Weather Concern

• Is South East Asia’s weather a concern?
  The weather in South East Asia is usually warm and humid. From June to September, it is rainy and hot (25-30oC) , humid conditions with afternoon monsoon rains During the months of November to March the weather will tend to be drier but with colder temperatures (25- 30oC). In the hills, mornings and evenings may be cool. Rain is always a possibility. You need to be prepared for several types of conditions. Humidity can also play a role, and it's important to stay hydrated and use sun protection.

Facilities

• Are there western toilets available?
  Some trips have regular access to western toilets (in cities) while others don't. As a general rule, the more secluded your destination is, the less convenient you are able to
  find western bathroom facilities.

• Do I have sleepers on train journeys?
  In order to make your vacations comfortable, we book you the first class ticket which means you have soft sleepers with air-conditioning. For specific trip, we'll let you know
  exactly before hand.

• What kind of vehicles do you use for road trips?
  We use modern, clean, well -maintained, professionally driven coaches. Coaches are usually over sized for the group as the extra room is more comfortable.
  4-seat car: 1 - 2 passengers
  7-seat car: 2 -3 passengers
  Minivan (16seaters): 3 -8 passengers (for long trips) or 3 -10 passengers (for day trips)
  Minibus (25seaters/ 30seaters/35seaters): 10 -15 passengers (for long trips) or 10 -20 passengers (for day trips)
  Big bus (47seaters): for bigger group
  They're all made in Japan or Korea

• What are bikes like?
  We support Vietnamese industry so use locally made bikes with 24 speed gears and added accessories such as western saddles for your comfort. Bicycles are the workhorse of Vietnam and you should ask your guides to explain why bikes are credited with winning the Vietnam war. The bikes have an upright riding position (we add bar-ends to enable you ride in a forward position if you wish) are heavier and slower than the latest high tech western bikes. However you will find the locals will really appreciate you riding with them on similar bikes as opposed to flying past on an imported bike. p you choose the plan right for your trip.

• How is homestay condition?
  Home stay in villages is simple in term of bedding condition and toilet. Under spirit of responsible tourism, we try not to bring our influences to the local host.
  Here, the locals will make all the arrangements of bedding like: cushions, mattress, blankets, pillows, mosquito-net with their own materials. Authentic and simple.
  Thus, please bring your own sleeping bags to the homestay if you feel the need; especially for travelers with sensitive skin. Toiletries (towels, toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper…) are necessary stuffs.
  For meals, subject to itineraries, our host or support crew will help with cooking and dining. They have their traditional ways of preparing food and they are all well educated
  about hygiene, food safety and cleanliness.

Adventure with children

• Can we travel with our children?
  Although most of our trips have adults in mind, many of our itineraries are suitable for strong and active teenagers. We also have a whole slew of fixed family adventures
  designed for families with children as young as six. If you are interested in a family adventure please contact us for specific details.

• Can we bring the kids during cycling?
  We don't encourage children under fourteen-years-old, but if you want to come as a family, we can design a personalized tour for you.

Insurance

• What about travel insurance?
  We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive private travel insurance. You should take out travel insurance whenever you travel overseas. Plans do change, accidents do happen, belongings go missing, travel insurance is just common sense no matter where you go! Please contact your current insurance agent for further clarity and coverage that may safeguard you.

Foods

• Can you accommodate special dietary needs?
  Normally, yes, however it's best to ask about your specific case. Generally, we have been able to accommodate and always ask before finalizing your booking.

• What can make us sure about our meals with minority people as well as overnight at ethnic stilt house?
  Safe and hygiene are most important issues for running tours in minority villages. Subject to itineraries, our host or support crew will help with cooking and dining. They have their traditional ways of preparing food and they are all well educated about hygiene, food safety and cleanliness.

Others

• Can we book a tour without a guide?
  It is possible to book some tours without a guide, for example many people book a jeep and driver to do North West Loop. However, it is understood that drivers are just drivers. Tour guides are the only persons legally entitled to escort tourists. In some situation, for your safety, a guide is mandatory on adventure tours such as kayaking and biking.

• Can I take photos during journey?
  You should ask first, especially in minority villages.

• Do the villagers mind people going to their villages?
  We would not send people to any village if the villagers asked us not to. Apart from the individuals, we deal with in the villages and the locals can see benefits in the form of
  donations (these are included in your package.) We usually find that the villagers look upon visitors with mild curiosity and it often provides a refreshing break from their simple lives.

• How do you define: easy trekking, intermediate trekking and hard trekking?
  Trekking: A category of adventure travel, typically involving visits to remote areas, with overnight lodging in tents or other minimal accommodation. It is less strenuous than hiking but more strenuous then walking.
  Easy trekking: Harder than walking, trekking trail is not so steep, up and down, often in a short time.
  Moderate trekking: Trekking trail has ups and downs, but not so steep. Trail will become more difficult in poor weather.
  Intermediate to Hard trekking: Trekking route has a steep incline and often is off road in remote areas.
  Every situation depends on weather and and the sever ups and downs on some of the trails. Please be aware of the time it takes to reach each destination so that you can
  confirm that it will suit your abilities.

• How can I choose a trip that suits me?
  To give you an indication of the difficulty of our trips, we've graded our adventures into three categories: easy, moderate and challenging. We take many factors into consideration including distances covered, terrain, altitude, weather conditions and vehicle support. Then you can select the right tour up to your health, endurance and fitness.
  Easy: Suitable for most people in good health. These trips generally include short days on good paths and at low altitudes.
  Moderate: A reasonable level of fitness is required, as these trips can require sustained endurance levels, hills, longer days and altitude.
  Challenging: These trips are physically demanding and best suited for strong people with a high endurance level. Days can be long, often at altitude, in remote regions and
  sometimes without a support vehicle nearby. Travellers may be required to carry a backpack.

• What should I bring along as gifts for local people?
  Notebooks, pens, pencils, small toys or postcards of your hometown will be welcome. It would not be good to give money as a gift since the locals could possibly begin to depend on free money.