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.
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.
Local Costs
| |
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.
Important Information
Travel Insurance
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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Visa Requirements
All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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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: An 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.
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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Vaccinations & Protection
Nothing 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.
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Know before you go
We 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/
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Preparing for your tour
Climate
Thailand: 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.
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Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
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Packing for your tour
To assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
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Luggage
Unfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
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Should consist of a main piece of baggage and a daysac. Max 44lbs/ 20kg.
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Clothing
Pack essentially for ‘Hot Conditions’. 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), and tight fitting garments should be avoided. A sunhat is essential. You will also need warmer clothing for Khao Yai between November and February.
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Footwear
Comfortable walking boots or shoes for Khao Yai NP, trainers and sandals for relaxing.
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Equipment
Binoculars, torch, water bottle, swimwear, insect repellent, high factor suncream (at least factor 15), good quality sunglasses and a lip salve with sun protection.
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Need help on Clothing or Equipment?
Then 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.
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General Information
Trip Summary
One of the most enchanting and captivating regions on the planet, Southeast Asia has long held a particular fascination for visitors, from the fabulous grandeur of its vibrant cities, to the timeless landscapes of its lush jungles. This comprehensive journey through the very heart of the region affords us the opportunity to discover its cultural and scenic diversity, as we journey from the bustling streets of Bangkok to the colonial grandeur of old Saigon. Beginning our journey in the Thai capital, we have the chance to view the sumptuous splendour of the Grand palace and the temples of the Emerald and Reclining Buddhas, before we leave for the verdant setting of Khao Yai, one of Thailand’s most exquisite natural settings. Wandering through a landscape alive with the sights and sounds of the jungle’ we’ll look out for some of the abundant wildlife the area boasts, including elephants, gibbons and some 300 species of birds. From here we head for the Cambodian border, travelling via the important Khmer temple of Phnom Rung en route to our border crossing at Aranyaprathet. Our next stop is the magnificent setting of the Angkorian temple complex at Siem Reap where we enjoy sunrise over Angkor Wat, visit the majestic bas-reliefs of Banteay Srei and experience the almost mystical grandeur of the expansive remains of Ta Phrom. Our wanderings then bring us to the elegant charms of Phnom Penh. Visiting some of the city’s most important sites, as well as the emotive setting of Tuol Sleng and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, we learn something of Cambodia’s turbulent history. Then a journey by boat to Chau Doc on the border with neighbouring Vietnam affords us the perfect introduction to the enchanting Mekong Delta, with its floating markets and riverside villages, where life has continued for generations, seemingly untroubled by events in the outside world. The culmination of our odyssey sees us entering the vibrant streets of Ho Chi Minh City, still better known to most as Saigon. Here we explore the colonial architecture of its historic heart, before venturing out to experience the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels, a place still so evocative of the war that for many remains one of Vietnam’s most enduring images.
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Country info
Area: 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.
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Electric Supply & Plugs
For comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Maps & Books
Recommended 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: Alex Garland: The Beach, William Warren: Jim Thompson: the legendary American of Thailand, David Chandler: History of Cambodia, Jon Swain: River of Time, George Coedes: Angkor, an Introduction, Vittorio Roveda: Khmer Mythology, Dawn Rooney: Angkor, Henri Mouhot: Travels in Siam, Cambodia, Laos and Annam, Christopher Pym: The Ancient Civilisations of Angkor Norman Lewis: A Dragon Apparent, Karin Muller: Hitchhiking Vietnam, Graham Greene: The Quiet American, Robert Mason: Chickenhawk, John Pilger: Heroes.
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