FAQs
What's the weather gonna be like?
• Vietnam is hot. Thin cotton/silk/rayon clothes are best, open and airy. Open shoes are cooler than laced shoes. Pants, especially jeans can be unbearable, consider shorts or skirts. It rains, it's the tropics. It is warm rain, rarely for a long period and easily dealt with by sidestepping for a moment. Umbrellas and ponchos are sold everywhere - life goes on, so does travel. Evenings on the DaLat trip can be cool, as can the Autumn trips to Hoi An at evenings down by the river. In this case cool can mean around 70 degrees. We will definitely have the ability for excellent beach-time. PRO TIP: if we do have rain, flip flops can be worn in the puddles, shoes can't.
What's the toilet situation?
• Western flush toilets are what's to be expected, but it's still possible to encounter a squat toilet when out on the town or in remote areas. Toilet paper doesn't get flushed in either, there's a waste bin in the corner to use.
Can I drink the water?
• Drinking water is served at all breakfasts and available throughout the day by bottle, but don't drink the tap water, it's for washing only. Be green and bring a bottle from home if you'd like, you can refill it at the hotel before heading out.
Are any vaccinations required to travel to Vietnam?
• There are no special requirements for entry but it's recommended you familiarize yourself with where you are on your basic travel shots. Please discuss your travel plans with your local health department for more information.
LGBTQ friendly?
• We are LGBTQ friendly and certainly expect our trip participants to be too. We've known Vietnam and Cambodia to be very accepting of foreign visitors and all the diversity that western travelers bring with them.
How's the internet & cell service?
• Our hotels are supposed to all have top notch service and do for the most part. Vietnam for the most part has reliable internet and 3G and 4G networks. Every restaurant and cafe and shop will have its own wifi signal and passwords are freely shared.
Will I be able to use my phone?
• Some travelers have international plans, otherwise you could either use your carrier-locked phone with wifi only or have an additional phone with a local sim and number (which we provide on loan). If you have an unlocked phone, you can purchase a local sim and number too.
Power outlets & adapters?
• Most standard plug-in devices will work just fine in Vietnam and Cambodia, but an adapter may be necessary. You can ask for one at your hotel desk or pick one up on the street for a buck. Leave your hair dryer at home, they're available in your hotel room.
Are there ATMs around?
• ATMs exist everywhere. There's a $2 or $3 fee with each transaction and the maximum you can pull out is usually about 2mil Vietnamese dong, or about $90 USD. ATMs dispense local currency although it shows up on your bank records as USD. Be sure and tell your bank you're going overseas so they free up your card for use while away.
What're some basic costs?
• This common question helps put basic costs in to perspective:
*** A liter of drinking water: 20-40cents.
*** A cold beer at a sit-down place: $1-$2, up to $3 at a some locations.
*** A massage: about $10/hour plus up to 50% tip.
*** Street food: $2/3.
*** Restaurant meal: $4/7.
*** Taxi ride: $5-10 to cross town or go to the beach, $2/3 local.
*** Fresh fruit: about half (or less) of what you'd pay at home.
*** Prescription eyeglasses (made to order): about a third of the price at home.
*** Postcard to USA: about a buck, takes 2/3 weeks
*** One of those conical hats the Vietnamese wear (non la): about $1.50
*** Folding umbrella bought street-side: $5
*** A cup of coffee in a cafe: $1 to $2, often comes with tea & water