turquoise pools and visit fascinating ethnic minority villages en route Living the Land Farm Experience experience the life of a rice farmer and try

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1 21 days Vientiane to Siem Reap Take an exciting journey through Indochina. Discover enchanting Laos with its Buddhist temples and beautiful scenery, uncover the highlights of Vietnam such as Halong Bay, Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong before travelling to the captivating kingdom of Cambodia, to explore iconic Angkor Wat. HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS Trip Highlights Vientiane - explore Laos' laid back capital, visiting Wat Sisaket, Wat Prakeo, the COPE Centre, That Luang Stupa, Patuxay Monument and the Buddha Park Thalat - visit the colourful Thalat market where various hill tribes come to trade goods Vang Vieng - admire the beautiful scenery in this picturesque riverside village, explore the Tham Jang Caves and visit Ban Huai Ngai village Luang Prabang - take a vintage tuk tuk tour of old town visiting the Morning Market, magnificent Wat Xiengthong temple and the National Museum in the former Royal Palace Khouangsi Waterfall - soak up stunning scenery, enjoy a swim in the waterfall's turquoise pools and visit fascinating ethnic minority villages en route Living the Land Farm Experience experience the life of a rice farmer and try your hand at some of the farming activities Hanoi - take a cyclo ride through the Ancient Quarter of the capital Halong Bay - enjoy an overnight junk boat cruise in this UNESCO Listed region with thousands of beautiful limestone peaks and islets Hue - discover the ancient walled Citadel and the Imperial Purple Palace, Thien Mu Pagoda and the Royal Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc Hoi An - wander around this enchanting UNESCO Listed ancient town, famed for its beautifully preserved old city, tailors, handicrafts markets and nearby beaches Tra Que village - take a leisurely bike ride into the country, learn how to farm the land and enjoy a fun cooking lesson Ho Chi Minh City - explore the Pearl of the Orient' on a walking tour and visit the sobering War Remnants Museum Mekong Delta - cruise the a maze of waterways on a sampan, visiting local cottage industries and Dong Hoa Hiep Island Cu Chi Tunnels - discover the incredible network of tunnels built by the Viet-Cong during the Vietnam War Phnom Penh - visit the National Museum of Fine Arts, the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, Toul Sleng (Security Prison - S21) and the Killing Fields Siem Reap - enjoy a guided tour of the Angkor National Museum and take a stroll down the famous 'Pub Street' Angkor Temple Complex - gaze in wonder at incredible Angkor Wat, visit the iconic Tra Prohm Temple and explore the ancient city of Angkor Thom, home to the famous Bayon Temple Tonle Sap Lake - take a boat trip on Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake, visit the floating villages of Kampong Phluk Bangkok - take a tuk tuk ride to Wat Pho, visit the Grand Palace and cruise in a longtail boat along the city s canals What's Included 20 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 4 dinner 19 nights 4 star and special class hotels, 1 night deluxe junk boat and 1 overnight sleeper train (Junk boat: private cabin, Sleeper train: basic, 4 berth cabin) Economy class flights Luang Prabang Hanoi, Danang - Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh - Siem Reap Guided sightseeing - Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Mekong Delta, Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and the temples of Angkor Living Land Farm Experience Halong Bay Junk boat cruise - opt to swim, kayak and explore caves -1-

2 Bicycle ride to Tra Que village and cooking demonstration Sampan boat trips in the Mekong Delta Boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake Airport arrival transfer day 1 and departure transfer day 22 Escorted by an English speaking Laotian, Vietnamese and Cambodian tour guides All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles We also stop to view the imposing Patuxay monument - Vientiane s own Arc de Triomphe. Later in the afternoon enjoy time exploring the hundreds of Hindu and Buddhist sculptures scattered throughout Buddha Park. End the day with a sunset dinner beside the Mekong River. Overnight - Vientiane (B, D) Day 3 : Vang Vieng What's Not Included Tipping Kitty: USD$55-65, paid in USD Entrance Fees: USD$ , paid in USD International flights and visas Tip for your tour guides. We recommend you allow USD$3-6 per day, per traveller. Tipping your guides is an entirely personal gesture DETAILED ITINERARY Day 1 : Vientiane Sunday. Welcome to Laos! Airport arrival transfer and hotel check in. Spend the afternoon and evening at leisure. Overnight - Vientiane Day 2 : Vientiane city tour After breakfast we explore the charming and laid-back capital of Laos with a city tour. We visit the oldest Buddhist monastery temple in the country - Wat Si Saket and the former royal temple of Haw Pha Kaeo, built to house the famed Emerald Buddha. Today it serves as the national museum of religious art. Learn about Laos tragic past and present suffering at the COPE Centre, an organization that works with victims of unexploded bombs and mines. Next visit Pha That Luang, the most important monument in Laos and a symbol of both Buddhist religion and Lao sovereignty. Vientiane Vang Vieng. We leave the capital early and journey north through lush countryside to Vang Vieng. Along the way we visit Ban Keun, famous for its salt extraction plant and a village of local Lao rice wine whiskey distillation. Our next stop is the busy and colourful market of Thalat, where local hill tribes come to trade and shop. Arriving at Vang Vieng, nestled on the banks of the Nam Song River is our delightful hotel. What this hotel may lack in comfort it certainly makes up for in rustic appeal and, breathtaking views and scenery. The remainder of the day offers free time, perhaps opt to explore the local caves, take a bicycle ride through the surrounding countryside or go tubing along the river. Overnight - Vang Vieng (B, D) Day 4 : Tham Jang Caves, Ban Huai Ngai village Vang Vieng Luang Prabang. This morning we explore the famous caves of Tham Jang once used by the local people as a hideout during Chinese invasions. We observe the lifestyles of the local people at Ban Huai Ngai village before making our way further north to the UNESCO World Heritage listed city of Luang Prabang. Overnight - Luang Prabang (B) Day 5 : Luang Prabang Consider rising early this morning to view the daily ritual of saffron-clad monks and their procession down the streets of Luang Prabang collecting alms from the residents. Afterwards we hop on a vintage Tuk-tuk to venture in style around the old quarter of Luang Prabang. First stop on this unique sightseeing tour will be the bustling Morning Market where we'll learn about local products. Then we stop at the magnificent Wat Xiengthong temple with its classical Laotian architecture. We end our morning with a visit to the the former Royal Palace, which is now a national museum and home to gilded rooms and Buddha artifacts. This afternoon we visit ethnic minority villages en route to the beautiful Khouangsi waterfall. We wander around the H mong Village of Ban Ou, Laoloum Village and the Khmu Village of Ban Thapene, meeting the locals and gaining a fascinating insight into the local culture. We then drive to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where you can splash around in the turquoise pools or walk along the forest trails. Overnight - Luang Prabang (B) Days 6-7 : Living Land Farm Experience Luang Prabang - Hanoi (Vietnam). On day 6 we head into the idyllic countryside to visit the Living Land Farm for a fun and hands on half day farming experience. Here we learn how rice is planted and cultivated in the rice paddy, we experience the life of a rice farmer and get to join try our hand at some of the farming activities and plough the rice paddy with a water buffalo! Then we enjoy a tasty lunch of traditional Lao dishes at the farm's Rice House, while soaking up the spectacular views of rice terraces and mountains beyond. The afternoon is free for you to independently explore more of Luang Prabang. Consider visiting the sobering UXO Centre to learn more about the Second Indochina War, take in more of the city's beautiful temples or head to the Ock Pop Tock weaving centre set in beautiful tropical -2-

3 gardens. In the evening we board a flight to Hanoi. Day 9 : Floating villages and cyclo rides Day 10 : Imperial Hue Day 7 is free for you to independently explore Vietnam's capital city. Perhaps take a walk around the Hoan Kiem lake, explore the old quarter or simply sit and watch the world go by. Overnight - Hanoi (B:2, L:1) Day 8 : Halong Bay cruise Hanoi Halong Bay. Take a moment to picture in your mind some two thousand rugged karst islands dappled with lush vegetation seeming to float on top of pristine emerald coloured waters and you have the natural wonder that is Halong Bay. This morning a scenic drive will take us to this beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site where we will enjoy a junk boat cruise. Based on traditional designs, these wonderful vessels combine oriental style with modern luxury. Soak up the panoramic views from the sundeck as the boat gently plies its course, this afternoon we will visit the spectacular Tien Ong Cave which opened to the public in 2010, with its stunning stalagmites and stalactites. Later this evening back on board, watch a Vietnamese cooking demonstration held on the sundeck before settling down for a sumptuous seafood dinner. Overnight - Halong Bay, Deluxe Junk Boat (B, L, D) Halong Bay - Hanoi - Hue. Early birds can start the day with a relaxing Tai Chi class on the sundeck or a traditional massage - the perfect way to start the day. Before heading back to port we'll explore by kayak the Floating Village of Cua Van, which is home to generations of fishing families. Here we ll see the traditional and colourful floating wooden houses and the locals going about their daily lives. On our arrival back into Hanoi mid-afternoon we'll explore the maze of streets known as the 36 streets of the old quarter, named after the numerous guilds that once set up shop on a particular street from silk tailors to silversmiths. Travelling by cyclo (rickshaw), the quintessential mode of transport in Hanoi, we'll see traditional narrow-front tube houses with the chance to sample some of the local delicacies sold on street stalls from ripe fruits to steaming noodle dishes. Breakfast boxes will be served on the train. Arriving to Hue we embark on a sightseeing tour of the 19th-century Nguyen empire capital. We visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, home to the oldest monastery in the city, whose 21m high tower has become something of a symbol for Hue and the citadel. Within the citadel is the Imperial Purple Palace, an exact copy of the Forbidden City in Beijing, with its impressive ramparts, formal moats and imperial palaces, some of which lay in ruin. In the countryside lies the Royal Tombs of the Nguyen kings, here we ll view the elaborate mausoleum of Emperors Tu Duc. As the sun sets you can opt for a cruise in a long boat along the gentle Perfume River (pay locally) or enjoy some retail therapy at the ever lively Dong Ba Market, a few minute's walk from our hotel. Overnight - Hue (B, L) Day 11 : Road of the Ocean Clouds Later this evening there's a chance to freshen up before boarding the train (4 berth sleeper cabin, basic standard) on the Reunification Express railway line to Hue. If you've booked our Hanoi - Hue flight addon you'll be transferred to the airport early this evening and touch down in Hue an hour later. Overnight - Hue Hotel. Tomorrow you will rendezvous with your guide and group (arriving off the overnight train) in the hotel upon at approx 10am. Overnight - Sleeper train (B) Hue - Road of the Ocean Clouds - Hoi An. Today we take the scenic Hai Van Pass (Road of the Ocean Clouds), which offers magnificent views of beaches to one side and lush hills to the other. En route we stop for a walk along China beach before arriving to the charming, old-world trading port of Hoi An with it cobbled streets, traditional homes and tiny shop houses is a perfect place to lose yourself in a by gone -3-

4 era. Boutique restaurants, hip cafes along the waterfront, delightful craft shops and artisans including some of Asia s best bespoke tailors (whose services come at a nominal price), all can be found here. On a short walking tour of the enchanting historical town, we ll visit the Chua Ong Pagoda, Chinese Assembly Hall, 200-year-old Tam Ky house, former merchants homes and the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge. Overnight Hoi An (B) Day 12 : Tra Que village A scenic bicycle ride into the countryside leads us to Tra Que village this morning. Here we discover age old farming practices and learn about traditional medicine. It s a fun, hands on experience today where we ll don conical hats and assist with tending the fields. Then we'll enjoy an entertaining cooking demonstration and help to cook a tasty lunch. Overnight - Hoi An (B, L) Day 13 : Hoi An - your way A free day for you relax or further sightsee. You may wish to take a relaxing rowboat journey along the river or spend the day lazing by the beach or hotel pool. It s also possible to take an optional excursion to the most holiest and evocative of Vietnam s Cham sites, My Son or to Quang Ngai, the site of the My Lai massacre memorial. The massacre was a significant turning point in the Vietnam War and the story is told through photo presentation on a walk through the village. Overnight - Hoi An (B) Day 16 : Cu Chi Tunnels & Phnom Penh Day 14 : Cruising the Mekong Delta Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City. Early morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City (aka Saigon). Drive to the Mekong Delta. Often referred to as the rice bowl of Vietnam, the fertile Mekong Delta is famous for its abundant harvests of tropical fruits, flowers and rice, as well as it fantastic views while boating along the canals. Taking our sampan from Cai Be we ll cruise through the maze of waterways visiting local cottage industries that produce popcorn, coco candies and paper along the way. Lunch is served today in a traditional wooden home on Dong Hoa Hiep Island. Overnight - Can Tho (B, L) Day 15 : Mekong & Ho Chi Minh City Ho Chi Minh City - Phnom Penh. This morning we visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, a sprawling underground network of tunnels and living quarters used by the Viet Cong during the war. Then we drive to the Cambodian border (crossing at Moc Bai/Bavet) and continue on to the capital of Phnom Penh. Today the nation s capital offers a bustling mix of Asia s past and present, a city quickly taking its place amongst the trendy capitals of the region with superb restaurants and a number of attractions. Overnight - Phnom Penh (B, D) Day 17 : Royal Palace, Toul Sleng Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh City. Early today we visit the ever lively Cai Rang floating market. Watch as melons, pineapples, fresh greens, sacks of rice and children's toys get tossed from one sampan to another at great heights and speed before driving back to Ho Chi Minh City. Once called the Pearl of the Orient, modern Ho Chi Minh City is a thriving metropolis on the move. Sleek sky scrapers, gourmet restaurants, designer malls and swanky bars and spas are scattered between ancient pagodas, colonial era landmarks and lively street markets. On a walking tour of Ho Chi Minh City we will see the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Post office before visiting the sobering War Remnants Museum. Evening at leisure. Overnight - Ho Chi Minh City (B) Today we ll enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Phnom Penh. The National Museum of Fine Arts, a graceful terracotta building of traditional design, houses the world s finest collection of Khmer sculpture. We continue with the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, famed for its lavish decorations the floors are paved with silver tiles and statues of Buddha are encrusted with thousands of diamonds. We later come face to face with the horrors of the Pol Pot regime as we visit Toul Sleng (Security Prison - S21), a school that was gruesomely transformed into a torture chamber under the Khmer Rouge, and visit the Killing Fields where over 10,000 people were executed. Overnight - Phnom Penh (B) -4-

5 Day 18 : Angkor National Museum & Angkor Wat Phnom Penh Siem Reap. Hotel check out and transfer to the airport for our included flight to Siem Reap. After time to freshen up we visit the Angkor National Museum - a fascinating archaeological museum dedicated to the collection, preservation and presentation of Angkorian artifacts and Khmer civilisation, with collections mainly dated from Khmer Empire's Angkor period circa 9th to 14thcentury. This afternoon we explore incredible and iconic Angkor Wat, easily the most famous and bestpreserved of all the temples within the Angkor complex. It is a massive three-tiered structure crowned by five lotus-like towers rising 65 meters from ground level. Believed to be the largest religious building in the world, Angkor Wat contains thousands of wall carvings and extensive bas-reliefs. Spend the evening at leisure. There are plenty of great bars and restaurants in the compact city centre which is easily navigated on foot. Overnight - Siem Reap (B) Day 19 : Angkor Thom & NGO circus project sanctuary and the a village of Preak Dak along the way. At Preak Dak each of us will have the opportunity to plant mango or jack fruit saplings as part of our tree planting initiative, operated in conjunction with this community. The majority of villagers here are on low incomes and by providing them with trees that bear fruit, they are able to feed their families and make an income by selling the fruit. It's also a way of offsetting carbon emissions - a win all round. We're hoping to plant some 3,000 trees and cover an area of hectares, providing the village of 200 with a sustainable source of income. We return to the Angkor Temple Complex this afternoon to explore the ancient city of Angkor Thom. Surrounded by an 8m high wall Angkor Thom was the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. In Angkor Thom you will see the fabulous Bayon Temple, Baphuon, the royal enclosure, and the Terraces of the Elephants and the Leper King. The last stop on our tour of the Angkor Complex is Tra Prohm Temple, which unlike the other temples here has been left in the same ruined state that it was first discovered in. Swallowed by the jungle, vast muscular roots envelop the crumbling towers and walls whilst the trees foliage dapples the temple in shadow. This evening you're guaranteed to be entertained watching the incredible Phare Cambodian Circus. The Phare NGO circus project trains street kids to become very talented circus artists and the popular show blends circus skills with interpretations of modern life and issues in Cambodian society. Overnight - Siem Reap (B) Day 20 : Tonle Sap Lake This morning we drive to Kampong Phluk, a cluster of three villages of stilt house built within the floodplain of Tonle Sap lake about 16 km southeast of Siem Reap. We'll see houses built on soaring stilts which hover over the Tonle Sap Lake whilst nearby, the petrified trees of a flooded forest are revealed whenever the water level drops. After a boat trip on the lake and lunch, we return to Siem Reap where the afternoon is free for you to spend at leisure. Perhaps pick up some last minute souvenirs at the central market or head down to lively Pub Street. Note: Between Feb - July the water levels at Kompong Phluk village maybe too low to go boating, if so, we will visit Chong Kneas floating village where it will still be possible to go boating. Afternoon and evening at leisure. Overnight - Siem Reap (B, L) Day 21 : Siem Reap Saturday. Today marks the end of our holiday. Lap up the hotel facilities this morning before hotel check out and included departure transfer to the airport.(b) Travelling in 2018 Please note that this itinerary relates to travel from 30 December 2018 onwards. If you are travelling before this date please note that the sightseeing on days 5 and 6 in Luang Prabang will be different. Details of the 2018 arrangements are as follows... Day 5 - Luang Prabang Consider rising early this morning to view the daily ritual of saffron-clad monks and their procession down the streets of Luang Prabang collecting alms from the residents. Then a morning tour, takes in the highlights of Luang Prapang - the fabulous UNESCO Listed former royal capital. Sightseeing includes the ancient temples of Wat Visoun and Wat Aham, Ock Pop Tok weaving centre and the beautifully ornate former Royal Palace. In the afternoon we stop at ethnic minority villages before arriving at the beautiful Khouangsi waterfall. Overnight: Luang Prabang (B) Early this morning opt to see Angkor Wat bathed in the spectacular golden light of sunrise. Later we drive out to see the well-preserved temples of Banteay Srei, stopping at an exotic butterfly Day 6 - Living Land Farm & Pak Ou Caves Luang Prabang - Hanoi. We head out of town to a local farm to learn about rice production. -5-

6 After lunch we cruise up the Mekong River to visit the Pak Ou caves crammed with Buddha images of all shapes and sizes, stopping Ban Xanghai village en route to sample local rice wine. Returning to Luang Prabang we stop at Ban Phanom village - known for its hand weaving, before boarding our evening flight to Hanoi. Overnight: Hanoi (B, L) Please contact us for a copy of the 2018 trip notes. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Cambodia Country Guide Entrance Fees - collected in USD. Entrance fees to most sites are not included, although reasonably priced. In Cambodia, we collect entrance fees on Day 2 of the tour (the amount is noted under exclusions on page one of this document). A breakdown of the entrance fee total is provided upon arrival. All funds collected in Cambodia for entrance fees are payable in USD. Tipping Kitty - collected in USD At the start of your tour, we take a small tipping kitty (the amount is noted under exclusions) from all tour participants to cover tips throughout your holiday. This saves you the hassle of knowing when and how much to tip bellhops, luggage handlers, bus drivers, train conductors and other support staff throughout the tour. This amount does not include a tip for your tour guides. For a job well done, we would suggest USD $3-6 per person per day. Tipping your guide is an entirely personal gesture and ultimately the amount is up to you. Health Requirements You should seek medical advice before travelling to Cambodia from your local health practitioner and ensure that you receive all of the appropriate vaccinations. As a guide Tetanus, Typhoid, Hep A, Diptheria and Polio are recommended. There is the risk of malaria in parts of Cambodia so it is very important to check with your doctor before you go, to see whether malarial medication is required for the areas you are visiting. Yellow fever is not present in Cambodia but a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from those travelling from an infected region. prong plugs (type A), the 2 round pin european plug (type C) and many of the new 4 and 5 star hotels use the British standard 3-pin plug (type G). To cover all bases, it is best to pack an international travel adaptor! Water Tap water in Cambodia is not considered safe to drink. It's recommended to only drink bottled mineral water, which is readily available in hotels, shops and restaurants. The official currency of Cambodia is the Cambodia Riel but USD is also widely accepted and sometimes preferred in larger stores and supermarkets. Climate Cambodia has a tropical monsoon climate with two seasons; Rainy season from May to November, when the countryside is lush and green, and dry season from late November to April, when there are long days of glorious sunshine and clear skies. Temperatures in Cambodia remain fairly constant and warm throughout the year, apart from in the north, when winters (December to March) are generally colder. Guides and Groups Our longest group tour in Southeast Asia is our Bangkok to Angkor Wat - 23 day tour. All other group tours that we offer are sectors of this larger tour. As such on your holiday you may have travellers join you part way through your tour (in Luang Prabang, Hanoi, Saigon or Phnom Penh) or end their tour when you continue on. Guiding: In Cambodia, a Cambodian national guide is offered for arrangements in Phnom Penh. Upon arrival to Siem Reap you will meet a specialist regional guide who will lead your tour from here on. If travelling on our Thailand & Angkor Temples tour, your Cambodian tour guide will meet you upon arrival to Siem Reap Airport and conduct all arrangements from there forward till your return to Thailand. Time & Voltage Cambodia is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time(GMT). Currency Pound Sterling, US Dollars, Euro and other major currencies can be exchanged in Cambodia at various bureau de changes in major cities and towns. However foreign currency is also widely accepted and often desired more so it can give the shopper more buying power. ATMs can be found in all larger towns and cities and some five star hotels. We recommend you take a mixture of cash (preferably USD) and credit/ debit cards for ATM's. It's advisable to request bank notes in smaller denominations, as it can sometimes be hard to get change from large notes and smaller notes are handy for smaller purchases and gratuities. Traveller's Cheques are not recommended as they're often difficult to exchange and incur high fees. Essential Packing Lightweight cotton garments. Ladies will need to have their shoulders and legs (to below the knee) covered when visiting the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh and Angkor Wat. Please pack accordingly Comfortable walking shoes in addition to flip flogs/ thongs DEET based mosquito repellant & antihistamine cream Bring a 2 flat prong (type A) and a 2 round pin (type C) electrical adaptors. A universal adaptor will cover all bases Lightweight, fold up raincoat/ poncho/ umbrella Two spare passport photos & a photocopy of your passport A small daypack for your day-to-day needs Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, swim costume and torch The voltage in Cambodia is 230v. In Cambodia 3 types of plugs are commonly accepted: 2 flat -6-

7 Visas British, Australian, Canadian, New Zealand, South African and USA passport holders are able to obtain a 30 day tourist visa upon arrival to Cambodia when entering via Pochentong International Airport in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap International Airport (in the Angkor Wat Region) and at the Moc Bai (Vietnam) and Bavet (Cambodia) land border. We use the Moc Bai/ Bavet land border crossing for all our group tours that travelling from Vietnam to Cambodia. At each of these entry points you must submit a photocopy of your passport (identification page) and one passport size photograph. The cost of the visa is currently USD30. Note: at the land border sometimes immigration will ask for more. In this situation point to the sign above the ticket window indicating that the cost is actually USD30 (subject to change). Further, you are best to give the exact amount i.e. USD30 as often if you give more you will not receive change. Alternatively, it is now also possible to obtain an e-visa in advance of travel. The e-visa allows for a length of stay up till 30 days. The e-visa is valid for 3 months from date of issue, not date of arrival, so please ensure that you do not obtain this visa to far in advance. Online processing time for this visa is 3 days. The e-visa is valid for entry via Pochentong International Airport in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap International Airport (in the Angkor Wat Region) and at the Moc Bai (Vietnam) and Bavet (Cambodia) land border. It is not valid at any other land or water border. To obtain an e-visa for Cambodia go to: It is also possible to obtain a 30 day tourist visa prior to arrival via the Cambodian Embassy in your home port, though please note tourist visas arranged with the embassy are valid for one month from date of issue, not date of arrival. PLEASE NOTE: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your departure date, if it is not you may be refused entry into the country. Visa requirements are subject to change and visa procurement is solely the responsibility of the traveller and not of On The Go Tours. Laos Country Guide Entrance fees - collected in USD Entrance fees to most sites are not included, although reasonably priced. In Laos, we collect entrance fees on Day 2 of the tour (the amount is noted under exclusions on page one of this document). A breakdown of the entrance fee total is provided upon arrival. All funds collected in Laos for entrance fees are payable in USD. Tipping Kitty - collected in USD At the start of your tour, we take a small tipping kitty (the amount is noted under exclusions) from all tour participants to cover tips throughout your holiday. This saves you the hassle of knowing when and how much to tip bellhops, luggage handlers, bus drivers, train conductors and other support staff throughout the tour. This amount does not include a tip for your tour guides. For a job well done, we would suggest USD $3-6 per person per day. Tipping your guide is an entirely personal gesture and ultimately the amount is up to you. Health Requirements You should seek medical advice before travelling to Laos from your local health practitioner and ensure that you receive all of the appropriate vaccinations. As a guide Tetanus, Typhoid, Hep A, Diptheria and Polio are recommended. There is the risk of malaria in parts of Laos so it is very important to check with your doctor before you go, to see whether malarial medication is required for the areas you are visiting. Yellow fever is not present in Laos but a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from those travelling from an infected region. Water Tap water in Laos is not considered safe to drink. It's recommended to only drink bottled mineral water, which is readily available in hotels, shops and restaurants. Climate November through to April are the best months to travel to Laos, when the weather is warm and dry and the nights are comfortable and cool. Temperatures typically begin to rise around March and the rain arrives in May or June. From June through to August the humidity can rise and short tropical downpours are common. September and October can still bring the occasional shower. Guides & Groups Our longest group tour in Southeast Asia is our Bangkok to Angkor Wat - 23 day tour. All other group tours that we offer are sectors of this larger tour. As such on your holiday you may have travellers join you part way through your tour (in Luang Prabang, Hanoi, Saigon or Phnom Penh) or end their tour when you continue on. Guiding: A local national guide will escort the group for all arrangements in Laos. Time & Voltage Laos is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time(GMT). The voltage in Laos is 220AC, 50HZ. Plugs are not standard as many electical products are imported from China and Thailand. As such all sort of socket variations exist. The most common types found are: 2 flat prong (type A), the 2 round pin (type C) plugs. To cover all bases, it is best to pack an international travel adaptor! Currency The official Laos currency is known as the Lao Kip, although three currencies are used interchangeably for everyday transactions. These are Kip, Thai baht and US Dollars. All major currencies are exchangeable in the main towns but USD is the most useful currency (cash) to hold as it can be exchanged and used in most places. Dollar bills must be in good condition and not torn or ripped. In smaller towns and villages, Kip is usually preferred. The rule of thumb is that for everyday small purchases, prices are quoted in Kip. ATMs are only available in Vientiane, Vangvieng and Luang Prabang and dispense a maximum of approx USD$70 (in Kip) at any one time it isn't advisable to rely upon them as they are commonly not working. Licensed money changers exist in Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Their rates are similar to the banks and they stay -7-

8 open longer. We recommend you take a mixture of cash (preferably USD) and credit/ debit cards for ATMs. Essential Packing Sleep sheet if taking an overnight sleeper train. These also can be easily purchased in Hanoi at a cost of USD$5 Lightweight cotton garments Comfortable walking shoes in addition to flip flogs/ thongs DEET based mosquito repellant & antihistamine cream Bring a 2 flat prong (type A) and a 2 round pin (type C) electrical adaptors. A universal adaptor will cover all bases Lightweight, fold up raincoat/ poncho Two spare passport photos & a photocopy of your passport A small daypack for your day-to-day needs Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, swim costume and torch Arrival Transfers If your tour or short stay includes an airport arrival transfer (as indicated in the Inclusions section of these Trip Notes) our arrival procedure is as follows: Arrive in Laos at Wattay International Airport, attend to immigration by completing an immigration form and submitting your photograph and visa fee, then collect your luggage and proceed to the arrivals hall. As you enter the arrivals hall, look for our on the go representative. He/she will be holding a prominent on the go tours logo signboard. After meeting you will be escorted to our awaiting transportation and transfered to our tour start hotel If, for any reason you have trouble locating our representative (after waiting 20 minutes in the arrival hall) or your flight is delayed please call the emergency contact number as stated on your tour voucher. If arriving on day 1 of a holiday, that includes an airport arrival transfer (as indicated in the Inclusions section of these Trip Notes) we will be at the airport, ready to transfer you to your hotel. Further if you are booking pre- tour accommodation with us an airport arrival transfer will also be provided. If arriving prior to 9am on day 1 (essentially on a flight that arrives very, very early in the morning) you will need to purchase a night of pre-tour accommodation to save you waiting until standard hotel check in time, which is generally 2pm. Visas British, Australian, Canadian, New Zealand, South African and USA passport holders are able to obtain a 30 day tourist visa upon arrival to Laos at major airports and border crossings including Wattay International Airport in Vientiane (the entry point for all our tours in Laos), Luang Prabang International Airport and at the Friendship Bridge if coming from Thailand. At each of these entry points you must submit a visa application form and two passport size photograph. The cost of the visa for the above nationalities is currently ranges between USD30 - USD35. It is important that you have an entirely empty(stamp free) page in your passport and that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival. PLEASE NOTE: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your departure date, if it is not you may be refused entry into the country. Visa requirements are subject to change and visa procurement is solely the responsibility of the traveller and not of On The Go. Vietnam Country Guide Entrance fees - collected in USD Entrance fees to most sites are not included, although reasonably priced. In Vietnam, we collect entrance fees on Day 2 of the tour (the amount is noted under exclusions on page one of this document). A breakdown of the entrance fee total is provided upon arrival. All funds collected in Vietnam for entrance fees are payable in USD. Tipping Kitty - collected in USD At the start of your tour, we take a small tipping kitty (the amount is noted under exclusions) from all tour participants to cover tips throughout your holiday. This saves you the hassle of knowing when and how much to tip bellhops, luggage handlers, bus drivers, train conductors and other support staff throughout the tour. This amount does not include a tip for your tour guides. For a job well done, we would suggest USD $3-6 per person per day. Tipping your guide is an entirely personal gesture and ultimately the amount is up to you. Health Requirements You should seek medical advice before travelling to Vietnam from your local health practitioner and ensure that you receive all of the appropriate vaccinations. As a guide Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Tetanus are strongly recommended. Malaria in Vietnam Areas with malaria: Rural only, except none in the Red River Delta and the coast north of Nha Trang. Rare cases in the Mekong Delta. None in Da Nang, Haiphong, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Nha Trang, and Qui Nhon. Estimated relative risk of malaria for travellers: Low Water The tap water in Vietnam is generally considered safe to drink, but as a precaution against stomach upsets you may want to drink bottled mineral water, which is readily available from shops, hotels and restaurants. Visas UK passport holders do not need a visa to visit Vietnam for stays of up to 15 days from now till 30 June At customs you will need show your return airline ticket/e ticket as proof of your date of departure. If you're exiting Vietnam via a land border then your tour itinerary will be accepted as proof so please have this available to show to border security if requested. UK passport holders do require a visa to stay in Vietnam for longer than 15 days or if you are planning to return to Vietnam within 30 days of your last departure. Most other nationalities including Australian, Canadian, New Zealand, South African and USA passport holders require a tourist visa to visit Vietnam. Travellers can apply for a 30 day tourist visa (single or multiple entry) from -8-

9 the nearest Vietnamese Embassy or via the more convenient method of applying online for an E Visa. The cost is approx USD$20. After submitting an application you will receive a confirmation number, then upon arrival into Vietnam you will receive the actual visa and additionally pay a stamping fee of USD$25. The stamping fee for a multiple entry visa, for entries within one month is approximately USD$50. Applying in advance and then collecting your tourist visa upon arrival is available to all travellers entering the country via Hanoi - Noi Bai International Airport, Ho Chi Minh City Tan Son Nhat International Airport and Danang International Airport. PLEASE NOTE: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your departure date, if it is not you may be refused entry into the country. Climate Vietnam has a varied climate due to its geography. The south is hot year round and has two seasons: The wet season lasts from May to October, with brief, daily showers. The dry season from November to April is generally sunny and humid. In the north, the summer months (May to October) are hot and there is the occasional burst of heavy rain. In the winter (December to February) temperatures drop in the north and it can be damp. The coastal region of central Vietnam is blessed with long months of sunshine, although there is rainfall in November and December. At this time there can also be some typhoon activity in the central coastal region. Guides and Groups Our longest group tour in Southeast Asia is our Bangkok to Angkor Wat - 23 day tour. All other group tours we offer (with the exception of our Vietnam For Teens tour) are sectors of this larger tour. As such on your holiday you may have travellers join you part way through your tour (in Luang Prabang, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City or Phnom Penh) or end their tour when you continue on. Guiding: A Vietnamese guide will escort all arrangements throughout Vietnam. Time & Voltage The voltage in Vietnam is 220v. In Vietnam 3 types of plugs are commonly accepted: 2 flat prong plugs (type A), the 2 round pin plug (type C) and many of the new 4 and 5 star hotels use the British standard 3-pin plug (type G). To cover all bases, it is best to pack an international travel adaptor! Vietnam is 7 hours ahead of GMT and does not observe daylight saving. Money DEET based mosquito repellant & antihistamine cream Bring a 2 flat prong (type A) and a 2 round pin (type C) electrical adaptors. A universal adaptor will cover all bases Lightweight, fold up raincoat/ poncho Two spare passport photos & a photocopy of your passport Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, swim costume and torch Arrival Transfers The official currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong. If your tour or short stay includes an airport arrival transfer (as indicated in the Inclusions section of these Trip Notes) our arrival procedure is as follows: Euro, British Pounds, US Dollars and other major currencies can be exchanged locally at the airport, bureau de changes or banks. US Dollar notes are widely accepted and shopkeepers use both currencies interchangeably. You can often Arrive to Hanoi - Noi Bai International Airport, Ho Chi Minh City - Tan Son Nhat International Airport. Proceed to the immigration counter and pay the stamping fee of USD$25 (this can pay for items in USD and receive your change in USD notes and coins in VND. Make sure that your USD bills are crisp and clean and you will have no problem using or exchanging these throughout your stay. ATM machines can be found in all major cities though it is not common to pay with credit card in restaurants, cafes or shops for purchases. It's advisable to request bank notes in smaller denominations, as it can sometimes be hard to get change from large notes and smaller notes are handy for smaller purchases and gratuities. If, for any reason you have trouble locating our representative (after waiting 20 minutes) or your flight is delayed please call the emergency contact number as stated on your tour voucher. Traveller's Cheques are not recommended as they're often difficult to exchange and incur high fees. Essential Packing Sleep sheet if taking an overnight sleeper train. These also can be easily purchased in Hanoi at a cost of USD$5. Ask you guide for info on where to buy these A day pack to carry all your essentials when out sightseeing each day An overnight bag, if you are staying aboard the Junk boat in Halong Bay. As we will be returning to Hanoi it is not essential that you take your big bag/ suitcase with you Lightweight cotton garments Comfortable walking shoes in addition to flip flops/ thongs take some time). After collecting your luggage proceed to the arrival hall and go to the meeting point detailed on your tour voucher. If arriving on day 1 of a holiday, that includes an airport arrival transfer (as indicated in the Inclusions section of these Trip Notes) we will be at the airport, ready to transfer you to your hotel. Further if you are booking pretour accommodation with us an airport arrival transfer will also be provided. If arriving prior to 9am on day 1 (essentially on a flight that arrives very, very early in the morning) you will need to purchase a night of pre-tour accommodation to save you waiting until standard hotel check in time, which is generally 2pm. Airline Luggage Allowance If your tour includes international or domestic flights within the region please be mindful that the free baggage allowance for Economy class travel is strictly 20kg and 1 piece of hand luggage up to 6kg. Any additional weight is charged at a per kilo rate. You may wish to keep this in mind whilst shopping. -9-

10 Trains in Vietnam It's not the Orient Express, but Vietnam's Reunification Express. On a number of our group tours we include an overnight train journey on the Reunification Express Railway Line between Hanoi and Hue. The particular SE series train that we use on this journey is the highest class of train available in Vietnam. It's titled as being the nation's fastest train; though by international standards it's quite the opposite. Never the less, our journey between Hanoi and Hue takes approximately 14 hours and travellers are accommodated in 4 berth 'Soft Sleeper' cabins. Aboard each wagon are 9 compartments that comprise of 4 bunks per compartment. 4 persons of mixed sex share one compartment. You may be sharing with people from your tour group, other tourists or Vietnamese people. Who you will share your cabin with is ultimately dependent upon how the Vietnamese Railways Corporation configures the bookings. Cabins onboard are comfortable though not comparable to European standards. A western style toilet (with a varying degree of cleanliness) is located at either end of the wagon. Airconditioning (not always operational in the summer) and lighting are controlled from inside the cabin, which is also lockable. Luggage can be stored in a compartment under the bottom bunk. Linen and a pillow are provided though we strongly recommend that you bring your own sleep sheet (easily purchased in Hanoi at a cost of USD$5). The cleanliness of the train varies according to wagons assigned to the journey for that particular day. Some wagons are spotlessly clean whilst others can be unclean and should have been decommissioned long ago. Irrespective of the particular train you take, they all have large clear glass windows that allow for uninterrupted views of stunning landscapes and never ending rice paddy fields