Fantastic Indochina Tour from HCMC - 19 days / 18 nights

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City Arrival (G)
Ho Chi Minh, the most exciting city of Vietnam is your first stop for  your  amazing  Vietnam holiday. On arrival, warmly welcomed by your private tour guide and transferred to your hotel  for check in (if the room is available, check in time at 14h00). Free at leisure and overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Accommodation: Sunland Hotel / Deluxe 

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City –  Cu Chi Tunnels - Ho Chi Minh city half day (B, L) (G)
Morning pick up from the hotel for Cu Chi Tunnels tour arrival in Cu Chi, we visit the incredible underground tunnel network of approximately 200 kilometres hand-constructed by Vietnamese guerillas during the long struggle for independence where you will understand more about the Vietnam War or American War, a must see Vietnam Tour for any tourists to learn about Vietnam past and present days. Afternoon drive back to Ho Chi Minh visit the War Remnants and the former Presidential Palace. From there, the Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Saigon Post Office and Ben Thanh Market.

Optional tour –  Ho Chi Minh City Tour ($60/ pax) (B, L) (G)
AM:
The Reunification Palace: This is one of the most important buildings in the city. Here on April 30th 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.

War Remnants Museum: Formerly known as the Museum of American War Crimes, this is a poignant display of the futility of war. Some of the black and white photography in the ‘Requiem’ exhibit is particularly touching, dedicated to both foreign and Vietnamese journalists and photographers who perished during the conflict. The courtyard outside contains the spoils of war, namely rusting jets, tanks and cannons captured from the American military machine.
Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office: Built between 1877 and 1883 this is one of the best examples of classical French colonial architecture. Remarkably every stone used in its creation was shipped from France to Vietnam. Her two 40m towers, topped with iron spires dominate the city’s skyline. The Old Post Office is another example of French colonial architecture and is also the country’s largest post office.
At approximately 1pm we shall take lunch in a local Vietnamese restaurant.ho chi minh city tour
PM:
Giac Lam Pagoda: This is Ho Chi Minh City’s oldest pagoda, dating back to 1744 and one of the finest in Vietnam. Inside 98 pillars and 113 statues and a myriad of mini-Buddhas vie for your attention. Don’t miss the amazing Tree of Wandering Souls where people pray for their sick relatives by writing the names of their loved ones on slips of paper and then attaching them to the tree.
Cholon, including the Thien Hau Pagoda: Cholon actually means Big Market – a claim that is well justified as Vietnam’s largest market, the Binh Tay is situated here. The district is home to the city’s 400,000 Chinese and has many beautiful temples and pagodas.
Ben Thanh Market: This bustling market 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 tour finishes at approximately 6pm.
Accommodation: Sunland Hotel / Deluxe 

Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta (Cai Be Floating Market) – Can Tho (B, L) (G)
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 double one of the most favorite destinations for Vietnam Tours. On arrival, we will make a boat trip to the Cai Be floating Market, visit villages and meet the people of the Mekong Delta. Continue your boat trip to An Binh Island for Lunch in a local family and bike trip in the afternoon. Continue to Can Tho – the heart of Mekong Delta in Vietnam. Check in on your arrival, free at leisure and overnight in a Can Tho hotel.
Accommodation: Iris Hotel/ Deluxe 

Day 4: Can Tho – Floating Market – Ho Chi Minh City –  Flight to Danang –  Hoi An (B, L) (G)
After breakfast, we will head to the largest marketplace in the area – Cai Rang floating market, the highlight of many Vietnam tour packages. Here you can cruise through the channels and check out what's on offer in this incredible market that exists entirely on the water!
From here, we'll head to visit a rice noodle making village, where you can learn how your daily noodles are made! Then we head down the river to the Monkey Bridge over the Delta, and find yet another glorious floating market for lunch. In the afternoon, we will return to Ho Chi Minh airport for the short flight to Danang where your private tour guide and car are waiting for the transfer to Hoi An. Check in and free at leisure. Overnight in Hoi An.
Accommodation: Phu Thinh hotel/ Deluxe

Day 6: Hoi An Biking & Farming Tour  (B, L) (G)
This is no doubt the most wonderful experience during your Vietnam travel Day in Hoi An. The Hoi An Biking & Farming Tour is highly praised and recommended by many of our clients.
8.30 am: Our guide will pick you up at your hotel and ride the bicycles to the TRA QUE Vegetables village -famous village. On the way to the village, you stop to take the photos of the rice-farming, you can see the buffalos ploughing a ricefield and you see the Vietnamese farmers working on their rice farms...,the fishermen row the boat and catch the fishes by using the fishing net on their boat....
9.00 am: You will arrive in the farming village to see the vegetable gardens & buffalos. Here, You should take the photos of the buffalos. The guide introduces the history of Tra Que village, and local daily works of the villagers; furthermore, you are cycling around the village to see the farmers growing the vegetable which are very good-smelling, the local farmers do not use the chemicals to put in the vegetable garden. They only use the eco-fertiliser to put in their vegetable garden. That is good to eat the vegetable here. Your lunch has the local mixed vegetables.
9.30 am: The local villagers will teach you how to grow the herbs here. You become a real Vietnamese farmer; the guide will show you their daily activities, he also explain you  how to grow the rice....it is not difficult for you to learn their works. You also witness the villagers here to use the water tank & watering their herb garden....ect. After that you will practice to water the herbs in their gardens.
- You will do the cooking class in the village. You enjoy your lunch together with the friendly Vietnamese farmers family in Tra Que Village. We think that you will get the warm friendship & welcome from the local people here. It makes you more interested in your life. You feel so happy with the life.
12.30 pm :you ride your bicycle back to your hotel in Hoi An town. The trip finishes. The rest of the day is free at leisure. Overnight in Hoi An.
Accommodation: Phu Thinh hotel/ Deluxe

Day 6: Hoi An Free Day (B)
At leisure. Relax on the private beach, by the resort pool or optional is to rent a bicycle to ride into Hoi An to explore the picturesque central of town with its restored 18th century merchants’ houses. Hoi An also boasts some of the best silk shops, art galleries and handicraft shops in Vietnam as well as dozens of excellent restaurants serving the delicious local specialities. Overnight in Hoi An.
Optional tour: Hoi An Cooking Class (US$ 58/pax)
Visit Hoi An’s coful market, and experience the amazing sights, sounds and aromas of this busy market. We will have the opportunity to interact with the local sellers and learn about all the ingredients to be used in the cooking lesson later. On arrival, we explore the cooking school’s herb garden, before learning about some of Hoi An’s and Vietnam’s well-known dishes. The cooking lesson runs for about 2 hours – the Red Bridge chefs first demonstrate each dish before we prepare the same dish ourselves. 
Accommodation: Phu Thinh hotel/ Deluxe

Day 7: Hoi An – Flight to Hanoi (B, L) (G)

After breakfast, we transfer you to the airport for the short flight to Hanoi. Upon your arrival at the airport, Holidaytoindochina's private tour guide and driver will meet you with our welcome sign board then transfer you to the hotel (old quarter's area). Free at leisure and overnight in Hanoi.

Accommodation: Medallion/ Deluxe

Day 8: Hanoi City tour (B, L) (G)
Spotlight of many Vietnam tour packages, Hanoi can be the most graceful, atmospheric and exotic capital city in Asia. Its appeal is instant, with sweeping boulevards, tree-fringed lakes, ancient temples and pagodas.
Today, your charming Hanoi City Tour includes Ho Chi Minh Complex (the mausoleum of the nation's founder Ho Chi Minh (closed on Monday and Friday), Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh's house on stilts and One Pillar Pagoda), Temple of Literature then lunch in a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, you will visit the outlaying Museum of Ethnology (you can see the Museum of Fine Art, Museum of Women, Museum of History, Museum of Vietnam Military History, Hilton Prison instead), and then 1 hour cyclo or rickshaw will take you along narrow streets of the diverse Ancient Quarter. Stop at the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake to visit Ngoc Son temple and to enjoy a fantastic performance of the famous water puppet show. After the show, we will take you for a walk to "Bia Hoi Corner" to try some draught beer and have leisure time to talk, see and experience the breath of Hanoi. After some beer, our tour guide will take you back to the hotel. Overnight in Hanoi.
Opt: Street Food Tour (4 hours - US$ 45/pax): 
We first try Pho – Nice Noodle as its name has been known all over the world. Sit down, enjoy the taste of Pho, taste of life and get to know about the history of Vietnamese culture and cuisine... Next, we walk to explore everyday life of Hanoian and try some more different dishes.
Accommodation: Medallion/ Deluxe

Day 9: Hanoi – Halong Bay (B, L, D) (G)
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.
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.
Accommodation at: Oriental sail/ Superior cabin

Day 10: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Flight to Danang - Hoi An (Brunch) (G)
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 International airport for flight to Luang Prabang where your tour guide is waiting for. Met and transfered to your hotel, check in and free at leisure. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Accommodation at: Ancient House/Superior

Day 11: Luang Prabang (B, L) (G)        
• Transfer Flight from Vientiane to Luang Prabang
• Sightseeing in Luang Prabang
Laos holidaySet between the Nam Khan and Nam Ou rivers, Luang Prabang is an enchanting town filled with historic temples and colonial style buildings. The entire town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.
• Begin your tour with Wat Visoun (Wat Wisunalat). The oldest living temple in Luang Prabang, Wat Visoun dates back to 1513 and contains a collection of antique wooden Buddhas.
• Visit the nearby Wat Aham before continuing to Wat Xieng Thong, the crowning jewel of all the monasteries and temples in the city. Its many ornate buildings feature exquisite mosaic and gold-stenciled murals.
• From there, stroll down the main street (Wat Street) of Luang Prabang.
• Time permitting, stop at some of the many temples that line its sides, including Wat Sibounheuang, Wat Si Moungkhoun, Wat Sop and Wat Sene.
• Visit Mount Phousi for sunset Climb the hillside stairs to the small temples atop Phou Si, the 100m high hill which sits in the middle of the town, offering beautiful views over the temples and river. Overnight in Luang Prabang
Accommodation: Saynamkhan Hotel / Superior 

Day 12: Luang Prabang (B, L) (G)         
• Visit Talat local market (Phousy Market).
• Visit the National Museum (former Royal Palace, closed on Tuesdays) and Wat Mai and excursion by boat to Tham Pak Ou Caves.
• Visit the weaving village of Ban Xang Khong. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Accommodation: Saynamkhan Hotel / Superior

Day 13: Luang Prabang – Flight to Siem Reap (B) (G)     
After breakfast, we transfer you back to the airport for departure flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival and after clearing immigration and customs, you will meet our guide and they will take you to the hotel in town. After check-in and refreshments, we will take the walk along the Siem Reap Riverside, and spot the fruit eating bats in front of the Residence of King.  Later in the afternoon drive to the biggest religious temple in the world - the magnificent Angkor Wat. Built by Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, Angkor Wat is considered a masterpiece of Khmer architecture. We will stay there until sunset. 
Accommodation: La Niche D'angkor Boutique hotel

Day 14: Siem Reap – Banteay Srei – Ta Prohm – Angkor Thom (B, L) (G)
Rise bright and early for a “Tuk Tuk” ride to discover the jungle-covered temple of Ta Phrom at sunrise then return to the hotel for breakfast.
We begin the temple exploration today at Angkor Thom near west gate. From the enigmatic faces of Bayon Temple to the intricate base reliefs ? of the Terrace of the Elephants, Angkor Thom is filled with fabulous monuments. At midday have lunch at local restaurant of your choosing.  After lunch we will drive to Banteay Srei, it is also one of the most beautiful temples; built in 967 AD by Jayavarman V's guru, it showcases the most exquisite, deep and complex carvings in all Khmer architecture, and Preah Khan meaning “Holy Sword” is one of the largest temple compounds in Angkor and is defended by four concentric walls. The main shrine and its adjoining buildings are richly decorated with Buddhist motifs and scenes from Hindu epics. We will return to Siem Reap in the late afternoon so you can enjoy your free time shopping and relaxing. 
Accommodation: La Niche D'angkor Boutique hotel

Day 15: Siem Reap – Khmer Village – Beng Mealea – Siem Reap (B, L) (G)
Today we head out to a Khmer Village, your chance to see what real life is like in Cambodian a village. You can spend time helping a poor village family go about their daily life. This scenic drive takes you through local countryside providing some great photo opportunities. For a few hours you will have rare chance to see inside the life of Cambodian villagers. You may help plant the rice, make a roof or harvest bananas– life revolves around the seasons, so it will vary depending on when you visit. A lunch box will be provided by one of the villagers. Following lunch, drive further to Beng Mealea Temple and explore the abandoned temple (11th century), strangled by the jungle.
After all the walking, you will receive a voucher for a 60 minute complimentary foot massage for some relaxation before the drive back to Siem Reap. This evening is free so you may enjoy evening tea, dinner and walk around on your own.
Accommodation: La Niche D'angkor Boutique hotel

Day 16: Siem Reap – Flight to Phu Quoc (B) (G)
After breakfast, we drive to the airport of Siem Reap for the short flight to Phu Quoc island. Met and transfered to your hotel. Check in and free at leisure. Overnight in Phu Quoc.
Accommodation: Mango Bay Resort / Superior Verandah

Day 17 - 18: Phu Quoc Island Free Days (B)
Situated in the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s largest island. The region is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam, and it also offers the best seafood in the country. Enjoy relaxing on the white sand beaches or exploring the quaint fishing villages in this tropical paradise. Phu Quoc is the perfect place to finish your memorable Vietnam holiday!
Accommodation: Mango Bay Resort / Superior Verandah

Day 19: Phu Quoc Island – Flight to Ho Chi Minh City and Departure (B)
It is free day until we take you back to the airport of Phu Quoc for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City where you will connect to your departure flight home or to the next holiday destination. Holidaytoindochina.com would like to thank you so much for your traveling with us. We hope you had a great Vietnam tour and wish to welcome you back.

END OF SERVICE

Inclusion:
•    All transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver
•    Accommodation as indicated
•    Flight tickets: HCMC - Danang, Hue - Hanoi - Luang Prabang - Siem Reap - Phu Quoc - HCMC (Economy class)
•    English speaking guide (Other languages on request)
•    Entrance fees to indicated sights and activities as indicated
•    Meals as indicated in the itinerary
•    Bottled mineral water during touring days

HOT DEAL: free 2 lunch meals in Hue, free Vietnam visa and free 1 dinner in Phu Quoc, discount 45$/ person

Exclusion:
•    Drinks
•    Other meals
•    Insurance
•    Personal expenses
•    Expenses for any optional tours or activities during free time

If you do not know how to plan your Vietnam tour and Indochina holiday, please read our FAQ's below to get some information or send us an email at info@holidaytoindochina.com and one of our experienced travel consultants will be ready and happy to answer your questions as well as organise your amazing holiday in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar and combination.

How to plan my Vietnam tour/Indochina holiday with you?
1. Send us an inquiry by submiting one of our online forms (Click). Tell us as much information as possible. For example;

• Please tell us how many people will be traveling with you, date of birth, if you have children, please tell us how old is/are the kid(s).
• 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, just give us your travel plan and ideas.
• 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, and please let us know if you are a Vegetarian, the food you can eat or cant not, if you want local food in local restautants or western food in tourist restantant...?
• Actually, you do not have to send us all information, but the more we know, the better we plan your Vietnam tour.

2. After we receive your enquiry, one of our professional Vietnam travel consultants reply and send you the suggested tour itinerary as soon as possible.

3. If you accept the suggested tour itinerary (you may modify it till you are satisfied with), 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 to proceed to book Vietnam tour/Indochina holiday with you?

• When you decide to book your Vietnam tour/Indochina holiday with us, please send us your full name (name on passport) for hotel and domestic flight reservations, and your international flight details (in and out) for airport transfers.

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 you are required to send the deposit which is about 30% of the total tour cost (can be less). You can pay by credit cards (via onepay gateway, pay online), wire/bank transfer, western union. The deposit is used to pay the flight tickets, hotels, train tickets in advance.
• Balance: You can pay the outstanding balance 2 weeks before your arrival, or you can pay us on your arrival in Vietnam by credit cards, cash (AUD, USD, EUROS, VND...)
• More about credit card payment 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.

Note: Before coming, please make sure you have all travel documents such as; confirmed tour, invoice, flight tickets..., especially the visa to Vietnam and Indochina is done.

What about tipping?

• The tour guides and drivers expect tips, but it is not mandatory. You can tip more or less, or nothing that depends on the serviced provided. We recommend that you trip the tour guides; US$ 10 - 15  per day anddrivers: US$ 7-10 per day. Tipping at restaurants, tuk tuk, cyclo, taxi..., our tour guides will give you the advice.

Do you offer any discounts?
Yes, we offer discounts for;

•  Family with kids and children < 12 years old
•  Disable people
•  People of old ages (> 65 years old)
•  Repeated clients who have the second trip with us
•  Travel in big group of friends, families (the more people, the cheaper the price is)
•  We offer big discounts in low season (May - September)

Is there any charge if i change my travel dates, tour itinerary, hotels...?

• We are happy to work on your requests, and will not charge you any money for all extra work. However, if it is too urgent and the date is too close, the hotels or airlines may charge 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/Indochina from October to April which is peak season, we recommend that 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 can accept urgent booking, just 1-2 days before arrival. Things are possible at Holiday to Indochina.

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, Holiday to Indochina will refund you.

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 (male/female)
• 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

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 $45 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 change our money into Vietnam currency?

• We advise you to stop in any Vietnamese bank during the tour (Our tour guides will take you to the bank), you can exchange money at your hotel, but the exchange rate is a bit lower than the bank's exchange rate.

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.

Private Guide & Transfer

Holiday to Indochina offers private tour packages across Vietnam and Indochina; During the tour, you will have a private tour guide, private driver, and an air-conditioned vehicle escorting you at every destination you travel across Indochina. This will provide you with maximized personal care, security, and flexibility.

Tour Guide:
Holiday to Indochina does understand that a good tour guide will make your Indochina 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. At every departure, you’ll be escorted & assisted until you have checked in and passed through the security checkpoint. All of our tour guides in Vietnam and other Indochina area are locals. Knowing the area well, they are good at guiding you around and telling background stories of the tour sites, as well as showing you the secret spots for best photos. 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

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...

Holiday to Indochina's requirements for a good tour guide:

•  5 years of experience working as a tour guide
•  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.
•  Must be an honest broker of their services and able to take criticism.
• Should be qualified at some level in health, health care or first aid.
•  Able to relate to people from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds.
• Clear speech and good hearing.
• Must not be a alcoholic or No-alcohol during working time or anytime when on tour.
• 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
• Must be on time every time. Being late or delay is unacceptable.
• 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.
• Solve problems with care when there is dissatisfy. Argument should be averted by courtesy.
• 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:
Holiday to Indochina 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.

Holiday to Indochina's requirements for a driver:

• Our drivers must have good driving skills 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.