Yes Cheap Vietnam Tour team can, but the fact that we are a local tour operator, we would rather focus on organizing and booking your Vietnam trips. You should know that can book domestic flights and will do all the domestic bookings for your packaged trip.

For you international flight, we advise that you please contact with the airline agents at your place of living or searching on the internet. Vietnam airlines now has flights from almost places in the World to Vietnam, here is the link of their website: http://vietnamairlines.com

What should we bring along on our trip to Vietnam?

It is best to travel light in Vietnam. One medium sized bag and a day pack will provide more than enough room to carry everything you'll need, and enough space for the things you'll buy in Vietnam.

There are lots of consumer goods in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, so do not worry about running out of something and if you do forget something you can find it here. Before you leave home complete the following checklist:

Lightweight and quick dry clothing is most appropriate for the summer months and warmer clothing for the winter months, sun hat, swim suit, ultra lightweight rain jacket.
Travel Documents: Passport, Visa, Travel Insurance, Air Tickets (you should scan them and email them to yourself incase you loose them)
Health requirements, medications, and travel insurance arranged.
Flashlight, alarm clock, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, small personal first aid kit, personal toiletries
Money: US dollars or travelers cheques and/or credit card.
Raincoat or umbrella, good hiking shoes for Footprint trekking trips
Cable locks or padlock for luggage
Camera with charger

Travel insurance, do we buy it here at home before traveling to Vietnam?

Cheap Vietnam Tour works hard to make sure you stay on the safe side but, for your protection, please buy travel insurance in your country before you travel to Vietnam. It is compulsory for any participant on our tours. It is strongly advised to have travel insurance covered before your depart to Vietnam.

Insurance will be really helpful in case of medical emergency evacuation. The travel insurance will cover against hospital and medical expenses and other expenses as a consequence of accidents occurring to the bearer during the period of Insurance and/or unforeseen illnesses which arises during that period as well.

Are there any restrictions on the type of luggage that we bring?

Domestic airlines have their weight restrictions. You may only have one suitcase or backpack, with a maximum weight of 20kg, and one piece of hand luggage, with a maximum weight of 5 – 7 kg. An extra charge for overweight is applied.

There is no actual limit on our trips, but we would suggest you travel light with one suitcase or backpack and one small daypack a small bag which you can access during the day and carry items like your camera, drinking water, toilet paper, hat, sunscreen, etc.

It is essential that you have a lock for each piece of luggage. Without one, railway and airline staff and some hotels may refuse to handle it.

2. Weather:

When is the best time to travel Vietnam?

Vietnam stretches over 1,800km up the eastern coast of the Indochina peninsula and has various climates at the same time in different parts of the country.

Winter season lasts from November to April in the North with temperatures averaging 16 degree centigrade. The rest of the year is considered summertime with heavy rainfalls and occasional storms.

The rainy season lasts from May to October in the south. However, it only rarely rains the whole day. It gets dry after rainfall as quickly as it comes. The dry season is generally from November to April.

The central parts of Vietnam are affected by the South West monsoon season coming from Laos during May.

June experiences a muggy heat and sometimes produces typhoons and tropical storms.

During November and December there is sometimes long lasting rains. Despite of this fact, the months of November and December are constantly considered the peak period for incoming tourists.

January and February are still occasionally cloudy and rainy.

The best time for a long tour from North to South Vietnam would be from January till April. For those who wish beach holidays can come to enjoy warm water and sunshine in the central coast during summer time, from May to October.

What is it this like to travel in monsoon season; will it cause trouble for us?

During the monsoon season (usually between June, July and August) some heavy rain affects the North. Not so much the South of Vietnam. Typically, clouds come just suddenly with strong winds and make the sky dark. The rain pours down for just about twenty minutes then leaves the air cool and fresh with sun shinning.

You will enjoy less people traveling at this time, and might get some discounts for your Vietnam tours and services but be aware the weather forecast as you might get stuck somewhere due to the hard rain and typhoons.

Some short tours to the North and South are recommended but we need to take the weather into account. We strongly recommend spending time to Centre Vietnam for a beach holiday for the magnificent coral sand beaches and great sites like Hue, Hoi An, and My Son.

How hot is that in the summer?

The temperature in Vietnam is high. The annual average temperatures range from 22oC to 27oC. However, the average temperature is different in every place.
In Hanoi the average temperature is 23oC and summer time can reach to 35oC or more.
In Ho Chi Minh City 26oC and summer will vary from 30 – 35oC.
In Hue and Danang the temperature 29 – 36oC.

Some places like Dalat and Sapa have a maximum temperature of 20oC in the summer.

How cold can it get in the winter?

In the winter, temperatures in the North fall the lowest in December and January. In the Northern mountainous regions such as Sa Pa, Moc Chau (Son La), Tam Dao and Hoang Lien Son, the temperature can sometimes get down to 0°C with snow.

During the days, in the areas where it is very cold, you will be more than likely be trekking or walking, so the cold is not too much of a problem. It is at night, when the sun goes down that you will appreciate the warm sweater and long underwear that you brought with you.

All of the other placed on in Vietnam, those that are not in the hills (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Danang, Saigon) have very mild weather in the winter. With clear days and cool nights, travel in Vietnam is pleasant and weather is not an issue.

3. Transportation:

What means of transportation is available for traveling Vietnam?

Travel in Vietnam is easier than it used to be. Means of transportation are usually very comfortable. Routine travel in Vietnam between major cities and tour destinations is generally comfortable and hassle free as well. Independent travelers will sometimes be required local knowledge for a decent level of comfort.

By air: You can get almost anywhere while visiting Vietnam, but scheduled flights to some Vietnam travel destinations are few and late changes in aircraft type can impact travel plans.

By train: Rail is still slow. The rail network is limited. Lines run between Hanoi - Saigon, Hanoi - Lao Cai - Hekou (China) - Kunming (China), Hanoi – Langson - Beijing (China). The train to China departs from Hanoi train station. You can join the train to Kunming at the Lao Cai station, but you can only join the train to Beijing from Hanoi. The train stations for some Vietnam travel destinations can be literally in the middle of nowhere. The rolling-stock is generally serviceable, but old and spartan by western standards.

By local bus: Bus travel used to be available only packed sardine-style into hot and stuffy, smoke belching reject Russian 40-seaters with bicycles, motorbikes and maybe the odd pig strapped to the roof. For the true adventurer only! These buses are still around and popular with the locals (tickets are dirt cheap).

However, there is now a system of privately owned buses, open-tour buses, minivans (usually 12, 15 or 16-seaters) connecting most sizeable population centers with neighboring towns and cities. Ask your travel consultants at Footprint how to get to your next travel destination by minivan.

In most of the cities you can find cyclo or xe om for transferring around, negotiation for prices before you jump on is a must in Vietnamese Dong.
Bicycle or motorbike rentals can be found in major cities of interest, like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh or Hue, Hoi An, but make sure that you understand the traffic rules before riding.

On Foot: You may need to learn how to cross city streets, especially in Saigon and Hanoi. City traffic in Vietnam is like "water on wheels", It is constantly moving on and flowing around everything in its path. The daytime traffic never stops. People are always on the move.

How is train travel in Vietnam?

Traveling by train is a good option to see the whole of Vietnam. There is a direct rail from North (Hanoi) to South (Ho Chi Minh). We can not compare trains here in Vietnam with trains in Europe, but the trains are good condition, with the newer trains equipped with modern air-conditioned coaches and sleeper seats for the popular overnight routes. Running not faster than bus but much safer, Footprint suggests, whenever there are options with train, taking it for your travel in Vietnam.
The major routes are the North - South train that links Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, serving most popular destinations along the way, and trains North from Hanoi to the Northwest and Northeast, including Lao Cai (Sapa) and beyond to Beijing and China.

Travel from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City and vise-versa

Vietnam ’s Reunification Express (Thong Nhat) is the main train line running between North and South, connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and stopping at many destinations along the coast, including Hue, Danang, and Nha Trang. The train trip from Hanoi to HCMC is 1,726 km (1,070 miles), taking more than 30 hours, although few people do it in one long journey without stops along the way.
The two major types of trains are the: SE (SE1-SE6) and TN (TN3-TN10). In general, the SE trains are the better trains with modern air-conditioned coaches and larger windows, as well as a restaurant car.

Travel between Hanoi and Lao Cai (Sapa)

From Hanoi, there are also trains that run northwest or northeast with border crossings into China (please click here for more information on trains to and from China).
A popular route is between Hanoi and Lao Cai, which is the closest train station to the tourist destination of Sapa. The trip from Hanoi to Lao Cai takes about 10 hours, with most choosing to do an overnight trip. There is a number of tourist trains that run daily from Hanoi to Lao Cai and back, including Viet Royal, Tulico, Ratraco, all with air-conditioned soft sleeper cabins which are comfortable, although not luxurious. For a luxury option, the Victoria Sapa has its own luxury cabins on the train for those that will stay at their hotel.

Which are the international airports in Vietnam? Airport taxes in Vietnam?

Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi (in the North), Vietnam

Location: The airport is situated 28 miles (45km) north of Hanoi.
Time: GMT +7.
Transfer to the city: Airport minibuses and metered taxis are available outside arrivals for transport to the city centre. Make sure the taxi driver is wearing an official name badge and that the meter is on. Cost of a taxi is about $10 USD.
Departure tax: US$14 for foreign adults, $7 for foreign children under 12, payable in dollars or dong.

Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Ho Chi Minh City / Saigon (in the South), Vietnam

Location: The airport is situated four miles (7km) from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).
Time: GMT +7.
Transfer to the city: Minibuses and metered taxis are available for transport to the city centre. Make sure the driver is wearing an official name badge and that the metre is on. Most hotels can arrange transport for arriving passengers, but visitors should organize this in advance. Cost is usually about $10 USD.
Departure tax: US$14 for foreign adults, $7 for foreign children under 12, payable in dollars or dong.

Danang > Danang (Center)

Cat Bi > Hai Phong (North, near Halong Bay)

How many domestic airports are there in Vietnam?

Here are the list of all the domestic airports in Vietnam:

Can we travel by local bus?

If you plan to get more of a local experience then you can travel by local bus. There are public bus stations in all Vietnam cities and towns, but we do not recommend traveling on these buses.

There are many reasons for this. The safety is not to a standard that we feel is sufficient for our guests, and the standard of the bus alone is one that is dire need of attention. Finally, the safe driving sense is one that is not practiced by the drivers of these buses.

What about the Open Bus?

Same as the train from North to South and vise versa, the open bus is often a good choice for budget travelers. The open-tour buses cover most of the popular destinations between the North and South, and travelers can stop whenever they want for as long as they want in each destination along the way.

Which land border gates are open for international travelers?

How can I get visa upon arrival?

The following link will provide all of the information you need to know on this subject: get visa upon arrival to Vietnam

If I wish to extend my visit while I'm in Vietnam?

Sure, you can always extend your visit in Vietnam!

You are normally given a one month single entry travel visa, which lasts about 30 days. You should need to make your plan at least 7 days before your visa is expired as it normally takes about 2 working days to get your visa extended, for another one month. For longer stay visas or extensions, it would take about 7 to 15 days to get.

There are also 3 month tourist visas available at a reasonable cost. Ask your visa provide about this option then you do not have to worry about extending your visa when you here.

4. Tourism in Vietnam:

Vietnam National Administration of Tourism?

Vietnam National Administration of Tourism or VNAT, it is a Governmental Agency which exercises the state management function over tourist operations and activities throughout country. It has full control in terms of business development, planning, public relations, personnel training, conducting research, instructing and inspecting the implementation of policies and other regulations in the tourism sector.

Vietnam tour operators?

Tour operators are the ones who make the necessary arrangements to create a holidays, this includes arranging flight tickets, transfers, hotels, cruises, meals and other travel activities.

In Vietnam, there are Vietnamese tour operators and also international tour operators, we, Footprint as a LOCAL Vietnam tour operators, do all the local arrangements for your Vietnam holiday, touring in Vietnam and other types of travel.

In order to become a Vietnam tour operator, for oversea travelers to Vietnam, one must have enough work experience and also a bond account (set by VNAT). Please be aware, that currently there are some illegal tour operators in Vietnam. Your travel in Vietnam should be of hassle-free if you book with a licensed tour operator.

There are not many international tour operators now operating local tours here, but soon there will be. We suggest when traveling to Vietnam, that everyone books their services with the Vietnam tour operators so that your money will stay & benefit the country and its people.

What is the meaning of “Vietnam travel agents / Travel agency”?

A Vietnam travel agency is a business that sells travel related products and services, particularly package tours, to end-user customers on behalf of third party travel suppliers, such as airlines, hotels, tour companies / tour operators, and cruise lines.
There are now lots of travel agents in Vietnam. They are selling tours or package tours for other travel companies. You can find many Vietnam travel agents online, whether they are based in Vietnam or overseas travel agents selling tours for Vietnamese tour companies.
Travel agents are not allowed to make arrangement like Vietnam tour operators, they only sell tour operators’ products and receive commissions from the sales.
Footprint is not a travel agent, we are a Vietnam tour operator doing tours by ourselves. Book your Vietnam travel with us, cutting out the middle man and saving you money.

5. Etiquette in Vietnam:

How should I dress while traveling in Vietnam?

Appropriate dress differs from North to South. Southern Vietnam is tropical year ‘round and people dress comfortably and casually. Light weight cotton and wool fabrics will be comfortable at any time of year. While they may resist wrinkles, synthetics and blends are miserably hot.

Generally, short pants are inappropriate anywhere but a beach resort or a farm and you will look like a foolish tourist on the streets of most cities. Jeans are almost always fashionable except for business occasions. Further, in any business setting never where shorts even if they are cut from the finest Italian fabric.
During Winter (November through April) can be cool in Hanoi, and a coat may be necessary. Dress here is a bit more formal and somber than the fashionable South.

How should I dress to visit a specific place like a temple or a pagoda?

Never wear shorts, dresses or skirts, or tops with low-neck lines and bare shoulders to Temples and Pagodas. To do this is considered extremely rude and offensive.

What are the Do's?

Always drink plenty of bottled water. During the summer months you should be drinking a minimum of 2 liters per day. If you drink tea, coffee & alcohol you should increase you water intake accordingly as these will dehydrate you.

Before venturing out from your hotel, ensure you have a hotel business card from the reception desk. This will make your return to the hotel in a taxi or cyclo much easier.

For longer excursions from your base hotel, it is always a good idea to carry a roll of toilet paper in your daypack. You never know when you will need it.

Always dress appropriately. Not only for the prevailing climatic conditions, but also not to cause offence to the local people. Vietnamese have conservative dress codes and it is only in larger cities that these codes are relaxed a little.

Always leave your excess cash, airline tickets, passports and valuables with the hotels safety deposit facility.

Always be aware when entering someone’s home as at some homes it is a must to remove your shoes at the front door.

Always ask his or her permission first when taking a photograph of someone. If they indicate that they do not want you to, then abide by their wishes. DO NOT push the issue or offer money.

What are the Don’ts?

Never wear shorts, dresses or skirts, or tops with low-neck lines and bare shoulders to Temples and Pagodas. To do this is considered extremely rude and offensive.

Never give your empty water bottles, sweets and candies to the local people when trekking through ethnic minority villages. You cannot guarantee that the empty bottles will be disposed of in a correct manner and most of these people do not have access to dental health. If you would like to give pens/paper, ask your guide to introduce you to the local teacher and give them to the teacher for distribution.

Never sleep or sit with the soles of your feet pointing towards the family altar in someone’s house.

Never venture out from your hotel with more cash than you really need for that day. It is not something to be paranoid about, simply do not make yourself a target for pickpockets or drive-by bag snatchers in the big cities. Ho Chi Minh City seems to be a little worse than anywhere else in Vietnam is. On the whole it is one of the safest countries you could wish to travel in.

Never lose your temper in public or when bargaining for a purchase. This is considered a serious loss of face for both parties. Always maintain a cool and happy demeanor and you will be reciprocated with the same.

Never try and take photographs of military installations or anything to do with the military. This can be seen as a breach of national security.

Never take video cameras into the ethnic minority villages. They are considered to be too intrusive by many local people.

6. Shopping and bargaining:

Should I bargain for everything?

Almost everything is negotiable in Vietnam (with the notable exception of meals) and bargaining is very much part of the Vietnamese way of life. All tourists are regarded as wealthy - which we are compared to most locals - but that doesn’t mean you’ll always be quoted an outrageous price; small shopkeepers and restaurateurs will often charge you the local rate.

When bargaining it helps if you know some Vietnamese numbers and have a general idea of the going rate for the item. Otherwise, the trick is to remain friendly, be realistic and make the process fun. If you manage to reduce the price by 40%, you’re doing well. In most cases it’ll be more like 10-20%.

A common ploy is to start moving away if you’re on the verge of agreement. But don’t bargain just for the sake of it. If your price is agreed, then you are honour bound to purchase. And always keep a sense of perspective: don’t waste time and energy haggling over what only amounts to a few cents.

Is it a good idea to take 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, jewellery and pretty toiletries go down well with women, while men will prefer pens, cigarette lighters, imported cigarettes, whisky 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 laquerware, 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 skull-caps. 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.

7. Money and payment:

What kind of currency do you use in Vietnam and will it be easy to change other currencies to your currency?

In Vietnam the currency is called the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Changing other currencies in Vietnam is quite easy. Changing common currencies such as USD and the Euro as well as traveler cheques are the easiest. It is although tougher to exchange your dong back into USD.

You can exchange you money at the banks, many currency converters and jewelry stores. Rates will vary from place to place and from currency to currency.

Tip: Always carry small denominations. Some small shops and small villages often will not have change. Being aware of this will save you time, money and frustration.

Are $US notes accepted at travel sites?

Yes, USD is often accepted at most travel sites, but it is recommended use Dong throughout your trip to Vietnam. You will save money and never find yourself in a time where your money doesn’t work. Often the USD is unaccepted because the shop owner is unable to give enough change.

Are credit cards (Visa or Master Card) accepted in Vietnam?

Yes, both Visa and Master Card is accepted in Vietnam. Although, in the outer regions you may find that neither are accepted because of a lack of resources and technology. For minor purchases cash is the recommended method of payment.

Are there ATMs in the main towns of Vietnam?

Yes, there are ATM’s in all the main towns. Sometimes you may have to search for them but in almost every town there is one now (even in Sapa).

Warning: Some of the ATM’s have recently been reported to eat card. Have a backup or when you find one that works for you, continue to use that one.

Tip: If you are traveling to Vietnam during Tet, take out enough money to last you the week. Many people will pull out all the money they need before heading home. There have been times where all of the bank machines in Hanoi have been emptied.

Can I use Thai Baht in Vietnam?

Thai Baht is not popular nor convenient for purchasing in Vietnam. So you should bring US dollars. It is easiest to change from USD to Vietnam dong (VND).

How do the ATMs work in Vietnam?

When you take money out from an ATM, using your credit card, it is always in Vietnam Dong, you are allowed to withdraw 2,000,000 dong per time and not over 20,000,000 / day.

8. Security:

Is that safe to walk in town day and night?

It is generally safe to walk in town during the day. Vietnamese people are very curious but friendly. Just be careful when walking out very late (aftermidnight) in the big cities like Hanoi or Saigon, there might be some kinds of theft in the quiet / empty streets.

Do the night clubs and bars open late at night?

Yes, there are some bars and clubs are open very late, some open until 5 a.m the next morning, please check with your local guide on this. The majority of the pubs and bars shut down at 12 am in Hanoi.

Are taxi drivers are reliable in towns of Vietnam?

Getting around by taxi is the most convenience way in town, but make sure that you know about the distance that you are about to travel on the taxi and make a deal with the taxi driver before you go. Unfortunately, there are some taxis with cheating meters and some drivers that take you on the extra long scenic route.

9. Communications:

Cell phone carriers in Vietnam?

The major cell phone carriers are: Mobile Phone, Vina Phone, Viettel, S-Phone, E-Telephone. Vina Phone is the best service provider with large coverage throughout Vietnam with the best quality. You can purchase a SIM card in many stores, and buy time at even more. Prices vary.

Do people still speak French in Vietnam?

Yes, there are still people speaking French, especially, the older people in Vietnam. There are tour guides that can speak French as well, please talk to one of our travel consultant to have further information.

10. Health:

Water for drinking when traveling in Vietnam?

Travelers should be cautious when drinking non-bottled water and when using ice cubes in drinks. Travelers may wish to drink only bottled or canned beverages, or beverages that have been boiled (such as hot tea and coffee).

Should we eat out in the streets of Vietnam?

Vietnam has a rich eating-out tradition. Most of the dishes can be made at home, but many Vietnamese prefer to eat out. Restaurants are usually famous for one specialty. Many recipes have been passed down from generation to generation.
Restaurants themselves vary greatly. Some are just little stalls on the streets with a mini stove and plastic chairs. Some are prestigious family restaurants that have existed for centuries, operated by the whole family, with smoky walls and wooden chairs.
Even though street stalls or small restaurants seem closer to tradition and excel in taste, tourists who are not used to Vietnamese food should watch out for their health and safety. Street stalls and cheaper restaurants also take less care in food safety and quality of ingredients.

Medical precautions and vaccinations?

No vaccinations are required, except for yellow fever if you are coming from an area where the disease is present. However, visitors should be inoculated against typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A & B, tetanus and polio.

Malaria is present in most of the region and it is advisable to take precautions especially if traveling off the beaten track. Medical facilities are rather limited in all of the country and it is essential to take out a good medical insurance policy before traveling in case evacuation is needed.

Travel insurance, do we buy it here at home before traveling to Vietnam?

Travel insurance is compulsory for any participant on a Footprint tour. It is advised that all travelers should have travel insurance covered before your departure to Vietnam.

First aid kits on our tours?

We recommend that you carry a small personal First Aid kit as well as any personal medications you may require. Please be aware that for legal reasons our local tour guides are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. Please ensure that you are adequately prepared.

11. Public holidays & others:

When are the public holidays in Vietnam?

January 1: New Year's Day
January / February: Tet or Vietnamese New Year. The actual dates vary from year to year according to the lunar calendar. Officially 4 days holiday but many businesses close down for a full week. This is the busiest time of the year for traveling in Vietnam and hotels, flights and trains are often full.
April 30: Liberation of Saigon Day
May 1: International Labour Day
September 2: National Day
Day 10 of the 3rd lunar month: Traditional holiday commemorating the mythical Hùng Kings

Note: As in most other nations, if a holiday falls during the weekend, it is observed on the following Monday.

On those days, Footprint will close for our holidays too, please contact us if you need more information.