Cambodia & Vietnam Made Easy Tour

Transcription

1 Cambodia & Vietnam Made Easy Tour Departs every week of the year. 20 days 1 Great Village Holidays Cambodia & Vietnam Made Easy Tour

2 Not fully escorted - really well looked after... Travel with your own chauffeur driven car and guide between destinations. Once there, explore with confidence. You only visit the best of Cambodia and Vietnam, staying in carefully selected quality hotels approved and inspected by Great Village Holidays. Our aim for independent travellers is to design a memorable holiday by day, whilst at night providing safe and secure lodgings in a unique setting. While visiting Cambodia and Vietnam you will be looked after by Anh (pronounced Arn) and our team. Anh and our trusted English speaking staff, all of whom are trained guides, will ensure you have a relaxing, trouble free holiday whilst experiencing the very best these beautiful countries have to offer. Independent departures are every week. Transportation is by air, boat, rail and airconditioned private car. Accommodation is in 4 and 5 star hotels throughout, located in the most interesting areas usually in the Old Quarter and giving easy walking access to the best sights. All rooms have their own private facilities. An ideal opportunity to travel on and experience more with an extended stay - talk to us about onward travel options. 2 Great Village Holidays Cambodia & Vietnam Made Easy Tour

3 Day 1. Cambodia - Siem Reap Arrive into Siem Reap airport to be met and welcomed by your Great Village Holidays Englishspeaking guide and your driver, who will take you to your centrally located Resort Hotel. On arrival you may prefer to relax, or have your guide do a brief orientation tour of the area, the decision is yours. Afternoon and evening at leisure. Day 2. Siem Reap Angkor Temples After a leisurely breakfast join your guide to experience today the world-famous temples of Angkor, a stupendous array of ancient religious monuments virtually unrivalled anywhere in Asia. The majestic temple of Angkor Wat, with its five iconic corncob towers rising high above the surrounding jungle, is the chief attraction, rivalled by the magical Bayon Temple, embellished with superhuman images of the half-smiling Avalokitesavara, and the jungle-smothered temple remains of Ta Prohm, with crumbling ruins squeezed between the roots of enormous trees and creepers. Later this afternoon drive to the Pre Rup Temple for a truly memorable sunset over the rice paddy. Your evening at leisure to relax. Day 3. Siem Reap Angkor Temples the Roluos Group After your leisurely breakfast join your guide to visit the Ancient capital of Angkor built in the ninth 3 Great Village Holidays Cambodia & Vietnam Made Easy Tour

4 century. The monuments of Roluos, which served as the capital of Indravarman I (reigned from A.D ), are among the earliest temples built by the Khmers and mark the beginning of Khmer Classical Arts. This afternoon discover the fishing village of Kompong Phluk, the village on stilts. Canoe through the mangroves and listen to the calls of the Macaque monkey, viewing also the submerged forest lying beneath the Lake s waters. Late afternoon and evening, yours to explore and relax. Day 4. Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) Enjoy another wonderful breakfast at your hotel, before joining your chauffeur for the departure transfer to the airport and your flight to Ho Chi Min City or Saigon as the locals still call it. Be met by your guide and driver who will take you to your centrally located French Colonial hotel. Today has been left free to explore the delights of Saigon at your own pace. Although little evidence is left, the region has been marred by years of war and a visit to the War Remnants Museum is a poignant reminder to the American War (as it is called in Vietnam). The Museum is an easy walk from the hotel and last admission is at 4.30pm. Tonight we recommend a visit to Chinatown (Cholon District) or a dinner cruise on the Saigon River Daily breakfast is included at your hotel. Day 5. Mekong Delta After breakfast depart at 8.00am with your English-speaking guide and travel by car to Cai Be where you start your three and a half hour cruise to experience the wonders of the Mekong Delta. An unforgettable travel day as you revel in the exotic atmosphere of floating markets, visit local villages, take an included lunch at an old garden house on an island, listen to traditional music and either cycle through the islands or use rowing boats to explore further on the water. You leave the cruise at Vinh Long Town and return with our guide to Saigon around 7.00pm. A long but memorable day. Day 6. Saigon At Leisure for you to wander and explore. 4 Great Village Holidays Cambodia & Vietnam Made Easy Tour

5 Day 7. After breakfast you will be met by your Englishspeaking guide and driver who will accompany you for the extensive and interesting road journey to Mui Ne Beach (travel time is subject to traffic conditions). As you leave Saigon be amazed by the throng of this busy city for it seems all of its 3 million motorcycles are on the same street as you. Travelling east the crowds clear and make way for rural countryside; enjoy the scenery, stop for the occasional photo. Our cars have refreshments on board to allow you to sit back and relax. Day 8. Mui Ne Beach Mui Ne is often described as the Undiscovered Hawaii of Vietnam. Where better to start your holiday than in the relaxing setting of a lovely resort hotel? - Your own tropical introduction to Vietnam. You can do very little each day or be out and about exploring the nearby sights. The local Phan Thiet markets, the famous white sand dunes, the fishing fleet returning each morning or simply take a complimentary bike from the hotel and see the sights at your own pace. A daily breakfast banquet is included for you at the resort. A range of delicious inexpensive food is available either at the hotel or in the many nearby local restaurants. Your room is set amid a tropical garden with undulating lawns, lovely palm trees and a beautiful sandy beach that stretches for miles. The hotel has a large outdoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, spa, fitness centre and tennis court but, most importantly, it is the perfect environment to appreciate and learn 5 Great Village Holidays Cambodia & Vietnam Made Easy Tour

6 about the many delights of Vietnam - the people, the tastes, the sights and the way of life on the coast. Days 9 & 10. At leisure on this beautiful coast. Day 11. Mui Ne / Hoi An Mid morning transfer by car to Nha Trang airport for your short flight to Da Nang City where you will be met by your English-speaking guide and transferred the 30kms along the new coastal road to picturesque Hoi An. Accommodation is at a 4 star hotel set on the banks of the Thu Bon River just a short stroll from the centre of the old town. A true resort with lovely gardens, open-air restaurant, swimming pool, complete with pool bar and each night overlooking the river Days 12 & 13. Hoi An Two days to relax in this World Heritage Town that was once a thriving port for Chinese, Dutch, French, Japanese, Portuguese and Arab traders: Hoi An has a unique ambience with its tile roofed houses and narrow streets giving it a distinctly Chinese feel. No cars may enter Old Town and on Saturdays it is also motorcycle free making it the ideal place on your holiday to stroll and soak up the atmosphere of a unique Vietnamese town. Hoi An is also one of the best places in Asia to have clothes made. Eating is a real treat with some wonderful restaurants that offer both Western and Asian 6 Great Village Holidays Cambodia & Vietnam Made Easy Tour

7 cuisine and of course the town takes on another perspective after dark. There is plenty to keep you busy, visit the local markets, do a cooking class or cycle through the tranquil and beautiful countryside on an eco-bike tour or spend some time at the nearby beach. Day 14. Hoi An / Hue Rail Journey Late morning your guide will call at the hotel to transfer you to Da Nang Railway Station where they will stay with you until you are safely seated on the Reunification Express Train. Departure on this 3 hour journey will be at 1.00pm and is the most scenic section of the Ho Chi Minh Hanoi railway line, undoubtedly one of the great rail journeys of the world. The train travels at low speeds as it climbs steep gradients up the Hai Van Pass and descends mountains to white sandy beaches then it is on past rural countryside and fishing villages before you arrive in Hue at around 4.00pm. Travelling by Vietnam Rail is very unique but also a must do - don t expect too much comfort as the carriages are all one class and you will be sharing this remarkable journey mostly with the delightful locals. On arrival in Hue take a taxi to your hotel just under 1km from the station. Breakfast is included each morning of your stay. Day 15. Hue Hue, a past capital of Vietnam was founded by the Nguyen dynasty in the 17th Century and at 8.30am you depart the hotel for a morning tour of the city. Another different experience as you travel by Cyclos (bicycle carriages for one person) over the Perfume River to the Imperial Citadel (entrance included) where along with our guide you will spend a fascinating time exploring an amazing World Heritage Site that took over 20,000 people to construct the 30_ thick outer walls. The site covers over 2 square miles enclosing the land of eight villages. At the end of your visit you have your own personal Cyclo driver to take you around Hue for the rest of the morning. Afternoon free and we recommend a cruise on the Perfume River at 7 Great Village Holidays Cambodia & Vietnam Made Easy Tour

8 dusk. Hue is renowned for its good food and our Where to eat and what to see guide will direct you to a selection of interesting and inexpensive restaurants like the café owned by a world famous photographer where not only is the food great, you can also purchase amazing photographs of Vietnam. Day 16. Hue / Hanoi An early start, with an included transfer to Hue Airport to catch the 8.30am flight to Hanoi. On arrival at Hanoi you are met by your English -speaking guide and commence a sightseeing tour. This provides you with an overview of the Capital City known for its Lakes, Temples and French colonial architecture. You are driven to the French Quarter, visit Ho Chi Minh s Mausoleum and visit the Temple of Literature before checking into our charming 3 star plus hotel right in the heart of the Old Quarter (location, location, location!). Your stay here is in the best hotel in this quaint district; daily buffet breakfast is included. Day 17. Hanoi - Free Day It s time to take life easy and enjoy this lively city. Explore on foot (or Cyclo) the shaded boulevards of the French Quarter with their French style cafés. The narrow streets around your hotel full of the most amazing little shops, the lakes and parks as they all blend in to the special mix of alluring Hanoi. This is a city to explore at your leisure. Day 18. Hanoi / Halong Bay At 8.00am your driver will collect you for the 165 kilometres drive to Halong, where you embark on your Chinese sailing Junk cruising Halong Bay. With some 1600 islands and islets, many of which rise dramatically from the emerald sea, this maritime gem, a World Heritage site, is an area of outstanding natural beauty. Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch (included) then cruise with ample time for a swim and a chance to explore some of the limestone caves. At sunset we drop anchor and enjoy a cocktail before being served dinner (included) in the junk s restaurant, afterwards settle down for the night in the comfort of your own cabin. Of course all cabins have full facilities. Day 19 Cruise through the morning with included brunch, then return to Hanoi late afternoon for your third night and that last minute shopping and sightseeing. Day 20. Hanoi Start the day early and walk down to the lake to watch the locals enjoying the cool of early morning, participating in a variety of activities such as yoga, badminton and Tai Chi Hanoi is alive at 5.30am every morning and you must experience this at least once during your stay. The morning is free for last minute shopping and you will be transferred to the airport in time to catch your flight home. Extension: 3 Nights At Sapa At the end of your Tour you may not want to go home... We are happy to help you extend your stay with a three night excursion to Sapa situated in the Alpine North high above the mountain clouds. An overnight train journey both ways from Hanoi takes you for one night and two full days in this impressive natural setting. Buffaloes wander the surrounding valleys where the local Hmong people follow a way of life unchanged for centuries. Your guide will travel with you for the three days from Hanoi. The price includes train travel, accommodation, sightseeing and transfers and is based on shared twin accommodation on the train and at your hotel. 8 Great Village Holidays Cambodia & Vietnam Made Easy Tour

9 We are happy to help you plan your onward journey- just ask us. Extension: Laos & Thailand Competitively priced and flexible to suit your needs, we can arrange these extension tours. Extension: Mui Ne Beach Extra time at this stunning beach location is easy to arrange. Depart a few days earlier than scheduled from Australia or NZ and accommodation is calculated on a daily basis for your garden bungalow based on shared twin/ double arrangements. Cost NZ$5, pp share twin. To Book Contact Ian and Ali at Great Village Holidays info@greatvillageholidays.com info@greatvillageholidays.com 9 Great Village Holidays Cambodia & Vietnam Made Easy Tour

10 BOOKING CONDITIONS ASIAN TOURS Booking with Great Village Holidays (2000) Ltd is very clear and easy to follow Booking forms are available on request from our office or online at our web site and can be printed off. On receipt to our office of this registration form and a deposit of $1, your place on the tour will be confirmed. Please read the Booking Conditions carefully before completing the Booking Form. Travelling in Asia with Great Village Holidays is a great independent but well cared for experience. If you are a booking of two and we receive a second separate booking for two then you do not travel together. Each of the bookings is considered an individual tour and travels separately. We provide transport of a size suitable to the number you are booking. When travelling as a two you have a chauffeured car, and English speaking guide. Travel with four in your group and you have a larger Chauffeured car and an English speaking guide. Travel as a larger group together and we provide a larger vehicle and an English speaking guide. When traveling with more than two in your group the published tour price is reduced as the cost of transport and guiding is shared between the group. Deposits and Final Payment A deposit of $1, per person is required at the time of booking - final payment is due 60 days prior to the date of your tour departure. Your deposit cannot be refunded once the tour departure is confirmed. Guaranteed Departure Tours are always guaranteed departures on payment of your deposit. A guaranteed departure would only change on receiving a directive or recommendation not to travel by an advising authority. Costing All prices are based on rates & conditions as at 31st May Great Village Holidays (2000) Ltd will not alter the brochure price unless it is out of our control. Responsibility Great Village Holidays Ltd is responsible for making arrangements specified in our tours, including transportation, sightseeing and accommodation. We include the services of independent contractors such as airlines, hotels, shipping, rail and coach companies, plus other operators whose staff are not agents, employees or servants of Great Village Holidays (2000) Ltd. Although every effort is made to ensure that your tour runs smoothly without changes, we can not take responsibility for the conduct, nor for the actions of people or agents that are not employees of Great Village Holidays (2000) Ltd. If the services included in the tour cannot be supplied or there are changes in the Itinerary for reasons beyond our control, Great Village Holidays (2000) Ltd reserves the right to amend the tour to proceed as close as possible to the scheduled itinerary. Should there be a variation of cost this will be passed to the client. By signing the booking form and paying the $1,000.00pp deposit, clients agree to all booking conditions and accept arrangements as per the brochure. Accommodation When choosing a hotel, Great Village Holidays ensure the same superior quality throughout the tour. All rooms have an ensuite, quality bedding, and provide the best of facilities and comfort. Hotels are centrally located mostly in historical areas, retaining the best ambience for your stay. Participation Great Village Holidays (2000) Ltd reserves the exclusive right to accept or reject any person as a tour participant and to remove any person from the tour whose conduct is deemed disruptive or incompatible with the tour. No refund, nor cover of additional costs, nor expenses you incur, will be paid for by Great Village Holidays if we have to terminate your holiday, due to unacceptable behaviour. Requests It is essential that any specific requirements such as room type, dietary or health needs or illnesses be included on your booking form. Where possible, we will do our very best to assist with individual requests but there can be no absolute guarantee of this service. Baggage Allowance Great Village Holidays (2000) Ltd baggage allowance is one medium size bag with strong wheels and a pull handle, plus one piece of hand luggage. The reasons for this restriction are that at times you need to handle your luggage by yourself. In some places you will walk a short distance to your hotel and having luggage that you feel comfortable handling will add to your overall pleasure in travelling. Passports & Visas A valid passport is required and must be fully valid for at least 6 months after your return home. Should any visas be necessary, we will advise you. Visa fees are charged for where applicable. Helpful resources Prior to departure you will receive information on the areas you will visit that will allow you to prepare well for your holiday. Travel Insurance & Cancellation Fees On payment of your deposit it is important to take out appropriate Travel Insurance covering you for cancellation fees and loss of deposits should cancellation become necessary for circumstances beyond your control. Please check with your insurance provider for full details. Should you wish to talk with us about travel insurance we can provide you with a competitive quote from our broker. Participation in a Great Village Holiday without Insurance cover is not possible. Great Village Holidays (2000) Ltd Cancellation Fees are: 60 days prior to departure a 50% cancellation fee applies. 45 days prior to departure a 100% cancellation fee applies. After departure no refund is available on any unused portion of your holiday. The deposit of $1, is non refundable once departure is confirmed. 10 Great Village Holidays Cambodia & Vietnam Made Easy Tour

11 11 Great Village Holidays Cambodia & Vietnam Made Easy Tour greatvillageholidays.co.nz