Cambodia Travel Tips

Country & population
The Cambodia , a big and powerful Empire in the past, is now a small Kingdom in Indochina with a surface of 181,035 km2 and a population of 11,426,223 people. It is bordered by the Lao P.D.R. and Thailand to the North, Vietnam to the East and South, Thailand and the Gulf of Siam to the West.

Cambodia, located in the heart of Southeast Asia, is arguably the jewel of the region. Undiscovered for centuries, its wealth of natural beauty and rich heritage continue to amaze and astound, with Angkor, the world renowned cultural heritage site dating back to the earliest days of cultured civilization, attracting visitors from all over the world.

Towering over the surrounding tropical forests, Angkor Wat exists as one of this planet's last great unexplored tourist destinations. Situated amongst one of the world's greatest irrigation systems close to the Tonle Sap Lake. Angkor is simply incomparable. Not only did the skilled and hardworking Khmers build Angkor Wat and the architecture different but equally stunning Bayon, Banteay Srei, and Ta Prohm temples, but also more than 100 other impressive monuments and temples in and around the ancient capital.

Cambodia assaults the senses leaving memories of a once mighty country that stay in the mind undiminished by the passage of time. The sights and sounds of a unique land with a tragic past captivate more and more people every year and offer a genuine experience for all whom are fortunate enough to discover Cambodia.

Without doubt, with its inherited wealth, Cambodia, has enormous potential for tourism, either as a single destination or part of an lndochinese tour, especially for those wishing to escape the tourist traps of the world or discover one of the great cultures of the world that should rank alongside that of Egypt and the other world renowned destinations. Though still in its infancy, the tourism sector is attracting investors from both domestic and international who are venturing into this market, evident by the international standard facilities becoming available.

Passport & visa
Cambodia has very liberal visa regulations. For US$ 20, all travelers can obtain a tourist visa valid for 30 days upon arrival at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports. A passport valid for at least six months beyond the end of your visit and one passport photo is needed. Visitors arriving overland from Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam at the Bovet border crossing, or from Thailand at Trat (Hat Lay border crossing) or Aranyaprathet ( Poipet border crossing) must obtain a visa which clearly indicates their entry point prior to reaching the Cambodian border.

Customs & formalities
Airport tax is US$ 1,0 per passenger on domestic flights and US$ 10 per passenger on international flights. Regulations are relaxed and simple formalities should be observed when entering the territory. Every traveler has to complete immigration and customs declaration forms during the arrival flight and must submit them on arrival. Any mount of foreign currency can be brought into Cambodia, but the mount of Cambodia currency must not exceed 100.000 riels per person. Tourists and non- resident carrying over US$ 10.000 in cash or its equivalent must declare it to ensure they will be allowed to take out with them the amount declared. The immigration formalities are quicker when travelers already possess their visa. Upon leaving the country, luggage will be X-rayed in Phnom Penh airport and inspected in Siem Reap.

Currency
The local currency is the Riel, however, in Phnom Penh and most major tourist destinations, almost all goods and services are calculated and paid for in the US currency. The rate of exchange (at time of printing) is approximately 3,900.- Riels to one U.S Dollar. Credit cards are excepted only at a few place such as major hotels, restaurants owned by foreigners and souvenir shop. Travelers cheques and currencies other than US Dollars are accepted only by major banks it is best to carry U.S Dollars in small domination.

Climate
Cambodia can be visited throughout the year. The climate is tropical and distinguishes three major seasons. The most pleasant season is the dry season from November to March during which temperatures are cooler (average 20-28oC ). The host season last from March to June (average temperatures 28-35oC) and the rainy season from May to early October. Note also that Siam Reap is in general cooler than Phnom Penh.

Health requirement
Although no vaccinations are officially required for entry to Cambodia, they are highly encouraged. Visitors are advised to check with their doctor or travel immunization clinic regarding protection against malaria typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A & B. Any essential medications should be brought with you as there is no guarantee they will be available in Cambodia.

International flights
The direct flights to Phnom Penh are available from Bangkok, Guangxhou, Ho Chi Minh, Hong Kong, Kulalumpur, Singapore, and Vientiane. Dragonair, Laos Aviation, Bangkok Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Royal air Cambodge, Silk Air, Thai Airways International, Vietnam Airlines and President Airlines are currently serving Phnom Penh. At this time visitors can get into Siem Reap by direct flights from Ho Chi Minh and Bangkok.

Royal Air Cambodge or President Airlines accept domestic flight booking up to one year in advance but they do not confirm flight number or flight times at the time of getting reservation. Full details of flight will only be confirmed when tickets are purchased. At this time most of flights to and from Siem Reap are operated by ATR 72s and Boeing 737s. Only Royal Air Cambodge is granting passengers an allowance of 20 kg per person on domestic flights. Finally acting as intermediary Dragon Travel is unable to guarantee exact flight times and flight number that clients demand.

Language
Khmer is the official language, inherited from the Mon- Khmer family, enriched by the Indian Pali and the Sanskrit languages. There are various dialects spoken in areas outside Phnom Penh. English is the second language, followed by French even though they are not widely spoken except in the capital.

Public holidays
Nov 9 : Independence Day

Jan 1 : International New Year

Jan 7 : Victory over Khmer Rouges

Mar 8 : International Women Day

May 1 : International Labor Day

Jun 18 : Queen’s birthday

Oct 30 - Nov 1 : King’s birthday

Tipping
Tipping is not obligatory in Cambodia, but is nonetheless widely practiced in hotels and restaurants in addition to the service charges shown on bills. (Porters, 1,000 Riels per bag.)

Airport tax
US$ 20 per international passenger for flights from Phnom Penh, US$ 8 per international passenger for flights from Siem Riep and US$ 10 per domestic passenger for flights from Phnom Penh and US$ 4 per passenger for domestic passenger from all other airports.

Business hours
GMT + 7 hours.

Some tours from Huong Viet Travel

Cambodia Sightseeing Tours

Angkor Temples Tours

Cambodia Adventure Tours

Day Trips

Indochina Expeditions

Laos Travel Tips

Country & population
The Lao People's Democratic Republic is located in South East Asia at the centre of the Indochinese Peninsula between latitude 14-23 degrees north and longitude 100-108 degrees east.

Laos has an eastern border of 1,957 km with the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, a western border of 1,730 km with the Kingdom of Thailand, a southern border of 492 km with the Kingdom of Cambodia a northern border of 416 km with the People's Republic of China and a North Western border of 230 km with the Union of Myanmar. Total area of Laos is 236,800 square kilometers, three quarters of which is mountainous and forest-covered 40 % while the country is rich in natural resources, such as mineral deposits, including 1 billion tons of high quality iron are between 60-70%, lead, gold, tin and 8200-8232 calorie/gram coal.

Although the Lao P.D.R. has no direct access to the sea, it has the Mekong River, which is the main river of the country flowing north to south. In addition, there are many branch rivers, which nourish agriculture. Laos’s people use it as a power source, which supplies hydroelectric of over 18,000 MW from 57 dams.

The Population of the Lao P.D.R. is estimated at 4,581,128 (1995) and population density remains one of the lowest in the region at 19 persons per square kilometer with a population increase rate of 2.64 %. The Lao population is ethnically diverse with up to 68 different ethnic groups identified inhabiting the country, with various languages, cultures and traditions which are classified into three groups: The Lao Loam, who occupy the lowlands plains and the Mekong River valley, and constitute about 56% of the total population; the Lao Thing, who occupy the mountain slopes, comprising about 34% of the population, and the high mountain Lao, constituting about 9% of the total population, and one per cent foreigners.

Passport & Visa
Visa is required by all nationalities. Visa is usually delivered by Lao Embassies who require the original passport and 2 photos for two full working days in order to stamp the visa. If Visa is arranged by Asean Travel & Tours upon the client request, the personal data ( full name, passport number with date of issuance and expiry, date and place of birth, nationality) must be supplied to us at least 14 days before arrival to Laos. Visas obtained upon arrival at Wattay Vientiane airport and Friendship Bridge is quoted US$ 30 per person. However, the procedure of getting visa will be change from time to time.

Customs & formalities
The regulations are now more favourable for travelers arriving by air in Wattay Vientiane airport. Passengers should have completed immigration and customs declaration forms during the flights and must submit these on arrival.

Currency
The local currency is the KIP. The exchange rate at the time of updating is approximately 9,800 KIP to one US. Dollar. Travelers can make an exchange either at licensed exchange shops in the major cities or at their hotel. While paying in Laos, traveler cheques and other currencies than U.S.Dollars are only accepted by major banks. Thus, It is best to carry US Dollar bills in small denominations.

Climate
Laos can be visited throughout the year. The dry or cool season begins end of October and lasts until end of February. It is necessary to take along a pullover or jacket during the cool season as nights can be very cool , especially in the mountainous areas such as Luang Prabang , the plain of jars, Saravane and Houeixai. The hot season lasts from March to June and light cotton and hats are recommended. The rainy season starts in June and ends in October. For visitors travelling between end of March and beginning of April , please note in the mountainous area where the slash and burn cultivation remained, the weather may be worse caused by smokes and domestic flights are subject to delay or cancel.

Heath requirements
No vaccinations are presently required. If travelling to remote or border areas, travelers should check with their doctor or travel immunization clinic regarding the advisability of inoculation against Typhoid, hepatitis, tetanus and Japanese encephalitis.

International flights
The direct flights to Vientiane are available from Bangkok, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Phnom Penh, Kunming, Chiang Mai ( via Luang Prabang ).
By air : Presently, Vientiane is the only legal point of disembarkation in Laos for air passengers. At the present time, Bangkok is the most common gateway for entry to Vientiane , although it is possible to come from Hanoi, Phnom Penh, Ho Chi Minh City, Yangon, Kunming ( China) , Chiang Mai , Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
Airport arrival : Arrivals at Wattay airport, Vientiane are generally rather casual event. Carry on bags are not surely inspected if that all you have brought. For checked baggage when claimed at counter ,sometimes passengers are required to declare if they had antiques and silver item brought with.

Overland
The other way to get into Laos is by land from from Vietnam, China, Thailand. Tourists can pass the border at the following entry points:

* From Nongkhai ( Thailand ) by crossing Mekong River by shuttle bus.

* From Chiangkhong ( Thailand ) by crossing Mekong River by ferry to Houeixey.

* From South China (Yuna ) to Luang Namtha province via Boten chek point.

* From Mukdahan (Thailand ) and from Quang Tri (Vietnam ) to Savanakhet.

* From Ubol Rachathani (Thailand ) to Pasker.

* From Vinh (Vietnam) via Keo Neua check point to Km 20 , Khamkeuth district Borikhamxay province, then on to Vientiane by bus.

Language
The official language of Lao PDR is Lao. It is spoken in different parts of the country. The Vientiane dialect is understood throughout the country. In spite of the colonial past, French remains the second official language . English is in common use among business sectors and young generations.

Public holidays
Jan 1 : International new years Day

Mar 8 : International Women Day

May 1 : Labour Day

Oct 14 : Boat Racing Festival in Vientiane

Dec 2 : Laos National Day

Tipping
Tipping is not obligatory in Laos, but is nonetheless widely practiced in hotels and restaurants in addition to the service charges shown on bills. (Porters, 5000 - 1,000 Kip per bag.)

Airport tax
Airport tax is US$ 1,0 per passenger on domestic flights and US$ 10 per passenger on international flights.

Business hours
GMT + 7 hours.


Some tours from Huong Viet Travel

Laos Sightseeing Tours

Laos Adventure & Trekking

Day Trips

Indochina Expeditions

Vietnam Travel Tips

Country & population
Despite Vietnam's ongoing economic liberalisation and the pressures of rapid development, this dignified country has managed to preserve its rich civilisation and highly cultured society. Most visitors to Vietnam are overwhelmed by the sublime beauty of the country's natural setting: the Red River Delta in the north, the Mekong Delta in the south and almost the entire coastal strip are a patchwork of brilliant green rice paddies tended by women in conical hats. There are some divine beaches along the coast too, while inland there are soaring mountains, some of which are cloaked by dense, misty forests.

Vietnam offers an opportunity to see a country of traditional charm and rare beauty rapidly opening up to the outside world.

Passport & visa
Visa is required by all nationalities. Visa is usually delivered by Vietnamese Embassies who require the original passport and 2 photos for two full working days in order to stamp the visa. If Visa approval is arranged by Asean Travel & Tours (ATT) upon the client request, the personal data (full name, passport number with date of issuance and expiry, date and place of birth, nationality) must be supplied to us at least 10 days before arrival to Vietnam.

Visas can also be obtained upon arrival at Vietnam international airports such as t Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Danang airports, in which case the stamping fee will be quoted separately. Apart from required details above we further need arrival/departure flight information ATT will send a confirmation letter to show to the airport staff at the departing airport, confirming that clients will get the visa on arrival. Visas can only the requested via ATT in connection with the booking of travel arrangements to Vietnam.

It could be the quickest way to get Vietnam visa because the formalities takes only two full working days ( except Saturday and Sunday).

Customs & formalities
Arriving in Vietnam, all visitors must fill in declaration forms and show their luggage to customs officials on request. There are no limited amounts of foreign currency, objects made of gold, silver, precious metals and gemstones or plated with silver or gold but visitors must declare these in detail on the customs forms.


Currency
The local currency is the dong (abbreviated "d" or VND). Bank notes are 200d, 500d, 1000d, 2,000d, 5,000d, 10,000d, 20,000d, 50,000d, 100,000d and 500,000d. The rate of exchange at updating time is approximately dong 15.000 to one US. Dollar. Credit cards are generally only accepted in major cities. Visitors are recommended to carry US Dollar in small denominations. Travelers can change their money for Vietnamese dong (VND) at banks, hotels and jewelry shops throughout the country.

Climate
Vietnam shares borders with Cambodia, Laos and China, and features 3,200 km of coastline bordering the Eastern Sea. With an area of 332,000 square km, Vietnam’s topography varies from coastal plains to mountain ranges. Vietnam stretches over 1,800 km from north to south ; therefore weather patterns in the principle cities are very different. The North : Winter lasts from November to April , with temperatures averaging 16oC but little rainfall. Summer begins in May and lasts until October, with temperature of 30oC, heavy rainfall and the occasional Violent typhoon. The Center : Central Vietnam experiences a transitional climate, halfway between those of the north and south. The South : Temperature are fairly constant through the year; 25oC 30oC, Seasons are determined by the rain – the dry season lies from November to April and the wet season from May to October . The hottest period is March and April, before the rain have broken . Typhoon s are quite common in coastal areas between July and November. The Highland Areas: In the hill resorts of Dalat (1,500m) , Buon Ma Thuot and Sapa , nights are cool throughout the year, and in the winter months, October to March ,it can be distinctly chilly with temperature falling to 4oC. Even in the hottest months of March and April the temperature rarely exceeds 26oC.


Heath requirements
No actual vaccinations are officially required. Malaria prophylaxis is no longer recommended but visitors are advised to check with their doctor or travel immunization clinic regarding the advisability of inoculation against typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A & B.


International flights
Vietnam has three international airports: Hanoi/Noi Bai , Danang/ Danang and Ho Chi Minh/Tan Son Nhat. Cities with directs flight to Hanoi / Noi Bai Airport are Bangkok, Beijing, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Moscow, Nanning, Paris, Singapore, Taipei, Vientiane and Seoul. Airline Companies currently serving Hanoi are Vietnam airlines, Air France, Cathay Pacific Airways, China southern Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Laos Aviation, Singapore Airlines, Aeroflot, Thai Airways. Cities with directs flight to Ho Chi Minh City/Tan Son Nhat Airport are Bangkok, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Moscow, Melbourne, Osaka, Paris, Phnom Penh, Seoul, Singapore, Sydney, Taipei, Tokyo, Vienna, Vientiane and Zurich. Airline Companies currently serving Ho Chi Minh City are Vietnam airlines, Air France, Cathay Pacific Airways, China southern Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Lao Aviation, Singapore Airlines, Vladivostok Airlines, Aeroflot, Thai Airways, Korean Air, Lufthansa German Airlines, Lauda Air, Asiana Airlines, Royal Air Cambodge. Since November 1,1999 Thai Airways has commenced direct flights from Bangkok to Danang on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

Overland
The other way to get into Vietnam is by land , from China, Laos and Cambodia but the visas must be indicated clearly by Vietnamese Embassies with one or two of the below entry points. Tourists can pass the border at the following entry points:

* From China: Huu Nghi, Lao Cai.

* From Laos: Cau Treo, Lao Bao.

* From Cambodia: Moc Bai.

Language
Vietnamese is the official language of Vietnam but there are various dialects spoken by hill tribe people in remote areas. Leaning foreign languages , particularly English and French, is currently in vogue among young people in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Da Nang and other cities.

Public holidays
* January 1 - Western New Year's Day

* January or February - Tet; Vietnamese and Chinese New Year celebration; this most important Vietnamese festivity of the whole year is celebrated an entire week from the first to the seventh day of the new year according to the traditional moon calendar; as the celebration depends on the phases of the moon, not the sun, it is celebrated on different dates of the Western calendar; traditionally, during the Tet days large amounts of food are consumed, because the Tet days are considered an omen for the course of the entire year; the belief is that if you eat a lot during the Tet days, there will be enough food during the whole year.

* February 3 - Founding Day of the Communist Party of Vietnam; national holiday

* March - day to commemorate the Trung sisters, who in the year 41 of Christian reckoning led a rebellion against the Chinese rulers; movable holiday, as it depends on the moon calendar.

* April 30 - Liberation Day of South Vietnam and Saigon; national holiday

* May 1 - Labour Day; national holiday

* May 19 - Ho Chi Minh's birthday; national holiday

* May 28 - Holiday in commemoration of the birth, the enlightenment and the death of the Buddha; national holiday

* August - Trung Nguyen; Day of the Wandering Souls; on this day the souls of the dead are believed to wander to the habitats of their offspring; celebrations in Buddhist temples; food is spread on house altars for the souls of the deceased and fake money is burnt in honour of them; moveable holiday, as it depends on the moon calendar.

* September 2 - National Holiday

* September 3 - Day to commemorate the death of Ho Chi Minh in 1969; national holiday

* September - Trung Thu - autumn celebration at which children parade through the streets with lanterns; for this celebration moon cakes are baked; moveable holiday, as it depends on the moon calendar.

* November - Birthday of Confucius; moveable holiday, as it depends on the moon calendar.

Tipping

Widely practiced, in addition to hotel and restaurant service charges shown on bills ( Porters, VND 10.000 -15.000 per bag)

Airport tax
Airport tax is US$ 1,5 per passenger on domestic flights (normally it is included in the airfare), US$ 14 (at Noibai airport/Hanoi) and US$ 12 (other airports) per passenger on international flights.


Business hours
GMT + 7 hours

Some tours from Huong Viet Travel

Vietnam Sightseeing Tours

Vietnam Soft Adventure Tours

Vietnam Adventure & Trekking

Vietnam Rest & Recreation Tours

Vietnam World Heritage & Veteran Tours

Indochina Expeditions