Your browser (Internet Explorer {{browserVersion}}) is out of date. It has known security flaws and may not display all the features of this and other websites.
Update my browser

Asia Travel Tips

River Cruising, Land & Rail Journeys

We are very excited to have you join us on what is sure to be an unforgettable trip through Asia very soon. Below are a few key bits of information you will want to know before departing on your Asian adventure. 

  While On Tour |  Returning Home  |  Find Out More

Before You Go

Visa requirements are subject to change, and it is your responsibility to ensure you meet the requirements for all countries visited. Travelmarvel cannot obtain visas on your behalf. If you require further assistance, please contact your local consulate prior to travel. No refund is offered for lost touring if you do not meet these visa requirements.

For the most up to date visa and travel advice please make sure to check the relevant travel advice websites (ex. SmartTraveller), contact your local consulate and/or Visas Direct.

Australia - https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia

New Zealand - www.safetravel.govt.nz

 

Vietnam

All Australian and New Zealand passport holders must obtain a Vietnam Visa. We recommend obtaining an electronic visa (E-visa) prior to departure at least 30 days prior to departure.

You must check your details are correct when applying for a Vietnam visa. The visa details must match your full name and date of birth as per your passport. Any errors or name omissions may result in you being refused entry. You may be charged an additional fee on arrival to correct the visa error and to be issued an emergency visa. 

PLEASE CHECK THE FOLLOWING:  

  • Colour copy of passport
  • Colour copy of passport photo
  • Name as per passport (ensure you have included your middle name/s)
  • Date of birth as per passport
  • Place of birth as per passport
  • Nationality as per passport
  • Passport number as per passport 
  • Select whether you require a single entry or multi-entry visa – please refer below for more information
  • Entry and exit dates are correct – please refer to document below for more information
  • Entry and exit checkpoints are correct – please refer to document below for more information                                                      

Note: The Entry and Exit date we supply is the embarkation/disembarkation date and not the actual border crossing date. This is to cover for any unforeseen circumstances where we may cross the border sooner than the date stated in the itinerary.

The below information is based on you arriving/departing on the first/last day of the tour. If you have booked additional pre/post-tour accommodation, entry/exit days may be different so it is important to note that this reference should be used a guide only.

Note: These documents are based on you arriving/departing on the first/last day of the tour. If you have booked additional pre/post-tour accommodation, entry days may be different so it is important to note that this reference should be used a guide only.


Cambodia

All Australian, New Zealand and UK passport holders must obtain a Cambodian Visa.

You must check your details are correct when applying for a Cambodia visa. The visa details must match your full name and date of birth as per your passport. Any errors or name omissions may result in you being refused entry. You may be charged an additional fee on arrival to correct the visa error and to be issued an emergency visa.

Please note:
A Cambodian e-Visa is ONLY accepted when entering through a Cambodian Airport.
An exit point is not required for the Visa Application.
Hotel Documentation is not required for the e-Visa Application.
Ship Information is not required.

To view the relevant entry and exit points/days required for visa application, please refer to the below information. The entry date we supply is the date you arrive in to Siem Reap Angkor Airport, Cambodia.

Please refer to your itinerary for your Tour Code:

Note: These documents are based on you arriving/departing on the first/last day of the tour. If you have booked additional pre/post-tour accommodation, entry days may be different so it is important to note that this reference should be used a guide only.


Japan

No Visa required for stays of up to 90 days
https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/japan


South Korea

You may be required to register on the Korean Q-code registration system(https://qcode.kdca.go.kr/qco/index.do?lang=en)  prior to arrival or to complete a health questionnaire on arrival. Further information is available on the Republic of Korea Embassy or Consulate for the latest requirements for Australians. 

No Visa required for stays of up to 90 days
https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/south-korea-republic-korea


Sri Lanka

All Australian and New Zealand Passport Holders require a visa for entry into Sri Lanka. You are required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for stays up to 30 days, prior to arrival.

For the most up to date visa and travel advice please make sure to check the relevant travel advice website
https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/sri-lanka

 

Singapore

 

You must complete a Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) before arriving in Singapore. You may need to present your SGAC acknowledgment email with supporting documentation to the airlines at check-in.

Please also refer to the Smart Traveller Website: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/singapore

 

Malaysia 

 

From 1 January 2024, you'll be required to complete and submit a Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) three days prior to arrival in Malaysia. In most circumstances, you can get a 90-day tourism visa on arrival. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. The MDAC must be submitted through the Malaysian Immigration website. Contact the nearest Malaysian High Commission, Embassy or Consulate for the latest details.

Please also refer to the Smart Traveller Website: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/malaysia  

 
All passengers are required to possess a passport valid for at least 6 months after the conclusion of their trip. You should always carry your passport and other travel documents in your hand luggage.
We highly recommend that you obtain comprehensive medical and travel insurance to cover your entire time away from home. Be sure to pack your policy in case you need to make a claim while travelling. It is also worth adding your insurance policy details and flight numbers to your Tour Personaliser, so all your important travel information is in one place.
Approximately three weeks before your tour you will receive all the documents required ahead of your trip via email, including any flights and hotel reservations made with Travelmarvel.
If you are bringing appliances from home, an adapter suitable for your destination countries’ socket and voltage will be needed.

If you have a food allergy or medical condition which needs to be managed on tour, please advise your Booking Agent before departure, and inform your Tour Director on arrival. It is also worth packing a small medical kit, as though there will be pharmacies along your tour, they can be difficult to access, and a prescription may be required for some medications.

Suggested Packing List:

  • A general-purpose antibiotic (e.g. azithromycin)
  • Cold and flu medication
  • Your preferred pain medication
  • Medicine for gastric upsets
  • Band-Aids and blister pads
If you have a food allergy or another condition that needs to be managed on tour, please advise your booking agent as soon as possible, as well as your Tour Director upon arrival, as most suppliers require advance notice to accommodate this.

Each passenger is entitled to take one piece of luggage that does not exceed 20kg (44lbs) and 160cm when all dimensions are added together.

When packing, we recommend casual and comfortable clothing. Consider the season of the destination you are travelling to. More information on specific countries climate can be found in our extensive travel guides.

Some countries are very conservative, and you should dress accordingly. As a general guideline, shoulders and knees should be covered (for both men and women) when entering buildings of a religious nature and family homes. When entering temples and pagodas, shoes and socks may need to be removed. Smart casual clothing is acceptable when you dine at restaurants, or on board. Guests are not permitted to enter restaurants barefoot or wearing bathing attire.

Note that some prepaid traveller cards do not work in Asia, for that reason we recommend passengers bring a credit or debit card as a backup should this occur. We recommend carrying a small amount of local currency for markets, otherwise credit, debit or traveller cards are recommended. For more information on specific countries currencies, check our extensive travel hints, found at the bottom of the page.

While On Tour

Dining
All meals are prepared by our onboard chefs and consist of Western and Asian-style cuisine. Please note that special dietary requirements will need to be advised to Travelmarvel prior to your sailing to ensure that we are able to cater for this.

Beverages
International wine is available with lunch and dinner. Soft drinks, juice, and coffee are available all day. International wine, beer and spirits can be purchased outside of meal times from the bar and charged back to your room account.

Dress Code
For excursions casual, comfortable clothing and flat shoes are recommended. Your luggage should include a breathable windproof/waterproof jacket, warm jumper, warm hat, hat with brim and walking trousers/shorts. It is also advisable to pack several smart casual outfits for evenings and a more formal clothing for the Welcome Dinner.

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.

Currency
The accepted currency on board Travelmarvel Mekong River cruises in Vietnam and Cambodia are US Dollars. Only Debit Cards, Credit Cards or cash are accepted as payment onboard the cruise. For purchases off the ship, we recommend carrying a small amount of local currency for markets, otherwise credit, debit or traveller cards are recommended. Please note that some prepaid traveller cards do not work in Asia, for that reason we recommend passengers bring a credit card as a backup should this occur.

View of RV Apsara with palm trees behind on Mekong River

Dining
Great cuisine is an integral part of your Travelmarvel experience, and we ensure that many of your dining events will be memorable holiday experiences. We pay careful attention to the negotiation of our menus, to ensure choice and a healthy variety of quality food that caters to all tastes is offered. Meals that are included in your tour price are clearly indicated on your itinerary.

* Dietary requests will always be taken into consideration and fulfilled where possible, but they cannot be guaranteed. If you have special dietary requirements, please contact us as soon as possible.

Personal Expenses
You will need money to cover refreshments, meals (when not included) and activities on free days. You may also wish to budget for non-touring activities that do not appeal to everyone but will be made available, such as scenic flights, helicopter rides or cruises, to mention but a few.

Dress Code
For excursions casual, comfortable clothing and flat shoes are recommended. Your luggage should include a breathable windproof/waterproof jacket, warm jumper, warm hat, hat with brim and walking trousers/shorts. It is also advisable to pack several smart casual outfits for evenings.

Laundry
Each hotel will have a separate policy when it comes to laundry, but generally if your tour is staying 2 nights or more at a hotel there will be an opportunity to have your clothes laundered for a cost.

Landscrape portrait of Sigiriya Rock in Sri Lanka

Train Travel
Often on smaller train departures there may not be enough seats in First Class to accommodate groups or it may not be possible to secure seats for all guests. Therefore, guests may be booked in Second Class to ensure the group remains together.

Dining
Great cuisine is an integral part of your Travelmarvel experience, and we ensure that many of your dining events will be memorable holiday experiences. We pay careful attention to the negotiation of our menus, to ensure choice and a healthy variety of quality food that caters to all tastes is offered. Meals that are included in your tour price are clearly indicated on your itinerary. * Dietary requests will always be taken into consideration and fulfilled where possible, but they cannot be guaranteed. If you have special dietary requirements, please contact us as soon as possible.

Personal Expenses
You will need money to cover refreshments, meals (when not included) and activities on free days. You may also wish to budget for non-touring activities that do not appeal to everyone but will be made available, such as scenic flights, helicopter rides or cruises, to mention but a few.

Dress Code
For excursions casual, comfortable clothing and flat shoes are recommended. Your luggage should include a breathable windproof/waterproof jacket, warm jumper, warm hat, hat with brim and walking trousers/shorts. It is also advisable to pack several smart casual outfits for evenings.

Laundry
Each hotel will have a separate policy when it comes to laundry, but generally if your tour is staying two nights or more at a hotel there will be an opportunity to have your clothes laundered for a cost.

Bullet train travels past fields in Japan with Mt Fuji in the background

Returning Home

Lanterns a glow in local market, Hoi An, Vietnam

Souvenirs

There are different restrictions for each country on which products can and cannot be imported into Australia. For up-to-date information go to the Australian Customers and Border Protection website.

Explore More

Four people on the balcony at Bruhl Palace

Flexible Bookings

Everyone likes more flexibility. If you’d like freedom to change your plans, our flexible booking policies allow you to cancel and move your holiday to another time.
Couple on the deck of a boat

Safe Journeys

Your health – and that of your family, as well as our staff and crew – is Travelmarvel’s highest priority. You can rely on our industry-leading health protocols, to help ensure everyone’s health and wellbeing.
Woman walking along Mount Cook national park boardwalk, South Island New Zealand

All Taken Care Of

We make planning your travel experience as seamless as it can be. Our travel experts can look after all aspects of your journey. There’s 24/7 emergency support and we’ll keep you updated on any travel requirements.