Vietnam 2019
Awaken Your Senses!

• The exemption of visa entry to Vietnam (ranging from 14 to 30 days) allows visitors from foreign countries to apply for a tourist visa either in person at a Vietnamese embassy/ consulate or online through Vietnam’s new E-visa system.
• If you are unable to reach a Vietnamese embassy/consulate or have any difficulties regarding visa matters, please contact us for further details. We also support in providing guests with Letter of Approval before travelling.
• All travelers can visit Phu Quoc Island for 30 days without a visa to Vietnam if only they book a direct flight to Phu Quoc (not via any transits at other domestic airports).

Since the hotel categories based on star-rating are different in regions, we recommend our guests choosing hotels in accordance to ground experiences.

• Luxury 5* – 6*: Luxury hotels/ resorts in Vietnam are composed with finest dining experiences, spacious room and warm hospitality. Many high-end international merchandises, Sofitel, Park Hyatt, Six Senses, Anam, Four Seasons, Intercontinental. Banyan Tree, have been currently presented around the country. However, instead of trendy brands, Sens Asia Travel chooses the accommodations, ranging from US $300 – $5,000 followed guests’ personal style.
• Deluxe 4*: Normally, the price range for this standard ranges from US $80 – $100 and with excellent values and advanced comforts. To archive 4*, hotels will request to have a swimming pool which is an advantage for travelers in Asian summer or new to humid tropical weather. This standard is matching for family travel since they have connecting rooms that normally not available for lower standard. Sens Asia Travel chooses the stays based on guests’ location, compatible facility and good values.
• Superior/Boutique 3*: The facilities of 3* hotels in Vietnam, ranging from US $50 – $70 are able to meet visitors’ basic needs or short trips, standard comforts and primary rooms. Although this type of accommodations is lesser in commodity values, Sens Asia aims at the 3* boutique line, followed by personal experiences and outstanding services in comparison to price range.
• Homestay: In Vietnam, there are 2 types of homestay, the local host in Northern mountainous areas, a real stay under the same roof and shared meal with a local family. Otherwise, it is a simple set of houses built in local style for under US $50 rental and managed by the local families. You still have a chance to observe their lifestyle, taste local food prepared by your host. As many guests feel uncomfortable with the homestay options, Sens Asia Travel only work with homestays which can provide private space, Western toilet and bathroom standard.

• Short trips (≤ 300km): You can take a coach, shuttle bus (Hanoi – Halong shuttle bus) or private car with driver. For short distance scenic train ride, the suggested routes are: Hanoi – Sapa night train; Hanoi – Ninh Binh or Hai Phong; Hue to Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City to Phan Thiet.  Please contact our journey planner for more details.

• Long roads (> 300km): We recommend you to either take a train or plane (Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air Jestar) depending on the duration of your travel and health status. We do not suggest Hanoi – Saigon route due to long and tiresome ride. The best routes to experience Vietnamese train are Hanoi – Dong Hoi (where you can visit Quang Binh and the famous Son Dong cave) or Hanoi – Hue/ Da Nang.

• Local transports: Buses are quite convenient in big cities of Vietnam as you can easily keep track with google map and help to offset carbon during travel. From the airport, high quality bus No.86 will take you to Hanoi’s Old-Quater or vice versa for a low price. Taxi and Grab cars are preferable with reasonable price; we recommend Mai Linh Taxi (the Green cabs) through-out Vietnam, Hanoi Taxi & CP Taxi in Hanoi; Vinasun in Saigon. Unlike other neigbouring countries, Grabcar is widely accepted and under no restriction to pick you up at airport or from hotels. Motorbike rental is not suggested, if you want to experience sitting on the back of a motorbike, Grabbike is available or you can find a traditional “xe om” at any street corners.

•  You should be ready to embrace a wonderful cuisine of Vietnam, famous for its rich flavor, fresh and balancing.
• Fish sauce is widely used as a main ingredients of any dishes here especially in the North, in the South you will find more soy sauce then. Do not afraid trying to deep your spring rolls or steam dishes into the fish sauce, it may taste lighter than it smells, if it’s too strong for you you can ask restaurant to replace by the lime and salt. Other common ingredients in Vietnamese cooking include black pepper, hot chili, ginger, coconut milk, lime, lemongrass, tamarind and cane sugar, supplemented by asparagus and potatoes, courtesy of the French influence.
• As in many countries in Asian, people tend to eat in “family style”, sharing dishes. Each person has a plate or bowl with rice, then shares the bowls of food set midst table.
• Green tea is the most common drink, and is offered as a courtesy to guests or visitors. The two most popular local beers are Beer “hoi” (airy beer), Hanoi Beer and Saigon Export but imported beers are available, at roughly double the price. Vietnam produces varieties of rice wine, known as “ruou”. Often, bottles of “ruou” contain pickled snakes, rare flowers or herbal roots, which are thought to impart health-giving elements.
• Craft beer is the latest trend in Vietnam since 2017 as nowadays you can find many good local craft beer places to enjoy the wonderful beer-tasting and local flavors.

• If any serious health problem arises, you will be immediately taken to the nearest international hospital for immediate examination and treatment. Big cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have very good private and state-owned hospitals and clinics. International SOS, Viet Phap hospital and Family Medical Practice are highly recommended. In rural areas, if you are on tours with us, the guide may support you to a local hospital and request emergency transportation to the nearest international hospital.

• Vietnam is a tropical country, which entails many kinds of dangerous bacteria and insects. Mosquito repellents are essential. Malaria is uncommon and only found in some isolated locations in the central highlands, but Dengue Fever is widespread, particularly during the rainy season and is spread by a daytime mosquito. Please follow your doctor advicesto apply appropriate vaccines pre-trip.