Inside you’ll find lots of important informationabout your tour & all the places you’ll visit

Asia2009/10Incl, Laos, Vietnam,Cambodia, Thailand

TravellersGuide

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Welcome to ContikiWe at Contiki recognise that this may be your first trip toAsia so we have put this booklet together to provide youwith as much background detail and information as we canabout Asia and importantly, your Contiki holiday.

We have included our suggestions and ideas on manyquestions that you may have as well as providing generalinformation on many of the countries you may be visitingon your trip. We hope this will help you in preparing for andenjoying your holiday. We have found from past experiencethat our clients enjoy their trip that much more havingtaken the time to carefully read this booklet before leavinghome.

Most holidays are as good - or bad - as people make themand ours are no exception. Over forty five years experienceand hard work have gone into planning and organising yourholiday, and throughout the trip we’ll be doing our best tomake it the ‘holiday of a lifetime’. Nevertheless, in the end,the success of your holiday will depend on you, for you willonly get out of it what you yourself put into it.

Finally, we want to thank you for choosing Contiki -together we’ll prove that your choice for enjoyment, qualityand value for money was the right one.

Tammy Marshall

Managing Director

Contiki Australia & Asia

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ContentsBefore you go 5• What to pack • Baggage allowance • checklist

• Insurance • Passports & Visas • Vaccinations

• Money matters • Making phone calls • Flying hints

• Travel documents • Tour briefings

• If you miss the coach

Vietnam 9• Ho Chi Minh City departure point • How to get there

• Hanoi end point • How to get there • Useful information

• Places of interest

Thailand 13• Bangkok departure point • How to get there

• Useful information • Places of interest

Cambodia 15• Phnom Penh departure point • How to get there

• Siem Reap end point • How to get there

• Useful Information

Laos 16• Useful information • Places of interest

Touring – the facts 18• The Contiki team • Accommodation • Meals

• Making a difference • Transport • Smoking

General information 20• Health and hygiene • Local customs • Local payments

• Tipping • Shopping • Clothing sizes • Photography

• Weekends & public holidays

• Travellers 10 commandments

Stay in touch 23

Contiki offices 24

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Before you goWhat to packClothingSlip-on shoes or sandals are useful for visits to pagodas orpeople’s houses, as you’ll save time taking your shoes onand off. When visiting pagodas or temples, shorts andtank-tops are unacceptable. Your knees and shouldersmust be covered.

If your trip includes stops at beaches and mountainousareas, you will need clothes for all temperatures.A swimsuit, sunglasses, a hat, t-shirts, shorts that are nottoo revealing, long trousers, some light-weight, long-sleeved tops and a light jacket that is wind and rain-resistant will get you through most trips.

If you plan to visit mountainous areas in the winter, you’llneed a warm coat. Destinations at higher altitudes canget chilly; choose clothes that you can layer. If trekkingis on your agenda you will need sturdy footwear plus lotsof socks.

The larger cities like Phnom Penh, Ho Chi Minh City andBangkok offer some upscale bars and restaurants, so besure to pack some clothes and shoes for a nice eveningout. However it is recommended that you leave anyexpensive personal items at home to avoid attracting toomuch attention.

Toiletries & medicationWhile imported beauty products are readily available inmajor cities, you’d be wise to pack staples like sunscreen,contact lens solution, tampons and mosquito repellent, aswell as prescription medication. Many medicines areavailable in Indochina without prescriptions, but they maybe out-of-date or of poor quality. The major cities havedepartment stores which are good places to stock up onWestern toiletries and medicines.

Baggage allowanceWhen packing, the golden rule of seasoned travellersworldwide is: Decide how many clothes you want to take –halve the amount and that’s how much you’ll need!

Baggage is restricted to one reasonable sized suitcase.Please ensure your suitcase is NO LARGER than 73cm x50cm x 25cm (29” x 20” x 10”) non-expanding andmaximum weight of 20kgs (44lbs). You may also bring onesmall carry-on bag, but no metal frame backpacks or vanitycases please as they are difficult to pack.

Remember, if your tour includes a flight you are alsosubject to airline baggage restrictions.

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Before you goChecklist❏ Travel Insurance ❏ Passport

❏ Visas (if applicable) ❏ Travellers Cheques/money

❏ Contiki tour vouchers ❏ Contiki hotel vouchers

❏ Camera ❏ Vaccinations

❏ Insect repellent ❏ Suntan lotion

❏ Two spare passport-sized photos

❏ Adaptor (for electrical appliances)

NB: Don’t pack you passport or money in your suitcase!

Remember to bring photocopies of your passport and visa/s(if applicable), plus some extra passport-sized photos if you’reapplying for on-arrival visas.

While we will do all we can to assist you, it is not Contiki’sresponsibility to retrieve items that you leave behind in hotels,etc. while on tour.

InsuranceYou must take out comprehensive insurance cover forcancellation, medical expenses, personal accident, personalbaggage, money and public liability before you travel. You maynot be accepted on a Contiki holiday unless you havearranged satisfactory insurance. You also agree to indemnifyus against all third-party claims, actions, damages andremedies against us arising from your participation in theholiday.

For insurance details, please speak to your Travel Agent orContiki reservations agent at the time of making your booking.

Passports and visas(please read carefully)

All passengers travelling to these countries require a validpassport, valid for 6 months beyond the conclusion of theirtrip and with appropriate visas. Depending on your nationality,you may require visas to enter certain countries included inyour tour. You are responsible for obtaining all necessaryvisas, as well as to comply with entry, health or otherrequirements of the countries visited.

Please contact your Travel Agent or applicable governmentauthorities to obtain necessary travel information and visas.

The Operators and/or their employees and agents are notresponsible for passport, visa, entry, health or otherrequirements of the countries visited or any loss sustained byyou for failing to comply with laws, regulations, orders and/orrequirements of the countries visited.

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Before you goImportant:❏ Visas can take up to six weeks to obtain and a fee is

normally charged.

❏ Failure to obtain all necessary visas could cause you to miss part of your tour and may result in you incurring considerable expense and inconvenience.

❏ It is better to apply for all visas through your travel agent or through the consulate before you leave home. It isvery important that the entry and exit dates on the visa are correct. Your travel agent will contact Contiki forfull details.

VaccinationsAt the time that we announced our Asia products (August2008), the following immunizations were recommended fortravellers in Southeast Asia:

❏ Diphtheria and tetanus ❏ Hepatitis A

❏ Typhoid ❏ Meningococcal Meningitis

❏ Rabies ❏ Japanese B Encephalitis

Consult your doctor or local health department to discusswhich vaccinations you need. Don’t forget to bring with youany medication that you may require en route such asantihistamines, antibiotics, etc.

Please note that while malaria is still rare, dengue fever isanother disease carried by mosquitoes which is on theincrease and commonly contracted by travellers. Althoughcases usually do not require hospitalization, catchingdengue fever would still ruin your trip. There is noimmunization available for the virus – just make sure youalways sleep beneath a mosquito net in open-style rooms,and always apply mosquito repellent, especially near water,as dengue mosquitoes bite during the day.

Money mattersWe recommend you carry cash as well as Travellers Chequesin small denominations in United States Dollars (USD) plus alocal currency such as Riel (Cambodia), Kip (Laos), Baht(Thailand) or Dong (Vietnam). Please note, Travellers Chequesare widely accepted in big cities but there will be times whereit would be wise to bring adequate funds in cash if travellingin remote areas. You will need to allow enough money tocover optional lunches and dinners, souvenirs and shopping,drinks, optional activities, entrance fees to some attractionsand evening entertainment.

Please do not rely solely on a credit/debit card for cash asthey are not accepted in all areas.

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Before you goFlying hintsEnsure you carry all your travel documentation in your handluggage, plus your camera, films, toiletries, paperbacks, etc.Make sure you take advantage of Duty-Free shopping butcheck the current Duty-Free limits that apply in the country ofyour destination.

Don’t carry items packed by others and never acceptpackages or articles to carry from people not known to you.

In each of these countries, penalties for drug offences aresevere and include the death penalty. The possession of evensmall quantities of “soft drugs” for recreational purposes canresult in lengthy jail sentences and deportation.

Travel documentsYou should bring a money-belt to safely carry your traveldocuments and cash, and ensure that your luggage has alock. Bring photocopies of your passport and visa, plus someextra passport-sized photos if you’re applying for on-arrivalvisas. When flying into or within Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodiaand Laos you will probably be given baggage claim tags (theywill be stuck to the back of your ticket). Keep these, as youmay need to show them when leaving the airport.

Tour briefingsHere’s your chance to meet your fellow passengers and TourManager and receive any new information about your tour.Tour briefings are held at 6.00pm on day 1 for tourscommencing in Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City. At this timeyour Tour Manager will also collect the applicable tour localcash payment in United States Dollars.

Check for information regarding timings and location on thenoticeboard in the departure hotel reception area.

If you miss the coachPlease contact the reception staff or representative at thestart hotel (listed below) as soon as practical. They will giveyou specific details on how to join your tour.

Overnight Train

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Vietnam informationHo Chi Minh City departure pointVien Dong Hotel275A Pham Ngu Lao StreetDistrict 1, Ho Chi Minh City, VietnamTel: +84 (8) 3836 8941Fax: +84 (8) 3836 9010Website: www.viendonghotel.benthanhtourist.com

How to get there:Drive time from Tan Son Nhat International Airport to theVien Dong Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City is approximately 30minutes. Metered taxis cost 120,000 to 150,000 dong(usually under $US 10.00). Clients should ensure the taximeter is turned on and working! Sasco Taxis arerecommended.

Hanoi end pointPlatinum 2 Hotel57 Nguyen Truong To Str Ba Dinh, Hanoi, VietnamTel: + 84 (4) 3927 4434 Fax: + 84 (4) 3927 4435Website: www.platinumhotel-hanoi.com

How to get from there:Noi Bai International Airport is approximately 35 km or 45minutes drive north of the city. Metered taxis cost 160,000to 190,000 dong ($US 10.00 to $US 12.00). Clients shouldensure the taxi meter is turned on and working! Airport,Hanoi and Mai Linh Taxis are recommended.

Useful informationElectricityMost of the electrical current in Vietnam is 220V, 50Hz.Round two-plug pins are more common although someplaces use flat pins or three-pronged pins. Cheap adaptorsare sold in local markets. Protect sensitive electronicequipment like laptops from power fluctuations by using asurge protector.

Mobile phonesVietnam uses a GSM mobile phone network and also has anew CDMA network with limited coverage over 12 cities.You can buy a SIM card and/or hand set at any mobilephone shop. ‘Top up’ credit vouchers are available at mostphone shops, particularly ones displaying the network logo,or local post offices (buu dien). To rent a mobile phone inHo Chi Minh City call: (08) 3824 2382 or (04) 3821 8465 inHanoi. You can place international phone calls and sendfaxes at post offices or at most hotels, although hotelsoften charge extra fees.

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Vietnam informationPublic phonesThese require phone cards, which are sold at post offices.For the best long distance rate, dial 171 before the countrycode and number. This line has a flat fee of $1.30 per minuteto 50 countries.

Places of interestHanoiIn 1010 Emperor Ly Thai To founded his capital, which hechristened ‘Rising Dragon’, on the banks of the Red River.Almost a millennium later, Hanoi remains Vietnam’s politicalcentre, its crowded streets lined with reminders of its longand tumultuous history. You’ll find the Temple of Literature, abastion of Confucian scholarship founded in 1015; an OldQuarter of winding alleys, crowded markets and traditionalshop-houses; tree-lined avenues flanked by imposing Frenchcolonial villas; and the Soviet-style mausoleum built inhonour of the man who led the country to independence, HoChi Minh.

Halong BayMore then 3,000 limestone islands rise from the turquoisewaters of Ha Long Bay, an archipelago that lies 160km fromHanoi. Declared a World heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994,Halong Bay is a naturalist’s dream. Sculpted into strangeshapes by the wind and weather, the islands hide desertedbeaches, many magnificent caves, and hidden lagoons thatmay only be reached by chinks in the cliffs that are revealedat low tide.

SapaSet high in Vietnam’s northeast mountains, the hamlet ofSapa offers spectacular views of jagged mountain ridges,terraced rice paddies and green valleys inhabited by peopleof various minority groups, all of whom congregate in Sapa’scolourful market. Each group has its own distinctive style ofdress. Sapa is becoming a bit of Mecca for tourists.

Kayaking in Halong Bay

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Vietnam information

Hoi AnSet near the coast in central Vietnam, from the 16th to 19thcenturies the riverside town of Hoi An once drewmerchants from as far afield as Japan, India, Indonesia andEurope who bought the area’s silk, spices and porcelain.A Japanese district and a Chinese quarter were built, to belater joined by a French district. What makes Hoi Anremarkable today is that its town centre has beenbeautifully preserved, the streets still lined with old tile-roofed shop-houses, shady pagodas and colourfulcommunal halls. Declared a World Heritage Site byUNESCO, this little town is a living museum.

HueWhile imperial rule ended almost six decades ago, thecentral city of Hue still bears the marks of its royal past.From 1802 to 1945 Hue was home to 13 Nguyen emperors,whose palaces and tombs provide fascinating glimpsesinto the luxurious and secretive world of the court. Visitorsmay explore the red-lacquered pavilions of the Citadel, takean evening boat cruise on the Perfume River accompaniedby a troupe of musicians performing courtly love songs,or feast on delicacies once served in the royal palaces.

Nha TrangLocated in central Vietnam, the sun-washed town of NhaTrang hugs a seven-kilometre-long stretch of golden sand,making this the perfect place to get a dose of sun, surf andfresh seafood. Clear blue seas dotted with offshore islandsoffer excellent opportunities for diving, fishing andsnorkelling, while the town itself is home to someinteresting sites, including a massive white Buddha statueand a cluster of Cham towers built between the 7th and12th centuries. For a truly dirty pleasure try the mineralmud baths warmed by natural hot springs

Hoi An waterfront

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Vietnam informationDalatSet in Vietnam’s picturesque Central Highlands, this quiettown boasts cool mountain air, some of the best-preservedFrench colonial architecture in Indochina, and stunningnatural beauty. Year-round, the temperature hovers at about20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit), making this afavourite destination for outdoor-enthusiasts. Mountain bikersand hikers will delight in the area’s trails, as well as in viewsof pine-covered hills, fruit orchards and lush tea and coffeeplantations.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)Renamed Ho Chi Minh City in 1975, this is Vietnam’s businesshub, a city that never stops. There’s a buzz of energy;everyone is buying, selling, building, moving… BeautifulFrench colonial buildings stand beside newly-builtskyscrapers. Women dressed in Vietnam’s traditional ao-daitunic stroll past fashionable boutiques and crowded cafes.You’ll find great nightlife and some of the best shopping inSoutheast Asia in this vibrant, fast-changing city.

Mekong DeltaLife in Vietnam’s agrarian heartland still unfolds as it has forcenturies, as farmers cultivate paddy fields, tend to theirorchards of tropical fruit, and fish in the rivers and canals thatcriss-cross this fertile plain. You can explore the region’smyriad waterways by boat, watch rare storks and saruscranes, and visit traditional floating markets.

Phu Quoc IslandHome to a POW camp holding 40,000 inmates during theVietnam War from 1967 to 1972, Phu Quoc is now a haven fornature and sea lovers looking for a place to unwind. Trekking,diving, snorkelling and fishing are popular activities, and thereare a number of resorts offering relaxed dining and eveningentertainment. Located off the tip of Vietnam’s south coast,the pristine sandy beaches of this laid-back island arereachable by boat from the Mekong Delta, or a 40 minuteflight from Ho Chi Minh City.

Sunset on the Mekong

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Thailand informationBangkok departure pointManohra Hotel412 Surawongse RoadBangrak, Bangkok, 10500, ThailandTel: +66 (2) 234 5070 Fax: +66 (2) 237 7662Website: www.manohrahotel.com

How to get there:Bangkok’s new Suvarnabhumi International Airport is 30 kmfrom the Manohra Hotel, or approximately 50 minutes’drive. An Airport Express Bus is available from 5am to12am and costs 150 baht. The Airport Express counter ison level 1 near entrance 8. Taxis are also available fromlevel 1.

Useful informationElectricityThailand has 220V, 50Hz electricity. Wall outlets are usuallythe round, two-pin type, although some fit two flat blades.Protect sensitive electronic equipment like laptops frompower fluctuations by using a surge-protector.

Mobile phonesThailand has two mobile phone networks: GSM and NMT900MHz.

Public phonesInternational calling cards called Thai Cards, come indenominations of 300 Baht and 500 Baht and are availableat airports, post offices and shops in tourist centres.

Places of interestBangkokWith towering skyscrapers pressed up against Chineseshop-houses and brand-new Mercedes squeezing pastvendors with pushcarts, this is a city of sharp contrasts.Culture fiends will delight in the dazzling Royal Palace andthe city’s countless pagodas, while shoppers could spendweeks sifting through Bangkok’s malls and open-airmarkets. Entertainment ranges from highbrow (classicalThai music concerts) to low (transvestite revues) witheverything in between. Dining options are equally varied;whether you’re eating French cuisine in a plush hotelrestaurant or sampling fried crickets on the side of theroad, prepare to have all of your senses engaged. This isthe place to eat, drink and be merry.

SukhothaiThe ruins of Sukhothai date back to the mid-13th century,when the site became the capital of Thailand’s firstkingdom. Located about 450km from Bangkok, this WorldHeritage Site features lotus-strewn ponds, pagodas andserene Buddha statues.

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Thailand informationAyuthayaAyuthaya served as Thailand’s capital from the 14th to 18thcenturies when it ranked as one of the most magnificentcities in the world. Late in the 17th century its populationreached one million, and foreign visitors wrote awestruckaccounts of its size and splendour. Located 86km north ofBangkok, the ruins of this World Heritage Site may be visitedon foot and include various pagodas and Buddha images.

Chiang MaiSurrounded by hills, Chiang Mai offers both prettysurroundings and architecture. Enclosed by a moat andcrumbling walls, the old city features great cafes and shops.An important Buddhist centre since the 14th century, ChiangMai is home to more than 300 temples. Many visitors comehere to attend meditation retreats, massage classes or yogalessons. It is also a centre of handicraft production, with along history of silverwork, woodcarving, pottery-making andweaving. Not to be missed is the Night Bazaar, a series ofcovered markets, shops and stalls that offer the bestselection of handicrafts in Thailand.

Chiang RaiThe provincial capital of Thailand’s northernmost province,Chiang Rai, is a good base from which to explore the GoldenTriangle, the remote area where Myanmar, Thailand and Laosmeet. Mountains form a natural border between Thailandand Myanmar, while the mighty Mekong River dividesThailand from Laos. Populated by diverse hill tribes, thisregion has long been associated with the opium trade,although poppy fields have now given way to vegetableplots. Visitors can trek on foot or by elephant through theregion’s hills, river raft down jungle rivers, and meet theresidents of isolated ethnic minority villages.

PhuketLocated off Thailand’s west coast in the Andaman Sea,Phuket is the largest island in Thailand with an area of 810square kilometres. The coastal scenery is magnificent, withtropical rainforests, steep limestone cliffs, and picture-postcard beaches of soft golden sand. Inland lay coconut,pineapple, cashew nut and rubber plantations. Clear waterand colourful coral reefs make this area the most populardive spot in Thailand.

Ko SamuiLying off Thailand’s east coast in the Gulf of Thailand, KoSamui offers everything you could want in a beach retreat:white sand beaches, coconut palms, fresh seafood and clearwater. With an area of 247 square kilometres, Ko Samui isthe largest island in an archipelago of around 80 islands.The nearby Ko Pha-Ngan and Ko Tao also offer many beachresorts and great diving. Like Phuket, Ko Samui attractsmany visitors yet has plenty out-of-the-way spots for thosewishing to get away from it all.

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Cambodia informationPhnom Penh departure pointHotel Castle#4-6, Street 148Sangat Pfsar Kandal IKhan Daun Penh, Phnom Penh, CambodiaTel: +855 2321 1425 Fax: +855 2321 1428

How to get there:The distance from Phnom Penh’s Pochentong InternationalAirport to the Hotel Castle is approximately 8 km and takes15 minutes. Taxis are available from $US 7.00.

Siem Reap departure pointCasa Angkor HotelOum Chhay/Oum Khun StreetMondul 1, Svay Dangkum commune, Siem Reap, CambodiaTel: +855 6396 3658 Fax: +855 6396 3657Website: www.visit-mekong.com/casa-angkor-hotel

How to get from there:Siem Reap’s small airport is 6km from town and only ashort drive from the Casa Angkor Hotel. Best option is tobook a taxi or private car transfer to the airport. Prices startat $US 5.00.

Useful informationElectricityElectricity in Phnom Penh and most of Cambodia is 220V,50Hz. Electric power sockets generally fit two round pins.Three-pin plug adaptors are sold in markets in PhnomPenh. Protect sensitive electronic equipment like laptopsfrom power fluctuations by using a surge-protector.

Mobile phonesCambodia uses a GSM mobile phone network, and atpresent pre-paid SIMs are only available to Cambodiannationals or foreigners with a work permit.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

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Cambodia informationPlaces of interestPhnom PenhCambodia’s capital for the most of the last six centuries,Phnom Penh retains a rather dusty, small town feel, withcrumbling French colonial buildings, sprawling Wats (as thepagodas are known here), and the imposing Royal Palace.Phnom Penh is also where the well-known memorials andmuseums of the Khmer Rouge atrocities are located, includingTuol Sleng.

Siem ReapBuilt between seven and eleven centuries ago, the temples –about 100 of which are still standing – were devoted toBuddha and Hindu deities. Within the fortified city of AngkorThom lies The Bayon, the third tier of which is lined by morethan 200 huge, carved faced that stare down from 54 towers.Other highlights include the Buddhist temple of Ta Prohm,which looks just as it did when French explorers stumbledupon it in the 1860s, and Angkor Wat, a vast temple complexdedicated to Vishnu in the early 12th Century.

Laos useful informationElectricityLaos has 220V, 50Hz electricity. As both two-prong and flatpins are in use you would be wise to bring adaptors. Protectsensitive electronic equipment like laptops from powerfluctuations by using a surge-protector.

Mobile phonesLaos uses a GSM mobile phone network. It is easy topurchase a pre-paid SIM card in Laos – just make sure yourphone is unlocked to accept SIMs from other networks,or buy another handset. Handsets are cheaper in Thailandand Vietnam.

Laos

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Laos informationPlaces of interestVientianeSet along a bend in the Mekong River, Laos’ capital is arelaxing place to while away a few days. You’ll find somebeautiful old Wats to explore, a large market that holds thebest selection of hand-woven textiles in the country, avariety of good restaurants serving an international mix ofcuisine, and pleasant riverside bars at which to sip a beerand enjoy the sunset. This is a lovely spot to recover fromthe rigors of travel.

Vang ViengFormerly a pit stop between Vientiane and Luang Prabang,now Vang Vieng has became a destination for those keen toenjoy eco tours, trekking, caving and rock climbingactivities. The main attraction is the laid-back countrysideand intricate rock formations riddled with caves, althoughthe town is popular with backpackers for its river tubing andsocial cafes and bars.

Luang PrabangThe site of Laos’ former royal capital, the little town ofLuang Prabang is a gem. Nestled in an elbow of theMekong surrounded by treed mountains, this remotenorthern town has long been Laos’ religious centre. You’llfind dozens of historic temples, lovely French-built villas,and streets lined with charming old shop-houses. With itsmain hall inlaid with a dazzling mosaic of cut glass theRoyal Palace is well worth a visit, as are the Pak Ou caves,a Buddhist cave shrine some distance up river.

Xiengkhoang (‘Plain of Jars’)While there are many theories, nobody really knows whyhundreds of huge stone jars are scattered across severalsites on a barren Laotian plain. Carved from solid rock,most of the containers weigh from 600kg to one tonneapiece; the largest weighs six tonnes. The jars are said tobe 2,000 years old but again, nobody knows for sure. Werethey sarcophagi, water jars, rice stores? Scientists continueto debate this intriguing find; other visitors just marvel atthese mysterious relics.

PakseSet on the Mekong River, the southern town of Paksefeatures French colonial architecture and a colourful marketstocked with fresh produce grown in the nearby BolavenPlateau, a highland region inhabited by a number of ethnicminority groups. Pakse is also the jumping off point for avisit to Wat Phu, an exquisite, Angkor-era temple complexbuilt between the 6th and 13th centuries. Even the mosttemple-weary visitor can’t help but be captivated by themesmerising beauty of these lonely ruins.

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Touring - the factsThe Contiki teamTour ManagersContiki Tour Managers have been chosen for the qualitiesthat enable them to make your trip a richer experience.Their knowledge of all the local hotspots ensures you’ll be inthe midst of the action day-in and day-out. They’ll also addcultural and historical footnotes along the way, andcomplete all the ‘behind the scenes’ work of pre-booking,border and customs procedures to make your tour hassle-free. In some circumstances, it may be necessary for yourTour Manager to make decisions on behalf of the group as awhole. In such cases, we ask for your cooperation, bearingin mind the variety of personalities and expectations onboard the coach. Being the Tour Manager, his or herdecisions and discretion should be observed because theyare in your interest and that of all the team. We try to get theright balance of sightseeing and free time.

Local guidesContiki works closely with our ‘on-the-ground’ partner,award-winning Trails of Indochina, to provide local English-speaking guides. These professional, local guides help usdig even further into the lie of the land, and they can’t waitto show you what makes their part of Asia hum.

DriversWith their experience, you are in good hands. The Driver isresponsible for the coach and we ask you to remember thatthey have to keep it clean for everyone’s comfort. Pleaseadhere to the suggestions made to you at the beginning ofyour tour regarding waster paper, eating and drinking whileon board the coach. The Driver, Tour Manager and LocalGuide work as a team. You may often see them togetherplanning your days, to give you great variety and choice.

AccommodationWhere you stayWe have chosen a wide range of accommodation in orderfor you to best appreciate what Asia has to offer. Ouraccommodation has been chosen for their particularcharacter, charm, location and style. For the majority of thetime, you’ll stay in centrally located 3 star hotels and resortson a twin-share basis (3 star goes a long way in Asia), butwe have included some real Asian experiences too. Like aHome Stay in the Mekong, local stilt houses on an overnightVietnamese trek, a traditional junk boat in Halong Bay andan authentic local guesthouse in Laos.

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Touring - the factsAccommodation cont’d, please note:All contracts for your accommodation are negotiated byContiki many months in advance. There may be times whenhotels will provide alternative accommodation to thatadvertised in the brochure. Such situations are beyondContiki’s control and we will do our utmost to minimise anyinconvenience.

MealsAll breakfasts are included, plus some lunches and dinnerstoo. The rest is about you exploring and finding the best ofthe best in your free-time. The Tour Manager and LocalGuides can also recommend some great places to eat andwe offer some great optional dinners too. We want you totry as much traditional food as you can find!

Making a differenceContiki Asia allows you to can give something back to thedestination you have visited. Wherever possible Contiki isinvolved with organisations that support the community –so when you travel Contiki, you also begin helping some ofthe less fortunate in the countries we visit.

In Asia for example, we eat at some restaurants where theyouth have been taken off the streets and into a job,training them not only in hospitality but equipping themwith life skills. You can eat their cuisine, made using onlylocal ingredients and not only do you support these traineechefs, you get a fine local meal for a bargain.

TransportIn Asia, half the fun is not where you go, but how you getthere. So we have mixed up the planes, overnight trainsand our air conditioned coaches and mini vans with somefunky and fun ways to get from Point A to Point B.

On land, you’ll take rides in tuk-tuks and on bicycles; andwhen you hit the water there are long tail boats, dragonboats, bamboo rafts and traditional Junk boats. Travellingwith Contiki in Asia is varied and we make the most ofwhat’s on offer so you get a true taste of how the localslive.

SmokingSmoking is not permitted on the coach, but frequent stopsare made when travelling.

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General informationHealth & hygieneLife on a Contiki tour can get quite hectic with earlymornings and late nights which make it easy for you tocatch a common cold, the flu or aggravate an existingmedical condition. Also, different air, water, food andlifestyle can reduce your resistance, so we suggest you takea multi-vitamin course while on tour. Water in some areas isundrinkable, so please take care – your Tour Manager willadvise you. Bottled water is cheap and easily foundthroughout the countries visited.

If at any time you feel unwell, your Tour Manager will assistyou in contacting a doctor for consultation. Pleaseremember the quality of medical services variesconsiderably from country to country in Asia and thatmedications available over the counter at home may only beobtainable on prescription in Asia.

If you are on a regular course for medicine/contraceptionyou must bring a supply sufficient for the whole time you areaway from home. We also suggest you bring a small supplyof antiseptic cream, Band Aids, aspirin, insect repellent,cough mixture and perhaps a supply of antibiotics. Theseitems are your responsibility.

Local customsIn some countries visited, revealing clothing may beunacceptable off the beach. Shorts are generally fine aslong as they aren’t too short.

In terms of behaviour, public displays of affection betweenmen and women are considered shocking in some places.On the other hand, it’s perfectly normal for a pair of men ora pair of women to link arms or hold hands. Upon meetingsomeone new, people may simply nod to each other or mayshake hands. Using both hands to shake someone’s hand isa warm gesture of respect.

Beckoning someone by crooking your finger up is very rude.The correct way to call someone over is to extend your handwith the palm down and flap your fingers towards your wrist.To ask for the bill in a restaurant or shop, extend one handin front of you with the palm raised and pretend to write onyour palm with the other hand.

The majority of men in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand andVietnam smoke. While flights are non-smoking, fewrestaurants or bars offer non-smoking seating.

Generally, if the local people see you respecting theircustoms they are complimented and you are likely to be wellreceived by them. Remember, as an adult you will be heldliable for your actions according to the individual laws ofeach country. Meeting the people of the countries you visitwill enhance your enjoyment and increase the value of thememories you take home.

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General informationLocal paymentsAs is the standard for touring in Asia, Contiki has localpayments on each of their tours (except Cambodiaextension). Local payments are made on day 1 of the tour,directly to your Contiki Tour Manager in United StatesDollars. These local payments cover local services such asguides, tipping, attractions and some transport.

TippingThis is becoming an increasingly accepted practice in allareas of the service and tourism industries, but particularlyin restaurants, bars and taxis worldwide. Likewise on yourContiki Tour, if you feel that your Tour Manager has done anexcellent job, then as a guide we would recommend tippingup to US$2.00 per passenger per day. However, this is notcompulsory. It’s up to you!

ShoppingAll the countries visited are still developing, and so theirpeople can be very persistent when trying to make money,especially around tourists whom they perceive as verywealthy. People will try to overcharge you, but rather thenbecoming irritated, join the game and bargain! They are notall ruthless hagglers and smiles and jokes are the best wayto agree on a good price. It is also recommended to checkprices of the same items in the neighbourhood beforereaching a deal.

If you are being followed by street vendors and do not wishto make a purchase, often the best course of action is tosay “no” firmly and politely, and continue on your way. Donot hesitate or linger, as this will encourage the seller to tryand engage you further.

Some shops may provide a mail service, but please beaware that it can take up to six months and sometimeslonger for the goods to arrive home and, on arrival, perhapsbe liable to customs and excise duty. If you choose to shipitems home, we highly recommend that you buy shippinginsurance and check the policy details. As shops are notresponsible for damages incurred en route, it’s better to besafe then sorry.

Contiki Holidays cannot accept responsibility for anymisrepresented or faulty goods. We cannot takeresponsibility for following up on merchandise that youchoose to ship home.

PhotographyTaking photos is a great way of remembering your trip toAsia. Your Tour Manager will endeavour to allow as muchtime as practical to take photographs, however there maybe occasions when it is not possible or practical to stopthe coach.

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General informationPhotography cont’d: If travelling with a digital camera youshould try to carry memory cards with enough storage for atleast five days at a time. You may have access to internetcafes in some larger places visited but doing it every coupleof days will reduce the free time you have in cities.

If you are travelling with a film camera you should bring asupply of film with you as it is generally only sold at thelarger tourist centres/cities, and even then it may be out-of-date or sun-damaged. For peace of mind, skip the cut-price,back-alley photo shops and get your precious picturesdeveloped somewhere you trust.

Weekends & public holidaysIt is unavoidable to have a touring program that is not incertain places on weekends, public holidays and on days ofclosure for public buildings, shops and museums. We regretthat you may miss certain opportunities but these are keptto a minimum. Your Tour Manager will advise you.

Travellers ten commandments1) Thou shalt not expect to find things as they are at home

for thou hast left home to find things different.

2) Thou shalt not take things too seriously, for a carefree mind is the beginning of a carefree holiday.

3) Thou shalt not let other tourists get on thy nerves as we are all here for the same reason and thou art paying good money to enjoy thyself.

4) Thou must know at all times where thy passport lies,for a person without a passport is a person withouta country

5) Thou shalt not worry, for he that worrieth hath no pleasure. Few things are fatal.

6) Remember that thou art a guest in other lands and he that treateth his host with respect shall in turn be respected. To learn to speaketh ‘please’ and ‘thank you’in thy host’s tongue will make thee thy host’s friend.

7) Thou shalt not judge the entire people of a country by one person who was a poor host.

8) Thou shalt remember to err is human and to forgiveis divine.

9) When in Rome, thou shalt be prepared to do as the Romans do.

10) Though shouldst remember that if thou was expected to stay in one place, thou would have been createdwith roots

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Stay in touchname email/address/ekit number

for up to date info on Contiki tours check out ourwebsite @ contiki.com

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Worldwide officesENGLAND

Wells House, 15 Elmfield Road,Bromley, Kent, BR1 1LS.

Telephone: (020) 8225 4200travel@contiki.co.uk

AMERICA801 East Katella Avenue, 3rd Floor,

Anaheim, CA 92805.Telephone: (714) 935 0808

contiki@contiki.com

NEW ZEALAND1st Floor, 15-17 Day Street,

Newton, Auckland.Telephone: +64 (0) 9 300 1601

contiki@contiki.co.nz

AUSTRALIATravel House, Level 3,

35 Grafton Street,Bondi Junction, NSW 2022.

Telephone: +61 (0) 1300 188 635contiki@contiki.com.au

CANADA33 Kern Road,

Toronto, ON M3B 1S9.Telephone: (416) 932 9377

contactus@contiki.ca

SOUTH AFRICAThe Travel House

6-12 Hood AvenueRosebank, Johannesburg 2196

Telephone: +27 11 280 8400reservations.sa@contiki.com

ASIA3 Pickering Street,

China Square Central #02-29 (Nankin Row)Singapore 048660.

Telephone: +65 6337 8166contiki@pacific.net.sginfo@contiki.com.sg

contiki.comIf you choose to write to Contiki via the Internet, pleaseprovide your home address so we are able to reply to

you in writing.

The information in this booklet was, to the best of ourknowledge, correct at the time of going to print but we cannot

be held responsible for any subsequent changes to thecontents of it.

© Contiki Asia. Edition 2009. All rights reserved.