Asia Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, & China 2011\12
Legendary for a reason\
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What’s inside! 02\03 04\05 06\07 08\09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Meet Contiki Experience Asia It’s your Asia Meet the team, where you stay & how you travel Food in Asia Contiki Loves... Includes more Explore more Compare Contiki Savings & Deals Contiki online Vietnam Highlights
“ Discover the real Asia on our small group adventures.”
10 days from £629 18\19
GREAT WALL OF CHINA
Vietnam Experience
BEIJING
12 days from £755 20\21
Asian Adventure
CHINA
XI’AN
14 days from £1039 22\23
Big Indochina Adventure
SHANGHAI
25 days from £1999 24 25
China
Introducing Thai Islands NEW Thai Island Hopper (West)
GUILIN
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HONG KONG
YANGSHUO
9 days from £539
Thai Island Hopper (East) 9 days from £455
27 28\29
Introducing China NEW China Adventure 12 days from £1549
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Got a question? Booking conditions How to book
Life changing experiences from £51 per day. NOTE: Prices above do not include compulsory local payments. For local payments please see individual tour pages.
VIETNAM Vietnam
HANOI
LUANG PRABANG
Burma
PAKBENG
HALONG BAY
Laos LAOS
CHIANG RAI
VANG VIENG CHIANG MAI
VIENTIANE HUE DA NANG
THAILAND Thailand
HOI AN SIEM REAP
BANGKOK
CAMBODIA Cambodia
PHNOM PENH KOH TAO KOH PHA NGAN KOH SAMUI
PHUKET ANDAMAN SEA
KRABI KOH PHI PHI
Malaysia
NHA TRANG
HO CHI MINH CITY
MEKONG DELTA
SOUTH CHINA SEA
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Meet\ Contiki Asia\ For us, travelling is all about discovering amazing places with a bunch of like-minded people & having a great time doing it. Our aim? To make your trip a life changing adventure. A trip where you discover awe-inspiring places & make life-long friends. A trip filled with mind-blowing experiences & unforgettable memories. A trip packed full of authentic local culture, cool places & great people. A trip that really will change your view on the world. We’re the original travel company for 18-35s - we’ve been travelling the world with people like you since ‘62. While other companies have come & gone over the years, the legendary Contiki experience lives on - we’re all travellers who are as passionate about seeing the world as you are. We want to make the world a better place by bringing people together from around the globe. We’re also committed to sustainable tourism, whether it’s supporting local communities in the places we visit, protecting the world’s oceans or the paper that this brochure is printed on. See p.11 for more.
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new tours China &
Thai islands
Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a first timer, with a group or going solo (about half our travellers are) one thing’s for certain - our know-how means you will experience more with less hassle. We include heaps of extras from amazing accommodation & authentic local food, to sights, fantastic optional activities & great tour guides. We’ll fast track you to all the best bits of Asia - all you need to do to share the good times is get in touch with us or your travel agent.
There’s a whole wide world to explore. Come see it with us. Meet us & other Contiki travellers online: contiki.com/community facebook.com/contiki twitter.com/contikiuk youtube.com/contiki flickr.com/contikiholidays
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You only know when you go...
Rich History\ Diverse Culture\ Amazing Food\ Great People\ Cool Nightlife\ Experience Asia\
We travel for the moments. Some moments are awe inspiring - they make your jaw drop, your eyes widen and your heart beat faster. Like the first time you see Angkor Wat at sunrise, or seeing the locals selling local produce down the mighty Mekong. Others are a little more low-key, like learning your first sayings from the locals in Thailand, or gazing down the endless Great Wall of China. It’s the diversity that makes Asia special - the rich local cultures, the amazing variations of food. It’s about widening your perspective and experiencing new cultures that have a profound impact on your life. And ok, maybe it’s a little bit about the bragging rights back home as well... See contiki.com/asia
Learn to cook like the locals in Thailand\ see Angkor Wat at sunrise\watch the sun set over Halong Bay\swim in the clear waters on Nha Trang\float down the mighty Mekong\take a bike ride through the Vietnamese countryside\visit the night markets in Bangkok\experience a Full Moon Party on Koh Pha Ngan\check out the Hong Kong skyline\walk along the Great Wall of China\& many more…
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Go Contiki\
Contiki & UNESCO’s World Heritage sites Most Contiki Asia tours visit World Heritage sites, so look for the World Heritage symbol on the tour pages or find out more at: contiki.com/worldheritagelist
It’s your Asia\
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It’s Asia’s diversity that makes it so amazing & Contiki is no different. Because we’ve been on the road since ’62 we have perfected the art of travel for 18-35s.
Asia your way\ No matter what kind of Asian holiday or experience you’re after, there’s a Contiki adventure with your name on it. With 7 great tours across 5 countries to choose from there’s always going to be one to suit.
It’s all about you\ From our Tour Managers to our customer service teams, everyone at Contiki has one single focus - to make your Contiki trip the experience of a lifetime. We’re all passionate travellers who live & breathe travel, so we know how to bring it to life for you. We like it local, so we buddy up with English-speaking Local Guides. These professional Guides complement our Tour Managers perfectly with their in-depth knowledge of specific destinations, often their home. Meaning you’ll discover even more.
Do more for less\ Whether it’s getting a look at Vietnam’s war-time past, visiting the Forbidden City in Beijing or exclusive activities like a private boat cruise down the Mekong travelling with Contiki in Asia means you are guaranteed to get more included in your trip. Asia is an amazing place, with so many different cultures, experiences & places to see, so we make sure you get to see more of the best bits at no extra cost. We also save you time & money - time because we take the hassle out of getting around Asia (like including flights so you get to where you need to get, faster) & money because our experience means we can get preferential deals. You will be hard pressed to do all that we do for less - take a look at p.14 to see what we include & check our great deals on p.15.
More free time\ We all travel for different reasons, so even with all that we plan we still make sure there’s plenty of “you time”. Whether you use it to explore for yourself or just to relax, you get free time every day. If you are looking for some inspirational things to do, we’ve a range of Optional Activities to help you get the most out of your trip. See p.13 for more info.
The real Asia\ Wherever you travel, you want to get the local experience. It may be buying goods off the locals on a floating boat down the Mekong, giving alm offerings to Monks, or having a blast with the locals after dark on Koh Phi Phi - we help you get under the skin of the countries we visit in Asia. Our team spend most of their lives travelling in Asia so we are perfectly placed to give you access to real, local experiences.
Amazing places to stay\ On our Asia trips you’ll have some great places to stay, it’s what makes travelling with us so different - with Contiki it’s almost all hotel accommodation. They’re comfy & more importantly they’re right where the actions at, so there’s more time to spend exploring the places you visit. We’ve mixed it up with some truly unique spectacular Special Stays too, like a night on a traditional Junk boat in Halong Bay (left) & guest houses in Pakbeng & the Mekong Delta so you can go deep & experience the local way of life. See p.8 for more.
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What makes travelling with Contiki different?\
10 ways to get around
You’ll experience lots of different ways to travel in Asia - we give you over 10 different ways to get around. To reduce time in-between places we often fly, so there’s more time in the places that count, plus overnight trains, rickshaws, tuk-tuks & more. We always use private air-con minibuses too - which means we can get you to more remote places, quickly & easily. More on p.9.
Quality accommodation
Our hotels are always comfortable & often have great facilities like pools & WiFi. They’re also central - so you’ll have more time exploring & less time getting around. Rooms are for 2, so there’s plenty of space & if you’re a couple, you’ll never share with anyone else. If you’re travelling solo, we can match you with a room-mate for no extra cost. Or, if you’re after a little more privacy, you can book a ‘room to myself option’ for just a little extra. More on p.8.
Authentic experiences
We include some special stays like locally owned & run guest houses in Pakbeng & the Mekong Delta. There’s also a fantastic overnight experience onboard a traditional Chinese junk boat on Halong Bay. More on p. 9.
It’s Asia’s diversity, culture & people that make it exceptional & Contiki is no different.
The perfect group size
We average around 25 people per group on our Asia trips, meaning it’s small enough for a more intimate, ‘real’ Asian experience, but perfect for meeting loads of other like-minded travellers.
Make a difference
Wherever we can, Contiki supports community projects in the areas we visit. Like visiting an orphanage or eating at restaurants that train homeless kids in hospitality – it’s all about helping out & making sure that we give back in the places that we visit. More on p.11.
Meet the team\ The Contiki Difference\ What’s better than going on an awesome adventure through Asia? Having someone on hand to guarantee you have a good time, that’s what. Our team’s sole purpose is to make your trip the time of your life. With our expert Tour Managers & Local Guides, there’s always a reliable friend at hand to show you the sights, cool local places & make everything easy. Your dedicated Tour Manager is like an on-road guide book. They’re not just passionate travellers, they’re professionals who really know their stuff. As well as making your trip smooth & hassle free, we have the local knowledge to get you off the regular tourist trails & inside the real Asia. They’ve done the hard yards, are packed full of knowledge & they’re ready to share it all with you. They take care of all the details so everything runs smoothly. You can sit back & relax knowing that strange road signs, narrow streets & finding the hotel is never your problem. We take it up a level & give you that all-essential local aspect on our Asia tours, our Tour Managers partner up with local Englishspeaking guides. Our professional Local Guides complement our Tour Managers perfectly with their in-depth knowledge of specific places within a destination, often their home. Meaning you’ll discover even more. We lead, the others follow. Meet Richie & Cam, two of our expert Tour Managers on our Asia trips.
Sleep easy\
Our hotels are big on comfort, top locations & excellent facilities. You also get to experience the real Asia with some extra special places to stay. We use almost entirely hotel accommodation. They’re all comfy, have great facilities like en-suite bathrooms & TV’s, air-con & sometimes WiFi. They’re the perfect place for you to relax & chill. Great comfort & top locations
Our well-located hotels mean you’re always close to where the actions at. Like in Bangkok we’re two minutes from buzzing Koh San Road, in Nha Trang, we’re just across the road from the beach & in Hoi An it’s five minutes walk to the Old Town. It means you can get a great nights sleep & because you’re right by the action, there’s more time to explore.
Special places to stay
On our tours, we mix it up. As well as all our fantastic hotel accommodation we include a taste of some real Asian overnight experiences, like locally owned & run guest houses in Pakbeng & the Mekong Delta. You can really get a feel for the local way of life as you experience how the locals live. We also get you out on the water with a fantastic overnight experience onboard a traditional Chinese junk boat in Halong Bay.
Going solo?
We don’t charge single supplements for solo travellers either. We’ll match you up with a same-sex room-mate, or if you want, you can always opt for the privacy of your own room for a little extra on our Asia trips – it’s up to you.
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Getting around\
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With Contiki you’ll experience a diverse range of ways to get around - giving you a taste of how it’s really done in Asia. From included flights, 4-wheels, to 2-wheels, to no wheels (with paddles & outboard motors instead), there are up to 10 different types of transport when you travel with us. In Asia, we average around 25 people per group, so it’s a great size to get amongst it all. Internal flights, overnight trains, private minibuses, rickshaws, tuk-tuks, songtaews, long tail boats, bicycles, sampans (wooden canoes) & a traditional Chinese junk boat are some of the ways you’ll travel. All these are chosen to make sure you get to places quickly & hassle free in the most authentic way. 04
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Locally Guided tour at the Grand Palace, Bangkok Rickshaw ride. Bamboo boats. Sampan, Mekong Delta. Tuk, tuks!
Travelling in Asia is more than just a way to get around, it’s a social event. You’re never short of mates to hang out with – check out the views, listen to music or just chill. We’re always stopping at great spots, many of which you’d miss if you travelled any other way. What’s even better is that it’s easy. We get you where you need to be, drop you right at your door & unload your bags so you can hit the ground running. And what’s even better is that much of our included transport is private. From minibuses, to Mekong boats – you won’t be squashed in with a bunch of other travellers. You’ll have the space to really relax, enjoy the travel time & take it all in.
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ravel is all about exploring & there’s no better place to try loads of different food than in Asia. On all our Asia tours you’ll get breakfast every day & some lunches & evening meals, but we don’t include every meal for a reason. We keep meal times flexible to give you more independence & a chance to go local & try all kinds of delicacies. Asia has some of the best food in the world & our Tour Managers & Local Guides are fantastic for helping you uncover some great, authentic restaurants & amazing street food in the region or cities you visit – at bargain prices. In Asia, we like to give back to the local communities that we visit, so we eat at some unique local places too, like restaurants that train & educate disadvantaged youth & the less fortunate. We’ve included some extra special meals at local restaurants in the tour price, so you’ll really get a taste for the places you visit. Think Goi Cuon & washing it all down with a Bia Hoi beer in Vietnam, Amok in Cambodia & dim sum in Xi’an to name a few. On many of our Explore More optional nights out you’ll also get a chance to live like a local – feasting on delicious Chinese specialities like Peking Duck or hot & spicy beef. You could even take a cooking class in Hoi An or Yangshuo & indulge in the results! They’re just a few authentic local options to enjoy. No matter what your tastes (or even your dietary requirement - just tell your Tour Manager at the start of your tour), you’ll love what we have to serve up.
Fresh ‘Goi Cuon’ spring rolls in Vietnam. Amok - a Cambodian Khmer special curry. Bia Hoi locally brewed beer in Hanoi... It’s all about new flavours & treating your taste buds
Taste Asia
Contiki Loves
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Oceans\ Oceans cover 71% of the Earth’s surface. The oceans of the world form the largest habitat on earth, supporting the greatest variety of life.
At Contiki we love the ocean, whether we are relaxing on a cruise, hopping from one beautiful island to another or simply taking a dip. We know just how important the oceans are & through our projects around the world – from the Mesoamerican Reef, the world’s second largest reef, to the Mediterranean Sea or the beachfronts in Thailand – we are working hard to protect them.
Our Foundation. We’re founding partners of the non-profit The Travel Corporation Conservation Foundation. Our Foundation has committed over US$2 million to help underprivileged communities & support sustainable tourism around the world. It’s part of its commitment to preserving our planet for generations to come (so far, the Foundation has helped protect 3 million hectares of forest in Brazil, supported the World Wildlife Fund’s work with indigenous sustainable tourism in Australia, plus much more). What’s more, we’re committed to continuing with this support for sustainable tourism for years to come. We’re the primary sponsors of The Tourism for Tomorrow Awards – encouraging tourism operators to develop & share sustainable tourism practices around the world. For the full story & more detail about the projects we’ve done & our plans for the future visit contiki.com/responsibletravel Taking care of the environment doesn’t need to stop when you travel – you can help look out for the planet wherever you are. Stuff like re-using your drink bottle, using less packaging, recycling or simply turning off your TV are all really simple ways we can all help to lessen our environmental impact. For some tips & hints about what you can do visit contiki.com/responsibletravel
Contiki’s all about bringing you closer to local cultures & environments & giving back to the communities we visit. We’re proud to support community projects & NGO’s who are as dedicated to conserving Asia’s natural & cultural heritage as we are. We encourage our travellers to give a little bit back to the special places & people you’ll encounter for now & future generations. Some of the things you’ll do in Asia with Contiki: • Dine in restaurants that have been created to help get youth off the streets, into a job & equipping them with both work & life skills. • In Laos, we visit the COPE Centre (Co-operative Orthotic & Prosthetic Enterprise), an organization supporting victims of exploded objects, such as landmines, they offer their support & rehabilitation to those who need artificial limbs or support devices. • We have the opportunity to visit an orphanage in Cambodia run by an NGO mission & the local community.
Learn more at: www.thetravelcorporation.com/ foundation
• We also employ Local Guides who will not only open your eyes to their cultures & ways of life, they’re also earning a much needed income too. Want to do more? There are more ways you can help, so ask your Tour Manager for how.
Recycling. This brochure you’re holding in your hot little hands is not only filled with awesome trips & cool stuff to do, it’s also good for the planet. At Contiki we’re committed to using 100% recycled paper for our brochure pages, 95% of which is post consumer waste (that’s litter to you & me). In simple terms, between Contiki & our Travel Corporation sister companies we’re saving over 70,609 trees* a year. Using recycled paper means we’re using less trees, sending less waste to landfills & consuming 20% less energy refining the fiber to make the paper. The paper is multi-forest certified – with the seal of approval from the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) & a Blue Angel Certification too. Plus, the paper making process used to produce our paper is chlorine free, meaning less dioxins are released into our waterways. On top of all this a super efficient filtration process means the paper mill returns the water back to the environment cleaner than when it came in. For more ways that we’re helping to look after our planet visit contiki.com/responsibletravel * Calculations provided by the Environmental Defense Fund
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Only Contiki... Includes more\ You’ve saved hard & are ready to see Asia. So to guarantee you get the most out of your trip, we’ve packed in lots of inclusions. They’re the things you can’t wait to see like The Ancient City Walls in Xi’an, Angkor Wat in Phnom Penh & the Royal Palace in Bangkok. Travelling is about seeing, touching & tasting the places you visit. It’s about getting the most out of your holiday (& your money), getting up close to Asia’s must-see sights & having a great time along the way. Wherever you are, we’ll line up trips to monuments, cycling tours & some entry fees. But it’s not just about ‘ticking the box’ when you travel with us. Only Contiki includes a bunch of exclusive experiences & cool Special Stays so look out for them beside the map on the tour pages. And there’s even more value with Contiki—there’s no extra cost if you’re travelling solo & if you want a little privacy then you always have the option of your own room, for a little extra. The variety, flavours, sights & smells of food on offer is one of the highlights of any Asia trip. We include more special meals & still give you plenty of time to seek out & discover the best local cuisine for yourself. ENJOY LOADS OF INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS WITH CONTIKI
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Explore More\ Do more with your free time\ Holidays shouldn’t be about following a rigid schedule. On our tours, the only things fixed are your destinations. Want to go exploring? Want to chill out at the beach, relax & take it easy? It’s up to you. Free time means time to do free stuff too, like shop, try a local restaurant, have a foot massage on the beach, people watch or simply sit back in the sun & soak up some rays. All our trips are planned to ensure you have loads of free time so you can choose to do what you want. It’s about flexibility - while giving you a load of awesome optional stuff to do too. As well as all our included highlights & essential sightseeing – we’ve hand picked heaps of exciting Explore More optionals, negotiated great prices & we’ll organise it all for you, so you can get even more out of your free time. Take a speedboat ride to Cham Island for some swimming & snorkelling, take a boat ride to ‘The Beach’ in Koh Phi Phi, visit a Thai hill tribe, see an acrobatic show in Shanghai or take a cooking class in Yangshuo, to name a few.
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01 Chinese acrobat show 02 Boat cruise & swimming off Nha Trang 03 Relax on Cham Island NB. It’s important that you check your insurance includes your participation in adventure activities & be aware that some of our optionals can be physically demanding & therefore involve some risk.
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boat cruise off nha trang\swim in the blue waters of kuang si waterfall\speedboat cruise & swimming near hoi an\authentic thai cooking experience\KOTO restaurant dinner in hanoi\impressions liu sanjie show\ cooking class in hoi an\and many more…
To find Explore More choices, look for the orange panel on the bottom of every tour page.
For a full list of optional activities for each tour go to: contiki.com/exploremore
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Great value\ When you travel Asia with Contiki you see more, experience more & get more for your money. You can’t do all we do for cheaper.
Extraordinary service
Knows Asia better We live & breathe Asia. We’ve been showing young people the world longer than anyone else. No one knows Asia like us & our experience means you get the most amazing, authentic & life changing experiences for 18-35s.
An experienced Tour Manager to show you all the sights, get you where you need to be & manage all the details (not you!) plus our expert Drivers to get you around. We include expert English-speaking Local Guides too – for that essential local aspect
Includes More
More diversity
More sights, more activities, more free time, more definite departures & more amazing accommodation plus a host of exclusive experiences that you only get with Contiki. The bottom line? Go Contiki – you’ll get more than going any other way.
Our diverse range of trips means we have a tour with your name on it. Whether you’re looking for a long trip or shorter get-away, if you’re a first timer or a seasoned traveller, going solo or with a group, you will find your perfect trip with Contiki.
Exceptional eats Breakfast every day, plus lots of lunches & extra special authentic dinners.
Amazing accommodation Hotel accommodation in central, comfy & well located hotels with air-con, swimming pools & sometimes Wifi & other little extra’s you’ll love. We include some extra special overnights too, so you can really experience the local lifestyle.
Includes more Loads of essential sightseeing & extra cool Only Contiki inclusions too – stuff that’s just for Contiki travellers.
Legendary for a reason. Great ways to get around We include domestic flights, so you see more & get more time in the places that count. Plus, when you’re on land it’s mostly private transport, just for Contiki. Plus loads of other ways to travel like trains, traditional Junk boats, long tail boats, tuk-tuks (plus more).
Local taxes & service charges ...so you don’t have to worry.
The experience of a lifetime What does all this add up to? The most amazing travel experience, tailored specifically for you.
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Pay Early\
Save More
Save up to £199* on your tour if you book & pay 12 months before you leave, or save up to £99* on your tour if you book & pay six months before you leave. See the tour page to find out your pay early discount.
Book 2 Contiki tours (of 10 days or more) at the same time. Save £60 on your total booking. You can pick any Contiki tour as your second (or third !) – continue your holiday in Asia or consider Europe, North America, New Zealand or Australia.
Book with Mates\
Save More
4 OR MORE Everyone saves 5% 7 OR MORE Everyone saves 7.5% 10 OR MORE Everyone saves 10% or invite an 11th person for free!
The facts: All these discounts apply to the land tour price (ie: not flights to and from Asia at the start or end of your tour). You can combine group discounts, multi tour discounts & early payment discounts on tours of 8 days or longer.
Mix it up & see more While you’re in this part of the world, take time to see even more of Asia with Contiki - many of our tours & dates easily link with our other Asia trips. Heading to China? Our new China tour easily links with our Big Indochina, Asian Adventure & Vietnam tours. Fly Hong Kong to Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh & experience even more. Or, after our Asian Adventure, why not chill out on island time & fly to Koh Samui or Phuket to take one of our 2 great-value Thai Island hoppers? Speak to Contiki to see what tours easily link up, or visit your travel agent for more.
New Thai Island urs & China24to 9 -2 see pages
Savings &
2 or More\
Save More
Deals\
* Pay Early Savings of £199 & £99 based on Big Indochina Adventure.
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So much more at contiki.com Whatever you are looking for, your search starts at contiki.com Looking for the trip of a lifetime? Get more detail on our Asia tours & destinations, or use our great trip finder and search tools to find the holiday of your dreams. Our tour pages have in-depth itinerary information, interactive maps for a more detailed view of the tour route & list all the definite departures (we are constantly adding more dates every week). Not sure where to start or what tour to choose? Get inspiration from the Tour Genius on the Contiki homepage. Already booked with Contiki? Use our website to find out all the essential travel info, check-in online, as well as to link up with your trip mates in the Contiki Community. You can also check-in online, and find out what special perks you get when you join our loyalty program.
Get connected Get advice, meet your trip mates, or become a fan! Join the Contiki Community online & connect with your tour mates before you jet off. Or meet & chat with our super-knowledgeable Contiki crew & past travellers for lots of handy travelling tips. Get answers to the big questions (like backpack or suitcase & how much money to take) & the small ones too (like finding the best night market in Bangkok). Jump in to the conversation, start your own or have a read of what others have posted. You’ll also find tons of great advice & articles in Contikipedia too. If you’re on Facebook or Twitter, remember to follow us for the latest fun & offers. Join in at contiki.com/community Or follow us at: facebook.com/contiki twitter.com/contikiuk youtube.com/contiki flickr flickr.com/contikiholidays
Online check-in Booked your tour? Check in online before you go - it’ll take you less than 5 minutes & you can skip the paperwork when you start your tour. Plus, you’ll also have access to your essential tour info on your Contiki profile. To find out more go to
Get involved now at contiki.com
contiki.com/checkin
17 Asia
Vietnam Highlights
Vietnam Highlights 10 Days What’s included
10 Days From £629pp Plus local payment of US$135
Speed boat cruise to Cham Island
When to go and how much Code: VIHI 2011/2012
contiki.com/vietnam-highlights Itinerary and Included Sightseeing
3 VIETNAM
HANOI 2
Halong Bay
Burma 1 Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City Formerly known as Saigon, cosmopolitan Laos LAOS Ho Chi Minh is action packed. Tonight meet your Tour Manager & fellow travellers at the hotel before visiting Ben Thanh markets. Hotel. 1 HUE Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang Take a tour of the city hotspots before Da Nang catching a flight to the beach paradise Thailand 2 THAILAND of Nha Trang. Hotel (B) HOI AN • View the Notre Dame Cathedral, General Post Office & Presidential Palace NHA TRANG 2 Cambodia CAMBODIA • Visit to the War Remnants Museum Day 3: Nha Trang Sink into the laid-back beach lifestyle with SOUTH CHINA SEA HO CHI MINH CITY 1 a free day. Do your own thing or take off to the gorgeous offshore islands on an optional cruise! Hotel (B) Day 4: Nha Trang to Hoi An Fly to Danang & travel down to Hoi An. Enjoy a guided city tour through the Old Day 7: Hue to Hanoi Quarter then some free time, or opt for a Take a cyclo tour before our flight to Hanoi. Full of French flair, Chinese culture cooking class tonight! Hotel (B) • Visit the city’s Old Quarter & Japanese & Vietnamese vitality – it’s an open-air museum. Hotel (B) covered bridge • Malaysia Cyclo ride Day 5: Hoi An Day 8: Hanoi to Halong Bay Maybe head to the untouched Cham Today it’s on to Halong Bay for our overnight Island on a speed boat cruise or use the Junk Boat cruise. Junk boat (B,L,D) day to explore the city. Hotel (B) • Visit the Sung Sot Caves Day 6: Hoi An to Hue Enjoy stunning views while driving over the • Boat cruise of grotto island “Pass of the Ocean Clouds” to Hue. Visit • Visit a traditional fishing village the famous city sights & enjoy a cruise Day 9: Halong Bay to Hanoi before dinner at a family-run restaurant. Wake to fantastic views from the junk Hotel (B,D) before we return to Hanoi. Hotel (B,L) • Cross the Hai Van Pass • See the Temple of Literature • Perfume River cruise Day 10: Depart Hanoi • Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda & the Tu Your tour ends after breakfast, so it’s time to say farwell to your group. (B) Duc Mausoleum
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Explore More Optionals
Start Ho Chi
Finish Hanoi
£ pp
2011 Jan 3 Jan 5 Jan 10 Jan 15 Jan 17 Jan 24 Jan 26 Jan 31 Feb 7 Feb 15 Feb 21 Mar 7 Mar 14 Mar 21 Apr 4 Apr 11 Apr 18 May 2 May 9 May 16 May 30 Jun 6 Jun 13 Jun 27 Jul 4 Jul 11 Jul 25 Aug 1 Aug 8 Aug 22
Jan 12 Jan 14 Jan 19 Jan 24 Jan 26 Feb 2 Feb 4 Feb 9 Feb 16 Feb 24 Mar 2 Mar 16 Mar 23 Mar 30 Apr 13 Apr 20 Apr 27 May 11 May 18 May 25 Jun 8 Jun 15 Jun 22 Jul 6 Jul 13 Jul 20 Aug 3 Aug 10 Aug 17 Aug 31
629 629 629 629 629 629 629 629 629 629 629 629 629 629 629 629 629 629 629 629 629 629 629 629 629 629 629 629 629 629
• 9 nights accommodation: 8 nights in 3 star hotels 1 overnight cruise (more on p.8) • 13 meals: 9 breakfasts (B) 2 lunches (L) 2 dinners (D) • An experienced & professional Tour Manager & English speaking local guides • Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations • Local taxes & service charges • 3 internal flights • Transport & included sightseeing 3 • Number of World Heritage sites visited
Start Ho Chi
Finish Hanoi
£ pp
2011 Aug 29 Sep 5 Sep 12 Sep 19 Sep 26 Oct 31 Nov 7 Nov 14 Nov 21 Nov 28 Dec 5 Dec 12 Dec 19 Dec 26
Sep 7 Sep 14 Sep 21 Sep 28 Oct 5 Nov 9 Nov 16 Nov 23 Nov 30 Dec 7 Dec 14 Dec 21 Dec 28 Jan 4
629 629 629 629 629 629 659 659 659 659 659 659 659 659
Only Contiki
2012 Jan 2 Jan 9 Jan 16 Jan 23 Jan 30 Feb 6 Feb 13 Feb 20 Feb 27 Mar 5 Mar 12 Mar 19 Mar 26
Jan 11 Jan 18 Jan 25 Feb 1 Feb 8 Feb 15 Feb 22 Feb 29 Mar 7 Mar 14 Mar 21 Mar 28 Apr 4
659 659 659 659 659 659 659 659 659 659 659 659 659
• Chinese Junk Boat in Halong Bay
\ Includes
• Guided bike ride through the Vietnamese countryside • Cyclo ride to Hue’s ancient Citadel • Traditional Vietnamese meal at a local family-run restaurant • All private coach transport
\ Unique Special Stays
Plus
Save More Money If you pay 12 months in advance you save £65. Or pay 6 months in advance & save up to £29. See p.15 for details.
rices above are based on twin-share. P If travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. • A single room supplement is available for £199 (only applicable in hotels). • A local payment of US$135 is collected in cash on the first day of your tour. A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Tour starts at 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. For travel insurance or visa information see p.30.
• Nah Trang Relaxing island cruise with swim stops & snorkelling • Hoi An Authentic Vietnamese cooking class • Cham Island speedboat cruise with swimming, snorkelling & lunch
Phuoc Kien Pagoda, Hoi An
• H ue Group photo at Hue’s Imperial Citadel • Hanoi Dinner at KOTO restaurant where former disadvantaged youth are trained in hospitality
visit contiki.com/vietnam-highlights-explore-more for all the optional acitivites you can do
Vietnam Experience 12 Days From £755pp Plus local payment of US$160
\ Includes
3
GO Only Contiki
• Guided bike ride through the Vietnamese countryside • Cyclo ride to Hue’s ancient Citadel • All private coach transport • Visit the Cu Chi tunnels • Expert Local Guide
VIETNAM
HANOI 2
Burma
HALONG BAY
1 Laos
LAOS
\ Unique Special Stays
Plus
1 HUE
• Guest house in the Mekong Delta • Chinese Junk Boat in Halong Bay
DA NANG
Thailand
2 HOI AN
THAILAND
\ Regional Dinners
Plus
• Traditional Vietnamese meal at a local family-run restaurant
Cambodia CAMBODIA
2 NHA TRANG
2 HO CHI MINH CITY
MEKONG DELTA 1
contiki.com/vietnam-experience
\
Explore More Optionals
• Places Visited 2 1 or more nightstops
SOUTH CHINA SEA
• Hue Group photo at Hue’s Imperial Citadel • Nah Trang Relaxing island cruise with swim stops & snorkelling • Hoi An Authentic & tasty Vietnamese cooking class • Speedboat cruise to Cham Island with swimming, snorkelling & a Malaysia beachside lunch
visit contiki.com/vietnam-experience-explore-more for all the optional acitivites you can do
Itinerary and Included Sightseeing Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City Formerly known as Saigon, cosmopolitan Ho Chi Minh is packed with pagodas, roadside shops, high-rises & reminders of the Vietnam war. Tonight meet your Tour Manager & fellow travellers at the hotel. Tantalise the tastebuds as you hit the thriving Ben Thanh markets – you can pick up anything from tasty local foods to Vietnam’s iconic conical hats. Hotel. Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta It’s a 2 day journey into the Mekong Delta. We’ll try out sampans (local boats), take in local industries & see floating markets & fish farms – giving a glimpse of everyday waterway life. Tonight, see a musical performance before dinner at our local guest house. Guest house (B,L,D) • Mekong Delta cruise • See local demonstrations • Visit a local tea garden Day 3: Mekong Delta to Ho Chi Minh City We head back to Ho Chi Minh City via the Viet Cong’s legendary tunnels in Cu Chi. See traps, hidden doors & some of the 250kms of tunnels that Vietnamese resistance fighters dug by hand – you can even go down into the skinny tunnels & experience them first-hand! Hotel (B) • Visit to the Cu Chi tunnels Day 4: Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang View the Notre Dame Cathedral, General Post Office & the Presidential (or Reunification) Palace on our city tour. We also visit the War Remnants Museum for some history on the Vietnam War. Explore the city before catching a flight to Nha Trang, famous for its golden beaches & idyllic turquoise waters. Hotel (B) • View the Notre Dame Cathedral, General Post Office & Presidential Palace • Visit to the War Remnants Museum Day 5: Nha Trang Sink into the laid-back beach lifestyle with a free day to enjoy the sun & sea. Do your own thing or take off to the gorgeous offshore islands on our optional cruise with swim stops, snorkelling & banquet lunch. Afterwards perhaps indulge in a mineral mud bath & hot springs experience before getting a taste of Nha Trang by night! Hotel (B) Day 6: Nha Trang to Hoi An Fly to Danang & travel down to Hoi An. We take a guided walking tour through the Old Quarter, before some free time. Explore this city, known for it’s colourful
Vietnamese cooking class
cloths & made to order tailors, then taste why Vietnamese food has such a good reputation with an optional cooking class. Hotel (B) • Visit the city’s Old Quarter & Japanese covered bridge Day 7: Hoi An Maybe head to the untouched Cham Island on a speed boat cruise. With snorkelling, secluded beaches & delicious local food prepared at a beach-side restaurant, this is a great way to spend the day. Otherwise there’s galleries, antique shops in the old town or take a walk along the historic waterfront to the local markets. Hotel (B) Day 8: Hoi An to Hue There are stunning coastal views while driving over the “Pass of the Ocean Clouds” to the former Royal City of Hue. Visit the colourful imperial Tu Duc tomb with its intricately decorated pavilions & the 7-storied Thien Mu Pagoda before we board a dragon boat & drift down the Perfume River before dinner at a family-run restaurant. Hotel (B,D) • Cross the Hai Van Pass • Perfume River cruise • Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda & the Tu Duc Mausoleum Day 9: Hue to Hanoi Start the morning with a cyclo tour before our flight to Hanoi. Full of French flair, Chinese culture & Vietnamese vitality – it’s an open-air museum. Walk the wide Parisian-style boulevards & take in the shuttered mansions, or relax with bia hoi (draught beer) & people-watch. Hotel (B) • Cyclo ride Day 10: Hanoi to Halong Bay Today we board a traditional junk boat on Halong Bay for our overnight cruise. See amazing views as we pass hidden coves, sheer cliffs & stunning beaches. We check out the Sung Sot Caves & stop for a swim in an idyllic lagoon before docking for sunset. Junk boat (B,L,D) • Visit the Sung Sot Caves • Boat cruise of grotto island • Visit a traditional fishing village Day 11: Halong Bay to Hanoi Wake to more fantastic views from the junk before we return to Hanoi. Later you could try Hanoi’s world-famous water puppet performance before our optional farewell dinner at KOTO restaurant, where former disadvantaged youth are trained in hospitality skills. Hotel (B,L) • See the Temple of Literature Day 12: Depart Hanoi Your tour ends after breakfast, so it’s time to say farwell to your group. (B)
19 Asia
Vietnam Experience 12 Days What’s included Flag Tower, Hue
Sweet making demonstration, Mekong Delta
When to go and how much
• 11 nights accommodation: 9 nights in 3 star hotels 1 night in a guest house 1 overnight cruise (more on p.8) • 17 meals: 11 breakfasts (B) 3 lunches (L) 3 dinners (D) • An experienced & professional Tour Manager & English speaking local guides • Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations • Local taxes & service charges • 3 internal flights • Transport & included sightseeing 3 • Number of World Heritage sites visited
Code: VIEP 2011/2012 Start Ho Chi
Finish Hanoi
£ pp
2011 Jan 1 Jan 3 Jan 8 Jan 15 Jan 22 Jan 24 Jan 29 Feb 5 Feb 13 Feb 19 Mar 5 Mar 12 Mar 19 Apr 2 Apr 9 Apr 16 Apr 30 May 7 May 14 May 28 Jun 4 Jun 11 Jun 25 Jul 2 Jul 9 Jul 23 Jul 30 Aug 6 Aug 20 Aug 27
Jan 12 Jan 14 Jan 19 Jan 26 Feb 2 Feb 4 Feb 9 Feb 16 Feb 24 Mar 2 Mar 16 Mar 23 Mar 30 Apr 13 Apr 20 Apr 27 May 11 May 18 May 25 Jun 8 Jun 15 Jun 22 Jul 6 Jul 13 Jul 20 Aug 3 Aug 10 Aug 17 Aug 31 Sep 7
755 755 755 755 755 755 755 755 755 755 755 755 755 755 755 755 755 755 755 755 755 755 755 755 755 755 755 755 755 755
Start Ho Chi
Finish Hanoi
£ pp
2011 Sep 3 Sep 10 Sep 17 Sep 24 Oct 29 Nov 5 Nov 12 Nov 19 Nov 26 Dec 3 Dec 10 Dec 17 Dec 24 Dec 31
Sep 14 Sep 21 Sep 28 Oct 5 Nov 9 Nov 16 Nov 23 Nov 30 Dec 7 Dec 14 Dec 21 Dec 28 Jan 4 Jan 11
755 755 755 755 755 789 789 789 789 789 789 789 789 789
2012 Jan 7 Jan 14 Jan 21 Jan 28 Feb 4 Feb 11 Feb 18 Feb 25 Mar 3 Mar 10 Mar 17 Mar 24 Mar 31
Jan 18 Jan 25 Feb 1 Feb 8 Feb 15 Feb 22 Feb 29 Mar 7 Mar 14 Mar 21 Mar 28 Apr 4 Apr 11
789 789 789 789 789 789 789 789 789 789 789 789 789
Prices above are based on twin-share. If travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. • A single room supplement is available for £235 (only applicable in hotels). • A local payment of US$160 is collected in cash on the first day of your tour. A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Tour starts at 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. For travel insurance or visa information see p.30.
Save More Money If you pay 12 months in advance you save £75. Or pay 6 months in advance & save up to £39. See p.15 for details.
Cu Chi Tiunnels
Asian Adventure 14 Days From £1039pp Plus local payment of US$185
3 Countries visited Thailand, Laos, Cambodia
\ Includes
2 Vietnam Burma
PAKBENG
GO Only Contiki
LAOS
CHIANG RAI 1
2 VANG VIENG
CHIANG MAI 1
VIENTIANE 1
THAILAND
\ Unique Special Stays • Guest house stay in Pakbeng Plus\ Regional Dinners Plus
SIEM REAP
BANGKOK 1
2
\
Explore More Optionals
CAMBODIA
1 PHNOM PENH
• Traditional Laotian meal at a restaurant that trains disadvantaged youth
contiki.com/asian-adventure
2 LUANG PRABANG
1
• Private 2 day boat cruise along the Mekong River • Rainforest elephant ride • Locally guided bike tour of World Heritage listed Luang Prabang • Entry & guided visit of the COPE support & rehab centre • All private coach transport
1
SOUTH CHINA SEA
• Places Visited 1 1 or more nightstops
• Bangkok Group photo at Bangkok’s Grand Palace • Chiang Mai Traditional hands-on Thai cooking class experience
• Chiang Rai Visit to unique Thai hill tribe villages • Luang Prabang Kuang Si Waterfalls trip
visit contiki.com/asian-adventure-explore-more for all the optional acitivites you can do
Malaysia
Itinerary and Included Sightseeing Day 1: Arrive Bangkok Tuk-tuks, streetside BBQs, neon lights & buzzing street life, it’s bustling Bangkok! Arrive at the hotel & meet your Tour Manager & fellow travellers, then hit the city for a night out. Hotel. Day 2: Bangkok to Chiang Mai Visit the incredible Royal Palace & Emerald Buddha Temple. Later, cruise the klongs (canals) & see locals going about their day then dive into the downtown area’s plazas, or shops in Siam Square. Try Chinatown for some Asian delicacies before we board an overnight train to Chiang Mai. Overnight train. (B) • Visit the Royal Palace & Emerald Buddha • Guided klong (canal) tour Day 3: Chiang Mai Head for the hills with our Local Guide; visit Wat Phrathat temple & maybe even receive a Buddhist blessing! Surrounded by a moat & 300 temples, chill out & explore Chiang Mai. You could take an optional Thai cooking class tonight, chill by the pool or visit the famous Night Bazaar. Hotel. (B) Day 4: Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai Today we head towards Chiang Rai. In the afternoon, opt to visit unique hill tribe villages before heading back to Chiang Rai to explore or check out a local night stop. Hotel (B) Day 5: Chiang Rai to Pakbeng After crossing the Thai/Laos border, we board our private boat & cruise the mighty Mekong River. Drift through towering, jungle covered gorges, seeing local life in remote villages along the river banks. We arrive before sunset in Pakbeng for our overnight stay. Guest house (B,L,D) • See local riverside villages Day 6: Pakbeng to Luang Prabang Continue cruising the Mekong before arriving in the historic hotspot Luang Prabang. Take a bike tour around town, visit Wat Xiang Thong monastery & perhaps take a walk up Mt Phu Si before perusing the night markets where local people sell their textiles & handicrafts. Hotel (B,L) • Visit the Pak Ou Caves • Visit Wat Xieng Thong temple Day 7: Luang Prabang If you make an early start, take part in the ritual of offering alms (food) to the hundreds of Buddhist monks. If you feel like cooling off, take a trip to the Kuong Si Falls for a swim or visit the Royal Palace. Hotel (B) • Rainforest elephant ride
Day 8: Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng Today it’s on to riverside & action packed Vang Vieng, known for its dramatic limestone karsts (rock formations) & outdoor adventure activities. Later, check out the buzzing nightlife in this vibrant backpacker town. Hotel (B) • Scenic drive to Vang Vieng Day 9: Vang Vieng Get hold of a map & explore with a free day. Maybe hire a bike – there’s an array of limestone caves, swimming holes, tunnels & bunkers to discover. Tonight, watch the sunset at a riverside bar or an island watering-hole. Hotel (B) Day 10: Vang Vieng to Vientiane Arriving in Vientiane, we’ll take a locally guided city tour of the nation’s French influenced capital. Later, we’ll visit That Luang & view Laos’ ‘Arc de Triomphe’. Hotel (B,D) • Visit Luang Stupa & Patuxi • Visit to COPE exhibition centre • Dinner at Makphet Restaurant Day 11: Vientiane to Phnom Penh Goodbye Laos & hello Cambodia as you travel by plane to the capital city, once known as the “Pearl of Asia”. View first hand the reminders of the country’s dark history with a visit to the Khmer Rouge ‘Killing Fields’ & the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Tonight wrap up the day with some friends at one of the many riverside restaurants or cafes. Hotel (B) • Visit the ‘Killing Fields’ & Genocide Museum Day 12: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap Catch a flight to Siem Reap before taking a private boat cruise to see the unique floating villages found here. Chill out with a visit to the Psar Chas (old market) for handicrafts & exotic fresh produce. Or for a dose of culture, see an Aspara dance performance. Hotel (B) • Tonle Sap Lake cruise Day 13: Siem Reap Wake to watch the sun rise over Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world & hear the legends of the sacred sites of the Khmer Empire from your Local Guide. Later, we visit Angkor Thom by tuk-tuk & Ta Prohm temple, as seen in the movie Tomb Raider. After a long day of sights relax, play some pool, or venture down Pub Street to explore the nightlife. Hotel (B) • Visit Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom & Ta Prohm Day 14: Ends Siem Reap Our tour ends this morning after breakfast so it’s time to say goodbye to your group & Tour Manager. (B)
21 Asia
Asian Adventure 14 Days 3 Countries visited Thailand, Laos, Cambodia
What’s included • 13 nights accommodation: 11 nights in 3 star hotels 1 night in a guest house 1 overnight train (more on p.8) • 17 meals: 13 breakfasts (B) 2 lunches (L) 2 dinners (D) • An experienced & professional Tour Manager & English speaking local guides • Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations • Local taxes & service charges • 2 internal flights • Transport & included sightseeing 2 • Number of World Heritage sites visited
That Luang Stupa, Vientiane
When to go and how much Code: ASAD 2011/2012 Start Bangkok
Finish £ Siem Reap pp
2011 Jan 9 Jan 16 Jan 23 Feb 6 Feb 20 Feb 27 Mar 6 Mar 20 Mar 27 Apr 3 Apr 17 Apr 24 May 1 May 15 May 22 May 29 Jun 12 Jun 19 Jun 26 Jul 10 Jul 17 Jul 24 Aug 7 Aug 14 Aug 21
Jan 22 Jan 29 Feb 5 Feb 19 Mar 5 Mar 12 Mar 19 Apr 2 Apr 9 Apr 16 Apr 30 May 7 May 14 May 28 Jun 4 Jun 11 Jun 25 Jul 2 Jul 9 Jul 23 Jul 30 Aug 6 Aug 20 Aug 27 Sep 3
1039 1039 1039 1039 1039 1039 1039 1039 1039 1039 1039 1039 1039 1039 1039 1039 1039 1039 1039 1039 1039 1039 1039 1039 1039
Start Bangkok
Finish £ Siem Reap pp
2011 Sep 4 Sep 18 Sep 25 Oct 2 Oct 30 Nov 6 Nov 13 Nov 27 Dec 4 Dec 11 Dec 25
Sep 17 Oct 1 Oct 8 Oct 15 Nov 12 Nov 19 Nov 26 Dec 10 Dec 17 Dec 24 Jan 7
1039 1039 1039 1039 1039 1089 1089 1089 1089 1089 1089
2012 Jan 1 Jan 8 Jan 15 Jan 22 Jan 29 Feb 5 Feb 19 Feb 26 Mar 4 Mar 18 Mar 25
Jan 14 Jan 21 Jan 28 Feb 4 Feb 11 Feb 18 Mar 3 Mar 10 Mar 17 Mar 31 Apr 7
1089 1089 1089 1089 1089 1089 1089 1089 1089 1089 1089
Save More Money If you pay 12 months in advance you save £105. Or pay 6 months in advance & save up to £55. See p.15 for details.
Prices above are based on twin-share, (multi-share on train). If travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. • A single room supplement is available for £275 (only applicable in hotels). • A local payment of US$185 is collected in cash on the first day of your tour. A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Tour starts at 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. For travel insurance or visa information see p.30.
Visit a Chiang Rai hill tribe
Night markets in Siem Reap
Big Indochina Adventure 25 Days From £1999pp Plus local payment of US$335
4 Countries visited
5
Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam
\ Includes
GO Only Contiki
\ Unique Special Stays
LUANG PRABANG
Burma
PAKBENG
2 VANG VIENG
CHIANG MAI 1
VIENTIANE 1 1 HUE DA NANG
THAILAND
BANGKOK 1
• Guest house in the Mekong Delta • Guest house stay in Pakbeng • Chinese Junk Boat in Halong Bay
\
Explore More Optionals
1
LAOS
CHIANG RAI 1
Plus
contiki.com/indochina-adventure
HALONG BAY
2
1
11
• Private 2 day boat cruise along the Mekong River • Rainforest elephant ride • Locally guided bike tour of World Heritage listed Luang Prabang • Entry & guided visit of the COPE support & rehab centre • Traditional Laotian meal at a restaurant that trains disadvantaged youth • Guided bike ride through the Vietnamese countryside • All private coach transport • Expert Local Guide
VIETNAM 2 HANOI
2 HOI AN
SIEM REAP
CAMBODIA
2
2 NHA TRANG
1
PHNOM PENH MEKONG DELTA 1
• Places Visited 1 1 or more nightstops
• Bangkok Group photo at Bangkok’s Grand Palace • Chiang Mai Traditional hands-on Thai cooking class experience • Chiang Rai Visit to unique Thai hill tribe villages • Luang Prabang Kuang Si Waterfalls trip
2 HO CHI MINH CITY
SOUTH CHINA SEA
• Nha Trang Relaxing island cruise with swim stops & snorkelling • Hoi An Authentic Vietnamese cooking class • Cham Island speedboat cruise with swimming & a beachside lunch
visit contiki.com/indochina-adventure-explore-more for all the optional acitivites you can doMalaysia
Itinerary and Included Sightseeing Day 1: Arrive Bangkok Tuk-tuks, neon lights & buzzing street life, it’s bustling Bangkok! Arrive at the hotel & meet your Tour Manager & fellow travellers, then hit the city for a night out. Hotel. Day 2: Bangkok to Chiang Mai Take in the sights before we cruise the canals & see locals going about their day before boarding our overnight train. Overnight train. (B) • Visit the Royal Palace & Emerald Buddha • Guided klong (canal) tour Day 3: Chiang Mai Visit Buddhist temples with our local guide, then explore the city or opt for a Thai cooking class tonight. Hotel (B) • Visit Wat Prathat temple Day 4: Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai We head towards Chiang Rai, there’s an option to visit unique hill tribe villages before exploring the city’s famous Night Bazaar. Hotel (B) Day 5: Chiang Rai to Pakbeng After crossing the Thai/Laos border, we board our private boat & cruise the Mekong River, seeing local life along the river. Arrive before sunset in Pakbeng for our overnight stay. Guest house (B,L,D) • See local riverside villages Day 6: Pakbeng to Luang Prabang Continue cruising the Mekong before hitting Luang Prabang. Take a sightseeing bike tour before checking out the night markets. Hotel (B,L) • Visit to the Pak Ou caves • Visit Wat Xieng Thong temple Day 7: Luang Prabang If you make an early start, take part in the ritual of offering alms (food) to the hundreds of Buddhist monks. If you feel like cooling off, take a trip to the Kuang Si Falls for a swim or visit the Royal Palace. Hotel (B) • Rainforest elephant ride Day 8: Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng Today it’s on to Vang Vieng, known for its limestone karsts (rock formations), outdoor adventure activities & buzzing nightlife. Hotel (B) • Scenic drive to Vang Vieng Day 9: Vang Vieng Get hold of a map & explore with a free day. Maybe hire a bike – there’s an array of limestone caves, swimming holes, tunnels & bunkers to discover. Wind down with your friends and catch sunset at a riverside bar or an island watering-hole. Hotel (B) Day 10: Vang Vieng to Vientiane Arriving in Vientiane, we’ll take a locally guided city tour of the nation’s French influenced capital. Later, we’ll visit That Luang & view Laos’ ‘Arc de Triomphe’. Hotel (B,D) • Visit Luang Stupa & Patuxi • Visit to COPE exhibition centre • Dinner at Makphet Restaurant Day 11: Vientiane to Phnom Penh In Phnom Penh we’ll see reminders of the country’s dark history, then later wrap up the day at one of the many riverside restaurants or cafes. Hotel (B) • Visit the ‘Killing Fields’ & Genocide Museum Day 12: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap Catch a flight to Siem Reap before cruising Tonle Sap Lake on our private boat. Tonight, maybe visit the Psar Chas (old market) for handicrafts & exotic fresh produce. Hotel (B) • Tonle Sap Lake cruise
Day 13: Siem Reap Wake to watch the sun rise over Angkor Wat & hear the legends of the sacred sites of the Khmer Empire before we visit Angkor Thom by tuk-tuk! Hotel (B) • Visit Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom & Ta Prohm Day 14: Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City It’s free time before we fly to Ho Chi Minh. Later, hit the thriving Ben Thanh markets & pick up anything from tasty food to Vietnam’s iconic conical hats. Hotel (B) Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta It’s a 2 day journey into the Mekong Delta. We’ll try out sanpans (local boats), take in local fish farms & industries & see floating markets. Guest house (B,L,D) • Mekong Delta cruise • See local industry demonstrations • Visit a local tea garden Day 16: Mekong Delta to Ho Chi Minh City We head back to Ho Chi Minh City via the legendary tunnels in Cu Chi – you can even go down into the tunnels & experience them first-hand! Hotel (B) • Visit to the Cu Chi tunnels Day 17: Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang Take a city tour then visit the War Remnants Museum before we fly to Nha Trang. Hotel (B) • View the Notre Dame Cathedral, General Post Office & the Presidential Palace • Visit the War Remnants Museum Day 18: Nha Trang Today, do your own thing or opt to take off to the gorgeous offshore islands for some swim stops & snorkelling. Hotel (B) Day 19: Nha Trang to Hoi An Fly to Danang & travel down to Hoi An. Take a guided walking tour, see the countryside at sunset by bike, before opting for a cooking class. Hotel (B) • Visit the city’s Old Quarter and Japanese covered bridge Day 20: Hoi An Head to Cham Island on an optional speed boat cruise for some snorkelling, secluded beaches & delicious local food. Otherwise relax or walk along the waterfront to the local markets. Hotel (B) Day 21: Hoi An to Hue See coastal views while driving to Hue. Take in some sights before we board a dragon boat down the Perfume River. Hotel (B,D) • Cross the Hai Van Pass • Perfume River cruise • Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda & Tu Duc Mausoleum Day 22: Hue to Hanoi Start the morning with some sightseeing of Hue. After our flight to Hanoi, walk the wide Parisian-style boulevards & take in the city. Hotel (B) • Visit to the Imperial Citadel • Cyclo ride Day 23: Hanoi to Halong Bay See amazing views from the junk as we pass coves, cliffs & beaches. We stop for a swim before docking for sunset. Junk boat (B,L,D) • Visit the Sung Sot Caves • Visit a traditional fishing village • Boat cruise of Grotto Island Day 24: Halong Bay to Hanoi Wake on the junk before we return to Hanoi & explore the city before our optional farewell dinner. Hotel (B,L) • See the Temple of Literature Day 25: Depart Hanoi Your tour ends after breakfast, so it’s time to say farewell to your group. (B)
23 Asia
Big Indochina Adventure 25 Days 4 Countries visited Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam
What’s included • 24 nights accommodation: 20 nights in 3 star hotels 2 nights in a guest house 1 overnight train 1 overnight cruise (more on p.8) • 34 meals: 24 breakfasts (B) 5 lunches (L) 5 dinners (D) • An experienced & professional Tour Manager & English speaking local guides • Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations • Local taxes & service charges • 6 internal flights • Transport & included sightseeing 5 • Number of World Heritage sites visited
Kuang Si waterfalls, Luang Prabang
Buddhist blessing
When to go and how much Code: BICA 2011/2012 Start Bangkok
Finish Hanoi
£ pp
2011 Jan 9 Jan 16 Jan 23 Feb 6 Feb 20 Feb 27 Mar 6 Mar 20 Mar 27 Apr 3 Apr 17 Apr 24 May 1 May 15 May 22 May 29 Jun 12 Jun 19 Jun 26 Jul 10 Jul 17 Jul 24 Aug 7
Feb 2 Feb 9 Feb 16 Mar 2 Mar 16 Mar 23 Mar 30 Apr 13 Apr 20 Apr 27 May 11 May 18 May 25 Jun 8 Jun 15 Jun 22 Jul 6 Jul 13 Jul 20 Aug 3 Aug 10 Aug 17 Aug 31
1999 1999 1999 1999 1999 1999 1999 1999 1999 1999 1999 1999 1999 1999 1999 1999 1999 1999 1999 1999 1999 1999 1999
Start Bangkok
Finish Hanoi
£ pp
2011 Aug 14 Aug 21 Sep 4 Oct 30 Nov 6 Nov 13 Nov 27 Dec 4 Dec 11 Dec 25
Sep 7 Sep 14 Sep 28 Nov 23 Nov 30 Dec 7 Dec 21 Dec 28 Jan 4 Jan 18
1999 1999 1999 1999 2099 2099 2099 2099 2099 2099
2012 Jan 1 Jan 8 Jan 15 Jan 22 Jan 29 Feb 5 Feb 19 Feb 26 Mar 4 Mar 18 Mar 25
Jan 25 Feb 1 Feb 8 Feb 15 Feb 22 Feb 29 Mar 14 Mar 21 Mar 28 Apr 11 Apr 18
2099 2099 2099 2099 2099 2099 2099 2099 2099 2099 2099
Save More Money If you pay 12 months in advance you save £199. Or pay 6 months in advance & save up to £99. See p.15 for details.
rices above are based on twin-share (multi-share P on train). If travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. • A single room supplement is available for £509 (only applicable in hotels). • A local payment of US$335 is collected in cash on the first day of your tour. A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Tour starts at 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. For travel insurance or visa information see p.30.
Cruise Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia
Thai Islands\ New for 2011\12 With so much to see & experience in Asia we’re now offering great-value tours in the spectacular Thai Islands, where you can island hop both the East & West with us. No matter what time of year you choose to travel, there’s a Thai Island adventure with your name on it. We make sure you get the very best out of these perfect island spots with two awesome itineraries, Thai Island Hopper East & Thai Island Hopper West, covering these unbeatable areas at their ultimate time of year. From April to September island hop the East Coast Islands, & live it up on Koh Samui, Koh Tao & the legendary Full Moon party hotspot, Koh Pha Ngan. From October to March we’ll show you the epic vibes of the Western Islands on Phuket, Koh Phi Phi & Krabi.
YOU CHOOSE Two great trips – Thai Island h op on the West or East
25 Asia
Thai Island Hopper West
HALONG BAY
BANGKOK
Thai Island Hopper West 9 Days
1 2 1 1 What’s included 1
• 8 nights accommodation: 8 nights in 3 star hotels (more on p.8) • 10 meals: 8 breakfasts (B) 2 dinners (D) • An experienced & professional Tour Manager • Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all Thailand other destinations • Local taxes & service charges • Tipping for local staff included • 3 Local Ferries • Transport & included sightseeing
9 Days £539pp THAILAND 2 KRABI
3 PHUKET
ANDAMAN SEA
3 KOH PHI PHI
contiki.com/thai-hopper-west Itinerary and Included Sightseeing Day 1: Arrive Phuket Check-in to your hotel, then head out to explore Phuket, with it’s exotic sights & great food. Spend the afternoon getting settled in before meeting your Tour Manager & fellow travellers. Tonight, grab dinner & explore Patong’s pulsing nightlife. Hotel (D) Days 2-3: Phuket There’s something for everyone on Phuket - chill on the beach, hit the shops, sip cocktails while watching the sun go down. If you feel like taking it up a level, maybe try some of the watersports on offer or opt for a day tour out to the popular “James Bond Island”. Hotel (B)(B) Day 4: Phuket to Koh Phi-Phi Board a ferry & travel to picturesque Phi Phi Island, setting for the movie “The Beach”. You’ll take a tour of the island to get your bearings, ending with an unbeatable panoramic sunset from a hill top. Later take in the atmosphere of Phi Phi by night. Hotel (B) Days 5-6: Koh Phi Phi An incredible island to either explore or relax. Take a day cruise around the islands & beaches of Phi Phi – it’s a perfect chance to see this beautiful area up close. Snorkel & swim in the warm waters of the Andaman Sea or lie on the beach & unwind. Tonight, watch the islands fire twirlers, or kick back on the sand with a drink & relax. Hotel (B)(B) Day 7: Koh Phi Phi to Krabi (Ao Nang) Today we sail to one of the most popular beaches on Krabi – Ao Nang. Set amongst the limestone karsts, Krabi has
\
Explore More Optionals
un-spoilt islands & beaches. Tonight grab a meal at a cool beachside restaurant or party by night in the popular Bar Street. Hotel (B,D) Day 8: Krabi (Ao Nang) Laze about on the beach, take a boat trip to Rai Leh or if you are feeling adventurous, try climbing the 1,237 steps that lead to the top of a mountain at the Tiger Cave Temple. Hotel (B) Day 9: Krabi (Ao Nang) to Phuket Have a late morning or rise early to make the most of your island stay before catching a ferry to Phuket where the tour ends. It is your choice to be transferred to the airport or our starting hotel in Phuket. (B)
When to go and how much Code: CTTIPH 2011/2012 Start Phuket
Finish Phuket
£ pp
Start Phuket
Finish Phuket
£ pp
2011 Oct 1 Oct 15 Oct 29 Nov 12 Nov 26 Dec 10 Dec 24
Oct 9 Oct 23 Nov 6 Nov 20 Dec 4 Dec 18 Jan 1
539 539 539 539 539 539 539
2012 Jan 7 Jan 21 Feb 4 Feb 18 Mar 3 Mar 17 Mar 31
Jan 15 Jan 29 Feb 12 Feb 26 Mar 11 Mar 25 Apr 8
539 539 539 539 539 539 539
Prices above are based on twin-share. If travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. • A single supplement is available for £315 A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Tour starts at 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. For travel insurance or visa information see p.30.
Koh Phi Phi
• Phuket Visit ‘Fantasea’ theme park • Phi Phi Day boat cruise with snorkelling & beach stops
Save More Money If you pay 12 months in advance you save £49. Or pay 6 months in advance & save up to £25. See p.15 for details.
Golden Buddha, Phuket
• A o Nang Day time boat trip to Rai Leh beach • Rainforest Elephant ride
visit contiki.com/thai-hopper-west-explore-more for all the optional acitivites you can do
26 Asia
Thai Island Hopper East
Thai Island Hopper East 9 Days What’s included • 8 nights accommodation: 5 nights in 3 star hotels 3 nights in cabins (more on p.8) • 10 meals: 8 breakfasts (B) 2 dinners (D) • An experienced & professional Tour Manager • Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations THAILAND • Local taxes & service charges • Tipping for local staff included • 3 Local Ferries • Transport & included sightseeing
9 Days £455pp
2 KOH TAO
GULF OF THAILAND
3 KOH PHA NGAN
\ Includes
Only Contiki
3 KOH SAMUI
• Special stay in Koh Pha Ngan
contiki.com/thai-hopper-east When to go and how much Code: CTTIKS 2011
Save More Money If you pay 12 months in advance you save £45. Or pay 6 months in advance & save up to £25. See p.15 for details.
\
Explore More Optionals
Start Koh Samui
Finish Koh Samui
£ pp
Start Koh Samui
Finish Koh Samui
£ pp
2011 Apr 12 † Apr 30 May 11 † May 28 Jun 9 † Jun 25
Apr 20 May 8 May 19 Jun 5 Jun 17 Jul 3
455 455 455 455 455 455
2011 Jul 9 † Jul 23 Aug 7 † Aug 20 Sep 6 † Sep 17
Jul 17 Jul 31 Aug 15 Aug 28 Sep 14 Sep 25
455 455 455 455 455 455
Prices above are based on twin-share. If travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. • A single room supplement is available for £265 † Note: These tours will be in Koh Pha Ngan for Full Moon Parties. Although every effort has been made to ensure that tour dates above coincide with Full Moon Parties, dates of individual Full Moon Parties can occasionally change at short notice due to Buddhist holidays. A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Tour starts at 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. For travel insurance or visa information see p.30.
Itinerary and Included Sightseeing Day 1: Arrive Koh Samui Check-in to your hotel then hit the streets for some exploring. With its amazing sights, great food & chilled atmosphere, Koh Samui is perfect for settling in to island time. Later, meet with your Tour Manager & fellow travellers. Tonight find a cool local spot & indulge in a delicious Thai meal before some free time. Hotel (D) Days 2-3: Koh Samui With 2 free days here, relax & soak up the rays as you explore Koh Samui’s many gorgeous beaches. Maybe enjoy a Thai massage, try some watersports, or take a tour of the island to see some of the local sights as you unwind on one of Thailand’s favourite island spots. Hotel (B)(B) Day 4: Koh Samui to Koh Tao This morning we cruise to Koh Tao – an island known for spectacular underwater scenery. A popular location for diving, it’s just as easy to grab a snorkel to experience the aquatic sites too or just chill. Hotel (B)
• Koh Tao: Snorkelling cruise • Koh Pha Ngan: Scuba diving adventure
visit contiki.com/thai-hopper-east-explore-more for all the optional acitivites you can do
Day 5: Koh Tao With a free day you could sit back with a book or take the opportunity to explore the area. Maybe grab a snorkel & acquaint yourself with tropical fish. There’s also plenty to do on land too, with loads of beaches & hiking trails. Hotel (B) Day 6: Koh Tao to Koh Pha Ngan Today we’ll jump on a ferry & set sail to the party island of Koh Pha Ngan for a taste of the buzzing island atmosphere. Famous for its legendary Full Moon Parties. We’ll stay in a relaxing setting, set just off Had Yao Beach. Cabins (B,D) Day 7-8: Koh Pha Ngan You choose how to spend the next few days: lying on the beach surrounded by coconut trees or by night head out to one of the Moon Parties that Koh Pha Ngan is famous for. Cabins (B)(B) Day 9: Koh Pha Ngan to Koh Samui We say “la gon” to Koh Pha Ngan & catch a ferry to Koh Samui where it’s time to bid farewell your travel friends. You can either take a free transfer to the airport or back to our start hotel in Koh Samui. (B)
China\
New for 2011\12 With our brand new tour, get a feel for the imperial glory of this ancient civilization. With 5000 years of history, forbidden cities, delicacies & tales, delve into this country’s past with a cool mix of ancient & modern all rolled into one. With cosmopolitan Beijing, Shanghai & Hong Kong you’ll get a feel for the fast-paced lifestyle here, mixed up with the traditional must-see sights too. From the Great Wall, the Terracotta Army to the hutongs, amazing views of Hong Kong island & Chinese acrobatic show, experience it all & more with Contiki.
INCLUDES Beijing, Xi’an , Shianghai, Yangshuo, & Hong Kong
China Adventure 12 Days £1549pp
\ Includes
GREAT WALL OF CHINA
GO Only Contiki
5
3 BEIJING
• Lunch with a local family in a Beijing hutong • Entry & guided visit of the Forbidden City & Beijing Summer Palace • Entry & guided visit of the Terracotta Army Museum • Return cable car journey at the Great Wall of China • Guided bike ride through Yangshou countryside • Entry to the 88th floor of Jin Mao Tower
BO HAI
11
CHINA
XI’AN 1
YELLOW SEA
2 SHANGHAI China
GUILIN
YANGSHUO 2
contiki.com/china-adventure Burma
\
Explore More Optionals
• Beijing Authentic & delicious Peking Duck dinner Laos • Xi’an Spectacular Tang Dynasty dinner & show • Shanghai Shanghai Acrobat Show & dinner
2 HONG KONG Vietnam
• Y angshuo Yangshuo cooking class • Yulong River bamboo raft • Impressions Liu Sanjie show
Thailand visit contiki.com/china-adventure-explore-more for all the optional acitivites you can do
SOUTH CHINA SEA
Itinerary and Included Sightseeing Day 1: Arrive Beijing Home to the 2008 Olympics & the political, educational & cultural centre of China… it’s bustling Beijing! Tonight meet your Tour Manager & fellow travellers then head out & explore the city. Hotel Day 2: Beijing Start the adventure with a visit to Tiananmen Square & a tour of the Forbidden City. Afterwards we’ll visit the cool 798 Art Precinct for a look at some modern Chinese art, before a visit to the Summer Palace. Later, the day is yours to explore. Hotel (B) • Visit Tiananmen Square • Tour the Forbidden City • Visit the 798 Art Precinct • Visit the Summer Palace Day 3: Beijing We head to Beijing’s countryside to the tombs of the Ming Emperors before heading to the spectacular Great Wall of China after lunch. Tonight, go local with your chance to try a local specialty – crispy & delicious Peking Duck. Hotel (B,L) • Visit the Ming Tombs • Visit a Cloisonné Factory • Visit the Great Wall (Mutianyu section) Day 4: Beijing to Xi’an Visit the narrow streets of Beijing’s hutongs where there’s your chance to take a rickshaw ride. With free time later, you could visit the stadiums of the 2008 Olympics or hit the shops before dinner at a local restaurant & our train journey to Xi’an. Overnight Train (B,L,D) • Visit a local hutong • Lunch with a local family • Ride in a Rickshaw Day 5: Xi’an Head to the iconic Big Wild Goose Pagoda then see how terracotta warriors were made, before a tour of the world famous ‘Terracotta Army’. Tonight maybe opt for a tasty dumpling feast & cultural show before heading out for a taste of Xi’an’s nightlife. Hotel (B,L) • View the Big Wild Goose Pagoda • Visit a Terracotta Warrior Factory • Tour the Terracotta Army complex
Day 6: Xi’an to Shanghai Get on two wheels with a bike ride on the ancient Xi’an City Walls. An orientation tour of the of the Muslim Quarter before time to shop & taste local specialties. This afternoon it’s a change of scene as we fly to Shanghai & soak up city views from the 88th floor of the Jin Mao Tower. Hotel (B) • Bike Ride on the Xi’an City Wall • Guided Tour of the Xi’an Muslim area • Visit to 88th floor of Jin Mao Tower Day 7: Shanghai Today’s yours, so maybe get a shopping fix - there’s loads on offer here. Try the City God Temple (Chenghuang Miao) for some bargains before stopping off at the Bund, Shanghai’s famous promenade. This evening you could opt for an amazing Chinese acrobatic show or simply find a spot to take in the party atmosphere of the Shanghai skyline. Hotel (B,D) • Visit the City God Temple Complex • Visit Shanghai’s Bund area Day 8: Shanghai to Yangshuo We catch a flight to Guilin this morning then head to Yangshuo, located amongst the limestone karsts on the Li River. You could even try a local cooking school to become a master at Chinese cuisine. Hotel (B) Day 9: Yangshuo With a full free day, do your own thing, or opt to try a bamboo raft on the nearby Yulong River. Tonight maybe watch the Impressions Liu Sanjie Show – set on the local mountains & river with light displays, music & over 600 performers. Hotel (B) Day 10: Yangshuo to Hong Kong Today it’s a ride through the magical scenery of the Guilin Province, before a change of scene as we catch our flight to the bright lights of Hong Kong. (B) Day 11: Hong Kong Reach new heights as we head to Victoria Peak for panoramic city views. Later, it’s on to the fishing village of Aberdeen & views of picturesque Repulse Bay. Pick up some gifts for friends & family at Stanley Market & tonight toast our China experience with an authentic local meal. Hotel (B,D) Day 12: Depart Hong Kong Our tour ends after breakfast, so it’s time to swap email addresses as you say farewell your Tour Manager & new friends. (B)
29 Asia
China Adventure 12 Days What’s included • 11 nights accommodation: 10 nights in 3 star hotels 1 overnight train (more on p.8) • 17 meals: 11 breakfasts (B) 3 lunches (L) 3 dinners (D) • A dedicated crew with an experienced & professional Tour Manager and English-speaking local guides • Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations • Local taxes & service charges • Tipping for local staff included • 3 internal flights • Transport & included sightseeing 5 • Number of World Heritage sites visited
Terracotta Warriors, Xi’an
View from Victoria Peak, Hong Kong
798 Art Precinct, Beijing
When to go and how much Code: CTCHINA 2011 Start Beijing
Finish £ Hong Kong pp
Start Beijing
2011 May 2 May 16 May 30 Jun 13 Jun 27 Jul 11 Jul 25 Aug 8
May 13 May 27 Jun 10 Jun 24 Jul 8 Jul 22 Aug 5 Aug 19
2011 Aug 22 Sep 2 Sep 5 Sep 16 Sep 19 Sep 30 Sep 26 Oct 7 Oct 3 Oct 14 Oct 17 Oct 28 Oct 31 Nov 11 Nov 14 Nov 25
1549 1549 1549 1549 1549 1549 1549 1549
£ Finish Hong Kong pp 1549 1549 1549 1549 1549 1549 1549 1549
* Prices above are based on twin-share. (multi-share on train) If travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. • A single room supplement is available for £345 A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Tour starts at 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. For travel insurance or visa information see p.30.
The Forbidden City, Beijing
Save More Money If you pay 12 months in advance you save £155. Or pay 6 months in advance & save up to £79. See p.15 for details.
Lantau Island, Hong Kong
30
Got a question?
Answers to frequently asked questions & things you need to know: What’s Included?
• Coach, train, boat, ferry transport, internal flights & ‘on tour’ airport transfers listed in the ‘What’s included’ section as specified. • Accommodation, breakfasts, lunches & dinners listed in the ‘What’s included’ section on tour pages. • Sightseeing listed in the ‘Included highlights’ section in each tour itinerary. Unless specified, entrance fees to these locations are included. • Experienced Contiki Tour Manager & Local Guides.
What’s not included? • Personal expense money.
• Visas, passport fees, personal insurance & medical fees. • Excess baggage fees & tips for porters. • Sightseeing, visits & entrance fees other than those specified on tour pages. • O ptional excursions & activities such as cooking classes etc. • Lunches (unless specified under “What’s included”) & some dinners.
Are flights included?
All flights on specified tour itineraries are included as part of the tour price. External flights to & from the tour are not included.
Local payments
As is common practice for touring companies in Asia, Contiki also have local payments on some Asia tours. They cover things like local guides, tipping, transport & included entrances into sightseeing locations as part of the tour. This brings money to the communities in the countries that we visit & helps to reduce the overall price of the tour. Local payments are made on Day 1 of the tour, directly to the Tour Manager in $US cash. The Tour Manager will dispense this local payment on behalf of the group. Information about the local payments can be found below the price panel on each relevant tour page.
Group size
Contiki’s group size in Asia averages around 25, a group size small enough to have an intimate Asian experience but big enough to make the group dynamic rock.
Will I get more information?
Upon receipt of final payment, your documentation will be released 21 days prior to your departure. You’ll receive a copy of Contiki’s ‘Travellers Guide’ – an information book about your holiday. You’ll also receive a comprehensive day-by-day itinerary including full details & costs of all optional excursions available on your tour. Your FREE Contiki document wallet & luggage tag* will be sent to you with your travel documents. The wallet is a safe place for your tickets & passports. * Contiki reserves the right to substitute an alternative travel accessory for the Contiki document wallet.
Brochure authenticity
We have put a great deal of effort into producing this brochure. The information given & literature produced by Contiki has been compiled with care & is published in good faith. Sometimes, because of circumstances outside our control, we have to alter some activities due to seasonal closing or repairs to buildings, etc, especially early or late in the season. If this happens, alternative activities will be arranged.
How much money do I need?
You will need to ensure you allow enough money to cover optional lunches & dinners, souvenirs, shopping, drinks, optional activities, entrance fees to some attractions & evening entertainment. When travelling with Contiki in Asia, you’ll find that you’ll often be using local currencies, particularly in remote areas. The local currencies encountered on tour are the Riel (Cambodia), Kip (Laos), Baht (Thailand), Yuan (China) or Dong (Vietnam). The countries we visit rely largely on cash as opposed to credit cards or travellers cheques. In the larger cities you’ll find that established stores will accept credit cards readily, while local market stalls will operate on a cash only basis – accepting only local currency. Local currency is readily available through cash machines in each country. Obtaining a small amount of local currency before you travel is also a good idea. ATMs that dispense local currency are widely available. However, you can’t depend solely on a credit/debit card for cash as they are not accepted in all areas. We advise you also carry $US cash in small denominations that you can use as an alternate form of payment. Please note that travellers cheques are generally only accepted in big cities at money exchanges or banks to change to local currency.
Explore More Optional Activities
Optionals are arranged & paid for on tour. By leaving the final decisions until then you can choose at the same time as your new friends. You’ll get great value as we get you great rates. Some activities are seasonal & weather dependent. Our optional activities offered on Contiki Asia tours are operated by 3rd party operators. While every attempt is made to ensure the safety of all activities, the nature of the region means that public liability protection that is offered in many countries, may not be applicable in many cases. A waiver will need to be signed by all tour participants to ensure that these conditions are understood & accepted. We highly recommend comprehensive travel insurance.
Do I need vaccinations?
At the time this brochure went to press (November 2010), the following immunizations are recommended for travellers in Southeast Asia by the CDC (US Centre for Diseases Control & Prevention): • Diphtheria & tetanus • Hepatitis A • Hepatitis B • Typhoid • Rabies • Japanese B Encephalitis Malaria & dengue fever are also an issue within this region. You should consult a travel doctor who specialises in travel medicines or your local doctor to advise on what vaccinations and/or preventative medicines would be required. Don’t forget to bring with you any medication that you may require en route such as antihistamines, antibiotics, etc.
For more info check out contiki.com/contikipedia
Do I need visas?
limits are imposed by the airlines, not by Contiki. Contiki is not responsible for any costs incurred by overweight luggage.
Depending on your nationality, you may require visas to enter certain countries included in your tour. You are fully responsible for obtaining all necessary visas prior to the departure of your tour. Contiki is not legally permitted to knowingly allow anybody who does not have a valid visa to join a tour.
• You are responsible for carrying your own luggage. At times this will be in hotels without elevators (as is common to the region), or onto various forms of transport, such as trains.
Visa & other entry & exit conditions (such as currency, arrival/departure taxes, customs & quarantine regulations) change regularly. In Asia, some visas but not all can be purchased at the border. At www. contiki.com/contikipedia we have put together some information for all of the countries that we visit on our Asia tours. Review contikipedia, consult your travel agent or visit your loacal embassy to determine which visas you require & how to obtain them.
It is suggested to keep your luggage to a maximum suitcase size of 73cm x 50cm x 25cm (29” x 20” x 10”) & maximum weight of 20 kg (44lbs) plus one small hand/day bag that can be carried with you. NO EXTERNAL METAL FRAME BACKPACKS PLEASE, their bulky shape makes packing into transports difficult.
Your passport must have at least six months’ validity remaining when you arrive. Local immigration authorities may deny entry & deport people who do not meet this requirement, even if they intend on staying only for a short period. Important to consider: 1. V isas can take up to six weeks & a fee is normally charged. 2. Failure to obtain all necessary visas could cause you to miss part of your tour & will result in you incurring considerable expense & inconvenience. 3. It is better to apply for all visas through your travel agent before you leave home. Be aware that some visas can be purchased & arranged on arrival. 4. It is very important that the entry & exit dates are correct on the visa. Your travel agent will contact Contiki for full details.
How much luggage can I bring?
The amount of luggage that you can bring is entirely up to you. There are some things to consider when packing for a Contiki Asia tour: • Due to the large number of flights on Contiki Asia tours, your luggage needs to meet the weight & restrictions imposed by airlines. These
• At hotels without elevators, there maybe porters to assist with bags, but this is not guaranteed.
Use of a backpack/rucksack is suggested, but not required. Wheeled suitcases can be used on Contiki tours in Asia. The Contiki Tour Manager may suggest you store your main luggage & utilize a smaller bag for overnight rail journeys, overnight junk boat or overnight stays at guesthouses. A small daypack/ backpack of approx 26L capacity is suggested. Contiki reserves the right to refuse to accept larger suitcases on tour. Baggage is carried at the owner’s risk & baggage insurance is strongly recommended.
Am I expected to tip on tour
Every country in the world has different tipping policies & Asia within service industries, tipping is common practice. Tipping is totally optional and only given if you feel the service has exceeded your expectations. Your tour manager will assist you with any questions about this. All tipping for local guides & drivers is included as part of the local payment. Be aware that services & standards in Asia may not be equivalent to those you find at home. If you think your Contiki team have done an exceptional job than you may wish to tip them. This is entirely discretionary – it’s completely up to you.
Booking Security
Contiki has been running tours for young people since 1962. It is a matter of law that tour operators must fully protect their clients’ funds under regulations specified by the European Community Package Travel Directive. We confirm that Contiki is fully complying with the law, therefore your monies are fully protected. Contiki Holidays Limited is a member of the Association of British Travel Agents under membership number Y1792. ABTA & ABTA Members help make holidaymakers to get the most from their travel & assist them when things do not go according to plan. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct. For further information about ABTA, the Code of Conduct & the arbitration scheme available to you if you have a complaint, contact ABTA, 30 Park Street, London SE1 9EQ. Tel: 020 3117 0500 or www. abta.com. Contiki Holidays also holds a current ATOL Licence No. 10144.
Travel insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended for Contiki tours in Asia, due to the nature of the health facilities available in the region.You must take out comprehensive insurance cover for cancellation, medical expenses, personal accident, personal baggage, money & public liability before you travel. You may not be accepted on a Contiki holiday unless you have arranged satisfactory insurance. You also agree to indemnify us against all third-party claims, actions, damages & remedies against us arising from your participation in the holiday. When looking at travel insurance options, consider insurance that covers emergency evacuation & repatriation to US$200,000. For insurance details, please speak to your Travel Agent or Contiki reservations agent when you book.
Photography credits
Photos Courtesy of Michael Ali Front Cover. Vietnamese Man. Photos Courtesy of Elise Garner p.2 Chiang Rai hill tribe. p.5 Gold Statue, Monks, Angkor Wat. p.7 Musician. p.8 Tour Managers. p.9 Locally guided tour at the Grand Palace Bangkok. p.11 Hmong lady p.14 Karen Hill Tribe Woman. p.15 Temple. p.17 Dinner. p.21 Chiang Rai hill tribe, Night Markets in Siem Reap. p.21 Monks. p.22 Angkor Wat. Photos Courtesy of Jose p.5 Bike ride. Photos Courtesy of Matt Stein p.6 Rickshaw. Photos Courtesy of Christian Lucas Flouch p.6 Reunification Palace. Photos Courtesy of Elise Ackers p.7 Street kids Photos Courtesy of Kevin & Lisa Locklin p.29 Lantau island, Hong Kong. Photos Courtesy of Hong Kong Tourism Board p.29 Victoria Peak, Hong Kong.
31
Booking conditions
Once Contiki accepts your booking by confirmation thereof a contract is made between Contiki & you upon the terms & conditions set out below\ The following Booking Conditions, have to the extent possible, been based on the UK interpretation of the European Community Package Travel Directive. Our Responsibilities 1. YOUR HOLIDAY RESERVATION On receipt of your deposit, subject to availability and at our discretion, Contiki will reserve your place on your selected holiday. A contract is made between you and Contiki Holidays Limited (Registered in Guernsey No. 50681 (Contiki)) only upon your booking being confirmed and accepted by us and our communication thereof to you or your travel agent. 2. YOUR FINANCIAL PROTECTION Contiki are a member of ABTA and hold ATOL Number 10144 issued by the Civil Aviation Authority, which provide for your protection in the event of our insolvency. Only bookings from countries subject to the EC Package Travel Directive will receive financial protection from ABTA & CAA. When you buy an ATOL protected air holiday package and/ or flights from Contiki Holidays Limited you will receive a Confirmation Invoice from us (or via our authorized agent through which you booked) confirming your arrangements and your protection under our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence number 10144. In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA will ensure that you are not stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advance booking. For further information visit the ATOL website at www.atol.org.uk. Not all holiday or travel services offered and sold by us will be protected by the ATOL scheme. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking. 3. PRICE GUARANTEE Prices in this brochure are based on costs and exchange rates as at 16th November, 2010. No surcharge in respect of costs or currency fluctuations will be made within 30 days of the commencement of the land content of any holiday or once payment of the deposit of your land tour has been received. The price of your travel arrangements can be varied due to changes in transportation costs such as fuel, scheduled airfares and any other airline cost changes which are part of the contract between airlines (and their agents) and the tour operator or organiser. The price of your travel arrangements can also be varied due to government action such as changes in VAT or any other government imposed changes and currency changes in relation to an exchange rate variation.In the case of any small variation, an amount equivalent to 2% of the price of your travel arrangements, which excludes any amendment charges, will be absorbed or retained. For larger variations this 2% will still be absorbed for increases but not retained from refunds. Should the price of your holiday go down, by more than 2% of your holiday cost, then any refund due will be paid to you. However, please note that travel arrangements are not always purchased in local currency and some apparent changes have no impact on the price of your travel due to contractual and other protection in place. In either case there will be an administration charge of £1.00 per person together with an amount to cover agents’ commission. If this means that you have to pay an increase of more than 10% of the price of your travel arrangements, you may cancel your travel arrangements and receive a full refund of all monies paid, except for any amendment charges. Should you decide to cancel for this reason, you must exercise your right to do so within 14 days from the issue date printed on your final invoice. Whether you cancel or not you will also be entitled, on the terms set out in respect of major changes in clause 4.3 below, to accept an offer of alternative travel arrangements from us if we are able to do so. 4.IF WE CANCEL OR CHANGE YOUR HOLIDAY 4.1 Contiki reserves the right to change or cancel your booking in accordance with operating requirements or circumstances beyond its control. 4.2 Should change or cancellation prove necessary we will give you reasonable notice thereof, in the circumstances, and where available, offer you a comparable alternative. Where cancellation is necessary, a minimum period of 45 days notice will be given by us unless the circum-stances leading to the cancellation were beyond our reasonable control. 4.3 If an alternative is not available or acceptable you will be entitled to either a full refund of monies paid by you to us or transfer to another Contiki holiday without payment of any transfer fee. 4.4 If the change or cancellation is due to force majeure (i.e. circumstances like political unrest, war or threat of war, riots, civil strife, closure of airports or ports, industrial disputes, terrorist activity, natural and nuclear disasters, fire, epidemic or health risk, Acts of God, adverse weather conditions or other similar events beyond Contiki’s control) we will give a full refund of any monies paid to us less reasonable expenses incurred by us in respect of your booking. 4.5 Contiki is not responsible for the cost of any other travel arrangements affected due to cancellation or the rescheduling of any holiday. 5. HOLIDAY DETAILS AND CONDITIONS 5.1 The information in our brochure is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of going to print (November, 2010) but we cannot guarantee that any item or amenity mentioned will be available especially where we have no direct control over it. 5.2 Contiki will do their best, at their discretion, to select accommodation, sightseeing tours and transportation to give you good value for money. 5.3 Contiki constantly strives to improve tour itineraries and features. If such improvements can be made, or unforeseen circumstances beyond our control make changes necessary, we reserve the right to vary itineraries and to substitute hotels. Contiki is not responsible for any other travel arrangements affected due to our cancellations. 6. LIABILITY 6.1 Your travel agent shall, on the receipt of any monies, hold such monies for you until the booking is confirmed at which time those monies shall be remitted promptly by your travel agent to us. All such monies received by us will be deposited as required by law. Any money paid to a travel agent where land arrangements and a flight are booked together is held by the travel agent on behalf of Contiki at all times. 6.2 We will be entitled to keep for our account any interest earned on such monies. 6.3 All monies paid by you to us through your travel agent or otherwise, whether in respect of the deposit or full payment, may be disbursed by us as and when we see fit, in respect of the services to be provided and/ or fees payable under your selected holiday. The payment of a deposit or any other monies in respect of your holiday shall be deemed to be an authorisation for disbursement thereof as aforesaid.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES 1. BOOKING YOUR HOLIDAY 1.1 In order to reserve your holiday, a deposit of £60, per person per tour, or the full amount payable if booking is made within 45 days of departure from your home country, must be submitted to Contiki within 7 days in respect of that holiday. This payment is in addition to any deposit required by your travel agent. The deposit is accepted as a first installment of the holiday price by Contiki only once the booking has been confirmed in writing by Contiki or your travel agent. 1.2 Your land reservation will be confirmed on receipt of a nonrefundable deposit of £60 per person, per tour, which must be within 7 days of booking or the reservation will automatically be cancelled. 1.3 Any special meal requirements will be made on a request basis only. Contiki cannot guarantee special meal requests nor will it assume any responsibility or liability if clients’ special meal requirements are not fulfilled. 2. PAYING THE BALANCE 2.1 The balance of the holiday price must be paid by no later than 45 days before the scheduled holiday departure date from your home country which shall be by the due date stated on the confirmation issued to you by Contiki. When making multi-tour bookings, full payment is due no later than 45 days before scheduled departure date of the first departing tour. 2.2 If payment isn’t made by the due date, Contiki may assume that you have cancelled and cancellation charges in accordance with clause 3 below will be levied by Contiki. 2.3 Tickets and other documents won’t be forwarded until full payment has been received by us. 2.4 In the case of Late Bookings made within 45 days of your departure from your home country, the full cost of the holiday will be payable immediately on booking and we reserve the right to provide all travel documents at the holiday departure point. 2.5 Contiki reserves the right to cancel the booking and apply cancellation charges should payments not be received within the above specified periods. 3. IF YOU CANCEL 3.1 Notice of cancellation must be made in writing to Contiki. 3.2 Your deposit is non-refundable upon cancellation by you. 3.3 Upon cancellation you will be liable to pay a fee to cover the estimate of cost and expenses incurred by us in the terms of the schedule set out hereunder. This is expressed as a percentage of the holiday price and is calculated as follows: PERIOD OF NOTICE CANCELLATION FEE More than 45 days notice: Deposit is forfeited 45-22 days 25% of tour fare 21-8 days: 30% of tour fare 7-1 days: 50% of tour fare Day of departure: 100% of tour fare Where the percentage cancellation fee is less than the deposit, the cancellation fee will equal loss of deposit. If the reason for cancellation falls within the terms of any holiday insurance policy which you hold, then any such charges may, subject to the terms of your insurance policy, be refunded to you by the insurance company. 3.4 Any cancellation of additional services booked prior to and after your tour booking, such as pre and post accommodation and transfers, that are cancelled within 14 days of the tour departure incur a 100% cancellation fee. 3.5 These cancellation fees are in addition to any cancellation fees that may be levied by your Travel Agent. 4. IF YOU CHANGE YOUR BOOKING 4.1 If after your booking has been confirmed, you wish to change to an alternate departure date you may do so subject to availability and provided the new holiday date is also in this brochure. 4.2 A fee of £15 per person will be charged for any revision or alteration made to a reservation after the booking is confirmed, unless the change increases the value of the booking. A change of booking within 45 days of departure will be treated as a cancellation and normal cancellation fees will apply (as detailed in section 3) except when the change is to an earlier departure date of equivalent or greater value, in which case a £15 per person amendment fee will be charged. 4.3 A name change to a different person will be treated as a cancellation. 5. HOLIDAY DETAILS AND CONDITIONS 5.1 Please read the brochure carefully for those items included in the price. No allowance or refund can be made for meals, accommodation, excursions, etc. that you elect not to take, or when museums, shops, etc are closed. Hotel facilities may vary from place to place. Meals may vary in style. 5.2 Contiki’s holidays are specifically planned for those in the 18 through 35 age group. Consequently the facilities and activities on a Contiki holiday are not appropriate to persons outside this age bracket. If you have a question regarding the age groups, you are welcome to discuss this with a Contiki staff member. 5.3 Contiki must be advised of any medical conditions or physical disability requiring special attention before you book your holiday. If you do not advise us at this stage, we may refuse to accept your booking. We may also refuse you if we feel that the holiday chosen is not suitable without a suitably qualified companion. Contiki will try to help you with your requirements but cannot guarantee to do so, either on our own or our suppliers’ (such as hotels, restaurants and excursions) behalf. Many of our holidays involve getting on and off coaches, walking tours and other physical activities. Some holidays may not be suitable for you if you rely on a wheelchair or have certain other disabilities.. The Company does not provide personal devices (such as wheelchairs, hearing aids or prescription eye glasses) or services of a personal nature (such as pushing a wheelchair or assistance in eating, toileting or dressing). Should your disability require you to have special assistance, it is a condition of Contiki accepting your booking that you provide evidence satisfactory to us that an able-bodied person will accompany you and is able to provide any special needs or services that you may require. Contiki will not be responsible for the failure of this person to provide these services .The Company does not employ medical personnel. Any necessary medical attention will be provided by a local facility at the
passenger’s expense. The Company is not responsible or liable for any losses or costs incurred as a result of medical services obtained while on tour, or for the quality of the care or services received. 5.4 You are responsible for all travel arrangements and costs to/from the point of commencement/conclusion of the holiday. 5.5.1 There may be times when the Contiki Representative has to make a decision in your best interests or the best interests of their group. You agree to comply with the authority and decisions of the appointed Contiki Representative and the laws of the country in which you are travelling. If you do not so comply or if, in the Contiki Representative’s opinion, you are not compatible with the general enjoyment and well being of other members on the holiday or smooth operation of the holiday itself, we reserve the right to refuse to let you continue with the holiday. We do not tolerate the possession or carriage of illegal or restricted substances (drugs). Furthermore, you agree that your fellow travelers and any Contiki Representative have the right to travel/work in a safe environment. Any threats to their safety, well being or inappropriate behavior by you, whether verbal or physical, will be taken extremely seriously and may result in the immediate termination of your holiday. In such event, you will be responsible for your own repatriation and related costs and have no claims against us. 5.5.2 You are responsible for any costs incurred as a result of damage or excess cleaning fees related to your accommodation. You are advised to immediately report any pre-existing damage in your room to hotel staff and/or a Contiki Tour Manager as soon as it is discovered. 5.5.3 The Company may, in its sole discretion, decline the booking of any passenger or remove any passenger who cannot comply or refuses to comply with the Company’s terms and conditions. The Company is not responsible for any costs incurred in the event a passenger is removed from a tour. Passengers agree not to hold the Company or any of its related entities liable for any actions taken under these terms and conditions. 5.6 Where the passenger occupies a motorcoach seat fitted with a safety belt, neither the operator or service providers, agents or co-operating organisations shall be liable for any illness, injury or death or any loss or damages or claims whatsoever arising from any accident or incident, if the safety belt is not being worn at the time of the accident or incident. 5.7 It is your responsibility to have a valid passport and all visas, permits and certificates required for your selected holiday as well as any necessary vaccinations and to comply with all applicable laws. 5.8 You agree that our Contiki Representatives may take photographs and films of you while you are on holiday and that these may be used in our Group brochures and/or advertising or publicity material without obtaining any further consent or payment in respect of such photographs and/or films. 5.9 Should you have a complaint in respect of the holiday, you should inform the Contiki Representative during the course of the holiday and if the matter cannot be resolved after the representative’s best endeavours to do so during the holiday, your complaint should be made in writing to Contiki as soon as is reasonably possible after the holiday but within 42 days thereof so that your complaint can be investigated. If you do not write within 42 days, your rights under this contract may be affected. If you choose to write to Contiki via the Internet, please provide your home address so that we are able to reply to you in writing. 5.10.1 The contract and all matters arising in respect hereof shall be subject to Guernsey Law, unless we agree otherwise in writing. 5.10.2 If any provision of this contract is held invalid or unenforcable by any court of competent jurisdiction, that provision shall be deemed to be re-written to give effect to the same purpose within the permitted limits of the law. The validity and enforcability of the other provisions shall not be affected. 5.10.3 If you are unsuccessful in any legal action instituted against us, you agree to pay all our costs, including but not limited to, attorney/ client costs. 6. INSURANCE Contiki very strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive insurance cover for cancellation, medical expenses, personal accident, personal baggage, money and public liability before joining a Contiki holiday. This should be arranged at the time of payment of the deposit and will, in certain circumstances, cover you against loss of deposit or cancellation fees from the date of confirmation of your booking, as shown in the insurance policy. You also agree to indemnify us against all third-party claims, actions, damages and remedies which may be brought against us in respect of your participation in the holiday. 7. ILLNESS OR ABSENTEEISM In the event of your withdrawal from a holiday after the commencement as a result of illness, you must obtain a medical certificate in support of any insurance claim. No refunds will be made for any absence from the tour. 8. WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED IN THE HOLIDAY PRICE: Airfares to and from your holiday destination (unless you have booked a tour and fly package), airport taxes, passport and visa fees, insurance, laundry, phone calls, beverages, meals not detailed in the itinerary, tips to representatives, drivers and local guides, items of a personal nature, excess baggage, optional excursions. 9. WEATHER CONDITIONS Under no circumstances can we be held responsible for snow or weather conditions, nor can any holiday be cancelled or amended by you at any time on the basis of snow or weather conditions. 10. LUGGAGE RESTRICTIONS For our Concept and Timeout trips, luggage is restricted to one reasonable sized, non-expanding suitcase size up to 29” x 20” x 10” (73cm x 50cm x25cm) and the maximum weight of 20 kilos (44lbs.) plus one small hand/day bag that can go on the coach with you. No metal frame backpacks are allowed. Contiki reserves the right to refuse to accept larger suitcases on tour. However on Camping tours, the maximum dimensions are 28”x18”x9” (70cmx45cmx23cm) with a maximum weight of 20 kilos (44lbs). On ski holidays you may bring one pair of skis and ski boots. GENERAL 1. CONTRACTING PARTIES 1.1 The Booking Conditions detailed herein contain the entire contract between you and Contiki. No representation, term, warranty or condition can be expressed or implied by reference to any other writing, advertisement or conversation. This contract may only be varied in writing by a duly authorised officer or director of Contiki.
1.2 Your contract is with us as the tour operating company. At any time and at our complete discretion we may nominate to you in writing any other company or person to have the benefit of some or all of those provisions of this contract, which we may then specify, as if you had agreed the provisions concerned directly with that company or person in the first place as well as agreeing them with us. We may at our complete discretion assign all or any rights and liabilities arising under or by virtue of this or any other contract with you. 1.3 Transportation companies, airlines etc. are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are not on board planes, transportation or conveyances. We rely on international convention which may apply to the services provided by us, our suppliers or agents with respect to any claim of any nature brought by you against us as a result of the provision of those services. International conventions which apply may include: Warsaw Convention 1929, (as amended by Hague Protocol and Montreal Protocol) in relation to air travel, or Montreal Convention; the Berne Convention for rail travel; Athens Convention 1974 for carriage by sea; the Geneva Convention for carriage by road and the Paris Convention 1962 for Hotels. We are to be regarded as having all benefit of these conventions on limiting our liability in relation to any claim for death, injury, loss, damage and delay to passengers and luggage. Enrollment in and payment for a tour shall constitute agreement and acceptance by the passenger of the terms and conditions set forth in this brochure which cannot be varied except in writing by an officer of the Company. 1.4 Contiki is not a carrier or hotelier nor does it own aircraft, hotels or coaches. All bookings with carriers, hoteliers and other service providers are subject to the terms and conditions and limitations of liability imposed by those carriers, hoteliers, and other service providers. Please note that some of these limit or exclude liability in respect of death, personal injury, delay and loss or damage to baggage. Whilst we cannot accept any responsibility for any loss as a result of such actions or as a result of any act or omission of any such third-parties, we will give every reasonable assistance in helping to resolve any reasonable dispute. Please also note that Contiki cannot be held responsible for the failure of any of these parties to provide facilities or services for handicapped clients (see also 5.3 under Holiday Details & Conditions). 1.5 Please note that no airline or carrier depicted or recommended in this brochure by virtue of their endorsement of this brochure represent themselves either as contracting with any purchaser of a holiday from Contiki or as having any other legal relationship with any such purchaser. 1.6 Every effort is made to ensure brochure accuracy at the time of going to print, however Contiki cannot be held responsible for printing or typographical errors, or errors arising from unforeseen circumstances. 2. ARBITRATION Disputes arising out of, or in connection with, this contract which cannot be amicably settled, may be referred to arbitration, if the customer so wishes, under a special scheme arranged by the Association of British Travel Agents, and administered independently by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. The scheme provides for a simple and inexpensive method of arbitration on documents alone with restricted liability on the customer in respect of costs. Full details will be provided on request or can be obtained from the ABTA website (www.abta.com). The scheme does not apply to claims for an amount greater than £5,000 per person. There is also a limit of £25,000 per booking form. Neither does it apply to claims, which are solely in respect of physical injury or illness or their consequences. The scheme can however deal with compensation claims which include an element of minor injury or illness subject to a limit of £1,000 on the amount the arbitrator can award per person in respect of this element. The application for arbitration and Statement of Claim must be received by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators within twelve months of the date of return from the holiday. Outside this time limit arbitration under the Scheme may still be available if the company agrees, but the ABTA code does not require such agreement. 3. VALIDITY The programmes advertised in this brochure are valid from January 2011 to April 2012. 4. OPERATING COMPANIES Contiki’s Asian programs are operated as a division of Contiki Holidays (Australia) Pty Ltd. Contiki Holidays (Australia) Pty Ltd. is a subsidiary of Contiki Tours International Ltd., Picquet House, St. Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 1AF, Channel Islands. IMPORTANT NOTICE: ABTA statement: Contiki Holidays Limited are a member of ABTA under membership number Y1792. ABTA and ABTA Members help holidaymakers to get the most from their travel and assist when things don’t go according to plan. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct. For more information on ABTA, the Code of Conduct and the arbitration scheme available to you if you have a complaint, contact ABTA, 30 Park Street, London SE1 9EQ, tel 020 3117 0500 www.abta.com DATA PROTECTION STATEMENT Please be assured that we have measures in place to protect the personal booking information held by us. This information will be passed on to the principal and to the relevant suppliers of your travel arrangements. The information may also be provided to public authorities such as customs or immigration if required by them, or as required by law. Certain information may also be passed on to security or credit checking companies. If you travel outside the European Economic Area, controls on data protection may not be as strong as the legal requirements in this country. We will only pass your information on to persons responsible for your travel arrangements. This applies to any sensitive information that you give to us such as details of any disabilities, or dietary/religious requirements. (If we cannot pass this information to the relevant suppliers, whether in the EEA or not, we will be unable to provide your booking. In making this booking, you consent to this information being passed on to the relevant persons.). Where the data might be passed on for marketing purposes, you have the right to opt out of future marketing. You also have a right of access to data held which can be obtained by writing to Contiki Holidays Limited. Picquet House, St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 1AF, Channel Islands. FURTHER ADVICE For further advice please visit - www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo or call the ABTA Information Line Tel: 020 3117 0500 (calls are charged at local rate)
KEEP GOING WITH CONTIKI
Australia & New Zealand
How to book
America & Canada
Groups & special interest tours Call: 020 8290 6422 Click: contiki.com Email: travel@contiki.com Visit: your local travel agent UK Marketing: Contiki Services Ltd. Wells House, 15 Elmfield Rd, Bromley, Kent, BR1 1LS. Tel: (020) 8290 6777 Fax: (020) 8225 4222 Brochure Hotline: Call 0870 333 4884 or Download/view: at contiki.com/ebrochures
• At the time of booking you must pay a non refundable deposit of £60 per person per tour within 7 days.
• Once your deposit has been received, Contiki will send either you or your travel agent confirmation of the details of the booking.
• You must pay the balance of your holiday no less than 45 days before the departure date or at the time of booking if less than 45 days before departure.
• thetravelcorporation.com Contiki Holidays is a division of the family-owned The Travel Corporation, and is renowned and trusted for its outstanding quality, service, value, reliability and financial stability.
ontiki will then send you or your travel agent travel C vouchers and detailed information about your holiday. The documentation will be sent approximately 21 days prior to your departure.
IMPORTANT By paying the £60 deposit per person per tour, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the Booking Conditions as set out on p.31 which make up the contract between you and Contiki.
Contiki loves the planet The text pages for this brochure are printed on 100% recycled paper. By doing this we’re using less trees & sending less waste to landfills. You can help too, by recycling this brochure when you’re done. Either pass it on to a friend to read, or pop it in your recycling collection. Easy.
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ABTA No.Y1792
Contiki is represented in Australia, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom and USA. Contiki is a registered trademark of Contiki Tours International Ltd, Guernsey. © Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Printed in the UK.
Whether you’re looking to organise a group tour to Europe, America, Asia, Australia or New Zealand then please have a look at the huge range of tours in our brochures. It is more than likely that at least one of our trips will fit perfectly. As long as you are all 18-35 any date can be reserved exclusively for your group at special reduced rates – perhaps even a free trip for you. If you’re looking for something completely different for your school, university or club then just ask – we’ve been designing and running outstanding special tours for years.