2014 Lonsdale & IOOF Alliances Annual Conference Laos Extension: 5 Days/4 Nights Luang Prabang & Vientiane Experience magical Laos and take a journey to Luang Prabang, Laos foremost tourist showpiece. DAY 1: Arrive Luang Prabang Sabaidii...Welcome to Luang Prabang! On arrival at Luang Prabang Airport you will be met by a Destination Asia local guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Surrounded by forested mountains and situated at the confluence of the Khan and Mekong Rivers, Luang Prabang has a tranquil, old world charm rarely found in Asia today. This fascinating town was the capital of the Lane Xang (million elephants) kingdom until the mid-sixteenth century. In colonial times it served as a provincial headquarters of the north. The legacy of the European presence here - well preserved French architecture and careful street planning has blended delightfully with more than 30 gilded Buddhist temples to create a town rich in atmosphere and history. The city is located on the Mekong River in a lovely mountain-encircled setting. This evening is your opportunity to take a stroll through Luang Prabang s fabulous night market where there is an overwhelming selection of handicrafts on display, much which is produced and sold by locals from the many small ethnic minority villages surrounding Luang Prabang town. Dinner afterwards is at leisure on your own arrangements. Luang Prabang has a selection of clean, tasty and inexpensive local or international restaurants and cafes to choose from your local guide can assist with recommendations or reservations if required. Meal included : Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation : At select hotel in Luang Prabang Day 2: Mekong River Trip & City Highlights After breakfast at the hotel, you will be met and transferred to the pier. Board the Nava Mekong, a traditional river boat, for a joint cruise on the mighty Mekong River to appreciate the simple rural lifestyles along the river and the dramatic yet peaceful scenery. Cruise approx. 2hrs upstream to the sacred Pak Ou Buddha Caves, along the way stop to visit the village of Ban Xang Hai where local people produce Lao rice wine. The caves themselves are very close to the confluence of the Nam Ou and Mekong Rivers, hence the name Pak Ou. Hundreds of sacred centuries-old Buddha images are displayed in these two caves, which are the object of pilgrimages during the Lao New Year festivities around mid-april. Laos: Luang Prabang & Vientiane Extension 5 Days/4Nights P a g e 1
After exploring the caves, return to your boat and cruise back to Luang Prabang town arriving early afternoon. You will be met on arrival at Luang Prabang Pier and transfer to your private vehicle. This afternoon visit some of the priceless monuments around the old city, now under UNESCO protection as a World Heritage Site. First visit Vat Visoun, the site of an impressive stupa, That Makmo. Then walk to the nearby Vat Aham, which is one of the city s major tutelary shrines. Next visit to Wat Xieng Thong often said to be Luang Prabang s most beautiful. It is characterized by its several roofs sweeping low to the ground and the impressive "tree of life" mosaic. Phou Sii hill stands right in the center of this small city. Climb its 350 steps to enjoy commanding views for many miles in each direction and the sunset. Dinner at leisure at your own cost. Meal included : Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation : At select hotel in Luang Prabang Day 3: National Museum & Kuang Si Waterfalls This morning there is the opportunity to start the day early with one of the most memorable sights of Luang Prabang The Tak Bat. At dawn hundreds of saffron robed monks move silently through the streets to collect alms (offerings of food). Your guide will explain the background behind this ritual which is still very much a part of everyday life in Laos. It s early but well worth the wakeup call! Afterwards take a stroll with your local guide through the colorful, open-air fresh early Morning Market, located in the town centre along the bank of the Mekong River, where local people from Luang Prabang and surrounding villages buy and sell their produce - an opportunity to glimpse the daily lives of the people from the town and surrounding regions. Return to your hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, continue with your guide to visit the highlights of this fascinating town. Visit Luang Prabang s National Museum, formerly the Royal Palace. Displayed inside is a collection of personal artifacts of the former Laotian Royal Family. Visit the nearby Wat Mai - the five-tiered roof epitomizes the graceful Luang Prabang architectural style. Next begin the road journey out of Luang Prabang town to visit Kuang Sii Waterfalls. The distance is about 30km and the journey should take approx. ½ hour passing through very scenic Laotian countryside, with rice paddies and many ethnic minority villages along the way. On arrival at Kuang Si you can visit the Bear Rescue Centre a conservation area for black bears who live in the northern part of Laos. At Kuang Si Waterfalls enjoy a picnic lunch at the foot of the falls and, if water levels permit, to enjoy a refreshing dip in the falls. These beautiful falls cascade over many calcified tiers and down several hundred feet into a series of cool, turquoise pools. Return to Luang Prabang town, on the way stop to visit the nearby village Ban Xang Khong, a Sa Paper making village and a weaving village populated by Lu minority people that originally came from Sipsongpanna in Southern China. Lao textiles are still woven here in the traditional manner on wooden looms. The balance of day is at leisure and dinner tonight is at your own arrangement. Meal included : Breakfast, Lunch (picnic) Accommodation : At select hotel in Luang Prabang Laos: Luang Prabang & Vientiane Extension 5 Days/4Nights P a g e 2
Day 4: Depart Luang Prabang / Arrive Vientiane After breakfast transfer to Luang Prabang Airport for your flight to Vietiane. Lao Airlines flight QV102 13.45/14.30 (current flight schedule subject to change without notice). Upon arrival at Vientiane Airport you will be met by a local guide and transferred to your hotel for check in. Also located on the majestic Mekong River, Vientiane (translated as 'sandalwood city') dates from the 10th century, but has been the capital of Laos from the early 16th century to the present. Vientiane is a relatively small, laid-back city, with tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture and Buddhist temples to discover. After checking-in, you set out to explore the capital and visits the highlights of the capital. Visit Wat Sisaket, the oldest original temple in Vientiane. Vat Sisaket features remarkable frescoes and over 6,000 Buddha images. Nearby is Haw Phra Kaew, once the royal temple of the Laotian monarchy. Haw Phra Kaew contains some of the finest Buddhist sculptures and artifacts in the country. The main structure originally housed the famous Emerald Buddha that now resides in Bangkok. Visit the famous Vientiane landmark, Phra That Luang stupa. King Sethtathirat built this great sacred stupa, considered the national symbol, in 1566. The original stupa was said to contain relics of Lord Buddha. This evening is at leisure and dinner is at your own arrangements. Meal included : Breakfast Accommodation : At select hotel in Vientiane Day 5: Depart Vientiane Breakfast at leisure at hotel this morning and check out by 12.00noon. Today free at leisure until transfer to Vientiane Airport for your onward flight. Meal included : Breakfast Laos: Luang Prabang & Vientiane Extension 5 Days/4Nights P a g e 3
Extension Tour Costs: Laos: Luang Prabang & Vientiane: 5 Days/4 Nights Tour: Package Hotel Accommodation Twin/Double pp Single Supplement 5 Star Option 4 Star Option Luang Prabang (3 Nights) Luang Say Residence Hotel (Pioneer Suite) Vientiane (1 Night) Settha Palace Hotel (Deluxe Room) Luang Prabang (3 Nights) 3 Nagas Hotel (Superior Room) Vientiane (1 Night) Green Park Boutique Hotel (Deluxe Room) $ 1,550 per person (October) $ 1,620 per person (November) $ 1,080 per person (October) $ 1,120 per person (November) $ 1,160 (October) $ 1,230 (November) $ 710 (October) $ 720 (November) Inclusions: Three (3) nights accommodation in Luang Prabang & one (1) nights accommodation in Vientiane Economy Class one way airfare and taxes from Luang Prabang to Vientiane All transfers and sightseeing activities as per itinerary Private air-conditioned vehicle Entrance fees to sights as per itinerary Local English speaking guide throughout Meals as per itinerary Prices are per person in Australian Dollars and current at the time of printing (May 2014). ETM reserves the right to adjust the package cost subject to currency fluctuations and increases imposed by hotels, airlines or other suppliers. Not Included Airfare and taxes to/from Luang Prabang Meals other than those specified as included Beverages throughout the trip Incidentals at the Hotel (e.g. laundry, minibar etc.) Entrance fees for any extra sightseeing or optional activities arranged on site Tipping of local staff (guide/driver) Personal expenses and additional services not listed in itinerary Travel Insurance (highly recommended) Cambodia Visa Please note: Destination Asia reserves the right to modify the itinerary of the tour if flight schedule or any events beyond their control make such alterations necessary. If the confirmed tour has to be changed only due to the guest's own wishes during the tour, the guest is required to pay for the corresponding additional cost. Laos: Luang Prabang & Vientiane Extension 5 Days/4Nights P a g e 4
Attendance & Participant Numbers The above Extension Tours are offered exclusively for participants of the Lonsdale & IOOF Alliances Annual Conference. Minimum Participant Numbers: We require a minimum of 1 participant to operate this Extension Tour. Extension Tour Operator Destination Asia This exclusive Extension Program has been arranged in conjunction with DESTINATION ASIA, our partner in Asia. Laos Visa Information Australian, New Zealand & UK passport holders require a visa to enter Laos. If you are travelling on another passport please contact ETM to determine your visa requirements. There are 3 ways to get your Laos Visa: 1. We can arrange your Laos Visa prior to departure for you (cost AUD 140.00 inclusive of consular fee, Visa handling fee, standard courier costs and ETM administration Fee). Please note additional courier costs may apply. 2. You can arrange your own Laos visa current cost AUD 45.00 3. You can apply for your Laos visa on arrival current cost approx. USD 30.00 1) ETM will assist you with your visa application. 2) You can contact the Laos Embassy in O Malley, ACT www.laoembassy.net, download the visa application form and follow the instructions. 3) Laos visas are available on arrival as well. Your passport must have at least six months' validity remaining when you apply for a visa on arrival in Laos. Tourist visas are valid for 30 (thirty) days only. NOTE: Above quoted visa costs are subject to change at any time. ETM does not take any responsibility if you decide to arrange your own visa via the Embassy or on arrival. How to book the Extension Trip We recommend you book as early as possible to secure your spot as space is subject to availability at the time of request. The Lonsdale & IOOF Alliances Annual conference On-line Registration Site includes a section for you to indicate your interest in an exclusive Extension Tour. Alternatively contact Melanie Combe or Danielle Sampson at ETM on 1300 059 176 or E: lonsdale2014@eventsctm.com BOOINE The deadline to book an exclusive Lonsdale & IOOF Extension Tour is Friday, 12 th September 2014 Laos: Luang Prabang & Vientiane Extension 5 Days/4Nights P a g e 5
Extension Trip Terms & Conditions Please read carefully DEPOSIT A deposit of $ 400.00 per person is required to secure your booking. This deposit is required within 7 days of receipt of the tour confirmation or no later than Friday, 12 th September 2014 whichever comes first. A deposit invoice will be sent along with your booking confirmation. Payments can be made via direct deposit, credit card or cheque. Paying by Direct Debit: Our bank details are: Bank: ANZ Banking Group 324 Queens Road, Brisbane QLD 4000 Account Name: Corporate Travel Management Group Pty Ltd. BSB: 014 002 Account Number: 8361 39512 If you are paying by direct debit please use LON1125E or the Invoice number as a reference in order for our finance team to easily identify your payment. Paying by Credit Card: Should you wish to pay by Credit Card, you will be required to complete a credit card authorisation form which will be sent to you together with your invoice. Once completed please fax/email the signed form to ETM. Email:lonsdale2014@eventctm.com or Fax: 03 9567 3697 We accept Visa, American Express, Mastercard and Diners. The following service fee will apply to payments made by credit card. Visa/Mastercard = 1.5% Diners = 2.5% American Express = 3.2% Paying by Cheque: Please make your cheque payable to Event Travel Management and send the cheque to: ETM Event Travel Management Attn: Melanie Combe Level 2, 271 Collins Street Melbourne VIC 3000 PAYMENT OF BALANCE ETM will send you an invoice for the balance due no later than 45 days prior to your extension trip date. Final payment of the balance is required within 7 days of receipt of the balance invoice or no later than 45 days prior to your extension trip (whichever comes first). CANCELLATION FEES If it is necessary to cancel you Extension trip, you should notify us immediately in writing and this will take effect the day it is received by us. The following cancellation fees apply per person: Laos: Luang Prabang & Vientiane Extension 5 Days/4Nights P a g e 6
Cancellations received between 60-31 days prior to your extension trip date will incur a per person cancellation fee of $ 200 per person. Cancellations received between 30-16 days prior to your extension trip date will incur a per person cancellation fee of 50% of the total package cost. Cancellations received inside 15 days prior to your extension trip date will incur 100% cancellation fees. Important Refunds will not be given for unused or cancelled services after your tour arrangements have commenced. Travel Insurance We strongly recommend that insurance be purchased at the time you pay your trip deposit as our cancellation conditions will be strictly enforced. The choice of the insurer is at your sole discretion. ETM can provide you with a quote for insurance. Please contact us. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The Australian Government will not pay for a traveller's medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs. Questions Should you have any questions relating to the Lonsdale & IOOF Alliances Annual Conference Extension Options please contact Melanie Combe or Danielle Sampson at ETM Event Travel Management on 1300 059 176, D 03 9567 3639, or E: lonsdale2014@eventsctm.com Laos: Luang Prabang & Vientiane Extension 5 Days/4Nights P a g e 7