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Dear Traveler,
Traveling is always an exciting time -
new places to visit, people to meet and things to do. However, traveling
also presents many questions. To help answer those questions, we have
created this Travel Tips list. It includes details on life onboard a
river barge.
We hope the information provided will
help you prepare for your barge cruise and make it your most memorable
and rewarding vacation experience ever.
Passport and Visa Information.
Currently visa is required
to visit Vietnam. Holders of other nationality passports should check
with the Embassy in the country concerned, to establish whether visas
are required . Each traveller must be in possession of
a valid signed passport that will remain valid for at least six months
beyond completion of the entire trip. Asean (South East Asian Nations) citizenship passport holders do
NOT require a visa for Vietnam.
Time
Vietnam and Cambodian 6 hours ahead of GMT and 5 hours ahead of European
time in the summer time, in winter, please add 1 hour.
Le Cochinchine Cruises
In selecting our river cruise, you
have chosen one of the most relaxing and fulfilling ways to tour through
endless water way of Mekong River while exploring the lush Mekong Delta.
This will offer you opportunities to have pleasant encounter with local people. See Vietnam in authenticity
and sample local culture and food, and a one unpacking, unforgettable
vacation where your "floating hotel" takes you to the heart of
Mekong Delta and quaint villages.
Enjoy the continuous and ever-changing
scenery as you encounter a lively world of legendary waterways and
picturesque landscapes, floating markets, lush bonsais garden, rice
fields, villages, pagodas and temples and fruit-filled orchards, and
boat laden bazaar.
Your all-inclusive, value-packed
cruise includes:
Cabin accommodations on all ships
All meals aboard
Bicycles on board
Row boat on board
Sight-seeing excursions
English/French as the onboard language......and much more
Air Conditioning
Your cabin has its own
air-conditioning unit, which can be adjusted for your comfort. We
recommend you do not over- cool your cabin as the sudden change from the
outside temperature to a chilled cabin can bring on colds, respiratory
illnesses and even stomach upsets. When you go out, we recommend you
turn the setting to 'Lo Cool', set at about 4, and then when you return
you can readjust the temperature to your preference without having to
wait for cool air. At night you may prefer to use the fan only, and have
the windows open. Insect netting covers the windows to enable you to do
this. Please do not leave your air-conditioner on with the window open -
this results in energy loss (the equivalent of switching on the heating
and opening the windows in a cold country!
Bar
The cruise bar is always open, all bar
drinks are excluded.
Dining
Meals on
board
Le Cochinchine meals are taken at one sitting. It is not
necessary to sit at the same table each time and we have tables for
individuals, couples right up to larger groups.
We offer a mixture of local cuisine with richly flavor and taste and
there are always vegetarian dishes offered.
Passengers requiring special diets, such as
vegetarian, low salt & low cholesterol meals, may make their requests to
the chef when onboard. The chef will try to honor all requests. Exotic fruit, fresh organic
vegetables, locally caught fish and prawns are the preference of most of
our passengers.
Room Service
Room service is available on request.
Hairdryers
Hairdryers are available in the cabins.
Laundry
Laundry facilities on board.The
charges will go on your bill in US$. If there is an item that you do not
wish ironed please advise us.
Library
The ships’ libraries have books available free
of charge. We kindly ask that you return the books before the end of
your cruise. A small constantly changing library of French and English
books and magazines is carried aboard our vessels. We also carry playing
cards, scrabble and other games for your enjoyment. We have a C.D./radio
cassette player with a choice of classical and modern music. Clients are
welcome to bring along their favourite CDs.
Safes
Barges do not generally have safes on board.
Since the dress code is casual it is not necessary to bring along
valuable jewellery. In general it is not wise to travel anywhere with
your valuables. Exercise caution throughout & be careful when handling
or stowing your passport. It is a good idea to travel with a photocopy
of your passport. Leave information of your credit cards at home with a
trusted friend or relative, as well as make a copy of the stop usage
(800#) if lost or stolen you can call from Europe.
Life Jackets
These are kept in the wardrobe in your cabin.
Fire Risk and Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
in your cabin or in the Dining
Room or Saloon i.e. inside. Smoking is permitted in outside areas only,
namely the Observation Deck and Promenade Decks. This is a wood-finished
ship and the danger of fire should never be ignored
Sun Deck
The sun deck is located on the top of our
boat, It is spacious for your relaxation and suntans . For your
enjoyment, there are plenty of deck chairs.
Bicycles
Bicycles are carried onboard. Crew will be
happy to help you with bike adjustments and getting it on and off the
barge. Please remember to use caution when riding along towpaths or into
villages. A decision to engage in cycling during the cruise constitute
the travellers assumption of all risks associated and an agreement not
to make a claim against the barge owners for any personal injury, death
or property damage that arises out of such activity.
Water and Towels
The boat 's water supply comes from water well
after passing through a sterilisation plant. This water is suitable for
washing and brushing teeth but should not be drunk. To save water and
reduce detergent use we will only change towels daily if they are placed
on the floor. We have copious supplies of hot water but you may have to
run the water for two minutes before it gets hot.
Electricity
On our boat and ashore in hotels is 220 volts 50 Hz AC. On the ship we have
continental 2 pin type sockets but adapters are available from the
ship’s office.
Onboard Language
The onboard language is English and French. Staff and
crew speak English as do your tour guides.
Cruise Manager
An experienced, English /French -speaking Passenger Service Manager accompanies
every departure. They are there to ensure your comfort, answer questions
and make your vacation the most memorable trip ever.
Telephones
May we suggest that you leave your computers &
telephones at home. Cell phone work in most of the barging areas. There
are no phone hookups on the barges for checking email. There are
payphones along the canal (if you must!) Being "out of touch" takes a
bit of getting used to, but by day 2 you should be ok and have no
"communication withdrawal" symptoms. You will be able to enjoy the peace
& tranquility of the journey
Shopping
Vietnam offered a variety of goods for the traveler such as
lacquer ware,
clothing and fabrics in particular silk and cottons. Indo-China is one
of the world's largest exporters of gems and
jewellery,
but you should purchase from a reputable dealer. Hill tribe crafts,
including embroidered goods, such as bags and clothing, also ornaments
are good buys. Wherever you make your purchases, please remember that
the majority of items are handmade and may contain imperfections natural
in goods that have not been mass-produced. It is worth taking a little
time to check each item that you wish to buy in order to avoid
disappointment. There is a small ship’s shop.
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