WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU!

Please read this doc carefully, especially the info about visa entry requirements.

We are so excited to spend time with you in Hoi An, Vietnam as we learn with Han Cao. Please take a moment to read through this document in full as it contains important information related to your Ace Camps Travel Trip. The purpose of this document is to help you prepare for your trip. Your Ace Camps Travel Trip will connect you to an incredible community where you’ll meet and form bonds with many wonderful individuals. Given the small-group nature of Ace Camps Travel Trips, the health, safety, and well being of you, other guests, the instructors and workshop hosts, and the local communities are a key priority for us. 

YOUR ACE CAMPS TRAVEL HOST

We want every aspect of your trip to be an amazing experience. To help us do that, you will have the support of an Ace Camps Travel Host who travels with the group. Your Ace Camps Travel Host will be there to make sure your trip runs as smoothly as possible. While they are not a local guide, they will assist you in answering questions you may have along the way. We will send you the contact info for your Ace Camps Travel Host closer to the Trip start date. If you have questions between now and then, please continue to email us at hello@acecampstravel.com.

ON-THE-GROUND COMMUNICATION with WHATSAPP

While on the ground in Hoi An, we will be using WhatsApp to communicate. Before you arrive in Vietnam, please make sure you have the most up-to-date version of WhatsApp downloaded, installed, and an account set up and working on your mobile device. Your Ace Camps Travel Host will use WhatsApp to send you daily reminders, updates, and any other important information during the course of your trip. In addition to one-on-one communication with your Ace Camps Travel Host, we’ll be creating a group chat with all registered guests where we will send updates that affect the entire group while on the trip. We encourage everyone to engage on the group chat, as it’s a great place to get to know the rest of your new Ace Camps Travel friends, discuss travel plans and ideas, and share trip photos.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

In the case of an emergency, the local emergency numbers to dial in Vietnam are as follows: 113 (police), 114 (fire), and 115 (medical aid).

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS  

Vietnam requires all visitors to apply for and obtain a tourist visa prior to entering the country. Ace Camps Travel is unable to apply for and manage tourist visas on behalf of our guests, which means it is your responsibility to apply for and obtain a tourist visa prior to traveling to Vietnam.
Residents of most countries can now apply for an e-visa through the official government website: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/trang-chu-ttdt. The process does take a bit of time, and is less expensive the further ahead you apply. Please prioritize getting your visa lined up sooner than later. If you have questions, reach out to us anytime. 

ARRIVAL INFORMATION | MARCH 3, 2025

The ​closest International Airport​ to Hoi An is Da Nang International Airport (DAD) which is located about 90 minutes from our villa. If you are arriving at Da Nang International Airport on March 3, your airport transfer is included in the cost of your trip. We’ll share a pick-up schedule with you prior to departure, once we receive everyone’s arrival details. Gentle Reminder: Please fill out the Arrival and Departure Form so we have the information we need to schedule your pick up. 

If you arrive on another day or from another location, you are responsible for your own transportation to the villa March 3–please reference the An Villa address on page 3. You can check into the villa anytime after 2:00pm on March 3. If you arrive earlier than 2:00pm, you can drop off your luggage at the front desk and they will store it for you until your room is ready. All villa rooms are preassigned. 

WELCOME DINNER | MARCH 3, 2025

Once we’re all settled at our villa in Hoi An, we’ll be hosting a casual meet + greet welcome dinner so you can get to know the group. Please plan to arrive at our villa no later than 5:00 pm on March 3, 2025, if you want to join the welcome dinner. This will give you enough time to check in and get settled before dinner. We’ll share more specific details about when and where to meet for dinner a few days before the Trip start date. If you arrive later than 5pm and can’t join the welcome dinner, your Ace Camps Travel Host will be in touch with you to make sure you have all the information you need to join the group the next morning.

DEPARTURE INFORMATION | MARCH 12, 2025

There are no scheduled activities today and you can depart at any time.
If you are departing from Da Nang International Airport on March 12, your airport transfer is included in the cost of your trip. We’ll share a drop-off schedule with you prior to departure, once we receive everyone’s departure details.

If you depart on another day or to another location, you are responsible for any required transportation. Check out time at the villa is 12:00pm. If you depart later than 12:00pm, you can drop off your luggage at the front desk and they will store it for you, until you are ready to depart. 

ALCOHOL

Alcohol is not included with meals. If you would like to have alcohol during your trip, you will be billed for this separately. 

ITINERARY DISCLAIMER

We do our best to keep to the itinerary on the Trip Details page of the Ace Camps Travel website. However, sometimes things happen. For example, we may need to make changes to the itinerary due to inclement weather, timetable changes, or circumstances beyond our control. While we do our best to plan ahead and prevent this from happening, it may be unavoidable. It can also happen with little notice, so please bear with us if we have to make modifications to the itinerary on the fly. 

ABOUT YOUR STAY AT AN VILLA

An Villa

Võng Nhi, Cẩm Thanh, Tp. Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam +84 911 481 755

Nestled on the banks of the Co Co river, An Villa is a peaceful tropical oasis in beautiful Hoi An. Every room is unique and you will be assigned a room based on the room type you booked. While there is wifi available around the property, there are no televisions on site.

The villa has a small restaurant where we’ll enjoy breakfast daily, as well as some of our group meals. On days when there is free time, you can order from the a la carte menu from 7am - 6pm daily. There are a also a few restaurants within walking distance of the villa, which you can find below:

The Field Restaurant (5 minute walk from the villa)

The Happy Buffalo Restaurant and Bar (15 minute walk from the villa)

Son Hoi An (20 minute walk from the villa)

Our villa is located along the river, outside of ‘old town’ Hoi An. To reach the old town where you can find restaurants, markets, and monuments you can take a taxi or bicycle. It is roughly 10-15 minutes by taxi or 25 minutes by bicycle to reach the main areas of the city. Taxis, Grab (SE Asia’s version of Uber), and electric shuttle buses are easily accessible in Hoi An. Uber is not available in Hoi An. The villa front desk can arrange a taxi for you anytime and it takes about 10 minutes to line up and have the taxi ready for you. Taxi payments are cash only and the average cost from the villa to Old Town is usually between vnd70,000 - 80,000. The villa also provides complimentary bicycles to use during your stay, if you wish to use one. 

On site hotel amenities to note:

• Pool

• Hair Dryers

• Laundry service is available at vnd60,000/kg, typically this takes one day or less

• Mosquito nets, mosquito repellants, and mosquito incense are provided in each bedroom

• Shampoo + Conditioner in each bathroom

• Clean water refill station in the hotel restaurant. Please bring your own refillable water bottle

There are 2 dogs and 1 cat who live on the property with the caretakers, they are friendly and well trained. You may come across small insects and bugs around the villa property and gardens, such as lizards, geckos, and grasshoppers. They are harmless and help control mosquitos. Mosquitoes are usually most active between 5pm and 7pm, if at all. We recommend guests close their room doors and windows during these hours. 

Please note as part of an environmental pledge, An Villa does not provide single-use plastic amenities. Please help to bring your own toothbrush, toothpaste, combs, shower caps etc. 

CASH + CREDIT CARDS

The official currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Major credit cards are widely accepted by large shops, hotels, and restaurants in Vietnam, typically with a 1-3% service fee. However, they may not be accepted by small vendors such as tuk-tuks, family restaurants, market stalls, or in remote towns and rural areas. Make sure you have a bit of cash, just in case.

ATMs are found widely throughout Vietnam, although there are cases when the machines run out of cash, are out of service, or don’t take foreign cards. Your safest bet is to take out the cash you need for at least a few days when you have access to a working ATM. Some smaller villages and rural areas may not have ATMs, so prepare for this before venturing too far from a city or major town.

GRATUITIES

Tips and gratuities for your guides, workshop hosts, group drivers and group meals are taken care of by Ace Camps Travel. However, at the end of your stay if you choose to, you may leave a tip in the tip box at the An Villa front desk which will be distributed amongst staff. In many restaurants, a service fee is automatically added to the bill. If it is not, the tipping standard is usually 10-15% of the bill. It is customary to tip all service providers such as drivers, servers, and porters.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Travel insurance is required for all guests that includes: trip cancellation/disruption insurance; travel medical insurance; and medical evacuation insurance. Ace Camps Travel does not sell travel insurance. If you have questions, we suggest you discuss concerns about your coverage directly with a local travel insurance provider.

WEATHER 

March is generally a great time of year to travel to Vietnam and we hope to see mostly dry weather during this time. Occasional rain showers are always a possibility. Daytime temperatures average 82°F/28°C with evenings averaging 73°F/22°C. Afternoon sun can see the mercury top out into the high 80's F. Humidity levels are always high. Please remember to keep hydrated!

HEALTH + SAFETY
Illness (including COVID)

Our goal is for each of our guests to enjoy the amazing trip we’ve put together. To ensure that happens, we make the health and safety of the group as our top priority. Please keep in mind while traveling with a group, you may need to take additional precautions.

In the days leading up to and during your Ace Camps Travel Trip, thoroughly washing your hands, wearing a KN95 mask if you feel ill or if you display symptoms of illness, and keeping a safe distance from others who exhibit signs of illness are small, but impactful, things you can do to keep the trip safe for everyone. Please make sure you bring KN95 masks, hand sanitizer, and a few COVID tests on the trip in case you or those around you start to have symptoms of an illness.

During the trip, if you feel unwell, please alert your Ace Camps Travel Host immediately, wear a mask, and keep a safe distance from others until we know more about your situation. If you exhibit signs of, or test positive for an illness, you should be prepared to follow the advice of local health authorities as well as the Ace Camps Travel Host to ensure the health and safety of the entire group. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, viral nature of your illness, and where we are staying, there may be a need to mask, distance, self isolate, or remove yourself completely from the trip which will be determined by the Ace Camps Travel Host with the best interests of the group health and safety as the main priority.

Per the Ace Camps Travel Terms and Conditions, you are responsible for any additional costs if, due to illness, including COVID, you have to leave a trip early as determined by a health care provider or the Ace Camps Travel Host. This is one of the many reasons we require you to purchase travel insurance.

Medications and Vaccines

You should consult with your doctor and a specialized travel doctor at least five weeks before the date of your departure for any necessary vaccinations and specialty prescriptions. You may want to ask about a wide spectrum antibiotic in case of gastrointestinal or other infections. The CDC has several vaccine, prescription and over the counter recommendations for travel to Vietnam and a travel doctor will be able to assist you in confirming what you need for this region. If you have a medical condition, you should also share your travel plans with your doctor.

We encourage you to travel with medications that can help you if you encounter any health issues. Here are a few common concerns you may want to consider bringing medications for, though what you choose to travel with is up to you and/or you and your doctor

• Nausea, indigestion or an upset stomach

• Motion sickness, if car or boat rides affects you

• Diarrhea/Dysentery

• Constipation

• Minor aches and pains

• Minor and severe allergies

• Cold/flu symptoms

• Bug repellant/spray

• Minor cuts and bruises

Dengue Fever 

Dengue Fever is present in Southeast Asia and it is possible to contract it from mosquito bites. We suggest wearing EPA-registered mosquito repellent such as DEET at all times. You may also consider wearing light-weight long sleeves and pants. 

Stomach Issues 

Stomach issues can occur when traveling and eating new types of cuisine. We strongly recommend bringing various medications to ensure if you have any issues, you are able to manage them and continue enjoying your trip.

If you are already taking prescription medication make sure you bring enough with you to cover your time in Vietnam and then some. When you pack, make certain that you have all your required and important medication in your carry-on luggage.

Eye Glasses + Contact Lenses 

If you wear eyeglasses, it is advisable to carry an extra pair on the trip. If you wear contact lenses, you may want to take an extra pair of back-up regular glasses.

General Fitness 

To take full advantage of your trip to Vietnam it is best to be in good health. Sightseeing, particularly in hot weather, can be tiring and several of our tours are strictly walking tours. This trip to Vietnam involves long, active days.

Water

Tap water is not safe to drink in Vietnam. Please bring a refillable water bottle of your own. Our villa has a clean drinking water refill tap in the on site restaurant. Each bedroom will also have a glass bottle of water that can be refilled. When otherwise necessary only drink bottled water which is available in shops and restaurants. 

Helpful tip: Avoid having ice in your drinks - however if a restaurant or shop has ice with a hole through the centre, it means it was made with factory-filtered ice and is generally ok to drink, avoid brushing your teeth with tap water, and avoid opening your mouth while showering/bathing. 

WHAT TO BRING 

Now onto the fun stuff - what should you bring?!? Below are some suggestions, based on our experience. Vietnam may not have many of the resources you’re likely used to at home, things are limited (and sometimes nonexistent) so please keep this in mind when you’re planning and packing.

When packing, be aware that dress standards are conservative throughout Asia, especially outside major cities. To respect this and for your own comfort, we recommend modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Please leave your expensive jewelry at home.

Consider these items:

• PASSPORT (make sure it has at least six months on it) and consider bringing a photocopy and/or passport photos. In the (hopefully!) unlikely event your passport gets lost or stolen, an extra set of passport photos can make it easier for you to get a replacement) 

• Layering pieces, including a scarf or shawl, for cool mornings and evenings, with much hotter daytime temperatures

• Light rain shell or small umbrella (rain showers are always a possibility!)

• Scarf/Shawl - needed to cover head and shoulders in certain locations

• Comfortable, supportive walking shoes you don’t mind getting messy

• Comfortable workshop clothing

• Glasses and/or sunglasses

• Earplugs (if you are a light sleeper) 

• Toiletries kit - including your own shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, if you are particular or there are certain brands you prefer to use while traveling

• Sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses, and lip balm with sunscreen

• A day pack and/or a small-ish bag you can safely carry around each day 

• Bathing suit (if you feel like a dip, the villa does have a pool)

• Travel plug adapters, depending on the country you are traveling from

• Hand sanitizer

• KN95 masks–in an effort to keep our group as safe as possible, you may be asked to wear a mask

• Personal supply of COVID Rapid Tests–you may be asked to take a COVID test at any point during your Ace Camp in an effort to keep our group as safe as possible

• Small Kleenex packets

Planning to shop? Leave room or bring an extra bag. If you think you are going to buy things in Vietnam, bring an extra duffle bag or suitcase, or leave plenty of space in your luggage. 

Workshop Supplies  

The majority of your workshop supplies will be provided in Hoi An, however there are several optional items Han encourages you to consider bringing to enhance your experience.

• A sketchbook of your choice, including pens or pencils to sketch ideas and take notes

• Supplemental personal postcards, photos, or pieces of fabric to embroider on. If you’re bringing your own post cards or photos, Han suggests they be 4”x6” or larger. If you’re bringing your own fabric, Han recommends cotton, natural fabrics, or denim and suggests fabric be at least 8" square to fit the embroidery hoop. 

Footwear

Please bring comfortable and supportive footwear you feel comfortable walking in for moderate distances and on a variety of terrain. As you think about what to bring, keep these situations in mind: this Ace Camp Travel trip includes walking tours where the ground may be uneven or poorly maintained, could involve gravel or dirt, and you may be on your feet for a few hours at a time.

CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS

Vietnam is an incredible place with rich history and culture. That said, sometimes it can look and feel very different from other western countries and cultures. Here are a few tips to be mindful of as you travel to Vietnam.

While some parts of Vietnam are incredibly modern, it is still classified as a Developing Country.  This means in certain towns and cities you may find the way locals manage transportation, garbage, poverty and even restrooms differs significantly from your home country.  You may encounter squat toilets, infrequent crosswalks, varying levels of cleanliness or other surprising items.  We find it's best to leave preconceived ideas and expectations at home and come with an open mind, ready to experience and appreciate the culture of Vietnam.

Restrooms

While the restrooms at the villa are modern, we may be traveling to small villages with limited resources. We recommend carrying toilet paper or tissues with you just in case, as it may not always be provided. Similarly, having some hand sanitizer in your bag helps minimize germs when soap or paper towels aren’t abundant.

Monuments + Modesty

When visiting religious monuments and shrines, you may need to cover up. Make sure you pack some long skirts and pants. In some locations women may need to cover their head and shoulders, it is a good idea to throw in a scarf or shawl that you can use to cover yourself, if required.

GROUP TRAVEL ETIQUETTE

Please remember this is a small-group travel experience. It is important for you to join us with compassion, patience, and respect for everyone you interface with during your Trip. For example, if you asked to meet at a certain time, please be on time to avoid keeping the rest of the group waiting. If you choose to skip any activities or meals, please confirm your absence with the Ace Camps Travel Host directly so we’re not worried about your location or well being. 

SMOKING, ILLEGAL DRUG USE, and ALCOHOL

Ace Camps Travel Trips are 100% smoke free and we do not tolerate any kind of illegal drug use. We require responsible alcohol consumption. Alcohol is not included with meals. If you would like to have alcoholic beverages during your trip, you will need to pay for these separately. 

SOCIAL MEDIA

If you are taking photos and would like to share them as a part of our trip story please tag your posts and/or stories on Instagram with @acecampstravel or hashtag #acecampstravel

MOBILE PHONE USAGE + OTHER HELPFUL APPS

Here are a few other resources you may find helpful when traveling:

• Using an ‘e-sim’ app to have data on your phone while you travel (depending on your phone model). There are several companies offering e-sims that can save money instead of roaming through your network provider. Companies like Airalo offer various Vietnam options to choose from. Note: While e-sims are great, they do take some time to set up and install so be sure to spend some time before you leave your home country setting it up so you can just turn it on once you land (while we love to help where we can, our Ace Camps Travel Hosts aren’t tech support specialists). 

• Help manage jet lag with Timeshifter.

• Translate words on-the-go with Google Translate. 

THANK YOU AND SEE YOU SOON!

Thank you for taking the time to review this information, we hope these details help with your travel planning and prepare you for your time exploring Vietnam. If you have questions between now and then, please continue to email us at hello@acecampstravel.com. See you in Hoi An!