Private Luxury Cambodia, Laos & Myanmar Tours & Travel

A visa is required to enter Cambodia for U.S. and most foreign nationals. There are three ways for obtaining your visas:

On Arrival: You may apply for your visa upon arrival at Siem Reap (REP) or Phnom Penh (PHN) Airports. A passport fee and separate passport photo is required. 

E-Visa: You may apply for your visa online. This is the easiest and recommended method so long as you’re entering Cambodia from one of the listed ports of entry. Please visit https://www.evisa.gov.kh/ to apply. 

In Advance: You may apply for your visa at the nearest Cambodian Embassy. This method is less convenient and should necessary only for non-tourist visas (work, diplomatic, extended stay, etc.). 

Climate in Cambodia is fairly consistent year round. The average temperature is 90°F during the day and 75°F at night. Two monsoons set the rhythm of rural life in Cambodia. The cool, dry, northeastern monsoon blows from about November to March and brings little rain. From May to early October, the south-western monsoon picks up moist air from over the Indian Ocean, bringing strong winds, high humidity, and heavy rains throughout the country. The weather is transitional between the seasons, but even during the wet season it rarely rains in the morning. Most of the rain comes in afternoon downpours. Visitors should be warned that roads in the northeastern regions in particular, can become flooded during the rains. Travel in these areas should be avoided during the peak of the wet seasons.

New Year’s Day – Jan 1st
International Women’s Day – Mar 8th
Cambodian New Year – mid April
Royal Ploughing Day Ceremony – April/ May
Labour Day – May 1st
Visaka Buja Day (Birth of Buddha) – mid May
International Children’s Day – Jun 1st
Constitution and Coronation Day – Sep 24th
Phchum Ben Day (Feast of the Ancestors) – late September/ early October (3 days)
Paris Peace Agreement – Oct 23rd
King’s Birthday – Oct 30 – Nov 1st
Independence Day – Nov 9th
Water Festival – November (three days)
UN Human Rights Day – Dec 10th

As of April 2011, airport departure taxes for both domestic and international flights are included in your air tickets. 

On Domestic flights, passengers are allowed 20kg (44 pounds of luggage per person) in economy class for most carriers. On International flights on major carriers, passengers are allowed two pieces of checked luggage but weight allowance will vary depending on your carrier.

Low fare carriers will charge a fee for checked baggage. The cost varies depending on the city pair and method of purchase (prepaid vs at check-in). When booking these flights on your own, be sure to pre-purchase this service before arriving at the airport as they will be much more expensive at check-in. If you’re booked on one of our Cambodia tours, checked baggage service of up to 20kg per passenger is always included.

Excess luggage fees will be charged if you check more than the stated allowances, and these charges are your responsibility.

International Direct Dialing at your hotel is available to and from Cambodia. The usage of mobile phone is widespread, prepaid telephone cards are  also available in post offices, hotels and supermarkets for public phones around Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. The country code for Cambodia is +855; the city code for Phnom Penh is (0) 23, and the city code for Siem Reap is (0) 63.

Internet Access will be available at all hotels included in your Cambodia tour although charges may apply. Wifi is widely available in public areas including restaurants and hotel lobby. Mobile Apps such as WhatsApp, Skype and Facebook Messenger provide free/cheap and convenient ways to stay connected.

Most hotels provide postal services for documents and small packages.

The currency of Cambodia is the Riel. At the time of writing US$1 = 4,000 Riel (April 2020). However, for tourists, the real currency of Cambodia is the US dollar. Riel are useful mainly for tipping and small purchases. Since travelers are often given riel as change for purchases made in dollars, most find that they quickly collect enough riel for their needs.

Banks are available in most of the provincial capitals. ATM machines are widely available and dispenses both Riel and USD. Credit cards are accepted at hotels and larger shops and restaurants, though Cambodia remains very much a cash-based society so having cash on hand is a must. 

According to related laws and regulations, the luggage of inbound and outbound passengers must come under customs supervision and control. Passengers should make accurate declarations to customs officials regarding the luggage they carry into or out of the territory.

Voltage in Cambodia is 220 volts although most portable electronic devices such as phones, laptops and cameras do not require an electrical converter. However, we do suggest bringing a set of adapters that can change the shape of the plug prongs.

Nearly all hotels featured in your Cambodia tour package provide hair dryers and other amenities expected in an international standard 4 or 5-star hotel.

Avoid all water that has not been thoroughly boiled or sterilized. Drink only bottled water. Supposedly, a plant in Phnom Penh makes all of the city’s ice using sterilized water, but to play it safe, avoid any ice. You should not eat any uncooked vegetables and do not eat any fruit that you have not peeled yourself.

Hotels featured in our Cambodia tours will include bottled water daily. 

In General, there is a chronic shortage of trained medical help and hospitals in Cambodia compared to those in Western countries. Therefore, you should avoid treatment in Cambodia when possible. If critical healthcare is needed, Singapore, Thailand or Malaysia are only a short flight away. 

The Royal Government of Cambodia does not require you to have any vaccinations, except for cholera if you are coming from an infected area. Please consult your doctor for recommended vaccinations.

Although the main tourist areas of Siem Reap and Phnom Penh are not malarial, malarial drugs are essential for tourists traveling deeper into provincial Cambodia. The best protection against malaria is to avoid being bitten in the first place: make sure to bring mosquito repellent. Check with your physician about taking a course of anti-malarials. If it is considered necessary given your itinerary, you might need to begin before your trip and continue for a time after you return.

Dengue fever, which is also transmitted by mosquitoes, is often mistaken for malaria. Its symptoms are severe pain in the joints, high fever, and extreme headache. required.

For more information and up-to-date information on Cambodia travel, please refer to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (C.D.C.) website. 

Tipping is a customary practice in Cambodia at tourist establishments. From guides to drivers to bellmen. Most hotels and restaurants add a 10% service charge to the bill. Taxi drivers do not require a tip, but the gesture is appreciated. For local restaurants, a ~10% tip is adequate and greatly appreciated. Since meals are very inexpensive at local restaurants (typically less than $10 per meal), the 10% will certainly not break the bank! 

For your transfers and sightseeing included in your Cambodia tour package itinerary, we recommend tipping between $10-$12 per person per full day of service. This amount is to be split between the guide and driver at a 2:1 ration. You may, of course, adjust this amount up or down depending on the level of service you received.

All ground transportation is included in our Cambodia tour packages and are provided via private car and guides. In each city, a local English-speaking guide will meet you upon arrival and handle all arrangements, including sightseeing commentary, while you are in that city. 

Taxis can be hired in main cities. However, Tuk Tuks, cyclos (tricycles) or motodops (motorcycles) are an inexpensive alternative and provide a slower but charming method of exploring the cities. But be sure to first negotiate the fare before getting on. Other forms of public transportation (trains, buses, boats) are available but not recommended.

Bring light clothing that is easy to wash and iron. Sandals and light shoes are adequate. A sweater is handy for cool season nights and drastically air-conditioned buildings. 

Other essential items include: Valid Passport. Copy of Your Airline Ticket. Your E-Visa (if applicable). Your Medicines. Departure documents. Camera(s) and portable electronic devices such as tablets, mobile phones or laptops. Sunscreen/Tan lotion. Pocket size Kleenex. Extra luggage locks/keys. Folding Umbrella. Comfortable walking shoes

A visa is required for travelers of all nationalities entering Laos. The preferred method to obtaining your tourist visa is to do so upon arrival. Tourist visas are good for stays up to 15 days, and can be renewed for an additional 60 days. The visa fee is US$35, payable by cash. For stays beyond 15 days, an extension fee of $2 per day applies for up to 60 days. 

Travelers must be pre-registered with the Lao Authorities prior to entry. If you are booked on one of our Laos vacation packages, our team will assist with this registration prior to your trip. 

New Year’s Day – Jan 1st
Pathet Lao Day – Jan 6th
Army Day – Jan 20th
Woman’s Day – Mar 8th
People’s Party Day – Mar 22nd
Boun Pimai, Laotian New Year – 2 days in April
Labor Day – May 1st
International Children’s Day – Jun 1st
Lao Issara, Day of the Free Laos – Aug 13th
Day of the Liberation from French – Oct 12th
Lao National Day – Dec 2nd

Airport departure taxes for international passengers are included in the price of the air tickets. However, such policy is subject to change by government authorities without notice.

On Domestic flights, passengers are allowed 44 pounds of luggage per person. On International flights, passengers are allowed two pieces of checked luggage. Excess luggage fees will be charged if you check more than the stated allowances, and these charges are your responsibility.  At most major airports, baggage carts are available for your luggage, usually for a small additional fee.

Laos has only two seasons, dry season starts from November to March and rainy season starts from June to October, which means that Laos can be visited throughout the year.

Shorts, short skirts or revealing clothing are not appropriate especially when visiting temples or any religious site. Laos is a conservative Buddhist culture and improper dress can be offensive. Please dress with respect for the local culture. Lightweight, easy to care clothes of cotton and cool fabrics are ideal all year round. A pullover or jacket from November to February is recommended, especially when traveling to the northern part of Laos.  Wear sensible walking shoes which can be easily removed when required. Sandals, thongs or flip-flops (available locally) are very convenient footwear.

International calling and fax facilities are available but limited to major towns and hotels. Internet cafes are also available in major towns. However, the speed maybe slow. 

Internet Access will be available at all hotels included in your Laos tour although charges may apply. Wifi is widely available in public areas including restaurants and hotel lobby. Mobile Apps such as WhatsApp, Skype and Facebook Messenger provide free/cheap and convenient ways to stay connected.

Postal services is reliable but can be slow, but outgoing mail is fairly reliable and inexpensive.

The local currency is the kip. The US dollar and the Thai baht are very popular alternatives that are widely accepted, especially for bigger purchases. The exchange rate at the time of writing is 8.9 kip to US$1, but it is advisable to check this rate before traveling.

It is not unusual to be quoted a price in kip, pay in US dollars and receive Thai baht as change. US dollars and Thai baht can be changed at hotels, banks or any foreign exchange shop licensed by the Bank of Lao PDR.

Most local shops and restaurants do not accept credit cards. Visa, Master Card and American Express payment facilities are increasingly being set up throughout the country. A surcharge is usually added.

ATMs are fairly prevalent in tourist cities but transaction fees could be expensive, depending on the bank. 

Your valuables ( jewelry, cameras, electronic equipment, etc.) should be declared on your customs declaration form upon arrival. Receipt of purchase and an export permit voucher for locally bought goods such as gems and jewelry may be required upon departure.

Voltage in Laos is 220-230 volts although most portable electronic devices such as phones, laptops and cameras do not require an electrical converter. However, we do suggest bringing a set of adapters that can change the shape of the plug prongs.

Nearly all hotels featured in your Laos tour package provide hair dryers and other amenities expected in an international standard 4 or 5-star hotel.

Although towns have access to safe water, less than a third of the countryside can claim the same. We recommend drinking from bottled water only. Hotels featured in our Laos tours will include several bottles of water daily. 

Avoid all water that hasn’t been thoroughly boiled or sterilized and drink only sterilized water or soft drinks. All water and ice-cubes that are served to you in restaurants in the cities are safe for consumption. You should not eat any uncooked vegetables and do not eat any fruit that you haven’t peeled yourself. Make sure that fish and meat is well cooked.

The government of Laos does not require you to have any vaccinations except for cholera if you are coming from an infected area. In general, we recommend Typhoid and Hepatitis-A vaccination to safeguard against water/food borne diseases. 

In general there is a lack of international standard medical help and hospitals. For minor ailments, the Vientiane International Clinic offers good service. For any major health problems we recommend going to Thailand.

Please consult your doctor for recommended vaccinations. For more information and up-to-date information on Laos travel, please refer to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (C.D.C.) website. 

Tipping has become increasingly customary in Laos, especially in tourist areas – these include porters, chauffeurs,  tour guides, and in upscale restaurants. Foreign currency, especially U.S. dollars, is appreciated. 

For your transfers and sightseeing included in your Laos tour itinerary, we recommend tipping between $10-$12 per person per full day of service. This amount is to be split between the guide and driver at a 2:1 ration. You may, of course, adjust this amount up or down depending on the level of service you received.

All ground transportation is included in our Laos tour packages and are provided via private car and guides. In each city, a local English-speaking guide will meet you upon arrival and handle all arrangements, including sightseeing commentary, while you are in that city. 

Laos is a mountainous country with no railway and few good roads. With the Mekong River being such a prominent topographical feature it is not surprising that it plays a significant role in communications and life. There are slow boat services for tourists who want to experience life on the river between some towns. Speedboats are also an option for travelers with a tight schedule, though not always recommended.

Tuk Tuks are the most popular means of transport within cities. These 3-wheeled vehicles with two benches placed sideways in the back can be found everywhere. Taxis are not normally metered, so your fare is negotiable. Always negotiate before setting off. 

Bring light clothing that is easy to wash and iron. Sandals and light shoes are adequate. A sweater is handy for cool season nights and drastically air-conditioned buildings. 

Other essential items include: Valid Passport. Copy of Your Airline Ticket. Your E-Visa (if applicable). Your Medicines. Departure documents. Camera(s) and portable electronic devices such as tablets, mobile phones or laptops. Sunscreen/Tan lotion. Pocket size Kleenex. Extra luggage locks/keys. Folding Umbrella. Comfortable walking shoes.

A visa is required in advance for travelers who wish to enter Myanmar. Tourist visa for Myanmar can be obtained from any Myanmar Embassy or Consulate world-wide.

A new way for obtaining a Myanmar Visa is via its E-Visa service. This can be applied for online through the Myanmar government. This is now the preferred method which is both convenient and cost-effective. Approvals are usually returned via E-mail within 5 business days. Tourist visa are valid for a stay of up to 28 days.

Independence Day – Jan 4th
Union Day – Feb 12th
Fullmoon Day of Tabaund – March
Peasant’s Day – Mar 2nd
Armed Forces Day – Mar 27th
Thingyan Festival – April
Myanmar New Year – April
Fullmoon Day of Kason – April/  May
World Workers Day – May 1st
Martyr’s Day – Jul 19th
Tazaundaing Festival – Nov 22nd
National Day – Nov 27th
Christmas Day – Dec 25th

The departure tax for international passengers is US$20 collected at the airport at time of departure. The amount and policy are subject to change by government authorities without notice.

Airport departure taxes of ~US$2 are collected on domestic flights within Myanmar. 

On Domestic flights, passengers are allowed 44 pounds of luggage per person. On International flights, passengers are allowed two pieces of checked luggage. Excess luggage fees will be charged if you check more than the stated allowances, and these charges are your responsibility.  At most major airports, baggage carts are available for your luggage, usually for a small additional fee.

Myanmar has three seasons. *Cool Season – October through February with average temperatures 20-24 C *Hot Season – March through May with average temperatures 30-35 C *Wet Season – June through September with average temperatures 25-30 C The ideal time to visit Myanmar is during the cool season. However, even during the wet season, Yangon normally receives morning and afternoon showers while rainfall in Bagan and Mandalay is very low. The weather around Inle Lake and in Shan State is quite pleasant all year round but cold at night from December to February.

Shorts, short skirts or revealing clothing are not appropriate especially when visiting temples or any religious site. Myanmar is a conservative Buddhist culture and improper dress can be offensive. Please dress with respect for the local culture. Lightweight, easy to care clothes of cotton and cool fabrics are ideal all year round. A winter sweater or jacket and socks may be needed in the cool season when visiting up country especially around Inle Lake and Kalaw when the weather can drop to near freezing during the night. Wear sensible walking shoes which can be easily removed when required. Sandals, thongs or flip-flops (available locally) are very convenient footwear.

International Direct Dialing is available at all hotels included in your Myanmar tour. The usage of mobile phone is widespread, prepaid telephone cards or SIM cards are  also available.

Internet Access will be available at all hotels included in your Myanmar vacation package although charges may apply and connection may be slow or unreliable. Wifi is widely available in public areas including restaurants and hotel lobby. Mobile Apps such as WhatsApp, Skype and Facebook Messenger provide free/cheap and convenient ways to stay connected.

Most hotels provide postal services for documents and small packages.

We recommend visitors to bring US Dollar in cash only – larger notes receiving a better rate in exchange. Exchange of other foreign currencies such as Euros, Yen and Pounds Sterling may be time consuming and difficult. Authorized money changer throughout Myanmar will usually only accept US Dollars. The FEC (Foreign Exchange Currency) used in Myanmar as currency next to the local currency Kyat (pronounced “Chat”) is equal to the US Dollar (1=1) and can easily be used for payment of purchases throughout the country.

Credit Cards are generally not accepted in Myanmar. We suggest to bring a sufficient amount of cash for personal expenses. There are now ATM machines in the more popular tourist cities but transaction fees can be high. Banks are closed on Saturdays, Sundays and all public holidays.

Your valuables ( jewelry, cameras, electronic equipment, etc.) should be declared on your customs declaration form upon arrival. Receipt of purchase and an export permit voucher for locally bought goods such as gems and jewelry may be required upon departure.

Voltage in Myanmar is 220-230 volts although most portable electronic devices such as phones, laptops and cameras do not require an electrical converter. However, we do suggest bringing a set of adapters that can change the shape of the plug prongs.

Nearly all hotels featured in your Myanmar tour package provide hair dryers and other amenities expected in an international standard 4 or 5-star hotel.

Tap water is not potable in Myanmar. Only drink purified bottle water. Bottled water is readily available and provided by the hotels featured in your Myanmar tour.

Throughout most Asian countries including Myanmar, MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) – known locally as ‘AJINOMOTO’ – is still used in food preparation in most restaurants. For travelers that may be allergic to MSG, you should inform your guide when ordering if you do not wish it to be added to your food.

No inoculations or vaccinations are required unless coming from or passing through an infected area. Travelers should bring sufficient medication with them if required.

In General, there is a chronic shortage of trained medical help and hospitals in Myanmar compared to those in Western countries. Therefore, you should avoid treatment in Myanmar when possible. If critical care is needed, Singapore or Thailand are only a short flight away. 

Vaccinations against typhoid and Hepatitis-A are generally recommended for traveling to Myanmar and Southeast Asia. These vaccines safe guard against water/food-borne diseases and are good to have for those who travel often. 

For more information and up-to-date information on Cambodia travel, please refer to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (C.D.C.) website. 

The Burmese people are genuinely happy to help foreign visitors and don’t expect anything in return. But if a service personnel (waiter, bellman, etc.) on your trip was especially kind or helpful a gratuity would be a generous gesture and greatly appreciated. 

For your transfers and sightseeing included in your Myanmar tour package itinerary, we recommend tipping between $10-$12 per person per full day of service. This amount is to be split between the guide and driver at a 2:1 ration. You may, of course, adjust this amount up or down depending on the level of service you received.

All ground transportation is included in our Myanmar tours are provided via private car and guides. In each city, a local English-speaking guide will meet you upon arrival and handle all arrangements, including sightseeing commentary, while you are in that city. 

Taxis are available from major hotels and the use of mass public transportation is not recommended.

Bring light clothing that is easy to wash and iron. As most temple complexes require visitors to take off their shoes, it is highly recommended that travelers bring shoes (i.e. sandals) that slip on and off easily. A sweater is handy for cool season nights and drastically air-conditioned buildings. 

Other essential items include: Valid Passport. Copy of Your Airline Ticket. Your E-Visa (if applicable). Mosquito repellent. Your Medicines. Departure documents. Camera(s) and portable electronic devices such as tablets, mobile phones or laptops. Sunscreen/Tan lotion. Pocket size Kleenex. Extra luggage locks/keys. Folding Umbrella.