17 Day Hanoi to Bangkok
This 17-day trip offers a combination of guided excursions and free time to explore beaches and ruins, urban culture and awe-inspiring landscapes.
Sail on a junk boat through Halong Bay, sip iced coffee in Ho Chi Minh City, float through the Mekong Delta, enjoy sunrise over breathtaking Angkor Wat.
- Halong Bay boat cruise
- Imperial Citadel and Tomb tour
- Cu Chi Tunnels tour
- Mekong Delta day trip
- Cyclo tour (Phnom Penh)
- Tuol Sleng and Choeung Ek (Killing Fields) tour
- Angkor Wat tour
- Sunrise tour (Siem Reap)
- 15 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinner
- Hotels (14 nts), sleeper train (1 nt), junk boat (1 nt)
- Chief Experience Officer (CEO) guide
- Small group experience; Max 15, avg 12
- Internal flight
- Local Khmer dinner
- All transport between destinations
- Trip length:
- 17 Days
- Group size:
- Max 16
- Start:
- Hanoi
- End:
- Bangkok
- Vehicle:
- Train, bus, bus, cyclo, boat
- Sleep:
- Guest House, Train, Homestays, Boat
Itinerary
Day 1 Hanoi
Arrive in bustling Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. As passengers will be arriving at various times today, there are no planned activities. Some suggestions include: Taking a walk through Hanoi's Old Quarter – a maze of streets, each one traditionally devoted to a different product or industry. In the evening attend a performance at the famous Water Puppet Theatre. 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 in October-November).
You will have a scheduled group meeting in the evening around 6pm. Please check at the reception desk or look for a G Adventures notice board with details of the actual meeting time. At this meeting your CEO will ask to sight your travel insurance, double check your Vietnam visa and complete some other paper work. Please note that most nationalities requires a visa to enter Vietnam, please double check this with your travel agent or local Vietnamese Embassy. After your meeting, you may choose to head out for an optional dinner to further get to know your CEO and fellow group members.
We overnight in the city center of Hanoi. Our hotel is located in an Old Quarter. All rooms are double or twin share with air conditioning and en suite bathroom. Free-Wifi and a computer are available in the lobby.
*Please note: if you have pre-booked the Adrenaline Bundle your CEO will inform you when you will do each activity throughout your tour: Cave Rappelling (Day 6 - Hoi An), Sunset ATV tour (Day 14 - Siem Reap) and Flight of the Gibbons (Day 17 - Bangkok). Due to the late end we strongly recommend a post-night accommodation, or book onward flight after 21:00. For more information on the Bundle see the Optional Activities section.
Day 2-3 Halong Bay (2B,2L,1D)
On day 2, a 4 hour drive takes us to Bai Chay harbour, our entry point to Halong Bay.Thousands of islands rise dramatically from the waters of Halong Bay and, to further their beauty, intricate cave systems naturally exist throughout these limestone karst formations. Our sailing junk will take you to visit some of the islands and caves. You could enjoy a pre-dinner swim (depending on the season) and have an evening drink on the deck beneath the stars. Our accommodation tonight is a truly special experience – sleeping on a boat surrounded by high limestone karsts. All cabins are double or twin share with air conditioning and en suite bathroom.On day 3, after an early lunch on board the boat we head back to Hanoi. You have enough time for shopping or further sightseeing until our overnight train to Hue.The sleeper trains throughout Vietnam are quite comfortable. Each cabin sleeps 4 people in 2 bunk beds. You will be able to lock the door from the inside. All bedding is provided. The train is air conditioned and has squat and Western style toilets with a wash basin at the end of each compartment. Bags can be stored in your cabin and accessed at anytime. Food and drinks are available for purchase on board. This is not to everyone’s taste, so we recommend you bring your own.
Approx travel time:Halong Bay to Hanoi is 4 hours by private bus. Toilet stops can be made en route.Overnight sleeper train Ha Noi to Hue is approximately 14 hours.
Day 4 Hue
We arrive early on day 4 into Hue, once the imperial capital of Vietnam.After checking in to our hotel, we start our day with a visit to the wonderful Tien Mu Pagoda. Built over 400 years ago, and at seven stories high, Tien Mu is still the tallest and perhaps the most elegant pagoda in Vietnam.We then visit a tomb of one of Vietnam’s former emperors. These tombs are extremely ornate and embrace the concept of Feng Shui.Afterwards, you may choose to enjoy a vegetarian lunch at a local nunnery and there are various options to head out by bike to explore the local countryside.Please ask your CEO for more information.In the evening, take the chance to try some local Hue specialties such as banh khoai (savoury pancakes), and banh bot loc boc tom thit (thin rice paper filled with meat and shrimp). You might want to wash it all down with a Hue beer. Yum!
Our accommodation tonight is centrally located in the main street of Hue. All rooms are double or twin share with air conditioning and en suite bathroom. A swimming pool is also available.
Day 5-7 Hoi An (3B)
This morning we’ll start our day touring the wonderful ruins of the Imperial Citadel, from where the whole of Vietnam was once ruled. You’ll enjoy exploring the many palaces and gateways, courtyards and gardens of this beautiful complex and of course hearing the stories of the emperors who once lived here.
In the late morning we begin our drive to Hoi An. After crossing over the Hai Van Pass, with fantastic views in all directions, we will stop at Lang Co Beach, arriving in Hoi An in the afternoon for our three night stay.
Once known as Faifo, Hoi An 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, with clothing, silk lanterns, lacquer ware and many other crafts abound. For sun worshipers, Cua Dai Beach, 4kms from town makes for a great, flat bike ride.
We overnight three nights in a Hoi An. All rooms are double or twin share with air conditioning and en suite bathroom. Free wifi and a public computer are available in the lobby. The hotel also has a swimming pool to relax beside.
Approx travel time:Hue to Hoi An by private minivan is approx 4 hours.
Day 8-9 Ho Chi Minh City (2B)
Drive to Danang for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City, the sprawling metropolis that was once the capital of South Vietnam and remains the country’s commercial center.On the morning of Day 9 we take our guided tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels. A complexed network of tunnels 90 minutes from the city where the locals lived during the American War to keep safe.The afternoon is free time to visit the Thien Hau and Giac Vien pagodas and stroll through the immense Ben Than Market. There is also the Reunification Palace, the residence of the presidents of South Vietnam before 1975, Cholon (literally translated: Big Market),the Chinese quarter and the War Remnants Museum.
We overnight two nights in Ho Chi Minh City. All rooms are double or twin share with air conditioning and en suite bathroom. The hotel is well located in near the Benh Than Market, backpackers area, war remnant museum and within walking distance to all the French colonial buildings. Free-Wifi and a computer are available at the lobby.
Approx travel time:A flight time from Danang to Ho Chi Minh City is approx 1 hour. Transfer from Hoi An to the airport in Danang is 45 minutes.
Please note: As this is a combination trip, some of your tour members many depart in Ho Chi Mihn City and you may be joined by some new travelling companions on Day 9.
Day 10 Mekong Delta Day Trip (B)
Today we travel to where the mighty Mekong River approaches and empties in to the South China Sea. We board a small boat and navigate through the narrow canals, witnessing local lifestyle, floating vendors and small industrial boats. You will notice that many of the Vietnamese boats have eyes painted on the front to ward off evil spirits and to help guide the boat and crew safely back to land.We disembark our boat to visit some cottage industries for which the area is famous such as delicious and chewy coconut candy, rice cakes, Vietnamese popcorn and pottery production. Don't miss the chance to try the unique regional 'elephant fish' at a local restaurant during our lunch break.After a day of touring this unique region, we return to Ho Chi Minh City in time for dinner.
Approx travel time:The round trip to Mekong Delta by private bus is approx 6 hours.
Day 11-12 Phnom Penh (2B)
On Day 11, we cross into Cambodia by public bus.The drive to the Vietnam/Cambodian border takes around 2 hours. After completing the border formalities, we continue by bus to Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital, arriving mid-afternoon.After years of civil strife and political turmoil Cambodia is open for visitors. Late afternoon we take a short Cyclo ride around the city.
With our local guide on day 12, we witness the dark side of Cambodian history with visits to Choeng Ek, the site of the infamous Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng prison, the notorious Khmer Rouge prison where thousands of Cambodians died at the hands of their captors.
Afterwards, continue sight seeing on your own.You can explore the cities many sights: the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum. There is time to visit the huge Russian Market packed with souvenirs and all the necessities of daily life. Late afternoon is a great time to visit Wat Phnom: the sanctuary where the city's namesake once stood. It is a Buddhist shrine, although a Taoist goddess and numerous monkeys also reside here. Wat Phnom is a popular hangout for residents of the city in the afternoon heat. A drink in one of the many riverside café’s watching the sunset is a fitting finale to the day.
We spend two nights in Phnom Penh. All rooms are double or twin share with air conditioning and en suite bathroom. Free wifi and a computer are available at the lobby.
Approx travel time:Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh is approx 6 hours including a short lunch at the local restaurant and border crossing.
Day 13-15 Siem Reap (3B,1D)
After a private bus trip through the Cambodian countryside we arrive in Siem Reap, our base to explore the ancient city of Angkor, the former capital of the Khmer kingdom and one of the wonders of the archeological world. Rediscovered at the end of the 19th century by French explorers this vast ruined city is becoming one of the most popular sites in Southeast Asia. Over 2 days, with our professional local guide, we visit some of the highlights of this ancient capital including the enigmatic Bayon within the walled city of Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm, also known as the 'Tomb Raider' temple. Watching the sunrise over Angkor Wat is an experience not to be missed.
Trips departing on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays will enjoy a meal in a nearby village at the Planeterra-supported New Hope project. Trips departing on Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays will visit a local home in a nearby village for a traditional meal. With so many travellers coming through these areas, alternating experiences helps to allow both small businesses to flourish. Both experiences are truly unique and memorable.
We spend three nights in Siem Reap. Our hotel swimming pool is a great place to escape the heat of Siem Reap. All rooms are double or twin share with air conditioning and en suite bathrooms. Free wifi and a public computer are available in the lobby. Our hotel is located within a walking distance of the town centre.
Approx travel time:Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by private bus is approx 6 hours.
Day 16 Bangkok (B)
It's a long travel day today as private bus ride takes us from the countryside of Cambodia to the modern kingdom of Thailand. The drive from Siem Reap to the border is around 3 hours. Please be aware that the border crossing formalities can take up to one hour. Upon entering Thailand we continue our journey to Bangkok.
We have time to check-in to our centrally located hotel and head out for an evening meal to celebrate the end of a wonderful journey.
Approx travel time:Siem Reap to Cambodian border 3 hours.Border crossing formalities, up to 1 hourThai border to Bangkok, 4 hours
Day 17 Depart Bangkok
You are free to depart at any time today.
What to bring
CLOTHING
- Comfortable walking shoes ( no flip flops! ). Sandles are OK. Bring hiking shoes for trips including trekking.
- Warm jacket and long pants. Night times temperatures can vary.
- Long Sleeve shirt for protection from the Sun and Mosquitoes
- Shorts and T Shirts for daytime hikes and walks
- Swimwear
- Hat and sunglasses
CREDITIALS
- Passport (with photocopies)
- Travel insurance (with photocopies)
- Airline tickets (with photocopies)
- Credit or debit card which work in overseas ATMs. It is a good idea to bring 2 ATM cards- perhaps one Mastercard and one Visa, just in case.
- Small amount of USD cash to change into local currency at times when ATMs may not be available
- Tour vouchers, pre-departure information and dossier
- Any entry visas, additional passport photos or vaccination certificates required
EQUIPMENT / OTHER
- Allow USD325-375 for meals not included.
- 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)
- Alarm clock
- Sunscreen
- Towel & toiletries
- Insect repellent
- Refillable water bottle
- Sleeping Bag
- Mp3 Player / iPod
- Rechargers
- Torch
- Camera
- Bincolars
- Medication ( if applicable )
What is included
TRANSPORT
- Train
- Local bus
- Air-con bus
- Plane
- Walking
- Cyclo
- Boat
ACCOMMODATION
- Hotels (14 nts), sleeper train (1 nt), junk boat (1 nt)
Private room upgrade exceptions:Night 2, Halong Bay boat; Night 3, Sleeper train
MEALS
- 15 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinner.Allow USD325-375 for meals not included.
OTHER
-
Experienced and knowledgable tour guide
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
PERSONALIZE MY TRIP Our trip designers work very hard to assemble the life-altering experiences that fill this brochure. That said, our travellers are a diverse group driven by all sorts of different tastes, motivations and interests. What’s a trip designer to do? The solution? Extras! Specially designed for travellers with unique interests, Extras are optional add-ons to your trip that make your adventure more you-centric. Extras must be booked prior to departure.
Extras available on this trip:SOUTH EAST ASIA ADRENALINE BUNDLE
FLIGHT OF THE GIBBONSBangkok, Full-daySoar across 3 kilometres of Thai jungle on a zipline and learn about the local lore, wildlife and geology from an expert guide. (Not at the same time, of course. That’d be kinda complicated.)
Note: If the Extra is on the arrival or departure day we strongly recommend booking an additional night.
CAVE RAPPELLINGHoi An, Half-dayExplore the temples of one of Vietnam’s most sacred mountain retreats, then test your faith in gravity by abseiling from the summit, then into a cave, then into a temple chamber. Mind = blown.
ATV TOURSiem Reap, Aprox. 1 hrStarting in late afternoon, this Sunset ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) tour takes you through the countryside immediately surrounding Siem Reap and ends with a beautiful view of the setting sun as it dips below the rice fields.
*For specific days of each activity please see the Full Itinerary*------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Approximate costs (per person) for popular optional activities taken in free time.Allow $250 USD:
- 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
- Bicycle Hire (Hue) - USD1
- Boat trip on Perfume River (Hue) - approx USD15/hour
- Cooking Class (Hoi An)- USD25 for Half Day
- My Son Cham Ruins including car transport (Hoi An) - USD24
- Tu Bon River Boat Trip (Hoi An)- USD5
- 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
- National Museum (Phnom Penh)- USD3
- The Silver Pagoda (Phnom Penh)- USD6.25
- Tonle Sap Lake Tour (Siem Reap)- USD5-15
- Grand palace (Bangkok ) - USD11
- Jim Thompson’s House (Bangkok) - USD3.5
- National Museum (Bangkok) - USD1.5
- Royal Barge Museum (Bangkok) USD1.5
- Wat Po (Bangkok) - USD2
- Klong(Canal) Tour (Bangkok) - Approx $10-30 dependent on numbers
- Thai massage (Bangkok) – USD10 per hour
Personal travel insurance is not included but visitors are advised to have it. This can be organised through your travel agent.
Trip Info
Preparing for the trip
What should I pack?
Once you’ve confirmed your booking, we send out trip-specific pre-departure information with a general packing list as well as a list of any other special items you may need to bring.
What immunisations do I need?
Immunisations vary from country to country and we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations. In some places anti-malaria medication may also be required. Some vaccines need to be administered a few weeks before departure, so allow plenty of time. It is also important that you obtain a certificate of vaccination and you must carry this with you on your trip. Please note that in some cases a certificate of vaccination is compulsory in order to obtain a visa.
Do I need to take any medical supplies?
We recommend you carry personal medical items for managing common minor ailments such as colds, diarrhoea, blisters and sore throats etc. Travellers who take regular medication should take an appropriate supply. Asthma sufferers should ensure that they have an adequate supply of their routine medicine, as some major cities have high levels of smog.
How much luggage do I need to take?
As a general rule, the less luggage you bring with you, the better. You’ll probably be buying souvenirs and the like along the way, so leave some space! There will be times when you will be carrying your luggage on and off public transport, so you should consider travelling with a backpack or a soft duffel bag. Suitcases aren’t suitable for these types of holidays. Each airline has specific rules as to luggage allowances, so check directly with them or ask your travel consultant to confirm for you.
Do I need a sleeping bag?
Sometimes. This varies depending on which trip you are booking on, and we will let you know in the info pack that we send to you on confirmation of your booking.
Do I organise my own visa?
Please note that visas for Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia 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 be an embassy and consulate in the country that you live in.
THAILAND - Most nationalities do not need a visa for Thailand for stays of 30 days or less but if you do they are available on arrival at Bangkok Airport. Please note that as of December 2008, 30 day Thai visas are no longer available at land borders. Only 15 day tourist visas are issued when you enter Thailand overland. If you are staying more than 15 days you will likely require a Thai visa. If you are flying into Thailand one more than one occasion you should request a multiple entry visa.*Please note that certain nationalities (including: Bhutan, China, Cyprus, Czech, Estonia, Hungary, India, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Maldives, Oman, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Taiwan and Ukraine) may not be able to obtain visa at a land border.
VIETNAM - Visas for Vietnam need to be arranged ahead of time as the processing time varies. Vietnam visas are not available on arrival at land borders. Visas are not available on arrival at airports unless pre-arranged through a reliable online supplier in advance.
Some nationalities don't require a Visa for Vietnam for shorter stays - please contact your Foreign Ministry for up to date entry/exit requirements.
CAMBODIA - Visas can be obtained in advance from your local Embassy. You can also obtain your visa at the Cambodian border for approx. $20 USD* very easily. Please bring two passport photos with you.
*Please have extra USD on hand in case the customs officials charge more at the border crossing.
Please be aware that you will require two clean pages (minimum) in your passport and at least six months validity.
Do I need travel insurance?
It is compulsory that you have comprehensive travel insurance. Domestic government medical insurance and private health schemes will not cover you in most overseas countries. Your policy MUST cover medical costs in case of hospitalisation, emergency travel and repatriation. Once you have paid your deposit or full payment, certain fees will apply if you cancel your holiday. Insurance should therefore be organised at the time of booking to protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances that would require you to cancel before travelling. Your tour guide will need two copies of your policy - the Tour Guide and our Ground Operator will keep one copy each in the unlikely event of an emergency. The copies must show the policy number and the emergency hotline phone number.
Does the tour price included international flights?
The prices quoted on the site do not include international flights.
Where does the tour start?
Tours will always start in a specified hotel and we will let you know exactly when you need to be at that hotel. We can organise airport transfers, if you wish.
Can I book accommodation at the start and/or end of the tour?
Yes. In all cases, we can organise extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour. Just let us know and we’ll organise a quote for you.
What form of transport do we use around the Himalayas and Nepal?
As a general rule, we travel on local transport, mixing with the locals and getting involved. In some places, the best way to explore is on foot, in others we’ll jump on boats, bemos, canoes, camels, tuk-tuks, songthaews… you get the picture. The style of transport will be as varied as it is fun…. we don’t like sealing you up in a 50-seater coach. Sometimes, however, local transport is not practical – you just can’t jump on a No. 96 bus in northern Thailand – so in these instances, we hire our own vehicles.
Where do we meet in Hanoi
Joining Hotel
Asian Ruby Hotel22 Tạ Hiện, Hàng Buồm, Hoan Kiem District Hanoi, VietnamTel: (04) 3935 2222
Joining Instructions
When arriving at Noi Bai Intl Airport in Hanoi you have a choice of pre paid taxi or Vietnam Airlines shuttle bus 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 approx 17USD and is paid directly to your driver WHEN YOU GET TO THE HOTEL. The other option is to take the Vietnam Airlines shuttle bus which drops everyone at the Vietnam Airlines office downtown, The cost of the tickets is 45000 Dong (approx 3 USD). From the Vietnam Airline office there are taxis that can take you to your hotel with the meter on about 2-4 USD. If you have paid for an arrival transfer when you booked your trip our driver will be waiting for you with a G Adventures Sign with your name on it. Please check carefully once you exit the baggage hall as there seem to be hundreds of people waiting outside in the arrival area.
WARNING - Please be wary of illegal taxi drivers. They will try and coax you away from the main airport taxi services and then charge a much increased price either in US Dollar or get you to change money into Vietnames Dong before you understand the exchange rate and thus charge you at least twice the going rate.
Private tours and families
Can I organise a private tour?
Of course! If there’s a minimum of two people, pick an existing itinerary and contact us and we can arrange the trip as a private tour. Or if you’re after something a bit different, if you have a minimum of four people for a trip, contact us and we can put together a tailored and personally designed itinerary for you
Booking the trip
Do I need to book online?
No. Whilst this site is designed to make booking as easy as possible, we appreciate that sometimes it’s nice to talk to a human being, so give us a call! We can do the whole booking procedure over the phone.
How do I know if the tour is available?
To see the scheduled departure dates just click the “Check Dates” button on the top right of the page. To ensure the scheduled departure is going ahead send us an email to info@worldlypeople.org and we get back to you within a couple of hours.
How far in advance do I need to book?
There is no guarantee as to when other people will book and hence when the tour will fill up. Our advice is that as soon as you know which one you want to book, don’t delay - put your name down as soon as possible, that way you won’t be disappointed.However, we can usually take bookings for most of our tours right up until the departure date if there are spaces left, so have a look at the availability, and if there’s still space we’ll gladly take your booking
When is final payment on tours due ( for deposit payments )
The final payment is due in full 56 days before the departure of your trip. If you’ve booked your trip within 56 days of the departure date, full payment is needed.
Who travels with us
How fit do I need to be?
Our holidays are fun and can be enjoyed by anyone who is reasonably fit. However, some trips visit remote areas where medical facilities are very limited or non-existent, so you must be in good health. Some trips may include a trekking element, so some pre-trek preparation will be an advantage. There are some other factors to consider: bumpy roads, dust, traffic, delays and unfamiliar customs and cultures may all create additional demands. You will also have to carry your own bags so bear that in mind when deciding if you really need that other pair of shoes.
Is this trip for me?
These trips appeal to people who want the fun, freedom and flexibility of independent travel, but want to make the most of their time and prefer that someone else takes care of the hassles and organisation – queuing for tickets and looking for a hotel at night can be a real drag! These trips are also for people who want to get a deeper understanding of the region they visit - our innovative itineraries and exceptional team leaders make this happen. Or perhaps you are a single traveller and like the safety and companionship of travelling with a few others, sharing the experiences and adventures together.
The majority of travellers are in their 20s and 30s, but if you’re on the ‘other side’ of 40, then that’s great too! Please bear in mind that these trips are designed for travellers and our trips are go, go, go! Essential on your list of things to pack are an open mind, sense of adventure and an easygoing attitude. On these trips you don’t pay for unnecessary extras – that’s why the prices are so good. We include many of the must see sights, but keep plenty of free time aside so you can go on your own way and make your own discoveries. Your lodging will be basic, but clean and comfortable, locally run, and usually reflecting the character of the region. Aside from being a more interesting place to stay than a bland internationally-run hotel, this also helps to keep the cost down. You might spend a night or two in a ‘home stay’, lodge or hacienda - these could be fairly basic, but certainly a real highlight, offering a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture. Many of the tours have several long travelling days, often on local transport, and sometimes on rough roads. The trips are packed with highlights and the pace is fast, so we can see as much as possible - although there’s always time to chill out, enjoy a cold drink and watch the world go by if that’s what you feel like doing.
Is this a typical group tour?
Most travellers consider themselves independent travellers, rather than typical group travellers. This is just as well because these tours are a long way from your typical group tour - freedom and flexibility are fundamental! There are usually around 8 people on a trip (the maximum is 14), and you’ll find that the excellent tour prices offer a real alternative to backpacking. Our travellers want to explore places at a grassroots level, and have a great time while they do this.
Im a single travellers, is that OK?
Most of our travellers are ‘flying solo’ and like the thought of travelling with like-minded souls. Your tour will have a strong social element and you'll almost certainly come home with some new friends. Some of the tours offer single supplement option. You can see these prices under the “Join Tour” drop down menu.
Who will I travel with?
Every group is different, however you'll generally travel with a mix of nationalities from all over the world.
How large are the groups?
The maximum group size is 13 passengers per vehicle or tour guide, with the average being 9.
Cost and Fees
What's included in the tour price?
Please refer to the “what’s included” section on your tour page for the most up to date information.
Will I need additional money?
Visitors are advised to bring some cash as ATMs and banks can be few and far between depending on where we are during the trip. It’s handy to have some extra cash as we do stop by local shops and cafe.
What is a "Trip Kitty"?
The trip kitty is to be paid in cash (in the currency indicated) at the start of your trip. Give it directly to your local leader, who can then pay for items locally throughout your trip, eg. meals. Having a trip kitty also helps us to pass savings onto you.
Can I pay the local payment in local currency?
The local payment needs to be paid in the currency indicated in the itinerary and final invoice. Most tours will have this included in the tour price. Please check the included section above.
How much spending money do I need?
Not a lot! Your accommodation, transport, local leader and some meals are included. Depending on where you are, you'll generally get by on about US$25 a day, covering meals, drinks and souvenirs.
What is the best way to take money with me?
A combination of cash, an ATM card and perhaps a credit card as back-up is good. Travellers cheques are a safe way to carry money, however travellers can find it difficult in some areas to exchange them.
As a general rule, American dollars are accepted throughout the world, but make sure you have small denomination bills, and that they are not ripped or marked, as this may affect your ability to change them. And remember to check with your bank about using your bank cards overseas.
Do I need to tip the local guide?
Your tour guide works hard to ensure you have a great trip, so please don’t hold back if you feel they have earned a tip for their efforts. If you would like to reward your tour guide for his or her services, you can choose to do so individually or make a group presentation at the end of the tour.
Whilst on tour
Can I wash my laundry?
Many of the places we stay have laundry facilities nearby, especially within cities. It is also a good idea to bring some ‘travel wash’, and a travel clothes line, to wash the necessities. This will help you cut down on packing space, and hence the amount you have to lug around with you!
Can I get on the internet whilst on tour?
Internet cafés are plentiful throughout much of the world, particularly in major cities – an internet email address and a webcam/phone account (such as skype) are good ways of staying in touch.
Will my mobile phone work?
Do you really want to take your phone with you? One of the biggest pleasures about getting away is leaving telephones and computers behind! However, if you really do want to take your phone with you, there is a good chance that it will work in most major cities. Check with your service provider before you go if they have a reciprocal agreement with the countries you are travelling to, and make sure you remember to get international roaming turned on.
Can I do a section of the tour and not the whole trip?
Unfortunately it is not possible to just do sections of the tour. Some of the longer tours are made up of smaller tours completed back-to-back, and hence might be possible to book separately. It may be possible to arrange a private charter for you from a section of the tour so please contact us.
Do I need to be able to swim?
Several of our holidays include travel by boat, ship or canoe. It is assumed by us that you can swim, unless you advise us otherwise. If you cannot swim, you must let us know, so we can let your tour leader know. However, swimming is by no means compulsory at any stage in our trips.
Can I bring gifts for people?
If you want to give something to the local people please bring something useful like pens or school books, not lollies. The other thing we insist upon is that gifts are distributed in an organised and responsible manner - either through the headmaster of a school or ask your tour leader what the most beneficial approach is. Some children, and even adults, may ask for things on the street, in villages, etc, and although giving a ‘present’ may give both of you a brief moment of joy, handing things out like this only encourages begging and is destructive in the long term.
How much free time is there?
It is an integral part of all our trips to give you enough free time to explore by yourself. Many of your most memorable experiences will occur when you branch out and do your own thing. We understand that different people have different interests, so we build in free time to make your own discoveries. The framework is in place and the details are taken care of, but on many days, you decide what you want to see and do. After all, you might be thoroughly sick and tired of temples, while another group member just can’t get enough of them. It’s your holiday, so it’s your choice.
Will there be time to explore the cities we start and finish in? Or should I arrange extra time?
With all of our tours, we strongly believe we have well balanced itineraries to enable you to explore all the places you are visiting. There is generally no need to arrive early or leave later. However, there is always more to discover and we can arrange additional accommodation, should you need it.
What standard of accommodation should I expect?
Your lodging will be basic, but clean and comfortable, locally run, and usually reflecting the character of the region. Aside from being a more interesting place to stay than a bland internationally-run hotel, this also helps to keep the cost down and by supporting local businesses you help the local economy. You might also spend a night or two in a ‘home stay’, lodge or hacienda - these could be fairly basic, but will almost certainly end up being one of the highlights, offering a chance to really immerse yourself in the local culture.
What will the food be like?
Experiencing the local flavours is definitely a highlight on our trips. Our local tour guides take you to out of the way places and experience the best and most interesting cuisine of the cultures you visit. The guides’ local knowledge will mean you can decipher menus, get useful tips on what to try, and visit all the most interesting restaurants and markets. There will always be a very strong local influence in the food, which we believe is what travel is all about.
What about if I am a vegetarian? Or if I have a special diet?
No problem at all! The only important thing is that you let us know in advance, so we can inform our local tour guides. That way, they can look out for you and make sure you are looked after in the local restaurants. It is important to realise that in some places your diet might be slightly limited, as meat can form an integral part of the local diet. If in doubt, ask our consultants for their first-hand knowledge of each individual destination.
Are there any long travelling days?
Many of the tours have several long travelling days, often on local transport, and sometimes on rough roads. The trips are packed with highlights and the pace is fast, so we can see as much as possible. Although there’s always time to chill out, enjoy a cold drink and watch the world go by if that’s what you feel like doing. The trip notes for each trip will give you a strong indication of the travelling times for each day.
What will the weather be like?
Check our weather widget on the right side of the page for up to date information on the weather conditions. Otherwise, send us an email and we will let you know how things are at the moment!
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