Start Location : Hanoi Vietnam
Finish Location :Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam
Country :Vietnam
Group Size : 2 to 16
Trip Style : Signature
Joining Point
La Sante Hotel
Address: 42 Châu Long, Trúc Bạch, Ba Đình, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
Phone:84 24 3513 2222
Airport Arrival Transfer Included Only available On The First Day Of Your Trip
Finishing Point
Dyn Opera Hotel
Address: 18 Cao Bá Quát, Bến Nghé, Quận 01, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
Phone: +84 28 3822 5898
Airport Departure Transfer Included Only available On The Last Day Of Your Trip
Essential trip information
A balance between natural wonders and man made structures, sample the sensational as well as the cerebral as you chart a course through the main cities and regions of the country while looking introspectively at a culture that has shaped the attitudes of modern Vietnam.
DAY 1
HANOI
Welcome to Hanoi! Our representative will be at the airport to make sure you’re headed for the right direction! Check in at your hotel and get your bearings before you meet your tour leader at 6 pm. Get the inside scoop on the tour during the meeting and then get to know your travel companions, over a welcome dinner.
Accommodation: La Sante Hotel or similar
Included Activities: Nil
Included Meals: Welcome Dinner
Optional Activities: Nil
DAY 2
HALONG
Don’t trip over yourself at breakfast this morning in anticipation of the drive to Halong Bay complex, one of Vietnam’s most enduring natural attractions. Step on board your cruiser once you’re done with your drive and get an eyeful of the thousands of towering limestone pillars that rise imperiously from an emerald sea. Depending on the weather, take a plunge in the gentle waters or kayak through some of the hollowed out Karsts Mountain. Hunker down for some delicious food on board and let the day take its gentle course as you hit the beaches, caves and perhaps a secret treat from the floating market.
Accommodation: Oriental Sails or similar
Included Activities: Boat Cruise
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Optional Activities: Nil
Day 3
HUE
Wake up to the gentle rhythm of the sea this morning and open your eyes to the giant like Karst Mountains that still keep sentinel over the sampans and junks that float with increasing ardour as they go about making their first catch of the day. Plunge and indeed soak yourself brain deep in these idyllic locales until the clock urges you to head back to Hanoi to check inn to your hotel. Browse through the streets of Hanoi at your own pace or sampling some street food as the day closes out.
Accommodation: Overnight Train
Included Activities: Orientation walk
Included Meals: Breakfast and Light Lunch
Optional Activities: Nil
DAY 4
HUE
Attend to your stomach over a local breakfast and make your way to airport. Dust yourself off as you arrive in Hue and make your way to the hotel to drop off your bags. Strap your shoes on and hit the pavement as we head to the Imperial Citadel where further exploration takes you to the threshold of the Forbidden Purple City, so called because, no one apart from the royals were allowed to enter its precincts. Walk through some of the ruins here that were razed to the ground during the American War, since renovated – and deconstruct the life of the emperors and their entourage that housed them during the 1800s. Visit the Dong Ba Market if you’re up to it after the tour and sample some locally made goods, fresh produce and some good old lip smacking street food.
Accommodation: Alba Hotel or similar
Included Activities: Imperial Citadel
Included Meals: Breakfast
Optional Activities: Rural Hue by Motorbike with vegetarian lunch at
a Biodynamic garden and special education centre.
DAY 5
HUE
Ride out on cycles to the 18th century Thanh Toan Bridge that straddles a canal midst the lush green Vietnamese countryside and then walk through a local market nearby. Get a sense of Vietnam’s history as you walk along the vast grounds of Tu Duc Tomb that houses among other things a temple where the emperor and empress were worshiped, the oldest theatre in Vietnam and a lake fringed with a reception area. All harking back to a time of excesses practiced by the ruler, as his country stepped unaware into an impending storm with the approach of the French at Da Nang in the south. Follow this up by taking a detour to the18th century
Accommodation: Alba Hotel or similar
Included Activities: Bicycle tour, Thanh Toan Covered Bridge, Tu Duc Tomb
Included Meals: Breakfast
Optional Activities: Bao Vinh Ancient Town, Perfume River Cruise,
Paper Flower Craft – a social enterprise for people with a disability.
DAY 6
HOI AN
Follow the scenic coastal train route to Hoi An. Breeze through the old town with your tour leader in the afternoon, slack jawed, eye in the sky and not worrying about having to fling yourself to the sidewalk to dodge a wayward vehicle-because none are allowed entry here! Plenty of time then to discover the makings of this 16th century port town that stopped being one when the river silted. Yet, despite running out of favour with the merchants, Hoi An is one of the most loved destinations of Vietnam with its weathered yellow buildings that used to be shop houses in the past but have now transitioned comfortably in their contemporary role of cafes and coffee shops. Submit to the amalgam of European, Chinese and Japanese architecture that defines the buildings and temples here along with a street grid system that hasn’t changed even with the encroachment of modernity. Communal houses, assembly halls, trading centres each wait patiently -waiting for their stories to be heard. Once you’re done with this cultural scene, perhaps head out to the beach for some R&R.
Accommodation: A Hand Up Hotel or similar
Included Activities: Orientation Walk
Included Meals: Breakfast
Optional Activities: Cooking class, Scuba diving (seasonal), Explore Hoi An rural life on bike, Hoi An street food, Lantern making,Noodle making with social enterprise for street kids, Kite making (suits family)
DAY 7
HOI AN
You’ve got a free day at your disposal to take time out and wander off on your own through the Old Quarter. Between strolling through the street corners, consider approaching some of the tailoring shops that are a quintessential part of the Old Quarter scenery. Get some advice on the cut of a suit or the nuances of different fabrics and have it ready to don your back in just a couple of hours. Alternatively, swing up and on that saddle and bike your way to An Bang beach or wind your way through the rural areas of Hoi An, making way for the occasional buffalo or reaching out to some school kids ready to practice their language skills on you. Later in the afternoon, float down the Thu Bon River on board a local boat and make the most of a barbecue on its lazy banks.
Accommodation: A Hand Up Hotel or similar
Included Activities: Fishing Nets and BBQ Lunch
Included Meals: Breakfast Lunch
Optional Activities: Explore Rural Areas on a Bike
Day 8
Ho Chi Minh City
We take a short flight to Saigon early this afternoon to avoid the hectic morning commute. Head off for an orientation walk around the vicinity with your tour leader and if you’ve got time, flip a coin between a visit to the War Remnants Museum or the Reunification Palace. Later in the evening, morph into the skin of a true Vietnamese as you swing by the Saigon nightlife on board a scooter and join its inhabitants on a street food tour.
Accommodation: Dyn Opera Hotel or similar
Included Activities: Orientation Walk, Street Food on Scooter
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Optional Activities: Nil
DAY 9
Ho Chi Minh City
Travel approximately 40 km northwest this morning to discover the Cu Chi Tunnels, a living reminder of the country’s fractious relation with France and later, America. Lower yourself under the surface and get a first hand experience of how the Viet Cong personnel flitted in and out of these warren like passages, building an underground city and working out ingenious ways and means to paralyze an enemy that was far more well equipped. Drive back to Saigon and wander around the city centre to get a last sense of the city and as the evening closes in, gather along with your travel companions for a final dinner together.
Accommodation: Dyn Opera Hotel or similar
Included Activities: Cu Chi Tunnels
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Optional activities: Nil
DAY 10
SAIGON
It’s time now to bid farewell to your tour leader and new friends but not without a backpack full of memories. Departure Transfers are included on the day. Please consult with your tour leader or the hotel desk to confirm the check out time.
Departure Day
Included Meals: Breakfast
Itinerary disclaimer
Itinerary Changes
The itineraries for One World Adventures are updated on a regular basis during the year, reflecting the current situation in each of our destinations and customer feedback. Information that forms the Essential Trip information may vary from your initial booking and it is vital that you read and review the information provided before your departure. This will provide you with the latest information. Your itinerary may change once you’re in the country- as a result of transport schedules, changes in weather conditions, public holidays and varying local conditions. To ensure our guests have the best experience, the scheduled activities in each location may vary in order and time depending on the season travelled. Your tour leader will inform you of any changes once on the trip.
Optional Activities
Our optional activities selected have been popular with past guests and are listed in the itinerary. This list is only some of the activities you can enjoy and should be used as a guide only to what is available. Prices are for entry only and do not include transport to and from the sites or local guides. Prices are approximate and the activities are subject to availability. Some activities maybe on a join-in basis. It is not possible to participate in all the activities listed due to the limited time in each destination. Planning ahead and choosing the activities that suit you is highly recommended.
Pre-booking recommendations for activities will be noted in the Special information listed in the daily itinerary. Usually, activities can be organized independently on the day or alternatively inform your tour leader and they can assist you make the arrangements.
We have assessed and sighted the credentials and safety of the operators chosen for medium and high risk activities and work closely with them. As such, medium to high risk activities not listed in the itineraries (that may be less expensive) are not recommended as we cannot guarantee there quality or safety. Therefore, our staff or tour leaders will not assist you with organizing these activities. It is at your own risk and discretion if you decide to participate in activities not listed in the itinerary.
Feedback
We value the important feedback received by our past guests. All feedback is read and improvements to our itineraries and destinations are made. Share your experiences and let future guest gain valuable insight into One World Adventures.www.oneworldadventures.com/feedback
Emergency Contact Information and Issues.
Our aim is to provide the best possible experience for your holiday. Due to the nature of travel and the places we visit, not everything will always go to plan. If issues arise on your tour, please inform your tour leader or local representative so we can try and rectify the issue at the time. This will help mitigate any negative impact on the rest of your trip.
Unfortunately, a resolution to the problem may not be achieved to your satisfaction- in this event please inform your tour leader that you wish to speak to their direct manager.
We recommend guests provide online feedback within 30 days of finishing your trip, acknowledging that it is very difficult to provide practical assistance once the trip is completed. Letting us know at the time allows us to try and resolve any issues promptly.
Passport
International travel requires a valid Passport with at least six months validity. Your passport details are required for the completion of your booking. It is important that you ensure that the name on your passport matches exactly the name on your booking and airline tickets. Contact us immediately if they do not so errors can be corrected.It is highly recommended that you carry copies of the main passport pages and other important documents with you and also leave copies with family or friends in case required.
Visas
All visa requirements are the responsibility of the traveller. Changes to entry requirements may change at any time and therefore, it is import that you check your government’s foreign travel advisories as well as Consular websites for all countries that you are travelling to. This is important so you have the most up to date information that is specific to your nationality and circumstances.Whilst COVID-19 restrictions are in place other sources of visa information available on line may not be up to date or valid.
Once you have booked your trip it is your responsibility to research visa requirements, obtain the necessary documents, know the processing time and application needed for the visas for all countries you are visiting. Visas can take several weeks to process. You can apply directly through a consulate or a booking consultant can advise on a visa processing service.
Vietnam Visa
An eVisa is available for some nationalities including passport holders from Australia, United Kingdom, Canada and the United States of America are valid for a single entry of a maximum of 30 days stay in Vietnam. For information on obtaining an eVisa visit the immigration website: https://evisa.xuatnhapanh.gov.vn/
eVisas take up to 3 days to be processed. You will need a clear electronic copy of your passport data page and passport photo, and to make a non-refundable payment as outlined on the immigration website. Keep the customs and immigration form you receive on arrival, as you need it to complete exit formalities on departure.
Health Screening
If you are unwell before travelling, please stay at home. Contact us to make alternative arrangements.
If you are displaying any symptoms or have any health concerns at this time, we will follow the advice of local health authorities to determine whether medical assistance, isolation or further action is required.
Food and Dietary Requirements
Experiencing the different and amazing foods of the places we visit during your tour is part of the experience in travelling. Not all meals are included in the tour price and this allows for flexibility in choice. Choice of where, when and with whom you want to eat with. Your tour leader can provide some recommendations of places to eat and this allows for better budgeting for you.
Please advise any dietary requirements. Our group meals provide an opportunity to try many dishes as well as enjoy the company of your fellow guests.
Accommodation
Accommodation during the tour may vary- some may be basic and simple with shared bathroom facilities-some with cold water. Air-condition rooms are available. Some countries experience daily load shedding where the power may be turned off at set times during the day-usually early afternoon. Many of the hotels have cafes or restaurants that serve local meals. Please be aware that some hotels and restaurants may not serve alcohol for religious reasons or due to local laws.
Showers
Hot water peak times for showers are usually morning and evenings in some accommodation. Outside these times you may need to speak with the reception to obtain hot water.
Room Issues
Addressing any issues with your room requires immediate attention-please speak with the reception or tour leader so issues can be resolved promptly. Speaking with the travel agent will delay the issues being addressed.
Transport
Our tours will involve travel on may forms of transport. Theses include- bus, private vehicle, rickshaw and cycle rickshaw, metro, train, taxi, shuttle buses, jeeps,vans, boats-ferries and airplanes. Some of these modes of transportation will not be the same standard as you are use to. One World Adventures audit our suppliers regulaly to make sure transportation is of a safe standard.
Contingency Funds
We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.
Your Tour Leader
Tipping your tour leader for outstanding service provided to you on your tour is a personal preference and the amount is discretionary. However, as a guide US$3- US$5 per person (in local currency), per day can be used. You are free to tip more or less, depending on how you feel the service was provided. Please remember that tipping is not compulsory and should be given for excellent service. Giving coins, dirty or torn notes or small denominations is considered culturally an insult.
Tipping Kitty:
Your tour leader pays for all tips for drivers, local guides and hotel staff only. Restaurant tips are not included nor tips for your tour leader.
Spending money:
When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling.
Commissions:
The receipt of commissions or kickbacks in exchange for recommending particular shops or services is ingrained in the culture of the tourism industry. Rather than turning a blind eye to this unavoidable issue in some areas, monies collected will be distributed to local businesses, One World Adventures Charities and to providing sustainable travel.
Main Luggage
Depending on the time of year you are travelling, we recommend you pack as lightly as possible. You need to to be able to lift and carry your luggage and walk short distances. This includes up and down stairs and busy railway stations. The smaller your luggage the easier it is to store above or under bunks on overnight trains and public transport. Aim for around 15 kg. Small wheeled suitcases are easy to pick up and carry. Backpacks are also a good option. Our guests find that lighter luggage cause less worry and lead to a more enjoyable trip .
Day pack
A small day pack is very useful for carrying your essential items when exploring destinations and for overnight stays.
On overnight trains packing essential items provides ease of access.www.oneworldadventures.com/packing-list
Wifi
As a rule, WiFi is generally available in most parts of the destinations you travel and in the accommodation we use. Most hotels provide free WiFi in public areas but remember charges for in-room Wifi may occur. Always ask your tour leader on arrival to the hotel.
Usually, in tourist areas-most cafes and restaurants will have free WiFi available- always check and ask for passwords when ordering.
Tour Leader
One of our tour leaders will accompany you on all our trips. Their role is to take the hassle out of your travels and provide you with the best trip we can. One World Adventures aim to provide the services of an experienced tour leader. However, sometimes a tour leader may be new to a region or training other tour leaders.
Providing general information on the destinations visited, offering suggestions on available sightseeing and activities, recommendations of local places to eat and introducing you to our local friends is there main objective. A broad general knowledge of the historical, cultural, religious and social aspects of the destinations being visited will be provided.
One World Adventures aim to support the local tour guides that have the knowledge of the specific area visited. If you would like more in-depth knowledge of a specific sight nor location , your tour leader can recommend a local guide service for major destinations.
Personal Belongings
It is strongly recommended that you use a neck wallet or money belt when travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, airline tickets, cash and other valuable items. Ideally, leave valuable jewellery items at home. Many of our hotels provide safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of safe keeping valuables. A lock for your luggage is recommended.
Most National Governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your Government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: www.oneworldadventures.com/safety-policy
Free time
Included activities will be supported by your tour leader. However, during your tour there is free time provided to relax, take it easy, pursue your own interests and explore the destination at your own leisure. It is important that your use good judgment when choosing activities during your free time.
Important to note- the tour leader has the authority to cancel or amend any section of the itinerary if deemed necessary for safety concerns.
Personal Safety
When travelling in tourist areas and cities there is the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft.
It is recommended that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and preferably walk together or if alone stay in main areas that are well lit. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing.
Scams
Scams involving ATM and credit cards, train tickets, taxis, temple donations and tourist guides operate in a lot of countries. If you are the victim of a scam, report it immediately to the nearest police station. You may not be able to get your money or goods back- but they can issue you with an official loss report for insurance purposes.
Travelling on a group tour
Group travel will expose you to all the pleasures and also the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow guests will likely come from all around the world. We ask you to be understanding of the different needs and preferences of the group. Patience's sometimes a requirement that will benefit everyone’s travel experience.
You too have a responsibility to the group- this includes being on time or at a particular place when requested - this ensures your group isn’t left waiting for you.
The best tours work well when the dynamics of the group work well and everyone is considerate to each other.
Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with the contact details or any personal information about your fellow guests that are booked on your trip-prior to departure.
Solo travellers
One world Adventures is ideal for the solo traveller as they want to meet and share the experience with like-minded people.
Solo travellers will be paired with another traveller that is a the same gender (as identified on your passport or the information provided in our booking system), so if you identify differently, please let us know in advance. We provide a Single Supplement on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room.
Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour.
All pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will on a single room basis.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory for all our travellers and must be taken out at the time of booking. Your travel insurance must provide cover against adventure activities, personal accident, death, medical expenses and emergency repatriation with a recommended minimum coverage of US $200,000 for each categories of cover. We also recommend it covers cancellation, curtailment, personal liability and loss of luggage and personal effects. You alone are wholly responsible for arranging your insurance. The period of cover should start no later than the date you make your booking with us. You must provide your travel insurance policy number and the insurance company’s 24 hr Emergency contact number on the first day off your trip; You will not be able to join the trip without this. If you have travel insurance connected to your credit card or bank account please ensure you have details of the participating insurer, the insurance policy number and emergency contact number with you, rather than the bank's name and credit card details.
A couple of rules
All travellers have the right to feel safe whilst travelling. One World Adventures do not tolerate any form of violence (physical or verbal), sexual harassment-between our guests or involving our tour leaders, partners or local people. Sexual relationships between a tour leader and a guest are strictly forbidden.
Use or possession of illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. We encourage responsible drinking if you choose to consume alcohol when travelling. Abiding by the local laws regarding alcohol consumption is important.
The sex tourism industry is known to exploit vulnerable people and have negative consequences on communities, including undermining the development of sustainable tourism. For this reason, we recommend no participation in this activity.
By travelling with us you are agreeing to adhere to these rules. You must at all times comply with the laws, customs, foreign exchange and drug regulations of all countries visited, and you also agree to travel in accordance with our Responsible Travel Guidelines.
The decision of the tour leader is final on all matters likely to affect the safety or well-being of any traveller or staff member participating in the trip. If you fail to comply with a decision made by a tour leader, or interfere with the well-being or operation of the tour group, the tour leader may instruct you to leave the trip immediately, with no right of refund.
One World Adventure reserves the right to refuse you participation in any further tours.
If someone is behaving inappropriately while travelling with us, please inform your tour leader or local guide immediately.