Wander to Vietnam (Mar) – What to Expect

Wander to Vietnam

March 7th – 21st, 2024

It’s time to get excited!

Your exciting journey to Vietnam is on the horizon, and it’s sure to be a trip to remember. Please read the following document carefully as it contains important information to help you prepare for the adventure ahead. If you have any questions at all, simply let us know!

Entry Requirements

Passport Information

You will need a passport to travel to Vietnam. Your passport should be valid until at least November 2024 and it should have 2 full empty pages.

If you don’t have empty pages, please contact us and we will send you instructions for getting a new passport in time for the tour.

Visa Information

➜ Vietnam – Most travelers to Vietnam need a visa, however, citizens of the USA, Australia, New Zealand, and most European countries may easily obtain an “E-Visa” online. The process is very easy, takes about 15 minutes and costs approximately $25 USD. You should apply for your E-Visa 30 days prior to the tour. We will send out the detailed instructions to obtain the visa through the official government website once the dates get closer.

➜ Cambodia – If you’re joining the Cambodia extension, you’ll need a visa for Cambodia as well. Like Vietnam. Cambodia offers an “E-Visa” that’s simple to obtain online, costing approximately $42 USD. Detailed instructions for obtaining this visa will also be provided as the dates get closer.

Arrival / Departure Airport

Please note that for this tour you should arrive at the Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City and depart from the Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi, as these are the most convenient airports for this journey.

If you have booked the Cambodia extension, you can book your return flight from the Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI) on March 24th.

Immunizations

Currently neither Vietnam nor Cambodia require any specific immunizations to enter the country. However, it is always worthwhile to consult with a healthcare professional about any optional vaccinations that might be beneficial for you during the tour. These may include Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Typhoid, Cholera, Yellow Fever, Malaria and Meningitis.

Country Information

What Should You Expect?

Get ready to embark on an exciting 15-day adventure across Vietnam, an enchanting country where history and modernity meet, and nature’s beauty remains largely undisturbed. From the lively streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the stunning caves of Phong Nha National Park, our adventure promises to be as memorable as it is genuine. We’ll stroll through the historic charms of Hoi An, discover the ancient imperial wonders of Hue and take a traditional junk boat in Ha Long Bay’s jade-blue waters.

Vietnam’s got a heartbeat like no other, pulsing through its vibrant markets and cozy cafes filled with chatter. On this trip, we’ll interact with locals, learn phrases in Vietnamese, and savor recipes passed down through generations. This tour will immerse us in the local lifestyle, from the rhythm of the rice paddies to the handshake of a village elder, it’ll all be about the authentic day-to-day moments that make Vietnam truly unforgettable.

So get ready for a trip that shows off the country’s natural beauty and dives into a culture known for its strength and resilience. This trip will be about more than sightseeing, it’ll be about engaging your senses, thinking in new ways, and making memories that will last a lifetime. Vietnam is more than a destination – it’s an experience that will welcome you with open arms.

Accommodation

We’ll stay in 3* and 4* hotels, excellent guesthouses and a comfortable cruising boat on Vietnam’s most beautiful bay. Accommodation is mid-range and all rooms have a private bathroom. All of our hotels have air conditioning.

Transportation

During the trip, we’ll get around the country using a combination of comfortable vans and a couple of short domestic flights.

Luggage Allowance

For this tour we will take one inner flight from Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang, one from Dong Hoi to Hanoi and one from Hanoi to Siem Reap (for those who booked the Cambodia extension). For each flight you’re allowed one checked bag of up to 50 lbs (23 kg), one carry-on of up to 22 lbs (10 kg) (max size 22″x14″x9″), plus one small personal item that fits under the seat.

Food and Water

Tap water in both Vietnam and Cambodia is not ideal for drinking and you should always drink bottled water. It’s also best to use bottled water to brush your teeth.

All of the food provided during the tour will be completely safe to consume. Fruits and vegetables are always washed in filtered water, so the chances of getting a stomach bug are slim. Street food at popular markets and food stalls is also safe to eat. We would only suggest avoiding street food from vendors where the food appears to have been sitting out for a long time. Most street food is cooked fresh though, so this should rarely be an issue.

Money

➜ Vietnam: Vietnamese Dong (VND) – $1 USD = 24,275 VND.
➜ Cambodia: Cambodian Riel (KHR) – $1 USD = 4,115 KHR.

In terms of spending money, you should estimate an average of $15 – $25 USD per person per day for all of your needs. This would be for meals that are not included in the tour, basic purchases (laundry service, snacks, etc) as well as any activities you choose to do on your own.

As for exchanging money, the best method is via ATM machines which can be found in all cities. If using an ATM is not an option, or the fees are too high, simply bring USD or Euros to exchange at money exchange offices that are located in all of the big cities.

*Credit cards are commonly accepted in cities, hotels, and larger establishments. However, it’s important to note that in smaller local restaurants and traditional stores, cash remains the preferred payment method. Hence, it’s a good idea to have some cash on hand, especially in rural areas where card acceptance might be limited.

*While US dollars are somewhat accepted in the cities and tourist spots, it’s always better to carry Vietnamese Dongs for better exchange rates and to prevent potential overcharges.

Tipping

Tipping in Vietnam is not as common as in the West but in some cases it is appreciated. Here’s a general guideline:

➜ Restaurants – 5% – 10% if a service charge is not already added to the bill
➜ Hotel staff – $1 – $2 USD if someone helps you with luggage or anything else
➜ Our drivers – Your tour leader will collect tips for our drivers during the tour. This will be approximately $50 USD per person in total
➜ Tour leader – If you wish to tip your tour leader, they will always be greatly appreciative

*Tips for local guides and waitstaff at included meals are already included.

Safety

Both Vietnam and Cambodia are very safe destinations with friendly people and few real concerns. The chances of anything happening are very slim as long as you use the same common sense you would use at home.

➜ Watch your stuff – When wandering around crowded areas, it’s always a good idea to keep your wallet and phone in your front pocket or secured in a purse or backpack. The purse, backpack or shoulder bag should be hanging by your front hip, with zippers fastened. Keep in mind that when out and about each day, you may leave valuables in your room as the hotels we use are all very safe.

➜ Scams – While rare, local scams can occur. For instance, taxi drivers may attempt to overcharge you, so it’s advisable to always use Grab, the version of Uber in Southeast Asia. When using a tuktuk, always negotiate the fare upfront to avoid unexpected charges. Outside of some temples, when you’re not accompanied by a guide, you might be approached with offers to visit a temple (which doesn’t exist) or be told that a temple is closed, which often leads to an unnecessarily costly tuktuk journey. Additionally, be aware that some women may offer you a piece of bread as a “gift” and then try to charge you for it. Always trust your instincts, and if something feels off, it’s best to simply decline and continue.

Weather

During this trip, we can expect relatively consistent weather. March is an ideal time to visit this region of the world, characterized by pleasant temperatures without extreme heat and minimal rainfall. Here are the average temperatures of each destination we will visit:

➜ Ho Chi Minh City: 95F/35C high – 77F/25C low
➜ Hoi An: 82F/28C high – 72F/22C low
➜ Hue: 81F/27C high – 70F/21C low
➜ Khe Xanh: 84F/29C high – 73F/23C low
➜ Phong Nha: 77F/25C high – 68F/20C low
➜ Hanoi: 73F/23C high – 64F/18C low
➜ Ha Long Bay: 75F/24C high – 64F/18C low
➜ Siem Reap: 93F/34C high – 77F/25C low (for those joining the post-trip extension)

Facts About Vietnam

➜ Population: 97.47 million people
➜ Religion: Predominantly 75% of Vietnamese engage in folk traditions like ancestor veneration or praying to deities, with only 15% practicing Buddhism. Minorities of Catholics, Protestants, and followers of Cao Dai also exist.
➜ Languages: Vietnamese is the official language of Vietnam. While English is somewhat understood in tourist areas, it is less frequently spoken in local and rural communities.
➜ History: Vietnam’s history is characterized by long periods of Chinese rule, a century of French colonization, and significant conflict during the 20th century, yet it has remained an independent nation with a distinct cultural heritage.
➜ Politics: Vietnam is a socialist republic with a single-party system, governed by the Communist Party of Vietnam. The President, Vo Van Thuong, serves as the head of state, representing Vietnam on the international stage, while the Prime Minister, Pham Minh Chinh, is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the government.

Facts About Cambodia

➜ Population: 16.59 million people
➜ Religion: Predominantly 95% of Cambodians practice Buddhism. Minorities of Christians, Muslims and Jews also exist.
➜ Languages: Khmer is the official language of Cambodia. While English is somewhat understood in tourist areas, it is less frequently spoken in local and rural communities.
➜ History: Cambodia’s history is marked by the powerful Khmer Empire, French colonialism, and the tragic Khmer Rouge regime in the 20th century. Despite these challenges, Cambodia has maintained its unique cultural identity, with ancient Angkor Wat as a symbol of its glorious past.
➜ Politics: Cambodia is a constitutional monarchy with a multiparty system. The King, Norodom Sihamoni, serves as a symbolic figurehead, while real political power lies with the Prime Minister, Hun Manet, who gained power in 2023.

Clothing and Packing

In both Vietnam and Cambodia locals typically wear clothes similar to what you’d see in the West. As a result, you can wear whatever you’re comfortable in. However, when visiting temples and sacred places, it is required to cover your legs and wear shirts with at least short sleeves. You can purchase a sarong to wrap around your legs outside of some temples to ensure you’re dressed appropriately.

➜ Laundry – Laundry will be available at of our accommodations in the major cities and at local laundromats that offer same day service for around $10 per load.

We recommend packing the following items:

Pants (2-3 pairs – comfortable, lightweight)
Shirts (5-6 short-sleeve shirts, 1-2 long-sleeve shirts – loose fit, comfortable)
Shorts (4-5 pairs)
Swimsuit
Underwear/Socks
Shoes (sneakers/closed-toe) & Sandals
Rain Jacket
Warm Clothing (1-2 light sweaters for cooler nights)
Toiletries
Medicines (bring sufficient amounts of any medication you take)
Small Daypack
Gadgets & Chargers
Ear plugs (if you’re a light sleeper, bring a few pairs)
Sunglasses
Hat

The most important thing is that you don’t overpack as moving around Vietnam with your luggage can be tiresome and the less stuff you have, the more thankful you’ll be once the tour begins.

If you have any questions about other items you were thinking about bringing or not bringing, just send us an email and we’ll be happy to let you know if such an item is necessary for this trip.

Additional Information

Cameras/Drones

You may bring your camera bodies and lenses into both Vietnam and Cambodia as a tourist.

Although highly regulated, you may bring your drone into Vietnam. To do so, you must first register at the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) (page only available in Vietnamese). During registration, you’ll be required to provide specific details about your drone. Additionally, you’ll need to secure a daily permit that can cost between $350 to $700 USD per day, depending on the type of drone. Alongside this, a film permit from the Foreign Press Center of Vietnam is also mandatory.

You may also bring your drone into Cambodia. However, you must first get a permit from the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation of Cambodia. If you plan to fly your drone over Angkor Wat, you will also require a special permit from the Authority for the Protection and Management of Angkor and the Region of Siem Reap, which can cost up to $1,000 USD depending on the drone type.

Outlet Adapters

Electrical sockets in both Vietnam and Cambodia work with type A plugs (commonly used in the United States), as well as type C and F plugs, (commonly used in Europe). Therefore, if your devices have plugs from the US or Europe, you won’t need to purchase a separate adapter.

As for electricity, check your chargers to see if they say 110 – 230V If they do, you will not have any problems charging your device while on the tour.

Staying Connected

Vietnam has generally strong internet connection in the main cities and all of our accommodations will have WiFi. However, you can expect weaker connections in rural areas, with occasional poor connectivity. In general, the internet access will work and you’ll be able to do whatever you need to do online, but it might take longer than normal with the potentially spotty connection.

The easiest way to stay connected during the tour will be to purchase an E –SIM before the trip, as this will allow you to stay connected from the moment you land at the airport.

We can also set up local SIM cards upon arrival for those who wish. Just make sure you have a GSM-enabled unlocked phone in order to use a foreign SIM card.

Another option is to activate your home network’s ‘international plan’ which will allow you to continue using your phone as you would at home, with access to a data connection, for a fee that usually ranges from $5 – $10 per day.

Is There Any Free Time?

Yes! Most days will include time together as well as free time for you to enjoy the destination at your own pace. With that said, your tour leader will always be available to offer personal recommendations and suggestions as to things you might want to do or see, places to eat and other interesting activities that you might want to check out when there is free time.

WhatsApp Group

We will set up a WhatsApp chat 2 weeks prior to the start of the tour that will include all of the participants as well as your tour leader. This will allow everyone to get to know each other in advance, ask questions and communicate with your tour leader both before and during the tour. It will be very useful for you to have WhatsApp available to you during the tour as this will be the main method of communication.

That’s it for now and we hope you are continuing to get more and more excited about this incredible adventure, just as we are!

If you have any questions about anything, please reach out to team@wanderingearl.com