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TRAVEL & STAY

FLIGHT

The cheapest and most efficient way to arrive in Vietnam is by booking a flight to Ho Chi Minh City and then taking a short domestic flight into Da Lat (about 30 mins). For those flying from the US, please note that the flight to Vietnam can be long (20-25 hours). Flights from NYC require at least one layover. We recommend choosing an itinerary with at least 2 - 2.5 hours of layover time to account for potential delays and allow for transfers between terminals, as some airports are large and may require additional security checks or luggage re-screenings.

Some airlines we recommend are:

+ All Nippon Airways (ANA)

+ Asiana Airlines

+ Qatar Airline

VISA INFO

Vietnam requires a visa for guests coming from the US. To qualify for  a Vietnamese Visa, your Passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months following your arrival date. However, visas are easy to obtain and Vietnam has fully opened its borders to all passengers, regardless of their vaccination status.

DIY Visa: You can apply for Vietnam E-Visa online via the government website. The process is fairly simple, quick, and affordable. It takes approximately 3 days to process and costs $25. You can apply in the link below. Please remember to print out your visa and bring it with you. When you arrive in Vietnam, you'll simply walk through customs, show your Passport and E-Visa to the officer to receive your entrance stamp.

For an easier process you may want to have an agency process the visa on your behalf for an additional $25 ($50 total). You can also add a fasttrack option where at the airport an employee will help you through customs for an additional $70. We recommend the following agency:

Click here

TRANSPORTATION

Getting around Vietnam is easy via taxi. In your phone you will have pre downloaded the following apps: 

  1. GRAB (similar to Uber) - You can link your US card or give them local currency
  2. Taxi cabs are also available at the airport and vietnam 
    1. In Ho Chi Minh city there are a  lot of Grab drivers. It should be easy to book from anywhere including the airport.
    2. In Da Lat - Grab may be slower to the airport, we recommend booking a taxi in the airport (remember to bring enough local currency)

GOING TO DA LAT

  • Traveling from Ho Chi Minh city to Da Lat by plane

Flying via plane is the quickest way to get from HCMC to Dalat. When entering SGN airport head to the Check-in counters then proceed upstairs to security. If you’re leaving in the morning security is generally quick and easy. We recommend getting to the airport at least an hour early to check in and get through security.

Once you arrive to Dalat, it takes approximately 45 minutes by taxi to arrive to the center of Da Lat. You may ask the driver for their contact info if you would like to continue using them throughout the trip. 

  • Traveling from Ho Chi Minh city to Da Lat by sleeper bus

If you would like to experience traveling to Da Lat by road, you can try the sleeper bus. Buses  offer a few options such as private cabins, private beds, etc. It takes approximately 8 hours to travel from HCMC to Da Lat so we recommend taking the bus at night and arriving in the morning. We will provide a laying bed bus leaving Ho Chi Minh City early on Friday and leaving Dalat Sunday at noon. Please contact us should you want to join the complimentary bus ride.

Here are some reputable sleeper bus brands:

  • FUTA Bus Lines: A one-way trip is about 300.000VND/pax (~$13/pax)
  • Thanh Buoi: A one-way trip is ranging from 290.000 - 440.000VND/pax (~$13 - $19/pax) with many options of seats (cabin/bed/chair)

CURRENCY

Getting Vietnamese Dong in the US can be tough. We recommend bringing USD and exchanging it in Vietnam. To get the best exchange rate, it is recommended to bring new $100 bills with no marks or rips. To get the best exchange rate we recommend exchanging it at a  gold or jewelry store (Most are located in the center of Ho Chi Minh City near Ben Thanh Market). You can also withdraw from the ATMs. However, for higher limits we recommend going to the teller with your debit card and passport. Check with your bank beforehand for fees 

The following accounts offer no foreign transaction fees and will reimburse your ATM assed fee: 

  1. Schwab Bank High Yield Investor Checking (Cheapest and most convenient options but limited branches)
  2. TD Beyond Checking 
  3. Chase Sapphire checking or private banking 
  4. CitiGold

The following credit cards have no foreign transaction fee

  1. Chase Amazon Card (No annual fee)
  2. Chase sapphire (Has an annual fee)
  3. Amex gold and platinum card (Has an annual fee)

*Keep in mind that a lot of places take credit/debit but some still only accept local currency

HEALTH & FOOD SAFETY

The food in Vietnam is generally fresh and tasty. However, If you have a weak immune system or stomach, we recommend traveling with some over-the-counter medicine. We also recommend booking an appointment with your doctor beforehand to ensure a smooth trip

*We typically bring Advil, Aquaphor (mosquito/ bug bites), Pepto Bismol, & Flu medicine

DAILY TRAVEL BAG

For daily items we recommend keeping it in a cross-body or fanny pack (brand name bags are strongly discouraged in crowded areas)

BATHROOM ETIQUETTE

In Asia, some places do not use toilet paper, instead they use a bidet (water pipe)  to clean after going. If you’re not comfortable with this, we highly suggest bringing toilet paper or napkins in your daily bag in case. If you are planning to visit some of the more remote locations, some toilets cannot handle toilet paper. You will utilize the trash can next to you to dispose of the toilet paper

MAPS & PHONE SERVICES

Google maps works well in Vietnam and most carriers have an international plan. We will also provide a backup Vietnamese phone preloaded with the essential apps and phone numbers

CLIMATE & WEATHER

Vietnam’s weather is tropical but each region has its unique weather patterns. Ho Chi Minh city is on the warmer side (usually 80-100 F). However, Da Lat’s weather is cool and breezy (earning the nickname “City of Eternal Spring”). At night it can get a bit chilly in Dalat so make sure to bring some winter clothes

DAILY ATTIRE

In Saigon we recommend wearing light and breezy clothing. In Dalat we recommend wearing several layers of clothing to keep warm. (Except on the wedding day because you need to dress up). Most hotels offer laundry services, and prices change depending on the item and materials. We don’t recommend packing too many items. You will most than likely reuse and buy new outfits

LUGGAGE

We recommend bringing an extra carry-on or duffle bag as you will more than likely bring back more goods than what you came with