Cambodia to Vietnam: Night Markets & Noodle-Making - 20 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What are the main highlights of the "Cambodia to Vietnam: Night Markets & Noodle-Making" tour?

  This tour offers the chance to explore the bustling streets of Bangkok, revel in the majesty of Angkor Wat, enjoy a delicious local Khmer meal, relax on the golden beaches of Koh Rong, shop Hoi An's quaint streets, float through Halong Bay, experience the lively atmosphere of Hanoi, and learn about Cambodia's sombre history at Tuol Sleng Prison. It also includes a visit to the tour operator-supported Oodles of Noodles project and two street food crawls.

• What is the minimum and maximum age to join this trip?

  The minimum age to join this trip is 18 years, and the maximum age is 39 years.

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size is 18 travelers, with an average group size of 12.

• What types of accommodation are provided on this tour?

  Accommodation includes simple hotels (twin-share) for 8 nights, hostels (multi-share) for 7 nights, a homestay for 1 night, and sleeper trains for 3 nights. The homestay in Chambok has basic facilities, including a squat toilet and a douse shower (showering with a bucket). For multi-share hostels, specific rooming requests cannot be taken.

• What meals are included in the trip?

  The trip includes 15 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 1 dinner.

• What forms of transportation will be used during the tour?

  The modes of transportation include air-conditioned bus, tuk-tuk, walking, junk boat, local boat, and plane. Train travel in Vietnam is basic, with sleeper trains typically having 4 seats per compartment that convert into sleeping bunks, sometimes requiring passengers of different genders or outside your group to share. During January/February due to Tết (Vietnamese Lunar New Year), overnight trains may be replaced with overnight buses.

• Is travel insurance compulsory for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory to participate in any of our trips. You will not be permitted to join the group until your CEO has seen proof of medical coverage, with a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue.

• Are international flights included in the tour price?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour, except for some combo tours traveling between two different countries where they might be part of the itinerary. Please contact your GCO or booking agent for details regarding specific flights.

• Are local flights included in the cost of the trip?

  Any local flights mentioned in the tour operator itinerary for this tour are included in the tour services provided. Flight tickets are provided by the tour operator during the tour.

• What optional activities are available during the tour?

  Optional activities include, but are not limited to: Phare Circus, Angkor Museum, Tonle Sap Floating Village in Siem Reap; Tuol Sleng Prison, Killing Fields, Silver Pagoda, Royal Palace, or a street food crawl in Phnom Penh; various markets, palaces, and a cyclo tour in Ho Chi Minh City; snorkeling, mud baths, or a boat tour in Nha Trang; a cooking class, cycling, tailor visit, or Thu Bon River cruise in Hoi An; Imperial Citadel, Royal Tombs, Perfume River cruise, or a motorbike tour in Huế; and caving in Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, kayaking in Ha Long Bay, or various museum visits and a water puppet performance in Hanoi.

• What is the physical rating of this tour?

  This tour has a physical rating of 2.

• Who will be leading the group on this tour?

  The group will be led by a CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout the trip, complemented by local guides in various locations.

• Is there an extra cost for solo travelers?

  No, single travelers on group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex, so there is no single supplement fee.

• What are the health considerations for this trip?

  It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information and required inoculations well before departure. It is recommended to carry a first aid kit, hand sanitizers, and any personal medical requirements, as medical facilities may be remote. Tour leaders are prohibited from administering medication.

• Is tipping customary in Asia, and what are the recommendations?

  Yes, tipping service providers like waiters (approximately 10%) is customary. For local guides or drivers, recommendations range from $1.5-$3.5 USD per person per day. For the CEO, a guideline of $20-25 USD per person per week is suggested at the end of the trip.

• What should I know about currency and money exchange on this tour?

  Local currencies used are Thai Baht, US Dollar, Cambodian Riel, and Vietnamese Dong. The best way to carry money is with debit cards for ATM withdrawals (Visa and Mastercard networks are widely accepted). It's advisable to carry both a Visa and Mastercard. USD cash (new notes, good condition) is recommended for emergencies when ATMs are unavailable. Travelers cheques are not recommended as a primary source of funds due to exchange difficulties.

• What is the policy regarding illegal drugs and exploitation on this trip?

  Illegal drugs are not tolerated, and possession or use will put the group at risk and contravene local laws. Exploitation of prostitutes is also contrary to the tour philosophy. CEOs have the right to expel any group member found with drugs or engaging in prostitution.

• What safety and security information should I be aware of during the trip?

  It is strongly recommended to use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables. Leave valuable jewelry at home. Many hotels have safety deposit boxes. A lock is recommended for luggage. Be aware of petty theft, especially at night in Vietnamese towns and cities; carry bags over the neck and leave valuables/passports in the hotel safe. Your CEO can amend or cancel itinerary parts due to safety concerns and will accompany you on all included activities. When exploring during free time, exercise good judgment and consider staying in small groups or taking taxis at night.

• What should LGBTQ+ travellers know about safety and travel considerations?

  The tour operator prioritizes the safety and well-being of all travelers, including those identifying as LGBTQ+. Travelers are encouraged to visit the provided LGBTQ+ travel resources for specific concerns and information.

• Can I do laundry during the trip?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some hotels for a charge. It is suggested to bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap for personal laundry.

• What is Planeterra and how is it involved with this tour?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn income from tourism. They develop and support community-owned businesses that empower local people and protect the environment. The tour operator integrates Planeterra projects into its itineraries globally and is its largest corporate donor. You can support by donating $1/day through their 'Dollar-a-day Program'.

• Are there any specific entry requirements for Thailand mentioned?

  Effective May 1, 2025, all travelers entering Thailand through air, land, or sea must complete the Thailand E-Arrival form at least 3 days before arrival.

• Do I need to pay a departure tax?

  Departure tax is included in all international and domestic tickets in China, Thailand, and Vietnam.

• What is generally included in the tour price, besides optional activities?

  The tour price includes specific 'G for Good Moments' like local Khmer meals and the Oodles of Noodles experience, a welcome meeting and social gatherings, orientation walks in various cities (Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Phnom Penh), a guided sunrise tour of the Angkor Wat temple complex, two street food crawls, and all transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

• How will I know where to meet the group upon arrival?

  For details of your joining hotel, refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the tour operator App, or contact your travel agent. Upon arrival, look for a note or bulletin board in the reception from your CEO, which will provide details of the Welcome Meeting (usually between 5 pm and 7 pm on day 1). If you miss the meeting, your CEO will leave a note at reception with necessary information.

• What if I experience problems upon arrival?

  If you are unable to start your trip as scheduled, contact your starting point hotel to speak to your CEO or leave a message. If you cannot reach your leader, use the emergency contact numbers provided. If you have a pre-booked airport transfer and your driver does not arrive within 30 minutes, take a taxi to the joining hotel and apply for a refund of the transfer cost upon your return.