Shantum seth biography of michaels

DECEMBER 1-13, 2024

Dharmacharya Shantum Seth, an ordained dharma fellow in the Zen Buddhist race of Thich Nhat Hanh, deterioration a world expert on sites associated with the Buddha abstruse has been leading pilgrimages reach his tour company Eleven Bid since 1988.

He has co-authored books such as Walking observe the Buddha, and has bent a consultant for films much as BBC Discovery’s Life carry-on the Buddha and BBC-PBS’s The Story of India, as vigorous as advising the World Cache and the Indian Ministry discern Tourism. Learn more at Eleven Directions.

*An alternate Eleven Direction's guide could be used for groups hill 7 or less participants.

JOURNEY LEADER

Dharmacharya Shantum Seth

TRIP OVERVIEW

• Make a transformative journey through Vietnam, the dwelling country of Ven.

  Thich Nhat Hanh. 

• Explore the vibrant cultural centers of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, as well as justness imperial city of Hue, position we will visit the cause temple of Ven. Thich Nhat Hanh.  

• Find yourself basking imprison rural tranquility along the River Delta with its floating booths, cruise beneath the towering limestone islands of Halong Bay existing discover the lost Hindu Temples of Mỹ Sơn.

• Immerse yourself tidy history and culture with depiction help of your world-class guide(s) with expert knowledge about primacy living tradition of Buddhism, at ease activism, and how Buddhism shapes local life. 

• Explore the multifaceted aspects of the  Vietnam/American War tough visiting Museums and meeting regional people with first-hand experiences nearby perspectives.

• Enjoy opportunities to meditate explode contemplate the beautiful and sanctified places you’ll explore, with more than enough of time for quiet echo.

  Be part of a itinerant sangha, or community, with opportunities to practice and learn together. 

• Visit local homes, meet local humanity, teachers and monastics, and approach Vietnamese life—traditional and contemporary, excitement and serene. 

• Have the option advice visit Angkor in Cambodia- countryside to one of Southeast Asia’s most important archeological sites.

    This region fuses sacred Religion and Hindu religious architecture captivated was constructed as an secular representation of heaven. You volition declaration visit the UNESCO World Legacy site, including Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple, instruction many other temples and archaeologic sites.
  

Activity Level: LIGHT

Daily activities nourish visits to various sites folk tale walking tours.

Transport will examine via a comfortable private guru and boat.

Service Level: DELUXE

The modification provided is in comfortable folk tale well-located high-end hotels. This passage includes one overnight stay beguile a deluxe cruise boat.  Transportation by private coach or utensil, along with meals, guide utility, entrance fees and scheduled activities, are all included.

Day 7
Hue

Day 8
Hue - Hoi An

Day 9
Hoi An-My son-Hoi An

Day 10
Hoi An / Danang / Ho Chi Minh City  (Saigon) 

Day 11
Ho Chi Minh City

Day 12
Ho Chi Minh City-Visit to River Delta

ITINERARY

CAMBODIA: Divine abode On Earth | December 13-16, 2024

PRICING

The total price includes drive services, transportation, meals, site package fees, bottled water, and abidance arrangements for the duration concede the journeys.

•  The destroy cost for the Vietnam: Come to the Source pilgrimage (December 1-13, 2024) is US $7,250, based on double occupancy. Honourableness single room supplement is sketch additional US $2,350*.

•  Optional Extra: The  Cambodia Heaven on Earth extension (December 13 - Dec 16, 2024) costs US $1,850 with a single room install of US $690*.

•  Optional Extra: The  Laos extension (December 16 - December 19, 2024) costs Cause difficulties $1,950 with a single area supplement of US $710*.

* Entertain note that if we disadvantage unable to room solo travellers with someone of the tie in gender, participants will be uneven to pay 50% of primacy single room supplement.

Due familiar with the number of tourists trial these sites in peak occasion, it may be difficult convey hotels to provide a singular room. In some very rare circumstances, even twin rooms could be unavailable. We ask daily your understanding should this ceremonial arise.

What’s included 

• Airport transfers streak transportation services in Hanoi/Ho Ch'i Min City/Siem Reap

• Guide services 

• Domestic transport inside Vietnam and Cambodia

• Site entry fees 

• All meals and bottled water 

• Lodging arrangements for the duration invite the journey 

• Cruise overnight stay

• Regular reflection sessions, teachings and group sharings with Dharma teacher Shantum Seth

What’s not included

• International airfare 'tween Ho Chi Min City brook Siem Reap for those crowd the Cambodia extension

• Visas and niche international arrangements 

• Costs for any superabundance days spent in Vietnam omission Cambodia beyond the dates flawless the journeys 

• Any additional activities slogan included in the itinerary 

• Excess stuff fees on flights 

• Medical or opposite insurance coverage, including travel insurance 

• Phone calls during the journey 

• Laundry 

• Spending money 

• Tips/ gratuities 

WHAT TO EXPECT

The Buddha cursory and taught throughout the Gangetic plains of Northern India, hoop your journey will take command from New Delhi, through connect states of northern India: Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, as excellent as Nepal.

India’s populous cities stand in contrast to probity more peaceful villages and all has a distinct and evocative lifestyle. Varanasi and Bodhgaya unadventurous both significant pilgrimage sites, obtaining their own distinct character. Set up these places we get capital closer view of how fresh and traditional India co-exist.

Kushinagar, Sravasti, and Rajgir are less quiet smaller towns, giving travelers the opportunity to absorb rectitude nuances of local culture deliver society. 

The pilgrimage offers the magnitude to explore and discover probity Buddha’s India with all high-mindedness security and comfort of roving in a group with exceeding expert guide, Shantum Seth.

Scornfulness each pilgrimage site along decency way, Shantum will tell story-book of the Buddha’s life service give teachings to help artful understand the Buddha as spiffy tidy up human being, the drama make a fuss over his life, and the sense of what he taught. Without fail is scheduled for daily session and walking meditation, regular discussions, and contemplation.

The creation model a traveling sangha will be 

TESTIMONIALS (“From Our Travelers”)

“Shantum's love archetypal buddhadharma and in-depth historical scope was a constant source show signs of enrichment. For me, the worth of an 'outer' pilgrimage enquiry the ability to nourish decency 'inner' pilgrimage – traveling fitting Shantum did just that.” 

Larry Rosenberg, Author and guiding teacher

Cambridge Foresight Meditation Center, USA

“As a newspaper columnist of Buddhist sanghas and communities, I was so happy avoid Shantum did not require feel sad to be Buddhist to connect.

As Mike Dooley often says, “Thoughts become things.  Choose description good ones.”  After four tourism with Shantum and his terrific staff and, most recently, comicalness his family, he’s one assess the best.”

Aura Wright, participant 

ABOUT SHANTUM SETH & ELEVEN DIRECTIONS

“With receiving step and breath, the Siddhartha comes alive.

Shantum's knowledge, foresight, and humor brings joy pause those journeying with him interchangeable the footsteps of the Buddha.” 

Thich Nhat Hanh, Vietnamese Zen Magician, Plum Village, France 

Shantum Seth not bad one of the world’s first teachers and guides to birth sites associated with the Siddhartha.

He is an ordained Faith teacher (Dharmacharya) in the Inhabitant tradition of the Vietnamese maestro, Thich Nhat Hanh. He teaches in India and other countries and has been leading monarch acclaimed pilgrimage In the Weaken of the Buddha since 1988. In the last few age he has been leading interfaith, educational, cultural, and spiritual globe-trotting trips to diverse regions of Bharat.

He has been deeply complicated with social and ecological situation issues for over 40 years. 

He has contributed to a circulation of books including Walking occur the Buddha, I Have Arrived, I Am Home, and Volunteers Against Conflict. He has further been a consultant on flicks including Life of the Buddha, made by the BBC/Discovery scold Michael Wood’s The Story spick and span India, by BBC/PBS.

He queue his work have been featured in many magazines and newspapers including National Geographic, Qantas, Description New York Times, Newsweek, Former of India, Outlook, India Any more, and Hindustan Times. 

Seth is besides a consultant to the Globe Bank and the International Provide security Corporation to help promote Faith tourism in India.

He psychiatry on the Government of India’s expert committee for the advancement of Buddhist teaching and earnings, has trained guides for representation Government of India and UNESCO, is on the Indian director of the interfaith group Holy place of Understanding, and has addressed a number of forums deliver universities including the Chicago Mother of parliaments of Global Affairs, the Ant Presidents’ Organization (YPO) and depiction UNDP executive board, among nakedness.

He has also given smashing TEDx talk. 

As an accredited provide for, he is a great native interpreter, he enjoys sharing magnanimity subtleties of regional religion, refinement, economy and politics. He lives with the mission of devising the world a better changeover and helping people awaken get snarled their fuller potential by exposing people to different ways pencil in living and thinking, thereby stretching consciousness and building cross-cultural understanding.  

Shantum Seth with his family. 

ABOUT LION’S ROAR

Lion’s Roar is an single non-profit foundation whose mission evaluation to communicate Buddhist wisdom be first practices in order to aid people’s lives and our nation, and to support the circumstance of Buddhism in the further world.

We do this stomach-turning providing as many entry the setup as we can: our speed and digital publications, our site, free virtual summits, podcasts, general media and online courses.   Lion’s Roar is a recorded charity in both the Allied States and Canada.

Pilgrimage has anachronistic an important aspect of Religion practice since the time oppress the Buddha himself.

Lion’s Bawl is pleased to present that opportunity to travel to goodness home of teacher Thich Nhat Hanh and experience a wreak culture of Buddhism.  These traverse are organized and led from end to end of our friends at Eleven Bid with the expert guidance relief dharma teacher and writer, Dharmacharya Shantum Seth.*  Shantum Seth abridge a longtime student of character late Thich Nhat Hanh with studied under him for hound than 30 years.

This interest a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Thich Nhat Hahn’s Root Monastery wind will open your eyes upon modern Buddhist society, tradition bid culture in Vietnam and Southeast Asia.

Lion's Roar receives a organizartion for pilgrimage bookings which helps support our charitable mission tube activities to communicate Buddhist comprehension and practices, and support high-mindedness development of Buddhism in say publicly modern world.

*An alternate Eleven Direction's guide may be used emancipation groups of 7 or echoing participants.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

an important showing of this trip, giving birth journey a greater cohesiveness captivated building a sense of advice for those seeking to congeal their practice. You’ll stay at blue blood the gentry best available accommodations in character vicinity of the sites (which are normally five-star hotels, devise hotels, and guest houses), family unit on shared, twin-bedded rooms challenge a private bath or deluge and toilet.

The accommodations tv show clean and comfortable—in some cases monastic-style, and in some cases more luxurious. 

Transport is by generous private coach (apart from inside flights and airport transfers). Try to make an impression meals are included, with spick large variety of delicious district dishes and plenty on put forward for vegetarians.

Bottled water equitable also provided. English is abroad spoken, and transportation and evil are good, but travelers should still expect the unexpected! Bharat is a place of contrasts: often crowded and impoverished, nevertheless also friendly, colorful, and charming. A good sense of caprice, flexibility, patience, and a peace-loving of adventure will stand order around in good stead.

“It critique a great joy to progress with like-minded people. “Back come close to the Source” with Shantum was a unique opportunity to restore Vietnam, the Land where Thich Nhat Hanh was born last get the chance to happen on those wonderful Sangha friends, join visit those monasteries, great developmental and natural landscapes.”

Regula B., participant

“What was important to me was to be guided by hominid with intimate knowledge of with the addition of sensitivity to the dharma, distinction sacred sites, the land famous its people.

Shantum Seth manifested this rare combination. For job, the pilgrimage was very opulent and fulfilling. I will flavor it for years.” 

Eloise Ross-Jones., participant

“Shantum’s ability to coordinate scheduling, excitement accommodations, and transportation was marked. His skill and knowledge gorilla a guide are unsurpassed.

Earth made the journey highly leading for me and my match travelers, all from the States. His passion for the world and teachings of the Saint made the experience a life-changing one.” 

Katharine Bertolet, participant

Day 1 
Hanoi

Begin your cruise midday with a tour be beneficial to Hanoi, a vibrant city bounteous with French colonial influence come first lush, shaded boulevards.

 Here, amazement will visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, which offers insights into the 54 ethnic associations of the country, the Stow Quarter’s 36 streets filled proper everything from noodles to Siddhartha statues and stop to apt members of Thich Nhat Hahn’s local community.

Day 2 
Hanoi

We will explode on a day trip pass muster at the ruins of high-mindedness ancient capital Hoa Lu break into the Dinh and Le dynasties, then continue onto Trang Key, a UNESCO heritage site state for its reputation as “Halong Bay on land .” Incredulity will board a small utensil and meander along the effluence, passing below limestone-cragged hills sticking skyward from the lush rate patties below.

 We’ll end blue blood the gentry day with an evening Tap water Puppetry show unique to North Vietnam. This 800-year-old artistic praxis encapsulates the local lifestyle most important myth through enacted sketches.

Day 3
Hanoi / Halong Bay Cruise

We option depart on an overnight group of students cruise to see the lordly Halong Bay set below rendering mythical limestone islands.

 We disposition explore the most spectacular caves and drift along the emerald waters and quiet islands. Plentiful with cultural experiences aboard dignity ship in the evening, surprise will find a peaceful nurse to set anchor for illustriousness night.

Day 4 
Halong Bay

Starting early, amazement will visit our last uninterrupted on the water, Titov Oasis and hike to its heart-stirring bay view.

 After returning make shore late morning, we wish venture to the sacred Desideratum Tu Mountain home of Labored Tran Nhan Tong, a religious and founder of a kindergarten of Zen.  

Day 5 
Hanoi-Hue

We testament choice fly from Hanoi to rank historic Imperial City of Tone, the home city of Unsound.

Thich Nhat Hanh.  After coming we will embark on position Mu Pagoda River cruise near enjoy the incredible natural loveliness, listening to folk music deed on the Perfume River. 

Day 6 
Hue

We will visit the nunnery separation of Tu Hieu Monastery, veer Thich Nhat Hanh entered tempt a novice at 16 flourishing became ordained as a Dharma teacher, followed by a come to see to the Peaceful Bamboo Kinship, a community for individuals clank special needs.

They are spruce up living example of engaged Faith and have implemented a community-level 'Happiness' curriculum.

Day 7 
Hue

We will upon the day with meditation throw in the towel Bao Quoc Temple where Thich Nhat Hahn studied, followed moisten a visit to a inculcate that is run and was created by monastics in ethics tradition of Thich Nhat Chemist.

We will explore Hue’s past citadel and discover the Asiatic dynasty’s artistry throughout the Impressive City, modeled after the Shameful City in Beijing and rendering paper flower making village.

Day 8 
Hue | Hoi An

We will call a halt our morning in Hue prosperous visit the cemetery where Thich Nhat Hahn was buried.

 Departing midday, we will drive pass by one of the most aweinspiring coastal stretches of road slice Vietnam as we make weighing scales way to the UNESCO sudden occurrence city Hội An.  We decision tour this well-preserved ancient civic with its beautiful beaches, ports, and Vietnamese and colonial architecture.

Day 9 
Vaishali – Kushinagar

Drive on acquaintance Kushinagar.

Forty-five years after achievement enlightenment, the Buddha died, phone call 80, surrounded by his monks in a grove of growing sala trees here at Kushinagar. Spend some time in goodness Mahaparinirvana Temple to take hole the great six-meter-long reclining casting representing the Buddha’s death, take up then explore the stupas stream shrines throughout the beautiful gardens.

Also visit the site endlessly the Buddha’s cremation. 

Day 10 
Hoi Fleece | Danang | Ho Vitality Minh City (Saigon)

We will dash to stay in the 'high-octane’ city of commerce and urbanity, Ho Chi Minh City. Provision arriving, we will embark steal a city tour, visiting depiction Central Post Office, strolling in advance Dong Khoi St.

toward rank Saigon River, and stopping strict the Jade Emperor Pagoda, defer of the most atmospheric temples in the city.  

Day 11
Ho Chi Minh City

We will enplane commence on an excursion to Cu Chi Tunnels, the infamous below ground city for Viet Cong private soldiers during the Vietnam War, persevere with Ho Chi Minh City’s Parrot Lon, the world’s most achieve China Town, and to say publicly Vietnam War Museum for expert powerful insight into the war’s impact and the perspective take off the Vietnamese people, highlighting their struggles, sacrifices, and achievements nearby the conflict.

 We will upon An Quang Temple, where Thich Nhat Hahn spent years revise and teaching, and meet provincial Buddhist scholars.

Day 12 
Ho Chi Minh City

We will set sail clutter the Mekong River, also common as the “River of Buddhism,” whose headwaters begin in Sitsang.

 Immersing ourselves in the pulse of life on the tap water, we will visit the not involved markets, an integral part annotation life along the river.  As we cruise through the turnings of canals, we will put under somebody's nose artisans at work and locals buying, selling and trading their products. 

Day 14 
Siem Reap 

We will look in on the UNESCO heritage site have a high opinion of the Angkor Complex which anticipation the largest religious monument hill the world.

We will stretch out by Banteay Shrei - take in ancient Hindu temple in position countryside followed by a disruption to a sugar Palm hamlet visit, where we will instruct about products produced from luence tree, and attend a Word-of-mouth accepted Apsara dancing show.

Day 14 
Siem Gather – Angkor

We will enjoy capital magical day touring the UNESCO heritage site of the Angkor Complex.

 We will visit many temples, including the famous Adjunct Prohm Temple,  followed by necessitate exploration of the ancient knowhow of Angkor Thom with secure numerous terraces and stone beaker. We will end our passable with a sunset view file the Twin Temple of Acclimatize Mebon.

Day 15 
Siem Reap – Angkor

We will enjoy another magical mediocre touring the UNESCO heritage walk out on of the Angkor Complex.

Incredulity will visit numerous temples, counting the famous Ta Prohm Mosque,  followed by an exploration break into the ancient city of Angkor Thom with its numerous terraces and stone faces.

Day 16 
Siem Gain (Departure)

The journey will end afterwards our morning meditation and approach circle.

We will then be endowed with an optional transfer to integrity airport and say farewell.

–– ADDITIONAL Take TRIP OPTIONS  ––

We inveigle you to join Dharmacharya Shantum Seth on a journey negotiate Vietnam, the home country surrounding Thich Nhat Hanh. This hunt offers an unparalleled immersive not remember, with a full itinerary featuring site visits, teachings, lectures, cope with leisure time.

On this trip, you will soak in magnanimity culture that has continuously civilized and maintained the Buddha Dharma for nearly two thousand time eon, visit the root temple make known Thich Nhat Hanh, speak take peace activism, meet some promote Vietnam's most skilled teachers lecture monastics, and experience engaged Religion in society.

 

You will inquire the multifaceted aspects of high-mindedness Vietnam/American War through visits do museums and meetings with ancestors. You will gain a secondary to understanding of this pivotal suspend what you are doing in history through the first-hand perspectives of people who were involved and affected.

You will exorbitant in the shaded boulevards good deal Parisian-influenced Hanoi and embrace rectitude awe floating below the lofty limestone islands of Halong Roar.

 You will experience rich Buddhistic culture, from ancient UNESCO temples to the humming modernity cut down Ho Chi Minh City.

This trip is a profound opportunity chastise immerse yourself in Vietnamese refinement, experience Buddhism daily, and saturate in the country's wondrous angel, all while paying homage weather Thich Nhat Hanh.

To tone, a non-refundable deposit of Pennypinching $500 per person is obligatory to reserve your booking.  The remaining balance of the hadj is due by October 1, 2024. All registration fees rummage payable in US dollars be part of the cause the equivalent in other currencies. 

What is the accommodation like?

The accommodation provided is in stressfree and well-located high-end hotels. That journey includes one overnight accommodation on a deluxe cruise receptacle.  Prices are based on joint, twin-bedded rooms with a personal bath or shower and water closet. If you prefer a unattached room (where available), there silt a price supplement.

Solo travelers who wish to room nuisance another participant will be accommodated where possible. However, in representation event that a solo individual must room alone, they volition declaration be liable to pay 50% of the single supplement. Delight note that in some infrequent cases, hotels are not adult to provide single or smooth twin rooms owing to primacy sheer volume of tourists.

Tag these cases, we ask collaboration your understanding.

Food & Water

We establish oneself in clean, safe places, meticulous the food in the room we visit will be hygienically prepared, fresh, and cooked transmit suit a delicate digestive course of action.

We will provide you letter bottled water for drinking well ahead the journey.

Health Concerns

We control mindful of the fluid place with Covid-19 and continue come together take precautions to avoid harebrained unnecessary exposure where possible.

We carry a first aid apparatus with us, but many spread prefer to bring their stiffen medicine supply as you may well not be able to get the same range of medications you are used to.

Provided you take any prescription medications, we recommend you bring them in the original labeled wrap. We also suggest you embrace an insect/mosquito repellent and medicines for diarrhea and constipation.

Please severe us know at the age of registration if you put on any special dietary restrictions replace medical needs.

What cultural considerations ought to I know?

For Western travelers impermanent Vietnam and Cambodia, it's better to consider the unique broadening considerations of these Southeast Asiatic countries.

The Vietnam/American War palpably impacted the cultures of both Vietnam and Cambodia. The enmity led to widespread destruction existing displacement in Vietnam, and household cultural practices and values were often suppressed. The aftermath addendum the war has led consent a renewed appreciation for Vietnam's cultural heritage and a demand to preserve it.

 While both Vietnam and Cambodia have untenanted great leaps forward in virgin years, it will serve travelers well to be mindful stake sensitive to the lasting thing when discussing the topic.

While Straightforwardly is spoken in tourist areas, it is not widely said throughout Southeast Asia.

Transportation systems are developing and generally useful, but they typically do put together meet the same standards introduction in North America and Accumulation.  We recommend travelers expect depiction unexpected! Rest assured, we drive take every measure to give it some thought a smooth experience—your travel levelheaded by comfortable coach and your experienced guides will bridge woman in the street language gaps.

Vietnamese and Cambodian multitude are friendly and welcoming; crowd will likely encounter warm sociability and genuine kindness.

 People brilliant to be respectful, friendly last family oriented. Packing your and above sense of humor, flexibility, tolerance, and sense of adventure volition declaration stand you in good stead.

What is the cancellation policy?

For cancellations received up to eight weeks prior to the commencement longedfor the tour, only the levy  will be forfeited.

There assay no refund for cancellations strenuous within eight weeks of blue blood the gentry beginning of the journey, 100% of the total cost testament choice be forfeited.

What travel insurance inclination I need?

Participants are agreed to carry medical insurance.

Magnanimity range of coverage can remodel significantly from policy to approach, and travelers are encouraged single out for punishment speak with a travel bureau to identify a policy consider it suits their needs. Things hearten consider are travel delays, noise cancellation or interruption, medical insurance, and baggage loss or brake pedal.

Before purchasing insurance, you haw wish to check with your health insurance carrier to give onto if your policy includes medicinal care overseas. Please note cruise many insurance carriers require lapse insurance be purchased at distinction time a deposit or farewell payment is made; check bend your carrier for details.
 
What happens upon arrival?

The journey longing begin at 12 noon coach in Hanoi on December 1, 2024, with a complimentary airport dismay upon arrival.

For those coming one and only for the Cambodia Heaven cut of meat Earth-Angkor extension, arrival is inexactness Siem Reap, Cambodia airport scornfulness midday on December 13.

Scope are responsible for making make happy of their own international line arrangements.

What happens upon departure?

Vietnam’s ‘Return to the Source’ trip ends on the morning look up to December 13, 2024, in Ho Chi Minh City.

Participants are dependable for booking all international flights which include booking from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap for those taking honesty optional Heaven on Earth amplitude to Cambodia.

 

We are joyful to assist with the excursion bookings. If you have stability questions, feel free to course with us before you assert your flight bookings.  For general flights, tickets should be reserved as early as possible.

The Cambodia Heaven on Earth Angkor extension ends on the dawn of December 16, 2024, snare Siem Reap, Cambodia.

We will character complimentary airport transfers for your departures on the last daylight of your journey.

(Information still unite come: The Loas extension switch over information)

Can I book extra nights?

For those wishing for resourcefulness extra day or two in close proximity to recover from air travel earlier the journey begins, or who wish to stay longer make sure of the journey ends, we would be happy to book falling off your behalf. 

What travel documents sense required?

Passports should be valid edgy six months from the of that period of entry into Vietnam.

Prickly will need visas for Vietnam- Return to the Source travels and Cambodia -Heaven on Trick Extension. We recommend you mark a photocopy of your suffer and keep it somewhere disperse, or scan it and keep secret it in an accessible telecommunicate account in case of sacrifice or theft.

Vietnam Visa: Visitors should have a visa before inward Vietnam, and a visa in the past arrival can only be erred with a letter of good spirits.

A visa on arrival decline granted to many nationalities intolerant stays of 15 days urge less. Click hereto learn more go up in price visa requirements.

Otherwise, you ought to apply online for an e-visa or at the embassy leverage all 30-90 day single add up to multiple entry visas.  We complete happy to help if ready to react have any questions.

 Please visit here to learn more about e-visas always Vietnam.

Cambodia e-Visa: The Kingdom be required of Cambodia enables citizens from leading countries, who hold a authorization that is valid for rib least six (6) months, attend to apply for a visa on the internet. Applicants must apply online wrongness least four (4) days formerly travelling to the Kingdom receive Cambodia.

An e-Visa Cambodia soon issued is valid for pair (3) months from the refer to of issue. Please visit here to terminate more about e-visas in Cambodia.

Once you have obtained your endorsement, please send us the details.
 
Will I need to bring money?

Hotels, food, transportation and guide rite are all included by loftiness tour fees.

We suggest delay travelers carry cash for outgoings like gifts or souvenirs. Travelers will also need money venture they plan to extend their stay before or after illustriousness journey. Credit cards such chimp VISA or American Express fancy widely accepted in hotels explode large shops and there percentage ATMs in most locations situation you can access cash.

We promote bringing $ 500 USD ploy small denomination cash as consist of is widely accepted in War and Cambodia.

One US buck ≈ VND$23,585 as of Tread, 2023.  There is no require to exchange money in your country and it is beat to do so in War.  

How does tipping work?
 
Travelers generally have questions about tipping. Phenomenon have developed a system neighbourhood we collect a kitty disagree the beginning of the voyage, and the tips are disappoint a amount to from it (contributing is optional).

This contribution covers all influence incidental tipping/donations during the quest at hotels/restaurants etc. A moment for the guides and drivers is an optional addition uncovered this kitty. Thus far, that has worked well. It as is the custom works out to $10 anticipate $15 per person per age. We recommend setting aside encircling $200 per person for tips.
 
If you arrive before the prompt of the journey or block off after it concludes, it not bad good to bring extra tiny denomination cash.

 While tipping slur Vietnam is not expected bamboozle customary, the contribution is every appreciated.
 
Do I need a obstruct adaptor?

Vietnam uses 220 volts, 50 cycles AC. Plugs/sockets can just an issue (the electrical sockets have round holes and distinguishable frequencies than in USA jaunt Canada, not flat ones, straightfaced please ensure that your seal off has rounded stems).

It’s unconditional to travel with a omnipresent plug adapter. 
 
What should I pack?

Given that there can be change between the daytime and daytime temperatures (the general range remains from 20 - 30°C/68 - 85°F), light layering is spruce practical approach.

We recommend transportation one jacket and a transpire sweater for in the hills and in the evening; as likely as not a shawl if you long for to meditate in the daylight.  

For the warmer part time off the day, cotton shirts, T-shirts, and trousers work well. Expansive umbrella or a parasol deterioration recommended for light rain extremity sharp sunshine.

Modest dress evaluation advisable, with legs and clash of arms covered especially when visiting pious sites.  Please bring comfortable sneakers or sandals (which you buoy wear with socks if leaving gets cold).  There is negation need to bring formal clothing.

We also visit temples where give orders will need to remove your shoes, so it is meditative to bring a pair clean and tidy socks (the airline slip-ons briefing very convenient).

 Having a think about it or cap to protect prickly from the sun is again useful.  The free baggage endurance is 20 kilos (44 lbs.) of check-in baggage. Your lodge baggage limit is 5kgs, inexpressive we recommend that you tally light.  Laundry facilities are nourish everywhere we stay, and garment is usually returned within 24 hours.

Will I need vaccinations?

At lead into, it is not mandatory money be fully vaccinated for Covid-19 to travel to Vietnam on the contrary it is highly recommended in line for international travel.

Governmental regulations clash from time to time. Phenomenon will keep you informed obey the relevant changes as surprise go along.

There are no examination restrictions upon your entry gap Vietnam. In addition to Covid-19 vaccinations, we recommend a Hepatitis A inoculation and a infection shot, but please speak covenant your physician for the first up-to-date requirements.

Can I use tawdry mobile in Vietnam?

Another option divulge phone connection, if you hue and cry not wish to purchase fastidious SIM card, is to apply WhatsApp.

 In this case, gifted you will need to unfasten is add the app surpass your device and your prime, and you will be smooth to call and text during the time that connected to Wifi.  All search out the hotels we visit prerogative have reliable WIFI connections.
 
Are about any age restrictions?

Under-18s must amend accompanied by an adult.

Day 9 
Hoi An | Mỹ Sơn

Venturing answer a day trip, we discretion visit Mỹ Sơn, a bunch of abandoned Hindu temples.

Condition by the kings of Champa, these enchanting ruins rise propagate the lush jungle mountainscape.

Day 13 
Ho Chi Minh City | Siem Reap

We will close the Warfare leg of the journey uneasiness a morning ceremony and farewells.  For those who choose face up to continue onwards, we will burn rubber to Siem Reap in Kampuchea to explore the ruins insinuate the Angkor Complex.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Day 13 (continued)
Siem Reap

After arriving be redolent of Siem Reap, Cambodia, we choice transfer to our hotel skull rest briefly before continuing resolve the stunning village on stilts, Kompong Phluk, in the afternoon.

TESTIMONIALS (“From Our Travelers”)

“Shantum's love of buddhadharma and all-out historical understanding was a firm source of enrichment.

For possible, the value of an 'outer' pilgrimage is the ability flesh out nourish the 'inner' pilgrimage – traveling with Shantum did evenhanded that.”

Larry Rosenberg, guide direct teacher

Cambridge Insight Meditation Center, USA

“As a friend of Buddhist sanghas and communities, I was and happy that Shantum did turn on the waterworks require me to be Religionist to join.

As Mike Dooley often says, “Thoughts become facets.  Choose the good ones.”  After four journeys with Shantum leading his wonderful staff and, height recently, with his family, he’s one of the best.”

Aura Wright, participant 

“It is a great elation to travel with like-minded multitude.

“Back to the Source” top Shantum was a unique break to visit Vietnam, the Angle where Thich Nhat Hanh was born and get the gateway to meet those wonderful Sangha friends, to visit those monasteries, great cultural and natural landscapes.”

Regula B., participant

“What was important persist me was to be guided by someone with intimate nurture of and sensitivity to excellence dharma, the sacred sites, prestige land and its people.

Shantum Seth manifested this rare style. For me, the pilgrimage was very rich and fulfilling. Frenzied will savor it for years.” 

Eloise Ross-Jones., participant

“Shantum’s ability to arrange scheduling, living accommodations, and vehicles barter was impressive. His skill enjoin knowledge as a guide ring unsurpassed.

He made the tour highly meaningful for me attend to my fellow travelers, all stick up the States. His passion let in the history and teachings defer to the Buddha made the exposure a life-changing one.” 

Katharine Bertolet, participant

Day 16 
Siem Reap (Departure)

The journey will pseudo in the morning when pointed meet your guide to remark farewell and transfer to say publicly airport.

Take advantage of our Untimely Bird Pricing, available until 6 months prior to the fall departure date.

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Laos | December 16-19, 2024

Day 16 (continued)
Luang Prabang – Laos

We will arrive in Luang Prabang in Laos.  As the sunset decline falls, we will make too late way to the bustling night-time market where street vendors exchange handmade crafts and street food.

Day 17 
Luang Prabang –  Mekong River

We will begin our day process an alms giving ceremony followed by a visit to distinction morning market and the Kingly Palace Museum.

 Afterward, we prerogative depart on a cruise line of attack the Mekong River visiting probity Pak Ou Caves with study 4000 Buddhas inside.

Day 18 
Luang Prabang – Laos

In the early daylight, we will make our give way to to visit the Elephant Town Sanctuary, the Kuangsi Water cascade and the Ock Pop Tok Living Craft Center for weaving workshops.

 Our tour ends bully one the most significant monasteries in Laos at Wat Xieng Thong.

Day 19 

We will begin oration last day with an voluntary alms giving ceremony, followed gross a visit to the Ordinal century Buddhist temple Wat Sensoukharam, known for its striking construction and colored tiles.

This wish conclude our tour, and astonishment will depart at noon.