VIETNAM FAQ’s

Vietnam GMT +7 hrs.

Vietnamese dong

As the country is long and thin, it has three distinct climatic areas.

North Vietnam (Hanoi, Halong Bay &NinhBinh)

Hanoi and North Vietnam has distinct winter and summer seasons. The cool but mostly dry winter lasts from November to April when temperatures average 17-22°C. Summer lasts from May to October when it is hot and humid and the region experiences its highest rainfall. July to September are often the wettest months of the year.

Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Danang, Hue)

Central Vietnam’s summer season lasts from January until the end of August. The weather is hot and dry, with temperatures between 21°C and 35°C. Conditions between September and December are much wetter, although temperatures remain balmy. Hue is often cooler than Hoi An, especially early in the year.

South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta)

Southern Vietnam’s hot and dry season starts in November and finishes at the end of April, with temperatures often reaching 30°C. Rain falls between May and early November, but the weather still remains warm, usually between 25°C and 32°C. Throughout much of the wet season rainfall is generally heavy but short lasting, often occurring in a mid-afternoon heavy downpour.

We recommend checking up-to-date weather forecasts before you travel.

Dress for our tours is generally relaxed and informal during the day, dressing to suit the weather conditions and the activity you are undertaking. It’s likely there will be occasions when exploring you’ll be walking on uneven surfaces, so we recommend sturdy and comfortable walking shoes. Wearing layers of clothing means it’s much easier to deal with potentially varied weather conditions and it’s always advisable to carry a waterproof. Any included evening dinners are also informal, with smart casual dress being the norm. We would also recommend taking good insect repellent, a high factor sun-screen lotion and a hat for protection from the sun.

Mekong Cruise

The dress code on board our Mekong cruise is relaxed and casual, with no requirement for formal attire.

Unlike the UK, tipping is very much a way of life in most Asian countries and we have included a number of gratuities into your tour. Tipping for your Tour Manager and drivers are not included.

Tipping is always discretionary, however if you are happy with the service provided, we would suggest the following amounts.

UK Tour Manager

£3.00 – £5.00 per person per day

Local Tour Manager

$4.00 USD per person per day

Vietnam Local Guide

$3.00 USD per person per day

Driver

$2.00 USD per person per day

In restaurants tip 5%-10% for good service, if at a bar, round up your bill, or leave loose change. If you go for a massage, or spa then $5 – $10 USD, in Vietnam, of 10%-20% of your bill in Cambodia for your therapist is good practice. Round up the fare for taxi drivers and add on a few dollars to tip to cyclo (rickshaw) drivers.

Pandaw Mekong Cruise
The majority of gratuities are included for your Pandaw cruise. This includes the ship managers, dining, sailors and housekeeping staff. Should you wish, additional tips can be offered at the end of the cruise. Tips for any on-shore excursions utilizing tuk-tuks etc are not included. We recommend $1-$2 USD per person.

AuCo & Le Regina Legend Cruises
Gratuities are shared among the cruise team and a tip box is usually located by the front desk. We recommend around £3.00 per person.

Indo China Private Tours / All Holiday Extensions

Local Guide

$10.00 USD per person per day

Driver

$5.00 USD per person per day

The following information on entry requirements, passports and visas is for British citizens only. Holders of a British Subject passport, non-British citizens and holders of a passport endorsed in any way should check immigration requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate of the country to be visited, as should clients with dual nationality or renounced citizenship.

A valid ten-year British passport is required for all holidays, valid for a minimum of 6 months after your return date to the UK. If you are not currently in possession of a valid passport, please make sure you leave plenty of time before your holiday to apply for this document. Our recommendation is that you should apply at least three months before your holiday.

From 15th August 2023, British Nationals may enter Vietnam for up to 45 days without needing to apply for a visa.

For more information on passport information and entry requirements please visit the Government Passport Office website www.gov.uk/browse/abroad/passports and the Foreign Office website: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

Please note entry requirements may change and it is your responsibility to ensure you are in possession of all necessary travel, passport, visa and other entry requirements before departure. All costs incurred in obtaining such documentation must be paid by you. We regret we cannot accept any liability if you are refused entry onto any transport or into any country due to failure on your part to obtain and carry all required documentation.

Health facilities, hygiene and disease risks vary worldwide and may change at any time. You should take health advice from your GP or local travel clinic about your specific needs as early as possible and ensure that vaccinations or preventative measures are taken early enough (which may be a month or more prior to departure) to be fully effective by the date of travel.

We also suggest referring to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) website, https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice  and the NHS Travel Vaccinations website, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/travel-vaccinations/