Tour Dossier Northern Thailand & Laos Adventure Classic Tour 15 Days Moderate Pace

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1 Tour Dossier Northern Thailand & Laos Adventure Classic Tour 15 Days Moderate Pace This document was designed to provide a straightforward description of the physical activities involved in sightseeing or travelling during the tour. All passengers should read this dossier to assess the physical requirements of the programme and their ability to complete the tour. Classic Tours Our Classic tours are designed for those who wish to see the iconic sites and magnificent treasures on a fully inclusive excellent value group tour. Northern Thailand & Laos Adventure is a Moderate Pace tour. This is defined in our brochure as; this has been defined in our brochure as anyone with a good level of fitness should be able to complete this itinerary. Our National Escort/Local Guides always endeavour to provide the highest level of service and assistance, but they cannot be expected to cater for customers who are unfit to complete the itinerary. These programmes are not strenuous but do include several days where long periods of sightseeing on foot, climbing of stairs and in/out of boats will be necessary. These tours are generally longer in duration and could involve long days of driving or overnight train journeys. Some programmes may also include easy hiking or a home stay. Tour highlights: On our Thailand Highlights itinerary, you will visit Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pakbeng, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng and Vientiane. Bangkok Thailand s capital; a modern day metropolis full of life, culture and history Chiang Mai Famous for its hill tribes, tea plantations and elephants Chiang Rai Ethnically diverse province set amongst stunning backdrops Pakbeng - Mouth of Beng, a junction town of Mekong and Nam Beng Rivers

2 Luang Prabang Entry point into Laos and UNESCO World Heritage listed town which retains its original character Vang Vieng Idyllic natural scenery Vientiane Capital of Laos; charming city filled with villas and boulevards Destination Profile Thailand - Thailand is a beautiful country, offering travellers stunning scenery from fertile rice fields in the central plains, rising mountains and valleys in the north, to sandy white beaches at famous island destinations such as Phuket in the south. Thailand has an ancient history shaped by war and imperialism, as well as an immersion of culture and faith. Development In Thailand - Although Thailand is developing quickly, it still lacks the international standards of civil infrastructure and tourist facilities. Concepts of personal responsibility are also different to those in Australia. Consequently, tourist and public facilities may not uphold the same safety standards as in Australia; for example, you may see a hole in the road without a warning sign or safety barricade. All of our suppliers meet local safety standards as a minimum. We want you to have an enjoyable holiday so we ask that you take extra care, use your common sense, refer to notices and follow advice from you National Escort or Local Guides. Cuisine in Thailand - All meals (excluding drinks) are included as indicated from the groups arrival until the day of departure. Our schedule of meals is designed so that you can experience the local dishes, their individual flavours as well as the different ways they are prepared and cooked throughout Thailand. Laos - Laos has only recently been discovered as a fascinating tourist destination. This delightful jewel is steeped in historical treasures, glorious colonial architecture, lush green jungles and magnificent mountainous terrain. Discover the UNESCO World Heritage listed city of Luang Prabang, the spectacular multi-tiered Kuangsi Waterfalls and the mysterious Plain of Jars, regarded by some as Asia s Stonehenge. Visit exquisite temples in the capital, Vientiane. Journey by boat along the mighty Mekong River and explore some of the 4,000 islands that make up the Si Phan Don area. Be amazed by the stunning natural scenery and meet the beautiful, gentle people of Laos. Refreshingly, its longestablished ways of life continue; to hurry is simply not the Lao way. This is a truly magical nation. Development in Laos - Although Laos is developing quickly; it still lacks the international standards of civil infrastructure and tourist facilities. For example, you may see a hole in the road without a warning sign or safety barricade; concepts of personal responsibility are also different to those in Australia. Consequently, tourist and public facilities may not uphold the same safety standards as in Australia. However, all of our suppliers meet local safety standards as a minimum. We want you to have an enjoyable holiday so we ask that you take extra care, use your common sense as well as refer to notices and follow advice from you National Escort or Local guides. Cuisine in Laos Lao cuisine is distinct from other Southeast Asian cuisines. The staple food in Laos is steamed sticky rice, which is eaten by hand. In fact, the Lao eat more sticky rice than any other people in the world. Sticky rice is considered the essence of what it means to be Lao. Often the Lao will refer to themselves as "luk khao niaow", which can be translated as "children or descendants of sticky rice". The most famous Lao dish is larb, a spicy mixture of marinated meat or fish that is sometimes raw with a variable combination of herbs, greens, and spices. Lao cuisine has many regional variations, corresponding in part to the fresh foods local to each region. A French legacy is still evident in the capital city, Vientiane, where baguettes are sold on the street and French restaurants are common and popular, which were first introduced when Laos was a part of French Indochina.

3 All meals (excluding drinks) are included in our fully inclusive group tours from the groups arrival until the day of departure. Our schedule of meals is designed so that you can experience the local dishes, their individual flavours as well as the different ways they are prepared and cooked throughout Laos. Seatbelts - Please note that seatbelts are not compulsory by law in Thailand and therefore the local people largely choose not to wear them. For this reason, some vehicles may not be fitted with seatbelts or they may be hidden underneath protective seat covers. It is recommended that where seatbelts are available customers must use them and remain seated at all times while the vehicle is moving. If you have any concerns, please notify your National Escort or Local Guide. Traffic in Thailand and Laos - Roads in Indochina have generally improved over recent years, but traffic and/or weather conditions may extend driving times. Road construction work usually covers an enormous section of road - not just one or two kilometres as you may be used to. For this reason, the timings listed in the sections below are approximations only. Joining Your Tour - The tour is 15 days in duration including international flights. Travellers booked on Land Only arrangements should make their own way to the starting point. Join the tour on Day 1 in Bangkok and end the tour on Day 14 in Vientiane. Please refer to your final itinerary for more specific meeting instructions pertaining to your departure. Itinerary Changes Our intention is to adhere to the day to day itinerary as printed; however order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions. 1. Domestic flights in these regions are subject to frequent changes. For this reason we have indicated morning, afternoon or evening flights only in the itinerary section below. Your Local Guide or National Escort will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. Flight Delays or Changes to Arrival Times - Due to unforeseen circumstances, flights can be delayed, and therefore connecting flights may be missed. If you find yourself in this situation, please contact our office in Bangkok on (24 hours) to urgently advise your arrival details have changed. Please ensure you have your trip number, tour name (both included in your final documentation) and new arrival details (flight number and arrival time) handy to pass on to our local office in Thailand. This will ensure your National Escort/Local Guide can be informed of your most up to date information and an arrival transfer will be arranged accordingly. We will endeavour to arrange a transfer as soon as possible however delays may occur. If we are not advised of late changes and missed connections, Wendy Wu Tours cannot guarantee someone will be able to meet you upon arrival in Thailand as our local office will have no way of knowing which flight you will be arriving on. Wendy Wu Tours will not be responsible for providing reimbursement of transportation costs from the airport to your hotel in the event that our local office was not advised of changes to arrival times.

4 Itinerary Northern Thailand & Laos Adventure Day 1: Australia to Bangkok Fly to Bangkok today where the day is at leisure. You will be met in the arrival hall at Bangkok s International airport by your Local Guide and/or National Escort. Together with all other group members who may be arriving at a similar time, you will transfer approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic conditions (35km) to your hotel. Bangkok - Bangkok has been Thailand's dominant city since the 18th century. It was established as the capital after the former capital Ayutthaya was attacked by the Burmese and burned down. The emerging city, which was protected by a wall, was occupied by a large number of stilt and floating houses built to adapt to common seasonal flooding. Up until the Thailand War, Bangkok was still largely undeveloped until it became a popular place of rest and relaxation for the American soldiers, which resulted in a boom of nightclubs, massage parlours and bars. However, in the 80 s and 90 s, Bangkok underwent rapid modernisation and exploded into the metropolis it is today; a city that is lined with skyscrapers and is full of life. With a population of over 7 million, the fast pace of the city can be daunting for the first time visitor, yet beneath all of the hustle and bustle there are many hidden gems waiting to be discovered, offering a unique taste of Thai culture and history. Bangkok s dazzling neon signs, charming architecture, spicy Thai cuisine and colourful markets make for an exciting first few days of our tour. Day 2: Bangkok Enjoy a full day of touring Bangkok. Explore Wat Pho and Grand Palace. In the afternoon take a longboat on the Chao Phraya River to travel to Pak Klong Talaat Flower Market before walking through Chinatown. This morning a tour introduction will be held in the hotel. There will not be food or drinks served at this meeting; it is simply an opportunity for your group to meet and learn more about travelling in Laos and Thailand. Sightseeing in downtown Bangkok involves approximately 5 hours on foot over the whole day; broken up by 3 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the afternoon. Watch your valuables while in the market area. Experience the monk s chant as you explore the grounds of Wat Pho, which is over eight hectares. The largest reclining Buddha and the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand are housed here.

5 Grand Palace - The Grand Palace is the city s most famous landmark. Built in 1782, for 150 years it was the home to the Thai King, the royal court and administrate seat of government. Within the Palace are several impressive buildings, including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Pak Khlong Talaat Flower Market - The biggest wholesale and retail fresh flower market in Bangkok. Chinatown - Teeming with market stalls and side street restaurants, Chinatown is a not to be missed experience in Bangkok. Day 3: Bangkok train to Chiang Mai In the morning enjoy the sights of Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. In the afternoon board an overnight traing to Chiang Mai. Early morning rise to drive 1.5 hours to the Damnoen Saduak floating market. You will travel by motorised, wooden boats between the islands and perhaps smaller, paddle boats in the canals. Sightseeing involves hopping on and off the boats, often on unsteady and slippery surfaces, sometimes without handrails or assistance, and up to 30 minutes on foot. A late check-out from the hotel has been arranged for your group so you will be able to have some time to freshen up, pack and check-out of the hotel before dinner. Transfer to the station to board your overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai station. You will sleep in a Second Class sleeper cabin. This journey usually takes 12 hours (700km). Wear comfortable clothes on board to sleep in and take snacks as they may not be readily available on board the train. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market - Step back in time to experience the traditional way farmers would trade their produce. The canals are lined with boats that are paddled by local women and piled high with vegetables, fruit and even souvenirs for the tourists. Sit back and soak up the atmosphere as the locals go about their daily life and entertain with their haggling techniques Day 4: Chiang Mai Arrive in Chiang Mai, where the morning is at leisure. In the afternoon sightseeing includes Talat Warorod and Wat Doi Suthep. In the evening enjoy a traditional dance performance before wandering through the night markets. Enjoy this morning free at your leisure. After lunch there will be easy sightseeing around Chiang Mai with around 2 hours on foot including a visit to the city s biggest market, Talat Warorod. This evening watch your valuables while in and around the market areas. Chiang Mai - Located among tall mountains, Chiang Mai is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand. The city was founded in 1296 and was the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, which was eventually occupied by the Burmese. For the next 200 years Chiang Mai was virtually abandoned until it was again taken over by Siam in the 18th century. During the 20th century, Chiang Mai became a thriving centre for handicraft pottery, weaving, silverwork and woodcarving; however tourism took over in the 1960 s as the main source of income. Today, Chiang Mai is famous for its hilltribes, tea plantations and elephants. Talat Warorod - Chiang Mai s oldest and largest market. Stroll parades of stalls selling an assortment of items, from woks, toys and pickled tea leaves. Wat Doi Suthep - One of Thailands most sacred temples. Tucked away in the mountains at 1,056 metres above sea level, it offers a panoramic view of Chiang Mai. Here we can climb the Naga staircase or catch the cable car to visit the exquisite golden pagoda. Day 5: Chiang Mai to H mong Hilltribe Today travel into the Sutheo-Pui Mountains where you will overnight at H Mong Hilltribe Lodge. In the evening enjoy a cultural show. Travel 1 hour (70km) by minivan to the H mong Hilltribe lodge. H mong Hilltribe Lodge is made up of ten individual houses, each comprising of four separate rooms with private bathrooms, arranged around a central communal area. Optional activities this afternoon include a short hike to the village, hire a bike, have a massage or relax by the pool. H mong Hilltribe - are an ethnic group from the mountainous regions of China, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. H mong are also one of the sub-groups of the Miao ethnicity in southern China. Hmong groups began a gradual southward migration in the 18th century due to political unrest and to find more arable land.

6 During the first and second Indochina Wars, France and the United States recruited thousands of H mong people in Laos to fight against forces from north and south Vietnam and communist Pathet Lao insurgents, known as the Secret War, during the Vietnam War and the Laotian Civil War. Hundreds of thousands of H mong refugees fled to Thailand seeking political asylum. Thousands of these refugees have resettled in Western countries since the late 1970s, mostly the United States, but also in Australia, France, French Guiana, Canada, and Argentina. Others have returned to Laos under United Nations-sponsored repatriation programs. Day 6: H mong Hilltribe to Chiang Rai Enjoy spending time in an elephant park, visit orchid farm, drive to Thaton and board a long-tail boat on Mae Kok River to Baan Pha Tai, where you continue via road to Chiang Rai. Travel 1 hour to the Chiang Dao Elephant Training Centre. Here you will enjoy a 1 hour elephant ride into the forest surrounding the camp, before watching the elephants taking their morning bath in the running stream. Afterwards the trainers and elephants will demonstrate a number of their skills! The elephant ride does not require any level of fitness, as it is quite leisurely. There will be 2 passengers riding on one elephant. In the afternoon drive 2.5 hours to Thaton and board long tail motor boat ride for 1.5 hours to Baan Pha Tai. Continue to Chiang Rai by road for 2 hours. Please note: you will need to pack an overnight bag for tomorrow evening as you will be leaving your main luggage on the boat while you stay overnight in Pakbeng. Thaton - located between Mae Ai and Mae Chan in northern Chiang Mai province, Thailand. It is a town on the banks of the Kok River. It has a relaxed atmosphere, and some people hang out for a few days or weeks. There are a small number expats as permanent residents. There are a number of guesthouses along the banks of the river and more in the town itself. The picturesque views from Thaton hill and the banks of the river, and a small town feel combine to make this a nice place to hang out. Chiang Rai - the northern-most province of Thailand sharing borders with Myanmar and Laos, and also one of the most ethnically diverse provinces in Thailand. The province is abundant with natural scenery; lush rice terraces, hills scattered with orchids and the mountains of Myanmar and Laos are visible in the distance. Day 7: Chiang Rai to Pakbeng Cross the boarder at the Friendship Bridge into Laos and cruise to Pakbeng, visiting several minority villages en route. This morning we depart Thailand and cross over the border into Laos via Thailand Laos Friendship Bridge IV. At the border we complete Customs formalities and meet our Laos National Escort or Local Guide. Please note: there may be possible delays at Immigration in Laos. We then transfer by tuk tuk to a local pier where we board a traditional boat and cruise to Pakbeng. Boarding your boat could involve navigating your way over and through other boats, moored between it and the dock, sometimes without handrails, ladders or assistance from staff. We will have lunch on board and afterwards visit the minority villages of Lao Lu at Ban Pak Tha and Ban Houei Lumpane. Upon arrival in Pakbeng, we will transfer you to our hotel. Fourth Thai Lao Friendship - is a highway bridge over the Mekong River that links the Chiang Khong District of Thailand and Ban Houayxay in Laos. Pakbeng A small village lies half-way between Huay Xai and Luang Prabang, perched high on the banks of the Mekong River. Day 8: Pakbeng to Luang Prabang via Pak Ou Enjoy a cruise along the Mekong River where you will visit Pak Ou before arriving in Luang Pranbang in the late afternoon. Continue travelling downstream by traditional boat to Luang Prabang via Pak Ou for 7 8 hours. You will stop along the way at local villages for approximately 1 hour. Sightseeing at Pak Ou involves climbing steps from the base of the dock to the first cave and another 10 minutes on foot over uneven surfaces that includes walking up the hill to the second cave where you will need a torch.

7 Pak Ou Caves Near Pak Ou (mouth of the Ou river) the Tham Ting (lower cave) and the Tham Theung (upper cave) are caves overlooking the Mekong River, 25 km to the north of Luang Prabang, Laos. They are a group of two caves on the west side of the Mekong River, about two hours upstream from the centre of Luang Prabang. The caves are noted for their miniature Buddha sculptures. Hundreds of very small and mostly damaged wooden Buddhist figures are laid out over the wall shelves. They take many different positions, including meditation, teaching, peace, rain, and reclining (nirvana). Luang Prabang - The capital of Luang Prabang Province in northern Laos, lies in a valley at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. It s known for its many Buddhist temples, including the gilded Wat Xieng Thong, dating to the 16th century, and Wat Mai, once the residence of the head of Laotian Buddhism. Day 9: Luang Prabang Today enjoy a full day of sightseeing including Wat Visoune, Wat Xieng Thong, Ban Xang Khong craft village. In the late afternoon view the sunset from Phousi Hill. There will be morning sightseeing around Luang Prabang city for approximately 2-3 hours. Sightseeing at Phousi Hill involves 1 hour on foot the hill is 100m high and this area is fairly steep (with 328 steps) but the view is worth the climb. [NB: If you wish to participate in the Takbat ceremony tomorrow morning, please inform your guide today who will purchase food on your behalf to offer the monks. This will be at your own expense and not included in the tour cost]. Wat Xieng Thong - A Buddhist temple (wat), located on the northern tip of the peninsula of Luang Prabang, Laos. Wat Xieng Thong is one of the most important of Lao monasteries and remains a significant monument to the spirit of religion, royalty and traditional art. There are over twenty structures on the grounds including a sim, shrines, pavilions and residences, in addition to its gardens of various flowers, ornamental shrubs and trees Phousi Hill - Mount Phou Si, is a 100m high hill in the centre of the old town of Luang Prabang. It lies in the heart of the old town peninsula and is bordered on one side by the Mekong River and on the other side by the Nam Khan River. The hill is a local religious site, and houses several Buddhist shrines. Halfway up the hill, overlooking the Nam Khan is Wat Tham Phou Si, a Buddhist temple. At the summit of the hill, overlooking the town and surrounding countryside, is Wat Chom Si, which is also a Buddhist temple and is a tourist highlight of Luang Prabang. Day 10: Kuang Si Waterfall Rise early this morning to witness the Buddhist ceremony of Takbat. After breakfast visit the National Museum. In the afternoon drive to Kuang Si Waterfall before returning to Luang Prabang via Ock Pop Tok Waeving Centre. Rise early this morning to view Takbat, a Buddhist ceremony. Drive 1 hour (32km) on a fairly good sealed road to Kuangsi Waterfall. Sightseeing here will involve around 1 hour of light walking. On the way up to the waterfall you follow a bush walking track which has a slight upward gradient. [N.B: It is possible to take a swim in the river near the falls and if you wish to do this, please remember to bring along your swimsuit and a towel. Changing rooms are available on site]. Kuang Si Waterfalls - A Three-tiered waterfall about 29 km south of Luang Prabang. The falls begin in shallow pools atop a steep hillside. These lead to the main fall with a 60m cascade. The falls are accessed via a trail to a left of the falls. Water collects in numerous turquoise blue pools as it flows downstream. The many cascades that result are typical of travertine waterfalls. There are walkways and bridges for your enjoyment. Most of the pools are open to swimming. Day 11: Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng Today drive to Vang Vieng stopping en route at Phou Koun and Pathang Village. Drive 7 hours (240km) to Vang Vieng over mountainous roads with photo stops along the way. Here there will be easy sightseeing en route at Pathang Village involving 1 hour on foot.

8 Vang Vieng - A town in Vientiane Province about four hours bus ride north of the capital. The town lies on the Nam Song River. The most notable feature of the area is the karst hill landscape surrounding the town. Day 12: Vang Vieng to Vientiane Spend the morning exploring Tham Chang Cave before driving to Vientiane. Sightseeing this morning at Tham Chang cave involves 1 hour on foot over uneven surfaces, and climbing steps to get up to the cave. Drive 3.5 hours (160km) to Vientiane. Tham Chang Cave - Tham Jang is a cave just to the southwest of Vang Vieng, Laos. The cave is reached by crossing a bridge that spans across the Nam Song River. You will need to then climb a long flight of steps to the entrance. A spring is located about 50m inside the cave. The cave was used as a bunker in the early 19th century during the Chinese-Ho invasion. Vientiane - Vientiane, Laos' laid-back capital, mixes French colonial architecture with Buddhist temples such as the golden, 16th-century Pha That Luang, a national symbol. Along broad boulevards and treelined streets are notable shrines including Wat Si Saket, which features thousands of Buddha images, and Wat Si Muang, built on a Hindu shrine. Many bakeries, cafes and villas seem straight out of 19thcentury Paris. Day 13: Vientiane Today enjoy sightseeing in Vientiane and explore Wat Si Saket, Wat Phra Keo, That Luang Stupa and Patuxai Victory Monument. In the evening enjoy a traditional dance performance. Sightseeing is easy today and involves 1-2 hours on foot. Wat Si Saket - Wat Si Saket is a Buddhist wat built in 1818 on the order of King Anouvong (Sethathirath V.) Wat Si Saket was built in the Siamese style of Buddhist architecture, with a surrounding terrace and an ornate five-tiered roof, rather than in the Lao style. This may have kept it safe, since the armies of Siam that sacked Vientiane following Anouvong's rebellion in 1827 used the compound as their headquarters and lodging place. It may be the oldest temple still standing in Vientiane. The French colonial government restored Wat Si Saket in 1924 and again in Wat Si Saket features a cloister wall with more than 2,000 ceramic and silver Buddha images. That Luang Stupa - A gold-covered large Buddhist stupa in the centre of Vientiane. Since its initial establishment, suggested to be in the 3rd century, the stupa has undergone several reconstructions as recently as the 1930s due to foreign invasions of the area. It is regarded as the most important national monument in Laos and a national symbol. Patuxai Victory Monument - Patuxai means Victory Gate or Gate of Triumph. and, is a war monument in the centre of Vientiane. It was built between 1957 and The Patuxai is dedicated to those who fought in the struggle for independence from France. Day 14: Depart Vientiane The morning is at leisure before your transfer to the airport for your flight home. You will check out of your hotel early this morning for your flight to Bangkok. Please contact your local travel agent or our Reservations team for further information. Day 15: Arrive Australia Arrive home.

9 Tour Profile Visa Requirements - Australian passport holders do not need a visa for Thailand if they are travelling for less than 30 days for tourist purposes. Insurance - We strongly encourage all travellers to take a copy of their travel insurance documents (especially relevant international contact numbers) with them while on tour. We advise that you check the inclusions and procedures for lodging claims prior to your departure. These documents should be stored separately from the originals. Accommodation - Your accommodation is selected for convenience of location, comfort or character, and can range from a business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. In remote areas accommodation may be of a lower standard and may not have all Western amenities. Hotels are generally rated as local 3 to 4-star standards, but do please note that there is no international classification system for hotels and differences in facilities and quality do exist between Australia and Thailand. All group tour hotels have private Western bathroom facilities, air conditioning, TV and a telephone. Plumbing and electricity supplies can be erratic and quite often the power in hotel rooms is turned off while guests are out of the room. If you experience any difficulty please speak to your National Escort/Local Guide. Rest assured that all hotels used by Wendy Wu Tours are regularly inspected by our staff and our partners to ensure that standards are met. Exchanging Cash - Australian Dollars can be easily exchanged in Thailand, provided notes are new and undamaged. We suggest exchanging your money before travelling to remote areas and smaller towns, as exchange facilities can be limited. Your National Escort will remind you to do this before departure. Personal Expenses - You will need to take some extra money to cover drinks, laundry and souvenirs, plus any additional sightseeing that may be offered to you. Based on the advice of previous customers an approximate amount of AUD$250 should be sufficient; however for those that cannot resist a bargain, consider allocating a higher amount. Transport: Roads - Coaches with air conditioning are used on our group tours for city sightseeing, short excursions to the countryside and longer transfers where necessary. Climbing Steps - Some sightseeing involves climbing quite a number of steps. This means you sometimes need to walk from the bus park to the entrance, and/or need to climb some steps inside. People with knee or hip injuries, who have poor balance or are otherwise unable to complete these activities independently should consider the suitability of this itinerary carefully. Consider Cultural Differences Thailand and Laos have many religions, cultures and histories. Please be considerate of this, the local beliefs and customs and dress with consideration. Group Size - In most cases, the group will operate with a minimum of 10 participants accompanied by a National Escort. However, if the group is operating with less than 10 passengers, you will be accompanied by expert Local Guides in each of the main cities. Climate - You will find a complete packing list and a helpful climate chart in the Suggested Packing List, which is included in the pre-departure information link sent within your deposit documentation. Seasonal weather patterns can be quite unpredictable. Up to the minute information on worldwide weather can be found on Before You Leave - We strongly recommend registering your travel plans with as in the event of an emergency, Australian Consular assistance will be more readily available.

10 You can also access the Australian Government s travel advisory service for up to date information about your destination on the same website. After your booking - Once you have booked with Wendy Wu Tours, you will receive a confirmation invoice followed by deposit documentation, which includes a visa application form (if applicable), and a help sheet. Your final documentation pack will be sent to you approximately 2 weeks prior to departure, and will include a travel wallet, lanyard, a travel guide (which includes a suggested packing list) along with your final itinerary and international e-tickets. Luggage - All clients are limited to two items of luggage each; a suitcase with a maximum weight of 20kg and one piece of hand luggage with a maximum weight of 5kg. It is essential that your luggage is lockable. Please note that authorities will only allow bottles onto the aircraft if they have been checked in as main baggage. Bottles in hand luggage may be confiscated. Tipping - Tipping is a firm and expected element in the tourism industry. A nominated tipping amount is included in all group tour pricing, however is not collected in your final payment received by Wendy Wu Tours. This is so that it can be paid directly to your National Escort who will then distribute the tips among your main service providers guides and drivers on your behalf. Any other tipping, such as tips for bathroom attendants, hotel porters taking luggage to your room or river guides is at your discretion based on satisfaction of services received, as are gratuities for additional requested special services. Updated: 28 January 2016