Vietnam Trip Highlights

Perhaps best known for its bloody decades-long war between 1955-1975, in recent years Vietnam has overcome this dark part of its history and become a popular tourist destination. The rolling mountains shelter traditional villages, while the big cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh continue to grow and prosper. Adventurous travelers enjoy sites including:

• Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) - You'll be left in awe as you see the eclectic mix of old French and Chinese style architecture that mingle with the modern towers that form the skyline.
• Hanoi - The city of Hanoi stands as a historic tribute to this nation's rich history, with buildings dating back close to a thousand years.
• Hoi An - This small town hosts charming historic houses and pagodas.
• Ha Long Bay - Here, you will see traditional native villages and even a floating fishing village that will give you insight into Vietnam's rich culture.
• Cu Chi Tunnels - These were successfully used by the North Vietnamese army during the War of Independence to secretly gain access to South Vietnam territory.
• Thanh Chuong Viet Palace - Here, in the former residence & studio of renowned artist Thanh Chuong, you will see art and sculptures from throughout Vietnam's history, including the Dinh, Ly, and Tran dynasties.
• Cai Be Floating Market - Here you will see an exciting market that you can explore by boat, in which artisans make candy and rice paper, among other products.
• Snorkeling - The idyllic beaches at Cham Island & Nha Trang Bay are home to a colorful array of tropical fish that have made this coral reef their home.

1. The Vietmanese language spelling of Vietnam is two with words: Việt Nam
2. The Mekong River is not only home to many of our most popular southeast Asia cruises, but also serves as one of the most important waterways throughout the country, helping keep the plains fertile and connecting much of the population to the sea.
3. Vietnamese cuisine is a burst of flavors, from sweet to salty to even bitter and sour. 
4. Home to some 16% of the world's species, it is one of the most biodiverse places on earth.
5. With about 7.5 million residents, Ho Chi Minh City houses just under 10 percent of Vietnam's 92 million-person population.
6. Both soccer and table tennis are popular sports throughout Vietnam.
7. Thanks to the natural irrigation and swamplands of provided by the Mekong and Red Rivers, Vietnam is ideal for the harvest of rice.
8. Vietnam has a surprisingly high literacy rate of around 94%.
9. The five golden stars on the Vietnamese flag symbolize farmers, workers, intellectuals, youth and soldiers. 
10. Hoi An has been a functioning trading port for over 500 years.

Do I need a visa to travel to Vietnam?
US citizens do need a visa to visit Vietnam. Tourist visas are not hard to get, and we can help point you in the right direction throughout the process. Check the visa requirements for more specific information.

Is tipping customary in Vietnam?
In Vietnam, a 10 percent tip for waiters is appreciated, guides expect around $15-20 per day, and drivers will thank you for anything around $5-10 per day.

What is internet access like in Vietnam?
Internet access in Vietnam is improving, but it is heavily censored, which could prevent access to some of the main social media websites. In the more rural areas, you will not have internet access. There are some cyber cafes throughout the bigger cities which provide reliable access.

Can I use my cell phone while in Vietnam?
In the bigger cities in Vietnam, you will find cell access if your service provider unlocks your GSM-enabled phone and you buy a SIM chip once you arrive. You can also connect to WiFi networks or ask your provider if there are international plans. There will probably be several days of your cruise or vacation when you will not have access to internet or cell service.

Do I need power adapters?
Power is 220v but most 110v devices can handle this as well. Outlets are either A (two-flat prongs), C (two round prongs) or G (three flat prongs in a triangle). Make sure to have a plug adapter for these types just in case.

What are the toilets like in Vietnam?
While the facilities in your hotel or ship will probably be nicer Western style bowl toilets, you can't count on that on daily excursions. The most common type of toilet throughout Asia is the squat toilet, which is precisely what its name indicates. You should always have toilet paper on hand and you should never flush the toilet paper - rather, toss it in the waste basket in the bathroom.

Can I drink the water in Vietnam?
You should not drink the tap water in Vietnam, but you can use it to take showers or wash clothes. Don't worry, though, bottled water will always be provided for you to drink.

Are credit cards accepted in Vietnam? Will I be able to find ATMs?
Bigger cities in Vietnam tend to have a fair amount of ATMs, but many of our tours only spend several days of the itinerary in these cities, and many of the vendors off the beaten path will not accept cards or have any ATMs at convenient access, so it is important to withdraw cash before leaving the big cities.

Should I purchase travel insurance?
Absolutely! If you go to the Once You're Booked page, you'll find more details about deals and promotions we have with TravelGuard insurance to make sure that you are taken care of just in case.