VIETNAM & CAMBODIA

Each program has a specific packing list that has been designed to fit the program’s activities, length, climate and cultural differences. Please click here to view the Vietnam/Cambodia: Project Clean Water packing list.

Most of Vietnam and Cambodia can be described as hot and humid during this time. Day-time temperatures in the summer months usually fall in the mid-80’s, with an average humidity of 66% to 82%. In Vietnam, you can expect balmy temperatures, cooled off by quick rain showers. In Cambodia, you will arrive in the midst of the green season, where rice paddies glisten and afternoon downpours bring relief from the humidity.

ARCC has been operating programs in Vietnam and Cambodia for several years, and we have built relationships with a variety of individuals, small communities and organizations who enjoy hosting ARCC student groups. On this program, we construct bio-sand water filters from cement, then install them in slum communities to very eager families, we assist in the community center and garden, and we teach English to children at a rural orphanage.

ARCC recommends that you take some health precautions before your trip to Vietnam and Cambodia. When you enroll in the program, you will receive more complete information on pertinent travel vaccinations and immunizations. Please also refer to the Traveler’s Health section of the CDC website for Vietnam and Cambodia. Our leaders carry a full first aid kit, and are all certified Wilderness First Responders (WFR).

During this program we sleep in a variety of accommodations: small hotels and hostels, guesthouses, a community center, and a sailboat.

We use a variety of transportation on the Vietnam/Cambodia program. We travel by train in overnight sleeper coaches, private busses, and boats.

We will have the opportunity to sample traditional local cuisine such as noodles, curries, rice, springs rolls and fresh fruits.

For the Vietnam/Cambodia program, ARCC recommends that you bring an additional $200 of spending money. You should bring this money in the form of cash (small bills are best) and also bring an ATM/debit card with you. Vietnam uses the “dong” as currency and there are approximately 21,082 dong to every US $1. US dollars can be used in Cambodia.

As with any international program, we strongly recommend talking to your bank about its international withdrawal policies to avoid any surprise fees or card cancellations.

Yes, all students traveling to Vietnam/Cambodia need to have a valid passport. Please make sure the passport expiration date is at least six months after you travel. Passport applications are available at the post office. If you do not already have a passport, you should apply for one as soon as you enroll in this adventure. It normally takes six weeks to process a passport application.

Yes. You will need visas to enter Vietnam and Cambodia. For Vietnam, you must purchase your visa in advance. There is a visa information section in the forms that you will receive once you enroll in this program. You can obtain a Vietnamese visa in person at a Vietnam embassy, or through the mail. For Cambodia, you don’t need to get it before departure. Upon arrival in country, you will buy a visa, which costs about $20.

Vietnam and Cambodia fall within a single time zone. While on your program, the time will be 11 hours behind New York (Eastern Time), 12 hours behind Chicago (Central Time), and 14 hours behind San Francisco (Pacific Time).

Although you will not be doing traditional backpacking on this program, it is important that you bring a backpack as your main piece of luggage. During the program you will be navigating through airports, on and off buses and trains, up and down stairways and walking to various locations. The group will be able to move much more efficiently if all group members are carrying their belongings on their backs.

We have the chance to live amongst some needy people who have the very basics for survival. With education being a tool to better their lives, basic school supplies are welcomed with open arms. Pens, pencils, notepads, calculators and books are widely accepted. Soccer balls are also an incredible way to cross the cultural border and share smiles. Because of limited space on our vehicles ARCC would ask that every person to bring no more than a gym of bag of goods to donate.