Thank you for booking our 2025 Vietnam and Cambodia trip – Your adventure will be here before you know it!
Below you will find additional information to help you prepare for the adventure that lies ahead.
Please provide us with your travel arrangements below at least 45 days (August 24, 2025) before the cruise in order to ensure transfer availability.
All documentation required for this itinerary is the sole responsibility of the guest. Brand g Vacations will not be responsible for advising and/or obtaining required travel documentation for any passenger, or for any delays, damages, and/or losses, including missed portions of your trip, related to improper or absent travel documentation. It is suggested that copies of important documents, including your passport and visas, be kept in a separate place, in case the originals are lost or stolen.
Passport: A passport that is valid for at least six (6) months after your return date is required for this program.
Visas: Citizens of almost every country require tourist visas to enter Vietnam and Cambodia. While you may obtain a Cambodia visa on entry, you are required to obtain you Vietnam visa in advance of travel.
Cambodia: You may apply for an eVisa online. The visa will be valid for one month from the date of entry into Cambodia. You may apply for the Cambodia eVisa through the link provided on this Cambodia E Visa Process instruction sheet: Cambodia Visa Instructional PDF
You may also obtain a Cambodian visa at the airports in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and at all major border crossings. To obtain your visa upon entry, you will need two passport-sized (4cm by 6cm) photographs and a passport valid for a minimum of six months beyond the date of entry into Cambodia.
Vietnam: The soonest you may apply for this visa is 90 days prior to entry. We will follow up with further instructions near that time.
Travel Protection: Travel insurance is advised to participate in this program. If you have not purchased a policy already, you may do so by contacting your travel agent or Brand g Vacations. You may also get a quote and purchase a policy online from Brand g’s recommended travel insurance provider, Travel Insured International by visiting: www.travelinsured.com Please be sure to carry all policy information with you during your program.
Vaccinations: Make sure you are up to date on routine vaccines before every trip. It is recommended that you discuss vaccinations available for entering Vietnam or Cambodia and any other health concerns you may have with your personal physician or a travel medicine specialist.
The consulates of the countries to be visited will also provide information on vaccination requirements and/or suggestions. You may also consult the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for their current recommendations. Their website is www.cdc.gov in the US. Citizens of other countries should consult their own center for disease control.
Physical Limitations: The is an active trip, and there is much to see and do. Many included excursions require an extensive amount of walking over uneven terrain, and many sites have numerous steps that may be steeper and narrower than is common in Western countries. Guests with physical limitations will find access to many sites difficult or impossible to navigate. For your safety and enjoyment, we recommend that you be in good physical condition.
Medical: While the ship staff are trained in basic first aid, the ship does not employ staff nurses or doctors and medical facilities are not always easily accessible during the more rural portions of the trip. Any medical expenses incurred are the guest’s own responsibility and neither Brand g Vacations nor the ship is responsible for cost or quality of medical care received. Guests should bring their medications with them. A travel insurance policy that covers medical expenses while traveling internationally is highly recommended.
Dietary Preferences: Please advise us of any special dietary restrictions at least 45 days (August 24, 2025) prior to your departure. This information will be provided to the proper personnel, and where possible within local conditions and limitations, every effort will be made to accommodate your needs. It is the guest’s responsibility to provide us with as much detail as possible concerning any medically related dietary concerns. Not all dietary requests can be accommodated, and we appreciate your understanding in this matter.
While there are no restrictions on the number of bags each guest may bring on board the ship, storage space is limited, and it is highly recommended that each guest bring only one checked bag. Additionally, all airlines impose restrictions on both size and weight, and many airlines restrict the number of bags per person. Each guest must check with their selected air carrier for limitations prior to departure, as luggage restrictions are subject to change. Guests who exceed an airline’s luggage restrictions may be asked by the airline to pay the airline’s overweight/oversized luggage fees.
An airline’s limitations on the weight and size of checked and carry-on baggage are usually found on their website or may be obtained by calling the airline directly. Please remember that international (over the water) and domestic (intra continental) restrictions may not be the same.
Your luggage and all personal belongings are solely your responsibility throughout the trip. Brand g Vacations is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage or personal belongings. Selecting a travel insurance plan that will cover lost or stolen luggage and/or personal items is highly recommended.
Please place luggage tags on the outside of all of your bags, including carry on and hand luggage, and include a copy of your contact information during the trip on the inside of your checked bags. Valuables and medication should only be packed in your carry-on bags (unless required to be placed in checked bags by your airline).
Hanoi and Halong Bay Post-trip Extension – October 20-24, 2025
This post-trip extension includes a flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi on Vietnam Airways. Guests are limited to One (1) piece of checked baggage not exceeding 23kg + One (1) piece hand baggage and personal items not exceeding 12kg. Any additional luggage will incur excess charges, which are to be paid for by the guest and may cause a delay. We kindly ask you to adhere to the luggage guidelines.
Please be sure to contact your airline prior to departure and verify there have been no changes to the flight number or schedule. If you have an airport transfer confirmed with Brand g, please advise of any schedule change affecting your airport pick up time.
Familiarize yourself with current airport security procedures and arrive at the airport at least two and a half (2.5) hours prior to your scheduled departure. During peak travel times, you may want to arrive three (3) hours prior to your scheduled departure time.
Most items you purchase internationally can be brought back into the US and Canada. We do recommend, however, that you check with both your home country’s customs office for current restrictions, as well as with the embassies of the countries you are visiting for any restrictions on items that may be unlawful to take outside their borders.
When you return to your home country, you should be prepared to declare everything you purchased or acquired while traveling. Many countries will ask you to complete a customs form, which will require descriptions and values of the items. These forms are easier to complete if you keep your sales receipts easily accessible. Most countries have set customs duty exemptions for both quantity and value of certain items. We suggest that you familiarize yourself with these allowances and limits prior to your travel.
Please be advised that most hotels do not allow check-in earlier than 3:00pm. If you arrive at the hotel before 3:00pm, there may be a wait until the room becomes available. Check-out at most host hotel properties is 12:00pm. If your arrival or departure schedule does not coincide with these times, you may ask the hotel(s) to store your baggage while you explore independently. Please note that every effort is made to ensure that your hotel room is available and ready for occupancy upon your arrival, however a short wait for your room to become available may be unavoidable. Depending on your arrival or departure times, you may wish to purchase an early check-in, late check-out, or additional hotel night in order to guarantee availability of your room. Feel free to contact Brand g Vacations or your travel agent to book additional services.
Guests who provided their independently arranged flight details to Brand g Vacations no later than 45 days (August 24, 2025) prior to departure, will automatically have airport arrival and departure transfers arranged. Flight arrangements must also be made in accordance with Brand g vacations flight recommendations. Guests are responsible for checking with the airlines and providing their most up-to-date flight details. Please contact your travel agent or Brand g Vacations if you have any questions about your flight arrangements.
Arrival transfers are provided from Siem Riep (REP/SAI) International Airport to the included brand g host hotel. The transfer from airport to the hotel takes about 20 minutes.
Departure Transfers are provided from The Reverie Saigon to The Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in time for your Independently arranged flight (or the optional Hanoi and Ha Long Bay Post Trip Add on flight purchased through Brand g). No further transfers will be provided. A departure confirmation will be provided to you during the trip advising you of the meeting time and place for your transfer.
Post Trip Extension to Hanoi and Halong Bay transfers if you have booked this optional post-trip program, transfers are provided from the Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake to Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) at the conclusion of the program. The transfer time is approximately 40 minutes.
If you experience a travel delay while still in your home country, after working with your air carrier to revise your flight schedule, please contact Brand g’s Operations Office at 952-405-9309 to advise us of your revised arrival date and time. If the line is busy or you are calling outside of general business hours, please leave a message.
If you have already departed your home country, please contact our local staff at the numbers provided below in the Communication and Emergency Contact Information section. Please note, this section may not be added until we email your personalized travel documents to you about 30 days prior to the trip start date.
If you purchased travel insurance that covers flight delay and cancellation expenses, you will also want to contact your travel insurance company to start a claim for expenses incurred during your delay. If the delay is serious enough that you will miss the starting point of your cruise, any additional hotel, and/or flight arrangements necessary to meet your group will be at your expense.
Baggage delays unfortunately occur from time to time, especially during peak travel periods. If you discover any bag did not make it to your destination, do not leave the airport baggage area without completing a Lost Baggage Report with your air carrier. This report is essential to the tracking of your claim. If you have an airport transfer scheduled, and are traveling with a companion, we recommend that one person exit the baggage claim area and locate the representative to inform him or her of the situation. This will allow the representative to ensure that the transfer is properly provided. Give the air carrier a copy of your travel itinerary, along with the hotel and ship contact information. Report your lost baggage to your Brand g Vacations host and provide them with a copy of your Lost Baggage Report. Brand g Vacations is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged baggage and/or personal belongings. Selecting a travel insurance plan that will cover lost or stolen luggage and/or personal items is highly recommended.
Brand g Vacations Tour Leaders will be with you during your travel program to handle all the details, leaving you to relax and enjoy your vacation.
The ability to stay in touch with friends and family is an important part of travel, and many guests choose to bring cell phones on the trip. International roaming charges can be expensive, and it is advisable to contact your local carrier to determine the charges and plans available for each country you are visiting, then select the best available plan for your expected usage. In some countries, SIM cards are available for purchase that can be used in an unlocked phone (call your carrier to determine if your phone is, or can be, unlocked), providing a local number that can be used both locally and internationally, usually at a significantly lower rate.
Making international calls from the hotels is possible, but costly. Connection fees are usually applied, in addition to other call charges.
Each suite on board the Mekong Jewel is equipped with a phone for internal calls only and cannot be used for calls off ship. The Cruise Director will be able to assist you in case of an emergency but should not be relied upon to assist with personal calls, as it is impossible to be familiar with all the phones and calling plans on the market. A satellite phone is available on board the Mekong Jewel for emergency calls only.
While cell phone service is typically available in the larger cities of Hanoi, Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City, service along the Mekong River is extremely limited, and at times may not be available at all. Should you choose to bring your cell phone, please refrain from conducting conversations during the guides’ excursion commentary
Wi-Fi is not available aboard the Mekong Jewel. Each of our hotels offer Internet access, although there may be a charge for certain services at some hotels.
The official currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong. It is advisable to exchange at least a small amount of money into Vietnamese Dong on arrival, especially for purchasing items from small, local merchants and restaurants, and for taxis, which typically do not accept other currencies. Some large merchants and restaurants will accept US dollars. ATMs in Vietnam only provide Vietnamese Dong.
The official currency of Cambodia is the Cambodian Riel. However, most monetary transactions, including withdrawing cash from ATMs and banks may be in US dollars. Should you be due change in an amount less than US $1, you will be given riel; otherwise, US dollars are given.
Visa and MasterCard are accepted in Vietnam and Cambodia by many merchants. You may find, however, that some are reluctant to take credit cards because of the fees associated with the cards. Therefore, we suggest that you carry local currencies, in case you wish to make purchases. Aside from a few of the international hotel chains, American Express is not widely accepted in this part of the world.
Please contact your bank and/or credit card companies to let them know that you will be leaving the country to avoid any problems using your credit card(s) overseas.
The Mekong Jewel does not provide a currency exchange service, nor is there an ATM on board. In larger cities along the itinerary, you will find options for obtaining local currencies at banks, ATMs, and wire services.
Optional Gratuities for the included components of this program have been pre-paid. You are welcome to provide additional tips at your discretion.
On the ship, smoking is allowed only on designated parts of the Sun Deck. The hotels have open areas where smoking is allowed and may offer smoking areas in specific sections of some indoor lounges. All hotel rooms and ship staterooms are non-smoking. We ask everyone to refrain from smoking while on excursions.
The electrical current in Cambodia and Vietnam is 220V, but older 127V outlets might still be found in Vietnam. The Mekong Jewel electrical current is 220V. Guests should bring the appropriate converter for devices that are not dual voltage. Many electronic devices have built-in electrical converters, however, please check the manufacturer’s specifications for specific details.
In Vietnam Two prong plugs are common however, many of the new 4- and 5-star hotels use the British standard 3-pin plug. In Cambodia there are three associated plug types, A, C and G. Plug type A is the plug which has two flat parallel pins, plug type C is the plug which has two round pins and plug type G is the plug with three rectangular pins, in a triangular pattern. The ship has multi-configuration outlets, which accommodate most Western plugs. Because the voltage may fluctuate at times, we also recommend unplugging your devices when not in use or when leaving them unattended.
Your tour program includes comprehensive shore excursions led by a local English-speaking guide; these excursions have been designed to provide you with the best possible experience. Your Brand g Vacations host will provide details on each day’s excursion(s) and timing. Should guests be concerned about any aspect of an excursion, please inform your local guide or Brand g Vacations host.
Your itinerary takes you into some areas where locals are simply living their daily lives. Should you wish to take a photo of locals, please request their permission first (simply pointing to your camera and allowing them to nod is sufficient).
Many of the local customs in Vietnam and Cambodia differ greatly from Western culture. While shorts are fine most of the time, in some temples, and on the grounds of the National Palace in Phnom Penh, it is required that all guests cover their knees and shoulders when entering the grounds. Shoes will need to be removed when entering some buildings. Your guides will let you know in advance of any dress requirements.
You will not see many children begging on your trip. Please help keep it this way by not giving any money to children. A better alternative would be something from a far-away place, e.g., postcards, small notepads or other school supplies, small personal hygiene products, etc. These items should not be given to any individual child or family – instead, ask your guide to give them to a village elder or the local school. On this itinerary we will have an option visit to a local orphanage and/or school.
Most host hotels are fitted with elevators for guest use however some rooms may have to be reached via stairs. The ship has an elevator, which reaches all guest floors. Embarkation/disembarkation facilities may be difficult to navigate with wheelchairs or walkers. The ship does not accept guide or support dogs. Electric mobility scooters or any other mobility mechanical devices are not permitted for use on the ship.
Some of the places we visit on this itinerary are not handicapped accessible. Please note: The American with Disabilities Act does not apply in Vietnam or Cambodia and accessibility to some sights may be limited for those with mobility impairments. Excursions may involve walking over uneven ground and some excursions are walking tours only. For your safety and enjoyment, we recommend that all guests be in good physical condition.
At its sole discretion, Brand g Vacations reserves the right to refuse passage, or to require a passenger to end his or her trip if the passenger’s state of health or physical condition may affect his or her own health, safety, and enjoyment, or that of other passengers.
In the countries in which we operate, pickpockets are not uncommon, and caution is encouraged. When sailing, many passengers do not lock their doors, creating the opportunity for theft. A 24-hour watch is kept on board in order to control access to the ship, but we suggest keeping your door locked when your suite is not in use and at night. Brand g Vacations cannot be held liable for loss of money, jewelry, or other valuable items from the ship, from a hotel, or while on an excursion ashore during a voyage. A travel insurance policy will typically cover most incidents of loss or theft. Please make use of the in-room safes available on the ship and in the host hotels.
Please do not drink the tap water while on board or on shore or use it for brushing your teeth. The ship’s water supply comes from the river after passing through a sterilization process. This water is suitable for showers and baths but should not be consumed. Drinking water will be provided in each stateroom and suite and each guest will also receive a reusable water bottle, which can be refilled at any time and carried on excursions.
Weather forecasts are widely available on the Internet, and some of the favorites for large, international cities are www.weather.com and www.cnn.com/weather .
Average temperatures:
Hanoi: 66/78 degrees F
Ho Chi Minh City: 75/88 degrees F
Siem Reap: 77/88 degrees F
Travel Essentials: The following items are essential for any destination: sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellant, hat, rain jacket and umbrella. It is recommended that you bring duplicates of prescription eyewear, copies of prescriptions for any medications (generic equivalents are usually easier to obtain), copies of credit card information, and copies of your passport information pages and visas.
Clothing: Comfortable, sporty, casual clothing is appropriate both on shore and on board. We suggest lightweight, light-colored, “expedition style” clothing in natural, moisture-wicking fabrics that may be layered. A mix of shirts, everyday slacks/pants, skirts/dresses, swimwear and walking shorts are appropriate for both land and cruise. Early mornings, late evenings, and air-conditioned spaces may also require a light sweater. On cruise excursions, you may wish to bring long pants and long-sleeve shirts to protect against both sun and insects. Many companies now offer expedition-style clothing in lightweight materials with sun protection and/or insect repellent in the fabric.
For evenings, we recommend casual and cool attire. Sport jackets and evening dress are not required at any time during this program; however, you may wish to pack a few smart outfits for evening meals or nights out on your own.
Footwear: Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes, with good ankle support, are highly recommended, as there is a significant amount of walking on many excursions. The riverbanks and paths used on our excursions can be quite dusty, or muddy and slippery, and upon your return to the ship, the Mekong Jewel crew members will ask you to remove your shoes. They will be cleaned and returned to your stateroom or suite shortly thereafter. Slippers are provided for your comfort on board the vessel. You may also wish to bring your own slippers or flip flops.
Orphanage Items: We may have time for an optional visit to a local orphanage during the cruise, which will afford the opportunity to provide basic supplies to the children. If you wish to donate, we recommend you bring slippers/shoes and clothing for the children. The ship staff can help facilitate this for you or you may want to bring clothes from home. It is not recommended to bring candy or other food items inconsistent with the local diet. Cash donations are also accepted. If we are not able to visit, the ship staff will deliver the donated items on your behalf.
We’ll share a summary itinerary approximately 30 days before the trip to help you prepare for your adventure.
On your upcoming Brand g Vietnam & Cambodia trip, you can enhance your adventure with optional excursions designed to create unforgettable memories.
Optional Experiences:
Cambodian Acrobatic Drama: An authentic and top-rated evening performance in Siem Reap featuring circus, theater, music, and dance (Oct 10, $65 per person).
Bakheng Hill Sunrise & Gondola Ride: A breathtaking sunrise at Phnom Bakheng followed by a gondola ride through Angkor Thom’s ancient baray and ruins (Oct 10, $105 per person).
Saigon Vespa Tour by Night: An immersive evening experience through Saigon’s vibrant nightlife on a vintage Vespa, including local dining and drinks (Oct 18, $135 per person).
For full details and to reserve your space, please visit: Vietnam & Cambodia Add-ons.
Reminiscent in design of the French colonial-era manor homes that once lined the streets of old Saigon, the 34-suite/68-passenger Mekong Jewel lends a sophisticated, yet comfortable, ambiance while cruising the mighty Mekong River. Around every corner, guests will enjoy a blend of timeless elegance and modern luxuries as they experience the sights and sounds of a landscape that forever changes its visitors.
Accommodations on board the Mekong Jewel provide all the comfort and convenience of a five-star hotel, without denying you the thrills of complete immersion in the Mekong River experience. Spacious, well-appointed suites offer individual climate control, daily housekeeping with turn-down service, the finest bed linens and duvets, luxuriously soft robes and slippers, all-natural, therapeutic bath amenities, premium mattresses and pillow menu, flat-screen satellite TV, in-room electronic safe, complimentary minibar and complimentary wireless internet in all public areas, when available.
The ship features by deck include –
Pool Area – Enjoy a dip in the pool and sunbath at your leisure. The staff will always be on hand to offer you drinks.
Outdoor lounge – A great space to have a drink and watch the world literally as you float down the river.
Library – relax with your holiday read in this tranquil space.
Alfresco Restaurant – The ship will invite you to dine alfresco and enjoy a special Cambodian menu
Indoor Lounge – Meet your fellow travelers for a pre dinner cocktail in this beautiful bar.
Gift Shop – The ship has a wonderful selection of gifts and clothing items for you to buy.
Dining Room – This main dinning room if for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner and features different cuisines over the cruise.
Guest laundry – This free self washing and drying service is a treat to keep all your cloths fresh whilst on your travels. Note: Laundry can also be sent off to be cleaned.
Gym – keep fit in the modern but small gym.
Spa – A full range of services and treatments are available to ensure you feel revitalized during your trip.
Sauna/Steam – Relax and unwind after a full day of tours in the state of the art facility.
Beauty Salon – Hair and Nails can be kept in tip top shape.
Guests 61
Staff 51
Length 262ft
Width 42ft
Just ten minutes away from the famed monuments of Angkor Wat, French colonial elegance sits amidst the manicured gardens of Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort. Our Angkor Spa Resort is one of the best hotel in Cambodia and proudly receives a banquet of awards each and every year. The luxurious five-star Angkor hotel’s rooms entreat with serene design reflecting French sophistication and yesteryear refinement. A lavish swimming pool beloved by guests is surrounded by lush and opulent landscaping.
Dates of included stay: October 8 – 11, 2025
Additional pre-program nights available for $256 per room per night including breakfast and all taxes.
This hotel debuted as the most spectacularly extravagant hotel in Vietnam, and as the one and only member property of The Leading Hotels of the World in Ho Chi Minh City.
Taking pride of place on the topmost floors of the landmark Times Square Building in prestigious District 1, the much-lauded hotel presents world-class hospitality with its impeccable service and its unique celebration of haute Italian design and inimitable luxury.
Transcending expectations of place to a modern-day exploration of fanciful splendor, the sky-high Reverie Saigon offers an incomparable perspective on the city with its spectacular views.
Dates of included stay: October 18 – 20, 2025
Additional post-program nights may be available. Please contact us for pricing and availability.
Please take a copy of this with you and provide a copy to your family members or friends in case they need to reach you in the event of an emergency.
The countries visited operate on ICT (Indochina Time GMT+7 hours), so when it is Noon in New York it is 11:00pm in the Vietnam and Cambodia. International telephone calls can be placed by dialing the International Access Code (011), the country code and then the phone number. If your inbound flights are delayed for any reason, please contact our local representatives immediately. Should you need to utilize these numbers, please specify that you are traveling with Brand g Vacations.
Siem Reap:
CONTACT PERSON: TBD
EMERGENCY TEL: TBD
Phnom Penh:
CONTACT PERSON: TBD
EMERGENCY TEL: TBD
Ho Chi Minh City:
CONTACT PERSON: TBD
EMERGENCY TEL: TBD
| PROGRAM DATE | PROGRAM VENUE | ADDRESS |
| October 20 – 24 Optional Post-program |
Intercontinental Westlake Hotel +84-24-6270 8888 |
5 Tu Hoa street, Tay Ho District Hanoi, Vietnam |
| October 22 – 23 Optional Post-program |
Paradise Elegance Junk Boat: +84 98 649 2294 |
Paradise Elegance Junk Boat And in route to Cambodia |
| October 8 – 11 | Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Resort + 855 63 964 600 |
Vithei Charles De Gaulle Siem Reap, Cambodia |
| October 11 – 18 | Mekong Jewel Mekong Jewel – Hotel Director Cambodia +855 97 769 9636 Vietnam +84 979 819 587 Lotus Cruises Customer Support: +84 911 899 677 |
Mekong River Cruise |
| October 18 – 20 | The Reverie Saigon +84 28 3823 6688 |
22-36 Nguyen Hue Boulevard, Ben Nghe Ward, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam |
| Brand g Program Hosts
Mike Mumford Emergency Mobile or WhatsApp: +1 801 403 5227 Jeremy Brooks Emergency Mobile or WhatsApp: +1 602 684 0006 |
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All of our trips include arrival and departure airport transfers, most meals, included beverages and so much more! Plus our trips are hosted, meaning someone from Brand g will be with you the entire time to take care of the details, so you can simply relax and enjoy your vacation.
© 2025 Brand g Vacations. All Rights Reserved.
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