For reservations call 1-800-788-7885
or contact your local travel agent.
Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand
2010 – 16 Days from $4,990 plus on-tour airfare
Tauck's 16-day Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam tour encompasses the best of Southeast Asia as you explore the legendary cities of Hanoi, Hué, Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok. Discover golden Buddhas, ancient kingdoms, inspiring temples, and lush landscapes, and experience the cultures and traditions of this fascinating area of the world for yourself. From a water puppet performance to ornate pagodas and soaring temple spires, gilded palaces to bamboo stilt houses, everything about this journey is special. Ride an elephant into the jungle near Chang Mai and cruise on the klongs of Bangkok. In Vietnam tour poignant reminders of war like the Cu Chi Tunnels and notorious Hoa Lo Prison, and see the legacy of peace as you visit a kindergarten in Da Nang. Experience the grandeur and archaeological significance of UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Angkor, Hoi An and Hué. On Tauck's Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand journey, you'll stay at the finest city hotels and word-class resorts.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
2010 Itinerary
Day 1 - Say hello to Hanoi
Our Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam tour begins at the Sofitel Metropole Hanoi at 6:00 PM. Welcome to Hanoi! A transfer is included from Noi Bai International Airport to the landmark Sofitel Metropole Hanoi, your home for the next two nights, close to the historic
Old Quarter and other notable attractions in Vietnam's capital city.
Meet your Tauck Director and your fellow adventurers at our welcome cocktail reception and dinner at Le Beaulieu this evening.
Meals: Dinner
Lodging: Sofitel Metropole Hanoi, Vietnam
Day 2 - A palace, a prison, a pagoda and puppets
Begin your Vietnam tour with a memorable ride by cyclo through the
back streets of Old Hanoi; stop at
the infamous Hoa Lo Prison, known as the "Hanoi Hilton" during the
Vietnam War. See the colonial Presidential
Palace that Ho Chi Minh refused to live in, along with his "house on stilts" and his final resting place; and take in Hanoi's famous
One-Pillar Pagoda, constructed in 1049 to resemble a lotus blossom. Sample Vietnamese specialties for lunch, then join us if you wish on a visit to the milennium-old Temple of Literature, or the fascinating Museum of Ethnology. A 1,000-year-old art form entertains you this
evening during an enchanting water puppet performance, followed by an à la carte dinner at the Press Club in Hanoi.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Sofitel Metropole Hanoi, Vietnam
Day 3 - Forbidden Purple City of Hué
No Vietnam tour would be complete without a visit to Hué,
Vietnam's most beautiful city, and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which you'll fly to this morning. As you sightsee by cyclo, relive the imperial grandeur of the Citadel, which housed the Imperial
City for the emperor's official functions and the Forbidden Purple City
for his personal time. Admire Thien Mu Pagoda, a seven-story octagonal
tower built in 1844, and cruise along the Perfume River, also the setting for your riverfront accommodations.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: La Residence Hotel & Spa, Hué, Vietnam
Day 4 - "China Beach" in Da Nang
After a visit to the tomb of 19th-century emperor Tu Duc, take in the scenery along the Vietnamese coast and Hai Van Mountain during
a drive to Da Nang and the 18-mile-long "China Beach" - made famous by
the 1980s TV show of the same name and now a popular Vietnam tour destination.
You'll spend the next two nights at
the one of the most prestigious beachfront resorts in Vietnam, the Furama Resort
Da Nang, set right on the shores of the South China Sea.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Furama Resort Da Nang, Vietnam
Day 5 - Meet Da Nang kindergartners and ride a cyclo in Hoi An
Pay a delightful visit to the students and teachers of a local kindergarten in Da Nang this morning, then continue your Vietnam tour by journeying to historic Hoi An, a key South
China Sea trading port in the 15th through 19th centuries, and a UNESCO
World Heritage Site. Explore its shop-lined streets via cyclo; view the red-painted Japanese Covered Bridge - the
three Chinese characters over the door mean "bridge for passers-by from
afar" - and tour the 200-year-old "Phung Hung" house, noted for its
unique architecture. What you'll see there will reveal much about the
lives of Hoi An merchants long ago. Enjoy some time on your own in the afternoon, and have dinner at your leisure tonight.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Furama Resort Da Nang, Vietnam
Day 6 - Discover Ho Chi Minh City
Take a morning flight to Ho Chi Minh
City (formerly known as Saigon), Vietnam's second-largest city. With your local expert, visit the
former Presidential Palace, now called Reunification Hall. See the former U.S. Embassy, the Saigon River,
Notre Dame Cathedral and the stately Post Office. Later, you'll have a choice of visits to the War Remnants Museum or the Museum of Vietnamese History, accompanied by a local guide.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Day 7 - An underground labyrinth and an elegant dinner
Start your day by exploring an underground world of tunnels and chambers three stories deep
at Cu Chi Tunnels, northwest of Ho Chi Minh City at the battlefield memorial site of Ben Duoc. Used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War, the
120-mile tunnel network housed kitchens, dormitories, munitions
factories, hospitals, and schoolrooms. See more of Ho Chi Minh City on
your own in the afternoon, then enjoy a taste of Vietnam's diverse culinary heritage with an elegant à la carte dinner at La Camargue, offering French, Vietnamese, and international specialties within a restored villa.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Day 8 - On to Cambodia and the ancient wonders of Angkor
This morning, your Vietnam tour continues on to Cambodia as you fly to Siem Reap for a
two-night stay at the Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor, the closest hotel to the treasures of the fabled
archaeological site at Angkor. You'll be dazzled by what you see this
afternoon at the vast, 12th-century Angkor Wat temple; the bas-reliefs
and many devatas (guardian
spirits) that cover its walls inspire awe and admiration. This example
of classical Khmer architecture has been a significant religious center
for Hindus and then Buddhists through the ages. Tonight's dinner is à la carte at one of your hotel's fine restaurants.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Day 9 - Khmer temples and a lake cruise
Enveloped by jungle roots, fascinating Ta Prohm Temple almost seems to be a part of the dense rainforest that
surrounds it. A legacy of Cambodia's Khmer civilization dating from 1186, it was originally built as a Buddhist
university and monastery and continues to captivate today, as you'll see on your visit.
The last capital of the Khmer empire, the walled city of Angkor Thom is
home to the richly decorated Bayon temple known for its carved faces.
When you see the Elephant Terrace in Angkor Thom, which was the
foundation of the pavilion in which the king held audiences, you'll
understand how it got its name - and you can get some great pictures, because your day includes tips from a professional photographer! Later, you may wish to join us for a cruise on Tonle Sap Lake, revealing
fascinating floating villages.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Day 10 - A night to remember in the Rose of the North
Fly via Bangkok to charming Chiang Mai, Thailand, the "Rose of the North," established in the 13th century, and known
for its artistic and cultural heritage. Enter another world when you arrive at the luxurious Four Seasons
Chiang Mai. Your richly appointed accommodations feature a Lanna-style
sala (pavilion) - where, if you wish, a sumptuous private candlelit dinner will be served to you tonight as you gaze out over gardens, terraced rice paddies, and mountains... truly an evening to remember on your Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam tour!
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, Thailand
Day 11 - Thailand's elephants at work and play
Elephants - Thailand's national animal - are an integral part of Chiang
Mai's economy and culture. Visit an elephant camp today to see how these marvelous animals are trained to work in a teak
forest; you'll have a chance to feed them and see them demonstrate various skills... including painting a picture! Then climb high onto one of these gentle giants for an ambling trek
through the jungle* - another memorable highlight of your Thailand, Cambodia
and Vietnam tour adventures. Enjoy the many amenities of your resort at
leisure this afternoon, or set off on your own to observe artisans creating celedan pottery in a local shop.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, Thailand
Day 12 - Life in the hill tribe villages and scenic Doi Suthep
Take an unforgettable excursion to the hill tribe villages of Chiang Mai today to meet the people of the Palong, Padong and Karen tribes, who'll share their folkways with you... you'll even get to try on the traditional neck rings worn by members of the Karen tribe! Later, travel to Doi Suthep National Park, home to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, a temple perched at the top of a peak more than 3,500 feet above sea level. Then return to your resort for time as you choose and dinner à la carte this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, Thailand
Day 13 - Resort relaxation and on to Bangkok
After a morning that's yours to enjoy as you please at your extraordinary Chiang Mai resort, an afternoon flight takes you to bustling Bangkok for a three-night stay at the Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok, with accommodations in the deluxe Krungthep Wing. Thailand's capital welcomes you warmly this evening with a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand
Day 14 - Bangkok's breathtaking Buddhas
An express boat whisks you from the hotel for a morning of sightseeing in Bangkok, an intruiging mix of ancient and modern. Walk to the 18th-century Grand Palace for an "audience" with the Emerald Buddha, while the giant Reclining Buddha awaits your admiration at Wat Po, the oldest
and largest temple in the city. Following a traditional Thai lunch, a motorboat ride returns you to the Shangri-La, where you'll learn all about your ch'i during a special lesson at the hotel's spa.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand
Day 15 - Klongs – the canals of Bangkok
Cruise up the Chao Phraya River and through a network of canals, called
klongs, which lace the city. These often bustling "city streets," lined
with homes and small businesses, are where much of "real life" in
Bangkok is found, as you'll witness firsthand; stop at Wat Arun along the way. Then, see a much more elaborate means of waterborne
travel at the Royal Barge Museum; in the 17th century, the crowned
heads of Thailand floated along on these ornate barges during state
ceremonies. Magnificent Vimanmek Palace, also known as the "Cloud
Mansion," is the largest golden teakwood mansion in the world. During your tour, you'll
see evidence of the opulent lifestyle of King Rama V including
photographs and objects d'art, as well as ancient artifacts from
Thailand's pre-history and displays reflecting the Thai heritage. Follow up with a visit to Bangkok's Seafood Market, where you'll choose fresh, delicious ingredients for your lunch... which market chefs will then prepare just for you! Cap an extraordinary Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam tour with a farewell dinner
this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand
Day 16 - Homeward bound
Tauck's remarkable Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam tour ends in Bangkok. A transfer from the Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok to Bangkok International Airport is included. Please allow 2 1/2 hours for airport check-in formalities. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home.
Meals: Breakfast
*For activities marked with an asterisk (*), participation is at your own risk; a signed liability waiver will be required.
Our extraordinary Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam tour fills quickly! Reserve your place today!
Prices
16 Days from $4,990 plus on-tour airfare
| March 11 – 31; September |
Land Price | + | On-Tour Air (5 flights) |
= | Total per Person |
| Double |
$4990 | + | $1000 | = |
$5990 |
| Single |
$6490 | + | $1000 | = | $7490 |
| Triple | $4720 | + | $1000 | = | $5720 |
| January – March 10; October – December |
Land Price | + | On-Tour Air (5 flights) |
= | Total per Person |
| Double |
$5490 | + | $1100 | = |
$6590 |
| Single |
$6990 | + | $1100 | = | $8090 |
| Triple | $5235 | + | $1100 | = | $6335 |
16 Days from $6,590 plus on-tour airfare – Small Group Departures
Small Group Departure dates are January 18, 29, March 5, October 4 and 22, and December 20, with no more than 26 Tauck guests. Specific dates apply; inquire at time of booking.
| Small Group Departures Jan - Mar 10; Oct – Dec |
Land Price | + | On-Tour Air (5 flights) |
= | Total per Person |
| Double |
$6590 | + | $1100 | = |
$7690 |
| Single |
$8090 | + | $1100 | = | $9190 |
| Triple | $6335 | + | $1100 | = | $7435 |
International Airfare is additional. Call Tauck for special rates on international air, in coach or business, for travel originating in the U.S. (subject to availability).
Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before your tour begins and about our comprehensive Guest Protection Plan.
Need to Know
Inclusive Prices
Tour prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All hotel accommodations, entertainment, special dinners, motor coach transportation, sightseeing, porterage, admissions, the services of the Tauck Director, local guides and drivers are included. A representative of Tauck will meet you at Hanoi (Noi Bai) International Airport and provide transportation to Sofitel Metropole Hanoi, regardless of the day or time of your arrival, provided you have furnished us with accurate flight arrival information at least two weeks prior to the start of your tour. Transportation is also provided from Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok, to Bangkok International Suvarnabhumi Airport whenever you choose to depart. Transfers to and from airports may be shared with other Tauck guests.
Hotel Accommodations – The tour price includes all hotel accommodations with private baths. The Tauck standard is to provide the best available accommodations without sacrificing value. Although the quality of accommodations may vary slightly from one hotel to another, our commitment to your comfort is unwavering. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triples are accommodated in two-bedded rooms plus a rollaway cot where available, and are not recommended for comfort.
Tauck Director – Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand is conducted by a Tauck Director who remains with the group throughout the tour. Your Tauck Director is a professional, fully trained employee of Tauck World Discovery.
Meals – Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary. This tour provides a variety of dining experiences, including buffets, à-la-carte dining and set menus. Whenever possible, we will try to honor special dietary requests.
Gratuities Included – All customary gratuities for hotel and restaurant staff, local guides and drivers are included.
No Options Sold – Tauck Directors assist with information on free-time activities based on honest opinion and guidance, but they will not sell you anything. This means better value and a more relaxed, pleasant experience for you.
On-Tour Flights
Airfare While on Tour – Six on-tour flights must be purchased through Tauck as part of your tour package.
Not Included
Airfare to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point is not included. Airfare may be purchased from Tauck for travel originating in the United States.
Hotel Rooms Before and After Tours – To avoid jet lag and possible flight delays, you may wish to make hotel arrangements for the nights preceding or following your tour. As a service, we will book additional nights for you on a space-available basis using special rates only available through us. Hotel room charges will be added to the tour cost. If you wish to spend additional nights, please consult the Extend This Journey section on this website and discuss it with the reservations agent when you book your tour.
Luggage Responsibility – Although every effort is made to handle your luggage carefully, we cannot be responsible, assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft, or fair wear and tear through hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is important for your own self-interest and protection that you make certain you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities. Please refer to Tauck Travel Protection for more information.
Personal Expenses - Phone calls, room service, alcoholic and bar beverages, laundry, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees and services, and other optional or incidental extras are not included and may be significant.
Tauck Director Gratuities – The customary gratuity to the Tauck Director is not included. We ask that gratuities be extended on a voluntary, individual basis and not as a group.
Additional Information
Airline Security Measures - In the U.S., you must provide identification in the form of a passport at the time of airport check-in for travel to international destinations. Your passport name must match the name on your tour reservation and airline ticket or you may be denied boarding.
If you are traveling from an airport outside the jurisdiction of the U.S, you will need to determine what travel documentation and identification is required for that particular airport.
Due to heightened security regulations, certain items such as a metal nail file, pocketknife, cigarette lighter, or tweezers, and some liquid, gel, and aerosol items may not be permitted in your carry-on luggage. Please call your airline prior to departure to obtain current information on non-permissible carry-on items and recommended airport check-in times. You may also wish to visit the U.S. Transportation Security Administration Internet website by clicking here.
Air Services – Airfare may be purchased through us for travel originating in the United States. By using our air services, you agree that we, in purchasing, selling or otherwise arranging air transportation, are acting only as your agent and are not liable or responsible for any accident, death, personal injury, illness, property damage, delay or other loss or expense of any nature whatsoever arising directly or indirectly out of any act of God, or any actions or omissions (including any failure to provide services) or default of, any carrier. All carriers are independent contractors and are not owned, managed, controlled or operated by us. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between yourself and the airline (and not us), even if purchased through us. We are not liable for, and do not assume responsibility or accept claims with regard to, seat assignments, schedule changes, flight changes, cancellations, claims for a refund or reimbursement of airline ticket fees, or any other loss incurred by you for any reason whatsoever (including, without limitation to, bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar relief from creditors). We must handle ticketing for our special fares, which are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed until reserved. Special fares cannot be combined with any other promotional offer. Our air services can only be purchased in conjunction with a Tauck tour. Tickets or e-ticket numbers will be mailed with final documents. If you cancel or change your air before or after departure, all airline cancellation and change fees will apply.
Holidays and Museum Closures – Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or the many religious, state and local holidays observed.
Itinerary Changes and Price Flexibility – We pledge to make every effort to operate your tour as advertised. We reserve the right to alter or curtail the itinerary, or substitute sightseeing, hotels, and/or conveyances as deemed necessary. Any savings realized by these changes will be refunded to you. Any resultant added expense will be covered by us. Although not expected, prices on this website may be modified due to unexpected significant external factors not forecast at the time of publication.
Journey Start and End Times are provided at the time of booking. The tour begins at 6:00 PM at the Sofitel Metropole Hanoi on the first day of the tour. You or your booking agent will be advised of any change to this schedule. When making flight arrangements, allow sufficient time to claim luggage and clear customs in order to join the tour on time. The tour ends when you check out of the Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok. We advise you to allow at least 2½ hours for flight check-in.
Membership will be granted to all persons. We reserve the right to terminate the tour of any persons who are abusive of others or whose behavior disrupts the tour.
Photography on Tour – Occasionally, we will use photographs taken by fellow guests or your Tauck Director on your tour for promotional purposes. If you prefer that your photo not be used in any marketing activities, please notify your Tauck Director at the start of your tour.
Preparing To Go
Air Conditioning - All of the hotels and motor coaches on this tour are air-conditioned for your comfort.
ATM and Credit Cards - We recommend that you contact your bank in advance of departing on your journey to determine whether you will be able to use your ATM and credit cards while traveling. When contacting your bank, notify them of your travel dates so that they will anticipate charges being made outside of your hometown and do not suspend your cards for what may appear to them to be “suspicious” charges. We also recommend that you make a photocopy of the front and back sides of your ATM and credit cards to leave behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your cards are misplaced, lost or stolen.
Clothing and Packing – The climate in Southeast Asia is hot and humid year round. We suggest that you pack lightweight, casual clothing. While it is quite rainy and hot for most of the year, our departure dates are always scheduled when weather will be optimal.
Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is flexible. Casual, cotton clothing is recommended. Sturdy yet comfortable walking shoes that have already been broken-in are essential. For dining in the evening, and for the welcome reception and the farewell dinner, you may wish to dress up a bit, but certainly be comfortable. Jackets for men are not required.
Valet laundry service is available throughout the entire tour. Hairdryers and irons and ironing boards are either located in your hotel room or are immediately available upon request.
We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor’s prescription or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed.
Toiletries, sundries, and over-the-counter and prescription medications may either be difficult to find or not available in Southeast Asia.
Following is a list of recommended items to pack for your journey across Southeast Asia:
- Casual, cotton clothing
- An optional sports jacket for men
- Casual yet elegant evening wear for ladies
- Swimwear
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Light sweater
- Light waterproof jacket
- Sturdy yet comfortable, walking shoes that have already been broken-in
- Collapsible umbrella
- Toiletries, sundries
- Pre-moistened towelettes
- Handkerchiefs
- Antibacterial lotion
- Medication for allergies/aspirin/upset stomach/diarrhea
- Insect repellent
- Travel alarm
- Camera, film, memory cards, batteries and other photography accessories
- Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your hotel room while traveling
Elevation - The maximum elevation on this tour is approximately 1,030 ft (314 m).
Health – This Southeast Asia tour is very active and includes 6 on-tour flights. You should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances over uneven terrain that may, at times, be rocky and muddy, as some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. Southeast Asia is home to innumerable historic buildings and sites, some dating from antiquity. Therefore, roads, walkways and architecture will present difficulties for some guests with physical disabilities. For the most part, however, the amount of walking you do is at your discretion. In addition to walking, various other modes of transportation used to highlight the different aspects of Southeast Asian culture and geography include airplane, long-tail boat, sampan, cyclo, skytrain and elephant.
We regret that we cannot accommodate wheelchairs on this tour – as you would miss over 75% of the sightseeing. We also cannot provide you with individual assistance for walking, dining or other personal needs. If you require such assistance, you must be accompanied by an able companion who will help you.
Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.
If you have a medical condition which might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify Tauck as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.
If you are a citizen of the U.S., no vaccinations are currently required for travel to Vietnam, Cambodia or Thailand, except that an International Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever is required to enter any of these countrires if you arrive from an infected area within 6 days. For complete vaccination and inoculation information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour, prerecorded "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 877-394-8747 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC Internet website by clicking here.
If you are a citizen of another country, please contact an embassy or consulate of each of the countries on the itinerary to determine what vaccination(s) may be required for you to visit.
Luggage Restrictions –
Special Luggage Restrictions for this Tour
Due to strictly enforced weight restrictions on the on-tour flights, luggage weight per person must not exceed 44 lbs (20 kg) and you are permitted only one piece of checked luggage. Luggage exceeding the allowable weight is subject to excess baggage charges, which may result in a considerable additional expense.
The maximum allowable weight for carry-on luggage is 10 lbs (4.5 kg) and the maximum allowable dimensions are 17” by 12” by 10” (43 cm by 30 cm by 25 cm). These dimensions include all wheels, handles, pockets, etc. If these dimensions are exceeded, the carry-on piece will be checked.
Regulations within most airports require that customers handle their own luggage through customs.
Checked Luggage – General
While it is common for airlines to allow passengers to check more than one piece of luggage per person, space constraints during your Tauck journey make it difficult to accommodate extra luggage. We ask that you limit your checked luggage to one average size suitcase per person.
In addition, airlines have adopted more strict policies in enforcing number, size and weight limits. Luggage exceeding maximum restrictions may require expensive overage fees, frustrating and hurried re-packing at the ticket counter, or even risk being left behind.
Many carriers require checked luggage not exceed a weight of 50 lbs (22.7 kg) per piece. Airlines revise luggage policies frequently and often without notice; therefore, we cannot be held liable to the weight limit listed above. We urge you to check with your airline before traveling to determine current number, weight and size restrictions. It is also important to note that restrictions for luggage number, weight and size may vary with the same airline based on the class of service you select. First and Business Class ticket holders may have different restrictions than Coach Class travelers.
We cannot be held liable for additional fees or inconveniences imposed by the airline due to luggage number, weight and size policies.
Please be sure to attach your Tauck luggage tag to your suitcase before leaving home!
Carry-on Luggage – General
Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.
For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and only those items you need handy during the day such as purses, make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or in the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.
Health – This Southeast Asia tour is very active and includes 6 on-tour flights. You should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances over uneven terrain that may, at times, be rocky and muddy, as some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. Southeast Asia is home to innumerable historic buildings and sites, some dating from antiquity. Therefore, roads, walkways and architecture will present difficulties for some guests with physical disabilities. For the most part, however, the amount of walking you do is at your discretion. In addition to walking, various other modes of transportation used to highlight the different aspects of Southeast Asian culture and geography include airplane, long-tail boat, sampan, cyclo, skytrain and elephant.
We regret that we cannot accommodate wheelchairs on this tour – as you would miss over 75% of the sightseeing. We also cannot provide you with individual assistance for walking, dining or other personal needs. If you require such assistance, you must be accompanied by an able companion who will help you.
Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.
If you have a medical condition which might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify Tauck as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.
If you are a citizen of the U.S., no vaccinations are currently required for travel to Vietnam, Cambodia or Thailand, except that an International Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever is required to enter any of these countrires if you arrive from an infected area within 6 days. For complete vaccination and inoculation information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour, prerecorded "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 877-394-8747 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC Internet website by clicking here.
If you are a citizen of another country, please contact an embassy or consulate of each of the countries on the itinerary to determine what vaccination(s) may be required for you to visit.
Luggage Restrictions –
Special Luggage Restrictions for this Tour
Due to strictly enforced weight restrictions on the on-tour flights, luggage weight per person must not exceed 44 lbs (20 kg) and you are permitted only one piece of checked luggage. Luggage exceeding the allowable weight is subject to excess baggage charges, which may result in a considerable additional expense.
The maximum allowable weight for carry-on luggage is 10 lbs (4.5 kg) and the maximum allowable dimensions are 17” by 12” by 10” (43 cm by 30 cm by 25 cm). These dimensions include all wheels, handles, pockets, etc. If these dimensions are exceeded, the carry-on piece will be checked.
Regulations within most airports require that customers handle their own luggage through customs.
Checked Luggage – General
While it is common for airlines to allow passengers to check more than one piece of luggage per person, space constraints during your Tauck journey make it difficult to accommodate extra luggage. We ask that you limit your checked luggage to one average size suitcase per person.
In addition, airlines have adopted more strict policies in enforcing number, size and weight limits. Luggage exceeding maximum restrictions may require expensive overage fees, frustrating and hurried re-packing at the ticket counter, or even risk being left behind.
Many carriers require checked luggage not exceed a weight of 50 lbs (22.7 kg) per piece. Airlines revise luggage policies frequently and often without notice; therefore, we cannot be held liable to the weight limit listed above. We urge you to check with your airline before traveling to determine current number, weight and size restrictions. It is also important to note that restrictions for luggage number, weight and size may vary with the same airline based on the class of service you select. First and Business Class ticket holders may have different restrictions than Coach Class travelers.
We cannot be held liable for additional fees or inconveniences imposed by the airline due to luggage number, weight and size policies.
Please be sure to attach your Tauck luggage tag to your suitcase before leaving home!
Carry-on Luggage – General
Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.
For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and only those items you need handy during the day such as purses, make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or in the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.
Travel Document Requirements – If you are a U.S. citizen, you will need a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the completion of your tour and a current visa to enter Vietnam and Cambodia. You will not need a visa to enter Thailand for the short duration of this tour.
When we have received your deposit, we will fax or email a Zierer Visa Service (ZVS) Visa Kit to you or your agent 120-90 days prior to your departure date. Over the years, Tauck has successfully partnered with ZVS for processing visas to destinations for which U.S. citizens are required to have entry visas. The visa fee, as well as any applicable consular fees and shipping fees, are not included in the tour cost, and payment should be mailed with the completed application directly to the ZVS. The amount of the visa fee, which varies by destination, is stated on the application.
For more information, or to download a ZVS application, please log on to the ZVS Internet website by clicking here. To speak directly with ZVS Customer Service, call 866-788-1100 (toll-free in the U.S.). Please note that visas cannot be processed more than 90 days prior to departure and that the process does take several weeks to complete.
If you are a citizen of another country, please contact a consulate or embassy of Vietnam, of Cambodia and of Thailand to determine if entry visas are required.
We strongly recommend that your passport be valid for six months beyond the completion of your tour. In addition, we recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, date of expiration and your citizenship, as well as both sides of your driver’s license. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.
Travel with Children
Age Recommendations ― Children 5 years of age or older at the time of travel are welcome on this Tauck journey. Based upon our experience with family travelers, for each itinerary we have a minimum recommended age to encourage comfort and enjoyment for all of our guests. All children must be accompanied on activities by a parent or guardian. At least one guest in the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older in order to make a reservation.
Babysitting ― Tauck journeys are designed for adults and children to share the wonder of discovery together. However, our guests have occasionally inquired about babysitting services. If you are interested, your Tauck Director will put you in contact with the appropriate hotel staff with whom you may make babysitting arrangements, to ensure your precise needs are met. There is usually an additional fee for these services. Many hotels do offer babysitting services that may be arranged on site; however, babysitting services are not guaranteed at all of our hotels. Please note that our Tauck Directors are not responsible for providing babysitting services.
Safety and Welfare Responsibility ― We welcome the participation of child travelers on our exciting excursions. If you are traveling with a child on a Tauck journey, you have the sole responsibility for ensuring that that the child with whom you are traveling follows all rules of safety throughout the tour. By traveling with us, you release Tauck World Discovery and our partners of all liability for any risks and/or injuries to the child with whom you are traveling.
Special Travel Documentation for Children –
Tauck is not responsible for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for any travelers, including children traveling without both parents. While there is no definitive format or standard for these letters, click here to view a sample letter for guardians or one parent traveling with a child.
When we have received your deposit, we will fax or email a Zierer Visa Service (ZVS) Visa Kit to you or your agent 120-90 days prior to your departure date. Over the years, Tauck has successfully partnered with ZVS for processing visas to destinations for which U.S. citizens are required to have entry visas. The visa fee, as well as any applicable consular fees and shipping fees, are not included in the tour cost, and payment should be mailed with the completed application directly to the ZVS. The amount of the visa fee, which varies by destination, is stated on the application.
For more information, or to download a ZVS application, please log on to the ZVS Internet website by clicking here. To speak directly with ZVS Customer Service, call 866-788-1100 (toll-free in the U.S.). Please note that visas cannot be processed more than 90 days prior to departure and that the process does take several weeks to complete.
If you are a citizen of another country, please contact a consulate or embassy of Vietnam, of Cambodia and of Thailand to determine if entry visas are required.
We strongly recommend that your passport be valid for six months beyond the completion of your tour. In addition, we recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, date of expiration and your citizenship, as well as both sides of your driver’s license. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.
Travel with Children
Age Recommendations ― Children 5 years of age or older at the time of travel are welcome on this Tauck journey. Based upon our experience with family travelers, for each itinerary we have a minimum recommended age to encourage comfort and enjoyment for all of our guests. All children must be accompanied on activities by a parent or guardian. At least one guest in the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older in order to make a reservation.
Babysitting ― Tauck journeys are designed for adults and children to share the wonder of discovery together. However, our guests have occasionally inquired about babysitting services. If you are interested, your Tauck Director will put you in contact with the appropriate hotel staff with whom you may make babysitting arrangements, to ensure your precise needs are met. There is usually an additional fee for these services. Many hotels do offer babysitting services that may be arranged on site; however, babysitting services are not guaranteed at all of our hotels. Please note that our Tauck Directors are not responsible for providing babysitting services.
Safety and Welfare Responsibility ― We welcome the participation of child travelers on our exciting excursions. If you are traveling with a child on a Tauck journey, you have the sole responsibility for ensuring that that the child with whom you are traveling follows all rules of safety throughout the tour. By traveling with us, you release Tauck World Discovery and our partners of all liability for any risks and/or injuries to the child with whom you are traveling.
Special Travel Documentation for Children –
Authorization for Travel
If you travel into or out of the U.S. with children under the age of 18, you should be aware of the following: because of increasing incidents of child abductions in disputed custody cases and because children are at risk as possible victims of child pornography, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strongly recommends that unless the child is accompanied by both parents, you should have a note from the child's other parent (or, in the case of a child traveling with grandparents, uncles or aunts, sisters or brothers, or friends, a note signed by both parents) stating that the parent(s) not traveling acknowledge that the parent(s), family members, etc. who are traveling into or out of the U.S. with the child have permission to do so. CBP also suggests that this note be notarized. While CBP may not ask to see this documentation, if they do ask, and you do not have it, you may be detained until the circumstances of the child traveling without both parents can be fully assessed.
If there is no second parent with legal claims to the child (deceased, sole custody, etc.) any other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, birth certificate naming only one parent, death certificate, etc., will be useful.
All children who are U.S. citizens should also have a certified copy of their birth certificate or baptism record for ID. Children over the age of 14 are also required to have a photo ID.
Many other countries also share this concern for children who travel without both parents. To ensure smooth travel, Tauck requires all guests to comply with the travel regulations of each country visited. This information is available from each country’s consulate.
Authorization for Emergency Medical Treatment
In the unlikely event of a medical emergency, a medical facility will require permission from the child’s parents to provide treatment. Therefore, we strongly suggest that you bring along a letter from both parents authorizing emergency medical treatment for their child.
If you travel into or out of the U.S. with children under the age of 18, you should be aware of the following: because of increasing incidents of child abductions in disputed custody cases and because children are at risk as possible victims of child pornography, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strongly recommends that unless the child is accompanied by both parents, you should have a note from the child's other parent (or, in the case of a child traveling with grandparents, uncles or aunts, sisters or brothers, or friends, a note signed by both parents) stating that the parent(s) not traveling acknowledge that the parent(s), family members, etc. who are traveling into or out of the U.S. with the child have permission to do so. CBP also suggests that this note be notarized. While CBP may not ask to see this documentation, if they do ask, and you do not have it, you may be detained until the circumstances of the child traveling without both parents can be fully assessed.
If there is no second parent with legal claims to the child (deceased, sole custody, etc.) any other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, birth certificate naming only one parent, death certificate, etc., will be useful.
All children who are U.S. citizens should also have a certified copy of their birth certificate or baptism record for ID. Children over the age of 14 are also required to have a photo ID.
Many other countries also share this concern for children who travel without both parents. To ensure smooth travel, Tauck requires all guests to comply with the travel regulations of each country visited. This information is available from each country’s consulate.
Authorization for Emergency Medical Treatment
In the unlikely event of a medical emergency, a medical facility will require permission from the child’s parents to provide treatment. Therefore, we strongly suggest that you bring along a letter from both parents authorizing emergency medical treatment for their child.
Tauck is not responsible for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for any travelers, including children traveling without both parents. While there is no definitive format or standard for these letters, click here to view a sample letter for guardians or one parent traveling with a child.
Destination Information
Cell Phones - We understand and appreciate the value of instant communication when we travel; it keeps us in touch with friends and family, and it's a reassurance in the event of an emergency. However, the use of cell phones can be disruptive to a tour and to other guests who are enjoying their vacation. As a courtesy to others, we ask that guests refrain from cell phone usage during motor coach travel, group functions, sightseeing and when the Tauck Director is addressing the group as a whole. There are usually many opportunities to make or receive calls at times when it does not affect others.
Please contact your cell phone carrier to determine if your service extends to Southeast Asia.
Currency and Exchange Rates – The official currencies for the countries visited on this tour are:
- Vietnam Vietnamese Dông (VND)
- Cambodia Cambodian Riel (KHR)
- Thailand Thai Baht (THB)
Your Tauck Director can direct you to currency exchange bureaus. Major credit cards are widely accepted throughout Asia and can be used for major purchases. All of the hotels on the itinerary have currency exchange desks with the exception of La Résidence Hôtel in Huế. Travelers’ checks are accepted in Thailand, but less so in Cambodia and Vietnam. U.S. dollars are accepted almost everywhere in Cambodia and Vietnam.
Customs and Tax-Free Shopping – If you are a U.S resident who will be returning to the U.S. at the end of the tour, current regulations permit bringing back $800 worth of items duty-free, as long as you physically bring them with you. There are limits to the amount of alcohol that can be a part of this exemption. Certain restrictions apply to unaccompanied goods mailed from abroad to the United States. Please call your local customs office or consult the U.S. government's customs regulations as contained in their publication entitled Know Before You Go by clicking here.
If you are a resident of another country, please refer to your own country’s rules and regulations regarding customs and duty-free shopping to ensure compliance upon your return.
Cambodia and Vietnam levy a 10% value added tax on most consumer goods and services; Thailand levies 7%. If you are not a resident of these countries, you may be entitled to a tax refund and should inquire about the refund policy where you shop.
Electrical Current – The electrical current in Southeast Asia is 220/230 V, 50 Hz, AC. If your electrical devices do not meet these standards, you will need to bring the appropriate converters and adapters.
Time Zones – Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand are 7 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (or Greenwich Mean Time). None of these countries observes Daylight Savings Time. To determine current time in major cities around the world, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, timeanddate.com, by clicking here.
Weather - The weather in Southeast Asia is generally hot and humid year round with little fluctuation. Average high temperatures in Southeast Asia generally range from 65° to 90°F (18 to 32°C) in Hanoi to 85 to 95°F (29 to 35°C) in Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City, with high humidity throughout the year. Rainfall amounts are much heavier from May through October than they are from November though April.
Customs and Tax-Free Shopping – If you are a U.S resident who will be returning to the U.S. at the end of the tour, current regulations permit bringing back $800 worth of items duty-free, as long as you physically bring them with you. There are limits to the amount of alcohol that can be a part of this exemption. Certain restrictions apply to unaccompanied goods mailed from abroad to the United States. Please call your local customs office or consult the U.S. government's customs regulations as contained in their publication entitled Know Before You Go by clicking here.
If you are a resident of another country, please refer to your own country’s rules and regulations regarding customs and duty-free shopping to ensure compliance upon your return.
Cambodia and Vietnam levy a 10% value added tax on most consumer goods and services; Thailand levies 7%. If you are not a resident of these countries, you may be entitled to a tax refund and should inquire about the refund policy where you shop.
Electrical Current – The electrical current in Southeast Asia is 220/230 V, 50 Hz, AC. If your electrical devices do not meet these standards, you will need to bring the appropriate converters and adapters.
Time Zones – Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand are 7 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (or Greenwich Mean Time). None of these countries observes Daylight Savings Time. To determine current time in major cities around the world, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, timeanddate.com, by clicking here.
Weather - The weather in Southeast Asia is generally hot and humid year round with little fluctuation. Average high temperatures in Southeast Asia generally range from 65° to 90°F (18 to 32°C) in Hanoi to 85 to 95°F (29 to 35°C) in Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City, with high humidity throughout the year. Rainfall amounts are much heavier from May through October than they are from November though April.
|
|
Average Temperature
|
|||
|
|
Hanoi, Vietnam
|
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
|
||
|
|
Hi/Lo ºF
|
Hi/Lo ºC
|
Hi/Lo ºF
|
Hi/Lo ºC
|
|
January
|
66 / 58
|
19 / 14
|
88 / 72
|
31 / 22
|
|
February
|
67 / 60
|
19 / 16
|
90 / 73
|
32 / 23
|
|
March
|
72 / 65
|
22 / 18
|
92 / 76
|
33 / 24
|
|
April
|
80 / 71
|
27 / 22
|
93 / 79
|
34 / 26
|
|
May
|
87 / 77
|
31 / 25
|
92 / 79
|
33 / 26
|
|
June
|
90 / 80
|
32 / 27
|
89 / 77
|
32 / 25
|
|
July
|
90 / 80
|
32 / 27
|
89 / 77
|
32 / 25
|
|
August
|
89 / 80
|
32 / 27
|
88 / 77
|
31 / 25
|
|
September
|
88 / 78
|
31 / 26
|
88 / 76
|
31 / 24
|
|
October
|
82 / 73
|
28 / 23
|
87 / 76
|
31 / 24
|
|
November
|
76 / 66
|
24 / 19
|
87 / 74
|
31 / 23
|
|
December
|
71 / 60
|
22 / 16
|
87 / 72
|
31 / 22
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
Bangkok, Thailand
|
|
||
|
Hi/Lo ºF
|
Hi/Lo ºC
|
|||
|
January
|
89 / 71
|
32 / 22
|
||
|
February
|
90 / 75
|
32 / 24
|
||
|
March
|
92 / 78
|
33 / 26
|
||
|
April
|
94 / 80
|
34 / 27
|
||
|
May
|
92 / 80
|
33 / 27
|
||
|
June
|
91 / 80
|
33 / 27
|
||
|
July
|
90 / 78
|
32 / 26
|
||
|
August
|
90 / 78
|
32 / 26
|
||
|
September
|
89 / 77
|
32 / 25
|
||
|
October
|
89 / 77
|
32 / 25
|
||
|
November
|
88 / 74
|
31 / 23
|
||
|
December
|
87 / 70
|
31 / 21
|
||
|
|
Average Rainfall
|
|||
|
|
Hanoi, Vietnam
|
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
|
||
|
Inches
|
Millimeters
|
Inches
|
Millimeters
|
|
|
January
|
0.7
|
18
|
0.6
|
15
|
|
February
|
1.1
|
28
|
0.1
|
3
|
|
March
|
1.5
|
38
|
0.4
|
10
|
|
April
|
3.2
|
81
|
2.0
|
51
|
|
May
|
7.7
|
196
|
8.4
|
213
|
|
June
|
9.4
|
239
|
12.2
|
310
|
|
July
|
12.7
|
323
|
11.6
|
295
|
|
August
|
13.5
|
343
|
10.7
|
272
|
|
September
|
10.0
|
254
|
13.5
|
343
|
|
October
|
3.9
|
99
|
10.3
|
262
|
|
November
|
1.7
|
43
|
4.7
|
119
|
|
December
|
0.8
|
20
|
1.8
|
46
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
Bangkok, Thailand
|
|
||
|
Inches
|
Millimeters
|
|||
|
January
|
0.4
|
10
|
||
|
February
|
1.1
|
28
|
||
|
March
|
1.2
|
30
|
||
|
April
|
2.8
|
71
|
||
|
May
|
7.5
|
191
|
||
|
June
|
6.0
|
152
|
||
|
July
|
6.2
|
157
|
||
|
August
|
7.4
|
188
|
||
|
September
|
12.6
|
320
|
||
|
October
|
9.1
|
231
|
||
|
November
|
2.3
|
58
|
||
|
December
|
0.4
|
10
|
||
To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, noaa.gov, by clicking here.
If You Have to Cancel
Cancellation Fees – Regardless of reason, cancellations of confirmed bookings result in Tauck incurring costly penalties and cancellation fees from our travel and hotel providers. Therefore, if you have to cancel a confirmed booking, Tauck will charge you a cancellation fee according to when your cancellation notice is received in its Norwalk, CT office. To help limit your liability, Tauck offers Tauck Travel Protection.
If you choose to purchase Tauck’s Guest Protection or Cancellation Fee Waiver, you will have your cancellation penalties waived.Click here for more details.
If you choose not to purchase Tauck Travel Protection, you will incur cancellation penalties per person as follows:
60 days or more before departure
$600 per person (the amount of the deposit)
59-8 days before departure
$1,250 per person
7-1 days before departure
$2,000 per person
$600 per person (the amount of the deposit)
59-8 days before departure
$1,250 per person
7-1 days before departure
$2,000 per person