Your Pre-Departure Pack: Everything You Need Before You Go
Vietnam Adventure
From street food buzz to limestone coastlines.
Visa
UK Citizens
Please make sure you have read the entry requirements for Vietnam on the Gov UK website:
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/vietnam/entry-requirements
Flights
Arrival
Your adventure starts in Hanoi. You’ll need to fly into Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), where our team will be there to meet you and get you to the hotel stress-free. Most travellers arrive a day early to settle in, shake off jet lag, and maybe grab their first bowl of pho with the group. Trust us - you’ll want that time. Once you land, everything else is taken care of. You’ve done the hard part. We’ve got the rest.
Departure
Your trip wraps up in Ho Chi Minh City. You’ll fly home from Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), with easy access from your final hotel. Whether you’re heading straight home or continuing your travels, this is where your Vietnam chapter ends… and where most people start planning their next trip before they’ve even left.
Important
Please note all flight information must be uploaded at least 8 weeks before your arrival or you will not receive airport pickup.
Insurance
You must have travel insurance to join a FurtherTravel trip. You can request a quote with our insurance partner here. Please upload a photo/screenshot of your insurance confirmation (showing name, dates, policy number etc.) to your Portal.
Emergency numbers
In-Country Emergency Numbers
Police: 113
Ambulance: 115
Fire: 114
Tourist Police: +62 361 784 5988
Int Dialling Code: +84
In case of emergency
In case of emergency, please contact your local guide (number in Whatsapp group chat).
In the unlikely event that you encounter any issues with or any aspect of your tour, (like accomodation or activities etc) please reach out to your local guide first. If your local guide is unable to resolve your issue to your satisfaction, please contact our in-country manager who will be happy to assist you further.
Linda: +855 92 916 296
UK Office
For assistance from another team member, feel free to reach out to our UK office (Monday to Friday, 10am–6pm): +44 (0)161 222 3780
Itinerary
From day to night, your itinerary’s packed with unforgettable moments. Here’s the lowdown.
Accommodation
More Information
Dress Code
Whilst out and about at the beach, relaxing in your free time, or taking part in most activities, you are welcome to wear swimsuits, flip flops, sandals, and your usual summer clothing such as skirts, dresses, and shorter shorts. The climate can be very warm, so lightweight and comfortable clothing is recommended. If you'd like any fashion advice or you're unsure what to pack, the Team will be happy to help.
However, if visiting schools, temples, or other community sites, it is important to dress respectfully in line with local customs and expectations. For these visits:
- Long hair should be tied back (this is especially important when visiting schools).
- Trousers or shorts should be sturdy and non-see-through, with shorts extending past the knee.
- Shoulders and knees should be covered.
- Closed-toe shoes should be worn for safety and practicality.
Culture
Your local guide will advise you on this throughout the programme, but you will be asked to change if you are wearing any items that would be considered offensive under local culture. If you are out at clubs or bars in the evening the dress code is more relaxed.
You will be experiencing some temples and more rural areas where the local people aren’t used to seeing more revealing items of clothing. Although being covered up sometimes might not always be ideal in the heat or make sense to you at the time, it is their culture and we must respect it.
Please remember, you are coming to a different continent with its own unique culture.
Packing List
• Decent footwear; a pair suitable for sports & activities, a pair suitable for going out (You won’t need heels trust us!)
• Suitable/respectable clothing (see Dress Code)
• One pair of strong, sturdy trousers
• Light rain jacket, poncho or small umbrella
• One warm jumper or fleece (air conditioned buses can be cold)
• Lightweight Towel
• Sun hat and sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Light & comfy wear for activities on hot days
• Insect/Mosquito repellent & antihistamines
• Small medical kit, including rehydration sachets
• Extension cord (if you want to charge multiple appliances at once)
• Reusable water bottle (A thermal bottle to keep your water cool is best)
• Scanned & printed copy of your passport (in case you lose it)
• A printed copy of your insurance details with details of your insurance policy number and Insurer phone number
• Small Padlock
• Camera
• An unlocked phone, should you want to get a local Sim
• Small bag, for full day excursions
• Earplugs for sleeping if needed
• Portable Speaker
• Deck of Cards or Games
• Travel adaptor; 2 pin round & flat
Sustainability
Protecting Wildlife
- Be a responsible photographer by avoiding handling animals, especially starfish (This can cause them to die as soon as you take them out of the water!)
- Choose ethical experiences by avoiding animal exploitation.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen without harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate.
- Be mindful of food choices by avoiding endangered species and supporting sustainable seafood.
- Buy ethical souvenirs by avoiding items made from animals, like ivory or coral.
Repect and Preserve Local Culture
- Dress modestly and follow local customs, especially at religious sites.
- Respect dining etiquette by learning local food customs.
- Be mindful of body language to avoid unintentional offense.
- Behave respectfully at cultural and sacred sites.
- Minimize impact at heritage sites by visiting off-peak, following guidelines, and not touching artifacts.
- Learn key phrases like "hello" and "thank you" to connect with locals.
Supporting the Local People
- Support local businesses that hire local staff to keep money in the community.
- Bargain respectfully, understanding the value of small amounts to locals.
- Eat locally by dining at restaurants using local ingredients or shopping at markets.
- Buy local handicrafts to support artisans and preserve cultural heritage.
- Stay informed about human welfare issues to make ethical travel choices.
Conserving Natural Environments
- Leave no trace by staying on trails and avoiding environmental damage.
- Conserve resources by supporting eco-friendly businesses and reducing water and energy use.
- Follow regulations to protect the environment, wildlife, and local communities.
- Research sustainability issues in your destination.
- Dispose of waste properly and join cleanup efforts.
- Avoid disposable plastics by using reusable bottles and bags.
Tips and Tricks
- You can’t always flush toilet paper in Vietnam, make sure to put it in the bin.
- You can’t drink the tap water, bottled water only please!
- You can bargain with most market sellers, be sure to be polite and don’t go too low as to offend the seller.
- Try the local food, Pho and Bahn Mi are our favourites in Vietnam!
- Street food is generally very safe to eat, cheap and delicious. Be curious and try it all!
- The local beer is Saigon and will cost around £1 in most restaurants. Cocktails are around £4-6.
FAQs
How much money should I bring?
For any tour we recommend around £200 per week to cover you for food, drinks and any extra activities you’d like to do. Extra activities can typically range anywhere from £5-£80. If you’re good at budgeting you can definitely go cheaper than this!
How do I speak to the group before departure?
We’ll add you into a WhatsApp group around 3 weeks before your departure so you can start chatting and getting to know everyone you’ll be traveling with.
Is there Wifi?
Every hotel will have WIFI as well as most restaurants and cafes. We do recommend having a local SIM card too to ensure you can contact the group anytime throughout the tour.
What type of bag should I bring?
Either a large backpack or suitcase is great but we usually find backpacks are a bit easier to carry around especially onto ferries and transport. We would recommend trying to stay under 20kg if you can.
Should I bring Cash or Card?
We recommend trying to get some cash before you arrive. That being said, keep most of it on a card with good international rates like Starling, Monzo or Wise so you can withdraw cash and pay on card where you can with. There are ATMs everywhere in Vietnam so you’ll always be able to get cash when you need.
Can I wash my clothes?
For about £1.50 per kilo, local laundry services will wash your clothes early morning and return them washed and neatly pressed the following afternoon.