“Holy Halong Bay with Alluring Angkor Wat” #2
Exploring Vietnam & Cambodia
Nov 17-26, 2024
Who’s ready to explore 2 countries of unique cultures, architectural wonders, natural beauty and mind-blowing adventure? Our new AFS trip is an Asian affair that dreams are made of. Close your eyes and imagine yourself floating through thousands of magical islands aboard a luxury boat in Halong Bay or by ballooning over a thousand temples of Angkor Wat. Add tours by army jeeps, floating villages and a personal blessing by monks – now you have incomparable “bragging rights “ for a trip like no other. This exotic dual-destination vacation exceeds imagination. We know because our past groups loved it.
Discover the beauty of timeless villages and terraced rice paddies in places that blend the old with the new so well. Each country offers different splendors of culture and philosophies. It begins in Hanoi, capital city, so alluring with a bashful charm. Shrouded in mystery after years of isolation, Vietnam now makes Americans feel so welcome. It’s not just tours of famous historic sites but also some sincere chewing with our foodie tour, cooking class and produce markets by rickshaw bicycles. Hanoi is the new culinary superpower.
On to the magnificent UNESCO site Halong Bay, one of the “7 Wonders of Nature” with ethereal beauty and Vietnam’s premier postcard destination. We cruise the emerald waters in our luxuriously appointed “ junk,” a wooden vessel with the finest amenities, cuisines and cabins. It’s a unique adventure to kayak among hundreds of towering limestone islands, exploring the cool caves and remote lagoons while swimming in the warm waters of the Gulf of Tonkin.
We then fly to the Kingdom of Cambodia, a land synonymous with tranquility and gateway to the world heritage site of Angkor Wat. With countless temples spread over 16 miles, it’s the largest religious structure on earth and a must for anyone’s bucket list! Everyone loves the city of Siem Reap. Absolutely everything is so affordable, you should do your Christmas shopping at the famous Night Market. You’ll get massages at ridiculously low prices. We visit the gentle ellies at the famous sanctuary of Kulen Elephant Forest, ride tuk tuks and sampans to villages, and you will love our deluxe Sofitel Resort & Spa!
November is the best time to visit. We booked the best properties a year ahead to give you a 5-star experience at a 3-star price no one can beat. You’ve come so far to visit these once-in-a-lifetime gems and we want you to do it in style. Many of you begged us for this Indochina getaway. It’s finally real. Our small exclusive group is limited to 24 travel lovers. Come for the sensory overload as well as downtime for pampering yourself. Utterly compelling, the cultural and natural marvels in both Vietnam and Cambodia will leave you spellbound with forever memories!
_________________________________
Our Glorious AFS Itinerary
Copy and paste itinerary to a document and print.
Nov 17 – Depart USA
Departure – Fly USA to Hanoi. (Air details coming and trip tips. In crossing the international date line, you lose a day but gain it back on return.)
Nov 18 – Welcome to Vietnam!
One could spend years visiting this exciting little country of adventure and mystery and not even scratch the surface. The capital of Hanoi is the best base for cultural experiences, museums of history, bustling markets 
and fresh local cuisines found nowhere else. The street food scene is wonderful.
On arrival, transfer to Novotel Hotel in the heart of bustling Hanoi. (One common group airport pick-up based on flight times. Some may want to come in an extra day to explore on own. Hotel check-in begins at 2 PM. )
Tonight we get to know our fellow AFS travelers with a Welcome Dinner at a local Vietnamese restaurant with a variety of delicious cuisines.
Novotel Hotel Hanoi link D
The Novotel offers a range of amenities to enjoy. The hotel features a beautiful swimming pool surrounded by lush tropical gardens, free WiFi, state-of-the-art equipment fitness center. It boasts multiple dining options with a delicious buffet breakfast and an à la carte menu for lunch and dinner. There is a cozy bar where guests can enjoy a refreshing drink or socialize with fellow AFSers. It’s conveniently located in the heart of the city, providing easy access to popular attractions, shopping centers, and cultural sites. Situated in the historic Old Quarter, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich culture and vibrant atmosphere of Hanoi.
Nov 19- Hanoi City Tour & Bicycles
Picturesque lakes, French colonial buildings, blaring horns with the smell of incense in the air, this is Hanoi! After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of the best sites. With over 1000 years of history and considered as the cultural capital of Vietnam, Hanoi still retains its charm in the alleyways of the Old Quater and its beautiful lakes. We begin at the university and Temple of Literature and then to Ba Dinh Square, the biggest place where all political and cultural events take place. Stop for photos at Ho Chi Minh mausoleum. Free time to explore the endless produce stalls at fabulous Dong Market.
AFSers love bicycle tours. In the afternoon, our rickshaw drivers will pedal us around the back streets of the old town for an overview of how locals live, the Flower Market and around Hoen Kiem Lake. Later we proceed to watch the famous Water Puppet Show. Dating back 900 years, water puppetry is a unique traditional art form to Vietnam. The puppets tell folktales and legends about historic heroes against the backdrop of a Vietnamese orchestra.
If time allows, consider a visit to Hoa Lo Prison, “ the Hanoi Hilton” museum. Or shop and slurp pho noodles bowls with locals at the market. Nightlife here is pulsing hot with clubs, beer gardens, night market, live music pubs, the Central Circus for stage performances, Hanoi Opera House and the cool outdoor dining venues at West Lake Park.
Overnight – Novotel B
Nov 20 – Halong Bay
Designated a world heritage site in 1994, Halong Bay is the most popular tourist attraction in Vietnam; it’s known for its towering limestone pillars or karsts, tiny islets, mountain forest, caves and grottoes with a unique ecosystem of coral reefs and mangrove forest.
After check out, we board our private coach to head out for a 3.5 hr drive through the Red River delta to Halong with views of the lush valleys and farmers telling their vast rice paddy fields. Upon arrival to the cruise port, we transfer to our luxury Indochina Sails! This ain’t no junk, it is the only 5-star luxury vessel here to pamper you silly. There’s a warm welcome by the staff with refreshing drink and cold towels for you. After check-in, time for a briefing on your exciting journey into the UNESCO World Heritage site of Halong Bay with its thousands of limestone islands.
After a rest with an herbal foot bath in your deluxe cabin, enjoy a delicious lunch as we cruise along vertical
cliffs rising from pure emerald waters. We transfer by tender boats over to Trinh Nu. Then board our kayaks for an adventure of easy paddling in still waters around the towering cliffs. Disembark for a short walk and then board bamboo row boats or your own kayak into Trinh Cave. Monkeys and orchids abound here. We then walk to Tinh Island beach to swim in the warm waters with a white sandy bottom.
At 5 PM, we tender back to our boat for an AFS Sunset Party while cruising along the shores. At 6 PM it’s cooking class time for all. Our chef will teach us the art of making traditional Vietnamese steamed rice balls, followed by our Gala Dinner with fresh fish and delectable cuisine. Weather permitting, will be served outside on the sun deck under a star-studded sky. After dinner, enjoy a massage at the spa or dancing to music at the Sky Bar. Our ship anchors in a quiet bay for your peaceful sleep tonight.
Overnight – Indochina Sails B, L, D
 |
|
Nov 21- Halong, Hanoi By Night Jeep Tour
Join us at sunrise for Tai Chi exercise on the sundeck with a backdrop of incredible views, followed by a light breakfast. 7:30 AM. We set sail in small boats to Halong’s hidden coves unseen by many. (Exact locations will be determined by tide conditions and subject to change.) We dock at Sung Sot Cave or ‘ Surprise Cave ‘, the largest and most beautiful cave and all of Halong with unique rock formations found nowhere else. It’s worth the walk up 100 stone steps through the forest and mountain to enter. Inside is a beautiful grotto with two chambers of stalactites dropping
dramatically from high ceiling over a clear pond. The other chamber can hold a thousand people at one time.
Check out around 10 AM and we head back to Hanoi to best accommodate our internal flight schedules. Check into Novotel for a rest and get ready for some mouthwatering fun tonight!
We explore the vibrant streets of Hanoi with iconic Vietnam Army Jeeps. This unique adventure will introduce us to a variety of local places to taste delicious dishes. Sip egg coffee with pork buns to endless noodle creations. The street food scene is wonderful here, and even has Michelin-starred restaurants. Our chauffeur guides share insider tips about Hanoi’s special food scene, revealing hidden gems and hot spots along the way.
Overnight – Novotel B,D
Nov 22 – Fly to Siem Reap
Welcome to Cambodia! This beautiful country, rich in history, offers authentic culture, lush mountain landscapes and the friendliest locals you’ll ever meet.
Morning free to explore Hanoi. At noon, transfer to airport for our flight at 3:10 to 4:55 pm on Vietnam Airlines. Check into the glorious 5-star Sofitel Resort and Spa. Set on tropical grounds with lakes, this refined resort is a short walk to the Angkor National Museum and 3 miles to the Angkor temple complex. Our elegant rooms come with free Wi-Fi, coffee makers, most with balconies over garden views. The French restaurant overlooks the lake and the international restaurant has outdoor terraced seating. So many amenities here, including bars, bikes, a lagoon-style outdoor pool, fitness center and an award-winning spa.
This evening enjoy the Aspera Cultural Show with a Welcome Dinner. The show captivates the elegance of traditional Cambodian dance with performers in vibrant costumes. Set to mesmerizing music, they tell stories from Cambodian mythology. Visitors love this unique cultural experience with delicious Cambodian cuisines.
Overnight – Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort B,D
Nov 23 – Full Day Angkor Wat Tour
After buffet breakfast, we embark into the ancient wonders of Angkor, the crown jewel of the 12th century Khmer empire and World Heritage Site, called one of the seven wonders of the world. Here is the largest religious monument in the world. Over 100 temples spread over 16 miles represent Buddhism and Hinduism with illustrious examples of Khmer art and architecture. You’ll be astonished by its sheer scale and proportioned layout, including 1700 Asperas or gods sculpted in the walls.
Our first stop is the south gate of Angkor Thom by the impressive Bayon temple of stone faces. Continue on to the Royal Enclosure, Elephant Terrace, Leper King, Ta Keo and Phimeanka temples. Next is the enchanting Ta Prohm or “jungle temple“. Great group photos here of the huge Banyan tree roots intertwined with ancient ruins, a truly mystical atmosphere.
After more iconic sites, we break for lunch to refuel. Now think “Tomb Raiders.” On to the main Angkor Wat temple complex itself to be mesmerized by the grand tour and intricate details with the largest bas-relief in the world. We end at Bakneng Hill for extraordinary panoramic sunset views.
Your evening is free. Our guide will give us plenty of suggestions. Siem comes alive at night. AFSers love Pub Street in the old French Quarter with dozens of venues so affordable and music with street performers, it’s mind-boggling. The Night Market is famous here for bargains of unique handicrafts to fine gems and jewelry. Get a ‘fish massage ‘here and shop till you drop.
Overnight – Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort B
Nov 24 – Morning with Elephants, Monks and Villages
We start our day with a special meditation session and blessing at a local pagoda. The Buddhist Blessing Ceremony is a traditional Cambodian practice dating back to ancient times. You’ll gain a deep and humbling understanding of the Kingdom and its people.
 |
We transfer one hour by scenic drive into the mountains to fabulous Kulen Elephant Forest, a sanctuary for rescued ellies pampered with loving care by their mahouts. You’ll get a briefing about elephant behavior and the conservation efforts here in a natural habitat. Then we walk with the gentle giants to watch them bathe and play in the ponds. It’s an enriching interactive experience for both the elephants and visitors alike. Enjoy a Khmer-style lunch to fuel up for the rest of the day.
Afternoon we head to the dock and board our our wooden sampan boat to the floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake. Photograph the stilt houses and enormous fish traps as you learn how people live on the water and rely on fishing for their livelihood. There are even floating schools and stores. The people are impoverished here and our past groups love to bring goodies for the children who come to greet us. It’s fascinating to witness the unique human occupations here in twined with nature and the cycles of rising and falling water levels!
Overnight – Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort B,L
Flaot Village pix
Nov 25 – Free at Last!
This is your day to chill and play in fabulous Siem. Everyone wants to linger here for the countless options, especially at our deluxe Resort. Ride the tuk-tuks for a few dollars to the old market or go zip lining at Flight of the Gibbon Park. Ride a bicycle back to Angkor for more temple viewing or book a jungle tour to the world renowned Reclining Buddha.
To add an extra thrill, we offer an optional Hot Air Balloon safari at dawn, floating over the temples of Angkor, an experience loved by all. ( $160, including transfers. Headcount later by email. )
Overnight – Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort B
Nov 26- Departure
After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to Cambodia. Will arrange a common airport transfer based on flight times for your international flight back to USA.
Deposit: $500
Land price $2595 plus $256 air. (subject to change until tickets issued)
This trip sold out so fast when presented on October 1, and we are grateful for each of you. The waitlist is long, so we added a second trip for you. Group 2 is a smaller group of 18 participants, whereas group one has 26 participants. Please understand that the smaller the group, the higher the per-person cost. All global suppliers present trip quotes in brackets; thus, this trip cost is slightly higher. We have wonderful AFSers in both groups. Carol and Deanna will be leading these. Details will come soon in trip tips.
Payment schedule: 2nd deposit of 50% is due July 7, and the final due Aug 7. Pre-paid gratuities will be added to your final invoice later for guides, drivers and local staff for your convenience. Limit 3 single rooms plus $975. For ease of distribution will pre-collect gratuities for professional guides, drivers etc. to be determined later.
Included- all daily tours with national entrance fees included by private coach with national licensed guides, meals as stated daily, 7 nights first class hotels with one night deluxe cruise.
Not Included – Air from USA, Visas $35 at this time for both countries
Itineraries are prepared up to a year ahead and things can change. Air costs can change until ticketed. Modifications may be made. All rooms are run of house.
Have you read the Trip Tips yet? Scroll to top of page and click next tab over
Vietnam & Cambodia #2 Travel Trip Tips 2024
Prepare to be thrilled by an extraordinary journey into Vietnam and Cambodia. Such diversity, I wonder what you’ll love more. Hanoi’s historical marvles, tours by jeeps and bikes and cruising Halong Bay. Or Siem Reap with elephants, monks and floating villages with the surreal bucket list site of Angkor Wat. Our past AFS groups loved this dual destination trip. We upgraded yours this year to the finance properties. We have a wonderful group of 25 travel lovers. Connect with each other now on your private group Facebook page. More details will be emailed to you as we near departure. Anticipation is half the fun!
Trip Tips are designed to answer trip-related questions. It’s your responsibility to read this information. Updates and addendums will be posted here. Some travelers have lost their entire trip for not reading what we send on visas, air details, inoculations, etc. Check back from time to time.
PAYMENT DATES: 50% due July 7 and final due Aug 7. Wetravel is our data management company, it allows you to pay by check electronically without a fee. Simply follow the instructions. Credit cards will be assessed a processing fee at time of purchase. As a small business, this helps mitigate costs and allows us to give you the very best price. If you prefer to use the mail, make your payment to AFS or Adventures For olo Travelers, 1907 Daniel Green Ct., Smyrna GA 30080
Your fearless GTL (Gracious Trip Leader, not a guide but a liaison between our guides and group to ensure things run smoothly.) Deanna
Based in Atlanta, making her way around the globe with over 60 countries visited…mostly solo until finding out about AFS in 2017. With degrees in Photography and Graphic Design from SCAD, she enjoys helping others capture and create interesting posts for Social Media that your friends are sure to envy. Also, with a background in IT/Communications, she is able to help solve any tech issues you may have with your devices or apps. She enjoys a healthy active lifestyle of working out, skiing, snorkeling and hiking. Always researching and learning…she has been studying and speaking French for the past 8+ years and will be sure to have at least 2-3 new Travel Hacks and tips for you each trip!
Trip Prep:
• Read the revised Heading Abroad with AFS, especially if you are new to AFS.
• Ensure your passport is valid 6 months after return date with two blank pages – these are Visa pages, not addendum pages. Take a photo of your passport to store in the cloud or bring a copy. If you lose your passport, US embassies now except a digital copy from your email.
• To speed through US Customs download Mobile Passport. Look in your App Store for details.
• Notify bank and cc company of travel dates so they don’t block charges.
• All airline rules differ. It is imperative to read your airline rules on their website to ensure a smooth departure! Always check your flight before departure.
Visa: The Vietnamese Immigration Department issues E-visas to foreigners through an online application process. E-visas are issued with a validity period of up to 90 days, one-entry for $25 (multiple entries for $50). Wait. We will email you when and how to apply later.
Cambodia has an easy visa on arrival. Bring two passport photos and $30. Visa rules can always change. More later.
=======================================================
Fitness level – Moderate walking and activities daily. We want you to enjoy the activities, particularly in Halong Bay, like sea kayaking and cave hikes. There is moderate walks and activities daily. You should be able to walk one mile in 20 minutes. If you have concerns, text your name at 770-432-8225 to discuss. (Know your limits! AFS trips are generally soft adventures with moderate activity. Our trips are large fun and can be active. All tours involve walking, at times extensive with uneven pavement. As we age, we think we can do what we used to do but discover on the trip an activity is too strenuous and are slowing down the entire group. If you think you need something tamer, check out Eldertreks – they specialize in trips for older folks. We cannot be responsible for booking a trip beyond your skill level and physical stamina. AFS is all about having a good time. Please be respectful of your fellow AFS Travelers and consider choosing an itinerary that is more conducive to your needs so you can thoroughly enjoy your trip!)
Note our boat – This year, nearly all boats sold out. We were just advised that the Amanda lacked twin rooms for your sailing. As a result, we have decided to go with another cruise line that we have had a great experience with in the past. We are thrilled to introduce Indo-China Sails, which has also received outstanding 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor. Additional information will be sent to you via email closer to the departure date
General Air Info – Route changes can happen now. Airlines must notify you of such and protect you if problem with flight. Consider flying in early to ensure you’ll be there once trip begins. Always download and use your airlines app! Use app to track your booking, delays, bags, to show boarding pass and to contact them. If you have a flight problem go to the airline’s website “contact us” page or reach them by text, social media, Skype or call their international number. Also, premium credit cards often offer many air perks, assistance, insurance, lounge passes, global entry and more. Read more at www.tpg.com for best cards.
Considering business class? Many don’t realize fares range from 4K to 9K. We do have two good contacts for AFS that can get seats at nearly half cost by combining award miles…. ali@above9.travel Ph. (855) 777-6336 or britney@business-class.com 305-390-4132 or see skylux.com or business-class.com. Tell them Suzy sent you.
Important Air Dates – November 16 or 17 fly USA to Hanoi. Be mindful of crossing the international date line. Land starts on November 18. November 26 fly from Siem Reap to USA.
Group Air: None. Sometimes we offer group air but find few people book or find better rates on own direct from hometown. This provides you better flexibility to go early or extend at trip end. I know we will not meet the minimum 15 required to make a group booking since this is a small group.
Doing Own Air– this is called an open jaw air into one city, out of another. 38 airlines flight USA to Hanoi, nondirect – best major carriers are Qatar, Turkish, American, Singapore, United and Asiana Airlines. Also consider emirates, Japan, Korean, EVA, Cathay Pacific, Thai and China Airlines. Return home from Siem. Most airlines of above fly into both cities. Or you can book round trip to Hanoi. Then buy a short flight from Siem on Angkor Air.
Flights from major gateways are the cheapest fares from LAX, SFO, Houston, Seattle and JFK.
I like to add a stop over pre-or post trip to break up the long journey and augment my vacation. Book now or wait? Prices are good now. Get your ticket now open till August when prices are expected to increase. Google flights let you put in “price alerts” when there’s drop.
We like Google Flights. 3rd-party booking engines like Expedia, make it easy to book, but it is nearly impossible to handle air problems. Buy direct from airline or pay a travel agent to ticket you. If you need help air with the economy seat, our guy Delhi can help; email flights@diversedestination.com with your exact air dates, destination, passport name, and details with birthdate.
Airport Transfers- we will have one common group airport transfer based on the majority of flight arrival times. If your times fall outside group, simply take taxi to the Novotel hotel.
(With travelers arriving and departing on different days and times, it is insurmountable to manage. Group air airport transfers are based on set time. Without group air, there can no longer be any pick-ups or drop-offs. Unfortunately, now like other tour companies, transfers are your responsibility. (We’ve spent weeks each trip making spreadsheets of each person’s air to send to the supplier and then flights change. We then hire a guide, driver and pay airport parking fees. Last year in groups only half showed up as guides waited hours looking for others. Sometimes no AFSers showed up without informing us.) Transfers are not expensive. First, google your arrival airport website to see transfer tab. Suggestions to appear like airport bus, taxi details, Uber and more. Then connect on group Facebook page to set up sharing transfer cost if you like. If you go early and check-in AFS hotel before group arrives, it’s your responsibility to change rooms with your roommate if necessary day one when trip begins.)
Meet Up With Group- Nov 18 at a time to be set at the Novotel Hanoi Thai Ya Hotel for a briefing. More on this later.
Baggage– Think light to ease your burden, not like you’re fleeing your homeland. You change hotel properties several times. 1 carry-on bag & 1 medium suitcase not to exceed 45lb checked bag – weigh on a bathroom scale. Apple AirTags work great to track checked bags when the airline cannot, also good for carry-on. Leave space for great souvenirs. Be sure to attach ID inside and out of carry-on and checked bag.
Packing- Google weather a week prior departure – should be in the 70-80’s. November is a great time to visit.
Totally casual trip but some like to dress smart for evenings. Versatile clothing like light pants, skirts, shirts, shorts, cotton is best. Footwear – comfort walking shoes, sandals and socks, you must remove shoes in temples. Bring a day pack, light rain jacket, sunglasses, swimsuit for spas. Save suitcase room for shopping treasures.
Read Packing 101 in Heading Abroad with AFS
Cool travel hacks from our AFSers! Pack overnight outfit in your carry-on, liquid IV packets to hydrate, use packing cubes, downy wrinkle spray, Apple AirTags, extra nylon bag to check laundry home, tons of US dollars for extra tips, fully charged travel banks, less is more, get global entry.
Electric– Type C 2 prong plug British style plug in Vietnam & Cambodia. Don’t forget a portable backup charger, cords, gadgets, etc. Cell phones and tablets do not need a converter; you only need an adapter plug. AFSers often leave charger cords in room, so be sure to double-check your room before check out. All properties have hairdryers. See https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com
Money Matters – Always bring some cash! You will need some cash for personal tipping, meals, and shopping. $300 cash should suffice. Change currency on arrival at airport, bank, or hotels or withdraw local currency from an ATM. Note -independent ATMs are risky due to skimmer scams. Safest ATMs are at airport and banks. Always shield your pin number when entering. Bring newer bills 2016 on as some countries won’t take old or slightly damaged bills.
Master Card and Visa widely accepted. Amex rarely accepted. Credit cards are far safer than using your debit card. I use my credit card for most purchases. Many cards now offer no foreign transaction fees.
Currency Exchange Rate: $1 = 24,500 Viet Dong, $1 = 4160 Camb Riel
- Follow the link below to create a conversion cheat sheet
- https://www.oanda.com/currency/travel-exchange-rates
Gratuities – It’s protocol to tip our local guides, boat crew, assistants, porters, wait staff, drivers and ground staff. Guidelines have increased globally. Please note gratuities are not included. $130 will be will be added to your final invoice for ease of distribution by your trip leader. We hire the top ground teams in each country. Discretionary tips help ensure a good relationship and the only thing we travelers behind is our reputation.
Tipping on own – If service is stellar, feel free to give more directly. All we tourists leave behind is our reputation. I carry a stash of US ones in an envelope to draw from as needed. Porters – AFSers roll bags to their room. If you use a porter, please tip. For group lunches or dinners included, please leave $2 for waitstaff!
Websites of Interest:
Cambodia – www.tourismcambodia.com
Vietnam – www.vietnamtourism.gov.vn
Chewing- The food in Vietnam and Cambodia is a reflection of the rich cultural heritage and diverse influences in the region. In Vietnam, popular dishes include pho, a fragrant noodle soup, banh mi, a flavorful sandwich, and fresh spring rolls filled with herbs and vegetables. Cambodian cuisine, on the other hand, features dishes such as amok, a traditional curry made with fish or chicken, and lok lak, a stir-fried beef dish served with rice. Both countries also have a wide variety of street food options, with vendors selling delicious snacks like banh xeo (Vietnamese sizzling pancake) and num banh chok (Cambodian rice noodle soup). The food in Vietnam and Cambodia is known for its bold flavors, aromatic spices, and use of fresh ingredients, making it a true delight for food lovers.
Accommodations –Accommodations – Our itinerary has links to each hotel. Hotels can change, but it’s rare.
Roommates – Single supplements have significantly increased in price– if available at all. Save money and buy yourself an awesome local gift. We all live alone, but save money when traveling by rooming together. Suzy spends a lot of time on roommate matching. 99% of our clients are wonderful and you’re only in your room to sleep at night. The best option is to invite a friend. Note, kindness begets kindness. Many of our seasoned travelers bring headsets to drown out any excess noise. We share rooms only to sleep at night. Please understand if the AFS room list ends up with unbalanced gender, and forces a single room, we will offer it to all in group. If all decline, we split the added forced cost single room. If you were the last to book we may have to remove you from the trip unless you share in the supplement cost, but it’s hasn’t happened yet.
Leisure Time: Hanoi – our past groups loved Hanoi Hilton prison, bird and flower market, museum of history, Mangosteen restaurant and fabulous Sky 72 tower.
Siem – riding tuk-tuks everywhere, old market for incredible bargains (do your Christmas shopping here), Angkor Museum, Pharre Circus, endless spas and vibrant nightlife on Pub Street. Also check out the Flight of the Gibbons Zipline Park (google).
For your free time, it’s best to arrive and ask our local expert guides for suggestions. We notice many newer clients pre-plan many activities on the AFS trip well before they arrive, often with disappointing results. Our daily itineraries are pretty full, but there will be some free time. Expert travelers revel in the element of surprise in a new destination and allow the wind to blow them where it will. Use Google Maps on your phone to find everything nearby.
Optional- hot air balloon trip for fab photos over Angkor Wat on November 17 for $160. We will get a headcount later.
Amending tour pre-or post-trip. We honor your independent spirit, but encourage you to extend more days at the trip’s end when you’re acclimated well to the destination. If you add another country, we often see many AFSers on Facebook urging others to join them what do you consider the cost of tours, transport, hotels, etc. Stopovers are great to add, but understand AFS has no responsibility for the quality of your trip.
Private Facebook Group Page – The benefit of the Private FB Group Page is that you have an opportunity to introduce yourself to your fellow travelers before departure and share trip photos during and after the tour. The link can be found in your Wetravel welcome letter after your initial deposit. (We found that some never read the Trip Tips jumping right to the Private FB Group Page assuming they will get all trip info needed. Often, they only receive rumors or misinformation. All important information is ALWAYS emailed to each participant and posted in Trip Tips under UPDATES. Nobody misses a thing.)
Emergency Contact – AFS phone or text 770-432-8225, or email us at https://afstravelers.com/contact-us/ More contacts will be provided with your Final Docs email 2 to 3 weeks before departure. Your guide can handle a call home for a true emergency. Do not expect to use your trip leader’s cell phone; you’ll need to use your own.
Cancellation Penalty – At booking, we sent you our terms and conditions. Click here for our Terms & Conditions Briefly, on land packages we’ll refund your deposit less 50% until 5 weeks prior trip’s final payment due date. Any cancellation after this date will result in full forfeiture of your deposit. AFS reserves the right to resell or otherwise use the canceled space at our discretion.
Travel Insurance– While travel insurance is optional, in today’s world we highly encourage you to get standard coverage to cover trip interruption and cancellation. Best source for all is www.insuremytrip.com. CFAR or cancel for any reason covers Covid but is expensive. Note that no company covers for fear.
Preexisting conditions – If you would like the security of travel insurance and have a pre-existing condition (elderly parent, medical, etc.), you must purchase insurance within 15 days from your initial trip deposit in order to assure full coverage. The trip cost can be amended or adjusted as needed after your initial purchase (eg. like adding an air ticket cost later). You can buy travel insurance at any time, just know that there may be some possible limitations if purchased outside the 15 day period. We like TravelSafe, Allianz or Seven Corners.
- Click here to Purchase Travel Insurance online
Travel Psychology 101 – Prepare for your departure joyfully with no contempt before investigation upon arrival. Please understand that with travel, things are not like at home and changes may occur. Great trips work best for those with an open mind, flexible attitude and adventuresome spirit. If changes occur, embrace them with serendipity. Who knows?… The unexpected may prove to be a better experience. Adapt and go with the flow with a laid-back attitude. Be spontaneous. Be tolerant of foreign cultures in respecting their centuries of traditions. Embrace the differences. Be curious, not shy. Smile – locals will sense your energy of kindness and kindness always begets kindness. Our common goal is to experience different cultures, make new friends, get great photos, have large fun, and return home safely with memories worthy of recollection.
The best spirit of an Explorer requires the openness of a child – Suzy
“When traveling, remember that a foreign country isn’t designed to make you comfortable. It’s designed to make its own people comfortable.” – Clinton Fadiman
Please note that AFS is non-partisan – With our homogeneous groups, we all want to focus on the common denominator – our love of travel. In today’s divisive world, we suggest members not discuss politics and if you must, please practice my rule of TOK: Tolerance, Open-mindedness and Kindness.
Please be advised that the operation of some tours may need to be rearranged or modified to suit local conditions, but all activities stated will be included. We are here for you to address any questions about your trip. In time, we believe travel will begin to normalize with less rules and we appreciate your cooperation until then. Now more than ever before, travelers value the privilege of travel to explore our world. You’ve been waiting so long, it’s time for recess!
Please be advised that the operation of some tours may need to be rearranged or modified to suit local conditions, but all activities stated will be included. We are here for you to address any questions about your trip. In time, we believe travel will begin to normalize with less rules and we appreciate your cooperation until then. Now more than ever before, travelers value the privilege of travel to explore our world. You’ve been waiting so long, it’s time for recess!
