The Essence of Indochina

• International airfare, Travel insurance, and visa fees

• Meals (if not mentioned in inclusions)

• Alcoholic beverages, and additional snacks

• Personal expenses: laundry, phone, internet, souvenirs, tips for guides

• Entrance fees to national parks, temples, and other sites (if not part of the included tours)

• Extra Cost for Solo Traveler

• Unforeseen Expenses Due to Weather / Delays

• Any Other Item Not Specifically Mentioned as Included

• INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT:

International flights can be arranged upon request, subject to availability. A 10% service fee will apply to cover handling and booking costs.

• VISA:

Visa requirements differ depending on your nationality. We strongly recommend verifying the latest entry regulations with official immigration authorities before you travel.

• CASH/ATM:

Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Laos remain largely cash-based destinations, especially in local markets, small shops, and street food stalls.

In Vietnam, cash is essential for taxis, local eateries, and smaller purchases, though credit cards are accepted in higher-end hotels, restaurants, and international chains in major cities. In Cambodia, the U.S. dollar is the most commonly used currency in tourist areas such as Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville — menus often display prices in dollars, and most ATMs dispense USD, with small change typically given in Cambodian Riel.

In Thailand, credit cards are widely accepted in larger hotels, restaurants, and shopping malls, but cash remains preferred for everyday transactions and local experiences.

In Laos, cash is necessary almost everywhere, as card payments are still uncommon outside upscale hotels or restaurants in Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Across all four countries, ATMs are easy to find in cities and tourist areas, making it convenient to withdraw local currency (or USD in Cambodia) when needed.

• GUIDED TOURS:

Guided tours are typically conducted on a shared basis, meaning other travelers may join the same experience. This allows you to meet other guests and share the activity as part of a small group.

If a private tour is included or available as an upgrade, it will be clearly indicated in your itinerary or can be arranged upon request (subject to availability and additional cost).

• CANCELLATION, REFUNDS & TRAVEL INSURANCE:

Once bookings have been confirmed, all cancellations will follow the terms and conditions of our local suppliers and service providers. Please note that many partners require advance payments to secure availability, and their refund policies may vary. We will always do our best to recover any refundable amounts wherever possible, but some services may be fully non-refundable depending on supplier conditions.

We strongly recommend that all travelers purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and unexpected changes. This ensures peace of mind and financial protection in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

You’ll receive a comprehensive Travel Guide Book in PDF format with all your confirmed bookings, key travel information, and a personalized day-by-day itinerary designed specifically for you.

The guide also includes practical tips to help your trip go smoothly, along with must-see locations, local eateries, hand-picked café recommendations we have personally tried and loved.

We will even connect you with reliable local taxi drivers, guides, and companies we have met during our own travels and fully trust.

The best time to visit Hanoi, Hoi An, Siem Reap, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Luang Prabang is from November to March, when the weather is generally dry, sunny, and pleasant across most destinations. During these months, you can expect comfortable temperatures, lower humidity, and clear skies — ideal for sightseeing, exploring temples, and enjoying outdoor activities.

From April to October, the region enters its rainy season, bringing occasional heavy showers, especially in Hoi An, Siem Reap, Luang Prabang, and Chiang Mai. However, rainfall often comes in short bursts followed by sunshine, so travel remains enjoyable, with fewer crowds and lush green landscapes enhancing the scenery. It’s worth noting that Chiang Mai and Luang Prabang experience a smoke season from March to April, when agricultural burning can reduce air quality and visibility.

SIM cards are available almost everywhere, including directly at the airport upon arrival.

If you prefer not to buy a physical SIM card, I recommend using an eSIM from Airalo you’ll find more detailed information about this option in my Travel Guide Book including a 10% discount on their services.