Frequently Asked Questions

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Prices are not published on our website due to the dynamic nature of the travel industry. Fluctuations in costs, such as airline fares, fuel prices, accommodation rates, and other factors, make it challenging to maintain real-time accuracy. 

To provide you with the most up-to-date and competitive pricing, we prefer to offer personalized quotes or estimates based on your specific travel preferences and needs. This ensures that you receive the best value for your travel experience and that you are not bound by outdated information.  

We aim to provide transparency and flexibility to cater to your unique travel requirements. Contact us today to learn about current prices.

Yes.  All passport holders, please make sure your passport is current and valid for at least 6 months beyond your trip departure date. Your passport should have at least 2 blank pages for the entry and exit stamps, or more if you are visiting several countries on this trip.

Please note that the last two amendment pages are not acceptable for visas and immigration stamp

Yes, a Vietnamese visa is a travel document providing permission to travel to and enter Vietnam.

You must apply for a visa through the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in advance, valid for 90 days, single or multiple entry. The e-visa is available to citizens from all countries, but it is best to check for your country’s visa status.   

As travel policies change regularly, it’s best to check the official government website for the latest regulations before visiting: https://www.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/

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. 

NORTHERN Vietnam

Northern Vietnam is generally cool (70°F/21°C) in winter (November to April), with daily drizzle/light rain. Summer (May-October) is hot and humid, with daily downpours—temperatures average 86-102°F/30-38°C and humidity in the 75% range.

CENTRAL Vietnam

The coastal region of Central Vietnam lies in what is called "the typhoon belt." Particularly around Hue, which has a notoriously wet climate, the annual rainfall is nearly 3m. Here, the rainy season is from September through December.

SOUTHERN Vietnam

Southern Vietnam boasts a more consistent, tropical climate. Temperatures average 95-101°F/35-39°C and often reach 104°F/40°C in the hottest months (March to May). In the rainy season (May to November), the humidity reaches 80%-90%.

For more information on the climate and weather patterns in Vietnam (and to check out current weather in specific regions and cities) visit http://www.worldweatherserver.com

Dong (VND) is the currency in Vietnam and the preferred form of payment. To check the current rate of exchange, visit https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/

Cash

Please do not bring “old” bills; U.S. Dollars must be clean and untattered. You'll get the best exchange rate with a crisp, new $100 bill. Call your bank about a week beforehand to inform them you need new bills. 

Most if not all of the hotels will have currency exchange services on-site. Since most of your significant expenses will have been paid before your travel, the only cash you will need to have with you will be for some of your daily meals, souvenir shopping, and miscellaneous items. We recommend at least $25/day per person for meals.

Credit Cards & Traveler's Checks

Many hotels, larger businesses and larger restaurants now accept major credit cards (except Discover). You can also use your credit card to obtain cash from an ATM or a reputable currency exchanger depending upon your personal bank’s international services. 

Please call your credit card companies before you travel to notify them that you are traveling and the dates you will be gone. If you do not do this, your card will be declined and/or blocked from use. When you use credit cards for purchases in Vietnam, it is standard for them to add at least a 3% fee. Traveler's checks are NOT accepted in Vietnam 

Tipping

Tipping usually is not expected from locals in Vietnam but it is becoming common in the tourist areas and will be greatly appreciated. 

Some hotels and restaurants now add a 10-15% gratuity (which should be indicated on your bill) but elsewhere, it's up to you. It's a good idea to tip guides, drivers, and anyone else that has provided good service. A tip of VND 50,000 – VND 100,000 (USD 2 – USD 5) a day is usually good.

Fixed Price vs. Bartering

Bartering is very much a part of the Vietnamese way of life. Most vendors expect you to barter with them on the price of an item. Many of the modern shops or more expensive shops will now sell with fixed prices. If you are unsure of the pricing structure, ask me or one of our staff. 

Generally, offering approximately 60% of the "suggested" price when bartering is acceptable. Expect the vendor to counter-offer much higher, and then you can offer back something around 70% to 80% of the starting value, which will probably be accepted. It can be stressful or fun, depending on your comfort level or how much you really want a particular item. 

Most tourists are considered wealthy, therefore prices quoted to you may be higher than they would be for a local. If you find a more expensive item you've just got to have, feel free to ask me or a staff member to barter on your behalf. Generally, you will get a better price that way.

Depending upon your service provider in the U.S. you will be able to use your mobile phone; however, it may be quite expensive. Vietnamese SIM cards and data SIM cards can be purchased for your UNLOCKED mobile phone or iPad if required. 

We recommend that those with “smart phones” turn off their data roaming and turn on their Wi-Fi as soon as they enter Vietnam. Every airport/hotel/restaurant will be equipped with free Wi-Fi. 

There are also some free apps you can download to communicate via voice or text for FREE – Facebook Messenger, Skype, WhatsApp, Viber are very popular and easy to use. Download and practice using BEFORE you leave.

Getting Through Immigration

Once you are off the plane, your first security check will be from the Immigration officers. You will need your boarding pass, visa, and passport to hand your passport and entrance visa to the immigration officer. The officer will stamp the form and your passport and give it back to you. The officers may look serious, and they will probably look you over thoroughly. This is no time to joke or try to make pleasantries. Be courteous and respectful and you'll be waived through with little or no word from them. DO NOT offer any additional information that they do not ask about. After leaving, put your passport away in a safe place.

Collecting Your Baggage

Put your passport away, you will proceed to the Baggage Claim area. There is little or no security there. If you are not present right as your bag comes around the carousel, anyone can pick it up and place it in the pile of yet-to-be-collected bags. 

As a foreign traveler, you will be their prime target for thieves and hustlers to manipulate. There will be porters waiting to assist you with your bags in hopes of earning a generous tip. Ignore them and do not make conversation. Gather your bags as quickly as possible, place them on a free trolley, and move along as calmly and quickly as possible.

Getting Through Customs

Proceed with your luggage toward the customs area. Enter the GREEN LINE (Nothing to Declare). Here, too, the officers will be serious and (sometimes) intimidating. Place your luggage on the belt to go through x-ray. If you are not bringing in large amounts of goods or medicines for donation (because these items will be viewed as something you can resell, and you’ll be asked to pay a tax on them) then everything should move swiftly and without incident. 

Meeting a Driver at the Airport

Once you have gathered your baggage and cleared customs, you will prepare to exit the airport. There may be airport personnel at the final door comparing your luggage tags with your baggage. Once you have cleared, proceed to the exit. You can exchange money at the airport or at the hotel when you arrive. 

There will be lots of people standing around once you exit the airport. They are behind security fences and waiting to greet family or other travelers. They will probably be staring at you, ignore them. There will also be many different taxi drivers trying to get your attention, hoping you'll pay them for their services and ignore them. You NEED to be aware of your belongings and walk past them confidently!

Just past the exit, someone from the hotel will greet you, they will probably know very little English. They will hold up a sign with your name(s) so you will recognize them. They will quickly move you past the crowds and into your waiting car to take you and your luggage to your hotel.

If, for some reason you are separated from the group, or cannot find the driver from the hotel, call Caroline +84 90 943 8213 or +1 507 213 8448 or on WhatsApp/Facebook Messenger.

Your health and safety during your stay in Vietnam are critical to us. While Vietnam is generally safe, petty theft is probably your biggest concern. 

To safeguard yourselves from the possibility of theft, please follow these suggested guidelines:

• Make copies of your passport, credit cards, and identification to leave with your family (and to keep a copy with you in the event of theft). Carry a copy of your passport on your smart phones.
• Do not wear expensive or flashy jewelry during your travels. Consider leaving your wedding diamond at home (wearing only the simple gold band).
• Keep a firm grip on cameras, video cameras, and shoulder bags at all times.

Your healthcare provider or travel clinic will give you a complete list of recommendations for staying healthy during your travels. 

Some highlights include:

• Keep a comprehensive list of your medications and carry them with you.
• Follow your doctor's recommendations for malaria.
• Drink ONLY bottled water, even when brushing your teeth (some people keep their toothbrushes in or near the refrigerator to help them remember this).
• Avoid drinks with ice (unless told otherwise).
• When arriving in Vietnam - and when you return to the U.S. - give your stomach some time to adjust. Eat lightly. Be cautious of (or avoid) food from street vendors for the first few days.
• Pho (the traditional Vietnamese noodle soup) is an excellent choice for a queasy stomach.
• Avoid milk products that are not pasteurized (not all milk products in Vietnam are pasteurized).
• Eat only fresh fruits or vegetables that have been peeled or washed with bottled water.

Masks

In Vietnam, wearing a mask is very common and familiar to everyone in daily life (even before the COVID-19 pandemic). The government has reaffirmed the mask requirement in public transport and also introduced it for employees in all areas with customer contact. 

If you become sick during your travel, please get in touch with a member of our staff immediately. Every major city has an international medical clinic or hospital.

Although Vietnam has made great strides in recent years to improve its economy, it is still ruled by ancient traditions and deeply rooted beliefs. Many parents describe the experience as "intense" and "overwhelming." Extreme poverty surrounds you. The cities are congested and polluted. The country will probably look, smell, taste, and sound different from anywhere you've ever traveled.

You may find that you are experiencing "culture shock" (the feelings of confusion and anxiety affecting a person suddenly exposed to an alien culture or environment). But rest assured, most travelers quickly adjust to their new surroundings and leave Vietnam at the end of their journey with beautiful memories and souvenirs of a most memorable trip. 

This trip will include a roller-coaster of emotions and multiple surprises. Over-communicate. Maintain a willingness to accept changes to the itinerary. And above all, please remember that our staff is there to help you. We know the culture and the best way to navigate Vietnamese systems. Trust that we are working on your behalf in your best interest. What's more, we really want you to have a wonderful experience so that you'll want to return to Vietnam again and again and share this wonderful country.

Crossing the street in Vietnam is an adventure in itself! You'll be faced with a tightly packed stream of scooters, bikes and cars, which seem to be moving in complete chaos. Walk until you find a traffic light with a crosswalk. If that is not available then be aware, check for large vehicles or busses and then cautiously step out into the traffic and move at a consistent pace but keep moving. 

The key is to walk slowly and steadily, keeping a steady pace. As long as your moves are clear and continual, the traffic will flow around you. Problems occur when you stop suddenly or move too quickly and the drivers/riders cannot anticipate your progress. Believe it or not, there is order in the chaos and everyone is looking at the other person. 

Local Customs

"When in Rome…", it is important to learn some of the general customs of Vietnam. Learning the cultural significance of your actions and the proper ways of doing things in Vietnam will go a long way toward helping you get what you need and where you want to go, and it will make a good impression on the Vietnamese officials and people you meet.

Cultural Nuances 

Vietnamese codes of behavior are based on Confucianism, with its strict social hierarchy, respect for authority, and emphasis on conformity. Never leave your chopsticks standing tall, stabbed into your bowl of food (it is an allusion to death). Try never to sit with your feet pointing at another person or at religious symbols (such as a family altar); sit with your legs tucked under you instead. These actions are all considered bad luck and very rude. 

Never cross your fingers (as in wishing for good luck) in front of a woman. It is a very crude and derogatory gesture. Always remove your shoes before entering a temple, pagoda, an official's office, or someone’s home. It is a sign of respect.

Please refrain from making "politically correct" remarks that may be critical of Vietnamese society or government. Aside from asking for trouble, making judgments about a society you're only visiting briefly doesn't make sense.

Vietnam is like any other Asian culture where "saving face" is extremely important. Do not show anger in public or in front of any officials. Speak softly and with politeness. Do not raise your voice or point your fingers at anyone. Try not to scowl. The Vietnamese people will "read" your expressions to learn more about you as a person and make judgments about you based on your behavior in public. Remember, "Courtesy is contagious!"

As in many cultures, the concept of time in Vietnam is relative. Delays are common. Expect them during your time in Vietnam. An official may not attend a scheduled appointment, or materials may not be ready on the promised date. Most delays are relatively brief.

One of the hardest things you'll need to learn is that “yes” or “yeah, yeah” in Vietnam means, "Yes, I've heard you." Not, "I understand or agree with you". They may even mean "no " but want to avoid confrontation (saving face) or have the desire to please you even though they have no intention of granting your desire. Regardless, remain patient, avoid showing signs of frustration, and keep smiling. Do not show anger, and do NOT criticize people openly.

Greetings and Personal Questions

Do not be offended if they ask you your age or how much money you make when meeting Vietnamese people for the first time. In Vietnam (as in most Asian cultures), how people address you is tied strictly to their age and status in relation to yours. They are not trying to be rude but instead trying to be polite by addressing you properly based on the information they gather. 

For example, one would address a high-ranking woman (a business owner or your grandmother) as "Ba (plus her name)," your older sister or older woman friend (but not as old and high-ranking as "Ba") as "Chi (plus her name)" and a younger girl "Em (plus her name)" much like we use Mr., Mrs. and Ms. in our culture.  

It is not uncommon to meet homeless/street beggars as you make your way through the cities. Though the government of Vietnam has tried to move them out of society’s view, you will most likely experience begging at some point during your stay in Vietnam. 

It can be tough to say no to the disabled, the elderly, or the very small child, but please do NOT give money to the beggars. If you give to one, more will follow, and you will be swamped with people asking you for money. 

If you feel you must do something, it is much better for you to buy them a meal than to give them any money. Giving street beggars cash will only perpetuate the problem and/or make them a target for crime.

Yes, a portion of every participant fee, meaning all of the profit  is a donation to support Catalyst Foundation and their mission to support communities in rural Vietnam to fight human trafficking. 

This is a SUGGESTED packing list. You may choose to bring more or less depending on your situation and how much you want to haul around.

Paperwork:

• Passport & Visa
• Plane tickets – eTicket confirmation numbers
• Travel itinerary
• Photocopies of passports and visa 
• Photocopies of credit cards 
• Photocopies of prescription medicines, contact and glasses prescriptions
• Emergency information
• Travel insurance
• Money – big bills to exchange ($100’s or $50’s) and smaller bills ($20) for layovers at airports.

Luggage:

• A medium-sized suitcase/large duffel bag (enough room for souvenirs). Consider a hard-case one if you think you will buy fragile souvenirs.
• Backpack/Carryon
• Locks and tags for luggage
• IMPORTANT: You are usually allowed TWO FREE checked bags on international flights (for each person) with a 50lb maximum/check with your airline. BUT on domestic flights your FREE checked bag allowance is 44lbs/20kg maximum per person, that means two checked bags cannot be more than 44 lbs total. So, don’t overpack unless you want to pay extra fees.

Clothes:

• Pants (for temples or evenings to avoid mosquitoes) Shorts/ Skirts (must not be too short, above knee is good)
• Light jacket/sweater (for cool airplanes and buses)
• Shirts (sleeveless is not acceptable when visiting temples, so bring a wrap/sweater/scarf to cover)
• T-shirts/tops (synthetic/breathable clothing is best)
• Rain jacket/umbrella
• Shoes/sandals/socks
• Sunglasses, cap or wide brim hat

Medical: You do not need to bring these items and they can be purchased in Vietnam but to be on the safe side we have included a list of possible things you might need for this trip.

• Sunscreen lotion 
• Pain reliever/Aspirin
• Cold medicine
• Pepto-Bismol or equivalent, Tums/Rolaids or Pepcid AC, Imodium or equivalent
• Bug/mosquito repellent (non-aerosol version)
• Anti itch cream for bug bites
• Antibiotic cream
• Band aids
• Personal prescriptions
• Allergy Medicines
• Antibiotics

Toiletries/Hygiene: All of these items can be purchased in Vietnam, and toiletries will be included in every hotel room.

• Brush/comb
• Shampoo/Conditioner
• Tissues/Towelettes
• Lip balm
• Toothbrush/ Toothpaste
• Razor and shaving cream
• Deodorant 
• Hand sanitizer 
• Skin care lotion/cream 
• Soap/Body lotion
• Feminine hygiene (tampons are very difficult to find in Vietnam). 

Miscellaneous: 

• Camera
• 110V to 220V - Voltage converter and plug set for electrical items
• Small notepad to communicate nonverbally 
• Ziploc bags to store/protect sensitive items from water
• Reading material
• Eyeshade/earplugs
• Phone/electronics chargers and cables