Viet Nam/Cambodia
A wide-ranging adventure showcasing the region’s natural wonders and fascinating cultures. This 17-day trip offers a combination of guided excursions and free time to explore beaches and ruins, urban culture and awe-inspiring landscapes. Cruise the Mekong overnight on a traditional sailing junk in Halong Bay. Witness the heights of Cambodia's past at Angkor Wat and contemplate its lows walking the infamous Killing Fields. Although many activities are included, there is still plenty of time to explore on your own and create the ultimate adventure.
Itinerary
June 8 : Hanoi
Arrive in Hanoi at any time.
June 9 to June 10: Halong Bay/Hanoi (2B,1L,1D)
Sail through limestone karst islands, explore huge caves, and swim in secluded bays as you travel through Halong Bay on a traditional ‘junk’ boat. Halong Bay cruise, cave visit and island lookout. Seafood lunch and dinner. Overnight train to Hue on Day 3.
June 11 : Hue
Guided tour of Imperial Citadel, Royal Tomb and Tien Mu Pagoda. Optional countryside motorbike tour.
June 12 to June 14: Hoi An (3B)
Tour of the Citadel and Forbidden Purple city. Visit Hai Van Pass on the way to Hoi An. Options include cooking school, shopping at the tailors, riverboat cruises, bike riding, beach or My Son ruins.
June 15 to June 16: Ho Chi Minh City (B)
Flight from Da Nang (Hoi An) to HCMC on Day 8. Guided tour of Cu Chi tunnels. Option to visit War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, Ben Thanh Market.
June 17 : Mekong Delta (B)
Guided day trip to Mekong Delta, boat cruise and visit to traditional candy factories.
June 18 to June 19: Phnom Penh (2B)
Travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh on Day 11. Guided tour of Tuol Sleng Prison and Choeung Ek (Killing Fields). Cyclo tour of the colonial district. Option to visit National Museum and Royal Palace, shop at Central or Russian Market.
June 20 to June 22: Siem Reap (2B)
Guided tour of Angkor Wat temple complex. Optional visit to Tonle Sap floating village, Angkor National Museum.
June 23 : Bangkok (B)
Travel Day. Border crossing into Thailand.
June 24 : Bangkok (B)
Depart at any time.
Detailed Itinerary
June 8 : Hanoi
Arrive in bustling Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Day 1 is arrival day and no activities are planned. Look out for a Welcome note from your tour leader in reception. Meeting time is normally at 6pm so please try and arrive by then.
In the meantime take a walk through Hanoi’s Old Quarter – a maze of streets, each one traditionally devoted to a different product or industry.
June 9 to June 10: Halong Bay/Hanoi (2B,1L,1D)
On day 2, a 4 hour drive takes us to Bai Chay harbour, our entry point to Halong Bay.
Thousands of islands rise dramatically from the waters of Halong Bay and, to further their beauty, intricate cave systems naturally exist throughout these limestone karst formations. Our sailing junk will take you to visit some of the islands and caves. You could enjoy a pre-dinner swim (depending on the season) and have an evening drink on the deck beneath the stars. Our accommodation tonight is a truly special experience – sleeping on a boat surrounded by high limestone karsts. All cabins are double or twin share with air conditioning and en suite bathroom.
On day 3, after an early lunch on board the boat we head back to Hanoi. You have enough time for shopping or further sightseeing until our overnight train to Hue, the first of 3 sleeper trains you will take in Vietnam.
The sleeper trains throughout Vietnam are quite comfortable. Each cabin sleeps 4 people in 2 bunk beds. You will be able to lock the door from the inside. All bedding is provided. The train is air conditioned and has squat and Western style toilets with a wash basin at the end of each compartment. Bags can be stored in your cabin and accessed at anytime. Food and drinks are available for purchase on board. This is not to everyone’s taste, so we recommend you bring your own.
Approx travel time:
Halong Bay to Hanoi is 4 hours by private bus. Toilet stops can be made en route.
Overnight sleeper train Ha Noi to Hue is approximately 14 hours.
June 11 : Hue
We arrive early on day 4 into Hue, once the imperial capital of Vietnam.
After checking in to our hotel, we start our day with a visit to the wonderful Tien Mu Pagoda. Built over 400 years ago, and at seven stories high, Tien Mu is still the tallest and perhaps the most elegant pagoda in Vietnam.
We then visit a tomb of one of Vietnam’s former emperors. These tombs are extremely ornate and embrace the concept of Feng Shui.
Afterwards, you may choose to enjoy a vegetarian lunch at a local nunnery and there are various options to head out by bike to explore the local countryside. Please ask your tour leader for more information.
In the evening, take the chance to try some local Hue specialties such as banh khoai (Hue savoury pancakes), and banh bot loc boc tom thit (thin rice paper filled with meat and shrimp). You might want to wash it all down with a Hue beer. Yum!
Our accommodation tonight is centrally located in the main street of Hue. All rooms are double or twin share with air conditioning and en suite bathroom. A swimming pool is also available.
June 12 to June 14: Hoi An (3B)
This morning we’ll start our day touring the wonderful ruins of the Imperial Citadel, from where the whole of Vietnam was once ruled. You’ll enjoy exploring the many palaces and gateways, courtyards and gardens of this beautiful complex and of course hearing the stories of the emperors who once lived here.
In the late morning we begin our drive to Hoi An. After crossing over the Hai Van Pass, with fantastic views in all directions, we will stop at Lang Co Beach, arriving in Hoi An in the afternoon for our three night stay.
Once known as Faifo, Hoi An was an important trading town with strong south Chinese influence and connections. You can take a walking tour of this living museum which includes the Museum of History and Culture, the Tan Ky house, the Japanese bridge, the Fujian Assembly Hall and lunch at a riverside restaurant to sample some of the local delicacies. Hoi An is also a shopping mecca for tourists in the region. Tailors can produce virtually anything overnight, with clothing, silk lanterns, lacquer ware and many other crafts abound. For sun worshipers, Cua Dai Beach, 4kms from town makes for a great, flat bike ride.
We overnight three nights in a Hoi An. All rooms are double or twin share with air conditioning and en suite bathroom. Free wifi and a public computer are available in the lobby. The hotel also has a swimming pool to relax beside.
Approx travel time:
Hue to Hoi An by private minivan is approx 4 hours.
June 15 to June 16: Ho Chi Minh City (B)
Drive to Danang for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City, the sprawling metropolis that was once the capital of South Vietnam and remains the country’s commercial center.
On the morning of Day 9 we take our guided tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels. A complexed network of tunnels 90 minutes from the city where the locals lived during the American War to keep safe.
The afternoon is free time to visit the Thien Hau and Giac Vien pagodas and stroll through the immense Ben Than Market. There is also the Reunification Palace, the residence of the presidents of South Vietnam before 1975, Cholon (literally translated: Big Market),the Chinese quarter and the War Remnants Museum.
We overnight two nights in Ho Chi Minh City. All rooms are double or twin share with air conditioning and en suite bathroom. The hotel is well located in near the Benh Than Market, backpackers area, war remnant museum and within walking distance to all the French colonial buildings. Free-Wifi and a computer are available at the lobby.
Approx travel time:
A flight time from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh is approx 1 hour. Transfer from Hoi An to the airport is 45 minutes.
June 17 : Mekong Delta (B)
Today we travel to where the mighty Mekong River approaches and empties in to the South China Sea. We board a small boat and navigate through the narrow canals, witnessing local lifestyle, floating vendors and small industrial boats. You will notice that many of the Vietnamese boats have eyes painted on the front to ward off evil spirits and to help guide the boat and crew safely back to land.
We disembark our boat to visit some cottage industries for which the area is famous such as delicious and chewy coconut candy, rice cakes, Vietnamese popcorn and pottery production. Don't miss the chance to try the unique regional 'elephant fish' at a local restaurant during our lunch break.
After a day of touring this unique region, we return to Ho Chi Minh City in time for dinner.
Approx travel time:
The round trip to Mekong Delta by private bus is approx 6 hours.
June 18 to June 19: Phnom Penh (2B)
On Day 11, we cross into Cambodia by public bus.The drive to the Vietnam/Cambodian border takes around 2 hours. After completing the border formalities, we continue by bus to Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital, arriving mid-afternoon.
After years of civil strife and political turmoil Cambodia is open for visitors. Late afternoon we take a short Cyclo ride around the city.
With our local guide on day 12, we witness the dark side of Cambodian history with visits to Choeng Ek, the site of the infamous Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng prison, the notorious Khmer Rouge prison where thousands of Cambodians died at the hands of their captors.
Afterwards, continue sight seeing on your own.You can explore the cities many sights: the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum. There is time to visit the huge Russian Market packed with souvenirs and all the necessities of daily life. Late afternoon is a great time to visit Wat Phnom: the sanctuary where the city's namesake once stood. It is a Buddhist shrine, although a Taoist goddess and numerous monkeys also reside here. Wat Phnom is a popular hangout for residents of the city in the afternoon heat. A drink in one of the many riverside café’s watching the sunset is a fitting finale to the day.
We spend two nights in Phnom Penh. All rooms are double or twin share with air conditioning and en suite bathroom. Free wifi and a computer are available at the lobby.
Approx travel time:
Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh is approx 6 hours including a short lunch at the local restaurant and border crossing.
June 20 to June 22: Siem Reap (2B)
After a private bus trip through the Cambodian countryside we arrive in Siem Reap, our base to explore the ancient city of Angkor, the former capital of the Khmer kingdom and one of the wonders of the archeological world. Rediscovered at the end of the 19th century by French explorers this vast ruined city is becoming one of the most popular sites in Southeast Asia. Over 2 days, with our professional local guide, we visit some of the highlights of this ancient capital including the enigmatic Bayon within the walled city of Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm, also known as the 'Tomb Raider' temple. Watching the sunrise over Angkor Wat is an experience not to be missed.
We spend two nights in Siem Reap. Our hotel swimming pool is a great place to escape the heat of Siem Reap. All rooms are double or twin share with air conditioning and en suite bathrooms. Free wifi and a public computer are available in the lobby. Our hotel is located within a walking distance of the town centre.
Approx travel time:
Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by private bus is approx 6 hours.
June 23 : Bangkok (B)
It's a long travel day today as private bus ride takes us from the countryside of Cambodia to the modern kingdom of Thailand. The drive from Siem Reap to the border is around 3 hours. Please be aware that the border crossing formalities can take up to one hour. Upon entering Thailand we continue our journey to Bangkok.
We have time to check-in to our centrally located hotel and head out for an evening meal to celebrate the end of a wonderful journey.
Approx travel time:
Siem Reap to Cambodian border 3 hours.
Border crossing formalities, up to 1 hour
Thai border to Bangkok, 4 hours
June 24 : Bangkok (B)
You are free to depart at any time today or we can book you extra hotel nights so you can spend more time in Bangkok.
Stuff You Need to Know
Introduction
A wide-ranging adventure showcasing the region’s natural wonders and fascinating cultures. This 17-day trip offers a combination of guided excursions and free time to explore beaches and ruins, urban culture and awe-inspiring landscapes. Cruise the Mekong overnight on a traditional sailing junk in Halong Bay. Witness the heights of Cambodia's past at Angkor Wat and contemplate its lows walking the infamous Killing Fields. Although many activities are included, there is still plenty of time to explore on your own and create the ultimate adventure.
Terms and Conditions
It is very important for you to visit our Terms and Conditions page before signing up for this program.
Service Level
Standard:
Step out of the normal tourist mind-set and truly experience the world. Most nights will have you staying in a simple yet clean twin-share hotel or lodge rooms with private facilities, complete with running water and electricity. Occasionally you may have a multi-share night at rustic local guesthouses, with communal bathrooms and the sporadic cold shower. Transportation will be a combination of public transport, private buses and some private vehicles.
Physical Grading
2:
Light walking and hiking that is suitable for most fitness levels.
Minimum/Maximum Group Size
GEEO requires a minimum of 8 participants for this program and can take a maximum of 16 participants. DO NOT book your flights until GEEO has confirmed we have reached the minimum amount of participants needed to run this program.
Group Leader Description
All GEEO/G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of G Adventure's group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. Our itineraries often have plenty of free time to explore on your own.
While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it’s the best of both worlds.
Packing List
What you need to bring depends on the trip you have chosen and the countries or regions you are planning to visit. We suggest that you pack as lightly as possible as your are expected to carry your own luggage. As a rule we try not to have to walk more than 15-20 minutes with your bags which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 10-15kg/22-30lb. Suitcases are not recommended for G Adventures trips! Most travellers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size (no XXL ones please!) as they need to fit under the beds when travelling on sleeper trains. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras and other electronics like ipods and mobile phones.
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 15 kg (33lbs). Additional bags or excess weight charges may apply. These charges are the responsibility of the passengers.
Suggested Checklist
USD cash and travellers cheques
Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
G Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information and dossier
Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
Alarm clock
Flashlight
Sun-hat, sunblock, sunglasses
Insect repellent
Water bottle
Small towel and swim wear
Sleeping bag liner
Toiletries (biodegradable)
Sturdy walking shoes/sport sandals
Moneybelt
Shorts
Long trousers
Hiking pants/track pants
Shirts/T-shirts
Waterproof clothes for wet season - Umbrella and waterproof jacket (May-Oct)
Cover for backpack or plastic bags to keep clothes dry
Clothes for temples – long pants or sarongs
Optional Checklist
Camera and film
Reading/writing material
Binoculars
Pocketknife
First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, aspirin, band aids, anti-histamine, imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
Document Checklist
Passport (with photocopies)
Travel insurance (with photocopies)
Airline tickets (with photocopies)
Laundry
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
Single Travellers
We believe single travelers should not have to pay more to travel so our trips are designed for shared accommodation. Single travelers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Most of our trips have the option for a "My Own Room" which is an extra fee that will allow you to have a room to yourself.
Money
Spending Money
Every traveler is different and therefore spending requirements will vary. Some travelers may drink more than others while other travelers 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.
Money Exchange
We recommend checking www.xe.com for the current exchange rate. There are many ATM machines that accept both Visa and Mastercard but these are limited to major cities.
Medical Forms
GEEO travel programs bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, at minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travelers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage. Travelers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travelers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our tour leaders work hard to ensure that all our travelers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings above for more information.
The medical questionnaire can be found online at: www.gadventures.com/medical-form.
Optional Activities
Please keep in mind this trip is designed to give you the freedom to do whatever interests you. Make sure you look over all of the optional activities and keep in mind these additional costs when deciding whether you can afford this program. No meals are included in this trip, giving you the opportunity to eat on your own budget. The prices below are in US dollars and are rough estimates so you can budget your trip.
Hanoi
Hoa Lao Prison USD 1
Army Museum USD 1
Taxi to each museum - approx USD 2
Museum of Ethnology- USD 1 plus transport
Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum - free entrance (Please note that Mausoleum is only open in the mornings on Tue-Thu & Sat-Sun. Closed Mondays, Fridays and full months of October & November. Please check ahead as Mausoleum may be periodically closed at other times also.)
Temple of Literature- USD 1
Fine Arts Museum - USD 1
Women’s Museum - USD 1
Army Museum - USD 1
Taxi to each museum - approx USD 2
Halong Bay
Kayak Rental for 1 person USD 10
Hue
Bicycle Hire - USD 1
Hoi An
Cooking Class - USD 20-25
My Son Cham Ruins including car transport - USD 24
Tu Bon River Boat Trip- USD 5
Ho Chi Minh City
Cyclo tour- USD 4
War Crimes museum- USD 1
The Reunification Palace - USD 2
Saigon Water Park- USD 4
Phenom Penh
National Museum (Phnom Penh)- USD3
The Silver Pagoda (Phnom Penh)- USD6.25
Siem Reap
Tonle Sap Lake Tour (Siem Reap)- USD5-15
Bangkok
Grand palace (Bangkok) - USD11
Jim Thompson’s House (Bangkok) - USD3.5
National Museum (Bangkok) - USD1.5
Royal Barge Museum (Bangkok) USD1.5
Costs
The prices below are in US dollars and are rough estimates so you can budget your trip.
Tour Company Fee
$1899 USD
Optional Activities
$125 USD
International Airfare from USA
Roughly $1500-$2000 USD
See our FAQ for flight advice.
Insurance
$35- $200 USD
Please note it is mandatory for all of our travellers to have Emergency Medical insurance that covers for both emergency evacuation and repatriation to the sum of $200,000USD. We also strongly recommend purchasing an all inclusive plan that covers cancellation/interruption insurance as well.
See our FAQ for advice on Travel Insurance.
Tipping
We recommend $35-$40 USD for your G Adventures tour leader. Budget another $30-$40 USD to tip local guides and drivers.
Meals Not Listed in the Itinerary
$325-$400 USD
Laundry, Drinks, Phone Calls, etc.
(Make sure you budget for these types of expenses)
Airport and Departure Taxes
Departure Tax is included in all International and Domestic tickets.
Airport Transfers
Hanoi - Pre paid taxi - $17 USD or Vietnam Airlines shuttle bus -45000 Dong (approx 3 USD). From the Vietnam Airline office there are taxis that can take you to your hotel with the meter on about $2-4 USD.
Vaccines
You will need to see your doctor to see if you need any vaccinations)
Visa
Americans need to get a visa before they depart for Vietnam. The cost for Americans is $70 USD. For Cambodia the cost for Americans is about $20-35 USD. (Check with your local embassy if you are not American.)
Souvenirs
$0-????
FAQ
What should be my expectations for this GEEO program?
Before you decide on travelling with GEEO it is important that you read all of the information about the program you are considering. To summarize, our programs are quite adventurous.
• We use basic, no frills accommodation. The purpose of the accommodation is to provide a safe place for you to sleep. Sometimes you will be pleasantly surprised, but do not expect luxury.
• The same goes for transportation. We use a mix of transportation that gets our guests from location to location safely. Sometimes you will have full days and nights of transportation as our trips tend to cover a lot of ground. The transportation will often be an adventure in itself.
• You must be able to easily carry or roll your luggage, so do not over-pack. We recommend using a large backpack along with a smaller daypack, which is typically the most comfortable way to carry your possessions.
• Many of our programs occur in locations where it is very hot during the day. Please make sure you have thoroughly read the itinerary and can handle the group activities, which sometime include day hikes with your daypacks.
• We recommend always carrying snacks with you because sometimes meals can be far apart.
• Please make sure you understand the role of your tour leader on this trip as they are not the traditional “guide” you may be expecting. While our trips are educational, they aren’t study/lecture trips. We want you to learn through exploring and much of your experience will be based on how active you choose to be in acquiring knowledge and interacting with locals.
• We try to set up anywhere from 1-3 school visits per program, but these sometimes fall through due to complications. Please understand they are not a guaranteed part of the program.
Hopefully this is the kind of adventure you are interested in!
Where do I meet the group? What happens when I arrive at the airport?
Our groups meet at the hotel we use for the first night of the trip. Your tour leader will leave a note for you at the hotel's front desk with the introductory meeting time and location.
When you arrive at the airport you can either take a taxi to the first hotel or book an airport transfer. For an airport transfer you will be greeted at the airport by someone with a sign with your name on it. Some people find this comforting when getting off a long flight in an unfamiliar environment. Typically an airport transfer will cost about twice as much as a taxi would. If we have multiple participants on the same flight we can group those people together to share an airport transfer and save money. We cannot group people together if they are on different flights, even if those flights are scheduled to arrive within minutes of each other. In May we will send you a form that allows you to book both airport transfers and extra hotel nights.
The price on an airport transfer for this trip can be found in the costs tab.
Do I need a Passport? Do I need a visa?
All GEEO trips require that the participant have a valid passport that will not expire within 6 months of trip departure. If you have a U.S. passport, but it has expired, or will expire within 6 months of trip departure, click here for information on how to get it renewed. If you have never been issued a passport or have lost your passport, please click here. Processing time for US Passports is 4-6 weeks so please start this process immediately.
Americans need a visa for travel in Vietnam. Please visit this website to get instructions on the process:
http://www.vietnamembassy-usa.org/consular_services/visa_info/
They say processing time is 5 days, but I recommend applying for the visa 60 day prior to departure to be safe.
On the form they will ask for the local operators contact details. Please use this information:
Wide Eyed Tours
Add: No 48, Lane 76, Yen Phu street , Tay Ho Dis, Hanoi , Vietnam
Tel: 84 4 39262241. Ext 301
Fax: 84 4 3926 2369
G Adventures has told me you do not have to enter a Visa Approval/Reference Number because you you will be in Vietnam for less than 3 months. Non-American participants should check with their government to find out if they need a visa.
Americans do not need a visa for stays in Thailand of less than 30 days. Americans can purchase the visa for Cambodia upon arrival at the border. For Cambodia the cost for Americans is about $35. Please bring 4 passport sized photos of yourself with you on the trip for these visas.
Non-American participants should check with their government to find out if they need a visa.
Who travels with GEEO?
GEEO participants are mostly made up of American K-12 teachers. Each group tends to have a good mix of educators in their 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's and 60's. About half of our participants are coming alone and do not know anyone in the group prior to the trip. We group single travelers of the same gender together as roommates, unless a participant prefers to pay an additional fee for their own room. If we have an odd amount of one gender we will rotate the single room for free among the participants.
GEEO trips are open to all Kindergarten to University teachers, school staff, school administrators, and soon-to-be teachers pursuing their teaching certificate. Our programs are also open to retired educators. Non-American educators are welcome on our trips.
Participants in our programs are permitted to bring friends or family members on their trip. You must be at least 18 years old to participate and of adequate fitness level for your chosen trip.
Is it OK if I am traveling alone? Do I have to have a roommate?
Half of the people that travel with us are traveling by themselves so please don’t worry if you have no one who wants to join you on our trip. Our pricing is based on double occupancy, in other words, two people to a room. If you do not have someone that you are traveling with that you would like to room with GEEO will find you a roommate of the same gender. You never have to pay for a single room unless you want one. If you want to room alone, there is a "My Own Room" fee of $459 USD.
Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops, with the following exceptions:
Night 2, Halong Bay boat; Night 3, Sleeper train
Will I be eating on my own? With the group? Why aren't all meals included?
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with GEEO 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 tour 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. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
What is group travel like?
As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all across the US and beyond and are likely to be of a variety of ages too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.
How long have we been running this program?
GEEO was founded in 2007 and our inaugural trips were run to Peru and India in the summer of 2008. We ran a Vietnam program for the first time in 2011, but this will be the first time we run this Vietnam/Cambodia itinerary. G Adventures, who actually handle the logistics of the trip have been running trips to this region for many years so you can have faith that your trip will be safe and well run.
Is it possible to get references for GEEO?
Over 300 educators have traveled with GEEO since we ran our first programs in 2008. We have had an overwhelmingly positive response to the quality and value of the life changing experiences that we provide.
To read comments from past travelers, please feel free to visit our facebook page by clicking
here.
We can also be found on a website that reviews non profit organizations called Great Non-profits. Please click here for those reviews.
Please contact us if you would like to communicate with some of our former participants for a reference.
What cities/airports should I book my flight in and out of?
Please double check our itinerary for the date on which you must arrive in Hanoi by, which would usually mean departing the USA on the prior day. You can arrive at anytime you choose.
Your trip ends in Bangkok. You should book your return flight from there and can depart anytime you wish on the last day of the trip.
When should I purchase my flights?
You must wait until this trip is confirmed with the minimum amount of required participants before you book your flights. Typically we have the minimum amount needed by the end of April. GEEO and G Adventures bear no responsibility for any flights purchased before the trip is confirmed.
Where can I purchase flights?
We recommend using www.kayak.com to see what is out there in terms of flights. G Adventures also has a wonderful air department, which can be reached at 1-800-708-7761.
You may also want to take a look at the prices at www.flyforgood.com or call 1-877-359-4466 to speak to a person. They get humanitarian rates from airlines and GEEO is registered with Fly for Good as a non-profit. If you purchase a humanitarian rate flight, you will need a supporting document from GEEO. Please request this from us after you purchase the tickets. Note that humanitarian rates are not available for all flights to GEEO destinations, and are sometimes higher than tickets found on on kayak, travelocity, orbitz, etc. Often the layovers are long and sometimes impossible to navigate. Look very carefully at the offer before purchasing your ticket.
Is there any safety advice we should know about?
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Be aware that petty theft can be an issue in some Vietnamese towns and cities especially late at night. A common tactic is opportunists on motorbikes that drive by and snatch bags. Please always leave valuables and passports etc in your hotel,in safety boxes if available,and only carry with you enough cash to spend for the day. Bags should always be carried over the neck and not left to sit on your shoulder.
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your tour leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your tour leader will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your tour leader will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.
Protests and Demonstrations- Protests and demonstrations, even those that are well intended, have the potential to turn violent with no warning. Counter protests can also turn violent. Action by security forces to disperse demonstrators and protesters may occur at any time. If you are in an area where demonstrators or protesters are gathering, avoid the temptation of staying for a good photo opportunity and leave the area immediately.
Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards) have a balanced approach to safety. It is G Adventure's policy not to allow our tour leaders to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).
Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk.
What are the emergency contact numbers for this trip?
Should you need to contact G Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call their local office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so that they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible. If you are unable for any reason to contact their local office,
Vietnam Local Operator: +84 912040262 - Ms.Nhung (24 Hours)
G Adventures Local Office – Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok Office Tel: +66 2 252 6642 (9am-5pm Local Time)
South East Asia Managers: +66(0)870496074 (Bangkok, Thailand)
If you are unable for any reason to contact their local office they have a toll-free line within North America (or our regular direct line), which will connect you directly with their Toronto office. In the event that you cannot get through, you can reach a member of their Operations department at the mobile number below.
Toll-free, North America only: 1 800 465 5600
Calls from UK: 0844 410 1030
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Outside North America, Australia and the UK: 1 416 260 0999
Where can I purchase travel insurance?
One of the least expensive options is the "International Volunteer Card." They have a $35 card (The individual plus option) that includes the amount of travel medical, evacuation and repatriation insurance you need for our trip, plus other trip insurance benefits.
To sign up for the card you can follow this link:
http://www.volunteercard.com/.
We recommend purchasing cancellation insurance too, which the IVC offers as an additional option.
Another option is www.insuremytrip.com. They offer different options from many different companies. You can also get your insurance directly through G Adventures if you wish.
Please note it is mandatory for all of our travelers to have Emergency Medical insurance that covers both emergency evacuation and repatriation to the sum of $200,000USD.
Where can we get a list of hotels for this trip?
Other than the first hotel, our partner G Adventures does not provide hotel lists for any of their trips.
The reason for this is sometimes hotels change at the last minute. G Adventures does not want to give out incorrect information because in an emergency that can only cause more issues. Instead we give you 24-hour emergency phone numbers where you and your family can reach staff in the country that you are travelling to or in Canada at G Adventure's headquarters. This way at anytime your loved ones can call the emergency contact who can immediately put them in touch with your tour leader no matter how plans have changed.
What is the name of the meeting hotel for this trip and how do I get there?
Joining Hotel
Nhat Tien Hotel
44 HangBun Street, Ba Dinh District
Hanoi, Vietnam
Phone: 84-4-7163367
Joining Instructions
When arriving at Noi Bai Intl Airport in Hanoi you have a choice of pre paid taxi or Vietnam Airlines shuttle bus to get you into the city. The airport is 35 km outside of the city and the drive should take between 40-50 minutes depending on traffic. The airport taxis are a safe and convenient way to arrive at your hotel. The cost is approx 17USD and is paid directly to your driver WHEN YOU GET TO THE HOTEL. The other option is to take the Vietnam Airlines shuttle bus which drops everyone at the Vietnam Airlines office downtown, The cost of the tickets is 45000 Dong (approx 3 USD). From the Vietnam Airline office there are taxis that can take you to your hotel with the meter on about 2-4 USD. If you have paid for an arrival transfer when you booked your trip our driver will be waiting for you with a G Adventures Sign with your name on it. Please check carefully once you exit the baggage hall as there seem to be hundreds of people waiting outside in the arrival area.
WARNING - Please be wary of illegal taxi drivers. They will try and coax you away from the main airport taxi services and then charge a much increased price either in US Dollar or get you to change money into Vietnamese Dong before you understand the exchange rate and thus charge you at least twice the going rate.
Arrival Complications
We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your CEO (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your CEO, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and 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.
Can GEEO book extra hotel nights for me?
You may want to stay longer in Hanoi and Bangkok so feel free to arrive a few days early or depart a few days later. We can book your extra hotel nights for you if you wish. The price for extra hotel nights for this trip can be found in the costs tab.
In May we will send you a form that allows you to book both airport transfers and extra hotel nights.
What vaccinations do I need for this trip?
We legally cannot give you any medical advice. It is very important to consult your doctor or a travel clinic about which vaccinations you will need for your trip. GEEO recommends contacting Passport Health, (http://www.passporthealthusa.com/) who have travel clinics throughout the US. Please take this seriously!
Is there clothing that is considered inappropriate that I should not bring?
In Asia the dress standard is more conservative than it is back home. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate of Asian summers. In predominately Buddhist countries we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting temples or mosques or other holy sites.
Should I bring school supplies with me to donate to a school?
You can if you wish. Please keep in mind it is important for you to pack light for your trip and school supplies can take up a lot of space. Sometimes school visits are at the end of the trip so you may be carrying the supplies for the entire trip. Sometimes we aren't able to arrange a school visit at all so you would then have to figure out a way to give them out yourself.
Our advice is to bring little if any supplies with you and instead buy supplies locally when your tour leader tells you a school visit is planned. They can help the group pool money and purchase supplies such as books, athletic equipment, pencils and paper. This will allow you to give an appropriate gift, save room in your pack and also help the local economy. We encourage you to establish relationships with the schools that we visit. In the past some of our participants have run fundraisers for needy schools and have mailed supplies to the schools.
What should I expect in terms of school visits?
GEEO tries to include anywhere from 1 to 3 school visits per program; however these visits are never a guaranteed part of our programming. School visits can be very tricky.
• In many of the countries we visit, schools will be closed for vacation over the summer. In that case we try to arrange an informal meeting with local teachers or a visit to a summer school.
• Some of our shorter programs are so packed with activities and places to see that we feel a school visit would mean the group would have to miss out on something important. In that case a school visit may not be scheduled.
• Many times we spend hours setting up a visit only for the school to cancel on us at the last minute.
• Often arranging school visits is easier if done in person with short notice. Your tour leader will try to schedule ad hoc school visits for your group when possible.
• Each school visit is different. We aim for you to get a tour of the school, sit in on a class and have a Q and A session with some of the staff.
• If we do schedule a school visit it is important that the entire group attend. In the past we have offended schools that were expecting ten visiting educators and only three came.
• Over time we try to establish long term relationships with schools so we can have more predictable, immersive visits that are rewarding for both our guests and the schools themselves.
Do I need plugs and current converters for my electronic devices?
There are two components to provide external power to your device: adapters and transformers. The adapter is the plug, adapting the prongs on a standard U.S. two to three-pronged power cord to match the prongs required by the local outlets. The transformer changes the local voltage to that required by your device.
Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia use a combination of both American and European outlets, The type A and type C plugs. In all three countries the voltage is 220-240 Volts. U.S. outlets are 120V. Most new devices (phones and laptops) can handle the different voltage rates, but some devices only work on the U.S. standard of 120V. Check your device to see what voltage range it handles. Most transformer blocks will have an "Input" line that defines its voltage capacity. For example, "Input: 100 - 240V" means that it will work on voltages from 100V to 240V. If your transformer can't handle the different voltage, you'll need to purchase a voltage converter. You can find world regional voltage converters power packs at various vendors.
Is the water safe to drink?
Unless your tour leader tells you differently, only bottled water should be drunk, and this is readily available for purchase. Fruit and vegetables should be peeled, washed in boiled water and in the case of the latter, well cooked. Meat and fish should also be fresh, well-cooked and hot, to avoid possible infection.
Is there Internet access? Should I bring a computer? Mobile phone?
There are Internet cafes in most of the places we visit and many of the hotels also have computers that can be used. Expect to be able to check your email every two to three days. You can also bring along your mobile phone if you choose. Make sure you check with your phone company before you leave to find out the rates for calling back to the US and if they have any special international plans that are worth taking advantage of. International roaming rates can be extremely high, so you don’t want to be surprised. You can bring a laptop/netbook/tablet computer if you wish, but remember, GEEO and G Adventures are not responsible for the damage or theft of you valued items.
What is the weather like?
Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand's wet season runs from around May to October. The wet season is characterised by a downpour for a few hours each day rather than all-day torrential downpours. The advantages of this season are lower temperatures, cleaner air and smaller crowds. North Vietnam is typically dryer than South Vietnam during this time of the year.
What is train travel like in Vietnam?
Train travel in Vietnam is very basic and train cleanliness is often not a priority for train staff. Sleeper trains normally have 4 seats per compartment, which convert into sleeping bunks (two upper and two lower). A sheet, pillow and blanket are provided, although many people prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet. At times, passengers of different genders may be required to share a sleeper train berth and/or share a compartment with people not travelling in your group.
Simple food is available on the train but many people like to stock up on freshly baked bread, cheese and fruit prior to departure. Water should also be bought before the journey.
Train journeys in Vietnam are an experience and allow you to get a real taste of Vietnam.
Is the itinerary exactly as described on this website?
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described on our website, 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 information on our website 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.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
Why are some activities included in the price of the trip and others are not?
We have found paying locally for activities allows our participants to save money. Not every activity is appealing to everyone and we don't want you to pay for services you might not use. Perhaps you feel sick one day and would prefer to rest. This allows you to decide on the spot what you want to do each day with your free time and at the same time control your budget.
How much money in US cash should I bring? Should I exchange local currency in advance?
This is entirely up to you, but we think it is critical for you to bring along $200 USD in cash for emergencies. This is what GEEO's executive director Jesse does in regards to money while traveling:
"I do not exchange any money before travelling to a country but instead bring somewhere between $300-500 US in cash. I go to a bank before I leave the US and take out the cash there rather than an ATM. I make sure each bill is in great condition with no rips or tears. I like to have mostly 20's, but in some countries you are better off with 50's and 100's. In some countries it is also good to have about 20 singles for when you have no small bills in local currency. I divide this money between a money belt and my main backpack and my daypack.
I also bring an ATM card and a credit card. Before I leave the country I call the bank and credit card companies to let them know I am traveling abroad so they don't think the foreign transactions are fraudulent and cancel my cards when I am most reliant on them. Having a second bank account and bank card is pretty handy so that just in case one card doesn't work at an ATM or is lost, you always have a back up account. It's also important to check with your credit card to see if there is an international transaction fee. Some cards charge up to 4% extra for any transactions made out of the US. My Capital One visa card doesn't have any international transaction fee. I just use this card for traveling so if it gets stolen and I have to cancel it I won't have to worry about recurring automated payments. I like to split up my cards between my money belt, wallet and one emergency one hidden in my main bag.
When I arrive at the airport I make sure to go to an ATM before leaving the airport and typically take out the equivalent of $150 USD in the local currency. I find that ATMs give the best exchange rate so throughout the trip I will use the ATM card to draw out my spending cash. I will ask our tour leader for an estimate on how much I will need if I am close to leaving a country so this way I do not draw out too much money.
I try not to use the US cash I brought with me so that I can use it in an emergency. Typically I will come back to the US with most of that US cash unspent. On a recent trip I lost my ATM card and was able to get cash by paying for our group dinners with my credit card and having people pay me their share in local currency. I NEVER take cash advances on my credit card as they charge you an arm and a leg.
I also never use travelers checks, but have heard good things about AAA ATM cards that you can load up with money instead of using travelers checks."
Do you have advice on tipping?
It is customary in Asia to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected - though not compulsory - and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. 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. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. You may do this individually, or your tour leader will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $1-$2 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your tour leader for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures tour leader did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $10-15 USD per person, per week can be used.
Is there any advice for finding funding for this program?
The first thing we recommend you do is speak to your school's principal and/or professional development coordinator. They may know of grants that your school district or state offers. Often schools reimburse teachers for professional development expenses. You can also try contacting your school's PTA or professional organizations that you belong to.
We also recommend applying for a Fund for Teachers grant, www.fundforteachers.org. These grants can be used on GEEO trips. Please note that they are only offered to teachers in a limited number of pre-selected school districts around the country.
What is expected from me from an educational stand point?
Please take a look at the "Sharing your Adventure section of our website by clicking here.
What happens if GEEO doesn't reach the minimum number of participants needed for this trip?
Typically we reach the minimum number for our groups in the month of April. If we do not have the minimum number of participants needed (typically 8 people) we will reprice the trip for the amount of people signed up, adding on a surcharge. It will be up to each individual whether they still wish to travel with the group at the new rate. If they choose to withdraw from the program at that time they will be issued a full refund. If need be we will cancel a trip and issue the entire group a full refund. It is important that you do not book your flights before a group is confirmed! It is pretty rare for us to have to cancel trips.
What happens if it becomes unsafe to travel on this trip?
Your safety is our utmost priority and we will cancel a trip if we do not feel our participants will be safe. If GEEO or G Adventures cancels your trip we will issue a full refund of any payments you have made including the deposit. If YOU decide to cancel your trip you will have to abide by the rules of our terms and conditions.
What is the relationship between G Adventures and GEEO? Who is running this trip?
GEEO is an independent non-profit organization that helps teachers travel. GEEO negotiates with tour companies to get great deals for teachers. GEEO customizes these trips for teachers. GEEO provides educational materials to teachers before and after the trip to help bring the participating teacher's experience into the classroom. GEEO markets these programs to convince teachers to explore the world. For more about GEEO, please see our mission statement.
G Adventures is a tour company that GEEO has partnered with to run our trips. For over 20 years G Adventures has been sending hundreds of thousands of people abroad and today they are the largest adventure travel company in the world. They design the trips, provide expert tour leaders, ground logistics and work hard to make sure you have an excellent experience.
GEEO requires a minimum of 8 participants for this program and can take a maximum of 16 participants. DO NOT book your flights until GEEO has confirmed we have reached the minimum amount of participants needed to run this program.
What's Included
G Adventures Tour Leader, local guides.
13 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner.
Entrance to Halong Bay caves, Halong Bay boat trip and with lunch and seafood dinner, Imperial Citadel and tomb, Cu Chi tunnels, Mekong Delta day trip, Phnom Penh cyclo tour, Entrance to Tuol Sleng and 'Killing Fields', Entrance and guide to Angkor Wat temple complex including Sunrise Tour.
In country transportation: Train, local bus, aircon bus, plane, walking, cyclo, boat.
Hotels (14 nts), sleeper train (1 nt), junk boat (1 nt).
What's Not Included
International air
Incidentals
Insurance
Applicable visas
Airport Taxes
Tips or gratuities
Beverages
Meals not mentioned above
Optional Tours or optional admissions


