Do many people travel to Vietnam alone?
Yes, many travellers, both male and female, travel alone throughout Vietnam and Southeast Asia. Upon arrival, we will pick you up from the airport, you will meet your travel mates and the adventure begins.
Can I contact other people who have booked onto the same tour as me?
Of course! We encourage everyone to connect through our social networks: you’ll find links at the bottom of this page. If you’ve joined a tour, we’ll send you an invite to a dedicated Facebook group or WhatsApp group before it starts.
For most tours, the WhatsApp group is created about a week in advance. For the Backpacking Vietnam: Express Adventure tour, the WhatsApp group will be created 1 day before the tour starts. Your tour guide and tour manager will also be in the group to help with any questions.
When should I arrive in Vietnam?
We recommend arriving on the official start date of your tour. There are no activities on the first day, so you can arrive at any time. The group usually meets for dinner around 7 PM.
Do I need any vaccinations?
Possibly. It depends on your health, your vaccination history and the rest of your travel plans, so get personal advice rather than relying on a checklist. Book an appointment with your GP practice or a travel clinic 6–8 weeks before you travel, as some vaccines need more than one dose or time to take effect.
TravelHealthPro (NaTHNaC) keeps up-to-date health advice for Vietnam and every other country we visit.
Is there a dress code for entering the temples and other religious sites?
Yes, the dress code is seen as a show of respect to the culture, temple and monks that often live in the temples. Men should wear long pants and no cut-off sleeves. Women should wear trousers, a long skirt, or dress that extends fully below the knees and covers their shoulders - the knees should be fully covered. Tank tops and low cut shirts should also be avoided by both genders.
Can I wash my clothes during the tour?
Yes, please! All accommodation aside from the homestay offers the chance to do your washing at very reasonable prices. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even go for the bucket wash - the price is right.
How much spending money should I bring?
Not much! We suggest at least £10 / US$15 (or equivalent) a day for spending money. Meals that aren't included are very cheap in Vietnam, and your accommodation, transport and the activities listed as included on this page are already paid for.
Budget more if your trip has free days when you'd like to add optional trips (a cooking class, a boat trip, having clothes tailored in Hoi An and so on), if you plan to bring home lots of gifts, or if you like a big night out. You can spend less on a tight budget, but this average works well for most travellers.
Should I bring cash to exchange or are there ATMs?
Both, and most travellers use a mix. Vietnam's currency is the dong (VND). ATMs are easy to find in the cities and towns we visit, but most cap each withdrawal (commonly somewhere between 2 and 5 million VND) and many add a fee for foreign cards on top of your own bank's charges, so take out the maximum each time. If the machine offers to convert the amount into your home currency, choose to be charged in dong.
Cards and phone payments work in most hotels and larger restaurants, but street food, markets and small shops are cash only. Exchange desks at the airport take all major currencies. Watch the zeros: the 10,000 and 100,000 VND notes are easy to mix up. Let your bank know you're travelling so it doesn't block your card.
Are there any age restrictions for this tour?
We have a minimum age requirement of 18 years old to join the tour. Group members aged 16-17 years old are welcome to join the tour but only with a family member that will act as their guardian whilst on tour. Aside from that, no age requirements at all! While our target age is 20-45, what matters most is mindset. If you’re looking for a backpacking-style experience, with hostel-style stays, local transport, and optional evening activities - you’re welcome to join us.
Must I pay for the tour in full to confirm my place?
Not at all! A deposit is all you need to secure your place on the tour. The remaining balance is due 60 days before your tour starts, and we will send you reminders before then.
Do I need travel insurance for the tour?
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. You’ll need to show proof of your policy to your group leader upon arrival (on your phone or printed). You can get a quote and purchase your travel insurance here.
What travel insurance do you recommend?
We highly recommend that you travel with insurance for complete peace of mind. Please click here.
How will I access money while I’m away?
We recommend using a Wise travel card. It works in most places and supports Apple Pay and Google Pay. ATMs are widely available, but some places may accept cash only, so it’s good to carry some local currency.
Is my money protected?
Absolutely. Your payment is secure. Backpacking Tours is a licensed tour operator in Thailand (TAT Licence No.11/12642), and we use trusted international payment providers. Your booking is safe, and our team is here to support you every step of the way.
What are the passport requirements?
Your passport must have at least six months’ validity and two blank pages. You should also have proof of onward travel.
What should I do if I cannot find my driver?
Call your group leader using the number sent in your welcome email. They will assist you.
How do I get from the airport to the hotel if I’m making my own way?
Use Grab (Southeast Asia's ride-hailing app) or a metered taxi from the official rank, and ignore anyone offering rides in the arrivals hall.
- From Noi Bai Airport (HAN) to Hanoi's Old Quarter takes about 45–60 minutes and costs roughly 250,000–400,000 VND.
- From Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) to central Ho Chi Minh City usually takes 20–40 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs roughly 100,000–250,000 VND.
Have your hotel's name and address saved on your phone to show the driver.
Why book a tour with us?
We are a licensed tour operator based in Bangkok (TAT Licence No. 11/12642), and our team plans and supports every trip we sell.
- You book directly with us, with no agency in between, so prices are clear and there are no hidden charges.
- Our group tours are for like-minded travellers, mostly in their twenties and thirties.
- You travel with local guides and coordinators who know the country inside out.
- We also offer volunteer programmes without admin fees, and private tours at honest, transparent rates.
When is the best time to visit Vietnam?
Vietnam is long and thin, so the weather varies by region and there's always somewhere good:
- The north (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Ninh Binh) is at its best from October to April. December to February is cool, around 10–15°C at night, while May to September is hot, humid and wetter.
- The centre (Hue, Hoi An) is best from February to August. September to December brings heavy rain and a risk of typhoons and flooding.
- The south (Ho Chi Minh City, Mui Ne, Da Lat) is dry from December to April and has short, heavy downpours from May to November. Nha Trang's rain is concentrated from October to December.
February to April is a good compromise for a north-to-south trip. Our Vietnam weather guide goes month by month.
Do I need to tip in Vietnam?
Tipping isn't a traditional part of Vietnamese culture, but it is increasingly common in tourist areas and always appreciated. Some simple guidelines:
- Restaurants: leaving the small change or 20,000–50,000 VND is a kind gesture. Some upmarket places add a service charge, so check the bill.
- Spas and massages: 50,000–100,000 VND is typical.
- Taxis and Grab: rounding up is plenty (Grab lets you tip in the app).
Tipping your guide or driver at the end of a trip is entirely up to you.
Will I have access to the internet?
Yes. Free wi-fi is almost everywhere in Vietnam: hotels, hostels, cafés and even some buses. It can be patchy in remote areas and on boats.
For data on the move, pick up a tourist SIM from one of the main networks (Viettel, Vinaphone or Mobifone) at the airport, registered with your passport, or set up an eSIM before you fly. Data is cheap and 4G coverage is good along the main travel routes.
Is Vietnam safe for travellers?
Vietnam is a safe and friendly country to travel in, and serious crime against visitors is rare. The main things to watch:
- Bag and phone snatching by thieves on motorbikes is common in the cities. Hold your bag on the side away from the road and don't use your phone at the kerb.
- Traffic is the biggest day-to-day risk. Cross roads at a slow, steady pace so drivers can steer around you.
- To ride a motorbike legally you need the 1968 international driving permit as well as your licence, and your insurance may not cover you without them.
- Never leave drinks unattended, and avoid cheap spirits: methanol poisoning can kill.
- Drug penalties are severe, whatever the amount.
May to November is tropical storm season, which can disrupt travel. Read the latest FCDO travel advice for Vietnam before you go.
Do I need to speak Vietnamese?
Not at all. Vietnamese is the official language, but English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants and tourist areas, and your guide or coordinator is there to help. A few words always earn a smile: xin chào (hello) and cảm ơn (thank you). Translation apps are handy for street food stalls and markets.
