Welcome to Vietnam!
Stunning scenery, combined with charming local culture makes Vietnam an ideal Southeast Asian destination. Venture into bustling Ho Chi Minh City and travel the beautiful Mekong Delta. You’ll explore the rivers and Buddhist pagodas that make Vietnam a unique part of the world.
Welcome to Cambodia!
For a true off-the-beaten-path experience with excellent service, look no further than Cambodia, the “Kingdom of Wonders.” The name isn’t unearned; from the 8th wonder of the world Angkor Wat, to the countryside of Battambang. You will adventure in the lush jungles, explore the amazing villages, vast rice fields, and the pre-Angkorian & Angkorian temples.
Duration: 11 days & 10 nights
Start: Please be ready to go at Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) at 2:00 p.m.
Finish: Trip ends at Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) at 11:00 a.m.
Airfare booking details will be sent after registration–-please wait to book your flight until you receive further instructions.
Travelers responsible for international airfare to Vietnam and from Cambodia.
Are you interested in experiencing the unique cultures of two Southeast Asian countries on an epic 11-day adventure that combines bustling cities, tranquil countrysides, and ancient kingdoms? Then this trip is for you.
The true gem of Southeast Asia is in its people. The countless smiles and laughs you’ll encounter in everyday interactions and observations are bound to have an effect on how you view life, family and community.
But traveling in Southeast Asia does offer challenges. The food is often spicy. The tropical, humid climate can be hot. Culture shock is real. Come in with an open mind and willingness to try new things, and this adventure will fulfill you.
-Age requirement: 21+
-Group Size: 8-14 travelers
-Physical Rating: Moderate. Accessible for most travelers, with challenging, but short cycling distances (less than 10 miles) on well-maintained roads.
Travel connects us. Community keeps us connected.
Before your trip you'll have the opportunity to join a custom WhatsApp Group and connect with others members of your group. Many travelers meet in the airport, or for pre-trip drinks if they are from the same city. Others coordinate plans to stay in a country after their trip.
During your adventure, our Trip Leaders do their best to foster an open, supportive environment, where people feel safe to truly be themselves.
After your trip, you'll be an official U30X Alumni, and part of our larger online Travel Community where you'll have access to our network of thousands of past travelers. We are constantly hosting meetups that range from simple happy hours, to hikes, to outdoor movie nights.
More than 70% of our travelers come solo, but they all leave with friends.
Travel can be unpredictable. Our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience.
While it is our intention to adhere to the itinerary, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into it and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
Breakfasts will be served at your hotel. Dinners will be enjoyed in local restaurants or at your hotel.
Sample Breakfast Menu:
Fried/boiled eggs or omelet, toast, cheese, fresh milk, fruit, coffee, tea, local dessert.
Sample Lunch Menu:
Local seafood and chicken, vegetable soup, steamed rice, dessert.
Sample Dinner Menu:
Pork, seafood, chicken, fried or fresh spring rolls, stir-fried vegetables, traditional dessert, tea or coffee.
We do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions. Most meals can be modified for special requests and food allergies.
You will be traveling by private ground transportation throughout your trip. There will also be a scheduled flight from Vietnam to Cambodia included.
You’ll be staying in boutique hotels throughout your trip and a local riverside lodge in Vinh Long.
Laundry is available at some hotels for an additional fee. Ask your Trip Leader for details.
Accommodations may vary but will be the same quality.
Solo travelers are paired with someone of the same gender.
Travel insurance with at least 200,000 USD in medical coverage is required to participate on our trips. This must include coverage for repatriation.
Please note that travel insurance covers trip related issues such as trip interruption, lost luggage, theft, etc. Travel medical insurance covers things like repatriation, medicine, ambulance rides, and hospital visits/stays.
We strongly suggest that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Please ensure that all of the activities you plan on participating in are covered by your travel insurance.
Here are a few options for travel insurance that meet our minimum medical coverage requirements: Wanderwell, SafetyWing, and World Nomads. Some plans do not cover certain “high-risk” activities. Please make sure to read your plans coverage and make a selection based on your planned trip.
Wanderwell donates at least one percent of your insurance purchase to Explore Austin, a sustainable youth outdoor education program, via 1% for the Planet, selected by Under30Experiences.
We receive a fee if you purchase products through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using our affiliate links. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
Give us at least 60 days notice and you can switch your trip for free, or we'll hold your Experience Credits for future use.
If you have an emergency cancellation that is less than 60 days before your trip, please refer to your travel insurance company as they may cover you for some expenses. We are not able to transfer trips or hold experience credits within 60 days of the trip because we have already secured reservations on your behalf.
All Under30Experiences trips are accompanied by experienced Trip Leaders.
The goal of the Trip Leader is to facilitate an awesome experience and help our travelers have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends.
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 recommend using a travel backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage.
Do not forget: Bring a two prong power adaptor to charge your electronics. Be sure to bring a converter if devices can’t handle 220V.
Below includes our staff picks of the best items on the market that we travel with! All products selected are 3 ounces or less to comply with TSA carry-on size and organically inspired when possible.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you Under30Experiences will earn a small commission if you make a purchase.
Guidelines for U.S. Passport Holders
Make sure you have an updated passport with you. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the last date of your trip. Please consult the U.S. Department of State with any more questions.
Make sure there is no damage to your passport. Conditions that may constitute damage requiring you to replace your passport include water damage, a significant tear, unofficial markings on the data page, missing or torn out visa pages, a hole punch, or other injuries.
Apply for E-visa via the official Vietnamese Immigration website (Recommended)
In person, at the Vietnamese Embassy in the United States
Apply for E-visa via the official Cambodian Government’s website. (Recommended)
On arrival at Siem Reap or Phnom Penh Airports
Check out our Travel Alerts Page for up-to-date COVID requirements.
The tap water in Vietnam & Cambodia is not safe to drink. Please bring a reusable water bottle to refill from filtered water stations and join us in our efforts to be environmentally friendly and keep these countries beautiful.
Please consult with your doctor before traveling in regards to physical activity and vaccinations.
There are no required vaccinations needed to enter into Vietnam & Cambodia however the CDC recommends routine inoculations.
More specific Health information for travelers to Vietnam & Cambodia can be found at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website.
We suggest bringing 300 USD in cash to be used at establishments that do not accept credit cards.
This is not a total cash amount that you should expect to spend on your trip. Please consider your own spending habits for additional expenses such as snacks, souvenirs, and optional activities.
The official currency in Vietnam is the Vietnam Dong (VND).
The official currency in Cambodia is the Cambodian Riel (KHR).
In Vietnam, although US Dollars and Euro are welcome in big restaurants we strongly suggest getting Vietnamese Dong (VND) for all purchases. Any remaining Vietnamese currency can be exchanged at the airport when leaving the country.
In Cambodia, the US Dollar is commonly used throughout the whole country. We recommend having plenty of small bills (1 USD and 5 USD), or the equivalent of 10 dollars in Riel, to pay for moto-taxis, tuk tuks, or for small purchases in markets.
Remember to call your bank and credit card company and let them know you’ll be traveling overseas.
For an up-to-date exchange rate, download the XE Currency Exchange App.
Please be advised that US Dollar notes that are slightly torn, heavily marked, or faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100 USD.
Always carry a copy of your travel insurance, health insurance, vaccination card, and passport with you. A photo of these items on your phone is also a good backup.
Keep your passport and any valuables locked in your hotel room.
Don’t leave valuables unattended.
US Citizens please consider registering with US State Department's “SMART Traveler Program” who can contact your family in case of emergency.
The South of Vietnam and Cambodia are influenced by a tropical climate, and temperatures experience little variations in a year.
There are two main seasons: rainy or green season and dry season. During the rainy season from late May to November, downpours are expected to happen nearly every afternoon. In the dry season, it is hot from late November to April and slightly cooler when first downpours come.
Months of May - November
Months of December - April
Vietnam
Vietnamese people are free of religion though one will see the influence of Buddhism, Taoism and Christianity. What is the most important to Vietnamese people is their ancestry. Most houses will have an ancestor altar where each day they will burn incense and make offerings to the deceased.
The ao dai, a fitted, full-length dress worn over black or white loose-fitting trousers, is considered the national dress and is mostly worn by women these days. An ao dai is split all the way from the waist down, contouring the pants. It is symbolic of the true beauty of the Vietnamese woman.
Cambodia
Cambodian people do not shake hands. They greet one another with a sampeah, or pressing one’s palms together about chest level and slighty bowing one’s head.
Cambodia has had a tough past so be mindful when speaking about their history concerning the wars. Mostly every Cambodian has lost a family member or a friend to the violence. However, you will come across many Cambodians who will share their story if given the proper setting.
When visiting Cambodia do not buy from children or give them money for food. You will find many children begging on the streets, especially in the bigger cities. Though it seems like you are doing a good deed by purchasing their items, you are actually encouraging children to not go to school. Travelers who want to support marginalized populations and youth should research organizations that support education and make a donation.
Key Phrases in Vietnamese
Key Phrases in Cambodian
Gratuities for Trip Leaders aren’t required on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you are happy with the services provided, a tip is an appropriate way to thank them. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many destinations. We suggest around 3-5 USD per person per day for Trip Leaders.
Vietnam
Tipping is still a relatively new concept in Vietnam’s growing economy. However, in major tourist destinations and the big cities, it is quickly becoming the norm. Service in Vietnam tends to be exceptional, and if you receive great service, a tip is highly appreciated and valued. Here are some common guidelines to follow:
Cambodia
In general, tipping in Cambodia isn’t expected or required, however, if your service from restaurants, hairdressers, taxi drivers, hotel employees, and other service providers exceed expectations, consider leaving a little extra to show your appreciation.
Service employees in Cambodia are paid extremely low wages and most of the time are offered no benefits so a tip can go a long way. Here are some common guidelines to follow:
The activities below will be paid in Vietnamese Dong or Cambodia Riel. All amounts are approximate prices in US dollars.
While your Trip Leader will assist you with optional activities available, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of the Under30Experiences itinerary. We offer no guarantees on the safety or standard of the activity.
Respect the people around you and the environment in which you’re traveling. This includes, but is not limited to fellow travelers, Trip Leaders, the local community, nature, wildlife, and yourself.
Do your best to keep yourself and fellow travelers out of harm’s way.
It’s important to obey local laws and customs while on our trips. This includes, but is not limited to wearing appropriate clothing while visiting certain communities, refraining from taking photos of people without asking, avoiding the use of illegal drugs, having weapons, and soliciting prostitution. If you’re not sure about something, take time to educate yourself, or ask.
Travel involves contact with new cultures. When confronted with a different way of living than you’re used to, do your best to understand that neither way is better or worse. They’re simply different ways of life.
Know your limits! This applies to physical ability, emotional space, social situations, and alcohol consumption. If you can’t participate in something, be upfront about it. If you need a break from people, take it. Stop drinking before you get too drunk.
Trip Leaders are working in the travelers’ best interest. If they say something or ask you not to do something it’s not because they’re tyrants, but because they want you to have a good time!
Lying or withholding information about any physical or mental condition that might affect your ability to participate in any of the activities may be grounds for removal from your trip with no refund.
Hotel recommendations in Ho Chi Minh
Hotel recommendations in Siem Reap
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