CONTENT PAGE ABOUT INDOCHINA PIONEER 2 COUNTRY PROFILE 3 VIETNAM OVERVIEW 4 BEFORE DEPARTURE CHECK LIST - MORE ABOUT VIETNAM 5-6 HANOI 7 HALONG BAY 8 SAPA 9 HUE 10 HOI AN II NHATRANG 12-13 PHAN THIET 14 HO CHI MINH CITY 15 PHU QUOC ISLAND 16 CAMBODIA 17 CAMBODIA OVERVIEW 18 BEFORE DEPARTURE CHECK LIST - MORE ABOUT CAMBODIA 19-20 SIEM REAP 21 PHNOM PENH 22 SIHANOUKVILLE 23 WHY INDOCHINA PIONEER 24 ABOUT NDOCHINA PIONEER 2 COUNTRY PROFILE 3 VIETNAM OVERVIEW 4 BEFORE DEPARTURE CHECK LIST - MORE ABOUT VIETNAM 5-6 HANOI 7 HALONG BAY 8 SAPA 9 HUE 10 HOI AN 11 NHATRANG 12-13 PHAN THIET 14 HO CHI MINH CITY 15 PHU QUOC ISLAND 16 CAMBODIA 17 CAMBODIA OVERVIEW 18 BEFORE DEPARTURE CHECK LIST - MORE ABOUT CAMBODIA 19-20 SIEM REAP 21 PHNOM PENH 22 SIHANOUKVILLE 23 WHY INDOCHINA PIONEER 24 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS INDOCHINA PIONEER TEAM OFFERS THEIR SINCERE THANKS TO OUR CLIENTS, COLLEGES, TOUR GUIDES, DRIVERS, SUPPLIERS, HOTEL MANAGERS AND PARTNERS WHO HAD GREATLY CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS, INFORMATION, IDEAS AND INPUTTOTHIS BROCHURE. SPECIAL THANKS ALSO GO TO MS. JANET DRAPER, A VALUED FORMER CLIENT, WHO SPENT A GREAT DEAL OF TIME, VOLUNTEERING TO EDIT AND PICK OUT THE LITTLE ERRORS OF THE CONTENTS. WE SEND OUR MOST SINCERE APPRECIATION TO MR & MRS SOUTER AND MR. MATTHEW HUNTER. WITHOUT YOUR BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS, THIS BROCHURE CANNOT LOOK THIS GOOD! WE WILL APPRECIATE THE CONTINUOUS SUPPORTS FROM OUR CLIENTS, SUPPLIERS, CONTRACTORS, TOUR GUIDES, DRIVERS, RESTAURANT OWNERS, HOTEL MANAGERS WITH YOUR ORIGINAL MATERIALS INCLUDING PHOTOS, INFORMATION, IDEAS AND YOUR INSPIRATIONS FORTHE NEXT VERSIONS OF INDOCHINA PIONEER'S BROCHURES. INDOCHINA PIONEER Personalized Services * Private Holidays • Tailor-Made Tours
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CONTENT PAGE
ABOUT INDOCHINA PIONEER 2COUNTRY PROFILE 3VIETNAM OVERVIEW 4BEFORE DEPARTURE CHECK LIST - MORE ABOUT VIETNAM 5-6HANOI 7HALONG BAY 8SAPA 9HUE 10HOI AN IINHATRANG 12-13PHAN THIET 14HO CHI MINH CITY 15PHU QUOC ISLAND 16CAMBODIA 17CAMBODIA OVERVIEW 18BEFORE DEPARTURE CHECK LIST - MORE ABOUT CAMBODIA 19-20
SIEM REAP 21PHNOM PENH 22SIHANOUKVILLE 23WHY INDOCHINA PIONEER 24ABOUT NDOCHINA PIONEER 2COUNTRY PROFILE 3VIETNAM OVERVIEW 4BEFORE DEPARTURE CHECK LIST - MORE ABOUT VIETNAM 5-6HANOI 7HALONG BAY 8SAPA 9HUE 10HOI AN 11NHATRANG 12-13PHAN THIET 14HO CHI MINH CITY 15PHU QUOC ISLAND 16CAMBODIA 17CAMBODIA OVERVIEW 18BEFORE DEPARTURE CHECK LIST - MORE ABOUT CAMBODIA 19-20
INDOCHINA PIONEER TEAM OFFERS THEIR SINCERE THANKS TO OUR CLIENTS, COLLEGES, TOUR GUIDES, DRIVERS, SUPPLIERS, HOTEL MANAGERS AND PARTNERS WHO HAD GREATLY CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS, INFORMATION, IDEAS AND INPUTTOTHIS BROCHURE.
SPECIAL THANKS ALSO GO TO MS. JANET DRAPER, A VALUED FORMER CLIENT, WHO SPENT A GREAT DEAL OF TIME, VOLUNTEERING TO EDIT AND PICK OUT THE LITTLE ERRORS OF THE CONTENTS.
WE SEND OUR MOST SINCERE APPRECIATION TO MR & MRS SOUTER AND MR. MATTHEW HUNTER. WITHOUT YOUR BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS, THIS BROCHURE CANNOT LOOK THIS GOOD!
WE WILL APPRECIATE THE CONTINUOUS SUPPORTS FROM OUR CLIENTS, SUPPLIERS, CONTRACTORS, TOUR GUIDES, DRIVERS, RESTAURANT OWNERS, HOTEL MANAGERS WITH YOUR ORIGINAL MATERIALS INCLUDING PHOTOS, INFORMATION, IDEAS AND YOUR INSPIRATIONS FORTHE NEXT VERSIONS OF INDOCHINA PIONEER'S BROCHURES.
ABOUT INDOCHINA PIONEERPROFESSIONAL, INSIGHTFUL, CARING AND RESPONSIBLE ARE WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE OUR COMPANY, INDOCHINA PIONEER. OUR EXCELLENT REPUTATION HAS BEEN ACHIEVED BECAUSE WE OFFER EACH CLIENT OUR “PERSONAL-TOUCH” WITH EXCELLENT 24/7 CUSTOMER SERVICE, SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS PRACTICE, FINANCIAL TRANSPARENCY, AND OUR SUPERIOR COMMUNICATION WITH CLIENTS, RESPONDING WITHIN 24 HOURS OR LESS! ALL OF OUR DIRECTORS AND EMPLOYEES ARE VIETNAMESE, HAVING MANY YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN THE TOURIST INDUSTRY OUR BUSINESS PARTNERS ARE ALL COMMITTED WITH LONG TERM CONTRACTS, BENEFITING YOU, THE CLIENT INDEPENDENT TRAVELERS ARE ASSURED GREAT VALUE WITH OUR PERSONALIZED CUSTOM HOLIDAYS....YOU CHOOSE, WE DELIVER!
Quyen (Le Sy Quyen) - Managing Director / Co- Founder:Trained to be an English teacher but later fell in love with traveling. Quyen spent 8 years guiding and leading tour groups throughout Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. Since 2009, Quyen has been the Managing Director of Indochina Pioneer and enjoys watching the substantial growth of both the company sales and the Indochina Team.
Lam (Duong Dai Lam) - Sales Manager / Co- Founder:Lam obtained his BA in English for Translation and Interpretation in 2001. Living in Hanoi he soon realized that with his knowledge of the English language together with his passion for people and travel that his future was destined to be in the tourism sector. After 7 years of working for large International companies leading tours all over South East Asia, Lam joined forces with Quyen for the birth of Indochina Pioneer. His position with the Company is primarily Sales Manager and Customer Service Manager.
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Firstly we offer you over 3,000 km of sandy tropical beaches and picturesque islands for your pleasure and relaxation! Vietnam has more than 4,000 years of history, 54 ethnicity's, a variety of cultural backgrounds and amazing lush landscapes, for those of you who enjoy exploring a countries cuisine we offer more than 500 dishes of traditional food, both in 1st class restaurants and from street-side vendors! Hanoi was selected as one of the top 10 cities for food in the
world with Vietnam's national dish of Pho being named as one of the top 5 street-foods in the world! also offered are top notch hotels with world class service and spas and beach resorts, we have a very stable society, plus a safe tourist environment. Vietnam was recently rated the safest place in Asia for the single female traveler! a shoppers paradise can also be found here, with areas offering inexpensive made to measure clothes, and other areas offering upscale internationally renowned clothing labels, handbags, shoes and much more!
Between our 4,000 year history and the 21st century we think Vietnam has something to offer everyone, so why not make this your chosen destination for the holiday of a lifetime in 2013 - 2014.
The truly hospitable Vietnamese people are waiting to welcome you to their homeland with genuine warmth and open arms!
COUNTRY PROFILEOfficial Name: The Socialist Republic of VietnamPopulation: 84 millionCapital City: Hanoi, population 6.5 millionPeople: Viet (Kinh), 53 difference ethnic minorities include: Muong, Tay, Khmer, Mong, Dao, Kadai, Han, Tang. Language: Vietnamese Currency: Vietnam dong (VND)Growth: 7,6% from 2006 to 2008Major Industries: Agriculture, Industry and ServiceTime Zone: GMT +7 hours Electricity: 220V, 50 Hz; 2 pin plugsWeights and Measurements: MetricInternational Dialing Code: +84
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BEFORE DEPARTURE CHECK LISTTRAVEL INSURANCE (compulsory)Indochina Pioneer will do everything possible to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.However, certain risks are involved and should be recognized by participants. Thus, we highly recommend the purchase of short-term travel insurance for our adventures. Travel Insurance is a cost effective way to protect yourself and your equipment in the event o f problems due to -Canceled Trips, Delays, Medical Problems, Baggage Loss or Damage. You can buy travel insurance very easily and cheaply online.VISAS/PASSPORTS1. Passports must be valid for 6 months after final departure date
2. Visitors must obtain visa approval prior to entry. Indochina Pioneer can arrange visas at reduced cost for visitors who book one of our tours. The procedure is as follows:
• Passport details and arrival and departure dates are faxed to Indochina Pioneer not later than 14 days before passengers' departure to Vietnam.
• Indochina Pioneer submits details to the Immigration Department.
• The Immigration Department emails the approval letter to Indochina Pioneer who then forwards it to the client. The client then brings this along with them at arrival
IMMUNIZATIONSBefore traveling to Vietnam it is important for the visitor to have the right protection against diseases and to understand fully what type of vaccinations that will be needed according to the regions he/she will be visiting. For general protection for visitors to Vietnam, it is important to have the following vaccinations:
• Hepatitis A and B• Tetanus• Typhoid
SUGGESTED PACKING LIST• Personal clothing items, toiletries, medication• Sunhat• Sarong (to cover your shoulders should you enter
temples or pagodas)
Sunscreen Insect repellantLight weight clothing for the summer months Warm clothing for winter in Hanoi and in mountainous areasCamera with film (you can easily buy extra memory cards) Adapter for plugs and chargers for camera/phone/I pod etcSmall daypack for day trips and overnight trip to Halong BayAppropriate shoes for trekking, cycling or walking in caves (Halong Bay)Sleeping sheet for train travel (can also be bought in Vietnam for 3 dollars)Ear plugs and sleep mask (for train journeys)
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Please note: Domestic airlines do impose restrictions on baggage at approx 20kg maximum,Water bottle and helmet (for cycling trips only) so travel lightly where possible. Also the trains cabins and boat cabins in Halong Bay have limited space so consider this when packing. Soft luggage is recommended where possible.MONEYTrades at approximately 20, 800 to USD1. The US dollar, preferably crisp clean bills, is widely accepted among major shops and restaurants. Travelers cheques can be cashed at authorized foreign exchange outlets and banks and require presentation of passport, in rural areas its impossible to change these. There is normally a 2 to 5 percent transaction fee for cashing Travelers
cheques. Visa and Master card are becoming more accepted in many of the bigger hotels and restaurants, especially in the larger cities.Make sure that the Vietnamese notes you receive are not tom, this is because many shops and restaurants will not accept them, if you receive a tom note as them to change it. Also try not to change too much money at one time, as you will end up with a large wad of notes.
MORE ABOUT VIETNAMCLIMATEVietnam's elongated shape includes tropical and subtropical zone and is responsible for the varied climate in the country. Generally speaking the best time to travel in Vietnam is when there is a reduced chance of rain; that is during April/May and October/November.The south is hot year round and has two seasons: one wet the other dry. The wet season lasts from May to October and you can expect daily downpours. These are usually brief and easy to predict. The dry season from November to April is generally sunny and humid.SAFETYVietnam was recently voted one of the safest destinations in the world. Women and independent travelers have
found it relatively hassle-free and easy to travel throughout the country. Incidents of petty theft and bag snatching are more widespread in Ho Chi Minh City and to a lesser extent Hanoi. As with anywhere in the world, do keep your bags zipped up and close to you at all times and do not carry all your money on you at once, keep some locked up in your hotel safe. CUISINEVietnam is a culinary delight! A typical Vietnamese meal consists of rice or noodles with soup, a stir-fry, and another main dish and is eaten on a communal basis. The dishes are usually not spicy and are accompanied with chili sauce, fish sauce and soy sauce. The traditional Vietnamese breakfast is Pho - a
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large bowl o f rice noodles flavored with sliced beef or chicken and fragrant broth and garnished with fresh coriander and bean CLOTHINGLight, comfortable, easy to launder clothing is recommended. The temperature during winter months in Hanoi and the rainy season in the central region can be cool; a sweater or light jacket can be handy. Good walking shoes and sandals that can be easily removed are recommended, especially when entering temples and people's homes. When entering temples please try to cover knees and shoulders as a mark of respect. PEOPLEThe majority of the population is comprised of the Viet
or Kinh (85%) people who speak the tonal Vietnamese. The minority population is made up of over 50 ethnic hill tribe people who mainly live in the central and northern mountainous areas of the country. The best- known hill tribes are the Tay, Hmong, Zao, White and Black Thai (both mainly from the north), and the Hoa. Each hill tribe has its own unique customs and dialect and some are able to speak Vietnamese.LANGUAGEVietnamese, the official language, is a tonal language that can be compared to Cambodia's official language, Khmer. With each syllable, there are six different tones that can be used, which change the definition and it often makes it difficult for foreigners to pick up the language.
There are other languages spoken as well such as Chinese, Khmer, Cham and other languages spoken by tribes inhabiting the mountainous regions. Although there are some similarities to Southeast Asian languages, such as Chinese, Vietnamese is thought to be a separate language group, although a member of the Austro- Asiatic language family. In written form, Vietnamese uses the Roman alphabet and accent marks to show tones. This system of writing called Quoc Ngu, was created by Catholic missionaries in the 17th centuiy to translate the scriptures. Eventually this system, particularly after World War I, replaced one using Chinese characters chu nom), which had been the unofficial written form used for centuries.
TIMEVietnam lies in the same time zone with Thailand, meaning seven hours ahead of GMT/UTC. So close to the equator, Vietnam has no daylight saving time (summer time).
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Hanoi has been inhabited since at least 3000 BC. One of the first known permanent settlements is the Co Loa Citadel founded around 200 BC.
Hanoi is relatively small and runs at quite an unhurried pace for the Capital of Vietnam. Resting in the Red River delta region, the center is a mixture o f tree-lined avenues, maze like back streets with lively merchants, temples and lakes, mixed together with many fine colonial buildings.
A city between the rivers, built from lowland, Hanoi has many scenic lakes and it is sometimes called "city of lakes". Under French rule, as an administrative centre for the French colony of Indochina, the French colonial architecture style became dominant and many examples still remain today. A variety of options for entertainment in Hanoi can be found throughout the city. Modem and traditional theaters, cinemas, karaoke bars, dance clubs, bowling alleys, and an abundance of opportunities for shopping provide leisure activity for both locals and tourists. Hanoi has been named as one o f the top 10 cities for shopping in Asia!
The bay consists of a dense cluster o f over 3,000 limestone monolithic Islands each topped with thick jungle vegetation, rising spectacularly from the ocean. Several o f the islands are hollow, with enormous caves, Hang Đau Go (Wooden stakes cave) is the largest grotto in the Ha Long area and a popular visitor attraction.
In 1962, Ha Long Bay was deemed a Nationally Protected Area. This magnificent area is undoubtedly Vietnam's greatest natural wonder. In 1994 Ha Long Bay was recognized by UNESCO as a WORLD HERITAGE SITE. A community of around 1,600 people live on Ha Long Bay in four fishing villages. Historical research surveys have shown the presence of prehistorical human beings in this area tens of thousands years ago!
Ha Long City or Bai Chay is 160km from Hanoi (3 hours along highway 5) and 63km from Haiphong and is North Vietnam's most developed resort with a picturesque backdrop of wooded hills.
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SAPACascading rice terraces and lush vegetation surround this tiny settlement perched on the eastern slopes of the Hoang Lien Mountains. Jesuit priests first arrived here in 1918 sending word of the pleasant climate back to Hanoi and by 1922 Sapa was transformed into a French hill station. This idyllic colonial retreat lasted until the Japanese invasion in 1941. Many colonial villas and hotels were destroyed or abandoned during the following decades of war.
With the economic reforms and opening of the country to toux ism in the 1990s Sapa gained a fresh lease on life as it was revived by local entrepreneurs and discovered by foreign visitors. Sapa is home to diverse hill people as well as the ethnic Kinh. A growing number of visitors come for the mountain air, stunning views, trekking and local markets.
Known for its historic monuments, which have earned it a place in UNESCO's WORLD HERITAGE SITES. The Citadel is a must see for visitors.
The Imperial capital of the Nguyen Emperors, Hue was the political center of Vietnam from 1802-1945. The Emperor Gia Long founded the Nguyen dynasty, consolidated the country after several hundred years of civil war and began construction of the citadel. This was the first time in Vietnamese history that a single court controlled the country from north to south.
In 1883 the French invaded Hue. Tonkin and Annam became French protectorates, but they found it expedient to maintain the illusion of imperial rule although the early days of their rule were marked by a rapid succession of emperors as rulers either fled or were replaced.
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Hoi An is an ancient port town on the Thu Bon River.Today tourism has taken over as the town's major industry. The first inhabitants of the area were the Champa who occupied the area from the 2nd - 15th centuries. Then under Vietnamese rule the city attracted foreign trade, particularly with China, supplying silk, fabrics, tea, pepper and medicines. Other ships came from Japan, Portugal, Spain, India and France. Old maps show Hoi An (then known as Faifo) as one of the most important trading ports of SE Asia. However internal conflicts and the silting up of the river mouth led to a decline in the early 19th century when Danang rose to prominence.
In 1999, the "old town" was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO as a well-preserved example of a Southeast Asian trading port of the 15 th to 19th centuries, with buildings that display a unique blend of local and foreign influences.
Hoi An is known today for it's beautiful beaches, great restaurants, and the numerous tailors who will make you made-to-measure clothing and shoes at very reasonable prices, in 24 hours!
The port city of Nha Trang is the biggest city in Khanh Hoa province, and lies at die mouth of the Cai River, 256 miles (412 km) northeast of Saigon. Khanh Hoa is studded with over 200 picturesque islands and its 200 kilometer coastline abounds in beautiful white sandy beaches. The Khanh Hoa coast is the first place in Vietnam to welcome the morning sunshine and it enjoys 300 days of sun a year at a comfortable temperature of 26.5 degrees Celsius. Nha Trang is well known for its pristine beaches and excellent scuba diving and is fast becoming a popular destination for international tourists.
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PHAN THIETThis is one of the best laid-back getaways in Vietnam. The town of Phan Thiet itself is a bustling little fishing port — quite picturesque and good for a day's visit — but you'll want to get out to the long, sprawling, sandy stretch of beach to the east: Mui Ne. This is a popular weekend getaway from nearby Saigon, and development in recent years has been rapid. You'll find some very nice upscale resorts and comfy little boutique bungalow properties.
The Mekong Delta “Nine Dragon river delta” is the region in southwestern Vietnam where the Mekong River approaches and empties into the sea through a network of distributaries. The Mekong delta region encompasses a large portion of southwestern Vietnam of 39,000 square kilometres (15,000 sq mi). The size o f the area covered by water depends on the season.
Vietnam’s Mekong Delta is a vibrant, lush landscape of increasingly modem cities amid sprawling rice fields and jungle. This area is home to lush orchard gardens and rice fields and famous for its unique floating markets and plenty of exotic tripcal fruits. The Mekong River and its branches shape life in the region.
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HO CHI MINH CITYHo Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is frenetic Asian city of markets, street clogged with scooters, street side food stalls, as well as foreign restaurants office blocks and shopping malls. It is Vietnam's economic powerhouse and the rate of the progress over the last few years has been remarkable. Saigon is an exciting and exotic city where the pace of life never dims and which is now looking forward, with great optimism, after its tumultuous 20th century.
Today, the city's core is still adorned with wide elegant boulevards and historic French colonial buildings. The most prominent structures in the city center are Reunification Palace, City Hall, the Municipal Theatre also known as the Opera House, City Post Office, State Bank Office, City People's Court and the Notre-Dame Cathedral.
120km (75 miles) W (over sea) from Rach Gia (Rach Gia is 250km/155 miles S of Saigon by road). The same size as Singapore, the island of Phu Quoc lies off the west coast of Vietnam's Mekong Delta. At times claimed by Cambodia and Thailand, the island is now like an armed fortress of the Vietnamese navy, and 80% of the island is protected as the Phu Quoc National Forest. Exploring the dirt track byways of the forested isle, among picturesque pepper plantations and long stretches of deserted beach, is a hoot. A visit to Phu Quoc is a good, affordable opportunity to relax, spend time on the beach, and snorkel or scuba-dive. Get there soon and someday you'll be able to say, "I went there before it was touristy."
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CAMBODIA OVERVIEW:OFFICIALLY KNOWN AS THE KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA. THIS IS A COUNTRY OF LEGENDS, SUPERLATIVES, AND WELCOMING PEOPLE! AFTER YEARS OF ISOLATION, ANGKOR WAT IS NOW OPENING HER ARMS TO WELCOME THE WORLD. FROM A CULTURAL HOLIDAY TO AN EXTREME ADVENTURE, FROM A RURAL EXPERIENCE TO A BEACH ESCAPE, FROM FAMILY TRIPS, GROUP VACATIONS OR COMPANY CONVENTIONS, THEY ARE READY TO ACCOMMODATE YOU!
COME ENJOY CAMBODIA BEFORE SHE MERGES INTO THE MODERN WORLD! YOUR TIME SPENT IN THIS BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY WILL NOT ONLY BE EDUCATIONAL & CULTURAL, BUT A TIME FOR DISCOVERY & RELAXATION. AND LET'S NOT FORGET........ GREAT PRICING!
Official Name: Kingdom of Cambodia Population: 14,2 millionCapital City: Phnom Penh, population c. 1 millionPeople: Khmers (96%), minorities include Vietnamese, Chinese, Khmer Islam, Tumpoun, Kreung, Kra Chok, Kavet, Brao and JoraiLanguage: Khmer Currency: RielGrowth: 5% from 2000 to 2004Major Industries: Clothing, Agriculture, TourismTime Zone: GMT +7 hours
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BEFORE DEPARTURE CHECK LISTTRAVEL INSURANCE (compulsory)Indochina Pioneer Vietnam will do everything possible to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.However, certain risks are involved and should be recognized by participants. Thus, we highly recommend the purchase of short-term travel insurance for our adventures.Travel Insurance is a cost effective way to protect yourself and your equipment in the event of problems due to -Canceled Trips, Delays, Medical Problems, Baggage Loss or Damage. You can buy travel insurance very easily and cheaply online, we recommend www.worldnomads.com VISAS/PASSPORTSA passport with at least six month validity is necessary. A visa is required for most nationalities and is available upon arrival at both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap international airports. A tourist visa costs 20 US$, a business visa 25 US$. Two passport photographs should be submitted with the visa application form IMMUNIZATIONSBefore travelling to Cambodia, it is important to ensure that you have adequate protection against disease.
About two months before departure you should consult your tropical medicines doctor who will advise you as to the type of vaccinations that you will need. These will vary depending on the regions that you plan on visiting. Bear in mind that there is a malaria risk in rural parts of Cambodia. Consult your tropical medicines doctor for the latest information. Ingeneral, most visitors to Cambodia require the following vaccinations:
• Hepatitis A and B• Tetanus• Typhoid• Polio• Diphtheria
If you have any special condition or allergy that might require attention overseas, have your physician write a letter describing the nature of the condition and the treatment. Always carry the letter on your person. As outlined above, you should be aware that medical services in Cambodia are basic and might not be readily available during all or parts of your trip. It's also a good idea to bring your own basic
medicine kit with you containing some basics like paracetamol since brand names of medicines that are familiar to you might not be available in pharmacies hereSUGGESTED PACKING LIST
• Personal clothing items, toiletries, medication• Sunhat• Sarong (to cover your shoulders should you enter
temples or pagodas) Sunscreen• Insect repellant• Light weight clothing for the summer months• Camera (you can easily buy extra memory cards)• A d a p te r fo r p lu g s and c h a rg e rs fo r
camera/phone/Ipod etc• Water bottle and helmet (for cycling trips only)
MONEYThe official Cambodian currency is known as the Riel.
American dollars are however Cambodia and even preferred in larger stores and supermarkets. However, the riel is more practical and economical to use for smaller, day to day items such as buying fruits and vegetables, paying motorbike drivers etc. Credit Cards, ATMs and
Foreign Money Exchange: ATM's are widely available in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville; they give out US dollars. There is however no ATM outside of these 3 destinations. Heading to the countryside it is recommended that you carry cash with you (in small notes as people may have difficulty in getting change). Banks change all major currencies with relatively little hassle. Tourists with traveler cheques are advised to cash them at the bank as few shops and other outlets have facilities to change them.Exchange RatesAt time of writing, the rates of exchange are: 1 Euro: 5,780 riel and 1 USD: 4,580 riel.
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