Take in the stunning scenery of Halong Bay, watch the sunset on the beach at Hoi An and stroll and shop along the boulevards of Saigon. Marvel at the splendour that is Angkor, and you will know that you have discovered the true heart and soul of Indochina. Timeless Indochina Classic 2009 GPA 6 15 Max 15, Avg 10 Asia Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia Hanoi Bangkok Vietnam Thailand Culture/History 15 1 Comfort http://www.gapadventures.com/images/banners/vietnam/vietnam_mekongdelta.jpg Arrive in Hanoi at any time. Hanoi is one of the most charming of Indochina's cities. Become immersed in a whirlwind of activity and colour. The shops and markets of the old quarter offer endless temptations while you can escape it all in one of the coffee shops surrounding the city's lakes. Enjoy fascinating museums and unbeatable food. Dramatic limestone karst formations rise from crystal waters. Relax and enjoy fantastic seafood as you cruise through the mystical karsts and lagoons. Once the Imperial capital and centre of the Citadel and Forbidden City complex, Hue is surrounded by some of the most beautiful countryside in Vietnam - scattered with the tombs of emperors and countless temples. Celebrate the rich trading heritage of Hoi An with its fabulous markets, galleries, tailor shops, craft stalls and restaurants. Once a Khmer trading and fishing port, today the "Pearl of the Orient" is Vietnam's foremost commercial and industrial centre. Much of the city life takes place on the streets which are lined with stores, shops, stalls and vendors with their wares spread out selling everything from soup to sophisticated electronics. Home to one of Asia's most incredible sites, Angkor is a tantalizing blend of Hindu and Buddhist art and architecture. A short flight takes us to the bustling Thai capital. Temples, markets, great food, and the lovely Chao Phraya river combine to make Bangkok a traveller's paradise. On arrival at Hanoi airport you are met and transferred to your hotel (transfers cannot be arranged on arrival, please advise flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to departure). Classic French colonial style architecture, beautiful decor and central location makes this a fantastic place to stay, and our hotel is only a short walk from Hoan Kiem Lake and the old quarter. Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a charming city of about 4 million people, famous for its beautiful lakes, shaded boulevards and verdant public parks. The city centre is an architectural museum piece, its blocks of ochre buildings retaining the air of a provincial French town of the 1930s. As Vietnam develops to compete with other South East Asian countries, Hanoi's Hoan Kiem Lake reflects the modern office buildings, old Buddhist temples and tangle of ancient streets. The city hums with the never-ending flow of bicycles, cyclos, the latest Mercedes Benzs and everything from the racy new Honda Dreams to 30-year-old Russian motorbikes.

Please check for the time of your welcome meeting on day one. Usually this is around 6pm.

On the morning of day 2 we head out for a short cyclo tour of the old quarter followed by a visit to Ho Chi Min Mausoleum (please note the mausoleum is closed Oct – December) and an evening at the world famous water puppet show. This morning we take a 3-hour private bus to Halong Bay. You can leave your main luggage in Hanoi, so just take a small bag with a change of clothes and essential travel items. On arrival in Halong Bay board a wonderful junk boat, our home for the evening. This traditional wooden sailing junk boat offers a unique way of navigating the lime castes of Halong Bay with all the comforts of a motorized, floating hotel. Once settled in, you start your cruise around the majestic Halong Bay, while enjoying a delicious seafood lunch. Halong Bay is a breathtaking secluded harbour with 2,000 limestone islands rising from the emerald waters of Bac Bo gulf. It is one of the most scenic regions in Vietnam and has been referred to as the 8th Wonder of the World. The area of about 1,500 sq km is dotted with innumerable beaches and grottos, created over thousands of years by waves and wind. After lunch you will have the chance to explore some of the limestone caves dotted around the bay. Then, the captain will find a secluded spot where you can swim in the clear water of the bay or soak up the sun on the top deck. In the evening the cook will prepare a sumptuous meal as the boat weighs anchor in the heart of the bay. After a light breakfast we continue to cruise around the bay to find more secluded areas followed by an early lunch before we return to land and head back to Hanoi ready for our overnight sleeper train to Hue. We use basic 4 berth sleeper compartments with shared facilities (approx 13 hours overnight train).

Founded as a royal city in 1687, Hue is the gateway to the treasures of Vietnam's royal past and remains one of Vietnam's major tourist attractions. This quiet city is widely known for the magnificent architecture of its citadels, palaces, royal tombs, pagodas and temples built under the Nguyen dynasty in a poetic background of greenery on the banks of the Perfume River. Arriving early morning we meet our local guide and take a tour of the ancient walled Citadel containing the former Imperial Palace. The Citadel was closely modeled on the Forbidden City in Beijing and was almost totally destroyed during the Tet Offensive of the Vietnam War. It is now being faithfully restored thanks to the generous funding by UNESCO. We will cruise on the Perfume River at the heart of Hue city followed by a trip into the surrounding countryside to see the final resting place of former Emperors by visiting one of the most impressive Royal Tombs. We depart Hue by private bus for the scenic journey to Hoi An, stopping at Lang Co fishing village and passing the famous China Beach. We travel via the Hai Van Pass, an incredibly scenic and mountainous stretch of highway with spectacular views of Lang Co Beach. Hoi An itself is a charming small town 30km south of Danang. Known as Faifo to early Western traders, it was one of South East Asia's major international ports during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Today, parts of Hoi An look almost exactly as they did a century ago. More than perhaps any other place in Vietnam, it retains the feel of centuries past, making it the sort of place that grows on you the more you explore it. There is plenty of free time in Hoi An to explore the small picturesque town, through the narrow winding streets of the Ancient Quarter. You will see the various Chinese Assembly Halls, Ancestral Homes, the Japanese Covered Bridge, and well-preserved Pagodas. You may like to visit a local tailor and be fitted for some very reasonably priced clothes. Alternatively, you can organise an optional day tour to My Son. Approximately 1 hour from Hoi An My Son is the major Cham site. These historical ruins are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If all of this sounds too strenuous, you can always spend the day by the pool or head to the nearby beach.

In the early afternoon we head to Danang Airport for our flight to Ho Chi Minh City. With a population of approximately 6 million, Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam. The huge number of people rushing about their daily business gives Ho Chi Minh City a dynamic atmosphere. Ho Chi Minh City is characterised by a vast variety of sights and sounds, from ancient pagodas, mosques and cathedrals to the former Presidential Palace and the War Museum. Explore Dong Khoi Street (the Rue Catinat from Graham Greene's novel The Quiet American) to the bustling markets of Ben Thanh and Cholon (Chinatown). Much of the city life takes place on the streets which are lined with stores, shops, stalls and vendors with their wares spread out on the footpath selling everything from soup to sophisticated electronics. The French influence is evident in the excellent baguettes and coffee. After settling into the hotel we take a short cyclo orientation tour of the cities main highlights.

In the morning of day 9 we take a half day trip to the Cu Chi tunnels with an English speaking guide. This network of over 200 km of tunnels became legendary during the 1960's when they played a vital part in the American war, allowing the Viet Cong to control a large rural area only 30 to 40 km from Ho Chi Minh City. At its heyday, the tunnel system stretched from Ho Chi Minh City to the Cambodian border. The network, parts of which were several storeys deep, included innumerable trap doors, specially constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers and kitchens. Today the remaining tunnels have become a major tourist attraction giving the visitor a unique experience and feel for what underground life during the American war was like. If you are planning to explore the underground tunnels, it is recommended that you bring a torch (flashlight). Your afternoon is free for independent exploration or shopping in Ho Chi Minh City; try your hand bargaining at the Ben Thanh Market, hire a cyclo (pedicab) for sightseeing or take a boat ride on the Saigon river.
A short morning flight takes us to Siem Reap town which is only a few kilometers from the temples of Angkor and serves as the base from which to visit the stunning complex. We meet our local guide and start to explore Angkor, the former capital of the Khmer kingdom and one of the wonders of the archeological world. Rediscovered at the end of the last century by French explorers this vast ruined city is becoming one of the most popular sites in Southeast Asia. Over these 2 days we visit some of the highlights of this ancient capital, like the magnificent temple of Angkor Wat, the enigmatic Bayon within the walled city of Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm,one of the temples which has been deliberately left to the ravages of the jungle,also known as the 'Tomb Raider' temple. A 60 minute flight takes us from sleepy Siem Reap in to the buzz of Bangkok, Thailand's capital city. With beautiful temples, several museums, great food and shopping, and the magnificent Chao Phraya river, Bangkok is full of life 24 hours a day. We will say our goodbyes over a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya river. 2089 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1429 2149 279.00 259.00 159.00 129.00 339.00 239.00 159.00 239.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2089 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1429 2149 279.00 259.00 159.00 129.00 339.00 239.00 159.00 239.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2089 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1429 2149 279.00 259.00 159.00 129.00 339.00 239.00 159.00 239.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2089 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1429 2149 279.00 259.00 159.00 129.00 339.00 239.00 159.00 239.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2089 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1429 2149 279.00 259.00 159.00 129.00 339.00 239.00 159.00 239.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2089 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1429 2149 279.00 259.00 159.00 129.00 339.00 239.00 159.00 239.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2089 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1429 2149 279.00 259.00 159.00 129.00 339.00 239.00 159.00 239.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2089 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1429 2149 279.00 259.00 159.00 129.00 339.00 239.00 159.00 239.00 Local 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279.00 259.00 159.00 129.00 339.00 239.00 159.00 239.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2089 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1429 2149 279.00 259.00 159.00 129.00 339.00 239.00 159.00 239.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2089 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1429 2149 279.00 259.00 159.00 129.00 339.00 239.00 159.00 239.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2089 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1429 2149 279.00 259.00 159.00 129.00 339.00 239.00 159.00 239.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2089 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1429 2149 279.00 259.00 159.00 129.00 339.00 239.00 159.00 239.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2089 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1429 2149 279.00 259.00 159.00 129.00 339.00 239.00 159.00 239.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2089 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1429 2149 279.00 259.00 159.00 129.00 339.00 239.00 159.00 239.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2089 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1429 2149 279.00 259.00 159.00 129.00 339.00 239.00 159.00 239.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2089 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1429 2149 279.00 259.00 159.00 129.00 339.00 239.00 159.00 239.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2089 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1429 2149 279.00 259.00 159.00 129.00 339.00 239.00 159.00 239.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2089 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1429 2149 279.00 259.00 159.00 129.00 339.00 239.00 159.00 239.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2089 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1429 2149 279.00 259.00 159.00 129.00 339.00 239.00 159.00 239.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2089 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1429 2149 279.00 259.00 159.00 129.00 339.00 239.00 159.00 239.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2089 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1429 2149 279.00 259.00 159.00 129.00 339.00 239.00 159.00 239.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2089 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1429 2149 279.00 259.00 159.00 129.00 339.00 239.00 159.00 239.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2089 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1429 2149 279.00 259.00 159.00 129.00 339.00 239.00 159.00 239.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2089 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1429 2149 279.00 259.00 159.00 129.00 339.00 239.00 159.00 239.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2089 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1429 2149 279.00 259.00 159.00 129.00 339.00 239.00 159.00 239.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2089 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1429 2149 279.00 259.00 159.00 129.00 339.00 239.00 159.00 239.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2089 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1429 2149 279.00 259.00 159.00 129.00 339.00 239.00 159.00 239.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2089 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1429 2149 279.00 259.00 159.00 129.00 339.00 239.00 159.00 239.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2089 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1429 2149 279.00 259.00 159.00 129.00 339.00 239.00 159.00 239.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2089 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1429 2149 279.00 259.00 159.00 129.00 339.00 239.00 159.00 239.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2089 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1429 2149 279.00 259.00 159.00 129.00 339.00 239.00 159.00 239.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2089 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1429 2149 279.00 259.00 159.00 129.00 339.00 239.00 159.00 239.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2089 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1429 2149 279.00 259.00 159.00 129.00 339.00 239.00 159.00 239.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2089 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1429 2149 279.00 259.00 159.00 129.00 339.00 239.00 159.00 239.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2089 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1429 2149 279.00 259.00 159.00 129.00 339.00 239.00 159.00 239.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2089 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1429 2149 279.00 259.00 159.00 129.00 339.00 239.00 159.00 239.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2089 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1429 2149 279.00 259.00 159.00 129.00 339.00 239.00 159.00 239.00 Local Payment 250 USD 2089 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1429 2149 279.00 259.00 159.00 129.00 339.00 239.00 159.00 239.00 Local Payment 250 USD Accommodation Comfortable hotels (12 nts), Sleeper train (1 nt), Junk boat (1 nt). Combination
Departure Departs on selected Mondays, year round DepEnd Sat-Sat Group Leader Tour Leader, local guides. Group Size Max 15, Avg 10 Highlights Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, Siem Reap, Bangkok Max Pax 15 Meal Budget Allow USD275 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. Meals Included 13 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinner 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:
Night 3, Halong Bay boat; Night 4, Sleeper train StartFinish Hanoi to Bangkok Testimonial "We were very pleased and surprised at what a wonderful trip we had. We experienced so much and learned so much about the countries that we travelled in." - Catherine Krause travelled on Timeless Indochina Transport Train, local bus, aircon bus, walking, plane, cyclo, boat. What's Included Cyclo tour of Hanoi,Water Puppet Show, Entrance to Halong Bay caves, Halong Bay boat trip with lunch and seafood dinner, Imperial Citadel and tomb, Perfume River boat trip, Saigon cyclo tour, guided Cu Chi tunnels tour, guide and entrance to Angkor Wat temple complex, Chaopraya dinner cruise, Arrival transfer and daily breakfast. 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 Take in the stunning scenery of Halong Bay, watch the sunset on the beach at Hoi An and stroll and shop along the boulevards of Saigon. Marvel at the splendour that is Angkor, and you will know that you have discovered the true heart and soul of Indochina. 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 & 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 Take in the stunning scenery of Halong Bay, watch the sun setting over the mighty Mekong River and stroll and shop along the boulevards of Hanoi. Come face to face with both recent and ancient history in Cambodia, as well as the spendour that is Angkor, and you will know that you have discovered the true heart and soul of Indochina. 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
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 Arrival airport transfers are included, so please advise flight details at time of booking.

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 Blossom Hotel
67 Nguyen Truong To
Hanoi, Vietnam
Tel: +84 4 7151666 Joining Instructions An arrival transfer is included with all Comfort-Class tours when you arrive on Day 1, or when you arrive up to three days prior to the tour, provided that you have booked your pre-accommodation through G.A.P Adventures in our joining hotel. Please note that Day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned, so you may arrive at any time. Similarly the last day is a departure day in which no activities are planned.

Your Tour Leader will contact you at the hotel on Day 1 and make sure you are settled comfortably. If you arrive late, s/he will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning. Your Leader will organize a short meeting soon after arrival, during which you will meet other tour participants and receive information about general and specific aspects of the trip.

When arriving at Noi Bai Intl Airport in Hanoi 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. If for any reason your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30-45 minutes of the scheduled time you should take a pre paid taxi to get you into the city. The airport is 35 km outside of the city and the drive should take between 40-50 minutes depending on traffic. The airport taxis are a safe and convenient way to arrive at your hotel. The cost is 16 USD and is paid directly to your driver upon arrival at 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, 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 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 Feb 2008 the exchange rate for VIETNAM was 1 USD = 16000 VND (Vietnamese Dong), CAMBODIA was 1 USD = 4000 KHR (Cambodian Riel) and THAILAND 1 USD = 32.2 THB (Thai Baht). 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. In Cambodia most transactions take place using USD and we suggest you bring smaller unmarked notes. Major credit cards are accepted in most 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-
Grand palace (Bangkok ) - USD5
Jim Thompson’s House (Bangkok) - USD3.5
National Museum (Bangkok) - USD1.5
Royal Barge Museum (Bangkok) USD1.5
Kayak Rental for 1 person (Halong Bay)- USD10
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
Cooking Class (Hoi An)- USD20-25
My Son Cham Ruins including car transport (Hoi An) - USD24
Tu Bon River Boat Trip (Hoi An)- USD5
War Crimes museum (Ho Chi Minh City)- USD1
The Reunification Palace (Ho Chi Minh City) - USD2
Saigon Water Park (Ho Chi Minh City) - USD4
Tonle Sap Lake Tour (Siem Reap)- USD5-15

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, Cambodia and Thailand 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 your travel agent as rules do change. It is important that you check for yourself. For most travellers there will probably be an embassy or consulate in the country that you live in. VIETNAM - Visas for Vietnam need to be arranged ahead of time as the processing time varies. Vietnam visas are NOT available on arrival. CAMBODIA - Visas can be obtained in advance from your local embassy. You can obtain your visa on arrival in Siem Reap (for approx $25 USD)very easily or by applying on line for an e-visa at http://evisa.mfaic.gov.kh/. Entry Point on this trip is Siem Reap Airport. 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. Please bring passport photos with you. 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. You may wish to bring a sleeping sheet for the overnight train or a silk sleeping bag liner can be purchased in Hanoi for around $10. 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.