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2 Week
Conducted Tour
       
Laos & North Thailand

For only $2,995
per person twin share

Tour departs Australia July 29 and returns August 12, 2009
This tour represents incredible value as the low price covers all of the following: 
We will make every effort to match up single travellers wanting to travel at twin share rates. If you require a single room, there will be an additional charge of $425.

Tour Itinerary

Terms and Conditions

Booking Form

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   Itinerary for Laos & North Thailand  -  July 2009
Included meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L =Lunch, D = Dinner


28.07.09 Depart Brisbane at 11.55pm on TG 992, arriving in Bangkok at 6.10am the next morning.
29.07.09 Depart Sydney at 10.00am on TG 994, arriving in Bangkok at 4.25pm.
Depart Melbourne at 4.05pm on TG 992, arriving in Bangkok at 10.25pm.
All flights will be met at Bangkok Airport and transferred to the Manhattan Hotel, centrally situated in the Sukhumvit shopping and entertainment area and within easy walking distance to a Skyrail station and an underground station.
30.07.09
    (B)
 A morning optional tour to one of the seven wonders of the world, Bangkok's magnificent Grand Palace, Coronation Hall, Emerald Buddha and the replica of Angkor Wat. This is followed by a visit to the temple of the huge Reclining Buddha, with his massive mother-of-pearl feet.
Price $38.00
31.07.09
    (B)
 Optional full day tour to the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, including a long-tail boat trip through rural klongs. Next visit a Thai handicraft centre then onto the Rose Garden for their internationally famous culture show followed by a short elephant show.  A superb international buffet lunch is included.  Price $58.00
01.08.09
    (B/L)		 Bangkok - Ayuttaya - Phitsanalook
We travel to Ayuttaya, Thailand's former capital that was sacked by the Burmese in the 18th century. Here we visit Ayuttaya's World Heritage Historical Park with its extensive ruins. Then on to Lopburi for lunch, followed by a visit to the Monkey Temple where hundreds of monkeys run wild over the temple and the surrounding city. This is followed by a visit to an interesting museum situated in a former palace. We then travel to Phitsanalook for an overnight stay.
02.08.09
    (B/L)






 Phitsanalook - Sukothai - Lampang
First we visit Phitsanalook's local market to enjoy its sights, sounds and smells. Then to Sukothai, the ancient  capital with its UNESCO sponsored historical park of ancient ruins dating back to the 14th century.  Next we visit some ancient pottery kilns, which have been left in the same condition as they were when discovered and excavated by archaeologists. Then we have lunch at a rustic restaurant beside the River Si Sachinali. We then visit a modern temple known as "The Soldiers Temple" which is so breathtakingly beautiful that many regard it as being the most beautiful temple in the world.  We then drive to Lampang for an overnight stay.
03.08.09
   (B/L)




 Lampang - Chiang Rai
First we inspect Lampang's unique Burmese temple. Then we drive north to see the Pho Thai Caves.  Next we drive to Phayao to see Thailand's largest lake and have lunch at a lakeside restaurant.  We then drive though to Chiang Rai, staying at a beautiful garden hotel for 2 nights. Tonight there will be an optional 2 hour Thai massage at a reputable establishment in Chiang Rai city.  Price: $28.00 including transport
04.08.09
(B/L/D)


 Chiang Rai - Mekong
Today we have a coach tour of the beautiful Golden Triangle area. Our first stop is the Thailand/Laos border crossing at the mighty Mekong River. You cross the Mekong River by boat to HoueiSay in Laos. After completing the 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 downriver you will stop at some tribal villages such as the Hmong, Yao and Khmu. En route lunch on board, continue to sail downstream the Mekong River to Pakbeng. Arrive Pakbeng by late afternoon. Dinner & accommodation in Pakbeng. 
05.08.09
(B/L/D)




 Pakbeng - Luang Prabang
Breakfast at hotel. At 8am 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 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, and transfer to your hotel. Lunch & dinner at local restaurants. Accommodation in Luang Prabang. 
06.08.09
(B/L/D)



 Luang Prabang - City Tour
Breakfast at hotel. We are exploring this charming city of UNESCO world heritage site The 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 formerly 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 artefacts 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 & dinner will be in local restaurants. Accommodation in Luang Prabang.
07.08.09
(B/L/D)



 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 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 saltpepper 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 unspolit forest and drive to the wish of beautiful Khuangsi waterfall, where you can splash around in the pools or walk along the forest paths. We return to Luang Prabang in the late afternoon.
Lunch will be at a local restaurant. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.  
08.08.09
(B)		 Luang Prabang
Day at leisure. Overnight in Luang Prabang. 
09.08.09
(B/L/D)		 Luang Prabang - Vientiane
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning you can enjoy some free time at leisure until being transferred to the airport for the flight to Vientiane. 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 obviously 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 and dinner will be at local restaurants. Accommodation in Vientiane.
10.08.09
(B/L/D)		 Vientiane
Breakfast at the hotel. Afterwards we head out of the city and make our way to Nam Ngum about 70km's south of Vientiane. The Num Ngum Dam is a huge reservoir created by damming the Nam Ngum River. There is a 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 boatto 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 Vientiane later in the afternoon. Picnic lunch by the lake.
Dinner and accommodation in Vientiane. 
11.08.09
(B)
 Morning free in Vientiane. Transfer to Vientiane airport, departing at 1:50pm on TG 691, arriving in Bangkok at 2:55pm.
Brisbane and Melbourne passengers will be transferred to the Manhattan Hotel for an overnight stay.
Sydney passengers depart Bangkok at 7:15pm on TG 993, arriving in Sydney at 7:15am the next morning (12.08.09)
12.08.09
(B)
 Brisbane & Melbourne passengers are transferred back to Bangkok Airport.
Brisbane passengers depart at 8:00am on TG 991, arriving in Brisbane at 10:45pm.
Melbourne passengers depart Bangkok at 8:10am, arriving in Melbourne at 8:00pm.
The extra cost for Brisbane and Melbourne passengers for overnight accommodation with breakfast & return airport transfers is $75 per person twin share or $110 single room.
Note:

 As the Brisbane flight goes via Sydney, Sydney passengers can also have the Bangkok stayover if they wish.
Also Note:
 Airport taxes and levies at present total an additional amount of approximately $480. We have no control over this price and it is subject to change.
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Conditions for Macleay Valley Travel's Laos & North Thailand 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 required for Laos by Australian passport holders.  Visas can be obtained upon arrival at the Lao border.  Two colour photos, passport  & US$30 are required. (Please note that prices are subject to change)

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), etc. Also travel insurance and airport taxes and levies.These taxes and levies must now be paid with your ticket, and comes to $480 at present.
****Please note that these taxes are subject to change.****

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.

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.

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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