Do I need a visa to visit
Viet Nam?
Yes, you do need a visa to enter Viet Nam. If you are planning to book your
air ticket with Common Ground Journeys, the visa fee is included in the price.
If you are booking your own flight, we will be happy to assist you obtain your
visa for a small fee. If you are planning to obtain your visa on your own,
you can contact the Vietnamese embassy in Washington D.C. for more information. Are there any special considerations
when buying my airline tickets to Viet Nam?
Yes, there is. We will be going to Viet Nam immediately following the Chinese
Lunar New Year Holidays, celebrated as Tet in Viet Nam, which is the biggest
and most important holiday event of the year for Vietnamese families. Therefore,
it is important to try and book your airline tickets as soon as possible once
you make the decision to join our tour. Should I buy travel insurance
for the trip?
We think everyone should consider this and make their own decision. Trip cancellation
insurance with medical coverage for evacuation in case of emergency is very
reasonable if bought just for the duration of the tour. Its probably best that
you review your medical coverage to see if you don't already have enough coverage
now. Again, this is something everyone needs to think over and make their own
decision about. What about immunization?
As for the official view, none are needed, but you can contact your personal
physician. What type of bicycle is best
for the tour?
Whatever bike you are planning to bring, make sure it is comfortable. A touring
bike is the best bike for this trip. Mountain bikes would be too small and
heavy for a long distance ride. Even though this is not an athletic event,
there are still 1,200 miles that can be ridden. For more information, please
contact us on this matter. (can bikes be rented?)
Musical Instruments |
How are Vietnam veterans and
American in general treated in Viet Nam?
Most of the Vietnamese living today are young enough that they may not care
much about the war. In general, people want to move forward with their lives
and the American war was not a long enough duration, compared to other wars,
to make the people bitter. They see Americans as much victims of the war as
themselves. They feel as close to Americans as other foreigners traveling to
Viet Nam, if not more so, because we both share some of the same history. Are there vegetarian meals
available?
Yes, they are available upon request throughout the trip. How will the tour support
help me with problems?
The VYC (Volunteer
Youth Corporation ) is well-connected
with other neighboring countries. In case of any emergency, they will do
anything
within their power to provide you the best of service and comfort. There
have been no incidents to date that have needed this service.
Monk on a cell phone
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How can I contact and be contacted
while in Viet Nam?
Throughout the ride, most of the hotels have fax and phone facilities, and
some will have internet access. You and/or your significant others can leave
messages with the VYC's office. You should create a hotmail or like account
beforehand for internet access. What form of money will I
need in different parts of Viet Nam?
U.S. currency is widely used and accepted in Viet Nam. Visa is accepted in
the larger towns. You can withdraw cash from banks if needed. You will need
to change dollars to dong in small towns. Depending how much one will spend
on gifts, the recommendation of pocket money is about $300 for the trip.
Greens on a bike
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Is is safe for single women
to travel in Viet Nam?
It is very safe for a single woman to travel in Viet Nam because the crime
rate in Viet Nam is very low, and a crime against a foreigner would be very
severely punished. There are no reports that we know of that list any crimes
other than theft. You don't need to bring a lock for your bike.
What type of lodging is provided?
We will be staying anywhere from a campsite to a nice resort depending on where
we end up on a particular day. We mingle with the local people, and amenities
will be appropriate for the venue. Most of the nights have very comfortable
lodging, and food will generally be served at the hotel. What
is the weather in Viet Nam like during the ride?
The northern half of the ride may be overcast in the morning. The temperature
ranges from 70F to 80F during this time of year. After Hai Van Pass, you will
see more sunshine. The temperature then ranges from 80F to 95F, for the most
part, with a strong tail-wind.
Load of pipes
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How fit should I be for the
ride?
Remember, this is not an athletic contest. At Common Ground Journeys, we use
bicycles to explore Viet Nam. VYC has been doing a great job of support for
those stretches where the rider wants to rest on the bus or move forward to
the hotel, beaches, etc. For those who want to bike every mile, we will support
your doing so. There are many way of seeing Viet Nam during this ride, such
as by train, local bus, and boat, to make the trip more colorful. What is available for photo
and video?
Film in Viet Nam is generally cheaper than in the US. You will find any color
format throughout Viet Nam, however you have to be careful about the expiration
date. One-hour mini labs are available in most larger towns. Electrical current
is 220. It is best to bring international adaptors or transformers to use for
your electronic equipment. Videotape is available in Hanoi and Saigon, though
you may want to bring enough to suit your needs. What kinds of food and beverages
are available during the ride?
Breakfast consists of pho and baguettes. Lunch is served at local restaurants
(there will be some picnic lunches during the ride). Most dinners are served
at the restaurants of the hotels where we stay. During the day there will be
2 water stops, which include fruit, snacks, and local food items. Coffee, beer,
and pop are available for purchase throughout the day.
Bob with kids
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How much Vietnamese do I have
to know for the trip?
Vietnamese communication can be as simple as sharing a smile. Hand signals
and bows are also good communication tools. The locals do not expect you to
know Vietnamese, but if you know a few words, they will compliment you for
making the effort to learn their language. You can travel very well in Viet
Nam with just common sense. What should I bring or not
bring for the trip?
We will give you a recommendations later on what to bring, depending on individual
needs. Viet Nam has quite a few amenities for travelers. Do not bring weapons,
drugs, pornography, or anti-government materials.
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