PEARLS OF INDOCHINA ACTIVE ADVENTURE

Visit us at www.AustinAdventures.com ITINERARY OVERVIEW

Embark on an unforgettable crossing of Indochina on this active cultural, culinary, and outdoor exploration. Traverse the stunning landscapes of , Cambodia, and Vietnam by boat, bicycle, and foot as you witness the region’s rich history and natural beauty. Wander Angkor Wat at sunrise, cycle through the countryside of Hanoi, and cruise through the iconic limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay to observe one of the world’s largest caves. Explore the colonial charm of Luang Prabang before getting your hands and feet dirty as you learn how to plant, grow, and harvest rice, Indochina’s staple food. Meander south to relax in , southern Laos, where you’ll explore coffee plantations alongside an expert guide and watch the sun dip down over the horizon as you glide across the surface of the River on a long- tail boat. On this active exploration of the pearls of Indochina, you’ll discover the hidden, the classic, and the beautiful.

DAY OVERNIGHT HOTEL MEALS HIGHLIGHTS

Arrival meeting in airport and transfer to 1 HANOI Apricot Hotel - hotel

2 HANOI Apricot Hotel BL Hanoi’s Old Quarter

3 HALONG BAY Orchid Cruise BLD Halong Bay

4 HANOI Apricot Hotel BL Halong Bay. Retrn to Hanoi

Fly to Laos and transfer to hotel. Walking 5 LUANG PRABANG 3 Nagas Hotel B tour of Luang Prabang

6 LUANG PRABANG 3 Nagas Hotel BL Morning alms. Half day rice experience

7 LUANG PRABANG 3 Nagas Hotel BL Full day activities with Elephants

Fly to Pakse and transfer to hotel. Evening 8 PAKSE The River Resort B sunset cruise on the Mekong Cruise to Don Khone Island. Village and 9 PAKSE The River Resort BL countryside biking

10 PAKSE The River Resort BL Bolaven Plateau – coffee and waterfalls

11 SIEM REAP Jaya House River Park BBL Fly to Siem Reap. Explore Banteay Srei

12 SIEM REAP Jaya House River Park BL Cycle Angkor Wat, Ta Phrom

13 SIEM REAP Jaya House River Park BL Kayak Buffalo Lake.

14 DEPARTURE - B Transfer to airport for flight home.

Austin Adventures | Pearls of Indochina Active Adventure | www.AustinAdventures.com Itinerary in Detail

DAY 1: ARRIVE IN HANOI Welcome to Vietnam! After transferring to your hotel explore Hanoi’s historic Old Quarter, a maze of streets dating back to the 13th century. The Old Quarter is a vibrant hub of Hanoi, home to buzzing motorbikes, bicycles, and hawkers. Its chaos is an integral part of its charm. This bustling area of narrow streets is home to thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers and you’ll find the best Vietnamese silk at Hang Gai street. Free afternoon or optional Vietnamese traditional water puppet performance. Overnight at Apricot Hotel.

DAY 2: HANOI’S OLD QUARTER Dive into Hanoi’s diverse neighborhoods, sample new foods, and experience life like a local. Start the day at Hoan Kiem Lake, where groups of people can be found practicing tai chi and aerobics in the early morning – you’re free to join in if you like!

Explore Ngoc Son Temple, situated in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake, before walking to a charming traditional coffee shop to sample a Vietnamese classic: Cà phê sữa đá (iced coffee). If you’re feeling more adventurous, try the local delicacy known as “egg coffee,” a fusion of egg yolk, sugar, condensed milk, and coffee. After coffee, stop in at a street food spot for bánh mì, a typical baguette sandwich filled with pickled carrot and radish, super-flavorful grilled meat, and an assortment of herbs. With a full belly and a slight caffeine buzz, wander deep into Hanoi’s Old Quarter for a walking tour of Hanoi’s French architecture. As the morning comes to a close, visit Huu Tiep Lake, better known as “B-52 Lake,” where the wreckage from a US B-52 bomber is visible.

At noon, return to the Old Quarter to explore the iconic, thousand-year-old Temple of Literature. Vietnam’s first university was established within this temple in order to educate Vietnam's royalty, mandarins, and members of the elite. The university functioned for 700 years, and its gardens and well- preserved architecture offer a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s past. Finish the day’s exploration with a tour of the railway tracks of Hanoi. Your guide will lead you on a walk along the railway tracks to witness daily life interacting with the train’s schedule. This area of the city is a photographer’s dream, rich with pop-up stalls, friendly locals, and colorful alleyway vendors selling just about everything under the sun. Relax with an evening beer at the quintessential Bia Hoi, where you can sample the local draft brew. Note: On today’s tour, you’ll sample many street specialties, so we recommend avoiding breakfast at the hotel this day! Overnight at Apricot Hotel.

DAY 3: HALONG BAY Driving time: 2 hours Take a shuttle to Ha Long Bay, one of the most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage areas and home to the world’s largest marine karst landscape. The limestone karsts are the product of over 20 million years of impact from the tropical wet climate. The bay itself is home to nearly 2,000 islets. Board a wooden junk built in the style of old Vietnamese court vessels with sails, a wide transom, and rectangular superstructure. The boat will weave through the majestic bay, taking in the sights and grandeur of one of Vietnam’s most recognizable destinations. Explore floating fishing villages, take a kayak out for a paddle, or swim in the warm water. Evenings offer cooking demonstrations on deck, movies in the lounge, or squid fishing off the back of the junk. Overnight on Orchid Cruise.

Austin Adventures | Pearls of Indochina Active Adventure | www.AustinAdventures.com DAY 4: HALONG BAY Driving time: 2 hours Wake to the astonishing landscape of Ha Long Bay and an optional Tai Chi lesson on deck. Begin cruising leisurely back to harbor, enjoying the breath-taking views. Stop along the way to swim at a secluded island or explore one of the biggest caves in Halong Bay. Disembark and take the shuttle back to your hotel in Hanoi. You have a free afternoon. Overnight at Apricot Hotel.

DAY 5: HANOI – LUANG PRABANG Explore the historic and charming city of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for harmoniously blending traditional Buddhist temples with French colonial architecture. Begin at WatXieng Thong, a 500-year-old temple that is considered the best example of the classic Luang Prabang style. Zig zag down small side streets, along back alleys, and through temples allowing you to soak up the ambiance and appreciate the hidden charms of Luang Prabang. Walk up the peninsula, stopping at temples and other sites as you wish. Discover relics from the Kmer Empire at the National Museum, which is the former Royal Palace. It is said that those who do not climb the 328 steps of Phousi Mountain have not really experienced the city. Venture up this mountain and be rewarded with panoramic views of the city, the river, and the surrounding jungles. Overnight 3 Nagas Hotel.

DAY 6: LUANG PRABANG The bells of the town's monasteries toll at dawn and golden lines of monks emerge to receive their morning rice from the townspeople. Arise early to respectfully witness this sacred ritual of barefoot monks weaving through the streets on their morning alms rounds. Visit the morning market and see an array of meats, vegetables, and spices the locals use in their cooking. Return to your hotel for breakfast.

Now it’s time to get your hands and feet dirty! Drive to the Living Rice Farm, a community enterprise that grows organic vegetables and rice. They work with and support the local economy and help fund education for children in the community. Stump around barefoot in real rice fields and learn about the 14 stages of growing and preparing rice. Experience all the stages from planting to ploughing (with the water buffalo Suzuki) to threshing and winnowing and learn about something that is still very much part of the daily life of many people in Indochina today. Plus, you get to sample some delicious treats made of rice which you’re sure to appreciate more after seeing the work that goes into getting all those tiny grains. Overnight at 3 Nagas Hotel.

Austin Adventures | Pearls of Indochina Active Adventure | www.AustinAdventures.com DAY 7: ELEPHANT EXPERIENCE Driving time: 1 hour, roundtrip Explore the mysterious beauty of the Lao jungle with rescued elephants as your companions. Walk in the elephants’ natural habitat after decades of hard labor in logging camps to experience and absorb their calming energy. Guides and mahouts will teach you how to understand the ways in which elephants and humans communicate with one another. Once this connection is made it’s almost impossible not see many of our own emotions in them, making this a truly transformative experience with animals so seemingly different than us. Enjoy a traditional Lao lunch in the jungle, before walking to a hidden gem of a waterfall, where you can wade, meditate, or stand under its softly flowing showers. End the day by escorting your elephant friends to their feeding grounds before honoring them with your friendship and bidding them farewell until you meet again! Return to Luang Prabang. Overnight at 3 Nagas Hotel.

DAY 8: LUANG PRABANG – PAKSE Fly to Pakse and transfer to your hotel in Pakse, the gateway to Si Phan Don and the land of 4,000 islands. Pakse sits at the confluence of the Mekong River and the Don River and is known for its river- town lethargic charm. Pakse’s main appeal lies in sipping a cold Beerlao on the riverfront and soaking up the laidback vibe. In the evening, embark on a sunset cruise on the Mekong River while enjoying a sundowner. Overnight at The River Resort.

DAY 9: PAKSE After breakfast meet your guide to cruise the Mekong River to the peaceful islands of and Don Khone. On the way there are small and larger islands, waving children, and small boats of local people. Once ashore hop on bikes to explore Don Khone Island’s rice fields, hills, vegetable gardens, and small villages. Visit Li Phi Waterfalls (meaning ‘spirit trap’ in Lao) where many locals believe that the falls tend to catch wayward spirits and ghosts. Take a short ferry to Nagasang pier, where your vehicle is waiting to take you to the huge waterfall of Khone Phapheng. Return to Champasak. Overnight at The River Resort.

DAY 10: BOLAVEN PLATEAU Today escape the heat and spend the day exploring the Bolaven Plateau, a small and charming corner of Laos famous for its waterfalls and coffee plantations. Your first stop is at Jhai Coffee House, a philanthropic coffee roaster dedicated to producing high quality, fair trade beans and empowering the local communities. Team up with one of Jhai’s knowledgeable guides and head off on a morning tour of the plantations, warehouses, and villages that Jhai works with. Feel free to help harvest, see the roasting process, and, of course, try a cup of freshly brewed java (only available in the harvest season, Oct - Mar).

After getting your coffee fix, drive to the majestic waterfalls of Tad Fane and Tad Yuang. The fall of Tad Fane cascade 200m down a gorge in the middle of the Laos jungle. Eat lunch at the Tad Fane Ecoresort which serves up delicious Laotian food with sweeping views of the falls. In the afternoon, continue on to visit the Khmer complex of Wat Phou. This temple complex predates Angkor Wat and remains a fascinating contrast. Return to The River Resort and have the evening free.

Austin Adventures | Pearls of Indochina Active Adventure | www.AustinAdventures.com DAY 11: PAKSE – SIEM REAP Head to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and settle in. Depart for Mechrey Village on Tonle Sap Lake in the afternoon. En route stop at Ampil Peam to stroll through this traditional village where locals live much as they have for centuries. Continue to Mechrey, a small community on the Tonle Sap Lake. The village consists mainly of floating and stilted houses. Board a boat and explore the area by water. This interesting excursion includes a foray into the nearby flooded forest. Your guide will explain the biodiversity in this area and discuss the importance of the lake for the livelihood of thousands of locals. Tonle Sap, meaning “Great Lake,” is in fact a combined lake and river system. Learn about how its flow changes direction twice a year, depending on the season. It has been declared a UNESCO biosphere, recognizing its great importance to the surrounding eco-system. Watch the sun dip low over the lake, returning to your hotel after dark. Overnight at Jaya River House Park.

DAY 12: CYCLE ANGKOR WAT Wake before sunrise to arrive at Angkor before most other tour groups as the vast complex of temples and boulevards emerges out of the jungle in the serene light of dawn. Experience an unforgettable morning bike riding on the hidden trails among the ruins of the Angkor Kingdom. The ancient capital of the Khmer empire, Angkor is the greatest medieval city on earth, once ruled by warrior kings who dominated all of present day Cambodia and much of Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar. Your guide will take you to different areas of this sprawling complex, explaining the elaborate sculptural decorations and bas relief of the Angkor complex. You have time to wander, contemplate, and photograph the site before returning to the hotel for breakfast.

The Angkor complex is one of the largest archaeological sites in the world. Return today entering by the southern gate of Angkor Thom to see the complex network of temples of Bayon, Baphoun, Phimean Akas, the Royal Enclosure, the terraces of Elephants, and the Leper King. Drive to Ta Phrom, a jungle-clad temple that has been left in much the same condition in which it was found. Photogenic trees spiral out of the ruins making for a truly unique experience that contrasts that of restored Angkor.

DAY 13: KAYAKING BUFFALO LAKE Driving time: 2 hours Drive to Kbal Spean, the original River of Thousand Lingams, an intricately carved riverbed deep in the foothills of the Cambodian jungle. Lingams are phallic representations sacred to Brahmanism as symbols of fertility, and hundreds of them are carved into the rock here.

Austin Adventures | Pearls of Indochina Active Adventure | www.AustinAdventures.com After lunch continue on to Tonle Sap Lake for a kayaking adventure on Buffalo Lake. Surrounded by forest this stretch of water remains when Tonle Sap recedes during dry season. This hard to find stretch of water becomes a sanctuary for birds and fish during the dry season. Your adventure starts with a bike ride through a small village along earthen paths between stilted houses and gardens then across the Tonle Sap floodplain and into the low forest that was underwater just a few months ago. Your kayaks will be waiting at the water’s edge from there explore the many inlets and tributaries of this seasonal lake and conservation area. Free from engine noise, with just the cry of the birds above and croak of frogs below, paddle slowly between pools until you come to a small island where in the shade of ancient trees for a picnic. Board a motorboat or continue to kayak along a river that flows into the paddy fields to find your bikes for a ride along buffalo tracks to your vehicle to take you back to Siem Reap. Overnight at Jaya River House Park. (Available February to July)

DAY 14: DEPARTURE Transfer to Siem Reap international airport for your departure flight.

END OF SERVICES

Actual routes and activities may vary. Local trip coordinators reserve the right to change accommodations to similar quality alternatives.

INCLUDED SERVICES • Accommodations on twin share bed and breakfast basis as listed • All meals according to itinerary [B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner] • All transfers and transportation per the itinerary • Guided tours and excursions including entrance fees per the itinerary • Local onsite guides in cities • Assistance at airports/ hotels at the time of check in and check out at all major cities

NOT INCLUDED SERVICES • International or domestic airfare • Vietnam Visa (payable upon arrival) • Tips and gratuities • Drinks, alcoholic beverages, and meals other than listed above • Personal expenses for extra services, optional activities, or changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control • Travel insurance for trip cancellation, medical services, or evacuation • Any other items not mentioned above

Austin Adventures | Pearls of Indochina Active Adventure | www.AustinAdventures.com ACCOMMODATIONS

APRICOT HOTEL, HANOI Set by the fabled Hoan Kiem Lake, Apricot Hotel is inspired by classic French architecture mixed with Vietnamese art, which makes Apricot your exquisite home away from home in the capital city of Vietnam. The hotel boasts a striking marble façade and elegant art work, all blending sophisticated elegance with modern beauty all while preserving its oriental spirit. The hotel is made up of 123 rooms all fitted with modern technology and free Wi-Fi access to provide both comfort and convenience. Enjoy the roof top pool overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake.

ORCHID CRUISE, HA LONG BAY Sail in style on the Orchid Cruise, a modern recreation of the traditional Vietnamese junk ship design that’s been in use for thousands of years. The three-decked boat, adorned with bright, colorful sails, features rooms with private balconies, perfect for gazing onto the bay. All cabins are well designed with beautiful large windows opening toward the sea, and select cabins even feature their own private balconies which bring in a full spectrum of spectacular views.

3 NAGAS, LUANG PRABANG Situated in the center of Luang Prabang, 3 Nagas Luang Prabang consists of 3 UNESCO World Heritage buildings all over 100 years old. This boutique hotel offers a restaurant, free use of bicycles, and 3 Nagas cocktails on arrival. It boasts a furnished garden next to Nam Khan River and ideal access to the main street of Luang Prabang. Each of the 15 character- filled rooms & suites are unique and beautifully furnished with dark, exotic wood.

THE RIVER RESORT, PAKSE Nestled between a former royal orchard and the Mekong river, the River Resort is a gorgeous eco-friendly resort. Furniture is made in traditional Lao style with local bamboo, the rice paddy and vegetable gardens are cultivated with matter from the compost, and the kitchens use solar heating. Each of the 14 Deluxe River Front Rooms have extraordinary, panoramic Mekong River views from the bedroom. There’s free Wi-Fi, an infinity pool, complimentary bicycles, and a spa.

Austin Adventures | Pearls of Indochina Active Adventure | www.AustinAdventures.com JAYA HOUSE RIVER PARK, SIEM REAP Located along the Siem Reap river, Jaya House River Park offers accommodation away from the hustle and bustle of Siem Reap. Jaya House River Park is located about a 6- minute tuk-tuk journey from town in the direction of the magnificent temples of Angkor Wat. The hotel features two swimming pools, in-house restaurant and bar, and full spa. Rooms include homegrown teas, an espresso machine, Bluetooth connectivity, high-speed wireless internet, a well- stocked complimentary mini bar.

Austin Adventures | Pearls of Indochina Active Adventure | www.AustinAdventures.com