ASIAN ADVENTURE
Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos

Tour Departs:   23 May 2012    •   Tour Length: 25 Days

Overview:
For 2012, we have decided to extend our regular Vietnam tour to include the highlights of both Cambodia and Laos to make the tour a real Asian extravaganza. While the three countries together form part of South East Asia, they each have something different yet complimentary to offer the visitor, both in terms of their history and culture. And lets not forget the diverse landscapes, scenery, magnificent sites and of course the local people,

HIGHLIGHTS:
Vietnam:
A land of natural beauty and stunning landscapes, of bustling energy and wonderful culinary delights, and especially a land of warm and welcoming people.
• Hanoi, the nation’s capital, a mixture of colonial charm and city hustle and bustle
• Cruise magical  Halong Bay for 2 nights – simply stunning
• Hue, the cultural and religious heart of central Vietnam
• Hoi An, river port and shoppers paradise
• Saigon, the commercial heart reflecting its  French heritage
• Mekong Delta, the “rice bowl” of Vietnam main “highway”

Cambodia:
A land of contrasts with a history that is at once spiritually uplifting and yet terribly depressing. Peace now reigns in this magical kingdom and the welcoming smiles of the Khmer people add to the majesty of the spectacular sites
• Phnom Penh, the chaotic yet inspirational capital, the political and economic hub of the country
• Discover the horrors of the Khmer Rouge Killing Fields at Tuol Sleng Museum
• The Temples of Angkor Wat, a spectacular blend of symbolism and symmetry where earth reaches for the heavens
• The riverside setting of Siem Reap – discover the world of Cambodian cuisine at Shinta Mani Cooking School

Laos:
After years of war and isolation, the country now opens it doors to the world and exhibits a refreshingly simple and very relaxed lifestyle. Breathtaking mountain scenery and faded French colonial architecture sit comfortably alongside gilded monasteries
• Luang Prabang, the historic royal city where saffron-robed monks move quietly amongst ancient monasteries
• Cruise the Mekong River to Pak Ou Caves, Khouangsi Waterfall
• Vientiane, the laid-back capital on the banks of the Mekong River

Have a good read through to itinerary and you will discover it is full of exciting daily highlights. But just as important is your comfort on tour which is why we have selected a excellent range of First Class hotels, as good as you will find in many so-called developed countries. And to compliment the accommodation, a large number of meals (at least 2 each day) have been included. Many of these will be enjoyed at local restaurants to allow you to enjoy not just the fine cuisine but also the local surroundings.

TOUR COST:
Per Person Sharing Twin/Double Room         NZD$10,780                  AUD$8,750
 Supplement for Single Room (if required)    NZD$ 2,380                   AUD$1,950

COSTS INCLUDE:
• Economy Class air travel from Auckland, Brisbane, Christchurch, Melbourne, Sydney, Wellington. Cost to upgrade to Business Class available on request
• Prepaid government and airport taxes, security and fuel surcharges (as at 01/09/2011)
• First Class accommodation throughout
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary
• Air-conditioned coach transportation for all touring
• Sightseeing and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary
• English speaking local hosts and guides in each country
• Baggage handling of one suitcase per person
• Tips to local guides and coach drivers
• Fully escorted by a Mahers’ tour escort

COSTS EXCLUDE:
• Any meals and sightseeing not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
• Travel insurance – advice and assistance offered
• Visa fees – advice and assistance offered
• Items of a personal nature such as room service, laundry, drinks, telephone charges etc

DAY TO DAY ITINERARY

Wednesday 23 May
Home – Singapore
Time this morning for connecting flights before joining the early afternoon Singapore Airlines flights to Singapore. Arrival time is early evening and overnight accommodation has been reserved at the hotel within the airport complex.  

Thursday 24 May
Singapore – Phnom Penh (D)
This morning we join the flight to Phnom Penh. On arrival, we are met by our local hosts and transferred to our hotel for a 2 night stay. This evening, we enjoy a “welcome” dinner at a local restaurant

Friday 25 May
Phnom Penh (B D)
This morning we visit the infamous Tuol Sleng Museum and the killing fields and learn of the terrible period of the reign of the Communist Khmer Rouge party, under its leader Pol Pot. In the afternoon, we visit the National Museum which houses Khmer art, the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda. Dinner is at a local restaurant tonight.

Saturday 26 May
Phnom Penh – Siem Reap (B L)
Today we drive from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, stopping to visit Spean Prap Teus Bridge and the local village, and also the Sambo Prey Kuk Temple group which are pre-Angkor ruins dating from the 6th century. The historical site includes more than 100 temples which are some of these most ancient surviving examples of Khmer architecture. We arrive in Siem Reap late afternoon for a 3 night stay.

Sunday 27 May
Siem Reap (B D)
Certainly, one of the tour highlights today. We take a full day tour of Angkor; an early start for the best time to visit Angkor Wat, the largest and most famous of the Angkor temples, when the light is good and it is relatively quiet. We ccontinue the tour  with a visit to explore the picturesque Ta Prohm that has nearly disappeared into the jungle and remains overgrown, an oddly haunting and exotic scene, emphasizing the ‘lost city’ legend. In the afternoon, we take a fun tuk tuk ride to visit to Angkor Thom, a walled and moated royal city, the last capital of the Angkorian Empire. Visit the surroundings of the complex including the Baphou, Elephant Terraces, Leper King Terrace and Royal Place area. This evening, enjoy an Asian barbecue buffet inner &  Apsara dance performance.

Monday 28 May
Siem Reap (B L)
This morning, we learn about the local cuisine with a cooking class at Shinta Mani Hospitality School and for lunch we have a chance to savour the recipies we have prepared.In the afternoon, we drive to the rural outskirts to Banteay Samre and Banteay Srei, the birthplace of Khmer classical style architecture.  A chance also to purchase local silk and carvings at the Artisans D’Angkor studios and we return to Siem Reap late afternoon.

Tuesday 29 May
Siem Reap – Luang Prabang  (B D)
Free time this morning until we join a flight to Luang Prabang, perhaps the best- preserved traditional city in South East Asia.  After checking into our hotel for a 3 night stay, we tour the city and see the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun, the shrine of Wat Aham, Wat Mai. At the top of Phousi Hill, we see the gilded stupa as well as a beautiful sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. There is a chance to explore the Street Night market where you can purchase handmade textiles by the local and hill tribe people. We have dinner at a local restaurant.

Wednesday 30 May
Luang Prabang - Pakou Cave – Luang Prabang (B L)
First up this morning, we take a guided tour to see the city's oldest temple of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong, the classical architecture of Luang Prabang temple. We then take a cruise upstream on the Mekong River to visit the mysterious of Pak Ou Caves, containing thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues. En route, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, renowned for its local rice wine. On our return journey, a stop is made at the village of Ban Phanom, well known for its hand weaving.

Thursday 31 May
Luang Prabang – Khouangsi Waterfall – Luang Prabang (B D)
Today’s excursion takes us first to the very beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall, en route visiting the local market at Phosi Market and the pottery villages of Lao Loum at Ban Xom and Ban Thapene. See the  Khouangsi waterfall and take a walk along the forest paths. We return to the city in the evening, enjoying the sunset at Wat Siphouthabath. Dinner tonight is at local restaurant.

Friday 01 June
Luang Prabang – Vientiane (B D)
This morning, we visit the National Museum at the former Royal Palace and the Central market before taking our early afternoon flight to Vientiane for an overnight stay. On arrival, we tour the city visiting the major attractions including the sacred Wat Sisaket temple, the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo and the sacred structure of That Luang Stupa. We also see the imposing Patuxai Monument, Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph.  Dinner is at a local restaurant.

Saturday 02 June
Vientiane – Hanoi  (B D)
This morning is free until our early afternoon flight to Hanoi where we are met and transferred to out hotel for a 3 night stay.. The remainder of the day is at leisure until we go to dinner at KOTO restaurant, specially set up to train the under-privileged youth of Hanoi in restaurant skills.

Sunday 03 June
Hanoi (B L)
Our  sightseeing of Hanoi city includes visits to Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and his cottage house, One Pilar Pagoda,  situated in the middle of a pond of lotus, and the Temple of Literature, the 1^st University of Vietnam. After lunch at Indochine Restaurant, visit the Museum of Ethnology and learn about the 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam. We then take a cyclo ride in the Old Quarter of “36 streets and 36 wares” dated back from the 11^th century to witness the bustling quarter of Hanoi.

Monday 04 June
Hanoi (B D)
This morning we drive to the rural outskirts of Hanoi where we take a local ferry across the Cau River to Tho Ha village, a traditional village where families make a living by producing rice paper and raising pigs. The village elder will show us around and we will see inside local houses and get an idea of how the families live. On the way back to Hanoi, we stop to enjoy the Dong Ho folk paintings by local skilful artists with natural materials and colors. In the afternoon, we visit Hoa Lo Prison known to the Americans in the Vietnam War as the “Hanoi Hilton.” We then visit the Lake of Restored Sword and the Ngoc Son temple. We also experience a traditional water puppet show, which is unique to the Vietnamese culture. After the show, we have dinner at local restaurant.

Tuesday 05 June
Hanoi – Halong Bay - Cruise (B L D)
After breakfast, we depart by coach for Halong Bay for one of our tour highlights. Halong Bay is referred to as the “Jewel in the Crown” of Vietnam with some of the most stunning scenery in Vietnam and we join a traditional Vietnamese junk for two nights cruising Halong Bay, also a World Heritage site. Accommodation on board in deluxe cabins. Enjoy the Vietnamese buffet lunch and the sumptuous seafood dinner as you cruise the bay passing fishing villages and small towns. Lots of activities available for the more active – cooking demonstrations, pristine beaches for swimming, fishing, kayaking - or just sit back and enjoy the wonderful setting as the world passes by.

Wednesday 06 June
Halong Bay Cruising (B L D)
Another fabulous day cruising to some of Halong Bay’s more secluded and untouched locations. Enjoy a leisurely day of sightseeing, swimming and relaxing as you take in the magnificent scenery.

Thursday 07 June
Ha Long Bay – Hue (B)
The cruise continues this morning passing many islands, inlets, caves, bizarre rock sculptures. Don’t forget to watch the magnificent sunrise from the sundeck, maybe even join the crew for Tai Chi exercises. Sadly, after a late breakfast, its time to disembark as we continue our journey by coach first to the ceramic village of Dong Trieu then on to Hanoi Airport where we join our flight to the imperial city of Hue for a 2 night stay.

Friday 08 June
Hue (B, D)
This morning we take a dragon boat ride upstream on the Perfume River which forms the border between the city itself and the former ‘Forbidden Purple City’ to visit Thien Mu Pagoda. Then it’s on to see the mighty Citadel. This ‘city within a city’ with its tombs, pagodas and lakes covered in lotus flowers was largely destroyed during the Vietnam War, but one can still see evidence of its former magnificence.  In the afternoon we see the most impressive tombs of Tu Duc & Khai Dinh Emperors.  We then take a cyclo tour of the city with a stop at Dong Ba Central market and the remainder of the afternoon is free. We have dinner at a local restaurant

Saturday 09 June
Hue – Danang - Hoi An (B D)
After breakfast, we depart Hue for Hoi An via Danang over the Hai Van – “Ocean Clouds Pass” - where a spectacular panorama of the central coastline can be viewed from the summit.  We stop in Danang to visit the Cham Museum, which houses magnificent examples of the art of the Cham civilization, China Beach and the Marble Mountains before arriving at  the charming old town of Hoi An for a 2 night stay. Dinner tonight at a local restaurant.

Sunday 10 June
Hoi An (B L)
A chance to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this heritage town, one of the most popular destinations in Vietnam. Late this morning, join in a cooking class with Hoi An’s renowned chef ‘Ms Vy’ at “Morning Glory Cooking School”, followed by a lunch. Enjoy a walking tour through narrow streets of the ancient quarter. Afterwards take a short boat ride to a nearby island to visit a handicraft village and the boat building yards. The remainder of the day is free at leisure – a great place for shopping, especially tailor-made clothes.

Monday 11 June
Hoi An– Saigon (B D)
The morning is free until we transfer by coach back to Danang Airport in time to join the   early afternoon flight to Saigon.  Met on arrival and transferred to our hotel for a 2 night stay. Dinner tonight at a local restaurant.

Tuesday 12 June:
Saigon (B L)
This morning, we visit the famous Cu Chi tunnels. This network of tunnels, which stretched for over 200km, became legendary during the 1960s. The Cu Chi tunnels played a vital part in the U.S.-Vietnam War in that they allowed the Viet Cong to control a large rural area only 30 to 40 km from Saigon. At its height, the tunnel system stretched from Saigon to the Cambodian border. Today the remaining bloody tunnels have become a major tourist attraction giving the visitor a unique experience and feel of underground life during the war. After the visit, it’s back to Saigon for lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we take a city tour including a visit to Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, fine examples of French architecture built in the late 1800’s from stone imported entirely from France. We continue on to visit the Reunification Palace, the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until April 30, 1975. we end our city tour with a stroll around the bustling Ben Thanh Market - a fantastic place for shopping.

Wednesday 13 June
Saigon – Cantho/Mekong Delta (B L D)
This morning we travel to Mytho/ Mekong Delta. Then it’s a boat ride across the Mekong River to the island to visit orchards and a beehive farm. Enjoy a horse-cart ride on a village road and join a sampan for a ride through a narrow canal under a green canopy of water coconut trees where we can watch the local people go about their daily activities. Afterwards, it’s back across the river. Lunch is at Ngoc Gia Trang Restaurant highlighting the Mekong delta specialties then it’s on by coach to Can Tho for our overnight stay.

Thursday 14 June
Cantho – Saigon (B L D)
An early start today for the transfer to the pier where we take a motorized sampan to visit the Cai Rang floating market. See the myriads of boats trading goods, fruit and vegetables. There is an opportunity to exchange some fruit and vegetables with local traders by bartering which once was very popular but is nowadays practiced by only a small number of traders. After the visit, it’s back to the hotel for breakfast. After checking out, we then depart Cantho for Saigon with a stop en route for lunch at a local restaurant. The remainder of the day is free. This evening, we enjoy a farewell dinner on the eve of our departure for home.

Friday 15 June
Saigon – Singapore - Home (B)
A leisurely morning until our midday transfer to the airport to join the flight to Singapore where we connect with overnight flights to Auckland, Brisbane, Christchurch Melbourne and Sydney.

NB: If you wish, you may break the journey in  Singapore and return independently at a later date.

Saturday 16 June
Home
Journey’s end with your arrival home this morning.