Costs and Details - Some information to help you plan

Jade Monkey sets out to ensure that your time with us is tailored to your particular needs and interests, and so naturally the costs will reflect the differences between individuals. But to help you plan we would suggest that you might think of budgeting in the following way. If two people would like to go away to the north of the country for a week or more and are happy to share a hotel room, then each period of 24 hours for two people, the Jeep and driver and all their expenses is likely to cost around £/ €140.

This includes:

• high class hotels in the big cities
• the best available hotels out of the towns
• all meals
• all travelling expenses of the Jeep
• all tolls and entrance charges
• the costs of your driver 24 hours a day.

In other words you only need cash for buying presents, and any drinks, tobacco or special treats you may want for yourself. The Jeep will take three people, but if there are three of you, you may wish to have two rooms each night and so you should think of adding 50% for the third person. Please contact us to discuss your needs and wishes.

You may wish to reduce the costs by, for example, staying in less expensive hotels in Ha Noi and living and eating with local people in the villages.  Or you may wish to spend more on the comfort of your hotel, having a room for each person or eating specialty foods — from either the East or West.We can advice you on your travel options from Europe and direct you to those who can offer specialist help, for example, on matters of health or visa requirements.  Fares from Europe range from £/ €500  to £/ €2,000  depending on availability.  A typical fare, on a high quality carrier, avoiding Christmas and Lunar New Year, is about £/ €780  per person if it is booked a couple of months in advance.

Jade Monkey operates as a collective without offices and without capital investment, this means we can offer you the best value for money while at the same time ensuring that all those contributing to your stay receive a fair wage for their work.  We ask you to pay the advance booking fees incurred, plus an approximate 10% deposit of the expected cost, at the same time as you book your plane ticket.  This lets us reserve accommodation and the vehicle, and sets aside the time in our calendars to be with you.  The balance of the money can either be paid in the traditional way, as a lump sum at the beginning of your stay, and adjusted for changes during your time here, or, if you prefer, by you paying the expenses and wages as they are incurred.  Please suggest to us the method that suits you best.