binh and Halong Bay?
It is often that Ninh Binh is compared to Halong Bay. Ninh Binh has been referred to as the “Halong Bay on land.” The main differences between Halong Bay and Ninh Binh are that Ninh Binh does not require totality of experience on a boat. Halong Bay is essentially a cruise, while Ninh Binh has a lot of other things to do as well. Also if you are pressed for time, Ninh Binh can be a good alternative to Halong Bay because of its proximity to Hanoi. There are also a lot less tourists who visit Ninh Binh which can be good for pricing as well as crowds.

Is it possible to visit Ninh Binh on a day trip from Hanoi?
This is something that is possible, but should be planned out properly as it is a bit of a long day. If you are short on time this can be a good option, but you may not be able to see everything you want to see. Hiring a tour operator to help you with your transportation could be helpful so that you will see as much as possible in one day.

What ways can I get around Ninh Binh?
Ninh Binh is a pretty large area, so it would be good to either have your own car, motorbike, or hire a driver for the days that you plan to visit attractions. A hired driver for the day would be around $50-100 USD. Bicycles are also a much cheaper option, but it can be very time consuming and if the weather is bad it really won’t be an option.

How do I get to Ninh Binh from Hanoi?
Ninh Binh is easily accessible from Hanoi. The best ways to travel from Hanoi to Ninh Minh are by train, bus and private car. Train is known as being the best option as there are 6 different trains each day. The entire journey will take from 2.5 to 3 hours, and tickets start at only $5 USD per person. Most tickets can be purchased day of travel, but if it is high season or a weekend it might be smart to purchase tickets online from Vietnam Railways.

There are multiple bus stations in North Vietnam. The bus journey from Hanoi to Ninh Binh should take from 1.5 to 3 hours dependant on traffic. The cost will be significantly cheaper than the train at 100K VND to 160K VND which is less than 1 US cent. The issue with traveling by bus is that you will sit and wait until the entire bus is filled in order to head to your destination. It is recommended to try and find an almost full bus, in order to get going as quickly as possible. Generally once you have arrived in Ninh Binh, you will be let out wherever you would like to go. The final option is to take a private hired car. This will take about 1.5 hours and should cost $75 USD.

Ninh Binh is an amazing experience for something different that most people do not think to visit on their trip to Vietnam. Besides the fact that there are less tourists, the food is great and the scenery is beautiful. This is also a perfect stop making your way south from Hanoi to Ho Chi MInh City, or vice versa. See for yourself why Ninh Binh is called the “Halong Bay on land.”


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
Tripadvisor http://www.tripadvisor.com/vivutravel

vivutravel hanoi

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.

vivutravel travel consultant

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, etc. 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.

ninh binh tour

* 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.

ninh binh tour

* 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.

thung nham ninh binh

* 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.

vietnam hotel

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.

vivutravel tour guidevietnam tour guide

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.

vivutravel driver and busvivutravel car

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.

vietnam hotel

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.

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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.

Your rate:
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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