SOUTH EAST ASIA - STA Travel Hub

LAOS & THAILAND ON A SHOESTRINGHanoi BangkokFR$1,24912 DAYSSOUTH EAST ASIAHighlights• Visit colourful, charismatic Hanoi• Admire French colonial architecture• Discover temple-dotted countryside• See the karsts of Vang Vieng• Float down the amazing Mekong Delta• Shop the night markets in Chiang Mai• Check out Bangkok’s buzzing nightlifeDepartures 2014Jan & Oct-DecFeb-Mar & AugApr-Jul & SepInclusionsChiangKhongChiangMaiPakbengRegular departures,typically 3-4 times per weekDailyRegular departures,typically 4-7 times per weekTrip Style: YOLO Service Level: BasicPhysical Grading: 2 Age Group:Recommended for 18-39s Accommodation:Simple hotels (9 nts), sleeper train (1 nt),local homestay (1 nt) Transport: Train, localbus, air-conditioned bus, plane, slow boat,boat Meals: 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinnerBudget: Allow USD $200-250 for meals notincluded Group Leader: Chief ExperienceOfficer (CEO) Group Size: Max 16, Avg 10Tour Code: GAAVRLMy Own Room Available: Fr $319VIETNAMHanoiLuangPrabangVangViengYou might likeVientianeTHAILANDBangkokLAOSExtend your tripIndochina Discovery(30 days, Bangkok to Bangkok)(GAATID) see page 20 Fr $2,849This all-singing, all-dancing adventure will show you the wonders of utterly tranquil Laosand the gems of northern Thailand. As you leave the dazzle of Hanoi behind, prepare tobe engulfed in French colonial style as you head into Laos. This endearing country boastswholesome people, a laid-back attitude to life and beautiful symbolic monasteries. Life afterLaos continues to get sweeter as you cruise the Mekong River and fall into the loving armsof the ‘Land of Smiles,’ more commonly known as Thailand. Enjoy its breathtaking beauty,bustle and iconic gold-spired Buddhist temples.DAY0102Bangkok03-0405-06070809-1011-12ITINERARYHanoiArrive into hectic Hanoi at any time. Navigate the bustling streets, check out the local markets, eatdelicious street food and drink cheap local beer sitting on tiny plastic chairs at the side of the road.Go to a water puppet show, visit the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu) or Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum toget your first cultural fix of Indochina.VientianeThis morning you’ll take a short flight to Vientiane; the laid-back capital of Laos. Here there is awealth of cultural delights to discover - on foot, by bicycle or, if you’re feeling lazy, by tuk-tuk. Opt into visit Phat That Luang or simply meander down the dusty riverside tracks to find neighbourhoodsbrimming with friendly children, dogs and chickens. (B)Vang ViengA picturesque drive north takes you to beautiful Vang Vieng. This quiet town is set along the NamSong River amidst rice fields and limestone karsts. On Day 4, opt in to explore some of the caves andin the evening, soak in the natural beauty of Vang Vieng as the sun sets over the river. (2B)Luang PrabangWelcome to magical Luang Prabang! This beauty is nestled in the hills of northern Laos at theconfluence of the Mekong and Khan Rivers. Luang Prabang is studded with ornate temples andinspirational French colonial architecture that will give you goosebumps. Witness the giving of almsto the Buddhist monks, opt to take a cooking class, ride an elephant, ride a bike, visit temples, visitthe Royal Palace Museum, Kuang Si Waterfalls and Bear Rescue Centre. If you have any energy leftafter all that, haggle your way round the bustling night markets, phew! (2B)Mekong RiverToday you will cruise the serpentine waterways of the verdant Mekong Delta on a long houseboat.The Mekong is a thriving centre of cottage industries, floating markets and orchards, which reallypersonifies a textbook Asian scene. Tonight, you’ll experience a village homestay. (B, D)Chiang KhongStart Day 8 continuing your leisurely cruise up the Mekong River before arriving at the Laos/Thaiborder and crossing into Thailand later this afternoon. (B, L)Chiang MaiWind through charming countryside to Chiang Mai which is a popular location for any traveller toThailand and generally regarded as the capital of the north. This afternoon, you’ll have heaps of freetime to explore this fascinating and sacred city. Chiang Mai is enclosed by a moat and crumblingwalls and offers pretty scenery, traditional architecture, charming locals and vibrant markets; all witha strong Buddhist presence. Visit Doi Suthep or the Chiang Mai Zoo or catch a traditional Thai boxingmatch. On Day 10, hop on board a local overnight train to travel south through the Thai countrysidetowards the bustle of Bangkok.BangkokOne of Asia’s most incredible cities, Bangkok will set your cultural tastebuds on fire! Check outfamous Wat Po Temple and the Grand Palace, as well as numerous neon-lit backstreets, rough-andreadynoodle shacks and noisy street vendors. Round the trip off by diving headlong into Bangkok’snightlife scene, which ranges from backstreet cabaret bars to stylish open-air cocktail places on topof the city’s skyscrapers. On Day 12, your adventure finishes after breakfast. (B)30 VISIT WWW.STATRAVEL.COM.AU