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February Departure
Chinese New Year, known as Tet in Vietnam, coincides with our February departure. Tet dates are 09-17 February 2013. This celebration, bringing in the Year of the Snake, and is a major holiday in Vietnam during which normal services are disrupted.
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We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
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The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
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Local Crew: Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, the Tour Leaders may organise a group’s tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.
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Accordingly, you should allow US$35.
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Tour Leader: At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.
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Up-to-date information on global exchange rates can be obtained at www.oanda.com
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| UK | Cambodia | Vietnam | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tea/Coffee | £1.50 | $1.00 | $1.50 |
| Soft Drink | £1.50 | $1.00 | $1.00 |
| Bottled Water | £1.50 | $1.00 | $0.70 |
| Bottle of Beer | £3.50 | $2.20 | $2.40 |
| 2 Course Meal* | £15.00 | $10.00 | $10.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** | £20.00 | $13.00 | $15.00 |
| Bottle of Wine | £14.50 | ||
| Breakfast | £5.00 | $3.50 |
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
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Vietnam: An entry visa is required by UK, CAN, AUS, NZ and USA and must be applied for before departing for Vietnam. All other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
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Cambodia: An entry visa is required by all nationalities and is obtained on arrival. You will need one passport photo and US$20. Alternatively you can now obtain an e-visa prior to departure from www.mfaic.gov.kh for US$25.
In addition take one passport sized photo for the Angkor pass.
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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
Back to topNothing compulsory, we recommend protection against malaria, typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, polio and hepatitis A. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. Although not compulsory travellers may also wish to immunise themselves against Japanese encephalitis.
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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
Back to topWe strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
Back to topDecember to February is normally dry with temperatures ranging from 10°C-20°C. March to April is a transitional period into the summer months of May to September: hot and humid (around 27°C-33°C with some heavy rain and possible storms). Autumn temperatures October-November are once again transitional (15°C-20°C). Temperatures in Saigon and Cambodia are 15°C-35°C all year round.
Back to topSeasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
Back to topTo assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
Back to topOne main lockable bag/case, an overnight bag for your trips to Halong Bay and the Mekong delta when your main luggage is left behind and a daypack. Total allowance: 44lbs/20kgs.
Please remember that you are expected to carry your own luggage so dont overload yourself.
For an exclusively designed Explore Trek Bag, follow the relevant link at www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
Back to topDecember through to February warmer clothing is needed for the North. Days are hot and humid. Lightweight rainwear essential at all times.The northern region is cold at night during the winter.
Back to topComfortable shoes, trainers and sandals.
Back to topTorch and mosquito repellent
Back to topFor an exclusively designed Explore Medical Kit, visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
Back to topThen we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
Back to topPlease note that all customers booked on the group flight for 2011 departures of this tour will spend an extra night in Siem Reap before flying back to the UK.
Back to topArea: Vietnam:329,566 sq km.
Cambodia: 181,035 sq km.
Language: Vietnam: Vietnamese. Cambodia: Khmer.
Religion: Vietnam: Buddhism is the principal religion but there are also sizeable Taoist, Confucian, Hoa Hao, Caodaists, Muslim and Christian minorities. Cambodia: Mainly Buddhist, but also Cham Muslim and Roman Catholic.
Local Time: GMT +7.
Electric Supply & Plugs: Vietnam: 220v (some areas 110v) with two round pin plugs. Cambodia: 230v with Flat blade attachment plug or flat blades with round grounding pin.
Back to topRecommended Maps: Nelles Verlag: Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos (1:1,500,000), International Travel Map of Vietnam (1:1,000,000);
Recommended Books: Norman Lewis: A Dragon Apparent, Karin Muller: Hitchhiking Vietnam, Graham Greene: The Quiet American, Robert Mason: Chickenhawk, John Pilger: Heroes, Neil Sheehan: A Bright Shining Lie & Two Cities: Hanoi and Saigon, Lonely Planet Guide to Vietnam; Viet Nam – A History written by Stanley Karnow published by Pimlico (1994, revised and updated)
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