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.