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18 Day Luxury Thailand
& South Vietnam 
       
Owner's Indulgence Tour

For only $4,590
per person twin share
This price includes airport taxes and levies

Tour departs Australia February 24 and returns March 13, 2012

This is a superb tour, mainly visiting the three favourite places in the world of Alan Davies, the former owner of Macleay Valley Travel.

These places are Hua Hin and Chiang Mai in Thailand, and beautiful Dalat in Vietnam. The tour will also be staying at the superb Millenium Hilton Hotel, Bangkok and the character-filled Sofitel Palace in Dalat, and the beautiful Sofitel Centara Hotel in Hua Hin.

The tour also visits other fascinating places, such as scenically beautiful Mae Hong Son in the border area of North Thailand and Burma, the River Kwai and Hell-Fire Pass, Nha Trang, Vietnam's number one beach resort, and the exciting and superb shopping cities of Bangkok and Saigon. The tour takes place in the cooler and usually drier months of late Winter/early Spring.

The price is incredible value when you consider all of the following are included:

As this is a special tour, numbers will be limited to a maximum of about 18 passengers. Usually the numbers are less than this.

For anyone requiring a single room, there will be an extra charge of $1,485. If you want to travel twin share but don't have a travel partner, we will do our best to match you up with someone else.

Tour Itinerary

Terms and Conditions

Booking Form

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   Itinerary for Owners Indulgence Tour - February / March 2012
Note: Meals are included in the itinerary as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner


24.02.12
Depart Sydney at 11.00am on TG 476, arriving in Bangkok at 4.30pm.
Depart Brisbane at 2.20pm on TG 474, arriving in Bangkok at 8.30pm.
Depart Melbourne at 4.00pm on TG 466, arriving in Bangkok at 9.10pm.
All clients will be met at the airport and transferred to the Millenium Hilton Hotel, a near new 5 star hotel situated on the bank of the Chao Phyra River, staying in their deluxe rooms.
25.02.12
(B/L)
Bangkok
Depart Hotel by boat to cruise the busy Chao Phyra River and Bangkok's Klongs (canals). We will stop and visit the Royal Barges Museum with its wonderful ceremonial boats.
Next we visit Bangkok's spectacular flower market. We then have a superb buffet lunch at one of Thailand's best restaurants, the Oriental Hotel's renowned river-front restaurant.
In the afternoon we transfer by coach to the River Kwai, staying for two nights at the Felix Resort Hotel, which stands on the banks of the River Kwai not far from the infamous bridge.
26.02.12
(B/L)




River Kwai
Today we inspect the Allied War Memorial Cemetery and the Jeath War Museum. Then we have lunch at a good restaurant beside the Bridge over the River Kwai. Next we travel out to see the Hell -Fire Pass Museum with an opportunity to inspect some of the infamous railway track in this area. We will next visit the famous temple where the monks are caring for many tigers. 
27.02.12
(B/D)






River Kwai - Hua Hin
This morning we head south to the Hua Hin resort area situated on the Gulf of Siam. We will be staying two nights at the beautiful beach front Sofitel Centara Grand Resort. This wonderful hotel has beautiful grounds and claims to have the best buffet breakfast in Thailand (what a claim!)
En route to Hua Hin we stop in Cha'Am to visit the unique teak-wood palace of King Rama VI. 
This evening we visit Hua Hin's historical railway station with its interesting royal reception pavilion. We then visit Hua Hin's night market. This is followed by a seafood & chicken dinner at an over-water restaurant. 
28.02.12
(B)





Hua Hin
Today there will be an optional tour to Petch Dam and Lake. Morning scenic drive to Petch Dam. First stop is at a fascinating meditation centre with a huge lady Buddha statue. Then we board a long tail boat for a 2 hour boat tour on the lake created by the dam, viewing from the boat scattered hill tribe settlements. We stop on a small island and inspect its interesting temple. We then do a short walking circumvention of the island to see its interesting statues. We next have lunch (included) at a lovely restaurant over-looking the lake, before returning to Hua Hin. Cost $48.00
29.02.12
(B/D)





Hua Hin - Mae Hong Son
In the morning drive back to Bangkok Airport, departing at 2:00pm on TG 112, arriving in Chiang Mai at 3:10pm. Then depart Chiang Mai at 4.20pm on SE 947, arriving in Mae Hong Son at 4.55pm. En route to our resort hotel, we inspect a fascinating Burmese style temple. Mae Hong Song is situated close to the Burmese border and the area has some of the most beautiful landscapes in all of Thailand.
Note: The Mae Hong Son flights are operated by Nok Air.  
01.03.12
(B/L)







Mae Hong Son - Chiang Mai
We take mini vans out to a Karen Village. Here we change to elephants for a one hour ride through the jungle. Next we change on to long-tailed boats for a cruise on the river. We then take the mini vans out to the Burma border where we visit a hill-tribe village of  Long-necked Karen's. The women in the village all wear numerous brass rings around their elongated necks. After lunch we visit Mae Hong Son's interesting market before transferring to Mae Hong Son airport, departing on SE 946 at 3:15pm, arriving in Chiang Mai at 3:50pm. Transfer to the Central Duangatwan Hotel situated in the middle of Chiang Mai's famous night market area. In this hotel we will be staying in its deluxe dynasty club rooms. The club benefits include fruit basket on arrival, free tea and coffee service and daytime snacks, free nightly cocktails from 5:30pm to 7:00pm, complimentary laundry of 2 pieces per day & breakfast served in the dynasty club lounge.   
02.03.12
(B/L/D)

Chiang Mai
This morning we visit Chiang Mai's famous handicraft factories, seeing such things as the manufacture of jewellery, Thai silk, paper umbrellas etc. We then visit and have lunch at an orchid farm. This is followed by a visit to Chiang Mai's most beautiful temple.
Tonight we witness a display of traditional Thai dancing followed by a display of hill tribe dancing. Dinner at the theatre will be a traditional Thai Kantoke dinner. 
03.03.12
(B/L)





Chiang Mai -  Phitsanalook
Today we commence our coach trip back  to Bangkok . Our first stop is at the Government Elephant Conservation Centre in Lampang where we see a display of elephants at work. We then visit a modern temple known as 'The Soldiers Temple'  which is so breath takingly beautiful that many regard it as being the most beautiful temple in the world. Then to Sukothai, the ancient capital with it's historical park of ancient ruins dating back to the 14th century. Overnight in Phitsanalook.
04.03.12
(B/L)





Phitsanalook - Bangkok
First we visit Phitsanalook's large local market, then we travel to Lopuri and visit 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 have lunch in Lopuri at a lovely garden restaurant. Next 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. Finally we travel to Bangkok, over nighting at the Amari Don Muang Hotel.
05.03.12
(B/L/D)




Bangkok - Saigon
Transfer to Bangkok Airport, departing at 7:45am on TG 550, arriving in Saigon at 9.15am. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to the hotel for check-in. Pho (traditional Vietnamese noodle soup) & spring rolls for lunch. A short  walking tour passing the City Hall, the Opera house, the Notre Dame Cathedral & the central Post Office followed by visits to the Reunification Palace (Former Presidential Palace) & war remnants museum. In the evening, enjoy a nice dinner cruise on the Saigon River. Accommodation tonight is at the Majestic Hotel.
06.03.12
(B/L)
Saigon - Mekong Delta
Morning depart hotel for a coach trip to My Tho which is a two hour drive from Ho Chi Minh city. My Tho is a prosperous town of 200,000 inhabitants in the Mekong Delta. It is famous for its extensive orchards and immense rice fields. Enjoy 4 - 5 hour boat rides on the Mekong River with visits to an orchard on an island, coconut candy workshop, bee farm, horse carriage ride & lunch at a typical farmer's house in the Mekong. Back to Saigon late afternoon.
Accommodation: Majestic Hotel.
07.03.12
(B/L)



Saigon - Cu Chi
A half day tour to a fascinating tunnel network built by the Viet Cong in the Vietnam War. Lunch at a nice restaurant in town 'Alfresco'.
The rest of the day is at leisure to explore this interesting city.
Accommodation: Majestic Hotel.
08.03.12
(B/L/D)




Saigon - Dalat
Depart Saigon for Dalat, a cool mountain resort built by the French in the 1920's as a hill station. Its lakes, waterfalls, evergreen  forests and gardens make Dalat one of the most enjoyable places in Vietnam. A beautiful drive through rubber, coffee, and tea plantations. A stopover at La Nga floating village, lunch in Bao Loc. Arrive in Dalat and check-in at the Sofitel Palace for a two night stay. Excellent dinner in the hotel. 
09.03.12
(B/L/D)




Dalat
A short drive to the cable car station for a 15 minute trip with a beautiful view overlooking the fine forest, vegetable gardens, and the city of Dalat.
A visit to Datanla Waterfall & a nice embroidery workshop, a short train ride to Trai Mat then visit to interesting Linh Phuoc pagoda. Lunch at a local restaurant.
Leave the hotel late afternoon for Lat village (12kms from town) to visit the local ethnic minorities and enjoy a 1 hour interesting dance and gong show. Dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Sofitel Palace.
10.03.12
(B/L/D)


Dalat - Nha Trang
Leaving Dalat for Nha Trang, a 4 hour nice driving journey. Upon arrival in Nha Trang there will be lunch at a local restaurant.  
In the afternoon enjoy a very interesting mud bath tour (you soak in hot mud & mineral water, jet spray shower & swim in a mineral water pool). 
Dinner at a nice restaurant in town 'Nha Trang Sailing Club'.
Accommodation: Sunrise Resort
11.03.12
(B/L)

Nha Trang
In the morning, enjoy a boat trip to Mieu Island & Tri Nguyen Aquarium, then Mun Island for swimming and snorkeling. Lunch will be at a local barbecue seafood restaurant. After lunch, visit to Po Nagar Cham Tower.
The rest of the day is at leisure.
Accommodation: Sunrise Resort
12.03.12
(B/D)

Nha Trang - Saigon
Morning at leisure. In the afternoon transfer to the airport for a flight to Saigon.  Arrive Saigon, enjoy a nice farewell buffet dinner before being transferred to the airport for flight TG 557 departing Saigon at 8:55pm and arriving in Bangkok at 10:20pm.
Sydney passengers will be transferred to a basic 3 star hotel for an overnight stay.
Brisbane passengers depart bangkok at 11:59pm on TG 473, arriving in Brisbane at 12:05pm (13.03.12).
13.03.12

Melbourne passengers depart Bangkok at 12:15am on TG 465, arriving into Melbourne at 1:25pm.
Sydney passengers will be transferred back to Bangkok Airport, departing at 7.45am on TG 471, arriving in Sydney at 9.05pm.
Note: The extra cost for the Sydney passengers for overnight accommodation & return airport/hotel transfers will be $45 per person twin share or $75 per person single room. 
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Conditions for Macleay Valley Travels Owners Indulgence Tour

Deposits and Payments - A non-refundable deposit of $400.00 per person is payable within 7 days of booking. This deposit is not refundable should you later cancel. The balance is payable 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 Australian passport holders to Vietnam and . Visa fee for Vietnam is $72.00 and we charge $30.00 for processing.  Australian passport holders do not need a visa for Thailand

Basic Tour Price and Taxes.
Air taxes and Fuel Levies are included in the basic tour price if the tour is paid in full on or before the due date on the final invoice. Macleay Valley Travel reserves the right to charge for any increase in Air taxes and Fuel Levies if the tour is not paid in full by the due date.

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.

Breakaway Fee
All fully inclusive prices are based on group travel and any deviation from the set  itinerary will incur a breakaway fee.

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.
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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