Quick answer: Vietnam Tour Expert runs private, tailor-made tours across Vietnam from our office in Hanoi. A 30% deposit confirms your booking, the balance is due 1 day before departure, and every itinerary can be customised. Below are answers to the 24 questions travellers ask us most about visas, weather, tours, payment and cancellation.
Planning your Vietnam trip
1. When is the best time to visit Vietnam?
It depends on the region. Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa) is cool and dry from October to April; Central Vietnam (Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang) is driest from February to August, with heavy rain and storms most likely from September to December; Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta) is dry from December to April. March to May and September to November work well for a north-to-south trip. See our Vietnam travel guides for each city.
2. How many days do I need in Vietnam?
Two weeks is ideal for a first trip from Hanoi to the Mekong Delta. With about 7 days, focus on one or two regions, for example our Da Nang - Hue - Hoi An tour 7 days. With 4 to 5 days, combine Hanoi, Ninh Binh and Halong Bay, as in the Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Halong Bay tour 5 days.
3. Do I need a visa to visit Vietnam?
Citizens of a number of European countries, Japan and South Korea can stay visa-free for up to 45 days. Most other nationalities, including the US, Canada and Australia, need an e-visa, which is valid for up to 90 days and costs US$25 (single entry) or US$50 (multiple entry) on the official site evisa.gov.vn. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months. Rules change, so check before you travel.
4. What currency is used in Vietnam, and can I use cards?
The currency is the Vietnamese dong (VND). Cards are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants and shops in cities, and ATMs are easy to find, but carry cash for markets, street food and small towns. Our Hanoi travel tips explain money, SIM cards and etiquette.
5. Is Vietnam safe for tourists?
Yes, Vietnam is generally safe. Watch for petty theft such as phone or bag snatching in big cities, take care when crossing busy roads, and agree prices in advance for taxis and services. On a private tour your guide and driver handle transport and local arrangements for you.
6. What should I pack and wear?
Pack light, breathable clothes, a rain jacket, comfortable walking shoes and sun protection. Bring warm layers for Hanoi and Sapa between November and March. Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples, pagodas and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
Our tours and tailor-made trips
7. Are your tours private or group tours?
Our tours run as private tours with your own English-speaking guide and driver, so the pace and timing suit you. A few day trips, such as some Halong Bay day cruises, use shared boats; your quote always states this. Browse our private Vietnam tours.
8. Can I customise an itinerary on your website?
Yes. Every tour on our website is a sample itinerary. We can change the length, route, hotels, activities and pace, add places such as Ha Giang or Phu Quoc, or combine several regions into one trip. Tell us what you like on our contact page.
9. How are your tour prices shown?
Every tour page shows a "from" price in US dollars per person. The final price of a private tour depends on group size, travel dates, hotel class and the services you choose, so we send a clear, itemised quote, usually within 24 hours, that lists exactly what is included and excluded.
10. What is usually included in a tour?
Our multi-day tours typically include hotels, private transport with driver, English-speaking guides, entrance fees and the meals and activities listed in the itinerary. International and some domestic flights, travel insurance, visa fees, drinks, tips and personal expenses are usually excluded. Each tour page lists its inclusions.
11. What hotels do you use?
We offer 3-star, 4-star and 5-star options and choose hotels for location, cleanliness and service, such as Old Quarter hotels in Hanoi and riverside or beach hotels in Hoi An. You can request a specific hotel or a homestay in places like Sapa and the Mekong Delta.
12. Can you arrange a Halong Bay cruise?
Yes. We arrange day cruises and overnight cruises in Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay, either as part of a tour or on their own. Our Halong Bay cruise guide explains how to choose, and Hanoi to Halong Bay covers transfer options.
13. Are your tours suitable for families and older travellers?
Yes. Private tours let us plan shorter driving days, family rooms, child-friendly activities and step-free options where possible. See our family holidays and tell us the ages of your group when you inquire.
During your tour
14. Who will be my guide?
Your guides are licensed, English-speaking Vietnamese guides who live in the region you visit. In each city a local guide joins you, so you get in-depth knowledge of places such as Hue Imperial City or the Cu Chi Tunnels.
15. Can you cater for vegetarian, halal or allergy diets?
Yes. Tell us your dietary needs when you book and we will inform restaurants, cruises and hotels in advance. Vegetarian food is easy to find across Vietnam, and halal or allergy-safe meals can be arranged with notice. Our Hanoi food guide explains local dishes.
16. Should I tip guides and drivers in Vietnam?
Tipping is not compulsory but is appreciated. As a rough guide, many travellers give around US$5-10 per day to a guide and US$3-5 per day to a driver, more for exceptional service, and leave small change in restaurants and on cruises.
17. How do I stay connected in Vietnam?
Buy a local SIM card or eSIM from Viettel, Vinaphone or MobiFone at the airport (bring your passport for registration). Wi-Fi is free in most hotels, cafes and restaurants. Vietnam uses 220V power with type A and C plugs.
18. What happens if the weather affects my tour?
Safety comes first. If authorities close Halong Bay or another site because of a storm, we rearrange your itinerary or refund the affected services according to our Terms & Conditions. Our team is available 24/7 on WhatsApp +84 88 626 1368 throughout your trip.
Booking, payment and cancellation
19. How do I book a tour with Vietnam Tour Expert?
Send us your dates, group size and interests through our contact form or WhatsApp. A travel consultant usually replies within 24 hours with an itinerary and quote, adjusts it until you are happy, then confirms the booking once your deposit is paid.
20. How much deposit do I need to pay?
A 30% deposit confirms a tour or holiday package, and the 70% balance is due no later than 1 day before your tour starts. Halong Bay cruise-only bookings need a 50% deposit, with the balance due at least 15 days before arrival. Details are on our Deposit & Payment page.
21. What payment methods do you accept?
We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express and JCB through a secure 9Pay payment link (a 3.3% card fee applies), bank transfer in USD to our ACB account, and Western Union.
22. What is your cancellation policy?
For tours and holiday packages, cancellations 45 to 20 days before departure cost 30% of the trip price, 20 to 15 days cost 50%, and less than 15 days or no-show cost 100%. Cruise-only bookings have their own scale. See the full cancellation and refund policy.
23. Is Vietnam Tour Expert a licensed company?
Yes. Vietnam Tour Expert is operated by Asia Travel Expert Co., Ltd., based at Unit S1.3, Shopping Center No. 1 Long Bien, Bo De Ward, Hanoi, and holds international tour operator licence No. 01-539/2012/TCDL-GPLHQT issued by the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism.
24. Do I need travel insurance?
We strongly recommend travel insurance covering medical care, evacuation, trip cancellation and any activities you plan, such as trekking or kayaking. Insurance is not included in our tour prices.
