asia Incl. Laos, Vietnam Cambodia & Thailand
2010-11
GO contiki.com
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SAPA HANOI HALONG BAY PAKBENG
This is your playground…
LUANG PRABANG CHIANG RAI VANG VIENG
LAOS
HUE DA NANG HOI AN
THAILAND
VIETNAM
BANGKOK
Vibrant Vietnam has it all. Beautiful beaches, delicious food, stunning scenery & a rich history. East really does meet West in a fuse of traditional culture & modern life.
SIEM REAP CAMBODIA NHA TRANG
PHNOM PENH
HO CHI MIN CITY
Relatively unexplored, Laos offers preserved culture, open people, archaeological treasures & a history of Communism that makes it a unique & intriguing place to visit. From the French colonial boulevards of Phnom Penh & the spectacular jungle setting of ancient Angkor Wat to the tortuous past of the Khmer Rogue regime, Cambodia is now most definitely a country on the rise.
VIENTIANE
CHIANG MAI
There’s bustling Bangkok, where skyscrapers tower over temples & Mercedes compete with tuk-tuks, as well as off the beaten track experiences in the mountains & jungle of the North. Find out why Thailand is a traveler’s favorite.
Gulf of Tonkin
Gulf of Thailand
MEKONG DELTA
What’s inside 2–3 4–5 6–7 8–9 10 11 12–13 14–15 16 17 18
Intro to Contiki & Asia Why Contiki Asia? Compare our value Meet Contiki Asia travelers Included sightseeing Optional activities Eat & sleep Contiki style Transport & the Contiki crew Traveling responsibly Deals Special Stays incl. Sapa trekking
19 20–21 22– 23 24–25
Vietnam Highlights 10 days Vietnam Experience 12 days Asian Adventure 14 days Big Indochina Adventure 25 days
26 27
Got a question? Booking conditions
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Asia. Contiki. See Asia. An elephant ride in the jungle. A slow boat down The Mekong. The beaches of Nha Trang. Let us take you there. Share Asia. Meet 18-35 year olds from all over the world. Make friends for a week, and know them forever. Love Asia. We’re a family-owned business and we’ve been traveling the world since 1962. We’ll never stop. It’s always different. It’s always fun. It’s always an adventure. That’s the Contiki spirit.
See more, explore more at contiki.com/contiki-experience
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Why Contiki Why Contiki Asia Our Asian vacations aren’t like other tours. They’re different. Here’s why.
18-35. No older. No younger.
Free time. Your time.
Travel with us & you’ll meet people your age from all over the world, with the same goal to see, smell, taste & share incredible experiences in Asia together. We’re the only tour operator in Asia that runs tours exclusively for 18-35 year olds.
All our tours have a balance of free time everyday so you’ll get plenty of time to do your own thing. Explore the backstreets, find a great place for a bite, or sit back & just chill. Plus there’s Contiki’s Explore More optional activities. Whatever you’re into - culture, adventure, sports or food, we can organize it all for you. More on page 11.
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Unique to Contiki Asia
Our know-how. The best bits.
More included. For less.
Where to go? What to see? What to eat? How to get there? Our crew has studied hard, made the grade & they’re ready to share it all with you. Our Tour Managers are mostly expats who now call Asia ‘home’. Many have worked with Contiki before in other parts of the world, so they know all about the Contiki spirit. They’re perfectly complimented by our expert local guides who’ll share their in-depth knowledge so you’ll discover even more.
Get more for your dollar with Contiki in Asia there’s so much included. Like private coach transport, internal flights, lots of sightseeing & plenty of meals. They’re all included, plus more. You’ll know exactly what you get for your money so you can plan your trip & budget before you go. More on page 6.
Plenty of included meals.
Lots of vacation. Less hassle.
All our tours include breakfast every day, as well as some lunches & dinners. We like to keep it varied – eat at a local restaurant one night & in the hotel the next. We don’t include every meal for a reason, so you have the flexibility to explore in your free time, meet some locals & try all kinds of Asian delicacies.
Lugging a heavy backpack in the rain. Getting lost. Not with us. We do the hard work for you so you can get on with having a good time. Air-conditioned coaches, door to door service, a professional on-road team to look after you. Sit back & relax.
Mix of ways to get around.
Authentic.
In Asia, we don’t just travel in a coach. You’ll experience lots of different angles on this destination with over 10 different modes of transport, giving you the best of both worlds. Mix it with the locals on shorter journeys & take private, more comfortable transport on the longer routes, getting you there faster, with more free time in the places that count. More on page 14.
We include some special stopovers like locally owned & run guesthouses in Sapa, Pakbeng & the Mekong Delta. There’s also a fantastic overnight experience onboard a traditional Chinese junk boat on Halong Bay. More on page 18.
Quality accommodation. Our hotels are always comfortable & often have great facilities like pools & WiFi. They’re also central - so you’ll have more time exploring & less time traveling. Rooms are for 2, so there’s plenty of space & if you’re a couple, you’ll never share with anyone else. We’ve also got solo travelers covered. More on page 13.
Only with Contiki
The perfect group size. We average 25 in a group on Contiki Asia, meaning it’s small enough for a more intimate, ‘real’ Asian experience, but large enough to meet plenty of other 18-35 year old travelers to hang out with.
Make a difference. Wherever we can, Contiki supports community projects in the areas we visit. Like visiting an orphanage or eating at restaurants that train homeless kids in hospitality. More on page 16.
Get even more value with our ‘Only with Contiki’ special inclusions like an elephant ride through the rainforest, a private cruise down the Mekong River or a locally guided city bike ride. Check the ‘Only with Contiki’ section on tour pages. More on page 7.
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See how far your money goes.
An experienced Tour Manager & Local Guides Tons of sightseeing inclusions
Breakfast. Transport. Entry to the sights. Accommodation. Traveling on your own adds up fast (yes, even in Asia).
(see Included Highlights on each tour page)
See the difference in what you get included on a Contiki tour. They’re the kind of inclusions & value that means you really get the most out of your trip.
Contiki from US$
Overnight trains & cruise Local taxes & service charges
*
GO 101 p/day
Transport & driver (mostly private services just for Contiki)
Domestic flights
Central & comfortable superior accommodation Lots of breakfasts, lunches & dinners
* Price based on Vietnam Experience & includes local payment.
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Our ‘Only with Contiki’ special inclusions are exactly what they say they are. They’re only with Contiki. Check out our exclusive experiences below or on the ‘Only with Contiki’ section on each tour page. • Private 2 day boat cruise along the Mekong River • Rainforest elephant ride • Locally guided bike tour of World Heritage Listed Luang Prabang • Entry & guided visit of the COPE support & rehab center • Traditional Laotian meal at a restaurant that trains homeless kids in hospitality • All private coach transport • Guided bike ride through the Vietnamese countryside • Bike ride to Hue’s ancient Citadel • Traditional Vietnamese meal at a restaurant run by a hearing impaired family
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Meet the people that travel
Contiki Asia No one person is the same & Contiki tours aren’t either. Young people from all over the world come to explore Asia with us, here’s what some of them had to say about their experience.
Nicole, 25. Nurse, Canadian —Big September 2009 parts of “I likedIndochina, that you got to see different countries. We weren’t only visiting the big cities, we went off to smaller stops. I felt like more of a traveller than a tourist – that’s what I really liked about it.”
Eddie, 25. Firefighter, Australian —Asian Adventure, Aug 2009
“It was nice to be travelling with people around the world that were my age. I knew they’d have similar interests & want to do the same kind of things that I did. I definitely feel it was an adventure trip with culture, not just a relaxing trip.”
Dana, 28. Dentist, American —Vietnam Explorer, July 2009
“Other than flights to & from Asia, you can get by with very little money once you’re on tour. All our transport was included, plus hotels & breakfasts. You got people from all walks of life, I think it was a great price that made the tour accessible to anybody.”
“All our accommodation was really good. We stayed in guesthouses a couple of times which were really different & interesting. I really liked it because this variety made it a really authentic experience. It really gave you a chance to meet some of the locals to see what they do. It wouldn’t have been the same if we’d stayed in hotels the whole time.”
Matt, 28. Law student, American —Asian Adventure, July 2009
Nicole, 25. Nurse, Canadian —Big Indochina, September 2009 “I looked at doing it myself & couldn’t have done it as cheaply, in the same timeframe. I appreciated walking into a hotel, being given my key & having a guaranteed place to stay – that saved a lot of time. Arrive, chuck your bag in & get straight out to do the great optional activities.”
Find lots more past traveller feedback on contiki.com/community
Paris, 23. IT Consultant, British —Asian Adventure, May 2009
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“We got a great balance of time. Since there are other couples & lots of singles, you never feel the pressure to be with either your partner or the group 100% of the time. Usually at night, the group would walk to the local market, where we could either eat together - just the two of us, or with the rest of the group.” Jose, 29 & Madeline, 32. Doctors, Puerto Rican —Asian Adventure, March 2009
10 E XP E RIEN CE IT A LL
Must-see Sights. All included.
e, Bangkok Royal Palac
Kuang Si waterfalls, Luang Prabang
On every Contiki tour, every day, you’ll get lots of Included Highlights. They’re all included in the price of your tour. Included Highlights are the things you can’t wait to see, like the beaches of Nha Trang in Vietnam or the Royal Palace in Bangkok. Wherever you are, we’ll line up trips to famous monuments, walking & cycling tours with a Local Guide, organised nights out & some entrance fees. Every day. No more to pay. The Mekon g Delta ang Beaches of Nha Tr
ur o y d Fin uded Incl lights High Palace, Reunification City Ho Chi Minh
Cruise stop on Tonle Sap Lake
Look for Included Highlights in the itinerary section on every tour page. They’re marked in a different colour, like this.
Why not share your experiences with other travellers. check out contiki.com/community
C u Chi tunnels, Vietnam Views over Halong Bay
Night markets in Siem Reap
re Your experience he
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Optional Activities! Enjoy your free time. As well as all the Included Highlights on our tours, you get plenty of free time to do your own thing – every day. Spend more time at one of your new favourite sights, wander round the shops, or just relax. You can also make the most of your free time with our Explore More optional activities. They help turn a great trip into an unforgettable one. We’ve handpicked them because they’re the things our past Contiki travellers loved. Best of all, we’ve negotiated great prices & we can organise everything for you.
Boat cruise off the islands near Nha Trang
NB. It’s important that you check your insurance includes your participation in adventure activities & be aware that some of our optionals can be physically demanding and therefore involve some risk. Kayaking, Luang Prabang
To find Explore More choices, look for the orange arrow on every tour page Boat cruise off Nha Trang
Chiang Rai hill tribe visit Authentic Thai cooking experience Kayaking on Nam Ou River
KOTO restaurant dinner in Hanoi Enjoy a mud bath
Cruise to Cham Island
Cooking class in Hoi An
Speedboat cruise & swimming near Hoi An
River fun, Vang Vieng
Cooking class in Hoi An
To find out more go to contiki.com/exploremore
Hmong hill tribe women
12 ON THE ROA D
EAT ASIA
All our tours include breakfast every day and quite a few lunches & dinners. We don’t include every meal for a reason. We give you the flexibility to explore in your free time, mingle with the locals & try all kinds of local delicacies. We also like to give back to the communities, so we’ll eat together at a few restaurants that support the less fortunate. These restaurants train & educate local street kids & the disabled. More on page 16. Asia has some of the best food in the world & our Tour Managers & Local Guides are fantastic at helping you uncover the most popular & authentic restaurants in the region or city you are visiting – at bargain prices.
Taste South Eas:t Asia with
The ‘White Rofamous se’ in Hoi An Goi cuon —fresh sp in Vietnam ring rolls Amok—A Cambo special cu dia/Khmer rry Bia Hoi— locall beer in Hay brewed noi
13 There’s facilities you’ll appreciate Often our hotels have a pool, great to escape the heat, & regular access to computers to check emails & Facebook. At times, you’ll even get WiFi, if you’re carrying a laptop. Special stays We’ve mixed it up a little to include a taste of some real Asian overnight experiences. Like locally owned & run guesthouses in Sapa, Pakbeng & the Mekong Delta. And a fantastic overnight experience onboard a traditional Chinese junk boat in Halong Bay. More on page 14. Share Basis Hotels & the cruise are twin share. Guesthouses & Thai overnight trains are multi share. Vietnam overnight train is quad share. Travelling Solo?
HOTEL COMFORT Contiki Asia is almost entirely hotel accommodation. All our hotels are well-located, very comfortable & have some great facilities. Comfort means a clean room with an ensuite bathroom, amenities & a TV. It’s a place for you to relax at the end of a busy day’s sightseeing.
For a small supplement, you can book your own room on the majority of nights. Or we can share you with another Contiki traveller (same sex) for no extra cost.
Halong Bay cruise cabin interior
To find out more go to contiki.com/asia
EASY ACCESS LOCATIONS Our hotels have been picked to give you easy access to the action, like: Van Loi Hotel, Hoi An
Elephant Crossing Hotel, Vang Vieng
Bangkok We’re just 2 minutes from Khao San Road. Siem Riep 5 minutes walk to night markets & Pub Street. Ho Chi Minh Right in the heart of District 1 (sightseeing & nightlife central). Nha Trang We’re directly across the road from the beach. Hoi An 5 minutes walk to Old Town.
14 ON THE ROA D
TRANSPORT – GETTING THERE One of the best things about your trip to Asia will definitely be getting around on our many different modes of transport.
Tuk-tuks
From 4-wheels, to 2-wheels, to no wheels (with paddles & outboard motors instead), there are up to 10 different types of transport involved on a Contiki Asia trip. Unlike our Contiki tours in other parts of the world, we run smaller groups of up to 25 people in Asia, so our coach transport ranges in size. But we always use private, air-con coaches instead of local ones, which means we can get you to more remote places, quickly & easily. To reduce travelling time between destinations, we use internal flights with reliable Vietnam Airlines, giving you more time in the places that count, so you won’t miss stuff. After that, that’s where the fun really begins – overnight trains, rickshaws, tuk-tuks, long tail boats, bicycles, wooden canoes & a traditional Chinese junk boat are some of the Contiki transport selection. Much of our transport is private, which represents fantastic value. From the minibuses, to Mekong boats – you won’t be squashed in with a bunch of other travelers. You’ll have the space to really relax, enjoy the travel time & take it all in.
Sampan, Mekong Delta
Traditional Chinese Junk boat
Rickshaws
Overnight trains
Mekong boat
To find out more go to contiki.com/contiki-experience
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YOUR CREW. WHO’S WHO? Our Tour Managers know Contiki & they know Asia. Meaning you’ll discover & enjoy even more.
Many of our Tour Managers have worked with us in other places around the globe, so they know all about the Contiki spirit & what makes our tours different from others. They’re English-speaking expats, who now call Asia home. They’re your walking, talking guidebook, there to help you make the most of each day. They know their stuff - facts on where you’re going, the best things to see & ideas for your free time. They buddy up with local English speaking Local Guides who work with our on the ground tour partner, the awardwinning, Trails of Indochina. Our professional Local Guides compliment our Tour Managers perfectly with their indepth knowledge of specific places within a destination, often their home. Meaning you’ll discover even more.
To find out more go to contiki.com/contiki-experience
“I’ve worked with Contiki in Europe before & it’s actually pretty similar for me here in Asia. Each day is a new experience. It’s an exciting challenge - that’s what I thrive on, to get out, see new places, try new things & share as much of it with others as I can. It’s as much of an adventure for me as it is for the people we have travelling with us.” Dave Contiki Asia Tour Manager
Reduce your carbon t footprin at
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Small Footprint. Big Commitment. Local Support
Our Foundation
Responsible travel is about bringing you closer to local cultures & environments, involving & benefiting local people in tourism.
Contiki is a founding partner of the non-profit Leading Travel Companies Conservation Foundation. So far, the Foundation has committed over US$2 million to help under-privileged communities & support sustainable tourism around the world.
We encourage you to give a little bit back to the special places & people you’ll encounter, through supporting community projects & NGO’s who care about conserving Asia's natural & cultural heritage. We also employ Local Guides who will open your eyes to their cultures & ways of life, also earning a much needed income from you.
onsibletravel contiki.com/resp
Since the Foundation commenced in 2008, it has; – Helped to protect over 3 million hectares of Atlantic Forest in Brazil – Supported indigenous sustainable tourism in The Kimberley, Australia – Supported the construction of 3 conservation wildlife research camps in Northern Botswana – Supported restoration of one of Venice’s finest art treasures, Monument to Canova – Helped develop sustainable tourism practices as a primary sponsor for the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards
Some of the things you’ll do in Asia with Contiki: – Support the training and education of street kids in Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia when you eat in restaurants that have been created to help get youth off the streets and into a job, equipping them with both work & life skills.
UNESCO & Contiki We include visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites in all our Contiki Asia itineraries, not just so you can enjoy visiting and learning about these unique places, but also because conservation counts.
– In Laos, those that need an artificial limb or support device, like a wheelchair, are helped by COPE (Co-operative Orthotic & Prosthetic Enterprise). We visit the COPE Centre, where visitors are educated about what happens to victims of unexploded objects, such as landmines, their support & rehabilitation.
It’s why we’ve chosen to help UNESCO with their efforts by contributing significant funding towards their restoration work in Venice (through our involvement with The Leading Travel Companies Conservation Foundation). Look for the World Heritage symbol on the tour pages.
– We have the opportunity to visit an orphanage in Cambodia run by an NGO mission & the local community, & meet some of the children who are living there.
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– Visit the Lao Elephant Camp which cares for elephants & supports it’s local community with employment opportunities & education about caring for their environment.
WORLD HERITAGE SITES VISITED
There are more ways to help, ask your Tour Manager for more info.
See more at… contiki.com/asia
Learn more at… contiki.com/responsibletravel
For a full list of sites visited go to… contiki.com/worldheritagelist
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Save more Pay early. Save more. Save up to US$285on your tour if you book & pay 12 months before you leave or save up to US$145 on your tour if you book & pay 6 months before you leave. See the tour page to find out your pay early discount.
2 tours. Save more. Book 2 Contiki trips (of 10 days or longer) at the same time. Save US$100 on your booking. ASIA+ASIA save US$100 ASIA+EUROPE save US$100 ASIA+AMERICA save US$100 ASIA+GREAT BRITAIN save US$100
Book together. Save more. Same tour? Same time? Book together to get group discounts. 4 OR MORE Everyone saves 5%. 7 OR MORE Everyone saves 7.5%. 10 OR MORE Everyone saves 10%. Or invite an 11th person for free. It’s up to you.
Traveling solo? For a small supplement, you can book your own room. Or we can match you up with another traveler (same sex) for no extra cash. The facts: all these discounts apply to the land tour price (eg: not flights). You can combine group discounts, multi tour discounts & early payment discounts on tours of 10 days or longer.
Our Guarantees DEFINITE DEPARTURES We are always updating tours online to a guaranteed to go, Definite Departure status. So you can confidently book ahead & take advantage of airlines early booking deals & Contiki’s early payment discounts. Check contiki.com tour pages for the most up to date info on Definite Departures. NO SNEAKY SURCHARGES As soon as Contiki receives your deposit, the land tour price is guaranteed. Only government action can change the price you’ll pay. US$20 MILLION CUSTOMER PROTECTION As part of Contiki’s commitment to providing our customers with peace of mind & a secure travel experience, we have provided First Horizons Merchant services (our credit card processor), with a letter of credit of over US$20million to underwrite all credit card transactions that are placed with Contiki. Advance bookings with either Visa or Mastercard are covered by this commitment.
To find out more go to contiki.com/deals
Join in at contiki.com Bags packed & ready to go? Or just thinking about it? Join Contiki’s community online & connect with people who can help you with your trip questions. Get advice from Contiki travelers & read their comments. Check out Contiki tour photos. And meet people on your tour before you leave home. Our Tour Managers & past Contiki travelers regularly update our very own wiki: Contikipedia. From the big questions (backpack or suitcase? How much money to take?) to the little ones (what’s the perfect holiday read? Where’s the best night market in Bangkok?). The answers are on contiki.com. You’ll find extra detailed trip itineraries, competitions & video there too. And more.
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ongamDExpeloltrear & Mek the Vietn
rs incl. in Adventure tou Big Indochina
Keep it real with Contiki’s
Special Stays While the majority of Contiki Asia accommodation is in good quality hotels, we have designed our trips to include some unique, authentic & interesting special stays that are a little more grassroots.
ing Tredkdk Sapba n tour le as an a -o availa
Mekong Delta As part of the Big Indochina Adventure & Vietnam Explorer tours, we journey into the Mekong Delta region, about 3 hours south of Ho Chi Minh & also visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. Here you can see life along the Mekong River, with it’s sleepy villages, canals & colorful floating markets. We’ll cruise the Delta, visit some of the local industries & taste traditional foods at a typical Vietnamese lunch in a local tea house. Travel on 2 wheels with our Local Guide through the backroads & rural communities on a relaxed bike ride.
Friendly locals
Stay overnight together at a locally owned & run guesthouse, with home-cooked delicacies & a live local music performance it’s the perfect end to this close up view of local Vietnamese life. Share type basis: multi-share.
Sweet making demonstration, Vietnam
Sapa Trekking This 4 day experience is available to Contiki travelers as an extension, easily added on to the end of your Big Indochina Adventure, Vietnam Highlights or Vietnam Experience tour. Sapa is an old French hill station, set in the foothills of Mt Fanxipan, near the Chinese border. Surrounded by huge mountains & incredible views, it’s a gateway to some of Vietnam’s most colorful ethnic cultures. Starting with a free day in Hanoi, an overnight train takes us to the start of our trek. Your Tour Manager & Local Guide will show you along local tracks, passing through a number of villages with traditional wooden houses where you will see the friendly residents going about their daily lives. Scattered through the stunning green rice terraces there’s unique stone carvings from prehistoric times. Stop off at different hilltribes including a Black Hmong village, where the people are renowned for their handicrafts including silver jewelry & tribal textiles. To find out more go to contiki.com/sapa-trekking
Accommodation is in a locally run guesthouse, where you can get to know your host family & enjoy this cultural experience first-hand.
What’s included • 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches,1 dinner • Return overnight train • Local guesthouse accommodation Share type basis: multi-share. Don’t forget to pack your hiking shoes & a small backpack or your Tour Manager can organize them for you in Hanoi.
ys 15pp a D 4 $4 S U from f nt o yme a p l loca Plus
Hills near Sapa
50 US$
Walking the trail
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10 Days
Asia 10 Days Vietnam Highlights 1 country 9 nights accomm 9 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 2 dinners
Vietnam Highlights
Visits: Vietnam
What’s included All as per itinerary • 9 nights accommodation: 8 nights in 3 star hotels & 1 overnight cruise • 9 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L) and 2 dinners (D) • A dedicated crew with an experienced & professional Tour Manager & local English-speaking guides • Local taxes & service charges • 3 domestic flights • Transport & included sightseeing WORLD • Number of World HERITAGE SITES Heritage sites visited VISITED
ys 9 a D 10 S$88 om U f nt o yme l pa a c lo Plus
† 135 US$
fr
contiki.com/vietnam-highlights
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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 travelers at the hotel. Tantalise the tastebuds as you hit the thriving Ben Thanh markets – you can pick up anything from tasty local foods to Vietnam’s iconic conical hats. Hotel. Days 2-10: Hoi Chi Minh City to Hanoi Refer to days 4 -12 of the Vietnam Experience tour itinerary & included sightseeing on page 21.
Only with Contiki
When to go and how much
VIETNAM
HANOI 2
Halong Bay
Code: VIHI 2009/2010/2011
1
Start Ho Chi
Laos LAOS
1 HUE Da Nang
Thailand THAILAND
2 HOI AN
Cambodia CAMBODIA
NHA TRANG 2
(special inclusions)
• Guided bike ride through the Vietnamese • • •
countryside Bike ride to Hue’s ancient Citadel Traditional Vietnamese meal at a restaurant run by a hearing impaired family All private coach transport
1 HO CHI MINH CITY
Places visited 1 1 or more nightstops
South China Sea
Finish Hanoi
US$ pp
2009 NOV 25 DEC 16 DEC 23 DEC 30
DEC DEC JAN JAN
4 25 1 8
889 889 889 889
2010 JAN 6 JAN 13 JAN 20 JAN 27 FEB 3 FEB 18 FEB 24 MAR 3 MAR 10 MAR 17 MAR 24 MAR 31 APR 7 APR 14 APR 22 APR 28 MAY 5 MAY 12 MAY 19 MAY 26 JUN 2 JUN 9 JUN 16 JUN 24 JUN 30 JUL 7
JAN 15 JAN 22 JAN 29 FEB 5 FEB 12 FEB 27 MAR 5 MAR 12 MAR 19 MAR 26 APR 2 APR 9 APR 16 APR 23 MAY 1 MAY 7 MAY 14 MAY 21 MAY 28 JUN 4 JUN 11 JUN 18 JUN 25 JUL 3 JUL 9 JUL 16
889 889 889 889 889 889 889 889 889 889 889 889 889 889 889 889 889 889 889 889 889 889 889 889 889 889
Start Ho Chi
Finish Hanoi
US$ pp
2010 JUL 14 JUL 21 JUL 28 AUG 4 AUG 11 AUG 15 AUG 26 SEP 5 SEP 19 NOV 1 NOV 8 NOV 15 NOV 29 DEC 6 DEC 13 DEC 20 DEC 27
JUL JUL AUG AUG AUG AUG SEP SEP SEP NOV NOV NOV DEC DEC DEC DEC JAN
23 30 6 13 20 24 4 14 28 10 17 24 8 15 22 29 5
889 889 889 889 889 889 889 889 889 935 935 935 935 935 935 935 935
2011 JAN 3 JAN 10 JAN 17 JAN 24 JAN 31 FEB 7 FEB 14 FEB 21 FEB 28 MAR 7 MAR 14 MAR 21 MAR 28
JAN 12 JAN 19 JAN 26 FEB 2 FEB 9 FEB 16 FEB 23 MAR 2 MAR 9 MAR 16 MAR 23 MAR 30 APR 6
935 935 935 935 935 935 935 935 935 935 935 935 935
Save Money! If you pay 12 months in advance, you save US$89. Or pay 6 months in advance & save US$45. See pg17 for details.
Sapa Trekking Combine this trip with Sapa Trekking. See page 18.
Prices above are based on twin-share. If traveling alone Contiki will team you with a buddy at no extra cost. Optional single room supplement is available for US$310 (only applicable in hotels). † A local payment of US$135 is collected in cash on first day of tour. A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Tour starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. Old town, Hoi An
ENJOY YOUR FREE TIME
Busy streets of Hanoi
CHOOSE SOME OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
NHA TRANG: Relaxing island cruise off Hon Mun island with swim stops & snorkeling HOI AN: Authentic & tasty Vietnamese cooking class – Speedboat cruise to Cham Island with swimming, snorkeling & a beachside lunch HANOI: Dinner at KOTO restaurant where former homeless children are trained in hospitality cost). Gototocontiki.com/vietnam-highlightscontiki.com/optional-europe-camping an additional (atadditional doan extras the optional alloptional for allfor the explore-more extras you you can can do (at Go cost).
12 Days Vietnam Experience
s y a 12 D S$1049 U from †
Plus
0 $16 f US o t n yme l pa a c o l
Visits: Vietnam
VIETNAM
HANOI 2
Only with Contiki (special inclusions) • Guided bike ride through the Vietnamese countryside • Bike ride to Hue’s ancient Citadel • Traditional Vietnamese meal at a restaurant run by a hearing impaired family • All private coach transport
Burma
Halong Bay
1
Laos LAOS
1 HUE Da Nang
Thailand THAILAND
2 HOI AN
Cambodia CAMBODIA
2 NHA TRANG
2 HO CHI MINH CITY
contiki.com/vietnam-experience
ENJOY YOUR FREE TIME
CHOOSE SOME OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Places visited 1 1 or more nightstops
MEKONG DELTA 1 South China Sea
NHA TRANG: Relaxing cruise off Hon Mun Island with swim stops & snorkeling
21 Itinerary and included sightseeing
city, known for it’s colorful cloths and made to order tailors, then taste why Vietnamese food has such a good reputation with an optional cooking class! Hotel (B)
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 travelers at the hotel. Tantalise the tastebuds as you hit the thriving Ben Thanh markets – you can pick up anything from tasty local foods to Vietnam’s iconic conical hats. Hotel.
Visit the city’s Old Quarter & Japanese covered bridge
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta It’s a 2 day journey into the Mekong Delta. We’ll try out sanpans (local boats), take in local industries & see floating markets & fish farms – giving a peek of everyday waterway life. Back on dry land, we’ll get on 2 wheels as we ride past rural communities. Tonight, perhaps see a musical performance before dinner at our local guesthouse. Guesthouse (B,L,D)
Day 7: Hoi An Maybe head to the untouched Cham Island on a speed boat cruise. With snorkeling, secluded beaches & delicious local food prepared at a beach-side restaurant, this is a great way to spend the day. Otherwise there’s galleries, antique shops in the old town or take a walk along the historic waterfront to the local markets. Hotel (B)
Mekong Delta cruise
Day 8: Hoi An to Hue There are stunning coastal views while driving over the “Pass of the Ocean Clouds” to the former Royal City of Hue. Visit the colorful imperial Tu Duc tomb with its intricately decorated pavilions & the 7storied Thien Mu Pagoda before we board a dragon boat & drift down the Perfume River before dinner at a family-run restaurant. Hotel (B,D)
See local demonstrations
Cross the Hai Van Pass
Visit a local tea garden
Perfume River cruise
Day 3: Mekong Delta to Ho Chi Minh City We head back to Ho Chi Minh City via the Viet Cong’s legendary tunnels in Cu Chi. See traps, hidden doors & some of the 155 miles of tunnels that Vietnamese resistance fighters dug by hand – you can even go down into the skinny tunnels & experience them first-hand! Hotel (B)
Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda & the Tu Duc Mausoleum
Visit to the Cu Chi tunnels Day 4: Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang View the Notre Dame Cathedral, General Post Office & the Presidential (or Reunification) Palace on our city tour. We also visit the War Remnants Museum for some history on the Vietnam War. Explore the city before catching a flight to Nha Trang, famous for its golden beaches & idyllic turquoise waters. Hotel (B) View the Notre Dame Cathedral, General Post Office & Presidential Palace
Day 9: Hue to Hanoi Start the morning with a bike tour before our flight to Hanoi. Full of French flair, Chinese culture & Vietnamese vitality – it’s an open-air museum. Walk the wide Parisian-style boulevards & take in the shuttered mansions, or relax with bia hoi (draught beer) & peoplewatch. Hotel (B)
Asia 12 Days Vietnam Experience 1 country 11 nights accomm 11 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 3 dinners Bamboo boats, Nha Trang
What’s included All as per itinerary • 11 nights accommodation: 9 nights in 3 star hotels, 1 night in a guesthouse & 1 overnight cruise • 11 breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L) & 3 dinners (D) • A dedicated crew with an experienced & professional Tour Manager & local English-speaking guides • Local taxes & service charges • 3 domestic flights • Transport & included sightseeing WORLD • Number of World HERITAGE SITES VISITED Heritage sites visited
Phuc Kien Pagoda, Hoi An
3
When to go and how much Code: VIEP 2009/2010/2011
Bike ride Day 10: Hanoi to Halong Bay Today we board a traditional junk boat on Halong Bay for our overnight cruise. See amazing views as we pass hidden coves, sheer cliffs & stunning beaches. We check out the Sung Sot Caves & stop for a swim in an idyllic lagoon before docking at the magical Dao Titop for sunset. Junk boat (B,L,D) Visit the Sung Sot Caves
Visit to the War Remnants Museum
Boat cruise of grotto island
Day 5: Nha Trang Sink into the laid-back beach lifestyle with a free day to enjoy the sun & sea. Do your own thing or take off to the gorgeous offshore islands on our optional cruise with swim stops, snorkeling & banquet lunch. Afterwards perhaps, indulge in a mineral mud bath & hot springs experience before getting a taste of Nha Trang by night! Hotel (B)
Entry to Dao Titop
Day 6: Nha Trang to Hoi An Fly to Danang & travel down to Hoi An. We take a guided walking tour through the Old Quarter, before some free time. Explore this
View the Temple of Literature
Day 11: Halong Bay to Hanoi Wake to more fantastic views from the junk boat 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 homeless children are trained in hospitality skills. Hotel (B,L) Day 12: Depart Hanoi Your tour ends after breakfast, so it’s time to say farewell to your group. (B)
Start Ho Chi
Finish Hanoi
US$ pp
2009 NOV 23 DEC 14 DEC 21 DEC 28
DEC DEC JAN JAN
4 25 1 8
1049 1049 1049 1049
2010 JAN 4 JAN 11 JAN 18 JAN 25 FEB 1 FEB 16 FEB 22 MAR 1 MAR 8 MAR 15 MAR 22 MAR 29 APR 5 APR 12 APR 20 APR 26 MAY 3 MAY 10 MAY 17 MAY 24 MAY 31 JUN 7 JUN 14 JUN 22 JUN 28
JAN 15 JAN 22 JAN 29 FEB 5 FEB 12 FEB 27 MAR 5 MAR 12 MAR 19 MAR 26 APR 2 APR 9 APR 16 APR 23 MAY 1 MAY 7 MAY 14 MAY 21 MAY 28 JUN 4 JUN 11 JUN 18 JUN 25 JUL 3 JUL 9
1049 1049 1049 1049 1049 1049 1049 1049 1049 1049 1049 1049 1049 1049 1049 1049 1049 1049 1049 1049 1049 1049 1049 1049 1049
Start Ho Chi
Finish Hanoi
US$ pp
2010 JUL 5 JUL 12 JUL 19 JUL 26 AUG 2 AUG 9 AUG 13 AUG 24 OCT 30 NOV 6 NOV 13 NOV 27 DEC 4 DEC 11 DEC 18 DEC 25
JUL JUL JUL AUG AUG AUG AUG SEP NOV NOV NOV DEC DEC DEC DEC JAN
16 23 30 6 13 20 24 4 10 17 24 8 15 22 29 5
1049 1049 1049 1049 1049 1049 1049 1049 1049 1105 1105 1105 1105 1105 1105 1105
2011 JAN 1 JAN 8 JAN 15 JAN 22 JAN 29 FEB 5 FEB 12 FEB 19 FEB 26 MAR 5 MAR 12 MAR 19 MAR 26
JAN 12 JAN 19 JAN 26 FEB 2 FEB 9 FEB 16 FEB 23 MAR 2 MAR 9 MAR 16 MAR 23 MAR 30 APR 6
1105 1105 1105 1105 1105 1105 1105 1105 1105 1105 1105 1105 1105
Save Money! If you pay 12 months in advance, you save US$105. Or pay 6 months in advance & save US$55. See page 17 for details.
Sapa Trekking Combine this trip with Sapa Trekking. See page 18.
Prices above are based on twin-share in hotels & multishare in guesthouse. If traveling alone Contiki will team you with a buddy. Optional single room supplement is available for US$365 (only applicable in hotels). † A local payment of US$160 is collected in cash on first day of tour. A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking Tour starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. Beaches of Nha Trang
Flag Tower, Hue
HOI AN: Authentic & tasty Vietnamese cooking class – Speedboat cruise to Cham Island with swimming, snorkeling & a beachside lunch HANOI: Dinner at KOTO restaurant where former homeless children are trained in hospitality Go to contiki.com/vietnam-experience-explore-more for all the optional extras you can do (at an additional cost).
14 Days Asian Adventure
s y a 14 D S$1469 U from †
Plus
5 $18 f US o t n yme l pa a c o l
Visits: Thailand, Laos & Cambodia
PAKBENG 1
LUANG PRABANG 2
LAOS
CHIANG RAI 1
2 VANG VIENG VIENTIANE 1
CHIANG MAI 1
THAILAND
11
Only with Contiki (special inclusions) • Private 2 day boat cruise along the Mekong River • Rainforest elephant ride • Locally guided bike tour of World Heritage listed Luang Prabang • Entry & guided visit of the COPE support & rehab center • Traditional Laotian meal at a restaurant that trains homeless kids • All private coach transport
Vietnam Burma
BANGKOK 1
SIEM REAP 2
CAMBODIA
1 PHNOM PENH
contiki.com/asian-adventure
ENJOY YOUR FREE TIME
CHOOSE SOME OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Places visited 1 1 or more nightstops
South China Sea
CHIANG MAI: Traditional hands-on Thai cooking class experience
23 Itinerary and included sightseeing Day 1: Arrive Bangkok Tuk-tuks, streetside BBQs, neon lights & buzzing street life, it’s bustling Bangkok! Arrive at the hotel & meet your Tour Manager & fellow travelers, then hit the city for a night out. Hotel.
Day 10: Vang Vieng to Vientiane Arriving in Vientiane, we’ll take a locally guided city tour of the nation’s French influenced capital. Later, we’ll visit That Luang & view Laos’ ‘Arc de Triomphe’ Hotel (B,D) Visit Luang Stupa & Patuxi Dinner at Makphet Restaurant Day 11: Vientiane to Phnom Penh Goodbye Laos & hello Cambodia as you travel by plane to the capital city, once known as the “Pearl of Asia”. View first hand the reminders of the country’s dark history with a visit to the Khmer Rouge ‘Killing Fields’ & the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Tonight, take it easy & maybe enjoy some drinks at a floating bar on the river. Hotel (B)
Visit the Royal Palace & Emerald Buddha
Visit the ‘Killing Fields’ & Genocide Museum
Day 3: Chiang Mai Head for the hills with our local guide; visit Wat Phrathat temple & maybe even receive a Buddhist blessing! Surrounded by a moat & 300 temples, chill out & explore Chiang Mai. You could take an optional Thai cooking class tonight, chill by the pool or visit the famous Night Bazaar. Hotel. (B) Day 4: Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai Today we head towards Chiang Rai. In the afternoon, opt to visit unique hill tribe villages before heading back to Chang Rai to explore or check out a local night stop. Hotel (B) Day 5: Chiang Rai to Pakbeng After crossing the Thai/Laos border, we board our private boat & cruise the mighty Mekong River. Drift through towering, jungle covered gorges, taking sneak peeks at local life in remote villages along the river banks. We arrive before sunset in Pakbeng for our overnight stay. Guesthouse (B,L,D) See local riverside villages Day 6: Pakbeng to Luang Prabang Continue cruising the Mekong before arriving in the historic hotspot Luang Prabang. Take a bike tour around town, visit Wat Xiang Thong monastery & perhaps take a walk up Mt Phu Si before perusing the night markets where local people sell their textiles & handicrafts. Hotel (B,L)
Day 12: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap Catch a flight to Siem Reap, before taking a private boat cruise to see the unique floating villages found here. Chill out with a visit to the Psar Chas (old market) for handicrafts & exotic fresh produce. Or, for a dose of culture, see an Aspara dance performance. Hotel (B)
Buddhist blessing
What’s included All as per itinerary • 13 nights accommodation: 11 nights in 3 star hotels, 1 night in a guesthouse & 1 overnight train • 13 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L) & 2 dinners (D) • A dedicated crew with an experienced & professional Tour Manager & local English-speaking guides • Local taxes & service charges • 2 domestic flights • Transport & included sightseeing WORLD • Number of World HERITAGE SITES Heritage sites visited VISITED
Mae Sa waterfalls, Chiang Mai
2
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 travel buddies and Tour Manager. (B)
Grand Palace, Bangkok
When to go and how much Code: ASAD 2009/2010/2011
Visit the Pak Ou Caves Visit Wat Xieng Thong temple & Mt Phu Si Day 7: Luang Prabang If you make an early start, take part in the ritual of offering alms (food) to the hundreds of Buddhist monks. If you feel like cooling off, take a trip to the Kouang Si Falls for a swim or visit the Royal Palace. Hotel (B) Day 8: Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng Today it’s on to 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)
Start Bangkok
Finish US$ Siem Reap pp
2009 NOV 10 DEC 8 DEC 22
NOV 23 DEC 21 JAN 4
1469 1469 1469
2010 JAN 5 JAN 19 FEB 3 FEB 16 MAR 9 MAR 23 APR 7 APR 20 MAY 11 MAY 25 JUN 9 JUN 22 JUL 13
JAN 18 FEB 1 FEB 16 MAR 1 MAR 22 APR 5 APR 20 MAY 3 MAY 24 JUN 7 JUN 22 JUL 5 JUL 26
1469 1469 1469 1469 1469 1469 1469 1469 1469 1469 1469 1469 1469
Start Bangkok
Finish US$ Siem Reap pp
2010 JUL 31 AUG 11 AUG 23 SEP 6 OCT 31 NOV 14 NOV 28 DEC 12 DEC 26
AUG AUG SEP SEP NOV NOV DEC DEC JAN
13 24 5 19 13 27 11 25 8
1469 1469 1469 1469 1469 1539 1539 1539 1539
2011 JAN 9 JAN 23 FEB 6 FEB 20 MAR 6 MAR 20
JAN 22 FEB 5 FEB 19 MAR 5 MAR 19 APR 2
1539 1539 1539 1539 1539 1539
Save Money! If you pay 12 months in advance, you save US$149. Or pay 6 months in advance & save US$75. See page 17 for details.
Prices above are based on twin-share in hotels & multishare in guesthouse & train. If traveling alone Contiki will team you with a buddy, at no extra cost. Optional single room supplement is available for US$369 (only applicable in hotels). † A local payment of US$185 is collected in cash on first day of tour. A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Tour starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger.
Scenic drive to Vang Vieng Day 9: Vang Vieng Get hold of a map & explore with a free day. Maybe rent a bike – there are a whole lot of limestone caves, swimming holes, tunnels & bunkers to discover. Tonight, watch the sunset at a riverside bar or an island watering-hole. Hotel (B)
14 Days Asian Adventure 3 countries 13 nights accomm 13 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 2 dinners
Visit to COPE exhibition centre
Day 2: Bangkok to Chiang Mai Visit the incredible Royal Palace & Emerald Buddha Temple. Later, cruise the klongs (canals) & see locals going about their day then dive into the downtown area’s plazas, or shops in Siam Square. Try Chinatown for some Asian delicacies before we board an overnight train to Chiang Mai. Overnight train. (B)
Guided klong (canal) tour
Asia
Angkor Wat
Night markets
CHIANG RAI: Visit to unique Thai hill tribe villages LUANG PRABANG: Kayaking trip down the Nam Ou River Go to contiki.com/asian-adventure-explore-more for all the optional extras you can do (at an additional cost).
25 Days Big Indochina Adventure
s y a 25 D S$2845 U from †
Plus
5 $33 f US o t n yme l pa a c o l
Visit: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia & Vietnam
VIETNAM
Burma
contiki.com/indochina-adventure
ENJOY YOUR FREE TIME
CHOOSE SOME OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
PAKBENG 1
LUANG PRABANG 2
2 HANOI
Halong Bay
1
LAOS
CHIANG RAI 1
2 VANG VIENG VIENTIANE 1
CHIANG MAI 1
1 HUE Da Nang
THAILAND
2 HOI AN
11
Only with Contiki (special inclusions) • Private 2 day boat cruise along the Mekong River • Rainforest elephant ride • Locally guided bike tour of World Heritage listed Luang Prabang • Entry & guided visit of the COPE support and rehab center • Traditional Laotian meal at a restaurant that trains homeless kids • All private coach transport • Guided bike ride through the Vietnamese countryside
BANGKOK 1
SIEM REAP 2
CAMBODIA
1 PHNOM PENH
Places visited 1 1 or more nightstops
2 NHA TRANG
2 HO CHI MINH CITY
MEKONG DELTA 1 South China Sea
CHIANG MAI: Traditional hands-on Thai cooking class experience CHIANG RAI: Visit to unique Thai hill tribe villages
25 Itinerary and included sightseeing Day 1: Arrive Bangkok Tuk-tuks, neon lights & buzzing street life, it’s bustling Bangkok! Arrive at the hotel & meet your Tour Manager & fellow travelers, then hit the city for a night out. Hotel. Day 2: Bangkok to Chiang Mai Take in the sights before we cruise the canals & see locals going about their day before boarding our overnight train. Overnight train. (B) Visit the Royal Palace & Emerald Buddha Guided klong (canal) tour Day 3: Chiang Mai Visit Buddhist temples with our local guide, then explore the city or opt for a Thai cooking class tonight. Hotel (B) Visit Wat Prathat temple Day 4: Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai We head towards Chiang Rai, there’s an option to visit unique hill tribe villages before exploring the city’s night bazaars. Hotel (B) Day 5: Chiang Rai to Pakbeng After crossing the Thai/Laos border, we board our private boat & cruise the Mekong River, seeing local life along the river. Arrive before sunset in Pakbeng for our overnight stay. Guesthouse (B,L,D) See local riverside villages Day 6: Pakbeng to Luang Prabang Continue cruising the Mekong before hitting Luang Prabang. Take a sightseeing bike tour before perusing the night markets. Hotel (B,L) Visit to the Pak Ou caves Visit Wat Xieng Thong temple & Mt Phu Si Day 7: Luang Prabang If you make an early start, take part in the ritual of offering alms (food) to the hundreds of Buddhist monks. If you feel like cooling off, take a trip to the Kouang Si Falls for a swim or visit the Royal Palace. Hotel (B) Day 8: Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng Today it’s on to Vang Vieng, known for its limestone karsts (rock formations), outdoor adventure activities & buzzing nightlife. Hotel (B) Scenic drive to Vang Vieng Day 9: Vang Vieng Get hold of a map & explore with a free day. Maybe rent a bike – there are a whole lot of limestone caves, swimming holes, tunnels & bunkers to discover. Tonight, watch the sunset at a riverside bar or an island watering-hole. Hotel (B) Day 10: Vang Vieng to Vientiane Arriving in Vientiane, we’ll take a locally guided city tour of the nation’s French influenced capital. Later, we’ll visit That Luang & view Laos’ ‘Arc de Triomphe’ Hotel (B,D) Visit Luang Stupa & Patuxi Visit to COPE exhibition center Dinner at Makphet Restaurant Day 11: Vientiane to Phnom Penh In Phnom Penh we’ll see reminders of the country’s dark history, then later, take it easy & maybe enjoy some drinks at a floating bar. Hotel (B) Visit the ‘Killing Fields’ & Genocide Museum Day 12: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap Catch a flight to Siem Reap before cruising Tonle Sap lake on our private boat. Tonight, maybe visit the Psar Chas (old market) for handicrafts & exotic fresh produce. Hotel (B) Tonle Sap lake cruise
Day 13: Siem Reap Wake to watch the sun rise over Angkor Wat & hear the legends of the sacred sites of the Khmer Empire before we visit Angkor Thom by tuk-tuk! Hotel (B) Visit Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom & Ta Prohm Day 14: Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City It’s free time before we fly to Ho Chi Minh. Later, hit the thriving Ben Thanh markets & pick up anything from tasty food to Vietnam’s iconic conical hats. Hotel (B) Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta It’s a 2 day journey into the Mekong Delta. We’ll try out sanpans (local boats), take in local fish farms & industries & see floating markets. Later we’ll take a bike ride through the countryside. Guesthouse (B,L,D) Mekong Delta cruise See local industry demonstrations Visit a local tea garden Day 16: Mekong Delta to Ho Chi Minh City We head back to Ho Chi Minh City via the legendary tunnels in Cu Chi – you can even go down into the tunnels & experience them first-hand! Hotel (B) Visit to the Cu Chi tunnels Day 17: Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang Take a city tour then visit the War Remnants Museum before we fly to Nha Trang. Hotel (B) View the Notre Dame Cathedral, General Post Office & the Presidential Palace Visit the War Remnants museum Day 18: Nha Trang Today, do your own thing or opt to take off to the gorgeous offshore islands for some swim stops & snorkeling. Hotel (B) Day 19: Nha Trang to Hoi An Fly to Danang & travel down to Hoi An. Take a guided walking tour, see the countryside at sun-set by bike, before opting for a cooking class! Hotel (B) Visit the city’s Old Quarter and Japanese covered bridge Day 20: Hoi An Head to Cham Island on an optional speed boat cruise for some snorkeling, 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 boat as we pass coves, cliffs & beaches. We stop for a swim before docking at Dao Titop for sunset. Junk boat (B,L,D) Visit the Sung Sot Caves Entry to Dao Titop Boat cruise of Grotto Island Day 24: Halong Bay to Hanoi Wake on the junk before we return to Hanoi & explore the city before our optional farewell dinner. Hotel (B,L) View the Temple of Literature Day 25: Depart Hanoi Your tour ends after breakfast, so it’s time to say farewell to your group. (B)
Asia 25 Days Big Indochina Adventure 4 countries 24 nights accomm 24 breakfasts, 5 lunches & 5 dinners
Perfume River, Hue
What’s included All as per itinerary • 24 nights accommodation: 20 nights in 3 star hotels, 2 nights in a guesthouse, 1 overnight train & 1 overnight cruise • 24 breakfasts (B), 5 lunches (L) & 5 dinners (D) • A dedicated crew with an experienced & professional Tour Manager & local English-speaking guides • 6 domestic flights • Transport & included sightseeing • Local taxes & service charges WORLD • Number of World HERITAGE SITES Heritage sites visited VISITED
Laotian textiles
5
Save Money! If you pay 12 months in advance, you save US$285. Or pay 6 months in advance & save US$145. See page 17 for details.
Sapa Trekking
War Remnants museum
Combine this trip with Sapa Trekking. See page 18.
When to go and how much Code: BICA 2009/2010/2011 Start Bangkok
Finish Hanoi
US$ pp
2009 NOV 10 DEC 8
DEC 4 JAN 1
2845 2845
2010 JAN 5 FEB 3 MAR 9 APR 7 MAY 11 JUN 9
JAN FEB APR MAY JUN JUL
2845 2845 2845 2845 2845 2845
29 27 2 1 4 3
Start Bangkok
Finish Hanoi
US$ pp
2010 JUL 13 AUG 11 NOV 14 DEC 12
AUG SEP DEC JAN
2845 2845 2989 2989
2011 JAN 9 FEB 6 MAR 6
FEB 2 MAR 2 MAR 30
6 4 8 5
2989 2989 2989
Prices above are based on twin-share in hotels & multi-share in guesthouse and trains. If traveling alone Contiki will team you with a buddy, at no extra cost. Optional single room supplement is available for US$735 (only applicable in hotels). † A local payment of US$335 is collected in cash on first day of tour. A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Tour starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. Wat Phra Kaeo, Thailand
LUANG PRABANG: Kayaking trip down the Nam Ou River NHA TRANG: Relaxing island cruise with swim stops & snorkeling HOI AN: Authentic Vietnamese cooking class – Cham Island speedboat cruise with swimming & a beachside lunch HANOI: Dinner at KOTO restaurant where former homeless children are trained in hospitality Go to contiki.com/optional-indochina-adventure for all the optional extras you can do (at an additional cost).
Got a question? Answers to frequently asked questions & things you need to know. What’s included? • Coach, train, boat, internal flights & ‘on tour’ airport transfers listed in the ‘What’s included’ section on tour pages. • Accommodation, breakfasts, lunches & dinners listed in the ‘What’s included’ section on tour pages. • Sightseeing listed in the ‘Included highlights’ section in each tour itinerary. Unless specified, entrance fees to these locations are included. • Experienced Contiki Tour Manager & Local Guides.
What’s not included? • • • • • • •
Local payment. Personal spending money. Visa & passport fees. Personal insurance & medical fees. Excess baggage fees. Tips for porters. Sightseeing, visits & entrance fees other than those specified on the tour pages. • Optional Explore More activities such as cooking classes etc. • Lunches & dinners (unless specified in the ‘What’s included’ section on tour pages.)
Are flights included? All flights on specified tour itineraries are included as part of the tour price. External flights to & from the tour are not included.
Local payments As is common for touring in Asia, Contiki also have local payments on our Asia tours. They cover things like local guides, tipping, transport & included entrances into sightseeing locations as part of the tour. This brings money to the communities in the countries that we visit & helps to reduce the overall price of the tour. Local payments are made on Day 1 of the tour, directly to the Tour Manager in $US cash. Information about the local payments can be found below the price panel on each tour page.
Group size Contiki’s group size in Asia averages around 25, a group size small enough to have an intimate Asian experience but big enough to make the group dynamic rock.
Will I get more information? Upon receipt of final payment, you’ll receive a copy of your Contiki Asia Travelers Guide – an information book with all the nitty gritty details about your holiday. You’ll also receive a comprehensive daily itinerary including full details & costs of all our Explore More optional activities available on your tour, as well as information about departure points & how to get there. Your complimentary Contiki document holder will be sent to you along with your travel documents. It’s a convenient place for your tickets, paperwork & passport & quite useful to use when traveling again in the future. *Contiki reserves the right to substitute an alternative travel accessory for the Contiki Document Wallet. In the meantime, contiki.com is also a great source of information on tour departure points, destinations visited on our tours & general travelers’ tips, including our very own wiki: contikipedia.
Brochure authenticity We have put a great deal of effort into producing this brochure. The information given & literature produced by Contiki has been compiled with care & is published in good faith. Sometimes, because of circumstances outside our control, we have to alter some activities due to seasonal closing or repairs to buildings, etc, especially early or late in the season. If this happens, alternative activities will be arranged.
What do I need for the Sapa extension? Offered on the Big Indochina, & all Vietnam departures, is the opportunity to visit Sapa in Northern Vietnam – a region known for its cultural diversity & stunning scenery. This extension involves a moderate level of physical activity, as the tour takes in a hike/trek. You will require hiking shoes and a small backpack, or your Tour Manager can organize them in Hanoi.
How much money do I need?
Tipping & service standards
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 traveling with Contiki in Asia, you’ll find that you’ll often be using local currencies, particularly in remote areas. The local currencies encountered on tour are the Riel (Cambodia), Kip (Laos), Baht (Thailand) or Dong (Vietnam).The countries we visit rely largely on cash as opposed to credit cards or travelers 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 travelers cheques are generally only accepted in big cities at money exchanges or banks to change to local currency.
Asia is developing a large tipping culture. Tipping is seen as customary in the service industry for those that provide a high level of service, as well as a way of saying ‘thank you’ for a job well done. All tipping for local guides & drivers is included as part of the local payment. Be aware that services & standards in Asia may not be equivalent to those you find at home.
Explore More optional activities Optionals are arranged & paid for on tour. By leaving the final decisions until then you can choose at the same time as your new friends & you’ll get great value with our specially negotiated rates. Some activities are seasonal & weather dependent. Our optional activities offered on Contiki Asia tours are operated by 3rd party operators. While every attempt is made to ensure the safety of all activities, the nature of the region means that public liability protection that is offered in many countries, may not be applicable in many cases. A waiver will need to be signed by all tour participants to ensure that these conditions are understood & accepted. We highly recommend comprehensive travel insurance.
Do I need vaccinations? At the time this brochure went to press (November 2009), the following immunizations are recommended for travelers 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 specializes in travel medicines or your local doctor to advise on what vaccinations and/or preventative medicines would be required. Don’t forget to bring with you any medication that you may require en route such as antihistamines, antibiotics, etc.
Do I need visas? Depending on your nationality, you may require visas to enter certain countries included in your tour. You are fully responsible for obtaining all necessary visas prior to the departure of your tour. Contiki is not legally permitted to knowingly allow anybody who does not have a valid visa to join a tour. Visa & other entry & exit conditions (such as currency, arrival/departure taxes, customs & quarantine regulations) change regularly. Consult your travel agent or visit www.travel.state.gov to determine which visas you require & how to obtain them. Your passport must have at least six months’ validity remaining when you arrive in Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam & Laos. Local immigration authorities may deny entry & deport people who do not meet this requirement, even if they intend on staying only for a short period. Important to consider: 1. Visas can take up to six weeks & a fee is normally charged. 2. Failure to obtain all necessary visas could cause you to miss part of your tour & will result in you incurring considerable expense & inconvenience. 3. It is better to apply for all visas through your travel agent before you leave home. Be aware that many visas can be purchased & arranged on arrival. 4. It is very important that the entry & exit dates are correct on the visa. Your travel agent will contact Contiki for full details.
Security Contiki has been running tours for young people since 1962 and is a member of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA). USTOA includes all the major tour operators who are financially bonded for your security and who maintain the highest standards. Contiki is also a member of the National Tour Association (NTA) and the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA).
How much luggage can I bring? It is strongly recommended to keep your luggage to a maximum of one suitcase and one carry-on bag. There are some things to consider when packing for a Contiki Asia tour: • Due to the large number of flights on Contiki Asia tours, your luggage needs to meet the weight & restrictions imposed by airlines. These limits are imposed by the airlines, not by Contiki. Contiki is not responsible for any costs incurred by overweight luggage. • You are responsible for carrying your own luggage. At times this will be in hotels without elevators (as is common to the region), or onto various forms of transport, such as trains.
• At hotels with elevators, there maybe porters to assist with bags, but this is not guaranteed. It is suggested to keep your luggage to a maximum suitcase size of 73cm x 50cm x 25cm (29" x 20" x 10") & maximum weight of 20 kg (44lbs) plus one small hand/day bag that can be carried with you. NO EXTERNAL METAL FRAME BACKPACKS PLEASE, their bulky shape makes packing into transports difficult. Use of a backpack/rucksack is suggested, but not required. Wheeled suitcases can be used on Contiki tours in Asia. The Contiki Tour Manager may suggest you store your main luggage & use 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.
Photography credits Elephant, front cover - courtesy of Pip Dalziell. Hikers, p.4 - courtesy of Dana Kapp. Elephant ride, p.4 - courtesy of Amanda Lewis. Group dinner, p.5 courtesy of José. Elephant ride, p.7 - courtesy of Julia Crouth. bike ride, p.7 - courtesy of José. Royal Palace Bangkok, p.10 - courtesy of Christian LF. Reunification Palace, p.10 - courtesy of Kim Bowman. Van Loi hotel, p.12 - courtesy of Elise Ackers. Hotel balcony, p.12 - courtesy of Elephant Crossing hotel. Local woman p.16 - courtesy of Elise Ackers. Street kids, p.16 - courtesy of Meghan Saunders. Elephant wash, p.16 - courtesy of Elephant Park Project. Chefs, p.16 - courtesy of Stay Another Day. Hills near Sapa, p.18 - Courtesy of Matt Stein. Page 18. Elephant, p.20 - courtesy of Meghan Saunders. Temple, p.22 - courtesy of Kim Bowman.
Contiki Vacations Travel Protection Plan PROVIDING YOU WITH “ANY REASON” CANCELLATION FLEXIBILITY & PEACE OF MIND WHILE YOU TRAVEL: Contiki Vacations Travel Protection Plan – designed exclusively with the following: Priced at: Trips up to $1,500: $129 per person Trips $1,501 or greater: $169 per person Note: Prices are subject to change without notice.
SECTION I: TRAVEL ARRANGEMENT PROTECTION - Provided by Contiki Vacations* Trip Cancellation: Up to Total Trip Cost. Reimburses the non-refundable Contiki Vacations cancellation penalties imposed if you must cancel your trip for a covered reason such as illness, injury or death to you, a traveling companion or an immediate family member. Other reasons for cancellation include Common Carrier-caused delays due to inclement weather, jury duty, subpoena, or a documented traffic accident en route to departure, and other reasons as cited in the plan description. The Contiki Vacations “Any Reason” Cancellation Waiver**. With the Contiki Vacations “Any Reason” Cancellation Waiver, Contiki Vacations will provide you with 100% of the cancellation charges in the form of a future travel credit certificate, should you cancel your tour more than 48 hours prior to your scheduled departure for any reason that is not eligible for cash reimbursement under the Trip Cancellation section of the Travel Protection Plan. Cancellation charges are reimbursed in the form of Contiki Vacations Travel Certificates allowing you a two year credit to travel with us at a later date! Please note that to be eligible for the “Any Reason” Cancellation Waiver, you must enroll and pay for the plan within two days of your initial trip deposit. The certificate is valid for two years, is non-transferable and non-refundable and may not be redeemed for cash. Future travel certificates do not include airfare cancellation charges for air arrangements unless those arrangements were provided by Contiki Vacations. Trip Interruption: Up to Total Trip Cost Trip Delay: Up to $1,000 ($150/day) SECTION II: TRAVEL INSURANCE BENEFITS - Underwritten by Stonebridge Casualty Insurance Company*** Baggage Protection: Up to $2,500 Bag Delay: Up to $500 Medical & Dental Expenses: Up to $50,000 Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation: Up to $50,000
For more detailed information online head to contiki.com/contikipedia
SECTION III: EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE SERVICES Provided by On Call International While the above is not a complete description – a full plan description detailing the terms, conditions and exclusions will be sent to you – we have highlighted just a few of the plan benefits. If you have any Travel Protection Plan questions, or would like to request a copy of the plan description, please call our plan administrator, BerkelyCare, at 1-866-580-4871. You may also view the plan at www.contiki.com The Contiki Vacations Travel Protection Plan is provided in addition to other applicable indemnity or insurance programs, where permitted by law and shall apply only after benefits have been paid. * For NY residents, Section I Travel Arrangement Protection (Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption & Trip Delay) is underwritten by Stonebridge Casualty Insurance Company, Columbus, Ohio. ** For NY residents only, the “Any Reason” Cancellation Waiver may be purchased separately from the Contiki Vacations Travel Protection Plan. Contact 1-877-722-2195 for details. *** Section II Travel Insurance Benefits, Policy Number MZ0911064H0000A-U are underwritten by Stonebridge Casualty Insurance Company, Columbus, Ohio: NAIC #10952 (all states except as otherwise noted) Policy/Certificate Form series TAHC5000. In CA, CT, HI, NE, NH, PA, TN and TX Policy/Certificate Form series TAHC5100 and TAHC5200. In IL, IN, KS, LA, OR, OH, VT, WA and WY Policy Forms TAHC5100IPS and TAHC5200IPS. This plan was designed and is administered by BerkelyCareSM. IN CALIFORNIA: BerkelyCareSM is a service mark of Aon Direct Insurance Administrators, CA Insurance License # 0795465. IN ALL OTHER STATES: BerkelyCareSM is a division of Affinity Insurance Services, Inc. in all states other than CA, except: AIS Affinity Insurance Agency, Inc. in MN and OK and AIS Affinity Insurance Agency in NY. 5864684A
27
Booking conditions
Got a question and conditions
Once Contiki accepts your booking by confirmation thereof a contract is made between Contiki & you upon the terms & conditions set out below. OUR RESPONSIBILITIES 1. YOUR VACATION RESERVATION On receipt of your deposit, subject to availability and at our discretion, Contiki will reserve your place on your selected vacation. A contract is only made between you and us upon your booking being confirmed and accepted by us and our communication thereof to either you or your travel agent. 2. PRICE GUARANTEE a) Tour Prices: Are based on costs, tariffs, taxes, charges, levies and exchange rates as of 30th October, 2009. Should these change, the price of your vacation may increase. If the total price increases by more than 10%, you may cancel, without penalty, within 3 DAYS after we notify you of the increase. Except as explained below, we will not increase the price of your vacation after we receive your deposit for your vacation. In exchange for this guarantee, no refund will be made if the cost factors described above are reduced. We reserve the right to recover from you increases in airline and/or cruise line imposed fuel surcharges and in taxes, charges or levies imposed by any government or its agencies. b) Airline Fuel Surcharges & Air-Related Taxes, Fees & Restrictions: All quoted land and air prices include airline fuel surcharges. However, as noted above, we reserve the right to recover from you increases in those surcharges. Additional, air-related taxes and fees apply. See www.contiki.com/taxesandfees for details. Additional, air-related taxes and fees will be passed on to each passenger by Contiki. Any additional fees charged by the airlines, such as baggage handling, seat selections, and/or any other services are the sole responsibility of the passenger(s). Additional air-related restrictions apply. See www.contiki.com/restrictions for details. 3. IF WE CANCEL OR CHANGE YOUR VACATION 3.1 Contiki reserves the right to change or cancel any tour departure in accordance with operating requirements or circumstances beyond its control. 3.2 If cancellation is made any time prior to the tour departure*, Contiki’s only liability will be to refund the passenger the amount it has received for the booking. Contiki will try and re-book same or similar tour and, where flights have been confirmed by Contiki, will attempt to confirm air seats for the new date selected, subject to availability. Contiki is not liable changes, amendment or cancellation penalties incurred on any other travel arrangements purchased separately. 3.3 If an alternative is not available or acceptable you will be entitled to either a full refund of monies paid by you to us or transfer to another Contiki vacation without payment of any transfer fee. *Please Note: The departure date constitutes the date indicated on Contiki’s confirmation. If you do not join the tour on the day of departure then cancellation fees will be 100%. 3.4 If the change or cancellation is due to force majeure (i.e. circumstances like political unrest, war or threat of war, riots, civil strife, closure of airports or ports, industrial disputes, terrorist activity, natural and nuclear disasters, fire, epidemic or health risk, Acts of God, adverse weather conditions or other similar events beyond Contiki’s control) we will give a full refund of any monies paid to us less reasonable expenses incurred by us in respect of your booking. 3.5 Contiki is not responsible for the costs of any other travel arrangements affected due to our cancellations or rescheduling of any tour departure. 4. VACATION DETAILS AND CONDITIONS 4.1 The information in our brochure is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of going to print (November 2009) but we cannot guarantee that any item or amenity mentioned will be available especially where we have no direct control over it. 4.2 With respect to their touring program Contiki will do their best, at their discretion, to select accommodation, sightseeing tours and transportation to give you good value for money. 4.3 Contiki 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. 4.4 Any special meal requirements will be made on a request basis only. Contiki cannot guarantee special meal requests nor will assume any responsibility or liability if clients special meal requests are not fulfilled. 5. LIABILITY 5.1 Contiki is responsible for properly arranging and conducting your vacation. 5.2 As Tour Operator, Contiki makes arrangements with carriers, hoteliers and other independent suppliers to provide you some or all the travel services you purchase. These parties are independent suppliers over whom Contiki has no direct control. Unless caused by its own negligence, Contiki is not responsible for and accepts no liability in respect of any claims, losses, damages, costs or expenses arising out of: a) personal injury, sickness, disease, accident or death, however caused, including without limitation, where same results from your conduct on vacation. b) loss or damage to or delay of baggage or other property unless resulting from Contiki’s negligence in which case Contiki’s liability shall be limited to the actual loss but in no event would exceed the total vacation cost; c) delays and loss as a result of government action, weather, mechanical breakdown, equipment failure, labor disputes, sickness, acts of war, insurrection, terrorism, Acts of God or any other causes beyond Contiki’s direct control. Contiki cannot be responsible for interruption of air carrier service due to airline default. d) acts or omissions, whether negligent or otherwise, of suppliers of services or their personnel (including, without limitation, transportation and accommodation services) or of any other person or body unless such a person or body is employed by us, or is an agent of ours, and is acting within the scope of his or her authority. In no event is Contiki liable for the acts or omissions of independent third party contractors or of its own employees or agents acting outside the scope of their duties. e) loss of enjoyment, upset, disappointment, distress or frustration, whether physical or mental, resulting from any of the following: (i) any matter or topic described in sub-paragraphs (a) to (d) inclusive above. (ii) your failure to obtain the necessary documentation to travel. (iii) your failure to arrive on time for initial departure or for connections within the tour or to stay within or join your tour at any time after initial departure. (iv) your leaving the tour prior to its completion. (v) the need for Contiki to change itineraries or substitute accommodation or services, provided that Contiki makes every effort to supply the most comparable services and accommodations available. (vi) cancellation of the vacation by Contiki provided that a full refund of all monies paid is made to you.
(vii) Many of our activities are action and adventure orientated. Sports and similar activities inherently involve risks of injury greater than those that would be encountered if you were not participating in such, and therefore, by voluntarily taking part in any sports or other such activities, you thereby acknowledge and assume any of the risks inherent therein. In the absence of negligence on our part, or on the part of our agents and representatives, neither we nor they accept any responsibility for, and shall not be liable for, any injury, illness, damage, loss, accident, expense, delay or any other irregularity resulting from your participation in any of the activities made available to you. (viii) We take every reasonable precaution possible to assure your comfort, safety, and enjoyment while you are taking part in a Contiki vacation. Contiki vacations are generally for the young, and not for the frail or those not generally enjoying good health. A change of climate, food, time and varied cultural habits often affects travelers differently. We therefore recommend that you advise your doctor that you are taking one of our vacations and ask if he or she recommends anything for your trip, even for something as seemingly benign as an upset stomach. Since the brands of any medication to which you are accustomed may be unavailable in places to which you are traveling, we recommend you bring your own supply of any medication you will require and carry such medication in your hand luggage. Prescription drugs should be carried in the original labeled bottles. Should you fall ill during your Contiki vacation, we will make every reasonable effort to make prompt, sanitary, safe and proper medical care available to you. However, if at anytime or anywhere treatments of any sort are suggested to you that do not meet your needs or expectations, you should not hesitate to contact your own doctor. Also, please note that the same sorts of activities that can expose you to certain types of diseases at home can just as easily expose you to those same diseases abroad. This information is provided only for your convenience and we are not responsible or liable for any damages resulting from your failure to confirm or ascertain health information or medical precaution, if any, for the places which you will be visiting. (ix) Contiki is responsible for taking care to arrange and conduct your vacation properly. With you in mind, we have accepted applications from and interviewed numerous potential employees, and then we select only those people whom we believe in our best judgement would be responsible and congenial, Tour Managers, Representatives and Drivers. Although we firmly believe, based on personal interviews and certain disclosures made to us by our employees, that all of our employees enjoy excellent health, we, like other tour operators, are legally unable to confirm this in most, if not all, instances. YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES 1. BOOKING YOUR VACATION 1.1 In order to reserve your vacation, a deposit of US$200, per person per tour, or the full amount payable if booking is made within 45 days of departure, be submitted to Contiki by you in respect of that vacation. This payment is in addition to any deposit required by your travel agent. The deposit is accepted as a first installment of the vacation price by Contiki only once the booking has been confirmed in writing by Contiki or your travel agent. 1.2 Your land reservation will be confirmed on receipt of a non transferable, non refundable deposit of US$200 per person for the first tour booked and then a deposit of US$200 for second and subsequent tours booked which must be paid within 3 days of booking or the reservation will automatically be cancelled. 2. PAYING THE BALANCE 2.1 The balance of the vacation price must be paid by no later than 45 days before your scheduled vacation departure date which shall be by the due date stated on the confirmation issued to you by Contiki. 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, the full cost of the vacation will be payable immediately on booking and we reserve the right to provide all travel documents at the vacation 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. 2.6 Travel documents will be sent to you approximately 21 says prior to tour departure* (providing full payment has been received). All bookings are subject to a $8 per booking document delivery fee. However, if travel documents are required the next day or earlier than 21 days prior to departure* (providing full payment has been received), a fee of $35 per mailing will apply. Bookings made and/or payments received within 30 days of departure* incur a $35 per mailing document delivery fee. Any documents delivered outside the USA will incur a minimum fee of $50. The actual cost will be advised at time of booking. 3. IF YOU CANCEL 3.1 If notice of cancellation is received by Contiki 45 days prior to tour departure*, the non-refundable, non-transferable deposit will be retained along with the Travel Protection. 3.2 Notice of cancellation must be made in writing directly to Contiki. 3.3 The following scale of charges will apply when notice of cancellation is given after booking is confirmed: COACH TOURS (LAND ONLY) No. of days prior to Cancellation Fee tour departure* as a % of the total land price. No. of days prior to Cancellation Fee Tour departure* as % of the total land fee 45 days or more: The non refundable deposit 45-22 days: 25% of tour fare 21-8 days: 30% of tour fare 7-1 days: 50% of tour fare Day of departure*/No show: 100% Extra night hotel accommodation that are cancelled within 14 days of booked date will incur 100% cancellation fee, outside 14 days the following fees will be charged: 45-22 days 25% 21-15 days 30% AIR ARRANGEMENTS These cancellation charges apply for airline arrangements made by Contiki: Prior to Airline Ticketing service fee - $50 per person After Airline Ticketing service fee - $75 per person plus any airline imposed penalties which may be up to 100% of the air ticket value.
3.4 Any cancellation of additional services booked prior to and after your tour or resort 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 3.6 Please note that Contiki is not liable for any cancellation penalties incurred on any other travel arrangements including air tickets purchased separately from the air and land includes package. * Please note: the departure date constitutes the date indicated on Contiki’s confirmation 4. IF YOU CHANGE YOUR BOOKING 4.1 If after your booking has been confirmed, you wish to change to an alternative departure date or you wish to change to a different Contiki vacation, you may do so subject to availability and provided the new vacation date is also in this brochure. 4.2 A fee of US$30 per person will be charged for any revision or alteration made to a reservation after the booking is confirmed. Any alterations, risk the loss of air space or increased airfares. Name changes or corrections will be treated as a cancellation of air and all normal air cancellation fees will apply. A change of tour date or tour itinerary within 45 days of tour departure will be treated as a cancellation, and normal cancellation fees will apply except when the change is to an earlier departure date of equivalent or greater value in which case a US$30 per person amendment fee will be charged. 5. VACATION 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 vacations are specifically planned for those in the 18 through 35 age group. Consequently the facilities and activities on a Contiki tour are not appropriate to persons outside this age bracket. If you have a question regarding the age groups, you should discuss this thoroughly with Contiki staff personnel. 5.3 Persons with disabilities must contact Contiki staff as soon as possible before any tour to determine if the particular tour would be appropriate, to discuss what reasonable accommodations may be provided and to give Contiki the opportunity to prepare such reasonable accommodations. In many countries public facilities and accommodations for persons with disabilities will cause difficulties, restrictions and hardships over which Contiki will have no control. In addition, Contiki cannot provide personal devices or individually prescribed devices, nor can Contiki provide services of a personal nature, such as assistance in eating, toileting or dressing. In some cases it may be appropriate to bring a personal assistant. If you have a disability and do not contact Contiki sufficiently in advance of a tour, we may not be able to accommodate you on a tour and you could be asked to leave the tour. 5.4 You are responsible for all travel arrangements and costs to/from the point of commencement/conclusion of the vacation. 5.5 There may be times when the Contiki Tour Manager or Representative has to make a decision in your best interest or the best interests of their group. You agree to comply with the authority and decisions of the appointed Contiki Tour Manager or Representative and the laws of the country in which you are traveling. If you do not so comply or if, in the Contiki Tour Manager’s or Representative’s opinion, you are not compatible with the general enjoyment and well being of other members on the tour or the smooth operation of the vacation itself, we reserve the right to refuse to let you continue with the tour. Furthermore you agree that your fellow travelers and any Contiki Representative has 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 vacation. In either event, you will be responsible for your own repatriation and related costs and have no claims against us. 5.5.1 You are responsible for any costs incurred as a result of damage or excess cleaning fees related to your accommodation. You are advised to immediately report any pre-existing damage in your room to hotel/Contiki Village staff and/or a Contiki Tour Manager as soon as it is discovered. 5.6 Where the passenger occupies a motorcoach seat fitted with a safety belt, neither the operator or service providers, agents or cooperating organizations 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 vacation as well as any necessary vaccinations and to comply with all applicable laws. 5.8 You agree that our Contiki Tour Managers or Representatives may take photographs and films of you while you are on vacation 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 vacation, you should inform the Contiki Representative during the course of the vacation and if the matter cannot be resolved after the representative’s best endeavors to do so during the vacation, your complaint should be made in writing to Contiki as soon as is reasonably possible after the vacation but within 42 days thereof so that your complaint can be investigated. Any claims made after the 42 day period will not be considered by Contiki. If you choose to write to Contiki via the Internet, please provide your home address so that we are able to reply to you in writing. 5.10.1 The agreement arising between the passenger and the Operators under this brochure and the booking made by the passenger shall be governed by the law of the State of California, which shall have exclusive jurisdiction in the case of any dispute between the parties. 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 highly suggests taking out comprehensive insurance cover for cancellation, medical expenses, personal accident, personal baggage, money and public liability before you will be accepted on a Contiki vacation. With the insurance of BerkelyCare we are able to offer comprehensive travel insurance at group discount rates (see details on page 26).
If you wish to have this valuable protection, please advise your Travel Agent to request the insurance and to include the cost of insurance when sending in your vacation deposit. Please note that there will be no travel insurance provided unless you request it from your Travel Agent and the payment is forwarded to Contiki. Complete details of the coverage limitations and exclusions are contained in the documents of insurance which will be included with your vacation invoice. Please check that the insurance covers all the activities that you are going to be participating in. Some policies exclude certain adventure activities. 7. ILLNESS OR ABSENTEEISM In the event of your withdrawal from a vacation 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 VACATION PRICE Airfares (unless you purchase a land+air package), air-related taxes and fees passport and visa fees, insurance, laundry, phone calls, beverages, meals not detailed in the itinerary, tips to tour managers, 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 vacation be cancelled or amended by you at any time on the basis of snow or weather conditions. GENERAL 1. CONTRACTING PARTIES 1.1 The Booking Conditions detailed herein contain the entire contract between you and Contiki. No representation, term, warranty or condition can be expressed or implied by reference to any other writing, advertisement or conversation. This contract may only be varied in writing by a duly authorised officer or director of Contiki. 1.2 Your contract is with us as the tour operating company. At any time and at our complete discretion we may nominate to you in writing any other company or person to have the benefit of some or all of those provisions of this contract, which we may then specify, as if you had agreed the provisions concerned directly with that company or person in the first place as well as agreeing them with us. We may at our complete discretion assign all or any rights and liabilities arising under or by virtue of this or any other contract with you. 1.3 Transportation companies, airlines etc. are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are not on board planes, transportation or conveyances. We rely on international convention which may apply to the services provided by us, our suppliers or agents with respect to any claim of any nature brought by you against us as a result of the provision of those services. International conventions which apply may include: Warsaw Convention 1929, (as amended by Hague Protocol and Montreal Protocol) in relation to air travel, or Montreal Convention; the Berne Convention for rail travel; Athens Convention 1974 for carriage by sea; the Geneva Convention for carriage by road and the Paris Convention 1962 for Hotels. We are to be regarded as having all benefit of these conventions on limiting our liability in relation to any claim for death, injury, loss, damage and delay to passengers and luggage. Enrollment in and payment for a tour shall constitute agreement and acceptance by the passenger of the terms and conditions set forth in this brochure which cannot be varied except in writing by an officer of the Company. 1.4 Contiki is not a carrier or hotelier nor does it own aircraft, hotels or coaches. All bookings with carriers, hoteliers and other service providers are subject to the terms and conditions and limitations of liability imposed by those carriers, hoteliers, and other service providers. Please note that some of these limit or exclude liability in respect of death, personal injury, delay and loss or damage to baggage. While 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 thirdparties, 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 Vacation 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 vacation 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. 1.7 The agreement arising between the passenger and the Operators under this brochure and the booking made by the passenger shall be governed by the law of The State of California, which shall have exclusive jurisdiction in the case of dispute between the parties. 1.8 In the case of computer or human billing error we reserve the right to reinvoice passenger with correct billings. 2. USTOA $1 MILLION CONSUMER PROTECTION PLAN. Contiki Holidays shares the coverage available under the USTOA $1 Million Assistance Program with affiliates of Contiki who, as an Active member of the USTOA is required to post $1 Million with USTOA to be used to reimburse, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the USTOA Travelers Assistance Program, the advance payments of Contiki Holidays customers in the unlikely event of Contiki bankruptcy or insolvency or cessation of businesss. Further you should understand that the $1 Million posted by Contiki may be sufficient to provide only partial recovery of the advance payments recieved by Contiki Holidays. Complete details of the USTOA Travelers Assistance Program and a list of affiliates may be obtained by writing to USTOA at 275 Madison Avenue, Suite 2014, New York, New York 10016, or by email to information@ustoa.com or by visiting their website at www.USTOA.com 2. VALIDITY The programs advertised in this brochure are valid from November 2009 to March 2011. 3. 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 Limited, Picquet House, St. Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 1AF, Channel Islands.
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The Ultimate Gift! Create your wish list for graduation, birthdays, vacations and other special occasions with our travel registry at contikiregistry.com Contiki is represented in Australia, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, USA.
Contiki Holidays is a division of the familyowned The Leading Travel Companies, and is renowned and trusted for its outstanding quality, service, value, reliability and financial stability.
Contiki is a registered trademark of Contiki Tours International Ltd, Guernsey. © Copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA. Please don’t throw this brochure away, we encourage you to either pass it on to a friend or place it in a paper recycling bin.
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How to book
Australia & Europe New Zealand Winter
Contiki Vacations 801 E Katella Ave. 3rd Floor Anaheim CA 92805
Europe Summer
Reservations Tel: (800) CONTIKI (800) 266 8454
Fax: (714) 935 2556
Web: contiki.com
CST#1001728-20
Administration Tel: (714) 935 0808 Fax: (714) 935 2556
• Contact your local travel agent, call Contiki at 1-800-CONTIKI or visit contiki.com to confirm that there's space on the tour you have chosen. At the same time you can book your hotel accommodation before and/or after your Contiki tour. • At the time of booking, you must pay a non-refundable deposit of US$200 per person for first tour and US$200 per person for second and subsequent tours which must be received by Contiki within 3 days. This payment is in addition to any deposit required by your travel agent. • Once your deposit has been received, Contiki will send you or your travel agent confirmation of the booking details.
Group bookings
If you’re looking for something completely different for a group of 20 or more, our Custom Groups Department in Europe, America, Asia, Australia and New Zealand have been helping those with specific group travel requirements for years! School and University trips, performance groups, wine tours, culinary tours, ski tours, you name it we’ve done it.
• The balance of the reservation must be received by Contiki no less than 45 days before the departure date, or at the time of booking if less than 45 days before departure. If payment is not received by Contiki we will not be responsible for lost land and air reservations. • Contiki will then send your travel documents and detailed information to you or your travel agent about your vacation.
IMPORTANT By paying the US$200 deposit per person per tour to your travel agent, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the Booking Conditions as set out on page 27, which make up the contract between you and Contiki.
From supplying competitive quotations to helping you plan the best itinerary right down to the last detail, our world-wide team of experts are able to arrange a custom designed vacation or incentive trip to meet the needs of your group. Tel: (866) 652 4483