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Sweet, salty, bitter, sour and spicy are the pillars of Vietnamese cuisine, with key ingredients such as lemongrass, ginger, Saigon cinnamon, chilli, lime and Thai basil leaves. Traditional dishes may vary between regions, but the basics of fresh ingredients, the harmony of textures and the refined presence of herbs and vegetables are key to their unique, elegant cuisine. Get to know it where it happens: at home kitchens, cafes, restaurants and out in the streets of Vietnam, from north to south, in this 13-day package: eat with nuns in Hue, discover street food in Hoi An and see Vietnam’s largest floating market, Cai Rang in the Mekong Delta.
Since cuisine is only one part of the rich Vietnamese culture, this trip also includes a mesmerising performance of Vietnam’s acclaimed Water Puppets and an overnight cruise through Halong Bay’s stunning limestone karst islands. Walk through Hanoi’s vibrant Old Quarter and visit the historic Temple of Literature and learn about the amalgamation of religious influences at a Cao Dai Temple.
Choose from a selection of optional tours available throughout the trip. You can also enjoy this package as a private tour for an additional $800 per person (minimum of 2 people, see details in Important Information).
Want more? Add extra days to your itinerary with Arrive Early in Hanoi, Vietnam and Stay Behind in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam packages.
Today depart from Australia (or New Zealand) for Hanoi, Vietnam.
Xin Chao and welcome to Vietnam. Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport proceed through immigration and customs, collect your luggage and meet up with a local representative who will transfer with you to the hotel.
Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and is renowned for its local architecture and rich culture, embracing Chinese and French influences. There are no planned activities today so spend time relaxing from your flight, or step out and explore the local neighbourhood.
Please note: Due to flight scheduling and availability, some departures may occur on day 0. Affected customers must be at the airport the night before. Flight times will be indicated on your final documentation which you will receive prior to departure.
Overnight: Lenid Hotel Tho Nhuom or similar, Hanoi
Meals included: In-Flight
After breakfast, set out on a fascinating journey to discover this energetic city. Begin at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where you will visit the Presidential Palace, built by the French in the early 20th Century as the residence of the Governor-General of French Indochina. Discover Ho Chi Minh’s house-on-stilts and the One Pillar Pagoda before continuing on to the Temple of Literature. Wander through the halls and courtyards of Vietnam’s first university, built in the 10th Century under the Ly Dynasty and greatly influenced by Confucianism.
Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter on foot and experience the daily life of Hanoians at the bustling and noisy Dong Xuan Market, one of the biggest and oldest in Hanoi. Sample some of the city’s delicious cuisine on a street food walking tour. Taste local dishes such as Nom du du (green papaya salad), Bun cha (Hanoi-Style vermicelli noodles with grilled pork) and Bánh mì (traditional sandwich on a baguette). Stop off at a quaint little coffee shop in the heart of the Old Quarter to witness the making of Vietnamese egg coffee (ca phe trung). Watch as the staff ‘perform’ this unique process invented during a milk shortage, before enjoying one for yourself.
Later, enjoy watching a performance of Hanoi’s acclaimed water puppets. This traditional Vietnamese art form originated in the villages of the Red River Delta of northern Vietnam. Later, relax and dine on a meal featuring Hanoi grilled fish, at a well-known Cha Ca restaurant specializing in this famous northern Vietnamese dish.
Overnight: Lenid Hotel Tho Nhuom or similar, Hanoi
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Rise early before sunrise, just like the locals do, head out to one of the open spaces beside Hoan Kiem Lake and observe people partaking in morning exercise and catch up. Join in, if you wish, for a light session of aerobics or Tai Chi before walking to a simple nearby restaurant serving a steaming bowl of pho, Vietnamese noodle soup, considered by many people to be Vietnam’s national dish.
Return to the hotel, collect your luggage, check out of your accommodation and begin your journey to Halong Bay (approximately 2.5hours), a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the country’s most impressive scenic sights. Board your boutique cruise boat embracing traditional Vietnamese style with modern luxury. Settle in with a welcome drink, following a safety briefing. Enjoy lunch as you cruise the tranquil emerald waters, soaking in the picturesque scenery with thousands of limestone karsts rising from the water providing the perfect backdrop. The afternoon will be spent cruising through the bay, passing small fishing villages and islands and stopping at some of the well-known caves which can be explored on tender boats. There will be time to relax on the beach of one of the islands or perhaps ascend the steps on another island for a magical view of Halong Bay. Back on board, relax and enjoy the sunset before a short Vietnamese cooking demonstration followed by your set menu dinner.
Note: The cruise itinerary is subject to be change due to weather and operational issues
Overnight: Syrena Cruise ship or similar, Halong Bay
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Awake to the peaceful sound of lapping bay waters, take part in an optional Tai Chi session on the sundeck or simply find a peaceful spot to witness the passing beauty as you cruise towards Luon Cave. After breakfast, head out on a traditional bamboo boat rowed by a local boatman to explore the nearby cave. Cruise back to the pier, disembark and start your journey to Hoi An. Drive to Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi and board your flight to Da Nang (approx. 90 minutes) and then journey by road to Hoi An, a beautifully preserved ancient town and UNESCO World Heritage site (approx. 60 minutes).
Overnight: Blue Sky Boutique Hotel & Spa or similar, Hoi An
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch
Spend the morning at leisure. Later this afternoon, head out with your local guide on an insightful walking and street food adventure to discover the charms of this ancient trading port on the banks of the Thu Bon River. Stroll the narrow cobbled streets, observe the building influenced by early European traders, visit a local family chapel, the centre of ancestor worship, and step inside a Chinese-style pagoda before crossing the Japanese Covered Bridge. The first bridge in Hoi An, it was constructed in 1593 by the Japanese community of Hoi An to link the town with the Chinese Quarter across the stream. Wander through the Fukien Association Temple and Chua Ong Temple before discovering treasures inside the Ceramic Museum.
Tonight’s dinner will include savouring some of Hoi An’s delicious street food in the old town. Accompanied by your local guide, discover some of the best street eats, family-operated restaurants and sample some authentic cuisine. Taste typical dishes that have been influenced by the various trading communities that have been passed through over the centuries, and could include some typical dishes like Com Ga Hoi An (Vietnamese chicken rice), Hoanh Thanh (Chinese-inspired wonton), Banh Vac (white rose cake) and Cau Lau (Hoi An noodle soup).
Overnight: Blue Sky Boutique Hotel & Spa or similar, Hoi An
Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner
Hop on a bicycle this morning for a short ride to Hoi An’s colourful central market. Meet some of the local sellers and learn about the ingredients that will be showcased later in your cooking workshop. Continue your ride to a local farm in nearby Tra Que Village and enjoy a refreshing drink. Walk through the vegetable gardens and watch the local farmers working on their fields using traditional methods passed down through the generations. Return to the farmer’s house and join a hands-on cooking workshop with your local chef. Learn the secrets and traditional ways of preparing Vietnamese food, like Tra Que Vegetable Salad, Tam Huu (spring onion rolls), Banh Xeo (Vietnamese pancake) and Hoi An fresh spring rolls. Try your hand at making your own rice paper to use in your preparations before sitting down for a delicious lunch prepared by yourself. Later return to the hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure or choose one of the optional activities available (additional charges apply).
Please note: Those who are not comfortable on a bicycle, will be offered a vehicle transfer.
Optional Activity: Cruise To Pottery & Carpentry Village - $70 per person
Board a small boat for a relaxing cruise along the Thu Bon River. Stop at a number of traditional craft villages featuring carpentry and pottery. Walk around Kim Bomg Carpentry Village, formed in the 15th century by the Northerners. Learn about the shipbuilding techniques where wooden fishing vessels are built using traditional techniques. Stop at Thanh Ha Pottery Village where you will observe how the villagers make pottery products such as vases, pots and kettles. You'll even have the opportunity to try your hand at making something. This optional tour includes transfer (one way by boat), English-speaking guide, hands-on pottery activity.
Optional Activity: Lantern-Making Workshop – $50 per person
Meet a master lantern maker and appreciate the culture and history of Hoi An lanterns, recognized as one of nine traditional craft villages in Vietnam. Engage with them at their home to learn the traditional art of lantern making. Hoi An people believe that hanging lanterns in front of their house brings luck, happiness and wealth to the family. Allow your creativity to flourish as you make your own lantern; a fun and interactive way to appreciate the importance of lanterns to the Vietnamese people. This optional tour includes transfer and English-speaking guide.
Overnight: Blue Sky Boutique Hotel & Spa or similar, Hoi An
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch
After breakfast, journey by road to Hue, the former imperial city and UNESCO World Heritage site (approx a 3-hour drive). Travel along the hillside road of Hai Van Pass, which is considered to have some of the world’s most beautiful beaches at either end and also has “the grandest fortified gateway". On sunny days, it is possible to have a panoramic view of Da Nang, Son Tra Peninsula and Cu Lao Cham with long golden sand beaches embracing the sea bays.
Spend the remainder of the day exploring the city on your own or alternatively choose one of the optional activities available (additional charges apply).
Optional Activity: Explore Hue’s Imperial Citadel - $90 per person
Walk through Hue’s Citadel and learn about the importance of this former Imperial capital and political centre during the 19th-20th Century under the Nguyen Dynasty. Hear stories from your guide about the complex of palaces, temples, residences, gardens and ponds enclosed within fortified walls and surrounded by a moat and designed in accordance with ancient philosophies. The most important part was in the middle, and it was called the Purple Forbidden City - here is where the emperor and his closest confidants lived and worked, although many of the buildings were destroyed during the war and much of it has been rebuilt. The tombs of the emperors are spread out along the banks of the Perfume River. Stop off at Minh Mang Royal Tomb, the final resting place of one of the Nguyen Dynasty’s staunchest Confucians, whose reign represents the apex of Nguyen power over the country. This optional tour includes transportation by air-conditioned vehicle, English-speaking guide and entrance fees.
Please note: Only one optional tour is available on this day.
Overnight: Romance Hotel or similar, Hue
Meals included: Breakfast
Take a morning cruise on the beautiful and scenic Perfume River to unpeel the rich history of this former capital under the Nguyen Dynasty in the 19th Century. Stop off at Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the most fascinating and ancient pagodas in Hue city. Marvel at the seven successive tiers, each of which is dedicated to a human form taken by the Buddha before exploring the gardens, flowers and ornamental plants surrounding the pagoda.
Continue to Dong Thien Pagoda, a Buddhist monastery, for a very special experience: take time to meet and interact with the Buddhist nuns, learn about their lives in the pagoda before enjoying a simple vegetarian lunch prepared by them. Walk around the main hall with its beautiful collection of Buddha statues, visit the kitchen and observe the nuns as they prepare your lunch on a wood-burning stove.
Head to the airport for your flight (approximately 2 hours) to Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam’s bustling and cosmopolitan city. Settle into your hotel or step out on your own to discover this metropolis of over 9 million people, and possibly even more motorbikes and scooters. Seek out one of the rooftop bars that are springing up across the city, and soak in the evening atmosphere.
Overnight: Royal Hotel Saigon or similar, Ho Chi Minh City
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch
Get up early today and, after breakfast, travel to the Mekong Delta. En route stop in Cai Be, a small town at the gateway to the delta. Step inside Cai Be Cathedral, built in Gothic-Romanesque style with bells cast in France. Venture into the Cao Dai Temple to understand more of this fascinating religion of Southern Vietnam, an amalgamation of several philosophies.
Uncover the ancient village of Dong Hoa Hiep with a number of colonial townhouses built in a style of architecture typical to the region. Board a small boat and cruise the backwaters, stopping along the way at a bee farm. Sample fresh honey tea and understand more about bees’ life. See the monkey bridges. Visit the orchard of Ms. Hang and enjoy the fruit from the garden while listening to a short performance of Vietnamese folk music. Next, stop at a small restaurant for lunch, where you can see the preparation of some of the region’s specialty dishes, including Khot cake (or mini pancake, Banh Khọt).
Time permitting, explore a small village by bicycle to visit local workshops and see how the community makes banana-fiber hammocks and water hyacinth baskets. Step inside a family home and learn about the making of a unique kind of cake called Banh La Mit, Vietnamese jackfruit leaf cake. Continue to Can Tho by road and your overnight accommodation and, later, enjoy dinner focusing on dishes influenced by the Mekong Delta’s abundance of fresh produce.
Overnight: Ninh Kieu 2 Hotel or similar, Can Tho Mekong Delta
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Rise early for a gentle trip by small boat through the picturesque canals and waterways, taking in the sultry scenery and daily activities. Visit Cai Rang floating market, the largest in the Mekong Delta, and observe how the sellers advertise their produce by hanging a sample of their product over their boats on a bamboo pole. Before cruising back to land, enjoy tropical fruit at the Tu Dung Garden House. Spend time at leisure before lunch at a local restaurant and the drive back to your accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City.
Overnight: Royal Hotel Saigon or similar, Ho Chi Minh City
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch
Head out early when the temperature is cooler, on an orientation walk to uncover some of the city’s fascinating sites. Explore two sides of this incredible city – its colonial past and its modern future. Admire the Central Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, Opera House and Ben Thanh Market, and be inspired by 42 Nguyen Hue Street and Bitexco Tower.
Spend the remainder of the day exploring the city on your own or alternatively choose one of the optional activities available (additional charges apply). Finish the day with a farewell dinner of Vietnamese specialties.
Optional Activity: Cu Chi Tunnels - $55 per person
Located about 90 minutes outside the city, explore the network of tunnels built by the Viet Cong during the French Resistance and Vietnam War. Watch a short introduction video to learn more about their construction before exploring a section of tunnels used as hospitals, schools, kitchens, weapon storage, command centres and living quarters. Afterwards, enjoy a special tea and cassava, which was a popular food consumed by the guerilla fighters during the war. This optional tour includes transportation by air-conditioned vehicle, English-speaking guide and entrance fees.
Optional Activity: Explore Vietnam's Coffee Culture - $110 per person
Discover the importance of coffee in Vietnam, both in terms of a drink for locals, as well as an important source of revenue for the country, given Vietnam’s position as the second largest grower of coffee. Wander through small lanes and alleys to uncover local coffee shop owners, and savour some of the best brews the city has to offer. This optional tour includes English-speaking guide, a selection of coffee and snacks.
Please note: Only one optional tour is available on this day.6
Overnight: Royal Hotel Saigon or similar, Ho Chi Minh City
Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner
Today brings to end your Taste of Vietnam journey. In due time, jump on a transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your onward flight home.
Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight
After purchase, you will receive a receipt and a Purchase Confirmation, directing you to an online Passenger Information Form. The Passenger Information Form must be completed within 72 hours of purchase. Any special requests, preferences and optional extras MUST be clearly stated in your Passenger Information Form. Any change requested after submitting your Passenger Information Form cannot be guaranteed, is strictly subject to availability and will incur surcharges as outlined in the Schedule of Fees below.
On purchasing this Travel Offer you are bound by the General Terms and Conditions, in addition to the specific terms and conditions outlined in this Important Information.
Please note: All countries and territories have different entry requirements in relation to vaccinations, quarantine/isolation periods and travel restrictions. Due to the evolving nature, we would ask all of our customers to monitor, meet and adhere to the specific requirements of their intended destination(s) in the lead up to and immediately prior to travel, as well as any requirements post-travel upon their return.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Covid-19 Booking Policy
TripADeal Tour packages are non-refundable. If your Tour package is affected by Covid-19-related travel restrictions and you are unable to travel, you will receive either a free date change (credit that is specific to your original package and purchase value) or an open credit less any non-recoverable supplier fees to the value of your original purchase for use on any other package available via the TripADeal website.
Please note: Date change credits are subject to availability and not guaranteed until confirmed by TripADeal, not the tour operator you are due to stay with. It is strongly advised that you purchase travel insurance with Covid-19 protection after purchase. If you are unable to travel because you have tested positive for Covid-19, the standard cancellation policy will apply.
Please note: All additional charges are payable directly to your Travel Consultant in AUD (unless otherwise stated).
This travel offer is valid for travel on selected dates until the 10th December 2025.
This travel offer is priced for one person based on twin share.
Single Traveller Supplement
For solo travellers, a mandatory single supplement of $395 applies.
Departure Dates
2024
May: 22
June: 5, 19
July: ^8, *24
August: 7, 21
September: *4, *18
October: ^9, 23
November: 5, 13
2025
January: ^15
February: 12
March: 12
April: *9
May: 7, 14, 21, 28
June: 11
July: ^18, 30
August: 13
September: 3, 10, *17
October: 15
November: 12
December: ^10
Please note: See checkout for live dates and availability.
Surcharges
Please note:
• Dates/months with a * incur a high season surcharge of $200 per person.
• Dates/months with a ^ incur a high season surcharge of $350 per person.
Full-Service Airline(s) Used for International Sector Only
Airlines Used: Vietnam Airlines, China Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Malaysian Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Virgin Australia and partners (subject to availability).
Please note: One-way flights can not be accommodated. Travellers must take all included flights within the package, and any flights intentionally forfeited will result in later flights being subject to cancellation.
Departure Cities
Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, *Brisbane, *Adelaide and *Auckland.
Departure City Surcharges
• Brisbane or Adelaide: $300 per person.
• Auckland: $550 per person.
Guaranteed Airline Surcharge
• Cabin Class: Economy class.
• Cathay Pacific: $300 per person.
• Singapore Airlines: $500 per person.
Please note:
• Guaranteed airlines are subject to availability. If we are unable to fulfil your request, the above extra cost will be refunded.
• On any upgrade purchase, short-haul flights and domestic flight sectors are not guaranteed, subject to aircraft configuration.
• In the event that a purchased stopover package and a purchased guaranteed airline upgrade are not compatible, you will have the option to receive a refund for the guaranteed airline upgrade or be offered an alternative stopover city option.
• Guaranteed airline refers to the marketing carrier and could include codeshare partners.
Domestic Airline(s) Used
• Cabin Class: Economy class.
• Route: Hanoi to Da Nang and Hue to Ho Chi Minh City.
• Airlines: VietJet Air (subject to availability).
Arrive Early in Hanoi, Vietnam
Non high season dates: $300 AUD per person, subject to availability.
High season dates: $700 AUD per person, subject to availability.
Please note:
• This fee does not include extra nights accommodation, meals or airport transfers.
• Arrivals prior to your selected departure date are only able to be booked up to one month prior upon check-out. Should you wish to arrive earlier, please contact TripADeal to request availability. *Additional costs may apply.
• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.
• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.
• High season arrive early can be purchased for $700 AUD.
• High season surcharges apply to flights departing between the below date ranges (only available for purchase over the phone):
18th March 2024 - 30th April 2024
1st June 2024 - 14th August 2024
23rd September 2024 - 20th October 2024
6th December 2024 - 31st January 2025
28th March 2025 - 27th April 2025
16th June 2025 - 20th July 2025
15th September 2025 - 12th October 2025
1st December 2025 - 31st December 2026
Stay Behind in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Non high season dates: $300 AUD per person, subject to availability.
High season dates: $700 AUD per person, subject to availability.
Please note:
• This fee does not include extra nights accommodation, meals or airport transfers.
• A stay behind is only able to be booked up to one month after your package end date upon check-out. Should you wish to stay later, please contact TripADeal to request availability. *Additional costs may apply.
• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.
• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.
• High season arrive early can be purchased for $700 AUD.
• High season surcharges apply to flights departing between the below date ranges (only available for purchase over the phone):
18th March 2024 - 30th April 2024
1st June 2024 - 14th August 2024
23rd September 2024 - 20th October 2024
6th December 2024 - 31st January 2025
28th March 2025 - 27th April 2025
16th June 2025 - 20th July 2025
15th September 2025 - 12th October 2025
1st December 2025 - 31st December 2026
Stopover Packages
* Hong Kong
Twin share: $1,000 per person/one way.
Solo Traveller: $1,800 one way.
* Singapore
Twin share: $1,200 per person/one way.
Solo Traveller: $2,000 one way.
Includes:
• 2 nights in 4-star accommodation.
• Daily breakfast.
• Return airport transfers.
Please note:
• When a pre and post-tour stopover is chosen, the same stopover location must be chosen each way, due to the airline used.
• When selecting an Arrive Early or Stay Behind in conjunction with a Stopover Package, the stopover will take place after the departure date you select for your Arrive Early or Stay Behind.
• Stopover packages are subject to availability.
• In the event that a purchased stopover package and a purchased guaranteed airline upgrade are not compatible, you will have the option to receive a refund for the guaranteed airline upgrade or be offered an alternative stopover city option.
• Blackout dates apply to flights departing between the below date ranges:
1st September 2024 - 30th September 2024
Flight Class Upgrades
• Business or Premium Economy Class: For pricing, please refer to the payment cart upon checkout.
Please note:
• Business Class upgrades are subject to availability (if we are not able to fulfil your request the upgrade cost will be refunded).
• On any upgrade purchase, short-haul flights and domestic flight sectors are not guaranteed in a Business cabin; subject to aircraft configuration.
Accommodation Used
4-Star (Self-Rated)
• Hanoi: Lenid Hotel Tho Nhuom or similar.
• Hoi An: Blue Sky Boutique Hotel & Spa or similar.
• Hue: Romance Hotel or similar.
• Ho Chi Minh City: Royal Hotel Saigon or similar.
• Mekong Delta: Ninh Kieu 2 Hotel or similar.
No Star Rating
• Ha Long Bay: Syrena Cruise or similar.
Please note: Accommodation/rooms offered are based on a lead-in room type, and are subject to availability based on seasonality. Properties will be confirmed, no later than two weeks prior to travel.
Extra Nights
Not available at check-out.
Please note: If you are interested in booking additional nights of accommodation pre or post-tour, please wait until you receive your travel documentation approximately 6 weeks prior to departure for the confirmed list of hotels. If booking your own additional accommodation directly with the hotel please be aware that you may be required to change rooms at the start/end of your tour.
Maximum Room Capacity
2 people.
Child Policy
• No child discounts. The full price applies to all children travelling with their parents.
• Valid for Children 12 years old and over.
Please note: Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult 18 years old and over to travel. No unaccompanied minors are allowed.
Triple Share
Not available.
Bedding Configuration
Queen or twin bedding (subject to availability).
Adjoining/Interconnecting Rooms
Subject to availability and at the hotel's discretion. Please inquire upon booking if you require this option.
Minimum group size 10, maximum group size 20 per vehicle.
Minimum private group size 2, maximum private group size 20 per vehicle.
Optional Tours / Activities
• Day 6: Cruise to pottery and carpentry village - $70 per person.
• Day 6: Lantern-making workshop - $50 per person.
• Day 7: Hue’s Imperial Citadel tour - $90 per person.
• Day 11: Cu Chi tunnels tour - $65 per person.
• Day 11: Vietnam’s coffee culture tour - $110 per person.
Please note:
• The optional tours listed above must be purchased on checkout or over the phone prior to submitting your passenger information form (subject to availability).
• Some tours require minimum numbers to operate.
Love the tour but fancy your own private guide, driver and vehicle? This tour can run exclusively with a minimum of 2 people for an $800 supplement per person.
Important notes:
• Private tour guide (not applicable on free days with no included activities).
• Ha Long Bay overnight cruise will be shared with other guests.
• Optional tours are on a private basis.
• Visa fees and requirements.
• Domestic transfers and flights not stated in the deal offer.
• Meals/beverages not stated in the deal offer.
• Highly recommended gratuities/tipping.
• Optional activities/tours.
• Personal expenses.
• Travel insurance.
TOUR GUIDE VS. TOUR LEADER
Tour Guide
Often locals with intimate knowledge of an area, its culture, and history. Their role entails providing commentary, routing the tour, and seeing that people have a good time. They are a licensed, qualified expert who supplies specific information on the history, art, architecture and culture of the city/village/attraction in which he or she is guiding the tour. The guide meets the group at the required place and leaves the group at the end of the tour, they do not travel with the group.
Tour Leader
An experienced person tasked with ensuring the smooth operation of tours, as well as providing practical support to passengers throughout the whole trip. Their role primarily includes assisting with accommodation, transportation between locations, and communication with tour guides at each stop. A tour leader may provide general guidance around a city or village, and offer information on the place visited on the bus, however, they are not required to have specific knowledge of art, architecture, or history. They are not allowed to provide a guided tour or commentary of a city/village/attraction once there and if caught doing so, can be fined.
Please note: Tour leaders/guides are not a standard inclusion in all travel offers. Tour leaders/guides will only be made available when particularly required to enhance the experience of the destination featured.
CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURES
Hanoi
Hanoi features a warm humid subtropical climate with plentiful precipitation. The city experiences the typical climate of northern Vietnam, with 4 distinct seasons. Summer, from May until August, is characterised by hot and humid weather with abundant rainfall usually falling in the afternoons. September to October is Autumn, characterised by a decrease in temperature and precipitation. Winter, from November to January, is dry and cool by national standards. The city is usually cloudy and foggy in winter, averaging only 1.5 hours of sunshine per day in February and March.
Ho Chi Minh City
The city has a tropical climate, specifically a tropical wet and dry climate, with an average humidity of 78–82%. The year is divided into two distinct seasons. The rainy season, with an average rainfall of about 1,800 millimetres annually (about 150 rainy days per year falling primarily in the afternoons), usually begins in May and ends in late October. The dry season lasts from December to April. The average temperature is 28°C, with little variation throughout the year.
FLIGHTS
Seat Selection & Frequent Flyer Points
At TripADeal we do not arrange seat selection. It is essential to highlight that some airlines do not allow pre-selected seats. We strongly suggest you contact the airline directly with seating allocation requirements and or arrive at the airport earlier to arrange your seating. While we do not add frequent flyer member details to bookings, you can do this directly with the airline once you have your flight information.
Passport Validity
Customers are required to provide valid passport details either at the time of purchase or no later than 45 days prior to the departure date. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of the booking. In this instance, customers will be responsible for any costs and fees incurred.
COACH TOUR
Meals
23 meals in total are included in the package. For meals not included, the tour leader (when available) will offer assistance with reservations, suggestions and directions to local restaurants. It is your responsibility to notify TripADeal of any dietary requests/requirements. Please note: We will do our best to meet your requests/requirements, however, we cannot guarantee that we will always be able to.
Luggage
You will be responsible for all your personal belongings whilst on the tour. With regards to luggage, you must carry your own luggage from the coach to the hotel room and back to the coach. The driver will assist with the uploading and off-loading of the luggage from the coach.
OTHER
Fitness Level Required/Mobility
Our vehicles are not equipped with wheelchair access, so, unfortunately, our tours are currently not suitable for wheelchair users and those less mobile.
Please note: A general level of fitness will be required. If you have any concerns please consult your healthcare provider prior to purchase/travel.
Gratuities/Tipping
Land
Gratuities (tips) are not included for the services of the tour leader (when available) and driver throughout the tour. The highly recommended tip if you are happy with the services received is $10 AUD per person per day. This covers the guide/leader and the driver and will be collected whilst on tour. Tipping for all services provided on tour is always a matter of personal discretion, however, please be aware that tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and they may approach you for payment and there is no need to be intimidated by the request.
Sightseeing
Please note: In the event entrance to a site is affected by changes in operating hours or public holiday closures, your itinerary where possible, may be adjusted or a similar activity will be offered in its place (subject to availability).
Shopping
Shopping overseas can be a daunting and confusing experience, especially when there is a language barrier. Please be very cautious when foreign currencies and prices are involved. If paying by credit card, please pay close attention to the amount you are being charged and keep all of your receipts. Do not make any purchases you are not comfortable with or feel pressured into. If you are uncertain or need assistance with the language barrier, please seek assistance from your Tour Guide/Leader. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions in regards to shopping for further information.
A tourist visa is a strict requirement if travelling on an Australian passport. Please visit https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/vietnam for up-to-date information regarding visa and covid 19 requirements. Please start arranging your visa at least 3 weeks prior to departure to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours.
Important:
• Visa rules may have changed since Covid-19.
• Some countries and airlines may also require you to obtain an additional visa prior to arrival. Please check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.
Please note: Passengers who are not Australian citizens must also check with the respective consulate or visa agency to determine what their visa requirements are and what personal identification is required. It is also important to note that some areas of employment such as journalism, government authorities and charity organisations may have additional restrictions in applying for Visas. This may in turn affect the type of application required.
Embarking on your next trip is exciting, and while you hope the unexpected does not happen, it is best to be prepared. We strongly recommend you take out travel insurance when making your booking. Whether it’s a potential medical emergency, a flight cancellation, a delayed suitcase, or an unforeseen event, it's important to ensure you're adequately protected. For more information or advice visit https://www.tripadeal.com.au/travel-insurance
Voluntary Changes
This includes booking changes requested by you, including but not limited to those changes requiring an airline ticket or a Purchase Confirmation reissue.
• Changes - $100.00 per booking + any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.
Name Changes Due To Passenger Error
• If the incorrect name has been advised to TripADeal, charges of $100.00 per booking + any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.
Supplier Fees
In the event the Travel Offer you have purchased is unable to proceed, and/or a travel Supplier is unable to fulfil the Travel Offer due to external circumstances (Limitation of Liability e.g. a Force Majeure event), there may be a fee or amount of money that is withheld by our Suppliers and is unrecoverable. This may be due to non-refundable airline tickets, cancellation penalties with cruise cabins or unrecoverable payments with our land/accommodation partners. TripADeal has committed to these costs as your Agent and will endeavour to recover all funds committed and/or paid for your Travel Offer, but this may not be possible in all circumstances. If refunds are not available from Suppliers, we will endeavour to obtain a travel credit on the best terms available and communicate these outcomes to you. In the event, TripADeal is unable to obtain a refund or travel service credit, or part thereof, this cost is passed on to the customer as a Supplier Fee. This fee is not revenue-raising and is paid to or withheld by our suppliers when recovering payments.
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