Vietnam of today is a youthful nation fueled by the desire for modernisation and commercialisation while protective of its traditional past. In the stoic political capital of Hanoi in the north and vibrant cosmopolitan Ho Chi Minh City in the south, observing modern cities in the making. But along small streets, like those in the Old Quarter in Hanoi, you will still find silversmiths practicing their century-old trade, far removed from the modern changes around them. The former imperial capital of Hue and the ancient port city of Hoi An offer an evocative glimpse into the country’s rich historical past.
Hanoi, Halong/Lan Ha bay, Mai Chau, Hue, Hoi An, Saigon, Mekong, Phu Quoc Island
20 Days - 19 Nights
Essential Vietnam
Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Saigon
12 Days - 11 Nights
Overview
Thailand is one of the most favorite holiday destination in Asia. It has rich historic culture, lively arts, beautiful beaches, exciting nightlife, friendly and hospitable people and with one of the best cuisines in the world makes Thailand a fascinating country to visit. Thailand also serves as a hub for Southeast Asia, is well placed to combine with other countries in the region.
Bangkok is the largest and most populous city in the country. It has more 10 million inhabitants and is known among Thais as Krung Thep which means “city of angels”.
Torn by a decade of civil war, Cambodia has only recently experienced peace and is beginning to establish itself as an attractive tourist destination. As one of the poorest countries in the world, the country has relied heavily on tourism for its economic growth. The government of Cambodia has given priority to developing the country’s cultural and eco-tourism industries to facilitate economic development and help reduce the widespread poverty.
The main tourist attraction of Cambodia is the ancient archeological ruins of Angkor, a World Heritage Site in Siem Reap.
Hanoi, Mai Chau, Lan Ha bay, Hoi An, Siem Reap, Mekong cruise and Saigon
22 Days - 21 Nights
Ancient Kingdoms of Indochina and the Siam
Chiang Rai, Siem Riep, Phom Penh, Luang Prabang
15 Days - 14 Nights
Overview
Laos, a peaceful land-locked nation, is one of Southeast Asia’s hidden gems. The stunning natural beauty of forested mountains and valleys teeming with wildlife combined with a fascinating Buddhist culture make Laos a superb destination for those seeking an adventurous and authentic cultural experience.
The tranquil capital city of Vientiane maintains a vintage charm with its faded old colonial architecture juxtaposed with ornate, gilded temples.
The best currencies to carry for changing to Lao Kip are the US dollar, Thai baht, Euros, UK pounds, and Canadian and Australian dollars.
The official national currency in Laos is the Kip (LAK). The symbol for the Lao Kip is ₭ or ₭N. The banknotes currently in circulation are 500₭, 1.000₭, 2.000₭, 5.000₭, 10.000₭, 20.000₭, 50.000₭ and 100.000₭. No coins are currently in use in Laos.
The best currencies to carry for changing to Lao Kip are the US dollar, Thai baht, Euros, UK pounds, and Canadian and Australian dollars.
USD and Thai Baht can be exchanged almost everywhere (in markets, mini markets, and smaller stores in provinces) and can pay for large purchases, while other international currencies can only be exchanged at banks and some licensed moneychangers in major towns.
Easily Exchange Currency In Laos
The exchange rate is 1 USD ~ 21.000 LAK, 1 EUR ~ 22.000 LAK, and 1 THB ~ 580 LAK.
USD and Thai Baht are widely accepted in Laos. In up-market restaurants and hotels, bills are often presented in three choices of currencies (Lao Kip, Thai Baht, and US dollars) for your convenience.
If you plan to go out to the countryside in remote areas, it’s recommended that you exchange enough of your money to Lao Kip to cover your trip as you will not find currency exchange units outside of the capital towns of provinces, and Kip might be the only currency accepted.
It’s also a good idea to carry a reasonable amount of smaller bills of Laos currency (1.000 to 20.000 Kip bills are good) when going shopping in Laos to avoid hassle because local traders (especially in the countryside) often don’t have enough change.
Most banks in Laos now offer ATMs. Lao ATMs dispense only Laos currency (LAK) and the daily limit is only up to 10.000.000 Kip (~ US $480). If you want to cash US dollar or Thai Baht or if you want to cash a large amount it is better to go into the bank and use their service. Banking hours are Monday to Friday, 08:30 to 15:30.
NOTE: Don’t be surprised if you are given sweets or candies instead of your 500 Kip change, it’s a common occurrence as 500 Kip notes sometimes run short.
