From the hectic streets of Bangkok to the tranquil charm of Luang Prabang, and the timelessness of Vientiane, this is a memorable introduction to a land that is a treasure trove of history and culture. Experience this wondrous journey with the very people who make this area so unforgettable. Bangkok To Hanoi Adventure Original 2008 GPA 6 15 Max 15, Avg 10 Asia Thailand, Laos, Vietnam Thailand Vietnam Culture/History, Wildlife/Nature 14 3 2 Arrive in Bangkok at any time. Explore some of Bangkok’s wonders by tuk tuk, long tail boat or bicycle. A guided visit through Wat Po is a great indroduction to Thai Buddhist culture. This northern city has long been a traveller's favourite. With fantastic street food, a bustling night bazaar, hundreds of temples and beautiful surrounding countryside, you will never rest whilst exploring this energetic city. After a five hour bus ride, arrive in Chiang Khong and relax at our guesthouse, which overlooks the Mekong River. Sit back and enjoy the slow pace of life. Begin the journey down the world's 10th longest river by slow boat. The Mighty Mekong is always a hive of activity - from fishing to trade and transport between the many villages that line its banks. Once home to Laotian Kings, this is a beautiful town of historic temples, a multi-ethnic population, rich culture, vibrant markets, stylish coffee houses and textile treasures. Situated amongst limestone karsts, vast rice fields, and the Nam Song River, Vang Vieng is the perfect town for exploring the Laos countryside or simply relaxing by the water with a good book. Quiet and relaxed, Vientiane has a wealth of charms to offer. From its eclectic blend of French and Laotian architecture to the uncluttered streets, riverside cafes and quiet temples, there's plenty to keep you occupied. Immerse yourself in a whirlwind of activity and color. Hanoi offers seemingly endless temptations in the shops and markets of the old quarter, relaxing lakeside coffee shops, fascinating museums and unbeatable food. You are free to depart any time today. Arrival in Bangkok. There are no planned activities except for a group meeting in the evening at 6pm, so feel free to relax and adjust to the frenetic pace and humid heat of Bangkok.

On Day 2, begin with a one-hour long tail boat tour of Bangkok's famous klongs, or canals. A guided visit through Wat Po will introduce you to the Thai and Buddhist culture. There will still be time for some afternooon shopping or a visit to Grand Palace and Wat Phra Keow before heading to the train station to board our overnight train to Chiang Mai (app 13 hrs).
Surrounded by rolling hills, Chiang Mai offers both pretty surroundings and architecture. Enclosed by a moat and crumbling walls, the old city features great cafes, shops and accommodations. An important Buddhist centre since the 14th century, Chiang Mai is home to more than 300 temples. Many visitors come here to attend cooking courses, massage classes or yoga lessons. It is also a centre of handicraft production, with a long history of silverwork, woodcarving, pottery-making and weaving. A trip out to the countryside is another option for those interested in riding elephants or cruising down a stream on a bamboo raft. Not to be missed is the Night Bazaar, a series of covered markets, shops and stalls that offer the best selection of handicrafts in Thailand.

We arrive in the early morning and have free time to explore for the rest of the day. Your leader can help organize any activities that you would like to do, including a Thai cooking school, rafting or elephant riding.

In the early evening we set off to visit the famous temple complex of Doi Suthep about a 45 minute drive from the center of the city. If we are lucky we can witness the resident monks perform their evening chants.
A 6 hour bus drive takes us to Chiang Khong and our guesthouse that overlooks the Mekong river. Wander the local food market or sit back and enjoy the slow pace of life as we spend our last evening in Thailand. Thai Immigration is only a few 100 meters away. After immigration, cross the Mekong by a small boat to Ban Houaysai and the Laotian Immigration. Here we board a slow boat that will take us down the Mekong with an overnight stop at a simple guesthouse in Pakbeng. Please note: It can also be quite cold from November to February so make sure you have some warm gear packed! Located at the confluence of the Nam Khan and Mekong Rivers, Luang Prabang is without a doubt the most charming of cities in Laos.

On day 6, we will approach Luang Prabang in the late afternoon. We will make a stop outside of town at the Pak Ou caves. This dramatic cave houses thousands of Buddha statues and images and is considered an important spiritual sight by many Lao people. Overlooking the Mekong, the cave provides stunning views. After our visit, re-board the boat and continue to Luang Prabang, arriving around 5pm.

Hire a bike and discover Laos’ Buddhist and architectural heritage visiting some of the most impressive of Luang Prabang’s 32 temples including Vat Vixoun, Vat Sene, and Vat Xiengthong. Climb Phousi Hill and watch the sun set over the horizon or rise at dawn to watch the monks walk through the city collecting offerings of food from the locals. Make sure to find the time to browse the colourful textile galleries and relax in the town’s many small cafés.

During our stay, we take a guided visit of the Royal Palace and a half-day trip out to the stunning Kuang Sii waterfalls.
A scenic drive through winding mountains will take us to the picturesque town of Vang Vieng (approx 7 hrs). Nestled along the Nam Song river and surrounded by limestone karsts, Vang Vieng is a great place to explore the countryside by bicycle or just float down the river in a tire tube before we leave on day 11 to Vientiane. Leaving in the morning, a 3 hour drive takes us to one of Asia's sleepiest capital cities. Enjoy the highlights of Vientiane including Wat Sisaket (one of the city's oldest and most fascinating temples), That Luang (Lao's national symbol and one of its most sacred sites), and the Morning Market (an all-day affair selling virtually everything) A flight on day 12 takes us away from quiet Laos and in to the bustling city of Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. A walk through the facinating Old Quarter and a traditional Vietnamese meal are the perfect way to start your visit to this diverse country.

On day 13 we visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and his Presidential Palace and House on Stilts. The Mausoleum houses the remains of Ho Chi Minh, the founding father of unified Vietnam (note: the mausoleum and musuem are closed October-December). During the afternoon you could take an optional visit to Tran Quoc Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, the Museum of Ethnology or take a walk through Hanoi's Old Quarter – a maze of street stalls, each one traditionally devoted to a different product or industry.

In the evening we attend a performance at the famous Water Puppet Theatre.

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USD 1080 945 665 475 1305 945 770 Local Payment 150 USD 1080 945 665 475 1305 945 770 Local Payment 150 USD Accommodation Hotels/guesthouses (12 nts), sleeper train (1 nt). Brief Highlights Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Khong, Mekong River, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Vientiane, Hanoi Departure Departs every Monday, year round
DepEnd Mon-Sun Group Leader Tour Leader, local guides. Group Size Max 15, Avg 10 Included Highlights Klong trip in Bangkok, Wat Po entrance and guide, Doi Suthep entrance and guide, Entrance to Pak Ou caves, Entrance and guide to Royal Palace Museum (Luang Prabang), Kuang Si Falls trip, Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, Water puppets in Hanoi
Local Payment USD150 Max Pax 15 Meal Budget Allow USD190 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. Meals Included 5 Breakfasts. Min Pax 6 Reverse Itinerary Add the AVEV Essential Vietnam and Cambodia for a full Indochina Experience (ATIE) StartFinish Bangkok to Hanoi Testimonial "The tour leader was wonderful. Our group of 9 all got along and it was way beyond my expectations." - Dennis Kelly travelled on Bangkok to Hanoi Adventure Transport Train, local bus, aircon bus, river boat, tuk-tuk, songthaew, taxi, cyclo, plane
A Couple of Rules Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for G.A.P Adventures Adventure travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or they use prostitutes.
Arrival Complications We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details.

If you have pre-booked an airport transfer please meet your driver at ATTA Counter (the Association of Thai Travel Agents) located at door 6 and/or door 10 of the arrival hall (level 2). If for any reason you can not locate you driver please our emergency transfer phone number at (+66) 083 826 8484 - Ms. Pornchuen. If you have still have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
Brochure Intro From the hectic streets of Bangkok to the tranquil charm of Luang Prabang, and the timelessness of Vientiane, this is a memorable introduction to a land that is a treasure trove of history and culture. Experience this wondrous journey with the very people who make this area so unforgettable. Checklist Passport (with photocopies)
Travel insurance (with photocopies)
Airline tickets (with photocopies)
USD cash and travellers cheques
Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
G.A.P Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information and dossier
Any entry visas, additional passport photos or vaccination certificates required
Alarm clock
Flashlight
Sun hat, sunblock, sunglasses
Insect repellent
Water bottle
Small towel and swim wear
Toiletries (biodegradable)
Sturdy walking shoes/sport sandals
Moneybelt
Shorts
Long trousers
Hiking pants/track pants
Shirts/T-shirts
Warm clothes for Nov-Feb. Hat, gloves, fleece, windproof/waterproof jacket
Waterproof clothes for wet season May-Oct. Umbrella or waterproof jacket
Cover for backpack or plastic bags to keep clothes dry
Clothes for temples – long pants or sarongs
Camera and film
Reading/writing material
Binoculars
Pocketknife
First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, aspirin, band aids, anti-histamine, imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
Departure Tax Departure Tax is included in all International and Domestic tickets in China, Thailand and Vietnam. Detailed Trip Notes Border crossings during the ATBH:
Huay Xai, Laos - Thailand to Laos

Dossier Disclaimer The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and G.A.P Adventures. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Dossier Intro From the hectic streets of Bangkok to the tranquil charm of Luang Prabang, and the timelessness of Vientiane, this is a memorable introduction to a land that is a treasure trove of history and culture. Experience this wondrous journey with the very people who make this area so unforgettable. Emergency Contact Should you need to contact G.A.P Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call our local office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

G.A.P Adventures Local Office – Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok Office Tel: +66-2-307-0211 or +66-2-661-4845

South East Asia Manager Emergency Mobile: +66-849 105 265 - Ailsa (Thailand)

Asia Operations Manager Mobile: +66-879 118 802 - Gabe (Thailand)

If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, we have a toll-free line for North America, which will connect you directly with our Toronto office. In the event that you cannot get through, you can reach a member of our Operations department at the mobile number below.

Toll-free, North America only: 1 800 465 5600.
Calls from the UK: 0870 999 0144.
Outside North America and the UK: +1 416 260 0999.
Mobile: + 1 647 504 6467
Emergency Fund Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster) necessitate a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Feedback After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that you'll receive a special discount code for free online prints and we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G.A.P Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Please visit http://www.gapadventures.com/evaluations
Free Online Trip Journals An online Trip Journal is a great way to record stories and photos as you travel, not to mention sharing your experiences with friends. Encourage your family and friends to follow in your footsteps as you explore the world! With templates for over 300 G.A.P Adventures trips already online all you have to do to get started is log in, choose your trip and your departure date, it's quick and easy! Head to http://www.gapadventures.com/trip_journal. Group Leader Description All G.A.P Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to see and do, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds. Health You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. In Asia pharmacies tend to stock the same western drugs as you get at home but they are usually produced locally so please bring the full drug name with you when trying to purchase a prescription drug. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. For travellers over 70 years a completed Medical Form is required. G.A.P Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our group leader they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group. Important Notes Please note that this tour combines with other G.A.P Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G.A.P Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G.A.P Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.

In some major cities in Vietnam, many hotel rooms do not have windows.

There may be a weight restriction for the internal flight on this tour. Each passenger is allowed to carry one checked bag with a maximum weight of 15 kg (33lbs). Additional bags or excess weight charges may apply. These charges are the responsibility of the passengers. Itinerary Disclaimer While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit travel with G.A.P Adventures can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances. Joining Hotel Bangkok - Royal Hotel
Rajdamnern Avenue
Bangkok, Thailand 10200
Phone: +66-2-222-9111
Fax: +66-2-224-2083
Joining Instructions When arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport (pronounced 'su wan na poom') in Bangkok you will want to exit Customs into the chaotic Arrivals Hall. Once here you can change money into Thai Baht to be able to pay for your bus or taxi. You will be approached by nicely dress official looking touts offering an expensive Limousine service into Bangkok for around 1000 Baht. Just ignore these guys.
You have two options bus or taxi.
Buses are one level down. The Airport Bus operates 4 bus routes to downtown for a cost of 150 Baht for the entire route. Bus AE1 goes to Silom, Bus AE2 goes to Bang Lamphu, Bus AE3 goes to Sukhumvit 3 and Bus AE4 goes to Hua Lamphong train station in Chinatown. Our hotels are located in both the Bang Lamphu and Hua Lamphong area so you would take bus AE2 or AE4.
Head straight out on this level for metered taxis. If you are taking a taxi then Suvarnabhumi Airport is a 30km drive downtown Bangkok. The taxi counters have English speaking officials who you tell where you are going and they write it down on a piece of paper and which has the hotel name and the taixis registration details. Taxis should always use their meter. There is a 50 Baht airport surcharge on top of the metered fee and any tollway fees which usually don't come out to more than 70 Baht depending on where your hotel is. With all the fees included the total cost will be around 250 Baht to the Sukhumvit area and 350-400 Baht (12 USD) to Bang Lamphu where most of our hotels are located. The journey downtown will take from between 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the traffic and where you're going.
The closest popular tourist area to the airport is the Sukhumvit road district, which on a good day will take around 30-45 minutes to get too. Silom, Sathorn, and Siam Square will take about 45 minutes to an hour to reach while if you're heading over to Khao San road it could well take over an hour. Heavy traffic can make this journey a lot longer though, and so you have the option of using the expressway downtown for an additional charge of 25B to pay. This is paid for by the passenger, though the driver may pay at the time and you'll be expected to pay at the end. The expressway is substantially faster at any time during the day, though if you're arriving late at night it's not usually necessary to go on the expressway as the traffic is light on the main roads. To tell the taxi driver to use the expressway, you can say either ""kuen ton-way"" (from 'tollway') or ""kuen taang duan"" in Thai, although he may well use it without being told anyway. If you have paid for an arrival transfer when you booked your trip then please proceed to the ATTA counter in the Arrivals Hall of the airport where our local Thai representative will be able to assist you to your hotel.
Keeping in Touch If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road, rather than relying on postal mail. Email cafes are becoming increasingly commonplace and cheap throughout the regions we visit, and have quickly become the preferred way for our leaders and travellers to stay in touch. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our Emergency Contact. We recommend that family and friends don't try to contact you through phoning hotels en route, as our hotels are subject to change, and our hotel receptions often don't have English speaking staff.
Laundry Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap. Local Dress In Asia the dress standard is more conservative than it is back home. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate of Asian summers. In predominately Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim countries we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting temples or mosques or other holy sites. Local Flights All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure. Local payment description Most of our adventure tours involve a local payment. This amount is a portion of the price of the trip and the final payment for your tour. Paying locally facilitates the flow of funds into countries that we travel through and also helps to reduce the overall price of the tour. This helps G.A.P Adventures keep our prices competitive and in-turn, pass our costs savings on to you. Payment is to be made to your leader or G.A.P Adventures representative upon arrival in cash in the requested currency. Please see our website, brochure or your trip documents and invoice for local payment.
Meals Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G.A.P Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your group leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. Included breakfasts will usually be asian style consisting of noodles or congee (rice porridge) or bread and eggs. Vegetarians will be able to find a range of different foods, although in some areas the choice maybe limited. While trekking in remote regions food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets. Medical Form Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an 'average level of fitness and mobility' is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers over the age of 70, or travellers with a pre-existing medical condition, are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that senior travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our leaders work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided. Please refer to the physical and culture shock ratings in this Trip Details document for more information.

Please note that all passengers, regardless of age traveling to Antarctica are required to fill out this questionnaire.

The medical questionnaire can be found online at:

www.gapadventures.com/online_medical_form.
Money Exchange As currency exchange rates in Asia fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com As of Feb 2008 the exchange rate for THAILAND was 1 USD = 32.2 THB (Thai Baht), LAOS was 1 USD = 9000 LAK (Laos Kip) and VIETNAM was 1 USD = 16000 VND (Vietnamese Dong). There are many ATM machines that accept both Visa and Mastercard but these are limited to major cities. In Cambodia most transactions take place using USD and we suggest you bring small unmarked notes. We also recommend the use of cash and travellers cheques in USD currency. Major credit cards are accepted in some shops but they may charge a 2-4% transaction fee.

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Optional Activities Optional Activities : USD50 for optional activities not included in the trip.

Please note the following should be used as a guideline :

Grand palace (Bangkok ) - USD5
Jim Thompson’s House (Bangkok) - USD3.5
National Museum (Bangkok) - USD1.5
Royal Barge Museum (Bangkok) USD1.5
Cooking school (Chiang Mai) - USD14
Bicycle tour (Chiang Mai) - USD12
Bamboo rafting (Chiang Mai) - USD10 plus transport
Elephant riding (Chiang Mai) - USD10 plus transport
Royal Theater (Luang Prabang) – USD6-12
Cooking Class (Luang Prabang) – USD25
Wat Xieng Thong (Luang Prabang) - USD1
Arts and Ethnology Centre (Luang Prabang)- USD2
Wat PhuSi and other Temples (Luang Prabang)- USD1-2
Elephant Riding (Luang Prabang)- USD30 including transport
Half day cottage industry tour (Luang Prabang)- USD5-8
River Tubing (Vang Vieng)- USD4
Bike Rental (Vang Vieng)- USD2
Kayaking Trip (Vang Vieng)- USD15-20
Visit one of the many temples (Vientiane) - Most entry fees USD1
Buddha Park (Vientiane) - USD1 plus transport
National Cultural Museum (Vientiane)- USD2
Kayak Rental for 2 people (Halong Bay)- USD15 per hour
Hoa Lao Prison- aka ‘Hanoi Hilton’ (Hanoi)- USD1
Museum of Ethnology (Hanoi)- USD1 plus transport
Temple of Literature (Hanoi)- USD1
Fine Arts Museum (Hanoi) - USD1
Women's Museum (Hanoi) - USD1
Army Museum (Hanoi)- USD1
Taxi to each museum - approx USD2
Our Commitment to Responsible Travel in Antarctica Planeterra-The G.A.P Adventures Foundation Through G.A.P Adventures’ commitment to responsible tourism we have developed Planeterra – the G.A.P Adventures Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of people and communities around the world through support of international charities, local organizations and community projects in the places that we visit on our tours. G.A.P Adventures matches all individual donations and pays all administration fees, which means that 100% of each donation is doubled and goes directly to support our projects. For more information about Planeterra and the projects we support, or to make a donation, please visit www.planeterra.org

Planeterra Dollar-A-Day Program
Our Dollar-A-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to help us give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar per day for the duration of their tour. 100% of these proceeds will go directly to support our Planeterra projects.

To participate in this program please indicate at the time of booking that you would like to participate in G.A.P Adventures’ Dollar-A-Day program, either by clicking the check box online, or by advising your GA.P Adventures specialist or travel agent. (Note: Donation will be charged in the currency of your booking) Responsible Travel Being a responsible tour operator is at the heart of what G.A.P Adventures is all about. From the start, G.A.P Adventures has been committed to offering low-impact tours that benefit traveller and host alike. While our sustainable tourism policies are constantly evolving, our commitment to socially conscious, grassroots style travel has never changed. We work with local communities, businesses and individuals to develop sustainable tourism opportunities that help local economies while minimizing negative environmental and cultural impacts.

For more information about our commitment to responsible travel, please visit the Sustainable Tourism section of the G.A.P Adventures website: www.gapadventures.com
Safety and Security Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Single Travellers We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Spending Money Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Tipping It is customary in Asia to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected - though not compulsory - and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. You may do this individually, or your Tour Leader will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $1-$2 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your tour leader for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G.A.P Adventures Tour Leader did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $20-25 USD per person, per week can be used. Travel Forum - The Watering Hole Be sure to stop by The Watering Hole, our adventure travel forum. If you're interested in meeting others booked on your upcoming trip, check out the Departure Lounge section of our forum and introduce yourself. Otherwise, just drop in at anytime to share some travel tips, ask questions, meet other travellers and quench your thirst for travel. Our forum is located at wateringhole.gapadventures.com. Travel Insurance Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Trip Specific Safety We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Validity Valid for all trips departing January 1, 2008 - December 31st 2008. Visas Please note that visas for Thailand, Laos and Vietnam are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. For the most up to date information please check your governments foreign ministry website or with you travel agent as rules do change. It is important that you check for yourself. For most travellers there will probably have an embassy and consulate in the country that you live in. THAILAND - Most nationalities do not need a visa for Thailand for stays of 30 days or less but if you do they are available on arrival at Bangkok Airport. LAOS - Your tour leader will arrange for your Laos visa at the start of your trip. Please have 3 passport pictures and approx. $50 USD ready for the leader. VIETNAM - Visas for Vietnam need to be arranged ahead of time as the processing time varies. Please make sure your visa states that you can enter/exit at 'All International Borders' or 'CKQT'. Vietnam visas are NOT available at the border. Please ensure your valid from date on you Vietnam visa is for day 11 of the trip or earlier. We Want Your Photos Want to see your photos and/or stories in print or on the web? Then enter our "Great G.A.P Adventures Photo Story Contest". Simply go online to www.gapadventures.com/contests/photo-story-contest to upload your photo stories! There are travel and camera prizes worth more than $5000 available to be won! If you prefer to submit slide film or photos instead of digital entries online, just make sure they are clearly marked with your name and contact details on each and the place where it was taken. Unfortunately, we are unable to return any entries. Send mailed entries to "Photo Editor" at our head office.
What to Take What you need to bring depends on the trip you have chosen and the countries or regions you are planning to visit. We suggest that you pack as lightly as possible as your are expected to carry your own luggage. As a rule we try not to have to walk more than 15-20 mintues with your bags which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 10-15kg/22-30lb. Suitcases are not recommended for G.A.P Adventures trips! Most travellers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size (no XXL ones please!) as they need to fit under the beds when travelling on sleeper trains. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras and other electronics like ipods and mobile phones. If your trip involves overnights in homestays, villages or camping then you usually have the opportunity to rent sleeping bags if need be instead of bringing them with you. Your Fellow Travellers As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and are likely to be of a variety of ages too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.