Before You Depart

FLIGHT INFORMATION

Your flights from the USA and back are on the following airlines. You are expected to arrive at your departure airport at least 3 ½ hours before your scheduled departure. Please make sure to allow sufficient time for clearing immigration and customs if you are planning a connecting flight.  We recommend at least 3 ½ hours.  Schedule is as follows:

ADVANCE SEAT ASSIGNMENT

The above airlines do not assign seats in advance. Please note that smarTours is not involved with your seat assignment. It is between you and the airline! However, we are suggesting that you check-in early to request for your seat(s) at the airport.

BOOKING YOUR OWN FLIGHTS

Booking your own flights has advantages like flying from your home airport, choosing your own seats, upgrading your seats, and using and collecting airline miles. Tour-only travelers are responsible for arranging their entry and exit flights, as well as their arrival and departure transfers. Unused land services including those caused by air schedule changes and delays are non-refundable and smarTours cannot be held responsible.

When booking your flights, please note that our tour starts in Ho Chi Minh City and ends in Siem Reap. We recommend that you:

• Fly into Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)
• Fly out of Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI)

Siem Reap International Airport replaced the former Siem Reap International Airport (REP) at the end of 2023. The new airport is in a different location, approximately a 1-hour drive from Siem Reap City.

BOOKING YOUR OWN TRANSFERS

In Vietnam and Cambodia, private taxis are reliable ways to get to/from the airport. You may also check the airport’s website for additional information on how to book a private transfer in advance.

TOUR MEETING POINT

When and where you’ll meet the rest of the group depends on if you purchased our air-inclusive package with group flights from/returning to the U.S. or our tour-only package.

• smarTours Group Air Travelers: If you have booked our air-inclusive package, our Tour Director will be waiting for you in the arrivals area near the point you clear customs.
• smarTours Tour-Only Travelers: We recommend you arrive around 4 PM to settle in before joining the welcome orientation and dinner on Day 1. Hotel check-in is generally not before 4 PM.

TOUR ENDING POINT

The final end point for your tour depends on if you purchased our air-inclusive package with group flights from/returning to the U.S. or our tour-only package.

• smarTours Group Air Travelers: On our last day, we’ll transfer to the airport for our return flight to the U.S.
• smarTours Tour-Only Travelers: The tour ends after breakfast on the last day. Generally, hotel check-out is prior to 12 PM (noon).

PASSPORT AND VISA INFORMATION

Travelers must be in possession of a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel. A visa is required for U.S. passport holders traveling to Vietnam and to Cambodia. Travelers can apply for the Vietnamese e-visa online with the Vietnamese government and apply for the Cambodian e-vsia online with the Cambodian government. Before your trip, review travel requirements and restrictions by country including passport and visa requirements. You can also learn more about passport and visa services. Please remember that entry requirements including visa procedures may change at any time and it is your responsibility to obtain the necessary travel documents before the trip.

US and Canadian passport holders should obtain the visa for Vietnam prior to arrival. You can obtain your visa directly from the Vietnamese Consulate or contact “CIBT” to facilitate that for you. You should check directly with the consulate, or if using CIBT online at http://www.cibt.com, for the most up to date instructions before submitting your paperwork.

To obtain an individual visa for Vietnam, please follow one of the following:

Cambodia visa is granted on arrival for US and Canadian passport holders.  Visa cost is $30 payable in cash only (US dollars). To obtain your visa on arrival you’ll need to present one passport size photo for Cambodia (additional information will be mailed to you with your final documents). Cambodian immigration officials now collect fingerprints upon entry using an inkless, electronic process. Please make sure that you have at least two clean pages in your passport

TICKETS AND FINAL DOCUMENTS

Final instructions, documents, and travel tips will be emailed to you 10–14 days before the scheduled start of your tour. If you have not received your final documents, please check your spam folder or contact smarTours.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

Immunizations are NOT currently required; however, we suggest that you consult your personal physician or local public health authorities as to their suggestions.

CLIMATE

The North, Center and South of Vietnam all have different climates. The north has 4 seasons (similar to the USA), with winter temperatures (Nov-Feb) averaging in the 50’s and 60’s. The south is tropical with wet and hot summers. Year round temperatures in the south averages in the 80’s.

NON-INCLUDED MEALS

The hotels used on this tour have several dining choices from coffee shops to specialty restaurants.  Average cost for dinner (excluding drinks) in coffee shops is about $20 – $25 per meal per person.

CREDIT CARDS AND LOCAL CURRENCY

The official currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese dong (VND; ₫) and the Cambodian riel (KHR; ៛) is the official currency of Cambodia. The US dollar is Cambodia’s second currency and accepted everywhere as long as they are newer bills and in good condition. For the best exchange rates and convenience, we recommend withdrawing local currency at an ATM once you arrive in each country. ATMs are fairly common in Vietnam. In Cambodia, ATMs are less common and will dispense US dollars. When possible, choose small denominations. Credit Cards are widely accepted in Vietnam and Cambodia, but may not be accepted in smaller stores or restaurants.

Electricity

Vietnam operates on 220 volts/50 Hz and uses plug types A, B, and C while Cambodia operates on 230 volts/50 Hz and uses plug types A, B, and G. Learn more about plug types, adapters, and converters.

BAGGAGE

Each passenger may bring one piece of checked-in luggage and one carry-on piece. Please check with the airline for the maximum weight and size for luggage. We recommend that you do not over-pack and that you take a variety of separates with climate and comfort in mind.