face to face with asia - sta travel

8/14/2019 Face to Face with Asia - STA Travel

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face to face with

aSia


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Open up yOur mind tO thOse dreams

and desires that abOund within the

cOnines O yOur imaginatiOn. gO and

live Out yOur ideals and aspiratiOns

On the distant shOres O a dierent

cOuntry Or cOntinent. cOme ace

tO ace with the wOrld and all its

beautiul diversity.

This brchure eatures se ur st ppular

accdatin, activities and adventure trips all

hand picked r yu.

why chOOsesta travel?Nw i this is the rst tie yuve heard us

then where have yu been living? We culd

say in a cave but that wuld be t clich and

we revlt against all things clich, s uch s

that weve ade ur ark specialising in all the

ipssibilities that used t see ust a little

ut reach. We have a wild and wnderul

enthusias r all the experiences bth diverse

and agnicent that travel prvides.

Weve been prviding these kinds adventuresr ver 30 years, s yu shuld have heard

us by nw! Weve ade it ur issin t pen

up the wrld t eager, enthusiastic, adventurus

travellers and are the wrlds largest bna de

travel cpany r students and yung adults

but whatever yur age we enthusiastically await

yur call, eail r visit as were re than happy t

shw yu ur unique perspective planet Earth.

N atter where yu are in the wrld, the

incredibly knwledgeable and riendly peple

that wrk r STA Travel are never ar away.

Weve gt ver 400 STA Travel branches in 85cuntries wrldwide and 24/7 glbal travel help

- an essential backup r all travellers n the

ve. I yuve lst yur tickets, want t change

yur dates r ust need se lcal advice ur

help is always at hand.

Weve gt thusands exclusive ers n

ights, accdatin, adventure trips and all

the essential extras t help yu plan yur drea

trip t Asia. This brchure shwcases the best

the, s eny!

co k o o o o oo o a, o

134 sta o .o.

let us plan yOurperect trip!Visit .o. and get inspired.

specialists

Weve been selling trips ver t this part the

wrld r dnkeys years. The arity ur

advisers have travelled t the destinatins in

this brchure and all the have been expertly

trained t give yu the best advice.

travel blOgs

Keep yur aily and riends up t date build

yur wn travel urnal! Yu can als nd ut

abut ther peples travel experiences and

see blgs, phts and vides peple n their

travels at .o./o

acebOOK

We Facebk. It really excites us. Were always

psting new updates, pics and vids n ur wall!

Its all abut keeping yu in-the-knw. Yu can

ask us any burning travel questins, even hkup with ther travellers alng the way. Click t

be-an us at ook.o./.

twitter

Festival giveaways, new cps, ight sales

*tweet*! We wnt bre yu with tweets abut

what were eating r what the dgs ding. But

we will tell yu abut new deals and the exciting

stu rst - as sn as it happens. Ce llw

us at .o/

2

Over 41,000 discOunts wOrldwide - get yOur isic card nOw at sta travel


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CoNTENTSPLANNING YoUR TRIPTRAVEL ESSENTIALS

GETTING THEREINSURANCEWHERE To STAY?YoUR ADVENTUREVoLUNTEERING

sOuth east asiaTHAILANDmALAYSIA

SINGAPoREINDoNESIAINDoCHINA

Oriental asiaCHINAjAPAN

indian sub-cOntinent

INDIANEPAL

45

89

101112

141934

394249

647280

84

8795

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PLANNING

YoUR TRIPwhere shOuld i gO?Think abut the cuntries yud like t visit andwhat yu want t see and experience. Asia canbe anything yu want it t be g r the pepleand the assive diversity culture and religin.

G r the eclgy the huge untains, the

lush ungle and the absurdly extic wildlie.

G r the d - the curries, the ndles and

the lcal delicacies. r siply g r sun and

relaxatin. Whatever Asia is t yu, the chances

are that well be able t deliver it.

S nce yuve icked thrugh this brchure and

drawn up a rugh plan, visit yur nearest STA

Travel branch and chat t ne ur riendly

advisers. All ur sta are seasned travellers,

s theyre ull helpul advice, tips and tales

abut the places that yure planning t visit.

getting arOund

much Asia is perhaps re dern than

yu ay suspect. many the cuntries we

eature bast lng, dern highways, ecient

rail netwrks and shiny, new airprts. This

akes it very easy r us t z yu arundthis wnderul cntinent But there are a ew

exceptins. Due t cliate, terrain r siple

ecnics, there is seties n kind decent

transprtatin t speak . Nt t wrry, yu

can trust STA Travel t nd a way getting yu

arund crtably, saely and n tie.

I yure keen t get yursel n ne ur

antastic adventure trips, then please dnt be

put i it starts in ne cuntry and nishes up

in anther. We sell pen aw tickets which allw

yu t y in and ut cpletely dierent

lcatins (see pages 8-9).

mOney

Each Asian cuntry has its wn individual

currency, but yull usually be able t get by with

Aerican dllars, s its denitely wrth taking

se r eergencies. Every ar twn and city

in Asia will have ATms, s yull have quick and

easy access t yur unds with yur credit, debit

r Travelex Cash Card (see page 5).

Well help yu t wrk ut a budget when yu

bk yur trip, but think abut where yull be

ging, hw lng yull be away r and whatyull be ding whilst yu are there. many

ur adventure trips include nearly everything

yu need t survive, s yull nly need a sall

aunt ney per day t get by. This aunt

is nrally calculated by establishing hw any

additinal activities yu want t eny and hw

uch shpping, drinking and eating yu intend

t d whilst yure away.

make sure yu bk at least yur rst ew nights

accdatin bere yu leave. Yull nd that

its quite a bit cheaper, s yull save yursel

lts cash. Yu certainly dnt want t ndyursel scraping tgether a ew dllars t

ard a htel bed ater a lng ight.

hOw can i bOOK?picK up the phOne Or visit a branch and

maKe a ree appOintment with One O

Our advisers.

c: 134 stack: .o. o o :.o./

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5/100

TRAVEL

ESSENTIALStravel insuranceWhether yure explring Suth East Asia rtrekking in the Indian Sub-Cntinent yud be crazyt leave he withut travel insurance! We knwits iprtant r yu t have an aazing trip and

travel insurance is prbably the last thing n yur

ind. Hwever, ur experience tells us, travelling

withut cver is siply nt a risk wrth taking.

STA Travel ers travel insurance plicies that

cver yu r a range benets, such as cver

r edical, cancellatin, eergency transprt and

accdatin and new r ld luggage (subect tthe plicy wrding). Plus, i things g wrng yull

have access t the 24 hur eergency assistance

tea Aussie Dctrs, Nurses and Case anagers.

T discuss yur travel insurance ptins, r r a

qute, talk t yur STA Travel adviser tday!

health

Its yur respnsibility t btain prper and

detailed edical advice in gd tie bere

yur departure. We suggest that yu visit

the Departent Health website at .

.o. r up t date inratin.Yur lcal Dctr can als give advice n which

vaccinatins yull need r particular cuntries.

visas

Yur trip a lietie will quickly grind t a

screeching halt i yu rget t srt ut yur

entrance visas. Please dnt rget t check with

ne ur riendly advisers r visa requireents

r the cuntries that yu are planning t visit. I

yu d require visas, we shuld be able t help yu

get ne s yu can sit back and relax.

telmake the best use yur tie away, ierse

yursel in a new culture, add t yur resue

and gain a skill r lie. millins peple are

learning English wrldwide in the st ar ung

places. Why dn't yu teach English abrad?

Teaching English as a Freign Language (TEFL) is

a recgnised qualicatin. Anyne can d it and

there is n need r prir teaching experience

- ust enthusias. Learn t teach English as a

reign language either n-line r as part a

weekend curse with ur Preier TEFL curse.

once certied yu can then take advantage

ne the any paid teaching pprtunitiesavailable arund the wrld. Fund yur travels and

never run ut cash. .-o-.o/

O o $340

wk o $492

Keep tracK O yOur cash

traveleX cash card

What the!?! Were talking Cash Passprts -

sae size as a credit card but with n debt &

better services. Yu never knw whats in stre

when yure travelling verseas. S ake sure

yure ared with a Cash Passprt, the nly

prepaid travel ney card that prepares yu

r the unexpected. With a ree backup card,

Travelexs wn 24/7 Eergency Assistance

Services and access t VISAs glbal netwrk,

Cash Passprts are the st cnvenient way taccess unds abrad.

t o o :

c po c - Can be used at any VISA

ATm Wrldwide and it can be reladed whilst

verseas r better still, back at he by a aily

eber. Its available in AUD, NZD, GBP, USD and

EUR ering yu the ability t lck in yur value

n atter what happens t the exchange rate.

c po d - The latest in cards,

nt nly can yu access yur ney at anyVISA ATm arund the wrld. Yu can nw ake

purchases at any erchant that accepts VISA

cards (Gucci, Prada anyne!). The VISA ATm card

is nw available in AUD, NZD, GBP, USD and EUR.

oo o o :

Convnintissinstantly,non

o id o k o

o o o

Prpainonpctcritcarbill

o o

Toll-fraccsstoTravls24/7

e a s

Sconbackpcar(conncttoth

oo o ) o o ree.

t o o o

o o o o

AbilitytorloaviaBPAYanywhrin

o

Viwbalancs,changPINannVISAatm o

Flat$3.75ATMwithrawalfapplis

STudeNT(ISIC)ANdYOuTH(IYTC)CARdS

I yu want t get access t ver 41,000

discunts wrldwide then yull want t pick

up a student (ISIC) r yuth (IYTC) card. These

puppies are available t yu i yure a ull tie

student r lucky enugh t still be under 26

years ld. Theyre nly $25 each and yull save

re than that alng the way, s are well wrth

the spend! Nt nly that but they can als be

used r discunts here in Australia:

JansWst5%

Wagamama

10% eal (up t $30)

KrispyKrm

Free glazed dughnut with any drink purchase

Hoyts

Free cb upgrade & student rates

Montaindsigns

10% all ull priced ites

LonlyPlant

15% all nline purchases

HarRockCaf

20% enu price

STATravl

Up t 40% internatinal trips

Nte: Ters, cnditins and exclusins apply. Please read the PrductDisclsure Stateent available r STA Travel in cnsidering this prduct.

5


6/100

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SoUTHKoREA

TAIWAN

PHILIPPINES

INDIA

SRI LANKA

THAILANDVIETNAm

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INDoNESIA

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6



7/100

FLIGHTS

ADVENTURE TRIPS

HoTELS & HoSTELS

EXTRAS

INSURANCE

ToTAL

YoUR ITINERARY

7


8/100

GETTING THEREwhy ly with sta travel?

Aside r ur great prices, any ur airares are unique & exclusive.

We er a wide range prducts negtiated ust r yu. We can bkust abut anything yu desire, r siple return tickets t tailr-ade

cplex rund-the-wrld itineraries. Here are se the things that

ake us stand ut r the crwd.

Lowstfarswithlaingairlinswhnyobookinavanc

forstntsholinganISICcar/yothsnr26(spag5)

o o itic .

Flibilitytochangyortravlatsbforan

.

Flibilitytochangyorrotbforanaftrpartr.

Thoptiontobilyorownitinrarysingorclsivsctor

fars.dontcompromiswhncratingyorprfcttrip.

FarsavailablfromallAstralianpartrairports.

OpnJawtickts-yintoonairportanotofanothr.

24hortravlhlp,sowhrvryoarinthworl,thris

alwaysanprtavailabltohanlyorqris.

Ovr400STATravlbranchsworlwi,givingyoprsonal

o o.

Airfarsthatlastpto18months.

Signptoorwklynwslttrbyvisitingstatravl.com.a

tomaksryoontmissotonorbstclsivsanth

o !

get the best price

Weve been helping lks get the best air-deals since bere the dawn

tie..oK, s we exaggerate a little, but we have been ding this r ages!

our advisers knw exactly where t lk and what t check. S talk t ne

ur travel gurus, r have a lk at ur great website and nd yursel a

deal that wnt break the bank. T get yu started, here are a ew insider

tips thatll help yu get the very cheapest price.

ByanISICCartobligiblfororclsivngotiat

stntfars(Spag5).

Ifyocanhlpit,ontlavittothlastmint.Manyofor

o o ook .

Tryanbalittliblwithyoratsanchckotying

o k o k.

Thinkabotyingotsiofpaktims.g.ifyoarying

o eo o o O.

Kpitlocalanconsiryingfromyornarstairport.

rOund the wOrld

This is sething we specialise in. We practically invented the cncept

ying Rund the Wrld, s weve gt a huge range chices and plenty suggestins r yu.

There are lads ways t include Asia in yur Rund the Wrld trip. T kick

start yur iaginatin, weve picked ut ne ur avurites itineraries.

Sak up the hustle & bustle Bangkk bere taking the back rads

Indchina t Hng Kng, explring Cabdia, Las and Vietna alng the

way. Fr there yu culd venture int China and search r thse cute &

cuddly Pandas bere yu head nwards t Lndn t say hi t the Queen

and Big Ben. Lp arund the wrld and stp at the Big Apple r se

up-twn actin in the city that never sleeps then nip acrss t the west

cast r se Calirnia sunshine in star-studded Ls Angeles.

Australia Bangkk o Hng Kng Lndn New Yrk Ls

Angeles Australia

I theres a particular destinatin that yu siply have t visit, then

challenge ne ur advisers t help get yu there.

AddONS

Add-ns are the best, kinda like ries with yur burger r a len in yur

Vdka! They let yu get t pretty uch anywhere in the wrld yu want t g.

S t ake yur Asia trip even better, ust add-n ur any unique

sectr ares (a ne-way r return ight in additin t yur internatinal

ights). Ding this eans re zip-zapping beynd the arrival city

yur internatinal ight! I we really need t cnvince yu, ust think;nce yuve partied hard in Thailand yu can pp ver t India r curry &

culture r explre the Philippines pristine beaches.

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9/100

We hpe yu have an awese trip, but t put it bluntly, i sething des

happen (and it happens all the tie), yull want travel insurance, nt a

$50,000+ edical bill!

We knw hw iprtant it is r yu t have an aazing urney and travel

insurance is prbably the last thing n yur ind. Hwever, ur experience

tells us travelling withut cver is siply nt a risk wrth taking.

Iagine getting sick in a reign cuntry and being reused treatent until

yu can guarantee payent edical bills. Even wrse, iagine getting

the wrng treatent!

Its a scary thught, but these kinds things happen all t ten, all ver

the wrld. Having an eergency assistance tea experienced dctrs,

nurses and case anagers n call t help yu when yure in truble is why

having the right travel insurance is s iprtant.

STA Travel Insurance gives yu uch re than edical cver. It als cvers

eergency transprt and accdatin csts, includes cver r cancellatin

and r yur belngings shuld they be lst, daaged, stlen r delayed.

Yowolntgocampingwithotatntyosholntbookyor

o o !

what maKes us dierent?

N tw travellers are the sae, thats why weve ade a plicy that lets

yu d re...

24hormrgncyassistanc

Access t ur 24 hur eergency assistance tea r edicaleergencies and evacuatins, help with hspital bills and assistance

shuld yu lse yur passprt and travel dcuents

Nwforolrplacmnt

Replaceent lst, stlen r daaged ites less than 2 years ld

included

Notsrwhnyollbback?

N wrries, yu can see the ur crners the glbe n the ne

plicy and i yu decide t stay lnger yu can extend yur plicy r

up t 18 nths

ForthavntrrsWe autatically cver lads adrenalin puping activities which

eans yu can experience re and still keep yur u happy

Workingholiay/styingabroa

Planning n wrking r studying whilst verseas? N prble, we

cver wrking hlidays and verseas study

Covrforistingmicalconitions

We autatically cver any existing edical cnditins and i yur

cnditin alls utside the aut cver criteria, cver can be applied

r by cpleting a edical assessent r, and i accepted, paying

an additinal preiu

TRAVEL INSURANCEthe cOver yOu can eXpect

N cplicated plans t chse r, ust great cver yu can rely n.

Heres se the inclusins yu can expect with yur internatinal plicy: $unlimitovrsasmicalanntalcovr

$unlimitaitionalpnss

$unlimitamnmntorcancllationcosts

plus, cOver Or:

Lggagantravlocmnts(inclingsportingqipmnt

)

dlaylggagallowanc

Mony

Rntalcarinsranccss

Travllay

Rsmptionofjorny

Spcialvnts Hospitalincintals

Hijacking

Lossofincom

disability

Accintalath

Prsonalliability

chOOse eXtras that suit yOu

just like aking yur wn ix-tape, yu can custise yur STA Travel

plicy t suit yur trip...

Thannalmlti-tripoption

I yu plan n getting away a ew ties ver the next 12 nths,taking ut an annual plicy r ultiple trips ay be the cheaper ptin

Choosancss

The higher the excess the cheaper the preiu. Yu can chse

between a $nil r $250 excess

Incrasyorrntalcarinsranccsscovr

Hiring a car and dnt want t pay a assive excess i yu have an

accident? Se plicies autatically cver rental car insurance

excess up t $4,000. I thats nt enugh cver, yu can buy

additinal cver

AcovrforsnowskiingorsnowboaringPlan n ging r a bard r ski? Take this ptin i yu want t be

cvered i yu ce unstuck. We dnt cver skiing r barding

utside resrt bundaries

Acovrformotorcycl/mopriing

Plan n hiring a scter while away? Take this ptin i yu want t

be cvered

mOre inO...

Talk t yur STA Travel adviser r g t ..o./

WITH YoU No mATTER HoW WILD THE RIDE

dONTRISKIT.GeTTRAVeLINSuRANCe.ASKuSHOW!The issuer the insurance is Great Lakes Reinsurance (UK) PLC ARBN 127 740 532, ABN 18 964 580 576, AFSL N. 318 603, trading as Great Lakes Australia. Liits, exclusins and cnditins apply.This is general advice nly and des nt take int accunt yur persnal circustances r needs. Please read the Prduct Disclsure Stateent (available r us) when cnsidering this insurance prduct.

9


10/100

WHERE

To STAY?staFr thse wh want that travelling dllar t

g urther Clean, crtable, secure and

perectly adequate, these are n rills budget

ptins. All ur hstels and se ur re

basic htels ce under this categry.

The arity ur sta prperties

have great lcatins in the heart all the

actin, and any the bast ppular bars

and vibrant scial scenes. Facilities are generally

liited, but this is cpensated r by the

riendly and helpul sta. many these ptins

will have shared bathrs.

Se ur avurite sta prperties

include Singapres Hang out, the Silverine in

Hng Kng and Als Hut in Kh Saui.

staPerect r thse wh deand a little crt

when they travel. Quite ten htel prices in Asia

are uch cheaper than in Australia, s yu wnt

nd yursel breaking the bank when yu stay in

ne ur sta htels.

These are dern, internatinal standard

htels, s expect a plethra great acilities.

All rs will have private bathrs, air-cn

and a hst dern aenities. Yu can als

expect lads great acilities st will have

a pl, gynasiu and a cuple restaurants.

sta htels are ideal r city stpvers.


include the Peace Bungalws n Kh Saui, the

Shanghai mansin in Bangkk & the metrpark

in Hng Kng.

staThese are a little bit special. Adectives such as

unique, unky and intiate are denitely very apt.

ordinary, they aint! mst will bast sething

absurdly indulgent, such as a private pl, pillw

enu r a cigar lunge.

These htels are relatively sall in size, which

eans clse and persnal attentin. Superlative

service and an unrgettable experience are

re r less guaranteed. Ater a antastically

hectic adventure trip, r an early rning ight,

it denitely pays t splash a little cash and bk

yursel int ne these wnderul htels.


include the Red Ginger in Krabi, the Cs in

Hng Kng and the Seven Htel in Bangkk.

Star ratings are ten nt the best way t categrise htels. Depending n what cuntry yure

travelling thrugh, perceptins each standard can vary quite draatically. T ake things uch

easier r yu, were giving yu ur wn, very educated pinin n each prperty that we eature. We

have three very straightrward accdatin categries t chse r: sta, sta

sta. Read belw r a descriptin each.

sta

sta

sta

sta

sta

sta

sta

sta

sta

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11/100

YoUR

ADVENTURESTA Travel partner with leading tur cpanieswh prvide antastic adventures acrss theglbe t give yu a variety styles travel andexperiences t chse r when planning yurbig trip. They are ur perect partners as they

share the sae passin r travel as we d and

we guarantee yu will get the cheapest price n

their trips thrugh us. our perect partner r

Asia is GAP Adventures.

eXpect the uneXpected

Thats the st iprtant advice we can prvide

abut the GAP Adventures style travel. Fr

the st part, yu will be travelling in develping

cuntries in areas very dierent r he s

the best apprach is t keep an pen ind.

Yu culd be invited t swill Gengis Khan Vdka

at the Naada Festival in mnglia. or yu

ight get saked by a id-aternn nsn

in India, but then realize that its ne the st

delightul shwers yuve ever had. This is the

beauty adventure travel!

transpOrtatiOn - miX it up

Yull get the best crss-sectin culture. one

day yu ight nd yursel uping n the back

a trbike taxi in the chatic streets

Hani, the next yu culd be sitting in an air-

cnditined private van driving alng the cast.

many turs eature ights and these are all

included in the price. Whatever the ethd, yu

can be sure it will be re than ust a way t get

r A t B.

unique accOmmOdatiOn - capturing the

lOcal essenceoten yull spend the night in a htel, ther

nights caping at high altitude, r n the water

abard a yacht. Perhaps yull be staying in a

hill-tribe village in Nrthern Thailand, r enying

the serenity a untain nastery in japan.

Whatever and wherever it is, yur accdatin

will reect the lcal avur. Rs are usually

based n sae-sex twin-share, and sl

travellers dnt have t pay extra!

internatiOnal grOups

our adventures are sld all ver the wrld. Yure

likely t be travelling with a range natinalities, explring new cuntries and

experiencing dierent cultures with a like-inded

but diverse grup.

diverse OOd - a big part O the

travelling eXperience

one the great thrills travel, is sapling

the lcal cuisine and discvering new tastes and

avurs. Yur trip will give yu plenty chances

t east n the delicacies the regin, whetherthats with the eals included in the tur r when

yu branch ut and discver yur wn culinary

ges. Hwever, when in rete regins such as

n an expeditin r cruise, st include eals.

The d is hearty and resh and yull be aazed

at what the cks and ches can achieve. See trip

details r eal inclusins.

yOur trip leaders

Each and every adventure is led by either a grup

leader r a GAP Adventures representative.

They enrich yur urney, prviding practical tips

n the regins yu are travelling t, while givingyu the inside scp n the culture. Theyll er

handy language tips, ake suggestins r things

t see and d, recend great lcal eateries

and intrduce yu t their lcal riends. In a lt

instances the leaders are lcals theselves,

and i theyre nt true lcals, chances are they

will have travelled thrugh the regin cuntless

ties and knw it like the back their hand.

18TO35'SAdVeNTuReS

We eature several

antastic trips r 18 t

35s nly. The grup size averages arund 25,

s yull have ust the right aunt new

riends t share yur experience with - n a

lng trip, thats a big tie bnus! Dnt

wrry thugh, the grup size is sall enugh

t have an intiate Asian experience, but

big enugh t ake the dynaic rck! With a

bunch ther like-inded 1835 year lds,

yur travel psse will ake it great, n atter

where yu are.

BigInochinaAvntr,pags56-57

AsianAvntr,pag58

VitnamHighlights,pag59

travel respOnsibility

GAP Adventures are invlved in the Planet

Psitive Prect, which includes planting ne

illin trees in Arica, Asia and Latin Aerica.

T ake this pssible, they have partnered with

Trees Fr the Future, an rganisatin that helpspeple iprve their rural livelihds thrugh the

intrductin envirnentally sustainable land

anageent prects cused n tree planting.

nO lOcal payments!

Unlike any ther tur cpanies - GAP

Adventures d nt charge any lcal payents.

The price yu t pay t yur STA Travel adviser is

the ull cst the tur. Yu ay chse t tip,

but that is entirely at yur discretin.

11


12/100

Balance yur kara, help thers and spread yur wrldly lve and

gdness. our vlunteering prects can change lives and are guaranteed

at least t put sile n any a ace especially yur wn!

WHATSINCLuded

Airportpick-p

Fllcltralorintation

Accommoation

Malsonsomprojcts

eprincanfllytrainco-orinators

emrgncyback-ptam&crisisrsponsspport

ree tel certiicatiOn

All teaching trips include FREE Teaching English as a Freign Language

(TEFL) training - a qualicatin thatll enable yu t live and wrk as an

English teacher in thusands destinatins wrldwide.

thai elephantcOnservatiOn3 weeKsr $1,745

START&FINISH:BANGKOK,THAILANd

Theyre big, grey, wrinkly and have big ppy ears. N, were nt talking

abut yur granddad, but big and beautiul Thai elephants! Spend tie

wrking with elephant keepers in Thailands Surin prvince. Feeding the a

hearty breakast leaves and branches will be ust ne yur daily tasks.

Yull als head ut n an actin packed elephant adventure! Trek thrugh

breathtaking Chiang mai untains, bard a wildlie viewing bab rat,ride thrugh the ungle and spend the night in a hill tribe village. These

gentle giants are crying ut r a little tender lving care. Its dicult t

iagine a re exciting and beautiul cnservatin pprtunity.

dration:Min3wks

Location:Srin,Thailan

ArrivalAirport:Bangkok

Activitis:Trkking,rafting,lphantri,workingwith

k o bkok

WorkingHors:Flibl;sallyMonaytoFriay,8amto5pm

oj o o

Gttingtothprojct:Accommoationisonsit

Accommoation:Sharroomingsthos,bamboohts, o

Foo:Sommalsincl,plasnqir

VoLUNTEERING

TeACH&CAReFORcambOdian Kids3 weeKs r $1,495AddITIONALWeeKSFR$295

START&FINISH:PHNOMPeNH,CAMBOdIA

once aed r all the wrng reasns and ten issed peples travel

itineraries, these days Cabdia is nw aking the headlines as a ust

see destinatin. Phn Penh has bece a elting pt cultures every

bit as diverse as the architecture that cras its busy streets. But angst

the caes, restaurants and street traders yull glipse the prbles the

past in the shape biting pverty and large nubers street children.Help the cuntry n its urney r the dark past t a bright uture by

bradening the hrizns underprivileged yungsters thrugh educatin,

entring and caching in the citys any childrens hes.

dration:Min3wks-Ma12wks

Locationofprojct:VarioslocationswithinPhnomPnh

ArrivalAirport:PhnomPnh

Activitis:Proviinggnralcaranassistancinlookingaftr

thchilrn-playinggams,tachingenglish&basiclifskills

WorkingHors:Flibl;sally8am-11:30am&1:30pm-

4:30pmasrqirbythprojct,allothrtimisfr

Gttingtothprojct:dpnntonlocation;accommoation

onsitor15-30mintstk-tkri(approuSd15prwk) Accommoation:Sharroomingsthos

Foo:Notincl;yowillntoprchasyorownfoo

(bgtapproimatlyuSd70prwk)

12



13/100

teach englishat buddhistmOnasteries2 weeKs r $1,695AddITIONALWeeKSFR$345

START&FINISH:KATHMANdu,NePAL

Yu ay nt particularly pride yursel n yur use graar, yu ay

use the dd bit slang and yu ight even curse nce in a while. But dnt

wrry, as lng as yu can uently speak it and legibly write it, yull have

a chance t teach thse wh cant. Yure sure t learn as uch as yur

students will as yu teach in Nepal and with well behaved and psitive

students ranging in age r 8 t 25, its a great pprtunity t gain a wide

variety experience and test yur TEFL certicatin - which is included

with the trip. Se schls are aected by puas (estivals) giving yu ree

tie t plt a rute int the untains and g trekking!


Locationofprojct:VarioslocationsinKathman ArrivalAirport:Kathman

Activitis:Tachingenglish

WorkingHors:Flibl;5aysawkapproimatly2hors

, o

Gttingtothprojct:dpnntonlocation;30-50mintbs

ri(bgtapproimatlyuSd5prwk)

Accommoation:Privatroomingsthos

Foo:Brakfastaninnrincl

cOmmunity wOrKwith Orphans1 weeK r $1,395additiOnal weeKs r $230

START&FINISH:HOCHIMINHCITY,VIeTNAM

Dnt let Vietnas relaxed attitude t lie l yu; theres s uch heret see, visit and taste! In angst the ating arkets, bustling streets

and eerald rice paddy elds yull als get t experience the aus

Vietnaese hspitality by getting invlved with playing gaes, singing

sngs and planning art prects in ne a nuber lcal rphanages.

Yull play a valuable rle in the verall develpent the children and

yur erts will last lng ater the suntan ades! I yu eny a challenge

this prect is the perect way t cbine visiting an aazing travel

destinatin, having lts un and helping thers!


Location:VarioslocationswithinHoChiMinhCity

ArrivalAirport:HoChiMinhCity

Activitis:Proviinggnralcaranassistanc(somhavspcialns);playinggams,tachingenglish&basiclifskills

WorkingHors:Flibl;sallyMonaytoFriay,pto8hors

, o

Gttingtothprojct:dpnntonlocation;30mints-1

hormotorbiktairi(bgtapprouSd25prwk)

Accommoation:Sharroominagsthos

Foo:Notincl;yowillntoprchasyorownfoo

(bgtapproimatlyuSd70prwk)

china pandacOnservatiOn2 weeKs r $1,945additiOnal weeKs r $460

START&FINISH:xIAN,CHINA

This is a unique chance t get up-clse and persnal t the precius Giant

panda in the rete Chinese wilderness. Lie is rarely black and white

unless yure a Giant panda n the brink extinctin - with an already

lw wrld ppulatin in decline there are certainly n grey areas in this

cnservatin prect, s d yur bit and panda t their every need! Based

in aestic surrundings at the t the Qingling untains, yull alshave the chance t wrk with ther ascinating species indigenus t China

such as the Glden nkey, Crested ibis and the sheep-like takin. A truly

dierent experience thatll stay with yu (and yur CV) rever.


Location:Logantai,Zhozhiconty,Shaaniprovinc.Rmot

location,abot1.5to2horsawayfromxian

ArrivalAirport:xian

Activitis:Variostypsofworkwithanimals,inclinghlping

. ao o o

e o o o

WorkingHors:Flibl;sally5aysawkan6-8horsa

, o Gttingtothprojct:5-10minswalk,accommoationonsit

Accommoation:Sharaccommoationonsit

Foo:Allmalsincl

cOmmunity wOrKin bangalOre2 weeKs r $1,395additiOnal weeKs r $230

START&FINISH:BANGALORe,INdIA

Se the wrlds st ascinating places are ten als thse in need

the st help - and that culdnt ring re true r Bangalre. In ne

Indias st interesting regins, yu can cbine sights like the agnicent

Vidhana Sudha and budding Cubbn Park, drinking cpius aunts

resh ccnut uice and using yur talents t supprt the prect thrugh

beriending, cunselling, educatin and healthcare assistance. The childrenn this prect will laugh ust as uch as yu will, as yu wrk yur

entertainent skills, singing and dancing r the - enriching their lives with

yur enthusias. Yu can als help with sprts - i yu have enugh energy!


Locationofprojct:Bangalor

ArrivalAirport:Bangalor

Activitis:Variosactivitisinclinggnralcaran

o o - ,

tachingenglish&basiclifskillstoallags

WorkingHors:Flibl;sallyMonaytoFriay4to8horsa

, o

Gttingtothprojct:dpnntonlocation;10-30mintswalk,bsorato-rickshawri(bgtapprouSd25prwk)

Accommoation:Sharroomingsthos

Foo:Allmalsincl

13


14/100

SoUTHEASTASIA

14



15/100

ToP 6AmAzing

EXPERIENCES

1

23

4

6

5

PARTYONTHAILANdSBeACHeSHe t the inaus Full mn parties

and a wealth ther antastic n and water

experiences, the beaches Thailand were ade

r partying. Lap up se sunshine and get with

the gd ties. Why nt cbine it with se

re island hpping? See pages 25 and 30-33.

watch sunrise at angKOr wat

Check ut the huge, ling teples at

sunrise at this spectacular religius site. one

Asias best highlights, its an abslute ust i

yu visit Cabdia. Finish yur days sightseeing

with a ighty assage back in Sie Reap. Gthere with ur turs n pages 49-58 and 62.

hang Out with the Orangutans

Slip int a secluded paradise that

the arity lk have yet t discver and

head ut in search se natures st

interesting creatures. Get up clse and persnal

with these little tykes with ur Brne SabahAdventure n page 38! Pretty unissable.

SAILINAJuNKONHALONGBAYA UNESCo Wrld Heritage site and the

place any dreas, this spectacular bay will

leave yu breathless with its beauty. Sail in a

traditinal bat ut arund the liestne karsts,

kick back with a beer and thank yur lucky stars

yure in heavenly Vietna. Check ut page 61.

treK with nOrthern hill tribes

Get up nrth (lets ace it, we knw lie up

there is way re un!) and ut with the lcals

n a antastic hill tribe trek. Yull hp nt an

elephant and stay vernight with a aily n

any ur tp actin-packed trips. Its ust ntsething yu can d everyday! Pages 22-23.

swim with the ish in KOh taOWith se the best and st value-

riendly diving this whle planet has t er

yud be psitively bnkers nt t take up

this great chance t learn. Take yur PADI r

Advanced qualicatin and trace the pristine

white beaches Kh Ta. Check ut page 31.

2

5 6

1

4

3

AVERAGE HIGH TEmPERATURE (C)city J m a m J J a s O n d

bkok 31 32 33 34 33 32 32 32 31 31 31 30

b 30 30 30 30 30 29 28 28 29 30 30 30

c m 28 31 34 36 33 32 31 31 31 31 29 27

ho c m c 31 32 33 33 33 31 31 31 31 30 30 30

Ko s 30 31 33 33 32 32 31 31 31 30 28 28

Ko K 29 29 30 31 31 31 30 30 30 30 30 30

K l 31 32 32 32 32 32 31 31 31 31 31 31

so 29 31 31 31 31 31 30 30 30 30 30 29

po p 31 32 33 35 33 32 32 32 31 30 30 30

ho 18 19 22 26 30 32 32 31 31 27 24 21

15

SoUTHEAST

ASIA


16/100

indOchinadiscOvery30 days,r $2,579

START&FINISH:BANGKOK

jyus gasps wnder, wide-eyed awe-struckstares and uncntrllable buts giddy

happiness will bece cnplace happenings

as yu and yur grup discver the heart and

sul Indchina. Absrb a histry littered

with grandise ideas, dinant religins and

interittent cnquests. Fr the ancient Kher

kingd and clnisatin the French t the

wild cruelties the Vietna War and the Pl

Pt regie the histry this wnderul regin

is nthing shrt startling. Yull arvel at

the siplicity the peple and their cultures

their understanding, tlerance and kindness.

Yull wander thrugh thrbbing cities thatperectly blend the sphisticatin Eurpe with

the vibrancy Sutheast Asia. Yull discver

ancient teples and lst cities and yull bear

witness t se Gds nest eclgical

creatins pristine beaches, ungle piercing

rivers and aestic isty untains. Yull als

likely blend the ld with the new by picking up

re dern eirs in the r a sharp

new suit! Be prepared t return he newly

styled, but als ar re enlightened and as a

uch re cntented individual.

highlights WitnssthwonrsofAngkorWat

eprincaPhnomPnhwalkingtor

enjoyamazingsnstsatSihanokvill

LosyorslfinHoChiMinh'smarkts

BaskonthbachsofNhaTrang

WanrthcolorflstrtsofHoiAn

ChckotthgarntombsofH

enjoyaHalongBayboatcris

eplorthvibrantstrtsofHanoi

GtothbatntrackinVangVing

AbsorbthrichhistoryofLangPrabang

TakaslowboatownthMkong

day 1: arrive bangKOK

on the rst day yure ree t relax, explre the

city and adust t the aazing renetic pace and

huidity Bangkk. Therell be a grup eeting

in the evening where yu can eet yur tur

leader and yur sn t be lie-lng riends.

days 2-3: siem reap / angKOr wat

Leave Bangkk behind and urney thrugh se

spectacular scenery int Cabdia. Yull travel

t Sie Reap, he the aazing Angkr Wat.

Angkr, the rer capital the Kher Kingd,

is ne the wnders the archelgical wrld.Rediscvered at the end the last century

by French explrers, this vast ruined city is

becing ne the st ppular sites in

Sutheast Asia. marvel at the tantalising blend

Hindu and Buddhist art and architecture. (2B)

dAYS4-5:PHNOMPeNH

Explre this pleasant riverside city. Check ut the

clurul cas, shady streets and the thriving

arkets ull vibrant textiles and curis. (2B)

dAYS6-7:SIHANOuKVILLe

Relax n the white, sandy beaches Cabdias

suthern cast. Take a bat trip ut t ne the any uninhabited islands and eny resh

sead and a cld drink as the sun slwly sets.

Se wuld call it perectin - n a (satay) stick.

day 8: chau dOc / meKOng delta

Crss int the aazing mekng Delta. Check ut

this rich green river wrld rchards and rice

elds, ating arkets and cttage industries. (B)

days 9-10: hO chi minh city

Lse yursel in the aze Saigns central

arket, where yull nd everything r blts

brcade t anks bee. Write a quick pstcardin Saigns stately French clnial pst ce,

ne the any French-era buildings that add

grace t this dern etrplis. Dine ut like a

King at a lcal restaurant and take a step back

thrugh tie at the spine-chilling War museu.

days 11-12: nha trang

Explre the lcal shps and arkets, sit n a

perect beach saking up the sun r visit nearby

histrical twns. opt r a nearby island bat

trip t get in se snrkelling r scuba diving.

days 13-14: hOi an

Wander thrugh the picturesque streets this16th century trading prt. The buildings bear

traces Chinese, japanese, Vietnaese and

French architectural styles. Hi An is als a

shpping ecca r turists. Tailrs can prduce

virtually anything vernight. Fr sun wrshipers,

Cua Dai Beach is 4k r twn. (2B)

dAYS15-16:Hue

Explre riverside garden tbs built r

Vietnas last eperrs. or take a trbike

trip ut int the stunning cuntryside. (B)

dAY17:HALONGBAY/BAICHAIHARBOuRFlat thrugh the strangely shaped islands that

dt this vast, eerald bay in a traditinal wden

unk (bat). Take the chance t eny a pre-dinner

swi bere yu head t Cat Ba Island, where

yull spend a peaceul and relaxing night. (L)

16



17/100

departures

2010JAN - DEC MON, WED, FRI, SAT2011

JAN - MAR MON, WED, FRI, SAT

Accmmdatin:Simple hotels (25 nts), sleeper train (4 nts) Transrt: Local bus,air-con bus, walking, tuk tuk, local boat, junk boat Gru Size: Max 15 , Avg 10Gru Leader: Tour leader throughout Meals: 14 breakfasts, 1 lunch Budget: AllowUSD450 for meals not included Tur Cde: GAATID

stay lOnger in bangKOKCheck ut pages 26-27.

dO it yOur wayupgrade the cOmOrtINDoCHINA ENComPASSED29 DAYS r $2,809Tour Code: GAATIE

inish in hO chi minh cityRoAm CAmBoDIA

10 DAYS r $939Tour Code: GAATRC

Ocus On laOsRoAm LAoS12 DAYS r $1,169Tour Code: GAAVRL

days 18-19: hanOi

Explre ne dzens traditinal guild streetsthat ake up Hanis thusand-year-ld old

Quarter and in Buddhist nks r prayers in

a serene lakeside pagda. In the evening yull

have an ptin t attend a perrance at the

aus Water Puppet Theatre and saple se

Hani's aazing eateries. (2B)

day 20: lac saO

A lng urney thrugh scenic untains takes

yu t the sleepy Las twn Pak Xan. Explre

the extic lcal arket briing with weird

and wnderul ruit and veg and watch the

lcals playing a gae petanque as the sunbeautiully sets.

day 21: vientiane

There is a wealth cultural delights t discver

in the capital city Vientiane - n t, by

bicycle r, r the less energetic, by tuk-tuk. Visit

Las' st iprtant natinal nuent, Phat

That Luang, r eander dwn the dusty riverside

tracks t nd villages ull riendly children,

dgs and chickens. Find plenty lcal treasures

at Vientiane's vibrant, clurul arkets. Rund

the day with a spectacular sunset ver the

mekng at ne the any riverside restaurantsand lazy cas. (B)

days 22-23: vang vieng

This quiet twn Vang Vieng is set alng theNa Sng river aidst rice elds and liestne

karsts. Explre the caves by bike, r at dwn

the river in a tyre tube stpping r a cld

drink and a zip line ride at ne the nuerus

bab bars. In the evening, sak in the beauty

as the sun sets ver the river.

dAYS24-25:LuANGPRABANG

The beautiul twn Luang Prabang has a

agical eel abut it. Nestled in the hills

nrthern Las n the cnuence the mekng

and Khan Rivers, it is studded with rnate

teples and French clnial architecture. Checkut the ipressive Ryal Palace museu,

untuched since the ryal aily departed

in 1975. opt t hp n a sngthaew t the

beautiul Kuang Si alls, where turquise waters

cascade ver liestne ratins. (2B)

day 26: meKOng river / paKbeng

Begin a tw day river cruise - a truly aazing

live like a lcal experience. Head up the ighty

mekng River thrugh agnicent ungle cvered

hills t Pakbeng, an ethnic inrity twn. Pack

up yur prvisins and get yur wllies ut i

yure travelling r Nveber t February, itcan get ust a wee bit chilly!

dAY27:CHIANGKHONG

Cntinue by slw bat up the mekng and crssint Thailand at the Hueisay brder. Chiang

Khng is a sall riverside twn with crss brder

trading r nearby villages.

day 28: chiang mai

A drive thrugh the hills Nrthern Thailand

takes us t Chiang mai where yull have the

aternn ree bere catching an vernight train.

day 29: bangKOK

Arrive int Bangkk early in the rning and set

ut explring the any and varied sights. Check

ut the Grand Palace, Wat P, Natinal museu,and ji Thpsn's Huse - ust r a ew

suggestins! A trip alng the Cha Praya river

and thrugh the canals (r Klngs) gives yu a

dierent perspective daily lie in this busy

city. Get yursel int the clurul nightlie and

eny a gd ew gdbye drinks. (B)

day 30: depart bangKOK

Yur aazing adventure ces t an end n Day

30. Tie t start planning the next ne then!

THAILANDVIETNAm

CAmBoDIA

LAoS

bkok

c m c Ko

ho

sok po p

n t

ho a

h

ho b

l so

v

v vl p

ako ws r

ho c m cc do

17

SoUTHEAST

ASIA


18/100


19/100

THAILAND

bkok

Ko p p pk K

Ko pKo s

Ko sok n.p.

aK

sko

c m

c r

THAILANDmy avOuriteeXperienceIt has t be the beaches Kh Saui. Instead suless swathes well-

trdden dirty sand, I und perect pckets paradise. I spent days lazingunder beautiul trpical sunshine. In the evening, Id wander t the nearest

beach-bar, where Id sip extic ccktails and listen t chilled ut usic

while wndering why h why Id bked a return ight he.Al

the weather

Thailand has an equitrial cliate

in the extree suth and a trpical

nsn cliate in the centre and

the nrth. Suthwest nsn

seasn is r may t octber and

the nrtheast nsn runs r

Nveber t April. In the centre

and suth, teperatures dnt varydraatically and verall sunshine

hurs average 9-10 hrs a day,

st the year rund. Bangkk

experiences a cler seasn (avg

26C) r Deceber t February

and a htter seasn r march t

may. The islands get quite a lt

rain but this desnt stp visitrs

r ding in (n pun intended!).

lOcal grub

Where t begin? Pad Thai - an

abslute institutin a street-stall d. Delicius pancakes,

quintessential red and green Thai

curries, satay sticks, all kinds

trpical ruit, resh castal sead

and uch uch re! Tuck in!

currency: THAI BHAT

price O a beer: $2.60

pOpulatiOn: 64 mILLIoN

welcOme pacKage4 days,r $209

3nightsatthRoyalHotl

Arrivalairporttransfr

City&Tmplstor

ThonbriKlongstor

Bangkk can seties seea little daunting t visitrs,

especially i its yur rst tie

t Asia. Its really nt a gd

idea t arrive int this glrius

city withut at least yur rst

night rganised. Take this sart

little welce pack - a wnderul

intr t Thailands cart wheeling

capital. Yull be picked up at the

airprt and saely depsited in

a great htel, where yull have

three nights t get used t all the

hustle and bustle. Hp n a halday City & Teples tur and

eny a hal day Thnburi Klngs

spin alng the canals. Sak up the

antastic atsphere and settle

int this city with ease. STABKK

useul inO

With ver 200,000 nks, Thailand

is ne the strngest Buddhist

cuntries in the wrld a serene

spirituality pervades ust abut

everything and everyne.

useless inO

A cuple this cuntrys crazylaws yud better try t adhere

t: it is illegal t leave yur huse

i yure nt wearing underwear,

yure nt allwed t swi acrss

a river unless yu have a cin in

yur pcket, yure nt peritted

t stand n any the natins

currency and yu ust wear a shirt

while driving a car.

try beOre yOu ly

Lucky Lenard ans - its anther

great chance t watch The Beach- r why nt check ut the brilliant

1996 nvel by Alex Garland. Bth

will leave yu gagging t get t

beautiul Thailand.

19

SoUTHEAST

ASIA


20/100

departures

2010JAN - DEC SAT & SELECTED MON2011

JAN - MAR SAT & SELECTED MON

Accmmdatin:Hotels (2 nts), simple fan-cooled hotels/guesthouses (4 nts) basichill tribe villages (2 nts, multishare), sleeper trains (4nts), simple bungalows (3 nts)Transrt: Local bus, train, elephant, walking, boat Gru Size: Max 15 , Avg 10Gru Leader: Tour leader throughout Meals: 4 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinnersBudget: Allow USD200 for meals not included Tur Cde: GAATRT

inish with a sailing trip

Thailand Sailing Adventure7 days r $1,349 Tur Cde: GAATSA


rOamthailand16 days, r $1,259


Dnt spend all yur tie in Thailand in aBangkk bar, r stuck n a sizzling island beach.

While bth experiences are understandably vital

t any wh visit this beautiul cuntry, theres

als a whle lt re ut there t see. This

antastic adventure ensures yu get the abslute

st ut Thailand. Hike thrugh thick ungle

and iridescent rice paddies in the untainsides

the nrth and learn rst hand abut lie in

a hill tribe village. Eny editative and serene

rainrest walks in the utstanding Kha Sk

Natinal Park. Snrkel yur way arund paradise

in the war welcing waters Kh Ta. Dnt

wrry - yull als have aple tie t lseyursel in the hednis Bangkk and laze n

beautiul island beaches underneath the glrius

sweltering sunshine. Ater 16 wndrus days,

yull walk away r Thailand perectly ullled

and extreely cntented.

highlights

eplorthfranticstrtsofBangkok

ChckotthwonrsofChiangMai

Trkthroghthjnglsofthnorth

Staywiththlocalhilltribs

RlaamongstthKhaoSokparais

enjoythbachsinightlifofKohSami SnorklthrfsaronKohTao

Takinancintpagoa&tmplhistory


Arrive in at any tie and get n ut explring

this urban ungle wnder.

day 2: bangKOK

Delight in the dazzling Grand Palace and the

citys cuntless pagdas; i yure a shpper, yu

culd spend weeks siting thrugh Bangkks

antastic alls and pen-air arkets.

day 3: chiang mai

Try the antastic street d, shp at the night

bazaar, visit se the hundreds teples, r

explre the beautiul surrunding cuntryside.

days 4-6: hill tribe treK

Fr Chiang mai, yull start an aazing 3 day

hill tribe trek. Yull visit a diverse grup ethnic inrities, each with their wn language,

clthing and religin. Walk r apprxiately 4-5

hurs each day alng slping hills and valleys

and spend star splattered nights in the lcal

village huts. A real chance t get t knw the

lcals. A truly awese experience! (3B, 2L, 2D)

dAY7:CHIANGMAI

Return back t the nrthern capital and take care

any last inute shpping. Chiang mai is knwn

r its distinctive handicrat (especially silverwrk,

wdcarving, pttery-aking and weaving).

days 8-9: bangKOK

Bund back t Bangkk. Visit the teples yu

issed, gardens yu nly passed thrugh and

shps yu nly s uch as peeked in.

days 10-11: KhaO sOK natiOnal parK

Settle int paradise r tw days explratin

and discvery. Kha Sk is a diverse area

natural beauty, perect r peple wh want

t hike and get ut there angst nature.

Alternatively, chse t ust chill ut in a

hack by the riverside and watch the

nkeys take their aternn bath. (B)

day 12: KOh samui

Experience ne Thailands st ppular island

getaways. Kh Saui ers everything yu culdpssibly want in a beach retreat: white sandy

beaches, ccnut pals, resh sead and

war, clear waters. Take a tur the island and

its ain sights bere relaxing, ccktail in hand.

dAYS13-15:KOHTAO

A beach paradise s laid back that even the

pal trees dnt stand up straight! Snrkel r

scuba angst stunning arine lie in se

Sutheast Asias best rees.


Arrive back int Thailands capital n Day 16.Trip ends upn arrival at Bangkk Railway Statin.

THAILAND

bkok

Ko sok n.p.

Ko to

c m h tk

Ko s

20



21/100

departures

2010JAN - DEC SUN2011

JAN - MAR SUN

Accmmdatin:Simple fan-cooled hotels/guesthouses (9 nts), basic hill tribevillage (3 nts), sleeper trains (4 nts), simple bungalows (5 nts) Transrt: Local bus,fan-cooled train, elephant, walking, boat, river raft, ferry Gru Size: Max 15 , Avg 10Gru Leader: Tour leader throughout, local guides. Meals: 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches,3 dinners Budget: Allow USD250 for meals not included Tur Cde: GAATSD

stay lOnger in bangKOK

Check ut pages 26-27.

dO sOmething shOrterThailand Discvery17 days r $1,699 Tur Cde: GAATTD

siamdiscOvery22 days, r $1,679


over the next three weeks, yull get a real handlen the ascinating Sutheast Asian culture. Trek

int the cuntryside and get invlved with the

lcal liestyle n an vernight stay with hill tribes

- inhale the sights, sunds and tantalising sells

the Chiang mai night arkets. mve t the Thai

rhyth things with a ausly relaxing Thai

assage and chill ut editating as yu peruse

yur way arund teples. Fascinating, un and

ull rivlity urther suth yull be treated

t a wild night ut n Kh Saui a partyger

and beach unkies paradise. Get in se re

e tie n Kh Ta where yull als have the

chance t urther discver underwater wrlds,wrking yur scuba agic n varius snrkelling

and diving ptins available. Cnquer the Glden

Triangle and intertwine yur way lie with se

prper Thai diversity. At the end yur trip

yull have und plenty interests, a haven

undiscvered ges, an innite nuber ways t

have a great tie and ne very, very big sile.

highlights

WanrthbstlingstrtsofBangkok

eplorthRivrKwaianerawanN.P

SpookyorslfondathRailway BfrinaBhistinAytthaya

SnappbargainsatChiangMaismarkt

Stayovrnightinahilltribht

RlawithasoothingThaimassag

Mitatyorwayintoancinttmpls

PartyallnightlongonKohSami

Larntoiv&atfrshshonKohTao


Arrive int Bangkk at any tie and set ut

explring this vast den all things weirdly

wnderul. meet yur Tur Leader and ellw

travelling buddies - sn t be yur best ates.

days 2-3: Kanchanaburi / river Kwai

Spend a erable day at an intriguing

histrical site with ptins that include ridingDeath Railway, and explring Erawan Natinal

Park - ne Thailands st beautiul. Venture

in by bat r n t, r ust stay put and chill

ut with the lcals.

day 4: ayutthaya

once a agnicent city, the serenity

Ayuthayas Buddhist nuents is verwheling.

Wander rund in aazeent bere settling in

r the night n yur vernight train.

dAY5:CHIANGMAI

Bargain-hunters, rerain yurselves! The nightbazaar wnt cst yu uch ney, but it will

cst yu space! The re adventurus can pt

t cycle the alleyways in the ld walled city.


Appreciate Thailands nrthern regin n a trek

thrugh rete hill tribe villages, alngside

terraced rice paddies and ars. Staying

vernight in siple traditinal hill tribe huts, its

a privilege t eet the lcals in their wn hes

and take part in their daily rutine. Wake up t a

birdsng, swi in the river and glide dwnstrea

n siple bab rats. (2B, 3L, 3D)

day 9: chiang mai

Relax with a well-deserved assage, eny the

delicius night arket d r aybe watch thesunset r the hilltp teple Di Sutep.

days 10-12: gOlden triangle/chiang rai

making yur way t where Thailand, Las and

Bura cnverge, explre the inaus Glden

Triangle regin - bth beautiul and ysterius.

Yu can pt t g river rating r take a trip t

the excellent opiu museu.

dAYS13-15:BANGKOK

As hectic as the city is, Bangkk has plenty

appeal. Check ut the dazzling gld the Grand

Palace and the citys cuntless pagdas, sitthrugh Bangkks alls and pen-air arkets

and try ut aazing new ds. Why nt take a

lessn r tw in learning t ck the yursel?

on Day15 bard the vernight train suth.

dAYS16-17:KHAOSOKNATIONALPARK

Kha Sk is a diverse area natural beauty, a

perect place r peple wh want t get ut

and active with a hike thrugh the surrunding

nature. But yu can always ust relax in a

hack by the riverside watching the nkeys

take their aternn baths.

day 18: KOh samui

Welce t ne Thailands st ppular

vacatin getaways. Despite the abundance

gd d and the great nightlie, there are still

plenty ut the way spts r thse wh

ust want t get away r it all.

days 19-21: KOh taO

Kh Ta translates t ean turtle island. A

beach paradise s laid back that even the pal

trees dnt stand up straight! Snrkel r scuba

dive arund se the best rees in Sutheast

Asia. Yu wnt be disappinted.


Bunce back int Bangkk where yur trip will

ce t a sad end utside Bangkk Railway

Statin. Thats all lks - bring n the next trip!

THAILAND

bkok K

r K

Ko sok n.p.

Ko to

c m h tk

a

c r

Ko s

21

SoUTHEAST

ASIA


22/100


23/100

departures

start inish start inish start inish start inish

2010 JAN 22 FEB 02 FEB 19 MAR 02 MAR 19 M AR 30JAN 01 JAN 12 JAN 29 FEB 09 FEB 26 MAR 09 MAR 26 A PR 06JAN 08 JAN 19 FEB 05 FEB 16 MAR 05 M AR 16JAN 15 JAN 26 FEB 12 FEB 23 MAR 12 M AR 23

Accmmdatin:Guesthouse/hotels (7 nts), sleeper train (1 nt), sailing catamaran (6nts) Transrt: Train, public bus, taxi, walking, elephant, songthaew, bicycle, sailingcatamaran Gru Size: Max 15 . Avg 10 for northern thailand; Max 8. Avg 6 on thesail boat Gru Leader: Tour Leader, local guides, skipper and assistant/cook onsailing segment Meals: 12 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners Budget: Allow USD120for meals not included Tur Cde: GAATNS

dO sOmething shOrter

Thailand Sailing Adventure.7 days r $1,349 Tur Cde: GAATSA.

stay lOnger in phuKetCheck ut pages 32-33.

nOrthernthailand&SAILINGadventure15dAYS,r $2,129bangKOK - phuKet

Experience 13th century teples and pagdas,

elephant rides thrugh trpical clies, histrical

turs the Glden Triangle, lcal handicrats

hill tribe arkets and extrardinarily tasty

Thai d. Tp that with six days sailing thrugh

the arine paradise the Suthern Thailand

Islands n a abulus private bat, easting n

aazing Thai cuisine. Swi, snrkel and play

with a nkey r tw and absrb yursel in the

gd tie vibes. The stu that dreas are ade - this tripll get all yur senses tingling ne by

lip-sacking ne!

highlights

GtinvolvinallofBangkokscolor

discovrancintpalacsanpagoas

HangotinChiangMaisnightmarkts

Stsailonparaisiacalwatrs

eplortopmarinlifwithasnorkl

R-nactThBachonthbach

SstnningsnstsfromBayNaiHarn

PartyallnightlonginfablosPhkt


Arrive int Bangkk at anytie and set ut

explring this wnderusly lively, bustling city.

days 2-3: suKhOthai

Cycle arund 13th century pagdas in the

Sukhthai Histrical Park. meditate next t

peaceul pnds, statues and greenery. (2B)

day 4: lampang

Strll thrugh this ld-style Thai twn which has

retained uch its riginal style and char.

Check ut the teples r pagdas and visit theThai Elephant Cnservatin Centre.

dAYS5-6:CHIANGRAI&GOLdeNTRIANGLe

With days the piu trade well in the past,

the Glden Triangle is nw a peaceul area whereLas, Thailand and Bura eet. (2B)

dAYS7-8:CHIANGMAI

This nrthern city has lng been a travellers

avurite - try the antastic street d, shp at

the night bazaar r visit the hundreds teples

and beautiul surrunding cuntryside. (2B)

day 9: phuKet

Fly t the suthern islands & start sailing! (D)

day 10: KOh ping Kan

Leave Naka Yai in the rning, and sail n tKh Pan Yi, visiting ne the last Sea Gipsy

Villages, spending the early aternn ashre

explring the village. In the aternn yull

ve n t Kh Ping Kan r the night. (B, L)

dAY11:KOHYAONOIISLANd&AOMuANG

Set sail in the rning and head twards Chng

Kh Ya, the passage between the Ya islands,

arriving t the tiny Kh Nk island. Yur guide

will hunt dwn a superb and stunning beach

cplete with crystal clear waters r a swi

and lunch break. A shrt aternn sail will then

bring yu in t A muang Bay, situated in thenrth Kh Ya Ni. (B, L, D)

day 12: KOh phi phi / maya bay

Sail twards Kh Phi Phi, ne the st

stunning island grups in Thailand. Yull stp at mnkey Bay r a play with the little ur

balls - get yur bananas ready! Spend a lnger

lunch break at Tn Sai Bay - swi, shp and

explre t yur hearts cntent. Set sail again r

Phi Phi Le, checking ut maya Bay, r Lenards

paradise, he The Beach. (B, L, D)

day 13: bay nai harn

Cruising ver the large Phang Nga Bay twards

Cape Phrtep yull arrive at the suthern

st tip the Phuket peninsula. Anchr in the

aus Bay Nai Harn, right under the best spt

in Thailand r watching an epic sunset. Checkut beach activities and abulus restaurants r

dinner. opt r a day t Patng r Phuket. (B, L)

day 14: KOh yaO yai

A sth, lnger sail will bring yu t the tiny

island Khai Nai r excellent swiing and

snrkelling clear sandy beaches. Apprach

angrve surrunded A Labu Bay n Kh Ya

Yai in the arv. Have a delicius eal at the island

restaurant and check ut ptinal activities like

caneing r biking in the lush greenery. (B, L, D)

dAY15:dePARTPHuKeTSail int Phuket in the aternn, and depart. (B)

THAILAND

bkok

pk

Ko yo yKo yo noKo p K

b n h p p i.

skol

c rc m

23

SoUTHEAST

ASIA


24/100

departures

start inish start inish start inish start inish

2010 APR 11 APR 24 AUG 15 AUG 28 DEC 19 JAN 01JAN 10 JAN 23 MAY 02 MAY 15 SEP 05 SEP 18 2011JAN 17 JAN 30 MAY 23 JUN 05 SEP 26 OCT 09 JAN 09 JAN 22FEB 07 FEB 20 JUN 13 JUN 26 OCT 17 OCT 30 JAN 30 FEB 12FEB 28 MAR 13 JUL 04 JUL 17 NOV 07 NOV 20 FEB 20 MAR 05MAR 21 A PR 03 JUL 25 AUG 07 NOV 28 DEC 11 MAR 13 M AR 26

Accmmdatin:Guesthouses/hotels (5 nts), hilltribe villages (2 nts), overnight train(3 nts), camping (2 nts), rafthouse (1 nt, multishare) Transrt: Train, cycle-rickshaw,walking, minibus, songathaew, local bus, bicycle, raft, plane Gru Size: Max 15,Avg 10 Gru Leader: Tour leader throughout Meals: 4 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4dinners Budget: Allow USD150 for meals not included Tur Cde: GAATHB


thailandhiKe, biKe&KAYAK14 days, r $1,639


S yu want t get invlved in a new and

interesting culture? Yu want t get under the

skin the lcals and experience their liestyle.

But yu als want t d stu? The best way

t appreciate this srt paradise is t up

straight int it. Hike thrugh the dense trpical

ungle past lush rice paddy elds t rete

hilltribe villages. Discver charing side streets

and narrw back lanes the turist track

and view city lie r the seat a bicycle in

Kanchanaburi. Kayak thrugh the turquise

waters the Andaan Sea n the westerncast Thailand and arrive exhilarated and alive

back int Bangkk. Keep yur Pad Thai, pancakes

and lcust qutas tpped up whilst yu wander

arund the hustle and bustle the aazing

street-side arkets. Yull prbably never want

t leave this all encpassing wnder cuntry.

But then wh culd blae yu? It has it all!

highlights

CyclalongthbackstrtsofBangkok

Gtjngl-tasticonacontrysihik

Stayovrnightwithahilltrib

Mnchonglorioshomcookfoo HntotbargainsatChiangMaismarkt

Poswithaprttypalacorpagoa

Marvlatthbatiflmarinlif

KayakaronAnamansbatiflcoast


Arrive in Bangkk at any tie. Head ut

explring int the clur and ctin. Theres

s uch t see and d and yull certainly have a

ew stries t tell abut the interesting nightlie!

meet the rest yur new grup and spend the

night bnding ver a cuple Chiang beers,

excited and ipatient r the un ties t begin!.

day 2: bangKOK

on yer bike ate! jup n yur tw-wheeled

cycle reed and escape t the quieterback-streets this chatic city. Explre hidden

teples, lvely parks and try ut aazing street

d. Yull be hankering ater re, re, re!

dAYS3-5:CHIANGMAI&HILLTRIBeTReK

Head t the untains r an unrgetttable

hike thrugh the ungle, ver rice paddies and

alngside streas and wateralls. Eerge r

the ungle and discver rete hill tribe villages,

he t the Karen, Lahu and Akha peples.

Spend tie with yur hill tribe hsts, learn abut

their unique cultures and sleep in traditinal

bab huses. (2B, 3L, 2D)

day 6: chiang mai

This nrthern city has lng been a travellers

avurite. Try the antastic street d, shp

at the busy night bazaar, r visit any the

hundreds teples in the heart the city.

dAYS7-8:AYuTTHAYA&KANCHANABuRI

Change gears with a visit t ne Thailands

any rer capitals, a sleepy riverside twn

graced with ancient pagdas, palaces and

shrines. Cycle arund Kanchanaburi and then

travel up river t stay in a ating rat huseand visit the beautiul Sai Yk Natinal Park.

day 9: Krabi

marvel at the liestne karsts dtted arund

the castline. Eny the glrius cral rees,caves and arine lie that ake Krabi a ust d

travelling destinatin.

days 10-12: andaman sea

Set n a sea kayaking saari alng the

Andaan cast and check ut the hidden beauty

the crystal waters and shallw rees thers

dnt get the chance t see. or i yure eeling

super lazy, siply sit back, relax and pen

anther beer n ne the untuched deserted

beaches. (2B, 3L, 2D)

day 13: Krabi / surathaniReturn t the ainland bere catching the

evening train back t Bangkk.


Arrive back t Thailands busy capital. The trip

ends upn arrival at Bangkk railway statin.

Tie t say yur nd arewells and start

planning the next adventure!

THAILAND

bkok

K

K

r K a

c rh tk

24



25/100

sOuthernTHAILANdSOJOuRN9 days r $759


eplorthfranticancolorflstrtsofBangkok RlainthlshgrnparaisofKhaoSokNationalPark

Mtmonkysanmarinlifinanaronthislans

enjoythbachsinightlifanravitponKohSami

SnorklorivthKohTaorfsanlappthsnshin


Arrive at any tie and eel ree t explre this aazing urban ungle.

day 2: bangKOK

Delight in the dazzling Grand Palace and the cuntless pagdas. Check ut

the alls and pen-air arkets r cuntless weird and wnderul ites.

days 3-4: KhaO sOK natiOnal parKKha Sk is a diverse area natural beauty, perect r hiking and getting

int the greenery. Chill ut in a riverside hack and watch the nkeys.

dAY5:KOHSAMuI

one Thailands st ppular resrt spts. Theres an abundance gd

d and great nightlie, but still chances t get away r it all.

days 6-8: KOh taO

A beach paradise s laid back that even the pal trees dnt stand up

straight! Snrkel r scuba arund se the best rees in Sutheast Asia.


Arrive early rning at Bangkk railway statin and bid arewell teveryne.

departures



Accmmdatin:Simple hotels/guesthouses (1 nt), sleepertrain (2 nts), simple bungalows (5 nts) Transrt: Train, cycle-rickshaw, walking, minibus, songathaew, local bus, bicycle,raft, plane Gru Size: Max 15, Avg 10Gru Leader: Tour leader throughout Meals: None includedBudget: Allow USD150 for meals not includedTur Cde: GAATSS

gO diving On KOh taOCheck ut pages 30-31

stay lOnger in bangKOKCheck ut pages 26-27

departures

2010JAN - DEC SAT2011

JAN - MAR SAT

Accmmdatin:Hotels/guesthouses (1 nt), sleeper train(1 nt) Transrt: Train, local bus, aircon bus, boat, tuk-tuk,songthaew, taxi, ferry, plane Gru Size: Max 15, Avg 10Gru Leader: Tour leader, local guides Meals: No mealsincluded Budget: Allow USD135 for meals not includedTur Cde: GAATTW

stay lOnger in bangKOK

Check ut pages 26-27

stay lOnger at the beachCheck ut pages 30-33

thai islandhOpping9 days r $999


eplorthfranticanfascinatingstrtsofBangkok ChillotonKohSamiinthazzlingsnshin

JoininayogaclassonKohPhangan

Inlginthlightsofaninfamosfllmoonparty

SnorkltoyorhartscontntaronKohTao


Arrive at any tie. Feel ree t explre this aazing urban ungle.

days 2-3: KOh samui

Cvered in ccnut trees and beautiul beaches, with plenty great dining

ptins, Kh Saui is the perect island retreat.

dAYS4-5:KOHPHANGANFr quiet sandy beaches with yga classes, t the renzied inaus ull

n parties n Haad Rin, Kh Phangan is a diverse wnderland. Drink

buckets Sang S, the lcal rewater and wake up n the beach with a

sandy uth r last nights escapades. Yull be running int the sea r

a welce cling hangver release bere yu knw it.

day 6-8: KOh taO

The reputatin Kh Tas natural beauty, especially its arine lie and

cral rees, has spread the wrld ver. Spend yur days snrkelling r

diving and the nights partying at the any beachside caes and bars.


Arrive back int Thailands capital where the trip ends upn arrival atBangkk railway statin.

THAILANDTHAILAND

bkok bkok

Ko sok n.p.

Ko mk K

Ko to Ko toKo sKo s

no - am - Oo

Ko p

25

SoUTHEAST

ASIA


26/100

stasta

8 dream hOtelIndulge in a avurse ske in the cigar

bar r harnic happiness in the luxurius

spa. The rs are beautiul ethereal lighting

ws r under the bed creating an illusin

ating n a clud. Heaven it ust be. STA306

r $165 single , inc. breaKastr $165twin/dOuble, inc. breaKast

7 sevenWith ust six individually created rs, basting

lads aazing aenities, yull eel like yure

staying in a stylish private he rather than a

htel. The clurul designs are breathtaking and

yure perectly lcated n Sukhuvit Rad. STA305


bangKOK

thai bOXing eXperiencehal day,r $104

Alst as ancient as the cuntry itsel, Thaibxing is deeply ingrained in Thailands histry.

See behind the scenes, watch the prs at wrk in

a atch and take part in se the training. STA313

chinatOwn eXperiencehal day,r $36

Ierse yursel in the thriving Bangkk Chinese

culture. Discver hw the cunity riginated,

try dierent ds and bag se bargains at the

any little street stalls and arkets. STA308

TeMPLe&RIVeROFKINGS

hal day,r $47Hp n a lng-tail bat alng Bangkks canals,

escaping the chatic streets and explring the

citys lng rgtten nks and crannies. Finish

with the Grand Palace and Eerald Buddah. STA309

2 sawasdee KhaOsan inn

just steps r all the actin the KhasanRad. The sta are super ecient and the htel

has all yu need t eny yur tie in Bangkk.

Every r is air cnditined, and all eature

ensuite bathrs, cable TV and a ini-bar. STA300

r $35single , inc. breaKastr $39dOuble, inc. breaKast

3 viengtai hOtel

Adacent t the Khasan Rad, this htel isperectly lcated and is great value r ney.

The htel is surrunded by an array street

stalls, cas and bars. The rs are very well

equipped and all include air-cn and TV. STA301


sta stasta

1 lub d

one the newest prperties t grace theBangkk hstel scene. All rs have air-cn,

reading light and plug sckets with spacius

eale-nly drs available. Stylish, riendly and

un - ust the central Sil Rad. STA302

r $20dOrmr $48twinr $61dOuble

26



27/100

PATPONG MARKETS

GRAND PALACE

RECLINING BUDDHA

MBK SHOPPING CENTRE

CHITRALADA PALACE

KOH SAN ROAD

SUVARNABHUMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT: 25kmdates Or yOur diary

APRIL13-15,2010

sOngKran, thai new year

may, 2010

rOyal plOughing ceremOny

JuNe,2010

HuAHINNJAZZFeSTIVAL

august 12, 2010

THeQueeNSBIRTHdAY/MOTHeRSdAY

nOvember / december, 2010

thai beer estival

nOvember 1-2, 2010

lOy KrathOng: the estival O light

deCeMBeR5,2010

BIRTHdAYOFHISMAJeSTYTHeKING

tuK tuK eXperiencehal day,r $42

Take in a tuk tuk arund Bangkk. Breathe inthe ayhe as yu z thrugh arkets, lcal

cunities, the Phra Sueru Frtress, Wat

Ph, Wat Saket teple & the Glden munt. STA310

lOating marKetshal day,r $71

G bargain hunting at Danen Saduak, the st

aus Bangkks ating arkets, abut

100k suthwest the city. Als included is a

visit t Sutheast Asias largest pagda. STA311

biKing bangKOK

hal day,r $47Wrk thse red curries and get n yer bike!

Yull keep the busy rads and cycle thrugh

Bangkks greener areas. Sights include teples,

a sandal actry and a bigwig villa. STA539

river Kwai andancient KingdOms

3 days,r $360

2nightshotlaccommoation

Bringmornanancinthistoryaliv

enjoyaliciosThaipicniclnch

Take tie ut r the tuultuus streets

Bangkk and travel west t the inaus Bridge

ver the River Kwai - part Death Railway,

and the beautiul Erawan Natinal park. Delve

int Kanchanaburis WWII histry and visit the

the Hellre Pass erial - built in hnur

Allied PoWs and Asian cnscripts. Discver the

ancient ruins Wrld Heritage listed Ayutthaya- ne the ancient capitals Sia. Eny se

delicius Thai d, swi under wateralls and

adire the ascinating teples. I yu havent

gt three days available, yu can als pt t d

it all in ne! STA314

airpOrttranser

$23

4 rOyal hOtel

It ight be pretty big, but the acilities thisplace are reected in its size. Escape the heat

in the pl, wile away hurs in the spa, sak in

the sauna, visit the n-site beauty saln r play

se snker. Extras withut extravagance. STA307

r $46single , inc. breaKastr $51twin/dOuble, inc. breaKast

5 imm usiOn suKhumvit

This place is all abut design, style andsiplicity. It has a cute indr pl, tness

centre and bar that stays pen nearly all hurs.

Dangerusly clse t all the shpping alls - yu

better check yur baggage allwance! STA303


stastasta

6 shanghai mansiOn

Right in the heart Chinatwn, the authenticity this lvely little ge is unsurpassed. Facilities

include thai assage, restaurant, internet and a

ree tuk tuk service arund the city. The trendy

rs bast a plethra great eatures. STA304


1

2 3

4

5

6

7 8

27

SoUTHEAST

ASIA


28/100

imm ecO, chiang mai

Expect plished wd, suptuus silks anddaring designs. All the drs bast air-cn,

Wi-Fi and lckers. Its perectly lcated, clse

t dwntwn Chiang mai, a shrt walk r the

night bazaar. Dip in the pl r rent a bike. STA315

r $18dOrm , inc. breaKastr $18single , inc. breaKastr $55twin, inc. breaKast

dOwntOwn inn, chiang mai

This central htel is steps r the night bazaar.It basts a rereshing swiing pl, perect r

catching se sun and all rs have air-cn, TV,

inibar and usic syste. Grab a cee in the

butique style lbby r a pl-side ccktail. STA316


sta sta

puripun baby grand hOtel

Enigatic and luxurius, this intiate htelis situated in ne Chiang mais centuries-

ld areas. It eatures stunning traditinal

architecture and rs have their wn terraces

verlking the pl with huge bathtubs. STA317

r $168 singler $168twin/dOuble, inc. breaKast

nOrthernthailand

sta

thai cOOKing cOurse3 days,r $203

START&FINISH:CHIANGMAI

Cors1:IntrotoThaiingrints

Cors2:Makingthcrrypasts

Cors3:Torofthlocalmarkt

Cors4:Shoppingatthlocalmarkt

Cors5:Vgtablcarving

Thai d is available alst the wrld ver,

but with its seeing cplexity and unusual

ingredients, any are t scared t give it a g

theselves. Nw's yur pprtunity t ipress

yur ates n yur return he, by learning hw

t ck Thai d in style with a prper Thaiche at his he r restaurant. It's nt all wk

and n play thugh - yu get t eat yur tasty

creatins t! The 5 curses run n varying days

and perate 10a - 4p, all prvide an insight

int preparing Thai cuisine. STA318

gOlden triangle3 daysr $268START&FINISH:CHIANGMAI

Jngltrkking

elphantriinganrivrcris

2nightsinhill-tribvillags

3lnchs&2innrs

Head nrth n the Glden Triangle trail - a land

yth and able. It's the area where Thailand,

Bura and Las eet and it still cnures up

iages pppy elds, Chinese Warlrds and

sugglers. on this three-day tur, experience a

largely unchanged and slwer-paced Thailand.

Take a lcal trbat r a 3hr urneyalng the Kk River, pausing t visit a Karen

village bere a hike t a Lahu village. Hike t

wateralls, ride an elephant, visit Chiang Saen

the rer capital Lanna and take a dip in

se beautiully ht springs. STA319

buddhist retreat in ang3 days,r $267

START&FINISH:CHIANGMAI/CHIANGRAI

3nightsaccommoation+allmals

dhammalssonsinenglish

Mitationlssons

Airport/hotltransfrstoFang

I yure up r a spiritual adventure - lk n

urther than this! A tp three-night package

has been designed r travellers seeking

that authentic Thai experience. A tea

guest crdinatrs ake the experience as

crtable as pssible r visitrs as they

explre Buddhis and spirituality within a Thaicultural raewrk. one the eatures this

prgrae is the English speaking Dhaa

teachers whse daily lessns ake up a key

acet the experience. Expand yur inds and

hrizns n this interesting shrt trip! STA320

28



29/100

departures



Accmmdatin:Simple fan-cooled hotel/guesthouses (3nts), basic hilltribe villages (2 nts, multishare), overnight trains(2nts) Transrt: Local bus, train, elephant, walking, river raftGru Size: Max 15, Avg 10 Gru Leader: Tour leader, localguides Meals: 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners Budget:Allow USD85 for meals not included Tur Cde: GAATHV

dO sOmething lOnger

'Tribal Thailand'14 days r $1,029 Tur Cde: GAATTR

nOrthern hilltribesand villages8 days, r $589


eplorthfranticstrtsofbstlingBangkok WanrthoghChiangMai'sbrilliantnightbazaar

TrkthroghthjnglsofNorthrnThailan

Staywithhilltribsanintractwiththlocalpopl

LarntorcratyorownThaiishsinChiangMai


Arrive int Bangkk at any tie - eel ree t explre.

day 2: bangKOK

Explre the sights in and arund twering skyscrapers, Chinese shp-

huses, stunning teples, pushcart vendrs and cuntless pagdas.

day 3: chiang maiThis nrthern city has lng been a travellers avurite. Enclsed by a at

and crubling walls, the ld city eatures great cas, arkets and teples.


Trek thrugh nrthern Thailands rlling hillsides and eet vastly diverse

peple with their wn culture, traditins, language and cstues. (3B, 2L, 2D)

dAY7:CHIANGMAI

Return t enchanting Chiang mai. Sit in n a editatin class at ne the

teples r test yur culinary skills at a Thai cking class.


Arrive back t Thailands busy capital and head int the sunset rBangkks railway statin.

nOrthern thailanddiscOvery9 days, r $879


enjoyacoolinglong-tailboattorinbonkrsBangkok Cyclthroghthlsh,grnSkhothaiHistoricalPark

StrollaronlovlyLampanganvisitthlphants

VisitafascinatingOpimMsmforalocalhistoryinsight

SharpnyorhagglingskillsatthChiangMaimarkts


Arrive at any tie - eel ree t explre.

days 2-3: suKhOthai

Visit Wat Ph, he the giant reclining Buddha, bere taking a lng-tail

bat alng Bagkks canals. Travel n t the ancient capital Sukhtthai

and cycle thrugh the natinal park, aus r 13th Century pagdas. (2B)

day 4: lampang

Take a strll thrugh the teples this charing ld-style Thai twn and

visit the Elephant Cnservatin Centre.

dAYS5-6:CHIANGRAIANdGOLdeNTRIANGLe

With days the piu trade well in the past, the Glden Triangle is nw a

peaceul area where Las, Thailand and Bura eet. (2B)

dAYS7-8:CHIANGMAI

Chiang mai ers bth pretty surrundings and beautiul architecture.

Check ut the night bazaar r trinkets and the Di Suthep teple. (2B)

day 9: depart bangKOKThis abulus trip nishes n the rning Day Nine.

THAILAND

bkok

c m

THAILAND

bkok

skol

c rc m

departures

2010JAN - DEC FRI2011

JAN - MAR FRI

Accmmdatin:Guesthouses/hotels (7 nts), sleeper train(1 nt) Transrt: Train, public bus, taxi, walking, elephant,songthaew, bicycle Gru Size: Max 15, Avg 10 Gru Leader:Tour leader, local guides Meals: 6 breakfasts Budget: AllowUSD135 for meals not included Tur Cde: GAATND

see the islandsThai Island Hpping

9 days r $999Tur Cde: GAATTW

29

SoUTHEAST

ASIA


30/100


31/100


32/100

patOng lOdge hOtel, phuKet

Clse enugh t the twns actin in Patng butdistanced enugh t relax in peace. This htel

basts a large utdr pl, airy restaurant and

all iprtant ccktail bar. Rs have heavenly

views, ensuites and private balcnies. STA329


rOyal paradise hOtel, phuKet

In the heart ppular Patng, this htelbreathes crt. Facilities include a split

level swiing pl, health club, sauna and a

traditinal assage centre. Theres plenty

cuisine chice t tickle thse tastebuds! STA332


sta

sta

peach hill hOtel, phuKet

Nestled angst green hills between Kata andKarn Beach lking ut t the Andaan Sea.

The place is yurs t lunge by the pl. Head t

the beach r nearby eateries - althugh any a

dining deal is available here. Yu yu. STA330


red ginger, KrabiChic but cheerul, this is a new and stylish resrt,

200 r the centre A Nang Beach. Theres

a reshwater pl and alresc tness area r sun

unkies. All rs have a balcny, plus the usual

great acilities. A cl place r cl peple. STA341


beaches Ofthailandwest cOast

stasta

natural resOrt, phi phiThis nrthern beach resrt is a haven r day

trippers & watersprt reaks. G snrkelling,

diving and sea-shing! Stay in twn-huse style

standard rs r cttages and relax t the ax

by the leisurely pl. STA339

r $61 single , inc. breaKastr $77 twin/dOuble, inc. breaKast

success beach resOrt, Krabion the white sands Npparatara Bay, ust a

15 inute strll r ppular A-Nang. Explre

the beautiul surrundings, relax by the pl r

eny a assage in the gardens. All rs have

balcnies and their wn bathrs. STA341


stasta

32



33/100

phrangang lanta, KOh lantaSlip int this chic and stylish htel set n Ba

Kan Tiang Bays beach. Take ne the 15

individually styled rs cplete with eather

pillws, satellite TV and DVD player. Dip in the

pl, hire a kayak r set ut snrkelling. STA338

r $163 single , inc. breaKastr $163 twin/dOuble, inc. breaKast

sta

sta

andaman cannacia, phuKet

Best described as the setting r an indulgentspa break, the sta at this resrt knw hw t

ake yu eel wrth it. Thrw n a rbe and uy

slippers, slip int the pl and sak up the sun.

Fantastic acilities, 30 ins r the airprt. STA331


thai muang turtlesand wateralls

ull day,r $99Take se tie ut r yur plush hliday pad

in Phuket and get ut t see se untuched

deserted beach, Natinal Parks and spectacular

wateralls! This ull day bike tur will let yu

glipse se the hidden Thai beauty the

cuntry is aus r. Cver a air ew ks,

unch n a hearty lunch, visit a

face to face with asia - sta travel

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