Vietnam Travel FAQs

How can I check that you are a legitimate tour company?

How does a booking process work?

When do I need to pay?

What proof of payment do you provide?

What mode of payment do you accept?

What is your cancellation policy?

What do I need to know regarding visas to enter Vietnam?
How do I get from the airport to central Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City if I'm not being met?
What kind of accommodation can I expect to see?

Do children under 12 years old can stay in the same room with their parents?

Do children enjoy discounted rates?

Do you offer any group discounts?

Why your quotation is higher than some other agencies?

Is travel insurance necessary?

When should I tip?

Do I need to check my arrangements before traveling?

How can I check that you are a legitimate tour company? Do you have legal certificates for organizing tours in Vietnam?
All information on Tuan Linh Travel is shown here, you can follow the links to see our legal certificates, licenses for an International tour operator in Vietnam.

How does a booking process work?
Once you have selected our services, please use booking form in the page or send us your requirement.
Upon receiving your request we will reply and keep exchanging information till meeting your demand and then confirm your booking. We will also send you an invoice that clearly states the services and payment in detail.

When do I need to pay?

It vary depends on the services. We will advise after confirming your booking. Usually, there are 2 phases for payment:

First payment (deposit - to guarantee your booking): after we confirm your booking.

Last payment: on certain dates or on arrival.

What sort of guarantee, or proof of payment do you provide?

After receiving your payment, we will send you a receipt to acknowledge your payment.

What mode of payment do you accept?

You can pay us through: Bank transfer, Credit Card or money transfer (with Western Union, Money Gram services)

See full information on our accepted payment methods.

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellation must be sent to our offices by email mail[at]tuanlinhtravel.com or contact form.

Cancellation charge or refund will vary depending on the particular services. We will inform you in booking process.

What do I need to know regarding visas to enter Vietnam?
The most important thing is to make sure your Vietnam visa is stamped with the correct dates and the correct entry and exit points. The standard tourist visa is valid for a period of up to 30 days. If you're going for less than 30 days you can either specify the exact dates, but it is probably best to ask for the maximum period to give yourself more flexibility.

See more information about Vietnam visa

How do I get from the airport to central Ho Chi Minh City/Hanoi if I'm not being met?
Ho Chi Minh City's Tan Son Nhat airport lies about 7km northwest of the city centre. The best way to get into the city is to take a taxi. Ignore the expensive airport taxi booking desk and pick up a metered taxi outside the terminal (you might have to insist they use the meter; if not agree a price with the driver before setting off). The journey should cost around $7-10. There's also an airport bus ($2) that only runs between the airport and the Vietnam Airlines office on Nguyen Hue street.
Hanoi's Noi Bai airport is 35km north of the city. A taxi into town should cost around $20-25. You can either pay at the taxi booking desk inside the airport building (make it clear your paying for a taxi and not the minibus), or find your own taxi outside. A cheaper option is the Vietnam Airlines minibus ($4), which drops you outside their office at Quang Trung street (some walking minutes to Hoan Kiem Lake). Tickets are sold inside the terminal building.

What kind of accommodation can I expect to see in Vietnam?
The main cities now boast top-rank hotels at very reasonable prices thanks to a recent building boom. Even new, mid-market hotels now offer satellite TV, minibar, IDD phone and spacious bathrooms as standard. At the cheaper end, the small, private hotels (called mini-hotels in the north and "rooms for rent" in the south) often provide the best value for money. At this level standards vary enormously, but in general the newer the hotel the better the facilities.
Outside the main cities and tourist areas accommodation is more limited, and may well consist of just one state-owned hotel. Often it will be a rather dowdy, relatively expensive place, not always very clean and with poor standards of service. In the south, the hotels may not have hot running water. Toilets may be of the squat variety and drains a bit iffy. In which case, it's always worth asking to see another room.

See our checklist for selecting hotels
 

Do children under 12 years old can stay in the same room with their parents?
Generally children under 12 stay for free in their parent's room sharing the bed (without breakfast). The age requirement differs depending on the specific hotel's policy.
The general policy concerning the charging of room an breakfast charges for children traveling together with their parents or family is as follows:
- Children more than 12 years of age: Any child this age is considered an adult by most of the hotels.
- Free baby cot is only suitable for child under 2 years old upon request.

Do children enjoy discounted rates?
Yes, children enjoy discount from us.
- under 2 year olds free of charge.
- 2-6 year olds: 50% of adult price.
- 7-12 year olds: 75% of adult price.

Do you offer any group discounts?
It varies for different tours. If you have larger groups, special prices can be arranged, just inform us when booking or contact us

Why your quotation is higher than some other agencies?
Of course you can book a cheaper tour with another company, but please be advise that you get what you pay for! We are Tuan Linh Travel - we bring more value for your money. Steady quality services and no hidden cost.

Is travel insurance necessary?
Yes. We strongly recommend that our clients purchase travel insurance before departure on a tour to guard against unforeseen circumstances.

Also, please refer to our checklist for travelers

When should I tip in Vietnam?
Tipping is not habit in Vietnam, but will be greatly appreciated. Smart hotels and restaurants nowadays add a 15% service charge (which should be indicated on the bill) but elsewhere it's up to you. In most cases, a small of tip of 1$ will be sufficient.
It's a good idea to tip guides, drivers and anyone else who has provided good service. Usually one or two dollars will be enough. When deciding how much to give, bear in mind that the average income in tourism sector in Vietnam is around $350-400 per month.

Do I need to check my arrangements before traveling?
Yes, we recommend that you do. This will ensure that we are aware of your imminent arrival in Vietnam and everything will be ready for you.

Also, please refer to our checklist for travelers