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Travel and Visa Information:

Visas:

Visas are strictly required to visit Vietnam. Click here for a printable visa application and instructions.  You should apply for your visa WELL IN ADVANCE OF YOUR TRIP.

Trip Cancellation Insurance:

While we have never encountered problems, we of course live in uncertain times.  If world events or other unforseen circumstances interfere with your trip, you need to have this coverage.  It will even refund your air ticket cost if we need to cancel a trip at the last minute.  Coverage is around a hundred dollars, and we require it unless you sign a form specifically declining it.

General Travel Information:

Vietnam is a new and rapidly developing travel destination.  Many say Vietnam is what Thailand used to be like before it was "discovered".  Having traveled extensively in both places, we would agree.  This is a great time to see a fabulous country that is defined by war yet holds absolutely no bitterness toward Americans.  Less than a decade ago, Vietnam emerged from "the dark years" under dire economic conditions.  Embracing free markets has drastically re-shaped the country since the early nineties.

Our Style of Travel:  

Generally, we like to stay in the very best hotels because they are comfortable and secure and are some of the best hotel values to be found in the world.  However, the downside to using 5 star accommodation is that it tends to insulate you from the real culture and surroundings of the country.  We want our trips to be cultural learning experiences as well as great vacations, so we tend to avoid the hotels and other Western spots for meals and entertainment (except for breakfast buffets that combine every Western and Asian delight you could hope for). At lunches and dinners, we seek out local Vietnamese hole in the wall type restaurants. These are safe and delicious but very different from what you may be used to.  Of course, you are free to eat anywhere you want if you would rather stick to Western fare at the hotels.   

Immunizations: Please check with your doctor or a travel vaccination clinic.  There are no immunizations required for Vietnam, but several are a good idea.

Health Concerns: We do not as yet travel into any of Vietnam's "hot zones" for Malaria.  The only place we are likely to encounter mosquitos at all is during a hike in Cat Ba National Park.  Bug spray is generally the only protection we use, but you should still check with your doctor and the Center for Disease Control web-site as conditions are always changing.

We tend to stick to areas and hotels that do not present significant health hazards.  We will provide you with more detailed information and suggested personal medications to bring once we receive your deposit.

Personal Safety: We have experienced no problems at all.  Pickpockets are a definite concern in the urban areas.  The biggest danger is learning to cross the chaotic streets!

For More Information: Please call us or consult the Lonely Planet Guide on Vietnam.  It is the best and most concise source of information.

Recommended Reading:

NOVELS: 

"The Quiet American", by Graham Greene. You can always buy a copy from the hundreds of street hawkers in Hanoi. 

 "Paradise of the Blind", by Doung Thu Houng.  The first Vietnamese novel to be published in the USA.  Takes place in Hanoi and a rural village in northern Vietnam.

NON-FICTION:

  "River of Time", by Jon Swain. An account of the war years by a journalist in Southeast Asia.

 "Vietnam, Now" by David Lamb.  This is hands-down the best book to orient you to Vietnam and its history.

GUIDEBOOKS: 

Lonely Planet Guides are always the mainstay. 

Insight Guides offer more cultural information and better photos.

Email us

If you have any questions, please email us at:
TAOguides@sbcglobal.net