15 Day Northern & Experience

Luang Prabang Get ready to be inspired.

FROM $6,408 PER PERSON, TWIN SHARE Travelling with Inspiring Vacations allows you to explore the wonders of the world in a variety of different ways. We have partnered with a worldwide network of local travel experts to bring you culturally unique and delightfully unforgettable travel experiences. Whether it is meandering through narrow canyons by rail, cruising the idyllic waters of the Mediterranean or touring through t...

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TOUR ITINERARY

The information provided in this document is subject to change and may be affected by unforeseen events outside the control of Inspiring Vacations. Where changes to your itinerary or bookings occur, appropriate advice or instructions will be sent to your email address.

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DAY 1 Destination Bangkok Meals included Dinner Accommodation N/A

Welcome to Thailand. One of our transfer representatives will collect you from the airport and take you to your hotel. After settling into your room, your journey begins with an important meeting at 6 pm. Please check for the Peregrine noticeboard in the reception area of the hotel. Please advise your flight details at the time of booking so we can arrange your airport transfer. With free time, acquaint yourself with this frenetic city of tuk tuks, street food and traditional khlong boats winding down the Chao Phraya River. Tonight you'll enjoy a welcome dinner at a great local restaurant.

DAY 2 Destination Bangkok Meals included Breakfast Accommodation N/A

Enjoy a day of sightseeing and activities in lively Bangkok. Visit Wat Po, a larger-than-life temple complex in the city. This is the home of the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. is among the six officially recognised highest calibre temples in Thailand, and it's certainly one of the most impressive. Also visit the majestic , which has been the official residence of the kings since the 1700s, and enjoy a boat tour of the city's khlongs (canals) to see another, more tranquil, side of Bangkok. The afternoon is free to do as you wish, perhaps visiting Jim Thompson house or enjoying a Thai massage. You’ll have a BTS day pass so you can use the Sky Train to help you get around.

Optional Activities Bangkok - Jim Thompson's House - THB150 Bangkok - Thai Massage - THB250

DAY 3 Destination Bangkok  Kanchanaburi Meals included Breakfast Accommodation N/A

Travel by private transport to Kanchanaburi (approximately 3.5 hours). While the town may appear modern, it holds a dark past. Many Allied prisoners of war and conscripted Asian labourers were engaged here to help build a rail route to Myanmar (Burma), including the passage infamously known as Hellfire Pass. Visit the memorial museum of the pass to learn more about this chapter in history, and take a historical train journey along a portion of this 'death railway'.

The information provided in this document is subject to change and may be affected by unforeseen events outside the control of Inspiring Vacations. Where changes to your itinerary or bookings occur, appropriate advice or instructions will be sent to your email address.

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DAY 4 Destination Kanchanaburi Meals included Breakfast Accommodation N/A

Make the short drive to the Erawan National Park and waterfall. Its radiant emerald green ponds, named after the three- headed white elephant of Hindu mythology, make for a lovely photo opportunity. On the way back to Kanchanaburi, stop in at the World War II cemetery and museum and spend some time there. This cemetery is the main resting place for the prisoners of war who laboured under Japanese rule in building the Thai-Burma Railway.

DAY 5 Destination Kanchanaburi  Uthai Thani  Nakhon Sawan Meals included Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation N/A

Depart Kanchanaburi in the morning and drive to Hup Pa Tat (approximately 3 hours). Spend an hour or so exploring this beautiful green area surrounded by limestone mountains. Legend has it that centuries ago this valley was a gigantic cave, until the ceiling caved in; massive chunks of limestone lying on the valley floor support the theory. Next you continue to Uthai Thani (approximately 1 hour). Enjoy lunch, while cruising on a traditional rice barge, watching village life along the riverfront stream by, as your travel through beautiful countryside. Afterwards, visit nearby Wat Tha Sung (Crystal Hall) before travelling on to Nakhon Sawan (approximately 1 hour) where you will spend the night. Perhaps head out to the local market in the evening where you can taste many different street foods from the region.

DAY 6 Destination Nakhon Sawan  Sukhothai Meals included Breakfast Accommodation N/A

Travel by private transport from Nakhon Sawan to Sukhothai (approximately 3 hours). In the afternoon you have the option to visit the Organic Culture Project and spend a couple of hours joining in on traditional Thai farm activities. Check out the organic vegetable garden and attend a demonstration out in the rice fields.

Optional Activities Sukhothai - Organic Farm lunch - THB900

The information provided in this document is subject to change and may be affected by unforeseen events outside the control of Inspiring Vacations. Where changes to your itinerary or bookings occur, appropriate advice or instructions will be sent to your email address.

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DAY 7 Destination Sukhothai Meals included Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation N/A

Sukhothai, established in the 13th century, was one of the first ancient capitals of Siam. Famed for its World Heritage listed historical park, which captures the Golden Age of Thai civilisation, the capital's name literally means 'Dawn of Happiness'. Today we visit the historical park, which spans the ruins of the town. You will rent a bicycle and take part in a cycle tour. As you ride around, you'll learn more about the history of this former metropolis and its fascinating structures. Enjoy a home-cooked picnic lunch in the beautiful grounds of Sukhothai Park. The rest of the afternoon is free, you might want to simply read a book by the pool back at your resort.

DAY 8 Destination Sukhothai  Hmong Hilltribe Meals included Breakfast, Dinner Accommodation N/A

Travel from Sukhothai to Hmong Hilltribe Lodge, which will take approximately six hours in a private minivan. The Hmong are an ethnic minority in Thailand who originated in the south of China. Today they comprise the second largest hilltribe group in Thailand. After a barbecue dinner in the lodge's open-air dining area, the day concludes with a Hmong cultural performance. You'll gain an insight into the traditional lifestyle of the tribe, with a wedding ceremony enactment, shamanic ritual and makong (cotton ball) throwing.

DAY 9 Destination Hmong Hilltribe  Chiang Mai Meals included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation N/A

Travel from Hmong Hilltribe Lodge to the Elephant Nature Park, approximately 1.5 hours by minivan. This is a unique project providing a sanctuary and rescue centre for elephants and other animals such as buffalo, dogs, cats and birds. Be greeted by an expert local guide and then learn the stories of the rescued elephants and the issues confronting elephants in South-East Asia. Witness how these elephants have become a happy herd and are finally free from abuse for the first time in their lives. You'll have a chance to feed the elephants from the viewing platform as well as a tasty vegetarian buffet lunch. Walk with the park staff to the river and watch elephants bathe and play as they are watched over by their personal mahouts. The park visit is all about spending quality time observing elephants and does not stick to a strict schedule so make the most of enjoying these beautiful creatures in a safe and protected environment. Return

The information provided in this document is subject to change and may be affected by unforeseen events outside the control of Inspiring Vacations. Where changes to your itinerary or bookings occur, appropriate advice or instructions will be sent to your email address.

Call 1300 88 66 88 Email [email protected] www.inspiringvacations.com Page 4 TOUR ITINERARY to Chiang Mai early afternoon (approx. 3-330). Freshen up at the hotel then head out for a street food tour in the evening. Hidden down the back alleys of the city’s old town district you will sample dishes like khao man gai and khao kha moo from many local shops unknown to the tourist eye. Chat with street food vendors who have been serving the same dishes for more than 20 years and understand the influences that Isan and Shan cultures have had on the Northern Thailand’s culinary scene. Your local guide will also suggest many other places you can eat during your time in Chiang Mai.

DAY 10 Destination Chiang Mai Meals included Breakfast, Dinner Accommodation N/A

This morning you’ll have a very unique opportunity to chat with some monks from Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, a university specifically for Buddhist monks. Learn the basics of Buddhism and find out more about their schooling, lifestyle and world view. Enjoy a free afternoon afterwards to explore Chiang Mai further, perhaps getting out into the lush countryside or checking out more Buddhist temples. In the evening, your group will be treated to dinner at a nice restaurant to celebrate your Northern Thailand adventure.

DAY 11 Destination Chiang Mai  Luang Prabang Meals included Breakfast Accommodation N/A

You will be transferred to the airport, where you will say goodbye to your Thai tour leader and fly to Luang Prabang, Laos. Please note: you will be unescorted on this flight.

When you arrive in Luang Prabang you will be transferred to your hotel. A welcome meeting will be held in the evening. Please check for a welcome notice on the Peregrine notice board located in the reception area of the hotel. This will provide you with your leader's name and the exact time and location of your Welcome Meeting. Keep in mind that you will need to again bring your travel insurance details with you to the meeting.

After meeting the new travellers joining your group, take part in a Baci ceremony to welcome you to Laos, and balance your soul according to Lao tradition. The ceremony is based on an ancient belief that the body is made up of 32 different spirits – all inhabiting different organs. The ritual is intended to call back spirits that may have strayed from the body, bringing a sense of balance and health.

The information provided in this document is subject to change and may be affected by unforeseen events outside the control of Inspiring Vacations. Where changes to your itinerary or bookings occur, appropriate advice or instructions will be sent to your email address.

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DAY 12 Destination Luang Prabang Meals included Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation N/A

Wake early to participate in the alms giving ceremony, one of the most sacred Buddhist traditions in Laos, where locals offer food to monks in order to seek spiritual blessing. Alms giving takes place daily as the sun rises, beginning on the main street of Luang Prabang before spreading out to side streets. Follow the locals as they kneel down, ready to give offerings of rice, fruit and sweet snacks to the monks. Later that morning, spend time learning about Laos’ diverse ethnic groups at the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre. Afterwards, enjoy an essential activity in Luang Prabang – a boat ride on the Mekong River. It's a great chance to see the riverside from a different angle, with all its stately French villas, trees, and slow-paced two-wheeled traffic. Further along the stream, outside of town, you visit the Pak Ou Caves, located at the confluence of the rivers Mekong and Ou. Enjoy lunch on the boat along the way.

DAY 13 Destination Luang Prabang Meals included Breakfast, Dinner Accommodation N/A

In the morning, visit Ock Pop Tok, an inspiring fair trade social enterprise that provides a sustainable source of income for female artisans in Luang Prabang. Their dedicated team shows women how to make a better living from their skills. The organisation then employs women to design, make and sell beautiful textiles and handicrafts at three shops across the city. Later take a short ride out of town to visit Kuang Si Waterfall. Its glorious blue-green cascades make for one of Laos' most photogenic attractions, and the pool at its base is great for swimming in. There is time to visit the nearby Bear Rescue Centre as well. In the evening, sit down to dinner at Khaiphaen, a Friends-International enterprise dedicated to improving the welfare of disadvantaged youth through skills-training.

DAY 14 Destination Luang Prabang  Vientiane Meals included Breakfast Accommodation N/A

Fly to Vientiane, the capital of Laos, in the early morning. Though not as visually impressive as Luang Prabang, this city is renowned for its food and has some must see sights. Its main streets are awash with a variety of high-calibre restaurants that serve a remarkably diverse span of cuisines from across the globe. Embark on a guided sightseeing tour of the city,

The information provided in this document is subject to change and may be affected by unforeseen events outside the control of Inspiring Vacations. Where changes to your itinerary or bookings occur, appropriate advice or instructions will be sent to your email address.

Call 1300 88 66 88 Email [email protected] www.inspiringvacations.com Page 6 TOUR ITINERARY stopping in at Wat Si Saket, Hor Prakeo, Patuxai (Victory Gate) and That Luang along the way. You’ll also visit the Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise (COPE), a remarkable not-for-profit organisation that makes rehabilitative devices and medical equipment accessible to people with physical disabilities in Laos.

DAY 15 Destination Vientiane  Phnom Penh Meals included Breakfast Accommodation N/A

Your journey comes to an end after breakfast. There are no planned activities for today and you are free to depart at any time.

The information provided in this document is subject to change and may be affected by unforeseen events outside the control of Inspiring Vacations. Where changes to your itinerary or bookings occur, appropriate advice or instructions will be sent to your email address.

Call 1300 88 66 88 Email [email protected] www.inspiringvacations.com Page 7 TOUR ITINERARY

Inclusions

WHAT'S INCLUDED 14 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners Expert tour leader Plane, Train, Tuk-tuk, Private vehicle, Boat Hotel (6 nights), Resort (4 nights), Feature stay Hmong Hilltribe Lodge (1 night), Feature stay Sada Hotel (3 nts) In depth sightseeing

Fine Print

EXCLUSIONS International Airfares Personal Expenses Travel Insurance Optional activities Anything not mentioned in the itinerary or optional Tipping/Gratuities

The information provided in this document is subject to change and may be affected by unforeseen events outside the control of Inspiring Vacations. Where changes to your itinerary or bookings occur, appropriate advice or instructions will be sent to your email address.

Call 1300 88 66 88 Email [email protected] www.inspiringvacations.com Page 8 TOUR ITINERARY

HOW TO BOOK & PAYMENTS Deposit & Payments

Book now and secure your package with only a AUD $400 deposit per person. Pay a 2nd instalment of AUD $1124 per person within 28 days. You will then be invoiced for final payment 90 days prior to departure. Booking Process

Select the purple 'Reserve Your Seat' tab to begin your booking (you must 'Sign Up' first by entering your email and creating a password) Then select the purple 'Book now' tab of the tour you have selected Select your Departure Date, Departure City, Number of Passengers, Room Configuration, any Upgrade Options, and enter any Special Requests Click the purple ‘Proceed to Secure Checkout' tab Enter your credit card or PayPal details to secure your deposit/payment. You may also pay via BPAY (not available within 70 days of departure) Once your order is complete, you will be prompted to complete a Booking Form so that we can fulfil your booking Your booking is confirmed once your Booking Form is submitted and you can begin the countdown to your Inspiring Vacation!

HOTEL LIST Bangkok - Rembrandt Hotel or similiar Kanchanaburi - Away Kanchanaburi Dheva Mantra Resort & Spa or similar Nakhon Sawan - Grand Hill Resort or similar Sukhothai - Sukhothai Heritage Resort or similar Hmong Hilltribe - Hmong Hilltribe Lodge or similar Chang Mai - Bodhi Serene Hotel or similar Luang Prabang - Sada Hotel or similar Vientiane - Sabaidee @ Lao Hotel or similar

The information provided in this document is subject to change and may be affected by unforeseen events outside the control of Inspiring Vacations. Where changes to your itinerary or bookings occur, appropriate advice or instructions will be sent to your email address.

Call 1300 88 66 88 Email [email protected] www.inspiringvacations.com Page 9 TOUR ITINERARY

IMPORTANT INFORMATION Accommodation The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however, any changes are beyond our control.

Single Supplement A single supplement is available on all nights of this trip from an extra AUD $1355 subject to availability.

Triple Share Not available.

Children Children must be 5 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.

Tour Documentation Final documentation will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.

OPTIONAL TOURS Bangkok - Jim Thompson's House - THB150 Bangkok - Thai Massage - THB250 Sukhothai - Organic Farm lunch - THB900

Optional tours are booked and paid to your tour leader.

The information provided in this document is subject to change and may be affected by unforeseen events outside the control of Inspiring Vacations. Where changes to your itinerary or bookings occur, appropriate advice or instructions will be sent to your email address.

Call 1300 88 66 88 Email [email protected] www.inspiringvacations.com Page 10