What to Expect
- Physical requirements:
This trip is only for very physically fit and healthy travelers. You must be able to walk 3 miles unassisted over the course of each day and stand for up to a half hour at a time. You must also be comfortable participating in 5-7 hours of daily physical activities. In some of the small villages where we stop during our days of touring, we must make do with Asian-style toilets (squat-style rather than seats). We reserve the right for our Trip Leaders to modify participation, or in some circumstances send travelers home if their limitations are impacting the group's experience.
- Climate & terrain:
The climate in this region is tropical, with temperatures reaching the 90s and high levels of humidity, especially from March-May. Heavy rains are possible between July-October. We’ll travel over some bumpy, unpaved roads, climb uneven stairways at ancient ruins, and walk over uneven ground at outdoor markets.
- Pacing:
8 locations in 18 days with 2 one-night stays; some early mornings. We also have 3 internal flights of about 1 hour each. Be prepared for delays in regional air service.
- Transportation:
We travel primarily via air-conditioned bus (no toilet on board). We also travel by boat, which will require agility to embark.
- Cuisine:
Our meals will be based on the local cuisine; Western food is limited.
- Accommodations:
All our accommodations are hotel-standard, with a variety of amenities and personal service, as well as private baths with hot showers and Western-style toilet facilities.
- Group size & leadership:
16 maximum with 1 Trip Leader.
Visa Information
U.S. citizens will need a visa (or visas) for this trip. In addition, there may be other entry requirements that also need to be met. For your convenience, we’ve included a quick reference list, organized by country:
- Thailand (main trip and optional post-trip extension): No visa required.
- Vietnam: Visa required.
- Laos: Visa required.
- Cambodia: Visa required.
- Burma (optional pre-trip extension only): Visa required.
Travelers who are booked on this adventure will be sent a complete Visa Packet— with instructions, applications, and a list of visa fees—approximately 100 days prior to their departure. (Because many countries limit the validity of their visa from the date it is issued, or have a specific time window for when you can apply, we do not recommend applying too early.)
If you are not a U.S. citizen, do not travel with a U.S. passport, or will be traveling independently before/after this trip, then your entry requirements may be different. Please check with the appropriate embassy or a visa servicing company. To contact our recommended visa servicing company, PVS International, call toll-free at 1-800-556-9990.
Vaccinations Information
For a detailed and up-to-date list of vaccinations that are recommended for this trip, please visit the CDC’s “Traveler’s Health” website.