Travel Notes- Vietnam

Some details to help you plan

Blog	We have been visiting Vietnam since 2007, take a look back through our blog for stories and observations. Here is a list of entries labelled Vietnam.
Workshops	For stitch people- Sewing kit- needles etc supplied in our workshops but your own needles might be easier on your hands. Our hosts love to check out sewing kits and anything you might have made. Embroideries will catch their eye.
	Art/Journal/Sketch people- your tutor will supply a list of suggestions for a travelling art kit in the preparations for the journey
Food	Food is an integral part of culture and we are there to try it all. Generally, during group meals we choose a range of dishes to share and look for local specialties as we go.
	The countries we visit all cook from scratch using fresh ingredients so keeping track of what goes into your dinner is easy enough.
	Vegetarian? A lot of tofu in Vietnam, they use fish sauce often, difficult to bypass it.
	Vegan- see above
	Onion, garlic free- a challenge to manage
	Wheat free- manageable in Vietnam.
Health	Drink only filtered or bottled water- never local supply, even for cleaning your teeth
	Check yourself- Drink at least 2 litres of WATER per day. You will feel better for it and less likely to have a funny tummy.
	See your Doctor or a Travel Specialist Doctor before you leave home for travel advice
	Bring adequate medical supplies to cover your needs and the prescription to verify their use
	Menstrual needs- tampons not easy to find. Pads available
	Bug spray
Money	Notify your bank you are going OS and to expect activity in which ever country, possibly transit lounges on the way, too. Otherwise they might flag unusual activity and block your card.
	Travel Cards can be good for security of your accounts CHECK before you leave that they actually work. A number of times guests have had issues.
	GOOD to have a backup card hidden in your suitcase, so that if primary card/s don’t work or get lost you have a fall-back card.
	ATM– easy to get cash
	Cash to exchange- good back up but not always easy to exchange at a good rate. Ask at hotel front desk.
	Credit Cards in the developing world few places have the facilities to process credit card transactions
	Credit Cards expect an additional fee to cover high processing fees of developing world banks. Not always but it happens
Shopping	It happens, there are treasures to find 😊 It helps the local economy.
	Bargaining is the general way to make a transaction. Not experienced? Google it and practice, generally most prices are negotiable in the marketplace. NGOs and Social enterprises are generally fixed price.
Suitcase	Easier to start with a normal size suitcase and bring a soft bag to carry any extra stuff you acquire rather than a huge suitcase. Not easy to buy a second suitcase at the last minute on the road.
Weather	At this time of year it is warm in the daytime but perhaps evenings and mornings can be cool; a cardigan and socks appreciated. Can be a bit of rain about, bring an umbrella or showerproof jacket.
Power	Power – 240 volts, European adaptor plugs are the most useful.
Clothing	Lightweight layers of clothing are good. Light, loose layers work well with the climate. Generally, I find 3 or 4 outfits sufficient, there is always the opportunity to pick up things along the way. Pack a pair of socks and cardigan for the cool of the morning.
	To respect local customs, it is best for skirts or trousers to be mid-calf length at least, tops not too revealing. Visiting Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, need long pants and sleeves or a scarf to cover arms. Often places will lend or rent you a cover up- think polyester sack, so better to be prepared and comfortable.
	Leave your expensive jewellery at home
Shoes	Sensible walking shoes such as sneakers or strapped on sandals are the best options. Surfaces are often rough, and you really want your footing stable so you can focus on all the wonderful things everywhere to look at! Pair of rubber thongs or flip-flops are good – often bathrooms can be slippery when wet.
Laundry	Any stop for 2 nights is a good time to send out laundry.
Fitness	We get on and off the minibus every day, multiple times
	Bazaars, monuments and just about everywhere BEG to be explored. You need to be able to walk comfortably for an hour or two to explore. Expect some steps.
Begging?	Begging is generally not to be encouraged. Giving gifts of pens and lollies to children is encouraging them to learn a begging mentality [if you like to give a gift to children, we can hand it onto a school].
	There is no pension in Vietnam – a few coins to a very old person or a handicapped person is very kind.
Tipping?	It is the local custom so have a pocket full of small change to be ready If you receive a personal service – e.g. bags into or out of hotel, cup of tea through room service, laundry delivery, it is customary to give a tip .
	If you enjoy the commentary of a guide, a performance, take a photo of someone posing in the street etc it is customary to give them a tip
	Set something aside for our translator and our driver – they will take us safely and comfortably through the adventure of many roads. Think equivalent to a cup of coffee back home per day, per person. Perhaps have a volunteer from the group organize a thank you at the end of the trip and give this tip directly to the driver.
	Step lightly on our environment, be frugal in water use, turn off power switches, take rubbish with you where possible. Say NO to Plastic! Please bring a cloth carry bag.

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At Creative Arts Safaris Tours we offer fully escorted, small group tours. CAS focuses on textiles, arts and culture and yummy local cuisine.

On tour we like to get our hands dirty taking workshops, exploring locations and culture. We like to include lots of local experiences.

Our friendly groups are inclusive. They are companionable and well organized allowing a relaxed adventure, great for solo travellers.

They include pickup & drop to airport, accommodation, group travel, sightseeing, workshops, and most meals. Almost everything EXCEPT the shopping – that is your job. Help the local economy.