-
-
Up to 15%
OFF AsiaFind out more -
25% OFF our
Arctic AdventureFind out more -
Kili Climb - Rise to
the ChallengeFind out more -
Late discountsUp to 25% OFF -
Check out our
Food AdventuresFind out more -
Check out our
Sailing AdventuresFind out more -
Check out our
Family AdventuresFind out more -
Real Food
World TourWatch it now -
Intrepid photo
competitionFind out how to enter -
Shackleton
EpicFind out more -
Au PairsFind out more -
2013 BrochuresView. Order. Download.
-
Vietnam FAQ
Is tipping customary in Vietnam?
Tipping isn't mandatory or customary in Vietnam, but a tip of spare change or another small amount would be appreciated by restaurants, drivers and other service workers, especially if the service has been particularly good.
What is the internet access like in Vietnam?
Internet access is widely available in tourist areas and big cities, which have many internet cafes. Internet access is less frequent in rural and remote areas.
Can I use my mobile/cell phone while in Vietnam?
You'll be able to use your mobile phone in most urban areas of Vietnam, although remote and mountainous areas may not have network coverage. Ensure you have global roaming activated with your mobile carrier before you leave home if you wish to use your mobile while in Vietnam.
What are the toilets like in Vietnam?
You'll have to adjust to different standards of hygiene and sanitation while in Vietnam. The standard toilet is of the squat variety and this may take some getting used to, although western-style toilets can be found in large hotels and some tourist areas.
What will it cost for a…?
Quick city bus ride = 4,000 VND
Local-style coffee at a cafe = 15,000 VND
Bowl of pho from street stall = 20,000-30,000 VND
Dinner at a simple restaurant = 70,000-100,000 VND
Dinner at a up-market restaurant = 200,000+ VND
Local-style coffee at a cafe = 15,000 VND
Bowl of pho from street stall = 20,000-30,000 VND
Dinner at a simple restaurant = 70,000-100,000 VND
Dinner at a up-market restaurant = 200,000+ VND
Can I drink the water in Vietnam?
Drinking tap water isn't recommended in Vietnam. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water instead. Ask your leader where filtered water can be found; some hotels we stay in may have drinking water available. It's also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit and vegetables before eating.
Are credit cards accepted widely in Vietnam?
Major credit cards are widely accepted by large shops, hotels and restaurants in Vietnam. However, they may not be accepted by smaller vendors such as small family restaurants, market stalls or in remote towns and rural areas. Make sure you carry enough cash for purchases, since credit cards aren't always an option everywhere in Vietnam.
What is ATM access like in Vietnam?
ATMs are found widely throughout Vietnam, so withdrawing cash shouldn't be problematic in most areas. Some smaller villages and rural areas may not have ATM access, so prepare for this before venturing too far from a city or major town.
Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling in Vietnam?
Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.
For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance
For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance
What public holidays are celebrated in Vietnam?
Jan 1 New Year's Day
Feb 9 Tet (Lunar New Year)
Apr 19 Gio to Hung Vuong Day
Apr 30 Liberation of Saigon
May 1 May Day
Sep 2 National Day
Many Vietnamese holidays are timed according to the lunar calendar so are celebrated on different dates each year, therefore the dates above are an estimate only. The above dates are for 2013. In addition to the above holidays, there are also many other holidays celebrated regionally throughout Vietnam.
For a current list of public holidays go to: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/vietnam/public-holidays
Feb 9 Tet (Lunar New Year)
Apr 19 Gio to Hung Vuong Day
Apr 30 Liberation of Saigon
May 1 May Day
Sep 2 National Day
Many Vietnamese holidays are timed according to the lunar calendar so are celebrated on different dates each year, therefore the dates above are an estimate only. The above dates are for 2013. In addition to the above holidays, there are also many other holidays celebrated regionally throughout Vietnam.
For a current list of public holidays go to: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/vietnam/public-holidays
Do I need a visa to travel to Vietnam?
Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. As a general rule most countries expect that you will have at least 6 months' validity on your passport. On arrival visitors may be asked to present return tickets and evidence of means to cover your intended stay.
We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change - it's important that you check for yourself. Residents from other countries must consult the relevant embassies or your travel agent.
- VIETNAM:
Australia: Yes - in advance
Belgium: Yes - in advance
Canada: Yes - in advance
Germany Yes - in advance
Ireland: Yes - in advance
Netherlands: Yes - in advance
New Zealand: Yes - in advance
South Africa: Yes - in advance
Switzerland: Yes - in advance
United Kingdom: Yes - in advance
USA: Yes - in advance
When obtaining your visa you should allow 3 weeks for processing, the cost is approximately US$60 to US$100. Check with your embassy or consulate for further details. Some nationalities are exempt from requiring a visa if their stay is less than 15 days, but if you are planning on staying in Vietnam for longer than 15 days you will need to obtain a visa extension in advance.
Keep the customs and immigration form you receive on arrival, as you need it to complete exit formalities on departure.
If your visa application asks for a point of contact, please write: Intrepid Vietnam 57A Nguyen Khac Hieu St, Hanoi, Vietnam Ph +84 4 3715 0996. - VIETNAM:
Australien: Ja – im Voraus
Belgien: Ja – im Voraus
Kanada: Ja – im Voraus
Deutschland: Ja – im Voraus
Irland: Ja – im Voraus
Niederlande: Ja – im Voraus
Neuseeland: Ja – im Voraus
Südafrika: Ja – im Voraus
Schweiz: Ja – im Voraus
Großbritannien: Ja – im Voraus
USA: Ja – im Voraus
Bei Beantragung Ihres Visas sollten Sie für die Bearbeitung drei Wochen einplanen. Kosten bewegen sich zwischen USD60 und USD100. Weitere Informationen erhalten Sie bei Ihrer Botschaft oder Ihrem Konsulat. Besitzer einiger Staatsangehörigkeiten benötigen bei einem Aufenthalt von weniger als 15 Tagen kein Visum. Sollten Sie sich aber länger als 15 Tage in Vietnam aufhalten, müssen Sie eine Visa Verlängerung im Voraus beantragen und erhalten.
Behalten Sie das Zoll- und Einreiseformular, welches Ihnen bei Einreise ausgehändigt wird, da Sie es für die Ausreiseformalitäten benötigen.
Falls Sie bei Beantragung Ihres Visums eine Kontaktperson angeben müssen, so geben Sie bitte folgendes an: Intrepid Vietnam 57A Nguyen Khac Hieu St, Vietnam, Telefon +84 4 3715 0996.
Shortlist
No trips.
Vietnam at a glance
- 39
- Hanoi (population 3 million)
- 90.5 million
- Vietnamese
- VND
- (GMT+07:00) Bangkok, Hanoi, Jakarta
- Type A (North American/Japanese 2-pin), Type C (European 2-pin)
- +84
Connect with Intrepid for travel inspiration, competitions & offers!