Indochina Backpack Extended: Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand

This trip starts in Hanoi. On the first day, we’ll meet at 17:00. 

We always advise trying to get to the meet-up point for the first day of your tour by 5 pm. On the last day of the tour you are free to leave whenever you want!

This trip ends in Bangkok. The trip officially ends at 09:00 on the last day, so we recommend planning your return transfers accordingly. For example:

• if you need to book a flight, consider the time needed to reach the airport and complete check-in procedures;
• if you need to book a train or continue your journey independently, consider the time required to reach the station or your next destination.

 If you have any doubts, you can contact the coordinator assigned to your departure for advice.

For this itinerary, traveling with a backpack is mandatory for logistical reasons and the convenience of the entire group - including yourself! Trolleys, bulky suitcases, or hard luggage are not allowed. The Travel Coordinator will provide guidance on the ideal baggage before departure via the WhatsApp group.

If you are a UK citizen, to find out the entry requirements for Vietnam, you can check this informational page from our partner Sherpa. If you need a visa, you can apply for it through Sherpa. If you are not a UK citizen, you can still use Sherpa by changing the nationality in the 'Passport' section.

Before traveling, always remember to check the government website of your country of origin for updates on the entry requirements for Vietnam – you wouldn’t want to stay home due to a bureaucratic detail!

• UK residents: review the FCDO Travel Advice.
• US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
• Other residents: refer to your government or local consulate's travel advice.

Vietnam is in the Indochina Time Zone, which is 7 hours ahead of GMT. The country does not observe daylight saving time. If it is 12pm in the UK, it will be 7pm in Vietnam. Make sure to adjust your schedule accordingly when planning calls or meetings.

Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND). The exchange rate fluctuates, but as of recent estimates:

• 1 GBP is approximately 30,000 VND
• 1 USD is about 24,000 VND
• 1 EUR is around 26,000 VND

You can exchange currency at banks, official exchange counters, and some hotels.

In Vietnam, you can pay using cash, credit cards, or mobile payment apps. Cash is widely used, and it's easy to find ATMs in cities to withdraw Vietnamese Dong. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but smaller vendors might prefer cash. 

Mobile payment apps like MoMo and ZaloPay are becoming more popular, especially in urban areas. It's a good idea to carry some cash for street markets and small purchases.

Tipping in Vietnam is not mandatory, but it is appreciated for good service. If you decide to tip, here are some guidelines:

• In restaurants, leaving around 5 to 10 percent of your bill is generous.
• For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is common.
• You might also consider tipping hotel staff, such as bellboys or housekeeping, a small amount like 20,000 to 50,000 VND.

Remember, tipping in smaller, local establishments is less expected than in upscale places.

In Vietnam, internet access is generally good, with Wi-Fi widely available in cities, cafes, hotels, and restaurants. However, if you want reliable internet on the go, we suggest you buy a local SIM card or an e-SIM data plan. Popular providers include:

• Viettel
• Vinaphone
• Mobifone

They offer affordable plans with good coverage throughout the country. You can purchase a SIM card at the airport or at local convenience stores and mobile shops.

In Vietnam, the official language is Vietnamese. Here are some useful colloquial expressions that might come in handy:

• Hello: Xin chào
• Thank you: Cảm ơn
• How much: Bao nhiêu
• Yes: Vâng
• No: Không

These phrases can be useful while interacting with locals. Most people in tourist areas speak some English, but knowing a few Vietnamese words can enrich your experience.

In Vietnam, you will find that the plugs used are of Type A, C, and F. The voltage is 220V, and the frequency is 50Hz. If you're coming from countries like the UK or USA, you'll need a universal adapter since your plugs might not fit. Make sure your devices are compatible with 220V to avoid any issues.

The main religion in Vietnam is a mix of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism, often referred to collectively as the Three Teachings. While Buddhism is the most practiced, many Vietnamese also observe ancestral worship.

Important religious holidays in Vietnam include:

• Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year
• Vu Lan, a Buddhist holiday similar to the Western holiday of Mother's Day

When visiting temples, we suggest you dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, to show respect for local customs.

For your trip to Vietnam, consider the diverse climate and activities you might enjoy. 
Here's a packing list to help you prepare:

Clothing:

• Light and breathable shirts
• Quick-dry shorts
• Long pants for cooler evenings
• Light jacket or sweater
• Swimwear

Shoes:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sandals
• Flip-flops for beaches

Accessories and Technology:

• Backpack for day trips
• Portable charger
• Travel adapter (Vietnam uses Type A, C, and D plugs)
• Lightweight rain poncho
• Camera or smartphone for photos

Toiletries and Medication:

• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Basic first-aid kit
• Personal hygiene items
• Common travel medication like pain relievers, anti-diarrheal pills, and motion sickness tablets

Vietnam's weather can vary significantly depending on the region and time of year. Here's a quick breakdown:

• North Vietnam (Hanoi): Cool and dry from November to April, hot and rainy from May to October. Best time to visit is October to April.
• Central Vietnam (Hue, Danang): Dry season from February to August, with rain from September to January. March to August is ideal for travelers.
• South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City): Hot and humid year-round, with a dry season from December to April and a wet season from May to November. December to April is perfect for visiting.

Always check specific forecasts closer to your travel dates for the most accurate information.

Return international flights are not included on our trips because we want to give you full autonomy and flexibility. You can choose your preferred airline, fly from the airport that works best for you, and decide how many stopovers you want to make along the way.

As flights are not included, you also have more flexibility with your travel dates: you could arrive at your destination a few days early or return home a bit later – or even continue independently to a nearby destination!

An "Available" departure means that the trip isn’t confirmed yet and we’re waiting for a few more travellers to sign up… which could be you!

If you book the trip please wait for it to be confirmed before booking your international flights.

The question of all questions! Here’s some more information: 

• The Money Pot is a common fund collected in local currency from all travellers on the trip and managed by your Travel Coordinator. 
• It is used to streamline payments for extra activities, goods and services that the whole group decides to do. This guarantees flexibility in choosing activities and excursions at the destination in line with the mood of the group. 
• It is typically collected on the first day of the trip in local currency, although at times, the Travel Coordinator may ask for it to be paid before departure.
• You’ll find the Money Pot amount on the website under the section ‘What’s included in the Money Pot’. To find this look for ‘What’s included’, scroll down to ‘Money Pot? Click here’ and you’ll find the details.
• The amount varies depending on the destination chosen.
• It is usually used for group expenses that all travellers decide to take part in, but sometimes if you opt out of an activity it might make more sense for it to come out of the Money Pot. In these cases the Coordinator will return the amount for this activity back to you at the end of the trip. 
• It is estimated based on the experience of other groups but can vary depending on what activities your group is keen for. As such, the Travel Coordinator may need to increase the amount during the trip.
• If not all of the Money Pot is spent, the difference will be returned to all travellers at the end of the trip. 
• The Money Pot also covers the Travel Coordinator’s share of the activities included in the Money Pot, except for those activities that are free for the Travel Coordinator.
• If you pay in advance for part of the Money Pot before the trip for certain non-refundable optional activities, unfortunately, the amount cannot be refunded if the trip is cancelled. 

We offer several payment methods to fit every need:

1. Credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express);
2. Instalment payment with Klarna (you’ll pay for the trip in three equal amounts);
3. PayPal (for selected destinations);
4. Revolut Pay to pay even faster straight from your Revolut account.

Anyone who books a WeRoad trip has the option to cancel or modify the trip – including both the dates and the destination – free of charge up to 31 days before departure. In case of cancellation up to 31 days before departure, you will receive a 100% refund of the WeRoad trip price. If you make a change, a price adjustment will be applied to the new trip chosen – meaning, if the new trip is cheaper, we will refund the difference; if it’s more expensive, you will need to pay the difference.

If you’ve purchased the Flexible Cancellation Option (which you can add in the first step of the booking process), you can request a cancellation or trip change until 8 days before departure. In case of cancellation, you’ll receive a 100% refund of the WeRoad trip price, minus the cost of the Flexible Cancellation option. 

How to request a cancellation or change to your trip? Send us an email at [email protected] or a WhatsApp on +447716573700. Please share the booking reference for the trip you want to cancel or change, and, in case of a change, the new trip you would like to join.

For our trips we usually use locally owned accommodation instead of big hotel chains. It’s our favourite way to really experience the local culture and, whenever we can, support the local economy. Typically, you’ll stay in hotels, apartments, guesthouses and hostels with the same standard maintained across all trips in the same destination.

The list of accommodation for your trip will be shared with you by your Travel Coordinator 2-5 days before departure, along with other useful details for your adventure!

Yes! We might not know the flights for everyone else in the group, but there are ways to find out which flights your fellow WeRoaders will be taking. 

1. All travellers can share their flight details after booking on their My WeRoad account so that other travellers on the same trip can see these details anonymously. 

2. Alternatively you can join our Facebook group: Solo Travellers | WeRoad Community – (here is the extended link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/963298767843213 ) Look for a post about the trip you’re interested in or ask the group admin for help in getting in touch with your future travel companions!

3. If the Coordinator has already been assigned to the trip you’re keen for, you can easily find their Facebook post on the website. Click 'Ask the Coordinator' and follow the link here. 

Our groups usually consist of 8–12 travellers, with a minimum of 3–4 and a maximum of 15. 
Everyone on our trips speaks English, and travellers join us from across the UK, Europe and beyond. Our trips are open to people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, with an average age of 34 across all trips.

Each group will be joined and led by one of our experienced Travel Coordinators, who’s there to ensure everything runs smoothly and the group feels well-supported. 

If you’d like to know more about our typical WeRoad groups do reach out to us on WhatsApp on +44 7716573700. 

Yes! If you're curious, you can take a sneak peek at the group before booking. 
You’ll find the info in the ‘Group’ section for each trip on the departures page, showing how many WeRoaders have already booked. 

Click the little arrow and you’ll even see their gender and ages – but hey, that’s exclusive info, so we’ll ask you to log in or sign up to see that!

For some trips, in the itinerary section, you’ll find the number of nights and the location (not the hotel) where you’ll be spending the night(s). The location shown is the one we usually go for on most trips, but in some cases, you might stay in a nearby town. This will depend on logistics or availability of accommodation. 

The list of accommodation for your trip (and therefore also the exact locations) will be shared by your Travel Coordinator 2-5 days before departure, along with other useful information for your adventure!

The WeRoad Travel Coordinator is an experienced and skilled traveller who will be the perfect companion for your trip. They will manage all the logistical aspects of the itinerary like transport, timings, accommodation, restaurant bookings and meeting points, so that you can enjoy the trip without this hassle. They’re there to support the group, ensure everything runs smoothly and will no doubt make the trip a lot of fun along the way too! 

The Coordinator will set up a WhatsApp group approximately 2 weeks before departure. This will be the moment to ask any pre-departure questions and get to know the rest of the group! If the trip you are interested in already has a Travel Coordinator assigned, you can contact them before booking. Their details will be on the trip page, or you can search for their name here. After booking, you will find their contact details in your My WeRoad account, under ‘Bookings and Trips’ > ‘Your Upcoming Trips’ > ‘Trip Details’.

Yes, on all our trips you will share a room with other WeRoaders in your group. By default this will be people of the same gender, unless you tick ‘I'm OK with a mixed gender room’ when you book. The bathroom will either be private or shared only with other travellers on the trip. The rooms might be twins, triples, quadruples or multi-share (up to 8 people in exceptional cases), depending on the destination and availability.

You will never share with people from outside of the WeRoad group, except in certain cases for local experiences, which are specifically mentioned in the itinerary or communicated before booking. These typically involve specific nights in unique accommodation like tents, homestays, or camping, offering a more adventurous travel experience in exchange for some comfort.

On some of our trips we can offer a private room for an additional cost. Just tick the ‘Private Room’ option at checkout to get this added. For some of our trips if you book as two travellers together you can add this private room free of charge. Look out for this option at checkout. 

Please note that if you do book a private room with a friend/partner this could be either a double or a twin room so please email [email protected] if you have a preference on this. 

When you set off on a WeRoad trip, you’re officially a WeRoader – and as we often say, 'once a WeRoader, always a WeRoader'. This means that once you’re part of the community, a little piece of WeRoad will always stay with you.

But you’re not just a WeRoader during your trips, far from it! The community is alive and active all year round: you can stay in touch by following and interacting on our social media channels, like the Facebook group or the Instagram profile. You can also come along to one of our many events that we run in different cities worldwide. Check out and sign up to our events by downloading the WeMeet app here.