There are bound to be questions when travelling. Information on everything from weather to internet connections can be found below.

• Book This Trip

  To help expedite your booking, please have the following information ready before you call us:

  • Tour Name and Departure Date Desired
  • Traveler Name(s): Please have first and last names as they appear on the passport or driver’s license.
  • Traveler’s Address(es)
  • Traveler’s Phone Number(s)
  • Emergency Contact Information: This would be a relative or friend whom we could contact during the tour in the event of an emergency. Please provide their name and phone number(s).
  • Interest in purchasing Tauck’s Travel Protection Product (see below).
  • Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
  • Interest in our specially negotiated airfares.

  For reservations, call 800-788-7885 or contact your travel agent to book today!
  
  Tauck Reservation Sales Counselors are available:

  Monday through Friday 6 am - 8 pm
  Saturday 9 am - 5 pm
  Sunday 12 pm - 5 pm (Eastern Time)

  Some additional questions you might have about booking this trip:

  Special Requests
  We will be happy to advise hotels of any special requests, provided we receive them at time of booking. We regret that requests cannot be guaranteed.

  Deposit Date
  Upon your request, we will hold space tentatively for you and give a “Deposit Due Date,” by which a deposit must be received or space is automatically released. Your deposit is $600 per person.

  Final Payment is due at Tauck’s Norwalk, CT office 60 days before departure. Any bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice.

  Final Documents, which may include airline tickets, when applicable, are sent by first class mail upon receipt of final payment. They include joining instructions, hotel lists, tour itinerary, clothing suggestions, luggage tags and other pertinent information. We recommend overnight mailing service for any reservation that is made within 30 days of the tour departure date to ensure timely delivery. The additional expense will be added to your tour cost.

• 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 Legend Metropole Hanoi, regardless of the time you check in to the hotel, 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 Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers to Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City) Int’l Airport when you check out of the hotel. Transfers to and from airports may be shared with other Tauck guests.

  Hotel Accommodations – The tour price includes all hotel accommodations with private baths. Our standard is to provide the best available accommodations without sacrificing value. Although the quality 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 – Spotlight on Vietnam 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.

  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 –

  Two on-tour flights must be purchased through Tauck as part of your tour package.

• Not Included

  Transportation to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point is not included. Airfare may be purchased from us 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. Airport transfers are included for these extended stays as described above under Inclusive Prices. If you wish to spend additional nights, please consult Extend Your Trip under the Accommodations section above on this webpage 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 the Tauck Travel Protection Product section below on this webpage for more information.

  Lost luggage is an unfortunate possibility in today's world of airline travel. We suggest that you:

  • Pack at least one change of clothing in your carry-on bag
  • Split your items between your suitcase and a traveling companion's suitcase
  • Do not pack any vital medications or valuables in your checked luggage
  • Confirm that your luggage is checked and tagged to your final destination at airport check-in
  • Place your luggage claim tags in a secure place for your flight
  • File a claim for any missing luggage immediately before leaving the baggage claim area
  • Secure a case number and contact information for follow-up communications
  • Make certain that the airline has your onward itinerary

  Your Tauck Director will assist you with airline and other carrier communications, but has no inside contacts to guarantee or expedite recovery of lost luggage. All recovery costs, including the communication costs, are your responsibility. Check your travel protection details for covered expenses.

  Personal Expenses such as phone calls, room service, alcoholic and other beverages not specifically included, laundry, dry cleaning, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees and services, airport arrival and departure taxes, individual train and airport transfers (when applicable), 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.

• Tauck Travel Protection Product / If You Have To Cancel

  Tauck’s Guest Protection and Cancellation Fee Waiver

  Guests booking a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing cancellation protection from Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations.

  Tauck's Travel Protection is available to all travelers, with the exception of residents of Puerto Rico. Residents of Puerto Rico are eligible for some cancellation protection by purchasing Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver (see below).

  Tauck’s Guest Protection

  Under Tauck’s all-inclusive Guest Protection, you can cancel your tour for any reason up to the day before departure and receive a money-back refund (except in Extreme Circumstances*) on the land tour cost. The Guest Protection Product waives cancellation fees outlined, provided we are notified of cancellation before your tour departs. Tour cancellation fees are waived regardless of reason, without written notice, and Tauck will refund land tour cost. The cost is $520 per person.

  In addition, Tauck’s Guest Protection provides comprehensive travelers’ insurance and 24-hour emergency assistance. Coverage for the following elements is provided by BerkelyCare, Ltd. and is subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy:

  • Airfare Protection – Should you need to cancel or interrupt your tour for covered reasons, airfares and air penalties will be covered up to the original airfare cost.
  • Medical Protection – You are reimbursed for covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or ill during your trip (including pre-existing conditions if purchased at time of deposit).
  • Luggage Protection – You are reimbursed for lost, stolen, delayed or damaged luggage.

  This optional Guest Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included with initial payment. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your tour reservation. Guest Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Cost is not refundable under any circumstances. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

  Tauck’s Cancellation Fee Waiver

  Should you have to cancel your tour for any reason, Tauck’s non-refundable Cancellation Fee Waiver waives all cancellation fees outlined (except in Extreme Circumstances*), provided we are notified of cancellation before your tour departs. The cost is $400 per person.

  This Waiver is not insurance; it does not cover airline penalties, luggage damage, personal injury, or protect travel agent commissions. The advantage of this waiver is that you may cancel regardless of reason, without written notice. Should you wish protection beyond our Cancellation Fee Waiver, your travel agent will recommend insurance companies.This optional Cancellation Fee Waiver must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included with initial payment. It assures a full refund of land tour costs received by Tauck, except for the cost of the Cancellation Fee Waiver and any extra fees resulting from partial room cancellation.

  *Extreme Circumstances:

  In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.

  If You Have to Cancel

  Cancellations Fees – Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. Therefore, the following fees apply:

  Guests choosing to purchase Tauck’s Guest Protection will incur cancellation penalties of $520 per person regardless of cancellation date prior to tour departure date.

  Guests choosing to purchase Tauck’s Cancellation Fee Waiver will incur cancellation penalties of $400 per person regardless of cancellation date prior to tour departure date.

  Guests choosing not to purchase Tauck’s Guest Protection or Cancellation Fee Waiver will incur cancellation penalties per person as follows:

  60 days or more before departure
  $600 per person

  59-8 days before departure
  $1250 per person

  7-1 days before departure
  $2000 per person

  Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Norwalk, CT office. In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation terms outlined herein.

  Tour Interruption Fees – If you have to interrupt your tour en route, you may be entitled to a refund of land tour costs if it exceeds 24 hours; certain restrictions apply. Such refunds are based upon the number of overnights missed less $40 per day for unused transportation and other fixed expenses.

  Partial Room Cancellation – A person canceling or leaving a tour while a roommate remains constitutes a cancellation of one type of accommodation and rebooking of another type of accommodation. The price charged the remaining person is the new, higher price for the new accommodation.

  Click here to download our complete Description of Coverage.

  .

• Additional Information

  Airline Security Measures - If you are traveling from the U.S., the U.S. Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Secure Flight program requires that your name, as it appears on your domestic or international airline ticket, must precisely match your name as it appears on the government-issued photo ID (i.e., passport or driver’s license) that you present during security screening. The ID name must also match any additional airline data, such as frequent-flyer information. For example, if you present your driver's license to security and it says John T. Smith, your ticket must also say John T. Smith, not John Thomas Smith, Jack Smith, or any other variant. Your date-of-birth and gender information provided to the airline must also match your passport.

  If you make your air travel arrangements through us, please ensure that the name you provide us precisely matches your name as shown on the identification you will use while traveling. If you make your own airline reservations, please ensure that the airline has the correct information.

  For more information on the Secure Flight program, please visit the TSA website by clicking here.

  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, or 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.

  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 only, 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. Our air services can only be purchased in conjunction with one of our tours. Tickets or e-ticket numbers will be mailed with final documents. If you cancel or change your air booking 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.You may wish to log on to Wikipedia to view a list of holidays by country by clicking here.

  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 Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers in Ho Chi Minh City. Each carrier and each airport has different rules regarding how early you must arrive for flight check in. Please contact your individual carrier for this information.

  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 and / or video taken by fellow guests or your Tauck Director on your tour for print, Internet and other media promotional purposes. If you prefer that your image not be used in any marketing activities, please notify your Tauck Director at the start of your tour.

• Preparing to Go

  Travel Document Requirements – 

  If you are a U.S. citizen traveling internationally, you will need a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey and a current visa to enter Vietnam.

  We have collaborated with Pinnacle Travel Document Systems (TDS) to assist you in obtaining entry visas for Vietnam. The visa fee, as well as any applicable consular fees and shipping fees, is not included in the tour cost, and payment should be mailed with the completed application directly to TDS. The amount of the visa fee is stated on the application.

  A TDS visa kit may be downloaded through the Pinnacle TDS website by clicking here. Visas for Vietnam cannot be processed more than 90 days prior to departure and the process does take several weeks to complete. It is very important to note that while we have an affiliation with TDS for processing visas, you are not required to process your visa through TDS, and may elect to choose other visa services or work directly through the a consulate or embassy of Vietnam.

  If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally,  please contact a consulate or embassy of Vietnam to determine if entry visas are required.
  
  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. 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, we have a minimum recommended age for each journey 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  – Our journeys are designed for adults and children to share the wonder of discovery together. If you require babysitting services, your Tauck Director will put you in contact with the appropriate hotel staff with whom you may make babysitting arrangements. There is usually an additional fee for these services. Many hotels do offer on-site babysitting services; however, babysitting services may not be available 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, Inc. 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 notarized 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. 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 (parent deceased, sole custody, etc.), other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, birth certificate naming only one parent, or a death certificate, will be useful.

  Many other countries also share this concern for children who travel without both parents. To ensure smooth travel, we require you to comply with the travel regulations of each country visited. This information may be obtained from a country’s consulate or embassy.

  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 (including other pertinent documents as cited above) authorizing emergency medical treatment for their child.

  Children who are U.S. citizens must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the completion of the journey.  We are not responsible for the disruption of travel caused by the improper documentation of any guest, including children traveling without both parents. While there is no definitive format or standard, click here to view a sample letter for guardians or one parent traveling with a child.

  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 Vietnam tour is very active and includes 2 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 Vietnamese culture and geography include airplane, boat and cyclo.

  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.

  VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 

  Some of the countries visited on this itinerary may require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against certain diseases in order to enter the country.  These requirements are subject to frequent change as outbreaks occur and subside in different areas, and it is therefore crucial that you obtain the very latest information on entry requirements as you prepare for your journey.

  For the most current information, please consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by clicking here and the World Health Organization (WHO) by clicking here. You may also wish to visit the web sites for the embassies of the countries you will be visiting.  Besides providing details on vaccination requirements, these sites can also provide information on vaccinations that may be recommended (but aren’t required) and other potential health issues for which no vaccines are available.

  Any decisions relating to your health, of course, should not be based solely on information provided by a web site.  It is critically important that you consult with your personal physician prior to your journey to obtain any required vaccinations and to review any optional recommendations offered by the CDC or other sources.

  Please be sure to discuss your journey with your physician at least four to six weeks in advance of your departure, as certain vaccinations take time to become fully effective.  Also, be certain to ask your physician for proof of any vaccinations you receive, and to pack this proof along with your other travel documents in your carry-on luggage (not in your checked luggage).

  Researching and complying with vaccination entry requirements for the countries visited on this itinerary is the responsibility of the traveler and not Tauck. Tauck is therefore not responsible for any expenses incurred or disruptions to travel caused by improper or incomplete vaccinations, or by the failure to provide proof of required vaccinations. 

  If you do not obtain the necessary vaccinations and proper documentation, you may be denied entry into one or more countries, or temporarily quarantined until the necessary vaccinations are administered, or until proper documentation is provided. 

  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 15 lbs (6.8 kg), and the maximum allowable dimensions are 22” by 14” by 10” (55.9 cm by 35.6 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 44 lbs (20 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.

   

• 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)

  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 sometimes but not always accepted in Vietnam. U.S. dollars are accepted almost everywhere in Vietnam.

  Customs and Tax-Free Shopping – Each country we visit has its own customs clearing process. You should familiarize yourself with the specific required declarations of Vietnam before you travel. In general, you are not permitted to bring live plants, fresh fruits and other produce items into most countries. You may find additional information by visiting VisaHQ.com by clicking here.

  If you are a U.S. resident traveling internationally who will be returning to the U.S. at the end of the tour, you are entitled to a duty-free exemption based on the total value of merchandise purchase abroad, 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 U.S. 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.

  If you are a resident of another country traveling internationally, please refer to your own country’s rules and regulations regarding customs and duty-free shopping to ensure compliance upon your return.

  Many countries levy Value Added Taxes (VAT) on consumer goods and services. (The tax rate may be higher for luxury items and lower for basic goods.) As a rule, if you are not a resident of the country (or of the country’s intergovernmental economic community, e.g., the European Union) in which the purchase is made, you may be entitled to a VAT 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 may need to bring the appropriate converters and adapters.

  Internet Access is available as indicated below:

  Sofitel Metropole Hanoi - Wireless Internet Access is available
  La Residence Hotel & Spa - Business Center
  Furama Resort DaNang - High Speed Internet Access in rooms
  Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers - Internet Access in rooms - surcharge

  Time Zones – Vietnam is 7 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (or Greenwich Mean Time), and does not observe 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 Vietnam generally range from 65° to 90°F (18 to 32°C) in Hanoi to 85 to 95°F (29 to 35°C) in 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.   

  To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, noaa.gov, by clicking here.

  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
  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	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	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