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TRIP NOTES

Bangkok to Angkor Wat 201929 days | Bangkok to Siem Reap

Bangkok to Angkor Wat 2019 - 29 days updated on 26-12-2018

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This information has been compiled with care and good faith. They give an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday.Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or other reasons could force us to make changes to thisitinerary. Any costs shown are subject to change, though are an accurate reflection of costs at time of writing. Please also note that visa requirementsare subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of On The Go Tours.

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Starting in Bangkok, discover the

beautiful scenery of North and

Central Thailand, explore colonial

architecture in Luang Prabang, sail

through incredible vistas in Halong

Bay and uncover the history of Ho

Chi Minh City. End your tour in the

captivating Kingdom of Cambodia

by exploring mystical Angkor Wat

on this all encompassing 29 day

Southeast Asia tour.

HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS

Trip Highlights• Bangkok - Explore the impressive Grand

Palace, Flower Market, take a tuk tuk ride toWat Pho, enjoy a long tail boat ride alongthe klongs and have dinner close to thebustling Khao San Road

• Kanchanaburi - Pay your resepects at AlliedWar Cemetary, enjoy a train journey acrsoothe Bridge on the River Kwai and learn thehistory of ‘Hellfire Pass’

• Erawan National Park - Appreciate thebeautiful wildlife and evergreen forests.Discover the 7 tiers of waterfall & goswimming in the pools along the way

• Ayuthaya - Explore the former capital ofThailand, ancient ruins including iconic WatMahatat

• Chiang Mai - Visit Doi Suthep temple,Baan Tong Luang Hill Tribes village, nightmarket and cooking class. Plus free time foroptional activities from spa treatments tocanopy ziplines

• Cruise the Kok River in a longtail boat• Wat Rhon Khung - Take in the unique ‘White

Temple’ in Chiang Rai• Hmong Hill Tribe - Overnight stay in their

community• Vientiane - capital of Laos,

Wat Sisaket, Wat Prakeo, the COPE Centre,That Luang Stupa, Patuxay Monument andthe Buddha Park

• Thalat Market and ethnic minority villages• Vang Xang - an 11th century archaeological

site• Vang Vieng - a picturesque riverside village,

Tham Jang Caves, Ban Huai Ngai village• Luang Prabang - the UNESCO Listed former

royal capital, Temples of Visoun, Ahan andSene, a weaving centre, the former RoyalPalace, superb views from Mount Phousi

• Hanoi - Hoan Kiem Lake and the AncientQuarter

• Halong Bay - UNESCO Listed region withthousands of beautiful limestone peaks andislets

• Hue - ancient citadel, Imperial PurpleCity, Royal Tombs, Thien Mu Pagoda andmonastery

• Hoi An - UNESCO Listed ancient town,famed for its beautifully preserved old city,

tailors, handicrafts markets and nearbybeaches

• Saigon - Notre Dame Cathedral, Old PostOffice and War Remnants Museum

• Mekong Delta - a maze of waterways andfloating villages incl. Cai Be waterways,cottage industries and mansion home

• Can Tho - lively market town in the MekongDelta and nearby Cai Rang floating market

• Cu Chi Tunnels - HQ of the Viet Cong• Phnom Penh - Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda,

Toul Sleng Genocide Museum and theKilling Fields

• Siem Reap - Angkor National Museumand the temples of Angkor includingAngkor Thom, Ta Prohm, Bayon Temple andBanteay Srei

• Tonle Sap Lake and the floating villages ofKampong Phluk

• The Phare NGO circus project

What's Included• Boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake• 28 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 6 dinners• 25 nights 3 - 4 star & special class hotels,

1 night deluxe junk boat, 1 night floatinghotel in the jungle and 1 overnight sleepertrain (Junk boat: private cabin, Sleeper train:basic, 4 berth cabin)

• Economy class flights Bangkok - Chiang Rai,Chiang Mai - Bangkok, Bangkok - Vientiane,Luang Prabang - Hanoi, Danang - Ho ChiMinh City, Phnom Penh - Seim Reap

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Bangkok to Angkor Wat 2019




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• Longtail boat ride in Bangkok, on the RiverKok and from Thailand to Laos. Sampanboat trips in the Mekong Delta

• Halong Bay Junk boat cruise - opt to swim,kayak or explore caves

• Bicycle ride to Tra Que village and cookingdemonstration

• Airport arrival transfer day 1 and departuretransfer day 29

• Guided sightseeing - Bangkok, ChiangMai, Chiang Rai, Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi,Erawan National Park, Luang Prabang,Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, MekongDelta, Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi, PhnomPenh, Siem Reap and the temples of Angkor

• Escorted by English speaking Thai, Lao,Vietnamese and Cambodian tour guides

• All relevant transfers and transportation inprivate air-conditioned vehicles

What's Not Included• International flights and visa.• Tip for your tour guides. We recommend

you allow USD$3 - 6 per day, per traveller.Tipping your guides is an entirely personalgesture

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1 : BangkokSaturday. Welcome to Bangkok, the ever-alluring capital of Thailand. Once you havechecked into your hotel the rest of the day isfree until 6pm when you meet your guide fora welcome meeting. We'll make our way to thelively Khao San Road area, here we'll enjoy awelcome dinner down the bustling street of SoiRambuthri. After dinner your guide will assistyou back to the hotel, alternatively you cancontinue the night at one of the many exuberantbars in the area. Overnight - Bangkok (D)

Day 2 : Bangkok

This morning we set off to explore this sprawlingmetropolis. The first stop is at the 24 hourflower market where you get to view stunningorchids and roses on sale to the local restaurantsand florists. We then jump on Tuk Tuks andtake an exhilarating ride through the streetsof Bangkok reaching our next stop Wat Pho,home to the famous reclining Buddha. Thenwe visit the spiritual and religious heart of thecity - the striking Grand Palace. Topped bygolden stupas, the complex has been the site ofroyal coronations and is home to the legendaryEmerald Buddha.

After a break for lunch we board a longtailboat and set off on an exploration of thelabrynth of klongs (canals) that criss crossthe city. On our journey we’ll glide by stiltedhouses and gleaming temples whilst old menfish and children play about on the watersedge. Disembarking our boats the rest of theday is at leisure to further explore Bangkokindependently. Overnight - Bangkok (B)

Day 3 : Chiang Rai

Bangkok - Chiang Rai. This morning we head forthe airport before flying north to the stunningcity of Chiang Rai. This afternoon we'll visitfabulous White Temple of Wat Rong Khunwhich depicts scenes from movies including theMatrix, Star Wars and Superman! This temple isfar from ordinary and it's white buildings glistenin the bright Thai sunshine.

This evening we will visit Chiang Rai nightmarket, which boasts many interesting stallsselling local & national handicrafts andsouvenirs. You'll also find a number of streetfood stalls offering a variety of delicious Thaidishes. Overnight - Chiang Rai (B)

Day 4 : Mae RimChiang Rai - Mae Rim. After a leisurely breakfastwe set off towards the hill tribe region,located north of Chiang Mai, reaching ouraccommodation in the afternoon. From here wecan explore the surrounding countryside to visitthe some of the nearby hill tribe villages andgain a wonderful insight into the lives of some ofthe smaller minority groups in the Kingdom. Inthe evening we enjoy a sumptuous BBQ beforebeing entertained by dancers from the localcommunity. Overnight - Mae Rim (B, D)

Day 5 : Chiang Mai

Mae Rim - Chiang Mai. This morning we visitthe Araksa Tea Gardens, home to 110 acresof verdant tea plantations. You'll learn aboutthe history of the tea plantation and theircommitment to supporting the local people.You'll also discover the process of tea growingin this area and try your hand at picking beforeenjoying a cup of the freshest brew.

Later we continue to Chiang Mai and make ourway to the imposing Doi Suthep Temple thatstands like a sentinel over the city. The templeis said to have been founded in 1383 and thebeautiful golden stupa sitting in the centre ofthe temple complex is now the main attraction.

This evening your guide will give you anorientation of the sprawling night market ofChiang Mai. A perfect place to shop awaythe hours and try some exciting local food.Overnight - Chiang Mai (B)

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Day 6 : Chiang Mai Cookingclass

This morning we head to a local cooking schoolto try our hand at preparing tasty local cuisinein a traditional Thai setting. This informativecooking class teaches us how to prepare threeof Thailand’s most popular dishes that we’ll laterget to enjoy for lunch.

The rest of the day is free for you to relax andexplore at leisure. In the evening we visit theChiang Mai night market, a haven of souvenirsand works by local artisans. Overnight - ChiangMai (B, L)

Day 7 : Ancient Ruins ofAyutthaya

Chiang Mai - Ayutthaya. This morning we makeour way to the airport for our flight south,arriving at the airport we then drive to theformer Thai capital of Ayutthaya.

This afternoon we explore Ayutthaya’s famousruins, visiting the magnificent stupas at WatPhri Sanphet and iconic Wat Mahatat where thehead of a damaged Buddha statue has slowlybeen embraced and lifted by a nearby tree. Thisis one of Thailand’s most religiously significantplaces. This evening we continue to Suphanburifor our overnight stay. Overnight - Suphanburi(B)

Day 8 : River Kwai & HellfirePass

Ayutthaya - Kanchanaburi. This morning wedrive to the small town of Kanchanaburi. Herewe pay our respects to the thousands of AlliedPOWs who perished in the area under thehand of the Imperial Japanese Army. Afterpausing at the Allied War Cemetery we continueto the infamous ‘Bridge over the River Kwai’,immortalised by the film of the same name. Youhave a chance to take pictures before you boarda train for a 2 hour journey that crosses thebridge before following the tracks dug by thePOWs and locals some 75 years earlier.

Disembarking at Nam Tok we have a short driveto ‘Hellfire Pass’ where the POWs dug througha mountain often using only their bare hands. Afascinating museum at the entrance details theregion’s history.

After our day’s sightseeing a leisurely longtailboat ride leads us to our fabulous floatingjungle raft hotel. To the beauty of a hundredsoftly glowing lanterns and the sounds of thetropical forest and cool water flowing by weenjoy dinner and a relaxing evening on the deck.Overnight - Kanchanaburi (B, D)

Day 9 : Erawan National Park

Kanchanaburi - Bangkok. This morning youmight be lucky enough to interact with the localresident elephant who occasionally pops down

to the river bank next to the jungle rafts. Wethen travel on to the beautiful Erawan NationalPark to explore the rivers, waterfalls and trailson foot. You'll have time to explore the 7 tiersof waterfall, perhaps taking a swim in each ofthe pools formed by the falls. Departing Erawanwe make our way back to Bangkok and to theairport for our late evening flight to Laos.

Arriving into Laos you'll be met and transferredto your hotel, where the rest of the evening willbe at leisure. Overnight - Vientiane (B)

Day 10 : VientianeToday we embark on a sightseeing tour ofthe Laos capital. We'll visit some of the mainhighlights of this remarkable city includingWat Sisaket, the oldest Buddhist monasteryin Laos, the former royal temple of HawPhra Kaew and Pha That Luang monument,a impressive golden stupa and an importantnational monument. Next we'll pay a visit to theCOPE Centre, a charity working with victims ofunexploded bombs and mines. We'll also visitthe imposing Patuxay Monument, Vientianes'Arc De Triomphe', it was built using concretedonated by the USA and intended for a newairport.

This afternoon we'll visit the magnificentBhudda Park, with it's enchanting collection ofover 200 large Bhuddist and Hindu sculptures.End the day with a spectacular sunsetdinner beside the Mekong River. Overnight -Vientiane (B, D)

Day 11 : Vang ViengVientiane – Vang Vieng. It's an early departurethis morning as we journey northboundthrough the breathtaking scenery of thelush countryside and into the mountains. Enroute we'll stop at Ban Keun, famed for it'srudimentary salt extraction plant and distilleriesproducing local rice wine whiskey. We thencontinue to the colourful, bustling market ofThalat, where various local hill tribes come totrade goods and buy provisions.

We reach our destination of Vang Vieng thisafternoon, perched on a bend in the Nam SongRiver, it is a quaint town with incredible scenery

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surrounding it. The remainder of the afternoonoffers free time, perhaps opt to explore the localcaves, take a scenic bike ride or go tubing alongthe river. Overnight - Vang Vieng (B, D)

Day 12 : Tham Jang CaveVang Vieng – Luang Prabang. Departing VangVieng this morning we make our way tothe famous Tham Jang cave, this beautifulunderground cavern was used as a bunker tohide from the invading Chinese in the 19thcentury. Crossing the river we make our way toBan Huai Ngai village where you'll learn aboutthe customs and lifestyle of the local Laotianpeople.<Br>

Heading north we wind our way throughincredible rugged mountain scenery until wereach our destination of Luang Prabang. Thisbeautiful town is teeming with gleamingtemples, fading colonial architecture and anawe-inspiring mountain backdrop. Overnight -Luang Prabang (B)

Day 13 : Luang PrabangConsider rising early this morning to view thedaily ritual of saffron-clad monks and theirprocession down the streets of Luang Prabangcollecting alms from the residents. Afterwardswe hop on a vintage Tuk-tuk to venture instyle around the old quarter of Luang Prabang.First stop on this unique sightseeing tour willbe the bustling Morning Market where we'lllearn about local products. Then we stop atthe magnificent Wat Xiengthong temple withits classical Laotian architecture. We end ourmorning with a visit to the the former RoyalPalace, which is now a national museum andhome to gilded rooms and Buddha artifacts.

This afternoon we visit ethnic minority villagesen route to the beautiful Khouangsi waterfall.We wander around the H’mong Village of BanOu, Laoloum Village and the Khmu Village ofBan Thapene, meeting the locals and gaininga fascinating insight into the local culture. Wethen drive to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfallwhere you can splash around in the turquoisepools or walk along the forest trails.Overnight - Luang Prabang (B)

Day 14 : Living Land FarmExperienceLuang Prabang - Hanoi (Vietnam). This morningwe head into the idyllic countryside to visit theLiving Land Farm for a fun and hands on halfday farming experience. Here we learn how riceis planted and cultivated in the rice paddy, weexperience the life of a rice farmer and get to jointry our hand at some of the farming activities.Then we enjoy a tasty lunch of traditional Laodishes at the farm's Rice House, while soakingup the spectacular views of rice terraces andmountains beyond.

The afternoon is free for you to independentlyexplore more of Luang Prabang. Considervisiting the sobering UXO Centre to learn moreabout the Second Indochina War, take in moreof the city's beautiful temples or head to the OckPop Tock weaving centre set in beautiful tropicalgardens.

Late this evening we head to the airport for ourflight to Hanoi. Arriving into Hanoi you'll be metand transferred to your hotel.Overnight - Hanoi (B, L)

Day 15 : HanoiToday is free for you to explore the wonderfulcity of Hanoi at your own pace. Perhaps take awalk around the Hoan Kiem lake, explore the oldquarter or simply sit and watch the world go by.Overnight - Hanoi (B)

Day 16 : Junk boat cruisingHanoi - Halong Bay. Hanoi – Halong Bay. Takea moment to picture in your mind some twothousand rugged karst islands dappled withlush vegetation seeming to float on top ofpristine emerald coloured waters and you havethe natural wonder that is Halong Bay. Thismorning a scenic drive will take us to thisbeautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site where wewill enjoy a junk boat cruise.

Based on traditional designs, these wonderfulvessels combine oriental style with modernluxury. Soak up the panoramic views from thesundeck as the boat gently plies its course,this afternoon we will visit the spectacular TienOng Cave which was recently opened to the

public in 2010, with its stunning stalagmites andstalactites.

Later this evening back on board, watch aVietnamese cooking demonstration held on thesundeck before settling down for a sumptuousseafood dinner. Overnight - Halong Bay (B)

Day 17 : Floating villages andcyclo ridesHalong Bay - Hanoi - Hue. Early birds can startthe day with a relaxing Tai Chi class on thesundeck or a traditional massage - the perfectway to start the day. Before heading back toport we'll explore by kayak the Floating Villageof Cua Van, which is home to generations offishing families. Here we’ll see the traditionaland colourful floating wooden houses and thelocals going about their daily lives.

On our arrival back into Hanoi mid-afternoonwe'll explore the maze of streets known as the‘36 streets of the old quarter’, named after thenumerous guilds that once set up shop on aparticular street from silk tailors to silversmiths.Travelling by cyclo (rickshaw), the quintessentialmode of transport in Hanoi, we'll see traditionalnarrow-front tube houses with the chance tosample some of the local delicacies sold onstreet stalls from ripe fruits to steaming noodledishes.

Later this evening there's a chance to freshen upbefore boarding the train (4 berth sleeper cabin,basic standard) on the ‘Reunification Express’railway line to Hue. An option to fly from Hanoito Hue is also available. Overnight - OvernightTrain (B)

Day 18 : Imperial HueArriving into Hue this morning we'll embark ona sightseeing tour of the 19th century Nguyenempire capital. We visit the Thien Mu Pagoda,home to the oldest monastery in the city, whose21m high tower has become something of asymbol for Hue and the citadel. Within thecitadel is the Imperial Purple Palace, an exactcopy of the Forbidden City in Beijing, with itsimpressive ramparts, formal moats and imperialpalaces, some of which lay in ruin.

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This afternoon we head out of the city to explorethe elaborate mausoleum of Emporer Tu Duc. Asthe sun sets there is an optional cruise in a longboat along the gentle Perfume River, beautifullyilluminated at night. Overnight - Hue (B, L)

Day 19 : Road of the OceanCloudsHue - Road of the Ocean Clouds - Hoi An. Todaywe take the scenic Hai Van Pass (Road of theOcean Clouds), which offers magnificent viewsof beaches to one side and lush hills to theother. En route we stop for a walk along MyKhe beach a beautiful stretch of coastline whichwas nicknamed 'China Beach' by the Americansduring the war and famously featured inFrancis Ford Coppola’s movie ‘Apocalypse Now’.Perhaps enjoy a refreshing swim in the seabefore we continue.

Onward to Hoi An. The charming, old-worldtrading port of Hoi An with it cobbled streets,traditional homes and tiny shop houses is aperfect place to lose yourself in a by goneera. Boutique restaurants, hip cafes along thewaterfront, delightful craft shops and artisansincluding some of Asia’s best bespoke tailors(whose services come at a nominal price), all canbe found here.

On a short walking tour of the enchantinghistorical town, we’ll visit the Chua Ong Pagoda,Chinese Assembly Hall, 200-year-old Tam Kyhouse, former merchants’ homes and the 400year-old Japanese Covered Bridge. Overnight -Hoi An (B)

Days 20-21 : Hoi AnOn the morning of day 20 we explore some ofthe countryside surrounding Hoi An on a bicycleride to Tra Que village. Here, we discover ageold farming practices and learn about traditionalmedicine. It’s a hands on experience todaywhere we’ll assist with tending the fields andgardens and cooking lunch. After lunch we'llhop back on our bikes and head back to Hoi An.

Day 21 offers a free day for you relax or furthersightsee. You may wish to take a relaxing

rowboat journey along the river or spend theday lazing by the beach or hotel pool. It’s alsopossible to take an optional excursion to themost holiest and evocative of Vietnam’s Chamsites, My Son or to Quang Ngai, the site of theMy Lai massacre memorial. The massacre was asignificant turning point in the Vietnam War andthe story is told through photo presentation ona walk through the village. Overnight - Hoi An(B:2, L:1)

Day 22 : Cruising the MekongHoi An - Ho Chi Minh City - Can Tho. Wetake an early flight to Saigon this morningbefore continuing to the Mekong Delta. Oftenreferred to as the ‘rice bowl’ of Vietnam, thefertile Mekong Delta is famous for its abundantharvests of tropical fruits, flowers and rice, aswell as it fantastic views while boating alongthe canals. Taking our sampan from Cai Be we’llcruise through the maze of waterways watchingthe daily excitement of life on the river.Passing colourful trading boats and enthusiasticchildren we'll stop to visit some of the localcottage industries that produce popcorn, cococandies and paper along the way. Lunch isserved today in a traditional wooden home onDong Hoa Hiep Island. Overnight - Can Tho (B,L)

Day 23 : Mekong & SaigonCan Tho - Ho Chi Minh City. Early todaywe visit the ever lively Cai Rang floatingmarket. Watch as melons, pineapples, freshgreens, sacks of rice and children's toys gettossed from one sampan to another at greatheights and speed before driving back toSaigon. Once called the Pearl of the Orient,modern Saigon is a thriving metropolis on themove. Sleek sky scrapers, gourmet restaurants,designer malls and swanky bars and spas arescattered between ancient pagodas, colonialera landmarks and lively street markets. Ourwalking tour of Saigon includes visits to theNotre Dame Cathedral, Old Post office and thesombering War Remnants Museum. Evening atleisure. Overnight - Ho Chi Minh City (B)

Day 24 : Cu Chi Tunnels &Phnom PenhHo Chi Minh City - Phnom Penh (Cambodia). Thismorning we depart Ho Chi Minh City to visitthe famous Cu Chi Tunnels. This vast network of

underground tunnels were dug by the Viet Congduring the Vietnam war. Exploring the caves,we'll learn the history of how these tunnels wereutilised to great effect by the Viet Cong.

Then we drive to the Cambodian border(crossing at Moc Bai/Bavet) and continue onto the capital of Phnom Penh where todayvisitors find a bustling, multicultural city at theconfluence of the historic Mekong, Tonle Sapand Bassac Rivers. This evening we enjoy dinneras a group in a local restaurant. Overnight -Phnom Penh (B, D)

Day 25 : Toul Sleng and theKilling FieldsToday we’ll enjoy a full day sightseeing tour ofPhnom Penh. Our first stop will be the NationalMuseum of Fine Arts, a graceful terracottabuilding of traditional design, which houses theworld’s finest collection of Khmer sculpture. Wecontinue to the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda,famed for its lavish decorations – the floors arepaved with silver tiles and statues of Buddha areencrusted with thousands of diamonds.

Later we come face to face with the horrorsof the Pol Pot regime as we visit Toul Sleng(Security Prison - S21), a school that wasgruesomely transformed into a torture chamberunder the Khmer Rouge. Next we visit the KillingFields where over 10,000 people were executed.As you walk through the area you'll be told thestories of those that came to be at the KillingFields and the despicable acts that were carriedout by the Khmer Rouge. Overnight - PhnomPenh (B)

Day 26 : Angkor WatPhnom Penh – Siem Reap. This morning wehead to the airport for our included flight toSiem Reap.

Upon arrival in Siem Reap we'll make our wayto the hotel and after a short time to freshenup we'll visit the Angkor National Museum -an archaeological museum dedicated to thecollection, preservation and presentation ofAngkorian artifacts and Khmer civilisation, with

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collections mainly dated from Khmer Empire'sAngkor period circa 9th to 14th-century.

This afternoon we explore iconic Angkor Wat,easily the most famous and best-preserved ofall temples within the Angkor complex. It is amassive three-tiered structure crowned by fivelotus-like towers rising 65 meters from groundlevel. The centrepiece of any visit to the templesaround Siem Reap, Angkor Wat provides plentyof incredible photo opportunities. Overnight -Phnom Penh (B)

Day 27 : Angkor ThomDriving out of Siem Reap we head to BanteaySrei temple. En route we'll stop at the charmingvillage of Preak Dak to visit villagers who areplanting trees in a conversation effort, we'llthen visit the Banteay Srei butterfly centrebefore we explore the temple. Banteay Srei wasconstructed in the 10th century and is dedicatedto the Hindu god Shiva. After we return to theAngkor Temple Complex to explore the ancientcity of Angkor Thom. The last capital of the GreatKhmer Empire, it is home to the fascinatingBayon Temple, the Baphuon royal enclosure andthe Terraces of the Elephants and Leper King.

This afternoon we continue on to Tra ProhmTemple, which unlike the other temples herehas been left in the same ruined state that itwas first discovered in with a tangle of treesgrowing out of its ruins. Tonight we attendthe wonderful Phare Cambodian Circus - anNGO project that teaches children living on thestreets how to become talented circus artists.Overnight - Siem Reap (B)

Day 28 : Tonle Sap LakeThis morning we drive to Kampong Phluk, acluster of three villages of stilt houses builtwithin the floodplain of Tonle Sap Lake. After aboat trip on the lake we return to Siem Reap forfree time. Pick up some last minute souvenirs atthe central market or head down to lively PubStreet.

Note: From March - September the water levelsat Kompong Phluk village may be too low togo boating, if so, we will visit Chong Kneas

floating village where it will still be possible togo boating. Overnight - Siem Reap (B)

Day 29 : Siem ReapToday marks the end of our holiday. Enjoythe hotel facilities this morning before hotelcheck out and included departure transfer to theairport.(B)

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Cambodia Country Guide

Entrance Fees - collected inUSD.Entrance fees to most sites are not included,although reasonably priced. In Cambodia, wecollect entrance fees on Day 2 of the tour (theamount is noted under exclusions on page oneof this document). A breakdown of the entrancefee total is provided upon arrival. All fundscollected in Cambodia for entrance fees arepayable in USD.

Tipping Kitty - collected in USDAt the start of your tour, we take a smalltipping kitty (the amount is noted underexclusions) from all tour participants to covertips throughout your holiday. This saves you thehassle of knowing when and how much to tipbellhops, luggage handlers, bus drivers, trainconductors and other support staff throughoutthe tour.

This amount does not include a tip for yourtour guides. For a job well done, we wouldsuggest USD $3 - 6 per person per day. Tippingyour guide is an entirely personal gesture andultimately the amount is up to you.

Health RequirementsYou should seek medical advice beforetravelling to Cambodia from your local healthpractitioner and ensure that you receive allof the appropriate vaccinations. As a guideTetanus, Typhoid, Hep A, Diptheria and Polio arerecommended.

There is the risk of malaria in parts of Cambodiaso it is very important to check with yourdoctor before you go, to see whether malarialmedication is required for the areas you arevisiting. Yellow fever is not present in Cambodia

but a yellow fever vaccination certificate isrequired from those travelling from an infectedregion.

WaterTap water in Cambodia is not considered safeto drink. It's recommended to only drink bottledmineral water, which is readily available inhotels, shops and restaurants.

ClimateCambodia has a tropical monsoon climatewith two seasons; Rainy season from May toNovember, when the countryside is lush andgreen, and dry season from late November toApril, when there are long days of glorioussunshine and clear skies. Temperatures inCambodia remain fairly constant and warmthroughout the year, apart from in thenorth, when winters (December to March) aregenerally colder.

Guides and GroupsOur longest group tour in Southeast Asia is ourBangkok to Angkor Wat - 23 day tour. All othergroup tours that we offer are sectors of thislarger tour. As such on your holiday you mayhave travellers join you part way through yourtour (in Luang Prabang, Hanoi, Saigon or PhnomPenh) or end their tour when you continue on.

Guiding:In Cambodia, a Cambodian national guide isoffered for arrangements in Phnom Penh. Uponarrival to Siem Reap you will meet a specialistregional guide who will lead your tour from hereon.

If travelling on our Thailand & Angkor Templestour, your Cambodian tour guide will meet youupon arrival to Siem Reap Airport and conductall arrangements from there forward till yourreturn to Thailand.

Time & VoltageCambodia is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich MeanTime(GMT).

The voltage in Cambodia is 230v. In Cambodia3 types of plugs are commonly accepted: 2 flatprong plugs (type A), the 2 round pin europeanplug (type C) and many of the new 4 and 5star hotels use the British standard 3-pin plug

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(type G). To cover all bases, it is best to pack aninternational travel adaptor!

CurrencyThe official currency of Cambodia is theCambodia Riel but USD is also widely acceptedand sometimes preferred in larger stores andsupermarkets.

Pound Sterling, US Dollars, Euro and other majorcurrencies can be exchanged in Cambodia atvarious bureau de changes in major cities andtowns. However foreign currency is also widelyaccepted and often desired more so it can givethe shopper more buying power. ATMs can befound in all larger towns and cities and some fivestar hotels. We recommend you take a mixtureof cash (preferably USD) and credit/ debit cardsfor ATM's. It's advisable to request bank notesin smaller denominations, as it can sometimesbe hard to get change from large notes andsmaller notes are handy for smaller purchasesand gratuities.

Traveller's Cheques are not recommended asthey're often difficult to exchange and incurhigh fees.

Essential Packing• Lightweight cotton garments. Ladies will

need to have their shoulders and legs (tobelow the knee) covered when visiting theRoyal Palace in Phnom Penh and AngkorWat. Please pack accordingly

• Comfortable walking shoes in addition to flipflogs/ thongs

• DEET based mosquito repellant &antihistamine cream

• Bring a 2 flat prong (type A) and a 2 roundpin (type C) electrical adaptors. A universaladaptor will cover all bases

• Lightweight, fold up raincoat/ poncho/umbrella

• Two spare passport photos & a photocopy ofyour passport

• A small daypack for your day-to-day needs• Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, swim costume

and torch

VisasBritish, Australian, Canadian, New Zealand,South African and USA passport holders areable to obtain a 30 day tourist visa upon arrival

to Cambodia when entering via PochentongInternational Airport in Phnom Penh, SiemReap International Airport (in the Angkor WatRegion) and at the Moc Bai (Vietnam) and Bavet(Cambodia) land border. We use the Moc Bai/Bavet land border crossing for all our grouptours that travelling from Vietnam to Cambodia.

At each of these entry points you must submita photocopy of your passport (identificationpage) and one passport size photograph. Thecost of the visa is currently USD30. Note: at theland border sometimes immigration will ask formore. In this situation point to the sign abovethe ticket window indicating that the cost isactually USD30 (subject to change). Further, youare best to give the exact amount i.e. USD30as often if you give more you will not receivechange.

Alternatively, it is now also possible to obtainan e-visa in advance of travel. The e-visa allowsfor a length of stay up till 30 days. The e-visa isvalid for 3 months from date of issue, not date ofarrival, so please ensure that you do not obtainthis visa to far in advance. Online processingtime for this visa is 3 days. The e-visa is validfor entry via Pochentong International Airportin Phnom Penh, Siem Reap International Airport(in the Angkor Wat Region) and at the Moc Bai(Vietnam) and Bavet (Cambodia) land border. Itis not valid at any other land or water border.To obtain an e-visa for Cambodia go to: https://www.evisa.gov.kh/Default.aspx

It is also possible to obtain a 30 day tourist visaprior to arrival via the Cambodian Embassy inyour home port, though please note tourist visasarranged with the embassy are valid for onemonth from date of issue, not date of arrival.

PLEASE NOTE: Your passport must be valid for atleast 6 months after your departure date, if it isnot you may be refused entry into the country.Visa requirements are subject to change andvisa procurement is solely the responsibility ofthe traveller and not of On The Go Tours.

Laos Country Guide

Entrance fees - collected in USDEntrance fees to most sites are not included,although reasonably priced. In Laos, we collect

entrance fees on Day 2 of the tour (the amountis noted under exclusions on page one of thisdocument). A breakdown of the entrance feetotal is provided upon arrival. All funds collectedin Laos for entrance fees are payable in USD.



Health RequirementsYou should seek medical advice beforetravelling to Laos from your local healthpractitioner and ensure that you receive allof the appropriate vaccinations. As a guideTetanus, Typhoid, Hep A, Diptheria and Polio arerecommended.

There is the risk of malaria in parts of Laos so it isvery important to check with your doctor beforeyou go, to see whether malarial medication isrequired for the areas you are visiting. Yellowfever is not present in Laos but a yellow fevervaccination certificate is required from thosetravelling from an infected region.

WaterTap water in Laos is not considered safe to drink.It's recommended to only drink bottled mineralwater, which is readily available in hotels, shopsand restaurants.

ClimateNovember through to April are the best monthsto travel to Laos, when the weather is warm anddry and the nights are comfortable and cool.Temperatures typically begin to rise aroundMarch and the rain arrives in May or June.From June through to August the humidity canrise and short tropical downpours are common.

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September and October can still bring theoccasional shower.

Guides & GroupsOur longest group tour in Southeast Asia is ourBangkok to Angkor Wat - 23 day tour. All othergroup tours that we offer are sectors of thislarger tour. As such on your holiday you mayhave travellers join you part way through yourtour (in Luang Prabang, Hanoi, Saigon or PhnomPenh) or end their tour when you continue on.

Guiding: A local national guide will escort thegroup for all arrangements in Laos.

Time & VoltageLaos is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich MeanTime(GMT).

The voltage in Laos is 220AC, 50HZ. Plugs arenot standard as many electical products areimported from China and Thailand. As suchall sort of socket variations exist. The mostcommon types found are: 2 flat prong (type A),the 2 round pin (type C) plugs. To cover all bases,it is best to pack an international travel adaptor!

CurrencyThe official Laos currency is known as theLao Kip, although three currencies are usedinterchangeably for everyday transactions.These are Kip, Thai baht and US Dollars. All majorcurrencies are exchangeable in the main townsbut USD is the most useful currency (cash) tohold as it can be exchanged and used in mostplaces. Dollar bills must be in good conditionand not torn or ripped.

In smaller towns and villages, Kip is usuallypreferred. The rule of thumb is that for everydaysmall purchases, prices are quoted in Kip. ATMsare only available in Vientiane, Vangvieng andLuang Prabang and dispense a maximum ofapprox USD$70 (in Kip) at any one time -it isn't advisable to rely upon them as theyare commonly not working. Licensed moneychangers exist in Vientiane and Luang Prabang.Their rates are similar to the banks and they stayopen longer. We recommend you take a mixtureof cash (preferably USD) and credit/ debit cardsfor ATMs.

Essential Packing• Sleep sheet if taking an overnight sleeper

train. These also can be easily purchased inHanoi at a cost of USD$5

• Lightweight cotton garments• Comfortable walking shoes in addition to flip

flogs/ thongs• DEET based mosquito repellant &

antihistamine cream• Bring a 2 flat prong (type A) and a 2 round

pin (type C) electrical adaptors. A universaladaptor will cover all bases

• Lightweight, fold up raincoat/ poncho• Two spare passport photos & a photocopy of

your passport• A small daypack for your day-to-day needs• Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, swim costume

and torch

Arrival TransfersIf your tour or short stay includes an airportarrival transfer (as indicated in the Inclusionssection of these Trip Notes) our arrivalprocedure is as follows:

Arrive in Laos at Wattay InternationalAirport, attend to immigration by completingan immigration form and submitting yourphotograph and visa fee, then collect yourluggage and proceed to the arrivals hall.

As you enter the arrivals hall, look for our onthe go representative. He/she will be holding aprominent on the go tours logo signboard. Aftermeeting you will be escorted to our awaitingtransportation and transfered to our tour starthotel

If, for any reason you have trouble locating ourrepresentative (after waiting 20 minutes in thearrival hall) or your flight is delayed please callthe emergency contact number as stated onyour tour voucher.

If arriving on day 1 of a holiday, that includesan airport arrival transfer (as indicated in theInclusions section of these Trip Notes) we willbe at the airport, ready to transfer you toyour hotel. Further if you are booking pre-tour accommodation with us an airport arrivaltransfer will also be provided. If arriving prior to9am on day 1 (essentially on a flight that arrivesvery, very early in the morning) you will need to

purchase a night of pre-tour accommodation tosave you waiting until standard hotel check intime, which is generally 2pm.

VisasBritish, Australian, Canadian, New Zealand,South African and USA passport holders areable to obtain a 30 day tourist visa uponarrival to Laos at major airports and bordercrossings including Wattay International Airportin Vientiane (the entry point for all our toursin Laos), Luang Prabang International Airportand at the Friendship Bridge if coming fromThailand.

At each of these entry points you must submita visa application form and two passport sizephotograph. The cost of the visa for the abovenationalities is currently ranges between USD30- USD35. It is important that you have an entirelyempty(stamp free) page in your passport andthat your passport is valid for at least 6 monthsfrom your date of arrival.

PLEASE NOTE: Your passport must be valid for atleast 6 months after your departure date, if it isnot you may be refused entry into the country.Visa requirements are subject to change andvisa procurement is solely the responsibility ofthe traveller and not of On The Go.

Thailand Country Guide

Entrance fees - collected in USDEntrance fees to most sites are not included,although reasonably priced. In Thailand, wecollect entrance fees on Day 2 of the tour (theamount is noted under exclusions on pageone of this document). A breakdown of theentrance fee total is provided upon arrival. Allfunds collected in Thailand for entrance fees arepayable in USD.


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Voltage & TimeThe voltage in Thailand is 220v. In Thailand thereare 2 types of plugs are commonly accepted: 2flat prong plugs (type A), the 2 round pin plug(type C). To cover all bases, it is best to pack aninternational travel adaptor! Thailand is 7 hoursahead of GMT and does not observe daylightsaving.

ClimateThe best time to travel to Thailand – central andnorth including Bangkok, Kanchanaburi andSukhothai is from November to April, with littlerain, if any expected throughout this time. Afterthe cooler winter months, from mid Januarytemperatures start to rise reaching 30°C andmore between March – May. Between May andJuly the south west monsoons arrive, travelduring this time can still be pleasant with therain coming in the form of short downpours,lasting an hour or two, clearing the way forwarm, clear skies.

In August and September the rain continues tofall and temperatures remain high, though byOctober the mercury has fallen and Novembermarks the start of of the dry season in the centraland north once again.

The far north and Chiang Rai are generally coolerthan the surrounding regions with an annualaverage temperature of 25o C and with a lowerhumidity. The best time to travel is either the‘cool’ season from Oct – Feb or the wet season(Jun - Sept) when aside from the rain, conditionsare mild with temperatures around 25oC. March– May is warmer with temperatures rising to36oC.

The Gulf of Thailand, including the Hua Hincoastal region has three defined seasons. FromDecember to February you can expect blueskies, plenty of sunshine with refreshing seabreezes to keep temperatures at bay. FromMarch – June there is still plenty of blue skyand temperatures will rise above 30°C. Rainis unlikely till till the end of June when it

comes in the form of hour-long afternoondownpours, clearing the way for more blue skiesand bright sunshine. In late-August/Septemberthe monsoon arrives and you can expect sunnyspells interspersed with rainy periods. Rainfallusually peaks between October and November.

CurrencyThe official currency in Thailand is the Baht.

Euro, British Pounds, US Dollars and other majorcurrencies can be exchanged at banks or or atany one on of the numerous exchange boothsthat line the streets of the big cities. You mayalso choose to purchase currency in advance,though its possibly not necessary as ATMs canbe found everywhere with the exception of thehill tribe areas of Chiang Rai and if enroutebetween Chiang Rai and Chiang Khong borderif crossing to Laos. It is not common to paywith a credit card at restaurants, cafes or shopsfor small purchases and if you do often therewill be a surcharge applied or minimum chargerequired. It's advisable to request bank notesin smaller denominations, as it can sometimesbe hard to get change from large notes andsmaller notes are handy for smaller purchasesand gratuities.


Essential Packing• Lightweight cotton garments including

some items that cover your shoulders andknees

• Torch is staying overnight at the Jungle Rafts• Two spare passport photos & 2 photocopies

of your passport. You will need the passportcopies if you are planning to cross intoMyanmar

• Sleep sheet, towel and some warm clothesfor your village stay if travelling on ourThailand, Temples & Tribes Tour

• Comfortable walking shoes (again especiallyif joining our Thailand Temples & Tribes Tour)in addition to flip flops/ thongs you can wearin the shower

• DEET based mosquito repellent &antihistamine cream


• Lightweight, fold up raincoat/ poncho• A daypack for your day-to-day needs. Also

handy if you don't want to take all yourluggage with you to the Jungle Rafts

• Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, swim costume

Arrival TransfersIf your tour or short stay includes an airportarrival transfer (as noted in the 'Inclusions'section of these Trip Notes) our arrivalprocedure is as follows:

Arrive Bangkok - Suvarnabhumi InternationalAirport OR Don Mueang International Airportand attend to immigration formalities beforecollecting your luggage and proceeding to thearrivals hall. Please enter the arrival hall viaDoor 5. Our On The Go Tours representativewill be waiting in front of Door 5, holding aprominent On The Go Tours logo signboard.After meeting you will be escorted to ourawaiting transportation and transferred to ourtour start hotel.

If for any reason you have trouble locating ourrepresentative (after waiting 20 minutes in thearrival hall) or your flight is delayed please callthe emergency contact number as stated onyour tour voucher.

If arriving on day 1 of a holiday, that includesan airport arrival transfer as noted in the'Inclusions' section of your Trip Notes) we willbe at the airport, ready to transfer you toyour hotel. Further if you are booking pre-tour accommodation with us an airport arrivaltransfer will also be provided. If arriving prior to9am on day 1 (essentially on a flight that arrivesvery, very early in the morning) you will need topurchase a night of pre-tour accommodation tosave you waiting until standard hotel check intime, which is generally 2pm.

Health RequirementsYou should seek medical advice beforetravelling to Thailand from your local healthpractitioner and ensure that you receive allof the appropriate vaccinations. As a guideHepatitis A, Typhoid and Tetanus are stronglyrecommended. If travelling to remote areas,

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further vaccinations including TB, Hepatitis B,Rabies, Diphtheria and Japanese encephalitismay also be necessary.

MalariaAreas with Malaria: Rural only. Includingforested areas that border Burma (Myanmar),Cambodia and Laos, and rural, forested areas inthe districts of Phang Nga and Phuket. Malaria isnot found in the cities of Bangkok, Chiang Mai,Chiang Rai, Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, Pattaya,Phang Nga and Phuket. The risk of contractingMalaria in Thailand is low.

BilharziaMay be present in some rivers and lakes andwe recommend it best to avoid swimming inuntested waterways.

WaterThe tap water in Thailand is not safe to drink,only drink bottled mineral water, which is readilyavailable from shops, hotels and restaurants.

Guides And GroupsOur longest group tour in Southeast Asia is ourBangkok to Angkor Wat - 23 day tour, with theexception of our Time for Thailand, ThailandTemples & Tribes and Bangkok, Beach & Beyondtours, all other group tours that we offer aresectors of this larger tour. As such on yourholiday you may have travellers join you partway through your tour (in Luang Prabang, Hanoior Saigon) or end their tour when you continueon.

Guiding: A Thai guide will escort allarrangements throughout Thailand. If your tourcontinues to another country a qualified guidenative to that country will escort the tour fromthere forward.

If travelling on our Time for Thailand, ThailandTemples, Tribes and Bangkok, Beach & Beyondor Thailand & Angkor Temples tours, guests willtravel together for days 1 to 8 and go thereseparate ways for the remaining days of the tour.

TransportationOn all our tours we use a combination ofvehicles including mini buses, small and largesize coaches. When travelling in the northof Thailand our vehicles of choice are mini

buses as they are best equipped at navigatingnarrow winding roads and mountain passes.In these areas a number of mini buses ratherthan one large coach. Each vehicle comfortablyaccommodates 8 persons and tour guide willswap between vehicles offering commentaryen-route, in addition to making stops to givemore further information at points of interest.

ShoppingBangkok is rapidly gaining a reputation as a keyshopping destination in Asia, with visitors beingdrawn by the variety of products and shoppingenvironments, as well as the great prices.Chatuchak, is a market that gains momentumover the weekend to become arguably thelargest in Southeast Asia, everything can befound here, from hand made jewellery to thelatest fashions.

This city is blessed with a number of top qualityshopping malls, perhaps the most popular forvisitors is MBK. This 8 floor monstrosity offerseverything from telephones to sushi, designerlabels to unique designs. It is safe to assumethat anything with a brand that is being soldout of a store bearing the same brand may notnecessarily be the ‘real deal’. There is somethinghere for everyone, including a multi screencinema showing the latest movies in English forthose who would like to rest their weary feetwhilst others continue on their spending spree.

Another wonderful feature of Bangkok areher nightmarkets. It seems that once thesun goes down, the temporary stalls comeout, everywhere. Patpong is famous for itsgenuine fakes, Sukhumvit Road boats a similarreputation. The mixture of bargains, street foodand general vibe of the city make these marketsa highlight to explore by foot. Remember tohaggle, and if you think something is over pricedthen walk away. They will not sell to you at a loss,so if they can make some money on the dealthey will call you back.

Caveat emptor - Let the buyer beware! It isalways safe to assume that anything with abrand on it is a copy and should be treated assuch. Some of these copies can be incrediblygood, leaving the untrained eye incapable oftelling the difference. It is therefore always bestto assume it is a copy unless you really know

what you are looking at. The city is also wellknown for its scams. Some tailors will drasticallyovercharge for shoddy workmanship that isdelivered minutes before you leave on yourreturn flight so you cant get it changed. Somejewellers have been known to sell fake or greatlyover priced products. If the jewellers or tailorsdoes not come highly recommended, a largeamount of caution should be used.

IMPORTANT: Any purchases made whilsttravelling are at your own discretion. Make sureyou are completely happy at the product you arepurchasing. on the go will not become involvedat any time, at a later date or once you returnhome should your purchase not live up to yourexpectations. Proceed with caution.

A New Tailored Suit!If you are looking to have suits made up,you might like to consider 'The Grand FashionInternational' tailor shop. The shop is open from9am - 9pm daily and is easy enough to get to bytaxi, the address can be found in your welcomeletter that you will receive upon arrival. Theshop offers quality suiting and garments madeto measure. Customer feedback so far has beenvery good. The shop works with cotton, linen,wool, wool blends and all other suiting fabrics,though it and if you were looking stretch fabrics,inexpensive cotton t's or crazy cheap - off theside of the road kind of stuff this would not bethe place. Head to the night markets instead.Prices: Tailored ladies/men cotton blend shirtsbusiness shirts start at USD$40, Ladies trousersfully lined at USD$60, Mens blazer/jacket fullylined USD$90 and a fully lined suit, with shirtsfrom USD$160.

The catch! You are going to need at least 48hours to have items made. After making yourorder you would need 1 - 2 fittings to ensurethat suit fits just right. The shop can send acar to pick you up from the hotel and transferyou to and from their premises for the fittings.My best advice would be at the time you areplacing the order, schedule your fittings thereand then so you can plan your time for the daysahead. If for example you arrived a day early, youcould visit the tailor on this day then scheduleyour first fitting at say 4pm on day 1, then afinal fitting (if required) at say 7.30pm on day 2).Don't be afraid to haggle a little with the tailor,

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they are lovely gentlemen and small savingscan be made. Also do let them know that youare travelling with On the Go. They are awareof our itineraries and what time fittings can bescheduled plus its in their best interest to keepyou satisfied.

It's your choice to shop here, elsewhere or not atall in your free time.

Airline Luggage AllowanceIf your tour includes international or domesticflights please be mindful that the free baggageallowance for Economy class travel within theregion is strictly 20kg and 1 piece of handluggage up to 6kg. Any additional weight ischarged at a per kilo rate. You may wish to keepthis in mind whilst shopping.

It's not like homeTravel to far - flung corners of the earth involveslifestyles and conditions that are sometimesvery different from what you are used toback home. You must come prepared to copewith unusual situations, local inadequacies andunpredictable events as and when they occur.Foreign travel is definitely not suitable forpeople who expect or demand everything togo exactly as planned. With the greatest respectand in the interest of your ultimate enjoymentyou must understand this. Things can and dochange in foreign countries.

Vietnam Country Guide

Entrance fees - collected in USDEntrance fees to most sites are not included,although reasonably priced. In Vietnam, wecollect entrance fees on Day 2 of the tour (theamount is noted under exclusions on pageone of this document). A breakdown of theentrance fee total is provided upon arrival. Allfunds collected in Vietnam for entrance fees arepayable in USD.

Tipping Kitty - collected in USDAt the start of your tour, we take a smalltipping kitty (the amount is noted underexclusions) from all tour participants to covertips throughout your holiday. This saves you thehassle of knowing when and how much to tipbellhops, luggage handlers, bus drivers, train

conductors and other support staff throughoutthe tour.


Health RequirementsYou should seek medical advice beforetravelling to Vietnam from your local healthpractitioner and ensure that you receive allof the appropriate vaccinations. As a guideDiphtheria, Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Tetanus arestrongly recommended.

Malaria in VietnamAreas with malaria: Rural only, except none inthe Red River Delta and the coast north of NhaTrang. Rare cases in the Mekong Delta. Nonein Da Nang, Haiphong, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City(Saigon), Nha Trang, and Qui Nhon.Estimated relative risk of malaria for travellers:Low

WaterThe tap water in Vietnam is generally consideredsafe to drink, but as a precaution againststomach upsets you may want to drink bottledmineral water, which is readily available fromshops, hotels and restaurants.

VisasUK passport holders do not need a visa to visitVietnam for stays of up to 15 days from now till30 June 2021. At customs you will need showyour return airline ticket/E ticket as proof of yourdate of departure. If you're exiting Vietnam viaa land border then your tour itinerary will beaccepted as proof so please have this availableto show to border security if requested. UKpassport holders do require a visa to stay inVietnam for longer than 15 days or if you areplanning to return to Vietnam within 30 days ofyour last departure.

Most other nationalities including Australian,Canadian, New Zealand, South African andUSA passport holders require a tourist visa tovisit Vietnam. Travellers can apply for a 30day tourist visa (single or multiple entry) fromthe nearest Vietnamese Embassy or via the

more convenient method of applying onlinefor an E Visa. The cost is approx USD$20. Aftersubmitting an application you will receive aconfirmation number, then upon arrival intoVietnam you will receive the actual visa andadditionally pay a stamping fee of USD$25. Thestamping fee for a multiple entry visa, for entrieswithin one month is approximately USD$50.

Applying in advance and then collecting yourtourist visa upon arrival is available to alltravellers entering the country via Hanoi - NoiBai International Airport, Ho Chi Minh City -Tan Son Nhat International Airport and DanangInternational Airport.

PLEASE NOTE: Your passport must be valid for atleast 6 months after your departure date, if it isnot you may be refused entry into the country.

ClimateVietnam has a varied climate due to itsgeography. The south is hot year round andhas two seasons: The wet season lasts fromMay to October, with brief, daily showers. Thedry season from November to April is generallysunny and humid. In the north, the summermonths (May to October) are hot and there isthe occasional burst of heavy rain. In the winter(December to February) temperatures drop inthe north and it can be damp. The coastalregion of central Vietnam is blessed with longmonths of sunshine, although there is rainfallin November and December. At this time therecan also be some typhoon activity in the centralcoastal region.

Guides and GroupsOur longest group tour in Southeast Asia is ourBangkok to Angkor Wat - 23 day tour. All othergroup tours we offer (with the exception ofour Vietnam For Teens tour) are sectors of thislarger tour. As such on your holiday you mayhave travellers join you part way through yourtour (in Luang Prabang, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh Cityor Phnom Penh) or end their tour when youcontinue on.

Guiding: A Vietnamese guide will escort allarrangements throughout Vietnam.

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Time & VoltageThe voltage in Vietnam is 220v. In Vietnam 3types of plugs are commonly accepted: 2 flatprong plugs (type A), the 2 round pin plug (typeC) and many of the new 4 and 5 star hotels usethe British standard 3-pin plug (type G). To coverall bases, it is best to pack an international traveladaptor!

Vietnam is 7 hours ahead of GMT and does notobserve daylight saving.

MoneyThe official currency in Vietnam is theVietnamese Dong.

Euro, British Pounds, US Dollars and other majorcurrencies can be exchanged locally at theairport, bureau de changes or banks. US Dollarnotes are widely accepted and shopkeepers useboth currencies interchangeably. You can oftenpay for items in USD and receive your change inUSD notes and coins in VND. Make sure that yourUSD bills are crisp and clean and you will have noproblem using or exchanging these throughoutyour stay. ATM machines can be found in allmajor cities though it is not common to paywith credit card in restaurants, cafes or shops forpurchases. It's advisable to request bank notesin smaller denominations, as it can sometimesbe hard to get change from large notes andsmaller notes are handy for smaller purchasesand gratuities.


Essential Packing• Sleep sheet if taking an overnight sleeper

train. These also can be easily purchased inHanoi at a cost of USD$5. Ask you guide forinfo on where to buy these

• A day pack to carry all your essentials whenout sightseeing each day

• An overnight bag, if you are staying aboardthe Junk boat in Halong Bay. As we will bereturning to Hanoi it is not essential that youtake your big bag/ suitcase with you

• Lightweight cotton garments• Comfortable walking shoes in addition to flip

flops/ thongs

• DEET based mosquito repellant &antihistamine cream


• Lightweight, fold up raincoat/ poncho• Two spare passport photos & a photocopy of

your passport• Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, swim costume

and torch

Arrival TransfersIf your tour or short stay includes an airportarrival transfer (as indicated in the Inclusionssection of these Trip Notes) our arrivalprocedure is as follows:

Arrive to Hanoi - Noi Bai International Airport,Ho Chi Minh City - Tan Son Nhat InternationalAirport. Proceed to the immigration counterand pay the stamping fee of USD$25 (this cantake some time). After collecting your luggageproceed to the arrival hall and go to the meetingpoint detailed on your tour voucher.

If, for any reason you have trouble locatingour representative (after waiting 20 minutes) oryour flight is delayed please call the emergencycontact number as stated on your tour voucher.

If arriving on day 1 of a holiday, that includesan airport arrival transfer (as indicated in theInclusions section of these Trip Notes) we willbe at the airport, ready to transfer you toyour hotel. Further if you are booking pre-tour accommodation with us an airport arrivaltransfer will also be provided. If arriving prior to9am on day 1 (essentially on a flight that arrivesvery, very early in the morning) you will need topurchase a night of pre-tour accommodation tosave you waiting until standard hotel check intime, which is generally 2pm.

Airline Luggage AllowanceIf your tour includes international or domesticflights within the region please be mindfulthat the free baggage allowance for Economyclass travel is strictly 20kg and 1 piece of handluggage up to 6kg. Any additional weight ischarged at a per kilo rate. You may wish to keepthis in mind whilst shopping.

Trains in VietnamIt's not the Orient Express, but Vietnam'sReunification Express. On a number of our grouptours we include an overnight train journey onthe Reunification Express Railway Line betweenHanoi and Hue. The particular SE series trainthat we use on this journey is the highestclass of train available in Vietnam. It's titledas being the nation's fastest train; though byinternational standards it's quite the opposite.Never the less, our journey between Hanoi andHue takes approximately 14 hours and travellersare accommodated in 4 berth 'Soft Sleeper'cabins.

Aboard each wagon are 9 compartments thatcomprise of 4 bunks per compartment. 4persons of mixed sex share one compartment.You may be sharing with people from yourtour group, other tourists or Vietnamese people.Who you will share your cabin with is ultimatelydependent upon how the Vietnamese RailwaysCorporation configures the bookings.

Cabins onboard are comfortable though notcomparable to European standards. A westernstyle toilet (with a varying degree of cleanliness)is located at either end of the wagon. Air-conditioning (not always operational in thesummer) and lighting are controlled from insidethe cabin, which is also lockable. Luggage canbe stored in a compartment under the bottombunk. Linen and a pillow are provided thoughwe strongly recommend that you bring yourown sleep sheet (easily purchased in Hanoi ata cost of USD$5). The cleanliness of the trainvaries according to wagons assigned to thejourney for that particular day. Some wagonsare spotlessly clean whilst others can be uncleanand should have been decommissioned longago. Irrespective of the particular train youtake, they all have large clear glass windowsthat allow for uninterrupted views of stunninglandscapes and never ending rice paddy fields.

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