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Hanoi-Ninh Binh-Sapa
Designed with great variety, these trips are geared towards travellers searching for a healthy mix of active exploration,
uncommon landscapes and local cultures cultures in the North of Vietnam.
Introduction
From the intensity of Hanoian streets to spectacular, cultural and historical delights. Join our afternoon Hanoi
Walkie Talkie Food Tour we don't just take you around Ha Noi's hottest spots - we delve deeper into its historical
past, revealing the hidden charms of Hanoi. Meet Hmong people and other minority villagers in Sapa on a hilltribe
excursion and row into the photographic possibilities of beautiful breathtaking Ninh Binh Hoa Lu Tam Coc in
an Sampan boat on the Dong River together with the services of our guides and your accommodation and
transport is all taken care of. This trip offers great value as it introduces the region’s main sights, real homestay,
trekking & biking, providing plenty of flexibility so you can experience an adventure you'll never forget.
With this trip, we have built our reputation!
BRIEF ITINERARY
Day 1: Hanoi
Pick up from the airport. Welcome to Hanoi. (Optional visiting Water Puppet Performance | VIP massage
treatment)
Day 2: Hanoi - Ninh Binh Hoa Lu Tam Coc - Hanoi (breakfast, lunch included)
Explore the beautiful breathtaking Ninh Binh Hoa Lu Tam Coc in an Sampan boat on the Dong River
Day 3: Hanoi - Sapa (breakfast, dinner included)
Join our Hanoi Walkie Talkie Food Tour, Overnight bus to Lao Cai - Sapa (Optional by overnight train)
Day 4: Sapa - Ta Van village (breakfast, lunch included)
Meet Hmong people and other minority villagers in Sapa on a hilltribe excursion overnight in a real homestay
Day 5: Ta Van Village - Sapa - Hanoi (breakfast, lunch & dinner included)
Continue our trek to visit the Red Dao people in Giang Ta Chai village, return to Hanoi by overnight bus (Optional
by overnight train)
Day 6: Hanoi - (breakfast included)
Enjoy your breakfast at your hotel. Transfer to airport. End trip (Optional to book other packages or stay longer in
Hanoi)
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ITINERARY DETAILS
With this trip, we have built our reputation!
Designed with great variety, these trips are geared towards travellers searching for a healthy mix of active
exploration, uncommon landscapes and local cultures.
TOUR INFORMATIONThe information below is intended to assist you as you consider your travel options for
Vietnam with Friends Travel Vietnam. In addition to the detailed itinerary each tour has been supported with
some useful information to provide you with an overview of your accommodation & meals, all things money,
passports, visas, vaccinations, insurance, clothing, personal equipment and much more to help you with your
travel preparations.
Day 1: Noi Bay Airport - HanoiOur driver picks you up from the airport and arrive in bustling Hanoi, the
capital of Vietnam. As you can arrive at various time, depends on your flight.
We overnight in the city center of Hanoi. Our hotel is located in an Old Quarter. All rooms are double or twin
share with air conditioning and en suite bathroom. Free-Wifi and a computer are available in the lobby
Inclusion:
Accommodation: Golden Lotus Hotel
Room: (standard room) upgrade on request
Transportation: Private car with A/C
Meals: not included
Optional Rice Wine & Dinner Tour
Day 2: Hanoi- Ninh Binh- Hoa Lu- Tam Coc (B, L, D)
7:45
Tour guide will meet you at your hotel for the 2 hours bus trip to Ninh Binh.
10:00
Arriving at Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
10:15
Visiting King Dinh and King Le’s temples
11:30
Arriving in Tam Coc Wharf
11:45
Enjoy Vietnamese Cuisine buffet lunch
13:00
Getting on Sampan boats through caves and visiting countryside landscape
15:45
Biking to Bich Dong on country road
16:00
Getting on shuttle bus to go back to Hanoi
18:30
Arrive Hanoi trip ends at your hotel
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Accommodation: Golden Lotus Hotel
Room: (standard room) upgrade on request
Transportation: Private car with A/C
Meals: Breakfast, lunch , dinner
Others: Entrance fees, boat trip
Optional Rice Wine & Dinner Tour
Day 3: Hanoi City Food Tour - Overnight bus to Sapa (B-D)
AM
Free & Easy.
PM
After check out hotel, at 13:00 our tour guide will pick you up for Walkie Talkie tour . We don't just
take you around Ha Noi's hottest spots - we delve deeper into its historical past, revealing the
hidden secrets and giving you the 'Insider’s Guide' to life in our awe-inspiring city.
It's a feast for every sense - the sights, sounds & smells - and not forgetting tasty treats we have in
store for you along the way.
We'd love to tell you more, but as this is Hanoi's only unscripted and interactive tour...you're just
going to have to join us!.
17:00
Dinner
18:00
Pick up by our guide for your overnight sleeper bus to Sapa
Inclusion:
Transportation: Sleeper bus A/C to Sapa*
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Tour: Hanoi Walkie Talkie Food Tour
Drink & snacks: coffee, tea, fruit salad & snacks
*Optional: With overnight sleeper train + 30 USD$/p per way
Day 4: Sapa-Y Linh Ho-Lao Chai-Tavan (B-L-D)
On arrival at Hotel in Sapa you'll be offered a refreshing shower and enjoy breakfast with stunning views of Sapa
town and the Muong Hoa valley.Your private local Hmong tour guide will meet you after breakfast at around 9
am. On your request (own expenses +/- 3 USD$) our guide can arrange to transport your luggage to the
homestay in Ta Van.
The new day will be started with the visit to Lao Cai and Ta Van village down in Muong Hoa valley. 10 km walk,
visit three villages of different minorities.
Enjoy the spectacular views of the beautiful valley towards Fansipan – highest peak in Viet Nam and Indochina.
Trek through the village of Black H’mong ethnic minority to learn the way people weaving and embroidering their
clothes, keep going down to enjoy colourful rice paddy fields and reach Ta Van village where the Dzay ethnic
people inhabited.
We’ll have a filling lunch on the way and dinner in a traditional house in Ta Van. We overnight in a homestay with
a local family.
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Accommodation: Local Homestay
Transportation: A/C Private & Group transporation
Treking distance: 10 KM moderate level 3
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Guide: English speaking local Hmong tour guide
Others: Entrance fees
Day 5: Tavan - Sapa-Overnight bus to Hanoi (B-L)
After a traditional breakfast we leave Ta Van and continue our trek to visit the Red Dao people in Giang Ta Chai
village. We pass some stunning scenery and a lovely waterfall along our route. As their name suggests, red is
used extensively in the Red Dao women’s clothing and scarves.
Our journey leads us along the small paths edging the rice fields, across the Muong Hoa River and lunch will be
on the way at a fantastic spot. We’ll head back to Ta Van after our second amazing trekking in the early
afternoon where we can enjoy are time before the taxi will bring you back to the hotel in Sapa where you can
enjoy a refreshing shower and dinner before taking bus back to Hanoi.
Inclusion:
Transportation: Sleeper bus A/C to Hanoi*
*Optional: With overnight sleeper train + 30 USD$/p per way
Other transportation: A/C Private & Group transporation
Treking distance: 8 KM moderate level 3
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Guide: English speaking local Hmong tour guide
Others: Entrance fees
Day 6: Hanoi Departure (B)
Transportation: A private car with A/C
Meal: Breakfast at your hotel
Enjoy your last day in Hanoi.
Private airport transfer provided for your next destination. End of services
Dietary or special food request
In order to take care of your special food request we would like you to inform us by email in
advance. [email protected]
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Dossier Disclaimer
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The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However
it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary
featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries
change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it
can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us
altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience.
Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous
brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days
prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into
the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we
never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can
be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific
destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition
trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
Important Notes
Please note that this trip is a combination of multiple Friends Travel Vietnam’s package tours. As such, the staff
and/or particular vehicles operating your tour may change between tour segments. You may also expect some
group members to join or leave the tour, between tour segments.
In some major cities in Vietnam, many hotel rooms do not have windows.
There may be a weight restriction for the internal flight on this tour. Each passenger is allowed to carry one
checked bag with a maximum weight of 20 kg. Additional bags or excess weight charges may apply. These
charges are the responsibility of the passengers.
Tour guide Description
All Friends Travel Vietnam’s group packages trips are accompanied by one of our tour guides following our
itinerary to help you to have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling
through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to
our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general
knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also
use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visitingwe think it's the best of both worlds.
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Group Size Notes
Max 24, Ninh Binh Hoa Lu Tam Coc
Sapa Max 12 persons
Meals Included
5 breakfasts, 3 lunch, 2 dinners.
Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. Friends Travel Vietnam understands the importance of breakfast to start your
day, we strive to include a basic breakfast wherever possible. A typical breakfast may include toast, coffee and
tea, however, they may also be Asian style, consisting of noodles, congee (rice porridge), bread or eggs; this may
vary depending on the city we're visiting. Vegetarians will be able to find a range of different foods, although in
some areas the choice maybe limited. Should breakfast not be included, your GL can suggest some local options.
Travelling with Friends Travel Vietnam’s you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in
the world. Generally all meals are included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you
the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting
flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety
of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your GL will be able to
suggest favorite restaurants during your trip. While trekking in remote regions, food is included, plentiful and
made of fresh local ingredients. For all trips, please refer to the meals included and budget information.
For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Personal allowances
Approximate costs (per person) for popular optional activities taken in free time and personal expenses.
Allow 100 - 150 $USD, depends on personal spendings
What's Included?
Hanoi
- Hotel (Optional: Standard | Deluxe | Luxury)
- Hanoi Walkie Talkie Food Tour
- - English speaking guide
Sapa
- Trekking tour, 2 days
- Homestay
- English speaking Hmong guide
- Bus tickets (2 ways softsleeper)
- English speaking guide
Ninh Binh Hoa Lu Tam Coc
- Biking
- Rowing boat trip
- Visit temple
- Entrée fees
- Buffet lunch
Others
- All indicated in our itinerary
- Meals 5xB, 3xL, 2xD
- Airport Pick-up & drop off
- All transfer
- All entree fees
Kinds of transportations
Sleeper bus, local bus, air-con bus, walking, cyclo,
boat.
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About our Transportation
Train travel in Vietnam is very basic and train cleanliness is often not a priority for train staff. Sleeper trains
normally have 4 seats per compartment, which convert into sleeping bunks (two upper and two lower). A sheet,
pillow and blanket are provided, although many people prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet. At times,
passengers of different genders may be required to share a sleeper train berth and/or share a compartment with
people not travelling in your group.
Simple food is available on the train but many people like to stock up on freshly baked bread, cheese and fruit
prior to departure. Water should also be bought before the journey.
Train journeys in Vietnam are an experience and allow you to get a real taste of Vietnam.
Accommodation
Hotels (2 night), sleeper bus (2 nights), homestay (1 night.
Hotel
* Please always check your hotel voucher for your stay in Hanoi
AIRPORT TRANSFER
If you have purchased an arrival through Friends Travel Vietnam or if an arrival transfer is included in the cost of
your tour, please note that:
Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight
schedule change within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, we will do our best to rearrange your arrival
transfer however we cannot guarantee this. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you
have exited the arrivals area please take a taxi to your start point hotel.
Airport Pick up Instructions
When arriving at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi you will be picked up by our driver. The airport is 35 km
outside of the city and the drive should take between 40-50 minutes depending on traffic.
WARNING - Please be wary of drivers and illegal taxi drivers. They will try and coax you away from the main
airport taxi services and then charge a much increased price either in US Dollar or get you to change money into
Vietnamese Dong before you understand the exchange rate and thus charge you at least twice the going rate.
Your booking included airport pick- up, our driver will have your name details and you will recognize our logo and
booking details.
Unfortunately there have been cases in Vietnam of people misrepresenting themselves as Friends Travel Vietnam
representatives at both Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh airports.
We recommend that you do not take advantage of any offers of "help" at the airport.
Please check that your driver knows your name and the hotel you are going to. If in doubt ask them to ring us to
confirm your transfer.
If you are unable to locate our Friends Travel Vietnam’s representative, please wait up to 10 minutes, call our
local staff on our emergency number and wait for further instructions.
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Arrival Complications
We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip
as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a
message for us (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this
dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details.
Emergency Contact
Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the Friends Travel
Vietnam Local Representative (if one is listed below) or our Friends Travel Vietnam Local Office. If for any reason
you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may
return your call and assist you as soon as possible.
What to Take
What you need to bring depends on the trip you have chosen and the countries or regions you are planning to
visit. We suggest that you pack as lightly as possible as your are expected to carry your own luggage. As a rule
we try not to have to walk more than 15-20 minutes with your bags which is why we recommend keeping the
weight of your bags between 15-20kg. Suitcases are not recommended for Friends Travel Vietnam trips! Most
travellers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size (no XXL ones please!) as they need to fit under
the beds when travelling on sleeper trains. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras and other
electronics like ipods and mobile phones. If your trip involves overnights in homestays, villages or camping then
you usually have the opportunity to rent sleeping bags if need be instead of bringing them with you.
Checklist
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Passport (with photocopies)
Travel insurance (with photocopies)
Airline tickets (with photocopies)
USD cash (small denominations preferred)
Credit or debit card (see personal
spending money)
Friends Travel Vietnam vouchers, predeparture information and dossier
Any entry visas, additional passport
photos or vaccination certificates required
Alarm clock
Flashlight
Sun hat, sunblock, sunglasses
Insect repellent
Small towel and swim wear
Toiletries (biodegradable)
Sturdy walking shoes/sport sandals
Money belt
Shorts
Long trousers
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Shirts/T-shirts
Warm clothes for Nov-Feb. Hat, gloves,
fleece, windproof/waterproof jacket
Waterproof clothes for wet season MayOct. Umbrella or waterproof jacket
Cover for backpack or plastic bags to
keep clothes dry
Clothes for temples – long pants or
sarongs
Camera and film
Reading/writing material
Binoculars
First-aid kit (should contain lip salve,
aspirin, band aids, anti-histamine,
Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases
of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra
prescription drugs you may be taking)
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Laundry
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or
have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
Visas
Please note that visas for Vietnam, are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for
your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. For the most up to date
information
please
check
with
us.
It
is
important
that
you
check
for
yourself
VIETNAM - Visas for Vietnam need to be arranged ahead of time (before your trip) as the processing time
varies. Vietnam Visas are not available at the border. Visas are not available on arrival at the airport unless
arranged with us for a visa letter on arrival.
Some nationalities don't require a Visa for Vietnam for shorter stays - please contact us for up to date
entry/exit requirements.
*Please have extra USD on hand in case the customs officials charge more at the border crossing.
Please be aware that you will require 2 or 3 clean pages (minimum) in your passport and at least 6 months
validity.
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink
more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own
spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the
following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Money Exchange
During this tour the local currency you will use is the Vietnamese Dong. As currency exchange rates in South
East Asia do fluctuate, we ask that you refer to the following website for the most up to date daily exchange
rates: www.xe.com for each of the above mentioned currencies. The best way to carry your money is in debit
or credit cards, withdrawing cash in local currencies from ATM machines. ATMs are found throughout South
East Asia and will generally accept cards on the Visa and Mastercard networks. It is a great idea to travel with
both a Visa and Mastercard if at all possible in case of loss or problems with one card, you will have a back-up.
Please note, your bank will charge a fee for overseas withdrawals. USD Cash is recommended for times when
ATMs are not accessible. You should bring some cash with you for emergency situations (please refer to our
trip dossier) but carrying only cash is a high safety risk. ATM card/s and some cash is the ideal mix. Travellers
cheques can be tricky, timely and expensive to exchange. While we do not recommend that you bring them as
your primary source of funds, it is great to have one or two cheques in case of emergency. Thomas Cook or
American Express travellers' cheques in US currency are the easiest to exchange. Cash advances can also be
made with some banks but are time consuming and tend to have high fees attached. Credit cards can be used
at some upmarket restaurants, and at some larger stores if shopping for big items. If you are bringing US
Dollars, please make sure that the notes are new and in good condition. Notes older than 2003, or with any
tears or blemishes may not be accepted. Be fussy with your bank when buying cash!
Emergency Fund
Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $250 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency'
fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our
planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
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Departure Tax
Departure Tax is included in all International and Domestic tickets in Vietnam.
Tipping
It is customary in Asia to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the
service. Tipping is expected - though not compulsory - and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people
who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance
to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where
there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. You may do this individually, or as a group.
Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $1.5-$3.5 USD per person per day
depending on the quality and length of the service Also at the end of each trip if you felt your Friends Travel
Vietnam’s Tour Guides did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated.
Optional Activities
PERSONALIZE MY TRIP
Our trip designers work very hard to assemble the life-altering experiences that fill this brochure. That said,
our travellers are a diverse group driven by all sorts of different tastes, motivations and interests. What’s a trip
designer to do? The solution? Extras! Specially designed for travellers with unique interests, Extras are optional
add-ons to your Friends Travel Vietnam trip that make your adventure more you-centric. Extras must be
booked prior to departure.
Extras
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available on this trip:
Hello Hanoi!
Halong Bay 1 day Extension
Discover North Vietnam
The Hill Tribes of Northern Vietnam
Discover Central Vietnam
Ba Be Experience
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Discover South Vietnam
Adventure Cave Experience
Complete Holiday Packages
Amazing Mekong Delta Experience
Other Tour Around Vietnam
Note: If the Extra is on the arrival or departure day we strongly recommend booking an additional night.
Place to visit on our own
Hoa Lo Prison- aka ‘Hanoi Hilton’ (Hanoi)- USD1
Museum of Ethnology (Hanoi)- USD1 plus transport +USD12
Temple of Literature (Hanoi)- USD1
Fine Arts Museum (Hanoi) - USD1
Women's Museum (Hanoi) - USD1
Army Museum (Hanoi)- USD2
Taxi to each museum - approx USD3
Cyclo tour (Hanoi- USD5 per hour
Vietnamese massage (Hanoi) – USD8 per hour
All prices are per person (unless stated otherwise), and are subject to change.
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Health
Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your
travel
doctor
for
up
to
date
medical
travel
information
well
before
departure.
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We
recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal
medical requirements. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical
facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including
headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. In Asia pharmacies tend to stock the same western drugs as you get at
home but they are usually produced locally so please bring the full drug name with you when trying to
purchase a prescription drug. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and
assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for
trip specific information. Friends Travel Vietnam reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a
trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our GL they are unable to complete the itinerary without
undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.
Trip Specific Safety
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your
passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques (only changeable at the banks), cash and other valuable items. Leave
your valuable jewelry at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety
deposit boxes which are the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing
your luggage.
Be aware that petty theft can be an issue in some Vietnamese towns and cities especially late at night. A
common tactic is opportunists on motorbikes that drive by and snatch bags. Please always leave valuables and
passports etc in your hotel, in safety boxes if available, and only carry with you enough cash to spend for the
day. Bags should always be carried over the neck and not left to sit on your shoulder.
Protests and Demonstrations- Protests and demonstrations, even those that are well intended, have the
potential to turn violent with no warning. Counter protests can also turn violent. Action by security forces to
disperse demonstrators and protesters may occur at any time. If you are in an area where demonstrators or
protesters are gathering, avoid the temptation of staying for a good photo opportunity and leave the area
immediately. This is a rare occurrence!
Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only
participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to
ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities has a balanced approach to safety. It is
our policy not to allow our tour guides to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are
not accompanied by professional guided guides.
Swimming, is always at your own risk.
We take all prudent measures in relation to your safety.
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Medical Form
Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a
minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility' is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers
must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats,
and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to
complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that
travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our GLs
work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help
individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings in this Trip
A Couple of Rules
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the
land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some
parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards
everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The
exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our GLs have the right to expel any
member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.
A Word of Warning
As Vietnam embraces capitalism with open arms it is also falling victim to some of the problems of the West.
Some parts of city centres are now a favorite hangout for pickpockets. If doing some exploring on your own
carry only the necessary minimum with you and use a well-hidden money belt. Valuables, including your
passport, should be left in the hotel safe - organize this at reception. There is no need to get paranoid, just be
cautious.
Please do not buy gems in Vietnam unless you know what you are doing. Even if genuine you should not
expect to be able to sell them at home. If you fall victim to a gem scam, we are unable to assist you.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you
will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by our online sales
department, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear
in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000
for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability,
cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require
proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your
bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Local Dress
In Vietnam the dress standard is more conservative than it is back home. When packing try to pick loose,
lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate. We ask that you dress
respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting temples, pagodas or other
holy sites.
Payment Policy:
Full payment is required by credit card via our website or via bank transfer 21 days before departure.
Currency Exchange Rates
Friends Travel Vietnam actively manages currency risks associated with a weakening US dollar. Unlike most
other travel companies, we insulate our guests from exchange rate risk by locking in the trip cost at the time
of booking. In other words, no currency supplements will be assessed should the dollar decline prior to your
departure.
Cancellations and Refunds
If you must cancel your trip (or any portion thereof), a cancellation charge will apply; refunds depend on the
timing of the cancellation. Friends Travel Vietnam cannot refund you for any unused accommodations,
services, or features. For more details, please see the terms and conditions for this trip, along with the
Limitation of Liability agreement in your pre-departure packet.
En-Route Flights and Stopovers:
Travel to Vietnam/from Your Halong Bay - Sapa Experience Trip
Our trip cost does not include transportation between your home city and the Halong Bay - Sapa Experience
trip (starting in Hanoi and ending in Hanoi). We encourage you to take advantage of Friends Travel Vietnam’s
complimentary, full-service, in-house, air-ticketing department, whose staff comes with decades of experience
arranging complex travel to remote destinations. Not only do we offer professional travel planning
consultation, particularly helpful in the event of delayed or canceled flights. We’ll make every effort to secure
the best possible fare and routing for you. (Unfortunately we cannot initiate frequent flyer bookings, but we
are able to assist you with frequent flyer ticketing upgrades.)
Reserving early is the key to securing the airlines, routings, seating, and departure times you desire.
Feel free to contact us with questions about routings, fares, and even trip extensions—we’re happy to assist
you with these arrangements as well. If you have pre- and post-trip extension plans, please notify us
immediately.
If you are booking your own air travel, it is essential that you give us your flight schedule at least 30 days prior
to your departure so that we may confirm your arrival and departure hotels.
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Important Note on the Itinerary
While we endeavor to make the itinerary as accurate as possible, it should be considered an approximate
schedule of activities rather than a rigid schedule of events. We are constantly looking for ways to improve our
trips, and advance reconnaissance may present opportunities for superior routing or activities with minimal
advance notice. Trip itineraries are also subject to revision due to weather, road and trail conditions,
government restrictions, and other factors beyond our control.
Pre-departure | Vietnam Handbook
After signing up for a trip, you will receive a detailed Handbook of Vietnam with information on health and
safety, travel documents, recommended clothing, background information, and suggested reading specific to
your destination and others
Trip Grade/Comfort Level
Moderate touring with moderate day hikes through some remote areas with limited tourist infrastructure.
There are 2 days of hiking incorporated into the itinerary. Hiking is at altitudes less than 1450 meters and
range in lengths of 5-7 hours with some moderate ascents, following dirt paths, sometimes through rice paddy
fields and valleys. Hikes may involve some muddy paths and slippery rocks, so hiking boots with ankle support
and good treads are recommended. To enjoy day hikes to the fullest, participants should be in good physical
condition Drives might be along mostly paved roads, although a few are still bumpy dirt roads.
Your hotel in Hanoi is quite luxurious, however in Ta Van you’re staying 1 night in a basic simple local
homestay with Hmong family which will be basic with mattresses on the floor. Linens, blankets and mosquito
netting will be provided. Toilets and hot water are available. Be prepared however to encounter odd plumbing,
an occasional power outage, and varying, though pleasant service. Private house option for the choice of
Deluxe or Luxury has all basics necessaries.
Participants should be aware that while part of the joy of traveling off the beaten path in an developed region
such as Sapa in northern Vietnam is its special quality of seclusion, however travelers’ amenities may be rustic
or sparse.
Feedback
After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give
you 5% off the price of your next Friends Travel Vietnam trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30
days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your
trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line
at [email protected] and we will send it on to you.
Check our TripAdvisor Reviews
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g293924-d6732725-ReviewsFriends_Travel_Vietnam_Day_Tours-Hanoi.html
Newsletter
Our Friends Travel Vietnam adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting
stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from Friends Travel Vietnam,
subscribe at [email protected]
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EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS 24/7
Friends Travel Vietnam
During Office hours (Weekdays & weekends, 9am-5pm Local Time)
From outside Vietnam: +84(0)43-999-68-11
From within Vietnam: 043-999-68-11
After hours emergency number
From outside Vietnam: +84(0)43-999-68-11 | +84(0) 904-329-289 | +84(0)934-542-703
From within Vietnam: 0944-017-090
If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please mail listed below.
[email protected] | [email protected] | [email protected]
Booking Office:
Address: 2 Hang Buom street, District Hoan kiem [Old Quarter], Hanoi, Vietnam
Phone 24/7: +84(0)43-999-68-11
Fax: +84(0)436-473-296
Our opening hours from 8 AM till 8 PM, UTC/GMT +7 hours
Mobile Mr. Sidney: +84(0) 904-329-289
Email: [email protected]
Mobile Mr. Eric: +84(0)934-542-703
Email: [email protected]
Mobile Ms. Thao +84(0)944-017-090
Email: [email protected]
Other emails
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.friendstravelvietnam.com
Head Office:
Address: No 29, Quynh Lan 2, Vinh Quynh, Thanh Tri, Hanoi
Phone: +84(0)436-473-295
Fax: +84(0)436-473-296
Email: [email protected]
Friends Travel TM Company Limited
Business License No.: 0105925933
Issued by The Planning and Investment Department of Hanoi City
International Tour Operator License: 01-646/2014/TCDL-GP LHQT
Issued by Vietnam National Administration of Tourism
Note: to visit the head office only works on appointments for all contacts please visit our booking office
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