Contiki Holidays Asia eBrochure 201819 (ASIA $US) by Contiki

ASIA & INDIA 2018 / 2019

TRAVEL WITH NO REGRETS 6 NEW & IMPROVED TRIPS

ASIA & INDIA 2018 / 19

TRIPS FOR 18 - 35 YEAR OLDS

TRAVEL CREATES

CHANGE LIFEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GREATEST LESSONS ARE LEARNED THROUGH TRAVEL.

TR AVE L C R E ATE S

you. Each of us is on a journey. Where that journey first started we have no say in, but where that journey leads is entirely up to us. The decisions we choose to make, the paths we choose to go down, the risks we think are worth taking - these are the things that truly define us. At Contiki, we live passionately by one philosophy - to travel with no regrets. Why? Because life, real life, doesn’t happen when you colour inside the lines. It’s only when you break free, trust your instincts, and intentionally live with your eyes wide open, that you become the person you’re meant to be. So ask yourself this - do you want to live life in the shadows, or do you want to live life with no regrets?

CONTENTS

@HELENCHIKX

ASIA 2018 / 19

wifi

p.2 p.4 p.6 p.8 p.9 p.10 p.12 p.14 p.15 p.16 p.18 p.20 p.22 p.24 p.25 p.54 p.56

Available at all hotels across Asia.

Special Stays

Seriously, our accommodation in Asia is so much slicker than your average. Junk boats, tree houses, beachside resorts and our personal fave, floating rafts on the River Kwai, will be rocking your world.

DELHI JAIPUR

UDAIPUR

AGRA

RANTHAMBHORE NATIONAL PARK

DI S

Travel Creates Change Contiki in Asia What We Know Why Travel Contiki Ways to Save What's Your Travel Style? Sleep in Comfort A Day in the Life of a Trip Manager Getting Around No Regrets Inclusions Free Time Munch Life's About Options Contiki Cares with ME to WE The Travel Corporation Q&A How to book

DISCOVERER P. 2 6 F R O M U S $ 1 3 4

P/D

INDIA

Cambodia & Laos Uncovered Laos, Cambodia 9 days

p.27

PAKBENG

Southern Spice

Big Indochina Adventure Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam 27 days

p.28

Asian Adventure

Sun-drenched and vibrant, India is going to inspire a whole new you. And if our newest trip to Southern India (p.44) isn’t enough? Mix & Match with Eternal India (p.42) in the North and save 5%.

MUMBAI

Thailand, Laos, Cambodia 16 days

p.30

Bangkok to Singapore Adventure EP

p.32

GOA

THAILAND

IN-DEPTH EXPLORER P. 3 4 F R O M U S $ 1 2 7 P / D

-D

Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia 14 days

VANG VIENG CHIANG MAI

KANCHANABURI BANGKOK

CHENNAI

Vietnam Highlights Vietnam 10 days

p.35

PONDICHERRY

Vietnam Experience Vietnam 12 days

Japan Unrivalled Japan 13 days

p.38

KUMBAKONAM

COCHIN

p.36

MADURAI

KERALA BACKWATERS KUMARAKOM

China Adventure China 12 days

KOH TAO

PERIYAR KOH PHA NGAN KHAO SOK

p.40

Eternal India India 12 days

p.42

PHUKET

KOH SAMUI

Southern Spice India 11 days

p.44

Northern Thai Highlights p.46 ,

UISE

SA I L I N

Thailand 7 days

You’ll need to register at MyContiki for your trip before you travel. Check out contiki.com/registration for more information.

PENANG CAMERON HIGHLANDS

MAL AY

Thai Island Hopper West Thailand 8 days

Food

p.48

Thai Island Hopper East Thailand 9 days

p.49

Bali Island Hopper p.50 R

SK I

WINTER & SKI P.51 FROM U S $ 3 1 0 P/D Japan - City to Slopes Japan 12 days

New & Improved Itinerary 04 ASIA 2018/19

p.52

●

Insurance Travel Insurance is not only a good idea, it’s compulsory when you travel with us. Buy it online before you travel at contiki.com/insurance.

WI N

Indonesia 8 days

Overnight stops

KRABI

LANGKAWI

SAILING, CRUISE & BEACH P. 4 7 FRO M U S $ 9 7 P/D BE

KOH PHI PHI

Trip registration

Probably the reason you’ve been dreaming of Asia in the first place, made even more special by our Munch food philosophy and foodie orientated experiences. Read all about it on p20.

KUALA LUMPUR

BEIJING

Stay Longer

C heck the hashtag on the

XI’AN

JAPAN

For exclusive hotel rates before and after your trip visit contiki.com/ staylonger

EVERY ONE OF OUR TRIPS HAS A UNIQUE HASHTAG

TAKAYAMA

HAKUBA TOKYO

KYOTO HIROSHIMA

OSAKA

trip page and let the alumni of 2017 inspire your 2018 Asian adventure.

HAKONE MT KOYA

SHANGHAI CHENGDU

CHINA

Ski Japan Didn’t know Japan was famous for skiing? You’re about to find out! Boasting some of the freshest powder you’ll ever see, we hit the slopes in Hakuba, p.52

YANGSHUO

VIETNAM HANOI HALONG BAY LUANG PRABANG

@CONTIKICHAMANI

TRIP MANAGERS

VIENTIANE HUE

LAOS

C O NT IK I

HOI AN

CAMBODIA SIEM REAP

NHA TRANG PHNOM PENH HO CHI MINH CITY MEKONG DELTA UI

Asia Get Around in Comfort

AL AYSIA SINGAPORE

Want to know the cultural quirks of each country/have someone look after you like family? Our Trip Managers will hands down be the best part of your Contiki adventure in Asia.

LOCAL GUIDES Our Trip Managers know what you want, and our Local Guides know where to go to make sure you get it. The power duo of dreams? We think so.

We’ve cracked the sweet spot of transport; a mix of local experiences (think tuk tuks and songthaews), sleek air conditioned mini-coaches, and included internal flights to ensure you get around in speed and style

How to Read a Trip Page

INDONESIA

Visit p.54 for a full lowdown of our trip maps and itineraries. GILI TRAWANGAN SEMINYAK SENGGIGI

ASIA 2018/19 05

Absolutely incredible. India is a crazy adventure, full of colour, music, diversity and warmth. The best thing was those little moments - the people at the flower market offering us a flower just to make us smile; the feeling of a fresh, warm chai at dawn in the bustling Mumbai newspaper alley; the welcoming smiles of the Sikh community as you sit down to eat with them in their templeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s communal kitchen; that god-like feeling when you successfully cross an Indian road without being hit by a car, bus, rickshaw, bike or cow. SONIA, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

TAJ MAHAL AT SUNSET AGRA 06 ASIA 2018/19

WHAT DO YOU GET WHEN YOU TRAVEL

with us? ü

WHAT WE

Know

ü ü

A complete social experience guaranteed to leave you with new friends all across the globe. A Trip Manager who’s got your back the whole trip and Local Guides who love showing off their own backyard. A huge appreciation for all things food, in the form of our Munch food philosophy. A choice of 4 totally unique ways to travel and a mix of accommodation styles that put budget, timeframe and personal interests centre stage. Authentic ways to get around, that keep the adventure rolling. Ultimate Free Time, plus Free Time Add-Ons to make your experience that bit more incredible. More No Regrets moments than you could count on your fingers AND toes, helped along by our No Regrets Inclusions, which are built into each and every trip. The peace of mind that you’re travelling with a family run business who care passionately about their travellers. That’s Contiki Know-How. Read on

e’ve seen some monumental events happen in our lifetime; Apollo 11 landing on the moon, the fall of the Berlin Wall, Psy’s Gangnam Style. All moments that changed the world... albeit some in different

ways to others. And over these years, we’ve learned a lot. We’ve made mistakes, we’ve had adventures that are now safely stored away in the archives labelled ‘NEVER tell the parents’, we’ve taken risks, and somehow we’ve become a company that young, brave and courageous travellers look to as their ticket to the world. This role in young people’s lives - your lives never ceases to amaze us. Because actually, the reason we do what we do, is for you. We know that it is your generation; those currently finishing exams, riding out the College years and working the daily hustle, who hold the future of the world in their hands. You are the ones who can change the status quo. You are the ones who can make a difference.

Travel gives you the golden keys to knowledge, understanding and compassion. It opens you up to a whole new world of perspective. It changes who you are as a human. That’s what Contiki does to you. You see, when you travel with us, it’s not just about the cool destinations you visit, or the unique places you sleep, or the experiences that have you telling stories for decades. These things are a given on any Contiki. But how our trips actually change you as a person, that’s through the people you meet; the strangers who become closer than family. For anyone who’s ever travelled with us, you’ll understand this. You’ll know the magic that happens when you put a group of young, spirited adventurers together. You’ll know the friendship you created whilst watching the sunrise over the River Kwai, is for life. So if you’re thinking about travelling with us, know this; what you’re buying isn’t just a ticket, or a space on a coach. It’s so much more than that. You’re buying memories, experiences, and friendships that might just change the course of your entire life. You ready?

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THE VALUE OF

Contiki Know-How You’ve saved hard for your trip, so damn right you want to know exactly where your money’s going. The good news is, we care about value every little bit as much as you do.

The Practical Stuff

The Cherries On Top

•

• •

• • • • • • • •

Totally unique accommodation that you’ll be reminiscing over for years to come. 4 unique ways to travel, so you can explore Asia your way. Transport to get you from A to B in style & comfort, including internal flights and awesome local experiences. Our Munch food philosophy (obsession) that will have you coming home a jeans size bigger. #sorrynotsorry No Regrets Inclusions built into every trip. Cherry-picked Free Time Add-Ons guaranteed to amplify your adventure. Breakfast included every day. A Trip Manager who knows what you want before you do, and Local Guides with infinite (you guessed it) local knowledge. Free WiFi at all our hotels to ensure you stay connected / keep the parents happy. Visit contiki.com/freewifi.

WHY TRAVEL

Contiki?

1 2 3 4 08 ASIA 2018/19

DESIGNED FOR 18-35 YEAR OLDS Our trips are created exclusively for 18-35 year olds. No younger, no older.

TRAVEL EXPERIENCES YOU WANT Looking for all the major icons but also the underthe-radar local favourites? No problem, we do it all.

UNRIVALLED VALUE Unique accommodation, an A+ team, comfy transport, tons of meals and No Regrets Inclusions on every trip. Now that’s value.

MORE FREEDOM Hours of Free Time for solo wanderings, plus tasty Free Time Add-Ons to amp up your experience even further.

•

• • • •

Bags of Free Time for solo wandering. An Instagram feed that will make you look like a legit travel blogger. Countless ‘firsts’, from the first hit of a Vietnamese coffee, to the fire breathing taste of a real Indian curry. The best trained team in the business, who have got your back from the get go. The security of travelling with a family-run business who genuinely care about their travellers. An army of new friends from all around the world (so future travel plans for the next 10 years = sorted). The knowledge that you’ll never be the same again.

5 6 7 8 9 10

AUTHENTIC FOOD EXPERIENCES Locally sourced ingredients, region specific meals and foodie experiences and trips to make your tummy smile.

SUPPORT & FLEXIBILITY The flexibility to change your mind and the knowledge that from start to finish, we’ve got your back.

MORE FUN, LESS HASSLE Enough said. We’ll take care of the details, you focus on the memory making.

TAILORED TRAVEL STYLES 4 incredible travel styles to suit every type of traveller, even you.

PEACE OF MIND We are a family-run business who care deeply about the wellbeing of our travellers, and providing incredible experiences and value. We’re financially secure and put our all into delivering excellent trips each and every time.

THE ORIGINAL & THE BEST We don’t imitate, we just do our thing better than anyone else. That’s what 56 years as the world’s leading youth travel company gets you.

BOOK EARLY

Save

SECURE YOUR PLACE Book early to ensure you get your spot on the trip you’ve been dreaming of. You’ll have your holiday in the bag and you’ll save $$$ by being organised.

VISIT CONTIKI.COM/DEALS FOR MORE WAYS TO SAVE

If you’ve got your spirit of adventure and your US$200 deposit ready to go, then you’re ready to book! And if you change your mind? Don’t stress, we’ve got the world’s greatest change policy. Check out p54, FlexDeposit, for all your options.

BOOK

SAVE UP TO

US$460 US$345 SAVE UP TO

US$230

S AV E

Pay in full by 1st Mar 2018 & save up to 5%

Travelled with us (or a sister company) before? Save 5%

US$75

Book a triple-share hotel room on Japan Unrivalled and we’ll give you US$75 off

MINUTE DEALS

Who can say no to a little extra cash to splurge on their trip? Our last minute deals offer you the chance to save anywhere from 10-20% off Contiki trips departing soon.

5% OFF A 2ND TRIP

MORE LAST

Pay in full by 4th Jan 2018 & save up to 7.5%

BOOK TOGETHER

E A R LY

SAVE UP TO

Pay in full by 30th Nov 2017 & save up to 10%

10%

Everyone saves 10% when 10 or more book (or the 11th person goes free)

7.5%

Everyone saves 7.5% when 7 or more book together

Everyone saves 5% when 4 or more book together

Can’t decide between trips? Want to see as much of Asia as is humanly possible?

NEW DEAL

When you book a second trip in Asia save 5% off the lowest price trip.

The facts: All these discounts apply to the land portion of your trip price only (this excludes taxes, included flight costs, extra accommodation, any applicable food funds & optional activities. Your trip price does not include the costs of international flights to/from Asia that start or end your trip). You can combine either the loyalty discount (‘Travelled Before’) or the 2nd trip discount with group discounts (‘Book Together’), & early payment (Book Early) discounts on trips of 7 days or longer. Book Early savings do not apply to bookings made within 45 days of trip departure and are not combinable with Last Minute Deals. Loyalty discounts are not combinable with multi-trip discounts. Group discounts (‘Book Together’) are available on all trips. Book Early savings of US$460, US$345 & US$230 based on Japan Unrivalled p.38. Discounts are subject to availability & may be withdrawn at any point without notice. Book Early Savings are limited to departures on or after 1st April, 2018. * The 5% discount will be applied to the lower priced of your two trips. This is not combinable with ‘Travelling Again’ discounts – please contact Contiki or your travel agent to apply this discount when booking your trip. This discount applies to the land portion of your trip price only. Both trips must be 7 days or longer.

ASIA 2018/19 09

WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S YOUR TRAVEL

Style

10 ASIA 2018/19

UI SE

TH G

• • • •

SK I

RE O

WI N

SA I L I N

-D

DI S

They say there’s one person out there for all of us, and that’s kind of how we feel about our travel styles. Each one is uniquely special (and like children, we love them all equally), but some will be better suited to your travel needs than others. So which of our 4 is your special someone? Your perfect romance awaits.

DI SC OV E R E R

I N - D E P T H E X P LO RE R

SAILING, CRUISE & BEACH

WINTE R & SKI

GO E V E RY W H E R E

LIVE LOCAL

SUN, SEA & SA N D

KEEP IT C OSY

Full of energy and always on the go Keen and curious to see and do everything Foodie enthusiast who likes learning about new cultures A people person who also enjoys space to do their own thing Swipe through to p26 to see all Discoverer trips.

•

• • •

A serious culture junkie who craves authenticity and unique experiences A foodie who likes to taste their way around a country A laid back, take your time approach to exploring Loves to get amongst new cultures and see everything Swipe through to p34 to see all In-Depth Explorer trips.

• • •

•

Lives for summer Potentially a mermaid in a past life Enjoys chill out time and party time in equal measure Thinks beach hair is the best kind of hair Swipe through to p47 to see all Sailing, Cruise & Beach trips.

• • •

•

Risk taker with an active lifestyle Inquisitive about different cultures Knows that the snow in Japan is some of the best in the world Loves blending bustling cities with remote mountain tops Swipe through to p51 to see our Winter & Ski trip.

ANTHEM

Symphony Clean Bandit ft. Zara Larsson

Keep It Simple Raleigh Ritchie, Stormzy

Sunlight The Magician ft. Years & Years

Young Blood The Naked and Famous

VISIT CONTIKI.COM/ASIA TO READ MORE ABOUT OUR TRAVEL ST Y LES ASIA 2018/19 11

COMFORT

SLEEP IN

Think all the sights of this colourful continent are what you’ll remember? We beg to differ. We think it’s our tropical treehouses, blissful beachside villas, central city hotels and cute homestays that will be giving you all the OMG feels.

2 Villa Ombak Hotel

VILLA OMBAK GILI TRAWANGAN

1 Thai Raft Houses TRIP BANGKOK TO SINGAPORE WHERE KHAO SOK TRAVEL STYLE DISCOVERER This is not your average accom. These traditional floating Thai raft houses will see you literally diving from your doorstep into the beautiful waters of Lake Cheow Larn in Khao Sok National Park.

3 Aonang Cliff Beach Resort

4 Kerala Backwaters Houseboat

5 Jungle Raft Hotel

TRIP BALI ISLAND HOPPER

TRIP THAI ISLAND HOPPER WEST

TRIP SOUTHERN SPICE

TRIP ASIAN ADVENTURE

WHERE GILI TRAWANGAN

WHERE KRABI

WHERE INDIA

WHERE KANCHANABURI

STYLE SAILING, CRUISE & BEACH

STYLE IN-DEPTH EXPLORER

TRAVEL STYLE DISCOVERER

Beautiful beaches, amazing swims, and super chill vibes are all on your doorstep at this lush hotel. Your insta story is about to go next level.

The sightseeing doesn’t stop when you get to this hotel. Take in the breathtaking views over Aonang and Krabi, as you sit back and unwind.

Cruise the sundrenched Kerala Backwaters on our traditional houseboat, decked out with Queen bed sun loungers; perfect for afternoon naps and sipping chilled white wine.

Wake up to the sounds of the River Kwai in luscious Kanchanaburi. Chill out in the sun on your own balcony, or jump in and float down the river.

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All of the accommodation was spotless, the value for money is astonishing. 4

Steffie, Australia Vietnam Experience

Free WiFi in most Contiki accommodation

5 NUOVO CITY HOTEL BANGKOK

3 WAYS TO STAY H OT E L S

Well located, WiFi ready, cosy, and even some luxe pools to cool off in - that’s what you get with our hotels. Catch your zzz’s in same sex twin-share rooms, or flash a little extra cash and upgrade to your own room if privacy is what you’re after.

B E AC H SIDE RESORTS When on the beaches of Thailand & Bali, is there any other way to stay other than a tropical beachside resort? A stone’s throw from the ocean and boasting breezy cabanas and luxe pools, this is how you do beach luxury.

S P E C I A L S TAYS

Did you ever imagine you could be waking up literally on the banks of the River Kwai in Northern Thailand, or in a traditional Ryokan guesthouse in Japan? From junk boats to tree houses, prepare to be impressed.

VILLA OMBAK GILI TRAWANGAN

CONTIKI.COM/WAYSTOSTAY-ASIA

ASIA 2018/19 13

DAY IN THE LIFE of a

Trip Manager

Our people are what make us, us. Highly trained, professional and always up for a good time, these guys do so much more than make sure you don’t miss the bus. Armed with their little black books of must sees, must dos and must eats, our crew, from Trip Managers, to our rad Local Guides will show you Asia done right.

06:30

07:30

@_SHANN._

13:00

@_SHANN._

19:00 SHANNON TRIP MANAGER

@_SHANN._

Visit youtube.com/ contiki to see our Trip Managers doing their thing on the road on their daily vlogs.

11:00

20:30

22:30

@_SHANN._

N A M E SH A NN O N M A H O N I I N S TA @ _SH A NN ._ T I M E AT CO N T I KI 4 Y E A RS T R I P BA N G KOK TO S I N GA P O RE 06:30: Wake up surrounded by tea plantations in the Cameron Highlands. Shower, dress, pack and checkout. I ensure the timings of the day are correct and finish any last minute drawings on my daily info sheet. 7:30: Time to head to the capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur! But first I must ensure everyone’s checked out, and bags are loaded on the bus ready to rock’n’roll. Upon departure, the day song is booming to get everyone in a great mood for the day followed by a day talk. 11:00: After descending from the highlands we arrive at Kuala Lumpur. We hit the ground running and meet up with Local Guide and all ‘round awesome guy Jeffrey. He gives us the low down on the local sites as we check out the King’s Palace, Independence Square and of course the impressive Petronas twin towers. We’ll catch up with Jeffrey tomorrow to see even more of KL but for now: 13:00: It’s Free Time. Now is your chance to explore KL, eat all the exciting foods and try your hand at bargaining with the locals for quality (and not 14 ASIA 2018/19

so quality) goods. For me it’s time to check everyone in to their rooms, reconfirm evening plans with suppliers and confirm tomorrow’s plans. 19:00: Tonight we are doing it for the gram! #munch #contiki #bangkoksingaporeadventure We head into Bukit Bintang to divide and conquer the many hawker style markets that offer fusion Malay, Chinese and Indian cuisines at amazing prices. 20:30: We’re ready for a cocktail with a view. I take the group to Traders hotel, ‘sky bar’ for the best photos of the towers at night. The cocktails are tasty and the vibe is chilled. 22:00: This cool mum is heading home! I say goodnight to the group (there’s no way they’re coming home that early). 22:30: Before entering the hotel I buy more ‘local’ snacks (Chinese pancakes) from the street vendors to help me prep for work the next day (because….why not?!). Singapore awaits and it’s our final night, I need to be fresh faced for another full day of excitement.

CONTIKI.COM/TEA M

G A

etting round

BULLET TRAIN JAPAN

INCLUDED FLIGHTS CHINA

Sick of your same old daily commute? In Asia, getting from place to place is half the fun, thanks to tuk-tuks, bullet trains, junk boats, bicycles, not to mention private air-conditioned mini coaches and internal flights already included in the cost of your trip.

MINI-COACH VIETNAM

JUNK BOAT VIETNAM

When you think of travelling in Asia, we’re guessing long ass night buses and cramped train rides spring to mind? Well with us, that ain’t quite our style. Instead, we prefer comfort, style, and all the fun. We don’t think you should spend half your holiday getting to your destination, so we include internal flights to get you around quickly and easily. And when you’re on the ground? We go for a mix of air conditioned transport and unique, totally local forms of transportation. SO WHAT DO YOU GET? •

Carefully selected internal flights that save you precious travel time.

•

Private air-conditioned mini coaches.

•

Local forms of transport, think songthaews, bamboo rafts, tuk tuks and more.

•

One super speedy bullet train to whiz you across Japan.

•

An overnight train, basically a sleepover on the go.

•

And even an overnight junk boat to cruise around Halong Bay, Vietnam.

TUK TUK THAILAND LONGTAIL BOAT THAILAND

ASIA 2018/19 15

NO REGRETS

INCLUSIONS

As important as the destination is, we know it’s the experiences you have there that really define your adventure. That’s why we build No Regrets Inclusions into every single trip, because going home feeling like you’ve missed opportunities just ain’t an option with us.

16 ASIA 2018/19

REFLECT FEEL

1 • CU CHI TUNNELS, VIETNAM 2 • MORNING BUDDHIST SERVICE, JAPAN 3 • ANGKOR WAT, CAMBODIA

SEE

1 • SUNSET CRUISE, LANGKAWI 2 • VISIT ERAWAN FALLS, THAILAND

1 • TOUR OF MUMBAI, INDIA

3 • KHLONG TOUR WITH FISH FEEDING, BANGKOK 1 • @PRISCILLA__C

2 • TEA PLANTATION TOUR, MALAYSIA 3 • KHAO SOK NATIONAL PARK, THAILAND

1 • @VSTAV

3 • @BUNTYP

EXPLORE

2 • @NAT.ASIA

TASTE

1 • MARKET FRESH SUSHI, JAPAN

1 • @MR.JAKERICH

2 • STREET FOOD, PENANG 3 • TRADITIONAL PHO, VIETNAM

PLAY 1 • GREAT WALL OF CHINA

Check out the trip pages and #CONTIKI for real life No Regrets moments from our travellers and follow @CONTIKI to feed your travel inspiration.

2 • BIKE RIDE ON XI’AN CITY WALLS, CHINA 3 • CYCLO RIDE, HUE

2 • @DANIELLESTEPNUK 1 • MARKET VIBES, KUALA LUMPUR 2 • GRAND PALACE, THAILAND 3 • GUIDED TOUR OF SHIBUYA & HARAJUKU, JAPAN

ASIA 2018/19 17

FREE TIME BANGKOK

KAYAK ON HALONG BAY VIETNAM

TIME Don’t get us wrong, showing you Asia is what we live for, but even we can’t do Asia quite like you.

YOUR TIME, YOUR CHOICE Everyone wants something different from this continent, be it temples, jungles, food, culture, beaches, or just some serious chill time. So to make sure you do Asia your way, we put Free Time centre stage. With us, Free Time is made up of two choices. You can explore independently, perhaps scouting out the best deals in an Indian Market, or the breeziest palm tree on Gili T, or you can take your pick from our Free Time Add-Ons. What are these? Only the experiences we’ve cherry-picked to help take your trip to the next level. Think learning how to roll the perfect sushi in Japan, think snorkelling your way around Koh Phi Phi, think a trek to the Amber Fort in Jaipur and you’re on the right track.

ZIPLINE THROUGH THE TREES CHIANG MAI Important: Free Time Add-On activities are not included in the price of your trip. They are run by 3rd party operators and on occasions, for some of the activities, travellers may be required to sign a waiver to participate. Before you leave, it’s important that you check your insurance includes your participation in adventure activities and be aware that some of our Add-Ons can be physically demanding and may involve some risk.

18 ASIA 2018/19

FREE TIME CHIANG MAI

Chiang Mai with me Kate Winney is a travel blogger who recently travelled on our Northern Thai Highlights adventure, falling hard for the diversity and foodie delights of Chiang Mai. Follow her global wanderings on Instagram @littlemisswinney Your favourite restaurant? Chiang Mai is a foodie paradise! Street food is literally on every corner, so you’re spoilt for choice. For Northern Thailand’s signature dish, head to the old town where Khao Soi (a coconut curry noodle soup) is served in abundance. Your favourite bar? Zoe in Yellow is the place to go in Chiang Mai. Get there early as this place gets busy! Two bars in one on opposite sides of the street, slowly turning into a street party and meeting in the middle. The DJ’s play a good mix of tunes and everyone is there to dance and party. Your favourite place to watch the sunset? Not your usual sunset spot but if you head to level six of the Maya Shopping Mall, there are a couple of outdoor bars on the roof to sit and have a drink.

AMBER FORT TREK JAIPUR

The view is one of the best, overlooking the Doi Suthep in one direction and the old city in the other. COOKING CLASS CHIANG MAI

Your favourite moment spent here? The famous night markets were the main reason I wanted to visit this area and they did not disappoint! Within the markets there’s also the infamous Chiang Mai Cabaret show, which is bursting with energy and humour. For me though, I'll remember our trip to the Elephant Nature Park forever. Feeding, washing and walking with these elephants, many of whom were rescued from the logging and riding industries, was a truly unforgettable experience. Something people might not know about Chiang Mai? For me the most surprising and unexpected

LOOK OUT FOR THE FREE TIME ADD-ON SYMBOL ON THE TRIP PAGES

experience whilst in Chiang Mai was being able to talk with the Monks. A few of the temples in the city have a ‘Monk Chat’ program where you can speak freely to the monks about their beliefs or simply chat about aspects of their lifestyle, and in exchange they get to practice their English. It is such a unique experience and one I couldn’t recommend enough.

ASIA 2018/19 19

1 20 ASIA 2018/19 44 EUROPE SUMMER 2018

It’s hard to think about Asia without thinking about the food. The aromatic curries of India, the steaming bowls of Thai noodle soups, the perfect slices of super fresh sushi in Japan - all so good you can almost taste them. And that’s what travel is all about - immersing yourself in a new country and a new culture through food. Like you, we’re utterly obsessed with all things foodie, so we created Munch, the word we use to describe our love affair with food. What does it mean? • It’s breakfast included each and every day. • It’s the incredible, authentic local meals that are included (think a traditional Kaiseki

• It’s the superior training of our Trip Managers in food culture, and their Little Black Book of foodie haunts in every destination you visit. • It’s the Free Time Add-On food experiences you won’t be able to resist, like a sushimaking course in Tokyo, and cooking classes in Thailand, China and Vietnam (though these are only the beginning). • Most of all, it’s our promise that you’ll feel the connection to each place you visit, through the food you eat. Our Trip Managers know exactly where to go and how to look after you (including any food intolerances), but trust them when they say it’s spicy, ‘cos they ain’t lying!

Step 1. Taking a large bowl, add flat rice noodles Step 2. Bring broth to the boil and pour over noodles Step 3. Add thinly sliced rare beef, leaving it to cook in the broth for a few moments Step 4. Drop in bean shoots Step 5. Garnish with sprigs of fresh coriander, mint, chilli and lime

#MUNCH

dinner in Hakone, Japan, or an Indonesian Nasi Goreng feast on Gili T)

Vietnamese pho is a street food staple. Steaming bowls of this aromatic soup are served from carts and restaurants all over the country. Pick up ingredients from your local Asian grocer to make this delicious soup at home for a sneak peek at some of the flavours you could be tasting in Vietnam.

HOW TO

Every bit as delicious as it sounds, Munch is our commitment to local, authentic, and utterly delectable food experiences.

˛ make Pho’

RECIPE

5 1 Thai lunch, Chiang Mai

4 @contikichamani, Vietnam

2 @elizaswallow, Thailand

5 Pad Thai omelette, Chiang Mai

3 @johnl_90, Japan ASIA 2018/19 21

Life is

About Options Feeling the call of Thailand, but not quite sure what you want your trip to look like? For some, Thailand is all about the culture, diving deep into traditional life and cuisine, whilst for others it’s basically a ‘get me to the beach’ mentality. Whatever you want from your trip, we’ve got options for all.

CHIANG MAI

22 ASIA 2018/19

CHIANG MAI AYUTTHAYA

KRABI

-D

UI SE

SA I L I N

Thailand is one helluva sensory overload, and sometimes you just need to see it all. That’s what our Discoverer trips are designed for; getting you seeing, doing, tasting and experiencing the very best bits of this eclectic country. Travel from jungle tree top to floating raft, or ancient temple to sunkissed beach, leaving no stone unturned, no Pad Thai untasted.

IN-DEPTH EXPLORER A

DISCOVERER

DI S

BANGKOK

ERAWAN FALLS

SAILING, CRUISE & BEACH Are you ready to leave real life behind and kick back under a breezy palm tree, coconut in hand? Sounds pretty perfect if you ask us. Snorkel with the fishies, slow down to island time and let the Thai good times work their magic as you hop from one perfectly tropical beach to another.

From 24-hour cities to jungle getaways, our In-Depth Explorer trips will have you leaving Thailand 100% culturally satisfied. Taking your sweet time to get around, you’ll journey from bustling Bangkok to the banks of the River Kwai, visiting elephant sanctuaries, waterfalls and local food markets on route. Delicious, intriguing and insightful? You betcha.

See p.46 for our In-Depth Explorer to Thailand.

See p.28 - p.33 for Discoverer trips to Thailand. See p.48 - p.50 for Sailing, Cruise & Beach trips to Thailand.

GOT YOUR HEART SET ON THAILAND? These trips sell like hot cakes, so book early to secure your spot and save 10%.

ASIA 2018/19 23

RAJASTHAN INDIA

LEAVE MORE THAN A

Footprint Behind Looking to give back on your travels? First up, high-fives to you. And the good news is, we’ve teamed up with the MVP of charitable organizations to allow you to do just that. After finishing your Eternal India adventure in Goa, you could be spending 4 unforgettable days deep in rural and utterly beautiful Rajasthan, working alongside ME to WE, a WE Charity partner and TreadRight supported charity. So what will you be doing? Well pretty much anything and everything, from assisting with clean water projects and women’s health & awareness projects, to local education and small scale construction projects, learning about the local communities and families of the region, and more. Whilst here, you’ll be sleeping multi share in the frankly rather dreamy Araveli Cottages and Tented Camp, which boast all the home

24 ASIA 2018/2019

comforts, snuggly beds and views over the mountains you’ll be hard pressed to drag your eyes away from. ITINERARY DAY 1: Finish your Eternal Indai trip in Goa (day 12) and fly to Udaipur, where your ME to WE guide will meet you on arrival and take you to the Araveli Cottages in rural Rajasthan. DAY 2: Start your day with a morning yoga session, then spend the rest of it working on a sustainable development project alongside local community members. DAY 3: Take a nature hike through your gorgeous rural surroundings before continuing work on your chosen development project. Later, turn your hand to local art and visit the second-longest wall in the world. DAY 4: After a final farewell breakfast, you’ll make your way to Udaipur to explore a local market before catching your flight home.

MAKE THE MOST OF INDIA See p.42 to read how you can explore the north of India on Eternal India before your ME to WE experience. Visit contiki.com/ mettowe or speak to your travel agent for full details.

BEING PART OF

The Travel Corporation

We’re part of the Travel Corporation family of brands, and being a family-owned business that means we operate with a ‘family first’ mentality. Just as you would go above and beyond for your nearest and dearest, doing anything to ensure their safety and happiness, that’s how we feel about our travellers.

Give you the freedom to change your mind Sometimes plans change, meaning you can’t travel at a certain time, or to a certain place. But thanks to TTC’s Freedom Guarantee, you can swap onto a different departure or change your trip entirely, for zero cost. Just drop us a line, let us know which trip you want to swap to, and if there’s space, we’ll do the rest. Visit contiki.com/freedomguarantee

Ensure your deposit is safe and sound Say hello to FlexDeposit, another genius perk created by TTC. Our FlexDeposit guarantee is given for free once you’ve paid your deposit and works as credit towards your next adventure. So if you can’t travel, it means your deposit isn’t lost - it’s simply transferred. FlexDeposit is available until your 36th birthday (the maximum age you can travel on a Contiki), after which time you can use it with any of our sister TTC brands, or gift it to a friend.

Give you (and your parents) peace of mind

a f a m i ly of br a n d s

Being a family run company means that we operate with family values; trust, honesty, loyalty. You’d move heaven and earth for your family to ensure their safety and happiness, right? Well we’ll do the same for you. Wherever you are in the world, you’re in safe hands with us. Visit TTC.com

Leave the world a better place The Travel Corporation and TreadRight, our older & wiser sister on all things sustainable, are firm advocates for change. That’s why they’ll never ask for donations from travellers, but rather choose to donate their own profits to the projects they support. Visit Treadright.org to read more on our 40 plus sustainable tourism projects worldwide.

ASIA 2018/2019 25

Discoverer GO EVERYWHERE If you’ve been dreaming of Asia and want to experience a little slice of each unique country within this colourful continent, go Discoverer. Icons, experiences, tastes, and all the OMG moments you could fathom are packed into these trips, making them the perfect choice for those with an Asian bucket list longer than both arms put together.

ARE YOU A DISCOVERER TRAVELLER? Do you want to see as much of Asia as you possibly can, visiting multiple countries on one trip?

•

Are you hungry for a mixture of world famous sights and lesser known, local experiences?

•

Do you want to split your time between organised sightseeing and independent adventuring?

•

Would you be equally happy sleeping in a city hotel or a floating jungle raft?

DI S

4 TRIPS FROM 9 - 27 DAYS FROM US$134 P/D

•

Head to contiki.com/deals for all our latest promotions CONTIKI.COM/DISCOVERER-ASIA

26 ASIA 2018/19

9Ì DAYS

2ÌCOUNTRIES

US$1199 *

FROM

US$134 *PP/PD

DISCOVERER

CAMBODIA & LAOS UNCOVERED FRENCH INFUSED VIETNAM MEETS ANCIENT DELIGHT OF CAMBODIA. HELL YES.

SIEM REAP CAMBODIA

NIGHTS 8 nights in 3 star hotels

INCLUDED MEALS 8 breakfasts (B), 1 Dinner (D)

ESSENTIALS 2 internal ﬂights. See p.54 for more info on our standard essentials FREE TIME ADD-ONS F Kuang Si waterfalls trip in Luang Prabang NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS • Locally guided bike tour of World Heritage listed Luang Prabang • Guided visit of the COPE centre in Vientiane

START

LUANG PRABANG

6:00PM LUANG PRABANG

END

9:00AM SIEM REAP

(2 nights)

START

DAY 1 Luang Prabang After checking in to the hotel & getting comfortable, we’ll join up, get acquainted, & begin taking in the sites of this UNESCO listed city. Hotel

DAY 9 Siem Reap After one final breakfast together, our trip will come to an end. We’ll dive into a bout of goodbyes before leaving armed with a mosaic of magic memories. (B)

LAOS

VANG VIENG (2 nights)

DAY 2 Luang Prabang Early risers will be rewarded by the sacred Laotian ritual of offering alms (food) to Buddhist Monks. Later we will explore Luang Prabang by bike, visiting the TreadRight supported Ock Pop Tock Centre for Artisans. Hotel (B) F Kuang Si Waterfall Visit

DAY 3 - 4 Vang Vieng Limestone karsts & delicious Lao Pancakes will be waiting in Vang Vieng after a scenic overland journey. We’ll find swimming holes, explore caves & watch the sun drop behind the mountains on two blissful nights in this town. Hotel (B)(B) F Kayaking & Caving Experience

DAY 7 - 8 Siem Reap Flying out of Phnom Penh we’ll arrive in Siem Reap, home of Angkor Wat, the bustling Pub Street & traditional markets. On day-8 we’ll journey through dawn’s hours to catch the first rays of sunlight on the town’s jungle tangled spiritual masterpiece. Hotel (B)(B) F Quad Biking at sunset

VIENTIANE (1 night)

DAY 6 Phnom Penh A short flight will land us amidst the shy smiles & tree-lined streets of Phnom Penh. We’ll learn of the horrific Khmer Rouge rule at the ‘Killing Fields’ & Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, before having the mood lightened by a life changing TREE Alliance restaurant. Hotel (B,D)

END

CAMBODIA

DAY 5 Vientiane The quaint capital of Laos will greet us with warmth & Mekong charm. Here in Vientiane we’ll see sights like Pha That Luang stupa, & lend a hand at the COPE centre – a local charity working with land mine victims. Hotel (B)

SIEM REAP (2 nights) 1

Itinerary day Coach or train Plane

PHNOM PENH (1 night)

H OW MUC H & WH E N 2018

CODE: LAKH

US$1199 Start Jan 9 Jan 13 Jan 16 Jan 20 Jan 23 Jan 27 Jan 30 Feb 3 Feb 6

End Jan 17 Jan 21 Jan 24 Jan 28 Jan 31 Feb 4 Feb 7 Feb 11 Feb 14

START LUANG PRABANG & FINISH SIEM REAP

Start Feb 10 Feb 17 Feb 24 Mar 3 Mar 10 ● Mar 17 Mar 24 Mar 31 Apr 7

End Feb 18 Feb 25 Mar 4 Mar 11 Mar 18 Mar 25 Apr 1 Apr 8 Apr 15

Start Apr 14 ● Apr 21 Apr 28 May5 May12 May19 May26 Jun 2 Jun 9

End Apr 22 Apr 29 May6 May13 May20 May27 Jun 3 Jun 10 Jun 17

Start Jun 12 Jun 16 Jun 19 Jun 23 Jun 26 Jun 30 Jul 3 Jul 7 Jul 10

End Jun 20 Jun 24 Jun 27 Jul 1 Jul 4 Jul 8 Jul 11 Jul 15 Jul 18

Start Jul 14 Jul 17 Jul 21 Jul 24 Jul 28 Jul 31 Aug 4 Aug 11 Aug 18

End Jul 22 Jul 25 Jul 29 Aug 1 Aug 5 Aug 8 Aug 12 Aug 19 Aug 26

Start Aug 25 Sep 1 Sep 8 Sep 15 Sep 22 Sep 29 Oct 6 Oct 13 Oct 20

End Sep 2 Sep 9 Sep 16 Sep 23 Sep 30 Oct 7 Oct 14 Oct 21 Oct 28

Start Oct 27 Nov 3 Nov 10 Nov 17 Nov 20 Nov 24 Nov 27 Dec 1 Dec 4

End Nov 4 Nov 11 Nov 18 Nov 25 Nov 28 Dec 2 Dec 5 Dec 9 Dec 12

Start Dec 8 Dec 11 Dec 15 Dec 18 Dec 22 Dec 25 Dec 29 2019 Jan 1

End Dec 16 Dec 19 Dec 23 Dec 26 Dec 30 Jan 2 Jan 6

Jan 9

Start Jan 5 Jan 8 Jan 12 Jan 15 Jan 19 Jan 22 Jan 26 Jan 29 Feb 2

End Jan 13 Jan 16 Jan 20 Jan 23 Jan 27 Jan 30 Feb 3 Feb 6 Feb 10

Start Feb 9 Feb 16 Feb 23 Mar 2 Mar 9 Mar 16 Mar 23 Mar 30 Apr 6

End Feb 17 Feb 24 Mar 3 Mar 10 Mar 17 Mar 24 Mar 31 Apr 7 Apr 14

* Prices above are based on twin-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement is available for US$319. A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Trip starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am. ● These trips will be in Laos for Pi-Mai Lao (Laos New Year & water festival). This trip is part of a bigger picture – our 27-day Big Indochina Adventure trip. When you jump aboard this trip, you’ll be joining a horde of other travellers who are already geared up in Contiki’s world-famous exploration mode. Wait until you see the warm welcome you’ll receive as a new addition to the group. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. Insurance & visas: For important information please see p.54.

CONTIKI.COM/CAMBODIA-LAOS-UNCOVERED

ASIA 2018/19 27

#CAMBODIALAOSUNCOVERED

WH AT Y O U NE E D TO KN O W

BIG INDOCHINA ADVENTURE 27Ì DAYS

4ÌCOUNTRIES

FROM

US$4429 *

FROM

& N E WO V E D IM P RE R A RY IT IN

US$165 *PP/PD

BECOME AN ASIAN CULTURE CONNOISSEUR ON THIS 27 DAY DEEP DIVE

#BIGINDOCHINA

BANGKOK THAILAND

AS REVIEWED BY OUR RECENT CONTIKI TRAVELLERS ON FEEFO @CONTIKIMATT

28 ASIA 2018/19

Read more at contiki.com/reviews

Honestly the greatest 4 weeks of my life. @HALIEEMOANA

CONTIKI.COM/INDOCHINA-ADVENTURE

@KENCMIZUNO

Kelly Williams

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

TOP EXPERIENCES 36

NIGHTS

INCLUDEDMEALS

ESSENTIALS

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

26 breakfasts (B), 5 lunches (L), 5 dinners (D)

Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides, Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations, All private coach transport, 6 internal ﬂights

F Cooking Class, Hoi An F Caving & Kayaking, Vang Vieng F Quad biking, Siem Reap

Unique Special Stays: 1 overnight train, 1 night in a ﬂoating hotel, 2 nights in a Guesthouse, 1 night on a Chinese style Junk Boat in Halong Bay & 21 nights in 3 star hotels

DAY 10 - 11 Vang Vieng Limestone karsts & delicious Lao Pancakes will be waiting in Vang Vieng after a scenic overland journey. We’ll find swimming holes, explore caves & watch the sun drop behind the mountains on two blissful nights in this town. Hotel (B)(B) F Kayaking & Caving Experience DAY 8 - 9 Luang Prabang Early risers will be rewarded by the sacred Laotian ritual of offering alms (food) to Buddhist Monks. Later we will explore Luang Prabang by bike, visiting the TreadRight supported Ock Pop Tock Centre for Artisans. Hotel (B,L)(B) F Kuang Si waterfall visit DAY 7 Pakbeng Taking a border hop we’ll cross out of Thailand & into Laos. After collecting our passport stamps we’ll journey to Pakbeng, taking part of the trip by river cruise on a local boat. Remote, traditional, & endlessly charming, Pakbeng is a true traveller’s dream. (B,D) Guest house Special Stay DAY 5 - 6 Chiang Mai Our last destination in Thailand will entertain us with buzzing night markets, an exotic Old Quarter, & a dazzling line up of temples. In between sites you can feast on the intense flavours of northern Thai food, inhaling an abundance of lemongrass, chili & coconut. Hotel (B)(B) F Flight of the Gibbon Ziplining F Thai Cooking Class & Market Visit DAY 4 Overnight Train (Ayutthaya - Chiang Mai) We’ll start our day with a visit to the breathtaking Erawan Falls for a quick dip before we stop in the UNESCO listed city of Ayutthaya. We’ll grab bikes & cycle past rice paddies, temples & quaint villages before we board our overnight train to Chiang Mai. (B) Overnight Train DAY 3 Kanchanaburi We’ll wake up in jungle paradise, & start our day with a visit to the notorious Death Railway & see the bridge over the River Kwai. Later, we’ll head to a local elephant sanctuary to see how the rescued elephants are cared for. Hotel (B,L)

DAY 12 Vientiane The quaint capital of Laos will greet us with warmth & Mekong charm. Here in Vientiane we’ll see sights like Pha That Luang stupa, & lend a hand at the COPE centre – a local charity working with land mine victims. Hotel (B)

DAY 14 - 15 Siem Reap Flying out of Phnom Penh we’ll arrive in Siem Reap, home of Angkor Wat, the bustling Pub Street & traditional markets. On day-15 we’ll journey through dawn’s hours to catch the first rays of sunlight on the town’s jungle tangled spiritual masterpiece. Hotel (B)(B) F Quad Biking at Sunset

HANOI

LUANG PRABANG (2 nights)

PAKBENG (1 night)

HALONG BAY

VANG VIENG (2 nights)

VIENTIANE

27 26 24

LAOS

CHIANG MAI

(1 night)

(2 nights)

• Visit the Cu Chi tunnels • Sunrise at Angkor Wat • Elephant Haven Sai Yok

DAY 17 Mekong Delta We’ll rise & shine for a journey to the Mekong Delta, landing us amidst floating markets, sampans (local boats) & artisans going about their craft. By night we’ll mix with the locals & have dinner at our special guest house. (B,L,D) Guest house Special Stay

DAY 18 Ho Chi Minh Leaving the Mekong after breakfast, we’ll journey back to Ho Chi Minh’s addictive mania via the Viet Cong’s tunnels in Cu Chi. Here we will marvel at traps, hidden doors & 250 kms of tunnels that Vietnamese resistance fighters dug by hand. Hotel (B)

VIETNAM

(2 nights)

(1 night)

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS

Kanchanaburi

DAY 16 Ho Chi Minh Stepping into a whirl of scooters & skyscrapers, you’ll unwind in the hotel before kicking off the Vietnam exploring, starting with the Ben Thanh markets. Hotel (B)

DAY 13 Phnom Penh A short flight will land us amidst the shy smiles & tree-lined streets of Phnom Penh. We’ll learn of the horrific Khmer Rouge rule at the ‘Killing Fields’ & Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, before having the mood lightened by a life changing TREE Alliance restaurant. Hotel (B,D) END

HUE

DAY 19 - 20 Nha Trang After a final bout of Ho Chi Minh exploring, we’ll take flight to the coastal town of Nha Trang. Golden sand beaches & turquoise waters will offer us water sports, sunsets, & the chance to soak up the town’s laidback lifestyle. Hotel (B)(B) F Cruise & swimming day trip F Mud Bath & Hot Springs Experience

(1 nights)

THAILAND

9:00AM HANOI

DAY 27 Hanoi Our trip will wrap up in Hanoi shortly after our final team breakfast or choose to fly back to Bangkok with us for an additional charge. (B)

DAY 26 Hanoi After a last bout of grotto swimming & monkey spotting in Halong Bay, we’ll head back to Hanoi for our final night on tour. The quirky water puppet performance in Red River Delta will offer the perfect warmup to our final evening together. Hotel (B,L) F Kayaking on Halong Bay

DAY 25 Halong Bay A Chinese style junk boat will drift us around the lime stone island setting of the Gulf of Tonkin, offering complete serenity for our time in Halong Bay. We’ll explore the Sung Sot Caves, swim in lagoons, & eat seafood over a picturesque sunset. (B)(L)(D) Junk Boat Special Stay

HOI AN (2 nights)

KANCHANABURI

DAY 24 Hanoi Flying into the country’s capital, we’ll find a mesmerising fusion of French, Chinese & Vietnamese, & settle into our hotel in the middle of the bustling Old Quarter. Here we’ll be left smitten by the gardens of the Temple of Literature & 36 trading streets offering an array of local goods. Hotel (B)

(2 nights)

SIEM REAP

Ayutthaya

START

END

Da Nang

(1 night)

DISCOVERER

START END

CAMBODIA

(2 nights)

BANGKOK (1 night)

6:00PM BANGKOK

NHA TRANG (2 nights)

DAY 1 Bangkok Hot, hustling, & completely addictive, Bangkok will lure us in & play host to our first day on tour. You’ll have time to unwind & enjoy the hotel before we unite & get acquainted over dinner. Hotel DAY 2 Kanchanaburi After a visit to the Grand Palace & a long tail boat ride, we’ll change our pace & move from Bangkok to the calmer scene of the River Kwai. Here in Kanchanaburi we’ll learn the art of living off the grid & spend a night drifting on a jungle raft. (B,D) Floating hotel Special Stay

16 18 HO

PHNOM PENH

(2 nights)

(1 night)

MEKONG DELTA (1 night) 1 1

CHI MINH CITY

Places visited Itinerary day Special Stay night Start/optional end city Optional end city Coach or train Plane or Boat

DAY 21 - 22 Hoi An After a quick flight & coastal drive, we’ll arrive in Hoi An amidst charm & architecture influenced by many parts of the world. Here we can visit the UNESCO Old Quarter, cycle past rice fields, & see traditional pottery & silk weaving at the local markets. Hotel (B)(B) F Tasty Vietnamese cooking class F Marble Mountains Tour

DAY 23 Hue The former imperial town of Hue offers no shortage of charm, with lotus flower ponds, intricately decorated pavilions, & an artistic soul. We’ll take a cycle to the Imperial Citadel & learn of a horrific Buddhist massacre at Thien Mu Pagoda. Hotel (B) F Group photo at Hue’s Imperial Citadel F Hue Street Food Walking Tour

H OW MUC H & WH E N 2018

CODE: BICA

US$4415 Start Jan 2 Jan 6 Jan 9 Jan 13 Jan 16 Jan 20 Jan 23 ● Jan 27 ● Jan 30 ●

End Jan 28 Feb 1 Feb 4 Feb 8 Feb 11 Feb 15 Feb 18 Feb 22 Feb 25

START BANGKOK & FINISH HANOI

Start Feb 3 Feb 10 Feb 17 Feb 24 Mar 3 Mar 10 Mar 17 Mar 24 Mar 31

End Mar 1 Mar 8 Mar 15 Mar 22 Mar 29 Apr 5 Apr 12 Apr 19 Apr 26

TRAVELLING BETWEEN 02 JAN & 31 MAR 2018? THE BELOW TRIPS (BICA 2018) FEATURE A SLIGHTLY MODIFIED ITINERARY. SEE BELOW FOR START & END TIMES & VISIT CONTIKI.COM/INDOCHINA-ADVENTURE FOR FULL DETAILS.

US$4429 Start Apr 7 ● Apr 14 ● Apr 21 Apr 28 May5 May12 May19 May26 Jun 2

End May3 May10 May17 May24 May31 Jun 7 Jun 14 Jun 21 Jun 28

Start Jun 5 Jun 9 Jun 12 Jun 16 Jun 19 Jun 23 Jun 26 Jun 30 Jul 3

End Jul 1 Jul 5 Jul 8 Jul 12 Jul 15 Jul 19 Jul 22 Jul 26 Jul 29

Start Jul 7 Jul 10 Jul 14 Jul 17 Jul 21 Jul 24 Jul 28 Aug 4 Aug 11

End Aug 2 Aug 5 Aug 9 Aug 12 Aug 16 Aug 19 Aug 23 Aug 30 Sep 6

Start Aug 18 Aug 25 Sep 1 Sep 8 Sep 15 Sep 22 Sep 29 Oct 6 Oct 13

End Sep 13 Sep 20 Sep 27 Oct 4 Oct 11 Oct 18 Oct 25 Nov 1 Nov 8

Start Oct 20 Oct 27 Nov 3 Nov 10 Nov 13 Nov 17 Nov 20 Nov 24 Nov 27

End Nov 15 Nov 22 Nov 29 Dec 6 Dec 9 Dec 13 Dec 16 Dec 20 Dec 23

Start Dec 1 Dec 4 Dec 8 Dec 11 Dec 15 Dec 18 Dec 22 Dec 25 Dec 29

End Dec 27 Dec 30 Jan 3 Jan 6 Jan 10 Jan 13 Jan 17 Jan 20 Jan 24

Start 2019 Jan 1 Jan 5 Jan 8 Jan 12 ● Jan 15 ● Jan 19 ● Jan 22 Jan 26

End

Jan Jan Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb

27 31 3 7 10 14 17 21

Start Feb 2 Feb 9 Feb 16 Feb 23 Mar 2 Mar 9 Mar 16 Mar 23 Mar 30

End Feb 28 Mar 7 Mar 14 Mar 21 Mar 28 Apr 4 Apr 11 Apr 18 Apr 25

* Prices above are based on twin-share (multi-share on train). If you’re travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge. Single room supplement is available for US$1015 (only applicable in hotels). Included flights: This trip includes flights, as specified on the map, as part of the trip price. Please see ‘Included flights’ on p.54 for important info. Please note: the flight from Hanoi to Bangkok is optional & comes at an additional cost. A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Trip starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am. ● These trips will be in Thailand for Songkran (Thai New Year & water festival) or Laos for Pi-Mai Lao (Laos New Year & water festival) or Vietnam for Tet (Vietnamese New Year). Arrival transfers & return flight to Bangkok are available. To purchase, speak to your travel agent or visit contiki.com/transfers. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. Insurance & visas: For important information please see p.54.

ASIA 2018/19 29

ASIAN ADVENTURE 16Ì DAYS

3ÌCOUNTRIES

FROM

US$2325 *

FROM

& N E WO V E D IM P RE R A RY IT IN

US$146 *PP/PD

FRENCH MANSIONS, ANCIENT RUINS & BLISSFUL BOAT RIDES ARE JUST THE BEGINNING

#ASIANADVENTURE

KANCHANABURI THAILAND

AMAZING LOVED EVERY MOMENT. Was deﬁnitely money well spent! Would do it all over again a million times.

AS REVIEWED BY OUR RECENT CONTIKI TRAVELLERS ON FEEFO @_SHANN._

30 ASIA 2018/19

Read more at contiki.com/reviews

@MEGONCHRISTIAN

CONTIKI.COM/ASIAN-ADVENTURE

@SHARNIAMEDURI

Sophie Baird

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

TOP EXPERIENCES 20

NIGHTS

INCLUDEDMEALS

ESSENTIALS

FREE TIME ADD-ONS

Unique Special Stays: 1 overnight train, 1 night in a ﬂoating hotel, 1 night in a Guesthouse & 12 nights in 3 star hotels

15 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L), 3 dinners (D)

Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides, Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations, All private coach transport, 2 internal ﬂights

F Ziplining in Chiang Mai F Kuang Si waterfalls trip in Luang Prabang F Sunset quad biking, Siem Reap

DAY 5 - 6 Chiang Mai Our last destination in Thailand will entertain us with buzzing night markets, an exotic Old Quarter, & a dazzling line up of temples. In between sites you can feast on the intense flavours of northern Thai food, inhaling an abundance of lemongrass, chili & coconut. Hotel (B)(B) F Flight of the Gibbon Ziplining F Thai Cooking Class & Market Visit

DAY 4 Overnight Train (Ayutthaya - Chiang Mai) We’ll start our day with a visit to the breathtaking Erawan Falls for a quick dip before we stop in the UNESCO listed city of Ayutthaya. We’ll grab bikes & cycle past rice paddies, temples & quaint villages before we board our overnight train to Chiang Mai. (B) Overnight Train

DAY 3 Kanchanaburi We’ll wake up in jungle paradise, & start our day with a visit to the notorious Death Railway & see the bridge over the River Kwai. Later, we’ll head to a local elephant sanctuary to see how the rescued elephants are cared for. Hotel (B,L)

DAY 7 Pakbeng Taking a border hop we’ll cross out of Thailand & into Laos. After collecting our passport stamps we’ll journey to Pakbeng, taking part of the trip by river cruise on a local boat. Remote, traditional, & endlessly charming, Pakbeng is a true traveller’s dream. (B,D) Guest house Special Stay

Places visited Itinerary day Special Stay night Coach or train Plane or boat

Kanchanaburi

• Sunrise at Angkor Wat

• Khlong Tour with ﬁsh feeding in Bangkok

DAY 8 - 9 Luang Prabang Early risers will be rewarded by the sacred Laotian ritual of offering alms (food) to Buddhist Monks. Later we will explore Luang Prabang by bike, visiting the TreadRight supported Ock Pop Tock Centre for Artisans. Hotel (B,L,B) F Kuang Si waterfall visit

LUANG PRABANG

LAOS

CHIANG MAI

VANG 10 VIENG (2 nights)

VIENTIANE (1 night)

(2 nights)

(1 night) THAILAND

KANCHANABURI (2 nights)

Ayutthaya END

1 16 14

SIEM REAP

START

CAMBODIA

(2 nights)

START

(1 night)

• Elephant Haven Sai Yok

BANGKOK DAY 2 Kanchanaburi After a visit to the Grand Palace & a long tail boat ride, we’ll change our pace & move from Bangkok to the calmer scene of the River Kwai. Here in Kanchanaburi we’ll learn the art of living off the grid & spend a night drifting on a jungle raft. (B,D) Floating hotel Special Stay

NO REGRETS INCLUSIONS

(2 nights)

PAKBENG

DISCOVERER

PHNOM PENH

6:00PM BANGKOK

(1 night)

END

9:00AM SIEM REAP

DAY 16 Siem Reap Our trip will wrap up in Siem Reap shortly after our final team breakfast. We’ll go our separate ways after saying somber goodbyes & making sincere plans to organise a reunion tour. (B)

H OW MUC H & WH E N 2018

CODE: ASAD

US$2325 Start Jan 2 Jan 6 Jan 9 Jan 13 Jan 16 Jan 20 Jan 23 ● Jan 27 ● Jan 30 ●

End Jan 17 Jan 21 Jan 24 Jan 28 Jan 31 Feb 4 Feb 7 Feb 11 Feb 14

START BANGKOK & FINISH SIEM REAP

Start Feb 3 Feb 10 Feb 17 Feb 24 Mar 3 Mar 10 Mar 17 Mar 24 Mar 31

End Feb 18 Feb 25 Mar 4 Mar 11 Mar 18 Mar 25 Apr 1 Apr 8 Apr 15

TRAVELLING BETWEEN 02 JAN & 31 MAR 2018? THE BELOW TRIPS (ASAD 2018) FEATURE A SLIGHTLY MODIFIED ITINERARY. SEE BELOW FOR START & END TIMES & VISIT CONTIKI.COM/ASIAN-ADVENTURE FOR FULL DETAILS.

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