FAQs

General:

+ Are there any restrictions on photography in Vietnam

Yes. Photography in or near military installations, airports or similar locations is prohibited. Anyone caught doing so will have the film, and possibly the camera or camcorder, confiscated and may be arrested.

+ Can I buy antiques in Vietnam?

A qualified yes. However, exporting an artefact with cultural significance requires an official licence. Without a licence, anything old is liable to be confiscated at the airport.

+ How can I take large items home with me – furniture or paintings, for example?

We are also registered for export and import activities. We will give you an ‘at cost’ quotation, and arrange for the items to be properly crated and licensed for export.

+ Are there Internet facilities in Vietnam?

Yes, plenty in cities and large towns, but not in rural areas. Most large hotels have internet access, and Internet cafes are commonplace and cheap.

+ The artist you took me to was wonderful. I want to give him a gift. Any ideas?

This is a common query. Rather than make general suggestions, we will try to suggest something that will be really appreciated, and purchase it on your behalf, if necessary.

+ I am from the United States. Will I face any hostility because of the war?

You will be surprised by the warmth of your reception. We Vietnamese live in the present and the future – the war is history. We warmly welcome people from all countries and races.

+ What is the attitude towards drugs in Vietnam?

The law is strict in Vietnam. The use of illegal narcotics is strictly forbidden, and dealers and persons caught trafficking, whether Vietnamese or foreigner, face excecution. Don't risk it under any circumstances!

Getting Around:

+ Can I travel freely in Vietnam?

Yes, you can travel freely in Vietnam. There’s some sensible places ( near the border ) you need to apply for permission before visitting. You had better contact our office for any instruction, or you can book part of the services through our company like car rental or hotel. The other you can pay by your self.

+ Can I ride a motorbike in Vietnam?

Yes, you can ride a motorbike if you have motor bike driving license. You had better learn about the area before. Or you can rent our tour guide to go with you.

+ Is it safe to ride a motorcycle in Vietnam?

No,it isn’t . Many Vietnamese people don’t have proper knowledge and awareness of the traffic law. Road condition is bad and dusty. You had better take a ride on a short segment below 50 km. The rest you can use the car to continue the trip.

+ Can I drive a car in Vietnam?

Yes, you can.It is reccommended for you to rent a car in Tourist company . It’s safe. And you can have thoughful care from the driver. Tourists who are not used to the traffic in Vietnam find it difficult to drive.

+ Is car rental valued per hour or per kilomettre?

Car rental is valued per km and time. We can provide you exact the costs on the scheduled itineraries.

+ What includes in the car rental?

Car rental includes tax, gas, toll fees, driver’s personal expenses.

+ What should I do in order to book tour with Green Discovery Indochina?

After an agreement on the tour program and quotation, you confirm your booking for the tour by paying deposit.
We requires 20% of the total amount as deposit. The balance will be settled upon your arrival Vietnam. After receiving it, we proceed all the bookings and send you final confirmation sooonest.
Further, we could scan all the hotel confirmations and airtickets to keep your mind on the itineraries and better understanding.

+ Is it possible to stay overnight on boat in Halong bay? Could you please discribe it?

Yes, definitely. The junk have 5- 7 rooms, bathroom ensuite. Each rooms have twin beds or double bed, fan, toilet, hot water. Air conditioning in the room is available at your request. Each junk have dining room and sitting room ( 20 – 30 m2). You can go the the upper bunk for sightseeing or sunbathing.
We guaratee the hygene and good services on the boat.

+ Can I go kayaing on Halong Bay?

Yes, you can go kayaking following the 1, 2 or 3 days tours from Hanoi. We have composite kayaks and professional guide available.

+ Can I go kayaking from Catba island?

yes, We can arrange 1 day kayaking and swimming on Lan Ha bay.

+ Can you arrange a biking tour in Vietnam?

Yes, we can. It depends on your demands, we can arrange short biking tour in and arround Hanoi, Hue, Saigon or biking tour throughout Vietnam.
We can arrange biking tour guide to go with you. We also arrange a minibus, if you don’t want to cycle, you can use the minibus instead.

+ What is your bike type?

The bikes are new and nice . They have 21 gears. Any way, you can bring your own bike with you.

+ What is the ability of the tour guide like?

Our tour guides are experienced, with National Certificate from National Tourism Board.
- Tourguides are always received good feedback from our customers.

+ Is there any free time in the tour ?

yes, but not many. Ussually after dinner. You can request more free time for shopping.

Health:

+ What is the main difference in the climate of Vietnam and that of my country?

Vietnam is both hot and humid. Combined, they make visitors from temperate countries sweat profusely. Drinking plenty of water and good sun protection is essential.

+ What can I do about jet lag?

Not much, really. A stop-over en-route or a rest day on arrival helps. It’s important to try to sleep and wake according to local time, even on the aero plane.

+ What will happen if there is an emergency?

With Green Discovery Indochina, your guide will always have a mobile ‘phone and a means of summoning immediate assistance. You will also have direct telephone access Head office.

+ How will medical emergencies be dealt with?

You will be immediately taken to the nearest international clinic or hospital for an immediate examination and appropriate treatment according to the terms of your insurance.

+ What if I am hospitalized or become incapacitated?

If you have supplied us with the details of your insurance, we will contact the company on your behalf and assist in any way we can.

+ What should we do about malaria?

Malaria happens in the mountainous area. All the hotels in the area have mosquitoes net. We often organize tours to the rural area but there are no malaria cases. Only local people have risks to this disease.

Food and Drink:

+ What do you serve if I am a vegetarian?

In this case, please advise us before so that we can order a vegetarian menu during your trip in Vietnam. Vietnam is famous for Vegetarian foods, tropical fruits. We are willing to serve at your taste.

Money:

+ Can I use a credit card to get cash in Vietnam?

Yes, You can withdraw cash at any ATM in big cities such as: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh city, Hue, Hoian, Halong, Haiphong, Danang, Nha Trang, Buon Ma Thuot , Vung Tau, Can Tho with commission

+ Can I pay by credit card in Vietnam?

Yes, You can pay by credit card with 3% commission for Visa and Master, 4% commission for Amex. You can pay at shops and hotels in big cities, commercial center and tourist sites.

+ What about travelers’ cheques?

You can change into USD or Vietnamese dong with commission from 1%-3% at the banks in big cities. Travelers’ cheques can be used to pay for the room charge and other tourism services.

+ Where can I change my currency for local currency?

You can change your currency for local currency at the airport, banks, and Jewelry shops. You should prepare some cash in USD and Euros (50- 100 domination) for better exchange rates.

+ What if I have a lot of local currency left over when I leave?

You can change local currency to the currency you brought in only by showing the yellow customs slip that you were given on arrival. The amount must be less than the original.

+ What is the payment method for deposit?

You can pay by credit card or bank transfer or you can use the service of Western Union. Please read our terms and conditions for more details.

+ What is the payment method for the balance?

After paying for deposit, you can settle the balance at our office in Hanoi or in Ho Chi Minh City by cash or credit card. Cash (Euros or US dollar) is preferred. Or you can bank transfer the balance directly to our bank account before travelling to Vietnam.

Travel Frequently Asked Questions on traveling Vietnam:

+ How to buy air tickets to Vietnam?

There are many airlines which have direct flights to Vietnam like: Vietnam airlines, Air France, American Airlines, Thai Airway, Japanese airlines, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines. Please contact with the airlines agency to book the air tickets.

+ How to book a cheap air tickets to Vietnam?

There are many website and airline agencies which provide air ticketing. You had better study several airlines to find the suitable one.

+ Can we book air tickets through Green Discovery Indochina?

Yes, you can book air tickets to Vietnam through our company and receive air tickets at your country. The airfare will be higher because we have to pay for the fees when issuing the tickets in foreign country. The best way is to book the air tickets for yourself.

+ Tour with greendiscoveryindochina.com

Here are the most common questions asked by our travelers, please follow the links to get the answers or you can type your questions on the search gap above. If you can not find your answers, please send us your questions, we will email you and update it here for other travelers. Tour with www.greendiscoveryindochina.com
Tour Guides and Staff
Tour Planning
Price & Payment
Arrival to Vietnam
Transportation
Hotels and Lodging
Traveling with Children
Closed for Holidays
Travel Equipment
Safety
Other

+ Is greendiscoveryindochina.com tours Partnership Private Company?

is a private limited company, we are registered with Hanoi Business and Planning Department, registration number is ###. As a tourism business we are also licensed by Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) Tip: Make sure that you are on a tour with a licensed tour operators and licensed tour guide, since there are lots of illegal travel operations in Vietnam, you won’t be in big trouble but it’s likely take your valuable time away.

+ Has Is greendiscoveryindochina.com tours Partnership Private Company? been involved in any form of litigation from any former clients?

No, we have not! Since feels as though they have set the industry standard in Vietnam for safety and quality. Our products and services are at the highest levels of quality control, set to the perfection. is our government to contact if you have further concerns.

+ Tour Guides and Staff

How many leaders / guides / porters will be employed for each phase of the expedition?
Is there a sufficient number of trained and experienced staff for the group to split (e.g. if one or more clients are unable to continue on the climb)?
Does the leader / guides speak English, if so to what level?
What training has the leader / guide received?
Are any of the aleaders / guides first aid trained?
How long has the leader / guide been operating similar tours in this area?
Does the leader / guide hold any formal qualifications?
What languages do your tour guides can speak?
Do your local tour guide speak English well?
Are your tour guides/leader licensed?
What does it mean “on-site tour guide”, “tour guide” and “tour escort/ tour leader”?
How tipping works here in Vietnam?

+ Is there a sufficient number of trained and experienced staff for the group to split (e.g. if one or more clients are unable to continue on the climb)?

In this situation the leader and / or one of the porters will take the unable client(s) back to the appropriate destination

+ Does the leader / guides speak English, if so to what level?

All guides speak fluent English and have excellent knowledge of areas we will visit. The leaders also have great English. The porters may not have English skills, but there is no one who would possibly have as much knowledge about the areas we are traveling; this is one of the reasons why we use them. They have done the treks countless times and have suburb communication skills. Even though the majority are hill tibe people they all are fluent in Vietnamese and can communicate with the leaders and guides.

+ What training has the leader / guide received?

Every leader and guide at has graduated from the Tourism Faculty, Hanoi Open University. They have experience in the Hospitality Industry and University level guiding skills. The average work experience (as guides) of our guides is three years. Further the team is constantly updating and improving on our skills by getting involved in extra courses, workshops and activities.

+ Are any of the leaders / guides first aid trained?

There is usually one leader and one local guide for each phase of an expedition. We will recruit all of our porters from the local community. The number of porters we use will reflect the size and ability of the group as well as the type and difficult of adventure

+ How long has the leader / guide been operating similar tours in this area?

The number of years the leaders / guides have worked in the areas vary from guide to guide and area to area. The average is about two years. We do have some guides who have gone to areas for five or more years. If you are concerned about the guide’s level of experience please inform your travel consultant and we will find a suitable guide.

+ Does the leader / guide hold any formal qualifications?

First, all of our guides have a University degree, majoring in tour guiding, granted from Hanoi Open University. Further, all of our guides have successfully completed the Sustainable Tourism Training Course which was supported by WUSC (World University Support of Canada). Other courses include an Eco-tourism training course by WWF-Vietnam. All of the guides have a minimal of basic first aid

+ What languages do your tour guides can speak?

Depends on what you speak but mainly English. French & German are spoken by some guides as well as other dialects. A guide will always be present that is fluent in the local language. Please contact us if you have specific language speaking requirements

+ Do your local tour guide speak English well?

Yes, our guides speak English very well. They are well trained at Tourism Faculty (Hanoi University) with English being a compulsory subject for five years. After graduating from this University, they must take part in a 3 month course in practical English training before they are offered a tour guide license and a position at

+ Are your tour guides/leader licensed?

Yes, they must have a Tour Guide License before they are selected to become Greendiscoveryindochina.com . We now have 30 guides working on the national and local level and are proud to say that they are all licensed by Vietnam National Administration of Tourism

+ What does it mean “on-site tour guide”, “tour guide” and “tour escort/ tour leader”?

An on-site tour guide is the one who is just working at selected site, for example: the historical site of Cu Chi Tunnels or the Imperial Citadel of Hue, or one some cruise trips in Halong Bay (shared boat). A tour guide will take you on an excursion from 1 to a few days, away from the main cities. For example, a 2 day trip to Halong Bay or a three-day trip to Mai Chau, this guide will meet you from your hotel in Hanoi or Saigon… then be with you the whole trip till you finish your trip back to the city you base. The role of tour escort or tour leader, is to meet and greet you at the airport, and to travel with you during your whole trip. This is convenient for you because he / she will be all the time helping you with translations, tips and answering questions. This type of guide must be covered in the cost of your tour by your group.

+ How tipping works here in Vietnam?

Tipping is not compulsory in Vietnam, however it is enormously appreciated. You should consider tipping tour guides, drivers, hotel staff, boat crews, etc. There is no standard amount for tipping but if you do find reason to tip someone, a tip from $1 USD should be ok for a day trip.

Tour Planning:

+ How Long Travel Vietnam? How long do I need to travel Vietnam?

Vietnam so much to offer, it could take someone 3 months to see and experience everything but here is our suggestions that have worked for our clients in the past: One Week; The North, from Hanoi, make a two- day trip to Ha Long Bay and/ or Mai Chau followed by a day trip to the Perfume Pagoda and/ or Tam Coc. Spend the remaining time exploring the delights, foods and culture in the Hanoi capital. The South, from Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon), it is possible to do a day trip to the Cu Chi tunnels and a two or three-day tour of the Mekong Delta (include some cycling for added adventure). The rest of the time can be spent sightseeing, eating, shopping and carousing in HCM city. Two Weeks: Note that highlights of the following two options can also be combined; a typical whirlwind tour means flying into Hanoi, exploring the area (including Halong Bay and/ or Sapa) then making a beeline to Hue or Hoian before heading south to HCM city (or vice versa). Excursion airline tickets allowing such a routing are common, and recommended to avoid backtracking. The North, follow the above one-week itinerary for the north, then take a spin into the northwest mountains (especially Sapa & Bac Ha) and/ or a trip to Cuc Phuong, Ba Be or Cat Ba National parks. The South, a two-week visit to the south will allow for the one-week itinerary, followed by a loop up to Dalat, and back down to the beaches in and around Nha Trang and/ or Mui Ne Beach. Time permitting, you could then head to Hoi An and fly back to HCM city from Da Nang or Hue. One Month: A month is enough time to take in most of the major sights. Starting in the south (this itinerary can also be followed in reverse from Hanoi), follow the two- week itinerary as far as Hoi An or Da Nang before pressing on to Hue. Take a DMZ tour out of Hue, then travel on to Ha Noi. Either fly out of Hanoi or continue overland to China. Two Months: Two months will allow ample time to see everything in more detail. In addition to our other suggested itineraries, explore the Mekong Delta more thoroughly, with a side trip to lovely Phu Quoc Island. Or spend a few days lingering on the giant sand dunes at Mui Ne Beach (near Phan Thiet), south of Nha Trang. A trip to the western part of the central highlands should include a visit to Dalat. Don’t forget Phong Nha Cave to the north of the DMZ. In the far north, you can explore remote areas such as Dien Bien Phu, Cao Bang and Bai Tu Long Bay. Tip: Arrange your vacation to Vietnam in 3 weeks so that you will have chance to discover most of the highlights.

+ What are set tours and custom tours Vietnam?

Set tour is more like a readymade tour or package tour, where you just book and get the instant confirmation. However, if you wish to tailor it to suite your travel needs please talk to one of our travel consultants, in this case, is making a custom tour for you. Tip: Look at the sample tours on our website before planning your custom tours to Vietnam. It will give you all kinds of information as well as some suggested places to visit with descriptions.

+ What does a “Vietnam Package Tour” mean?

Package tours or all-inclusive tours are pre-designed and pre-arranged for you to holiday with ease. Not only will you travel hassle-free with these package tours, you will save time dealing with details before and during your trip. They have also been designed to save you money for your next holiday. Our package tours normally include: all local tour guides, transfers, ground transportations, hotels and accommodations, entrance’s fees, travel permits and most of the meals.
Tip: Leave some days free in your package tour so that you can try something different that satisfy your own taste and style.

+ Does greendiscoveryindochina.com offer group tours or just private tours? So group size will be normally small?

We are an expert in designing custom, private tours for individuals, small groups of friends, families, schools, businesses, etc. they are all private tours just for you or your own group. Therefore, its just you and your guide (where applicable). However, we do have some Join-In Group tours, like Halong cruising & kayaking. Sometimes this makes the tours a little bit cheaper. There might be some other tours available at times, please contact one of our travel consultants to get more details. Tip: If you travel alone it is suggested to book a Join-in Group tour to Halong. It will be more fun and you should be in a small group of about 10 persons

+ Are meals inclusive in our tour programs? What does “(B,L,D)” mean?

We offer meals on our trips and tour packages for you to holiday with ease. Although, at some sites, we leave it open to flexibility, at these times we will let you find your own restaurants or places to eat. We will also give you a list of recommendations. B stands for breakfast, L is for Lunch, and D works for Dinner. Tip: Check with our travel consultants or your local guides as they know the best spots to go and eat.

+ Please explain what you mean by NET on your tour price?

Net price is the selling price. It is the right amount that you have to pay to Green Discovery Indochina Travel There will be no commissions added to, nor discounts taken from this price. If you pay by credit card or traveler’s cheque, there will be a surcharge on this net price. Tip: Pay us some deposit by Credit Card and the rest in Cash when you are here can save you some money on bank transfers and credit card charges, etc.

+ What do you mean by a ‘Private Tour’?

Private tours are taken by one or more passengers (all in the same party) on the date of their choice, subject to schedules and availability. Private tours offer the following benefits: - Travel at your own pace Private tours are very flexible, allowing you to start your sightseeing excursions whenever you choose and set your own pace while traveling. - With your own tour guide Our local guides are waiting to show you their countryside and places of interest. All sightseeing excursions are accompanied with your own private English-speaking local guide. This means that you can ask as many or as few questions as you like and take sightseeing trips at your own pace, with the emphasis on your own interests. - Enjoy your private transfers, boats, etc. Get what you pay for and huge value for your money. For the road transfers, boat trips in Halong Bay and other Vietnam rivers, you’ll have your own air-conditioned private car and private driver, air-conditioned boat with helpful captains and crews. This allows you to travel in comfort and to stop off along the way if you see something of interest, want to take photographs, or for a break. - You will have flexibility in your accommodation With consultant / sales, we design our private tours from High-end to Economy hotels, which allows you to easily manage your budget at the level you wish. If you would like to stay in any hotels other than those featured in the tour itinerary, or if you would like to update the standard of your room, just notify your travel consultant at Green Anything can be easily arranged. You will be informed the difference in price.

+ What are differences on tour prices between Standard, Superior, Deluxe?

The two main differences are the hotel classes and type of boats / junks in Halong Bay. Everything else will be at great international quality. For hotels: - Standard means a tour is priced with lower priced room at a hotel, normally with economy class or 2 star hotels. Please do not expect too much in the way of amenities and service at the 2 star hotels in Vietnam. - Superior means inclusion of hotels ranging from 3-4 stars. This is a good quality hotel with a range of facilities, amenities and good service. - Deluxe price is inclusive with high quality four and five-star Vietnam hotels. These are equipped with the highest quality and standards of service in Vietnam. With your trip to Vietnam equipped with these hotels you will insure a fantastic holiday. suggests using hotels Superior. We have had much feedback from our past clients from the hotels that we have chosen and the feedback has been great. These Superior packages will also save you money. Further the greater majority of the Superior hotels are Vietnamese owned, providing greater benefits to the Vietnamese community. For boats / junks; There are some main differences on the boat / junk types: - Space on the boat: with the standard option you would have to expect a small size boat, and a smaller bedroom with an average sized sun deck. The Superior & Deluxe classes will have larger sized dining area that is warm and cozy on cooler nights, and more importantly, increased comfort in your cabins (larger bed, bigger glassed window) as well as the sunbath area (with comfortable chairs). - Toilet & shower: if you wish to have comfort in your privacy, the Standard boat will not be a good choice as the toilet is normally outside (shared bathrooms). However, the Superior class will offer a private bathroom in your cabin and you will even find it better in Deluxe class. - Facilities on the Superior and Deluxe boat are up-to-date and at an international standard. There is good air-conditioning in the cabin, fine toilet facilities whilst there is normally a fan in the cabin at the standard boat. - Well trained devoted and courteous staff will always make your stay unforgettable on the Superior and Deluxe junk. Tip: Halong Bay is beautiful and we suggest you enjoy it in Superior or Deluxe Junk, paying a bit more will be worth every added cent you pay.

+ What to do if I need to change my booking or booking details?

We suggest you contact us immediately if you decide to change your booking details. You can send us an email with your name, your booking code and all other information you would like to let us know. We will try our best to accommodate your change or request.

+ Do I pay a change fee?

In most cases, early changes will not result in a fee, but each travel supplier or service provider will have different contract terms with us. Please inquire directly for the change or cancellation policy for any particular tour If we charge you a fee, in all cases, it is to pay back to hotels and other service suppliers of your bookings as we have to cancel your service arrangement with them and we are charged by them. Tip: Read our terms and conditions, check with our travel consultants when you are planning trip with us about the deadline of no-charges for changes and cancellation

Price & Payment:

+ How does the payment work and what are the cancellation fees?

At as soon as you agree on your booking with us, you are required to make a deposit, normally 30% of the total tour cost. This can be via bank transfer; credit card authorized form or direct payment in cash. Tip: We suggest you to send credit card details by fax since this is more secure way to keep your information not online.

+ Deposit and full payment? Terms and conditions?

requires a deposit of about 30 % of the total cost before the trip, you can transfer this amount to our company bank account or you can authorize our local bank here to charge on your credit card, we will notify you as soon as the payment arrive to our bank account and inform you the balance. Balance is to be made upon your arrival to Vietnam in cash or credit card. Tip: If your payment amount is less than $US 500.00, we would suggest you to pay us in full before you arrive

Arrival to Vietnam:

+ Who will meet us at the airport? What procedure should we do when we arrive?

As pre-planned with you, a local guide will meet and greet you at the airport with your driver. As soon as you get out of the airport, you will see a sign with your name or our logo “Green Discovery Indochina Travel”. Airport procedure is the same everywhere and you will have to go though customs, get your luggage, etc. If you have not yet been granted a visa, then bring your invitation letter to the immigration office, you will be welcomed by the officers here. It normally takes about 30 minutes to get the visa but please do not be surprised if this takes you a bit longer. Don’t worry how long it takes you as we will wait for you. If you miss your flight or if things take extra long call us, we will do everything we can to help. Tip: If your flight is delayed, please try to reach our guide by phone so that we do not have to spend hours at the airport to wait for you and also saving for us too.

+ Is that easy to take a taxi? How far is from airports into town?

Yes, taxis are everywhere outside the airport but be careful with the meter-taxi. We would recommend that you get to welcome you at the airport and drive you straight to your pre-arranged hotel, rather than being driven around the town in a taxi. Noi Bai Airport, Hanoi: is 40 km from Hanoi taking about 45 minutes. Tan Son Nhat Airport, Saigon: is only 8 km away but may take up to 45 minutes before we get to your hotel. Danang Airport, Danang: is located right at the city center. It is 30 kmaway from Hoi An town and takes you about 40 minutes to get there. Tip: You might wish to call our travel consultant if you are being driven around the town by the taxi driver.

Transportation Vietnam:

+ Are there seat belts on your car/van/bus?

All of our vehicles used will have seat belts for you. Though seat belts are not compulsory in Vietnam, we suggest you use them for your safety. Tip: Public transportation like local buses or trains might not have seat belts on their seats

+ Internal transportation, are your drivers qualified?

We use our own vehicles and also contracted transportation. All of them must have met our standards including: nationally certified driver’s license and maintenance skills, as well as hospitality and tourism skills. Further, the majority of our drivers can speak English.

+ How are the cars, jeeps, vans, minibus and coach like in Vietnam? Are they safe?

Our standard of vehicles we use for travel & tourism must be new and not more than 5 years old. This is not only for your comfort but also for environmental protection. There are four main vehicle types being used now: Toyota, Mercedes, Ford, Honda, aside from these we sometimes use Nissan and BMW. For those who have traveled to Vietnam in the past may remember the old Russian jeeps used for the Northwest and Northeast loop. We have stopped using them because of safety and environmental reasons.

Hotels and Lodging:

+ What kind of hotels do you recommend?

This really depends on your budget for your vacations in Vietnam. It is nice to be at the 4 to 5 stars hotels where standards are up to an international level, but please note that these are often fully booked. There is currently not enough rooms in the 4 – 5 star hotels estimated for 2007 – 2008. Thus expect some alternative. Hotels that are 2 – 3 star are recommended to save money for your next holiday and to avoid the unavailability in the high season.

+ What do you mean by “homestay” and “camping”?

Homestay is an overnight in the home of one of the local ethnic minorities. They have been set up in a way that the community benefits from the added tourism income and not just a single entity. There are not many tours that we do that involve camping. We now use camping in Fansipan, Bach Ma National park and at some sites in our trekking tours to Dalat. Camping means we will be staying in tents, outside. Consider that we will welcome all weather conditions during these tours.

Traveling with Children:

+ What if we have small children traveling with us?

For shared rooms with their parents, normally a child under 5 years old is free of charge. If an extra bed for your child is needed it would result in some additional costs. We recommend you to arrange a private tour just for your family, thus giving you and your family more room and comfort during van transportation and flexibility in your tour itinerary. It is the best to consult with your doctors before you bring your newborns or infants traveling to Vietnam. Before traveling, please talk with consultants to figure out how you will manage all the baby gear at all the sites.

+ Disable people traveling with wheel chair?

For people with wheelchairs, we will need some very special care, especially with transportation, as well as at some sites with tough grounds. Normally a private transport is arranged and a porter at some sites is needed. Please contact our consultants to have had some experience in these cases

Green Discovery Indochina Travel closed for Holidays:

+ Do you stay open over the Tet holiday?

No, we close our office during Tet holidays, please see the time we are off here.

+ Can my holiday be arranged by greendiscoveryindochina.com over the Tet holiday?

Yes, but is advised to please contact us long before your vacation, our office will be closed during Tet holiday.

Travel Equipment:

+ What other equipment is provided by greendiscoveryindochina.com when on a camping trip (e.g. tents, cooking equipment etc)?

will provide tents, cooking equipment and any other necessities need for sleep and cooking for our hiking trip. Please check with our tour operator to get a specific list of what is supplied and what you have to bring with you on your trip to Vietnam.

+ What equipment is recommended to bring on our trip to Vietnam?

When adventuring in Vietnam you need very little equipment. knows that much of the stuff you may need would be difficult to carry while you travel so we will supply everything for you. This applies for trekking, hiking, kayaking, canyoning, and climbing. Please see the “what to bring list” at the bottom of all the detailed itineraries or ask your travel consultant.

+ Do I need a First Aid Kit for my trip?

We suggest that each traveler brings their own small first-aid kit. For some tough adventures we will need to have a group safety kit to be brought along with us; this is supplied by Green Discovery Indochina Travel

+ Is it possible to buy/ hire mobile phones in Hanoi? How much of the route has mobile coverage?

Yes, it’s very easy to hire or buy cell phones here in Vietnam. There are many new and used mobile phone shops. Prices are extremely cheap and buying a SIM card is very easy. If you are traveling for an extended period of time we recommend that you have a phone number for safety and for sharing your number with friends that you meet along the way. The coverage is fine in the major city centers, towns and townlettes. Once you are trekking far in the jungle or in the remote areas service begins to fade away

+ What is the best source of mapping for the area? What maps does greendiscoveryindochina.com have? Would it be possible to obtain maps for each of the clients?

We have the standard travelers’ maps of Vietnam with us, and at each trekking site, we will have a more detailed map that shows routes we are going to. It is easy to obtain maps for each of the travelers, this is on your request! If you would like more detailed maps for your journey, the book stores carry all the maps and map books for all destinations in Vietnam

Safety in Vietnam:

+ What arrangements (including communications) are in place for an evacuation of a client in the event of an emergency?

Depending on the situation, emergency, injury and environment we will have the best solution for an evacuation. If we are in a remote area the local people (porters, local guides, villagers) will help us effectively take the client to meeting point or the nearest clinic

+ What emergency assistance (e.g. air rescue) is available, how are they contacted, and what are the estimated response times?

In cities, town and tourist destinations, there are hospitals / clinics and ambulance service relatively close by and very easy to contact. Throughout Vietnam the number to call is 115. In remote & mountainous areas, an emaergency may become difficult due to poor communication and bad roads. In many of the National parks where the majority of our adventures take place there has been first aid and evacuation training and aid is at the most a half-day by foot away. Worst-case scenario, the group would have to walk the patient out ourselves. There are many resources to do this effectively. In Vietnam, air service is very hard to come by for military and resource reasons. Because the areas we adventure too are so close to tourist centers and main roads, it would not warrant air evacuation

+ How long will it take to evacuate an incapacitated client?

In the major cities, in rush hour, a patient would be in a clinic in under an hour. All evacuations depend on the situation and it is very hard to determine the length of time to get a patient or patients out. In the wilderness, depending on the difficulty and resources it could take up to one day to have a patient evacuated to a place where transport could be waiting. The major trekking centers in Vietnam are Mai Chau and Sapa. The hospitals emergency contacts and addresses are as follows. The hospitals are equipped to handle emergencies. In Sapa: Sapa Medical Clinic, Cau May Street, Sapa Town (xom 3 thi tran Sapa) Phone: 020-871237 In Mai Chau: Mai Chau Town Hospital. Phone: 018-867244

+ How will we be able to make contact with the outside world?

There is moderately good cell phone coverage on the treks. Especially in Sapa. In case of emergency, there is usually a fixed phone in the Peoples’ Committee Office in the nearest village. If you are still concerned it is recommended that you rent a satellite phone in your country before coming to Vietnam. Please make sure that you know how to use it and that you show your guide how to use it as well

+ How will the outside world be able to make contact with us?

If you are in remote areas that will be quite difficult. The best way would be to give family members the contact at . If the situation arises, will get a hold of a local and have them reach your group by foot.

+ What vaccinations and malarial prophylaxis do you recommend?

Before leaving for Vietnam, all clients should make sure to receive the appropriate vaccinations especially against typhoid, malaria and hepatitis A. Please ask your doctor for their recommendations as their advice will be better than ours. What are the principle risks to the clients during an expedition? Specifically, please comment on the severity and potential of risks posed by:
And is only to help give you an idea of the possible risks in Vietnam and not during your tour.
takes every precaution to make sure you will have a safe trip. Please do the same. If you are going to be going on a major expedition or adventure please be well prepared, mentally and physically.

+ What measures are in place to minimize these risks?

All of our guide are well trained and have been briefed in what to do in an emergency. When necessary will be taking extra resources when needed (porter, extra equipment). Further, all of our clients will be briefed before the trip of any dangers. When a situation occurs where there is danger, all clients will be warned the safest option will be used.