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As Many Friends as Phos
INTRODUCTIONThis document contains essential information that you need to prepare for, as well as information you
will need during your holiday with Geckos.
We ask that you read it carefully and that you take the document with you on your holiday. It contains information on visas, vaccinations, spending money, etc, as well as a detailed,
day by day itinerary of your trip.
YOUR TRIP
NUTS AND BOLTS
• Expert English-speaking local tour guides throughout the tour.
• Sightseeing (including entrance fees where relevant): Hanoi - One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of
Literature and Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton); Hai Van Pass; Hoi An’s ‘Old Town’; Cu Chi Tunnels.
• Three journeys (including two overnight) on board the Reunification Express train.
• Bike ride around Hue and Dragon Boat cruise up the Perfume River.
• Day cruise in Nha Trang, with a freshly-caught seafood lunch included (non-seafood options
available).
• Free time to explore Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, Siem Reap, the temples of
Angkor and Bangkok.
SUMMARY OF ACCOMMODATION, TRANSPORT & MEALS
TRANSPORT
• Boat
• Bus
• Public bus
• Sleeper train
ACCOMMODATION
• 2 nights Sleeper train
• 1 night Homestay
• 18 nights Basic hotel
MEALS
• 10 breakfasts
• 1 lunch
• 1 dinner
NOT INCLUDED
International flights, arrival and departure transfers, departure and airport taxes, visas, all other meals,
all optional tours or activities during free time, transfers outside of the tour program, travel insurance,
tips and items of a personal nature.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
• Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum
Free
• Hanoi - Taxi to Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum
US$5
• Ho Chi Minh City - Reunification Palace
US$1
• Ho Chi Minh City - Taxi to Reunification Palace
US$4
• Ho Chi Minh City - Taxi to War Remnants Museum
US$4
• Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum
US$1
• Hoi An - My Son Cham ruins
US$5
• Hoi An - Tu Bon River boat trip
US$10
• Hue - Bicycle Hire – Per day
US$2
• Nha Trang - Bao Dai’s Villa
US$1
• Nha Trang - Mud Baths
From US$5
• Nha Trang - Return Taxi to Bao Dai’s Villa
US$8
• Nha Trang - Return taxi to Mud Baths
US$12
• Phnom Penh - National Museum
US$5
• Phnom Penh - Royal Palace
US$7
• Phnom Penh - The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek
US$2
• Phnom Penh - Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21)
US$2
• Phnom Penh - Wat Phnom
US$2
• Siem Reap - Angkor Pass - 1 day
US$20
• Siem Reap - Angkor Pass - 3-day pass
US$40
• Siem Reap - Angkor Pass - Additional Day
US$20
• Siem Reap - Flight of the Gibbon (Zipline Eco Adventure)
USD79
PREPARING TO TRAVEL
VISAS AND PERMITS
CambodiaPlease note that visa requirements can and do change. It is essential that you confirm requirements
with the nearest relevant embassy or check with your travel agent before you travel. At the time of
writing, a visa is required by most travellers visiting Cambodia including Australians, New Zealanders,
Americans, British and Canadians. All other nationalities should check with the Cambodian Embassy
or Consulate in their country for up-to-date visa information.
It is recommended that you obtain your Cambodian visa before you start your travels, but it is possible
to obtain a visa on arrival if you are flying into Phnom Penh or Siem Reap or if you are travelling
overland from Thailand and Vietnam (though not al all broder crossings - please check before you
travel). Alternatively, some nationalities can obtain a visa for Cambodia (as long as they are arriving at
either Phnom Penh or Siem Reap Airports) on-line at: http://evisa.mfaic.gov.kh/
ThailandPlease note that visa requirements can and do change. It is essential that you confirm requirements
with the nearest relevant embassy or check with your travel agent before you travel. At the time of
writing, Australians, New Zealanders, Canadians, Americans, German and British citizens do not
require a visa to visit Thailand for stays of up to 30 days if entering by air. However, Australians and
New Zealanders will only get 15 days of stay if arriving without a visa at a land border checkpoint from
a neighbouring country. Americans, British, Canadians, Japanese, French, Italians and Germans are
eligible for 30 day visa at land borders. Australians and New Zealanders arriving in Thailand by land
who are planning to stay in the country longer than 15 days should obtain a Thai visa before they
leave home or alternatively a visa extension can be obtained in Thailand at an immigration office for
approx. 2000THB which will allow a 30 day stay when entering at an overland border. All other
nationalities should check with the Thai Embassy or Consulate in their country for up-to-date visa
information. Please note that those nationalities requiring a visa may need to acquire one before they
arrive in Thailand, as obtaining a visa on arrival may not possible at certain land borders.
VietnamPlease note that visa requirements can and do change. It is essential that you confirm requirements
with the nearest relevant embassy or check with your travel agent before you travel. At the time of
writing, a visa for entry is required by most travellers visiting and/or transiting Vietnam including
Australians, New Zealanders, Americans, British and Canadians. All other nationalities should check
with the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in their country for up-to-date visa information. Your visa
must be obtained prior to the commencement of your tour, as visas are not normally issued to
travellers on arrival in Vietnam. In fact you will are likely to be denied boarding your aircraft bound for Vietnam without a visa.
GOVERNMENT TRAVEL ADVICE
Many governments publish up-to-date travel advice for countries around the world. Information is gleaned from both local and international sources as well as ‘friendly’ governments, and the notices are often on the cautious side. Sometimes there will be conflicting information. For example, the Australian, UK and Canadian governments may agree on the nature of the advice; however, frequently they do not. And sometimes the views expressed by a particular government can be coloured by political considerations. We will monitor these travel advisories closely and may alter itineraries or cancel trips as a result. However, it is also your responsibility to stay informed and form a balanced view. We recommend that you visit the websites or contact the departments listed below. Unless otherwise stated, it is not normally the intention of the relevant government travel advice to dissuade you from travelling. Rather, it is to inform you of where and when you should exercise caution to avoid problems. Please also note that, as a responsible tour operator, we maintain constant links with our ground operators and your safety - at all times - is our paramount concern. You can check your government's latest travel advice at one of the links below:
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade UK Foreign & Commonwealth OfficeCanadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International TradeU.S. Department of State New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
BORDER CROSSING
VIETNAM
Please note that most nationalities visiting Vietnam will be required to obtain an entry Visa prior to arrival. At this stage, Japanese, Singaporean, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, and Finnish citizens will be exempted from requiring visas when they enter, so long as their stay in Vietnam is less than 15 days. For all other nationalities, please check with a Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country regarding current requirements. It would be easiest to arrange your visa prior to departure for your holiday as it can sometime take up to a week to issue travel visas and longer if there are public holidays in Vietnam such as the Tet (New Year) holiday. Please ensure you have the correct date of validity for your Vietnamese visa, as if the date on your visas is after the date you will arrive, then you will not be permitted to enter. When you get your passport back from the Vietnamese Embassy, please check your visa carefully. Also, if you have more than one passport, please ensure you use the same passport for your entry into Laos or Cambodia as you intend on using in Vietnam. If the Vietnamese visa is in a different passport to the visa for the country in which you are attempting to cross from, you will not be granted entry into Vietnam. Passengers who have incorrect visa details will have to travel back to the nearest capital city to have their visa reissued which makes it an expensive and time consuming oversight.
CAMBODIA
Crossing the border into Cambodia, it is possible to obtain a visa on arrival at most international checkpoints. The duration of the visa is one month and the cost is normally US$20 on arrival, although sometimes the border guards may request a 'processing fee' of between US$1 - $5 . You will also require a passport photo to be submitted with your application.
THAILAND
When arriving in Thailand by land, Australians and New Zealanders will be eligible for a 15 day stay if arriving without a visa from a neighbouring country. Americans, British, Canadians and Germans are eligible for 30 day visa at land borders. Australians and New Zealanders arriving in Thailand by land who are planning to stay in the country longer than 15 days should obtain a Thai visa before they leave home or alternatively a visa extension can be obtained in Thailand at an immigration office for approx. 2000THB which will allow a 30 day stay when entering at a land border. Please check this link if you require information on other nationalities who are not required to obtain a visa: http://www.mfa.go.th/web/2482.php?id=2490 Some nationalities are required to purchase a Visa on
arrival and it is provided at 32 designated international checkpoints. Applicants should submit the
application form duly filled out and to which his/her recent photograph (4 x 6 cm) is attached. The
application fee is 1,000 Baht. Please check this link if you require information on nationalities who are
required to obtain a visa on arrival. http://www.mfa.go.th/web/2482.php?id=2491 (Please note that
Visa on arrival is not available when crossing from Cambodia into Thailand at the
Poipet/Aranyaprathet border)
MEDICAL PREPARATION
We strongly recommend you visit your doctor to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will
advise you regarding the appropriate inoculations. In some places anti-malaria medication may also
be required. Some vaccines need to be administered a few weeks before departure so allow yourself
plenty of time. Obtain a certificate of vaccination and carry this with you on this trip. A dental check up
is also highly recommended
VACCINATIONS
Vaccinations may be required or recommended for this trip so you should consult with your travel
doctor to obtain the latest up-to-date information. It is your responsibility to ensure that you obtain any
vaccinations or preventative medicines for the countries you are visiting – or any which may be
required by your home country upon your return.
For travellers from Australia and New Zealand, we recommend the Travel Doctor-TMVC clinics (see
www.traveldoctor.com.au or phone 1300 658 844 for an appointment in Australia). Travellers from
countries other than Australia and New Zealand should contact similar organisations or their travel
doctor for advice. General health and vaccination information is available to all travellers at
www.traveldoctor.com.au/travelreport. Some vaccines require more than one dose, so arrange for
your visit at least 4-6 weeks before you travel.
Malaria: There is no vaccination against malaria, which is transmitted by mosquito bites and is a risk
in many less-developed tropical areas in Africa, Latin America and South East Asia. Protection
against mosquito bites is essential and where the risk is considered high, anti-malarial medications
are recommended. Anti-malarial medications should be discussed with experts as there are different
medications available and not all medications suit all people or all destinations. Where malaria is
considered prevalent in mountainous regions we prefer that trekkers to altitude try to avoid the use of
mefloquine (Lariam) if possible.
COPIES OF KEY DOCUMENTS
We recommend that you photocopy the main pages of your passport, your airline ticket, itinerary,
insurance policy, traveller’s cheques and credit card. Keep one set of photocopies with you, separate
from the originals. Leave one set of copies at home with family or friends. It is also worth taking some
extra passport photos with you in case of additional visas, permits or other unforeseen paperwork.
WHAT TO TAKE
GENERAL PACKING LIST
Remember - the lighter you travel the better! You may be buying things as you go, so you should not
bring too much from home. Many people find a backpack the most suitable type of luggage for our
holidays. Medium-sized suitcases can also be used; however, you should avoid the large, bulky cases
that are difficult to carry. The lockable suitcases on wheels are the best types to use. Be aware that
some hotels in Asia are not over-endowed with lifts (elevators) and there may be occasions when you
need to carry your luggage up stairs or along railway platforms, etc.
When packing, consider cultural differences which may mean that some attire that we wear at home is
not appropriate in Asia and may be offensive to the local people. Beachwear in towns is not
appropriate, nor is 'short' shorts, particularly for women. Light cotton pants are a better option. When
visiting sites of religious significance, modest clothing should be worn. Sandals, thongs, flip-flops or
jandals are appropriate footwear in the tropics.
When you pack your clothing, consider the climate at the time of year you are travelling and any
specific requirements for your trip as at certain times of the year some of the items suggested in the
list that follow may not be necessary. Bear in mind that the weather will vary significantly from place to
place. The majority of time the weather is warm in South East Asia; however, it may be distinctly cold
up in the highlands. If there are specific requirements for a trip, these will be noted in the separate
country section, or in the Trip Notes relating to that trip. Please note that in the last few years, the
world’s weather pattern has gone somewhat awry. The effects of ‘El Nino’ and ‘La Nina’ are very real
and this has resulted in unseasonable droughts followed by unseasonable deluges. Be prepared for
the unexpected! Laundry facilities are available in some destinations.
Below is a list of equipment and documentation that we suggest you take with you. Please use this
checklist as a guide when packing for your holiday.
Travel documents: passport, visa (if required), travel insurance, air tickets or e-ticket receipts, Trip
Notes
Photocopy of main passport pages, visa (if required), travel insurance and air tickets
Spare passport photos
Money: cash/credit card/EFTPOS card
Money belt
Small padlocks
Metal chain and padlock to secure luggage on overnight trains – additional precaution
Small first-aid kit
Daypack for use on day or overnight excursions
Watch/alarm clock and torch/flashlight (and spare batteries)
Electrical adapter plug
Toiletries/roll of toilet paper/travel wipes
Insect repellent
Sunscreen, lip balm, sunhat and sunglasses
Earplugs and eye mask (for light sleepers)
Extra pair of prescription glasses (if required)
2 strong plastic garbage bags (for laundry and in case of rain)
Refillable water bottle
Phrase book
Warm clothes - when travelling in cooler climates
Wind and waterproof jacket
Comfortable and sturdy walking shoes with good walking socks
Camera and spare film (or recharge for digital cameras)
Binoculars
MEDICAL KIT
It is a good idea to take a small medical kit with you, and you should consider packing the following
items:
Antibiotics, Lip-balm, moisturiser, sunscreen, headache tablets, antiseptic (e.g. Betadine), anti-
diarrhoea tablets (for changes in diet and water), laxatives, band-aids/moleskin/dressing strips for
blisters, small scissors/tweezers. Note that moleskin is particularly good for blisters and can be
obtained from any pharmacy.
It is also recommended to carry a letter from your doctor explaining any less common prescribed
medications that you may be carrying.
Diarrhoea Stomach upsets are not uncommon when travelling through new destinations (usually a
24 - 48 hour 'bug') and this may cause diarrhoea, leading to dehydration. Should you develop a
stomach upset you should eat only in moderation and drink plenty of fluids. It is a good idea to carry a
couple of sachets of rehydrants with you (such as Gastrolite). We also suggest that you carry one of
the common anti-diarrhoea tablets such as Imodium.
Sunstroke It can be quite easy to get sun burnt when you are not accustomed to the sun in new climates. You should take sensible precautions such as wearing a hat and using a good UV sunscreen. Finally, drink plenty of fluids - preferably water.
Water In general, water is not safe to drink in the areas through which we travel. Bottled Water is widely available and most travellers prefer to drink this. Your guide can assist you in regards to the relative safety of tap water and the availability of bottled water on each tour. When walking, or in hot conditions, you must make a conscious effort to maintain your hydration, drinking as much water/tea as possible to offset fluid loss.
MONEY MATTERS
CURRENCY
Cambodia
The unit of currency is the riel. Notes come in denominations of 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 and 100,000 riel, although notes above 5,000 riel are not common. Coins are very rarely seen, for they are virtually worthless. The US dollar is also a major currency and commonly used in all day-to-day transactions.
Thailand
The unit of currency is the Thai baht. There are 1, 2, 5 and 10 baht coins. There is a new copper and silver 10 baht coin. Notes are in the denominations of 10 (quite scarce), 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 baht (with the last very hard to change!).
Vietnam
The unit of currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Bank notes come in denominations of 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000 and 500,000 VND. Polymer notes of 50,000 VND (pink), 100,000 VND (light green) and 500,000 VND (dark green) are now used together with the old paper notes.
EXCHANGE RATES
Check out www.xe.com for current exchange rates.
ACCESSING MONEY
Cambodia
You can use your credit card in ATMs (Automatic Teller Machines), which are now common throughout the country. These machines dispense cash in US dollars. Money is safest when carried in the form of traveller’s cheques which, along with cash of major world currencies, can also be changed in banks. However, this will entail allowing for a bit of time spent in banks. There is no need to bring lots of cash with you unless you prefer not to use ATMs. There is also no need to pre-purchase Cambodian riel prior to arriving in the country. Most travellers never need to have more than US$10 worth of Cambodian Riel on them at any one time, as Cambodia is a country that widely accepts US dollars for all cash transactions. If you are taking in cash, please check that all your notes are in good condition and not old (US banknotes printed before 2006 and any US$2 bills are generally not accepted), crumpled, marked or torn, otherwise they may not be accepted. Please also be warned that some banks outlets at Cambodian airports may tell you that you will need to change your US dollars cash with them for Cambodia Riel, but this is not true!
Thailand
There are plenty of money changing facilities in Thailand's cities and towns. Authorised money changers generally offer the best exchange rates but it’s worth it to shop around. Thailand also has a plethora of ATMs, which can also be used to get cash advances on credit cards. Look for ATMs displaying Maestro, Cirrus, MasterCard or Visa symbols. Traveller's cheques can be changed at most hotels, banks and currency exchange booths. In large cities there is no problem cashing cheques. You should consider where you are heading to, taking into account any public holidays, and cash enough money to see you to your next major town. Your tour leader will brief you at your pre-departure meeting on the specifics relevant to your particular trip. Credit cards are accepted in many shops, restaurants and hotels, but should not be relied on as your only form of funds. There are currency exchange booths in the arrival hall of Bangkok International Airport which offer the standard rate.
Vietnam
Credit cards have recently become more acceptable in Vietnam and ATM machines are now available in all the major tourist centres, including Saigon, Hoi An and Hanoi. The easiest manner to change money in Vietnam is to carry US dollars in cash as this is widely accepted throughout the country. However, it is not safe to have all your money in cash, so we suggest carrying half in cash and using an ATM card (Cirrus or Maestro). Traveller's cheques in any of the major currencies can be exchanged in the bigger cities, although banks in the provincial centres may take only US dollar cheques. If using traveller's cheques, please carry your purchase receipt, as this may have to be produced before you can cash your traveller's cheques in certain banks in Vietnam. Note that traveller's cheques attract a commission fee of around 3% and are sometimes difficult to cash. It is recommended that you change money through banks, hotels and authorised moneychangers only: it is easy to be short-changed if you change money on the street. You can also change money in banks at the airport, upon arrival in Vietnam.
PERSONAL EXPENSES
South East Asia
You will need to take money with you to cover sightseeing, entrance fees, meals and drinks. Other costs to consider are drinking water, tips, laundry, souvenirs, additional activities during free time and possible delays. It is much better to come with more than you would expect to spend and to end the trip with a surplus, rather than being caught short! It is always useful to carry an additional amount for emergencies that could happen en route. If there is a medical emergency you are sometimes required
to pay at the source and be reimbursed later by your insurance company. How Much Money? In our trip notes we have suggested an appropriate allowance for additional meals. This does not include alcoholic drinks, e.g. beer. In addition to this you should carry sufficient funds for optional activities, additional sightseeing, shopping and tips. As a guideline we suggest that you allow $US15-20 per day (or maybe less!) in Asia would allow you to eat and drink reasonably well. Emergency Funds In the unlikely event of an emergency of a personal nature or unforseen changes to the Gecko's schedule, we recommend you have access to an additional US$300 to cover any costs that may arise as a result of these events.
ENTRANCE
Please note that most of the sightseeing is optional in the Cambodia sector
of this tour, giving you the option to chose what you would like to visit.
SPENDING MONEY
We suggest an appropriate allowance for additional meals of US$235. This is for FOOD ONLY and does not include drinks and snacks. As a result of customer feedback we recommend you allow a figure of between US$170-$230 for your DRINK and SNACK requirements, additional to the amount suggested above for meals. Use a higher figure particularly if you are travelling during the hot season when you will require more fluids.
In addition you should carry sufficient funds for extra sightseeing and optional activities.
Shopping is a personal thing that, again, varies enormously. On average, people spend anywhere between US$50 and US $300 on souvenirs, art, tailor-made clothes etc.
AIRPORT TAXES
Thailand
You will be required to pay airport and departure taxes in most countries. Most of these are added to the ticket price on purchase and you will not need to bother further about them. Others must be paid physically at the airport on departure. All airport taxes in Thailand should now be included in the price of your flight ticket and so there should be no need to pay additional tax at the airport. However we recommend that you check with your travel agent for the latest information.
Vietnam
International airport departure taxes are included in the price of International airline tickets.
TIPPING
Like in most places around the world, the tourism and hospitality industry in Asia has developed a culture of tipping. Often this is the way where someone such as a waiter in a restaurant makes a living. However, we realise that people of some nationalities still find it quite uncomfortable when confronted by this custom. On our trips your tour leader can advise you on this matter, however, as a guideline we would recommend a tip of 10% in restaurants and US$1 to US$3 per person, per day for a local guide. Taxi, rickshaw, cyclo and tuk-tuk drivers can be tipped according to the length of the journey. If you are unhappy with a service, of course, you are under no obligation to leave a tip. However, if the service has been satisfactory, please consider our advice above.
Over the years we have found that many of our travellers find the need for tipping to be both tiresome and embarrassing, especially if they don't have the correct small change. To overcome this, we have established a tipping kitty system. At your group meeting, your tour leader may discuss the idea of running a group tipping kitty, whereby everybody contributes an equal amount and then your tour leader pays the tips while keeping a running record of all monies spent (except restaurant tips). The record can be checked at any time and any money remaining at the end of the tour returned to group members.
This kitty is not designed to provide a tip for your tour leader, so, if you would like to reward your leader for their services, you can do so individually or make a group presentation at the end of your tour. A minimum tip of US$3 per day, from each member of the group, is the usual amount expected.
Please don't tip with coins, very small denomination notes, or dirty and ripped notes. This is regarded culturally as an insult.
WHILE YOU ARE TRAVELLING
ON ARRIVAL
Please refer to your tour itinerary for the joining hotel name and address. If you have not pre-booked an arrival transfer, you will find the following transport available on arrival at Noi Bai Airport. Buses run regularly between the airport and Hanoi and cost in the vicinity of US$4 per person. Check the exact times of departure at the Vietnam Airlines desk and book a seat. Some of the backpacker cafes have cheap, older cars running to and from the airport for around US$10. Look around to see if you can find someone to share the vehicle with. Taxis are the most convenient way to transfer into Hanoi and the fare can be negotiated for between US$15 and US$20. Make sure you firmly settle on a figure before getting in and setting off. If you prefer not to haggle for the price, just ask the driver to set the taxi’s
metre. Make sure he does this before leaving, as you don’t want to end up being asked to pay for an
excessive fare.
If you have booked an airport transfer with us, please meet your transfer guide in the arrivals area as
you exit from the customs hall. The guide will be holding a Gecko’s sign.
Emergency contact
In the case of a genuine crisis or emergency, PEAK Vietnam Office can be reached on Tel: +84 (0)
903 117 770
There will be a pre-departure briefing with your tour leader between 6.00-6.30 pm this evening. Don’t
forget to check the notice board in the foyer of the joining hotel for details of this meeting, and also for
any messages from your leader. Please bring your passport and travel insurance documents to the
briefing.
HOTEL CHECK IN / CHECK OUT
Generally, your room will be available from around midday as Check In and Out times are midday
according to hotel policy. Sometimes it may be available mid-morning but this is in no way
guaranteed. If your flight is scheduled to arrive in the early morning you may have to wait until a room
becomes available. Alternatively you can book one night's 'pre-tour accommodation' which will ensure
that your room is ready whenever you arrive. Please refer to the 'Additional Services' panel in the
pricing page of our brochure. When arriving early after an overnight rail journey, it is not always
possible to check into your hotel immediately. Please be patient and wait for your tour guide’s
instructions. Normally the leader will arrange a day room for guests to share if it is not possible for all
rooms to be ready at once. Rooms must generally be vacated by 12.00 noon unless you have made
prior arrangements with the hotel reception. If you want to keep your room for longer you may have to
pay an additional charge. Please ensure that you settle all bills (eg mini-bar, phone calls) when you
check out. If you are sharing a room with someone who is checking out before you make sure they
pay their bills at reception or you collect some money to cover their bills as you will be asked to pay
upon check out.
PHOTO ETIQUETTE
Please ask first if you want to take someone's photograph. This is just a normal courtesy and if you
are refused permission please abide by that person's wishes. At certain ancient sites, and in most
museums, photography (video or still) may be forbidden, or may incur an extra charge for camera-
use. Do not take photos of buildings, structures and personnel of potential military significance
(including airports, bridges, and police stations).
FLEXIBILITY AND PATIENCE
Travelling with us can provide you with some really rewarding travel experiences. Our tours visit
countries where travel modes and lifestyles are often not as sophisticated as our own. There is also a
laid-back attitude amongst workers and there will often seem to be huge amounts of red tape and
bureaucracy when doing the simplest things. You will enjoy your trip much more if you slip into the
rhythm of local life and are prepared to take things as they come.
A WORD ON DRUGS
In most countries even the smallest quantity of an illegal substance is considered a very serious
offence and can carry lengthy jail terms. Avoid any contact with illegal drugs. Don’t put yourself and
others at risk and never carry bags or luggage for other people. Any person found to be carrying or
using illegal drugs will be asked to leave the trip immediately without the right to any refund.
LOCAL PRICES
Cambodia
Compared to the Western world, Cambodia is a very inexpensive country, however, it does tend to be a little more expensive than its neighbours. You’ll find that costs are a little higher in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap compared to country areas. You can eat quite well for US$2-US$3 a meal, sometimes less if you eat at local markets. A beer will set you back about US$1-US$2 and a litre of water is around US$1.
Thailand
Thailand is wonderfully inexpensive. A meal in a restaurant will cost around THB100-THB300, whereas a street snack is only THB30-THB50. A large bottle of Singha beer is about THB80-THB120 and a litre of water will set you back THB10-THB20.
Vietnam
You can eat and drink very well in Vietnam for a very small amount of money, this country is a bargain! A bowl of pho ga or pho bo (chicken or beef and noodle soup) will cost the equivalent of around US$0.60 from a street stall. In a restaurant a meal will cost around US$3-US$7 and if you want to wash it down with a beer, the beer will cost around US$1. A litre of water is only US$0.70 or thereabouts, depending on where you buy it from.
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Crossing culturesWhen you are taking a tour that covers 3 different countries, you will be tempted at times to draw comparisons between them. However, you will get the most of your travel experience if you try to understand and respect each culture and the people living there, regardless of whether you preferred the destination you were in previously.There are some cultural elements that do cross over between countries in South East Asia:
· Patting someone on their head is considered extremely rude and insulting.· Public displays of affection are not acceptable, especially kissing.· Losing your temper or showing anger and shouting or yelling will lose respect immediately,to remain cool, calm and collected at all times is an admired quality· When visiting temples ensure your shoulders and knees are covered. They are places ofworship please treat them as such.· The monarchy is held in high esteem in Thailand & Cambodia, please treat them with respect
BeggingAt some of the tourist sites and in the cities it is possible you will come across beggars. This can prove an uncomfortable encounter especially for inexperienced travellers. There are many genuine beggars, however there are also those who find the lifestyle easier than working and these people often see tourists as easy prey. As a general rule, if you feel the impulse to give, you should be discreet in the giving. Never make a show of it, as you will attract a crowd, which brings with it its own set of problems. There are often charities that take care of the needy and it may be wise to give to them rather than to individuals begging. We do not recommend giving money to children begging or selling goods on the streets.
Dress standardsIn places you should dress conservatively to avoid attracting unwanted attention and so as not to offend the local population. This is especially applicable to women travellers. Dress rules also apply at many of the religious sites.
Local Tour GuidesBy employing and training local site guides to lead our group holidays, there is a two-fold benefit. Firstly, we provide employment opportunities for the local community. Just as importantly is the benefit to you, the traveller. Your tour guide’s friendship, humour, passion and intimate knowledge of the region will be key factors in making your holiday a success.
Tet Holiday PeriodPlease note that Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand are developing countries whose infrastructure may
differ from what you expect in your homeland. Be prepared for some inconveniences due to such
things as restaurants or tourist sites being closed and our regular transport services not always being
available, especially so during the Tet holiday period (Vietnamese New Year)/Chinese New Year.
Tet (Vietnamese New Year) Is a time where most businesses will be closed as Vietnamese people
usually spend this period returning to their homes and celebrating with their families. This will involve
a major burden on all forms of transport, and despite booking in advance, tickets for planes and trains
especially are extremely difficult to obtain. Even if bookings are obtained, transport services during
this period will be overcrowded and heavy delays are to be expected, so you will need to make sure
that you pack your sense of humour. In order to facilitate your travels during the Tet period, we may
need to substitute your train/plane journey with a private bus trip, if required. Please check with your
booking agent when Tet is this year.
Some Additional InformationThis is an 'adventure' trip and we hope to expose you to all aspects of the local cultures. Please be
open-minded.
For some departures the overnight train will either depart late in the afternoon or arrive into cities very
early in the morning. On these occasions we will have the opportunity to store our luggage and
freshen up in multi share day rooms before either we depart for the early evening overnight train
journey or checking into our evening accommodation later in the day respectively. Please note if you
have booked a single supplement whilst on tour, it will not apply to these day rooms.
Please note that, on your tour, you may link up with passengers booked on other tours in our Gecko’s
Asia program.
Single SupplementsA single supplement is available on this trip. On the following nights a single room is not available:
Day 2 Overnight train
Day 8 Overnight train
Day 13 Homestay
Local Emergency Contacts In the case of a genuine crisis or emergency, the Gecko's Cambodia office can be reached on Tel:
+855 92 555 969, Gecko's Vietnam Office can be reached on Tel: +84 903 117 770, Gecko's Thailand
Office can be reached on Tel: +66 898 103 722.
Brochure Misprint In our 2014-2015 Asia brochure the map reflected that this trip visited the
Mekong Delta. Unfortunately this is a misprint and the trip does not visit the Mekong Delta whilst you
are in Ho Chi Minh.
Please remember that our tours are of an adventurous nature. Our style of travelling means that it is
more desirable to carry a backpack and a day pack on our tours.
Please note that the accommodation facilities here are basic, but provide you with an authentic
experience of how these people live. You may wish to bring an inner sleeping sheet for the train
journeys and the village stay, but please note that this is not a necessity. For light sleepers, we
recommend that you bring ear-plugs and eye-patches for the overnight rail journey and the village
stay.
Occasionally it may be necessary to amend this itinerary for reasons beyond our control. Changes to
domestic train schedules occur and sometimes with little notice. Expect poor road conditions and be
prepared for some inconveniences due to such things as restaurants or tourist sites being closed and
our regular transport services not always being available (this can be especially so during the
Vietnamese Tet holiday period). Any such changes may necessitate some alterations to your tour.
Please note that Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam are developing countries whose infrastructure may
differ from what you expect in your homeland. Some of the accommodation is of a basic nature, as
our aim is to enable you to experience how the local people live. This is an 'adventure' trip and we
hope to expose you to all aspects of the Thai,Cambodian and Vietnamese cultures. Please be open
minded while travelling, as this will allow you to truly experience everything that the region has to
offer.
Motorbike, Quad Bike, Jet Ski rental There have been incidents of scams involving rental of motorbikes and jet skis in areas frequented by
tourists and expatriate residents in some regions of Cambodia including the town of Sihanoukville.
Due to safety concerns we do not recommend renting motorbikes, quad bikes or jet skis in Cambodia.
TRIP LENGTH TRIP CODE
22 days GTHS
COUNTRIES VISITED
Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam
START CITY END CITY
Hanoi Bangkok
DAY TO DAY ITINERARY
As Many Friends as Phos
DAY 1-2: HANOI - OVERNIGHT TRAIN
Explore Hanoi by cyclo or on foot, because crawling on your knees would take ages. Visit the pagoda-
lined lake and do all the touristy stuff. Or just find a quiet spot, knock back a Tiger beer and watch the
world tick by, then catch the overnight train.
Day 1
Arrive in Hanoi and attend a welcome meeting at 6pm
Day 2
Begin by visiting the One Pillar Pagoda near the Soviet-inspired mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh
Walk to the Temple of Literature - Vietnam’s first educational institute
Visit the Hoa Lo Prison, probably better known to most as the ‘Hanoi Hilton’
Enjoy a free afternoon to wander around town and check out the lifestyles of Hanoi’s people
Perhaps stop by the city’s Old Quarter, situated to the north of the lake
Board the Reunification Express in the evening for the trip to Hue
DAY 3: HUE
Jump on a bicycle and pedal through Hue, you'll discover heaps ancient royal treasures, or you can
take a boat trip along the Perfume River. There is a place called the Forbidden Purple City at the
Imperial Citadel, which is possibly the most humorously-named forbidden city we've ever come
across.
• Mount local ‘shopping’ bikes, as they’re known here, and cycle down to the riverside
• Place the bikes on board a ‘Dragon Boat’, and enjoy a cruise up the Perfume River to visit the
Thien Mu pagoda
• Choose to either cycle back into town from here, approximately 8km, or staying on the boat to
head back down river to the Citadel
• Spend a couple of hours exploring Hue’s massive walled citadel and the Forbidden Purple
Palace enclosed within
• Perhaps cycle out to one of the Royal tombs such as the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, one of the
best remaining examples of its kind
• Alternatively, set off on an optional motorcycle tour of the sights in Hue and some surrounding
villages
DAY 4-6: HOI AN - NHA TRANG
Meals included: 3 breakfasts
Call in to China Beach, which isn't in China (it's in Vietnam). There's an option to take another bike
ride, this time around Hoi An, and experience rural life. Or, you might wanna practice your MasterChef
at a cooking place. Do whatever you want. It's your holiday.
• Enjoy a free morning to explore Hue under your own steam
• Take an enjoyable four-hour drive to Hoi An in the afternoon, through a region of rural and
coastal Vietnam
• Pass through Lang Co Beach, and join Highway One through Hai Van Pass or, ‘Pass of the
Ocean Clouds’
• Drive through the busy streets of Danang and pass by the massive former US airbase that was,
in 1968, the busiest airport in the world
• Take a walking tour of Hoi An
• Enjoy free time - there’s such a broad choice of things to see and do, and they can all be
experienced without difficulty
• Perhaps rent bicycles and set off to explore the surrounding countryside, take a boat trip on the
river, relax on the nearby beach, enjoy the cuisine on offer at some of the town’s numerous
cheap cafes or have some clothes made up
• Why not venture further afield to Vietnam’s world famous ‘China Beach’ (My Khe Beach) and the
adjacent Marble Mountains
• An optional visit to the Kingdom of Champa, the ancient ruins at My Son, can be completed in
half a day
• Leave Hoi An and take the day train to Nha Trang
DAY 7-8: NHA TRANG - OVERNIGHT TRAIN
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch
Become the bronzed god or goddess you've always dreamed of on the beaches of Nha Trang.
Explore the local islands on a relaxing boat trip, or just fall asleep in the sun.
• Enjoy plenty of time to worship the sun during two full days in Nha Trang
• Head out onto the water for a day to cruise around the islands
• Spend stacks of time swimming and snorkelling
• Indulge in a lunchtime feast of freshly caught seafood and other delights for non-fish eaters
• Board the Reunification Express for the final time and make our overnight journey to Ho Chi Minh
DAY 9-11: HO CHI MINH CITY - CU CHI TUNNELS - PHNOM PENH
Meals included: 2 breakfasts
The Cu Chi Tunnels helped the Viet Cong during the Vietnam war. Going there will also help you
understand just how real the fear might have been for those tucked inside. Hop in and see if you could
have managed it.
Day 9
• Wake to the sounds of frenzied activity this morning as the train rolls to a halt at Ho Chi Minh City
• Choose to make the most of your time, by hiring a ‘cyclo’ (bicycle rickshaw)
Days 10-11
• Crawl through a section of the Cu Chi Tunnels
• Learn how the brave men and women of Cu Chi built underground hospitals, kitchens and
meeting rooms during their struggle
• Spend the last afternoon in Vietnam shopping in the city’s main business district, or take a cyclo
ride through the busy city streets to Ho Chi Minh’s Chinatown district, Cholon
DAY 12: PHNOM PENH
Say bye-bye to Vietnam and take a bus to Phnom Penh. Depart Vietnam at the Moc Bai checkpoint
and arrive in Cambodia at the Bavet checkpoint. Visit the Tuol Sleng Museum and the Killing Fields.
Cambodia's recent history is no joke, but learning about and understanding this stuff is all part of the
reason we travel.
• Optional Activities:
• Take a cyclo sightseeing tour of Phnom Penh to include the Royal Palace and the infamous Tuol
Sleng Prison
• Join a bus to visit another reminder of the Khmer Rouge atrocities, the Choeung Ek Killing Fields
• Visit the Central Market, located in an old French colonial building - a good place to look for
clothing or sarongs
• Enjoy the rest of the day exploring Phnom Penh city
• Perhaps stop by the Silver Pagoda, the temple of Wat Phnom, the National Museum and the
French Quarter
DAY 13: CHAMBOK HOMESTAY
Meals included: 1 dinner
Experience Khmer life as a guest at a rural homestay. Practice your Cambodian language skills with
the locals and just take the time to soak up the slower pace of life. Gorge yourself on some home-
cooked food. Ain't nothing better.
Witness everyday Cambodian life and enjoy a traditional-style dinner
Facilities are basic and multishare with mattresses, bedding and mosquito nets provided
DAY 14-15: SIHANOUKVILLE
Meals included: 2 breakfasts
Relax on the beaches, take a boat trip, or explore Ream National Park. It's your call.
Sihanoukville is a beach town with warm, welcoming people
Optional Activities:
Take a boat to one of the nearby islands, perhaps enjoy a barbecue lunch and relax on the beach
Make a trip out to the Ream National Park - home to a variety of animal and bird species
DAY 16: PHNOM PENH
Meals included: 1 breakfast
Stroll through the markets and try and become even more immersed in the city of Phnom Penh. Take
in the markets of Psar Thmei or just get a massage and kick back.
Take a local bus to Phnom Penh (approx 4 hrs)
Optional Activities:
Perhaps visit the infamous Tuol Sleng Prison or indulge in a traditional massage at the Seeing Hands
Massage parlour. An initiative set up to support the visually impaired masseurs, who also some of the
best in the city
DAY 17: KAMPONG CHAM
Jump on two wheels, if you want, and explore all the French architecture around Kampong Cham. It's
blooming marvellous.
Travel by public bus to Kompong Cham - once an important trading hub and now a laid-back small
town
Optional Activities:
Explore the serene 11th-century Wat Nokor
Hire a bike to explore the island of Koh Paen, linked to Kampong Cham by a bamboo bridge
(passable only in the dry season, take a ferry in the wet)
Get a better understanding of local cottage industries
Perhaps travel further to the twin 'mountain temples' of Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei
DAY 18-20: SIEM REAP - ANGKOR
The temples of Angkor need no introduction, so we won't introduce them.
Day 18
• Leave Phnom Penh on a private bus and head towards Siem Reap
• Follow the Tônlé Sap River and pass through fishing villages
• Optional Activities:
• Drive out to the Angkor temple complex to watch the sunset from one of the structures; Phnom
Bakheng, Pre Rup temple, Sras Srong, Phnom Krom or Phnom Bok
Day 19
• Take an optional day-long tour of the Angkor complex, visiting the South Gate of Angkor Thom,
Bayon, Elephant Terrace, Baphoun, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, Terrace of the Leper
King, Ta Prohm and, of course, Angkor Wat
Day 20
• Free time to do some exploring of your own
• Optional visit to the rose-coloured Banteay Srei Temple
• Perhaps visit Banteay Srei, located about 30 kilometres north of Siem Reap - considered to be
the best preserved of all of Cambodia’s temples
• Optional trip with into the countryside to discover facets of rural life with a local site guide
• Kick back in Siem Reap and just wander around the town, visiting its market, shops and
restaurants
DAY 21: SIEM REAP - BANGKOK
Pedal to the metal back to Bangkok, where a longtail boat adventure (optional) and a number of other
exploratory escapades await. The gardens of the Grand Palace are pretty tops, so why don't you
head there?
• Jump into local mini-vans for an adventurous journey to the Cambodian/Thai border town of
Poipet
• Stop for lunch on on the Thai side in the border town of Aranya Prathet
• Continue on by local bus to Bangkok
DAY 22: BANGKOK
Devote your last day in Bangkok to answering the age-old question, ‘which Thai dish is the best?’
Contenders include tom yum goong (spicy Thai soup with shrimp), som tam (spicy papaya salad) and
ghang keow wan (green curry).
• Day 22 is your final day, you are free to leave at any time after breakfast on this day (or even
before breakfast if you prefer)
ABOUT THIS PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION
The information provided here is given in good faith and has been compiled with all reasonable care.
However, things change and some of the information may become out of date. Please ensure that
you have the most up-to-date information for your trip. We recommend that you check the trip notes
for your tour around one month before departure. If you have any queries, please contact your travel
agent or our staff in Australia. We are here to help you!
GIVE US YOUR FEEDBACK
Your feedback is important to us and to our tour guides and helps shape the quality of our trips. It tells
us what we're doing right, what you believe could be done better and what improvements you feel
could help future travellers choose and enjoy Geckos. At the end of your trip we ask that you to take a
few minutes of your time to complete our on-line feedback form. Just go to
http://www.geckosadventures.com/trip-feedback for our easy to fill out questionnaire. We’d love to
hear what you have to say!
LAST UPDATED
3 February 2014
GENERAL CONTACT DETAILS
Phone: 0808 274 5981
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: Visit Geckos"
