Before You Depart

FLIGHT INFORMATION

Our flights to Vietnam and back are on the following airlines with the corresponding schedules. We recommend that you arrive at the airport at least 3 ½ hours before the scheduled departure. If you are planning a connecting flight, please make sure to allow sufficient time for clearing immigration and customs. Flight schedules are subject to change.

ADVANCE SEAT ASSIGNMENT AND FREQUENT FLYER MILES

Airlines do not assign seats in advance for group fares – seat assignments are arranged upon check-in at the airport. smarTours is not involved with seat assignments. If you require a specific seat due to a medical condition, please obtain a doctor’s note you can present to the airline at check-in.

BOOKING YOUR OWN FLIGHTS

Booking your own flights has advantages like flying from your home airport, choosing your own seats, upgrading your seats, and using and collecting airline miles. Tour-only travelers are responsible for arranging their entry and exit flights, as well as their arrival and departure transfers. Unused land services including those caused by air schedule changes and delays are non-refundable and smarTours cannot be held responsible.

When booking your flights, please note that our tour starts in Ho Chi Minh City and ends in Hanoi. We recommend that you:

• Fly into Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) with enough time to meet the group at 5 PM at the hotel for an orientation and welcome dinner
• Fly out of Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)

BOOKING YOUR OWN TRANSFERS

In Vietnam, private taxis are reliable ways to get to/from the airport. You may also check the airport’s website for additional information on how to book a private transfer in advance.

TOUR MEETING POINT

When and where you’ll meet the rest of the group depends on if you purchased our air-inclusive package with group flights from/returning to the U.S. or our tour-only package.

• smarTours Group Air Travelers: Upon arrival in destination, please proceed through customs and immigration. Our Tour Director will be waiting for you at the airport upon arrival in the arrivals area near the point you clear customs with a smarTours sign.
• smarTours Tour-Only Travelers: We recommend you arrive around 4 PM to settle in before joining the welcome orientation and dinner on Day 1. Hotel check-in is generally not before 4 PM.

TOUR ENDING POINT

The final end point for your tour depends on if you purchased our air-inclusive package with group flights from/returning to the U.S. or our tour-only package.

• smarTours Group Air Travelers: On our last day, we’ll transfer to the airport for our return flight to the U.S.
• smarTours Tour-Only Travelers: The tour ends after breakfast on the last day. Generally, hotel check-out is prior to 12 PM (noon).

PASSPORT AND VISA INFORMATION

Travelers must be in possession of a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel. A visa is required for U.S. passport holders traveling to Vietnam. Travelers can apply for an e-visa online with the Vietnamese government. Before your trip, review travel requirements and restrictions by country including passport and visa requirements. You can also learn more about passport and visa services. Please remember that it is your responsibility to obtain the necessary travel documents before the trip.

TICKETS AND FINAL DOCUMENTS

Final instructions, documents, and travel tips will be emailed to you 10–14 days before the scheduled start of your tour. If you have not received your final documents, please check your spam folder or contact smarTours.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

Immunizations are not currently required, however, you may wish to consult your personal physician or local health authorities for their suggestions. The CDC recommends you stay up to date on routine vaccinations, and consult your physician at least one month prior to travel. Learn more about the CDC’s destination-specific recommendations.

CREDIT CARDS AND LOCAL CURRENCY

The official currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (₫). Hotels and some stores accept major credit cards.  For “street shopping” you will need local currency. The best place to exchange money is at a local ATM in destination. Our Tour Director can assist you. You may also exchange money before your trip at your bank. It is recommended that you bring along cash in small denominations.

ELECTRICITY

Vietnam operates on 220 volts/50 Hz and uses the same plug types (A, B, and C) that can be found through the United States, Canada, Central America, and the UK. Please check any electronic devices you plan to bring to determine if you need an adaptor (which allows you to plug your devices into a different-shaped outlet) and/or a converter (which allows you to convert the voltage for single-voltage electronics).

CLIMATE

The North, Center and South of Vietnam all have different climates. The north has 4 seasons (similar to the USA), with winter temperatures (Nov-Feb) averaging in the 50’s and 60’s. The south is tropical with wet and hot summers. Year round temperatures in the south averages in the 80’s.

CULTURE & DRESS

Given Vietnam’S range of temperatures, we recommend you bring a sweater and/or layer to accommodate possibly cooler morning/evening temperatures. Casual clothes are in order. We recommend that you bring along comfortable walking shoes, an all-weather jacket, a hat and an umbrella. Please note that religious centers will often require ankle-length pants, skirts or dresses, and, for women, a scarf to cover their hair.

BAGGAGE

Each passenger may bring one piece of checked-in luggage and one carry-on piece. Please check with the airline for the maximum weight and size for luggage. We recommend that you do not over-pack and that you take a variety of separates with climate and comfort in mind.