St Leonard’s Big Experience – Thailand, Laos & Cambodia – Temples15th – 22nd November 2017 (18 days)

Chiang Mai, Chiang Dao, Chiang Rai, Chiang Khong, Huay Xai, Pak Beng, Luang Prabang, Siem Reap, Temples of Angkor, Phnom Penh

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This 18-day trip has been specifically designed for students from St Leonard’s College in Melbourne. The trip entails a journey through three of Asia’s most geographically and culturally diverse countries - Laos, a peaceful landlocked nation bordered by no less than five large and powerful neighbours - Cambodia; A once rich and vast empire and in more recent times, a country that has witnessed some of the most terrible suffering to emerge today as a peaceful and developing nation state and Thailand a developed nation and the only nation in the region never to have been colonized.This trip is intended to be of particular educational value and has been designed to enhance student’s awareness of the Asian region by engaging students in a series of active programs designed to highlight the countries’ contrasting cultures and levels of development in this region. Highlights of this trip will include working in a remote village to build a dwelling for a refugee community in Thailand; a memorable journey along the upper reaches of the Mekong River and a visit to a Cambodian orphanage and school, as well as time spent exploring the magnificent Temples of Angkor.Aside from being educational, the trip is also intended to be highly enjoyable and includes amongst other activities; elephant trekking, white water rafting, a Thai cooking class, a Great Race

activity, visits to minority regions and a host of outdoor educational activities and cultural purists.

GROUP LEADERS & GUIDESYour group leader is probably the person who most influences the success of your trip. Thus Student Educational Adventures chooses to employ professionals who have lead student groups throughout all areas of their country and the region for a minimum of five years. Our staff are all highly trained local experts.All have been chosen because pf their ability to deal with the needs and demands of young student groups. They all speak excellent English and are happy to share their intimate knowledge of the country with you.

ITINERARYThis itinerary is correct at the time of printing. From time to time there may be slight changes due to uncontrollable circumstances. Your group leader will advise you of any changes at the initial group meeting.

Drive to Melbourne Airport (Saturday 4th November 2017) Students need to travel to Tullamarine Airport around 22:00pm this evening for the 00:30am flight (early morning Sunday 5 th

November) to Thailand.

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Day 1 Depart Melbourne / Arrive Chiang Mai / Thailand (Sunday 5th November) Arriving in Chiang Mai this morning we will be greeted at the airport by our tour leader and transported to our hotel. Following this there will have a brief group meeting to talk about the activities over the coming weeks. We take a tuk tuk orientation tour around the city passing the old Citadel walls and calling in on Wat Chedi the site of a local monastery and reclining Buddha. Mid afternoon we will take part in a hands-on cooking class to learn the secrets of Thai cuisine, enjoying for dinner we cook! This class will be hosted by a talented local chef who will also give us a thorough explanation of the myriad of spices and ingredients essential to Thai cuisine. (L, D)

Day 2 Chiang Mai (Monday 6th November) We will awake early this morning to learn of the disciplined physical regime of Thai boxing (Muay Thai). The art of Muay Thai has been Thailand’s most popular sport for hundreds of years. It is unique among other kinds of fighting disciplines in its approach to close quarters fighting. Later today we will venture north of the city to enjoy the true exhilaration of white water rafting – the best way to enjoy some of the beauty of the Thai rainforest and mountains. Returning to town later this afternoon there will be a short time for a trip to the local night market. (B, L)

Day 3 Chiang Mai (Tuesday 7th November) This morning we journey to an eco-village nestled in a picturesque valley home to various ethnic minority groups including the Long Neck Karen hill tribe who are originally from neighbouring Burma. The Long Neck Karen people are often called the ‘Padaung’ although the tribes themselves prefer the term ‘Kayan.’ In the late 1980s and early 1990s due to conflict with the military regime in Myanmar, many Kayan tribes fled to the Thai border area. Among the refugee camps that originally formed during this period, the Kayan people became the subject of particular intrigue to Thai and foreign travellers alike. These days the Karen are happy to see foreigners and have become a self-sufficient community because of the interest from foreign visitors in their culture and indeed their bizarre custom of placing golden coils around their necks from a very young age. This afternoon we drive up to Doi Su Thep hill overlooking Chiang Mai where we will take an electric car to the summit. We will learn about the history and local traditions of this religious site including the ringing of the bells before descending and dragon staircase. (B, L, D)

Day 4 & 5 Chiang Mai – Chiang Dao (Wednesday 8th & Thursday 9th November) This morning we depart Chiang Mai and travel to the hill tribe region of Chiang Dao. This northern Thai province over the years has become a state of refuge for many Karen and Palong ethnic tribes’ people who fled from Burma (Myanmar) in the late 1980’s. We will spend two days in this region where we will embark on a community project designed to assist this village of Karen/Palong refugees in constructing a small house. Our time in the village will entail working in groups with the local inhabitants engaging in a number of manual building tasks

including brick laying, cement mixing, carpentry and landscaping. It is expected that whilst in the village students will learn something of the local traditions and history of the tribe, whose traditions differ markedly from mainstream Thai society. NB: Facilities in the village are basic. A thin mattress, pillow and mosquito net will be provided in each long-house. Sleeping arrangements are communal style. Toilets are of swat style and showering facilities are simple. Good quality walking shoes/boots are preferable. (2B, 2L, 2D)

Day 6 Chiang Dao - Chiang Rai (Friday 10th November) We will complete our community project this morning and hand over our newly finished project to the family who will live there. Local tradesmen will finish off the fixtures and fitting over the coming days. Following this we will farewell our village and travel further north to the town of Chiang Rai. This once infamous town was at one time the centre of the world opium trade, the crop being widely harvested around its fertile

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hinterland crossing into Burma and Laos. Today Chiang Rai is a friendly town famous for its bustling night markets and tasty cuisine, both of which we will experience this evening. (B, L, D)

Day 7 Chiang Rai - Chiang Khong (Saturday 11th

November) We will journey to Thailand’s furthest northern point to visit the county’s Golden Triangle region, which until recently was the region where most of the world’s opium was produced. A mandatory stop while in this part of the world is a visit to the Opium Museum. This very impressive museum houses a great array of interactive displays, media and interactive exhibits detailing the history of opium and the impact of illegal drugs, opiates and other narcotics. Late afternoon we will arrive at the border town of Chiang Khong. Tonight’s accommodation will be in a rustic guesthouse on the banks of the Mekong River enjoying authentic Thai hospitality and view across the water into neighbouring Laos. (B, D)                                                                      Day 8 Chiang Khong / Pak Beng - Laos (Sunday 12th November) After breakfast our new adventure begins as we farewell Thailand for our journey into the heart of Laos. Once across the river border, we will board our private long boat for a two day journey down the famous Mekong River which begins in Tibet and winds its way through five countries before reaching the ocean. Our boat trip will provide ample time for students to enjoy the beauty of this landlocked country only opened to foreigner visitors since 1994. We will learn about the Mekong Rivers’ environmental impact on its bordering nations and related economic issues, in particular, damming causing concerns in the low land countries. En route we will stop to visit remote minority villages whose traditional lifestyles and subsistence practices have changed little in four centuries. This evening we will arrive in the small town of Pak Beng and enjoy a short orientation walk around the town before dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 9 Pak Beng - Luang Prabang (Monday 13th November) Today we will continue our journey down the Mekong River en route to the enchanting town of Luang Prabang, rich in French colonial character and the centre of Laotian Buddhism. We will also visit the cave of Pak Ou where hundreds of ancient Buddha figures have been stored. Our local guide will explain to us the intricacies of the Buddhist religion and the meaning of the various Buddha images depicted here. Following this we will continue down river to Luang Prabang, arriving mid-afternoon. On arrival we will check into our hotel and stroll around the original part of the town, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Luang Prabang’s main street comes alive each evening to the colour of local merchants selling their wares – time for which we will have to experience after dinner this evening. (B, L, D)

Day 10 & 11 Luang Prabang (Tuesday 14th & Wednesday 15th November) As one of the world’s more important centres for Buddhism, Luang Prabang wakes each morning to a procession of novice monks performing their daily rituals. Our time in Luang Prabang will include a climb up Mount Phu Si revealing panoramic views of the town and surrounding hinterland as well as a short city tour where we will learn about the town’s French colonial past. Time will be set aside for a Great Race where students will travel about the town in small groups completing various tasks. One afternoon we will take a bicycle ride out of the city riding along quiet roads and back lanes stopping off at a Mong hill tribe village to see their traditional way of life. Whist in Luang Prabang we will visit an elephant centre to learn about conservation and breeding programs. On our final evening we will enjoy a traditional ‘Baci’ dinner blessing ceremony accompanied by a display of traditional Laotian folk dancing. We will be invited to join the dance. (2B, 1L, 2D)

Day 12 Luang Prabang to Siem Reap (Cambodia) (Thursday 16th November) This morning we will farewell Laos and transfer to the airport for our short flight to Cambodia, arriving in the town of Siem Reap. On arrival we will quickly notice the marked cultural and geographical difference between these two countries as our guide explains about life in Cambodia and teaches us some rudimentary Khmer language. The name Siem Reap means ‘Thai Defeated’, which became the name of this province of Cambodia when it was retaken by Cambodian forces in the 15th century.With the advent of maritime trade, drought, social upheaval and

a transition from a Hindu to a Buddhist structured society, this once powerful city of an estimated two million inhabitants fell into a state of decline and was little more than a village by the time

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French colonists learnt of the existence of the Temples of Angkor in the 19th century. When Cambodia was finally freed of colonial rule in 1953, this sleepy province became a popular destination until the advent of war and rise of the Khmer Rouge after which time the temples remained off limits to visitors for decades. Only in the 1990’s have the temples once again become a place of interest. Tonight we will wander down town for dinner at a central popular eatery before having some time later to explore the market precinct and possibly enjoying a fish massage. (B, D)

Day 13 Siem Reap / Temples of Angkor (Friday 17th

November) On this - our first full day in Cambodia we will set out early to visit the magnificent Angkor temples. These temples were built by the Khmer civilization between 802 and 1220 AD and represent one of humankind's most astonishing and enduring architectural achievements. From Angkor the Khmer kings ruled over a vast domain that reached from Vietnam to China to the Bay of Bengal. The structures one sees at Angkor today, more than 100 stone temples in all, are the surviving remains of a grand religious, social and administrative metropolis whose other buildings - palaces, public buildings, and houses - were built of wood and have long since decayed and disappeared.Among the temples we will visit will be the imposing Angkor Thom and the Bayon Temple with its famous faces representing one of the former kings and the most imposing of them all – Angkor Wat. Time permitting will also visit the beautiful Ta Prohm temple famous for its tapestry of trees intertwined within the temple structure. This evening we will enjoy a walking tour of the city’s central district before dinner at a local restaurant. (B, D)

Day 14 Siem Reap / Community Service / Tonle Sap Lake (Saturday 18th November) This morning we travel to a rural school located in a poor village and teacher English to local students who rarely get the chance to practice English with kids their own age. We have the chance to visit some of the student families as well as glean an idea of their daily lives as we visit them in their homes. We take a boat trip on the Tonle Sap Lake to witness Vietnamese and Cambodian floating fishing villages that fled to this remote part of the lake during the war years. Whilst cruising on the lake we will learn about fragile ecosystems under threat including rare fish and bird species. There will be time for a refreshing swim at our hotel pool before we head out later this evening for a stroll around the town’s vibrant night market. (B, L)

Day 15 Siem Reap / Kampuchea House / Phnom Penh (Sunday 19th November) This morning we visit Kampuchea House (9-11am). This registered NGO takes care of children in need while providing them with accommodation and education giving them a better chance of a brighter future. We then depart Siem Reap and take our 6 hour bus trip to Phnom Penh. The drive will take us through the countryside affording us wonderful views of Cambodian rural life. We will stop at a mid-way point where we can taste deep fried spiders and local fruits. The skyline of Phnom Penh changed dramatically during the French colonial period when the cluster of pagodas and wooden

structures along the riverfront were replaced after 1863 by the French influenced colonial period, structures interspersed throughout the city today. At the height of the colonial period Phnom Penh was reputed to be the most beautiful city in French Indochina – a beauty lost during the years of hardship and neglect, although remnants can still be seen today by the keen observer.  (B, L, D)

Day 16 Phnom Penh (Monday 20th November) Today we will visit many of Phnom Penh’s most important places of interest including the infamous Tuol Sleng Prison and the ‘Killing Fields’ – both stark reminders of Cambodia's tragic recent history during the Khmer Rouge reign from 1975-1979. It was during this relatively brief time a little know teacher called Pol Pot instituted a reign of terror over the country and implemented a plan to turn Cambodia into an agriculture-based society, systematically emptying the cities and forcibly moving the people onto collective (state-owned)

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farms where they performed hard labour. It is estimated that during this time over a fifth of the country’s population perished by overwork, starvation and execution.Later we will visit a slum on the outskirts of the city which will give us an appreciation of the conditions thousands of the city’s poorest residence endure. As the sun sets we will take a private boat cruise on the Mekong River to enjoy panoramic views of the Phnom Penh skyline (life jackets included). This Mekong River is the most important water source in Southeast Asia and essential to the economies of Laos and Vietnam as well as Cambodia’s thriving fishing industry. This evening we take an exciting tuk tuk tour around Phnom Penh to view this vibrant city by night, pass the Royal Palace and the iconic Independence Monument followed by dinner. (B, D)

Day 17 Depart Phnom Penh (Tuesday 21st November) This morning we head to the Silver Pagoda and Royal Palace to learn about the Royal family and the recent cremation of King Sihanouk in front of the Palace (February 2013). Time is set aside to visit the intriguing Russian Market selling an array of goods including a vast array of software, handicrafts, copy designer watches and musical instruments. Late afternoon our tour leader will escort you to the airport and wave you farewell before boarding the homebound flight. Please note hotel check out time is noon. (B, L)

Day 18 Arrive Australia (Wednesday 22nd November 2017) Arrive Melbourne at 13:05. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY Grading: Moderate Students will be required to be in good health to get the most of this trip whilst any one of reasonable fitness will be able to take part. There are no real physical difficulties however students will be expected to walk every day, often significant distances. Students will also be expected to work diligently during the days of the community service project. You will also be expected to be able to ride a bike. It will be necessary for you to carry your own luggage throughout the trip but only for short distances. Accommodation: Student accommodation is on a twin/triple share basis. Teacher accommodation is on a single room basis. Transport: Modern air-conditioned bus, boat, plane. Group size: Minimum group size 24 students + 3 staff (No Maximum group size) Key: included meals on tour: B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner

Tour Inclusions:International economy flights Australia- Asia return with Thai AirwaysAll accommodation and transport en route 1 additional international flight (Luang Prabang – Siem Reap)Domestic departure taxes and transfersSEA TRAVEL Group Leader throughout the tourLocal English speaking guides where requiredAll sightseeing, entrance fees for museums, attractions and sights as described in itineraryThailand, Laos & Cambodia departure taxesAll breakfasts (except day 1) 10 lunches, 14 dinners and water with all included mealsCambodia & Laos Visa

Tour Exclusions:7 lunches & 3 dinnersHouse Building costs in Chiang Dao –School donation costs at a Siem Reap rural schoolKampuchea House

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TRAVELLING IN ASIAFrom its natural assets; screensaver landscapes, fantastic cuisine and always surprising cultures, Southeast Asia offers something for every traveller. Bustling cities with an energy driven by a new economy, quiet country villages reliant on rice agriculture as they have been for centuries, ornate Confucian temples such as those found in Laos, high-rises side by side with splendid French colonial architecture; the region is a place of contrasts. The Vietnamese, Khmer, Thai, Burmese and Laotian people have strong beliefs and values. They are a pragmatic people, with a philosophy to move forward, not to dwell on the past, and a determination to improve the lives of their children. Most of all they are warm and welcoming, and proud to show you their homelands.

WEATHER IN SOUTHEAST ASIAWeather is very often one of the determining factors when we choose to travel. The Southeast Asian region is a diverse region, spanning several climatic zones. With a mountainous border along much of its western and northern frontiers, and a

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long, unprotected coastline, the weather can vary enormously from regions to region. The main seasons to consider are the southern wet/dry, and the northern winter/summer. From May to October, the southern areas of Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar and Cambodia experience their wet season comprising daily, heavy - but short-lived and predictable - afternoon rain showers, which break up the otherwise hot and humid days. Temperatures are on average in the low 30s. From November to April, the dry season is sunny and humid, and sunscreen and hats are highly recommended. Weather patterns in central regions of Southeast Asia, including Central Vietnam, northern Myanmar and Laos can vary tremendously with a short rainy season lasting from November to December, with some typhoon activity from mid-October to mid-December. The highlands including Dalat in Vietnam and Luang Prabang in Laos are cooler than the coastal regions from November through March, with the coastal regions often experiencing drizzling rain from December through February. The north of Vietnam Myanmar and Laos has a very distinct summer, running from May to October, and is subject to occasional monsoons at this time. A cool winter with temperatures in the low -teens occurs from December through March. February and March can be damp and subject to drizzling rain (known as 'rain dust').

COUNTRY SPECIFIC INFORMATION: THAILANDVISASPlease contact SEA Travel if you have any queries about Visas. They will assist in arranging all necessary documentation for your trip.

SEA Travel (Student Educational Adventures) will assist in arranging all visas and necessary documentation for your journey. Holders of most nationalities including Japanese, US, EU and ASEAN passports do not require a Visa to enter Thailand.

GETTING AROUNDWhile generally pleasant and hassle free, transport in Thailand can at times be erratic and at times and infuriating at others. Flight and train schedules changed, roads flood or close f and traffic can sometimes result in delays. Your tour leader or local guides will always be aware of the local conditions and ensure that all your transport throughout the country runs as smoothly as humanly possible.Thai Airways is the National Carrier and prides itself on having one of the youngest fleet of aircraft in the world with a modern fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft. During the rainy season flights can often be delayed or cancelled due to weather conditions, in which case your Tour leader will assist with your arrangements, or any changes that may be necessary as a result. Train travel in Thailand is both comfortable and safe and a highly enjoyable way to travel and see the country as long as travellers keeps an open mind and an adventurous attitude. Contact with the local people on board can be an opportunity for an enriching experience and just reward for a little discomfort. All motor vehicles used by Student Educational Adventures (SEA Travel) for overland road journeys, tours and transfers are modern and air-conditioned, licensed to carry foreign visitors and fully insured. Separate luggage vans are used for groups as required. Typical vehicles are modern Japanese and European buses up to 55 seats.

CLOTHINGLight, comfortable clothing, with warmer clothes for the winter months are recommended. Good walking shoes are also beneficial. Shorts are acceptable on women however the Thais are still modest and very revealing clothing is frowned upon. Some temples and tourist sites do not permit shorts above the knee. Dinner restaurants require only casual clothing.

FOODFood will be a true highlight of your trip to Thailand. Rice and noodles form the basis of most dishes, which also heavily rely on fish and chicken. Fresh vegetables are in abundant supply with vegetarians very well catered for. Chilli and spice are an integral part of Thai cuisine although there are a plethora of alternatives to suit even the fussiest eaters. Exotic fruit is both a common dessert and excellent breakfast accompaniment. All restaurants, eateries and cafes your Tour leader or guide recommend or escort you to will be high reputable and general serve delicious food. In these places, fresh salad, raw vegetables and ice are all fine to consume. Bottled water is readily available and recommended at all times. Please remember also that mild stomach upsets and diarrhoea are very common ailments when experiencing new cuisine. The food in Thailand as in every country is different so often your system will need some time to adjust to your new and often healthier diet is all that is needed.

CURRENCYThe Thai Baht is a convertible, hard currency and at time of writing trades at 30 Thai Baht to US$1 (2016). It is recommended that travellers do not bring traveller’s cheques. ATM’s are now popular throughout the country. The new Cash Cards issued by major banks are another way to bring money however they offer very poor exchange rates when buying cash and exchanging it into foreign currency. The best way to bring money to Thailand is as foreign currency ($A, $US, Euros etc.) and change it on arrival at the many downtown money changes (i.e. especially not at the airports in your country or in Thailand where rates are always the poorest).Allow yourself enough money for drinks, shopping and laundry. As a rough guide allow US$15 per day. Laundry facilities are offered in most hotels at a reasonable price.

PEOPLEThe Thais people are very receptive to foreigners and will welcome you warmly. However a healthy curiosity does exist outside the main centres.

SAFETYThailand is now very much a developed country and becoming increasingly wealthy. That said, street time does sometimes happen in some larger cities like Bangkok. Handbags or cameras should be carried carefully over a shoulder as passing motorbikes may easily snatch them. Being aware of your surroundings and carrying little obvious wealth is the best defence against theft. Beware of touts around Bangkok and people offering you services and products which sound too good to be true! NB: Only vehicles; (cyclos, taxis etc.) deemed safe for travel by your Tour leader/teachers are to be used whilst travelling. Do not use vehicles, private or public without permission or if unaccompanied by teachers and tour leaders.

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VISASStudent Educational Adventures (SEA Travel) will assist in arranging all visas and necessary documentation for your journey. Holders of Australian, New Zealand, Japanese, US, EU and ASEAN passports received a visa to enter Laos on arrival at the country’s airports and border crossings. At the time of writing the cost of a Laos Tourist Visa is US$30. For holders of passports other than the ones described above please contact us for further information.

GETTING AROUND Laos has a vastly improved domestic service to all provincial towns in the country. Several reliable, foreign owed airlines operate a continuous air service between Vientiane and Luang. Airlines used by Student Educational Adventures (SEA Travel) all feature well maintain fleets of Airbuses, ATRs and a Boeing 737. It is now safe and common for travellers to journey around Laos by car, however, this road has seen little traffic over the years and is considered 'hard going' by those that have done it. The road has been upgraded recently (2010). The highway between Vientiane and Luang Prabang is now paved and is in good condition. This journey takes approximately 9 hours by car. Whilst travelling in Laos, Student Educational Adventures (SEA Travel) utilizes the best vehicles available. Typical vehicles are modern Korean or Japanese air-conditioned buses that can hold between 8 and 45 passengers.

CLOTHINGLight, comfortable clothing, with a light sweater for the cooler months in Laos is recommended. Good walking shoes are also beneficial. Shorts are acceptable on foreign women however is best avoided as the Khmer are very modest and revealing clothing is frowned upon and socially unacceptable. Some temples and tourist sites do not permit shorts above the knee and it is recommended to dress accordingly. Dinner restaurants require only smart/casual clothing.

FOODBottled water is readily available and recommended at all times. Fresh salad vegetables are best avoided unless washed yourself. Hotel dining and the restaurants recommended by our tour leaders and guides are considered suitable for foreign visitors. We do not recommend purchasing food from street stalls. Laotian food is usually very much enjoyed by foreign palettes and has been described as being similar to Thai food without the heat. Rice and noodles form the basis of most dishes, which also heavily rely on fish and chicken. Fresh vegetable are in abundant supply and are most often served in a light stir-fry or in a broth, with the addition of chilli, lemongrass, coriander or special Laotian spices. Exotic fruit is both a common dessert and excellent breakfast accompaniment. Most dishes are designed to be shared in the middle of a table, and unlike in Vietnam, do not rely on chopsticks, with the spoon and fork being the common dining utensil.

CURRENCYThe Laotian Kip is a non-convertible currency and at time of writing trades around 8000 kip to $US 1 (2012). Most shops and restaurants also use USD freely. It is recommended that travellers do not bring traveller’s cheques. ATM’s are now popular in major cities in Laos. The new Cash Cards issued by major banks are another way to bring money however they offer very poor exchange rates when buying cash and exchanging it into foreign currency. The best way to bring money to Laos is as foreign currency ($A, $US, Euros etc.) and change it on arrival at the many downtown money changes (i.e. especially not at the airports in your country or in Laos where rates are always the poorest).Allow yourself enough money for drinks, shopping and laundry. As a rough guide allow US$15 per day. Laundry facilities are offered in most hotels at a reasonable price.

PEOPLEThe Laotian people are very receptive to foreigners and will welcome you warmly. Many speak a certain level of English and are more than willing to engage in conversation. There is always time to stop and be friendly to the visitor.

SAFETYLaos is a developing country but is by far the safest in Southeast Asia. Foreigners are well received throughout Laos and personal security should not be of concern for travellers. NB: Only vehicles; (cyclos, taxis etc.) deemed safe for travel by your Tour leader/teachers are to be used whilst travelling. Do not use vehicles, private or public without permission or if unaccompanied by teachers and tour leaders.

.COUNTRY SPECIFIC INFORMATION: CAMBODIAVISASStudent Educational Adventures (SEA Travel) will assist in arranging all visas and necessary documentation for your journey. Holders of Australian, New Zealand, Japanese, US, EU and ASEAN passports received a visa to enter Cambodia on arrival at the country’s airports and border crossings. At the time of writing the cost of a Cambodian Tourist Visa is US$20. For holders of passports other than the ones described above please contact us for further information.

GETTING AROUNDCambodian Angkor Airways, Siem Reap Airways and Bangkok Airways all maintain a fleet of fleet of Airbuses, ATRs and a Boeing aircraft which service the country and fly internationally. It is safe and common for travellers to journey between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap by car whilst many of the country’s other roads have been upgraded recently (2015). The highway between Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville, on the coast, is fully paved and in good condition. This journey takes approximately three hours by car. Student Educational Adventures (SEA Travel) uses modern Korean or Japanese air-conditioned buses which can carry up to 45 passengers.

CLOTHINGLight, comfortable clothing, with a light sweater for the cooler months at Angkor are recommended. Good walking shoes are also beneficial. Shorts are acceptable on foreign women however is best avoided as the Khmer are very modest and revealing clothing is frowned upon and socially unacceptable. Some temples and tourist sites do not permit shorts above the knee and it is recommended to dress accordingly. Dinner restaurants require only casual clothing.

HEALTH

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An anti-gastric or upset stomach remedy is recommended as you may be eating food your system is unused to. We recommend you seek a medical practitioner's advice on up to date precautionary medicine. It is not recommended that medicines be purchased inside Cambodia.

FOODBottled water is readily available and recommended at all times. Hotel dining and the restaurants recommended by our tour leaders and guides are considered suitable for foreign visitors. We do not recommend purchasing food from street stalls. That said, Khmer cuisine is a delight to the senses. Rice and noodles form the basis of most dishes, which also heavily rely on fish and chicken. Fresh vegetable are in abundant supply and are most often served in a light stir-fry or in a broth, with the addition of chilli, lemongrass, coriander or special Cambodian spices. Exotic fruit is both a common dessert and excellent breakfast accompaniment. Most dishes are designed to be shared in the middle of a table, and unlike in Vietnam, do not rely on chopsticks, with the spoon and fork being the common dining utensil.

CURRENCYThe Cambodian Riel is a non-convertible currency and at time of writing trades at 4,500 to $US 1. However all shops and restaurants also use USD freely so there is no need to change US currency into local Cambodia currency. Credit cards are not widely accepted. Small denominations of USD cash are the most practical currency to carry. ATM’s are now common in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap allowing travellers to make cash withdrawals in US dollars in many places. The new Cash Cards issued by major banks are another way to bring money however they offer very poor exchange rates when buying cash and exchanging it into foreign currency. The best way to bring money to Cambodia is as foreign currency ($A, $US, Euros etc.) and change it on arrival at a plethora of downtown money changes (i.e. not at the airports).

PEOPLEThe Khmer people are very receptive to foreigners and will welcome you warmly. There is little evidence of animosity, and are pleasantly graceful in their mannerisms. Many speak a certain level of English and are more than willing to engage in conversation. There is always time to stop and be friendly to the visitor.

SAFETYCambodia is a developing country and lavish displays of wealth only encourage petty theft. Do not wear large amounts of jewellery, handbags or cameras carried carelessly over a shoulder as passing motorbikes may easily snatch them. Being aware of your surroundings and carrying little obvious wealth is the best defence against theft. NB: Only vehicles; (cyclos, taxis etc.) deemed safe for travel by your Tour leader/teachers are to be used whilst travelling. Do not use vehicles, private or public without permission or if unaccompanied by teachers and tour leaders.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?Expect a new travel experience. Expect to see a picture perfect landscape of rice paddies and water buffaloes. Expect bustling cities and busy streets of bicycles and motorcycles, which are a challenge to cross. Expect to be popular with the locals, to be stopped in the street for an unexpected conversation. Expect comfortable hotel properties throughout your trip and quaint homestays in the provinces. Expect the occasional mishap - a delayed flight or a short power outage. Expect stunning mountain passes and endless photo opportunities. Expect to find unexpected bargains! Expect crowded airports. Expect your guide/tour leader to take care of that for you. Expect to sample a new and unique cuisine or a pizza every now and then. Expect the noise, expect the heat. Expect to learn about daily rituals and traditions performed for hundreds of years, to hear legends, to smell exotic spices in a local market. Expect to marvel at ancient towers that remain standing after 500 years, through wars and monsoon storms. Expect welcoming smiles… Expect things to be different from what they are at home - after all, isn’t that why you came in the first place?

Some basic customs / practices in Asia:Please sit on chairs when provided and not on the floorAlways wear footwear when outside, in public places and in hotels. Local people always wear shoes unless they are too poor to afford them. It is fine to go bare foot on beaches and around swimming pools.Please do not show displays of affection in public. This is considered weird and is awkward for local

people to watch.It is perfectly fine and normal (and safe) for a female to go to the bathroom by herself in Asia Please abstain from playing the drums at the dinner table with your chopsticks when in restaurants!

Easy to be a green travellerSave water:

Don’t leave the water running while brushing teeth, shaving or washing your face. This will help save an average of 5 litres.A bath uses 90+ litres of water while a quick shower uses around 25Dispose of tissue and cotton wool in the bin rather than in the toilet; one flush can use up 13 litres of waterLet the hotel know that they needn’t launder your towels and sheets daily

Be energy efficient:Minimise the number of lights you have on in your hotel room; switch off those you don’t need. Switch off appliances, including laptop and cell phone, when not in use; unplug when possible. Electricals such as televisions and mobile phone chargers continue to draw power even when on stand-by.Switch off the air-conditioner or heater when you leave the room. Generally speaking for people new to travel in tropical regions, a night time temperature of 23 C is recommended. Cooler than this may result in waking up too cool in the night time or worse, catching a coldBoil only as much water as you need when using the kettle in your hotel room if you wish to make drinks

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Reduce waste:Don’t buy new travel-sized toiletries each time you travel; instead, use durable containers and refill before each trip. This also helps ensure that you stay within new airline security rules regarding liquids in hand luggage.Never litter. Many parts of the world don’t have the infrastructure for regular waste disposable; and many things we throw away aren’t biodegradable.

Refuse plastic bags when buying things. Plastic bag consumption in Asia is amongst the highest in the world and if not refused will be provided by sellers for virtually every item however small, you purchase.

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