Find below the most frequently asked questions on Southeast Asia shore excursions and pick-up services.
Shore Excursions
Q : What exactly are shore excursions?
A : Shore excursions are organized tours and activities at a cruise ship's port of call. Our excursion programs are based on those suggested by the popular cruise lines and cover the classic highlights or unique experiences at your ports of call.
Q: How does a shore excursion proceed?
A : On docking at the seaport, you just disembark from the ship and walk to the arrivals lounge, where our guide will be waiting for you with your name written on a welcome board. Get on a car and start your journey of discovery. When finished with the tour, you will be transferred back to the ship.
Q: What does a shore excursion include?
A : These organized tours include guide and transfer service and any admission fees to the sightseeing places on the itinerary. Some include lunch. Precise information as to what is included will be clarified when you book the tour.
Q: Why book with Asia Highlights?
A : You'll have your trips customized as we do things your way and help you create your own itinerary. Our trip advisors will do all the hard work to take care of you and to provide a unique and private service based on your requirements.
What Our Customers Said
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Three weeks encompassing Vietnam
A special shoutout to our last guide in Bangkok - Ms. Ka-Noon who spoiled us with her kindness and then got us through check in and security for our flight home in record time at that huge Bangkok airport. MoreDeby, Feb 2023
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Three weeks encompassing Vietnam
Three weeks encompassing Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Laos. Albee Ning arranged everything perfectly. Not a flaw in the whole 3 weeks. Guides, flights (7 in total), hotels, private tours…everything was excellent. Travelling on a private tour gave us so much freedom to change our day if we chose to rest or go somewhere else. MoreDeby, Feb 2023
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Three weeks encompassing Vietnam
Asia Highlights is the way to go without any question. Next overseas trip will be booked with them for sure. Thank you for a wonderful and stress free vacation experience. MoreDeby, Feb 2023
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Over the last 5 years we've used Asia…
Over the last 5 years we've used Asia highlights twice. And both times we've had fantastic vacations. Would not want to do it any different when we travel to Asia from now on. Sharon was fantastic. She was a wonderful agent who helped us nail down our trip and make everything go as smooth as possible. MoreTodd Atwell, Feb 2023
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Family Trip to Thailand
Our trip to Thailand comprised three generations of the family , ten people and an age range of 4 to 70 so a potentially difficult brief.Our itinerary over two weeks involved four locations, and a number of different trips and tours.From out arrival at an extremely busy Bangkok airport Asia Highlights were terrific.In each location we were met by a smiling , knowledgeable and professional guide who simply made everything easy and stress free for everyone.Our transportation was clean and comfortable . Transport was always ready for us at the agreed time and the drivers were excellent.There were so many highlights enjoyed by all the age groups. The floating houses , railway market and elephant sanctuary were particular favourites.We had one minor glitch with the accommodation in Phuket which was immediately dealt with by Tip. I think we would have struggled to resolve the problem by ourselves. So, thank you Asia Highlights , Cathy, Tip and tour guides Tanny, Sam and Lisa. It was a memorable holiday and we will be back. MoreRoger Pyle, Feb 2023
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Family Trip to Thailand
So, thank you Asia Highlights , Cathy, Tip and tour guides Tanny, Sam and Lisa. It was a memorable holiday and we will be back. MoreRoger Pyle, Feb 2023
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Trip of a lifetime from Asia Highlights!
I recommend highly Asia Highlights as a travel company. Our travel consultant Albee took the time to connect with us during the planning process to make sure we were comfortable with our itinerary. When we arrived, we were met by our guide and all the details were attended to. They picked great hotels and tours. I often describe our trip as the trip of a lifetime! Would definitely use them again when we come back to Asia MoreNancy Parker, Feb 2023
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Asia Highlights and Albee - highly recommended
Asia Highlights is very reliable agency and Albee is an amazing representative of the company. From the moment when we contacted her until our departure, the whole support we received was 6* level. She prepared our trip offer within few hours and afterwards she was extremely flexible to adjust as per our needs. In the period between the offer and the trip, Albee was always available for all our questions and supported us on the best possible way. During the trip she was again flexible to add new activities/transfers and this went on the smoothest possible way. Thank you, Albee and Asia Highlights. Definitely we will approach you again for our next Asian trip MoreAZ, Feb 2023
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Visa
Q : Are there any requirements for visiting certain ports, such as preparation of visas in advance?
A : We recommend that you check about this with the cruise company, as ports of call will be arranged by the company. They will give details about visa requirements for each country where the ship docks. For some countries without visa-on-arrival provisions, you'll have to apply for visas in advance.
Q : What travel documents do I need to pass the port check?
A : We recommend that you also check about this with the cruise company. Normally, you'll need a passport with at least 6 months' validity, one or two passport-sized photos, and some application forms to be filled out, which the ship's officers will give you. Once your visa is stamped, you just disembark from the ship and walk to the arrivals lounge.
Pick Up Service
Q : How do I pass the port check?
A : On arrival at the port, all passengers should remain seated, and wait for immigration officers to board and stamp their visas. Passengers will then be invited to disembark.
Q : How can I meet the guide?
A : Follow the walkway to the terminal where you'll find your Asia Highlights guide, waiting with a welcome board, with clients' names written on the board.
Q : What kind of vehicle do you use for pick-up?
A : This depends on the group size and the amount of luggage. It also differs from port to port. Vehicle information will be clarified when you book the tour. For example: 1-2 passengers would use a 4-seat car; 3-6 passengers would use a 12-15-seat van; and 7-12 passengers would use a 25-seat bus.
Q :Will drinking water be available on the car?
A : Yes, we will provide mineral water and sometimes wet tissues.
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Guide and Driver
Q : How long will my guide be with me?
A : It depends on your tour. A half-day tour usually takes 4 hours and a day-tour 8 hours. Your guide will be with you from the time of pick-up to the time you are brought back to the port.
Q : Will the guide and driver help me with baggage?
A : Sure, they'll be glad to.
Q : Can I have a French-speaking guide?
A : Yes. English-speaking guides are most popular, but we also provide German-, Spanish-, French-, or Russian-speaking guides.
Q : How to tip?
A : Tipping is not mandatory. If you feel satisfied with the service, you may tip any amount you think appropriate. Our suggestion is $10 USD per day for a guide and half that for a driver.
Food
Q : Can you arrange vegetarian food for us?
A : Yes. If you have any special requirements with respect to food or drinks, just tell your trip advisor when booking.
Q : Could we have gluten-free food?
A : Yes. No problem.
Shopping
Q : Will our guide take us to stores?
A : No. Your guide will show you around according to your itinerary. If you feel like shopping, just ask your guide for some recommendations
Continue to read:
Top Cruise Ports in Southeast Asia
Top Southeast Asia Shore Excursions
Plan Your Southeast Asia Trip with Asia Highlights
Our travel advisors are very glad to give you suggestions on shore excursions. They can tailor-make your trip according to your preference and make good connections between different countries.
Why Travel with Asia Highlights During the Pandemic
- Tailor-made experience: All of your ideas/needs will be carefully considered to create your ideal trip.
- Worry-free planning: Your 1:1 travel consultant in Asia will take all the uncertainty out of your planning, helping you navigate any travel restrictions.
- No-risk booking: 100% refund policy! (prior to 3 weeks before departure, more details)
Get Inspired with Our Sample Itineraries
At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.
