Frequently asked questions Vietnam Travel, Vietnam questions and answers, Vietnam guide, cheap hotels, budget accommodation, family trips, student discounts, flight reservation, train tickets, low cost booking, restaurants, shopping, tourism, tips, reviews, guide

Can I book extra nights of hotel accommodation before or after my tour? 
Yes, in most cases we can arrange additional accommodation at our starting or ending hotels. If we are unable to provide you with the extra nights we will give you with the name of a hotel you can contact directly. 
Can we book a triple room? 
All our trips are organised on a twin share basis. Some places will be able to provide a triple room however some hotels do not have such rooms available. Triple rooms can never be guaranteed.  
What is the accommodation like? 
We use different types of accommodation (hotels, homestay) depending on each itinerary. The standard will vary according to where we are and we ask for your patience, as at times things do not work the way you are used to at home. Sometimes there may be no electricity, the plumbing may be temperamental, there is only cold water in the showers or not being served Western food for breakfast. 
What kinds of hotels will I be staying in?
This depends on what sort of trip you are doing. Our trips tend to use the equivalent of two to three star hotels, please check your trip dossiers for more details. It is important to remember that this star rating is based on what the country has to offer in terms of hotels, and can not necessarily be equated with western star ratings. On some trips, the accommodation will be of a more basic nature, for example if you're trekking in mountains, but your Trip Dossier will explain all of this. 
 
We'd like to think that if you had the time to find the accommodations offering the best of location, cleanliness, atmosphere and value, you would make the same choices as us. Our hotels are both comfortable spaces to relax and unwind at the end of a busy day and great bases for exploration of the places you are visiting. A typical hotel will feature clean comfortable rooms, private facilities and air-conditioning. Experiencing Vietnam isn't about large gaudy international hotels devoid of local character. Nor is it about finding the cheapest hotel available. We've struck a balance. On our more adventurous tours basic accommodation is used in remote areas and this will be clearly marked. 
What time can I check in? 
Generally check-in in Vietnam is midday. For specific details, as there are exceptions, please refer to your trip dossier for details.

What will the toilets be like? Are there western toilets available?
Toilets vary depending upon where you are - some will be western style toilets, while others will be of the squat variety. Don't expect standards to be the same as they are at home! As a general rule, the more remote the place the less likely you are to find western bathroom facilities. 
Will my hotel have en suite facilities, or will I have to share a bathroom? 
In most cases you will have an en suite bathroom. However, in more out of the way destinations this is not always possible to arrange, and so on occasion you'll need to share a bathroom. 
Bathroom Facilities - What should I prepare for? 
Most of the accommodation used on tours has en-suite bathrooms with toilet plus shower or bath. Facilities at homestays, jungle houses, rafthouses or other ethnic accommodation can be more basic. You'll probably encounter both western and squat style toilets. Standards vary widely. 
Do the hotels you use have swimming pools? 
Sometimes the hotels will have swimming pools, sometimes not. We figure that as you're booking an adventure holiday, you're more interested in getting out an exploring than lounging by a pool.

Are all the trips coach tours? What type of transportation is used on your tours? 
We are not a coach tour operator. Instead we try to use a mix of transport on our tours, so that you get a good feel for what travel is like in a particular country, this could mean privately chartered vehicles, public buses, trains, planes, taxis, motor bikes, bicycles- the list goes on! 
Trip specific information on transportation can be found on the trip dossiers however for flights and trains we use public transportation. We've found that how you get there significantly influences the tone of your journey and public transportation allows face-to-face interaction with the local people, there is nothing more rewarding than a spontaneous stop in a village to mix with the locals - or to catch that magic photo in the fields... 
What kind of vehicles do you use for road trips? 
We use modern, clean, well maintained, professionally driven coaches. Coaches are usually over sized for the group as the extra room is more comfortable. 
Coach (24 seater): 8-12 passengers 
Mini bus (16 seater): 3-7 passengers 
Car (4 seater): 1 or 2 passengers 
They are all Japanese or Korean late model vehicles except for the 4WDs used for the northern mountain adventures 
What will the trains be like? 
Vietnam is railway system is mainly built in the early years of 20th century. Since then it has been ever improved. Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh city express trains now take 30 hours, equivalent to 55 km/ph. It is still rather slow, but more and more tourists use trains for security, sightseeing on the way. It's also a good chance to get more knowledge of local people when sharing a chaise or sleeping-car with your fellow travellers. 
Train travel is an integral part of travelling through a country, and if you really want to experience your destination in the most comprehensive way possible, then it shouldn't be missed.

What is the food like? I am a vegetarian - will it be a problem? Are special dietary requirements catered for? 
With all the exercise, you will have very healthy appetites and we always try to serve fantastic local dishes to give you a varied culinary adventure. In many places there will be a mixture of Western and local dishes so you will always find something familiar to eat. We will make an effort to cater to any special dietary needs, allergies and vegetarian diets . Please make sure you notify us of your requirements on the registration form. You will never go hungry! 
Why are most lunches and dinners not included in the cost of the journey? 
By not including meals we let you choose what you want to eat and give you the freedom to explore on your own - should you choose to do so. Eating is one of the highlights of travelling in Vietnam, which is why we make meal times as flexible as possible. Many of our travellers comment on the unexpected variety, quality and value of the food they enjoy on tour, and we believe this is the result of our ability to offer our travellers local cuisine and restaurant choices rather than often repetitive hotel buffets. 
How much money will I need for meals and excursions? 
Have a look at your Trip Dossier it's all in there to help you plan, plus a lot more!

Are there any hidden costs? example.. do we pay toget into the caves, beaches? 
No, there will be no hidden costs. The entrance to caves, beaches are included
What about tipping? 
If you are satisfied with your tour guides, drivers then a small gratuity is an appropriate way in which to show appreciation. Generally an amount of around US$5-7 per day should be budgeted for your guides/leaders and drivers. Tipping of the porters would be extra.

Is the destination that I will be visiting safe? 
With all trips, we can never guarantee that an area is one hundred per cent safe. However, we take the safety of our travellers, and our tour leaders/guides, extremely seriously, and would not operate in an area where we consider there to be a significant risk. When deciding matters like this, we take advice from our local administrations and service providers, to make sure that we base our decisions on the most up to date and accurate information. 
I am concerned about the political stability of the country through which my trip will travel. 
Vietnam Spirit Travel runs trips in keeping with a basic travel safety policy. Should our operations groups on the ground deem an area unsafe, trips will be cancelled so as to minimise risks to our groups. Please keep up to date with destination travel advisories as issued by your government's foreign affairs department.

Do I have to pay local payment? 
No, you do not have to pay local payment, we are a Vietnamese company, we operate in Vietnam, our offices and staff are based in Vietnam, it saves us the process of sending money overseas and that's why we can keep the tour cost down 
Do I have to book on-line? Can I use my Travel Agent? 
You can either book with Vietnam Spirit Travel on-line, directly with us or visit your nearest travel agent. If you choose to book on-line the web desk will process your booking on-line and all correspondence will be via email. We're always happy to work with reputable Travel Agents to help arrange your vacation. Your Travel Agent still receive his or her commission on flights and any travel insurance 
Booking a trip through the internet can be tricky: who will guarantee that I will get what I paid for? 
To assure you that the money you want to spend on your holiday will not be lost somewhere on the electronic highway we sell our trips under the most favorable booking conditions: 
- When you book a trip you make a deposit of only 10% per person (note: bank fee is on your side) 
- The remaining amount will be paid before the starting date of the tour when all reservations have been made;

We will provide you with the necessary bank account details once a trip has been agreed upon. 
Is availability guaranteed when I book online? If I book a tour, can I be guaranteed that it will run? 
On some tours we must confirm arrangements with our people on the ground, a process which usually takes no more than 24 hours. When you book online you will receive a follow-up email confirming your arrangements or a timeframe for when they will be confirmed. We strongly recommend that you do not make any other non-refundable travel arrangements until your tour is guaranteed to run. Occasionally, of course, political situations and other factors may mean that it's not possible to run a trip but this is very rare.
Is it possible that a tour could be cancelled? What happens then? 
A tour may be cancelled due to bad weather, closed roads or simply not enough people. In any case, Vietnam Spirit Travel will give you a full refund.
What details should I have to book online? 
Please be sure to have the following details on hand: 
. Full name as it appears on your passport 
. Passport number, expiry date and place of issue 
. Nationality 
. Full mailing address 
. Date of birth 
. Emergency contact name and phone number 
. Details regarding any medical or dietary requirements 
How do I pay you? Do you accept credit card payment?
As our terms and conditions, when you make your booking, we will require a deposit 20% of the total amount. The balance will be settled before the commencement of a tour.

Deposit can be sent to bank account of Vietnam Spirit Travel, In case you would like to pay online by credit card, we recommend Xoom http://www.xoom.com/static/overview.html for quick service and low fees.
Can we book a tour without a guide? What about kayaking and biking? 
It is possible to book independent tours without a guide, for example some people book a jeep and driver to do North West loop or North East loop. For your safety, a guide is mandatory on all Vietnam Spirit Travel "adventure" tours such as kayaking and biking 
If we book the tour through your web site. How do we pick up the travel documentation and voucher? 
All documentation is sent electronically by email. Shortly after we receive your booking form we will send you your trip documents (normally within 48 hours) which should be printed out by participants and retained as a receipt. 
Are there any additional booking charges? 
No, there are no additional booking charges.

Will refrigeration be available for medicines? e.g. Insulin 
Availability of refrigeration cannot be guaranteed. As a general rule, many of our city hotels provide access to small fridges however outside of this, especially when trekking or in homestay environments, you cannot rely on access to refrigeration. 
Will we get sick? 
Standards of hygiene can sometimes be lower than at home but if you take a few simple precautions it is simple to keep you healthy while you are away. In most cases food is freshly prepared for you, however it will probably contain ingredients that you are not familiar with or may be prepared in a different way. This change in diet is one of the most common causes of upset tummies. Therefore it is a good idea to treat food and drink with caution - at least in the first few days of your holiday. It is a good idea to avoid tap water (even for cleaning teeth) and to beware of ice in drinks. Bottled water is widely available and both you and your children should drink plenty (much more than you probably would do at home). Finally, and most importantly, try to ensure that both you and your children keep your hands clean - especially before you eat. Antiseptic wet wipes or antiseptic hand gel (which you can use without water) are essential. 
Do we need vaccinations and/or malaria tablets? 
In some remote mountainous areas it may be necessary to obtain vaccinations. It is important in most destinations to protect yourself and your children against insect bites. For adults a repellent with a high concentration of DEET is recommended. For children under ten a natural repellent (with no DEET) should be used (natural repellents are available from all good outdoor shops). 
Do I need to take a mosquito net with me ? 
Please see your trip dossier. Unless specifically stated, you will not need to take a mosquito net.

Do I need travel insurance? 
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any Vietnam Spirit Travel trip. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that your policy covers you for the following: 
- Emergency repatriation and full Medical Cover 
- 24 hr Emergency Assistance 
- Personal Liability coverage 
- Coverage for Cancellation, curtailment, loss of luggage and personal effects 
What happens if I turn up without insurance? 
Without insurance we cannot let you go on the tour. If you do not have an adequate travel insurance policy you can purchase one with Vietnam Spirit Travel, contact us for more information. 
What about passports and visas? 
You must hold a full passport, which is valid for at least six months from the return date. If you need to obtain or renew your passport please allow at least six weeks to process. Details of visas required can be found in our Vietnam Travel Facts page 
Where can I get my Visa? 
For more information about visas relevant to your nationality, visit your embassy. To find a nation's embassy in any country, visit
www.embassyworld.com/embassy/directory.htm  
What visas will I need? 
All Vietnam visas are SINGLE ENTRY - unless you have specifically requested MULTIPLE ENTRY and this is stamped into your passport. Please ensure you have a multiple entry visa if you are entering Vietnam twice. The status of a tourist visa cannot be changed from SINGLE ENTRY to MULTIPLE ENTRY once a client has arrived in Vietnam. 
Can you help arrange my travel visas? 
Requirements for travel visas vary widely depending on your nationality. Although we are unable to arrange visas on your behalf we have provided information on our page to websites that will help you determine if visas are required. If you do require a visa you can arrange them yourself or use the services of a travel agent or visa processing company.

What clothing should I pack for one of your adventures? What clothes and footwear should I take on treks? 
We always recommend packing as light as possible however the specific requirements for your tour will vary widely depending on where and when you are traveling. Our Tour Dossiers include a suggested packing list and these can be found on the tour program pages. Apart from a good pair of walking boots or a cycle helmet there is no need to go out and purchase expensive gear 
Do I need to take a sleeping bag? 
Unless specifically stated, you will not need to take a sleeping bag. 
What should I bring for the family? 
Although it may be difficult, try not to pack too many clothes. Most hotels have an efficient laundry service and you can usually buy anything you might need locally (and cheaply). Don't bring lots of footwear - one pair of sandals and one pair of trainers per person is usually plenty. We strongly recommend that you bring a good quality, high factor suncream to protect your skin (and that of your children). You also need to make sure that you have a hat for all the family - essential for protection against the sun. It is also a good idea to bring portable games that you can play with the kids when on bus journeys or the overnight. Make sure that you don't forget any medication or vitamin supplements that your children require as these will probably not be available locally. An emergency first aid kit is carried by your tour guide/leader however this kit DOES NOT include any kind of oral medications. You should bring personal medical supplies, including rehydration salts, supply of plasters, aspirins, necessary medicines, etc. In most cases you will not need to bring towels for the family as they will be provided in the hotels. If your tour includes some time in alternative accommodation like homestay you may need to bring a towel. Consult your trip dossier for any special requirements. If your tour includes a trek or hike you will NOT have to carry your family's luggage as it will be transported separately to your finishing point. It is a good idea to have a daypack to use on these occasions.  
What is the most appropriate type of luggage to bring? Can I take a suitcase rather than the recommended back pack? 
We strongly recommend bringing a backpack or duffel bag, as suitcases can be cumbersome and difficult to store in buses, under seats, etc.. Keep in mind that you will sometimes have to carry your own luggage on and off buses and trains and up and down hotel staircases. Suitcases with wheels may not work well on dirt or cobblestone roads. 
Can I store excess luggage at the starting point hotel if we are returning there later? 
Most starting point hotels can store your excess luggage for you however this is at your own risk. Vietnam Spirit Travel cannot be held responsible for any articles lost or stolen.

How safe are the activities? 
The safety of the group is our first priority and a thorough risk assessment is made on each itinerary. You will be given a full safety briefing during the event and cautioned about any activity which could pose a hazard to your own or the groups' welfare 
Can I opt out of certain activities if I want to? 
Yes. In most situations the itineraries provided are flexible so as to enable you to build your own holiday. The tour guide/leader may be able to help you make any specific alternative arrangements - please notify us at the time of booking. The only exception to this rule is when we are trekking, or travelling from one place to the next night's stop. Please note anything organised outside planned activity will be at your own cost. 
How difficult is the trek on my trip? 
For all travellers we recommend that you check out the Physical grade that applies to the trip you are considering and make your own judgement according to your fitness levels.

How about culture shock? 
By travelling with Vietnam Spirit Travel you are choosing to discover a country as it is - rather than be cocooned in a sterile resort. Naturally every country has a culture very different from your own and most travellers experience some level of culture shock. Although the chance to learn about new customs is a positive part of our style of travel, strange or odd customs, sounds and smells can sometimes be overwhelming. It is important to make sure that your children feel comfortable although they will probably be more adaptable than most adults and will almost certainly take everything in their stride!.