Vietnam
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Vietnam
(Updated Jan 2023)
Thank you for choosing RITZ TOURS!!!
PREPARING FOR YOUR TRIP
- Your International Air ticket if applicable
- Day-by-Day Itinerary with Hotel Information and Emergency Contact Phone Numbers Vouchers (if applicable)
- Ritz Tours Badge
- Luggage Tag
- A Copy of “Things to Know Before You Go”
AN IMPORTANT NOTE ON TIPPING
Please note that gratuities are not included in your tour cost. They are customary, and their purpose is to encourage and reward quality service. Our tour conductors, local guide, drivers, hotel porters and other service personnel do their utmost to make your trip smooth and pleasant. Gratuities are a way of showing your appreciation and also constitute a large part of their monthly income. However, tips are NEVER mandatory.
Ritz Tours suggests tipping in the following manner (US dollars):
- $7 per person per day to the guide (except free day)
- $3 per person per day to the driver (except free day)
Again, thank you for choosing Ritz Tours as your partner-in-travel. We are confident that your trip will be happy and rewarding. If you need further information, please contact your travel agent or Ritz Tours.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
U.S. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the return date of your trip. Entry visas are required to Vietnam. You must purchase the Vietnam visa in advance at the consulate. Simply apply online for your tourist E-visa (https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/en_US/web/guest/khai-thi-thuc dien-tu/cap-thi-thuc-dien-tu), valid for 30 days. E-visa fee is USD 25, the processing time is 3 working days. You will receive your code by email to print your visa. For non-U.S. citizens, please check with the appropriate embassy or consulate for requirements.
UPON ARRIVAL IN SIEM REAP
Upon your arrival, please go through Customs and Immigration on your own. After exiting the Customs area, please look for a Ritz Tours representative who will be holding a sign with “Ritz Tours”. Please make sure that you wear your Ritz Tours badge for easy identification.
HEALTH & MEDICAL
Covid -19 testing
- Starting from 0:00 on May 15, 2022, temporarily suspend pre-entry SARS-CoV-2 test requirements.
- No requirement for quarantine.
- No vaccinations are required for your trip with the exception of anyone traveling from or via an infected area. Due to the length of the trip and local traveling conditions, it is advised that you consult your doctor for existing medical/dental conditions before departure. If you are taking prescription medicine, please pack (in your hand luggage) a sufficient quantity for the duration of the trip. It may also be useful to bring aspirin, over-the-counter medicine for flu, indigestion, motion sickness, etc. In case of illness during the trip, please immediately notify your tour conductor and local guide for assistance. You can also contact the Center for Disease Control (C.D.C.) 404-639-3534 for updated information.
TRAVEL INSURANCE REQUIREMENT
Purchase medical/travel insurance that covers COVID-19 treatment with a minimum coverage: $10,000.
ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENT
Electrical outlets are rated at 220 volts so a converter is needed to operate a normal 110-volt American appliance. Electrical appliances will also require an adapter that can change the shape of the plug prongs.
SHOPPING
Although local guides will be happy to assist you with any shopping requirements, Ritz Tours does not assume responsibility for any items purchased at shops while on tour. You are never required to purchase any items while on tour and thus must be responsible for your own purchases. Any after sales correspondence must be between the passenger and the shop in question.
CLOTHING
Clothes should be light and loose; natural fibers or blends are best. Sunglasses are essential; light hats are advisable. Shorts are taboo for men and women at temples and mosques. Shoes must be removed upon entering temple buildings, so non-laced shoes (but not sandals without back straps) are best.
A sweater will be handy for the cool season in Vietnam. Many visitors save luggage space by buying inexpensive vacation clothes there, leaving them behind when they return home. Be aware that you may encounter some rainfall.
BAGGAGE
Cathay Pacific (CX) baggage allowance:
- Economy class: Maximum weight 50 lbs per bag, Maximum number of checked bags: Two
- Maximum Dimensions per bag: 158cm (62in) length + height + width
- Infant ticket holder maximum number of checked bags is ONE, maximum dimensions per bag: 115cm (45in).
- Maximum number of checked bags: One
- The baggage allowance is 20kg (44lbs) per person.
- Overweight charge per kilogram is 1.5% of full airfare.
- Maximum number of checked bags: One
- The baggage allowance is 20kg (44lbs) per person.
- Overweight charge per kilogram is 1.5% of full airfare.
DO NOT pack medicine, valuables and other personal necessities in checked luggage. Keep them in your carry on bag.
CURRENCY
As of Jan, 2023 the following exchange rate applies:
US$1.00 = 23660 VND (Vietnam Dong)
CLIMATE & WEATHER
This area’s climate is hot and humid, but there are regional and seasonal temperature variations. Due to its long shape, Vietnam has a diversified weather that is affected by the monsoon. There are two seasons: Hot and humid with rain (May to October; 85-95 ºF) and Cold (Nov. to April; around 52ºF in Hanoi and around 73 ºF in Ho Chi Minh). There is a high rate of rainfall and high humidity.
ENGLISH | VIETNAMESE | PRONUNCIATION |
Yes | Vang | Vom |
No | Khong | Khom |
Thank you | Cam on | Cumon |
Hello | Xin chao | Seenchow |
Excuse me | Xin loi | Sin loy |
Please | Lam on | Lam on |
How much? | Bao nhieu | Bough new? |
I do not understand | Toi khong biet | Toy kom beet |
Toilet | Nha ve sinh | Nya vay sing |
Good/Bad | Tot/Khong tot | Tote/Khom tote |
Bon Voyage!