activity level 4 for VCT
Hello, I just noticed the activity level for this trip and could not discern from descriptions what makes it a 4, except maybe lots of stairs? Anything else? Looking at 2027.
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Hello, I just noticed the activity level for this trip and could not discern from descriptions what makes it a 4, except maybe lots of stairs? Anything else? Looking at 2027.
Comments
I did that trip and never thought it was physically active. I don't know why they would assign it a 4. Of course, I was raised in New Orleans and lived in Vietnam for 14 months so I'm somewhat acclimated - or was at one time in my life. But Bangkok was too hot for me. I left the excursion early and went back to the hotel because of the heat.
Think sbout going ealy to see Ha Long and a private tour of Hanoi.
I did this trip in Jan. 2024. I don't recall anything particularly strenuous. Maybe it's due to the heat and humidity. North and Central Vietnam were very comfortable (70s). The rest of the trip was very hot and humid, especially Bangkok. Bangkok was about 80F and 80% humidity after breakfast, and rose to 90F. I like to walk the cities I visit. In Bangkok, I couldn't do more than 30 minutes at a time without becoming drenched in sweat.
Does the 4 factor in humidity? Everything gets harder with humidity.
Ah, makes sense. Could be the humidity. Thank you. I'll double check with Tauck.
Wan I'm taking the 2025 mid-December tour. For packing purposes, I'm more concerned about the cooler temps in Hanoi. I only carry-on luggage and don't necessarily want to pack outerwear that may only be worn a few times. I live in N'awlins. I'm well adjusted to high temps coupled with high humidity. I'll keep you posted.
PureLuxury you have a huge advantage over me, I'm from Southern California. We have had more humidity here in the last few years but nothing like what I've experienced elsewhere in the country. I will definitely wilt quickly.
Yes, it is always a challenge to pack for trips that go to very different climates!
I took the Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos tour with Tauck years ago, the tour included Ha Long Bay. Last year I went on a cruise of the Mekong River in Vietnam and then on to Cambodia. The area is one of the most humid places I have ever been. It certainly could be a level 4 because of the humidity. Last trip, I was fully aware what it was going to be like which actually helped a lot. We went with a group of friends and many were overwhelmed about how humid it was. I love the area. The pathways can be tricky and quite a bit of walking near the temples, but you don’t have to climb onto them if you don’t want to.
I know Hanoi was cooler, that’s all, but it’s relative. You definitely need to be prepared to change clothes a lot because of the humidity.
We just returned from the VCT tour. The 4 rating is accurate. I am an active 70-year-old. It was in the high 80's - mid-90's everyday - everywhere. The humidity was OPPRESSIVE. Fortunately, we only had one day of rain. This was the most tiring trip we've ever taken. There are numerous in-country commercial flights which results in late hotel arrivals. Many early morning departures - 6:30 AM with luggage out the night before. We only averaged 7000 walking steps a day over various terrain. BUT, most of the temples required removing shoes and then climbing very steep, high and uneven steps. For a short person, the steps were very high. Even the bus steps are very high. Several 80-year-olds were on the tour, and they did fine - just a little slower and didn't do all the step climbing. There was a woman with a cane that required constant help from the TD, guides, bus driver, hotel staff or other guests. I don't want to discourage anyone from taking this tour, but this is not a trip for someone that is mobility impaired.
The hotels are absolutely FABULOUS. It was a very unique experience in exotic cultures.
Loves2travel2, did you have Larry as your TD? He is so much fun, we’ve had him three times
Here is Larry
love2travel2that was very helpful. Thank you. British that photo must have been taken somewhere in the north of the area.
It was Norway this year😀
Duh should have recognized Norway! My brain was in Vietnam mode.
Wan - my husband and I returned from the V,C & T tour on Tuesday of this week. It was a wonderful tour, and I will post a trip report when I have the time to do so. I concur that activity level 4 rating is sensible. Lots of steps and thresholds, many of them uneven. Also, the Vespa tour in Saigon.
Wan - I took this tour a few years ago, we did not have a Vespa tour then, it was very hot and humid but living in Florida I'm used to that, there are a lot of steps sometimes to get to the temples.
OK let's talk about the Vespa. Am I driving the Vespa? This sounds physically do-able but scary.
No, you will be riding on the back of a Vespa. Some pictures from that ride are at https://www.mikeandjudytravel.com/2024-1Vietnam-03.htm
Despite not driving, the Vespa tour IS scary, being on a small, exposed vehicle in the insanity of Vietnam's streets. The worst was when they make left turns into oncoming traffic. Somehow, it all works out. I'm amazed all their cars aren't banged up.
Thanks, I feel a bit better about that!
Wan, the Vespa was not part of our tour but Larry recommended them and our entire group did them. We all did two, one in Ho Chi Minh City and one in the countryside probably the highlight of our trip. We were not scared, everyone knows how to ride them. I’ll try to find one of our photos
Note, we sat behind the
driver, we are just posing here
I have other photos but they were taken with the big camera on the countryside tour I think, so not able to post them here.
That one was amazing, we went into two homes, one where we made rice cakes, there was a pig in one of the rooms. Another had two elderly people weaving mats and we had a go. We saw rice wine being made and ate lunch outside by the owners of an organic farm.
Here I am making rice cakes. Yep, I was a redhead back then
My photo here was taken during a break in the Vespa ride in Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City. The ride (with all of the food stops) was an optional expense. It doesn't reflect how desperately I was holding on to my young Vespa driver during the rides.
Your photo did not come through MCD.
British, you always look like you are having the best time of your life in every photo!
Traveling is a passion and a privilege for me. I never thought I would ever leave the shores of England. Isn’t it a famous quote that says something like not traveling to different countries is like only reading the first page of a book.
You are now required to sign a waiver to take part in the Vespa tour