FAQs

Do I need a visa to visit Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, or Laos?

Most travelers to Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos either enjoy visa-free entry (for certain nationalities) or can easily obtain an e-Visa or Visa on Arrival. Vietnam offers a universal e-Visa valid up to 90 days; Thailand allows many nationalities visa-free for 30–90 days (with a Digital Arrival Card required from May 2025); Cambodia issues visas on arrival or e-Visas for 30 days; and Laos offers both e-Visa and Visa on Arrival for 30 days. Please contact our consultant team to check the rules for your specific nationality before traveling.

What is the best time of year to travel to Southeast Asia?

There isn’t a single “best” time that covers all of Southeast Asia because the climate varies by region. Generally, the dry season (roughly November to April) is popular since there’s less rain – for example, November–February is cooler and pleasant in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand’s main tourist areas. The monsoon season (May through October) brings more rain and humidity, but travel is still very much possible; the landscapes are lush, and there are fewer tourists. Each country has its nuances (e.g., Northern Vietnam can be cool in Dec–Jan while Thailand is uniformly warm), so the best time depends on where you’re going. We’re happy to give specific advice based on your itinerary.

Is it safe to travel in Vietnam and neighboring countries?

Yes, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos are generally safe destinations for tourists. Violent crime against foreigners is extremely rare; instead, you’ll find that local people are friendly and welcoming to visitors. The most common issues tend to be petty crimes like pickpocketing or bag-snatching in crowded areas, so as a precaution keep your valuables secure and stay aware of your surroundings (just as you would when traveling anywhere). Overall, millions of travelers visit these countries every year without incident. We also vet all our tour activities and partners for safety standards, and your guide will be there to assist at all times.

Do I need travel insurance for my trip?

While it’s not mandatory to show at immigration (except in rare cases), travel insurance is highly recommended for any trip abroad. A good travel insurance policy covers things like medical expenses, trip cancellations or interruptions, lost baggage, and other unforeseen events. Healthcare in Southeast Asia for minor issues is accessible, but having insurance ensures you can get the best care or even emergency evacuation without huge costs out-of-pocket. In short, insurance gives you peace of mind – we encourage all our clients to have it, and some of our packages may even require you to have travel medical coverage for your own safety.

Do I need any vaccinations before traveling?

There are no mandatory vaccines required to enter Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, or Thailand (aside from COVID-19 regulations or yellow fever if you’re coming from a yellow-fever-affected country). However, it’s wise to ensure you’re up-to-date on routine immunizations like tetanus and Hepatitis A. Many travelers also consider vaccines for typhoid or malaria prophylaxis depending on the regions they plan to visit (for example, rural areas or long stays might warrant extra precautions). We suggest consulting your doctor or a travel clinic about 4–6 weeks before your trip for personalized medical advice.

What currencies are used in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand? Can I use US dollars?

Each country has its own currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND) in Vietnam, Thai Baht (THB) in Thailand, Cambodian Riel (KHR) in Cambodia, and Lao Kip (LAK) in Laos. In practice, U.S. dollars are widely used alongside the local currency in both Cambodia and Laos (prices are often quoted in USD in Cambodia, and in Laos USD is accepted in many transactions). Vietnam and Thailand primarily use their local currencies – you’ll need VND and THB for most purchases, though some hotels or tourist shops might take USD. It’s easy to exchange money upon arrival; ATMs are abundant in cities and they dispense local currency. Tip: Carry some cash because small vendors or markets are cash-only, whereas credit cards are accepted at most hotels, upscale restaurants, and malls.

Can I use credit cards or should I carry cash?

Major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard) are accepted in many places like hotels, fine dining restaurants, and larger stores, especially in big cities. However, cash is king in many situations – local markets, street food stalls, small shops, or rural areas will require cash. We advise carrying a mix: have your card for big payments, but also carry local currency for day-to-day small expenses. Note that in some countries, credit card usage might incur a small surcharge. Also, remember to notify your bank of travel to avoid any card blocks. ATMs are widely available and you can use your debit/ATM card to withdraw local cash (just watch out for any foreign transaction fees your bank might charge)

How is tipping etiquette in these countries?

Tipping is not mandatory in Southeast Asia, but it is certainly appreciated as a gesture of thanks for good service. In Vietnam and neighboring countries, people don’t traditionally tip like in some Western countries, but the tourism industry has made it more common. For guided tours, it’s customary to tip your guide and driver if you’re happy with their service – as a ballpark, around $3–$5 USD per day for a guide and $2–$3 per day for a driver is a nice gesture. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving about 5–10% tip for excellent service is kind (in many places there’s no service charge added). Ultimately, tipping is up to you and based on satisfaction – staff will be grateful for it, but you won’t offend anyone if you don’t tip for every little thing.

What kind of clothing should I pack?

Pack for a tropical climate. Light, breathable clothes (cotton or linen) are ideal for the warm weather. However, do include some modest attire: if you plan to visit temples, pagodas, or sacred sites, you’ll need to cover your shoulders and knees out of respect. For example, bring at least one pair of long pants or a long skirt, and shirts with sleeves or a light scarf to drape over bare shoulders. Comfortable walking shoes or sandals are a must (you’ll do a fair bit of walking while sightseeing). Don’t forget sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen – the sun can be strong. If traveling in the cooler months to northern Vietnam or mountainous areas, a light jacket or sweater might be needed at night. And if you’re coming during the rainy season, a compact umbrella or rain poncho will be handy.

Any cultural etiquette tips?

Southeast Asian cultures are generally polite and gentle – a little cultural respect goes a long way. Remember to remove your shoes when entering someone’s home and many temples (if you see shoes at an entrance, follow suit). When greeting locals, a smile is always good; you might notice the Thai “wai” (palms together bow) or the slight bow in Vietnam – feel free to return it, or a simple nod and hello is fine. Dress modestly at religious and rural sites (as mentioned, cover shoulders and knees in temples). It’s considered rude to point with your finger or to touch someone’s head. In Buddhist regions, avoid turning your back to Buddha statues or posing in disrespectful ways with them. And finally, try to keep calm and avoid public anger or loud confrontation – maintaining “face” (dignity) is important in local custom, so a patient, positive approach works best if you need help or have a problem.

Is the water safe to drink?

Tap water is not potable in most of these countries – we do not recommend drinking straight from the tap in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, or Thailand. Stick to bottled water or purified water (which is cheap and everywhere – your hotels will usually provide complimentary bottled water daily). Also, avoid ice from street vendors if you’re unsure of the source, though ice in restaurants and hotels is generally made from purified water and is safe. We provide drinking water in your tour vehicles, and your guide will ensure you stay hydrated with safe water throughout the trip. It’s also a good idea to carry a reusable bottle; many hotels now have filtered water dispensers where you can refill. And of course, if you have a sensitive stomach, take it easy on too much street food on day one, and maybe bring some basic medicine just in case – but overall, millions of travelers enjoy the food and drink here with no issues (just exercising normal caution)

I’m vegetarian/vegan – will my dietary needs be a problem?

Not at all – vegetarian and other special diets can be easily accommodated. Southeast Asian cuisine actually has plenty of vegetarian options (tofu, vegetables, rice and noodle dishes, etc.), and restaurants in tourist areas are familiar with catering to vegans, gluten-free diets, etc.[20]. When you book with us, let us know your dietary requirements and we will inform all hotels and tour staff in advance. Our guides will also help communicate your needs at restaurants. You’ll find that even street food stalls can often adjust if you ask (your guide can assist in translating requests like no fish sauce, no meat, etc.). So rest assured, you won’t go hungry – you’ll have lots of delicious choices that meet your diet.

Will I have access to the internet and phone service?

Yes, staying connected is quite easy. Wi-Fi is widely available for free in most hotels, cafes, and even restaurants in cities and tourist spots. If you need constant connectivity on the go, we recommend buying a local SIM card upon arrival (they’re inexpensive – often $10–$15 for a generous data plan). For example, Viettel and Mobifone are popular carriers in Vietnam, and AIS or TrueMove in Thailand – all offer tourist SIM packs. Your phone needs to be unlocked to use a foreign SIM, so check that before travel. The mobile network coverage is generally very good in urban areas (4G is common, and 5G is rolling out in some places), though in remote mountains or rural regions the signal might be weaker. Overall, whether for maps, emails, or posting your travel photos, you’ll find it convenient to get online during your trip.

Can I easily travel between Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand?

Yes, the region is well-connected for travelers. There are short direct flights between major cities (Hanoi to Bangkok, or Siem Reap to Hanoi, etc.), which MyVivaTour can arrange as part of your package. Land crossings are also possible: for instance, traveling by road from Vietnam to Cambodia or Thailand to Laos is common (tourist buses and private car transfers are available at key border checkpoints). We handle the logistics in multi-country tours so that your border crossings are smooth – e.g., our guide or driver will assist you with immigration procedures at land borders. Just remember that you’ll need to meet entry requirements (visas) for each country as we discussed, but otherwise combining countries in one trip is a fantastic way to experience the diversity of Southeast Asia. Many of our itineraries, for example, feature a Vietnam-Cambodia combo or Vietnam-Laos-Thailand route, and we ensure transportation and connections are seamless.

Will language be a barrier during my trip?

No worries – language won’t be a big barrier. In tourist areas and hotels, English is commonly spoken by staff. All MyVivaTour guides are fluent in English (and we can arrange guides in other languages like French or Spanish if needed)[21], so they will handle all the on-ground communication and translations for you. When exploring on your own, you’ll find many signs in major cities are in English and locals are used to helping travelers. Learning a few simple local phrases (like “hello” or “thank you”) can be fun and appreciated, but you’ll get by just fine with English and some hand gestures. Rest assured, our team is there to bridge any language gaps throughout your journey.

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