Tour Description

Uncover layers of history, long-held cultural traditions and cuisine that’s bursting with flavour on this nine-day trip to Vietnam and Cambodia that’s made for families with curious teens. Kick off in bustling Ho Chi Minh City, then spend a day getting to know historic Cu Chi before crossing the border into Cambodia. Encounter wildlife during a visit to Cambodia’s largest elephant sanctuary, a boat ride on the Mekong to see endangered Irrawaddy dolphins and a meet-and-greet with clever Gambian pouched rats who are helping detect landmines. Plus, go on active adventures like cycling on Koh Trong Island and ziplining at the mighty Angkor archaeological site – there’s so much to soak up on this family-friendly journey.

Priced From:

$ 2620.00pp ^*

Valid From: 01JAN2027

Valid To: 31DEC2027

Start Location: Ho Chi Minh City

End Location: Siem Reap

Countries: Cambodia, Vietnam,

Tour Advisors

Beccy Hayes

Travel Specialist

Tiffany McCrea-Lennon

Managing Director

Russell Mein

Travel Specialist

Caitlin Lennon

Travel Coordinator

Gaylyn Murdoch

Administration Manager

Holly Skene

Travel Co-ordinator

Kim Thomas

Broker

Highlights

Spend a day immersed in Vietnamese cuisine and history in Cu Chi. Learn to cook traditional dishes during a farm-to-table cooking class, then take a guided tour of the fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels.

Volunteer at the Elephant Valley Project. Go on a hike to see the gentle giants that call this sanctuary home, learn about the traditions and culture of the local Indigenous Bunong people and help with reforestation or building projects.

Take a boat ride on the Mekong River in Kratie to spot the rare and endangered Irrawaddy dolphins, considered a sacred animal by the Khmer people.

Stay with a local family on Koh Trong Island – the perfect chance to slow down and experience authentic Cambodian life.

Explore the incredible temples of Angkor from the back of a tuk-tuk, then fly through the canopy of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed archaeological park on a zipline.

Itinerary

Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. Your adventure begins in Ho Chi Minh City. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 5 pm tonight to meet your trip leader and the other families you’ll be travelling with. If you arrive early, why not get out and about in Vietnam’s largest city, formerly known as Saigon. Go for a stroll to see some of the city’s most iconic landmarks like the People’s Committee Building, the Opera House and the French-era Central Post Office, or head to a cafe to try the famous Saigon ca phe sua da (iced coffee with condensed milk). After the meeting, get to know your fellow travellers over a welcome dinner of delicious southern Vietnamese cuisine.

Have a leisurely morning before taking a private bus to the Spice Garden in Cu Chi for a farm-to-table cooking class. See how the organic produce is grown and harvested at this community-run garden, then head into the kitchen and learn to prepare some authentic local dishes like Vietnamese pizza (a crispy rice paper base topped with egg, spring onion and sausage), banh xeo (crispy, savoury pancakes filled with meat, seafood or mung beans and served with a tangy sauce) or fresh spring rolls. The kids will love getting their hands dirty in the kitchen, and you’ll go home with a new recipe to cook together. Tuck into your freshly prepared feast for lunch, then hop back into the bus, headed to the Cu Chi Tunnels for a guided tour. This extensive underground network was initially dug by the Viet Minh and later expanded by the Viet Cong, spanning about 200 km (124 mi). They were used to house hospitals, dwellings and schools and were extensively used for refuge, storage and as a military base. After, travel to Tay Ninh – this mountainous province is known for the ornate Cao Dai Temple and the Black Virgin Mountain, the highest peak in southern Vietnam.

Today is a long travel day, so make sure you and the kids are set up with plenty of good books or playlists for the drive. Travel to the Xa Mat Border and cross through the Trapang Phlong border into Cambodia. Continue the drive to your hotel, stopping for lunch on the way. When you arrive in Sen Monorom, you’ll join your leader for an orientation walk through the city. Sen Monorom is the capital of Cambodia’s Mondulkiri province and is filled with picturesque waterfalls, hills and forests. After the walk, head out for dinner with your leader and the other families.

Spend a full day coming face-to-face with gentle giants at the Elephant Valley Project. This was the first elephant sanctuary established in Cambodia and is the region’s largest, providing more than 1500 hectares of forest, grassland, rivers and bamboo groves for the seven elephants in the sanctuary’s care to roam. You’ll have an early start, kicking off your day with a guided hike where you’ll learn about elephant welfare as well as the traditions and culture of the local Indigenous Bunong people. Observe these incredible creatures as they go about their daily activities – these elephants have all either suffered from injuries or were former working elephants and are in the process of rehabilitation. Your hike will finish up at the forest basecamp, set in a valley with a view over the neighbouring 300,000-hectare Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary. Tuck into a buffet lunch prepared by local Bunong cooks, then enjoy some time to lounge in a hammock and really soak up your surroundings. In the afternoon, you’ll play your part by doing some volunteering. Depending on the season, you might help with reforestation or small building projects.

Go on a coffee farm tour this morning. Walk through the coffee nursery, plantation and processing facilities as you learn about growing, harvesting and processing coffee from bean to cup. Taste a fresh brew for yourself while sitting on the mountains, taking in views of the landscape below. You might also spot some of the farm’s wildlife like the endangered, black-shanked douc. After your tour, transfer to the province of Kratie. When you arrive, you’ll take a boat trip on the Mekong River to see the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins. It's estimated that only 92 of these dolphins still remain here in the Mekong and they are considered a sacred animal by both Khmer and Lao people. Later this afternoon, take a ferry across the Mekong River to reach Koh Trong Island. When you arrive, hop onto a bike and explore the island on two wheels – this island is completely vehicle-free. Tonight, sit down to a home-cooked dinner and get to know your hosts who you’ll be spending the night with.

Have a home-cooked breakfast, then say goodbye to your host family. Hop back on a bike for the short ride to the pier, where you’ll catch a ferry back to the mainland, then travel on to Siem Reap. When you arrive, follow your leader on an orientation walk to get the lay of the land. Siem Reap is known for the incredible Angkor temple complex, which you’ll spend a full day exploring tomorrow. For dinner tonight, why not take the kids out for some street food – try num poum (coconut waffles), prahok ktis (a rich minced pork dipping sauce, typically eaten with fresh veggies) or num pang, which is similar to a Vietnamese banh mi.

After breakfast, set off to discover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Angkor temple complex. Hop onto a tuk-tuk for a guided tour with a social enterprise that provides sustainable employment opportunities for local women. Follow the Small Circuit to see the mighty Angkor Wat, the grand Bayon and the jungle-covered Ta Prohm. Some of the buildings in the complex are more than a thousand years old, dating back to the Khmer Empire. Make plenty of stops to take family photos and keep an eye out for the monkeys that gather on the temple ruins. Tonight, you’ll head to Phare, the Cambodian Circus. Combining music, theatre and dance with acrobatics, juggling, aerial acts and contortion, this circus is made up of young performers from vulnerable backgrounds and is sure to be a highlight of the trip.

Head to the Apopo Visitor Centre this morning. This centre has trained the Gambian pouched rat to sniff out explosives, and these animals now help to detect landmines so that they can be cleared from the Cambodian countryside. Cambodia is one of the most heavily landmine-affected countries in the world, but these rats play a key role in efforts to combat this issue. During your guided tour, you’ll see how these clever rats are trained and learn a bit about Cambodia’s history. The kids will get the chance to hold a rat, too! Next, dial up the adrenaline with some ziplining through the rainforests of the Angkor archaeological park. You and the kids will get to see the site from a new perspective as you zip through the canopy. You’ll then have a free afternoon. Maybe visit the Angkor National Museum for interactive exhibits about the ancient Khmer empire or take another cooking class. Tonight, you’ll have a farewell dinner with your group – here’s to the incredible memories you’ve shared!

With no further activities planned, your family adventure comes to an end after breakfast. A complimentary departure transfer to the airport is available. If you’d like to extend your stay, and it’s highly recommended you do, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Dates & prices

Dates

Prices

Availability

Departure Date :

04APR2027

Return Date :

12APR2027

2620.00NZD

available

Departure Date :

17APR2027

Return Date :

25APR2027

2620.00NZD

available

Departure Date :

03JUL2027

Return Date :

11JUL2027

2700.00NZD

available

Departure Date :

10JUL2027

Return Date :

18JUL2027

2775.00NZD

available

Departure Date :

31JUL2027

Return Date :

08AUG2027

2700.00NZD

available

Departure Date :

07AUG2027

Return Date :

15AUG2027

2620.00NZD

available

Departure Date :

14AUG2027

Return Date :

22AUG2027

2620.00NZD

available

Departure Date :

26SEP2027

Return Date :

04OCT2027

2700.00NZD

available

Departure Date :

02OCT2027

Return Date :

10OCT2027

2700.00NZD

available

Departure Date :

19DEC2027

Return Date :

27DEC2027

2775.00NZD

available

Trip Notes

Trip title

Cambodia Family Holiday with Teenagers

Trip code

TKFA

Validity

Validity: 01 Jan 2027 to 31 Dec 2027

Extended validity

30 Dec 2027

Introduction

Style

Original

Themes

Family

Transport

Private bus, Tuk Tuk (Cambodia Remork)

Physical Rating

Joining point

Avanti hotel

186 - 188 Le Thanh Ton, Ben Thanh Ward, Dist 1

Ho Chi Minh City

VIETNAM

Finish point

Amber Angkor Villa Hotel & Spa

#0603, Street Wat Bo, Siem Reap City, Cambodia

Siem Reap

CAMBODIA

Important information

1. FAMILY TRIPS: Please note that these trips are for adults and children travelling together and there must be at least one child under 18 with you. 2. MINIMUM AGE: The minimum age for children on this trip is 10 years old, unless otherwise approved by Intrepid. 3. CHILD PRICE: Children aged 17 years and under at time of travel on this trip, are eligible to receive 20% off the full adult price. 4. SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: A single supplement is available for adults wishing to have a private room to themselves. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Group leader

All Intrepid Family trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to assist your family to take the hassle out of your travels and help you have the best trip possible. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for fun things to do and see - for both kids and parents, recommend great local eating venues that will even get the kids trying new things, 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. Our leaders are not babysitters on this trip - we leave that to you (the experts), but they will make sure that group members of all ages are able to explore their destination safely and with as much fun as possible. Our group leaders are not responsible for looking after children at any time and children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times throughout this itinerary.

Safety

TRAVEL ADVISORIES & ALERTS We recommend that you check your government's foreign travel advisory for the latest information about the destination before you travel. You will also need to ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. We also recommend saving the phone number for emergency consular assistance for your government’s consulate in the destination/s you’ll be travelling. Links to travel advisories and any current travel alerts for our trips can be found here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts PERSONAL SAFETY Ensure you have a secure method of carrying your passport, phone, credit cards and cash while travelling such as a money belt. Leave all other high value items, including jewellery, at home Use safety deposit boxes at hotels to store your valuables when available and ensure your luggage is lockable. Be aware of the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft. Exercise caution when walking at night, don’t walk alone and stick to well-lit streets wherever possible. Be vigilant on public transport and look out for your fellow travellers. Take precautions such as carrying your bag in front of you and never leaving personal items unattended. LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS Intrepid welcomes all LGBTQIA+ customers on our trips, however we operate in parts of the world that are less accepting. We support LGBTQIA+ customers to travel to these destinations and are committed to ensuring they face no discrimination on any part of the trip we control. We recommend you visit Equaldex (https://www.equaldex.com/) and your government's foreign travel advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers when choosing your trip.

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trip. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Though obvious please don't allow your children to carry their own passports while on tour. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities, however during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your Leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. For more details on the type of conditions and safety standards you can expect on your trip, please refer to Intrepid's operational safety policy on our website. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how well it's being implemented in the field: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us/safety FIRE PRECAUTIONS: Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which we use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms. TRAFFIC AND DRIVING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD: Depending on where you come from please note that drivers in this part of the world may drive on the opposite side of the road from what you are used to. Look both ways before crossing any road. Traffic can be a little more chaotic than you might be used to at home. Be aware! SEAT BELTS: Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and not all the transport which we use is able to provide seat belts. When travelling in private mini vans or trucks all children (and adults) must wear a seat belt. No children are allowed to sit in the front seat of a vehicle. PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY: While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing. LIFE JACKETS: While life jackets are generally available on water craft, there may be occasions where they are not provided and child size life jackets are not always readily available. If travelling with children and this safety issue concerns you we will be able to advise alternative methods of transport (where available) for you to travel to the next destination. You can choose to travel independently for this leg of the journey. This would be at your own expense. WATER SAFETY: Please take care when taking part in any activities in the ocean, river or open water with your children, where waves and currents can be unpredictable. It's expected that anyone taking part in water activities is able to swim and have experience in open water. All swimmers should seek local advice before entering the water.

Communications

INTREPID APP Make your journey smoother with the Intrepid app. Access this Essential Trip Information anytime, get real-time trip updates, connect with your leader and fellow travellers, and share your experiences along the way. Learn more: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/app All our trips will be live in the Intrepid app by the end of 2026. We appreciate your patience while we work towards a seamless experience for all of our travellers.

Visas

PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS You are responsible for obtaining relevant visa and travel information required for entry, departure and travel to each country or region you visit on your trip.  We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements, Travellers who arrive in Cambodia via flight to Phnom Penh, Siem Reap or Sihanoukville international airports will need to obtain an E-Arrival card via www.arrival.gov.kh or via Cambodia E-Arrival app in the App Store and Play Store for mobile phones or other electronic devices. This needs to be obtained within 7 days before your arrival into the country and will be required at immigration procedures. Please take a screenshot or download your QR code before closing or exiting the E-Arrival Card website. If you use the mobile application, the QR Code will be available after successful submission even without internet connection. Or you may print your E-Arrival QR code. Please note that the e-arrival card is not a visa. You'll still need to obtain a visa for Cambodia if required.

Why we love it

Spend a day immersed in Vietnamese cuisine and history in Cu Chi. Learn to cook traditional dishes during a farm-to-table cooking class, then take a guided tour of the fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels.

Take a boat ride on the Mekong River in Kratie to spot the rare and endangered Irrawaddy dolphins, considered a sacred animal by the Khmer people.

Stay with a local family on Koh Trong Island – the perfect chance to slow down and experience authentic Cambodian life.

Explore the incredible temples of Angkor from the back of a tuk-tuk, then fly through the canopy of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed archaeological park on a zipline.

Is this trip right for you

If you’d like to spend more time in Vietnam, have a look at the longer 17-day Vietnam & Cambodia Family Holiday with Teenagers (TVFBC) trip that includes this itinerary., The Cu Chi Tunnels provide a unique opportunity for real-world learning about Vietnam's history that we feel is beneficial for teens and other travellers to experience. Some may find the sights and sounds here to be confronting or upsetting, so if you would prefer not to join this activity, your leader can provide an alternative option.

Health

GENERAL HEALTH All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date travel health information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements.

Food and dietary requirements

While travelling with us you and your family will experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you and your family more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There's no obligation to do this though. If you or a member of your family have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure.

Money matters

SPENDING MONEY When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling., CAMBODIA You can use your credit/debit card in ATMs, which are common throughout Cambodia. These machines dispense cash in USD. There is also no need to pre-purchase Cambodian riel prior to arriving in the country. Most travellers never need to have more than USD 20 – 30 worth of Cambodian riel on them at any one time, as USD cash is widely accepted. After making a payment in USD, change is often given in Cambodian riel. Many businesses are unable to change larger notes, so we recommend carrying a mix of denominations. We recommend bringing large bills in good condition, 2013 series onwards only. Any old or damaged notes may not be accepted. Some banks at Cambodian airports may tell you that you need to change your USD cash into Cambodian riel, but this is not true. , VIETNAM You can use your credit/debit card in ATMs, which are common throughout Vietnam. These machines dispense cash in VND (Vietnamese dong). Credit/debit cards aren’t accepted for small payments in Vietnam so please ensure you have VND cash to cover daily expenses. Clean banknotes in small denominations are most useful., TIPPING Tipping can be an appropriate way to recognise great service when travelling. While it may not be customary in your home country, it is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many of our destinations and is greatly appreciated by the people who take care of you during your travels. It is always best to avoid tipping with coins, very small denomination notes, or dirty and ripped notes, as this can be regarded as an insult rather than the goodwill gesture it is intended to be., OPTIONAL TIPPING KITTY On Day 1 of your trip, your group leader or local representative may discuss with you the idea of operating a group tipping kitty, whereby everybody contributes an equal amount and your group leader or local representative distributes tips for drivers, local guides, hotel staff and other services included on your trip. Participation in this kitty is your choice, and you are welcome to manage your own tipping separately if you prefer. The group leader or local representative will keep a running record of all monies spent, which can be checked at any time. Any funds remaining at the end of the trip will be returned to group members. These tips to suppliers are for great service and are in addition to the regular costs paid for the services supplied. The tipping kitty excludes tips for your group leader or local representative, and providers of optional activities., YOUR GROUP LEADER OR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE Tipping your group leader or local representative is highly appreciated if you feel they’ve provided outstanding services throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, as a guideline, the recommended amount is 4-7 USD or EUR per traveller per day (in a currency relevant to your destination). Of course, you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length and involvement of your group leader or local representative on your trip., CONTINGENCY FUNDS We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. We are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred because of changes to itineraries, including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra USD 500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of all travellers; however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs. Please confirm with your leader on Day 1 if you need to carry this in cash, or whether access via card or electronically is sufficient., COMMISSIONS Intrepid understands that the receipt of commissions in exchange for recommending particular shops or services is ingrained in the culture of the tourism industry. For this reason, we have established a centralised fund for contributions from recommended suppliers so these can be collected and distributed back into the business. Actively managing the receipt of commissions helps us maintain the level of quality you expect on one of our trips. Travel is always an adventure so Intrepid cannot explicitly guarantee the quality of a product but we aim to provide the best value trips in the market. Please let us know via the feedback form completed after your trip if we are successfully meeting - or exceeding - this objective.

What to take

Most travellers prefer to take a small to medium wheeled suitcase, which is a great size for the packing capacity in our private vehicles. Whatever you take, be mindful that you will need to be able to carry your own luggage, handle it at airports, take it in/out of accommodation and perhaps even walk short distances. We recommend you pack as lightly as possible. If your trip includes travelling on overnight trains or primarily using public transport, the smaller your luggage, the easier it will be to store under or above bunks. Large suitcases may not be able to be taken on board. A lockable bag or small padlock for your bag will be useful, especially when travelling on public transportation as well. When you're exploring during the day, you'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, a camera, a jacket and activity-specific items like a swimsuit, a waterproof pouch/bag for your phone, or hiking shoes. Below we have listed the essentials for this trip:

https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list

Climate and seasonal

During public holidays and festival periods in Cambodia some businesses may close, transport may be extremely busy and travel times may increase. The main holidays in Cambodia are: Chinese New Year (16 - 19 February 2026) Khmer New Year (14 - 16 April 2026) Royal Birthday of the King Sihamoni (14 May 2026) Pchum Ben Day (10 - 12 October 2026) Water & Moon Festival (4 - 6 November 2025, 23 - 25 November 2026), TET 16 – 20 February 2026 05 – 09 February 2027 Tet is Vietnam’s New Year festival which takes place in late January/early February based on the lunar calendar and is the most important celebration of the year. While this can be a fascinating time to be in Vietnam, you do need to be prepared for some businesses to be closed, tourist sites to be very busy and for transport to be packed as many Vietnamese are travelling around the country. Although we do our best to run trips during Tet as per the scheduled itinerary, it is likely that there will be some changes to transport, accommodation or order of destinations visited. Due to the high demand on tickets at this time, flights and overnight trains may on occasion need to be replaced with day buses. We will aim to communicate any known changes prior to your departure.

A couple of rules

Intrepid won't tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams or local communities. To ensure the wellbeing of everyone on the trip, decisions made by your group leader are final. Romantic relationships between travellers and group leaders or local representatives are not permitted while on trip. Any behaviour that prevents your leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines may result in Intrepid denying your booking or removing you from the trip. If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your group leader immediately. Alternatively, you can contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in the Problems and Emergency Contact Information section of this Essential Trip Information.

Feedback

Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you. Share your experience with us at: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/

Emergency contact

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip. We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager. You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time., For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us, In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below: , Intrepid's Local Operator: Available for phone call or WhatsApp call on +855 92 555 969

Responsible travel

Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places we travel. All our group leaders and local representatives, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel. Explore the different parts of our Responsible Travel Policy by visiting: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/responsible-travel, LOCAL DRESS: Dress standards are conservative throughout Asia, especially outside major cities. To respect this and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. This means clothing that covers your shoulders and knees by wearing sleeves and long trousers. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in areas of predominantly hot climate. In many rural areas women will need to wear modest clothing even to swim. Singlets, tank tops and topless sun bathing are all unacceptable. When visiting religious sites men often need to wear long trousers and women a long skirt or sarong.

The Intrepid Foundation

Our non-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, gives travellers more opportunities to make a positive impact in the places they visit. We have over 50 Intrepid Foundation partners across the globe addressing four key focus areas: protecting the environment, taking a stand for wildlife, addressing inequality and empowering communities. Intrepid matches all post-trip donations dollar for dollar and takes care of the admin fees – this doubles your impact and ensures every cent goes to our partners on the ground. Visit our website for more info: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/

Accommodation notes

GENERAL ROOMING CONFIGURATIONS: Family of two - All family groupings of two will be put into a twin room. Family of three - Wherever possible we will put you in a triple room. Please be aware that in a handful of places triple rooms are in short supply. This means that, in practice, a triple room will often simply be a twin room with a mattress on the floor or a further bed squashed in. Where it is impossible to provide a triple room, you will have to decide which of your party takes the single room. Family of four or more - You will most likely stay in two twin rooms. If and wherever possible we will aim put you in a quadruple room. Whilst we will do our very best to ensure that families are roomed close together (in some cases, we can arrange adjoining rooms), we can’t guarantee this. Most family holidays occur during peak season and we sometimes have little to no control over where you will be put. You need to come prepared for this.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses, including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region, please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance, your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number, rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or the USA, the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However, the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and each country you visit may have its own specific entry requirements. For example, some mandate travel health insurance for all foreign travellers, regardless of their nationality. Travellers from the European Union, Switzerland or the USA who decline travel insurance when travelling outside their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: , https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services

Your fellow travellers

You will travel in a group with other like-minded families who may have come from all over the world. We find that the kids of all ages usually bond well and act as a catalyst for the rest of the group. If you are keen to know the ages of other children on the trip, then please ask your booking agent. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.

Itinerary disclaimer

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights)

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