Tour Dossier Northern & Adventure Classic Tour │15 Days│ 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.

Classic Tours Our Classic tours are designed for those who wish to see the iconic sites and magnificent treasures on a fully inclusive excellent value group tour.

Northern Thailand & Laos Adventure is a Moderate Pace tour. This is defined in our brochure as; this has been defined in our brochure as anyone with a good level of fitness should be able to complete this itinerary. Our National Escort/Local Guides always endeavour 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.

These programmes are not strenuous but do include several days where long periods of sightseeing on foot, climbing of stairs and in/out of boats will be necessary. These tours are generally longer in duration and could involve long days of driving or overnight train journeys. Some programmes may also include easy hiking or a home stay.

Tour highlights: On our Thailand Highlights itinerary, you will visit Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pakbeng, , Vang Vieng and Vientiane.

 Bangkok – Thailand’s capital; a modern day metropolis full of life, culture and history  Chiang Mai – Famous for its hill tribes, tea plantations and elephants  Chiang Rai – Ethnically diverse province set amongst stunning backdrops  Pakbeng - ‘Mouth of Beng’, a junction town of and Nam Beng Rivers

Visit wendywutours.com.au Call 1300 727 998 to speak to a Reservations Consultant

 Luang Prabang – Entry point into Laos and UNESCO World Heritage listed town which retains its original character  Vang Vieng – Idyllic natural scenery  Vientiane – Capital of Laos; charming city filled with villas and boulevards

Destination Profile

Thailand - Thailand is a beautiful country, offering travellers stunning scenery from fertile rice fields in the central plains, rising mountains and valleys in the north, to sandy white beaches at famous island destinations such as Phuket in the south. Thailand has an ancient history shaped by war and imperialism, as well as an immersion of culture and faith.

Development In Thailand - Although Thailand is developing quickly, it still lacks the international standards of civil infrastructure and tourist facilities. 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; for example, you may see a hole in the road without a warning sign or safety barricade. 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, refer to notices and follow advice from you National Escort or Local Guides.

Cuisine in Thailand - All meals (excluding drinks) are included as indicated from the groups’ arrival until the day of departure. Our schedule of meals is designed so that you can experience the local dishes, their individual flavours as well as the different ways they are prepared and cooked throughout Thailand.

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 Kuangsi 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 Mekong River and explore some of the 4,000 islands that make up the Si Phan Don area.

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 French Indochina.

Visit wendywutours.com.au Call 1300 727 998 to speak to a Reservations Consultant

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 is 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.

Seatbelts - Please note that seatbelts are not compulsory by law in Thailand and therefore the local people largely choose not to wear them. For this reason, some vehicles may not be fitted with seatbelts or they may be hidden underneath protective seat covers. It is recommended that where seatbelts are available customers must use them and remain seated at all times while the vehicle is moving. If you have any concerns, please notify your National Escort or Local Guide.

Traffic in Thailand and Laos - Roads in Indochina have generally improved over recent years, but traffic and/or weather conditions may extend driving times. Road construction work usually covers an enormous section of road - not just one or two kilometres as you may be used to. For this reason, the timings listed in the sections below are approximations only.

Joining Your Tour - The tour is 15 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 14 in Vientiane. Please refer to your final itinerary for more specific meeting instructions pertaining to your departure.

Itinerary Changes 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. 1. Domestic flights in these regions are subject to frequent changes. For this reason we have indicated morning, afternoon or evening flights only in the itinerary section below. Your Local Guide or National Escort will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them.

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 office in Bangkok on +84 138 6228 (24 hours) 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 endeavour 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.

Visit wendywutours.com.au Call 1300 727 998 to speak to a Reservations Consultant

Itinerary – Northern Thailand & Laos Adventure

Day 1: Australia to Bangkok With a population of over 7 million, the fast pace of Day Outline the city can be daunting for the first time visitor, yet Fly to Bangkok today where the day is at leisure. beneath all of the hustle and bustle there are many hidden gems waiting to be discovered, offering a Physical Description unique taste of Thai culture and history. Bangkok’s You will be met in the arrival hall at Bangkok’s dazzling neon signs, charming architecture, spicy Thai International airport by your Local Guide and/or cuisine and colourful markets make for an exciting National Escort. Together with all other group first few days of our tour. members who may be arriving at a similar time, you will transfer approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, Day 2: Bangkok depending on traffic conditions (35km) to your hotel. Day Outline Enjoy a full day of touring Bangkok. Explore Pho Destination Information and Grand Palace. In the afternoon take a longboat on Bangkok - Bangkok has been Thailand's dominant city the Chao Phraya River to travel to Pak Klong Talaat since the 18th century. It was established as the Flower Market before walking through Chinatown. capital after the former capital Ayutthaya was attacked by the Burmese and burned down. The Physical Description emerging city, which was protected by a wall, was This morning a tour introduction will be held in the occupied by a large number of stilt and floating hotel. There will not be food or drinks served at this houses built to adapt to common seasonal flooding. meeting; it is simply an opportunity for your group to meet and learn more about travelling in Laos and Up until the Thailand War, Bangkok was still largely Thailand. Sightseeing in downtown Bangkok involves undeveloped until it became a popular place of rest approximately 5 hours on foot over the whole day; and relaxation for the American soldiers, which broken up by 3 hours in the morning and 2 hours in resulted in a boom of nightclubs, massage parlours the afternoon. Watch your valuables while in the and bars. However, in the 80’s and 90’s, Bangkok market area. underwent rapid modernisation and exploded into the metropolis it is today; a city that is lined with Destination Information skyscrapers and is full of life. Experience the monk’s chant as you explore the grounds of Wat Pho, which is over eight hectares. The largest reclining Buddha and the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand are housed here.

Visit wendywutours.com.au Call 1300 727 998 to speak to a Reservations Consultant

Grand Palace - The Grand Palace is the city’s most Physical Description famous landmark. Built in 1782, for 150 years it was Enjoy this morning free at your leisure. After lunch the home to the Thai King, the royal court and there will be easy sightseeing around Chiang Mai with administrate seat of government. around 2 hours on foot including a visit to the city’s Within the Palace are several impressive buildings, biggest market, Talat Warorod. This evening watch including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. your valuables while in and around the market areas.

Pak Khlong Talaat Flower Market - The biggest Destination Information wholesale and retail fresh flower market in Bangkok. Chiang Mai - Located among tall mountains, Chiang Mai is the largest and most culturally significant city in Chinatown - Teeming with market stalls and side northern Thailand. The city was founded in 1296 and street restaurants, Chinatown is a not to be missed was the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, which was experience in Bangkok. eventually occupied by the Burmese. For the next 200 years Chiang Mai was virtually abandoned until it was Day 3: Bangkok – train to Chiang Mai again taken over by Siam in the 18th century. During Day Outline the 20th century, Chiang Mai became a thriving centre In the morning enjoy the sights of Damnoen Saduak for handicraft pottery, weaving, silverwork and Floating Market. In the afternoon board an overnight woodcarving; however tourism took over in the traing to Chiang Mai. 1960’s as the main source of income. Today, Chiang Mai is famous for its hilltribes, tea plantations and Physical Description elephants. Early morning rise to drive 1.5 hours to the Damnoen Saduak floating market. You will travel by motorised, Talat Warorod - Chiang Mai’s oldest and largest wooden boats between the islands and perhaps market. Stroll parades of stalls selling an assortment smaller, paddle boats in the canals. Sightseeing of items, from woks, toys and pickled tea leaves. involves hopping on and off the boats, often on unsteady and slippery surfaces, sometimes without Wat Doi Suthep - One of Thailands most sacred handrails or assistance, and up to 30 minutes on foot. temples. Tucked away in the mountains at 1,056 metres above sea level, it offers a panoramic view of A late check-out from the hotel has been arranged for Chiang Mai. Here we can climb the Naga staircase or your group so you will be able to have some time to catch the cable car to visit the exquisite golden freshen up, pack and check-out of the hotel before pagoda. dinner. Transfer to the station to board your overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai station. You will Day 5: Chiang Mai to H’mong Hilltribe sleep in a Second Class sleeper cabin. This journey Day Outline usually takes 12 hours (700km). Wear comfortable Today travel into the Sutheo-Pui Mountains where clothes on board to sleep in and take snacks as they you will overnight at H’Mong Hilltribe Lodge. In the may not be readily available on board the train. evening enjoy a cultural show.

Destination Information Physical Description Damnoen Saduak Floating Market - Step back in time Travel 1 hour (70km) by minivan to the H’mong to experience the traditional way farmers would trade Hilltribe lodge. H’mong Hilltribe Lodge is made up of their produce. The canals are lined with boats that are ten individual houses, each comprising of four paddled by local women and piled high with separate rooms with private bathrooms, arranged vegetables, fruit and even souvenirs for the tourists. around a central communal area. Optional activities Sit back and soak up the atmosphere as the locals go this afternoon include a short hike to the village, hire about their daily life and entertain with their haggling a bike, have a massage or relax by the pool. techniques Destination Information Day 4: Chiang Mai H’mong Hilltribe - are an ethnic group from the Day Outline mountainous regions of , Vietnam, Laos, and Arrive in Chiang Mai, where the morning is at leisure. Thailand. H’mong are also one of the sub-groups of In the afternoon sightseeing includes Talat Warorod the Miao ethnicity in southern China. Hmong groups and Wat Doi Suthep. In the evening enjoy a traditional began a gradual southward migration in the 18th dance performance before wandering through the century due to political unrest and to find more arable night markets. land. Visit wendywutours.com.au Call 1300 727 998 to speak to a Reservations Consultant

During the first and second Indochina Wars, France The province is abundant with natural scenery; lush and the United States recruited thousands of H’mong rice terraces, hills scattered with orchids and the people in Laos to fight against forces from north and mountains of Myanmar and Laos are visible in the south Vietnam and communist Pathet Lao insurgents, distance. known as the Secret War, during the Vietnam War and the Laotian Civil War. Hundreds of thousands of Day 7: Chiang Rai to Pakbeng H’mong refugees fled to Thailand seeking political Day Outline asylum. Thousands of these refugees have resettled in Cross the border at the Friendship Bridge into Laos Western countries since the late 1970s, mostly the and cruise to Pakbeng, visiting several minority United States, but also in Australia, France, French villages en route. Guiana, Canada, and Argentina. Others have returned to Laos under United Nations-sponsored repatriation Physical Description programs. This morning we depart Thailand and cross over the border into Laos via Thailand – Laos Friendship Bridge Day 6: H’mong Hilltribe to Chiang Rai IV. At the border we complete Customs formalities Day Outline and meet our Laos National Escort or Local Guide. Enjoy spending time in an elephant park, visit orchid Please note: there may be possible delays at farm, drive to Thaton and board a long-tail boat on Immigration in Laos. Mae Kok River to Baan Pha Tai, where you continue via road to Chiang Rai. We then transfer by tuk tuk to a local pier where we board a traditional boat and cruise to Pakbeng. Physical Description Boarding your boat could involve navigating your way Travel 1 hour to the Chiang Dao Elephant Training over and through other boats, moored between it and Centre. Here you will enjoy a 1 hour elephant ride into the dock, sometimes without handrails, ladders or the forest surrounding the camp, before watching the assistance from staff. elephants taking their morning bath in the running stream. Afterwards the trainers and elephants will We will have lunch on board and afterwards visit the demonstrate a number of their skills! The elephant minority villages of Lao Lu at Ban Pak Tha and Ban ride does not require any level of fitness, as it is quite Houei Lumpane. Upon arrival in Pakbeng, we will leisurely. There will be 2 passengers riding on one transfer you to our hotel. elephant. In the afternoon drive 2.5 hours to Thaton and board long tail motor boat ride for 1.5 hours to Destination Information Baan Pha Tai. Continue to Chiang Rai by road for 2 Fourth Thai–Lao Friendship - is a highway bridge over hours. the Mekong River that links the Chiang Khong District of Thailand and Ban in Laos. Please note: you will need to pack an overnight bag for tomorrow evening as you will be leaving your Pakbeng – A small village lies half-way between Huay main luggage on the boat while you stay overnight in Xai and Luang Prabang, perched high on the banks of Pakbeng. the Mekong River.

Destination Information Day 8: Pakbeng to Luang Prabang via Pak Ou Thaton - located between Mae Ai and Mae Chan in Day Outline northern Chiang Mai province, Thailand. It is a town Enjoy a cruise along the Mekong River where you will on the banks of the Kok River. It has a relaxed visit Pak Ou before arriving in Luang Pranbang in the atmosphere, and some people hang out for a few days late afternoon. or weeks. There are a small number expats as permanent residents. There are a number of Physical Description guesthouses along the banks of the river and more in Continue travelling downstream by traditional boat to the town itself. The picturesque views from Thaton Luang Prabang via Pak Ou for 7–8 hours. You will stop hill and the banks of the river, and a small town feel along the way at local villages for approximately 1 combine to make this a nice place to hang out. hour. Sightseeing at Pak Ou involves climbing steps from the base of the dock to the first cave and Chiang Rai - the northern-most province of Thailand another 10 minutes on foot over uneven surfaces that sharing borders with Myanmar and Laos, and also one includes walking up the hill to the second cave where of the most ethnically diverse provinces in Thailand. you will need a torch.

Visit wendywutours.com.au Call 1300 727 998 to speak to a Reservations Consultant

Destination Information It lies in the heart of the old town peninsula and is Pak Ou Caves – Near Pak Ou (mouth of the Ou river) bordered on one side by the Mekong River and on the the Tham Ting (lower cave) and the Tham Theung other side by the Nam Khan River. The hill is a local (upper cave) are caves overlooking the Mekong River, religious site, and houses several Buddhist shrines. 25 km to the north of Luang Prabang, Laos. Halfway up the hill, overlooking the Nam Khan is Wat They are a group of two caves on the west side of the Tham Phou Si, a Buddhist temple. At the summit of Mekong River, about two hours upstream from the the hill, overlooking the town and surrounding centre of Luang Prabang. The caves are noted for their countryside, is Wat Chom Si, which is also a Buddhist miniature Buddha sculptures. Hundreds of very small temple and is a tourist highlight of Luang Prabang. and mostly damaged wooden Buddhist figures are laid out over the wall shelves. They take many different Day 10: Kuang Si Waterfall positions, including meditation, teaching, peace, rain, Day Outline and reclining (nirvana). Rise early this morning to witness the Buddhist ceremony of Takbat. After breakfast visit the National Luang Prabang - The capital of Luang Prabang Museum. In the afternoon drive to Kuang Si Waterfall Province in northern Laos, lies in a valley at the before returning to Luang Prabang via Ock Pop Tok confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. It’s Waeving Centre. known for its many Buddhist temples, including the gilded Wat Xieng Thong, dating to the 16th century, Physical Description and Wat Mai, once the residence of the head of Rise early this morning to view Takbat, a Buddhist Laotian Buddhism. ceremony. Drive 1 hour (32km) on a fairly good sealed road to Kuangsi Waterfall. Sightseeing here will Day 9: Luang Prabang involve around 1 hour of light walking. On the way up Day Outline to the waterfall you follow a bush walking track which Today enjoy a full day of sightseeing including Wat has a slight upward gradient. Visoune, Wat Xieng Thong, Ban Xang Khong craft village. In the late afternoon view the sunset from [N.B: It is possible to take a swim in the river near the Phousi Hill. falls and if you wish to do this, please remember to bring along your swimsuit and a towel. Changing Physical Description rooms are available on site]. There will be morning sightseeing around Luang Prabang city for approximately 2-3 hours. Sightseeing Destination Information at Phousi Hill involves 1 hour on foot – the hill is 100m Kuang Si Waterfalls - A Three-tiered waterfall about high and this area is fairly steep (with 328 steps) but 29 km south of Luang Prabang. The falls begin in the view is worth the climb. shallow pools atop a steep hillside. These lead to the main fall with a 60m cascade. The falls are accessed [NB: If you wish to participate in the Takbat via a trail to a left of the falls. Water collects in ceremony tomorrow morning, please inform your numerous turquoise blue pools as it flows guide today who will purchase food on your behalf to downstream. The many cascades that result are offer the monks. This will be at your own expense typical of travertine waterfalls. There are walkways and not included in the tour cost]. and bridges for your enjoyment. Most of the pools are open to swimming. Destination Information Wat Xieng Thong - A Buddhist temple (wat), located Day 11: Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng on the northern tip of the peninsula of Luang Prabang, Day Outline Laos. Wat Xieng Thong is one of the most important of Today drive to Vang Vieng stopping en route at Phou Lao monasteries and remains a significant monument Koun and Pathang Village. to the spirit of religion, royalty and traditional art. There are over twenty structures on the grounds Physical Description including a sim, shrines, pavilions and residences, in Drive 7 hours (240km) to Vang Vieng over addition to its gardens of various flowers, ornamental mountainous roads with photo stops along the way. shrubs and trees Here there will be easy sightseeing en route at Pathang Village involving 1 hour on foot. Phousi Hill - Mount Phou Si, is a 100m high hill in the centre of the old town of Luang Prabang.

Visit wendywutours.com.au Call 1300 727 998 to speak to a Reservations Consultant

Destination Information Destination Information Vang Vieng - A town in Vientiane Province about four Wat Si Saket - Wat Si Saket is a Buddhist wat built in hours bus ride north of the capital. The town lies on 1818 on the order of King Anouvong (Sethathirath V.) the Nam Song River. The most notable feature of the Wat Si Saket was built in the ‘Siamese style’ of area is the karst hill landscape surrounding the town. Buddhist architecture, with a surrounding terrace and an ornate five-tiered roof, rather than in the Lao style. Day 12: Vang Vieng to Vientiane This may have kept it safe, since the armies of Siam Day Outline that sacked Vientiane following Anouvong's rebellion Spend the morning exploring Tham Chang Cave before in 1827 used the compound as their headquarters and driving to Vientiane. lodging place. It may be the oldest temple still standing in Vientiane. The French colonial government Physical Description restored Wat Si Saket in 1924 and again in 1930. Wat Sightseeing this morning at Tham Chang cave involves Si Saket features a cloister wall with more than 2,000 1 hour on foot over uneven surfaces, and climbing ceramic and silver Buddha images. steps to get up to the cave. Drive 3.5 hours (160km) to Vientiane. That Luang Stupa - A gold-covered large Buddhist stupa in the centre of Vientiane. Since its initial Destination Information establishment, suggested to be in the 3rd century, the Tham Chang Cave - Tham Jang is a cave just to the stupa has undergone several reconstructions as southwest of Vang Vieng, Laos. The cave is reached by recently as the 1930s due to foreign invasions of the crossing a bridge that spans across the Nam Song area. It is regarded as the most important national River. You will need to then climb a long flight of steps monument in Laos and a national symbol. to the entrance. A spring is located about 50m inside the cave. The cave was used as a bunker in the early Patuxai Victory Monument - Patuxai means Victory 19th century during the Chinese-Ho invasion. Gate or Gate of Triumph and is a war monument in the centre of Vientiane. It was built between 1957 and Vientiane - Vientiane, Laos' laid-back capital, mixes 1968. The Patuxai is dedicated to those who fought in French colonial architecture with Buddhist temples the struggle for independence from France. such as the golden, 16th-century Pha That Luang, a national symbol. Along broad boulevards and tree- Day 14: Depart Vientiane lined streets are notable shrines including Wat Si Day Outline Saket, which features thousands of Buddha images, The morning is at leisure before your transfer to the and Wat Si Muang, built on a Hindu shrine. Many airport for your flight home. bakeries, cafes and villas seem straight out of 19th- century Paris. Physical Description You will check out of your hotel early this morning for Day 13: Vientiane your flight to Bangkok. Please contact your local travel Day Outline agent or our Reservations team for further Today enjoy sightseeing in Vientiane and explore Wat information. Si Saket, Wat Phra Keo, That Luang Stupa and Patuxai Victory Monument. In the evening enjoy a traditional Day 15: Arrive Australia dance performance. Day Outline Arrive home. Physical Description Sightseeing is easy today and involves 1-2 hours on foot.

Visit wendywutours.com.au Call 1300 727 998 to speak to a Reservations Consultant

Tour Profile

Visa Requirements - Australian passport holders do not need a visa for Thailand if they are travelling for less than 30 days for tourist purposes.

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 - Your 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 to 4-star standards, but do please note that there is no international classification system for hotels and differences in facilities and quality do exist between Australia and Thailand.

All group tour hotels have private Western bathroom facilities, air conditioning, TV and a telephone. Plumbing and electricity supplies can be erratic and quite often the power in hotel rooms is turned off while guests are out of the room. If you experience any difficulty please speak to your National Escort/Local Guide. Rest assured that all hotels used by Wendy Wu Tours are regularly inspected by our staff and our partners to ensure that standards are met.

Exchanging Cash - Australian Dollars can be easily exchanged in Thailand, 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 will remind you to do this before departure. Personal Expenses - 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 cannot 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.

Climbing Steps - Some sightseeing involves climbing quite a number of steps. 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 – Thailand and Laos have many religions, cultures and histories. Please be considerate of this, the local beliefs and customs and dress with consideration.

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.

Vaccinations and Your Health - We recommend that you contact either your GP or Travelvax (1300 360 164) for advice on vaccinations and travel health. Travelvax has a comprehensive website that you may also find useful www.travelvax.com.au.

Visit wendywutours.com.au Call 1300 727 998 to speak to a Reservations Consultant

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, lanyard, a travel guide (which includes a suggested packing list) 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: 12 April 2016

Visit wendywutours.com.au Call 1300 727 998 to speak to a Reservations Consultant