Buzz
Optimal Travel Times
For enthusiasts of cherry blossoms, the prime time to visit Taiwan is from mid-February to the end of February, early March. Beyond this period, the blossoms wilt, though some travel companies continue to advertise cherry blossom tours. Destinations in Southeast Asia such as Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia are beloved by Vietnamese tourists, but the harsh summer heat can be tough on the elderly and kids. It’s advisable to investigate the climate of your intended destination by month to enjoy a comfortable trip and pack accordingly.
Think Twice Before Opting for Cheap Tours
The cost of a tour plays a significant role in travelers' decisions, pushing travel agencies to compete fiercely by offering the most attractive prices. For example, when looking into Thailand tours, one might find a wide range of prices, from 5.5 million to over 10 million VND, with some companies even offering prices below 3 million VND. What causes such a significant price difference?
- Timing: Expect higher prices during public holidays like September 2nd, April 30th – May 1st, or the peak travel season (June – August), even though the entertainment and sightseeing options remain the same.
- Tour Itinerary: In cheaper tours, some attractions may be skipped or you might have to visit several shopping outlets arranged by the travel agency. Guests might need to pay out of pocket for one or two meals or more. Some tours may include one or two days of free time, making the tour appear less expensive, but the cost of meals and transportation on these days could actually add up to more expenses. It’s wise to review and compare the itineraries of various travel agencies carefully before making a decision.
- The choice of airline, whether it's Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet, or Air Asia, also affects the tour's price.
Flight Times Matter
Many travelers focus on the duration of the tour, like 6 days 5 nights or 3 days 2 nights, and overlook the flight schedule. A 5-day trip can be significantly affected if you arrive late at night and depart early in the morning, essentially wasting two days of your tour.
Review the flight departure and arrival times carefully to estimate the actual time you have for your vacation. Arriving early in the morning and departing in the late afternoon maximizes your rest and sightseeing opportunities.
Consider the travel distance and waiting times between attractions
On short tours, travelers often only get a quick glimpse of destinations. Avoid choosing tours that cover too many locations or countries, as this leads to extensive travel and waiting times for customs, boarding trains/cable cars, etc. Waiting for a tour group of 20-30 people can add hours to your schedule, especially on weekends when locals also travel, making lines even longer.
The distance between attractions deserves attention. Too much time spent on the road can exhaust elderly members and children, impacting the trip's quality. For instance, a 6-day tour to Fenghuang Ancient Town and Zhangjiajie means spending two whole days on the road, which can be tiring as it involves long hours of travel. Tours with extensive travel require good health and tolerance for long drives.
Inquire about the tour guide
A tour guide can make or break your trip, contributing up to 50% of the enjoyment. Experienced and enthusiastic guides provide interesting stories, recommend good eateries, advise on what to buy or avoid, and offer tips for smooth travel. Choosing reputable travel companies increases the chances of having a knowledgeable guide.
The quality of your tour greatly depends on the guide, with the worst scenario being stuck with a guide who doesn't speak your language
Typically, when traveling abroad, a guide accompanies the group from Vietnam, handling logistics and headcounts until return. In the destination country, one or two additional guides (either locals or Vietnamese living there) join to provide detailed insights into the attractions. The experience could be disappointing if these guides lack communication skills, especially if a local guide only knows basic Vietnamese and fails to engage the group, making the trip dull with minimal interaction.
Traveling to Malaysia, China, or countries with fewer Vietnamese residents often means you might end up with a guide who doesn't speak Vietnamese. Ensure to inquire about the proficiency of local guides in Vietnamese before booking an international tour to avoid such scenarios.
