FAQs

What should I do to have a good trip and how can I save money?

If you wish to have a pleasant trip and free of care, no way is better than traveling through a tour company. You just only tell us your requirements, your interests, your trip’s budget; we will arrange for you a good trip. Your main task is now: Enjoy your mean time with experience real Vietnam by your own way. You do not have to lose time for finding transportation to go somewhere you want; you do not have to spend time on finding hotel rooms to stay, restaurant to eat, think of where to visit and how to know the best about that place?

In fact, some tourists have face with many troubles relate to the above elements because they are strangers in a strange country. That takes them lots of time and makes their trip unmemorable.

However, you can save money because when you use the packaged services, the cost is not as high as detail services. And if you book hotel rooms, then transportation, then tour guide, and eat yourselves…the total cost is much higher than packaged services.

Who need and Who do not need a Visa to Vietnam?

Visitors to Vietnam must obtain a visa from one of the Vietnamese diplomatic missions or via agency on arrival unless they come from one of the visa exempt countries. All visitors must hold a passport valid for 6 months.

Visa exemption

Nationals of certain countries may visit Vietnam without visa for a period of time, hereunder is the list of countries and regions that have visa exemption arrangements with Vietnam.

Countries : Term of residence 

Asia 

Singapore : less than 30 days 

Thailand : less than 30 days 

Malaysia : less than 30 days 

Philippines : less than 21 days 

Laos : less than 30 days 

Indonesia : less than 30 days 

Japan : less than 15 days 

South Korea : less than 15 days 

Nordic 

Sweden : less than 15 days 

Finland : less than 15 days 

Denmark : less than 15 days 

Norway : less than 15 days 

Europe 

Germany : less than 15 days 

France : less than 15 days 

UK : less than 15 days 

Italy : less than 15 days 

Spain : less than 15 days

Who is VietAsia Travel?

Based in Hanoi, Vietnam, VIETASIA TRAVEL is an International Tour Operator for inbound and outbound travel in Vietnam founded in 2009. We are an industry leader in small group travel to Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Thailand. We provide quality experiences by: Delivering what we sell. Our office staffs and guides are part of the same team. We provide personalized service from the point of sale to the conclusion of the tour. Expert Knowledge: Our VIETASIA TRAVEL Company is staffed by professional guides with an intimate knowledge of Vietnam and Southeast Asia. Designing and delivering tour programs for international tour operators, special interest groups and corporations.

Our International Tour Operator Licence #: 01-456/2018/TCDL-GP LHQT granted by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism. Here is the licence copy: 

Business Licence's copy: 

Can I have a tailor-made tour?

We are offering about one hundred tours samples, however, in case none of them match your inquiry, please click on the tab tailor-made tour, fill up all requested information so We can catch up what your plan is. Our expert will process and create a trip matching your request with useful information.

When is the best time to visit Vietnam?

There is not really a right or wrong time to visit Vietnam as during most months of the year you will experience both sunshine and rain in varying quantities.  Welcome to a country with 2000 + miles of coastline and three different weather systems.

Whilst Vietnam is typically warm and humid, the weather can vary significantly from one region to another due to the countries length. At times there has been snow (yes white snow!) in the mountainous far north whilst the beaches in the south enjoyed 32 °C and sunshine.

It pays to imagine the country as three separate destinations when researching weather for your intended visit and the following information will hopefully help you unravel the complexities.

Mountainous Far North

Sapa, Ha Giang, Bac Ha

The climate in Sapa and Vietnam’s far north-west is divided into two seasons:  the dry season runs from October to late March with  the wet season lasting  from April to September. It can get very cold in December and January, especially at night.

The best months to travel in the north-east (Ha Giang) is during the dry season, from October to April,  although December and January can get very cold. We recommend avoiding travelling  in Ha Giang during the rainy season (May to September).

Trekking and adventure:

The best trekking conditions in Sapa and the northwest  are from September to November and from March to May. Daytime temperatures range from 15-28°C, and night-time temperatures from 10-18°C. Trekking and cycling are possible year round, however the wintertime can be rather chilly, and the summer rather wet.

Central Vietnam

Hoi An, Danang, Hue, Quy Nhon & Nha Trang

Hoi An, Hue & Danang in the centre of Vietnam have hot and dry weather from mid-January to late August, with temperatures often reaching the mid-30's °C. During the winter months the rainfall increases with October and November achieving peak levels, occasionally in the form of typhoons.

Hue is often cooler than Hoi An, especially early in the year. In addition, with each sitting on opposite sides of a small mountain range the weather can often differ between the two greatly on any given day.

Quy Nhon is a six hour drive south of Hoi An and shares a similar weather pattern although the dry season is slightly longer due to its proximity to the southern system.

At the far south of Central Vietnam, Nha Trang benefits from a longer dry season (typically January to September), with high temperatures and little rain . The rainy season runs from October to early December with almost half the annual rainfall falling in October and November.

North Vietnam

Hanoi, Halong Bay, Cuc Phuong, Mai Chau & Ninh Binh

Hanoi and North Vietnam has a distinct winter and summer season. The cool but mostly dry winter lasts from November to April when temperatures average 17-22°C with the coldest months being January - March.

Summer lasts from May to October when it is hot and humid and the region experiences its highest rainfall. July to September are often the wettest months of the year. During these months severe weather can prevent junks sailing in Halong Bay although such weather is rare.

South Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City, The Mekong Delta, Dalat & Phu Quoc

With temperatures remaining constant year round the climate of the south is split into two simple seasons, wet and dry. The dry season begins in November and ends in April/early May with late February to May being slightly hotter and with higher humidity. The wet season lasts from May to early November with the months from June to August receiving the highest rainfall of the year. Throughout much of the wet season rainfall is generally heavy but short lasting, often occurring in a mid-afternoon heavy downpour.

The average temperatures in the south range between 25 - 35°C year round.

In the far south, the beaches of Phu Quoc enjoy a monsoon climate with two seasons; wet (late-July to late October) and dry (November to July). Visits to Phu Quoc can be made year-round although the best time is during the dry season (outside of October the chances of sunny days remain high).

Dalat is wet from June to October making outdoor pursuits problematic. From November to May it is far dryer although cold in December & January.

How safe is Vietnam?

Vietnam is considered as among the safest countries to visit, however, there are increasing instances of theft in Ho Chi Minh city where snatch thieves and pickpockets on motorcycles are the worst. So the tip here is you should be vigilant all the time. You shouldn’t bring with you valuables such as expensive watches, jewelries, etc)

How can I book a tour?

In order to book any tour, you just need to select your preferred tour(s), all tour-related information is available and sufficient by different tabs, and then click “Book this tour” on our website. News Travel booking form template will automatically call trip tour name, you will be asked to fill in the existing fields. Once the form has been filled up, please click “Submit” to send you tour inquiry to VIETASIA Travel  for your inputs to be processed. You may also “Reset” to cancel information you have just filled up. After your booking request has been received, all necessary arrangements will be made in accordance with your inquiry. Normally, we will respond you within 24 hours. Confirmation message will be sent to you by email with all required details including payment terms& conditions.

Do I face language problems? Can I get by speaking English?

Everyone in Vietnam seems to be learning English. Standards are relatively high considering the country has only been open for just over a decade. Most young people and many of those working in the tourist industry speak sufficient English to communicate at a basic level. You’ll find more and better English-speakers in the south – a legacy of the American presence - but even here don’t expect to find English spoken at small restaurants, in markets or anywhere off the tourist trail. For such situations it will help to have a basic phrasebook.

People over 60 years old, especially in the north speak wonderfully old-fashioned French. Other northerners might speak Russian or German, depending where they were sent to be educated or as “guest workers”.

Though you will certainly be able to get by in English, it’s worth learning a few Vietnamese phrases before you go. The pronunciation is a bit tricky, but otherwise Vietnamese is not a particularly complicated language. A few standard phrases (such as hello, thank you, how much is it? and goodbye) always go down well. It will also help if you learn the numbers, though this can be circumvented by asking people to write down prices, times etc…

Can I use mobile phone in Vietnam and in other Southeast Asia country?

Most international mobile phones will work in all Vietnam and in other Southeast Asia countries, and coverage is excellent, often in even the most remote locations, but you are likely to incur high "roaming" charges. If it is important for you to keep in touch then you may like to consider purchasing a local SIM card on arrival. This is relatively inexpensive and your guide will be able to assist should this be of interest. If you plan to use your own mobile phone then we recommend contacting your phone contract provider in advance to ask about service availability and costs for receiving and making calls whilst abroad. 

Can I pay by credit card in Vietnam?

Major credit cards (Visa, American Express, JCB, MasterCard, and Dinner’s Club) are gradually becoming more widely accepted in Vietnam, particularly in Hanoi and HCMC. All top level and many mid-level hotels accept them, as do a growing number of restaurants and up market shops catering to the tourist trade. But watch out for the extra taxes they wrap on when using a credit card – these can amount to an additional 5 percent. Outside the major cities you will have to rely on cash and travelers’ cheques.

Cash advances on credit cards are available at the central Vietcombank in Hanoi, HCMC and other major cities, for which you will be charged around 3 %. Hanoi and HCMC also boast 24hr ATMs where you can withdraw cash on MasterCard, Visa and other cards in the Cirrus/Plus networks. In Hanoi, go to the ANZ Bank beside Hoan Kiem Lake; in HCMC both ANZ Bank and HKSB have ATMs.

Where can I exchange currency?

You can change cash and travelers’ cheques at exchange desks in big hotels and at authorized foreign exchange banks in the main cities. Among the banks, Vietcombank usually offers the best exchange rates and charges the lowest commission (around 1-2%). Note that commission rates are slightly lower if changing travelers’ cheques into dong rather than dollars. Vietcombank does not levy commission when changing dollars cash into dong, though some other banks do. It’s worth bearing in mind that you get a slightly better exchange rate for $100 and $50 notes than for smaller denominations. When cashing travelers’ cheques you may be asked for your passport, though this practice seems to be dying out.

Outside the main cities and tourist areas, authorized foreign exchange banks are few and far between. So if you’re heading off the beaten path, stock up with enough cash (dollars and dong) to last the trip. Wherever you are, you’ll always find someone willing to change dollars cash into dong, though rates will vary.

Is it better to use dollars or dong for daily expenses?

Despite government attempts to outlaw the practice, the US$ still acts as an alternative currency which is almost completely interchangeable with the dong. Many prices, especially for hotels, tours and expensive restaurants, are still quoted in US$, though you can pay in dong if you’d rather – just check what exchange rate they’re using.

For everyday expenses, I recommend carrying a mix of US$ cash and dong. For larger items (hotel bills, train tickets, etc.) or when the exchange rate works in your favor, use dollars. For cyclos, local food stalls and small purchases, it’s best to use dong. In either case, make sure you always have a stock of small notes so that you don’t have to worry about change.

What should I pack before going to Vietnam?

This will depend on your personal preferences, where you are traveling, and on the time of year. It is advisable to bring at least one ‘smart’ outfit for special evenings. Please note that pagodas, temples, places of worship require covered shoulders and in some cases, knee length shorts/skirts. Always pack enough clothes and wear pieces that you feel comfortable in. Items that are casual and lightweight, requiring little or no ironing are recommended.

General

Bear in mind to take your passport, flight tickets, credit cards/cash/travellers cheques (take several modes of payment in case the ATM swallows your card etc.), travel insurance, and a minimal amount of clothes and toiletries. And you'll probably want to take non-essential luxury items like Ipod and Camera, to while away long bus or train journeys (the 36 hour train from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City) , and make the experience more memorable.

What to Bring with you to Vietnam

Items that we suggest you bring depending on the season.

Vietnam has 3 regions, the North, Centre and South. Each of the regions has distinct climates.

The north is hot and extremely humid and receives heavy rain from June – August. Winter is from November until March and is cool and damp. The mountain areas of the north including Sapa and Mai Chau, can be extremely cold during winter although they do not receive snow.

The center is warm throughout the year and the rainy season occurs from August or September until December. The centre often receives storms or typhoons during October and November.

The south has 2 seasons, one dry and the other wet. The wet season last from June until October, but the summer storms rarely last more than a few hours.

Given the above weather information, please consider the items you will bring with you to Vietnam. This list should be used as a guide only and is not an exhaustive list.

Clothing Please note most Vietnamese still dress modestly and out of respect for the culture you should dress conservatively ( no sleeveless/ halter neck tops, shorts, should not reach below the knee for the visit to temples, pagodas and mausoleums)

Underwear: bring lots

Swimsuits: if you are planning for the beach

Footwear: if you plan to walk a lot, bring a pair of walking shoes. Flip-flops are also popular options. However, sandals are recommended if you want to visit pagodas, museums and mausoleums.

Packing List

A piece of paper with all the following information: Your passport number ; Family’s contact from your home country ; Your bank’s phone number in case you lose your bank cards ; Your embassy’s address and phone number in Vietnam ; Emergency number (police, ambulance) ; Your hotel phone and address (if you have booked in advance)

Personal clothing items, toiletries, medication

Sunhat

Sarong (to cover your shoulders should you enter temples or pagodas)

Sunscreen

Insect repellant

Light weight clothing for the summer months

Warm clothing for winter in Hanoi and in mountainous areas

Camera with film

Small daypack for day trips and overnight trip to Halong Bay

Appropriate shoes for trekking, cycling or walking in caves (Halong Bay)

Sleeping sheet for train travel (can also be bought in Vietnam)

Ear plugs and sleep mask (for train journeys)

Water bottle and helmet (for cycling trips only)

Please note: Domestic airlines do impose restrictions on baggage at approx 20kg maximum, so travel lightly where possible. Also the trains cabins and boat cabins on Halong Bay have limited space so consider this when packing. Soft luggage is recommended.

What are the World Heritages in Vietnam?

They are: 

1. Ha Long Bay - UNESCO World Heritage (Dec. 1994)

2. Hue City - UNESCO World Heritage (Dec. 1993)

3. Hoi An - UNESCO World Heritage (Dec. 1999)

4. My Son Sanctuary - UNESCO World Heritage (Dec. 1999)

5. Phong Nha Cave - UNESCO World Heritage (Jul. 2003)

How about tipping in Vietnam? When should we tip?

Tipping is not expected in Vietnam, but will be greatly appreciated. Smart hotels and restaurants nowadays add a 10-15% service charge (which should be indicated on the bill) but else where it’s up to you. It’s a good idea to tip guides, drivers and anyone else that has provided good service.

Do you have any suggestion about giving gifts?

Giving small gifts to those who have performed a special service or with whom you have a working relationship is greatly appreciated. Anything from your local area, such as cakes, sweets, chinaware or photo books or calendars, is a good idea. Otherwise, inexpensive make-up, perfume, jeweler and pretty toiletries go down well with women, while men will prefer pens, cigarette lighters, imported cigarettes, whiskey or other spirits and car/biking magazines. For children, obviously small toys such as inflatable playground balls and skipping ropes are popular and easy to transport. Or how about drawing books/pads of paper and pencils or crayons, erasers, model cars, small-size T-shirts and other clothes.

When presenting gifts, don’t expect effusive thanks, as this isn’t Vietnamese style. Whatever their reaction, you can be sure that the gift was appreciated.

What sort of souvenirs are available to bring home?

Vietnam has a good variety of lightweight, transportable souvenirs. You’ll find them on sale in all the main tourist areas, though Hanoi and HCMC probably offer the greatest variety.

Silk is probably high on most people’s list, either tailored or as uncut cloth. Hoi An, in central Vietnam, has become the place to get clothes made, but you’ll also find good tailors in Hanoi along Hang Gai and in HCMC. Beautifully embroidered cottons are another popular choice, as are printed T-shirts in a whole range of designs.

Traditional craft items include lacquer ware, items decorated with mother-of-pearl inlay, conical hats, carvings made of cinnamon and camphor wood, bronze Buddhist bells and musical instruments. A water puppet also makes a nice memento. Fabrics from the various ethnic minorities are either sold in lengths or made into bags, purses or skullcaps. Minority groups in the south produce wonderful basketry and bamboo pipes.

Vietnam has a thriving fine arts scene, with some artists commanding substantial sums, though you need to be wary of fakes. Galleries in Hanoi, HCMC, Hue and Hoi An also show works by lesser-known artists at more affordable prices. Look out also for lovely, hand-painted greetings cards.

Note that export restrictions apply to all items deemed to be of “cultural or historical significance”, including works of art and anything over 50 years old. To take any such item out of the country you’ll need an export license. Even if it’s a modern reproduction it might be worth getting clearance anyway, since customs officials aren’t necessarily very discriminating.

Can I rent a bike and ride myself?

Yes, you can rent bike easily and ride it yourself in Vietnam. However, please remember the traffic and roads conditions may be very different to what you are used to. Only young travelers are recommended for bike riding in Vietnam.

Can I drive a car in Vietnam?

If you plan to do any driving while you are abroad, get an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your local Automobile Association or motor vehicle department before you leave. In many countries, these are valid for only one year, so there is no sense getting one too far in advance of your departure. However, some countries will issue IDPs that remain valid for several years – it depends on where you live. Make sure your license states that it is valid for motorcycles if you plan to ride one.

In Vietnam, you can drive. It is recommended for you to rent a car in Tourist Company because it is safe. And you can have thoughtful care from the driver. Tourists who are not used to the traffic in Vietnam find it difficult to drive.

Can the driver speak English and act as a guide?

No, he cannot. In Vietnam, drivers are just drivers. Tour guides need to be licensed by the National Tourism Authority. Tour guides are the only persons legally entitled to escort tourists. VIETASIA TRAVEL specialises in arranging tours with private drivers and qualified professional tour guides.

We have Life insurance; do we need to buy Travel insurance?

The holiday season is here again! Before you take off for that long awaited and exciting trip to Vietnam, make sure you have everything ready: Passport, camera, toothbrush… …and don’t forget your travel insurance. For those of you who are not familiar, here’s a quick guide to understanding your travel insurance needs and to getting the right package for your trip. Although you may have medical insurance in your own country, it is probably not valid while you are in Vietnam. So, it takes times when you come back your country & make declaration.

How do I pay?

We accept Master Card and Visa Card through our secure online card payment, and wire transfer (bank transfer) to our bank account. Please ask our travel consultant to provide the details of each kind of above payment method when you are ready to pay. 

Are there any special advantages in buying tickets in advance online?

By booking tours in advance on our company , you will be applicable to our company  Best Price Guarantee, which means if you find the same tour or activity sold for less, we will refund the difference. Terms and Conditions apply.

The benefit of buying attraction booking in advance on our company  means you are able to purchase tickets to different attractions at the same time. Many of our entrance tickets are fast-track tickets so you can beat the queues and save time on your holiday!

Once I have booked, can I amend my booking?

Amendments can only be made to coach tours. Please call us 24 hours prior to your tour's departure time and date.

I have booked a tour with my relative's credit card; however the voucher says "Client must carry the transaction card on the day of travel". What are my options in this situation?

All you need is a letter written and signed by the card holder confirming that they authorised this payment.

I have booked on-line. How do I get my ticket/voucher?

You will automatically receive an e-voucher to your email address. Please print your voucher/ticket which contains your unique reference number. Please remember to bring this with you on the day. You will not be allowed entrance to an attraction without a valid ticket.

Are there any hidden costs, which are not mentioned? Any tipping required?

Under the booking page, all information related to your tour package is provided, all inclusions and exclusions are mentioned at our booking confirmation sent to you. Tipping is not compulsory. If you are satisfied with service of our guides, drivers.., a small gesture is an appropriate way to show your appreciation to them.

Who is my guide?

We offers a strong, professional and multilingual guide team nationwide. Those guides are carefully selected for their experience, rich knowledge, excellent language and communication skills, commitment, professionalism, and personalities. They are not just pure guides but also your dedicated friends, trusted companions during and after the trip. Travelling with VIETASIA Travel definitely offers you awesome opportunities to have wonderful new friends.

How about transportation?

We guarantee to provide you with the safest and the most comfortable means of transportation.

What is the time difference?

Vietnam is 12 hours ahead of New York, 7 hours ahead of London, 1 hour behind Perth and 3 hours behind Sydney.

Any recommendations for eating in Vietnam?

As our advice, you should try food in small local restaurants, that’s the best way for you to feel the local breath in terms of food culture. Most of expensive restaurants in Vietnam quote their menu in local currency while in the middle of the range, the rates may be both in USD and VND. While choosing a place for eating, we strongly recommend you choose places which are busy and look well-scrubbed, a stick to fresh, thoroughly cooked food. Restaurants where you can see food cooked, eg: steaming bowls of noodle soup along a street tall, are often a good bet and being a lot of fun.

What kind of currencies should you recommend?

Vietnam Dong is the official currency in Vietnam, which you can’t purchase or difficult to purchase outside of the country. Major Banks in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh city can handle quite a lot of different currencies, however, USD is the most widely accepted. So we recommend taking a combination of USD cash, USD traveler’s cheques with the bulk in traveler’s cheques for safety reasons. American Express, Visa are the most popular brands.