Tour Dossier Highlights of Discovery Tour │14Days │Moderate Pace

This document was designed to provide a straightforward description of the physical activities involved in sightseeing or travelling during the tour. All passengers should read this dossier to assess the physical requirements of the programme and their ability to complete the tour.

Discovery Tours Designed for those who wish to be further immersed in the authentic charm of Asia; our Discovery Tours include more cultural and active experiences.

Highlights of Laos is a moderate paced tour. This is defines in our brochure as the following: Tours require a higher level of fitness and may include standard activities and longer periods of sightseeing. Easy walking, high altitude and overnight train journeys may feature.

Anyone with a good level of fitness should be able to complete this itinerary. Of course, our National Escort/Local Guides always endeavor to provide the highest level of service and assistance, but they cannot be expected to cater for customers who are unfit to complete the itinerary. Please refer to your Travel Guide for more information.

Tour Highlights On our Highlights of Laos itinerary, you will visit:  – Entry point into Laos and UNESCO World Heritage listed town which retains original character  – Gateway to the Plain of Jars; an archaeological landscape where large jars made from solid stone are scattered  Vang Vieng – Idyllic natural scenery  – Capital of Laos; charming city filled with villas and boulevards  Khong Island – Serene monasteries can be found here, along with beautiful natural scenery, including waterfalls  Pakse – ‘Mouth of the River Se’; a southern city which was the former capital of the Kingdom of Champasak

Destination Profile

Laos - Laos has only recently been discovered as a fascinating tourist destination. This delightful jewel is steeped in historical treasures, glorious colonial architecture, lush green jungles and magnificent mountainous terrain.

Discover the UNESCO World Heritage listed city of Luang Prabang, the spectacular multi-tiered Kuang Si Waterfalls and the mysterious Plain of Jars, regarded by some as ‘Asia’s Stonehenge’. Visit exquisite temples in the capital, Vientiane. Journey by boat along the mighty River and explore some of the 4,000 islands that make up the Si Phan Don area.

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Be amazed by the stunning natural scenery and meet the beautiful, gentle people of Laos. Refreshingly, its long-established ways of life continue; to hurry is simply not the Lao way. This is a truly magical nation.

Development in Laos - Although Laos is developing quickly; it still lacks the international standards of civil infrastructure and tourist facilities. For example, you may see a hole in the road without a warning sign or safety barricade; concepts of personal responsibility are also different to those in Australia. Consequently, tourist and public facilities may not uphold the same safety standards as in Australia. However, all of our suppliers meet local safety standards as a minimum. We want you to have an enjoyable holiday so we ask that you take extra care, use your common sense as well as refer to notices and follow advice from you National Escort or Local guides.

Cuisine in Laos – Lao cuisine is distinct from other Southeast Asian cuisines. The staple food in Laos is steamed sticky rice, which is eaten by hand. In fact, the Lao eat more sticky rice than any other people in the world. Sticky rice is considered the essence of what it means to be Lao. Often the Lao will refer to themselves as ‘luk khao niaow’, which can be translated as ‘children or descendants of sticky rice’. The most famous Lao dish is ‘larb’, a spicy mixture of marinated meat or fish that is sometimes raw with a variable combination of herbs, greens, and spices. Lao cuisine has many regional variations, corresponding in part to the fresh foods local to each region. A French legacy is still evident in the capital city, Vientiane, where baguettes are sold on the street and French restaurants are common and popular, which were first introduced when Laos was a part of .

All meals (excluding drinks) are included in our fully inclusive group tours from the groups’ arrival until the day of departure. Our schedule of meals are designed so that you can experience the local dishes, their individual flavours as well as the different ways they are prepared and cooked throughout Laos.

Joining Your Tour - The tour is 14 days in duration including international flights. Travellers booked on ‘Land only’ arrangements should make their own way to the starting point. Join the tour on Day 1 in Bangkok and end the tour on Day 13 in Bangkok. Please refer to your final itinerary for more specific meeting instructions pertaining to your departure.

Itinerary changes 1. Our intention is to adhere to the day to day itinerary as printed; however order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions.

Flight Delays or Changes to Arrival Times- Due to unforeseen circumstances, flights can be delayed, and therefore connecting flights may be missed. If you find yourself in this situation, please contact our Thailand office on +66 8413 86228 to urgently advise your arrival details have changed. Please ensure you have your trip number, tour name (both included in your final documentation) and new arrival details (flight number and arrival time) handy to pass on to our local office in Thailand. This will ensure your National Escort/Local Guide can be informed of your most up to date information and an arrival transfer will be arranged accordingly. We will endeavor to arrange a transfer as soon as possible however delays may occur.

If we are not advised of late changes and missed connections, Wendy Wu Tours cannot guarantee someone will be able to meet you upon arrival in Thailand as our local office will have no way of knowing which flight you will be arriving on. Wendy Wu Tours will not be responsible for providing reimbursement of transportation costs from the airport to your hotel in the event that our local office was not advised of changes to arrival times.

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Itinerary – Highlights of Laos

Day 1: Australia to Bangkok afternoon explore Luang Prabang, starting at Mai and Day Outline continuing to Wat Visoun and Wat Aham. Climb Phousi Hill Fly to Bangkok where you will spend the night. to watch the sun set over the city before visiting the lively Darwin passengers may depart two days earlier. hilltribe market.

Physical Description Physical Description Upon arrival at Bangkok airport please proceed to Exit B after In the morning at approximately 8:30hrs, travel to an elephant exiting customs and head to Door 4. Locate the Miracle village about 20 minutes drive from your hotel (18.5km) for an Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel representative who will organise elephant ride. Enjoy the impressive experience of a 1km your complimentary shuttle bus transfer. elephant ride on the howdah (elephant seat) or on your There will be no Local Guide in Bangkok and there is no touring elephant’s neck. In the afternoon enjoy a tour of Luang on this day. Please organise your return shuttle bus transfer Prabang city. You finish the tour with a climb up Phousi Hill with hotel staff upon check-in where dinner will be severed in which involves approximately 15 minutes on foot – the hill is the hotel restaurant this evening. 100m high and fairly steep (with even steps) but the view is worth the climb. Return to your hotel around 17:00hrs. Destination Information Bangkok - is the capital and the most populous city in Thailand. Destination Information It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or Krung Thep. Wat Mai - A Buddhist temple or wat in Luang Prabang, Laos. It The city has a population of over 8 million, or 12.6 percent of is the largest and most richly decorated of the temples in the country's population. Luang Prabang. Built in the 18th century it is located near the Bangkok is a sprawling metropolis known for its ornate shrines Royal Palace Museum. An statue sits inside and vibrant street life. the red-gold interior.

Day 2: Bangkok to Luang Prabang Wat Ahm - A small temple consisting of a sim and two ancient Day Outline stupas. It has a history of both Buddhism and spirit worship. Fly to Luang Prabang. On arrival you will have free time to start The temple was built in 1818 on the site of a much older soaking up the local culture. An enchanting city, Luang Prabang temple dating back to 1527. Between the street and the is the quintessential image of Laos. At its core, lush greenery, temple are two very large and old banyan trees that harbour golden temples and vivid-robed monks come together to the Devata Luang, the guardian spirits of Luang Prabang town. create a colourful, rich heritage and an enduring French- colonial legacy. Phousi Hill - Mount Phou Si, is a 100m high hill in the centre of the old town of Luang Prabang. It lies in the heart of the old Physical Description town peninsula and is bordered on one side by the Mekong Take the complimentary shuttle bus to the airport in Bangkok River and on the other side by the Nam Khan River. The hill is a and locate the Laos Airlines check-in counter. Continue to your local religious site, and houses several Buddhist shrines. departure gate for your flight to Luang Prabang. Halfway up the hill, overlooking the Nam Khan is Wat Tham Phou Si, a Buddhist temple. At the summit of the hill, You will be met at Luang Prabang airport in the arrivals hall by overlooking the town and surrounding countryside, is Wat your Local Guide/National Escort. Together with all other Chom Si, which is also a Buddhist temple and is a tourist group members who may be arriving at a similar time, you will highlight of Luang Prabang. transfer 15 minutes (7km) to your hotel and check into your rooms or store your luggage if the room is not available yet. Day 4: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Caves There is no sightseeing today. About 30 minutes before your Day Outline dinner on Day 2, a tour introduction will be held in the hotel Start the day at 9:00hrs, Explore , considered with your guide. There will be no food or drinks served at this Luang Prabang’s most beautiful temple. meeting; it is simply an opportunity for your group to meet and learn more about travelling in Laos. Later, Board a boat to cruise the mighty Mekong up to the sacred caves of Pak Ou, known for the hundreds of miniature Destination Information Buddha sculptures that reside within. Visit the local villages of Luang Prabang - The capital of Luang Prabang Province in Thin Hong and Ban Xang Khong to witness the daily life of the northern Laos, lies in a valley at the confluence of the Mekong local people and their cottage industries. This evening enjoy a and Nam Khan rivers. It’s known for its many Buddhist traditional music and dance performance. temples, including the gilded Wat Xieng Thong, dating to the 16th century, and Wat Mai, once the residence of the head of Physical Description Laotian Buddhism. This morning, visit Wat Xieng Thong. Transfer to the docks and board a motor boat which takes nearly 2 hours to ride 25km Day 3: Luang Prabang upstream. Sightseeing at Pak Ou Caves involves climbing steps Day Outline from the base of the dock to the first cave and another 20 Transfer to an elephant village to meet these lumbering, minutes on foot over uneven surfaces. There is a hill up to the captivating creatures and enjoy a ride along a jungle trail. This second cave where you will need your torch. Travel by river to a local village where you will enjoy a leisurely walk.

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Day 6: Luang Prabang to Phonsavan Destination Information Day Outline Wat Xieng Thong - A Buddhist temple (wat), located on the Today drive eight hrs (306km) to Phonsavan via Phoukhoun, northern tip of the peninsula of Luang Prabang, Laos. Wat stopping at Tham Phra Cave and Nong Tang Lake on the way. Xieng Thong is one of the most important of Lao monasteries and remains a significant monument to the spirit of religion, Physical Description royalty and traditional art. There are over twenty structures on Drive 3.5 hours over scenic, mountainous and windy roads to the grounds including a sim, shrines, pavilions and residences, Phoukhoun for a market visit and lunch. From here continue in addition to its gardens of various flowers, ornamental driving for another five hours, making stops at Tham Phra Cave shrubs and trees. (30 minute visit) and Nong Tang Lake to see local villagers fishing (approximately one hour). Arrive in Phonsavan in the Pak Ou Caves – Near Pak Ou (mouth of the Ou river) the Tham late afternoon. Ting (lower cave) and the Tham Theung (upper cave) are caves overlooking the Mekong River, 25 km to the north of Luang Destination Information Prabang, Laos. They are a group of two caves on the west side Phonsavan - The capital of Xiangkhoang Province - the name of the Mekong River, about two hours upstream from the stands for ‘hills of paradise’. Phonsavan is the provincial capital centre of Luang Prabang. The caves are noted for their of Province. The countryside is dominated by miniature Buddha sculptures. Hundreds of very small and green hills and pine forests. Villages consist of colourful mostly damaged wooden Buddhist figures are laid out over the wooden houses. Cattle raising is one of the main agricultural wall shelves. They take many different positions, including activities and H’mong cowboys with brown and violet cowboy meditation, teaching, peace, rain, and reclining (nirvana). hats are a common sight. Phonsavan was built in the late 1970s and replaced the old Xiangkhouang (today: Muang Day 5: Luang Prabang – Kuang Si Waterfall Khoun) which had been destroyed during the Second Day Outline Indochina War. Phonsavan's most famous attraction is the Rise early this morning to witness the Buddhist ceremony of nearby Plain of Jars, which has been nominated for UNESCO Takbat, when the monks of Luang Prabang’s monastic World Heritage status. communities collect alms from locals. These lines of silent saffron robe-clad monks will be an enduring image of your trip. Day 7: Phonsavan See Wat Sene and the National Museum. Visit the traditional Day Outline H’mong village of Ban Na Ounae, before walking to the One of the most important prehistoric sites in Southeast cascading turquoise waters of delightful Kuang Si Waterfalls Asia, these mysterious clusters of giant jars are thought to be for a picnic lunch and a swim. Stop at Ock Pop Tok Weaving about 2,000 years old. You will visit Site 1 where there are over Centre on the return to Luang Prabang. 200 jars, and Site 2 which also allows you to admire the beautiful scenery of the region. There will also be visits to Physical Description Muang Khoune village, home of the H’mong minority group, Rise early today and depart at 5:45hrs and witness the and the office of the Mines Advisory Group (MAG), an morning alms-giving ceremony. Then head to the hotel for organisation that helps clear unexploded ordnance that are a breakfast before a three hour walking tour of Luang Prabang. remnant of American raids during the War. In the afternoon drive for 45 minutes (25km) on a fairly good sealed road to Kuang Si Waterfalls where you will enjoy a Physical Description picnic lunch. Sightseeing here will involve around one hour of This morning start at 09:00hrs and drive 30 minutes to the light walking. On the way up to the waterfall you follow a bush Plain of Jars; Site No 1. You will spend approximately 1 hour walking track which has a slight upward gradient. It is possible here exploring the area – there is some walking here over easy to take a swim in the ponds near the falls and if you wish to do terrain. This afternoon visit the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) this, please remember to bring along your swimsuit and a for about 30 minutes to learn about the issue of landmines in towel. Changing rooms are available on site. Your Local Laos. Arrive back at the hotel at 16:30hours. Guide/National Escort may also arrange visits to other nearby ethnic villages, depending on time available today. Destination Information Plain of Jars - A megalithic archaeological landscape in Laos. It Destination Information consists of thousands of stone jars scattered around the Wat Sene - A Buddhist temple (wat), located in Luang Prabang, upland valleys and the lower foothills of the central plain of Laos. It was built in 1718 by King Kitsarath with 100 000 stones the Xieng Khouang plateau. The jars are mostly arranged in from the Mekong River. It literally means ‘Temple of a 100,000 clusters ranging in number from one to several hundred. treasures’. It was restored in 1957 commemorating the Buddha’s birth 2,500 years earlier. The Xieng Khouang Plateau is located at the northern end of the Annamese Cordillera, the principal mountain range of Kuang Si Waterfalls - A Three-tiered waterfall about 29 km Indochina. A French researcher in the early 1930s concluded south of Luang Prabang. The falls begin in shallow pools atop a that the jars were associated with prehistoric burial practices. steep hillside. These lead to the main fall with a 60m cascade. Excavation by Lao and Japanese archaeologists in the The falls are accessed via a trail to a left of the falls. Water intervening years has supported this interpretation with the collects in numerous turquoise blue pools as it flows discovery of human remains, burial goods and ceramics around downstream. The many cascades that result are typical of the jars. The Plain of Jars dates back to the Iron Age (500 BC to travertine waterfalls. There are walkways and bridges for your 500 AD) and is one of the most important prehistoric sites in enjoyment. Most of the pools are open to swimming. Southeast Asia.

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Day 8: Phonsavan to Vang Vieng built in the ‘Siamese style’ of Buddhist architecture, with a Day Outline surrounding terrace and an ornate five-tiered roof, rather than Drive at 8:30hrs to Vang Vieng, stopping en route at Pathang in the Lao style. This may have kept it safe, since the armies of Village to admire the spectacular views over karst mountain Siam that sacked Vientiane following 's rebellion in landscapes. Spend the afternoon exploring the magnificent 1827 used the compound as their headquarters and lodging Tham Chang Cave. place. It may be the oldest temple still standing in Vientiane. The French colonial government restored Wat Si Saket in 1924 Physical Description and again in 1930. Wat Si Saket features a cloister wall with Today you will drive about 7 hours/210km to Vang Vieng. Here more than 2,000 ceramic and silver Buddha images. there will be easy sightseeing en route at Pathang Village involving one hour on foot. Sightseeing this afternoon at Tham That Luang Stupa - A gold-covered large Buddhist stupa in the Chang cave involves one hour on foot over uneven surfaces, centre of Vientiane. Since its initial establishment, suggested and climbing steps to reach the cave. to be in the 3rd century, the stupa has undergone several reconstructions as recently as the 1930s due to foreign Destination Information invasions of the area. It is regarded as the most important Vang Vieng - A town in about four hours national monument in Laos and a national symbol. bus ride north of the capital. The town lies on the Nam Song River. The most notable feature of the area is the karst hill Patuxai Victory Monument - Patuxai means Victory Gate or landscape surrounding the town. Gate of Triumph. and, is a war monument in the centre of Vientiane. It was built between 1957 and 1968. The Patuxai is Tham Chang Cave - Tham Jang is a cave just to the southwest dedicated to those who fought in the struggle for of Vang Vieng, Laos. The cave is reached by crossing a bridge independence from . that spans across the Nam Song River. You will need to then climb a long flight of steps to the entrance. A spring is located Day 10: Vientiane to Khong Island about 50m inside the cave. The cave was used as a bunker in Day Outline the early 19th century during the Chinese-Ho invasion. Rise early for a morning flight to Pakse. On arrival drive to Champassak to visit the World Heritage-listed Wat Phou, a Day 9: Vang Vieng to Vientiane ruined Khmer temple complex located in the incredibly Day Outline beautiful landscapes of Mount Phu Kao. Continue to Khong Continue south to Vientiane, Laos’ capital. Nestled in a languid Island, the largest island of the Si Phan Don archipelago in the bend in the Mekong, Vientiane is a delightfully quaint city, Mekong River. The afternoon is at leisure. more a friendlier backwater than the chaotic capital. Spend the rest of the day exploring with visits to Wat Si Saket, Wat Phra Physical Description Keo, That Luang Stupa, and the Patuxai Victory Monument, Rise early this morning and transfer to the airport for your resembling Paris’ Arc de Triomphe. flight to Pakse (flight duration one hour). Upon arrival drive one hour (50km) to Champassak visit the Khmer ruins of Wat Physical Description Phou. There are some steps here so please be cautious. Today you will drive 3.5 hours (160km) to Vientiane. This afternoon involves easy sightseeing (1-2 hours of walking) Later we continue to drive by motor vehicle from Pakse to around Vientiane. Khong Island. Khong Island is the largest island in the area where serene monasteries and magnificent waterfalls are Destination Information found. Life moves at a slower pace on the island, so it is the Vientiane - Vientiane, Laos' laid-back capital, mixes French perfect place to relax and enjoy the Lao lifestyle. This colonial architecture with Buddhist temples such as the afternoon is at your leisure. golden, 16th-century Pha That Luang, a national symbol. Along broad boulevards and tree-lined streets are notable shrines Destination Information including Wat Si Saket, which features thousands of Buddha Wat Phou - A ruined Khmer Hindu temple complex in southern images, and Wat Si Muang, built on a Hindu shrine. Many Laos. It is located at the base of mount Phu Kao, some 6 km bakeries, cafes and villas seem straight out of 19th-century from the Mekong River in Champassak province. There was a Paris. temple on the site as early as the 5th century, but the surviving structures date from the 11th to 13th centuries. The temple Wat Si Saket - Wat Si Saket is a Buddhist wat built in 1818 on has a unique structure, in which the elements lead to a shrine the order of King Anouvong (Sethathirath V.) Wat Si Saket was where a linga dedicated to Lord Shiva was bathed in water traditional fishing techniques in action. The rest of the day is at from a mountain spring. The site later became a centre of your leisure. Theravada Buddhist worship. Physical Description Day 11: Khong Island See Khone Phapheng Waterfall and enjoy a morning boat ride Day Outline (approximately 1.5 - 2 hours in duration) through the Si Phan Around Si Phan Don, meaning ‘4,000 islands’, the pace of life Don area, also referred to as ‘the Four Thousand Islands’, along is slow and easy and the river views are gorgeous. See the the Mekong River. This afternoon explore local villages and the magnificent Khone Phapheng Waterfall, Southeast Asia’s countryside to the Liphi Waterfalls close to the Cambodian largest, and pop over to Khong Island to discover its charming border this will consist of 30 minutes walking through the local colonial buildings and see Liphi Waterfall, nicknamed the villages. The rest of the day is free to explore the village. Devil’s Corridor. Depending on the season, you may see Visit wendywutours.com.au Call 1300 727 998 to speak to a Reservations Consultant

[NB: The boats utilised here are small local boats with a small protected wildlife area, 38km from Pakse. On the drive back to roof. We suggest you take appropriate sun protection toady; Pakse we stop to visit a tea and/or a coffee plantation. Laos is a hat, sunscreen, shade umbrella etc.]. known for its famous coffee, the majority of which is grown here on the Bolaven Plateau. A visit to one of the plantations Destination Information will show you the process of planting, harvesting and roasting Khone Phapheng Waterfall - The largest in Southeast Asia and of these delicious beans. the main reason the Mekong is not fully navigable into China. The fall is characterised by thousands of islands and countless Destination Information waterways, giving the area its name Si Phan Don or 'The 4,000 Bolaven Plateau - Located in an ancient volcano that erupted islands'. millions of years ago, the area spans 50km of southern Laos most vegetated area. From an altitude of 800 and 1350m it is Liphi Waterfalls - A roaring collection of powerful falls spilling green all year round and cooler than the rest of Laos and down at odd angles along a branch of the characteristically Thailand. Surrounding the plateau there are a number of coffee-coloured Mekong River. protected national parks, dramatic waterfalls, remote hill tribes, dense jungle and a taste of some of the world's best Day 12: Khong Island to Pakse coffee beans. Day Outline Pakse - The gateway to southern Laos, sits at the confluence of Depart Khong Island to Pakse, stopping to admire Tad Yuang the Mekong River and the Se Don (Don River). The city retains and Tad Fane waterfalls as we go. fewer colonial-era buildings remain, but do look for the Continue on to the Bolaven Plateau to pay a visit to a coffee grandiose, Franco-Chinese-style Chinese Society building in the plantation and learn about the process of planting, harvesting centre of town. and roasting the beans. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner back in Pakse. Day 13: Depart Pakse Day Outline Physical Description This morning you will check-out of your hotel and transfer to After breakfast we travel back to Pakse for two hours (150km) the airport for your flight to Australia. by road, stopping to visit Tad Yuang and Tad Fane waterfalls. Meals included: Breakfast only Tad Fane is a set of twin 120m-high waterfalls formed by the merging waters of the Champy and Pak Koot rivers. These Day 14: Arrive Australia impressive falls are situated on the edge of Dong Hua Sao Arrive home.

Tour Profile

Visa Requirements Entry visas are required by all visitors to Laos and the Wendy Wu Tours Visa Department can assist you with the process of obtaining a visa. We will supply you with all paperwork and submit the visa application on your behalf. Visas for Laos are valid for 90 days from the date of issue and allow you to stay in the country for up to 30 days. Please be advised that your passport must have at least 6- months validity left on it when you arrive back into Australia.

Visa application forms and all relevant documentation are due in our office 60 days prior to departure; if received after this, urgent visa processing fees will apply. Also please note we do not accept passports and visa applications within 30 days prior to departure. Passports will be returned with your Final Documentation 2-3 weeks prior to your group tour’s scheduled departure. If you require your passport to be returned earlier, a $15 courier fee will apply.

Insurance We strongly encourage all travellers to take a copy of their travel insurance documents (especially relevant international contact numbers) with them while on tour. We advise that you check the inclusions and procedures for lodging claims prior to your departure. These documents should be stored separately from the originals.

Accommodation All accommodation is selected for convenience of location, comfort or character, and can range from a business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. In remote areas accommodation may be of a lower standard and may not have all western amenities. Hotels are generally rated as local 3-3½star standard, but do please note that there is no international classification system for hotels and differences in facilities and quality do exist between Australia and Laos.

Exchanging Cash It is highly recommended that extra care and attention is paid when exchanging money when travelling outside major cities in Laos. Australian Dollars can be easily exchanged in Laos, provided notes are new and undamaged. We suggest exchanging your money before travelling to remote areas and smaller towns, as exchange facilities can be limited. Your National Escort/ Local Guide will remind you to do this before departure.

Personal Expenses

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You will need to take some extra money to cover drinks, laundry and souvenirs, plus any additional sightseeing that may be offered to you. Based on the advice of previous customers an approximate amount of AUD$250 should be sufficient; however for those that can’t resist a bargain, consider allocating a higher amount.

Transport: Roads – Coaches with air conditioning are used on our group tours for city sightseeing, short excursions to the countryside and longer transfers where necessary.

Transport: Air – Internal flights are based on economy class, with reputable airlines.

Climbing Steps – Some sightseeing involves climbing quite a number of steps. Buddhist temples or pagodas tend to be built at an elevation, as this is the most auspicious position according to ancient beliefs. This means you sometimes need to walk from the bus park to the entrance, and/or need to climb some steps inside. People with knee or hip injuries, who have poor balance or are otherwise unable to complete these activities independently should consider the suitability of this itinerary carefully.

Consider Cultural Differences – Laos has many religions, cultures and histories. Please be considerate of this, the local beliefs and customs and dress with consideration, especially in pagodas and temples shoulders and knees need to be covered.

Group Size - In most cases, the group will operate with a minimum of 10 participants accompanied by a National Escort. However, if the group is operating with less than 10 passengers, you will be accompanied by expert Local Guides in each of the main cities.

Climate - You will find a complete packing list and a helpful climate chart in the ‘Suggested Packing List’, which is included in the pre- departure information link sent within your deposit documentation. Seasonal weather patterns can be quite unpredictable. Up to the minute information on worldwide weather can be found on www.weather.com.

Before You Leave We strongly recommend registering your travel plans with http://smartraveller.gov.au as in the event of an emergency, Australian Consular assistance will be more readily available. You can also access the Australian Government’s travel advisory service for up to date information about your destination on the same website.

After your booking – Once you have booked with Wendy Wu Tours, you will receive a confirmation invoice followed by deposit documentation, which includes a visa application form (if applicable), and a help sheet. Your final documentation pack will be sent to you approximately 2 weeks prior to departure, and will include a travel wallet, a travel guide (which includes a suggested packing list) and phrase book, along with your final itinerary and international e-tickets.

Luggage All clients are limited to two items of luggage each; a suitcase with a maximum weight of 20kg and one piece of hand luggage with a maximum weight of 5kg. It is essential that your luggage is lockable. Please note that authorities will only allow bottles onto the aircraft if they have been checked in as main baggage. Bottles in hand luggage may be confiscated.

Tipping Tipping is a firm and expected element in the tourism industry. A nominated tipping amount is included in all group tour pricing, however is not collected in your final payment received by Wendy Wu Tours. This is so that it can be paid directly to your National Escort who will then distribute the tips among your main service providers – guides and drivers– on your behalf. Any other tipping, such as tips for bathroom attendants, hotel porters taking luggage to your room or river guides is at your discretion based on satisfaction of services received, as are gratuities for additional requested special services.

Updated: 22 December 2015

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