Indochina & Thailand travel tips

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Vietnam travel tips

	Money		Language
	Health & fitness		Transport
	Safety & security		Electricity
	Food & water		Post & communication
	Responsible travel

Cambodia travel tips

	Money		Language
	Health & fitness		Transport
	Safety & security		Electricity
	Food & water		Post & communication
	Responsible travel

Laos travel tips

	Money		Language
	Health & fitness		Transport
	Safety & security		Electricity
	Food & water		Post & communication
	Responsible travel

Thailand travel tips

	Money		Language
	Health & fitness		Transport
	Safety & security		Electricity
	Food & water		Post & communication
	Responsible travel

Vietnam travel tips

Money

The official unit of currency in Vietnam is the dong (VND). Exchange rates fluctuate so for current exchange rates please visit www.xe.com.

ATMs are widely available in airports, major cities and towns and issue VND only. We recommend you use VND for most transactions. You may use US dollars (USD) in some hotels and restaurants, or for larger purchases, however other currencies (AUD, GBP, CAN, NZD) will need to be exchanged into the local currency. Most hotels change traveller's cheques and cash at reasonable rates, though it can be very difficult to change traveller's cheques outside the big cities. Credit cards can be used in a number of shops and restaurants in major centres. We recommend you bring a combination of debit and credit cards, as well as some USD cash. If you bring traveller's cheques, it is best to use USD, but these are now becoming harder to cash. It is not possible to exchange Vietnamese Dong outside the country, so convert or spend all your Dong before leaving.

Health & fitness

Travellers to Vietnam should take precautions as they would elsewhere in Asia. There are now a number of international standard medical care facilities available in Ho Chi Minh City, Danang and Hanoi. Outside these cities, medical care facilities are more basic. Some of the diseases known to exist in Vietnam include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, tuberculosis, Japanese encephalitis, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, rabies and HIV/AIDS. We recommend you take adequate preventative measures to minimise your risk of exposure to these health risks. We strongly recommend you consult your preferred doctor for the most up-to-date health advice at least one month prior to travel.

Safety & security

Vietnam is generally a safe destination by world standards, but usual common sense precautions are advisable. In recent years petty street crime in large cities has risen. We recommend you take taxis rather than cyclos when travelling at night; taxis in Vietnam are numerous, metered and inexpensive. To assist in finding your way back to your hotel, make sure you obtain a hotel address card, to show drivers where you want to go.

Throughout your stay, always keep a photocopy of your passport, airline tickets and credit card numbers, and a detailed record of your traveller's cheques. You should leave valuables in hotel safety deposit boxes wherever possible. In large cities, such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, we recommend you wear as little jewellery as possible and keep your spending money close to your body in a secure place when out on the street.

Please check the following websites to get the latest news and travel advice from the region:

Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade - www.smarttraveller.gov.au
Canadian Foreign Affairs & International Trade - www.voyage.gc.ca
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs - www.mfat.govt.nz/travel
UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office - www.fco.gov.uk
USA Department of State - www.travel.state.gov
World Health Organisation - www.who.int/en

Food & water

The cuisine is a highlight of any visit to Vietnam. Rice and noodles are staple but Vietnamese cuisine is diverse - many regions specialise in dishes that are not found elsewhere in the country. The emphasis is on fresh ingredients and complementary flavours that balance yin and yang. A significant French influence is evident - the baguettes and pastries are as good as those you’re likely to find anywhere. Fresh seafood is abundant, cheap and incredibly fresh. Vegetarians are well looked after and western eating options are widespread, particularly in the major cities. Tap water should be avoided however bottled water is readily available and provided on a complimentary basis by most hotels.

Language

Vietnamese is the official language of Vietnam and is spoken throughout the country, though there are marked dialectical differences in the southern, central and northern regions. Unlike neighbouring countries, Vietnamese uses a modified Roman script and is tonal. English is well-understood and widely spoken by our guides and hotel staff. English is also spoken in most restaurants, shops and, to a lesser extent, by taxi and cyclo drivers. Vietnamese is a difficult language to master but it is easy – and much appreciated by the locals - to pick up a few basic words while you are travelling like hello, goodbye and thank you. A phrase book or basic language guide will come in handy.

Transport

For tour groups of 6 or more travellers, air-conditioned Hyundai with 25-35 seats are used on all road journeys. These vehicles are designed with excellent viewing windows and a high roof. For smaller groups, modern sedan cars and minibuses are used. All our vehicles are modern, spacious, comfortable, well-maintained, and safe. In cities, towns and villages expect to use a combination of cyclos, boats, bicycles (optional) and your own two feet – taking advantage of the variety of transport methods when travelling in Vietnam is part of the experience! All domestic flights within Vietnam are with Vietnam Airlines. The fleet is modern, with most flights using Airbus 320 or Fokker 70 aeroplanes, however schedules frequently change and this can result in alterations to your itinerary. Taxis in Vietnam are metered, readily available and cheap. Transfer and taxi scams are not uncommon at Hanoi airport. Please ensure you look for a Travel Indochina representative holding a Travel Indochina signboard with your name on it. If you are unable to locate a Travel Indochina representative then please call the 24 hour emergency help numbers provided in your documentation.

Electricity

Voltage is mainly 220V alternating at 50 cycles per second. Many sockets will take both two-prong round pins and US-style flat pins however we advise you bring a universal adaptor. Alternatively, adaptors are readily available to buy in Vietnam. Electricity supply is generally reliable, even in more remote areas, though farm and hill tribe stays may rely on generator-run power and be less consistently available.

Post & communication

Broadband Internet is widely available in the main cities and is generally inexpensive. Some hotels and cafes in the major cities also offer WiFi connections. International phone connections are among the most expensive in the world at around 4-6 USD per minute, however on the whole it's easy to make calls and to send faxes. Reverse charge (collect) calls are not available. The international calling code for Vietnam is (+84). International post generally takes 7-10 days to reach their destination with prices equivalent to western postal rates. Mobile phones do work in Vietnam, although you will need to contact your service provider prior to departure to ensure you have roaming. Alternatively you can purchase a SIM card locally.

Cambodia travel tips

Money

The official unit of currency in Cambodia is the riel (KHR). Exchange rates fluctuate so for current exchange rates please visit www.xe.com.

In Cambodia, USD cash is accepted everywhere, though change may be given in riel. As riel can not be exchanged outside Cambodia, we recommend you change either nothing or very little (eg. 10 USD) upon your arrival in Cambodia. ATMs dispense US dollars and can be found in most major tourist centres across the country. Cash advances via Mastercard or Visa can also be obtained at exchange booths and banks in both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are accepted in most mid-range to upmarket hotels, as well as some boutiques and restaurants, though you will likely incur a 3% commission charge on top of your bill. If you bring traveller's cheques, it is best to use USD, but these are now becoming harder to cash.

Costs in Cambodia are significantly higher than in neighbouring Asian countries. The cost of meals, transport, and shopping often takes tourists by surprise. We suggest you allow approximately 10 USD per person for a main course meal at a nice restaurant.

Health & fitness

Travellers to Cambodia should take precautions as they would elsewhere in Asia. The best clinics and hospitals are located in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap however more serious medical treatments will require transfer to Bangkok. Outside the major centres, medical care facilities are basic, though a private clinic is preferable to a government hospital. Some of the diseases known to exist in Cambodia include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, tuberculosis, dengue, malaria, Japanese encephalitis, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, rabies and HIV/AIDS. We recommend you take adequate preventative measures to minimise your risk of exposure to these health risks. We strongly recommend you consult your preferred doctor for the most up-to-date health advice at least one month prior to travel.

Safety & security

With its war-stained past becoming a distant memory, Cambodia is a now a relatively safe country to travel in. Usual common sense precautions are advisable,. Avoid poorly lit streets at night, particularly in Phnom Penh. We recommend you take taxis rather than cyclos when travelling at night. To assist in finding your way back to your hotel, make sure you obtain a hotel address card, to show drivers where you want to go.

Throughout your stay, always keep a photocopy of your passport, airline tickets and credit card numbers, and a detailed record of your traveller's cheques. You should leave valuables in hotel safety deposit boxes wherever possible. In Phnom Penh in particular, petty crime can be a problem so we recommend you wear as little jewellery as possible and keep your spending money close to your body in a secure place when out on the street.

Please check the following websites to get the latest news and travel advice from the region:

Food & water

Cambodian cuisine is closely related to the cuisines of neighbouring countries. Cambodian cuisine was similar to that of Central Thailand until the 16th century when the Portuguese introduced the chilli pepper to Ayuthaya. At this time, the Thais began to develop a preference for spicier, chilli-based foods, while the Cambodians continued to use a spice paste kroeung, comprising of milder flavourings such as lemongrass, galangal, ginger and cardamom. Some distinctly Cambodian dishes include samlor ma chou kroeung and samlor kor ko soups, and the chas kroeung stir-fry. The pungent prahok fish stock is usually included in these dishes. Rice is eaten with most meals. In cities such as Phnom Penh there are large numbers of ethnic Chinese who have brought their own influences to the Cambodian diet. Like the rest of Indochina, the French influence remains evident. There is a wide range of international cuisines available in Phnom Penh. Tap water should be avoided however bottled water is readily available and provided on a complimentary basis by most hotels.

Language

Khmer is the official language of Cambodia. Khmer has its own script and unlike neighbouring countries is not tonal. English is well-understood and widely spoken by our guides and hotel staff. English is also spoken in most restaurants, shops and, to a lesser extent, by taxi and tuk-tuk drivers. Khmer is a difficult language to master however you may be able to pick up a few basic words while you are travelling like hello, goodbye and thank you.

Transport

For tour groups of 6 or more travellers, air-conditioned Toyota Coaster or Hyundai with 25-40 seats are used on all road journeys. These vehicles are designed with excellent viewing windows and a high roof. For smaller groups, modern sedan cars and minibuses are used. All our vehicles are modern, spacious, comfortable, well-maintained, and safe. In cities, towns and villages expect to use a combination of tuk-tuks, boats, bicycles (optional) and your own two feet – taking advantage of the variety of transport methods when travelling in Cambodia is part of the experience! All domestic flights are on French-built ATR 72 or Fokker 70 aeroplanes. Taxis in Cambodia are metered, readily available and cheap.

Electricity

Voltage is mainly 220V alternating at 50 cycles per second. Many sockets will take both two-prong round pins and US-style flat pins however we advise you bring a universal adaptor. Electricity supply is generally reliable, even in more remote areas, though farm and hill tribe stays may rely on generator-run power and be less consistently available.

Post & communication

Broadband internet is available in major centres and is generally inexpensive. In Phnom Penh and Siem Reap there are numerous internet cafes providing email services and internet phone call services. Using these internet phone services is the cheapest way of calling overseas (or locally). International phone and fax fees on fixed lines are expensive (especially in hotels) and vary between 4 USD and 6 USD per minute. Reverse charge (collect) calls are not possible from Cambodia. The international calling code for Cambodia is (+855). Mobile phones do work in Cambodia, although you will need to contact your service provider prior to departure to ensure you have roaming. Coverage is fine in urban areas, but may be patchy in rural areas. International mail generally takes seven to ten days to reach its destination. Prices are equivalent to western postal rates.

Laos travel tips

Money

The official unit of currency in Laos is the kip (LAK). Exchange rates fluctuate so for current exchange rates please visit www.xe.com.

In Laos, US cash and Thai baht are accepted almost everywhere, though change may be given in kip. As you will accumulate kip as you go, we recommend you change only a small amount (e.g. 50 USD) upon your arrival in Laos. We advise you to use the local currency where possible, but US dollars are accepted virtually everywhere.

ATMs for international cards dispense kip and can be found throughout Vientiane as well as a limited number in Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng & Pakse. Most ATMs have a maximum allowance of 700,000 LAK (about 85 USD) and while you can make multiple withdrawals in the same day, this may incur fees from both the local and your home bank. Cash advances from banks on international cards are also readily available in both Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Hotels often change foreign currency cash, and a limited number will also change traveller's cheques, but rates tend to be better at banks. Credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) can be used in only a limited number of shops and restaurants in Vientiane and Luang Prabang. When travelling to more rural areas of Laos it is advisable you bring enough cash with you for the duration of your stay. If you bring travellers cheque's, it is best to use USD, but these are now becoming harder to cash.

Health & fitness

Travellers to Laos should take precautions as they would elsewhere in Asia. Medical facilities are limited, even in the capital, Vientiane. More serious medical treatments will require transfer to Bangkok. Outside the major centres, medical care facilities are basic, though a private clinic is preferable to a government hospital. Some of the diseases known to exist in Laos include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, tuberculosis, dengue, malaria, Japanese encephalitis, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, rabies and HIV/AIDS. We recommend you take adequate preventative measures to minimise your risk of exposure to these health risks. We strongly recommend you consult your preferred doctor for the most up-to-date health advice at least one month prior to travel.

Safety & security

Laos is relatively safe by world standards. Usual common sense precautions are advisable. Cities are small, and even at night you will feel quite safe walking outside. Most Laotians go to bed fairly early so streets will usually be very quiet after 9pm.

Dark, insufficiently lit areas of town should be avoided after 9pm. Throughout your stay, always keep a photocopy of your passport, airline tickets and credit card numbers, and a detailed record of your traveller's cheques. You should leave valuables in hotel safety deposit boxes wherever possible. In Vientiane, petty crime can be a problem so we recommend you wear as little jewellery as possible and keep your spending money close to your body in a secure place when out on the street.

Please check the following websites to get the latest news and travel advice from the region:

Food & water

Lao cuisine is closely related to Northern Thai cuisine and can be quite spicy. Sticky rice, rather than steamed rice, is the usual accompaniment. Common ingredients include vegetables, freshwater fish, beef, duck, pork and chicken. Food is generally flavoured with fermented fish sauce, coconut milk, peanuts and chillies. Some specialities worth trying are som tum, a spicy green papaya salad, and larb, made with diced chicken, pork or fish cooked in an array of seasonings. Vegetarians are generally well catered for, with Vegetarian options often highlighted on a menu or in a separate section. Tap water should be avoided however bottled water is readily available and provided on a complimentary basis by most hotels.

Language

Lao is the official language of Laos. Lao has six tones and is closely related to Thai - if you understand some Thai it will not be difficult to pick up the basics. The written script is also similar to Thai. English is spoken in most restaurants, shops and, to a lesser extent, by taxi and tuk-tuk drivers. Lao can be difficult language to master however you may be able to pick up a few basic words while you are travelling like hello, goodbye and thank you.

Transport

There is only 3000 kilometres of sealed road in Laos. When travelling by road we generally use late model air-conditioned minibuses. For tour groups of 6 or more travellers, air-conditioned Toyota Coaster or Hyundai with 25-40 seats are used on all road journeys. Modern sedan cars are used when there are only one or two people in the group. Some tours involve at least one domestic flight. Lao Airlines operates a relatively modern fleet, however schedules frequently change which can result in alterations to your itinerary. With the Mekong River running along most of the length of Laos, boats are a great way to travel, providing an opportunity to view the Lao way of life. Toilets on the boats, are generally of the western style but very simple. In Luang Prabang, we often use tuk-tuks for touring, which are great fun. There is no train network in Laos.

Electricity

Voltage is mainly 220V alternating at 50 cycles per second. Sockets are not standardised but most commonly feature two-prong round pins or US-style flat pins. We advise you bring a universal adaptor. Electricity supply is generally reliable in cities, but less so in rural areas that may rely on generator-run power.

Post & communication

Broadband internet is available in major centres and is generally inexpensive. In Vientiane and Luang Prabang there are numerous internet cafes providing email services and internet phone call services. Using these internet phone services is the cheapest way of calling overseas (or locally). International phone and fax fees on fixed lines are moderately priced, but generally quite expensive in hotels. Reverse charge (collect) calls are not possible from Laos. The international calling code for Laos is (+856). Mobile phones do work in Laos, although you will need to contact your service provider prior to departure to ensure you have roaming. Coverage can be patchy, though is generally fine in urban areas. International mail generally takes ten to fourteen days to reach its destination. Prices are equivalent to western postal rates.

Thailand travel tips

Money

The official unit of currency in Thailand is the Thai baht (BHT). The exchange rate fluctuates so for current exchange rates please visit www.xe.com.

International access ATMs dispensing Thai baht can be found throughout Thailand. All cash purchases should be made in the local currency. Credit cards can be used in most shops and restaurants in major cities. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted cards. Cash advances can be obtained using these cards at major banks throughout the country. You are advised to carry a mix of cash as well as debit and credit cards. Traveller's cheques in USD, AUD, CAD & GBP are accepted throughout the country, but these are now becoming harder to cash.

Health & fitness

Travellers to Thailand should take precautions as they would elsewhere in Asia. Thailand offers some of the best health care in the region. International-standard medical facilities are available in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket, however elsewhere facilities can be basis. Some of the diseases known to exist in Thailand include hepatitis A and B, dengue, malaria, tetanus, diptheria and HIV/AIDS. We recommend you take adequate preventative measures to minimise your risk of exposure to these health risks. We strongly recommend you consult your preferred doctor for the most up-to-date health advice at least one month prior to travel.

Safety & security

Thailand is relatively safe by world standards though usual common sense precautions apply. Petty theft can be a problem in tourist centres so we recommend you wear as little jewellery as possible and keep your spending money close to your body in a secure place when out on the street. We advise you take taxis rather than tuk-tuks at night. Taxis are metered and inexpensive.

Please check the following websites to get the latest news and travel advice from the region:

Food & water

Thai cuisine is an exotic mix of the best ingredients and flavours that Asia has to offer. Common flavours and ingredients include garlic, coconut milk, lime, lemongrass, tamarind, ginger and chillies. Fresh produce and seafood is plentiful, of good quality, and affordable. Though Thai food is renowned for being spicy, the cuisine is incredibly varied and subtler dishes can easily be found. There are distinct regional variations so be sure you ask for the local specialties. Some must-trys include tom yam goong, a spicy soup with prawns, and khao soi, a northern curry dish with crispy noodles. Some of the best food can be found in street stalls and markets. Vegetarians are generally well catered for, with vegetable curries and stirfries and fruit readily available. Tap water should be avoided however bottled water is readily available and provided on a complimentary basis by many hotels.

Language

Thai is the official language of Thailand. Thai has five tones and uses its own written script. Some level of English will be spoken and understood by most people involved in the tourist industry, in restaurants, shops and, to a lesser extent, by taxi and tuk-tuk drivers. Thai is a difficult language to master however you may be able to pick up a few basic words while you are travelling like hello, goodbye and thank you, and any effort will be appreciated.

Transport

When travelling by road we generally use late model air-conditioned minibuses. For tour groups of 6 or more travellers, air-conditioned Toyota Coaster or Hyundai with 25-40 seats are used on all road journeys. Modern sedan cars are used when there are only one or two people in the group. Any domestic flights booked with Travel Indochina will be with Thai Airways or Bangkok Airways on modern ATR - 72, Airbus 319 & 320 and Boeing 717 & 737s. Thailand's rail network is extensive and trains can be a great way to travel. Overnight rail journeys organised by Travel Indochina will include accommodation in a cooled sleeper carriage which is comfortable and modern. Sheets and blankets are provided and are clean and of high quality. Western style washrooms and toilets are located at both ends of each carriage. During your journey expect to also use tuk-tuks and a variety of boats, depending on the itinerary, both of which are great fun.

Electricity

Voltage is mainly 220V alternating at 50 cycles per second. Sockets generally feature two-prong round pins, though other variations are often found. We advise you bring a universal adaptor. Electricity supply is generally reliable in cities, but less so in rural areas that may rely on generator-run power.

Post & communication

Broadband internet is available in major centres and is generally inexpensive. In most larger towns and cities there are numerous internet cafes providing email services, and connection is generally quite good. Many hotels offer a LAN or WiFi service for laptop users. International phone and fax charges are quite reasonable, and cheaper if made from a post office or using a prepaid card at a Lenso payphone. Reverse charge (collect) calls are possible but you may be charged a small fee. The international calling code for Thailand is (+66). Mobile phones do work in Thailand, although you will need to contact your service provider prior to departure to ensure you have roaming. Coverage is very good throughout the country. International post generally takes 7-10 days to reach its destination with postage charges slightly lower than western rates.

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