Post is routed by air through Bangkok and is reliable. Most hotels have IDD lines but calls and faxes are very expensive with the average cost of a call to Australia, Europe and US approximately USD 2.50 per minute. Public phones that use pre-paid phone cards are common in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Phone cards can be purchased at the post office, most hotels and supermarkets. Visitors can buy SIM

The road system in Vietnam is reasonable in the main urban cities while the drives through the countryside can be a wonderful sightseeing experience. However, it must be noted that the roads are narrow and some may be poorly paved when outside the main cities so, as a consequence, the drives can be rough and difficult at times. Traffic drives on the right-hand side of the road. Drivers are very un

Mingalaba. This word of welcome is also a wish for good fortune and best signifies the warm, welcoming nature of the people in Myanmar. Myanmar today remains one of the most mystical and magical countries on earth; a land of breathtaking beauty stretching from snow capped peaks (Mt. Kahkaborazi is 5881m) and dense jungles of the Himalayas, to the pristine beaches of the Bay of Bengal and rice fiel

Traditionally, tipping is not a common practice in Thailand, though it is becoming more widespread as a result of foreign influence. Tipping is entirely up to your discretion. In hotels and finer restaurants where a service charge of 10% is added to the bill, it is not necessary to tip further. Taxi fares should be rounded off to the nearest 5 or 10 baht.

Theravada Buddhism: official religion; Islam (500,000); Christianity (125,000) Pagodas and the temples are sacred, religious places where knees and shoulders have to be covered. Although many tourists do wear shorts and sleeveless shirts, please respect the culture and traditions of Cambodia. This is also the case for the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh. Visitors who do not abide to t

Vietnam is generally a safe country, however some simple common sense precautions with possessions lessen the chances of becoming a victim to petty theft. Carry your handbag or rucksack to the front of you and be particularly aware that handbag snatches / thefts from motorbikes occur especially in the larger cities and crowds. It is advised to keep luggage locked while travelling, whether it is st

Tipping is quite common in Myanmar today. Only at very simple restaurants do waiters not expect tips. Where a porter or waiter gives special service, a small tip is always welcome. Regarding drivers and guides, the amount tip is discretionary and should only be given for 'good service'. As an extremely approximate guideline, which should be adjusted taking various things into consideration, such a

After years of political and social upheaval, Cambodia now enjoys relative stability. Continuing efforts are made to reconstruct the country from decades of war, to upgrade the infrastructure (roads, bridges, airports etc) and to ensure security. Cambodia is now once again safe for travel. However some simple common sense precautions with possessions lessen the chances of becoming a victim to thef