Ultimate Southeast Asia

Complete Your Checklist Before heading to the airport, complete the tasks below and check them off in your Online Account Checklist. If you have any questions, give us a call at 617-619-1411. We’re available 24/7 to make sure you have the Best. Trip. Ever.

Travel Documents

• Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months past the end of your travels

  Visa:

• Vietnam A single entry eVisa is required to enter Vietnam. It costs $25 and can be obtained here.

• Cambodia Travelers entering Cambodia must purchase an eVisa. It can take 3 days to approve and costs $36. You can find the application here.

• Laos Travelers must obtain an eVisa to enter Laos. The visa calls $50. Approval can take 3 days and you can apply from 60 until 5 days prior to your arrival. The application can be found here.

  Electronic Travel Authorization:

• Cambodia All travelers required to submit an electronic arrival card at least 7 days before arrival. Tablets are available at the airport for those who can't do it prior to entry. You may submit the request here.

• Thailand: Starting May 1st, 2025, all foreign nationals entering Thailand by air, land, or sea must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) electronically at least 3 days before arrival. The form can be completed here.

• Travel Insurance: While travel insurance is not required, we strongly encourage all travelers to obtain coverage before departure. Check out cost-effective Travel Protection, designed to meet the needs of EF travelers, here.

• Health Insurance: You will need to carry your primary insurance card with you while overseas. This is a critical item in the event of a medical emergency.

Tour Preparation

• Talk with your doctor: It is highly recommended that you talk with your doctor about your travel plans. If you are taking any medications, be certain to bring enough to last throughout your trip.
• Traveling with allergies? Let your Trip Consultant and Tour Director know of any dietary restrictions/allergies and we will do what we can to accommodate for any included meals.
• Request a roommate: Double-check with us and your Tour Director that they have your rooming status on file. We will assign a roommate for you if you do not submit a specific request.
• Get an international data plan: We recommend getting an international data plan for your mobile device so you can stay connected while on the road. Please talk with your phone provider for your best options.
  • Wi-Fi will be in some hotels, restaurants, and bars, though charges may apply and it may be slower than in the U.S.
  • Wi-Fi is not available on the bus.
• Get the EF Ultimate Break app: Your trip's group will be able to connect on the app before you meet IRL. Don't miss out! Meet other travelers, get updates from your Tour Director, see flights and accommodations, and more. If you're having trouble, give us a call at 617-619-1411.

Flight Preparation Check your online account 30 days prior to departure for your flight itinerary and confirmation number. You can check in to your flight 24 hours prior to departure. If you prefer to check in at the airport, plan to arrive 2.5 – 3 hours before departure.

• If your flight is canceled or delayed: Don’t worry! We design the first day of tour as an arrival day in case of flight delays or cancellations. Work with the airline to get rebooked on the next available flight, then let your Tour Director know your new arrival time
• If you slept in and missed your flight: You should still talk to the airline and see if they can get you on the next available option. Tears may help in this case.
• Travel from the U.S. to Asia is a lengthy process (20 – 30+ hours travel time total), so prepare for your long flight. Download movies ahead of time, bring that book you’ve been meaning to read, and get some sleep! When flying, we suggest occasionally getting up to stretch, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated!

Arriving in Hanoi Welcome to Vietnam! Your Tour Director will communicate through the EF Ultimate Break app, WhatsApp, or email about where to meet them at the airport. This is an important reason to make sure you have the EF Ultimate Break app!

If you have booked your own flight arrangements or have extended your travels before the tour dates, you will need to make your own way to the first hotel. Accommodation details will be available in your online account 30 days prior to departure.

Getting from A to B Transfers between cities and countries are via bus, boat, or flight, and these transfers can take anywhere between 2-8 hours. You’ll also receive a public transportation pass in most major cities where necessary. Transportation in cities that offer no pass may require more walking. Prepare to walk between 4-8 miles per day, especially when sightseeing.

If you are prone to sea-sickness or motion-sickness, we recommend bringing Dramamine! Roads are winding and you will be spending a lot of time on boats.

General Recommendations

There’s a difference between maximizing your time and spreading yourself too thin. Here are some tips to stay healthy and happy on tour:

• Sleep: Flying across the globe, changing time zones, and being constantly on the move can take a toll on your body. Make sure you get the rest your body needs. If that means missing a night out for some well-earned rest, or having a little afternoon siesta, so be it. This is a marathon, not a sprint.
• Stay hydrated: It’s important to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Be prepared: We recommend bringing a small first aid kit including antacids, anti-diarrhea medication, motion sickness medication, and any prescription medications in your carry-on bag.
• Take time for yourself: Group travel is an amazing experience, and there’s nothing quite like exploring a foreign country with a group of like-minded people. That said, it’s okay to take time for yourself to relax and reflect on your experience. Here are a few mindfulness apps you can take with you on the road:
  • Insight Timer: Meditation apps are very in right now. This one is especially amazing because there are 80,000 free daily meditations to help with sleep, anxiety, and stress.
  • What’s Up: If you’re feeling anxious, depressed, or stressed, What’s Up can help you manage these feelings with interactive games, forums, and a thought tracking diary.
  • Talkspace: No need to make appointments or commute to a therapist’s office. Talkspace gives you 24/7 access to real, licensed therapists. You can talk, text, or video chat with them right from your phone.

Destination-Specific Information There are no major health risks associated with traveling to Southeast Asia. However, we recommend you consult your physician or local travel clinic, and the CDC (Center for Disease Control) at lease 60 days prior to departure for the latest updates and vaccine / entry requirements.

• Consult your doctor or healthcare provider at least 60 days prior to departure for the latest updates and entry / vaccine requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
• Drink bottled water only. Avoid tap water even when brushing your teeth or showering.
• Avoid fresh fruits and vegetables UNLESS they’re cooked, washed in clean water, or peeled.
• Take proper care with sun exposure. The sun is very strong in some of the areas you are visiting.
• Public restrooms can be quite bare. We suggest carrying bathroom tissue and hand sanitizer with you.

With a global presence of more than 46,000 people in over 115 countries and regions, we’re fully committed to your safety. From your first flight all the way through to your farewell dinner, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Tour Director or your Trip Consultant if you need a helping hand. Keep these extra tips in mind so you can #travelsmart:

• Keep your bag/purse in front of you and your phone zipped inside when you’re not using it. Leave your laptop at home, store valuables at the hotel in locked luggage or the safe deposit box. Refrain from carrying large sums of money or wearing valuable jewelry.
• You may see a number of stray dogs, and be aware that many carry fleas or rashes. It may be tempting to care for the dogs, but remain vigilant if you do so!
• You’ll see a lot of monkeys and they may seem cute, but they’re actually quite rude and sometimes aggressive. They may try to grab your belongings looking for food, so keep a strong hold of your stuff if you see a monkey nearby!
• Use the buddy system. Stay in groups and watch out for each other, especially at night—no one gets left behind!
• Be smart about alcohol consumption. Watch your drinks and don’t accept drinks from people you don’t know. Don’t leave the bar alone with someone you just met.
• Before you go out, grab a business card at your hotel so that you always have the address handy for getting back later.
• At the end of a night out, use trusted transportation like a licensed taxi and always have cash on hand.
• Save our 24/7 number in your phone: +1–617–619–1411.

For weight and size restrictions please refer to your airline’s website. Flight information will be available 30 days prior to departure in your online account. Below you'll find some critical packing information and suggestions.

• The most important piece of advice we can give you: Pack light! Your international airline ticket does include a checked bag, but years of customer feedback tells us a carry-on is the way to go. You may need to carry your suitcase where buses and elevators cannot, so make sure you are comfortable carrying everything you bring yourself.
  • Stick to a carry-on. We really can't stress this one enough. There are a lot of flights and boat rides on this trip that you'll have to navigate with luggage. It can also be difficult to haul luggage around in places with less-developed roadways, such as Laos.
  • You've probably heard the hacks about rolling clothes and using packing cubes a million times, but there's a reason for that! It really does help.
  • If you choose to pack all of your toiletries, don't bring your regular-sized bottles from home. Offload some of that into travel-sized containers.
  • Choose your luggage wisely. We recommend a roller carry-on bag and a backpack as your personal item.
  • Choose shoes carefully as well. They're some of the bulkiest items you can pack, so we recommend a good pair of walking shoes and a pair of climate-appropriate shoes (boots or sandals depending on the destination and time of year). We also recommend a pair of closed-toe water shoes if your itinerary has any water activities.
  • Make a packing list of must-haves and stick to it. If you have a little extra space in your bags once all your must-haves are packed, then consider adding in a few nice extras.
• Unfortunately, luggage can get lost. It’s a painful situation no matter what, but here are tips to ease some of the hassle:
  • DO NOT put important medications in a checked bag. If your luggage is lost, this could become a dangerous issue.
  • Even if you put most of your clothes in a checked bag, put a couple outfits in your carry-on along with your toiletries.
  • If you are forced to check you carry-on at the gate, be sure to remove essentials and valuables before handing it over.
• Carefully review TSA restrictions when packing. There are a number of items not allowed in your carry-on and liquids have certain restrictions.
• Check out the local weather; we haven't figured out how to control the weather yet so best to be prepared and plan accordingly.
• Don't forget: Outlets overseas can differ from the US, so be sure to pack the right power adapters/converters!
• BUG SPRAY AND SUNSCREEN. This has been a PSA.

Budgeting Budget around $60-$80 per day for meals, drinks, souvenirs, and tips or extra activities.

Remember that you know your spending habits best and not everyone’s spending habits are the same. These recommendations are based on a traveler who says yes to any and all activities while on tour.

Currencies

• Vietnam: Vietnamese dong (VND)
• Cambodia: Cambodian riel (KHR)
• Laos: Laotian kip (LAK)
• Thailand: Thai baht (THB)

Managing Money

• Though each country has its own currency, USD is widely accepted in many places. That being said, it's very important that the bills are in good condition. Bills with markings or even tiny tears may be denied.
• Cash is king, but you should take debit and credit cards with you to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
• You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but be wary of fees.
• A 10% tip or less at restaurants or for taxis is common throughout Southeast Asia, so try to carry small bills with you.
• Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.

Tipping

• Throughout your tour, you will have one Tour Director who travels with you from start to finish. We recommend tipping them $10-$12 per day at the end of the trip.
• In Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, you will also have a local Tour Director. We recommend tipping $4-6 per day at the end of your time with them.
• For bus drivers, we recommend tipping $2-3 per day at the end of the trip.
• For local guides that accompany you on excursions, we recommend tipping $2-$3 at the end of the excursion.

Though the countries of Southeast Asia each have their own cultures, histories, and traditions, you will find some similarities between them. Here are some expert tips to help you understand the ins and outs, and feel like a true local:

• The head is considered a sacred body part, and the feet are the least. Out of respect, never touch anyone in the head and never point at anything with your feet.
• You may see monks begging, especially in busy cities like Bangkok. However, Monks are not allowed to beg for money or food so if you see this, it means this person is posing as a monk.
• You may be asked to remove your shoes in certain homes, restaurants, or temples. It is a rule of etiquette to abide by this request.
• Street food is safe, and it’s delicious! Try to stick with vendors that have a long line to make sure you’re getting the best of the best.
• Grab is the equivalent of Uber in Southeast Asia. You can use this app to order a ride, and it’s a safe and reliable way to get around!
• Especially at the markets, if something doesn’t have a visible price tag you can try to barter! A good starting point is half the cost the merchant suggests.
• Chopsticks are a staple of Asian cuisine and culture. Attempting to use chopsticks instead of western cutlery will earn you some respect with the locals, but be wary of using chopsticks to point at someone, poke at food, or play them like musical instruments - these are all signs of disrespect.

Guaranteed to put your town’s local restaurant to shame, prepare to dive into a fusion of ancient tradition and modern practices that is the gastronomical paradise of Southeast Asia. Read on for some delicacies you must try.

• Phở (Vietnam): If there's only one Vietnamese dish people know, it's almost always pho. And with good reason; it's a classic rice noodle dish with an herbaceous broth.
• Bánh mì (Vietnam): This sandwich often comprised of pate, pork, pickled veggies, coriander, and chilis is a staple of Vietnamese street food.
• Gỏi cuốn (Vietnam): Spring rolls of shrimp, pork, and fresh veggies wrapped up in a rice paper package.
• Bánh xèo (Vietnam): Rice batter cooked like a crepe, but folded like a taco, and loaded with pork belly, shrimp, bean sprouts, and mung beans. Not to mention the fish sauce with garlic and red pepper to dip it in.
• Fish amok (Cambodia): Fish with coconut milk and curry paste steamed in banana leaves.
• Lok lak (Cambodia): Stir-fried beef served with pepper sauce and rice.
• Nom banh chok (Cambodia): Often eaten to start the day, these rice noodles are loaded with vegetables.
• Larb (Laos): A “salad”, but really it’s a mixture of meat or mushroom and mint; NOT recommended for those with low tolerance to spice.
• Laos sausages (Laos): Stuffed with lemongrass, galangal, kaffir leaves, shallots, cilantro, chillies, and fish sauce, these sausages are unlike those you may've had before.
• Guay Teow (Thailand): AKA, noodle soup. This is one of the most popular Thai dishes and you can find it almost everywhere.
• Pad Thai (Thailand): You know this one… When in Rome, right?
• Pad See Ew (Thailand): A thick noodle dish, pad see ew consists of wide rice noodles stir-fried in dark soy sauce mixed with chicken, pork, or beef plus Chinese broccoli or cabbage.
• Khao Pad (Thailand): Fried rice. A fan favorite
• Panang (Thailand): Or, Thai curry. This is a bit milder than other curries in Thailand, which is what makes it so popular.

The Mekong River, often referred to as the Lifeblood of Southeast Asia, is vital to this region of the world. It connects 6 different countries, and it'll serve as your path from Laos to Thailand. This is truly an adventure and a unique experience, but there are some things you should know in advance.

• For two days, you will board a boat early in the morning and dock in a new destination late in the afternoon where you will spend the night in a hotel.
• The towns you'll be staying, particularly Pak Beng, are very remote and have limited resources. This means that electricity may be shut off after a certain hour, typically around 9:00pm.
• While there are some stops and organized activities on board, be prepared for a lot of downtime. Consider bringing things like books or playing cards to pass the time.
• We've mentioned packing Dramamine for this trip a couple times already if you're prone to motion sickness. But we'll stress it again: BRING DRAMAMINE IF YOU MIGHT NEED IT.
• Have your portable chargers handy to keep your phone juiced up for photos, as there aren't outlets on board.
• There is no Wi-Fi on the boat and cell service will likely be spotty.

If you did not purchase EF Ultimate Break Optional Excursions before the trip began, you can log into your Online Account and do so on tour. You can also talk to your Tour Director on tour and they can help you get enrolled. If you’d like to plan something else during your free time, connect with your Tour Director before doing so; they sometimes arrange extra activities for the group during free time.

Prices for these optional excursions will increase on tour, so please check your online account for available add-ons.

Throughout Thailand, there are many elephant experiences operating as 'sanctuaries' - we only include visits to such places if they meet the most stringent standards for animal protection as outlined by World Animal Protection. This means we don't feed, bathe, or pet elephants. Your participation in our elephant program ensures that these gentle giants remain happy and healthy.

If you’re considering visiting other elephant sanctuaries, or feeding and bathing elephants while in Thailand on one of our itineraries, we recommend you familiarize yourself with WAP guidelines to make the best possible choice.