Travel

Travel Note

Hotel Reccommedations

For the best experience during your stay, we recommend booking accommodations in District 1, the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. This area is centrally located with easy access to major attractions, restaurants, and nightlife—and English is widely spoken. As a bonus, hotels in Vietnam are generally very affordable compared to U.S. prices, so it’s a great opportunity to enjoy a more elevated stay. Luxury Options (District 1 – Marriott Bonvoy) If you’re looking for a more upscale experience, these are excellent choices: JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon, The Apartments Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel Le Méridien Saigon – features a Michelin-starred restaurant and spacious rooms (a personal favorite from a previous trip!) Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon – another great stay I’ve personally enjoyed and highly recommend Other Great Options (District 1) Hotel Nikko Saigon The Reverie Saigon Lotte Hotel Saigon Bon Ami Hotel Alternative Area: District 3 District 3 is a quieter neighborhood located just next to District 1. While hotel and dining options are more limited and you’ll likely need to use transportation to get around, it can be a good choice if you’re looking for something more budget-friendly. Bach Suites Saigon (Marriott Bonvoy) – a great option in this area and easy to get to District 1 No matter where you stay, everything is a short ride away. We recommend using Grab (Vietnam’s version of Uber) to get around easily. Let us know if you need help deciding; we’re happy to share more recommendations!

Flight

Flight Reccomendations

Since our wedding will take place in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, we recommend booking your flights early to get the best routes and pricing. The main airport you’ll be flying into is Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), which is located just a short drive from the city center. From the U.S., there are no direct flights to Ho Chi Minh City, but many major airlines offer convenient one-stop options through cities like Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, or Hong Kong. Popular carriers include the following: United Airlines Philippine Airlines Delta Air Lines Korean Air Japan Airlines ANA Asiana EVA Air Starlux Cathay Pacific Vietnam Airways (offers a direct flight from San Francisco) These airlines are known for comfortable long-haul service and smooth connections into Vietnam. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider mixing airlines or exploring alternative routes with longer layovers. For those who prefer a more premium experience, several of the airlines above offer excellent business class options for the long journey. We suggest arriving at least one to two days before the wedding (or pre-wedding events, if you plan on attending those) to allow time to adjust to the time difference and settle in before the festivities begin. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions—we’re happy to help coordinate travel plans where we can. Safe travels, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you in Vietnam!

Travel Note

Vietnam Visa Information

To travel to Vietnam, most guests will need to obtain a visa in advance. The easiest option is to apply for an eVisa online before your trip. You can apply here: https://evisatravel.org/vietnam/ Key Details: The Vietnam eVisa is typically valid for up to 3 months, based on the arrival and departure dates you provide in your application. Both single-entry and multiple-entry visas are available. Standard government fees are approximately: Single entry: $28 USD Multiple entry: $53 USD Processing Time: Standard processing can take up to 5 business days (excluding weekends and public holidays). We recommend applying at least 1–2 weeks before travel to avoid any delays. Expedited Options (Optional): If you need your visa more quickly, expedited services may be available for an additional fee, including emergency and rush processing. Important Notes: Make sure all information is entered accurately to avoid delays. Processing time begins once all required documents are submitted correctly. Some nationalities may be visa-exempt, so be sure to check if this applies to you before applying. If you have any questions or need help with the process, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to assist.

Travel Note

Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat Airport)

To help ensure a smooth arrival, Vietnam now requires most international travelers to complete an online pre-arrival declaration before entering the country. Who Needs to Complete This? All foreign travelers (tourism, business, etc.) Overseas Vietnamese traveling with a visa or visa exemption Exemptions: Vietnamese passport holders Transit passengers who remain in the airport How to Complete the Pre-Arrival Form Please complete your declaration online before your flight: Visit the official portal: https://prearrival.immigration.gov.vn Select “Create & Submit Pre-arrival Information” Complete the verification (CAPTCHA) Fill in your details exactly as shown on your passport: Full name Date of birth Passport number Visa details (if applicable) Flight information & arrival date Review carefully and submit Once completed, you’ll receive a QR code — please save or screenshot this to present at immigration upon arrival. Timing & Tips Please complete the form within 3 days before your departure Doing this in advance is strongly recommended to avoid delays Airport Wi-Fi can be unreliable, so save your QR code on your phone ⚠️ Even if you’ve arranged fast-track immigration service, this form is still required. Why This Matters Completing your pre-arrival declaration in advance will help you: Move through immigration faster Avoid filling out paperwork at the airport Start your trip stress-free

Travel Note

Fast Track Airport Services

To make your arrival and departure as smooth as possible, we highly recommend booking a Fast Track service at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN). This is especially helpful after a long international flight or when navigating busy airport lines. You can book these services through platforms like GetYourGuide or Viator. We suggest booking at least 24 hours in advance. Arrival Services Standard (Approx. $30 USD per person) Staff will meet you in the immigration area holding a sign with your name Assistance through immigration to help you move through more quickly Premium (Approx. $40+ USD per person) Meet-and-greet with a personalized sign in the immigration area Assistance with visa procedures (if applicable, fees not included) Expedited help through immigration Support at baggage claim Escort to your driver or transportation Departure Services Standard (Approx. $30 USD per person) Meet near the check-in counter (please note: you must check in on your own first) Assistance through immigration Be sure to provide your contact number so staff can reach you Premium (Approx. $40+ USD per person) (highly recommended) Meet at the check-in area (after you check in) Assistance through immigration and security checkpoints Guidance all the way to your boarding gate Helpful Tips Prices may vary slightly depending on the provider and availability Most staff speak English and will assist you every step of the way Be sure to provide a working phone number when booking This service can save a significant amount of time and make your airport experience much more seamless, especially when departing, as lines can be long

Travel Note

Getting Around Ho Chi Minh City

While Ho Chi Minh City is an exciting and easy place to explore, we don’t recommend relying on the subway/metro system during your stay. It’s still very limited and not the most convenient way to get around for our wedding events or exploring the city. Instead, we highly recommend using ride-hailing apps, which are safe, affordable, and widely used: Grab (similar to Uber/Lyft in the U.S.) Xanh SM Both apps offer car and motorbike options, depending on your comfort level and how quickly you’d like to get around. They are very reliable and typically inexpensive. A few helpful tips: Most drivers do not speak English, but they often use translation apps to communicate. We recommend downloading Google Translate just in case—it can be very helpful for quick communication. Important Note on Taxis: We suggest avoiding regular street taxis. They often require cash, may overcharge, and can be harder to navigate if there’s a language barrier. Using a ride-hailing app ensures transparent pricing and a smoother experience. Overall, getting around the city is simple, and most locations are just a short ride away. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help!

Travel Note

Miscellaneous Travel Tips

A few helpful tips to make your trip to Vietnam as smooth and enjoyable as possible: Airport Timing: For departure, we recommend arriving at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight to allow plenty of time for check-in and security. Drinking Water: Do not drink tap water. Please stick to bottled water, which is widely available. Health & Vaccines: Check with your healthcare provider before traveling. Most travelers do not require special vaccinations, but it’s always best to confirm. Medications: It’s a good idea to bring basic travel medications, including Loperamide or similar remedies, just in case. Animals: Avoid petting or interacting with stray animals around the city. Local Culture: Vietnamese people are incredibly warm and friendly—you may even be asked to take photos, especially in popular areas! If you have any questions while planning, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help!