FAQ

Our Most Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I make payments on-site? Which currencies are accepted?

International cards such as Visa or Mastercard are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants. However, please note that Vietnamese banks may apply an additional commission of 3% to 4% for this type of payment.

You can also pay in euros or USD at some businesses in major cities (hotels, restaurants, etc.). However, for small expenses, it is more advantageous to have Vietnamese Dong (VND). You can easily exchange currency at banks, jewelry shops, or even at your hotel. You can also withdraw VND from ATMs.

2. When and how is the balance of the trip paid?

As for the balance payment, you can settle it in one of the following ways:

  • In cash upon your arrival. We accept US dollars and Euros (USD/EUR exchange rate calculated on the day of payment). However, we do not accept defaced or excessively old banknotes. We kindly ask you to obtain new bills from your bank to avoid any inconveniences during your trip.

  • By credit card upon your arrival at our office (using our credit card terminal). In this case, there is an additional fee of 3% for our bank if you pay with Visa or Mastercard and 4% for payments with Amex. Payment is made in the local currency.

  • By bank transfer: We request that you complete this transfer no later than 10 days before your departure. This is to ensure that the balance of your trip is credited to our account before the start of your journey

3. What are the payment terms?

To make the deposit payment, you have two options:

  • Bank transfer: Our account details are provided in the travel invoice.
  • Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) through our bank's secure website. This payment method includes insurance as part of the card services (cancellation insurance, medical coverage, repatriation, etc.). However, please note that you will incur additional fees for our bank with this option: 3% extra on the deposit if you pay with Visa or Mastercard, and 4% extra on the deposit if you pay with American Express. Payment is made in the local currency."
4. When is the deadline for booking the trip?

We do not impose a deadline for booking, but it is advisable that you book both the flight tickets and the tour as early as possible. In fact, the earlier we make the reservations, the better the services, considering that the best providers may have limited availability. Therefore, our clients often book their trips 4-6 months in advance.

5. Which airline operates domestic flights, and what is the baggage weight allowance?

You will be traveling with Vietnam Airlines or Bamboo Airways, the two best airlines in the country. We do not offer low-cost airlines to ensure a smooth experience on-site.

Regarding baggage, you will have 7 to 12 kilograms of carry-on luggage and 20 to 23 kilograms of checked baggage, depending on the chosen airline. Each extra kilogram will cost you from 3 to 5 USD, payable directly during your check-in.

6. Am I exempt from the visa requirement? If not, how can I obtain it?

If you are a citizen of the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Poland, the Czech Republic, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, or Belarus, you can enter Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days. Switzerland, Poland, and the Czech Republic have a special exemption from March 1 to December 31, 2025 for organized tours.

If you are from the US, Australia, Canada, or New Zealand, you must obtain a visa before arrival. The E-Visa (valid for up to 90 days) is the easiest option, available online in 3-5 days. Visa on Arrival (VOA) requires a pre-approval letter, or you can apply at a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate.

To avoid issues, apply early, ensure your passport is valid for 6+ months, and have proof of onward travel. The E-Visa is recommended for convenience. Please contact us for visa assistance.

7. Is it easy to find a restaurant for meals on our own? How much should I budget for a lunch/dinner?

Yes, you will have no trouble finding a restaurant. Our selected hotels are well-located, and you will have a wide range of choices for restaurants or local eateries. Your local guide will, of course, be available to recommend good places if needed. Please plan for around 7-10 dollars per person for a hearty meal.

8. Can I change the nights at the homestays to hotel accommodations?

Yes, it is entirely possible to stay in a hotel instead of a homestay if the latter does not suit your preferences. Your trip is private and customized; please let us know your preferences, and we will adjust the itinerary accordingly.

9. What airlines offer flights to Vietnam?

Vietnam is well connected to major international airlines. If you're traveling from the USA, the UK, Canada, or Australia, you can choose from airlines like Vietnam Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and Cathay Pacific, which offer flights to Vietnam’s major cities, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, often with layovers in major hubs like Doha, Dubai, or Singapore.

From the USA and Canada, popular airlines include ANA, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, and EVA Air, which usually include layovers in cities such as Tokyo, Seoul, or Taipei.

If you’re departing from the UK or Australia, you can also explore direct or one-stop options with British Airways, Qantas, or Malaysia Airlines, which typically stop in Southeast Asian hubs.

For the best deals, visit airline websites directly or use flight comparison tools like Skyscanner, Google Flights, or Kayak.

10. Are insurance policies included in the rate?

No, insurance is not included in our package rates, and clients will need to purchase it separately. These insurance policies are typically affordable and easy to obtain. Many of our clients often choose providers like Allianz Global Assistance, Travel Guard, World Nomads, or AXA Travel Insurance.

Additionally, by paying for your plane ticket or travel invoice with a credit card, you may already have some travel insurance coverage provided by your bank or card issuer. It’s worth checking with them to see what coverage may be included.

11. To whom, how much, and when should we give tips?

Tipping for guides and drivers is not included in the quote and is not mandatory. However, it is common to show appreciation to guides and drivers with a tip, and the amount is at your discretion.

As a rough guideline, consider 3 - 6 USD per traveler per day for the guide and half of that (2-3 USD per person per day) for the driver. Tips in Euro, USD, or Dong (local currency) should be given at the end of each stage of the journey (when you are definitively parting ways with the guide/driver to move to another region).

All other small tips for cyclo drivers, rowers, boatmen, porters, etc., are included and will be handled by our guide, so you can travel more comfortably.

12. How do homestays work?

This type of accommodation is often offered during your stay in the Northern mountains. Host families, carefully selected by our team, provide you with rooms or private spaces in their traditional houses (made of wood or on stilts). Mosquito nets, mattresses, clean sheets, blankets, and a fan are also provided on-site. The shared bathroom and toilets are located outside the house but not too far from the sleeping area. Your English-speaking guide is always there to assist and adapt the situation to facilitate communication with the family. Please prepare a backpack with your necessary belongings, as the rest of your luggage will be transported by car.

13. Can I choose the travel date?

Yes, you can specify a timeframe with a date that suits you or allows you to acquire the most affordable flight tickets. We will then tailor our program accordingly. Please note that we are a specialized agency in custom travel, and we can certainly design a personalized itinerary based on your availability.

14. Are international flights included in your travel packages?

No. We do not include international flights, and the reason is financial rather than practical: airlines price tickets differently depending on where they are issued, so a ticket booked from Vietnam is usually more expensive than the same ticket booked in your own country. You will normally pay less by booking your own flights. We are happy to advise on routings and timings if that helps.

15. Can this trip be customized to our preferences (itinerary, services, etc.)?

Absolutely. We offer fully customizable private tours and are happy to adjust the itinerary and services to suit your specific preferences and requirements. Our aim is to create a tailor-made travel experience that perfectly aligns with your expectations and desires.

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