22 Days South East Asia Highlights
Too much greatness for this tiny space.
In short: Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, markets, all the street food, beaches, temples, snorkelling, more food, sights, home-stays, really, really freaking amazing temples (in Angkor), fish pedicures, long-tail boat rides, more food... Greatness.
- Bike ride around Hue
- Dragon Boat cruise Perfume River
- Day cruise in Nha Trang
- Expert English-speaking tour guide
- Angkor Wat guided tour
- All transport between destinations
- Trip length:
- 22 Days
- Group size:
- Max 16
- Start:
- Hanoi
- End:
- Bangkok
- Vehicle:
- Van, Public Bus, Boat, Train
- Sleep:
- Hotel, Homestay, Train
Itinerary
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 1Arrive in Hanoi and attend a welcome meeting at 6pm
Day 2Begin by visiting the One Pillar Pagoda near the Soviet-inspired mausoleum of Ho Chi MinhWalk to the Temple of Literature - Vietnam’s first educational instituteVisit 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 peoplePerhaps stop by the city’s Old Quarter, situated to the north of the lakeBoard 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 dinnerFacilities 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)
What to bring
CLOTHING
- Comfortable walking shoes ( no flip flops! ). Sandles are OK. Bring hiking shoes for trips including trekking.
- Warm jacket and long pants. Night times temperatures can vary.
- Long Sleeve shirt for protection from the Sun and Mosquitoes
- Shorts and T Shirts for daytime hikes and walks
- Swimwear
- Hat and sunglasses
CREDITIALS
- Passport (with photocopies)
- Travel insurance (with photocopies)
- Airline tickets (with photocopies)
- Credit or debit card which work in overseas ATMs. It is a good idea to bring 2 ATM cards- perhaps one Mastercard and one Visa, just in case.
- Small amount of USD cash to change into local currency at times when ATMs may not be available
- Tour vouchers, pre-departure information and dossier
- Any entry visas, additional passport photos or vaccination certificates required
EQUIPMENT / OTHER
- Sunscreen
- Towel & toiletries
- Insect repellent
- Refillable water bottle
- Sleeping Bag
- Mp3 Player / iPod
- Rechargers
- Torch
- Camera
- Bincolars
- Medication ( if applicable )
What is included
TRANSPORT
- Boat
- Bus
- Public bus
- Sleeper train
ACCOMMODATION
- 2 nights Sleeper train
- 1 night Homestay
- 18 nights Basic hotel
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
We have chosen a selection of some great optional activities to enhance your travel experience. You will need to cover any additional costs yourself. The below list is not exhaustive and should be used as a guide only. Prices are approximate and are for entrance only and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability and it may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination.Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. This means that it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, however we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Activities not listed below have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and leaders are unable to assist you with booking these activities. The decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.
- Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum: Free
- Hanoi - Taxi to Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum: US$5
- Ho Chi Minh City - Reunification Palace: US1.50
- 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): USD129
Personal travel insurance is not included but visitors are advised to have it. This can be organised through your travel agent.
Trip Info
Preparing for the trip
What should I pack?
Once you’ve confirmed your booking, we send out trip-specific pre-departure information with a general packing list as well as a list of any other special items you may need to bring.
What immunisations do I need?
Immunisations vary from country to country and we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about 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 plenty of time. It is also important that you obtain a certificate of vaccination and you must carry this with you on your trip. Please note that in some cases a certificate of vaccination is compulsory in order to obtain a visa.
Do I need to take any medical supplies?
We recommend you carry personal medical items for managing common minor ailments such as colds, diarrhoea, blisters and sore throats etc. Travellers who take regular medication should take an appropriate supply. Asthma sufferers should ensure that they have an adequate supply of their routine medicine, as some major cities have high levels of smog.
How much luggage do I need to take?
As a general rule, the less luggage you bring with you, the better. You’ll probably be buying souvenirs and the like along the way, so leave some space! There will be times when you will be carrying your luggage on and off public transport, so you should consider travelling with a backpack or a soft duffel bag. Suitcases aren’t suitable for these types of holidays. Each airline has specific rules as to luggage allowances, so check directly with them or ask your travel consultant to confirm for you.
Do I need a sleeping bag?
Sometimes. This varies depending on which trip you are booking on, and we will let you know in the info pack that we send to you on confirmation of your booking.
How do I get a visa?
Please note that visas for Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The Visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. For the most up to date information please check your governments foreign ministry website or with your travel agent as rules do change. It is important that you check for yourself. For most travellers there will probably be an embassy and consulate in the country that you live in. *Please have extra USD on hand in case the customs officials charge more at the border crossing.Please be aware that you will require two clean pages (minimum) in your passport and at least six months validity.
Do I need travel insurance?
It is compulsory that you have comprehensive travel insurance. Domestic government medical insurance and private health schemes will not cover you in most overseas countries. Your policy MUST cover medical costs in case of hospitalisation, emergency travel and repatriation. Once you have paid your deposit or full payment, certain fees will apply if you cancel your holiday. Insurance should therefore be organised at the time of booking to protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances that would require you to cancel before travelling. Your tour guide will need two copies of your policy - the Tour Guide and our Ground Operator will keep one copy each in the unlikely event of an emergency. The copies must show the policy number and the emergency hotline phone number.
Does the tour price included international flights?
The prices quoted on the site do not include international flights.
Where does the tour start?
Tours will always start in a specified hotel and we will let you know exactly when you need to be at that hotel. We can organise airport transfers, if you wish.
Can I book accommodation at the start and/or end of the tour?
Yes. In all cases, we can organise extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour. Just let us know and we’ll organise a quote for you.
What form of transport do we use around the Himalayas and Nepal?
As a general rule, we travel on local transport, mixing with the locals and getting involved. In some places, the best way to explore is on foot, in others we’ll jump on boats, bemos, canoes, camels, tuk-tuks, songthaews… you get the picture. The style of transport will be as varied as it is fun…. we don’t like sealing you up in a 50-seater coach. Sometimes, however, local transport is not practical – you just can’t jump on a No. 96 bus in northern Thailand – so in these instances, we hire our own vehicles.
Private tours and families
Can I organise a private tour?
Of course! If there’s a minimum of two people, pick an existing itinerary and contact us and we can arrange the trip as a private tour. Or if you’re after something a bit different, if you have a minimum of four people for a trip, contact us and we can put together a tailored and personally designed itinerary for you
Booking the trip
Do I need to book online?
No. Whilst this site is designed to make booking as easy as possible, we appreciate that sometimes it’s nice to talk to a human being, so give us a call! We can do the whole booking procedure over the phone.
How do I know if the tour is available?
To see the scheduled departure dates just click the “Check Dates” button on the top right of the page. To ensure the scheduled departure is going ahead send us an email to info@worldlypeople.org and we get back to you within a couple of hours.
How far in advance do I need to book?
There is no guarantee as to when other people will book and hence when the tour will fill up. Our advice is that as soon as you know which one you want to book, don’t delay - put your name down as soon as possible, that way you won’t be disappointed.However, we can usually take bookings for most of our tours right up until the departure date if there are spaces left, so have a look at the availability, and if there’s still space we’ll gladly take your booking
When is final payment on tours due ( for deposit payments )
The final payment is due in full 56 days before the departure of your trip. If you’ve booked your trip within 56 days of the departure date, full payment is needed.
Who travels with us
How fit do I need to be?
Our holidays are fun and can be enjoyed by anyone who is reasonably fit. However, some trips visit remote areas where medical facilities are very limited or non-existent, so you must be in good health. Some trips may include a trekking element, so some pre-trek preparation will be an advantage. There are some other factors to consider: bumpy roads, dust, traffic, delays and unfamiliar customs and cultures may all create additional demands. You will also have to carry your own bags so bear that in mind when deciding if you really need that other pair of shoes.
Is this trip for me?
These trips appeal to people who want the fun, freedom and flexibility of independent travel, but want to make the most of their time and prefer that someone else takes care of the hassles and organisation – queuing for tickets and looking for a hotel at night can be a real drag! These trips are also for people who want to get a deeper understanding of the region they visit - our innovative itineraries and exceptional team leaders make this happen. Or perhaps you are a single traveller and like the safety and companionship of travelling with a few others, sharing the experiences and adventures together.
The majority of travellers are in their 20s and 30s, but if you’re on the ‘other side’ of 40, then that’s great too! Please bear in mind that these trips are designed for travellers and our trips are go, go, go! Essential on your list of things to pack are an open mind, sense of adventure and an easygoing attitude. On these trips you don’t pay for unnecessary extras – that’s why the prices are so good. We include many of the must see sights, but keep plenty of free time aside so you can go on your own way and make your own discoveries. Your lodging will be basic, but clean and comfortable, locally run, and usually reflecting the character of the region. Aside from being a more interesting place to stay than a bland internationally-run hotel, this also helps to keep the cost down. You might spend a night or two in a ‘home stay’, lodge or hacienda - these could be fairly basic, but certainly a real highlight, offering a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture. Many of the tours have several long travelling days, often on local transport, and sometimes on rough roads. The trips are packed with highlights and the pace is fast, so we can see as much as possible - although there’s always time to chill out, enjoy a cold drink and watch the world go by if that’s what you feel like doing.
Is this a typical group tour?
Most travellers consider themselves independent travellers, rather than typical group travellers. This is just as well because these tours are a long way from your typical group tour - freedom and flexibility are fundamental! There are usually around 8 people on a trip (the maximum is 14), and you’ll find that the excellent tour prices offer a real alternative to backpacking. Our travellers want to explore places at a grassroots level, and have a great time while they do this.
Im a single travellers, is that OK?
Most of our travellers are ‘flying solo’ and like the thought of travelling with like-minded souls. Your tour will have a strong social element and you'll almost certainly come home with some new friends. Some of the tours offer single supplement option. You can see these prices under the “Join Tour” drop down menu.
Who will I travel with?
Every group is different, however you'll generally travel with a mix of nationalities from all over the world.
Are there any age limits?
There is no specific upper age limit on our tours; they’re more of a suggestion. The majority of travellers are in their 20s and 30s, but if you are on the ‘other side’ of 40, then that’s great too! Essential on your list of things to pack are an open mind, sense of adventure and an easy-going attitude.
In general, we do not take people under the age of 18. If you are interested in taking your family away, let us know and we’ll see if we can organise a private departure for you.
How large are the groups?
The maximum group size is 13 passengers per vehicle or tour guide, with the average being 9.
Cost and Fees
What's included in the tour price?
Please refer to the “what’s included” section on your tour page for the most up to date information.
Will I need additional money?
Visitors are advised to bring some cash as ATMs and banks can be few and far between depending on where we are during the trip. It’s handy to have some extra cash as we do stop by local shops and cafe.
What is a "Trip Kitty"?
The trip kitty is to be paid in cash (in the currency indicated) at the start of your trip. Give it directly to your local leader, who can then pay for items locally throughout your trip, eg. meals. Having a trip kitty also helps us to pass savings onto you.
Can I pay the local payment in local currency?
The local payment needs to be paid in the currency indicated in the itinerary and final invoice. Most tours will have this included in the tour price. Please check the included section above.
How much spending money do I need?
Not a lot! Your accommodation, transport, local leader and some meals are included. Depending on where you are, you'll generally get by on about US$25 a day, covering meals, drinks and souvenirs.
What is the best way to take money with me?
A combination of cash, an ATM card and perhaps a credit card as back-up is good. Travellers cheques are a safe way to carry money, however travellers can find it difficult in some areas to exchange them.
As a general rule, American dollars are accepted throughout the world, but make sure you have small denomination bills, and that they are not ripped or marked, as this may affect your ability to change them. And remember to check with your bank about using your bank cards overseas.
Do I need to tip the local guide?
Your tour guide works hard to ensure you have a great trip, so please don’t hold back if you feel they have earned a tip for their efforts. If you would like to reward your tour guide for his or her services, you can choose to do so individually or make a group presentation at the end of the tour.
Whilst on tour
Can I wash my laundry?
Many of the places we stay have laundry facilities nearby, especially within cities. It is also a good idea to bring some ‘travel wash’, and a travel clothes line, to wash the necessities. This will help you cut down on packing space, and hence the amount you have to lug around with you!
Can I get on the internet whilst on tour?
Internet cafés are plentiful throughout much of the world, particularly in major cities – an internet email address and a webcam/phone account (such as skype) are good ways of staying in touch.
Will my mobile phone work?
Do you really want to take your phone with you? One of the biggest pleasures about getting away is leaving telephones and computers behind! However, if you really do want to take your phone with you, there is a good chance that it will work in most major cities. Check with your service provider before you go if they have a reciprocal agreement with the countries you are travelling to, and make sure you remember to get international roaming turned on.
Can I do a section of the tour and not the whole trip?
Unfortunately it is not possible to just do sections of the tour. Some of the longer tours are made up of smaller tours completed back-to-back, and hence might be possible to book separately. It may be possible to arrange a private charter for you from a section of the tour so please contact us.
Do I need to be able to swim?
Several of our holidays include travel by boat, ship or canoe. It is assumed by us that you can swim, unless you advise us otherwise. If you cannot swim, you must let us know, so we can let your tour leader know. However, swimming is by no means compulsory at any stage in our trips.
Can I bring gifts for people?
If you want to give something to the local people please bring something useful like pens or school books, not lollies. The other thing we insist upon is that gifts are distributed in an organised and responsible manner - either through the headmaster of a school or ask your tour leader what the most beneficial approach is. Some children, and even adults, may ask for things on the street, in villages, etc, and although giving a ‘present’ may give both of you a brief moment of joy, handing things out like this only encourages begging and is destructive in the long term.
How much free time is there?
It is an integral part of all our trips to give you enough free time to explore by yourself. Many of your most memorable experiences will occur when you branch out and do your own thing. We understand that different people have different interests, so we build in free time to make your own discoveries. The framework is in place and the details are taken care of, but on many days, you decide what you want to see and do. After all, you might be thoroughly sick and tired of temples, while another group member just can’t get enough of them. It’s your holiday, so it’s your choice.
Will there be time to explore the cities we start and finish in? Or should I arrange extra time?
With all of our tours, we strongly believe we have well balanced itineraries to enable you to explore all the places you are visiting. There is generally no need to arrive early or leave later. However, there is always more to discover and we can arrange additional accommodation, should you need it.
What standard of accommodation should I expect?
Your lodging will be basic, but clean and comfortable, locally run, and usually reflecting the character of the region. Aside from being a more interesting place to stay than a bland internationally-run hotel, this also helps to keep the cost down and by supporting local businesses you help the local economy. You might also spend a night or two in a ‘home stay’, lodge or hacienda - these could be fairly basic, but will almost certainly end up being one of the highlights, offering a chance to really immerse yourself in the local culture.
What will the food be like?
Experiencing the local flavours is definitely a highlight on our trips. Our local tour guides take you to out of the way places and experience the best and most interesting cuisine of the cultures you visit. The guides’ local knowledge will mean you can decipher menus, get useful tips on what to try, and visit all the most interesting restaurants and markets. There will always be a very strong local influence in the food, which we believe is what travel is all about.
What about if I am a vegetarian? Or if I have a special diet?
No problem at all! The only important thing is that you let us know in advance, so we can inform our local tour guides. That way, they can look out for you and make sure you are looked after in the local restaurants. It is important to realise that in some places your diet might be slightly limited, as meat can form an integral part of the local diet. If in doubt, ask our consultants for their first-hand knowledge of each individual destination.
Are there any long travelling days?
Many of the tours have several long travelling days, often on local transport, and sometimes on rough roads. The trips are packed with highlights and the pace is fast, so we can see as much as possible. Although there’s always time to chill out, enjoy a cold drink and watch the world go by if that’s what you feel like doing. The trip notes for each trip will give you a strong indication of the travelling times for each day.
What will the weather be like?
Check our weather widget on the right side of the page for up to date information on the weather conditions. Otherwise, send us an email and we will let you know how things are at the moment!