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Asia Tourism | Enchanting-Asia | Facts about Asia | Travel Guide Asia

Facts & Travel Tips

  • Facts & Travel Tips

Some Helpful Hints

Nepal

Bhutan

Sri Lanka

Thailand

Vietnam

Cambodia

Laos

Myanmar

Maldives



Nepal
  • Visa: SAARC Country and Chinese Nationals do not need visa for visiting Nepal. Other Nationals can procure visa on arrival. Passport, documents for onward travel and photos should be handy.
  • Currency: Nepalese Rupee (NPR). Approx. rates - 1 USD = 73 NPR, 1 GBP = 117 NPR, 1 Euro = 100 NPR.
  • Language & Faith / Religion: Nepali, English and Hindi are the main languages spoken in Nepal. Once the world's only constitutionally declared Hindu state, Nepal is now a secular state.
  • Vaccinations: Advisable to visit health care provider or government travel website.
  • Government: Nepal's politics function within a republic and multi-party system, headed by President, Prime Minister and governed by a Constituent Assembly.


Bhutan
  • Visa: All nationals require visa for travel in Bhutan. Visa clearance takes at least 10 days to process and should be applied for at least 60 days prior arrival.
  • Currency: Ngultrum (BTN). Approx. rates - 1 USD = 45 BTN, 1 GBP = 72 BTN, 1 Euro = 62 BTN.
  • Language & Faith / Religion: Dzongkha is the national language, besides which Nepali and English also spoken. Majority follows Buddhism and a quarter practices Hinduism and Christianity.
  • Vaccinations: It is advisable to visit the health care provider about taking vaccinations for Diphtheria, Hepatitis-A, Tetanus, Malaria and Yellow Fever.
  • Government: Once an absolute monarchy, Bhutan now has a constitutional monarchy, governed by the King (Head of state), the council of ministers and the national assembly.


Sri Lanka
  • Visa: Nationals from 77 countries can secure entry visa for between 30-90 days (depending on country of nationality) at the point of entry without any payment.
  • Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Approx. rates - 1 USD = 111 LKR, 1 GBP = 179 LKR, 1 Euro = 153 LKR.
  • Language & Faith / Religion: Sinhalese and Tamil are widely spoken languages in Sri Lanka followed by English.
  • Vaccinations: Vaccinations against Japanese B encephalitis, tuberculosis and hepatitis B are sometimes recommended. Do visit health care provider.
  • Government: Sri Lanka is a Democratic, socialist republic country, also a unitary state, where the President is the head of the state and the prime minister his deputy.


Thailand
  • Visa: It is strongly advised to check current requirements with the Thai embassy or consulate in the home country, due to country specific rules and regulations.
  • Currency: Thai Bhat (THB). Approx. rates - 1 USD = 30 THB, 1 GBP = 48 THB, 1 Euro = 41 THB.
  • Language & Faith / Religion: Languages mainly spoken, Thai and English. Buddhism is followed by 95%, 4% are Muslims, 0.5% are Christians, and the remainder Hindus, Sikhs and other religions.
  • Vaccinations: Check with doctor about vaccination for Malaria, Japanese Encephalitis, Hepatitis-A & B that are all highly recommended.
  • Government: Thailand is a constitutional monarchy under a parliamentary democratic system. The king is the head of the state, but the Prime Minister as the Executive head has more powers.
Vietnam
  • Visa: Picking up a visa at a Vietnam International Airport is simple, easy, reliable, and does not require additional fees.
  • Currency: Viet Nam Dong (VND). Approx. rates – 1 USD = 26,786 VND, 1 GBP = 31,324 VND, 1 Euro = 26,785 VND.
  • Language & Faith / Religion: Vietnamese is the predominant language, followed by Chinese. The established religions in Vietnam are Mahayana Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism.
  • Vaccinations: Advisable to discuss vaccination requirements with doctor. Vaccination for Malaria, Dengue, Typhoid and Influenza are most advised.
  • Government: The Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a single-party state, where the President is the titular head and the real powers are vested with the Prime Minister.
Combodia
  • Visa: One can apply for a visa at the local Cambodian Consulate. E-Visas are only valid for entry via Phnom Penh and Siam Reap International Airports.
  • Currency: Riel (KHR). Approx. rates – 1 USD = 5,000 KHR, 1 GBP = 7,982 KHR, 1 Euro = ,6825 KHR.
  • Language & Faith / Religion: Khmer is the official language of Cambodia and is used in most social contexts. 95% follow Buddhism and the remainder adheres to Islam, Christianity, Animism and Hinduism.
  • Vaccinations: Visit a health-care provider at least 4–6 weeks before the trip to allow time for vaccines, mostly malaria, influenza, DPT and Hepatitis A & B, to take effect.
  • Government: The government in Cambodia is a multiparty liberal democracy under a constitutional monarchy.
Laos
  • Visa: Most foreigners are eligible for a Visa on arrival, but certain country passport holders require a visa from a Lao Embassy or Consulate.
  • Currency: Kip (LAK). Approx. rates – 1 USD = 8,010 LAK, 1 GBP = 12,820 LAK, 1 Euro = 10,978 LAK.
  • Language & Faith / Religion: Lao is the official language. French is spoken to a certain degree here. Buddhism is widely practiced, followed by Confucianism, Animism, Taoism and Christianity.
  • Vaccinations: Vaccinations against Influenza, Malaria, Hepatitis-A, diphtheria / tetanus are highly recommended.
  • Government: Once a communist state, Laos is now a single-party socilaist republic, governed by a President and Prime Minister.
Myanmar
  • Visa: Citizens from countries that have a Myanmar Embassy must apply for visa in their respective country. Others can apply for 'visa on arrival'.
  • Currency: Kyat (MMK). Approx. rates – 1 USD = 6.41 MMK, 1 GBP = 10.11 MMK, 1 Euro = 8.54 MMK.
  • Language & Faith / Religion: Burmese is the official language, followed by English which is also widely spoken. 89% of the populace follows Buddhism, with a smatter practising Christianity, Islam and Hinduism.
  • Vaccinations: Discuss travel plans with health-care provider to determine vaccines required. Hepatitis-A & B, Japanese Encephalitis and Malaria are often recommended.
  • Government: The government of Myanmar is controlled by the military in the form of the State Peace & Development Council.
Maldives
  • Visa: Visas are issued on arrival at the immigration desk at the Maldives International Airport.
  • Currency: Maldives Rufiyaa (MVR). Approx. rates – 1 USD = 12.80, 1 GBP = 20.16, 1 Euro = 17.01.
  • Language & Faith / Religion: Dhivehi is the main language spoken in Maldives. English is recognized as the second main language.
  • Vaccinations: One should seek medical advice before traveling to Maldives. Malaria and dengue are recommended vaccines.
  • Government: Maldives is a presidential republic, where the President is the head of government, and he appoints the cabinet.