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We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
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There is a US$1 per person charge to cross the border between Thailand and Cambodia on day 3.
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The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
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Optional excursions offered in Vietnam are generally run via our agent in the country. Other companies to be found locally may offer similar optionals at a cheaper price. Should you want to use these companies please be aware that a lower price may mean that not all costs are included (entrance fees etc) or services will not operate at the same safety and quality standards.
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Local Crew: Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, the Tour Leaders may organise a group’s tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.
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Tour Leader: At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.
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Up-to-date information on global exchange rates can be obtained at www.oanda.com
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| UK | Cambodia | Thailand | Vietnam | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tea/Coffee | £1.50 | $1.00 | £0.50 | $1.50 |
| Soft Drink | £1.50 | $1.00 | £0.50 | $1.00 |
| Bottled Water | £1.50 | $1.00 | £0.50 | $0.70 |
| Bottle of Beer | £3.50 | $2.20 | £1.50 | $2.40 |
| 2 Course Meal* | £15.00 | $10.00 | £1.50 | $10.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** | £20.00 | $13.00 | £4.00 | $15.00 |
| Bottle of Wine | £14.50 | |||
| Breakfast | £5.00 | £2.50 | $3.50 |
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
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Thailand: UK, USA, CAN, AUS & NZ citizens do not require a visa for a stay of less than 30 days. All passports must have at least six months validity remaining for entry to Thailand. Other nationalities should consult their travel agent or consular office. Visas may be obtained personally or through Explore Visa Service.
Cambodia: A single entry visa is required by all UK, USA, CAN, AUS & NZ nationals and can normally be obtained upon arrival at the border at Poipet at a cost of about US$20 (please also bring a passport sized photo for the visa). Alternatively you can now obtain an e-visa prior to departure from www.mfaic.gov.kh for US$25.
Please note that there are rogues operating at this border and they encourage people to pay double the cost of the visa to get it faster and without having to queue up. Explore does not condone such illegal methods, hence it is highly recommended to obtain a visa in your home country prior to travel.
Vietnam: A single entry visa is required by UK, AUS, NZ, USA & CAN citizens and must be obtained before departure as these are not available on arrival in Vietnam. All other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
Back to topNothing compulsory, we recommend protection against malaria, typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, polio and infectious hepatitis. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. Although not compulsory, travellers may also wish to immunise themselves against Japanese encephalitis.
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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
Back to topWe strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
Back to topThailand: Generally hot with high humidity. There is some rainfall from April to September with most days being hot (around 33°C) and a light breeze on the islands. If it does rain it will be more of a heavy tropical downpour that lasts just a few hours.
Cambodia: Is a hot and tropical country, being hottest in April and coolest in January (still high 20s). Although rainfall is at its maximum in October, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap receive very little rain compared to the coastal areas, and when it does rain it tends to be in the form of sporadic mid afternoon downpours. There is normally very little rain between December and March.
Vietnam: December to February is normally dry with temperatures ranging from 10°C- 20°C. March to April is a transitional period into the summer months of May to September: hot and humid (around 27°C- 33°C with some heavy rain and possible storms). Autumn temperatures October- November are once again transitional (15°C- 20°C). Temperatures in Ho Chi Minh City are 15°C-35°C all year round.
Back to topSeasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
Back to topTo assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
Back to topOne main piece of baggage and daypack. Total allowance: 44lb/20kg. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so don't overload yourself.
Back to topPack essentially for hot weather. Bear in mind that the region is tropical (humid) and that days can be very hot. Lightweight rainwear or an umbrella is advisable at any time of the year, but especially between May and October. Casual clothes are the most practical (something with long sleeves, and long trousers for evenings). Bear in mind that ‘short’ shorts are generally unacceptable and a sunhat is essential. Shorts, vests, revealing or casual clothes and open backed sandals are not permitted in the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
Back to topComfortable shoes and sandals/trainers for relaxing.
Back to topA torch, water bottle, insect repellent and high factor suncream are all essential, as are good quality sunglasses and a lip salve with sun protection. Don't forget your swim wear for Halong Bay.
An overnight bag is useful for the overnight train and Junk.
Back to topThen we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
Back to topArea: Thailand: 514,000 sq km. Cambodia: 181,040 sq km. Vietnam: 329,566 sq km.
Population: Thailand: 64.6 million. Cambodia: 14 million. Vietnam: 82 million.
Language: Thailand: Thai and English. Cambodia: Khmer, French & English. Vietnam: Vietnamese, Russian, French, English & Chinese.
Religion: Primarily Buddhist throughout the region
Local Time: GMT +7.
Electric Supply & Plugs: 220v AC 50 Hz.
Back to topRecommended Maps: Hilderbrand: Thailand & Burma (1:2,800,000), Nelles Verlag: Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos (1:1,500,000), International Travel Map of Vietnam (1:1,000,000).
Recommended Books: Rough Guide to Thailand, William Warren: Jim Thompson: the legendary American of Thailand, David Chandler: History of Cambodia, Jon Swain: River of Time, Dawn Rooney: Angkor, Henri Mouhot: Travels in Siam, Cambodia, Laos and Annam, Christopher Pym: The Ancient Civilisations of Angkor, Lonely Planet Guide to Cambodia, Norman Lewis: A Dragon Apparent, Karin Muller: Hitchhiking Vietnam, Graham Greene: The Quiet American, Robert Mason: Chickenhawk, John Pilger: Heroes, Neil Sheehan: A Bright Shining Lie & Two Cities: Hanoi and Saigon, Lonely Planet Guide to Vietnam.
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