We do realize our prices seem high.   However, when compared to many other tours to the region, we are actually comparatively priced when you take into account that our trips include all meals (and vegan to boot!) and drinks, all the tips for drivers and local guides, and many other extras like a amenities/essentials bag, a free laundry day and the support of 2 full time tour leaders (most tours have only one).

It’s also worth noting that there aren’t many 100% fully vegan tours to Vietnam.  Veganism is still somewhat of a new concept, despite their cuisine being very vegetarian-friendly at its base.   Our trip cost does factor in the lengthy and hard work done with all our hotels, restaurants and local partners in educating and preparing them for our visit (meals, advocacy, toiletries, etc), which is far beyond any tasks that other tour companies are faced with.  This work begins several months before the trip, and approaches full-time hours around 2-3 months prior to the trip’s start date.

We also realize that for many, these types of trips are something they’ve dreamed about for many years.  As such, we’ve constructed an itinerary that will make this trip truly memorable in regards to our accommodation, meals, and choice of activities.   

Absolutely!   We have many people on our trip that sign up as solo travelers.   ​However do note that single rooms availability is low, so book quickly!  Please see our COST & SIGN-UP section for more information.  

Should you still be on the waiting list when the trip closes and gets confirmed, we may be able to offer you a single room (depending on availability).

FLIGHTS
You are in charge of your own transportation — whether it be flights, train, bus, car, etc. — to our starting city, and your return transportation from our departure city. 

For your arrival, we ask that you try and arrive early on the first day, as our first meeting tends to be in the early afternoon.  This exact time and place will be confirmed at a later date, but do plan ahead adequately to leave you enough time to get to our meeting place by that time.  Even better is arriving one or more days before.  This would provide you with a chance to take care of jet-lag and visit the town.

Please note that your transportation to our first meeting point is not included.  

VISAS
Visitors for a few European countries (ie UK) do not require a visa for stays up to 115 days.  

For most, including Canadians and Americans, a visa is required.  You can easily get a visa online (e-visa) which is valid for a single entry up to 30 days.  We will send all the necessary information once you are booked on the trip. 

TRAVEL/MEDICAL INSURANCE
Medical travel insurance is mandatory on our trip.    We need to have assurances that you are fully covered in the event of a medical emergency, including repatriation.  You will need to send us your policy detail and emergency contact number before the trip’s start date.

Trip Insurance (trip cancellation, lost baggage, etc.), on the other hand, is entirely up to you, though we highly recommend purchasing it.  It often comes packaged along with medical travel insurance, or you may get coverage simply by paying for the trip using a credit card (inquire with your card supplier). 

As we are not a travel agency or booking agents, we can’t book any flights or ongoing travel (ie hotels, transportation, etc) for you. However we can surely help with recommendations, suggestions and tips as you look into flights, or extending your holiday. It never hurts to ask, so don’t hesitate to contact us with any queries whatsoever!

Vietnam is large enough to have several distinct climate zones, and we will visit 2 during our trip. 

• The North has four distinct seasons, and we will be there right before the beginning autumn when the temperature transitions  from hot to pleasant.  We should expect minimal rain. 

• In the Central regions the Hải Vân Pass separates two different weather patterns of the North starting from the milder conditions South starting in Đà Nẵng.  It will be hot, with temperature ranging between 24.4°C (75.92°F) and 29.7°C (85.46°F).

While we don’t have a luggage restriction on this trip, we recommend you not to bring more than 1 suitcase per person. You will need to carry your bags only from the bus to the hotel a few times, but also when you arrive/leave at airports.  You should still make sure you can lift it by yourself (ie it’s not too heavy).

We do have one free laundry included on the trip, so hopefully this can help in not over-packing. Laundry will also be available on other days at a fee.

In terms of clothing, it’s a good idea to bring some late-summer garb, such as light cotton pants, t-shirts, etc. It will get hotter when we get to Hoi An, so you should bring summer clothes.

Don’t forget a swimsuit as our hotels have a pool, and we’ll also stop by the beach in Hoi An.  A hat and/or umbrella is a good idea to block off the sun.

A sweater or light jacket for the cooler evenings up north is a good idea. A rain jacket or a small umbrella could prove useful.

Do bring some comfortable, but sturdy, shoes, as we have many walking tours. 

• Other essentials should include:
• sunglasses
• Cameras and plenty of batteries and storage cards is a must.
• sunscreen lotion

We will be sending an info packet several weeks before the trip that will include, amongst other bits of information, a packing list.

Your phone should work in Vietnam, provided you have an international roaming package from your home carrier, or you can purchase a local SIM card once you land in Vietnam.  We will send you all pertinent information once you book the trip. 

Yes, our hotel has WIFI, and we will also have internet connection on-board our coaches. For the latter, connection speeds may vary, as will the connection itself.

We provide all accommodation, transportation and meals. All expenses during our included activities are taken care of, including tips for guides and drivers.

You will then only need cash for extra purchases such as souvenirs, extra drinks outside of what’s included, extra snacks, etc. There are ATMs in every town and credit cards are accepted in many places. This mostly means Visa and MasterCard, with American Express having quite a lower acceptance rate outside of hotels and higher-end restaurants.

The tour leaders will be carrying extra cash. If you decide to go on an optional activity at the last minute but don’t have enough money, we will be able to help you out and you can simply pay us back when we find an ATM.

Tipping hotel and restaurant staff is not necessary and entirely up to you.

This is generally not a problem, but we do need to be informed at the time of booking so we may prepare the meals accordingly. Please be as precise and detailed as possible. Once on the trip, it is difficult and/or not possible to change our meal plans.

We have some guided walking tours around Hanoi and Hue, and a bike ride through the Vietnamese countryside.  Overall, nothing too strenuous or difficult, but you should be able to walk a few hours a day. 

Youth above 16 years young are welcome.    We are currently not accepting any younger children. ​

There’s no upper age limit, though do note that there is a fair amount of walking on this trip. 

We will provide water, juice, coffee, tea, some cocktails and wine/beer during lunches and all dinners and some activities. We will make it clear what’s included and what’s not. Premium alcoholic drinks (ie expensive cognac, whiskey, champagne, etc) are not included. You can pay for those on the spot or sign it to the room and pay when checking out.

World Vegan Travel aims to be a safe place for all LGBTQ travelers. We have a zero-tolerance policy on discrimination of any sort.

Vietnam is a relatively hassle-free destination for LGBTQIA+ travelers. In recent years, the country has made positive strides recognizing the role of the LGBTQIA+ community. Same-sex relationships and same-sex sexual acts are legal, and a ban on same-sex marriages was lifted in in January 2015. Viet Pride marches take place in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and gay characters appear in mainstream television and films.

Still, Vietnam is not perfect and very much remains a socially conservative nation.  Travelers, however, are typically exempt from social stigma and usually find Vietnam to be an extremely hospitable and welcoming destination. While displays of affection will likely draw disapproving glares, the same holds true for straight couples. 

As long as LGBTQIA+ travelers display some discretion and respect local culture, they will have no problem visiting Vietnam.