Flexible Groups, Great Value

020 7263 3000

Vietnam South to North + Mekong Delta + Cultural Laos

Alms giving, Luang Prabang, Laos
Hoi An
Kuang Si Falls, Luang Prabang, Laos
Coconut factory
Banh Beo (in Phan Thiet Style)
Lanterns, Vietnam
Hanoi, Vietnam
Incl flights, accommodation & transfers
From   £3577 £3277
17 days
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Holiday highlights

  • Discover the cultural capital of Laos, Luang Prabang.
  • Take a cruise through the limestone islets of Lan Ha Bay.
  • Glide down the natural waterways of the Mekong Delta, next to fruit farms.
  • Wander the ancient streets of Hoi Ann and discover Hanoi's old quarter.
  • Explore the Vietnam war tunnels north of Saigon.
  • Wander the ancient streets of Hoi Ann and discover Hanoi's old quarter.

View this Itinerary in Photos

Itinerary

View full itinerary +

  • Fly overnight from the UK to Ho Chi Minh City.

    Meals Included: Meals on your flight.

  • Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. You are met by your driver and escorted to your hotel. Have the rest of the day free to relax or explore the city.

    Meals Included: Meals on your flight.

  • After breakfast, drive two hours to Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta. Board a boat and float by rice paddies and fields of tropical fruit. Stop to take a tour of a family-run coconut farm, and learn how the farmers utilise every part of the coconut for candies and crafts. From here, take a bicycle (or tuk-tuk) tour of the village, followed by a ride in a traditional rowing boat through the narrow canals of the delta. After lunch at a riverside restaurant, you have some time to relax at your hotel, before an introduction to the local fishing trade. Return to your hotel in the afternoon for a Vietnamese cooking class, and learn to make Banh Xeo, a local favourite. After a hearty dinner, enjoy a lemongrass and ginger footbath, a local remedy said to relieve fatigue and soreness in the legs.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

  • Enjoy breakfast in the fresh air, then set off on a cycling trip to the island of Oc. The route is on a well-paved track lined with tropical fruit trees, and takes around 2.5 hours. For those who do not wish to cycle, other options are available. On the way you visit local markets and a weaving workshop, where the owner will teach you about different braiding techniques. Stop at a local catfish farm before heading to the pier for your boat back to the hotel.  Check out of your hotel around noon and take the two-hour drive back to Ho Chi Minh City.

    Meals Included: Breakfast at your hotel.

  • A free day to explore Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s bustling commercial capital. Alternatively take the optional Vietnam War Tunnels excursion, and explore the immense hidden tunnel network the Viet Cong used during the Vietnam War. Return to your hotel and enjoy an afternoon at leisure, perhaps visiting the War Museum.

    Meals Included: Breakfast at your hotel. Lunch is included on the optional Vietnam War Tunnels excursion.

  • Take a flight to Hue, once the imperial capital of Vietnam. Its complex of stunning palaces, royal tombs, pagodas and temples has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

    Meals Included: Breakfast at your hotel. 

  • A free day to explore Hue for yourself. Alternatively, take the optional Imperial City excursion to see some of Hue’s great monuments and learn about the luxurious and secretive world of the royal court. Start by visiting the Imperial Citadel, as your guide explains the history of the last royal dynasty of Vietnam. Then visit an historic pagoda and take a tour of a Buddhist monastery, enjoying a vegetarian lunch.

    Meals Included: Breakfast at your hotel. Lunch is included on the optional Imperial City excursion.

  • Depart Hue in the morning and drive over the breathtaking Hai Van Pass to Hoi An. This remarkable stretch of mountain road passes through dramatic peaks and looks out over the East Vietnam Sea. In the afternoon, enjoy a walking tour through the charming streets of Hoi An, lit by strings of brightly coloured lanterns. Explore the old town, passing by market stalls and rickety shop fronts that have been in use for hundreds of years. Visit the beautiful Japanese bridge and some local temples, before heading to the river to see lantern-lit boats float across the peaceful water.

    Meals Included: Breakfast at your hotel.

  • Enjoy a free day at leisure to discover the city of Hoi An. Perhaps visit the historic old town recognized by UNSECO as a World Heritage Site, or take a boat on the river. Alternatively, take the optional My Son Jungle Temples excursion in the morning to visit one of Vietnam’s greatest archaeological sites. The elaborate temple complex was built by the Champa civilisation between the 4th and 13th centuries, and is located in a small clearing within a vast valley of dense jungle. The temples are an earthly representation of Mount Meru, the Hindu equivalent of Mount Olympus.

    Meals Included: Breakfast at your hotel.

  • Take a morning flight to Hanoi, then have the afternoon to explore the capital for yourself, or take the optional Hanoi Old Quarter excursion to learn more about the fabulous architecture and colourful history of Hanoi’s ancient streets. Visit the “36 streets of 36 wares”, each specialising in a traditional craft, such as “paper lantern street” and “jewellery street”.

    Meals Included: Breakfast at your hotel.

  • Drive to Lan Ha Bay, the more-secluded neighbour of Ha Long Bay, where stunning limestone islets rise from the clear emerald water. The journey takes around two and half hours. Board the ship and enjoy lunch as you start your cruise through the mysterious rocky pillars. There is a chance to use the onboard kayaks, but as you will be alone on the open water, a reasonable level of competence is advised. In the late afternoon there is a cooking demonstration to learn how to make Vietnam’s famous spring rolls. Stay overnight on board the ship.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

  • There is a Tai Chi class available on board for early risers, then breakfast is served as you enjoy the view of the islets. Join a smaller vessel to visit the impressive Trung Trang limestone cave on Cat Ba island. Disembark just before midday, then drive back to Hanoi, arriving in the afternoon with some more time to explore the capital.

    Meals Included: Breakfast on the ship.

  • Fly from Hanoi to Luang Prabang. On arrival you are transferred to your hotel. Depending on the time of your flight, have the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

    Meals included: Breakfast at the hotel.

  • After breakfast, board a traditional long-tail boat, and sail up the Mekong River to the Pak Ou caves. The caves are an important place of worship for Buddhists, and are filled with hundreds of devotional statues in every pose and phase of life. Spend some time exploring the upper and lower cave systems, then return to Luang Prabang around midday.

    In the afternoon, depart on a walking tour of the city, appreciating the beautiful mix of Laotian and European colonial architecture. Luang Prabang was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995 for its distinctive buildings. Walk down some of the small streets and alleys to get a glimpse of provincial life and stop by a local house to visit some of the residents. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon, with the rest of the evening to relax.

    Meals included: Breakfast at the hotel.

  • Rise early to witness a sunrise alms-giving ceremony in which hundreds of barefoot, saffron-clad monks walk through the streets to collect food offerings in exchange for blessings. Tourists are encouraged to join in if they wish. Afterwards, continue to a bustling morning produce market, then return to your hotel. After breakfast, drive to the Kuang Si waterfall, stopping briefly at a hill tribe village en-route. Follow a forest trail to the falls, where you can swim in the natural pools, though at certain times of year they may be too cold. Continue to the Tat Kuang Bear Rescue Centre to meet some native moon bears. Return to your hotel in time for lunch, with the rest of the day free to relax or explore the city.

    Meals included: Breakfast at the hotel.

  • Depending on the time of your flight, perhaps further explore the city. Then transfer from your hotel to the airport for your flight back to the UK.

    Meals included: Breakfast at the hotel. Meal included on the transatlantic flight.

  • Your flight arrives in the UK.

Accommodation

Accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City

Northern Charm

Included
Pool, Northern Charm, HCMC
Llama Travel Customer Rating
Overall
83%
83%

Standard hotel: The Northern Charm Hotel is well situated in Ho Chi Minh, providing an excellent base from which to explore the city. The comfortable en-suite rooms are well appointed with modern hardwood furnishings. There is a rooftop pool and bar with views of the city skyline. 

Why stay here: This elegant and comfortable hotel is a great place to unwind after your flight, and the rooftop bar provides a pleasant escape from the hustle and bustle of the streets.

Hotel facilities

  • WiFi access.

  • There is a swimming pool, rooftop bar and restaurant.

About the room

All rooms have free WiFi, air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, TV, telephone, tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryer, minibar and safe

Room type available

Premier City View Room

Accommodation in Hue

Pilgrimage Village

Included
Pilgrimage Hotel, Hue
Llama Travel Customer Rating
Overall
95%
95%

Standard hotel: The Pilgrimage Village is 5 kilometres out of Hue in the tranquil area of Thua Thien Hue, away from the commotion of the city. The hotel has two outdoor swimming pools, a spa, two restaurants and a number of different onsite bars. The comfortable rooms are spacious and air conditioned.

Why stay here: Pilgrimage Village has a number of bars and restaurants for you to enjoy, as well as a 48-metre pool and a smaller peanut-shaped pool.

Hotel facilities

  • WiFi access.

  • There are two Swimming pools, two restaurants, a spa and several bars.

About the room

All rooms have free WiFi, air conditioning and en-suite bathrooms, TV, telephone, tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryer, minibar and safe

Room type available

Superior Room

Accommodation in Hoi An

Bel Marina Resort

Included
Pool, Bel Marina Resort, Hoi An
Llama Travel Customer Rating
Overall
86%
86%

Standard hotel: This comfortable and stylish hotel is on the banks of the Thu Bon River, less than ten minutes’ walk from the ancient town. The Bel Marina’s modern rooms are air conditioned and have en-suite bathrooms.

Why stay here: The Bel Marina is ideally situated within walking distance of the city sites, whilst being out of earshot of the crowds. With four restaurants to choose from, you are spoiled for choice.

Hotel facilities

  • WiFi access.

  • There are four restaurants, a pool and a bar.

About the room

All rooms have free WiFi, air conditioning and en-suite bathrooms, TV, telephone, hairdryer, minibar and safe

Room type available

Deluxe Room

Accommodation in Hanoi

Le Jardin Hotel & Spa

Included
Le Jardin Hotel, Hanoi
Llama Travel Customer Rating
Overall
74%
74%

Standard hotel: Located between the West Lake and Hanoi’s old quarter, the hotel is an excellent base from which to explore the capital. The sleek and comfortable en-suite rooms come with air conditioning, and the hotel has a restaurant, spa and art gallery. On some dates the Hotel Le Jardin Haute Couture is used, which is next door.

Why stay here: This elegant hotel is in a prime location to access everything that Hanoi is famous for. The top-floor restaurant and bar offer city views and high-quality cuisine.

Hotel facilities

  • WiFi access.

  • There is a restaurant, spa, sky bar, and art gallery.

About the room

All rooms have free WiFi, air conditioning and en-suite bathrooms, TV, telephone, hairdryer, and a complimentary overnight shoe-shining service.

Room type available

Deluxe Room

Accommodation in Lan Ha Bay (Ha Long Bay)

Peony Cruise

Included
Peony Cruise, Lan Ha Bay
Llama Travel Customer Rating
Overall
92%
92%

Standard ship: A modern cruise ship with stylish and comfortable cabins. Each cabin has a private terrace where you can sit and enjoy the view. The upper deck features a small pool with a jacuzzi, and there is the option to take a kayak out into the bay. There is a dining room and bar on board with large picture windows. All cabins have en-suite facilities and air conditioning. The ship offers a rowing boat excursion to a local sea cave, and there is an optional early-morning Tai Chi session at the start of each day. The cruise is full board.

Why stay here: The ship’s cabins are well furnished and spacious, with large windows and a balcony for you to enjoy the view. The ship takes a leisurely and scenic route through the limestone islets, giving you every opportunity to appreciate the landscape.

Ship facilities

  • There is a dining room, bar, and upper-deck pool with jacuzzi.

  • Kayaks are available to take out on the bay.

  • There is an optional rowing boat excursion to visit a sea cave.

  • There is an optional early-morning Tai Chi session on the upper deck.

About the cabin

All cabins have air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, TV, telephone, hairdryer, minibar and safe.

Cabin type available

Deluxe Balcony Cabin

Accommodation in Mekong Delta

Mekong Home

Included
Garden, Mekong Home, Mekong
Llama Travel Customer Rating
Overall
97%
97%

Standard hotel: Located in a sleepy village on the Ham Luong riverside, this rustic country escape is set in a lush tropical garden. The rooms are simple, but comfortable and spacious, with en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning and a balcony. Dinner is included, prepared using fresh local ingredients from around the delta.

Why stay here: Mekong Home was started by a young couple and is run by villagers. It maintains a friendly and authentic feel, and provides an excellent introduction to Vietnam.

Hotel facilities

  • WiFi access.

  • There is a modest swimming pool and restaurant with views of the Mekong River.

About the room

All rooms have free WiFi, air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, mosquito nets, tea and coffee making facilities, and minibar.

Room type available

Standard Room

Accommodation in Luang Prabang

Souphattra Hotel

Included
Aerial, Souphattra, Luang Prabang

Standard Hotel: A charming hotel appointed in the style of a French colonial-era mansion. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with a private terrace or balcony. There is a 25-metre outdoor pool with sun loungers, and a restaurant serving Laotian classics.

Why stay here? The hotel is in a central location within Luang Prabang, and offers free bikes for guests to explore the old town.

Hotel facilities

• Free WiFi is available in all areas

• There is a 25-metre swimming pool

• There is a spa, a bar, and a restaurant

About the room

All rooms have en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, WiFi, a TV, a telephone, a coffee/tea maker, a mini bar, a safety deposit box, a hair dryer.

Room types available

Deluxe room

Excursions

Excursions Package

Vietnam Excursion Package Save £31

Take the Vietnam War Tunnels, Imperial City, My Son Jungle Temples and Hanoi Old Quarter excursions for a discounted price.

from £159

Vietnam War Tunnels

£65
Cu Chi Tunnels, Vietnam
Llama Travel Customer Rating
80%
80%

Visit the Cu Chi tunnels, part of the expansive underground network that was dug by Viet Cong guerillas during the Vietnam War. Your guide takes you through the history of the tunnels and why they were built, and gives you a taste for what life was like underground. Learn how the Viet Cong set up kitchens, hospitals and even schools, right under the noses of American troops. As part of the tour you will have the opportunity to climb through the tunnels yourself, but this is not obligatory.

Full Description:

Drive 1.5 hours through lush Vietnamese countryside to get to the tunnels. Your guide will walk you through the history of the site and you will have several opportunities to clamber through the tunnels for yourself, though this is entirely up to you. For those who choose to stay above ground there are plenty of easily accessible rooms and excavated areas to visit. After the tour, have lunch in a nearby restaurant then return to your hotel, where you have the rest of the day to relax or explore the city.

Imperial City

£60
East Gate (Hien Nhon Gate)
Llama Travel Customer Rating
84%
84%

Discover Hue’s royal and religious roots on this cultural city tour. Walk around the Imperial Citadel whilst your guide tells you stories of the royals who once lived there. Then visit ahistoric pagoda at a Buddhist monastery. After a tour of the monastery and an introduction to their work, have a delicious vegetarian lunch. 

Full Description:

Start the day with a trip to the Imperial Citadel, where the king of Vietnam’s last royal dynasty ruled until 1945. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the complex is home to palaces, temples and gardens. Admire the stunning royal architecture whilst your guide explains the fascinating history of the royal court. Then travel to a historic pagoda at a local monastery. The head nun will give you a glimpse of life inside a Buddhist monastery, before you join the monks for a vegetarian lunch made from natural ingredients. The monks are friendly, and will be happy to answer your questions.

My Son Jungle Temples

£35
My Son Temples
Llama Travel Customer Rating
86%
86%

Drive 1.5 hours out of Hoi An to visit one of Vietnam’s greatest archaeological sites, in the heart of the jungle. The temples are set in a small clearing in a narrow and misty valley surrounded by mountains. Bright green ferns emanate from the cracks in the temples’ ornate façades and pale lichens creep up the deep red pillars. The site was once the prosperous capital of the Champa civilisation, which ruled in central Vietnam from the 4th to the 13th century. On this tour you will learn all about Champa culture, and how the temples were devoted to Hindu divinities, particularly Shiva.

Full Description:

Depart in the morning for the My Son temples, driving an hour and a half inland from Hoi An. Your guide will tell you about the history of the temples and the fascinating Champa civilisation that built them. The Chams were a Hindu culture that inhabited parts of Vietnam from the 3rd to the 19th century. The My Son temple complex dates back to the 4th century. The site was used for religious ceremonies by the Kings of Champa, and was a burial place for royalty and national heroes. The Chams saw the mountain valley as a symbolic representation of Mount Meru, the Hindu equivalent of Mount Olympus. After your tour, drive back to your hotel in Hoi An, arriving around lunchtime.

Hanoi Old Quarter

£30
Flower Seller II Hanoi
Llama Travel Customer Rating
65%
65%

Discover Hanoi’s old quarter on this late-afternoon walking tour. Discover how Hanoi has changed through eras of French colonialism, war and socialism, and visit some of the bustling market streets that still practice traditional crafts.

Full Description:

Depart in the afternoon for a walking tour through Hanoi’s old quarter. Delve into tiny and bustling alleys with names like “Silk Street” and “Bamboo Street”. Known as the “36 streets of 36 wares”, this area was once the business centre of Hanoi, home to all kinds of traditional industries and trades. The streets still bear the names they had in the 15th century, and many such as “Jewellery Street” and “Paper Lantern Street” still practice the same trades they did then. On this tour you will also visit the old quarter’s residential areas, and learn about how the city changed during the socialist period. You will also have the opportunity to try out some local specialties.

2025

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Prices include

Return flights from the UK; any internal flights; accommodation (bed and breakfast except where indicated); transfers; service of guides and local reps, UK airport taxes.

Prices do not include

Any optional excursions, travel insurance, tips.

Holidays without international flights

The above prices include return international flights from the UK. If you wish to arrange your own flights, we will reduce our prices accordingly. The reduction depends on when you travel, please call us for details.

Departure Airport

Flights are scheduled to be from London. Other airports may be possible, although a supplement sometimes applies.

Holiday Information

All the practical information you need regarding your trip is found here. From how to prepare before you leave and travelling to your destination, to advice on travelling within your country of choice.

About Your Holiday

  • All the flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate

    For holidays not including any flights, financial protection is provided through IPP: https://www.llamatravel.com/ipp-protection

  • In many cases, the best way to describe our holidays is flexible tours, so you can choose where to visit by combining different extensions and excursions, and which hotels to stay in. In most cases, you will be with other Llama Travellers, but not necessarily the same people throughout. This allows you to get to know like-minded people, but not have to spend all your time with the same group. If we don't have anyone else taking a particular part of a holiday, we will normally operate this just for you.

    In some cases, we operate more traditional tours, with the same Llama Travel group travelling together for the majority of the holiday, which allows land travel from one location to another, and in this case we may have a minimum number of travellers required to operate the group.

    Excursions are usually taken together with other Llama Travel customers in groups of no more than 18 people. If we have more than 18 booked, we operate two groups. These will usually be in English, although in some places, especially on wildlife excursions, the excursions may be operated by one of our local partners, so you may be with people other than Llama Travel customers and the group may be a mix of English and other languages. In these cases, group sizes can sometimes be larger. If you would like to know the likely situation for your holiday, please ask us and we will be able to check. Transfers may be with more than 18 people.

    We get a wide range of people taking our holidays, with probably the largest group being couples aged in their forties to sixties, or even older. However, we also have a large number of customers in their twenties and thirties, especially for some of the more active holidays. What unites everyone is a sense of curiosity and a desire to discover new cultures, landscapes and wildlife. Although most of our customers travel with friends or family, we also have quite a few single travellers who are happy to mix and match as described above.

    Group Size
    Most holidays can operate with a minimum of 2 passengers, but some holidays have a higher minimum group size. If we have fewer than the minimum number of passengers, we will let you know two months before departure. In this case, we will refund you any monies paid or offer you an alternative option. It may be possible to operate the trip for fewer than 4 passengers for an additional cost.

    Holidays in Europe usually have a minimum group size of 4 passengers.
    Holidays in Namibia or South Africa usually have a minimum group size of 6 passengers.
    Holidays in Kenya usually have a minimum group size of 4 passengers.
    Holidays in Asia usually have a minimum group size of 4 passengers.
    Holidays in Costa Rica and Mexico usually have a minimum group size of 4 passengers.

  • Prices listed are per person and based on two persons sharing a room and include all flights from the UK and within destination, service of guides and reps (please note that tips are not included), accommodation and all transfers and excursions listed in the itinerary. Where applicable, entrance fees, taxes and charges are included in our prices at the rates advised to us at the time of preparation. An adjustment will be made to your price if any of these change before your holiday. UK airport taxes are included.

Booking Conditions

How To Book

  • You can pay your deposit by bank transfer, cheque, standard UK debit card or non-premium UK personal Visa / MasterCard credit card. Balance payments can be made by bank transfer or cheque. We do not accept cards for balance payments. We are unable to accept cash.

  • To book a holiday or discuss your requirements, please call us on 020 7263 3000. We can usually confirm availability immediately, but may need to check with a supplier first.

Before You Go

  • Adequate travel insurance is essential. We do not sell or recommend any specific policy, but good medical insurance should cover medical evacuation and repatriation. If you are going to be taking part in any activity, please ensure your policy covers you for this, especially if this involves high-altitude trekking, such as the Inca Trail.

  • To issue some tickets, we require passport details and ages when you book. If you subsequently change your passport, please let us know as soon as possible.

    Latin America

    Visas are not required in advance for British citizens for any Llama Travel Latin American destination. For British passports endorsed in any way and all other passports, please ask the appropriate consulate.

    If you are flying via another country, especially the US, you need to comply with the appropriate immigration requirements. Please ask us for details.

    You need a full 10-year passport valid for 6 months after your return to the UK. If you renewed your current passport before the previous one expired, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Any extra months on your passport over 10 years may not count towards the minimum period needed if you are transiting in Europe.

    There is an entry fee to enter Chile for citizens of Australia, the US, Canada and some other countries which must be paid upon arrival. There is also an entry fee for US and Canadian citizens visiting Argentina, which must be paid in advance online.

    If children are not travelling with both parents, some countries require a letter of consent to enter or depart. Please consult the appropriate consulate.

    Africa

    British nationals can enter Morocco, South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana for a visit of up to 90 days without a visa. For British passports endorsed in any way and all other passports, please ask the appropriate consulate. You need a passport valid for 6 months after your return to the UK. For South Africa, you need a passport with two blank pages.

    British nationals require a visa to enter Zimbabwe for Victoria Falls, which can be purchased upon entry. The Kaza Univisa allows you to cross the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe and also allows for day trips to Botswana (cost is approximately US$50). On occasions, the Zimbabwe border staff may not issue a Kaza Univisa, and you may need to purchase a Zimbabwe visa (single or double entry), which has a slightly higher cost. Citizens from other countries should consult the specific embassy to check entry requirements.

    Currently, no visa is required to visit Namibia, but the Namibian government has announced that it will introduce a visa upon entry in April 2025.

    British nationals to Kenya require an electronic travel authorisation, which must be obtained online in advance. You can apply for this on the eTA website. For more information, see the website of the Kenya High Commission. For British passports endorsed in any way and all other passports, please ask the Kenya consulate. You need a passport with two blank pages

    If children are not travelling with both parents, some countries require a letter of consent to enter or depart. Please consult the appropriate consulate. In South Africa and Namibia, children under 18 must also carry an unabridged birth certificate.

    You need a full 10-year passport valid for 6 months after your return to the UK. If you renewed your current passport before the previous one expired, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Any extra months on your passport over 10 years may not count towards the minimum period needed if you are transiting in Europe.

    To issue some tickets, we require passport details and ages when you book. If you subsequently change your passport, please let us know as soon as possible.

    Asia & the Middle East

    To visit Jordan, you need a full 10 year passport valid for 6 months after your return to the UK. You will need a visa to enter Jordan. The Jordan visa is included in the price of your holiday. On arrival in Amman our representatives will meet you prior to immigration and this will be provided to you free of charge. For British passports endorsed in any way and all other passports, please ask the Jordanian consulate.

    All visitors to Sri Lanka, including British nationals, require an electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which must be obtained online in advance, and for which there is a cost. You can apply for single entry and transit visas on the ETA website. For more information, see the website of the Sri Lanka High Commission. For British passports endorsed in any way and all other passports, please ask the Sri Lanka consulate. You need a passport with two blank pages, valid for six months after your return to the UK.

    All visitors to India, including British nationals, require a visa, which can be obtained online in advance, and for which there is a cost. You can apply for single entry and transit visas on the e-visa website. For more information, see the website of the India High Commission. For British passports endorsed in any way and all other passports, please ask the Indian consulate. You need a passport with two blank pages, valid for six months after your return to the UK.

    Visitors from 13 countries, including the UK, can travel to Vietnam visa-free for stays up to 45 days. For stays longer than 45 days, a visa is required at a cost. This can be applied for online on the e-visa website. Stays longer than 90 days are not permitted. You need a full 10-year passport valid for 6 months after your return to the UK. For British passports endorsed in any way and all other passports, please ask the Vietnamese consulate.

    To visit Cambodia, a visa is required at a cost. This can be applied for online on the e-visa website. You need a full 10-year passport valid for 6 months after your return to the UK. For British passports endorsed in any way and all other passports, please ask the Cambodian consulate.

    To visit Laos, a visa is required at a cost. This can be applied for online on the e-visa website. You need a full 10-year passport valid for 6 months after your return to the UK. For British passports endorsed in any way and all other passports, please ask the Laotian consulate.

    If you are arranging a stopover in Singapore, you must complete an electronic SG Arrival Card up to three days before entry into Singapore.

    Europe

    You need a full 10 year passport valid for 6 months after your return to the UK. If you renewed your current passport before the previous one expired, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Any extra months on your passport over 10 years may not count towards the minimum period needed.

     

  • In many destinations, you can arrange adventure activities, either through Llama Travel or through the local operator. If you are interested in taking any of these, please make sure you are covered by your travel insurance.

  • Some countries have strict regulations regarding the entry and exit of children under 18 when not travelling with both parents, or if the child has nationality of the country you are visiting. If you are travelling with children who are not entering or leaving the country with both parents, or if the child has nationality of the country you are visiting, please contact the consulate of the country you are visiting to check requirements.

    Countries in Africa have particularly strict requirements regarding children travelling, and in both South Africa and Namibia, children need to carry an unabridged birth certificate. Additionally, in Namibia, adults travelling with children where they are not the biological or legal guardians of those children, should be in possession of an affidavit statement from the child’s parents giving consent for their travel.

    Such requirements do change from time to time, and although we try to keep abreast of such changes and update this information, if you are travelling with children, we suggest you check current requirements carefully.

  • You will receive tickets approximately 10 days before departure, along with information on accommodation, transfers and excursions. Our agents in destination will give you final details for hotel and excursions when you arrive. Please check airline tickets carefully in case timings have changed after we issued your confirmation.

  • Cards are widely accepted in most hotel and restaurants, and cash machines are common in most destinations. However, when travelling to remote areas, it is advisable to take cash, as it is difficult to withdraw or change money. Travellers cheques are no longer widely used, so it may be inconvenient to take these.

    It is always recommended to inform your bank that you are travelling abroad and to which countries. This will allow them to authorise money withdrawals from your account when you are away. Some banks say that this is not necessary, however we would still recommend contact with your bank as in some cases people have had difficulty in withdrawing currency.

    More information on the situation regarding money, budgeting and tipping in specific countries is in the country information below.

When Your Are Travelling

  • Most people who travel to the countries where Llama Travel operates experience no problems on holiday. However, as is the case anywhere in the world, crime can be a problem, especially in large cities. Tourists can appear attractive targets to criminals. To minimise the risk, use common sense. Do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive looking jewellery or cameras. Avoid empty streets, especially on your own. Take a taxi after dark. By taking sensible precautions, you should have a trouble-free holiday.

    Each country has its own standards for health and safety, but these are often not as good as in the UK. We take this into account when selecting hotels and request that they comply with all local regulations, but cannot guarantee that these are equivalent to British standards. Please take reasonable precautions to protect yourselves whilst on holiday, e.g. by locating fire exit routes.

    Please also check the Foreign Office travel advice for the countries you are visiting at www.fco.gov.uk.

  • Attitudes towards lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) travellers around the world can be very different from those in the UK.

    In Latin America and Europe, attitudes can sometimes be more conservative than in the UK, but there are not usually problems.

    In some African countries, including Morocco, Zimbabwe and Kenya, same sex relationships are illegal and conservative attitudes prevail. However, hotels and lodges do not discriminate and same sex couples can share rooms. In much of Africa and the Middle East, public displays of affection may attract negative attention, especially with LGBT couples, although the majority of people are friendly to visitors, irrespective of gender and sexual orientation. In South Africa, the authorities have introduced legislation which bans any discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

    In most of Asia, attitudes to same sex relationships can be conservative, but there are not usually any problems. In Sri Lanka and Uzbekistan, same sex relationships are illegal, but hotels do not discriminate and same sex couples can share rooms.

    The UK Foreign Office has information LGBT travel on their travel advice for individual countries, found at www.fco.gov.uk.

  • For all wildlife excursions, please always follow the instructions of your guide, both for the animals’ welfare and for your safety. Staff are experienced at dealing with wildlife, but by their nature, excursions involving exposure to wild animals will always carry some risk.

    If you take a safari in Africa, you will be with an experienced guide at all times, who is usually unarmed. Staff are experienced at dealing with wildlife, but by their nature, game drives have exposure to wild animals, and there will always be some risk in this, which you accept by going on holiday. Game drives run according to a schedule, although unexpected delays can occur, which the guide will deal with as quickly and safely as possible. Being in the wilderness means that the environment is unpredictable, so the unexpected can happen, and off-road vehicles can occasionally break down or get stuck in the uneven terrain.

    .

Health & Fitness

  • Please consult your GP or a travel clinic about health and vaccination requirements. Advice for travellers is available at NaTHNaC  

    When travelling, stomach illnesses are not uncommon due to changes in diet. We suggest you only drink bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. If you are unsure if salads and fruit have been washed in purified water, it is best to avoid them.

    If you suffer from a disability or condition and are worried whether this will affect the enjoyment of a holiday, please call us. We will do our best to help. We recommend that you bring any medicines you require from the UK.

    If you have any health problems on holiday, please speak to our local agents or hotel staff. They will arrange for a doctor or hospital if necessary. If you do experience any problems, please seek appropriate medical attention.

    Outside of major cities, medical facilities can be basic, meaning a lengthy transfer if hospital attention is required.

    Latin America

    Yellow fever and / or malaria precautions are recommended for visiting the jungle, Iguazu Falls and some parts of Colombia, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Brazil, Peru and Ecuador. Yellow Fever certificates are sometimes required if you have recently visited a country with an infected area. Children under 6 require proof of vaccination against polio to enter Brazil. Some GPs do not recommend yellow fever vaccinations for travellers over 60 years old. If you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant, please speak to your GP about zika. Please seek medical advice before you travel.

    Parts of South America are at high altitude. Most visitors do not suffer major problems. However, shortness of breath is common and we advise you to take things calmly during your first day at altitude. If you suffer from a heart or lung condition, or think that you may suffer due to the altitude, please consult your GP.

    Africa

    Malaria precautions are highly recommended when visiting the Kruger National Park in South Africa, Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, the north of Namibia, including Etosha, Botswana and Kenya. Yellow Fever vaccination is highly recommended for Kenya. Travellers entering many African countries, including South Africa and Kenya Africa, coming from a yellow fever zone must have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Some GPs do not recommend yellow fever vaccinations for travellers over 60 years old.

    Asia

    Malaria tablets are not usually advised when visiting the areas that Llama Travel offers in Japan, India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Cambodia or Laos, although a low risk exists in south-east Asia, so general precautions are recommended. If you have visited a country with yellow fever recently, you will usually require a valid yellow fever certificate to enter. Please be aware that Shimla in the Himalayas in India is at a moderately high altitude, so we recommend you take things calmly during your first day at altitude. If you suffer from a heart of lung condition, or think you may suffer due to the altitude, please consult your GP.

  • For most of our holidays, age is not a concern. However, a reasonable level of fitness is required, as most holidays require some walking, sometimes on uneven ground. Even relatively mild activities can be strenuous at altitude. High altitude trekking is more strenuous than an equivalent length walk at low altitude.

Getting There

  • Many airlines offer the option of flying from regional airports in the UK, avoiding the need to make your own way to London. Due to the timing of flights, in some cases this may involve an overnight stop in London or another intermediate airport. There is usually a supplement for regional departures. Please note that most of our flights depart from London.

  • You can upgrade to business class or premium economy on most airlines. Call us for prices for the route and airline you are interested in.

    Premium Economy

    Some airlines offer Premium Economy cabins, which provide more comfortable seats which recline further and have more legroom. There are better meals and a bar service.

    Other airlines offer standard economy class seats with extra legroom for an additional cost.

    Business Class

    Many airlines have long-haul business class cabins with seats that convert into full flat beds and often have a privacy screen.

    Business Class within Europe is often similar to economy class seating, but with better meals, and middle seats are often left empty.

  • Most scheduled airlines have a baggage allowance of 23kg per passenger for international flights, but internal flight allowances can be less. Exact limits can be found on airline webpages. Please bear this in mind when packing, as carrying excess baggage will normally incur an expensive additional cost payable at check in. Additionally, certain excursions have a limited baggage allowance. Where this is the case, we will advise you in advance. Llama Travel accepts no responsibility for the delay, loss or damage of luggage.

    There may be additional luggage restrictions for specific countries. In this case, details of this will be in the country information below.

  • Many airlines now charge a fee to select your seat prior to checking in for your flight, even when travelling in premium economy or business class. Alternatively, you may choose your preferred seat free of charge when online check-in opens 24 hours prior to departure or at the airport. Please ask us about the options available at time of booking.

    We all want a comfortable journey, particularly on long haul flights. If you would like a seat with some extra leg room or a larger recline please let us know. Airlines have introduced a range of “economy comfort” seats that may be purchased in advance. In some cases, these seats may only be purchased online directly with the airline once Llama Travel has issued your ticket approximately 30 days prior to departure.

    For internal flights, and for connecting flights in Europe, it is usually only possible to select seats when you check-in online or at the airport.

    It may not be possible to always use online check-in systems, especially when using a codeshare flight. On occasion, your preferred seat may be changed by the airline for operational reasons such as a change of aircraft or to facilitate a disabled passenger on the day you fly and as such, Llama Travel cannot guarantee specific seats.

  • Depending on the route and the airline, if you would like to break your journey to or from your final destination, and add a stopover to your holiday, this may be possible. Please ask us for information.

  • If you are interested in arranging your own international flights, this is sometimes possible. Please ask us for details of this and any discount we can arrange for removing international flights. Please do not book your flights until we have reconfirmed all services with our suppliers and you have checked the confirmation invoice.

  • All people transiting in a third country need to make sure they comply with any immigration requirements for that country.

    This is especially the case when in transit in the US when flying to Latin America. In this case, you must comply with US immigration requirements. It is your responsibility to ensure that you comply with these requirements before you travel. Failure to do so may result in you being denied boarding on your flight to the US and, at best, a last-minute and probably expensive re-routing avoiding the US. It is important, therefore, that you follow these procedures carefully.

    If your flight to Latin America involves a stop in the US, you will be subject to US immigration control upon entry to the US. If you qualify for the US Visa Waiver Program, you are able to avoid the need to apply for a visa, but still need to enter your details online on the US State Department website. If you do not qualify for the US Visa Waiver Program, you must apply in person at a US embassy for a US visa. Please make sure that you do this in good time.

    If you are a UK citizen and have a UK passport, you may qualify for visa-free travel. You will require a machine readable passport to qualify for the ESTA Visa Waiver Program (so you do not require a visa to enter the US). A machine readable passport has the holder's personal details (name, date of birth, nationality and passport number) contained in two lines of text at the bottom of the photo page. This appears as two lines of letters, numbers and chevrons (">>>>>") printed across the long edge of the photo page. It must be also include an integrated circuit chip capable of storing the biographic information from the data page, a digitized photograph and other biometric information.

    Please note, holders of passports indicating that the bearer is a British Subject, a British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Overseas Citizen, British National (Overseas) Citizen or British Protected Person do not qualify for travel without a visa. A passport which states that the holder has Right of Abode or indefinite leave to remain in the UK does not quality for visa-free travel.

    If you have visited certain restricted countries, including Cuba, you may not qualify for visa-free travel.

    If you have been arrested, even if the arrest did not result in a criminal conviction, or if you have a criminal record, you will need a visa.

    If you have any doubts about whether you qualify for the Visa Waiver Program, please check with the US embassy. Full details can be found on the US embassy’s UK website at: http://london.usembassy.gov/vwp3.html

    Many European, Australian and New Zealand passport holders also qualify for the Visa Waiver Program as long as the passport is machine readable and complies with the relevant criteria. Please see the US embassy website for a list of countries which qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. It is important that you check the website of the US Embassy in the country of passport nationality for any further changes before you travel.

    Details of the ESTA Visa Waiver Program can be found on the US State Department website at

    https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov.

    In addition to the Visa Waiver Programme, the US Transportation Security Authority requires anybody flying through the United Sates to supply specific passenger information prior to their international flight.

  • Air fares vary from date to date and between airlines. Our holidays are scheduled to use the most advantageous air fare. You can choose which airline you prefer, we will let you know if a supplement is payable. Levels of onboard service and facilities, such as entertainment, vary by airline and route. Please ask us for details. Flights are sometimes operated by another airline in the appropriate airline alliance.

  • Air fares vary from date to date and between airlines. Our holidays are scheduled to use the most advantageous air fare. You can choose which airline you prefer, we will let you know if a supplement is payable. Levels of onboard service and facilities, such as entertainment, vary by airline and route. Please ask us for details. Flights are sometimes operated by another airline in the appropriate airline alliance.

Vietnam

Travelling in Vietnam

  • The currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong. Credit and debit cards can be used in hotels, larger shops and restaurants, and can also be used to withdraw money from cash machines. 

    All hotels include breakfast, and other meals are included on some tours and excursions. However, generally, you will need to arrange your own lunches and dinners. We recommend budgeting approximately £15 – 20 for a meal. Bar prices are mostly cheaper than in the UK and a bottle of beer usually costs around £2-3 in a hotel bar. This can be higher in more remote areas.

    Tipping is common in tourist areas. If you receive good service, you may want to leave a tip, although this is completely at your discretion. In restaurants, around 5-10% is usual, although service is sometimes included. If you want to tip your guides, around $3-5 per person per day is usual if you are in a group, and around half of this for drivers. 

  • Vietnamese food is known for fresh herbs and a balance of sweet and sour. Rice is eaten with most meals, and noodles are also popular. Pork, chicken and beef are the most common meats available, and seafood is widely available, due to the long coastline. Fish sauce is a base ingredient in many Vietnamese dishes. Street food is also very popular. The French influence is noticeable in pastries that can be found in many of the cities.

    Vietnamese coffee is renowned for its strong flavour, and is often served with sweetened condensed milk.  Some famous Vietnamese coffee preparations include coconut coffee, which is served with sweet coconut milk; and egg coffee, which is topped with a velvety meringue-like foam made from whipped egg yolks and condensed milk. Iced coffee is also a popular option. Cups of strong coffee often come with a side of delicate jasmine tea for balance.

  • Given the variation in climate throughout the country, we recommend taking clothing suitable for hot weather, although warmer clothing for evenings in the north of Vietnam is recommended. Rainwear is also recommended, as you will likely encounter rain at some point during your trip. Insect repellent is advisable. Electricity in Vietnam is 220V. Most sockets are A-type (2 flat parallel pins), although types B and C are also used. We recommend you carry a copy of your passport with you at all times. Please bring any medication you may require from the UK. You can bring whichever luggage you feel most comfortable with: suitcases, soft bags and rucksacks are fine.

Laos

Travelling in Laos

  • The currency in Laos is the Laotian Kip. Credit and debit cards can be used in hotels, larger shops and more upmarket restaurants, and can also be used to withdraw money from cash machines. Cash is widely used, both Kip and US dollars. 

    All hotels include breakfast, and other meals are included on some tours and excursions. However, generally, you will need to arrange your own lunches and dinners. We recommend budgeting approximately £15 – 20 for a meal. Bar prices are mostly cheaper than in the UK and a bottle of beer usually costs around £2-3 in a hotel bar. This can be higher in more remote areas.

    Tipping is not always necessary but is common in tourist areas. If you receive good service, you may want to leave a tip, although this is completely at your discretion. In restaurants, around 5-10% is usual, although service is sometimes included. If you want to tip your guides, around $3-5 per person per day is usual if you are in a group, and around half of this for drivers. 

  • Laotian cuisine is characterized by a blend of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. Sticky rice, a staple in Laotian meals, serves as a base for various dishes, such as the traditional Laotian favorite "Tam Mak Hoong" or green papaya salad, known for its zesty and fiery kick. Another iconic dish is "Laap," a minced meat salad mixed with herbs, lime, and chili.

    River fish, often caught from the Mekong, features prominently in dishes like "Mok Pa," where fish is wrapped in banana leaves and steamed with herbs and spices. The aromatic "Or Lam" stew, combining meat, vegetables, and Mekong River weed is another traditional dish.

  • We recommend taking clothing suitable for hot and cool weather. Rainwear is also recommended.Insect repellent is advisable.Electricity in Laos is 230V. Most sockets are A-type (2 flat parallel pins), although types B, C, E and F are also used. We recommend you carry a copy of your passport with you at all times. Please bring any medication you may require from the UK. You can bring whichever luggage you feel most comfortable with: suitcases, soft bags and rucksacks are fine.

Customer Comments

"Excellent guides (the best I've experienced in all my travels). Thanks Llama Travel for a wonderful trip!"

- Mrs K

went to Costa Rica in December 2024

"I loved this trip and met amazing people on this tour!"

- Mr C

went to Sri Lanka in November 2024

"Our guide was exceptional, he was a font of knowledge on Sri Lankan history, geography, religion and tradition."

- Mr H

went to Sri Lanka in November 2024

"Overall, the holiday was amazing! Llama Travel agents were all exceptional."

- Mrs & Mr R

went to Sri Lanka in November 2024

"Thank you - we had a fantastic holiday!"

- Mr W

went to Costa Rica in November 2024

"Very well organised. The Atacama desert was the 'jewel in the crown'!"

- Mr B

went to Chile in November 2024

"The holiday was fantastic!"

- Mr T

went to Costa Rica in November 2024

"The overall organisation of this tour & selected excursions was very well done. "

- Mrs M

went to Chile in November 2024

"The entire holiday is something I will remember forever."

- Mrs B

went to Peru in November 2024

"An excellent holiday - would use Llama Travel again! "

- Mrs & Mr K

went to Vietnam in November 2024

"The holiday was excellent!"

- Mrs & Mr R

went to Costa Rica in November 2024

"It was a really good trip. All local guides knew what to do, and were friendly and reassuring. "

- Mr T

went to Argentina in November 2024

"We have had the best holiday - thank you! "

- Mrs M

went to India in November 2024

"I would definitely use Llama again, everything was perfect!"

- Mrs J

went to Peru in November 2024

"Overall, we had an amazing holiday. Thank you! "

- Mrs H

went to Argentina in November 2024

"We will be booking with you again! The organisation overall is excellent and very efficient."

- Mrs A

went to Peru in November 2024

"One of our best holidays, and we do many."

- Mrs & Mr V

went to South Africa in November 2024

"We had a brilliant trip! Everything was well organised and ran smoothly. Thank you! "

- Mrs W

went to Japan in November 2024

"Thank you for a wonderful-memorable holiday!"

- Mr M

went to Mexico in November 2024

"This was our 3rd Llama holiday and all have been excellent!"

- Mr & Mrs H

went to Namibia in November 2024

See all customer comments

At A glance

Questions? Talk to an expert

Locations

Vietnam N2S + Laos + MD

Find out more

Landmark 81
Ho Chi Minh City
Hue Meridian Gate
Hue
Hoi An
Hoi An
Woman carrying fruit, Hanoi
Hanoi
Mekong Delta
Mekong Delta
Cat Ba Island Fishing Village
Lan Ha Bay (Ha Long Bay)
Luang Prabang, Laos
Luang Prabang

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