This tour represents good value as the price includes all of the following: 

• Return air fares from Sydney and Brisbane into Chiang Mai and out of Phnom Penh with China Airlines, plus two other flights within South East Asia. 

• A two day stopover in Taiwan. 

• A five day tour of the Golden Triangle area.

• A six 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 six 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.
  

• Entrance fees to many attractions. 

• Services of local tour guides and an Australian tour leader.

The needs of single travellers can usually be met by our supplying them with someone to twin-share with. If you prefer a single room, there is an extra charge of $775.

Tour Itinerary

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	Itinerary for Laos, Cambodia & the Golden Triangle Tour - March
Note:	Meals are included in the itinerary as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
13.10.09	Depart Brisbane at 10.35am on CI 54, arriving in Taipei at 5.45pm. Transfer to the Golden China Hotel in central Taipei for a 2 night stay.
14.10.09 (B/L - Brisbane passengers only)	Brisbane passengers do a Taipei city tour. Visit the National Palace Museum, Martyr's Shrine, Chiang Kai Shek Memorial & Lungsher Temple. Sydney passengers depart Sydney at 1.05pm on CI 52, arriving in Taipei at 7.35pm. Transfer to the Golden China Hotel for your overnight stay.
15.10.09 (B)	Taipei - Chiang Mai All passengers are transferred to Taipei airport, departing at 9.55am on CI 851, arriving in Chiang Mai at 12.55pm. Transfer to your hotel situated in the centre of Chiang Mai's famous night market area. Accommodation:  Centara Duangatwan Hotel.
16.10.09 (B/L)	Chiang Mai Today we visit Chiang Mai's famous handicraft village where we see the manufacture of paper umbrellas, Thai jewelery, Thai silk & wood carving and furniture. Accommodation: Centara Duangatwan Hotel.
17.10.09 (B/L)	Chiang Mai Today we visit Chiang Mai's magnificent mountain top temple with great views back over Chiang Mai. We then visit an orchid farm where we have lunch. Accommodation: Centara Duangatwan Hotel.
18.10.09 (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.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 Chiang Rai, staying at The Rimkok Resort Hotel on the bank of the river with extensive and beautiful grounds. Accommodation:  The Rimkok Resort Hotel.
19.10.09 (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 of 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. Accommodation:  The Rimkok Resort Hotel.
20.10.09 (B/L/D)	Chiang Rai - HoueiSay - Pakbeng This morning early departure from our Chiang Rai hotel for a beautiful drive through 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 Laos is one of Asia's most unvisited, unchanged countries. This once-powerful kingdom known as Lane Xang (Million Elephants) was founded in the 14th century with the help of the Khmers, and it went on to become one of the largest kingdoms in South-east Asia until its demise in the late 19th century. Bisected and bordered by the Mekong River, omnipresent symbol of Indochina, Laos today is an amalgam of cultural influences; Theravada Buddhism, animism, France and the socialist ideal. It is a peaceful place, and the legendary hospitality, resilience and friendliness of the Lao people is much in evidence. Laos is Old Asia preserved. As you journey down river 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 at hotel.
21.10.09 (B/L)	Pakbeng - Luang Prabang Breakfast at hotel. At 8.00am we are heading sail downriver, you will pass areas of un-spoilt forest with little villages along the river banks and perhaps the odd elephant or two with his mahout. You visit a fishing village and a rice wine making village and perhaps even taste some of the infamous beverage known as Lao wine. You also visit the 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 take a stroll around this enchanting little town. En route lunch on board, arrive in Luang Prabang by late evening around sunset and transfer to your hotel. This evening you can take a stroll around this enchanting little town.
22.10.09 (B/L)	Luang Prabang - City Tours Breakfast at hotel. We are exploring this charming city of UNESCO world heritage site. Luang Prabang is a small, dream-like town on the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers, in a beautiful mountain setting. From 1353 until 1545 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 temples and sites in what is called one of the last Shangri-La's of South-east Asia. You will visit Wat Xiang Thong, the most important Buddhist monastery in the country, Wat Khili and Wat Mai. Later, 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 climb the nearby temple-topped hill of Phousi where you will catch a lovely view out over the town and the river. Lunch in local restaurant. Optional: You may request a Lao traditional dance show performance this evening.
23.10.09 (B/L)	Luang Prabang - Khouangsi Waterfall Breakfast at hotel. Optional: This morning 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, including the ubiquitous sticky rice. From there you will visit the morning Dala Market where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and salt pepper 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 village of Ban Phanom and continue your destination at the most beautiful fall in Luang Prabang with compound by prosperous unspoiled forest and drive to the wish of beautiful Khuangsi waterfall where you can splash around in the pools or walk along the forest paths. Late afternoon return to Luang Prabang. Lunch in local restaurant.
24.10.09 (B/L)	Luang Prabang - Vientiane-City Tour Breakfast at hotel. This morning enjoy some free time at leisure until transfer to airport for flight to Vientiane by QV102 at 12.40pm, arriving at 1.20pm. On arrival at the Vientiane Capital, you will be met and transferred to your centrally located hotel. Vientiane 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. En route to Lao's national precious heritage, the famous and sacred structure of 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 Local Restaurant.
25.10.09 (B/L)	Vientiane  Breakfast at hotel. After breakfast we head out of the city, we make our way to Nam Ngum by 70km 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 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.13th north, along the way; we visit Phone Hong district, the local market at KM 52 and other traditional villages. Arrive in Vientiane later afternoon. Picnic lunch at the lake.
26.10.09 (B/D)	Vientiane-Siem Reap Breakfast at hotel, then early transfer to Vientiane Airport, departing on flight QV 512 at 6.30am. Arrive at Siem Reap International Airport at 9.00am, meet English speaking guide and then transfer to hotel to check in.  Free time at leisure. Lunch own arrangements. In the afternoon visit the famous Angkor Wat Temple and sunset view from the top of Phnom Bahkeng Hill. Western Dinner at Hotel. Accommodation: Apsara Holiday Boutique Hotel.
27.10.09 (B/D)	Siem Reap Before breakfast we have a hot-air balloon ride to see the spectacular sights of sunrise over Angkor Wat. We then come back for breakfast at hotel. At 8.30am we take an Elephants Ride from the South Gate of Angkor Thom to Bayon Temple and then start to visit Bayon, Baphuon, Phimean Akas, Elephants and Leper King Terraces. Lunch own arrangement. This afternoon visit Ta Prohm and Preah Khan Temple. Buffet dinner at city restaurant with Cambodian Dance show. Accommodation: Apsara Holiday-Boutique Hotel.
28.10.09 (B/D)	Siem Reap Breakfast at hotel. Today visit Banteay Srey Temple and Banteay Samre Temples. Lunch own arrangement. This afternoon visit Tonle Sap Lake and Floating village. Enjoy a foot massage for 1 hour in the city. Western dinner at hotel. Accommodation:  Apsara Holiday-Boutique Hotel.
29.10.09 (B/D)	Siem Reap-Phnom Penh Breakfast at hotel. At 8.00am you drive to Phnom Penh with local guide and visit an interesting village. En route to see the Kompong Kdei ancient Bridge, established in 12th century. Lunch own arrangement. This afternoon drive to Phnom Penh. Check in hotel. Then visit Wat Phnom and a sunset cruise on the Mekong River for 1 hour. Buffet dinner at Tonle basac restaurant in the city. Accommodation:  Juliana Hotel.
30.10.09 (B)	Phnom Penh Breakfast at hotel. Today visit the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum and Weaving Village at Kean Svay district. Lunch at own arrangement. In the evening visit Toul Sleng Museum. Accommodation:  Juliana Hotel.
31.10.09 (B/D)	Phnom Penh - Taipei Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Phnom Penh Airport. Departing at 11.00am on CI 862, arriving in Taipei at 3.20pm. All passengers will be transferred to Taipei city for a farewell dinner.Sydney passengers will check into the Golden China Hotel for 2 nights  Brisbane passengers will be transferred back to Taipei airport. Departing at 10.20pm on CI 53, arriving in Brisbane at 8.55am the next morning (01.11.09).
01.11.09 (B/L)	Taipei Sydney passengers will have a Taipei city tour. Visit the National Palace Museum, Martyr's Shrine, Chiang Kai Shek Memorial & Lungsher Temple.
02.11.09	Taipei - Sydney Transfer to Taipei airport, departing at 8.45am on CI 55, arriving in Sydney at 8.55pm. Note: As the Brisbane passengers have one night less in Taipei they will receive a discount of $45.00 per person twin share or $80.00 single room.

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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.. Visas are not required for Taipei if travelling on an Australian passport.  A Cambodian visa is required prior to departing and the cost at present is $45.00 and we charge a $30.00 processing fee.  A visa is required for Laos by Australian passport holders also.  Laos visas can be obtained upon arrival at the Lao border.  Two colour passport photos, passport and US$30.00 are required.  (Please note that prices are subject to change).  Non-Australian passport holders require a re-entry visa for Australia.
Basic Tour Price and Taxes -  Air taxes and fuel levies are included in the basic tour price, therefore, as air taxes and fuel surcharges change regularly the exact amount will be advised at time of final payment. Total tour cost may therefore change by a small amount.
Not  Included in the Cost - All items of a personal nature such as telephone calls, drinks, excess baggage, tips, meals, (except those specified in the itinerary), travel insurance etc.
Booking through other Agents - As we keep the cost of out 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 Affiars (fair trading) department.
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. 
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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