FAQ

VIETNAM

What is the group size on your tours?
Most groups operate on less but the maximum will always be 18-22 people per group.
What is the best time to travel?
The best times to visit Vietnam are in the months of November through to March. September, October, April and May are also popular, though Vietnam can be at its most attractive during the monsoon due to lush growth of the vegetation.
What are the inclusions and exclusions of the packages?
Most items have been included in the initial cost of your fully inclusive package; International airfare, all accommodation, 3 meals per day, entrance fees to scenic attractions, all transportation and daily tours, services of your National Escort and local guides, visa fees for South African passport holders and domestic taxes within Vietnam.
The only items not included in your fully inclusive package are current airline fuel surcharges, compulsory tipping, beverages and personal expenditure. What this means for you is that after paying the initial cost your can sit back, relax and we will take care of the rest!
Will my South African plugs fit into overseas power points?
There is an electricity supply of 220 volts throughout Indochina, in the cities and most towns. 240-volt appliances will work safely with this supply. However, there is no universal power point, they vary not just from one country to the next but from one hotel to another. You can buy adaptors, also known as conversion plugs, from hardware, department and Duty free stores at the aiport, we recommend you purchase these before you leave South Africa.
In Vietnam, they generally use the vertical two-pin (Japan) plug, or the round two-pin (Europe) plug.
What types of meals are served on tour?
All group tours include 3 meals per day - breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Breakfast is always included with your hotel in Vietnam. For Group Tours all your meals are included as part of your package. Breakfast is a combination of Vietnamese and western style food, whilst lunch and dinner is in local Vietnamese restaurants. Seafood is the speciality in Vietnam but there will be a wide range of cuisine to choose from such as rice, noodles, meat and vegetarian dishes, including regional specialties. Beverages are at an additional cost and are readily available from street vendors.
If you wish to have meals specially prepared for you, such as a Western meal, you will need to give your national escort app USD25 as a deposit when making your request. You will receive the change, or will be required to pay any additional charge at the conclusion of your meal. Commonly known western takeaways are only found in Saigon (KFC) and Hanoi (McDonalds).
Can I drink the local tap water?
Do not drink tap water, nor take ice with your drinks. Do not drink water in the shower and only use bottled water to clean your teeth. Most hotels provide 2 bottles of drinking water per day free. Bottled water is readily available for purchase throughout Vietnam and is very cheap. (appox R5 for 1.5L)
Is it worthwhile to have travel insurance?
It is a condition of travel take out travel insurance for your overseas travels, to cover you against any situations that may arise. Please enquire with one of our friendly staff or ask your travel agent for further details.
What immunisation do I need, when travelling to China, India and Vietnam?
A Health Certificate is not required for travel to Vietnam. Please consult your doctor or contact your local Travel Clinic for your vaccination requirements.
How far in advance should I book?
As a general rule, it is best to book as soon as you have made a firm decision on a particular tour in order to avoid disappointment, as our tours fill up rather quickly. To make a booking, contact our office to check for availability, then simply fill out our booking form and send a ZAR2 500 deposit.
Do you create tours specifically for my requirements?
We understand that group travel is not always suited for everyone, so we will happily custom make any itinerary to suit your specific needs.
How much money should I allocate for tipping?
Tipping in the Vietnamese tourism industry is not compulsory though it is appreciated and it is normal for guides and drivers to receive them from tourists. If you are on a group tour an amount of approximately USD25 - USD65 per person can be given to your National Escort at the beginning of your tour to enable him/her to do the necessary tipping on your behalf. (Varies from tour to tour) It will then be distributed evenly between local and national guides and drivers.
For independent travellers and those tour members who are doing an extension, an additional sum will be required. For those doing independent travel, a tip of USD2-3 each per driver and guide per day is a good guide depending how much you do with them.
What are the coaches and train compartments like on the tours?
The travel modes on our Vietnam tours have been planned with both variety and enjoyment in mind. Coaches, the Reunification Express train, boat trips of various sizes and varieties and flights are employed to make your holiday more enjoyable and enrich your ‘authentic’ Vietnam experience.
You need to be of average mobility to be able to climb on and off small boats if you intend on going to the Mekong Delta or Halong Bay. Boat trips also occur in Hue and Nha Trang.

When a tour uses overnight train travel, all travel will be in 4 berth first class ‘soft sleeper’ carriages, the best available in Vietnam. However, they are not of the same standard as European trains. Your meals will be provided in the form of a packed lunch box. It is advisable to take with you onboard any drinks or nibblies you want to have during that journey. There is a western toilet per carriage but the facility is basic.
How much free time do we get whilst on tour?
As indicated in our itineraries daily activities are planned, however the programs are flexible, as whilst at the attractions a period of time is allocated where you are free to roam as you please. Generally, apart from a few performances, the evenings are your own also.
What type of guides escort the tour?
We have two types of guides that escort the tour, one is the national escort who meets you upon arrival and travels with you on a day to day basis. The other are the local guides, who specialise is each city you travel through.
How do I get my visa?
South African passport holders currently require a Visa to enter Vietnam. On our fully inclusive Group Tours, Vietnam visas are included for South African passport holders. You will need to complete your visa form and attach your passort photo to send in at the time of final payement so that Wendy Wu Tours can process your visa in your passport.

Tourists can bring unlimited amounts of foreign currency into Vietnam however upon arrival you must declare it on the customs form. It is recommended that you do not wear jewellery unless essential.

Customs regulations in Vietnam are strict, with cultural material deemed unsuitable to Vietnamese society not permitted into the country. You cannot import or export Vietnamese currency.
What is the breakaway fee?
All fully inclusive prices are based on group travel and any deviation from the set itinerary will incur a breakaway fee of ZAR700.00 per person.
What is the fuel surcharge?
All packages that are inclusive of flights will be subject to airline fuel surcharges that will be applied from time to time by the airline and will be in addition to the cost of the tour. These fees cannot be waived.
What is a Re-routing Fee?
A re-routing fee will be applied whenever a passenger changes the arrival/ departure city, to that of another where there is a difference in the airfare cost.
Are there any baggage restrictions?
All passengers are limited to two (2) items of luggage each:
> One (1) suitcase or backpack, with a maximum weight of 20kg and maximum size of 70 litres.
> One (1) piece of hand luggage, with a maximum weight of 5kg. It is advisable that your hand luggage consist of a day “daypack”- a small bag which you can access during the day and carry items like your camera, drinking water, toilet paper, hat etc.

It is essential that you have a lock for each piece of luggage. Without one, railway and airline staff may refuse to handle it.

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