Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam

Transcription

1 Arrival in Bangkok LOT Pass Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam Start: Bangkok Finish: Hanoi Minimum Days: 40 Recommended: 8+ weeks Sawadee, Sabaidee (hello) and welcome to Stray! Your adventure kicks off in the buzzing Asian metropolis of Bangkok, Thailand. If you arrive early in the day feel free to check out the vibrant markets and ancient temples that make up only a small side of this multifaceted city. Be at our Stray Shop on Khao San Road at 6pm to meet your Tour Leader and your new travel mates for a Welcome Night introduction. We ll cover how Stray works, answer any questions you have and make sure everyone is ready for tomorrow morning s departure. Afterwards, make the most of your first night by getting to know each other over a delicious Thai dinner and a few cold beverages on Khao San Road. Accommodation: Comfortable guesthouse near Khao San Road Free Inclusions: Welcome Night meeting with Stray Tour Leader and group Bangkok to Chiang Mai (via Ayutthaya) Meet your Stray Tour Leader back at the Stray Bangkok Shop in the morning to depart for the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ayutthaya. We arrive mid-morning, allowing you plenty of time to explore the Venice of the East by bike or boat. Ayutthaya is the former capital of the Siamese empire and was once a grandiose city, but many of the ancient monuments were ruined when it was attacked by an invading army. Nevertheless, it is still a fascinating historical park that offers a glimpse of bygone splendour. This afternoon we board our overnight train and head for the city of Chiang Mai. Free Inclusions: Overnight train or bus (price included), temple entry in Ayutthaya Optional Paid Activities: Bike or boat trip around Ayutthaya Temples. Arrival in Chiang Mai We arrive into Chiang Mai train station between 8am 11am. Chiang Mai is a popular place to hop off for many travellers and an amazing city full of endless activity options, such as Thai cooking classes, bike tours or Muay Thai kickboxing. There are over 300 Buddhist temples to discover, you can visit the old walled city, see the Tapae Gate or pick up a bargain at the famous night market and check out the lively music scene. Accommodation: Guesthouse located near the historic old quarter Chiang Mai Today is free for you to explore this historically rich city or partake in one of the many adventure activities on offer. If you re looking for a bit of adrenaline we recommend Thailand s most popular activity, the Flight of the Gibbon. This is an amazing tree-top adventure where you ll swing like a monkey (or gibbon) and zip, fly, climb and crawl your way through an amazing jungle playground on 1

2 the longest zip-line in Southeast Asia. This evening you can enjoy dinner at one of the many great restaurants then browse the night market, take in a ladyboy show or the Muay Thai boxing or head out for a few drinks with friends. Accommodation: Guesthouse located near the historic old quarter Optional Paid Activities: Thai cooking course, bike tour, Flight of the Gibbon, trekking, kayaking, mountain biking. Chiang Mai to Houay Xai This morning we depart Chiang Mai to head for the Thailand-Laos border. We ll make a stop near Chiang Rai to check out the famous and intriguing White Temple (Wat Rong Khun). Wat Rong is a unique modern Buddhist temple that features some curious statues and murals that include images from Star Wars and The Matrix, Freddie Kruger s head hanging in the trees and a giant Predator emerging from the garden. We stop here long enough to grab a snack, stretch our legs and take a few photos before we continue on to cross the border into Laos. Once in Laos we take a short tuktuk ride into the chilled out town of Houay Xai, our stop for the night. Accommodation: Guesthouse with views across the Mekong River Free Inclusions: White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) visit Optional Paid Activities: Visit an ethnic lantern village near Chiang Rai, access the Gibbon Experience from Houay Xai (must hop off for these activities). Houay Xai to Mekong River Homestay Leaving Houay Xai you ll board our private slow boat up the Mekong River to the tiny secluded village that will host you for an overnight homestay experience. Sit back and soak up this incredible journey as you wind your way through lush farmland, thriving jungle and rugged mountain scenery, drifting past water buffalo, locals fishing, and kids splashing in the shallows. We arrive in the village in the late afternoon. Here you will get a taste of traditional Lao village life by staying with a family in their home. Experience a special Baci (welcoming) Ceremony, swim in the river, visit the school and help the kids with an English lesson. Play a game of football with the kids, explore the local temple, go fishing and don t forget to try the local whiskey. This is a true highlight of any trip to Southeast Asia and exclusive to Stray! Accommodation: Village stay includes accommodation in an indigenous family home, traditional Baci Ceremony, dinner, breakfast, local activities and contribution to the village fund/project Mekong River Homestay to Luang Prabang We wave goodbye to the village and jump back aboard our private boat to head downriver to the famous limestone Pak Ou Caves. Pak Ou is an important pilgrimage site for Lao people, and here you will see thousands of Buddhist images that have been placed throughout the caves over hundreds of years. Back on board our boat a short trip takes us to the UNESCO World Heritage town, Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang has an old world feel that gives you the sense you ve stepped back in time into a picturesque postcard setting. The fusion of French Colonial architecture with traditional Lao design set against a backdrop of misty mountains and lush green jungle makes this a truly majestic place. Accommodation: Guesthouse with fan or AC private rooms close to night market Free Inclusions: Pak Ou Caves entrance 2

3 Luang Prabang Today is free for you to enjoy all this UNESCO World Heritage town has to offer. Luang Prabang is home to the National Palace Museum, Wat Xieng Thong (the oldest monastery in town) and plenty of other ancient Buddhist temples and sacred sites to explore. Many people take a trip to the famous Kuang Si waterfalls, where the bright turquoise spring waters looks like it s been Photoshopped, or you can get hands on by becoming an organic rice farmer for the day on the unforgettable Rice Experience. Alternatively, you can spend the day cycling or trekking to rural villages, take a cooking class or head to the night market for a hassle-free bargaining experience. Accommodation: Guesthouse with fan or AC private rooms close to night market Optional Paid Activities: Kuang Si Waterfall + bear sanctuary, Rice Experience, cycling, trekking, traditional cooking class, kayak the river. Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng It s an early start as we head south through mountainous terrain on one of the most scenic journeys you ll experience on the Laos travel route. Travel past hill-tribe villages, vast green valleys and rolling hills; we ll make a special stop at the loo with a view. Our journey today takes us to the little riverside town Vang Vieng, formerly known as the best place to take tubing trips down the Nam Song River to visit riverside bars and indulge in cheap booze. These days you can still go tubing, but now you get to enjoy the beauty of Vang Vieng's landscape without the sound of pounding bass in the background. Upon arrival into Vang Vieng start partying or kick back and watch re-runs of old TV shows playing at the bars around town. Accommodation: Family run guesthouse in the centre of the action Optional Paid Activities: River tubing, cycling, kayaking, rock climbing, caving, visit the Blue Lagoon. Vang Vieng With its stunning natural scenery, adventurous outdoor activities and reputation for a party scene, it s no surprise that Vang Vieng is a popular spot for travellers. The tubing experience is more sedate now than in days past, but it s still a real highlight to float down the river soaking up the beautiful mountain surrounds. Aside from tubing, Vang Vieng offers great rock climbing and kayaking options. We also recommend visiting the Blue Lagoon, one of the best natural swimming holes in Laos. The fun doesn t stop after an adventure filled day either! This evening, check out one of several international restaurants for a taste of home or head to one of the bars to really get the party started. Accommodation: Family run guesthouse in the centre of the action Optional Paid Activities: River tubing, cycling, kayaking, rock climbing, caving, visit the Blue Lagoon. Vang Vieng to Vientiane Today we cruise through to the capital of Laos, stopping at the impressive Tham Jang Cave that was once used as a bunker during a Chinese invasion in the 19 th century. On arrival in Vientiane your Tour Leader will point out the city s main attractions including Putaxai, Pha That Luang, That Dam, the Presidential Palace, and the COPE centre a non-profit organisation that educates visitors and raises awareness for victims of UXO (Unexploded Ordinance) and the Secret War. After check-in at our centrally located accommodation, you are free to explore the city, get a massage, go shopping or people watch at one of the local restaurants by the river. Accommodation: Hotel with modern facilities including WIFI 3

4 Free Inclusions: Tham Jang Cave entrance, highlights of Vientiane Vientiane to Kong Lor (7km Cave) An early escape this morning takes us away from the crowds and south to Kong Lor in the Phu Hin Bun National Park. About an hour into the journey we visit Wat Prabat Phonsone, the Buddha s Footprint, a popular and important pilgrimage site for local communities. Tonight you stay in the very rural and very remote Kong Lor village, surrounded by rice paddies, stunning limestone karst mountains and tobacco fields. This is a photographer s paradise and the gateway to the famous Kong Lor Cave (Tham Kong Lor to the locals). You have free time this afternoon to venture deep into the 7km abyss by riding in a motorised canoe on an underground river through the mountain. Accommodation: Comfortable garden view bungalows with spectacular views and a short drive from the cave Free Inclusions: Wat Prabat Phonsone, entrance to Kong Lor National Park Optional Paid Activities: Kong Lor Cave boat trip Kong Lor (7km Cave) to Thakek Today is a short travel day as we head for the small town of Thakek on the banks of the Mekong River. Thakek is a major trading point and border town between Thailand and Laos. It has a strong French Colonial influence and is a great base for hopping off to explore the Lao jungle, limestone cliffs, pristine rivers, lakes and hidden waterfalls in the nearby Phu Hin Bun National Park. Accommodation: Mekong riverside guesthouse Thakek to Xe Champhone This is what Stray is all about: getting totally off the beaten track! We head into the Xe Champhone wetlands - an area so remote that occasionally our Stray buses can't access it, so we have to jump on board an off-road truck. Today we ll stop at Old Wat Taleow, a beautiful temple that was bombed during the Secret War and somehow the golden Buddha inside remained undamaged. Then it s on to Turtle Lake where you might spot and possibly get to feed the sacred soft-shell turtles. Next stop is the 200-year-old Hotay Pidok Buddhist library, a fascinating stilt structure that s home to thousands of Sanskrit scriptures and bamboo tablets. Before heading for our guesthouse in the small village of Ban Keng Kok, we stop at the aptly named Monkey Forest to get up close with curious and friendly wild rhesus macaque monkeys. Don t forget to grab some bananas! Accommodation: Rustic guesthouse with twin share bungalow Free Inclusions: Old Wat Taleow, Turtle Lake & Hotay Pidok Library entrance fee Xe Champhone to Pakse Driving south this morning we head for the bright lights of Pakse. From here, you can check out the refreshingly cool climate of the Bolaven Plateau. The Plateau features a lush green landscape, fertile coffee and tea plantations, and many spectacular waterfalls, including the stunning Tad Ngeuang Waterfall where you can go for a swim. For those who want a little adventure, Pakse is a great place to hop off the bus and experience the unforgettable Tree Top Explorer adventure. This amazing experience includes a trek through the jungle, tree house accommodation, wildlife spotting, thundering waterfalls, and a zip-line system that will have you flying through the tree-tops. Accommodation: Guesthouse with fan or air-conditioned rooms in the centre of town Free Inclusions: Bolaven Plateau, Tad Ngeuang Waterfall entry Optional Paid Activities: Tree Top Adventure, waterfall visits such as the spectacular Tad Fane. 4

5 Pakse to Don Det (4000 Islands) An early start takes us to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Wat Phou, an ancient Khmer temple and the former capital of the Khmer empire before the Angkor Wat. We allow time to explore the site and climb up to the mountain top temple for some spectacular views over the man-made reservoir. We ll then head south to the backpacker mecca of Si Phan Don, otherwise known as the 4000 Islands. Here you can experience the laidback lifestyle and natural beauty of Laos landlocked islands with a leisurely tubing trip down the Mekong River, floating past locals fishing and people lounging on their bamboo riverside verandas. It s also a great place to take a boat trip to spot rare Irrawaddy dolphins, or cycle across to the neighbouring Don Khone Island to discover the remaining remnants of the only steam engine railway in Laos and marvel at the thunderous Li Phi waterfall. Accommodation: Rustic style guesthouse Free Inclusions: Wat Phou Temple entrance Optional Paid Activities: Bicycle or tube hire, boat trip to spot Irrawaddy dolphins, fishing. Don Det to Siem Reap (Express Day) Say goodbye to Laos it s an early start to join the Stray bus for the journey into Cambodia. A short drive will bring you to the Don Kralor Border where you will complete the immigration process and continue into Cambodia. Today your destination is the small, but vibrant city of Siem Reap, best known as home to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Angkor Temple complex. Arriving in Siem Reap in the late evening there will be time to freshen up before dinner and drinks with your group along the iconic Pub Street. Accommodation: Hostel with dorm beds Siem Reap Day 1 After your first night on Pub Street, you ll probably enjoy a free day to sleep in, relax by the pool at your accommodation or get out and explore more of the downtown area during the day. In the evening you have the option to attend the unforgettably unique Phare Circus, a locally run nonprofit troupe that provides disadvantaged young people from the community with a place to learn the skills needed to earn their livings as professional performing artists. Prepare to be amazed by how these talented young artists share authentic modern and folk Cambodian stories through an energetic display of acrobatic feats, music and dance. Accommodation: Hostel with dorm beds Optional Paid Activities: Khmer circus. Siem Reap Day 2 You get a second full free day in Siem Reap because you simply cannot visit without seeing the highly recommended UNESCO World Heritage Angkor temples. Ranked at the top of many ultimate travel bucket lists (including Lonely Planet s), the awe-inspiring ancient city of Angkor is the largest temple complex in the world. You can easily spend a full day at the site and still only see a small portion of this dramatic architectural wonder, but make sure you check out the famous Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm, which most people recognise from Angelina Jolie s Tomb Raider movie. Accommodation: Hostel with dorm beds Optional Paid Activities: Cycle or take a guided tour of the Angkor temple complex. 5

6 Siem Reap to Battambang (Homestay) Today you depart Siem Reap early enough to arrive in Battambang, where our first stop is a lake just outside town. It s the perfect spot for a yummy local BBQ or picnic in the shade of a bamboo hut on the tree lined shore. There s time to go for a refreshing swim or kayaking on the lake, or hang out in a hammock on shore and soak up the views of the nearby rice paddies and native bush. Then we make our way to tonight s village stay, located in the picturesque countryside. You ll stay in a Cambodian family s home, experience rural community life, sit in on a lesson at the local school and maybe join in a friendly game or help the school kids with their English. You can wander through the village and nearby rice paddies and finish the day by enjoying a delicious traditional meal with your host family. Accommodation: Village stay includes accommodation in a Cambodian family s home, local activities, dinner, breakfast, and contribution to the village fund/project Free Inclusions: Lake visit with local lunch included Battambang to Sihanoukville A full day of travel takes us from the countryside to the popular seaside town of Sihanoukville on the Cambodian coast. En-route we pass through the bustling riverside Khmer town Kompong Chhnang (pronounced kom pong ch nang ), with its busy market and floating village. Arriving in Sihanoukville by late afternoon, settle in at your guesthouse and then you are free to wander down to the beach for a refreshing dip or kick back at one of the many beachfront restaurants and bars. Tonight join one of the beach parties or have seafood BBQ on beach. Accommodation: Popular hostel with great vibes Sihanoukville Day 1 Today is yours to relax in Cambodia s premier beach location. Catch some rays on the beach and go for a swim, or do one of the many water sports including diving, fishing, snorkelling, kayaking or hire a jet ski. Learn to cook Khmer classics like Fish Amok or deep fried bananas at the traditional Khmer cooking school, or hire a bicycle and explore the nearby beaches. Tonight you can head to Ochheuteal Beach for some partying with the rest of the backpacker crowd, or watch the sun go down at one of the beachfront restaurants. Accommodation: Popular hostel with great vibes Optional Paid Activities: Jet skis, massage, sailing, snorkelling, scuba diving, party boat, windsurfing, kayaking, cooking class. Sihanoukville Day 2 With two full free days in Sihanoukville, you have plenty of time to hop on an island boat tour to check out beautiful Koh Rong and the other nearby islands just off shore. With crystal clear turquoise water and empty stretches of white sand beaches, the Cambodian islands feel like castaway paradise, the perfect spot to snorkel in the waves and watch the rainbow of colours cast by another stunning sunset. Accommodation: Popular hostel with great vibes Optional Paid Activities: Island tour, jet skis, massage, sailing, snorkelling, scuba diving, party boat, windsurfing, kayaking, cooking class. 6

7 Sihanoukville to Kampot A three hour drive brings us to the little riverside town of Kampot where you will have a free afternoon to visit the fascinating salt and pepper farms, go cycling or trek in the Bokor National Park. There is an option to take a leisurely boat cruise on the Kampot River, where you ll be encouraged to sit back with a refreshing cool beverage and absorb the spectacular views of Bokor National Park and Elephant Mountain as the sun sets over the river. Tonight we recommend sampling the exceptional regional seafood dishes at one of the many restaurants on the riverfront the fried shrimp with green pepper corns is an absolute must try! Accommodation: Guesthouse with dorm beds or private rooms Optional Paid Activities: Sunset river cruise, tour of the pepper & salt farms. Kampot to Phnom Penh From Kampot we head inland for the bustling Cambodian capital Phnom Penh, stopping for lunch before we take an afternoon tour of the infamous Khmer Rouge S21 Prison and Killing Fields. While it is a very sobering experience to learn more about Cambodia s harsh recent history, it is one of the most recommended things to do in Phnom Penh. This evening you are free to walk around and discover the many sights of this energetic city or get out and mingle with the locals while watching the sun set over the Mekong River. Accommodation: Guesthouse near the main tourist area Free Inclusions: S21 Prison and Killing Fields entrance and tour Phnom Penh A free day today gives you the chance to explore this energizing capital city and visit the many markets selling silk, silver, gems and antiques. Visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, Wat Phnom, and the Russian Market. See a living art performance at the National Museum, or learn a Cambodian craft, dance or kick boxing at the Backstreet Academy. For something different, why not join the locals at dusk for an aerobic workout at the Olympic Stadium. Here you ll find local ladies garbed in Western-style pyjamas, getting their groove on to Khmer techno music in order to burn a few calories. It may not be your most coordinated moment, but will be good for a giggle (even if you re just laughing at yourself)! Accommodation: Guesthouse near the main tourist area Optional Paid Activities: Learn a Cambodian art at Backstreet Academy, half day cycling trip, river boat cruise, city tour, Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda tour, Russian Market, National Museum. Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City (Express Day) This morning you ll board an unguided public bus organised by your Cambodia Tour Leader and head to Moc Bai on the Vietnamese border, where you will be processed through immigration (you must organise your Vietnam visa in advance for this land border crossing) and then drive on to Ho Chi Minh City, arriving mid-afternoon. Spend the afternoon exploring the narrow streets on foot, hop into a cyclo for a comfortable ride amongst the millions of motorbikes or choose a restaurant teeming with locals for a taste of the best cuisine. Accommodation: Centrally located hotel or guesthouse 7

8 Ho Chi Minh City Today is a free day to explore the hot and lively Ho Chi Minh City. Learn about the history of the American and Vietnam War at the War Remnant Museum, visit the French Colonial Saigon Opera House, browse the surrounding shopping plazas or see a cultural show. Ho Chi Minh even has its own Notre Dame Cathedral, which is said to be a connection between the physical and spiritual life for the Ho Chi Minh people. We recommend taking a trip out to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, a complex of over 200kms of tunnels used by the Viet Khong in the war against the US. Discover how the people lived and survived in these tunnels, built schools and hospitals underground and eventually gained victory. This evening enjoy a traditional performance at the Water Puppet Theatre, or dine out on delicious street food at one of the city s many restaurants or bars. Accommodation: Centrally located hotel or guesthouse, breakfast included Optional Paid Activities: Cyclo tour of the city, War Remnants Museum, Old Presidential Palace, Ben Thanh Market, guided tour of Ho Chi Minh City and Cu Chi Tunnels, Water Puppet Theatre. Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat Leaving behind the chaos and heat of Ho Chi Minh City, we head for the refreshingly cool climate of Da Lat, known as the honeymoon capital of Vietnam. Our journey today takes us through fertile farmlands that specialise in rubber, coffee and tea, locally produced wine, vegetables and flowers. Just a short distance from Da Lat we make a stop at the beautiful 20m high Datanla Waterfall, where legend has it K ho fairies often come to play and bathe at the base of the falls. You can either walk down to the waterfall or, for those who like a little bit of adrenalin, you can drive your own mini rollercoaster to the site. Afterwards we ll head to Da Lat, where you can spend the rest of the day checking out the large market near the guesthouse or at one of many friendly cafes selling excellent coffee on every corner. Accommodation: Local guesthouse in the centre of town Free Inclusions: Datanla Waterfall entrance Da Lat Use this free day to explore. Da Lat vaguely resembles a French town with sprawling old villas and towering pine trees. It is not on the main tourist trail so locals are curious and very friendly to Western visitors. There are plenty of adventurous activities on offer here, but many people opt for an adrenalin-packed canyoning trip where you abseil over waterfalls and jump off a 5 metre high drop into the pool below. If that s not for you, you can visit the last Emperor s Art Deco-style summer palace, explore the never-ending local coffee or strawberry plantations, or hire tandem bikes at the market and cycle to the Hang Nga Crazy House, an unconventional example of surrealist architecture. Accommodation: Local guesthouse in the centre of town Optional Paid Activities: Grab a bargain at the local market, rock climbing, see Crazy House, tandem bike cycling, cycling tours, motorbike tours, coffee & tea plantation tours, abseiling and rappelling. Da Lat to Bai Xep Leaving behind the cool climate of Da Lat we ll head for the Vietnamese coast, stopping for refreshments at the coastal city of Nha Trang, a popular spot to hop off for those who have the time. Driving on your destination is the tiny fishing village of Bai Xep located along a stretch of sandy white beach. Kick back and relax in this peaceful village setting well off the beaten tourist track and as yet 8

9 untouched by rampant tourism. Don t be surprised when the locals wave and greet you with welcoming smiles. Accommodation: Dorm accommodation on the beach, light breakfast included Bai Xep Today you are free to enjoy this remote coastal location and all it has to offer. Swim, snorkel and take long walks on the beach, learn to paddle a traditional round boat, go fishing and cook your catch for tea, wander the village and get to know the friendly locals or just relax at your comfortable seaside guesthouse. Accommodation: Dorm accommodation on the beach, light breakfast included Optional Paid Activities: Hike to a waterfall, go swimming or snorkelling, relax on the beach or feast on allyou-can-eat BBQ and beer! Bai Xep to Hoi An A coastal drive takes us to the popular tourist spot and UNESCO World Heritage town of Hoi An. Before arriving in Hoi An, we ll stop along the way to visit the My Lai Memorial, a site that commemorates an event that marked a turning point in the American War. Hoi An is a must see destination, with beautifully restored and preserved French Colonial architecture, funky bars, outstanding restaurants, art galleries, souvenir shops and countless tailor shops. With glorious beaches so close nearby, this is paradise! A great spot to hop off and enjoy the local nightlife, try local delicacies (and beers), then meander home through the motorbike free streets. Accommodation: Centrally located, family run hotel, breakfast included Free Inclusions: My Lai Memorial entrance Hoi An Today is free for you to explore this charming town. Get some tailoring done, take a leisurely cycle to the beach or just enjoy the tasty local coffee at one of the many restaurants around town. When the sun goes down is when Hoi An really turns on its charm. Paper and fabric lanterns are lit throughout the streets, bathing the historical French Colonial and Chinese architecture in a warm glow. Take a sunset stroll through the old town, and try a local delicacy called the White Rose - a dumpling stuffed with shrimp or pork bunched into the shape of a rose. Apparently the recipe is a family secret, held by only one family who supply all the restaurants around town. Accommodation: Centrally located, family run hotel, breakfast included Optional Paid Activities: Tailoring, bicycle tours, scuba diving, cooking classes, sunrise or sunset cruise, countryside tours, motorbike tours, fishing trips. Hoi An to Hue Today you travel to Hue, considered Vietnam s most liveable city. Surrounded by rolling hills and located on the Perfume River, Hue is regarded as the cultural and spiritual centre of Vietnam and is the former home to the Vietnamese emperors. Here you ll see many elaborately decorated temples and beautiful pagodas, including the seven-storied Thien Mu Pagoda (where the most famous Vietnamese monk is buried), the intricate Citadel and Forbidden Purple City. This is a great place to take a motorbike tour of the Vietnamese countryside. Travel on the back of a motorbike through rice paddies, quaint rural villages and down tiny roads to discover a little bit of the real Vietnam. Accommodation: Local guesthouse, breakfast included 9

10 Optional Paid Activities: Dragon Boat Cruise, historic Citadel tour former seat of the Vietnamese government, Forbidden Purple City where the emperor used to bed his concubines, motorbike tour, Thien Mu Pagoda. Hue to Phong Nha This morning we head for the fascinating Vinh Moc Tunnels, an impressive underground complex that was used by more than 90 families to live and work during some of the heaviest bombings in the American War. From there it s on to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, passing through the provincial town of Dong Hoi on our way to the charming hotel in Phong Nha town that will be our base for exploring the park. Accommodation: Comfortable hotel dorm or private room with breakfast included Free Inclusions: Vinh Moc Tunnels Phong Nha On this free day we visit the spectacular rural area of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, 45km from Dong Hoi. This area has pristine rivers (perfect for a refreshing dip or kayak) and boasts a number of impressive caves, including the recently discovered Thien Duong Cave. Inside you ll find glittering limestone walls, impressive stalagmites and stalactites and a limestone waterfall. This afternoon you have the option to go on a guided tour of the Dark Cave, suitably named as such because the rock is black. This is an exciting adventure where you ll explore the cave s darkness with the help of a head torch, discover ancient fossils and slide down muddy ridges, all while Asian bats fly overhead. Afterwards, back at the mouth of the cave you can wash off all the mud by spending the afternoon swimming and playing in the river. Accommodation: Comfortable hotel dorm or private room with breakfast included Free Inclusions: Thien Duong Cave entrance Optional Paid Activities: Cycling, caving, kayaking, Dark Cave Adventure. Phong Nha to Ninh Binh Our journey today takes us through beautiful countryside and stunning limestone karst mountains. We ll stop along the way for a chance to stretch your legs before continuing our express journey to Ninh Binh. We arrive late in the afternoon, but you have time to wander around and acquaint yourself with the tiny town before dinner. Nestled amongst rice paddies, rural plains and massive mountains, Ninh Binh is almost overwhelmed by the spectacular landscape surrounding it. The best way to take it all in is hire a bicycle and explore the countryside at your own pace. Accommodation: Locally run hotel with excellent restaurants nearby, breakfast included Optional Paid Activities: Hire a bicycle, hop off and explore the surrounding limestone mountains, multi-day trekking options. Ninh Binh to Hanoi This morning we venture out in traditional canoes to discover the Trang An Grottoes. Sometimes called the Halong Bay on land, we ll coast through caves in the mountains to view stony outcrops and dramatic karst formations towering above flat tranquil waters and rice paddies. After lunch in Ninh Binh, we jump back on the bus bound for the chaotic streets of Vietnam s capital. Hanoi is an exotic city full of excitement and energy, and thousands of motorcycles that make the simple task of crossing the road seem like a real achievement! There s an an excellent culinary scene. We recommend dining at Restaurant 69, which is said to be over 300 years old, or trying some of the 10

11 delicious street food available on every corner, where the saying goes the lower the chair, the cheaper the beer. Accommodation: Local guesthouse or hotel or backpacker-style dorm, breakfast included Free Inclusion: Trang An Grottoes boat trip Hanoi This morning your Tour Leader will take you out to see the main sights of Hanoi on foot. We start our walking tour by visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, then the old Royal Palace Gardens and Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House. From there, we ll head over to the One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature. The main tour will end at Koto Restaurant and Training Centre for refreshments; those that are feeling fit can carry on to the Old Hanoi Hilton Prison and finish at Hoan Kiem Lake. This is where your journey with Stray comes to an end, but there is plenty to see and do in and around Hanoi. If you have some extra days to spend here, we highly recommend booking a cruise around breathtaking Halong Bay or making a trip inland to visit the hill tribes of Sa Pa. Both of these excursions can be organised for you by your Tour Leader. We hope you ve had a blast on your great Stray adventure! Free Inclusions: Hanoi city walking tour Optional Paid Activities: Halong Bay cruise, trip to Sa Pa Entry Fees Included: Thailand Ayutthaya Temples White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) Laos Pak Ou Caves Tham Jang Cave Wat Prabat Phonsone Kong Lor National Park Old Wat Taleow Turtle Lake entry donation Hotay Pidok Library Tad Ngeuang Waterfall Wat Phou Temple Cambodia Bong Santrochek lake visit S21 Prison & Killing Fields Vietnam Datanla Waterfall My Lai Memorial Vinh Moc Tunnels Thien Duong (Paradise) Cave Itineraries are seasonal and subject to change. For timetables and full terms and conditions, please ask your travel agent or visit