Frequently Asked Questions
Why Choose Us?
- Expert, professionally trained wildlife guides
- Over 100 expertly crafted itineraries, with flexible custom or build-your-own options
- Seamless logistics so you can focus on your adventure
- World-class wildlife experiences, from birds and herps to mammals and more
- Strong local partnerships and deep community engagement
- Excellent value without sacrificing quality
- Commitment to sustainable, ethical tourism practices
- Safety prioritised with trained guides and comprehensive insurance coverage
- Fully licensed and trusted international operator
Why Choose Us?
- Expert, professionally trained wildlife guides.
- Over 100 expertly crafted itineraries, with flexible custom made tours.
- Seamless logistics so you can focus on your wildlife adventure.
- World-class wildlife tours: from bird watching and herping tours to mammals and more.
- Strong local eco tour partnerships and deep community engagement.
- Excellent value without sacrificing quality.
- Commitment to sustainable and ethical tourism practices.
- Safety prioritised with trained guides and comprehensive insurance coverage.
- Fully licensed and trusted international operator.
Logistics & Preparation
What kind of accommodation can I expect on your wildlife tours?
Our wildlife tours feature a carefully organised selection of accommodations chosen for their quality, services, and proximity to key tour locations. These range from simple lodgings to more comfortable stays, depending on the nature of the wildlife adventure. Wherever possible, we prioritise locally owned stays, ecolodges, and accommodations that support conservation of wild animal efforts and contribute to local communities, rather than large international hotel chains. While we typically avoid luxury 5-star hotels unless specifically requested, we always strive to provide the best available option that fits the tour’s setting and style. Accommodation details are always included in your wildlife tours package. If you have particular preferences or questions, feel free to contact us during your booking.
What type of transport do you use during the tours?
- Private Vehicles: Most of our wildlife adventures use 7-seater private vehicles driven by our own tour-trained drivers, offering plenty of space for both guests and equipment.
- Larger Group Tours: For family tours with 5–7 participants, we typically use a 16-seater minibus to ensure everyone travels comfortably.
- Motorbike Options: Some of our shorter wildlife tours (such as single-night herping tours, spotlighting, bird watching, Red shanked Douc Langur or butterfly tours) can be arranged at a lower cost for those who are adventurous and happy to ride pillion with their guide on a motorbike. This option is available by request during your booking consultation and is outlined on the tour form.
- Specialist Tours: For more remote or specialist itineraries, we may use alternative forms of transport, such as off-road motorbikes, sampan boats, or even small aircraft to reach unique destinations. Regardless of the mode, we ensure all transport is safe, reliable, and well-suited to the wildlife tour’s specific requirements.
How many participants are typically on a tour?
Most of our wildlife tours are privately booked, meaning you choose the group size. These are typically designed for 1–4 participants, with flexible pricing to offer the best value. Each tour also includes a recommended group size based on the itinerary and safari experience.
We also run a small number of fixed-date group tours, which usually accommodate between 4–7 participants. Group sizes may vary depending on the nature & wildlife tour and this is always outlined on the specific tour page.
For larger private groups (such as photography workshops, birding clubs, or naturalist organisations) we’re happy to tailor logistics and guide numbers accordingly. We’ve successfully led custom made tours for groups ranging from 10 to over 50 participants. Whether your group is large or small, we maintain a strong guide-to-guest ratio (typically 1:4 on scheduled tours) to ensure personalised attention and a rewarding eco tour experience.
What meals are included in the tour and can dietary requirements be accommodated?
The meals included in the tour vary depending on the itinerary, but generally, we provide breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner during the tour, with options to suit the locations and activities. We are happy to accommodate most dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and others. Please inform us of your dietary preferences or restrictions at the time of booking, and we will do our best to ensure your needs are met. If you have any specific concerns, feel free to reach out to us for further clarification.
Do I need any special clothing for the tour?
The clothing you’ll need depends on the destination and type of the wildlife tour you’re joining, but we always recommend wearing comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing. See more in the next section about weather conditions.
How can I prepare for different weather conditions on the tour?
We provide recommended clothing for each wildlife tour based on the time of year and expected conditions. However, here are some general tips to help you prepare:
- Weather Variability: Conditions can shift dramatically depending on the season, altitude, and location. Be prepared for temperature changes between day and night or as you move through different environments.
- Layering: Pack lightweight, breathable layers that can be added or removed as needed. A base layer for warm weather, a mid-layer for cooler temperatures, and a waterproof or insulated outer layer are ideal.
- Rain Protection: A good-quality waterproof jacket or poncho along with water-resistant shoes is essential, especially in rainy or humid regions.
- Sun Protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat are highly recommended, particularly in areas with strong sun exposure.
- Insect Protection: In tropical or forested areas, insect repellent is important. Depending on the destination, long sleeves, pants, and leech socks may also help.
- Footwear: Comfortable, durable, and well-fitted footwear is crucial, whether you’re walking city streets, forest trails, or mountain paths, whatever the weather.
Do you provide a packing list for each tour?
Yes, we provide a packing list for each Vietnam tour to help you prepare. This list is tailored to the specific destination and wildlife adventure activities, ensuring you have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable eco tour experience.
Do I need any special equipment for the tour?
Equipment requirements vary by wildlife tour and are detailed on the booking page, in your tour handbook, or on our website. Some items (such as binoculars, cameras, or specialist gear for a wildlife photo tour) may be available for hire depending on the Vietnam tour. We recommend discussing your needs, like how to focus binoculars properly, with our team during booking to ensure you’re fully prepared for your Vietnam wildlife tour.
What vaccinations are required or recommended for your tours?
Vaccination requirements vary by destination and wildlife tour type. We provide detailed guidance in your Tour Handbook once your tour booking is confirmed, but we also recommend checking with your healthcare provider or a travel clinic to ensure you’re up to date on relevant vaccinations and health precautions. Our team is always available to help you navigate any requirements and ensure you’re well prepared for your wildlife adventure.
What is your COVID-19 policy?
Our COVID-19 policy, including guidelines for safety, cancellations, and rescheduling, is detailed in our Terms & Conditions. We encourage you to review this section carefully before booking your tour to understand how we prioritise your well-being while ensuring flexibility during these times.
Tour Details & Options
About Our Tour Types & Options:
We offer four distinct types of tours: Single Day, Multi-Day, Extended and Scheduled Group Tours.
Private Tours (Single, Multi-Day and Extended)
Our Single Day, Multi-Day, and Extended Tours are all private and can be booked on dates that best suit your schedule.- Standard Day Tours:
These are half-day or full-day excursions typically focused on a single location or specific interest, such as local culture, photography, natural history, birding, etc. They are usually based out of our major regions, including Da Nang, Hanoi, Saigon, Hue, and Hoi An.
- Multi-Day Tours: Lasting between 2 to 4 days, these tours allow you to dive deeper into specific regions or interests. Examples include a 3-day birding trip in Cat Tien or a 4-day Mekong Photography Workshop.
- Extended Tours: These are in-depth targeted tours that can span from 5 to 14 days, covering broader travel areas and focused on specialised wildlife groups. Notable examples include our Endangered Primates Expedition across Southern and Central Vietnam, or a 7-day Herping Expedition.
- Standard Day Tours:
Scheduled Group Tours
Our Major Scheduled Tours are set group tours with fixed dates on our tour calendar. These tours offer the chance to join like-minded adventurers on a planned itinerary.
Can you create custom tours for specific locations, interests, or target species not listed?
Absolutely! At Next Continent, we pride ourselves on creating custom made tours tailored to your unique preferences. Whether you’re interested in exploring a specific location such as Vietnam national park, focusing on a particular target species (like the Red Shanked Douc Langur), or diving into a niche interest like rare plants, fungus identification, or cultural heritage, we can design a tour just for you. The best way to do this is to visit our Tailor-made & Customs Tours page or get in touch by emailing or calling us.
Can you link various tours for me into a custom itinerary?
Yes, many of our guests choose to create their own custom made tours by combining several of our shorter tours or adding additional experiences to extend their main wildlife adventure. This flexible approach is especially popular for both our cultural and wildlife tours, as well as our crossover eco tour journeys. If you have specific interests in mind, we’ll work with you to build a personalized itinerary that links together the nature & wildlife tours and experiences that matter most to you.
Are there options for pre or post-tour extensions?
Yes! Many of our scheduled group tours include optional pre or post-tour extensions. These are great opportunities to focus on additional target species (like the Red shanked douc langur or specific birds of Vietnam) or spend more concentrated time in the field. When available, these extensions are clearly outlined during the booking process. Our website may also suggest extra experiences that can be conveniently packaged with your main wildlife adventure.
What health and fitness requirements are there for your tours?
Health and fitness requirements vary depending on the tour. Most of our wildlife and nature tours require a moderate level of fitness, while cultural tours generally involve easy to moderate activity. For specialist experiences (such as those seeking remote or rare species) a higher level of fitness may be needed due to more strenuous conditions. In some cases, we may ask for a doctor’s certificate to confirm your health and readiness.
If you’re unsure about the physical demands of a particular tour, feel free to contact our team.
What wildlife species are commonly seen on your tours?
It depends on the wildlife tour, location, and time of year. For details, check the target species (like the Red Shanked Douc Langur or birds of Vietnam) listed on each tour’s booking page or contact our team to discuss your interests. We keep our endemic species birds checklists up to date with the latest taxonomy and seasonal sightings. If you’re looking for something specific, just let us know!
Can I get a checklist of the animals seen during the tour?
Yes! At the end of your wildlife tour, our guide will compile a detailed checklist of the species observed (like the birds of Vietnam), often with notes and extra information. Just let us know if you’d like a copy, and we’ll make sure it’s sent to you after your wildlife adventures.
Does Next Continent use eBird for birding records?
Yes, Next Continent uses eBird for recording the birds on our birding tours. This lets you enjoy the experience on our guided birding tours without worrying about note-taking. After the bird watching tour, we can send you the full eBird list, share it directly to your eBird account, and include any additional notes.
What taxonomies does Next Continent follow?
We typically follow the IOC taxonomy for birds, except when sharing eBird lists from our birding tours, where we use the Clements checklist. With global taxonomies evolving (especially following the release of AviList) we’re staying up to date and adapting as needed, so feel free to ask us about this before your bird watching tour.
For mammals (like the douc langur), we generally follow the taxonomy used by mammalwatching.com. For other groups, such as those on our herping tours, we use local or regional taxonomies that best reflect current research on wildlife in Vietnam. If you have specific preferences or questions about taxonomy, just let us know, we’re happy to accommodate where possible.
What are the guidelines for luggage and equipment on your tours?
For our tours, we recommend bringing lightweight, soft-sided luggage for easy transport. We ask that guests be considerate of the group and other tour logistics when packing, as space can be limited, especially on more remote or adventure-based tours. If you feel you need to bring an above-average amount of luggage due to specialist equipment or an extended travel period, please communicate this with our team beforehand. We’re happy to accommodate special requests and ensure your equipment is properly managed for a smooth experience.
Can I rent cameras, binoculars, tripods, or other equipment from you?
Yes, we do offer rental equipment, including cameras, binoculars, tripods and other gear, on a first-come, first-served basis. If you’d like to rent any of these items, we recommend reaching out in advance to ensure availability. Additionally, we have connections to local rental services that may also be able to assist with your equipment needs. Please get in touch with our team if you have any specific requests or need further assistance.
Are Next Continent tours suitable for photographers?
Wildlife photography is welcomed and encouraged on all of our wildlife tours, but some are specifically designed as wildlife photo tours. As specialists in wildlife adventures and photography, we offer Vietnam wildlife tours that focus on maximizing rare wildlife sightings and others that provide ample time for capturing images. We also host photography workshops, classes, and online tutorials tailored for photographers. If you’re a passionate photographer, we recommend filtering our wildlife tours by photography or reaching out to us directly so we can help design the best experience for you or suggest the most suitable options.
Will my non-birding spouse, partner, or family enjoy a Next Continent tour?
Absolutely! However, it depends on the specific tour. Our more intense wildlife experiences may not appeal to casual observers, while our cultural day tours are perfect for families. Finding the right fit is essential. If you’re unsure or need more information, we recommend scheduling a time to chat with our team. Many of our wildlife tours also include significant non-birding attractions that your spouse or partner would enjoy.
Are your tours suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, most of our tours are suitable and even ideal for solo travellers. If you’re interested in joining a group or creating a custom itinerary, our team is happy to assist with options that best suit your needs. Please feel free to reach out if you have any specific requests or questions about solo travel on our tours.
Can children join the tours, and are they family-friendly?
Children are welcome on most of our private tours, including our standard, multi-day, and extended options, and we encourage families to join our wildlife and culture experiences. These tours offer a great opportunity for families to explore nature and culture together. For our major scheduled tours, children are typically not allowed unless accompanied by an adult. If you’re planning a family trip, feel free to get in touch with our team, and we’ll help you find the best options for your family’s needs.
Booking & Payments
How do I book a tour with Next Continent?
Booking a tour with us is simple and convenient. You can complete the booking form directly on our website for the quickest and easiest process. Alternatively, you can email us or call us to book your tour. For more details on the booking process, visit our How to Book page. If you have any questions or need additional information before booking, feel free to get in touch – we’re here to help!
How do I pay for a Next Continent tour?
Once you book, we will send you an online invoice that can be paid instantly by credit card for immediate confirmation. If you prefer, we also accept bank transfers. Please note that credit card payments may incur a small service fee.
Is a deposit required to book a tour?
For all of our multi-day, extended, and major scheduled tours, a deposit is required to confirm your booking. This is usually 50% of the tour price, and your tour is only confirmed once this payment has been received. The deposit helps us to organise all aspects of your experience, including accommodation, guide, driver/vehicle, permits, flights, equipment, and other tour-related arrangements. The remaining balance is typically due 3 months prior to the tour, although this may vary depending on the specific tour. For our single-day and shorter tours, we require full payment in advance to secure your place.
When is a scheduled tour confirmed?
A scheduled tour is confirmed when we receive the booking forms and deposits from the required number of participants. This number is usually four, but it can range from five to eight, depending on the tour. Keep in mind that only our “Group Scheduled Tours” have minimum participant requirements, while all other experiences are available year-round on dates that work for you.
Is there a booking cut-off period?
For our scheduled group tours, we will accept bookings as long as there is space available, even close to the departure date. However, for private tours, while there is no strict booking cut-off, we recommend booking as far in advance as possible. Many of our private tours can run year-round, tailored to your schedule, but we often need time to arrange the best guide for your experience, as well as other factors like accommodation, permits, and drivers. The more time you give us, the better we can ensure everything is perfectly organized for your tour.
Can I make changes to my booking after it's confirmed?
We will always do our best to accommodate any new requests or changes to your booking, whether it’s adding more guests, changing dates, or other adjustments. However, please keep in mind that we may not always be able to fulfill every request, depending on availability and the nature of the changes. If you need to make a change, or anticipate that you might, we highly recommend getting in touch with us as soon as possible. We strive to make your experience perfect, and it’s in both our best interests to ensure we can meet your requests whenever possible.
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
Our cancellation and refund policy is comprehensive and varies depending on several factors, such as the type of tour, the timing of the cancellation, and any special circumstances. For full details, please visit our Terms & Conditions page, where you can find all the information regarding cancellations, refunds, and related policies. If you have any specific questions or need clarification, feel free to contact us directly.
When should I purchase my airline ticket?
For private tours, you can book your flight as soon as your experience is confirmed. For group tours, however, we recommend waiting until we’ve confirmed that enough participants have booked for the tour to go ahead. Once your place is confirmed and the tour is guaranteed to run, you can confidently book your flights. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to contact us.
What is included in the tour price?
The inclusions vary depending on the tour, and to make it easier for you, each tour booking page includes a dropdown that outlines exactly what’s covered in the price. Generally, for most of our private tours, the price includes an expert personal guide, transport with a vehicle and driver, all necessary entrance tickets and permits, some meals, insurance, hotel pick-up and drop-off, as well as water and tea/coffee. Additionally, we provide comprehensive insurance coverage, first aid, a COVID-safe environment, and any specialist equipment needed for the tour, such as scopes, thermal cameras, tripods, and more. For our specialist wildlife tours, you can expect the inclusion of additional specialist equipment, like torches and thermal cameras, along with detailed checklists to enhance your experience. If you’re ever unsure about what’s included in a specific tour, please feel free to check with us, and we’ll be happy to clarify!
What is a single supplement?
A single supplement is an additional fee that applies when a solo traveler wishes to have a private room or space on a tour, rather than sharing with another person. This fee helps cover the extra cost of accommodations or services that would normally be shared among multiple participants. If you’re traveling alone and prefer your own room or space, the single supplement ensures you’re able to enjoy the tour in comfort and privacy. If you have any questions or need more details about single supplements for specific tours, feel free to reach out to us.
What is a small group supplement?
A small group supplement is an additional fee that may apply if you prefer to join a smaller, more personalized tour group, typically consisting of 3 to 5 participants. While our regular tours may have a larger number of travelers (typically 5 to 7), choosing a small group tour allows for more individualized attention, a more intimate experience, and greater flexibility. This supplement helps cover the additional costs associated with providing a more exclusive experience. If you’re interested in a small group option, please contact us for more details on availability and pricing. Additionally, if we’re close to meeting the required number of participants for a tour but still fall short, we may offer the option for travelers to pay the small group supplement rather than canceling the tour. If you’re happy with this option, we’ll confirm the details with you before proceeding.
Do you offer any discounts on tours?
Yes, we do offer discounts on occasion, but the availability of discounts can vary depending on several factors. These include when the tour is scheduled to run, the number of people already booked, whether you’re booking multiple tours or experiences, if you’re a repeat customer, and the availability of early bird pricing. For the most up-to-date information on discounts, it’s best to get in touch with us directly to inquire, and we’ll let you know about any current offers that may apply to your booking.
Do your prices include VAT or taxes?
No, our prices do not include VAT (Value Added Tax) or other government-imposed taxes unless explicitly stated. If applicable, these additional charges will be clearly outlined in your invoice at the time of booking and added to the final cost of your tour.
What travel insurance do you recommend?
We typically recommend comprehensive travel insurance to ensure you’re covered for any unforeseen issues while you’re on tour with us. This is the safest option, especially for our larger tours where factors like weather can sometimes affect departure or return dates. Additionally, all of our guests are required to have travel insurance as per Vietnam tourism laws. If you need assistance with organizing your travel insurance, we’re more than happy to help guide you through the process and ensure you have the coverage you need.
Guides & Support
How experienced are your tour leaders?
Our tour leaders are seasoned professionals with extensive experience in wildlife, natural history, and photography. Many have spent years exploring and studying the regions we visit, developing deep knowledge of local flora, fauna, and ecosystems. You may learn more about our team by visiting our Meet Our Team page.
All of our guides are fully trained across a wide range of disciplines and are competent in leading birding, mammal watching, herping, and general wildlife tours. However, each guide also has a primary area of expertise (such as primates, birds, reptiles, or amphibians) in which they’ve developed specific tours and itineraries. This balance allows us to offer both broad natural history coverage and deep specialist knowledge. To ensure the best possible match for your interests, we recommend booking early especially for custom or private tours, so we can assign a guide whose strengths align with your goals.
Are your guides fluent in multiple languages?
Yes. Our guides (as well as our office and support team) are fluent in English, Vietnamese, and the primary language of the region or country where the tour takes place. Many team members also speak a third or even fourth language. If you require additional linguistic support, we can arrange a translator or specialist guide to suit your needs.
Who can I contact for general questions about the tours?
We understand the importance of asking specific questions to ensure your tour is perfect for you. Our dedicated Tour Operators Manager and friendly team of Tour Consultants are here to help. Reach out to us in the way that suits you best: call us at (+84) 328 955 019, email info@nextcontinent.travel, fill out our website’s contact form, message us on social media or even connect with us on WhatsApp.
Can I arrange a Zoom meeting with my guide before the tour?
Yes, absolutely! We can arrange a Zoom meeting or phone consultation with your guide or tour coordinator before your tour. This is a great way to discuss your interests, ask any questions, and ensure the tour is tailored to your preferences. Contact us to schedule a time that works best for you and we’ll make the arrangements.
What kind of support do you provide during the tours, especially in emergencies?
Our office team is dedicated to ensuring your tour runs smoothly from start to finish, offering 24/7 assistance for any urgent issues or itinerary changes. We coordinate closely with guides, drivers, accommodations, and activity providers to keep everything on track.
If unexpected situations arise (such as weather disruptions or transport delays) we’ll notify you promptly and adjust plans as needed. In rare emergencies, our team works with trusted local partners, healthcare facilities, and embassies to provide swift support.
All our guides are trained in first aid and carry basic medical kits. We encourage guests to inform us of any medical conditions, allergies, or dietary needs before the tour so we can prepare accordingly. Please note that travel insurance covering medical emergencies and evacuation is required for all participants. If you need help arranging insurance, we’re happy to assist or include it in your tour cost.
How can I join the Next Continent team as a guide or staff member?
We’re always excited to hear from passionate individuals interested in joining the Next Continent team! Here’s how you can apply: Visit our Careers with Next Continent page to learn about our current openings and application details. Send a letter of introduction and/or your CV to info@nextcontinent.travel. Be sure to highlight your experience, skills, and areas of expertise relevant to ecotourism and wildlife guiding. If there are no current openings, feel free to send us a speculative application. We’ll keep your details on file for future opportunities.