Au Co

Asia is a diverse region, spanning several climate zones.

Vietnam

Southern Vietnam is always humid. From May to October, the south (Ho Chi Minh City) experiences a wet season, with 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, so sunscreen and hats are highly recommended. Weather patterns in central Vietnam (Hoi An and Hue) can vary tremendously due to the nearby Truong Son mountain range. Northern Vietnam (Hanoi) experiences a distinct summer season from May to October, commonly accompanied by monsoons. During the winter months, from November to April, temperatures can drop into the low teens, making for a noticeably cooler climate. February and March can be damp and subject to drizzling rain.

Cambodia

As a tropical country, Cambodia is bathed in almost all-year sunshine and has a high average temperature. There are two distinct seasons, the dry and monsoon. The monsoon season lasts from May to October with south westerly winds ushering in clouds that bring 75-80% of the annual rainfall, often in spectacular intense bursts for an hour at a time with fantastic lightning displays. The dry season runs from November to April, averaging temperatures from 27-40 degrees Celsius. The coolest and most comfortable time to visit Cambodia for those from cooler climates is from October to January.

What should I pack for a Vietnam and Cambodia Tour?

What you pack will depend on where you’re travelling and the season. As a rule of thumb, bring comfortable walking shoes, layers for varying temperatures, rainwear for cooler or wet weather, a reusable water bottle, sun protection, and any essential medications. If your itinerary includes adventurous activities, you may also need extra gear. The dress code is casual during the day, but smart casual attire is recommended for evenings on board the ship.

Vietnam and Cambodia are conservative countries, so please dress accordingly. As a general guideline, shoulders and knees should be covered when entering religious buildings or family homes. When visiting temples and pagodas, you may be required to remove your shoes. We recommend wearing shoes that are easy to take off, along with temple socks for added comfort.

Vietnam’s official currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). When travelling in Vietnam, it’s recommended to use Dong, as it is more widely accepted at smaller markets and stores, especially along the Mekong River. However, US dollars are also commonly accepted and may offer a favourable exchange rate when converting to local currency.

The official currency of Cambodia is the Cambodian Riel (KHR); however, US dollars are widely accepted and often preferred for most transactions. When withdrawing money from an ATM in Cambodia, US dollars will typically be dispensed. It is advisable to carry smaller denominations of US dollars as it can sometimes be difficult to get change for larger bills. Coins are not commonly used in Cambodia, and most transactions are conducted in paper currency.