Vietnam/Cambodia 15-Day Trip

$3,500 USD Trip cost per person (See below for inclusions and exclusions.)


I’m a single traveler. Will I be charged a single supplement?

If you would like a single room throughout the trip, you can purchase the “single supplement”The single supplement fee for this trip is $650. If you would like your own room, the additional supplement can be purchased at check-out. We have made the single supplement fee as affordable as possible so that those traveling solo are not discouraged from traveling with us.

If you are comfortable sharing a room with another traveler of the same gender and would like us to pair you with someone to avoid paying the single supplement, we will try to arrange this for you. Pairing with another person of the same gender comes on a first-come, first-served basis. At the time of booking, there will be a questionnaire pertaining to this. Please complete it accurately so that we can try our best to accommodate your preferences.

IMPORTANT: If we cannot find a roommate for you, you will need to purchase the single supplement. Roommates will always be the same gender. We try our best to pair roommates based on preferences (i.e. non-smokers, no snoring, night owls, early birds, etc.), but this is not always possible. If you are a light sleeper, sensitive to certain smells, etc, we recommend purchasing the single supplement. We will put you in contact with your roommate after booking. If you wish to have your own room at any point during the trip, you will need to purchase the single supplement pro rata. This will also be subject to availability.

What is included :

  • 14 nights accommodation (double occupancy)
  • Halong Bay overnight cruise (premium boat)
  • 3 internal flights (2 domestic & 1 international – Vietnam to Cambodia)
  • Ground transportation
  • Local guides
  • Angkor complex entry (3-day pass)
  • Activities as indicated on the itinerary
  • All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners

What is not included :

  • Optional activities
  • Some lunches and dinners
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Gratuities
  • International external flights
  • External flight international airport pick-up and drop-off
  • Visas
  • Supplementary insurance
  1. Each group consists of 4 – 12 travelers. We prefer small group travel because based on our experience, large groups are less easily able to integrate into society and generally have less authentic contact with the locals.

    A small group number also means that tour group members will receive more personal treatment from the guide who can more thoroughly attend to the needs of each person. Small groups are also more mobile and flexible as travel plans can be more easily altered en route.

  2. Most of our travelers are in their late 30s to late 60s/early 70s and most are solo travelers. The minimum age on our trips is 18. Generally, we get a good mix of diverse people and every trip is unique thanks to the group dynamic.

    We like to think of our trips as get-togethers at amazing destinations. Past travelers have told us that the group dynamic and the friends they made were highlights of the trip.

    Check out the pictures from our last trips to get an idea of the group dynamic by clicking HERE.

  3. Most nationalities traveling to Vietnam and Cambodia need an e-visa that can be obtained online before arrival in both countries.

    For this trip, you’ll need a single-entry visa that will be valid for a stay of up to 30 days. To apply for the e-visas online, please click on the links below:

    Vietnam e-Visa Application

    Cambodia e-Visa Application

    If you are unsure if you are eligible for an e-visa to either country, please check with the nearest Vietnamese or Cambodian embassy or consulate for information on visas and travel to both countries.

    You may also be required to show proof of exit from Cambodia in the form of a departure flight ticket.

    We will contact you 90 days before the trip starts to remind you to apply for the visa. You can see instructions on how to get the Vietnam visa here. And instructions for the Cambodia visa here.

    As a general rule, passports should have at least six months of validity when traveling internationally. Most countries will not permit a traveler to enter unless the passport is set to expire at least six months after the final day of travel.

  4. While most daily activities are already included in the trip price, you will have some free time and the guide can recommend and/or help arrange any activity that might interest you. Most of the activities can be arranged with little to no notice. Optional activities are not included in the trip cost and will be paid at your own expense.

  5. The official currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese dong (VND).

    Find out the live mid-market rate for your currency by using a currency converter online.

    Most shops and stores will only accept VND. You may find some tourist shops that accept USD. If you pay in USD,  you will almost always get VND back in change. As a general rule, you will pay for almost everything in VND.


    The official currency of Cambodia is the riel (KHR).

    KHR and USD are accepted almost equally at shops, restaurants, street food vendors, hotels, cafes, bars, etc., and can also be used as tips. Therefore, we highly recommend going to the bank before your trip and getting some USD that are small denominations ($1, $5, $10, $20). If you pay in USD,  you will almost always get KHR back in change. This can be used as tips as well.

  6. We strongly recommend that you use ATMs while in Vietnam and Cambodia as they usually offer the best exchange rates. The easiest way is to pull money out from the ATM at the airport upon arrival and throughout your trip. It is always a good idea to carry some cash on you in case your bank puts a hold on your ATM card.

    You can find ATMs at almost all bank branches as well as at most large supermarkets, some petrol stations, shopping malls, airports, and post offices.

    It’s important to tell your bank and/or credit card company that you’ll be using your card in Vietnam and Cambodia. Some banks block transactions in foreign countries if they haven’t been forewarned of your travel plans.

    Your local guides will be with you for the duration of the trip and he/she will make frequent stops for ATM withdrawals as well as banks to exchange money.

  7. Credit and debit cards aren’t widely accepted in Vietnam and Cambodia. However, in high-end establishments such as expensive shops, restaurants, and in your hotels, you shouldn’t have a problem paying with your card, though American Express and Discover aren’t commonly accepted. Anywhere else, it’s advisable to carry cash in case you come across a retailer that cannot take card payments.

  8. Based on past travelers’ feedback, an estimated amount to bring for spending is between $400 – 700 USD. WE HIGHLY ADVISE BRINGING OR HAVING ACCESS TO MORE MONEY THAN YOU EXPECT TO SPEND IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY.

    As most components of your trip have been prepaid, you will only need money for a few lunches and dinners and any optional activity you may want to participate in. If you are an avid shopper or enjoy a cocktail in the evening, these costs are incurred at your own expense.

    Like most travel destinations, Vietnam and Cambodia do not lack in their offerings of unique items so pack light! You will be visiting a lot of fantastic places that offer unique items. Remember that most places that offer high-end products will often accept credit/debit cards.

  9. Vietnam and Cambodia do not have a strong tipping culture. In restaurants, taxis, and for personal services, all tips are at your discretion. If you do decide to tip, around 10% of the total bill is acceptable.

    Tipping your guides: If you feel he/she did an exceptional job, then you can tip anywhere from $5 – $15 a day in one lump sum at the end of your time with him/her.

    For more information about tipping your guide, please see our blog on tipping your tour guide.

  10. When using your phone overseas, be sure to check with your provider to get informed about data and call roaming prices. When you land in Vietnam and Cambodia, you will usually get a message from your provider that will give you the price of data, calls and texts in that country. See the example below:

    Welcome to Vietnam/Cambodia! Your plan gives you unlimited data at up to 2G speeds and texts at no extra cost. Calls at 20 cents/min. Want our fastest data and unlimited calls? Get an International Pass for just $5/day. 

    You may consider contacting your service provider to learn about what kind of international plans they offer for calls, texts, and data.

  11. All hotels we will be staying at will offer Wifi and other public places will offer it as well. Please keep in mind that internet speeds in Vietnam and Cambodia are not what you may be used to at home, especially in rural areas.

    Note that during the Halong Bay cruise, Wifi will be limited if not absent.

  12. You do not need a power plug adapter if coming from the United States or Canada. You will likely need one if you’re coming from Australia or the United Kingdom.

    However, Vietnam operates on 220V and Cambodia on 230V so you may need a converter if your devices operate on 110V.

    See the pictures below of the plugs that will typically work in Vietnam and Cambodia:

  13. In Vietnam and Cambodia, it is warm to hot almost all year round so it’s best to pack summer clothes. When visiting temples, women need to make sure to have your knees and shoulders covered. To make things easy, we recommend bringing a scarf to cover your shoulders.

    Below are a few things that we suggest bringing to make your trip more comfortable:

    • Sunglasses/hat
    • Rain jacket/poncho
    • Travel-sized umbrella (for rain and shade)
    • Flip flops
    • Comfortable walking shoes with good ankle support & tread
    • Small, across-the-shoulder day bag or small backpack
    • Prescription medication and over-the-counter medicine (if needed)
    • Motion sickness medicine (if needed)
    • Sunscreen (biodegradable if possible)
    • Mosquito repellent (DEET strength)
    • Mask (for dusty tuk-tuk rides)
    • Travel hairdryer (some hotels have one, but some do not)
  14. Almost all of the hotels on this trip offer laundry services for a fee, if needed. Also, there are many laundry facilities outside the hotels offering very cheap laundry services. 1 kilogram of laundry usually costs approximately $1 ~ $2 USD. It is best to pack less and do laundry during your trip. This way, you can bring less clothing and have more room in your luggage for souvenirs!

  15. Yes, we can. When booking your spot on the trip, please notify us of your specific requests such as gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, etc. Alternative options will always be possible throughout the trip, but options might be limited and not as great in variety as you may be used to.

  16. The water in Vietnam and Cambodia is safe for brushing your teeth, but it is not recommended for drinking. The bottled water in both countries is very affordably priced, but please remember to recycle!

    Vietnam and Cambodia are both suffering the consequences of plastic waste issues but unfortunately, there are not many water refill stations. Some of the hotels at which you stay have two free glass water bottles that are placed in your room each day. These can be used to refill your personal water bottles so you can bring a water bottle and refill it with water from the glass bottles in your room. This is a small role we can play in the solution to the plastic epidemic that is plaguing the world.

    Another thing you can do to help the environment is to put purchased items in your day pack/backpack rather than using the plastic bag that the store provides you. Small things can add up to make a big difference!

  17. Vietnam and Cambodia are relatively safe countries and most people who get their things stolen or had something bad happen to them because they acted irresponsibly (usually drugs and alcohol were involved). Your biggest worry is sunburn so be sure to lather up each day!

    As with any travel destination, it is important to be aware of your surroundings with a secure over-the-shoulder day pack that closes tightly. This way your belongings won’t easily become the property of any purse snatchers or pickpockets. Situations such as those just mentioned are not that common but generally happen in larger cities at famous attractions where large numbers of locals and tourists tend to congregate.

    The US State Department offers general travel information about these countries. See below for more information:

    US State Department Travel to Vietnam

    US State Department Travel to Cambodia

  18. Please review the CDC Health Information for Travelers websites for Vietnam and Cambodia before traveling to see any recommended vaccinations.

    CDC Health Information for Travelers to Vietnam

    CDC Health Information for Travelers to Cambodia

    If you suffer from pre-existing medical conditions or are concerned about what vaccinations may be right for you, we strongly advise that you visit a medical professional or your personal physician before your trip.

  19. Yes, we offer private tours to Vietnam and Cambodia for groups of 4 or more people. The itinerary can be tailored to your needs while you will enjoy a personalized experience with our guides and your friends and family.

    Please contact us at info@globe-drifters.com for more information.

Flights

International arrival and departure flights are not included in the trip cost and are up to each traveler to book.

Your arrival city is Hanoi, Vietnam (HAN) and your departure city is Phnom Penh, Cambodia (PNH).

Please do not book any flights until you receive a confirmation from us. You will receive a confirmation email within 24 – 48 hours of booking.


Visas

Most nationalities traveling to Vietnam and Cambodia need an e-visa that can be obtained online before arrival in both countries.

For this trip, you’ll need a single-entry visa that will be valid for a stay of up to 30 days. To apply for the e-visas online, please click on the links below:

Vietnam e-Visa Application

Cambodia e-Visa Application

If you are unsure if you are eligible for an e-visa to either country, please check with the nearest Vietnamese or Cambodian embassy or consulate for information on visas and travel to both countries.

*After booking the trip with Globe Drifters, you will receive an email with instructions on how to obtain the visa needed for travel to Vietnam and Cambodia.

You may also be required to show proof of exit from Cambodia in the form of a departure flight ticket.

As a general rule, passports should have at least six months of validity when traveling internationally. Most countries will not permit a traveler to enter unless the passport is set to expire at least six months after the final day of travel.

On this trip, you will stay in charming boutique hotels and on a premium cruise ship. All of the places you will stay at have been hand-selected by us for their central location, impeccable service, and quality.

Hanoi

Set in the busy Hanoi Old Quarter, this hotel offers an on-site Vietnamese restaurant, coffee shop, and spa. The hotel’s restaurant is top-ranked on TripAdvisor and serves up delicious Vietnamese specialties. The rooftop bar is also recommended as it comes alive at night with great city views. At the spa, you can choose from a Vietnamese rice scrub or a traditional herbal massage with most massages or facials and scrubs starting from $20 for an hour of treatment; a welcome treat after your long flight!

Halong Bay

This cruise line offers an itinerary to untouched areas in Halong Bay. You’ll stay on a premium boat with spacious rooms and every room has its own private balcony. Plus, there’s a bathtub in every cabin, perfect for luxurious bubble baths while gazing out the giant one-way window in each cabin offering great views of the picturesque beauty of Halong Bay as you sail.

Hoi An

Situated at the heart of Hoi An, this boutique hotel exemplifies the heart of Hoianese people: hospitable, honest, and welcoming. The hotel has a restaurant serving local specialties, a bar for a drink to cap off your day of adventures, a swimming pool with a bar to cool off, and a spa if you’d like to treat yourself to a massage.

Siem Reap

This boutique hotel is set amid lush tropical gardens and has a large swimming pool as well as tropical rooftop gardens. It is ideally located in the center of Siem Reap city and shopping and nightlife are just a short tuk-tuk ride away. There is a spa on the property along with rooftop, air-conditioned, or poolside dining

Phnom Penh

This boutique hotel boasts unique architecture with lush gardens, striking staircases, and a glass-bottomed pool. It features on-site options for drinking and dining and its rooftop bar offers views of the city skyline that are unparalleled.

We recommend that you purchase trip/travel insurance for your trip. We work with Travelex which offers travel protection plans to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans include coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay and more. Otherwise, you are welcome to shop around online for a provider and policy that best suits your needs.

For more information on the recommended plans or to enroll, click on the image below or contact Travelex Insurance Services at 800-228-9792. Globe Drifters’ reference location number is 09-0984.

Trip insurance get a quote travelex

The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA Agency License #0D10209. All products listed are underwritten by, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, NAIC #22276. 11.17 E7N