Central Vietnam 1, 2, 3 Dzoo!

Important notes:

Immigration process:

For visa-on-arrival: Present a valid passport and an entry letter (if any) to the customs officer for visa stamping.

For e-visa holders: Present your valid passport and e-visa (or a printed copy) at the immigration checkpoint. No stamp is required.

Weather:

• Best time to visit: With long periods of sunshine, clear blue skies, and many attractive festivals, the best time to visit Central Vietnam—Hue, Da Nang, and Hoi An—is during the dry season, which runs from February to June. From July to early October is also a good time to visit, as service costs are slightly lower than during the peak season, and the chance of rain or storms is relatively low. However, be prepared for hot and humid weather during this summer period. Late October to January is the rainy and stormy season, so if you’re traveling during this time, be prepared for potential weather-related disruptions to your itinerary.
• Pack Accordingly: Pack lightweight clothing for heat and a raincoat or umbrella for the rainy season.

Note when checking in for domestic flights in Vietnam:

• When checking in, please bring: Passport (valid for more than 06 months). For expatriates and foreigners entering with a separate visa, please bring your passport, visa, and customs declaration when traveling
• You should be at the airport 90 minutes before departure time and carry light luggage, not too bulky.
• Please bear the incurred costs and responsibility if you have a request to change the itinerary, flight date and time, or if there is incorrect information according to the regulations of the airlines.
• Do not leave sharp objects, knives, scissors, etc. or liquids in your hand luggage. All power banks should be placed in hand luggage.
• Self-consciously preserve your luggage during the trip (at hotels and attractions). Keep all important documents related to immigration procedures, such as airline tickets, passports, cash, and valuable personal items, in the safety box provided at your hotel. Avoid leaving them in your room or locking them in your suitcase in case of theft. Consider taking photos of all identification and important information to save on your phone for easy access if needed.
• Vietnam Lovely Travel will not be responsible if the carrier and aviation security refuse to transport due to error in the above information.
• Some order and details in the program may change to suit the objective situation (weather, traffic …).
• You should bring special medicine (according to a doctor’s prescription) if you are being treated for a chronic illness.

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. Yet, you should also bring a little cash to pay for services, shopping activities, dining demands,… 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 ask for your tour guide experiences.
• 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 ~ 24,000 – 25,000 VND (change cash in jewelry shop, the exchange rates are often better than in a bank or at the airport)
• QR code transfer: accepted in Vietnam
• Are credit cards accepted widely in Vietnam?

USD and 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.

Dining: Please inform the tour operator or tour guide in advance if you have any dietary requirements and/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 on your trip, 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.

Accommodation:

• Check-in from about 14.00 to 15.00 (can be later in the weekend day, peak season or at 5-star accommodation) and check-out before from about 11.00 to 12.00.
• Early check-in & late check-out will be confirmed according to room availability at that time and the hotel charges.
• Amenities: toothbrush, towel, hair comb, iron, etc., are available in all hotels.

Laundry: You may get better rates outside the hotels, but be careful with expensive clothes, as outside services can sometimes harm the quality of your clothes.

Shopping: At local markets, you can bargain for 10-30% off when buying local goods.

Safety: For safety, keep your pocket/purse in front of you in crowded places.

Time schedule:

• Normal office working time or opening time in Vietnam: 8am-5pm (Mon to Fri); Sat: most offices close
• Shops/restaurants/theaters are mostly opening: 8am-10pm everyday. In Sapa, the closing time at some shops/restaurants may be earlier, around 9 p.m.

Is tipping compulsory in Vietnam?

Tipping isn’t mandatory or customary in Vietnam, but a small tip is appreciated by restaurant staff, drivers, and other service workers, especially if the service was particularly good.