10 Tips For First-Time Travelers To Cambodia, Vietnam And Laos

If you’ve never been to Southeast Asia, you’re missing out on an entrancing world of intricately carved temples, spectacular monuments, thickly forested landscapes, bustling cities, glorious beaches and remarkable cuisine. Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos are some of the most exciting destinations in the world, but travelers thinking of heading there for the first time may be hesitant.

Luxury Gold president Phil Cappelli shares these tips for first-time travelers to Southeast Asia.

1. Learn about the country before you go.
Finding out a bit about the history and culture of Southeast Asia before you leave can add more dimensions to your trip. Watch the wonderful French film The Lover (set in 1920’ Vietnam), read Milton Osborne’s fascinating history of Phnom Penh, or talk to friends who have been there–or get a small phrasebook (or phone app) and teach yourself a few words of Vietnamese, Khmer or French.

2. Pack half of what you think you’ll need.
Travel light so you won’t be weighed down by unwieldy luggage, and so you’ll have extra room in your bag for the souvenirs you’re bound to buy. Clothes and accessories can be purchased cheaply in street markets, laundry services cost only a few dollars, and personal grooming items are available in hotels or local stores (though in brands or styles you might not recognize)!

3. Bring a camera – but don’t forget to put it down.
From the colorful street food of Hanoi to the ancient temples of Angkor and Bagan, you’ll want to record every amazing moment, sight and memory. Bring the best camera you can, plus lots of extra batteries, chargers and memory cards. But from time to time just experience the countries first-hand – with your own eyes, ears, nose and other senses. Haggle with street vendors, smell the coffee wafting from Hanoi’s cafes, and listen to the waves crashing on near-empty beaches.

4. Safeguard your health.
Worried about tropical viruses? Food poisoning? You don’t need to be if you take common-sense precautions. Check with your health care provider about six weeks before your trip to find out which inoculations are suggested for the countries you plan to visit. Also bring insect repellent with you, and read up on routine food safety practices.

5. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
Even if you’re traveling on a guided coach tour, you’ll still do a fair amount of walking, whether it be through temple complexes in Angkor, street markets in Vientiane, or tunnels under the city of Saigon. Comfortable shoes are essential. Save the heels and dress shoes for dinner at your hotel.

6. Stay cool and dry.
Vietnam and Cambodia are hot and wet most of the year, so modify your behavior and wardrobe. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and loose, breathable clothing. Always carry bottled water and try to avoid being outdoors between 10 am and 2 pm. Carry an umbrella during the rainy season.

7. Carry cash.
Most street food vendors, market stalls and smaller souvenir shops take cash, not plastic, so make sure you have some on you at all times. You can withdraw cash from ATMs all over the region, as most take foreign bank cards. But don’t carry TOO much cash, or you’ll make yourself a target for pickpockets.

8. Keep an open mind.
The sights, cultures and customs of Vietnam and Cambodia can be very different from what you’re used to in North America, but that doesn’t make them better or worse. Whether it’s the slower pace of customer service in the countryside, the raw intensity of traditional street markets filled with live animals and shouting vendors, or the chaotic traffic in the big cities, be prepared to leave your expectations at home and just “go with the flow.”

9. Leave something behind
Consider volunteering in an educational or environmental project during your trip, supporting a school, or joining community initiatives. If you can’t do that, consider doing your souvenir shopping in a place that benefits indigenous people. For example, when you buy fair-trade handicrafts and textiles from Ock Pop Tok boutiques in Luang Prabang, you are directly benefiting local artisans from the TreadRight Foundation’s Village Weavers Project, and helping create economic opportunities for communities in rural Laos.

10. Always carry bottled water
The average temperature in the high season (November to March) is around 86 °F and the temperature rarely dips below 68°F. With that kind of climate, and with the constant walking around, it’s important to stay hydrated and try to avoid being outdoors between 10 am and 2 pm.