2008 Itinerary
Day 1: Bangkok beckons
Tour begins at Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand. Welcome to Bangkok, known to some as the “Venice of the East.” Your Southeast Asia travel begins with an included transfer from the airport to the Shangri-La Hotel on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, your home for the next three nights. Meet your Tauck Director and your fellow adventurers at our welcome reception and dinner this evening.
Meals: Dinner
Lodging: Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand
Day 2: Bangkok's breathtaking Buddhas
The giant Reclining Buddha awaits your admiration at Wat Po, the oldest and largest temple in the city, while the Emerald Buddha will grant you an audience at the Grand Palace. After a typical Thai lunch, a pleasant boat ride along the Chao Phraya River returns you to your hotel in time to enjoy the afternoon exploring as you please
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand
Day 3: 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.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand
Day 4: The Rose of the North
Your Southeast Asia travel continues as you fly to charming Chiang Mai, established in the 13th century, and known for its artistic and cultural heritage. Wat Umong, one of the over 300 temples in the area, provides an introduction to the spiritual side of Thailand. Then, travel by trikshaw to Wat Pra Singh and deepen your understanding of this important aspect of Thai culture. Enter another world when you arrive at the luxurious Four Seasons Chiang Mai, where you’ll stay in richly appointed, traditional-style pavilions overlooking gardens, terraced rice paddies, and mountains. After a special dinner with entertainment, you have the option of visiting the Night Bazaar to marvel at the regional handicraft traditions.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Day 5: Elephants and Thai crafts
Elephants – Thailand's national animal – are an integral part of Chiang Mai’s economy and culture. See how they’re trained to work in a teak forest, and then climb high onto an elephant for an ambling trek through the jungle, one of the highlights of this Southeast Asia travel adventure. Later, visit local handicrafts factories, where artisans produce traditional Thai arts and crafts.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Day 6: Hello Hanoi
Experience the best of Vietnam travel as you fly to Hanoi today and transfer to your hotel, the Hanoi Hilton Opera, next to the elaborate Hanoi Opera House. Ideally situated in the center of Vietnam’s capital city, your home for the next two nights is close to Hanoi’s historic Old Quarter and other notable attractions.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Hilton Hanoi Opera, Hanoi, Vietnam
Day 7: A palace, a prison, a pagoda and puppets
A highlight of your Vietnam travel experience is a ride by cyclo through the back roads of Old Hanoi. Visit Ho Chi Minh’s colonial Presidential Palace and his final resting place, and take in Hanoi’s famous One-Pillar Pagoda, constructed in 1049 to resemble a lotus blossom. Tour the former Botanical Gardens and see the infamous Hoa Lo Prison, known as the “Hanoi Hilton” during the Vietnam War. A 1000-year-old art form waits to entertain you this evening as you attend an enchanting water puppet performance.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Hilton Hanoi Opera, Hanoi, Vietnam
Day 8: Forbidden Purple City of Hué
No Vietnam travel experience would be complete without a visit to Hué, Vietnam’s most beautiful city, and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 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.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: La Residence Hotel & Spa, Hué, Vietnam
Day 9: China Beach in Da Nang
Admire the scenery along the Vietnam coast and Hai Van Mountain during a drive to Da Nang and the 18-mile-long China Beach, a popular Vietnam travel destination. You’ll spend the next two nights at the one of the most prestigious resorts in Vietnam, the Furama Resort Da Nang set right on China Beach on the shores of the South China Sea.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Furama Resort Da Nang, Da Nang, Vietnam
Day 10: Ancient sculptures and marble artisans
Experience a variety of local transportation in Vietnam. Travel by cyclo in Hoi An, an ancient trading port. Cross the red-painted Japanese Covered Bridge to the 200-year-old Phung Hung house, and see local artisans carving marble in Non Nuoc hamlet. Return to your award-winning beachfront resort for an evening at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Furama Resort Da Nang, Da Nang, Vietnam
Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City
En route to south Vietnam, travel by plane to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon). See the former Presidential Palace, now called Reunification Hall, then stroll through the huge Cho Ben Thanh market. Take in the former U.S. Embassy, Notre Dame Cathedral and the stately Post Office. Taste the former French flavor of the city at dinner tonight
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Sheraton Saigon Hotel and Towers, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Day 12: An underground labyrinth
Explore an underground world of tunnels and chambers three stories deep at Cu Chi Tunnels, used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. The 120-mile tunnel network featured kitchens, dormitories, munitions factories, hospitals, and schoolrooms. See more of Ho Chi Minh City on your own in the afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Sheraton Saigon Hotel and Towers, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Day 13: Ancient wonders
This morning, depart Vietnam. Travel by air to Siem Reap, Cambodia, for a two-night stay at the closest hotel to the treasures of the ancient walled city of Angkor Thom, the ancient Khmer capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the legendary Angkor Wat, view the Elephant Terraces, the Bayon Terrace and the Bayon Temple.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor, Angkor, Cambodia
Day 14: Banteay Srei
The small, charming pink sandstone Temple of Banteay Srei is one of the most unusual that you’ll see during your Southeast Asia travel. Although it is small, many think that it is one of the most exquisitely ornate temples in the Angkor region. By contrast, the unreconstructed Temple of Ta Prohm seems right out of an Indiana Jones movie. Both are memorable.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor, Angkor, Cambodia
Day 15: Back to Bangkok
After a luscious leisurely morning, fly back to Bangkok for the final night of your Southeast Asia travel. Get a good night’s sleep in preparation for your homeward journey.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok, Thailand
Day 16: Homeward Bound
Your Southeast Asia travel ends at Bangkok International Airport. A transfer from the Airport Novotel to the airport is included. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home.
Meals: Breakfast
New for 2008! Inside Hong Kong
The perfect opportunity to experience the fascinating interplay between history and modern-day efficiency in Hong Kong! Tauck’s 4-day visit, following Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand, is not escorted by a Tauck Director but is accompanied by English-speaking guides. Spend 3 nights at the award-winning Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong.
In Southeast Asia, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam travel beckons with a world of wonders to discover –
reserve your preferred date today!
Inclusive Prices
Tour prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All hotel accommodations, entertainment, special dinners, motor coach, sightseeing, luggage handling, admissions, the services of the Tauck Director, local guides and drivers are included. If you arrive on the first day of the tour and have provided Tauck with accurate flight arrival information at least two weeks prior to the start of the tour, your transfer to the Hilton Hanoi Opera is included. If you book additional nights at the Hilton Hanoi Opera for the day(s) preceding the tour, either through Tauck or on your own, your transfer to the Hilton Hanoi Opera is included, provided Tauck has received accurate flight arrival information at least two weeks prior to the start of the tour. All airport departure transfers on the last day of the tour are included.
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 may differ slightly from place to place, Tauck's commitment to your comfort is unwavering. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triples are two-bedded rooms plus a rollaway cot where available and are not recommended for comfort.
Tauck Director – Each tour is conducted by a Tauck Director who remains with the group throughout the duration of 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 appropriate gratuities for hotel and restaurant staffs, and the local guides and drivers are included.
No Options Sold – Tauck’s price includes special dinners, entertainment, sightseeing and most activities. Tauck Directors assist with information on free-time activities, based on honest opinion and guidance, but will not sell you anything. This means better value and a more relaxed, pleasant experience for you.
On-Tour Flights
Airfare While on Tour – Five on-tour flights must be purchased through Tauck as part of your tour package. If you book the 18-day tour, your sixth on-tour flight from Bangkok to Hong Kong must also be purchased along with your other international airline tickets.
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, Tauck will book additional nights for you on a space-available basis using special rates only available through Tauck. 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. Gratuities should 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.
Air Services – Airfare may be purchased through Tauck for travel originating in the United States. By using Tauck's air services, you agree that Tauck, in purchasing, selling or otherwise arranging air transportation, is acting only as your agent and is 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 Tauck. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between yourself and the airline (and not Tauck), even if purchased through Tauck. Tauck is not liable for, and does 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). Tauck must handle ticketing for Tauck's special fares, which are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed until reserved. Special fares cannot be combined with any other promotional offer. Tauck's 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 locally observed.
Itinerary Changes and Price Flexibility – Tauck pledges to make every effort to operate your tour as advertised. Tauck reserves 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 Tauck. Although not expected, prices on this website may be modified due to unexpected significant external factors not forecasted at the time of printing.
Journey Start and End Times are provided at the time of booking. The tour begins at Hanoi Noibai Airport. A representative of Tauck will greet you after you pass through customs and immigration. You or your booking agent will be advised of any change to this schedule. If you select the 15-day tour, your tour ends upon your transfer to Bangkok International Airport. If you select the 18-day tour, your tour ends upon your transfer to Hong Kong’s Chek Lap Kok Airport. We advise you to allow at least 2½ hours for check-in.
Membership will be granted to all persons. Tauck reserves the right to terminate the tour of any persons who are abusive of others or whose behavior disrupts the tour.
Photography on Tour – Occasionally, Tauck 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 - Tauck recommends that you contact your bank in advance of departing on this tour 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. Tauck also recommends 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 Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam is hot and humid year round. For travel in Southeast Asia, you will need to pack lightweight, casual clothing. The climate in Hong Kong is pleasant year-round, and the temperature rarely dips below 60°F (16°C). During the spring and fall months you probably will not experience any cold weather; however, we suggest bringing a light sweater and waterproof rain jacket for cool evenings. Please note that as it is quite rainy and hot at different times of the year; this rain is often intermittent, and does not occur throughout the entire month.
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 by all means 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, 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
- 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/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 feet (314 meters).
Health – This Southeast Asia tour is very active and includes 6 on-tour flights (on the 18-day tour). You should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances over uneven terrain which 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 at the various sites and towns 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, funicular 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, Thailand or Hong Kong, except that an International Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever is required to enter Vietnam if you are arriving 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, U.S.A. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour, pre-recorded "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 877-394-8747 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also logon on to the CDC Internet website at
www.cdc.gov.
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 can result in a considerable additional expense.
The maximum allowable weight for carry-on luggage is 10 pounds, and the maximum allowable dimensions are 17” by 12” by 10” (43 cm by 30 cm by25 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 that airlines 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 stricter policies in enforcing 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.
As of June 2006, 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, Tauck cannot be held liable to the weight limit listed above. We urge you to check with your airline before traveling to determine current weight and size restrictions. It is also important to note that restrictions for luggage size and weight 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.
Tauck World Discovery cannot be held liable for additional fees or inconveniences imposed by the airline due to luggage size, piece or weight policies.
Please be sure to attach your Tauck luggage tag to your suitcase before leaving home.
Carry-on Luggage - General
Although oversized 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.
The new ICAO security measures for cabin baggage of air passengers include:
- All liquids, gels, aerosols in cabin baggage have to be carried in containers with a capacity not greater than 100ml. Liquids, gels, aerosols carried in containers larger than 100ml are not to be accepted, even if the container is only part-filled;
- Containers have to be placed in a transparent re-sealable plastic bag of a maximum capacity not exceeding one litre. The containers must fit comfortably within the transparent plastic bag, which should be completely closed;
- The plastic bag has to be presented separately from other cabin baggage for visual examination at the screening point. Only one transparent plastic bag per passenger is permitted; and
- Exemptions would be made for medications, baby milk/ food and special dietary requirements subject to verification.
For more information, visit
http://www.hongkongairport.com/eng/sa/1155262291437.html
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 the tour and current visas for Vietnam and Cambodia. You will not need a visa to enter Hong Kong or Thailand for the short duration of this tour. Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.
If you are a U.S. citizen:
Tauck has partnered with Zierer Visa Service for processing visas to destinations in which U.S. citizens are required to have an entry visa. Over the past several years, Zierer Visa Service has effectively processed hundreds of visas for Tauck travelers. Tauck will automatically send you a visa application once a reservation is made and the deposit received. 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 Zierer Visa Service. The amount of the visa fee varies by destination and will be stated on the application.
For more information, or to download a Zierer Visa Service application, please log on to the Internet website,
ZVS: Tauck World Discovery. 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 will take several weeks.
If you are a citizen of another country, you should contact a consulate or embassy of each of the countries on this itinerary to determine what travel documentation is required.
Tauck strongly recommends that your passport be valid for six months beyond the completion of your tour. Also, Tauck recommends 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 the front and back 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 – Many countries have specific entry requirements for children less than 21 years of age who are traveling with or without both parents. Usually a notarized letter, signed by the parent or parents not traveling with the child and stating the name of the child, the adult guardian, the itinerary and dates of travel, and the flight number, is required. To ensure smooth travel, Tauck requires all travelers to comply with the regulations for the country you are visiting. This information is available from each country’s consulate. 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, Tauck does offer for
download 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 ample opportunities to make or receive calls at times when it does not impact others.
Please contact your cell phone carrier to determine limitations and services that exist for the destinations to which you are traveling.
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)
- Hong Kong Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)
Although it is not necessary to exchange foreign currency before the tour begins, you may wish to convert a small amount of currency into Hong Kong dollars prior to your Southeast Asia tour. Your Tauck Director can advise as to where you can obtain local currency. Major credit cards are widely accepted throughout Asia and can be used for major purchases. All of the hotels on this itinerary have currency exchange desks with the exception of La Résidence Hôtel in Hué City. Travelers’ checks are accepted in Hong Kong and 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 alcohol and tobacco that can be a part of this exemption – one liter of alcoholic beverages, 200 cigarettes, and 100 cigars. 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 website for further details and up-to-date limits at
www.cbp.gov.
If you are a resident of another country, you should refer to your own country’s rules and regulations regarding customs and duty-free shopping to ensure compliance upon your return.
As of October, 2006, Thailand levies a 7% value added tax on most consumer goods and services. If you are not a resident of Thailand, have been in the country for less than 180 days in a calendar year, are not a crew member of an airline and depart Thailand from an international airport, you may be entitled to a tax refund and should inquire about the refund policy where you shop. Cambodia and Vietnam also levy value added taxes; Hong Kong levies taxes only on automobiles, gasoline, tobacco, and alcohol.
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); Hong Kong is 8 hours ahead. None of these countries observe Daylight Savings Time. In June, Hanoi, Chiang Mai and Bangkok are 11 hours ahead of New York City; Hong Kong is 12 hours ahead. To determine current time in major cities around the world, we suggest you log on to the Internet website,
www.timeanddate.com.
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 and Hong Kong 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
|
| Month |
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
|
Hong Kong, China
|
| Month |
Hi/Lo ºF |
Hi/Lo ºC |
Hi/Lo ºF |
Hi/Lo ºC |
| January |
89 / 71 |
32 / 22 |
67 / 58 |
19 / 14 |
| February |
90 / 75 |
32 / 24 |
67 / 59 |
19 / 15 |
| March |
92 / 78 |
33 / 26 |
71 / 63 |
22 / 17 |
| April |
94 / 80 |
34 / 27 |
77 / 69 |
25 / 21 |
| May |
92 / 80 |
33 / 27 |
83 / 75 |
28 / 24 |
| June |
91 / 80 |
33 / 27 |
86 / 79 |
30 / 26 |
| July |
90 / 78 |
32 / 26 |
89 / 81 |
32 / 27 |
| August |
90 / 78 |
32 / 26 |
89 / 81 |
32 / 27 |
| September |
89 / 77 |
32 / 25 |
83 / 75 |
28 / 24 |
| October |
89 / 77 |
32 / 25 |
83 / 75 |
28 / 24 |
| November |
88 / 74 |
31 / 23 |
76 / 67 |
24 / 19 |
| December |
87 / 70 |
31 / 21 |
70 / 60 |
21 / 16 |
|
Average Rainfall |
| |
Hanoi, Vietnam
|
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
|
| Month |
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
|
Hong Kong, China
|
| Month |
Inches |
Millimeters |
Inches |
Millimeters |
| January |
0.4 |
10 |
1.1 |
28 |
| February |
1.1 |
28 |
1.7 |
43 |
| March |
1.2 |
30 |
2.9 |
74 |
| April |
2.8 |
71 |
5.5 |
140 |
| May |
7.5 |
191 |
11.2 |
284 |
| June |
6.0 |
152 |
15.7 |
399 |
| July |
6.2 |
157 |
14.3 |
363 |
| August |
7.4 |
188 |
14.8 |
376 |
| September |
12.6 |
320 |
11.7 |
297 |
| October |
9.1 |
231 |
4.7 |
119 |
| November |
2.3 |
58 |
1.5 |
38 |
| December |
0.4 |
10 |
1.0 |
25 |
To determine current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website,
www.weather.com.
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.
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
