Inside Indochina. 21 days Vientiane to Siem Reap. Trip Highlights. What's Not Included. What's Included. Inside Indochina

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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, Saigon and the Mekong before travelling to the captivating kingdom of Cambodia, to explore iconic Angkor Wat. HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS Trip Highlights Vientiane - capital of Laos, Wat Sisaket, Wat Prakeo, the COPE Centre, That Luang Stupa, Patuxay Monument and the Buddha Park Thalat Market and ethnic minority villages Vang Xang - an 11th century archaeological site Vang Vieng - a picturesque riverside village, Tham Jang Caves, Ban Huai Ngai village Luang Prabang - the UNESCO Listed former royal capital, Temples of Visoun, Ahan and Sene, a weaving centre, the former Royal Palace, superb views from Mount Phousi Pak Ou Caves - crammed with Buddha statues and Khouangsi Waterfall Hanoi - Hoan Kiem Lake and the Ancient Quarter - 21 days Halong Bay - UNESCO Listed region with thousands of beautiful limestone peaks and islets Hue - ancient citadel, Imperial Purple City, Royal Tombs, Thien Mu Pagoda and monastery Hoi An - UNESCO Listed ancient town, famed for its beautifully preserved old city, tailors, handicrafts markets and nearby beaches Saigon - Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Post Office and War Remnants Museum Mekong Delta - a maze of waterways and floating villages incl. Cai Be waterways, cottage industries and mansion home Can Tho - lively market town in the Mekong Delta and nearby Cai Rang floating market Cu Chi Tunnels - HQ of the Viet Cong Phnom Penh - Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, Toul Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields Siem Reap - Angkor National Museum and the temples of Angkor including Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, Bayon Temple and Banteay Srei Tonle Sap Lake and the floating villages of Kampong Phluk The Phare NGO circus project 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 - Saigon, Phnom Penh - Siem Reap Halong Bay Junk boat cruise - opt to swim, kayak and explore caves Bicycle ride to Tra Que village and cooking demonstration Sampan boat trips in the Mekong Delta Airport arrival transfer day 1 and departure transfer day 22 Boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake Guided sightseeing - Vientaine, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Mekong Delta, Saigon, Cu Chi, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and the temples of Angkor Escorted by an English speaking Laotian, Vietnamese and Cambodian tour guides All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles Visa approval letter (excl. stamping fee required upon arrival) What's Not Included Tipping Kitty: USD$55-65, paid in USD Entrance Fees: USD$ , paid in USD International flights and visas. Vietnam visa letter included - stamping fee required upon arrival Tip for your tour guides. We recommend you allow USD$3-6 per day, per traveller. -1-

2 Tipping your guides is an entirely personal gesture Day 1 : Vientiane Vang Vieng, nestled on the banks of the Nam Song River is our delightfully rustic and rural hotel. The remainder of the afternoon offers free time, perhaps opt to explore the local caves, take a scenic bike ride or go tubing along the river. Overnight - Vang Vieng (B, D) Sunday. Welcome to Laos! Airport arrival transfer and hotel check in. Spend the afternoon and evening at leisure. Overnight - Vientiane Day 4 : Tham Jang Cave, Ban Huai Ngai village ITINERARY Day 2 : Vientiane city tour Vang Vieng Luang Prabang. We explore the famous caves of Tham Jang this morning and visit Ban Huai Ngai village before travelling north to the enchanting Luang Prabang. Overnight - Luang Prabang (B) Day 5 : Temples of Luang Prabang After breakfast we explore the charming capital on a city tour. Highlights include Wat Si Saket - the oldest Buddhist monastery temple in the country, the former royal temple of Haw Pha Kaeo, Pha That Luang monument and the Buddha Park with its incredible array of Hindu and Buddhist sculptures. We also visit to the COPE Centre, a charity working with victims of unexploded bombs and mines. End the day with a spectacular sunset dinner beside the Mekong River. Overnight - Vientiane (B, D) 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) Days 6-7 : Pak Ou Caves Day 3 : Vang Vieng 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 and the 11th century archaeological site of Vang Xang. Arriving at - 21 days Hanoi. Day 7 offers free time for you to explore Vietnam s capital. Overnight - Hanoi (B:2, L:1) Day 8 : Junk boat cruising 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 was recently 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) Luang Prabang - Hanoi. We head out of town to a local farm to learn about rice production. 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 Day 9 : Floating villages and cyclo rides -2-

3 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. 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. An option to fly from Hanoi to Hue is also available. Overnight - Sleeper train (B) Day 10 : Imperial Hue Arriving to Hue we embark on a guided 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 days Overnight - Hoi An (B) In the countryside lies the Royal Tombs of the Nguyen kings, here we ll view the elaborate mausoleums of Emperors Tu Duc and Khai Dinh. As the sun sets opt for a cruise in a long boat along the gentle Perfume River, beautifully illuminated at night. Overnight - Hue (B, L) Day 12 : Tra Que village Day 11 : Road of the Ocean Clouds A bicycle ride into the countryside, leads us to Tra Que village. Here, we discover age old farming practices and learn about traditional medicine. It s a hands on experience today where we ll assist with tending the fields and gardens and cooking lunch. Overnight - Hoi An (B, L) 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 and visit peaks of the Marble Mountain. Reaching the summit of Thuy Son Mountain (Mountain of Water), we enter the naturally formed grottoes-cum- Buddhist sanctuaries. The enormous cathedral like Huyen Khrong cave is illuminated by shards of light and the towering seated Buddha carved from the rock face is spectacular. Onward to Hoi An. 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 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. 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 14 : Cruising the Mekong Hoi An - Saigon. Early morning flight to 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 Vinh Long we ll cruise downstream through the maze of waterways -3-

4 of Cai Be 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) 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 15 : Mekong & Saigon Day 17 : Royal Palace, Toul Sleng Can Tho - Saigon. 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 Saigon. Once called the Pearl of the Orient, modern Saigon 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. Our walking tour of Saigon includes visits to the Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Post office and the sombering War Remnants Museum. Evening at leisure. Overnight - Saigon (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. (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) Day 18 : Angkor National Museum & Angkor Wat Phnom Penh Siem Reap. Hotel check out and transfer to the airport for your included flight to Siem Reap days Day 19 : Angkor Thom & NGO circus project We later come face to face with the horrors of the Pol Pot regime as we visit Toul Sleng Day 16 : Cu Chi Tunnels & Phnom Penh Saigon - 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 This afternoon we explore iconic Angkor Wat, easily the most famous and best-preserved of all temples within the Angkor complex. It is a massive three-tiered structure crowned by five lotus-like towers rising 65 meters from ground level. The centrepiece of any visit to the temples around Siem Reap, Angkor Wat provides plenty of incredible photo opportunities. Overnight Siem Reap (B) Early this morning you can opt to return to Angkor Wat for sunrise. Later we drive out to see the well-preserved temples of Banteay Srei, stopping at an exotic butterfly sanctuary an the village of Preak Dak where we support a community tree planting initiative along the way. After we return to the Angkor Temple Complex to explore the ancient city of Angkor Thom. The last capital of the Great Khmer Empire, it is home to the fascinating Bayon Temple, the Baphuon royal enclosure and the Terraces of the Elephants and Leper King. We continue on to Tra Prohm Temple, which unlike the other temples here has been left in the same ruined state that it was first discovered in with a tangle of trees growing out of its ruins. Tonight we attend the wonderful Phare Cambodian Circus - an NGO project that teaches children living on the streets how to become talented circus artists. Overnight - Siem Reap (B) After time to freshen up we visit the Angkor National Museum - an 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. -4-

5 Day 20 : Tonle Sap Lake Vietnamese cuisine and you are welcome to enjoy cocktails and live music in the Jazz Bar or relax in the hotel's health spa. Elephant Crossing Hotel This morning we drive to Kampong Phluk, a cluster of three villages of stilt houses built within the floodplain of Tonle Sap Lake. After a boat trip on the lake we return to Siem Reap for free time. 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) HOTELS The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard when necessary. Boasting breath-taking views of majestic limestone mountains, this boutique hotel creates a special Laotian ambience with a traditional open-air sala (pavilion) for relaxing, lounging and dining. The riverside restaurant and bar offers stunning views of the river and surrounding scenery whilst the beautifully furnished rooms each have a private balcony. The accommodation is situated on the banks of the Nam Song River, this hotel is perfectly located for stunning views of the unspoilt landscape of Vang Vieng days This premier cruise boat offers 18 well appointed cabins with en suite amenities. Cabins are contemporary in design, whilst the finer touches have a distinct oriental influence. All cabins feature large windows creating a bright and airy atmosphere as well as scenic views. Facilities and services onboard include a dining room and bar, a sunbathing area ondeck, masseur and small library. This boat departs from the port of Halong City and plies its route through the karst peaks of Halong Bay during their journey and overnight stay on the water. Santi Resort and Spa Set just outside the main town of Luang Prabang, the Santi Resort and Spa is a modern property set in manicured gardens. Guest rooms are set on two levels and are spacious with excellent amenities. Meals are served in the main restaurant and the outdoor pool is perfect for a cooling afternoon dip. If you need to get into town then take advantage of the free shuttle service that runs nearly every hour. Located on the outskirts of Luang Prabang. Mercure Hotel Renowned for offering travellers superb business and leisure conveniences in a pleasant surrounding, the fashionable rooms of this modern hotel are spacious and contemporary in design. Impeccable service is combined with superb amenities including a range of sporting facilities, entertainment services and a fitness centre. Bhaya Classic Junk Boat Mondial Hotel Just a 5 minute walk from the Ho Chi Minh museum, the Mondial Hotel is a contemporary hotel with excellent amenities. Guest rooms benefit from spacious interiors, comfortable beds and lots of mod-cons. There is complimentary Wi-Fi for guests, an outdoor pool and onsite spa - perfect for a re laxing massage. As well as the delicious Huong Xuan Restaurant there is also the Lobby Lounge great for cocktails before dinner! Sunway Hotel This ambient, boutique hotel combines traditional appeal with modern pleasures. Rooms are furnished in a contemporary fashion with an array of amenities for added comfort. Its restaurant provides a great variety of Vinh Hung Riverside Resort -5-

6 Vinh Hung Riverside Resort offers luxury and gracious hospitality in a traditional Vietnamese environment right on the banks of the Thu Bon river with top notch facilities. dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 persons. Prices shown are per person travelling. 'Twin/Double' prices per person apply when there are 2 people travelling, sharing a room. The 'Single supplement' Harmony Phnom Penh Hotel Iris Hotel This elegant hotel is housed within a modern building in the city of Can Tho. Each guest room comes equipped with plush furnishings to ensure a good night's sleep and is decorated with a neutral palate and calming tones. Rooms look over the city and boast a range of modern amenities such as air conditioning and stylish ensuite facilities. Magnificent Just 5 minutes from the Royal Palace, the Harmony Hotel in Phnom Penh is an elegant hotel with a great location. The spacious rooms feature plush furnishings with a smart decor of dark wood flooring and white walls with accents of colour. The hotel features a rooftop infinity pool and Jacuzzi with views across the river and the city, a perfect spot to relax after a busy day sightseeing. Guests can dine on a choice of Asian and Western dishes at the hotel's restaurant and enjoy a wide selection of beverages. views of the city can be had from the hotel's skybar while a range of gourmet local and international dishes can be sampled at the onsite restaurant. The accommodation is just a few kilometres from the Cai Rang floating market. Angkor Paradise Hotel Muong Thanh Centre Centrally located, yet on a peaceful, treelined street, you will find the Muong Thanh Centre. Only a ten-minute walk from top attractions such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, Opera House and Ben Thanh Market, this hotel is a great base for exploring the famous sights of the city. Its world-class rooms boast Not far from Angkor Wat, the Angkor Paradise Hotel offers elegant accommodation in a world famous setting. Guest rooms are beautifully furnished with traditional wooden floors and all mod cons. All rooms have either fabulous views of the city or the hotel's outdoor pool. The hotel also boasts a great onsite restaurant, fitness centre and pool terrace. The Angkor Paradise Hotel is situated a short distance from Siem Reap international airport and the majestic Angkor Archaeological Park. sophisticated designs and panoramic views. Warm and friendly, the Muong Thanh Centre also features a spa and swimming pool for you to relax and unwind after a long day of sightseeing. PRICES / DATES INFO Departure dates noted with a 'G' are guaranteed to operate. All other departure - 21 days applies for single travellers who require their own room and needs to be added to the 'Twin/Double' price. If you are happy to be paired up with another single traveller of the same sex on your tour, this can be arranged, thus avoiding the single person supplement. PRICES / DATES 2018 Date 09 Sep 23 Sep 07 Oct 21 Oct 04 Nov 18 Nov 02 Dec 23 Dec 30 Dec Twin Share EUR 3,995 EUR 3,995 Single EUR 5,915 EUR 5,915 PRICES / DATES 2019 Date 13 Jan 03 Feb 17 Feb 03 Mar 17 Mar 31 Mar 14 Apr 05 May 19 May 09 Jun 23 Jun 07 Jul 21 Jul 11 Aug 01 Sep 15 Sep 06 Oct 20 Oct 03 Nov 17 Nov 01 Dec 15 Dec Twin Share Single -6-

7 PRICES / DATES 2019 Date 22 Dec Twin Share EUR 3,995 Single EUR 5, days -7-