Myself included, this following list is a huge help for those planning their trip to SE Asian countries; Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia.
I've included tips for
Vaccinations/Shots
E-Visas
Adapters
Connecting Flights
GRAB - the "Uber" of SE Asia
SIM Cards
Stomach Aid
1. Vaccinations/Shots
Do plan at least 1 month before your trip to get any shots required for the countries you intend to visit.
Shots may cost around $50-70 CAD depending on the travel clinic.
If you're in Vancouver, BC I did mine at the Vancouver Coastal Health Travel Clinic
2. E-Visas
The great thing about these countries is that they do accept E-Visas, so you can avoid lining up at embassies or travel offices and simply do the process online. The problem is that there are so many websites offering e-visa's it's difficult to tell who's legit.
Each country has their own requirements, so the following E-Visa pages I'm recommending are for Canadian Residents and Citizens.
Vietnam - Canadian Gov Website, Vietnam E-Visa Website
Cambodia - Canadian Gov Website, Cambodian E-Visa Website
For other countries visit the Canadian Travel Advice and Advisories page and select the country you want, followed by the Entry/Exit tab, scroll down and find the link... these will direct you to the country's actual government website for E-Visa!
3. Adapters
If you live in North America or use Type A and Type B sockets, you will be fine without one. All, if not, most outlets are like these. Just keep a reminder to check the voltage.
4. Connecting Flights
Personally, I'd book them at least 3 months before you leave. I booked mine 1 month before and we got some decent deals. I recommend using google flights, that's where we found most of our deals.
5. GRAB
The UBER of SE Asia. DOWNLOAD right now, I mean it when I say download it right now. It'll be set up and ready to go when you arrive. I recommend making your accomodations in each country set up as your "home location" just incase. Also when using the app, make sure your LOCATION SERVICES are ON or you won't be able to find places!
6. SIM Cards
Where do you buy SIM Cards?
Airports or any of the tourist info places with sim cards.
In Thailand: the airport, it should cost around $12 CAD for unlimited data (data does tend to run slow if you over use it).
In Vietnam: the airport, it should cost around $8-12 CAD for unlimited data.
In Cambodia: did not purchase. There was wifi almost everywhere we went. Just ask around for the wifi password ahahha
7. Stomach Aid
Sometimes you're lucky and won't get travellers diarrhea, but for those who are unlucky... I highly recommend purchasing some Pepto Pills, Gravol, or our entire groups favorite, Charcoal Pills. You can get a decent bottle from Whole Foods.
If you have any tips that you remember from your first SE Asia trip, feel free to mention in the comments! Otherwise I hope this list served super helpful to you first timers!!
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