Frequently Asked Questions About Vietnam Travel and Tourism
- Who is More Fun Travel?
- What should I pack?
- What's included?
- What's not Included?
- I'm traveling to Vietnam, what should I do to have a good trip and how can I save money?
- When is the best time to travel in Vietnam?
- We have Life insurance; do we need to buy Travel Insurance?
- Can I drive a car in Vietnam?
- How about tipping in Vietnam? When should we tip?
- Do you have any suggestions about giving gifts?
- Do I face language problems? Can I get by speaking English?
- Can I pay by credit card in Vietnam?
- Is it better to use dollars or dong for daily expenses?
- Where can I exchange currency?
- Should I take my money in cash or travelers' cheques?
- What sort of souvenirs are available to bring home?
Who is More Fun Travel?
Based in Hanoi, Vietnam, More Fun Travel is a local travel agency operating as an inbound and outbound tour operator.
We are an industry leader in small group travel to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. We provide quality experiences by:
- Delivering what we sell. Our office staff and guides are part of the same team. We provide personalized service from the point of sale to the conclusion of the tour.
- Expert Knowledge. Our More Fun Travel Company is staffed by professional guides with an intimate knowledge of Indochina.
- Designing and delivering tour programs for international tour operators, special interest groups and corporations.
What should I pack?
This will depend on your personal preferences, where you are traveling, and on the time of year. It is advisable to bring at least one 'smart' outfit for special evenings. Please note that some churches/places of worship require covered shoulders and in some cases, knee length shorts/skirts. Always pack enough clothes and wear pieces that you feel comfortable in. Items that are casual and lightweight, requiring little or no ironing are recommended.
What's Included?
All More Fun tours include accommodation, transportation, an experienced driver/leader and all park entrance fees. Each tour also includes some activities while on tour. Read each tour description for more information.
What's Not Included?
Meals, accommodation before or after the tour, optional activities, and gratuities for the guide are not included in the price of the tour.
I'm traveling to Vietnam, what should I do to have a good trip and how can I save money?
If you wish to have a pleasant trip and free of care, no way is better than traveling through a tour company. You just only tell us your requirements, your interests, your trip's budget; we will arrange for you a good trip. Your main task is now: Enjoy your mean time with experience real Vietnam by your own way. You do not have to lose time for finding transportation to go somewhere you want; you do not have to spend time on finding hotel rooms to stay, restaurant to eat, think of where to visit and how to know the best about that place?
In fact, some tourists have face with many troubles relate to the above elements because they are strangers in a strange country. That takes them lots of time and makes their trip unmemorable.
However, you can save money because when you use the packaged services, the cost is not as high as detail services. And if you book hotel rooms, then transportation, then tour guide, and eat yourselves...the total cost is much higher than packaged services.
When is the best time to travel in Vietnam?
There is no good and bad time to travel to Vietnam. When the region is wet, cold or steaming hot, there is always somewhere else that is sunny and pleasant. From October to April is winter and spring in Vietnam. In the Northern, it is cool. It is the most suitable time for international visitors to come to Vietnam because this is the time for flowers to bloom and especially to enjoy the boisterous atmosphere of Tet in Vietnam. From December to January is the coldest time of the year. The average temperature from 12-16º C.
We have Life insurance; do we need to buy Travel Insurance?
The holiday season is here again! Before you take off for that long awaited and exciting trip to the Viet Nam, make sure you have everything ready: Passport, camera, toothbrush... ...and don't forget your travel insurance. For those of you who are not familiar, here's a quick guide to understanding your travel insurance needs and to getting the right package for your trip. Although you may have medical insurance in your own country, it is probably not valid while you are in Vietnam. So, it takes times when you come back your country & make declaration.
Can I drive a car in Vietnam?
If you plan to do any driving while you are abroad, get an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your local Automobile Association or motor vehicle department before you leave. In many countries, these are valid for only one year, so there is no sense getting one too far in advance of your departure. However, some countries will issue IDPs that remain valid for several years - it depends on where you live. Make sure your license states that it is valid for motorcycles if you plan to ride one.
In Vietnam, you can drive. It is recommended for you to rent a car in Tourist Company because it is safe. And you can have thoughtful care from the driver. Tourists who are not used to the traffic in Vietnam find it difficult to drive.
How about tipping in Vietnam? When should we tip?
Tipping is not expected in Vietnam, but will be greatly appreciated. Smart hotels and restaurants nowadays add a 10-15% service charge (which should be indicated on the bill) but else where it's up to you. It's a good idea to tip guides, drivers and anyone else that has provided good service.
Do you have any suggestion about giving gifts?
Giving small gifts to those who have performed a special service or with whom you have a working relationship is greatly appreciated. Anything from your local area, such as cakes, sweets, chinaware or photo books or calendars, is a good idea. Otherwise, inexpensive make-up, perfume, jeweler and pretty toiletries go down well with women, while men will prefer pens, cigarette lighters, imported cigarettes, whisky or other spirits and car/biking magazines. For children, obviously small toys such as inflatable playground balls and skipping ropes are popular and easy to transport. Or how about drawing books/pads of paper and pencils or crayons, erasers, model cars, small-size T-shirts and other clothes.
When presenting gifts, don't expect effusive thanks, as this isn't Vietnamese style. Whatever their reaction, you can be sure that the gift was appreciated.
Do I face language problems? Can I get by speaking English?
Everyone in Vietnam seems to be learning English. Standards are relatively high considering the country has only been open for just over a decade. Most young people and many of those working in the tourist industry speak sufficient English to communicate at a basic level. You'll find more and better English-speakers in the south - a legacy of the American presence - but even here don't expect to find English spoken at small restaurants, in markets or anywhere off the tourist trail. For such situations it will help to have a basic phrasebook.
People over 60 years old, especially in the north speak wonderfully old-fashioned French. Other northerners might speak Russian or German, depending where they were sent to be educated or as "guest workers".
Though you will certainly be able to get by in English, it's worth learning a few Vietnamese phrases before you go. The pronunciation is a bit tricky, but otherwise Vietnamese is not a particularly complicated language. A few standard phrases (such as hello, thank you, how much is it? and goodbye) always go down well. It will also help if you learn the numbers, though this can be circumvented by asking people to write down prices, times etc...
Can I pay by credit card in Vietnam?
Major credit cards (Visa, American Express, JCB, MasterCard, and Dinner's Club) are gradually becoming more widely accepted in Vietnam, particularly in Hanoi and HCMC. All top level and many mid-level hotels accept them, as do a growing number of restaurants and up market shops catering to the tourist trade. But watch out for the extra taxes they wrap on when using a credit card - these can amount to an additional 5 percent. Outside the major cities you will have to rely on cash and travelers' cheques.
Cash advances on credit cards are available at the central Vietcombank in Hanoi, HCMC and other major cities, for which you will be charged around 3 %. Hanoi and HCMC also boast 24hr ATMs where you can withdraw cash on MasterCard, Visa and other cards in the Cirrus/Plus networks. In Hanoi, go to the ANZ Bank beside Hoan Kiem Lake; in HCMC both ANZ Bank and HKSB have ATMs.
Is it better to use dollars or dong for daily expenses?
Despite government attempts to outlaw the practice, the US$ still acts as an alternative currency which is almost completely interchangeable with the dong. Many prices, especially for hotels, tours and expensive restaurants, are still quoted in US$, though you can pay in dong if you'd rather - just check what exchange rate they're using.
For everyday expenses, I recommend carrying a mix of US$ cash and dong. For larger items (hotel bills, train tickets, etc.) or when the exchange rate works in your favor, use dollars. For cyclos, local food stalls and small purchases, it's best to use dong. In either case, make sure you always have a stock of small notes so that you don't have to worry about change.
Where can I exchange currency?
You can change cash and travelers' cheques at exchange desks in big hotels and at authorized foreign exchange banks in the main cities. Among the banks, Vietcombank usually offers the best exchange rates and charges the lowest commission (around 1-2%). Note that commission rates are slightly lower if changing travelers' cheques into dong rather than dollars. Vietcombank does not levy commission when changing dollars cash into dong, though some other banks do. It's worth bearing in mind that you get a slightly better exchange rate for $100 and $50 notes than for smaller denominations. When cashing travelers' cheques you may be asked for your passport, though this practice seems to be dying out.
Outside the main cities and tourist areas, authorized foreign exchange banks are few and far between. So if you're heading off the beaten path, stock up with enough cash (dollars and dong) to last the trip. Wherever you are, you'll always find someone willing to change dollars cash into dong, though rates will vary.
Should I take my money in cash or travelers' cheques?
Vietnam's official currency is the dong, which cannot be purchased outside Vietnam. The main banks in Hanoi and HCMC can handle a fairly broad range of currencies nowadays, but the dollar is still the most widely accepted. I therefore recommend taking a combination of US$ cash and US$ travelers' cheques, with the bulk in travelers' cheques for safety. American Express, Visa and Thomas Cook cheques are the most recognized brands. It's a good idea to arrive with at least some small denomination dollar bills ($1s, $5s and $10s) to get you from the airport into town and to a bank. Even if they're open, the airport exchange desks offer unfavorable rates. If you do bring dollars cash into Vietnam, make sure they are not badly tattered as they may be refused.
What sort of souvenirs are available to bring home?
Vietnam has a good variety of lightweight, transportable souvenirs. You'll find them on sale in all the main tourist areas, though Hanoi and HCMC probably offer the greatest variety.
Silk is probably high on most people's list, either tailored or as uncut cloth. Hoi An, in central Vietnam, has become the place to get clothes made, but you'll also find good tailors in Hanoi along Hang Gai and in HCMC. Beautifully embroidered cottons are another popular choice, as are printed T-shirts in a whole range of designs.
Traditional craft items include lacquer ware, items decorated with mother-of-pearl inlay, conical hats, carvings made of cinnamon and camphor wood, bronze Buddhist bells and musical instruments. A water puppet also makes a nice memento. Fabrics from the various ethnic minorities are either sold in lengths or made into bags, purses or skullcaps. Minority groups in the south produce wonderful basketry and bamboo pipes.
Vietnam has a thriving fine arts scene, with some artists commanding substantial sums, though you need to be wary of fakes. Galleries in Hanoi, HCMC, Hue and Hoi An also show works by lesser-known artists at more affordable prices. Look out also for lovely, hand-painted greetings cards.
Note that export restrictions apply to all items deemed to be of "cultural or historical significance", including works of art and anything over 50 years old. To take any such item out of the country you'll need an export license. Even if it's a modern reproduction it might be worth getting clearance anyway, since customs officials aren't necessarily very discriminating.
