This tour represents incredible value as the low price covers all of the following: 

• Return Air fares from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to Bangkok and a flight from Vientiane to Bangkok with Thai International plus a flight within Laos.   

• A four day coach tour into North Thailand and the Golden Triangle. 

• A seven day boat, coach and air tour of Laos, including two days cruising the mighty Mekong River and three days in the wonderful world heritage town of Luang Prabang.  

• Two days in Bangkok, one of the most exciting cities in the world, with fabulous shopping, food and entertainment.   

• All transport and transfers. 

• Entrance fees to many attractions. 

• Most meals.

• Good accommodation, mainly three star.

• Service of Thai and Laotian tour guides and an Australian tour leader.

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

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	Itinerary for Laos & North Thailand - September 2010
Note:	Full breakfast is included daily plus the other meals indicated in the itinerary.
08.09.10	Depart Sydney at 10.00am on TG 456, arriving in Bangkok at 4.25pm. Depart Brisbane at 2:20pm on TG 474, arriving in Bangkok at 8:40pm. Depart Melbourne at 4.05pm on TG 466, 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.
09.09.10	Morning optional tour to see Bangkok's beautiful flower market, followed by a boat tour of Bangkok's klongs (canals) and the busy Chao Phya River. See the Royal Barges and the spectacular Temple of Dawn. This is followed by a visit to a jewellery manufacturer.  Price $35.00 In the evening, there is an optional tour to a Thai banquet with a magnificent presentation of classical Thai dancing.  Price $40.00
10.09.10	A morning 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
11.09.10 (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.
12.09.10 (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.
13.09.10 (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. Tonight there will be an optional 2 hour Thai massage at a reputable establishment in Chiang Rai city.  Price: $30.00 including transport
14.09.10 (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 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 to become one of the largest kingdoms in Southeast 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 down stream the Mekong River to Pakbeng, arrive Pakbeng by late afternoon. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Pakbeng.
15.09.10 (B/L)	Pakbeng - Luang Prabang After enjoying breakfast in the hotel overlooking the Mekong, we continue our river journey downstream, 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 with an opportunity to sample some of the local specialty. 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. Lunch on board. Over night Luang Prabang.
16.09.10 (B/L)	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 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 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 served in 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. We also visit the Arts and Ethnology Centre, displaying the rich ethnic mix in Laos. At sunset we climb the nearby temple-topped hillof Phousi, where you will catch a lovely view out over the town and the river. Optional: You may request a Lao traditional dance show performance this evening( at an additional cost).
17.09.10 (B/L)	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 Phosi 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 Ock Pop Tok, for a guided tour to learn about silk weaving process, the pottery villages of Ban Chane, Ban Xom and Ban Thapene 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 a local restaurant. By late afternoon we return to Luang Prabang.
18.09.10 (B)	Day at Leisure in Luang Prabang.
19.09.10 (B/L)	Luang Prabang_ Vientiane Breakfast at hotel this morning enjoy some free time at leisure until transfer to the airport for flight to Vientiane by QV 102 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 Sisakett, the oldest temple with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed 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 Triumphe. Lunch at local restaurant. Overnight in Vientiane.
20.09.10 (B/L)	Vientiane - Nam Ngum Lake 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 national road  No.13th north, along the way; we visit Phone Hong district, the local market at KM52 and other traditional villages. Arrive in Vientiane late afternoon. Overnight in Vientiane.
21.09.10 (B/L)	Breakfast at hotel, a relaxing last day and a mid morning start ensures a visit to the excellent COPE exhibition centre, highlighting a much overlooked aspect of Laos and a major problem many local people face on a day to day basis in the form of unexploded ordnance as a result of heavy bombing campaigns during the Vietnam War era. Following lunch we then visit the quirky yet impressive  Buddha Park, an enchanting collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures on the Mekong Riverside meadow. They were created by a mysterious monk spreading his philosophy on life and revealing his ideas about the universe. Upon returning to Vientiane city we have the opportunity to stop at Wat Simuang, before enjoying a farewell drink(not included) by the Mekong River to admire the sunset. Transfer to the airport for your evening flight to Bangkok. Depart Vientiane at 9.45pm  on TG575, arriving in Bangkok at 10.50pm. Sydney passengers depart Bangkok at 11.59pm on TG457 arriving in Sydney at 12.00 midday  (22.09.10). Brisbane passengers depart Bangkok at 11.59pm on TG473, arriving in Brisbane at 12.05pm.(22.09.10)
22.09.10	Melbourne passengers depart at 12.15am on TG465 arriving in Melbourne at 12.05pm.

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)
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.Taxes are currently $385 per person. 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. 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.
Breakaway Fee
All fully inclusive prices are based on group travel and any deviation from the set itinerary will incur a breakaway fee.
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 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.
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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