Vietnam Trips & Tours

Vietnam has three main international airports in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Da Nang and the number of direct fights has increased steadily in recent years. However, the majority of travellers choose to take the cheaper option of an indirect flight with a stopover in Bangkok, Singapore or Hong Kong. Vietnam Airlines has direct flights from London to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi at around 12 hours flying time. If you’re travelling from North America, a stopover flight is your only option as there are no direct flights at present. The same often applies to travellers from Australia as there are very few direct flights, although Vietnam Airlines offers routes between Ho Chi Minh City and Melbourne or Sydney. The popular choice of combining a visit to Vietnam with other Southeast Asian countries has become easier and less pricey thanks to good-value regional air deals.

As you begin planning your trip, it’s best to visit a doctor as early as possible, preferably two months before you depart. Although there are no required vaccinations for entering Vietnam, typhoid and hepatitis A jabs are recommended and it’s a good idea to make sure you’re up to date with boosters for tetanus and polio. If you’re travelling to rural areas with a higher risk of malaria, it’s worth taking preventive tablets to ensure a worry-free trip. A rule of thumb is to avoid drinking the tap water and having ice in your drinks with the exception of a few high-end hotels and restaurants. In terms of general safety, Vietnam is known to be open and safe for visitors. However, petty crimes are becoming more common on a small scale so it’s best to keep an eye on your valuables and be aware of your surroundings in the bigger cities and tourist hubs.

Money The Vietnamese dong isn’t available outside of the country but US dollars can be used so it helps to take a few small bills until you are able to draw money from an ATM, which there are plenty of. Tipping isn’t expected on your travels but it’s definitely appreciated if you feel comfortable doing so. Gratuities suggestions: Private guide: $10 per person per day Private driver: $5 per person per day General staff: $10 per person per day Waitstaff in a city restaurant: 10% (large group may incur automatic service charge - please check)

Insurance It is a condition of booking that you carry the correct comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover yourself, as well as any dependents/travelling companions for the duration of your trip. This insurance should include cover in respect of, but not limited to, the following eventualities: Compulsory Insurance: a. Emergency evacuation expenses b. Medical expenses c. Repatriation expenses Recommended Insurance: a. Cancellation or curtailment of trip b. Damage/theft/loss of personal luggage, money and goods

Most passport holders will need a visa to enter Vietnam. Please ask your travel specialist whether a single or multiple entry visa is needed. Your travel specialist can also arrange the visa for you, if you prefer. In order to initiate the e-visa process, we will need the following: 1. A colour photo of your passport details page 2. A recent headshot photograph of you (no glasses or hats) 3. A photograph of two blank pages in your passport. The cost will be $60 per person (single entry) or $90 per person (multi-entries) and it will be completed in about 10 business days. We will then include it with your Final Documents email so that all your documents are in one place. The team in Vietnam is very familiar with the e-visa process, and can take that stress away if you'd like to simplify the process. If you choose to do it yourself, please be aware that there are many scam visa websites, your name must be entered exactly as your passport reads, and you are liable for any mistakes. Please use this one when applying for your evisa: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/trang-chu-ttdt Single-entry tourist visas are generally valid for 30 days from your date of arrival, although longer durations can be arranged.

Some might say the weather in Vietnam is as varied as its scenery, and what you pack boils down to when and where you’re going - check out our guide on when to go! Here are a few handy essentials to start you off: - Light and cool clothing including modest items - Beachwear (if you’re travelling to the coast) - Warmer items and rain coat - Comfortable and sturdy footwear - Mosquito repellent with DEET - Torch - Electrical adaptors ((electricity runs on 220 volts and round or flat two-pin plugs are most commonly used) - Camera - Photocopies of passport and visa details - Leech socks and gaiters