PEARLS OF INDOCHINA ACTIVE ADVENTURE

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1 PEARLS OF INDOCHINA ACTIVE ADVENTURE Visit us at

2 ITINERARY OVERVIEW Embark on an unforgettable crossing of Indochina on this active cultural, culinary, and outdoor exploration. Traverse the stunning landscapes of Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam by boat, bicycle, and foot as you witness the region s rich history and natural beauty. Wander Angkor Wat at sunrise, cycle through the countryside of Hanoi, and cruise through the iconic limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay to observe one of the world s largest caves. Explore the colonial charm of Luang Prabang before getting your hands and feet dirty as you learn how to plant, grow, and harvest rice, Indochina s staple food. Meander south to relax in Pakse, southern Laos, where you ll explore coffee plantations alongside an expert guide and watch the sun dip down over the horizon as you glide across the surface of the Mekong River on a longtail boat. On this active exploration of the pearls of Indochina, you ll discover the hidden, the classic, and the beautiful. DAY OVERNIGHT HOTEL HIGHLIGHTS 1 HANOI Silk Path Hotel (Executive Room) Arrival meeting in airport and transfer to hotel. Walking tour Hanoi 2 HANOI Silk Path Hotel Cycle through countryside 3 HALONG BAY Bhaya Cruise (Premium Balcony) Halong Bay 4 HANOI Silk Path Hotel Halong Bay 5 LUANG PRABANG Villa Santi Resort (Deluxe Room) Fly to Laos and transfer to hotel. Walking tour of Luang Prabang 6 LUANG PRABANG Villa Santi Resort Morning alms. Half day rice experience 7 SAYABOURY Elephant Conservation Center 8 LUANG PRABANG Villa Santi Resort Drive to Elephant Camp. Full day activities with Elephants Explore camp, Day with Elephants, Return to Luang Prabang 9 PAKSE The River Resort (Deluxe Riverview) Fly to Pakse and transfer to hotel. Evening sunset cruise on the Mekong 10 PAKSE The River Resort Bolaven Plateau coffee and waterfalls 11 SIEM REAP Viroth Hotel (Deluxe Room) Fly to Siem Reap and transfer to hotel. Mechrey Village on Tonle Sap lake, flooded forest tour, Angkor at sunset 12 SIEM REAP Viroth Hotel Cycle to Banteay Srei 13 DEPARTURE - Cycle Angkor Wat, Ta Phrom. Transfer to airport for evening departure -2-

3 ITINERARY IN DETAIL DAY 1: ARRIVE IN HANOI Welcome to Vietnam! After transferring to your hotel explore Hanoi s historic Old Quarter, a maze of streets dating back to the 13 th century. The Old Quarter is a vibrant hub of Hanoi, home to buzzing motorbikes, bicycles, and hawkers. Its chaos is an integral part of its charm. This bustling area of narrow streets is home to thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers and you ll find the best Vietnamese silk at Hang Gai street. Free afternoon or optional Vietnamese traditional water puppet performance. Overnight at Silk Path Hotel DAY 2: CYCLING HANOI Experience a unique bicycle ride through Hanoi s back streets and experience the quiet of the countryside in direct contrast with hustle & bustle of the urban markets. Smell incense burning in temples, listen to chickens squawking, and gaze at modern architecture rising next to ancient buildings hidden in back alleyways. All these places have a story to tell: legends from the past, headlines of today and promises for the future. On your bike you instantly become part of this fascinating, colorful, and quickly transforming urban landscape. Skillful and knowledgeable guides accompany you while you cycle along at a leisurely pace. Overnight at Silk Path Hotel [BL] DAY 3: HALONG BAY Take a shuttle to Ha Long Bay, one of the most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage areas and home to the world s largest marine karst landscape. The limestone karsts are the product of over 20 million years of impact from the tropical wet climate. The bay itself is home to nearly 2,000 islets. Board a wooden junk built in the style of old Vietnamese court vessels with sails, a wide transom, and rectangular superstructure. The boat will weave through the majestic bay, taking in the sights and grandeur of one of Vietnam s most recognizable destinations. Explore floating fishing villages, take a kayak out for a paddle, or swim in the warm water. Evenings offer cooking demonstrations on deck, movies in the lounge, or squid fishing off the back of the junk. Overnight on Bhaya [BLD] DAY 4: HALONG BAY Wake to the astonishing landscape of Ha Long Bay and an optional Tai Chi lesson on deck. Begin cruising leisurely back to harbor, enjoying the breath-taking views. Stop along the way to swim at a secluded island or explore one of the biggest caves in Halong Bay. Disembark and take the shuttle back to your hotel in Hanoi. You have a free afternoon. Overnight at Silk Path Hotel [BL] -3-

4 DAY 5: HANOI LUANG PRABANG Explore the historic and charming city of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for harmoniously blending traditional Buddhist temples with French colonial architecture. Begin at WatXieng Thong, a 500 year old temple that is considered the best example of the classic Luang Prabang style. Zig zag down small side streets, along back alleys and through temples allowing you to soak up the ambiance and appreciate the hidden charms of Luang Prabang. Walk up the peninsula, stopping at temples and other sites as you wish. Discover relics from the Kmer Empire at the National Museum, which is the former Royal Palace. It is said that those who do not climb the 328 steps of Phousi Mountain have not really experienced the city. Venture up this mountain and be rewarded with panoramic views of the city, the river, and the surrounding jungles. Overnight at Villa Santi Resort [B] DAY 6: LUANG PRABANG The bells of the town's monasteries toll at dawn and golden lines of monks emerge to receive their morning rice from the townspeople. Arise early to respectfully witness this sacred ritual of barefoot monks weaving through the streets on their morning alms rounds. Visit the morning market and see an array of meats, vegetables and spices the locals use in their cooking. Return to your hotel for breakfast. Now it s time to get your hands and feet dirty! Drive to the Living Rice Farm, a community enterprise that grows organic vegetables and rice. They work with and support the local economy and help fund education for children in the community. Stump around barefoot in real rice fields and learn about the 14 stages of growing and preparing rice. Experience all the stages from planting to ploughing (with the water buffalo Suzuki) to threshing and winnowing and learn about something that is still very much part of the daily life of many people in Indochina today. Plus, you get to sample some delicious treats made of rice which you re sure to appreciate more after seeing the work that goes into getting all those tiny grains. Overnight at Villa Santi Resort [BL] DAY 7: LUANG PRABANG ELEPHANT CONSERVATION CENTER After early breakfast, leave Luang Prabang with your guide to the natural habitat of the Asian Elephant, in Sayaboury province (approximately 2.5 hours drive). After a short boat trip on the Nam Tien lake arrive at the Elephant Conservation Center.Your guide at the center takes you on an introductory tour of the facilities to show some of the ongoing projects taking place here. Meet the team of veterinarians and biologists, and of course, the elephants! Mahouts share some of their knowledge about how to interact with these giant animals. Join the elephants' daily bath and learn more about each elephants' personality and character. At sunset, head out on a calm cruise on Nam Tien Lake. Enjoy drinks and snacks, go for a swim, or just take in the amazing forest backdrop. Before dinner, you will have some time to visit the elephant museum, swim or simply relax on the lake shore Overnight at Elephant Conservation Center [BLD] -4-

5 DAY 8: ELEPHANT CONSERVATION CENTER LUANG PRABANG Enjoy a short boat trip on the lake this morning before getting the chance to meet the center's elephant nursey, located deep inside the forest where the baby elephants are learning how to sustain themselves, closely watched by their mothers. You may also get the chance to feed the baby and his mom from the boat. Spend some intimate time at the yard with the resident elephants. Elephants have a delicate diet, and under professional guidance, you will feed them. Learn about various conservation efforts being made by the Center as well as the NGO ElefantAsia. You will have some time to visit the Elephant Museum or simply sit and observe the elephants from the viewing platform! Return to Luang Prabang this afternoon. Overnight at Satri House Hotel [BL] DAY 9: LUANG PRABANG - PAKSE Fly to Pakse and transfer to your hotel in Pakse, the gateway to Si Phan Don and the land of 4,000 islands. Pakse sits at the confluence of the Mekong River and the Don River and is known for its rivertown lethargic charm. Pakse s main appeal lies in sipping a cold Beerlao on the riverfront and soaking up the laid back vibe. In the evening, embark on a sunset cruise on the Mekong River while enjoying a sundowner. Overnight at The River Resort [B] DAY 10: BOLAVEN PLATEAU Today escape the heat and spend the day exploring the Bolaven Plateau, a small and charming corner of Laos famous for its waterfalls and coffee plantations. Your first stop is at Jhai Coffee House, a philanthropic coffee roaster dedicated to producing high quality, fair trade beans and empowering the local communities. Team up with one of Jhai s knowledgeable guides and head off on a morning tour of the plantations, warehouses, and villages that Jhai works with. Feel free to help harvest, see the roasting process, and, of course, try a cup of freshly brewed java (only available in the harvest season, Oct - Mar). After getting your coffee fix, drive to the majestic waterfalls of Tad Fane and Tad Yuang. The fall of Tad Fane cascade 200m down a gorge in the middle of the Laos jungle. Eat lunch at the Tad Fane Ecoresort which serves up delicious Laotian food with sweeping views of the falls. In the afternoon, continue on to visit the Khmer complex of Wat Phou. This temple complex predates Angkor Wat and remains a fascinating contrast. Return to The River Resort and have the evening free [BL] DAY 11: PAKSE- SIEM REAP Head to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and settle in. Depart for the village of Mechrey Village on Tonle Sap Lake in the afternoon. En route stop at Ampil Peam to stroll through this traditional village where locals live much as they have for centuries. Continue to Mechrey, a small community on the Tonle Sap Lake. The village consists mainly of floating and stilted houses. Board a boat and explore the area by water. This interesting excursion includes a foray into the -5-

6 nearby flooded forest. Your guide will explain the biodiversity in this area and discuss the importance of the lake for the livelihood of thousands of locals. Tonle Sap, meaning Great Lake, is in fact a combined lake and river system. Learn about how its flow changes direction twice a year, depending on the season. It has been declared a UNESCO biosphere, recognizing its great importance to the surrounding ecosystem. Watch the sun dip low over the lake, returning to your hotel after dark. Overnight at Viroth Hotel [B] DAY 12: CYCLE BANTEAY SREI Cycle through rural countryside to the famous temple of Banteay Srei, the "Citadel of Women." The walls are dense with some of the most beautiful and intricate carvings of any Angkorian temple. It is said they could only have been carved by the hands of women. Its relatively small size, pink sandstone walls, and ornate design give it a magical aura and a distinct feel from other Khmer temples. Continue cycling on rural roads until you reach Kbal Spean, also known as the Valley of 1,000 Lingas. Put the bikes aside for a 2 mile moderate trek through the jungle to reach a river bed with submersed carvings. Break for lunch before returning to Siem Reap and having the evening free. Overnight at Viroth Hotel [BL]. DAY 13: CYCLE ANGKOR WAT - DEPARTURE Wake before sunrise to arrive at Angkor at before most other tour groups as the vast complex of temples and boulevards emerges out of the jungle in the serene light of dawn. Experience an unforgettable morning bike riding on the hidden trails among the ruins of the Angkor Kingdom. The ancient capital of the Khmer empire, Angkor is the greatest medieval city on earth, once ruled by warrior kings who dominated all of present day Cambodia and much of Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar. Your guide will take you to different areas of this sprawling complex, explaining the elaborate sculptural decorations and bas relief of the Angkor complex. You have time to wander, contemplate, and photograph the site before returning to the hotel for breakfast. The Angkor complex is one of the largest archaeological sites in the world. Return today entering by the southern gate of Angkor Thom to see the complex network of temples of Bayon, Baphoun, Phimean Akas, the Royal Enclosure, the terraces of Elephants, and the Leper King. Drive to Ta Phrom, a jungle-clad temple that has been left in much the same condition in which it was found. Photogenic trees spiral out of the ruins making for a truly unique experience that contrasts that of restored Angkor. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight home [BL]. END OF SERVICES Actual routes and activities may vary. Local trip coordinators reserve the right to change accommodations to similar quality alternatives. PRICING AND DATES: For current pricing please click here For scheduled departure dates please click here -6-

7 INCLUDED SERVICES Accommodations on twin share bed and breakfast basis as listed All meals according to itinerary [B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner] All transfers and transportation per the itinerary Guided tours and excursions including entrance fees per the itinerary Local on site guides in cities Assistance at airports/ hotels at the time of check in and check out at all major cities Wildland Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services NOT INCLUDED SERVICES International or domestic airfare Vietnam Visa (payable upon arrival) Tips and gratuities Drinks, alcoholic beverages, and meals other than listed above Personal expenses for extra services, optional activities, or changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control Travel insurance for trip cancellation, medical services, or evacuation Any other items not mentioned above ACCOMMODATIONS SILK PATH HOTEL, HANOI Nestled in Hanoi s culturally rich Old Quarter, the Silk Path is only minutes from Hoan Kiem Lake and the shopping district. There s no better base from which to explore the city. All the rooms are designed in a contemporary theme and have free wifi and safes. As soon as you walk out the door, you're surrounded by some of Hanoi's best restaurants. The hotel has an inhouse restaurant and spa BHAYA CRUISE, HALONG BAY The Bhaya Cruise takes place on a modern recreation of the traditional Vietnamese junk boat, an ancient Asian ship that has been used for thousands of years, characterized by its colorful sails. The boat is comprised of 3 decks and all rooms have a view of the bay and a private balcony. Kayaks and snorkel gear are available -7-

8 VILLA SANTI HOTEL, LUANG PRABANG Located in a century-old former residence of Luang Prabang s princess, Villa Santi Hotel is just 1,700 feet from the Royal Palace. Featuring colonial-style architecture, this boutique property has an outdoor pool, spa and fitness facilities.. THE RIVER RESORT, PAKSE Nestled between a former royal orchard and the Mekong river, the River Resort is a gorgeous eco-friendly resort. Furniture is made in traditional Lao style with local bamboo, the rice paddy and vegetable gardens are cultivated with matter from the compost, and the kitchens use solar heating. Each of the 14 Deluxe RiverFront Rooms have extraordinary, panoramic Mekong River views from the bedroom. There s free wifi, an infinity pool, complimentary bicycles, and a spa. VIROTH S HOTEL, SIEM REAP Featuring spacious rooms and suites, Viroth s Hotel has a wonderfully central location. Located in the vibrant Wat Bo area, the hotel is a short walk to the center of Siem Reap. Rooms feature modern décor with private terraces, Wi-Fi access and views of the garden or the pool. Viroth s also has a spa, gym, bar, and library. -8-

9 BOOKING YOUR WILDLAND ADVENTURE HOW TO RESERVE A TRIP You can book online using our Reserve a Trip form or by calling Your space on a trip is confirmed once we receive your reservation form and initial trip deposit. All travelers must sign and submit a Release of Liability. Deposit requirements are as follows:* $500 per person for all trips in Central America. $700 per person for all trips in South America, the Middle East, Asia and the Far East, the Mediterranean and North America. 20% of land cost for all trips in Africa. This deposit is generally non-refundable. *Some trips require additional non-refundable deposits, especially when yachts have been chartered, or if permits to visit archaeological or wildlife sites have been purchased in advance. CUSTOM TRAVEL This trip isn t exactly what you re looking for? We are happy to design a private custom itinerary to accommodate your travel dates, interests and style of accommodations. Call us at , send an to info@wildland.com, or use the Ask The Program Director button on the trip itinerary page on our website. PAYMENTS, CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS Full payment of the trip balance is due 90 days prior to departure. If you must cancel before departure, money will be returned less the cancellation fees charged by WA Inc. plus any additional non-refundable cancellation fees and payments already advanced to airlines, hotels and local operators: Days Prior to Departure: Fee per person 91 or more: $ days: Initial deposit amount days: 50% of land cost 30 or less: 100% of land cost PRE-DEPARTURE SERVICES Upon receipt of your deposit and completed reservation form, we will send you a comprehensive Predeparture Dossier. This contains important information to help you prepare including immunizations, visas, trip insurance, packing checklist, reading list, maps, cross-cultural information, optional trip extensions and more. You will receive a final trip packet including Final Reminders and local contact information in your destination 2-3 weeks prior to departure. -9-

10 REFERENCES AND QUESTIONS Have any questions or concerns? Call us a or info@wildland.com. We re here to help and are happy to provide you with references from previous Wildland travelers. TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Wildland Adventures, Inc. has arranged your trip utilizing the travel services of local in-country ground operators who are independent contractors. These local outfitters, lodges, hotels and other suppliers of your travel services will make every effort to conduct this trip as described in the itinerary; however, it is possible that due to transportation schedule changes, weather, delays and unforeseeable acts of God, humans or nature, this itinerary may vary from what is described. Participants must assume all risks whether identified in advance or unforeseen. All optional activities are at your own risk. Extra costs due to unexpected changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control are not included. We highly recommend purchasing traveler s insurance for trip delay, trip cancellation, baggage, accident or sickness. Representatives are available for assistance at any time during your trip. If preferred hotels are not available, every attempt will be made to reserve alternative accommodations of similar quality (if upgrade is necessary, higher rates may apply). All information and services provided are subject to our Terms and Conditions. -10-