Providing a variety of colour and beauty, Vietnam will tantalize all of your senses. From the chaotic Saigon to charming Hoi An, the imperial capital of Hue, vibrant Hanoi and the stunning natural beauty of Halong Bay, this trip has something for everyone. Roam Vietnam Classic 2009 GPA 6 15 Max 15, Avg 10 Asia Vietnam Saigon Hanoi Vietnam Vietnam Culture/History, Wildlife/Nature 12 2 Basic http://www.gapadventures.com/images/banners/vietnam/vietnam_farmer.jpg Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City at any time. Lose yourself in the maze of Ho Chi Minh City's central market, where you’ll find everything from bolts of brocade to flanks of beef. Write a quick postcard in Ho Chi Minh City’s stately French colonial post office, one of many French-era buildings that add grace to this modern metropolis. Take a boat trip into the dazzling blue bay that surrounds this festive beach town, stopping to swim at a pristine beach. Wander through the picturesque streets of this 16th century trading port, where the buildings bear traces of Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and French architectural styles. Reflect upon ancient Vietnamese culture while exploring in the riverside garden tombs built for Vietnam’s last emperors, or take a motorbike trip out to the stunning countryside. Float through the strangely shaped islands that dot this vast, emerald bay in a traditional wooden junk. Explore one of dozens of traditional guild streets that make up Hanoi’s thousand-year-old Old Quarter and join Buddhist monks for prayers in a serene lakeside pagoda. Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, the sprawling metropolis that once was the capital of South Vietnam and remains the country’s commercial center.

Be ready for the all important group meeting at 6pm.

A city tour by cyclo is a great way to take in the sights: including Cholon (Cholon means Big Market) and the Chinese quarter. Visit the Thien Hau and Giac Vien pagodas and stroll through the immense Binh Tay Market. Continue the tour with a visit to Reunification Palace, the residence of the presidents of South Vietnam before 1975. Or head out of town to the infamous Cu Chi tunnels where thousands of Vietnamese lived underground during the war.
On the evening of day 2, we catch the overnight train to Nha Trang Arrive in Nha Trang in the morning. Explore the local shops and markets, sit on the beach soaking up the sun or visit nearby historical towns. Optional activities can include a boat trip to nearby islands for snorkeling and scuba diving.
On the evening of day 4 we take an overnight train to Danang. From Danang, it is only a short drive to the picturesque port town of Hoi An, once known as Faifo, was an important trading town with strong south Chinese influence and connections.

You can take a walking tour of this living museum which includes the Museum of History and Culture, the Tan Ky house, the Japanese bridge, the Fujian Assembly Hall and lunch at a riverside restaurant to sample some of the local delicacies. Hoi An is also a shopping mecca for tourists in the region – tailors can produce virtually anything overnight – clothing, silk lanterns, lacquer ware and other crafts abound. And for sun worshipers,Cua Dai Beach is 4kms from town. On day 7, just a 3 hour drive to the north of Hoi An is the city of Hue. Our drive takes us over Hai Van Pass and past Lang Co Beach.

Upon arrival in Hue, once the imperial capital, you can take an optional tour to the Citadel which also contains the Forbidden Purple City, modeled on the Forbidden City in Beijing. Badly destroyed during the Tet Offensive in 1968, a significant restoration has occurred. A true highlight of Hue is the surrounding countryside. You can travel by boat along the Perfume River to visit Tien Mu Pagoda and the tombs of two of the Emperors Minh Mang and Khai Dinh, or hop on a motorbike for a countryside tour.

Late Afternoon or early evening of Day 8 board an overnight sleeper train to Hanoi. Arrive in the early morning to bustling Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. We will then transfer to a private bus for a 3 hour drive to Halong Bay.

Thousands of islands rise dramatically from the waters of Halong Bay and, to further their beauty, intricate caves have been hollowed out through these limestone karst formations. Aboard a sailing junk we'll enjoy a seafood lunch before visiting some of these islands and caves. Perhaps we'll have a chance to take a pre-dinner swim, before transferring to the mainland for our overnight stay. After breakfast on day 10, we'll transfer back to Hanoi. Upon returning to Hanoi you can visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu) or Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and Museum. The Mausoleum houses the remains of Ho Chi Minh, the founding father of the unified Vietnam (the mausoleum and museum is closed October-November). Or take a walk through Hanoi's Old Quarter – a maze of streets, each one traditionally devoted to a different product or industry. In the evening you have an option to attend a performance at the famous Water Puppet Theatre. Vietnamese food is one of the world’s most delightful of cuisines, and we'll say good bye over a meal in the Old Quarter.



549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD 549 529 329 269 709 499 469 699 189.00 169.00 109.00 89.00 229.00 159.00 109.00 159.00 Local Payment 200 USD Accommodation Simple Hotels/Guesthouse (8 nts), sleeper train (3 nts). Departure Departs every Sunday, year round DepEnd Sun-Thurs Group Leader Tour Leader thoughout. Group Size Max 15, Avg 10 Highlights Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Nha Trang, Hoi An, Hue, Halong Bay, Hanoi Max Pax 15 Meal Budget Allow USD180 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. Meals Included 6 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch. Min Pax 6 My Own Room Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops, with the following exceptions:
Nights 2, 4 and 8, Sleeper Train StartFinish Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi Testimonial "One of the most spectacular countries ever visited. Never have experienced such moving moments before." - Jenny Barakat travelled on Roam Vietnam Transport Train, local bus, aircon bus, walking, boat. What's Included Halong Bay boat trip with lunch 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 and 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 Providing a variety of colour and beauty, Vietnam will tantalize all of your senses. From the chaotic Saigon to charming Hoi An, the imperial capital of Hue, vibrant Hanoi and the stunning natural beauty of Halong Bay, this trip has something for everyone. Checklist Passport (with photocopies)
Travel insurance (with photocopies)
Airline tickets (with photocopies)
USD cash
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 windproof/waterproof jacket
Cover for backpack or plastic bags to keep clothes dry
Sleep sheet for overnight trains (bedding is provided)
Camera and film
Reading/writing material
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 & Vietnam. 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 Providing a variety of colour and beauty, Vietnam will tantalize all of your senses. From the chaotic Saigon to charming Hoi An, the imperial capital of Hue, vibrant Hanoi and the stunning natural beauty of Halong Bay, this trip has something for everyone. 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 2675 9534 (9am-5pm Local Time)

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

OR Assistant Regional Manager SE.Asia: +66 8471 81004 - Matt (Thailand)

For Airport Transfers in Thailand: +66 83 8268484

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 – Andrew/Linda
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
Finishing Point Hotel 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.

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 Ho Chi Minh City - Dai Hoang Kim Hotel
196 Bui Vien Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1
Saigon Vietnam
Tel. 84 08 8368691
Joining Instructions When arriving at Tan Son Nhat Intl Airport in Saigon you can get a metered taxi from just outside of the arrival hall. The taxis are lined up outside in an orderly queue and the fare is roughly 100,000 Dong (approx 7 USD) to get to your starting point hotel. DO NOT GO WITH TAXI TOUTS AS THEY WILL TRY TO RIP YOU OFF. The airport is only 7km from the downtown District 1 so taking taxis is easy and cheap if the meter is on. If you have paid for an arrival transfer when you booked your trip our driver will be waiting for you with a G.A.P Adventures sign with your name on it. Please check carefully once you exit the baggage hall as it can be busy outside the arrival area. 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, mosques or other holy sites. Local Flights There are no local internal flights in this itinerary. Local payment description Most of our adventure tours involve a local payment. This is the final payment of your tour price, paid locally. 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 cost savings onto 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 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 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 ratings in this Trip Details document for more information.
Please note that all passengers 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 Sept 2008 the exchange rate for VIETNAM was 1 USD = 16500 VND (Vietnamese Dong). There are many ATM machines that accept both Visa and Mastercard but these are limited to major cities. We 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.

Newsletter Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G.A.P Adventures, subscribe at www.gapadventures.com/newsletter_signup
Optional Activities Bring along USD100 for optional activities not included in the trip.

Approximate costs (per person) for popular optional activities taken in free time are -
Kayak Rental for 1 person (Halong Bay)- USD10
Water Puppet Show (Hanoi) USD3
Ho Chi Minh House on Stilts and Presidential Palace (Hanoi) USD1
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (Hanoi)- free (Closed Oct-Nov)
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
Bicycle Hire (Hue) - USD1
Royal Citadel (Hue)- USD5
Royal Tombs (Hue)- USD5
Perfume River Boat (Hue)- USD5-10
Cooking Class (Hoi An)- USD20-25
My Son Cham Ruins including car transport (Hoi An) - USD24
Tu Bon River Boat Trip (Hoi An)- USD5
Day trip to Islands (Nha Trang)- USD15
Visit to Mudbaths (Nha Trang)- USD3 plus transport
Water Sports: parasaling, Jet Skiing (Nha Trang)- USD20-30
Cu Chi Tunnels (Ho Chi Minh City)- USD8 plus transport USD5-10
Cyclo tour (Ho Chi Minh City)- USD4
War Crimes museum (Ho Chi Minh City)- USD1
The Reunification Palace (Ho Chi Minh City) - USD2
Saigon Water Park (Ho Chi Minh City) - USD4

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, 2009 - December 31st 2009. Visas Please note that visas for 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. VIETNAM - Visas for Vietnam need to be arranged ahead of time as the processing time varies and visas are NOT available upon arrival at any entry point. Visa's must be valid on or before your date of entry into Vietnam. We Want Your Photos If you've got some great photos form your G.A.P Adventures travels, then post them online in our community! You can share photos - and videos - with our travellers from around the world. Simply go online to www.gapadventures.com/community to check out what other people have shared! We often have photo and video contests running too, so be sure to check our website often!
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 minutes 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.