Important information

1. Last minute reservations are never obvious. With offices closing at 17:00 (Vietnam time), it is not easy to make a reservation for the next day. However, if this is the case, it is imperative to send us all the administrative information for all the passengers: Name, first name, date of birth, nationality, passport numbers, visa end dates in Vietnam, name and address of your hotel In Ha Noi. Without this information, it is impossible to make a reservation.
2. For all reservations made in advance, the end date of the visa in Vietnam and the coordinates of your hotel in Ha Noi, are not urgent. For reservations from mid-October to the end of April (very high season) and in July-August (high season), the names, first name, date of birth, nationality, passport numbers are initially sufficient to ensure The reservation of one or more cabins.
3. Contrary to what some guides suggest, the peak season starts in mid-October and ends in late April. July and August are also peaks in attendance and so it is best to go well in advance to make a reservation.
4. Some people think it is better to be on a small junk of 10 cabins, for its authentic side, than on a larger junk. Contrary to popular belief, however, it is better to be on a larger 100% filled junk than on a smaller one filled to 80%. You will have much more tranquility on these larger junks which are not “tourist factories”. Also note that these “standard” junks have a more frequented itinerary.
5. Many of you are those who ask us what the future climatic conditions will be. It is always difficult to answer these questions because the weather forecasts are unreliable. And above all, the weather is changing fairly quickly on Ha Long. Know that the Bay of Ha Long is beautiful in all climates.
   In July-August-September, there are risks of typhoons. In this case, the maritime authorities close the bay. If we are informed the day before your departure, or in the morning before pick-up, we will stop you at your hotel in order not to lose the day. Of course, the cruise, if paid in advance, will be refunded in full. If the authorities close the bay in the morning and you are already on your way to Ha Long, you will only pay for your meal and eventually the price of the day cruise if you do so.
6. If you choose to come by yourself, you are strongly advised to arrive the day before. Indeed local buses can be slow and will, unfortunately, deposit you in the wrong place, just over 10 km from the pier, which will generate taxi charges, to reach the starting point. In some local buses, be vigilant with your suitcases. However, if you leave the same day, you will not have to leave after 06:00 in the morning from Ha Noi bus station.
7. You often ask us, after consulting the site, the rates. All rates shown are valid. Apart from your drinks on board and any gratuities, there is no additional charge.
8. For those who wish to travel to Ninh Binh (Ha Long Bay Land) after the cruise, we will help you to take a local bus to reach this destination. It is a local transport and the cost is at your expense.

We remain at your disposal for any questions.

Information before departure

PASSPORT

The expiry date of your passport must not be less than 6 months on the date of expiry of the visa or the stay in Vietnam.

VISA

For any stay longer than 15 days, obtaining a visa is compulsory in order to enter the Vietnamese territory.
We ask you to apply for a visa at the Vietnamese embassy in your country of residence or a specialized service in this field within a reasonable time.
For stays of less than 15 days, it is not necessary to have a visa. This is only valid for nationals of certain countries, including France.

INSURANCE

Before your departure, we advise you to check if you have a travel insurance covering at least medical and repatriation expenses. If you do not have an insurance contract, we urge you to contact an insurance company to cover your trip.

CHANGE

The local currency is Vietnam Dong (VND) and roughly corresponds to:

1 USD = 22,000 VND

1 Euro = 25,000 VND

As the exchange rate varies daily, it is indicative and subject to fluctuations that may be significant.
You will be able to withdraw only VNDs from vending machines or from bank counters. Some jewelry stores also offer to change your euros or dollars.
Regarding small expenses we advise you to pay in VND.

ELECTRICITY

In Vietnam, the electrical current is 220 V and the plugs are round or flat type.

TIPS

Although it is not mandatory, it is common to thank guides and drivers. Its allocation and amount depend on the service provided and your satisfaction and remains at your complete discretion.

CLIMATE

In the north of Vietnam, the months of December, January, February and March, it is winter and it can be cold or very cold in the mountain areas (Sa Pa for example). We strongly advise you to have warm clothes if you are traveling at this time.

In June, July, August, September and mid-October, it is the monsoon season and we can not rule out the risks of tropical storms, even typhoons. Outside the rainy season temperatures are very high and require light clothing.

The climate is different between the north, the center and the south of Vietnam.

VARIOUS

We advise you to have in your personal affairs, the emergency numbers of your embassy.
It is also advisable to have contact details of renowned hospitals. For example, the French hospital in Hanoi.
Tap water is not safe in Vietnam. It is therefore imperative to consume encapsulated mineral water which is available everywhere.
Mosquitoes are present in Vietnam and good protection against mosquito bites is strongly recommended.
In summer, we advise you to protect yourself from the burns of the sun by a good sunscreen.

TRANSPORT

Throughout the country, traffic has nothing to do with Europe. In many cities, the traffic is dense, intense and appears “without rules”.

If you decide to rent a motorcycle, you will need your international license and excellent insurance. In the case of motorcycle rentals, we are committed to the utmost vigilance when traveling on Vietnamese roads.

HEALTH

It is essential to have in his personal affairs a small pharmacy kit, containing some medicines for diarrhea, mosquito bites, a disinfectant lotion for small minor wounds and a broad spectrum antibiotic.