News Update

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  1.  
  2. Airport Scanners Linked To Cancer


    Do airport body scanners heighten the risk of cancer among frequent travelers? The jury is still out on that question, but according to Dr. David Brenner, director of the Center for Radiological Research and the Higgins professor of Radiation Biophysics at Columbia University Medical Center, the average radiation dose from a front and back scan is about 0.15 µSv. While statistically small, the exposure amounts to 20 times the average dose.

    Brenner sent Global Traveler a copy of the PowerPoint presentation he referenced during a June 2010 speech on Capital Hill. “The implication is that as you lower the dose, you proportionately lower the risk, but there is no dose where the risk is zero. This is where we need more research,” Brenner told Congress.

    While individual risk is statistically small, Brenner said the population risk has the potential to be significant. Among his concerns: X-rays are effective at breaking molecular bonds in organic molecules, such as DNA, resulting in damage to chromosomes and chromosome damage in a single cell can be the first of many steps on the path to cancer.

    According to Brenner’s research, susceptibility to X-rays differs by individual. At-risk subsets of the population include children, developing embryos and fetuses and genetically sensitive groups.

    Brenner told Congress the new full-body backscatter scanners do not emit a uniform dosage of radiation throughout the body. Some parts of the body will receive larger doses than others and the largest doses from this type of technology will affect the skin. The 0.15 µSv is a relatively low dose of radiation, but still higher than average.

    His report also cited basal cell carcinoma as one of the most common cancers associated with X-ray exposure, particularly after exposure in childhood. Radiation acts as a multiplier of natural cancer rates, so any increases in cancers as a result of X-ray scanner irradiation of children would not likely appear for decades.

    Brenner, who throughout his speech, reiterated his belief that the overall risk is very low, is rallying for more research into the effect of full-body scanner exposure on the general population balanced with the potential benefits of safer flying.

     

     



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  3. Aloft Minneapolis

    900 Washington Ave. South
    Minneapolis, MN 55415
    tel 985 624 3697


    by Barbara & Jim Twardowski Aloft Minneapolis is less than two years old and located in the downtown, revitalized Mill District. In the 1800s, the mills built along the Mississippi River, near St. Anthony Falls, jettisoned the area into the largest producer of flour in the world. By the 1960s, flour production ceased and the buildings stood empty or were demolished. Today, the remaining mills have been converted to loft homes. Across the street from the hotel are the Mill City Museum, a National Historic Landmark, and the internationally acclaimed Guthrie Theatre.

    The modern exterior of Aloft blends well with its neighbors. The hotel is a new brand for Starwood and describes itself as “a vision of W Hotels.” A hip, happy and hospitable hotel, every room was reserved on the day we arrived.

    Hotel guests are greeted with neon-colored signage, 42-inch LCD televisions mounted to the wall, music that complements the time of day (soothing in the morning and a club beat at night) and chic, modern decor. Self-parking for $15 a day is available in an outdoor lot or at a condo complex beside the hotel.

    Staff members work inside a circular desk. From this strategically placed spot, they assist guests who are checking in and out of the hotel, serve as concierge — dispensing maps and information — and ring up items bought at Re: fuel (the 24/7 grab-and-go gourmet station). No matter what time of day we passed the front desk, the staff was busy and always paused to say, “Hello.” Young and professional, they could be students from the nearby University of Minnesota.

    The first floor of the hotel is the heart of the property. During our visit, patrons sipped drinks at the Wxyz bar and young men were racking up balls at a fuchsia-colored pool table. Another guest was leaning over a computer checking Mapquest and a couple sat chatting on the couch by the fireplace. Just down the hall are a glass-enclosed indoor swimming pool and a workout room. In the evening, the courtyard space became the stage for a local band.

    Our fourth-floor room had two queen-size beds, huge windows and a long desk. A plug-and-play connectivity station allowed us to view a PowerPoint presentation on the 42-inch television mounted to the wall. Internet service is free throughout the property. The room was nearly 300 square feet with an oversized bathroom. Amenities included a safe, a mini-refrigerator and a coffee/tea set-up. Complimentary newspapers were located in the lobby.

    Aloft Minneapolis, like the city, is energetic, engaging and exciting.

    Score: 5/5

     

     



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  4. Solar Plane’s Overnight Flight


    A solar-powered experimental airplane completed a 24-hour test flight last week. The flight took place overnight and was powered by energy collected from the sun during the day. According to The New York Times, the flight was the longest and highest solar-powered aircraft. It reached an altitude of more than 28,000 feet above sea level. The plane took off and landed in Payerne, Switzerland and was in the air for exactly 26 hours and nine minutes.

     

     



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  5. Delta, US Airways To Sue FAA


    Delta Air Lines and US Airways are headed to court, announcing they plan to sue the Federal Aviation Administration over the conditions the FAA imposed for a proposed slot swap between the two airlines. The airlines announced their decision in a letter sent to the general counsel of the U.S. Department of Transportation and the chief counsel of the FAA.

     

     



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  6. Holland American Line

    MS Rotterdam/Alaska Cruise
    300 Elliott Ave. W.
    Seattle, WA 98119
    tel 877 932 4259


    by J.D. Brown and Margaret Backenheimer North to Alaska by sea, roundtrip from Seattle, via Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan — with whales and glaciers, eagles and totems along the way — what better way to explore America’s true wilderness than in luxury? Holland America’s newly outfitted cruise ship MS Rotterdam makes this weekly foray along the beautiful shores of the last frontier a midsummer’s delight.

    The Rotterdam looms large on the water, although it is now but a boat among mega-ships, carrying up to 1,400 passengers and 600 crew at a swift pace with ease. It is massive enough to contain its own casino, a $2 million art collection and a Las Vegas-style theater, but not so vast as to drown its passengers in a labyrinth of endless decks and corridors.

    This is the first season in Alaskan waters for the Rotterdam, Holland America’s standard-bearer. Before venturing up the northern shoreline of the 49th state, the Rotterdam underwent exhaustive enhancements in December 2009. What we came to admire about the redesign of this vessel is how it now seamlessly combines the classic elegance of upscale sailing with the latest technological and recreational advances of a sleek deluxe hotel.
    Between ports of call we sampled the Culinary Arts Center, where smiling Executive Chef Thomas Schumann and his team offered interactive gourmet cooking lessons in a state-of-the-art demonstration kitchen. We also wedged our way into the Digital Workshop, where instructors can get you up-to-speed with that new camera or put you online with the latest tips on social networking. We even treated ourselves to ocean views and stone massages in the Greenhouse Spa & Salon, and more than once we dipped our toes into The Retreat, a resort-style facility with lounges anchored in shallow outdoor pools.

    The accommodations on the Rotterdam are freshly redesigned, too. The upper-deck Deluxe Verandah and Penthouse Verandah Suites include a private lounge with concierge, very much like the executive floor of a 5-star hotel. Our particular cabin, a few decks below, was a Lanai stateroom, Holland America’s latest innovation, in which the deck windows have been refitted with reflective-glass sliding patio doors. The Lanai doors afford wide views of the sea, as well as wonderful opportunities for people-watching. These 39 new staterooms are not only spacious and luxuriously appointed, but equipped with enough storage to unpack fully, something we always seek, but seldom find, on a seven-day cruise.

    The Rotterdam’s showcase is its Explorations Café, a sprawling coffeehouse with baristas on hand, an extensive, well-organized library lining the walls, tables for the largest jigsaw puzzles and comfortable sea-view seating for reading and napping. Above all there is an abundance of workstations with the latest PCs for Internet browsing. This is the finest media complex we have seen on a cruise ship — no tiresome waits for a computer or for a latté.

    Less to our taste was the Rotterdam’s inviting, but maddeningly slow, buffet line, the Lido. Its cooking stations proved to be understaffed. While the Lido’s offerings were abundant and tasty, we soon gave up on the slow lines and phoned for room service, which was always a prompt delight.

    The dining was better in the main La Fontaine Dining Room, but heading our list was the Pinnacle Grill, renowned for its steaks, wine list and table settings. Reservations and a $20 surcharge are required here, but the ambience, service and cuisine are worth the investment.

    All in all, our voyage to Alaska on the “new” Rotterdam was extremely well run, and the upgraded facilities, refreshing. The vessel’s state-of-the-art engines were able to turn on a dime when we explored the scenic highlight of this voyage, an unobstructed close-up survey of Alaska’s spectacular Hubbard Glacier, with nary another vessel in sight. Topping it off almost every night with the classic dessert of the north, baked Alaska, we decided there was nowhere else north by northwest we’d rather be.

    Score: 4/5

     

     



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  7. Airlines Await Fines


    United Airlines and Delta Air Lines face fines following violations of the three-hour tarmac delay rule. During the month of May, five flights were delayed for more than three hours. United operated four of them; Delta operated one. The airlines face fines of up to $27,500 per passenger and are currently awaiting the results of a Department of Transportation investigation into the incidents. Carriers are not fined if planes were delayed for safety and security reasons.

     

     



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  8. Aegean Airlines Joins Star Alliance


    Just 14 months after its acceptance into the Star Alliance, Aegean Airlines, Greece’s flagship carrier, is officially the network’s newest member, further expanding its reach and proving to the world that despite the country’s economic woes, its aviation industry remains as vibrant and viable as its European counterparts.

    Since its founding 11 years ago, Aegean has grown exponentially, accumulating both passengers and a bundle of honors. In 2009, one year after surpassing Olympic as the country’s largest carrier, Aegean was named “best regional airline in Europe” by SkyTrax. For each of the past 10 years, Athens International Airport has recognized the young airline for its industry-leading on-time performance.

    With 98 percent coverage of the domestic market and service to 20 international destinations — Madrid (MAD), Vienna (VIE), Belgrade (BEG) and Tel Aviv (TLV) were added last year alone — Aegean is well-positioned as the 28th member of the Star Alliance.

    “This country has always been a center for trade and tourism,” Star Alliance CEO Jaan Albrecht told an overflowing audience at Elefthérios Venizélos International Airport (ATH) on June 30. “Greek people were traveling the world long before many others…You have set the stage for further growth by combining the Greek airline industry forces in the interest of the traveling public,” he said, referring to the merging of Aegean Airlines and Olympic Airways, announced last February.

    The Aegean–Olympic merger was a product of necessity, said Aegean Airlines Chairman and CEO Theodoros Vassilakis: “We believe it’s the only answer to the size of Greece and to the financial situation.”  – Patrick Adams

     

     



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  9. Rebak Island Resort

    P.O. Box 125, Kuah Langkawi
    Kedah Darul Aman
    Malaysia
    tel 604 966 5566


    by Alexandra Young On a Saturday morning, I decided to leave the hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur and hop a 50-minute flight to the famed Malaysian island of Langkawi. Landing in Langkawi, I disembarked the aircraft to a small, clean and modern airport. Walking through the arrivals gate, a friendly member of the Rebak Island Resort, Langkawi, a Taj Hotel, staff was waiting to greet me.

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  10. DOT Finalizes Tokyo Decision


    The battle over take-off and landing slots at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport (HND) is over. U.S. regulators have finalized a decision that gives Delta Air Lines slots for two daily flights. American Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines will each get one slot. United Airlines and Continental Airlines were denied access to airport slots. A new runway will open in October and flights will begin shortly thereafter.

     

     



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  11.  

Vietnam Hightlights - 8days
Starts : Ho Chi Minh City , ends : Hanoi City
Highlights: Ho Chi Minh, Hoi An, Da Nang, Hue, Hanoi, Halong Bay.
Trip Code : V-VH8

Vietnam Highlights 8daysArrivalDay 1: Airport and Ho Chi Minh City
Arrive Ho Chi Minh City and transfer to your centrally located hotel, We begin our Ho Chi Minh experience with an orientation walk along the city’s historic boulevards, passing some of its most interesting sights. We wander Ho Chi Minh’s wide and historic boulevards, visiting famous landmarks such as Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Cantina), Hotel de Ville, the former Presidential Palace and the lively Chinatown district - Cholon
Accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City:
+ Hotel grade: 5 Star - Windsor Plaza Hotel
+ Room type: Deluxe Room

"Guaranteed Hotel"
<Lunch inclusive>

 

 

 

 


Hue CityDay 2 : Ho Chi Minh - Hue
We fly to hue, Vietnam's former imperial capital and a charming town set on the perfume river. We travel along the river to the 16th century thien mu pagoda and then see remnants of hue’s royal past at the imposing former residence, the citadel, and at the impressive tomb of emperor Tu Duc..
Accommodation in Hue City:
+ Hotel grade: 5 Star - Imperial Hotel
+ Room type: Deluxe Room
"Guaranteed Hotel"
<Breakfast & Lunch inclusive>

 

 

 

 


Hoi An beachDay 3 : Hue - Hoian
 We drive over the spectacular Haivan pass, past stunning rural and coastal scenery, to the town of danang, visiting the cham museum with its unique, Hindu style sculptures. We drive the short distance south to famous china beach and then to the enchanting town of hoi an, a port town since the middle ages. We walk Hoian’s narrow lanes, visit 300-year-old houses, see the traditional market, enjoy a cruise to on the Thu Bon river through tranquil rural scenery and soak up the quaint atmosphere
Accommodation in Hoi An Town:
+ Resort grade: 5 Star - Swiss-Belhotel Golden Sand Resort & Spa
+ Room type: Deluxe Room
"Guaranteed Hotel"
<Breakfast & Lunch inclusive>

 

 

 

 


Hoi An beachDay 4: Free in Hoian for Shopping or Relax on Beach 
You will have a free day to discover Hoian by your self or just lay down on white beach in Hoian .
Accommodation in Hoian City:
+ Resort grade: 5 Star - Swiss-Belhotel Golden Sand Resort & Spa
+ Room type: Deluxe Room
"Guaranteed Hotel"
<Breakfast inclusive>

 

 

 

 

 

 


Ha Noi CityDay 5: Hoian - Hanoi 
Flying north, we arrive in Hanoi, Vietnam's present-day capital and one of Asia's most attractive and interesting cities. We enjoy a cyclo ride, explore the fascinating old quarter, stroll along the beautiful boulevards and see the infamous ‘hanoi Hilton’ prison.
Accommodation in Ha Noi City:
+ Hotel grade: 5 Star - Melia Hotel
+ Room type: Deluxe Room
"Guaranteed Hotel"
<Breakfast & Lunch inclusive>

 

 

 

 

 


Halong BayDay 6 : Hanoi - Halong Bay Cruise with Top End of Wooden Junk
We spend 2 day/ 1night cruising the world heritage listed halong bay – a natural wonder
halong bay vietnam with thousands of islands creating a unique and beautiful landscape.
- Pick up at hotel and drive to Halong bay through Red River Delta ,Nature of countryside is beautiful on country land.
Arrival to Halong bay. Board our Junk boat for a cruise amongst towering limestone backdrops. Visit to caves, grottoes, floating fish villages and beaches. Have fresh seafood lunch on Cruiser .More cruise, swimming on nice beach .
Accommodation in Halong Bay:
+ Boat Type: " Top End of Wooden Junk "
+ Room type: Deluxe Cabin
+"Guaranteed Boat"
<Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner inclusive>

 

 

 

 


Halong BayDay 7: Halong Bay - Hanoi
Rising to the sound of ocean coming to life for another lovely day. Breakfast then , Junk boat once again sets sail through breathtaking secluded Halong bay Cruise
- Drive back to Hanoi.
- We will also witness a performance of the unique art of water puppetry and finish the tour with a celebration at one of Hanoi's great local restaurants.
Accommodation in Ha Noi City:
+ Hotel grade: 5 Star - Melia Hotel
+ Room type: Deluxe Room
"Guaranteed Hotel"
<Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner inclusive>

 

 

 

 


Hanoi cityDay 8: Departure from Hanoi city
Spend last minutes shopping (embroideries, silk, lacquer ware, ...)or at leisure before check out . your journey ends with your airport transfer. .
<Breakfast inclusive>

 

 

 

 


Book

 



Prices : USD$ 890 for per person base for 2 people travelling together

The tour itinerary, inclusions and departures are based on travel from 01/01/2010 to Saturday, 04 September 2010. Prices are subject to availability and may vary by departure date. For travel outside of these dates itinerary and inclusions may vary to that shown above - please ask for details.


  • What's inclusive and Not ?

  • Accommodation

  • Transportation

  • Booking Conditions


Vietnam Tourtour inclusiveInclusive :
* All accommodation on double basis in Hotel 5star or 4star with daily breakfast
* All transfers/ transports
* English speaking guide
* Airfares
* Meals as indicated
* Admission fees and permits where applicable
* Visa arrangement

tour exclusiveExclusive :
* Pre/post trip arrangement
* Travel insurance
* Meals not indicated
* Other personal expenses
* Tips and gratuities

 

**** Information in this itinerary was correct at the time of its preparation.
We reserves the right to make itinerary changes as operational or other circumstances require


**** Once your booking has been confirmed you will receive a detailed itinerary for this tour,
detailing day by day arrangements, as well as a predeparture
guide containing valuable information designed to
help you get the most out of your holiday

 

Hotels

 

 

 

 

Accommodation
****** Accommodation List: 

 

* Day 1:  Winsor Plaza Hotel - 5Star
* Day 2:   Imperial Hotel  - 5Star
* Day 3 & 4:       Swiss-Belhotel Golden Sand Resort & Spa   - 5Star
* Day 5: Melia Hotel - 5 Star
* Day 6: Top End of Wooden Junk - 5 Star
* Day 7: Melia Hotel - 5 Star
     
     
     
     
     

 

Vietnam Transport

 

 

TransportFor road journeys, air conditioned coasters or mini buses or car are used. These are modern, spacious, comfortable, well maintained, safe vehicles - perfect for private travel !

 

 

See the Goup Size and know what you get


* Tour Type :Private
* Vehicles Type :Car
* Group Size : 2 -3 Pax

Altis Car

----------Altis Toyota - 4seats

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Tour Type :Private
* Vehicles Type :Van
* Group Size : 4 - 8 Pax

ford

-----------Mercedes Van - 16seats



Vietnam Tour Bookking Conditionbooking vietnam tour conditionBOOKING CONDITIONS

STATUS:

CONFIRMED indicated overleaf means the airline, hotel, vehicle rental or tour operator has accepted your reservation from Vietnam Royal Tourism , subject to the usual reservation conditions.

REQUEST means your arrangements have been requested although not yet confirmed. WAITLIST means that your flight, hotel or tour arrangements are currently full and your name has been placed on a waiting list. CANCELLED means your flight, hotel, vehicle rental or tour arrangements are cancelled. UNABLE means the airline, hotel or tour operator cannot meet your request.

PAYMENTS: We require an initial non-returnable deposit normally 30% of tour cost per person for the travel element of your itinerary. Additional deposits may also be required to hold "other facilities" arrangements such as hotels, car-hire, cruises and tours - all payment details will be advised at the time of booking. Any final payment is usually due until customers arrival their destinations as Vietnam , Laos or Cambodia on First Day ( Day 1 ). Bookings made within 1 month of travel require 30% payment upon confirmation. If you have booked hotel accommodation, vehicle rental, tours or any 'Other Facilities' you should refer to the booking conditions in the Vietnam Royal Tourism - brochure or where Vietnam Royal Tourism - is acting as the agent for the Tour Operator you should refer to the booking conditions contained in Tour Operator's brochure (a copy of these conditions will be given or sent to you at the time of booking).

Please note that all airfares and taxes are subject to increase until full payment is received and tickets issued it is therefore to your advantage to finalise payment as soon as you can after booking. However Government taxes additional to the fare may be imposed or increased without notice at any time up until departure date.

YOUR PEACE OF MIND:

Vietnam Royal Tourism with Vietnam Business Number ( VBN 0102032888). We hold an Travel Agent License (TAG number 0825 ) Awarded by Vietnam National Administration of Tourism. This ensures that in the very unlikely event of our insolvency you will be able to continue with your arrangements as planned (if already abroad in Vietnam , Laos, Cambodia or Thailand) or refunded in full if travel has not already commenced.
For all monies paid to Vietnam Royal Tourism - will be legally safeguarded by being held in Trust in a Vietnam Royal Tourism - Trust account, thus ensuring that in the very unlikely event of our insolvency money paid in respect of advance bookings (future travel) will be refunded in full.

EMERGENCY CONTACT:

In the event that you experience a real emergency outside of Vietnam Royal Tourism - ' normal opening hours, please contact details to us on +844 2425892 or email :vietnamroyaltourism@vnn.vn.

METHODS OF PAYMENT:

PLEASE NOTE: If you intend to mail payment details or are arranging a bank transfer you should confirm the exact amount due with your consultant.

1. PERSONAL (AND COMPANY) CHEQUES: Payment for travel arrangements may be made by personal or company cheque. Cheques should be made payable to VIETNAM ROYAL TOURISM - LTD. Please note. However, that we require SIX WORKING DAYS FOR CHEQUE CLEARANCE before tickets can be issued. It is therefore advisable to confirm with Vietnam Royal Tourism - that there is sufficient time between cheque payment and any ticketing deadline. For urgent ticketing we can usually arrange to have cheques up to US3,000 guaranteed upon payment of an extra fee determined by the value of the cheque. Foreign currency cheques are acceptable.

2. BANK AND BUILDING SOCIETY DRAFTS: These are treated as cash if received at a time when the relevant bank or building society is open and able to verify the cheque.

3. CASH: Please note we advise clients not to post cash to us. Cash are acceptable and welcome when you will made your final payment on your arrival date in Vietnam , Laos , Cambodia

4. CARDS:
We accept Visa, MasterCard . We may require written Form of Authorisation letter and Letter of Aproval for the debit from the card holder before tickets can be released. We may also require one copy paper of the credit card both side and one copy of the passport (first page) with identify and photo before tickets can be released. We may also require seeing the actual card.

5. DIRECT CREDIT/BANK TRANSFER: Payment may be made from your bank directly to our bank account at:

Account name: Vietnam Royal Tourism Co.,LTD
Account number: 4094439
Bank Name: ANZ Bank
Address: 14 Le Thai To str., Hanoi, Vietnam
Tel  : +844-38258190
Fax : +844-38258188
SWIFT Code: ANZBVNVX
Website: www.anz.com

( Recommendation using this one for citizen of New Zealand,  Australia, United Kingdom, US and Canada with small fee of bank transfer )

or other :

Account name: VIET NAM ROYAL TOURISM CO., LTD
Account number: 0011372354159
Bank Name: Bank for foreign trade of Vietnam – Operation Center
Address: 198 Tran Quang Khai str., Hanoi, Vietnam
Tel : + 844-3825 1322
Fax: +844-382 69067
SWIFT Code: BFTVVNVX001
Website: http://www.vietcombank.com.vn/en/

Vietnam Royal Tourism - must be notified of all direct bank payments. All payments must be identified by the passenger's name and booking number.

PROVISIONAL FARES:

If a fare is shown on an itinerary as being 'PROVISIONAL', this means that the airline, hotel or tour/ground operator has not confirmed the exact fare at the time of booking and any increases in cost must be met by the client.

TICKETING: Unless you notify us otherwise, your travel documents will be posted to you at the address shown overleaf, except E-tickets where your boarding pass is issued at check in on production of your passport and this Vietnam Royal Tourism - client confirmation form if requested. Air tickets cannot be posted overseas. Tickets are generally valid a maximum of one year from the date of issue. Any exception to this will be shown on your ticket.

REROUTING: As a general rule, airline tickets cannot be rerouted or transferred to another airline. All flights must be used in sequence, as booked. Failure to do so may result in cancellation of all remaining sectors and restrict any possible refund.

PASSPORT & VISA REQUIREMENTS: Please ensure that you are fully aware of all passport and visa requirements and that you allow adequate time to obtain them. We recommend that you travel with a passport that has a minimum validity of 6 months remaining at all times. This is an immigration requirement for many countries and airlines. Please check with your travel consultant if you will not have the recommended validity whilst travelling. Passports should be Machine Readable for travel via the USA. Please call our visa service if you are unsure if your passport is Machine Readable. Please call +844 24 25 892 for more details.
Visa requirements are only noted for those countries listed on your itinerary. If you intend visiting or transiting through other countries, please ensure you are fully aware of all relevant visa and passport requirements.

AIRLINE PASSENGER INFORMATION: Please note that airlines are now required by laws introduced in the United States and other countries to give border control agencies access to passenger data. Accordingly any information that the airline holds about you and your travel arrangements may be disclosed to the customs and immigration authorities of any country on your itinerary. Please contact your travel consultant if you require further information.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS: Health facilities, hygiene and disease risks vary worldwide, you should obtain health advice on your specific needs as early as possible. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have fully complied with all health and immunisation requirements of the countries you may be visiting.

INSURANCE: Vietnam Royal Tourism - strongly recommends insurance cover whenever you travel abroad. Insurance is a must for Vietnam, as the cost of major medical treatment is prohibitive. A travel insurance policy to cover theft, loss and medical problems is the best bet


TRAVEL INSURANCE
Unfortunately things can go wrong on holiday. You could fall ill or have an accident; you could have money or luggage stolen; your visit might be cancelled or cut short through injury or illness; your family may need to fly out to be with you if there is a serious incident.
Costs - particularly medical treatment costs - can easily run into thousands of dollars. Local medical facilities are unable to provide the full range of medical services available in developed countries making evacuation a requirement in many non life threatening medical emergencies. The costs of relocation as well as local international standard care are extremely high. In the most serious emergencies, you may not be positioned to authorise payment for an appropriate medical response that is urgently required. This may delay or prevent the provision of critical and possibly life saving medical attention.
Market surveys show that many people don't take insurance. People believe that their credit card accident cover, home insurance, or private health cover is sufficient. However, it is unlikely that these will give adequate cover. If you do not already have a policy we urge you to take out insurance as soon as you make a booking with us to ensure you have adequate cancellation cover.
Know what your policy covers and check that the cover is adequate.
If in doubt ask your insurer. Your policy should cover you for the following:
The whole time that you are away, whether that is a day or a year.
Any activities and sports you might do. Some activities, such as jet skiing, are excluded from many policies. Many insurers will extend cover, if requested, otherwise shop around for a specialist policy.
The medical cover is very important. It must include cover for emergency medical treatment, hospitalisation and repatriation.
Personal liability - for injury or damage to others and their property.
Cancellation - if you have to cancel or abandon your trip. Cancellation cover should start as soon as you book your trip.
24 hour emergency assistance - if things go wrong the assistance company will help you to sort everything out.
Possessions cover, including money and documents to specified limits.
Your policy may also cover:
Personal accident - money paid on death or permanent disability.
Legal expenses - to help you pursue compensation for damages following personal injury.
Declare anything that you think might affect the cover.
Be honest - tell your insurer about current or past medical conditions. This should include the condition of those to be insured and others, such as close relatives, whose state of health may prevent you from travelling or may cause you to curtail your trip. If you don't declare you may invalidate your policy.
When you travel.
Make sure you take your policy and the 24 hour emergency phone number with you.
Make sure you know what to do in the event of a problem.
Some insurance companies insist that you call their assistance company as soon as possible after a problem arises.
If anything does happen make sure you keep as much paperwork as possible - tickets, receipts, medical bills, police reports etc - to help prove that what you're claiming for actually happened.

CANCELLATIONS/AMENDMENTS/REFUNDS:

It is important that you are fully aware of the cancellation and administrative charges relating to your contract with Vietnam Royal Tourism - .
The circumstances surrounding cancellations and refunds vary greatly. The following general conditions are as simple as the complex problem permits and makes allowance for the work carried out by Vietnam Royal Tourism - on behalf of clients. Should you for any reason have to cancel your booking; the person making the original arrangements must give us written notice of cancellation.

In certain cases cancellation charges, if incurred involuntarily, will be covered by insurance taken out at the time of booking. This is strongly recommended.

AMENDMENTS:

Any change of itinerary before receipt of full payment on any particular ticket(s) will be termed an amendment. An amendment fee of up to $US 100 per change will be levied according to the amount of work involved. Changes to hotel accommodation, vehicle rental, tours and other travel arrangements will incur extra charges. Please refer to the relevant Vietnam Royal Tourism - brochure or where Vietnam Royal Tourism - is acting as the agent for the tour operator, you should refer to the booking conditions contained in the tour operator's brochure. Any change of itinerary after receipt of full payment on any tickets will be subject to applicable cancellation conditions. Please note that it will not be possible for our Travel Centres in Vietnam to assist with changes to the routing of your airline ticket. All such enquiries must always be made directly with the relevant airline. Vietnam Royal Tourism - may be able to assist in changing your dates, subject to the conditions of your ticket and flight availability; however, fees from $US 30 per change apply, over and above any airline fees detailed on your booking form. These date changes may also be made directly with the airline. Amendments to hotel and tour bookings made in the Vietnam and Laos, Cambodia may be made through our Travel Centres in Vietnam. However, at least 7 days notice is required and all amendments are subject to availability. Cancellations or amendments made within 30 days will incur two night's cancellation fee per hotel as per the conditions detailed in our Tailor-made Indochina. A minimum fee of US$25 per hotel or tour booking will apply to amendments made outside 28 days. Our Travel Centres in Vietnam will be delighted to assist with additional flights and selected hotels together with local tours whilst travelling Vietnam. Please call in or telephone.

AIRLINE RESERVATION & TICKET CANCELLATION:

For all confirmed bookings cancelled before receipt of full payment on any particular ticket(s), the booking deposit is forfeit. For cancellation after receipt of full payment, cancellation charges as stated overleaf will apply. Please note cancellation charges of 10% per ticket or $US100 per ticket, whichever is the greater, will apply to any cancelled tickets not specifically covered under the cancellation conditions overleaf. On any fixed dated ticket there is a 100% cancellation charge if part used, or if the reservation is not cancelled prior to the first flight. Please note that it is your responsibility to advise airlines if you do not wish to travel on a flight booked. Failure to do so can result in the cancellation of onward flights and the forfeit of any ticket refund.
Please note all flight cancellations must be notified in writing to Vietnam Royal Tourism - prior to the day of departure.

 

HOTEL/VEHICLE RENTAL/TOUR/OTHER TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS:

CANCELLATION

If you have booked hotel accommodation, vehicle rental, tours or any other travel arrangements and you cancel your reservation, you should refer to the booking conditions in the Vietnam Royal Tourism - brochure or, where Vietnam Royal Tourism - is acting as the agent for the tour operator, you should refer to the booking conditions contained in the tour operator's brochure. Reservations are non-transferable.

AIRLINE TICKET REFUNDS:

Tickets returned will be presented to the airline for assessment. As soon as we receive a refund from the issuing airline, we will forward it to you less any cancellation or administration charge. Please note that refunds for part-used/return halves of tickets are always less than the pro-rata rate and may have no refund value whatsoever. Refunds usually take 8-12 weeks but in isolated cases may take longer. Refunds will be processed via the original method of payment, except for cash transactions where refunds will be provided by cheque. Tickets returned more than one year from date of issue are classed as expired by the airline and generally have no refund value at all. If tickets are lost or stolen, certain airlines will not issue duplicates. New tickets may then have to be purchased locally, at the focal fare. Even if replacement tickets are purchased, certain airlines will not issue refunds for lost/stolen tickets. A delay of up to 18 months is possible before we receive authority from the airline to make any refund. Vietnam Royal Tourism - applies a further $US25 per ticket administration fee over and above cancellation charges in such cases.

Please ensure that any tickets returned to Vietnam Royal Tourism - are sent by registered post.

REFUNDS:

No refunds are given for partly used vouchers. In all circumstances please refer to the booking conditions in the Vietnam Royal Tourism - brochure or, where Vietnam Royal Tourism - is acting as the agent for the tour operator, please refer to the booking conditions contained in the tour operator's brochure.

AIRLINE RESERVATIONS:

All flight reservations are subject to seat availability of the relevant booking class, which at certain times may be limited. Any alterations you may wish to make to a confirmed itinerary after departure from your country should be addressed to the airline as soon as possible. Airline reservations are non-transferable.

CARRIAGE BY AIR:

Carriage by air is subject to the terms and conditions of the carrier with whom you travel and to international conventions, which may limit liability. Transport timings and routings are provided by the airlines and other carriers concerned. They are subject to change as a result of air traffic control restrictions, weather conditions, operational/maintenance requirements and the requirement for passengers to check in on time, over which Vietnam Royal Tourism - has no control. We cannot make any special arrangements for you if you are delayed since such matters are at the sole discretion of the airline concerned.

FLIGHT RECONFIRMATIONS:

Please reconfirm all onward flight reservations with the relevant airline at least 72 hours prior to departure. In addition, it is important to establish if there have been any changes to your flight timings since leaving your country. Failure to do so may result in cancellation of your reservation. Unless Vietnam Royal Tourism - advises you to reconfirm the first flight out of your country there is no need to do so.

TAXES:

Vietnam Royal Tourism - will advise of all mandatory pre-paid taxes. Most countries also charge departure taxes that may only be paid locally. It is therefore recommended that clients retain sufficient local currency to meet such charges. For further details please enquire directly with the airline.

SEAT REQUEST (AIRLINES) SPECIAL REQUEST (HOTELS):

Where airline policy allows, Vietnam Royal Tourism - is happy to request pre-allocated seating and other special service requests. We are also happy to make any special requests in respect of your hotel accommodation. Please note however that unless specifically confirmed by Vietnam Royal Tourism - all such requests will never be guaranteed and form no part of your contract with Vietnam Royal Tourism .

BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE: If you are unsure of the baggage allowance on the flights you have booked please contact your consultant or the relevant airline.

PHOTOGRAPHIC IDENTIFICATION: Some countries require that photographic
ID is carried at all times. Vietnam Royal Tourism - recommends that passports be carried whenever flying.

COMPLAINTS:

If you have a problem during your holiday, please inform the relevant airline, hotel, tour operator or other supplier immediately so that they can endeavor to put things right. If they cannot resolve the problem, you must contact one of Vietnam Royal Tourism - ' Vietnam Travel Centres immediately by telephone or fax so that we are given an opportunity to help. Vietnam Royal Tourism - will not hold themselves responsible for the non-performance of an itinerary through causes beyond their control or when they are not notified of a problem at the point when remedial action can be taken. In the unlikely event that a complaint cannot be resolved at the time, you should write to us within 90 days of returning home, giving your original booking reference number and all other relevant information. If you fail to take any of these steps this will hinder our ability to put any problem right and/or investigate it fully and any right you may have to receive compensation will be reduced or completely invalidated.

TRAVELLING IN LAOS AND CAMBODIA: If you have a problem whilst travelling in Laos or Cambdia please follow our complaints procedure as detailed above, rather than in the first instance contacting one of our Travel Centres in Vietnam. This will enable us to attend to your complaint in the most effective manner. The Vietnam Royal Tourism - Vietnam 24 hour emergency number is +844 2425892 or +84 9888 23458.

YOUR HOLIDAY CONTRACT:


These booking conditions form part of your contract with Vietnam Royal Tourism - . This contract and matters arising from it are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Please note differing terms and conditions may apply between you and the vehicle rental company/tour operator or airline involved in providing these travel arrangements. A copy of the applicable terms can be requested by contacting Vietnam Royal Tourism - in writing


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