About Vietnam and Cambodia

Currency

The official currency in Vietnam is the Dong (VND). The official currency in Cambodia is the Riel (KHR); however, US dollars are commonly used.

Languages

Vietnamese/Cambodian

Being gay in Vietnam/Cambodia

The Vietnamese and Cambodian cultures are widely accepting of the gay/lesbian lifestyle. While on our site inspection in Vietnam and Cambodia, the local people were very friendly and understanding. Whether straight or gay, public affection is not appropriate in the Asian culture. While we are on the ship, we are completely free to be who we are. But while we are in their "culture," as always, we respect this and outward displays of affection are suggested to be kept at a minimum.

Food

We will be traveling through different regions of Vietnam and Cambodia that will allow us to experience different menus. It differs from region to region in its spiciness, use of ingredients, and typical entrees and meats. We know you will enjoy trying these different foods and there will always be rice and veggies available. Included in this trip will be the opportunity to try local cuisine throughout. While in hotels, our breakfasts will have a grand buffet of choices of basic American fare to Vietnamese/Cambodian options. For lunches and dinners, there will be a variety of Vietnamese/Cambodian food options. While on the ship, all meals will include basic American dishes and local options.

Before Your Trip

What’s Included and What’s Not

What is included?

• Airport transfers on September 3 and 17, 2013
• Two nights hotel accommodations in Hanoi at the Sofitel Legend Metropole with daily buffet breakfast
• Overnight stay on board a luxurious traditional wooden Junk in Ha Long Bay
• Flight from Hanoi to Siem Reap
• Three nights hotel accommodations in Siem Reap at the Sofitel Royal Angkor (or similar) with daily buffet breakfast
• 7 nights deluxe cruise accommodations
• Included sightseeing program as outlined in the Itinerary
• Superb dining with all meals included during your cruise
• Local wine, local beer, soft drinks and “house-liquor” mixed drinks included on board the ship
• Bottled water in every stateroom replenished daily
• One night hotel accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) at the Sofitel Saigon Plaza (or similar) with buffet breakfast
• Onboard special highlights including folklore dances and music performances, cultural discussion forums, themed dinners and Olivia entertainment
• Non-smoking environment (smoking permitted only on the Sun Deck)
• Gratuities to ship crew and tour director

What’s not included?

• Tips to local guides, hotel maids
• Drinks, bottled water during included land meals
• Imported wines, beers and specialty fruit drinks
• Meals not indicated in itinerary
• Airport transfers outside of trip dates
• Laundry service
• Visa costs

Travel documentation and identification

You will need a passport that is valid for six months past the date of the trip. If you are not a US citizen, please check with both your country’s consulate and the consulates of the countries we will be visiting to make sure that you do not need an entry visa or other additional documentation.

Visa

Visas are necessary for all US and Canadian citizens for both Vietnam and Cambodia. A packet of information on how to obtain your Visa’s for both Vietnam and Cambodia will be sent 6 months prior to the trip. Non-US Citizens should check with their consulate on correct Visa requirements. Please be sure the Vietnam and Cambodia Visas stamped in your passport are valid for the dates you are traveling.

Vaccinations

Please check with your local Public Heath Department or personal physician regarding immunization requirements for all countries on your itinerary. You may also check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Web site at: www.cdc.gov. Just click on "Traveler’s Health" and then "Vaccinations."

Travel insurance

We encourage all guests to purchase travel insurance. Olivia has recently partnered with Travel Guard to make things easier for you; you can now add your travel insurance when you book your trip, all in one call. In order to receive the most comprehensive coverage, please purchase your insurance within 15 days of your initial invoice. If you have questions about Olivia’s travel insurance, call (800) 631-6277 option 1 to talk to one of our travel consultants.

Joining the Olivia.com trip group

If you’d like to chat with people who are going on the trip, sign up for the official Olivia trip group.

Travel and Arrival

Air travel

Where to fly into/out of

You will need to fly into to Hanoi, Vietnam (HAN) and from Saigon, Vietnam (SGN). We encourage all passengers to arrive a day early to avoid the stress of unexpected delays. An additional night package will be available to all guest.

Suggested arrival/departure times

Guests arriving in Hanoi on September 3, 2013 may check into hotel after 3pm. Many of these flights arrive in the evening.

Return flights from Saigon on the last day of the program (September 17, 2013) can be at anytime. Hotel check-out is at 11:00 a.m. The hotel will offer late check-out based on availability for an additional charge. These arrangements and payments are made directly with the hotel. If you want to allow yourself another day to explore Saigon, you should try to get a late night flight out. If your flight departs in the morning, we suggest the possibility of reserving an additional night and leaving the morning of Sept. 18. This is just to give you more time in Saigon. A few reasons you may want the late night flight or an additional night would be to get clothing made, visit the Vietnam Memorial Museum, more shopping, etc . . .

Airfare

American Airlines offers a 5% discount on airfare. The AA discount code A3983BE applies to flights into Hanoi, Vietnam (HAN) and out of Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon, Vietnam (SGN). Dates of travel are August 27 - September 24, 2013. Airfare can be booked no earlier than 11 months before the trip. This reservation can only be booked by calling (800) 433-1790 ($25 booking fee applies).

Olivia’s preferred travel agency

We are happy to partner with Panorama Travel, which provides excellent service and competitive airfares. For a small fee, they can also assist you with using your frequent flyer miles for free tickets and upgrades. You can reach them at 800-523-0093 or 503-682-6800.

Luggage allowances

This trip does have a very strict luggage allowance. For the flight from Hanoi to Siem Reap, only one checked bag and one carry-on bag is allowed. Checked bag(s) cannot exceed a total of 44 lbs. (20 kg), due to flight restrictions. Your carry-on bag should not exceed 22”x 14”x 9” and must weigh less than 10 lbs. (4.5 kg).

All carriers may impose fees for excess baggage, and/or require you to remove articles and put them in another bag if weight or size limits are exceeded. Olivia/AMA Waterways are not responsible for the additional fees that may be imposed should your luggage not meet these size and weight restrictions.

For your International flights, please check with your airline for baggage allowances.

Transfers and Meeting up with Olivia

You will be met outside of baggage claim by an Olivia/AMA representative. Transfers from the airport to the hotel are included in your fare if arriving on the day of program (September 3, 2013). Specific Hotel information will be in your final documents. Hotel check in will be available after 3pm.

During your trip

Hotels

We will be staying at 4+ star hotels for the land-based portion of your tour. These hotels have been specifically selected for their comfort, convenience and amenities. Though subject to change, here is a list of the hotels we will be including in our program:
HANOI: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
SIEM REAP: Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort
HO CH MINH CITY: Sheraton

Ship

AMA's AMA Lotus

The 124-passenger AMA Lotus is AMA’s newest ship. Launched in October 2011, this ship features the following amenities:

• Comfortable sitting areas
• Gift shop
• Fitness center
• Spa
• Sun deck, with small swimming pool and bar
• DVD library
• English-speaking staff

Room Amenities

• Ultra-spacious 624 sq. ft. suites
• Ten 290 sq. ft. junior suites
• Standard 226 sq. ft. staterooms (90% with outside balconies)
• Controlled air-conditioning
• Mini-bar
• Safety deposit box
• Robes and slippers
• Private bathroom with a spacious shower
• Hair dryer
• TV with DVD player
• Luxurious bathtub (Jr. Suites/Suites)

**Please note there are no elevators on board.

Dining

Saigon Lounge is the main restaurant on board serving Asian and Western specialties.

Electricity

220 current is available both in the hotels and on the ship. We suggest bringing adapters and a converter. The Adapter has a 2-pin prong. You will need an Asia adapter for most charging devices, and a converter for any heating device. If uncertain, check your plug for 100-240v compatibility. If it has this, only an adapter is needed.

Excursions

All excursions are included in your fare.

Telephone

Each cabin has a phone which may be used to call within the ship.

Gratuities

Gratuities to the ship staff have been included in your fare.

Laundry and dry cleaning

Laundry services are available in all hotels and on board the ship for a fee.

Medical services

There are no doctors or nurses on board the ship. In the event of a medical assistance is needed, appropriate medical facilities will be contacted. Note that response time can vary. Passengers are strongly urged to secure adequate travel insurance coverage for medical emergencies. Call our office for details.

Smoking policy

All indoor areas on the ship and cabin balconies are non-smoking. Designated areas are provided for smokers on starboard side of top outdoor deck.

Internet/Email/Fax

Internet is available on 4 terminals on the ship at no charge. However, the connections are very slow and not dependable.

Hair Dryers

There is a hair dryer in all hotels and on board the ship for your use.

Money: Paying for things on board

Onboard, the currency is Vietnam DONG. All purchases made on the ship will be charged to your onboard account, which you create when you first check in. Please check with the front office onboard for further details.

Solo travelers

We will have a solos program onboard, led by a solos coordinator who will ensure you have a great time.

Tipping

Your tips to your Ships Staff and Vietnam/Cambodia Tour Leader are included in the cost of your trip. Tipping to the local guides, bus drivers, porters and hotel room attendants are not included, and we recommend the following tipping guidelines:
Airport Porters - $1 US per bag
Hotel Porters - $1 US per person on check-in and check-out
Local guides - $1-$2 US per person, per day
Drivers - $.50 - $1 US per person, per day
Hotel Room Attendants – $2-5 US per person, per day
Restaurant Wait Staff – Restaurants often add a service charge to bills, but an additional tip of 5%-10% is customary if you venture out on your own. Otherwise, all tipping of wait staff for your included meals is included in your fare.

After Your Trip

Transfers to the airport

For those going directly to the Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon airport on September 17, your transfers are included.

Vacation Extenders

For those who would like to arrive a night early in Hanoi, September 2, 2013, Olivia is offering an optional one- night pre-hotel with airport pick-up.

An optional one-night post-hotel with airport transfer for Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is offered on Sept. 17, 2013.

Please contact us for more information and pricing.

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