Travel preparation

VISA

A visa (and passport) is required for all visitors to enter and exit Cambodia (except for citizens from 6 member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian (ASEAN). Visitors arriving by plane can obtain a visa upon arrival at the airport or you can go to Embassy of Cambodia in your country apply for the visa . Visas are also available from Immigration at the border posts of Bavet,Poi Pet and Koh Kong Please contact us, we will provide necessary information for obtaining your visa.

CLIMATE

It is very difficult to give a precise advice on choosing the best time to visit Vietnam, due the large climate differences in the country. The S-shaped country has a distance of almost 2000 km  with level land covering no more than ¾ of the area. The climate of Vietnam varies considerably from region to region. Before you leave, do not hesitate to inquire us, we will provide you useful knowledge for your successful journey, according  to the region.

BEVERAGES

Our prices do not include drinks. Depending on  the restaurant, a local beer or a small bottle of mineral water cost from 1 to 3 dollars. It is possible to find French or Australian wines but with the expensive price and the storage conditions “in the cellar,” is not effective. The tea is consumed everywhere, especially green tea. You will enjoy the coffee, very fragrant which have the taste of chocolate, Vietnam is the second largest coffee producer after Brazil. Tap water is nowhere safe.

Culinary

Vietnamese cuisine is extremely varied and harmoniously blends Vietnamese, Thai, Chinese and French influences. Rice accompanies all meals. You can taste a wide variety of soups, dishes based on chicken or pork and in the south of the country, fish and seafood. The preparations are embellished with lemongrass, coriander, mint, ginger and “nuoc mam” (fish sauce). In all the hotels where you stay, the breakfast served will be continental.

TIME

The jetlag ( Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia) zone is GMT + 7 hours. Government Offices are open from Monday to Saturday, from 07.30-11.30 to 14.00-17.30. However, we advise not to come too early or too late, as the officers may not be there yet or have already left. Banks are usually open from 08.30 to 15.30.

Shoping

Vietnam,Laos, Cambodia are full of many local handicrafts. You will have the choice between a multitude of souvenirs in bamboo, wood, marble or lacquer, silks and embroidery. The antiques trade is severely regulated and controlled (customs).

LUGGAGE

   For international flights please check in at least 2h20 prior to departure and for domestic flights , check in at least 1h30s prior to departure. The hand luggage at some airlines may only allow one item of hand baggage, and the weight and size allowances differ between airlines. The check-in luggage – some airlines may only allow one item of check-in baggage up to 20Kg, and the weight and size allowances differ between airlines. During the flight, you can keep in your hand baggage only what you absolutely need, like your toiletries and medications (tablets and capsules. For liquid medications: insulin, syrups … you need to have a prescription in your name or a medical certificate). The pointed or sharp  object (knife, scissors…) which in a passenger’s possession may be considered as weapons or dangerous objects and are not accepted as carry-on luggage. Fees for a baggage exceeds the weight and size limits is very high. Fees are charged of 25 USD / kg for each additional bag for international flights.

DOUANE

A declaration form will be given to you during the international flight, before your landing. Complete it carefully and keep it safe until you leave. The current customs exemptions allow you to import a maximum of 1.5 liters of alcohol and 200 cigarettes.

Laundry

Most hotels have a quick cleaning service (cleaning and ironing done during the day or within 24 hours). Avoid, however, entrusting your fragile textiles.

ELECTRICITY

The current is generally 220 volts. In the event of a power outage, consider bringing a flashlight. Also equip yourself with an international plug adapter (very useful for recharging your mobile phones …).

INTERNET

In big cities, most hotels offer the Internet access from their business centers. Recently, the Internet connection were installed in your rooms. Cybercafés are a good choice with just 2,000 to 3,000d per hour. Many  post offices also offer this service. You can also use the free connection wireless of the hotel, usually located in the lobby.

TELECOMUNICATION

The cost of a telephone call is not very high, even in hotels with 5 stars. You can also buy a sim card at a good price to call or exchange SMS.Allow around 10 to 15 days for your mail to be delivered to Europe. You can drop it off at the post office or at most hotels reception. The stamp charge for sending a postcard without an envelope is nearly 0,8 usd and 1usd with an envelope.

MEDIA

All hotels have satellite TV. The daily “le courrier du Vietnam” in French and “Vietnam News” in English are offered toreading, in the lobby of your hotel. You can also listen to FM radio programs in Vietnamese, French or in English.

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TRAFFIC

In the two largest cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, traffic jams are frequent. The infrastructure highway in Vietnam is still inadequate. The speed is limited to around 80km/hour for a car.
The bus is the means of transportation more practical for around town, its price is reasonable but sometimes it takes patience. In town, it is advisable to take a taxi, the price is low, count  9 000 – 12 000 VND / km.

Health and security

Les incidents sont très rares. Cepedant il faut, comme partout ailleurs dans le monde, rester vigilant, notamment dans les sites très touristiques. Evitez malgré tout d’emporter des objets de valeur, il serait inutile de susciter des tentations.

Health and security

Everywhere else in the world, remain vigilant, especially in very touristy sites. However, avoid bringing valuables, it would be useless to arouse temptations.

No vaccine is mandatory for Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. For more information, consult the tropical medicine department at the hospital closest to your home. It goes without saying that it is better to be fit and in good health to undertake a long journey. If you are undergoing specific medical treatment, plan an amount of medication commensurate with the length of your trip. Local pharmacies are usually well stocked but it is always best to bring your own stock. As an indication, your kit will contain: dressings, analgesic, anti-diarrhea, mosquito repellent, sunscreen and medicines against colds and tonsillitis. Specific circuits off the beaten track require good physical condition. Long journeys on sometimes damaged roads can sometimes prove difficult for people with weak backs

CLOTHING

Bring everyday clothes that are practical, light, easy to wash and very comfortable shoes for the day’s visits. It is not in the habit of “dressing”. In autumn and winter, bring warm clothing in northern Vietnam and Laos (sweater and parka for mountainous regions in January / February). A light, waterproof windbreaker may come in handy, especially during the monsoon season.

In Cambodia, it is almost hot all year round.

knowledges

As in all Asian countries, the main rule is patience. You should never get excited and avoid speaking up. There are some taboos: we never kiss each other, we shake our hands or we practice the old-fashioned salute by joining our hands. Do not stick your chopsticks vertically in your bowl of rice, they will look like sticks of incense burnt to honor the dead. Correct dress is essential everywhere (avoid shorts, miniskirts and deep necklines for women). The notion of “face” is very important. Never show anger or aggression by raising your voice: you will lose face yourself and get no results. The discussion or the contradiction must imperatively be done with gentleness, mutual respect and great calm. Criticism should be made with humor in order to avoid confrontation.