18 Day Bangkok to Siem Reap
Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and just about everywhere in between! Flights included.
Past meets present in this fast-paced adventure that takes you from Bangkok to Hanoi and just about everywhere in between. Enjoy a traditional khantoke dinner in a rural village, observe the daily life of monks and visit sacred temples, learn about Cambodian history (both ancient and modern).
With a busy culture richly steeped in tradition, there's always something to see or do on this journey through Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand, be it witnessing the daily rituals of monks, participating in an authentic Thai cooking class or taking cyclo rides through impossibly busy city streets. A series of included flights lets us cover more ground and take you on a whirlwind throughout Southeast Asia. Make sure you stay up late for the night markets, too!
- Arrival transfer
- Halong Bay boat tour
- Tour of Bankok
- Boat on the Klong canals
- Rural villages
- Thai cooking class
- Chiang Mai night market walk
- Tour of Luang Prabang
- Boat tour to Pak Ou Temple caves
- Laos sunrise Buddhist ritual
- Kuang Sii waterfall excursion
- Ho Chi Minh City cyclo tour
- Cu Chi tunnels tour
- Phnom Penh cyclo tour
- Hanoi old town cyclo tour
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum visit
- Tuol Sleng Prison Museum tour
- Choeung Ek memorial (the Killing Fields) tour
- Visit Doi Suthep Buddhist Temple
- Siem Reap orientation walk
- 2-day Angkor Wat temple tour
- All transport between destinations
- Trip length:
- 18 Days
- Group size:
- Max 16
- Start:
- Bangkok
- End:
- Siem Reap
- Vehicle:
- bus/van, boat, tuk tuk, plane
- Sleep:
- Hotel and Boats
Itinerary
Day 1 Bangkok
Upon arrival you will be transferred to hotel. There are no activities planned. You are free to relax, explore the city & adjust to the frantic pace and humid heat of Bangkok.
Please plan your arrival at our start point hotel before 6pm for an important group meeting where you will meet you Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and the other group members. Please look for a sign on the hotel's notice board for the time and location of your group meeting.
At this meeting your CEO will ask to sight your travel insurance, check that you have a visas for Vietnam and complete some other paper work. Please note that you MUST arrive on tour with your Vietnam visa. Please refer to the visa information section of these trip notes for more information on obtaining your Vietnamese visa. After your meeting, you may choose to head out for an optional dinner to further get to know your CEO and fellow group members.
Our hotel is located in heart of Silom, very close to the BTS Skytrain which allows easy access to most of Bangkok including MBK, Siam Paragon shopping areas. The hotel has a beautiful pool and has wifi available.
Day 2 Chiang Mai (1B)
This morning we take a boat ride through the klongs (canals) of Bangkok, where we catch a slice of local people living a simple life inside such a vibrant city. We also visit the halls and murals decorating the Grand Palace, built in 1782 and view the sacred emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew temple. Later, catch a flight to Chiang Mai.
Approx travel time:Flight to Chiang Mai: 1.5 hours
Day 3 Chiang Mai (1B,1D)
We arrive early into Chiang Mai, and settle into our exquisite surroundings, taking a relaxing break from the fast pace of Bangkok. Later in the day we visit Doi Suthep Temple and listen to monks chanting at sunset.. Established in 1383, this is one of the most sacred Buddhist temples in Thailand. The views and serenity, our reward after climbing over 300 stairs to reach the top, are amazing. Later, enjoy an authentic khantoke dinner and community visit in a local village. Option to visit the Elephant Conservation Centre or local handicraft workshops.
Our hotel is located in the heart of Chiang Mai city, within 5 a minute walk of the famous night bazaar. The hotel has great views of the city. The rooms are all air conditioned with en suite bathrooms. Wifi is available for an additional cost. There is also a pool for a relaxing afternoon swim.
Day 4 Chiang Mai 1(B,1L)
Today, we try our hand at creating some of the dynamic taste's we’ve been eating for the past few days at a Thai cooking school. With our teacher, we visit a local market to learn more about the main ingredients in Thai cooking and then take our purchases back to the school where the teacher will explain and demonstrate the basics of some of the more popular Thai dishes. We then enjoy the results for lunch.
In the evening, explore Chiang Mai’s popular downtown night market where all the locals and visitors are spending the evening.
Day 5 Luang Prabang (1B)
Flight to Luang Prabang, Laos. Visit the Royal Palace Museum, Wat Xiengthong and Wat Visoun Temples, then catch a boat to Pak Ou Temple caves with stops in local villages.
The center of the UNESCO world heritage listed town is quite small and is accessible either on foot or by bicycle. You can visit the most impressive of Luang Prabang’s 32 temples including Vat Vixoun, Vat Sene, and Vat Xiengthong. Opt to pack a picnic to eat on Phousi Hill and watch the sun set over the horizon. Take an afternoon to browse the many textile galleries and relax and enjoy a local coffee in one of the town's cafes.
Day 6-7 Luang Prabang (2B)
On Day 6, rise at dawn to watch the monks collecting offerings of food from the locals and receive a blessing. Afternoon excursion to stunning Kuang Sii waterfall. Upon returning climb Phuosi Hill to watch the sunset over this UNESCO World Heritage designated town. Day 7 is free for optional activities, such as visiting textile galleries and the night market, relaxing in one of the town's cafés or visiting the Ethnology Museum.
Day 8 Hanoi (1B,1L)
This morning we catch our flight to Hanoi, Vietnam. Classic French colonial architecture, beautiful decor and a scenic location makes Hanoi a fantastic place to visit. The capital of Vietnam is a charming city of about 4 million people, famous for its beautiful lakes, shaded boulevards and vast public parks. The city center is an architectural museum piece, its blocks of ochre buildings retaining the air of a provincial French town of the 1930s. As Vietnam develops to compete with other South East Asian countries, Hanoi's Hoan Kiem Lake reflects this struggle with modern office buildings, old Buddhist temples and tangles of ancient streets. The city hums with the never-ending flow of bicycles, cyclos, the latest Mercedes Benz and motorbikes.
In the afternoon we take a guided cyclo ride and orientation tour of the Old Quarter and enjoy lunch at Hoa Sua, an NGO and training school for disadvantaged youth.
Our hotel in Hanoi is located a 20 min walk or a short taxi ride away from Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter. The rooms are comfortable twin / double share with air conditioning. There are computers for use in the lobby as well as free wifi in the rooms.
Approx travel time:Flight to Hanoi: 2 hoursTransfer to hotel Hanoi: 45 min
Day 9 Halong Bay (1B,1L,1D)
Early on day 9 we enjoy a visit to Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum before our drive takes us to Bai Chay Harbor, the entrance to Halong Bay where we board a junk boat, our home for the evening. This traditional wooden sailing boat offers a unique way of navigating the lime karsts of Halong Bay with all the comforts of a motorized, floating hotel. Once settled in, you start your cruise around the majestic Halong Bay, while enjoying a delicious seafood lunch.
Halong Bay is a breathtaking secluded harbor with 2,000 limestone islands rising from the emerald waters of Bac Bo gulf. It is one of the most scenic regions in Vietnam and has been referred to as the 8th Wonder of the World. The area of about 1,500 sq km is dotted with innumerable beaches and grottos, created over thousands of years by waves and wind. After lunch we will have the chance to explore some of the limestone caves dotted around the bay. In the evening the cook will prepare a sumptuous meal as the boat weighs anchor in the heart of the bay and we spend a very peaceful night beneath the stars.
Approx travel time:Private bus Hanoi to Halong Bay: 4 hours
Day 10 Halong Bay/Hanoi (1B)
On the morning of day 13 we continue the cruise past the many islands and visit one of the caves by small bamboo boat. After Brunch on board the boat, head back to Hanoi where the rest of the afternoon is free for shopping or visiting one of the many historical museums.
Days 11-12 Ho Chi Minh City (2B)
Catch our flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam and take a thrilling cyclo tour of this bustling city. On Day 12, take a guided tour of the infamous Cu Chi tunnels, legendary for the vital part they played during the Vietnam War.
With a population of approximately 7 million, Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam. The huge number of people rushing about their daily business gives it a dynamic atmosphere. Ho Chi Minh City is characterized by a vast variety of sights and sounds, from ancient pagodas, mosques and cathedrals to the former Presidential Palace and the War Museum. Explore Dong Khoi Street (the Rue Catinat from Graham Greene's novel The Quiet American) to the bustling markets of Ben Thanh and Cholon (Chinatown). Much of the city's life takes place on the streets which are lined with stores, shops, stalls and vendors with their wares spread out on the footpath selling everything from soup to sophisticated electronics. The French influence is evident in the excellent baguettes and coffee. During our time here, we take a short cyclo orientation tour of the city’s main highlights.
On day 12 we take a half day trip to the Cu Chi tunnels with a local guide. This network of over 125 miles (200 km) of tunnels became legendary during the 1960's when they played a vital part in the war, allowing the Viet Cong to control a large rural area only 25 miles (40 km) from Ho Chi Minh City. At its heyday, the tunnel system stretched from Ho Chi Minh City to the Cambodian border. The network, parts of which were several stories deep, included trap doors, specially constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers and kitchens. Today the remaining tunnels have become a major site giving the visitor a unique experience and feel for what underground life during the Vietnam war was like. Our afternoon will allow some free time for independent exploration or shopping; we can try our hand bargaining at the Ben Thanh Market, hire a cyclo (pedicab) for sightseeing or take a boat ride on the Saigon river.
Our hotel in Saigon is located a 10 minute walk from the Ben Than Market and a 15 minute walk to the Reunification Palace. The hotel is very comfortable with twin and double share air conditioned rooms. Free wifi is available throughout the hotel and there are computers to use for free in the lobby.
Approx travel time:Private transport to Cu Chi tunnels: 1 1/2 hours each way
Day 13-14 Phnom Penh (2B)
Flight to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Take an NGO-supported cyclo city tour along the waterfront and key city sites, with option to visit the famous Foreign Correspondents club for drinks. On Day 13 explore recent history with a local expert, including Tuol Sleng Prison Museum and Choeung Ek (the Killing Fields).
Here we explore the dark side of Cambodian history with visits to Choeng Ek Memorial, the site of the infamous Killing Fields that were the execution grounds for Pol Pot and the Khumer Rouge during their rein from 1975 - 1979. We also visit Tuol Sleng prison, the notorious Khmer Rouge prison where thousands of Cambodians perished. This is a haunting look into history which serves to remind everyone that genocide must not be ignored or those lost, forgotten.
Our hotel in Phnom Penh is located a 2 minute walk from Sisowath Quay and the waterfront. The rooms are all twin / double share with air conditioner and en suite bathrooms. There is a beautiful pool and wifi in the hotel.
Day 15 Siem Reap (1B)
Drive today to Siem Reap, Cambodia and take an orientation walk through the entertainment district and visit the exciting night market.
The former capital of the Khmer kingdom, Angkor is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the great wonders of the archeological world, rediscovered at the end of the last century by French explorers. This vast ruined city is becoming one of the most popular sites in Southeast Asia. We arrive in the afternoon, and catch our first views of Angkor Wat at sunset.
You will have the evening to enjoy an option al Khmer dinner and then visit the night market for a little bit of shopping.
Our hotel in Siem Reap is a very well appointed hotel with all the amenities for your stay. It is located near the Angkor Wat temples and the old city of Siem Reap. The rooms are all air conditioned twin or double share rooms with a relaxing swimming pool to use after a long day of temple touring. Free wifi is also available.
Approx travel time:Private transfer Siem Reap: 6 hours
Day 16-17 Siem Reap (2B,1L)
Over the course of two days, we visit some of the highlights of this ancient capital, such as; the magnificent temple of Angkor Wat, the enigmatic Bayon within the walled city of Angkor Thom, Preah Khan and Ta Prohm, which is a temple in the jungle also known as the 'Tomb Raider' temple.
We also visit New Hope, a Planeterra supported project located in Mondul 3, Siem Reap, one of the poorest areas in Cambodia. This community consists of army families, karaoke/sex workers and displaced men, women and children. The mission of this project is to restore hope, dignity and promise to these once proud and prosperous people. New Hope conducts workshops in the community, with the goal of providing people with skills they can use to earn a living including; a sewing work shop, tourism courses and a cooking and hospitality school.
During our visit we learn about the importance of this project and have lunch at the cooking and hospitality school. Here we will see the positive results of the project, as local villagers work in the kitchen, and are taught how to prepare meals using local ingredients. Other villagers work as waiters and restaurant staff, providing them with skills that will help them find jobs.
While here, we will taste the delights of Khmer Cuisine. Known for its use of Prahok, a type of fermented fish paste, and coconut milk, Khmer cuisine is often less spicy than its South East Asia neighbors. Over lunch, we get to sample some well known local dishes that can include:
- Local Catch of the Day - Frog, locust, snake, tarantula or simply fish
- Vegetable Curry
- Stir Fried Noodle with Vegetables
- Hot and Sour Fish Soup or Amok Trey, fish cooked in a thick coconut milk curry wrapped and steamed in a banana leaf
- Pork with Ginger
- Loc Lac, a stir fried beef served with lime and pepper sauce.
- Rice
- Fresh tropical Fruit
Day 18 Siem Reap (1B)
Depart any time today.
We look forward to receiving your evaluation regarding this tour itinerary and your CEOs performance. We value your input into what we could improve to make this trip even better and of course love hearing about what we are already doing well! You will be sent a post tour email on your return with details on how to go in line and fill in this simple form. Thank you so much in advance.
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
- Allow USD300-400 for meals not included
- First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, aspirin, band aids, anti-histamine, imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
- Alarm clock
- Sunscreen
- Towel & toiletries
- Insect repellent
- Refillable water bottle
- Sleeping Bag
- Mp3 Player / iPod
- Rechargers
- Torch
- Camera
- Bincolars
- Medication ( if applicable )
What is included
TRANSPORT
- Local bus
- Air-con bus
- Walking
- Junk boat
- Walking
- Tuk Tuk
- Plane
ACCOMMODATION
- Comfort hotels (16 nts), junk boat (1 nt)
Private room upgrade exceptions:Night 2, Sleeper train
MEALS
- 17 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinnersAllow USD300-400 for meals not included
OTHER
-
Experienced and knowledgable tour guide
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Optional activity prices are subject to change and can fluctuate in relation to the high/low season and the number of people on a specific excursion. Not all excursions listed here may be available, due to season, or weather conditions. As generally not a lot of time is spent in start/end cities, you may want to arrange to arrive early, or stay longer after the trip in order to allow sufficient time to participate in optional activities there.
- Bike ride, Bangkok – $25 USD
- Thai kickboxing exhibition, Bangkok - $50 USD
- Visit Chatuchak Weekend Market (taxi transport both ways), Bangkok - $6 USD
- Jim Thompson's House, Bangkok - $3 USD
- Grand palace (Bangkok) - USD11
- Wat Po (Bangkok) - USD2
- Klong(Canal) Tour (Bangkok) - Approx $10-30 dependent on numbers
- Thai massage (Bangkok) – USD10 per hour
- Doi Suithep (Chiang Mai) - USD2 (plus transport)
- Bicycle tour (Chiang Mai) - USD30 for Half Day
- Thai Cookery Course (Chiang Mai) - USD30 for Half Day
- Kan Toke Traditional Dinner (Chiang Mai) - USD30
- Landmine Museum, Siem Reap - $1 USD
- Half day village tour, Siem Reap – $10 USD (transport additional)
- Tuk tuk to Tonle Sap lake and boat trip, Siem Reap - $20 USD
All prices are per person in US dollar amounts (unless stated otherwise), and are subject to change as services are provided by third party operators.
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.
Do I organise my own 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 you 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.
THAILAND - Most nationalities do not need a visa for Thailand for stays of 30 days or less but if you do they are available on arrival at Bangkok Airport. Please note that as of December 2008, 30 day Thai visas are no longer available at land borders. Only 15 day tourist visas are issued when you enter Thailand overland. If you are staying more than 15 days you will likely require a Thai visa. If you are flying into Thailand one more than one occasion you should request a multiple entry visa.*Please note that certain nationalities (including: Bhutan, China, Cyprus, Czech, Estonia, Hungary, India, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Maldives, Oman, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Taiwan and Ukraine) may not be able to obtain visa at a land border.
VIETNAM - Visas for Vietnam need to be arranged ahead of time as the processing time varies. Vietnam visas are not available on arrival at land borders. Visas are not available on arrival at airports unless pre-arranged through a reliable online supplier in advance.
Some nationalities don't require a Visa for Vietnam for shorter stays - please contact your Foreign Ministry for up to date entry/exit requirements.
CAMBODIA - Visas can be obtained in advance from your local Embassy. You can also obtain your visa at the Cambodian border for approx. $20 USD* very easily. Please bring two passport photos with you.
*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.
Where do we meet in Bangkok?
Joining HotelBangkok Centre Hotel 328 Rama IV Road Bangkok +66 (0) 2 238-4980-99
Joining InstructionsWhen arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport (pronounced 'su wan na poom') in Bangkok proceed to the Arrivals Hall where you can change money into Thai Baht. (You may be approached by nicely dressed, official looking touts offering an expensive limousine service to your hotel; ignore these offers.)
You have three transport options; public bus, the Airport Train & MRT or public taxi. All transportation is located on the ‘ground’ floor.
Public BusThe Airport Bus operates 4 bus routes to downtown for a cost of 150 Baht for the entire route. Bus AE2 goes to Banglamphu and Bus AE4 goes to Hua Lamphong train station. Our hotels are located in both the Bang Lamphu and Hua Lamphong areas.
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.
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!
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