2. WHILE VISITING VIETNAM AND CAMBODIA
4. TECHNOLOGY including CELL PHONES, CAMERAS, and COMPUTERS
1. GETTING TO VIETNAM
Q. Which airport should I fly into for this tour?
A. Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi.
Q. Will I be met at the airport upon arrival in Hanoi?
A. Yes! Airport transportation in Hanoi is included in the cost of the tour as long as you arrive the day of the tour or book any early hotel rooms through us. We will make arrangements for you to be picked up by a driver/guide assigned by our company. Look for your name and WanderTours on a placard.
Q. Do the airlines have restrictions on the weight of baggage?
A. Always check the airline’s website before departure as policies tend to change and vary from airline to airline. Every airline is different AND some enforce their policies while others don’t. Check your airline’s website and then hope that if your bag is over their weight limit, they won’t actually check the weight. 😁
Q. Are there restrictions on the weight of baggage for our in-country flights?
A. For our in-country flight to Ho Chi Minh (and flight to Siem Reap if you’re joining us in Cambodia), economy class passengers are permitted a checked bag weighing up to XXXX per person. Carry-on is limited to XXX per person.
Q. How do I apply for a visa for Vietnam?
A. Here’s a handy link where you can find those details.
Q. How do I apply for a visa for Cambodia?
A. If you’re a Canadian or U.S. citizen, you can get the Cambodia Visa on arrival at the airport in Siem Reap. Here are those details.
Q. If I want to arrive prior to the start of the tour or stay beyond the last day, can you book additional hotel nights for me?
A. Yes, we can. As soon as you have your flights booked, let us know which nights you’ll need additional accommodations and we’ll be happy to book those for you (based on availability).
2. WHILE VISITING VIETNAM AND CAMBODIA
Q. Will bottled water be readily available?
A. Yes it will. However, we strongly urge our tour participants to carry their own reusable water bottle and bring a water purifier, such as a SteriPen, so as to cut down on the number of plastic water bottles that get thrown out daily.
Q. What kind of food should I expect on the tour?
A. XXXXXX
Q. Do I need to learn any Vietnamese or Khmer?
A. It isn’t necessary as many people speak English, but it might be fun for you to learn a bit of the language(s) in advance. Being able to say “hello,” “goodbye,” “thank you” and “excuse me” will go a long way. Lonely Planet has an excellent little Vietnamese phrase book that will get you started.
Q. How much walking is there on this trip?
A. This is not a walking/hiking/trekking trip and not considered to be an “active” trip as things go. Having said that, our vehicle can only get so close to some of the sights we’ll be visiting so there’s no way of getting around walking down roads and around the sights themselves.
You’ll enjoy the trip much more the better shape you’re in, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go if you feel you’re a bit slow. We do a great job of making sure even the slowest amongst the group is having a great time. If there’s a day you don’t feel you can make it to one of the sights, you can always hang back in the vehicle and people-watch, read or nap.
Q. I get motion sickness. Will I be able to sit in the front of the van/bus on the tour?
A. We do try to make our tour participants as comfortable as possible, so please tell your tour guide if motion sickness is an issue for you. We can’t guarantee the front seat of the van or bus every time as it really depends on how many people in the group tend towards motion sickness or have other medical issues where they may need a different seat. We suggest that you bring ginger, wrist bands or ask your doctor about a prescription for motion sickness.
Q. Do you recommend any special vaccinations for this trip?
A. We can’t provide specifics in terms of vaccines but, instead, highly recommend you contact your doctor for advice on needed shots prior to the trip. Keep in mind that some vaccinations require a series of shots, so you’ll want to get the process started early in case it takes several months to finish the round. You can also check the CDC website for recommendations.
Q. Do I need to worry about mosquitoes and/or malaria in SE Asia?
A. Please check with your doctor on advice about malaria prophylaxes. Here’s an excellent article on TravelFish about malaria in SE Asia – it’s a good place to start your research.
Q. Do I need any special medications or a first aid kit?
A. If you are predisposed to anything (lactose intolerant or you have a sensitive stomach, for example) you may want to bring something for this. Although medications are available at pharmacies, you may not be able to find the types of over-the-counter medications that you’re used to at home.
Q. Do you spray down your clothes with some insecticide? Do you think it is necessary for the areas we will be going to?
A. You will likely encounter mosquitoes throughout the trip. To avoid them, you wear clothes with permethrin, or wear some sort of mosquito repellent.
Q. Do you recommend taking a drivers license with you on trips where you aren’t planning on driving? Or just rely on your passport, or get an International Drivers License as another form of ID?
A. You definitely won’t need your drivers license but if you feel more comfortable carrying it, by all means, do. Your passport is really the most important ID you’ll need.
3. HOTEL INFO
Q. What sort of hotels will we be staying in?
A. We will be staying in lovely, upscale hotels XXXXXXXX
Q. Do you know the name of the hotel the tour will be starting from yet?
A. Hotel information is listed on the tour itinerary, but we usually don’t have this confirmed until right before the tour (in case there are any last-minute changes). A complete hotel list will be provided a couple of weeks in advance of the tour start date and we encourage you to leave this with family and/or friends in case of an emergency. We can also book you a room in the same hotel where the tour starts if you wish to arrive early and explore the city on your own or rest from your travels.
Q. Will the hotels have a laundry service so that I can pack light?
A. Hotels will definitely have laundry service at a reasonable rate. You’ll want to consider having it done at one of the hotels where the group is staying for more than one night. You might rinse your clothes out in the evening and let them dry out overnight. For this, you’ll need clothes made from quick drying material.
Q. Will the hotels provide shampoo and conditioner like they do in some countries?
A. Most hotels will have shampoo and conditioner in the bathrooms. If you like, you can always purchase shampoo and conditioner once you arrive if you don’t want to travel with it or you run out along the way.
Q. Are there hair dryers at the hotels?
A. Sometimes but don’t count on it or XXXXXX Hair dryers should be available at all of the accommodations.
4. PACKING INFORMATION
Q. I know I should pack light with perhaps just a carry-on but I can’t because of other travel commitments.
A. While you will be more comfortable moving around with fewer bags, you likely won’t be the only one with more than a carry-on bag.
Q. Will we be responsible for handling our own luggage throughout the tour?
A. You will have some interaction with your luggage, but there are usually porters at the hotels and airports to help out. Even so, the lighter you can pack, the better.
Q. What tricks do you use to fit all that stuff into a carry-on? And still have room somewhere for souvenirs?
A. It’s true that if you pack light, you’ll have to do more laundry. But I’d rather live with rinsing out some clothes every four or five nights than lugging around a big bag. Check out this article on secrets to packing light.
Q. Do I need to bring my own mosquito net?
A. No. If there are mosquitoes in the area the hotel will have nets over the beds.
Q. Are shorts or shorter skirts (slightly above the knee) acceptable in the temples?
A. It’s best not to wear above the knee skirts to temples. Calf-length skirts will be fine. Short skirts or shorts aren’t appropriate.
Q. Would you recommend taking a rain coat? Something more than one of those flimsy “emergency” ponchos?
A. Because we might encounter some rain from the winter monsoon, it will be helpful to have a light rain jacket.
Q. Do I need any dressy clothes?
A. Nope.
Q. What kind of shoes should I hike in?
A. It depends on how much ankle support you need. Hiking boots may not be necessary but consider light hikers or even something like Keen or Teva sandals that have a grip on the bottom. These will come in handy during the walks in the Northern mountains of Vietnam.
Q. Should we bring our own toilet paper? Do they have the “squatty potties” of China fame?
A. No need to bring toilet paper as it will be available at all hotels. All toilets (except for maybe when you’re out walking in small villages) are western style.
Q. Shall I bring a bathing suit?
A. Some of the hotels will have pools. It will be quite warm in Cambodia but likely cooler in South Vietnam and it can be quite cool in Northern Vietnam.
Q. How should I dress based on the weather for the spring?
A. You might consider either a fleece and/or light rain jacket for your outer layer. Then a button up shirt underneath and a t-shirt as a bottom layer. It could be quite chilly in the evenings (50 – 65 F) in the north of Vietnam and then very warm in the south and also in Cambodia.
5. TECHNOLOGY including CELL PHONES, CAMERAS and COMPUTERS
Q. Is WiFi available at the hotels?
A. Expect WiFi (usually complementary) at all of our accommodations.
Q. Can I use my cell phone in SE Asia?
A. We highly recommend the use of an e-sim while traveling. You can download an app like Airalo (use the code ELIZAB3290 for $3 off your first order!). Though there are some limitations while using it, it’s FAR cheaper than the $10/day that most cell phone providers charge for a travel pass.
If you are going to pay your cell provider directly, first contact them to make sure they have coverage in Vietnam and find out the rate. Most providers offer such a plan where you only get charged once you connect to a local network.
You can also use WiFi on your phone for data, text and calls.
Q. Can I bring my laptop?
A. Yes. WiFi is available at many hotels and also in cafes.
Q. What sort of power adaptor do I need?
A. Vietnam & Cambodia uses the same sort of adaptor as other parts of SE Asia (pictured right).
Q. Will I need a converter for my electrical devices?
A. You will need a converter in Vietnam for any devices unable to handle 220 V (Vietnam) or 230 V (Cambodia). For example, your hair dryer, curling iron, etc. will need a converter. Most laptops and other electronics now have internal convertors, but check on your particular device to be certain.
6. MONEY, GIFTS, TIPS
Q. What’s the currency used in Vietnam and Cambodia?
A. The đồng is used in Vietnam and the Riel is used in Cambodia. Consider downloading an app such as XE so that you have quick access to the exchange rate. U.S. dollars are also widely accepted.
Q. If I bring US dollars, are the Vietnamese fussy about them being perfect?
A. It’s a good idea to have newer/crisper bills as sometimes the money changers won’t take ones that aren’t in perfect condition.
Q. Are ATMs available?
A. There will definitely be ATMs available throughout the trip. You’ll want to let your bank know in advance that you are traveling so they don’t deny usage of your card thinking it’s a fraudulent charge.
You’ll also want to find out what, if anything, your bank changes for international ATM withdrawals. If it’s based on each transaction, you’ll want to take larger amounts of money out rather than making numerous small withdrawals so as to limit the charges.
Q. How much money should I bring with me?
A. We get this question a lot, and it really does depend on your spending habits. U.S. dollars are accepted in both Vietnam and Cambodia. You’ll also have access to cash through ATMs, so you likely won’t need much cash in hand. Having said that, bringing some small bills to tip a taxi driver or bellman upon your arrival and before you’ve had a chance to change money might be helpful.
Q. How should I best carry my money?
A. While Vietnam and Cambodia are a safe countries, there are opportunistic thieves everywhere looking for a way to separate you from your cash. You might consider carrying your passport, credit/debit cards and cash in something like a neck pouch or a large wallet like this one from Baggallini. You could then put that in a larger cross-body bag.
Q. Is tipping appropriate?
A. The majority of tips for the driver/guide and any other guides we have is covered under your trip cost. Having said that, small tips for your waiter and for our driver/guide would be appreciated if they’ve gone above and beyond your expectations.
Q. I need some suggestions of gifts to bring. What might I bring that they don’t have there?
A. We would suggest something from your region. Something that is popular like a food item or something representative of where you live (a coffee mug with the Space Needle on it, for example).
7. WANDERTOURS TRAVEL DETAILS
Q. Do I need insurance for this tour?
A. There are no requirements for insurance specific to Vietnam or Cambodia. Having said that, we do recommend all tour participants acquire travel insurance. We have now partnered with Travel Insured International so that you have ability to purchase “cancel for any reason” insurance. We HIGHLY recommend travel insurance (no matter who your provider is) to protect your travel investment from any future issues. Although we are technically not requiring it, if you choose not to purchase it, you will be asked to sign additional paperwork acknowledging the risk of traveling without insurance.
Q. Is there a schedule for installment payments?
A. We don’t have anything formal set up, but you can definitely send in payments on your own schedule. Some people send in monthly payments while other people send in payments when it’s convenient.
Q. Will I receive a refund if I have to cancel my participation in this tour?
A. Once you have paid a deposit, there is a cancellation fee if you cannot join us. The cancellation fee depends on the tour and how far in advance of the tour you cancel. Our refund policy is covered in our Booking Terms and Conditions and is also outlined on the Registration Form that you’ll receive within 24 hours of registering with a deposit.
Any refunds will be sent by check within two weeks of our receiving written notification of your cancellation (email notification is fine). We will respond via email and ask for confirmation of your mailing address for any refunds. Address must be confirmed within six months, otherwise expect forfeiture of refund as we close out our books at that time.
Q. Will you be sending an updated itinerary with our overnight accommodations so we can leave it with folks at home?
A. Yes, you’ll receive the hotel information as well as emergency contact information one or two weeks before departure (note: it is subject to last-minute changes).
Q. What’s the emergency contact info that I can give my family?
A. Along with the hotel contact information, you will be given a cell phone number for your tour escort shortly before departure.