PROPOSAL : ETHNIC MINORITIES OF NORTHERN VIETNAM AND LAOS 11D10N

DEPARTURE : 01 January 2014 – 30 September 2014

NUMBER OF PAX : TBA

PREPARED FOR : TBA

VIETNAM - LAOS: COUNTRY OVERVIEW

Vietnam: a country with a rich, centuries-deep history, with grand

colonial buildings, vibrant markets, temples and pagodas, deserted

sandy beaches, glorious mountain scenery which is home to many

ethnic minority people, and vast brilliant green rice fields, delicious

cuisine and luxurious hotel and resorts. The Northern capital, Hanoi,

is known as the artistic and cultural centre of the country, with Hoan

Kiem Lake at heart of the city. In the Old Quarter, at the Temple of

Literature and in the museums the past comes alive. Ho Chi Minh City

(Saigon), in the South, is the commercial powerhouse of the country,

with International hotels, shiny new shopping malls, old markets,

museums, China Town, and café-life. The city is truly multi-cultural.

The country has seven UNESCO World Heritage sites which stand

testament to its history.

The Lunar New Year festival ‘’Tet’’ is the most important public

holiday and falls on the first day of the first month of the Lunar

calendar. This event is celebrated by Vietnamese everywhere.

Laos: one of the last remaining peaceful countries on earth.

Endowed with stunning natural beauty, from the remote

mountainous North, to the fertile Southern region.

Vientiane is the ‘’laid-back’’ capital city of Laos, on the banks of the

Mekong river, close to the border with Thailand. Wat Si Saket is the

oldest temple, and Pha That Luang is the most important religious

monument in Laos and the national symbol. Luang Prabang sits at the

confluence of the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers, and is a UNESCO

designated site. The quiet town has many monasteries and temples

including the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Ho Pha Bang, Wat

Wisunarat and Ham Kham the Royal Palace complex. It is a treasure

trove of Buddhist culture.

Further North lies the enigmatic Plain of Jars, and to the south of the

country are the cities of Pakse, Champasak, and Savannakhet, and the

verdant Bolaven Plateau. Known for its rich coffee, dramatic

waterfalls, remote hill tribes and National parks, is an adventure-in-

waiting. The hospitable Laos people celebrate many festivals

throughout the year, and one of the most important is ‘’New Year’’

which occurs in mid April, when everything closes down.

Day 1: HA NOI ARRIVAL (-/-/-)

Upon arrival in Hanoi, embark on a city tour. Discover the fascinating old quarter by cyclo. Then drive to see Hoan

Kiem Lake in the city centre and visit Ngoc Son Temple one of the most picturesque temples in Hanoi, set on a small

island in the lake.

Overnight in Hanoi

Day 2: HA NOI – HOA BINH – MAI CHAU (B/-/-)

Road trip to Mai Chau, well known for its wonderful surrounded in a green valley with stilt houses. Walking tour to

visit the villages of Thai and H'mong people.

Overnight in Mai Chau

Day 3: MAI CHAU – SON LA (B/-/-)

Drive to Son La, home of many ethnic minorities, including the Muong and the Thai. Once we reach Son La, we

check into our hotel and have the remainder of the day to visit the former French prison, and stroll through villages

in the south of the town.

Overnight in Son La.

Day 4: SON LA – DIEN BIEN PHU (B/-/-)

This is quite a remote area and a pleasant drive from Son la to Dien Bien Phu. Visit the Dien Bien Phu museum, A1

Hill, Dien Bien Phu Cemetry, the bunker headquarters and the memorial dedicated to French soldiers.

Overnight in Dien Bien Phu.

Day 5: DIEN BIEN PHU – MUANG KHUA (B/-/-)

Drive by private car to the Tay Trang check-point, at the border with Laos.

Then continue to Muang Khua and visit the local market.

Overnight in Muang Khua.

Day 6: MUANG KHUA – PHONG SALI (BOAT) (B/-/-)

Join the cruise up the Nam Ou river in Northern Laos. Visit small villages along the way and spend time with the

local people. Later drive to Phongsali.

Overnight at hotel in Phongsali

Day 7: PHONG SALI - NUQUI (B/-/-)

A day mixed with private transportation and trekking to reach some remote villages where you will meet some

local ethnic minority. The village of Nuqui sits on a mountain at 1268m offering spectacular views.

Overnight in Nuqui village

Day 8: NUQUI – PHONG SALI (B/-/-)

Take a path from the village and trek towards Ban Vatai village, passing through virgin forests. Join a boat trip down

the river to reach Ban Hatsa where you will stop for lunch.

In the afternoon drive by private car to Phongsali.

Overnight at Phongsali

Day 9: PHONG SALI - OUDOMXAY (B/-/-)

A private minivan will take you to the beautiful area of the Nam Ou village. En route the scenery is stunning. Stop

for pictures of this gorgeous mountainous panorama.

Visit small villages of the Hmong who live high up in the mountainous areas. Upon arriving at Oudomxay visit the

temple.

Overnight at Oudomxay

Day 10: OUDOMXAY – LUANG PRABANG (B/-/-)

Drive to Luang Prabang by private car. En route, visit the holy caves of Pak Ou.

Overnight at Luang Prabang

Day 11: LUANG PRABANG (B/-/-)

Luang Prabang city tour including the former Royal Palace (now the National Museum), Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Sen

and Wat Visun. End of the day watching the sunset from the top of Mount Phou Si.

Transfer by air conditioned vehicle to the airport for your onward flight in the evening.

“where journeys begin”

TOUR COST : NET PRICE IN USD

Valid 01 January 2014 to 30 April 2014

Categories/ Group size 1 pax 2 pax 3-4 pax 5-6 pax 7-10pax Single Supplement

Standard Category 3,620.00 1,938.00 1,479.00 1,345.00 1,259.00 262.00

All rates are net, quoted per person in U.S.$ in half twin room. Please add the single supplement if you book a

single room (Except on 1 Pax).

Valid 01 May 2014 to 30 September 2014

Categories/ Group size 1 pax 2 pax 3-4 pax 5-6 pax 7-10pax Single Supplement

Standard Category 3,534.00 1,893.00 1,442.00 1,309.00 1,223.00 226.00

All rates are net, quoted per person in U.S.$ in half twin room. Please add the single supplement if you book a

single room (Except on 1 Pax).

Surcharge during Peak Season and Vietnam & Laos Public Holidays is applied upon hotels and cruises policies, please

kindly contact our Travel Consultant for your detailed information.

LIST OF HOTEL USAGES:

LOCATION STANDARD CATEGORY

HANOI Medallion

Superior

11 Ma May Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Tel: 084439261302

http://www.medallionhanoi.com/

MAI CHAU Mai Chau Lodge

Deluxe Mountain View

Mai Chau, Hoa Binh

Tel: 0842183868953

Web: http://www.maichaulodge.com

SON LA Cong Doan Son La

Room Type 1

4, Street 26 – 8, Son La

Tel: 084223855313

DIEN BIEN PHU Muong Thanh Dien Bien Phu

Deluxe Room

514, Street 7/5, Him Lam, DBP

Tel: 0842303810043

Web: muongthanh.vn/vi/hotel/ha-noi-16.html

MUANG KHUA Sernnaly Hotel

Standard Room

PHONG SALY Phongsali Hotel

Standard Room

OUDOMXAY Villa Keoseumsack

Standard Room

LUANG PRABANG Le Sen Boutique Hotel

Deluxe Room

113 Manomai Road Ban Mano, Luang Prabang

Tel: 05671261668

Web: http://www.lesenhotel.com/

INCLUDING:

Accomodations based on twin share

Transportation: private car or coach

English-Speaking Guide applied for day-tour only

Meals as mentioned in the program (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)

Entrance Fees

Boat Trip as mentioned in the program

EXCLUDING:

International flight ticket to & out Vietnam & Laos

Domestic flight ticket (separate quotation)

Meals not mentioned

Visa letter and Visa stamp fee at the airport (around 45 USD/person)

Drinks and personal expenses

Optional tours

Tips and gratuities for tour guide and services

Any other items not mentioned

Peak Season Surcharge, Compulsory Chrismas & New Year Gala Dinner upon Hotels and

Cruises’policies (if any)

BOOKING PROCEDURE

Booking will be confirmed on receipt of advance deposit only.

Asia Destinations (ASD) requires 20% advance deposit to hold the booking.

(2) Balance 80% must reach ASD 30 days prior to tour departure date.

LIABILITY

The prices are subject to amendment should the Transporters/ Hoteliers amend their rates prior to

commencement of the tour.

REFUND

After commencement of Travel, no refund in full or in part will be given for services included in the program,

which are not utilized.

HOTEL CHECK IN- CHECK OUT TIME

Hotel Check in time is usually 12h00. Hotel Check out time is usually 14h00.

Extended check in - check out time may be granted subject to availability and agreement with the participating

hotels.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

To travel around ASD highly recommended that participants have travel insurance.