Welcome to OUT Adventures
Gay owned OUT Adventures and Intrepid Travel have partnered together to provide a comfortable travel environment for not only for gay and lesbian travellers,
but also their friends and family who want to experience the world at the grassroots level with like-minded people. Go on, Get OUT and experience the real world.
From south to north, Vietnam is a kaleidoscope of wonderful people, delicious food, absorbing history and picturesque landscapes. Imagine exploring the beautiful lakes and boulevards of Hanoi, learning the mysteries of the Viet Minh in Ho Chi Minh City, and getting to know the locals as their guests in a Mekong Delta homestay. Be dazzled by the kaleidoscope of wonderful people and picturesque landscapes Vietnam offers in its lively cities on this 15-day adventure.
Style
Trip Map
Itinerary
Culture Shock Rating
Physical Rating
Gay Rating
Included Activities
Optional Activities
Spending Money
Local Payment
Important Notes
Group Size
Accommodation
Dive into the real world, with a softer landing. Comfort class trips are all about variety: the places, the people, the activities. It's your style of travel if you want a few little extras, but don't want to compromise on a true grassroots travel experience. You're as likely to find yourself paddling a kayak as relaxing on a cruise along the Yangtze River!
Xin chào! Welcome to Vietnam.
You will be met on arrival at Ho Chi Minh Airport and transferred to your hotel. Please note that arrival airport transfers are included, so please advise us of your flight details when booking and there will be a representative from OUT/Intrepid Indochina to meet you at the airport and transfer you to our hotel. You must advise us of these details at least 14 days prior to departure if you wish to have this transfer provided.
We will have a group meeting this evening so you can meet your fellow travellers as well as your group leader. This will be followed by dinner at a local restaurant where you'll get your first taste of traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
Please note that your group leader will collect your local payment (US$300 cash) at the group meeting on day 1. Please bring new US dollar bills/notes in large denominations.
Our clean and fully equipped hotel in Ho Chi Minh City is centrally located and has ensuite bathrooms, air conditioning, a restaurant, bar and business centre.
Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam with a population of just over six million people. The huge number of people rushing about their daily lives gives Ho Chi Minh City a dynamic atmosphere. The city is characterised by a vast array of sights and sounds: ancient pagodas, mosques and cathedrals sit squarely up against the former Presidential Palace, the War Museum, historic Dong Khoi Street (the Rue Catinat from Graham Greene's novel The Quiet American) and the bustling markets of Ben Thanh and Cholon (Chinatown). Much of the city's life takes place on the busy streets 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 on offer.
In the morning of day two we drive out to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels. This network of over 250 km of tunnels became legendary during the American War, when they allowed the Viet Cong to control a large rural area only 30 km to 40 km from Ho Chi Minh City. At its height, the tunnel system stretched from Saigon 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 centres and even cinemas and kitchens! Today, the remaining tunnels have become a major tourist attraction giving visitors a unique sense for what underground life was like during the war.
In the afternoon we take a leisurely cyclo tour and visit some of the city's highlights, including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the War Remnants Museum.
This morning we head down to the Mekong Delta. Often referred to as the 'rice bowl' of Vietnam, the fertile Mekong Delta is famous for its abundant harvests of tropical fruits, flowers and rice, as well as it fantastic views while boating along the canals. At Vinh Long, we board our private boat and cruise along the maze of waterways to visit some local cottage industries before heading to our overnight homestay along the water.
Tonight at our homestay we will be sleeping on simple campstyle foldout beds in a dorm style sleeping area. Bedding and mosquito nets are provided and there is a basic shared toilet and bathroom facilities (cold water only).
Rising early to the sounds of the Delta coming alive, we enjoy a simple breakfast before boarding our boats to visit the famous floating markets en route to Cai Be. Today, we also visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda before returning to Ho Chi Minh City on the afternoon of day 4.
In the evening, we board the Reunification Express sleeper train to Nha Trang (night 4). The sleeper trains have four beds to a compartment (two upper and two lower) for the overnight portion of the journey. A sheet, pillow and blanket are provided, but some people prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet. Simple food is also provided on the train but many people like to stock up on freshly baked bread, cheese and fruit prior to departure. Bottled water should also be bought before the journey.
We arrive in the morning to Nha Trang, one of Vietnam's most attractive and charming coastal towns, featuring a harmonious combination of mountains, islands, sea and sand. We take an afternoon cyclo tour to explore Nha Trang and its idyllic surrounds.
On day 6 we take a boat trip to the nearby islands and have the chance to swim and snorkel in the warm waters. Nha Trang is famous for its fresh seafood, and we enjoy a delightful meal of the day's catch on board our boat. Once on land again, you can browse the local art and craft sold around town, and later, head out to enjoy the nightlife this seaside resort town is famous for.
While in Nha Trang we stay in a centrally located three star hotel which has comfortable twin and double rooms, air conditioning and a restaurant.
On day 7 we take a midday flight to Danang. The drive from Danang to Hoi An is about an hour and we stop along the way to vist the magnificent Marble Mountains. Hoi An is a delightful riverine town about 30 km south of Danang and a firm favourite with Intrepid travellers. 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 exactly as they did a century-and-a-half ago. More than perhaps any other place in Vietnam, Hoi An retains the feel of centuries past, making it the sort of place that grows on you the more you explore it.
The remainder of the day is at your leisure until we meet again for an optional dinner at one of the charming local restaurants. Hoi An is famous for its large number of tailor shops so if you want to have a new wardrobe made up, this is the time to do it!
If you can muster an early rise the next morning, the wonderful local market is well worth a visit to watch animated shoppers haggling over fresh fish, spices and vegetables. Later, we take an orientation walk around the ancient town. The afternoon is free, and your leader can also help you arrange an optional Vietnamese cooking course or you can rent a bicycle and take a trip out to the nearby Cua Dai Beach.
Day 9 is a free day to wander around and explore this pretty town some more or to simply relax by the beach. You might also want to make a visit to the ruins of My Son, Vietnam's most important Cham site (UNESCO World Heritage listed). Set in a verdant valley, surrounded by hills and overlooked by the massive Cat's Tooth Mountain, the elaborate temples here reflect the rich cultural traditions of the Cham civilization that flourished in this region between the 4th and 12th century.
Our accommodation in Hoi An is located near all the attractions of the Old Town and has lovely twin and double rooms with private facilities and air conditioning. The hotel also has a restaurant, bar and a pool.
Leaving Hoi An, we drive to Hue via China Beach and the spectacular Hai Van Pass, an incredibly scenic and mountainous stretch of highway with spectacular views of Lang Co Beach. We stop at beautiful Lang Co Beach for lunch en route and arrive in Hue in the afternoon.
Founded as a royal city in 1687, Hue is the gateway to the treasures of Vietnam's royal past. Today, the city remains one of Vietnam's major tourist attractions, the magnificent architecture of its citadels, palaces, royal tombs, pagodas and temples built under the Nguyen Dynasty attracting visitors from far and wide.
After arrival in Hue, we have time to freshen up before our tour of the Imperial Citadel, which includes entry into the Forbidden Purple City. The latter was almost totally destroyed during the American War's Tet Offensive, but the foliage-covered ruins are still atmospheric and the gaping holes left by bombs give an idea of the destruction wreaked upon the country during the war. We also visit the museum of Royal Relics, where royal robes, furniture, ceramics and weaponry give interesting insight into the life of Vietnam's former rulers.
On day 11 our sightseeing includes a boat trip on the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, considered by many to be the unofficial symbol of Hue. It is an active Buddhist monastery with its origins dating back to 1601. One of the most poignant displays is a car belonging to a former monk who, in 1963, drove to Saigon and set himself alight to protest against the treatment of Buddhists by the South Vietnamese regime. We also visit one of the majestic royal tombs, that of Emperor Tu Duc, with its central lake set amid a grove of frangipani and pine trees, and we may even visit what many believe to be the most majestic of all the Royal Tombs, Minh Mang.
Tonight we stay in a modern hotel located on a quiet street near the centre of town. The clean and spacious rooms have ensuite facilities and air conditioning.
Today, we fly from Hue to Hanoi. The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi is a charming city with a population around four million. This city is famous for its beautiful lakes, shaded boulevards, verdant public parks and for its thriving centre which is an architectural museum piece, with blocks of ochre buildings retaining the air of a 1930s provincial French town. As Vietnam develops to compete with other South East Asian countries, Hanoi's beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake reflects the contrasts of modern office buildings, old Buddhist temples and tangle of ancient streets in its still surface. The city hums with the never-ending flow of bicycles, cyclos, latest model Mercedes Benzs and everything from racy new Honda Dreams to 30-year-old Russian motor bikes.
We have time to freshen up before heading off to tour the fascinating Old Quarter including the Temple of Literature and the Fine Arts Museum. This evening, we jump onboard cyclos for a visit to the famous water puppets, followed by an optional dinner at a local restaurant.
In Hanoi our fully equipped hotel is centrally located near the historic Old Quarter. It has both twin and double rooms with private facilities and air conditioning, and the hotel has its own restaurant and bar.
This morning we start our day with a buffet breakfast at KOTO restaurant. KOTO is one of Intrepid's Responsible Travel supported projects that OUT trips are proud to visit. It aims to teach street children hospitality skills and give them practical experience to enable them to find employment. After breakfast we drive to Halong Bay (approx. 4 hours), stopping en route at a handicraft centre run to raise money for disabled people. On arrival, we board a private boat for a cruise around Halong Bay to soak up the misty atmosphere of this wonderful World Heritage site. With over 2,000 limestone islands rising from the emerald waters of the Bac Bo Gulf, this secluded bay is simply breathtaking. The bay covers an area of about 1,500 sq km and is dotted with innumerable beaches and grottoes, created over thousands of years by the waves and wind. Spend time exploring caves filled with amazing rock formations, swim in the turquoise waters if it's warm enough and enjoy sumptuous seafood on board. Tonight, enjoy the tranquillity of the bay sleeping on board our private boat.
Our overnight accommodation on Halong Bay is on a sailing junk with twin bed cabins that have air-conditioning and private facilities. There is also a dining room and bar where we enjoy a scrumptious lunch and dinner.
We return to Hanoi on day 14, stopping en route at some villages where lovely locally made blue and white ceramics can be purchased. Your afternoon is free to further explore Hanoi's sights and to do some last-minute shopping. This evening, we enjoy an optional farewell dinner.
Our hotel tonight is located in the heart of the Old Quarter and features comfortable twin and double rooms with private facilities.
There are no activities planned for day 15 and you are able to depart the hotel at any time. Check out time from the hotel is at 12 noon. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel.
Please note that day 15, departure day, is a last chance for you to see Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and his house as an optional activity.
The itinerary attached is correct at time of printing. Please note: occasionally our itineraries are updated during the year to incorporate improvements stemming from past travelers' comments and our own research. Our brochure is usually released in November each year. As such the information given in this itinerary may be slightly different to that in the brochure. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you print and review a final copy of your Trip Notes a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans. For the latest updated Trip Notes please visit our website: www.out-adventures.com
The trip includes a range of accommodation, such as basic hotels with western facilities or overnight trains. Days of being on the move are well interspersed, communication with the outside world is ever-present and a wide variety of food is commonly available.
You are required to carry your pack on and off trains and buses, up hotel steps, etc. Your itinerary may include easy paced walks or bike rides, but these are on mainly flat ground.
This trip travels to a somewhat conservative area. We encourage you to experience the destination and culture with the following in mind:
Accommodation - We do not foresee any areas of concern on this trip.
Public Display of affection - These are not common in this area however in some cases holding hands is acceptable.
Gay Activities - This trip may have limited gay hosted events, meals or day tours due to the cultural sensitivity of this region. We will do our best to provide a safe, comfortable environment for you and your fellow travellers to experience this culture.
Please read the important notes & local dress section of the Trip Notes for more detailed information
This is a list of included activities on this trip. All other activities are optional and at your own expense.
For a list of optional activities and sightseeing available on this trip, see the optional activities section below.
If you choose not to participate in the included activities on this itinerary, the cost will not be refunded.
Arrival airport transfer
Notre Dame Cathedral – Ho Chi Minh City
City sightseeing by cyclo – Ho Chi Minh City
War Remnants Museum – Ho Chi Minh City
Cu Chi Tunnels – Ho Chi Minh City
Sightseeing and boat trip – Mekong Delta
Boat cruise and lunch – Nha Trang
Cyclo tour - Nha Trang
Flight from Nha Trang to Danang
China Beach, Marble Mountain and Lang Co Beach – Hai Van Pass
Hoi An Ancient Town and orientation walk – Hoi An
Citadel, tomb and Thien Mu Pagoda – Hue
Perfume River boat cruise – Hue
Flight from Hue to Hanoi
Old Quarter tour - Hanoi
Cyclo to water puppets show – Hanoi
Temple of Literature and Fine Arts Museum – Hanoi
Visit KOTO restaurant for breakfast - Hanoi
Visit Handicraft Centre for disabled people - en route to Halong Bay
Overnight cruise on Halong Bay - Halong Bay
All optional activities are entirely your choice and are not included in price of this trip. The following is not an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only.
Mud Baths, including taxi, Nha Trang – from US$14
Bao Dai's Villa , including taxi, Nha Trang – from US$6
My Son Cham Ruins, including car transport, Hoi An – US$24
Thu Bon River Boat Trip, Hoi An – US$5
Cooking Course, Hoi An - from US$5
1 day bicycle hire, Hue – US$1
Fine Arts Museum, Hanoi – US$1
Women's Museum, Hanoi – US$1
Army Museum, Hanoi – US$1
Temple of Literature, Hanoi – US$1
Hoa Lo “Hanoi Hilton” Prison, Hanoi – US$1
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, Hanoi – US$2
Museum of Ethnology, Hanoi – US$1
Taxi to each museum, Hanoi – US$3
Every traveler is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travelers may drink more than others while other travelers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping, participating in optional activities and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
A local payment amount of USD $300 will be collected by your leader on day 1.
Most of our trips require a compulsory local payment, which is part of the contract with you
(the customer) and Intrepid Travel Pty Ltd. This amount is the final payment for your trip
and is to be paid in the specified currency, in cash to your leader upon arrival.
The local payment is non-refundable, and is considered part of the total trip payment.
Further details and information on your local payment are shown in our brochures and on our website at
http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/faq/#localpmt
While we operate successful trips in Vietnam throughout the year, some changes may occur in our itineraries due to inclement weather and common seasonal changes to timetables. During the rainy months (approximately June to October), transportation mode can be changed at short notice due to weather conditions.
TET is Vietnam's New Year festival, held annually generally in late January or early February; please see Country Information - Vietnam for the exact dates. You should expect shop closures and extremely busy transport. Some tourist sites are also closed. Although we make bookings far in advance, transport and accommodation providers tend to overbook their services at this time so a flexible approach from travellers is needed. Our itinerary, transport and visited sites may change in response to TET festivities.
A single supplement is available on this trip. To book a single supplement please contact our reservations department.
Maximum of 12 travellers per group
Hotels (11 nts), sailing junk (1 nt), multi-share homestay (1 nt), overnight train (1 nt) The sleeper trains have four beds to a compartment (two upper and two lower) for the overnight portion of the journey. A sheet, pillow and blanket are provided, but some people prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet. Simple food is also provided on the train but many people like to stock up on freshly baked bread, cheese and fruit prior to departure. Bottled water should also be bought before the journey.
While travelling with us you will experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. On our camping trips we often cook the region's specialties so you don't miss out. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule 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. Please check the 'meal inclusions' section of these notes for details of meals included.
Allow USD $300 for meals not included.
13 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners
Plane, overnight train, private bus, boat, cyclo, walking
All OUT group trips are accompanied by one of our gay or gay friendly 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. We endeavor to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders.
Your leader will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, 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 places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. OUT leaders aim to support local guides who have specialized knowledge of the regions we visit - and who better to hear it from than the locals themselves? If you were interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.
If you are happy with the level of service provided by your group leader, we recommend that you reward them with a $2 to $4 USD tip per day.
Hoang Hai Long Hotel
62 - 64 Pham Hong Thai St
District 1
Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam
Phone: 84 8 3828 2888
Fax: 84 8 3827 2158
An arrival transfer from the airport is available if arranged at the time of booking. Transfers cannot be arranged on arrival. Please advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your departure. If you plan to arrive earlier, this arrival transfer can only be offered in conjunction with pre-tour accommodation booked through Intrepid.
Metered taxis are readily available as you leave the customs hall in Ho Chi Minh City, they cost around US$7 (VND120000) set price for the drive to the joining hotels in city center. The hotels we use are easy to find and well known to most drivers. Please AVOID taxi touts who tell you that they have a metered taxi parked outside the airport.
If you have pre-booked an airport transfer you will be met on arrival, and your driver will be waiting for you as you get out of the customs hall and will be holding an Intrepid sign bearing your name.
Please note that neither the driver nor any representative should ask you for additional payment.
If you cannot find your pre-booked transfer, or you have any concerns about your transfer, please call our hotline at +84 903 117 770.
Normal check in time at the hotel is after 13:00.
Located in the heart of Hochiminh City, the newly opened 3 star Hoang Hai Long Hotel features 60 well appointed guest rooms, a restaurant serving local and international cuisine, and lift. Room facilities include airconditioning, IDD phone, minibar, in-room safe box, in-room tea/coffee facilties, cable TV, hairdryer, bathroom with bathtub, and natural daylight
We don't expect any problems (and nor should you!) but if for any reason you are unable to commence your group trip as scheduled, please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader.
If you have pre-booked an airport transfer (where available) 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 in the Trip Notes. Should this occur, please apply to your travel agent for a refund of the transfer cost on your return.
No refund is available on missed transfers or portions of your trip owing to a different flight arrival or delayed flight arrival. Any additional cost incurred in order to meet up with your group is at your own expense.
Indochina II Hotel
40 - 42 Lo Su St
Hanoi
Vietnam
Phone: 84 4 3824 3804
Fax: 84 4 3824 3806
Located in the heart of Hanoi and within walking distance to major sightseeing and shopping areas, the 3 star Indochina 2 hotel features 40 cozy rooms, a rooftop restaurant offering panoramic view of Hanoi and international buffet breakfast, lift, business centre and 2 fire exit staircases. Room facilities include double glazed windows, airconditioning, IDD phone, cable TV, mini bar, tea/coffee making facilities, in-room wifi, and natural daylight
www.indochina-hotelgroup.com
A departure transfer from our hotel to the airport is available if arranged at the time of booking. Transfers cannot be arranged during the trip. Please advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your trips start date. If you plan to stay longer, this departure transfer can only be offered in conjunction with post-tour accommodation.
A metered taxi from the hotel to the airport should cost about US$14 (VND230, 000) and should take around 45 minutes (depending on traffic).
If you have booked a post trip airport transfer, please ask your leader to confirm with our local operator the time of departure and meeting place. If you have any problems please call our hotline at +84 903 117 770.
Check-out time from the hotel is 12 noon. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel.
A departure transfer from our hotel to the airport is available if arranged at the time of booking. Transfers cannot be arranged during the trip. Please advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your trips start date. If you plan to stay longer, this departure transfer can only be offered in conjunction with post-tour accommodation.
A metered taxi from the hotel to the airport should cost about US$14 (VND230, 000) and should take around 45 minutes (depending on traffic).
If you have booked a post trip airport transfer, please ask your leader to confirm with our local operator the time of departure and meeting place. If you have any problems please call our hotline at +84 903 117 770.
Check-out time from the hotel is 12 noon. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel.
In the case of a genuine crisis or emergency, Intrepid's Melbourne Office can be reached on Tel: +61 3 9473 2650. For further contact details please use the following page: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/.
Please also make sure you have access to an additional USD$400, to be used when unforeseen incidents or circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster, civil unrest or an outbreak of bird flu) necessitate a change to our planned route.
Please note that visas are the responsibility of the individual traveler. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change.
It is important that you check for yourself.
Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your return date. Be sure to check the date you require a visa from and the length of time you will need to cover, especially if you change countries during your trip.
Vietnam: Please refer to your relevant country visa information for up to date information about your visa requirements in Vietnam as there are many countries who may be exempt from requiring a visa if their stay is up to 15 days. If you are of one of these nationalities, and staying in Vietnam for more than 15 days, you will be required to obtain a tourist visa extension in advance. In all other instances, please obtain a visa before arriving on the tour. You should allow 3 weeks for processing. The cost is US$60 to $100. When writing the anticipated entry date, please write the date 2 DAYS PRIOR to your trip's arrival in Vietnam (remember to calculate which date your trip will arrive in Vietnam if travelling on an overland itinerary, that is, it may not be on day one). This will allow for any changes to the itinerary due to unforeseen circumstances. Remember to keep the customs and immigration form you receive on arrival, as you need it to complete exit formalities on departure.
If your visa application asks for a point of contact, please write: Intrepid Indochina, 57A Nguyen Khac Hieu St., Hanoi, Vietnam Ph +84 4 3715 0996.
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. In addition, laundry services can be found outside our hotel in all major cities. There may be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non polluting/biodegradable soap.
What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking you should pack as lightly as possible. On the vast majority of our trips you are expected to carry your own luggage and although you will not be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes) we recommend keeping the weight under 10kg/22lb.
Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for daytrips.
We are collecting old spectacles (prescription or sunglasses) and hearing aids for three charities in Cambodia and Vietnam. They are reconfigured and fitted for disadvantaged Cambodian and Vietnamese people by professional ophthalmologists and audiologists. If you can help, please give them to your leader at the start of your trip.
When packing be aware that dress standards are conservative throughout Asia, especially outside major cities. To respect this and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. This means clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot Asian climate. In many rural areas in Asia women will need to wear modest clothing even to swim. Singlets, tank tops and topless sun bathing are all unacceptable. When visiting religious sites men often need to wear long trousers and women a long skirt or sarong.
The following checklist is to be used as a guide only and is not intended to be a complete packing list. Any other items that you wish to pack are at your own discretion however you should attempt to comply with the suggested luggage weight limit.
Travel documents: passport, visas, travel insurance certificate, air tickets, OUT Trip voucher
Health requirements arranged
Money: traveller's cheques/cash/credit card and money pouch
Day pack to carry your personal needs during the day
First aid kit
Medication/prescriptions (it is a good idea to have a doctors letter if you are carrying a large amount of medication), travel sickness tablets if required
Prescription glasses and contact lens solution if required
Alarm clock
Torch/flashlight
Travel plug/international adapter
Insect repellent
Refillable water bottle and water purification method
Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
Swimming costume
Lightweight travel towel
Ear plugs/eye mask
Comfortable walking shoes
Local language phrase book
Camera, film and/or memory cards with spare batteries
Personal audio player with spare batteries
Raincoat/umbrella
Waterproof jacket
Tampons can be difficult to buy in Vietnam
Clothes for temples - long pants or long skirts, long sleeve tops
Warm clothes for the winter months (Nov to Feb). The mean temperature in Hanoi in January is just 16 degrees celsius - so pretty cold for South East Asia. Bring a winter weight sweater and trousers when traveling in these months, and a jacket too if you feel the cold.
Currency exchange rates often fluctuate. For the most up to date rates please refer to the following website: www.oanda.com.
Generally the most convenient and cheapest way to obtain local currency in Asia is via an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) or Bancomat - this can draw from your home account or from a credit card (debit card) at a superior exchange rate. Most ATM's will also give you a cash advance on your credit card but be wary of high fees imposed by banks. Check with your bank for information on their international fees. When leaving home don't forget your PIN and make sure you know the telephone number for cancelling your card if it is stolen. Keep this in a safe place. Please ensure you have advised your bank of your intended travel and withdrawal locations. While traveller's cheques have security advantages exchanging them can be a lengthy process, commissions can be high (up to 10%) and they can be difficult to change in rural areas, on weekends and public holidays. If you choose to bring travellers cheques, make sure they are a major brand and major currency.
Please note that most establishments in Asia will not accept foreign currency notes that are old, torn or faded and they can be very difficult to exchange or extra fees added when exchanging at banks. Please ensure that you have new, clean notes.
Vietnam: We recommend that you use Vietnamese Dong (VND), the official currency, for all or most transactions in Vietnam. Some establishments will accept US currency (USD), but usually only for large purchases and in some restaurants and hotels that cater to tourists. ATMs are widely available in Vietnam, with the exception of smaller cities and rural areas. It is less convenient to exchange other currencies into or from VND, as black market currency exchanges are not really recommended and not all banks offer exchange services. It is not possible to exchange Vietnamese Dong outside the country, so convert or spend all your Dong before leaving. It can be very difficult to change traveller's cheques outside the big cities.
All departure taxes should be included in your international flight ticket.
If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend email. Email cafes are generally available throughout the regions we visit, although it is possible you may be without email contact for several days on some itineraries. 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 details. We don't recommend that family and friends try to contact you through hotels, as they are subject to change and the reception staff may not speak English.
While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or our local partner straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.
We recognise that there may be times when your group leader/local partner may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case please ask the leader if you may speak to their direct manager.
You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip but we do ask you to be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is complete.
All OUT Adventures travelers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully in the group travel experience.
If, in the opinion of our group leader, any traveler is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or
the rest of the group, OUT Adventures reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. We therefore
ask that you read the itinerary in these Trip Notes thoroughly and then realistically self-assess your physical ability to complete
the trip as described. Please consult with your doctor if you have any doubts.
There are no specific health requirements for this trip. However, you should consult your doctor for up-to-date information and prescriptions for vaccinations, travel sickness tablets, anti-malarial requirements and any reasonably foreseeable illnesses before your departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements (including a spare pair of glasses) as we do travel to areas that are away from medical facilities. Please be aware that for legal reasons any leaders/guides are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets and antibiotics. Please ensure that you are adequately prepared.
Please contact us should you require any clarification on what is involved on your itinerary. For travellers over 70 years a completed Intrepid Medical certificate is required.
We are very aware of the health issues raised by bird flu and SARS and these have been taken into consideration for all aspects of the trip you are about to take. We reserve the right to make last minute changes to any itinerary in the very unlikely occurrence that an area should suddenly be deemed to be unsafe because of an outbreak of bird flu, SARS or other disease.
Dengue Fever is common in Vietnam and can occur throughout the year. This virus is transmitted by mosquitoes. There is no vaccination against it, but there are preventative measures that you can take such as wearing long clothing, using repellent and being indoors particularly around dusk and dawn.
We also recommends the services of Family Medical Practice for all the medical requirements of our travellers and staff when travelling in Vietnam. Family Medical Practice 24 hour clinics have expatriate doctors and specialists, and can be found at the following locations:
Website: www.vietnammedicalpractice.com
HANOI
Van Phuc Compound, 298 I Kim Ma Road, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, Vietnam
24-hrs Emergency Tel: +84 (0) 4 3843 0748, Fax: +84 (0) 4 3846 1750
Email: hanoi@vietnammedicalpractice.com
HO CHI MINH CITY
Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
24-hrs Emergency Tel: +84 (0) 8 3822 7848, Fax: +84 (0) 8 3822 7859
Email: hcmc@vietnammedicalpractice.com
DANANG
50-52 Nguyen Van Linh Street, Nam Duong Ward, Hai Chau District, Danang, Vietnam
Tel: +84 (0) 511 3582 700, Fax: +84 (0) 511 3583 049
24-hrs Emergency Tel: +84 (0) 913 917 303
Email: danang@vietnammedicalpractice.com
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.
Please refer to our website's Safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues
affecting our trips: www.out-adventures.com/safety.
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport,
air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelry at home - you won't need it while travelling.
Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables.
A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities however
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 the available options in a given location, please note that any optional
activities you undertake are not part of your OUT Adventures itinerary, and OUT Adventures makes no representations
about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when
selecting an activity in your free time. Please also 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. For more details on the type of conditions
and safety standards you can expect on your trip, please refer to OUT Adventures' operational safety policy at
www.out-adventures.com/safety.
We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any
feedback on how well it is being implemented in the field.
Please be aware that while travelling there is the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy areas. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport, including keeping an eye on any luggage that is put underneath the seats or on overhead racks. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing.
Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities differ from those in the western world and not all the accommodation which we use on this trip has fire exits, smoke alarms or fire extinguishers.
Depending on where you come from please note that drivers in this part of the world may drive on the opposite side of the road from what you are used to. Look both ways before crossing any road. Traffic can be a little more chaotic than you might be used to at home. Be aware on the roads and even small streets and alleyways. Vehicles find their ways into impossibly small passages leaving no room for both you and the traffic. Traffic can be very noisy and horns are used to signal turning, overtaking and to announce going through intersections.
While life jackets are available on water craft in Asia, there may be occasions where child size life jackets are not readily available. If travelling with children and this safety issue concerns you we will be able to advise alternative methods of transport (where available) for you to travel to the next destination. You can choose to travel independently for this leg of the journey. This would be at your own expense.
You will be provided with life-jackets for private boats, but we cannot guarantee that all public ferries will have enough life jackets or life rings for all clients.
Your leader will conduct a brief safety discussion before our snorkeling activity.
On an OUT trip you will be travelling with other gay or gay-friendly passengers. We encourage open minded friends and family to join our trips. 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 travelers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travelers 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.
Please note that due to privacy reasons we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travelers booked on your trip prior to departure.
With the exception of our Comfort and In Style trips, our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers share with people of the same sex for the duration of the trip, in accommodation ranging from twin to multi-share. Please note some of our itineraries have accommodation booked on a mixed gender share basis - where applicable this will be specified in our Trip Notes. On our Comfort & In Style trips you have the choice of sharing or paying a single supplement. Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre- and post-trip accommodation will be booked on a single room basis.
We believe strongly in low impact, or rather, positive impact tourism. Broadly speaking this means that we try to minimize the negative aspects of tourism on the local cultures and environments that we visit and highlight the positive aspects. Please refer to our website at www.out-adventures.com/responsibletravel for further details and suggestions on how you can be a responsible traveler.
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our 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 OUT Adventures travelers. OUT Adventures' philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make our destinations such special places. 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 if they use prostitutes.
All OUT Adventures travelers are required to sign a Participation Form on day 1 of the trip. Please note that signing the form is a prerequisite of travelling with OUT Adventures. The wording of this form follows: "I understand that travelling with OUT Adventures may involve risks (and rewards) above and beyond those encountered on a more conventional holiday, and that I am undertaking an adventure trip with inherent dangers. I understand that I am travelling to geographical areas where, amongst other things, the standard of accommodation, transport, safety, hygiene, cleanliness, medical facilities, telecommunications and infrastructure development may not be of the standard I am used to at home or would find on a conventional holiday. I have read and understood the OUT Adventures Trip Notes for the trip I am undertaking and have provided details of any pre-existing medical conditions I have to OUT Adventures' representatives.
I accept these risks and obligations and I fully assume the risks of travel. I release OUT Adventures from any liabilities connected to these risks to the maximum extent permitted by law."
After your travels, we want to hear from you! This is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 4 weeks of finishing your trip. Go to: www.out-adventures.com/feedback
Thanks
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please visit www.out-adventures.com/photocomp.
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OUT Adventures,
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Canada, M4M 3L9
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