DISCOVER VIETNAM THE ALL IN ONE GUIDE. Do You Know What to Pack? YOUR COMPLETE ITINERARY FROM DAY 1 TO DAY 13 HINTS TIPS INFO AND JUICY DETAILS

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1 / E D I T I O N DISCOVER VIETNAM YOUR COMPLETE ITINERARY FROM DAY 1 TO DAY 13 HINTS TIPS INFO AND JUICY DETAILS THE ALL IN ONE GUIDE Do You Know What to Pack? A COMPLETE GUIDE TO YOUR PROJECTS

2 D I S C O V E R V I E T N A M T H E U L T I M A T E T R A V E L G U I D E hey there! Firstly, on behalf of everybody at Bamboo, I would like to offer you our thanks for choosing to experience this incredible part of the world with us. We guarantee you an amazing time and we re all very much looking forward to meeting you in Hanoi soon. I imagine that right now you re very excited about your upcoming adventure and this little guide has been put together to help you understand more about what will be happening, what to expect, how to plan and more. We guarantee your time with us will be unforgettable from start to end. Bamboo is growing as our style of 'travel' has proven to be the 'way' to travel. You are now a part of this journey and we welcome you with open arms and hearts. This growing experience is down to people like you, so do get stuck in, become part of our way of life, live every moment and take nothing for granted. Peace, Love & Bamboo Mark (& the other pandas, Steve & Colin)

3 highlights of your tour HANOI Explore the sights of Hanoi including Hoan Kiem Lake and the old French Quarter. SCENIC VIEWS Witness breathtaking views of the Hai Van Pass. MAKE A SPLASH Visit The Elephant Springs or wander the beautiful temples of the Marble Mountains. GIVE BACK Give back alongside one of Vietnam's most famous NGO's, helping communities along the way HA LONG BAY Experience an overnight cruise on Ha Long Bay. FOOD Taste authentic and traditional, mouth-watering Vietnamese cuisine. RIVER CRUISE Cruise the Perfume River in Hue

4 DAY 1 (FRI) WELCOME Hanoi, Vietnam. This is it then, the starting point! We know that you'll be excited, nervous, apprehensive or all three, so to help ease you into life here in Vietnam, our team will collect you from the airport and transfer you to our first base and set you up ready to begin this epic adventure. As we'll have traveller's arriving throughout the day you can choose to either rest up or explore locally as we collect all the new arrivals and have a huge group hug! In the evening, for those who are lucky enough to have already arrived, there'll be an informal get-together, a great way to get to know your fellow give-back-packers! DAY 2 (SAT) LET'S EXPLORE Hanoi, Vietnam. We ll kick today off with breakfast and an informative orientation so you can get your bearings and find out about all the activities, rules of the road and what we have planned for you during your trip. Once you ve got your head around the info, we'll head into town for a walking tour and visit the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake, the Temple of Literature, and the old French quarter. In the evening you ll have the opportunity to watch a traditional water puppet show before enjoying a delicious meal in the city s old quarter. If you re still thirsty for more, it s off to Beer Street for a few drinks! Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner itinerary

5 DAY 3 (SUN) HA LONG BAY Ha Long Bay, Vietnam Hopefully, you re not feeling too fragile this morning as it s an early start. We will be making our way to Vietnam s extraordinary Ha Long Bay. The journey takes around 3-4 hours, so there s plenty of time to catch up on your beauty sleep. Once we re at the dock, we ll set off on a cruise through the iconic emerald waters dotted with thousands of imposing limestone cliffs. You ll even get the chance to kayak if you don t mind getting wet! Lunch will be provided to keep you going through the day, and in the evening we ll sit down for a group meal while watching the sunset - how nice does that sound?! Expect the drinks to be flowing in the evening along with a few questionable song choices (and that s just from your guides!) Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner DAY 4 (MON) NINH BINH Ninh Binh, Vietnam You ll have a final opportunity to kayak and swim in the beautiful bay after breakfast and before we head back to the mainland. In the afternoon we ll be making our way to Ninh Binh to check into our accommodation and explore the town's surroundings. Later on that evening we ll meet up with the gang and see what everyone wants to do. Meals Included: Breakfast DAY 5 (TUE) NINH BINH Ninh Binh, Vietnam You ll be able to get out and really explore Ninh Binh today. Did you know that in 2016 the Hollywood blockbuster King Kong was filmed here? Well, you do now! So let s grab the opportunity and hop on a bike for a closer look at the town and the surrounding countryside. We will also make time for a cruise along the Tam Coc River which is, without a doubt, one of the most picturesque places in northern Vietnam. In the evening we ll board the night bus and move to our next location, Hue. Meals Included: Breakfast itinerary

6 DAY 6 (WED) HEY HUE Hue, Vietnam. Arriving in Hue this morning, we'll get you checked in, give you a chance freshen up and have some breakfast. After lunch we'll walk down to the Perfume River through the park and board our private boat for a relaxing ride down stream. Kick back and relax before we arrive at Thien Mu Pagoda, Vietnam's tallest religious building at seven tiers high. In the evening, you will receive a pre volunteering orientation, so you're ready for some hard work for next three days! Meals Included: Breakfast DAY 7-9 (THUR-SAT) VOLUNTEERING Hue, Vietnam. It s that time, so let's give something back because that s what we do best! Working alongside one of the top NGOs in Vietnam, your three days on the project will have you rolling up your sleeves and getting your hands dirty. Community development is something Bamboo loves to support and such projects include: building toilets for families, building sustainable chicken farms and pens and educating the community on how to provide food and a steady income for the future. Projects can change depending on a number of factors and we work on whatever is most needed at the time. Whichever project you re involved in, rest assured your hard work will make a difference to the people who really need it. That s just how we roll. On your last evening, and after you ve had a massive pat on the back, let the games begin as we spend the night enjoying Hue s vibrant nightlife one last time. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch. DAY 10 (SUN) HOI AN Hoi An, Vietnam. Making our way to the historic town of Hoi An today, we ll travel down the famous Hai Van Pass a scenic, winding road with panoramic views. If the weather s kind to us, we ll stop at a secluded waterfall known as the Elephant Springs, or we will stop along the road at Da Nang and walk amongst the Marble Mountains - the perfect photo op. Meals Included: Breakfast itinerary

7 DAY 11 (MON) BICYCLE CLUB Hoi An, Vietnam Today we ll head out on an epic bicycle ride through the beautiful streets of Hoi An. We will venture out into the countryside, riding through the stunning rice paddocks and run into a buffalo or two. The bike tour ends at the water's edge where your basket boat awaits. This is a unique experience that not many visitors know about, and we re sure you ll love it! After lunch by the river you'll be treated to a round of traditional Vietnamese games (prizes are involved!) before heading back into town for a night out. Meals Included: Breakfast DAY 12 (TUE) FREE TIME Hoi An, Vietnam. Time for some relaxation, so make the most of being in a great location to explore! The Old Quarter is packed full of pretty yellow buildings, boutiques, tailor shops, and quaint coffee shops. Book yourself into a cooking class at the famous Green Mango Restaurant with a world-famous chef; or if the sun s out, take a trip down to An Bang Beach for ultimate relaxation on the sand. This evening we can all get together for a final group meal - no need to worry, this one s on us. DAY 13 (WED) GOODBYE'S Hoi An, Vietnam. That s it! It s time to say bye-bye. Our team will be there to help you to arrange any transport you might need, be it back to the airport or wherever you're heading. One final group photo? Oh, go on then! Meals Included: Breakfast Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner itinerary

8 What's included D ISCOVER VIETN AM TOUR 1. Airport Arrival Pickup 2. All Accommodation 3. All Activities outlined above 4. Welcome meal in Hanoi 5. Donation to your project 6. Our guides to accompany you 7. Bike tours in Ninh Binh & HoiAn 8. Heaps of meals 9. Entrance to POI in Hanoi 10. Elephant springs or Marble Mountain 11. Ha Long Bay Cruise 12. Farewell meal in Hoi An

9 T H E I N F O R M A T I O N Y O U N E E D T O K N O W B E F O R E W E B E G I N D I S C O V E R V I E T N A M THE NITTY GRITTY ENTRY REQUIREMENTS You must have a valid passport and a visa (or preapproval for a visa on arrival) to enter Vietnam. Your passport must be valid for six months beyond your planned stay and you must have at least one blank page for your visa. Nationals of certain countries may visit Vietnam without a visa for a period of time, below is a link with a list of countries and regions that have visa exemption arrangements with Vietnam. If you arrive in Vietnam without an appropriate visa or pre-approval for a visa on arrival, you will be denied entry. FAST FACTS: VISA Ensure that your immigration info is correct before submitting it at the counter. VISA entry is YOUR responsibility Check before leaving for your trip what the entry requirements are for you

10 MONEY When it comes to advice on how much money to bring, it s impossible to say. All our intrepid explorers are very different. Where some go all out, others are on a budget. You can find both high end and budget restaurants, bars and shops across Vietnam. A rough guide for meals and drinks can be found in 'fast facts': ATM s, or cash machines, are prevalent throughout Vietnam. In Vietnam, you will be issued the local currency called Vietnamese Dong. Typical exchange rates at the time of writing are: $1USD VND 1GBP VND $1AUD VND We don t recommend bringing traveller's cheques with you. The reason is that banks across Vietnam have odd hours of operating and so it may cause unnecessary hassle finding a bank open when you wish to make a transaction. Major credit cards are not widely accepted as payment in Vietnam, some restaurants may accept credit cards but in most other places cash is king. Negotiating a purchase, known as bartering, still happens in the tourist areas of Vietnam. Outside of tourist areas, however, bartering is seen as disrespectful and the cost you re told is the cost you pay. If you re unsure as to whether or not you can barter for a discount please speak to your guide or coordinator to avoid any unnecessary faux-pas.. FAST FACTS: MONEY Basic costs of things: Local Meal (dish + rice) K VND Bottle of beer K VND Bottle of water 7-20k VND Memories - Free of charge The currency in Vietnam is known as the Dong or VND. Remember to tell your bank that you are leaving the country to avoid the possibility of your card being suspended.

11 CLOTHING Packing for a trip to the unknown is always tricky. It s definitely worth doing a little bit of homework on this one and to consider the local culture when deciding what clothes to bring. For example, Vietnam is a predominantly Buddhist country, so dress modestly and respectfully. We live by the rule '1 in, 1 out' meaning either shoulders or knees need to be covered at all times. In addition, it s often customary to remove your shoes before entering a building in Asia, consider this if you plan to only bring lace-up footwear. Whilst volunteering, it s highly like that your clothes will get dirty, sweaty and possibly torn so please keep this in mind. It s very easy to buy cheap clothes from local markets here that will be more than suitable for your work. If at the end of your time on a project you no longer wish to hang on to the clothes please speak to your guide as we may be able to donate those clothes on your behalf. Being such a religious country, temples and Buddhist monasteries are everywhere. If you plan to visit a few you will need to cover both your shoulder and knees. This also goes for volunteering at any school or entering a government building of any kind. You should also consider the weather. Vietnam has two prominent weather seasons: "Hot & Dry" and "Hot & Wet". "Hot & Dry" usually runs from November to April, and "Hot and Wet" is then May to October. The daytime temperature in Vietnam is quite consistent throughout the year with highs around 33-38º. The nighttime does vary with lows ranging from 16º in January and February to 28-30º for the rest of the year. We recommend a sweater/jumper to keep you warm when it gets chilly. FAST FACTS: FUAX PAS Take off your shoes when you step indoors. Whether you re entering a temple or someone s home, always take off your shoes. This also applies to some old-fashioned places of business, but not in most modern shops. Finish all your rice. Leaving a significant amount of rice in your bowl is considered wasteful. Don't get more rice than you think you can finish.

12 TRAVEL VACCINATIONS For up to date information about the best travel vaccinations to have before arriving in Vietnam we urge you to contact your own GP, a travel health clinic or to check the World Health Organisations website. Bamboo are not medical professionals and therefore can t offer you medical advice. FLIGHTS Thanks to the world wide web we now have access to great flight deals through websites such as Skyscanner, Google Flights and more. If you d rather use the services of a booking agent, the likes of STA Travel, Trailfinders and Flight Centre, are all available online. Please remember that this tour starts in Hanoi, but finished in Hoi An. So you may need to arrange a separate short flight from Da Nang Airport to ongoing destinations yourself. This is very easy and there are many low-cost airlines here that offer several daily flights. FAST FACTS: TRAVEL Did you know that? The country s name was originally spelt as two words, Viet Nam IMPORTANT NOTICE Once you have booked and confirmed your flight to Hanoi, please make sure that you have shared your flight arrival time and flight number with our team. Without those details, we will be unable to guarantee that one of our team will be at the airport to meet you on arrival. Did you know that? On a flight the bathroom door isn t really locked when you re inside. Lavatory doors can be locked and unlocked from the outside for a multitude of reason. It allows flight attendants quick access to locked lavatories in case of emergencies. In other instances, it allows the cabin crew to restrict access to bathrooms during takeoff and landing.

13 ARRIVAL Hanoi's International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the Aisa, and can be a confusing place. It is a major international hub that welcomes millions of visitors annually, so the following information is to help you locate our arrivals team quickly and to avoid unnecessary delays. Once you have passed through Immigration (Passport Control) you ll need to collect your luggage from one of the carousels. Once you have your bags please make your way to the exit, passing through the green Nothing to Declare channel, you will then enter the busy main arrivals area. Directly ahead of you will be a mass of people holding up signs trying to get your attention, At this point please make note of whether you are at Exit A1 or A2. If you're at Exit A1, fantastic, please keep a look out for our team. If you are at Exit A2 don't panic, make your way along to Exit A1 and find our team, they should be easily recognizable with their Bamboo t-shirts and be holding a sign showing the Bamboo logo. In the unlikely event that you can t find our team, please don t panic. As long as we have your correct flight details one of our team will be there. Please wait at arrivals area A1, and if you still cannot locate one of our team please call the following numbers: / If you have supplied us with a mobile phone number, please make sure your phone is turned on as we may be trying to contact you. ARRIVALS INFO Your hotel transfer will be around minutes from Hanoi International airport. Keep your eyes peeled for the smiling face that holding our Bamboo logo - Kooga our guide in the photo above loves to smile, honest! If your arrival is late at night and we have arranged for a representative to collect you, then you will still be transferred to your accommodation where someone will meet you and ensure you're checked in and settled. Our representatives will still be wearing a Bamboo t- shirt and holding up a Bamboo sign at Exit A1.

14 TRANSPORT Hanoi to Ha Long Bay - This first trip will take us from the centrally located capital city to East Coast traveling by comfortable air-conditioned bus, The journey will take around 4hours driving over 182km. Ha Long Bay to Ninh Binh - Our second trip we will take a private mini van to Ninh Binh. This will take around 5hours traveling over 218km. Ninh Binh - Hue - We will be traveling via a very comfortable night bus tonight. You will all have your own pod-like seats with a pillow, blanket and small tray table. Its as glamorous as a night bus can get, we promise! Hue to Hoi An - This will be made via our own private minivan with AC. The ride is comfortable and allows us to stop along the way for some epic snaps of the landscape. We will take our time as we pass along the Hai Van Pass stopping for a few treats along the way. FUN FACTS Our journey from Hanoi to Hoi An is around 1100km from start to finish. The beauty of Halong Bay is remarkable enough to make it to the big screen. Filming for the 1997 James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies took place in the Halong Bay area. Additionally, the video game Street Fighter IV used the bay as a backdrop

15 GUIDES Any tour is only as good as the guide fact. The input of a tour guide cannot be understated. Their input in to your tour, their little insights and the off-the-beaten-track adventures. The knowledge and experiences that they share with you will make or break your time wherever you are in the world. At Bamboo we take the selection and training of our guides and our coordinators very seriously. Each guide undertakes a structured training program of three months and only once we re convinced that they are genuine representatives of Bamboo are they signed up to the family. Each of our tours have English-speaking guides to support you, answer your questions, educate you and to ensure that your time is unforgettable. From time to time we may have new guides-intraining on our tours. If you re lucky to have a trainee on your tour, please be patient. They are undergoing training and therefore their knowledge won t be that of the trained and experienced guide who will be accompanying them. TIPPING Although not in any way expected or encouraged, anybody who goes over and above the call of duty to ensure that you have the very best time, may deserve a special little thank you. Did you have extra special service in a restaurant? Did the bus driver make an additional pit-stop just for you? Did your guide go out of the way so that you could experience something unique? At Bamboo we re firm believers in Karma what goes around most definitely comes around! FAST FACTS: GUIDES Our guides are the face of Bamboo, and they come in all shapes and smiles. We love each and every one of them more the Vietnamese love Pho. Whilst most them are elite travel mavericks in their own right, you may come across newbies who are on the path the greatness. If you're lucky enough to meet a fresh-faced newbie, be sure to show them your support and patience, most guides remember their first tours forever, so let's play nice.

16 The 'must brings' H AVE YOU PACKED TH E F OL L OWIN G? 0. An open mind 1. Backpack or suitcase w/wheels 2. Travel Towel 3. Light, loose-fitting 'work' clothes 4. Long trousers & t-shirts 5. Flip flops or sandals 6. Trainers or Sneakers 7. Day pack/bag 8. Insect spray 9. Hat & Sunscreen 10. Reusable Water Bottle 11. Multi-use plug adapter

17 The 'can brings' WHILST EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT, WE VE COMPILED A MORE DETAILED LIST FROM FEEDBACK OF SOME OF OUR PAST TRAVELLERS WHICH YOU MAY FIND USEFUL AND ALSO WANT TO CONSIDER BRINGING: 0. Patience 1. Medical Kit 2. Toiletries 3. General - Padded gardening gloves - Small umbrella or water jacket - Travel pillow (for added comfort) - Earplugs Electrolytes / Rehydration Packets Antihistamine cream / tablets Antibiotic cream Imodium Nail brush / Clippers Wet wipes Tissues / Toilet roll Travel hairdryer - Home luxuries (can't live without) - Card games or books

18 Discover Vietnam YOUR ACCOMMODATION GUIDE

19 HANOI Welcome to Hanoi! Your hotel is in central Hanoi, only 500 m from the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake. A 35-minute drive from Noi Bai Airport, it offers free Wi-Fi and a restaurant. Rooms are twin or triple share. Rooms are cosy and modern, with wooden floors and warm lighting. In-room comforts include a flat-screen satellite TV and personal safe. The spacious rooms offer panoramic views of the lake and city.

20 HA LONG BAY Time to cruise the wonder that is Ha Long Bay! Your accommodation will be twin shared. All rooms are air-conditioned and include a private bathroom with a shower and toilet. Towels, linens and slippers are provided, and a restaurant and a bar is available onboard.

21 NINH BINH Your chosen accommodation is only 20 meters from the ancient caves of Tam Coc- Bich Dong. With views of the surrounding area, the airconditioned rooms are equipped with free WiFi and a private bathroom. Accommodation will be twin share or triple, and includes an on-sire restaurant and bar where you can unwind with a cold one.

22 HUE Centrally located and only a stone's throw away from the bars and restaurants of Hue, our chosen guesthouse offers elegant and comfortable accommodation with free WiFi access throughout. Your accommodation here will be twin or triple share. Each room comes with its own bathroom, TV and AC unit.

23 HOI AN Just 10 minutes walk from the Ancient Town and the local market the hotel features an outdoor pool and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. Each room is equipped with air conditioning and an en-suite western bathroom. Rooms will be either twin or triple share.

24 DISCOVER VIETNAM YOUR PROJECT GUIDE

25 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT HUE Bamboo s ideology with all projects is to work with community leaders and locally operated NGO s because they understand the people, the needs, the benefits and the system far better than we do. Our projects improve villager's lives, health and safety. YOUR PROJECT GUIDE Depending on the number of people volunteering and the needs of the community, you might be participating in one of the following: Building sustainable animal pens for families who need our support, toilet building, school improvements and house repairs. Volunteers who decide to participate must be physically fit and willing to work in the hot sun for long hours. Please remember to take breaks as and when needed.

26 TERMS & CONDITIONS Please read these Terms and Conditions carefully as they form the basis of your contract with WeAreBamboo. This agreement is made at the time of booking and becomes legally binding upon payment of your deposit. By booking a program with WeAreBamboo, you signify you have read and accepted these Terms and Conditions All programs advertised on our website and/or on Facebook are offered and/or operated by WeAreBamboo Ltd. (trading as Bamboo and referred to as Bamboo or we herein after) with company number whose registered office is:. WE ARE BAMBOO LEVEL 2 61 SEAVIEW ROAD LOWER HUTT, NEW ZEALAND 5010 All travel arrangements are sold subject to the following conditions. Bamboo reserves the right to update the Terms and Conditions at any time. Please view our full terms and conditions here: Please note that the information in this pack is subject to change at any time without notice.