2. WHILE VISITING VIETNAM AND CAMBODIA
4. TECHNOLOGY including CELL PHONES, CAMERAS, and COMPUTERS
1. GETTING TO VIETNAM
Q. Which airport should I fly into and out of for this tour?
A. The tour starts in Hanoi so you’ll want to fly into Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi.
The Vietnam portion of the tour ends in Ho Chi Minh City so if you are only joining us for Vietnam, you can either fly home (or on to your next destination) from Ho Chi Minh City or you can book a flight back to Hanoi from Ho Chi Minh City and then fly home from there if you’ve booked a roundtrip ticket into and out of Hanoi.
If you are joining us in Cambodia, you can either fly home (or on to your next destination) from Siem Reap or you can book a flight back to Hanoi from Siem Reap and then fly home from there if you’ve booked a roundtrip ticket into and out of Hanoi.
Q. Will I be met at the airport upon arrival in Hanoi?
A. Yes! Airport transportation in Hanoi is included in the cost of the tour as long as you arrive the day of the tour or book any early hotel rooms through us. We will make arrangements for you to be picked up by a driver/guide assigned by our company. Look for your name and WanderTours on a placard.
The driver/guide will not be able meet you inside the airport so he will wait for you outside near column 8 (there are numbered columns just outside the exit).
Q. Do the airlines have restrictions on the weight of baggage?
A. Always check your airline’s website before departure as policies tend to change and vary from airline to airline. Every airline is different AND some enforce their policies while others don’t. Check your airline’s website and then hope that if your bag is over their weight limit, they won’t actually check the weight. đ
Q. Are there restrictions on the weight of baggage for our in-country flights?
A. For our in-country flights to Danang and Ho Chi Minh City (and our flight to Siem Reap if you’re joining us in Cambodia), will likely be economy class tickets on Vietnam Airlines. Currently, their policy permits one piece of checked luggage weighing up to 23 kilos (50 pounds) per person.
Q. How do I apply for a visa for Vietnam?
A. Here’s a handy link where you can find those details.
Q. How do I apply for a visa for Cambodia?
A. Here’s ahandy link where you can find those details..
Q. If I want to arrive prior to the start of the tour or stay beyond the last day, can you book additional hotel nights for me?
A. Yes, we can. As soon as you have your flights booked, let us know for which nights you’ll need additional accommodations and we’ll be happy to book those for you (based on availability).
2. WHILE VISITING VIETNAM AND CAMBODIA
Q. Will bottled water be readily available?
A. Yes, bottled water will be available in our bus. However, we strongly urge our tour participants to carry their own reusable water bottle and bring a water purifier, such as a SteriPen, so as to cut down on the number of plastic water bottles that get thrown out daily.
Q. What kind of food should I expect on the tour?
A. The food will be plentiful and include a wide variety of Vietnamese specialties, with both vegetarian and meat dishes. Expect soups, noodles with meat (chicken, beef and pork), fish, stir-fried vegetables, tofu and so much more.
Q. Do I need to learn any Vietnamese (or Khmer if going to Cambodia)?
A. It isn’t necessary as many people speak English, but it might be fun for you to learn a bit of the language(s) in advance. Being able to say “hello,” “goodbye,” “thank you” and “excuse me” will go a long way. Lonely Planet has an excellent little Vietnamese phrase book that will get you started.
Q. How much walking is there on this trip?
A. This is not a walking/hiking/trekking trip and not considered to be an âactiveâ trip as things go. However, we have included a number of walking tours in the itinerary and we’ll be doing quite a bit of sightseeing that will require us to be on our feet for long periods of time.
Note that streets and sidewalks are often uneven so if you are not steady on your feet, consider bringing a walking stick.
Youâll enjoy the trip much more the better shape youâre in, but that doesnât mean you shouldnât go if you feel youâre a bit slow. We do a great job of making sure even the slowest amongst the group is having a great time. If thereâs a day you donât feel you can make it to one of the sights, you can always hang back in the vehicle and people-watch, read or nap.
Q. I get motion sickness. Will I be able to sit in the front of the bus on the tour?
A. We do try to make our tour participants as comfortable as possible, so please tell your tour guide if motion sickness is an issue for you. We canât guarantee the front seat of the bus every time as it really depends on how many people in the group tend towards motion sickness or have other medical issues where they may need a different seat. We suggest that you bring ginger, wrist bands or ask your doctor about a prescription for motion sickness.
Q. Do you recommend any special vaccinations for this trip?
A. We canât provide specifics in terms of vaccines but, instead, highly recommend you contact your doctor for advice on needed shots prior to the trip. Keep in mind that some vaccinations require a series of shots, so youâll want to get the process started early in case it takes several months to finish the round. You can also check the CDC website for recommendations.
Q. Do I need to worry about mosquitoes and/or malaria in SE Asia?
A. We will likely encounter mosquitoes during the trip. A good repellent is recommended. Please check with your doctor on advice about malaria prophylaxes. Here’s an excellent article on TravelFish about malaria in SE Asia – it’s a good place to start your research.
You might consider wearing clothes with permethrin to help stave off mosquitoes.
Q. Do I need any special medications?
A. If you are predisposed to anything (lactose intolerant or you have a sensitive stomach, for example) you may want to bring something for this. Although medications are available at pharmacies, you may not be able to find the types of over-the-counter medications that youâre used to at home.
3. HOTEL INFO
Q. What sort of hotels will we be staying in?
A. We will be staying in lovely, four- and five-star hotels throughout the trip. The hotels are listed on the itinerary but are subject to change.
Q. Do you know the name of the hotel the tour will be starting from yet?
A. Hotel information is listed on the tour itinerary, but we usually donât have this confirmed until right before the tour (in case there are any last-minute changes). A complete hotel list will be provided a couple of weeks in advance of the tour start date and we encourage you to leave this with family and/or friends in case of an emergency. We can also book you a room in the same hotel where the tour starts if you wish to arrive early and explore the city on your own or rest from your travels.
Q. Will the hotels have a laundry service so that I can pack light?
A. Hotels will definitely have laundry service at a reasonable rate. You’ll want to consider having it done at one of the hotels where the group is staying for more than one night. Alternatively, you might rinse your clothes out in the evening and let them dry out overnight. For this, you’ll need clothes made from quick drying material.
Q. Will the hotels provide shampoo and conditioner?
A. All of the hotels where we’ll be staying provide shampoo and conditioner in the bathrooms. But if you have a favorite, consider bringing travel-size versions of your own.
Q. Are there hair dryers at the hotels?
A. All of our accommodations will have hair dryers.
4. PACKING INFORMATION
Q. Will we be responsible for handling our own luggage throughout the tour?
A. You will have some interaction with your luggage, but there are porters at the hotels to help out. Even so, the lighter you can pack, the better.
Q. What tricks do you use to fit all that stuff into a carry-on and still have room somewhere for souvenirs?
A. We recommend you pack light and hand wash clothes when you need to. Check out this article on secrets to packing light.
Q. Do I need to wear clothes that cover my shoulders and knees?
A. You will definitely need to wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees when you go to temples and to some other sights (like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi).
In addition, Hanoi is a bit more conservative in terms of dress than the rest of the country so you will likely be more comfortable wearing a bit more modest clothes in the north.
But once we start to make our way farther south (to Hoi An and Saigon), it becomes a bit hotter and more relaxed in terms of what people wear. Still, you’ll need your shoulders and arms covered for some sights (we’ll let you know in advance of this).
Light sundresses, skirts, shorts and tops are all fine otherwise.
Q. Would you recommend taking a rain coat?
A. We’ll be traveling during the dry season so it will likely to be hot and sunny during our tour. Still, rain is possible. Having a very light rain coat and perhaps a small umbrella might be helpful.
Q. Do I need any dressy clothes?
A. Nope.
Q. What kind of shoes should I have?
A. This will really be up to you. It will be hot, so a pair of walking sandals (like Keen or Teva sandals) will work well for most days. But because we will be doing quite a bit of walking, you may want something with some ankle support and that are more comfortable for long days out.
Q. Should we bring our own toilet paper?
A. No need to bring toilet paper as it will be available at all hotels. All toilets are western style.
Q. Shall I bring a bathing suit?
A. Yes! There will be lots of opportunities to swim at the hotels as well as in Ha Long Bay.
Q. How should I dress based on the weather for the spring?
A. You should expect warm weather during the day (high 80’s) with only a slight drop during the night. A light jacket or wrap for the bus and for air-conditioned restaurants will come in handy.
5. TECHNOLOGY including CELL PHONES, CAMERAS and COMPUTERS
Q. Is WiFi available at the hotels?
A. Yes, there will be WiFi at all of our accommodations.
Q. Can I use my cell phone in SE Asia?
A. We highly recommend the use of an e-sim while traveling. You can download an app like Airalo (use the code ELIZAB3290 for $3 off your first order!). Though there are some limitations while using it, itâs FAR cheaper than the $10/day that most cell phone providers charge for a travel pass.
If you are going to use a travel pass from your cell provider, contact them to make sure they have coverage in Vietnam and find out the rate. Most providers offer such a plan where you only get charged once you connect to a local network.
You can also use WiFi on your phone for data, text and calls.
Q. What sort of power adaptor do I need?
A. Our hotels all have power outlets that accommodate a US power cord (two vertical pins). There is a possibility that you’ll come across a power plug with two round pins (pictured) but it will be unusual.
Q. Will I need a converter for my electrical devices?
A. You will need a converter in Vietnam for any devices unable to handle 220 V (Vietnam) or 230 V (Cambodia). For example, your hair dryer, curling iron, etc. will need a converter. Most laptops and other electronics now have internal convertors, but check on your particular device to be certain.
6. MONEY, GIFTS, TIPS
Q. What are the currencies used in Vietnam and Cambodia?
A. The Äá»ng is used in Vietnam and the riel is used in Cambodia. Consider downloading an app such as XE so that you have quick access to the exchange rate.
You can easily exchange U.S. dollars at the hotel or at some select shops (such as jewelry stores) for a slightly better rate than what you might find at a bank. Alternately, you can use a bank card at an ATM (fees will apply and the rate may not be as good). U.S. dollars are widely accepted for purchases. Note that if you pay in U.S. dollars, you may receive change in the local currency and at a slightly lower rate than you can get at a hotel or jewelry store.
We recommend that you change some money to pay in the local currency when the prices are marked in Äá»ng or riels but pay in U.S. dollars (or use your card) for purchases when the cost is in dollar.
Q. Do my dollars need to be new bills?
A. Yes, you must have newer bills in good shape (no rips or tears) as shopkeepers wonât take bills that are old, wrinkled or torn.
Q. Are ATMs available?
A. There will definitely be ATMs available throughout the trip. Youâll want to let your bank know in advance that you are traveling so they donât deny usage of your card thinking itâs a fraudulent charge.
Youâll also want to find out how much, if anything, your bank changes for international ATM withdrawals. If itâs based on each transaction, youâll want to withdraw larger amounts of money rather than making numerous small withdrawals so as to limit the charges.
Q. How much money should I bring with me?
A. It really does depend on your spending habits. Because you’ll have access to cash at ATMs, you likely wonât need much cash in hand but it will come in handy to get the best exchange rate. Having said that, you might find it helpful to bring some small bills for tips for the driver who picks you up from the airport, the bellman upon your arrival and to leave for hotel staff in your room.
Q. How should I best carry my money?
A. While Vietnam and Cambodia are safe countries, there are opportunistic thieves everywhere looking for a way to separate you from your cash. You might consider carrying your passport, credit/debit cards and cash in something like a neck pouch or a large wallet like this one from Baggallini. You could then put that in a larger cross-body bag.
Q. Is tipping appropriate?
A. Most of the tips for this tour are covered (for the drivers and guides, for example). Small tips for your waiter, for hotel staff and anyone else who provides you with personalized assistance would be appreciated. You are also welcome to tip our guides and drivers if you feel they have gone above and beyond your expectations.
Q. In terms of gifts for our guides and drivers, what would you recommend?
A. We would suggest something from your region, perhaps a food item (tea, coffee, honey) or something representative of where you live (a coffee mug or baseball cap with your city’s name or sports team on it).
7. WANDERTOURS TRAVEL DETAILS
Q. Do I need insurance for this tour?
A. There are no requirements for insurance specific to Vietnam or Cambodia. Having said that, we do recommend all tour participants acquire travel insurance. We have now partnered with Travel Insured International so that you have ability to purchase âcancel for any reasonâ insurance. We HIGHLY recommend travel insurance (no matter who your provider is) to protect your travel investment from any future issues. Although we are technically not requiring it, if you choose not to purchase it, you will be asked to sign additional paperwork acknowledging the risk of traveling without insurance.
Q. Is there a schedule for installment payments?
A. We don’t have anything formal set up, but you can definitely send in payments on your own schedule. Some people send in monthly payments while other people send in payments when itâs convenient.
Q. Will I receive a refund if I have to cancel my participation in this tour?
A. Once you have paid a deposit, there is a cancellation fee if you cannot join us. The cancellation fee depends on the tour and how far in advance of the tour you cancel. Our refund policy is covered in our Booking Terms and Conditions and is also outlined on the Registration Form that you’ll receive within 24 hours of registering with a deposit.
Any refunds will be sent by check within two weeks of our receiving written notification of your cancellation (email notification is fine). We will respond via email and ask for confirmation of your mailing address for any refunds. Address must be confirmed within six months, otherwise expect forfeiture of refund as we close out our books at that time.
Q. Will you be sending an updated itinerary with our overnight accommodations so we can leave it with folks at home?
A. Yes, you’ll receive the hotel information as well as emergency contact information one or two weeks before departure (note: it is subject to last-minute changes).
Q. Is there emergency contact info that I can give my family?
A. Along with the hotel contact information, you will be given a cell phone number for your tour escort shortly before departure.