Frequent Ask Questions Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia

FAQs Vietnam | FAQs Laos | FAQs Cambodia
Below are some useful answers to some common questions concerning travel in Vietnam that should prove helpful to you as you plan your trip? Please feel free to contact us if you have additional questions.

When is the best time to travel?
Vietnam's elongated shape stretching from the tropics to the subtropics zone is responsible for the varied climate in the country. When one part of Vietnam is cloudy and rainy, other regions are sunny and warm. Generally speaking, the best time to travel in Vietnam is when there is a reduced chance of rain; that is during April/May and October/November.

South (from Ho Chi Minh City to Phan Thiet)
The south is hot all year round and has a wet and dry season. The wet season lasts from May to October when there are daily downpours that are brief and predictable. Considering that temperatures average in the low 30s (Celsius), these showers can be a blessing and provide relief from the sweltering heat. The dry season from November to April is generally sunny and humid and can be uncomfortable, especially if no precautions are taken for sun protection.

Central (from Nha Trang to Hue)
Weather patterns in this region can vary due to the Truong Son mountain range situated in the northwest of the country. Nha Trang has periods of rain from November to December. Dalat, located in the interior, is cooler than the coastal regions from November to March. Danang and Hue may experience some typhoon activity from mid October to mid December when it is cooler, overcast and wet.

North (Hanoi to Sapa)
Summer in the north is from May to October where temperatures are in the mid 30s with occasional heavy rains. In the winter, temperatures average around 10-15 degrees from December to March. February and March can be damp with drizzle and overcast skies.

What are the hotels like?
Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City offer the best selection of hotels ranging from mini hotels to deluxe properties. Beach resorts located along the coastline are relatively new, offering comfort in a private and relaxed setting. In the outlying areas, accommodation normally ranges from 2 to 3 stars. Most hotels have private bath/shower, AC, mini bar, safe, and a television. We try to provide our clients with the most up-to date information on accommodation since hotels are constantly under renovation and new properties are continually being developed. Indochina Travel Online selects accommodation appropriate to the type of programs offered and the client's preference. This can range from hill tribe home stays to luxury resorts.

How do I get around?
Today's visitors can choose from the following means of travel depending on their time constraints and budget.

Cars
All motor vehicles used for overland trips are modern and air conditioned ranging from a car to a 45-seater coach, depending on the size of the group. In Vietnam, motor vehicle rentals are accompanied with a driver as tourists are prohibited from renting cars and driving on their own. Considering the chaotic traffic, one will come to understand why it is better to leave the driving to the expert local drivers!

Boats
Local 12-24-seater boats are used for cruising in Halong Bay and smaller wooden passenger boats are used in the Mekong Delta. Hydrofoil services have recently become available and, depending on the distance traveled, can reduce total travel time by up to a third. Currently, there are daily services from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho, and Ho Chi Minh City to Chau Doc. In the north, there are daily hydrofoil services from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island.

Planes
Vietnam Airlines is the national carrier and the only commercial airline servicing all domestic routes within the country. Currently, its fleet includes newly-leased Airbuses, ATRs, and Fokker aircraft. Expect delays or even cancellations during the rainy season due to bad weather. A departure tax is charged for both domestic and outbound international travel.

Trains
The Reunification Express is the single railway track that links Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City covering 1,726km. There are several daily departures from both cities. The entire trip can take up to 42 hours, but can of course be broken up by stops en route. Many of the carriages have not been upgraded since the mid-1970s. They are usually equipped with fans and basic toilet facilities. There are soft-cushioned seats and berths, recommended for overnight journeys. There is also a new 32 hour service between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi equipped with air-conditioned sleeper carriages. Train travel might not be the most comfortable or most efficient way to get around, but it does give you the opportunity to interact with local people and see the country from the perspective of the Vietnamese themselves. If you approach your trip with an open mind and are flexible, it can be one of the highlights of your trip.

Who is my guide?
All of our guides have been carefully selected and trained. They are open-minded, well-educated, and enthusiastic young people who can provide the traveler with first-hand knowledge of Vietnamese culture and history. Our guides speak English, French, and German.

We have guides in three major regions of the country (Hanoi, Danang - Hue, and Ho Chi Minh City). They have specialized knowledge of their respective cities and surroundings. Upon arrival at the airport, a local guide will meet you and be your escort for the duration of your stay in that particular city. However, you have the option of hiring a 'national' guide who will accompany you through your entire journey.

Is it safe to travel in Vietnam?
Traveling in Vietnam is generally safe. Women and independent travelers have found it relatively hassle-free and easy to travel throughout the country. Petty theft is more widespread in Ho Chi Minh City than elsewhere in the country. Visitors are advised to avoid wearing extravagant jewelry or carrying a large amount of money when walking in the streets. However, when traveling anywhere in the country travelers should exercise caution and use common sense to avoid incidences of personal misfortune.

Do I need health insurance?
It is mandatory that travelers have some form of medical insurance to participate in our tour programs. Although there are several international medical clinics in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the country still lacks adequate medical care for serious illnesses and injuries. Therefore, we advise that travelers have sufficient cover for emergency medical care as a precautionary measure.

Can I use my mobile phone in Vietnam?

Are there any ATM services in Vietnam?

Can I use credit cards in Vietnam?

Where can I change our money into your currency?

What is the high tourist season?

What kind of tour(s) can I get from you?

What is the Private tours?

How to plan my Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia tour with you?

• Hanoi city guide
• Halong bay guide
• Ninh Binh travel guide
• Hai Phong city guide
• Lao Cai travel guide
• Dien Bien Phu travel guide

• Vinh city guide
• Quang Binh travel guide
• Quang Tri travel guide
• Hue travel guide
• Hoi An travel guide
• Da Nang city guide

• Phan Thiet travel guide
• Nha Trang city guide
• Dalat city guide
• Ho Chi Minh city guide
• Can Tho travel guide
• Vung tau travel guide

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