Smooth Sailing
On this page, we've answered all the most frequently asked questions about VietPho Adventures, tour bookings, and peculiarities of travelling to Vietnam. You'll also find some packing tips, Vietnamese dishes recommendations, and more to ensure you love every single moment of your adventure.
Do I need a visa to enter Vietnam?
Yes, most travelers require a visa. Vietnam offers e-visas for citizens of over 80 countries, valid for 30 days with single entry. You can apply online through the official government portal or via authorized travel agencies.
Need help? Contact us at info@vietphoadventures.com for assistance with an authorized visa agent.
When is the best time to visit Vietnam?
Vietnam's weather varies by region, so the best time depends on where you're going:
North Vietnam
- Spring/Summer (March–August): Warm with occasional rain; ideal for green terraces and mountain treks.
- Autumn/Winter (September–February): Cooler, crisp weather — particularly beautiful in places like Sapa and Ta Xua.
Central Vietnam
- January–August: Generally dry and sunny; perfect for beach holidays and cultural sites like Hue and Hoi An.
South Vietnam
- Dry Season (December–April): Sunny with temperatures from 22°C to 32°C. March–April may see heat spikes up to 38°C.
- Rainy Season (May–November): Humid with daily showers, especially in June and July.
Is Vietnam safe for tourists?
Yes, Vietnam is generally a safe country to travel. As with all destinations, petty crimes like pick-pocketing can happen in crowded areas, so keep an eye on your belongings.
Avoid political demonstrations and exercise caution during the rainy season due to the risk of flooding.
What health precautions should I take before traveling?
Before traveling, consult your doctor for any recommended vaccinations. While no vaccines are strictly required for entry, the following are commonly advised:
- Tetanus
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid
- Polio
If you are arriving from or transiting through a Yellow Fever-infected area, you may need to present a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate.
General Health Tips
- Bring any prescription medication in original packaging.
- Tap water is not safe to drink — stick to bottled or filtered water.
- Travel insurance is essential and should include coverage for illness, injury, and adventure activities like cycling.
What currency is used, and can I use credit cards?
The official currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND).
Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities and tourist centers, but cash is necessary for rural areas, markets, and small vendors.
How do I get around Vietnam?
- Domestic flights, trains, and long-distance buses are common for intercity travel.
- Ride-hailing apps like Grab are reliable in urban areas.
- Motorbike rentals are popular but require an International Driving Permit (IDP) that covers motorcycles. Make sure your travel insurance includes coverage for motorbike travel.
What should I pack for Vietnam?
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for humid conditions
- A raincoat or umbrella, especially during the rainy season
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Warm layers if visiting the north during winter
- Personal medications
Can I use my mobile phone in Vietnam?
Yes, mobile coverage in Vietnam is excellent. Purchasing a local SIM card at the airport or convenience stores can offer better rates for calls and data.
Do I need travel insurance?
Absolutely. Your insurance should cover medical emergencies, accidents, and adventure sports like cycling or motorbiking. Be sure to read the fine print and understand what is and isn’t included.
What are some must-try Vietnamese dishes?
Don’t miss out on these culinary delights:
- Phở – Noodle soup with beef or chicken
- Bánh mì – Crispy baguette sandwich
- Gỏi cuốn – Fresh spring rolls
- Cà phê sữa đá – Iced coffee with condensed milk
During most tours, we'll be providing you with all meals. If you have special dietary needs, let us know so we can accommodate.
Do I need to be fit to keep up with cycling/kayaking tours?
Not at all! While we do expect our participants to be comfortable on a bike, we design most of our tours to be suitable for pretty much any fitness level. If a tour demands particular physical skill, we emphasise it in the description.
Also, most of the places we take you are rather flat, so no hard pedalling up a mountain!
To give you a better idea, during most cycling/kayaking tour, you'll be covering 60-70 km during 3-5 hours of activity.
What kind of bicycles do you provide? Can I bring my own?
Throughout your adventure, you’ll be riding well-known brands such as Trek, Giant, or Cannondale.
Depending on the tour’s focus, these could be hybrid or mountain bikes, all of which come with lightweight alloy frames, disc brakes, front suspension, and Shimano components for that sweet, smooth ride.
Bike hire is included, but let us know if you’d rather bring your own trusty steed. We also provide essential gear like pedals, helmets, and water bottles so you can travel light.
What do I need to bring with me?
Here are a few must-have essentials:
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Passport (required for accommodation check-ins)
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Comfortable trainers or cycling shoes
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Light, breathable clothing, like cycling jerseys and shorts, base layers, windbreakers, socks, and such. Check the forecast as it may get a bit chilly
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Small backpack
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Rain jacket/cover
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Insects repellent
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Sunscreen
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Hat
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Sunglasses or riding goggles
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Helmet (optional, we'll provide you with a helmet)
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First-aid kit and bike repair kits
Where will I be staying during the tour?
In major towns, we aim for comfortable 3-star hotels with central locations. If you’d like something fancier, just let us know.
Out in more remote areas, you can expect the best local guesthouses or small hotels available. When you’re staying in a village homestay, think simple bedding and shared amenities.
If you're travelling solo, we'll ask if you'd prefer to be matched with a roommate of your gender or pay a little extra for a private room.
Do I need to pay for the tour in advance?
You’ll need to pay a deposit to reserve your spot, either 100% of the tour price if it’s less than seven days or 30% if it’s a longer trip.
For anything under seven days, we’ll ask you to settle the full amount when booking. For tours of seven days or more, you’ll pay the balance 45 days before departure.
Can I cancel a tour and get refunded?
On rare occasions, if we have to cancel a trip, we refund everything you’ve paid - no deductions.
The cancellation fee depends on how close to the departure date we are and the already incurred expenses.
You’ll find all the specifics in our policy.
If We Cancel: 100% refund, no deductions.