☆ Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Ayutthaya, the Ancient Capital of Thailand
☆ Explore four stunning countries in Southeast Asia on a trip that explores history, religious traditions, culture and nature
☆ Behold majestic Buddhist temples with unique historical artifacts in Thailand
☆ Take an overnight cruise amid limestone pillars in the breathtaking (and UNESCO-listed) Ha Long Bay
☆ Explore unique museums in Vietnam’s capital city of Hanoi
☆ See the crown jewel of Khmer architecture, Angkor Wat, and the fortified city of Angkor Thom
Tour Code: USESA15
Duration: 15day(s)
Optional Features and Upgrades: Since the seats are limited, we recommend you to choose optional and extension programs at the time of booking:
Extra Service: Travel Insurance Visa Service
1) Round-trip international flight from Los Angeles for NO additional charge
The following departure cities are available for an additional charge:
Additional U$300/person |
San Francisco / San Jose / Seattle |
Additional U$500/person |
Oklahoma City / Phoenix / Portland (OR) / Sacramento / San Antonio / San Diego / Las Vegas |
Additional U$700/person |
New York / Atlanta / Charlotte / Detroit / Memphis / Miami / Orlando / Fort Lauderdale / Milwaukee / Austin / Dallas / Denver / Philadelphia / Washington D.C. / Boston / Chicago / Houston / Toronto / Montreal / Vancouver |
Land-only package without round-trip international flight ticket: minus U$600/person
2) Domestic flight from Bangkok to Hanoi, Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
3) Ground transportation between the cities ( BY BUS )
4) Hand-picked 4-star hotel accommodations. (Based on ratings by booking.com)
5) Sightseeing admission fees as listed on the agenda
6) Food as specified on the itinerary
7) Special cultural programs as specified in the schedule
8) Professional English-speaking local tour expert
9) All tax and fuel surcharge
1) Any visa fees.
2) Travel insurance.
3) Any personal expenses.
4) Tour Extensions and Optional programs.
4) A Mandatory Service Charge & Tipping of U$290/person is required and payable by Credit Card Before Departure.
6) Single Supplement Fee (Our tour price is based on double occupancy. If a single passenger is traveling alone and not sharing a room for the entire trip, the tour price charged to the single traveler will be double the standard tour price.)
ALL PRICES ARE IN USD
PAYMENT POLICY:
Full Payment is Required at the Time of Booking
Optional program and Upgrades:
* Since the seats are limited, we recommend you to choose optional and extension programs at the time of booking.
Group Size:
☆ 10 - 40 Each Departure Date.
Your voyage begins with an international flight from North America to Bangkok, the capital of Thailand.
**depends on your departure city, you may have to depart from your departure city 1 day earlier than the itinerary departure date.
Welcome to Thailand! You’ll arrive in bustling, kinetic Bangkok and transfer to your hotel where the remainder of the day will be at leisure to rest, relax and acclimate to your new time zone. Overnight stay in Bangkok.
Bangkok is one of the world"s top cities for tourism. Here, deep-rooted ancient Buddhist tradition meets a vibrant food-, fashion- and fun-focused modern city. Today we will visit one of Bangkok"s best-known sights: Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) – the oldest and largest temple in the city, acclaimed for its nearly 150-foot long, 40-foot high Reclining Buddha. Afterward, the group will drive approximately 2 hours to scenic Pattaya, a popular vacation spot on the eastern Gulf of Thailand noted for its beaches and entertainment. The evening will be spent at your leisure, or you can join the optional excursion. Overnight stay in Pattaya.
Optional Program: Asiatique Night Market & Dinner Cruise Night Tour: $69 per person
This evening, why not mark your night in Thailand’s exciting capital with our optional Chao Phraya dinner Cruise. Admire views of the floodlit Grand Palace, and Bangkok’s golden temples and river bridges as you enjoy a scrumptious buffet dinner on board your comfortable ship.
This morning, drive to scenic Pattaya (approximate 2.5 hours), a popular vacation spot on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand whose beaches and entertainments draw thousands of visitors annually. On the way, stop at Gemstone Gallery, Asia"s biggest museum for gems & stones!!! and where you can see how traditional Thailand precious items are produced for sale and purchase some as souvenirs for friends and families.
Upon arrival, visit the Khao Phra Tamnak --- Locate on a small hill on the south of Pattaya Beach, which is the best spot to see the panoramic view of Pattaya City and Pattaya Bay from above.
Optional Program: Alcazar Cabaret Show & Seafood Dinner: $65 per person
The Alcazar Cabaret Pattaya is recognized internationally throughout the entertainment circuit. Alcazar is more than just a drag queen show and in the early days was not accepted. After years of evolvement and development of new technology, the Alcazar Show is world acclaimed. It is a must see for visitors local or foreigners. You will also enjoy a flavorful Seafood Dinner.
Spend today exploring Pattaya on your own. We suggest relaxing at the beach or by the pool. You may also join the optional excursion.
Overnight stay in Pattaya.
Optional Program: Coral Island by Speed-Boat with Lunch: $79 per person
Take a speed boat to the Coral Island (Koh Larn), a 4-square-kilometer chunk of perfection, famous for its white-sand bays, verdant interior, and translucent seas — the latter home to wonderful outlying stretches of coral reefs. On arrival, sink your toes into the talcum-powder sands and enjoy one hour of free time to relax or explore as you wish.
Today is free on your own to explore Pattaya at your own pace.
Optional Program: Half-Day Pattaya Elephant World Sanctuary: $99 per person
This morning, travel to the scenic Rainforest and visit the Elephant Sanctuary for rescued elephants. Admire, feed and help bathe these incredible animals in the water before enjoying lunch at the camp.
After breakfast, visit the Buddha Mountain (Khao Chi Chan), a famous place as it features a giant sculptural image of Lord Buddha erected on the giant cliff. Stop by the Royal Thai-Silk & Jade Center, the best place to shop Thai-silk and Jade-handicrafts.Thailand is well known for a number of unique characteristics, so Thai-silk & Jade has become a coveted items across the globe, and it is one of the most sought-after souvenirs by tourists and visitors of the Kingdom.
Afterwards, board your departing bus back to Bangkok.
Today, once-in-a-lifetime experience ---- as we will drive you to Cambodia!
The direct drive from Bangkok to Siem Reap is 420 km, and should have a drive time appx. 6.5 hours in normal traffic. Drive along the rolling verdant hills of the farm lands, admire the countryside scenery along the way and watch the locals work in the fields.
Your
Cambodia-representative will meet you at the Border after the immigration.
Today, you"ll understand why the architectural masterpieces of Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat, are designated as one of the "Seven Wonders of the World". This sprawling city, built by Khmer kings was once home to more than one million people at the height of the empire. On the visit to the fortified city of Angkor Thom visit the Elephants Terrace and Terrace of the Leper King, all adorned with dramatic bas-reliefs.
Continue to the mysterious Bayon Temple, highlight of Angkor Thom, replete with beautifully preserved bas-reliefs and more than 172 giant smiling stone faces. On to the monuments of Ta Keo, Prasat Kravan and Srah Srang before arriving at Ta Prohm, where the jungle was left untouched, as it appeared to European explorers. The high point of the day is the visit to stunning Angkor Wat, a temple dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. World-famous for its beauty and splendor, Angkor Wat has the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which runs along the entire outer gallery walls, narrating stories from Hindu mythology.
On the way back to the hotel, make a short
stop at Les Artisan d’Angkor, a local handicraft. Located in the center
of Siem Reap town, The epicentre is the drive to revitalise Cambodian
traditional culture, which was dealt a harsh blow by the Khmer Rouge and the
years of instability that followed its rule.
Optional Program: Cambodian Dinner & Traditional Apsara Show: $39 per person
Treat yourself to a memorable night in Siem Reap with dinner accompanied by a classical dance performance. To pursue the spirit of your visit to the temples we are happy to introduce you to another example of our rich cultural heritage: Traditional Dancing. The honored tradition of traditional Khmer dance stretches back over a thousand years to the Age of Angkor when it was popular with Kings and common folk alike.
This morning, head to the Bangkok Airport for your flight to Vietnam. Once you land, say “xin cháo” (hello) to Hanoi – a rapidly-changing city filled with buzzing scooters, colorful sights, a burgeoning art scene and incredible food. The Chinese and French influences are palpable (particularly in the architecture and cuisine) but Hanoi is, above all else, distinctly Vietnamese. Overnight stay in Hanoi.
Optional Program: Saigon River & Dinner Cruise Night Tour: $69 per person
An evening sailing down the Saigon River with a backdrop of the twinkling city skyline floating past. Cruise on Saigon River and enjoy a delicious selection of local dishes as you take in the ambience of this charming city.
After breakfast at hotel, head out to Ethnology
Museum which gives an excellent overview of the country’s ethnic groups,
their customs and ways of life. Next visit is the Temple of Literature,
dedicated to Confucius and built in the 11th century, it was the first
university in Vietnam and students still come here to burn incense. After
lunch, we take you visit the Ho Chi Minh complex, pass in front of the
impressive mausoleum and take a nice stroll in the lush gardens of the
Presidential Palace that includes the one-pillar pagoda and the house on stilts
of Ho Chi Minh. We then exit the green oasis and transfer to the Old Quarter,
the bustling heart of Hanoi. In the late afternoon, you will be treated a Water
Puppet Show – an unique Vietnamese art dates back to the 11th century and
was originally performed on rice paddies.
Departure in the morning from Hanoi. We drive across the Red River delta and reach the coast a little before noon. We then embark on a beautifully crafted junk for an overnight cruise in the legendary seascape of Ha Long Bay. Once on board, we are served a delicious seafood-based lunch, while the surrounding limestone outcrops make for a truly magical setting.
In the afternoon, we reach a less travelled area where we will devote ourselves to pure relaxation. The program is not fixed and depends on the time of the year and weather, but there will be an opportunity to visit a cave as well as explore a floating village or do a little bit of kayaking over the course of these 2 days. We end the day on the sundeck as the sun sets on this magical seascape. This evening, you can enjoy an aperitif or attend a cooking demonstration before dinner. Overnight in a comfortable private cabin with an en-suite bathroom.
Early birds may begin the day with a Tai Chi session. Tea and coffee are served as the sun rises and illuminates the surrounding panorama. Enjoy a light brunch while cruising back to the pier before disembarking and returning to Hanoi’s airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), the metropolis of southern Vietnam. You will be greeted upon arrival and driven to your hotel in the city center. Overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh City.
Spend today on your own discovering the energetic, lively, and often dizzying Vietnamese city of Ho Chi Minh City. You may also join the optional tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels (includes dinner). Overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh City.
Optional Program: Half Day Cu Chi Tunnels with Dinner: US$85 per person
We depart Saigon and head to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Our first stop is to visit a family producing rice paper, an opportunity to learn how this essential ingredient of Vietnamese gastronomy is made and to exchange a few stories with locals. We continue and reach Cu Chi Tunnels. After an introductory video, viewing various mantraps, the remains of an American tank and numerous bomb craters, you will spend the next hour exploring the maze of tunnels to see how the Viet
Free at leisure until transfer from the hotel to the airport. Tour ends.
Note: *Depending on the air availability, flight back to USA/Canada may depart (00:00 am-03: 00 am) on the next day.
For your final day, you may explore the city at your own convenience and transfer to Ho Chi Minh City airport in the evening. Hotel checks out before noon. (Late check-outs are available for purchase if you wish to relax and enjoy your hotel room).
Transportation Upgrades:
☆ Upgrade To Business Class(Only Available For USA -- Asia International Round Trip): U$6000/person.
Optional Tours (BOOK ONSITE):
Day 3: Asiatique Night Market & Dinner Cruise Night Tour: U$69/person
Day 4: Alcazar Cabaret Show & Seafood Dinner: U$65/person
Day 5: Coral Island by Speed-Boat with Lunch: U$79/person
Day 6: Pattaya Elephant Sanctuary with Lunch: U$99/person
Day 8: Amazing Classical Khmer Dinner & Show: U$39/person
Day 10: Saigon River & Dinner Cruise Night Tour: U$69/person
Day 14: Half Day Cu Chi Tunnels with Dinner: U$85/person
Tour Extensions:
1) Phuket 4 Days 3 Nights 5-star extension ( Pre-Tour ):
Price: U$1699/person
Included:
*Domestic flight
*Airport transportation
*5-star hotel accommodations with daily ABF
2) Phuket 7 Days 6 Nights 5-star extension ( Pre-Tour ):
Price: U$1999/person
Included:
*Domestic flight
*Airport transportation
*5-star hotel accommodations with daily ABF
3) Chiang Mai 5 Days 4 Nights Tour Package ( Pre-Tour ):
Price: U$1999/person
Included:
*Domestic flight
*Sightseeing admission fees as listed on the agenda
*Food as specified on the itinerary
*Guided Sightseeing Luxury Tour
*Ground transportation
*5-star hotel accommodations with daily ABF (Empress Premier Hotel Chiang Mai or similar)
*Special cultural programs as listed in different cities as specified in the schedule
*Professional English-speaking local tour expert
4) Luang Prabang 3 Nights Tour Package ( Pre-Tour ):
Price: U$1999/person
Included:
*Domestic flight
*Sightseeing admission fees as listed on the agenda
*Food as specified on the itinerary
*Guided Sightseeing Luxury Tour
*Ground transportation
*4-star hotel accommodations with daily ABF (MyBanLao Hotel or similar)
*Special cultural programs as listed in different cities as specified in the schedule
*Professional English-speaking local tour expert
Stay Like A Local-Extensions:
1) Return Flight Extension: 3 Days (Airport pick up and drop off service Not included):
Price: U$1299/person
Included:
*Air Ticket change fee & fare difference from the original itinerary
2) Return Flight Extension: 5 Days (Airport pick up and drop off service Not included):
Price: U$1399/person
Included:
*Air Ticket change fee & fare difference from the original itinerary
3) Return Flight Extension: 6-20 Days (Airport pick up and drop off service Not included):
Price: U$1499/person
Included:
*Air Ticket change fee & fare difference from the original itinerary
4) Return Flight Extension: 6-60 DAYS (Airport pick up and drop off service Not included) (Depart from other Asian Cities):
Price: U$1899/person
Included:
*Return flight from Tokyo / Osaka / Seoul / Taipei / Beijing / Shanghai / Hong Kong / Manila / Singapore / Kuala Lumpur / Ho Chi Minh City / Phnom Penh / Bangkok / Phuket
*Air Ticket change fee & fare difference from the original itinerary
*Please note the exact departure date or return city may be selected at a later point prior to final payment or you may specify your preferred return date in the "Remark" Column.
Hand-picked 4-star hotels: (Based on ratings by booking.com)
Bangkok 3 Nights – Bangkok Palace Hotel or similar
Pattaya 3 Nights – Cholchan Pattaya Beach Resort or similar
Siem Reap 2 Nights – Tara Angkor Hotel Siem Reap or similar
Hanoi 2 Nights – The Q Hotel or similar
Halong Bay Cruise 1 Night - Syrena Cruise (Deluxe) or similar
Ho Chi Minh City 2 Nights – Prostyle Hotel Ho Chi Minh or similar
International Air:
* UTOvacation reserves the right to confirm the airlines below:
☆ Air Canada
☆ Air China
☆ Hainan Airlines
☆ China Eastern Airlines
☆ Singapore Airlines
☆ Cathy Pacific Airlines
☆ China Southern Airlines
☆ United Airline
☆ American Airline
☆ Delta Airline
☆ Xiamen Airlines
☆ Beijing Capital Airlines
☆ Sichuan Airlines
☆ Hongkong Airline
☆ Eva Air
☆ Saudia
THAILAND DOES NOT REQUIRE A VISA FOR USA & CANADA PASSPORT HOLDERS.
CAMBODIA REQUIRES A VISA FOR USA & CANADA PASSPORT HOLDERS.
* UTOvaction"s Cambodia E-visa Service Option (Single entry, 30 days stay): U$95/person
VIETNAM REQUIRES A VISA FOR USA & CANADA PASSPORT HOLDERS.
* UTOvaction"s Vietnam E-visa Service Option (Single entry, 30 days stay): U$85/person
Visit the "IATA Travel Centre" for detailed information on country-specific passport, visa and health requirements:
https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/passport-visa-health-travel-document-requirements.htm
Call 1-855-526-1286 or email [email protected] for any inquiries about travel visas.
More about Travel Documents
*It is your responsibility to ensure that you- and any child travelling with you- have all the valid travel documents necessary to enter in, exit from or transit through, each country/region on your itinerary. Note that the documents required for the outbound portion of your travel may differ from those required for the return.
*Your passport should be valid for six months beyond your date of return. Passport must be in good condition: passport damaged beyond normal wear and tear will not be accepted.
*Consult with the appropriate embassy, high commission or consulate about the travel document requirement for any country that you plan to enter in, exit from or transit through.
*Some country no longer issue paper visas but rather electronic visas. E-Visa holders must present the printed e-Visa and valid passport at the checkpoint.
*International travel with infants and children may be required to show documentary evidence of your relationship and a Letter Consent or permission for the child’s travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present.
*Americans holding dual citizenship must travel to the United States with a valid U.S. passport. American permanent residents returning to the United States from abroad must carry a valid passport and a valid U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).
*Canadians holding dual citizenship must travel to Canada with a valid Canadian passport. Canadian permanent residents returning Canada from abroad must carry a valid passport and a valid Canadian Permanent Resident Card (PR Card).
Thailand is often referred to as the “land of smiles,” and while it may be a cliché, it also happens to be quite true. On the whole, Thailand is a very welcoming, friendly country, particularly when you get outside the large tourist centers like Phuket and Bangkok. Also, Thailand is famous for its beautiful white sand beaches and stunning, clear blue seas, with over 2,000 miles of coastline and 8,000 tropical islands!
Packing List For Thailand:
l Passport – Ensure your passport is valid for at least a year and has plenty of blank pages. Also get a passport cover – they’re cheap, and will protect your passport from damage plus provide a handy place to stash tickets etc whilst in transit.
l Travel Insurance – Make sure you have travel insurance that covers your full range of activities e.g. scuba diving (World Nomads backpacker travel insurance is recommended by Lonely Planet amongst others and can be bought immediately online)
l Thai SIM card – it’s much cheaper to switch over to a Thai SIM card on your phone rather than use roaming from home. You can buy a Thai SIM card online with Klook and pick it up at the counter at the airport when you arrive in Thailand. Alternatively, you buy a SIM at one of the telecom shops at the airport or once you’re in the city.
l Do I Need A Visa For Thailand? – USA and Canada nationalities do NOT need a visa for Thailand – you simply arrive in Thailand and get a stamp that allows you to stay 30 days in Thailand. (This is technically known as a visa waiver stamp). See this official list for the full rundown of which nationalities do not require a visa to enter Thailand.
l Prescription Medicines – Have a full supply of any prescription medicines you require
l Credit Cards and Debit Cards – Have credit cards and a debit card that will work in international ATMs and won’t block you due to being accessed from Thailand.
Must-Have Items to Carry - Whether you purchase them locally or bring them from home, you'll certainly want each of these essentials with you:
l Sunscreen: Prices for sunscreen often reflect the fact that locals rarely use it.
l Sunglasses: Sunglasses often get abused, so consider buying a cheap pair locally.
l Mosquito Repellent: Dengue fever is a serious problem throughout Thailand. The best defense is to protect yourself from bites. Mosquito coils can be purchased everywhere; burn them while sitting on your porch or balcony.
l Toilet Paper: You'll find it on tables in restaurants but not always in the bathrooms!
l Hand Sanitizer: Soap isn't a guarantee, even in nice restaurants. You'll certainly want some after your first squat toilet experience.
l Power Adapter: Most of the power outlets in Thailand are universal now; they accept both the US-style flat-pronged plugs as well as the rounded European-style power plugs. To ensure that you can connect everywhere, consider bringing a universal power adapter and check the voltage ratings (Thailand uses a 220-volt system) on your devices/chargers. Anything that relies on USB charging or has a dual-voltage transformer should be fine.
Clothing:
The casual outdoor clothes are highly recommended. A pair of comfortable walking shoes. Socks, pants, and underwear. An umbrella and waterproof coat will be strongly recommended because it often rains in Thailand. Bring clothes according to in which season you are traveling.
Bangkok, Thailand: Annual Weather Averages
April is the hottest month in Bangkok with an average temperature of 31°C (87°F) and the coldest is December at 26°C (79°F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 9 in December. The wettest month is September with an average of 220mm of rain. The best month to swim in the sea is in April when the average sea temperature is 30°C (86°F).
Phuket Thailand: Annual Weather Averages
March is the hottest month in Phuket with an average temperature of 29°C (83°F) and the coldest is January at 27°C (81°F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 9 in April. The wettest month is September with an average of 400mm of rain. The best month to swim in the sea is in April when the average sea temperature is 30°C (86°F).
Laos
Vietnam is a Southeast Asian country on the South China Sea known for its beaches, rivers, Buddhist pagodas and bustling cities. Hanoi, the capital, pays homage to the nation’s iconic Communist-era leader, Ho Chi Minh, via a huge marble mausoleum. Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) has French colonial landmarks, plus Vietnamese War history museums and the Cu Chi tunnels, used by Viet Cong soldiers
Cambodia is a Southeast Asian nation whose landscape spans low-lying plains, the Mekong Delta, mountains and Gulf of Thailand coastline. Phnom Penh, its capital, is home to the art deco Central Market, glittering Royal Palace and the National Museum's historical and archaeological exhibits. In the country's northwest are the ruins of Angkor Wat, a massive stone temple complex built during the Khmer Empire.
Packing List For Vietnam/Cambodia:
- Passport – Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months and has plenty of blank pages. Also get a passport cover – they’re cheap, and will protect your passport from damage plus provide a handy place to stash tickets etc whilst in transit.
- Travel Insurance – Make sure you have travel insurance that covers your full range of activities e.g. scuba diving (World Nomads backpacker travel insurance is recommended by Lonely Planet amongst others and can be bought immediately online)
- Do I Need A Visa For Vietnam/Cambodia? – USA and Canada nationalities need a visa for Vietnam – Canadian passport holder / Single entry valid for up to 1 Month; USA and Canada nationalities need a the Arrival Visa for Cambodia, please refer to the visa information site for more details.
Must-Have Items to Carry - Whether you purchase them locally or bring them from home, you'll certainly want each of these essentials with you:
- Sunscreen: Prices for sunscreen often reflect the fact that locals rarely use it.
- Sunglasses: Sunglasses often get abused, so consider buying a cheap pair locally.
- Mosquito Repellent: Dengue fever is a serious problem throughout Thailand. The best defense is to protect yourself from bites. Mosquito coils can be purchased everywhere; burn them while sitting on your porch or balcony.
- Toilet Paper: You'll find it on tables in restaurants but not always in the bathrooms!
- Hand Sanitizer: Soap isn't a guarantee, even in nice restaurants. You'll certainly want some after your first squat toilet experience.
- If you have a 3 program plug you will need to bring an adapter to change to 2 prongs (flat and round). Make sure your electronics can take 220 volts .
Important Information:
- Credit cards: Visa card/Master card are very common. They are accepted in major hotels, shops, banks & elsewhere.
- Currency: You can withdraw cash from ATM machines. ATM's are widely used in all cities.
The U.S. dollar is accepted everywhere . The exchange rate: 1 USD ~ 21,000.00 VND (Vietnamese dong), 1 USD ~ 4000 Riel (Cambodian currency). In Cambodia, US dollars is widely used , you don’t need to exchange USD to Riel. In Vietnam, you should exchange US dollars to Vietnamese dong at the banks for more propitious payment at local shops, local restaurants
- Weather:
* The weather in Vietnam can be split by region. In Hanoi & the north, May to October is hot and humid with high rainfall; November to April is cooler and dry. In the far north, December & January can be particularly cold. Central Vietnam experiences hot, dry weather between January & August when temperatures can hit the mid-30°C’s; whilst high levels of rainfall can occur in September, October & November. Southern Vietnam is generally dry and hot from November to April, and warm and wet between May & October, with the highest rainfall in June, July & August.
* The dry season in Cambodia runs from October to April, and the wet season from May until September, with the heaviest rainfall generally in August & September. Average temperatures range from 24°C in the cooler months of October, November & December to 35°C at the hottest time of the year from March until June.
- Clothing: Appropriate attire when visiting temples/pagodas in Vietnam & Cambodia is long pants (covering the knee) and Shirt or blouse covering your shoulder. Skirts, small shorts, tank tops, and other items of revealing clothing are not allowed within temple grounds (Angkor Temples). Visitors can and are frequently turned away from temples when wearing revealing clothing.
- Medical services: Services is available 24/24 hours. Vaccination is not required. Bring some insect repellent as you are traveling in a tropical area and bring medicine for your stomach in case food doesn’t agree or to treat diarrhea.
- Internet: Widely available in hotels, restaurants/café shops and be free of charge for WIFI or cable.
- Shopping: Vietnam is a shopper’s paradise. Wood products are better purchased in the south, ceramics in the north. Silk in Vietnam is of some of the highest quality in the world.
Hotel Preferred Bedding Configuration
- Twin Room (two separate beds)
- Double Room (one bed)
*Requests are not guaranteed and are subject to each hotel's discretion and availability.
“These conditions apply to all travel booked on or after August 22, 2024. For all travel booked prior to August 22, 2024, the applicable conditions are outlined on your invoice and booking confirmation email. ”
Your agreement with UTOvacation is subject to the terms and conditions outlined below.
Please read them careful prior to deciding whether to enter into this agreement. Do not hesitate to ask a UTOvacation staff member of any questions you may have in respect to these conditions before booking your travel. They are required to answer any questions you may arising from the information provided during the booking process and these terms and conditions. These terms and conditions can also be found on UTOvacation’s website at utovacation.com.
By booking your tour online with UTOvacation.com you acknowledge and agree to all terms and conditions herein.
Online Reservations
Step 1. Visit UTOvacation website: www.utovacation.com, login or register your account. (Learn how to book online Click Here)
Step 2. Choose your desired departure date and departure city
Step 3. Please identify and provide the contact information for the main passenger. All communication from UTOvacation will be sent to the main passenger only.
Step 4. Review the required documents page, provide the requested passport information for each traveller, and upload the requested passport information for each traveller.
Step 5. Read these terms and conditions and, if agreeable, indicate that you agree to abide by them.
Step 6. Make a deposit online. A Non-refundable, non-transferable payment is required to secure the space. The specific deposit amount is determined by the requirements specified on the product pages and the amount indicated during the enrollment process for each respective product.
Step 5. Finalize the booking.
Final Payment
Balance payment of any regular products or services is due 180 days prior to departure unless specified. If the full payment is not obtained by the due date, UTOvacation reserves the right to cancel such reservation and retain the pre-paid deposit to cover any expenses occurred.
Step 6. Trip Confirmation.
A final trip confirmation by email including day by day itinerary, hotel information, and flight information will be sent to the main contact passenger approximately one month before departure.
UTOvacation notice
Generally
If UTOvacation becomes aware of a change to any matter that might have affected your decision to purchase this travel, they will promptly advise you of this change.
Such notices may include doubt as to your tour meeting minimum attendant requirements thereby threatening cancellation or alteration of your tour. In either such circumstances UTOvacation will offer the customer the choice of a travel credit acceptable to you, comparable re-scheduled travel acceptable to you, or reimburse you the amounts paid to UTOvacation minus such amounts already received by you directly from or on behalf of the relevant travel supplier.
Specifically
If UTOvacation becomes aware of the following events, it will promptly notify you and offer you the choice of a full and immediate refund or comparable alternative travel acceptable to you:
1. Transportation that forms part of your travel is delayed or advanced by at least 24 hours, unless caused by mechanical problems, safety considerations, weather conditions, a strike or lockout, or force majeure.
2. A different cruise ship is substituted (if applicable)
3. An accommodation is changed, or the standard of the accommodation is changed.
4. The contract permits price increases by more than 7%, except any increase resulting from an increase in sales tax.
5. The documents needed for the trip have changed because of changed transportation routing and there is not enough time for you to obtain the documents before departure.
Travel Outside Canada
You will require your passport and, depending on your destination, a travel visa, to travel to your destination. The entry to a stopover country or your final destination may be refused if the required information and travel documents are incomplete or even if they are complete.
UTOvacation is not responsible in either circumstance for denial of entry to a country by their relevant officials.
Before entering into an agreement with a customer for travel services and taking payment, UTOvacation will advise you of the typical information and travel documents, such as passports, visas, affidavits, and notarized consent letters, that will be needed for each person whom travel services are being purchased. Please utilize the IATA as a resource - https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/passport-visa-health-travel-document-requirements.htm
The living standards and practices at your destination in respect to the provision of utilities, services, and accommodation may differ from those found in Canada.
Travel Visa
The following documents from the passenger are required if travel visa is applied through UTOvacation’s Visa Center:
• Original Passport (Make sure your actual passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond the date of your expected departure time)
• Recent passport size photo with white background. Please note, each countries requirement may differ, please check requirement click here
• Visa Application Form (Complete with signature and date)
*Remarks: If acquiring a visa on your own, the supporting documents will be provided from UTOvacation One Month prior to the trip departure date. Supporting documents requested early are subject to a $100 per person administration fee.
Visit the “IATA Travel Centre” for detailed information on country-specific passport, visa and health requirements: click here
Payment Info
Payment amounts and due date shall be outlined on your invoice. Kindly be advised that you will receive our emails before the set payment due dates. The first notice will be within two weeks following your initial deposit. The second notices will be 180 days before the tour departure date and will remind you to settle your 2nd deposit and final payment respectively for the tour package you have reserved. Please check your email regularly, including your junk box, to ensure you don’t miss a notice.
Please note: Your timely payment is important to guarantee your seat/cabin and ensure the overall tour package price. Your balance or final payment will NOT be charged automatically by UTOvacation.
Full or final payment is due 180 days before tour departure date. Travel documents, including but not limited to, a valid Passport copy shall be collected prior to booking.
Trip Cancellation and Eligible Refunds
UTOvacation Cancellations or Modifications
UTOvacation reserves the right to cancel or reschedule a tour prior to departure date. The travel provider may also be unable to provide the travel services you contracted for. In either such circumstances UTOvacation will offer the customer the choice of a travel credit acceptable to you, comparable re-scheduled travel acceptable to you, or reimburse you the amounts paid to UTOvacation minus such amounts already received by you directly from or on behalf of the relevant travel supplier.
Refunds may take up to 6 to 8 weeks to process but UTOvacation will make best efforts to provide a refund as soon as possible.
Please note, any refundable amount will not include fees associated with Travel Visas already been issued, any services that have already been delivered, or any incurred fees already charged by suppliers when such amounts will be returned directly to you from the supplier.
Customer Cancellations and Modifications
Subject to these terms and conditions, if a customer cancels their travel before or during their travel, any and all payments made to UTOvacation are non-refundable. This includes cancellation due to denial and/or rejected by relevant immigration and/or customs department, cruise port terminal officer, inability to obtain necessary visas and/or passports, or any other reason outside UTOvacation’s control, other than cancellation by a travel provider.
Cancellation or change requests must be confirmed in writing by email including your reservation number, full name and date of travel. Cancellations will only be accepted in writing.
No refund or reimbursement will be available to passengers who voluntarily forego meals, cruise, tours and/or accommodations for which they specifically paid for. A surcharge may apply should there be any additional fees occurred from services refused by the passengers.
Optional programs
In order to secure your spot and price for any of the early bird deals or promotional packages, a full payment or deposit may be required at UTOvacation’s discretion.
No Show- Sponsored Tour
If your travel is a sponsored tour and the sponsor requires that all passengers attend all the included activities during the trip, “No Show” fees will apply. Each and any no show in this instance will incur a penalty of $100 per person, per day. If the traveller does not attend daily activities, payment will be immediately collected for the day missed. This penalty applies no matter the cause (including illness, flight/cruise delays, quarantines, and etc). If passengers do not attend the activities or pay associated penalties for missing scheduled activities, the sponsoring associations will cancel remaining hotels and flights.
Liability
The customer shall hold UTOvacation harmless for all damages incurred and harm suffered as a result of actions or inaction of an another out of its control. Furthermore, should the traveller violate any local/provincial or national laws during their travels, UTOvacation is not responsible or liable for any damages or harm suffered.
No children under 2 years old
UTOvacation does not allow travel of children less than 2 years old.
Price Adjustments
You agreement permits price increases. After the booking is confirmed, if the total price and the cumulative increase, except any increase result from increase in sales tax, is more than 7%, the customer has the right to cancel the contract and obtain a full refund. You are responsible for paying for the increase if 1) the increase is less than 7% for reasons other than increase of sales tax, 2) the increase is more than 7% as a result from increase in sales tax, or 3) the increase is more than 7% for reasons other than increase in sales tax and you wish to proceed with the travel.
No price increases are permitted after you have paid UTOvacation in full
UTOvacation reserves the right to impose relevant fuel/inflation surcharge if Crude Oil Price Index or US/Canada Official CPI has increases by 4% or more between your booking date and tour departure date.
Tour Adjustments
UTOvacation retains the right to modify tours, if deemed in the best interest of its passengers, including in cases that involve the health and safety. UTOvacation will do its best to notify you of any such changes before your departure, or as soon as possible if you have already departed. If the adjustment is due to the supplier failing to provide travel services paid for by you at your desired time, UTOvacation will offer the customer the choice of a travel credit acceptable to you, comparable re-scheduled travel acceptable to you, or reimburse you the amounts paid to UTOvacation.
Travel Seat Arrangements
Seating/Cabin assignment
The customer understands and accepts that UTOvacation has no power to control the seating selection on the aircraft or cabin location on the cruise (unless where specified). All seating is arranged by the airline or cruise line. UTO vacation cannot help customer change pre-assigned seats/cabins.
Preferred Seat Upgrade: UTOvacation will not be responsible for any preferred seat upgrade on aircraft (except for business or first class seats). Some cruise packages allow the selection of cabins at the time of booking for an upgraded price; please refer to the product page for details.
Reservation Adjustments
Changes to an existing reservation by the passenger for whatever the cause, will incur a $100 per person charge plus any additional supplier fees. This includes name changes and removal of any
services such as optional tours and transfers. The deposit and/or full payment for any optional feature that is on an early bird or special sale promotion is non-refundable and non-transferable.
*Please note that name changes to airline or cruise line reservations are subject to full cancellation or re-booking. Replacing a travelling passenger or is subject the cancellation conditions outlined in these terms and conditions.
Changes or additional requests after departure are subject to local rates at the time of amendment and must be paid directly by the passenger to the service provider. UTOvacation will make its best effort to minimize these costs, however, all payment will be payable by request of the local service providers.
There are no refunds for unused services.
Travel Insurance
UTOvacation strongly recommends all tour members to purchase trip cancellation and health insurance at the time of booking, including health insurance. UTOvacation does not directly offer such insurance. The Travel Insurance recommended by UTOvacation are facilitated and owned by third party operators. Any Travel Insurance purchased by the passenger is governed by the third party and UTOvacation is not liable or responsible for said insurance.
Baggage
Each airline company has its own rules and regulations with the baggage weight, size, and number. The best way to find out the rules and regulations is to go visit the airline company official website.
Please note that for some destinations, baggage is not included in your package. Refer to your specific tour product page’s terms & conditions for specific baggage allowances.
Tour Fare Includes
Please refer to your tour itinerary for the most updated information.
Tour Fare Excludes
• Visa Application Fee
• Any personal charges, such as phone bills, laundry, postage, and baggage over-weight charge, insurance, beverages, water, etc
• Optional Tours
• Any other charges or incremental costs caused by the acts of God, Force Majeure, natural disasters, fires, weather, governmental and local authority’s order, political change, strikes, war, riots, quarantine, custom regulations, damages or inquiry caused by the accident beyond the responsibilities of UTOvacation or incurred due to the tourist action violating any law.
o If such events lead to the travel supplier failing to provide your travel services UTOvacation will offer you the choice of a travel credit acceptable to you, comparable re-scheduled travel acceptable to you, or reimburse you the amounts paid to UTOvacation
Flight Package Description
Silver Flight Package (Guaranteed maximum of one-stop/layover to your destination country gateway ). If your departure city has indirect flight(s) with only one stop/layover to connect your destination country gateway, we guarantee to provide you with flight with only one stop/layover to your destination country gateway if you select such package early enough before we issue the tickets. (Option and flight itinerary are subject to availability)
Gold Flight Package (Guaranteed non-stop flight to your destination country gateway )
If your departure city has regular direct flight(s) to connect your destination country gateway, we guarantee to provide you with a non-stop flight to your destination country gateway if you select
such package early enough before we issue the tickets. (Option and flight itinerary are subject to availability)
UTOvacation’s Affiliate Program
Customers who book via the Affiliate link may not switch tours or reschedule and apply the previous amount or percentage of discount/commission to future trips. Discounts that are offered are only applicable to initial tour purchase and non-transferable.
Please note, for customers who have booked via the Affiliate program, tour change fees will be applicable should you decide to reschedule originally purchased tours. Please refer to the terms and conditions on the Product Page.
UTOvacation’s Affiliate discounts/commissions are not redeemable for cash or future travel credit regardless of circumstances. The value of the Affiliate will be deducted from your final payment if applicable.
Please note, the Affiliate commission is only applicable to the initial purchase. Future additional purchases are not applicable to the Affiliate discount/Commission.
UTOvacation’s Assurance
UTOvacation"s Travel Assurance program enables passengers to be able to change participants’ name(s) or tour departure date one time for free without any administration fees up to 180 days prior to trip departure date.
• UTOvacation"s Travel Assurance Program must be purchased within 14 days of initial booking.
• UTOvacation"s Travel Assurance Program: reschedule/rebook up to 180 days before departure $ 99 - $ 399
• UTOvacation"s Travel Assurance Program: reschedule/rebook up to 120 days before departure $ 199 - $ 499
• UTOvacation"s Travel Assurance Program: reschedule/rebook up to 90 days before departure $ 299 - $ 599
• Please note, upon purchasing UTOvacation"s Travel Assurance program, you understand that this program is non-refundable and non-transferable.
Please note, when UTOvacation"s Travel Assurance program is purchased, payments made by the customer will first be applied to the UTOvacation"s Travel Assurance program and then to the remainder of the tour package.
Additional Conditions
During the tour or cruise, you will be considered have automatically abandoned your trip if you do not attend the pre-arranged tour or check in the prearranged hotel or cruise.
All the extra cost will be undertaken by the client voluntarily. UTOvacation reserves the right to abandon any clients if such clients violate the law or damage the interest of tour groups.
UTOvacation is not responsible for any denied Travel Visa application and will not be offering a refund of received by you.
If a child- 18 years old or younger- is travelling abroad with only one parent/guardian, children must carry a notarized consent letter signed by non-accompanying parent/guardian. If a child is travelling alone they children must carry a notarized consent letter signed by both parents/guardian. Such a consent letter may be requested by immigration authorities when entering or leaving from a foreign country or by North American officials when re-entering into USA or Canada. Failure of presenting such document may result in the rejection of boarding aircraft or vessel for the children concerned.
If a cruise line substitutes ships or changes its sailing by more than 24 hours, UTOvacation will advise you immediately and offer your choice of a full and immediate refund or a comparable alternate travel service acceptable to you. UTOvacation will not do so for scheduling alterations over 24 hours, if they are the result of mechanical problems with the ship, safety considerations, weather conditions, a strike or lock-out, or force majeure.
The credits in the Affiliate Program cannot be combined with any other promotions or coupons and redeemed in the same booking.
Any promotional coupons cannot be applied to any extra items including but not limited to visa service fees, gratuities, sightseeing, admission ticket fares, meal plans, single supplement charges, airport transfers, travel insurance, any taxes/surcharges and optional tours.
UTOvacation reserves the right to cancel or modify a tour any time prior to departure date if the group has less than ten passengers, subject to these terms and conditions.
All upgrade packages are 100% non-refundable, items including flight package, hotel, cruise cabin, meal package and etc.
UTOvacation usually sends out important notifications including but not limited to destination health protocols, travel industry policies, tour updates and safety alerts to our agents/customers by newsletter through email. UTOvacation is not responsible for trip delay, service cancellation, price increase or any other types of loss caused by unsubscribing from our email list, wrong email address or a lack of checking email box/spam folder/junk folder on a regular basis. If you have not received our newsletter for a long time, make sure your email address is effective/valid and you are on our email list or contact us immediately at [email protected] for assistance.
Dispute Penalty
Please note, if a customer requires cancellation of a product or service, kindly reach out to UTOvcation customer service. If a customer files a dispute/chargeback directly with their bank, the order will be automatically canceled and suspended in your account. If a customer wishes to reinstate their purchase or credit, they must pay a disputed penalty of $299 per transaction if the total payment amount exceeds $299; 50% of the total invoice amount if the amount is less than
$299; all dispute penalties are per transaction. Chargeback fees, transaction fees, administration expenses, marketing/acquisition costs, and operations charges are all part of the disputed penalty. After you have reinstated your order and paid the disputed penalty, you will receive the travel credit. The travel credit can be used to book the same or different tours on our website. You will not be reinstated to your original order, and the amount you paid for that excursion will not be guaranteed.
Ensuring Secure Payments
Safeguarding your payment(s) is our top priority. In order to prevent fraud, we ask our customers to settle payment(s) through your account on UTOvacation official website at www.utovacation.com. Should you choose offline payment submission, Cheque/Money order/Bank draft/Credit card (with credit card authorization form filled out and signed) are accepted and the payee must be UTOvacation. Please be advised that UTOvacation has never been allowing Bank transfer/Email transfer for transactions and Cash is not recommended. If you find something suspicious regarding your payment, please call 1-855.526.1286 before any further actions.
Tipping
For the on-tour convenience of some itineraries, we will collect all gratuities which is to be shared by our local team. This may include tour leaders, guides, drivers, baggage porters, airport coordinators, restaurant waiters for all included meals and other staff in the team behind the scenes.
These gratuities are not mandatory but are appreciated as recognition for excellent service and we thank you for your encouragement and generosity.
Shopping
Although we would be happy to assist your shopping needs, UTOvacation would not be responsible for price, quality, and service of any goods purchased during the tour.
Special Notes for Middle Eastern packages:
Please be advised that traveling in the Middle East requires open-mind and willingness to respect the local culture, religion and tradition.
1. It is highly recommended that women wear tops covering shoulders and skirts falling below the knee in public. Knee-length shorts are allowed for men. It is customary for women to cover their shoulders and hair and men to have shirts and long pants when visiting a mosque or temple. More conservative dress is expected during the Ramadan or Jewish holiday period.
2. Non-Muslims above the age of 21 are only allowed to consume alcohol in licensed hotels,
clubs and restaurants, never in public open areas.
3. Taking photographs of individuals, especially females, needs a permission first. Do not take any pictures with military facilities, borders and airports.
4. Horse carts and camel rides at tourist sites are mostly not included in the entrance fees. We suggest that you negotiate ride fare and tips with the merchant beforehand in order to avoid any unexpected situation at the end of the ride. Keep the exact change in local currency handy.
5. Ramadan is the holy month for the Islamic world and all Muslims have to fast from dawn to dusk without eating, drinking or smoking. Alcohol is available in licensed bars and restaurants after sunset for non-Muslims. Tourist hotels usually keep one restaurant open during the day catering to resident guests. Also during Ramadan month, live performance, certain music and dancing are prohibited. Shops are open after sunset.
6. Most hotels and restaurants provide kosher foods with no pork or shellfish in Israel.
7. Shabbat is the Jewish holy-day and day of rest of the week. It starts on every Friday after sunset and ends on Saturday evening. Offices, public transportation (except for taxi), private businesses are closed (i.e., stores and restaurants) and reopen after the Shabbat.
Specific requirements for cruise passengers
*Guests are not allowed to sail if entering the 24th week of pregnancy before or any time during cruising. A physician’s “Fit to cruise” note is required if a customer is pregnant 23 weeks or less at the time of debarkation. Please keep in mind that not every vessel has a doctor/nurse or facilities/equipment to accommodate the special need. Please be advised to also check with the insurance company for pregnancy-related care.
*Infants must be at least 6 months of age at the time of embarkation for any itineraries under 7 nights and 12 months of age for any itineraries more than 8 nights.
*Passengers above the age of 21 are permitted to cruise alone. Anyone under such age should get onboard and share a cabin with a parent or legal guardian with a proof. Such clients are forbidden to attend any gambling activities or consume any alcohol beverages. Parent(s) or legal guardian(s) shall be in full responsibility for the minors regarding their conducts and behaviors subject to the terms and conditions of cruise lines.
*Each traveler above the age of 80 shall represent and warrant that he/she is physically fit to
travel on the voyage. Contact the cruise line of any existing physical health issues or any other conditions you may require medical attention/special care during the whole journey.
*We request all travelers to provide the accurate information for cruise reservation including name, age, gender, tour dates, nationality, passport number etc. Any change of the above will result in a one time $150USD/$200CAD penalty/surcharge per change within 110 days prior to the sailing. All name changes within the same stateroom will result in applicable cancellation.
*Gender X or any other identifications other than M or F might be prevented from going through the security checkpoint at the pier.
*When boarding, all passengers must be responsible for presenting passports valid for at least 6 months upon the end of the international travel date as well as any necessary immunizations and visas required for cruise itinerary. EVUS must be updated in a timely manner and we also strongly encourage our customers to visit the government foreign affairs website for any up to date travel advisories and safety recommendations.
*UTOvacation highly recommends guests to obtain travel/health insurance against any possible or potential issues related to any emergencies, delays, interruptions, cancellations or losses.
Any one who violates the above regulations or fails to provide the required travel documents will be denied for boarding the vessel at any time. UTOvacation shall not be entitled to have any further liability or offer any remedy whatsoever in this circumstance.
UTOvacation strongly recommends that you purchase travel insurance for any future travel plans.
We have curated two reputable partners one in the USA and one for Canada. Once you have made your trip selection, please select the option of purchasing travel insurance.
For USA patrons, in order to qualify for the “Cancel For Any Reason” Option offered by John Hancock, you will need to purchase your insurance within 14 days of your initial deposit. Other insurance policies may be purchased later.
Please note, the travel insurance that is available for purchase is with our affiliate partners and not a direct product or offering of UTOvacation. For any questions or concerns, please contact the vendor directly.
American Travel Insurance (click for more details)
Canadian Travel Insurance (click for more details)