Travel Advisory

01Before You Travel

• Passport: valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry into each country.
• Visas: obtain all required visas, e-visas or digital arrival permits. Confirm current rules with official government sources.
• Travel insurance: mandatory — see Travel Insurance Requirements.
• Vaccinations: consult a qualified travel health professional. Common recommendations for the region include routine vaccines plus hepatitis A/B, typhoid and — for some regions — Japanese encephalitis and rabies.
• Malaria: risk varies by region. Discuss prophylaxis with a travel health professional.
• Medication: carry prescription medication in original packaging with a copy of the prescription.

02Health on the Ground

• Water: drink bottled or filtered water only. Avoid ice in remote areas unless you are confident of its source.
• Food: street food is often excellent — choose busy stalls with high turnover.
• Sun: heat and humidity are significant year-round. Hydrate and use sun protection.
• Mosquitoes: use repellent, particularly at dawn and dusk, and consider long sleeves for rural regions.
• Heat exhaustion: pace yourself in the first few days, especially after long-haul flights.

03Safety & Security

Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia are generally safe for tourists. Normal big-city precautions apply, including:

• Keeping valuables secure in crowded areas;
• Using licensed taxis or app-based ride-hailing rather than unofficial taxis;
• Being cautious with drinks left unattended at night;
• Avoiding isolated areas at night, particularly in unfamiliar neighbourhoods;
• Keeping digital and printed copies of your passport and key documents.

04Regional Notes

4.1 Vietnam

Traffic in major cities is busy and dominated by motorbikes. Cross roads slowly and predictably. Air quality in Hanoi can be poor during certain months.

4.2 Laos

Laos is quiet and generally safe. Rural travel can be slow due to road conditions. Some remote regions may have unexploded ordnance — follow local guidance and stay on marked paths.

4.3 Cambodia

Cambodia is generally safe for tourists, including in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. Be aware of common scams and keep valuables secure in busy tourist areas.

05Local Laws & Customs

Travelers are expected to respect local laws and customs. Some points to note:

• Temples and religious sites: dress modestly, remove shoes before entering certain buildings, and respect worshippers.
• Photography: always ask before photographing people, and do not photograph religious ceremonies unless invited to.
• Drugs: penalties for drug-related offences are severe throughout the region.
• Royalty and national symbols: show respect for national symbols, images and traditions.

06Emergency Contacts

Also keep the contact details of your travel insurance provider and your embassy or consulate accessible during your journey.

07During Your Journey

If an issue arises during your journey — including a health or safety matter — please contact your guide, your specialist or our on-the-ground team immediately. We are reachable through the contact details provided in your Booking Confirmation.