Adventures AbroadSoutheast Asia Roundup Various Dates TOUR CODE: OASE 16 Days

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WELCOME TO SOUTHEAST ASIA

Many Westerners expect Vietnam to be a land of darkness, deeply marked by the still-festering scars of war, but nothing can be further from the truth. For most who visit Vietnam for the first time, the big surprise is that is an exciting, spirited and remarkably beautiful place full of happy, healthy, optimistic people. There are also natural wonders like Halong Bay, where more than a thousand limestone peaks soar from crystalline emerald water—one of the natural wonders of SE Asia. Cambodia is home to one of Asia's oldest cultures and most important historic places. No matter where you visit, the scenery is spectacular and mostly unspoiled, and the Khmer people everywhere are genuinely friendly. We explore the famous ruins of Angkor Wat before heading to laid-back Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos and one of the most interesting places in Indochina. Here you can smell the baguettes baking and even find a decent bottle of wine, thanks to the French. Our regional roundup wraps in frenetic Thailand and a tour of exotic, sultry Bangkok, by day and by night.

ITINERARY IN BRIEF

Day 1 • Arrival in Hanoi, picturesquely situated on the bank of the Red River.

Day 2 • Depart for Halong Bay, one of the natural wonders of Vietnam and UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will board our Huong Hai Junk cruise and sail through idyllic islands.

Day 3 • We cruise to Manal Head Island, Tortoise Island, and visit Luon Cave by small bamboo boat. Brunch on board and return to Hanoi.

Day 4 • Hanoi city tour, including the Fine Arts Museum and the Temple of Literature. Tonight we enjoy a water puppet show.

Day 5 • Fly to Da Nang and travel by road to Hoi An via the Truong Son Mountains.

Day 6 • Walking tour of Hoi An, a World Heritage Site.

Day 7 • Free morning to further explore this charming town. Return to Da Nang and the Cham Museum before flying to Siem Reap, gateway for Angkor Wat/Angkor Thom.

Days 8-9 • Two full days to take in the wonders of Angkor Wat, Banteay Srei, and the central market of Siem Reap.

Day 10 • Remaining highlights of the Petit Circuit, including Ta Prohm in its natural overgrown setting. We fly to Bangkok.

Day 11 • Fly to Luang Prabang, Laos; orientation tour of this charming town.

Day 12 • Mekong River boat journey to visit the Pak Ou Caves, then visit of some of Luang Prabang's most famous and beautiful temples.

Day 13 • We visit the Royal Palace in Luang Prabang, a museum containing a collection of 15th-17th century Buddha statues including the significant Golden Buddha.

Day 14 • Fly to Bangkok.Fly to Bangkok.

Day 15 • Bangkok city tour, including the Grand Palace and Bangkok-by-Night.

Day 16 • Departure from Bangkok.

INCLUSIONS

Accommodation
Internal transportation
Breakfasts and most dinners
Sightseeing and entrance fees
Tips for hotel, porters, drivers
Transfers (Land/Air)
Services of a Tour Leader

EXCLUSIONS

Lunches and some dinners
Drinks
Items of a personal nature
Air departure taxes/fuel surcharges
Visa fees (if applicable)
Transfers (if early/late)
Transfers (if Land Only)
Tour Leader gratuities

OUT FACTOR

Our relaxed, low-key brand of travel lends itself well to this region, where gay culture is not overt, with the obvious exception of Thailand. There are no exclusively gay venues in Vietnam, Laos or Cambodia, so this is not a trip for that kind of nightlife, though our local contacts and guides provide intriguing insights on this aspect of local life. Generally, most people region-wide are very friendly and easy to meet, and English is widely spoken.

We offer gay Hanoi tours, travel to Vietnam and Bangkok tours - contact today

TOUR CODE: OASE

NUMBER OF DAYS: 16

TOUR BEGINS/ENDS
Hanoi / Bangkok

TOUR DATES
01 Nov 2009 - 16 Nov 2009
07 Feb 2010 - 22 Feb 2010
07 Nov 2010 - 22 Nov 2010

LAND PRICING
3418 CAD Per Person, Twin Share
799 CAD Optional Single Supplement

Call or e-mail for airfare quotes from your city.

GROUP SIZE
Maximum 18 plus Tour Leader.

STAFF & SUPPORT
Tour Leader, driver(s), and local step-on guides at various locations.

ACCOMMODATION
Hotels are modern, comfortable, well-located, air-conditioned, 3/4 star properties with en suite bath/ toilet. Laundry facilities and safe deposit boxes are available in most hotels either free or for a nominal fee. Most rooms include hairdryers and irons, mini-bar fridge, TV. Most hotels provide complimentary purified drinking water. Some hotels have swimming pools. The Huong Hai junks are unique, replica ‘antique’ accommodations that are scrupulously clean, fully-crewed and comfortable. Our junks are large and luxurious boats with private bath, air-conditioning and fan, and plenty of deck space.

TRANSPORT & TRAVEL CONDITIONS
Land transport throughout will be by private air-conditioned bus. Most of the driving days are not long, usually no more than four hours, though road conditions are generally not great. Internal flights via scheduled regional carriers. The tour is not strenuous though it is busy; you must be steady on your feet and be able to endure some heat and long days. We have numerous walking tours and visit several sites that are large with steps and uneven surfaces. Porters are available at hotels but you must be able to manage with your baggage at airports.

WEATHER/SEASONALITY
Our tours in Southeast Asia operate during the cooler, drier time of year, Nov-Apr. That said, however, the entire region experiences a warm-hot tropical climate with humidity and a chance of rain showers at any time. Inland regions of Vietnam and Cambodia can experience extreme heat, especially Feb-Apr, when it is also very dry and landscapes are brown. Coastal regions—ie Central Vietnam—are cooled by sea breezes. Hanoi can be downright cold and damp, especially in Nov. Overall you should prepare for warm, sticky weather with the possibility of rain and some chilly nights/mornings in a few locales.

PLEASE NOTE

This itinerary is correct at time of publishing. For a more detailed itinerary, download a PDF here. We reserve the right to make changes as necessary due to reasons beyond our control. For booking terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Terms.

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