North & Central Vietnam: Hanoi, Hoi An & Countryside Adventures - 8 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What type of accommodation can I expect on this tour?

  Accommodation will primarily be in multi-share hostels, typically housing 6-8 people per room. You will have a choice of mixed-gender or female-only dorms, with available upgrades to twin-share rooms (same gender). One night is spent on an overnight sleeper train in 4-berth soft sleeper compartments, which may be mixed gender. Please note that some hotel rooms in major Vietnamese cities may not have windows.

• What is the age range for participants on this trip?

  This trip has a minimum age requirement of 18 years and a maximum age of 35 years.

• What meals are included during the tour?

  The tour includes 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner. Generally, other meals are not included to offer you maximum flexibility in choosing where, what, and with whom to eat.

• What kind of group leader will accompany the tour?

  All group trips are accompanied by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) who manages the logistics, provides information about the places you visit, suggests activities, and recommends local eating venues. Local guides are also utilized for more specific regional knowledge.

• How will we be transported between destinations?

  Transportation includes private vehicles, trains, bicycles, open-top jeeps, and walking. Please be aware that train travel in Vietnam is basic, and sleeper train compartments with 4 berths may be mixed gender.

• What are some of the main highlights included in this adventure?

  Key highlights include an insider's foodie tour, exploring Tam Chuc Pagoda (the largest in Southeast Asia), visiting Dong Hoi wet-fish market with a Banh Mi breakfast, descending into the less-visited Vinh Moc Tunnels, and an epic open-top jeep drive across Hai Van Pass, including stops at An Bang Cemetery, Lang Co Beach, and Marble Mountain Pagoda.

• Are there any optional activities available on the tour?

  Yes, there are various optional activities. In Ninh Binh, you can go biking, visit Bich Dong Pagoda, hike to Hang Mua Peak, or take a boat tour of the Trang An Grottoes or a paddle boat tour. In Phong Nha, options include caving, biking, a bar crawl, or visiting the Nuoc Mooc EcoTrail. In Hue, you can opt for tours of the Royal Tombs, Tien Mu Pagoda, Imperial Citadel, a general city tour, or a motorbike tour.

• What should I know about safety and security in Vietnam?

  We strongly recommend using a neck wallet or money belt for your passport, tickets, cash, and other valuables. Leave valuable jewelry at home. Many hotels offer safety deposit boxes for secure storage. Be cautious of petty theft, particularly from opportunists on motorbikes in cities; always carry bags over your neck and only take out enough cash for the day's expenses.

• Is travel insurance compulsory for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You must have a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation. We highly recommend that your policy also covers personal liability, trip cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage and personal effects. Please ensure your policy covers all included adventure activities.

• What is the local currency and how should I manage my money?

  The local currency is Vietnamese Dong. The best way to manage your money is by using debit cards to withdraw cash from ATMs (Visa and Mastercard networks are widely accepted). It's advisable to carry both a Visa and a Mastercard as a backup. New, good condition USD cash is recommended for emergency situations when ATMs may not be accessible. Credit cards can be used at some upscale restaurants and larger stores.

• Is tipping customary in Vietnam?

  Yes, tipping service providers like waiters (approximately 10%) is customary in Asia and shows appreciation for good service. For local guides and drivers, recommendations range from $1.5-$3.5 USD per person per day. At the end of the trip, if you feel your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) did an outstanding job, a tip of $20-25 USD per person per week is a general guideline.

• Are there any specific dress code recommendations for this tour?

  In Asia, the dress standard is more conservative. We recommend packing loose, lightweight, and long clothing to stay cool in the hot and humid climate. When visiting temples, mosques, or other holy sites, please dress respectfully by avoiding very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tank tops.

• What should solo travelers know about accommodation arrangements?

  We believe solo travelers should not pay more, so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation without a single supplement. Solo travelers will be paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip.

• Can I do laundry during the trip?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. We suggest bringing non-polluting/biodegradable soap if you plan to do your own laundry.

• Are there any specific rules or codes of conduct for participants?

  Illegal drugs are not tolerated, and possession or use contravenes local laws and puts the group at risk. Using the services of paid sex workers is also unacceptable. Our CEOs have the right to expel any group member found violating these rules.

• What is Planeterra?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism. They develop and support small community-owned businesses that empower Indigenous people, women, and youth, and protect the environment. The tour operator is Planeterra's largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, so 100% of your donation will directly support these projects.

• What should LGBTQ+ travelers know about this trip?

  The safety and well-being of all travelers, including those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, is a priority. We encourage you to visit our LGBTQ+ page for useful resources, such as the Equaldex tool, to ensure you feel safe and comfortable throughout your trip.