Innovative Travel in Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos & Thailand with Travel Loops
Check Your Passport
It is a standard requirement for entry into any country in the world that you have a passport valid
for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to complete your travels. If your passport has less than 6 months validity, you should to apply for a new one before you start your trip. If you do apply for a new passport, make sure you can get it before your travel date. If your passport has only a few blank pages left, you should have more pages inserted.
In most parts of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia you will have to show your passport when checking in to hotels, resorts and guesthouses. You will also need it when buying airline tickets, changing airline dates, and sometimes for changing money.
Passport Copy
When cycling or traveling though Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and Thailand, it is highly recommended that you make a photocopy of your passport; the first page with your information and photo on it, as well as a copy of the visa page. Keep this copy separate from your passport. If you your passport is lost or stolen, report it at once to your tour operator office, local guide or tour leader. You must also report it to the local police and the nearest embassy or consulate of your country. We will assist you with this.
Visa Information
The following visa information is meant only as a general guide. You should always check with the embassy or consulate in your country for visa requirements. Travel Loops can provide assistance with your visa if required. Please contact us for further information regarding our visa
services. Contact Us
Cambodia
As of this writing, nationals of most all countries do not need to obtain a visa before entering Cambodia. Tourist visas are available on arrival at international airports and at border crossings. The fee is USD $20.00, and you will need one passport sized photo with your application.
E-visas are also available. Thailand
Nationals of the following countries are tourist visa exempt, and are not required to obtain a visa when entering Thailand. When entering through an international airport, the permitted length of stay is 30 days for each visit. However, if you enter through a border checkpoint (except Malaysia), the length of stay is 15 days. Please check with the Thai Embassy in your country for visa requirements.
Visa Exempt Countries:
Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bahrain, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong SAR, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Singapore, Spain, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United
Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, USA, Vietnam.
Laos
You can now enter and exit Laos at three international airports, and 10 border crossings. Nationals of some countries can obtain a visa on arrival. However, please check with the Lao Embassy in your country for visa requirements.
International Airports: 1. Wattay International Airport, Vientiane, 2. Luang Prabang International Airport, Luang Prabang Province, 3. Pakse International Airport, Champasack Province.
Border Crossings:
Thailand: Mittaphab Bridge - Nong Khai, Houaixay - Chiang Saen, Thakhek - Nakhon Phanom,
Savannakhet - Mukdahan, Vangtao - Chong Mek
Vietnam: Namphao - Caucheo, Ban Densavanh - Lao Bao, Naophao - Jalor, Namkan - Namcan
China: Boten - Bo Han
Vietnam
Most travelers to Vietnam need to apply for a visa. Travel Loops can help you arrange your visa.
A Vietnam entry visa must be obtained by all travelers before entry into Vietnam. This is except for citizens of countries with visa exemption agreements, who may stay up to 21 or 30 days without a visa. Exempted countries include most Asean countries, Cambodia, Korea, Japan, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and the Philippines. All other citizens are required to have an entry visa before arrival, or have a pre-approved entry visa. This is a visa that is issued on arrival at Vietnam’s international airports, and has been arranged before your arrival in Vietnam. Please check with the Vietnam Embassy
or Consulate in your country for visa requirements.
Vietnam Visa Services
There are two ways to apply for your visa to Vietnam:
First Way: Make application yourself at the embassy or consulate of Vietnam in your country of origin, or you may apply at any Vietnam embassies and consulates around the world.
Documents needed: Passport with six months’ validity, visa application forms, passport sized photo, and any other documents requested by the embassy or consulate. Visa forms are available directly at any Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country, or by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to the embassy or consulate Visa Section. Fees vary between embassies, and it will take 4 to 10 days, depending on the country you are applying in.
Second Way: Get your visa instantly by using Travel Loops.
In the event that there is no Vietnam embassy or consulate in your country, or you want to make
Vietnam a part of a multi-destination trip, we recommend Visa on Arrival as your best option.
This is most likely the easiest way to obtain your visa without having to go to the embassy or consulate prior to your trip. This is a valid alternative when applying for a tourist visa. The entry visa will be stamped in your passport as you pass through the immigration checkpoint at the airport. It will be valid for thirty days, and can be extended once inside Vietnam. However, with this type of visa, you only can enter the country by air at an international airport.
For this process we use the service at Viet Vision Travel, and we are one of the best travel agencies to offer this service. We obtain what is called an “Approval Letter” for you from the Vietnam Immigration Department in Hanoi, and after we obtain the approval for you, we will forward a copy to you by fax or e-mail. Copies of the same document will be forwarded on your behalf to Vietnam Immigration checkpoints at International Airports, so that when you arrive in Vietnam, the immigration officers will have those documents on hand, and will be able to issue your entry visa without delay. For further information please
Send Us An Email.
Travel Documents & Vouchers 
When you book your tour, you will be issued with a Confirmation Invoice. Please ensure that all the services which you have booked and paid for are shown on your travel documents, and that all names have been spelled correctly. If you have booked additional services (ex. extra nights accommodation, transfers or excursions), please make sure that these are shown on your Confirmation Invoice, and that you have been issued with a voucher for these services. (Please contact the sales agent regarding service vouchers)
Money
Currency Exchange
There are a variety of ways you can obtain, or carry money overseas, including credit cards, ATM cards, Traveller's cheques, and cash. Traveller's cheques are a useful back-up which are popular for security reasons. Foreign currencies and Traveller's cheques can be changed into Cambodian Riel, Vietnamese Dong, Laos Kip or Thai Baht at banks and foreign currency exchange agencies in most cities of these countries. Credit cards can be used in most cities and large tourist centers. Before leave Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and Thailand, local currencies can be changed into foreign currencies at the airport.
However, it is recommended that you do carry some cash with you (a small amount is sufficient). Local currency is useful for making small purchases, and in more remote areas. It is a good idea to change an amount of money on arrival at the airport. This can be very useful for any immediate expenses. If you are entering at a border crossing, change only a small amount of money at the money changers, and wait until you can get to a bank to change more money. Banks and airport exchange services generally offer the best exchange rates. Private money changers will have the worst exchange rates. ATMs are widely available in the cities, but not all are open 24 hours a day. US dollars are widely accepted in all cities in Cambodia. However, you should try to carry some dollars in small denominations because small businesses will not have change for large bills. Even if you pay in US dollars, you are likely to get your change back in Riel. In border areas of Cambodia, near Thailand, Laos and Vietnam; the Thai Baht, Laos Kip and Vietnam Dong can be used.
When you leave, be sure to change any local currency back into dollars at the airport or when you cross the border. Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam currencies are not convertible outside the country.
Note that US dollars are NOT used in Vietnam, Laos and Thailand.
Safety
By cycling and traveling with Travel Loops you can be assured that your safety and well-being is our prime concern. Over the years we have built up a network of local staff and local offices which enables us to maintain constant contact, and to monitor events on the ground in each of our destinations, and thus ensure that every aspect of your tour goes as smoothly as possible.
Do not worry about all the terrible things that “might” happen to you while traveling and cycling in Indochina. Remember that in these countries (Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and Thailand) cycling and traveling is quite safe, and group travel is even more so.
For more information, please feel free to contact us at:
inquiry@travelloops.com
Health & Medical
Insurance
Please remember that our tour prices do not include insurance. However, it is a condition of joining our tours that travelers are fully insured for any medical expenses they might incur while
traveling. At the start of your tour, the tour guide or coordinator will request to see your insurance documents, and will note down the policy number and emergency contact numbers.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all participants in our tours, and you need to have travel insurance coverage before your departure. This insurance is needed in the event of a medical emergency, and it will cover hospital and medical expenses, and evacuation if it is needed. It covers expenses related to accidents and unforeseen illnesses which may arise.
Vaccinations & Medication
Vaccinations are officially required by the local authorities; however immunization against
cholera, hepatitis, typhoid, tetanus, polio and Japanese encephalitis is advised. Please consult your health care provider for advice. It is also a good idea to bring mosquito repellent., and wearing long-sleeved shirts and slacks from dusk onward, and avoiding perfume is also recommended. In addition, you should bring a supply of any prescription drugs you are taking. Your prescription medication may not be available here. You should also have your prescription with you in case your medication gets lost. Medical standards outside of Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Hanoi, Saigon, Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and outside major cities in Thailand, are generally lower that those found in western countries.
Personal Medical Kits
It is your discretion to bring a personal supply of basic medical items like band aids, aspirin, insect repellent etc. You may also want to bring medicine for headaches, diarrhea, constipation,
insect bites, sore throats, eye drops, etc. For traveling In outlying areas with limited medical facilities, some travelers prefer to bring their own emergency medical kits. This may also aid local medical staff in case of accident or illness. Our cycling tour leaders are equipped with a comprehensive First Aid Kit (including a sterile pack) for emergencies, however they cannot dispense medicine.
Existing Medical Conditions
All persons participating in our tours are assumed to be in good physical health, and to have a sufficient level of fitness to complete the itinerary. If you, or anyone in your group, have an existing medical condition or disability you must make this known to us at the time of booking. If you are accepted on the tour, you must also make this condition known to the cycling tour leader.
What to Pack
Travel Light
The first thing to remember when you are packing for your trip is that your airline baggage allowance is almost certainly going to be no more than 20kg. You should also remember that apart from those few occasions when a hotel porter will take your bags from the hotel out to a tour bus, you will be carrying your own luggage.
Luggage
For ease of use and carrying, the best type of bag to bring is a backpack, or a hold-all with some sort of shoulder strap. This type of bag is much easier to handle than a rigid suitcase. Wheeled suitcases might be useful for airport concourses, but not for on the road.
In addition to your main bag, we also recommend that you bring: 1. A smaller day pack for items like camera, water, sun cream, hat, etc. 2. A money belt or waist pouch (bum bag) for your travel documents and money.
Remember that your luggage, bags and personal belongings are your responsibility at all times.
Luggage Requirement Checklist
As a guideline we have compiled a list of things that you might need on your tour. Naturally you will have your own ideas, so please remember that with the exception of The Essentials, these lists are only intended as a guide, and you should choose the items you wish to bring.
Essentials
- Passport (also keep a copy separate from the passport)
- Money (Keep a note of the emergency contact number for your Visa or ATM card, and the
serial numbers of any traveller's cheques)
- Copies of Travel Insurance Documents
- Airline Tickets or Printouts
- Travel Documents / Service Vouchers
Our Suggestion- Comfortable clothing for cycling allowing your legs to move freely
- Helmet
- Cycling gloves
- Stiff soled Cycling shoes
- Insulated water bottle
- Waterproof jacket (rain is always possible in South East Asia)
- Spare inner tube
- A bicycle (If you have your preference bicycle)
- Front and rear bike lights
- Cycling Water bottle
- Money belt or pouch
- Flashlight and batteries
- Personal washing / shaving kit
- Camera and film / memory cards
- Sun-glasses
- Swiss Army Knife / Leatherman
- Lightweight wind / waterproof jacket
Our Recommendation
Better to hire the bicycle from us as it is convinience with a light travel.
Medical / Personal
- Insect repellent
- Sun cream or sunblock
- Lip balm
- Moisturizer / After Sun lotion
- Personal medical supplies (aspirin, paracetamol, plasters, bandage, safety pins, antiseptic cream, diarrhea tablets, tampons, etc.)
- Antihistamine / insect bite cream
- Dehydration solution - Personal medication
Note: Our cycling tour leaders & guides carry comprehensive First Aid Kits, but these are for emergency use only.
If you are taking any medication, or you have a condition that needs specific medicines (e.g. asthma) you must bring all necessary medication with you. You must also inform the tour leader or guide of your condition at the start of your tour.
Clothing
As a general guideline, clothing should be lightweight, sturdy and easily washed. Most people tend to bring too many clothes, so try to travel as light as possible.
Please remember that special cycling clothes and shoes are not easy available in Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos (although some may be available in Thailand). You may want to bring SPD shoes or sandals with overshoes. You do not want to have to go looking for specialized cycling clothes and shoes during your journey, so bring what you will need with you.
Photography
Still photography is not a problem at historical sites, but please remember that climbing or leaning on statues and walls is not acceptable. Also, always ask before taking photos of other people.
However, if you want to take video at historical sites, special permits are necessary. Also be aware that video cameras must be declared at customs on arrival in many countries.
Film vs. Digital
Film may not always be available locally and can be of variable quality, so you should bring plenty with you. If you use a digital camera, be sure you have an adequate supply of memory cards, and bring spare batteries, especially if they are of an unusual size. (Although batteries and most memory cards can be bought in the cities) Two sets of rechargeable are best so one set is always full. Don't forget to bring the charger as well as a travel plug adapter.
Many internet shops or photo shops can burn photos from memory cards onto a CD, but do not delete any images from the card until you have checked the CD on a different computer.
Emergency Contact
If someone needs to contact you while you are on tour; the best method is for them to contact your sales agent, who can then pass on the message. If your sales agent is unavailable, and someone needs to make urgent contact with you, they should telephone our hotline in the tour operation department in Travel Loops office. Emergency Contact details are shown in each service voucher. We recommend that you leave a copy of your trip itinerary, service voucher and details of how to contact us / you with someone at home.
Phoning Hotels
We do not recommend that your friends and relatives try to contact you by phoning tour hotels. It is not possible for us to provide the details of hotels where you will stay before the tour starts (except for the Meeting Point hotel) because hotels are subject to change.
E-mail
The internet is everywhere, in internet shops, hotels cafes, guesthouses, etc. Chat and and webcams are also widely available. Internet use is free for guests in many hotels and guesthouses. Using the internet in internet shops is about US$0.50/ hour, depending on the location.
Mobile Phones
You can use your own cell phone if you come from Europe, Asia or Australia (GSM 900/1800). If it is not yet unlocked, it can be easily done here. For those from the USA or Japan, you may need to buy a cell phone when you get here. You may want to do this anyway. If you have an expensive mobile phone, you may want to leave it at home, and buy a cheap one here in case it gets lost, stolen, or broken.
There are regular prepaid refill cards and international prepaid cards. You can get a SIM card now for as little as $0.50 USD. You will need to show your passport, and/or give them a copy of it.
Cell phone shops can be found almost everywhere in the countries we operate in, even in the most remote parts of the country. However, not all mobile phone companies cover all parts of the country, especially in remote areas there may not be any coverage.
Cambodia
