Magical Mekong Cruise and Beyond - Additional information

Entry into Vietnam & Cambodia
Please ensure that your passport has at least 6 months' validity from your return date.
Australian passport holders will need (electronic) visas for entry into both countries. If you wish to organise your own e-visas, please visit the websites below. Please do not apply too early. About 4-6 weeks prior to departure is optimal. You may apply through Vina Visas (additional charges will apply). We offer in-office assistance for a fee.

If you wish to organise your own e-visas, please visit these websites:

Vietnam - https://thithucdientu.gov.vn/

Cambodia - evisa.gov.kh

You will also need to complete an e-Arrival document for Cambodia 7 days prior to your arrival.

Continue to monitor www.smartraveller.gov.au for any changes to entry requirements.

 

Weather
Cambodia - Cambodia features a tropical wet-to-dry climate. It doesn't really drop much below 30°C on any given day. February is usually an ideal time to visit Cambodia – warm but pleasant days, cooler nights and not too much rainfall. Temperatures start to sneak up around February, and short but sharp rain showers in the early evenings begin to become more frequent. 

Vietnam - Good weather is expected in the south throughout February. Temperatures remain high but comfortable, with the really hot weather at the break of the wet season still a few months off (avg temp: 28°C).

 

Currency
Cambodia
Local currency in Cambodia is the Riel. All goods and services can be paid for in Riel or USD, although the Riel price is often better value.
Vietnam
Local currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). The United States Dollar (USD) is widely accepted in Vietnam and is one of the most common currencies exchanged. Most hotels and larger businesses in Vietnam accept USD, but smaller vendors and street markets may only accept VND.
 

Bargaining
Both countries love to bargain (unless visiting fixed-price shops), so be prepared to haggle in the market stalls.  If you successfully agree to a price, it is rude to then refuse, so please keep this in mind when doing your negotiations.  Think of how much you’d be prepared to pay for any items (in AUD) then start below your limit.
 

Modesty whilst travelling
Dress standards can be more conservative outside of major cities in Vietnam and Cambodia. To respect this, and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend wearing modest clothing. This means clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, particularly in pagodas and religious sites. Do not draw attention to yourself and leave any valuable jewellery at home.  You will be visiting areas where there may be some poverty, so please be mindful and respectful.

 

What to Pack
Travel for comfort and versatility, rather than for style.  Comfortable walking shoes are a must. A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, layering clothes (for any change in weather), a lightweight jacket, and quick-drying clothes. Waterproof insect repellent is a good idea. Please keep your luggage to a minimum. Do not take what you cannot handle yourself.
 

Water and Food Safety
Tap water in Vietnam and Cambodia is generally not recommended for drinking. Be mindful of the different meals you will consume day to day while on holiday. It’s a good idea to pack some medicine to alleviate symptoms should you experience an upset stomach from eating foods that are not part of your regular diet. We encourage you to bring your own refillable water bottle or alternatively purchase one in the country. Your cruise ship will have plenty of water refill stations.

 

Tipping
Local tipping is customary in Vietnam & Cambodia. Sisterhood Womens Travel tipping system on all group tours involves passengers contributing to a kitty which is paid to the tour hostess at the beginning of the tour. She then distributes it daily to service providers on your behalf. This avoids the need to consider individual tipping situations daily throughout your trip. The estimated amount for your tour will be confirmed in your final documentation.

Health While Travelling
There is always a risk to your health when travelling and it is better to be prepared. It is recommended to take with you some diarrhoea medication in case you come down with a stomach bug. It is also a good idea to bring along some hydrolyte for dehydration purposes. We also recommend Travelan to help protect your stomach from any nasties (available over the counter at any pharmacy). For any other vaccination/health/medical concerns with regards to travelling please consult your GP or visit a Travel Doctor.
 

Travel Insurance
It is mandatory for travellers to have comprehensive travel insurance; please ensure you have provided Sisterhood Womens Travel with a copy of your policy including 24/7 Emergency Contact Number.
 

WhatsApp Group
Please make sure you download WhatsApp onto your phone prior to departure.  This App will be your communication tool whilst on tour and your tour hostess will contact you prior to departure to set you up in your tour WhatsApp group.  It’s also a lovely way to remain in touch with friends upon your return.

 

Changes to Itinerary
We do our best to give Sisters an enjoyable, trouble-free tour experience but, occasionally, even the best-laid plans can go array.  We cannot rule out any changes to the itinerary and ask that you maintain a positive, upbeat and flexible attitude.

 

Onboard information
DINING All meals on board your cruises are included and are prepared by our onboard chefs. Meals are served in the Mekong Restaurant in a single sitting. No table reservations can be made in the main restaurants. Open seating allows you to sit at different tables if you wish to meet fellow passengers. On board, enjoy a Western-style buffet. Lunch offers salad, soups, a choice of mains and dessert. Dinner is a multi-course meal with a selection of each course. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available.

BEVERAGES On board the RV Lotus, enjoy international wines and local beers included with lunch and dinner, while soft drinks, tea and coffee are included all day in the Saigon Lounge and Bar. Espresso coffee is available at Le Viet Nam Café. Clean drinking water is also provided all day, so a reusable water bottle is highly recommended.

RECEPTION The ship’s reception will be available during the day. Should you need any assistance, please call from your suite or pay them a visit during reception hours. The Cruise Director and Hotel Manager will provide a contact number for outside of hours.

SWIMMING POOL There is a swimming pool located on the Sadec Deck on board the RV Lotus. There is no lifeguard available. Please refer to the welcome information in your cabin for hours of operation.

ONBOARD SHOP The RV Lotus has an onboard gift shop offering a limited selection of local Vietnamese and Cambodian souvenirs, as well as a small selection of personal and toiletry items.

ONBOARD ACCOUNT There is a no-cash policy during your Mekong River cruise. Your accounts are settled at the end of your cruise. Credit card is the preferred method of payment; however, your account can also be settled by cash (US dollars only). Prepaid Cash Cards, Diners Club Cards, or EFTPOS are not accepted. It is important to note that if you are taking a Travel Card pre-loaded with local currency or USD, it is advised that it can be used the same way as a credit card; some credit card facilities in Vietnam and Cambodia do not have the ability to process these cards as such.

BEAUTY & RECREATION Massage, nail, and facial services are available on board. Enquire at reception once on board for details. Limited hairdressing services, such as a wash and blow-dry, are available on board.

FITNESS CENTRE The fitness room is outfitted with basic and limited exercise equipment and is available to all passengers. Use of the equipment is at the sole risk of the user. There is no attendant on duty in the fitness centre. Please refer to the welcome information in your cabin for hours of operation.

LAUNDRY Laundry and pressing services are available on board. Price lists will be available in your cabin. For safety reasons, it is not permitted to use an iron in your cabin. Please note that due to the remoteness of the cruise, the prices can be higher than standard. Clothes cannot be dry-cleaned on board. Self-service laundry facilities are not available on board.

LIBRARY The ship has a book collection available to all passengers, free of charge. Please return any books that you have borrowed before the end of the cruise. The ship also appreciates book donations.

AUDIO GUIDES During excursions, our lightweight headsets allow you to hear every word of your guide’s commentary.

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE Medical services are not available, and there are no medical personnel on board the ships in Vietnam and Cambodia. Medical services can be accessed from shore, as your ship is usually close to a town. Guests are responsible for all charges that result from visiting a medical facility or from a medical practitioner visiting the ship. 

 

Updated: 15 July 2025