Highlights |
Escorted Package Includes
- Flights LAX-Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) ▲, Hanoi-LAX
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices
- Airline fuel surcharges
- Intra-flights
- 10 nights First Class accommodations
- All transfers
- 12 meals: 10 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
- Sightseeing per itinerary in a modern air-conditioned motor coach
- Services of an English-speaking tour manager
- Entrance fees per itinerary
Special Features
- Imperial City, Hue
- Halong Bay Excursion
- Farewell Dinner
▲ Flights from the USA may arrive early on DAY 3. Included sightseeing commences in the afternoon on Day 3
Also Available
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Itinerary |
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 DAY 1, Thursday - Depart the USA
Depart the USA to Vietnam. Your flight includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment for your journey
DAY 2, Friday - Arrive in Ho Chi Minh
Arrive in Ho Chi Minh and transfer to your hotel
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh
DAY 3, Saturday - Ho Chi Minh City Tour
The morning is at leisure in Ho Chi Minh. This afternoon, a tour of Ho Chi Minh includes the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral, the French-style Central Post Office, City Hall, the Opera House, the former Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum, which has a collection featuring weapons and photographs from two Indochina wars as well as the original French "Guillotine." From here, visit Ben Thanh Market. Continue to Dong Khoi Street, a main shopping street in the center of Ho Chi Minh and known as Rue Catinet during the French years
Optional: Half Day Cu Chi Tunnels (AM)
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4, Sunday - Hoi An City Tour
This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Da Nang. Travel south from Da Nang to Hoi An. Arrive in Hoi An and enjoy an afternoon walking tour of the riverside town, which was formerly one of Southeast Asia's leading trading ports in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Visit the 17th-century Quan Cong Temple, the Phuoc Kien Pagoda, the Japanese Covered Bridge (constructed in 1593), the Sa Huynh Museum and the Phung Hung House
Overnight: Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5, Monday - Full Day in Hoi An
Spend a full day at leisure exploring Hoi An independently. Enjoy the Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visit one of the city's many museums, or visit a handicraft workshop to see artisans using age-old techniques to fashion a variety of interesting goods. Of special note are the colorful and elaborate paper lanterns
Optional: Full Day Boat Trip on the Thu Bon River & Excursion to Da Nang with Lunch
Overnight: Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6, Tuesday - Hue Imperial City Tour
This morning, as you travel from Hoi An to Hue, journey over the Hai Van Pass, a mountainous stretch of highway with spectacular views of the bowl-shaped Da Nang Bay, via Lang Co and Da Nang. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. This afternoon, enjoy a tour of the Old Imperial City, located in the Citadel. Erected in the early 19th century, the Old Imperial City was modeled after the Forbidden City in Beijing, and is home to a wealth of palaces and temples, as well as a library and a museum. Your tour includes visits to the Ngo Mon Gate, the principal entrance to the Imperial Enclosure and the central passageway reserved for use by the Emperor, the Thai Hoa Palace with its spacious hall and ornamental roof, the Halls of the Mandarins, the Nine Dynastic Urns, cast in 1835, and the ruins of the Forbidden Purple City
Overnight: Hue
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7, Wednesday - Full Day in Hue
Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Hue independently. A city of extraordinary beauty situated on the Perfume River, two of Hue's most prominent attractions are the Tombs of the Emperors and the Thien Mu Pagoda. Also not to be missed is the opportunity to taste some of Hue's famed Imperial cuisine, refined culinary specialties once served to the emperor and his court
Optional: Full Day Boat Trip on the Perfume River with Minh Mang, Tu Duc & Khai Dinh with Lunch
Overnight: Hue
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8, Thursday -Flight to Hanoi, Sightseeing en route to Halong Bay
This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Hanoi. Arrive in Hanoi and travel east to Hai Phong. Arrive in Hai Phong, the industrial center of Northern Vietnam, and one of the country's most important seaports. Enjoy a visit to Dinh Hang Kenh, known for its 500 relief sculptures in wood before continuing on to Halong Bay. Arrive in Halong Bay and transfer to your hotel
Overnight: Halong Bay
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9, Friday - Halong Bay City Tour
Enjoy a full day boat excursion by traditional wooden Bai Tho Junk through Halong Bay. "Dragon descending to the sea," as the Bay is known in Vietnamese, features more than 1,000 limestone islets (small islands), many of which contain beautiful grottoes. Visit one of the caves at Hang Dau Go (Wooden Stakes Cave), Bo Nau or Thien Cung. The caves, which are said to have direct ties to the ancient war history of Vietnam, are known for the many colorful stalagmite and stalactite deposits adorning their inner and outer chambers. Enjoy lunch on board
Overnight: Halong Bay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 10, Saturday - Hanoi City Tour
This morning, travel from Halong Bay to Hanoi. Upon arrival in Hanoi, enjoy an afternoon of sightseeing. Your tour includes visits to Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, and the Museum of Ethnology, which is the center for the preservation and exhibition of cultural heritage for the 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam. In the evening, enjoy a Water Puppet Show, accompanied by a traditional Vietnamese orchestra and Cheo (a form of opera), on Hoan Kiem Lake. The show depicts a series of ancient Vietnamese folktales which are acted out by puppets over a pool of water
Overnight: Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 11, Sunday - Full Day in Hanoi
Spend a full day at leisure to explore Hanoi independently. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant
Optional: Full Day Thay & Tay Phuong Pagoda with Lunch
Overnight: Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 12, Monday - Depart for the USA
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
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Optionals |
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Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, save money, and protect your investment. Tours purchased while traveling cost at least 10% more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure.
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| Half Day Cu Chi Tunnels |
Day #3 |
01 Jun 2009 - 31 May 2010 $42
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Discover more than 125 miles of underground tunnels built by the Vietcong, comprising a main axis system with many branches connecting to underground hideouts, weapon factories, hospitals, shelters and other tunnels. The entire structure was dug out of the rock by hand tools without the use of cement.
Departs at 8:30 a.m. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure time. Pick-up and drop-off at the hotel.
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| Full Day Boat Trip on the Thu Bon River & Excursion to Da Nang with Lunch |
Day #5 |
01 Jun 2009 - 31 May 2010 $52
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This morning, enjoy a boat trip along the Thu Bon River that takes you to the village of Kim Bong on Cam Kim Island. The village is home to traditional woodworking and boat-building families. Continue to the village of Thanh Ha, renowned for its simple brown pottery. After visiting Thanh Ha, drive to Da Nang, the third largest city in Vietnam and the economic hub of Central Vietnam. Visit some of the city's highlights, including the Cham Museum, founded in 1915 by the Ecole Francaise d'Extreme Orient. This open-air collection of Cham sculpture is the finest in the world and includes some striking statues from this ancient civilization. Continue to the Marble Mountains, five marble hills rising abruptly from the surrounding countryside. Each is said to represent one of the five elements of the universe. The largest and most famous, Thuy Son, has a number of natural caves which have served variously as Hindu and Buddhist shrines over the centuries (L).
Departs at 8:30 a.m. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure time. Pick-up and drop-off at the hotel.
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| Full Day Boat Trip on the Perfume River with Minh Mang, Tu Duc & Khai Dinh with Lunch |
Day #7 |
01 Jun 2009 - 31 May 2010 $49
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Enjoy a boat trip on the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda and the Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang, the most impressive of Hue's pagodas and tombs. Continue to visit the royal Tu Duc Tomb, final resting place of Vietnam's longest reigning emperor, set among forested hills and lakes. Lastly, proceed to Khai Dinh, the last monument of the Nguyen dynasty (L).
Departs at 8:30 a.m. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure time. Pick-up and drop-off at the hotel.
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| Full Day Thay & Tay Phuong Pagoda with Lunch |
Day #11 |
01 Jun 2009 - 31 May 2010 $49
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Enjoy a tour to two stunning pagodas. First, visit Thay Pagoda, the Master's Pagoda, located at the foot of Sai Son Mountain. Here you will also have the chance to see Thuy Dinh Stage, a water palace on Long Tri pond, where the ancient form of water puppetry is performed. From here, continue to Tay Phuong Pagoda, originally built in the 8th century. The pagoda features the Sino-Vietnamese character Tam (three) as its recurring motif. After ascending 239 stone steps, reach the gate bearing the name of the structure, translating as The Ancient Pagoda of the West. The pagoda is most well-known for its statues, which include beautiful wooden sculptures representing Buddhas.
Departs at 8:30 a.m and returns to Hanoi at approximately 2:00 p.m. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure time. Pick-up and drop-off at the hotel.
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Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, save money, and protect your investment. Tours purchased while traveling cost at least 10% more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure.
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Rates & Hotels |
Step 1: Select Your Featured Hotels Step 2: Click a Date to Book Online
OR: Click here to create your own flexible vacation
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*Not Included:
Airport taxes & fees, optional tours, and gratuities.
Additional Information:
Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers, but does include flights Ho Chi Minh - Da Nang and Hue - Hanoi.
▲Flights from the USA may arrive early on DAY 3. Included sightseeing commences in the afternoon on Day 3
Entry Requirements:
US citizens require a passport valid for six months beyond travel dates.
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| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. | |
| Passports and Visas | It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies.
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Entry Requirements:
US citizens require a passport valid for six months beyond travel dates.
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| Trip Preparation | A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas) are in order and that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement.
| | Health Information | Check with your personal physician for the latest overseas travel health information, or contact the Center for Disease Control’s travelers’ hotline at 404-332-4559, web site www.cdc.gov.
| | Climate & Clothing | Vietnam - Southern Vietnam has two seasons, the wet season from May to November and the dry season from December to April. Northern regions also have two seasons with cool and damp conditions from November to April and generally hot, dry conditions from May through October. Bring appropriate clothing depending on the season during which you are traveling. Comfortable walking shoes, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket are recommended. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops).
Vietnam Average Temperatures: http://www.gate1travel.com/weather/asia-pacific/default.aspx#southeast-asia-weather
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| E-tickets | Most airlines now require that we provide e-tickets in place of paper tickets. At check-in, you should be ready to provide your e-ticket itinerary and ticket numbers, as well as identification (valid passport) to the agent. In a few cases where e-tickets cannot be issued, you will receive your tickets in a paper form.
| | Airline Flights | Please check in at least three hours prior to the scheduled departure time to allow for security steps. Passengers connecting from another point within the USA may check their luggage through to their final destination, and although problems with lost luggage have been minimal, it is a possibility. Certain carriers do not allow baggage “interlining,” and luggage must be checked separately for each flight. If you are connecting from a domestic flight which is delayed for any reason, causing you to miss your international flight, you must ask the airline for assistance in getting you to your destination. Since all airline tickets are issued on special fares which carry restrictions and penalties if changed, you must have the airlines responsible make alternate arrangements on your behalf as Gate 1 has no authority or control over airline activities and policies. Do not leave the airline check-in desk until an alternative itinerary has been confirmed for you.
Flight schedule changes are common and may occur anytime until departure. Therefore it is the responsibility of each passenger to reconfirm their flights 72 hours prior to departure for all flights.
| | Airline Luggage Restrictions | Most international airlines are consistent with regard to the number and weight of the pieces you may check and bring onboard. Domestic carriers however, typically on small aircraft, differ. Therefore, we suggest that you check in advance if you are concerned about size or weight restrictions. Many airlines have begun to apply charges for checked bags. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline's checked baggage policies. Airline policies vary and may change at any time. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for any excess luggage/ weight charges levied by an airline.
| | Airline Seats | Airline seats are confirmed whenever possible. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only. Even when seats are pre-assigned however, we recommend that you contact the carrier one to two weeks prior to departure to reconfirm your seats. In many cases there are equipment changes after your initial booking which can cause airplane seating reconfiguration.
| | Airline Tickets | Most airline tickets are issued using special fares which cannot be changed or canceled without incurring additional cost. Should you lose or misplace your tickets while traveling, you should immediately notify the airline. In most cases they will have you complete a Lost Ticket Indemnity Form, and for a fee, issue replacement tickets.
| | Code-share Flights | Many airlines participate in alliances and special agreements with other airlines which permit passengers to travel from one point to another using more than one carrier. While your ticket may indicate that you are flying with one carrier (eg: Delta), you may find that you are actually seated in a plane belonging to another carrier (eg: Alitalia). Please review your airline itinerary carefully to determine which airline you should go to for check-in; if your flight is operated by a carrier other than the primary airline indicated on the itinerary, your itinerary will state "Flight Operated by (Airline)." If you have any concerns regarding which airline to check-in with, you may contact the airline directly or Gate 1 Travel for clarification.
| | Luggage | All Gate 1 tour packages allow one piece of luggage per person, plus carry-on bag. Additional baggage will be subject to airline handling charges of up to $100 per piece. As Gate 1 will not be responsible for loss or damage to luggage and personal belongings, you MUST report any loss or damage immediately at the time of the incident and obtain a written report from the local authority for submission to your insurance provider. If your luggage is lost or damaged by the airlines, a baggage claim form MUST be filed with the carrier before leaving the airport. See www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx for Important Baggage Information for U.S. Travelers.
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| Arrival Procedures | Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher.
| | What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed | Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, overseas or in the USA, the better we can respond. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon your return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services.
| | Departure Procedures | If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally.
| | Transfers | Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date.
Escorted tour programs include transfers, providing you have purchased airfare from Gate 1 to arrive and depart on the scheduled tour dates. If you are traveling independently, you may purchase the transfers from Gate 1 or contract your own method of transportation to the hotel or cruise ship. The cost of a transfer will generally be more expensive than hiring a taxi as the pre-arranged transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or a 'dead-leg'. Additionally the driver may have to wait at the collection point for up to an hour.
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| Hotels | | Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, food, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard rooms with two single beds and private facilities, unless you have specifically requested and paid for an upgrade. Room selection is strictly at the discretion of the hotel management. We reserve the right to make hotel substitutions with those of equal standard. | | Hotel Check-in/ Check-out | | Check-in time is usually 4pm or later. Check-out time is 12 noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later. |
| Eco & Sustainable Tourism | We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel to and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs.
| | Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours) | Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for checkin. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents.
| | Shopping | Shopping in a foreign country can be a wonderful experience. We do include a few stops at recommended popular shops on every escorted tour, intended to enhance your cultural experience. As you explore the country independently, you may find fantastic, one-of-a-kind merchandise. You may get terrific bargains. However, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is!
| Vietnam - Religious carvings, fine laquerware, and textiles are the most popular items to shop for. Bargaining is widely practiced.
| | Currency | We suggest getting a small amount of currency for the first country you're visiting before you leave the U.S. It is a good idea to carry a chart with you to help you convert U.S. dollars to the local currency. It's also a good idea not to carry too much money. Many countries have ATM machines that accept most U.S. ATM cards, but be sure you know your ATM password in numbers-the keypads on foreign ATMs don't always have letters. ATM machines will only dispense cash in local currency. Check with respective consulates to learn current currency allowances and requirements. Use your credit card whenever possible. Should you decide to carry cash or travelers checks, exchange them at banks where the rate is more favorable than at hotels or exchange bureaus.
| Vietnam - The Vietnamese Dong is the currency of Vietnam.
| | Purchasing Tours Locally |
On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them.
Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below.
This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information.
http://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional
| | Credit Cards | While credit cards are accepted in most destinations, it is advisable to carry local currency. Inform your credit card company that you are traveling to avoid your card being blocked for security reasons.
| | Gratuities | This is a matter of personal discretion. You may use the following as a guideline:
- Tour escort (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide):
$6 or $7 per person per day - *Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage):
$3 per person per day - *Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program):
$2 per person per half day of sightseeing (2-3 hours) - *River Cruises:
$6 or $7 per person per day as indicated by each cruise line (see details regarding European River Cruises) - *Private car tours(small groups of 2-14 passengers):
$12 to $16 per person per day for each day of sightseeing - *Hotel Porter:
$1 per bag per person - *Wait staff:
$1.50 per person (lunch or dinner) - *Chamber maid:
$1 per person per day
Tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation." There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour escort or phone our local office. Numbers have been provided in your documents for your convenience.
| Vietnam - Gratuities are not standard practice.
| | Your Safety is Very Important | Every effort has been taken by Gate 1 Travel to ensure your safety. However, it is important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while you're on your trip. Be aware of potentially dangerous places and situations as you would at home. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and carry your valuables concealed in inside pockets or hidden pouches. Don't put all your valuables (money, credit cards, passports, etc.) in the same place. (In case that one wallet is stolen, you should have other valuables and identification in another safe place.) Don't leave valuables laying loose in your room-use the hotel safe. Keep copies of your passports, credit card numbers and travelers checks numbers in the hotel safe. If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities.
| | Local Emergency Phone Numbers | Vietnam
- Ambulance/Fire: 119
- Police: 110
| | Languages | Vietnam - Vietnamese is the local language. English is generally spoken in tourist areas.
| | Electricity | Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances.
| Vietnam - The voltage used is 220 volts.
| | Code of Conduct | Vietnam - Shaking hands is the standard greeting. Simple, modest clothing is appropriate. If possible avoid shorts, as this is considered children's clothing. Footwear should be removed upon entering a Buddhist temple. Common courtesies should be observed. Avoid the topic of the American / Vietnamese conflict.
| | Holidays - Vietnam |
| Holidays 2009 |
| Jan 25 |
Tet Eve (Vietnamese New Year's Eve) |
| Jan 26 - 28 |
Tet (Vietnamese New Year, 3 day celebration) |
Apr 15 |
Hung Kings' Commemoration Day |
Apr 30 |
Vietnamese Unification Day |
May 1 |
Labor Day |
Sep 2 |
National Day |
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| Food | Vietnam - While it is generally safe to eat fully cooked meats and vegetables, care should be taken to avoid undercooked meat and uncooked fruits and vegetables. Because tap water is not potable, visitors should only drink bottled water or water that has been boiled and filtered. Avoid ice, as it is usually made from tap water.
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