Signature Collection Operations offices: Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Hanoi, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Luang Prabang, Bangkok, Yangon.

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1 Signature Collection Operations offices: Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Hanoi, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Luang Prabang, Bangkok, Yangon. Thailand Myanmar Vietnam Cambodia Laos Bali

2 Follow our trail. Create your journey.

3 Dear Travel Partners, After twenty years in the travel industry and more than ten years developing Trails of Indochina into one of the leading specialty tour operators in the region, I would like to share with you my personal travel philosophy. I believe travelers are curious individuals, open to new experiences and to connect with people from other cultures. I know, because travel is my life. When our team designs your travel itinerary, we do so with excitement in our hearts, confident that we can deliver an innovative program which offers a highly personalized experience. One of my personal passions is to search for new opportunities to better present my country and its heritage. Most recently, I was involved in the rescue and renovation of five eighteenth-century garden houses in my hometown of Hue. In developing the Ancient Hue Cultural Complex, I am able to share with visitors the original architecture of the traditional wooden-house and a taste of fine Royal cuisine. As you read these travel narratives, I d like you to remember we share this journey together. Some time back, fate took my sight but through knowing in my heart what your eyes will see and what your soul will experience, I see again. John Tue Nguyen, Founder & CEO, Trails of Indochina Introduction 3

4 Signature Collection, Laos The god Erawan is taken from former Laos Royal Standard. The white elephant is a common royal symbol in Southeast Asia, Laos s three headed pachyderm refers to the three former kingdoms, Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Champasak that made up the country. 88 Trails of Indochina Signature Collection Laos 89

5 Laos Full bleed gatefold panoramic Signature Collection, Laos Tranquility and calm marry here in Laos 90 Trails of Indochina Signature Collection 91 Trails of Indochina Signature Collection Laos 92

6 Laos Lovely Laos can at times feel uncharted, with its pristine nature and minimal tourist VIETNAM traffic. You ll feel magically transported back in time, to a place where cars remain few and far between and markets, not malls, cover all earthly needs. Hanoi on Bangkok Luang Prabang Vientiane THAILAND LAOS Vang Vieng Pakse Gulf of Tonkin East Se Laos is landlocked; its thickly forested landscape consists mostly of rugged mountains, with some plains and plateaus. The Mekong River forms a large part of the western boundary with Thailand, whereas the mountains of the Annamite Chain form most of the border with Vietnam. The delightfully simple, home-cooked native cuisine, which emphasizes fresh, bold flavors will excite your palate. Off-the-grid adventures in the caves of Vang Vieng, the 4,000 Islands in the Mekong and the lost temple of Wat Phou will inspire your imagination. One of the sleepiest capitals in the world, Vientiane is awash with leafy boulevards, century-old temples and beautiful colonial structures. It also hosts a calendar-full of fun and fascinating festivals. Time your trip to the boat racing or full-moon festivals, for example, and get excited for cultural immersion in these age-old traditions. Luang Prabang is made for walking, relaxing and quiet contemplation, a world away from the frenetic pace of the modern daily grind. Wake up early and observe the awe-inspiring Tak Bat, the daily alms offering to the monks. Take a short drive into the jungle for a play-date with elephants. Beneath a skyline dominated by lush CAMBODIA Mount Phousi, the pretty side streets, intimate spas and shady temples will revive your weary body and soul. Gulf of Thailand Phnom Penh 74 Trails of Indochina Signature Collection Laos 75

7 Laos A Bespoke Journey Our journey through Laos is dominated by the mighty Mekong, We begin in Thailand s far north, near its border with After crossing the river into Laos, you ll board the You ll be honored with the Baci The holiest site in Laos, the golden Then it s back to the river, where for Myanmar and Laos, a mysterious area known as the Luang Say cruise for an overnight sail to quaintly Ceremony, based on the ancient That Luang, is found in quiet three days long-tail boats and the Golden Triangle where two rivers and three countries Luang Prabang, where time seems to have stood still. belief that humans are a union of Vientiane. Some of the country s luxury Wat Phou Cruise transport you dramatically meet. Once infamous for producing Ascend to sweeping views from mountain-tops 32 organs and the kwan (soul). most talented artisans, too just ask to temples pre-angkorian and hidden much of the world s opium, the area today is home to which contain the perfect air and soil for some of The chanting village elders will Sandra Yuck, a Canadian whose in a forest, the untamed paradise dozens of distinct ethnic minorities and is an important the best coffee-growing in the world. You ll meet a summon your kwan and restore workshop here produces high-quality known as the 4,000 islands and the trade hub for gems and jade. local expat who has devoted a decade to helping the your equilibrium, imparting home accessories handmade by local remnants of an old French railway. hill tribes produce a rare highland Arabica bean that blessings for good fortune. woodcarvers. Your goodwill visit Cap your trip at the Niagara of the provides an alternative livelihood to opium-farming The mysteries continue with a visit today will also include a donation East, the rushing Khong Pha Peng and brews the most-delicious Luang Prabang Espresso. to the remote and enigmatic Plain to a worthy Non Government waterfall whose stunning hydropower of Jars, where 1,500-year-old stone Organization of your choice. perfectly sums up your Laotian urns fill the landscape. overwater adventure. 76 Trails of Indochina Signature Collection Laos 77

8 The Luang Say Residence, Luang Prabang La Résidence Phou Vao, Luang Prabang Venture back in time to a life of old-world luxury at the Recline on your drawing-room divans and king beds The pioneer of luxury in Luang Prabang, La Résidence One of the highlights of your visit will be a dinner grandiloquent Lang Say Residence, a tropical garden elegantly draped in white netting, and pen your Phou Vao is a peaceful sanctuary boasting breathtaking al-fresco or in the restaurant, with French-influenced local refuge in Luang Prabang. The expansive property contains postcards from antique style wooden writing desks. views of the surrounding mountains and Phou Si temple. cuisine. This Orient-Express hotel is beloved for its open- just 24 suites in six pavilions, connected by a walkway air spa beside a water-lily pond and its infinity-edge pool, spanning a series of lily- and palm-dotted ponds. Take in the local flavor at 1861, the cocktail lounge Poised enviably atop a hill just five minutes from the heart which is nothing less than spectacular. appointed with hunting trophies, historical books and of town and nestled within three hectares of lush gardens, Sweeping mountain views and refreshing high-altitude botanical displays, and at the aptly named sumptuous its 34 spacious suites reflect the heritage of Lao architecture, Soak up the atmosphere and relax in a resort of utter breezes are ushered through balconies and large terraces. restaurant, La Belle Epoque. emphasizing local styles and materials: shimmering rosewood, tranquility, whose ambience perfectly echoes that of the rich fabrics and freeform marble baths. sleepy World Heritage Listed town spread out below. 78 Trails of Indochina Signature Collection Laos 79

9 Amantaka Resort, Luang Prabang In the heart of Luang Prabang, immaculately renovated colonial villas make up the peaceful Amantaka Resort. With only 24 suites, most with pools, the hotel named to Conde Nast Traveler s Hot List prides itself on maintaining intimacy and the highest level of service. A beautiful blend of French and Lao influences, Amantaka is derived from aman, Sanskrit for peace, and Tipitaka, meaning the teaching of the Buddha and it s the sheer definition of harmony. 80 Trails of Indochina Signature Collection Laos 81

10 Choosing Trails of Indochina Trails of Indochina was established in 1999, the We have grown considerably since our inception, Our range of Signature Experiences, something Our determined voyage has seen Trails of Indochina realized vision of Mr. John Tue Nguyen, current CEO, stretching our legs outside of Vietnam and currently that differentiates us from our competitors, keeps develop into a globally competitive, multi-award Founder and sole owner. Without a specialty operator employ more than 160 staff across six destinations in us absolutely at the forefront of the industry. This, winning organization that has never shifted from its based in Vietnam focused on bringing to life the South East Asia: Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, coupled with our unrelenting focus on consistency and vision: to deliver absolutely unique and completely standards expected of our global audience particularly Myanmar and Bali. Our positive growth has come reliability in delivery, is a potent combination. tailored signature experiences in Southeast Asia to the in the area of luxury travel that was not being catered through increased demand from a list of loyal industry highest possible global service standards. to at the time, John sensed a unique opportunity for partners and their clientele to further explore this still his native country. somewhat undiscovered region. Follow our trail. Create your journey. 106 Trails of Indochina Signature Collection

11 Headquarters 10/8 Phan Dinh Giot Street Tan Binh District Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Tel (84 8) Fax (84 8) North America Sales Office 4100 Birch Street Newport Beach, CA 92660, USA Tel (1) Fax (1) United Kingdom Sales Office 67 Old High Street Oxford OX3 9HT, UK Tel: (44) Mexico Sales Office Av. Tintoreto Col. Ciudad de los Deportes México DF 03710, México Tel (52) Australia Sales Office PO Box 4045 Maroubra South NSW 2035, Australia Tel (61 2) Fax (61 2)