Jewels of Colonial Indochina

From the remarkable beauty of Sam Mountain and Halong Bay to the numerous sacred temples and pagodas, Vietnam has a lot to offer. It is a country that features everything from exotic culinary delights to breathtaking scenery. Seemingly endless, tranquil rice paddies stand in stark contrast to bustling cities such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi which embrace all the technology and conveniences that the modern world has to offer. The well-preserved colonial buildings of Hoi An play host to a slew of charming boutiques and tempting cafes while, further north, the local hill-tribe people of Sapa sell a wide variety of exquisite crafts and handmade trinkets. Beyond the urban areas, this diverse country is characterised by vast, verdant jungles and lush mountainous regions as well as an enticing coastline peppered with golden sand, palm-lined beaches.

Currency 

Local currency: Vietnamese Dong 
Symbol: ₫ 
ISO code: VND 
Subunit: Hào 
Banknotes: ₫1000, ₫2000, ₫5000, ₫10000, ₫20000, ₫50000, ₫100000, ₫200000, ₫500000 
Coins: None 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: No 
Diner’s club: No 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: No 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 

Main airlines: Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air 
International Airports: Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City), Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi) 
Domestic Airports: Da Nang International Airport, Cam Ranh International Airport 

Road: 

Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: No 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: No 

Water: 

Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Food and water safety: 

Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: 

Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its fresh ingredients, balanced flavors, and diverse dishes. Pho (noodle soup), banh mi (sandwich), and spring rolls are popular street foods. Vietnamese cuisine is characterized by the use of herbs like mint and cilantro, fish sauce, and a variety of meats and seafood. Notable local drinks include Vietnamese coffee, iced tea, and sugarcane juice. 
Tipping: 5-10% 

Annual rainfall: 1500 - 2500 mm 
Average temperature: 25°C 

Summer: 

Average highs: 35°C 
Average lows: 25°C 

Winter: 

Average highs: 20°C 
Average lows: 15°C 

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit Vietnam is from November to April when the weather is cooler and drier, making it ideal for exploring the country. 

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 

Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 

General 

Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: No 

Plug Type: Type A, Type C 
Voltage (V): 220V 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50Hz 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances. 

Since Cambodia reopened its borders to tourists in the early 1990s, visitors from around the world have flocked to this intriguing Southeast Asian country to experience its fascinating cultural heritage, to engage with the wonderfully welcoming locals, and to marvel at the numerous spectacular natural wonders Cambodia has to offer. Phnom Penh, the nation’s bustling capital, is home to a slew of excellent restaurants, lively outdoor markets and a boisterous nightlife. However, most of Cambodia’s most popular attractions are located beyond the capital. Tourist favourites include: the sleepy French-influenced town of Kampot with its lovely promenade dotted with gorgeous French villas and charming riverside cafes; the breathtaking waterfalls of the lush jungle-clad Cardamon Mountains; and, of course, the awe-inspiring ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat - the world’s largest and arguably most impressive religious structure. Cambodia serves travellers of all sensitivities, whether they're seeking adventurous jungle excursions, exquisite golden-sand beaches, luxury resorts or sumptuous exotic cuisine, Cambodia truly does have it all.

Currency 

Local currency: Cambodian Riel 
Symbol: ៛ 
ISO code: KHR 
Subunit: Sen 
Banknotes: ៛50, ៛100, ៛500, ៛1,000, ៛2,000, ៛5,000, ៛10,000, ៛20,000, ៛50,000 
Coins: ៛50, ៛100, ៛200, ៛500, ៛1,000 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Limited acceptance 
Diner’s club: Limited acceptance 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM 
Weekends: Limited hours 
Public Holidays: Limited hours 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 
Main airlines: Cambodia Angkor Air, Cambodia Airways, Bassaka Air 
International Airports: Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH), Siem Reap International Airport (REP) 
Domestic Airports: Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS), Battambang Airport (BBM) 

Road: 
Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 
Railway system: No 
Subway System: No 

Water: 
Ferries: Limited 
Water taxis: Limited 
Leisure cruises: No 

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: No 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: Cambodian cuisine is a blend of flavors influenced by Thai, Vietnamese, and Chinese cooking. Highlights include dishes like Fish Amok, a coconut milk-based curry, and Beef Lok Lak, a stir-fried beef dish. Rice is a staple, and tropical fruits like mangoes and bananas are abundant. 

Drinks: Notable local drinks include coconut water, sugar cane juice, and palm wine. 

Tipping: Tipping is not customary, but appreciated, especially in tourist areas. 5-10% is acceptable. 

Annual rainfall: 1,400-3,000 mm 
Average temperature: 25-35°C 

Summer: 
Average highs: 30-35°C 
Average lows: 25-28°C 

Winter: 
Average highs: 25-30°C 
Average lows: 20-25°C 

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Cambodia is during the dry season from November to April when temperatures are cooler and rainfall is minimal. This is ideal for exploring the temples of Angkor and enjoying outdoor activities. 

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 

General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Internet cafes: Yes 

Accommodation options: Yes 
Restaurants: Yes 
Cafes: Yes 
Shopping malls: Yes 
Public parks: Yes 
Libraries: Limited 

Plug Type: Type A, Type C 

Voltage (V): 230 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50 

*A travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances. 

Wedged between a number of larger neighbouring countries, Laos is often overlooked in favour of tourism giants such as Thailand and Vietnam. But these travellers are missing out on an extraordinarily scenic and culturally rich destination. Laos boasts a reputation as the least visited, least Westernised, and most untouched of all Indochinese nations. Only time will tell how long this will last, but while it does, visitors who choose to explore this nation’s remote areas will be richly rewarded. Laos’ primary drawcard is undoubtedly the mighty Mekong River which traverses the length of the country and is considered the second most biodiverse river in the world. In the north, the landscape is characterised by little-explored jungle-clad mountainous areas where visitors can witness the intriguing cultures of the various hill tribes that populate this region. Travellers on the hunt for cultural interest should head for the bustling capital of Vientiane, with its innumerable temples and Buddhist monuments. It is this variety of exotic wildlife, remote wilderness and remarkable cultural treasures that make Laos a truly unique and unforgettable holiday destination.

Currency 

Local currency: Lao Kip 
Symbol: ₭ 
ISO code: LAK 
Subunit: None 
Banknotes: 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000 kip 
Coins: 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 kip 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Limited 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Limited acceptance 
Diner’s club: Limited acceptance 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM 
Weekends: Limited hours 
Public Holidays: Yes (limited hours) 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 
Main airlines: Lao Airlines 
International Airports: Wattay International Airport (VTE) 
Domestic Airports: Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ), Pakse International Airport (PKZ) 

Road: 
Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: No 

Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Limited 

Rail: 
Railway system: Limited 
Subway System: No 

Water: 
Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Limited 

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: No 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: Lao cuisine is characterized by its fragrant herbs, spices, and sticky rice. Sticky rice (khao niew) is a staple, often served with grilled meat, spicy dips, and fresh vegetables. Other popular dishes include larb (spicy minced meat salad) and papaya salad (tam makhoong). 

Drinks: Notable local drinks include Beerlao, Lao rice whiskey (lao-lao), and herbal teas. 

Tipping: Tipping is not expected, but rounding up the bill is appreciated. 

Annual rainfall: Varies 
Average temperature: 25°C 

Summer: 
Average highs: 30°C 
Average lows: 22°C 

Winter: 
Average highs: 25°C 
Average lows: 15°C 

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Laos is during the dry season from November to March when the weather is cooler and there is less rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. 

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 

General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Internet cafes: Yes 
Accommodation options: Yes 
Restaurants: Yes 
Cafes: Yes 
Shopping malls: Limited 
Public parks: Limited 
Libraries: Limited 

Plug Type: Type A, Type B, Type C, Type E, Type F 
Voltage (V): 230 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50 

Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.