Welcome to OUT Adventures
Gay owned OUT Adventures and Intrepid Travel have partnered together to provide a comfortable travel environment for not only for gay and lesbian travellers,
but also their friends and family who want to experience the world at the grassroots level with like-minded people. Go on, Get OUT and experience the real world.
Cambodia is a magic country, not just because of its magnificent monuments. You will be enchanted by its warm, friendly and hospitable people. You will visit the main sights of Phnom Penh and make the most of your time by flying to Siem Reap where you will marvel at the awe-inspiring temple complex of Angkor.
Style
Trip Map
Itinerary
Culture Shock Rating
Physical Rating
Gay Rating
Physical Preparation
Included Activities
Optional Activities
Spending Money
Important Notes
Accommodation
Sua s'dei! Welcome to Cambodia.
You are met on arrival at Phnom Penh Airport and transferred to your hotel (transfers cannot be arranged on arrival, please advise Intrepid of your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to departure).
In the afternoon (if arrival time permits), you take a sightseeing tour of the city which includes the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, the National Museum and Wat Phnom Pagoda.
The Royal Palace was inaugurated in 1919 by King Sisowath and there are a collection of interesting royal artefacts inside which give an insight into Cambodia's regal past - check out the rather interesting iron house in the courtyard, which was given to King Norodom by Napoleon III of France.
The Silver Pagoda reflects the brilliance of Khmer civilization, boasting a shimmering floor covered in over 5,000 silver tiles, each weighing 1 kg each. This amazing structure also houses the priceless Emerald Buddha, believed to be made of Baccarat crystal, as well as gold, bronze and diamond-encrusted Buddha statues.
The National Museum contains the world's finest collection of Khmer art, as well as relics which pre-date the classical Angkorian period. Look out for the fine statue of Jayavarman VII, the king who built the enigmatic temples of Ta Prohm, Preah Khan, Angkor Thom and the Bayon which we will see in the Angkor complex later.
Wat Phnom is an ancient monastery situated upon the only hill in the city. According to legend, it was founded by a Khmer woman who found four Buddha statues in a tree trunk on the very site and today, it remains a symbol of the city.
Meals included: None
Overnight: Amanjaya Hotel or similar
This is a superior tourist-class property located on the river front.
In the morning after breakfast, you explore the colourful Russian and Central Markets. In the afternoon, continue your tour to Toul Sleng Museum for Genocidal Crime before being transferred to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap (included) - the flight is unaccompanied. You are met on arrival at Siem Reap Airport and transferred to your hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight: FCC Angkor Hotel
Overlooking the Siem Reap River, the FCC Angkor sits at the heart of the charming colonial town of Siem Reap and is within walking distance of the local market and many restaurants and cafes. Once the old French Ambassador's mansion, the building has been renovated so the classic French decor embraces modern chic creating an atmosphere of refined luxury and casual elegance. This is a place where you can dip your toes into the salt-water swimming pool, determine your own path through a magnificent maze of mysterious temples, and stand in awe of the mighty Angkorean Empire. For contemporary inspiration, retreat to the Visaya Spa, the full-service salon, where you can relax with a rejuvenating massage - bliss!
After breakfast, begin your explorations of the Angkor Complex with a visit to the Rolous group of temples, which are among the earliest permanent temples built by the Khmer Empire and which mark the beginning of Khmer classical art. Your visit includes the temples of Preah Ko, Bakong and Lolei. The most impressive of the three is Prasat Bakong, a five-stepped pyramid temple dedicated to King Indravarman. The corners of the pyramid feature statues of elephants and crouching lions guard the steps.
In the afternoon, you visit the temple of Ta Prohm, which has been deliberately left to the ravages of the jungle, looking much the same as it would have when French explorers discovered it over a century ago. The temple is cloaked in dappled shadow, its crumbling towers and walls locked in slow embrace with vast root systems of silk cotton and strangler fig trees, and many would consider this the most photogenic of all the temples in the Angkor complex. Afterwards, you climb to the hilltop temple of Phnom Pakheng to watch the sun set over this timeless land.
On day 4, you visit the fortified Royal City of Angkor Thom, constructed by King Jayavarman VII at the end of the 12th century. It covers over 10 sq km and is surrounded by a massive perimeter wall and a moat with five monumental gates. The entrance causeway has 54 demon heads on one side and 54 gods on the other side, providing a stunning welcome. The most important monuments are located in the centre of the city - the Bayon, Baphuon and the Terrace of Elephants. The highlight of Angkor Thom is undoubtedly The Bayon, photographs of which adorn everything you've ever seen about Cambodia! It has a total of 54 towers elaborately decorated with over 200 enigmatic smiling faces - so no matter where you look, there are always faces there watching you.
This afternoon is reserved for your visit to Angkor Wat, with its soaring towers and extraordinary bas-reliefs. Considered by many to be one of the most inspired and spectacular monuments ever built, the awe-inspiring site is surrounded by a huge glistening moat and is one of the few structures that appear more impressive in real life than in any photograph. Angkor Wat was constructed between 1112 and 1152 by King Suryavarman II and dedicated to Vishnu, the Hindu god of preservation. There is also a belief that it is actually dedicated to the king himself as the temple faces west, representing death. The layout and scale of the temple complex is simply breath-taking - the wall surrounding the enclosure measures 1,000 x 800 m and the moat is 200 m wide. The five towers which dominate the scene are said to represent the five peaks of Mt Meru, the mythical home of the omnipotent Hindu deity Shiva. Beautiful bas-reliefs and carvings adorn the inner sanctuaries depicting various Hindu mythological epics, including the longest continuous bas-relief in the world which runs along the outer gallery walls. You return to your hotel after watching the sun set over Angkor Wat.
Note: the steps to the upper levels of Angkor Wat are extremely steep and narrow. Unless you are sure-footed with a good head for heights, we do not recommend climbing up.
Your sightseeing on day 5 includes Banteay Srei, which was built in the late 10th century and is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. Small and wonderfully well-preserved, the pinkish sandstone structure boasts age-old elaborate carvings and bas-reliefs which might be among the best you'll ever see.
Later, trek to Kbal Spean, a spectacularly carved riverbed set deep in the jungle. It's a steep 1.5 km uphill walk to the carvings, so make sure you have suitable footwear and carry plenty of water. (If you do not wish to visit Kbal Spean please advise your guide on day 3).
In the afternoon, you take in Pre Rup, the Eastern Mebon, Neak Pean and Preah Khan.
Please note our guides will always try to amend our temple programs according to the needs of the client, especially during the summer months when it is unbearably hot for many guests.
Meals included: 3 Breakfasts
Overnight: FCC Angkor Hotel
After breakfast, depending on the departure time of your flight, you may have time to visit the Siem Reap Market and the workshops of Artisans d'Angkor (for wood and stone carvings) before your transfer to the airport for your departure flight (please advise Intrepid of your flight departure details at time of booking).
Meals included: Breakfast
After the trip: Your feedback is important to us. We have made many trip changes over the years based on past traveller feedback. So if you want to tell us anything, from how great the service was at a particular hotel or how delicious an included meal was or if you have any improvement suggestions then please go to www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback
We'll even give you 5% off your next Intrepid trip if you fill in feedback within 4 weeks. Thanks!
The itinerary attached is correct at time of printing. Please note: occasionally our itineraries are updated during the year to incorporate improvements stemming from past travelers' comments and our own research. Our brochure is usually released in November each year. As such the information given in this itinerary may be slightly different to that in the brochure. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you print and review a final copy of your Trip Notes a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans. For the latest updated Trip Notes please visit our website: www.out-adventures.com
The trip includes a range of accommodation, such as basic hotels with western facilities or overnight trains. Days of being on the move are well interspersed, communication with the outside world is ever-present and a wide variety of food is commonly available.
You are required to carry your pack on and off trains and buses, up hotel steps, etc. Your itinerary may include easy paced walks or bike rides, but these are on mainly flat ground.
This is a list of included activities on this trip. All other activities are optional and at your own expense.
For a list of optional activities and sightseeing available on this trip, see the optional activities section below.
If you choose not to participate in the included activities on this itinerary, the cost will not be refunded.
Arrival Airport Transfers in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, Departure Transfer
Sightseeing including Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum and Wat Phnom Pagoda - Phnom Penh
Sightseeing including Russian and Central Markets - Phnom Penh
Tuol Sleng Museum Entry - Phnom Penh
Flight from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
Sightseeing of Angkor Temples - Siem Reap
All optional activities are entirely your choice and are not included in price of this trip. The following is not an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only.
If you are happy with the services provided by your local guides and drivers a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Intrepid destinations.
Restaurants: round your bill up to the nearest US$1.
Local guides: We recommend US$1-US$2 per day for local guides.
Drivers: A base of US$0.5 per day would be appropriate.
Local transport: Local transport includes cyclos, and xe-om (motors). For a city tour by cyclo or xe-om we suggest US$1 per day.
Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, Phnom Penh - US$2
Transport to Killing Fields of of Choeung Ek, Phnom Penh - US$10
Boat trip on Tonle Sap lake, Siem Reap - US$3 (transport additional)
Tuk tuk to Tonle Sap lake, Siem Reap - US$10
Khmer cultural performance and dinner, Siem Reap - US$12
Landmine Museum, Siem Reap - US$1
Every traveler is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travelers may drink more than others while other travelers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping, participating in optional activities and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
We offer this trip staying at the Cambodiana Hotel in Phnom Penh and the FCC Angkor Hotel in Siem Reap. If you would prefer to stay in a boutique hotel in Phnom Penh we can book a single or double room at the Amanjaya Hotel instead (they do not have twin rooms). Please advise us of your preference at time of booking. Unless otherwise advised, the Cambodiana Hotel will be booked.
Please note: This is an independent itinerary which is operated on behalf of Intrepid by a local operator. This tour is not escorted by an Intrepid leader. All the information given in this itinerary is intended as a guide only. Intrepid Travel or their agent cannot be held responsible for any changes that may occur due to local conditions or circumstances beyond their control. This includes festivals and public holidays that may effect the itinerary. NO REFUND IS AVAILABLE ON ANY UNUSED PART OF THIS ITINERARY.
Maximum of 12 travellers per group
First class hotel (1 nt), boutique hotel (4 nts)Additional accommodation can be arranged at the start of finish of this trip in our standard rooms or in an upgraded deluxe or suite room. Upgrades are available for additional accommodation only. During the course of the trip rooms will all be in 'standard room' only - no upgrades are available.
Please keep in mind that accommodation as shown in the itinerary is subject to availability at time of booking. The closest available alternative will be substituted if our first choice hotels are not available. Deductions or supplements may be applied to the trip price as a result.
While travelling with us you will experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Generally, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where and what to eat, not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. Please check the 'meal inclusions' section below for details of meals included.
Allow USD $100 for meals not included.
5 Breakfasts
Plane, private vehicles
Intrepid Short Break Adventures are not accompanied by an Intrepid Group Leader.
Local guides may be used on some itineraries.
Amanjaya Hotel
1 Street 154
Sisowath Quay
Phnom Penh
Cambodia
Phone: (855 23) 214 747
Fax: (855 23) 219 545
The complimentary arrival transfer is included on day 1 of this trip. Transfers cannot be arranged on arrival. Please advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your departure. If you plan to arrive earlier, this arrival transfer can only be offered in conjunction with pre-tour accommodation booked through Intrepid. Intrepid provides one complimentary arrival transfer per booking even if clients are arriving at different times. Our local representative will be holding a sign with your name when you exit the airport terminal. If for any reason you cannot locate the person please call the local operator (phone numbers provided on your voucher).
Normal check in time at the hotel is after 14:00.
Rooms have wooden floors, rosewood furniture and silk Cambodian style fabrics. Double beds only. Located close to the National Museum and Royal Palace.
We don't expect any problems (and nor should you!) but if for any reason you are unable to commence your group trip as scheduled, please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader.
If you have pre-booked an airport transfer (where available) and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions in the Trip Notes. Should this occur, please apply to your travel agent for a refund of the transfer cost on your return.
No refund is available on missed transfers or portions of your trip owing to a different flight arrival or delayed flight arrival. Any additional cost incurred in order to meet up with your group is at your own expense.
FCC Angkor Hotel
Pokambor Avenue
Next to the Royal Residence
Siem Reap
Cambodia
Phone: + 855 63 760 280
Fax: + 855 63 760 281
Overlooking Siem Reap River, the FCC Angkor sits at the heart of the charming colonial town of Siem Reap and is within walking distance of the local market and many restaurants and cafes. Renovated from the old French Ambassador's mansion, classic French decor embraces modern chic to create an atmosphere of refined luxury and casual elegance - a place to dip your toes into the salt-water swimming pool, to determine your own path through a magnificent maze of mysterious temples, and stand in awe of the mighty Angkorean Empire. For contemporary inspiration, retreat to the Visaya Spa, our full-service salon. Relax with the pampering touch of a rejuvenating massage. Tranquil bliss awaits.
A complimentary departure transfer is included on the last day of this trip. Please advise your flight details at least 14 days prior to your trip. If you plan to leave later, this departure transfer can only be offered in conjunction with post-tour accommodation booked through Intrepid. Intrepid provides one complimentary departure transfer per booking even if clients are departing at different times.
Normal check out time is 12 noon. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel.
A complimentary departure transfer is included on the last day of this trip. Please advise your flight details at least 14 days prior to your trip. If you plan to leave later, this departure transfer can only be offered in conjunction with post-tour accommodation booked through Intrepid. Intrepid provides one complimentary departure transfer per booking even if clients are departing at different times.
Normal check out time is 12 noon. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel.
In the case of a genuine crisis or emergency, Intrepid's Cambodia Office can be reached on Tel: +855 92 555969. For all other enquiries please contact our Reservations department which is open 24 hours, 6 days per week. For further contact details please use the following page: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/.
Please also make sure you have access to an additional USD$400, to be used when unforeseen incidents or circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster, civil unrest or an outbreak of bird flu) necessitate a change to our planned route.
Please note that visas are the responsibility of the individual traveler. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change.
It is important that you check for yourself.
Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your return date. Be sure to check the date you require a visa from and the length of time you will need to cover, especially if you change countries during your trip.
A visa is required for all nationalities. You can obtain your Cambodian visa in advance from your home country, please check with your closest Cambodian embassy and allow a few weeks for this. It is also possible to get your Cambodian visa in advance in Bangkok, please allow extra time (minimum 1 full working day) in Bangkok to do this. Approx. cost is USD30 from Bangkok. You can also, if required, obtain your Cambodian visa on arrival at the border crossing or airport for approximately USD25 - please bring one passport photo (Cost subject to change without notice from the Cambodian Government).
If your point of contact is requested, please write: Freedom Hotel, Road #6, Siem Reap, Cambodia. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months AFTER your entry date into the country or you may be denied entry at the border.
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. In addition, laundry services can be found outside our hotel in all major cities. There may be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non polluting/biodegradable soap.
What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking you should pack as lightly as possible. On the vast majority of our trips you are expected to carry your own luggage and although you will not be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes) we recommend keeping the weight under 10kg/22lb.
Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for daytrips.
The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments. Please avoid the purchase of bottled water by bringing and using a water purification method. Some of the options are:
Water purification tablets available from camping stores or pharmacies eg. Micropur.
2% tincture of iodine available from pharmacies - used at 4 drops per litre of water and left for at least 20 minutes. Longer in very cold weather.
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.
The following checklist is to be used as a guide only and is not intended to be a complete packing list. Any other items that you wish to pack are at your own discretion however you should attempt to comply with the suggested luggage weight limit.
Travel documents: passport, visas, travel insurance certificate, air tickets, Intrepid voucher
Health requirements arranged
Money: traveller's cheques/cash/credit card and money pouch
Day pack to carry your personal needs during the day
First aid kit (including Antihistamines)
Medication/prescriptions (it is a good idea to have a doctors letter if you are carrying a large amount of medication), travel sickness tablets if required
Prescription glasses and contact lens solution if required
Alarm clock
Torch/flashlight
Travel plug/international adapter
Insect repellent
Refillable water bottle and water purification method
Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
Swimming costume
Lightweight travel towel
Ear plugs/eye mask
Comfortable walking shoes
Local language phrase book (mp3 language downloads available from www.intrepidtravel.com/languageguides)
Camera, film and/or memory cards with spare batteries
Personal audio player with spare batteries
Raincoat/umbrella
Waterproof jacket
Tampons can be difficult to buy in Cambodia
Currency exchange rates often fluctuate. For the most up to date rates please refer to the following website: www.oanda.com.
Generally the most convenient and cheapest way to obtain local currency in Asia is via an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) or Bancomat - this can draw from your home account or from a credit card (debit card) at a superior exchange rate. Most ATM's will also give you a cash advance on your credit card but be wary of high fees imposed by banks. Check with your bank for information on their international fees. When leaving home don't forget your PIN and make sure you know the telephone number for cancelling your card if it is stolen. Keep this in a safe place. Please ensure you have advised your bank of your intended travel and withdrawal locations. While traveller's cheques have security advantages exchanging them can be a lengthy process, commissions can be high (up to 10%) and they can be difficult to change in rural areas, on weekends and public holidays. If you choose to bring travellers cheques, make sure they are a major brand and major currency.
Please note that most establishments in Asia will not accept foreign currency notes that are old, torn or faded and they can be very difficult to exchange or extra fees added when exchanging at banks. Please ensure that you have new, clean notes.
Cambodia: Officially the Cambodian Riel (KHR) is the unit of currency. Unofficially however, US currency (USD) runs the country and is the currency you should bring, mostly in cash. Clean bills in small denominations are most useful. Notes should be 2000 series onwards. Traveller's cheques can be difficult to change. The use of credit cards is restricted, mainly to major hotels. Visa cash advances are available in major banks, and ATM's are appearing in larger cities.
Please allow US$25 for International departure tax from Cambodia and US$6 for Domestic departure tax.
If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend email. Email cafes are generally available throughout the regions we visit, although it is possible you may be without email contact for several days on some itineraries. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our emergency contact details. We don't recommend that family and friends try to contact you through hotels, as they are subject to change and the reception staff may not speak English.
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 our local partner 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/local partner may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case please ask the leader if you may 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 but we do ask you to be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is complete.
All OUT Adventures travelers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully in the group travel experience.
If, in the opinion of our group leader, any traveler is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or
the rest of the group, OUT Adventures reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. We therefore
ask that you read the itinerary in these Trip Notes thoroughly and then realistically self-assess your physical ability to complete
the trip as described. Please consult with your doctor if you have any doubts.
There are no specific health requirements for this trip. However, you should consult your doctor for up-to-date information and prescriptions for vaccinations, travel sickness tablets, anti-malarial requirements and any reasonably foreseeable illnesses before your departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements (including a spare pair of glasses) as we do travel to areas that are away from medical facilities. Please be aware that for legal reasons any leaders/guides are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets and antibiotics. Please ensure that you are adequately prepared.
Please contact us at help@intrepidtravel.com should you require any clarification on what is involved on your itinerary. For travellers over 70 years a completed Intrepid Medical certificate is required.
Intrepid is very aware of the health issues raised by bird flu and SARS and these have been taken into consideration for all aspects of the trip you are about to take. Intrepid reserve the right to make last minute changes to any itinerary in the very unlikely occurrence that an area should suddenly be deemed to be unsafe because of an outbreak of bird flu, SARS or other disease.
International hospital at SIEM REAP:
RAH - Royal Angkor International Hospital
Kasekam Village, Sra Nge Commune, Siem Reap District, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Tel: 063 761 888
SOS International Clinic, PHNOM PENH:
House 161, Street 51, Phnom Penh,
Tel: 855-23-216 911.
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel.
We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure.
Please refer to our website's Safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues
affecting our trips: www.out-adventures.com/safety.
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport,
air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelry at home - you won't need it while travelling.
Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables.
A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities however
during your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure.
While your group leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional
activities you undertake are not part of your OUT Adventures itinerary, and OUT Adventures makes no representations
about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when
selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel
any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. For more details on the type of conditions
and safety standards you can expect on your trip, please refer to OUT Adventures' operational safety policy at
www.out-adventures.com/safety.
We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any
feedback on how well it is being implemented in the field.
Please be aware that while travelling there is the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy areas. 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, including keeping an eye on any luggage that is put underneath the seats or on overhead racks. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing.
Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities differ from those in the western world and not all the accommodation which we use on this trip has fire exits, smoke alarms or fire extinguishers.
Depending on where you come from please note that drivers in this part of the world may drive on the opposite side of the road from what you are used to. Look both ways before crossing any road. Traffic can be a little more chaotic than you might be used to at home. Be aware on the roads and even small streets and alleyways. Vehicles find their ways into impossibly small passages leaving no room for both you and the traffic. Traffic can be very noisy and horns are used to signal turning, overtaking and to announce going through intersections.
While life jackets are available on water craft in Asia, there may be occasions where child size life jackets are not readily available. If travelling with children and this safety issue concerns you we will be able to advise alternative methods of transport (where available) for you to travel to the next destination. You can choose to travel independently for this leg of the journey. This would be at your own expense.
With the exception of our Comfort and In Style trips, our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers share with people of the same sex for the duration of the trip, in accommodation ranging from twin to multi-share. Please note some of our itineraries have accommodation booked on a mixed gender share basis - where applicable this will be specified in our Trip Notes. On our Comfort & In Style trips you have the choice of sharing or paying a single supplement. Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre- and post-trip accommodation will be booked on a single room basis.
We believe strongly in low impact, or rather, positive impact tourism. Broadly speaking this means that we try to minimize the negative aspects of tourism on the local cultures and environments that we visit and highlight the positive aspects. Please refer to our website at www.out-adventures.com/responsibletravel for further details and suggestions on how you can be a responsible traveler.
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for OUT Adventures travelers. OUT Adventures' philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make our destinations such special places. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.
All OUT Adventures travelers are required to sign a Participation Form on day 1 of the trip. Please note that signing the form is a prerequisite of travelling with OUT Adventures. The wording of this form follows: "I understand that travelling with OUT Adventures may involve risks (and rewards) above and beyond those encountered on a more conventional holiday, and that I am undertaking an adventure trip with inherent dangers. I understand that I am travelling to geographical areas where, amongst other things, the standard of accommodation, transport, safety, hygiene, cleanliness, medical facilities, telecommunications and infrastructure development may not be of the standard I am used to at home or would find on a conventional holiday. I have read and understood the OUT Adventures Trip Notes for the trip I am undertaking and have provided details of any pre-existing medical conditions I have to OUT Adventures' representatives.
I accept these risks and obligations and I fully assume the risks of travel. I release OUT Adventures from any liabilities connected to these risks to the maximum extent permitted by law."
After your travels, we want to hear from you! This is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 4 weeks of finishing your trip. Go to: www.out-adventures.com/feedback
Thanks
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