london city 020 7628 7628 london canary wharf 020 7147 5300 · day 26 sunday 7th february fly to...

10-Sep-15 TRAILFINDERS TAILORMADE TRAVEL WORLDWIDE

Trailfinders Ltd Trading as Trailfinders Registered in England No 1004502 Registered Office 48 Earls Court Road London W8 6FT

Bespoke Tour to Indochina prepared for

Susan & Iain Colquhoun by

Jonny Dyas

London City 020 7628 7628

London Canary Wharf 020 7147 5300

Page 2 Summary of itinerary

Page 5 Detailed itinerary

Page 17 Accommodation summary

Page 21 What’s Included in the Price?

Page 22 Indochina map

Booking Reference No CABL0Y-EX05



Summary of Itinerary

Day 1 Wednesday 13th January Drive to Halong Bay and board cruise Overnight Jasmine

Day 2 Thursday 14th January Small boat excursion on Halong Bay Overnight Jasmine

Day 3 Friday 15th January Disembark cruise and transfer back to Hanoi Fly to Hue Overnight Saigon Morin Hotel

Day 4 Saturday 16th January Full day sightseeing of Hue Overnight Saigon Morin Hotel

Day 5 Sunday 17th January Scenic drive to Hoi An Overnight Palm Garden Resort

Day 6 Monday 18th January Morning excursion to My Son Afternoon walking tour of Hoi An Overnight Palm Garden Resort

Day 7 Tuesday 19th January At leisure Overnight Palm Garden Resort

Day 8 Wednesday 20th January Transfer to Danang Fly to Ho Chi Minh City Overnight Own Arrangement

Day 9 Thursday 21st January Own arrangement

Day 10 Friday 22nd January Own arrangement



Day 11 Saturday 23rd January Transfer to My Tho and board cruise Overnight RV Mekong Pandaw

Day 12 Sunday 24th January Cruise up the Mekong Overnight RV Mekong Pandaw

Day 13 Monday 25th January Cruise up the Mekong Overnight RV Mekong Pandaw

Day 14 Tuesday 26th January Cruise up the Mekong Overnight RV Mekong Pandaw

Day 15 Wednesday 27th January Cruise up the Mekong Overnight RV Mekong Pandaw

Day 16 Thursday 28th January Cruise up the Mekong Overnight RV Mekong Pandaw

Day 17 Friday 29th January Cruise up the Mekong Overnight RV Mekong Pandaw

Day 18 Saturday 30th January Disembark cruise in Kampong Thom Transfer to Siem Reap Overnight Pavillon d'Orient

Day 19 Sunday 31st January Full day sightseeing Angkor Temples Overnight Pavillon d'Orient

Day 20 Monday 1st February Full day excursion visiting Tonlé Sap Lake, Banteay Srey & the Landmine Museum Overnight Pavillon d'Orient



Day 21 Tuesday 2nd February Fly to Vientiane via Pakse Overnight Ansara Hotel

Day 22 Wednesday 3rd February Full day sightseeing of Vientiane Evening Baci Ceremony Overnight Ansara Hotel

Day 23 Thursday 4th February Fly to Luang Prabang Afternoon climb to a viewpoint Overnight Villa Maly

Day 24 Friday 5th February Early morning sightseeing with alms giving & market Morning sightseeing of Luang Prabang Afternoon visit to Kuang Si Waterfalls Overnight Villa Maly

Day 25 Saturday 6th February Sightseeing and cruise up the Mekong River Overnight Villa Maly

Day 26 Sunday 7th February Fly to Hanoi Overnight Melia Hanoi

Day 27 Monday 8th February Transfer to airport for your onward flight



Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Wednesday 13th January Your private transfer will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi and drive to Halong Bay (140km

/approx. 4 hrs). Spectacular Halong Bay comprises around 2000 karst limestone peaks jutting out of calm emerald waters. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its incredible natural beauty, the forested islands are dotted with caves and home to a variety of birdlife. Whether cloaked in mist or bathed in sunshine, a cruise through this beautiful bay is one of Vietnam’s highlights. Arrive at the dock late morning to check in for your overnight cruise. You’ll transfer to your boat where lunch will be served on board as you cruise into the bay. In the afternoon you can enjoy an excursion or simply relax on deck, taking in the beautiful scenery. The ship will drop anchor as the sun sets. Overnight Jasmine (Deluxe Cabin) Today’s meal inclusions – Lunch & Dinner

Day 2 Thursday 14th January After breakfast transfer to your day boat and cruise to the bay’s most untouched areas. Enjoy

swimming on quiet beaches, visiting water tunnels, fishing villages or kayaking. Lunch served on board. Return to the Jasmine for the night. Overnight Jasmine (Deluxe Cabin) Today’s meal inclusions – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner



Day 3 Friday 15th January In the morning there will be time for a further excursion and breakfast (or brunch) as your boat

weaves its way back to the dock. On arrival your driver will meet you for the transfer back to Hanoi airport for the flight to Hue. VN1545 departs Hanoi at 19:05, arrives Hue at 20:15 Upon arrival meet with your guide and transfer to your hotel (approx. 30 minutes). Hue was the nation’s capital under the Nguyen Dynasty emperors for 150 years until the early 20th Century and today the historic monuments and imperial architecture add to its laidback charm. The city boasts a wonderful location along the banks of the Song Huong River (Perfume River), relatively quiet streets and a locally famous cuisine. Its most famous sites include the Imperial Citadel, Forbidden Purple City and Thien Mu Pagoda which together have been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight Saigon Morin Hotel (Premium River Deluxe Room) Today’s meal inclusions – Breakfast

Day 4 Saturday 16th January This late morning, start your tour of Hue with a visit to the Imperial Citadel where the Nguyen

Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. After exploring the ruins of this wonderful monument take a cyclo ride through the ‘Old City’ to Tinh Tam Lake where the Emperors used to come to relax, full of lotus flowers in Summer, there are many local style coffee shops around the lake where university students come to study. Drive onto Thien Mu Pagoda, constructed in 1601, the 21-metre tall tower is the centrepiece of the pagoda. Continue to Khai Dinh’s Tomb which is traditional Vietnamese in design with a European touch making it unique from the other tombs in Hue. If you wish, before visiting the tombs pass the city’s vibrant Dong Ba Market where a huge array of fresh produce is on offer. Overnight Saigon Morin Hotel (Premium River Deluxe Room) Today’s meal inclusions – Breakfast



Day 5 Sunday 17th January Leave Hue for Hoi An (140km /approx 3 hrs). You will take the scenic route over the Hai Van

Pass, also known as the Pass of Ocean Clouds, and through the fishing village of Lang Co – a very picturesque journey. In Danang stop to visit the Cham Museum which contains the finest collection of Cham sculptures in the world. Beautiful Hoi An is Vietnam’s most atmospheric town, with elegant architecture and a lovely riverside setting. From the 15th to the late 19th Centuries it was one of Asia’s most important ports, drawing traders from Europe, America and from across the east, notably China and Japan. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site the Old Town buzzes with charming restaurants, stylish bars and expert tailors set amid historic temples and shop houses. Surrounding the town are picturesque rice fields and sleepy back lanes, while a few miles to the east lies a glorious palm-fringed coastline. Overnight Palm Garden Resort (Deluxe Garden View Room) Today’s meal inclusions – Breakfast

Day 6 Monday 18th January Today enjoy a morning tour of the capital and religious centre of the former Champa Kingdom,

My Son. Here, 40km southwest of Hoi An in a lush green valley, are dozens of red brick towers and sanctuaries dating from between the 7th and 13th Centuries. On the way back to Hoi An stop to visit Tra Kieu, formerly known as Simhapura or the Lion Citadel, the capital of Champa between the 4th and 8th Centuries. Some of the finest sculptures in Danang’s Cham Museum originated from here. In the afternoon return to Hoi An and enjoy a walking tour of the ancient town centre to visit former merchants’ houses, the 400 year old Japanese Covered Bridge, a Chinese communal hall and the colourful market. Overnight Palm Garden Resort (Deluxe Garden View Room) Today’s meal inclusions – Breakfast

Day 7 Tuesday 19th January Day at leisure.

Overnight Palm Garden Resort (Deluxe Garden View Room) Today’s meal inclusions – Breakfast



Day 8 Wednesday 20th January Leave your hotel in Hoi An for the 45 minute drive to Danang airport and take the short flight to

Ho Chi Minh City. VN113 departs Danang at 12:10, arrives Ho Chi Minh City at 13:30 Upon arrival continue with your own arrangements Situated on the banks of the Saigon River and still commonly referred to as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s largest metropolis and undisputed commercial capital. A seemingly chaotic whirl of motorbikes flows through the busy city streets, above which soar glistening skyscrapers and lavish hotels, while style-conscious locals flock to the city’s newest restaurants, designer malls and chic nightspots. Yet the spirit of the old city lives on in its colonial architecture, ancient pagodas, bustling markets and ubiquitous street food stalls. This is modern Vietnam at its most vibrant. Overnight Own Arrangement Today’s meal inclusions – Breakfast

Day 9 Thursday 21st January Own arrangement

Day 10 Friday 22nd January Own arrangement

Day 11 Saturday 23rd January Your private transfer will pick you up from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh and transfer to the meeting

point hotel to register for the cruise. (Time/ Meeting point: 10:00 at Purple Jade Bar at InterContinental Asiana Saigon Hotel (39 Le Duan, Ben Nghe, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam) Bid farewell to the hustle and bustle of Saigon as you travel 70 kilometres south by land to My Tho to embark your boutique ship. Note: the coach transfer from Ho Chi Minh to My Tho is on shared basis. Overnight RV Mekong Pandaw (Upper Deck Twin Shared Cabin) Today’s meal inclusions – Dinner

Day 12 Sunday 24th January In the morning passengers will visit Cai Be and its colourful floating market.

In the afternoon take an exciting Sampan boat excursion to Sa Dec via Vinh Long, along canals and backwaters and see the local market and the ancient house of Mr, Huynh Thuy Le, the 'lover' of Marguerite Duras, a famous French novelist. Overnight RV Mekong Pandaw (Upper Deck Twin Shared Cabin) Today’s meal inclusions – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner



Day 13 Monday 25th January Visit a Cham tribal village, a cat fish farm, and enjoy a trishaw ride round Chau Doc.

Return to the ship by boat for lunch and cast off for the Cambodian border for the usual formalities. Overnight RV Mekong Pandaw (Upper Deck Twin Shared Cabin) Today’s meal inclusions – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 14 Tuesday 26th January Today Phnom Penh and will be provided with their own private cyclo. The Cyclo Centre Phnom

Penh which provides the cyclos is a charity that provides basic welfare and medical services to cyclo drivers (www.cyclo.org.uk). Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s fast paced capital city, is undergoing a modern renaissance with a host of new dining options, boutique shops and trendy cafés. Set on the banks of the Mekong River it also offers a wealth of history with gleaming temples, colonial remnants and sobering Khmer Rouge era sites, making it a good place to get to grips with this dark time in Cambodia’s past. In the afternoon, optional excursion (by coach) to the Killing Fields and the Khmer Rouge's grim Tuol Sleng or S21 detention centre. This tour is included in the cost of your cruise but must be requested at the time of booking in the comments box. Overnight RV Mekong Pandaw (Upper Deck Twin Shared Cabin) Today’s meal inclusions – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 15 Wednesday 27th January Excursion up the Tonle River to Kampong Chhnang either by ship or by coach depending on water

levels. Beyond Kampong Chhnang travel by the Pandaw Explorer to discover the vast wetlands around the mouth of the river. Here many fish traps may be seen. Overnight RV Mekong Pandaw (Upper Deck Twin Shared Cabin) Today’s meal inclusions – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 16 Thursday 28th January We stop at the little-known Chong Koh silk-weaving village for a morning walk at leisure.

In the afternoon we stop at Peam Chi Kang village to visit the wat or monastery and school. In the wat the splendid village racing boats are stored. Overnight RV Mekong Pandaw (Upper Deck Twin Shared Cabin) Today’s meal inclusions – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner



Day 17 Friday 29th January Passengers visit the hilltop temple of Wat Hanchey in the morning. In the afternoon, travel by bus

to visit the Twin Holy mountains of Phnom Pros and Phnom Srey (Man and Woman Hill). Continuation to the ecotourism village of Choeungkok supported by the French-Cambodian Ngo American. Overnight RV Mekong Pandaw (Upper Deck Twin Shared Cabin) Today’s meal inclusions – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 18 Saturday 30th January You will disembark the Ship at after breakfast and board a shared coach at 8.30 am for a 5 hour

transfer from Kampong Cham to the drop off point in Siem Reap. You get to munch on snacks and along the journey. You then arrive in Siem Reap in the early afternoon. Upon arrival at meeting point in Siem Reap, transfer to your hotel. (check-in time at 14:00) Gateway to the famed temples of Angkor, Siem Reap has developed from a sleepy provincial town to be the epicentre of modern Cambodia with stylish hotels, world-class dining, buzzing nightlife and gorgeous spas - a welcome treat after a hot day exploring the temples! Most visitors are there to visit the spectacular temple complex whose entrance gate is just 7km from the town, but the surrounding province also offers the chance to gain a deeper insight into the Cambodian culture and lifestyle with endless rice paddies and floating villages. Overnight Pavillon d'Orient (Deluxe Room) Today’s meal inclusions – Breakfast



Day 19 Sunday 31st January This morning tour the ancient city of Angkor Thom. Angkor Thom was the last capital of the Great

Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII, surrounded by an 8m high wall, drawing a perfect square. Enter the city through the ancient South Gate, an impressive stone gate carved with elephants and four giant faces. On each side of the entrance path a row of 54 gods and demons hold the sacred Naga snake. From here you will continue to Bayon temple which is at the exact centre of the city. This 12th Century masterpiece is a study in grandeur and is renowned for its 54 towers with enigmatic faces representing the 54 provinces of the Great Khmer Empire. The Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King are also must see visits as they’re both known for their intricate bas-reliefs. Return to the hotel for a break during the midday heat. In the afternoon visit the famous temple of Ta Prohm, built in the mid-12th to early 13th Centuries. Ta Prohm is unique in that it has been left largely as it was found: overgrown by jungle trees and vines, with many parts of the temple crumbling to the ground. This makes Ta Prohm one of the most picturesque and memorable of the Angkor temples. End your day at the magnificent Angkor Wat. Built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th Century, Angkor Wat is constructed following the model of the temple mountain symbolising Mount Meru, the home of the gods. Inside the temple the walls are covered with stone carvings and bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology and the wars Suryavarman II fought during his reign. Angkor Wat is well known for the images of more than 2,000 Apsara dancers decorating the temple and construction of the temple is thought to have taken around 30 years of intensive labour. Today Angkor Wat features on Cambodia's national flag as the temple symbolises the soul of the Khmer people. You will be there during sunset time, when Angkor Wat is less visited and the Apsaras will shine in the most beautiful light. Overnight Pavillon d'Orient (Deluxe Room) Today’s meal inclusions – Breakfast



Day 20 Monday 1st February After breakfast you will embark on an interesting boat trip on the Tonlé Sap Lake. Tonlé Sap is

South East Asia’s largest freshwater lake with its size varying greatly depending on the season, as it swells to about 4 times its normal size in during the wet season. Board a local boat and visit Kampong Phluck, a village where we’ll see houses on stilts that are submerged when Tonlé Sap Lake extends. You will pass floating houses and impressive flooded forests, portraying life on the water. Enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the local houses. From Tonlé Sap you will to the countryside of Siem Reap Province to see the “gem” of the Angkor area, the pretty temple of Banteay Srey, which is best viewed in the warm afternoon light. The so-called “Citadel of the Women” remains the best preserved temple in Cambodia. It displays some of the finest examples of classical Khmer art as this small temple is noted for its truly remarkable fine bas-reliefs. Banteay Srey is unique in that it is constructed of pink sandstone, which is seen nowhere else in Angkor. You will have the possibility to stop at local communities along the way and your guide will help you to interact with the local community to learn about the way of life here. Seize the opportunity to taste Palm Wine and Palm Sugar (seasonal) and other popular local produce. On the way back to Siem Reap you will stop at the Landmine Museum which promotes mine awareness and education. Mr. Aki Ra, the museum founder was a child soldier during the Khmer Rouge regime and is working today as a de-miner. The museum serves also as a rescue centre for a number of landmine amputee children that Aki Ra has brought off Phnom Penh’s streets or from impoverished rural communities. Overnight Pavillon d'Orient (Deluxe Room) Today’s meal inclusions – Breakfast & Lunch

Day 21 Tuesday 2nd February Free time this morning in Siem Reap. Your guide will meet you at the hotel for a private transfer to

the airport for your flight to Vientiane via Pakse Flight QV514 depart Siem Reap at 14:50, arrive Pakse at 15:50 Flight QV206 depart Pakse at 17:10, arrive Vientiane at 18:25 Upon arrival in Vientiane your guide will meet you at the airport for the transfer to your hotel. Laos’ capital Vientiane is situated on a bend in the Mekong River directly across from Thailand, and combines faded colonial grandeur with the bustle of a rapidly developing modern Asian city. Relics from the past such as tree-lined boulevards and gilded temples stand alongside soaring new buildings and busy markets. Overnight Ansara Hotel (Trio Savvy Room) Today’s meal inclusions – Breakfast



Day 22 Wednesday 3rd February After breakfast you will drive out to the Buddha Park (approx 45 minutes).

Arrive at the Buddha Park and enjoy a stroll around the park. Also known as Xieng Khuan, this unusual park is filled with over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues. The tranquil setting along the Mekong River is a contrast to the slightly eccentric sculptures built in 1958 by a Laos shaman. After visiting the Buddha Park, head back to Vientiane, stopping first at Mai Savanh, a family-run shop specialising in high quality silk products. Continue to the Lao Disabled Women Development Center, which aims to bring knowledge and skills to disabled women so that they can become self-sufficient, productive members of the community. Enjoy lunch at Makphet Restaurant. Established by Friends International, Makphet is a charity-run restaurant aiming to train the area’s street children in the hospitality industry. This afternoon you have a half day city tour to discover the hidden charms of Vientiane, whose name means ‘the city of sandal wood’. Your tour begins at the serene Wat Sisaket, one of the most beautiful temples in the capital, and its breezy teak covered hallways are filled with thousands of miniature Buddha statues. Continue on to the Presidential Palace. Although you are not allowed inside, you will still get a glimpse into the town’s colonial past as this building formerly served as the French governor’s palace. Continue to the Patuxay monument, Laos’ version of the Arc de Triomphe, where you can climb the stairs to the roof for sweeping panoramic views of the city. Finish at That Luang, the holiest site in Laos. Constructed by King Setthethirat in the 16th century, the temple is resplendent as the sun is shines upon its towering golden spire. Return to your hotel to freshen up. For your final evening in Laos, you will have the unique opportunity to experience one of Laos’ oldest traditions: the Baci ceremony. The Baci is a mix of animist and Buddhist beliefs and its purpose is to call back escaped spirits to the body. The ceremony takes place before major events such as weddings, births, travel, welcoming friends and farewells. Overnight Ansara Hotel (Trio Savvy Room) Today’s meal inclusions – Breakfast & Lunch



Day 23 Thursday 4th February Free time in the morning at leisure until your private transfer to the airport for your flight to Luang

Prabang. QV101 departs Vientiane at 11:30, arrive Luang Prabang at 12:15. Upon arrival in Luang Prabang your guide will meet you at the airport for a private transfer to your hotel for check-in. Nestled between the Nam Khan and Mekong Rivers and surrounded by lush forested mountains, Luang Prabang is one of the jewels of Indochina. This charming UNESCO World Heritage listed city is the spiritual capital of the country with a host of temples and scores of saffron robed monks. Time runs slowly here and endless hours can be spent meandering the small laneways past attractive colonial buildings or soaking up the view from a riverside café. In the late afternoon climb the 328 steps that lead to the top of the hill where you will be rewarded with marvellous views of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers, the neighbouring mountain ranges and the city. The sunset views are particularly spectacular. Descend the steps on the opposite side of the hill and stroll to the nearby colourful night market. Every evening along the main street the area’s ethnic minority people gather to sell their handicrafts. The quiet evening atmosphere and soft lights of the stalls combine to create a magical market setting from which to shop for souvenirs. Overnight Villa Maly (Superior Room) Today’s meal inclusions – Breakfast

Day 24 Friday 5th February For early risers there is a very special dawn visit to watch the monks collecting alms. As the sun

begins to rise, long lines of orange-robed monks leave their pagodas and walk barefoot down the streets collecting offerings from Luang Prabang residents. It is a beautiful, serene ceremony that highlights the spiritualism of the Laos people. A short drive brings you to the historic old town of Luang Prabang and the bustling fresh market. Accompanied by your guide you will walk through the rows of stalls looking at what is on sale. The locals come here every day to shop for vegetables, fruits and other exotic specialties. Return to your hotel for breakfast. After breakfast visit the National Museum. Once the Royal Palace of Laos, the National Museum is filled with art, artefacts and jewels and a visit examines the history and rich culture of the country. Continue your private tour of Luang Prabang by visiting some of the city’s most important temples. Start at Wat Visoun, where you will see the famous Watermelon Stupa, shaped like the fruit from which it takes its name. This temple was destroyed in 1887 by the invading Black Flags from China and was restored in 1930 by Buddhist monks and local people. We will also visit Wat Aham where you will see the altar of the 2 guardian spirits of Luang Prabang. Enjoy lunch in town at Tamarind restaurant where you will have a chance to sample unusual local specialities not available back home.



After lunch you will drive 45 minutes out of town to visit the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfalls. Stop en route to visit a small village which is home to one of the area’s many ethnic minorities. You will have an opportunity to learn about their traditions and culture, much of which has remained unchanged for centuries. Upon reaching the falls, relax and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. The jungle and dense woods surrounding the falls is perfect for exploring on foot. For the adventurous, it is possible to walk to the top of the falls via a steep track where stunning views await you at the top. These waterfalls cascade down a multilevel limestone formation creating a series of turquoise blue pools perfect for swimming in on a hot day (Note: when bathing, please be respectful and wear a sarong and a T shirt). Before you leave you might like to visit the bear sanctuary which is next to the falls, run by Free The Bears Fund Inc. There are currently 23 Asiatic Black Bears living in the sanctuary. The main threat to these bears is poaching due to the use of their bile in Chinese medicine. You can read about their habits and observe their playful nature, whilst learning about the difficulties they are facing. Overnight Villa Maly (Superior Room) Today’s meal inclusions – Breakfast & Lunch

Day 25 Saturday 6th February This morning venture to Luang Prabang’s peninsula where the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers

merge. The beautiful Wat Xieng Thong is located here and a visit to the temple unveils golden gates, ornaments, and colourful murals. After exploring the temple, walk to the nearby pier to board the elegant Nava Mekong boat for a scenic 2 hour cruise to the Pak Ou Caves. Located upstream from Luang Prabang the Pak Ou Caves; known locally as Tam Ting are carved out of the towering limestone cliffs and contain thousands of wooden and gold lacquered Buddha statues. The statues range in size from a few centimetres to a couple of metres, and from the mouth of the cave there are sweeping views of the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers. The caves are also a destination for local pilgrimages, especially during the Lao New Year period of Pii Mai. The boat continues cruising in the vicinity of the caves and will moor for lunch at the foot of beautiful limestone cliffs. A selection of typical Lao dishes will be served on board. Cruise back to Luang Prabang arriving in the early afternoon. You will be met for a private transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure for extra sightseeing or relaxing in this charming city. Overnight Villa Maly (Superior Room) Today’s meal inclusions – Breakfast & Lunch



Day 26 Sunday 7th February Free time in the morning at leisure until your private transfer to the airport for your flight to Hanoi

As per main Trailfinders itinerary Upon arrival in Hanoi you will be met by your guide for a private transfer to your hotel for check-in (approx. 45 minutes). Vietnam’s capital Hanoi blends old world charm with the dynamic bustle of new Asia. Its French colonial past is evident from the colonial architecture and enchanting lakes which contrast with the throng of thousands of motorbikes and cosmopolitan new restaurants and boutiques. To the north of central Hoan Kiem Lake lies the frenetic maze of narrow streets of the Old Quarter while to the south are the broad tree-lined boulevards and majestic buildings of the French Quarter. Overnight Melia Hanoi (Deluxe Room) Today’s meal inclusions – Breakfast

Day 27 Monday 8th February Day at leisure until transfer to airport for your onward flight. (Late check-out is included)

Today’s meal inclusions – Breakfast



Details of Your Accommodation Jasmine (4*) Halong Bay Built in the style of a traditional junk with a stately Indochina-era décor, the wonderful Jasmine offers plenty of charm and character and a friendly crew. The third deck houses a small lounge area and the spacious and elegant dining room where delicious buffet style meals are served. Guests can enjoy the stunning surroundings with a drink from the bar on the terrace or head to the rooftop sun deck to relax on a lounger. The 23 cabins are comfortably furnished with en suite shower room. Superior Cabins are on the main deck with large windows, while Deluxe Cabins are on the upper deck and boast small private balconies. Junior Suites are more spacious and also feature a Jacuzzi bath.

Saigon Morin Hotel (3+*) Hué Built in 1901 and once the hub of French colonial life in Hue, this atmospheric property is situated in the heart of the city with views of the Perfume River. The hotel offers friendly attentive service and leisure facilities include an outdoor pool, fitness centre and sauna. There’s also a selection of five restaurants and bars to choose from. The spacious guest rooms are traditionally furnished with views of the city or gardens.



Palm Garden Resort (4*) Hoi An Situated beside a lovely white sand beach, a short drive from the historical centre of Hoi An, this charming resort is set amongst beautiful tropical gardens and well-kept lawns. There are many facilities to keep guests entertained including a palm-fringed pool, a spa, a gym and a variety of watersports. The elegant main restaurant serves Vietnamese and international cuisine, the beach restaurant offers al fresco dining with sea views and there are also 3 bars. Superior Rooms are simply but elegantly decorated and boast a private balcony, Deluxe Rooms are larger and set within low rise buildings, while Bungalows are semi-detached units with views towards the sea or pool.

RV Mekong Pandaw (4*) Mekong River Modelled on a traditional river steamer and hand crafted in brass and teak, the wonderful RV Mekong Pandaw offers plenty of colonial charm. Between excursions, relax and enjoy the ever changing scenery on the promenade deck, in the lounge or on the large partly shaded observation deck. The spacious dining room serves local and European cuisine and is open to enjoy the river breezes during the day. This ship also offers a massage room, gym and a bar on the sun deck. Situated on the main and upper decks, the 24 comfortable staterooms have en suite shower rooms and their own seating area just outside on the deck. In keeping with the colonial atmosphere staterooms do not have TVs or mini bars. Prices include excursions, all meals and snacks, local soft drinks, beer and local spirits.



Pavillon d'Orient (3+* Boutique) Siem Reap Situated in a quiet, residential area about 10 minutes drive from downtown Siem Reap, the colonial style Pavillon d’Orient is a haven of peace and quiet. Lounge by one of the 2 pools surrounded by lush tropical gardens or unwind with a traditional Khmer massage. The relaxed atmosphere extends to Le Planteur, the lovely all day restaurant which offers local and European dishes as well as poolside snacks. Guest rooms are comfortably furnished in a warm colonial style with balconies facing the leafy pool garden. Please note that this hotel has long dead-end corridors and as a safety precaution we have requested that the hotel accommodate you within 10 metres of the stairway; please re-request at check-in.

Ansara Hotel (4* Boutique) Vientiane Tucked away on a quiet side street close to the riverfront in the centre of Vientiane, the delightful Ansara Hotel has an excellent location. An elegant colonial building contains the stylish lobby bar and first floor dining room, while to the rear a lovely pool sits within a garden courtyard. La Signature restaurant offers renowned French cuisine in the dining room or alfresco on the terrace. Rooms are designed to echo the colonial style of the main building along with traditional Lao touches and feature rosewood floors and a private balcony overlooking the pool and gardens. Some rooms have shower only.



Villa Maly (4* Boutique) Luang Prabang This beautiful 33 room boutique property was once the home of local royalty and enjoys a fantastic garden setting in a quiet neighbourhood 10 minutes walk from the centre of Luang Prabang. The gorgeous mosaic tiled pool is surrounded by a wooden sun deck while the lovely Le Vetiver restaurant offers all day alfresco dining. Housed in 7 low rise buildings around the original residence, the charming rooms are elegantly decorated with a collection of French and British colonial furnishings; all have shower only.

Melia Hanoi (4*) Hanoi This large modern hotel is located in Hanoi’s diplomatic district a 10 minute walk from Hoan Kiem Lake and a little further from the historic Old Quarter. On a warm day the outdoor pool is a lovely place to unwind and there is also a gym and a spa. The main restaurant offers buffet and à la carte dining, El Oriental Restaurant serves Vietnamese and Thai cuisine, while the lobby bar is ideal for pre-dinner drinks. Deluxe Rooms are bright and modern with Vietnamese touches, some with shower only.



What’s Included in the Price?

• Meet and greet by our local representative and private transfers to and from the airport (unless specified otherwise).

• Your accommodation in a double room with any meal inclusions as specified on the itinerary.

• Transportation and sightseeing using a comfortable air conditioned vehicle on a private basis with an English speaking local guide.

• Your vehicle will have space for one suitcase and one hand bag per person. If you expect to travel with more luggage than this please contact your Travel Consultant.

• Entrance fees for sightseeing as detailed on your itinerary.

• Economy flights using the service of scheduled carriers as detailed on your itinerary. Please note baggage allowance on flights within Indochina varies but is generally 20kg. This may differ from your international allowance.

• Applicable local government taxes.

What’s Excluded?

• Unless shown on your itinerary all meals, snacks and drinks.

• Optional hotel expenses such as local and international telephone calls, internet access and laundry.

• Charges for using cameras and video cameras at monuments.

• Gratuities at your discretion for local guides, drivers, bellboys, waiters etc. (details of suggested rates for gratuities is provided in our Holiday Essentials document that accompanies your confirmed itinerary).

• Local airport taxes. We recommend that you check in advance with your guide if there is a local departure tax to pay and ensure you have made provision for this prior to arrival at check in.

• Any visas as indicated in the visa advice section of your main itinerary. The Trailfinders Visa Service can help you obtain your visa and as a valued client you will be eligible for a discounted rate. Please call 020 7368 1504 (UK) or 01 881 4949 (Ireland).



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london city 020 7628 7628 london canary wharf 020 7147 5300 · day 26 sunday 7th february fly to...

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