Vietnam

When to go

Key takeaway: There is no single “bad” season—when one region is wet, another is dry. Pack for north and south if you combine both.

Vietnam sits in the Southeast Asia monsoon zone. Average temperatures range from about 20°C / 68°F to 32°C / 90°F. Hottest months are often March–April in the south (Ho Chi Minh City) and June–July in the north (Hanoi). Southern rainy season is roughly May–October; the Central Highlands stay milder year-round.

Tet (Lunar New Year)

Tet falls between mid-January and mid-February on the Western calendar. Officially a few days, celebrations often run longer. Many shops close and prices rise—if possible, leave Vietnam about a week before Tet or plan carefully with us around holiday transport.

Food, health & connectivity

• Cuisine is fresh and herb-forward; pho is the national favorite—rice, seafood, and tropical fruit are everywhere.
• Wi‑Fi is widely available in cities and hotels.
• Drink bottled water (fine for brushing teeth); ease into raw salads for the first days.
• Stay current on routine immunizations; pack DEET repellent, a hat, and basic stomach medicine.

Visa help

Key takeaway: Requirements vary by nationality. Ann Tours can arrange clearance letters, visa on arrival support, and Fast Track airport meet.

ASEAN citizens often enter without a visa for short stays; some nationalities (including several Northeast Asian and Scandinavian countries) may qualify for short visa-free visits. Most other travelers need a visa via embassy or pre-approved airport pickup. Passports should have at least 3 months’ validity from entry. Land borders require a visa in advance.

• Typical tourist visas are issued for 30 days; multiple-entry options available on request.
• Arrive via Hanoi (Noi Bai), Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat), or Da Nang.
• Carry passport and visa when overnighting outside major cities.
• Important: torn or missing passport pages can block entry.

Vietnamese embassies abroad · Rush visas can often be processed in 1–2 working days when policy allows.

Bringing money

Key takeaway: Bring a mix of USD cash plus Visa/Mastercard; ATMs work well in cities.

• Currency is the Vietnamese Dong; USD is widely accepted and easy to exchange.
• Outside larger cities, carry local currency for overnight stops.
• ATM daily limits often around USD 400–600 equivalent.
• Carry a mix of USD bills ($50, $20, $10, $5, $1).
• Exchange only at banks or authorized counters—street/jewelry “deals” are illegal.
• Banking hours: Mon–Fri roughly 8:00–11:30 and 13:00–16:30.
• Electricity: 220V / 50Hz—bring a universal adapter (many sockets lack a ground pin).

Check rates at Vietcombank. Wood crafts trend stronger in the south; ceramics in the north; silk is excellent for custom tailoring. Buy precious stones only from certified jewelers (e.g. SJC) with papers for customs.

Packing list

Key takeaway: Light layers, temple-appropriate cover-ups, and copies of your documents go a long way.

Do’s & Don’ts

Key takeaway: Vietnam is generally safe and friendly—dress modestly at temples and use reputable taxis.

Use hotel safes for passports, keep bags away from the curb, and negotiate politely in markets (often starting ~20–30% below asking).

Tipping

Not always expected, always appreciated for good service. Friendly guidelines:

• Hotel porters: about USD 2 (50,000 VND).
• Guides (2 travelers): USD 15–20/day; (4–6): USD 30–50/day.
• Drivers (2 travelers): USD 10–15/day; (4–6): about USD 20/day.
• Restaurants: about USD 2 if service was excellent.

Tip at the end of service when you feel it was well deserved.

Travel insurance

Emergency travel and health insurance is not included in our packages. Buy coverage in your home country and confirm emergency evacuation and medical repatriation—airlift costs can be extremely high. Clients often use providers such as Travel Guard, AIG, Allianz, or John Hancock.

Cancellation policy

• Before 45 daysNo charge
• 45 to 30 days prior5% of total price
• 29 to 15 days prior10% of total price
• 7 days to day of arrival50%
• 3 days to day of arrival100%

Culture in brief

Vietnam—“the Viet people of the south”—has deep roots and a welcoming modern culture shaped by many influences. English is widely used in tourism and business; a few local phrases go far.