Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Tipping
Tipping is not a traditional practice but is greatly appreciated, particularly in the poorer countries of the re-
gion where salaries remain low. Locals sometimes don't tip, but tourism has introduced the concept to hotels
and restaurants, as well as to tour guides and drivers.
Travellers Cheques
Travellers cheques can be a pain to cash in the Mekong region, but if you must, get your cheques in US dol-
lars and in large denominations, say US$100 or US$50, to avoid heavy per-cheque commission fees.
Photography
»
Photography equipment and flash memory are widely available in urban areas.
»
Ask for permission before taking photos of hill-tribe villagers, as many seriously object to being photo-
graphed.
»
If you're after some tips, check out Lonely Planet's
Travel Photography: A Guide to Travel Photography,
written by travel photographer Richard I'Anson.
Post
Postal services are generally reliable across the region. Of course, it's always better to leave important mail
and parcels for the big centres such as Bangkok and Hanoi.
There's always an element of risk in sending parcels home by sea, though as a rule they eventually reach
their destination. If it's something of value, it's worth considering air freight - better still, register the parcel
or send it by courier. Don't send cash or valuables through government postal systems.
Poste restante is widely available throughout the region and is the best way of receiving mail. When get-
ting people to write to you, ask them to leave plenty of time for mail to arrive and to print your name very
clearly.
Public Holidays
»
Chinese New Year (or Tet in Vietnam) is the one holiday common to all countries and can have a big im-
pact on travel plans, as businesses close and all forms of transport are booked out.
»
Cambodia, Laos and Thailand celebrate their own new year at the same time in the middle of April. Each
country shuts down for business for at least a week, and mass water fights break out in Thailand and Laos.
Search WWH ::
Custom Search