Vietnam and Indochina Travel FAQs: Essential Information for Global Travelers
Vietnam & Indochina Travel FAQs: Essential Information for Global Travelers Having the right information is one of visitors’ top priorities when planning a perfect holiday. Indochina Travel Group considers your peace of mind the foundation of a wonderful journey in Vietnam and across Southeast Asia. If you have any questions about your trip preparation or need necessary details, please explore our answers below to ensure a smooth, well-prepared, and unforgettable experience.
Vietnam is a straightforward destination for many international travellers, but normal precautions still matter. Traffic, petty theft, weather, health preparation and local laws can affect a trip. Check the current official travel advice for your nationality before departure and follow local warnings and operator instructions during the journey.
Yes, most international tourists are required to obtain a visa before arriving in Vietnam. While citizens of certain countries enjoy visa exemptions ranging from 15 to 45 days, others must apply for a visa. You can easily apply for a 90-day Vietnam E-Visa online. For travellers who require a visa, check the current official Vietnam Immigration guidance and use the official eVisa system where eligible. Vietnam eVisas can be valid for up to 90 days and may be issued for single or multiple entry.
The cost depends on the route, travel dates, hotel and room type, group size, transport format and the services included. Compare the written quotation rather than relying on one daily budget or a promise of the “best rate”. Fixed holiday dates, selected cruises, family rooms, specialist guides and larger groups may benefit from earlier planning, but availability should be checked for the exact trip.
The Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the official currency. Cards work at many hotels, restaurants and larger businesses, while VND cash remains useful for smaller vendors, markets and places where international cards are not accepted. Use banks, airport counters or other clearly authorised exchange services, compare the displayed rate and fees, and keep a second payment method available.
Payment terms depend on the confirmed quotation and the services being booked. Check the deposit, balance due date, payment method, amendment and cancellation conditions shown in your written quotation and the applicable Terms & Conditions rather than assuming one fixed deposit or pay-on-arrival rule.
Guide services are included on the days and destinations stated in the confirmed itinerary. Some days may be guided, while others may be transfer-only or free time. If another language is required, ask before confirmation so availability and any additional cost can be checked for the exact dates.
Dietary options vary by destination, hotel and restaurant. Vegetarian food is widely available in many places, while vegan, Halal, gluten-related and allergy requirements need more specific checking. Tell ITG about dietary requirements before confirmation so relevant suppliers can be asked about ingredients, meal format and preparation limits; severe allergies require especially clear communication and cannot be guaranteed by a general cuisine label.
Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay overnight cruises primarily serve fresh local seafood, traditional Vietnamese cuisine, and international buffet or Western set menus. If you have specific dietary restrictions, allergies, or require vegetarian meals, please inform us in advance. Our team coordinates directly with the cruise chefs to prepare customized, high-quality dining experiences that meet your exact needs.
You can find vibrant nightlife, pubs, and premium bars in the central tourist districts of these major cities. * In Hanoi: Explore the Old Quarter around Ta Hien Street, or visit premium spots like Twilight Sky Bar, Smack Dab, and Mojito Bar & Lounge.
In Ho Chi Minh City: Bui Vien Street offers a lively atmosphere, while upscale rooftop venues include Chill Skybar, Glow Skybar, and EON Heli Bar.
In Da Nang: Bach Dang Street features excellent riverside venues such as The 1920’s Lounge, Eclat Cafe & Bar, and Poolside Bar.
In Siem Reap (Cambodia): Pub Street is the central hub, featuring popular spots like The Local – Brew Pub, Naga Bar, and Prive Bar and Lounge.
You can enjoy a free day in Hanoi by exploring its rich cultural heritage, historical sites, and world-famous street food. Consider taking a traditional cyclo tour through the Old Quarter, joining a free walking tour to observe local life, or walking peacefully around Hoan Kiem Lake. Culinary enthusiasts should taste local specialties that are unique to Hanoi, such as authentic Pho or the famous Egg Coffee.
You can enjoy a free day in Ho Chi Minh City by discovering its dynamic mix of history, shopping, and entertainment. You can stroll down the vibrant Nguyen Hue Walking Street, visit the renowned Book Street, or enjoy the architecture of the Saigon Opera House. For shopping, you can explore modern malls featuring international brands or visit traditional local markets for authentic Vietnamese products.
Changes or extensions after confirmation may be possible, but they depend on supplier availability, the booking stage and the amendment or cancellation terms attached to the confirmed services. Send the requested change as early as possible so ITG can check the operational and cost impact before anything is amended.
There is no single best month for every Vietnam route. Weather patterns differ between the north, Central coast, south, islands and mountain areas, and short-range conditions can matter more than a month label for cruises, beaches and mountain roads.
Northern Vietnam: Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long, Sapa and Ha Giang can have very different temperatures, fog, rain and mountain conditions on the same dates.
Central Vietnam: Hue, Da Nang and Hoi An can face stronger late-year rain and storm disruption, while heat and beach conditions vary across the rest of the year.
Southern Vietnam and Phu Quoc: warm conditions are common, but rainfall, sea state and island wind still affect the day. Match the route to your dates and check the current forecast close to travel.
Walking, app-booked cars, taxis and pre-arranged transfers can all be useful depending on the city, distance and traveller. Availability, vehicle type, fare display and payment support vary by location and account. For motorbike transport, traffic exposure and helmet or insurance requirements should be considered before choosing it; do not assume an app booking makes every journey suitable for every traveller.
A room or hotel upgrade may be possible when the requested category is available and the booking terms allow the change. Ask ITG to check the revised room type, rate difference and any amendment conditions before treating the upgrade as confirmed.
You can apply for a Vietnam visa through three main methods:
E-visa: Simply fill out the official online form, pay the government fee, and receive your electronic visa online.
Other visa routes: If you are not eligible for visa-free entry or the standard eVisa route, follow the current instructions from Vietnam Immigration or the relevant Vietnamese diplomatic mission. Do not rely on old visa-on-arrival approval-letter procedures for a normal tourist trip.
Visa at the Embassy: Bring your passport and photos to the nearest Vietnamese Embassy in your home country to request a visa. The embassy will inform you of the exact processing rate.
Private journeys, designed by local experts
Planning a Trip to Indochina?
Let Our Local Travel Experts Help.
Share your travel ideas with our Hanoi-based team. We will create a
personalized itinerary shaped around your interests, travel pace,
preferred comfort and budget.
✓100% tailor-made private itineraries
✓Experienced local specialists and on-ground support
