Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about traveling to Vietnam with Banh Mi Travel
1 Booking & Payments
You can book directly through our website by selecting your desired trip and filling out the booking form. Alternatively, contact us via email, phone, or WhatsApp for personalized assistance. Once we receive your inquiry, our team will confirm availability and send you a detailed itinerary with pricing.
We accept bank transfers, credit cards (Visa, Mastercard), and PayPal. For group bookings or custom trips, we can arrange flexible payment schedules. A deposit of 30% is typically required to confirm your booking, with the balance due 30 days before departure.
Cancellations made 60+ days before departure receive a full refund minus processing fees. Cancellations 30-59 days before departure receive 50% refund. Cancellations less than 30 days before departure are non-refundable. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment.
While we don't sell travel insurance directly, we strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance before your trip. We can suggest reputable insurance providers that cover medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and other travel-related issues.
2 Trips & Tours
Our small group tours typically have 6-12 participants, ensuring a more personal and intimate experience. This size allows our guides to provide individual attention while fostering a social atmosphere. Private tours are also available for those who prefer exclusive arrangements.
Yes, many of our tours are family-friendly. We offer specific family-oriented itineraries with activities suitable for all ages. For families with young children, we can customize the pace and activities to ensure everyone enjoys the experience. Please let us know the ages of your children when booking.
Each tour has a difficulty rating ranging from easy (suitable for all fitness levels) to challenging (requiring good physical condition). Most of our tours are moderate and involve walking, occasional stairs, and comfortable transportation. Detailed fitness requirements are listed on each tour page.
Vietnam has diverse weather patterns, and we plan itineraries to work around seasonal conditions. If extreme weather affects an activity, we'll provide alternative experiences of equal value. Our local guides are experts at adapting plans to ensure you have a great experience regardless of weather.
3 Destinations
Vietnam offers incredible diversity. Top destinations include Ha Long Bay for stunning limestone karsts, Hanoi for cultural heritage, Hoi An for ancient architecture and cuisine, Ho Chi Minh City for modern Vietnamese life, and Sapa for mountain trekking. We also recommend lesser-known gems like Ninh Binh, Phong Nha, and the Mekong Delta.
The best time depends on which region you're visiting. Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa) is ideal from October to April. Central Vietnam (Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang) is best from February to August. Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta) is enjoyable year-round, with dry season from December to April.
Yes, we specialize in Vietnam but also offer trips to Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand. We can arrange multi-country itineraries that combine the best of Southeast Asia, including popular routes like Vietnam-Cambodia with Angkor Wat, or Vietnam-Laos adventures.
4 Practical Information
Most nationalities require a visa to enter Vietnam. Citizens of many countries can apply for an e-Visa online (valid for 90 days). Some nationalities are eligible for visa exemption for stays up to 15-45 days. We recommend checking current requirements with your embassy or our team at least 4 weeks before travel.
Essential items include lightweight, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, rain gear (especially during monsoon season), sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle. For temples, bring modest clothing covering shoulders and knees. Don't forget any prescription medications and a universal power adapter.
Vietnam is generally very safe for tourists. Violent crime is rare, though petty theft can occur in crowded areas - keep valuables secure. Traffic can be chaotic in cities, so take care when crossing streets. Our guides provide safety briefings and are always available to help throughout your trip.
The Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the local currency. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops in cities. However, cash is preferred in markets, smaller establishments, and rural areas. ATMs are readily available throughout the country. We recommend carrying a mix of cash and cards.
Vietnamese cuisine can accommodate most dietary needs. Let us know about any allergies or requirements when booking, and we'll ensure restaurants and guides are informed. While vegetarian options are widely available, vegan and gluten-free choices may be more limited in rural areas.
5 Custom Trips
A custom trip is ideal for those who want to explore Vietnam at their own pace. Share your interests, budget, travel dates, and preferences with us. Our travel designers will create a personalized itinerary just for you. We handle all logistics - accommodation, transportation, activities, and local guides - while you enjoy the journey.
We recommend booking custom trips at least 4-6 weeks in advance, especially during peak season (October-April) or holidays. This allows time for planning, securing preferred accommodations, and arranging special experiences. However, we can accommodate shorter notice requests depending on availability.
Absolutely! Our local expertise allows us to arrange unique experiences like cooking classes with local chefs, traditional craft workshops, private boat tours, photography expeditions, culinary tours, and meetings with local artisans. Tell us your interests and we'll make it happen.
All custom trip clients receive 24/7 phone support from our Vietnamese team. You'll have a dedicated local contact who can assist with recommendations, emergencies, or any changes to your plans. We also provide detailed travel documents, offline maps, and restaurant suggestions.
Still have questions?
Our travel specialists are here to help. Contact us and we will get back to you within 24 hours.