Easy to Moderate - suitable for anyone with an average level of fitness and mobility. Be aware that periods of walking and hill-climbing are involved.

Anyone taking this exciting journey will experience sights and sounds that are sure to be etched in your memory for a long time. Not only will you be able to see three of the leading countries in South East Asia, but also compare their fascinating scenery, cultures and rich historical pasts. Thailand begins with the Grand Palace and the canals of Bangkok, followed by the famous Bridge over The River Kwai and then on to Chiang Mai, the jewel of the north, for trekking among the hillside villages. Here we also meet the tribes people, try bamboo rafting and stay in traditional Thai minority family homes.

On to Laos, where you will find some of the friendliest people in the world, who welcome visitors with a smile. The highlight of any visit is a trip along the Mekong, and we have chartered a private boat so that you can fully enjoy its scenery and people. We also visit Luang Prabang and Vientiane, the capital.

In Vietnam we take you to the lakes of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, and to the beautiful limestone islets that have made Halong Bay a World Heritage site. Hue, with its great cultural heritage is followed by picturesque Hoi An, a stopover in Nha Trang with its miles of white sandy beaches, and then time in Dalat in the Central Highlands. The tour ends in Ho Chi Minh City - formerly Saigon - a dynamic and energetic centre, and includes a tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels.

Floating Markets, Drive Kanchanaburi - The Bridge Over the River Kwai. We start today with a trip round the Floating Markets. It is best to get there first thing so breakfast is early. On the way, we stop at a coconut sugar maker and a teak woodcarving factory. Shopping on water is a novel experience. Our long tail boat will take us through a network of canals, which is crowded with small paddleboats crammed to overflowing with exotic fruits and vegetables, such as coconuts and pomelos, and arts and crafts. Local housewives paddle through the throng of boats, stopping to bargain for their shopping. Here’s a chance for you to make some purchases in traditional Thai style.

Then we set off for Kanchanaburi and a visit to the world famous Bridge over the River Kwai. Kanchanaburi is a provincial capital city set in a lush landscape framed with limestone hills set on the banks of this river, which is so rich in 20th century history. During the Second World War Kanchanaburi was the site of a massive prison camp, run by the Japanese. Allied prisoners were forced to build a railway over the River Kwai and into Burma. The story is told in one of cinema’s great classics.

We will visit the JEATH Museum, which is housed in bamboo huts like the ones where the prisoners lived. The museum holds unique documents, pictures and other material telling the story of the prisoner’s lives. From the museum we go to the War Cemetery where there are nearly seven thousand Prisoner of War graves - the last resting place of troops who died building the bridge and the railway.

After our tour, the remainder of the day is free. You may like to explore Kanchanaburi further, or just relax at the hotel.  Breakfast

Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai is the capital of Northern Thailand and we arrive here in the early morning. We will take the local taxi transport, a songthaew, to our Guest House for our first night’s stay. In recent years Chiang Mai has grown, although with a population of 200,000 it is still a comfortable size and you will find that people here are relaxed and easy going.

In the afternoon we take a road trip up the mountains to the Doi Suthep temple, a pilgrimage sight in Northern Thailand. From here you will see spectacular views down the mountain to Chiang Mai. In the evening you are free to wander around the famous night markets where there are also plenty of food options.

Elephant Ride/Trekking To Muser (Lahu) Village.  After breakfast, we set out on elephant back, riding for about 1 hour from the village through the jungle to the Elephant Camp (Approx 5 km / 1.5 hours).

We have a picnic lunch and then trek for about 2 hours / 2 km to the Muser Village where we will spend the night. There are some 60,000 Lahu in Thailand. They started to arrive at the beginning of the 20th Century, and there are several different clans distinguished by their dress. Although many Muser have now adopted Christianity, their own belief is in a Supreme being, and many spirits remain strong. The Muser long for the blessings of this life and the next, for things that are good and pleasant, and, in accordance with the message of an old legend, men are particularly caring of their partners.

Tonight we stay in a traditional Lahu house. Facilities will again be basic, but clean, and bedding will be provided. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included today.

Chiang Khong.  This morning we are free to explore more of the city of Chiang Mai or to take part in an optional cooking class (at own expense).

In the afternoon we travel to Mae Rim. Here there is the option to visit the Tiger Kingdom or take a walk around the village nearby.

We then drive to Chiang Khong, a small town on the Thailand/Laos border. Our base for the night is a guesthouse in this riverside town. Breakfast

Cruising To Luang Prabang via Pak Ou Caves.  After breakfast on the terrace we take to our boat again for the second leg of the Mekong cruise. Our first stop on the way is at a village of the Hmong. These people are hill tribe people of northern Laos who run a barter economy. They grow corn and rice and raise pigs, water buffalo and cattle. We have lunch on our boat and travel on through the breathtaking scenery provided by the Annamite chain of mountains. The river valley is majestic with towering limestone cliffs and caves. Fishing villages are dotted alongside the river.

We stop at the famous Pak Ou caves, known as the caves of one thousand Buddhas. There are two caves in the limestone cliff, both full of images of the Buddha in all sizes and of all sorts. Entry to the lower cave is by a flight of steps and there is enough daylight for you to view the images. You need a flashlight to take a good look at the higher cave.

Finally we set off down river again to arrive at Luang Prabang, a World Heritage Site, just as the sunsets. We check into our hotel and then go out to eat. French influence is very strong here and you will find that reflected in the delicious food.  Breakfast/Lunch

Luang Prabang to Vientiane.  After a free morning in Luang Prabang we take an afternoon flight to the capital city of Vientiane. Breakfast.

Hanoi.  After breakfast we will leave for the airport in order to board our flight to Hanoi. The flight takes approximately 2 hours.

We will be met on arrival in Vietnam and we will take the hour-long drive to our hotel, which is based in the centre of Hanoi a few minutes walk from the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake. That evening your local Vietnamese tour leader will talk to you about your forthcoming two weeks in Vietnam.

Please Note: This is tour is made up of 2 shorter tours. You may be joining up with new passengers in Hanoi today for the tour briefing, and remainder of the tour through to Ho Chi Minh City.

Depending on the flight arrival time from Laos, the remainder of the afternoon is yours to explore this beautiful, friendly city. In the morning, if you are an early riser, do not miss the opportunity to take a walk around the lake first thing and you will witness Vietnamese people of all ages carrying out their regular exercise routines. Tai Chi, badminton, power walking or jogging are some of the activities on show. If you have the energy why not join in.

After breakfast on Day 15, we explore the city of Hanoi on our included city tour. First on the agenda is Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, where Uncle Ho is laid out in state, surrounded by immaculately dressed soldiers. Next we will visit the Presidential Palace where Ho refused to live, choosing instead a small stilt house beside a lake. Close by, the next stop is the One Pillar Pagoda. A drive around the beautiful West Lake takes us to the venerable Temple of Literature. The Army Museum is a must for all visitors. Not only does it cover a crucial period of Vietnamese history but also it is also comparatively well laid out and provides a large amount of English explanation. If you have the energy after that, an optional visit could be taken to the Ho Chi Minh Museum and the National Fine Arts Museum or why not stroll around Hanoi and admire the beautiful French architecture.

In the evening we include a Water Puppet Show. This ancient art form dates back over 1000 years, but was virtually unknown outside of northern Vietnam until the 1960’s. It originated with rice farmers who carved the puppets from water resistant fig tree timber, modelling the puppets on the villagers themselves, animals and mythical creatures.   2 Breakfasts.

Halong Bay & The Reunification Express.  After an early breakfast we continue our cruise to visit Man‘s Head Island, Tortoise Island, Bai Tu Long Bay, Toad Island and Bai Tho Mountain. Upon our return to Halong city we have lunch on board, and then board our transport back to Hanoi in the afternoon.

In the evening, we will transfer to the train station, and board the Reunification Express to Hue and our bed for the night is a 4-bed sleeper carriage.  Please note that depending on the group size, you may be sharing a cabin on the train with other members of the group or with other travellers. Breakfast and lunch included.

Hoi An.  We leave by road after breakfast and drive via the scenic Hai Van Pass also known as the “Pass of the Ocean Clouds”. Spectacular scenery awaits you. We stop at the small fishing village of Lang Co and then continue on past Marble Mountain, Southern Vietnam’s most southerly limestone crops.

We arrive in the picturesque UNESCO town of Hoi An by late afternoon. Its ancient core is a rich architectural fusion of Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and European dating back to the 18th Century. Hoi An is a firm favourite with travellers and most find it difficult to tear themselves away.

The following day is free for you to explore Hoi An at your leisure. A walking tour of the town could include visits to the Chinese Assembly Halls, The Japanese Covered Bridge, the Merchants Houses or the local market. Hoi An is full of tailor shops, so if you get in quick you can have your clothes made here. It truly is an intimate town with superb cultural as well as shopping opportunities including taking a Vietnamese cookery class and making your own dinner! There is also the option to take a trip to the atmospheric Cham ruins of My Son. 

2 breakfasts

Dalat. Today we have an early start for the drive to Dalat, in the Central Highlands area of Vietnam. En route, we will stop off to visit the Cham Towers. Dalat enjoys cooler mountain air , and is in a region dotted with waterfalls, forests, gardens and lakes. On arrival we will have a city tour, which will include visits to Emperor Bao Dai's Summer Palace, a flower garden and Thien Vien Truc Lam Monastery.

The following day is free for you to explore Dalat at your leisure, with options for a one day hill tribe trek, cycling, or just exploring the town.

2 breakfasts

Ho Chi Minh City. After breakfast we drive to the Cu Chi tunnels. On the way we may stop at a rice cake house, where we watch the women at work and if you want you can have a go at making one but it’s not as easy as it looks. On arrival at the tunnels your guide will fill you in on the background as to how these tunnels came about. You then head into the bush where the guide will point out the lethal booby traps that the Vietnamese invented to capture American soldiers. Then into the tunnels. We drop to our hands and knees and squeeze underground for an insight into life as a tunnel dwelling resistance fighter. As we negotiate a very short stretch of the system, keep in mind that people lived here for months on end.

After well-earned refreshments, we take a tour of the city. This will take in the American Embassy, Notre Dame Cathedral, The Old Saigon Post Office, the Presidential Palace and the War Remnants Museum, which although a moving experience, should be high on your list of places to visit. 

The next day is free for you to explore Saigon further at your leisure, or maybe do some last minute shopping in the many shops and markets.

We can also organise an optional day trip to the Mekong Delta for those that are interested. This is a fertile area covered with rice fields and winding tributaries. The Delta is a colourful display of rural life, with its lush vegetation, floating markets and smiling people. Upon arrival in My Tho, we board a wooden boat for a river cruise, through winding canals to a get a closer view of daily river life. We stop at one of the many orchards to sample exotic fruits. The tour will return to Ho Chi Minh City late afternoon.

In the evening we can venture out into this lively city for our last group meal together. Ho Chi Minh is famous for it’s Karaoke bars so we could head into one of these if you fancy some singing! 

Breakfast.

Hoang Hai Long Hotel

62-64 Pham Hong Thai

Ben Thanh Ward

District 1

Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam

Tel: +848 3828 2888

The Pre-Departure meeting is held at 8.30am THE DAY of the scheduled departure date. This will be followed by the Bangkok city tour. The pre-departure meeting is held to discuss the tour itinerary in more detail, meet your guide and fellow passengers.

In each departure city we have named a joining hotel from where the tour will leave. It is your responsibility to make your way to this hotel. 

PLEASE ADVISE KUMUKA OR YOUR AGENT IF YOU WILL BE ARRIVING LATE AND ARE THEREFORE UNABLE TO ATTEND THE PRE-DEPARTURE MEETING.

In addition the guide will check that all passengers have the necessary travel documents, insurance and immunization certificates for the tour. It is IMPORTANT that you attend this meeting. Please advise KUMUKA or your AGENT if you CANNOT attend this meeting.

All passengers MUST bring:
1. Passport.
2. Vaccination Certificate.
3. Travel Voucher.
4. Travel Insurance Policy.

In most of the hotels in Asia you may be required to deposit your passport at Reception. This is a perfectly normal practice and nothing to be concerned about. Just make sure that you retrieve it when you check out of the hotel.

Your passport is a valuable document and you should exercise extreme care in keeping it safe. We recommend that you keep your passport on you at all times, preferably in a money belt that is worn under your clothing. We advise that you take copies of relevant pages in your passport and any visas that you may purchase in case of loss or damage. Your tour leader will require your passport details at the pre-departure meeting. Again, we recommend that you have a photocopy of all passport details, kept separate. Your passport must be valid for six months after the END of your tour, and must have one blank page for each country to be visited.

Thailand, Laos and Vietnam: As of 2012 all International Airport departure taxes are included in the cost of your ticket.

Please note that these taxes are subject to change.

• Do not take unnecessary valuables with you.
• A money belt, or something similar, worn close to your body is the best way to carry passports, airline tickets and money.
• DO NOT leave any valuables in ANY hotel room in Asia, please use SAFETY DEPOSIT BOXES. Items are left at the individuals’ risk.
• Pickpockets operate everywhere, particularly in tourist areas and in crowded markets; you must always exercise care.
• Be aware that anything left lying around will also be liable to theft.

Tipping is not expected in South East Asia, but any gratuities for good service will be gratefully accepted. Bargaining is the rule in markets, when hiring vehicles and sometimes even when taking a room, but in most countries you won't need to be as forceful as you would in Thailand or Vietnam.NOTE: In order to ensure that you receive the best service from our local guides and operators we use throughout the tour, we operate a Tip Kitty. For this we request an amount of: US$60 - US$70.  This will be broken down approximately as follows: US$30 for Thailand and Laos, US$30 to US$40 for Vietnam, and will be collected at the start of each sector by the Local Guide/Tour Leader.

The tip kitty is monitored during the tour and detailed in a tip kitty report form for the tour leader to record all tipping expenses for the tour - and they will ask a passenger to sign as reference.

NOTE: The suggested tip above does not go to your tour leader / guide - it is entirely up to your discretion if you are satisfied with his / her performance however, our suggestion for a tip for your tour leader / guide is from US$1.5 to US$3 per person per day.

We suggest that you take into account the time of year you will be travelling, and pack accordingly to the season. Quick drying clothes are recommended, and at many hotels there are laundry facilities. Your tour leader will advise where laundry facilities are available.

Personal Effects:
Camera & film, Spare passport photos, Water bottle, Money belt, Torch, Sewing kit, Sunhat/ Sunglasses, Music cassettes /CDs, Books, Wet Ones, Soap to wash clothes, Writing materials, Swiss Army knife, Calculator, Personal toiletries, including tampons, Contraceptives, Insect Repellent, Sunscreen.

NOTE: If you wear glasses, it is advisable to bring a spare pair since opticians are uncommon. If you wear contact lenses you may find that climatic changes and dust can create visual irritation, therefore, it is advisable to bring a pair of glasses.

Please use your discretion and be sensitive to cultural differences in the countries that you visit, in particular visits to religious buildings and when taking photographs. Your Tour Leader will advise you of any specific customs to observe. Dress discretely, especially if you are visiting religious sites. For women this means skirts or long pants with T-shirt. For men, this means long shorts or trousers with a T-shirt. Always take your shoes off when entering temples or any religious site.

Care should be taken to respect the conventions of Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus and other religious and ethnic groups, particularly in respect of clothing and footwear.

The Vietnamese Lunar New Year

The most important and widely celebrated public holiday of the year is Tet, the Lunar New Year, which coincides with the cycle of the moon. This public holiday usually takes place in late January or early February and lasts officially for three days, although many businesses are closed the entire week.

There is no more colourful time to be in Vietnam than during the days leading up to Tet Nguyen Dan, the most important festival of the year for Vietnam's Kinh ethnic majority. Since the first day of lunar year is thought to set the tone for the next 12 months, everyone strives to plan the perfect Tet. In Hanoi, the narrow lanes of the Old Quarter buzz with activity. Everyone is in a rush to get a haircut, buy new clothes, spruce up their homes, visit friends, settle outstanding debts, and stock up on traditional Tet delicacies.

Businesses hang festive red banners which read "Chuc mung nam moi"(Happy New Year) and city streets are festooned with coloured light. Stalls spring up all over town to sell nothing but cone -shaped kumquat bushes. Others sell flowering peach trees, symbols of life and good fortune which people bring in to their homes to celebrate the coming of spring. As vendors pour into the city with peach trees strapped to their bicycles, the streets look like moving pink forests.

In the south, people bring yellow mai (apricot) branches into their homes and place a coconut, a papaya, a mango and a custard apple on the family altar. Spoken in the southern dialect, the names of these fruit form a prayer for success and fulfillment.

Three crucial meetings are said to take place on Tet. The first meeting is between three family deities: Tien su, the deity responsible for introducing the family to its traditional career; Tho Cong, who oversees the land where the family lives; and Tao Quan, the Kitchen God, who cares for the family's food. The second meeting takes place between the dead and the living. People place offerings of food and drinks on their ancestral altars, light incense, and invite their ancestors to join the family's Tet celebrations. The third meeting involves the immediate family. On New Year's Eve, family members gather for a dinner of traditional food like banh chung (a square cake made of sticky rice stuffed with beans and pork), mang (a soup of boiled bamboo shoots and fried pork) and xoi gac (orange sticky rice). This is followed by a visit to the local pagoda and perhaps an outing to see the town's fireworks.

Please note that for tours which coincide with the Tet festival, many shops may be closed. and it may be necessary to amend the itinerary at short notice. We will, however, endeavour to try to ensure that all included sights are still visited.

Thai cuisine is pungent and spicy, seasoned with heaps of garlic and chillies and a characteristic mix of lime juice, lemon grass and fresh coriander. Galangal root, basil, ground peanuts, tamarind juice, ginger and coconut milk are other common additions. Fish sauce or shrimp paste are mainstays of Thai dishes, and of course rice is eaten with most meals. Main dishes include hot and sour fish ragout, green and red curries, various soups and noodle dishes. Thai food is served with a variety of condiments and dipping sauces. Snacks and appetisers include fried peanuts, chicken, chopped ginger, peppers and slices of lime. There is an incredible variety of fruit available, either fresh or juiced. Sugar cane juice and, for something stronger, rice whisky are favourite local tipples

.Food is one of the highlights of any trip.

As in many South East Asian countries, rice is the staple food diet. This usually served with dried, salted fish, chicken, beef or pork. Fish is often fresh from Tonle Sap Lake and is eaten with a spicy peanut sauce called Tuk trey. Popular dishes include a noodle dish called Khao Phonne; sam chruk, a roll of sticky rice stuffed with soya bean and copped pork; and amok, boneless fish cooked in coconut and spices. In more upmarket restaurants you can find dishes like barbecued shrimps and other seafood, roasted sunflower seeds, and duck eggs. If you are really adventurous may also like to try some more exotic delicacies like chong roet-crunchy cicadas!

Vegetarians or those with special dietary needs can also be catered for however in some countries the type of food may be limited. Please let the Reservations team know your special requirements as soon as possible so we can do all possible to assist your needs.

The variety of food will differ, as you will be visiting a number of different countries. We try to ensure that you get the most experience from your Kumuka trip and one of the ways to do this is by trying local cuisine.

We have put a lot of thought and effort into locating the most appropriate type of accommodation for each tour. It will always be clean, comfortable and of a very high standard. All accommodation is in comfortable tourist class accommodation. Depending on the tour, this ranges from overnight sleeper train or cruise boat through to delightful lodges and excellent hotels (generally 3 star or above).

If you wish to spend a few additional days in your start city before the departure of your tour, then we can arrange accommodation for you. If you would like to book accommodation to stay additional nights after the tour ends, we will be more than happy to arrange this for you as well. All our accommodation is carefully chosen, conveniently located, clean and comfortable.

In most of the hotels in Asia you may be required to deposit your passport at Reception. This is a perfectly normal practice and nothing to be concerned about. Just make sure that you retrieve it when you check out of the hotel.

Kumuka endeavors to advertise a compliment of optional activities available locally during tours with selected ground handlers to make your tour more enjoyable. These ground handlers and activity partners are selected for their standards in quality, professional ability and reputation. Whereas, Kumuka has developed a travel insurance policy to cover all activities offered during your journey, Kumuka can not be held responsible for injuries or claims arising from adventurous activities by third party.

Below is a list of optional excursions available at your expense on your Asia tour. Please note that these are intended as a guide only and prices and availability cannot be guaranteed.

Your tour leader will be able to organise any optional excursions on your behalf.  The list below is by no means comprehensive. There will be many other optional activities available.  All activities are undertaken at passenger’s own risk.

All costs are in US$ and are per person:

Thailand:

1. Cabaret Show (Bangkok) - Ticket US$25 per person

2. Thai Classical Dancing Show (Bangkok) - US$20 per person

3. Thai Professional Boxing (Bangkok) - US$50-70 per person

Vietnam:

1. Cooking Class - Hoi An - US$15 per person

2. My Son - Hoi An - Price depends on number of people

3. Easy Riders Motorbike Tour - Dalat - US$25 per person

4. Mekong Delta - Saigon - Price depends on numbers

Whilst on tour you will probably want to stay in touch with family and friends. There are several ways of doing this:

Mobile Phone – Before departing your home country check with your phone supplier to see if it compatible with the mobile phone networks in the countries that you are traveling to, and how much will it cost to use abroad.

Email – Internet Cafes are very cheap and popular, and you are sure to come across several during your tour. If you haven’t done so already, set up a free Google Mail, Hotmail, or Yahoo email account which you can then access from any computer. Internet Cafes will charge a nominal fee for using their computers. Within Europe some hotels charge a wifi connection fee and we cannot guarantee a wifi connection at all hotels we use.

Twitter – A method of communication that is rapidly gaining in popularity on the Internet especially amongst travelers. Twitter allows you to send short messages and update your friends and family with where you are on tour and what you are doing. Create your free account at http://twitter.com. Visit Kumuka’s page on Twitter at http://twitter.com/kumuka

Facebook – Very popular website that allows you to upload stories, get in touch with fellow travellers before and after your Kumuka tour, upload photos and videos to share with other travellers, your family and friends. To create a free account, go to www.facebook.com and then become a fan of Kumuka’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Kumuka-Worldwide/26617121087?ref=ts

Postcards – The good ol’ fashioned postcard. But you will probably get home before the postcard does!

KUMUKA WORLDWIDE

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