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.

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 – 230 V. If they do, you will not have any problems charging your device while on the tour.

Vietnam is a welcoming country with a rich culture, and while it is generally safe for travelers, it’s important to remain mindful of your surroundings and exercise common sense during your visit. While the country is generally safe, it’s important to remain mindful of your surroundings and exercise common sense during your visit. Always keep an eye on your belongings: avoid placing wallets or phones in your back pockets, carry purses or shoulder bags securely in front of you, and ensure backpacks are zipped up. Rest assured, our accommodations are reliable and secure, so you can confidently leave your belongings in your room while you’re out exploring. Crossing the street can be quite an adventure due to the heavy flow of motorbikes. To cross safely, walk at a steady pace without sudden stops, allowing drivers to anticipate your movements and navigate around you. By following these simple precautions, you can fully enjoy your adventure in Vietnam with peace of mind.

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. February 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: 91F/33C high – 73F/23C low
Hoi An: 79F/26C high – 68F/20C low
Hue: 73F/23C high – 63F/17C low
Phong Nha: 75F/24C high – 68F/20C low
Hanoi: 72F/22C high – 61F/16C low
Ha Long Bay: 84F/29C high – 64F/18C low
Siem Reap: 91F/33C high – 73F/23C low (for those joining the post-trip extension)

Clothing Requirements

In 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.

Packing

We recommend packing the following items:

Pants (1-2 pairs – comfortable, lightweight)
Shirts (5-6 short-sleeve shirts, 1-2 long-sleeve shirts)
Shorts (4-5 pairs)
Swimsuit
Underwear and socks
Shoes (comfortable walking shoes or sneakers) & Sandals
Rain Jacket
Warm clothing (1-2 light jackets for cooler nights)
Toiletries
Medications (bring enough of any prescription medicines you take)
Small daypack (for daily excursions)
Gadgets and chargers
Earplugs (helpful if you’re a light sleeper, especially during camping)
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.

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.