Cambodia: Hike, Bike & Kayak Itinerary

Starting in

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Physical Difficulty

3 / 5

Breakfasts included

5

Lunches included

2

Dinners included

1

Ending in

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Accommodation

Homestay (1 night), Hotel (6 nights)

Transport

Bicycle , Boat , Private minibus , Kayak

Cambodia’s incredible beauty, fantastic food and unique culture are even better when combined with some outdoor adventures. Get active on this eight-day exploration of the country’s verdant countryside, Khmer history and welcoming communities – hiking, biking and kayaking through its heart. Explore Phnom Penh and take to the Mekong for an island homestay, get up close with Irrawaddy dolphins and explore spectacular flooded forests, then discover the ancient temple ruins of the incredible Angkor complex by foot and mountain bike – this is one of the most important archaeological sites in Cambodia and of course, a UNESCO World Heritage site! From Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, you’ll see Cambodia in all its natural glory.

Day 1: Phnom Penh

Sua s'dei! Welcome to Cambodia. Your adventure begins in Phnom Penh with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe stroll the streets and explore the city at your own pace. Phnom Penh is set at the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers, so life centres around this lively riverfront – maybe a good place to start. After the meeting this evening, maybe join the locals here and snack on the street hawker food or enjoy some impromptu waterside entertainment. You could also ask your leader for the best dinner spots or head up to a rooftop bar for a drink with riverside views.

Day 2: Cycling in Phnom Penh

After breakfast, start your active adventure on a mountain bike, crossing the river by local boat and then cycling through the villages on an island within the Mekong River. The island is famous for silk weaving, agriculture and aquaculture. Stop to see locals at work in the village and cycle through quiet roads, orchards and rice paddies. After, return to Phnom Penh for a free afternoon – your leader can help you organise an optional activity, or you can explore at your own pace. Phnom Penh remains a living relic of the country’s past struggles, with the sobering Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek telling the story of the bloody legacy of the Khmer Rouge. You could also visit Wat Phnom – the temple that gave rise to the foundation of the city in the 15th century – or the Royal Palace complex’s Silver Pagoda, Cambodia’s most sacred temple.

Day 3: Kratie/Cycling in Koh Trong

This morning, you’ll leave early to make tracks for Kratie. On the way, pass through Skuon – a small town known for its unusual delicacy of tasty spiders. You can try one if you’re game! Carry on to the town of Kratie, which sits on the banks of the Mekong. Board a local boat from Kratie waterfront to Koh Trong for your homestay – approximately 280 families call this 6 km island home. The island is famous for growing the citrus fruit pomelo, some of the best in Cambodia, as well as rice and other agricultural products. Your homestay is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in everyday Cambodian life, and this evening you'll enjoy a traditional Khmer dinner. With hammocks strung up beneath the house, this is a great place to unwind. Take a leisurely cycle around the island’s perimeter through traditional Khmer villages, fruit orchards and rice fields, observing the daily rituals and routines of traditional village life.

Day 4: Koh Trong Hiking/ Stung Treng

After breakfast this morning, take a 1-hour guided walk to see how the locals live and to learn more about the local culture in this part of Cambodia. During the days of the Khmer Rouge, much of the island’s forested interior was cut down. In response, villagers have started a tree-planting project at Wat Ty Pram Kbal Koh Trong. You’ll have the opportunity to contribute to the project by helping to plant a tree on the pagoda grounds. After, say goodbye to your island hosts and return to the mainland. There’s time to wander down the river boulevard and explore the local market in Kratie before travelling to Stung Treng. On the way, maybe enjoy an optional lunch at Kampi Creek, where you’ll also hop on a boat and go out on an excursion to try and spot dolphins! When you arrive in Stung Treng, head out on a walking tour with your leader and discover this town’s regional delights at the local market.

Day 5: Kayaking in Stung Treng

Start early this morning to make the most of a full day of activities. You’ll travel by private minibus to the village of Voeun Kham. From there, catch a local boat to cruise the Mekong River to the fierce Sopheakmit Waterfall – on the Cambodia–Laos border, the thundering falls crash over limestone crags and boulders making a spectacular sight. Moor the boat at a local family's home and hike through the jungle to a lunch spot overlooking the falls. Return to the boat and continue through a gorgeous stretch of the Mekong River, home to many bird species and the village of Osvay. Pass through the Anlong Cheuteal Irrawaddy dolphin pool, where it’s possible to spot freshwater dolphins! Jump in a kayak to paddle among this spectacular scenery of flooded forests to Vuen Sien village. After a full day exploring this glorious stretch of nature, you’ll return to Stung Treng by private minibus for the night.

Day 6: Siem Reap

This morning, set out on your journey to Siem Reap, travelling by private minibus through Cambodia’s countryside and small towns. Arrive at the gateway to the famed Angkor complex – with its cafes, bars, restaurants, food and drink stands, Siem Reap caters for all persuasions. A visit to the old market is a must, even if you're not looking for souvenirs. Wandering through the stalls and surrounding shops, you’ll find silks, cotton, sarongs, silver and statues. After check-in at your hotel, you’ll be picked up by a tuk tuk and then your leader will take you on an orientation walk to help you get acquainted with this bustling town.

Day 7: Cycling in Siem Reap/Angkor Wat

Hop on your bike and temple hop with your local guide today for a full day cycling tour of the world-famous Angkor complex – built between the 9th and 13th centuries when the Khmer empire was the pre-eminent influence in Southeast Asia. These ruins include Angkor Wat, Bayon and the jungle-covered Ta Prohm. After you’re temple-d out, head back to Siem Reap for a free night. You might like to check out Phare – the Cambodian Circus. Coming from disadvantaged households, the performers have gained international recognition through their art. Like a Cambodian Cirque Du Soleil, modern Khmer tales mix theatre, music, dance, acrobatics, juggling, aerial acts and contortion.

Day 8: Siem Reap

As no activities are planned for today, you can leave your accommodation at any time. If you have extra time you might like to schedule an Angkor zip-line and canopy walk adventure, a tasty Khmer cooking class, or simply relax by the pool. If you’d like to spend more time in Siem Reap, just speak to your booking agent.

Essential Trip Information

Joining point

Hotel Sor, 219BC, Preah Monivong Blvd, Sangkat Orussey 4, Khan 7 Makara, Phnom Penh, CAMBODIA, Phone: +855 23216888

Finish point

Kouprey Hotel, Top Town Road Krous Village, Svay Dangkum, Siem Reap, CAMBODIA, Phone: +855 63765674

Important information

1. It is very important that you provide your height at time of booking so we can ensure that you have the appropriate sized bicycle when your trip starts. If you do not provide your height ahead of arrival we cannot guarantee a suitably sized bike for you.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 3 (Homestay) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. Helmets are provided for the longer cycling activities on Days 2 & 7, but not for the short village bike ride in Koh Trong on Day 3.

Emergency contact

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager.

You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.

In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below:





Available for phone call or WhatsApp call on +855 92 555 969

Is this trip right for you

This is an active and varied tour with a number of activities to get your pulse going. While specific prior training isn't necessary, some travellers have found parts of the itinerary quite challenging and a reasonably high level of fitness is needed to get the best out of the experience.

You'll be spending a night with a local family on this trip. While the accommodation is shared and basic, this is a great opportunity to connect with the local people (and enjoy delicious home-cooked meals!). Read more about the experience here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/cambodia-homestay-experience

This trip involves some long days of driving, so some patience will go a long way towards your enjoyment here.

At times our accommodation may not have continuous hot water. Most travellers don’t find this a problem and are often keen to cool down from the heat with a refreshing cold shower!

Cambodia can get very hot, so days cycling, or even temple hopping can take it out of you quickly. We recommend packing adequate clothing, sun protection, and that you always have lots of water with you

Part of travelling with Intrepid means respecting local cultures and sensibilities. That way you get the most out of your interactions with local people and environments. You will visit a number of temples on this trip, and this requires a level of modesty. Be sure to bring clothes that cover the arms and pants or skirts that go past the knees. A light scarf is also a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it’s hot.

Why we love it

Temple hop through the Angkor complex and surrounding jungle by bike – two wheels allow you to discover this incredible UNESCO World Heritage site from unique perspectives., Paddle through the spectacular flooded forests of Stung Treng by kayak and try to spot the rare Irrawaddy dolphins from the water on a boat excursion along parts of the Mekong River., Take to a mountain bike and cycle through quiet roads, orchards and rice paddies on an island within the Mekong River., Cycle off the main streets and into the heart of Phnom Penh with a guided backstreets bike tour – weaving through small villages and rice paddies to see local life firsthand., Discover traditional Khmer villages and their dedication to reforestation on the island of Koh Trong and swing the day away in a hammock at your rural homestay, getting to know the locals over a homecooked dinner.

Group leader

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative.

Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Safety

TRAVEL ADVISORIES & ALERTS
We recommend that you check your government's foreign travel advisory for the latest information about the destination before you travel. You will also need to ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Links to travel advisories and any current travel alerts for our trips can be found here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts

PERSONAL SAFETY
Ensure you have a secure method of carrying your passport, phone, credit cards and cash while travelling such as a money belt. Leave all other high value items, including jewellery, at home Use safety deposit boxes at hotels to store your valuables when available and ensure your luggage is lockable. Be aware of the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft. Exercise caution when walking at night, don’t walk alone and stick to well-lit streets wherever possible. Be vigilant on public transport and look out for your fellow travellers. Take precautions such as carrying your bag in front of you and never leaving personal items unattended.

LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS
Intrepid welcomes all LGBTQIA+ customers on our trips, however we operate in parts of the world that are less accepting. We support LGBTQIA+ customers to travel to these destinations and are committed to ensuring they face no discrimination on any part of the trip we control. We recommend you visit Equaldex (https://www.equaldex.com/) and your government's foreign travel advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers when choosing your trip., https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines, FIRE PRECAUTIONS:
Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which we use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms.

SEAT BELTS:
Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and not all the transport which we use is able to provide seat belts.

PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY:
While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing.

MOTORBIKE BAG SNATCHING:
Be particularly aware of motorbike bag snatching, especially in the bigger cities.

Visas

PASSPORT
You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date.

We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends.

VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements

Travellers who arrive in Cambodia via flight to Phnom Penh, Siem Reap or Sihanoukville international airports will need to obtain an E-Arrival card via www.arrival.gov.kh or via Cambodia E-Arrival app in the App Store and Play Store for mobile phones or other electronic devices. This needs to be obtained within 7 days before your arrival into the country and will be required at immigration procedures. Please take a screenshot or download your QR code before closing or exiting the E-Arrival Card website. If you use the mobile application, the QR Code will be available after successful submission even without internet connection. Or you may print your E-Arrival QR code.



ADDRESS FOR CAMBODIA VISA APPLICATIONS

If you require an address for your visa application, please use:
Intrepid Cambodia
92 Taneuy Street
Wat Bo Village
Siem Reap

Last modified (date)

13 Aug 2024

Validity

Validity: 01 Jan 2025 to 31 Dec 2025

Additional Information

Health

GENERAL HEALTH
All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements.

When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements. 


MOSQUITO-BORNE ILLNESSES:
Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis are widespread in South East Asia. Malaria is also prevalent in some regions, particularly along the borders in mountainous regions. Take preventative measures such as wearing long clothing, using repellent and being indoors particularly around dusk and dawn. Seek medical advice prior to travel for medication or vaccination advice.

ZIKA VIRUS:
There have been reports of transmission of the mosquito-borne Zika virus in this region and we advise all travellers to protect themselves from mosquito bites. Given possible transmission of the disease to unborn babies, and taking a very cautious approach, we recommend all women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant to consult with their doctors before booking their trip.

Food and dietary requirements

While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader or local representative will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule, our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure.

CAMBODIAN FOOD:
Wondering what Cambodian food is like? Check out our guide to the local cuisine here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/cambodian-food-guide/

Is it true they eat spiders in Cambodia? Read about it here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/cambodia-eating-spiders/

BREAKFASTS:
At some hotels you may have a menu or buffet with choices of Cambodian and Western food. At homestays you will have simpler breakfasts of local foods, eggs, bread, jam, tea and coffee.

FOOD ALLERGIES:
Travelling in South East Asia with a food allergy? We have some advice for you here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/travelling-food-allergies-south-east-asia/

Money matters

SPENDING MONEY
When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling.

We recommend USD180.00 for meals not included.

CAMBODIA
You can use your credit/debit card in ATMs, which are common throughout Cambodia. These machines dispense cash in USD. There is also no need to pre-purchase Cambodian riel prior to arriving in the country. Most travellers never need to have more than USD 20 – 30 worth of Cambodian riel on them at any one time, as USD cash is widely accepted. After making a payment in USD, change is often given in Cambodian riel. Many businesses are unable to change larger notes, so we recommend carrying a mix of denominations. We recommend bringing large bills in good condition, 2013 series onwards only. Any old or damaged notes may not be accepted. Some banks at Cambodian airports may tell you that you need to change your USD cash into Cambodian riel, but this is not true. 

TIPPING
Tipping can be an appropriate way to recognise great service when travelling. While it may not be customary in your home country, it is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many of our destinations and is greatly appreciated by the people who take care of you during your travels. It is always best to avoid tipping with coins, very small denomination notes, or dirty and ripped notes, as this can be regarded as an insult rather than the goodwill gesture it is intended to be.

OPTIONAL TIPPING KITTY
On Day 1 of your trip, your group leader or local representative may discuss with you the idea of operating a group tipping kitty, whereby everybody contributes an equal amount and your group leader or local representative distributes tips for drivers, local guides, hotel staff and other services included on your trip. Participation in this kitty is your choice, and you are welcome to manage your own tipping separately if you prefer.

The group leader or local representative will keep a running record of all monies spent, which can be checked at any time. Any funds remaining at the end of the trip will be returned to group members. These tips to suppliers are for great service and are in addition to the regular costs paid for the services supplied.

The tipping kitty excludes tips for your group leader or local representative.

Optional tipping kitty for this trip: USD 16 per person (can be paid in local currency).

YOUR GROUP LEADER OR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE
You may consider tipping your group leader or local representative for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, as a guideline, 4-7 USD or EUR per person per day (in a currency relevant to your destination), can be used. Of course, you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length and involvement of your group leader or local representative on your trip.

CONTINGENCY FUNDS
We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.

COMMISSIONS
Intrepid understands that the receipt of commissions in exchange for recommending particular shops or services is ingrained in the culture of the tourism industry. For this reason, we have established a centralised fund for contributions from recommended suppliers so these can be collected and distributed back into the business. Actively managing the receipt of commissions helps us maintain the level of quality you expect on one of our trips. Travel is always an adventure so Intrepid cannot explicitly guarantee the quality of a product but we aim to provide the best value trips in the market. Please let us know via the feedback form completed after your trip if we are successfully meeting - or exceeding - this objective.

What to take

Most travellers prefer to take a small to medium wheeled suitcase, which is a great size for the packing capacity in our private vehicles. Whatever you take, be mindful that you will need to be able to carry your own luggage, handle it at airports, take it in/out of accommodation and perhaps even walk short distances. We recommend you pack as lightly as possible.

If your trip includes travelling on overnight trains or primarily using public transport, the smaller your luggage, the easier it will be to store under or above bunks. Large suitcases may not be able to be taken on board. A lockable bag or small padlock for your bag will be useful, especially when travelling on public transportation as well.

When you're exploring during the day, you'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, a camera, a jacket and activity-specific items like a swimsuit, a waterproof pouch/bag for your phone, or hiking shoes.

Below we have listed the essentials for this trip:, https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list, LOCAL BIKES
TREK mountain bikes with front suspension will be provided and are included in the cost of this trip.

EXTRA BIKE BITS
You may like to bring your own pedals and saddle (excluding the seat post) or gel saddle cover to fit to the hire bikes. Please note that you are responsible for your own equipment, and removing your saddle/pedals at the end of the trip. We cannot guarantee the return of any bike parts left behind.

POLICY ON CYCLING HELMETS
Helmets and safety: all cyclists should wear helmets in the interests of personal safety, and our leaders are required to do so at all times on all trips. On road cycling sections of the trip, wearing a helmet is strongly recommended. Those who decide not to wear a helmet do so entirely at their own risk. Helmets are provided on all cycling activities apart from the homestay (which is an island with almost no cars) - it's up to you if you wish to bring one from home for these days.

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT
We recommend you have the following:
A helmet, sunglasses, cycling gloves and waterbottles or hydration system (e.g. camelbak). Most people want to carry certain items with them during the day while cycling, for this we recommend a large bum-bag or small close-fitting daypack.

RECOMMENDED CYCLING CLOTHING
Padded cycling shorts (with loose 'over-shorts' especially for temple visits), breathable clothing, and possibly a lightweight waterproof top. Shoes with relatively stiff soles are better for biking, but are not essential unless you are cycling long distances., LOCAL DRESS:
When packing be aware that dress standards are conservative throughout Asia, especially outside major cities. To respect this and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. This means clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot Asian climate. In many rural areas in Asia women will need to wear modest clothing even to swim. Singlets, tank tops and topless sun bathing are all unacceptable. When visiting religious sites men often need to wear long trousers and women a long skirt or sarong., WATER BOTTLE:
This trip includes one or more sections in a private vehicle with a water dispenser. We encourage all our travellers to bring a refillable water bottle on your trip to help reduce the use of disposable plastic bottles.

Climate and seasonal

WEATHER IN CAMBODIA
Any time of the year is a good time to travel in Cambodia, with each season having its advantages. The climate in Cambodia is generally hot and humid throughout the year. Temperatures stay in the 30Cs most of the year, dropping back to the 20Cs at night. There are officially two seasons in Cambodia – wet and dry. During November to May you can expect dry conditions, while June to October will have wetter weather.

SEASONAL FLOODING IN CAMBODIA
Severe storms and widespread seasonal flooding, including localised flash flooding, can occur without warning in Cambodia, particularly during the local wet season from July to November. The Cambodia/Thailand land border is occasionally closed due to flooding. Should land travel be disrupted and we need to fly, travellers will need to use their contingency funds to cover any additional costs.


During public holidays and festival periods in Cambodia some businesses may close, transport may be extremely busy and travel times may increase. The main holidays in Cambodia are:

Chinese New Year (28 January- 04 February 2025)
Khmer New Year (14 - 16 April 2025)
Royal Birthday of the King Sihamoni (14 May 2025)
Pchum Ben Day (21 – 13 September 2025)
Water & Moon Festival (06 October 2025)

A couple of rules

Intrepid won't tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams or local communities.

To ensure the wellbeing of everyone on the trip, decisions made by your group leader are final.

Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip.

Any behaviour that prevents your leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines may result in Intrepid denying your booking or removing you from the trip.

If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your group leader immediately. Alternatively, you can contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in the Problems and Emergency Contact Information section of this Essential Trip Information.

Accommodation notes

HOTELS:
Most of the accommodation on this trip is in hotels (mostly 2 to 3-star). Facilities are often basic, with some properties not having a continuous supply of hot water on occasion. All rooms are either fan cooled or with air conditioning and twin share with private facilities unless stated otherwise in the daily itinerary. Double beds are not widely available in South East Asia.

Transport notes

Information not available.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative.

If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.

For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise.

For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below:


https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services

Your fellow travellers

As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure.

SOLO TRAVELLERS
On our trips, rooming is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender, as per the gender marker on each of their passports.

We also offer an optional single supplement on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room. This only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will always be on a single-room basis.

On a small selection of trips some accommodation will be open-gender and multishare, such as a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam. Please review the Accommodation section of the Essential Trip Information for details about your trip.

LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS
We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. If your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you.

Itinerary disclaimer

ITINERARY CHANGES
Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns.


OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist.

Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.