Contiki Asia eBrochure 2010-11 AUD

asia Incl. Laos, Vietnam Cambodia & Thailand

2010-11

GO contiki.com

2

SAPA HANOI HALONG BAY PAKBENG

This is your playground…

LUANG PRABANG CHIANG RAI VANG VIENG

LAOS

HUE DA NANG HOI AN

THAILAND

VIETNAM

BANGKOK

Vibrant Vietnam has it all. Beautiful beaches, delicious food, stunning scenery & a rich history. East really does meet West in a fuse of traditional culture & modern life.

SIEM REAP CAMBODIA NHA TRANG

PHNOM PENH

HO CHI MIN CITY

Relatively unexplored, Laos offers preserved culture, open people, archaeological treasures & a history of Communism that makes it a unique & intriguing place to visit.

From the French colonial boulevards of Phnom Penh & the spectacular jungle setting of ancient Angkor Wat to the tortuous past of the Khmer Rogue regime, Cambodia is now most definitely a country on the rise.

VIENTIANE

CHIANG MAI

There’s bustling Bangkok, where skyscrapers tower over temples & Mercedes compete with tuk-tuks, as well as off the beaten track experiences in the mountains & jungle of the North.

Find out why Thailand is a traveller’s favourite.

Gulf of Tonkin

Gulf of Thailand

MEKONG DELTA

What’s inside 2–3 4–5 6–7 8–9 10 11 12–13 14–15 16 17 18

Intro to Contiki & Asia Why Contiki Asia?

Compare our value Meet Contiki Asia travellers Included sightseeing Optional activities Eat & sleep Contiki style Transport & the Contiki crew Travelling responsibly Deals Special Stays incl. Sapa trekking

19 20–21 22– 23 24–25

Vietnam Highlights 10 days Vietnam Experience 12 days Asian Adventure 14 days Big Indochina Adventure 25 days

26 27

Got a question?

Booking conditions

3

Asia.

Contiki.

See Asia.

An elephant ride in the jungle. A slow boat down The Mekong.

The beaches of Nha Trang. Let us take you there.

Share Asia.

Meet 18-35 year olds from all over the world.

Make friends for a week, and know them forever.

Love Asia.

We’re a family-owned business and we’ve been travelling the world since 1962. We’ll never stop.

It’s always different. It’s always fun. It’s always an adventure.

That’s the Contiki spirit.

See more, explore more at contiki.com/contiki-experience

4

Why Contiki Why Contiki Asia Our Asian holidays aren’t like other tours.

They’re different. Here’s why.

18-35. No older.

No younger.

Free time.

Your time.

Travel with us & you’ll meet people your age from all over the world, with the same goal to see, smell, taste & share incredible experiences in Asia together. We’re the only tour operator in Asia that runs tours exclusively for 18-35 year olds.

All our tours have a balance of free time everyday so you’ll get plenty of time to do your own thing.

Explore the backstreets, find a great place for a bite, or sit back & just chill. Plus there’s Contiki’s Explore More optional activities. Whatever you’re into - culture, adventure, sports or food, we can organise it all for you. More on page 11.

5

Unique to Contiki Asia

Our know-how.

The best bits.

More included.

For less.

Where to go? What to see? What to eat? How to get there? Our crew has studied hard, made the grade & they’re ready to share it all with you.

Our Tour Managers are mostly expats who now call Asia ‘home’. Many have worked with Contiki before in other parts of the world, so they know all about the Contiki spirit. They’re perfectly complimented by our expert local guides who’ll share their in-depth knowledge so you’ll discover even more.

Get more for your dollar with Contiki in Asia there’s so much included. Like private coach transport, internal flights, lots of sightseeing & plenty of meals. They’re all included, plus more.

You’ll know exactly what you get for your money so you can plan your trip & budget before you go. More on page 6.

Plenty of included meals.

Lots of holiday.

Less hassle.

All our tours include breakfast every day, as well as some lunches & dinners. We like to keep it varied – eat at a local restaurant one night & in the hotel the next. We don’t include every meal for a reason, so you have the flexibility to explore in your free time, meet some locals & try all kinds of Asian delicacies.

Lugging a heavy backpack in the rain. Getting lost. Not with us. We do the hard work for you so you can get on with having a good time. Air-con coaches, door to door service, a professional onroad team to look after you. Sit back & relax.

Mix of ways to get around.

Authentic.

In Asia, we don’t just travel in a coach. You’ll experience lots of different angles on this destination with over 10 different modes of transport, giving you the best of both worlds. Mix it with the locals on shorter journeys & take private, more comfortable transport on the longer routes, getting you there faster, with more free time in the places that count.

More on page 14.

We include some special stopovers like locally owned & run guesthouses in Sapa, Pakbeng & the Mekong Delta. There’s also a fantastic overnight experience onboard a traditional Chinese junk boat on Halong Bay. More on page 18.

Quality accommodation.

Our hotels are always comfortable & often have great facilities like pools & WiFi. They’re also central - so you’ll have more time exploring & less time travelling. Rooms are for 2, so there’s plenty of space & if you’re a couple, you’ll never share with anyone else. We also look after solo travellers. More on page 13.

Only with Contiki

The perfect group size.

We average 25 in a group on Contiki Asia, meaning it’s small enough for a more intimate, ‘real’ Asian experience, but large enough to meet plenty of other 18-35 year old travellers to hang out with.

Make a difference.

Wherever we can, Contiki supports community projects in the areas we visit. Like visiting an orphanage or eating at restaurants that train street kids in hospitality. More on page 16.

Get even more value with our ‘Only with Contiki’ special inclusions like an elephant ride through the rainforest, a private cruise down the Mekong River or a locally guided city bike ride.

Check the ‘Only with Contiki’ section on tour pages. More on page 7.

6

See how far your money goes.

An experienced Tour Manager & Local Guides Heaps of sightseeing inclusions

Breakfast. Transport. Entry to the sights.

Accommodation. Travelling on your own adds up fast (yes, even in Asia).

(see Included Highlights on each tour page)

See the difference in what you get included on a Contiki tour. They’re the kind of inclusions & value that means you really get the most out of your trip.

Contiki from A$

Overnight trains & cruise Local taxes & service charges

*

GO 113 p/day

Transport & driver (mostly private services just for Contiki)

Domestic flights

Central & comfortable superior accommodation Lots of breakfasts, lunches & dinners

* Price based on Vietnam Experience & includes local payment

GO

7

Our ‘Only with Contiki’ special inclusions are exactly what they say they are. They’re only with Contiki. Check out our exclusive experiences below or on the ‘Only with Contiki’ section on each tour page.

• Private 2 day boat cruise along the Mekong River • Rainforest elephant ride • Locally guided bike tour of World Heritage Listed Luang Prabang • Entry & guided visit of the COPE support & rehab centre • Traditional Laotian meal at a restaurant that trains street kids in hospitality • All private coach transport • Guided bike ride through the Vietnamese countryside • Cyclo ride to Hue’s ancient Citadel • Traditional Vietnamese meal at a restaurant run by a deaf-mute family

8

Meet the people that travel

Contiki Asia No one person is the same & Contiki tours aren’t either.

Young people from all over the world come to explore Asia with us, here’s what some of them had to say about their experience.

Nicole, 25. Nurse, Canadian —Big September 2009 parts of “I likedIndochina, that you got to see different countries. We weren’t only visiting the big cities, we went off to smaller stops. I felt like more of a traveller than a tourist – that’s what I really liked about it.”

Eddie, 25. Firefighter, Australian —Asian Adventure, Aug 2009

“It was nice to be travelling with people around the world that were my age. I knew they’d have similar interests & want to do the same kind of things that I did. I definitely feel it was an adventure trip with culture, not just a relaxing trip.”

Dana, 28. Dentist, American —Vietnam Explorer, July 2009

“Other than flights to & from Asia, you can get by with very little money once you’re on tour. All our transport was included, plus hotels & breakfasts. You got people from all walks of life, I think it was a great price that made the tour accessible to anybody.”

“All our accommodation was really good.

We stayed in guesthouses a couple of times which were really different & interesting. I really liked it because this variety made it a really authentic experience. It really gave you a chance to meet some of the locals to see what they do. It wouldn’t have been the same if we’d stayed in hotels the whole time.”

Matt, 28. Law student, American —Asian Adventure, July 2009

Nicole, 25. Nurse, Canadian —Big Indochina, September 2009 “I looked at doing it myself & couldn’t have done it as cheaply, in the same timeframe.

I appreciated walking into a hotel, being given my key & having a guaranteed place to stay – that saved a lot of time. Arrive, chuck your bag in & get straight out to do the great optional activities.”

Find lots more past traveller feedback on contiki.com/community

Paris, 23. IT Consultant, British —Asian Adventure, May 2009

9

“We got a great balance of time. Since there are other couples & lots of singles, you never feel the pressure to be with either your partner or the group 100% of the time.

Usually at night, the group would walk to the local market, where we could either eat together - just the two of us, or with the rest of the group.”

Jose, 29 & Madeline, 32. Doctors, Puerto Rican —Asian Adventure, March 2009

10 E XP E RIEN CE IT A LL

Must-see Sights.

All included.

e, Bangkok Royal Palac

Kuang Si waterfalls, Luang Prabang

On every Contiki tour, every day, you’ll get lots of Included Highlights. They’re all included in the price of your tour.

Included Highlights are the things you can’t wait to see, like the beaches of Nha Trang in Vietnam or the Royal Palace in Bangkok. Wherever you are, we’ll line up trips to famous monuments, walking & cycling tours with a Local Guide, organised nights out & some entrance fees. Every day. No more to pay.

The Mekon g Delta ang Beaches of Nha Tr

ur o y d Fin uded Incl lights High Palace, Reunification City Ho Chi Minh

Cruise stop on Tonle Sap Lake

Look for Included Highlights in the itinerary section on every tour page. They’re marked in a different colour, like this.

Why not share your experiences with other travellers. check out contiki.com/community

C u Chi tunnels, Vietnam Views over Halong Bay

Night markets in Siem Reap

re Your experience he

11

Optional Activities!

Enjoy your free time.

As well as all the Included Highlights on our tours, you get plenty of free time to do your own thing – every day.

Spend more time at one of your new favourite sights, wander round the shops, or just relax.

You can also make the most of your free time with our Explore More optional activities. They help turn a great trip into an unforgettable one. We’ve handpicked them because they’re the things our past Contiki travellers loved. Best of all, we’ve negotiated great prices & we can organise everything for you.

Boat cruise off the islands near Nha Trang

NB. It’s important that you check your insurance includes your participation in adventure activities & be aware that some of our optionals can be physically demanding and therefore involve some risk.

Kayaking, Luang Prabang

To find Explore More choices, look for the orange arrow on every tour page Boat cruise off Nha Trang

Chiang Rai hill tribe visit Authentic Thai cooking experience Kayaking on Nam Ou River

KOTO restaurant dinner in Hanoi Enjoy a mud bath

Cruise to Cham Island

Cooking class in Hoi An

Speedboat cruise & swimming near Hoi An

River fun, Vang Vieng

Cooking class in Hoi An

To find out more go to contiki.com/exploremore

Hmong hill tribe women

12 ON THE ROA D

EAT ASIA

All our tours include breakfast every day and quite a few lunches & dinners. We don’t include every meal for a reason. We give you the flexibility to explore in your free time, mingle with the locals & try all kinds of local delicacies.

We also like to give back to the communities, so we’ll eat together at a few restaurants that support the less fortunate. These restaurants train & educate local street kids & the disabled.

More on page 16.

Asia has some of the best food in the world & our Tour Managers & Local Guides are fantastic at helping you uncover the most popular & authentic restaurants in the region or city you are visiting – at bargain prices.

Taste South Eas:t Asia with

The ‘White Rofamous se’ in Hoi An Goi cuon —fresh sp in Vietnam ring rolls Amok—A Cambo special cu dia/Khmer rry Bia Hoi— locall beer in Hay brewed noi

13 There’s facilities you’ll appreciate Often our hotels have a pool, great to escape the heat, & regular access to computers to check emails & Facebook.

At times, you’ll even get WiFi, if you’re carrying a laptop.

Special stays We’ve mixed it up a little to include a taste of some real Asian overnight experiences. Like locally owned & run guesthouses in Sapa, Pakbeng & the Mekong Delta. And a fantastic overnight experience onboard a traditional Chinese junk boat in Halong Bay. More on page 14.

Share Basis Hotels & the cruise are twin share. Guesthouses & Thai overnight trains are multi share. Vietnam overnight train is quad share.

Travelling Solo?

HOTEL COMFORT Contiki Asia is almost entirely hotel accommodation. All our hotels are well-located, very comfortable & have some great facilities.

Comfort means a clean room with an ensuite bathroom, amenities & a TV. It’s a place for you to relax at the end of a busy day’s sightseeing.

For a small supplement, you can book your own room on the majority of nights. Or we can share you with another Contiki traveller (same sex) for no extra cost.

Halong Bay cruise cabin interior

To find out more go to contiki.com/asia

EASY ACCESS LOCATIONS Our hotels have been picked to give you easy access to the action, like: Van Loi Hotel, Hoi An

Elephant Crossing Hotel, Vang Vieng

Bangkok We’re just 2 minutes from Khao San Road.

Siem Riep 5 minutes walk to night markets & Pub Street.

Ho Chi Minh Right in the heart of District 1 (sightseeing & nightlife central).

Nha Trang We’re directly across the road from the beach.

Hoi An 5 minutes walk to Old Town.

14 ON THE ROA D

TRANSPORT – GETTING THERE One of the best things about your trip to Asia will definitely be getting around on our many different modes of transport.

Tuk-tuks

From 4-wheels, to 2-wheels, to no wheels (with paddles & outboard motors instead), there are up to 10 different types of transport involved on a Contiki Asia trip.

Unlike our Contiki tours in other parts of the world, we run smaller groups of up to 25 people in Asia, so our coach transport ranges in size. But we always use private, air-con coaches instead of local ones, which means we can get you to more remote places, quickly & easily.

To reduce travelling time between destinations, we use internal flights with reliable Vietnam Airlines, giving you more time in the places that count, so you won’t miss stuff.

After that, that’s where the fun really begins – overnight trains, rickshaws, tuk-tuks, long tail boats, bicycles, wooden canoes & a traditional Chinese junk boat are some of the Contiki transport selection.

Much of our transport is private, which represents fantastic value. From the minibuses, to Mekong boats – you won’t be squashed in with a bunch of other travelers. You’ll have the space to really relax, enjoy the travel time & take it all in.

Sampan, Mekong Delta

Traditional Chinese Junk boat

Rickshaws

Overnight trains

Mekong boat

To find out more go to contiki.com/contiki-experience

15

YOUR CREW. WHO’S WHO? Our Tour Managers know Contiki & they know Asia.

Meaning you’ll discover & enjoy even more.

Many of our Tour Managers have worked with us in other places around the globe, so they know all about the Contiki spirit & what makes our tours different from others.

They’re English-speaking expats, who now call Asia home. They’re your walking, talking guidebook, there to help you make the most of each day. They know their stuff - facts on where you’re going, the best things to see & ideas for your free time. They buddy up with local English speaking Local Guides who work with our on the ground tour partner, the awardwinning, Trails of Indochina.

Our professional Local Guides compliment our Tour Managers perfectly with their indepth knowledge of specific places within a destination, often their home. Meaning you’ll discover even more.

To find out more go to contiki.com/contiki-experience

“I’ve worked with Contiki in Europe before & it’s actually pretty similar for me here in Asia.

Each day is a new experience. It’s an exciting challenge - that’s what I thrive on, to get out, see new places, try new things & share as much of it with others as I can.

It’s as much of an adventure for me as it is for the people we have travelling with us.”

Dave Contiki Asia Tour Manager

Reduce your carbon t footprin at

16

Small Footprint.

Big Commitment.

Local Support

Our Foundation

Responsible travel is about bringing you closer to local cultures & environments, involving & benefiting local people in tourism.

Contiki is a founding partner of the non-profit Leading Travel Companies Conservation Foundation. So far, the Foundation has committed over US$2 million to help under-privileged communities & support sustainable tourism around the world.

We encourage you to give a little bit back to the special places & people you’ll encounter, through supporting community projects & NGO’s who care about conserving Asia's natural & cultural heritage. We also employ Local Guides who will open your eyes to their cultures & ways of life, also earning a much needed income from you.

onsibletravel contiki.com/resp

Since the Foundation commenced in 2008, it has; – Helped to protect over 3 million hectares of Atlantic Forest in Brazil – Supported indigenous sustainable tourism in The Kimberley, Australia – Supported the construction of 3 conservation wildlife research camps in Northern Botswana – Supported restoration of one of Venice’s finest art treasures, Monument to Canova – Helped develop sustainable tourism practices as a primary sponsor for the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards

Some of the things you’ll do in Asia with Contiki: – Support the training and education of street kids in Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia when you eat in restaurants that have been created to help get youth off the streets and into a job, equipping them with both work & life skills.

UNESCO & Contiki We include visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites in all our Contiki Asia itineraries, not just so you can enjoy visiting and learning about these unique places, but also because conservation counts.

– In Laos, those that need an artificial limb or support device, like a wheelchair, are helped

by COPE (Co-operative Orthotic & Prosthetic Enterprise). We visit the COPE Centre, where visitors are educated about what happens to victims of unexploded objects, such as landmines, their support & rehabilitation.

It’s why we’ve chosen to help UNESCO with their efforts by contributing significant funding towards their restoration work in Venice (through our involvement with The Leading Travel Companies Conservation Foundation).

Look for the World Heritage symbol on the tour pages.

– We have the opportunity to visit an orphanage in Cambodia run by an NGO mission & the local community, & meet some of the children who are living there.

6

– Visit the Lao Elephant Camp which cares for elephants & supports it’s local community with employment opportunities & education about caring for their environment.

WORLD HERITAGE SITES VISITED

There are more ways to help, ask your Tour Manager for more info.

See more at… contiki.com/asia

Learn more at… contiki.com/responsibletravel

For a full list of sites visited go to… contiki.com/worldheritagelist

17

Save more Pay early. Save more.

Save up to A$319 on your tour if you book & pay 12 months before you leave or save up to A$159 on your tour if you book & pay 6 months before you leave. See the tour page to find out your pay early discount.

2 tours. Save more.

Book 2 Contiki trips (of 10 days or longer) at the same time.

Save A$100 on your booking.

ASIA+ASIA save A$100 ASIA+EUROPE save A$100 ASIA+AMERICA save A$100 ASIA+GREAT BRITAIN save A$100

Book together. Save more.

Same tour? Same time? Book together to get group discounts.

4 OR MORE Everyone saves 5%.

7 OR MORE Everyone saves 7.5%.

10 OR MORE Everyone saves 10%.

Or invite an 11th person for free. It’s up to you.

Join in at contiki.com Bags packed & ready to go? Or just thinking about it? Join Contiki’s community online & connect with people who can help you with your trip questions.

Get advice from Contiki travellers & read their comments.

Check out Contiki tour photos. And meet people on your tour before you leave home.

Our Tour Managers & past Contiki travellers regularly update our very own wiki: Contikipedia. From the big questions (backpack or suitcase? How much money to take?) to the little ones (what’s the perfect holiday read? where’s the best night market in Bangkok?).

The answers are on contiki.com.

You’ll find extra detailed trip itineraries, competitions & video there too. And more.

Travelling solo?

For a small supplement, you can book your own room. Or we can share you with another traveller (same sex) for no extra cash.

The facts: all these discounts apply to the land tour price (eg: not flights). You can combine group discounts, multi tour discounts & early payment discounts on tours of 10 days or longer.

Our Guarantees DEFINITE DEPARTURES We are always updating tours online to a guaranteed to go, Definite Departure status. So you can confidently book ahead & take advantage of airlines early booking deals & Contiki’s early payment discounts. Check contiki.com tour pages for the most up to date info on Definite Departures.

NO SNEAKY SURCHARGES As soon as Contiki receives your deposit, the land tour price is guaranteed. Only government action can change the price you’ll pay.

CHANGE YOUR MIND Our Gold Seal insurance means that if you cancel your tour before you leave home, we won’t charge you a cent. And if you’re ill or have to leave your trip early for personal reasons, Gold Seal will refund you A$40 for each day that you miss & will cover your air ticket costs.

See more on page 26

Online Check-in Booked your tour? Give us your details before you go & you’ll save time when you start your tour, with Contiki Check-in.

We’ll give you tips to help you get ready for your trip & you can find out who else is on your tour at contiki.com/community. Plus you’ll get perks, like discounts on luggage, guidebooks & movies – that sort of stuff. And we’ll send you invites to Contiki-only events & competitions.

Check-in online. It’ll take you less than 5 minutes.

To find out more go to contiki.com/deals

To find out more go to contiki.com/checkin

18

ongamDExpeloltrear & Mek the Vietn

rs incl. in Adventure tou Big Indochina

Keep it real with Contiki’s

Special Stays Whilst the majority of Contiki Asia accommodation is in good quality hotels, we have designed our trips to include some unique, authentic & interesting special stays that are a little more grassroots.

ing Tredkdk Sapba n tour le as an a -o availa

Mekong Delta As part of the Big Indochina Adventure & Vietnam Explorer tours, we journey into the Mekong Delta region, about 3 hours south of Ho Chi Minh & also visit the Cu Chi Tunnels.

Here you can see life along the Mekong River, with it’s sleepy villages, canals & colourful floating markets.

Friendly locals

We’ll cruise the Delta, visit some of the local industries & taste traditional foods at a typical Vietnamese lunch in a local tea house. Travel on 2 wheels with our Local Guide through the backroads & rural communities on a relaxed bike ride.

Stay overnight together at a locally owned & run guesthouse, with home-cooked delicacies & a live local music performance it’s the perfect end to this close up view of local Vietnamese life.

Share type basis: multi-share.

Sweet making demonstration, Vietnam

Sapa Trekking This 4 day experience is available to Contiki travellers as an extension, easily added on to the end of your Big Indochina Adventure, Vietnam Highlights or Vietnam Experience tour.

Sapa is an old French hill station, set in the foothills of Mt Fanxipan, near the Chinese border. Surrounded by huge mountains & incredible views, it’s a gateway to some of Vietnam’s most colourful ethnic cultures.

Starting with a free day in Hanoi, an overnight train takes us to the start of our trek. Your Tour Manager & Local Guide will show you along local tracks, passing through a number of villages with traditional wooden houses where you will see the friendly residents going about their daily lives. Scattered through the stunning green rice terraces there’s unique stone carvings from prehistoric times.

Stop off at different hilltribes including a Black Hmong village, where the people are renowned for their handicrafts including silver jewellery & tribal textiles.

To find out more go to contiki.com/sapa-trekking

Accommodation is in a locally run guesthouse, where you can get to know your host family & enjoy this cultural experience first-hand.

What’s included • 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches,1 dinner • Return overnight train • Local guesthouse accommodation Share type basis: multi-share. Don’t forget to pack your hiking shoes & a small backpack or your Tour Manager can organise them for you in Hanoi.

ys pp a D 0 4 2 5 $ A Day from 30/ 1 $ A

Hills near Sapa

Walking the trail

19 When to go and how much

10 Days

Code: VIHI 2009/2010/2011 Start Ho Chi Minh

Vietnam Highlights ays 5pp* D 0 1 114 y $ A m fro /Da 5 1 1 A$ contiki.com/vietnam-highlights

Itinerary and included sightseeing Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City Formerly known as Saigon, cosmopolitan Ho Chi Minh is packed with pagodas, roadside shops, high-rises & reminders of the Vietnam war. Tonight meet your Tour Manager & fellow travellers at the hotel.

Tantalise the tastebuds as you hit the thriving Ben Thanh markets – you can pick up anything from tasty local foods to Vietnam’s iconic conical hats. Hotel.

Days 2-10: Hoi Chi Minh City to Hanoi Refer to days 4 -12 of the Vietnam Experience tour itinerary & included sightseeing on page 21.

Only with Contiki

VIETNAM

HANOI 2

Halong Bay

1

Laos LAOS

1 HUE Da Nang

Thailand THAILAND

2 HOI AN

Cambodia CAMBODIA

NHA TRANG 2

(special inclusions)

• Guided bike ride through the Vietnamese • • •

countryside Cyclo ride to Hue’s ancient Citadel Traditional Vietnamese meal at a restaurant run by a deaf-mute family All private coach transport

1 HO CHI MINH CITY

Places visited 1 1 or more nightstops

Asia

South China Sea

Finish Hanoi

Tour A$ pp*

Local Payment A$ pp†

Total Cost A$ pp*

2009 NOV 25 DEC 16 DEC 23 DEC 30

DEC 4 DEC 25 JAN 1 JAN 8

995 995 995 995

150 150 150 150

1145 1145 1145 1145

2010 JAN 6 JAN 13 JAN 20 JAN 27 FEB 3 FEB 18 FEB 24 MAR 3 MAR 10 MAR 17 MAR 24 MAR 31 APR 7 APR 14 APR 22 APR 28 MAY 5 MAY 12 MAY 19 MAY 26 JUN 2 JUN 9 JUN 16 JUN 24 JUN 30 JUL 7 JUL 14 JUL 21 JUL 28 AUG 4 AUG 11 AUG 15 AUG 26 SEP 5 SEP 19 NOV 1 NOV 8 NOV 15 NOV 29 DEC 6 DEC 13 DEC 20 DEC 27

JAN 15 JAN 22 JAN 29 FEB 5 FEB 12 FEB 27 MAR 5 MAR 12 MAR 19 MAR 26 APR 2 APR 9 APR 16 APR 23 MAY 1 MAY 7 MAY 14 MAY 21 MAY 28 JUN 4 JUN 11 JUN 18 JUN 25 JUL 3 JUL 9 JUL 16 JUL 23 JUL 30 AUG 6 AUG 13 AUG 20 AUG 24 SEP 4 SEP 14 SEP 28 NOV 10 NOV 17 NOV 24 DEC 8 DEC 15 DEC 22 DEC 29 JAN 5

995 995 995 995 995 995 995 995 995 995 995 995 995 995 995 995 995 995 995 995 995 995 995 995 995 995 995 995 995 995 995 995 995 995 995 1045 1045 1045 1045 1045 1045 1045 1045

150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150

1145 1145 1145 1145 1145 1145 1145 1145 1145 1145 1145 1145 1145 1145 1145 1145 1145 1145 1145 1145 1145 1145 1145 1145 1145 1145 1145 1145 1145 1145 1145 1145 1145 1145 1145 1195 1195 1195 1195 1195 1195 1195 1195

2011 JAN 3 JAN 10 JAN 17 JAN 24 JAN 31 FEB 7 FEB 14 FEB 21 FEB 28 MAR 7 MAR 14 MAR 21 MAR 28

JAN 12 JAN 19 JAN 26 FEB 2 FEB 9 FEB 16 FEB 23 MAR 2 MAR 9 MAR 16 MAR 23 MAR 30 APR 6

1045 1045 1045 1045 1045 1045 1045 1045 1045 1045 1045 1045 1045

150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150

1195 1195 1195 1195 1195 1195 1195 1195 1195 1195 1195 1195 1195

10 Days Vietnam Highlights 1 country 9 nights accomm 9 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 2 dinners

Visits: Vietnam

What’s included All as per itinerary • 9 nights accommodation: 8 nights in 3 star hotels & 1 overnight cruise • 9 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L) and 2 dinners (D) • A dedicated crew with an experienced & professional Tour Manager & local English-speaking guides • Local taxes & service charges • 3 domestic flights • Transport & included sightseeing WORLD • Number of World HERITAGE SITES Heritage sites visited VISITED

3

Save Money!

If you pay 12 months in advance, you save A$99. Or pay 6 months in advance & save A$49.

See pg17 for details.

Sapa Trekking Combine this trip with Sapa Trekking. See page 18.

above are based on twin-share. If travelling alone Contiki will team you with a buddy at no extra cost. * Prices Optional single room supplement is available for A$345 (only applicable in hotels). † A local payment of US$135 is collected in cash on first day of tour. A$150 above is based on exchange rate at time of print & will vary according to exchange rate fluctuation.

A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking.

Tour starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am.

For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger.

Old town, Hoi An

ENJOY YOUR FREE TIME

Busy streets of Hanoi

CHOOSE SOME OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

NHA TRANG: Relaxing island cruise off Hon Mun island with swim stops & snorkelling HOI AN: Authentic & tasty Vietnamese cooking class – Speedboat cruise to Cham Island with swimming, snorkelling & a beachside lunch HANOI: Dinner at KOTO restaurant where former street children are trained in hospitality cost).

Gototocontiki.com/vietnam-highlightscontiki.com/optional-europe-camping an additional (atadditional doan extras the optional alloptional for allfor the explore-more extras you you can can do (at Go cost).

12 Days Vietnam Experience

ys pp* a D 12 $1350 A Day from 13/ 1 $ A Visits: Vietnam

VIETNAM

HANOI 2

Only with Contiki (special inclusions) • Guided bike ride through the Vietnamese countryside • Cyclo ride to Hue’s ancient Citadel • Traditional Vietnamese meal at a restaurant run by a deaf-mute family • All private coach transport

Burma

Halong Bay

1

Laos LAOS

1 HUE Da Nang

Thailand THAILAND

2 HOI AN

Cambodia CAMBODIA

2 NHA TRANG

2 HO CHI MINH CITY

contiki.com/vietnam-experience

ENJOY YOUR FREE TIME

CHOOSE SOME OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

Places visited 1 1 or more nightstops

MEKONG DELTA 1 South China Sea

NHA TRANG: Relaxing cruise off Hon Mun Island with swim stops & snorkelling

21 Itinerary and included sightseeing

city, known for it’s colourful cloths and made to order tailors, then taste why Vietnamese food has such a good reputation with an optional cooking class! Hotel (B)

When to go and how much

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City Formerly known as Saigon, cosmopolitan Ho Chi Minh is packed with pagodas, roadside shops, high-rises & reminders of the Vietnam war. Tonight meet your Tour Manager & fellow travellers at the hotel.

Tantalise the tastebuds as you hit the thriving Ben Thanh markets – you can pick up anything from tasty local foods to Vietnam’s iconic conical hats. Hotel.

Visit the city’s Old Quarter & Japanese covered bridge

Code: VIEP 2009/2010/2011

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta It’s a 2 day journey into the Mekong Delta.

We’ll try out sanpans (local boats), take in local industries & see floating markets & fish farms – giving a peek of everyday waterway life. Back on dry land, we’ll get on 2 wheels as we ride past rural communities. Tonight, perhaps see a musical performance before dinner at our local guesthouse. Guesthouse (B,L,D)

Day 7: Hoi An Maybe head to the untouched Cham Island on a speed boat cruise. With snorkelling, secluded beaches & delicious local food prepared at a beach-side restaurant, this is a great way to spend the day. Otherwise there’s galleries, antique shops in the old town or take a walk along the historic waterfront to the local markets. Hotel (B)

Mekong Delta cruise

Day 8: Hoi An to Hue There are stunning coastal views while driving over the “Pass of the Ocean Clouds” to the former Royal City of Hue. Visit the colourful imperial Tu Duc tomb with its intricately decorated pavilions & the 7-storied Thien Mu Pagoda before we board a dragon boat & drift down the Perfume River before dinner at a family-run restaurant. Hotel (B,D)

See local demonstrations

Cross the Hai Van Pass

Visit a local tea garden

Perfume River cruise

Day 3: Mekong Delta to Ho Chi Minh City We head back to Ho Chi Minh City via the Viet Cong’s legendary tunnels in Cu Chi. See traps, hidden doors & some of the 250kms of tunnels that Vietnamese resistance fighters dug by hand – you can even go down into the skinny tunnels & experience them first-hand! Hotel (B)

Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda & the Tu Duc Mausoleum

Visit to the Cu Chi tunnels Day 4: Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang View the Notre Dame Cathedral, General Post Office & the Presidential (or Reunification) Palace on our city tour. We also visit the War Remnants Museum for some history on the Vietnam War. Explore the city before catching a flight to Nha Trang, famous for its golden beaches & idyllic turquoise waters. Hotel (B) View the Notre Dame Cathedral, General Post Office & Presidential Palace

Day 9: Hue to Hanoi Start the morning with a cyclo tour before our flight to Hanoi. Full of French flair, Chinese culture & Vietnamese vitality – it’s an open-air museum. Walk the wide Parisian-style boulevards & take in the shuttered mansions, or relax with bia hoi (draught beer) & peoplewatch. Hotel (B) Cyclo ride Day 10: Hanoi to Halong Bay Today we board a traditional junk boat on Halong Bay for our overnight cruise. See amazing views as we pass hidden coves, sheer cliffs & stunning beaches. We check out the Sung Sot Caves & stop for a swim in an idyllic lagoon before docking at the magical Dao Titop for sunset. Junk boat (B,L,D) Visit the Sung Sot Caves

Visit to the War Remnants Museum

Boat cruise of grotto island

Day 5: Nha Trang Sink into the laid-back beach lifestyle with a free day to enjoy the sun & sea. Do your own thing or take off to the gorgeous offshore islands on our optional cruise with swim stops, snorkelling & banquet lunch. Afterwards perhaps, indulge in a mineral mud bath & hot springs experience before getting a taste of Nha Trang by night! Hotel (B)

Entry to Dao Titop

Day 6: Nha Trang to Hoi An Fly to Danang & travel down to Hoi An. We take a guided walking tour through the Old Quarter, before some free time. Explore this

View the Temple of Literature

Day 11: Halong Bay to Hanoi Wake to more fantastic views from the junk before we return to Hanoi. Later you could try Hanoi’s world-famous water puppet performance before our optional farewell dinner at KOTO restaurant, where former street children are trained in hospitality skills.

Hotel (B,L) Day 12: Depart Hanoi Your tour ends after breakfast, so it’s time to say farewell to your group. (B)

Start Ho Chi Minh

Asia

Finish Hanoi

Tour A$ pp*

Local Payment A$ pp†

Total Cost A$ pp*

2009 NOV 23 DEC 14 DEC 21 DEC 28

DEC 4 DEC 25 JAN 1 JAN 8

1175 1175 1175 1175

175 175 175 175

1350 1350 1350 1350

2010 JAN 4 JAN 11 JAN 18 JAN 25 FEB 1 FEB 16 FEB 22 MAR 1 MAR 8 MAR 15 MAR 22 MAR 29 APR 5 APR 12 APR 20 APR 26 MAY 3 MAY 10 MAY 17 MAY 24 MAY 31 JUN 7 JUN 14 JUN 22 JUN 28 JUL 5 JUL 12 JUL 19 JUL 26 AUG 2 AUG 9 AUG 13 AUG 24 OCT 30 NOV 6 NOV 13 NOV 27 DEC 4 DEC 11 DEC 18 DEC 25

JAN 15 JAN 22 JAN 29 FEB 5 FEB 12 FEB 27 MAR 5 MAR 12 MAR 19 MAR 26 APR 2 APR 9 APR 16 APR 23 MAY 1 MAY 7 MAY 14 MAY 21 MAY 28 JUN 4 JUN 11 JUN 18 JUN 25 JUL 3 JUL 9 JUL 16 JUL 23 JUL 30 AUG 6 AUG 13 AUG 20 AUG 24 SEP 4 NOV 10 NOV 17 NOV 24 DEC 8 DEC 15 DEC 22 DEC 29 JAN 5

1175 1175 1175 1175 1175 1175 1175 1175 1175 1175 1175 1175 1175 1175 1175 1175 1175 1175 1175 1175 1175 1175 1175 1175 1175 1175 1175 1175 1175 1175 1175 1175 1175 1175 1235 1235 1235 1235 1235 1235 1235

175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175

1350 1350 1350 1350 1350 1350 1350 1350 1350 1350 1350 1350 1350 1350 1350 1350 1350 1350 1350 1350 1350 1350 1350 1350 1350 1350 1350 1350 1350 1350 1350 1350 1350 1350 1410 1410 1410 1410 1410 1410 1410

2011 JAN 1 JAN 8 JAN 15 JAN 22 JAN 29 FEB 5 FEB 12 FEB 19 FEB 26 MAR 5 MAR 12 MAR 19 MAR 26

JAN 12 JAN 19 JAN 26 FEB 2 FEB 9 FEB 16 FEB 23 MAR 2 MAR 9 MAR 16 MAR 23 MAR 30 APR 6

1235 1235 1235 1235 1235 1235 1235 1235 1235 1235 1235 1235 1235

175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 175

1410 1410 1410 1410 1410 1410 1410 1410 1410 1410 1410 1410 1410

12 Days Vietnam Experience 1 country 11 nights accomm 11 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 3 dinners

What’s included All as per itinerary • 11 nights accommodation: 9 nights in 3 star hotels, 1 night in a guesthouse & 1 overnight cruise • 11 breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L) & 3 dinners (D) • A dedicated crew with an experienced & professional Tour Manager & local English-speaking guides • Local taxes & service charges • 3 domestic flights • Transport & included sightseeing WORLD • Number of World HERITAGE SITES VISITED Heritage sites visited

3

Save Money!

If you pay 12 months in advance, you save A$119. Or pay 6 months in advance & save A$59. See page 17 for details.

Sapa Trekking Combine this trip with Sapa Trekking. See page 18.

above are based on twin-share in hotels & multi-share in guesthouse. If travelling alone Contiki * Prices will team you with a buddy.

Optional single room supplement is available for A$409 (only applicable in hotels). † A local payment of US$160 is collected in cash on first day of tour. A$175 above is based on exchange rate at time of print & will vary according to exchange rate fluctuation.

A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking Tour starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am.

For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger.

Beaches of Nha Trang

Flag Tower, Hue

HOI AN: Authentic & tasty Vietnamese cooking class – Speedboat cruise to Cham Island with swimming, snorkelling & a beachside lunch HANOI: Dinner at KOTO restaurant where former street children are trained in hospitality Go to contiki.com/optional-vietnam-experience for all the optional extras you can do (at an additional cost).

14 Days Asian Adventure

ys pp* a D 14 $1845 A Day from 32/ 1 $ A Visits: Thailand, Laos & Cambodia

PAKBENG 1

LUANG PRABANG 2

LAOS

CHIANG RAI 1

2 VANG VIENG VIENTIANE 1

CHIANG MAI 1

THAILAND

11

Only with Contiki (special inclusions) • Private 2 day boat cruise along the Mekong River • Rainforest elephant ride • Locally guided bike tour of World Heritage listed Luang Prabang • Entry & guided visit of the COPE support and rehab centre • Traditional Laotian meal at a restaurant that trains street kids • All private coach transport

Vietnam Burma

BANGKOK 1

SIEM REAP 2

CAMBODIA

1 PHNOM PENH

contiki.com/asian-adventure

ENJOY YOUR FREE TIME

CHOOSE SOME OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

Places visited 1 1 or more nightstops

South China Sea

CHIANG MAI: Traditional hands-on Thai cooking class experience

23 Itinerary and included sightseeing Day 1: Arrive Bangkok Tuk-tuks, streetside BBQs, neon lights & buzzing street life, it’s bustling Bangkok!

Arrive at the hotel & meet your Tour Manager & fellow travellers, then hit the city for a night out. Hotel.

Day 10: Vang Vieng to Vientiane Arriving in Vientiane, we’ll take a locally guided city tour of the nation’s French influenced capital. Later, we’ll visit That Luang & view Laos’ ‘Arc de Triomphe’ Hotel (B,D) Visit Luang Stupa & Patuxi Dinner at Makphet Restaurant Day 11: Vientiane to Phnom Penh Goodbye Laos & hello Cambodia as you travel by plane to the capital city, once known as the “Pearl of Asia”. View first hand the reminders of the country’s dark history with a visit to the Khmer Rouge ‘Killing Fields’ & the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Tonight, take it easy & maybe enjoy some drinks at a floating bar on the river. Hotel (B)

Visit the Royal Palace & Emerald Buddha

Visit the ‘Killing Fields’ & Genocide Museum

Day 3: Chiang Mai Head for the hills with our local guide; visit Wat Phrathat temple & maybe even receive a Buddhist blessing! Surrounded by a moat & 300 temples, chill out & explore Chiang Mai. You could take an optional Thai cooking class tonight, chill by the pool or visit the famous Night Bazaar. Hotel. (B) Day 4: Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai Today we head towards Chiang Rai. In the afternoon, opt to visit unique hill tribe villages before heading back to Chang Rai to explore or check out a local night stop.

Hotel (B) Day 5: Chiang Rai to Pakbeng After crossing the Thai/Laos border, we board our private boat & cruise the mighty Mekong River. Drift through towering, jungle covered gorges, taking sneak peeks at local life in remote villages along the river banks. We arrive before sunset in Pakbeng for our overnight stay. Guesthouse (B,L,D) See local riverside villages Day 6: Pakbeng to Luang Prabang Continue cruising the Mekong before arriving in the historic hotspot Luang Prabang. Take a bike tour around town, visit Wat Xiang Thong monastery & perhaps take a walk up Mt Phu Si before perusing the night markets where local people sell their textiles & handicrafts. Hotel (B,L)

Day 12: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap Catch a flight to Siem Reap, before taking a private boat cruise to see the unique floating villages found here. Chill out with a visit to the Psar Chas (old market) for handicrafts & exotic fresh produce. Or, for a dose of culture, see an Aspara dance performance. Hotel (B) Tonle Sap lake cruise

Visit Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom & Ta Prohm Day 14: Ends Siem Reap Our tour ends this morning after breakfast so it’s time to say goodbye to your travel buddies and Tour Manager. (B)

Visit Wat Xieng Thong temple & Mt Phu Si Day 7: Luang Prabang If you make an early start, take part in the ritual of offering alms (food) to the hundreds of Buddhist monks. If you feel like cooling off, take a trip to the Kouang Si Falls for a swim or visit the Royal Palace. Hotel (B) Day 8: Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng Today it’s on to riverside & action packed Vang Vieng, known for its dramatic limestone karsts (rock formations) & outdoor adventure activities. Later, check out the buzzing nightlife in this vibrant backpacker town. Hotel (B)

Buddhist blessing

What’s included All as per itinerary • 13 nights accommodation: 11 nights in 3 star hotels, 1 night in a guesthouse & 1 overnight train • 13 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L) & 2 dinners (D) • A dedicated crew with an experienced & professional Tour Manager & local English-speaking guides • Local taxes & service charges • 2 domestic flights • Transport & included sightseeing WORLD • Number of World HERITAGE SITES Heritage sites visited VISITED

Mae Sa waterfalls, Chiang Mai

When to go and how much

2

Code: ASAD 2009/2010/2011

Day 13: Siem Reap Wake to watch the sun rise over Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world & hear the legends of the sacred sites of the Khmer Empire from your local guide.

Later, we visit Angkor Thom by tuk-tuk & Ta Prohm temple, as seen in the movie Tomb Raider. After a long day of sights relax, play some pool, or venture down Pub Street to explore the nightlife. Hotel (B)

Visit the Pak Ou Caves

Start Bangkok

Finish Tour Siem Reap A$ pp*

Local Payment A$ pp†

Total Cost A$ pp*

2009 NOV 10 DEC 8 DEC 22

NOV 23 DEC 21 JAN 4

1640 1640 1640

205 205 205

1845 1845 1845

2010 JAN 5 JAN 19 FEB 3 FEB 16 MAR 9 MAR 23 APR 7 APR 20 MAY 11 MAY 25 JUN 9 JUN 22 JUL 13 JUL 31 AUG 11 AUG 23 SEP 6 OCT 31 NOV 14 NOV 28 DEC 12 DEC 26

JAN 18 FEB 1 FEB 16 MAR 1 MAR 22 APR 5 APR 20 MAY 3 MAY 24 JUN 7 JUN 22 JUL 5 JUL 26 AUG 13 AUG 24 SEP 5 SEP 19 NOV 13 NOV 27 DEC 11 DEC 25 JAN 8

1640 1640 1640 1640 1640 1640 1640 1640 1640 1640 1640 1640 1640 1640 1640 1640 1640 1640 1725 1725 1725 1725

205 205 205 205 205 205 205 205 205 205 205 205 205 205 205 205 205 205 205 205 205 205

1845 1845 1845 1845 1845 1845 1845 1845 1845 1845 1845 1845 1845 1845 1845 1845 1845 1845 1930 1930 1930 1930

2011 JAN 9 JAN 23 FEB 6 FEB 20 MAR 6 MAR 20

JAN 22 FEB 5 FEB 19 MAR 5 MAR 19 APR 2

1725 1725 1725 1725 1725 1725

205 205 205 205 205 205

1930 1930 1930 1930 1930 1930

Save Money!

If you pay 12 months in advance, you save A$165.

Or pay 6 months in advance & save A$85.

See page 17 for details.

above are based on twin-share in hotels & multi-share in guesthouse & train. If travelling alone * Prices Contiki will team you with a buddy, at no extra cost.

Optional single room supplement is available for A$415 (only applicable in hotels). † A local payment of US$185 is collected in cash on first day of tour. A$205 above is based on exchange rate at time of print & will vary according to exchange rate fluctuation.

A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking.

Tour starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am.

For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger.

Scenic drive to Vang Vieng Day 9: Vang Vieng Get hold of a map & explore with a free day. Maybe hire a bike – there are a whole lot of limestone caves, swimming holes, tunnels & bunkers to discover. Tonight, watch the sunset at a riverside bar or an island watering-hole. Hotel (B)

14 Days Asian Adventure 3 countries 13 nights accomm 13 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 2 dinners

Visit to COPE exhibition centre

Day 2: Bangkok to Chiang Mai Visit the incredible Royal Palace & Emerald Buddha Temple. Later, cruise the klongs (canals) & see locals going about their day then dive into the downtown area’s plazas, or shops in Siam Square. Try Chinatown for some Asian delicacies before we board an overnight train to Chiang Mai. Overnight train. (B)

Guided klong (canal) tour

Asia

Angkor Wat

Night markets

CHIANG RAI: Visit to unique Thai hill tribe villages LUANG PRABANG: Kayaking trip down the Nam Ou River Go to contiki.com/optional-asian-adventure for all the optional extras you can do (at an additional cost).

25 Days Big Indochina Adventure

ys pp* a D 25 $3549 A Day from 42/ 1 $ A Visit: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia & Vietnam

VIETNAM

Burma

contiki.com/indochina-adventure

ENJOY YOUR FREE TIME

CHOOSE SOME OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

PAKBENG 1

LUANG PRABANG 2

2 HANOI

Halong Bay

1

LAOS

CHIANG RAI 1

2 VANG VIENG VIENTIANE 1

CHIANG MAI 1

1 HUE Da Nang

THAILAND

2 HOI AN

11

Only with Contiki (special inclusions) • Private 2 day boat cruise along the Mekong River • Rainforest elephant ride • Locally guided bike tour of World Heritage listed Luang Prabang • Entry & guided visit of the COPE support and rehab centre • Traditional Laotian meal at a restaurant that trains street kids • All private coach transport • Guided bike ride through the Vietnamese countryside

BANGKOK 1

SIEM REAP 2

CAMBODIA

1 PHNOM PENH

Places visited 1 1 or more nightstops

2 NHA TRANG

2 HO CHI MINH CITY

MEKONG DELTA 1 South China Sea

CHIANG MAI: Traditional hands-on Thai cooking class experience CHIANG RAI: Visit to unique Thai hill tribe villages

25 Itinerary and included sightseeing Day 1: Arrive Bangkok Tuk-tuks, neon lights & buzzing street life, it’s bustling Bangkok! Arrive at the hotel & meet your Tour Manager & fellow travellers, then hit the city for a night out. Hotel.

Day 2: Bangkok to Chiang Mai Take in the sights before we cruise the canals & see locals going about their day before boarding our overnight train.

Overnight train. (B) Visit the Royal Palace & Emerald Buddha Guided klong (canal) tour Day 3: Chiang Mai Visit Buddhist temples with our local guide, then explore the city or opt for a Thai cooking class tonight. Hotel (B) Visit Wat Prathat temple Day 4: Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai We head towards Chiang Rai, there’s an option to visit unique hill tribe villages before exploring the city’s night bazaars. Hotel (B) Day 5: Chiang Rai to Pakbeng After crossing the Thai/Laos border, we board our private boat & cruise the Mekong River, seeing local life along the river. Arrive before sunset in Pakbeng for our overnight stay. Guesthouse (B,L,D) See local riverside villages Day 6: Pakbeng to Luang Prabang Continue cruising the Mekong before hitting Luang Prabang. Take a sightseeing bike tour before perusing the night markets. Hotel (B,L) Visit to the Pak Ou caves Visit Wat Xieng Thong temple & Mt Phu Si Day 7: Luang Prabang If you make an early start, take part in the ritual of offering alms (food) to the hundreds of Buddhist monks. If you feel like cooling off, take a trip to the Kouang Si Falls for a swim or visit the Royal Palace. Hotel (B) Day 8: Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng Today it’s on to Vang Vieng, known for its limestone karsts (rock formations), outdoor adventure activities & buzzing nightlife. Hotel (B) Scenic drive to Vang Vieng Day 9: Vang Vieng Get hold of a map & explore with a free day.

Maybe hire a bike – there are a whole lot of limestone caves, swimming holes, tunnels & bunkers to discover. Tonight, watch the sunset at a riverside bar or an island watering-hole. Hotel (B) Day 10: Vang Vieng to Vientiane Arriving in Vientiane, we’ll take a locally guided city tour of the nation’s French influenced capital. Later, we’ll visit That Luang & view Laos’ ‘Arc de Triomphe’ Hotel (B,D) Visit Luang Stupa & Patuxi Visit to COPE exhibition centre Dinner at Makphet Restaurant Day 11: Vientiane to Phnom Penh In Phnom Penh we’ll see reminders of the country’s dark history, then later, take it easy & maybe enjoy some drinks at a floating bar.

Hotel (B) Visit the ‘Killing Fields’ & Genocide Museum Day 12: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap Catch a flight to Siem Reap before cruising Tonle Sap lake on our private boat. Tonight, maybe visit the Psar Chas (old market) for handicrafts & exotic fresh produce. Hotel (B) Tonle Sap lake cruise

Day 13: Siem Reap Wake to watch the sun rise over Angkor Wat & hear the legends of the sacred sites of the Khmer Empire before we visit Angkor Thom by tuk-tuk! Hotel (B) Visit Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom & Ta Prohm Day 14: Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City It’s free time before we fly to Ho Chi Minh.

Later, hit the thriving Ben Thanh markets & pick up anything from tasty food to Vietnam’s iconic conical hats. Hotel (B) Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta It’s a 2 day journey into the Mekong Delta.

We’ll try out sanpans (local boats), take in local fish farms & industries & see floating markets. Later we’ll take a bike ride through the countryside. Guesthouse (B,L,D) Mekong Delta cruise See local industry demonstrations Visit a local tea garden Day 16: Mekong Delta to Ho Chi Minh City We head back to Ho Chi Minh City via the legendary tunnels in Cu Chi – you can even go down into the tunnels & experience them first-hand! Hotel (B) Visit to the Cu Chi tunnels Day 17: Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang Take a city tour then visit the War Remnants Museum before we fly to Nha Trang. Hotel (B) View the Notre Dame Cathedral, General Post Office & the Presidential Palace Visit the War Remnants museum Day 18: Nha Trang Today, do your own thing or opt to take off to the gorgeous offshore islands for some swim stops & snorkelling. Hotel (B) Day 19: Nha Trang to Hoi An Fly to Danang & travel down to Hoi An. Take a guided walking tour, see the countryside at sun-set by bike, before opting for a cooking class! Hotel (B) Visit the city’s Old Quarter and Japanese covered bridge Day 20: Hoi An Head to Cham Island on an optional speed boat cruise for some snorkelling, secluded beaches & delicious local food. Otherwise relax or walk along the waterfront to the local markets. Hotel (B) Day 21: Hoi An to Hue See coastal views while driving to Hue. Take in some sights before we board a dragon boat down the Perfume River. Hotel (B,D) Cross the Hai Van Pass Perfume River cruise Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda & Tu Duc Mausoleum Day 22: Hue to Hanoi Start the morning with some sightseeing of Hue. After our flight to Hanoi, walk the wide Parisian-style boulevards & take in the city.

Hotel (B) Visit to the Imperial Citadel Cyclo ride Day 23: Hanoi to Halong Bay See amazing views from the junk as we pass coves, cliffs & beaches. We stop for a swim before docking at Dao Titop for sunset. Junk boat (B,L,D) Visit the Sung Sot Caves Entry to Dao Titop Boat cruise of Grotto Island Day 24: Halong Bay to Hanoi Wake on the junk before we return to Hanoi & explore the city before our optional farewell dinner. Hotel (B,L) View the Temple of Literature Day 25: Depart Hanoi Your tour ends after breakfast, so it’s time to say farewell to your group. (B)

Asia 25 Days Big Indochina Adventure 4 countries 24 nights accomm 24 breakfasts, 5 lunches & 5 dinners

War Remnants museum

What’s included All as per itinerary • 24 nights accommodation: 20 nights in 3 star hotels, 2 nights in a guesthouse, 1 overnight train & 1 overnight cruise • 24 breakfasts (B), 5 lunches (L) & 5 dinners (D) • A dedicated crew with an experienced & professional Tour Manager & local English-speaking guides • 6 domestic flights • Transport & included sightseeing • Local taxes & service charges WORLD • Number of World HERITAGE SITES Heritage sites visited VISITED

5

Laotian textiles

When to go and how much

Save Money!

If you pay 12 months in advance, you save A$319. Or pay 6 months in advance & save A$159. See page 17 for details.

Code: BICA 2009/2010/2011 Start Bangkok

Finish Hanoi

Tour A$ pp*

Local Payment A$ pp†

Total Cost A$ pp*

Sapa Trekking Combine this trip with Sapa Trekking. See page 18.

2009 NOV 10 DEC 8

DEC 4 JAN 1

3179 3179

370 370

3549 3549

2010 JAN 5 FEB 3 MAR 9 APR 7 MAY 11 JUN 9 JUL 13 AUG 11 NOV 14 DEC 12

JAN 29 FEB 27 APR 2 MAY 1 JUN 4 JUL 3 AUG 6 SEP 4 DEC 8 JAN 5

3179 3179 3179 3179 3179 3179 3179 3179 3339 3339

370 370 370 370 370 370 370 370 370 370

3549 3549 3549 3549 3549 3549 3549 3549 3709 3709

2011 JAN 9 FEB 6 MAR 6

FEB 2 MAR 2 MAR 30

3339 3339 3339

370 370 370

3709 3709 3709

above are based on twin-share in hotels & multi-share in guesthouse and trains. If travelling alone * Prices Contiki will team you with a buddy, at no extra cost.

Optional single room supplement is available for A$819 (only applicable in hotels). † A local payment of US$335 is collected in cash on first day of tour. A$370 above is based on exchange rate at time of print & will vary according to exchange rate fluctuation.

A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking.

Tour starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am.

For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger.

Wat Phra Kaeo, Thailand

LUANG PRABANG: Kayaking trip down the Nam Ou River NHA TRANG: Relaxing island cruise with swim stops & snorkelling HOI AN: Authentic Vietnamese cooking class – Cham Island speedboat cruise with swimming & a beachside lunch HANOI: Dinner at KOTO restaurant where former street children are trained in hospitality Go to contiki.com/optional-indochina-adventure for all the optional extras you can do (at an additional cost).

Got a question?

Answers to frequently asked questions & things you need to know.

What’s included?

• Coach, train, boat, internal flights & ‘on tour’ airport transfers listed in the ‘What’s included’ section on tour pages.

• Accommodation, breakfasts, lunches & dinners listed in the ‘What’s included’ section on tour pages.

• Sightseeing listed in the ‘Included highlights’ section in each tour itinerary. Unless specified, entrance fees to these locations are included.

• Experienced Contiki Tour Manager & Local Guides.

What’s not included?

• • • • • •

Personal spending money.

Visa & passport fees.

Personal insurance & medical fees.

Excess baggage fees.

Tips for porters.

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

• Optional Explore More activities such as cooking classes etc.

• Lunches & dinners (unless specified in the ‘What’s included’ section on tour pages.)

Are flights included?

All flights on specified tour itineraries are included as part of the tour price. External flights to & from the tour are not included.

Local payments As is common for touring in Asia, Contiki also have local payments on our Asia tours. They cover things like local guides, tipping, transport & included entrances into sightseeing locations as part of the tour. This brings money to the communities in the countries that we visit & helps to reduce the overall price of the tour.

Local payments are made on Day 1 of the tour, directly to the Tour Manager in $US cash.

Information about the local payments can be found below the price panel on each tour page.

Group size Contiki’s group size in Asia averages around 25, a group size small enough to have an intimate Asian experience but big enough to make the group dynamic rock.

Will I get more information?

Upon receipt of final payment, you’ll receive a copy of your Contiki Asia Travellers Guide – an information book with all the nitty gritty details about your holiday. You’ll also receive a comprehensive daily itinerary including full details & costs of all our Explore More optional activities available on your tour, as well as information about departure points & how to get there.

Your complimentary Contiki document holder will be sent to you along with your travel documents. It’s a convenient place for your tickets, paperwork & passport & quite useful to use when travelling again in the future. *Contiki reserves the right to substitute an alternative travel accessory for the Contiki Document Wallet.

In the meantime, contiki.com is also a great source of information on tour departure points, destinations visited on our tours & general travellers’ tips, including our very own wiki: contikipedia.

Brochure authenticity We have put a great deal of effort into producing this brochure. The information given & literature produced by Contiki has been compiled with care & is published in good faith.

Sometimes, because of circumstances outside our control, we have to alter some activities due to seasonal closing or repairs to buildings, etc, especially early or late in the season. If this happens, alternative activities will be arranged.

What do I need for the Sapa Extension?

Offered on the Big Indochina, & all Vietnam departures, is the opportunity to visit Sapa in Northern Vietnam – a region known for its ethnic minorities & stunning scenery.

This extension involves a moderate level of physical activity, as the tour takes in a hike/trek. You will require hiking shoes and a small backpack, or your Tour Manager can organise them in Hanoi.

How much money do I need?

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

When travelling with Contiki in Asia, you’ll find that you’ll often be using local currencies, particularly in remote areas. The local currencies encountered on tour are the Riel (Cambodia), Kip (Laos), Baht (Thailand) or Dong (Vietnam).The countries we visit rely largely on cash as opposed to credit cards or travellers cheques. In the larger cities you’ll find that established stores will accept credit cards readily, while local market stalls will operate on a cash only basis – accepting only local currency.

Local currency is readily available through cash machines in each country. Obtaining a small amount of local currency before you travel is also a good idea.

ATMs that dispense local currency are widely available. However, you can’t depend solely on a credit/debit card for cash as they are not accepted in all areas.

We advise you also carry $US cash in small denominations that you can use as an alternate form of payment.

Please note that travellers cheques are generally only accepted in big cities at money exchanges or banks to change to local currency.

Explore More optional activities Optionals are arranged & paid for on tour. By leaving the final decisions until then you can choose at the same time as your new friends & you’ll get great value with our specially negotiated rates. Some activities are seasonal & weather dependent.

Our optional activities offered on Contiki Asia tours are operated by 3rd party operators.

While every attempt is made to ensure the safety of all activities, the nature of the region means that public liability protection that is offered in many countries, may not be applicable in many cases. A waiver will need to be signed by all tour participants to ensure that these conditions are understood & accepted. We highly recommend comprehensive travel insurance.

Do I need vaccinations?

At the time this brochure went to press (November 2009), the following immunizations are recommended for travellers in Southeast Asia by the CDC (US Centre for Diseases Control & Prevention): • Diphtheria & tetanus • Hepatitis A • Hepatitis B • Typhoid • Rabies • Japanese B Encephalitis Malaria & dengue fever are also an issue within this region. You should consult a travel doctor who specialises in travel medicines or your local doctor to advise on what vaccinations and/or preventative medicines would be required.

Don’t forget to bring with you any medication that you may require en route such as antihistamines, antibiotics, etc.

Do I need visas?

Security

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 & other entry & exit conditions (such as currency, arrival/departure taxes, customs & quarantine regulations) change regularly.

Consult your travel agent or visit www.visalink.com.au to determine which visas you require & how to obtain them.

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

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

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

3.It is better to apply for all visas through your travel agent before you leave home. Be aware that many visas can be purchased & arranged on arrival.

4.It is very important that the entry & exit dates are correct on the visa. Your travel agent will contact Contiki for full details.

Contiki has been running tours for young people since 1962 & 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 & who maintain the highest standards. With the guarantees of these organisations, you know your holiday & money are secure with Contiki.

How much luggage can I bring?

The amount of luggage that you can bring is entirely up to you. There are some things to consider when packing for a Contiki Asia tour: • Due to the large number of flights on Contiki Asia tours, your luggage needs to meet the weight & restrictions imposed by airlines.

These limits are imposed by the airlines, not

by Contiki. Contiki is not responsible for any costs incurred by overweight luggage.

• You are responsible for carrying your own luggage. At times this will be in hotels without elevators (as is common to the region), or onto various forms of transport, such as trains.

• At hotels with elevators, there maybe porters to assist with bags, but this is not guaranteed.

It is suggested to keep your luggage to a maximum suitcase size of 73cm x 50cm x 25cm (29" x 20" x 10") & maximum weight of 20 kg (44lbs) plus one small hand/day bag that can be carried with you. NO EXTERNAL METAL FRAME BACKPACKS PLEASE, their bulky shape makes packing into transports difficult.

Use of a backpack/rucksack is suggested, but not required. Wheeled suitcases can be used on Contiki tours in Asia.

The Contiki Tour Manager may suggest you store your main luggage & utilize a smaller bag for overnight rail journeys, overnight junk boat or overnight stays at guesthouses. A small daypack/backpack of approx 26L capacity is suggested.

Contiki reserves the right to refuse to accept larger suitcases on tour. Baggage is carried at the owner’s risk & baggage insurance is strongly recommended.

Tipping & service standards Asia is developing a large tipping culture.

Tipping is seen as customary in the service industry for those that provide a high level of service, as well as a way of saying ‘thank you’ for a job well done. All tipping for local guides & drivers is included as part of the local payment. Be aware that services & standards in Asia may not be equivalent to those you find at home.

For more detailed information online head to contiki.com/contikipedia

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 home. 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 your home country due to injury, sickness or death, you & 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 your home country 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 round-trip airline tickets on Contiki’s recommended airline(s) booked through the Contiki office in your region. *Medical certificates as proof of all illness claims must be supplied.

Travel insurance Travel insurance is strongly recommended for Contiki tours in Asia, due to the nature of the health facilities available in the region.

You must take out comprehensive insurance cover for cancellation, medical expenses, personal accident, personal baggage, money & 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 & remedies against us arising from your participation in the holiday.

When looking at travel insurance options, consider insurance that covers emergency evacuation & repatriation to US$200,000.

For insurance details, please speak to your Travel Agent or Contiki reservations agent when you book.

Photography credits Elephant, front cover - courtesy of Pip Dalziell.

Hikers, p.4 - courtesy of Dana Kapp. Elephant ride, p.4 - courtesy of Amanda Lewis. Group dinner, p.5 - courtesy of José. Elephant ride, p.7 - courtesy of Julia Crouth. bike ride, p.7 courtesy of José. Royal Palace Bangkok, p.10 - courtesy of Christian LF. Reunification Palace, p.10 - courtesy of Kim Bowman. Van Loi hotel, p.12 - courtesy of Elise Ackers. Hotel balcony, p.12 - courtesy of Elephant Crossing hotel.

Local woman p.16 - courtesy of Elise Ackers.

Street kids, p.16 - courtesy of Meghan Saunders. Elephant wash, p.16 - courtesy of Elephant Park Project. Chefs, p.16 - courtesy of Stay Another Day. Hills near Sapa, p.18 Courtesy of Matt Stein. Elephant, p.20 - courtesy of Meghan Saunders. Temple, p.22 - courtesy of Kim Bowman.

27

Booking conditions

Got a question and conditions

Once Contiki accepts your booking by confirmation thereof a contract is made between Contiki & you upon the terms & 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 30th October 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 (November, 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 their best, at their discretion, to select accommodation, sightseeing tours and transportation to give you good value for money.

4.3 Contiki will guarantee to match you up with someone of the same sex when booked in a shared room configuration.

4.4 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 the full amount payable if the booking is made within 45 days of your departure from Australia, 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 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 prior to your departure date from Australia which shall be by the due date stated on the confirmation issued to you by Contiki. When making multi-tour bookings, full payment is due no later than 45 days prior to your departure date from Australia.

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

5.10.1 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.

5.10.2 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, personal expense money, medical fees, sightseeing, visits and entrance fees, meals not detailed in the itinerary, tips to tour managers, representatives, drivers and local guides, items of a personal nature, excess baggage and 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 November 2009 to March 2011.

3. OPERATING COMPANIES Contiki’s Asian programmes are operated as a division of Contiki Holidays (Australia) Pty Ltd. Contiki Holidays (Australia) Pty Ltd. is a subsidiary of Contiki Tours International Ltd, Picquet House, St. Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 1AF, Channel Islands.

p Keeing go h wit ntiki!

Co Australia

How to book

New Zealand

Europe Winter

America & Canada

Europe Summer

Call Contiki or visit your travel agent Contiki Holidays (Australia) Pty Ltd 1300 CONTIKI (1300 266 845) www.contiki.com.au reservations@contiki.com.au 35 Grafton Street Bondi Junction NSW 2022 Licence number 2TA00 1868 ABN - 18 002 525 340 IATA - number 023 06496

Travel agent reservations Sydney metro - 02 9511 2222 Other areas - 1300 301 835 Fax - 02 9511 2210 Payment advice - paymentadvice@contiki.com.au

• Your travel agent will confirm by phone with the local Contiki

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

office that there’s availability on the tour you’ve chosen. At the same time, your travel agent can book your hotel accommodation before and/or after your tour.

• At the time of booking, you must pay to your travel agent a nonrefundable 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.

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

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.

• 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.

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 27, which make up the contract between you and Contiki.

Special interest groups

If you’re looking for something completely different our Special Interest Groups Departments in Europe, America, Asia, Australia and New Zealand have been helping those with specific group travel requirements for years! 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 – you’ll be surprised at how we can make it happen.

Group bookings

If you’re planning to organise a group to Europe, America, Asia, Australia or 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.

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, Thailand, United Kingdom, USA. Contiki is a registered trademark of Contiki Tours International Ltd, Guernsey. © 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.