I’m afraid we do not do equipment rentals for international tours; however, we do very much recommend using www.BorrowLenses.com . Using the link on this page will usually get you a discount. You won’t beat the prices (even locally), you can get insurance coverage on your rentals and it is all done quick and easy via UPS.
Yes, travel insurance is required not only for our protection as a business but for your own sake. People get sick, accidents happen, things go wrong, and very few people have health insurance that will cover you outside your own country. I have personally seen the benefit of getting travel insurance. Honestly compared to the expense of your whole trip, it’s a very small amount.
Yes, maximum of 20 kilos (44 lbs) but please travel light, as we all have to share the vans. The more space the luggage takes up, the less space we all get to spread out. Many items can be purchased locally for very little and washing is available at a small price in most hotels so no need to bring excessive amounts of clothing.
No, you will receive professional instruction daily throughout the tour. Your instructor will be available at all times at each location. So come, enjoy AND learn.
Well, it’s hot there. Hot and humid, so you are going to want to dress accordingly. With that said even the jungle gets chilly to some in the early morning, so you should still include at least one item of warmth (light jacket or fleece). More importantly you will want to prepare for getting wet. It is, after all, a tropical climate. So be sure to bring shoes that can get wet (sandals or river shoes) along with a rain jacket and some kind of cover for your camera gear. On a separate point men will need long pants to enter some specific temples and women will need a top that covers the shoulders. This is not always the case, but some temples are more strict than others.
Our guides and drivers work very hard to make sure your trip runs smoothly. While they are paid well for their services, you may wish to show your appreciation with tips. Generally we will pass an envelope around for each guide and driver and give a “group tip”. It is recommended to budget about $40 total for all the tips. (Note: tips are not required, but very appreciated by the local workers).
Sonnet Hotel, Saigon, (Ho Chi Minh City) [visit website] Located in Saigon’s District 3, the Sonnet Saigon Hotel is walking distance to many landmark such as the Reunification Conference Hall, War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market, plus shopping streets and cultural attractions. Convenient for our city tour as well as leisure time. 
Ba Duc Ancient House, Cai Be [visit website] This lovely building was first constructed in the nineteenth century by Mr. Phan Van Dang. The property boasts it’s own gardens with lots of local fauna and flora.
Kim Tho Hotel, Can Tho [visit website] A convenient riverside location and a popular stay in Mekong Delta’s Can Tho Town. Enjoy the view and have some drinks from the rooftop bar. 
The 252, Phnom Penh [visit website] This hotel is a lovely boutique style accommodation. It boasts a swimming pool surrounded by a tropical garden. You will really appreciate that during the mid-day heat. Centrally located in Phnom Penh you will be able to easily explore the city during your leisure time. 
City River Hotel, Siem Reap [visit website] A mix of tradition, comfort and modern style will make your stay at City River a wonderful experience. The roof-top swimming pool is the only one of its kind in Siem Reap. You will enjoy a spectacular view of the city and sunset while sipping away on cocktails. Only a 5 minute walk from the bustling Old Market district.
Delux Villa Battambang [visit website] 300 meters from Psar Nat , Delux Villa boasts an outdoor pool and views of the pool. The pet-friendly accommodation is air conditioned and has a sauna. Boeung Chhouk Market is 500 metres from Delux Villa, while Battambang Museum is 700 metres away.
Asia Plaza Hotel, Yangon [visit website] Great central location near Scott Market. Rooftop bar with 360 degree views. Friendly, helpful staff. 
Ayarwaddy River View Hotel, Mandalay [visit website] Great waterfront location in downtown Mandalay. Sunset views over the Irrawaddy River from the ‘Skybar’. Friendly staff, comfortable and well-appointed rooms . 
Bagan Umbra Hotel, Bagan [visit website] Delightful garden setting with temple views. Swimming pool & poolside restaurant. Quiet location in Nyaung U Town. 
Paradise Hotel, Nyaung Shwe [visit website] Our favourite for Lake Inle. Chalet style rooms with balconies and cane chairs. Garden setting and convenient location
Vietnam:
Cambodia:
Stamps: When entering any country make sure you get an entry stamp in your passport and keep your departure card. Departure Card: The departure card is a seemingly unimportant little piece of paper that you have hand written information onto. It will cause issues if you don’t have it upon leaving the country so I recommend putting it somewhere safe, NOT inside your passport. Why? Because throughout the trip you may have reason to hand over a passport and people tend not to notice when that little piece of paper falls out. Passport validity: Your passport expiration date must not be within 6 months from the date you will exit your last foreign country. You may be refused entry into a country if your passport will expire prior to departure. Additionally you may be denied entry if your passport is damaged or in poor condition. Some border officers can be very particular about this, so keep your passport in something un-bendable and preferably waterproof. Return Ticket: While I personally have never experienced being denied entry into a country because I don’t have a return ticket purchased, I have heard plenty of horror stories of this happening. In most cases however it is the AIRLINE company refusing you boarding on the plane as opposed to customs officers refusing you entry upon arrival. In either case, it’s something to consider. If you are planning to join our tour, but then hoping to go off exploring for an “unknown time / location” and therefore do not want to purchase a return ticket ahead of time here are some options:
Thailand: This information is for anyone embarking on this tour and does not pertain to long-stay visitors or expats. Most nationalities simply receive a 30-day visa waiver stamp on arrival at Bangkok airport. Your passport must be valid for a full 6 months, in good condition with no pages torn or missing, and while we can’t find any specific information regarding number of blank pages, as usual in South East Asia, you’re better off with at least 2 available. Importantly you may be asked for proof of onward travel and proof you have sufficient funds for your stay.