Tour Q&A

Q: I’ve never travelled on a group tour before. Is group travel for me?
A: Our deluxe Small Group Journeys are not conventional group tours. You will be travelling with a maximum of 15 travellers, staying in some of Asia’s finest and most atmospheric hotels whilst immersing yourself in the culture and everyday lives of the people. They are designed to provide you with a good balance of personal discovery and group activity with like-minded travellers – and an enjoyable, memorable holiday. We shun mass tourism and all of its trappings – and we believe our signature style of travel will appeal to those who want a total experience of their chosen destination.

Q: Who will I be travelling with?
A: Our travellers are of all ages and from all walks of life. What they share is a true passion for travel in Asia – a desire to savour the cuisine, meet the people and connect with the lives and cultures of these extraordinary places. Most travel to Asia from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Q: How fit do I have to be to join the tour?
A: The Vietnam Experience is graded Easy and is suitable for travellers with an average level of fitness and mobility. All travellers on our deluxe Small Group Journeys must complete a Fitness Form, which can be downloaded by clicking here. Be sure to pack a positive attitude and a desire to experience Asia and her people first hand. Download the tour dossier for comprehensive information on the Vietnam Experience deluxe journey. Click here for full description of journey grading.

Q: What happens if I’m a single traveller?
A: Our groups are a combination of single travellers, couples and friends. Single travellers must pay a supplement for a single room on our deluxe Small Group Journeys. Whether travelling alone or with a companion, you will go home with a true sense of the country you have visited and, quite possibly, a brand new set of friends.

Q: Can I bring the kids?  
A: The minimum age on all our deluxe Small Group Journeys is 12 years old. For families with younger children, we can create a tailormade and well-paced trip to suit your needs and requirements. The sites, sounds, smells and adventures that Asia has to offer make it an ideal destination for family travel. Click here to see some of our suggested tailormade family itineraries – designed to give your family a true experience of the essence of Asia.

Q: What are the visa requirements?
A: You will need a valid visa in order to enter Vietnam. Please obtain your visas before arriving in Vietnam as it cannot be obtained on arrival.

Q: What kinds of hotels will I be staying in?
A: We stay in a selection of some of the most beautiful and atmospheric hotels in Vietnam. Stay in the historic Caravelle in Saigon, the elegant Morin in Hue, the riverside Life Resort in Hoi An, the colonial Sofitel Metropole in Hanoi and the Victoria in Sapa. These are not just places to rest your head at the end of a day of exploration. We choose our accommodation on the basis that they too represent the essence of Asia. Our deluxe accommodation will become a real part of your experience, and you are sure to be impressed. Our combination of atmospheric accommodation with cultural engagement will give you a truly memorable holiday experience.

Q: Who will accompany our group?
A: You will be escorted by one of our expert Western tour leaders (minimum seven travellers) as well as an English-speaking local guide – a combination which gives you the highest level of service possible. Our local guides are uniquely placed to share personal insights that simply can’t be provided by outsiders or guidebooks. Our Western leaders call Asia home and have a network of friends and experiences to share with you. They are also able to fully appreciate your interests and needs and ensure these are being met. You will be inspired by their enthusiasm and passion for the region. We believe our combination of local and Western tour leaders provides for the best travel experience. The feedback from our travellers over the years confirms the same.

Q: Are arrival and departure transfers included?
A: Arrival and departure transfers on the days of tour commencement and conclusion are included in the price of the tour. Upon arrival at Saigon airport you will be met by one of our Essence of Asia representatives and transferred to your hotel. If you require a transfer outside these days you will need to book and pay for additional transfers.

Q: What kinds of transport are used on the Vietnam Experience?
A: For road journeys and inner-city touring, air-conditioned cars, mini-buses, or coasters are used. These vehicles are modern, well-maintained, safe vehicles – ideal for small group travel. The road journey time from Hanoi to Halong Bay and from Hue to Hoi An is three and a half hours each. We travel in style on the beautifully refurbished Victoria Express train from Hanoi to Sapa in Vietnam’s mountainous north. The trip takes approximately ten hours each way, consisting of one overnight and one return daytime journey. 

Q: Are entrance fees included in the tour cost?
A: Yes, entrance fees are included in the cost of all of our deluxe Small Group Journeys.

Q: What type of restaurants and food will be available on tour?
A: Vietnamese cuisine is diverse and tasty with a fascinating fusion of traditional Vietnamese, Chinese and French influences. Sampling the variety of food on offer is a pure delight and one of the many highlights of a visit to the country. We have included some truly memorable dining experiences in our deluxe journeys giving you the opportunity to savour some of the country’s finest cuisine. We choose to eat at quality restaurants – serving a selection of seafood, chicken, beef, pork and vegetable dishes. In the major cities there is a generous array of international cuisine, while in most provincial areas the choice is more limited. Vegetarians will find a good selection of fresh foods available. Breakfast is included each day and is usually a mix of Western buffet and continental style. We do not include all meals in your tour cost, giving you the freedom to taste the delicious array of cuisine on offer. Our group leaders have a wealth of knowledge of restaurants from the mainstream to the unusual. Some of the best culinary experiences are found in local eateries, old stalwarts and brand new innovative establishments not found in guidebooks. Let us share them with you.

Q: How much money will I spend per day touring?
A: Approximately $12US per person for day-to-day living. Vietnam offers great value for your money. For around $12US you will be able to buy lunch and dinner at good local restaurants, as well as refreshments during the day. Western restaurants will cost more.

Q: How is your company different to others offering small group travel?
A: We don’t know of any company that offers the combination of well thought out itineraries, atmospheric accommodation, insightful Western and local leaders and value for money. We have had a base in the region for over 13 years ensuring that we keep abreast of the changes in the region and can offer 24-hour support to our travellers. If you’re shopping around, ask about your accommodation, transport and the tour leaders and guides who will take care of you during your journey. Check to see how many nights you will spend in each city. Rather than rushing through a destination, we believe that spending quality time in each place enhances your overall experience. We don’t cut any corners!