SOUTH EAST ASIA - STA Travel Hub

THAILAND & LAOS ADVENTUREBangkok HanoiFR$1,69914 DAYSHighlights• Lose yourself in the mania of Bangkok• Explore Chiang Mai’s night bazaar• Float down the mighty Mekong River• Discover the past in Luang Prabang• Explore the magnificent Pak Ou Caves• Soak up the atmosphere of Vientiane• Get wet under the spray of waterfallsDepartures 2014Jan - DecInclusionsPakbengChiang KhongChiang MaiRegular departures,typically 1-3 times per weekTrip Style: Classic Service Level: StandardPhysical Grading: 2 Age Group: Any ageAccommodation: Hotels (11 nts), sleepertrain (1 nt), village homestay (1 nt) Transport:Train, local bus, air-conditioned bus, riverboat,songthaew, taxi, cyclo, plane Meals: 8breakfasts, 2 dinners Budget: Allow USD$265-350 for meals not included GroupLeader: Chief Experience Officer (CEO), localguides Group Size: Max 15, Avg 12 TourCode: GAATBHMy Own Room Available: Fr $749You might likeVIETNAMHanoiLuangPrabangTHAILANDVang ViengVientianeBangkokStay longer in BangkokSee pages 52-55Stay longer in HanoiSee page 110LAOSFor an experience that’s altogether different from the norm, look no further than thisnortheastern adventure across to Vietnam. You’ll head deep into the lush highlands ofThailand before crossing the border into Laos where you’ll spend a week falling in love witheverything this little landlocked country has to offer. Cruise the mighty Mekong River andwhile away the hours in sleepy traditional towns. Things finish up amongst the kaleidoscopicand sensual highs of Hanoi, where you’ll have two full days of exploration with the group. Aperfect end to a perfect trip.DAY01-020304-0506-0809-101112-1314ITINERARYBangkokArrive into the energetic world of Thailand’s capital city, Bangkok, at any time. On Day 2, set off on alocal exploration by Thai longboat - cruise through the klongs (canals) of Bangkok’s backstreets andsee the city from a different perspective. Stop by Wat Po and check out the huge reclining Buddha ona guided tour. Travel by overnight train to the capital of the north, Chiang Mai. (B)Chiang MaiArriving into Chiang Mai this morning, you’ll soon understand why this northern city has long beena travellers’ favourite. With fantastic street food, a bustling night bazaar, hundreds of temples,beautiful surrounding countryside and an eclectic hilltribe culture, you will never get bored whileexploring this energetic city. Included is a guided visit of the city’s most famous temple, Doi Suthep,which is said to have been founded as early as the 14th Century. Climb the 309 steps to the top andbe rewarded with impressive views back toward Chiang Mai.Chiang Khong / Mekong RiverAfter a five-hour bus ride, arrive in Chiang Khong and relax at your guesthouse overlooking themighty Mekong River. Sit back, relax, sip on a cold beer and enjoy the slow pace of life. On Day 5,begin the journey down the world’s 10th-longest river by slow boat. The Mekong is a hub of activity,from fishing to trade and transport between the villages that line its banks. Watch the world go by.Luang PrabangA beautiful town of historic temples, multi-cultural locals, vibrant markets and textile treasures.Wander the UNESCO Heritage-listed streets. A visit to the legendary Pak Ou Caves filled withhundreds of miniature Buddha sculptures is included as well as a visit to the Kuang Si waterfalls.Dinner is a feast of local produce with a meal cooked by local hosts. (3B, D)Vang ViengA scenic drive through the mountains takes you to picturesque Vang Vieng, situated amongstlimestone karsts, vast rice fields and the Nam Song River. This is an adventure-lover’s nirvana - getyour thrills swimming, tubing or exploring caves. Alternatively, head out into the countryside on abike ride or simply relax by the water with a good book. You will get the opportunity to experience atraditional overnight stay in a local village and a dinner of Laotian food on Day 9. (B, D)VientianeQuiet and relaxed, Vientiane has a wealth of charms - from its eclectic blend of French and Laoarchitecture to the riverside cafés and quiet temples, there’s plenty to keep you busy. The marketsare alive with colour and noise, and you can’t help but be tempted by the vast array of produce andsouvenirs on offer.HanoiA short flight to Hanoi allows you to get ready for a whirlwind of activity and colour. Hanoi offersendless temptations in the shops and markets of the old quarter, relaxing lakeside coffee shops,fascinating museums and unbeatable food. Check out a performance of water puppetry, a traditionthat dates back as far as the 11th Century when villagers would entertain themselves with puppetplay in the flooded rice fields. (2B)HanoiSay your goodbyes to your travelling buddies, as your tour concludes in Hanoi. (B)SOUTH EAST ASIACALL 1300 676 561 TO BOOK27