Hanoi to Hong Kong - AVHK

Last Updated: June 8, 2010
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15 days: Vietnam - Hong Kong

Introduction

Savour the delights of Vietnam and South East China on this adventure. There is so much to discover - vibrant Hanoi, energetic Hong Kong, the natural beauty of Halong Bay and the hill tribes of Southern China. This trip takes you on a journey through mountainous rice terraces and rural waterways, experiencing a side of China most people never see.

What's Included

Entrance to Halong Bay, Halong Bay overnight boat cruise with meals included, Entrance to Hua Shan nature reserve and Cliff Paintings, Full day bike ride with lunch in Yangshou, Entrance to Longji Rice terraces

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 Gap Adventures. 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.

Validity: Valid for all trips departing January 1, 2010 - December 31st 2010.


Trip style

Classic: The one that started it all, our original Gap Adventures trip is also our most popular – and for good reason. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in local culture, come face to face with exotic wildlife or truly experience the excitement of active exploration, our Classic trips are designed to ensure an authentic and unforgettable travel experience.
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Service level

Standard: Step out of the normal tourist mind-set and truly experience the world. Most nights will have you staying in a simple yet clean twin-share hotel or lodge rooms with private facilities, complete with running water and electricity. Occasionally you may have a multi-share night at rustic local guesthouses, with communal bathrooms and the sporadic cold shower. Transportation will be a combination of public transport, private buses and some private vehicles. Back To Index

Physical grading

3: May include moderate hiking, biking, rafting, kayaking and other activities that require only an average/moderate level of fitness to enjoy. Back To Index

Itinerary

Day 1 Hanoi

Arrive in bustling Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam.

There are no planned activities aside from our group meeting in the evening, however depending on your arrival time we recommend you take a walk through Hanoi's Old Quarter – a maze of street, each one traditionally devoted to a different product or industry. If you'd like to explore Hanoi more in depth, we recommend arriving a few days earlier.

In the evening on Day 1, you have time to attend a performance at the famous Water Puppet Theater.

Day 2-3 Halong Bay/ Cat Ba Island (2B,2L,1D)

Transfer by bus in the morning from Hanoi to Halong Bay (approx 3hrs).

Thousands of islands rise dramatically from the waters of Halong Bay and, to further their beauty, intricate caves have been hollowed out through these limestone karst formations. Aboard a sailing junk visit some of these islands and caves, perhaps taking a pre-dinner swim, before spending a peaceful night beneath the stars. The next day we continue our cruise of the bay including Man's Head Island and Tortoise Island and visit Luon cave by small bamboo boat. Plenty of time to relax and take in the stunning scenery.
After an early lunch we return to the mainland and stay 1 night at Cat Ba Island. Walk the boardwalk, visit the beach, and have cocktails overlooking the junks and floating villages in the bay.

Day 4-5 Hua Shan

After breakfast on Day 4 we drive north towards the border town of Lang Son, where we say goodbye to Vietnam and cross over into China, where our journey heads towards the remote mountain village of Hua Shan. Home to the local minority people, the Zhuang, we stay in traditional style wooden buildings and visit a huge cliff fresco, painted by their ancestors some 2,000 years ago.

Day 6 Liuzhou

Today we experience the big city flavor. While nothing in comparison to Shanghai or Beijing, this town is sprawling, and it is a good stopover to see how the youth show their style, and how city life varies from the rural, just a few hours away.

Day 7-8 Chengyang

Heading north we reach our destination Chengyang and another minority people, the Dong. The luscious landscape is enhanced by the exquisite Dong 'wind and rain' bridges and lazy waterwheels that enable the Dong to farm across the many waterways and lush paddy fields that surround this captivating village.

Day 9-10 Longji

Seemingly reaching above the clouds, the Longji, or Dragon's Back, rice terraces are unforgettable. Home to remote minority villages of Zhuang, Yao and Bai people, we are able to hike between them following tiny stone paths carved out by the local people. Awesome in all seasons, from the deep green of summer to the snow dusted winter, Longji is a memorable experience.

Day 11-13 Yangshuo (L)

Yangshuo's landscape of limestone hills, rice fields and lazy rivers is the epitomized image of rural China. Taking a bikeride through this painted landscape provides a great way to experience the dramatic countryside, ancient villages and bustling local markets in a very personal way.

Day 14-15 Hong Kong

Energetic Hong Kong is the original city where East meets West. Cruise the harbour or head to Stanley Market for bargains. Alternatively take a trip to one of the smaller islands or the Buddha at Lantau, then admire the night skyline from above at Victoria Peak.


You are free to depart at anytime on day 15.
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StartFinish

Hanoi to Hong Kong Back To Index

Dossier Disclaimer

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. Back To Index

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. Back To Index

Important Notes

Please note that this tour combines with other Gap Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with Gap Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another Gap Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.

Please note that 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 15 kg (33lbs). Additional bags or excess weight charges may apply. These charges are the responsibility of the passengers. Back To Index

Group Leader Description

All Gap Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to see and do, 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 visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds. Back To Index

Group Size Notes

Max 15, Avg 10 Back To Index

Your Fellow Travellers

As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and are likely to be of a variety of ages too. 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. Back To Index

Meals Included

1 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 1 Dinner. Back To Index

Meals

Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with Gap Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not 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 group leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. Included breakfasts will usually be asian style consisting of noodles or congee (rice porridge) or bread and eggs. Vegetarians will be able to find a range of different foods, although in some areas the choice maybe limited. 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 included meals and meal budgets. Back To Index

Transport

Train, Local bus, Aircon bus, Boat, Bicycle. Back To Index

Local Flights

All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure. Back To Index

Single Travellers

We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price. Back To Index

Accommodation

Hotels/Guesthouses (12 nts), Junk boat (1 nt), Sleeper train (1 nt) Back To Index

My Own Room

Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops, with the following exceptions:
Night 2, Halong Bay boat; Night 13, Sleeper train Back To Index

About Accommodation

In some areas we stay in simple local guest houses in stunning locations - rooms are small and simple and there may only be shared toilet facilities and showers. Back To Index

Joining Hotel

Hanoi - Nhat Tien Hotel
44 HangBun Street, Ba Dinh District
Hanoi, Vietnam
Phone: 84-4-7163367 Back To Index

Joining Instructions

When arriving at Noi Bai Intl Airport in Hanoi you have a choice of pre paid taxi or Vietnam Airlines shuttle bus to get you into the city. The airport is 35 km outside of the city and the drive should take between 40-50 minutes depending on traffic. The airport taxis are a safe and convenient way to arrive at your hotel. The cost is 16 USD and is paid direct to your driver upon arrival at the hotel. The other option is to take the Vietnam Airlines shuttle bus which drops everyone at the Vietnam Airlines office downtown, the cost by bus is 45000 Dong (approx 3 USD). From the Vietnam Airline office there are taxis that can take you to your hotel with the meter on about 2-4 USD. If you have paid for an arrival transfer when you booked your trip our driver will be waiting for you with a Gap Adventures sign with your name on it. Please check carefully once you exit the baggage hall as it can be busy outside in the arrival area. Back To Index

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 your trip leader (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. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs. Back To Index

Emergency Contact

Should you need to contact Gap Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call our 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.

Gap Adventures Local Office – Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok Office Tel: +66 2 252 6642 (9am-5pm Local Time)

South East Asia Managers: +66(0)870496074 (Bangkok, Thailand)

For Airport Transfers in Thailand: +66 83 8268484

If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, we have a toll-free line for North America, which will connect you directly with our Toronto office. In the event that you cannot get through, you can reach a member of our Operations department at the mobile number below.

Toll-free, North America only: 1 800 465 5600.
Calls from UK: 0844 410 1030
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Outside North America, Australia and the UK: +1 416 260 0999
Mobile: + 1 647 504 6467 Back To Index

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 10-15kg/22-30lb. Suitcases are not recommended for Gap Adventures 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. Back To Index

Checklist

Passport (with photocopies)
Travel insurance (with photocopies)
Airline tickets (with photocopies)
USD cash and travellers cheques
Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
Gap Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information and dossier
Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
Alarm clock
Flashlight
Sun-hat, sunblock, sunglasses
Insect repellent
Water bottle
Small towel and swim wear
Sleeping bag liner
Toiletries (biodegradable)
Sturdy walking shoes/sport sandals
Moneybelt
Shorts
Long trousers
Hiking pants/track pants
Shirts/T-shirts
Warm clothes for Nov-Feb. Hat, gloves, fleece, windproof/waterproof jacket
Waterproof clothes for wet season May-Oct. 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
Pocketknife
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) Back To Index

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. Back To Index

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 your governments foreign ministry website or with you travel agent as rules do change. It is important that you check for yourself. For most travellers there will probably be an embassy and consulate in the country that you live in.
Visas for Vietnam and China need to be arranged ahead of time (before your trip), as the processing time varies and they are not issued at any of the borders. It's also important that the visa 'valid from date' is before or on your day of arrival in country.
Most nationalities are granted a 90-day visa free stay on arrival in Hong Kong. Back To Index

Destination Guide

For practical information on weather, typical costs, visa information, special events and much more, our Destination Travel Guide is the place to visit! This handy guide will tell you everything you need to know about everywhere we go! Head to http://www.gapadventures.com/travel-guide for detailed information on the countries and cities we visit. Back To Index

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. Back To Index

Money Exchange

As currency exchange rates in Asia fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com
As of June 2009 the exchange rate for
VIETNAM was 1 USD = 17000 VND (Vietnamese Dong).
CHINA was 1 USD = 6.8 CNY (Chinese Yuan).
HONG KONG was 1 USD = 7.7 HKD (Hong Kong Dollars).
There are many ATM machines that accept both Visa and Mastercard but these are limited to major cities. We recommend the use of cash and travelers cheques in USD or Euros. Major credit cards are accepted in some shops but they may charge a 2-4% transaction fee. Back To Index

Local payment description

Effective October 1st, 2009, new Gap Adventures tour bookings will no longer require travellers to pay a portion of their tour price on Day 1 of their tour. What was previously broken out as a local payment for our tours is now being included in the upfront tour pricing as displayed on our website. The changeover period due to the implementation of this policy will mean that on day 1 there will be a mixture of travellers both paying and not paying the local payment, however please note that the overall cost to our travellers has not changed.

People who booked a tour before October 1st 2009, and are travelling after 01 January 2010 will have the option to either bring their local payment funds to their Tour Leader on Day 1, or to prepay their local payment before departure. Anyone who desires to prepay their local payment must contact their Adventure Specialist at Gap Adventures or Travel Agent by October 31st, 2009 to arrange prepayment. If you still wish to pay your local payment upon arrival, the amount to be paid will be clearly stated on your tour voucher and invoice documents.

Please be aware that certain park fees and local charges still apply on some tours; only the Gap Adventures local payment has been discontinued. This change is a result of feedback from our travellers and to streamline and simplify the payment process. Back To Index

Emergency Fund

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (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! Back To Index

Departure Tax

Departure Tax is included in all International and Domestic tickets in China, Thailand & Vietnam. Back To Index

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 your Tour Leader will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $1-$2 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your tour leader for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. Also at the end of each trip if you felt your Gap Adventures Tour Leader did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $10-15 USD per person, per week can be used. Back To Index

Optional Activities

Bring along USD100 for optional activities not included in the trip

Approximate costs (per person) for popular optional activities taken in free time are -
Kayak Rental for 1 person (Halong Bay)- USD10
Hoa Lao Prison- aka ‘Hanoi Hilton’ (Hanoi)- USD1
Museum of Ethnology (Hanoi)- USD1 plus transport
Temple of Literature (Hanoi)- USD1
Fine Arts Museum (Hanoi) - USD1
Women's Museum (Hanoi) - USD1
Army Museum (Hanoi)- USD1
Taxi to each museum - approx USD2

Yangshuo
Cooking School USD15
Li River Cruise USD18
Tai Chi Lesson USD7
Sound and Light Show USD25

Hong Kong
Victoria Peak USD8
High Tea USD15


All prices are per person (unless stated otherwise), and are subject to change as services are provided by third party operators. Back To Index

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. Gap Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our group leader they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group. Back To Index

Safety and Security

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. 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, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer 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. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

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.

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 (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards) have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our Tour Leaders to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).

Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk.

We take all prudent measures in relation to your safety. For ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling, please click here. Back To Index

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, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Back To Index

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 leaders 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 Details document for more information.
Please note that all passengers traveling to Antarctica are required to fill out this questionnaire.

The medical questionnaire can be found online at:

www.gapadventures.com/medical-form
. Back To Index

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 group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes. Back To Index

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 favourite 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. Back To Index

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 your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. 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. Back To Index

Responsible Travel

Being a responsible tour operator is at the heart of what Gap Adventures is all about. From the start, Gap Adventures has been committed to offering low-impact tours that benefit traveler and host alike. While our sustainable tourism policies are constantly evolving, our commitment to socially conscious, grassroots style travel has never changed. We work with local communities, businesses and individuals to develop sustainable tourism opportunities that help local economies while minimizing negative environmental and cultural impacts.

We would like to give you a couple of tips to start you thinking about traveling sustainably.
-Please bring rechargeable batteries, a battery charger (and plug adapter if necessary). Batteries are incredibly toxic and many places that we travel do not have proper disposal facilities. Rechargeables are best but if this is not possible we recommend that you bring any used batteries back home with you for proper disposal.
-Please ask before taking pictures. Just as you would not like to have a stranger come up to you and take a picture of you while sitting on your front porch either do the locals of the places that we visit. As you can imagine pictures of their children are also not appreciated.

For more information about our commitment to responsible travel, please visit the Sustainable Tourism section of the Gap Adventures website: www.gapadventures.com Back To Index

Planeterra-The Gap Adventures Foundation

Through our commitment to responsible tourism we have developed the Planeterra Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of people and communities around the world through support of international charities, local organizations and community projects in the places that we visit on our tours. Gap Adventures matches all individual donations and pays all administration costs, which means that 100% of each donation is doubled and goes directly to support our projects. For more information about Planeterra and the projects we support, or to make a donation, please visit www.planeterra.org

Planeterra Dollar-A-Day Program
Our Dollar-A-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to help us give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar per day for the duration of their tour. 100% of these proceeds will go directly to support our Planeterra projects.

To participate in this program please indicate at the time of booking that you would like to participate in Gap Adventures’ Dollar-A-Day program, either by clicking the check box online, or by advising your Gap Adventures specialist or travel agent. (Note: Donation will be charged in the currency of your booking) Back To Index

Local Dress

In Asia 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 of Asian summers. In predominately Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim countries we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting temples, mosques or other holy sites. Back To Index

Feedback

After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that you'll receive a special discount code for free online prints and we'll give you 5% off the price of your next Gap Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Please visit http://www.gapadventures.com/evaluations Back To Index

Newsletter

Our 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 Gap Adventures, subscribe at www.gapadventures.com/newsletter_signup

Stay current on all things green by signing up to "The Village" e-newsletter. Check out Planeterra's exciting line up of voluntours, stories from the field, fun contests and upcoming events. Subscribe at - www.planeterra.org Back To Index

Travel Forum - The Watering Hole

Be sure to stop by The Watering Hole, our adventure travel forum. If you're interested in meeting others booked on your upcoming trip, check out the Departure Lounge section of our forum and introduce yourself. Otherwise, just drop in at anytime to share some travel tips, ask questions, meet other travellers and quench your thirst for travel. Our forum is located at wateringhole.gapadventures.com. Back To Index

We Want Your Photos

If you've got some great photos form your Gap Adventures travels, then post them online in our community! You can share photos - and videos - with our travellers from around the world. Simply go online to www.gapadventures.com/community to check out what other people have shared! We often have photo and video contests running too, so be sure to check our website often! Back To Index

Free Online Trip Journals

An online Trip Journal is a great way to record stories and photos as you travel, not to mention sharing your experiences with friends. Encourage your family and friends to follow in your footsteps as you explore the world! With templates for over 300 Gap Adventures trips already online all you have to do to get started is log in, choose your trip and your departure date, it's quick and easy! Head to gapadventures.mytripjournal.com. Back To Index

Keeping in Touch

If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road, rather than relying on postal mail. Email cafes are becoming increasingly commonplace and cheap throughout the regions we visit, and have quickly become the preferred way for our leaders and travellers to stay in touch. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our Emergency Contact. We recommend that family and friends don't try to contact you through phoning hotels en route, as our hotels are subject to change, and our hotel receptions often don't have English speaking staff. Back To Index

DepEnd

Sun-Sun Back To Index

Highlights

Hanoi, Halong Bay,Hua Shan, Liuzhou, Chenyang Dong Minority village, Longji Rice Terraces, Hong Kong Back To Index

Departure

Departs every Sunday, year round Back To Index