Tourism in Vietnam

1. What is the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT)?

The Vietnam National Administration (VNAT) is a Governmental Agency which exercises the state management function over tourist operations and activities throughout country. It has full control in terms of business development, planning, public relations, personnel training, conducting research, instructing and inspecting the implementation of policies and other regulations in the tourism sector.

2. Who are the Vietnam tour operators? 

Tour operators are the ones who make the necessary arrangements to create tourists' holidays. This includes arranging flight tickets, transfers, hotels, cruises, meals and other travel activities.

In Vietnam, there are Vietnamese tour operators and international tour operators. We at Footprint are local Vietnam tour operators. We specialize all the local arrangements for your Vietnam holiday. We specialize in cycling, trekking, cruising & kayaking, short breaks & city tours, package tours, and volunteer & educational tours in Vietnam.

In order to become a Vietnam tour operator, catering to inbound (internatinoal) travelers to Vietnam, one must have enough work experience and also a bond account (set by VNAT).  Please be aware, that currently there are  some illegal tour operators in Vietnam. Your travel in Vietnam should be one that is hassle-free if you book with a licensed, legalized tour operator.

There are not many international tour operators now operating local tours here, but soon there will be. We suggest when traveling to Vietnam, that everyone books their services with the local Vietnam tour operators so that your money will stay and benefit the country and its people. Please travel responsibly.

3. What is the meaning of Travel Agency

A Vietnam travel agency is a business that sells travel related products and services, particularly , to end-user customers on behalf of third party travel suppliers, such as airlines, hotels, tour companies / tour operators, and cruise lines.

There are now many travel agents in Vietnam. They are selling tours or package tours for other travel companies. You can find many Vietnam travel agents online, here in Vietnam, and in many international destinations worldwide.

Travel agents are not allowed to make arrangement like tour operators, they only sell tour operators’ products and receive commissions from the sales.

Footprint is not a travel agent, we are a Vietnam tour operator doing tours by ourselves. Book your travel with us will cut out the middle man and save you money.