Signature: Vietnam, Laos & the Temples of Cambodia Adventure Tour

Traverse the heart of Indochina from Vietnam's imperial cities to the spiritual quiet of Laos and the temples of Angkor. Cruise the Mekong, witness the sacred alms ritual in Luang Prabang, and explore the jungle ruins of Cambodia. Guided by experts, connect with conservationists and monks on a journey through the soul of Southeast Asia.

Are local flights included in the cost of the trip?  

All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.

There may be a weight restriction for the internal flight on this tour. Each passenger is allowed to carry one checked bag with a maximum weight of 20 kg (44lbs). Additional bags or excess weight charges may apply. These charges are the responsibility of the passengers.

What should be on my packing list?  

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Headphones (Noice-cancelling recommended)
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?  

Yes, for those travelling solo there is a single supplement

Where will we stay during the trip?  

Hotels (17 nights)

What are the joining instructions?  

For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.

An arrival transfer is included when you arrive on Day 1, or if you arrive up to three days prior provided that you have booked your pre-accommodation through National Geographic Signature Journey in our joining hotel. Due to customer experience and quality considerations, all services related to the tour must be continuous.

Our driver will be waiting for you with a National Geographic Signature Journeys sign, and they will be waiting for you outside the luggage hall. If for any reason you are not met at the airport, please call our local support line. If you are unable to make contact for whatever reason, please make your way to the joining point hotel via taxi.


Please note that day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned on this day.

Upon arrival to your Joining Hotel (note that check-in time will be in the afternoon), look for a note or bulletin board in the reception with a note from your National Geographic Expedition Leader. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on day 2 (in the morning), where you will get a chance to meet your leader and other travellers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don't see a note, please ask reception for details!

What should I know about currency, credit cards, and exchanging money while on this tour?  

During this tour the local currencies you will use are the Thai Baht, US Dollar, and Cambodian Riel. As currency exchange rates in South East Asia do fluctuate, we ask that you refer to the following website for the most up to date daily exchange rates: www.xe.com for each of the above mentioned currencies. The best way to carry your money is in debit cards, withdrawing cash in local currencies from ATM machines. ATMs are found throughout South East Asia and will generally accept cards on the Visa and Mastercard networks. It is a great idea to travel with both a Visa and Mastercard if at all possible in case of loss or problems with one card, you will have a back up. Please note, your bank will charge a fee for overseas withdrawals. USD Cash is recommended for times when ATMs are not accessible. You should bring some cash with you for emergency situations (please refer to our trip dossier) but carrying only cash is a high safety risk. ATM card/s and some cash is the ideal mix. Travellers cheques can be tricky, timely and expensive to exchange. While we do not recommend that you bring them as your primary source of funds, it is great to have one or two cheques in case of emergency. Thomas Cook or American Express travellers' cheques in US currency are the easiest to exchange. Cash advances can also be made with some banks but are time consuming and tend to have high fees attached.Credit cards can be used at some upmarket restaurants, and at some larger stores if shopping for big items. If you are bringing US Dollars, please make sure that the notes are new and in good condition. Notes older than 2003, or with any tears or blemishes may not be accepted. Be fussy with your bank when buying cash!

What happens if I experience problems when arriving?  

We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier and contact us as soon as possible. You have an included arrival transfer. If you have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.

What instructions should I follow at the finishing point?  

You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport at the end of your adventure.

How much spending money do I need for my trip?  

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

How much emergency money should I bring on this trip?  

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

Should I be tipping on my trip?  

On our National Geographic Signature tours, tipping is included for all included activities and meals, and porterage. Tipping is not included for the Expedition Leader. Should you want some basic guidelines on tipping for the activities you do on your own, please see below. At the end of each trip if you felt your National Geographic Signature Expedition Leader did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline would be $10-$15 per person per day.

For meals and activities not included in your itinerary, it is appropriate in Asia to tip 10%. Though not compulsory, tipping is expected. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels and shows an expression of satisfaction.

Are there any health considerations I should know before travelling?  

Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical information pertaining to the country you are traveling to well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as a full supply of any personal medical requirements. In Asia, you will not find the same drugs as you get at home. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities. Also note that for legal reasons our Leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if, in the reasonable opinion of the Expedition Leader, they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.

What rules should I know before joining this trip?  

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our Expedition Leader have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

Is there an itinerary Disclaimer?  

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

What are the meals like on this trip?  

Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your Expedition Leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. Included breakfasts will usually be asian style consisting of noodles or congee (rice porridge) or bread and eggs. Vegetarians will be able to find a range of different foods, although in some areas the choice maybe limited. While trekking in remote regions food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.

Are international flights included in this trip?  

No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.

However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details.

In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

Who will be leading the group?  

National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert

What's Included  

Your G for Good Moment: Oodles of Noodles Demonstration and Lunch, Hoi An
Your G for Good Moment: Dinner at Spoons Restaurant, Siem Reap
Your G for Good Moment: New Hope Vocational Training Restaurant Visit and Lunch, Siem Reap
Your G for Good Moment: Travel to Conservation D'Angkor by Lady Tuktuk Drivers, Siem Reap
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet your Expedition Leader and Group, Ho Chi Minh City
Your Foodie Moment: Pho Lunch, Ho Chi Minh City
Your Local Living Moment: Cacao Farm Experience, T?nh Ti?n Giang
Signature Moment: Private Roundtable with Dr. Nguyen Huu Thien, C?n Tho
Your Foodie Moment: Private Dinner at Mango Restaurant, Hoi An
Signature Moment: Behind-the-Scenes Japanese Covered Bridge, Hoi An
Your Foodie Moment: Hanoi Elevated Street Eats Tour, Hanoi
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Reception, Briefing & Dinner, Luang Prabang
Your Local Living Moment: Home Experience & Baci Ceremony in Ban Nongkham, Luang Prabang
Signature Moment: Kuang Si Waterfall and Bear Conservation Center Visit, Luang Prabang
Signature Moment: Conservation D'Angkor Visit, Siem Reap. Arrival & departure transfer. Reunification Palace Visit. Social Impact Dining at ST25 by KOTO. Free time in Ho Chi Minh City. Walking tour of Ho Chi Minh City. Welcome Dinner at One River Restaurant. Vintage Camera Photography Experience. Cu Chi Tunnels Guided Tour. Sunrise at Cai Rang Floating Market. Free Time in Can Tho. Hoi An Guided Walking Tour and Exploration. Free Time in Hoi An. Private Dinner & Concert at Ben Xuan Garden House. Royal Tombs Visit. Hue's Heritage by River & Citadel. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Complex, and One Pillar Pagoda. Foot Massage at Dao's Care Spa Social Enterprise. Long Bien Bridge Guided Visit. Night Tour at the Temple of Literature. Van Long Wetlands Boat Trip. Session on Vietnamese Wildlife with National Geographic Grantee. Cuc Phuong Conservation Experience. Emeralda Resort dinner. Cultural Foundations at Wat Xieng Thong and Monk Chat. Ock Pop Tok Founder-Led Visit & Hands-On Dyeing Workshop. Alms Giving & Old Town Morning. Free Time in Luang Prabang. Dinner and Night Market Visit in Luang Prabang. Sunrise at Angkor Wat. Bayon Temple and Ta Prohm Temple Visit. Boat Ride through Kampong Kleang. Bensley's Bar with Lady Drum Show farewell dinner. Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expedition Expert throughout. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Is there a disclaimer I should read before booking this trip?  

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

What activities are optional on this trip?  

Hoi An
- Optional Mini-Talk with Expert

What important notes should I be aware of before the trip?  

ACCOMMODATION NOTE:
Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.

WEIGHT RESTRICTION
There may be a weight restriction for the internal flight on this tour. Each passenger is allowed to carry one checked bag with a maximum weight of 20kg (44lbs). Additional bags or excess weight charges may apply. These charges are the responsibility of the passengers.

Laos:
1. REQUIRED: In order for us to confirm the transport used during your visit to Laos, we require a coloured copy of your passport in advance of travel. We please request you send a coloured copy of the passport you will be travelling on to experience@gadventures.com

2. LAOS - High Speed Train regulations.
Items prohibited from being carried by passengers into the stations or on trains:
- Flammable materials & liquids. Aerosols will be taken away at security.
- Sharp objects (e.g. pocket knives)
- Explosive materials e.g. vapes & e-cigarettes. Includes spray-on deodorant, perfume & hair products.
- Foods which are wet or have an overpowering smell
- Weapons
- Drugs
The high speed train has a luggage limit of 20kg per person.

What is the maximum number of travellers on this tour?  

22

What meals are included in this trip?  

17 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 13 dinners

How old must I be to join this trip?  

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

What are the modes of transportation on my trip?  

Private Vehicle, Walking, Boat, Tuk tuk, Electric Car, Train, Plane.

How should I dress to respect local customs during the tour?  

When packing be aware that dress standards are conservative throughout Asia. To respect this and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. This means covering shoulders and no very short shorts. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot Asian climate. Shorts should be knee-length.

Is travel insurance required for my trip?  

Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

What are the main highlights of this trip?  

Engage in an intimate discussion on the delta's future with a leading environmental expert, Master local noodle traditions in H?i An while supporting a youth empowerment project, Gain exclusive after-hours entry to H?i An's iconic bridge with a conservation specialist, Visit primate and wildlife rescue centres to learn about protecting Vietnam's species, Tour a local cacao farm to meet growers and taste fresh chocolate and cacao wine, Visit a National Geographic-funded sanctuary with a conservationist to see rescued bears, Go behind the scenes at Conservation D'Angkor to view rare artifact restoration, Join a local family for a traditional Lao ritual that gathers and protects the soul, Savor a six-course feast at Embassy Restaurant while hearing the chef's personal journey, Participate in the sacred morning tradition of offering sticky rice to monks in Luang Prabang.

How large will the group be?  

Max 22