Brochure in pdf by Tamara

Kabe&Ko || PLAT PRÉFÉRÉ Culinary experiences worth travelling for

Culinary round trips 2014 — Southeast Asia Laos || Vietnam || Malaysia

Welcome to Kabe&Ko! Kabe&Ko is a young, dynamic Belgian tour operator. The people behind Kabe&Ko wish to share their passion for foreign cultures, colourful regions, interesting cities and authenticity with you. Let yourself be seduced by meeting people with other religions, traditions and cultures. To do that job, we works with highly qualified personnel who, one by one, knows "his" country. The passionate and motivated team of Kabe&Ko made a special selection of instructive and enriching tours for you to discover in this sustainable brochure. For Kabe&Ko travelling is enjoying, discovering and bringing your imagination to life. Our knowledge is the source to make your dreams come true!

Asia is a dream destination for many travellers. Let your dream come true thanks to our brochure. On our menu are different delicious trips. Each destination has a starter, a main course and of course a dessert. The starter of each destination “A taste of culture” is a cultural round trip combined with culinary highlights which translates in cooking demonstrations, dining out in top notch restaurants or staying with a family for a traditional dinner. The main course “A taste of cooking” is a cultural round trip combined with cooking classes which includes discovering markets with a guide or the owner of a restaurant. The dessert of each destination “Chef’s suggestion” is a cultural and culinary round trip guided by a famous Belgian chef cook. The chefs who will join our mouth-watering trips are Jeroen Meus, Piet Huysentruyt and Wout Bru. Your team of specialists wish you a delightful trip!

Adrien Humair Adeline Segers Tamara Willaert

FAQs

*Airport tax: all international and domestic airport taxes are included in the price of the tickets.

ACCOMMODATION As a professional tour operator we always demand the highest standard to our hotels. This applies to both the quality and price. Each of our product specialists have chosen the best choice of accommodation available in the area and took care of a correct ratio of price and quality. The hotels during these round trips are mostly halting places where you stay several nights at most. The mentioned hotels can be altered with an equal alternative if necessary.

CLOTHING Comfortable lightweight clothing in natural fabrics such as cotton is most suitable for travelling in Asia. The dress code is fairly casual as in most parts of the tropics but it is advisable to cover arms and legs in the evenings against biting insects. A lightweight raincoat is a good idea in the rainy season. Visitors should not wear shorts, short skirts or other skinny clothing when visiting religious buildings and shoes should be removed before entering a private home.

AIRLINE COMPANIES Kabe&Ko only offers scheduled flights to Asia. Allocations, time schedule changes, delays, technical defects, are in hands of the airline company. The airline company is responsible for delays, annulations, overbooking or technical defects with the result of missing any connections. No refund will be met if a part of the programme is cancelled due to similar circumstances. We kindly ask for understanding in advance for any inconvenience caused.

GUIDES Because of their years of experience, our guides have an elaborated knowledge of the different curiosities which will be visited during our itineraries. The guides speak fluently English and/or French, but take into account that other accents can occur which makes it sometimes difficult to understand.

In our “Chef’s Suggestion”-itinerary, the Belgian chef cook will serve as an additional value to the provided guides. HEALTH No vaccinations are required except for yellow fever if you are coming from an area where the disease is present. However visitors should be vaccinated against typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A & B, tetanus and polio. Malaria is present in parts of Southeast Asia and it is advisable to take precautions especially if travelling off the beaten track. It is essential to take out a good medical insurance policy before travelling in case evacuation is needed. If you are on any medications, please bring an adequate supply of pills with you as it can be difficult to find within the country. INSURANCE Insurances will not be issued by Kabe&Ko. However, we highly recommend that all travellers to Southeast Asia purchase Travel Insurance which covers medical evacuation by air. In case of an emergency, be sure to collect all receipts and invoices, as well as a copy of the medical report, for your insurance company. ITINERARY In most cases, the itinerary will be strictly followed. However, the order of the visits can always be changed depending the circumstances on site. We will always try to

maintain the contents of our holiday! OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS Kabe&Ko offers very complete itineraries. Therefore the amount of optional excursions will be limited. SAFETY Asia is generally a safe region. Nevertheless and as a global rule, never leave your belongings unattended and always maintain eye contact or a firm grip on cameras and shoulder bags. In some tourist sites you may encounter some insistent souvenir sellers. A polite but firm “No, thank you” usually will suffice. TRANSPORTATION Kabe&Ko made sure that the most comfortable type of transportation is provided for. But take into account that traffic conditions may vary dramatically from what you are used to. As a result, the average speed limit is lower as in Belgium and therefore also the length of time for covering distances. Every vehicle is equipped with air conditioning. However, they can't be compared with European standards WATER Keep in mind to always clean your fruits and vegetable with purified water or to peel them. Bottled water is safe for Westerner and easy to find in most of places. Wash your hands before eating.

Destinations Laos

Vietnam

Malaysia

Laos Combine your love for food with your passion for travel on these unique culinary tours. Learn the secrets of Laosâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; world famous cuisine, as you explore the landscape, meet the people and delve into the history of the country â&#x20AC;&#x201C; finding inspiration in the favourite local dishes.

Travel information FOOD Lao cuisine has many similarities to Thai with lots of aromatic herbs and spices such as lemon grass, chillies, ginger and tamarind used to flavour dishes. Sticky rice, or kao niao, is the main ingredient in Lao cuisine, usually served with fermented fish and a fish sauce similar to that used in Vietnamese cuisine called nam pa. Chicken and pork dishes are also popular but beef is expensive in comparison. Soups served with noodles, bamboo shoots and fresh vegetables can be found everywhere. LANGUAGE The national language of Laos is Lao, which is closely related to Thai and is spoken in many different dialects. In Luang Prabang and Vientiane, English is widely spoken en French is still spoken by many government officials and educated members of the older generation. PUBLIC HOLIDAYS April 14-16: Boun Pimai: Lao New Year October 12: Loy Kratong December 2: National Day RELIGION As the neighbouring countries of Thailand, Myanmar and Cambodia Theravada Buddhism is the dominant religion and saffronrobed monks are a common sight in Laos. There are also a small number of Catholics and Protestants. VISAS Foreign tourists are generally admitted into Laos for 30 days with a visa on arrival

(obtained at most border check points) without prior authorization or for 30 days with a visa issued at a Laotian embassy. It requires the filling in of an application form and two passport photos. An additional fee can be charged if you arrive on a weekend or public holiday. Two passport-sized photos are required and your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your expected departure date. WEATHER Laos has a monsoon climate featuring a dry and a wet season. The dry season lasts from November to May with the cooler period in December and January. At its coldest temperatures fall to as low as 15C. It is coldest at night, in the early mornings and at higher altitudes. During the hot period of the dry season, between March and May, temperatures can reach the high 30C. Rainfall in the wet season varies according to altitude. Generally speaking, the monsoon season produces severe rain that lasts for short periods of time. The wet months vary according to location. In Vientiane, they are from May to September; in Luang Prabang, August is far wetter than any other month. Laos is sunny year-round and we highly recommend bringing sun protection from your home country. Wearing sun screen and a hat are the best ways to avoid heatstroke and sunburn.

A taste of culture A 15-day culinary round trip Day 1: ARRIVAL IN PAKSE (-/L/D) Upon arrival in Pakse, you will meet your guide at the airport and you will be transferred to your hotel to rest and settle for an overnight stay. Day 2: PAKSE - TADLO (B/L/D) You will be relocated to Tadlo passing many charming villages and rolling hills. You will stop at tea and coffee plantations and possibly have a taste! Then the tour continues to Tad Fan Waterfall, a picturesque twin chute waterfall. You will explore an interesting minority village, Ban Bong Neua, an Alak village boasting a sacrificial altar. You will then arrive at the beautiful Tadlo Waterfall in the afternoon, where you will have the rest of the day at for a stroll around or to watch the elephants bathe. You will dine and stay overnight at Tadlo Lodge. Day 3: TADLO â&#x20AC;&#x201C; BOLOVEN PLATEAU â&#x20AC;&#x201C; KHONG ISLAND (B/L/D) You will depart from Tadlo village after breakfast and travel overland across the

Boloven Plateau toward Khong Island. This back road gives you a chance to discover the real essence of southern Laos as you drive past lush plantations, rolling hills and peaceful villages. Upon arrival at Khong Island, you will board a boat and begin venturing into the furthest reaches of the Mekong River. The long tail boat will pass Done Ket and Done Som before it races across the water towards the peaceful island of Done Khone. You will stroll through Ban Khone village to explore different local lifestyles close up and view relics of the French colonial period. You will have a lovely dinner while enjoying the beautiful scenery. You will stay overnight on Khong Island. Day 4: KHONG ISLAND AND FOUR THOUSAND ISLANDS (B/L/D) Following breakfast, you will have the option of exploring the island by bicycle, admiring some of the old French Colonial buildings and Liphi Waterfall or "the Corridor of the Devil". You will have lunch at a local restaurant and then have the option

of taking a local boat out to search for the rare freshwater dolphins that reside in this area of the Mekong. Returning, you will dine out at Pa Kha Restaurant at Khone Island and have an overnight stay. Day 5: KHONG ISLAND– DONE PHAPHENG – WATPHOU – PAKSE (B/L/D) Upon leaving Khong Island, you will make your way south to visit Khone Phapheng Waterfall, which is one of the largest in Southeast Asia. The scenic drive will deliver you to the former royal capital of Champasak, a gateway to the preAngkorian temple of Wat Phu., which you will visit. You will also visit Wat Phou Museum and Oum Moung Temple as you travel by road through the scenic countryside. In the evening, you will be welcomed in a nearby village with a traditional Lao ceremony before joining a local family in their home for a colorful evening of music, dance, drinks and tasty local dishes! You will stay overnight in Pakse. Day 6: PAKSE – VIENTIANE (B/L/D) After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport on your way to Vientiane. Upon arrival in Vientiane, you will be transferred to your hotel before an afternoon tour of the city. Although Vientiane is the capital city, it has the feel of a small provincial town. Your tour will include visits to the major temples of Vat Sisaket, Vat Phrakeo and the impressive That Luang Stupa, the country's most important monument. You will stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxai Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triomphe. In the evening, fol-

lowing the welcome dinner, you can enjoy an evening stroll along the banks of the Mekong River before an overnight stay in Vientiane. Day 7: VIENTIANE – VANG VIENG (B/L/D) After breakfast you will visit the Morning Market before leaving Vientiane for a 3 hour trip to Vang Vieng. It was once a key military airfield during the Indochina wars and its central feature is the longabandoned runway along the eastern side of town. On the west side, a small river separates the town from the nearby caves & mountains, which can easily be visited. You will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant en route and have free time the rest of the day to explore the many bars and restaurants in town. You will have a delicious dinner and overnight stay at the Riverside Boutique Resort in Vang Vieng. Day 8: VANG VIENG (B/L/D) Vang Vieng is located mid-way between Luang Prabang and Vientiane. At an altitude of about 300 meters, the temperature there is a bit cooler than in Vientiane, but is warm in the day to cool at night in winter (Dec-Feb). While many visitors to Laos are initially attracted by the UNESCO heritage city of Luang Prabang, many people say that Vang Vieng best captures the natural beauty of the country. With its breathtaking views of limestone mountains, caves and rock outcroppings overhanging the Nam Song River, it offers unique scenery and a range of outdoor activities. You will explore Vang Vieng and visit hill tribe villages or participate in outdoor activities. In the evening, you will

dine out in Le Café de Paris. Day 9: VANG VIENG –XIENG KHOANG THE PLAIN OF JARS (B/L/D) You will drive from Vang Vieng to Xieng Khoang, arriving at lunch time. After you have checked into your hotel, there will be a tour of the mysterious Plain of Jars, an impressive archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are littered all over the plateau. You will also have time to see the old capital of Muang Khoun Province and the nearby villages, home to the Hmong hill tribe and Tai Dam people, who have an interesting local culture. In addition to this visit you will be joining a local Hmong family at their home for a home-cooked Hmong dinner and folk music. The Hmong, a separate ethnic group, have their own culture, heritage, food, language and traditions. You will stay overnight in Phonsavanh. Day 10: XIENG KHOANG - LUANG PRABANG (B/L/D) In the early morning you will visit the local fresh food Central Market of Phonsavanh to sample the variety of unique food that Xieng Khouang has to offer. The cool climate and high altitude of the province produces many food items and forest products that are not available in other parts of Laos. Then you will head out to Luang Prabang, about 300 kilometers away. On the way, you will see a site that is over 200 years old with a famous Buddha images in Thampra and see the Hmong and varied hill tribe minority villages along the road. The tranquility and charm of this town with its splendid natu-

ral scenery and cultural curiosities make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Laos. After checking into the hotel, you will settle down for sundowners and local snacks while enjoying sunset views and learning a bit more about local drinking etiquette and customs before having a delicious dinner. Day 11: LUANG PRABANG-CITY TOURS (B/ L/D) Today, you will visit the National Museum, the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Mai. You will also visit Luang Prabang’s most beautiful temple of Wat Xieng Thong, and then climb up to the top of the Phousi Mount for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a beautiful sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. From there, you will explore the Night Market. Day 12: LUANG PRABANG-TEXTILE VILLAGE-ELEPHANT CAMP (B/L/D) After breakfast, you will drive out of town to visit the elephant camp at Ban Ann. En route, you will stop at a well-known village, Ban Phom Nom, where almost all the villagers are weavers. Historically, they were servants and made handicraft souvenirs for the last king of Laos. Another stop will be at the Henri Mouhot monument at Kang Noon. Mouhot was a Frenchman, who founded Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, . Upon arrival at the camp, your guide will brief you about the elephants and you will take an elephant ride for 30 minutes before returning to the town and eat out in Laos’ top notch restaurant L’Elephant Restaurant with Lao-

tian as well as international cuisine. After dinner, you will be transferred to your hotel. DAY 13: LUANG PRABANG - KUANG SII WATERFALL (B/L/D) After breakfast, you will visit Phosi Market before driving out of town 30 kilometers to the beautiful Kuang Sii Fall, where you can swim, relax or soft trek to the top of the fall. The falls cascade over many calcified tiers and down several hundred feet into a series of cool, turquoise pools. The water here has a clear blue-green tint due to the high mineral content. Enjoy swimming if you wish or relax or soft trek to the top of the fall. After lunch in front of the falls, you will visit the nearby bear rescue centre. It has an enclosure for endangered Asiatic black bears that have been rescued from poachers and bear bile farms. On the way back in the late afternoon, you will have a short stop at a Black Hmong village, where hill tribe hand-made handicraft souvenirs are sold as visitors pass by, before dining out in the Blue Lagoon restaurant.

Day 14: LUANG PRABANG - PAK OU CAVE (B/L/D) An optional early start will give you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms from the faithful residents. This tradition is very unique to Laos, which is the only Buddhist nation still preserving the ritual. After breakfast, you will enjoy a cruise downstream on the Ou River to the Mekong River, which also gives you a beautiful view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious of Pak Ou Caves, crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes. Along the way, you will stop at the village of the Whiskey Village, where they make a distillation of local rice wine called Lao Lao. Upon returning to town, you will have time to freshen up before meeting for tasty delicacies. DAY 15: LUANG PRABANG DEPARTURE (B) After breakfast, you will have a free morn-

Practical group round trip — price/per person —17days/14 nights— min. 4 participants Tour price includes: -All private transfers and transportations - international flights with Vietnam airlines & departure taxes - Accommodation in twin share basis with daily breakfast - French or English Speaking Guide - All In-tour flights by Vietnam Airlines as per itinerary. - Meals as stated in the itinerary (B: Breakfast ; L: Lunch ; D: Dinner) - All sightseeing tickets - Seasonal fruits, tissues and water on coach. - Services charges and government tax. - Train tickets Tour price excludes: - Beverages - Personal expenses, tips and gratuities - Travel insurance - Vietnam visa & visa stamp fee - Other services not mentioned above

A taste of cooking A 15-day culinary round Day 1: ARRIVE IN VIENTIANE (-/L/D) Upon arrival in Vientiane, you will meet your guide at the airport and you will be transferred to your hotel to rest and settle for an overnight stay in the capital Vientiane. Day 2: VIENTIANE-CITY TOUR (B/L/D) After breakfast, you will start with visiting the major highlights of the capital including Wat Sisaket and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo. On the way to sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, you will stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane's own Arc de Triumph. In the evening, we will walk to a nearby village where we will be welcomed with a traditional Lao ceremony before joining a local family in their home for an evening of music, drinks and tasty local dishes! You will stay overnight in Vientiane.

Day 3: VIENTIANE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; XIENG KHOUANG â&#x20AC;&#x201C; PHONE SAVANH (B/L/D) You will board a short afternoon flight to Xieng Khouang,. Upon arrival, you will meet with your guide and transfer to your hotel. After checking in, you will meet the chef at the cooking school. You will travel to Phosy Market together, where you will make your guided food selections and then fix the dishes under a sun roof in the airy garden. The chef will explain the differences of South East Asian cuisines and enjoy the dinner that you prepared! After the cooking class you will have a free evening and overnight stay. Day 4: AROUND XIENG KHOUANG (B/L/D) After breakfast you will visit a local market, the drive out to visit the Plain of Jars. In the afternoon, you will also have time to see the old capital of Muang Khoun Province and the nearby villages, home to the Hmong hill tribe and Tai Dam people. In addition to this visit you will also stop by the provincial revolutionary

museum before joining a local Hmong family at their home for a home-cooked Hmong dinner and folk music. The Hmong, a separate ethnic group, have their own culture, heritage, food, language and traditions. You will stay overnight in Phonsavanh. Day 5: XIENG KHOUANG – LUANG PRABANG (OVERLAND) (B/L/D) (BY LAND) In the early morning you will head out to Luang Prabang, about 300 kilometers ahead. There you will participate on a full day special cooking class in picturesque lakeside pavilions. You start with a visit to the major food market, where you will get an explanation of what the foods are and what they are used for. Of course the ingredients you will work with are day fresh which are the heart of Lao cuisine, with some intriguing and unfamiliar flavours. It’s an instructive experience to learn about the habits and customs at the heart of Lao cuisine. After the cooking class, you will enjoy you own cooking skill. Day 6: LUANG PRABANG-CITY TOURS (B/ L/D) Today, you will visit the National Museum, the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Mai. You will also visit Luang Prabang’s most beautiful temple of Wat Xieng Thong, and then climb up to the top of the Phousi Mount for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a beautiful sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. From there, you will explore the Night Market, where you can find a lovely collection of handmade textiles, created by

local people from the area surrounding Luang Prabang.

Day 7: LUANG PRABANG-TEXTILE VILLAGE -ELEPHANT CAMP (B/L/D) After breakfast, you will drive out of town to visit the elephant camp at Ban Ann. En route, you will stop at a well-known village, Ban Phom Nom, where almost all the villagers are weavers. Historically, they were servants and made handicraft souvenirs for the last king of Laos. Another stop will be at the Henri Mouhot monument at Kang Noon. Mouhot was a Frenchman, who founded Angkor Wat in Siem Reap (Cambodia), but he died at Kang Noon when he moved to Laos and contracted Malaria. Upon arrival at the camp, your guide will brief you about the elephants and you will take an elephant ride for 30 minutes before returning to the town and eat out in Laos’ top notch restaurant L’Elephant Restaurant with Laotian as well as international cuisine. After dinner, you will be transferred to your hotel. Day 8: LUANG PRABANG-KUANG SII FALL (B/L/D) After breakfast, you will visit Phosi Market before driving out of town 30 kilometers to the beautiful Kuang Sii Fall, where you can swim, relax or soft trek to the top of the fall. The falls cascade over many calcified tiers and down several hundred feet into a series of cool, turquoise pools. The water here has a clear blue-green tint due to the high mineral content. Enjoy

swimming if you wish or relax or soft trek to the top of the fall. After lunch in front of the falls, you will visit the nearby bear rescue centre. It has an enclosure for endangered Asiatic black bears that have been rescued from poachers and bear bile farms. On the way back in the late afternoon, you will have a short stop at a Black Hmong village, where hill tribe handmade handicraft souvenirs are sold as visitors pass by, before dining out in the Blue Lagoon restaurant. Day 9: LUANG PRABANG-NONG KHIAUMUANG NGOY-NONG KHIAU (B/L/D) After breakfast, you will drive about 3 hours to Nong Khiau. En route there will be a short stop at the junction between Pak Mong to Nong Khiau. Arriving, you will check in at your bungalow. After a short rest, you will enjoy a boat trip upstream along the Ou River, about 1 hour and 20 minutes to the old town, Muang Ngoy (also known as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bombing Townâ&#x20AC;? during the Indochina War). You will arrive in Muang Ngoy and begin exploring around the village to see local life. In the late afternoon you will return to Nong Khiau by boat and have a lovely dinner while enjoying the beautiful scenery. Day 10: NONG KHIAU-PAK OU CAVELUANG PRABANG (B/L/D) After breakfast, you will enjoy a cruise downstream on the Ou River to the Mekong River, which also gives you a beautiful view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious of Pak Ou Caves, crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of

various shapes and sizes. Along the way, you will stop at the village of Ban Xanghai (the Whiskey Village), where they make a distillation of local rice wine called Lao Lao. Upon returning to town, you will have time to freshen up before meeting for tasty delicacies. Day 11: LUANG PRABANG-PAKSE-TADLO (B/L/D) After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure to Pakse in the south of Laos. On arrival at Pakse Airport, you will be accompanied by the guide and you will be relocated to Tadlo, passing many charming villages and rolling hills. The deep contrast between the lush, green vegetation and the red surface of basaltic soil is an incredible thing to see as you pass along. You will then stop at tea and coffee plantations, followed by a stop at Tad Fan Waterfall, a picturesque twin chute waterfall. You will explore another interesting minority village, Ban Bong Neua, an Alak village boasting a sacrificial altar. You will then arrive at the beautiful Tadlo Waterfall in the afternoon, where you will have the rest of the day at for a stroll around, a swim on the river, or to watch the elephants bathe and enjoy the sunset over your Lao beer. You will dine and stay overnight at Tadlo Lodge. Day 12: TADLO / WAT PHU TEMPLE/ KHONG ISLAND / DON KHONE (B/L/D) A scenic drive will deliver you to the former royal capital of Champasak, a gateway to the pre-Angkoran temple of Wat

Phu. The hillside edifice was once an important sanctuary of the Khmer Empire. The temple structure was partly destroyed during the areas turbulent history, yet it is still fascinating to walk among the ruins. You will follow the walkway from the lower to the upper section, which features various iconic forms including Vishnu, Shiva and Kala. The temple also affords a spectacular view of the surrounding valley and the mighty Mekong River. You will then visit Wat Phou Museum and Oum Moung Temple. Then you will drive to the 4,000 Islands and then 30 minutes by boat from the central market to Done Khone Island, where you will reach the picturesque island of Don Khone with just enough to watch the sunset over the Mekong River. You will stay overnight on Khone Island at Auberge Sala Done Khone. Day 13: KHONE ISLAND AND FOUR THOUSANDS ISLANDS (B/L/D) Following breakfast, you will have the option of exploring the island by bicycle, admiring some of the old French Colonial buildings and Liphi Waterfall or "the Corridor of the Devil". You will have lunch at a local restaurant and then have the option

of taking a local boat out to search for the rare freshwater dolphins that reside in this area of the Mekong. Returning, you will dine out at Pa Kha Restaurant at Khone Island and have an overnight stay. Day 14: KHONE ISLAND / DON DAENG (B/ L/D) After an early breakfast, you will take a long tail boat to Khone and head back to the mainland. You will visit Khone Phapheng Waterfall, considered the largest by volume in Southeast Asia. This is a really impressive site near the LaoCambodian border, set within an area teeming with wildlife, making this area one of the most breathtaking destinations in Laos. Then you will continue to Don Daeng Island where you have the afternoon at leisure, to explore the island by bicycle, or relax. You will stay overnight on Don Daeng Island at La Folie Lodge. Day 15: DON DAENG / PAKSE AIRPORT – VIENTIANE AIRPORT (B/-/-) After breakfast, you are free until transfer straight to Pakse Airport for your departure flight to Vientiane, where you will catch your flight back home.

Chef’s suggestion A 15-day culinary round trip with a Belgian chef Day 1: ARRIVE IN VIENTIANE (-/L/D) Upon arrival in Vientiane, you will meet your guide at the airport and you will be transferred to your hotel to rest and settle for an overnight stay in the capital Vientiane. Day 2: VIENTIANE-CITY TOUR (B/L/D) After breakfast, you will start with visiting the major highlights of the capital including Wat Sisaket and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo. On the way to the sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, you will stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane's own Arc de Triumph. In the evening, we will walk to a nearby village where we will be joining a local family in their home for a colorful evening of music, drinks and tasty local dishes! You will stay overnight in Vientiane. Day 3: VIENTIANE – XIENG KHOUANG – PHONE SAVANH (B/L/-) You will board a short afternoon flight to Xieng Khouang, Upon arrival, you will

meet with your guide and transfer to your hotel. You will board a short afternoon flight to Xieng Khouang, Upon arrival, you will meet with your guide and transfer to your hotel. After checking in, you will meet the chef at the cooking school. You will travel to Phosy Market together, where you will make your guided food selections and then fix the dishes under a sun roof in the airy garden. The chef will explain the differences of South East Asian cuisines. Enjoy the dinner that you prepared! After the cooking class you will have a free evening and overnight stay. Day 4: AROUND XIENG KHOUANG (B/L/D) After breakfast you will visit a local market, the drive out to visit the Plain of Jars. In the afternoon, you will also have time to see the old capital of Muang Khoun Province and the nearby villages, home to the Hmong hill tribe and Tai Dam people,. In addition to this visit you will also stop by the provincial revolutionary museum before joining a local Hmong family at their home for a home-cooked Hmong dinner and folk musicYou will stay overnight in Phonsavanh.

Day 5: XIENG KHOUANG – LUANG PRABANG (OVERLAND) (B/L/D) (BY LAND) In the early morning you will head out to Luang Prabang, about 300 kilometers ahead. There you will participate on a full day special cooking class in picturesque lakeside pavilions. You start with a visit to the major food market, where you will get an explanation of what the foods are and what they are used for. Of course the ingredients you will work with are day fresh which are the heart of Lao cuisine, with some intriguing and unfamiliar flavours. It’s an instructive experience to learn about the habits and customs at the heart of Lao cuisine. The Belgian After the cooking class, you will enjoy you own cooking skills. Day 6: LUANG PRABANG-CITY TOURS (B/L/ D) Today, you will visit the National Museum, the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Mai. You will also visit Luang Prabang’s most beautiful temple of Wat Xieng Thong, and then climb up to the top of the Phousi Mount for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a beautiful sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. From there, you will explore the Night Market, where you can find a lovely collection of handmade textiles, created by local people from the area surrounding Luang Prabang. Day 7: LUANG PRABANG-TEXTILE VILLAGEELEPHANT CAMP (B/L/D)

After breakfast, you will drive out of town to visit the elephant camp at Ban Ann. En route, you will stop at a well-known village, Ban Phom Nom, where almost all the villagers are weavers. Historically, they were servants and made handicraft souvenirs for the last king of Laos. Another stop will be at the Henri Mouhot monument at Kang Noon. Mouhot was a Frenchman, who founded Angkor Wat in Siem Reap (Cambodia), but he died at Kang Noon when he moved to Laos and contracted Malaria. Upon arrival at the camp, your guide will brief you about the elephants and you will take an elephant ride for 30 minutes before returning to the town and eat out in The Blue Lagoon. After dinner, you will be transferred to your hotel. Day 8: LUANG PRABANG-KUANG SII FALL (B/L/D) After breakfast, you will visit Phosi Market before driving out of town 30 kilometers to the beautiful Kuang Sii Fall, where you can swim, relax or soft trek to the top of the fall. The falls cascade over many calcified tiers and down several hundred feet into a series of cool, turquoise pools. The water here has a clear blue-green tint due to the high mineral content. Enjoy swimming if you wish or relax or soft trek to the top of the fall. After lunch in front of the falls, you will visit the nearby bear rescue centre. It has an enclosure for endangered Asiatic black bears that have been rescued from poachers and bear bile farms. On the way back in the late afternoon, you will have a short stop at a Black

Hmong village, where hill tribe handmade handicraft souvenirs are sold as visitors pass by, before dining out in top notch restaurant “L’Elephant Restaurant” with Laotian as well as international cuisine. After dinner, you will be transferred to your hotel. Day 9: LUANG PRABANG-NONG KHIAUMUANG NGOY-NONG KHIAU (B/L/D) After breakfast, you will drive about 3 hours to Nong Khiau. En route there will be a short stop at the junction between Pak Mong to Nong Khiau. Arriving, you will check in at your bungalow. After a short rest, you will enjoy a boat trip upstream along the Ou River, about 1 hour and 20 minutes to the old town, Muang Ngoy (also known as “Bombing Town” during the Indochina War). You will arrive in Muang Ngoy and begin exploring around the village to see local life. In the late afternoon you will return to Nong Khiau by boat and have a lovely dinner while enjoying the beautiful scenery. Day 10: NONG KHIAU-PAK OU CAVELUANG PRABANG (B/L/D) After breakfast, you will enjoy a cruise downstream on the Ou River to the Mekong River, which also gives you a beautiful view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious of Pak Ou Caves, crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes. Along the way, you will stop at the village of Ban Xanghai (the Whiskey Village), where they make a distillation of local rice wine called Lao

Lao. Upon returning to town, you will have time to freshen up before meeting for tasty delicacies. Day 11: LUANG PRABANG-PAKSE-TADLO (B/L/D) After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure to Pakse in the south of Laos. On arrival at Pakse Airport, you will be accompanied by the guide and you will be relocated to Tadlo, passing many charming villages and rolling hills. The deep contrast between the lush, green vegetation and the red surface of basaltic soil is an incredible thing to see as you pass along. You will then stop at tea and coffee plantations, followed by a stop at Tad Fan Waterfall, a picturesque twin chute waterfall. You will explore another interesting minority village, Ban Bong Neua, an Alak village boasting a sacrificial altar. You will then arrive at the beautiful Tadlo Waterfall in the afternoon, where you will have the rest of the day at for a stroll around, a swim on the river, or to watch the elephants bathe and enjoy the sunset over your Lao beer. You will dine and stay overnight at Tadlo Lodge. Day 12: TADLO / WAT PHU TEMPLE/ KHONG ISLAND / DON KHONE (B/L/D) A scenic drive will deliver you to the former royal capital of Champasak, a gateway to the pre-Angkoran temple of Wat Phu. The hillside edifice was once an important sanctuary of the Khmer Empire. The temple structure was partly destroyed during the areas turbulent his-

tory, yet it is still fascinating to walk among the ruins. You will follow the walkway from the lower to the upper section, which features various iconic forms including Vishnu, Shiva and Kala. The temple also affords a spectacular view of the surrounding valley and the mighty Mekong River. You will then visit Wat Phou Museum and Oum Moung Temple. Then you will drive to the 4,000 Islands and then 30 minutes by boat from the central market to Done Khone Island, where you will reach the picturesque island of Don Khone with just enough to watch the sunset over the Mekong River. You will stay overnight on Khone Island at Auberge Sala Done Khone. Day 13: KHONE ISLAND AND FOUR THOUSANDS ISLANDS (B/L/D) Following breakfast, you will have the option of exploring the island by bicycle, admiring some of the old French Colonial buildings and Liphi Waterfall or "the Corridor of the Devil". You will have lunch at a local restaurant and then have the option of taking a local boat out to search for the rare freshwater dolphins that reside in this area of the Mekong. You will dine out

in Pa Kha Restaurant and return to Khone Island for an overnight stay. Day 14: KHONE ISLAND / DON DAENG (B/ L/D) After an early breakfast, you will take a long tail boat to Khone and head back to the mainland. You will visit Khone Phapheng Waterfall, considered the largest by volume in Southeast Asia. This is a really impressive site near the LaoCambodian border, set within an area teeming with wildlife, making this area one of the most breathtaking destinations in Laos. Then you will continue to Don Daeng Island where you have the afternoon at leisure, to explore the island by bicycle, or relax. You will stay overnight on Don Daeng Island at La Folie Lodge. Day 15: DON DAENG / PAKSE AIRPORT – VIENTIANE AIRPORT (B/-/-) After breakfast, you are free at leisure until the transfer straight to Pakse Airport for your departure flight back to Vientiane, where you will catch your next flight back home.

Hotels

Vientiane Settha Palace ***** Accommodation: the deluxe rooms are just the right accommodation for the tourist looking for a unique experience or the corporate traveller who needs to get things done in style and comfort. Every room features furniture from rosewood and Italian marbled bathrooms with separate shower and tub. Location: the city centre, within walking distance of the commercial district, shops, restaurants and tourist attractions. It is 15 minutes drive from Laos Wattay international airport. Meals: 1 bar and 1 restaurant Facilities: swimming pool, WIFI

Vientiane Mercure Hotel

Accommodation: Superior room blends modern dĂŠcor with ergonomic comfort. Each room features a comfortable Queen bed with city view, mini bar and coffee/tea making facility. . Location: The hotel is located along Samsethai Road and it is only 3-minute away (3.5 km) by car from Wattay International Airport. From Wattay International Airport, take Samsethai Road heading towards the city center and after approximately 3 minutes, you can see Mercure Vientiane hotel on the left side. Meals: 1 restaurant and 2 bars Facilities: swimming pool, tennis court, fitness

Vang Vieng Riverside Boutique Hotel

Accommodation : The Riverside Boutique Resort provides 28 Deluxe rooms with a river, mountain, swimming pool view. All these rooms are luxuriously designed with wooden furniture. Each room benefits from a private balcony with stunning views. Location: Located on the banks of the Nam Song River, next to a small wooden bridge, the Riverside Boutique Resort is a luxury hotel set in a tropical garden and organized around a central swimming pool. Meals: restaurant and bar Facilities: swimming pool

Luang Prabang La Residence Phou Vao

Accommodation: Located on the first floor, the Phou Vao Garden Suites overlook the tropical garden. Double bedroom as well as separate living room with a plush cotton sofa. A spacious bathroom offers first-class amenities and a separate water closet. The suites are serene and spacious, ideal for those who wish to indulge in a longer break. Location: La RĂŠsidence Phou Vao is located 4 km east of Luang Prabang International Airport and only 2km from the old town of Luang Prabang, Meals: restaurant and bar: Our talented team of chefs create superb dishes that blend Lao and European traditions. Facilities: Spa, swimming pool, boutique

Luang Prabang Sanctuary Hotel Accommodation : The Sanctuary is built around three listed buildings. Its charm, its traditional architecture and exotic garden make it an ideal holiday resort, calm and serene, yet close to everything. Location: Located in the historic heart of the city of Luang Prabang , midway between the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers, the Sanctuary Hotel is a haven of tranquility on the edge of the peninsula, close to the night market with streets, temples and restaurants typical of Laos. Meals: 1 restaurant and 1 bar Facilities: Boutique, Massage

Tadlo Tadlo Lodge Accommodation: Accommodation at Tadlo Lodge consists of 25 beautiful and modern Lao-style villa bungalows that are raised on stilts. Each of the bungalows is large and spacious with their own private balconies complete with outdoor furniture so you can relax and enjoy the natural scenery. To maximise natural light and airiness, each bungalow features a mesh skylight around the top of the walls. Each bungalow is unique, beautifully decorated with French, Lao and Cambodian artwork. and they are all maintained to a high standard to make your stay as comfortable as possible, with hot water bathrooms and electric fans. Location: in Tadlo Meals: they offer a quality restaurant with a delicious menu serving Lao, Thai, French and other international dishes. The unique setting offers stunning views and oriental dĂŠcor. Facilities: Wifi access, mini-golf, the resort is home to 2 Asian elephants.

Khong Island Pon Arena Hotel Accommodation: rooms are equipped with air conditioning, balcony, private bathrooms with bathtub, shower, free internet access. Location: is located on the riverfront Meals: 1 restaurant Facilities: vehicle hire, car & boat rental

Khone Island Sala Dokhone Accommodation: The choice of 3 very special types of room, all with impeccable standards of quality and cleanliness enables you to enjoy your stay in comfort. You may choose to spend your time at Sala Don Khone in one of three different room types. To truly embrace the Mekong River lifestyle, you could choose to stay in one of our floating studios, with stunning island views. We also offer 3 large suites, beautifully furnished to match our converted French colonial building. Finally you could choose to stay in our traditional Ban Lao rooms, each with private balconies with an intimate bungalow atmosphere. Location: With its stunning river front location, Sala Don Khone offers unique accommodation options on Don Khone Island in the heart of the tranquil 4,000 Islands. Meals: 1 floating restaurant Facilities: laundry service available

Done Daeng Island La Folie Lodge

Accommodation: the 24 large, comfortable bedrooms, luxuriously decorated and exquisitely furnished with local materials, are housed in 12 bungalows set in a magnificently landscaped tropical garden. Location: on the banks of the Mekong river Meals: 1 poolside restaurant Facilities: swimming pool,

Nong Khiau Nong Khiau River Side

Accommodation: All 15 bungalows feature a spacious 40 square meters private room with big private balcony and large bathroom. The balconies faces the river with stunning view of the river and mountains. Due to limited electricity supply they canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t provided aircondition until now, but as it's almost never hot in the night time you are more likely to value the very hot showers and bed heaters in the cold season. All rooms have fridge, safety box, electric kettles, free tea and coffee and beds are covered with mosquitonets. Location: Nong Kiau is a small rustic town by the bridge where the Route 1 to Sam Neua and Vietnam crosses the Ou River. Meals: / Facilities: kayacking, climbing

Vietnam Join us and discover Vietnam in ways that go beyond your imagination. Onyou will discover the fascinating landscape and taste traditional Vietnamese food in the best authentic restaurants. Nothing is more wonderful than combining these dining adventures, along with luxury accommodations at 5-star hotels, where you can experience Vietnam-style service.

Travel information FOOD With unbelievable abundance of fresh vegetables, herbs, fish and seafood, Vietnam has a lot to offer. Dishes such as noodle served with beef or chicken (pho), spring roll, crab sour soup, rice spaghetti, steamed rolls made of rice-flour, rice pancake folded in half (and filled with a shrimp, meat and soya bean sprouts). Food sits at the very center of Vietnamese culture: every significant holiday on the Vietnamese cultural calendar, all the important milestones in a Vietnamese person's life, and indeed, most of the important day-to-day social events and interactions - food plays a central role in each. Vietnamese cuisine varies slightly from region to region, with many regions having their own specialties. Generally, northern Vietnamese cuisine is known for being bland while southern Vietnamese cuisine is known for being spicy. LANGUAGE Vietnamese is the official language. Most hotel and airline staff know enough English to communicate. In the big cities, some of the big international luxury hotel chains will have staff who are able to speak French. PUBLIC HOLIDAYS January: Tet (Lunar Chinese new year) April 30: Liberation day September 2: 31: National day RELIGION Buddhism is the largest religion in Vietnam, with over 85% of Vietnamese people identifying themselves as Buddhist. Catholicism is the second largest religion, followed by the local Cao Dai religion. Other Christian denomi-

nations, Islam, and local religions also share small followings throughout the southern and central areas. VISA A Visa is obligated. There are 2 ways to get a Visa. You can go to the Vietnamese embassy in Brussels (€65). Another possibility is ‘a visa on arrival’. This will be issued at the border gates to those who have written invitations by a Vietnamese competent agencies or tourists in the tours organized by Vietnamese international travel companies. This will costs €45. Your passport has to be valid 6 months after return. WEATHER Because of its extensiveness knows Vietnam different climates from north to south. The most pleasant time to travel is from mid November till the end of April, with a change of a shower. From the end of April till mid November is rain season. BY PLANE The trip from Hanoi to HCMC will take about 2 hours by plane. There are many flights connecting the two largest cities, Hanoi and HCMC, to major towns as Da Nang, Hue. Vietnam airlines is probably the best and most comfortable airline in Vietnam. Passengers are generally allowed to take 20 kg checked baggage and 7 kg cabin baggage plus a laptop bag or a handbag. On the most flights they serve drinks and sandwiches. With Vietnam airlines you get 2 times a meal if you are departing from Europe. If you do a domestic flight you will get 1 meal 30 minutes after departure.

A taste of culture A 10-day culinary round trip Day 1: DEPARTURE (D) sitely presented and accompaYou will take the train in Brussels-South to nied by traditional music perParis. In Paris you will take the plane to formances. After lunch the Hanoi with Vietnam Airlines. guided day tour will continue. Dinner at the Emperor RestauDay 2: ARRIVE IN HANOI (B/L/D) rant. Settled in a colonial villa, When you arrive at the airport of Hanoi, you the restaurant is among the most will be greeted by our guide and have a beautiful ones in Hanoi with a transfer to the Sofitel Metropole hotel. The two-story pagoda-style outdoor rest of the day you can rest or explore Hanoi. pavilion. Renowned as being a Lunch and dinner will be served at the hotel. food lovers delight, this elegant You will stay in this hotel for 2 nights. eatery offers clay pot dishes, fresh seafood delicacies includDay 3: HANOI- SIGHTSEEING TOURS AND ing soft shell crab and a host of RESTAURANT TRIPS (B/L/D) Hue specialties from a refined After breakfast in the hotel, there will be a Vietnamese menu. guided day tour of the highlights in Hanoi which includes visits to the One Pillar Pa- Day 4: HANOI-COOKING DEMONSTRATION & goda, Hoan Kiem Lake, Ho Chi Minh Mauso- DOMESTIC FLIGHT TO HUE (B/L/D) leum, the Opera House, Temple of literature, After breakfast, you will experience your first St Joseph Cathedral and Old Quarters which Vietnamese cooking demonstration at the is a colourful marketplace where you can Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel. Set in a stylbuy anything from herbal medicines to ish ambience of a restored French villa, you gold jewellery. will enjoy a cooking demonstration with the Lunch at Le Tonkin restaurant. This restau- chef of the hotel for three traditional Vietrant ( named after the northern part of Viet- namese dishes. After class, lunch is served in nam) is a great introduction to Vietnamese the Spices Garden Vietnamese to sample the cuisine. The menu is rich and is ideal for different dishes prepared during the demonthose who wish to understand Vietnamese stration. After lunch, there will be a transfer culture through tastes. All dishes are exqui- to the airport for the flight to Hue. After the

flight, there will be a transfer to the La Residence Hotel & Spa where you will have dinner. Day 5: HUE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; COOKING DEMONSTRATION & BOAT TRIP (B/L/D) After an early breakfast, you will depart for a cooking demonstration run by the owner of the Y Thao Garden House. Food in Hue tends to be spicier than in most other parts of Vietnam, and represents a kind of Oriental Nouvelle Cuisine. In the afternoon, you will travel by Dragon Boat down the Perfume River to visit the seven story Thien Mu Pagoda, which stands by the riverbank. In the evening, a royal banquet will be served at the Huong Giang Hotel situated on the banks of the river. After dinner the bus will bring you back to your hotel.

Day 6: HUE-RESTAURANTS & RIDE TO HOI AN (B/L/D) ( 135 km) After breakfast, you will enjoy a cyclo ride to the Tinh Gia Vien restaurant for lunch. After lunch, you will head with the coach to your hotel in Hoi An. On the way, you will stop at the Tu Duc Mausoleum to view its traditional Vietnamese architecture. Hoi An was a major Asian trading centre in the 17th and 18th century and many of the original buildings remain. Dinner will be served at the hotel. You will stay overnight in The Nam Hai Hotel for 3 nights.

Day 7: HOI AN â&#x20AC;&#x201C; CYCLING TOUR, FREE TIME (B/L/D) After breakfast, you will have a morning cycle tour through the paddy fields as you venture down to the nearby beaches. Here, you will have free time in the afternoon to enjoy the sun, water and sand. You will have dinner at Tam Tam restaurant, which is situated in an old colonial villa. This renowned establishment provides a great combination of food and wine.

Day 8: HOI AN- GUIDED TOUR, FREE TIME (B/L/D) After breakfast, you will enjoy a guided walking tour of the ancient town centre, including the 400 year old Japanese covered bridge and the colourful local market area of this unique city, which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The rest of afternoon is free before dinner at the famous White Lantern restaurant for a five-course meal featuring Hoi An's unique cuisine.

Day 9: DANANG-RELAX AND ENJOY (B/D) After breakfast, you will have a transfer to your hotel in Danang for a one night stay at the Furama Beach Resort Danang, recently voted the best beach resort in Vietnam. You will have free time for the rest of the day to enjoy the resort amenities, before enjoying dinner and wine served at the hotel.

a local café on Pasteur Street. You will have free time until evening drinks in the Club Lounge, followed by dinner at Nam Phan restaurant. The elegant Nam Phan restaurant offers a menu of beautifully presented Vietnamese cuisine, described by the owners as "high-end", with classical dishes and modern interpretations all freshly prepared to order by the resident team of professional chefs. Day 11: DEPARTURE (B/L/D) After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure flight to Paris and with the train to Brussels.

Day 10: HO CHI MINH CITY - HALF DAY CITY TOUR (B/L/D) After breakfast, you will fly to Ho Chi Minh City. Transfer to the Park Hyatt Saigon Hotel. You will depart for a half day city tour, including the Unification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Saigon Post Office and Cholon, the city's lively Chinatown. Traditional "pho" shall be served for lunch at

Practical

group round trip — price/per person —11 days/9 nights— minimal 4 participants Tour price includes: -All private transfers and transportations - international flights with Vietnam airlines & departure taxes - Accommodation in twin share basis with daily breakfast - French or English Speaking Guide - All In-tour flights by Vietnam Airlines as per itinerary. - Meals as stated in the itinerary (B: Breakfast ; L: Lunch ; D: Dinner) - All sightseeing tickets - Seasonal fruits, tissues and water on coach. - Services charges and government tax. - Train tickets Tour price excludes: - Beverages - Personal expenses, tips and gratuities - Travel insurance - Vietnam visa & visa stamp fee - Other services not mentioned above

A taste of cooking A 10-day culinary round trip Day 1: DEPARTURE (D) In Brussels you will take the train in Brussels -South to Paris. In Paris you will take the plan to Hanoi with Vietnam Airlines. Day 2: ARRIVE HANOI (B/L/D) Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you will be transferred to the Sofitel Plaza Hanoi hotel. After lunch at the hotel, you’ll take a cyclo (the Vietnamese version of the rickshaw) to Indochine restaurant for an introduction to Vietnamese food. Set in a beautifully restored French villa, Indochine serves specialties originating primarily from southern Vietnam. You will no doubt be introduced to "nuoc mam" (a fermented fish sauce that compliments most dishes in Vietnam) and "cha gio" (Vietnamese spring rolls). The staff is attired in traditional costume and musicians perform classical Vietnamese songs. You’ll spend 2 nights in Hanoi.

bustling “Old Quarter”, with its 36 ancient streets. You’ll have lunch at "Cha Ca La Vong". In the evening, you will see a performance of the famous water puppets, followed by dinner at the Le Tonkin restaurant, which specializes in superbly prepared northern Vietnamese cuisine. Northern Vietnamese food has a strong Chinese influence, with stir-fried dishes and less spicy food being among the most popular.

Day 4: HANOI – HA LONG BAY, CRUISE (+165km) (B/L/D) After breakfast at 8:30 am, you will be driven to Halong City, approximately 3 hours away. Once at Halong City, you will board our private boat for a 4 hour cruise of this stunning area, stopping along the way to visit one of the limestone caves in the area. As you cruise, the boat staff will serve a sumptuous local seafood lunch. After 4 hours, you will cruise back to the harbour Day 3: HANOI’S SPECIALTIES (B/L/D) and transfer to your hotel Novotel Ha Long Hanoi boasts a unique blend of French colo- Bay in Halong City for 1 night. In the evenial buildings and Chinese inspired architec- ning, a barbecue of local specialties will be ture. After breakfast, you will have a full day served before you retire for the evening. to explore this fascinating city with the guide and visit the One Pillar Pagoda, the Day 5: HUE – SPICY CORNER (B/L/D) Fine Arts Museum, the Temple of Literature, You will return after breakfast to Hanoi by the Lake of the Restored Sword and the road, with a picnic lunch before transferring

to Hanoi Airport for an early afternoon flight to Hue. Upon arrival in Hue, you will be transferred to the Imperial Hue hotel and settle in. In the evening, you will take a cyclo ride to Tinh Gia Vien restaurant for dinner. Food in Hue is spicy, with considerable use of chili, reflecting its imperial roots. It is often presented in carefully displayed small servings, a kind of Oriental nouvelle cuisine. You’ll then spend 2 restful evenings in Hue. Day 6: COOKING CLASS - BOAT TRIP AND ROYAL BANQUET (B/L/D) In the morning after breakfast, you will meet Mrs. Cuc, the owner of Y Thao Garden House, who will take you to Dong Ba central market. She will provide instructions on how to choose food for your cooking class at 9:30 at Y Thao Garden House. You must pay careful attention, because you will be preparing your own lunch! In the afternoon, you will travel by Dragon Boat on the romantically named Perfume River which leads to the Thien Mu pagoda, standing on the riverbank with its sevenstory tower. You will then transfer by coach to the Imperial Citadel, from which the Nguyen emperors once ruled Vietnam. Then you will have a royal banquet at the Huong Giang Hotel on the banks of the river. After dinner you will be transferred to your hotel in Hue. Day 7: HUE - DA NANG – HOI AN (B/L/D) (135 km, +-3,5 hours) In the morning, you will drive to visit Tu Duc Mausoleum with its traditional Vietnamese architecture. Leaving Hue midmorning, you’ll enjoy a scenic journey on Highway One. The road passes by vivid green fields of rice and the wonderfully photogenic fishing village of Lang Co with its blue lagoon and deserted sandy beaches. Then you will experience climbing

over the dramatic Pass of Mountain Clouds. A lunch of locally caught shrimps at the edge of the lagoon is a must. Once over the mountain pass, the road drops down to Danang. You’ll stop off at Danang to visit the famous Non Nuoc Beach, once a 'rest and recreation' resort for American servicemen. You’ll also pass by the sacred Marble Mountains whose caves contain dozens of Buddhist shrines. Upon arrival at the former trading port of Hoi An around five in the afternoon, you’ll go to the Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa hotel and stroll down to the picturesque river front for a refreshing drink before dinner at Tam Tam Restaurant. It is located in a meticulously restored colonial property and is the perfect end to your day before you retire for the evening. You will spend 2 nights in Hoi An. Day 8: HOI AN – FUSION CUISINE (B,L,D) A morning walking tour of the ancient town center will take you to former merchants' houses, the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge and the colorful market. For lunch, you will try the local specialty, "cao lau", a delicious soup made with noodles, pork and greens. This is an original dish found only in Hoi An and made using the water from the town's ancient well (duly boiled). In the afternoon, you will have cooking class at Red Bridge Restaurant, visit Hoi An’s colourful market, and experience the amazing sights, sounds and aromas of this busy market. We board the Red Bridge boat for a leisurely cruise (25 minutes) along the Hoi An River to the Red Bridge Cooking School. On arrival, we explore the cooking school’s herb and vegetable garden, before learning about some of Hoi An’s and Vietnam’s well-known dishes. The

cooking lesson runs for about 2 hours – each dish is first demonstrated by the Red Bridge chef’s, before you will prepare the same dish. Included in the class is a brief introduction to Vietnamese food carving (plate decoration). After the lesson, we sit down and eat exactly what we have cooked. Day 9: HO CHI MINH CITY (B/L/D) You will transfer to Danang Airport after breakfast for the early flight to Saigon, or Ho Chi Minh City as it is now officially known. After checking in to your hotel (Caravelle Plaza Hotel Saigon) where you will stay for 2 nights, you’ll have a lunch of "pho" on Pasteur Street. Next up is a half day city tour which includes the Unification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Saigon Post Office and Cholon, the city's lively Chinatown. You’ll then have dinner at one of HCMC's best-known restaurants, Vietnam House. The cuisine of the south uses many herbs and spices and has been influenced by Cambodia, Thailand and India, among others. Curries using coconut milk are an example of this influence. The south also has a wide selec-

Practical

tion of tropical fruits and vegetables that are not readily available in the cooler north. You experience all of this before retiring for a restful overnight stay. Day 10: MEKONG DELTA – EXOTIC FOOD (B/L/D) After breakfast you will have a full-day trip to the watery world of My Tho in the Mekong Delta, just a couple of hours by road from HCMC. You’ll take a boat trip along the narrow waterways, and try exotic fruits in one of the many orchards. You can try the local specialty of Elephant's Ear Fish at a riverside restaurant. This will give you a fascinating glimpse into the daily life of the people who work, rest and play on the mighty Mekong and its numerous tributaries. Finally, you’ll dine at Indochina Restaurant in HCMC, where you can enjoy and cook together with the chef during a cooking class in the airy, openplan kitchen. Day 11: DEPARTURE (B) The morning is free until you are transferred to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your departing flight.

group round trip — price/per person —11 days/9 nights— minimal 4 participants Tour price includes: -All private transfer and transportation - international flights with Vietnam airlines & departure taxes - Accommodation in twin share basis with daily breakfast - French or English Speaking Guide - All In-tour flights by Vietnam Airlines as per itinerary. - Meals as stated in the itinerary (B: Breakfast ; L: Lunch ; D: Dinner) - All sightseeing tickets and the tickets of the cooking classes - Seasonal fruits, tissues and water on coach. -Services charges and government tax. -Train tickets Tour price excludes: - Beverage - Personal expenses, tips and gratuities - Travel insurance - Vietnam visa & Visa stamp fee - Other services not mentioned above

Chef’s suggestion A 10-day culinary round trip with a Belgian chef Day 1: DEPARTURE (D)

Day 4: HANOI – HA LONG BAY, CRUISE (+-165km) (B/L/D)

In Brussels you will take the train in Brussels-South to Paris. In Paris you will take the plan to Hanoi with Vietnam Airlines.

After breakfast at 8:30 am, you will be driven to Halong City, approximately 3 hours away. Once at Halong City, you will board our private boat for a 4 hour cruise of this stunning area, stopping along the way to visit one of the limestone caves in the area. As you cruise, the boat staff will serve a sumptuous local seafood lunch. After 4 hours, you will cruise back to the harbour and transfer to your hotel Novotel Ha Long Bay in Halong City. In the evening, a barbecue of local specialties will be served before you retire for the evening.

Day 2: ARRIVE HANOI (B/L/D)

Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you will be transferred to the Sofitel Plaza Hanoi hotel. After lunch at the hotel, you’ll take a cyclo (the Vietnamese version of the rickshaw) to Indochine restaurant for an introduction to Vietnamese food. Set in a beautifully restored French villa, Indochine serves specialties originating primarily from southern Vietnam. The staff is attired in traditional costume and musicians perform classical Vietnamese songs. Day 3: HANOI’S SPECIALTIES (B/L/D)

Hanoi boasts a unique blend of French colonial buildings and Chinese inspired architecture. After breakfast, you will have a full day to explore this fascinating city with the guide and visit the One Pillar Pagoda, the Fine Arts Museum, the Temple of Literature, the Lake of the Restored Sword and the bustling “Old Quarter”, with its 36 ancient streets. You’ll have lunch at "Cha Ca La Vong". In the evening, you will see a performance of the famous water puppets, followed by dinner at the Le Tonkin restaurant, which specializes in superbly prepared northern Vietnamese cuisine.

Day 5: HUE – SPICY CORNER (B/L/D)

You will return after breakfast to Hanoi by road, with a picnic lunch before transferring to Hanoi Airport for an early afternoon flight to Hue. Upon arrival in Hue, you’ll transfer to the Imperial Hue hotel and settle in. In the evening, you will take a cyclo ride to Tinh Gia Vien restaurant for dinner. Food in Hue is spicy, with considerable use of chili, reflecting its imperial roots. It is often presented in carefully displayed small servings, a kind of Oriental nouvelle cuisine. You’ll then spend 2 restful evenings in Hue. Day 6: Cooking Class - Boat trip and Royal Banquet (B/L/D)

In the morning after breakfast, you will meet Mrs. Cuc, the owner of Y Thao Garden House, who will take you to Dong Ba central market. She will provide instructions on how to choose food for your cooking class at 9:30 at Y Thao Garden House. You must pay careful attention, because you will be preparing your own lunch! The Belgian chef will also enjoy the cooking class. In the afternoon, you will travel by Dragon

Boat on the romantically named Perfume River which leads to the Thien Mu pagoda. You will then transfer by coach to the Imperial Citadel, from which the Nguyen emperors once ruled Vietnam. Then you’ll have a royal banquet at the Huong Giang Hotel on the banks of the river. After dinner you will be transferred to your hotel in Hue. Day 7: HUE - DA NANG – HOI AN (B/L/D) (135 km, +-3,5 hours)

In the morning, you will drive to visit Tu Duc Mausoleum with its traditional Vietnamese architecture. Leaving Hue mid-morning, you’ll enjoy a scenic journey on Highway Then you will experience climbing over the dramatic Pass of Mountain Clouds. A lunch of locally caught shrimps at the edge of the lagoon is a must. Once over the mountain pass, the road drops down to Danang. You’ll stop off at Danang to visit the famous Non Nuoc Beach, once a 'rest and recreation' resort for American servicemen. Upon arrival at the former trading port of Hoi An around five in the afternoon, you’ll go to the Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa hotel and stroll down to the picturesque river front for a refreshing drink before dinner at Tam Tam Restaurant. It is located in a restored colonial property and is the perfect end to your day before you retire for the evening. You will spend 2 nights in Hoi An. Day 8: HOI AN – FUSION CUISINE (B/L/D)

A morning walking tour of the ancient town centre will take you to former merchants' houses, the 400 yearold Japanese Covered Bridge and the colourful market. The Belgian chef will stay in the early afternoon in the hotel. For lunch, you will try the local specialty, "cao lau", a delicious soup made with noodles, pork and greens. This is an original dish found only in Hoi An and made using the water from the town's ancient well (duly boiled). In the afternoon, you will have cooking class at Red Bridge Restaurant, visit Hoi An’s colourful market, and

Practical

experience the amazing sights, sounds and aromas of this busy market. We board the Red Bridge boat for a leisurely cruise (25 minutes) along the Hoi An River to the Red Bridge Cooking School. On arrival, we explore the cooking school’s herb and vegetable garden, before learning about some of Hoi An’s and Vietnam’s well-known dishes. The cooking lesson runs for about 2 hours – each dish is first demonstrated by the Red Bridge chef’s and the Belgian chef, before you will prepare the same dish. Included in the class is a brief introduction to Vietnamese food carving (plate decoration). After the lesson, we sit down and eat exactly what we have cooked. Day 9: HO CHI MINH CITY (B/L/D)

You will transfer to Danang Airport after breakfast for the early flight to Ho Chi Minh City as it is now officially known. You’ll have a lunch of "pho" on Pasteur Street. Next up is a half day city tour which includes the Unification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Saigon Post Office and Cholon, the city's lively Chinatown. You’ll then have dinner at one of HCMC's bestknown restaurants, Vietnam House. The cuisine of the south uses many herbs and spices and has been influenced by Cambodia, Thailand and India, among others. You experience all of this before retiring for a restful overnight stay. Day 10: MEKONG DELTA – EXOTIC FOOD (B/L/D)

After breakfast you will have a full-day trip to the watery world of My Tho in the Mekong Delta, just a couple of hours by road from HCMC. You’ll take a boat trip along the narrow waterways, and try exotic fruits in one of the many orchards. Finally, you’ll dine at Indochina Restaurant in HCMC, where you can enjoy and cook together with the chef during a cooking class in the airy, open-plan kitchen. Be sure to try as much as you can since this dinner at this beautifully restored colonial villa is the last supper your culinary tour through Vietnam. Day 11: DEPARTURE (B)

group round trip — price/per person —11 days/9 nights— minimal 4 participants

Tour price includes: -All private transfer and transportation - international flights with Vietnam airlines & departure taxes - Accommodation in twin share basis with daily breakfast - French or English Speaking Guide - All In-tour flights by Vietnam Airlines as per itinerary. - Meals as stated in the itinerary (B: Breakfast ; L: Lunch ; D: Dinner) - All sightseeing tickets and cooking classes - Seasonal fruits, tissues and water on coach. -Services charges and government tax. -Train tickets -the Belgian chef

Tour price excludes: - Beverage - Personal expenses, tips and gratuities - Travel insurance - Vietnam visa & Visa stamp fee - Other services not mentioned above

Hotels

Hanoi Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi *****

Accommodation: all 232 rooms and suites, provide guests with extensive range of international services and facilities befitting Vietnams first officially accredited five-star hotel. Location: it has a beautiful location right in the heart of the commercial, business, and administrative district. The famous Opera house and the beautiful lake in Hanoi city are close by. Meals: 3 restaurants where you can eat French, regional and intercontinental food. 3 bars and 24 hours room service. Facilities: a fitness center with jacuzzi and sauna, beauty salon and a swimming pool.

Hue La residence Hotel & Spa ***** Accommodation: this spa hotel has 122 rooms and suites. This hotel is truly a boutique hotel and great care has been taken to preserve the charm, comfort and atmosphere of a classic colonial villa. Most rooms have breathtaking views across the Perfume River to the imposing flag staff of the citadel beyond. Rooms amenities include complimentary Wifi Internet, Safety Deposit Box, IDD telephone, private balcony or terrace, shower or bath tub, etc… Situation: it’s situated on the banks of the fabled Perfume River Meals: food is a passion at La Residence. There are 3 restaurants each with his own specialties. At “Le Parfum “ talented Chefs experiment with creative Asian, Vietnamese and European flavors. At the heart of every dish are the very best of Vietnam’s fresh and vibrant produce combined with top quality imported specialty ingredients. Facilities: gym, a shop “ la Boutique”, complimentary bicycles, salt water swimming pool, tennis court.

Hoi An Nam Hai *****

Accommodation: this stunning all villa resort features 60 one-bedroom as well as 40 privately owned two-to-five bedroom residences each with a private infinity pool. Resort guests and residence owners at this award winning property enjoy impeccable service amid lush landscaping and unobstructed views of the sea. The unique and gracious culture of Central Vietnam combines with The Nam Hai’s unprecedented splendour to deliver one of the world’s foremost luxury experiences. Location: along the coastline of Hoi An Beach and 30 minutes from the Da Nang international airport. Meals: 3 unique dining venues: The Restaurant, The Beach Restaurant, which transforms after nightfall with an extensive menu of Vietnamese delicacies and then also The Bar. Facilities: 3 expansive swimming pools, a serene spa, an 18-hole Colin golf course, 100 private retreats elegantly finished with Vietnamese lacquer and diaphanous silk. It’s also possible to do some outdoor yoga.

Danang Furama resort ***** Accommodation: one king bed, large balcony or patio with sea view, Asian-inspired décor, polished wood floors, walk-in closet, luxurious marble bathroom, separate sitting area with loveseat, coffee table, armchair, complimentary cable/satellite flat screen TV with premium channels, three direct-dial phones (including bathroom), minibar, air conditioning, Safety Deposit box, high speed Wifi internet access in the rooms and in all public areas, coffee/tea maker, bathrobes, slippers, . Location: 15 minutes away from the Da Nang international airport, near to the marble mountains. Meals: 5 restaurants and 2 bars Facilities: yoga class, water sports, Tai Chi, , tennis, fitness centre and a wonderful spa.

Ho Chi Minh Park Hyatt Saigon ***** Accommodation: this 5-star hotel has 244 rooms & suitesredefine urban luxury, blending sophisticated design and dĂŠcor with the latest modern comforts as the leading Ho Chi Minh hotel. Each room has a vrivate terrace with direct pool access. Each room has also a King bed and a floorto-ceiling glass window. Also 24-hour room service, a marble bath, morning newspapers, minibar, bathrobes, LCD TV. Location: itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s situated at Lam Son Square in Ho Chi Minh City centre. This grand hotel in Saigon majestically rises nine stories above District 1, steps from the elegant Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral, Reunification Palace, Ben Thanh Market, and other Saigon main tourist attractions, the exhibition centre and business district. Ho Chi Minh International Airport, Tan Son Nhat, is just 7 km away. Meals: features two award-winning restaurants, a classic lounge and stylish bar. Facilities: luxury spa, outdoor swimming pool, indoor whirlpool, fitness centre.

Hanoi Sofitel Plaza Hanoi *****

Accommodation: it has 273 rooms including 23 suites. Location: it enjoys a spectacular location rising up between the watery expanses of Truc Bach Lake, West Lake and the Red River. Meals: 2 restaurants and 2 bars. Facilities: Jacuzzi, sauna, swimming pool

Ho Chi Minh Halong Bay- Novotel Halong bay ****

Accommodation: Elegance in a powerful contrast of colours and design. Clean lines, soft elements, intricate wood latticework and spacious yet intimate spaces. All rooms, with panoramic bay windows. Each room has air conditioning, Safe Deposit Box, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities, hair dryer, bathrobes, bathtub and a separate shower. Location: 3 hours from Hanoi and 15 minutes to downtown Ha Long City. Meals: Three venues, all with mesmeric views of Ha Long Bay. A range of culinary creations from both international and local cuisines. Facilities: spa and fitness

Hue Imperial Hue Hotel *****

Accommodation: 194 rooms. All are well equipped with modern facilities. . All have spectacular panoramic views of the serene Perfume River, the magnificent Ngu Binh Mountain and ancient monuments of the city. Standard in each room is a luxurious marble bathroom with separate tub and shower sections, equipped with all modern amenities, hair dryer, satellite Tv, mini-bar, electronic safety deposit box, air- conditioning system, tea and coffee making facilities, bath robes, in-room dining service. Location: just steps away from the shopping and commercial centre. Meals: 3 restaurants and 2 bars. Facilities: royal spa with indoor pool and Jacuzzi facilities, a casino and an outdoor pool.

Hoi An Victoria Hoi An Beach Rersort & Spa ***** Accommodation: The Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa features 109 rooms in a variety of styles: from Japanese, Classic French to traditional Vietnamese with a view over the ocean, river or garden. All rooms feature balcony with sun loungers. Location: The four star Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa is situated 30 km from Danang International Airport and only 5 km from the ancient town of Hoi An along a stretch of white sand beach.

Meals: Restaurant Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Annam offers casual all day dining with international or local Vietnamese and Asian cuisine. Their speciality is freshly caught seafood to be enjoyed al fresco or in the comfort of the restaurant. In the Faifo Bar you can take a sip of your favourite cocktail by the beach and enjoy a wide variety of snacks while relaxing to the sound of the ocean waves. At the Cham Bar you can Unwind from the day in the laid-back atmosphere of our bar and enjoy live music with the talented Phillipino band in the evening. The Elephant Bar is equipped with 2 pool tables and a wide screen TV showing major sporting events. Traditional show with Vietnamese Army dancers on Wednesday and Saturday. Room service.

Facilities: Relax your body and mind with refreshing experience at the Spa, offering a wide range of treatments from massage and reflexology to body scrub and wraps. Fitness centre, sauna, jacuzzi and steam bath are also available. Bath towels, robes, slippers and complimentary toiletries are provided. Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa offers a wide selection of leisure activities to choose from: beach sports including volleyball, badminton and kite flying, complimentary mountain bikes are available for you to discover the charm of Hoi An town, open-air swimming pool (20 x 12.5 meters), fitness centre, two tennis courts, library room with board games

Special for our clients: you will get 1 free dinner in the Annam restaurant which is specialized in Vietnamese specialties. Also 1 visit to the kitchen + a cooking class with the chef from the hotel. There will also be a workshop on filleting fruit Additional services: multi-lingual hotel staff, tour desk, transportation service arrangement, postal services, foreign currency exchange, laundry service, cyber corner, WIFI access, souvenir shop, parking area, victoria Kids Club, major credit cards accepted (Amex, Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club)

Ho Chi Minh Caravelle Hotel ****

Accommodation: this hotel has 335 superbly rooms, suites, non-smoking floors. Amenities include IDD telephone, satellite television channel, CD, DVD, mini-bar, tea and coffeemakers, coffee and espresso machine and in-room safe. Complimentary Wi-Fi Internet inroom & throughout the hotel. Location: in the center of the business, shopping and entertainment district, 8 km from Tan Son Nhat International Airport. Meals: Caravelle hotel has six superb wining and dining venues. Restaurant Nineteen presents Ho Chi Minh Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most popular international buffet. Facilities: 24-hour fitness centre, Jacuzzi, outdoor swimming pool and sun terrace, salon & spa with individual treatment rooms

Malaysia

Travel information VISA Travellers from 89 countries, including the European Union countries like Belgium, do not need a Visa to go to Malaysia for a stay smaller than 3 months. TRANSPORTATION There are 36 airports in Malaysia, the most famous are the ones in Kuala Lumpur, Langwavi, Melaka and Penang for example. The companies which fly to Malaysia are mostly: Air France, KLM, Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways and Emirates. A flight from Belgium for example to Kuala Lumpur lasts between 16 and 28 hours, depending on the stopovers. From Brussels, the best is to flight with KLM or Qatar Airways which are the cheapest. LANGUAGE The Malay is the official language in Malaysia but English is spoken by a majority of the people. MONEY The official money in Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). The exchange rate is 1 Euro equals 4.53 Malaysian Ringgit (January 2014). You have to be careful if you go in or out from Malaysia with more than 10’000 US Dollars, so approximately 7’300 Euros (January 2014) because you will have to fill in a declaration in the customs office or you will risk 1 year in prison. In Malaysia, you better change your money in the kiosks, the currency will be better for you. You can also use your credit cards in the ATMs or in most of the

restaurants and hotels but it is better not to use it in small shops. TYPICAL FOOD The Malaysian food is really famous; you cannot visit Malaysia without eating some of the traditional meals. For example, you will discover it in the foodstalls, where you will taste diverse food from Malaysia. In Malaysia, you will eat food from all over Asia. But in most of the meals, you will find of course rice, seafood, mutton or chicken. The Malay food is very spicy, for example with the use of the Sambal. A lot of Malaysian meals are also often accompanied with coconut milk, green lemon or shrimps. You will find some of specialities in Malaysia; for example the Satay. It is known as the national meal and it is very cheap. You will also be able to taste the Nasi goring, which. Another Malaysian speciality is the Nasi lemak. This speciality is served for the breakfast. The deserts are considered by the Malaysian people as “accessory” and they are called “drinks with something inside”. SAFETY Be careful with using repellents for mosquitos and sleeping under protection. You have to be protected from the hot sun, with crèmes or hats. You also have to know that Malaysia punishes use or transportation of drugs with death penalty, even if it is just cannabis. Because of the violence, it is better not to go close to the border with Thailand, northern of the country.

A Taste of Culture A 9 day culinary round trip Day 1: ARRIVAL IN KUALA LUMPUR (D) You will arrive in Kuala Lumpur airport From Brussels. Then, you will be transferred to the Prince Hotel Residence. The day and evening will be free and you will have dinner in your hotel, Day 2: IN KUALA LUMPUR (B/L/D) After breakfast, you will go for the Heritage Walking Tour â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Follow our experienced local guide, who will lead you off the beaten track to discover this city from a different perspective. Then take a rest and enjoy a scrumptious Nyonyainfluenced lunch at Old China cafe. The tour continues with an exclusive tour of the National Mosque. You will be required to put on a robe and explore this sacred ground with exclusive access to behindthe-scene areas. The guided tour concludes with a light refreshment of Malay cakes. In the evening, join us for an exclusive Welcome Dinner at award winning Bijan Restaurant for a modern Malay fair. If the night is still young, we will wind down with a few delicious cocktails at the

SkyBar and enjoy the spectacular view of Kuala Lumpur skyline. Day 3: IN KUALA LUMPUR (B/L/D) After breakfast and lunch at your hotel, the afternoon will be at your own leisure. Time for some shopping at Golden Triangle, and check out the hawker food at Jalan Alor. Day 4: IN KUALA LUMPUR / MELAKA (B/ L/D) In the morning, after breakfast, we will set off on a private coach and head south to the historical city of Melaka. Upon arrival, we will have a leisurely stroll along Jonker Street where you can pick up a few souvenirs from the art and craft stores and antique shops. Lunch will be at a local restaurant tasting the Hainan Chicken Rice which is what this city is famous for. Afterwards, our tour guide will take you on an orientation tour and visit the Portuguese quarter before checking into the 4 star Holiday Inn Hotel. In the evening, you will be spoiled with a specially-arranged dinner at Amy Nyonya Heritage Cuisine

Restaurant. Enjoy the rich and unique traditional taste of Malaysian Nyonya cuisines which originated from this old city. Day 5: IN MELAKA / KUALA LUMPUR / PENANG (B/L/D) In the morning, after breakfast, Billy & Jackie M will lead you on a wet market tour and show you the rare ingredients used in Nyonya cooking. After lunch, we bid Melaka farewell and head back to Kuala Lumpur Airport to catch a flight to Penang. Upon arrival, we will check into luxury modern contemporary G Hotel. It will be time for a much needed rest to recharge and ready for an action-packed food tour the next day. Day 6: IN PENANG (B/L/D) After breakfast, you will visit a local bazaar, observe the making of ‘poh piah’, walk through the colorful and bustling enclave of Little India and see the different variety of spices available on sale, A delicious lunch will be devoured at the infamous Nasi Kandar stall hidden in Lane Clear. Tour continues to the west coast of the island where you can have a close-up view of clove and nutmeg trees. For dinner, we will head to Bali Hai seafood restaurant to try some of the best seafood this little island has to offer.

Day 7: IN PENANG (B/L/D) After breakfast, you will step inside TSP cooking school where Billy will share a few of his favorite Malaysian dishes and show you how you can replicate the same flavors with readily available ingredients back at home. We will then sit back for a well-deserved lunch. In the afternoon, winding down at the pool, sipping cocktails, relaxing at the pristine beach or having a stroll at the night market to grab some bargains! Then devour all the hawker food to your heart’s content at Gurney Drive hawker center. Day 8: IN PENANG (B/L/D) After breakfast, you will go for the Private Hill and Temple Tour – A fascinating tour to the central part of Penang. Explore the Kek Lok Si Temple, with its pagoda of 10,000 Buddha’s, tortoise pond and image of the Goddess of Mercy. For lunch, have a bowl of Assam Laksa which is made famous in Penang. We will celebrate with a Farewell Dinner at a special location (It’s a secret!), so frock up for the special occasion! Day 9: IN PENANG (B) After breakfast, transfer from hotel to Penang Airpor to take flight back home.

Practical group round trip — price/per person —9 days/8 nights— min. 4 participants

Tour price excludes • International airport departure tax • Meals and beverages other than specified • Insurance, passport and visa fees • Personal expenditure .

Tour price includes • Escorted by Masterchef’s Billy Law as your host throughout the whole tour • 8 nights in luxurious premium hotels • Meals as stated in the itinerary (B: Breakfast ; L: Lunch ; D: Dinner) • domestic economy class airfare from Kuala Lumpur to Penang (one way only) • Private coach transfers with English speaking guide / driver • • Entrance fees for sightseeing included in the itinerary • Professional services of a Travel Managers representative • Travel Managers comprehensive travel wallet

A Taste of cooking A 9 day culinary round trip Day 1: ARRIVAL IN KUALA LUMPUR From Brussels, you will arrive in Kuala Lumpur airport. Then, you will be transferred to the Prince Hotel Residence. The day and evening will be free and you will have dinner in your hotel, which is included in the price. Day 2: IN KUALA LUMPUR (B/L/D) After breakfast, you will go for the Heritage Walking Tour â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Follow our experienced local guide, who will lead you off the beaten track The tour continues with an exclusive tour of the National Mosque. The guided tour concludes with a light refreshment of Malay cakes. In the evening, join us for an exclusive Welcome Dinner at award winning Bijan Restaurant for a modern Malay fair. If the night is still young, we will wind down with a few delicious cocktails at the SkyBar and enjoy the spectacular view of Kuala Lumpur skyline. Day 3: IN KUALA LUMPUR (B/L/D) Ready, steady, cook! After breakfast, a hand on affair, learn to cook rustic local Malay dishes at Bayan Indah Culinary Retreat nestled in a tranquil rainforest. It will be a private cooking class hosted by cookbook author and founder of the culinary retreat Rohani Jelani. Under her guidance, you will be introduced to well-loved traditional dishes such as nasi kerabu, ayam percik and kerabu jantung

pisang. At the end of the class, you will get to sit down and enjoy your own creations. Afternoon is free. Day 4: IN KUALA LUMPUR / MELAKA (B/L/D) In the morning, after breakfast, we will set off on a private coach and head south to the historical city of Melaka. Upon arrival, we will have a leisurely stroll along Jonker Street where you can pick up a few souvenirs from the art and craft stores and antique shops. Lunch will be at a local restaurant tasting the Hainan Chicken Rice which is what this city is famous for. Afterwards, our tour guide will take you on an orientation tour and visit the Portuguese quarter before checking into the 4 star Holiday Inn Hotel. In the evening, you will be spoiled with a specially-arranged dinner at Amy Nyonya Heritage Cuisine Restaurant. Enjoy the rich and unique traditional taste of Malaysian Nyonya cuisines which originated from this old city. Day 5: IN MELAKA / KUALA LUMPUR / PENANG (B/L/D) In the morning, after breakfast, Billy & Jackie M will lead you on a wet market tour and show you the rare ingredients used in Nyonya cooking. Followed by a hands-on cooking demonstration conducted by Jackie and you will learn how to cook a few of her favorite

Nyonya dishes then followed by lunch. After lunch, we bid Melaka farewell and head back to Kuala Lumpur Airport to catch a flight to Penang. Upon arrival, we will check into luxury modern contemporary G Hotel. It will be time for a much needed rest to recharge and ready for an action-packed food tour the next day.

share a few of his favorite Malaysian dishes and show you how you can replicate the same flavors with readily available ingredients back at home. We will then sit back for a well-deserved lunch in the midst of tranquil surroundings. In the afternoon, winding down at the pool, sipping cocktails, relaxing at the pristine beach or having a stroll at the night market to grab some bargains! Then Day 6: IN PENANG (B/L/D) devour all the hawker food to your heart’s After breakfast, you will visit a local bazaar, content at Gurney Drive hawker center. observe the making of ‘poh piah’ (spring roll skin), walk through the colorful and bustling Day 8: IN PENANG (B/L/D) enclave of Little India and see the different After breakfast, you will go for a Private Hill variety of spices available on sale, have a and Temple Tour – A fascinating tour to the ‘teh tarik’ at a local coffee shop, a quick hop central part of Penang. Explore the Kek Lok to Chew Jetty to visit the oldest housing on Si Temple, with its pagoda of 10,000 Budwater in Penang. A delicious lunch will be dha’s, tortoise pond and image of the Goddevoured at the infamous Nasi Kandar stall dess of Mercy. For lunch, have a bowl of Ashidden in Lane Clear. Tour continues to the sam Laksa which is made famous in Penang. west coast of the island where you can have Ascend Penang Hill by the updated funicular a close-up view of clove and nutmeg trees. railway and enjoy a panoramic view of For dinner, we will head to Bali Hai seafood Georgetown from the summit. We will celerestaurant to try some of the best seafood brate with a Farewell Dinner at a special lothis little island has to offer. cation (It’s a secret!), so frock up for the special occasion! Day 7: IN PENANG (B/L/D) After breakfast, hands-on cooking class with Day 9: IN PENANG (B) your host, Billy Law at the lush Tropical Spice After breakfast, transfer from your hotel to Garden. You will embark on an interesting Penang Airport by private shuttle bus. The tour to learn about various spices and their afternoon will be free and we will meet 2 functional and medicinal uses. Then step in- hours before the departure to take our flight side TSP cooking school where Billy will back home.

Practical

group round trip — price/per person —9 days/8 nights— min. 4 participants

Tour price excludes • International airport departure tax • Meals and beverages other than specified • Insurance, passport and visa fees • Personal expenditure .

Chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s suggestion A 9 day culinary round trip with a Belgian chef Piet Huysentruyt won a Michelin Guide star with his restaurant in Wortegem-Petegen, a Belgian city. He made his own Tv show, called SOS Piet and wrote two bestsellers. Day 1: ARRIVAL IN KUALA LUMPUR From Brussels, you will arrive in Kuala Lumpur airport. Then, you will be transfered to the Prince Hotel Residence. The day and evening will be free and you will have dinner in your hotel, which is included in the price. Day 2: IN KUALA LUMPUR (B/L/D) After breakfast, you will go for the Heritage Walking Tour â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Follow our experienced local guide, who will lead you off the beaten track to discover this city from a different perspective. Then take a rest and enjoy a scrumptious Nyonyainfluenced lunch at Old China cafe. The tour continues with an exclusive tour of the National Mosque. You will be required to put on a robe and explore this sacred ground with exclusive access to behindthe-scene areas. The guided tour concludes with a light refreshment of Malay cakes. In the evening, join us for an exclusive Welcome Dinner at award winning Bijan Restaurant for a modern Malay fair.

If the night is still young, we will wind down with a few delicious cocktails at the SkyBar and enjoy the spectacular view of Kuala Lumpur skyline. Day 3: IN KUALA LUMPUR (B/L/D) Ready, steady, cook! After breakfast, a hand on affair, learn to cook rustic local Malay dishes at Bayan Indah Culinary Retreat nestled. It will be a private cooking class hosted by Rohani Jelani. Under her guidance, you will be introduced to wellloved traditional dishes such as nasi kerabu, ayam percik and kerabu jantung pisang. At the end of the class, you will get to sit down and enjoy your own creations. Afternoon will be at your own leisure. Time for some shopping at Golden Triangle, and check out the hawker food at Jalan Alor. Day 4: KUALA LUMPUR/MELAKA (B/L/D) In the morning, after breakfast, we will set off on a private coach and head south to the historical city of Melaka. Upon arrival, we will have a leisurely stroll along Jonker Street. Lunch will be at a local restaurant tasting the Hainan Chicken Rice. Afterwards, our tour guide will take you on an orientation tour and visit the Portuguese quarter before checking into the 4 star Holiday Inn Hotel. In the evening, you will be spoiled with a specially-arranged dinner at Amy Nyonya Heritage Cuisine

Restaurant. Enjoy the rich and unique tradi- Day 7: IN PENANG (B/L/D) tional taste of Malaysian Nyonya cuisines. After breakfast, hands-on cooking class with your Belgian chef at the lush Tropical Spice Day 5: IN MELAKA / KUALA LUMPUR / Garden. Then step inside TSP cooking school PENANG (B/L/D) where Billy will share a few of his favorite In the morning, after breakfast, Piet Huysen- Malaysian dishes. We will then sit back for a truyt will lead you on a wet market tour and well-deserved lunch in the midst of tranquil show you the rare ingredients used in surroundings. Free afternoon! Then devour Nyonya cooking. Followed by a hands-on all the hawker food to your heart’s content cooking demonstration conducted by Jackie at Gurney Drive hawker center. and you will learn how to cook a few of her favorite Nyonya dishes then followed by Day 8: IN PENANG (B/L/D) lunch. After lunch, we bid Melaka farewell After breakfast, you will go for a Private Hill and head back to Kuala Lumpur Airport to and Temple Tour – A fascinating tour to the catch a flight to Penang. Upon arrival, we central part of Penang. Explore the Kek Lok will check into luxury modern contemporary Si Temple, with its pagoda of 10,000 BudG Hotel. dha’s, tortoise pond and image of the Goddess of Mercy. For lunch, have a bowl of AsDay 6: IN PENANG (B/L/D) sam Laksa. Ascend Penang Hill by the upAfter breakfast, you will visit a local bazaar, dated funicular railway and enjoy a panoobserve the making of ‘poh piah’, walk ramic view of Georgetown from the summit. through the colorful and bustling enclave of We will celebrate with a Farewell Dinner at a Little India and see the different variety of special location (It’s a secret!), so frock up spices available on sale. A delicious lunch for the special occasion! will be devoured at the infamous Nasi Kandar stall hidden in Lane Clear. Tour contin- Day 9: IN PENANG (B) ues to the west coast of the island where After breakfast, transfer from your hotel to you can have a close-up view of clove and Penang Airport by private shuttle bus. The nutmeg trees. For dinner, we will head to afternoon will be free and we will meet 2 Bali Hai seafood restaurant to try some of hours before the departure to take our flight the best seafood. back home.

Practical

group round trip — price/per person —9 days/8 nights— min. 4 participants Tour price includes • Escorted by Masterchef’s Billy Law as your host throughout the whole tour • 8 nights in luxurious premium hotels • Meals as stated in the itinerary (B: Breakfast ; L: Lunch ; D: Dinner) Tour price excludes • domestic economy class airfare from Kuala Lumpur to • International airport departure tax Penang (one way only) • Meals and beverages other than specified • Private coach transfers with English speaking guide / driver • Insurance, passport and visa fees • • Entrance fees for sightseeing included in the itinerary • Personal expenditure . • Professional services of a Travel Managers representative • Travel Managers comprehensive travel wallet

Hotels

Kuala Lumpur Prince Hotel & Residence *****

Accommodation: Prince Hotel & Residence Kuala Lumpur offers spacious Deluxe rooms with all the luxury services and amenities you could require, so that you can comfortably enjoy the city in style. Location: This luxury hotel is located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur just minutes from the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s corporate hub and walking distance to Bukit Bintang, a district for shopping, dining and entertainment. Meals: In the Prince Hotel & Residence, you will find a lot of restaurants. For example, the Tai Zi Heen with Cantonese cuisine. Also a Japanese restaurant, the Enju, where you will be able to taste sushis. For international meals, you can go for to Eccucino Facilities: In this hotel, you will be able to relax in our SPA or to do sport in our fitness cen-

Kuala Lumpur Traders Hotel ***** tre. You will also enjoy visiting our beautiful Tropical Garden. Accommodation: Deluxe Rooms offer comfort coupled with contemporary design and a full array of amenities that will make your stay peaceful. Location: in the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC). It offers direct access to Suria KLCC and the famous Petronas Twin Towers, all of which are surrounded by restaurants, clubs, and cafes. Meals: At Gobo Upstairs Lounge & Grill, a well-designed dinner in a cosy, stylish atmosphere. Or go for the rooftop SkyBar. Facilities: fully equipped 24-hour gym, a rooftop pool, sauna and steam bath, jogging trail around KLCC Park

Melaka Holiday Inn Hotel **** Accommodation: Make yourself at home in your spacious Guest room at Holiday Inn Melaka. Rooms overlook Melaka City or the Straits.

Location: Holiday Inn Melaka is located in the center of the city. It is within walking distance from the local attractions such as Jonker Street, Clock Tower and the Christ Church. Enjoy free shuttles to these sites or take a stroll in the local experience. Meals: In this hotel, you will be able to eat international favourites and local inspired cuisines. If you prefer staying in the European food then there is also the Sirocco Italian Restaurant, a relaxed dining where you will taste the best wood fired pizza in town. Facilities: For your pleasure, you will find a wonderful Tea Tree SPA to relax or you will also

Penang G-Hotel **** be able to use our fitness centre from 6 a.m until 10 p.m. Accommodation: 312 rooms, coastal view in spacious and rooms. Location: G Hotel Penang is an ultra-chic contemporary design hotel located in Gurney Drive. It is strategically located next to an upscale shopping mall and renowned hawker eateries nearby. Famed for its prominent location on the bustling Gurney Drive, G Hotel is a perfect point of departure for discovering Penang wonders like tourist attractions, UNESCO heritage sites and beaches which are all only minutes away. Meals: In this hotel, you will eat at the enchanting G CafĂŠ with outdoor seating, serves up gourmet and familiar food, or you will simply chill out with a cocktail. Facilities: At your arrival, you will get our special Ice Cream Welcome. You will also swim to your heartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s content in the infinity pool or unwind in style in the Jacuzzi. Our swimming amenities are open to staying guest from 8 a.m until 9 p.m.

There are few better ways to understand a new place than by tasting â&#x20AC;&#x201C;and cookingâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; its food