TREKKING - LUANG PRABANG TO HANOI 13 DAYS / 12 NIGHTS Date: Feb 2019

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1 TREKKING - LUANG PRABANG TO HANOI 13 DAYS / 12 NIGHTS Date: Feb 2019 Visit Remote ethnic villages and pristine mountain scenery in Laos & Vietnam Good variety of homestays and camping In-depth cultural look at this more remote area of Southeast Asia Page 1

Destination Activity Difficulty Transfer Meals Hotels 1 Arrival Luang Prabang Walking 2 hrs Very Easy 15 mins -/-/D Sala Prabang 2 Luang Prabang - Kuang Si Trekking up to 4 hrs Medium 40 mins B/L/-

2 Destination Activity Difficulty Transfer Meals Hotels 1 Arrival Luang Prabang Walking 2 hrs Very Easy 15 mins -/-/D Sala Prabang 2 Luang Prabang - Kuang Si Trekking up to 4 hrs Medium 40 mins B/L/- Sala Prabang 3 Luang Prabang Nong Nong Khiaw Trekking up to 3-4 hrs Medium 3 hours B/L/D Khiaw Riverside 4 Nong Khiaw Vieng Kham Trekking up to 3 hrs Medium 2 hours B/L/D Dok Khoun Thong Guesthouse 5 Nam Et Phou Louey NPA Trekking up to 3-4 hrs Medium 30 mins B/L/D The Nests 6 Nam Et Phou Louey NPA- Vieng Kham Trekking up to 3-4 hrs Medium 30 mins B/L/D 7 ViengKham- Vieng Xay Walking 2 hrs Easy 4.5 hrs B/L/D 8 Vieng Xay- Na Meo Border- Hieu Dok Khoun Thong Guesthouse Naxay 2 Guesthouse Trekking up to 1.5 hrs Easy 2.5 hrs B/L/D Homestay 9 Hieu Village- Nua Village Trekking up to 5 hrs Medium - B/L/D Homestay Nua Village- Kho Muong Village Kho Muong Village- Hang Village Hang Village- Mai Chau- Hanoi Trekking up to 6-7hrs Hard - B/L/D Homestay Trekking up to 7-8 hrs Hard - B/L/D Homestay Trekking up to 2hrs Easy 3 hrs B/L/D Church Boutique 13 Hanoi Departure hour B/-/- - Day 1: 2019 Luang Prabang Arrival (-/-/D) Welcome to the spiritual capital of Laos! Upon arrival in Luang Prabang, you ll be met by your local guide and transfered to your hotel. In the late afternoon, meet up with your guide to visit the Xieng Thong Temple, the most reverred & ancient temple of Luang Prabang. Page 2

3 Next, climb the 328 steps to the top of Mount Phousi to enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding countryside at sunset. We then take a walk down into the evening hill tribe market where you will find plenty of local souvenirs to buy such as handicrafts and textiles. Dinner is included and this will be a perfect introduction to Laos s cuisine. Tamarind is an ideal introduction to Laotian Cuisine and is near the night market. Overnight in Luang Prabang Transfer from Airport to hotel: 15 mins Walking 2 hours Difficulty: Very Easy Day 2: Feb 2019 Luang Prabang - Kuang Si (B/L/-) After breakfast, we transfer 40 minutes and arrive at the Long Lao Village where we begin our trekking tour. Before trekking we can explore the life and culture of this village where Khamu and Hmong people live harmoniously together. The Kuang Si trekking trail leads you into the Lao hinterland, passing fields and vegetable gardens before reaching the forested mountains, which reveal wild scenery and some steeper climbs. After a stretch of forest hiking you will stop to explore an interesting cave along the way. During the Second Indochina War people say it was used by locals as a bomb shelter. In the early afternoon you will arrive at the crystal clear waters of Kuang Si waterfall, one of the most famous waterfalls in the country that remains spectacular year round! We walk a short jungle path to an area where you will have the chance to swim and relax in the beautiful turquoise waters. (Note: please dress modestly) Enjoy a local picnic lunch next to the Kuang Si Waterfalls. Before we leave, you ll also have the opportunity to visit the Asian Black Bear Rescue Center which is next to the falls, run by Free The Bears Fund Inc. There are currently 23 Asiatic Black Bears living in the sanctuary having been saved from hunters. The main threat to these bears is poaching due to the use of their bile in Chinese medicine. You can read about their habits and observe their playful nature, whilst learning about the difficulties they are facing. After the trip, we will transfer you back to your hotel (approximately 45 minutes). Page 3

4 In the late afternoon, you will get the chance to interact with the local people by having a game of petanque. Try your skills at this simple sport which harks back to colonial days and remains a favorite pastime of the Lao people. They will cheer you on and give you hints as you play a few games and enjoy snacks and drinks. Overnight in Luang Prabang Transfer from Luang Prabang to Ban Long Lao: 40 mins Trekking up to: 4 hours Difficulty: Medium Day 3: Feb 2019 Luang Prabang Nong Khiaw (B/L/D) Depart early from Luang Prabang (approx. 08:00), leaving the city behind and escaping in to the mountains, arriving to Nong Khiaw at around 11:00am. After a quick stop to freshen up you will begin a trek which will take you through unspoilt villages and stunning landscapes. Please expect to get wet as some of the walking is through small streams. And bring a swimsuit for the waterfall! Following the Nam Ou River, leave Nong Khiaw on a small walking trail towards the village of Hat Sao. Stop along the way to enjoy a picnic lunch on the trail. On arrival to Hat Sao your guide will explain more about the local lifestyle along the Nam Ou River, in this mixed Lao Lum and Lao Thung village. From the village you will follow small trails through a preserved piece of jungle and into the nearby mountainous area. Weaving your way past rice fields and through forest we head towards the next highlight, a refreshing waterfall. Take your time to relax, cool off in the natural pools and enjoy the scenery. Trek down to the banks of the Nam Ou River and board a local longtail boat to cruise back to Nong Khiaw, arriving late afternoon. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Nong Khiaw Transfer from Luang Prabang to Nong Khiaw: 3 hours Trekking up to: 3-4 hours Page 4

Difficulty: Medium Day 4: Feb 2018 Nong Khiaw Vieng Kham (B/L/D) We enjoy breakfast at the hotel and meet at 8:00am for a one hour boat ride upstream and the starting point of today s trek.

Hike back down the steep trail before getting back to Nong Khiew for a relaxing lunch. Drive out to Vieng Kham, and discover the bizarre delicacies of the area.

Transfer from Nong Khiew to Vieng Kham: 2 hrs Trekking up to: 3hrs Difficulty: Medium Day 5: Feb 2019 Vieng Kham - Nam Et Phou Louey NP (B/L/D) Our guide with driver will meet clients at around

5 Difficulty: Medium Day 4: Feb 2018 Nong Khiaw Vieng Kham (B/L/D) We enjoy breakfast at the hotel and meet at 8:00am for a one hour boat ride upstream and the starting point of today s trek. Start your hike up Phou Pha Deng 2 hours uphill to find a panoramic landscape of the surrounding karst mountains and valleys. Hike back down the steep trail before getting back to Nong Khiew for a relaxing lunch. Drive out to Vieng Kham, and discover the bizarre delicacies of the area. Dinner in a local restaurant- one along the river has a Petanque court, if you wish to practice for your next tournament! Overnight in Vieng Kham. Transfer from Nong Khiew to Vieng Kham: 2 hrs Trekking up to: 3hrs Difficulty: Medium Day 5: Feb 2019 Vieng Kham - Nam Et Phou Louey NP (B/L/D) Our guide with driver will meet clients at around 8:30am at their guesthouse in Muang Hiem (Viengthong). After a 30-minute drive in a private car or van through gorgeous mountainous landscapes, you arrive at Ban Nam Poung Village, an ethnic Khmu village situated on the edge of the national protected area boundary. The village guide, porters and cooks will meet clients at the village visitor center and give a brief orientation about the area and itinerary. At 9.30 clients will get on a hand tractor (tok tok) a tractor for plowing rice paddies that can be converted into a transportation vehicle and pass through this Khmu village. This is a good opportunity to see the daily village life and briefly learn about Khmu culture. The following 7km on the tok tok will continue through the Page 5

6 village s rice and corn fields with moderate climbs, learning along the way about upland rice cultivation and rural livelihoods. At about 12:00 on the edge of the fields and forest, enjoy a local picnic lunch inside a farmer s hut. The guides will explain the different management zones of the park and how local people coexist with nature. After lunch, start trekking into the forest following a 7km trail built and maintained by the village. This trail passes through a thick jungle and mixed deciduous forest. The local guide will show you medicinal plants and spot animal tracks and birds along the way. After approximately four hours of walking, you will arrive at The Nests campsite and will be shown to your accommodation the hanging spherical nest. Enjoy free time to relax, bathe in the nearby river and enjoy the nature. Enjoy traditional Khmu dinner prepared by the village cooking group at around 6-7pm before it becomes dark. It s important to take an early dinner so that the smell of food and fire is not strong when you visit the wildlife observation platform later this evening. Dinner is eaten at the camp and is not allowed at the observation tower. After dinner, you will receive a briefing about wildlife viewing at the Poung Nied Salt Lick one of the largest salt licks in the protected area. The guides will inform tourists about the species of animals they may see and explain the rules and expectations for spotlighting. It s important to follow the introduced rules, such as: no talking, no eating at the salt lick observation tower and how to return to the camp in case you need to use the toilet. We will stay at the observation tower for a few hours (depending on your curiosity and patience) until no later than 11:30 pm. Overnight sleeping on the tower is not allowed in order to reduce any negative impacts and disturbances to the wildlife. The most common animals that you might spot include Sambar and barking deer (AKA muntjak) and various species of civets, although, if lucky, you may see also other protected animals such as bears, dhole, several species of wild cats and others. Note! Please wear warm clothes as it can be quite cold in the late evening/night time Overnight in The Nests Transfer: 30 mins Trekking up to: 3-4 hours Difficulty: Medium Page 6

Day 6: Feb 2019 Nam Et Phou Louey NPA- Vieng Kham (B/L/D) Before breakfast, your guide will walk you back to the salt lick to identify different wildlife tracks.

7 Day 6: Feb 2019 Nam Et Phou Louey NPA- Vieng Kham (B/L/D) Before breakfast, your guide will walk you back to the salt lick to identify different wildlife tracks. You will also spend approximately an hour in the observation platform, as morning is a great time for bird watching. Afterwards, follow the guide to check the camera traps and help change the camera trap memory cards. Once back to the camp, enjoy breakfast and help your guide to sort photos of wildlife taken by the camera traps during the previous night. These photos will be uploaded to the website after your trip for your viewing and download. Twelve surrounding villages involved in this project receive monetary bonuses in the form of a village development fund based on the number and type of wildlife spotted at night and captured by the camera traps. (This fee is included in your tour price.) Trek back through the forest to the village s fields, and enjoy a farmer s picnic before riding the tok tok (hand tractor) back to the village. Once arriving in the village your village hosts will bid you goodbye. You might be invited to try Khmu rice wine (lao hai), depending on the season and occasion. You will be transferred back to Muang Hiem by private truck or van. Arrival in Mu ang Hiem is at around 4-5pm. Take the rest of the afternoon to relax. Meet up with the rest of the group for dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Vieng Kham. Transfer: 30 min Trekking up to: 3-4 hours Difficulty: Medium Day 7: Feb 2019 Vieng Kham- Vieng Xay (B/L/D) Leave early this morning and drive to Vieng Xay, an uncommon visited area, the cradle of communism in Laos. Arrive in time for lunch. Spend the afternoon exploring Viengxay. Page 7

The town of Viengxay contains hundreds of caves which sheltered local people and the country's future leaders for a vital period in world history.

8 The town of Viengxay contains hundreds of caves which sheltered local people and the country's future leaders for a vital period in world history. In the 1960s Laos was caught up in the conflict known to the world as the Vietnam War. For nine years, from 1964 to 1973, more than 20,000 people lived in a 'hidden city' they built inside the limestone peaks all around the area to try to survive daily aircraft bombing raids directed by US forces. They were only able to farm or work at night, so inside the caves they built everything they needed for their society to survive, including schools, hospitals, markets, a radio station and the headquarters of the Lao Patriotic Front - also known as the Pathet Lao. Take and audio tour that tells the story of the 'hidden city' through the history that created it and interviews with local people. Discover the area's beauty as well as its fascinating hidden history. Overnight in Vieng Xay. Transfer: 4.5 hrs Walking: 2hours Difficulty: Easy Day 8: Feb 2019 Vieng Xay- Na Meo Border- Hieu (B/L/D) After breakfast you will be transferred for approximately 1.5 hours from Vieng Xay to Na Meo. You ll be assisted at the border crossing with visa forms. Meet at the border at around 10:00am, after formality, we transfer for about 2.5 hours to Pu Luong Nature Reserve (103km). You will walk on the village road and capture the fascinating image of the emmissions of cooking smoke from various stilt houses of Thai ethnic people. Arriving at Hieu village, you will be warmly welcomed by homestay owner and then have dinner and go to bed in the murmur of Hieu waterfall. Transfer: 2.5 hrs Trekking up to: 1.5hrs Difficulty: Easy Note: All homestays in Vietnam side are traditional wooden house, share the house with local host. You will be provided with simple matress, blanket, mosquito net, pillow. Simple sleeping bag is available if wish. There will be common bath room with hot water or hot shower, western toilet. Page 8

Day 9: Feb 2019 Hieu Village- Nua Village (B/L/D) Enjoy dreamlike water fall scenery at dawn and walk around the village to interact with local people.

Have picnic lunch enroute then following the local path via rice paddies to get to our homestay for shower, dinner and stay the night.

On this hiking trail you will encounter some steep climbs and more stream crossings. The trekking will become more and more remote although one is never that far from a villager tending their fields.

9 Day 9: Feb 2019 Hieu Village- Nua Village (B/L/D) Enjoy dreamlike water fall scenery at dawn and walk around the village to interact with local people. Having hearty breakfast at the homestay and we say good bye them. We commence trekking along stream, through rice terrace paddy is about km (~ 5 6 hours). Have picnic lunch enroute then following the local path via rice paddies to get to our homestay for shower, dinner and stay the night. Overnight at local homestay Trekking up to: 5 hrs Difficulty: Medium Day 10: Feb 2019 Nua Village- Kho Muong Village (B/L/D) After breakfast, you will trek to Kho Muong village. On this hiking trail you will encounter some steep climbs and more stream crossings. The trekking will become more and more remote although one is never that far from a villager tending their fields. You will pass by steep limestone mountains and curiosity conjuring caves, through the dense rain forests all inside the borders of the Pu Luong Nature Reserve This is perhaps the most remote of the village homestays. Trek to arecently discovered and now protected cave, home to rare bats. It is a fantastic tour around the cavernous hollow interior, untouched as yet by fairy lights and concrete trails. Overnight at local homestay Trekking up to: 6-7hrs Difficulty: Hard Day 11: Feb 2019 Kho Muong Village- Hang Village (B/L/D) Today is hike 50% on village paths single track trail, through rice paddy terraced, cross stream and 50% on an old disused unpaved French road the original Ho Chi Minh Trail. There are sone good descents and several more streams crossings. The trekking is the remote yet one is never far from a villagers tendinf fields..relax from the heat of the days in a local home while lunch is cooked before continuing to a village nestled between steep karst mountains. It is recommended to stroll around the villages and join in as the villagers Page 9

go about their ddaily lives.or relax in one of the three eco homestays. Overnight homestays in the traditional stilthouse of Ban Hang Villages. Some tough sections through forest on small paths.

10 go about their ddaily lives.or relax in one of the three eco homestays. Overnight homestays in the traditional stilthouse of Ban Hang Villages. Some tough sections through forest on small paths. Overnight at local homestay Trekking up to: 7-8hrs Difficulty: Hard Day 12: Feb 2019 Hang Village- Mai Chau- Hanoi (B/L/D) After a leisurely breakfast, You then make a short hike through the terraced rice fields and bamboo forests. Arriving at meeting point with driver, we take bus to Mai Chau for lunch.after lunch, taking time to walk around Mai Chau Village by some gifts for your friends. Say good bye Mai Chau, transfer 3 hours back to Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi Transfer to Hanoi: 3hrs Trekking up to: 2hrs Difficulty: Easy Day 13: Feb 2019 Hanoi (B/-/-) Full day is free at leisure. Overnight in Hanoi Day 14: Feb 2019 Hanoi - Departure (B/-/-) Day is free until transfer to airport for your home flight Hotel check out time is at 12:00hrs, late checkout subject to availability and not included Transfer to the airport: 1 hour *****END OF SERVICES***** NOTE: An itinerary may at times be altered by our guides due to local conditions, the skill of participants and other unexpected circumstances. Our priority is always the experience and safety of our clients. Page 10

11 RATES AND CONDITIONS TOTAL PROGRAM Envisaged Accommodation City Hotel/Boat Hotel Category Room/Cabin Category Luang Prabang Sala Prabang First Class Riverside Nong Khiaw Phaxang Standard Standard Vieng Kham Dok Khoun Thong Guesthouse Standard Standard Nam Et Phoy Louey The Nests Standard Tree Nest Vieng Xay Naxay Guesthouse Standard Standard Home stay in Hieu village N/A Dormitory basis Pu Luong national reserve Home stay in Nua village N/A Dormitory basis Home stay in Kho Muong village N/A Dormitory basis Home stay in Hang village N/A Dormitory basis Hanoi Church Boutique Hang Gai street First class Premium TOUR PRICES (Excludes airfares): PRICING PER PERSON: Based on 10 people, travelling and staying in shared DBL/TWN room. Prices have been converted from US Dollars to Australian Dollars and are subject to currency fluctuation until paid in full. Please note nothing is confirmed or held until deposits are paid. Number of persons Single Supplement Price per Person Approx $2550 $260 $2750 Note: Reservations during peak times (Christmas, New Year, Vietnamese Lunar New Year, National Holidays) may be subject to supplementary charges and compulsory meals Airfare ex Melbourne to Luang Prabang tour flight from Hanoi to Melbourne approx. $1200. Airfare is approximate only as airfares are subject to availability until paid in full and ticketed. Page 11

12 Our services include: Vehicles. Porters help bringing clients luggage, tents and mattresses, cooking gears English Speaking certified Adventure Guide. (different guide in Laos & Vietnam) Plenty of water per person per trekking day. Snacks and local fruits. 1 first aid kit per guide. Sightseeing tickets and zone entrance fees where mentioned in the itinerary. Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B Breakfast, L Lunch, D Dinner). Accommodation as listed above. Flight reconfirmations. Our services don t include: Visa arrangement. International and domestic flights. Soft drinks, or beverages beyond water. Beverage and alcoholic drinks at mealtimes. Meals other than mentioned above. Tips. Energy drinks or powders, performance bars, or performance gels (Gatorade, Powerbars, Gu, Isostar, etc). Personal Travel Insurance. Personal expenditure (laundry, telephone etc.). Credit card/bank transfer fees. Any other services not clearly mentioned in the itinerary and in the inclusive portion. Supplement for other language speaking guides. Page 12

13 JETAWAY TRAVEL IMPORTANT INFO: ALL PASSENGERS WHO ARE TRAVELLING INTERNATIONALLY MUST HOLD A CURRENT PASSPORT WITH AT LEAST 6 MONTHS VALIDITY BEYOND THEIR RETURN DATE TO AUSTRALIA. IT IS EACH PASSENGERS RESPONSIBILITY TO CHECK THAT THEY HAVE THE CORRECT DOCUMENTATION AND VISA REQURIEMENTS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE FROM AUSTRALIA AIRLINES TERMS AND CONDITIONS: All airfares carry certain booking, amendment and cancellation conditions. These do vary between the airlines and the type of fare purchased. Please be aware that most special airfares are usually non refundable and changes are not permitted. APPROXIMATE BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE First Class:40 kg free baggage allowance per person. Business Class:30 kg free baggage allowance per person. International Economy Class:30 kg free baggage allowance per person. Please check with your consultant for dimension and weight information as details do vary from carrier to carrier. PASSPORTS A valid passport is required to travel internationally and must be valid for at least six months after your return date to Australia. VISA AND DOCUMENTATION RESPONSIBILITIES It is the passenger's responsibility to ensure they have the appropriate documentation including visas. We are happy to assist you in determining visa requirements wherever possible. FREQUENT FLYERS If you are a member of an airline frequent flyer program, please retain your boarding passes and copies of tickets for point verification against your statement. Without these you may be unable to claim points. Not all fares accrue points please check with your airline frequent flyer department. CANCELLATION AND AMENDMENTS Fees are charged for both amendments and cancellation of flights and services, by Jetaway and our third parties. If you do have to cancel your reservation you will be advised of these amounts. Travel Insurance usually will cover cancellation costs please speak to your insurance provider. CONDITIONS All arrangements are subject to the supplier's (transport/accommodation/tour provider) regulations and conditions detailed on tickets, vouchers, travel brochures, at accommodation premises, on transport vehicles, or as advised at the time of booking. RECONFIRMATIONS It is not necessary to reconfirm your flights directly with the airlines, however schedule changes may occur prior to departure. Please feel free to contact your consultant before departure to see if there have been any changes. Page 13

14 TRAVEL INSURANCE Travel Insurance is strongly recommended (and considered mandatory by Uniting Journeys) and Jetaway Travel can issue a policy on your behalf. Please seek a quotation from your consultant as soon as your booking is confirmed. PAYMENT All prices quoted are for payment by cash or cheque only. If you wish to pay by credit card service fees of between 2% - 3% apply depending upon the type of card used. VACCINATIONS Vaccinations may be required or suggested for overseas travel. Please refer to your usual medical practitioner for full advice and assistance. DIRECT DEPOSIT PAYMENTS INTO OUR BANK ACCOUNT : National Australia Bank Account Name: Jetaway Enterprises PTY LTD BSB Number: Account Number: PLEASE PLACE YOUR SURNAME IN THE REFERENCE TRAVEL INSURANCE CLAIMS : As cancellation fees apply, travel insurance is available from this office. For Travel Insurance purchased outside of Jetaway Travel, a processing fee of not less than $ will be charged if any claims assistance is required. Page 14

Ecotourism In Nam Et - Phou Louey National Protected Area, Lao PDR

Ecotourism In Nam Et - Phou Louey National Protected Area, Lao PDR The Nam Et-Phou Louey National Protected Area - the last home for wild tigers in Laos The Nam Et Phou Louey National Protected Area (NPA)