Explore Exotic Indochina

Transcription

1 Explore Exotic Indochina 17 DAY TOUR JANUARY 14-30, 2018 TOUR HOST: FEATURING: HANOI HA LONG BAY CRUISE HUE DA NANG HOI AN HO CHI MINH CITY MEKONG DELTA SIEM REAP ANGKOR WAT PHNOM PENH

2 Explore Exotic Indochina Expand your horizons on a journey through the heart and soul of Vietnam and Cambodia. This extraordinary tour provides the best opportunity for visitors to explore the unique history and culture of Indochina. With great hotels, a comprehensive sightseeing program and three meals included each day, you won't need to spend much money except on souvenirs and local handicrafts. The itinerary visits four UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is filled with wonderful surprises throughout. Come and enjoy legendary temples, beautiful scenery and the warmth of the local people on this unforgettable tour. VIETNAM Hanoi 2 Siem Reap 2 CAMBODIA 3 Phnom Penh 1 Ha Long Bay 2 Hue Da Nang 2 Hoi An South China Sea Ho Chi Minh City 3 2 = overnights = first overnight = last overnight SUNDAY, JANUARY 14 Day 1 Departure - Cross Date Line In order to catch our flight to Hong Kong, which departs very early this morning, we will have to arrive at the airport the evening before. We'll lose a day when we cross the International Date Line, but don't worry, we'll find it on the way back! MONDAY, JANUARY 15 LD Day 2 Hanoi Our connecting flight brings us to the Vietnam capital of Hanoi. Upon arrival we meet our guide and are taken to visit the Hanoi Hilton Prison (where American pilots were kept prisoner during the Vietnam War). After lunch, we enjoy a fun cyclo ride around the city s Old Quarter - its elaborate maze of streets are each named for the goods sold on them and where today artisans still ply their century s old trades. Later, we head to our hotel to check-in and rest before dinner. TUESDAY, JANUARY 16 BLD Day 3 Hanoi Sightseeing Hanoi is known for its fine art and history, museums, lovely French colonial buildings and tree-lined boulevards. After breakfast, we start our full day city tour with a stop at the Ho Chi Minh Complex. We continue our tour passing by the Stilt House, Presidential Palace, One Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature - built in honour of Confucius. After lunch, we visit the Museum of Ethnology which focuses on the 54 officially recognized ethnic groups in Vietnam. We see Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple (outside) before enjoying the famous Hanoian style coffee at a well-known local coffee shop. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17 BLD Day 4 Ha Long Bay This morning we drive to Ha Long Bay, one of the country's most spectacular natural wonders and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS). Upon arrival we board a junk for an overnight cruise. We have lunch on board and cruise the islets to Dark and Bright Lagoon. Later we enjoy a cooking demonstration with traditional Vietnamese food. The boat cruises back through the bay to drop anchor and overnight. THURSDAY, JANUARY 18 BLD Day 5 Ha Long Bay - To Hue Ha Long Bay is a body of emerald green water in the Gulf of Tonkin near the border with China. It consists of 3000 islands that rise steeply to form an extraordinary seascape. After raising anchor, we have a delightful morning cruise to discover Surprise Cave - one of the biggest caves in Halong Bay. We return to dock to disembark and then make our way to Hanoi airport for our flight to Hue. On the way, we stop at Bac Ninh, the cradle of traditional Vietnamese music and theatre. At Dinh Bang communal house we listen to local folk songs and have a simple lunch. FRIDAY, JANUARY 19 BLD Day 6 Hue This morning we visit the Imperial Tomb of Minh Mang, a majestic complex of courtyards, pavilions and temples in a natural setting. We also visit Tu Hieu Pagoda, peacefully nestled amongst lush vegetation in the countryside. If we are lucky we may be able to listen to the monks' mid-morning chant. This afternoon we visit the Imperial Citadel, a vast complex built in the early 19th century and modelled after the Forbidden City in Beijing. Next is Long An Palace which contains an impressive collection of artefacts in the Hue Museum of Royal Fine Arts. Tonight we enjoy dinner at Tha Om Restaurant, a restored traditional Hue style courtyard house with an intimate garden setting. SATURDAY, JANUARY 20 BLD Day 7 Da Nang - Hoi An This morning we continue by road to Da Nang via the Hoi Van Pass ("Pass of the Ocean Clouds"), a drive that takes in some of Vietnam's most beautiful coastal scenery. In Da Nang we visit the Cham Museum where remains can be found of the ancient Champa civilization which reigned during the 10th to 17th centuries. Then we travel along China Beach and take a tour of the Marble Mountains whose five peaks are named after the five elements of nature. Later we arrive in nearby Hoi An (WHS) - a charming old trading port with buildings that display a unique blend of local and foreign influences.

3 SUNDAY, JANUARY 21 BLD Day 8 Hoi An Sightseeing We have a wonderful day in store as we take a short drive to Tra Que village to visit the local kindergarten and join the children in planting some trees. Then, it's a short walk to a local farm where we discover traditional gardening methods, and taste the local specialty "Tam Huu" spring rolls. We can even indulge in a traditional herbal footbath. Later, we enjoy a walking tour of Hoi An to see an ancient merchant house, the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, a four hundred year old Japanese Covered Bridge and the vibrant riverside market. Dinner this evening will be at Streets Restaurant and Café. MONDAY, JANUARY 22 BLD Day 9 Cooking Class - Ho Chi Minh City This morning we have a very special private cooking class at Red Bridge. It begins with a tour of the local market to interact with the locals and see the type of ingredients used. Lunch today will be what we cook, along with a little extra help from our chef/teachers. After lunch we are taken to the airport for our flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), where we are met by our new guide and driver and taken to our hotel. TUESDAY, JANUARY 23 BLD Day 10 Cu Chi Tunnels - Ho Chi Minh Tour This morning we drive to the Cu Chi tunnels - an amazing network of narrow underground tunnels, built during the war for independence by Viet Cong guerrillas. We return to the city and tour such local landmarks as the Presidential Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral and the French colonial Old Saigon Post Office. Tonight we will enjoy a traditional Vietnamese dinner and entertainment while on an Indochina Junk cruise on the Saigon River - a great opportunity to see the city from the water. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24 BLD Day 11 Mekong Delta Today we discover the Mekong Delta, where traditional lifestyles flourish in the fertile lands around the tributaries of the Mekong River. We travel to Ben Tre to board our Coco River cruise meandering along the canal to Huu Dinh village. From there we continue by rickshaw to a local house where the owners make traditional incense sticks. Afterwards, we take a rowing sampan to enjoy the tropical scenery with tranquil views of the inhabitants daily life. Back on our boat, we enjoy refreshments of honey tea and fruit before our stop at a coconut processing plant. We will be amazed at how useful the coconut is - its fibers, oil, and sweetness for candies. This plant plays an important role in the local economy. THURSDAY, JANUARY 25 BLD Day 12 Flight to Siem Reap After breakfast this morning, we are transferred to the airport for our flight to Siem Reap, gateway to the magnificent and mysterious temples of Angkor Wat - one of the wonders of the world. After clearing customs, we will check into our hotel. In the afternoon, we explore the Khmer temples from the early Angkorian period. We see the Roluos group of temples dating back to the 9th and 10th century, including the Preah Ko, Bakong and Lolei Temples. FRIDAY, JANUARY 26 BLD Day 13 Angkor Thom - Angkor Wat This morning, we enter Angkor Thom, an ancient capital of the Khmer empire, which is marked with four gateways. In the Temple Complex we discover such remarkable sights as the Bayon, Baphoun, the Royal Palace, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terraces and the Leper King Terrace. This afternoon we visit the magnificent Angkor Wat and explore its extraordinary architecture, and have a chance to experience a spectacular sunset over the monuments. As a special treat tonight, our dinner is accompanied by a special Apsara Dance show at a local restaurant. SATURDAY, JANUARY 27 BLD Day 14 Free Time - To Phnom Penh This morning we have free time to do any shopping, exploring or relaxing that we wish. We'll check out and then after lunch we are transferred to the airport for our flight to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. Phnom Penh is a city of contrasts, with Khmer and French colonial architecture and modern high-rises. Here we are met by our local guide and taken to our hotel. Dinner tonight is at the hotel. SUNDAY, JANUARY 28 BLD Day 15 Phnom Penh - Killing Fields Today we explore Phnom Penh. Our tour of the city includes the National Museum, the Silver Pagoda which contains the Emerald Buddha statue, the Royal Palace, and Wat Phnom - Phnom Penh's oldest shrine. After lunch we visit Toul Sleng Museum and take a tour of the Killing Fields, which offers an insight into Cambodia's horrific and compelling recent past (Note: Exhibits are of a disturbing and graphic nature and may not be suitable for everyone). MONDAY, JANUARY 29 BLD Day 16 City Exploring Today we take a cyclo tour through the old colonial streets of Phnom Penh and get a glimpse of urban life in Southeast Asia. We'll stop at the Apsara Arts Association, to embrace their efforts in providing needy children and orphans access to education and training in dance, music and theatre. After lunch we will have some time for shopping and take a one hour boat cruise on the Mekong River to enjoy the scenery and villages along our route. Tonight we will toast the success of the tour at our farewell dinner. TUESDAY, JANUARY 30 B Day 17 Return Home This morning we have more free time before we are taken to the airport to board our flight home. We recross the International Date Line, making our arrival in Canada the same day as our departure. SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS Trishaw ride through Hanoi's Old Quarter Overnight boat cruise on Ha Long Bay Visit a local kindergarten Vietnamese Cooking Class Mekong River Boat Ride - Vietnam Apsara Dance Performance Mekong River Boat Ride - Phnom Penh TOUR HOST TOUR ACTIVITY LEVEL Active Able to walk 4 km on uneven surfaces such as cobblestone streets and be able to climb stairs or steep inclines unassisted. PRICES Toronto $6895 Vancouver $6595 Prices from other cities available upon request. Prices are per person based on double occupancy The supplement for a single room is $950. This tour is not subject to GST/HST. PRICE INCLUDES Return economy class airfare Current airline taxes, fuel surcharges and airport fees Superior Tourist class and First class hotels First class motorcoach Meals as shown (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner) Professional tour guide Sightseeing tours including entrance fees Luggage handling at hotels Tipping for all included services All foreign taxes Rostad Tours travel gift Comprehensive and personalized tour documentation Not Included: Any visas required Meals not shown, Beverages, Items of a personal nature. Any airline luggage fees, Increases to surcharges, taxes or fees, Insurance. SAVE UP TO $500 PER PERSON Ask us about our Early Booking and Frequent Traveller discounts Call

4 Tour Conditions & Information RESERVATIONS A deposit of $300 per person is required to make a reservation on this tour. This deposit is completely refundable up to 100 days prior to departure. A confirmation of your reservation will be forwarded to you after the deposit is received. FINAL PAYMENT The final payment is due no later than 100 days before departure. A reminder will be sent to passengers in advance of this date. If you are joining the tour within 100 days of departure, full payment is required. CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS For payments made by credit card, we reserve the right to have credit card charges processed by the suppliers of travel services such as the airline, cruise line, etc. If this occurs, your payment will be split between Rostad Tours and the other suppliers and will appear as separate payments on your credit card statement. SHARED & SINGLE ACCOMMODATION Passengers must indicate at the time of booking whether they want to share a room or if they prefer a single room. Your roommate, if known, should also be indicated. If you do not have a roommate we will attempt to find a suitable travelling companion to share a room with you. If you join the tour by August 17, 2017 and we are unable to find a roommate, you will only be charged one-half of the single supplement. If you join the tour after August 17, 2017 and we are not able to find a roommate, you will be charged the full single supplement. Triple rooms, while not recommended, can be arranged. RESERVATION CHANGES If you want to change your reservation, such as change your departure city or plan an extended stay, you must submit your request to Rostad Tours in writing via mail or (flights@rostad.com) at least 100 days prior to departure. Please note that your airfare may increase if you travel on different dates than the group or if you travel to a different city. Any subsequent changes, cancellations of extension arrangements or changes requested within 100 days of departure are subject to a service fee of $100 per person in addition to any fees charged by the various travel suppliers. TOUR PRICE Prices are based on currency levels, airfares, fuel surcharges and taxes valid as of March 15, Although unlikely, we reserve the right to adjust prices if there are significant changes to any of the above elements. CANCELLATIONS Your deposit is fully refundable for any reason up to 100 days prior to departure. Cancellations after this date are subject to the following maximum cancellation charges: 99 to 61 days prior to 50% departure 60 to 31 days 75% 30 to 0 days 100% If you cancel, you will receive back all money paid towards the tour less the applicable cancellation fee. The charges apply to the base price of the tour only and do not include cancellation charges for any extra arrangements such as single supplement, accommodation upgrades, additional tours, etc. INSURANCE We recommend that all passengers buy insurance to protect themselves against any possible cancellation charges or out-of-country medical expenses. An allinclusive policy which has cancellation, hospital/medical and baggage coverage will be offered to Alberta residents prior to making their final payment. For passengers residing outside of Alberta, we will explain how you can obtain travel insurance direct from our insurance porvider. As your deposit is fully refundable until 100 days prior to departure, you do not need to purchase insurance until that date. PASSPORTS A passport is required for all tour participants. For this tour your passport must be valid for at least six months past your intended return date. If you do not already have a passport, or if your current passport will expire within this period, apply for your new passport at least 125 days before departure. We require a copy of your passport 100 days prior to departure in order to issue your airline tickets. If you are not a Canadian citizen you are responsible to ensure you have all documentation required to enter the countries you are visiting and for your return to Canada. VISAS Visas are required to enter Vietnam and Cambodia. We will inform you approximately four months prior to departure what is required to comply with regulations. HEALTH REQUIREMENTS During walking tours you will likely experience uneven ground, cobblestone streets and various amounts of steps or stairs. For your enjoyment, and in fairness to your fellow passengers, you should be in good physical condition, with the ability to stand for reasonable periods of time and walk several kilometres easily. Should you feel a particular excursion may be too strenuous, you are welcome to forego the sightseeing tour and rest or explore on your own. At the time of printing, no inoculations are required for this tour. TOUR DOCUMENTS An extensive set of tour documents will be sent approximately 30 days prior to departure. Please notify our office in writing if you require any information in advance of this date. BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE Typically airlines allow you to check one suitcase free of charge but this is subject to change. In order to avoid excess baggage fees, the dimensions of your suitcase should not exceed 60 (i.e. 30 length + 20 height + 10 width) and the weight should not exceed 23 kgs. Your suitcase will be portered at all hotels but tour members are responsible for their flight bags/carry-on luggage at all times. Rostad Tours accepts no responsibility for the loss of, or damage to, any baggage or any tour member s personal belongings. ITINERARY VARIATIONS Rostad Tours reserves the right to change the itinerary of the tour due to airline schedule changes or any other circumstances beyond our control. Every effort will be made to keep the tour as close as possible to the original itinerary. TOUR MEMBERSHIP Rostad Tours reserves the right to reject any person as a tour member and to expel from the tour any person whose actions are deemed to be detrimental to the enjoyment of the tour by the other passengers. Children 6 years of age and under at the time the tour departs are considered too young to travel on tour. RESPONSIBILITY Rostad Tours Ltd. of Calgary, Alberta act as agents for the various owners or contractors providing hotels, means of transportation or other services. Issuance and acceptance of the tour documents shall be deemed to be consent to the condition that Rostad Tours Ltd. shall not become liable or responsible in any way for any personal or property loss, damage or injury, howsoever caused or arising. In the event that we are forced to cancel a tour due to insufficient registrations, Rostad Tours Ltd. s sole responsibility shall be the refund of all monies paid to Rostad Tours by the tour participant Palliser Drive SW, Calgary, AB, Canada T2V 4W5 Toll Free: Phone: (403) Fax: (403) tours@rostad.com

5 PASSENGER REGISTRATION FORM Please complete this form and mail it to the Tour Host or directly To Rostad Tours If paying by credit card, you may also register by phone, fax or a pdf of this form to Rostad Tours PASSENGER INFORMATION Explore Exotic Indochina Departs: January 14, 2018 Olivier1801 (1): Date of Birth: 19 / / Title Last Name First Name Year/Month/Day (2): Date of Birth: 19 / / Mailing Address : City/Town: Prov/State: Postal Code/Zip: Phone: Home ( ) - Work: ( ) - Type of Accommodation Requested: Twin/Double or Single Departure City: Roommate (if known): If unknown, would you like us to find you a roommate? PRIVACY: Rostad Tours is committed to respecting and protecting your privacy. The main purpose of collecting your personal information is to arrange travel products and services for you. Accordingly, personal information required for this purpose may be shared with airlines, hotels, cruise lines, travel insurance companies, tour operators and other travel-related vendors. It may also be used to provide you with information regarding future travel opportunities. We will not sell or trade your personal information with third parties. Our complete Privacy Policy is available at our website at or, if you wish, we can send you a copy via or by postal mail. PAYMENT INFORMATION Deposit Required (per person): $300x = Total: Deposit is fully refundable until October 06, 2017 Payment Method: Visa Mastercard Cheque (made payable to Rostad Tours) Credit Card # Expires: / Month/Year Cardholder Name: Please note that we reserve the right to have credit card payments processed by third parties such as Cardholder Signature: airlines, cruise lines, etc. Mail with payment to either address below: 20 Quebec ST Guelph, ON N1H 2T4 OR Rostad Tours Palliser Drive SW Calgary, AB Canada T2V 4W5