Vietnam travel FAQs

DO I NEED A COVID-19 VACCINE TO JOIN A GO TODAY TRAVEL TRIP

From 1 January 2023, we do not require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

DO I NEED A VISA TO TRAVEL TO VIETNAM

Most nationalities are required to obtain a tourist visa in advance to travel to Vietnam. When obtaining your visa, you should allow 3 weeks for processing with your nearest embassy or consulate. The cost is approximately US$60 to US$100. Please check with your embassy or consulate for further requirements.

Some nationalities are exempt from visas for a stay of a maximum of 15 days, including British, German, French, Spanish and Italian citizens travelling to Vietnam (for all purposes). This exemption is based upon meeting all conditions prescribed by Vietnamese laws. If you are planning on staying in Vietnam for longer than 15 days, you will need to obtain a visa extension in advance (please contact your relevant Consulate or Embassy). Please also check the requirements if you plan to re-enter Vietnam.

E-Visa

An e-Visa is available for some nationalities including passport holders from Australia, France, Ireland, Italy, Canada, and the United States of America, valid for a single entry of a maximum of 30-day stay in Vietnam. Learn more about the eVisa on the immigration website.

E-Visas take up to 3 days to be processed. You will need a clear electronic copy of your passport data page and passport photo, and to make a non-refundable payment as outlined on the immigration website.

Important information

Keep the customs and immigration form you receive on arrival, as you need it to complete exit formalities on departure.

If you’re travelling with us and your visa application asks for a point of contact, please write: Go Today Travel – Stellar Garden Building, 35 Van Thiem Street, Thanh Xuan Trung, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi, Ph +84 912 932 969.

Most nationalities do not require a letter of invitation for Vietnam but if you do need one, please contact us for more information.

The page is for general information only and may be subject to change. It is your responsibility to obtain the relevant visa and travel information required for entry, departure and travel to each country or region you visit on your trip. You should confirm these with the relevant embassies and/or consulates.

Read more about obtaining a visa for Vietnam

IS TIPPING CUSTOMARY IN VIETNAM?

Tipping isn’t mandatory or customary in Vietnam, but a tip of spare change or another small amount would be appreciated by restaurants, drivers, and other service workers, especially if the service has been particularly good.

Read more about tipping in Vietnam

WHAT IS THE INTERNET ACCESS LIKE IN VIETNAM?

Internet access is widely available in tourist areas and big cities, which have many internet cafes. Internet access is less frequent in rural and remote areas.

CAN I USE MY MOBILE PHONE WHILE IN VIETNAM?

You’ll be able to use your mobile phone in most urban areas of Vietnam, although few remote and mountainous areas may not have network coverage. Ensure you have global roaming activated with your mobile carrier before you leave home if you wish to use your mobile while in Vietnam.

Read more about mobile phone use in Vietnam

WHAT ARE TOILETS LIKE IN VIETNAM?

You’ll have to adjust to different standards of hygiene and sanitation on your holiday in Vietnam. The standard toilet is of the squat variety, and this may take some getting used to, although western-style toilets can be found in large hotels and some tourist areas.

CAN I DRINK THE TAP WATER IN VIETNAM?

It is generally not safe to drink the tap water in Vietnam. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water instead. Ask your leader where filtered water can be found; some hotels we stay in may have drinking water available. It’s also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit and vegetables before eating.

Read more about drinking water in Vietnam

ARE CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED WIDELY IN VIETNAM?

Major credit cards are widely accepted by large shops, hotels, and restaurants in Vietnam. However, they may not be accepted by smaller vendors such as small family restaurants, market stalls or in remote towns and rural areas. Make sure you carry enough cash for purchases, since credit cards aren’t always an option everywhere in Vietnam.

 

WHAT IS ATM ACCESS LIKE IN VIETNAM?

ATMs are found widely throughout Vietnam, so withdrawing cash shouldn’t be problematic in most areas. Some smaller villages and rural areas may not have ATM access, so prepare for this before venturing too far from a city or major town.

DO I NEED A TRAVEL INSURANCE BEFORE TRAVELING TO VIETNAM?

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Go Today Travel are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability, and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance (Link)

WHAT’S THE WEATHER LIKE IN VIETNAM?

Vietnam has an incredibly diverse tropical climate, and temperatures vary from 4°C in Sapa in winter to humid 36°C days in Saigon in the middle of the dry season. The monsoons bring heavy rain to the south, and a cooler winter to the north depending on when you plan to tour Vietnam.

Read more about weather in Vietnam

WHAT’S THE BEST THINGS TO EAT IN VIETNAM?

Traditional Vietnamese food is typified by its use of fresh herbs and vegetables and its wide regional variance. Vietnamese food is influenced by its Chinese and Khmer neighbours and echoes French colonisation. Some of the best things to eat in Vietnam are noodle soups (pho, bun mam, bun bo hue), bread rolls (banh mi), savoury pancakes (banh xeo) and fresh tropical fruits.

Read more about what to eat in Vietnam

WHAT’S THE BEST THINGS TO DRINK IN VIETNAM?

Our list of best things to drink in Vietnam includes ice coffee, fruit smoothies, fresh coconut juice straight from a freshly cracked green coconut, sugar cane juice, local beers and artisan rice wine.

Read more about what to drink in Vietnam

WHAT TO WEAR IN VIETNAM?

While the tropical climate lends itself to layered, breathable clothing all year round, if you are taking a tour in the North, cold winters mean you might need to bring a fleece or jacket.

Read more about what to wear in Vietnam

WHAT KINDS OF ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE IN VIETNAM

Travelling with Intrepid is a little bit different. We endeavour to provide travellers with an authentic experience to remember, so we try to keep accommodation as unique and traditional as possible.

When travelling with us in Vietnam you may find yourself staying in a:

• Overnight boat

Sleeping aboard a boat on Halong Bay is a quintessential Vietnamese experience to be savoured. Slip into relaxation mode as you take in stunning views of the surrounding limestone karst scenery.

• Homestay

Get acquainted with the Vietnamese way of life while on a memorable home stay. Be exposed to new languages, cuisine and customs while making friends with your hosts and neighbours.

WHAT KINDS OF TRANSPORT WILL I BE USING IN VIETNAM

Intrepid believes half the fun of experiencing a new country is getting there and getting around once there! Where possible, Intrepid uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport – which usually carry less of an environmental impact, support small local operators and are heaps more fun.

Depending on which trip you’re on while in Vietnam, you may find yourself travelling by:

• Overnight sleeper train

Travelling aboard an overnight sleeper train is a fun way to journey through Vietnam. Interact with other passengers or sit by a window and watch the world go by.

Curious? Click here read more about what to expect on an overnight train.

• Bicycle

Take time to wave to locals as you cycle at a leisurely pace past rice paddies and through simple villages in rural Vietnam.

• Cyclo

These 3 wheeled vehicles are a great way to zip around the sights.

IS VIETNAM A LGBQTIA + FRIENDLY DESTINATION?

The LGBQTIA+ community is gradually gaining recognition in Vietnam, with gay pride parades becoming a regular occurrence and a lift on same-sex marriage bans in 2015. With that said, Vietnam is still a conservative culture and many still hide their sexuality from their families. Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi have some gay-friendly bars and events. It’s generally recommended that both gay and straight couples resist showing public displays of affection.

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting Equaldex or ILGA before you travel.

HOW DO I STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY WHILE TRAVELLING?

Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travellers seriously and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure:

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to: Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to: UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to: Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to: US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Vietnam travel FAQs

WHAT IS IT LIKE TRAVELLING ON A SMALL GROUP TOUR

Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or you’re about to embark on your first trip, travelling can be as intimidating as it is exciting. That’s the beauty of a small group tour. From handling the logistics and organising amazing cultural activities to local leaders who know each destination like the back of their hand (like which street has the best markets and where to get the most authentic food), travelling on a small group tour with Intrepid will give you unforgettable travel experiences without the hassle that comes with exploring a new place. Plus, you’ll have ready-made friends to share the journey with. All you have to do is turn up with a healthy sense of adventure and we’ll take care of the rest.

Would you like more detailed information on any of these steps or have any other specific questions, do feel free to contact us at contact.gotoday@gmail.com or Ph +84 912 932 969.