FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

Do i need a visa for Vietnam ?

you will need to apply on line $50

yes please follow visa instructions link

 

Do i need a visa for Cambodia ?

This is $50 and we will help you purchase on the boat trip from cho doc to phenom phen when we stop at boarder crossing. no need to do anything before the trip.

 

Mobile phone service ?

We are on Version and upgrade our device for $100 per month to unlimited calls and wifi

there is wifi connection at all hotels 

when out cycling unless you upgrade  you will have no service.

 

Do i need a travel plug converter?

No your USA two pin plug will work in Vietnam and Cambodia

 

Do i need to take malaria pills?

I am not a doctor and not qualified to give out medical advice but in the past some of the people who took malaria medication on the trip (including several doctors) have said that they wish that they had not done so.

 

What vaccinations?

Please refer to your personal doctor for advice

An up to date Tetanus is advised

 

Do I need  travel insurance?

we highly recommend travel insurance.

we have no specify travel insurer to recommend 

 

What quality are the bikes?

 

Bikes come with flat pedals which are best for this type of riding and either running shoes with a firm sole or enclosed toe sandals such as those made by Keen and Tiva

We supply water bottles with our bikes as well as cold bottled water and soft drinks.

 

Can you recommend who to fly with?

This is dependent on time and money!

 

I can only relay my personal experience that i find the flight from USA to Vietnam extremely long.

 

We now take the opportunity to explore the world and always add a few nights stop over enroute.

We’ve have wonderful experiences in Tokyo, Seoul, London and Istanbul. I’ve also been recommended Taipei as a great city to explore. 

 

We use the search engine Kayak when researching flights.

 

What are the cancelation fees and dates ?

UP TO 60 DAYS PRIOR TO START DATE-- $300

60-30 DAYS-- 50%

30-0 DAYS-- 100%

 

How much cash should i bring?

Its depends on your shopping and drinking habits on how much money you will spend.

Remember all meals are included but drinks are not.

 

I would suggest you bring about $200-$300 in clean crisp bills.

 

However, it is extremely easy to use ATMs. 

There are machines near our hotels in Ho Chi Minh, Siem Reap and Hanoi. 

In Vietnam they dispense Dong an in Cambodia US dollars and Riel.

 

Will i need to tip the guides?

I have received several requests about tipping and here is how I see it. 

 

All past clients  have been very impressed with the guides and drivers and have tipped well. The average has been around 10% of the cost of the trip. Remember tipping is not mandatory so it is your decision.

 

The distribution of the tips is complex as there are different sets of guides and drivers as well as restaurants and others for each of the 3 segments of our trip. (At least 12 guides/drivers/helpers in total). For the past few years almost all the clients have given me all their tips in one sum at the beginning of the trip. If you decide to do this please bring the tip money in $20 and $100 US dollars in an envelope labeled with your name. Please bring new, clean and crisp bills, they are VERY particular about this, any crease or tear will be rejected. 

 

All of the tip money goes to Vietnamese and Cambodian people who serve us. None of tip money goes to Bike Vietnam, myself or my wife Victoria (Tory) .

 

Do you recommend arriving early?

There’s a lot to do in Ho Chi Minh and an extra day or two will give you a chance to get over jet lag. Please see Extra Things to do in Ho chi Min sheet. we can help book extra nights at the hotel.

However if arriving on “arrival day is just fine. We've designed the it nary to factor this in with a late start on the next days walking tour.

 

Do you recommend adding extra days in Hanoi ?

There’s also many things to explore in Hanoi and extra shopping time won’t go amiss. Please see Extra Days in Hanoi sheet.

 

How do I get from the airport to the hotel?

There will be a guide waiting for you outside the airport. They will transfer you to the hotel by taxi.

 

What should I pack?

Please refer to What to Pack sheet.

 

Is there good shopping?

YES!! save some room in your suitcase.

 

 

 

 

 

https://vnmvisa-assistant.web.app.  ( cheaper but confusing )

 

https://vietnam.visaonline.travel/apply-visa/payment   (easier)