Asia Holidays and Conducted Tours |
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Notice: We have now updated our Asian Holidays section including new features such as: >>>>Please click here to view new Asian tours Holiday Tour: Laos and North Thailand - Conducted Two Week Tour Holiday Cost: for $2,495 per person twin share Available Period: There are three tours in 2005. These tours depart on 11 May, 20 July and 31 August 2005. |
This tour represents incredible value as the low price covers all of the following: · Return airfares from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne to Bangkok and a flight from Vientiane to Bangkok with Thai International. · A four-day coach tour of 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. · Good quality accommodation, mainly three to four star. · Most meals. · All transport and transfers. · Entrance fees to many attractions. · Services of local tour guides in Laos and Thailand, and also an Australian tour leader for the flights between Sydney and Bangkok and for the stay in Bangkok We will make every effort to match up single travellers who wish to travel at twin share rates. For anyone requiring a single room, there will be an extra charge of $390.
LAOS & NORTH THAILAND TOUR – May 2005
All flights will be met at Bangkok Airport and transferred to the Manhattan Hotel, centrally situated in the Sukhumvit shopping and entertainment area and close to Bangkok’s monorail.
12.05.05 Bangkok In the evening there is an optional tour outing to a Thai banquet with a magnificent presentation of classical Thai dancing.
Price $34.00 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 Southeast Asia until its demise in the late 19th century. Bisected and bordered by the Mekong River, 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. As you journey down-river you will stop at some tribal villages such as the Hmong, Yao and Khmu. Lunch on board en route. Continue downstream to arrive in Pakbeng by late afternoon.
Dinner and accommodation in Pakbeng. As you head down-river you pass areas of unspoilt forest with little villages along the riverbank and perhaps an odd elephant or two with its mahout. You visit a fishing village and rice wine-making village and perhaps even taste some of the infamous beverage known as Lao wine. Lunch en route on board. You also visit the Pak-Ou Caves with their thousands of Buddha statues. You arrive in Luang Prabang late afternoon and transfer to your hotel. This evening you can take a stroll around this enchanting little town.
Dinner and accommodation Luang Prabang, Phousi Hotel. Explore charming Luang Prabang, a UNESCO world heritage site. It is a small town in a beautiful mountain setting on the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers. From 1353 until 1545 it was the capital of Lane Xang before power was transferred to Vientiane. Despite the move Luang Prabang remained the site 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 royality 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. You will visit Wat Xiang Thong, the most important Buddhist monastery in the country, Wat Khili and Wat Mai. Later you 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 river. Lunch in a local restaurant. Dinner at local restaurant. OPTIONAL: You may request the Lao traditional dance show.
Overnight at Phousi Hotel. This morning you may wish to rise early and participate in the daily early morning ritual of saffron-clad monks with their black alms bowls being given offerings by 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 saltpetre 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. Continue on to beautiful Khouangsi 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.
Dinner and accommodation at the Phousi Hotel. Free day at leisure in Luang Prabang.
Accommodation at Phousi Hotel. Vientiane is the capital city of Laos, built by the French on the site of Wieng Chan, the 16th century capital of Lane Xang. Wieng Chan was already bustling by the time Europe was emerging from obscurity and today is a small city and retains an air of its French colonial past. Afterwards you begin the sightseeing tour of the city’s old Wats (temples) beginning with the venerable Wat Sisaket with its many wall niches holding small Buddhas, Wat Prakeo – a former royal temple, the major Wats of Wat Mixai, Wat Ong Tu, Wat Haisok, Wat In Paeng, That Luang Stupa - a national symbol of Laos sovereignty and a Buddhist shrine and Patouxay, the victory gate, known as ‘Anousavari’, which was constructed in 1958 and its architecture is inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Lunch at local restaurant where you will be served original Lao cuisine. (Khoua Lao)
Dinner and accommodation in Royal Dokmaideng Hotel. This morning you begin your sightseeing with a visit to the market. Afterwards, we head out of the city and make our way to Nam Ngum, 70 kms south of Vientiane. The Num Ngum Dam is a huge reservoir created by damming the Nam Ngum River, with a stopover at Ban Keun, which is famous for traditional salt extraction. You arrive at the dam by noon and have a picnic lunch by the lake. In the afternoon you embark on a local slow-boat to explore the reservoir and some beautiful islets and you will see the lifestyle of the local fisherman people. Afterwards drive back to Vientiane by the national road No. 13 north. Along the way visit Phone Hong district, the local market at KM 52 and other traditional villages. Arrive in Vientiane late afternoon.
Dinner and accommodation at the Royal Dokmaideng in Vientiane. After breakfast you will be transferred to Vientiane Airport, departing on TG 691 at 10.30am and arriving in Bangkok at 11.35am. Sydney passengers depart Bangkok at 6.15pm on TG 991, arriving in Sydney at 6.15am the next morning (25.5.05).
Brisbane passengers depart at 10.55pm on TG 983, arriving in Brisbane at 10.55am the next morning (25.5.05). LAOS & NORTH THAILAND TOUR – July 2005 Note: Breakfast is included daily plus other meals mentioned in the itinerary. (L – lunch, D – Dinner) 20.07.05 Depart Melbourne at 4.20pm on TG 982, arriving in Bangkok at 10.40pm. Depart Sydney at 4.30pm on TG 992, arriving in Bangkok at 10.55pm. Depart Brisbane at 10.40pm on TG 984, arriving in Bangkok at 5.00am the next morning (21.7.05).
All flights will be met at Bangkok Airport and transferred to the Manhattan Hotel, centrally situated in the Sukhumvit shopping and entertainment area and close to Bangkok’s monorail. In the evening there is an optional tour outing to a Thai banquet with a magnificent presentation of classical Thai dancing.
Price $34.00 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 Southeast Asia until its demise in the late 19th century. Bisected and bordered by the Mekong River, 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. As you journey down-river you will stop at some tribal villages such as the Hmong, Yao and Khmu. Lunch on board en route. Continue downstream to arrive in Pakbeng by late afternoon.
Dinner and accommodation in Pakbeng. As you head down-river you pass areas of unspoilt forest with little villages along the riverbank and perhaps an odd elephant or two with its mahout. You visit a fishing village and rice wine-making village and perhaps even taste some of the infamous beverage known as Lao wine. Lunch en route on board. You also visit the Pak-Ou Caves with their thousands of Buddha statues. You arrive in Luang Prabang late afternoon and transfer to your hotel. This evening you can take a stroll around this enchanting little town.
Dinner and accommodation Luang Prabang, Phousi Hotel. Explore charming Luang Prabang, a UNESCO world heritage site. It is a small town in a beautiful mountain setting on the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers. From 1353 until 1545 it was the capital of Lane Xang before power was transferred to Vientiane. Despite the move Luang Prabang remained the site 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 royality 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. You will visit Wat Xiang Thong, the most important Buddhist monastery in the country, Wat Khili and Wat Mai. Later you 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 river. Lunch in a local restaurant. Dinner at local restaurant. OPTIONAL: You may request the Lao traditional dance show.
Overnight at Phousi Hotel. This morning you may wish to rise early and participate in the daily early morning ritual of saffron-clad monks with their black alms bowls being given offerings by 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 saltpetre 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. Continue on to beautiful Khouangsi 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.
Dinner and accommodation at the Phousi Hotel. Free day at leisure in Luang Prabang.
Accommodation at Phousi Hotel. Vientiane is the capital city of Laos, built by the French on the site of Wieng Chan, the 16th century capital of Lane Xang. Wieng Chan was already bustling by the time Europe was emerging from obscurity and today is a small city and retains an air of its French colonial past. Afterwards you begin the sightseeing tour of the city’s old Wats (temples) beginning with the venerable Wat Sisaket with its many wall niches holding small Buddhas, Wat Prakeo – a former royal temple, the major Wats of Wat Mixai, Wat Ong Tu, Wat Haisok, Wat In Paeng, That Luang Stupa - a national symbol of Laos sovereignty and a Buddhist shrine and Patouxay, the victory gate, known as ‘Anousavari’, which was constructed in 1958 and its architecture is inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Lunch at local restaurant where you will be served original Lao cuisine. (Khoua Lao)
Dinner and accommodation in Royal Dokmaideng Hotel. This morning you begin your sightseeing with a visit to the market. Afterwards, we head out of the city and make our way to Nam Ngum, 70 kms south of Vientiane. The Num Ngum Dam is a huge reservoir created by damming the Nam Ngum River, with a stopover at Ban Keun, which is famous for traditional salt extraction. You arrive at the dam by noon and have a picnic lunch by the lake. In the afternoon you embark on a local slow-boat to explore the reservoir and some beautiful islets and you will see the lifestyle of the local fisherman people. Afterwards drive back to Vientiane by the national road No. 13 north. Along the way visit Phone Hong district, the local market at KM 52 and other traditional villages. Arrive in Vientiane late afternoon.
Dinner and accommodation at the Royal Dokmaideng in Vientiane. After breakfast you will be transferred to Vientiane Airport, departing on TG 691 at 10.30am and arriving in Bangkok at 11.35am. Sydney passengers depart Bangkok at 6.15pm on TG 991, arriving in Sydney at 6.15am the next morning (3.8.05).
Brisbane passengers depart at 10.55pm on TG 983, arriving in Brisbane at 10.55am the next morning (3.8.05).
LAOS & NORTH THAILAND TOUR – September 2005 Note: Breakfast is included daily plus other meals mentioned in the itinerary. (L – lunch, D – Dinner) 31.08.05 Depart Melbourne at 4.20pm on TG 982, arriving in Bangkok at 10.40pm. Depart Sydney at 4.30pm on TG 992, arriving in Bangkok at 10.55pm. Depart Brisbane at 10.40pm on TG 984, arriving in Bangkok at 5.00am the next morning (1.9.05).
All flights will be met at Bangkok Airport and transferred to the Manhattan Hotel, centrally situated in the Sukhumvit shopping and entertainment area and close to Bangkok’s monorail. 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 $28.00 In the evening there is an optional tour outing to a Thai banquet with a magnificent presentation of classical Thai dancing.
Price $34.00 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 Southeast Asia until its demise in the late 19th century. Bisected and bordered by the Mekong River, 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. As you journey down-river you will stop at some tribal villages such as the Hmong, Yao and Khmu. Lunch on board en route. Continue downstream to arrive in Pakbeng by late afternoon.
Dinner and accommodation in Pakbeng. As you head down-river you pass areas of unspoilt forest with little villages along the riverbank and perhaps an odd elephant or two with its mahout. You visit a fishing village and rice wine-making village and perhaps even taste some of the infamous beverage known as Lao wine. Lunch en route on board. You also visit the Pak-Ou Caves with their thousands of Buddha statues. You arrive in Luang Prabang late afternoon and transfer to your hotel. This evening you can take a stroll around this enchanting little town.
Dinner and accommodation Luang Prabang, Phousi Hotel. Explore charming Luang Prabang, a UNESCO world heritage site. It is a small town in a beautiful mountain setting on the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers. From 1353 until 1545 it was the capital of Lane Xang before power was transferred to Vientiane. Despite the move Luang Prabang remained the site 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 royality 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. You will visit Wat Xiang Thong, the most important Buddhist monastery in the country, Wat Khili and Wat Mai. Later you 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 river. Lunch in a local restaurant. Dinner at local restaurant. OPTIONAL: You may request the Lao traditional dance show.
Overnight at Phousi Hotel.
09.09.05 (L, D) Luang Prabang – Khouangsi Waterfall This morning you may wish to rise early and participate in the daily early morning ritual of saffron-clad monks with their black alms bowls being given offerings by 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 saltpetre 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. Continue on to beautiful Khouangsi 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.
Dinner and accommodation at the Phousi Hotel. Free day at leisure in Luang Prabang.
Accommodation at Phousi Hotel. Vientiane is the capital city of Laos, built by the French on the site of Wieng Chan, the 16th century capital of Lane Xang. Wieng Chan was already bustling by the time Europe was emerging from obscurity and today is a small city and retains an air of its French colonial past. Afterwards you begin the sightseeing tour of the city’s old Wats (temples) beginning with the venerable Wat Sisaket with its many wall niches holding small Buddhas, Wat Prakeo – a former royal temple, the major Wats of Wat Mixai, Wat Ong Tu, Wat Haisok, Wat In Paeng, That Luang Stupa - a national symbol of Laos sovereignty and a Buddhist shrine and Patouxay, the victory gate, known as ‘Anousavari’, which was constructed in 1958 and its architecture is inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Lunch at local restaurant where you will be served original Lao cuisine. (Khoua Lao)
Dinner and accommodation in Royal Dokmaideng Hotel. This morning you begin your sightseeing with a visit to the market. Afterwards, we head out of the city and make our way to Nam Ngum, 70 kms south of Vientiane. The Num Ngum Dam is a huge reservoir created by damming the Nam Ngum River, with a stopover at Ban Keun, which is famous for traditional salt extraction. You arrive at the dam by noon and have a picnic lunch by the lake. In the afternoon you embark on a local slow-boat to explore the reservoir and some beautiful islets and you will see the lifestyle of the local fisherman people. Afterwards drive back to Vientiane by the national road No. 13 north. Along the way visit Phone Hong district, the local market at KM 52 and other traditional villages. Arrive in Vientiane late afternoon.
Dinner and accommodation at the Royal Dokmaideng in Vientiane. After breakfast you will be transferred to Vientiane Airport, departing on TG 691 at 10.30am and arriving in Bangkok at 11.35am. Sydney passengers depart Bangkok at 6.15pm on TG 991, arriving in Sydney at 6.15am the next morning (14.9.05).
Brisbane passengers depart at 10.55pm on TG 983, arriving in Brisbane at 10.55am the next morning (14.9.05).
14.09.05 |
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Holiday Product by Macleay Valley Travel - Travel Agent Licence Number: 2TA5180