Travel Notices

The Friendly Planet Newsletter

Published Mar 25, 2023
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Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, Vietnam has it all. With its stunning scenery and warm hospitality, it's no wonder this destination continues to be one of Asia's top travel hotspots!
 
Halong Bay at sunset
 
 
A nature lover's paradise, Vietnam boasts some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in the world. Discover the stunning beauty of Halong Bay's towering limestone cliffs and emerald waters. During an optional tour, take a cable car ride to explore the mountainous Ba Na Hills and experience the awe-inspiring Golden Bridge. In the Mekong River Delta, a lush tropical paradise, you'll find floating markets, ancient temples, and mouth-watering cuisine. Don't miss the chance to witness one of Vietnam's most spectacular sunsets on a cruise down the Thu Bon River.
 
Dong Ba Market, Hue
 
 
Experience Vietnam's rich and diverse culinary scene on a journey that will tantalize your taste buds. Visit STREETS International in Hoi An and KOTO (Know One Teach One) in Hanoi, where you'll sample delicious authentic dishes while supporting two organizations that provide impoverished, often homeless youth with professional-level training and apprenticing for culinary arts, tourism, and hospitality service careers, plus English language and life skills. On Halong Bay, take your cooking skills to the next level with a chef-guided cooking class to learn how to make traditional Vietnamese dishes like a professional. Explore Vietnam's food scene further on an optional Hanoi Culinary Tour and head to Dong Ba Market, Hue's oldest and most lively market, for an authentic street food experience.
 
Drum Tower, Temple of Literature
 
 
Visiting temples and pagodas offers a glimpse into Vietnam's spiritual past and showcases the country's impressive architectural feats and cultural significance. One of the most popular sites is Hanoi's One Pillar Pagoda, an iconic structure built in the 11th century. For those interested in exploring more of Vietnam's Buddhist heritage, the Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue is a stunning example. This seven-story stupa towers over the Perfume River and offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. Vietnam is also home to other religions, such as Cao Dai, a unique blend of Taoism, Confucianism, Christianity, and Buddhism that has been practiced in Vietnam since the early 20th century.
 
 
Our signature Small Group Tours feature no more than 16 travelers
 
 
A Taste of Vietnam
 
 
 
Bustling Ho Chi Minh City, picturesque colonial Hoi An, world-heritage Halong Bay & the northern capital of Hanoi; optional extension to Bangkok
 
FROM
 
FROM
 
$2449
  
$1649
  
10
W/ FLIGHTS
TOUR ONLY
DAYS
per person, double occupancy*
 
SEE THIS PACKAGE
 
 
 
Best of Vietnam & Cambodia
 
 
 
Wild & wonderful Hanoi, world-heritage Halong Bay, alluring Hue & historic Ho Chi Minh; plus Phnom Penh & the breathtaking temples of Angkor Wat; optional extension to Bangkok
 
FROM
 
FROM
 
$4999
  
$4199
  
17
W/ FLIGHTS
TOUR ONLY
DAYS
per person, double occupancy*
 
SEE THIS PACKAGE
 
 
 
Ancient Capitals of Indochina
 
 
 
Sights, history & culture of three incredible countries: Cambodia, Laos & Vietnam plus deluxe overnight Halong Bay cruise; optional Bangkok extension
 
FROM
 
FROM
 
$5699
  
$4899
  
16
W/ FLIGHTS
TOUR ONLY
DAYS
per person, double occupancy*
 
SEE THIS PACKAGE
 
 
 
* Advertised prices may include an "Instant Savings" discount and/or sale discount, available for a limited time. Prices reflect these discounts. Advertised prices are per person, based on double occupancy; single occupancy rooms may be available for an additional charge. Advertised prices are the best available based on the least expensive travel dates, departure city, and other options, and do not include optional excursions or other optional items. Your total price will vary based upon the dates, flights, and other options you select during the booking process. For packages including flights, prices include Airline Taxes, Fees & Sept. 11th Security Fee, but do not include excess baggage fees or advance seat reservations. Prices and availability subject to change. More about our prices.

† The Carefree Booking policy is not travel insurance and only applies to a new booking—defined as booking without the use of funds on file from a previous cancellation. With our Carefree Booking policy, if you book one of our scheduled departures and decide later not to travel for any reason, you can transfer all payments you've made excluding the cost of any issued flight tickets, towards another available departure date or package, with no change fees or penalties.

Alternately, you can choose to receive a future travel credit for all payments made, excluding the cost of any issued flight tickets; or you can choose to receive a refund for that same amount, minus the deposit, per person future travel credit.

You may use these credits anytime, however they must be used or transferred within 5 years of your booking.

The Carefree Booking policy only applies to your original booking—limiting rebookings to one. Subsequent bookings will be subject to standard cancellation penalties. Additionally, any coupon or discount (other than our Instant Savings) does not transfer from the cancelled booking and therefore will not be applied to the new booking.

Travel protection premiums may be credited to your new tour provided: no claim is filed; (no vendor penalties such as Air, sea or rail etc have been incurred); and your new trip departs within 1 year of the cancellation of your original tour.

Valid for bookings made on or after September 23, 2022 Offer may not be available on all packages, including private and custom group departures and Biblical Journeys. Changes or cancellations requested after final payment due date are subject to our regular change and cancellation fees & policies. For more information and some additional restrictions, see our terms & conditions.

†† $199 deposit available on select packages. Valid for new bookings only. Changes to your package, departure date, or flights may require an increased deposit. If you select our optional travel protection plan, the premium will be added to your deposit. See additional terms & conditions.

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