PROPOSAL : ETHNIC MINORITIES OF NORTHERN VIETNAM AND 11D10N DEPARTURE : 01 January 2014 – 30 September 2014 NUMBER OF PAX : TBA PREPARED FOR : TBA

VIETNAM - LAOS: COUNTRY OVERVIEW

Vietnam: a country with a rich, centuries-deep history, with grand colonial buildings, vibrant markets, temples and pagodas, deserted sandy beaches, glorious mountain scenery which is home to many ethnic minority people, and vast brilliant green rice fields, delicious cuisine and luxurious hotel and resorts. The Northern capital, Hanoi, is known as the artistic and cultural centre of the country, with Hoan Kiem Lake at heart of the city. In the Old Quarter, at the Temple of Literature and in the museums the past comes alive. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), in the South, is the commercial powerhouse of the country, with International hotels, shiny new shopping malls, old markets, museums, China Town, and café-life. The city is truly multi-cultural. The country has seven UNESCO World Heritage sites which stand testament to its history. The Lunar New Year festival ‘’Tet’’ is the most important public holiday and falls on the first day of the first month of the Lunar calendar. This event is celebrated by Vietnamese everywhere.

Laos: one of the last remaining peaceful countries on earth. Endowed with stunning natural beauty, from the remote mountainous North, to the fertile Southern region. Vientiane is the ‘’laid-back’’ capital city of Laos, on the banks of the river, close to the border with Thailand. Si Saket is the oldest temple, and Pha That Luang is the most important religious monument in Laos and the national symbol. sits at the confluence of the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers, and is a UNESCO designated site. The quiet town has many monasteries and temples including the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Ho Pha Bang, Wat Wisunarat and Ham Kham the Royal Palace complex. It is a treasure trove of Buddhist culture. Further North lies the enigmatic Plain of Jars, and to the south of the country are the cities of Pakse, Champasak, and Savannakhet, and the verdant Bolaven Plateau. Known for its rich coffee, dramatic waterfalls, remote hill tribes and National parks, is an adventure-in- waiting. The hospitable Laos people celebrate many festivals throughout the year, and one of the most important is ‘’New Year’’ which occurs in mid April, when everything closes down.

Day 1: HA NOI ARRIVAL (-/-/-)

Upon arrival in Hanoi, embark on a city tour. Discover the fascinating old quarter by cyclo. Then drive to see Hoan Kiem Lake in the city centre and visit Ngoc Son Temple one of the most picturesque temples in Hanoi, set on a small island in the lake. Overnight in Hanoi Day 2: HA NOI – HOA BINH – MAI CHAU (B/-/-) Road trip to Mai Chau, well known for its wonderful surrounded in a green valley with stilt houses. Walking tour to visit the villages of Thai and H'mong people. Overnight in Mai Chau

Day 3: MAI CHAU – SON LA (B/-/-)

Drive to Son La, home of many ethnic minorities, including the Muong and the Thai. Once we reach Son La, we check into our hotel and have the remainder of the day to visit the former French prison, and stroll through villages in the south of the town. Overnight in Son La. Day 4: SON LA – DIEN BIEN PHU (B/-/-) This is quite a remote area and a pleasant drive from Son la to Dien Bien Phu. Visit the Dien Bien Phu museum, A1 Hill, Dien Bien Phu Cemetry, the bunker headquarters and the memorial dedicated to French soldiers. Overnight in Dien Bien Phu. Day 5: DIEN BIEN PHU – MUANG KHUA (B/-/-) Drive by private car to the Tay Trang check-point, at the border with Laos. Then continue to Muang Khua and visit the local market. Overnight in Muang Khua. Day 6: MUANG KHUA – PHONG SALI (BOAT) (B/-/-)

Join the cruise up the Nam Ou river in Northern Laos. Visit small villages along the way and spend time with the local people. Later drive to Phongsali. Overnight at hotel in Phongsali Day 7: PHONG SALI - NUQUI (B/-/-) A day mixed with private transportation and trekking to reach some remote villages where you will meet some local ethnic minority. The village of Nuqui sits on a mountain at 1268m offering spectacular views. Overnight in Nuqui village

Day 8: NUQUI – PHONG SALI (B/-/-) Take a path from the village and trek towards Ban Vatai village, passing through virgin forests. Join a boat trip down the river to reach Ban Hatsa where you will stop for lunch. In the afternoon drive by private car to Phongsali. Overnight at Phongsali Day 9: PHONG SALI - OUDOMXAY (B/-/-) A private minivan will take you to the beautiful area of the Nam Ou village. En route the scenery is stunning. Stop for pictures of this gorgeous mountainous panorama. Visit small villages of the Hmong who live high up in the mountainous areas. Upon arriving at Oudomxay visit the temple. Overnight at Oudomxay Day 10: OUDOMXAY – LUANG PRABANG (B/-/-) Drive to Luang Prabang by private car. En route, visit the holy caves of Pak Ou. Overnight at Luang Prabang Day 11: LUANG PRABANG (B/-/-)

Luang Prabang city tour including the former Royal Palace (now the National Museum), Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Sen and Wat Visun. End of the day watching the sunset from the top of Mount Phou Si. Transfer by air conditioned vehicle to the airport for your onward flight in the evening.

“where journeys begin”

TOUR COST : NET PRICE IN USD Valid 01 January 2014 to 30 April 2014 Categories/ Group size 1 pax 2 pax 3-4 pax 5-6 pax 7-10pax Single Supplement Standard Category 3,620.00 1,938.00 1,479.00 1,345.00 1,259.00 262.00 All rates are net, quoted per person in U.S.$ in half twin room. Please add the single supplement if you book a single room (Except on 1 Pax). Valid 01 May 2014 to 30 September 2014 Categories/ Group size 1 pax 2 pax 3-4 pax 5-6 pax 7-10pax Single Supplement Standard Category 3,534.00 1,893.00 1,442.00 1,309.00 1,223.00 226.00 All rates are net, quoted per person in U.S.$ in half twin room. Please add the single supplement if you book a single room (Except on 1 Pax).

Surcharge during Peak Season and Vietnam & Laos Public Holidays is applied upon hotels and cruises policies, please kindly contact our Travel Consultant for your detailed information.

LIST OF HOTEL USAGES: LOCATION STANDARD CATEGORY HANOI Medallion Superior 11 Ma May Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi Tel: 084439261302 http://www.medallionhanoi.com/

MAI CHAU Mai Chau Lodge Deluxe Mountain View Mai Chau, Hoa Binh Tel: 0842183868953 Web: http://www.maichaulodge.com

SON LA Cong Doan Son La Room Type 1 4, Street 26 – 8, Son La Tel: 084223855313

DIEN BIEN PHU Muong Thanh Dien Bien Phu Deluxe Room 514, Street 7/5, Him Lam, DBP Tel: 0842303810043 Web: muongthanh.vn/vi/hotel/ha-noi-16.html

MUANG KHUA Sernnaly Hotel Standard Room

PHONG SALY Phongsali Hotel Standard Room

OUDOMXAY Villa Keoseumsack Standard Room

LUANG PRABANG Le Sen Boutique Hotel Deluxe Room 113 Manomai Road Ban Mano, Luang Prabang Tel: 05671261668 Web: http://www.lesenhotel.com/

INCLUDING:  Accomodations based on twin share  Transportation: private car or coach  English-Speaking Guide applied for day-tour only  Meals as mentioned in the program (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)  Entrance Fees  Boat Trip as mentioned in the program

EXCLUDING:  International flight ticket to & out Vietnam & Laos  Domestic flight ticket (separate quotation)  Meals not mentioned  Visa letter and Visa stamp fee at the airport (around 45 USD/person)  Drinks and personal expenses  Optional tours  Tips and gratuities for tour guide and services  Any other items not mentioned  Peak Season Surcharge, Compulsory Chrismas & New Year Gala Dinner upon Hotels and Cruises’policies (if any)

BOOKING PROCEDURE Booking will be confirmed on receipt of advance deposit only. Asia Destinations (ASD) requires 20% advance deposit to hold the booking. (2) Balance 80% must reach ASD 30 days prior to tour departure date. LIABILITY The prices are subject to amendment should the Transporters/ Hoteliers amend their rates prior to commencement of the tour. REFUND After commencement of Travel, no refund in full or in part will be given for services included in the program, which are not utilized.

HOTEL CHECK IN- CHECK OUT TIME Hotel Check in time is usually 12h00. Hotel Check out time is usually 14h00. Extended check in - check out time may be granted subject to availability and agreement with the participating hotels.

TRAVEL INSURANCE To travel around ASD highly recommended that participants have travel insurance.