G2/Pag/Blu/Just/Ho
9 - 26 November 2015 (18 days)
ITINERARY
This itinerary is correct at the time of printing. From time to time there may be slight changes due to uncontrollable circumstances. Your group leader will advise you of any changes at the initial group meeting.
YOUR GROUP LEADER
Your group leader is probably the person who most influences the success of your holiday. Thus SEA
Travel (
chooses to employ professional, dedicated student trip tour leaders who have several years experience escorting young people throughout the region.
Day 1 Depart Melbourne / Arrive Siem Reap (Monday 9 Nov) We are greeted at Siem Reap International Airport by our tour leader and escorted to the hotel. After checking into our rooms we have a group meeting to discuss the following day’s activities before a well-deserved rest.
Day 2 Siem Reap (Tuesday 10 Nov) On this - our first full day in Cambodia we will set out early to visit the magnificent Angkor temples. These temples were built by the Khmer civilization between 802 and 1220 AD and represent one of humankind's most astonishing and enduring architectural achievements. From Angkor the Khmer kings ruled over a vast domain that reached from Vietnam to China to the Bay of Bengal. The structures one sees at Angkor today, more than 100 stone temples in all, are the surviving remains of a grand religious, social and administrative metropolis whose other buildings - palaces, public buildings, and houses - were built of wood and have long since decayed and disappeared.
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Among the temples we will visit include the imposing Angkor Thom and the Bayon Temple with its famous faces representing one of the former kings and then most imposing of them all – Angkor Wat. Time permitting will also visit the beautiful Ta Prohm temple famous for its tapestry of trees intertwined within the temple structure. This evening we will enjoy a walking tour of the city’s central district before dinner. (B, D)
Day 3, 4 & 5 Siem Reap Community Project (Wednesday 11, Thursday
12 & Friday 13 Nov) This morning we will travel to a poor village on the outskirts of Siem Reap town to begin our three day community building project. Over the coming three days we will build a house in an effort to assist one of the local community’s poorest inhabitants. Jobs may entail moving timber, nailing tin sheets, digging trenches, sanding, landscaping and gardening. It is advised that you prepare adequately for these days which whilst rewarding, will require students to work diligently to achieve the day’s objectives. Local tradesmen will assist guidance and give on-thejob training. At the end of each day we will commute back to our hotel.
During our time building will also learn about daily life in the village and see how the village functions as a close community, subsistence living and future prospects for the villagers. At the completion of building we will take part in a short thank you ceremony. This evening we take part in a handson cooking class hosted by a talented local chef. (3B, 3L, 2D)
Day 6 Siem Reap / Phnom Penh (Saturday 14 Nov) This morning we will depart Siem Reap and take our 7 hour bus trip to Phnom Penh. The drive will take us through the countryside affording us wonderful views of Cambodian rural life. We will stop at a mid-way point where we can taste deep fried spiders and local fruits.
The skyline of Phnom Penh changed dramatically during the French colonial period when the cluster of pagodas and wooden structures along the riverfront were replaced after 1863 by the French influenced colonial period, structures interspersed throughout the city today. At the height of the colonial period Phnom Penh was reputed to be the most beautiful city in French Indochina – a beauty lost during the years of hardship and neglect, although which can still be sought out today by the keen observer.
(B, L, D)
Day 7 Phnom Penh (Sunday 15 Nov) Today we will visit many of Phnom Penh’s most important places of interest including the infamous Tuol Sleng Prison and the ‘Killing
Fields’ – both stark reminders of Cambodia's tragic recent history during the Khmer Rouge reign from 1975-1979. It was during this relatively brief time a little know teacher called Pol
Pot instituted a reign of terror over the country and implemented a plan to turn Cambodia into an agriculturebased society, systematically emptying the cities and forcibly moving the people onto collective (state-owned) farms where they performed hard labour. It is estimated that during this time over a fifth of the country’s population perished by overwork, starvation and execution.
Time is set aside to visit the intriguing Russian Market selling an array of goods including a vast array of software, handicrafts, copy designer watches and musical instruments. As the sun sets we will take a private boat cruise on the Mekong River to enjoy panoramic views of the Phnom Penh skyline (life jackets included). This Mekong River is the most important water source in Southeast Asia as essential to the economies of Laos and Vietnam as well as
Cambodia’s thriving fishing industry. (B, D)
Day 8 Phnom Penh / Kampot (Monday 16 Nov) This morning we head to the Silver Pagoda and Royal Palace to learn about the Royal family and the recent cremation of King Sihanouk in front of the Palace (February 2013). Then we begin an adventurous side trip to the country’s southwest region. The 148km bus journey takes us to the township of Kampot near the coast. Upon arrival we visit some of the nearby attractions including Phnom Chhnork cave system and a local monastery 10km from town. In the evening we stroll around this sleepy town with its crumbling French colonial buildings. (B, L, D)
Day 9 Bokor National Park – Kampot Province / Kep (Tuesday 17 Nov) This morning we drive to the old French hill station of Mt. Bokor, situated at an elevation of 1080 metres some 42km southwest from Kampot . This hill station was first established by the French in 1917 and the road up the hill was built using 3,000 local prisoners who established a casino, post office, school and other French colonial buildings. Later the King of Cambodia had his
Black Palace built here until the civil war broke out that led to the settlement being abandoned, left in ruins. Today
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the township is being restored. Upon arrival we will see spectacular views of the surrounding forest, former colonial ruins and learn about the turbulent history in the area between the Khmer Rouge and the
Vietnamese Army as recently as the 1970’s and 1980’s. We will learn about the wildlife in the region including elephants and bears and Preah
Monivong National Park located on the mountain before driving to the seaside town of Kep.
(B, L, D)
Day 10 Kep/ Phnom Penh / Vientiane (Laos) (Wednesday 18 Nov) This morning we relax on a secluded beach. Shortly before midday we take the return bus trip to Phnom Penh and head directly to the airport for our
2 hour flight to Vientiane in Laos. Upon arrival we transfer a short distance to our hotel after which we will venture out for our first taste of
Laotian cuisine and become acquainted with the people, sights and atmosphere of Laos. (B, L)
Day 11 Vientiane – Vang Vieng (Thursday 19 Nov) This morning we notice a significant cultural difference between
Cambodia and Laos and begin a city tour of the Laotian capital, visiting Wa Prakeo home of the Emerald Buddha as well as stopping at the local markets and the beautiful 18 century temple of Wat Si Saket. Our 160km bus drive then takes through beautiful scenery as we journey towards Vang Vieng in central Laos. The surrounding countryside is a mixture of jagged limestone hills, caves and caverns. Here our adventure steps up a notch as we explore the Cham cave system not far out of town and learn about the peculiar eco systems of Vang Vieng. Tonight we stroll through this sleepy town. (B, D)
Day 12 Vang Vieng (Friday 20 Nov) This morning we take a bicycle tour amongst rural villages to experience life in the countryside. The surrounding countryside is a mixture of jagged limestone hills, caves and caverns and dotted with small villages. Riding to the Nam Song River we swap our bikes for kayaks and enjoy kayaking down this River while being led by qualified and experienced kayaking instructors this afternoon town’s recent rapid development and tourist related issues such cultural awareness, sustainability and the impact that tourism can have on a small community. (B, L, D)
.
Tonight we discuss the
Day 13 Vang Vieng – Luang
Prabang (Saturday 21 Nov) We will travel deeper into the Laotian interior today, journeying further north as we make our way to the enchanting town of Luang Prabang - rich in colonial character and the centre of Laotian
Buddhism. This town is a perfect setting in which to take in the beauty of
Laotian culture in a setting of several colourful temples inhabited by orange robed monks. The Laotian kings ruled Laos from Luang Prabang for several hundred years until the Communist Party of Laos took over control in 1972 after which the Laotian king and his family were exiled to a remote part of the country. This afternoon we visit the stunning Royal Palace Museum to learn about the former royal family and French colonial influences before. (B, D)
Day 14 Luang Prabang (Sunday 22 Nov) After breakfast we take a 10km bicycle ride to an elephant camp before ‘saddling up’ for an hour elephant trek through the forest. From here vans will pick us up and transfer us to a handicraft village to visit silk weaving / silk worm products and see paper made by hand. Afterwards we take a boat trip upstream on the mighty
Mekong River to visit a Buddhist cave called Pak Ou. Here we will learn about the significance of this auspicious site filled with hundreds of
Buddhist statues and the Mekong River’s current ecological and political issues such as hydro dams, driftnet fishing and border management. Late afternoon we return to Luang Prabang. (B, D)
Day 15 Luang Prabang (Monday 23 Nov) This morning we stopping off at a Mong hill tribe village to see their traditional way of life and go inside a villager’s house to see their living conditions. We continue on to the most impressive 3 tiered Krungi Waterfalls and visit the nearby Asian Bear Protection Centre to learn of the plight and protection efforts of this endangered species. Later afternoon we return to the city and either stop at Henri Mouhot’s grave the French explorer and naturalist credited with rediscovering Angkor Wat to the western world or explore the
French colonial Old Town on foot laden with handicraft shops. (B, D)
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Day 16 Luang Prabang (Tuesday 24 Nov) The first part of the day will be set aside for
where students will travel about the town in small groups completing various tasks and activities. This will include a climb up Mount
Phu Si revealing panoramic views of the town and surrounding hinterland, finding a UNESCO heritage lake, buying items in a local ‘wet’ market and taking tuk tuks to a certain location amongst other objectives.
After lunch we take a trip out of town to visit a poor rural school to learn about the Laotian education system and interact with local students, play sport and converse with students of a similar age. We will be expected to perform a dance or song that will need to be prepared in advance.
This evening’s final dinner in Asia will include a traditional
Baci ceremony where village elders will wish us well on our travels and perform a dance – Laotian style.
(B, D)
Day 17 Depart Luang Prabang (Wednesday 25 Nov) There is a last chance for shopping. We transfer to the airport for the homebound flight to Melbourne. (B)
Day 18 Arrive Melbourne (Thursday 26 November) Arrive in Melbourne today at 09:25am
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SUMMARY
Students will be required to be in good health to get the most of this trip whilst any one of reasonable fitness will be able to take part. There are no real physical difficulties however students will be expected to walk every day, particularly during the community project component of the trip. You will also be expected to work diligently during the days of the community service project. You will also be expected to be able to ride a bike. It will be necessary for you to carry your own luggage throughout the trip but only for short distances. Accommodation:
Student accommodation is on a triple or twin share basis. Staff accommodation is on a single room basis. All hotels are clean and comfortable with a 2, 3 star equivalent rating. Suggested Hotels: Sokharoth Hotel (Siem Reap),
Townview 3 Hotel (Phnom Penh), Kampot Diamond Hotel (Kampot), Rock Royal Hotel (Kep), Lane Xanh Hotel
(Vientiane), Malany Hotel (Vang Vieng), Xishuangbanna Hotel (Luang Prabang). Transport: Modern airconditioned bus, boat, plane Group size: Minimum of 24 students + 3 staff members
Tour Inclusions
International return economy flights (Vietnam Airlines)
1 internal international flight en route (Siem Reap – Vientiane)
All accommodation and transport en route
1 Day Temple Pass for Angkor Temples in Siem Reap
Domestic departure taxes and transfers
Group Leader throughout the tour
Local English speaking guides where required
All sightseeing, entrance fees for museums, attractions and sights as described in itinerary
Laotian & Cambodia visa
Laos departure tax
All breakfasts, 8 lunches, 13 dinners
Drinking water with all included meals
Tour Exclusions
8 lunches & 4 dinners
House building costs in Siem Reap - A$5,900 per house
Orphanage or local village donations in Siem Reap A$550
School visit costs donations / activities in Luang Prabang A$550
From its natural assets; screensaver landscapes, fantastic cuisine and always surprising cultures, Southeast Asia offers something for every traveller. Bustling cities with an energy driven by a new economy, quiet country villages reliant on rice agriculture as they have been for centuries, ornate Confucian temples such as those found in Laos, high-rises side by side with splendid French colonial architecture; the region is a place of contrasts. The Vietnamese, Khmer, Thai, Burmese and Laotian people have strong beliefs and values. They are a pragmatic people, with a philosophy to move forward, not to dwell on the past, and a determination to improve the lives of their children. Most of all they are warm and welcoming, and proud to show you their homelands.
WEATHER IN SOUTHEAST ASIA
Weather is very often one of the determining factors when we choose to travel. The Southeast Asian region is a diverse region, spanning several climatic zones. With a mountainous border along much of its western and northern frontiers, and a long, unprotected coastline, the weather can vary enormously from regions to region. The main seasons to consider are the southern wet/dry, and the northern winter/summer. From May to
October, the southern areas of Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar and Cambodia experience their wet season comprising daily, heavy - but shortlived and predictable - afternoon rain showers, which break up the otherwise hot and humid days. Temperatures are on average in the low 30s.
From November to April, the dry season is sunny and humid, and sunscreen and hats are highly recommended. Weather patterns in central regions of Southeast Asia, including Central Vietnam, northern Myanmar and Laos can vary tremendously with a short rainy season lasting from
November to December, with some typhoon activity from mid-October to mid-December. The highlands including Dalat in Vietnam and Luang
Prabang in Laos are cooler than the coastal regions from November through March, with the coastal regions often experiencing drizzling rain from December through February. The north of Vietnam Myanmar and Laos has a very distinct summer, running from May to October, and is subject to occasional monsoons at this time. A cool winter with temperatures in the low -teens occurs from December through March. February and March can be damp and subject to drizzling rain (known as 'rain dust').
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Reunification Express
COUNTRY SPECIFIC INFORMATION: THAILAND
GETTING AROUND
While generally pleasant and hassle free, transport in Thailand can at times be erratic and at times and infuriating at others. Flight and train schedules changed, roads flood or close for no obvious reason and traffic can sometimes result in delays. Your tour leader or local guides will always be aware of the local conditions and ensure that all your transport throughout the country runs as smoothly as humanly possible.
Thai Airways is the National Carrier and prides itself on having one of the youngest fleet of aircraft in the world with a fleet of newly leased
Airbuses, ATR’s and Fokker aircraft. During the rainy season flights can often be delayed or cancelled due to weather conditions, in which case your Tour leader will assist with your arrangements, or any changes that may be necessary as a result.
Train travel in Thailand is both comfortable and safe and a highly enjoyable way to travel and see the country as long as travellers keeps an open mind and an adventurous attitude. Contact with the local people on board can be an opportunity for an enriching experience and just reward for a little discomfort.
All motor vehicles used by Student Educational Adventures (SEA Travel) for overland road journeys, tours and transfers are modern and airconditioned, licensed to carry foreign visitors and fully insured. Separate luggage vans are used for groups as required. Typical vehicles are modern Hyundai 15 to 40 seater buses, 1- 8 passenger Mercedes-Benz transports and Japanese cars.
HOTELS & RESTAURANTS
As a large amount of foreign investment into Thailand has been channelled into an excellent choice of hotel properties and restaurants exist in all Thai cities. Outside these cities many very comfortable and clean guest houses exist that are ideal for student travellers. As we assess all hotels regularly, and as standards vary and new properties are under construction at all time, we are constantly finding new properties. Generally speaking, the same is true of restaurants, with the greatest variety of both Asian and western style restaurants in the two main city centres, and more often local restaurants utilized in the provincial regions.
CLOTHING
Light, comfortable clothing, with warmer clothes for the winter months are recommended. Good walking shoes are also beneficial. Shorts are acceptable on women however the Thais are still modest and very revealing clothing is frowned upon. Some temples and tourist sites do not permit shorts above the knee. Dinner restaurants require only casual clothing.
FOOD
Food will be a true highlight of your trip to Thailand. Rice and noodles form the basis of most dishes, which also heavily rely on fish and chicken.
Fresh vegetables are in abundant supply (in fact, vegetarians are very well catered for) and are most often served in a light stir-fry or in a broth, with the addition of chilli, lemongrass, coriander or a special fish sauce. Exotic fruit is both a common dessert and excellent breakfast accompaniment. All restaurants, eateries and cafes your Tour leader or guide recommend or escort you to will be high reputable and general serve delicious food. In these places, fresh salad, raw vegetables and ice are all fine to consume. Bottled water is readily available and recommended at all times. Please remember also that mild stomach upsets and diarrhoea are very common ailments when experiencing new cuisine. The food in Thailand as in every country is different; this does not mean it is bad. Often your system will need some time to adjust to your new and often healthier diet is all that is needed.
CURRENCY
The Thai Baht is a convertible, hard currency and at time of writing trades at 30 Thai Baht to US$1/ A$1 (2012).
It is recommended that travellers do not bring traveller’s cheques. ATM’s are now popular throughout the country. The new Cash Cards issued by major banks are another way to bring money however they offer very poor exchange rates when buying cash and exchanging it into foreign currency. The best way to bring money to Thailand is as foreign currency ($A, $US, Euros etc.) and change it on arrival at the many downtown money changes (i.e. not at the airports in your country or in Thailand where rates are always the poorest). Allow yourself enough money for drinks, shopping and laundry. As a rough guide allow US$15 per day. Laundry facilities are offered in most hotels at a reasonable price.
PEOPLE
The Thais people are very receptive to foreigners and will welcome you warmly. A healthy curiosity does exist outside the main centres.
SAFETY
Thailand is now very much a developed country and becoming increasingly wealthy. That said, street time does sometimes happen in some larger cities like Bangkok. Handbags or cameras should be carried carefully over a shoulder as passing motorbikes may easily snatch them.
Being aware of your surroundings and carrying little obvious wealth is the best defence against theft. Feel free to use the very efficient and inexpensive taxi services. Beware of touts around Bangkok and people offering you services and products which sound too good to be true!
COUNTRY SPECIFIC INFORMATION: LAOS
GETTING AROUND
Laos has a vastly improved domestic service to all provincial towns in the country. Several reliable, foreign owed airlines operate a continuous air service between Vientiane and Luang. Airlines used by Student Educational Adventures (SEA Travel) all feature well maintain fleets of
Airbuses, ATRs and a Boeing 737.
It is now safe and common for travellers to journey around Laos by car, however, this road has seen little traffic over the years and is considered
'hard going' by those that have done it. The road has been upgraded recently (2010). The highway between Vientiane and Luang Prabang is now paved and is in good condition. This journey takes approximately 9 hours by car. Whilst travelling in Laos, Student Educational Adventures
(SEA Travel) utilizes the best vehicles available. Typical vehicles are modern Korean or Japanese air-conditioned buses that can hold between
8 and 45 passengers.
HOTELS & RESTAURANTS
All major cities and most provincial towns enjoy a good range of 3 and 4 star hotels. More restaurants catering to a variety of tastes in the capital and thanks to the climate, alfresco dining is widely recommended. There is nothing more exotic than dining on a superb meal whilst overlooking the changing colours of the Mekong River.
CLOTHING
Light, comfortable clothing, with a light sweater for the cooler months in Laos is recommended. Good walking shoes are also beneficial. Shorts are acceptable on foreign women however is best avoided as the Khmer are very modest and revealing clothing is frowned upon and socially unacceptable. Some temples and tourist sites do not permit shorts above the knee and it is recommended to dress accordingly. Dinner restaurants require only smart/casual clothing.
FOOD
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Bottled water is readily available and recommended at all times. Fresh salad vegetables are best avoided unless washed yourself. Hotel dining and the restaurants recommended by our tour leaders and guides are considered suitable for foreign visitors. We do not recommend purchasing food from street stalls. Laotian food is usually very much enjoyed by foreign palettes and has been described as being similar to Thai food without the heat. Rice and noodles form the basis of most dishes, which also heavily rely on fish and chicken. Fresh vegetable are in abundant supply and are most often served in a light stir-fry or in a broth, with the addition of chilli, lemongrass, coriander or special Laotian spices. Exotic fruit is both a common dessert and excellent breakfast accompaniment. Most dishes are designed to be shared in the middle of a table, and unlike in Vietnam, do not rely on chopsticks, with the spoon and fork being the common dining utensil.
CURRENCY
The Laotian Kip is a non-convertible currency and at time of writing trades around 8000 kip to $US 1 (2012). Most shops and restaurants also use USD freely. It is recommended that travellers do not bring traveller’s cheques. ATM’s are now popular in major cities in Laos. The new Cash
Cards issued by major banks are another way to bring money however they offer very poor exchange rates when buying cash and exchanging it into foreign currency. The best way to bring money to Laos is as foreign currency ($A, $US, Euros etc.) and change it on arrival at the many downtown money changes (i.e. especially not at the airports in your country or in Laos where rates are always the poorest).
Allow yourself enough money for drinks, shopping and laundry. As a rough guide allow US$15 per day. Laundry facilities are offered in most hotels at a reasonable price.
PEOPLE
The Laotian people are very receptive to foreigners and will welcome you warmly. Many speak a certain level of English and are more than willing to engage in conversation. There is always time to stop and be friendly to the visitor.
SAFETY
Laos is a developing country but is by far the safest in Southeast Asia. Foreigners are well received throughout Laos and personal security should not be of concern for Australian travellers.
COUNTRY SPECIFIC INFORMATION: CAMBODIA
VISAS
Student Educational Adventures (SEA Travel) will assist in arranging all visas and necessary documentation for your journey. Holders of
Australian, New Zealand, Japanese, US, EU and ASEAN passports received a visa to enter Cambodia on arrival at the country’s airports and border crossings. At the time of writing the cost of a Cambodian Tourist Visa is US$20. For holders of passports other than the ones described above please contact us for further information.
GETTING AROUND
Cambodia has a vastly improved domestic service to all provincial towns in the country. Several reliable, usually foreign owed airlines operate a continuous air service between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap with up to five flights in each direction during the high season between November and February. During the quieter months of June-September this service drops to two in each direction. For large group bookings it is common for the airline to 'add' an additional service to accommodate, dependant on availability. President Airways, Siem Reap Airways and Bangkok
Airways all maintain a fleet of fleet of Airbuses, ATRs and a Boeing 737. It is safe and common for travellers to journey between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap by car whilst t many of the country’s other roads have been upgraded recently (2009). The highway between Phnom Penh and
Sihanoukville, on the coast, is fully paved and is in excellent condition. This journey takes approximately three hours by car. Whilst on tour in
Phnom Penh and Siem Reap (Angkor) Student Educational Adventures (SEA Travel) utilizes the best available. Typical vehicles are modern
Korean or Japanese air-conditioned buses which can hold between 6 and 45 passengers.
HOTELS & RESTAURANTS
Cambodia now has a god range of hotels in Phnom Penh as well as Siem Reap, with many comfortable 3 star type properties in other smaller rural centres (Battambang & Sihanoukville). A multitude of restaurants cater to a variety of tastes throughout the country, especially in in the capital Phnom Penh and Siem Reap where outdoor dining can be readily enjoyed and the plethora of high quality esplanade and river front restaurants.
CLOTHING
Light, comfortable clothing, with a light sweater for the cooler months at Angkor are recommended. Good walking shoes are also beneficial.
Shorts are acceptable on foreign women however is best avoided as the Khmer are very modest and revealing clothing is frowned upon and socially unacceptable. Some temples and tourist sites do not permit shorts above the knee and it is recommended to dress accordingly. Dinner restaurants require only smart/casual clothing.
HEALTH
An anti-gastric or upset stomach remedy is recommended as you may be eating food your system is unused to. We recommend you seek a medical practitioner's advice on up to date precautionary medicine. It is not recommended that medicines be purchased inside Cambodia.
FOOD
Bottled water is readily available and recommended at all times. Fresh salad vegetables are best avoided unless washed yourself. Hotel dining and the restaurants recommended by our tour leaders and guides are considered suitable for foreign visitors. We do not recommend purchasing food from street stalls. That said, Khmer cuisine is a delight to the senses. Rice and noodles form the basis of most dishes, which also heavily rely on fish and chicken. Fresh vegetable are in abundant supply and are most often served in a light stir-fry or in a broth, with the addition of chilli, lemongrass, coriander or special Cambodian spices. Exotic fruit is both a common dessert and excellent breakfast accompaniment. Most dishes are designed to be shared in the middle of a table, and unlike in Vietnam, do not rely on chopsticks, with the spoon and fork being the common dining utensil.
CURRENCY
The Cambodian Riel is a non-convertible currency and at time of writing trades at 4,500 to $US 1. However all shops and restaurants also use
USD freely so there is no need to change US currency into local Cambodia currency It is recommended that travellers do not bring traveller’s cheques. ATM’s are now popular throughout the country. The new Cash Cards issued by major banks are another way to bring money however they offer very poor exchange rates when buying cash and exchanging it into foreign currency. The best way to bring money to Cambodia is as foreign currency ($A, $US, Euros etc.) and change it on arrival at the many downtown money changes (i.e. especially not at the airports in your country or in Cambodia where rates are always the poorest). Allow yourself enough money for drinks, shopping and laundry. As a rough guide allow US$15 per day. Laundry facilities are offered in most hotels at a reasonable price.
PEOPLE
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The Khmer people are very receptive to foreigners and will welcome you warmly. Many Khmer speak a certain level of English and are more than willing to engage in conversation. There is always time to stop and be friendly to the visitor.
SAFETY
Cambodia is a third world country and lavish displays of wealth only encourage petty theft. Do not wear large amounts of jewellery, handbags or cameras carried carelessly over a shoulder as passing motorbikes may easily snatch them. Being aware of your surroundings and carrying little obvious wealth is the best defence against theft. Do not take cyclos, motorbike taxis or walk deserted streets after dark in Phnom Penh.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?
Expect a new travel experience. Expect to see a picture perfect landscape of rice paddies and water buffaloes. Expect bustling cities and busy streets of bicycles and motorcycles, which are a challenge to cross. Expect to be popular with the locals, to be stopped in the street for an unexpected conversation. Expect comfortable hotel properties throughout your trip and quaint homestays in the provinces. Expect the occasional mishap - a delayed flight or a short power outage. Expect stunning mountain passes and endless photo opportunities. Expect to find unexpected bargains! Expect crowded airports. Expect your guide/tour leader to take care of that for you. Expect to sample a new and unique cuisine or a pizza every now and then. Expect the noise, expect the heat. Expect to learn about daily rituals and traditions performed for hundreds of years, to hear legends, to smell exotic spices in a local market. Expect to marvel at ancient towers that remain standing after 500 years, through wars and countless monsoon storms. Expect welcoming smiles… Expect things to be different from what they are at home - after all, isn’t that why you came in the first place?
Please sit on chairs when provided and not on the floor
Always wear footwear when outside, in public places and in hotels. Local people always wear shoes unless they are too poor to afford them. It is fine to go bare foot on beaches and around swimming pools.
Please do not show displays of affection in public. This is considered weird and is awkward for local people to watch.
It is perfectly fine and normal (and safe) for a female to go to the bathroom by herself in Asia 
Please abstain from playing the drums at the dinner table with your chopsticks when in restaurants!
Save water:
Don’t leave the water running while brushing teeth, shaving or washing your face. This will help save an average of 5 litres.
A bath uses 90+ litres of water while a quick shower uses around 25
Dispose of tissue and cotton wool in the bin rather than in the toilet; one flush can use up 13 litres of water
Let the hotel know that they needn’t launder your towels and sheets daily
Be energy efficient:
Minimise the number of lights you have on in your hotel room; switch off those you don’t need. Switch off appliances, including laptop and cell phone, when not in use; unplug when possible. Electricals such as televisions and mobile phone chargers continue to draw power even when on stand-by.
Switch off the air-conditioner or heater when you leave the room. Generally speaking for people new to travel in tropical regions, a night time temperature of 23 C is recommended. Cooler than this may result in waking up too cool in the night time or worse, catching a cold
Boil only as much water as you need when using the kettle in your hotel room if you wish to make drinks
Reduce waste:
Don’t buy new travel-sized toiletries each time you travel; instead, use durable containers and refill before each trip. This also helps ensure that you stay within new airline security rules regarding liquids in hand luggage.
Never litter. Many parts of the world don’t have the infrastructure for regular waste disposable; and many things we throw away aren’t biodegradable.
Refuse plastic bags when buying things. Plastic bag consumption in Asia is amongst the highest in the world and if not refused will be provided by sellers for virtually every item however small, you purchase.
BOOKING CONDITIONS
Amendments – Up to 60 days prior to departure one amendment per booking is permitted free of charge. For all subsequent changes there will be an amendment fee of A$50 per change. Within 60 days prior to departure, cancellation fees may also be charged.
Cancellation – Cancellation fees apply to all cancelled reservations. The fee is determined by the date written cancellation is received by Student Educational Adventures (SEA Travel).
Cancellation charges are as follows:
Days before departure:
More than 60 days - Loss of deposit
31-60 days - 50% of total booking cost
30 days or less - 100% of total booking cost
Refunds – Refunds are not made for any unused services. No refund will be made if you leave the trip early for any reason.
Exchange Rate – All prices are quoted in Australian dollars (AUD$). Due to the unstable nature of the Australian dollar against the US dollar, regrettably surcharges may be necessary.
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Responsibility – A very high level of care is taken to ensure suppliers maintain high standards. However, as we do not control the airlines, bus operators or hotels we cannot be responsible in any way for problems resulting from the booking, unless it is a direct result of negligence on our part or the part of our employees.
Student Educational Adventures (SEA Travel) act as agents only for the persons or companies providing or offering the means of travel, transport, accommodation or other services and all receipts, tickets, vouchers are issued subject to the terms and conditions under which transportation and services are offered.
The traveller is fully aware that he/she is travelling in an area that may be remote, subject to unusual climatic conditions or politically unstable. Should Student Educational Adventures (SEA Travel) deem it advisable to amend an itinerary, it may do so by varying or completely rerouting any trip. In this case the traveller will make no objection or claim for compensation. Refunds will be at the total discretion of Student Educational Adventures (SEA Travel).
Student Educational Adventures (SEA Travel) will do everything it can to ensure your tour departs on time. However Student
Educational Adventures (SEA Travel) reserves the right to cancel any tour 30 days prior to departure should the group size fall below the minimum numbers required. Alternative dates will be made available. Should this option be unacceptable, a full refund of all payments will constitute full settlement with the passenger.
Student Educational Adventures (SEA Travel) reserves the right to decline, accept or retain any person as a member of any party at any time. Travellers agree to accept the authority of the group leader. Student Educational Adventures (SEA Travel) will not accept responsibility or liability for any traveller who contravenes any laws or regulations of Vietnam, Cambodia or Laos. All
Student Educational Adventures (SEA Travel) are bound by these conditions. employees of
Privacy – Student Educational Adventures (SEA Travel) respects your privacy and abides by the terms of the Privacy Amendment
Act 2000. We will only collect personal information that is relevant to your travel arrangements. We will protect the privacy of the information you provide us and only pass it to third parties such as airlines, tour companies, hotels or insurance providers when that information is necessary to fulfill your travel arrangements. In providing this information to us, you consent to arrangements on your behalf.
Student
Educational Adventures (SEA Travel) using this personal information for the purpose of making and completing travel
www.studenteducationaladventures.com
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