Most nationalities need a visa to enter Vietnam. Some nationalities are exempt from visas for a stay of a maximum of 15 days. An e-visa is available for some nationalities and is valid for a single entry for a maximum of 90 days. For more information, please visit the government of Vietnam’s website or the Essential Trip Information.   

 
To enter Vietnam, you may also need: 

• A passport issued within the past ten years 

• A passport valid for at least six months beyond departure 

• Proof of onward or exit travel 

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their adventure. Your leader will record your travel insurance details on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of healthcare around the world, travel insurance is an essential part of every journey.

Learn more about travel insurance

While tipping isn't mandatory in Vietnam, leaving 5-10% of the bill at restaurants is becoming more customary. If you’re happy with the services provided by waiters, drivers and other service workers, leaving a small tip is a good way to show your appreciation.  

Note: The Vietnamese Dong is made up of bills and no coins. You will often use plastic bills (higher amounts), while paper bills are very low in worth and essentially like coins. When tipping, only leave plastic bills; leaving paper bills can be considered rude. 

What you pack will depend on when you travel!  

While the tropical climate lends itself to layered, breathable clothing all year round, if you are taking a tour in the north, cold winters mean you might need to bring a fleece or jacket. 

When packing, be aware that dress standards are conservative throughout Asia, especially outside major cities. To respect this and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.  

It is generally not safe to drink the tap water in Vietnam. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water instead. Your leader will periodically provide filtered water and you can always ask them where additional filtered water can be found. It's also advisable to avoid ice in drinks; however, if a restaurant or shop has ice with a hole through the centre, it means it was made with factory-filtered ice and is OK to drink. It is also recommended to peel fruits and veggies before eating. 

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.

You will 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.

The standard toilet in Vietnam is a squat toilet, although Western-style toilets can be found in hotels and tourist areas. It's highly recommended to carry toilet paper or tissues with you, as they are not always provided. 

The LGBQTIA+ community is gradually gaining recognition in Vietnam, with gay pride parades becoming a regular occurrence and a lift on same-sex marriage bans in 2015. With that said, Vietnam is still a conservative culture and many still hide their sexuality from their families. Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi have some gay-friendly bars and events. It's generally recommended that both gay and straight couples resist showing public displays of affection.  

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting Equaldex before you travel.

Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travellers seriously and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure:

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to: Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to: UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to: Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to: US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Yes, all Intrepid trips support The Intrepid Foundation. In Vietnam, we partner with Blue Dragon Children's Foundation, Save Vietnam's Wildlife and Vun Art. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar matching all traveller donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Blue Dragon Children's Foundation

Blue Dragon Children's Foundation is helping disadvantaged youth in Vietnam, fighting the causes of human trafficking and (where possible) reuniting homeless or trafficked children with their families. Donations help their team of social workers, psychologists, teachers and lawyers to offer individualised support to every child rescued.

Learn more or make a donation

Save Vietnam's Wildlife

Save Vietnam's Wildlife are on a mission to protect critical animal ecosystems and rescue, rehabilitate and release animals trafficked for illegal wildlife trade. Donations help secure wildlife habitats and support their rescue centres which provide medical care, food and shelter for animals confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade.

Learn more or make a donation

Vun Art

Vun Art empowers people with disabilities in Vietnam through vocational training and employment opportunities. They teach traditional folk painting using recycled materials which provides job opportunities, helps to preserve the ancient artform and cares for the local environment all at once. Donations support Vun Art's capacity-building programs for people with disabilities, including trainees' allowance, transportation and equipment.

Learn more or make a donation

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Despite having a high population of people with disabilities, accessible infrastructure and facilities are still limited in Vietnam. Chaotic traffic and pavements blocked by parked motorbikes and street stalls, uneven footpaths and high curbs add to the challenges of getting around for travellers with mobility or vision disabilities. Most entrances to hotels, shops, restaurants and tourist sites will have steps and many doorways will not be able to accommodate wheelchairs wider than 60cm. Some sights and destinations will not be fully accessible (ie. Ha Long Bay boats, Cu Chi Tunnels) but other places such as Hoi An are flat and much more wheelchair-friendly. There are likely to be situations where travellers with disabilities may need to rely on local people to help. Taxis are readily available and an affordable way to get around for travellers who are not confident in exploring independently on foot.