VIETNAM CAMBODIA & LAOS
VIETNAM CAMBODIA & LAOS
VIETNAM CAMBODIA & LAOS
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Vietnam<br />
Cambodia & Laos<br />
Handmade Holidays for travellers 2011-12
“We have just arrived home from<br />
our holiday in Vietnam – but<br />
what I should say is – from our<br />
most amazing adventure<br />
of a lifetime.”<br />
Garry and Jane McKennon, Australia<br />
What our travellers say<br />
Mai Chau, Vietnam<br />
Kip Wheeler<br />
HANDMADE FROM LOCAL KNOWLEDGE. HANDPICKED BY US.<br />
www.handmadeholidays.com.au
Share our passion<br />
Travel Indochina has been sharing the<br />
very best of Asia with discerning travellers<br />
from all around the world since 1993. The<br />
destination is truly captivating, and anyone<br />
who has travelled with us knows that the<br />
people, the culture and the cuisine make<br />
Asia one of the most mesmerising places<br />
on the planet.<br />
Over the years, we have gained a name for<br />
ourselves as the experts in Asia. Our passion<br />
shows in the handpicked hotels and crafted<br />
itineraries we offer, delivering a unique experience<br />
beyond the expected. Our selections represent<br />
the very best, be it for value or grandeur, and<br />
always for an authentic experience, so you<br />
can have confidence that you will enjoy an<br />
unforgettable journey.<br />
On the pages that follow, expect to find inspiration<br />
and ideas, designed to match your needs – perfect<br />
just for you. Help us to create your own unique,<br />
tailor-made holiday. Here, we have presented our<br />
favourite places to relax, experience and indulge<br />
– let these be the stepping stones that will lead to<br />
your ideal encounter with Indochina.<br />
We look forward to sharing our passion for Asia<br />
with you soon.<br />
Paul Hole<br />
Managing Director & Co-founder<br />
Travel Indochina<br />
1
“I could not believe it all.<br />
Everything you said came true.<br />
The trip was exceptional.<br />
Well done Travel Indochina –<br />
ten out of ten.”<br />
David Lawn, Australia<br />
What our travellers say<br />
Nha Trang, Vietnam<br />
Paul Hole<br />
2 HANDMADE FROM LOCAL KNOWLEDGE. HANDPICKED BY US. www.handmadeholidays.com.au
Your holiday –<br />
your experience<br />
Handmade Holidays is Travel Indochina’s<br />
collection of holidays catered to the<br />
independent traveller, the kind of person<br />
who seeks a real experience of Indochina,<br />
just as we do. We all know that handmade<br />
treasures are unique. Handcrafted watches<br />
are of superior quality and tailor-made<br />
clothing makes for a better fit. Your<br />
Handmade Holiday will ensure you have a<br />
memorable experience with the real Asia.<br />
Our Handmade Holidays collection covers an extensive<br />
range of travel alternatives, from indulgences in some<br />
of Indochina’s finest luxury hotels to budget city<br />
accommodation, beach escapes to mountain adventures.<br />
Our local experts have travelled extensively throughout<br />
Indochina, handpicking hotels and resorts and crafting<br />
unique itineraries along the way. We’ve already done the<br />
hard work, yet we’ve left the ultimate creative control<br />
in your hands, giving you the best of both worlds. Our<br />
team on the ground, and here in Australia, have created<br />
this brochure with you, our travellers, in mind.<br />
In the following pages you’ll find the style of travel<br />
you are looking for. Footloose Adventures are for those<br />
who want the ease of having the basics booked but the<br />
freedom to explore independently, and are perfect for<br />
travellers on any budget. With private touring you can<br />
take advantage of our expertise in the area by booking<br />
private transport, hotels, and sightseeing with our<br />
handpicked local guides. You can choose the standard<br />
of accommodation, or if you prefer to make your own<br />
itinerary from scratch, we have a great selection of hotels<br />
and day tours, individually chosen and inspected by us,<br />
so you have peace of mind. On a Small Group Journey<br />
you will share Indochina’s most exciting destinations<br />
with a maximum of 15 travellers. Small Groups provide<br />
the flexibility of independent travel minus the hassle,<br />
and provide real opportunities to experience the culture,<br />
meet the people, and savour the cuisine.<br />
Whichever style of trip you book, you’ll experience the<br />
real Indochina with us!<br />
3
Halong Bay, Vietnam<br />
Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos are serviced by a number<br />
of world class airlines.<br />
Travel Indochina proudly works with the following international airlines<br />
and can arrange all of your air arrangements.<br />
Singapore Airlines<br />
When you fly with the world’s most awarded airline, you’ll enjoy a standard of<br />
inflight service even other airlines talk about. On board you’ll enjoy Singapore<br />
Airlines renowned comfort, gourmet cuisine inspired and created by world acclaimed<br />
chefs, and KrisWorld, your personal inflight entertainment system. Singapore<br />
Airlines offers multiple daily departures from all major Australian cities to Singapore<br />
with convenient connections to all major Vietnam and Cambodia gateways.<br />
Thai Airways<br />
On Thai Airways, the welcome is always genuine, with extra personal touches which<br />
come naturally from dedicated cabin staff, for whom friendly hospitality is much more<br />
than a duty. New wider seat designs are being rolled out across the Thai fleet, as is<br />
Audio Visual on Demand entertainment. Thai Airways flies 45 times a week non-stop<br />
from Australia to Thailand with onward connections to all of Indochina’s major cities.<br />
Vietnam Airlines<br />
Vietnam airlines offers non-stop flights from Australia to Vietnam. Sydney departures<br />
are on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, with departures out of Melbourne on<br />
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. You’ll reach Ho Chi Minh City in just 8 hours.<br />
Vietnam airlines also has great connections to all cities in Vietnam, Cambodia and<br />
Laos. From Vietnam you can fly to over 38 International cities in Asia and Europe. In<br />
2010 Vietnam Airlines joined SKYTEAM. This new partnership offers many benefits<br />
to travel with our new global alliance partners.<br />
Responsible Travel<br />
We are committed to responsible<br />
travel and ensuring a sustainable<br />
future for the destinations we visit.<br />
At Travel Indochina, we believe travel<br />
should be an exchange – of knowledge<br />
and perspectives, cultures and wealth. Our<br />
commitment to responsible travel stems from<br />
our appreciation of Asia’s culture, cuisine,<br />
beautiful natural environments and people.<br />
Please see our website for our full<br />
Responsible Travel policy.<br />
Contents<br />
How to use this brochure 5<br />
Handmade Holidays in Vietnam 7<br />
Footloose Adventures Indochina 8<br />
Saigon and Dalat touring 10<br />
Saigon and beyond touring 11<br />
Saigon accommodation 12<br />
Hanoi and beyond touring 14<br />
Halong Bay cruises 15<br />
Hanoi accommodation 16<br />
Hoi An and Hue touring 18<br />
Hue accommodation 19<br />
Hoi An accommodation 20<br />
Beach accommodation 22<br />
Sapa touring 25<br />
Mekong cruises 26<br />
Small Group Journeys 28<br />
Handmade Holidays in Cambodia 31<br />
Siem Reap (Angkor) touring 32<br />
Siem Reap (Angkor) accommodation 34<br />
Cambodia touring 36<br />
Phnom Penh and the Northeast touring 37<br />
Phnom Penh accommodation 38<br />
South Coast accommodation 39<br />
Handmade Holidays in Laos 41<br />
Luang Prabang and beyond touring 42<br />
Vientiane touring 44<br />
Southern Laos touring 45<br />
Luang Prabang accommodation 46<br />
Vientiane accommodation 48<br />
Booking conditions 49<br />
4 HANDMADE FROM LOCAL KNOWLEDGE. HANDPICKED BY US. www.handmadeholidays.com.au
How to use this brochure<br />
No matter what your interests, this brochure will allow you to tailor your own Handmade Holiday in Indochina.<br />
Each option on the following pages has been specially selected by our local experts. Rather than listing every<br />
hotel in a town along with the standard tourist fare we have handpicked the best of every destination to allow<br />
you to craft a holiday that suits your interests and budget.<br />
Touring<br />
Footloose Adventures – Footloose Adventures give<br />
you an independent exploration without all the hassles,<br />
so you can put all your energy toward getting the most<br />
out of your holiday. It gives you a basic framework from<br />
which to build your ultimate experience, and offers great<br />
value for money for travellers on any budget. We can<br />
even book your international airfares.<br />
City stays – A great way to get to know a new city,<br />
these all-inclusive packages include accommodation<br />
with breakfast, return transfers and touring that covers<br />
the major sights in Indochina’s most popular cities, with<br />
some of our special touches. City stays are great value<br />
on their own, or as part of a longer trip.<br />
Private tours – Our private tours are the ideal way<br />
to get to know a destination using our expert local<br />
knowledge. We provide all transportation in private<br />
air-conditioned vehicles, so you don’t need to worry.<br />
You can choose the standard of accommodation and<br />
each day you’ll meet your local guide, handpicked by<br />
us, to show you around their hometown. All entrance<br />
fees are included, so you can concentrate on having the<br />
experience of a lifetime.<br />
Small Group Journeys – On a Small Group Journey<br />
you will share Indochina’s most exciting destinations with<br />
a maximum of 15 like-minded travellers. Small Groups<br />
provide the flexibility of independent travel minus the<br />
hassle, and provide real opportunities to experience the<br />
culture, meet the people, and savour the cuisine.<br />
Day tours<br />
Join in day tours – Our join in day tours are a great<br />
way to explore with other travellers. Groups consist of<br />
up to 12 passengers to share your day with. Each group<br />
is led by one of our expert English-speaking local guides.<br />
Travel on our comfortable air-conditioned vehicles and<br />
make new friends. All entrance fees are included, so you<br />
don’t have to worry.<br />
Inclusions: Transport by modern air-conditioned vehicle<br />
• sightseeing as specified in the itinerary with entrance<br />
fees included • local English-speaking guide<br />
Private day tours – Our private day tours are the<br />
ideal way to get to know a destination using our expert<br />
local knowledge. We provide all transportation in<br />
private air-conditioned vehicles. Meet your local guide,<br />
handpicked by us, to show you around their hometown.<br />
All entrance fees are included, so you can concentrate<br />
on having the experience of a lifetime.<br />
Inclusions: Private transport by modern air-conditioned<br />
vehicle • sightseeing as specified in the itinerary with<br />
entrance fees included • local English-speaking guide<br />
Design your own day tours – Our design your own<br />
day tours let you and your expert local guide put together<br />
your own private full or half day tour to fit your own<br />
interests. Each tour offers you a choice of sites to visit –<br />
your guide and driver will take care of the rest. Make the<br />
most of your time and the knowledge of our experienced<br />
local guides who will help design the perfect tour for you.<br />
Prior to departing, your guide will meet you at your hotel<br />
and talk you through the various options to ensure you<br />
make the most of your day.<br />
Inclusions: Touring and transport to a specific number<br />
of sites • air-conditioned vehicle and driver • local<br />
English-speaking guide. (Entrance fees not included)<br />
Tour Gradings<br />
Easy – Suitable for people of all ages with average<br />
fitness and mobility.<br />
Moderate – Suitable for people of reasonable fitness,<br />
with a keen interest in exploring.<br />
Adventurous – Suitable for people of reasonable<br />
fitness, with a keen interest in exploring (these options<br />
may include some long road journeys, walking and<br />
occasionally basic accommodation).<br />
Hotels<br />
Hotel Gradings<br />
No Frills – Comfortable rooms and usually limited<br />
public areas. Generally a limited range of facilities.<br />
Standard – Smart, comfortable accommodation with<br />
a good range of room and public facilities.<br />
Superior – Generally a wide range of room and public<br />
facilities and high service standards. Sometimes part<br />
of an international chain, may be locally rated five<br />
star, but lacking the fuller range of facilities offered at<br />
deluxe hotels.<br />
Deluxe – An extensive range of facilities – dining,<br />
recreational and other. Often part of an international<br />
chain, offering high standards of service, often ‘formal’.<br />
Heritage – These properties are historic and include<br />
some of Asia’s finest French-colonial style hotels.<br />
Out of the ordinary – Does not fit into any other<br />
category and might be an ecolodge or homestay<br />
experience.<br />
Facilities<br />
Unless otherwise specified, all hotels have<br />
air-conditioning and television. Other important facilities<br />
in addition to these are listed throughout under the<br />
heading Extra Facilities.<br />
Specials<br />
As many fantastic specials come in throughout the year,<br />
please contact us for current special offers. Some hotels<br />
also offer honeymoon bonuses and family offers. If these<br />
are not listed, please ask us if they are available.<br />
Child prices<br />
Generally, children under 12 stay for free if sharing<br />
with two adults on a room only basis in existing bedding,<br />
but charges may apply for breakfast. Some hotels have<br />
special deals for families including free extra beds.<br />
Ask us for details.<br />
Prices<br />
Prices are ‘from’ prices and are correct at time of printing.<br />
Although only one date range may be listed we have great<br />
rates year round, so please contact us if your preferred<br />
travel date is not listed.<br />
ChildSafe certification<br />
ChildSafe is an organisation based in Cambodia which<br />
works to eliminate child exploitation and provide for a<br />
better future for children who come from disadvantaged<br />
backgrounds. Our Cambodia Small Group Journeys include<br />
a training briefing on the work this inspiring organisation<br />
does. Where the ChildSafe stamp appears next to a hotel<br />
in the Cambodia pages of this brochure, this means the<br />
hotel is certified by Childsafe as committing to ChildSafe<br />
principles. Refer to www.childsafe-international.org<br />
for more information.<br />
Hotel information at a glance<br />
Hotel Name<br />
★★★ Grade<br />
Hotel<br />
Grading<br />
Bonus<br />
Offers<br />
available<br />
Check: is breakfast<br />
included or excluded?<br />
Map: 8<br />
Map location<br />
reference<br />
From $ 65pp<br />
From Price<br />
(low season)<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
16 Apr - 30 Sep 11 $97 $65<br />
Season Dates<br />
From Price<br />
5
Hoi An, Vietnam<br />
Travel Indochina<br />
6 HANDMADE FROM LOCAL KNOWLEDGE. HANDPICKED BY US. www.handmadeholidays.com.au
Handmade Holidays in Vietnam<br />
Vietnam’s natural beauty, contagious energy and unforgettable cuisine make her<br />
one of our favourite destinations, but it is the unfailingly friendly local people that<br />
make Vietnam a place to return to, time and time again. Come and experience<br />
the country that we first fell in love with.<br />
Ho Chi Minh City<br />
Prepare for bright lights and bustle in Ho Chi Minh City<br />
(Saigon), where a thriving modern city intertwines with<br />
French-colonial grandeur and traditional mystique.<br />
This is also the gateway to the Mekong Delta and<br />
your jumping-off point for a day trip to the fascinating<br />
tunnels of Cu Chi. Uncover some hidden secrets here,<br />
try a delicious bowl of noodle soup topped with freshpicked<br />
basil and mint, dine in a restored French villa<br />
or enjoy a panoramic Saigon River sunset, cocktail in<br />
hand, from one of our fine hotels’ rooftop bars.<br />
Central Highlands<br />
A short flight north takes you to the Central Highlands<br />
and the former hill station of Dalat, set around a<br />
picturesque lake and a market brimming with fresh<br />
flowers. Accompany your guide through the fragrant<br />
market, to nearby ethnic villages or for a round of golf<br />
at Dalat’s historic course.<br />
Nha Trang<br />
A fishing village of days gone by, Nha Trang is now home<br />
to some of the most deluxe boutique resorts in Vietnam –<br />
the perfect place to spoil yourself. Sip cocktails from one<br />
of the many bars lining the white sand as the turquoise<br />
sea laps gently at the sweeping beach, or enjoy the many<br />
water sports available.<br />
Hoi An<br />
Hoi An is undoubtedly the gem of Central Vietnam.<br />
Today the World Heritage listed ancient town has<br />
some of the country’s best dining, shopping and<br />
accommodation temptations. Wander the lanes to<br />
explore the distinctive architecture, tailor shops and<br />
quaint galleries. There is a breathtaking array of<br />
eateries, from street carts selling tasty and aromatic<br />
local specialties, to exquisitely restored French-style<br />
cafés and riverfront seafood restaurants. At the end of<br />
your day, retire to a delightful hotel nearby in the Old<br />
Town or beside the river, or to one of the seaside resorts<br />
just a short distance from town.<br />
Hue<br />
The former imperial capital of Hue presents an<br />
insight into historic Vietnam. Filled with relics of<br />
a fascinating past, the ancient architecture is a<br />
sight to behold. Visit the Citadel and the emperors’<br />
atmospheric tombs, monuments both ornate and<br />
majestic. This peaceful town is also the cradle of<br />
Buddhism in Vietnam and tranquil pagodas abound.<br />
Hanoi<br />
Graceful Hanoi is Vietnam’s modern-day capital, but<br />
the locals still call it the ‘City of Lakes’. Classic colonial<br />
architecture, a distinctive cuisine, a millennium of<br />
history and culture give Hanoi its elegance. Don’t miss<br />
one of our cyclo tours through the enchanting and<br />
industrious alleys in the Old Quarter and along wide,<br />
tree-lined boulevards.<br />
India<br />
Sapa<br />
From Hanoi, board an overnight train to the French<br />
hill station of Sapa, where you will discover the<br />
mountainside villages of colourful ethnic minority<br />
groups. Let us introduce you to the locals at<br />
the weekly market, an opportunity to buy some<br />
traditional fabric and jewellery.<br />
Halong Bay<br />
You can also experience the ethereal beauty of<br />
Halong Bay aboard one of our private boats among<br />
the 3,000 limestone karst islands on a day trip, or<br />
sip a cocktail at sunset and prepare for a magical<br />
overnight experience.<br />
map legend<br />
Capital City<br />
Cities / Towns<br />
International Gateway<br />
Domestic Gateway<br />
Travel Indochina Office<br />
Climate<br />
Vietnam can be visited year-round. The monsoon season<br />
runs from May to November and is characterised by<br />
warm, humid conditions and refreshing afternoon<br />
showers. The monsoon rarely affects travel in the<br />
region. While temperatures remain stable in the south,<br />
it can drop below 10°C between December and February<br />
in Northern Vietnam. Highland areas are significantly<br />
cooler. Central Vietnam is usually dry from May to<br />
October and wet from October to December. Travellers<br />
visiting in October and November may experience<br />
unstable weather conditions and local flooding.<br />
Average minimum/maximum<br />
temperatures in celsius<br />
JAN APR JUL OCT<br />
Ho Chi Minh City 21°/32° 25°/35° 24°/31° 24°/31°<br />
Danang 19°/24° 23°/30° 25°/34° 23°/28°<br />
Hanoi 12°/19° 19°/26° 24°/32° 20°/27°<br />
7
Footloose Adventures Indochina<br />
Footloose Adventures give you an independent exploration without all the hassles, so you can put all your<br />
energy toward getting the most out of your holiday. It gives you a basic framework from which to build your<br />
ultimate experience, and offers great value for money for travellers on any budget. Footloose Indochina offers<br />
a unique but flexible experience.<br />
Footloose Vietnam 10 days Grade: Easy<br />
From $ 1,280pp<br />
Departs: Saigon daily<br />
Experience the diversity of Vietnam, from<br />
the bustling streets of Saigon to ancient<br />
Hanoi. Float on sparkling Halong bay and<br />
enjoy the laid-back atmosphere in Hoi An,<br />
or Hue, steeped in history.<br />
Day 1: Arrive in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh) and<br />
transfer to your hotel.<br />
Day 2: Gain a sense of the city’s history<br />
on a guided tour of the landmarks, then<br />
explore the Cu Chi Tunnels.<br />
Day 3: Float down the wandering canals<br />
of the Mekong Delta by boat, stopping to<br />
sample fruit from local orchards.<br />
Day 4: Fly north to Danang and travel to<br />
charming Hoi An, World Heritage listed<br />
and a shopper’s paradise. Get to know the<br />
town on a walking tour and uncover hidden<br />
gems through ancient doorways.<br />
Day 5: Spend a full day in Hoi An as you<br />
please. Shop till you drop, cycle to nearby<br />
Cua Dai beach, or simply relax.<br />
Day 6: A spectacular coastal drive brings<br />
you to Hue, the old capital of imperial<br />
Vietnam. Wander the Citadel and some of<br />
the former emperors’ ornate tombs.<br />
Day 7: Fly to Hanoi.<br />
Day 8: Discover the capital on a cyclo tour<br />
and learn more about the life and legend<br />
of Uncle Ho in the Ho Chi Minh Quarter.<br />
Day 9: Travel out through the Red River<br />
delta to Halong Bay for an unforgettable<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Jan - 23 Dec 11 $2044 $1280<br />
cruise among the seemingly endless<br />
limestone islands. Return to Hanoi.<br />
Day 10: Enjoy free time before your<br />
departure transfer.<br />
Inclusions: 9 nights hotel<br />
accommodation with breakfast daily<br />
• 1 lunch • all domestic flights in Vietnam<br />
• transport as specified in air-conditioned<br />
vehicles • group touring (maximum 12)<br />
• entrance fees • boat cruise on Halong<br />
Bay • local English-speaking guides<br />
• arrival and departure transfers<br />
Footloose Vietnam 14 days Grade: Easy<br />
From $ 1,613pp<br />
Departs: Saigon daily<br />
For those with a little more time, this<br />
journey includes all the highlights of our<br />
ten day itinerary, with the indulgence of<br />
spending some time at beautiful Nha Trang<br />
beach, with a guide to show you the<br />
highlights, but plenty of free time to do<br />
your own thing.<br />
Day 1: Arrive in Saigon and transfer to<br />
your hotel.<br />
Day 2: Discover the buzzing streets and<br />
historical sites of Saigon and explore the<br />
incredible Cu Chi Tunnels.<br />
Day 3: Meander through the waterways of<br />
the Mekong Delta by boat.<br />
Days 4-5: Fly to Nha Trang. With two<br />
days at leisure there’s time to swim or take<br />
a boat trip among the offshore islands.<br />
Days 6-8: Fly to Danang and travel to<br />
nearby Hoi An. Get oriented with a walking<br />
tour and then enjoy two days to do what<br />
you please. You could take a boat ride to a<br />
nearby cooking school or shop till you drop.<br />
Days 9-10: Travel the spectacular Hai Van<br />
Pass to Hue. Discover Vietnam’s imperial<br />
history as you visit the Citadel and other<br />
historic sites, before a full day to explore<br />
on your own.<br />
Day 11: Fly to Hanoi.<br />
Day 12: Uncover Hanoi’s busy streets by<br />
cyclo, and visit some of the historic sights.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Jan - 19 Dec 11 $2584 $1613<br />
Day 13: A scenic drive brings you to<br />
Halong Bay for a four hour cruise and<br />
delicious seafood lunch, before returning<br />
to Hanoi.<br />
Day 14: Free time before your<br />
departure transfer.<br />
Inclusions: 13 nights hotel<br />
accommodation with breakfast daily<br />
• 2 lunches • all domestic flights<br />
in Vietnam • transport as specified<br />
in air-conditioned vehicles • group<br />
touring (maximum 12) • entrance fees<br />
• boat cruise on Halong Bay • local<br />
English-speaking guides • arrival and<br />
departure transfers<br />
Footloose Cambodia 5 days Grade: Easy<br />
From $ 497pp<br />
Departs: Phnom Penh daily<br />
Explore the unique culture of Cambodia<br />
with this flexible journey through elegant<br />
Phnom Penh and the wonders of the<br />
temples of Angkor. Visit some of lesser<br />
known temples to really get off the tourist<br />
trail with time in Siem Reap to relax or<br />
explore the markets.<br />
Day 1: Arrive in Phnom Penh and transfer<br />
to your hotel.<br />
Day 2: Enjoy the ambience of one of<br />
Asia’s most laid-back and atmospheric<br />
cities in graceful Phnom Penh, with its<br />
visible colonial heritage. Visit the National<br />
Museum for an appreciation of the<br />
splendour of Khmer history, then marvel<br />
at the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda.<br />
Gain an insight into Cambodia’s turbulent<br />
past at the chilling Tuol Sleng Museum of<br />
Genocidal Crimes and the Killing Fields.<br />
Day 3: Fly to Siem Reap, home of the<br />
magnificent temples of Angkor. Free time<br />
gives you the opportunity to relax by the<br />
pool or wander the old markets.<br />
Day 4: Uncover the mysterious temples<br />
of Angkor, an unforgettable experience,<br />
on an exploration of some of the hundreds<br />
of intricate temples. Witness the Bayon,<br />
the Terraces of the Elephants and the<br />
Leper King, Ta Prohm, Preah Kahn and<br />
monumental Angkor Wat.<br />
Day 5: Use your last day to delve into<br />
boutique shopping and Siem Reap’s<br />
great restaurants.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
1 Apr - 30 Sep 11 $667 $497<br />
Inclusions: 4 nights accommodation with<br />
breakfast daily • transport as specified in<br />
air-conditioned vehicles • group touring<br />
(maximum 12) • entrance fees • local<br />
English-speaking guides • arrival and<br />
departure transfers<br />
Want More? Extend your stay in<br />
Siem Reap in one of our great hotel<br />
options (p 34+35), and journey to<br />
overgrown Boeng Mealea temple on<br />
our ‘Boeng Mealea & Banteay Srei’<br />
full day tour (p33).<br />
8 HANDMADE FROM LOCAL KNOWLEDGE. HANDPICKED BY US. www.handmadeholidays.com.au
FOOTLOOSE adventures<br />
We provide your travel basics – private transfers and flights between cities, comfortable no frills accommodation,<br />
and join in day tours of the main sights, leaving plenty of free time to explore on your own. For even greater<br />
flexibility, you can choose from a range of accommodation options, all featuring private rooms, attached Western<br />
bathrooms and daily breakfast, some with great extras like a pool. Choose from Vietnam, Cambodia or Laos, or<br />
combine them for a more in-depth perspective on Indochina.<br />
Footloose Laos 8 days Grade: Easy<br />
From $ 695pp<br />
Departs: Vientiane daily<br />
On this journey through the cities of Laos,<br />
uncover ancient relics and fascinating<br />
history, along with the beautiful cities<br />
of today.<br />
Day 1: Arrive in Vientiane, the laid-back<br />
capital of Laos, and transfer to your hotel.<br />
Day 2: A half-day city tour begins at the<br />
serene Wat Sisaket, and then continue<br />
on to the nearby Wat Phra Keo, before<br />
exploring Lao and Khmer artworks at Wat<br />
Phra Keo. Climb the stairs of the Patuxay<br />
monument, Laos’ version of the Arc de<br />
Triomphe, for sweeping panoramic views<br />
of the city.<br />
Day 3: Enjoy scenic views on the drive<br />
to Vang Vieng, where you may like to<br />
hire a bicycle or visit one of the many<br />
caves nearby.<br />
Day 4: Spend the day at leisure in<br />
Vang Vieng, with the option to go river<br />
tubing, kayaking or swimming.<br />
Day 5: Pass spectacular rural scenery<br />
on the drive north to Luang Prabang.<br />
Arrive mid-afternoon in time for sunset<br />
over the Mekong.<br />
Day 6: Start at the National Museum,<br />
to explore the history of Laos. Continue<br />
on foot to some of the tranquil wats<br />
nearby. At the Traditional Arts &<br />
Ethnology Centre, explore the rich<br />
diversity of Laos’ ethnic minorities.<br />
Climb the 328 stairs of Mount Phou Si<br />
then stop at a hilltribe evening market.<br />
Day 7: Soak up more of Luang Prabang’s<br />
charming atmosphere today with a day<br />
to explore on your own. You may wish<br />
to stroll the small alleyways scattered<br />
throughout the town, catching glimpses<br />
of the local life.<br />
Day 8: Enjoy free time in Luang Prabang<br />
until your departure transfer.<br />
Inclusions: 5 nights accommodation<br />
with breakfast daily • transport as<br />
specified in air-conditioned vehicles<br />
• group touring (maximum 12) • entrance<br />
fees • local English-speaking guides<br />
• arrival and departure transfers<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
1 May - 30 Sep 11 $1174 $695<br />
Footloose Vietnam & Cambodia 18 days Grade: Easy<br />
From $ 2,138pp<br />
Departs: Saigon daily<br />
Combine our 14 day Footloose Vietnam<br />
with an exploration of Phnom Penh and<br />
the temples of Angkor for a more complete<br />
picture of this fascinating region.<br />
Day 1: Transfer to your hotel.<br />
Day 2: Discover buzzing Saigon and<br />
explore the incredible Cu Chi Tunnels.<br />
Day 3: Meander through the waterways of<br />
the Mekong Delta by boat.<br />
Days 4-5: Fly to Nha Trang. Unwind on<br />
a full day boat trip among the offshore<br />
islands, and then a full day of free time.<br />
Days 6-8: Fly to Danang and travel to<br />
nearby Hoi An. Take a walking tour and<br />
then enjoy two days as you please.<br />
Days 9-10: Travel the spectacular Hai<br />
Van Pass to Hue. Discover Vietnam’s<br />
imperial history as you visit the Citadel<br />
and other historic sites, before exploring<br />
on your own.<br />
Days 11-12: Fly to Hanoi. Uncover<br />
Hanoi’s busy streets by cyclo, visiting the<br />
historic sights.<br />
Day 13: A scenic drive brings you to<br />
Halong Bay for a four hour cruise and<br />
delicious seafood lunch, before returning<br />
to Hanoi.<br />
Days 14-15: Fly to Phnom Penh and visit<br />
the National Museum and Royal Palace,<br />
then the chilling Tuol Sleng Museum of<br />
Genocidal Crimes and the Killing Fields.<br />
Days 16-17: Fly to Siem Reap and uncover<br />
the mysterious temples of Angkor, an<br />
unforgettable experience.<br />
Day 18: Free time until your departure<br />
transfer.<br />
Inclusions: 17 nights hotel<br />
accommodation with breakfast daily<br />
• 2 lunches • all domestic and regional<br />
flights • transport as specified in<br />
air-conditioned vehicles • group<br />
touring (maximum 12) • entrance fees<br />
• boat cruise on Halong Bay • local<br />
English-speaking guides • arrival and<br />
departure transfers<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
1 Apr - 30 Sep 11 $3073 $2138<br />
Footloose Vietnam & Laos 15 days Grade: Easy<br />
From $ 2,004pp<br />
Departs: Saigon daily<br />
Combine our ten day Footloose Vietnam<br />
journey with our six day Footloose Laos<br />
journey for a peek into both of these<br />
fascinating countries.<br />
Day 1: Arrive in Saigon and transfer to<br />
your hotel.<br />
Day 2: Gain a sense of the city’s history<br />
on a guided tour of the landmarks, then<br />
explore the Cu Chi Tunnels.<br />
Day 3: In the Mekong Delta, meander<br />
through the canals by boat.<br />
Days 4-5: Fly north to Danang and get to<br />
know charming Hoi An on a walking tour<br />
and uncover hidden gems through ancient<br />
doorways, followed by a full day to explore.<br />
Day 6: A spectacular coastal drive brings<br />
you to Hue, the old capital of imperial<br />
Vietnam. Wander the Citadel and some of<br />
the former emperors’ ornate tombs.<br />
Day 7: Fly to Hanoi<br />
Day 8: Discover the capital on a cyclo tour<br />
and explore the Ho Chi Minh Quarter.<br />
Day 9: Travel to Halong Bay for an<br />
unforgettable cruise amongst countless<br />
islands. Return to Hanoi.<br />
Days 10-11: Fly to Vientiane and visit<br />
lovely temples, then climb the stairs of the<br />
Patuxai monument.<br />
Days 12-13: Fly to Luang Prabang. Start<br />
at the National Museum, then continue on<br />
foot to some of the stunning and tranquil<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
1 May - 30 Sep 11 $3034 $2004<br />
wats nearby. Climb Mount Phou Si to<br />
watch the sun set over the city.<br />
Day 14: A day to explore on your own.<br />
Day 15: Enjoy free time in Luang Prabang<br />
until your departure flight.<br />
Inclusions: 14 nights accommodation<br />
with breakfast daily • 1 lunch • transport<br />
as specified in air-conditioned vehicles<br />
• group touring (maximum 12) • entrance<br />
fees • local English-speaking guides<br />
• arrival and departure transfers • all<br />
domestic and regional flights<br />
Pricing and validity dates specified are based on low season and are intended as a guide only. Contact us for price details outside of these dates.<br />
9
SAIGON AND DALAT TOURING<br />
A city bursting with vibrant energy, discover the history and bustling street life of Saigon<br />
(Ho Chi Minh City). Home to interesting sights such as the Reunification Palace and War<br />
Remnants Museum, French-colonial architecture, exciting markets and a real old meets<br />
new feel, Saigon is a feast for the senses. Enjoy delicious cuisine, excellent shopping and a<br />
cocktail or two at one of the city’s great rooftop bars, and soak up all the city has to offer.<br />
•Dalat<br />
•Saigon<br />
Vietnam<br />
Saigon Day Tours<br />
From $ 21pp twin<br />
Saigon City Stay<br />
4 days/3 nights Grade: Easy From $ 4 02 pp<br />
Saigon City and Cu Chi Tunnels<br />
full day tour<br />
A walking tour around Saigon’s historical<br />
centre takes you down historical Dong<br />
Khoi Street, the former Rue Catinat,<br />
stopping at city landmarks such as the<br />
stunning Notre Dame Cathedral. Visit the<br />
Reunification Palace and War Remnants<br />
Museum, and then wander through<br />
Cholon, Saigon’s fascinating Chinatown.<br />
In the afternoon visit the famous Cu Chi<br />
Tunnels to find out more about this<br />
incredible piece of history.<br />
Join in from $82pp<br />
Private from $115pp twin<br />
Cu Chi tunnels half day tour<br />
Explore the famous Cu Chi Tunnels,<br />
used by the communist guerrillas during<br />
the Vietnam War. The tunnel network<br />
stretches over 250km and extends to<br />
three levels underground, and you have<br />
the chance to get inside and experience<br />
them for yourself.<br />
Join in from $56pp<br />
Private from $78pp twin<br />
Delta Day Discovery<br />
full day tour<br />
Travel south to verdant Ben Tre Province<br />
on the mighty Mekong River and board<br />
small boats for a tour which takes in<br />
local brick kilns, small scale coconut<br />
processing factories and lunch in a<br />
typical fruit orchard, as well as fantastic<br />
delta scenes away from the main<br />
touring routes.<br />
Join in from $116pp<br />
Private from $168pp twin<br />
Saigon Street Life Walking<br />
Tour half day tour<br />
Saigon is a cultural melting pot with<br />
something to offer every traveller –<br />
boasting many historic, French-built<br />
landmarks, bustling local markets<br />
and vibrant street scenes. On this<br />
walking tour your knowledgeable<br />
local guide will take you through some<br />
of the backstreets of this energetic<br />
city. Explore lanes and alleyways few<br />
tourists get to see and experience real<br />
local street life with all of its colour<br />
and activity.<br />
Join in from $21pp<br />
Saigon cooking class half day tour<br />
Discover the flavours of Vietnam and<br />
learn to prepare them at the Vietnam<br />
Cookery Centre. The class is conducted<br />
by a Vietnamese chef in a tropical<br />
garden setting. Learn around five dishes<br />
in this easy and informative session.<br />
Join in from $114pp<br />
Vung Tau & Nui Dat full day tour<br />
Take a 2 hour drive to the town of<br />
Ba Ria, near the beach town of Vung<br />
Tau. Visit the former Australian base<br />
at Nui Dat, as well as Long Tan, the<br />
‘Horseshoe’ and a drive through the<br />
Long Hai hills. Stop at Vung Tau and<br />
its surrounding sights. Also available<br />
as a 2 day/1 night tour.<br />
Join in from $176pp<br />
Saigon design your own full or<br />
half day tour<br />
See the sights that interest you most<br />
in thriving Saigon. With so much to<br />
see there is plenty to choose from,<br />
including the Reunification Palace, War<br />
Remnants Museum, Thien Hau Pagoda,<br />
Binh Tay wholesale markets, or take the<br />
time to include a trip out of the city to<br />
the Cu Chi tunnels. Contact us for a full<br />
list of possibilities.<br />
Design your own from $52pp twin<br />
For details and inclusions of our Private day tours, Join in day tours, and<br />
Design your own day tours, please refer to page 5. All prices are ‘from’ prices.<br />
Departs: Saigon daily<br />
About this itinerary: Saigon is a city<br />
known for its frenetic energy and wealth<br />
of cultural and historical sights.<br />
Day 1: Arrive in Saigon and transfer to<br />
your hotel.<br />
Day 2: Begin your discovery of Saigon<br />
with a walking tour along historic Dong<br />
Khoi Street, taking in the Rex Hotel,<br />
Ho Chi Minh Square, the Municipal<br />
Theatre and Notre Dame Cathedral.<br />
Visit the Reunification Palace and the<br />
War Remnants Museum, stop for lunch<br />
at a pho restaurant then travel to the<br />
fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels and learn<br />
more of Vietnam’s war history.<br />
Day 3: A short drive from Saigon is<br />
My Tho, gateway to the Delta and<br />
Dalat Mountain Retreat<br />
Departs: Dalat daily<br />
The cool mountain air, lakeside setting,<br />
and excellent fresh food and flower<br />
market add to the distinct local character<br />
of Dalat, making it a great place to spend<br />
a few days, in one of the less visited, but<br />
uniquely beautiful regions of Vietnam.<br />
Many of the buildings here demonstrate<br />
beautiful French architecture and the<br />
whole town retains an old-world ambience<br />
dating back to the colonial era. Pinecovered<br />
hills and the cooler climate add an<br />
alpine element to this charming town.<br />
Day 1: On arrival in Dalat, explore the<br />
town, visiting sites including the Art Deco<br />
residence of Vietnam’s last emperor and<br />
the home of a Buddhist monk who is<br />
also a renowned local artist with a very<br />
intriguing style.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Jan - 31 Dec 11 $751 $402<br />
Vietnam’s agricultural heart. From<br />
My Tho, board your boat and travel to<br />
one of the islands located in the middle<br />
of the Mekong River. Visit a fruit orchard<br />
and take a sampan through the narrow<br />
canals before returning to Saigon by<br />
late afternoon.<br />
Day 4: Free time until your<br />
departure transfer.<br />
Inclusions: 3 nights accommodation with<br />
breakfast daily • transport as specified by<br />
air-conditioned vehicle • private touring<br />
• entrance fees • local English-speaking<br />
guides • arrival and departure transfers<br />
Standard, superior and deluxe<br />
options available.<br />
3 days/2 nights Grade: Easy to moderate From $ 232 pp<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
02 Jan - 22 Dec 11 $457 $232<br />
Day 2: Venture into the surrounding<br />
mountains to visit a Lat village, home<br />
to a number of distinct ethnic minority<br />
groups with varying traditions and<br />
beliefs. Here you have the chance to<br />
purchase traditional handicrafts and gain<br />
a unique insight into the local lifestyle<br />
before free time to explore Dalat.<br />
Day 3: Enjoy the morning at leisure until<br />
your departure transfer.<br />
Inclusions: 2 nights accommodation<br />
with breakfast • transport as specified by<br />
air-conditioned vehicle • private touring<br />
• entrance fees • local English-speaking<br />
guides • arrival and departure transfers<br />
Standard and deluxe options available.<br />
10 HANDMADE FROM LOCAL KNOWLEDGE. HANDPICKED BY US. www.handmadeholidays.com.au
SAIGON AND BEYOND TOURING<br />
Imagine floating down the winding canals of the Mekong, stopping at local orchards to<br />
taste luscious tropical fruits and watching daily activity on the river pass you by. Meet<br />
the residents here, living off the land, intrinsically tied to the ebb and flow of life along<br />
the river. For those wanting to stay on the mighty Mekong, see pages 26 and 27 for<br />
Mekong River cruising options.<br />
•Saigon<br />
•Mekong Delta<br />
Vietnam<br />
Mekong Heritage Home-stay<br />
Mekong Discovery<br />
2 days/1 night Grade: Easy to moderate<br />
From $ 278 pp<br />
2 days/1 night Grade Easy to moderate<br />
From $ 333pp<br />
Departs: Saigon daily<br />
Gain an insight into the thriving Mekong<br />
Delta, known as the rice-bowl of Vietnam.<br />
In this region you will learn more about<br />
the daily routines of those living along the<br />
Mekong River. Travel along the winding<br />
waterways by boat, just as the locals do.<br />
Spend the night in Can Tho, a friendly<br />
city in the heart of the delta, home to the<br />
renowned Cai Rang floating markets.<br />
Day 1: Travel south into the heart of the<br />
Mekong Delta, stopping at a unique Cao Dai<br />
temple. Traverse the wandering waterways<br />
by boat, taking in a floating market, coconut<br />
candy workshop and soak up the fascinating<br />
riverside lifestyle. Have lunch with a local<br />
family and stop at an absorbing nursery<br />
before continuing to Can Tho. This is one<br />
of the Mekong Delta’s great towns, and a<br />
walking tour uncovers a colourful riverside<br />
market packed with fascinating exotic<br />
goods, and a wonderful eating scene with<br />
many al fresco restaurants featuring fresh<br />
Mekong ingredients. You may want to finish<br />
the day sipping a cocktail by the river.<br />
Day 2: Board your boat for an early<br />
morning cruise to the captivating floating<br />
market at Cai Rang, and witness the<br />
Departs: Saigon daily<br />
Spend a day exploring one of the little<br />
visited regions of the Mekong Delta<br />
before spending the night in the beautiful<br />
surroundings of the verdant delta in a<br />
sixth-generation family home.<br />
Day 1: Depart Saigon and head south to<br />
Ben Tre to board your boat and explore this<br />
region of the delta. Visit a traditional<br />
coconut candy workshop, Mekong brick<br />
kilns and a bamboo weaving centre before<br />
enjoying a traditional Mekong lunch. Board<br />
a small Sampan boat and navigate your way<br />
through one of the hundreds of narrow palm<br />
fringed channels which adorn the delta. In<br />
the afternoon, travel to Cai Be where you<br />
spend the night. The house was originally<br />
built in the 19th century and renovated<br />
in 1938 giving it a classical blend of<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Oct 10 - 31 Dec 11 $476 $278<br />
Vietnamese and French-colonial style. Enjoy<br />
a cool drink as the sun sets over the river<br />
before feasting on a traditional dinner.<br />
Day 2: Spend your morning at leisure<br />
taking a cycle around the area or<br />
wandering the extensive gardens, home to<br />
many unique fruits of the region including<br />
mangosteen, rose apple, longan and<br />
durian. Departure transfer to Saigon.<br />
Inclusions: 1 night accommodation with<br />
breakfast • 1 lunch • 1 dinner • transport<br />
as specified by air-conditioned vehicle<br />
• private touring • entrance fees • local<br />
English-speaking guides • arrival and<br />
departure transfers<br />
Standard option only.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Jan - 31 Dec 11 $630 $333<br />
incredible sight of hundreds of river barges<br />
gathering to trade fruits, rice and other<br />
local goods. Further on, sample some local<br />
fruits and tea at a fruit orchard. Finish with<br />
a relaxing walk through a local village<br />
before returning to Saigon by road.<br />
Inclusions: 1 night accommodation<br />
with breakfast • transport as specified by<br />
air-conditioned vehicle • private touring<br />
• boat trips • entrance fees • local<br />
English-speaking guide • arrival and<br />
departure transfers<br />
Want more? A trip to the Mekong<br />
combines perfectly with a short stay in<br />
Saigon. Why not combine this tour with<br />
our ‘Saigon City Stay’ (p10)<br />
Standard and superior options available.<br />
Mekong Journey<br />
Portrait of Vietnam<br />
3 days/ 2 nights Grade: Easy to moderate<br />
From $ 895 pp<br />
8 days/7 nights Grade: Easy to moderate<br />
From $ 1,345 pp<br />
Departs: Saigon daily<br />
Discover Vietnam’s fertile Mekong Delta,<br />
travelling as many of the locals do, along<br />
the winding canals. An exhilarating boat<br />
ride takes you up the lower Mekong<br />
River to Cambodia’s charming capital,<br />
Phnom Penh.<br />
Day 1: Pass delightful scenes of farmers<br />
labouring in the rice fields on the scenic<br />
drive to Cai Be port. Travel the Mekong<br />
Delta’s waterways by boat, floating past<br />
traditional houseboats and stopping at a<br />
coconut candy workshop. Lunch with a<br />
local family and visit a charming nursery,<br />
and then continue to Can Tho for an<br />
afternoon walking tour.<br />
Day 2: In the early morning, board your<br />
boat for a visit to the fascinating floating<br />
market at Cai Rang with its hundreds of<br />
local rice barges, also stopping to visit a<br />
local fruit orchard. Drive deeper into the<br />
Delta to the border town of Chau Doc.<br />
Experience the frenetic river activity and<br />
views of the town’s floating and stilted<br />
houses from the grounds of your charming<br />
hotel. Finish the day with a trip to Sam<br />
Mountain, and watch the sun sinking as<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Apr - 30 Sep 11 $1750 $895<br />
you gaze upon breathtaking views over<br />
rice paddies to the Cambodian border.<br />
Day 3: Your journey ends with an<br />
exciting boat trip up the Mekong River to<br />
Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh.<br />
Inclusions: 2 nights accommodation<br />
with breakfast daily • transport as<br />
specified by air-conditioned vehicle<br />
• private touring • boat trips • entrance<br />
fees • local English-speaking guide<br />
• arrival and departure transfers<br />
Note: for those wishing to return to Saigon, a road<br />
transfer can be booked at additional cost. Journey time<br />
is at least 6 hours.<br />
Superior only.<br />
Departs: Saigon or Hanoi daily<br />
Uncover Vietnam from top to bottom, or<br />
bottom to top, with this in-depth private<br />
journey through the cities, historic towns<br />
and lovely countryside of diverse Vietnam.<br />
Day 1: Arrive in Saigon and transfer to<br />
your hotel.<br />
Day 2: A walking tour along historic Dong<br />
Khoi reveals many of the city’s historic<br />
landmarks, before a journey to the Cu Chi<br />
Tunnels, an enthralling insight into the<br />
Vietnam’s recent history.<br />
Day 3: Pass farmers working in the rice<br />
paddies on your way to the Mekong Delta,<br />
where meandering canals wind through<br />
lush fruit orchards. Return to Saigon.<br />
Day 4: A short flight brings you to Danang,<br />
for the scenic drive along the Hai Van<br />
pass. See the shrines hidden inside Marble<br />
Mountain and visit the famed China Beach.<br />
Day 5: Relax and explore charming Hoi<br />
An, with its excellent shopping, delicious<br />
food and laid-back atmosphere.<br />
Day 6: Fly north to Hanoi and explore<br />
the city by foot, visiting the vibrant Old<br />
Quarter, the Ho Chi Minh Quarter and the<br />
ancient Temple of Literature.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
03 May - 30 Sep 11 $2230 $1345<br />
Day 7: A day trip to Halong Bay includes<br />
a boat cruise with a delicious seafood<br />
lunch, floating past thousands of limestone<br />
islands, before returning to Hanoi.<br />
Day 8: Enjoy some free time before your<br />
departure transfer.<br />
Inclusions: 7 nights accommodation with<br />
breakfast daily • 1 lunch • private touring<br />
• transport as specified by air-conditioned<br />
vehicle • domestic flights as specified<br />
• entrance fees • local English-speaking<br />
guides • arrival and departure transfers<br />
Note: This itinerary also runs in reverse starting in Hanoi.<br />
Standard, superior and deluxe<br />
options available.<br />
Pricing and validity dates specified are based on low season and are intended as a guide only. Contact us for price details outside of these dates.<br />
11
Saigon Accommodation<br />
Saigon throngs with youthful energy, boasting great shopping, eating and sightseeing. Stroll down the<br />
historic Dong Khoi Street and visit the Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum. Ben Thanh<br />
Market is alive with locals and tourists hunting for a bargain and a day trip to the Cu Chi tunnels is<br />
an enthralling addition to any trip. Our hotels are handpicked for their central locations, comfortable<br />
rooms and great value, giving you a relaxing base from which to explore this vibrant city.<br />
•Saigon<br />
Vietnam<br />
Elios Hotel<br />
Saigon<br />
★★★ Standard Map: 1<br />
The Elios Hotel is a fun place to stay<br />
for travellers seeking good value<br />
accommodation. Opened in 2007,<br />
modern guestrooms are simply furnished<br />
in a Vietnamese style and have all the<br />
necessary amenities for a comfortable<br />
stay, while Deluxe rooms also have<br />
views over the park. The property boasts<br />
a rooftop restaurant serving Vietnamese<br />
and Western cuisine with great city<br />
views. The convenient location offers a<br />
host of dining and entertainment options<br />
on your doorstep, and Ben Thanh Market<br />
is just a short walk away. The Elios Hotel<br />
is clean, comfortable and represents<br />
good value for money.<br />
From $ 3 0 pp<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Sep 10 - 31 Mar 12 $53 $30<br />
Extra Facilities: 90 rooms • internet<br />
access • in-room safe • mini-bar • small<br />
fitness centre • room service • tea/coffee<br />
making facilities • restaurant • café<br />
Lavender Hotel<br />
★★★ Standard Map: 2<br />
With a great location in the heart of<br />
Saigon, the Lavender provides guests<br />
with comfortable rooms, just steps away<br />
from Ben Thanh Market and easy walking<br />
distance to many of the city’s highlights.<br />
Modern rooms are tastefully finished with<br />
good facilities and staff are friendly and<br />
helpful. The hotel boasts a lovely rooftop<br />
restaurant with excellent views of the<br />
market below and city beyond. With just<br />
66 rooms and suites the hotel has a more<br />
intimate feel, and offers a cosy escape in<br />
the heart of city with a higher standard of<br />
accommodation and service than most of<br />
its competition.<br />
From $ 42 pp<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Jan - 31 Jan 11 $84 $42<br />
Extra Facilities: 66 rooms and suites<br />
• internet access • complimentary mineral<br />
water • tea/coffee making facilities<br />
• rooftop restaurant<br />
Asian Ruby Hotel<br />
★★★ Standard Map: 3<br />
The Asian Ruby Hotel is a nice three star<br />
hotel located in heart of Saigon. Opened<br />
in 2008 the property is fresh and current,<br />
and is just steps away from central<br />
Saigon and within easy walking distance<br />
of many of the city’s highlights. Rooms<br />
are very comfortable, and are decorated<br />
simply and stylishly, with good facilities<br />
and city views. The restaurant offers<br />
good choice, featuring Vietnamese,<br />
Asian fusion, and Western cuisine. At<br />
the end of the day, indulge in a massage<br />
at the spa, or visit the on-site gym. Enjoy<br />
the modern comforts of this good value<br />
property in an excellent location.<br />
From $ 42 pp<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Jan - 31 Dec 11 $83 $42<br />
Extra Facilities: 80 rooms • internet<br />
access • tea/coffee making facilities<br />
• hairdryer • gym • spa • 24-hour room<br />
service • restaurant • café<br />
Palace Hotel<br />
Liberty Central Hotel<br />
★★★ Standard Map: 4 From $ 53 pp ★★★ Standard Map: 5<br />
A landmark in central Saigon, the Palace<br />
has been recently refurbished in a<br />
contemporary style. It is a fun place to<br />
stay and represents good value for money.<br />
The guestrooms are very comfortable<br />
and modern, with good amenities, and<br />
most have balconies with views over<br />
the city centre and Saigon River. A small<br />
rooftop pool offers great views and a fun<br />
atmosphere, and the innovative restaurant<br />
is popular with guests and visitors alike.<br />
At the end of a long day, relax in the<br />
open-air bar, or indulge in room service.<br />
The central location in the heart of town<br />
and fresh new interiors make this hotel a<br />
great choice.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Apr - 27 Apr 11,<br />
05 May - 30 Sep 11<br />
$104 $53<br />
Extra Facilities: 144 rooms • internet<br />
access • swimming pool • spa/massage<br />
centre • rooftop bar • restaurant<br />
• coffee lounge<br />
The Liberty Central is a new hotel in a<br />
fantastic location beside the Ben Thanh<br />
Markets. With a contemporary style,<br />
public areas are bright and welcoming,<br />
and rooms are smart and sleek, making<br />
good use of space and natural light, many<br />
with city views. Rooms feature modern<br />
amenities including flat screen televisions<br />
and internet access. Relax on the rooftop<br />
by the delightful small swimming pool<br />
with a drink in hand from the pool bar, or<br />
stay fit in the small gym room. Enjoy a<br />
fusion of Western and Asian cuisine in the<br />
restaurant or a freshly baked pastry at the<br />
café. Modern styling and great facilities<br />
make this a great option in central Saigon.<br />
From $ 61 pp<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Jan - 31 Dec 11 $120 $61<br />
Extra Facilities: 140 rooms • internet<br />
access • hairdryer • swimming pool<br />
• fitness centre • spa/ sauna • bar • café<br />
• restaurant<br />
12 HANDMADE FROM LOCAL KNOWLEDGE. HANDPICKED BY US. www.handmadeholidays.com.au
Saigon Accommodation<br />
Top things to see and do around Saigon<br />
Take a walking tour along Dong Khoi to get a deeper insight into this historic street<br />
Spend a day at the Cu Chi tunnels for a surprising look at life for some in the region during the war<br />
Try the fantastic cuisine, from swanky restaurants to delicious street food, or try a cooking class<br />
Taste sumptuous fruit straight from the orchard in the lovely Mekong Delta<br />
•Saigon<br />
Vietnam<br />
Grand Hotel<br />
Duxton Hotel<br />
★★★★ Superior Map: 6<br />
Completely restored to its French-colonial<br />
past, the Grand is one of Saigon’s<br />
oldest hotels, and has a lovely colonial<br />
atmosphere. Boasting friendly service and<br />
great facilities, it is located on historic<br />
Dong Khoi Street, the former Rue Catinat,<br />
right in amongst some of the city’s best<br />
shopping and restaurant options. The<br />
old wing features a charming old facade<br />
and houses the hotel’s large suites and<br />
Colonial Deluxe rooms. The extensive<br />
buffet breakfast is a highlight, and the<br />
stunning courtyard swimming pool is<br />
perfect for cooling off after a day out in<br />
Saigon. The Grand Hotel is a stylish choice<br />
for those looking for a bit of history in<br />
central Saigon.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Jan - 31 Dec 11 $143 $73<br />
Extra Facilities: 107 rooms<br />
• small fitness centre • conference<br />
facilities • swimming pool • café<br />
• bar • 2 restaurants<br />
★★★★ Superior Map: 7<br />
From $ 73 pp From $ 7 7pp<br />
The Duxton Hotel is a stylish hotel<br />
located in the centre of Saigon within<br />
easy walking distance of many of<br />
Saigon’s most famous attractions. It<br />
offers uncluttered class and comfort.<br />
All rooms are equipped with modern<br />
facilities and boast either Saigon<br />
River or city skyline views. Delight in<br />
sumptuous Vietnamese and international<br />
dishes at the restaurant, The Grill, then<br />
indulge in a massage at the Zanadu<br />
Health Club, or just relax on the sun deck<br />
by the outdoor pool. There is a small yet<br />
well-equipped gym, and a sauna. The<br />
Duxton is a superior hotel in a fantastic<br />
location, offering great value.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Nov 10 - 31 Oct 11 $154 $77<br />
Extra Facilities: 198 rooms • internet<br />
access • fitness centre • swimming<br />
pool • sauna • spa • massage • beauty<br />
salon • 24 hour room service • gift shop<br />
• restaurant • bar<br />
Intercontinental Asiana Saigon<br />
★★★★★ Deluxe Map: 8<br />
A new luxury hotel located in the centre<br />
of the city, the Intercontinental Asiana<br />
Saigon offers luxuriously appointed rooms<br />
with rich comforts like a deep-soaking<br />
tub, separate walk-in rain shower and<br />
unbeatable panoramic views of the<br />
cityscape. A stylish bar is the perfect place<br />
to unwind at the end of the day, or dine<br />
on authentic Cantonese or the best of<br />
Western and Asian cuisine in one of the<br />
restaurants on-site. Slip into the luxurious<br />
pool, or try a yoga class at the fitness<br />
centre. A truly international style hotel<br />
offering everything you could need and<br />
more for a comfortable stay in Saigon.<br />
From $ 9 6 pp<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
16 May - 15 Sep 11 $191 $96<br />
Extra Facilities: 305 rooms<br />
• internet access • DVD player<br />
• in-room movies • home theatre system<br />
• tea/coffee making facilities • bar<br />
• 3 restaurants/cafés<br />
Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon<br />
★★★★ Deluxe Map: 9<br />
In the heart of the business district<br />
overlooking the Saigon River, the<br />
Renaissance Riverside Hotel offers<br />
first-class amenities and hospitality.<br />
Spacious rooms are well appointed,<br />
with luxurious beds for a great nights<br />
sleep, and offer river or city views<br />
through large windows. Dine in the<br />
renowned Kabin Chinese restaurant,<br />
one of the best in Saigon, or a sip a<br />
relaxing drink on the gorgeous rooftop<br />
terrace by the large and inviting pool.<br />
There is a large fitness centre and<br />
delightful spa. The spacious rooms<br />
and great facilities are sure to please.<br />
From $ 103 pp<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Jan - 30 Sep 11 $204 $103<br />
Extra Facilities: 336 rooms • internet<br />
access • tea/ coffee making facilities<br />
• spa & fitness centre • swimming pool<br />
• 2 restaurants • lounges • bar<br />
Caravelle Hotel<br />
★★★★★ Deluxe Map: 10<br />
One of the premier hotels in Saigon, the<br />
Caravelle is located right next door to<br />
the famous Saigon Opera House on Dong<br />
Khoi Street, with many other attractions<br />
right on the doorstep. Five-star facilities<br />
include a lush, landscaped pool, and<br />
indulgent salon and spa. Be spoilt for<br />
choice with six wining and dining options,<br />
including a rooftop bar. Ample rooms are<br />
well appointed with either city or river<br />
views. Sleep well with comfortable king<br />
size beds, designed especially for the<br />
hotel. For those wanting more space, try<br />
one of the huge suites. This historic hotel<br />
is a favourite for nostalgic travellers and<br />
discerning visitors alike.<br />
From $ 12 0 pp<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Apr - 30 Sep 11 $239 $120<br />
Extra Facilities: 335 rooms • internet<br />
access • tea/coffee making facilities<br />
• 24 hour room service • fitness centre<br />
• swimming pool • Jacuzzi • spa • lounge<br />
• 3 bars • 2 restaurants • café<br />
Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers<br />
★★★★★ Deluxe Map: 11<br />
Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers is<br />
an award-winning hotel located in<br />
the heart of the vibrant business and<br />
entertainment district on famous Dong<br />
Khoi Street. Spacious rooms feature<br />
the trademark Sheraton Sweet Sleeper<br />
Bed. The terrace swimming pool is a<br />
great retreat, and numerous restaurants<br />
offer ample choice, from a casual cafe<br />
to fine dining, with a rooftop wine<br />
bar with unforgettable views across<br />
the city. Try the luxe day spa and fully<br />
equipped fitness centre, or some retail<br />
therapy at exclusive boutiques in the<br />
shopping arcade. This deluxe hotel is<br />
perfect for those seeking the ultimate in<br />
modern luxury.<br />
From $ 138 pp<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Apr - 31 Aug 11 $254 $138<br />
Extra Facilities: 470 rooms<br />
• internet access • deluxe massage<br />
shower • tea/coffee making facilities<br />
• 24 hour room service • fitness centre<br />
• swimming pool • lounge • 2 bars<br />
• 2 cafés • 3 restaurants<br />
Pricing and validity dates specified are based on low season and are intended as a guide only. Contact us for price details outside of these dates.<br />
13
Hanoi AND BEYOND TOURING<br />
Charming Hanoi will captivate you with its picturesque lakes, French-colonial architecture, café<br />
culture and handicraft boutiques. Explore the fascinating Old Quarter, where merchants ply<br />
their wares as they have done for decades, and visit the ancient Temple of Literature, Ho Chi<br />
Minh’s Mausoleum or the infamous Hanoi Hilton prison. Hanoi is also the gateway to beautiful<br />
Halong Bay, mountainous Sapa and the hilltribe region of Mai Chau.<br />
Mai Chau•<br />
•Halong Bay<br />
Vietnam<br />
Hanoi Day Tours<br />
From $ 41pp<br />
Hanoi City Stay<br />
Hanoi full day tour<br />
A full day tour of Hanoi’s wide<br />
boulevards and colonial architecture,<br />
rich history and teeming markets.<br />
Begin with a cyclo ride, then visit<br />
the Ho Chi Minh Quarter. Continue<br />
with a peaceful visit to the Temple of<br />
Literature, before exploring the Hanoi<br />
Hilton prison, now a museum.<br />
Join in from $51pp<br />
Private from $71pp twin<br />
Halong Bay full day tour<br />
Depart early for the drive to Halong<br />
City, where you board a converted junk<br />
for a four hour cruise through Halong’s<br />
thousands of limestone islands and a<br />
bountiful seafood lunch on board.<br />
Join in from $142pp<br />
Private from $204pp twin<br />
Hanoi cookery school half<br />
day tour<br />
Learn to cook genuine Vietnamese<br />
cuisine. Under the guidance of a team<br />
of chefs embark on a market tour<br />
(morning tours only) and then learn to<br />
cook some traditional dishes. Enjoy<br />
your creations at the end.<br />
Join in from $131pp<br />
Hoa Binh Hilltribes full day tour<br />
Hoa Binh, is home to the Muong<br />
minority. Enjoy the traditional<br />
hospitality of the locals as they invite<br />
you into their stilt houses to enjoy tea<br />
and rice wine and learn about their<br />
way of life.<br />
Private from $82pp twin<br />
Hanoi design your own full or<br />
half day tour<br />
Spend a half day touring Hanoi,<br />
seeing just the sights you want to see.<br />
Choose from the Temple of Literature,<br />
Hanoi Hilton, the Ho Chi Minh<br />
Mausoleum and House, and the Old<br />
Quarter. Or spend a little more time<br />
on a full day Tour and combine more<br />
attractions for an in-depth look in to<br />
this fascinating city.<br />
Design your own from $41pp twin<br />
For details and inclusions of our Private day tours, Join in day tours, and<br />
Design your own day tours, please refer to page 5. All prices are ‘from’ prices.<br />
4 days/3 nights Grade: Easy<br />
Departs: Hanoi daily<br />
From the tree-lined boulevards of the<br />
old French district to the colourful chaos<br />
of the Old Quarter and the tranquillity<br />
of its lakes, Hanoi is a city of contrasts.<br />
Visit the many attractions housed<br />
in this ancient city, and wander the<br />
atmospheric streets.<br />
Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi and transfer to<br />
your hotel.<br />
Day 2: Discover the city on an in-depth<br />
guided tour, getting amongst the local<br />
activity by exploring the city streets on<br />
foot. Visit the imposing Ho Chi Minh<br />
Mausoleum and find peace at the tranquil<br />
Temple of Literature, before you uncover<br />
the disturbing history of the infamous<br />
Hanoi Hilton prison.<br />
Day 3: Delight in a day trip to Halong Bay<br />
for a four-hour cruise amidst its thousands<br />
of limestone island peaks, including a<br />
delicious seafood feast aboard. Return to<br />
Hanoi for a final night.<br />
Day 4: Enjoy free time to further<br />
explore Hanoi on your own before your<br />
departure transfer.<br />
From $ 439 pp<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Jan - 31 Dec 11 $776 $439<br />
Inclusions: 3 nights accommodation<br />
with breakfast daily • 1 lunch • private<br />
touring and boat cruise • all transport<br />
as specified in air-conditioned vehicle<br />
• entrance fees • local English-speaking<br />
guides • arrival and departure transfers<br />
Want More? A 6 days/5 nights Hanoi<br />
& Halong Bay version of this itinerary is<br />
available which includes an overnight<br />
stay on a converted junk on Halong Bay,<br />
a fantastic opportunity to see Halong at<br />
its dusk and dawn best. An additional<br />
night in Hanoi on return is also included.<br />
Contact us for pricing and details.<br />
Standard, superior and deluxe<br />
options available.<br />
Halong Bay Overnight Cruise<br />
Mai Chau Hilltribe Home-stay<br />
2 days/1 night Grade: Easy to moderate<br />
From $ 258 pp<br />
2 days/1 night Grade: Moderate<br />
From $ 176 pp<br />
Departs: Hanoi daily<br />
For a more complete experience of<br />
the incredible World Heritage listed<br />
Halong Bay, spend the night on its<br />
sparkling waters.<br />
Day 1: From Hanoi travel east, through<br />
the fertile Red River Delta, and board a<br />
converted wooden junk, with comfortable<br />
private cabins featuring en-suite<br />
bathrooms. Enjoy a sumptuous lunch as<br />
you cruise deep into the bay, floating<br />
amongst the thousands of limestone<br />
islets. In the afternoon there is a chance<br />
to swim in the bay’s striking emerald<br />
coloured waters, before climbing back on<br />
board to watch the sun slip slowly behind<br />
the bay as you sip cocktails on deck.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 May - 30 Sep 11 $420 $258<br />
Day 2: Wake early to the sound of the<br />
waves lapping at your window to catch<br />
the magnificent sight of sunrise aboard,<br />
and a last chance to soak up the scenery<br />
before brunch on board, then return to<br />
the port for the road trip back to Hanoi.<br />
Inclusions: 1 night accommodation<br />
onboard in private cabin with en-suite<br />
bathroom • 1 lunch • 1 dinner • 1 brunch<br />
• transport • local English-speaking<br />
guides • return transfers from Hanoi<br />
Standard option only. Superior also<br />
available for private tour.<br />
Departs: Hanoi daily<br />
The beautiful Mai Chau Valley is a<br />
relaxing getaway just a few hours<br />
drive from Hanoi. Enjoy village walks<br />
among stunning rice fields surrounded<br />
by mountains and experience the warm<br />
hospitality of your lovely hosts, the<br />
White Tai ethnic minority people.<br />
Day 1: Leaving the Red River Delta behind,<br />
head towards Mai Chau, situated among<br />
rice fields, bamboo groves and scattered<br />
settlements of the White Tai people. Meet<br />
your friendly White Tai hosts, then take<br />
a walk to some nearby villages to learn<br />
about life in this area. In the evening<br />
sample your hosts local cooking before<br />
staying overnight in their home.<br />
Day 2: Wake with the rest of the family<br />
and enjoy a leisurely breakfast. There’s<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Jan - 31 Dec 11 $329 $176<br />
time for a guided walk around the<br />
village, or explore on your own, perusing<br />
colourful weavings and interacting with<br />
the villagers. Return to Hanoi after lunch.<br />
Inclusions: 1 night basic/no frills<br />
accommodation with breakfast<br />
• 1 dinner • 1 lunch • private touring<br />
• transport as specified in air-conditioned<br />
vehicles • entrance fees • local<br />
English-speaking guide • arrival and<br />
departure transfers<br />
Want more? Ask us about our Mai Chau<br />
Lodge 2 days/1 night itinerary, offering<br />
similar touring but with the comforts of<br />
boutique style lodge accommodation in<br />
the Mai Chau Valley.<br />
No Frills option only.<br />
14 HANDMADE FROM LOCAL KNOWLEDGE. HANDPICKED BY US. www.handmadeholidays.com.au
HALONG BAY CRUISes<br />
Halong Bay, just a few hours drive from Hanoi, is one of Vietnam’s most celebrated attractions.<br />
This remarkable World Heritage listed site is a collection of thousands of limestone karst islets,<br />
dotted amongst the sparkling emerald bay. A highlight of any trip to Vietnam, don’t miss the<br />
opportunity to wake to the sound of the waves lapping at the bow of your boat. With boats<br />
ranging from simple and comfortable to luxurious and stylish, there is something for everyone.<br />
•Halong Bay<br />
Vietnam<br />
Halong Ginger cruise<br />
2 days/1 night Grade: Easy to moderate<br />
From $ 291 pp<br />
Departs: Hanoi daily<br />
Cruise the magical waters of Halong Bay<br />
on the beautiful Halong Ginger, and sleep<br />
aboard for an unforgettable experience.<br />
This deluxe wooden junk combines classic<br />
beauty with modern comfort. Newly built,<br />
this custom designed cruising vessel<br />
boasts just ten luxurious sleeping cabins,<br />
as well as an elegant restaurant, two<br />
bars, a small library, and a massage room<br />
all spread across three spacious decks.<br />
With so much space, passengers can<br />
truly unwind.<br />
Day 1: Travel from Hanoi along a scenic<br />
drive to the glorious waters of World<br />
Heritage listed Halong Bay. Embark on<br />
a luxury cruise on the splendid Halong<br />
Ginger and enjoy a sumptuous lunch<br />
as you float amongst the thousands<br />
of limestone islands jutting out from<br />
the sea. You have the option to visit a<br />
limestone grotto or enjoy a cool swim.<br />
Enjoy dinner on board before being lulled<br />
to sleep by the sound of the water gently<br />
lapping below.<br />
Day 2: An early start will be rewarded<br />
with incredible vistas of morning’s first<br />
light touching the emerald sea before<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 May - 30 Sep 11 $494 $291<br />
breakfast. You could trek to the summit<br />
of one of the islands, or just enjoy free<br />
time to relax on board. Disembark for the<br />
peaceful drive back to Hanoi.<br />
Inclusions: 1 night accommodation in<br />
private cabin with en-suite bathroom<br />
• 1 lunch • 1 dinner • 1 brunch • return<br />
transfers from Hanoi • English-speaking<br />
guide on board • entrance fees<br />
Halong Jasmine, the sister boat to the<br />
Halong Ginger, is also available at the<br />
same price. Contact us for details.<br />
Want More? A 3 day/2 night itinerary is<br />
also available for those wanting to spend<br />
more time on the delightful Halong Bay.<br />
Superior option only.<br />
Halong Bay, Vietnam<br />
Halong Violet<br />
Indochina Sails Cruise<br />
2 days/1 night Grade: Easy to moderate<br />
From $ 418 pp<br />
2 days/1 night Grade: Easy to moderate<br />
From $ 272 pp<br />
Departs: Hanoi daily<br />
Enjoy an overnight cruise on Halong<br />
Bay on the new Halong Violet for a<br />
truly stylish exploration of this exotic<br />
bay. Fitted out in a 1930s style this junk<br />
features just six individually themed<br />
cabins, each with a marble bathroom,<br />
Jacuzzi and balcony. On board, you can<br />
relax in the library and lounge, or indulge<br />
in some pampering at the spa and stay<br />
active with an on-board gym. Enjoy<br />
delicious locally caught seafood in the<br />
spacious boutique dining room, and be<br />
inspired sipping a glass of wine while<br />
watching the sun set over the glimmering<br />
bay. Light filled Deluxe cabins are a huge<br />
36 sqm with elegant furnishings and rich<br />
décor featuring a plush king bed. Violet<br />
Cruise Suite Cabins boast warm, exotic<br />
woods, fabrics and hand painted walls<br />
and ceiling.<br />
Day 1: Set sail across the lovely bay<br />
whilst a luscious seafood lunch is served<br />
in the glamorous dining room. Watch<br />
the thousands of limestone islands pass<br />
from your balcony, or take the plunge<br />
and swim in the cool bay. There is an<br />
opportunity to visit a beautiful limestone<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 May - 30 Sep 11 $698 $418<br />
grotto, or enjoy a cocktails while<br />
watching the sun sink behind the water.<br />
Day 2: You may want to rise with the<br />
sun to watch its early rays falling across<br />
Halong Bay, an unforgettable sight, before<br />
a delicious breakfast and one last glimpse<br />
of the magical bay before disembarking.<br />
Inclusions: 1 night accommodation in<br />
private cabin with en-suite bathroom<br />
• 1 lunch • 1 dinner • 1 brunch • return<br />
transfers from Hanoi • English-speaking<br />
guide on board • entrance fees<br />
Want More? A 3 day/2 night itinerary is<br />
also available for those wanting to spend<br />
more time on the delightful Halong Bay.<br />
Superior option only.<br />
Departs: Hanoi daily<br />
Cruise the delightful waters of Halong<br />
Bay with this well-established operator<br />
specialising in luxury cruises, which<br />
boasts three magnificent boats. Cabins<br />
are spacious with fine local design<br />
features. Large windows enable you to<br />
view the spectacular Halong Bay scenery<br />
from your bedroom. All three Indochina<br />
Sails boats feature spacious public and<br />
private areas, including stylish dining<br />
rooms and excellent viewing areas.<br />
Day 1: Embark on your magical cruise<br />
on Halong Bay. After checking in, enjoy a<br />
delicious lunch on board, before stopping<br />
at Titop Island to swim, relax on the<br />
beach, or climb to the top for incredible<br />
views. Visit a cave in one of the<br />
thousands of limestone islands scattered<br />
throughout the bay. Back on board dine<br />
on a deluxe buffet or set menu dinner,<br />
before being lulled to sleep by the sound<br />
of the waves lapping at the boat outside<br />
your cabin.<br />
Day 2: Rise early to view the<br />
magnificent spectacle of the sun’s first<br />
rays falling over Halong Bay with the<br />
option to take part in a Tai Chi lesson<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 May - 30 Sep 11 $499 $272<br />
on the sun deck. After a visit to a<br />
nearby cave, enjoy breakfast before<br />
disembarking for your transfer back<br />
to Hanoi.<br />
Inclusions: 1 night accommodation in<br />
private cabin with en-suite bathroom<br />
• 1 lunch • 1 dinner • 1 brunch • return<br />
transfers from Hanoi • English-speaking<br />
guide on board • entrance fees<br />
Want More? A 3 day/2 night itinerary is<br />
also available for those wanting to spend<br />
more time on the delightful Halong Bay.<br />
Superior option only.<br />
Pricing and validity dates specified are based on low season and are intended as a guide only. Contact us for price details outside of these dates.<br />
15
Hanoi Accommodation<br />
Top things to see and do in Hanoi<br />
An exciting cyclo ride amongst the busy streets of the Old Quarter<br />
Learn about the much revered ‘Uncle Ho’ or Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum and house<br />
Enter a haven of peace amid the cities clamour at the Temple of Literature<br />
Feast on delicious cuisine at KOTO, knowing that you are helping to support underprivileged young people<br />
Vietnam<br />
Anise Hotel<br />
Hanoi<br />
★★★ Standard Map: 1<br />
From $ 26 pp<br />
The Anise Hotel is conveniently located at<br />
the north end of the historic Old Quarter,<br />
within walking distance from the lake. It<br />
has a simple but warm interior, and offers<br />
great value while still retaining a boutique<br />
feel. The lovely park across the street is a<br />
great place to watch Hanoi come to life.<br />
Beds are very comfortable, and the décor<br />
has a contemporary Asian feel, however<br />
standard rooms do not have windows.<br />
There is a small fitness centre and the<br />
restaurant offers views over Hanoi.<br />
Staff are helpful and the great value for<br />
money is hard to beat. This hotel is a cosy<br />
escape in the Old Quarter, perfect for<br />
budget travellers.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Jan - 31 Dec 11 $45 $26<br />
Extra Facilities: 42 rooms • hairdryer<br />
• complimentary mineral water • tea/<br />
coffee making facilities • fitness centre<br />
• business centre • IDD telephone<br />
• mini-bar • in-room safe • restaurant<br />
Travel Indochina Office<br />
Conifer Hotel<br />
La Dolce Vita<br />
★★★ Standard Map: 2<br />
From $ 48 pp<br />
★★★ Standard Map: 3<br />
From $ 49 pp<br />
The Conifer is a cosy hotel, with small<br />
but nicely furnished rooms and a great<br />
sidewalk café serving both Vietnamese<br />
and Western cuisine. The hotel is<br />
located just near Hanoi’s famous<br />
Press Club, the heart of Vietnam’s<br />
capital, just a few minutes walk from<br />
Hoan Kiem Lake and many of the<br />
city’s boutiques, shopping centres and<br />
restaurants. Rooms are well-appointed<br />
and decorated in a contemporary<br />
style. Enjoy views of the city from your<br />
private balcony in the Deluxe rooms and<br />
Conifer suites. A lovely boutique option<br />
for those seeking a good value hotel in<br />
a convenient location.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Jan - 31 Dec 11 $96 $48<br />
Extra Facilities: 34 rooms • internet<br />
access • hairdryer • mini-bar • in-room<br />
safe • tea/coffee making facilities<br />
• restaurant • café • bar<br />
Opened in 2009, the La Dolce Vita Hotel is<br />
a well-priced addition to the new breed of<br />
smaller Hanoi hotels. It is in an excellent<br />
Old Quarter location, just steps from a<br />
great range of shops and restaurants, and<br />
is built to reflect the charm of this historic<br />
part of Hanoi. Modern rooms are cosy<br />
and well decorated and Deluxe rooms<br />
have balconies with city views, while VIP<br />
rooms have a Jacuzzi bathtub. La Dolce<br />
Vita Restaurant offers both Vietnamese<br />
and Western cuisine, and the Lobby Bar<br />
is a good place to relax after a busy day<br />
for a happy hour drink. A smart new<br />
hotel with modern rooms and one of the<br />
best locations.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Jan - 31 Dec 11 $97 $49<br />
Extra Facilities: 52 rooms • internet<br />
access • hairdryer • mini-bar • tea/coffee<br />
making facilities • in-room safe • small<br />
business centre • café • restaurant<br />
Sunway Hotel<br />
Serenade Hotel<br />
★★★ Standard Map: 4<br />
From $ 51 pp<br />
★★★ Standard Map: 5<br />
From $ 52 pp<br />
A smart, modern hotel mixing leisure and<br />
business style and service, the Sunway<br />
Hotel has won numerous awards including<br />
best boutique business hotel. Within<br />
walking distance of the south end of Hoan<br />
Kiem Lake, the rooms have good views of<br />
the quiet area surrounding the hotel and<br />
are well appointed for your convenience,<br />
including triple-glazed windows and flatscreen<br />
televisions. The Allante Restaurant<br />
serves local and international cuisine,<br />
including buffets, in a relaxed atmosphere.<br />
Lounge in the lobby and bar, which<br />
includes a cosy bar and restaurant, or take<br />
advantage of the well-sized health club<br />
with modern gym equipment.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Dec 10 - 28 Feb 11,<br />
01 May - 30 Sep 11<br />
$110 $51<br />
Extra Facilities: 143 rooms • hairdryer<br />
• tea/coffee making facilities • lounge<br />
• mini-bar • fitness centre • bar<br />
• restaurant<br />
The Serenade Hotel offers contemporary<br />
decor with a lovely boutique feel, right<br />
in the heart of the bustling Old Quarter.<br />
This is a new hotel that boasts high<br />
standards. Rooms are small but very<br />
comfortable and well maintained, and<br />
stylishly decorated with lovely Oriental<br />
touches. The weekend night market in<br />
front of the hotel is an added bonus.<br />
Panorama Bar Café on the top floor<br />
provides excellent views of the Old<br />
Quarter, while the restaurant serves<br />
Vietnamese and international cuisine.<br />
This is a great option for those looking<br />
for a good quality hotel with a more<br />
intimate atmosphere.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 May - 31 Aug 11 $101 $52<br />
Extra Facilities: 42 rooms • hairdryer<br />
• tea/coffee making facilities<br />
• complimentary mineral water • massage<br />
& sauna centre • restaurant<br />
16 HANDMADE FROM LOCAL KNOWLEDGE. HANDPICKED BY US. www.handmadeholidays.com.au
Hanoi Accommodation<br />
“With 1000 years of history, Hanoi is a wonderful blend of old and new. There is really<br />
something for everyone here from a rich culture and history, to fantastic shopping and<br />
dining. In Hanoi, you really are spoilt for choice” Eric Finley, Vietnam Product Manager, Australia<br />
Vietnam<br />
Maison D’Hanoi Hanova<br />
★★★ Standard Map: 6<br />
The Maison D’Hanoi Hanova is close to<br />
Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi’s centre. It is<br />
beautifully finished in a contemporary<br />
Asian theme, with an Art Deco facade.<br />
Rooms are beautifully furnished with<br />
great attention to detail and although<br />
just a few rooms have windows offering<br />
views, all feature plenty of natural light.<br />
The hotel offers both Western and Asian<br />
cuisine at the small, cosy restaurant in<br />
the basement of the hotel and the bar<br />
here is a great place for a relaxing drink<br />
at the end of the day. With its beautiful<br />
décor, great location and reasonable<br />
price, the Maison D’Hanoi Hanova is a<br />
fantastic Hanoi choice.<br />
From $ 58 pp<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 May - 30 Sep 11 $104 $58<br />
Extra Facilities: 55 rooms • internet<br />
access • hairdryer • tea/coffee making<br />
facilities • in-room safe • 24 hour room<br />
service • sauna • spa and massage centre<br />
• bar • café • restaurant<br />
Silk Path Hotel<br />
★★★ Standard Map: 7<br />
Prominently located in the heart of<br />
Hanoi’s tourist district, The Silk Path<br />
Hotel is a charming hotel in a convenient<br />
location. With good amenities and<br />
friendly service a stay here is comfortable<br />
and enjoyable. Each room is inspired<br />
by the fusion of contemporary and<br />
modern Vietnamese paintings. The<br />
two restaurants give you a choice of<br />
Vietnamese and Mediterranean cuisine<br />
and the piano bar is a great spot to chill<br />
out. The fitness centre includes a gym,<br />
sauna, Jacuzzi and steam bath, while the<br />
tranquil spa also has a bar serving fresh<br />
fruit shakes, or unwind in your room with<br />
24 hour room service.<br />
From $ 68 pp<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Apr - 30 Sep 11 $136 $68<br />
Extra Facilities: 106 rooms • 24 hour<br />
room service • spa • sauna • Jacuzzi<br />
• fitness centre • 2 restaurants • 3 bars<br />
Hilton Hanoi Opera<br />
★★★★★ Deluxe Map: 8 ★★★★★ Heritage/Deluxe bonus Map: 9<br />
The Hilton Hanoi Opera is a landmark<br />
in the city. Centrally located in Hanoi’s<br />
elegant French Quarter, the hotel is a<br />
short walk from the famous Old Quarter.<br />
Modern rooms are equipped with<br />
five-star conveniences. Swim laps in the<br />
outdoor pool with Opera House views,<br />
work out in the fitness centre or unwind<br />
in the Jacuzzi and saunas. Dine on<br />
contemporary Vietnamese cuisine in Ba<br />
Mien restaurant, sip a cocktail and listen<br />
to the live jazz in the Lobby Lounge, or<br />
enjoy coffee and pastries at Café Opera.<br />
This is an excellent deluxe choice with<br />
outstanding food and beverage options<br />
in a central location.<br />
Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake<br />
★★★★★ Deluxe Map: 10<br />
Built over Hanoi’s largest lake, West Lake,<br />
this unique and beautiful hotel is only a<br />
short drive from the historic heart of the<br />
city. The hotel feels more like a resort<br />
with its low-rise buildings, spacious<br />
rooms and extensive facilities. Indulge in<br />
one of the two restaurants on innovative<br />
Vietnamese cuisine or delicious Italian, or<br />
unwind in one of three bars. The signature<br />
Club InterContinental Lounge, for those<br />
staying in the Executive Club rooms, are<br />
the perfect way to relax after a day out.<br />
A beautiful outdoor swimming pool is<br />
great for cooling off and the fitness centre<br />
has the latest equipment and offers Tai<br />
Chi, Yoga, Aerobic and Pilate classes.<br />
Spacious rooms feature rich textures and<br />
From $ 107pp<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Apr - 31 Mar 12 $184 $107<br />
Extra Facilities: 269 rooms • bakery<br />
• health club • fitness centre • sauna<br />
• swimming pool • 2 bars • 2 restaurants<br />
From $ 111pp<br />
vibrant colours and all rooms and suites<br />
feature private balconies, most with water<br />
views. Soak in the oversize tub, or enjoy<br />
the separate rain shower A stay here is<br />
incredibly comfortable, from the friendly<br />
staff to the countless facilities. This hotel<br />
offers a unique new style and location in<br />
Hanoi, with a sense of space which the<br />
city centre hotels find hard to match<br />
Extra Facilities: 359 rooms<br />
• mini-bar • tea/coffee making facilities<br />
• club lounge • health club • spa<br />
• swimming pool<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Dec 10 - 30 Sep 11,<br />
01 Dec - 31 Dec 11<br />
$221 $111<br />
Sofitel Legend Metropole<br />
Originally opened in 1901 the Sofitel<br />
Metropole Hanoi has long been the place<br />
to stay in Hanoi. Dining here is a highlight,<br />
with fine French cuisine at Le Beaulieu,<br />
acclaimed Vietnamese at Spices Garden<br />
and Vietnam’s most sumptuous buffet<br />
breakfast. Rooms are superbly appointed,<br />
featuring original Art Deco styling in all<br />
historical Metropole Wing rooms and<br />
more modern decor in the Opera Wing<br />
rooms. Be sure to book well in advance<br />
at this popular hotel, especially during<br />
high season. This landmark heritage<br />
hotel offers more colonial ambience than<br />
anywhere else in the capital.<br />
Extra Facilities: 364 rooms • mini-bar<br />
• hairdryer • tea/coffee making facilities<br />
From $ 142 pp<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
11 Apr - 30 Sep 11 $283 $142<br />
• swimming pool • gym • spa • 2 bars<br />
• 3 restaurants<br />
Bonus: Discount applies for bookings<br />
made more than 30 days in advance; valid<br />
1 Apr 11 - 31 Mar 12. Alternate upgrade<br />
promotion available; 11 Apr - 30 Sep 11.<br />
Pricing and validity dates specified are based on low season and are intended as a guide only. Contact us for price details outside of these dates.<br />
17
Hoi An and Hue Touring<br />
Central Vietnam is home to some of the country’s most intriguing historic sites, dramatic landscapes,<br />
beautiful beaches, distinct regional cuisine and traditional rural scenes. Discover the delights of<br />
historic Hue, and traverse Hai Van Pass, which climbs high into the clouds and affords spectacular<br />
views of the coastline. Experience Hoi An, a former trading port with a charming, historic atmosphere,<br />
great shopping and some of the country’s best cuisine – and beach resorts nearby.<br />
•Hue<br />
Hoi An•<br />
Vietnam<br />
Hoi An Day Tours<br />
From $ 31pp<br />
Hue Day Tours<br />
From $ 60pp<br />
Hue to Hoi An half day tour<br />
Experience arguably the most scenic<br />
coastal drive in Vietnam, taking the<br />
time to stop along the way to visit<br />
sacred Marble Mountain, China Beach<br />
and the interesting Cham Museum in<br />
Danang. The highlight is undoubtedly<br />
the drive over Hai Van Pass, with the<br />
road rising to over 1,000 metres above<br />
sea level, affording spectacular views of<br />
surrounding coastline and countryside.<br />
Note: Available in both directions – starting Hoi An<br />
or Hue.<br />
Join in from $77pp<br />
Private from $110pp twin<br />
DMZ full day tour<br />
Travel north to the former Demilitarized<br />
Zone, popularly known as the ‘DMZ’<br />
– the strip of land either side of the<br />
17th Parallel which formally separated<br />
North and South Vietnam – still home<br />
to many remnants of a war torn past.<br />
Private from $102pp twin<br />
Hue design your own<br />
full day tour<br />
The former imperial capital of Hue is<br />
steeped in history and has many sites<br />
you could choose to visit. Wander the<br />
Hoi An, Vietnam<br />
Red Bridge cooking class half<br />
day tour<br />
Visit Hoi An’s colourful market and<br />
learn about the ingredients on offer.<br />
Cruise the Thu Bon River to the cooking<br />
school where you will explore its herb<br />
and vegetable garden before preparing<br />
some local dishes.<br />
Join in from $127pp<br />
Hoi An half day tour<br />
Explore the ancient town of Hoi An.<br />
See traditional street scenes and<br />
cottage industries, and the vibrant<br />
riverside markets. Visit an old merchant<br />
house, the Hoi An Museum, a Chinese<br />
Assembly Hall and the Japanese<br />
Covered Bridge.<br />
Join in from $31pp<br />
Private from $41pp twin<br />
Hoi An fisherman half day tour<br />
Board your boat for a cruise through<br />
Water Coconut Palm Canal, a tranquil<br />
area little visited by tourists. Learn local<br />
fishing techniques and how to navigate<br />
a basket boat through the narrow<br />
waterways and enjoy a sumptuous<br />
seafood lunch on board.<br />
Join in from $67pp<br />
My Son ruins half day tour<br />
One of the most stunning sights in<br />
the Hoi An area is My Son, Vietnam’s<br />
most important Cham site. The Cham<br />
people occupied this area of Vietnam<br />
from the 2nd to the 17th century and<br />
at My Son you will find some amazing<br />
religious monuments built during the<br />
Champa dynasty.<br />
Join in from $51pp<br />
Private from $71pp twin<br />
Hoi An local for a day<br />
half day tour<br />
This morning become a Hoi An “local<br />
for a day” and join local farmers to<br />
learn about their cultivation techniques<br />
with some fun, hands-on experience.<br />
Cycle a short distance out of Hoi An<br />
through picturesque countryside to the<br />
quaint village of Tra Que. Join a local<br />
family for the morning and learn about<br />
some of the unique farming methods<br />
native to Vietnam.<br />
Join in from $72pp<br />
Hoi An design your own<br />
half day tour<br />
Create your own tour from historic<br />
Hoi An sites like the Japanese Covered<br />
Bridge, one of the town’s several<br />
Chinese Assembly Halls, a restored<br />
trading house, or a tour of the town’s<br />
best shopping streets. Please note<br />
that Hoi An design your own tours do<br />
not include air-conditioned vehicle and<br />
driver as sites are within an easy walk<br />
of each other.<br />
Design your own from $40pp twin<br />
Hue full day tour<br />
Visit the impressive home of the Nguyen<br />
Dynasty emperors – the Citadel, and the<br />
tombs of two former emperors. Travel<br />
by dragon boat along the Perfume River<br />
to the Thien Mu Pagoda and visit lively<br />
Dong Ba Market.<br />
Join in from $60pp<br />
Private from $84pp twin<br />
massive Citadel, Tien Muu Pagoda,<br />
the Nguyen Emperors’ tombs, or the<br />
sprawling Dong Ba Markets. You<br />
choose which sites you’d like to see<br />
and our expert local guides will ensure<br />
you get the most out of each one.<br />
Design your own from $84pp twin<br />
For details and inclusions of our Private day tours, Join in day tours, and<br />
Design your own day tours, please refer to page 5. All prices are ‘from’ prices.<br />
For details and inclusions of our Private day tours, Join in day tours, and<br />
Design your own day tours, please refer to page 5. All prices are ‘from’ prices.<br />
Hoi An fisherman tour, Vietnam<br />
18 HANDMADE FROM LOCAL KNOWLEDGE. HANDPICKED BY US. www.handmadeholidays.com.au
Hue Accommodation<br />
Top things to see and do in Hue<br />
Take in the peaceful sights and sounds of the Perfume River on a dragon boat<br />
Uncover the area’s rich history at The Citadel and the many ornate emperors’ tombs<br />
Discover Imperial cuisine at one of the local restaurants serving this traditional style of meal<br />
Tour the Demilitarized Zone, home to many remnants of a war torn past<br />
•Hue<br />
•Saigon<br />
Vietnam<br />
Asia Hotel<br />
Hue<br />
★★★ Standard Map: 1<br />
From $ 34 pp<br />
The Asia Hotel is a cheerful, family run<br />
hotel, located right in the middle of<br />
town just a short walk from the main<br />
shops and restaurants as well as the<br />
Perfume River. All rooms are bright<br />
and simply but comfortably furnished.<br />
Upgrade to an Asia Suite for a Jacuzzi.<br />
There is a restaurant and the terrace<br />
next to the pool serves a wide variety<br />
of dishes including snacks and drinks,<br />
with fantastic views of Hue below. The<br />
pool is very small but good enough for<br />
a refreshing dip. Great location, a pool<br />
and good pricing makes this a value<br />
option in Hue.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Jan - 31 Dec 11 $67 $34<br />
Extra Facilities: 87 rooms • hairdryer<br />
• tea/coffee making facilities • small<br />
swimming pool • terrace snack bar<br />
• restaurant<br />
Huong Giang Hotel Resort & Spa<br />
Saigon Morin<br />
★★★ Standard Map: 2<br />
From $ 45 pp<br />
★★★★ Superior /Heritage Map: 3<br />
From $ 59 pp<br />
The Huong Giang Hotel Resort & Spa sits<br />
in a beautiful location on the Perfume<br />
River in Hue’s centre, amidst tropical<br />
gardens. Rooms are well maintained,<br />
with a traditional Vietnamese style and<br />
modern conveniences. The hotel features<br />
a small gym and spa, or you could sip a<br />
cocktail by the outdoor swimming pool.<br />
The restaurant offers both Western and<br />
Vietnamese dishes and the riverside bar<br />
is a fantastic locale for sunset drinks.<br />
There is a large selection of restaurants<br />
and shopping conveniently located just<br />
steps from the door. The Huong Giang<br />
Hotel is a central and comfortable choice.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Apr - 31 Mar 12 $89 $45<br />
Extra Facilities: 165 rooms and<br />
suites • internet access • tea/coffee<br />
making facilities • hairdryer • swimming<br />
pool • fitness centre • spa • 3 bars<br />
• 4 restaurants<br />
The historic Saigon Morin was<br />
originally built in 1901, and is a<br />
beautifully restored French building in<br />
central Hue, immediately opposite the<br />
Perfume River and Trang Tien Bridge.<br />
The hotel maintains an old-world<br />
charm with very spacious rooms in a<br />
colonial style. Be spoilt for choice with<br />
a number of restaurants and bars or<br />
relax in the leafy courtyard garden by<br />
the swimming pool. The Saigon Morin<br />
is in an excellent location and provides<br />
a real taste of French-colonial charm.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Apr - 30 Sep 11 $117 $59<br />
Extra Facilities: 184 rooms • tea/coffee<br />
making facilities • health club • fitness<br />
centre • sauna • swimming pool • 2 bars<br />
• 3 restaurants<br />
Pilgrimage Village<br />
La Residence Hotel & Spa, Hue<br />
★★★★ Superior bonus Map: 4<br />
From $ 69 pp<br />
★★★★ Deluxe/Heritage bonus Map: 5<br />
From $ 83 pp<br />
In lush tropical gardens outside central<br />
Hue, Pilgrimage Village is a unique resort<br />
style hotel. Combining the soothing natural<br />
environment with local culture, the resort is<br />
a reflection of its surrounds. Each room is<br />
filled with traditional touches and features<br />
two private balconies. New facilities<br />
include a restaurant, bar and fantastic 50<br />
metre pool. In addition to a range of new<br />
bungalows, some of which feature private<br />
plunge pools, there are yoga and meditation<br />
rooms and the luxurious Vedana Spa. A<br />
unique, stylish and relaxing experience in a<br />
resort-style setting.<br />
Extra Facilities: 99 guestrooms<br />
• internet access • tea & coffee facilities<br />
• private balcony or terrace<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 May - 30 Sep 11 $137 $69<br />
• 2 swimming pools • spa/massage<br />
centre • 24 hour room service • movie<br />
room • 3 bars • 2 restaurants<br />
Bonus: Discounts and other bonuses<br />
valid 01 May to 30 Sep 2011. Contact us<br />
for details.<br />
La Residence Hotel & Spa is Hue’s first<br />
luxury boutique hotel, a former opulent<br />
French residence on the banks of the<br />
Perfume River. The elegant guestrooms<br />
combine colonial charm and Asian<br />
opulence, most with views across the<br />
river. Signature Suites are individually<br />
designed with four poster beds and Art<br />
Deco furniture. Outside is a stunning<br />
swimming pool by the Perfume River.<br />
Enjoy superb cuisine and fine dining<br />
at Le Parfum Restaurant. Stay here to<br />
experience a stylish heritage hotel with<br />
stunning Art Deco interiors.<br />
Extra Facilities: 122 rooms • internet<br />
access • tea/coffee making facilities<br />
• spa/massage centre • 2 bars • fitness<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Apr - 31 Oct 11 $164 $83<br />
centre • swimming pool • tennis courts<br />
• restaurant<br />
Bonus: Stay 3 nights pay 2; stay 2 nights<br />
pay 1.5. Valid 01 May to 30 Sep 2011.<br />
Pricing and validity dates specified are based on low season and are intended as a guide only. Contact us for price details outside of these dates.<br />
19
HOI AN Accommodation<br />
Top things to see and do in Hoi An<br />
Take an easy bike ride out to the beach and spend the day relaxing by the sparkling China Sea<br />
Peer through ancient doorways and enter historic buildings in the Old Town<br />
Shop till you drop with some of Vietnam’s best shopping options and famous master tailors<br />
Indulge in fine cuisine at one of the many fantastic restaurants<br />
Hoi An•<br />
Vietnam<br />
Vinh Hung 2 Hotel<br />
★★★ Standard Map: 1<br />
A small but centrally located hotel, the<br />
Vinh Hung 2 is in the centre of Hoi An,<br />
very close to the Old Town, surrounded<br />
by landscaped gardens. Modest rooms<br />
are simply decorated in a Chinese style,<br />
with conveniences such as a mini-bar,<br />
hairdryer, bathtub and 24 hour room<br />
service. Spend some time relaxing by<br />
the courtyard swimming pool or try the<br />
small sauna. The restaurant serves both<br />
Vietnamese and Western food. The<br />
surrounding streets are a hub of Hoi An<br />
activity with cafés and tailor shops all<br />
around, making this a great option for<br />
those wanting good value for the price<br />
and all the town’s attractions right at<br />
your doorstep.<br />
From $ 25 pp<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 May - 31 Aug 11 $53 $25<br />
Extra Facilities: 31 rooms • hairdryer<br />
• tea/coffee making facilities • mini-bar<br />
• in-room safe • 24 hour room service<br />
• small swimming pool • restaurant<br />
Hoi An<br />
★★★ Standard<br />
From $ — pp<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
Hoi An Trails Resort<br />
Hoi An Historical Hotel<br />
★★★ Superior bonus Map: 2 ★★★ Standard Map: 3<br />
Located between Hoi An and Cua Dai<br />
Beach – both are easily accessible by the<br />
resort’s shuttle bus or bicycles in just a few<br />
minutes. Set amongst lush gardens, all<br />
guestrooms are large and nicely furnished<br />
with local decor, and the resort has a cosy,<br />
intimate feel. The main restaurant offers<br />
a Vietnamese and Western menu and<br />
Trails Top Café boasts unsurpassed views<br />
of the surrounding countryside. The pool<br />
also features a floating bistro and pool bar<br />
that serves cocktails and light meals. The<br />
Hoi An Trails Resort is a quality hotel that<br />
offers fantastic value for money, superior<br />
to many similarly priced options.<br />
Extra Facilities: 100 rooms • tea/coffee<br />
making facilities • shuttle transport to<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Jan - 31 Dec 11 $80 $40<br />
town & beach • swimming pool • spa &<br />
massage centre • restaurant • bar<br />
Bonus: Stay 4 nights pay 3. Valid 01 May<br />
to 30 Sep 2011.<br />
From $ 4 0 pp From $ 41 pp<br />
The Hoi An Historical Hotel (formerly<br />
named the Hoi An Hotel) boasts a great<br />
location in the heart of town, adjacent<br />
to the Old Town. The original hotel<br />
building dates back to French times, but<br />
in recent years new buildings have been<br />
added to the large grounds of this resort<br />
style hotel. Rooms are comfortable and<br />
spacious with a private balcony. The<br />
large pool is fantastic, especially in the<br />
hottest months of the year. Enjoy resort<br />
style activities such as a tennis court and<br />
spa. The restaurant is very reasonably<br />
priced and the shady garden terrace is a<br />
delightful spot for breakfast. The town<br />
is on your doorstep, and having a pool to<br />
jump into after a day’s exploring is great!<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
03 May - 30 Sep 11 $81 $41<br />
Extra Facilities: 160 rooms • internet<br />
access • mini-bar • bar • business<br />
services • coffee shop • swimming<br />
pool • tennis • spa • fitness centre<br />
• restaurant<br />
Hoi An Riverside Resort<br />
Life Heritage Resort Hoi An<br />
★★★★ Superior Map: 4<br />
Nestled amongst tropical greenery, the<br />
Hoi An Riverside Resort sits on the banks<br />
of the scenic Do River. Surrounded by lush<br />
rice fields, the barefoot elegance and<br />
resort-style atmosphere blend perfectly<br />
into the natural environment. Dine by the<br />
river in the Song Do restaurant, feasting<br />
on local and international cuisine, or<br />
grab a quick bite from the pool bar, while<br />
lazing by the gorgeous pool, surrounded<br />
by swaying palms. There’s also plenty to<br />
keep you busy with a gym, badminton,<br />
and the Riverside-Senses spa. Rooms are<br />
bright and spacious, each with a private<br />
balcony and lovely view. Decor is simple<br />
and elegant and reflects the laid-back<br />
ambience of the hotel. This hotel is an<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 May - 30 Sep 11 $99 $50<br />
ideal solution for those wanting a peaceful<br />
retreat without being too far from town.<br />
Extra Facilities: 63 rooms • internet<br />
access • mini-bar • in-room safe<br />
• hairdryer • business centre • spa<br />
• badminton • gym • restaurant • bar<br />
From $ 50 pp From $ 78 pp<br />
★★★★ Superior/Deluxe Map: 5<br />
Life Heritage Resort Hoi An is the only<br />
deluxe hotel in the Old Town, and is<br />
conveniently located at the end of one of<br />
the most attractive streets in town, on the<br />
banks of the Thu Bon River. The Frenchcolonial<br />
style buildings meld perfectly<br />
with the tropical surrounds and rooms<br />
are stylishly furnished. A large swimming<br />
pool is the ideal way to cool off after<br />
a hot day, and the Senses Restaurant<br />
boasts a menu that captures the essence<br />
of Eastern and Western cuisine. A bar<br />
and café offer more casual options, and<br />
the luxurious Life Spa is totally relaxing.<br />
Spacious rooms are modern and chic,<br />
with light pouring in through large french<br />
doors, leading to your private balcony.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Apr - 31 Oct 11 $157 $78<br />
Extra Facilities: 94 rooms • mini-bar<br />
• spa • swimming pool • 2 bars • café<br />
• restaurant<br />
20 HANDMADE FROM LOCAL KNOWLEDGE. HANDPICKED BY US. www.handmadeholidays.com.au
Hoi An Beach Accommodation<br />
“Hoi An is definitely a traveller favourite, with many of our clients saying it was a highlight<br />
of their trip. It just has so much to offer, from shopping and eating, to historic monuments<br />
and stunning beaches. However it is the laid-back ambience that permeates the whole<br />
town that really sets it apart for me.” Phil Jordan, Vietnam Product Manager, Vietnam<br />
Hoi An•<br />
Vietnam<br />
River Beach Resort<br />
Boutique Hoi An Resort<br />
★★★ Standard bonus Map: 6 From $ 45 pp ★★★ Superior Map: 7<br />
Located opposite beautiful Cua Dai Beach<br />
on the banks of the De Vong River, just a<br />
few minutes drive from town, the River<br />
Beach Resort was recently renovated giving<br />
it an elegant, modern style. Rooms are<br />
quite large, and are comfortably appointed,<br />
combining international and Vietnamese<br />
styles. All rooms have small balconies, most<br />
with lovely river views. The riverside pool<br />
has a spacious terrace, perfect for evening<br />
dining and there is also a restaurant with<br />
a nice poolside bar, overlooking the beautiful<br />
De Vong River. The River Beach Resort offers<br />
great value at a beach-handy location.<br />
Extra Facilities: 85 rooms • hairdryer<br />
• tea/coffee making facilities • swimming<br />
pool and poolside bar • business centre<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Jan - 31 Dec 11 $90 $45<br />
• meeting rooms • fitness centre • beauty<br />
salon • shuttle bus • bar • restaurant<br />
Bonus: Stay 7 nights pay 6 and receive<br />
10% discount on all services. Valid 01 Jan<br />
to 31 Dec 2011.<br />
The Boutique Hoi An Resort is a new<br />
property to the region located on Cua Dai<br />
beach, overlooking the Cham Islands. The<br />
design features a central pool and the<br />
spacious verdant gardens compliment the<br />
relaxed setting. Rooms are well equipped<br />
with a range of amenities and, like the<br />
overall design of the hotel, blend modern<br />
living with ancient traditional charm.<br />
Each room has a private balcony, most<br />
of which look out across the glimmering<br />
sea. The spacious restaurant offers both<br />
international and Vietnamese cuisine, and<br />
dining options are also available by the<br />
large outdoor swimming pool.<br />
From $ 63 pp<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Oct 10 - 30 Sep 11 $125 $63<br />
Extra Facilities: 82 rooms • wi-fi<br />
internet • lcd tv • tea/coffee making<br />
facilities • hair dryer • in-room safe<br />
• gym • swimming pool • spa • sauna<br />
& steam rooms<br />
Palm Garden Resort<br />
Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa<br />
★★★★ Superior Map: 8<br />
Sitting on five hectares of tropical<br />
gardens, complete with over 400 coconut<br />
palms, the Palm Garden Resort is set<br />
right on Cua Dai beach. The hotel’s<br />
interiors are simple but very comfortable,<br />
furnished with Vietnamese silks and<br />
natural materials. The open-air Terrace<br />
Café serves Vietnamese and international<br />
dishes in a traditional atmosphere<br />
with wonderful garden views to the<br />
huge lagoon pool. There are two bars<br />
and a great selection of water sports<br />
and facilities. The Palm Garden is a<br />
wonderfully equipped and stylish beach<br />
resort set in beautiful secluded grounds.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
02 May - 31 Oct 11 $149 $75<br />
Extra Facilities: 163 rooms • tea/coffee<br />
making facilities • kids’ club • fitness<br />
centre • swimming pool • complimentary<br />
shuttle • souvenir shop • tennis courts<br />
• water sports equipment • spa • salon<br />
★★★★ Deluxe bonus Map: 9<br />
From $ 75 pp From $ 10 4 pp<br />
The Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa<br />
combines access to historic Hoi An with<br />
the white sands and turquoise waters of<br />
Cua Dai Beach. The property has been<br />
thoughtfully designed in harmony with<br />
the architectural style of Hoi An. All<br />
generously sized rooms have balconies<br />
or terraces and some offer beach or river<br />
views. They are tastefully decorated in<br />
French, Japanese or Vietnamese style.<br />
Relax at the large pool or at the beautiful<br />
beach just beyond. This property is ideal<br />
for travellers who want a beach escape<br />
within minutes drive of charming Hoi An.<br />
Extra Facilities: 100 rooms • tea/<br />
coffee making facilities • swimming pool<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
02 Jan - 23 Dec 11 $207 $104<br />
• fitness centre • massage • café • bar<br />
• 2 restaurants<br />
Bonus: Stay 4 nights pay 3. Valid 05 May<br />
to 30 Sep 2011.<br />
The Nam Hai<br />
★★★★★ Deluxe bonus Map: 10<br />
The Nam Hai offers unprecedented<br />
beachfront luxury, seclusion, sumptuous<br />
accommodation and full beach access<br />
just 30 kilometres south of Danang and<br />
a short drive from Hoi An town. Villas<br />
have their own private gardens and a<br />
very contemporary style with the latest<br />
in features including LCD television, Bose<br />
sound systems, iPods with sound dock<br />
system and espresso machines. In-room<br />
dining is available 24 hours a day. For<br />
true indulgence, upgrade to a private Pool<br />
Villa to lounge by your own plunge pool.<br />
Two restaurants and three terraced public<br />
pools are also on offer, as is a glorious<br />
spa centre with eight private spa suites<br />
set on a tropical lagoon. You will enjoy<br />
From $ 367pp<br />
the comfort of private limousine transfer<br />
services, as well as the ease of a laundry<br />
valet and an around-the-clock concierge.<br />
The Nam Hai is one of the most luxurious<br />
hotels in Vietnam.<br />
Extra Facilities: 100 villass • tea/<br />
coffee making facilities • BOSE sound<br />
systems • iPods • 3 swimming pools<br />
• 2 restaurants<br />
Bonus: Free nights for stays of 3 plus<br />
nights and Pool Villa Club Benefits offers<br />
available from 11 Jan to 17 Apr 2011 and<br />
04 May to 19 Dec 2011. Honeymoon offers<br />
also available. Contact us for details.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Apr - 31 Mar 12 $733 $367<br />
Pricing and validity dates specified are based on low season and are intended as a guide only. Contact us for price details outside of these dates.<br />
21
Beach Accommodation<br />
With stunning white beaches spread along 3,000 kilometres of coastline, Vietnam is a<br />
beach-lovers dream. Whether you want a fun family holiday, a romantic honeymoon, or to just<br />
escape from it all, you can find it here, from the island getaway of Phu Quoc and palm fringed<br />
beaches of Mui Ne, to the more established resorts of Nha Trang. There is a range of options<br />
designed to suit all budgets and tastes.<br />
Vietnam<br />
•Quy Nhon<br />
•Nha Trang<br />
•Phan Thiet & Mui Ne<br />
Saigon• •Vung Tau<br />
Novela Mui Ne Resort & Spa<br />
Diamond Bay Resort<br />
★★★ Standard<br />
From $ 35 pp<br />
★★★★ Superior<br />
bonus<br />
From $ 67pp<br />
Novela Mui Ne Resort & Spa is located<br />
in the heart of Mui Ne, approximately<br />
13 kilometres from Phan Thiet City and<br />
eight kilometres from Red Sand Hill, on its<br />
own private stretch of beach, surrounded<br />
by swaying palm trees. You’re ensured a<br />
comfortable stay with the many modern<br />
facilities and amenities and attentive<br />
service. Rooms have tiled or wooden<br />
floors and a casual, nautical ambience<br />
is carried throughout the resort. A cool<br />
breeze blows off the sea, past the tropical<br />
palm trees and into the resort. Get active<br />
at the outdoor swimming pool and take<br />
advantage of a wide array of water sports<br />
at the private beach, or unwind at the<br />
lovely spa.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
04 Jan - 02 Feb 11; 09 Feb - 29 Apr 11;<br />
03 May - 01 Sep 11; 05 Sep - 31 Oct 11<br />
$70 $35<br />
Extra Facilities: 80 rooms • internet<br />
access • tea/coffee making facilities<br />
• mini-bar • swimming pool • water<br />
sports • spa • bar • restaurant<br />
Close to Nha Trang, nestled right on the<br />
white sands of its own private beach, the<br />
Diamond Bay Resort is a serene tropical<br />
getaway with a host of resort-style<br />
facilities. Spend your days lying on the<br />
private beach, or get your heart racing<br />
with kayaking, jet skiing, windsurfing and<br />
parasailing. The long swimming pool looks<br />
over the sparkling sea, and tennis courts<br />
and 18-hole golf course (open late 2010)<br />
ensure you have plenty to do. Garden and<br />
Mountain View rooms are tucked beneath<br />
the palm trees, while bungalow style villas<br />
offer total privacy, some just steps from the<br />
beach. With full resort facilities and private<br />
villa accommodation, this is a great choice<br />
for those seeking a beach getaway.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
02 May - 01 Sep 11;<br />
03 Sep - 30 Sep 11<br />
$134 $67<br />
Extra Facilities: 342 rooms • sauna<br />
• 18-hole golf course • swimming pool<br />
• private beach • kayaking • water sports<br />
• spa • 2 restaurants • 2 bars<br />
Bonus: Ask us for details of bonus offers.<br />
Victoria Phan Thiet Resort<br />
M Gallery La Veranda Phu Quoc<br />
★★★★ Superior<br />
bonus<br />
FAMILY<br />
FRIENDLY<br />
From $ 105 pp<br />
★★★★ Superior<br />
bonus<br />
From $ 110 pp<br />
The Victoria Phan Thiet Resort features<br />
cosy thatched roof bungalows with either<br />
sea or garden views in a fine hillside<br />
setting, fronting a palm fringed white<br />
sand beach on the South China Sea. Each<br />
bungalow is designed in the style of a<br />
traditional country house and combines<br />
the elegance of Vietnamese furnishings<br />
and the comfort of an international hotel.<br />
There are countless distractions including<br />
two swimming pools, beach volleyball,<br />
water sports and a putting green, with<br />
an 18-hole golf course across the road.<br />
The beach is small but you will feel like<br />
you have it all to yourself at this lovely,<br />
family-friendly resort.<br />
Extra Facilities: 57 bungalows<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
05 May - 30 Sep 11 $209 $105<br />
• in-house movies • 2 swimming pools<br />
• water sports • kids’ club • gift shop<br />
• 2 bars • 3 restaurants<br />
Bonus: Stay 4 nights pay 3. Valid 05 May<br />
to 30 Sep 2011.<br />
M Gallery La Veranda is a luxury boutique<br />
beach resort and spa on picturesque,<br />
unspoiled Phu Quoc Island. It is located<br />
on an 80 metre stretch of white sandy<br />
beach which many consider Vietnam’s<br />
finest. With a French-colonial seaside feel,<br />
Asian styling melds with the elegance of<br />
an old Caribbean villa. Tranquil rooms are<br />
private and cosy with private terraces,<br />
and most overlook the sea. M Gallery<br />
is a quality accommodation option in a<br />
pristine location.<br />
Extra Facilities: 43 rooms • internet<br />
access • tea/coffee making facilities<br />
• swimming pool • spa • scuba diving<br />
• snorkeling • health & beauty centre<br />
• bar • 2 restaurants<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 May - 31 Oct 11 $220 $110<br />
Bonus: Stay 3 nights pay 2; valid 01 May<br />
- 30 Oct 2011. Other benefits include free<br />
return airport transfers, free wifi, and<br />
early check-in/late check-out (subject to<br />
availability).<br />
Chen La Resort and Spa<br />
Furama Resort Danang<br />
★★★ Standard<br />
From $ 123 pp<br />
★★★★★ Deluxe<br />
From $ 147pp<br />
Ideal for those seeking peace, the Chen<br />
La Resort and Spa is located in a quiet bay<br />
of Phu Quoc Island. Designed to integrate<br />
into the pristine environment, the resort is<br />
simple and refined, with a minimal impact<br />
on the surrounding nature. The property<br />
offers a selection of water sports as well<br />
as a good selection of leisure activities<br />
on land. The resort prides itself on a high<br />
standard of service and warm hospitality,<br />
to ensure you have a comfortable stay.<br />
All of the bungalows have a view of the<br />
sea. This is an eco-friendly choice in an<br />
unspoiled location.<br />
Extra Facilities: 36 bungalows and<br />
villas • internet access • mini-bar<br />
• hairdryer • spa • watersports • gym<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Jun - 30 Sep 11 $245 $123<br />
• tennis court • bar • restaurant<br />
Bonus: Free return airport transfers. Valid<br />
to 30 Sep 11. Stay 5 nights pay 4. Valid 01<br />
Jun to 30 Sep 11. Ask us for Honeymoon<br />
and longer stay offers.<br />
The Furama Resort Danang offers five-star<br />
facilities and superb service, a short drive<br />
from Hoi An. With a fantastic level of<br />
luxury and service, the hotel has won many<br />
awards. Set amongst lush gardens that<br />
open up onto a private stretch of beach.<br />
The suites occupy two four-storey wings<br />
overlooking the ocean or a freshwater<br />
swimming lagoon and gardens. This is<br />
a great place to unwind, or try the wide<br />
range of fun activities the hotel has to<br />
offer, from relaxing by the pool to keeping<br />
active with volleyball, tennis, diving and a<br />
host of watersports available.<br />
Extra Facilities: 198 rooms • casino<br />
• golf driving range • diving paddy<br />
• tennis • watersports • fitness centre<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
06 Jan - 29 Apr; 02 May - 01 Sep;<br />
03 Sep - 21 Dec 11<br />
$261 $147<br />
• 3 bars • 2 restaurants<br />
Bonus: Stay 4 nights pay 3; stay 7 nights<br />
pay 5; stay 10 nights pay 7. Valid to 31<br />
Mar 12. Ask us for guaranteed upgrade on<br />
early bookings & honeymoon bonus offers.<br />
22 HANDMADE FROM LOCAL KNOWLEDGE. HANDPICKED BY US. www.handmadeholidays.com.au
Nha Trang Beach Accommodation<br />
Top things to see and do in Nha Trang<br />
Visit relics such as the Po Nagar Cham towers and the Long Son Pagoda on a tour<br />
Take a full day boat tour and cruise the sparkling waters around the islands off Nha Trang,<br />
stopping for a refreshing swim or snorkel and a sumptuous seafood lunch<br />
Cruise up the Cai River on a Nha Trang Explorer tour and discover the daily life of the locals<br />
Ask us about our full range of Nha Trang day tours<br />
Vietnam<br />
•Quy Nhon<br />
•Nha Trang<br />
•Phan Thiet & Mui Ne<br />
Saigon• •Vung Tau<br />
Asia Paradise Hotel<br />
Novotel Nha Trang<br />
★★★ Standard<br />
From $ 34 pp<br />
★★★★ Superior<br />
From $ 79 pp<br />
Located in the heart of Nha Trang, the<br />
Asia Paradise Hotel is only a short walk<br />
from the beach. The hotel features modern<br />
decor with well appointed, bright and<br />
modern guest rooms. Many rooms have<br />
limited city views but the Superior Sea<br />
View rooms have views to the South China<br />
Sea. There is a restaurant and café on site,<br />
however moments from the door there<br />
is an excellent range of shops, bars and<br />
restaurants. The small pool is great for a<br />
dip at the end of a lazy Nha Trang beach<br />
day. One of the best value Nha Trang<br />
options in a good location.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Jan - 31 Dec 11 $68 $34<br />
Extra Facilities: 114 rooms • internet<br />
access • lobby café • rooftop pool<br />
• sauna • beauty salon • restaurant<br />
With international standards and a great<br />
location right on the beach, the Novotel<br />
Nha Trang is a great contemporary choice.<br />
Rooms are light and modern with a casual<br />
ambience, reflective of the beach outside<br />
and feature modern amenities including<br />
LCD televisions. Each room has a terrace<br />
with a stunning view of the sea below.<br />
The Square restaurant, serves delicious<br />
international cuisine with gorgeous views<br />
over Nha Trang Bay, and there are two<br />
bars, including a pool bar for a relaxing<br />
cocktail. Treat yourself to a pampering spa<br />
treatment, or float in the outdoor pool.<br />
With a great location and modern styling,<br />
it is the perfect beach escape.<br />
Extra Facilities: 154 rooms • internet<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Apr - 25 Dec 11 $156 $79<br />
access • mini-bar • hairdryer • 24 hour<br />
room service • restuarant • 2 bars<br />
• swimming pool • fitness centre • sauna<br />
Bonus: Stay 3 nights or more and receive<br />
free night/s. Valid 01 Apr 11 to 09 Jan 12<br />
(limited black out dates apply).<br />
Sunrise Nha Trang Beach Hotel & Spa<br />
★★★★ Superior<br />
The Sunrise Nha Trang Beach Hotel &<br />
Spa combines modern comforts and a<br />
terrific location overlooking Nha Trang<br />
Bay and beach. Modern rooms are<br />
spacious and filled with light, flowing<br />
through French doors, leading to a<br />
private balcony overlooking the sparkling<br />
sea. There is an extensive spa and<br />
massage centre and a large pool and<br />
terrace area with sea views, as well as<br />
private beach access. A well-appointed<br />
high rise hotel with resort-style facilities<br />
makes this a good value option in<br />
Nha Trang.<br />
Evason Ana Mandara Nha Trang<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Apr - 29 Apr 11;<br />
03 May - 15 Jun 11<br />
Extra Facilities: 121 rooms • internet<br />
access • hairdryer • tea/coffee making<br />
facilities • swimming pool • fitness centre<br />
• health spa • beach access • 2 bars<br />
• café • 3 restaurants<br />
Sheraton Nha Trang Hotel & Spa<br />
From $ 83 pp ★★★★★ Deluxe<br />
Honeymoon<br />
From $ 127pp<br />
$142 $83<br />
The Sheraton Nha Trang is the first deluxe<br />
high rise resort of its kind in Vietnam,<br />
located in Vietnam’s most popular<br />
beachside resort. Gaze out on the sparkling<br />
sea with ocean views from every room and<br />
there’s plenty to do with a wide range of<br />
activity choices. Six restaurants and bars<br />
include Italian, Chinese and international<br />
options, with a well-stocked wine bar and<br />
a nightclub. The hotel enjoys exclusive use<br />
of a strip of beach directly opposite, as<br />
well as a fine swimming pool.<br />
Extra Facilities: 284 rooms and suites<br />
• internet access • club floor/lounge<br />
• swimming pool • business centre<br />
• spa • sauna • massage • fitness centre<br />
• bar • 6 restaurants<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Nov 10 - 23 Dec 11 $252 $127<br />
Honeymoon: Honeymoon offers<br />
available. Contact us for details.<br />
★★★★★ Deluxe<br />
Bonus<br />
Special<br />
Deals<br />
Evason Ana Mandara Nha Trang is a<br />
stylish and intimate resort with a fantastic<br />
location on its own private stretch of<br />
beach in Nha Trang. A five-star complex,<br />
the focus is on relaxation and indulgence<br />
for the discerning traveller. Tastefully<br />
decorated villas are set amongst lush<br />
tropical gardens, rich in Asian influences.<br />
Each room has its own terrace, and special<br />
touches include the high, open timbered<br />
roofs and locally crafted furnishings. There<br />
are two pools just metres from the beach,<br />
with spectacular sea and island views.<br />
The Pavilion Restaurant offers delicious<br />
European and Vietnamese cuisine, with<br />
a focus on fresh seafood. Water and<br />
beach sports from volleyball to diving are<br />
From $ 161 pp<br />
available, along with cooking classes.<br />
Diving trips are also available from the<br />
resort’s dive centre. Representing total<br />
luxury and unique style, the property<br />
boasts one of Vietnam’s best spas.<br />
Extra Facilities: 17 villas containing<br />
74 rooms • 2 swimming pools • spa<br />
• parasailing • sailing • fishing • tennis<br />
• windsurfing • 2 bars • 2 restaurants<br />
Bonus: Stay 4 nights pay 3; stay 7 nights<br />
pay 5 valid 01 Apr to 19 Dec 2011. Contact<br />
us for longer stay, dinner, spa, honeymoon,<br />
repeat guest and combination stay offers.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Apr - 19 Dec 11;<br />
16 Jan - 31 Mar 12<br />
$323 $161<br />
Pricing and validity dates specified are based on low season and are intended as a guide only. Contact us for price details outside of these dates.<br />
23
Beach Accommodation<br />
Beyond the well-known beaches in Vietnam are some hidden gems, ideal for those seeking<br />
seclusion in a pristine setting. Con Dao Island, off the southeast coast of Vietnam, offers<br />
dramatic mountain scenery reaching all the way down to the sea, and Ninh Van Bay is a<br />
hidden gem, nestled on the coast just north of Nha Trang with dramatic cliffs behind.<br />
Vietnam<br />
•Phan Thiet & Mui Ne<br />
Saigon• •Vung Tau<br />
•Can Dao<br />
•Quy Nhon<br />
•Nha Trang<br />
Six Senses Con Dao<br />
★★★★★ Deluxe<br />
Bonus<br />
Just off the southeast coast of Vietnam is<br />
the Con Dao archipelago of islands, and<br />
among these islands the largest and most<br />
beautiful is Con Dao Island. Sitting on a<br />
one-kilometre white sand beach on this<br />
island, surrounded by dramatic mountain<br />
scenery, is Six Senses Con Dao. For an<br />
exceptional sense of seclusion, you can’t<br />
go past this incredible remote setting and<br />
preserved natural landscape.<br />
The brand new villas are each designed<br />
with style and elegance, offering generous<br />
space and filled with light. Surrounded<br />
by lush, tropical vegetation, floor to<br />
ceiling windows and private terraces and<br />
balconies look out to the breathtaking<br />
views across the water. All villas have<br />
private infinity pools, while the remaining<br />
Residential villas have two private<br />
pools for the utmost in luxury. Eating<br />
at Six Senses Con Dao is a truly unique<br />
experience. The main guest area at the<br />
resort is a re-creation of a traditional<br />
fishing village giving you the opportunity<br />
to view the whole preparation process<br />
of local seafood, to be eaten in the<br />
restaurant. The property also features a<br />
café and deli, for those wishing to enjoy a<br />
light meal or snack in a more casual venue.<br />
From $ 369 pp<br />
Find true peace at the uniquely designed<br />
Six Senses Spa, and emerge revitalised.<br />
Try some of Vietnam’s specialty treatments<br />
or indulge in traditional and signature<br />
treatments. Skilled therapists create<br />
sensory journeys for guests with a range<br />
of holistic wellness programmes and<br />
pampering therapies using products made<br />
only from natural ingredients.<br />
Extra Facilities: 50 villas • private<br />
swimming pool • in-room safe • DVD<br />
player & movies • satellite television<br />
• tea/coffee making facilities • hairdryer<br />
• spa • restaurant • café • deli<br />
Bonus: Contact us for details of<br />
bonus offers.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
1 May - 31 Oct 11 $737 $369<br />
Six Senses Ninh Van Bay<br />
★★★★★ Deluxe<br />
Bonus<br />
Special<br />
Deals<br />
The Six Senses Hideaway Ninh Van<br />
Bay is a unique boutique resort set on a<br />
stunning private bay north of Nha Trang.<br />
In classic Six Senses style, it offers guests<br />
an unparalleled experience of luxury<br />
reflecting the local environment, and<br />
personal service second to none, with a<br />
personal butler at your call from arrival<br />
to departure. All villas feature private<br />
plunge pools and are in total seclusion and<br />
harmony with their surrounds, featuring<br />
high ceilings, timber and a sense of<br />
space and seclusion. All rooms are very<br />
generously proportioned with large living<br />
areas including day beds. Bathrooms<br />
feature hand-crafted timber tubs and<br />
unique Six Senses products, and the Beach<br />
Pool villas have an outdoor bathroom<br />
courtyard with teak sun beds. Breathtaking<br />
Ninh Van Bay is something to experience.<br />
Accessible only by boat, the Six Senses<br />
Ninh Van Bay is fronted by an absolutely<br />
private sweep of beach and backed by<br />
dramatic, jungle-covered cliffs and hills.<br />
There are three dining venues, all with<br />
their own unique bay views and delicious<br />
cuisine. A leisurely lunch can be enjoyed<br />
poolside, and private dining experiences<br />
can be arranged upon request. Wine<br />
From $ 381 pp<br />
tastings are also available in a unique<br />
cave cellar. The Six Senses Spa, hidden in<br />
the hillside jungle, is a superb experience<br />
and renowned for its massage, health<br />
and wellness treatments. There can be<br />
no other experience like this in Vietnam.<br />
From the dramatic secluded setting to<br />
the personal service and sense of style,<br />
there is nothing else in Vietnam like the<br />
Six Senses Ninh Van Bay. It is perhaps the<br />
most romantic getaway in the country.<br />
Extra Facilities: 58 villas • mini wine<br />
cellar • in-room safe • DVD player &<br />
movies • satellite television • tea/coffee<br />
making facilities • hairdryer • private<br />
swimming pool • spa • 3 restaurants<br />
Bonus: Stay 3 nights pay 2; stay 6 nights<br />
pay 4 valid 01 Apr to 19 Dec 2011. Contact<br />
us for longer stay, dinner, spa, honeymoon,<br />
repeat guest and combination stay offers.<br />
Contact us for full details.<br />
Special Deals: Contact us for special<br />
combination stay deals.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
1 Apr - 19 Dec 11;<br />
16 Jan - 31 Mar 12<br />
$761 $381<br />
24 HANDMADE FROM LOCAL KNOWLEDGE. HANDPICKED BY US. www.handmadeholidays.com.au
sapa touring<br />
•Sapa<br />
Vietnam’s mountain retreats offer travellers a chance to experience a distinctly different side of the<br />
country. In the north, beautiful Sapa is surrounded by Vietnam’s highest mountains and is home<br />
to colourful hilltribes such as the Blue Hmong and Red Dzao. Easy treks through stepped ricefields<br />
uncover the rural way of life of the hilltribes living at these high altitudes.<br />
Vietnam<br />
Sapa & Topas Ecolodge<br />
5 days/4 nights Grade: Moderate<br />
From $ 50 0 pp<br />
From $ — pp<br />
Departs: Hanoi daily<br />
This adventure into the land and lives<br />
of the unique hilltribes living high in the<br />
mountains in Northern Vietnam reveals<br />
spectacular scenery and welcoming<br />
locals. An overnight stay at the incredible<br />
Topas Ecolodge is a highlight, for a truly<br />
tranquil experience.<br />
Day 1: Depart Hanoi by overnight train,<br />
racing through the night towards Vietnam’s<br />
stunning north.<br />
Day 2: Wake to the picturesque scenery<br />
of the countryside, disembarking at Lao<br />
Cai, and continuing by road to Sapa. After<br />
breakfast, become acquainted with this<br />
lovely area with a brief guided tour of the<br />
town and the local colourful market. Spend<br />
some time exploring on your own.<br />
Day 3: The next day, drive out of town<br />
and descend by foot through verdant rice<br />
terraces passing H’mong and Giay villages,<br />
and learning more about this amazing<br />
way of life high in the hills. Spend the<br />
night in the remote Topas Ecolodge, with<br />
breathtaking views on all sides.<br />
Day 4: Visit a local Red Dzao village<br />
located in a beautiful valley, returning to<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Jan - 21 Dec 11 $796 $500<br />
Sapa to board your overnight train.<br />
Day 5: Arrive back in Hanoi for your<br />
departure transfer.<br />
Inclusions: 2 nights accommodation with<br />
breakfast daily • 2 nights air-conditioned<br />
train in a four-berth compartment<br />
• transfers and transport in Sapa • return<br />
transfers from hotel to Hanoi railway<br />
station • private touring • entrance fees<br />
• local English-speaking guide<br />
Note: Superior option available in two-berth cabins<br />
(limited availability so book well in advance). Both<br />
options feature one night in simple but comfortable<br />
Topas Ecolodge bungalows. Late check out on day<br />
one and early check in on day five can be arranged<br />
on request at extra cost.<br />
Standard and superior options available.<br />
Sapa, Vietnam<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
Sapa by Train<br />
Sapa in Style<br />
4 days/3 nights Grade: Moderate<br />
From $ 358 pp<br />
4 days/3 nights Grade: Moderate<br />
From $ 657pp<br />
Departs: Hanoi daily<br />
With its tranquil mountain air, Sapa is<br />
worlds away from busy streets of Hanoi,<br />
and yet is easily reached by an overnight<br />
train journey. View the sweeping vistas<br />
across rice paddies stepped down the<br />
mountains, and gain an insight into the<br />
unique culture and lifestyles of some<br />
of the ethnic minorities living at these<br />
high altitudes.<br />
Day 1: Depart the capital in the early<br />
evening and travel in a comfortable<br />
four-berth sleeper to Lao Cai, near the<br />
Chinese border.<br />
Day 2: A short drive takes you up through<br />
terraced rice fields to the French hill<br />
station town of Sapa. Visit the Muong<br />
Hoa Valley, descending by foot through<br />
rural landscapes to villages inhabited<br />
by Hmong and Giay minorities. Explore<br />
Sapa’s colourful market.<br />
Day 3: Visit a Red Dzao village and<br />
spend some free time exploring Sapa<br />
before transferring to Lao Cai for your<br />
return overnight train trip.<br />
Day 4: Arrive in Hanoi for your<br />
departure transfer.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Jan - 31 Dec 11 $558 $358<br />
Inclusions: 1 night accommodation with<br />
breakfast • 2 nights air-conditioned train<br />
in a four-berth compartment from Hanoi to<br />
Lao Cai and Lao Cai to Hanoi • transfers<br />
and transport in Sapa • return transfers<br />
from hotel to Hanoi railway station<br />
• private touring • entrance fees • local<br />
English-speaking guide<br />
Note: Please note that late check-out on day one and<br />
early check-in on day four can be arranged on request<br />
and at extra cost.<br />
Standard and superior options available.<br />
Departs: Hanoi daily except<br />
Thursday and Saturday<br />
With its beautiful mountain setting<br />
and colourful hilltribes, Sapa is unlike<br />
anywhere else in Vietnam. Travelling<br />
on the refurbished Victoria train takes<br />
you back in time to an era of grand train<br />
travel, with its old-world design touches,<br />
and staying in the Victoria Sapa Resort,<br />
experience this stunning mountain<br />
retreat in style.<br />
Day 1: Depart from Hanoi and travel on<br />
the delightfully restored overnight Victoria<br />
train to Lao Cai, near the Chinese border,<br />
an experience in itself.<br />
Day 2: Transfer to Sapa in the early<br />
morning for a tasty breakfast before<br />
venturing out to local H’mong and Giay<br />
minority villages and the beautiful Thac<br />
Bac Waterfalls.<br />
Day 3: Explore a colourful Red Dzao<br />
village for a greater insight into the culture<br />
of this ethnic minority. Enjoy time to<br />
relax and wander the town, or just soak<br />
up the views from the hotel. Return to<br />
Hanoi on the Victoria Express overnight<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
02 Jan - 22 Dec 11 $942 $657<br />
train, sitting back to gaze out on the<br />
spectacular scenery.<br />
Day 4: On arrival in Hanoi, transfer to<br />
your hotel.<br />
Inclusions: 1 night accommodation at<br />
the Victoria Sapa Resort • 2 nights airconditioned<br />
Victoria Sapa Express sleeper<br />
train in a two or four-berth compartment<br />
• breakfast daily • overnight train from<br />
Lao Cai to Hanoi • return transfers<br />
• private touring • entrance fees • local<br />
English-speaking guide in Sapa<br />
Note: Late check-out on day one and early check-in on<br />
day four can be arranged on request and at extra cost.<br />
Superior option only.<br />
Pricing and validity dates specified are based on low season and are intended as a guide only. Contact us for price details outside of these dates.<br />
25
Mekong Cruises<br />
The Mekong River is the lifeblood of Indochina, and home to some of the most<br />
memorable boat journeys in Asia. In the upper reaches of Laos, where the river snakes<br />
along the border with Thailand, travel on the Luang Say from the Thai border to fabled<br />
Luang Prabang. In Southern Laos, the Wat Phou, a converted rice barge, takes you deep<br />
into an untouched natural wilderness. The Toum Teav plies the waters of the great<br />
Lake Tonle Sap between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. Deep in the Mekong Delta, where<br />
waters run as far as the eye can see, experience a taste of old Indochine, as you travel<br />
from Saigon to Siem Reap on the boutique cruise ship, The Jayavarman.<br />
Indochina<br />
Mekong crusies<br />
Luang Say &<br />
Kamu Lodge<br />
Wat Phou<br />
Toum Teav<br />
Jayavarman<br />
Bassac<br />
Jayavarman<br />
Jayavarman Mekong Cruise<br />
8 days/7 nights Grade: Easy<br />
Departs: Saigon and Siem Reap<br />
weekly<br />
The Jayavarman is a boutique 65 berth<br />
cruise vessel operating between Saigon<br />
and Siem Reap. All rooms have private<br />
balconies and the design evokes the Frenchcolonial<br />
era, combined with Asian touches<br />
and modern luxuries such as an on-board<br />
spa, restaurant and bar and sun deck.<br />
Day 1: Travel by bus to My Tho and settle<br />
into your cabin as you leave Saigon behind<br />
and cruise deep into the Mekong Delta.<br />
Day 2: Embark on a sampan tour of the<br />
colourful Cai Be floating markets. Visit<br />
some local orchards, cottage industries<br />
and traditional country homes.<br />
Day 3: Cruise to the town of Chau Doc,<br />
rich in French-colonial architecture, and<br />
see its bustling market flooded with<br />
tropical fruits. Observe beautiful textiles<br />
being woven on old wooden looms.<br />
Day 4: Continue on to Phnom Penh and<br />
explore the Cambodian capital, with a<br />
traditional dance performance at night.<br />
Day 5: An upriver journey to vibrant<br />
Kampong Cham reveals a silk weaving<br />
village and an ancient wat.<br />
From $ 1, 87 7pp<br />
Day 6: Stop at the pre-Angkorian temple<br />
of Wat Hanchey. Located at the top of a<br />
hill overlooking the river, it offers some<br />
of the best views in Cambodia.<br />
Day 7: Set sail to Kampong Chhnang,<br />
then take a walk through Kampong<br />
Louang, one of the last silversmith<br />
villages, to see the entire community<br />
involved in making various silver items<br />
to sell.<br />
Day 8: Experience the natural wonder<br />
of Tonle Sap Lake, with its floating<br />
villages and abundant bird life, before<br />
finishing in historic Siem Reap, home to<br />
the remarkable Angkor Wat.<br />
Inclusions: All excursions including<br />
entrance fees • English-speaking guides<br />
• breakfast, lunch and dinner daily<br />
• arrival and departure transfers<br />
Note: This tour also operates in reverse. 5, 4 and 3 day<br />
cruises also available. Departures are frequently sold<br />
out well in advance. A non-refundable 20% deposit<br />
is required upon confirmation. Final balances must<br />
be paid 33 days before departure or the booking may<br />
be cancelled and the deposit forfeited. Itinerary may<br />
occasionally vary due to local conditions.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Jun - 30 Sep 11 2828 1877<br />
26 HANDMADE FROM LOCAL KNOWLEDGE. HANDPICKED BY US. www.handmadeholidays.com.au
Mekong Cruises<br />
Top things to see and do on a Mekong cruise<br />
Wake to the sights and sounds of the Mekong coming to life at dawn’s first light<br />
Visit a floating market and see all manner of goods bought and sold, right on the water<br />
Stop at local villages along the shores of the river to learn about local trades<br />
Watch the sun set slowly over the languid river<br />
Indochina<br />
Bassac<br />
Luang Say & Kamu Lodge<br />
2 days/1 nights Grade: Easy<br />
From $ 39 0 pp<br />
3 days/2 nights Grade: Easy to moderate<br />
From $ 53 0 pp<br />
Departs: Saigon daily<br />
Cruise from Cai Be to Can Tho and back<br />
with visits to floating markets, Mekong<br />
towns, lush rice fields and fruit orchards<br />
and snapshots of the Mekong lifestyle.<br />
The Basaac boats are built entirely of<br />
wood and the air-conditioned cabins all<br />
have private bathrooms. Upper and lower<br />
decks have ample room to soak up the<br />
sun and stunning Mekong scenery.<br />
Day 1: Depart Cai Be where you will<br />
have lunch on board whilst leaving the<br />
hustle and bustle of Saigon behind and<br />
taking in the scenery, cruising towards<br />
Cho Lach. In the afternoon, take in the<br />
real Mekong lifestyle entering river<br />
traffic amongst floating markets whilst<br />
getting your first real glimpse of what<br />
life on the river is like. A village visit to<br />
see the rice fields and fruit orchards is<br />
the last stop of the day before a cool<br />
sunset drink and dinner as the boat<br />
anchors for the evening.<br />
Day 2: This morning you will cruise on<br />
to Can Tho. At Cai Rang you will board<br />
smaller boats for a closer look at the<br />
floating markets and a chance to walk<br />
around town before reboarding the<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Nov 10 - 30 Oct 11 $634 $390<br />
boat to continue your journey. After<br />
lunch, take a tour of Can Tho, one of the<br />
Mekong’s busiest ports and a thriving<br />
centre of colourful river trade, before<br />
returning by road to Saigon.<br />
Inclusions: 1 night accommodation<br />
• all excursions including entrance<br />
fees • all meals whilst on board • tea,<br />
coffee and drinking water • arrival and<br />
departure transfers<br />
Note: Bar services and tips are not included.<br />
Want More? A 3 day/2 night journey is<br />
also available on Bassac, which cruises<br />
back to Cai Be. Contact us for details.<br />
Departs: Luang Prabang or Huay Xae<br />
on selected days<br />
Travel slowly down the Mekong from the<br />
Thai border to Luang Prabang in Laos.<br />
Lose yourself in the surrounding scenery<br />
and visit remote hilltribe villages only<br />
accessible by water, staying overnight at<br />
the remote Kamu ecolodge.<br />
Day 1: Leave Huay Xae pier for a cruise<br />
down the Mekong to Pakbeng. En route,<br />
observe the rural life of the river tribes<br />
along the shores of the mighty river. Feast<br />
on a buffet lunch on board before arriving<br />
at the Luang Say Lodge in the rustic<br />
town of Pakbeng, an atmospheric series<br />
of boutique wooden cabins set into the<br />
jungle, in time to watch the sun sinking<br />
below the horizon. Dinner is served on the<br />
terrace overlooking the Mekong River.<br />
Day 2: Continue along the Mekong to your<br />
accommodation, Kamu Lodge. Check in<br />
before an exciting afternoon with many<br />
activities to choose from. You may want to<br />
visit Kamu village, take part in an archery<br />
contest, try your hand at rice planting<br />
and harvesting, or give traditional fishing<br />
and gold panning a go (January to June).<br />
Dinner is served at the open air restaurant.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
1 May - 30 Sept 11 $633 $530<br />
Day 3: Visit Pak Ou caves where<br />
thousands of Buddha images are found,<br />
before arriving in Luang Prabang for your<br />
departure transfer.<br />
Inclusions: 2 nights accommodation with<br />
breakfast daily • 3 lunches • 2 dinners<br />
• group touring • entrance fees • local<br />
English-speaking cruise escort<br />
Note: This tour does not operate in June.<br />
A 2 day/1 night cruise is also available which does not<br />
stop at Kamu Lodge (p 43). This tour also operates in<br />
reverse starting in Luang Prabang.<br />
Want More? Uncover the lovely Luang<br />
Prabang before or after your cruise, with<br />
our ‘Luang Prabang Revealed’ tour (p42).<br />
Toum Teav<br />
Wat Phou<br />
3 days/2 nights Grade: Easy to moderate<br />
From $ 679 pp<br />
3 days/ 2 nights Grade: Easy to moderate<br />
From $ 538 pp<br />
Departs: Phnom Penh or Siem Reap<br />
on selected days<br />
This unique cruise between Siem Reap and<br />
Phnom Penh takes you across the great<br />
lake, Tonle Sap, and its remarkable floating<br />
villages. Enjoy some interesting stops along<br />
the way and at night, sleep in one of only<br />
ten cabins, for an atmospheric, boutique<br />
experience. Beds are cosy and comfortable<br />
and are covered with mosquito nets at night.<br />
Day 1: Cruise past floating fishing villages<br />
as you start your adventure on Tonle Sap<br />
Lake, before mooring overnight in a local<br />
village. Be lulled to sleep by the quiet<br />
lake in the comfort of your private airconditioned<br />
cabin, complete with en-suite<br />
and ceiling fan. During low water season,<br />
usually from March to July, travel by<br />
private speed-boat to meet the Toum Teav.<br />
Day 2: Stop at local pottery villages at one<br />
of the biggest towns on the lake, and visit a<br />
pretty pagoda before mooring for the night.<br />
Day 3: Visit the former capital of Cambodia<br />
and wander hilltop shrines, before seeing<br />
local artisans making metal wares. In the<br />
afternoon disembark at Phnom Penh jetty<br />
for a transfer to your hotel.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Jan - 30 Sep 11 $1131 $679<br />
Inclusions: 2 nights accommodation<br />
with breakfast daily • 3 lunches<br />
• 2 dinners • group touring • transport<br />
• entrance fees • local English-speaking<br />
guides • arrival and departure transfers<br />
Note: This itinerary also operates in reverse, starting in<br />
Phnom Penh and finishing in Siem Reap.<br />
While the Toum Teav mainly operates between Siem<br />
Reap and Phnom Penh the boat can also be charted for<br />
travels between Siem Reap and Saigon, Vietnam.<br />
Want More? Spend a few days at the<br />
beggining or end of your trip. In Siem<br />
Reap, our ‘Lost City and Beyond’ tour (p32)<br />
is a great introduction to the mystical<br />
temples of Angkor including some of the<br />
lesser visited sites.<br />
Departs: Pakse on selected days<br />
Experience the waterways of rural<br />
southern Laos cruising on this converted<br />
rice barge. Visit a hidden forest temple,<br />
the renowned 4,000 Islands region and<br />
the largest falls in Southeast Asia, Khone<br />
Phapeng. Cabins on the Wat Phou boat<br />
are compact but smart and include private<br />
air-conditioner, fan, shower and toilet. This<br />
cruise is a wonderful way of taking in the<br />
highlight sights of the south of Laos.<br />
Day 1: Travel aboard a local longtail<br />
riverboat and soak up the atmosphere of<br />
this southern stretch of the Mekong before<br />
boarding Wat Phou for a delicious lunch<br />
on deck. Back on land explore the boats<br />
namesake, the temple Wat Phou. Enjoy the<br />
tropical sunset from the boats deck before<br />
docking at a local village for the night.<br />
Day 2: After a hearty breakfast, disembark<br />
in Huei Thamo and uncover the hidden<br />
forest temple of Oum Moung. Float though<br />
the beautiful 4,000 Islands region and stop at<br />
Khong Island for an experience of traditional<br />
Laotian village life, unchanged for centuries.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
1 May - 30 Sept 11 $726 $538<br />
Day 3: A longtail boat takes you to Khone<br />
Island before lunch on the mainland amid<br />
colourful French-colonial houses. Drive to<br />
a stunning waterfall near the Cambodian<br />
border, before a short drive back to Pakse.<br />
Inclusions: 2 nights accommodation in a<br />
private air-conditioned cabin with en-suite<br />
• breakfast daily • 3 lunches • 2 dinners<br />
• group touring • entrance fees • local<br />
English speaking cruise escort<br />
Note: Cabins are all twin (no double or triple).<br />
This itinerary also operates in reverse.<br />
Want More? Why not extend your stay<br />
in Southern Laos with one of our Southern<br />
Laos tours (p45).<br />
Pricing and validity dates specified are based on low season and are intended as a guide only. Contact us for price details outside of these dates.<br />
27
Small Group Journeys...<br />
We design our Small Group Journeys for people with<br />
a passion for the total Indochina experience, the<br />
cuisine, the natural beauty, the history, the culture<br />
and the people. Small groups provide the flexibility<br />
of independent travel, minus the hassles. Share your<br />
adventure with up to 15 like-minded people of different<br />
ages and backgrounds, for a personal experience that<br />
goes beyond the standard tourist sites.<br />
Our small group size offers a more authentic<br />
experience than travelling as part of a large coach<br />
load. Our unique combination of a Western tour leader<br />
and local English-speaking guides ensures you will<br />
meet local people and experience their culture first<br />
hand. Our expert knowledge in the region has enabled<br />
us to handpick accommodation that is well located,<br />
comfortable and has great local atmosphere.<br />
<strong>VIETNAM</strong> <strong>CAMBODIA</strong> <strong>LAOS</strong> THAILAND<br />
GRADe Easy GRADe Easy GRADe Easy<br />
Indochina Explorer<br />
18 Days<br />
From $ 4,280pp twin<br />
• PHNOM PENH • ANGKOR • SAIGON<br />
• HOI AN • HUE • HALONG BAY • HANOI<br />
• VIENTIANE • LUANG PRABANG<br />
Highlights of Vietnam<br />
10 Days<br />
From $ 1,775pp twin<br />
• SAIGON • CU CHI • MEKONG DELTA<br />
• HOI AN • HUE • HALONG BAY • HANOI<br />
Vietnam Discovery<br />
14 Days<br />
From $ 2,225pp twin<br />
• SAIGON • CU CHI • MEKONG DELTA<br />
• DALAT • NHA TRANG • HOI AN • HUE<br />
• HANOI • HALONG BAY<br />
Starts: Phnom Penh • Tuesday<br />
Ends: Luang Prabang • Friday<br />
Operates: Year round<br />
Departures: Weekly in high season<br />
To truly cover Indochina, visit Vietnam, Cambodia and<br />
Laos together in this comprehensive endeavor. In historic<br />
Cambodia uncover the capital, Phnom Penh, before<br />
witnessing the incredible temples of Angkor. Travel<br />
from south to north through Vietnam, which unfolds<br />
to reveal bustling cities, sparkling bays, ancient relics<br />
and delectable cuisine. In Laos, experience the Asia of<br />
yesteryear, where time passes more slowly and smiling<br />
locals welcome you.<br />
Inclusions: 17 nights hotel accommodation • flights as<br />
specified • all road transport by air-conditioned vehicles<br />
(half day temple touring by tuk-tuk) • all sightseeing as<br />
specified • entrance fees • Western tour leader based on<br />
a minimum of 7 travellers • local English-speaking guides<br />
throughout • arrival and departure transfers • breakfast<br />
daily, 3 lunches and 1 dinner<br />
Deluxe option available.<br />
Starts: Saigon • Saturday<br />
Ends: Hanoi • Monday<br />
Operates: Year round<br />
Departures: Weekly in high season<br />
From the boisterous energy of Saigon to the tranquil<br />
islands of Halong Bay, discover the contrasting regions<br />
of this diverse country. An insight into traditional<br />
Vietnamese life, Hoi An’s antiquated streets will<br />
thoroughly charm you, and the drive to Hue through the<br />
lush agriculture and stunning coastal vistas of provincial<br />
Vietnam is breathtaking. Appreciate the comfort and<br />
convenience of flights between major centres, leaving<br />
you more time to experience this joyous destination.<br />
Want More? Add Sapa to the end of your<br />
journey to create a 15 day trip, and experience the<br />
awe-inspiring mountain scenery and unique lifestyle<br />
of local minority villagers.<br />
Inclusions: 9 nights hotel accommodation • flights<br />
as specified • all road transport by air-conditioned<br />
vehicles • all sightseeing as specified • entrance fees<br />
• Western tour leader based on a minimum of 7 travellers<br />
• local English-speaking guides throughout • arrival and<br />
departure transfers • breakfast daily and 2 lunches<br />
Deluxe option available.<br />
Starts: Saigon • Sunday<br />
Ends: Hanoi • Saturday<br />
Operates: Year round<br />
Departures: Weekly in high season<br />
Discover more of Vietnam’s fascinating culture,<br />
charming locals, and scrumptious food with a thorough<br />
exploration of this beguiling country. Be engaged by<br />
the living history and ancient relics in Hoi An and<br />
Hue, and the thriving culture of Saigon and Hanoi,<br />
then savour the luxury of time to unwind at Vietnams<br />
stunning beaches, and the picturesque hill station of<br />
Dalat. Experience the extremes of the country from the<br />
bustling cities and traditional towns, to the glistening<br />
beaches, rural villages and soaring mountains.<br />
Inclusions: 13 nights hotel accommodation • flights<br />
as specified • all road transport by air-conditioned<br />
vehicles • all sightseeing as specified • entrance fees<br />
• Western tour leader based on a minimum of 7 travellers<br />
• local English-speaking guides throughout • arrival and<br />
departure transfers • breakfast daily and 3 lunches<br />
Deluxe option available.<br />
Contact us for departure dates.<br />
Ask your travel agent for a free copy of our Small Group Journeys<br />
brochure or visit us at travelindochina.com.au<br />
28
For a sumptuous experience of some of the world’s most<br />
opulent hotels, choose one of our journeys with a deluxe<br />
option, offering luxury accommodation all the way. As<br />
a traveller with Travel Indochina, you can expect to be<br />
captivated by the wonders of Indochina and leave with<br />
both a unique perspective and memories of a holiday of a<br />
lifetime. Contact us for a full range of Indochina Small Group<br />
Journeys. These pages feature a sample of our favourites.<br />
INDIA CHINA JAPAN<br />
Cambodia Revealed<br />
11 Days<br />
From $ 1,780pp twin<br />
• PHNOM PENH • KEP • KAMPOT<br />
• SIHANOUKVILLE • ANGKOR • SIEM REAP<br />
GRADe Moderate<br />
Vietnam Revealed<br />
18 Days<br />
From $ 2,685pp twin<br />
• HANOI • HALONG BAY • HUE • HOI AN<br />
• QUY NHON • NHA TRANG • DALAT • SAIGON<br />
Starts: Hanoi • Saturday<br />
Ends: Saigon • Tuesday<br />
Operates: Year round<br />
Departures: 2 per month in high season<br />
An opportunity to delve further into Vietnam, this indepth<br />
journey will reveal treasures many tourists miss.<br />
The diverse landscapes of this alluring country unfold<br />
slowly before you, offering an array of hidden gems,<br />
smiling locals, and mouth-watering cuisine. Meet<br />
fisherfolk in Hoi An and farmers in the Mekong Delta.<br />
An ever changing backdrop goes from the sparkling<br />
seaside Nha Trang to the quirky hilltop Dalat, through<br />
verdant farmlands to the bustling cities of Hanoi and<br />
Saigon and glistening Halong Bay.<br />
Inclusions: 15 nights hotel accommodation • 1 overnight<br />
boat • 1 overnight train (soft sleeper four-berth shared<br />
cabin) (note: flight option available) • all road transport<br />
by air-conditioned vehicles • all sightseeing as specified<br />
• entrance fees • Western tour leader based on a<br />
minimum of 7 travellers • local English-speaking guides<br />
throughout • arrival and departure transfers • breakfast<br />
daily, 5 lunches and 1 dinner<br />
GRADe Moderate<br />
Contact us for departure dates.<br />
Laos & Cambodia Experience<br />
14 Days<br />
From $ 2,970pp twin<br />
• CHIANG RAI • MEKONG BOAT<br />
• LUANG PRABANG • VIENTIANE<br />
• PHNOM PENH • TEMPLES OF ANGKOR<br />
Starts: Chiang Rai • Sunday<br />
Ends: Siem Reap • Saturday<br />
Operates: Year round<br />
Departures: 2 per month in high season<br />
Imagine the intrigue of floating by slow boat down the<br />
Mekong River to a remote riverside lodge in Laos. So<br />
your journey begins, with many more unique experiences<br />
to come. Be enlightened in Luang Prabang chatting with<br />
local monks, and contemplate the work being done at<br />
the COPE and ChildSafe Centres and find out how you<br />
can help. Your travels lead you along an ancient Khmer<br />
highway through countryside of unbelievable beauty to<br />
the unequaled sight of the dawn’s first light falling upon<br />
the incredible temples of Angkor.<br />
Inclusions: 13 nights accommodation • flights as<br />
specified • all road transport by air-conditioned vehicles<br />
(temple touring by tuk-tuk) • all sightseeing as specified<br />
• entrance fees • Western tour leader based on a<br />
minimum of 7 travellers • local English-speaking guides<br />
throughout • arrival and departure transfers • breakfast<br />
daily, 3 lunches and 2 dinners<br />
Ask your travel agent for a free copy<br />
of our DVD ‘The Travel Indochina way’<br />
Starts: Phnom Penh • Sunday<br />
Ends: Siem Reap • Wednesday<br />
Operates: Year round<br />
Departures: 2 per month in high season<br />
An exploration deeper into Cambodia reveals the intriguing<br />
and little visited south, where you uncover the charms of<br />
the colonial port town of Kampot, and discover stretches of<br />
uncrowded beaches at Kep and Sihanoukville. A trip through<br />
the jungle in darkness to unveil the majestic temples of<br />
Angkor in dawn’s first light is an experience that will stay<br />
with you forever. Stop at a local market in Dom Deak en<br />
route to remote Boeng Mealea. This journey will lay open<br />
parts of exotic Cambodia not often visited by tourists.<br />
Inclusions: 10 nights hotel accommodation • all<br />
road transport by air-conditioned vehicles (half day<br />
temple touring by tuk-tuk) • all sightseeing as specified<br />
• entrance fees • Western tour leader based on a<br />
minimum of 7 travellers • local English-speaking guides<br />
throughout • arrival and departure transfers • breakfast<br />
daily and 1 lunch<br />
Vietnamese Hotpot<br />
12 Days<br />
From $ 2,120pp twin<br />
• HANOI • HALONG BAY • HUE • HOI AN<br />
• SAIGON • MEKONG DELTA<br />
Starts: Hanoi • Saturday<br />
Ends: Saigon • Wednesday<br />
Operates: Year round<br />
Departures: 1-2 per holiday period<br />
Share Vietnam with your family as you discover the<br />
diverse regions and meet the smiling locals. Explore<br />
Hanoi on a fun cyclo ride, then float on sparkling Halong<br />
Bay on an overnight boat and crawl through the Cu Chi<br />
tunnels. Learn to navigate a basket boat near Hoi An and<br />
experience the relaxed lifestyle of the Mekong Delta on an<br />
overnight home-stay. Extend your stay with a visit to Siem<br />
Reap to explore the temples of Angkor and much more!<br />
Inclusions: 9 nights hotel • 1 overnight home-stay<br />
• 1 overnight boat • road transport by air-conditioned<br />
vehicles • sightseeing as specified • entrance fees<br />
• Western tour leader based on a minimum of 7 travellers<br />
• local English-speaking guides • arrival and departure<br />
transfers • breakfast daily, 4 lunches and 3 dinners<br />
<br />
29
Temples of Angkor, Cambodia<br />
Paul Hole<br />
30 HANDMADE FROM LOCAL KNOWLEDGE. HANDPICKED BY US. www.handmadeholidays.com.au
Handmade Holidays in Cambodia<br />
The magnificent ruins of Angkor Wat draw many travelers to Cambodia, but the country is home to<br />
so much more. Discover remarkable Tonle Sap Lake and its fishing communities, the reinvigorated<br />
capital, colonial Phnom Penh, and the beautiful south coast. Let us share with you the place we have<br />
loved to call home for years.<br />
Temples of Angkor<br />
Navigating your way through the little-visited<br />
eastern entrance to Angkor Wat by torchlight to<br />
witness sunrise over the iconic, ethereal temple is<br />
a once-in-a-lifetime experience. However Angkor<br />
is just one of literally thousands of Khmer relics<br />
that dot the countryside of Cambodia.<br />
Travel further afield to the awe-inspiring Boeng Mealea,<br />
a predecessor of Angkor Wat and definitely off the<br />
tourist track. At the atmospheric Ta Prohm, step back in<br />
time to imagine how Henri Mouhot, the French explorer,<br />
might have felt when he ‘rediscovered’ Angkor and all<br />
its splendour in the mid-nineteenth century.<br />
Be sure to allow plenty of time to appreciate the<br />
delicate carvings of Banteay Srei as well – your expert<br />
guide can share the secrets of all these masterpieces<br />
with you.<br />
Siem Reap<br />
Siem Reap itself is brimming with delightful hotels,<br />
delectable cuisine and sumptuous spas. Tree lined<br />
boulevards retain an old French charm and the gentle<br />
river flows slowly through this enchanting city. From<br />
here an ancient Khmer road meanders through the<br />
countryside to Phnom Penh, with plenty to see along<br />
the way. Alternatively, boat services cruise the tranquil<br />
waters of Tonle Sap Lake to Phnom Penh.<br />
Phnom Penh<br />
This riverside capital is abuzz with youthful energy,<br />
bursting with boutiques, art galleries and quirky and<br />
delicious cafes taking residence in the lavish Frenchcolonial<br />
mansions of old. A tuk-tuk journey along<br />
the wide, tree-lined boulevards is the perfect way to<br />
acquaint yourself with this charming destination. Be<br />
sure to visit the city’s namesake, Wat Phnom, as well<br />
as its riverside esplanade, Sisowath Quay and the<br />
Royal Palace, home to the country’s beloved king.<br />
South Coast<br />
The Khmer Kingdom’s south coast has been likened<br />
to that of Thailand 15 years ago. Find small fishing<br />
communities, quiet hill stations and tranquil<br />
backwaters amidst untouched beauty. Enjoy the peace<br />
and quiet that sets Cambodia apart. One visit to the<br />
Kingdom is rarely enough.<br />
map legend<br />
Capital City<br />
Cities / Towns<br />
International Gateway<br />
Travel Indochina Office<br />
Climate<br />
Cambodia can be visited year-round. The climate is<br />
influenced by two seasons – the dry season from<br />
November to March, and the monsoon season from<br />
May to early October. During the monsoon season it<br />
rains for a short time in the afternoon, temple moats<br />
are full, the scenery is lush and green, and there are<br />
fewer visitors at tourist sites; many people prefer to<br />
travel to Cambodia at this time of year.<br />
Average minimum/maximum<br />
temperatures in celsius<br />
JAN APR JUL OCT<br />
Phnom Penh 20°/31° 24°/35° 24°/33° 24°/30°<br />
Siem Reap 20°/32° 25°/36° 25°/33° 24°/31°<br />
South Coast 20°/31° 23°/34° 23°/31° 23°/29°<br />
Footloose Adventures<br />
For travellers looking for an independent<br />
exploration of Cambodia, our Footloose<br />
Adventures give you a basic framework from<br />
which to build your ultimate experience,<br />
without all the hassles. Perfect for travellers<br />
on any budget. See pages 8 and 9.<br />
31
Siem Reap (Angkor) touring<br />
Siem Reap is home to the world famous temples of Angkor – a spectacular collection of<br />
temple ruins providing days of exploration. Make sure you see remote Boeng Mealea<br />
temple, as well as majestic Angkor Wat, the eerie Bayon temple, and sprawling Ta Prohm.<br />
Spend a little longer and discover the town’s excellent restaurants and bars, colourful<br />
markets, the spectacular Lake Tonle Sap and a thriving arts scene.<br />
Siem Reap•<br />
Cambodia<br />
Awesome Angkor & More<br />
6 days/5 nights Grade: Easy<br />
Family<br />
Friendly<br />
From $ 675 pp<br />
From $ — pp<br />
Departs: Siem Reap daily<br />
Take an adventure in Cambodia with<br />
your family and discover one of Asia’s<br />
most beguiling and friendly destinations.<br />
Witnessing the amazing temples of<br />
Angkor together is an unforgettable<br />
experience, made all the more fun by<br />
a variety of transport and fun activities<br />
that the whole family will love.<br />
Day 1: Arrive in Siem Reap and transfer<br />
to your hotel.<br />
Day 2: This afternoon set out for the<br />
temples of Angkor, and a chance to get a<br />
bird’s-eye view as you float above Angkor<br />
Wat in a tethered balloon. Then board your<br />
elephant for a ride through Angkor Thom<br />
and visit the enigmatic Bayon.<br />
Day 3: Rise before dawn and make your<br />
way through the jungle, your path lit only<br />
by torchlight, to see the sun rising over the<br />
majestic Angkor Wat, and then explore<br />
its interior. Visit Ta Prohm, the temple<br />
featured in the Tomb Raider movie, before<br />
free time in Siem Reap.<br />
Day 4: Enjoy a fun family dress-up and<br />
photo shoot before a horse-drawn cart<br />
tour of the countryside.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
1 Jan - 31 Mar 11 $1113 $675<br />
Day 5: Spend time discovering what Siem<br />
Reap town has to offer with free time. You<br />
may like to explore the Old Market and<br />
practice your bargaining skills, or relax at<br />
your hotel before your departure transfer.<br />
Day 6: Free time in Siem Reap before<br />
your departure transfer.<br />
Inclusions: 5 nights accommodation<br />
with breakfast daily • private touring<br />
• transport as specified in air-conditioned<br />
vehicles • entrance fees • local<br />
English-speaking guide • arrival and<br />
departure transfers<br />
Note: For two adults and two children not sharing<br />
parent’s existing bed, two separate rooms will need to<br />
be booked.<br />
Superior option only.<br />
Temples of Angkor, Cambodia<br />
Lost City and Beyond<br />
Angkor at Leisure<br />
4 days/3 nights Grade: Easy to moderate<br />
From $ 426 pp<br />
6 days/5 nights Grade: Easy<br />
From $ 1,016pp<br />
Departs: Siem Reap daily<br />
A more thorough discovery of the lost<br />
temple city of Angkor, on this journey see<br />
the little-visited Boeng Mealea temple and<br />
experience the magical sight of the sun<br />
rising over Angkor Wat.<br />
Day 1: Depart for the ruinous walled city<br />
of Angkor Thom, and explore the eerie<br />
Bayon, the Terrace of the Elephants and<br />
Terrace of the Leper King, with time for<br />
photos and discoveries on foot. Later, visit<br />
monumental Angkor Wat, and board a<br />
tethered balloon just before sunset for a<br />
unique view of the temples.<br />
Day 2: Creep through the jungle before<br />
dawn and enter through the lesser-used<br />
eastern gate to experience the magical<br />
sight of the sun’s first rays falling on<br />
majestic Angkor Wat. Enjoy an in-depth<br />
tour, then visit atmospheric Preah Khan<br />
temple, Banteay Kdei and jungleenveloped<br />
Ta Prohm.<br />
Day 3: Journey to the remote Boeng<br />
Mealea temple, marvel at Banteay Srei’s<br />
intricate carvings, enjoy a local lunch and<br />
visit well-preserved Banteay Samre.<br />
Day 4: Free time to explore the town of<br />
Siem Reap until your departure transfer.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
1 Jan - 31 Mar 11 $751 $426<br />
Inclusions: 3 nights accommodation<br />
• breakfast daily • 1 lunch • private<br />
touring • transport as specified in<br />
air-conditioned vehicles • entrance fees<br />
• local English-speaking guide • arrival<br />
and departure transfers<br />
Want More? Combine this experience<br />
with our ‘Tonle Sap Flaoting Village’<br />
half day tour (p33), or if travelling on to<br />
Phnom Penh, our boutique ‘Toum Teav’<br />
cruise (p27).<br />
Note: To start this tour in the morning travel on our<br />
‘Angkor Adventurer’. Contact us for details.<br />
Standard, superior and deluxe<br />
options available.<br />
Departs: Siem Reap daily<br />
Travelling at a leisurely pace affords you<br />
the opportunity to experience more of<br />
Angkor and enjoy some great activities<br />
such as a helicopter flight over Angkor, an<br />
elephant trek and a horse-drawn cart ride.<br />
Day 1: A boat ride on Tonle Sap Lake,<br />
Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake,<br />
uncovers colourful floating villages.<br />
Day 2: Witness the unforgettable sight of<br />
dawn’s first light hitting the magnificent<br />
Angkor Wat at before an exploration<br />
inside the majestic temple, then encounter<br />
Ta Prohm, enveloped in lush jungle.<br />
Day 3: Take a short helicopter ride over<br />
the temples of Angkor for an unforgettable<br />
view. Explore the ancient city of Angkor<br />
Thom from the back of an elephant before a<br />
visit to Preah Khan. Take a fascinating horsedrawn<br />
cart ride through rural Cambodia.<br />
Day 4: Get off the tourist trail and explore<br />
remote Boeng Mealea and Banteay Srei.<br />
Day 5: Visit Phnom Kulen mountain,<br />
regarded the birthplace of the Khmer empire,<br />
and stop at a Buddhist monastery for some<br />
enlightenment. See the reclining Buddha<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
1 Apr - 30 Sep 11 $1778 $1016<br />
and the River of 1000 Lingas, before a picnic<br />
lunch and swim at a nearby waterfall.<br />
Day 6: Enjoy some free time in Siem Reap<br />
before a departure transfer.<br />
Inclusions: 5 nights accommodation<br />
with breakfast daily • 1 lunch • private<br />
touring • transport as specified in<br />
air-conditioned vehicles • entrance fees<br />
• local English-speaking guide • arrival<br />
and departure transfers<br />
Note: The helicopter ride is subject to weather<br />
conditions and will be rescheduled to another time<br />
during your stay should it be affected.<br />
Standard, superior and deluxe<br />
options available.<br />
32 HANDMADE FROM LOCAL KNOWLEDGE. HANDPICKED BY US. www.handmadeholidays.com.au
Siem Reap (Angkor) touring<br />
Top things to see and do in and around Siem Reap<br />
The unforgettable sight of the sun rising over Angkor Wat<br />
Getting off the tourist train to see lesser-visited outlying temples<br />
The afternoon sun lighting up the colourful floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake<br />
The thrill of soaring high above the temples of Angkor on a helicopter ride<br />
Siem Reap•<br />
Cambodia<br />
Siem Reap Day Tours<br />
From $ 48 pp<br />
Angkor Temples full day tour<br />
Explore one of the wonders of the<br />
world – the great temples of Angkor.<br />
See highlight temples: The Bayon,<br />
the Terraces of the Elephants and<br />
the Leper King, Ta Prohm, Preah<br />
Khan and monumental Angkor Wat.<br />
This insightful tour provides a great<br />
introduction to one of the world’s most<br />
famous World Heritage sites.<br />
Join in from $70pp<br />
Private from $117pp twin<br />
Angkor from the Air full day tour<br />
A once-in-a-lifetime experience viewing<br />
the amazing temples from the air on a<br />
thrilling helicopter flight, accompanied<br />
by contrasting ground level discoveries<br />
of the great Khmer monuments enriched<br />
by the knowledge of your local guide.<br />
Private from $375pp twin<br />
Boeng Mealea & Banteay Srei<br />
full day tour<br />
Travel to some of the outlying temples<br />
to avoid the crowds. Two hours from<br />
Siem Reap is the atmospheric Boeng<br />
Mealea, a massive temple and a<br />
sight to behold, before Banteay Srei,<br />
a temple delicately carved from<br />
pink sandstone.<br />
Private from $85pp twin<br />
Phnom Kulen Mountain Adventure<br />
full day tour<br />
Phnom Kulen is regarded as the<br />
birthplace of the Khmer empire. A drive<br />
to the summit of the mountain brings you<br />
to a 16th century Buddhist monastery<br />
and a 17 metre reclining Buddha.<br />
Descend to explore nearby winding<br />
jungle paths, and see traditional Khmer<br />
healers plying their trade.<br />
Private from $185pp twin<br />
Kampong Khleang & Roulos Temple<br />
full day tour<br />
Visit a beautiful, little-visited floating<br />
village, free from mass tourism, to<br />
view daily life on the water, then enjoy<br />
an exploration of the ancient Roulos<br />
group of temples, older than Angkor<br />
Wat, before a picnic lunch.<br />
Private from $152pp twin<br />
Tonle Sap Floating Village<br />
half day tour<br />
Tonle Sap Lake is the lifeblood of<br />
Cambodia. Cruise through Chong<br />
Khneas floating village and learn<br />
about the remarkable lifestyles led by<br />
ethnic Vietnamese and Khmer fishing<br />
communities. An essential experience<br />
in Cambodia.<br />
Join in from $48pp<br />
Private from $54pp twin<br />
Tuk-Tuk Temples Explorer<br />
full day tour<br />
This family focused tour is designed<br />
for the young and the young at heart.<br />
Experiencing the majestic temples<br />
of Angkor with your family is made<br />
even more fun touring by tuk-tuk and<br />
elephant. Later visit Ta Prohm, used<br />
for the filming of Tomb Raider.<br />
Private from $109pp twin<br />
Siem Reap design your own full<br />
day tour<br />
Choose what you want to see in and<br />
around Siem Reap and let our expert<br />
guides design a tour which is perfect,<br />
just for you. You could explore the<br />
culture and visit the Angkor National<br />
Museum or a cultural village, or for a<br />
taste of local life visit a local village.<br />
Perhaps there will be time for a horsecart<br />
tour.<br />
Design your own from $120pp twin<br />
Angkor design your own half or<br />
full day tour<br />
Tour the temples of Angkor the<br />
way you want to taking advantage<br />
of the expert knowledge of our<br />
handpicked, English-speaking local<br />
guides. Choose Angkor Wat, The<br />
Bayon or Ta Phrom, or some of the<br />
lesser known temples to really get<br />
off the beaten track.<br />
Design your own from $93pp twin<br />
Temples of Angkor, Cambodia<br />
For details and inclusions of our Private day tours, Join in day tours, and<br />
Design your own day tours, please refer to page 5. All prices are ‘from’ prices.<br />
Tuk-tuk touring, Cambodia<br />
Pricing and validity dates specified are based on low season and are intended as a guide only. Contact us for price details outside of these dates.<br />
33
Siem Reap (Angkor) accommodation<br />
“ I’ll always remember the first time I laid eyes on the magical Angkor Wat. After finding<br />
our way through the pre-dawn darkness by torchlight, we entered the eastern gate. There<br />
was no-one around and we came to the temple just as the sun appeared, casting a beautiful<br />
morning light across this magnificent sight.” Tina Nguyen, Senior Sales Consultant<br />
Siem Reap•<br />
Cambodia<br />
Royal Bay Inn Angkor Resort<br />
Siem Reap (Angkor)<br />
★★★ Standard bonus Map: 1<br />
From $ 34 pp<br />
This boutique-style hotel is set in lush<br />
gardens in the quiet French Quarter, just a<br />
short walk from the centre of Siem Reap.<br />
Rooms are tastefully furnished in either<br />
rattan or wood, and are set around a large<br />
pool with a wonderful atmosphere in the<br />
evening. All rooms have either a balcony<br />
or a terrace and good-sized bathrooms.<br />
There is a fantastic on-site restaurant<br />
with a delightful outdoor breakfast area.<br />
The hotel is situated near the FCC Angkor<br />
complex, which has an excellent bar and<br />
restaurant and a range of boutiques. A<br />
lovely, low-rise option with a great pool,<br />
it is also great for families.<br />
Extra Facilities: 62 rooms • internet<br />
access • room service • swimming pool<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
1 Apr - 30 Sep 11 $63 $34<br />
• business centre • massage centre<br />
• restaurant<br />
Bonus: Stay 4 nights, pay 3 valid 01 Apr<br />
to 30 Sep 2011.<br />
Travel Indochina Office<br />
Somadevi Angkor Hotel<br />
★★★ Standard Map: 2<br />
From $ 32 pp<br />
Right in the heart of Siem Reap, Somadevi<br />
Angkor is just steps away from great<br />
restaurants, shopping and entertainment<br />
areas. Offering exceptional value, the<br />
hotel has a wide range of facilities. For<br />
a refreshing drink try the Charlie bar, or<br />
stay cool in the poolside bar by one of the<br />
largest and best swimming pools in Siem<br />
Reap. The hotel has a large restaurant<br />
as well as a café and room service. Stay<br />
fit at the gym at the Bayon Spa & Health<br />
Club, complete with a sauna, steam and<br />
Jacuzzi in the fitness centre, or try the<br />
spa and massage centre. Spacious public<br />
areas are decorated with Khmer themes,<br />
while guestrooms are airy and modern,<br />
fitted with a range of conveniences.<br />
Each is simple yet elegantly designed,<br />
with a private balcony overlooking either<br />
the city below or lush landscaped gardens<br />
and pool. For overall comfort, location and<br />
amenities, Somadevi is a super base for<br />
exploring the wonderful temples of Angkor<br />
as well as a great family option.<br />
Extra Facilities: 144 rooms • internet<br />
access • room service • business<br />
centre • swimming pool • fitness centre<br />
• spa/massage centre • sauna • bar<br />
• restaurant<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
1 Apr - 30 Sep 11 $64 $32<br />
Prince D’Angkor<br />
FCC Angkor<br />
★★★ Superior Map: 3<br />
From $ 4 6 pp<br />
★★★★ Superior Map: 4<br />
From $ 79 pp<br />
The Prince D’Angkor sits in a quiet location<br />
in the centre of Siem Reap, a short walk<br />
from the Old Market and the town’s many<br />
restaurants, galleries and bars. There<br />
is a grand lobby where you are greeted<br />
by attentive and friendly staff. Plush<br />
rooms are tastefully decorated giving<br />
a feeling of luxury, and have a range of<br />
facilities. Superior rooms overlook the<br />
town, however we recommend the Deluxe<br />
rooms overlooking the hotel pool. Relax<br />
in the bar, or enjoy the spa and sauna or<br />
large saltwater swimming pool, great for<br />
a dip after a day exploring the temples.<br />
The great location, luxurious rooms and<br />
extensive range of facilities make this<br />
excellent value.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
1 Apr - 30 Sep 11 $92 $46<br />
Extra Facilities: 222 rooms • internet<br />
access • room service • swimming pool<br />
• business centre • fitness centre • sauna<br />
• restaurant<br />
The FCC Angkor has just 29 rooms<br />
and two luxuriously appointed suites,<br />
giving you a sense of intimacy amidst<br />
the tropical gardens surrounding<br />
them. Combining Cambodian heritage<br />
with contemporary comforts, such as<br />
a flat screen televisions, the clean<br />
architectural lines and artistic decoration<br />
give way to a breezy ambience. Deluxe<br />
rooms overlook the beautiful saltwater<br />
pool and the Visaya spa combines<br />
ancient Khmer techniques with modern<br />
spa treatments. The restaurant serves<br />
Cambodian meals with an international<br />
twist, which can be enjoyed indoors or<br />
out, and a full bar includes wines from<br />
around the globe. This boutique resort<br />
maintains a casual elegance.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
1 Apr - 30 Sep 11 $157 $79<br />
Extra Facilities: 31 rooms • internet<br />
access • 24 hour room service • IDD<br />
telephone • swimming pool • Jacuzzi<br />
• sauna • spa • business centre<br />
• restaurant<br />
34 HANDMADE FROM LOCAL KNOWLEDGE. HANDPICKED BY US. www.handmadeholidays.com.au
Siem Reap (Angkor) accommodation<br />
“I was surprised at how much there was to see in do in Siem Reap. It is a great town<br />
with a really modern vibe. Everyone comes here for the temples, but if you don’t allow<br />
time to explore the town, you’re really missing out.” Claudia Wolf, Business Development Manager<br />
Siem Reap•<br />
Cambodia<br />
Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa<br />
Amansara<br />
★★★★ Deluxe bonus Map: 5<br />
From $ 81 pp<br />
★★★★★ Deluxe/out of the ordinary bonus Map: 6<br />
From $ 634 pp<br />
The colonial-style Victoria Angkor Resort<br />
& Spa is built with modern amenities and<br />
great attention to detail, combining Khmer<br />
design and hospitality with a French touch,<br />
and is set around lovely tropical gardens.<br />
Ceiling fans and louver windows create<br />
a wonderful ambience and a relaxing<br />
open-air lobby area is furnished with<br />
colonial era photos. The resort boasts an<br />
expansive pool and decadent spa, plus chic<br />
guestrooms with wooden floors and local<br />
touches, each with a private balcony. With<br />
a wonderful location and an exceptional<br />
pool area, the resort appeals to both<br />
couples and families.<br />
Extra Facilities: 133 rooms • internet<br />
access • room service • business centre<br />
Suite<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 May - 30 Sep 11 $162 $81<br />
• child minding/kids’ club • meeting<br />
facilities • massage/beauty centre<br />
• swimming pool • spa • 2 bars<br />
• 3 restaurants<br />
The ultimate in privacy, chic ambience<br />
and personalised service, Amansara is<br />
situated within a former Royal guesthouse,<br />
and provides unobtrusive service and a<br />
relaxed ambience. The rooms are decked<br />
out in minimalist-style with Khmer<br />
accents and are the largest in Cambodia,<br />
allowing for an unparalleled feeling of<br />
space and comfort. The Pool Suites each<br />
have a private plunge pool, while the<br />
resort boasts two swimming pools. The<br />
exquisite spa features a range of exclusive<br />
treatments and massages. The dining room<br />
offers Western and Asian cuisine of the<br />
highest standard. This is the ideal retreat<br />
for discerning travellers seeking privacy,<br />
luxury and a once in a lifetime experience.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Jan - 31 Oct 11 $1267 $634<br />
Extra Facilities: 24 suites • internet<br />
access • room service • massage/beauty<br />
centre • 2 swimming pools • spa • library<br />
• restaurant<br />
Hotel De La Paix<br />
★★★★★ Deluxe/out of the ordinary bonus Map: 7<br />
Located in the heart of Siem Reap, Hotel de<br />
la Paix embodies cutting edge design in an<br />
urban-styled hotel. An arching lobby atrium<br />
represents the central tower of Angkor<br />
Wat, and the gorgeous lobby is completely<br />
Art Deco, With exacting attention to<br />
detail, spacious rooms are appointed<br />
with a balanced mix of contemporary and<br />
traditional furnishings, polished hardwood<br />
floors and terrazzo bath tubs. Relax on your<br />
private daybed and take advantage of iPods<br />
in docking stations and wireless internet.<br />
Be spoilt for choice with a selection of<br />
restaurants. For a romantic candle-lit dinner<br />
for two try private dining in the secluded<br />
Fountain Garden, or a luscious take-away<br />
picnic, while a lounge bar doubles as a<br />
gallery for local artists. Spend an afternoon<br />
From $ 127pp<br />
by the Khmer-inspired pool in a private<br />
alcove, surrounded by swaying palms, or<br />
while away the hours at Spa Indochine, a<br />
peaceful haven of tranquillity. Make sure<br />
you allow a couple of extra days to fully<br />
enjoy the divine facilities. A stay in this<br />
chic, luxurious, city-style hotel is a unique<br />
experience in indulgence.<br />
Extra Facilities: 107 rooms • internet<br />
access • room service • business centre<br />
• kids’ club • spa • swimming pool<br />
• 2 bars • 3 restaurants<br />
Bonus: Stay 3 nights pay 2 valid 01 May<br />
to 30 Sep 2011.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 May - 30 Sep 11 $254 $127<br />
La Residence d’Angkor by Orient Express<br />
Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor<br />
★★★★★ Deluxe bonus Map: 8<br />
From $ 128 pp<br />
★★★★★ Deluxe Map: 9<br />
From $ 152 pp<br />
La Residence d’Angkor is designed to<br />
impress, with a stunning garden setting<br />
and exotic ambience. Graced with large<br />
lotus ponds and cool and airy pavilions,<br />
spacious rooms are some of the most<br />
beautifully furnished in Siem Reap, with<br />
impeccably selected wooden fittings, large<br />
bathrooms and wooden balconies. Home<br />
to one of the finest spas in Siem Reap, it<br />
also has four stunningly appointed Spa<br />
Suites. A fine pool, relaxing bar and an<br />
excellent restaurant serving French and<br />
Khmer cuisine make La Residence ideal<br />
for people in search of a low-key yet<br />
sophisticated base in Siem Reap. A unique<br />
luxury resort that is both elegant and<br />
atmospheric, perfect for honeymooners.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 May - 30 Sep 11 $255 $128<br />
Extra Facilities: 55 rooms • internet<br />
access • room service • swimming pool<br />
• bar • restaurant<br />
Bonus: Stay 3 nights pay 2 valid 01 May<br />
to 30 Sep 2011.<br />
Step back in time at the Raffles Grand<br />
Hotel d’Angkor. With no detail spared,<br />
this is colonial grandeur at its finest.<br />
Guestrooms are spread across the<br />
original main building and adjoining new<br />
wing, including the Landmark rooms with<br />
classic four-poster beds and poolside<br />
Cabana rooms, which open onto a<br />
private terrace. Each room is equipped<br />
with a full range of modern amenities<br />
and world-class facilities include a<br />
fitness centre, library and 35 metre pool.<br />
Restaurant Le Grand, with its silver<br />
candelabras and white linen is beautiful.<br />
This is a unique holiday experience with<br />
a colonial history and the romance of a<br />
bygone era.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
1 Apr - 30 Sep 11 $304 $152<br />
Extra Facilities: 124 rooms • room<br />
service • bar • fitness centre • massage/<br />
beauty centre • kids’ club • business<br />
centre • first aid clinic • swimming pool<br />
• spa • 4 restaurants<br />
Pricing and validity dates specified are based on low season and are intended as a guide only. Contact us for price details outside of these dates.<br />
35
Cambodia Touring<br />
Beyond Siem Reap and Phnom Penh are some hidden gems waiting to be discovered, and<br />
travelling through the gorgeous Cambodian countryside to see them is a real highlight.<br />
There are unique experiences, like cycling around the temple complexes, and exploring the<br />
incredible south coast, as well as visits to temples sites rarely visited by tourists.<br />
Siem Reap•<br />
Cambodia<br />
Cambodia day tours<br />
From $ 99 pp<br />
Cycling Angkor<br />
Koh Ker Jungle Explorer<br />
full day tour<br />
Journey through the Cambodian<br />
countryside to see the remains of Koh<br />
Ker on this day trip from Siem Reap,<br />
an interesting contrast with the more<br />
famous Angkor ruins. Climb to the top of<br />
Prasat Thom, a large seven-level pyramid<br />
constructed of sandstone, and explore<br />
outlying temples.<br />
Private from $195pp twin<br />
Morning in the Countryside<br />
full day tour<br />
Driving through the picturesque<br />
countryside, pass fishing villages and<br />
farmers working in the fields, stopping<br />
at interesting handicraft workshops<br />
to see local artisans at work, and get<br />
a deeper understanding of traditional<br />
Khmer lifestyles at villages. Learn about<br />
Theravada Buddhism at recentlybuilt<br />
monasteries, and drive past<br />
Roulos temples.<br />
Private from $99pp twin<br />
Angkor Walking tour full day tour<br />
Get off the tourist trail on a unique<br />
walking itinerary covering rarely visited<br />
areas inside and around Angkor Thom<br />
city, and including a special walk along<br />
the top of the impressive city wall. A<br />
tuk-tuk brings you to Angkor Thom city<br />
where the massive city walls form a<br />
basis for the walking tour.<br />
Private from $109pp twin<br />
For details and inclusions of our Private day tours, Join in day tours, and<br />
Design your own day tours, please refer to page 5. All prices are ‘from’ prices.<br />
4 days/3 nights Grade: Adventurous<br />
Departs: Siem Reap daily<br />
Travelling around the temples by bicycle<br />
is the perfect way to really get amongst<br />
the monuments, experiencing all the<br />
sights and sounds of the area. This trip<br />
visits the main temples of Angkor, along<br />
with some of the lesser known temples,<br />
and ventures the tree-covered Boeng<br />
Mealea. Whilst riding a support vehicle is<br />
available, so there is no need to worry.<br />
Day 1: On arrival in Siem Reap, transfer to<br />
your hotel, before an afternoon cycling tour<br />
of beautiful Siem Reap. Visit the town’s<br />
Royal Residence, Central Market and Old<br />
Market and enjoy a scenic ride along the<br />
banks of the Siem Reap river before a stop<br />
at the Killing Fields, a somber reminder of<br />
this country’s turbulent past.<br />
Day 2: Cycle the short distance to the<br />
temples of Angkor and witness the<br />
breathtaking Angkor Wat. In Angkor<br />
Thom, learn about the eerie stone heads<br />
of the Bayon Temple and then visit the<br />
impressive Terrace of the Elephants<br />
and the Terrace of the Leper King. Your<br />
cycling adventure continues with a visit<br />
to captivating Temple of Ta Prohm and<br />
Banteay Kdei and Prasat Kravan.<br />
From $ 473 pp<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Apr - 30 Sep 11 $791 $473<br />
Day 3: Start with a fun ride on some<br />
great small roads and tracks before Boeng<br />
Melea, passing through some rural villages<br />
and breathtaking landscapes. Tree roots<br />
envelop many of the Temples walls and<br />
doorways, the atmosphere is eerie and the<br />
experience is memorable. Feast on a picnic<br />
style lunch before returning to your hotel.<br />
Day 4: Explore Siem Reap at your own<br />
pace before your departure transfer.<br />
Inclusions: 3 nights accommodation with<br />
breakfast daily • 1 lunch • private touring<br />
• entrance fees • support vehicle • local<br />
English-speaking guide • arrival and<br />
departure transfers<br />
Standard and deluxe option available.<br />
Cambodian Coastal Explorer<br />
Cambodia Encompassed<br />
6 days/5 nights Grade: Easy to moderate<br />
From $ 1,037pp<br />
8 days/7nights Grade: Moderate<br />
From $ 1,332 pp<br />
Departs: Phnom Penh daily<br />
Travel to the picturesque south coast of<br />
Cambodia and visit an old French town<br />
and a ruined beach resort. End with<br />
three nights on a beautiful beach in<br />
Sihanoukville at the deluxe Sokha Beach<br />
Resort before returning to Phnom Penh.<br />
Day 1: Depart the capital for an<br />
atmospheric temple built during the reign<br />
of the Khmer Empire in the 13th century.<br />
At the small town of Takeo, board a<br />
speedboat for Phnom Da, a striking hill-top<br />
laterite temple dating from the 8th century,<br />
before reaching Kep.<br />
Day 2: Once a playground for Cambodia’s<br />
ruling elite and French colonials, Kep today<br />
consists of rocky coves, the shadowy<br />
remains of villas destroyed by war, and a<br />
beautiful, lush hinterland. After free time<br />
here, travel to Kampot, a sleepy riverside<br />
town comprising an old French jail,<br />
rows of colonial architecture, and some<br />
restaurants, for a tranquil sunset cruise<br />
on Kampot’s picturesque river, returning to<br />
town in time for dinner.<br />
Day 3: Spend the morning at leisure in<br />
lovely Kampot, and then after lunch travel<br />
to Sihanoukville.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Apr - 30 Sep 11 $2043 $1037<br />
Days 4-5: Enjoy the comforts of Sokha<br />
Beach Resort, with its resplendent white<br />
sand beach.<br />
Day 6: Farewell the beautiful beaches<br />
before your transfer to Phnom Penh.<br />
Inclusions: 5 nights accommodation<br />
with breakfast daily • private touring<br />
• transport as specified in air-conditioned<br />
vehicle • entrance fees • local Englishspeaking<br />
guide<br />
Note: Accommodation in Kampot in a restored colonial<br />
villa is clean and comfortable, yet simple.<br />
Want more? No trip to Cambodia is<br />
complete without seeing the temples<br />
of Angkor. Travel on our ‘Lost City &<br />
Beyond’ (p32).<br />
Departs: Phnom Penh daily<br />
On this overland trip, discover Cambodia’s<br />
three largest cities, Phnom Penh,<br />
Battambang and Siem Reap. This is a<br />
wonderful way of combining both the<br />
capital and the temples of Angkor, with<br />
rural travels though some of Cambodia’s<br />
most picturesque landscapes.<br />
Day 1: Wander the elegant National<br />
Museum, then continue on to the Royal<br />
Palace. Visit Tuol Sleng Museum, then<br />
spend an afternoon at leisure.<br />
Day 2: Journey into the countryside on<br />
an exciting day trip to the remains of the<br />
hill-top Phnom Chisor temple and take an<br />
exciting speedboat ride to a 1,000 year old<br />
temple near the Vietnamese border.<br />
Days 3-4: Travel to Battambang, where<br />
atmospheric colonial shop-houses are<br />
nestled beside the Sangker River. Passing<br />
through scenic countryside, explore<br />
ancient temples and embark on an exciting<br />
boat trip to Siem Reap, or travel by road<br />
when water levels are low.<br />
Day 5-7: Experience the jaw-dropping<br />
Angkor Wat, jungle-covered Ta Prohm,<br />
and Boeng Mealea, a moat-encircled<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
$2495 $1332<br />
temple likened to Angkor Wat in size<br />
and style.<br />
Day 8: Enjoy some time at leisure<br />
to discover Siem Reap before your<br />
departure transfer.<br />
Inclusions: 7 nights accommodation<br />
with breakfast daily • 1 lunch • private<br />
touring • transport as specified by<br />
air-conditioned vehicle • entrance fees<br />
• local English-speaking guide • arrival<br />
and departure transfers<br />
Note: Suitable for travellers who possess a sense of<br />
adventure due to variable time duration on the boat from<br />
Battambang, and simple accommodation in Battambang.<br />
Standard option only.<br />
36 HANDMADE FROM LOCAL KNOWLEDGE. HANDPICKED BY US. www.handmadeholidays.com.au
Phnom Penh and the northeast Touring<br />
Low-rise Phnom Penh is set at the confluence of three rivers and is home to glittering<br />
temples, a thriving restaurant scene, beautiful French-colonial architecture and some<br />
compelling sites. It is also the gateway to Cambodia’s fascinating northeast. Head to Kratie<br />
in search of the elusive Irrawaddy freshwater dolphin, explore outlying temples and silk<br />
weaving villages, and enjoy some gorgeous scenery along the way.<br />
Siem Reap•<br />
Cambodia<br />
Kratie• Vietnam<br />
Phnom Penh day tours From $ 71 pp<br />
Mekong Sunset Cruise half day tour<br />
Board your private small boat for a two<br />
hour cruise along Tonle Sap Lake and the<br />
Mekong Rivers, taking in views of the<br />
Royal Palace and Phnom Penh skyline as<br />
the sun sets over this magnificent city.<br />
Private from $71pp twin<br />
Phnom Penh full day tour<br />
Discover the contrasting sights of<br />
Cambodia’s capital including the<br />
National Museum, Royal Palace, the<br />
Russian Market and the chilling Tuol<br />
Sleng Museum. Head through lovely<br />
countryside to Oudong, then return to<br />
Phnom Penh to enjoy a sunset cruise.<br />
Join in from $77pp<br />
Private from $97pp twin<br />
Takeo Tourer full day tour<br />
Uncover beautiful French<br />
architecture in Takeo before boarding<br />
a speed boat for a thrilling ride<br />
through rice paddy canals to Phnom<br />
Da, a striking hill-top temple.<br />
Private from $172pp twin<br />
Oudong Adventurer full day tour<br />
Travel past roadside villages,<br />
stopping to see locals make items<br />
from copper and brass. A short<br />
drive away lie the hill-top temples<br />
of Oudong, the ruins of an ancient<br />
capital, and the interesting temples<br />
of Phnom Brasat.<br />
Private from $93pp twin<br />
Kos Dach Silk Island full day tour<br />
Learn about the ancient art of silk<br />
weaving when you travel to Kos Dach,<br />
or Silk Island. Explore the island famous<br />
for its silk weavers, traditional stilt<br />
houses and friendly inhabitants.<br />
Private from $83pp twin<br />
Phnom Penh design your own tour<br />
See the sights you want to visit<br />
with one of our expert local guides.<br />
Uncover the Royal Palace or Silver<br />
Pagoda, or chilling history at the<br />
Killing Fields. Take a fun elephant<br />
ride, or cruise the Mekong at sunset.<br />
Design your own from $156pp twin<br />
For details and inclusions of our Private day tours, Join in day tours, and<br />
Design your own day tours, please refer to page 5. All prices are ‘from’ prices.<br />
Ancient Temples of Sambour<br />
3 days/2 nights Grade: Easy to moderate<br />
Departs: Phnom Penh daily<br />
Visiting rural Cambodia and the little<br />
visited temples of Sambour Prei Kuk is<br />
a great experience off the tourist trail.<br />
Reveal Cambodia in a way that many<br />
miss for an authentic experience.<br />
Day 1: Drive north from Phnom Penh into<br />
the picturesque countryside of Cambodia.<br />
Wander through a small local market<br />
at Skuon, before arriving into Kampong<br />
Cham. This riverside provincial capital<br />
has a small town feel and is dotted with<br />
beautiful decaying colonial architecture.<br />
Visit Wat Nokor temple, an ancient<br />
Angkorian structure combined with a<br />
modern day temple and a riot of colour<br />
and design. Drive along the backroads<br />
passing through rubber plantations and<br />
rice fields. Stop at a small silk farm learn<br />
the intricacies of traditional silk production<br />
before arriving in Kampong Thom.<br />
Day 2: Explore the ruins of Sambour<br />
Prei Kuk, one of the oldest temple cities<br />
in Southeast Asia, stopping at the<br />
most impressive temples in the area.<br />
This group of temples is little visited<br />
by tourists and provides an insight into<br />
historical architecture in Cambodia.<br />
From $ 522 pp<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
1 Jan - 31 Dec 11 $1020 $522<br />
South of Kampong Thom is Santuk<br />
Mountain, drive to the top or the<br />
adventurous can climb the steps, for<br />
breathtaking views over rural Cambodia.<br />
Day 3: Take a ferry ride across the<br />
Mekong River to Kos Dach Island,<br />
and journey through small villages to<br />
experience rural life. Continue on to<br />
Phnom Penh for your departure transfer<br />
Inclusions: 2 nights accommodation<br />
with breakfast daily • private touring<br />
• entrance fees • transport as specified<br />
in air-conditioned vehicle • local Englishspeaking<br />
guide • cold water and towels<br />
• arrival and departure transfers<br />
Standard option only.<br />
Phnom Penh and Beyond<br />
Kratie Dolphin Discovery<br />
3 days/2 nights Grade: Easy to moderate<br />
From $ 335 pp<br />
3 days/2 nights Grade: Easy to moderate<br />
From $ 4 48 pp<br />
Departs: Phnom Penh daily<br />
Discover the contrasting sights of<br />
Cambodia’s capital including the National<br />
Museum, Royal Palace, the Russian<br />
Market and the chilling Tuol Sleng<br />
Museum. Head through lovely countryside<br />
to Oudong, then return to Phnom Penh to<br />
enjoy a sunset cruise on the Mekong River.<br />
Day 1: Visit the Royal Palace and the<br />
Silver Pagoda, famous for being floored<br />
with 5,000 pure silver tablets. Wander<br />
the fascinating National Museum to<br />
gain an appreciation of the splendour<br />
of Khmer artwork and culture, and the<br />
Killing Fields of Choeung Ek for a sobering<br />
understanding of the Pol Pot era. Stop at<br />
the Russian Market before heading back<br />
to the hotel, and in the evening explore<br />
Phnom Penh’s riverfront.<br />
Day 2: Visit the chilling Tuol Sleng<br />
Museum of Genocidal Crimes. The<br />
museum serves as a poignant reminder of<br />
the Khmer Rouge era and is the companion<br />
site to the Killing Fields. Head through<br />
lovely countryside to the former capital of<br />
Oudong, stopping en route at an artisan<br />
village. Little remains of the city which<br />
served as the capital of Cambodia for<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
1 Apr - 30 Sep 11 $616 $335<br />
248 years. Back in Phnom Penh enjoy<br />
a sunset cruise on the mighty Mekong<br />
River, a fitting way to end your stay in<br />
the capital.<br />
Day 3: Spend some free time exploring<br />
Phnom Penh at your own pace before your<br />
departure transfer.<br />
Inclusions: 2 nights accommodation<br />
with breakfast daily • 1 lunch • private<br />
touring • transport as specified by<br />
air-conditioned vehicle • entrance fees<br />
• Local English-speaking guide • arrival<br />
and departure transfers<br />
Standard, superior and deluxe<br />
options available.<br />
Departs: Phnom Penh daily<br />
Journey northeast of Phnom Penh,<br />
stopping at a rubber factory to learn about<br />
an important Cambodian industry, and<br />
riverside Chhlong, with its atmospheric<br />
rows of old French trading houses. Rustic<br />
Kratie is your launching pad for a gentle<br />
cruise in search of the famous freshwater<br />
Irrawaddy dolphin, with a good chance<br />
of spotting one of these remarkable<br />
mammals. Explore Sambok Hill before<br />
returning to the capital.<br />
Day 1: Depart Phnom Penh for the city<br />
of Kampong Cham where you will visit<br />
Phnom Bros hill and the ancient temple of<br />
Wat Nokor. Head further north and pass<br />
through rubber plantations, taking time<br />
to visit the Chup rubber processing plant.<br />
Arrive at your riverside hotel in Kratie<br />
late afternoon.<br />
Day 2: Take a short drive through the<br />
tropical countryside to board your boat to<br />
visit the Irrawaddy Dolphins. A short trip<br />
brings you to the Dolphin Pool located in a<br />
remote and peaceful area of the Mekong<br />
river. Spend an hour at the Dolphin Pool,<br />
watching for these incredible creatures to<br />
surface. Head into the countryside, passing<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
1 Jan - 31 Dec 11 $865 $448<br />
traditional houses on stilts and rice fields<br />
to visit the 100 pillar pagoda, before<br />
returning to Kratie for the night.<br />
Day 3: Take a short walk through Kratie<br />
town before the drive back to Phnom Penh.<br />
Inclusions: 2 nights accommodation<br />
with breakfast daily • 2 lunches • private<br />
touring • transport by air-conditioned<br />
vehicle • entrance fees • local Englishspeaking<br />
guide<br />
Want More? Combine this tour with<br />
our ‘Phnom Penh and Beyond’ tour (this<br />
page) to see more of Phnom Penh and the<br />
surrounding countryside.<br />
Standard option only.<br />
Pricing and validity dates specified are based on low season and are intended as a guide only. Contact us for price details outside of these dates.<br />
37
Phnom Penh accommodation<br />
Top things to see and do in and around Phnom Penh<br />
See the incredible silver lined floor at the Royal Palace<br />
Learn about the ancient art of silk weaving in Kos Dach<br />
Watch the sun dip below the Mekong horizon on a peaceful cruise<br />
Learn about a sobering past, at the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Museum<br />
Cambodia<br />
Juliana Hotel<br />
Phnom Penh<br />
★★★ Standard Map: 1<br />
The Juliana is a friendly, budget hotel with<br />
a comfortable feel and a cosy atmosphere.<br />
Smart rooms are furnished with silk<br />
bedspreads and tasteful fittings, and<br />
there is a good-sized pool for cooling off<br />
at the end of a hot day. Staff are friendly<br />
and the reception is light and airy area<br />
at this unpretentious property. There are<br />
plenty of features such as a fitness centre<br />
and massage centre, and you have the<br />
choice of Western and Asian cuisine at<br />
two restaurants. Just a 10 minute tuk-tuk<br />
ride away from the city’s riverfront and<br />
markets, this is a good value choice.<br />
From $ 39 pp<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
1 Apr - 30 Sep 11 $78 $39<br />
Extra Facilities: 94 rooms • internet<br />
access • room service • swimming pool<br />
• sauna • fitness centre • massage centre<br />
• business centre • 2 restaurants<br />
Sunway Hotel<br />
★★★★ Superior bonus Map: 2<br />
With a modern feel and large rooms,<br />
the Sunway provides a comfortable<br />
base in a peaceful location, near Wat<br />
Phnom. The restaurant serves tasty<br />
fare, and there is a health club for<br />
burning off extra calories. The lovely<br />
swimming pool at Raffles Le Royal,<br />
nearby, can be used by guests for<br />
a small charge. Smart rooms have<br />
large windows overlooking the city<br />
and oversized beds, while some room<br />
types have private balconies. The great<br />
service, spacious rooms and a location<br />
in a convenient part of town make this<br />
an excellent four-star choice.<br />
From $ 62 pp<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
1 Jan - 30 Sep 11 $110 $62<br />
Extra Facilities: 138 rooms • internet<br />
access • room service • fitness centre<br />
• massage centre • cafe • restaurant<br />
Bonus: Stay 3 nights pay 2 valid 01 Apr to<br />
30 Sep 2011.<br />
Hotel Cambodiana<br />
★★★★ Superior Map: 3<br />
This Phnom Penh landmark is located at<br />
the confluence of three rivers close to<br />
the National Museum and Royal Palace.<br />
Rooms are large and very comfortable,<br />
perfect for families or those wanting<br />
more space, and Superior rooms have<br />
a kitchenette and lounge area. Unwind<br />
by the new swimming pool and enjoy a<br />
cool drink whilst watching the sun set<br />
over the Mekong, or get active at the<br />
tennis courts and small gym. Several<br />
restaurants serve a range of delicious<br />
food. Choose this hotel for its location –<br />
just a 10 minute walk to the city’s shops<br />
and restaurants.<br />
From $ 6 4 pp<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Jan - 30 Sep 11 $120 $64<br />
Extra Facilities: 224 rooms • high<br />
speed internet access • room service<br />
• first aid clinic • massage/beauty centre<br />
• tennis courts • swimming pool • sauna<br />
• bar • 3 restaurants<br />
The Quay<br />
Raffles Hotel Le Royal<br />
★★★★ Out of the ordinary Map: 4 From $ 67pp ★★★★★ Deluxe bonus Map: 5<br />
This boutique hotel, located on Phnom<br />
Penh’s bustling riverfront, perfectly<br />
combines contemporary elegance and<br />
barefoot luxury to create a peaceful and<br />
organic ambience, without sacrificing the<br />
highest level of comfort. With back-lit<br />
walls and curved contemporary chairs,<br />
rooms are chic and ultra-modern, and<br />
Panoramic Suite rooms have windows<br />
and private balconies, looking out to<br />
Sisowath Quay and the Tonle Sap River,<br />
and spacious bathrooms feature a large<br />
walk-in shower and a separate bathtub.<br />
The Quay is the perfect choice for those<br />
wanting an urban-style stay in a central<br />
location, and with just 16 rooms is a truly<br />
boutique offering.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
1 Jan - 31 Dec 011 $125 $67<br />
Extra Facilities: 24 rooms • high speed<br />
internet access • room service • rooftop<br />
bar with Jacuzzi • restaurant.<br />
Raffles Hotel Le Royal is the premier<br />
address in Cambodia’s capital.<br />
Meticulously restored this historic<br />
hotel exudes an old-world charm with<br />
a distinctive style. Tastefully decorated<br />
Rooms are immaculately furnished<br />
and hark back to a time when luxury<br />
hotels were a work of art. A refined<br />
experience, enjoy afternoon tea in<br />
the Conservatory, cocktails in the<br />
Writers Bar or a drink by one of the<br />
two pools, or indulge at the sumptuous<br />
spa, complete with a fully equipped<br />
gym, Jacuzzi and steam room. Coming<br />
home to Raffles Hotel Le Royal offers a<br />
serene retreat at the end of the day.<br />
From $ 134 pp<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
1 Apr - 30 Sep 11 $246 $134<br />
Extra Facilities: 170 rooms • high<br />
speed internet access • room service<br />
• 2 bars • fitness centre • 25 metre pool<br />
• 3 restaurants<br />
38 HANDMADE FROM LOCAL KNOWLEDGE. HANDPICKED BY US. www.handmadeholidays.com.au
South Coast accommodation<br />
Cambodia’s south coast is home to the beach resort town Sihanoukville and quieter Kep and<br />
Kampot. Kep was once the playground of the Cambodian and French elite, and today has a<br />
ghost town feel with its abandoned villas. Its lush scenery, tranquil atmosphere and delicious<br />
string of crab shacks lining the water’s edge are drawcards. Nearby Kampot has a gorgeous<br />
river setting with views to Bokor Mountain and some charming French-colonial architecture.<br />
Sihanoukville•<br />
• •Kep<br />
Kampot<br />
Cambodia<br />
The Beach House, Kep<br />
★★★ Standard<br />
Perched above Kep Beach and surrounded<br />
by lovely gardens, the Beach House is<br />
a delightful getaway. There are only 16<br />
rooms, and all are stylish and superbly<br />
clean with an en-suite bathroom, satellite<br />
television and a fridge, and most have<br />
ocean views. The restaurant has fresh<br />
seafood, which can be enjoyed while<br />
watching the sun sink behind the horizon<br />
of the beach. There is also a pool and spa<br />
for a relaxing afternoon, and a bar for a<br />
drink at the end of the day. With stunning<br />
views and comfortable accommodations.<br />
The Beach House is the best value<br />
property in Kep city.<br />
From $ 48 pp<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
1 Jan - 31 Dec 11 $89 $48<br />
Extra Facilities: 16 rooms • private<br />
balcony • flat-screen television • room<br />
service • swimming pool • Jacuzzi<br />
• restaurant<br />
The Independence Hotel<br />
4 Rivers Floating Ecolodge<br />
★★★★ Superior<br />
From $ 59 pp<br />
★★★★ Out of the ordinary<br />
From $ 8 4 pp<br />
The Independence is a classic<br />
Sihanoukville property, built in the 1960s<br />
and recently restored. Situated amongst<br />
lush gardens on a secluded promontory<br />
with beautiful ocean and hillside views,<br />
the hotel boasts a quiet white sandy<br />
beach right on the doorstep. Nearly all<br />
the rooms overlook the sparkling ocean<br />
below from large windows, allowing light<br />
to pour into the spacious rooms. Spend<br />
time relaxing by the outdoor pool, or<br />
enjoy the fitness centre, and then unwind<br />
at one of the multiple bar and dining<br />
options. The secluded location and small<br />
size make The Independence a perfect<br />
retreat for a couple.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Jan - 31 Dec 11 $117 $59<br />
Extra Facilities: 52 rooms • internet<br />
access • room service • swimming<br />
pool • beach access • business centre<br />
• restaurant<br />
A luxury eco-resort in remote Tatai, the<br />
4 Rivers Floating Ecolodge consists of<br />
a just 12 double and twin-bed tented<br />
villas, built right out over the water.<br />
Four hours from Phnom Penh and three<br />
from Sihanoukville, the resort is set<br />
amidst lush virgin forest, yet style is not<br />
sacrificed. Enjoy the luxury of space in<br />
the large villas, equipped with flat screen<br />
televisions, internet access and mini-bar,<br />
as well as an extra-large sun-lounger<br />
balcony where you can enjoy a sunset<br />
cocktail. Kayak down river and explore<br />
the mangrove waterways that reach back<br />
into the jungle, or team up with some<br />
locals and try fishing for your supper. Try<br />
a sumptuous meal from the restaurant<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 May - 30 Sep 11 $144 $84<br />
serving Western and Southeast Asian<br />
cuisine.<br />
Extra Facilities: 16 tented villas<br />
• internet access • flat screen television<br />
• mini-bar • private balcony • restaurant<br />
Knai Bang Chatt Resort<br />
Sokha Beach Resort<br />
★★★★ Out of the ordinary<br />
From $ 9 6 pp<br />
★★★★ Superior<br />
From $ 10 6 pp<br />
More like a private residence than a hotel,<br />
Knai Bang Chatt is a unique choice on<br />
Cambodia’s beautiful southern coastline.<br />
With views across the water to Bokor<br />
Mountain, it is a quiet and private retreat.<br />
Based around three freestanding villas,<br />
book individual rooms, or the entire<br />
property. Facilities include a wooden<br />
dining pavilion, bar, reading room, large<br />
infinity-edge swimming pool and a fitness<br />
area. Spacious rooms are decorated in a<br />
chic, minimal style incorporating driftwood<br />
and Khmer touches. This resort is a truly<br />
unique property in this fascinating, yet<br />
undeveloped region of Cambodia, and is<br />
one of Cambodia’s best-kept secrets.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Apr - 30 Sep 11 $137 $96<br />
Extra Facilities: 11 rooms • internet<br />
access • balcony • bath • hairdryer<br />
• dry-cleaning/laundry • fitness centre<br />
• massage • swimming pool • water<br />
sports • 2 restaurants<br />
Sitting on a one and a half kilometre<br />
long private white sand beach, amongst<br />
beautifully landscaped gardens, this<br />
low-rise resort is in a prime location.<br />
Rooms are smart and comfortable, in two<br />
wings around an inviting pool. The Sokha<br />
Beach Resort is only a short taxi ride<br />
from Sihanoukville’s town centre, four<br />
hours from Phnom Penh. There are ample<br />
facilities from tennis courts and water<br />
sports, to a beauty salon and fitness<br />
centre. The large grounds and beautiful<br />
pool, set right on the white sandy beach<br />
give a resort-like feel ideal for the<br />
whole family.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
1 Apr - 30 Sep 11 $211 $106<br />
Extra Facilities: 188 rooms • swimming<br />
pool • children’s pool • kids’ club<br />
• fitness centre • tennis courts • water<br />
sports • business centre • room service<br />
• massage • 3 restaurants<br />
Pricing and validity dates specified are based on low season and are intended as a guide only. Contact us for price details outside of these dates.<br />
39
Luang Prabang, Laos<br />
Antony Giblin<br />
40 HANDMADE FROM LOCAL KNOWLEDGE. HANDPICKED BY US. www.handmadeholidays.com.au
Handmade Holidays in Laos<br />
Laos is ideal for travellers seeking the Asia of old. Pristine landscapes stretch as far as the eye can<br />
see, and the Mekong River runs languidly on, as it has for centuries. Ancient Buddhist wats glimmer<br />
in the sun and mysterious ruins amaze. However it is the friendly locals and leisurely pace which<br />
really encapsulate times gone by. Meet smiling hilltribes or wander a local market to experience this<br />
wonderful feeling.<br />
Vientiane<br />
Vientiane is the charming capital of Laos, with an<br />
idyllic setting on the banks of the Mekong River.<br />
Visit Wat That Luang and gain an insight into the<br />
Buddhist religion during a personal conversation<br />
with the monks who live there. At night indulge in<br />
a cocktail at the banks of the river as the sun sets.<br />
Plain of Jars<br />
Laos is known for its natural beauty, and the rugged<br />
mountain landscapes in the north are no exception.<br />
Here, the mysterious Plain of Jars lies. Steeped<br />
in legend, its origins are unclear. Experience the<br />
surrounding natural beauty as you walk the path<br />
around the jars.<br />
4,000 Islands<br />
The little-visited 4,000 Islands region of the<br />
south is stunning, where the locals live as they<br />
have for centuries, and the surging waters of the<br />
Mekong are home to a rare breed of endangered<br />
freshwater dolphin.<br />
Luang Prabang<br />
There is so much to be mesmerised by in Luang<br />
Prabang, not least of which are the wonderful people.<br />
The country’s royal capital is home to the region’s<br />
most authentic night market, where local hilltribes<br />
come with their weaving, handmade silver jewellery<br />
and delicious regional snacks. Learn how to make<br />
delicious Laotian cuisine in a hands-on cooking class<br />
or rise early and witness thousands of saffron-robed<br />
monks walk the streets of town barefoot to collect<br />
daily alms from the locals. A boat trip upriver reveals<br />
the Pak Ou Cave of a Thousand Buddhas, and a light<br />
hike to the top of Mount Phou Si affords gorgeous<br />
views over the valley below.<br />
Join us in Laos, the ‘Kingdom of a Million Elephants’,<br />
for a holiday that is sure to captivate your imagination<br />
for years to come. This is a destination to relax into<br />
and enjoy the laid-back pace a world away from the<br />
hustle and bustle found elsewhere in Asia.<br />
map legend<br />
Capital City<br />
Cities / Towns<br />
International Gateway<br />
Travel Indochina Office<br />
Climate<br />
Laos can be visited year-round. The ‘wet’ season is from<br />
May to October. During this time the tropical lowlands<br />
average 30 degrees Celsius, while the mountains remain<br />
cooler. Rain is usually in the form of sporadic showers<br />
and rarely affects travel, although overland road travel<br />
in some remote regions may not be possible. Many<br />
travellers prefer Laos at this time of year as there are<br />
fewer tourists, and the landscape is lush and green. In<br />
the north it can get quite cool in the evenings between<br />
November and February.<br />
Average minimum/maximum<br />
temperatures in celsius<br />
JAN APR JUL OCT<br />
Luang Prabang 20°/31° 24°/35° 24°/32° 24°/30°<br />
Vientiane 20°/32° 25°/36° 25°/33° 24°/31°<br />
Paske 20°/31° 23°/34° 23°/31° 23°/29°<br />
Footloose Adventures<br />
For travellers looking for an independent<br />
exploration of Laos, our Footloose Adventures<br />
give you a basic framework from which to build<br />
your ultimate experience, without all the hassles.<br />
Perfect for travellers on any budget. See pages<br />
8 and 9.<br />
41
Luang Prabang and Beyond Touring<br />
Experience the charm and beauty of Luang Prabang, with its glittering temples, wandering monks<br />
and picturesque Mekong setting. One of our favourite places in Asia, this languid, UNESCO protected<br />
town and its beautiful surrounds are best explored with an expert Travel Indochina guide. Luang<br />
Prabang makes an ideal starting point for journeys through captivating mountainous scenery to the<br />
mysterious Plain of Jars and cruises up the upper Mekong to Thailand’s Golden Triangle or Chiang Mai.<br />
•Luang Prabang<br />
•Plain of Jars<br />
Vang Vieng•<br />
Laos<br />
Luang Prabang Revealed<br />
4 days/3 nights Grade: Easy<br />
From $ 433 pp<br />
From $ — pp<br />
Departs: Luang Prabang daily<br />
Luang Prabang is one of the most beautiful<br />
and engaging towns in Asia. Surrounded<br />
by forest-covered mountains and situated<br />
at the confluence of the Khan and Mekong<br />
Rivers, this World Heritage town has a<br />
tranquil, old-world charm that enchants all<br />
who visit.<br />
Day 1: Begin your exploration at some<br />
of the town’s most beautiful temples,<br />
followed by a fun Lao cooking class and<br />
the chance to eat your creations.<br />
Day 2: Visit the Royal Palace. Cruise up<br />
the Mekong to the mysterious Pak Ou<br />
Caves, and ascend Mount Phou Si for<br />
sunset views.<br />
Day 3: Rise early to witness the<br />
marvelous sight of robed Buddhist monks<br />
collecting alms at dawn. Follow this with<br />
a swim at the Kuang Si Falls, stopping<br />
en route to learn about Laos’ diverse<br />
ethnic groups at the Traditional Arts and<br />
Ethnology Museum. The afternoon is free<br />
for shopping or simply wandering.<br />
Day 4: This morning enjoy some free time<br />
before your departure transfer.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Jan - 31 Dec 11 $730 $433<br />
Inclusions: 3 nights accommodation<br />
with breakfast daily • 1 dinner • private<br />
touring • transport as specified by<br />
air-conditioned vehicle • entrance fees<br />
• local English-speaking guide • arrival and<br />
departure transfers on first and last days only<br />
Note: Touring within the UNESCO old town is partly<br />
by foot to minimise the impact of your presence in<br />
Luang Prabang.<br />
Want more? In Luang Prabang, learn all<br />
about the local elephants and their carers<br />
on our ‘Mahout Elephant Experience’<br />
day tour, or explore the stunning scenery<br />
outside the town on our ‘Full day trekking’<br />
day tour (p43).<br />
No Frills, Standard, superior and deluxe<br />
options available.<br />
Luang Prabang, Laos<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
Luang Prabang at Leisure<br />
The Plain of Jars & Vang Vieng Explorer<br />
6 days/5 nights Grade Easy to moderate<br />
Departs: Luang Prabang daily<br />
Savour your stay in tranquil Luang Prabang<br />
with a mix of touring, fun activities, and<br />
ample free time to explore the town’s<br />
range of boutiques and restaurants,<br />
atmospheric colonial architecture and<br />
32 wats and monasteries.<br />
Day 1: This afternoon start exploring the<br />
former royal capital at some of the town’s<br />
most beautiful temples by foot and tuk-tuk,<br />
then test your culinary skills in a fun Lao<br />
cooking class.<br />
Day 2: Visit the Royal Palace and a small<br />
museum for an insight into fascinating<br />
minority groups. Set out on the back of an<br />
elephant through surrounding jungle and<br />
then watch the sun setting from Mount<br />
Phou Si.<br />
Day 3: Rise early to see Buddhist monks<br />
collecting alms at dawn. Visit Kuang Si<br />
Falls and a sanctuary dedicated to the<br />
protection of the Moon Bear.<br />
Day 4: Spend a full day at leisure to<br />
explore Luang Prabang at your own pace.<br />
Day 5: Take a cruise up the Mekong to<br />
the Kamu Lodge, a comfortable tented<br />
ecolodge, for an overnight stay. Take part<br />
From $ 612 pp<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 May - 30 Sept 11 $966 $612<br />
in traditional rice planting, archery or<br />
gold panning.<br />
Day 6: Return to Luang Prabang for your<br />
departure transfer.<br />
Inclusions: 5 nights accommodation<br />
with breakfast daily • 1 lunch • 2 dinners<br />
• private touring • transport as specified<br />
by air-conditioned vehicle • entrance fees<br />
• local English-speaking guide • arrival<br />
transfer on tour start date<br />
Want More? See the beautiful interior of<br />
Laos en route to Vientiane on ‘ The Plain of<br />
Jars & Vang Vieng Explorer’ (this page).<br />
Note: Touring is partly by foot to minimise the impact of<br />
your presence in Luang Prabang.<br />
No Frills, Standard, superior and deluxe<br />
options available.<br />
5 days/4 nights Grade: Easy<br />
Departs: Luang Prabang or<br />
Vientiane daily<br />
Travel overland between Luang Prabang<br />
and Vientiane to see the enigmatic Plain of<br />
Jars and the amazing views at Vang Vieng.<br />
This well-paced tour travels through some<br />
of the most beautiful mountain scenery in<br />
Asia in a comfortable style.<br />
Day 1: Drive along dramatic mountain<br />
ridges with panoramic views, and pass<br />
through Hmong hilltribe villages on your<br />
way to the mysterious Plain of Jars.<br />
Day 2: In the soft rolling fields of the Plain<br />
of Jars, see the famous stone urns and<br />
visit a cave that was the site of a tragic<br />
Indochina war event.<br />
Day 3: Leave your simple but atmospheric<br />
accommodation for Vang Vieng, which is<br />
surrounded by spectacular limestone peaks<br />
set on the banks of the Nam Song River.<br />
Visit some of the fascinating caves of this<br />
beautiful region.<br />
Day 4: Enjoy free time before you soak<br />
up the scenery on a gentle kayaking or<br />
rafting trip.<br />
Day 5: Travel on to Vientiane.<br />
From $ 973 pp<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Jan - Dec 11 $1750 $973<br />
Inclusions: 4 nights accommodation<br />
(simple but comfortable lodge-style)<br />
with breakfast daily • private touring<br />
• transport as specified by air-conditioned<br />
vehicle • entrance fees • local Englishspeaking<br />
guide • return hotel transfers<br />
Want More? Contrast your stay in<br />
the north with an idyllic cruise in the<br />
laid-back south of Laos on the ‘Wat Phou’<br />
cruise (p27).<br />
Note: Also operates in the reverse direction. Similar,<br />
shorter 1 or 2 night versions of this tour are also<br />
available, departing both Luang Prabang and Vientiane.<br />
Standard option only.<br />
42 HANDMADE FROM LOCAL KNOWLEDGE. HANDPICKED BY US. www.handmadeholidays.com.au
Luang Prabang and Beyond Touring<br />
Top things to see and do in and around Luang Prabang<br />
Wander some of Luang Prabang’s temples<br />
Swim in the sparkling waters of Kuang Si Falls<br />
Discover the mysterious Plain of Jars, steeped in legend<br />
Cruise down the mighty Mekong River and uncover charming ecolodges<br />
•Luang Prabang<br />
•Plain of Jars<br />
Laos<br />
Luang Prabang day tours From $ 63 pp<br />
Kamu Ecolodge Adventure<br />
2 days/1 night Grade: Easy to moderate<br />
From $ 171 pp<br />
Luang Prabang, Laos<br />
Departs: Luang Prabang daily<br />
Only two hours by boat from Luang<br />
Prabang and overlooking the mighty<br />
Mekong, an overnight stay at the<br />
atmospheric Kamu Lodge is a fantastic<br />
contrast to staying in town and will<br />
introduce you to perhaps the most<br />
beautiful stretch of the Mekong. A<br />
stay here is an exclusive, ecological<br />
experience in a traditional and<br />
simple setting.<br />
Day 1: Cruise the Mekong from Luang<br />
Prabang and stop at the famous Pak Ou<br />
Caves, filled with thousands of Buddha<br />
statues. Continue to Kamu Lodge<br />
where you stay in permanent tents with<br />
thatched roofs, furnished with proper<br />
beds and private Western bathrooms<br />
with a solar-powered shower. Enjoy a<br />
sumptuous Lao-style lunch served in a<br />
sala pavilion perched in the centre of a<br />
large rice paddy and take part in optional<br />
rice planting, archery, gold panning or<br />
traditional fishing. You might go for go<br />
for a walk in search of medicinal plants,<br />
or discover nearby villages and get to<br />
know the lodge staff, who come from a<br />
nearby village. At night, after a delicious<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
1 May - 30 Sep 11 $178 $171<br />
meal prepared by your Kamu hosts,<br />
be lulled to sleep by the sounds of the<br />
surrounding jungle.<br />
Day 2: Return to Luang Prabang in<br />
the morning.<br />
Inclusions: 1 night accommodation with<br />
breakfast • 1 lunch • 1 dinner • group<br />
touring • entrance fees • local Englishspeaking<br />
cruise escort<br />
Want more? Choose the ‘Luang Say &<br />
Kamu Lodge’ Mekong cruise (p27) if you<br />
are travelling to (or from) Thailand.<br />
Standard option only.<br />
Luang Prabang full day tour<br />
Visit a local market with an expert<br />
guide, discover the beautiful former<br />
Royal Palace and sample a selection<br />
of the 32 gilded temples which make<br />
World Heritage listed Luang Prabang<br />
such a unique and loved locale.<br />
Private from $76pp twin<br />
Pak Ou Caves & Kuang Si Falls<br />
full day tour<br />
Cruise up the Mekong to the mysterious<br />
Pak Ou Caves where hundreds of<br />
Buddha effigies have been placed and<br />
then visit the Kuang Si Falls with time<br />
for a refreshing swim.<br />
Private from $128pp twin<br />
Lao cooking class at Tamarind<br />
half day tour<br />
Unleash your inner chef and explore<br />
the unique cuisine of Laos. Visit a local<br />
market to shop for ingredients typically<br />
used in Lao cooking, then spend<br />
the rest of the morning preparing<br />
sumptuous Lao fare and dining on your<br />
own creations!<br />
Private from $70pp twin<br />
Luang Prabang Mahout<br />
Elephant Experience<br />
full day tour<br />
Join in a variety of activities with<br />
elephants for a great hands-on<br />
experience. Ride an elephant through<br />
the woods, bathe them in the river and<br />
feed them, for a better understanding<br />
of their daily care.<br />
Private from $139pp twin<br />
Trekking tour full day tour<br />
Immerse yourself in the beautiful<br />
scenery outside of Luang Prabang<br />
when you spend four hours with your<br />
expert guide traversing this area by<br />
foot. En route, visit hilltribe villages<br />
and learn about some of the ethnic<br />
groups which make up Laos’ diverse<br />
population (suitable for fit people).<br />
Private from $96pp twin<br />
Elephant ride<br />
Enjoy an elephant ride through<br />
the forest and along the Nam Khan<br />
river, taking in your lush surroundings<br />
while getting a better feel for these<br />
fascinating creatures.<br />
Join in from $63pp twin<br />
For details and inclusions of our Private day tours, Join in day tours, and<br />
Design your own day tours, please refer to page 5. All prices are ‘from’ prices.<br />
Luang Say Mekong Cruise<br />
2 days/1 night Grade: Easy to moderate<br />
Departs: Luang Prabang or Huay Xay<br />
on select days<br />
Experience a relaxing overnight boat trip to<br />
one of the most beautiful regions of Laos.<br />
Cruise the mighty Mekong in style on board<br />
a purpose-built cruise boat complete lounge<br />
chairs, bar and plenty of space to absorb the<br />
spectacular scenery of the Golden Triangle.<br />
Day 1: Cruise up the Mekong passing<br />
dramatic jungle scenery and towering<br />
cliffs, enjoying breakfast as you go,<br />
before arriving at Pak Ou Village, at the<br />
mouth of the Nam Ou River. Here, visit the<br />
cave with hundreds of Buddha effigies<br />
placed within. Continue on to Pakbeng<br />
and have a buffet lunch on board,<br />
stopping at a hilltribe village where you<br />
can watch the traditional production of<br />
Lao whiskey. Arrive at Luang Say Lodge<br />
From $ 37 7pp<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
1 May - 30 Sept 11 $441 $377<br />
in Pakbeng in time to watch the sun go<br />
down over the Mekong River, before<br />
dinner on the terrace.<br />
Day 2: After breakfast at the Lodge, board<br />
the boat for the second leg of the cruise.<br />
En route, stop to observe the rural life of the<br />
river tribes along the Mekong. Continue to<br />
Huay Xai where your journey ends.<br />
Inclusions: 1 night accommodation<br />
with breakfast daily • 2 lunches • 1 dinner<br />
• entrance fees • local Englishspeaking<br />
escort<br />
Want more? On your last day, you can<br />
continue on to Chiang Rai. Contact us for<br />
Thailand touring and accommodation.<br />
Note: This journey also operates in reverse. Not<br />
operational in June<br />
Pricing and validity dates specified are based on low season and are intended as a guide only. Contact us for price details outside of these dates.<br />
43
Vientiane Touring<br />
Laos’ sleepy capital is situated on the banks of the slow-moving Mekong and is home<br />
to a charming mix of French-colonial architecture, glittering temples and some lovely<br />
restaurants. Some say it is the most laid-back capital city in Asia and the smiling locals<br />
would surely agree.<br />
•Luang Prabang<br />
•Plain of Jars<br />
Vang Vieng•<br />
Laos<br />
Luang Prabang to Vientiane via the Plain of Jars<br />
Vang Vieng Voyage<br />
3 days/2 nights Grade: Moderate<br />
From $ 621 pp<br />
3 days/2 nights Grade: Moderate<br />
From $ 4 02 pp<br />
Departs: Luang Prabang or Vientiane<br />
selceted days<br />
The mysterious Plain of Jars is home<br />
to both these fascinating artefacts,<br />
and some gorgeous scenery, making it<br />
an ideal way to travel between Luang<br />
Prabang and Vientiane.<br />
Day 1: Pass through beautiful mountain<br />
ranges and Hmong hilltribe villages before<br />
arriving in the town of Phonsavan in the late<br />
afternoon to watch the sun fade behind the<br />
surrounding hills and relax with a drink.<br />
Day 2: Begin with a trip the MAG visitors<br />
centre in town, giving you an excellent<br />
introduction into the war-torn history of<br />
this region, before your exploration of the<br />
Plain of Jars sites. Visit the three most<br />
interesting sites in this mysterious area,<br />
the origins of which are still unknown. The<br />
first site should spark your imagination as<br />
to the possible purpose of these intriguing<br />
artefacts. You may choose to walk the<br />
8 kilometres between the second and<br />
third site, with panoramic views along the<br />
way. A short drive brings you to Tad Lang<br />
Waterfall, perfect for exploring or just<br />
relaxing and enjoying your lunch to the<br />
sounds of the cascading water.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Jan - Dec 11 $983 $621<br />
Day 3: rise early for a drive through<br />
some of the most amazing countryside<br />
Laos has to offer en route to Tham Piu<br />
cave. Pass spectacular mountain scenery<br />
and numerous minority villages as you<br />
venture towards the Vietnamese border.<br />
From here you will transfer back to town<br />
and to the airport for your short flight<br />
to Vientiane.<br />
Inclusions: 2 nights accommodation with<br />
breakfast daily • transport as specified by<br />
air-conditioned vehicle • private touring<br />
• domestic flight • entrance fees • local<br />
English-speaking guide • arrival and<br />
departure transfers<br />
Standard option only.<br />
Departs: Vientiane or Luang<br />
Prabang daily<br />
When travelling between Vientiane<br />
and Luang Prabang, take some time<br />
to explore the beautiful limestone<br />
karst scenery in Vang Vieng. A full day<br />
of activities amongst the gorgeous<br />
landscape includes trekking, river tubing,<br />
kayaking and swimming, as well as a<br />
visit to a local village. At the end of the<br />
day retire to your lodge, perched in a<br />
quiet spot on the Nam Song River.<br />
Day 1: On the drive to Vang Vieng,<br />
stop at roadside villages and markets<br />
to observe local life and pass through<br />
stunning limestone karst scenery. This<br />
afternoon, enjoy some free time to<br />
explore Vang Vieng and its surrounds,<br />
or relax in your lodge by the Nam Song<br />
River with a quiet drink.<br />
Day 2: A gentle trek through the pretty<br />
countryside crosses the Nam Song<br />
River towards limestone karst outcrops<br />
through rice paddies. Stop at a Hmong<br />
village for a peek into the lives of the<br />
locals here, before the gentle ascent for<br />
wonderful views and a picnic lunch. Visit<br />
Tham Nam water cave, where you might<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 Jan - Dec 11 $672 $402<br />
take a refreshing swim or try tubing.<br />
This afternoon, kayak down the Nam<br />
Song back towards Vang Vieng town,<br />
enjoying beautiful scenery along the<br />
river. On the way into town spend time<br />
at an organic farm.<br />
Day 3: Spend some time in Vang Vieng at<br />
your own pace, before your transfer on to<br />
Luang Prabang.<br />
Inclusions: Accommodation with<br />
breakfast daily • transport as specified by<br />
air-conditioned vehicle • private touring<br />
• entrance fees • 1 lunch • local Englishspeaking<br />
guide<br />
Standard option only.<br />
Note: This tour also operates in reverse starting in<br />
Luang Prabang.<br />
Elephants and Temples<br />
Northern Thailand and Laos Wanderer<br />
5 days/4 nights Grade: Moderate<br />
Family<br />
Friendly<br />
From $ 78 8 pp<br />
9 days/8 nights Grade: Easy to moderate<br />
From $ 2,0 8 8 pp<br />
Departs: Vientiane daily<br />
This family-friendly tour introduces your<br />
family to the capital, Vientiane, and<br />
enchanting Luang Prabang. Uncover the<br />
culture in a traditional welcome ceremony,<br />
tour by elephant and tuk-tuk and get back<br />
to nature during a stay in a rural ecolodge.<br />
Both inspirational and enjoyable, this tour<br />
is great fun for people of all ages!<br />
Day 1: A traditional Lao Baci blessing<br />
ceremony welcomes you to this unique<br />
land. At the golden-spired Pha That Luang<br />
the kids play a fun game of hide and seek,<br />
and then the whole family climbs the<br />
imposing Patuxai Monument for views<br />
across the capital.<br />
Day 2: Fly to Luang Prabang for a fun tuktuk<br />
tour of the city’s beautiful temples and<br />
climb to a lookout point for sunset,<br />
Day 3: Witness the magical sight of<br />
monks in a morning procession, swim in<br />
the beautiful pools at Kuang Si Falls, and<br />
visit an educational wildlife sanctuary.<br />
Day 4: Spend time in nearby jungle on the<br />
back of an elephant, staying overnight in<br />
atmospheric lodge accommodation.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 May - Sep 11 $1279 $788<br />
Day 5: Leave Laos with a richer<br />
understanding of the country’s<br />
fascinating culture.<br />
Inclusions: 4 nights accommodation<br />
with breakfast daily • 1 lunch • 1 dinner<br />
• private touring • domestic flight<br />
• entrance fees • local English-speaking<br />
guide • departure transfer<br />
Want more? Stay on in charming Luang<br />
Prabang right in the centre of town, at the<br />
affordable and comfortable Villa Saykham<br />
(page 46).<br />
Note: This tour also operates in reverse, starting in<br />
Luang Prabang and finishing in Vientiane.<br />
Standard option only.<br />
Departs: Vientiane daily<br />
Discover magical monuments and<br />
untouched natural beauty when you<br />
explore Vientiane, the present day capital,<br />
and then enchanting Luang Prabang, as<br />
well as the more remote Mekong and the<br />
north of Laos and Thailand.<br />
Day 1: Discover Vientiane’s most iconic<br />
sites, including exquisite Wat Sisaket and<br />
the grand Patuxai Monument.<br />
Day 2: Fly to Luang Prabang, Laos’ most<br />
engaging town, to sample stunning<br />
temples and take part in a Lao-style<br />
cooking class.<br />
Day 3: Marvel at the former Royal Palace.<br />
Day 4: Rise at dawn to witness<br />
monks collecting alms, and visit the<br />
Kuang Si Falls and an informative<br />
ethnology museum.<br />
Days 5-6: Cruise a beautiful stretch of the<br />
Mekong and stay overnight at a riverside<br />
lodge in Pakbeng.<br />
Days 7- 8: Continue to the Thai border<br />
and the Golden Triangle. Visit the<br />
fascinating Hall of Opium and the rugged<br />
border town of Mae Sai and end with a<br />
stay at the award-winning Lisu Lodge.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
01 May - Sep 11 $3639 $2088<br />
Day 9: Enjoy a fun ox-cart ride then<br />
transfer to Chiang Mai.<br />
Inclusions: 8 nights accommodation with<br />
breakfast daily • 5 lunches • 3 dinners<br />
• private touring (cruise and Lisu Lodge<br />
activities are join in tours) • domestic<br />
flight • entrance fees • local Englishspeaking<br />
guide<br />
Want more? Precede your travels in<br />
the north with a journey in the tranquil<br />
south of Laos on our ‘Southern Laos<br />
Explorer’ (p 45).<br />
Note: Also operates in reverse direction from<br />
Chiang Mai.<br />
Standard option only.<br />
44 HANDMADE FROM LOCAL KNOWLEDGE. HANDPICKED BY US. www.handmadeholidays.com.au
Southern Laos Touring<br />
Discover beautiful southern Laos, home to coffee plantations, waterfalls, lush scenery and<br />
the beautiful 4,000 islands. The endangered freshwater Irrawaddy dolphin can also be<br />
spotted here. Off the tourist path, Southern Laos offers a glimpse of old-world, rural Asia<br />
and a touch of adventure. A stay in this alluring region perfectly complements travels to<br />
Luang Prabang and the mountainous north of the country.<br />
Paske•<br />
Laos<br />
Southern Laos Explorer<br />
5 days/4 nights Grade: Easy<br />
From $ 777pp<br />
From $ — pp<br />
Departs: Pakse daily<br />
Little visited Southern Laos is a hidden<br />
treasure, which reveals gems such as<br />
temples and mountains, the endangered<br />
Irrawaddy River Dolphin, as well as the<br />
idyllic 4,000 Islands stretch of the Mekong.<br />
Your travels in the tranquil south will make<br />
for a great contrast with touring in Luang<br />
Prabang and the north, and this in-depth<br />
journey is richly rewarding.<br />
Day 1: Tour Pakse town and the forested<br />
Bolaven Plateau to see hilltribe villages,<br />
taste the delicious coffee produced in this<br />
region at the lush coffee plantations and<br />
see amazing waterfalls.<br />
Day 2: Visit Champasak and the<br />
mysterious World Heritage listed pre-<br />
Angkorian ruins of Wat Phou, and set out<br />
from a small Lao village on an elephant<br />
trek to the top of Mt Asa for spectacular<br />
views of the surrounding countryside.<br />
Retire to a simple but clean and<br />
comfortable ecolodge amidst peaceful,<br />
verdant surrounds.<br />
Day 3: A short drive leads to the 4,000<br />
Islands and Khong Island, where you<br />
spend the night. An exploration by<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
1 May - 30 Sep 11 $1384 $777<br />
small boat reveals fishing villages and<br />
thundering waterfalls.<br />
Day 4: Cruise the Mekong in search of<br />
the enigmatic Irrawaddy dolphin and see<br />
Southeast Asia’s largest waterfall before<br />
returning to Pakse.<br />
Inclusions: 4 nights accommodation<br />
with breakfast daily • private touring<br />
• entrance fees • local English-speaking<br />
guide • departure transfer<br />
Want more? Spend some time in<br />
charming Luang Prabang on our ‘Luang<br />
Prabang Revealed’ (p42).<br />
Standard option only.<br />
4,000 Islands, Laos<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
Laos Mekong Explorer<br />
La Folie, Wat Phou & 4,000 Island cruise<br />
10 days/9 nights Grade: Moderate<br />
From $ 1,554 pp<br />
3 days/2 nights Grade: Moderate<br />
From $ 50 4 pp<br />
Departs: Pakse daily<br />
For an exploration of the little visited south<br />
of Laos combined with a taste of both<br />
Vientiane and Luang Prabang, this journey<br />
is the perfect amalgamation of highlights,<br />
and getting off the beaten track.<br />
Day 1: Tour Pakse and head to the lush<br />
Bolaven Plateau for a sample of the<br />
fantastic coffee grown in this area, before<br />
the Tad Fane Waterfall.<br />
Day 2: Visit the pre-Angkorian Wat<br />
Phou temple, and then set out on an<br />
elephant ride for views over the stunning<br />
countryside nearby. Travel to Khong Island<br />
where you will find lovely old Frenchcolonial<br />
houses and quaint fishing villages.<br />
Day 3: Explore the 4,000 Islands by local<br />
boat and visit tumultuous Khone Phapheng<br />
falls, before returning to Pakse.<br />
Day 4: Fly to Vientiane for a visit to<br />
some of the main monuments, including<br />
Wat Sisaket.<br />
Day 5: Fly to beautiful Luang Prabang and<br />
explore monasteries and temples, before a<br />
fun cooking class.<br />
Day 6: Marvel at the former Royal Palace,<br />
and climb to the top of Mount Phou Si.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
1 May - 30 Sep 11 $2417 $1554<br />
Day 7: Travel to Kuang Si waterfall with<br />
time to swim and relax.<br />
Days 8-9: Cruise to Kamu Lodge, staying<br />
in a comfortable permanent tent. Here you<br />
can take part in rice planting, fishing, gold<br />
panning or archery.<br />
Day 10: Enjoy free time to farewell Kamu<br />
Lodge before you return to Luang Prabang<br />
for your departure transfer.<br />
Inclusions: 9 nights accommodation<br />
with breakfast daily • 1 lunch • 2 dinners<br />
• private touring • domestic flights<br />
• entrance fees • local English-speaking<br />
guide • departure transfer<br />
Standard option only.<br />
Departs: Pakse daily<br />
Staying in charming lodge accommodation,<br />
travel through the pristine waterways<br />
of Southern Laos, and area little-visited<br />
by tourists. Here, discover the World<br />
Heritage listed temple of Wat Phou and<br />
the remains of the sole railway. Search for<br />
the elusive Irrawaddy dolphin, and see the<br />
largest waterfall in Southeast Asia, before<br />
returning to Pakse.<br />
Day 1: Transfer to Dong Daeng Island and<br />
La Folie Lodge, and then travel a short<br />
distance to Champasak town, home to Wat<br />
Phou. Soak up the atmosphere with your<br />
guide, then travel back to your riverside<br />
lodge for a cool drink to admire the sunset<br />
from your bungalow or poolside restaurant.<br />
Day 2: Transfer back to the mainland<br />
and drive south down to the famous 4000<br />
Islands. Embark on a full day’s tour taking<br />
in the best of what the 4000 islands region<br />
has to offer. Board a local boat and travel<br />
to Khone Island to see Li Phi falls and the<br />
remains of the sole railway. Take some<br />
time here to also see some of the various<br />
fishing techniques used by the locals,<br />
before visiting Ban Done Date village<br />
to look out for the famous and elusive<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
1 May - 30 Sep 11 $921 $504<br />
Irrawaddy freshwater dolphins. In the<br />
afternoon, cross the Mekong for your trip<br />
to Khonephapheng Falls, the largest falls<br />
in Southeast Asia. Return to your Lodge<br />
for sunset.<br />
Day 3: After breakfast return to the<br />
mainland to be transferred back to Pakse<br />
for your ongoing arrangements.<br />
Inclusions: 2 nights accommodation with<br />
breakfast daily • transport as specified<br />
by air-conditioned vehicle and by longtail<br />
boat in the 4000 Islands • private touring<br />
• entrance fees • local English-speaking<br />
guide • arrival and departure transfers<br />
Standard option only.<br />
Pricing and validity dates specified are based on low season and are intended as a guide only. Contact us for price details outside of these dates.<br />
45
Luang Prabang Accommodation<br />
“Luang Prabang is one of my favourite cities in Asia. Just wandering the streets<br />
you get a sense of peace here, despite the vibrant colours surrounding you. Seeing the<br />
monks collecting alms as the sun rises into the sky is a simply marvelous sight, one<br />
I would return for time and time again.” Jennifer Brown, Laos Product Manager, Laos<br />
•Luang Prabang<br />
Laos<br />
Villa Saykham<br />
Luang Prabang<br />
★★ No Frills Map: 1<br />
From $ 3 0 pp<br />
Villa Saykham is perfectly located close<br />
to the Mekong River in the heart of Luang<br />
Prabang. The property is set back from the<br />
road, providing peace and quiet. Rooms<br />
are small but well maintained, providing<br />
all the facilities one would need in this<br />
fabled town. Villa Saykham has been<br />
restored to its original colonial style and<br />
the provincial exterior, tiled grounds and<br />
quiet gardens provide a peaceful retreat.<br />
There is no pool here, however rooms do<br />
have a television. This is a simple and<br />
comfortable place to stay, with a nice<br />
atmosphere and an excellent location,<br />
proving an affordable option, especially<br />
for families.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
1 May - 30 Sept 11 $60 $30<br />
Extra Facilities: 14 rooms • no room<br />
telephone<br />
Sala Prabang<br />
Villa Santi<br />
★★★ Standard bonus Map: 2<br />
From $ 4 0 pp<br />
★★★ Standard Map: 3<br />
From $ 57pp<br />
This is a small, simple, and very charming<br />
property that consists of six separate<br />
buildings, located in the centre of town on<br />
the Mekong. Each building dates to colonial<br />
times and has been restored according<br />
to strict UNESCO guidelines. Rooms are<br />
compact yet comfortable, and are simply<br />
fitted with wood and bamboo furniture<br />
and wooden floorboards. More aptly<br />
described as a lodge, rather than a hotel,<br />
no two rooms are the same, each having<br />
its own style. A true escape, rooms do not<br />
have televisions or phones. The open-air<br />
riverbank restaurant is a great spot for<br />
watching monks pass by in the morning.<br />
Extra Facilities: 49 rooms across six<br />
separate buildings • internet access<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
1 May - 30 Sept 11 $80 $40<br />
• tea/coffee making facilities • no room<br />
telephone or television • restaurant<br />
Bonus: Stay 4 nights, pay 3 valid 01 May<br />
to 30 Sep 2011.<br />
Villa Santi is a century-old, former<br />
royal mansion which has been restored<br />
to retain its lovely old-world charm,<br />
yet is equipped with many modern<br />
conveniences. The rooms are furnished<br />
with hand-crafted rosewood furniture<br />
and silk textiles. The restaurant offers<br />
Lao cuisine in the royal style, as well<br />
as international dishes, which can be<br />
enjoyed in the balcony for a romantic<br />
dinner for two. Sit outside in the<br />
courtyard bar, bathed in the soft lantern<br />
and candle light, for a relaxing drink or a<br />
snack. With a convenient location, this<br />
is a great value option, especially for<br />
those wanting to include a bit of history<br />
in their stay.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
1 May - 30 Sept 11 $114 $57<br />
Extra Facilities: 16 rooms • internet<br />
access • small swimming pool • 24 hour<br />
room service • restaurant bar<br />
Maison Souvannaphoum<br />
Villa Maydou<br />
★★★★ Superior Map: 4<br />
From $ 63 pp<br />
★★★ Standard Map: 5<br />
From $ 66 pp<br />
The former home of a Lao prince, Maison<br />
Souvannaphoum has received awards as<br />
one of the world’s best boutique hotels.<br />
With a wonderful mix of tradition and<br />
modernity, the interior design combines<br />
Asian and Western influences. In the<br />
guestrooms, rich silk textiles are draped<br />
on walls and ceilings, and private<br />
balconies feature deep wicker chairs for<br />
relaxing. The restaurant serves mouthwatering<br />
French, Laotian and Indochinese<br />
cuisine by a lovely pool and the wonderful<br />
Angsana spa offers luxurious treatments.<br />
This luxury hotel has an intriguing history<br />
and an atmosphere of perfect tranquillity.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
1 May - 30 Sept 11 $126 $63<br />
Extra Facilities: 24 rooms • internet<br />
• hairdryer • tea/coffee making facilities<br />
• room service • balcony • room service<br />
• swimming pool • spa & massage centre<br />
• restaurant<br />
Villa Maydou is a pleasant 15 minute<br />
walk from the centre of Luang Prabang<br />
and is set amongst lovely gardens close<br />
to the Nam Khan River and a nearby<br />
monastery. Buildings are original and<br />
are Laotian in style. Rooms are stylishly<br />
furnished with either terracotta tile<br />
or wooden floors and elegant white<br />
bathtubs. In keeping with the pared-down<br />
style rooms do not have televisions but<br />
do offer comforts such as a mini-bar<br />
and hairdryer. There is no pool, however<br />
the gardens make for a pleasant retreat<br />
after a long day’s touring, and the overall<br />
tropical ambience ensures a wonderful<br />
atmosphere. This is one of the best<br />
boutique options in a quiet part of town.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
1 May - 30 Sept 11 $119 $66<br />
Extra Facilities: 15 rooms • hairdryer<br />
• mini-bar • room service • no room<br />
telephone or television • restaurant/café<br />
46 HANDMADE FROM LOCAL KNOWLEDGE. HANDPICKED BY US. www.handmadeholidays.com.au
Luang Prabang Accommodation<br />
“Luang Prabang is one of the most relaxing cities in Asia, rise early in the morning to watch<br />
monks line up for their Alms, wander the world heritage streets, visit a myriad of temples and<br />
watch children playing football in the alley’s, go on an elephant experience and see how Mahouts<br />
bond with their elephants in the country nicknamed Land of a million elephants, browse<br />
the famous evening market in the main street and relax in a café watching the world go by.”<br />
David atthews, Product Manager Laos and Cambodia, Australia<br />
•Luang Prabang<br />
Laos<br />
Villa Maly<br />
Shinta Mani<br />
★★★★ Superior bonus Map: 6 ★★★★ Superior Map: 7<br />
A former Lao residence with a wonderful<br />
location, Villa Maly is a refreshing deluxe<br />
option in Luang Prabang. The hotel has an<br />
inviting French-colonial atmosphere with<br />
a blend of traditional Lao style. Rooms are<br />
stylishly decorated with period fittings<br />
such as four-poster beds and high ceiling<br />
fans, with modern conveniences. The<br />
palm-fringed pool is delectable, while<br />
the restaurant serves sumptuous Lao and<br />
Western food. Villa Maly is a beautiful<br />
hotel with a tranquil atmosphere and soft<br />
touches of luxury.<br />
Extra Facilities: 33 rooms • internet<br />
access • hairdryer • room service • DVD<br />
player • iPod docking station • salon<br />
• cafe • bar • restaurant<br />
La Residence Phuo Vao by Orient Express<br />
★★★★★ Deluxe Map: 8<br />
A romantic haven of peace with<br />
stunning views, this elegant boutique<br />
hotel provides a genuinely luxurious<br />
stay. Perched on a hillside amongst<br />
tropical gardens, it has been tastefully<br />
designed in line with the subdued<br />
atmosphere of Luang Prabang town.<br />
Rooms are very spacious and superbly<br />
decorated with traditional Lao<br />
weavings and rosewood furniture.<br />
Light flows in through large windows<br />
which overlook the lush gardens or<br />
mountains beyond. Gaze out upon<br />
Mount Phou Si from the restaurant, or<br />
enjoy a snack poolside. The huge menu<br />
includes French, a modern take on<br />
traditional Lao delicacies and the daily<br />
From $ 81 pp<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
1 May - 30 Sept 11 $161 $81<br />
Bonus: Free room upgrade subject to<br />
availability valid 01 May to 30 Sep 2011.<br />
From $ 151 pp<br />
barbeque offers additional choice. The<br />
infinity-edge swimming pool is perched<br />
on a cliff with incredible views across<br />
the verdant valley below and across to<br />
the mountain beyond. Pamper yourself<br />
at the divine Mekong Spa, which uses<br />
pure botanical. This chic resort boasts a<br />
laid-back ambience without sacrificing<br />
the style and comfort.<br />
Extra Facilities: 34 rooms • internet<br />
access • hair dryer • room service<br />
• swimming pool • spa • restaurant<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
1 May - 30 JuN 11 $301 $151<br />
Shinta Mani means “the gem that<br />
provides everything one desires”, and<br />
with its brand new rooms, stunning views<br />
and delectable cuisine it should prove<br />
true to its name. Located above the World<br />
Heritage listed town of Luang Prabang,<br />
the hotel is perched atop and alongside a<br />
large hill, so you can wake to sweeping<br />
views of the town, as well as the valleys<br />
and mountains surrounding it, yet is just<br />
a 10 minute drive outside the historic<br />
town of Luang Prabang. Opening in 2010,<br />
the property offers brand new styling<br />
with modern amenities. A selection of<br />
restaurants offer delectable cuisine. This<br />
hotel is a true oasis, with convenient<br />
access to town.<br />
From $ 93 pp<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
21 Apr - 30 Sep 11 $185 $93<br />
Extra Facilities: 36 rooms • internet<br />
access • spa • gym • kids’ club • café<br />
• swimming pool • bar • 2 restaurants<br />
Note: Shinta Mani will be opening in late 2010.<br />
Alila<br />
★★★★★ Deluxe Map: 9<br />
Combining a colonial charm with<br />
modern elegance, this new hotel offers<br />
luxurious suites with all contemporary<br />
conveniences, in a quiet residential area of<br />
Luang Prabang. The hotel blends existing<br />
colonial buildings with new structures,<br />
designed in keeping with traditional Lao<br />
architecture, graced with contemporary<br />
Asian touches. This all-suite hotel has<br />
just 23 luxury suites, each individually<br />
designed to create a sanctuary of space<br />
and a haven of comfort. All suites have a<br />
private garden, some with private pool.<br />
Lao accents are seen throughout, amidst<br />
the modern palette of this brand new<br />
hotel. In winter, laze by your own fireplace,<br />
or soak in the large tub. The rooms feature<br />
From $ 154 pp<br />
the latest technology including high<br />
definition televisions and iPods. Enjoy<br />
authentic Lao flavours at the restaurant<br />
with an emphasis on local cuisine, or<br />
lounge in the colonial-style cocktail bar<br />
and library. The courtyard swimming pool<br />
is surrounded by daybeds, terraces and<br />
private cabanas. Indulge in the sumptuous<br />
spa, blending ancient Asian healing<br />
techniques with age-old beauty recipes<br />
featuring natural ingredients.<br />
Extra Facilities: 23 Suites • internet<br />
access • iPods • DVD players • swimming<br />
pool • spa • bar • restaurant<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
1 May - 30 Oct 11 $308 $154<br />
Pricing and validity dates specified are based on low season and are intended as a guide only. Contact us for price details outside of these dates.<br />
47
Vientiane Accommodation<br />
Top things to see and do in Vientiane<br />
Climb to the top of the Putaxai Monument, Laos’ own Arc de Triomphe<br />
Wander ancient Wat Sisaket and be enlightened by the Lao Buddhist culture<br />
See the sparkling Golden Stupa, the national symbol and an important religious monument<br />
Watch the sunset over the Mekong<br />
Laos<br />
Avalon Hotel<br />
Vientiane<br />
★★ No Frills Map: 1<br />
The Avalon is an affordable hotel that is<br />
simple and comfortable. Located right in<br />
the heart of Vientiane, the hotel is just a<br />
few minutes walk from historic temples,<br />
the night markets and other sights,<br />
making it a great base for exploring the<br />
city by foot. Well maintained rooms<br />
are airy and feature wireless internet.<br />
Although there is no formal restaurant,<br />
this is made up for by a quaint rooftop<br />
patio where it is very pleasant to sit<br />
and eat the a simple breakfast that is<br />
provided. A superb central location and<br />
good rooms make this property great<br />
value for money.<br />
From $ 19 pp<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
12 Dec 10 - 12 Dec 11 $38 $19<br />
Extra Facilities: 26 rooms • wireless<br />
internet • balcony (standard twin rooms)<br />
• hairdryer & iron on request<br />
Travel Indochina Office<br />
Mercure Vientiane<br />
★★★ Standard bonus Map: 2<br />
The Mercure Vientiane boasts<br />
International standards and excellent<br />
service. Rooms have been recently<br />
refurbished and feature stylish timber<br />
fittings and a great range of facilities.<br />
Le Cafe restaurant serves tasty food, or<br />
you can enjoy a drink at one of the three<br />
bars. There is a fitness centre and tennis<br />
court, and the lovely swimming pool is<br />
surrounded by a palm-fringed eating area.<br />
Located near the waterfront, the hotel is<br />
a 15 minute stroll to the heart of town.<br />
This hotel is an excellent standard option<br />
representing good value for money.<br />
Extra Facilities: 172 rooms • internet<br />
• hairdryer • room service • tennis<br />
court • gym • swimming pool • sauna<br />
Green Park<br />
From $ 34 pp<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
1 May - 31 Oct 11 $68 $34<br />
• tennis court • business centre • cafe<br />
• restaurant<br />
Bonus: Stay 3 nights, pay 2 valid 01 May<br />
to 30 Sep 2011.<br />
Ansara<br />
★★★★ Superior Map: 3<br />
Set in a small lane, Ansara is peacefully<br />
quiet, yet is situated in the very heart<br />
of Vientiane, with many popular sights<br />
just moments away. The décor is an<br />
elegant blend of Lao traditional and Asian<br />
contemporary. Understated rooms feature<br />
rosewood parquet flooring and handwoven<br />
silk fabrics. Stand on your private<br />
balcony overlooking the verdant garden<br />
watching the palms swaying as the scent<br />
of frangipani floats in. Le Signature is the<br />
French restaurant, with delectable dishes<br />
and sumptuous desserts, while casual<br />
dining is also available in the lounge.<br />
Ansara is a great option for those who want<br />
a bit of luxury in the heart of Vientiane,<br />
without sacrificing peace and quiet.<br />
Settha Palace<br />
From $ 73 pp<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
1 May - 30 Sept 11 $129 $73<br />
Extra Facilities: 14 rooms • laptop<br />
in room • internet access • tea/coffee<br />
making facilities • hairdryer • bar<br />
• restaurant • café<br />
★★★★ Superior Map: 4<br />
Green Park is a designer boutique hotel<br />
with stylish and contemporary rooms<br />
nestled in tropical gardens surrounding<br />
two tranquil pools. Each guestroom has<br />
a balcony or terrace, and bathrooms look<br />
out to a small private garden. The hotel is<br />
next to peaceful Nong Chanh Green Park,<br />
within walking distance from the Morning<br />
Market. The Asian decor blends historic<br />
and traditional touches with a chic modern<br />
style, and amenities ensure a comfortable<br />
stay. Stay active at the fitness centre,<br />
or indulge at the spa, before relaxing by<br />
the sparkling pool. Beautiful grounds and<br />
elegant rooms make this great value hotel<br />
a Travel Indochina favourite.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
17 Apr - 30 Sept 11 $153 $85<br />
Extra Facilities: 34 rooms • internet<br />
access • television • hairdryer • room<br />
service • swimming pool • cafe<br />
• restaurant<br />
★★★★ Superior Map: 5<br />
From $ 85 pp From $ 112 pp<br />
A former family mansion dating to the<br />
1930s, this historic French-colonial<br />
building has been lovingly restored<br />
to reflect an era of classic elegance.<br />
Bedrooms feature high ceilings and<br />
rosewood four-poster beds covered with<br />
crisp white linen sit on polished wooden<br />
floorboards. Outside, a swimming pool<br />
is nestled in a tropical garden amidst<br />
frangipani trees, and doormen usher<br />
arrivals into the cool serene lobby, with<br />
chandeliers hanging overhead. The<br />
colonial-style dining room serves classic<br />
French cuisine, and the excellent location<br />
puts you within moments of the town’s<br />
shops and restaurants.<br />
Per Person inc breakfast Single Twin<br />
1 Jul - Sept 11 $209 $112<br />
Extra Facilities: 26 rooms • internet<br />
access • hairdryer • tea/coffee making<br />
facilities • room service • swimming pool<br />
• business centre • café • restaurant<br />
48 HANDMADE FROM LOCAL KNOWLEDGE. HANDPICKED BY US. www.handmadeholidays.com.au
Booking conditions<br />
Please read the booking conditions below. Payment of deposit<br />
indicates acceptance of booking conditions detailed in this<br />
brochure. For full booking conditions please refer to our website<br />
handmadeholidays.com.au<br />
Small Group Journey Booking Conditions – A separate set<br />
of Booking Conditions governs the operation of Small Group<br />
Journeys. Please refer to travelindochina.com.au for these<br />
conditions, or to our separate Small Group Journeys brochure.<br />
Deposits & Balance – A deposit of $300 per person is due<br />
7 days after issuance of invoice. For bookings at a value of less<br />
than $300, full payment is due at time of booking. Your balance<br />
is due and payable to Travel Indochina 65 days prior to the<br />
scheduled date for departure from Australia notified to you in<br />
your confirmation of booking. Failure to pay in full by the due<br />
date may result in the automatic cancellation of your booking<br />
without refund of monies paid. Please note that different deposit<br />
and payment terms may apply to selected products. In these<br />
cases terms are made clear in the product description text herein<br />
or at the time of making a reservation.<br />
Amendments – Once itineraries are requested, with or without<br />
deposit on file, one free amendment is allowed. A fee of $60<br />
is required for every amendment thereafter. If an amendment<br />
is requested within 65 days of the scheduled departure date a<br />
cancellation fee may also apply.<br />
Late Bookings – Full payment is required at the time of booking<br />
within 1 month prior to scheduled departure from Australia.<br />
Bookings made 7 days or less prior to scheduled departure<br />
from Australia will be subject to a late booking fee of $50 per<br />
application. Please note that we are unable to accept cheques<br />
for late bookings.<br />
Same Day Confirmations – Requests for same day<br />
confirmation within 14 days of departure will attract an<br />
additional booking fee of $20. Same day requests must be<br />
received by 2pm AEST.<br />
Minimum/ Land Only Booking Fee – Bookings of 3 nights or<br />
less and less than $500 incur the below minimum booking fee.<br />
No airfares can be booked with Travel Indochina if less than<br />
4 nights (6 nights in the case of some airlines) accommodation<br />
have been booked. Please check with your consultant at time<br />
of booking.<br />
1 night = $50; 2 - 3 nights = $35<br />
Prices & Fluctuation – ‘From’ prices represent low season<br />
twin share prices (unless otherwise clearly stated) and<br />
include all government levies and airport taxes as at the date<br />
of publication. Please note that these levies and taxes are<br />
subject to change. Additionally, due to the unstable nature of<br />
the Australian dollar, regrettably currency surcharges may be<br />
necessary. Travel Indochina will without guarantee try to give<br />
clients who have paid deposits a grace period to pay in full in<br />
order to avoid any surcharge. However, the best way to avoid<br />
surcharges is to pay in full as soon as possible.<br />
Pricing Validity – Prices herein are valid for travel for the date<br />
ranges shown. We will use our reasonable efforts to ensure<br />
the prices do not change but we may be required to impose<br />
surcharges depending on currency fluctuations, changes in<br />
government legislation, air prices, fuel surcharges or other<br />
variables outside our control. You acknowledge and agree that<br />
you shall be responsible for the prompt payment of all surcharges<br />
and price increases. While we will use our reasonable efforts to<br />
provide clients who have paid a deposit a grace period to make<br />
full payment and avoid surcharge, this is not always possible<br />
or practicable. In order to minimise exposure to surcharges we<br />
recommend you pay in full as early as possible. Information<br />
in this brochure is valid at time of publication but is subject to<br />
change. Please be sure to confirm details of travel arrangements<br />
at the time of booking.<br />
Bonus and Honeymoon Offers – These are subject to change<br />
and availability.<br />
Cancellation & Refunds – Cancellations will be subject<br />
to the following cancellation fees applied per person, per<br />
confirmed booking:<br />
• For cancellations made more than 65 days before the<br />
scheduled date for departure from Australia – the deposit will<br />
be forfeited to Travel Indochina<br />
• For cancellations made between 30-65 days before the<br />
scheduled date for departure from Australia – a cancellation<br />
fee of 25% of the travel and booking fee or $300 (whichever<br />
is the greater) will be payable<br />
• For cancellations made less than 30 days before the scheduled<br />
date for departure from Australia – 100% of the travel and<br />
booking fee will be payable<br />
Cancellation of air, cruising and rail arrangements will be<br />
subject to fees charged in accordance with the type of airfare,<br />
cruise or rail tariff regulations. Refunds will not be given for<br />
unused or cancelled services after your tour arrangements<br />
have commenced.<br />
Airfares, Cancellations & Amendments – Prices herein<br />
do not include airfares from or to your departing destination.<br />
Separate terms and conditions will apply to your airfares. It is<br />
your responsibility to carefully read and understand the terms<br />
and conditions that relate to your airfare and contact the relevant<br />
airline if you require further information. Cancellation and refund<br />
policies associated with airfares vary according to airfare terms<br />
and conditions and the relevant airline.<br />
Insurance – Medical facilities across Asia are often unable to<br />
provide the full range of medical services that are available in<br />
developed countries, making evacuation a requirement in many<br />
non-life threatening medical situations. Regardless of the type<br />
of your holiday arrangements, we strongly recommend that you<br />
take out travel insurance at the time of booking.<br />
Special Needs – If you have special travelling needs,<br />
you are obliged to make us aware of these at the time of<br />
booking request.<br />
Bedding Configuration – Requests for specific bedding types<br />
must be made at the time of booking. We may not always be<br />
able to accommodate your needs, depending on the room types<br />
available at particular hotels. Note that double rooms can be<br />
fitted with either double or twin beds, and note also that single<br />
rooms are often smaller than other rooms. Triple rooms usually<br />
comprise a twin bed room with an additional sofa bed, roll-away<br />
bed or a fold-away bed for a third person, and can sometimes<br />
be crowded.<br />
Travelling with Children – Where a child stays for free in a<br />
room sharing with two paying adults, generally the hotel will<br />
expect the child to share the parent’s bed and will not provide<br />
an extra bed. Additional charges may be levied for child meals.<br />
Where a child rate is provided in this brochure, an extra roll or<br />
fold-away bed is usually provided. Children are charged an adult<br />
rate if staying in a room without adults.<br />
Documents – Travel documents will be issued after final<br />
payment has been received and are normally sent two weeks<br />
prior to departure.<br />
Consumer Claims – We strive to ensure your arrangements<br />
are delivered smoothly, however there are times when problems<br />
arise on the ground. You should first try to resolve service<br />
problems with the provider of the service. If the problem cannot<br />
be resolved you should contact the emergency contacts provided<br />
in your detailed itinerary. If you fail to take these steps you<br />
may be affecting your recourse for a future claim. If a problem<br />
is not resolved during your journey you should send us written<br />
correspondence detailing the nature of your complaint as well as<br />
the efforts you went to resolve the problem while in Asia. Please<br />
send this correspondence to us, with supporting documentation,<br />
via your travel agent, within 30 days of the date of service<br />
delivery. We will not consider claims made after this period.<br />
Destination Advice – Travel Indochina destinations are<br />
at various stages of economic development. Whilst most<br />
accommodation and transport utilised in the programs meet<br />
international standards, the destinations themselves sometimes<br />
do not provide infrastructure of the same standard as Australia.<br />
Travellers should check with the Department of Foreign Affairs<br />
and Trade (www.dfat.gov.au or phone 1300 555 135) for the<br />
latest advice about a particular destination. Please ensure that<br />
you are aware of health and entry/exit requirements that may<br />
apply to places you are visiting and check with the World Health<br />
Organisation at www.who.int. You are responsible for meeting<br />
any requirements recommended by these websites.<br />
Visas for Australian Passport Holders – Visas are required<br />
for the majority of Travel Indochina destinations your Travel<br />
Agent or Travel Indochina can assist you with acquiring visas.<br />
The timely acquisition of a valid visa and other official travel<br />
documents remains your responsibility. Please also note that<br />
most countries in Asia insist that passports are valid for at least<br />
six months after date of entry into Asia.<br />
Liability Disclaimer – To the extent permitted by law<br />
and subject to the statutory warranties referred to below,<br />
Travel Indochina:<br />
a) does not guarantee the accuracy of, and disclaims all<br />
liability for any inaccuracies relating to the information<br />
contained herein including, without limitation, descriptions<br />
of accommodation, photographs and general product and<br />
service descriptions, much of which is provided by the<br />
respective suppliers<br />
b) disclaims all warranties, terms and conditions with regard to<br />
such information, products and services, including all implied<br />
warranties, and conditions, of suitable quality, fitness for a<br />
particular purpose, title, and non-infringement<br />
c) excludes liability (whether that liability arises under contract,<br />
tort (including negligence) or statute) for any special, indirect<br />
or consequential loss or damage (including without limitation<br />
loss of revenue and loss of, or damage to, data) suffered or<br />
incurred in connection with use of the information contained<br />
herein or your participation in a journey<br />
d) in relation to all other loss or damage, limits its liability to a<br />
maximum of the cost of the journey booked<br />
e) disclaims all liability and will make no refund in the event of<br />
any delay, cancellation, overbooking, strike, force majeure<br />
or other cause beyond its direct control and will have no<br />
responsibility for any additional expense, omissions, delays,<br />
re-routing or acts of any government or authority<br />
Travel Indochina acts as contractor only for the persons or<br />
companies providing or offering the means of travel conveyance,<br />
transport, accommodation or other services (‘Suppliers’) and<br />
all receipts, tickets, vouchers and coupons are issued subject to<br />
the terms and conditions under which such transportation and<br />
services are offered by such persons. Some of these Suppliers<br />
limit or exclude their liability, and action against these Suppliers<br />
may be subject to international convention between countries.<br />
To the extent permitted by law, Travel Indochina excludes all<br />
liability in respect of any acts, errors, omissions, representations,<br />
warranties, breaches or negligence of any such suppliers or for<br />
any personal injury, death, property damage or other expenses<br />
resulting from the supply of goods or services by these Suppliers<br />
or by any third party.<br />
The inclusion or offering of any products or services herein do<br />
not constitute any endorsement or recommendation of such<br />
products or services by us.<br />
You are solely responsible for the suitability of any travel<br />
services which you purchase from or through Travel Indochina.<br />
In particular, we are not liable for any inconvenience caused<br />
or expense incurred as a result of any unsuitability of<br />
travel services.<br />
These Booking Conditions must be read subject to any statutory<br />
provisions. If such statutory provisions apply to limit the<br />
disclaimer referred to above, to the extent that Travel Indochina<br />
is entitled to do so, the liability of Travel Indochina will be limited<br />
at its option to:<br />
a) in the case of supply of goods, the replacement of the goods,<br />
or supply of equivalent goods, the payment of the costs of the<br />
replacing the goods or requiring the goods, the payment of the<br />
cost of having the goods repaired, or the repair of the goods<br />
b) in the case of services, the supply of the services again, or the<br />
payment of the cost of having the services performed again.<br />
Indemnity – You agree to indemnify, and keep indemnified,<br />
Travel Indochina and any of its officers, directors, employees and<br />
agents from and against any claims, causes or action, demands,<br />
recoveries, losses, damages, fines, penalties or other costs or<br />
expenses or any kind arising out of our in relation to any action,<br />
inaction or omission by you including, without limitation, your<br />
breach of:<br />
a) these Booking Conditions<br />
b) any laws or the rights of a third party<br />
Our Privacy Policy – You consent to our processing personal<br />
information about you and other members of your party. We will<br />
hold your name, address and any other details you supply us<br />
with on our database. This information will be used to make your<br />
travel arrangements and to send you information about Travel<br />
Indochina. In order to make your travel arrangements we will<br />
need to pass your details to companies and individuals outside<br />
Australia, where less stringent data protection controls may be<br />
in place. We will not pass on your details to any third parties that<br />
are not responsible for your travel arrangements.<br />
Errors & Omissions – We reserve the right to correct any<br />
errors in rates quoted or calculated for any service, with<br />
immediate effect. We will use our reasonable endeavours to<br />
notify you of such corrections.<br />
Assignment – We may, and you may not, assign,<br />
convey, subcontract or delegate any rights, duties or<br />
obligations hereunder.<br />
Performance of these Booking Conditions by us, our affiliates<br />
and suppliers is subject to existing laws in New South Wales,<br />
Australia and any destination of your journey. Nothing contained<br />
in these Conditions of Reservation is in derogation of the right<br />
or requirement to comply with law enforcement requests or<br />
requirements relating to your journey or information provided to<br />
or gathered by us in relation to your journey.<br />
If any part of these Booking Conditions is determined to be<br />
invalid or unenforceable pursuant to applicable law then the<br />
invalid or unenforceable provision will be deemed superseded<br />
by a valid, enforceable provision that most closely reflects the<br />
intent of the original provision and the agreement shall continue<br />
in effect. Travel Indochina reserves the right to change the<br />
terms, conditions, and notices contained herein and will use its<br />
reasonable efforts to notify you of any material change.<br />
Any rights not expressly granted herein are reserved.<br />
All contents of the publication are © 2010 Stella Travel Services<br />
(Australia) Pty Ltd ACN 003 237 296. Except as permitted<br />
under the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth), no part of this publication<br />
may be reproduced, copied, stored or transmitted in any form<br />
or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, or<br />
otherwise, without the prior written permission of the copyright<br />
owner. Travel Indochina is a trademark of Stella Travel Services<br />
(Australia) Pty. Ltd.
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IndIa<br />
srI lanka and the MaldIves<br />
Handmade Holidays for travellers 2 0 1 0 -11<br />
CHINA<br />
FeAturINg tIbet & HoNg KoNg<br />
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THAILAND<br />
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The Travel Indochina Handmade Holidays for travellers collection<br />
Vietnam Cambodia<br />
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China india Japan<br />
Quality escorted Small Group Journeys 2 0 1 1 – 1 2<br />
Experience Asia<br />
The travel indochina way<br />
on one of our legendary<br />
Small Group Journeys...<br />
CLASSIC JOURNEYS I DELUXE JOURNEYS I FAMILY JOURNEYS<br />
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Online 24/7 agents only booking engine:<br />
ticconnect.com.au<br />
Travellers: handmadeholidays.com.au<br />
Sydney Level 10, 403 George St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia<br />
Agents only Phone 1300 362 777 Email: travindo@travelindochina.com.au Online booking engine: ticconnect.com.au<br />
Traveller enquiries Phone 1300 365 355 Fax: (02) 9244 2233 Email: info@travelindochina.com.au Web: www.handmadeholidays<br />
Accredited member of IATA, ATIA, PATA, ACTW. ABN 84 003 237 296, Licence No. 2TA 002558<br />
Offices in Sydney, Oxford, Los Angeles, Saigon, Danang, Hanoi, Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Vientiane<br />
Your Travel Agent<br />
Thank you to our photographers David Mannix, Paul Hole, Mark Bowyer, Eric Finley, Antony Giblin, Jo Howell, Phil Jordan, Linh Le,<br />
Kip Wheeler, Darren Szwarcburg, Scott Woodward, Lesley Wright, Fiona Reeves, Graham Stephenson, Travel Indochina<br />
TIN00711