Vietnam Travel Frequent Asked Questions (FAQs)

These Vietnam Travel FAQs have been selected from our daily communication with travellers worldwide. It might be something you are concerning about before making a trip to Vietnam. Think carefully - and you will have a fantastic and more enjoyable vacation.

Q: Where to stay in Hanoi? What hotel should we select? What are the room rates? Is breakfast included?
A: There are many different options for hotels, both in Hanoi and other destinations. We select and recommend the best hotels in all budget ranges. For our package tours that include accommodation, we choose the best hotels in that destination.
Breakfast is included at most hotels, our sales staff will inform you if it is not.

Q: We want to book a double room, will it cost more?
A: You can always stay in a double room if it is available. Some hotels only offer twin accommodation. In some hotels a double room is a ‘deluxe’ room, so the rate is higher. On our boat trips in Halong Bay, we cannot promise you a double room as there are only a few. Please check with our sales staffs for further information.

Q: What is single supplement?
A: The price is based on twin shared accommodation. Single supplement is the extra cost applied for those who want private rooms on the trip.

Q: Can you clarify the three accommodation classes?
A: Except for the accommodations in the remote areas, the qualities of one class are the same in Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, Nha Trang and Saigon.
- Standard (2 or 3-star hotels): Shared twin room with private bathroom, hot shower, and air-conditioning, in some cases plus satellite TV, IDD telephone, mini-bar and laundry service.
- Superior (3 or 4-star hotels): With sauna massage, garden bar or swimming pool…
- Deluxe (some of 4-star and all 5-star hotels): With full complementary services.

Q: Is it safe to leave luggage at the hotel? Is there an alternative?
A: Many customers leave their luggage at their hotel while they go on our tours; we’ve yet to have a problem with this.

Q: We’ve booked an Active Travel Vietnam’s tour prior to arriving in Hanoi. Do we need to drop into your office immediately, or just show up for tour departure?
A: We recommend that you drop in at your leisure to get more information on your tour and to reconfirm your booking.

Q: Where does the tour leave from and at what time? When will be arriving back in Hanoi?
A: Times vary depending on the tour. When you book your tour, you’ll be given a receipt and detailed itinerary for your tour which included departure and arrival times and locations.

Q: Are the tour prices on your website in US Dollars?
A: Yes, they are.

Q: Are there any hidden cost you do not mention? What about tipping?
A: No, there are no other costs. Our price covers everything except personal expenses. Generally, tipping is not compulsory. If you are satisfied with your guides and drivers, a small gratuity is an appropriate way in which to show appreciation to them.

Q: What kind of vehicles do you use for road trips?
A: We use modern, clean, well maintained, professionally driven coaches. Coaches are usually over sized for the group as the extra room is more comfortable.
- Mini bus (26 seats): 7-16 passengers
- Mini van (16 seats): 3-6 passengers
- Car (4 seats): 1 or 2 passengers
They're all Japanese or Korean late model vehicles except for the 4WDs mentioned in the northern mountain jeep trips, those are Russian army jeeps making for a more exciting adventure. You can upgrade to a Toyota Land Cruiser.

Q: Can you accommodate special dietary needs?
A: Normally, yes, however it's best to ask about your specific case. Generally, we have been able to accommodate, and always ask before finalizing your booking.

Q: If the meals are included, can I avoid foods I dislike?
A: We try to take very special care of our guests and try to make a point of discovering any strong dislikes when you are booking. We're taking you "home" to Vietnam, and want you to enjoy it!

Q: Do your tour guides speak good English or French?
A: Yes, they are very experienced and have a bit of good humour too! All our guides have studied and speak foreign languages. Generally on a fixed tour posted here, the guides are English speaking. If you want a tailor made tour with another language, please inquire with our sales staff.

Q: Do the Active Travel Vietnam’s tours posted here include airfare?
A: No, they don't. Many of our guests fly on "points", while others choose to book their own air flights on the internet, directly with a favourite airline or through a trusted travel agent. You’ll also need to arrange your Tourist Visa.

Q: Must I book through you, or can I use my Travel Agents?
A: We're always happy to work with reputable travel agents to help arrange your vacation. Your travel agents still receive their commission on flights and any travel insurance (a good idea). Or you can simply reserve your space directly.

Q: How many people will I be traveling with on my tour?
A: For fixed-departure tours, depending upon the date and destination, each departure varies between as few as 2 passengers to maximum 15. This is just the right size range to ensure you have the opportunity to meet new friends and to enjoy the camaraderie of others, but not so large as to feel lost in the crowd. Of course, private tours can be organized with just only one passenger.

Q: What age-groups take your tours?
A: We have had guests ranging in age from twenty-something to eighty-something. Romance and adventure have no age limits! We can tailor a tour for families with children and people with special needs.

Q: We want to do Sapa and Halong Bay. Can we do the tours back to back? Will we be back in Hanoi in time to depart for the other tour on the same day?
A: Yes you can, many customers have a limited time and need to do exactly this. Whether you do Sapa first or Halong Bay, you’ll depart for the second tour on the same day you return from the first.

Q: Our tour ends on the same day we want to catch the night train to Hue city, will we have enough time?
A: Most of our tours arrive back in Hanoi around dinner time leaving you plenty of time for the train to Hue. The best train departs at around 11pm daily.

Q: Is it possible that a tour could be cancelled? What happens then?
A: A tour may be cancelled due to bad weather, closed roads etc… (out-of-control conditions). In any case, Active Travel Vietnam will give you a full refund. If you want to cancel for other reasons, the deposit will be kept at our side as our Terms and Conditions.

Q: We’ve compared with some other agencies and the price is higher, why?
A: Of course you can book a cheaper tour with another company, but remember you get what you pay for! We’ve built our solid reputation with small group tours, private and clean transportation, better hotels etc… All our guides are carefully selected; they have a university education in Tourism, are certified in First Aid, and of course speak great English. Our kayaking guides have an internationally recognized Sea Kayaking Guide Certification; our biking guides have been training and guiding bike trips for two years. We take customer satisfaction very seriously and at the end of the day an Active Travel Vietnam’s customer is a happy customer!

Q: Can we book a tour without a guide? What about kayaking and biking?
A: It is possible to book some tours without a guide, for example many people book a jeep and driver to do northwest or northeast loop. For your safety, a guide is mandatory on all Active Travel Vietnam ‘adventure’ tours such as kayaking and biking.

Q: What is the weather like?
A: In the south it is always hot and usually humid. In the north, it can be relatively cool in the first three months of the year - but nothing like as cold as in the U.K. In the summer and early autumn it can rain very hard at times.

Q: What are the differences between north and south?
A: Hanoi is the seat of government and in part, the city reflects this but the old centre is like an overgrown village, teeming with everyday life. Outside Hanoi there is a more obvious Chinese influence in the culture, particularly in the architecture. As you get nearer to the Chinese border the landscape becomes more mountainous and can be cold in winter; the hill peoples are ethnically different from those found elsewhere in Vietnam. The south is more of a racial melting pot and Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) has a brasher atmosphere than Hanoi, partly because of its history. People from Ho Chi Minh City have the reputation of making more money and spending it more quickly. It is the bigger of the two cities and you will see higher rise hotels, etc. The Mekong Delta is tropical and exotic, with less obviously western influence

Q: How do the Vietnamese view foreigners?
A: They are extremely friendly and welcoming. They love to laugh and have a good time and respond readily to any friendly behaviour. There is no antagonism shown to westerners - particularly the young - provided that they show respect for Vietnamese customs. The Vietnamese are justifiably proud of their record in 20th century struggles but they are now concerned with building themselves a better future. This is above all true in the outlying suburbs of the big cities and in other big towns. In the centre of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the ever increasing number of tourists has meant an increase in minor pestering by street-vendors, etc. Crime is not rife and the cities feel safe, but problems can arise - beware of bag-snatchers on motorcycles.