MEKONG RIVER CRUISE - Sunspot Tours · 2017. 8. 21. · Saigon (2 nights): 4H Golden Central Hotel...
Transcript of MEKONG RIVER CRUISE - Sunspot Tours · 2017. 8. 21. · Saigon (2 nights): 4H Golden Central Hotel...
This document aims to give you all the
information that you require for a smooth and
comfortable trip to the Mekong. Please take the
time to read this dossier to familiarise yourself
with all the aspects of our tour.
It includes important information such as flight
details, visa requirements and travel insurance.
Your included meal guide:
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
DAY 1: UK to Siem Reap
Depart London on your scheduled, overnight flight
to Siem Reap international airport.
DAY 2: Siem Reap L/D
On arrival you will be met by your guide and
transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day
at leisure to relax by the pool before enjoying a
welcome dinner.
DAY 3: Siem Reap B/L/D
A full day tour of the ancient ruins in the Angkor area
starts at the South Gate of Angkor Thom, famous for
its series of colossal human faces carved in stone.
Explore the impressive Bayon temple with its countless
sculptural decorations before continuing to the famous
Angkor Wat. Constructed in the 12th century and
covering an area of around 210 hectares, this
architectural masterpiece contains pavilions,
courtyards and large ponds reflecting the towering
temple. The nearby jungle covered temple of Ta Prohm
is an incredible sight with enormous fig trees and
gigantic creepers growing through the structure’s
stone foundations. Return to your hotel for dinner.
DAY 4: Siem Reap to Mekong Cruise B/L/D
This morning you will transfer to Tonlé Sap, a
designated UNESCO Biosphere. Containing more
fish than any other lake in the world, it is also home
to an incredible variety of birds including many rare
and endangered species of storks, ibises and cranes.
Here you will board your cruise ship, which will be
your home for the next seven nights. The French
colonial style vessel oozes the elegance of the Art
Nouveau period in Paris and offers unrivalled comfort
and luxury on board. As the cruise begins, take the
afternoon to relax as you meander through the waters.
The ship will moor overnight on the lake where you
will experience the stillness of the surroundings, lit by
the moon and the radiance of the stars.
DAY 5: Mekong Cruise B/L/D
The cruise will set sail before dawn as the sun begins
slowly rising above the lake. Cruising along the Mekong
to Kampong Tralach, you will disembark to enjoy an
ox-cart ride. Then travel by coach to Oudong, the
royal capital of Cambodia from 1618 until 1866, to
visit the monastery for a unique Buddhist blessing
experience before returning to the ship.
DAY 6: Mekong Cruise B/L/D
Wake to embark on a trip to the little-known copper
manufacturing village of Koh Chen where residents
have been perfecting a craft handed down to them
over generations. Cruising on you will enjoy dinner
and moor overnight on the ship midstream near
Phnom Penh.
DAY 7: Mekong Cruise B/L/D
Join a sobering excursion to the infamous Killing
Fields and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum today.
Then after lunch on your ship, visit the opulent Royal
Palace, the residence of the king, and visit the
impressive Silver Pagoda. After dinner, perhaps step
out for an evening walk through this fascinating
capital.
DAY 8: Mekong Cruise B/L/D
Cruising along the main Mekong Channel’s
international shipping route you can choose to take in
a fruit-carving demonstration by one of the chefs on
board whilst the crew complete the necessary
paperwork for the border crossing. Entering Vietnam,
the ship will moor for dinner and overnight.
DAY 9: Mekong Cruise B/L/D
Today you will transfer to a small boat to travel along
the tiny tributaries that snake around Tan Chau,
visiting remote islands to witness authentic rural
Mekong life where local inhabitants live on houses
poised on high stilts. Later, venture ashore for a
wonderful rickshaw tour of Tan Chau town passing
local artisan workshops and markets. Back on board
your ship this afternoon, you might choose to
attend a lecture on Vietnam in your ship’s lounge or
relax and socialise.
YOUR TOUR DOSSIER
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Journey along one of the world’s greatest rivers, the mighty Mekong - discovering a land of forgotten
temples, enigmatic cities and emerald green landscapes. Cruising in comfort through Cambodia and
Vietnam, our 13 day itinerary leads you on an unforgettable voyage from the ancient beauty of Siem Reap
and the legendary Angkor Wat, to the dynamic and vibrant city of Saigon. Imbued with traditions, culture
and history the infectious Mekong spirit abounds with smiling locals and delicious cuisines.
MEKONG RIVER CRUISE Siem Reap, Mekong Delta, Phnom Penh & Saigon
YOUR TOUR DOSSIER
Meals
Breakfast is always western style and served in the hotel each morning. Lunch and dinner where stated will be taken in local Vietnamese restaurants.
During your cruise breakfast, lunch and dinner will be taken in the restaurant on board the ship and complimentary local spirits, beer and soft drinks are
also included (Not included on the land portion).
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On your arrival
On your arrival in Siem Reap you will be met by a
representative from our local agent holding a sign
displaying: “Sunspot”.
The Sunspot/Vietnam representative will show you to
your transfer vehicle.
Your guide will be able to answer any queries.
However, if you need to contact your agent during
your land stay the details are:
Lac Viet Travel (LV) Head Office, Hanoi
Floor 18, VTC Online Building,
No 18, Tam Trinh Str,
Hai Ba Trung District,
Hanoi, Vietnam
Telephone : 0084 439 413 748
Emergency contact information
Please find the emergency contact details
for LV Travel head office, Hanoi
Contact Telephone number
Jenny Tinh Mobile: 0084 987 206 908
Ms Ly Office: 0084 439 413 750
Mobile: 0084 989 200 119
Please find below the emergency contact details
for APT, should you need assistance during your
cruise
Vietnam 0084 96 320 9196
Cambodia 0085 51 722 2696
DAY 10: Mekong Cruise B/L/D
This morning’s excursion is to the charming colonial
town of Sa Dec for a guided sightseeing tour.
Famous for its beautiful flower gardens, the small,
sleepy town is truly a hidden gem in the Mekong
Delta. Passing authentic markets and examples of
colonial architecture you will return to your ship in
time for lunch. This afternoon, the cruise will arrive in
the atmospheric town of Cai Be where you will start
your tour at the busy, vivid, floating market where
around 500 boats filled with fruits and vegetables
are brought by locals to trade along the network of
rivers. After discovering the nearby canals, lush
landscapes and rustic life along the river, you will go
ashore to see the French Gothic Cathedral and visit
a local rice paper manufacturer. This evening, head
back to the ship for a tranquil night cruise towards
My Tho. Celebrate the end of the Mekong cruise
with a farewell dinner on board before spending
your last evening on the waters.
DAY 11: Mekong Cruise & Saigon B/D
Arriving into My Tho this morning on the upper
Mekong River, the crew will bid you farewell as your
Mekong cruise comes to a close. Here your land
transport will transfer you to your hotel in Saigon.
DAY 12: Saigon B/L/D
This morning travel to the underground village of
Cu Chi and discover the incredible and complex
underground network of tunnels, stretching for 200
kilometres, where the Viet Cong lived and fought
during the war. On the return journey you will pass
through rural farming communities before arriving
back into Saigon where a half day tour of the city
will commence, visiting all the major sights including
the Cathedral, Reunification Palace and the lively
Ben Thanh market. Dinner will be served in a local
restaurant where you can enjoy your last evening
with the group.
DAY 13: Saigon to the UK or Extension B
Today is left at leisure before your evening flight
back to London or continue on to your chosen
extension.
Mekong Cruise Information
The ship used on the Magnificent Mekong Cruise is the RV La Marguerite
(operated by Travelmarvel by APT), which is of a 4H standard. All cabins
have an en suite bathroom, air-conditioning and a safety deposit box.
There are 4 decks on the ship: a Lower Deck, Main Deck, Upper Deck
and Sun Deck. The ship has Wi-Fi in selected areas, however please note
that in remote locations the connection may temporarily drop out. Lunch,
Breakfast and Dinner will be taken in the Mekong Restaurant on board the
ship. Drinks included whilst on board are local beer and soft drinks, house
branded spirits, bottled water and tea and coffee. Local wine is also
served during dinner. Other spirits, liquors, wines and coffees are available
at a supplement. Other facilities available on board the ship are as follows:
gym, spa, sun deck, swimming pool and a gift shop.
Your Hotels
Siem Reap (2 nights): 4H Tara Angkor - Charles De Gaulle, Siem Reap,
Cambodia. Contact number: 00855 63 966 661
Saigon (2 nights): 4H Golden Central Hotel - 140 Ly Tu Trong, Ben
Thanh Ward, District 1, Saigon. Contact number: 0084 838 270 666
All accommodation is 4H and features an en suite bathroom, air-conditioning/heating, TV and coffee making facilities. Sunspot has visited and
inspected all of the hotels to ensure that they meet the high standards of service which we require for our clients. If the hotels detailed are not available,
alternatives will be used of a similar standard. Please note: the hotels listed are provided for guidance only and final confirmation of your
accommodation will be sent in a document, along with your final flight information, approximately 10 days before you travel.
YOUR TOUR DOSSIER
Visas
Until 30th June 2018 a visa is not required for
stays up to 15 days. From the 1st July 2018 and
for longer stays a visa is required for entry into
Vietnam. We work closely with The Travel Visa
Company who will be able to arrange your visa
for you on your behalf. Please call them on 01270
250 590 and quote “Sunspot”. The cost of the
visa is £98.50. The visas take around 10 working
days to issue and are only valid for 3 months from
the date of entry. We therefore recommend that
you apply for your visa 8 weeks before travel,
however please be aware that your passport will
be required for the application so make sure that
you will not need it during this time. Alternatively
you can visit the Embassy of Vietnam in London:
12-14 Victoria Road, London,
W8 5RD. If you have booked the Temples of
Cambodia extension following your tour, you will
need to purchase a visa for Cambodia costing
USD $30 on arrival at the airport in Siem Reap.
Please note that you will be required to bring a
passport photo with you as well as USD $30
cash in order to apply for your visa on arrival in
Cambodia.
Insurance
We strongly recommend that you and all
members of your party are suitably insured as
soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of
booking that you must have suitable travel
insurance. It is important that you purchase travel
insurance that suitably covers your participation in
whatever activities you may undertake at the time
that you make your booking. To assist you with
this, we have arranged travel insurance in
partnership with Holiday Extras. To arrange your
travel insurance with Holiday Extras, please call
0800 781 4237 and quote ‘WK830’ for
preferential rates. Please ensure you provide us
with the name of your insurer, policy number and
their 24 hour emergency contact number as soon
as possible. Sunspot will not be liable for any
costs incurred by you due to your failure to take
out suitable travel insurance from the date of
booking.
Health and Vaccinations
It is your responsibility to check any health &
vaccination requirements applicable to your
booked arrangements. We can only provide
general information about this. Health and
hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from
country to country. You should take health advice
about your own needs as early as possible and in
good time before your departure. Sources of
information include; www.fco.gov.uk,
www.travelhealthpro.org.uk, www.hpa. org.uk,
your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.
Physical Accessibility
This tour is accessible to most people with an
average level of fitness and normal mobility.
It involves full days of sightseeing, often on foot,
and includes some climbing of stairs and getting
on and off coaches and boats. This tour is not
suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.
Group Size
The maximum number of passengers on your
cruise will be 92 passengers. If in the unlikely
event the tour does not go ahead then you may
be asked to change to a different date. A full
refund will be made available to you should this
alternative not be suitable.
Tour Guides
This is a fully escorted tour with a dedicated tour
director throughout as well as local guides
ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge
throughout.
Tipping
All tipping has been included during your stay on
the cruise, however tips are not included during
your land stay. It is customary to tip both your
driver and guide approximately £2.00 ($3.00) per
person per day in total. This will be collected at
the end of each destination visited for your
convenience. Tips are accepted in the local
currency, US dollars and British pounds.
Currency Exchange
The currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong,
known as VND. You can exchange your currency
in Vietnam, however US Dollars are widely
accepted in Vietnam should you wish to keep an
alternative currency on you.
Personal Expenses
You will need to take some extra money with you
to cover any lunches and dinners where these are
not mentioned on your itinerary and personal
purchases, such as souvenirs, laundry and extra
drinks and snacks. Approximately £200-£400 per
person will be sufficient for the duration of the tour.
Credit card information
As normal practice you will be asked for your
credit card details on check-in at the hotel in
order to cover any extras incurred during your
stay. If you do not have a credit card you may be
asked for a cash deposit. American Express,
Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely
accepted in hotels.
Itinerary Changes
The order of events and sightseeing may vary
according to local conditions or for operational
purposes. The schedules of the domestic airlines
in country are subject to frequent changes. For
this reason, we have indicated approximate times
only. Your local guide will inform you of any
schedule changes as they are informed of them.
Some road construction and/or weather
conditions may lengthen the driving times. Our
intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary
as printed; however order of events & sightseeing
may vary according to local conditions.
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What to Pack
• Sunscreen and hat in summer
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Camera and charger
• Loo paper for public WCs
• An electric plug converter - the electricity
in Vietnam/Cambodia is 220-240 V. You will
need a 2 round pin plug or 2 flat pin plug
adapter
• Personal first aid kit containing travel pills,
rehydration powder, plasters, stomach
settlers, antiseptic creams, aspirin etc
Baggage allowance (per person): Each passenger is entitled to 30kg of hold luggage. Hand luggage: One piece not exceeding 7Kg and with maximum total
dimensions not exceeding 115 cm (56 cm x 36cm x 23 cm). Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in.
Airport Extras
If you wish to arrange Airport car parking or accommodation at preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extras
- Tel. 0871 360 2000, quoting HX313.
Final flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure.
Baggage Allowance
Your flight is to Siem Reap with Vietnam Airlines (VN), departing from London Heathrow Terminal 4.
Flight and Airport Information
YOUR TOUR DOSSIER
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<
Siem Reap•
Saigon
CoachShip
Asia
•
•• •
••
<
Cambodia
Vietnam
Tonlé Sap
OudongKoh Chen
Phnom Penh•
Tan Chau
Sa DecCai Be
My Tho
Cu Chi
Weather and Climate
Weather can vary quite considerably throughout the year, so please familiarise yourself with the climate charts below.
Angkor Wat
Take in the sights of Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, and the iconic Halong Bay on this
4 night extension to our Magnificent Mekong Tour.
YOUR TOUR DOSSIER
This document aims to give you all the information that you require during your add-on to Hanoi & Halong Bay.
HANOI & HALONG BAY
Temperature and ClimateYour included meal guide:
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
DAY 13: Saigon to Hanoi D
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Hanoi.
On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel
for check in. Your afternoon will be leisure, and dinner is
included in a local Vietnamese restaurant.
DAY 14: Hanoi B/L/D
A full day tour of this historic city begins with the Ho Chi
Minh Complex where the father of modern day Vietnam
declared the nation’s independence in 1945. Visit sites
including the Presidential Palace and One Pillar Pagoda,
then drive to the Temple of Literature. After lunch, visit
the Fines Art Museum before the evening highlight – a
Water Puppet Performance, a unique form of
Vietnamese art derived from the wet rice civilisation of
South East Asia.
DAY 15: Hanoi to Halong Bay Cruise B/L/D
Departing Hanoi, you will travel by road through the Red
River Delta to the stunning World Heritage Site of Halong
Bay. Here you will board your boat and set sail, cruising
amongst majestic limestone pillars scattered throughout
the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. Disembark at
Thien Canh Son Cave to explore an ethereal wonderland
of Buddhist carvings and drooping stalactites, which
hang beneath a canopy of sparkling gems. Following a
relaxing break upon Hon Co Island’s idyllic sandy beach,
witness an authentic cooking demonstration on board
your ship before tasting a mouth-watering selection of
dishes. After dinner, retire to your cabin for the evening.
DAY 16: Halong Bay B/L/D
Enjoy the rising sun’s incandescent shimmer over Halong
Bay as you unwind during your morning Tai Chi session.
Transfer to a smaller boat and enjoy a sightseeing cruise;
afterwards your day is at leisure for more sightseeing,
kayaking or swimming within the bay’s warm waters.
Later this afternoon return to your ship for dinner.
DAY 17: Halong Bay to UK Brunch/D
Following breakfast, your guide will escort you on a row-
ing boat to Vung Vieng village, a settlement completely
floating on water and dating back hundreds of years.
Enjoy brunch before disembarking your cruise ship and
travelling to Hanoi. Dinner will be at a local restaurant
where you’ll be transferred to the airport for your return
flight back to the UK.
Hotels
Hanoi (2 nights): 4H Sunway Hotel - 19 Pham Dinh
Ho Street, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi, Vietnam,
Contact number: 0084 4 3971 3888
Halong Bay (2 nights): Victory Cruise Boat
If the hotels listed are unavailable alternatives
will be used of a similar standard.
Tour Guides
This is a fully escorted tour extension, meaning that
you will be met on arrival by your guide who will
remain with you for the duration of your trip ensuring
that you have first-hand knowledge at all times.
Personal Expenses
You will need to take money with you to cover any
personal purchases, such as souvenirs and laundry.
If you have not yet booked this fabulous extension, there is still time to do so, please contact 0843 224 0723
YOUR TOUR DOSSIER
Weather and Climate Weather can vary quite considerably throughout the year,
so please familiarise yourself with the climate chart below.
Five days, four nights in Hoi An is the perfect way to complete your tour. Relax and unwind
by the turquoise ocean waters, sample local cuisine and explore the historic Old Town.Your included meal guide:
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
A former port town, Hoi An is a historic town with narrow streets, riverside cafes and a
stunning nearby beach. The traditional Old Town is now a UNESCO World Heritage site
with numerous pedestrianised streets. The Hoi An beach sits close to the town,
enjoying palm fringed shores and powder white sands.
Tour Guides
Your stay in Hoi An is not escorted by a tour guide.
Hotels
Hoi An (4 nights)
Depending on your preference your Hoi An stay will take place at the 4H Le Belhamy
Hotel on Bed & Breakfast or the 5H Sunrise Premium Resort Hoi An on Half Board.
This will have been confirmed at booking.
Hotel Information
4H Le Belhamy Hotel - Hamlet 1, Dien Duong Village, Dien Ban District, Hoi An.
Tel: 0084 510 3941 888
5H Sunrise Premium Resort Hoi An - Cua Dai Beach, Hoi An. Tel: 0084 510 3937 777
DAY 13: Hanoi to Danang B
Depart Hanoi on your scheduled flight to Danang for your transfer to Hoi An
and your first night.
DAY 14-16: Hoi An B
At leisure at your choice of hotel.
DAY 17: Hoi An to London B
After your transfer to Danang depart on your scheduled flight to London.
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If you have not yet booked this fabulous extension, there is still time to do so, please contact 0843 224 0723
HOI AN BEACH STAY
Saigon (2 nights)
The dynamic city of Saigon is Vietnam’s former
capital. This busy city is the home of the Vietnam
War Remnants Museum and has a fascinating
history. With sprawling markets, winding streets
and traditional restaurants, Saigon offers a taste
of authentic Vietnam unlike any other city or the
relaxed beach resorts.
Hotel Information
Your stay will take place at the 4H Golden Central
Hotel on Bed & Breakfast.
This 4-star hotel is ideally situated in the heart of
Saigon, just minutes from the historic Ben Thanh
market and within easy reach of the many shops,
restaurants and sights. The Ho Chi Minh Museum
is just a 5 minute stroll away.
The modern accommodation features sleek
interiors, with a number of facilities, including
air-conditioning, LCD television, minibar, safe,
hairdryer, telephone and FREE Wi-Fi.
The hotel benefits from a range of guest facilities,
including a swimming pool, restaurant, bar, gym,
sauna and steam bath. It provides the ideal base
to relax and unwind after a busy day of
sight-seeing in this fascinating city.
Hotel information: 140 Ly Tu Trong, Ben Thanh
Ward, District 1, Saigon. Contact number: 0084
838 270 666.
Any alternative hotels or board basis will have
been confirmed at booking. Please speak to our
reservations department if you are unsure.
Personal Expenses
You will need to take money with you to cover
any lunches and dinners, as well as personal
purchases, such as souvenirs, laundry and drinks.
Tour Guides
Your stay in Saigon is not escorted by a tour guide
and your time will be free to explore the city at your
own pace. Transfers are included.
Please note
This extension takes place after your main tour.
Shanghai, Wuzhen, Xi’an & Beijing
YOUR TOUR DOSSIER
Extension
This document aims to give you all the information which you will require during your extension to Saigon.
Weather and Climate
Saigon, now known as Ho Chi Minh City is a fascinating place to explore. This 2 night extension is spent at your leisure and gives you the chance to explore this dynamic city.
4H Golden Central Hotel
If you have not yet booked this fabulous extension, there is still time to do so, please contact 0843 224 0723
SAIGON
Experience the delights of Hoi An ancient town, sail along the Thu Bon River admiring the craft
villages & wonder at the stunning Thien Mu pagoda and Royal Tomb of Tu Duc in Hue.
YOUR TOUR DOSSIER
This document aims to give you all the information that you require during your add-on to Hoi An and Hue.
Temperature and ClimateYour included meal guide:
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
DAY 13: Saigon to Hoi An B/D
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Danang. On arrival
transfer to your hotel in Hoi An where the rest of your day
is at leisure.
DAY 14: Hoi An B/L/D
After breakfast, start your full day tour of Hoi An. Explore
the stunning sights of Hoi An's ancient town and
experience the bustling local market. Cross the wooden
slats of the Japanese covered bridge and take in the
Phuc Kien Assembly Hall. After lunch, transfer to the
bank of the Thu Bon River and board your river boat.
As you sail down the river, discover the amazing Hoi An
crafted villages dotted along the riverside. Visit the
Thanh Ha ceramic village and admire its intricate pottery.
Continue your journey to the Cua Dai estuary for a
spectacular view of the sun setting over the Thu Bon
River and the sea before returning back to your hotel.
DAY 15: Hoi An to Hue B/L/D
This morning transfer to Hue and on arrival enjoy lunch in
a local Vietnamese restaurant before checking into your
hotel. The rest of you day is at leisure.
DAY 16: Hue B/L/D
Enjoy a city tour visiting attractions such as the Imperial
Citadel, Flag Tower, Noon Gate and Forbidden Purple
City. Board a dragon boat for a trip on the Perfume River
before visiting Thien Mu Pagoda, Hues oldest and most
beautiful pagoda. After lunch drive to the elaborate Royal
Tomb of Tu Duc emperor, considered as one of the most
picturesque and largest works of architecture of
Nguyens Dynasty's palaces and tombs. Return back to
your hotel, where the rest of your afternoon is at leisure.
DAY 17: Hue to UK B
Transfer to the airport for your return flight back to
the UK.
Hotels
Hoi An (2 nights): 4H Essence Hoi An - 132 Hùng
Vương Str.tp. Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam.
Contact number: 0084 510 3915 915
Hue (2 nights): 4H Romance Hotel - No. 16, Nguyen
Thai Hoc Str., Hue 08454, Vietnam.
Contact number: 0084 054 389 8888
If the hotels listed are unavailable alternatives
will be used of a similar standard.
Tour Guides
This is a fully escorted tour extension, meaning that
you will be met on arrival by your guide who will
remain with you for the duration of your trip ensuring
that you have first-hand knowledge at all times.
Personal Expenses
You will need to take money with you to cover any
personal purchases, such as souvenirs, laundry and
any meals not included.
If you have not yet booked this fabulous extension, there is still time to do so, please contact 0843 224 0723
HOI AN AND HUE EXTENSION
YOUR TOUR DOSSIER
This document aims to give you all the information that you require during your add-on to Luang Prabang.
Temperature and ClimateYour included meal guide:
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
DAY 13: Saigon to Luang Prabang B/D
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Luang Prabang.
On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel
for check in. The rest of the day is at leisure, and dinner
is included in a local Laos Restaurant.
DAY 14: Luang Prabang B/L/D
Visit the magnificent Wat Xiengthong, Temple of the
Golden City, with its roof sweeping low to the ground, it
represents classical Laotian architecture. Embark on a
cruise upstream along the Mekong River, take in the
breath taking views of the tranquil countryside, before
reaching the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. Here find two
linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered
Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by
pilgrims. Next, stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where
they make the local rice wine. On arrival back into the
city, visit the Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a range
of interesting artefacts, before ascending the 329 steps
to the top of Phousi Hill. Experience the beautiful sunset
against the backdrop of the city and glowing reflection
on the Mekong River. Your tour ends after a visit to the
famous Night Market, where you can admire the
handmade textiles crafted by local and hill tribe people
surrounding Luang Prabang.
DAY 15: Luang Prabang B/L/D
Start your morning with the option to participate in the
daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting
offerings of Alms, sticky rice, from the faithful residents.
This tradition is very unique to Laos, as it is the only
Buddhist nation still preserving the procession.
After breakfast at the hotel, take a stroll around the city
to visit the Big Brother Mouse, the most famous
bookshop in Laos. The next stop is Ock Pop Tock,
meaning East Meets West, where you will learn about
the traditional weaving in Laos. After visit a local village of
Laos ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay and Ban
Tahpene, known for their traditional handicrafts. Drive to
the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where you choose to
take a dip in the turquoise pools or walk along the forest
paths. En route back to Luang Prabang admire the
Kuang Si Falls Butterfly Park, one of the most popular
awe inspiring locations in Laos. On arrival in Luang
Prabang visit Wat Siphouthabath to watch the sunset.
DAY 16: Luang Prabang B/L/D
After breakfast enjoy a visit to the Elephant Village. On
arrival you will be greeted by the Camp Manager who
will provide you with a short briefing. Enjoy an elephant
ride, before taking a boat trip to the Tad Sae Waterfall
where you can swim in crystal clear waters. Lunch is
provided in the Elephant Village Restaurant. Transfer
back to your hotel, where the rest of the afternoon is at
leisure.
DAY 17: Luang Prabang to UK B
Transfer to the airport for your return flight back to
the UK.
Hotels
Luang Prabang (4 nights): 4H Villa Santi Resort -
Santi Resort Road, Ban Nadeuay, Luang Prabang
681, Laos.
Contact number: 00856 71 252 157
If the hotel listed is unavailable alternatives
will be used of a similar standard.
Tour Guides
This is a fully escorted tour extension, meaning that
you will be met on arrival by your guide who will
remain with you for the duration of your trip ensuring
that you have first-hand knowledge at all times.
Personal Expenses
You will need to take money with you to cover any
personal purchases, such as souvenirs and laundry.
Currency Exchange
The currency in Laos is the Laos Kip, known as
LAK. You can exchange your currency in Laos,
however US Dollars are widely accepted in Laos
should you wish to keep an alternative currency on
you.
Surrounded by the Mekong and Khan rivers, Laos' ancient city of Luang Prabang is rich in royalhistory, stunning views and fantastic French cuisine. Explore the tropical peninsula's backstreetsat your own pace, take a cooking workshop, elephant trek or simply unwind at one of the manyaffordable spas.
If you have not yet booked this fabulous extension, there is still time to do so, please contact 0843 224 0723
LUANG PRABANG EXTENSION