Best of Vietnam plus optional Highlights of Cambodia For SOLO TRAVELLERS 45 TO 65 YEARS Vietnam: Saturday 10 to Sunday 25 October 2015 (16 days / 15 nights) Cambodia: Sunday 25 to Friday 30 October 2015 (6 days / 5 nights) Ho Chi Minh Cantho Ho Chi Minh Hoi An Hue Sapa Halong Bay Hanoi Best of Vietnam The always intriguing and diverse Vietnam is the perfect destination for a two week escape. Our Best of Vietnam tour visits the south, central and north of this country that s bursting with culture and history. You will enjoy a visit of all the major highlights from the Mekong Delta in the south to Hanoi in the north. You ll be guided by an expert Vietnamese national, discovering the charm of the country that is enticing more and more people to make its discovery. Vietnam Tour Highlights Small group touring (maximum of 20 travellers only) All sightseeing and attractions on itinerary included in price Leisure time to make your own discoveries Mekong Delta boat tour Bicycle tours at two destinations; cycle past the town boundaries to witness rural life (optional) Tour Pace [2-3] 3 night stay in Central Vietnam (Hoi An) Overnight cruise on Halong Bay Free evenings (in Vietnam where eating locally is a highlight, it s great to have the freedom of choice) 2 domestic flights to reduce travel time Highlights of Cambodia Time permitting, this is the perfect add on to your Vietnam Experience. From Vietnam fly to Cambodia and discover the Highlighs of Cambodia in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh including the amazing Wonder of the World, Angkor Wat on this 6 day itinerary. This is a medium paced tour with a maximum of 20 travellers. Touring is by private coach and includes a return overnight (sleeper) train journey, two domestic flights within Vietnam to reduce travel time and also an overnight boat cruise on Halong Bay. There is a mix of days, between more leisurely days and other days that require long periods on foot, standing, walking and climbing stairs. This tour is not suitable for anyone not able to stand and walk for long periods and/or unable to climb stairs without assistance. You need an average level of fitness (or above) to be suited to this tour.
TOP 5 REASONS TO BOOK 1. Age-matched holiday groups 2. Travel with like-minded singles 3. Tours provided by leading tour operators 4. Early bird savings with many tours 5. Room-mate matching option Tour Inclusions Accommodation in comfortable hotels * Daily full breakfast 6 lunches & 5 dinners English speaking Vietnamese national group tour leader Two domestic flights in Vietnam Overnight cruise on Halong Bay ^ Transportation by air-conditioned coach Tours and excursions as per itinerary Maximum group size 20 persons Airport transfers (group flight) # * hotels are 3 to 4.5 star rated ^ for single room bookings on the overnight cruise a single cabin can not be guaranteed. # included when you book the group flight with us. Not Included with Tour Price : Travel Insurance & Visa fees Tips for tour guide Items of a personal nature ROOM MATE MATCHING Avoid the single supplement with our room mate matching service. In the event we are unable to offer a room mate, you will be offered a single room at a reduced rate. Tour Prices Prices Per Person AUD Twin Share Single Room Tour Price $2995 $3655 Pre-tour hotel inc. breakfast (Ho Chi Minh) Post-tour hotel inc. breakfast (Hanoi) Private Airport Transfer Tipping Fund* * Airfares $59 $110 $59 $110 $45 required if deviating from group USD95 Quoted on request * * A tipping fee is due and payable directly to the tour guide in US dollars on day 1 of the tour. The tour guide manages the tips provided for service personnel related to the tour including but not limited to; the tour bus drivers, boat crew, hotel porters, and waiters at restaurants included on the itinerary. This tip does not cover the tip for the group tour guide. A tip for the tour guide is customary and highly recommend. This payment is at each passenger s discretion. Prices were correct at time of publishing but are subject to change should circumstances dictate. About Us At Encounter Travel we offer holiday groups for solo travellers. All trips are age-matched so there s more chance you ll share your journey with like-minded travellers. Visiting destinations across Australia and around the globe, choose from short escapes to adventure trips and leisurely touring. Contact Us Encounter Travel Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm (AEST) Phone : 1300 653 692 Fax : 02 8001 6196 Email : holidays@encountertravel.com.au Web : encountertravel.com.au ATAS No. A10439 ABN: 23 119 642 992
Itinerary for Best of Vietnam Saturday 10 - Saturday 25 October 2015. DAY 1 - SATURDAY 10 OCTOBER 2015 Arrive to Ho Chi Minh Welcome to Vietnam! An airport-to-hotel transfer is provided for all passengers travelling on a group flight*. Most of the flights will arrive at the end of the day. If you ve made your own travel arrangements, the transfer to the hotel is by your own arrangement (or you can request a private transfer with us for an additional service fee). Today you can spend the evening at your leisure. You will probably have met some of the other group members on the airport-tohotel transfer, but in any case, the meeting point in the hotel lobby is nominated at 8:15pm for anyone who wants to join as a group and head out for a casual dinner (at your own expense). no meals are included today * to qualify for the transfer your airfare must be booked with us on the nominated group flight with Singapore Airlines. Day 2 - SUNDAY 11 OCTOBER 2015 Discover Ho Chi Minh, Ho Chi Minh Your first full day in Vietnam starts with a city discovery tour where you ll see all the key iconic places in Ho Chi Minh City; Binh Tay Market, Jade Emperor Pagoda, Notre Dame Cathedral, War Remnants Museum and the General Post Office. You ll also have some free time to make some discoveries of your own. Tonight, the group enjoys a welcome dinner. and Dinner DAY 3 - MONDAY12 OCTOBER 2015 Mekong Delta, Cantho This morning we transfer to the rural district of Cai Be (3 hours away) to enjoy a scenic boat tour down the river. We ll eat lunch at the house of a local villager during the boat tour of the Mekong Delta. Seafood meals are a focus on the local restaurant menus but tonight you may like to try the local mouse dish that features on some menus! We ll stop to see the sights along the way before finishing the tour in Vinh Long. From here we ll hop on the transfer to Cantho in the Mekong Delta, where we ll stay this evening. and Lunch DAY 4 - TUESDAY 13 OCTOBER 2015 Mekong Delta, Ho Chi Minh Today we get up bright and early to make sure you see the very best of the local trade on the Mekong Delta with a boat tour (great photo opportunities this morning) to visit the floating market, and a walk around the local village of Cantho. Alternatively, if you d prefer to lie in, you can make your own plans for the morning in Cantho (just let your tour guide know you won t be joining the morning boat tour). In the afternoon, we ll get on the transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City for the night. DAY 5 WEDNESDAY 14 OCTOBER 2015 Chu Chi Tunnels, Hoi An After breakfast at the hotel, we head out to see the renowned Cu Chi Tunnels, an amazing network of interconnecting tunnels that were used by the Viet Cong guerrillas as hiding spots. After your visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, enjoy a packed lunch before we jump on the bus to be transferred to the airport for a short afternoon flight to Danang. From Danang we transfer to the historic town of Hoi An for the next three nights. and Lunch DAY 6 - THURSDAY 15 OCTOBER 2015 Hoi An Tour, Hoi An Start your day with a morning city walk, the best way to see the sights of historical Hoi Ann. The tour includes the Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation Hall, the Japanese Bridge and Phung Hung House. In the afternoon, take a leisurely bike tour to get know the city further afield as you pedal through the countryside. Or, if you prefer, you can take some free time to do some shopping, have some clothes tailored or soak up the atmosphere of Hoi An. DAY 7 - FRIDAY 16 OCTOBER 2015 Cooking School, Hoi An
Itinerary for Best of Vietnam Saturday 10 - Sunday 25 October 2015 Ever wondered or wanted to know how the Vietnamese cook up such delicious food? Well, today you get the answers at our special group cooking class at a great cooking school in Hoi An. You ll learn how to make some key dishes as well as become familiar with the key ingredients that the Vietnamese use in their cooking. For lunch, you ll enjoy the cooking creations you made at the cooking school. In the afternoon, enjoy some leisure time. Relax by the resort pool, wander around Hoi An or visit the local beach. and Lunch DAY 8 - SATURDAY 17 OCTOBER 2015 From Hoi An to Hue Today we hit the road to transfer to Hoi An via the Marble Mountains a cluster of five marble and limestone hills and Hai Van Pass, some of the most scenic countryside in Vietnam. We stop for lunch en route at a local restaurant. Tonight, there s a group dinner where we ll dine on the authentic cuisine of central Vietnam., Lunch, Dinner DAY 9 - SUNDAY 18 OCTOBER 2015 The Perfume River, Hue The day begins with a boat tour on the Perfume River named so because of the abundance of floral orchards lining it to the royal tombs area. In the afternoon, we take you on a two-hour cycling tour, which is a highlight because you can roam into the countryside around Hue to and really get amongst the local village life. If cycling s not your cup of tea, you can always choose to do your own thing around town. DAY 10 - MONDAY 19 OCTOBER 2015 Overnight Train to Sapa We start today with a short, morning flight to Hanoi with Vietnam Airlines. In Hanoi, there s a city discovery tour, which includes the Old Quarter and lunch at a local restaurant. The Old Quarter is a legacy of Hanoi s ancient past, which has a history that spans over 2000 years and is known as the eternal soul of the city. The tour visits the Prison Museum, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (the outside only) and the Temple of Literature. There s also a bit of fun on a cyclo tour in the Old Quarter. This evening you ll take the night train to Lao Cai on a sleeper train (with four beds per berth). Before boarding, we ll have a group dinner and you ll have some time to purchase snacks and drinks for the train journey. We have sleeper berths for the train journey which make the overnight trip more comfortable., Lunch, Dinner TIP: Have a small travel bag/day pack available that you can use for the visit to Sapa. Large bags will be stored at the hotel in Hanoi as it is not possible to travel with your main luggage bag on the train. DAY 11 - TUESDAY 20 OCTOBER 2015 Sapa It s a very early arrival to the train station as all trains, arriving around dawn or even a bit earlier. To start your experience, there s an excursion to the weekly Coc Ly market to experience local market shopping, where you ll notice plenty of sights and aromas. Needless to say, it s a very different experience to our supermarkets at home! Then we ll have a boat tour before we transfer over to Sapa. and Lunch DAY 12 - WEDNESDAY 21 OCTOBER 2015 Silver Waterfall, Sapa Today we go on an excursion to Thac Bac (Silver Waterfall), 5km north of Sapa. It s a dramatic waterfall reaching an impressive 100 metres high. The rest of the day is at your own leisure, which might be the perfect chance to make some discoveries of your own in this beautiful highland village. DAY 13 THURSDAY 22 OCTOBER 2015 Ta Phin, Sapa; Overnight Train to Hanoi Today we have an excursion to Ta Phin village, outside of Sapa. Ta Phin is a picturesque drive North of Sapa, set within a valley with a towering mountain peak at one end. It s alive with the daily life of the Kinh, Red Dao and Black Hmong people. The rest of the day is at your leisure. This evening we return to Hanoi on the overnight (sleeper) train. DAY 14 - FRIDAY 23 OCTOBER 2015 Huong Hai Junk Cruise, Halong Bay This morning we make our way over to Halong Bay for an overnight cruise of this stunning bay a major highlight of your Vietnam tour! Halong Bay is a world heritage site and includes some 1600 islands and islets forming a spectacular seascape of limestone pillars. It really is a breath-taking scene. Make sure you pack your swimwear for this one., Lunch and Dinner Note for single room bookings: A single cabin cannot be guaranteed on the overnight boat tour on Halong Bay and you may be required to share with another person (of the same gender). DAY 15 - SATURDAY 24 OCTOBER 2015 Return to Hanoi We continue the cruise in the morning before transferring to Hanoi in the afternoon. This evening there s a grand farewell dinner. and Dinner DAY 16 - SUNDAY 25 OCTOBER 2015 Our Final Day, Depart Hanoi We have come to the final day of your tour! You ll have some time today at your leisure to soak up your last hours in Vietnam, before departing from the hotel to the airport for your return home. PRE-DEPARTURE CONTACT SERVICE. We offer a pre-departure contact service. With your permission, we share your first name, state and email (or other preferred contact method) with the other travellers in the group. It provides you with the opportunity to get in touch with others prior to departure. This list is provided after bookings close, about four weeks prior to departure. TERMS AND CONDITIONS Full terms and conditions are available on the holiday website. Information was correct at the time of publishing however some details may change without notice. Encounter Travel ABN 23 119 642 992
HIGHLIGHTS OF CAMBODIA 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS Cambodia Inclusions 5 nights hotel accommodation (4 star) Daily full breakfast 4 lunches 2 dinners English speaking group tour leader Transportation by air-conditioned private coach Tours and excursions as per itinerary Airport transfers (group flight) # # applies to passengers that have booked the nominated group flight with us Not Included with Tour Price : Travel Insurance & Visa fees Tips for tour guide Items of a personal nature Cambodia Prices Prices Per Person AUD Guaranteed SINGLE Room Tour Price $1395 Tipping Fund* * Airfares USD30 Quoted on request * * A tipping fee is due and payable directly to the tour guide in US dollars on day 1 when you arrive to Cambodia. The tour guide manages the tips provided for service personnel related to the tour including but not limited to; the tour bus drivers, hotel porters, and waiters at restaurants included on the itinerary. This tip does not cover the tip for the group tour guide. A tip for the tour guide is customary and highly recommend. This payment is at each passenger s discretion. Prices were correct at time of publishing but are subject to change should circumstances dictate. About Us At Encounter Travel we offer holiday groups for solo travellers. All trips are age-matched so there s more chance you ll share your journey with likeminded travellers. Visiting destinations across Australia and around the globe, choose from short escapes to adventure trips and leisurely touring. Contact Us Encounter Travel Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm (AEST) Phone : 1300 653 692 Fax : 02 8001 6196 Email : holidays@encountertravel.com.au Website : encountertravel.com.au
2 Itinerary for Highlights of Cambodia Sunday 25 - Friday 30 October 2015 Time permitting, this is the perfect add-on to your Vietnam Experience. From Vietnam, fly to Cambodia and discover the amazing highlights of Cambodia in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. This 6-day itinerary includes breath-taking historical temples and ruins where you will feel transported back in time to a magical era of spiritual and historical significance. The tour includes the amazing Wonder of the World and largest religious monument in the world, Angkor Wat. DAY 1 SUNDAY 25 OCTOBER 2015 Arrival Day Today you depart from Hanoi and travel on a regional flight to Siem Reap. On arrival in Siem Reap you will be met by a local guide and transferred to your hotel. Tonight enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel. Overnight: Dinner Siem Reap DAY 2 MONDAY 26 OCTOBER 2015 Angkor Wat After breakfast at your hotel, today you are in for a real treat as you visit an amazing wonder of the world, Angkor Wat. The largest religious monument in the world, dating back to 1125, Angkor Wat is unrivalled in its beauty and state of preservation a truly memorable experience. Today you will visit a number of temples and ruins in Angkor, including Bayon, Terraces Elephants, Leper King, Phimeanakas and Baphuon. This excursion includes a Small Circuit of the Angkor grounds, covering Kravan, Sras Srang, Banteay. Overnight: Breakfast, Lunch Siem Reap DAY 3 TUESDAY 27 OCTOBER 2015 Angkor Wat After merely wetting your taste buds to the many wonders of Angkor yesterday, today we visit a couple more must-see sights here. This visit includes the 10th century temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, Banteay Srey, and the 12th century Hindu temple, Banteay Samré. This afternoon will take your breath away as you get to see the incredibly famous and exceedingly beautiful sunset view at Angkor Wat. The Angkor Wat temple is perfectly reflected in the lake creating a fantastic photo opportunity that you will treasure forever. Ovenright: Breakfast, Lunch Siem Reap DAY 4 WEDNESDAY 28 OCTOBER 2015 Siem Reap to Phnom Penh After breakfast, you start your journey to Phnom Penh where you will be able to see some of the locals living their daily lives. Your guide will tell you some stories about local life along the way. Once you arrive in Phnom Penh you will visit Wat Phnom, a Buddhist temple and the tallest religious structure in the city. You will then visit Central Market where you can buy just about you can think of for cheap as chips prices, including electronic equipment, clothing, watches, bags, suitcases, dried and fresh foodstuff, jewellery, clothes from cheap T-shirts to woven Khmer scarves pseudo-antiques and books. You will also visit the Monument of Independence and Ounalom Pagoda, one of Phnom Penh s five original monasteries. Dinner tonight is at your own leisure. You might want to try some great authentic food at one of the local restaurants. Overnight: Breakfast, Lunch Phnom Penh DAY 5 THURSDAY 29 OCTOBER 2015 Phnom Penh Breakfast this morning will be at your hotel. You will then do a city tour of Phnom Penh, including the Royal Palace where the Kings of Cambodia have occupied since it was built in the 1860 s. You will also visit the Silver Pagoda, National Museum, Genocide Museum of Toul Sleng and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, which is the mass grave where over a million people were executed and buried by the vicious Khmer Rouge regime. Dinner tonight will be at your hotel., Lunch, Dinner Overnight: Phnom Penh DAY 6 FRIDAY 30 OCTOBER 2015 Departure Day This morning you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast to reflect on your time in Cambodia before being transferred to the airport at Phnom Penh for your return flight home. HOTELS IN CAMBODIA: Siem Reap: Tara Angkor Hotel (4 star) Vithei Charles de Gaulle (Road to Angkor Wat) Phnom Penh: Juliana Hotel (4 star) 16 Juliana 152 Rd Sangkat Vealvong Khan 7 Makara,