Q: When is the best time to travel Vietnam?
A: Vietnam climate and temperature are varied and different between regions. So there is no best time to travel Vietnam or any time is the best time to travel to Vietnam. You could travel Vietnam all year round. At any time of the year, climate is good in some regions while not so good in some other regions. You can always select a suitable tour.

 Q: Who is my guide?
A: We have a strong and multilingual guide team coming from all regions of the country. They are chosen for their professionalism, rich knowledge, commitment, personal ties with the country and region and ability to inspire and communicate with you. They will be your dedicated friends during and after your trip. Many of our customers still exchange email with them long after their trip.

Q: What about our meals and transportation?
A: We try our best to provide you a good selection on meals as well as safe and comfortable means of transportation.

Q: Are there any hidden cost you do not mention? What about tipping?
A: No, there are no other costs. Our price covers everything except personal expenses. Generally, tipping is not compulsory. If you are satisfied with your guides, drivers, a small gratuity is an appropriate way in which to show appreciation to them.

Q: It is safe to travel Vietnam?
A: Many may think Vietnam is unsafe to travel. But the fact is quite different, generally Vietnam is safe. However, you should exercise caution and use common sense to avoid incidences of personal misfortune. But do not worry, our guides will advise you what is “do and don’t” case by case.

Q: What about medical insurance?
A: It is advised that travelers should have some form of medical insurance before arriving in Vietnam. Although there are several international medical clinics in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, generally the country still lacks adequate medical care for serious illnesses and injuries, especially in other areas. Therefore, we advise that travelers have sufficient cover for emergency medical care as a precautionary measure.

DO's

Store your cash, credit cards, airline tickets and other valuables in a safe place. Most 4-star hotels have in-room safes, otherwise ask the reception to keep your valuable things in their deposit facility.

Take a hotel business card from the reception desk before venturing out from your hotel. This will make your return to the hotel in a taxi or cyclo much easier.

Carry a roll of toilet paper in your daypack on long excursions from your base hotel. You never know when you might need it!

Dress appropriately. Not only for the prevailing weather, 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 a little more relaxed. Do not wear revealing clothing.

If invited into a home, always remove your shoes at the front door when entering.

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

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 help to dehydrate you.

DON'T

Never carry more money than you need when walking around the streets. Do not wear large amounts of jewelry. There are two reasons for not doing this (1) It is considered impolite to flaunt wealth in public; (2) It is more likely that you may become a victim of a pickpocket or drive-by bag snatcher. Don't be paranoid about your security, just be aware of your surroundings.
Don't wear singlets, 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.

Avoid giving empty water bottles, sweets and candies or pens 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 the people have no access to dental health. If you want to give pens, ask your guide to introduce you to the local teacher and donate them to the whole community.

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

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.

Do not try to 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 the local people.

The above advice is meant to help you have a perfect trip to Vietnam. Do not be overly paranoid though. Generally, Vietnamese people are very appreciative if they see you trying to abide by the customs, and very forgiving if you get it wrong or forget. If you make the effort, you will be rewarded