2009 – 16 Days from $4,990 plus on-tour airfare
International Air Savings: September though December departures – book one international coach airfare through Tauck and your companion’s international coach airfare is $199 – or save $1000 per person on Business Class international airfare (subject to availability, certain restrictions may apply). Ask at time of booking for details.
Tauck’s 16-day Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam tour encompasses the best of Southeast Asia as you explore the legendary cities of Bangkok, Hanoi, Hué and Ho Chi Minh City. 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, sandstone sculptures to soaring temple spires, and 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 the Vietnam War like the Cu Chi Tunnels and see notorious Hoa Lo Prison. Experience the grandeur of the archaeological wonders of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and Banteay Srei. On Tauck’s Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand journey, you’ll stay at the finest city hotels and word-class resorts.
Day 1: Bangkok beckons
Our Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam tour begins at the Shangri-La Hotel in Bangkok at 6:00 pm. 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 cocktail 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. 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. 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.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand
Day 4: The Rose of the North
Fly to charming Chiang Mai, established in the 13th century, and known for its artistic and cultural heritage. Visit Wat Umong, a fascinating temple from the 14th century. What make it so interesting are the many tunnels it contains. Legend has it that they were originally built to keep a highly regarded but rather scatter-brained monk from wandering away. Enter another world when you arrive at the luxurious Four Seasons Chiang Mai, where you’ll stay in richly appointed, Lanna-style pavilions overlooking gardens, terraced rice paddies, and mountains.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Day 5: Enormous elephants
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 – a memorable highlight of your Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam tour adventures. Enjoy the many amenities of your resort at leisure this afternoon before dinner at a cooking school.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Day 6: Hello Hanoi
Your Vietnam tour begins as you fly to historic Hanoi today and transfer to your hotel, the Hilton Hanoi 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 tour is a ride by cyclo through the back streets 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. 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 tour 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
Take in the scenery along the Vietnam 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, a popular Vietnam tour destination. En route, visit the open-air Cham Museum to view a remarkable collection of sculpture created by Vietnam’s Cham people, whose culture dates back to the 5th century AD. 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 the shores of the South China Sea.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Furama Resort Da Nang, Vietnam
Day 10: Historic Hoi An
You’ve experienced a variety of local transportation during your Vietnam tour. Today, you’ll travel by cyclo through Hoi An, a South China Sea trading port in the 15th through 19th centuries, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. View the red-painted Japanese Covered Bridge – the three Chinese characters over the door mean “bridge for passers-by from afar” – and visit 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.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Furama Resort Da Nang, Vietnam
Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City
Your Vietnam tour continues as you travel by plane to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon), Vietnam’s second-largest city. See the former Presidential Palace, now called Reunification Hall, and 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 & 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 housed kitchens, dormitories, munitions factories, hospitals, and schoolrooms. See more of Ho Chi Minh City on your own in the afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: Sheraton Saigon Hotel and Towers, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Day 13: Ancient wonders
This morning, depart Vietnam and fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia for a two-night stay at 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.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Day 14: Khmer legacies
Ta Prohm Temple almost seems to be a part of the jungle that surrounds it. Dating from 1186, it was originally built as a Buddhist university and monastery and it continues to captivate visitors today. 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. A cruise on Tonle Sap Lake reveals fascinating floating villages. Please join us for our farewell dinner featuring local entertainment this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Day 15: Beguiling Banteay Srei
The charming pink sandstone Temple of Banteay Srei is one of the most unusual that you’ll see during your Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam tour. 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. Fly back to Bangkok to get a good night’s sleep before your flight home.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok, Thailand
Day 16: Homeward Bound
Tauck’s Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam tour ends in Bangkok. A transfer from the Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport 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
Our Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam tour fills quickly!
Airfare While on Tour – Eight on-tour flights must be purchased through Tauck as part of your tour package.
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 the Tauck Protection Plan 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.
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 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 publication.
Journey Start and End Times are provided at the time of booking. The tour begins at 6:00 PM with a Welcome Reception at the Shangri-La Hotel in Bangkok on the first day of the tour. You or your booking agent will be advised of any change to this schedule. The tour ends when you check out of the Novotel Suvarnabhumi hotel. Tauck will provide transportation to Suvarnabhumi International Airport. We suggest you to allow at least 2½ hours for flight 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.
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. 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:
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 affect others.
Please contact your cell phone carrier to determine if your service extends to Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia.
Currency and Exchange Rates – The official currencies for the countries visited on this tour are:
To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, www.weather.com.
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 a Tauck Protection Plan.
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:
Tauck’s 16-day Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam tour encompasses the best of Southeast Asia as you explore the legendary cities of Bangkok, Hanoi, Hué and Ho Chi Minh City. 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, sandstone sculptures to soaring temple spires, and 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 the Vietnam War like the Cu Chi Tunnels and see notorious Hoa Lo Prison. Experience the grandeur of the archaeological wonders of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and Banteay Srei. On Tauck’s Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand journey, you’ll stay at the finest city hotels and word-class resorts.
2009 Itinerary
Day 1: Bangkok beckons
Our Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam tour begins at the Shangri-La Hotel in Bangkok at 6:00 pm. 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 cocktail 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. 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. 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.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand
Day 4: The Rose of the North
Fly to charming Chiang Mai, established in the 13th century, and known for its artistic and cultural heritage. Visit Wat Umong, a fascinating temple from the 14th century. What make it so interesting are the many tunnels it contains. Legend has it that they were originally built to keep a highly regarded but rather scatter-brained monk from wandering away. Enter another world when you arrive at the luxurious Four Seasons Chiang Mai, where you’ll stay in richly appointed, Lanna-style pavilions overlooking gardens, terraced rice paddies, and mountains.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Day 5: Enormous elephants
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 – a memorable highlight of your Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam tour adventures. Enjoy the many amenities of your resort at leisure this afternoon before dinner at a cooking school.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Day 6: Hello Hanoi
Your Vietnam tour begins as you fly to historic Hanoi today and transfer to your hotel, the Hilton Hanoi 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 tour is a ride by cyclo through the back streets 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. 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 tour 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
Take in the scenery along the Vietnam 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, a popular Vietnam tour destination. En route, visit the open-air Cham Museum to view a remarkable collection of sculpture created by Vietnam’s Cham people, whose culture dates back to the 5th century AD. 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 the shores of the South China Sea.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Furama Resort Da Nang, Vietnam
Day 10: Historic Hoi An
You’ve experienced a variety of local transportation during your Vietnam tour. Today, you’ll travel by cyclo through Hoi An, a South China Sea trading port in the 15th through 19th centuries, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. View the red-painted Japanese Covered Bridge – the three Chinese characters over the door mean “bridge for passers-by from afar” – and visit 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.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Furama Resort Da Nang, Vietnam
Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City
Your Vietnam tour continues as you travel by plane to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon), Vietnam’s second-largest city. See the former Presidential Palace, now called Reunification Hall, and 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 & 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 housed kitchens, dormitories, munitions factories, hospitals, and schoolrooms. See more of Ho Chi Minh City on your own in the afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: Sheraton Saigon Hotel and Towers, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Day 13: Ancient wonders
This morning, depart Vietnam and fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia for a two-night stay at 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.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Day 14: Khmer legacies
Ta Prohm Temple almost seems to be a part of the jungle that surrounds it. Dating from 1186, it was originally built as a Buddhist university and monastery and it continues to captivate visitors today. 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. A cruise on Tonle Sap Lake reveals fascinating floating villages. Please join us for our farewell dinner featuring local entertainment this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Day 15: Beguiling Banteay Srei
The charming pink sandstone Temple of Banteay Srei is one of the most unusual that you’ll see during your Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam tour. 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. Fly back to Bangkok to get a good night’s sleep before your flight home.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok, Thailand
Day 16: Homeward Bound
Tauck’s Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam tour ends in Bangkok. A transfer from the Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport 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
Our Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam tour fills quickly!
Reserve your place 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. A representative of Tauck will meet you at Bangkok International Airport and provide transportation to Shangri-La Hotel in Bangkok, regardless of the day or time of your arrival, provided we have received accurate flight arrival information at least two weeks prior to the start of your tour. Tauck will also provide transportation from on is also provided from Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport regardless of the day or time of your departure.
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 – Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand 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.
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 – Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand 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 – Eight 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, 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 the Tauck Protection Plan 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.
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 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 publication.
Journey Start and End Times are provided at the time of booking. The tour begins at 6:00 PM with a Welcome Reception at the Shangri-La Hotel in Bangkok on the first day of the tour. You or your booking agent will be advised of any change to this schedule. The tour ends when you check out of the Novotel Suvarnabhumi hotel. Tauck will provide transportation to Suvarnabhumi International Airport. We suggest you to allow at least 2½ hours for flight 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. 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 8 on-tour flights (on the 16-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.
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.
Health – This Southeast Asia tour is very active and includes 8 on-tour flights (on the 16-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.
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.
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 varies by destination and 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 Tauck, 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
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 varies by destination and 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 Tauck, 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 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.
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 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 ample 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 Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia.
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 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 the itinerary have currency exchange desks with the exception of La Résidence Hôtel in Hué City. 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 – Each country visited has its own Customs clearing process. You should familiarize yourself with Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand’s specific required declarations before you travel. In general, you are not permitted to bring live plants, fresh fruits and other produce items into most countries.
Customs and Tax-Free Shopping – Each country visited has its own Customs clearing process. You should familiarize yourself with Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand’s specific required declarations before you travel. In general, you are not permitted to bring live plants, fresh fruits and other produce items into most countries.
Vietnam – Customs.gov
Cambodia – Customs.gov
Thailand – Customs.gov
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.
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.
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.
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). None of these countries observe Daylight Savings Time. In June, Hanoi, Chiang Mai and Bangkok are 11 hours ahead of New York City. 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.
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 observe Daylight Savings Time. In June, Hanoi, Chiang Mai and Bangkok are 11 hours ahead of New York City. 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.
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|
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
|
Hong Kong, Chin
|
||
|
|
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
|
||
|
|
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
|
||
|
|
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 read about 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 a Tauck Protection Plan.
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
Did you know that you can link-up Tauck itineraries to create longer journeys? Many of these trips are in the same region, and depending upon availability you might connect with them before or after your trip. Alternatively, you might find one of these options better suited for your interests and preferences or for when you are available to travel.
You might also be interested in ...China, the Yangtze River and Hong Kong
International Air Savings! A China travel adventure takes you from ancient cities and tranquil country villages to a spellbinding 3-night cruise on the Yangtze River. Venerable traditions and compelling landscapes combine to bring you the best of Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an and Hong Kong.Essence of Japan
International Air Savings! Traditional arts, tranquil gardens, colorful pagodas, and ancient shrines are just some of the Japan travel experiences on Tauck's comprehensive vacation that takes in Kyoto and Tokyo, as well as off-the-beaten-track villages in the countryside.A Portrait of India
Tauck's ultimate India tour gives you access to an exotic realm, north and south, of lavish palaces, inspiring antiquities, and spiritual rituals, where you ride elephants and trishaws, and stay at a luxury resort overlooking the spectacular Taj Mahal.
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