Cambodia to Vietnam: Temples, Koh Rong Beaches & Big City Buzz - 9 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  The main highlights include watching the sunrise over Angkor Wat, enjoying a delicious local Khmer meal in a small Cambodian village, swimming in crystal clear waters and relaxing on golden beaches in Koh Rong, and experiencing a local's perspective at an overnight homestay.

• What is the age range for this tour?

  This tour is designed for travelers between 18 and 39 years old.

• How large will the tour group be?

  The maximum group size is 18 travelers.

• What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

  Accommodation includes simple hotels (twin-share, 4 nights), hostels (multi-share, 3 nights), and a homestay (1 night). Please note that some hotel rooms in major Vietnamese cities may not have windows, and the Chambok Homestay has basic facilities including a squat toilet and douse shower. Rooming requests for multi-share hostels cannot be accommodated.

• What meals are included in the trip?

  The tour includes 6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner.

• What kind of food can I expect on the trip?

  While most meals are not included to provide flexibility, included breakfasts are typically Asian style, consisting of noodles or congee (rice porridge), or bread and eggs. Vegetarians will find a range of foods, though choices may be limited in some areas.

• Is there an extra cost for solo travelers?

  No, our group trips are designed for shared accommodation, and single travelers are paired in twin or multi-share rooms with someone of the same sex, so there is no single supplement.

• What modes of transportation are used during the tour?

  The tour utilizes local buses, air-conditioned buses, ferries, and walking.

• What currencies will I need for this tour?

  You will use Thai Baht, US Dollar, Cambodian Riel, and Vietnamese Dong. Debit cards are the best way to carry money for ATM withdrawals, and US Dollar cash (new, good condition notes) is recommended for situations where ATMs are not accessible.

• How much emergency money should I bring?

  You should have access to at least an additional USD $250 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, in case circumstances outside our control require a change to the planned route.

• What is the recommended dress code for this tour?

  In Asia, the dress standard is more conservative. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is recommended to stay cool. When visiting temples or other holy sites in predominantly Buddhist, Hindu, and Muslim countries, please dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tank tops.

• Are there any health considerations or vaccination requirements?

  Inoculations may be required, and it is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. It's recommended to carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers/antibacterial wipes, along with any personal medical requirements.

• Is travel insurance compulsory for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You must have medical coverage with a minimum of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. Proof of travel insurance will be required by your Chief Experience Officer (CEO).

• What are the visa and entry requirements for Cambodia and Vietnam?

  All countries require a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity. For Vietnam, visas must be arranged ahead of time (BEFORE your trip) as processing time varies (minimum 2 weeks) and they are not available upon arrival. A Vietnamese E-Visa can be applied for online. For Cambodia, visas can be obtained in advance or on arrival at the Cambodian border or Siem Reap Airport for approximately $30 USD; you will need at least 2 passport photos. If arriving by air in Cambodia, an e-Arrival form must be completed online within 7 days of arrival.

• Who will be leading the tour?

  All group trips are accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The CEO will provide information, suggestions for activities and eating venues, and introduce you to local contacts. Local guides are also utilized for more specific knowledge at certain sites.

• Are there any optional activities available?

  Yes, optional activities include Phare Circus, Angkor Museum Visit, and Tonle Sap Floating Village in Siem Reap; and Silver Pagoda Visit, Tuol Sleng Museum (S-21 Prison) & Choeung Ek (Killing Fields) Half-Day Guided Tour, and National Museum Visit in Phnom Penh.

• What are the safety and security guidelines for the trip?

  It is strongly recommended to use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables and to leave valuable jewelry at home. Many hotels have safety deposit boxes. Always use your good judgment during free time, especially when exploring at night, and consider taking taxis. Avoid protests and demonstrations. When participating in water-based activities, it's recommended to be accompanied by a guide.

• Are laundry facilities available on this trip?

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

• Are international flights included in the tour price?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. However, on some combo tours traveling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour.

• What is the minimum age to join this trip?

  The minimum age for participants on this trip is 18 years.

• What is the maximum group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size for this tour is 18 travelers.

• What is the travel style and physical rating of this tour?

  This tour is designed for 18-to-Thirtysomethings and has a physical rating of 2 (on a scale of 1-5, where 1 is the easiest), indicating light physical activity suitable for most fitness levels.

• What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour, and what are the rooming arrangements for solo travelers?

  You will stay in a variety of simple hotels (twin-share, 4 nights), multi-share hostels (multi-share, 3 nights), and a local homestay (1 night). Accommodation styles can vary in service and efficiency. The Chambok Homestay has basic facilities like a squat toilet and douse shower. Note that some hotel rooms in major Vietnamese cities may not have windows. Solo travelers are paired with someone of the same sex in twin or multi-share accommodation without an extra supplement.

• What meals are included in the tour price?

  The tour includes 6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner. Generally, other meals are not included to provide flexibility in dining choices, but your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) can offer recommendations. Included breakfasts are typically Asian style.

• What modes of transportation will be used on the tour?

  Transportation includes local buses, air-conditioned buses, ferries, and walking.

• What are the visa and entry requirements for Cambodia and Vietnam?

  A valid passport with at least 6 months validity is required. For Vietnam, visas must be arranged ahead of time (minimum 2 weeks processing) as they are not available on arrival. For Cambodia, visas can be obtained in advance or on arrival at the Cambodian border or Siem Reap Airport for approximately $30 USD, requiring at least two passport photos. If arriving by air in Cambodia, an e-Arrival form must be completed online within 7 days of arrival.

• How should I dress to respect local customs, especially when visiting religious sites?

  In Asia, a conservative dress standard is recommended. Please pack loose, lightweight, long clothing suitable for hot and humid climates. When visiting temples or other holy sites, dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tank tops.

• What are the recommended currencies and payment methods for spending money, and how much emergency fund should I have?

  Local currencies include Thai Baht, US Dollar, Cambodian Riel, and Vietnamese Dong. Debit cards for ATM withdrawals (Visa and Mastercard) are recommended. Carry some USD cash for emergencies, ensuring notes are new and in good condition. Credit cards are accepted at some upscale establishments. It's advisable to have access to an additional USD $250 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund for unforeseen circumstances.

• What are the tipping customs and recommended amounts for guides, drivers, and service providers?

  Tipping is customary in Asia, usually around 10% for service providers like waiters. For local guides and drivers, a range of $1.5-$3.5 USD per person per day is suggested. For your Chief Experience Officer (CEO), a guideline of $20-25 USD per person per week is appreciated as a personal preference.

• Are there any health precautions or vaccinations recommended for this trip?

  You are responsible for consulting your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information and required inoculations before departure. We recommend carrying a First Aid kit and personal medical requirements. Our leaders are not authorized to administer medication.

• What are the general safety and security recommendations for travelers on this tour?

  We advise checking your government's travel advice. Use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables and leave expensive jewelry at home. Many hotels provide safety deposit boxes, and a luggage lock is recommended. Your CEO can adjust the itinerary for safety. During free time, exercise good judgment for optional activities, and when out at night in cities, travel in small groups and use taxis. Avoid protests. Water-based activities should be done with a guide, and swimming is at your own risk.

• What is the role of the Chief Experience Officer (CEO) on this tour?

  The CEO accompanies all group trips, facilitating your travel and helping you have the best experience. They provide information about destinations, suggest activities and local eateries, and introduce you to local contacts. They possess broad general knowledge of the countries visited, and local guides are also utilized for specific expertise.

• What are the main included activities and unique experiences offered on this tour?

  The tour includes a guided sunrise tour of Angkor Wat, a local Khmer meal (a 'G for Good Moment'), a Phnom Penh orientation tour and street food crawl, a ferry to Koh Rong, and a local living homestay in Chambok including dinner. All transport for included activities is covered.

• What are some optional activities available and their approximate costs?

  Optional activities include: Siem Reap - Phare Circus (cost varies), Angkor Museum Visit (~$12 USD), Tonle Sap Floating Village (~$25-30 USD); Phnom Penh - Silver Pagoda Visit (~$10 USD), Tuol Sleng Prison & Killing Fields Half-Day Guided Tour (~$22-26 USD), National Museum Visit (~$10 USD).

• What is Planeterra, and how does this tour support local communities?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit dedicated to generating income for local communities through tourism. This tour includes a 'G for Good Moment' such as a local Khmer meal, which supports a Planeterra-partnered project, directly benefiting the community.

• Are there rules regarding illegal drugs or exploitation during the trip?

  Illegal drugs are strictly prohibited on all trips due to legal and safety risks. The exploitation of prostitutes is also against the tour's philosophy of respectful travel. Violations may result in expulsion from the group without a refund.

• Can I do laundry during the trip?

  Some hotels offer laundry facilities for a charge. You may also need to do personal laundry at times, so bringing biodegradable soap is recommended.

• Are international flights included in the tour price?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the tour price.

• What happens if heavy rains affect the Koh Rong itinerary during monsoon season?

  During monsoon season (June to October), if heavy rains or flooding prevent safe boat travel to Koh Rong island, alternate activities and accommodations will be provided in a nearby town.