This tour represents
good value as the price includes all of the following:
- Return
air fares from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane into Chiang Mai and out
of Phnom Penh with Singapore Airlines, plus two other flights within
South East Asia.
- A two day stopover in Singapore.
- A three day tour of the Golden Triangle area.
- A seven day coach, air and boat tour of Laos, including two
days cruising the mighty Mekong River and three days in the wonderful
world heritage town of Luang Prabang.
- A five
day tour of Cambodia, including
three days inspecting the wonderful, historic area of Angkor Wat.
- Good accommodation, mainly three to four star.
- All transport and transfers.
- A balloon ride over Angkor Wat at sunrise.
- Entrance fees to many attractions.
- Services of local tour guides and if there are 12 or more
participants there will be an Australian tour leader.
The needs of single travellers can usually be met by our supplying
them with someone to twin-share with, but this is not guaranteed. If
you prefer a single room,
there is an extra charge of $685.
Tour Itinerary
Terms and Conditions
Booking Form
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Itinerary
for Laos Cambodia and the Golden Triangle |
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Included meals are indicated as B =
Breakfast, L =Lunch, D = Dinner |
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| 10.11.10 |
Australia -
Singapore
Depart Sydney at 9.35am on SQ 220, arriving in Singapore at 2.45pm.
Depart Brisbane at 9.30am on SQ256, arriving in Singapore at 3.15pm.
Depart Melbourne at 11.20am on SQ238, arriving in Singapore at 3.55pm.
You will be met and transferred to the Peninsular Excelsior hotel
in
central Singapore for a two night stay. While in Singapore the
following are included.
*50% discount on the a-la-carte menu (food only) at the designated food
outlet in the passengers hotel.
*Airport-hotel-airport transfers on seat-in-coach basis.
*Free admission to 6 attractions; Sentosa Island Resort, National
Orchid Garden, Singapore River Cruise, Jurong Bird Park, The Singapore
Zoo, Malay Heritage Centre.
*Discounts on shopping, dinning, sightseeing tours and attractions as
listed in SIA Boarding Pass Privileges program.
Accommodation: Peninsular Excelsior Hotel. |
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| 11.11.10 |
Singapore
Free day in
Singapore. |
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12.11.10
(L) |
Singapore - Chiang
Mai
Transfer to Singapore airport departing at 8.50am on MI 702, arriving
in Chiang Mai at 10.45am. You will be met at the airport by your Thai
Guide and you will have a tour of Chiang Mai's famous handicraft
factories and have lunch before checking into the Centara Duangatwan
Hotel, situated in the centre of Chiang Mai's famous night market.
Accommodation: Centara Duangatwan Hotel. |
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13.11.10
(B,L) |
Chiang Mai -
Chiang Rai
Breakfast at hotel. Today we head north for a beautiful scenic drive to
Chiang Rai, our first stop is at an elephant camp to a display of the
elephants at work. Here you can have the option of having a short
elephant ride in the jungle. (Cost not included).
We next travel through the main hill-tribe area of Thailand and stop
and visit an Aka village. This is followed by a visit to a large hot
spring. We then proceed to Chinag Rai, staying at the Rimcock Resort
Hotel on the banks of the river with extensive and beautiful grounds.
Accommodation; The Rimcock Resort Hotel. |
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14.11.10
(B,L) |
Chiang Rai
This morning we visit the Queen Mother's beautiful gardens outside of
Chiang Rai. This is followed by a visit to Wat Rong Khun. This white
temple is unlike any of the other temples in Thailand. It is a modern
masterpiece built by Chalermchai Kositpipat, a popular artist who
dedicated 10 years of his life to this grand project, in the name of
Buddha. It is a modern project built almost entirely out of white
materials and decorated with small pieces of mirrored glass that make
it glitter, especially during the night. |
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15.11.10
(B,L,D)
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Chiang
Rai - HoueiSay - Pakbeng
This morning early departure from our Chiang Rai Hotel for a beautiful
drive thorugh the Golden Triangle area to the Mekong River, which we
cross by boat to enter Laos. After completing border formalities, you
board the Private Traditional
Slow Boat ready for the trip downriver. Serene, timeless Loas is one of
Asia's most unvisited, unchanged countries. Bisecting and
bordered by the Mekong River, omnipresent symbol
of Indochina, Laos today is a n amalgam of cultural influences;
Theravada Buddhism, animism, France and the socialist ideal. It is a
peacful place, and the legendary hospitality, resilience and
friendliness of the Lao people is much in evidence. Laos is Old Asia
preserved. As you journey downriver you will stop at some tribal
villages such as the Hmong, Yao and Khmu. En route lunch on board,
continue to sail down stream the Mekong River to Pakbeng, arrive
Pakbeng by late afternoon. Dinner and overnight at your hotel in
Pakbeng. |
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16.11.10
(B,L)
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Pakbeng
- Luang Prabang
After enjoying breakfast in the hotel overlooking the Mekong, we
continue our river journey downstream, you will pass areas of unspoilt
forest with little villages along the river banks and perhaps the odd
elephant or two with his mahout. You visit a fishing village and rice
wine making village with an opportunity to sample some local
speciality. A delicious lunch is again served on board, and upon
nearing Luang Prabang we also stop to visit the famous Pak-Ou caves
with their thousands of Buddha statues. You arrive in Luang Prabang
around sunset and transfer to your hotel.
This evening you can visit the night bazaar market and take a stroll
around this enchanting little town.
Overnight in Luang Parbang |
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17.11.10
(B,L)
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Luang
Prabang - City Tours
Today you will enjoy a guided tour exploring this charming city that is
today a UNESCO world heritage site. Luang Prabang is idyically situated
where the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers converge, surrounded by mountains.
From 1353 until1545 it was the capital of Lane Xang before power was
transferred to Vientiane. Despite the move Luang Prabang remained the
seat of monarchical power, and when the kingdom broke up in 1694, one
of the deceased king's grandsons established a rival kingdom to those
in Vientiane and Champassak. Though weakened, the Luang Prabang royalty
endured until 1975, when after the reign of 63 kings it was formally
dissolved. You spend the day exploring the temple and sites in what is
called one of the last Shangri-La's of Southeast Asia. Your city tour
takes in some of this history, visiting Wat Xiang Thong, the most
important Buddhist monastery in the country, Wat Khili and Wat Mai.
Lunch is at a local restaurant.
Later we visit the former Royal Palace, now a National Museum where you
will find ornate, gilded and brocaded reception rooms, as well as
Buddha and spectacular artifacts including the Pra Bang, a large holy
image, which was given in the 14th century by the Khmers to King Fa
Ngum. At sunset we climb the nearby temple-topped hill of Phousi where
you will catch a lovely view out over the town and the river. Dinner is
at a local restaurant. Optional; you may request a Lao traditional
dance show performance this evening.
Overnight Luang Prabang. |
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18.11.10
(B,L)
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Luang
Prabang - Khouangsi Waterfalls
As an early morning option you may want to rise early and participate
in the daily early morning ritual of saffron-clad monks with
their black alms bowls being given offerings from the local people,
from there you will visit the morning Dala Market where you will see
such diverse products as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter
among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings. Laos is also
known for its traditional crafts, and today you will visit the pottery
villages of Ban Chane, Ban Xom and Ban Thapene and the weaving villages
of Ban Phanom on the way to the most beautiful waterfall in Luang
Prabang, Khouangsi. Here you can go for a dip in the pools or walk
along the forest paths surrounding the waterfall. Lunch at local
restaurant
By late afternoon we return to Luang Prabang
Overnight in Luang Prabang. |
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19.11.10
(B,L)
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Luang
Prabang - Vientiane
Breakfast at hotel this morning enjoy some free time at leisure until
transfer to airport for flight to Vientiane by QV112 at 2.40pm,
arriving at 3.20pm. On arrival at the Vietiane Capital, you will be met
and transferred to your centrally located hotel. Vietiane is a
charming and fascinating capital, with an interesting mix of Lao, Thai,
Chinese, Vietnamese, French and American influences. After a short
rest, we start visiting the major sights of the capital; including the
Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple with thousands of miniature Buddha
statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously
housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. Enroute to Lao's national
precious heritage, the famous and sacred structure That Luang Stupa,
you will have the opportunity to take some pictures of the imposing
Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane's own Arc de Triump.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Overnight in Vientiane. |
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20.11.10
(B,L)
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Vientiane
- Nam Ngum Lake
Breakfast at hotel, After breakfast we head out of the city, we make
our way to Nam Ngum by 70kms south of Vientiane, the Num Ngum Dam is a
huge reservoir created by damming the Nam Ngum River, with stopover at
Ban Keun, which is famous for its traditional salt extraction. Arrival
at the dam at noon, picnic lunch by the lake. In the afternoon we
embark on a local slow boat to explore Nam Ngum reservoir and some
beautiful islets and lifestyle of fish man people.Afterward drive back
to Vientiane by the national road No. 14th north, along the way we
visit Phone Hong district, the local market at KM52 and other
traditional villages. Arrive Vientiane later afternoon.
Overnight in Vientiane |
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21.11.10
(B,D)
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Vientiane
- Siem Reap
Breakfast at hotel, then early transfer to Vientiane airport for flight
QV516 at 8.30am Arrive Siem Reap international airport at 10.10am, meet
your English speaking guide and then transfer to your hotel for
check-in. Free time at leisure. In the afternoon visit the famous
Angkor Wat temple and sunset views from the top of Phnom Bahkeng Hill.
Western dinner at the hotel.
Accommodation; Apsara Holiday Boutique Hotel. |
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22.11.10
(B,D)
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Siem
Reap
Before breakfast we have a hot-air balloon ride to see the spectacular
sights of the sunrise over Angkor Wat. The balloon is tethered to
the one spot so it is a "straight up and down" ride. We then come back
for
breakfast at the hotel then start to visit
Bayon, Baphuon, Phimean Akas, Elephants and Leper King Terraces.
In the afternoon visit Ta Prohm and Preah Khan Temple. Buffet dinner at
a city restaurant with Cambodian dance show.
Accommodation Apsara Holiday Boutique Hotel. |
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23.11.10
(B,D)
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Siem
Reap
Breakfast at the hotel. Today visit Banteay Srey Temple and Banteay
Samre Temples This afternoon visit Tonle Sap Lake and floating village.
Enjoy a massage for 1 hour in the city. Western dinner at the hotel.
Accommodation Apsara Holiday Boutique Hotel. |
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24.11.10
(B,D)
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Siem
Reap - Phnom Penh
Breakfast to the hotel. At 8.00am you drive to Phnom Penh with a local
guide and visit an interesting village. En route to see the Kompong
Kdei ancient bridge, established in 12th century. This afternoon
drive to
Phnom Penh. Check into your hotel. Then visit Wat Phnom and a sunset
cruise on the Mekong River for 1 hour. Buffet diner at Tonle basac
restaurant in the city.
Accommodation: Juliana Hotel. |
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25.11.10
(B)
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Phnom
Penh
Breakfast at the hotel. Today visit the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda,
Natinal Museum and Weaving Village at Kean Svay district.
Accommodation; Juliana Hotel. |
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26.11.10
(B,L)
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Phnom
Penh - Singapore
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning at leisure. In the afternoon visit
Toule Sleng Museum.
Transfer to Phnom Pehn international airport. Depart Phnom Penh at
6.10pm on MI 607, arriving in Singapore at 9.10pm.
Melbourne passengers depart Singapore at 11.35pm on SQ237, arriving in
Melbourne at 10.05am the next morning (27.11.10) |
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27.11.10
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Brisbane passengers depart Singapore at
12.10am on SQ255, arriving in Brisbane at 9.50am.
Sydney passengers depart Singapore at 12.30am on SQ231, arriving in
Sydney at 11.10am. |
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Conditions
for Macleay Valley
Travel's Laos, Cambodia and the Golden Triangle tour.
Deposits and Payments - A non-refundable deposit of
$200.00 per person is payable within 7 days
of booking. This deposit is not refundable should you later cancel. The
balance is payable in full 8 weeks prior to departure.
Refunds and
Cancellations - Cancellations
after final
payment will result in a refund limited to whatever we can recoup from
the airline.
Insurance - Adequate
travel insurance is essential. We can arrange this for you if desired.
Passports - All
travellers require a current passport with at least 6 months left
on it at the end of the tour. Non-Australian passport holders require a
re-entry visa for Australia.
Visas are not required for Thailand if travelling on an
Australian
passport. Visas are required for all Australian passport holders to
Cambodia.
Laos and Cambodia
visas can be
obtained upon arrival at the borders. Two colour passport
photos, passport and US$30.00 are required for each. (Please note
that
prices are subject to change).
Basic Tour Price and Taxes -Air
taxes and fuel levies are included in the basic tour price, and as air
taxes and fuel levies change regularly the
exact amount will be advised at time of invoicing. At present air taxes
and fuel levies come to $385 for the standard tour. Total tour cost
may therefore change.
Breakaway Fee
All fully inclusive prices are based on group travel and
any deviation from the set itinerary will incur a
breakaway fee.
Not Included in the
Cost - Travel insurance, visas and all
items of a personal nature such as telephone calls, drinks, excess
baggage, tips, meals (except those specified in the itinerary), etc.
are not included in the cost.
Similarly, credit card payments can only be accepted if 2% is
added to
the price to help defray the heavy merchant fees charged to us by the
credit card companies.
Booking through other
Agents
- As we keep the cost of our tours as low as possible, there is
insufficient margin for us to be able to pay commission to other travel
agents, so some bookings can only be accepted if the client pays the
other agent's commission.
Macleay Valley Travel is a fully licensed travel agent and as
such any
monies paid to us are fully insured by the Travel Compensation Fund. We
are happy for any prospective traveller with us to check us out with
your local Consumer Affairs (fair trading) department.
Health and Fitness - Macleay
Valley Travel recommends that the passenger is
reasonably healthy and/or fit to participate in this tour.
Persons with a disability requiring special assistance must be
accompanied by a companion. Macleay Valley Travel and their
representatives cannot provide this service. Macleay Valley
Travel reserves the right to accept/decline or terminate a passenger's
participation in the tour under certain circumstances.
Limitation of
Liability - As
Macleay Valley Travel acts only as agent for the Airlines, Hotels,
Coach Companies etc., providing accommodation, transportation and other
services, Macleay Valley Travel shall not be liable or responsible for
death or injury to any person or loss or damage to any property
including baggage arising out of or connection with any transportation,
accommodation or other services, or resulting directly or indirectly
from acts of God, fire, breakdown in machinery or equipment, acts of
Government or other authorities, de jure or defacto wars, whether
declared or not, hostilities, civil disturbances, strikes, riots,
thefts, epidemics, quarantines, medical or customs regulations, delays
or cancellations caused by changes in schedules or itinerary, or over
bookings or defaults or for any causes beyond Macleay Valley Travel's
control or any loss or damage resulting from improper or insufficient
passports, visas or other documents and neither Macleay Valley Travel,
and its servants or employees shall be or become liable or
responsible for any additional expenses or liability sustained or
incurred by the tour member as a result of the foregoing causes.
Macleay Valley Travel reserves the right to modify the itinerary
or the
accommodation if circumstances make this necessary, provided that the
amended itinerary is of equal value or greater value than that of the
original program.
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