Jeep & Joy: Saigon Past & Present

Important notes:

Weather:

Vietnam’s unique geography creates a range of weather patterns, with both tropical and temperate zones. The best weather nationwide is from March to May, so if you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, consider visiting during this time for the most enjoyable weather.

📍 Regional Weather Guide

• Southern Vietnam: Southern Vietnam has a tropical climate, so it stays warm all year round — typically from 25°C to 35°C.

Recommended travel time: November – April

• HCM City:
• May to November: Sporadic rainfall, hot, humid
• December to April: Clear skies, hot, sunny

📍 Pack Accordingly: Pack lightweight clothing for hot weather and a raincoat or umbrella for the rainy season.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling in Vietnam?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Vietnam Lovely Travel are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your tour guide 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.

Money matters:

When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveler is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while traveling.

• Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the currency of Vietnam.
• ATMs: Check if your card is compatible with local ATMs before traveling to Vietnam. Using an ATM card will help ensure safety during your travel. However, you should also bring a small amount of cash for services, shopping, meals, etc., when needed.
• Scam alert: Be careful of street vendors and local markets using similar colors of 500,000 VND and 20,000 VND bills to scam visitors.
• Counterfeit money: There are some counterfeit banknotes in circulation in Vietnam, particularly for the 500,000 VND, the biggest Vietnam currency note, so you should only exchange money at reputable places or consult your tour guide for advice.
• Keep small bills on hand: Many vendors and small businesses may not have change for larger denominations, so it’s helpful to keep smaller bills on hand.
• Notify your bank: If you plan to use your credit or debit card in Vietnam, notify your bank beforehand to avoid any issues with your account being flagged for suspicious activity.
• USD to VND current exchange rate: 1 USD ~ 25,000 – 26,000 VND (change cash in jewelry shops, the exchange rates are often better than in a bank or at the airport).
• QR code payment: widely accepted in many urban areas in Vietnam.
• Are credit cards accepted widely in Vietnam?

USD and Major credit cards are widely accepted at large shops, hotels and restaurants in Vietnam. However, smaller vendors, family-run eateries, markets, and rural areas may only accept cash. Carry enough cash for as a backup, especially outside cities.

Dining: Please inform your operator or guide in advance if you have any dietary restrictions or food allergies.

Phone and internet access:

• With the modern world you may want to bring along tablets or smartphones for the children to document their adventure – there are a wide variety of apps out there which we suggest downloading before you depart. There will be opportunities to charge (just make sure you bring the correct adapter) and there will be wi-fi available in most of the hotels/restaurants on the tour, although it will probably not be at the speeds you are used to at home and it won’t be available everywhere.
• E-sim can be a good option for you (less than 10 USD/sim card)

Electricity and adapter: 220V – 50Hz. If you are using different ones, our local guide can help you buy an adapter for not more than 1 USD.

Shopping: At local markets, bargaining is common and expected. You can often negotiate 10–30% off the initial price for local goods.

Safety: To protect your belongings, always keep your bag or purse in front of you, especially in crowded areas.

Business Hours:

• Offices: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Monday to Friday). Most are closed on Saturdays.
• Shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues: Typically, open from 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily.

Is tipping compulsory in Vietnam?

Tipping is not mandatory or a common custom in Vietnam. However, it is greatly appreciated by service staff—such as waiters, hotel porters, drivers, and tour guides—especially when they provide exceptional service. Even a small tip can make a big difference and is considered a gesture of kindness and respect.