Frequently Asked Question in Cambodia

Question: Is Cambodia a safe country to visit? Answer: Although Cambodia has suffered years of atrocities, since 1975 the country has returned to become the peaceful state it now is. Foreigners are often misled by news about landmines and fighting, but these are all things of the past. There are a few remote areas near the borders where troops are still working on clearing landmines left behind during the war, but for the most part, Cambodia is safe.

Question: What type of hotels is there in Cambodia? Answer: Cambodia is a modern country and many parts of it are developing at a swift rate. The tourism industry is the second largest industry in the country. Therefore, you will find international 5-star hotels such as the Intercontinental Hotel, Raffles Hotel le Royal, Le Meridien Hotel, and Sofitel, along with a multitude of chic boutique hotels. Additionally, there are more affordable hotels and guesthouses of various sizes and grades to satisfy tourists’ requirements and budget.

Question: Can I find accommodation for around US $10 per night and what can I expect? Answer: $5-$10: May get you a room with a bed and a fan at a backpacker-friendly guesthouse. Most of these will provide a clean mattress with sheets that are changed only when you leave. You may have to share a common bathroom. Some rooms may come with hot water, many not.

 $10-$20: May get you a more comfortable room with an air-conditioner, a bed, and a clean bathroom. Don’t expect any frills, though some rooms may provide a fridge and cable TV. Some small guest houses have their rooms cleaned daily.

 $20+: This falls under small hotels and guesthouses. As the price rises, you may expect extras, such as TV with full cable, DVD player, breakfast, pool and sauna, etc.

Question: Should I bargain for everything I wish to buy in Cambodia? Answer: Not necessarily. If an item carries a price tag, you’re not expected to bargain. You are not expected to bargain at a restaurant either. However, it’s only human to wish for a better deal and it is expected of tourists to do so at markets and tourist sites. A little friendly negotiation can sometimes make buying more fun.

Question: What shouldn’t I do when bargaining in Cambodia? Answer:
Do not yell, scream or behave such that the vendor feels intimidated.
Do not lose your sense of humor or throw your money at the vendor.
Do not refuse to buy something after the vendor has accepted your price. You are supposed to be having fun–don’t take it so seriously as to let bargaining ruin your fun.

Cost of Visiting
Question: How much should I budget per day for a vacation in Cambodia? Answer: Depending on your accommodation and itinerary, budget anywhere from $10-$50 per day. In Phnom Penh, you can rent a room in a guesthouse for as little as $5 a night; in more remote areas, a basic room in a guesthouse might be half that price. A plate of fried rice or noodles will only put you back by another $1, and transportation by tuk-tuk or moto will usually only be $1-$2 per trip.

Food & Beverages Concerns
Question: Can I drink directly from the tap in Cambodia? Answer: No; generally, it’s not a good idea. If you have to drink from the tap, do make sure that you boil the water before consuming it. Bottled water is relatively inexpensive in Cambodia.
What kind of food can I find in Cambodia? Answer: Cambodia welcomes a good mix of visitors from all corners of the world. There are restaurants serving all types of international cuisine. In Cambodia, you can be certain to find the kind of food to satisfy your palate, including halal, vegetarian, and vegan food.

Getting around
Question: What is the best way to get around in Cambodia? Answer: During daytime in Phnom Penh, walking is probably the best way to enjoy the city. Generally, from almost anywhere in Phnom Penh, a walk to Wat Phnom takes about a good 30 to 45 minutes at a reasonable pace. Although moto-dops (motor cycle taxis) are inexpensive and plentiful, try to spend at least some time walking around the city. There are also the tuk-tuks if you are moving around in a group of more than two. Negotiate your fare before you get on the ride so that there is no haggling when you reach your destination. The drivers usually speak some English. You can also ring for a metered taxi which is usually air-conditioned. Your hotel can help you with the booking.
In Siem Reap, moto-dops and tuk-tuks are also plentiful. Siem Reap is a small town, so rides usually don’t cost more than a dollar or two within the town itself. However, you can also book these vehicles by the day and negotiate a day rate with the drivers.

Getting there and away
Question: How do I get from Cambodian airports into town? Answer: Both the Phnom Penh and Siem Reap international airports have taxis outside to take you anywhere downtown. There is no public transport from either airport into town at the moment. Taxi fare from Siem Reap into town usually costs around US $5 to US $7; in Phnom Penh, the fare from the airport to town may cost between US $7 to $10 depending on the hour of the day.

In Siem Reap, moto-dops and tuk-tuks are plentiful. Siem Reap is a small town, so rides usually don’t cost more than a dollar or two within the town itself. However, you can also book these vehicles by the day and negotiate on a day-rate with the drivers.

Money Matters
Question: Are credit cards accepted in Cambodia? Answer: Not generally, but most hotels, upscale restaurants, and bars accept credit cards. Local restaurants and shops prefer cash. In cases where you can use a credit card, do expect to be charged a 3% surcharge.

Question: Are there ATMs in Cambodia? Answer: ATMs can be seen almost everywhere around major cities in Cambodia. These machines operate 24/7 year round.

Question: How can I have money sent to me in Cambodia? Answer: Using the money-transferring services at Western Union is the easiest and most reliable way to receive and send money from abroad. Western Union transfers are almost immediate. You can also receive money via wire transfers from any major bank in the country. In most cases, all you need is a passport.

Question: Should I bring Traveler Cheques to Cambodia? Answer: Traveler cheques can be quite easily cashed at all major banks. The banking facilities in Cambodia are very modern and adequate.

Question: Can I use drugs in Cambodia? Answer: NO. Drugs are illegal. However, like anywhere in the rest of the world, people tend to defy the law. Be forewarned: Cambodian jails are no fun. If you do try to tempt fate, be aware that although drugs are generally cheaper here than the rest of the world, quality and dosage vary dangerously. Methamphetamines are often passed off as ecstasy, heroin is commonly passed off as cocaine,   and so on. Overdoses are not uncommon. When visiting Cambodia, please try to enjoy a drug-free vacation.

Question: What is the night life and entertainment like after hours? Answer: The main entertainment and bar precinct is Pub Street and it’s a thriving night spot with many restaurants, bars and street stalls, all complemented by the busy night markets, the ideal place to pick up a bargain. (All drop-off and pick up spots on our regular free shuttle bus service).

Question: What is the local currency? Answer: The local currency is Cambodian Reil, however most transactions are in US$.

Question: Will the language barrier be difficult? Answer: Angkor miracle resort & spa has multilingual staff and if you require tour guides to match your particular language requirement, we can organize this for you from our tour desk.

Question: Is Cambodia and Siem Reap a safe and stable environment? Answer: Yes, there is very little incident of illegal activity towards visitors and tourists are well respected.

Question: Is public transport readily available? Answer: Yes, Taxi, Remork (Tuk Tuk), Moto, and limousine are the most common forms of local transport and they are reliable value for money. Longer distance destinations are serviced by regular coach companies and airline flights.

Question: Is the water safe to drink? Answer: Yes, however for your comfort we supple two bottles of complementary water daily to assist in setting visitors minds at rest.

Question: What types of activities would you recommend? Answer: Siem Reap and the surrounding Angkor region have many attractions sure to satisfy the adventurer in all of us. Apart from the obvious opportunity to drink in the sights and sounds of the local culture below I have listed just some of the other activities available:

(Night Club, Karaoke and more …)
Pagodas
Silk Farm
Quad-Bikes
War Museum
Mine Museum
Crocodile Farm
Helicopter Flights
National Museum
Siem Reap River
King Royal Palace
Angkor Balloon Ride
Cambodia Cultural Village
International Golf Resort
Angkor War Park & Temples
Water Fall Kulen Mountain
Horseback rides at Happy Ranch horse farm
Tonle Sap Lake, Floating Village, Bird Sanctuary

Frequently Asked Question in Laos

Question: Should I bagin for everything? Answer: No. If an item has a price tag then you’re not expected to bargain. You are not expected to bargain in a grocery store or restaurant either. The main venues for bargaining are the local markets, where the price will probably be a little flexible, although not as much as in neighbouring countries.

Question: What is the best way to bargain? Answer: With a smile and a friendly attitude. The point of bargaining is not to make sure the merchant loses money but rather to get a price that both you and the merchant will be satisfied with. Often bargaining in Lao — all you really need to know are the numbers, how much (tao die), cheap (took) and expensive (peng) — will reap great rewards.

Question: What shouldn’t I do when bargaining? Answer: Yell, scream or behave like a rude foreign tourist, throw your money at the vendor, refuse to buy after the vendor has accepted your price or go red in the face arguing over 1,000 kip. And don’t lose your sense of humor — you are supposed to be having fun.

Question: How much should I budget per day? Answer: A typical budget in Laos is around US$15-20 a day. You can get by on less or a lot more, but for $20 you’ll get an okay room and three meals with some left over for transport. If you are planning on travelling a lot then $20 probably will not cut it as the cost of transportation will push it up. Likewise if you going to very few places, then you can get away with less.

Question: What is the bare minimum I could survive on? Answer: Assuming you’re sitting around by the river doing nothing, you could survive on about US$7 a day: $3 for a basic room, $3 for food if eat only noodle soup and Lao street food, and $1 for water and other minor costs.

Question: What is the best way to spend less money?   Answer: Don’t drink alcohol. Imported spirits are very expensive, and beer is a little pricey too when compared to food. Take public transport from bus stations over private transport organised by tourist agencies. Stay in the smaller towns, where prices in general tend to be much cheaper than in the big cities.

Question: Can I drink the tap water? Answer: No, not even the locals drink it. Rely on bottled water, which is cheap and available everywhere. If you want to reduce the plastic you use, many places will refill your bottle for even less than it costs to buy a new one, or even for free. In larger cities the tap water is OK to brush your teeth with, but be careful not to swallow.

Question: Is there good vegetarian food in Laos? Answer: The Lao as a rule are not vegetarian, and generally do not understand why foreigners would choose not to eat something that is traditionally prized on the dinner table. In many restaurants, however, they are becoming used to foreigners’ odd culinary tastes. Vegetarian options are often highlighted or in a separate section, although it’s not unusual to see items such as “vegetarian salad with pork/chicken/beef.” They mean meat, not a soy substitute. If you’re in doubt, tell them kin sinh bo dai.

 If you’re really strict, it is probably worth learning how to make it clear that you do not want fish sauce: bo sai nam pa. A dash is often used to add salt to a dish. Vientiane has a limited range of vegetarian-targeted places, but other than that you’re in for a lot of variations on vegie stir-fries.

Question: How reliable is the public bus system? Answer: It depends on where you are, and what you mean by reliable. Generally they’re pretty good, particularly on more popular routes and between tourist destinations. Prices are set and you and your belongings will be pretty safe. Different kinds of vehicles are used, generally dependent on the usual volume of passengers, the distance to be travelled and the quality of the roads. These encompass everything from large VIP buses (just a marginally more modern bus than usual, often with air-con but not on the same scale as Thailand’s VIPs) through smaller Chinese buses to trucks to songthaews of varying sizes and small jumbos which are really just overgrown tuk tuks.

Departure times are often dependant on the number of passengers; waiting until there are enough before leaving. Be sure to get on early to make sure you have a seat, as small plastic stools (or bags of rice) will be placed in the aisles for unseated passengers… which is better in turn than standing room only. The Lao idea of full to capacity is very different to the western one. Toilet stops on a bus will often be very brief and near a convenient clump of bushes by the side of the road. Longer journeys will be broken up at /spanquot;mso-spacerun:yesquot;Arialbsans-serif class=quot;Arialmealtimes with stops at roadside cafes, where the staple is either noodle soup or steamed rice with a selection of pre-cooked stir fry dishes to choose from. Vegetarian options are often limited, and if you’re strict you should bring your own food.

Question: Is it easy to rent a car or motorcycle? Answer: Yes, depending on where you are and the local government laws at the time. In certain places, foreigners are banned from riding motorbikes in particular, but occasionally bicycles too. Where it is possible, you’ll be expected to leave your passport at the place where you make the rental.

Question: How do I get from the airport into town? Answer: Both Vientiane and Luang Prabang have international airports. Both have taxis (Vientiane) or tuk tuks (Luang Prabang) waiting to take passengers after each incoming flight. Prices are set, and placards advertise what they are. From the airport to the centre of Vientiane town costs $5 and this small car will hold a maximum four passengers or three if you have even a moderate amount of luggage. If you’re really struggling for cash it is often possible to go out of the airport to the highway and flag down a passing share tuk tuk, which will cost around $2-3 per person, but the hassle, time and energy required make this an option only for those on the tightest of budgets. In Luang Prabang the only option is to take a tuk tuk to town at the set price of 50,000 kip ($5). These will take up to 5 passengers and the drivers will often do the work of finding other passengers if you are alone.

Question: Is it safe to fly with Lao Airlines? Answer: In the past Lao Airlines had a bad reputation because they used substandard planes which were not well maintained, a number of which crashed. In recent years they have improved their standards, and have even leased their first jet, an ex-Ansett (an Australian airline) one.

The planes to be concerned about are the old ‘Y’ planes (check the schedules). These do not now usually fly the more popular and regular routes, which are serviced by ATRs. The planes flying internationally are often codeshare with, for example, Vietnam Airlines.

Question: Are credit cards accepted?    Answer: Not generally, but most top-range hotels and some large-ticket item shops will accept them. Very few restaurants and bars accept them. Most travel agents prefer cash but can organise credit card payment. Most will take a 3.5% fee on top of the price.

Question: How can I have money sent to me in Laos? Answer: Western Union in Vientiane is the easiest way to receive money, though the fees are substantial (sender pays). You can also receive money via wire transfer at the foreign exchange sections of the ‘foreigner bank’, BCEL. In most cases all you need is a passport

Question: Should I bring travellers cheques, credit/debit cards or cash?  Answer: Most people now go a mix of cash, credit and debit cards and travellers cheques. Laos has no ATMs, so you need to rely on exchange booths and will need to manage your money a bit more carefully than in say Thailand, where every corner has an ATM. You can get an advance on a Visa card in most major towns, but need to go inside the bank during its limited opening hours. For cash, bring US dollars or baht, which you can exchange nearly anywhere, and occasionally use directly

Question: Should I tip? Answer: In most places in Laos, tipping is not expected though as always it is appreciated. If you want to tip, 10% percent is pretty generous

Question: Can I use drugs in Laos? Answer: Yes, you can, but you’re tempting fate and breaking the law. You really do not want to be incarcerated in Laos.

Marijuana is most widely available in the cities, with opium in small country villages, where it is used legally as a pain reliever for very old people who have worked in the fields their whole lives. Other drugs are available, though none are legal. The Lao government requests that travellers do not engage in “drug tourism” for countless reasons, not least because it results in young Lao people getting addicted, and unable to contribute to a society that heavily depends on everyone’s participation. And they don’t have the same detox facilities if they become addicts as we do in the west, making it more likely they’ll really stuff up their lives if they become regular users.

If you do try to tempt fate, be aware that although drugs are generally cheaper than in the west, quality and dosage vary tremendously. Methamphetamines are often passed off as ecstasy, speed and all types of other trash is passed off as cocaine, and so on. We have heard direct reports of sudden deaths of travellers after taking unidentified drugs.

Question: Is Laos a safe place to travel alone to? Answer: In a word, yes.
One of the best – or worst things, depending on your viewpoint – is how easy it is to meet other travellers while exploring Laos. If you’re travelling by yourself, chances are you’ll meet even more people and, when you come to leave the country, you’ll realise you’ve developed a collection of friends from all over the globe. It’s rare indeed for a lone traveller to not hook up with others for at least a part of their trip. When this is combined with the very gregarious nature of the Lao it’s actually pretty difficult to stay alone for long periods.

As with just about anywhere in the world, you are safer travelling with others, but as long as you use your common sense, travelling alone is generally perfectly safe — tens of thousands of people do it every year.

Take all the usual precautions: have copies of all your documentation and try to keep in touch with family or friends overseas. There’s no shortage of internet cafes across the country, so there’s not really any excuse for not occasionally dropping an email in to placate the worriers at home. Better still, send a postcard — some people still use those.

If you ever find yourself in an uncomfortable situation, don’t hesitate to ask a local for assistance — by and large the Lao are very helpful, and even if they don’t speak your language, they’ll be able to help you find someone who does.

Question: Is Laos safe? Answer: Generally speaking, yes. Using common sense means you’ll probably get out in one piece. Violent crime against foreigners occasionally takes place, but overall it’s safe and women in particular find they feel more secure than in the west. The biggest problems are petty theft, scams and traffic accidents.
Some sensible actions to take:
1) Wear helmets when riding motorcycles or bikes
2) Don’t go wandering aimlessly through a town or city late at night
3) Don’t get drunk and pick fights with bar staff
4) Don’t travel on the roads during holiday periods

Question: Are there many internet cafes in Laos? Answer: The major cities have internet cafes, smaller cities will have one or two, although some much smaller country towns (such as Muang Ngoi) have none.

Question: Can I travel with a laptop? Answer: Yes. Your biggest problem will be finding places to charge it if you’re staying in remote or basic accommodation. Internet cafes will often allow you to hook up to their network.

Question: What is mobile phone coverage like in Laos?  Answer: Patchy. In urban areas coverage is fine, but rural areas have poorer coverage. Local SIM cards are available for $5, and credit top-up cards are sold everywhere. Some companies have better range than others. Lao GSM cards have the best coverage if you’re planning to travel around a lot, while Tango offers free international text messaging, but a limited network.

Question: What is the voltage in Laos?  Answer: Laos’s voltage is 220AC, 50HZ. The plugs in Laos are not standardised and due to large numbers of imports from China and Thailand, all sorts of variations exist. The most common are two-pin plugs.

Question: Where can I learn Lao? Answer: A couple of schools in Vientiane teach Lao, but anywhere else it’s better to ask around for a private teacher. Learning even the basics makes a huge difference to local interactions (and bargaining results) and is very easy to do

Question: What are the Laos visa requirements? Answer: A couple of photos, a valid passport and $30 are the official requirements for a two-week single entry tourist visa. This can be extended within the country for about $3 per day, most easily through agents.

Question: What is the weather like in Laos? Answer: Although as with other countries in the world, the seasons seem to be going a bit haywire, generally the dry season lasts from around February to June. Particularly around March to May it can get very, very hot and humid. At this time, farmers cut down forests in the mountains to make sticky rice fields, and the resulting smoky haze means that visibility is reduced. It starts to rain in about July, but is still quite hot. In December and January temperatures generally drop and can get quite chilly, particularly in the evening, although it never hits zero and doesn’t come anywhere close to snowing. Northern towns are more mountainous and get colder still, although most foreigners from Canada or England don’t find it cold at all.

Frequently Asked Question in Myanmar

Question: WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO TRAVEL TO MYANMAR? Answer: Generally speaking, the favorite months to travel are October through January when the days are not so hot, averaging in 32 degree Celsius and nights are in 20 degree Celsius. December and January are the coldest – the temperature may drop to near freezing point at night in the highlands of the Shan State, Kachin State and Chin State in particular. In February the temperature start to rise and March through May it can be unpleasantly hot. But sometime around end of May the south-west monsoon tends to start, bringing rains up to the mid of October. Although traveling in Myanmar during the rainy season is not particularly difficult, some motor roads in central Myanmar may be flooded and occasionally impassable.

Question: IS IT STILL COMPULSORY TO CHANGE 200 FEC UPON ARRIVAL? Answer: No, it isn’t. This Foreign Exchange Certificate (FEC) system puts a stop and any foreign traveler, regardless of package tourist or Foreign Individual Traveler (FIT), need not to  change it any longer upon arrival.

Question: HOW MANY KINDS OF ENTRY VISA FOR TOURIST TO MYANMAR? Answer: There are two kinds of entry visa for tourist; EVT (package) and EVT (FIT).

EVT (Package) – valid three months from the date of issue and require a tour confirmation letter from an authorized travel agent in Yangon.

EVT (FIT) – valid three months from the date of issue but require no tour confirmation letter.

Latest Development – Visa-on-Arrival can be arranged for those countries where Myanmar Embassy or Consulate office does not exists. Some special arrangement also can be made upon request for those who have difficulty in obtaining Myanmar visa irrespective of the country.

Question: HOW CAN A MYANMAR VISA BE OBTAINED? Answer: At present all visitors, regardless of nationality, must have a valid passport with an EVT (Entry Visa for Tourist) prior to enter Myanmar. EVT can be obtained at any Myanmar Embassy or Consulate offices abroad with validity for 28 days. Application forms in duplicate with three-passport size photos are to be submitted with a fee of US$ 20 or equivalent in their respective currency.

Question: CAN I GET VISA ON LINE? Answer: Although Myanmar government has recently tried to issue visa on line at www.myanmarvisa.com the process doesn’t seem to work smoothly.

Question: HOW DO I CHECK PRICING & AVAILABILITY OF A PACKAGE LISTED ON YOUR SITE? Answer: To check availability & pricing, simply email to us. We are available from Monday through Saturday from 9:00 am. to 5:30 pm. and Sundays from 9:00 am. to 1:00 pm. (Myanmar Standard Time: GMT+06:30) year round.

Question: HOW DO I BUY A TOUR PACKAGE OR MAKE RESERVATION WITH YOU? Answer: After receiving agreement for any order, we shall go ahead with necessary arrangements normally takes about two working days. We shall then send a confirmation letter with a booking status to you via e-mail. When necessary, 30 per cent non-refundable deposit is required to secure your booking, and the remaining balance can be settled upon your arrival in Myanmar.

Question: HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I MAKE MY TRAVEL PLAN? Answer: Due to the seats on domestic scheduled flights and hotel rooms’ availability are rather limited especially during High-Tourist-Season (October through January), our package should normally be booked 4 to 5 months in advance. However, as there is no commitment and no charge for this service, your bookings including any query are more than welcome. Please contact us for details.

Question: WHEN & HOW WILL I RECEIVE MY TRAVEL DOCUMENTS FOR MY TRIP? Answer: A confirmation letter with a booking status will be sent to you via email approximately two working days after your initial booking is received. And you will receive your travel documents like flight tickets, hotel coupons upon your arrival in Yangon.

Question: DO YOU ACCEPT PAYMENT ON CREDIT CARDS? Answer: No, we don’t. We ONLY accept CASH in US Dollar, and credit cards or traveler cheques are NOT accepted in Myanmar for some unfavorable reasons. We would strongly recommend bringing enough cash (US$) for your payment and purchases.

Question: DOES YOUR ARRANGEMENT COVER THE INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT FARES FROM MY HOMETOWN? Answer: No, it doesn’t. Our tour or arrangement normally begins shortly after the moment you touch down at Yangon International Airport, where our representative will meet you at arrival lounge displaying a Myanmar Elite Tours sign with your name for ease of recognition, and comes to end at Yangon International Airport on your departure day before you fly out of Myanmar.

Question: HOW CAN I BUY INTERNATIONAL AIR TICKETS? Answer: It is advisable to buy international air-ticket at your hometown or at your travel starting point, after seeking advice from your local travel agent to get the cheapest fare. Please note no other agents elsewhere can offer you the best airfare for this.

Question: WHAT DOES INCLUDE IN YOUR TRAVEL SERVICES? Answer: Our services generally cover all modes of domestic transportations (flight/train/boat), bed and breakfast (accommodation may range from standard to deluxe), transfers and sightseeing in private AC car/van/mini-bus/coach with local English-speaking guide.

 

Question: WHAT DOES EXCLUDE IN YOUR TRAVEL SERVICES? Answer: Inclusive/exclusive services are exactly mentioned in our quotation chart/letter. Normally meals, escorted guide, entrance and zone fees are optional, and visa fee, international air fares, international airport (departure) tax and personal expenses such as drinks, tips, porter charges, souvenirs, laundry, etc are excluded.

Question:

Question: DO YOU HAVE ANY CANCELLATION POLICY? Answer: In addition to most airlines and hotels have cancellation policies, Myanmar Elite Tours also maintains a cancellation policy of confirmed arrangements. A cancellation penalty will be imposed as follows:
Between 21 and 44 days: USD 25 per person
Between 7 and 20 days: 25% of the total cost
6 days prior to commencement date: 50% of the total cost
No show at all:  100% of the total cost

Question: IS MOBILE PHONE ALLOWED TO BRING INTO MYANMAR? Answer: At present the local GSM network does not support global network. Therefore bringing your mobile phone into Myanmar merely means to leave at the custom department upon your arrival and reclaim only on departure.

Question: HOW CAN I KEEP IN TOUCH WITH MY FAMILY OR FRIENDS AT HOME? Answer: After your tour confirmation with us we send you the list of all hotels utilized during your stay in Myanmar with their contact addresses including phone and fax numbers, which you leave to your contacts at home. You can send e-mail through hotels or cyber cafe in Yangon, Mandalay and Bagan but free mail servers like yahoo or hotmail can not be accessed in Myanmar. While you are in up country where e-mail service inaccessible, you can then make overseas call or fax through IDD phones available at hotels. However some hotels may not have facilities to communicate internationally. If that’s the case we will be happy to forward your message by mean of fax or phone through our Yangon office.

Question: WHAT ARE THE HEALTH REQUIREMENTS FOR TRAVELING IN MYANMAR? Answer: No vaccinations are officially required for a visit to Myanmar. Malaria prophylaxis is no longer recommended unless traveling off the beaten track, but travelers should check with doctor regarding the advisability of inoculation against typhoid, hepatitis, tetanus and encephalitis. As medical facilities are rather limited in Myanmar it is advisable to take out a good medical insurance policy before traveling in case evacuation is needed.

Question: IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL? Answer: Generally speaking, Myanmar is one of the safest countries in South-East Asia.

Frequently Asked Question in Thailand

Question: What’s Thailand’s climate like? Answer: There are three seasons in Thailand, although what they are called and when they start is subject to much debate.
The Summer “hot” season runs essentially from March through to June, with temperatures between 33 C – 48 C in the day, and not below 27 C at night.
The Monsoon “rainy” season runs from July through to November with frequent heavy rain around 5.00pm.
The temperatures range from 32 C during the day to 16 C at night.
The winter “cool” season runs from November through to February with temperatures at 32C during the day, to a bearable 16 C at night, although in the North, it could be as low as 12 C.
This also doubles up as the dry season During the rainiest months of July to November, we recommend that you pack a light waterproof jacket and a pair of closed shoes.
For an up to date weather report, go to the Thai met-office website http://www.thaimet.tmd.go.th

Question:  Are there any poisonous/dangerous animals in Thailand? Answer: Mostly, poisonous animals are found in forests. While participating in an adventurous trip in or near the forest you should be aware of dangerous animals, such as snakes and centipedes.
While there certainly are deadly snakes in Thailand it is extremely uncommon for visitors to see one, let alone be attacked and killed by one.
Furthermore, there are no man-eating sharks endemic to Thai waters and one’s risk of being killed by a wild tiger is far lower than a road accident.
Dangerous wild animals are not a serious concern for travelers to Thailand.
The following are the most dangerous animals you may come across.
Thailand has poisonous snakes, scorpions, centipedes and jellyfish.
If you see a centipede, do not try to hold it or touch it, they have an extremely painful sting and if you are stung by one, you will be off your feet for days.
Scorpions like to hide in clothing that’s been left on the floor, in shoes, under logs etc.
Snakes can turn up anywhere, even in the cities. If you are bitten, call for help immediately but try not to panic as snake bites are easily survivable and treatments are available everywhere.
You should use caution when bathing in the sea. Swimmers have received fatal stings from jellyfish. Certain varieties are very dangerous and are found in coastal waters all around Thailand.
Generally, jellyfish stings are just painful and don’t pose a threat to life. but you should be aware of the dangers.  

Question: Is it safe to drink the water? Answer: Despite the fact that the authorities have made efforts to make tap water meet World Health Organization standards, very few people drink tap water in Thailand, even the local population. Bottled water is widely used instead.
Some people actually boil tap water before use, but this will not remove chemical toxins or remnants of whatever else was there before boiling. You should also be careful with ice, as freezing does not protect you from bacteria, viruses or chemicals.
Brushing your teeth with tap water is considered to be safe, although those with very sensitive stomachs may occasionally experience problems.
In restaurants, you will find the water to be generally safe. You can always buy small bottles if you like but make sure the seal has not been broken.
However, you should be very careful with street vendors and street food stalls. The biggest risk is actually from the cleanliness of the glasses themselves.
You can become very ill indeed if you are not careful.
Drink directly from the bottle if you are in any doubt.
Don’t worry too much about the ice that is served in cafes etc as they usually have the ice delivered to them from government inspected ice factories.

Question: What is the voltage of electricity supply? Do I need to take a converter? Answer: The electricity in Thailand is 220 volts, 50 cycles per second.
Most receptacles in Thailand have two prongs, missing the third earth prong at the bottom. However, the newest office and condominium dwellings usually offer the third prong due to increased awareness of the importance of grounding for both safety and equipment damage reasons.

Question: Are there any international schools in Thailand? Answer:
American Education System
International School of Bangkok
International Community School
Nakorn Payap International School (Chiang Mai)
Ruamrudee International School
International Education System
Kesinee International School
Prem Tinsulanonda International School (Chiang Mai)
National Curriculum for England and Wales
Dulwich International College (Phuket)
Harrow International School
Modern International School
American Education System
American Pacific International School
Bangkok: 1000/133 Soi Tonglor, Sukhumvit 55 road,
 Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110 Thailand
Tel: (02) 381-4988 to 9
Fax: (02) 381-4987

Chiang Mai:158/1 Moo 3, HangDong to Samoeng Road,
Ban Pong, Hang Dong, Chiang Mai 50230 Thailand
Tel: (053) 365-303, 356-305
Fax: (053) 365-304

Bangkok International Academic School
Address: 959/44, Soi Prichatower, Patanakan Soi 44 Rd.
Suanluang, Bangkok 10250 Thailand
Tel: (02) 322-1979, 1983
Fax: (02) 322-1978

Chiang Mai International School
Address: P.O. Box 38, 13 Chetupon RoadChiang Mai 50000
Tel: (053) 242-027, 306-152
Fax: (053) 242-455

Ekamai International School
Address: 57 Soi Charoenchai, Ekamai 12, Sukhumvit 63,
Bangkok 10110
Tel: (02) 391-3593
Fax: (02) 381-462
International School of Bangkok
Address: 39/7 Soi Nichada Thani Samakee Road, Pakkret
Nonthaburi 11120 Thailand
Tel: (02) 583-5401 to 10
Fax: (02) 583-5431
E-mail: usomboon@isb.ac.th
International Community School, Thailand
Address: 72, Soi Prong Jai, Sribhumpen Road, Thungmahamek,

Sathorn, Bangkok 10120 Thailand
Tel: (02) 679-7175 to 77, 286-9749 to 51
Fax: (02) 287-4530
E-mail: icsbkk@loxinfo.co.th
International School Eastern Seaboard
Address: P.O.Box 6, Banglamung, Chonburi 20150
Tel: (038) 345-556 to 9, 372-591 to 5
Fax: (038) 345-156, 372-590

Nakorn Payap International School, Thailand
Address: 114 Moo 1 Super-Highway Road, Tambon Nong-Pha-Krung, Amphur Muang, Chiang Mai 50000
Tel: (053) 304-573 to 3
Fax: (053) 304-577
E-mail: nakorn@cm.ksc.co.th
Phuket International School
Address: P.O. BOX 432 Phuket 83000
Tel: (076) 354-076
Fax: (076) 354-077

Ruamrudee International School
Address: 42 Moo 4, Ramkamhaeng 184,Minburi, Bangkok 10510 Thailand
Tel: (02) 518-0320 to 29
Fax: (02) 518-0334
E-mail: director@rism.ac.th
RIS Swiss Section

Deutschsprachige Schule Bangkok
Adress: 42/1 Ramkamhaeng Road Soi 184
Minburi Bangkok 10510 Thailand
Tel.: (02) 518-0340,42-44 Ext. 102
Fax: (02) 518-0341
E-Mail: djuergen.fritsche@dssb.org
The American School of Bangkok
Address: 59-59/1 Sukhumvit Road Soi 49/3 Wattana, Bangkok 10110
Tel: (02) 662-4900, 261-0329, 258-3931
Fax: (02) 261-0330

Thai-Chineses International School
Address: 101/177 Moo7,Soi Mooban Bangpleenives, Prasertsin Rd., 

Bangplee Yai, Bangplee, Samutprakarn 10540,
Tel: (02) 751-1201 to 7
Fax: (02) 751-1210

QSI International School of Phuket
Address: P.O Box 432 Phuket 83000
Tel: 967-1-370191 or 967-1-370192
Fax: 967-1-370193

International Education System
Kesinee International School
Address: 999/124 Pracha-Utit Road, Huay-Kwang, Bangkok 10320
Tel: (02) 274-3444
Fax: (02) 274-3452
E-mail: info@kis.ac.th
New International School of Thailand
Address: 36 Sukhumvit Soi 15, Bangkok 10110
Tel: (02) 651-2065
Fax: (02) 253-3800, 251-6399

Prem Tinsulanonda International School
Address: P.O. BOX I, Mae – Rim Chiang Mai 50180 Thailand
Tel: (076) 354-076
Fax: (076) 354-077
E-mail: carolyns@premcenter.in.th
National Education System

Christian German School Chiang Mai
Address: P.O. Box 221 Chiang Mai 50000,or
 83/1, Ban Krok Nua, T. Tha Wang Tarn A. Saraphi C.
Chiang Mai 50140
Tel: (053) 816-624, (01) 950-3755
Fax: (053) 816-270

Thai-Japanese Association
Addrquot;sans-serifbr /quot;quot;sans-serifess: 258 Soi Rongrien Yeepun, Rama 9 Road,
Huaykwang, Bangkok 10320 Thailand
Tel: (02) 314-7334 to 53
Fax: (02) 314-7797 to 8
National Curriculum for England and Wale
Bangkok Pattana School
Address: 2/38 Soi Lasalle, Sukhumvit 105, Bangkok 10260,
Tel: (02) 398-0200 (Automatic 10 lines)
Fax: (02) 399-3179

Dulwich International College
Address: 59 Moo 2, Thepkrasattri Road Koh Kaew, Amphor Muang
Phuket 83200
Tel: Phuket : (076) 238-711 to 20
Bangkok: (02) 512-0466 to 7
Fax: Phuket : (076) 238-750
Bangkok: (02) 512-0468
E-mail: info@dulwich-phuket.com

Garden International School, Thailand
Address: Rayong:188/24 Pla – Banchang Road
Tambol Pla Amphur Banchang, Rayong 21130
Bangkok: 2/1 Yen Akart Sai 2 Yen Akart Road, Bangkok 10120 Thailand
Tel: Rayong: (038) 880-360 to 3
Bangkok:(02) 4249- 1880, 240-1037
Fax: Rayong : (038) 630-735
Bangkok: (02) 249-1943

Harrow International School, Thailand
Address: Bangkok Garden 289, Soi Naradhiwas Rajanakarindra 24
Yannawa, Bangkok 10120
Tel: (02) 672-0123
Fax: (02) 672-0127
E-mail: headmaster@harrowschool.ac.th

International School of Pattaya
Address: 382 Moo 6, Sukhumvit Road, Pattaya City, Chonburi 20150
Tel: (038) 421-033
Fax: (038) 726-459

International School of The Regents(Bangkok Campus)
Address: 592 Pracha-Uthit Road, Huai Kwang, BangKok 10320
Tel: (02) 690-3777
Fax: (02) 690-3778

International School of The Regents(Pattaya Campus)
Address: 33/3 Moo 1 Pong, Banglamung Chonburi 20150
Tel: (038) 734-777
Fax: (038) 734-778  

Lanna International School
Address: 300 Grandview Moo 1, Chiang Mai to Hang Dong Road
Chiang Mai 50100
Tel/Fax: (053) 271-159, 806-230 to 1
(For fax press 16 or 25 after recording begins)
E-mail: piano@chmai.loxinfo.co.th

Modern International School
Address: 127-135 Soi Prommitr, Sukhumvit 39 Road,
Wattana Bangkok 10110
Tel: (02) 258-8222, 258-8216
Fax: (02) 258-8219
E-mail: misb@samarts.com

Rasami International School
Address: 48/2 Soi Rajvithi 2,Rajavithi Rd., Samsen Nai,Phayathai,
Bangkok 10400
Tel: (02) 644-5291, 644-5292
Fax: (02) 640-9527

St. Andrew’s International School Bangkok
Address: 9, Soi Panitkun, Sukhumvit Soi 71, Prakanong, Klongtoey,
Bangkok 10110
Tel: (02) 381-2387 to 8 ,390-1780, 391-4845
Fax: (02) 391-522

St. Andrew’s International School Samakee
Address: 9/10 Soi Tiwanon 48 samakee road, Nonthaburi 11000
Tel: (02) 952-4003, 952-4586
Fax: (02) 952-4002

St. Andrew’s International School Rayong
Address: P.O. Box 54, Banchang Post Office, Rayong 21130
Tel: (038) 893-716 to 9
Fax: (038) 893-720

St. John’s International School
Address: 1110/3 Ladprao Road,Ladyao, Chatuchak,Bangkok 10900
Tel: (02) 513-8575, 513-8590
Fax: (02) 513-5273

St.Stephen’s International School
Address: 107 Viphavadi Rangsit Rd., Lad Yao, Chatuchak,

Bangkok 10900 Thailand
Tel: (02) 513-0270 to 1
Fax: (02) 513-0265, 930-3307

Thai-Sikh International School
Address: 1799 Rim Thang Rod Fai Kao, Moo 1,Samrong Nua,

Samutprakarn 10270 Thailand
Tel: (02) 393-6976, 393-6983, 399-3837, 748-5453
Fax: (02) 361-2361

Traill International School, Thailand
Address: 36 Ramkamhaeng Soi 18, Huamark Bangkok 10240 Thailand
Tel: (02) 314-5250, 718-9152
Fax: (02) 318-7194, 718-8546

Is it safe to walk the streets at night?
Thailand has more than its fair share of scams, but most are easily avoided with a modicum of common sense.
More a nuisance than a danger, a common scam by touts, taxi drivers and tuk-tuk drivers in Thailand is to wait by important monuments and temples and waylay Western travelers, telling them that the site is closed for a Buddhist holiday, repairs or a similar reason.
The ‘helpful’ driver will then offer to take the traveler to another siE-mail: misb@samarts.com te, such as a market or store. Travelers who accept these offers will often end up at out-of-the-way markets with outrageous prices – and no way to get back to the center of town where they came from.
Always check at the front gate of the site you’re visiting to make sure it’s really closed.
Avoid any tuk-tuks in Bangkok. Tuk-tuk drivers might demand much higher price than agreed, or they might take you to a sex show, pretending they didn’t understand the address (they get commissions from places).
For the same reason, avoid drivers who propose their services without being asked, especially near major tourist attractions.
Don’t buy any sightseeing tours at the airport. If you do, they will phone several times to your hotel in order to remind you about the tour.
During the tour, you will be shortly taken to a small temple, without a guide, and then one shop after another (they get commission).
They might refuse to take you back home until you see all the shops.
On your way back, they pressure you to buy more tours.
Terrorism: National security is currently at the top of the agenda of countries around the world and Thailand is no exception. The insurgency in southern Thailand is limited to the country’s three southernmost provinces and has thus showed no signs of having an effect on the capital.
Nonetheless, Thailand’s tourist destinations are not entirely unlikely targets as they do host millions of international tourists each year.
Use whatever caution and common sense you would use a tourist destination in your home country.
Drugs: While the situation has lightened somewhat since the severe crackdown of the infamous ‘war on drugs’ in 2003, Thai authorities still draw a hard-line on drugs and possession of even a small amount of marijuana may result in a hefty fine or even jail time and/or deportation.
Foreigners caught trafficking drugs are likely to end up living a hellish existence at the infamous ‘Bangkok Hilton’, Bangkwang prison.
Do not be drawn into any suspicious deals, no matter how financially rewarding it may sound to a desperate soul. Furthermore, those offering drugs are not likely to provide guarantees of the content of those drugs and overdoses and adverse reactions to illegal narcotics consumed in Thailand are not uncommon.
Be smart and avoid getting involved in illegal drugs in Thailand.
Violence: Thais, on the whole, are passive people and manage to maintain a passive environment.
However, there is the odd occasion when alcohol fuelled fights break out and the aggressor will stop at nothing with his rage.
Thai men are proud and controlled, but some are known to get drunk easily and if their national or self pride is insulted by an insensitive foreigner they can really ‘lose it’! Some men have also reported rather destructive jealousy-fueled tantrums from their Thai female companions which have left their hotel rooms trashed.
Politically motivated violence, an unfortunate consequence in Bangkok, is not directed in any way at foreigners.
While standing in between protesters and riot police to get some photos would not be safe idea, it is unlikely that foreigners would otherwise be injured in politically motivated violence.
Women alone: Thailand is generally a safe country for women to travel alone, but there have been a few cases of rape by taxi drivers or women lured by local men into fatal or fearsome situations, particular late at night on the beaches and islands.
As with all strange countries, keep your wits about you and be wary of befriending strangers too quickly.
Hustlers and touts: Pushy touts are likely to be among the first Thai people you meet upon landing in the Bangkok airport and you are likely to meet many more during your stay.
They will all want to cart you off to some destination or other, all the time with an eye on making a bit of extra money from someone unfamiliar with the city.
Relative to other tourist destinations in developing countries the Thai are generally quite polite and, apart from market vendors and tuk tuk or taxi drivers, they respect your privacy.
A firm ‘Mai ow krap/ka’ (not interested thanks!) will serve you well in most cases and if it does not simply ignoring the persistent pleas and continuing on your path will cause the tout to move on to the next person.
Motorcycles: Many consider motorcycle taxis so dangerous in Bangkok that there used only as a last resort when you need to beat the traffic.
They can be particularly dangerous for those who have much larger body types than Thai people.
Remember that a motorcycle driver is accustomed to having a thin-framed Thai person on the back of his bike and may at times not leave too much room to negotiate himself through a tight traffic squeeze, including while riding on sidewalks or into oncoming traffic on the wrong side of the road.
Motorcyclists can also be a hazard to pedestrians.
Be careful when jaywalking as motorbikes drive quickly through lanes between cars and drive on sidewalks and the wrong side of the road.
Finally, it is extremely important never to open a taxi door without looking through the rear window to see if a motorbike is about to speed past, even if you are parked near the curb.
If you hit a motorbike with the taxi door you will be expected to pay damage to both the bike and the taxi as well as medical costs for the injured bike rider.
Buses: getting off and on the buses in Bangkok is not a simple matter.
You must be sure that it has come to a full stop, and as such it is best to get off with a group of people and be careful about doing so. Numerous terrible injuries occur every year due to people falling off buses.
Construction: Bangkok is one big ongoing construction project and much of the work that was abandoned after the 1997 financial crisis is now being finished off. Sidewalks are a particular hazard, full of holes and sometimes loose debris.
Safety laws in Thailand are rather loosely applied and falling masonry and collapsing walls and billboards are a hazard from time-to-time, but seldom cause any widespread casualty.
Scams: Tuk tuk drivers, especially those who congregate in tourist areas, are notorious for offering ‘tours’, even on occasion bringing you to the famous site of your choice for free, provided you stop off at look at a jeweler or suit shop along the way.
These scams are arranged with the owner of the shop and making purchases during such a trip is not a good idea as you will be paying far higher rates than you would normally and quite possibly receiving goods of dubious quality.
Also be aware of recommendations from taxi drivers when it comes to jewel shops, suits shops, bars and restaurants.
Gem scams are the most prolific and every week someone lodges a complaint about losing larges sums of money buying what they thought were cheap ‘illegally smuggled’ Burmese gems, only to discover the goods are fake and the shop gone when they return.
The solution to this one is simple; don’t be greedy, and imagine you are scoring a bargain illicitly.
Furthermore, it is not uncommon in tourist areas for travelers to be approached by a clean cut, well dressed man who often will be toting a cell phone.
These scammers will start up polite conversation, showing interest in the unsuspecting tourist’s background, family, or itinerary. Inevitably, the conversation will drift to the meat of the scam. This may be something as innocuous as over-priced tickets to a kantok meal and show, or as serious as Bangkok’s infamous gem scam.
Once identified, the wary traveler should have no trouble picking out these scammers from a crowd. The tell-tale well pressed slacks and button down shirt, freshly cut hair of a conservative style, and late-model cell phone comprise their uniform.
Milling around tourist areas without any clear purpose for doing so, the careful traveler should have no difficulty detecting and avoiding these scammers.
Many visitors will encounter young Thai ladies armed with a clipboard and a smile enquiring as to their nationality, often with an aside along the lines of please help me to earn 30 baht.
The suggestion is that the visitor completes a tourism questionnaire (which includes supplying their hotel name and room number) with the incentive that they just might win a prize – the reality is that everyone gets a call to say that they are a winner, however the prize can only be collected by attending an arduous time-share presentation. Note that the lady with the clipboard doesn’t get her 30 baht if you don’t attend the presentation; also that only English-speaking nationalities are targeted.
Another recurrent scam involves foreigners – sometimes accompanied by small children – who claim to be on the last day of their vacation in Thailand, and having just packed all their belongings into one bag in preparation for their flight home, lost everything when that bag was stolen.
Now cash is urgently needed in order to get to the airport in a hurry and arrange a replacement ticket for his/her return flight in a few hours time. 

Question: What languages are spoken in Thailand? Answer: The main language spoken in Thailand is Thai.
Different parts of Thailand have different dialects and different ways of speaking, so it can be quite difficult to understand Thai speakers from another part of the country.
Hill tribes and other ethnic groups have their own languages; for instance there are villages of Chinese settlers in Thailand where little Thai is spoken, or on the islands where sea gypsies have settled.
English is the most common second language, and many Thais have studied some level of English either at school or through practice with foreign friends. 

Question: Where are the foreign embassies? Answer: Below is a comprehensive list of Foreign Embassy’s and Consulates together with their contact information in Thailand

A
• Argentina
o The Embassy of the Republic of Argentina
Prommitr Villa, 20/85 Sukhumvit Soi 49/1, Bangkok 10110
Phone: (02) 259-0401-2, 259-9198
Fax: (02) 259-0402

• Australia
  o The Australian Embassy
  37 South Sathorn Rd, Bangkok 10120
  Phone: (02) 287-2680quot;,span style=font-size:10.0pt;font-family:, 287-3485, 287-4843
  Fax: (02) 287-2028-9
• Austria
  o The Austrian Embassy
  14 Soi Nandha, Soi Attakarnprasit, South Sathorn Rd, Bangkok 10120
  Phone: (02) 287-3970-2, 287-3925
  Fax: (02) 287-3925

B
• Bangladesh
o The Embassy of The People’s Republic of Bangladesh
727 Sukhumvit Soi 55, Bangkok 10110
Phone (02) 381-1144, 391-8069-70
Fax: (02) 391-8070
o Visa Department
Phone: (02) 391-8067

• Belgium Updated!
  o The Royal Belgian Embassy
  17th Floor, Sathorn City Tower
  175 South Sathorn Road, Sathorn District
  Bangkok 10120
  Phone: (02) 679-5454
  Fax: (02) 679-5467
  E-Mail: Bangkok@diplobel.org
• Bhutane
  o Royal Bhutanese Embassy
  Rm 107, 19th Flr, JTC Bldg, 919 Silom Rd., Bangrak, Bangkok 10500
  Phone: (02) 237-3315-27, 237-3600-3
  Fax: (02) 237-7541
• Boliva
  o The Consulate of the Republic of Bolivia
  1901 Ramkamhang Rd, Huamark, Bangkapi, Bangkok 10240
  Phone: (02) 314-0040, 314-1911
  Fax: (02) 318-9737
• Brazil
  o The Embassy of The Federative Republic of Brazil
  23rd Flr, Lumpini Tower, 1168/66 Rama 4 Rd, Bangkok 10120
  Phone: (02) 679-8567-8
  Fax: (02) 679-8569
• Britain
  o British Embassy
  1031 Wireless Road, Patumwan, Bangkok 10300
  Phone: (02) 253-0191
  Fax: (02) 254-9579
  o Consular Section
  Phone: (02) 267-9689
  Fax: (02) 255-6051
  o Visa Section
  Phone: (02) 267-9699
  Fax: (02) 254-9579
• Brunei Darussalam
  o The Embassy of Brunei Darussalam
  154 Ekamai Soi 14, Sukhumvit Soi 63, Luksorndang, Prakanong, Bangkok 10110
  Phone: (02) 381-5914-6
  Fax: (02) 381-5921
  
  • Bulgaria
  o The Embassy of the People’s Republic of Bulgaria
  33/15 Soi Charoenchai, Sukhumvit Soi 63, Bangkok 10110
  Phone: (02) 391-6180-1
  Fax: (02) 391-6182

C
• Cambodia
o Embassy of Cambodia
185 Rajadamri Rd, Patumwan, Bangkok 10330
Phone: (02) 254-6630, 253-9851
Fax: (02) 253-9859

• Canada
  o The Canadian Embassy
  15th Floor, Abdulrahim Place, 990 Rama 4 Rd, Bangrak, Bangkok, 10500
  Phone: (02) 636-0560
  Fax: (02) 636-0568
• Chile
  o The Embassy of the Republic of Chile
  15 Sukhumvit Soi 61, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110
  Phone: (02) 391-4858, 391-8443
  Fax: (02) 391-8380

o The Consulate of the Republic of Chile
8th Flr, Southeast Insurance Bldg, 315 Silom Rd, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500
Phone: (02) 234-0230-7 

• China
  o The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China
  57 Ratchadapisek Rd, Dindang, Bangkok 10310
  Phone: (02) 245-7030-45, 2472122-3
  Fax: (02) 246-8247, 247-2214, 248-8085
• Colombia
  o The Consulate of the Republic of Colombia
  9th Flr, Park Place, 231 Sarasin Rd, Lumpini, Patumwan, Bangkok 10330
  Phone: (02) 254-5105-6, 254-6914-5
  Fax: (02) 254-5109, 254-6920  
• Cuba
  o Consulate of Cuba
  984/97 Sukhumvit Soi 71, Prakanong, Bangkok 10110
  Phone: (02) 391-9673-4
  Fax: (02) 391-1174  
• Cyprus
  o The Consolate of The Republic of Cyprus
  17th Flr, Richmond Bldg, 75/59 Sukhumvit Soi 26, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110
  Phone: (02) 261-8408-10
• Czechoslovakia|
  o The Embassy of Czechoslovakian Socialist Republic
  71/6 Ruam Rudee Soi 2, Ploenchit Rd, Bangkok 10330
  Phone: (02) 255-4978, 255-3027|
  Fax: (02) 253-7637

D
• Denmark
o The Royal Danish Embassy
0 Soi Attakarn Prasit, South Sathorn Rd, Yannawa, Bangkok 10120
Phone: (02) 213-2021-5679-9349-50
Fax: (02) 213-1752

o Commercial Section
Phone: (02) 287-2896

o The Royal Danish Consulate-General
EAC Building, 55 Oriental Avenue, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500
Phone: (02) 233-2020

• Dominican Repulic
  o The Consulate-General of the Dominican Republic
  92/6 Changwattana Rd, Laksi, Bangkhen. Bangkok 10210
  Phone: (02) 521-0675, 521-1282, 521-5000

Fax: (02) 521-0737

E
• Egypt
o The Embassy of the Arab of Republic of Egypt
49 Soi Ruam Rudee, Ploenchit Rd, Bangkok 10330
Phone: (02) 253-0161, 253-8138
Fax: (02) 256-9310, 254-9489

• Ethiopia
  o The Consulate-General of Ethopia
  962/14 Prannok Rd, Bangkok 10700
  Phone: (02) 411-0218, 412-1068
• European Union
  o Delegation of The European Commission
  19th Flr, Kian Gwan House 2, 140/1 Wireless Rd, Bangkok
  Phone: (02) 255-9101, 255-9106-11
  Fax: (02) 255-9113-4

F
• Finland
o The Embassy of Finland
16th Flr, Amarin Plaza, 500 Ploenchit Rd, Patumwan, Bangkok 10330
Phone: (02) 256-9306-9, 256-9511-3
Fax; (02) 256-9310

• France
  o The French Embassy
  35 Soi Rong Phasi Kao 36, New Rd, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500
  Phone: (02) 256-9306-9, 285-6104-7
  Fax; (02) 256-9310

o French Consulate
29 South Sathorn Rd, Yannawa, Bangkok 10120
Phone: (02) 287-1592-8
Fax: (02) 287-1019

G
• Gabon
o The Consulate General of Gabon
Rm 1008, Dusit Tower, Rama 4 Rd, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500
Phone: (02) 267-7860
Fax: (02) 267-7861

• Gambia
  o The Consulate of the Republic of Gambia
  610/5-6 Songwad Rd, Samphantawong, Bangkok 10100
  Phone: (02) 224-0091
  Fax: (02) 224-6212, 224-6894
• Germany
  o The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany
  9 South Sathorn Rd, Yannawa, Bangkok 10120
  Phone: (02) 285-6627-8, 679-1120
  Fax: (02) 287-1776  

&b#xa;color:maroon;mso-bidi-language:KHMull; Greece
o The Embassy of Greece
99 Rama 9 Rd, Huay Kwang, Bangkok
Phone: (02) 247-1068, 254-9729
Fax: (02) 247-1068

o Consulate General
412/8-9 Siam Square Soi 6, Rama 1 Rd, Patumwan, Bangkok 10330
Phone: (02) 252-1686

H
• Honduras
o The Consulate of the Republic of Honduras
4A Phirom Mansion, 11 Sukhumvit Soi 41, Bangkok 10110  

• Hungary
  o The Embassy of The Hungarian People’s Republic
  28 Soi Sukchai, Sukhumvit Soi 42, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110

o The Commercial Counsellor’s Office
OAK Tower, 95 Sukhumvit Soi 24, Bangkok 10110
Phone: (02) 661-1150-2
Fax: (02) 661-1153

I
• Iceland
o The Consulate-General of the Republic of Iceland
59 Soi Navin, Chuaploeng Rd, Bangkok 10120
Phone: (02) 249-1300
Fax: (02) 249-1253

• India
  o The Embassy of India
  46 Soi Prasarnmitr, Sukhumvit Soi 23 , Bangkok 10110
  Phone: (02) 258-0300-6
  Fax: (02) 258-4627

o The Consulate of India
88/2 Navarat Rd, Chiang Mai
Phone: 23-4066

• Indonesia
  o The Embassy of The Republic of Indonesia
  600-602 Phetchaburi Rd, Bangkok 10400
  Phone: (02) 252-3135-40, 254-2563-4, 252-3180
  Fax: (02) 255-1267, 255-8199
• Iran
  o The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran
  602 Sukhumvit Rd (between Soi 22 and 24), Bangkok 10110
  Phone: (02) 261-9790-3
  Fax: (02) 259-9111
• Iraq
  o The Embassy of The Republic of Iraq
  47 Pradipat Rd, Samsen Nai, Phayathai, Bangkok 10400
  Phone: (02) 278-5335-8
  Fax: (02) 271-4218
• Ireland
  o The Consulate of Ireland
  11th Flr, United Flour Mill Bldg, 205 Rajawong Rd. Bangkok 10100
  Phone: (02) 223-0876, 226-0680
  Fax: (02) 224-5551
• Israel
  o The Embassy of Israel
  25th Flr, Ocean Tower, 11 Sukhumvit Soi 19, Bangkok 10110
  Phone: (02) 260-4854-9
  Fax: (02) 260-4860
• Italy
  o The Italian Embassy
  399 Nang Linchee Rd, Tungmahamek, Bangkok 10120
  Phone: (02) 287-2054-7, 285-4090-3
  Fax: (02) 285-4793, 287-2012

J
• Japan
o The Embassy of Japan
1674 New Petchburi Rd, Huay Kwang, Bangkok 10310
Phone: (02) 252-6151-9
Fax: (02) 255-6999, 258-6877

o Consular Section
Phone: (02) 260-8502
Fax: (02) 258-9716 Japan Information Service
9th Flr, 159 Sermmit Tower, Sukhumvit Soi 21, Bangkok 10110
Phone: (02) 259-0234-7
Fax: (02) 258-6877

• Jordan
  o The Consulate of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
  47 Soi Ekamai, Sukhumvit Rd, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110
  Phone: (02) 391-7142
  Fax: (02) 391-9180, 381-1314

 

K
•Korea
o Embassy of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
14 Moo Ban Suanlaemthong 2, Pattanakarn Rd, Bangkok 10250
Phone: (02) 319-1442-3
Fax: (02) 318-6333

 

L
• Laos
o Embassy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic
502/1-3 Ramkamhaeng Rd, Bangkapi, Bangkok 10310
Phone: (02) 539-6667
Fax: (02) 539-6678

o Visa Section
193 South Sathron Rd, Yannawa, Bangkok 10120
Phone: (02) 287-3964

• Lebanon
  o Lebanese Embassy
  15th Flr. CTI Tower, 191/67 Ratchadapisek Rd, Bangkok 10110
  Phone: (02) 261-1013, 261-1015, 261-5091
  Fax: (02) 261-1026

M
• Malaysia
o Malaysian Embassy
35 South Sathorn Rd, Yannawa, Bangkok 10120
Phone: (02) 286-1390, 287-3979-80
Fax: (02) 213-2126

• Malta
  o Maltese Consulate
  485/14 Silom Rd, Bangkok 10500
  Phone: (02) 235-9423-4
  Fax: (02) 235-6293
• Mexico
  o Mexican Embassy
  44/7-8 Convent Rd, Bangkok 10500
  Phone: (02) 235-6367, 234-0935, 234-0999
  Fax: (02) 236-8410
• Morocco
  o Moroccan Embasy
  5th Flr, Ban Chang Glass House, Sukhumvit Soi 25, Bangkok 10110
  Phone: (02) 260-6410-1
  Fax: (02) 260-6412
• Myanmar
  o The Embassy of The Union of Myanmar
  132 North Sathorn Rd, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500
  Phone: (02) 236-6899, 234-4789, 233-2237
  Fax: (02) 236-6898
  o Office of the Military, Naval and Air Attache
  116 North Sothorn Rd, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500

N
• Nepal
o The Royal Nepalese Embassy
189 Sukhumvit Soi 71, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110
Phone: (02) 391-7240, 390-2985, 392-4741
Fax: (02) 381-2406

• Netherlands
  o The Royal Netherlands Embassy
  106 Wireless Rd, Bangkok 10500
  Phone: (02) 254-7701-5, 254-1265
  Fax: (02) 254-5579
• New Zealand
  o New Zealand Embassy
  93 Wireless Rd, Bangkok 10500
  P.O. Box 2719, Bangkok 10500
  Phone: (02) 254-3856, 253-5363, 253-0429
  Fax: (02) 254-9488, 253-9045
• Norway
  o The Royal Norweigen Embassy
  1st Flr, Bank of America Blgd, 2/2 Wireless Rd, Patumwan, Bangkok 10330
  Phone: (02) 253-0390-2, 255-8210-1
  Fax: (02) 256-0477

O
• Oman

o The Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman
7th Flr, 134/1-2 Silom Rd, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500
Phone: (02) 236-7385

P
• Pakistan
o Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
31 Soi Nana Nua, Sukhumvit Rd, Bangkok 10110
Phone: (02) 253-0288-9, 254-9702
Fax: (02) 253-0290

• Panama
  o Consulate-General of Panama
  14 Surasak Rd, Bangkok
  Phone: (02) 237-9008-9
• Peru
  o The Embassy of the Republic of Peru
  11th Flr, Ban Chang Glass House, 1102/25 Sukhumvit Rd, Bangkok 10110
  Phone: (02) 260-6243
  Fax: (02) 260-6244
• Philippines
  o The Embassy of the Republic of the Philipines
  760 Sukhumvit Rd, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110
  Phone: (02) 259-0139-40, 261-6869, 261-8805
  Fax: (02) 259-2809
• Poland
  o The Embassy of the Polish People’s Republic
  8 Sukhumvit Soi 5, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110
  Phone: (02) 258-4112-3
  Fax: (02) 251-8895

o Commercial Counsellor’s Office
27/1-4 Coi Charoenmit, Sukhumvit Soi 63, Bangkok 10110
Phone: (02) 392-9817

• Portugal
  o Portuguese Embassy
  26 Captain Bush Lane, New Rd, Bangrak, Bangkok
  Phone: (02) 234-0372, 234-2123, 238-4275
  Fax: (02) 236-1954

Q
• None

R
• Romania
o The Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Romania
150 Soi Charoenpohn 1, Pradipat Rd, Phayathai, Bangkok 10400
Phone: (02) 279-3683, 279-7882, 279-7902
Fax: (02) 279-7891

o Commercial Office
43 Soi Lang Suan, Ploenchit Rd, Bangkok 10500
Phone: (02) 252-7568

• Russia
  o Russian Embassy
  108 North Sathorn Rd, Bankrak, Bangkok 10500
  Phone: (02) 234-9824
  Fax: (02) 237-8488

S
• Saudi Arabia
o The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia
10th Flr, Sathorn Thani Building, 90 North Sathorn Rd, Bangkok 10500
Phone: (02) 237-1938-41, 266-3888, 238-0888
Fax: (02) 236-6442

• Singapore
  o Embassy of the Republic of Singapore
  129 South Sathorn Rd, Yannawa, Bangkok 10120
  Phone: (02) 286-2111, 213-1261, 287-5115

Fax: (02) 287-2578

• Slovakia
  o Slovakian Embassy
  Pantip Court, 68 South Sathorn Rd, Bangkok 10120
  Phone: (02) 285-0220-2
  Fax: (02) 285-0223
• South Africa
  o Souh African Embassy
  6th Flr, Park Place, 231 Sarasin Rd, Lumpini, Bangkok 10330
  Phone: (02) 253-8473-6
  Fax: (02) 253-8477
• Spain
  o Embassy of Spains
  93 Wireless Rd, Bangkok 10500
  Phone: (02) 252-6112, (02) 252-8368
  Fax: (02) 255-2388

o Commercial Office of Spain
26th Floor, Serm-Mit Tower, 159 Soi Asoke, Bangkok 10110
Phone: (02) 258-9020
Fax: (02) 258-9990
Email: spaincom@ksc15.th.com

• Sri Lanka
  o Embassy of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
  89 Sukhumvit Soi 15, Bangkok 10110
  Phone: (02) 251-2788-9, 255-3848
• Sweden
  o Swedish Embassy
  20th Flr, Pacific Place, 140 Sukhumvit Rd, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110
  Phone: (02) 254-4954-55
  Fax: (02) 254-4914
• Switzerland
  o Swiss Embassy
  35 Wireless Rd, Bangkok 10500
  GPO Box 821, Bangkok 10510
  Phone: (02) 253-0156-60, 254-6855
  Fax: (02) 255-4481

T
• Taiwan
o Taiwanese Embassy
10th Flr, Kian Gwan Bldg, Wireless Rd, Bangkok 10330
Phone: (02) 251-9274-6, 251-9393-6
Fax: (02) 254-9276

• Turkey
  o Embassy of the Republic of Turkey
  61/1 Soi Chatsan, Suthisarn Rd, Phayathai, Bangkok 10310
  Phone: (02) 274-7262-3
  Fax: (02) 274-7261

U
• United States of America
o US Embassy
95 Wireless Rd, Bangkok 10500
Phone: (02) 205-4000
Fax: (02) 205-4131

• Uzbekistan
  o Embassy of Uzbekistan
  77 Soi Thonglor 8, Sukhumvit Soi 55, Prakhanong, Bangkok 10110
  Phone: (02) 391-3397, 714-9838-9
  Fax: (02) 391-3397

V

• Vietnam
  o Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam
  83/1 Wireless Rd, Bangkok 10500|
  Phone: (02) 251-7202, 251-5835
  Fax: (02) 251-7201, 251-7203
• Vatican City
  o Apostolic Nunciature
  217/1 South Sathorn Rd, Bangkok 10120
  Phone: (02) 233-9109, 212-5883-4
  Fax: (02) 212-0932

Question: Are Internet and email facilities widely available in Thailand? Answer: Internet services are now available at Thailand’s leading hotels and at the many “Cyber-Cafes” that are cropping up in all major tourist destinations such as Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Chaing Rai, Ko Samui, Hua Hin and many more.

Question: When is the best time in the year to visit Thailand? Answer: The best time to visit Thailand is during the winter and summer seasons which run from November to April each year. This is the time when we consider a high season. However, the low season from May to October which coincides with the rainy season features much cheaper accommodation.

As Thailand is full of activities, festivals, shopping malls and markets, cultural places, amusement parks to entertain visitors all year round, it is needless to say that Thailand is the place anyone can enjoy at any moment of the year.

Question: What is there to see and do? Answer: Thailand’s natural wonders are matched only by its cultural marvels. You could spend years just doing experiencing the following attractions and activities: beaches, cruises, cultural events, Thai boxing, learning history, golf, medical tourism, meditation, shopping, Thai cooking classes, camping, trekking, and home stays with local villagers.

An adventurous trip may include white water rafting, mountain biking, rock climbing, trekking, and nature study, bird-watching, sailing, canoeing, yachting, sea kayaking, diving and snorkeling. Moreover, you can enjoy Thai culture by attending Thai festivals, entertainment activities, and romantic activities, such as the Loy Kratong holiday.

You can go on different kinds of tours depending on your preference such as boat tour, cruise, helicopter tour, nature tour, family tour, and national park tour. You can also enjoy Thai wellbeing through Thai massage, yoga, destination spas and Buddhist meditation.

Bangkok features the following attractions: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Emerald Buddha Temple, National Museum, and Floating Market.

Ayutthaya attractions are the Bang Pa In palace, Ayutthaya historical park and wat chaiwatthanaram. Chiangmai features Doi Inthanon and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep as its attractions. Phuket has Patong Beach and many secluded, romantic beach resorts as its major attractions.

Krabi and Phan Nga have Rock Climbing, Koh Phi Phi, James Bond Island, and the Similan Islands as their premier attractions. Kanchanaburi is home to the bridge of River Khwai and the seven tiered Erawan waterfall.

Nakhon Ratchasima has the national park Khao Yai as its famous attraction. Ko Samui is an attraction of itself with the nearby islands of Koh Tao and Koh Pha Ngan, along with kayaking around Mu Ang Thong Marine National Park. Not even last but certainly not the least is Pattaya, which features Koh Lan, underwater world, and mini Siam as its most popular attractions.

However, this is not yet the end of Thailand’s attractions; Thailand has lots more to explore. There are many more attractions in lots of destinations all over the nation which can only be explored by visiting and exploring the country.

Question: Is English widely spoken? Answer: In Bangkok, where the major business and commercial transactions are held, English is widely spoken, written and understood. Further, in most hotels, shops and restaurants of major tourist destinations, English and some European Languages are spoken, written, and understood.

Question: Can I buy a SIM card for my cell phone? Answer: SIM cards of local Thai network providers are widely sold and may be used to call/text both local and internationally.

Question: Is it convenient to make phone calls in Thailand? What kind of phone card is available to foreign travelers? Answer: All the hotels in Thailand provide international phone call service. Public phone booths can also be found at most places in Thailand. Moreover, several types of international phone cards are sold at shops such as the ubiquitous 7-11 chain.

Question: What are the work days and hours in Thailand?What about shops and stores hours? Answer: Business and commercial transactions are normally done on a Mon-Fri basis between 8am and 5pm. Most stores are open everyday from 10am to 10pm. Government offices are on a Mon-Fri basis (except on public holidays) from 8.30am to 4.30pm with a 12.00 to 1.00pm lunch break. Banks, on the other hand, are on a Mon-Fri (except on public holidays) schedule from 9.30am to 3.30pm.

Question: What should I do if I lost my passport while traveling in Thailand? Answer: In case you lost your passport, make file a report at the nearest police station immediately. Take a copy of FIR report to your national embassy in Thailand in order to issue a new travelling document.

Question: What important phone numbers should I be aware of? Answer:
Tourist Police (English, French and German spoken): 1155
Central Emergency (Police, Ambulance, Fire): 191
Crime Suppression: 195 or (662) 513 3844
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Call Centre: 1672
Immigration Bureau: (662) 287 3101-10

Question: I am considering moving to Thailand, where can I get relocation information? Answer: Thailand is well established as one of the world’s most exciting and inexpensive travel destinations and many guests wish to move to Thailand for temporary or even permanent residence. The Thai Government is now actively encouraging “Long Stay” visitors. The popular places to visit for long term stay are Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, Phang Nga, Hua-hin, Kanchanaburi, and Koh Samui.
Those interested in studying or receiving Thailand’s heritage of natural healing, traditional massage and herbal treatment are one group who are welcomed to apply for long term visas. Others are those with retirement visas, or those who wish to teach English in the Kingdom.

Information about relocating to Thailand can be procured from a Thai Embassy or consulate in your home country. Check directly with the Thai Government in order to be aware of the most current legal guidelines for those wishing to study or work in Thailand. Be sure to meet all the requirements before you arrive in Thailand in order not to face any problems later on. 

Question: What is the capital of Thailand? Answer: Bangkok, known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (the rough translation of Krung Thep is “City of Angles”) is the capital city of Thailand.

 It is located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, near the Gulf of Thailand, and is the 22nd most populous city in the world.

Bangkok has a recorded population of about 7 million, but the actual number is thought to be much higher. 

The city is a major economic and financial center of Southeast Asia. Bangkok has one of the fastest rates in the world for construction of high rise buildings. The city’s wealth of cultural sites makes it one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations.

Bangkok became the capital around 1782 when “King Rama I” decided to move across the river from Thonburi, as he thought it was a better place to defend the city from invaders.

Former Capitals include the cities of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, now both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Question: What are some cultural Do’s and Don’t in Thailand? Answer: Thai people are extremely polite and their behavior is controlled by etiquette and influenced by Buddhism. Thai society is non-confrontational, and as such, you should avoid confrontations at all costs.

Never loose, your patience or show your anger now matter how frustrating or desperate the situation because this is considered a weakness in Thai society. It is important to cultivate an air of diplomacy when traveling in Asia. Conflicts can be easily resolved with a smile.

Dress code is also important. Thais like to dress smartly and neatly. Do not wear revealing clothing such as shorts, low cut dresses, and bathing suits as they are considered as improper attire in Thailand. Keep in mind that this type of clothing is only acceptable in the beach. It is advisable to wear long skirts or long trousers when entering a temple.
Women should not touch monks. If a woman wants to hand something to a monk, she must do so indirectly by placing the item within the monk’s reach.

Remove shoes when entering houses and temples.

Public display of affection between sexes is frowned upon.

Avoid touching people. The head is the highest part of the body, so avoid touching it. The feet are the least sacred, so avoid pointing it at anyone or kicking them as it is extremely insulting to do so. Thais usually do not shake hands.

The ‘Wai’ is the usual greeting. The hands are placed together and raised upwards towards the face while the head is lowered with a slight bow. The height to which the hands are held depends on the status of the people involved. The higher, the more polite.

In case of monks, higher dignitaries, and elderly, hands are raised to the bridge of the nose, while with equals only as far from the chest. Young people and inferiors are not Wai’d but a slight nod is acceptable.

Do not blow your nose or lick your fingers while eating. While Thai people may commonly pick their noses they have high table manners. The right hand must be used when picking up food eaten with fingers.

When entering a foreign culture for the first time, it is highly likely to make a mistake. If you do so in Thailand, just smile or ‘Wai’ and you will be forgiven.

Frequently Asked Question in Vietnam

Question: Visa Masters? Answer: 1. Do I need a visa to visit Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos?

Cambodia visa:
You can get a Cambodia visa stamp upon arrival without pre-arrangements. You only need to pay a USD$25 fee (this fee maybe differ depending on the nationality of passport holder) and 2 pictures for each traveler. You can then expect about 15 minutes for processing at the airport.

Laos visa:
You can get a Laos visa stamp upon arrival without pre-arrangements.  You only need to pay a USD$25 fee (this fee maybe differ depending on the nationality of passport holder) and 2 pictures for each traveler.  You can then expect about 15 minutes for processing at the airport.

Vietnam visa;
Unlike Cambodia or Laos, before entry into Vietnam, you must have a Vietnam visa stamp or a Vietnam visa on arrival pre-approved letter.  A tourist visa for Vietnam can be obtained from any Vietnam embassy or consulate office worldwide.  This visa is valid for 30 days and can be extended through our head office in Vietnam.

Vietnam visa on arrival:  Luxury Travel can arrange for your visa upon arrival to Vietnam by sending you the visa on arrival pre-approved letter.  With this letter you can get a Vietnam visa stamp upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, Ho Chi Minh City, Danang airport or Noi/p Bai international airport in Hanoi. This letter is a complimentary for our tour guests only.   Upon arrival at your airport, you can expect to fill out a simple form.   Kindly prepare two passport sized photos for each traveler and a USD$25 stamp fee per person.  Expect to wait about 15 minutes for processing.

 Kindly contact a Luxury Travel advisor if you want us to arrange this visa on arrival pre-approved letter once your booking has been confirmed and provide us the following information:

 1) Full name on passport
 2) Passport number
 3) Date of birth
 4) Nationality
 5) Date of arrival
 6) Flight number and time
 7) Fax number or your email address.

Special note:
Please make sure that you have your passport, that your passport is still valid for six months and contains two white pages

Upon receiving the pre-approved visa, we will send it to you right away. Kindly print it out and show it when needed.  Upon arrival at Vietnam’s airport, expect to fill out a simple form.  Kindly prepare two photos, USD$25 for stamp fees per person and expect a 15 minutes wait time.

Be advised that we process visa on arrival for our in house guests only.  Kindly do not contact us if you only desire visa service.

Please make sure that you have your passport, that it is still valid for six months and contains two white pages. If you book services with Luxury Travel, we offer you this complimentary visa approved letter.  Kindly contact our travel advisor if want this free visa service once your booking has been confirmed. http://luxurytravelvietnam.com/blog/?p=1041

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Making a Reservation with www.siemreaptravetour.com
Question: How do I reserve my tours with you? Answer: Just complete and send the reservation form making sure that you have given us your e-mail address and a valid credit card number.

 As soon as we receive your request we will contact your chosen hotel to confirm the reservation. It is our policy to reply to all requests within 24 hours. 

Please read our Deposit and Cancellation policy before making payment

Question: Do you have tours available on specific dates? Answer: Almost our tours are daily departure.To make a booking, you must submit a reservation form and provide your credits card details. Then we process the booking and reply to you within 24 hours.

Question: I don’t want to make a reservation online, what can I do? Answer: You can reserve by phone or by fax : You can call our 24/7 call center hotline at ++ 84.912 303 096 or ++ 84.4.3927 4120 or send us a fax using our form at ++84.4.3927 4118.

Question: Can I make a reservation directly through a travel agent? Answer: Yes, of course if you would like to make a reservation directly with the tour operator or travel agent you will need to contact them directly. However, we are in good position to make the offer, make the booking and run the trip as we are a local tour operator.

Question: What if the preferred hotel is not available? Answer: You will be notified via an e-mail (within 24 hours after placing your order) and we will do our best to suggest  or book an alternative similar hotel based on your preferences ando our experience.

Question: What is the latest time that I can make my reservation? Answer: We can only guarantee bookings made at least 3-working (not including Sun & Public holidays) before the departure date.

Question: How far ahead can I book? Answer: You can book as far as 24 months in advance, but please ensure you remember you have made the reservation. We will charge USD$100 non-refundable deposit and require full payment 30 days before departure.

You can expect to receive the invoice as a reminder well in advance of your trip.

Question: How do I make a reservation for someone else? Answer: To complete a reservation for someone else, simply type in his or her name instead of yours for guest name. Use the billing address for the credit card you are using as the address. Don’t forget to use your email address to receive your confirmation information.

Question: What happens to my tour booking if my flight is delayed? Answer: Please inform us and the hotel immediately as any changes or fee will depend on the hotel policy. We will also try our best to offer you similar ground services.

Question: It’s reliable to book online? Answer: Making an online reservation is easy and safe. Just complete the secure reservations form (SSL – 128bit), making sure that you give us your e-mail address.. As soon as we receive your request we will reply within 24 hours.

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Confirmation of my reservation
Question: What happens when I make a reservation? Answer: Upon receiving your order with your credit card information we will process the booking. All reservations will be followed up within 24 hours with emails to confirm your booking. 

Question: What is a “confirmation voucher”? Answer: Once the service you have booked is confirmed, we will send you an email  confirmation voucher detailing all the reservation and price conditions. We invite you to make a printout of this voucher to be kept and presented when requested. Your voucher will be accompanied by a booking confirmation number.  Make sure to have it in hand upon arrival or hotel check in.

Question: How Long Does it Take to Get Your First Proposal Letter From Luxury Travel? Answer: Upon receiving your request, you will receive the first acknowledgement to reassure you that we are giving your request immediate attention. Rest assured that your request is always our top priority. The full detailed proposal will be in your inbox no later than 24 hours or within 48 hours in the case of public holidays or special events.

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Changing/Canceling a reservation

Question: What is your cancellation policy for hotels/tour reservations? Answer: + NON REFUNDABLE deposit of USD$100 for hotels and air ticket booking upon services confirmation

+ 60 days before arrival: No cancellation charge. We Guarantee 100% Money Back.

+ 30-59 days before arrival: 5% cancellation charge.

+ 15-29 days before arrival: 10% cancellation charge.

+ 8-14 days before arrival: 40% cancellation charge.

+ 7 days or less cancellation notice: No refunds

*** Non refundable deposit and banking service fee will be forfeited in all cancellation cases.

Question: How about the Credit Cards Refunds? Answer: Please note that refunds will be made to the card you used to make your reservation.  All credit card refunds will be processed in a timely manner. The refunds process is dependent on your billing cycle with the credit card company. Once the refund instructions leave our office it can take anywhere from 15-45 working days for the proceeds to arrive in your account.

For more information on the refund, feel free to contact to our accounting department by email: nhan@luxurytravelvietnam.com 

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1. Children

Question: Do children receive discounted rates? Answer: Yes, we are a child friendly company and we apply the following discounts:
Children under 2 years old are free of charge
Children from 2-6 years old: 50% of adult price
Children from 7-12 years old: 75% of adult price

Question: Do children under 12 years old stay in the same room with their parents? Answer: Generally children under 12 years of age stay for free in their parent’s room using the existing bedding. The age requirement differs depending on the specific hotel’s policy. The general policy concerning room and breakfast charges for children traveling together with their parents or family is as follows:

Children more than 12 years of age: Any child this age is considered an adult by the travel industry. Normal charges will apply both for the room and the breakfast.

Free baby cots are only available for children under 2 years old upon request.

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Question: Why is the price different from when I last checked and/or in comparasion with my last stay?  Answer: This normally depends on market conditions and currency fluctuations. During peak tourist season, conventions, fairs etc., the prices are likely to change. However, once booked, the price for your  hotel is fixed  at the time of reservation.

Question: What does “Save up to 75% off” mean, as stated in your advertisement? Answer: We book thousands of rooms with hotels and resorts in Vietnam and we often get the special wholesale contract rates, which savings are passed on to you. These savings can be up to 75% off regular rates, but no matter what, we guarantee you will get the best room rates, so book today!

Question: Can I book/ pay directly to the hotel? Answer: No. The rates displayed on Luxury Travel’s website are available only through our Vietnam hotel and resort reservation service. Hotel walk-in rates are up to 75% more expensive. Our online agents are able to assist you with alternative hotels in case of non-availability and with other travel requirements which individual hotels cannot. All reservations on LuxuryTravelVietnam.com must be paid for in advance upon receiving confirmations from us. This is the only way to guarantee occupancy at the hotels and keep our prices low.

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Question: What are the different room categories? Answer: Unless stated otherwise, hotels generally  place their bedrooms within four different categories:
Standard
Superior
Deluxe
Executive

The actual differences between the bedrooms varies from one hotel to another, with executive being the highest standard of room.

Single Room
A single room is designed to accommodate one person only. The room contains one single/twin bed.

Double Room
A double room is designed to accommodate two people only. The room contains one queen bed or king size bed, or if not available, a twin bed.

Twin Room
A twin room is also designed to accommodate two people only. The room contains two single beds, or if not available, a king size bed.
There are two main types of family rooms, as follows:

Triple Room
A triple room is designed to accommodate three people only. The room will contain either:
One queen and one single bed
Three single beds
Please specify which option you require when sending your reservation form.

 Quad Room
A quad room is designed to accommodate four people only. The room will contain either:
Two queen beds
One queen and two single beds
Four single beds
“Run Of House” is abbreviated as “ROH”.  This  includes the most common or standard  room category in hotels with basic amenities. Your room will be determined by the hotel, based on availability at the time of check-in.

 Please specify which option you require when sending your reservation form. We can also assist you in seeking accommodations that can suit more than four people in a room. Please specify the number of people in your party when completing your reservation request form.

 Question: What are the check in and check out times? Answer: The normal policy of hotels for check in time is after 14:00 hours and check out before 12:00. Early check in or late check out is available depending on the room’s availability.  An extra charge may be applied.

Question: What does “rack rate” mean? Answer: Every hotel has what is known in the hotelier industry as a “rack rate” (also known as full rate or published rate).   These are the top rates a hotel charges their guests. While few guests actually pay this rate, hoteliers use these rates as a basis for discounting. Most hotels routinely offer discounts ranging from 10-30% simply for the asking.

Many business hotels offer bigger discounts on weekends when few business people travel. Likewise, resort hotels often discount their rates during the week and slash their rates during the off-season. Obtaining these discounted rates is often simply a matter of requesting the “corporate rate”, “weekend package”, or “low-season discount”.

Since Luxury Travel books thousands of rooms with hotels/resorts in Vietnam and Indochina,  we get the wholesale contract and we pass this saving on to you. You can save up to 75% off rack rates.  Book Online With Us Today!

 Question: What meal is included? What is the restaurant like? Answer: The breakfasts are included in the hotel. Others meals are included as stated in the itinerary.

We use local restaurants for all our trips and we select restaurants based on our experiences, client satisfaction, location and cuisine.

Question: Can I have vegetarian food? Answer:  Yes, of course, you just select your preference on the special request section of the reservation form.

Question: Is it safe to travel in Vietnam ? Can I travel solo? Answer: Traveling in Vietnam is generally safe. You can travel solo. Women and independent travellers have found it relatively hassle-free and easy to travel throughout the country. However, when traveling anywhere in the country, travelers should exercise caution and use common sense ty incidents.

Question: Do you recommend a Travel Insurance? Answer: We strongly recommend that all clients take our comprehensive travel insurance when making a booking.

This covers loss of deposit and other monies through cancellation, loss or damage to personal baggage and loss of money, medical expenses, and additional expenses to cover hotel accommodation and repatriation costs should any services need to be extended or curtailed due to illness or other insurance risk.

Question: How do I get around? Answer: Today’s visitors can choose from the following means of travel depending on their time constraints and budget:

Bicycle.

If you are active traveler, it is great to cycle in and around Hanoi, Hue, Hoian, Nha Trang and the Mekong delta.

Cars/bus/mini van

 All motor vehicles used for overland trips are modern and air-conditioned,  ranging from a car to a 45-seat coach, depending on the size of the group. In Vietnam, motor vehicle rentals are accompanied by a driver as tourists are prohibited from renting cars and driving on their own. Considering the chaotic traffic, one will come to understand why it is better to leave the driving to the expert local drivers!

 Minibus (26 seat): 10-16 passengers

 Minivan (16 seat): 3-9 passengers

 Car (4 seat): 1 or 2 passengers

Boats and/or Hydrofoil

Local 12-24 seat boats are used for cruising in Ha Long Bay and smaller wooden passenger boats are used on the Mekong River. Hydrofoil services have recently become available and, depending on the distance traveled, can reduce total travel time by up to one third. Currently, there are daily services from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau; Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho; Ho Chi Minh City to Chau Doc; Rach Gia to Phu quoc Island and vice versa. In the north, there is daily hydrofoil service from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island and vice versa.

Planes and departure taxes

Vietnam Airlines and Pacific Airlines are the two national carriers all domestic routes within the country. Currently,these fleets includes newly leased Boeing 777-200, 767-300, Airbus A320s, ATR 72s, and Fokker 70 aircraft. Long distance routes are often flown by contracted foreign pilots, mostly British, Australian or French.

Expect delays or even cancellations during the rainy season due to bad weather conditions. There is no domestic departure tax. An international departure tax is charged for international flights (USD$14 at Tan Son Nhat, Danang and Noi Bai airports).

 Trains

The Reunification Express is the single railway track that links Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, covering a distance of 1726 km. There are several departures daily to the two major cities. The entire trip can take between 30 and 42 hours, but can of course be broken up by stops en route. Most of the carriages, with the exception of the new SE, S and E trains, have not been upgraded since the 80’s.. They are usually equipped with fans and one basic toilet facility per carriage. Air conditioned soft sleepers are a new addition to the rolling stock and have four berths per compartment. There is a choice between soft-cushioned seats and sleeping berths, the latter being recommended for overnight journeys. Train travel might not be the most comfortable or most efficient way to get around, but it does give you the opportunity to interact with the people and see the country from the perspective of the Vietnamese themselves. If you approach your trip with an open and flexible mind, it can be one of the highlights of your trip.

Vietnam has now 5 star train service from Hanoi to Sapa and Hanoi to Danang on the  Victoria Express.  Saigon to Nha Trang and vice Versa is also available. www.victoriahotels-asia.com and www.5starexpress.com.vn

Question: Can I have references for your company? Answer: We have been professionals in the tourism industry for more than 10 years. We are a multiple award winning company and a member of the Ministry of Tourism, Hanoi Department of Tourism, PATA and ASTA.  Also, our company has been nominated as the best luxury tour company in Vietnam by the readers of the Vietnam Economic Times.

Question: Who can I contact if I need immediate help? Answer: If traveling with your tour guide, please contact  him first. If this does not resolve your issue , you can contact our Customer Service Manager in French, English and Vietnamese twenty-four hours a day: ++84.912.303.096 – Mr. Pham (English, French and Vietnamese) or ++84.913 585 763 – Mr. Cuu Hung (English).

Question: Is there someone pick up me at airport? Answer: Our tour package is generally airport to airport, so check if your airport transfer is included in our services voucher.

Question: Can I use my reward points from Accor, Mariott, Starwood, Hilton etc. on your site? Answer: No. Only reservations made directly with the participating hotels can use reward points. However, if you are a Golden Lotus Member of Vietnam Airlines, you can accumulate points with their selected partner hotels.

Question: Do you have e-tickets in Vietnam? Answer: Vietnam Airlines, among very few airline companies, offers electronic ticket. If an electronic ticket is available, we will issue an electronic ticket instead of a paper ticket, unless a paper ticket is specifically requested by the customer. Electronic tickets will be emailed or faxed to the customer.

Question: How can I receive delivery of a paper airline ticket? Answer: The method and cost of delivery of the ticket will depend on your location and your preferences.

For customers in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, we offer free delivery of your tickets to your local residence or office address.

For customers in Vietnam, but outside of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, tickets will be delivered by EMS at the customer’s expense.

For customers outside Vietnam, tickets can be purchased in advance and held for delivery later to a hotel or resort or can be shipped internationally at the time of purchase. International shipping is available by Federal Express, DHL or a local provider within Vietnam.  All shipping fees will be paid by the customer.

For international flights to Vietnam (Saigon, Danang or Saigon) we recommend you to purchase at home for a better deal and we will take care of the rest when you arrive.

Question: Can I change the travel dates after issuing the tickets and hotel vouchers? Answer: Packages usually have certain booking terms and restrictions and date changes may be subject to charges or not permitted.

Question: You are a luxury tour company. When I purchase a standard tour package from you, Can I Expect the Luxury? Answer: No, We Sell Luxury Products and Non Luxury Products. The Tour Packages Are Mentioned Clearly: Standard (2 star hotel), Superior (3 star), First Class (4 star), Deluxe (5 star) and Luxury (luxurious 5 star accommodation and service). However, you will enjoy our high quality service for every tour categor. We are here to ensure a worry and hassle free holiday in our country.

Question: What is the difference between adjoining and connecting rooms? Answer: No, We Sell Luxury Products and Non Luxury Products. The Tour Packages Are Mentioned Clearly: Standard (2 star hotel), Superior (3 star), First Class (4 star), Deluxe (5 star) and Luxury (luxurious 5 star accomodation and service) based mostly on the accommodation and Style of The Package. You Expect You Pay for What You Get in Return. Overall Whatever the Standard or Luxury, You Enjoy Our High Quality of Service for Each Tour Package Caterogy You Purchase. Our Team Ensure You The Best Value For Money and Our Local Travel Experts Are Available Around The Clook For Your Support. We Are Here To Ensure A Worry and Hassle Free Holiday in Our Country.

Question: I would like to pay USD cash on arrival and am happy to provide my credit card details to guarantee the booking. Is this possible? Answer: At Luxury Travel Company, we accept the method of payment which is the most convenient to our guests. You can pay us in cash on arrival and a credit card is just to guarantee your booking. However, any cancellation at the last minute will be automatically chargedto your card.  Please see our booking conditions.

Question: Which airlines fly to Vietnam? Answer: There are many airline companies which fly to Vietnam every day. From Europe, you can fly with Air France ( http://www.airfrance.com  ), British Airway ( http://www.britishairways.com  ), Lufthansa ( http://www.lufthansa.com  ), Eva air ( http://www.evaair.com   ), Vietnam Airlines ( www.vietnamairlines.com  )…

From Asia, Thai Airway ( http://www.thaiairways.com  ) , Japan Airlines ( http://www.jal.com/en  ) , Malaysia Airlines ( http://www.malaysiaairlines.com  ), Singapore Airlines ( http://www.singaporeair.com  ) … Tiger Airway ( www.tigerairways.com  ), Air Asia ( www.Airasia.com  ), Pacific Airlines ( www.pacificairlines.com.vn ), Siemreap Airway ( http://www.siemreapairways.com )…

If you are from the USA , Vietnam Airlines ( www.vietnamairlines.com  ) and American Airlines ( http://www.aa.com/index_us.jhtml ) are the best choice

This website is recommended for searching all flights you want http://www.airline-network.co.uk/index.asp

Question: We have our international tickets to and from Vietnam. We have booked a tour package using regional and domestic flights. Could you please advise what will be happening with our internal airline tickets for travel within Vietnam how will we be given these? Answer: When you receive our service voucher confirmation, all services you have booked with us, including domestic flights, hotels and other logistic services will have been already confirmed. We issue your air tickets in Vietnam for your convenience and to avoid any potential loss. Our tour guide and/or our colleagues will deliver them to you in person or to your hotel in Vietnam. You will enjoy peace of mind as we handle your domestic flights fo ra smooth and hassle free holiday.

Question: You have a wonderful website; I want to order your tour packages, service and want to know if the interesting rate is still valid? Answer: These rates on our website are valid until 31 Dec and subject to confirmation from Luxury Travel.

Question: Why Should I Book Private Tours or Set itineraries With Scheduled Departure Dates? Answer: While most companies present a number of set itineraries with scheduled departure dates, thus forcing you to fit within their framework, we take a very different approach. At Luxury Travel Co., Ltd, we offer private luxury vacations in Southeast Asia.

We offer private vacation itineraries that are personalized and tailor-made to perfectly fit your interests, preferences, and schedule. Whether you are traveling as a couple, a family, a group of friends, an organization, or some combination thereof, we will put together a trip that fits everyone’’s desires and departs when you want!

The real beauty of private travel is having flexibility during your vacation. Because you have your own expert guides with private vehicles, you are free to make changes on a whim.There is no bus to catch, no rigid schedule to follow, and no large group with competing demands. This is your vacation, with your own private guides who are there each step of the way to ensure you have the perfect experience.

Question: How do you define a private tour? Answer: The term “Private Tour” is widely used and interpreted differently by different tour companies. Some even label their packages “Private Group Tours”, which is often misleading. Our definition of “private tour” simply means your tour, where all ground services are provided by your very own personal guide, with a private vehicle and chauffeur, exclusively for your party and no one else.

Beyond the normal guide certifications and standards, our professional guides are further qualified by being specially appointed by our management who set stringent specifications to service Luxury Travel’s guests’.

There is no comparison when it comes to the overall experience between a typical group tour and a private journey. Here are some distinctive differences:

Guaranteed Departures. Depart when you want! Since our private tours are exclusive to the discerning travelers in your party, you may begin your trip on any day – at your convenience, so long as your flights and hotels are available.

In addition to set departure dates, group tours require a minimum number of passengers to operate, which are subject to cancellations if the number of participants fall below some arbitrary number.

At Luxury Travel Group Ltd, we guarantee your departure once we confirm your services, usually within 24 hours from time of reservation, so you are protected against any unexpected up-charges, trip deviations or, worst of all, last-minute cancellations. You will enjoy peace of mind with 24 /7 online and phone support.

In addition, all of our private programs are fully customizable. We can tailor-make an itinerary that is especially right for you.

Flexibility: With a private tour, you decide how your time should be spent and the pace in which your tour is conducted.

 If you happen to witness a spectacular scenic spot and wish to make a stop for some photos. No problem. But n a group tour, your experience is positively confined to some predefined schedule and at the mercy of other travelers – you simply travel as a group and “go with the flow.”

Personalized Service: Besides the numerous advantages from a logistical perspective, a private tour elevates the “intangible” aspects of your trip as well. In a group tour, the tour director simply serves as a narrator – regurgitating facts about the sites on a loud speaker, herding the group from one spot to another.

A private guide, on the other hand, enables the traveler to interact with real local residents on an one-on-one, personal basis – ask in-depth questions about a given current or historical event, share each other’s profound interests & insights, and educate one another about the respective cultures & traditions. Some even become lifelong friends after this very unique experience.

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Disclaimer

1. Luxury Travel Co., Ltd  makes every effort to ensure that any materials or rates displayed on this website are accurate as at the date of issue.Changes in market conditions or circumstances may occur after the issue date which may make information displayed on this website no longer accurate or no longer reflect the current position.
2. Luxury Travel Co., Ltdhereby expressly disclaim any representation, warranty or undertaking in relation to the accuracy, completeness, quality or adequacy of any contents of this website. We will not be responsible for any loss resulting from your relying on any information provided on this website.
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