Cambodia & The Thai Islands – East Coast - 16 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What type of accommodation is provided on this tour?

  You will be staying in hotels for all 15 nights of the tour.

• What meals are included in the tour price?

  The tour includes 15 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners.

• What are some of the main highlights included in this tour?

  Highlights include a cyclo tour in Phnom Penh, guided tours of Tuol Sleng Museum (S-21 Prison) and Choeung Ek (Killing Fields), watching the sunrise over the massive Angkor temple complex, a full-day snorkelling excursion from Koh Tao, and an Ang Thong Marine Park Island Hopping Tour. You'll also have free time on spectacular beaches.

• What optional activities are available during the tour?

  Optional activities include a Mekong Delta boat cruise or Cu Chi Tunnels tour in Ho Chi Minh City; visiting the Royal Palace, National Museum, or Central Market in Phnom Penh; a Phare Circus show, Tonlé Sap floating village, or Angkor National Museum in Siem Reap; a Bangkok Cycling Tour or Thai Foodie Tour and Cooking Class in Bangkok; and exploring waterfalls, swimming, yoga, or hiking in Koh Pha Ngan. Stand Up Paddleboarding is also optional in Koh Samui.

• What happens if Ang Thong National Park is closed?

  Ang Thong National Park is closed annually during monsoon season, typically from mid-October to mid-December. On rare occasions, it may also be closed during extreme weather. Should this occur, an alternative activity, such as a Lake Cheow Lan excursion, will be provided.

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size is 16 travelers, with an average of 12.

• Will there be a tour leader throughout the trip?

  Yes, a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will accompany the group throughout the entire trip to provide information, suggestions, and assistance. Local guides are also used for specific sites to offer more specialized knowledge.

• What should solo travelers expect regarding accommodation?

  Solo travelers will be paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex. There is no single supplement for shared accommodation. If you prefer your own single room for all night stops, you can book the 'My Own Room' option.

• What currencies will I need for this tour?

  The local currencies you will use are the Vietnamese Dong, US Dollar, Cambodian Riel, and Thai Baht. It is recommended to refer to www.xe.com for up-to-date exchange rates.

• How should I carry my money?

  The best way to carry your money is in debit cards, withdrawing cash in local currencies from ATM machines. It's a good idea to travel with both a Visa and Mastercard. USD cash is recommended for times when ATMs are not accessible, but ensure notes are new and in good condition (newer than 2003, no tears or blemishes). Credit cards can be used at some upmarket restaurants and larger stores.

• Is tipping customary in these countries?

  Yes, it is customary in Asia to tip service providers. Recommendations for tipping local guides and drivers range from $1.5-$3.5 USD per person per day. Tipping your CEO is also appreciated, with a guideline of $20-25 USD per person per week. This can be done individually or as a group.

• Are there any health considerations before travelling?

  It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information and required inoculations well before departure. We recommend carrying a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers. Your CEO is prohibited from administering any type of drug.

• Is travel insurance required for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. At a minimum, you must be covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of USD200,000. It is strongly recommended that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage and personal effects.

• How should I dress to respect local customs during the tour?

  In Asia, dress standards are generally more conservative. Please pack loose, lightweight, long clothing that covers knees and shoulders. When visiting temples or other holy sites, you will be asked to dress respectfully, so avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops. A shawl or scarf is also recommended for temple visits.

• What modes of transportation are used on this trip?

  Transportation on this tour includes local buses, walking, cyclo, private vehicles, ferries, and internal flights.

• Are international flights included in this trip?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. However, all local flights specified in the itinerary are included.

• Are there any specific entry/exit requirements for Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand?

  All countries require a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity. Visa requirements vary by nationality and must be checked with your local embassy or consulate. For Vietnam, visas need to be arranged ahead of time (minimum 2 weeks) as they are not available on arrival; an E-Visa is an option. For Cambodia, visas can be obtained in advance or on arrival (approx. $30 USD, 2 passport photos needed). An e-Arrival form for Cambodia is required for air arrivals. For Thailand, most nationalities do not need a visa for stays of 30 days or less, but an advance tourist visa is needed for longer stays, and a Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) must be completed online before arrival (as of May 1st, 2025).

• What is Planeterra?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating local impact through tourism. They support community-owned businesses by integrating them into tour operator itineraries, helping local communities earn income. The tour operator covers all operating costs for Planeterra, so 100% of donations support their projects.

• What happens if I experience problems when arriving for the tour?

  If you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, contact your starting point hotel to speak with or leave a message for your CEO. If unable to reach them, use the emergency contact details provided. If a pre-booked airport transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes, it is recommended to take a taxi to your joining hotel, and you can apply for a refund of the transfer cost upon your return.

• What should LGBTQ+ travelers know about safety and travel considerations on this trip?

  The safety and well-being of all travelers, including the LGBTQ+ community, is a priority. We encourage you to visit our LGBTQ+ page for useful resources, including the Equaldex tool, to ensure you feel safe and comfortable throughout your trip.

• When can I do my laundry on this trip?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There may be times when you need to do your own laundry, so we suggest bringing non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

• Are there any specific notes about hotel rooms?

  In some major cities in Vietnam and Thailand, many hotel rooms do not have windows. Also, please be aware that properties with only two stories may not have elevators, so climbing stairs with your luggage may be necessary.