Get all your information on Olivia's Vietnam, Cambodia & Mekong Riverboat.
About Our Destination
Being LGBTQ in Vietnam/Cambodia
The Vietnamese and Cambodian cultures are widely accepting of LGBTQ lifestyles. While on our Vietnam and Cambodia trip in 2013 and 2018, the local people were very friendly to us as we made our way through their villages and cities. Whether straight or gay, public affection is not appropriate in this culture. To respect this, please refrain from outward displays of affection.
Climate
We are traveling at a great time of year! The end of October brings clearer skies, cooler weather, and autumn colors as the rainy season makes way for the cooler season. The only thing we can guarantee about the weather is that it can be unpredictable. The weather throughout Vietnam is generally an average of 72-84°F degrees. As we go south to Cambodia, you can expect higher temperatures of 77-88°F and more humidity with some precipitation. Check www.weather.com for the most current weather.
Currency
The official currency in Vietnam is the Dong (VND). The official currency in Cambodia is the Riel (KHR); however, U.S. dollars are commonly used.
Activity Level
Activity Level
This trip requires a high level of mobility as you must be able to walk long distances, up and down stairs of varying steepness and heights, up varied inclines, down varied declines and over very uneven ground to do this tour. The trishaw rides and ox cart rides do require guests to get in an oxcart, and to get on the back of a bicycle in a specially made seat (trishaw). This trip is not suitable for canes, scooters, or wheelchairs. Please note, the ship does not have an elevator.
Before Your Trip
Cancellation Policy
Unexpected events can cause you to cancel your vacation. Because we are committed to this charter, we must strictly adhere to our cancellation policy as outlined in our Olivia Terms & Conditions.
Transfer funds are nonrefundable and nontransferable from the point of sale forward.
Celebrations — Birthdays, Anniversaries, Honeymoons, and more
If you will have a birthday or celebration during your vacation and have not already informed your Olivia Travel Consultant, please let us know as soon as possible, but no less than 90 days prior to the trip.
You can register at Olivia Honeymoon Wishes for your honeymoon, anniversary, or other special celebration; browse through the selections and let your friends know just how easy it is for them to purchase a gift for you.
Connect with Other Guests — Join the Facebook Group
If you'd like to chat with people who are going on the trip, join Olivia’s official 2025 Vietnam, Cambodia & Mekong Riverboat group on Facebook.
Passport and Visa
All US citizens and non-US citizens will need a passport valid for six months past the trip date.
Visa: Visas are necessary for all US and Canadian citizens for both Vietnam and Cambodia. A packet of information on how to obtain your visas for both Vietnam and Cambodia will be sent about 6 months prior to the trip. Non-US citizens should check with their consulate on correct visa requirements. Please be sure the Vietnam and Cambodia visas stamped in your passport are valid for the dates you are traveling.
Specific Needs—Dietary, Medical, and Mobility
If you have any medical, mobility needs, or specific dietary requirements that you have not already advised your travel consultant, please advise us of this information as soon as possible but no less than 90 days prior to the trip.
Travel Insurance
Olivia recommends that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your trip investment against the unexpected. Visit our Insurance page olivia.com/travel-insurance for more information.
For a travel insurance quote, more information, or to purchase a protection plan, please call Olivia at 800-631-6277 and select option 1 for a travel consultant.
Vacation Stretchers
We are offering 1-, 2-, and 3- night Pre-Hotel Vacation Stretchers in Hanoi for those who want to come a little early and adjust to the time difference. We offer a 1-night Post-Vacation Stretcher in Ho Chi Minh City. The packages include an airport transfer and daily breakfast.
Vaccinations
Please check with your local Public Health Department or personal physician regarding immunization requirements for all countries on your itinerary. You may also check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at: www.cdc.gov. Just click on “Traveler’s Health” followed by “Vaccinations.”
2025 VIETNAM, CAMBODIA & MEKONG RIVERBOAT |
START DATE | END DATE | FEE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cancellation 365 days or more prior to trip date | 10/21/2024 | 50% of trip cost | |
| Cancellation 0-364 days prior to trip date | 10/22/2024 | 10/21/2025 | 100% of trip cost (no refund) |
Visa: Visas are necessary for all US and Canadian citizens for both Vietnam and Cambodia. A packet of information on how to obtain your visas for both Vietnam and Cambodia will be sent about 6 months prior to the trip. Non-US citizens should check with their consulate on correct visa requirements. Please be sure the Vietnam and Cambodia visas stamped in your passport are valid for the dates you are traveling.
Travel & Arrival
Air Travel
Airports
You will need to fly into Hanoi, Vietnam (HAN) and out of Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon, Vietnam (SGN). We encourage all passengers to arrive at least one day early to avoid the stress of unexpected delays.
Airfare Discounts
Save up to 15% on your airfare through our partner airlines. Please visit our airfare discount page for the most up-to-date information.
Flight arrival and departure times
Guests arriving in Hanoi on the start date of October 21 may check into the hotel after 3 pm. Please keep in mind if you arrive on October 21 early in the morning, you can store your luggage, but rooms are not ready until 3 pm. For this reason, you may want to consider purchasing a hotel room for the night prior for immediate check-in. Many of these flights arrive in the evening, but there are a few that arrive in the morning and early afternoon.
Return flights from Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) on the last day of the program (November 4) can depart at any time. Hotel check-out is 11 am. The hotel will offer late check-out based on availability for an additional charge. These arrangements and payments are made directly with the hotel. If you want to allow yourself another day to explore, you should try to arrange for a late-night flight. If your flight departs in the morning, we suggest the possibility of reserving an additional night and leaving on the morning of November 5. This is just to give you more time in Saigon.
Luggage Allowances
This trip does have a very strict luggage allowance. For the flight from Hanoi to Siem Reap, only one checked bag and one carry-on bag is allowed. Each checked bag should have dimensions not exceeding 62 inches and weight not exceeding 40 lbs. Your carry-on should not exceed 17” x 14” x 8” and weight not exceeding 10 lbs.
All carriers may impose fees for excess baggage, and/or require you to remove articles and put them in another bag if weight or size limits are exceeded. Olivia/AMA Waterways are not responsible for the additional fees that may be imposed should your luggage not meet these size and weight restrictions. For your international flights, please check with your airline for baggage allowances.
Travel Agent Air Recommendation
If you are not comfortable booking your air on your own or would like to be assured of assistance in case of air issues, we recommend the use of an experienced LGBTQ+ Travel Agent to find you the best routes and prices. Debbie Gudis can be reached at “Go Travel”, (877) 777-5210 or (408) 364-7300; her fees are minimal and service impeccable. If you are using miles, this is more time-consuming and expensive for an agent to do, so please only use Debbie’s services for direct airfare purchase.
If you are trying to use miles to upgrade your flight or purchase your flight with points/miles, we recommend going through the airlines directly, or investigate the use of a professional award booking service, such as https://www.point.me. Agencies like these do charge a fee, this one ranging from a Concierge service fee to find and book the flights for award points for you, to a yearly membership fee for self-serve to book your flight(s) with award points. However, the time it saves finding the award programs and points is worth it for most people, especially when finding business-class or first-class tickets.
During your trip
Electricity
220 current is available both in the hotels and on the ship. The adapter has a 2-pin prong. You will need an Asia adapter for most charging devices and a converter for any heating device. If uncertain, check your plug for 100-240v compatibility. If it has this, only an adapter is needed. Plug for Vietnam: Type A or C adapters / Plug for Cambodia: Type A, C, and G adapters
Elevator
There are no elevators on the ship. Guests must be able to navigate steep stairs.
Entertainment
We will bring one Olivia entertainer to perform on a few evenings on board, as well as enjoy some of the local entertainment on other nights.
Excursions
All excursions are included in your fare.
Gratuities
Your tips to your ship’s staff and Vietnam/Cambodia tour leader are included in the cost of your trip. Tipping to the local guides, bus drivers, porters and hotel room attendants are not included, and we recommend the following tipping guidelines:
Airport Porters: $1 US per bag
Hotel Porters: $1 US per bag on check-in and check-out
Local guides: $2 US per person, per day
Drivers: $.50–$1 US per person, per day
Hotel Room Attendants: $2–$5 US per person, per day
Restaurant Wait Staff: All tipping of wait staff for your included meals is included in your fare. While venturing out on your own, restaurants often add a service charge to bills, but an additional cash tip of 5%-10% is customary.
Internet and Email
Wifi internet is available in all hotels and on the ship at no charge. However, while on the river, the connections are very slow and not dependable.
Laundry Services
Laundry services are available in all hotels and on board the ship for a fee.
Medical Services
There are no doctors or nurses on board the ship. In the event medical assistance is needed, appropriate medical facilities will be contacted. Note that response time can vary. Passengers are strongly urged to secure adequate travel insurance coverage for medical emergencies. Call our office for details.
Money for Onboard Purchases
On board, the currency is Vietnam DONG. All purchases made on the ship will be charged to your onboard account, which you will create when you first check in.
Smoking Policy
All indoor areas on the ship and cabin balconies are non-smoking. A designated area is provided for smokers on the top deck.
Solos
We will have a modified solos program on board, led by a solos coordinator who will ensure you have a great time. You can start to meet other solo travelers online before the trip on the 2025 Vietnam, Cambodia & Mekong Riverboat.
Airport Porters: $1 US per bag
Hotel Porters: $1 US per bag on check-in and check-out
Local guides: $2 US per person, per day
Drivers: $.50–$1 US per person, per day
Hotel Room Attendants: $2–$5 US per person, per day
Restaurant Wait Staff: All tipping of wait staff for your included meals is included in your fare. While venturing out on your own, restaurants often add a service charge to bills, but an additional cash tip of 5%-10% is customary.
After your trip
Transfers to the airport
For those going directly to the Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon airport on November 4, or if you have purchased our 1-night post package, your transfers are included.
Vacation Stretchers
An optional one-night post-hotel for Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is offered November 4-5, 2025, inclusive of breakfast and your airport transfer.
This trip requires a high level of mobility as you must be able to walk long distances, up and down stairs of varying steepness and heights, up varied inclines, down varied declines and over very uneven ground to do this tour. The trishaw rides and ox cart rides do require guests to get in an oxcart, and to get on the back of a bicycle in a specially made seat (trishaw). This trip is not suitable for canes, scooters, or wheelchairs. Please note, the ship does not have an elevator.
Our Travel Consultants can be reached at USA or Canada: 800.631.6277 or International 415.962.5700, option 1.
