|
Itinerary
for Laos, North Vietnam, Golden Triangle Tour - August 2012
|
|
|
|
Included
meals are indicated as B =
Breakfast, L =Lunch, D = Dinner |
|
|
| 21.08.12 |
Australia - Singapore
Depart Melbourne at 10.00am on SQ 238, arriving in Singapore at 4.10pm.
Depart Sydney at 11.15am on SQ 232, arriving in Singapore at 5.40pm.
Depart Brisbane at 2.40pm on SQ 236, arriving in Singapore at 8.50pm.
All passengers will be transferred to the Changi Village Hotel (or
equivalent) for an overnight stay. |
|
|
22.08.12
(L) |
Singapore - Chiang Mai
Transfer back to Singapore airport, departing at 8.50am on Silk Air
flight MI 702, arriving in Chiang Mai at 10.45am. This morning there
will be an inspection of Chiang Mai's famous
handicraft village,
where you will see the manufacturing of Thai jewellery, paper
umbrellas, Thai silk, woodcarving and furniture etc. After lunch we
visit Chiang Mai's Spectacular Mountain Top Temple, with wonderful
views over Chiang Mai.
Accommodation: Centara Duangtawan Hotel |
|
|
23.08.12
(B/L) |
Chiang Mai
Today we drive out to the rural areas to see a wonderful display of
elephants at work. We then visit an outstanding orchid nursery where we
have lunch.
Afternoon is at leisure in Chiang Mai.
Accommodation: Centara Duangtawan Hotel |
|
|
24.08.12
(B/L) |
Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai
Breakfast at the hotel. Today we head north for a beautiful scenic
drive to Chiang Rai. We travel through the main hill-tribe area of
Thailand and stop and visit an Aka village. We then proceed to Chiang
Rai, staying at the Wiang Inn. In the evening visit Chiang Rai's
interesting night market, a short walk from our hotel.
Accommodation: Wiang Inn |
|
|
25.08.12
(B/L) |
Chiang Rai
This morning we visit the Queen Mother's lovely gardens. 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 his grand project, in the name of Buddha. It is a modern
temple almost entirely made out of white materials and
decorated
with small
pieces of mirrored glass that make it glitter, especially during the
night. The afternoon is free to enjoy the facilities at our
lovely hotel.
Accommodation: Wiang Inn |
|
|
26.08.12
(B/L)
|
Golden Triangle
This morning there will
be a scenic drive into the
famous Golden Triangle area where the borders of Thailand, Burma
&
Laos come together. We have a short boat ride on the Mekong River. We
then take a coach up a large hill to see a great view into Thailand,
Burma & Laos. After this we visit the interesting opium museum.
After lunch beside the Mekong River we visit the Chiang Saen Historical
Area. Chiang Saen was the first capital of the Thai people and was one
of the oldest settlements in the kingdom of Thailand. There are many
important temples & chedis in Chiang Saen, most dating back to
the
13th & 14th centuries. We will also visit the Chiang Saen
National
Museum with a magnificent collection of ancient artifacts recovered
from archaeological sites in Chiang Saen and other nearby areas. There
is also an annex containing information regarding the way of life,
religion & beliefs of the people of this era. We check into the
lovely Imperial Golden Triangle Hotel situated across the road from the
Mekong River. In the evening there is a good opportunity to enjoy
promenading along the walkway beside the Mekong River with numerous
market type stalls and restaurants.
Accommodation: Imperial Golden Triangle Hotel |
|
|
27.08.12
(B/L/D) |
Golden Triangle -
HoueiSay - Pakbeng
This morning we are transferred to the Thailand/Laos border crossing.
After immigration, you cross the Mekong River to Huay Xai in Laos where
your Lao guide will be waiting for you at the immigration point. After
completing border formalities, you will board your comfortable private
traditional boat for the trip down the Mekong River. The scenery along
this part of the Mekong is arguably at its most beautiful. Visit
Nokhom, a Hmong village and Ban Kon Toum, a Thai Lu weaving village.
Upon arrival in Pakbeng, you will be transferred to your hotel where
you have the rest of the day at leisure.
Accommodation: Phetsokxai
|
|
|
28.08.12
(B/L) |
Pakbeng - Pak Ou Caves -
Luang Prabang
Full breakfast at hotel. At 9.00am we depart by our private
boat
to Luang Prabang. En Route we make a stop at Ban Thon, a Khmu village,
where depending on the season you may see the locals panning for gold,
basket making and some blacksmiths at work. Following lunch on board
we have time to visit the sacred Pak Ou Caves crammed with thousands of
Buddha images and then continue our cruise down to Luang Prabang
arriving there by late afternoon.
Accommodation: Mekong Riverside |
|
|
29.08.12
(B/L) |
Luang Prabang
After breakfast we visit the Royal
Palace museum, which hosts a range of interesting artifacts. We then
begin our temple tour taking in some of the cities most beautiful,
including the magnificent Wat Xiengthong, with its roofs sweeping low
to the ground, representing the classical Luang Prabang style, as well
as Wat Mai and Wat Visoun, known as 'The Water Melon Stupa' due to its
shape.
In the afternoon we visit the excellent Arts and Ethnology Centre which
gives us a further insight into the ethnic mix and cultures of Laos. We
then visit the weaving and textiles villages of Ban Xangkhong and Ban
Xienglek. Our final stop of the day is a climb up Mt Phousi, which
offers
a spectacular sunset and a panoramic view over Luang Prabang and the
Mekong River.
Accommodation: Mekong Riverside |
|
|
30.08.12
(B/L) |
Luang Prabang - Kuang Si
Waterfall
An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to
participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks
collecting offerings of Alms (ubiquitous sticky rice) from the faithful
residents. This procession is very unique in Laos, being the only
Buddhist nation still preserving the tradition. Afterwards, we have the
option of visiting the local morning market, before returning to the
hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast, we visit the local Phosi Market, where all
the
locals shop and your guide will show you the diverse
offerings on display. We stop at Ock Pop Tock, a silk weaving centre.
Here you will be given a guided tour and the silk weaving process will
be explained. We then drive out of the town where you have the option
of stopping to visit Khmu, Hmong and Lao Loum villages, representing
the main ethnic groups of Laos. This then takes us to the beautiful
Kuang Si Waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the
pools or walk along the forest trails. We then return to Luang Prabang.
Accommodation: Mekong Riverside |
|
|
31.08.12
(B/L) |
Luang Prabang - Xiengkhuang
We start early this morning, around 8am, for the drive to Xiengkhuang,
famous for the 'Plain of Jars'. The road follows a twisty mountain
route and we make our first stop at Houi Hei, which offers great views
of the surrounding mountains. We then continue to Ban Kiu Kam Pone, a
Khmu
village, before arriving in Phou Khoun for lunch. We
continue on the road into Xiengkhuang province, reaching our highest
altitude of the day 1500m above sea level, just after Phou Khoun. We
have time to make a stop at Ban Son Boom, a Hmong village. Our final
stop of the day, is an optional stop to visit an old Russian tank. We
arrive at your hotel by early evening.
Accommodation: Anoulak Ken Lao
|
|
|
01.09.12
(B/L) |
Xiengkhuang - Plain of
Jars and surrounding
This morning we visit the Mines Action Group or MAG office to learn
about the work they do in cleaning land mines and unexploded ordnances
in the area. We then transfer out to the picturesque Jar Site 2 and
begin our 1 hour trek along the ridge to the impressive Jar Site 3,
consisting of over 150 jars located on top of a hill and
offering
great views over the surrounding countyside. In the afternoon we visit
Jar Site 1, the largest site which contains over 300 jars, before
returning to your hotel by late afternoon.
Accommdoation: Anoulak Ken Lao |
|
|
02.09.12
(B/L) |
Xiengkhuang - Sam Neua
We begin our long drive today starting early this morning along some
fairly rough roads, but the journey is broken up with stops at Hmong
and Khmu villages, including Ban Nong Oln. There is time to
admire
the breathtaking scenery with a series of photo stops. Following lunch
we visit Hintang. Here we can see the mysterious menhirs (standing
stones). No one is quite sure who built them or why, perhaps burial
sites or markets of some sort. We also stop at Ban Sa Levy, a Tai Phong
weaving village. We arrive in Sam Neua early evening.
Accommodation: Sam Neua Hotel |
|
|
03.09.12
(B/L)
|
Sam Neua - Viengxai
We begin the day with
an optional short walk around Sam
Neua town, including a visit to the weaving house showroom. This area
is highly regarded for its weaving products. We take a walk along the
river to visit the local wet market. We then set off on the short drive
to Viengxai Caves. This is where the Pathet Lao leaders lived during
the 'Secret War'. We start our fascinating audio tour which includes a
visit to the Kaysone Phomivhane Cave and the Prince Soupanouvang Cave.
We finish with the artillery cave that offers stunning views over the
surrounding countryside.
In the afternoon we take an easy walk to some of the little visited
caves and an opportunity to take in the beautiful limestone karst
scenery. We return to Sam Neua by late afternoon where you will
overnight.
Accommodation: Sam Neua Hotel |
|
|
04.09.12
(B/L/D) |
Sam Neua - Mai Chau,
Vietnam
We leave Sam Neua early this morning and head east towards the
Vietnamese
border, passing through some Black Tai villages as well as some nice
views of the limestone karst scenery. We reach the Vietnamese border by
around
10.30am. After
Vietnamese immigration and customs we have an interesting
drive
through the area, including natural reserves which not many
tourists have
been through. We have a picnic lunch enroute. Afterwards we
arrive
in Mai Chau, an area of the White Thai minority. Dinner tonight is at a
traditional house of ethnic Thai minority, followed by
their traditional music show.
Accommodation: Mai Chau Lodge |
|
|
05.09.12
(B/L/D) |
Mai Chau - Dien Bien Phu
Leave Mai Chau for Dien Bien Phu, a long driving journey today. On the
way we'll meet several groups of Thai, Muong, Tay, Nung ethnic
minorities in their traditional clothes. There are spectacular views
along the
way. Arrive in Dien Bien Phu in the late afternoon. Dien Bien Phu is
the centre of the Thai people
in the North West of Vietnam. Lunch is on the way and dinner is at the
hotel.
Accommodation: Muong Thanh Hotel |
|
|
06.09.12
(B/L/D) |
Dien Bien Phu - Lai Chau
In the morning we'll see A1 Hill, the main battlefield in 1954
where
the French were defeated by Viet Minh. See Dien Bien Phu War Museum and
the shelter of the French commanding general in Dien Bien Phu.
Afterwards we leave
Dien Bien Phu for Lai Chau with lunch on the way. After lunch the road
weaves its way northwards through the picturesque and steadily more
spectacular Na River Valley, past more ethnic villages of White Thai,
Kho Mu, La Hu and later Red and White H'Mong minorities. You arrive in
Lai Chau late afternoon. Dinner is at the hotel.
Accommodation: Muong Thanh Hotel |
|
|
07.09.12
(B/L/D) |
Lai Chau - Sapa
After breakfast we depart from Lai Chau town for Sapa,
with spectacular scenery along the way. Stop at Tam
Duong to
see a local market. Leaving Tam Duong area, the National Road 4D,
climbs steadily, affording spectacular views of the surrounding hills.
Once over the summit the road begins its descent towards the town of
Binh Lu, and immediately you will begin to see groups of Black Dao
people, whose villages are located in the surrounding hills. Stop over
at Silver Waterfall on the way. Arrive in Sapa then check into the
hotel. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon there is a walking
tour around the market and a visit to Cat Cat, a village of Black Dzao
people surrounded by rice terraces. Dinner is at a
local
restaurant.
Accommodation: Chau Long Hotel. |
|
|
08.09.12
(B/L/D) |
Sapa
In the morning take a 4km drive to the rim of a deep valley.
Along
the road you'll see H'Mong, Dzay and Dzao minority people dressed in
their traditional costumes and witness spectacular views of rice
terracing and
pine forests.
There is a 2 hour walk around Ta Van and Lao Chai, home to all
three
minorities. Observe their daily lives for a rare glimpse into their
culture and costumes. Enjoy a traditional music show of local ethnic
minorities while having lunch in Lao Chai. The rest of the day is at
leisure.
Accommodation: Chau Long Hotel |
|
|
09.09.12
(B/L/D) |
Sapa - Bac Ha - Hanoi
Leave Sapa for Bac Ha Sunday Market, the market held every Sunday for
Ethnic minorities. At the Bac Ha market you'll see the gathering of
thousands of people of H'Mong, Phu La, Dao Tien and Tay ethnic
minorities, wearing their colourful and traditional costumes. It is a
riot
of colour and fun. On the way, we'll stop at Lao Cai town for an
opportunity to take photos at the border gate between Vietnam and
China.
After the market we visit the house of King H'mong,
then
have a scenic drive back to Hanoi. Arrive Hanoi early
evening. Dinner is at a local
restaurant.
Accommodation: Galaxy Hotel |
|
|
10.09.12
(B/L/D) |
Hanoi
In the morning enjoy a one hour interesting cyclo ride around the city
of Hanoi. We then have a visit to the Ethnology museum before
a
short walk
around the Old Quarter. Lunch is at a local restaurant. The
rest
of the afternoon is at leisure.
In the evening enjoy the water puppet show, which has been the
unique traditional art
of the Vietnamese from the 11th century. Dinner is at a local
restaurant.
Accommodation: Galaxy Hotel |
|
|
11.09.12
(B/L) |
Hanoi
This morning there is a half day city tour with visits to Ho
Chi
Minh's Mausoleum, Residence,
One Pillar Pagoda and The Temple of Literature built in the 11th
century and known as Vietnam's first university. Lunch at KOTO, whose
owner employs and trains disadvantaged Vietnamese in the hospitality
industry. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Accommodation: Galaxy Hotel |
|
|
12.09.12
(B/L/D) |
Hanoi - Halong Bay
Leave Hanoi for Halong Bay. A four hour journey east to Hon Gai, the
gateway to Halong Bay. Enroute pass fields of busy workers farming
their rice using traditional methods of cultivation.
Halong Bay has been compared with the magical landscape of limestone
islets at Guilin in China and Krabi in southern Thailand. These tiny
islands are dotted with innumerable beaches and grottoes created by
wind and waves.
Board the Bai Tho Junk for a 5 hour cruise on magnificent
Halong
Bay with its 1,969 islands rising from the clear emerald waters of the
Gulf of Tonkin. It is one of the natural marvels of Vietnam.
This province shares a common border with China in the north and
harbours some of the most stunning scenery in Vietnam. Bizarre rock
sculptures jut dramatically from the sea and numerous grottoes have
created an enchanted timeless world. The sails of junks and sampans add
further to the beauty of the scene. Halong Bay was made famous to
westerners in the French film 'Indochine' . You will also have the
opportunity to visit a beautiful cave and go for a swim during the
cruise. Seafood lunch onboard. Tonight there is a farewell dinner at
the hotel.
Accommodation: Saigon Halong Hotel (ocean view) |
|
|
13.09.12
(B) |
Halong Bay - Hanoi Airport
- Singapore -
Australia
Morning departure from the hotel for Hanoi airport, departing Hanoi at
1.15pm on SQ 175, arriving in Singapore at 5.40pm.
Sydney passengers depart Singapore at 8.10pm on SQ 221, arriving in
Sydney at 5.55am the next morning (14.09.12).
Melbourne passengers depart Singapore at 9.00pm on SQ 227, arriving in
Melbourne at 6.20am the next morning (14.09.12).
Brisbane passengers depart Singapore at 9.15pm on SQ 235, arriving in
Brisbane at 6.55am the next morning (14.09.12). |
