Terms & Conditions

Third Culture Vietnam LLC
(Last Updated: February 16, 2025)

Welcome to Third Culture Vietnam LLC ("Company," "we," "us," or "our"). By using our website www.thirdculturevietnam.com, booking a tour, or engaging with our services, you agree to comply with the following Terms & Conditions ("Terms"). If you do not agree with these Terms, please do not use our website or services.

These Terms apply to all users of our website and customers of Third Culture Vietnam, including but not limited to participants of Saigon Tours and our 14-Day Heritage Tour.

1. Website Use & Content

1.1. Intellectual Property Rights

• All content on this website, including text, images, videos, logos, branding, itineraries, and tour descriptions, is the property of Third Culture Vietnam LLC and is protected under intellectual property laws.

• You may not copy, modify, distribute, reproduce, or use any content from this website without our written permission.

1.2. User Conduct

By using our website, you agree not to:

• Use our website for any fraudulent, unlawful, or unauthorized purposes.

• Attempt to hack, disrupt, or interfere with our website’s security.

• Copy or use any part of our website for your own business or commercial purposes without authorization.

2. Booking & Payment Terms

2.1. Booking Confirmation

• Your tour booking is not confirmed until we receive full payment or an agreed deposit.

• All bookings are subject to availability, and we reserve the right to decline any booking at our discretion.

2.2. Payment Terms

• Saigon Tours (Half-Day & Full-Day Tours): Full payment required at booking.

• 14-Day Vietnam Heritage Tour:

  • A 30% non-refundable deposit is required at booking.

  • The remaining 70% balance must be paid at least 30 days before departure.

2.3. Pricing & Currency

• All prices are listed in Vietnamese Dong (VND) or U.S. Dollars (USD).

• Prices are subject to change based on exchange rates, inflation, supplier costs, or taxes.

2.4. Payment Methods

• We accept payments via credit card, bank transfer, or approved digital payment platforms.

• Any foreign transaction fees charged by your bank are your responsibility.

2.5. Exclusions for the 14-Day Vietnam Heritage Tour

• The 14-Day Vietnam Heritage Tour does not include international flights, travel visas, or travel insurance.

• Each participant is responsible for arranging their own international flights to and from Vietnam.

• Participants are also responsible for securing the necessary travel visa(s) required for entry into Vietnam. Visa requirements may vary depending on nationality, and we strongly advise participants to check with their local embassy or consulate for the latest entry regulations.

• Travel insurance is strongly recommended to protect against unforeseen circumstances such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, or other unexpected incidents.

• Third Culture Vietnam is not responsible for any costs incurred due to a participant’s failure to obtain a valid visa, lack of travel insurance, or missed flights.

3. Cancellation, Refunds, & Rescheduling

3.1. Cancellation by the Customer

Saigon Tours:

• Cancellation 7+ days before the tour: Full refund minus transaction fees.

• Cancellation within 7 days: No refund.

14-Day Vietnam Heritage Tour:

• More than 90 days before the tour start date: Only the deposit is forfeited. No additional fees apply.

• 60-90 days before the tour start date: 50% of the total tour cost, including VAT, is charged. Additional Fees: A $50 administrative fee plus any applicable bank fees for processing the refund.

• 30-59 days before the tour start date: 75% of the total tour cost, including VAT, is charged. Additional Fees: A $75 administrative fee plus any applicable bank fees for processing the refund.

• Less than 30 days before the tour start date: 100% of the total tour cost, including VAT. No refunds are given, therefore no administrative or bank fees apply.

Explanation of Fees:

• Administrative Fees: Cover costs associated with managing the cancellation and refund process.

• Bank Fees: Cover charges imposed by banking institutions for processing refunds.

3.2. Cancellation by Third Culture Vietnam

• We reserve the right to cancel any tour due to force majeure, safety concerns, low participation, or other unforeseen circumstances.

• If we cancel a tour, customers will receive a full refund minus applicable administrative fees and bank transaction charges, or the option to reschedule for a future date at no additional cost.

• We are not responsible for additional costs such as flights, visas, or accommodation changes.

3.3. Rescheduling

• You may reschedule a Saigon tour up to 14 days in advance at no extra cost.

• Rescheduling a 14-day tour is subject to availability and must be requested at least 30 days before departure.

3.4. Itinerary Changes & Modifications

Third Culture Vietnam reserves the right to modify or adjust the itinerary, destinations, accommodations, and activities of any tour due to unforeseen circumstances, safety concerns, or operational requirements.

• Possible reasons for itinerary changes include but are not limited to:

  • Weather conditions (e.g., storms, flooding, extreme heat).

  • Government regulations or travel restrictions.

  • Health and safety concerns (e.g., outbreaks, natural disasters).

  • Transportation issues (e.g., road closures, flight cancellations, mechanical failures).

  • Availability of accommodations or local service providers.

  • Unexpected events or cultural considerations (e.g., local holidays, festivals, political events).

  For our 14-Day Vietnam Heritage Tour, while we strive to visit all cities listed in the itinerary, there may be delays or necessary changes due to unforeseen events or issues. We commit to making every effort to ensure that any modifications maintain the quality and integrity of the tour experience. In the event of a significant itinerary change, we will inform participants as soon as possible and provide alternatives that aim to meet the originally planned experiences.

  While we make every effort to adhere to the planned itinerary, we reserve the right to make adjustments when necessary to ensure the safety, quality, and overall experience of our participants.

  No refunds or reimbursements will be provided for itinerary modifications, but we will make every effort to offer an alternative of equal or greater value.

4. Right to Refuse Service

Third Culture Vietnam reserves the right to refuse service, deny participation, or remove any customer from a tour at any time if:

• The participant is disruptive, aggressive, or engages in behavior that endangers themselves, other guests, staff, or guides.

• The participant violates local laws, disrespects cultural norms, or disregards tour safety guidelines.

• The participant is found to be intoxicated, under the influence of illegal substances, or displaying inappropriate behavior.

• The participant fails to disclose important medical conditions that could impact their ability to safely participate.

• The participant refuses to follow reasonable instructions given by tour guides or staff.

• The participant engages in fraudulent activity (e.g., using false identities, attempting to scam the business, or failing to complete payments).

Third Culture Vietnam also reserves the right to refuse future bookings from customers who violate these terms, cause repeated disruptions, or engage in abusive behavior towards our staff, partners, or fellow participants.

No refunds will be issued if a participant is removed from a tour.

5. Limited Liability & Assumption of Risk

By booking and participating in a tour with Third Culture Vietnam LLC, you acknowledge and agree that:

• Assumption of Risk: You voluntarily assume all risks associated with travel, including but not limited to transportation, accommodations, activities, food safety, weather conditions, and local laws or customs.

• No Warranties or Guarantees: We do not make any representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the condition, safety, reliability, or suitability of any tour experience, transportation, lodging, or third-party service provider.

• Force Majeure: Third Culture Vietnam is not liable for any delays, disruptions, cancellations, or damages caused by force majeure events, including but not limited to natural disasters, severe weather, acts of war, terrorism, riots, government actions, pandemics, strikes, or political instability.

• Loss, Theft, or Damage: Third Culture Vietnam is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged personal belongings. Participants are responsible for securing their own property at all times.

• Travel Insurance Requirement: Travel insurance is not included in any tour. We strongly advise participants to purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, cancellations, lost baggage, and personal liability.

• Third-Party Services & Activities: Third Culture Vietnam does not own or control hotels, transportation providers, restaurants, guides, or any third-party service providers used during the tour and assumes no responsibility for their actions, negligence, or service quality.

• Medical & Emergency Situations: Third Culture Vietnam is not responsible for providing medical care or covering medical costs. Any medical expenses, including hospitalization or evacuation, are the participant’s sole responsibility.

• Indemnification & Release of Liability: By booking a tour, participants agree to fully release, indemnify, and hold harmless Third Culture Vietnam, its owners, employees, agents, and affiliates from any claims, demands, losses, damages, injuries, legal fees, or liabilities arising from participation in the tour.

Acknowledgment of Risks: Participants acknowledge that the activities involved in our tours may involve inherent risks and dangers, including but not limited to the risk of injury, illness, or death. Participants agree to assume all risks associated with these activities and release Third Culture Vietnam from any liability for harm arising from these inherent risks.

6. Photography & Media Use

By participating in a tour, you grant Third Culture Vietnam the right to use photos and videos taken during the tour for marketing and promotional purposes. If you do not wish to be photographed, you must notify us before the tour begins.

7. Non-Compete & Intellectual Property Protection

Participants working in the tourism industry agree not to replicate, copy, or use any part of our itineraries, branding, or business model for a competing venture. This non-compete agreement is valid for 5 years post-tour completion and applies to Vietnam and Southeast Asia.

8. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

For operations within Vietnam, these Terms shall be governed by the laws of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. For operations within the United States, these Terms shall be governed by the laws of California, USA. Any dispute shall first be resolved through mediation. If unresolved, disputes will be submitted to binding arbitration under the rules of the Vietnam International Arbitration Centre (VIAC) or the American Arbitration Association (AAA).

9. Changes to Terms & Conditions

Third Culture Vietnam reserves the right to update these Terms at any time. Customers are responsible for reviewing the most up-to-date version before booking a tour. Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of any revised terms.