Contiki Holidays - Asia 2009-2010 - AUD

Asia 2009/10 Incl. Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand Tours for all budgets

From A$125/Day Excl. local payment

GO Asia Sharing Laughter Culture Fun Adventure Chilling out Freedom Go for it!

About Asia

2

ASIA -

Contiki's got it covered!

The world’s a big place, but for those in the know, South East Asia is on the radar as the continent that has it all with a thousand ways to thrill and chill. And now Contiki can take you there!

A Tingling Taste of THAILAND The Thai ‘sànùk’, or ‘sense of fun’, is part of what makes Thailand a traveller’s favourite. Get ready to have your senses engaged in Bangkok, a bustling city where Mercedes compete with tuk-tuks, skyscrapers press against ramshackle shop houses and you can choose between high class cuisine and road side noodles.

In the North is a mix of mountains and jungle. Chiang Mai is the perfect place to take a cooking class or visit hill tribes, with a fantastic night time bazaar. Get even further off the beaten track when you head to Chiang Rai, nestled next to the northern ‘Golden Triangle’.

VIETNAM

Sapa

Hanoi

BURMA

Luang Prabang

Pakbeng

Halong Bay

LAOS Vang Vieng

Chiang Rai

Vientiane Chiang Mai

Laid Back LAOS Laos is relatively unexplored but offers preserved culture, open people, archaeological treasures and a history of Communism that make it a unique and intriguing place to visit.

Hue

THAILAND

The Laos scenery is, in short, spectacular. 70% of the country is rugged terrain with soaring mountains, hosting peaceful and spiritual tribes who continue a traditional way of life. Cruise down the Mekong River visiting isolated villages, stay at an authentic guesthouse, learn about the Indochina War, and experience the charm of some of the former French colonial cities.

Da Nang Hoi An

Bangkok Siem Reap

CAMBODIA

Captivating CAMBODIA From the French colonial boulevards of the capital Phnom Penh to the deepest jungles that claimed Angkor Wat for over 600 years, Cambodia’s a country that spell binds the unsuspecting traveller. The country’s tortuous past can be seen at the Killing Field sites, but this is a country on the rise.

Phnom Penh

Good Morning VIETNAM

Mekong Delta

Nha Trang

Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam is a country of colours. The gold of the temples, jade green of Halong Bay, yellow green of rice paddy fields and the multi coloured silks of the traditional ‘Ao Dai’ women’s dress.

South China Sea

The Mekong Delta is all rice paddy fields, coconut palms and sugar plantations being tended by farmers in concial shaped hats. Cruise the river delta, visit floating markets and stay overnight with a host family to see Vietnamese life up close. Cycle around the UNESCO listed Hoi An, soak up some rays on the beach in Nha Trang and cruise through amazing limestone mountains of Halong Bay on a traditional junk boat. This is truly a country where East meets West.

FIND YOUR WAY...

MALAYSIA

Laos

ABOUT CONTIKI Pg.

THE HOLIDAYS WE OFFER Pg.

HOW TO BOOK

Why go Contiki?

Vietnam Explorer

15 Days

8-9

Juicy deals

19

Vietnam Discovery

13 Days

10-11

Responsible travel

20

Vietnam Experience 12 Days

12-13

contiki.com

21

Vietnam Highlights

10 Days

14-15

Q&A’s

22

5 Days

15

Booking conditions

23

Asian Adventure

14 Days

16-17

How to book

24

The Big Indochina Adventure

28 Days

18

3

Sightseeing & Free time activities 4-5 How you travel around 6 Where you stay 7

Cambodia Extension

Pg.

Contiki Asia is a winner - flexible touring with a bunch of like minded 18-35s, exploring the deep mystique, the magic, the addictive madness that is Asia! ✓ Everyone’s 18-35

Contiki’s group size in Asia averages around 25, so you’ll have just the right amount of new friends to share your experience with - on a long trip, that’s a big time bonus! And don’t worry, the group size is small enough to have an intimate Asian experience, but big enough to make the dynamic rock! With a bunch of other like-minded 18–35 year olds, your travel posse will make it great, no matter where you are.

✓ Great reputation

Global. Experienced. On the pulse. That’s Contiki. We’ve proven we can take the Contiki magic anywhere. We have over 46 years of experience and proven we know how to take your trip from standard to the unforgettable time and time again.

✓ No stress

Thought Asia was only for daring travellers? Think again. We take the hassle out so you don’t have to think about where to find a bed or knowing where the best backstreet restaurant is. Tap into the knowledge of your Contiki crew and local guides, so you can concentrate on the experience and we’ll look after the rest!

✓ Lots of free time

We know you don’t want every minute of your trip jam packed with activities and structure. Part of getting to know a country is being able to cruise around on your own. Every Contiki Asia trip day has some flexible free time factored in where you can do your own thing, go explore, or chill out. We’ve got heaps of Optional Activities on offer that you can mix and match to create your own kind of holiday just the way you want (more on pages 4 & 5).

✓ Contiki crew

Our Tour Managers know Contiki and they know Asia. They’re there so you don’t have to spend your time reading timetables or having your head in a map.

Most often, our Tour Managers are expats who now call Asia ’home’, and they buddy up with local English speaking guides from our ‘on-the-ground’ partner, award-winning Trails of Indochina. These professional, local guides, help us dig even further into the lie of the land, and they can’t wait to show you what makes their part of Asia hum. Backing these guys up are expert bus, boat and tuk tuk drivers. What looks like jungle and confusing roads to you, look just like their local suburb to them, because it is!

✓ Planes, trains, boats and automobiles...

In Asia, half the fun is not where you go, but how you get there. So we have mixed up the planes, overnight trains, boats and our air conditioned coaches and mini vans with some funky and fun ways to get from Point A to Point B (more on page 6).

✓ Itineraries with a twist

So apart from the included sightseeing, we’ve incorporated Optional Activities, each a highlight to make your trip unique, authentic and interesting. From home stays with local families, river tubing on the Mekong River, cooking classes in historic palaces and working with local farmers, if you’re into shopping, history, culture or plain adventure, from every angle, a Contiki Asia itinerary has it covered.

✓ Making a difference

There is a saying ‘Take only photos and leave only footprints’, but sometimes it is worth leaving something more behind. If you want to give back to the countries you have visited, we work with some sustainable community support programs who would love your help (more on page 20).

✓ No breaking the bank

The itineraries are stuffed full of value and what some companies might call ’extras’, to us, they’re all part of the package. The biggies, such as flights and sightseeing are included, as are breakfasts and some lunches and dinners, giving you flexibility to follow your nose to some of the locals’ haunts.

With Contiki you know exactly what you are getting, so you can budget your way down to the last dollar. Try doing the same trip on your own, and you’ll find out how much more bang for your buck you get with us.

✓ 3 stars all the way

3 stars goes a long way in Asia and that’s what we’ll give you. Great quality places to stay, combined with a few authentic ‘suprises’ to mix it up so you get a taste of the real Asia (more on page 7). And while all breakfasts are included, Don’t take our with some lunches and dinners too, we’ve left word for it e board to see the rest free because we know that you’ll want Check our messag Contiki at the flexibility to go exploring and track down what others think of s orum au/f om. contiki.c your own favourite flavours.

3

About Contiki

Why go Contiki?

About Contiki

4

Get the most from your holiday!

Every one of our trips offers the perfect mix of included sightseeing and flexible free time.

We include loads of sightseeing so you can score extra bang for your buck and be sure you will see the things that are key to a destination. But then you also have plenty of free time to go for it and explore, creating your own adventure ‘off the itinerary’! Every tour page clearly lists the ‘Included Highlights’ and the ‘Free Time’ activities that you’ll experience as part of your trip.

Optional activities Different people want different things. Some want to learn to cook Thai like a local; some are after bargaining for textiles from the hill tribes, while others just want to soak up the green of the jungle while floating on a rubber tube along the Mekong River. In your free time, you’ll have the chance to enhance your itinerary either on your own, or with our ’Optional Activities’.

Why stick to the storyline when you can choose your own adventure?

You’ll be amazed how much free-time you have on a Contiki holiday. We’ve scoured our Asian destinations to find the most authentic and unique experiences that blend in culture, adventure and fun. The aim is to take you off the beaten track, to enable you to get in there and mix with the locals, to help you make the most of your free time and generally make your holiday extra-fantastic!

Add in the fact we’ve negotiated great rates for all these activities and that we organize them for you (meaning there’s less wasted time trying to do it when you get there) – you can’t beat it! It’s your choice, you can opt in, or you can opt out and simply do your own thing.

Photo courtesy of Elephant Park Project

Experience the local markets

Biking - Vang Vieng

Enjoy a mud bath!

Kayaking - Halong Bay

What are my choices & how much do they cost?

Here’s a taste of what’s on offer:

On each itinerary page, check out the 'FREE TIME' box where there’s the full line-up of Optional Activities available. To help plan your trip and work out your budget, a complete list of all our Optionals is online at contiki.com/asia under the ’Optional Activities’ section.

• Learn to cook like a Thai local in Chang Mai

A complete Optional list with pricing will also come with your final documents after booking.

• Go with the flow on a river kayak adventure

Thailand • Head to the Golden Triangle and visit the hill tribes Laos • Float down the Mekong River on a rubber tube • Get on your bike and out into the countryside in Vang Vieng.

When do I choose and how do I pay?

• Eat at Makphet restaurant, which is run by an international charity.

You never know what you may want to do from day to day, so we let you decide when you’re there. Arranging and paying for your Optionals while on tour means:

• Receive a good luck blessing ritual by Buddhist monks

• You’ll be able to choose what interests you at the same time as your

• Enjoy a meal at a floating restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City

new mates.

• An experienced Tour Manager can offer personal advice as well as taking care of the details.

• Some activities are seasonal while others are weather dependent.

Payment will be made on tour and can be made by cash or travellers cheques (in $US).

River Tubing - Vang Vieng

Cambodia • Eat a traditional Khmer dinner in a 120 year old French colonial building.

Vietnam • Go offshore snorkeling or take a mineral mud bath in Nha Trang • Work with local farmers in Tra Que vegetable village • Bike the Forbidden City in Hue

IMPORTANT NOTE please read These options are authentically local, so we don't own or operate them.

Some of these activities involve outdoor adventure and can be physically demanding, so there’s always an element of risk. You should make your own decisions about these activities and only participate in activities that you feel comfortable you can handle.

It’s also a good idea to check that your insurance includes your participation in adventure activities.

5

About Contiki River boating Photo courtesy of Elephant Park Project

About Contiki

6

How you travel around Travelling on all our many different types of transport will definitely be some of your most fun trip highlights! See the countries from different angles like a local.

From 4-wheels to 2-wheels to 0-wheels (with paddles and outboard motors instead), there are up to 10 different types of transport involved in a Contiki Asia trip!

Planes are often the best way of covering long distances and in Asia, reliable airlines are everywhere. In Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam air-conditioned 45 seat coaches are your transport with a mini 22 seater coach in Laos.

Then the fun really begins! In Thailand go to sleep to the clickety clack of a comfortable overnight train. In Laos you’ll be whisked around by brightly coloured tuk-tuks, and on the Mekong a long, low, wooden boat becomes your ‘chariot’. In Cambodia, there’s more tuk-tuks, plus bicycles - the pedal powered form of transport favoured by the locals, while a powered boat gets you into the floating markets.

In Vietnam, the transport goes gangbusters! In the Mekong Delta there is an outboard powered boat and wooden canoes with paddles to wind your way through the smaller tributaries. Stay overnight on a beautiful, traditional Junk boat in Halong Bay and row about the waters in a bamboo raft. And last but not least, paddle in a dragon boat in the royal city of Hue.

Whoever said transport wasn’t fun obviously hasn’t been to Asia!

River Boat

Junk Boat Cruise

Overnight Train

Cyclos

Long Boat Photo courtesy of Elephant Park Project

Tuk-Tuk

Cycling

With Contiki in Asia, there are great quality places to stay, but to mix it up, we’ve thrown in some cool surprises!

For the majority of the time, you’ll stay in centrally located 3 star hotels and resorts on a twin share basis (3 stars goes a long way in Asia), but we have included some real Asian experiences too. Like a Home Stay in the Mekong, local stilt houses on an overnight Vietnamese trek, a traditional junk boat in Halong Bay and an authentic local guesthouse in Laos. Here’s a few of the great properties you’ll stay in!

Bai Tho junk cabin

Homestay

Hoi An Hotel - Hoi An

Elephant Crossing Hotel - Vang Vieng

Vien Dong Hotel - Ho Chi Minh City

The 4 star Hoi An Hotel is a lot like the town it’s named after – serene, tranquil and relaxing.

Occupying lush and spacious grounds in the heart of the old town this modern, Asian styled hotel is the perfect place to hit the centre of town. Or make the most of the facilities in this oasis with a swimup pool bar, tennis courts and the beautiful Zen Spa.

Nestled on the banks of the Nam Song River amongst verdant jungle, this new boutique hotel is a world away in laid-back Laos. The ambience is typically Laotian, relaxed, friendly and the river view and majestic limestone mountains are stunning. Enjoy the view from the riverside restaurant and bar or from your private balcony. The hotel is only a short stroll from local restaurants, temples and a market.

You can’t beat the location of the Vien Dong Hotel, located in the commercial district just a 5 minute stroll from the Ben Thanh markets and great nightlife. Modern and spacious, it’s the ideal base for your Ho Chi Minh City adventures.

Bai Tho junk boat cruise – Halong Bay All aboard for one of the most authentic Vietnamese experiences, an overnight stay on a slow-cruising, traditional Chinese Junk boat. Made of wood, the twin share cabins feature windows and ensuites, as well as an onboard restaurant with plump cushions, perfect to relax on after a delicious Vietnamese meal.

But we’ve saved the best for last – the large rooftop outdoor deck. Watch the UNESCO listed Halong Bay drift by and swim in the jade green waters.

Hoi An Hotel

Home Stay – Mekong Delta This is an experience you will never forget. Staying with your entire group, overnight with locals and seeing up front and first hand the Vietnamese lifestyle will add a unique point to your journey.

A typical room Vien Dong Hotel

Share Type basis: Hotels and cruise are twin-share.

Guesthouses, homestay and trains are multi-share (except in Thailand where trains are quad-share).

What’s on the menu?

Asia has some of the best food in the world and we promise you won’t go hungry! We include some meals (all breakfasts and some lunches and dinners) in the tour price and leave others open for you to choose, so you can follow your nose and explore on your own.

There will be some tried and tested favourites such as pad thai noodles, and satay sticks. And for ‘food adventurers’, there’s the opportunity to get creative (especially in the local markets) - Tarantula, anyone?!

Thai cuisine is famous for its spices and fresh flavours. Similar food can be found in Laos with hints of ginger and lemon grass. Try rice wine and sticky rice in Cambodia and sit back in Vietnam with a cold glass of “bia hoi” (the locally brewed beer) and when the French left, they handed over their recipes if the croissants are anything to go by.

Try a local speciality, something more familiar or choose a restaurant that supports underprivileged children. Our local guides are fantastic at helping you uncover the most popular and authentic restaurants in the region or city you are visiting at bargain prices.

7

About Contiki

Where you stay

15 Days

8

Chilling out on Halong Bay

VIETNAM EXPLORER

t rfec f e p The p size o grou only

25

15 Days from A$1879 Plus local payment of US$200† All this included

THE BIG

• • • • •

9 nights in 3 star hotels* INDOCHINA 2 night homestay/guesthouse* ADVENTURE 2 overnight trains* & 1 overnight cruise* 28 DAY COMBO SEE PAGE 18 3 domestic flights 13 breakfasts (B), 5 lunches (L), 4 dinners (D) • Experienced Contiki Tour Manager, local English-speaking guides & driver • Local taxes and Service charges • Transport and included sightseeing

Hoi An town waterfront

*See page 7 for share type details

Included Highlights All these highlights along with city sightseeing are included in your tour price, so there’s plenty of ‘bang for your buck’ Mekong Delta Homestay: • Cruise the Mekong Delta • Bike ride the countryside • Live with a local family on an overnight stay Ho Chi Minh City: • City tour including entry to the War Remnants Museum Nha Trang: • Enjoy this seaside resort town known for its pristine beaches and turquoise waters Hoi An: • A walking tour through the UNESCO listed Old Quarter • Countryside bike ride

Hue: • See stunning scenery en-route to Hue • Take a dragon boat to visit pagodas • Visit the Imperial Citadel Halong Bay: • Overnight cruise in a traditional Junk boat • Swim, snorkel and explore the lagoon and coral Sapa: • Trek through 6 villages meeting 3 different hill tribes • Stay overnight in a local stilt house

FREE TIME ...to explore and do your own thing or talk to your Tour Manager for details about the ‘Optional Extras’ on offer (at an extra cost). See pages 4 and 5 for more details of ways to dig deeper into the places you’ll visit.

Ho Chi Minh City: • Enjoy a meal at a floating restaurant.

Nha Trang: • Cruise to offshore islands to swim and snorkel. • Experience a mineral mud bath warmed by hot springs.

Hoi An: • Visit Tra Que and spend a day working with the local village farmers.

Hue: • Bike to the Forbidden City. • Cooking class and dinner in a renovated Royal house.

Beach near Hoi An

Sapa

VIETNAM Hanoi

BURMA

Halong Bay

LAOS

9

15 Days

Traditional stilt houses

Hue

Day 4: Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang. Spend the first half of your day seeing the landmarks of this bustling city with museums on the history of The Vietnam War. Enjoy some free time this afternoon before your flight to Nha Trang. Hotel (B) Day 5: Nha Trang. Take the pace of your trip down a notch and enjoy this waterside resort town while soaking up the rays and swimming in the warm waters. Do your own thing, or you could bliss out with a mineral hot spring mud bath or a full day snorkelling cruise to offshore islands.

Hotel (B) Day 6: Nha Trang to Hoi An. Fly to Danang and travel down to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Hoi An. Join a walking tour through the Old Quarter, pagodas and markets before biking the surrounding countryside. Free time this afternoon to explore the town’s galleries and boutiques, perfect for gifts! Hotel (B) Day 7: Hoi An. Enjoy another day in this little historic gem. A former trading port famous for wooden houses and silk shops; it is the perfect place to have clothes tailor-made at tiny prices. Meet the locals by taking an option to spend a day working with village farmers. Hotel (B) Day 8: Hoi An to Hue. There’s stunning coastal views while driving

Nha Trang Ho Chi Minh City Mekong Delta Places visited 1 or more nightstops

Hmong Tribeswomen

MALAYSIA

Day 11: Halong Bay to Hanoi. Wake to a view of sunrise over jade green waters. View the simple fishing villages perched on the tiny islands, swim and relax on the large deck before enjoying lunch and heading back to Hanoi.

Hotel (B,L) Day 12: Hanoi to Sapa. Spend the morning exploring Hanoi before a late check out. Pack your trekking shoes you’re off to the far north near the Chinese/Vietnamese border via an overnight train to Lao Cai. Continue on to Sapa. Overnight Train (B)

CODE: VIEX 2009/10

Day 13: Sapa Hilltribe Trek. Hiking from Sapa to the village of the Black Hmong tribe, local paths provide vistas of terraced paddy fields, green valleys and opportunities to meet the locals.

Spend the night in the village’s stilt houses. Guesthouse (B,L,D) Day 14: Sapa to Hanoi. The trek continues towards Red Dao village and Giang Ta Chai passing stone carvings at prehistoric sites. Take lunch by a waterfall and trek back to Sapa town. Freshen up at a guesthouse and take an optional dinner before jumping aboard the night train to Hanoi. Overnight Train (B,L) Day 15: Hanoi. There’s an early morning arrival into Hanoi where the tour ends and it’s time to say farewell to your Contiki crew.

Refer to contiki.com.au/ vietnamexplorer

South China Sea

Start Ho Chi Minh

End Hanoi

A$ Per Person

MAR MAR MAR APR MAY MAY MAY JUN JUN JUL JUL JUL JUL AUG AUG AUG AUG AUG SEP SEP NOV NOV NOV DEC DEC

MAR MAR APR APR MAY JUN JUN JUN JUL JUL JUL AUG AUG AUG AUG SEP SEP SEP SEP SEP NOV NOV DEC DEC DEC

1879 1879 1879 1879 1879 1879 1879 1879 1879 1879 1879 1879 1879 1879 1879 1879 1879 1879 1879 1879 1975 1975 1975 1975 1975

2 16 31 14 4 18 31 16 22 6 13 20 27 3 10 18 21 31 7 11 13 16 23 4 14

16 30 14 28 18 1 14 30 6 20 27 3 10 17 24 1 4 14 21 25 27 30 7 18 28

Start Ho Chi Minh

End Hanoi

DEC DEC JAN JAN JAN JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR MAR MAR MAR APR APR APR APR APR APR

JAN JAN JAN JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR MAR MAR APR APR APR APR APR APR MAY MAY MAY

21 28 4 11 15 18 25 1 5 8 16 22 26 1 8 15 19 22 29 5 9 12 20 26 30

4 11 18 25 29 1 8 15 19 22 2 8 12 15 22 29 2 5 12 19 23 26 4 10 14

A$ Per Person 1975 1975 2065 2065 2065 2065 2065 2065 2065 2065 2065 2065 2065 2065 2065 2065 2065 2065 2065 2065 2065 2065 2065 2065 2065

2010

Day 3: Mekong Delta to Ho Chi Minh City. Rise early, as the village awakes and see the morning life of rural Vietnam. Returning to the host family for breakfast we bid farewell and continue our cruise of the Mekong with some local stops before returning to Ho Chi Minh City. Hotel (B,D)

Day 10: Hanoi to Halong Bay. Drive out from Hanoi to the spectacular Halong Bay where over 3,000 limestone islands rise right out from the water. Board a traditional Junk boat for an overnight cruise on these World Heritage listed waters. Take a bamboo row boat to explore the lagoon, coral and water tunnels or watch the sunset on the top of Titov Mountain. Overnight Junk (B,L,D)

CAMBODIA

2009

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta. It’s a 2 day journey into the Mekong Delta. After experiencing the Cai Be floating markets, lunch at a local home then bike ride the rural area looking at local industries. Meet your home stay family, and get to experience Vietnamese life first-hand, enjoying a meal with them this evening. Homestay (B,L,D)

Day 9: Hue to Hanoi. Swap the coast for the city and fly to Hanoi, the capital where you’ll find a unique mix of Vietnamese, Chinese and French influences and where history and modernity live side by side. Wind your way through the narrow streets of the Old Quarter, try the renowned Vietnamese coffee at one of the roadside cafes, or relax in one of the many parks or lakes. Hotel (B)

Hoi An

2010

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City. Start your Vietnam Explorer in Ho Chi Minh City, still sometimes called Saigon, a cosmopolitan city combining Vietnamese flair with US influences post Vietnam War, with great places to eat and drink. Hotel

Da Nang

2009

Itinerary

THAILAND

over the “Pass of the Ocean Clouds” to the former Royal City of Hue. A dragon boat is your ride to pagodas with a visit to the Royal Tombs and the fortified Citadel. This evening why not join an optional cooking class in Hue Royal cuisine. Hotel (B)

Start Ho Chi Minh

End Hanoi

MAY MAY MAY MAY MAY MAY

MAY MAY MAY JUN JUN JUN

3 10 17 21 24 31

17 24 31 4 7 14

A$ Per Person 2065 2065 2065 2065 2065 2065

† On Day 1, your Tour Manager will collect a mandatory local payment of US$200 cash.

•

Single room supplement: A$729.

•

Start 6:00pm & end approx. 8:00am.

For Travel Insurance see p.22

EARLY PAYMENT DISCOUNT 6 MONTH DISCOUNT SAVE UP TO A$95 4 MONTH DISCOUNT SAVE UP TO A$45 SEE PAGE 19

10

13 Days

Floating Markets

VIETNAM DISCOVERY 13 Days from A$1719

Sunset on the Mekong

Plus local payment of US$175† All this included • • • • • •

8 nights in 3 star hotels* 1 night in a guesthouse* 2 overnight trains and 1 overnight cruise* 3 domestic flights 11 breakfasts (B), 4 lunches (L), 3 dinners (D) Experienced Contiki Tour Manager, local English-speaking guides & driver • Local taxes and Service charges • Transport and included sightseeing *see page 7 for share type details

Included Highlights All these highlights along with city sightseeing are included in your tour price, so there’s plenty of ‘bang for your buck’ Ho Chi Minh City: • City tour including entry to the War Remnants Museum Nha Trang: • Enjoy this seaside resort town known for its pristine beaches and turquoise waters Hoi An: • A walking tour through the UNESCO listed Old Quarter • Countryside bike ride

Hue: • See stunning scenery en-route to Hue • Take a dragon boat to visit pagodas • Visit the Imperial Citadel Halong Bay: • Overnight cruise in a traditional Junk boat • Swim, snorkel and explore the lagoon and coral Sapa: • Trek through 6 villages meeting 3 different hill tribes • Stay overnight in a local stilt house

FREE TIME ...to explore and do your own thing or talk to your Tour Manager for details about the ‘Optional Extras’ on offer (at an extra cost). See pages 4 and 5 for more details of ways to dig deeper into the places you’ll visit.

Nha Trang: • Cruise to offshore islands to swim and snorkel. • Experience a mineral mud bath warmed by hot springs.

Hoi An: • Visit Tra Que and spend a day working with the local village farmers.

Hue: • Bike to the Forbidden City. • Cooking class and dinner in a renovated Royal house.

ect f r e p f The p size o grou only

25

Sapa

13 Days

Hanoi

BURMA

Halong Bay

LAOS

11

VIETNAM

Hue

THAILAND Da Nang Hoi An Offering alms to the monks

Day 4: Nha Trang to Hoi An. Fly to Danang and travel down to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Hoi An. Join a walking tour through the Old Quarter, pagodas and markets before biking the surrounding countryside. Free time this afternoon to explore the town’s galleries and boutiques; perfect for gifts! Hotel (B) Day 5: Hoi An. Enjoy another day in this little historic gem. A former trading port famous for wooden houses and silk shops; it is the perfect place to have clothes tailor-made at tiny prices. Meet the locals by taking an option to spend a day working with village farmers. Hotel (B) Day 6: Hoi An to Hue. There’s stunning coastal views while driving over the “Pass of the Ocean Clouds” to the former Royal City of Hue. A dragon boat is your ride to pagodas with a visit to the Royal Tombs and the fortified Citadel. This evening perhaps join an optional cooking class in Hue Royal cuisine. Hotel (B) Day 7: Hue to Hanoi. Swap the coast for the city and fly to Hanoi, the capital where you’ll find a unique mix of

South China Sea

Day 8: Hanoi to Halong Bay. Drive out from Hanoi to the spectacular Halong Bay where over 3,000 limestone islands rise right out from the water.

Board a traditional Junk boat for an overnight cruise on these World Heritage listed waters. Take a bamboo row boat to explore the lagoon, coral and water tunnels or watch the sunset on the top of Titov Mountain. Overnight Junk (B,L,D)

Halong Bay

MALAYSIA

Day 9: Halong Bay to Hanoi. Wake to a view of sunrise over jade green waters. View the simple fishing villages perched on the tiny islands, swim and relax on the large deck before enjoying lunch and heading back to Hanoi. Hotel (B,L) Day 10: Hanoi to Sapa. Spend the morning exploring Hanoi before a late check out. Pack your trekking shoes you’re off to the far north near the Chinese/Vietnamese border via an overnight train to Lao Cai. Continue on to Sapa. Overnight Train (B)

CODE: VIDI 2009/10

Day 11: Sapa Hilltribe Trek. Hiking from Sapa to the village of the Black Hmong tribe, local paths provide vistas of terraced paddy fields, green valleys and opportunities to meet the locals.

Spend the night in the villages’ stilt houses. Guesthouse (B,L,D) Day 12: Sapa to Hanoi. The trek continues towards Red Dao village and Giang Ta Chai passing stone carvings at prehistoric sites. Take lunch by a waterfall and trek back to Sapa town. Freshen up at a guesthouse and take an optional dinner before jumping aboard the night train to Hanoi. Overnight Train (B,L) Day 13: Hanoi. There’s an early morning arrival into Hanoi where the tour ends and it’s time to say farewell to your Contiki crew.

Refer to contiki.com.au/ vietnamdiscovery

Start Ho Chi Minh

End Hanoi

A$ Per Person

MAR MAR APR APR MAY MAY JUN JUN JUN JUL JUL JUL JUL AUG AUG AUG AUG SEP SEP SEP NOV NOV NOV DEC DEC

MAR MAR APR APR MAY JUN JUN JUN JUL JUL JUL AUG AUG AUG AUG SEP SEP SEP SEP SEP NOV NOV DEC DEC DEC

1719 1719 1719 1719 1719 1719 1719 1719 1719 1719 1719 1719 1719 1719 1719 1719 1719 1719 1719 1719 1809 1809 1809 1809 1809

4 18 2 16 6 20 2 18 24 8 15 22 29 5 12 20 23 2 9 13 15 18 25 6 16

16 30 14 28 18 1 14 30 6 20 27 3 10 17 24 1 4 14 21 25 27 30 7 18 28

Start Ho Chi Minh

End Hanoi

DEC DEC JAN JAN JAN JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR MAR MAR MAR APR APR APR APR APR MAY

JAN JAN JAN JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR MAR MAR MAR APR APR APR APR APR APR MAY MAY MAY

23 30 6 13 17 20 27 3 7 10 18 24 28 3 10 17 21 24 31 7 11 14 22 28 2

4 11 18 25 29 1 8 15 19 22 2 8 12 15 22 29 2 5 12 19 23 26 4 10 14

A$ Per Person 1809 1809 1895 1895 1895 1895 1895 1895 1895 1895 1895 1895 1895 1895 1895 1895 1895 1895 1895 1895 1895 1895 1895 1895 1895

2010

Day 3: Nha Trang. Take the pace of your trip down a notch and enjoy this waterside resort town while soaking up the rays and swimming in the warm waters. Do your own thing or you could bliss out with a mineral hot spring mud bath or a full day snorkelling cruise to offshore islands. Hotel (B)

Ho Chi Minh City

1 or more nightstops

2009

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang. Spend the first half of your day seeing the landmarks of this bustling city with museums on the history of The Vietnam War. Pick up produce, fabrics and handicrafts in the famous Ben Thanh markets. Enjoy some free time this afternoon before your flight to Nha Trang. Hotel (B)

Places visited

2010

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City. Start your Vietnam Discovery in Ho Chi Minh City, still sometimes called Saigon, a cosmopolitan city combining Vietnamese flair with US influences post Vietnam War, with great places to eat and drink. Hotel (D)

Nha Trang

2009

Itinerary

CAMBODIA

Vietnamese, Chinese and French influences and where history and modernity live side by side. Wind your way through the narrow streets of the Old Quarter, sip cappuccinos, the renowned Vietnamese coffee, in road side cafes or relax in one of the many parks or lakes. Hotel (B)

Start Ho Chi Minh

End Hanoi

MAY MAY MAY MAY MAY

MAY MAY MAY JUN JUN

5 12 19 23 26

17 24 31 4 7

A$ Per Person 1895 1895 1895 1895 1895

† On Day 1, your Tour Manager will collect a mandatory local payment of US$175 cash.

• •

Single room supplement: A$659.

Start 6:00pm & end approx. 8:00am.

For Travel Insurance see p.22

EARLY PAYMENT DISCOUNT 6 MONTH DISCOUNT SAVE UP TO A$85 4 MONTH DISCOUNT SAVE UP TO A$45 SEE PAGE 19

12

12 Days

Caption

View over Halong Bay

VIETNAM EXPERIENCE 12 Days from A$1495 Plus local payment of US$160† All this included • • • • •

9 nights in 3 star hotels and 1 night homestay* 1 overnight cruise* 3 domestic flights 11 breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L), 3 dinners (D) Experienced Contiki Tour Manager, local English-speaking guides & driver • Local taxes and Service charges • Transport and included sightseeing

Nha Trang

*see page 7 for share type details

Included Highlights All these highlights along with city sightseeing are included in your tour price, so there’s plenty of ‘bang for your buck’ Mekong Delta Homestay: • Cruise the Mekong Delta • Bike ride the countryside • Live with a local family on an overnight stay Ho Chi Minh City: • City tour including entry to the War Remnants Museum Nah Trang: • Enjoy this seaside resort town known for its pristine beaches and turquoise waters

Hoi An: • A walking tour through the UNESCO listed Old Quarter • Countryside bike ride Hue: • See stunning scenery en-route to Hue • Take a dragon boat to visit pagodas • Visit the Imperial Citadel Halong Bay: • Overnight cruise in a traditional Junk boat • Swim, snorkel and explore the lagoon and coral

FREE TIME ...to explore and do your own thing or talk to your Tour Manager for details about the ‘Optional Extras’ on offer (at an extra cost). See pages 4 and 5 for more details of ways to dig deeper into the places you’ll visit.

Ho Chi Minh City: • Enjoy a meal at a floating restaurant.

Nha Trang: • Cruise to offshore islands to swim and snorkel. • Experience a mineral mud bath warmed by hot springs.

Hoi An: • Visit Tra Que and spend a day working with the local village farmers.

Hue: • Bike to the Forbidden City. • Cooking class and dinner in a renovated Royal house.

ect f r e p f The p size o grou only

25

12 Days

BURMA

Halong Bay

LAOS

Hue

THAILAND Da Nang Hoi An

CAMBODIA Nha Trang

Day 4: Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang. Spend the first half of your day seeing the landmarks of this bustling city with museums on the history of The Vietnam War. Enjoy some free time this afternoon before your flight to Nha Trang. Hotel (B) Day 5: Nha Trang. Take the pace of your trip down a notch and enjoy this waterside resort town while soaking up the rays and swimming in the warm waters. Do your own thing or you could bliss out with a mineral hot spring mud bath or a full day snorkelling cruise to offshore islands. Hotel (B) Day 6: Nha Trang to Hoi An. Fly to Danang and travel down to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Hoi An. Join a walking tour through the Old Quarter, pagodas and markets before biking the surrounding countryside.

Free time this afternoon to explore the town’s galleries and boutiques; perfect for gifts! Hotel (B)

South China Sea

Day 8: Hoi An to Hue. There’s stunning coastal views while driving over the “Pass of the Ocean Clouds” to the former Royal City of Hue. A dragon boat is your ride to pagodas with a visit to the Royal Tombs and the fortified Citadel. This evening perhaps join an optional cooking class in Hue Royal cuisine. Hotel (B) Day 9: Hue to Hanoi. Swap the coast for the city and fly to Hanoi, the capital where you’ll find a unique mix of Vietnamese, Chinese and French influences and where history and modernity live side by side. Wind your way through the narrow streets of the Old Quarter, sip cappuccinos, the renowned Vietnamese coffee, in road side cafes or relax in one of the many parks or lakes. Hotel (B)

Floating Markets

CODE: VIEP 2009/10 Day 10: Hanoi to Halong Bay. Drive out from Hanoi to the spectacular Halong Bay where over 3,000 limestone islands rise right out from the water. Board a traditional Junk boat for an overnight cruise on these World Heritage listed waters. Take a bamboo row boat to explore the lagoon, coral and water tunnels or watch the sunset on the top of Titov Mountain. Overnight Junk (B,L,D) Day 11: Halong Bay to Hanoi.

Wake to a view of sunrise over jade green waters. View the simple fishing villages perched on the tiny islands, swim and relax on the large deck before enjoying lunch and heading back to Hanoi. Hotel (B,L) Day 12: Hanoi. Spend the morning exploring Hanoi before a late check out. (B) Refer to contiki.com.au/ vietnamexperience

Start Ho Chi Minh

End Hanoi

A$ Per Person

MAR MAR MAR APR MAY MAY MAY JUN JUN JUL JUL JUL JUL AUG AUG AUG AUG AUG SEP SEP NOV NOV NOV DEC DEC

MAR MAR APR APR MAY MAY JUN JUN JUL JUL JUL JUL AUG AUG AUG AUG SEP SEP SEP SEP NOV NOV DEC DEC DEC

1495 1495 1495 1495 1495 1495 1495 1495 1495 1495 1495 1495 1495 1495 1495 1495 1495 1495 1495 1495 1569 1569 1569 1569 1569

2 16 31 14 4 18 31 16 22 6 13 20 27 3 10 18 21 31 7 11 13 16 23 4 14

13 27 11 25 15 29 11 27 3 17 24 31 7 14 21 29 1 11 18 22 24 27 4 15 25

Start Ho Chi Minh

End Hanoi

DEC DEC JAN JAN JAN JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR MAR MAR MAR APR APR APR APR APR APR

JAN JAN JAN JAN JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR MAR MAR MAR APR APR APR APR APR MAY MAY MAY

21 28 4 11 15 18 25 1 5 8 16 22 26 1 8 15 19 22 29 5 9 12 20 26 30

1 8 15 22 26 29 5 12 16 19 27 5 9 12 19 26 30 2 9 16 20 23 1 7 11

A$ Per Person 1569 1569 1645 1645 1645 1645 1645 1645 1645 1645 1645 1645 1645 1645 1645 1645 1645 1645 1645 1645 1645 1645 1645 1645 1645

2010

Day 3: Mekong Delta to Ho Chi Minh City. Rise early, as the village awakes see the morning life of rural Vietnam. Returning to the host family for breakfast we bid farewell and continue our cruise of the Mekong with soe local stops before returning to Ho Chi Minh City. Hotel (B,D)

Mekong Delta

2009

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta. It’s a 2 day journey into the Mekong Delta. After experiencing the Cai Be floating markets, lunch at a local home then bike ride the rural area looking at local industries. Meet your home stay family, and get to experience Vietnamese life first-hand, enjoying a meal with them this evening. Homestay (B,L,D)

1 or more nightstops

2010

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City. Start your Vietnam Experience in Ho Chi Minh City, still sometimes called Saigon, a cosmopolitan city combining Vietnamese flair with US influences post Vietnam War, with great places to eat and drink. Hotel

Ho Chi Minh City

Places visited

2009

Itinerary

Day 7: Hoi An. Enjoy another day in this little historic gem. A former trading port famous for wooden houses and silk shops; it is the perfect place to have clothes tailor-made at tiny prices. Meet the locals by taking an option to spend a day working with village farmers. Hotel (B)

Start Ho Chi Minh

End Hanoi

MAY MAY MAY MAY MAY MAY

MAY MAY MAY JUN JUN JUN

3 10 17 21 24 31

14 21 28 1 4 11

A$ Per Person 1645 1645 1645 1645 1645 1645

† On Day 1, your Tour Manager will collect a mandatory local payment of US$160 cash.

Single room supplement: A$625.

• Start 6:00pm & end approx. 12:00 noon.

For Travel Insurance see p.22 •

EARLY PAYMENT DISCOUNT 6 MONTH DISCOUNT SAVE UP TO A$75 4 MONTH DISCOUNT SAVE UP TO A$35 SEE PAGE 19

13

VIETNAM Hanoi

VIETNAM

10 Days

Hanoi Halong Bay

14

LAOS

Places visited 1 or more nightstops

Hue

THAILAND Da Nang Hoi An

CAMBODIA Nha Trang Ho Chi Minh City

Places visited 1 or more nightstops

South China Sea

Mekong “Highway”

VIETNAM HIGHLIGHTS 10 Days from A$1375

Snorkelling in Halong Bay

Plus local payment of US$135† All this included • • • • •

8 nights in 3 star hotels* 1 overnight cruise* 3 domestic flights 9 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L), 2 dinners (D) Experienced Contiki Tour Manager, local English-speaking guides & driver • Local taxes and Service charges • Transport and included sightseeing *see page 7 for share type details

Included Highlights All these highlights along with city sightseeing are included in your tour price, so there’s plenty of ‘bang for your buck’ Ho Chi Minh City: • City tour including entry to the War Remnants Museum

Hue: • See stunning scenery en-route to Hue

Nha Trang: • Enjoy this seaside resort town known for its pristine beaches and turquoise waters

• Take a dragon boat to visit pagodas

Hoi An: • A walking tour through the UNESCO listed Old Quarter • Countryside bike ride

• Visit the Imperial Citadel Halong Bay: • Overnight cruise in a traditional Junk boat • Swim, snorkel and explore the lagoon and coral

FREE TIME ...to explore and do your own thing or talk to your Tour Manager for details about the ‘Optional Extras’ on offer (at an extra cost). See pages 4 and 5 for more details of ways to dig deeper into the places you’ll visit.

Nha Trang: • Cruise to offshore islands to swim and snorkel. • Experience a mineral mud bath warmed by hot springs.

Hoi An: • Visit Tra Que and spend a day working with the local village farmers.

Hue: • Bike to the Forbidden City.

• Cooking class and dinner in a renovated Royal house.

t rfec f e p The p size o grou only

25

Day 4: Nha Trang to Hoi An. Fly to Danang and travel down to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Hoi An. Join a walking tour through the Old Quarter, pagodas and markets before biking the surrounding countryside. Free time this afternoon to explore the town’s galleries and boutiques; perfect for gifts! Hotel (B) Day 5: Hoi An. Enjoy another day in this little historic gem. A former trading port famous for wooden houses and silk shops; it is the perfect place to have clothes tailor-made at tiny prices. Meet

Refer to contiki.com.au/ vietnamhighlights

End Hanoi

A$ Per Person

MAR MAR APR APR MAY MAY JUN JUN JUN JUL JUL JUL JUL AUG AUG AUG AUG SEP SEP SEP NOV NOV NOV DEC DEC

MAR MAR APR APR MAY MAY JUN JUN JUL JUL JUL JUL AUG AUG AUG AUG SEP SEP SEP SEP NOV NOV DEC DEC DEC

1375 1375 1375 1375 1375 1375 1375 1375 1375 1375 1375 1375 1375 1375 1375 1375 1375 1375 1375 1375 1445 1445 1445 1445 1445

4 18 2 16 6 20 2 18 24 8 15 22 29 5 12 20 23 2 9 13 15 18 25 6 16

13 27 11 25 15 29 11 27 3 17 24 31 7 14 21 29 1 11 18 22 24 27 4 15 25

Start Ho Chi Minh

End Hanoi

DEC DEC JAN JAN JAN JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR MAR MAR MAR APR APR APR APR APR MAY

JAN JAN JAN JAN JAN JAN FEB FEB FEB FEB FEB MAR MAR MAR MAR MAR MAR APR APR APR APR APR MAY MAY MAY

23 30 6 13 17 20 27 3 7 10 18 24 28 3 10 17 21 24 31 7 11 14 22 28 2

A$ Per Person

1 8 15 22 26 29 5 12 16 19 27 5 9 12 19 26 30 2 9 16 20 23 1 7 11

1445 1445 1515 1515 1515 1515 1515 1515 1515 1515 1515 1515 1515 1515 1515 1515 1515 1515 1515 1515 1515 1515 1515 1515 1515

Start Ho Chi Minh

End Hanoi

MAY MAY MAY MAY MAY

MAY MAY MAY JUN JUN

5 12 19 23 26

14 21 28 1 4

A$ Per Person 1515 1515 1515 1515 1515

† On Day 1, your Tour Manager will collect a mandatory local payment of US$135 cash.

•

Single room supplement: A$549.

•

Start 6:00pm & end approx. 12:00 noon.

For Travel Insurance see p.22 • •

EARLY PAYMENT DISCOUNT 6 MONTH DISCOUNT SAVE UP TO A$69 4 MONTH DISCOUNT SAVE UP TO A$35 SEE PAGE 19

5 DAYS IN CAMBODIA Start your trip with a 5 day add-on package from A$725 Unforgettable Angkar Wat

Siem Reap

CAMBODIA

Phnom Penh Ho Chi Minh City

Top off your trip by visiting one of the most sparkling, unforgettable jewels in the crown of Asia with a side trip to Cambodia before your Vietnam tour!

You’re already in the zone, so make your Contiki itinerary 5 days and an entire country longer by adding a Cambodia extension before your tour.

Cambodia is unique, mysterious and compelling. From the ruins of Angkor Wat, one of the world’s greatest archaeological treasures to the laid back capital of Phnom Penh and the killing fields of the Khmer Rouge there is nowhere like this small country that packs a punch.

Take a stroll off the beaten track - Cambodia is sure to be one of your trip highlights.

Please Note: On our Cambodia Extension you won’t be with a Contiki Tour Manager but instead will get a locals’ view on the country as we place you with a Contiki-appointed experienced, English speaking guide.

This add-on package must be taken prior to your Contiki Vietnam tour. No local payment applies to this tour.

Itinerary Day 1: Phnom Penh. Your Cambodia experience commences today at the Castle Hotel. Tonight you are free to explore the city. Hotel Day 2: Phnom Penh. Hotel (B) Day 3: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. Hotel (B) Day 4: Siem Reap. Hotel (B) Day 5: Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh

City. Today fly at your leisure to Ho Chi Minh City to start your Vietnam adventure. Meet you Tour Manager and fellow travellers tonight. Hotel (B) Important Note: On day 5 you will need to make your own transfer and flight arrangements from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City. Please check with Contiki or your travel agent for the most current flight schedules. This package must be purchased in conjunction with a Contiki Vietnam tour, it must be taken prior to your tour and cannot be taken as a standalone tour.

For details of days 2-4 see days 1113 of Asian Adventure tour p.16-17.

For dates and more details refer to contiki.com.au/cambodia

15

10 Days Start Ho Chi Minh

2010

Day 3: Nha Trang. Take the pace of your trip down a notch and enjoy this waterside resort town while soaking up the rays and swimming in the warm waters. Do your own thing or you could bliss out with a mineral hot spring mud bath or a full day snorkelling cruise to offshore islands. Hotel (B)

CODE: VIHI 2009/10

2009

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang.

Spend the first half of your day seeing the landmarks of this bustling city with museums on the history of The Vietnam War. Pick up produce, fabrics and handicrafts in the famous Ben Thanh markets.

Enjoy some free time this afternoon before your flight to Nha Trang. Hotel (B)

Traditional etching art

2010

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City. Start your Vietnam Highlights in Ho Chi Minh City, still sometimes called Saigon, a cosmopolitan city combining Vietnamese flair with US influences post Vietnam War, with great places to eat and drink. Hotel (D)

the locals by taking an option to spend a day working with village farmers. Hotel (B) Day 6: Hoi An to Hue. There’s stunning coastal views while driving over the “Pass of the Ocean Clouds” to the former Royal City of Hue. A dragon boat is your ride to pagodas with a visit to the Royal Tombs and the fortified Citadel. This evening perhaps join an optional cooking class in Hue Royal cuisine. Hotel (B) Day 7: Hue to Hanoi. Swap the coast for the city and fly to Hanoi, the capital where you’ll find a unique mix of Vietnamese, Chinese and French influences and where history and modernity live side by side. Wind your way through the narrow streets of the Old Quarter, sip cappuccinos, the renowned Vietnamese coffee, in road side cafes or relax in one of the many parks or lakes. Hotel (B) Day 8: Hanoi to Halong Bay. Drive out from Hanoi to the spectacular Halong Bay where over 3,000 limestone islands rise right out from the water. Board a traditional Junk boat for an overnight cruise on these World Heritage listed waters. Take a bamboo row boat to explore the lagoon, coral and water tunnels or watch the sunset on the top of Titov Mountain. Overnight Junk (B,L,D) Day 9: Halong Bay to Hanoi. Wake to a view of sunrise over jade green waters.

View the simple fishing villages perched on the tiny islands, swim and relax on the large deck before enjoying lunch and heading back to Hanoi. Hotel (B,L) Day 10: Hanoi. Spend the morning exploring Hanoi before a late check out. (B)

2009

Itinerary

14 Days

16

Traditional Laotian textiles for sale

ASIAN ADVENTURE 14 Days from A$1955

t rfec f e p The p size o grou only

25

Chiang Mai

Plus local payment of US$185† All this included • • • •

11 nights in 3 star hotels* 1 night in a guesthouse* 1 overnight train & 2 domestic flights* 13 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L), 1 dinner (D) • Experienced Contiki Tour Manager, local English-speaking guides & driver • Local taxes and Service charges • Transport and included sightseeing

THE BIG INDOCHINA ADVENTURE 28 DAY COMBO SEE PAGE 18

*see page 7 for share type details

Included Highlights All these highlights along with city sightseeing are included in your tour price, so there’s plenty of ‘bang for your buck’ Bangkok: • Long-tail boat tour of the waterways and canals • Unlimited Sky Rail pass to explore the shopping districts • Overnight train to Chiang Mai Chiang Mai: • A visit to the Hmong Hilltribe village and city orientation tour Mekong Cruise – Chiang Rai/ Pakbeng/Luang Prabang: • Travel in a traditional private boat with onboard meals • Stay overnight in a local guesthouse visiting remote villages’ markets Luang Prabang: • A Bike tour of the UNESCO listed town

• Take part in the ritual of offering alms to the monks Vientiane: • A city tour including entry to the COPE Exhibition Centre, to learn about the Indochinese War Phnom Penh: • City tour and visit to the Khmer Rouge “Killing Fields” genocide sites Siem Reap: • Travel by tuk-tuk to Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world and watch sunset over the ruins • Visit floating communities on Tonle Sap Lake • Visit the vine-covered Ta Prohm temple, seen in Tomb Raider

FREE TIME ...to explore and do your own thing or talk to your Tour Manager for details about the ‘Optional Extras’ on offer (at an extra cost).

See pages 4 and 5 for more details of ways to dig deeper into the places you’ll visit.

Chiang Mai: • Learn to cook Thai-style at a cooking Class at Chiang Mai Cookery School.

Chiang Rai: • Visit Akha & Yao hill tribes.

• Visit the ‘Golden Triangle’ where 3 borders meet.

Luang Prabang: • Half-day river kayaking adventure.

Vang Vieng: • Zoom down the Mekong on a river tube. • Cycle the countryside on a half day bike tour.

Vientiane: • Dine at Makphet Restaurant, a training centre for former street children which serves authentic Laos cuisine.

Phnom Penh: • Visit the ancient capital of Udong. • Take a tuk-tuk to a Khmer dinner in a 120 year old French colonial building.

Siem Reap: • Receive a good luck blessing ritual by Buddhist monks .

Luang Prabang

VIETNAM

LAOS Chiang Rai

Vang Vieng Vientiane

Chiang Mai

THAILAND

Bangkok

Siem Reap

CAMBODIA

Phnom Penh

Places visited

South China Sea

1 or more nightstops

Day 2: Bangkok to Chiang Mai. It’s a culture vulture morning visiting temples.

Take a long-tail boat through the waterways of Bangkok where the daily rhythm of traditional Thai life continues on criss-crossing canals. In the afternoon dive into the bottomless ocean of shopping in Silom, MBK Centre, Siam Square and Sukhumvit before jumping aboard the overnight train to Chang Mai. Overnight Train (B) Day 3: Chiang Mai. Enjoy mountain air with the local guide, visit the Wat Phra Thad and the colourful Hmong hilltribe at their village, You could take an Optional cooking class, chill by the pool or kick around town. Hotel (B) Day 4: Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. Head deeper towards the picturesque Golden Triangle, where the Laos, Myanmar and Thailand borders meet.

After a short group city orientation, your options include visiting the unique villages of the Akha and Yao hilltribes. Hotel (B) Day 5: Chiang Rai to Pakbeng. Crossing the Thai/Laos border, we board a private traditional boat. Cruise the jungle on the mighty Mekong River, taking sneak peeks of local life in remote waterside villages.

Stay at a local Guesthouse in Pakbeng for

Day 7: Luang Prabang. Try one of the optional activities including a half day kayak adventure or visit the Elephant Park Project and learn about their conservation efforts. Maybe take a break from the hustle and bustle, enjoy a cold Beer Lao – the national drink, and soak up the chilled ambience of this charming Laotian town. Hotel (B) Day 8: Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng. Join in the early morning ritual of offering alms to local monks before travelling by coach to Vang Vieng, keeping an eye on the limestone studded scenery. Get active by either jumping in a rubber tube down the river or taking a cycling tour. Hotel (B) Day 9: Vang Vieng to Vientiane. After a free morning, depart for Vientiane, the French influenced capital of Laos. Learn about the effects on Laos of The Indochina or “Forgotten” War at the COPE Exhibition Centre and other sites. You’ll have an option to enjoy an authentic Laotian meal at Makphet. Here they train former street children, and return the restaurant’s profits to the Peuan Mit street children project to keep training the next generations of chefs. Hotel (B)

Day 11: Phnom Penh. Today tour the Royal Palace and view first-hand, the legacy of the violent Khmer Rouge at the “Killing Fields” genocide sites. Spend a free afternoon visiting boutique shops, and as a highlight, pick an option to travel by tuk-tuk to a 120 year old French colonial building for a traditional Khmer meal before ending the night at a roof top bar. Hotel (B) Day 12: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap.

Today we fly to Siem Reap to see an archaeological wonder of the world.

Travel by tuk-tuk to 13th century Angkor Wat one of the biggest religious monuments ever built. Chillout at sun set over the ruins and return for a free night in Siem Reap. Hotel (B) Day 13: Siem Reap. Explore the floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake by wooden boat before an atmospheric visit to other temples close to Angkor that have been reclaimed from the jungle. You’ll recognise scenes from the movie Tomb Raider with the exotic Ta Prohm. Hotel (B) Day 14: Siem Reap. You might receive an early-morning good luck blessing by Buddhist monks before your tour concludes around midday. (B) Refer to contiki.com.au/ asianadventure

Traditional Pho Soup

CODE: ASAD 2009/10 Start End A$ Per Bangkok Siem Reap Person

2009

Day 1: Bangkok. It’s big, booming and bustling and the gateway to Asia, it’s Bangkok! Meet your crew before sampling the varied nightlife. Patpong neon lights, Lumpini markets or classy cocktails? Dancing, dining and discovering, this city never sleeps. Hotel

Day 6: Pakbeng to Luang Prabang.

Explore the local, vibrant morning markets in Pakbeng. Continue cruising the Mekong, stopping at the Tam Ting cave featuring thousands of Buddha statues. In Luang Prabang take a bike tour of the UNESCO World Heritagelisted town and peruse the night markets featuring hill tribe textiles. Hotel (B,L)

Day 10: Vientiane to Phnom Penh.

Goodbye Laos and hello Cambodia as you travel by plane to the capital. Enjoy free time to explore the city once known as the “Pearl of Asia”. Boasting broad, French styled boulevards, walk the streets and absorb the local colour or visit one of the many museums about the regime of the Khmer Rouge. Hotel (B)

2010

Itinerary

an authentic overnight Laos experience.

Guesthouse (B,L,D)

MAR 3 APR 1 MAY 5 JUN 3 JUL 7 AUG 5 NOV 10 DEC 8 JAN 5 FEB 3 MAR 9 APR 7 MAY 11

MAR 16 APR 14 MAY 18 JUN 16 JUL 20 AUG 18 NOV 23 DEC 21 JAN 18 FEB 16 MAR 22 APR 20 MAY 24

1955 1955 1955 1955 1955 1955 2055 2055 2149 2149 2149 2149 2149

† On Day 1, your Tour Manager will collect a mandatory local payment of US$185 cash.

• •

Single room supplement: A$505.

Start 6:00pm & end approx.

12:00 noon.

For Travel Insurance see p.22.

EARLY PAYMENT DISCOUNT 6 MONTH DISCOUNT SAVE UP TO A$95 4 MONTH DISCOUNT SAVE UP TO A$49 SEE PAGE 19

17

Pakbeng

14 Days

BURMA

18

28 DAYS

Sapa

THE BIG INDOCHINA ADVENTURE

28 Days from A$4129

VIETNAM Hanoi

BURMA

Luang Prabang

Pakbeng

Halong Bay

LAOS Chiang Rai

Vang Vieng Vientiane

Chiang Mai

THAILAND

Hue Da Nang

Plus local payment of US$375† VISIT 4 COUNTRIES

Hoi An Bangkok

Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam Siem Reap

CAMBODIA

All this included • • • • •

20 nights in 3 star hotels* • 3 nights in homestay/guesthouse* 3 overnight trains* • 1 overnight cruise* 6 domestic flights 26 breakfasts (B), 7 lunches (L), 5 dinners (D) Experienced Contiki Tour Manager, local English-speaking guides & driver • Local taxes and Service charges • Transport and included sightseeing

Nha Trang

t rfec f e p The p size o grou only

Phnom Penh

25

Mekong Delta

Ho Chi Minh City South China Sea

*see page 7 for share type details

Places visited

Bangkok: • Long-tail boat tour of the waterways and canals • Unlimited Sky Rail pass to explore the shopping districts • Overnight train to Chiang Mai Chiang Mai: • A visit to the Hmong Hilltribe village and city orientation tour Mekong Cruise – Chiang Rai/ Pakbeng/Luang Prabang: • Travel in a traditional private boat with onboard meals • Stay overnight in a local guesthouse visiting remote villages’ markets Luang Prabang: • A Bike tour of the UNESCO listed town • Take part in the ritual of offering alms to the monks Vientiane: • A city tour including entry to the COPE Exhibition Centre, to learn about the Indochinese War Phnom Penh: • City tour and visit to the Khmer Rouge “Killing Fields” genocide sites Siem Reap: • Travel by tuk-tuk to Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world and watch sunset over the ruins • Visit floating communities on Tonle

Sap Lake • Visit the vine-covered Ta Prohm temple, seen in Tomb Raider Mekong Delta Homestay: • Cruise the Mekong Delta • Bike ride the countryside • Live with a local family on an overnight stay • Bike ride the countryside Ho Chi Minh City: • City tour including entry to the War Remnants Museum Nha Trang: • Enjoy this seaside resort town known for its pristine beaches and turquoise waters Hoi An: • A walking tour through the UNESCO listed Old Quarter • Countryside bike ride Hue: • See stunning scenery en-route to Hue • Take a dragon boat to visit pagodas • Visit the Imperial Citadel Halong Bay: • Overnight cruise in a traditional Junk boat • Swim, snorkel and explore the lagoon and coral Sapa: • Trek through 6 villages meeting 3 different hill tribes • Stay overnight in a local stilt house

...to explore and do your own thing or talk to your Tour Manager for details about the ‘Optional Extras’ on offer (at an extra cost). See pages 4 and 5 for more details of ways to dig deeper into the places you’ll visit.

Chiang Mai: • Learn to cook Thai-style at a cooking Class at Chiang Mai Cookery School. • Chiang Rai: • Visit Akha & Yao hill tribes. • Visit the ‘Golden Triangle’ where 3 borders meet. • Luang Prabang: • Half-day river kayaking adventure. • Vang Vieng: • Zoom down the Mekong on a river CODE: BICA 2009/10 tube. • Cycle the countryside on a half day bike Start End A$ Per tour .• Vientiane: • Dine at Makphet Bangkok Hanoi Person Restaurant, a training centre for former street MAR 3 MAR 30 4129 children which serves authentic Laos cuisine.

APR 1 APR 28 4129 • Phnom Penh: • Visit the ancient capital of MAY 5 JUN 1 4129 Udong. • Take a tuk-tuk to a Khmer dinner in JUN 3 JUN 30 4129 JUL 7 AUG 3 4129 a 120 year old French colonial building.

AUG 5 SEP 1 4129 • Siem Reap: • Receive a good luck NOV 10 DEC 7 4335 blessing ritual by Buddhist monks.

DEC 8 JAN 4 4335 • Ho Chi Minh City: • Enjoy a meal at a JAN 5 FEB 1 4545 floating restaurant. • Nha Trang: • Cruise to FEB 3 MAR 2 4545 offshore islands to swim and snorkel.

MAR 9 APR 5 4545 APR 7 MAY 4 4545 • Experience a mineral mud bath warmed by MAY 11 JUN 7 4545 hot springs. • Hoi An: • Take a trip to the My Son Temples. • Visit Tra Que and spend a † On Day 1, your Tour Manager will collect a mandatory local payment day working with the local village farmers. of US$375 cash.

• Hue: • Bike to the Forbidden City. • Cooking • Single room supplement: class and dinner in a renovated Royal house.

A$1159.

2009

All these highlights along with city sightseeing are included in your tour price, so there’s plenty of ‘bang for your buck’

FREE TIME

2010

Included Highlights

1 or more nightstops

•

Start 6:00pm & end approx.

8:00am.

For Travel Insurance see p.22.

Itinerary Days 1-15 see Asia Adventure on page 16-17 Days 16-27 see Vietnam Explorer on page 8-9 Refer to contiki.com.au/ indochinaadventure

EARLY PAYMENT DISCOUNT 6 MONTH DISCOUNT SAVE UP TO A$205 4 MONTH DISCOUNT SAVE UP TO A$100 SEE PAGE 19

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Getting to Asia Contiki works closely with our airline partner, THAI Airways International. THAI offers year-round airfares to many of Contiki’s Asian gateway cities where tours start and finish, such as Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Hanoi & Phnom Penh. Plus look out for special airfare offers on contiki.com.au/asia.

From the moment you step on board a THAI aircraft, you’ll experience fantastic comfort and incomparable service. THAI flies 40 times a week from Australia to Bangkok with great connections to 12 domestic destinations and also to many major cities within Asia.

Personal entertainment systems and the latest comforts are a feature on THAI’s new Boeing 777 aircraft.

Juicy Deals!

How to cut the cost of your holiday even more...

Early Payment Discounts

s ’ $ $$

Save

Group Discounts Funky 4 - Save 5%

6 Month Discount Save up to A$205 off the cost of your tour when you book and pay in full at least 6 months prior to departure.

Our ‘Funky 4’ discount means a 5% saving per person when 4 or more people book at the same time on the same trip.

Super 7 - Discount Save 7.5% Book a group of 7 people travelling on the same holiday at the same time and get a 7.5% discount per person.

4 Month Discount

Travel Free - Save $$$’s

Save up to A$100

Experience Contiki’s Europe with a group of 10 friends booked on the same trip at the same time and the 11th person travels free.

Alternatively, everyone in your group gets 10% off.

off the cost of your

tour when you book and pay in full at least 4 months prior to departure.

Look out for the early payment discount symbol on each tour page

EARLY PAYMENT DISCOUNT 6 MONTH DISCOUNT SAVE UP TO A$205 4 MONTH DISCOUNT SAVE UP TO A$100 SEE PAGE 19

Gold Seal Protection Peace of Mind Insurance for just A$89.

Contiki's Gold Seal gives you the option to cancel your tour for any reason, prior to departing Australia. Gold Seal also allows you to leave your Contiki holiday early for personal reasons or illness with a refund of A$40 for each unused day of your tour. In addition, Gold Seal covers any extra air ticket costs should you need to return home early. See page 22 for full details.

NB. All discounts apply to land tour price only. Funky 4, Super 7, Travel Free and Mix and Match multiple tour offers cannot be combined.

Multiple Tour Discount Save A$50. Book two Contiki holidays, at least seven days long at the same time from this, or any other Contiki brochure and get A$50 off the cost of the second holiday.

Price Guarantee As soon as Contiki has received your deposit, the land tour price confirmed to you by Contiki reservations is guaranteed so book and pay your deposit as early as possible! It gives you the best choice and could save you money. Only Government action can change the price you pay. See page 23 for full details.

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Making a Difference Our Conservation Foundation It’s not easy being green….but we feel it’s important. We want to help you see the world but also protect our planet for the future. So at Contiki we have put our money where our mouth is and are a part of the Leading Travel Companies Conservation Foundation, contributing $1 million to community projects all over the world. In the field our staff volunteer locally and at the office we operate as sustainably as possible.

What can you do?

Be involved! Contiki have partners worldwide who can help you offset your carbon emissions through Contiki – check out contiki.com.au/responsible-travel-asia to find out how. We also encourage you to travel responsibly: recycle, reuse and respect the culture and environment of the places you visit.

Supporting Community Projects We like to give back by supporting community projects in the areas we visit. Wherever possible we are involved with NGO’s and organisations that support the community. So when you travel Contiki, you also begin helping some of the less fortunate in the countries we visit.

In Laos we eat at The Makphet Restaurant run by Peuan Mit in Vientiane. The restaurant gets youth off the streets and into a job, training them not only in hospitality but equipping them with life skills. You can eat their cuisine, made using only local ingredients and not only do you support these trainee chefs, you get a fine Laotian meal into the bargain.

In Cambodia, we offer the option to eat at the Lotus Blanc run by Pour un Sourire d’Enfant (Smile for a Child). It rescues children who are forced to scavenge through the Stung Mean Chey garbage dump in Phnom Penh to survive. The restaurant offers students on-the-job training and the profits support around 4,000 school children, with meals also being provided for children. If you are not in the mood for a bite, support the handicraft store next door – a great place for souvenirs.

In Hoi An, Vietnam you can visit the Hai Café, which organises clean-up programs and aims to help preserve the local wildlife, culture and community. Chat to one of their staff, all voluntary educators, and learn about the unique biodiversity from a local. Or take a look at the Reaching Out store, also in Hoi An, with craft constructed by disabled artisans. The store aims to develop the skills of handicapped people, helping them break the cycle of poverty.

So become a part of leaving the countries we visit a better place. For more information head to: contiki.com.au/responsible-travel-asia With all these projects Contiki works closely with Stay Another Day, a sustainable tourism organization run by the International Finance Corporation (a member of the World Bank Group). See more at stayanother-day.org.

Please either pass this brochure on to someone else when finished, or recycle it.

▲

▲ Photos courtesy of Stay Another Day

There are 3 things you can’t leave home without – your passport, your spending money and a visit to Contiki’s website. Wired with loads of cutting edge features, it’s a fun and interactive travel planning site that will help you save heaps of time and money organising your overseas adventure.

Need a hand hunting down the perfect holiday?

Trip Finder Our Trip Finder will point you in the right direction – it sorts by lots of different categories like departure date, price range and destination to make your choice super easy. contiki.com.au/tripfinder

My Trips If you still can’t decide where to go and what to do, the My Trips tool lets you save all the best bits about each destination like itineraries and articles – so you can think about it, take your time to make a decision and look over your plans later. contiki.com.au/mytrips

For information on how to extend your stay pre or post your trip, or details of where your Contiki tour departs in each city, please refer to contiki.com.au/asia or your Contiki Travellers Guide that is provided with your final documentation after booking.

Want to know more and be kept up to date?

The Contiki Experience Minimovie Live the Contiki experience online through the eyes of two Contiki travellers at contiki.com.au/video. Our awesome mini-movie follows their adventures across Europe and the USA.

Contikipedia

Other cool stuff Deals & Offers If you want to cash in on the latest deals and exclusive offers, contiki.com is the place to search for an unbelievable bargain.

Join Contiki eNews Keep your finger on the pulse and join Contiki eNews - our email newsletter that's full of interesting and exciting features like travel tips, competitions, giveaways, trip reviews, polls, plus more.

You’ve heard of Wikipedia, right? Well, this is our very own wiki stuffed full of everything you ever wanted to know about the Contiki experience.

And if that isn't enough, from time to time we'll send you excellent deals and member-only offers to save you loads of money.

Written by our Tour Managers, it is a must-check travel ‘bible’ on all things Contiki and gives you loads of important, insider-only travel tips about Contiki trips and ‘life on the road’.

contiki.com.au/enews

contiki.com.au/contikipedia

Connect now Contiki Forums Don’t wait until you leave for your trip to meet other Contiki travellers, get in early and chat online before you head off on Contiki’s message boards.

It’s also a great place to ask questions to Contiki passengers or our experienced tour managers. Plus it’s excellent for staying in touch once you get home. contiki.com.au/forums

My Trip Journal Forget hard to read travel diaries – share your up-to-the-minute travel yarns with friends and family back home as they happen on the road with the My Trip Journal tool. contiki.com.au/mytripjournal

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What’s on contiki.com?

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Questions & Answers Answers to frequently asked questions & things you should know receive a comprehensive day-by-day itinerary including full details and costs of all Optional activities available on your tour, as well as information about departure points and how to get there.

Your complimentary Contiki Document Wallet* will be sent to you along with your travel documents. It’s a convenient place for your tickets, paperwork and passport and quite useful to use when travelling again in the future!

What’s included?

• Coach, train, internal flights, air transfers and ferry transport as detailed in the ‘All this Included’ section on each tour page.

• Accommodation, breakfasts, lunches and dinners as detailed in the ‘All this Included’ section on each tour page.

• Sightseeing as detailed in the ‘Included Highlights’ section on each tour page. Unless specified, entrance fees are not included.

• Experienced Tour Manager, Driver and locally based guides.

What’s not included?

• Personal spending money.

• Visas, personal insurance, medical fees.

• Sightseeing, visits and entrance fees other than those specified on the tour pages.

• Optional activities such as whitewater tubing, cooking classes, etc.

• Lunches, some dinners (unless they have been specified in the ‘All this Included’ section on each tour page) • Local payment.

Local payments As is standard for touring in Asia, Contiki have local payments on each of their tours. Local payments are made on Day 1 of the tour, directly to the Tour Manager in $USD. They cover local guides, tipping, attractions and transport.

Group size Contiki’s group size in Asia averages around 25, so you’ll have just the right amount of new friends to share your experience with - on a long trip, that’s a big time bonus! And don’t worry, the group size is small enough to have an intimate Asian experience, but big enough to make the dynamic rock!

With a bunch of other like-minded 18–35 year olds, your travel posse will make it great, no matter where you are.

Will I get more information?

Upon receipt of final payment, you’ll receive a copy of your Contiki Asia ‘Travellers Guide’. This is an information book with all the nitty gritty details about your holiday. You’ll also

*Contiki reserves the right to substitute an alternative travel accessory for the Contiki Document Wallet.

In the meantime, contiki.com.au/ contikipedia is also a great source of information on tour departure points, destinations visited on our tours and general travellers’ tips.

How much money do I need?

We recommend you carry cash as well as Travellers Cheques in small denominations in United States Dollars (USD), plus a local currency such as Riel (Cambodia), Kip (Laos), Baht (Thailand) or Vietnam Dong (Vietnam).

Please note, Travellers Cheques are widely accepted in big cities but there will be times where it would be wise to bring adequate funds in cash if travelling in remote areas.

You will need to allow enough money to cover optional lunches and dinners, souvenirs and shopping, drinks, optional activities, entrance fees to some attractions and evening entertainment.

Please do not depend solely on a credit/debit card for cash as they are not accepted in all areas.

Brochure authenticity We have put a great deal of effort into producing this brochure. The information given and literature produced by Contiki has been compiled with care and is published in good faith. Sometimes, because of circumstances outside our control, we have to alter some excursions due to seasonal closing or repairs to buildings, etc, especially early or late in the season. If this happens, alternative excursions will be arranged.

Security Contiki has been running tours for young people since 1962 and is a member of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA). The members include all the major tour operators who are financially bonded for your security and who maintain the highest standards. With the guarantees of these organisations, you know your holiday and money are secure with Contiki.

How much luggage can I bring?

On all tours, luggage is restricted to a maximum suitcase size of 73cm x 50cm x 25cm (29" x 20" x 10") and maximum weight of 20 kg (44lbs) plus one small hand/day bag that can go on the coach with you. NO EXTERNAL METAL FRAME BACKPACKS PLEASE, their bulky shape makes coach packing difficult.

Contiki reserves the right to refuse to accept larger suitcases on tour.

Baggage is carried at the owner’s risk and baggage insurance is strongly recommended.

Do I need vaccinations?

At the time this brochure went to press (January 2009), the following immunizations are recommended for travellers in Southeast Asia.

• Diphtheria and tetanus • Hepatitis A • Typhoid • Meningococcal Meningitis • Rabies • Japanese B Encephalitis Consult your doctor or local health department to discuss which ones you need. Don’t forget to bring with you any medication that you may require en route such as antihistamines, antibiotics, etc.

Do I need visas?

Depending on your nationality, you may require visas to enter certain countries included in your tour. You are fully responsible for obtaining all necessary visas prior to the departure of your tour. Contiki is not legally permitted to knowingly allow anybody who does not have a valid visa to join a tour.

Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, arrival/departure taxes, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Consult your travel agent or Contiki to determine which visas you require and how to obtain them.

Your passport must have at least six months’ validity remaining when you arrive in Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam and Laos. Local immigration authorities may deny entry and deport people who do not meet this requirement, even if they intend staying only for a short period.

Important: 1. Visas can take up to six weeks and a fee is normally charged.

2. Failure to obtain all necessary visas could cause you to miss part of your tour and will result in you incurring considerable expense and inconvenience.

3. It is better to apply for all visas through your travel agent before you leave home. It is very important that the entry and exit dates are correct on the visa. Your travel agent will contact Contiki for full details.

Gold seal protection Coverage for Cancellation & Return Flight Security: Most tour operators are interested in their passengers only after they reach their destination. With Contiki, however, you get a great deal even before you leave home.

Pre-paid Cancellation Option A$89 per person: By paying A$89 per person Cancellation Option Fee with your deposit, the full amount of your deposit and/or payment to Contiki Holidays will be refunded should you cancel your tour for any reason prior to departure from Australia. This cancellation option covers the Land arrangements made by Contiki Holidays only.

On Your Tour: Should you, or your travel companion, leave at any time during the tour for personal sickness reasons or be required to return to Australia due to injury, sickness or death, you and your companion will be refunded A$40 per person per day for the unused portion of the tour. Please note that in some cases hotels require a one night cancellation fee. A Doctor’s certificate will be required.

The Cancellation Option Fee is not refundable for any reason. See below for Return Flight Security.

Return Flight Security: If you or a member of your direct family in Australia should fall sick* while you are on your Contiki tour, we will take care of the additional cost of tickets for your earlier or later return home in the same class of air travel on the first available flight, provided you hold roundtrip airline tickets on Contiki’s recommended airline(s) booked through Contiki Holidays (Australia) Pty Ltd from Australia. *Medical certificates as proof of all illness claims must be supplied.

Travel insurance You must take out comprehensive insurance cover for cancellation, medical expenses, personal accident, personal baggage, money and public liability before you travel. You may not be accepted on a Contiki holiday unless you have arranged satisfactory insurance. You also agree to indemnify us against all third-party claims, actions, damages and remedies against us arising from your participation in the holiday.

For insurance details, please speak to your Travel Agent or Contiki reservations agent at the time of making your booking.

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Booking Conditions Once Contiki accepts your booking by confirmation thereof a contract is made between Contiki and you upon the terms and conditions set out below.

OUR RESPONSIBILITIES 1. YOUR HOLIDAY RESERVATION On receipt of your deposit, subject to availability and at our discretion, Contiki will reserve your place on your selected holiday. A contract is only made between you and us upon your booking being confirmed and accepted by us and our confirmation thereof to either you or your travel agent.

2. PRICE GUARANTEE Prices in this brochure are based on costs and exchange rates as at 9th, January 2009. Should these costs change, it may be necessary to make a surcharge on the price of your holiday. Should the total tour price increase by more than 10% you will have the right to cancel within 7 days of notification without penalty. No surcharge in respect of cost or currency fluctuations will be made once payment of the deposit for your land tour has been received. This guarantee excludes fuel surcharges and does not apply to any taxes, charges or levies imposed by any government or their agencies. In exchange for these guarantees, no refund will be made if costs are reduced.

3. IF WE CANCEL OR CHANGE YOUR HOLIDAY 3.1 Contiki reserves the right to change or cancel your booking in accordance with operating requirements or circumstances beyond its control.

3.2 Should change or cancellation prove necessary we will give you reasonable notice thereof, in the circumstances, and where available, offer you a comparable alternative.

3.3 If an alternative is not available or acceptable you will be entitled to either a full refund of monies paid by you to us or transfer to another Contiki holiday without payment of any transfer fee.

3.4 If the change or cancellation is due to force majeure (i.e. circumstances like political unrest, war or threat of war, riots, civil strife, closure of airports or ports, industrial disputes, terrorist activity, natural and nuclear disasters, fire, epidemic or health risk, Acts of God, adverse weather conditions or other similar events beyond Contiki’s control) we will give a full refund of any monies paid to us less reasonable expenses incurred by us in respect of your booking.

3.5 Contiki is not responsible for the costs of any other travel arrangements affected due to our cancellations or rescheduling of any tour departure.

4. HOLIDAY DETAILS & CONDITIONS 4.1 The information in our brochure is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of going to print (January 2009) but we cannot guarantee that any item or amenity mentioned will be available especially where we have no direct control over it.

4.2 Contiki will do its best, at its discretion, to select accommodation, sightseeing tours and transportation to give you good value for money.

4.3 Contiki constantly strives to improve tour itineraries and features. If such improvements can be made, or unforeseen circumstances beyond our control make changes necessary, we reserve the right to vary itineraries and to substitute hotels. Contiki is not responsible for any other travel arrangements affected due to our cancellations.

5. LIABILITY 5.1 Your travel agent shall, on the receipt of any monies, hold such monies for you until the booking is confirmed at which time those monies shall be remitted promptly by your travel agent to us. All such monies received by us will be deposited as required by law.

5.2 We will be entitled to keep for our account any interest earned on such monies.

5.3 All monies paid by you to us through your travel agent or otherwise, whether in respect of the deposit or full payment, may be disbursed by us as and when we see fit, in respect of the services to be provided and/or fees payable under the tour program. The payment of a deposit or any other monies in respect of your tour shall be deemed to be an authorisation for disbursement thereof as aforesaid.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES 1. BOOKING YOUR HOLIDAY 1.1 In order to reserve your holiday, a deposit of A$200, per person per tour or resort stay, or the full amount payable if booking is made within 45 days of departure, must be submitted to Contiki by you in respect of that holiday. This payment is in addition to any deposit required by your travel agent. The deposit is accepted as a first installment of the holiday price by Contiki only once the booking has been confirmed in writing by Contiki or your travel agent.

1.2 Your land reservation will be confirmed on receipt of a non refundable deposit of A$200 per person per tour or resort stay which must be within 7 days of booking or the reservation will automatically be cancelled.

1.3 Any special meal requirements will be made on a request basis only. Contiki cannot guarantee special meal requests nor will it assume any responsibility or liability if clients’ special meal requirements are not fulfilled.

2. PAYING THE BALANCE 2.1 The balance of the holiday must be paid no later than 45 days before the scheduled departure date which shall be by the due date stated on the confirmation issued to you by Contiki.

2.2 If payment isn’t made by the due date, Contiki may assume that you have cancelled and cancellation charges in accordance with clause 3 below will be levied by Contiki.

2.3 Tickets and other documents won't be forwarded until full payment has been received by us. The documentation will be sent approximately 21 days prior to your departure from Australia.

2.4 In the case of Late Bookings made within 45 days of your tour departure, the full cost of the holiday will be payable immediately on booking and we reserve the right to provide all travel documents at the holiday departure point.

2.5 Contiki reserves the right to cancel the booking and apply cancellation charges should payments not be received within the above specified periods.

3. IF YOU CANCEL 3.1 Notice of cancellation must be made in writing to Contiki.

3.2 If you cancel more than 45 days before departure, your A$200 deposit will not be refunded, nor can it be credited to any other booking.

3.3 Upon cancellation you will be liable to pay a fee to cover the estimate of cost and expenses incurred by us in the terms of the schedule set out hereunder. This is expressed as a percentage of the holiday price and is calculated as follows: PERIOD OF NOTICE CANCELLATION FEE Over 45 days notice: Deposit is forfeited 45-22 days: 27.5% of tour fare 21-8 days: 33% of tour fare 7-1 days: 55% of tour fare Day of departure: 100% of tour fare Where the percentage cancellation fee is less than the tour deposit, the cancellation fee will equal loss of deposit. If the reason for cancellation falls within the terms of any holiday insurance policy which you hold, then any such charges may, subject to the terms of your insurance policy, be refunded to you by the insurance company.

3.4 Any cancellation of additional services booked prior to and after your tour or resort booking, such as pre and post accommodation and transfers, that are cancelled within 14 days of the tour departure incur a 100% cancellation fee.

3.5 These cancellation fees are in addition to any cancellation fees that may be levied by your Travel Agent.

4. IF YOU CHANGE YOUR BOOKING 4.1 If after your booking has been confirmed and more than 45 days prior to departure, you wish to change to an alternate departure date or you wish to change to a different Contiki holiday, you may do so subject to availability and provided the new holiday date is also in this brochure.

4.2 A fee of A$35 per person will be charged for any revision or alteration made to a reservation after the booking is confirmed unless the change increases the value of the booking. A change of tour date, tour itinerary or resort booking within 45 days of departure will be treated as a cancellation, and normal cancellation fees will apply except when the change is to an earlier departure date of equivalent or greater value in which case a A$35 per person amendment fee will be charged.

5. HOLIDAY DETAILS AND CONDITIONS 5.1 Please read the brochure carefully for those items included in the price. No allowance or refund can be made for meals, accommodation, excursions, etc. that you elect not to take, or when museums, shops, etc. are closed. Hotel facilities may vary from place to place. Meals may vary in style.

5.2 Recent legislation in various states in Australia has highlighted the issue of Age Discrimination. In terms of style and content, all of Contiki’s worldwide holidays are specifically designed for a particular age group. This fact should be recognised when you book one of our holidays.

5.3 Contiki must be advised of any medical conditions or physical disability requiring special attention before you book your holiday. If you do not advise us at this stage, we may refuse to accept your booking. We may also refuse you if we feel that the holiday chosen is not suitable without a suitably qualified companion. Contiki will try to help you with your requirements but cannot guarantee to do so, either on our own or our suppliers’

(such as hotels, restaurants and excursions) behalf.

Many of our holidays involve getting on and off coaches, walking tours and other physical activities. Some holidays may not be suitable for you if you rely on a wheelchair or have certain other disabilities. Should your disability require you to have special assistance, it is a condition of Contiki accepting your booking that you provide evidence satisfactory to us that an able-bodied person will accompany you and is able to provide any special needs or services that you may require. Contiki will not be responsible for the failure of this person to provide these services.

5.4 You are responsible for all travel arrangements and costs to/from the point of commencement/conclusion of the holiday.

5.5 There may be times when the Contiki Representative has to make a decision in your best interests or the best interests of their group. You agree to comply with the authority and decisions of the appointed Contiki Representative and the laws of the country in which you are travelling. If you do not so comply or if, in the Contiki Representative’s opinion, you are not compatible with the general enjoyment and well being of other members on the holiday or smooth operation of the holiday itself, we reserve the right to refuse to let you continue with the holiday.

Furthermore, you agree that your fellow travellers and any Contiki Representative has the right to travel/work in a safe environment. Any threats to their safety, well being or inappropriate behaviour by you, whether verbal or physical, will be taken extremely seriously and may result in the immediate termination of your holiday. In either event, you will be responsible for your own repatriation and related costs and have no claims against us.

5.5.1 You are responsible for any costs incurred as a result of damage or excess cleaning fees related to your accommodation. You are advised to immediately report any pre-existing damage in your room to hotel/Contiki Village staff and/or a Contiki Tour Manager as soon as it is discovered.

5.6 Where the passenger occupies a motorcoach seat fitted with a safety belt, neither the operator or service providers, agents or co-operating organisations shall be liable for any illness, injury or death or any loss or damages or claims whatsoever arising from any accident or incident, if the safety belt is not being worn at the time of the accident or incident.

5.7 It is your responsibility to have a valid passport and all visas, permits and certificates required for your selected holiday as well as any necessary vaccinations and to comply with all applicable laws.

5.8 You agree that our Contiki Tour Managers or Representatives may take photographs and films of you while you are on holiday and that these may be used in our Group brochures and/or advertising or publicity material without obtaining any further consent or payment in respect of such photographs and/or films.

5.9 Should you have a complaint in respect of the holiday, you should inform the Contiki Tour Manager or Representative during the course of the holiday and if the matter cannot be resolved after the representative’s best endeavours to do so during the holiday, your complaint should be made in writing to Contiki as soon as is reasonably possible after the holiday but within 42 days thereof so that your complaint can be investigated. Any claims made after the 42 day period will not be considered by Contiki. If you choose to write to Contiki via the Internet, please provide your home address so that we are able to reply to you in writing.

5.10.1 The contract and all matters arising in respect hereof shall be subject to Australian Law, unless we agree otherwise in writing.

5.10.2 If any provision of this contract is held invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, that provision shall be deemed to be re-written to give effect to the same purpose within the permitted limits of the law. The validity and enforceability of the other provisions shall not be affected.

5.10.3 If you are unsuccessful in any legal action instituted against us, you agree to pay all our costs, including but not limited to, attorney/client costs.

6. INSURANCE Contiki very strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive insurance cover for cancellation, medical expenses, personal accident, personal baggage, money and public liability before embarking on a Contiki holiday.

Please check that the insurance covers all of the activities that you are going to be participating in. Some policies exclude certain adventure activities. This should be arranged at the time of payment of the deposit and will, in certain circumstances, cover you against loss of deposit or cancellation fees from the date of confirmation of your booking, as shown in the insurance policy. You also agree to indemnify us against all third-party claims,

actions, damages and remedies which may be brought against us in respect of your participation in the holiday.

7. ILLNESS OR ABSENTEEISM In the event of your withdrawal from a holiday after the commencement as a result of illness, you must obtain a medical certificate in support of any insurance claim. No refunds will be made for any absence from the tour.

8. WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED IN THE HOLIDAY PRICE Airfares to and from your holiday destination, airport taxes, passport and visa fees, insurance, laundry, phone calls, beverages, meals not detailed in the itinerary, tips to tour managers, representatives, drivers and local guides, items of a personal nature, excess baggage, optional excursions.

9. WEATHER CONDITIONS Under no circumstances can we be held responsible for snow or weather conditions, nor can any holiday be cancelled or amended by you at any time on the basis of snow or weather conditions.

GENERAL 1. CONTRACTING PARTIES 1.1 The Booking Conditions detailed herein contain the entire contract between you and Contiki. No representation, term, warranty or condition can be expressed or implied by reference to any other writing, advertisement or conversation. This contract may only be varied in writing by a duly authorised officer or director of Contiki.

1.2 Your contract is with us as the tour operating company. At any time and at our complete discretion we may nominate to you in writing any other company or person to have the benefit of some or all of those provisions of this contract, which we may then specify, as if you had agreed the provisions concerned directly with that company or person in the first place as well as agreeing them with us. We may at our complete discretion assign all or any rights and liabilities arising under or by virtue of this or any other contract with you.

1.3 Transportation companies, airlines etc. are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are not on board planes, transportation or conveyances. We rely on international convention which may apply to the services provided by us, our suppliers or agents with respect to any claim of any nature brought by you against us as a result of the provision of those services. International conventions which apply may include: Warsaw Convention 1929, (as amended by Hague Protocol and Montreal Protocol) in relation to air travel, or Montreal Convention; the Berne Convention for rail travel; Athens Convention 1974 for carriage by sea; the Geneva Convention for carriage by road and the Paris Convention 1962 for Hotels. We are to be regarded as having all benefit of these conventions on limiting our liability in relation to any claim for death, injury, loss, damage and delay to passengers and luggage. Enrollment in and payment for a tour shall constitute agreement and acceptance by the passenger of the terms and conditions set forth in this brochure which cannot be varied except in writing by an officer of the Company.

1.4 Contiki is not a carrier or hotelier nor does it own aircraft, hotels or coaches. All bookings with carriers, hoteliers and other service providers are subject to the terms and conditions and limitations of liability imposed by those carriers, hoteliers, and other service providers.

Please note that some of these limit or exclude liability in respect of death, personal injury, delay and loss or damage to baggage. Whilst we cannot accept any responsibility for any loss as a result of such actions or as a result of any act or omission of any such third-parties, we will give every reasonable assistance in helping to resolve any reasonable dispute. Please also note that Contiki cannot be held responsible for the failure of any of these parties to provide facilities or services for disabled clients (see also 5.3 under Holiday Details & Conditions).

1.5 Please note that no airline or carrier depicted or recommended in this brochure by virtue of their endorsement of this brochure represent themselves either as contracting with any purchaser of a holiday from Contiki or as having any other legal relationship with any such purchaser.

1.6 Every effort is made to ensure brochure accuracy at the time of going to print, however Contiki cannot be held responsible for printing or typographical errors, or errors arising from unforeseen circumstances.

2. VALIDITY The programmes advertised in this brochure are valid from March 2009 to July 2010.

3. OPERATING COMPANIES The programmes advertised in this brochure are operatedby Contiki Holidays (Australia) Pty Ltd.

ep e K ing goith i! w ntik Co Australia

How To Book

New Zealand

Europe Winter

Special Interest Groups Group Bookings

Your travel agent will confirm by phone with the local Contiki office that there's space on the tour you've chosen.

your travel agent no less than 45 days before the departure date, or at the time of booking if less than 45 days before departure.

2.

5. We will then send to your travel agent your travel vouchers and detailed information about your holiday. The documentation will be sent approximately 21 days prior to your departure from Australia.

At the time of booking, you must pay to your travel agent a non-refundable deposit of A$200 per person per tour which must be sent to Contiki within 7 days. This payment is in addition to any deposit required by your travel agent.

3. Once your deposit has been received, Contiki will send your travel agent confirmation of the details of the booking.

IMPORTANT By paying the A$200 deposit per person per tour to your travel agent, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the Booking Conditions as set out on page 23, which make up the contract between you and Contiki.

Contiki Holidays (Australia) PTY LTD Travel House, 35 Grafton Street, Bondi Junction NSW 2022 Licence No. 2TA00 1868 ABN 18 002 525 340 IATA No. 023 06496

Travel Agent Reservations: Sydney metro phone: (02) 9511 2222 Other areas phone: 1300 301 835 Fax: (02) 9511 2210 Payment advice: paymentadvice@contiki.com.au

Email reservations@contiki.com.au Web contiki.com

Customer Enquiries: Phone: 1300 CONTIKI (1300 266 845)

If you’re looking for something completely different our Special Interest Groups Departments in Europe, America, Australia and New Zealand have been helping those with specific group travel requirements for years. And now there’s Asia too! School and University trips, choirs, wine tours, Grand Prix, ski tours - you name it we’ve done it!

From supplying competitive quotations to helping you plan the best itinerary right down to the last detail, our worldwide team of experts is able to arrange a custom designed holiday or incentive trip to suit your particular requirements.

Call your travel agent or nearest Contiki Office.

If you’re planning to organise a group to Europe, America, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, why not take a close look at the wide variety of tours detailed in any of our Contiki brochures. It is more than likely that one (or more) of the itineraries will fit in perfectly

with your requirements. As long as everyone on your group is 18 – 35, any date can be reserved exclusively for your group at special, reduced rates – perhaps even a free trip for yourself!!

A Proud Member of

PEFC/xx-xx-xx

Contiki Holidays is a division of the familyowned The Leading Travel Companies, and is renowned and trusted for its outstanding quality, service, value, reliability and financial stability.

Europe Summer

1.

4. You must pay the balance of your holiday fare to Contiki through

Bookings

USA & Canada

Contiki is represented in Australia, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thialand, United Kingdom, USA. Contiki is a registered trademark of Contiki Tours International Ltd, Bermuda. © Copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Printed in Australia.

Please don’t throw this brochure away, we encourage you to either pass it on to a friend or place it in a paper recycling bin.