Vietnam Travel Notes
Greetings and thank you for joining us for the trip of a lifetime. First and foremost, despite the challenges you may have heard or read about the region, we are here to ensure your trip goes not only smoothly, but is one of the most remarkable you've ever had. For us, your trip preparation begins well before you depart with careful planning and arrangements. On your part, please relax, we'll let you know what and when we need anything from you and what you should be doing (if anything aside from browsing through a few books about where you will be traveling). Again, let us sweat the details, that's what you've entrusted us to do!
About 60 to 90 days before your depart, you will receive printed materials from us in your pre-tour packet. Please inspect and read these documents carefully, some, such as your visa on arrival authorization form, may be required for entry into the country you are traveling to. Most of these documents are posted here if you wish to get an early start. Of course, please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have. We would also be happy to place you in contact with our past travelers for their advice.
Introductory Information
WHY INDOCHINA TRAVEL
- We were the first American Tour Operator in Vietnam (1994), with offices in Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia
- We arrange only private, custom tours, and planning begins long before you arrive
- We organized the very first arts, bicycling, culinary, photography and family tours in Vietnam
- Our guides and staff are simply the best; ask us for references
- Nobody knows Vietnam better: call and ask us the tough questions
- About half of our travelers have never used a tour company before, and almost all change their initial plans with us
Important Dates
Tet—the Lunar New Year—occurs in January or February, avoided for travel.
Vietnam also celebrates Christmas and Western New Years.
NEED TO KNOW
- Toss the guidebook, skips the museums, temples and crowds—the highlight of the country are the people.
- Finer hotels can fill up to six months in advance of high season.
- A world-class culinary destination, plan your dining with us.
- Think of Vietnam as the main course—and Angkor and Laos as an appetizer and dessert, respectively.
AIRLINES
Contact us for details on routing and airlines, using mileage points, or to receive a quote.
TRIP COST
Our luxury, private custom trips start from US$350/day per person.
Note that we only arrange all-inclusive trips.
CLIMATE (When to go)
Best : Mid-October through February
Moderate : March to June
Rainy : Mid-July through September
BOOK TO PACK
Catfish & Mandala
By Andrew X. Pham
This true story is an immensely engaging, highly personal, and insightful book by Vietnamese-born Pham who comes from California, where he grew up, to explore the country of his birth.[More Books & Film on Vietnam]
FOOD & CUISINE
In this largely Buddhist country, vegetarian or seafood-only options are delicious and typical. Lack of wheat and bread in traditional and modern Vietnamese cuisine makes avoiding gluten a breeze as well. Our long experience organizing culinary trips means you will dine and experience the cuisine, from must-eat venues to some of the best street food in the world.
BIKE, HIKE, and KAYAK
We love biking the region and organized the very first cycling trips in Vietnam through our adventure wing VeloAsia in 1994. We still like to blend in cycling to our trips, from leisurely spins outside of Hue to rigorous rides over the central highlands and beyond (our spectacular off-the-grid Hanoi to Luang Prabang tour is one of Asia's best kept secrets). We also plan caving, hiking, and in 1994 also organized the first kayaking expedition for National Geographic.
BEFORE YOU GO
We meticulously plan each trip from our U.S. and in-country offices. Our comprehensive pre-tour packet covers every detail of your trip and travel in Vietnam.
Top Travel Tip for Vietnam
Toss the guidebook ... Ignore TripAdvisor... Your friends may well have loved Saigon, but we know places you'll enjoy far more. Vietnam's a destination where reading about travel can lead one astray, for the country not only changes rapidly, with some places no longer as compelling, but also misleading about what is most interesting about Vietnam -- the Vietnamese -- whom are unfailing warm, gregarious, funny, fascinating, and hands-down the highlight of travel to Vietnam, if not all of Asia. We not only plan unique sights and activities, but remarkable people encounters that few visitors experience.Popular Destinations
Hanoi
Halong Bay
Sapa
Mai Chau
Hue
Hoi An
Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)
Phu Quoc
EXTENDED TRAVEL
ANGKOR: Temples & more
Hong Kong: City Stopover
Thailand: Koh Samui & Phuket
Phu Quoc Island : Phu Quoc
Passports
Important: Your passport must be valid for six months beyond the ending date of your trip; please check your passport is indeed valid for this amount of time.
Visas
Vietnam requires a visa or visa authorization before arrival, which Indochina Travel will arrange. Unless transiting through the airport, these countries also require a re-entry visa if passing through more than once. For all other countries, your visa will be processed after arrival, including Laos and Cambodia. Thailand, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, and Singapore do not require a visa. For visa information by country, please see our Visa information page. For specific visa procedures and forms, also see by country (below).
*Although Indochina Travel may assist with obtaining visas or visa on arrival authorization, each traveler bears the ultimate responsibility to ensure they have the required documentation for entry.
Immunizations and Vaccinations
A COVID proof of vaccination is required for international airline travel. No other vaccinations are required. However, health requirements may change and we recommend you check with a medical professional and the Centers for Disease Control Web site for current information on your destinations. Malaria does not occur in most places where you will likely be traveling. For an incidence map, please search on the CDC's Malaria Map Application. Although Malaria data is limited for Vietnam, it does not occur in cities.
Cancellation, Delay and Travel Insurance
Indochina Travel requires travelers are covered by some form of trip cancellation and delay insurance. Over the years we have experienced many travelers have to cancel or have their trip delayed for the most unexpected reasons. Such insurance will likely include additional medical, lost baggage, and other coverage. We are a longtime provider and have a good relationship with CSA Travel Protection, one of the major insurance companies and would be happy to provide a quote.
Security
Despite Vietnam's tumultuous history, it is now amongst the safest places in the world to travel where physical crime against travelers is unheard of and theft is rare. Vietnam is also pleasantly free of the usual tourist hustle found in other places. When traveling with us, please entrust your your possessions and valuables to your vehicle, always carefully watched by your driver. When not with us, please leave your valuables and travel documentation in your hotel safe.
Airlines
Airlines: if we’ve not arranged your international airlines, forward your complete flight itinerary with airline carrier, flight numbers, arrival and departure. Note: regional and domestic airline tickets are issued in country, almost always as e-tickets except for Myanmar. For e-tickets, no paper ticket, voucher, or receipt is required, simply check-in under your name with passport. Locator numbers listed as backup in itinerary.
Luggage
Check-in luggage on most international carriers is now restricted to one bag weighing no more than 44 lbs. (20 kg). Regional and domestic carriers limit bags to 40-44 lbs (18-20 kg) and may charge steep overweight fees. There is no limit to hand luggage or carry-on luggage weight as it is not typically checked except for size.
Money Matters
Plan on bringing U.S. Currency for most expenses, which remains widely accepted throughout the region and indeed, is the only acceptable currency for some transactions such as visa fees or airline departure taxes. Although you may use credit cards (except AMEX) for fine dining and larger purchases in Indochina, only cash is accepted in Myanmar. Please refer to your country departure notes (below) for suggested amounts and denominations to bring. ATMs are common in larger cities but may be inconvenient and unreliable. Travelers checks carry a hefty 4% surcharge to cash.
Internet & Telecommunications
Wifi or wired Internet is now ubiquitous in regional hotels, airports and cafes. Rural can have reduced speeds, but connection is still easy to obtain. Note that your mobile phone will work fine with a roaming plan in Indochina (coverage in Vietnam is excellent), even in remote areas, except in Northern Laos where coverage can be spotty.
Departure Notes
Please note: a comprehensive, printed pre-tour packet will be mailed upon confirmation of your trip. The pre-tour materials cover far more than the brief listing of key topics here and contain a wealth of advice and essential information to make your trip as enjoyable as possible. Please read them carefully before your arrival. You may also peruse our Traveler Resources Page for more detailed information regarding visas, packing and reading lists and more.
VISAS & PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS
All visitors to Southeast Asia must be in possession of a valid passport, with at least six months unexpired validity from the date of your departure from the area. A visa or visa on arrival (VOA) must be obtained before entering Vietnam (obtained through Indochina Travel. Visas for Cambodia and Laos are issued upon arrival with no prior permission required. Thailand, Hong Kong, and Singapore require no visa for U.S. or U.K. travelers. Although Indochina Travel may facilitate the securing of visas, it is ultimately the responsibility of each individual traveler to ensure that they are in possession of any necessary and valid visa and/or documentation and Indochina Travel assumes no responsibility for the consequences of any failure to comply.
When traveling in a developing country, preparation is our hedge against unexpected but common issues that may arise during a trip. Enclosed in your pre-tour packet is a Tour Guide booklet, which provides useful information about Myanmar and your tour, please read the enclosed documentation carefully to prepare for your trip. Despite careful prep era ti on and planning, please be prepared for events which may change our plans.
LUGGAGE
Regional and domestic airlines restrict luggage to one piece with a weight of no more than 20 Kilograms (44 pounds) per person. Your passport, travel documents, jewelry, money, camera, fragile items and any medication should be hand-carried and not checked in. On domestic flights, each passenger is allowed one piece of hand luggage. When planning your packing, please bear in mind on your trip may be constantly on the go, staying in a new hotel at least every other day and you'll want to pack lightly for mobility and convenience as well as have a day pack for your van. Checked luggage is required by the local authorities to be at the airport two hours prior to your flight departure. If we are arranging check-in for you, then we need to arrange collection of all bags before your departure in order to complete all check in formalities for you. Please remember to retain your travel documents and any hand baggage.
TRANSPORT
Some road conditions in Indochina remain quite poor and traveling by car, bus, and bike can be bumpy. Most available cars and coaches are quite old and therefore not in perfect condition, however rest assured we will always do our utmost to arrange cars or buses of the best possible local quality available for your transfers and tours.
HEALTH & IMMUNIZATIONS
While no immunizations are formally required, malaria prophylaxis is often recommended for travel in remote areas. As health requirements change without notice, please check with Centers for Disease Control, physician or public health service for current required or recommended inoculations. The biggest health risk and the most common with our past travelers is stomach issues. Drink only bottled or boiled water and tea. Food should not be purchased from sidewalk vendors without recognizing you face a greater risk of getting a bug and avoid any raw greens and vegetables.
Insect repellent should be brought, especially up-country and in wooded areas (we recommend 3M's Ultrathon in spray bottle). Recent news articles have mentioned a general increase in Dengue fever risk in SE. Asian countries. The tropical sun can burn in minutes, bring wide brim hat, sunshirts and a sweat proof sunscreen (we like Bullfrog gel and spray). All travelers are required to have medical-evacuation insurance. Hospitals in Indochina are inadequate for advanced medical care, although a few private clinics may provide emergency care, in the event of serious illness or injury, medical evacuation to Bangkok or Singapore will be recommended.
EMERGENCY
All travelers are required to have emergency medical insurance for their trip, which includes emergency air evacuation services. Your credit card company may provide such coverage, please check. Ask us for a quote on insurance if you require coverage.
MONEY MATTERS
For convenience, plan to bring enough US cash for your trip (in mint-condition bills), as there are few ATM machines and credit cards are not widely accepted, and not all foreign currencies (other than US dollars) and travelers cheques are not accepted in Indochina. If you intend shopping for souvenirs, you will need to ensure that you are carrying sufficient US Dollars in small denomination notes that are in mint condition. Only payment for extra charges in larger hotels may be made by Visa and MasterCard. Note: American Express is not widely accepted in Indochina nor much of Asia). On tour your expenses will be limited to visa on arrival fees (US$25), some meals, souvenirs, airline departure fees, and gratuities (about $20-50 per day for your guide, about half that for your driver).
Vietnamese currency is known as the 'dong'. The official rate is about 21,000 dong to the dollar. Dollars may be changed into dong at a good rate in your hotel. Major hotels and a few restaurants will charge in USD but most other expenses in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia may be made in USD or local currency.
COMMUNICATIONS
Your mobile phone will work in Indochina, and at a low roaming rate though check your mobile plans for travel plans or packages.
Internet is widely available at hotels with decent bandwidth, but is unreliable in remote areas. Please plan accordingly.
ELECTRICAL
Electricity in Indochina is typically 220-volt although 110 volts can found as well. What does this mean for you? Not much, your iPad, Kindle, mobile phone, digital camera and laptop adapter will take the higher voltage without issue. However, check the fine print just in case. Devices with motors and no adapter, such as hairdryers, will burn out (almost all hotels do provide hairdryers). Electric power sockets come in varieties, including round two-prong with dual US style outlets (at most luxury hotels). Your Kindle, camera, laptop or other device should automatically accept 220-volt without issue, but check your adapter fine print. Sporadic power outages are common.
WHAT TO WEAR
Light clothing is adequate for Indochina and most low-land tourist areas. High elevations around Luang Prabang may reach near freezing at night during the 'winter' season but is usually pleasant during the day. Travelers should bring appropriate cold weather clothing during the winter. Revealing clothing is not welcome in this conservative and largely Buddhist region. When visiting religious shrines and temples, modest dress is required and easily removable footwear is recommended since such sacred grounds must be visited only in bare feet (no socks). A sarong is handy for covering up before entering religious sites (not required for Angkor). Bring a hat and sunglasses, and umbrella for rainy season.
WHAT TO EXPECT
This is not a grand tour of Europe, but hopefully why you have come - for an authentic, deep cultural experience in countries closed off to the world for decades. You will be very safe, always looked after, can expect wonderful service, and a comfortable and a typically pleasant if not exceptional trip. However, Indochina remains a primitive, undeveloped country with the inconveniences are random issues that arise with travel in such places.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Indochina safe for travel?
Very much so. Our past travelers always cite how warm and friendly people are, always one of their strongest impressions. Tourists have now visited going on two decades without any issues of violence. Rather, almost every traveler on our tours in the region have been struck how tranquil the country is and how warm and gracious people are to visitors and whose hospitality we've been enjoying since 1994. We'd be happy to put you in contact with our past travelers for their impressions.
What is the weather like?
Daytime temperatures can reach the high 70s between September through December. In January through April, temperatures steadily climb and at lower elevations we can expect 80 to 90s F. Higher elevations like Luang Prabang, located at nearly 1,000 feet is temperate and cooler this time of year.
GIVING
No doubt you will be moved by the wonderful people you meet along the way. many who live in poverty. It may be hard not to feel compelled to give something, but think about doing so will change the dynamic of your people encounters and those who follow you. If you do feel compelled to give, we recommend pens, simple to carry with you, useful and beyond the budget of most families. We never encourage giving money, candy or the like. For giving before or after your trip, we recommend these charities.
CONTACT US
With 20 years experience in Indochina, we know our stuff! Please contact us with any questions you may have, either in our San Francisco reservations office at (415) 418-6800 or our headquarters in Hanoi at 011 +(84-98) 397-6486.