Vietnam/Cambodia 15-Day Trip

$3,400 Trip cost (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 (5-star 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 a 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 guides 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. If the group discovers a special event or festival that they would like to attend, and it is not covered in the original itinerary, it is possible to change the itinerary.

  2. The minimum age on our trips is 18. Most of our travelers are in their late 30s to late 60s/early 70s and most are solo travelers. 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 said 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 during which the guides 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. Find out the live mid-market rate for your currency by using a currency converter online.

    The official currency of Vietnam is the dong (VND). 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 withdraw money from the ATM at the airport upon arrival and throughout your trip. It is always a good idea to carry some cash on you to exchange 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, petrol stations, shopping malls, airports and convenience stores.

    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.

    Upon arrival, your guides can show you the nearest ATM or money exchange office near the hotel to help you exchange or withdraw money if needed.

  7. As most components of your trip have been prepaid, you will only need money for dinners and any optional activities that 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.

    We suggest having access to $400– $700 USD either in cash or by credit/debit card.

  8. 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.

  9. All hotels that you will be staying at offer free WiFi and most restaurants and other public places will offer it as well. Keep in mind that the connection and speed may not be as strong and fast as you may be used to back home.

  10. 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:

    Image result for north american outlet

    Image result for outlets in portugal

  11. 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 bring inga 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, but some do not)
  12. Vietnam and Cambodia do not have a strong tipping culture. In restaurants, taxis and 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.

  13. Laundry service is offered at most of the accommodations for a fee. 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!

  14. Vietnam and Cambodia are relatively safe countries and most people who get their things stolen or had something bad happen to them is 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

  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. 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.

  18. Yes, we offer private tours to Vietnam and Cambodia for groups of 4 or more people. The itinerary can be tailored to your needs and 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.


Visas

Australian, Canadian, New Zealand, United Kingdom and United States passport holders must obtain a visa in order to travel to Vietnam and Cambodia. It is the responsibility of each traveler to obtain this visa. We recommend the e-visa as it is the most convenient and time-efficient method. Please be sure to give yourself enough time to allow for the processing of all visa-related documents.

If you are from a country other than those listed above, please check with your nearest Vietnamese or Cambodian Embassy or Consulate about your visa requirements.

To obtain your e-visa for Vietnam, please consult the link below:

Vietnamese E-Visa

To obtain your e-visa for Cambodia, please consult the link below:

Cambodian E-Visa

*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.

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 their country 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 luxury cruise ship. All of the places you will stay at have been hand-selected by us for their uniqueness 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 ranked #1 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, facials and scrubs starting from $20 for an hour 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 5-star 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 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