U.S. citizens can apply for the Vietnam Visa in the following ways:
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1) Apply for an E-visa via the official Vietnamese Immigration website (recommended)
Travelers can apply for and obtain an E-visa in advance, and the application can be processed through the official Vietnam Immigration website.
- The E-Visa is valid for up to 30 consecutive days. It’s the equivalent of a visa, but no stamps or labels are placed in the passport. Travelers with an e-Visa can touch down at any of Vietnam’s international airports, including Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City, Noi Bai in Hanoi, and Da Nang in the central region.
- The online application can be done 1-6 months before entering Vietnam. The processing time takes 2–3 working days. We recommend applying at least 30 days in advance to avoid unexpected problems.
- The E-visa fee for a single entry is 25 USD.
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2) In person, at the Vietnamese Embassy in the United States
- The standard tourist visa is valid for a 1-month stay. You can apply for a Visa at the Vietnamese Embassy in the US. The length of the process can vary. 
To apply for a visa, you must fill out a form that can be downloaded from the Embassy's website, present two recent photos, and your passport.‍

Yes. However, please be respectful and not overly aggressive. Bargaining for lower prices with shop vendors can be exhilarating and a lot of fun, plus a whole new style of shopping for many of us.

During the included bike ride, a backup vehicle or support motorcycle will always be available for travelers who prefer not to bike or become tired of biking.

The ice is safe at restaurants, hotels, and coffee shops. The majority of street vendors purchase their ice from the same suppliers as the hotels do; however, their sanitation practices are not as strict. 

Your Trip Leaders will help you assess whether you can trust the ice from the street vendor or not. The tap water is not potable at the hotels, but it is safe to use for brushing your teeth.

A majority of the included meals will be local style, set menus. This is considered a family-style approach and is a common way Vietnamese people eat when dining out. Occasionally, we will have an included meal that offers international cuisine.For non-included meals, you will have various international cuisines to choose from. The French once colonized Vietnam, and this influence is still evident in the country's restaurant scene.

We recommend 250 USD in cash.You will have to exchange USD into Vietnamese Dong. If you're eating local cuisine, expect meals to range from 2 to 4 USD per individual dish, including noodle soups, fried rice, and spicy salads. If you choose to eat international cuisine, the price will increase, with some meals costing as much as 10 USD for pasta or steaks.Travelers are responsible for 4 lunches and 3 dinners during the duration of the trip.

Breakfasts will be served at your hotel, while dinners and lunches will be in local restaurants or at your hotel.

Sample Breakfast Menu:

• Fried/boiled eggs or omelet, toast, cheese, fresh milk, fruit, coffee, tea, local dessert.

Sample Lunch Menu:

• Local seafood and chicken, vegetable soup, steamed rice, and dessert.

Sample Dinner Menu:

• Pork, seafood, chicken, fried or fresh spring rolls, stir-fried vegetables, traditional dessert, tea, or coffee.

We do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions. Most meals can be modified for special requests and food allergies.

Tipping is not necessary, but it is appreciated. For group meals, you are not expected to tip, as Under30Experiences will cover this. When dining on your own, 10% is a reasonable tip.

Of course, if you would like to give more, it would be greatly appreciated. If you would like to tip the housekeeping or hotel staff when checking out, we recommend offering the money to the reception staff. 

Most hotels have a box for tips, which are distributed among the hotel’s team. For instance, if you feel a guide or activity supplier has gone above their expectations, then a tip of $5 is standard for a multiple-hour activity for the guide.

Hanoi is a mix of historical and modern city, offering multiple options for nightlife, from dance clubs to music venues and, of course, night markets all around. In Hanoi, most people will hang out in the Old Quarter. Here, you will find many different vendors and bars offering cold drinks, as well as grilled seafood and meats.

Hoi An has become a hot spot for tourists and domestic travelers. There are smaller venues where you can simply relax and listen to music, or take a walk through night markets for shopping, as well as little bars and restaurants to enjoy a drink and soak in the atmosphere.

Credit Cards are accepted in Vietnam. However, there is usually a limit of 10-15 USD, along with a transaction fee applied. Small markets and street food vendors will only accept cash.

For the overnight train journey, we have arranged a soft-sleeper train. This style of train offers the most comfortable overnight travel experience with 4-berth cabins, air conditioning, and individual reading lights. These cabins are equipped with lockable doors, and each berth includes a pillow, sheet, and blanket. Soft sleepers are ideal for long journeys, providing a relaxing space for passengers.

The lighter the better! If you only have a rolling suitcase, that will work, but if you can get your hands on a more mobile bag, like a large backpack, that would be better.

We take multiple forms of transportation, and the roads' pavement can be covered with potholes. You'll also want a daypack for your personal gear, food, and drinks for the day.

Yes, especially if you have a severe allergy. Peanuts are everywhere in Southeast Asia. Cross-contamination is a significant issue, as restaurants often have only one or two main woks, particularly street food vendors. Consequently, multiple dishes are typically cooked in the same frying pan without a proper wash in between.

Yes! When travelers take advantage of our “Switch Your Trip” program, last-minute slots become available on previously sold-out trips. Visit our Trips On Sale page for the latest last-minute deals.

Sign up for the list to be notified.

Feel free to reach out to our all-star customer service team at info@under30experiences.com.