FAQS
1. How do I create a custom itinerary?
In our web site we provide over hundred tour samples but if you do not find a suitable trip and want JTA Tours to do all the work for you, just click on the “Customized trip” and fill up the form to tell us what you have in mind. Our travel expert will create a trip and provide you with invaluable information!
2. How do I book the trip?
To book our trip, please select your preferred trip and click on ”Book this trip” on the web page. Our booking form wizard will automatically call the trip name, and ask you to fill out some fields for information. Once completed filling the form, you just click Submit to send us your inquiry or Reset to cancel what you have filled up. After receiving your reservation request, we will immediately make all the necessary arrangements in accordance with your request. This will takes about 1-2 business days, and we will send to you our confirmation message by e-mail with all the details of hotels, flights, tours, the booking status and also payment term
3. How do I pay for the trip?
To book our trip, please select your preferred trip and click on ” Book this trip” on the web page. Our standard payment policy is to ask for a 30 - 50% deposit of the package value at the time we send you the final confirmation and the booking code for your trip. The balance of the total package tour price should be paid at least 21 days (twenty-one days) before starting date of the trip.
4. Are there any hidden cost you do not mention? What about tipping?
To book our trip, please select your preferred trip and click on ” Book this trip” on the web page. Our booking form No, all inclusions and exclusions are mentioned at our final confirmation for your trip. Generally, tipping is not compulsory. If you are satisfied with your guides, drivers, a small gratuity is an appropriate way in which to show appreciation to them.
5. Who is my guide?
We have a strong and multilingual guide team coming from all regions of the country. They are chosen for their professionalism, rich knowledge, commitment, personal ties with the country and region and ability to inspire and communicate with you. They will be your dedicated friends during and after your trip. Many of our customers still exchange email with them long after their trip.
6. What about transportation?
We try our best to provide you safe and comfortable means of transportation. You can find information on meals, transportation, etc. in the “How we travel” section following the detailed itinerary of each tour.
7. When is the best time to travel in Vietnam?
The climate and temperature of Vietnam are varied and different between regions so you could travel Vietnam all year round. At any time of the year, the climate is good in some regions while not so good in some other regions. You can always select a suitable tour
8. What is the time difference?
Vietnam is twelve hours ahead of New York and seven hours ahead of London, one hour behind Perth and three hours behind Sydney.
9. What do I need to know regarding Vietnam visa?
The most important thing is to make sure your Vietnam visa is stamped with the correct dates. The standard tourist visa is valid for a period of up to 30 days. If you’re going for less than 30 days you can either specify the exact dates, but it is probably best to ask for the maximum period to give yourself more flexibility. Processing normally takes between a week and ten days, but longer for overseas Vietnamese
10. How can i extend my Vietnam visa
If you need to extend your stay for any reason, it is relatively easy to apply for a visa renewal at present. Again this is handled by tour agents. The first renewal costs around $25-30 (including a handling fee) and takes three working days to process (please note that government offices are only open Monday to Friday). The maximum period you can ask for is 30 days and it costs the same whether you ask for 1 day or 30 days. A second 10-day extension is possible at a cost of around $35-45. For this second extension, you will be asked to show an air ticket dated after the expiry of your visa.
11. How can i get Vietnam visa on arrival?
For those who travel with JTA Tours, we can arrange the visa approval letter allowing them to obtain a visa on arrival at Noibai Airport in Hanoi, Danang Airport in Danang, Tan San Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh. To apply for the visa, you are required to provide us such information as full name, gender, date of birth, home address, passport number, the expiry date of passport, nationality, date in & out of Vietnam, arrival flight number, place of getting the visa. After 3 or 4 working days, we will send you the visa approval letter. At this time, we charge US$ 35 for visa on arrival at the airport. This fee is subject to change without prior notice.
12. How safe is Vietnam
Vietnam is a relatively safe country to visit but there are increasing instances of theft, especially in HCMC where pickpockets and snatch thieves on motorbikes are the worst menace. The best tip is to be vigilant at all times. Often cute kids or old grannies have deft fingers. Leave all valuables (expensive watches, jewellery, glasses, etc.) at home, and don’t even wear flash costume jewellery. Make sure you have a firm grip on cameras and shoulder bags at all times and never leave anything you value lying around unattended. I would also not advise taking cyclos late at night, especially in HCMC. Our guides will advise you what is “do and don’t” case by case.
13. What medical precautions i need to take?
At the time of writing, no vaccinations are required for Vietnam (with the exception of yellow fever if you are travelling directly from an area where the disease is endemic). However, typhoid and hepatitis A vaccinations are normally recommended, and it’s worth checking that you are up to date with boosters for tetanus, polio etc. Other injections to consider, depending on the season and risk of exposure, are hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, meningitis and rabies. It is best to discuss these with your doctor. Malaria is present in Vietnam.
However, at the time of writing both Hanoi and HCMC have very low incidences, while the northern delta and coastal regions of the south and centre are also considered relatively safe. The main danger areas are the highlands and the rural areas, where Plasmodium falciparum, the most dangerous strain of malaria, is prevalent. Your doctor will advise on which, if any, anti-malaria tablets you should take. If you do fall ill, pharmacies in Hanoi and HCMC stock a decent range of imported medicines (check they are not past their “use-by” date). Both these cities also now have good, international-class medical facilities. Elsewhere, local hospitals will be able to treat minor ailments, but for anything more serious head back to Hanoi or HCMC.
14. What about medical insurance?
It is advised that travelers should have some form of medical insurance before arriving in Vietnam. Although there are several international medical clinics in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, generally the country still lacks adequate medical care for serious illnesses and injuries, especially in other areas. Therefore, we advise that travelers have sufficient cover for emergency medical care as a precautionary measure.
Should I take my money in cash or travellers’ cheques? The official currency of Vietnam is the dong, which can’t be purchased outside Vietnam. The main banks in Hanoi and HCMC can handle a fairly broad range of currencies nowadays, but the dollar is still the most widely accepted. I therefore recommend taking a combination of US$ cash and US$ travellers’ cheques, with the bulk in travellers’ cheques for safety. American Express, Visa and Thomas Cook cheques are the most recognised brands.
15. What recommendations do you have about eating in Vietnam
We strongly recommend you try the small local restaurants, especially the street kitchens which consist of a few tables and a stove in an open-fronted dining area. Most of the expensive restaurants usually price their menus in local currency. In the middle of the range it could be in either dollars or dong, but at this level, prices are often not indicated at all, which makes for tedious ordering as you go through each dish. When it comes to eating, the most important thing is to choose places that are busy and look well-scrubbed, and to stick to fresh, thoroughly cooked foods.
Despite appearances, often the small local restaurants with a high turnover of just one or two dishes are safer than expensive, Western-style places. Restaurants where the food is cooked in front of you – for example, steaming bowls of pho soup at a street stall – are usually a good bet, as well as being lots of fun. However, steer clear of shellfish, peeled fruit, salads and raw vegetables. On the other hand, yoghurt and ice cream from reputable outlets in the main cities shouldn’t cause problems.
16. Should i take my money in cash or travellers'cheques?
The official currency of Vietnam is the dong, which can’t be purchased outside Vietnam. The main banks in Hanoi and HCMC can handle a fairly broad range of currencies nowadays, but the dollar is still the most widely accepted. I therefore recommend taking a combination of US$ cash and US$ travellers’ cheques, with the bulk in travellers’ cheques for safety. American Express, Visa and Thomas Cook cheques are the most recognised brands.
17. What recommendations do you have about eating in Vietnam?
We strongly recommend you try the small local restaurants, especially the street kitchens which consist of a few tables and a stove in an open-fronted dining area. Most of the expensive restaurants usually price their menus in local currency. In the middle of the range it could be in either dollars or dong, but at this level, prices are often not indicated at all, which makes for tedious ordering as you go through each dish. When it comes to eating, the most important thing is to choose places that are busy and look well-scrubbed, and to stick to fresh, thoroughly cooked foods.
Despite appearances, often the small local restaurants with a high turnover of just one or two dishes are safer than expensive, Western-style places. Restaurants where the food is cooked in front of you – for example, steaming bowls of pho soup at a street stall – are usually a good bet, as well as being lots of fun. However, steer clear of shellfish, peeled fruit, salads and raw vegetables. On the other hand, yoghurt and ice cream from reputable outlets in the main cities shouldn’t cause problems.
18. Where can i change money?
You can change cash and travellers’ cheques at exchange desks in big hotels and at authorised foreign exchange banks in the main cities. Among the banks, Vietcombank usually offers the best exchange rates and charges the lowest commission (around 1-2%). Note that commission rates are slightly lower if changing travellers’ cheques into dong rather than dollars. Vietcombank does not levy commission when changing dollars cash into dong, though some other banks do. It’s worth bearing in mind that you get a slightly better exchange rate for $100 and $50 notes than for smaller denominations. When cashing travellers’ cheques you may be asked for your passport, though this practice seems to be dying out.
Outside the main cities and tourist areas, authorised foreign exchange banks are few and far between. So if you’re heading off the beaten path, stock up with enough cash (dollars and dong) to last the trip. Wherever you are, you’ll always find someone willing to change dollars cash into dong, though rates will vary. When receiving dong, you’ll be presented with a huge pile of notes. The largest bill is 100,000d so bear this in mind when changing $100! Refuse any badly torn notes and ask for a mix of denominations so that you always have a few low-value notes in hand.
19. Is it better to use Dollars or Dong for daily expenses?
Despite government attempts to outlaw the practice, the US Dollars still acts as an alternative currency which is almost completely interchangeable with the dong. Many prices, especially for hotels, tours and expensive restaurants, are still quoted in $, though you can pay in dong if you’d rather – just check what exchange rate they’re using.
For everyday expenses, I recommend carrying a mix of US Dollars cash and dong. For larger items or when the exchange rate works in your favour, use dollars. For cyclos, local food stalls and small purchases, it’s best to use dong. In either case, make sure you always have a stock of small notes so that you don’t have to worry about change.
1. How do I create a custom itinerary?
In our web site we provide over hundred tour samples but if you do not find a suitable trip, and want JTA Tours to do all the work for you, just click on “Customized trip” and fill up the form to tell us what you have in mind. Our travel expert will create a trip and provide you with invaluable information!
2. How do I book the trip?
To book our trip, please select your preferred trip and click on ” Book this trip” on web page. Our booking form wizard will automatically call the trip name, and ask you to fill out some fields for information. Once completed filling the form, you just click Submit to send us your enquiry or Reset to cancel what you have filled up. After receiving your reservation request, we will immediately make all the necessary arrangements in accordance with your request. This will takes about 1-2 business days, and we will send to you our confirmation message by e-mail with all the details of hotels, flights, tours, the booking status and also payment term.
3. How do I pay for the trip?
To book our trip, please select your preferred trip and click on “Book this trip” on web page. Our standard payment policy is to ask for a 30% deposit of the package value at the time we send you the final confirmation and the booking code for your trip. The balance of the total package tour price should be paid at least 21 days ( twenty one days) before starting date of the trip.
4. Are there any hidden cost you do not mention? What about tipping?
To book our trip, please select your preferred trip and click on “Book this trip” on web page. Our booking form. No, all inclusions and exclusions are mentioned at our final confirmation for your trip. Generally, tipping is not compulsory. If you are satisfied with your guides, drivers, a small gratuity is an appropriate way in which to show appreciation to them.
5. Who is my guide?
We have a strong and multilingual guide team coming from all regions of the country. They are chosen for their professionalism, rich knowledge, commitment, personal ties with the country and region and ability to inspire and communicate with you. They will be your dedicated friends during and after your trip. Many of our customers still exchange email with them long after their trip.
6. What about transportation?
We try our best to provide you safe and comfortable means of transportation. You can find information on meals, transportation, etc. in the “How we travel” section following the detail itinerary of each tour.
7. When is the best time to travel in Myanmar?
Myanmar has the effects of the Monsoon in different parts of the country. Temperature varies from 38°C to 19°C; humidity from 82.8% to 66%. The ideal time to visit Myanmar is during the cool season. However, rainfall in Bagan and Mandalay is very low, even in the rainy season.
8. What is the time difference?
Myanmar time is 6 1/2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Government Offices & private and foreign company: 09:30-16:30 hrs. Banks: 10:00-14:00 hrs.
9. What do I need to know regarding Myanmar visa?
Visitors must have a valid passport with an EVT [Entry Visa for Tourist] to enter Myanmar. EVT can be obtained at any Myanmar Embassy/ Consulate offices with validity for 28 days. Application forms in duplicate with three-passport size photos are to be submitted with a fee of US $ 25 in their respective currency. There are two type of tourist visa available. Inclusive Package Visa – valid three months from the date of issue.
10. Can I get Myanmar visa on arrival?
Visa-on-arrival can be arranged for those countries where Myanmar Embassy/Consulate office does not exists. In which case, Asian Venture will organize a pre-arranged via-on-arrival service. You can also get visa online through visa service provided by www.myanmarvisa.com
11. Can I bring my mobile phone into Myanmar?
At present the local GSM network does not support global network. Therefore using your global mobile phone is not possible in Myanmar. If you brought your mobile phone into Myanmar then you just have to leave with the custom department upon your arrival and reclaim before departure.
12. Can I use credit card in Myanmar?
All major credit card service in Myanmar has been suspended due to American Government’s sanction over Myanmar.
13. What medical precautions I need to take?
It is better to bring your own required medicine that you use daily basis. We have AEA and SOS International standard medical service provider which is dependable. There are several foreign trained local medical doctors and 24 hour Clinic around big cities like Yangon and Mandalay however treatment can be rather limited in other remote region
1. How do I create a custom itinerary?
In our web site we provide over hundred tour samples but if you do not find a suitable trip, and want JTA Tours to do all the work for you, just click on “Customized trip” and fill up the form to tell us what you have in mind. Our travel expert will create a trip and provide your with invaluable information!
2. How do I book the trip?
To book our trip, please select your preferred trip and click on ”Book this trip” on web page. Our booking form wizard will automatically call the trip name, and ask you to fill out some fields for information. Once completed filling the form, you just click Submit to send us your enquiry or Reset to cancel what you have filled up. After receiving your reservation request, we will immediately make all the necessary arrangements in accordance with your request. This will takes about 1-2 business days, and we will send to you our confirmation message by e-mail with all the details of hotels, flights, tours, the booking status and also payment term.
3. How do I pay for the trip?
To book our trip, please select your preferred trip and click on ” Book this trip” on web page. Our standard payment policy is to ask for a 30% deposit of the package value at the time we send you the final confirmation and the booking code for your trip. The balance of the total package tour price should be paid at least 21 days ( twenty one days) before starting date of the trip.
4. Are there any hidden cost you do not mention? What about tipping?
To book our trip, please select your preferred trip and click on ” Book this trip” on web page. Our booking form. No, all inclusions and exclusions are mentioned at our final confirmation for your trip. Generally, tipping is not compulsory. If you are satisfied with your guides, drivers, a small gratuity is an appropriate way in which to show appreciation to them.
5. Who is my guide?
We have a strong and multilingual guide team coming from all regions of the country. They are chosen for their professionalism, rich knowledge, commitment, personal ties with the country and region and ability to inspire and communicate with you. They will be your dedicated friends during and after your trip. Many of our customers still exchange email with them long after their trip.
6. What about transportation?
We try our best to provide you safe and comfortable means of transportation. You can find information on meals, transportation, etc. in the “How we travel” section following the detail itinerary of each tour.
7. What are temperature and climate in Cambodia?
Cambodia has a tropical climate with three distinct seasons – Hot/Dry from March to May, Rainy/Monsoon from June to October and small Winter/Cool from November through February. The average annual temperature is 280C – 320C, this ranges in the capital city of Phnom Penh. The temperature during the small winter is 140C – 160C at provinces throughout the country but in Phnom Penh is about 160C – 200C. In the early April, it is found that there are some rain showers through the beginning of May. The end of May and the beginning of June the full monsoon starts till the end of October.
8. What is the time difference?
Cambodia is twelve hours ahead of New York and seven hours ahead of London, one hour behind Perth and three hours behind Sydney.
9. How I can get a visa to Cambodia?
There is very easy now-a-day as you can obtain Cambodia visa upon your arrival at the airport in Phnompenh and Siem Reap. The visa fee is just USD 20 per person to be paid directly to the immigration officer upon arrival but remember to bring along 2 passport photos and a photocopy of your passport. Beside the Pochentong Airport International and Siem Reap Airport, there are additionally few of border gateways where travellers can apply for an entry-visa upon their arrival such as Poi Pet and Cham Yeam Cambodian-Thai Border-(gateways and Bavet and Phnom Den Cambodian-Vietnamese Border ).
10. What attire should I bring on my vacation to Cambodia?
The climate of Cambodia is hot and humid almost all year round, it is ideal to have light clothing to be worn throughout the year. But during the small winter from December till March, you are advised to wear thick clothing. It is also advisable for ladies and gentlemen, when entering any Buddhist pagoda, in tradition, ladies are inappropriately found to wear shorts, trousers or any sexy attire. Men and women are cultured for a dignitary image? is not to wear shorts and cap when you are in the complex of a Buddhist pagoda. The flip-flops, boots or shoes must specially be taken off before entering into any Buddhist temple. At ancient temples, you are free to wear any as you wish but not bras and under-pan.
11. Do I need any vaccinations?
Medical services are available in all towns at government run hospitals and private clinics. Non-prescription drugs are available at pharmacies as well as supermarkets, hotels, and shopping centres. International class hotels also have their individual in-house medical Doctor to service their guests.
12. How safe is it?
Tourist areas in Cambodia are safe by world standards, but the usual commonsense safety precautions should be adhered to. Tourists should stick to set travel arrangements and avoid unknown areas. It is not safe to walk the streets of Phnom Penh at night where street lighting is poor. We recommend you keep jewelry to a minimum, and leave items of value in your hotel’s safety deposit box. Always keep a photocopy of your passport, airline tickets and credit card numbers, and a detailed record of your en-cashed travelers checks.
13. Do I require medical insurance before travelling to Cambodia?
It is a good idea for you to take have medical insurance before you travel to Cambodia as Cambodia does not have reciprocal health service agreements with other nations.If you do fall ill, pharmacies in Hanoi and HCMC stock a decent range of imported medicines (check they are not past their “use-by” date). Both these cities also now have good, international-class medical facilities. Elsewhere, local hospitals will be able to treat minor ailments, but for anything more serious head back to Hanoi or HCMC.
14. What money should I take?
Travelers checks are accepted, and just about all credit cards too. US dollars and Thai baht are equally welcome. It is unnecessary to carry around wads of the local currency the “Riels”. Cash advances can be taken on major credit cards in most Phnom penh and Siem Reap banks but there are no ATM machines yet. International transfers can also be arranged-funds can be available within 48-72 hours if you are in capital city.
1. How do I create a custom itinerary?
In our web site we provide over hundred tour samples but if you do not find a suitable trip, and want JTA Tours to do all the work for you, just click on customized trip and fill up the form to tell us what you have in mind. Our travel expert will create a trip and provide your with invaluable information!
2. How do I book the trip?
To book our trip, please select your preferred trip and click on ” Book this trip” on web page. Our booking form wizard will automatically call the trip name, and ask you to fill out some fields for information. Once completed filling the form, you just click Submit to send us your enquiry or Reset to cancel what you have filled up. After receiving your reservation request, we will immediately make all the necessary arrangements in accordance with your request. This will takes about 1-2 business days, and we will send to you our confirmation message by e-mail with all the details of hotels, flights, tours, the booking status and also payment term
3. How do I pay for the trip?
To book our trip, please select your preferred trip and click on ” Book this trip” on web page. Our standard payment policy is to ask for a 30% deposit of the package value at the time we send you the final confirmation and the booking code for your trip. The balance of the total package tour price should be paid at least 21 days ( twenty one days) before starting date of the trip.
4. Are there any hidden cost you do not mention? What about tipping?
To book our trip, please select your preferred trip and click on ” Book this trip” on web page. Our booking form No, all inclusions and exclusions are mentioned at our final confirmation for your trip. Generally, tipping is not compulsory. If you are satisfied with your guides, drivers, a small gratuity is an appropriate way in which to show appreciation to them.
5. Who is my guide?
We have a strong and multilingual guide team coming from all regions of the country. They are chosen for their professionalism, rich knowledge, commitment, personal ties with the country and region and ability to inspire and communicate with you. They will be your dedicated friends during and after your trip. Many of our customers still exchange email with them long after their trip.
6. What about transportation?
We try our best to provide you safe and comfortable means of transportation. You can find information on meals, transportation, etc. in the “How we travel” section following the detail itinerary of each tour.
7. When is the best time to travel Laos?
The coolest months are December through February. Air conditioning is then unnecessary. Luang Prabang and Northern Laos will have temperatures approaching freezing at night during this time, but daytime can be like spring in Europe, North America and Japan. March through May are the hottest months, sometimes exceeding 40C for a few days at a stretch. June through August are the wettest months, and high temperatures seldom exceed 28C or 29C due to extensive cloud cover. It is lush & very green then, and the sun does shine much of the day, making it excellent for photography. September through November the rains taper off and the dry season starts to dominate rural and city life. Every season in Laos has something special to offer, so there is no reason to procrastinate.
8. What is the time difference?
Laos is twelve hours ahead of New York and seven hours ahead of London, one hour behind Perth and three hours behind Sydney.
9. Is is safe to travel? Are there places to avoid?
You will be welcome everywhere in Laos; the personal security issue would be far more worrisome in USA or Europe. Backpackers and families are equally secure in moving around. Travel insurance is easily purchased and the premiums are reasonable. Embassies and local travel personnel are in perfect positions to know the ins and outs what’s hot and what’s not. New destinations constantly open up throughout the year. It is always advisable to ask what’s going on when you get there.
10. Do’s and Don’ts?
Lao culture is generally conservative, so watch the locals and try to act like them. Trying to speak a few words of Lao will always be appreciated, and will earn you big smiles and friendly interaction. If you encounter a problem, maintaining patience and poise. Unlike western countries, raising your voice will be completely counter productive. Laos is a very personal place and smiles are returned more quickly than you might expect, even when you don’t speak the local dialect.
11. What money should I take?
Travelers checks are accepted, and just about all credit cards too. US dollars and Thai baht are equally welcome. It is unnecessary to carry around wads of the local currency the “kip”. Cash advances can be taken on major credit cards in most Vientiane banks but there are no ATM machines yet. International transfers can also be arranged-funds can be available within 48-72 hours if you are in Vientiane.
12. What are the visa requirements?
Most passport holders require a visa to enter Laos. Visas are available upon arrival at Wattay International Airport, Luang Prabang International Airport, Pakxe International Airport, and the Friendship Bridge. The price is US$30 and they are vaild for 15 days. 15-day extensions are easily granted in Vientiane at the Immigration office. Expect to spend 10-20 minutes at any of the above visa points. Also, you can get Laos visas at the Laos Embassy in your country.
13. What language will they understand?
English is the language of tourism in Laos. Guides are available who speak European languages. English appears more and more on road and building signs. The phonebook is printed in Lao and English. You will meet many English speakers in large cities (Vientiane & Luang Prabang). Cyber cafes are sprouting up everywhere, and these are always staffed by English speakers.
14. How about my health?
Any food that is not peeled, boiled, fried, or otherwise guaranteed to be clean should best be avoided. While side walk food stalls often have clean food, that is not guaranteed. Hotel & restaurant food is however acceptable. Drink only bottled water. Hotels have doctors on call and there is an International Medical Clinic in Vientiane. If you are going on a daytrip, it is advisable to take a box lunch prepared by your hotel or guesthouse. Your guide can also provide good advice about clean eating establishments along the way. Use insect repellant liberally, as when traveling overland, sleeping or eating outdoors, there is a risk of mosquitos. This is especially important in remote areas.
15. What food will I find?
You will find excellent international cuisine of every description, including Indian, Japanese, Italian, French, Thai, Chinese and Korean. Hotel restaurants are a good place to start and are not necessarily expensive. Then try restaurants, like Kua Lao in Vientiane that specialize in Lao dishes known to be popular with foreigners. Fish and vegetables are local and excellent. Lao beer is excellent. Locals prefer spicy food but chefs know that foreigners prefer mild spices to strong ones. Still, it is smart to remind your waitress to go light on the sauce!
1. How do I create a custom itinerary?
In our web site we provide over hundred tour samples but if you do not find a suitable trip, and want JTA Tours to do all the work for you, just click on the “Customized trip” and fill up the form to tell us what you have in mind. Our travel expert will create a trip and provide your with invaluable information!
2. How do I book the trip?
To book our trip, please select your preferred trip and click on ” Book this trip” the on web page. Our booking form wizard will automatically call the trip name, and ask you to fill out some fields for information. Once completed filling the form, you just click Submit to send us your inquiry or Reset to cancel what you have filled up. After receiving your reservation request, we will immediately make all the necessary arrangements in accordance with your request. This will takes about 1-2 business days, and we will send to you our confirmation message by e-mail with all the details of hotels, flights, tours, the booking status and also payment term.
3. How do I pay for the trip?
To book our trip, please select your preferred trip and click on ” Book this trip” on the web page. Our standard payment policy is to ask for a 30% deposit of the package value at the time we send you the final confirmation and the booking code for your trip. The balance of the total package tour price should be paid at least 21 days (twenty-one days) before starting date of the trip.
4. Are there any hidden cost you do not mention? What about tipping?
To book our trip, please select your preferred trip and click on ” Book this trip” on the web page. Our booking form. No, all inclusions and exclusions are mentioned at our final confirmation for your trip. Generally, tipping is not compulsory. If you are satisfied with your guides, drivers, a small gratuity is an appropriate way in which to show appreciation to them.
5. Who is my guide?
We have a strong and multilingual guide team coming from all regions of the country. They are chosen for their professionalism, rich knowledge, commitment, personal ties with the country and region and ability to inspire and communicate with you. They will be your dedicated friends during and after your trip. Many of our customers still exchange email with them long after their trip.
6. What about transportation?
We try our best to provide you safe and comfortable means of transportation. You can find information on meals, transportation, etc. in the “How we travel” section following the detail itinerary of each tour.
7. When is the best time to travel in Myanmar?
The best climate is between November and March since Thailand is not quite so hot as the rest of the year. In April, May, and June, it can get very hot. The raining season lasts from July to October but the rainiest time of the year is September and October. There are significant variations in the weather in different parts of Thailand. In high tourist season from November to March, flights and accommodation are more expensive, and popular places are likely to be booked out quickly. Peak times are at Christmas, New Year and the Thai new year (mid-April).
8. What is the time difference?
Thailand is twelve hours ahead of New York and seven hours ahead of London, one hour behind Perth and three hours behind Sydney.
9. How much time should i plan to visit Thailand?
Depending on what you intend to see. The suggested time for visiting major sights of Bangkok is a couple of days, but seeing everything in Bangkok and nearby may take a week or more. To visit Bangkok, Chiang Mai and also a beach resort in southern Thailand you need to plan two weeks.
10. What's it like the rainy season?
The downpours are not continuous throughout the day, but normally come in the late afternoon and early evening. They are heavy but relatively brief, lasting only an hour or so. The heavy rain for days on end is rare in Thailand. In the early part of the rainy season (July – August), the rains are hardly a problem but it’s more so later on (September and October). The weather is still hot during this reason so don’t bother with any raincoat since it will just make you feel sticky. If you need something, a small umbrella is a better option – either take it with you or buy it over there.
11. Do i need to bring the mosquito net and sleeping bags?
Definitely, a sleeping bag is necessary for adventure trips like walking, rafting and biking in the north during the cool season. Elsewhere, the weather is much warmer and so you don’t need one. In addition, a mosquito net may be worthwhile if you plan to stay in a lot of budget accommodation in remote areas, but many places will provide their own. Both of sleeping bag and mosquito can be bought in Thailand as they are available cheaply there. You should bring some mosquito repellent though, which is much better bought abroad than in Thailand.
12. How can i get the visa to enter Thailand?
The immigration regulation of Thailand allows the citizen of below countries to obtain a 30-day visa on arrival at the entry gate.
| Algeria | France | Morocco | South Korea |
| Argentina | Germany | Myanmar | Spain |
| Australia | Greece | Netherlands | Sweden |
| Austria | Iceland | New Zealand | Switzerland |
| Bahrain | Indonesia | Norway | Tunisia |
| Belgium | Ireland | Oman | Turkey |
| Brazil | Israel | Papua New Guinea | United Arab Emirates |
| Brunei | Italy | Philippines | United Kingdom |
| Canada | Japan | Portugal | U.S.A |
| Denmark | Kenya | Saudi Arabia | Vanuatu |
| Djibouti | Kuwait | Senegal | Western Samoa |
| Egypt | Luxembourg | Singapore | Yemen |
| Finland | Malaysia | Slovenia | Brunei |
| Fiji | Mexico | South Africa |
|
Citizens of countries which are not mentioned on the above list will receive a 15-day visa on entry or will have to apply for visa before entering Thailand.
13. How can i extend my visa?
The visas extension can be done at any Immigration office. In Bangkok, this is on Soi Suan Phlu, off Sathorn road. The on-arrival visa can be extended for 10 days, the tourist visa by up to a month. It normally takes under an hour and costs 500B. Extensions are given at the discretion of the immigration officer and there’s no guarantee you’ll get one – Dress smartly, smile a lot and be polite while you are there to get the best results.
Alternatively, just cross a border out of Thailand and re-enter to get another on-arrival visa. There is no limit to the number of times this can be done, it is free and will give you another 30 days. The most common places for doing this are Penang in Malaysia, Mae Sai on the Burmese border, Vientiane in Laos and Poipet in Cambodia. Malaysia is furthest from Bangkok but is the only one that does not require a visa to enter.
14. How can i get into Laos from Thailands?
There are three entry points to Laos from Thailand, first one at Chiang Khong, second at Nong Khai and last one at Chong Mek. The most frequent border crossing Nong Khai since it is quite easy to travel by either overnight trains and buses from Bangkok to this point. You then have to get a bus to the Friendship bridge spanning the Mekong River which is also served as a border between Thailand and Laos. At entry point to Laos, you can get a visa at cost of US$30.
15. Can i travel overland between Thailand and Myanmar?
There is possible to enter into Burma for day trips or slightly longer overland from Thailand, but not yet to continue on to Yangon, Mandalay etc…Day trips are possible at the Mae Sai / Tachilek border (north of Chiang Rai), Ranong and the Three Pagodas Pass (west of Kanchanaburi). These may be shut during periods of diplomatic unrest between Thailand and Myanmar, but are often reopened fairly quickly. You don’t need to obtain a visa in advance for these, but have to pay US$5 at Mae Sai and US$10 at the Three Pagodas Pass.
16. Can i travel overland between Thailand and Cambodia?
The main border crossing points between Thailand and Cambodia are at Aranya Pathet / Poipet, and at Trat / Koh Kong. There are frequent buses to the Thai border, and Cambodian buses then take you from the border to Phnom Penh, Siem Reap etc…The roads in Cambodia are in a very poor condition and can be impassable during the rainy season (August – November). Visas can be got at the Poipet and Koh Kong border crossings for US$20, and are valid for 30 days.
17. How should i bring money to Thailand?
The most popular way of bringing money to Thailand nowadays seems to be with traveller’s cheques and credit cards. ATM’s are everywhere in Bangkok, and widespread throughout Thailand. Cirrus/Maestro seems to be the most prevalent and is the best one to bring though Plus cards would also be fine. You may want to notify your bank before coming to Thailand, as some will automatically cancel your card after withdrawals from Bangkok as a fraud prevention method. Exchange rates are favorable if you get money out this way, but there seems to be a 10000B a day limit (this may vary depending on your bank/card – you may not be able to get this much out).
18. What beaches and islands are the best ones to go to?
The most developed beach resorts in Thailand are Pattaya and Phuket, which both receive millions of tourists every year. Phuket has some very nice beaches, but every year it is getting more and more crowded and is very expensive compared to almost anywhere else in Thailand. Pattaya is much cheaper but has a mediocre beach and dirty water. Most visitors here come for the bars, discos, and prostitutes for which Pattaya is internationally famous/infamous. Phuket’s Patong beach seems to be rapidly developing into a mini Pattaya. Due to the number of tourists there, both have developed into very good areas for all kind of watersports.
Ko Samui is another international beach resort, but is still quieter than Phuket – this is probably the best place for a family beach holiday. Chaweng is the best and most developed beach, and there is plenty of nightlife though not on the scale of Patong beach on Phuket. North of here is the backpacker dominated Ko Pha-Ngan, which is mostly pretty quiet and with only cheap bungalows for accommodation. Hat Rin beach is the exception, with plenty of bars and restaurants and the monthly Full Moon party. Further north still is Ko Tao, which is popular with tourists but still remains quite quiet. This is a very scuba diving orientated island, and it’s not really worth going if you’re not planning on diving or snorkeling.
Ko Phi Phi – where ‘The Beach’ movie was filmed – is also noisy and very developed. Though it is a beautiful island, a lot of people seem to come away disappointed with the high prices and the pollution that there is. It is another very good place for scuba diving and snorkeling, though.
The beaches in Krabi province (Rai Leh and Ao Phra Nang) are very nice and are becoming almost as developed as Ko Phi Phi – a lot of backpackers stop here and at Ko Lanta 30km to the south.
“Have just returned from 15 day trip through Southeast Asia by JTA Tour. From first contact with JTA to returning to the UK at the end of the trip everything was organised exceptionally well. Stayed in a great variety of hotels, nine in total, all of which were unique in their own way and very comfortable....”
“Wonderful trip to Halong Bay and Ninh Binh. JTA Tour put together a wonderful few day in Halong Bay and Ninh Binh in 7 days for us. Our guide Hoa was very knowledgeable and friendly made our first visit of Halong Bay and Ninh Binh tour a very memorable one. Extra touches and stories about Vietnamese...”
“My husband and myself have just returned from a Taste of Vietnam tour. Our private tour which included Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City was organized by Mr. Thang from JTA Tour who really went out of his way to meet our requirements. Our guides and drivers in the north and center were...”
“We traveled to seven different places within Vietnam and Cambodia tour in just a little over 13 days and it was pretty much stress free since we used JTA Tour. I've never used a tour company before but this really worked out perfectly for us. Thang was my contact point and he did a great job communicating....”
“We are back home from Vietnam and full of gratitude for the 12-day trip of a lifetime. We have been to many places and experienced many unique experiences. But for what we like and enjoy, we couldn’t have had a better experience. The outline/plan/destination selection was excellent. The hotels were...”
“I together with 3 friends have just completed my 9 day trip to Vietnam by JTA Tour. The trip took us to various places of interest in Hanoi, Pu Luong, Halong Bay and Ninh Binh was well-planned and balanced to allow us to have an enjoyable, seamless and relaxed vacation. No rushing or aimlessly running...”
“BEST VACATION: We traveled to Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. This trip was very interesting and enjoyable. Na Na and the whole team were very helpful and available to answer any questions at any time. The Guides in all the countries were knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. We highly recommend this...”
“We did a 7-day tour in Hochiminh, My Tho & Mekong Delta. The trip was very well planned out, hotels were very comfortable and clean. Travel guides were extremely knowledgeable and helpful, and Ms Na Na was very helpful and informative about organizing everything. Overall, all of us had a great time,...”
“Hi Rose, I am sorry to late answer to you. I am now safe at home, I had a small problem we lost luggage at the Singapore airport but everything is fine right now. I truly cannot imagine having planned this 8-day trip to Vietnam without all of Rose Nguyen's guidance and knowledge- and cannot imagine...”
“We had a wonderful 9-day trip from north to south in Vietnam. JAT tour helped organize the trip online. They were very helpful & speedy in providing suggestions on places to visit in the planning stage. The only hiccup of the entire trip was that we didn't have an e-visa as expected. Fortunately,...”
“This was my tour with JTA tour. Last year I toured the north of Vietnam with my guide Ms Shi. My most recent tour was with Mr. Tuan Vietnam Central Highlands trip. What a great experience, my guide was very knowledgeable and showed me many interesting things in the central highlands. Tasted a lot of...”
“JTA Tour talked with us about our dreams for the trip to Vietnam and Cambodia and was able to create a perfect itinerary. From the beginning, Thang asked all the right questions to tailor our experience exactly to what I wanted. He helped us develop an itinerary that met our goals and included: comfortable...”
“We have traveled quite a bit and have worked with some different travel companies over the years, and as a result, I feel confident in sharing our highest praise of Thang and the JTA team. Our JTA Tour experience was reflective of quality, integrity and professional service. We love 9 day Vietnam tr...”
“We have been so upset to lose a wonderful trip to Vietnam and Cambodia due to Covid 19. We should have been home by now with wonderful memories. Since we began our planning in the Spring of 2019, Thang has been brilliant to deal with. He spent a lot of time with us at the outset perfecting our itinerary...”
“As many others we were clients of JTA on holiday in Vietnam in March. We had 4 wonderful days in Hanoi, Lan Ha Bay and then Hoi An . We can strongly recommend the half day rice planting experience organised by JTA Tour - informative and hilarious as we were helplessly put through our paces by Phuong,...”
“Please find enclosed the questionnaire filled in and commented. Sorry for the delay. I would like to thank you for all the efforts you have done, we really appreciate your support regarding the organization of our trip. All members of my small group are really satisfied and keep many pleasant memories...”
“We had an absolutely fantastic time! I think the absolute best tour we’ve ever been on. You made everything incredibly easy and smooth for us and we really appreciate everyone’s responsiveness. The guides were great and young and fun and energetic which is exactly what we needed. Few random thoughts: Really...”
“What can I say about this tour operator, but FANTASTIC!! From the time it took us to decide where and when to tour up until the actual tour Ms. Phuong kept us so well informed with great suggestions and quick responses to all questions mailed to her (and there were many). Nothing was too much trouble...”
“I wanted to praise JTA Tours for they commendable services. From trip planning to services on the our Vietnam holiday, it was meticulously planned. A show of appreciation to Ms Nhung for your outstanding service, I really appreciated all your hard work as the trip turned out really really well. It was...”
“We are returning from a journey for 17 days in Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam which we had entrusted the organization, JTA Tours. Knowing that we wanted to avoid the places invaded by too many tourists, they have prepared a dream itinerary with very good hotels and very competent guides. We were well...”
“With 3 weeks to discover Vietnam, everyone was surprised that we had seen so much. No double thanks to the travel agency that had organized everything from the smallest detail. The price was very reasonable. During the trip, we would have revised some routes, days to take the time for visit other...”
“Quite frankly, we were bowled over from start to finish, the itinerary is jam-packed but it was an entirely stress free trip. JTA Tours ensured all airport meetings and transfers were seamless, private travel arrangements and guides were of a high standard. We began our trip in Siem Reap, and travelled...”
“We corresponded extensively before booking the trip and were given lots of suggestions and alternatives to this tailor made holiday. We started in Hanoi where we were met at the airport and taken to our Hotel as a tour guide. The guides have a good grasp of English and extensive knowledge of their country....”
“Hello Nguyen, Yes we are all settled back home in Australia now. Thank you so much for organising this tour for us. We were very well looked after. While all the accommodation in Vietnam was really good, I wouldn’t recommend the Juliana hotel in Phnom Penh, it was too far away to walk to...”
“We have had great experience with JTA Tours. When we had private tour: Highlights Of Vietnam Tour - 11 Day arranged by Ms. Phuong. We had a long e-mail correspondence prior to it with her, she being highly professional and helpful. The tour itself was exactly what we wanted, hotels were to our satisfaction,...”
“Booked this tour in Myanmar through internet. Must admit when first booked we were a little worried, but from the moment we arrived in Yangon everything ran smoothly with JTA Tours. Tour guides in all areas were very helpful and informative especially "Khin Thet Mar" our guide in Bagan. All hotels...”
“Our family of 4 people just finished a 2 weeks holiday from vietnam to cambodia, we honestly highly valuate the professional organization & meticulous cares of JTA Tours. From the beginning, we emailed to them to customize a suitable trip with a combination between sightseeing & beach relaxation...”
“We had an absolutely amazing time in Myanmar, thanks to JTA Tours and our Guide Aung Aung, the sites we saw were incredible. We want to thank Aung Aung for being so good to us and making this trip worth every minute we were on it. For his expertise in Myanmar history and for always doing his best in...”
“The tour was fantastic. I thoroughly enjoyed the walking routes each day, with the mountain from Sapa, the walk at Lao Chai & Ta Van, and the day walk at Hoian/trip to Halong bay my personal highlights. The first nights meal at the winery, and the last 2 at the family at Mekong were amazing. Our...”
“This agency was recommended by my friend - Mr Jito and they really provide good service. Mr Thang helped us all the way from the moment we touch down the airport until the last day we go home, he never disappoint us and we really enjoy very much. all the itinerary they planed for us never go wrong. this...”
“Many thanks Jito for your kind support! My and husband's dream to visit Ha Long Bay was finally fulfilled. Tham from JTA Tours provided a good deal and clear itinerary during for visit Ha Long Bay. It was a last minute deal since we were already arrived in Hanoi and seems most good cruise was no longer...”
“Hi Suharjito, we are now fine in Indinesia. Thanks so much for amazing trip to the north of Vietnam including Hanoi, Halong& Ninh Binh also. Excellent experience and very high-level service. JTA Tours took amazing care of us from the moment we landed. Were very open for changes and for every...”
“Dear Thang, we have now returned back to Australia and the chores of work! – We have very pleasant memories of the sights, sounds, food and people of Vietnam….. We shall treasure for a lifetime I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of our group to say we had a wonderful time – the...”
“Hi Thang, I do apologize that it has take me so long to email you and thank you for yet another super lot of organization on your part which helped to make our time in Vietnam so enjoyable. We really do appreciate so much your professional and reliable services which make our job in taking our small...”
““Our trip to Vietnam and Cambodia was superbly organised by JTA Tours. We were met promptly and efficiently by very friendly and helpful guides at each stage of our holiday. Our hotel in Seam Reap, Hoian & Hanoi was lovely. The trips were well organised and in formative. The floating villages were...”
““We wanted to write to you personally to let you know how much we enjoyed our holiday in Myanmar and to thank you for organizing this memorable trip. We had such an amazing time discovering your diverse and beautiful country, it's people and of course the strange food. We found your tour was...”
“Hi Mr. Thang, “BEST SELLING VIETNAM FAMILY TOUR - 17 DAYS" with JTA Tours, just a quick note to say thank you for an amazing experience! Our participants commented on how wonderfully it was organized and we received lots of positive feedback (along with a few suggestions but it was overwhelmingly...”
“I search into Goggle for Vietnam & Cambodia tours, I contacted approximately 5 different companies, it was my contact with Ms Na Na that made me select your agency. She was superb in every way and a pleasure to work with, she had excellent suggestion for myself and three Granddaughters. She is truly...”
“Hi, thank you for your note. I would also like to make special mention of two of your staff – Mr Thang who prepared the tour for us and the second tour guide that we had, who I only knew as Phuong (he was our guide in both Dalat and Nha Trang). The service we received from both of these people was...”
“Hi Mr. Thang, We are doing fine. We want to let you know that our guide Mr Nam was excellent. He saw to all of our needs and had us back to our hotel on time for our dinner with or tour group. I would highly recommend Mr Nam to anyone that needed a private guide while visiting Vietnam. And, thank...”
