If you are thinking about a trip to Vietnam with your family, there may be a few questions that you have before embarking on this trip. There are a few important legal things to keep in mind if traveling with minors, and general customs that should be respected. In general, Vietnam is a very family friendly country, and you should have a wonderful visit.

How old should my children be for a trip to Vietnam?
When traveling with children to Vietnam, it is not necessarily about the country itself, but really how your children will handle the trip in its entirety. For young children who are either nursing or on formula, be sure to take your own formula. Additionally, for babies you may want to bring some baby food pouches that you can travel with. As long as you take it slow and try not to pack too much into your trip, you should have no issues in regards to young children traveling through Vietnam.

What documents should I bring for my children under the age of 18?
There are three main documents that you should bring with you while traveling with minors under the age of 18. Whether or not these are your legal children, you do not want to run into any issues. First is to have your child’s valid and legal passport. Make sure that it does not expire within 6 months of returning home. If you do need to get a new passport make sure to allow for at least 4-6 weeks for it to arrive. You can also expedite this and receive it within 2-3 weeks if you have proof of necessity.    

The next proof you will need is travel consent of the child. This is usually for children traveling alone, or with only one parent. If you are traveling alone with your child, or without their other parent, then this is extremely important. The consent letter written from their other parent needs to be signed, have the child’s contact information, both of the parents contact information, the child’s destination and who the child is traveling with generally. Additionally you should have a copy of the other parent’s passport or some form of identification. If their other parent has passed away, you should have a copy of the death certificate. Additionally, the consent letter should be signed by a notary public or reliable witness. These documents are mainly for the airlines, as they might prevent you from boarding with your child.

Finally the last document needed whether or not you are a single parent traveling, or a couple traveling together, you must have proof of your relationship to your children. This can be a birth certificate, a court order stating you are the legal guardian, or proof of adoption. If the child is traveling with only one of their parents, it is smart to carry a child medical consent form as well.
To be smart, always check with your airline and confirm what they require ahead of time. It is never a bad idea to be vigilant about this because it could really delay your trip and effect the fun you are about to partake in, in Vietnam.

Will my family need vaccinations?
Vaccinations are a personal choice when traveling as there are no legal requirements when it comes to vaccinations in traveling to Vietnam. If you have concerns regarding vaccinations it is a good idea to speak to your doctor or travel nurse a month or 2 before leaving on your trip to Vietnam. Only you can make the final decision whether or not you will need any, or more vaccinations for your travels.

Do I need to arrange travel insurance?
Travel insurance is always recommended especially when traveling with young children. In the event someone needs to visit a doctor, a flight is missed, or worst possible case scenario that someone is injured or very sick and needs to be airlifted out, you will be covered.
What is the traffic like in Vietnam?

Is it safe to go out late in Vietnam?
Generally Vietnam is a very safe place for a family to walk around at night. Although this is true, just remember to keep your wits about you at night. Anywhere in the world someone can decide to be a pickpocket. Always be cautious when walking in crowded places, and hold young children’s hands at all times to avoid them getting lost in the crowds.

What is the Vietnam time zone and will it be hard to adjust?
Vietnam is 7 hours ahead of London, UK, 12 hours ahead of New York, US and 3 hours behind Sydney, Australia. For some it can be hard to adjust to the time difference. One rule of thumb is to be aware of what time you will arrive in Vietnam. If you plan to arrive after 7pm then it is advised to sleep a few hours at the beginning of your flight, but try to stay awake for the rest of the time. This way you can sleep a few hours after you arrive and your children won’t be bouncing off the walls at midnight. If you arrive in the morning, try to sleep on the flight so you are waking up in the normal time zone.

Will we have issues speaking only English?
Of course it is always nice to have your family learn a few words in Vietnamese, such as “thank you” and “hello,” but generally people understand basic phrases, especially in large cities. You should have no trouble speaking English in Vietnam.

Does Vietnam have a reliable internet service?
Internet is very reliable in Vietnam. All through Vietnam beside extremely remote areas there should be access to wifi. Guest houses and hotels usually provide internet access and there are many internet cafes.

Are there any Vietnamese customs to be aware of?
Dressing modestly: There are a few places in which it is required to dress modestly. In temples or Buddhist pagodas shoes should always be removed. Shoulders and knees should also be covered, so this is important to consider since it may be quite warm and the whole family will be wearing shorts! If you are visiting a rural area it is recommended to wear tops that cover the shoulders and as well as the knees once again. If you enter a local house or shop it is custom to remove shoes before entering.

Respect at religious sites: It is very important to let your family know that you must never sit with your back in a temple or anywhere else, towards a Buddha statue. Also, always make sure to ask for permission to take photos of local people praying.

Greetings: Generally people in Vietnam shake hands to say hello. There is also a method of putting hands together and bowing slightly. Let your children practice this so they feel comfortable and will be respectful when meeting local people.

Are there vegetarian, gluten free and other options if my family has dietary restrictions?
Due to the geography and climate in Vietnam, as well as years of French colonization Vietnam’s food is very diverse. Similar to other Asian countries, rice is a staple in Vietnamese food. For the gluten free traveler, rice noodles and rice cake dishes are very common, but be sure to ask if there is soy sauce, and to leave this out if necessary. For the vegetarian traveler it is important to declare this when ordering food. Simply stating, “no fish and no meat please,” should suffice. Many dishes are easily made with vegetables only if you ask politely. Be aware of fish sauce, as it is made with fish if this is something your family avoids. If you have a vegetarian in your family, assure them that  even Banh Mi can be made with eggs and no meat at all. The only allergy to really be aware of is a nut allergy. Soybean, coconut and peanut oil are commonly used. If someone in your family has a severe allergy, make sure to bring an epi pen.

What should I bring for my children if I plan to take busses/trains?
If you plan to take transportation by bus and train through Vietnam on your trip, there are a few things to keep in mind. First off, it is a good idea to bring extra sweatshirts or warm clothes as the air conditioning can be on and make things cold. Also, bringing a sleeping bag liner is a sanitary way to travel on night busses or trains. They do often provide blankets, but these might not be the most sanitary option for young children, and bringing your own is definitely recommended.

In general traveling to Vietnam with children is not something that should be avoided, but embraced. As long as you have all your travel documents ready, have accounted for any food allergies or medicines, and have your children prepped for a new experience, you should have an incredible time.

ABOUT VIVUTRAVEL
Vivutravel is a local, trustworthy and professional Vietnam tour operator, offering a wide range of Vietnam and Indochina tour packages to the most exciting destinations at most competitive price. Our Business License Number is 0104000493 and our International Tour Operator License Number is 01 – 258. We are very pleased to be a member of Vietnam Administration of Tourism with financial guarantee – a deposit of 1.000,000,000 million Vietnam Dong (US$ 50,000) in a bank of Vietnam. Besides that, we are also official members of VISTA (Vietnam Society of Travel Agents), PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) and higky recommended on Tripadvisor.

Are you planning your Vietnam family vacation, but not sure how to arrange the trip? Getting lost in many tour options? Being sick of searching...? Just leave your troubles behind to read our Vietnam travel guide and send us your inquiry. Your private travel consultant at Vivutravel will help you design a perfectly suggested tour itinerary and quote which are tailor made to suit your wishes and budget.

* How to plan our Vietnam family vacation with you?
1. Send us an inquiry by submitting one of our online tour inquiry forms (Click). Tell us as much information as possible. For examples;

- Please tell us how many people will be traveling with you and the age of your children.

- Please tell us your preferred hotels, level of hotel (3, 4 or 5 stars), type of hotel, type of room...

- Please tell us your type of travel, length of travel and activities that you are interested in. For example; Family with kids, Couple's vacation, Honeymoon, Friends, Shopping, Sightseeing, Leisure and Relaxing, Cuisine & Cooking, Kayaking, Caves & Grottoes, Fishing, Swimming, Hiking, Minority, Adventure & Discovery...

- Please tell us where and what you want to visit. If you do not know much about Vietnam and Indochina, just give us your travel plan and ideas and we will create a suggested tour for you.

- Most of our tour guides are English speaking tour guides, but if you want another language like French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Chinese,etc. We can always arrange. Please tell us what you do you expect from your guides, for example; you want a guide with sense of humor? Good knowledge in history & culture? Male/Female guide? Talkative/untalkative? Young/Old guide?

- Please advise if you want breakfast included only or also lunch and dinner. Please let us know if you are a vegetarian, the food you can eat or can't? If you want local food in local restaurants or western food in tourist restaurant...? Actually, you do not have to send us all information, but the more we know, the better we plan your holiday.

2. After having received your inquiry, one of our professional Vietnam travel consultants will email and give you a proposal.

3. If you accept the proposal (you may modify it till you are satisfied with it), we will calculate the tour cost and send you the tour price. If you accept it, please confirm that you would like to book it.

* How Travel Experts at Vivutravel Service you?
"Highest Standards of Quality and Honesty" is the core value of each specialized team at Vivutravel.

Everyone in our company is working hard for only one goal, which is to ensure the highest level of service, luxury, and attention to detail from the minute you begin planning your trip, to the day you return home.

1-on-1 Travel Consultant
After sending us an inquiry, one of our travel consultants will get back to you within 0.5~23.5 hrs. In the next few days, he/she will be working closely with you to formulate a customized tour plan, as well as providing professional suggestions based on your travel interests, time, and budget.

Beside, he/she will keep in contact with you during your entire tour in Vietnam and Indochina, continually checking if everything is going well as planned.

* How to proceed to book Vietnam and Indochina tour with you?
When you decide to book your Vietnam and Indochina holiday with us, please send us your full names (name on passport) for hotel and domestic flight reservations, and your international flight details in and out Vietnam/Indochina for airport transfers / pick up & see off.

* How to pay the deposit and the balance?
Deposit: When the booking is completely confirmed, we will send you confirmation details including confirmed itinerary, invoice, voucher then deposit request of about 30% of the total tour cost (can be less). You can pay by credit cards (via onepay gateway, pay online), make wire transfer, western union. The deposit is used to pay the flight tickets, hotels, train tickets in advance.

Balance: You can pay the rest 2 weeks before your arrival, or you can pay us on your arrival in Vietnam by credit cards, cash (AUD, USD, EUROS, VND...)

* How to enjoy the tour?
Our job is to make your holiday a memorable experience. To make sure you will have a great time, there are something that we should share;

When you request the tour: Please let us know your personal interests so our travel consultants will design and include in the itinerary, or take notes for the hotels, tour guide, restaurants...

Before you come: One week before your arrival. we always send our clients an email to update about the weather and climate, booking status, and remind you to prepare/check the documents, visa...for the holiday.

When on tour: The tour is fixed, but you can always discuss with us if you want to make it more flexible. For example, you want to make some changes in the itinerary, restaurant (meals), tour guide... please just let us know, we will do the best for you.

Tour guide: Please let us know what do you expect from your tour guides and we will arrange the right ones for you.

* Can you buy the international flight tickets for us?
Yes, we do. However, we advise you to buy the flight tickets in and out Vietnam from your end as it is always cheaper than if booked in here.

* Do you offer any discounts?
Yes, we offer discounts for;

- Family with kids and children < 12 years old
- Disable people
- Old people (> 65 years old)
- Second trip with us
- Big group

* How can I pay you the money?
1) Credit card; (secure online payment gateway via Onepay)
ONEPAY - ONLINE PAYMENT GATEWAY (VISA, MASTERCARD, AMEX & JCB ACCEPTED)

Like PayPal, OnePAY is a payment gateway but specialized in Vietnam where the PayPal has not yet reached. This is a perfect and the first payment processor which gains reputation among clients about its efficiency and timely friendly support.

OnePAY in cooperation with biggest bank in Vietnam - Vietcombank which has been implemented this service among many tour operators in Vietnam.

OnePAY is approved by MasterCard for this payment collection on the behalf of us. OnePAY uses SSL Verisign® over internet transaction under 3D-Secure program by respective creditcard companies so you are free from worries your card information disclosed. OnePAY payment portal also meets standards of international financial system such as PCI DSS of PCI Security Standards Council, 3D-Secure of Visa, MasterCard and JCB.

2) Wire transfer (bank transfer)
3) Cash
4) Western union
5) Combination

* Is there any charge if i change my travel plan such as travel dates, tour itinerary, hotels,...?
We are happy to work on your requests, and will not charge you any money. However, if it is too urgent and the date is too close, the hotels or airlines may chare you some money, in this case we will let you know.

* What is the latest time that I can make my reservation?
We suggest you make reservations at least one month before the departure date. If you decide to travel to Vietnam in May, September or October which is peak season, we recommend you make the reservations two months (at least one) before your departure date. Late reservations can not be guaranteed for the availability of domestic flights, hotel rooms, etc.

However, we DO accept late reservations, things are possible at Vivutravel.

* What about Cancellation policy?
In case of cancellation, we will not impose any charges if we are not being charged and possible to get refund from our suppliers but if our suppliers apply charges for cancellation, you will have to pay those charges that apply. Cancellation policies vary, depending upon the type of service, the time of year, and the reason for cancellation. We will pass on to you all details of any cancellation policy with our transparent reply upon demand.

General cancellation charges that applied by travel services in Vietnam and Indochina.

- Domestic flights: 25% of the fares
- 3 star hotels, no charge if you cancel 5 -7 days before your arrival. (FIT)
- 4 star hotels, no charge if you cancel 10 - 15 days before your arrival (FIT)
- 5 stars hotels, no charge if you cancel 15 - 20 days before your arrival (FIT)

However, in peak season, we may have to pay the hotels one month before your arrival to secure the booking, and in this case, the cancellation policy will be based on the hotels' cancellation plolicies.

* Can we get refund?
For the unused services, Vivutravel will refund you the money.

* How do I get a visa?
Vietnam Visa - For those who would like to avoid the perhaps lengthening visa procedures with their local Vietnam's Embassies, the service of Vietnam Visa On Arrival is available for help. It is legitimated and supported by the Vietnamese Immigration Department. We recommend that you choose visa upon arrival, as picking up visa at the Vietnam int'l airport/border is quite simple, easy, no additional charges and no fail.

Steps to obtain Visa on arrival
a) Please provide the following information for us to apply for your visa.

1) Full name on passport
2) Passport number
3) Date of birth
4) Nationality
5) Date of arrival
6) Date of issue
7) Date of expire
8) Please make sure that your passport is still valid for 6 months

You can apply Vietnam visa online through our www.vietnamvisaprovider.com.

b) How long does it take?
It will take 2-3 days (Normal process), 01 day (Urgent process) to get the “Visa Approval Letter” which we will send you via mail. What you need is to print it out and take it along to get the stamp at airports/borders

c) Get the stamp
Upon arrival, you will need to fill in a certain form with your personal information, get the stamp and visa will be done. For this process, you will need to prepare 02 photos (4*6) and $25 USD each in cash which is stamping fee.

* Do our tour guides and drivers have meals with us?
The guide and the driver in each destination will dine at the same restaurant as yours. But, they will not join you unless you invite them.

* Where can I exchange our money into Vietnam currency?
We advise you to stop in any of a Vietnamese bank during the tour (Our tour guides will take you to the bank), you can also exchange money at your hotel, but the exchange rate is not really good.

* Can I use credit cards in Vietnam?
Major credit cards such as Master Card, Visa, Diner's Card, American Express and JCB can be used to purchase goods in large shopping malls and stores in the big and medium cities, to pay for hotel rooms and for meals in some of the fancier restaurants, and to buy plane tickets with them.

Note: If you are to travel to those small cities or even remote rural areas, only cash in Dong can be used.

* Do I need to bring my medical record with me?
Yes, we suggest you take your medical record with you in case that you need it in the event of an emergency, and please also take with you your doctor's name, address and phone number, emergency contact name and phone number, and your insurance company's name, address and phone number.

* When I finish my tour in Vietnam, if I still have some local money, what can I do?
Upon leaving Vietnam, if you still have some local money, you can change them back to foreign currency with your passport and the exchange memos given by the banks or money exchange counters. So please keep those exchange memos well whenever you change money.

* Tipping
Tipping is not compulsory, but expected by your tour guide and driver.  We advise you to tip as below:

- US$10 - $15 per day for tour guide
- US$7 - US$10 per day for driver

Note:
- Tipping can be more or less or nothing that depends on how big is the group? And how do you enjoy our services?

- Other tipping for tuktuk, sampan boat, cyclo,... please check with your tour guide during the tour.

* Shopping
Vivutravel guarantees "no shopping tour", which means we protect you from the tourist shopping centers or traps. However, if you want to buy something, our travel consultants, tour guides will give you suggestions, advices and help you buy to avoid being overcharged.

Bargaining is a "Must" when buying something in Vietnam and Indochina.

Vivutravel believes that a good choice of accommodation will be the key factor for a successful holiday, and for many years of experience in tourism, we have created a list of the best hotels and resorts each destination that offer us both more benefits of competitive rates, early birds, guaranteed promotion and discounts with availability.

We pick the selected hotels for you as below:
Location: The hotels must be centrally – located, close to the main attractions and most convenient for you to enjoy your holiday.

Facility & Service Quality: Vivutravel only uses the hotels that are regularly and strictly inspected. The hotel must provide international standards and your every need is cared for by the hotel staff.

Variety in Choice: As Vivutravel offers different styles of tour such as honeymoon,, family, adventure, discovery, homestay,... so we will offer many styles and grades of hotels which are available for different budgets, tastes and culture backgrounds.

Hotel Information for planning your holiday and stay.

3 Stars - From US$40 - US$80:
Offering basic needs for a comfortable stay, good size and clean guest rooms with Free access high speed Internet, Welcome baskets and drinking water, Telephone with international dialing, Electronic safe box in room, Hairdryer, Coffee and Tea, Wake-up service, AC, TV, hot water, shower and private bathrooms. On-site restaurants with breakfast included and lunch or dinner at your own pick up. A small fitness center, spa and swimming pool can be expected.

Tour guide and driver are Vivutravel's representatives and your travel companions during your travel in Vietnam and Indochina who take care of our travel services and make your holiday a memorable time. Understanding this, Vivutravel always selects the best tour guides and drivers for tours.

Private Guide & Transfer
Vivutravel's tour packages are private and tailor made so during your travel with us, you will have a private tour guide, private driver, and an air-conditioned vehicle escorting you at every destination you travel to. This will provide you with maximized personal care, security, and flexibility.

Tour Guide:
We do understand that a good tour guide will make your holiday a beautiful time and tour guides who work with us are well-paid, experienced with a university background, eager to exchange our culture, lifestyle, knowledge...with travelers, and have a great passion for their country and understand the personal touch.

Note: In Sapa or some mountainous areas, we may use local tour guides who come from the ethnic groups like H'Mong, or Red Dao as they know better than anyone else about their land, culture, customs and habits... and this is also the way that Vivutravel helps the local people a better life.

Vivutravel's requirements for a tour guide:
1 - Licensed at least for 4 years with working experience.

2 - Guiding does require more than just hanging out in the sun. Guides must be friendly and good with people, organized enough to keep groups or people on schedule, quick on their feet and ready for the inevitable snafus that arises.

3 - Must be an honest broker of their services and able to take criticism.

4 - Should be qualified at some level in health, health care or first aid.

5 - Able to relate to people from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds.

6 - Clear speech and good hearing.

7 - Must not be a alcoholic or No-alcohol during working time or anytime when on tour.

8 - Tour guide is a nurse to take care of visitors, a boss to keep the right itinerary, a teacher to give information, an ambassador to introduce our country, an entertainer

9 - Must be on time every time. Being late or delay is unacceptable.

10 - Check flight tickets, train tickets, meals, weather... to make sure things are in order and inform local office if any changes that might effect the tour.

11 - Solve problems with care when there is dissatisfy. Argument should be averted by courtesy.

12 - If any change of itinerary is needed for unexpected reasons, your private tour guides will be more than accommodating in suggesting alternatives to ensure that you always have a wonderful experience.

Transportation:
Vivutravel guarantees to offer the best means of transport during your holiday in Vietnam and Indochina. The safety, comfort and security of our customers come first. We use only the latest modern cars, vans, coaches and all our drivers are full time workers, government licensed in the tourism industry with at least 5 years driving experience. We are fully in control of our quality and service as we own our vehicles.

Vivutravel's requirements for a tour driver.
- Our drivers must be good drivers with at least 5 years of experience

- Our drivers must keep the vehicles clean,

- Our drivers are not allowed to hear cell-phone or smoke, chat, drink when driving.

- Our drivers must be friendly, helpful.

- Our drivers are not allowed to take you to shops unless you ask for.

- Your vehicle in each destination is air conditioned, insured, clean, and regularly maintained.

Tipping
Tipping is not compulsory, but expected by your tour guide and driver.  We advise you to tip as below:

- US$10 - $15 per day for tour guide
- US$7 - US$10 per day for driver

- Tipping can be more or less or nothing that depends on how big is the group? And how do you enjoy our services?

- Other tipping for tuktuk, sampan boat, cyclo,... please check with your tour guide during the tour.

Vivutravel believes that a good choice of accommodation will be the key factor for a successful holiday, and for many years of experience in tourism, we have created a list of the best hotels and resorts each destination that offer us both more benefits of competitive rates, early birds, guaranteed promotion and discounts with availability.

Indochina holiday to Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand offers you some of the world's best food and it is really the highlight of your travel. Vivutravel tends to include meals where necessary and when special. Other meals are at your own choices.

Breakfast:
Breakfast is included at all hotels and is buffet breakfast with Asian and Western food.

Lunch
Lunches (if included) are usually set menu at handpicked local restaurant with comfortable dining environment where you can rest assure to taste the local flavor. All restaurants are carefully selected and highly recommended.

If allergic to some food
We suggest you to list any food or ingredients that you are allergic to and let our travel consultant know. Then your travel consultant will mark them in the guide’s itinerary, so that our reservation's team and tour guides in different cities can make some preparations and arrangements in advance.

Dinner
Dinners are only included if you stay overnight in a homestay, overnight on cruise in Halong Bay, Mekong Delta or at some special occasions such as welcome dinner, farewell dinner or on requested. So dinners are at your own choice and arrangement, but Vivutravel's tour guide will always give you good suggestions based on your preferences.