Indochine Explorer
Highlights of Vietnam & Laos
February 12 – 23, 2009
(extend to Cambodia, February 23 - 26)
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
The French called the region encompassing Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia “Indochina.” Actually,
they were speaking French, so the word they uttered was “Indochine.” The
word makes it sound like the region is a lovely combination of India
and China. Nothing could be further from the truth, however,
since the three countries have a cultural identity far removed from
China or India, and quite distinct from each other.
Geographically, however, they make sense to tour as a “package,” and
the differences among the three countries make such a tour that much
more enjoyable.
This tour focuses primarily on Laos,
but
begins
in Hanoi and features the magical beauty of a two-night cruise on Ha Long Bay.
(An
option
before
the
main tour is a classic train journey from Hanoi to Lao Cai
and
two
nights
among the hill tribes of Sapa.) A week-long exploration of Laos concludes with
an
overnight and farewell dinner in Bangkok. From there you can return home
or
continue
with us to
explore
the Temples
of Angkor in Cambodia.
Most first-time visitors to this region
are overwhelmed by its ancient history, rich culture, and the sublime
beauty of the natural setting. Vietnam boasts 2,000 miles of coastline
with endless stretches of white sand beaches. Inland mountains soar
majestically
from dense,
misty forests to heights of nearly 10,000 feet. Hidden away in impenetrable
jungles lie the remains of ancient cities. There are sprawling river
deltas and a patchwork of vast rubber plantations and brilliant green
rice paddies tended by women in conical hats.
Vietnam’s past reads like a romantic legend. It is full of heroic
struggles and astounding victories. Throughout many centuries of attempted
occupation by the Chinese and colonization by the French, this small
country has managed to retain its culture and sense of history while
absorbing and adapting the strengths of its foes. Here traditions still
carry meaning. Its ancient heroes are still venerated at colorful temple
festivals, people honor their ancestors, and village elders teach the
values of hard work, hospitality, and filial loyalty.
Laos is a landlocked country bordered
to the north by China, to the east by Vietnam, to the south by Cambodia,
and to the west by Thailand
and Myanmar. Apart from the Mekong River plains, the country is mountainous,
particularly in the north, and in places is densely forested. This
is one of the few Communist countries left in the world, which until
1988 did not even allow access to foreign tourists. The country has
now opened up, but it remains relatively isolated and undeveloped.
Its capital, Vientiane, is more like a big village than a crowded Asian
hub and life throughout the country is slow-paced. Visitors are well
rewarded with luscious landscapes, friendly people and unique glimpses
of a country hardly changed for over a century. There is even an emerging
gay scene!
Come with Toto Tours to see the
highlights of historical “Indochine.” Discover
these three countries’ ancient history, the impact of 19th-Century
French occupation, and the costly consequences
of war. Experience the diversity of a region
that has achieved the status of a cultural legend during this very
special adventure.
Please click on the link above to read the itinerary for a fantastic
journey to the hill town of Sapa, one of the most popular destinations
in northern Vietnam. See bustling markets, colorfully dressed hill
tribes, and views of Vietnam’s highest peak, Mount Fansipan (10,312
feet). Take a Russian jeep to visit a hill tribe village and trek through
the village. Luxuriate at the beautiful Victoria Resort and aboard
the classic Victoria Express overnight train between
Hanoi
and Lao
Cai (at the border crossing to China). A must-see enhancement to the
main tour!
ITINERARY
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Departure
Depart your home city today on an overnight
flight to Hanoi, Vietnam, arriving tomorrow. (Search for flights
using the
airport
code: HAN) As with most of our international tours, we recommend
that you consider arriving a day or two early to get over the jet
lag. We
will be happy to reserve
additional night(s) at our group hotel if you decide to arrive
in Hanoi early. Some of
the less expensive flight itineraries to Hanoi from the US require
two days of travel. If that is the
case, you will need to leave on Wednesday, February 11th.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Arrival in Hanoi / Welcome Dinner
Please time your flights to arrive
in Hanoi before 1:00pm today. You will be met at the airport and
transferred to our hotel.
Enjoy some time to relax and rest after the long flight.
This afternoon we gather in the hotel
bar for a welcome cocktail and introductions, then begin our adventure
with a pedicab tour of
the city’s Old Quarter. Alighting and continuing by foot, enjoy
a traditional and uniquely Vietnamese water puppet show. Afterwards,
Toto Tours hosts a Welcome Dinner. (Dinner Included)
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Hanoi / Halong Bay
After breakfast at the hotel, store your luggage,
grab an overnight bag and get ready for “camping” aboard
a junk on Halong Bay! We depart early for an area of the
South China Sea with thousands of beautiful limestone peaks
rising out of
the water. A group of more than 1,900 of these islets has been
declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We board our classic junk sailing
vessel in time for lunch, then spend the afternoon cruising the Halong
Bay, swimming and enjoying delicious food, stopping at caves and
swimming at the best beaches. You can even try your hand at fishing
if you are
so inclined. (All
Meals)
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Descending Dragons
Enjoy another full day of cruising in magical Halong Bay
among the craggy islands which make this area famous. They have strange
shapes and descriptive
names: Cockfight Islet, Islet of Toad, Dome Islet. Covered by green
and dense vegetation, many contain huge caves. We disembark to clamber
around inside one of them.
Legend has it that a huge dragon and
its children descended here to help the Vietnamese fight against Northern
invaders. After the victory
these dragons decided to stay with the local people, and since then
this area has been called the “descending dragon” region.
Two nights of total relaxation and pampering are a marvelous
start to our adventure. (All Meals)
Monday, February 16, 2009
Return to Hanoi / Free Evening
Today, we enjoy a final morning of cruising among these fantastic
islands! After lunch on board, leave the junk behind and return to
our Hanoi hotel. The remainder of the afternoon and
evening are free at leisure. Overnight in Hanoi. (Breakfast / Lunch)
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Hanoi Sightseeing / Flight to Luang Prabang, Laos
Enjoy a leisurely morning until hotel check-out. In the late morning
we depart the hotel and enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of Hanoi,
including the
mausoleum of President Ho Chi Minh. The complex includes gardens, the
former Presidential Palace, a museum and the one pillar pagoda. Lunch
is included in our tour.
Visit Hoan Kiem Lake, an enchanting body of water
right in the heart of Hanoi which has a tranquil island with a beautiful temple
reached by crossing a red-painted wooden bridge. Tour the Temple of Literature,
a rare example of well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture. In its
five
courtyards are contained 82 stelae, considered the most precious artefacts
in the temple. Each one sits on a stone tortoise. Finally, visit the Hoa Lo Prison
Museum, ironically named the “Hanoi Hilton” by US prisoners of war.
John McCain was perhaps the most famous American incarcerated here.
In late afternoon we transfer to the airport for
our
flight to Laos. There is only one flight per day, departing at 6:25pm, and arriving
in
Luang
Prabang
at
7:25pm.
Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel for dinner and overnight. (All
Meals)
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Luang Prabang Sightseeing
Today, explore the charming UNESCO World Heritage site of Luang Prabang,
a small, dream-like town on the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers in a beautiful
mountain setting. This city was the seat of monarchical power for hundreds
of years, from the 14th century until 1975 when the country’s
reign of kings finally ended.
We spend the day exploring the temples and extraordinary
sites in what is called one of the last Shangri-La’s of Southeast Asia.
Visit Wat Xiang Thong, the most important Buddhist monastery in the country.
Later, visit the former Royal Palace, now a National Museum, with ornate, gilded
and brocaded reception rooms.
After lunch, continue our guided city sightseeing tour visiting
Wat Visoun, the oldest operating temple in Luang Prabang. Other important
temples and shrines to be visited during our tour include Wat Aham,
Wat Mai, and Wat Xieng Muan. The
roofs
sweeping low to the ground represent the classical architecture of
Luang Prabang temples.
We then board
a boat, embarking upstream on the Mekong River to take in beautiful
views of the tranquil countryside. Visit the mysterious Pak Ou Caves,
crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various
shapes and sizes. Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xang
Hai, a village once famous for jar makers. Now they fill new jars with
local rice wine. We return to Luang Prabang for dinner and overnight. (All
Meals)
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Monks / Market / Free Afternoon
You may want to rise early today
and participate in the daily early morning ritual of saffron-clad
monks with their black alms bowls
being given offerings from the local people, including the ubiquitous
sticky rice. This morning we visit the Phosi Market, where you can
see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea, and saltpeter
in addition to chickens, vegetables
and hill-tribe weavings.
Our guide will be available this afternoon to help
us organize independent visits to those places of greatest interest, or perhaps
will offer an optional excursion based on the wishes of the group. You might
want to use the time to
go
shopping
or indulge in a massage! A great sunset activity
is to climb
the
nearby
temple-topped
hill of Phu Si to catch a lovely view
out over
the town
and the river. (All
Meals)
Friday, February 20, 2009
Vang Vieng
After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and begin our journey southwards
through the spectacular countryside, with craggy mountain peaks and
some of the highest limestone formations in Southeast Asia. We pass
through Muang Phu Khoun, site of a former French garrison in the heart
of Hmong country. Next we encounter the village of Kasi in the middle
of a fertile valley filled with rice fields.
We reach our final destination,
Vang Vieng, which is nestled on a bend of
the gentle
Nam
Song River with
dramatic limestone outcroppings.
These karst formations are riddled with caves, and are a spelunker’s
heaven. We drop our things at the hotel, grab a swimming suit, and head to the
most
famous
of
the
caves,
Tham Chang. A set of stair leads up to the main cavern entrance. There is an
opening in the cave’s limestone wall through which we can look over the river
valley.
A
cool
spring feeds into the river from the cave, and is a great place for a refreshing
swim. Returning to our hotel, we take a leisurely
stroll to drink in the atmosphere of this vibrant hill town whose
scenic beauty has turned it into a true tourist paradise.
Overnight in Vang Vieng. (All Meals)
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Vientiane
After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and begin the drive to
the present-day capital of Laos, Vientiane. Along the way we visit
the busy and colorful market of Thalat, where various hill
tribes
come to trade their goods and buy provisions. Another stop is at
Vang Sang to see a famous cluster of 10 high-relief Buddha sculptures
on cliffs, which some scholars date to the 11th century.
Reaching Vientiane, we drop our things at the
hotel and proceed to visit the major sites, including the oldest surviving temple,
Wat
Si Saket, with thousands of miniature Buddha statues. Visit the former royal
temple
of Haw Pha Kaew, built specifically to house the famed Emerald Buddha. Tour the
sacred
That Luang Stupa, the most important national monument in Laos. Stop
for photos at the imposing Patuxai Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s
own Arc de Triumph. Explore the Central Market where you
can find antique items, as well as handmade textiles and
gifts. Overnight in Vientiane. (All Meals)
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Free Day
Today is entirely free to sleep in late, relax and enjoy the amenities
of our hotel, or explore on your own to discover the charms of this
little-known capital. We have not included lunch and dinner today so
that you
can truly plan and enjoy this day exactly as you please. Overnight
in Vientiane. (Breakfast)
Monday, February 23, 2009
Bangkok
After breakfast, relax and pack, or do some last-minute shopping.
We check out of our hotel and transfer to the airport for our flight
to
Bangkok, Thailand. The current schedule is for departure from Vientiane
at 1:50pm, arriving in Bangkok at 2:55pm. Upon arrival we meet our
local host and transfer to our hotel, near to the
gay entertainment
district.
We gather in the executive lounge at 5pm to
enjoy cocktails until 7pm. From here we take a short walk to a nearby gay-owned
restaurant with fabulous cuisine for our Farewell Dinner. Those with energy will
take full advantage of our “one night in Bangkok!” (Breakfast
/
Dinner)
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Departure
The tour officially concludes after breakfast this morning.
Those traveling home today may make their flight arrangements for
any time. It is easy to book at taxi from the hotel to the airport
at any time of the day or night. Those proceeding on to Cambodia will
transfer to the airport for our morning
flight
to Siem Reap. (Breakfast)
No tour of this region is complete without visiting the glorious Temples
of Angkor in Cambodia. Stay at the famous Raffles Grand d’Angkor, and
marvel at the massive legacy of the Khmer Empire which has been compared
to the pyramids of Egypt. Click on the link above to read the full
details of this tour extension.
ACCOMMODATIONS
(Click property name to read description)
Hanoi: Hilton
Hanoi Opera Hotel
Halong Bay: Classic “junk” sailing
vessel with 10 cabins. This website contains a sample itinerary and
representative photos of a typical junk of the size we are using.
Luang Prabang: La
Residence Phou Vao An Orient Express Hotel,
the Lonely Planet Guide calls this the “. . . top hotel address
in Luang Prabang.”
Vang Vieng: Vansana
Hotel Best available, riverside,
and a short walk from town.
Vientiane: Don
Chan Palace New, and
the first five-star hotel in Vientiane.
Bangkok: Sofitel
Silom Rooms on executive floors.
TOUR PREPARATION
Entry Requirements—Three of the four countries
visited on this tour and its extensions, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia,
each require both
a valid passport and a separate visa for citizens of the United States
and Canada. (Thailand does not!) Visas for all countries can be issued
upon arrival. This is the easiest way to obtain one (and it actually
costs less than getting a visa in advance). Toto Tours will instruct
tour participants well in advance of departure about how to arrange
for visas upon arrival. You will need to bring four passport sized
photos with you for the visas. There is a $30 charge for the Vietnam
visa, a $30 charge for the Laos visa, and a $20 charge for the Cambodia
visa
Immunizations & Health—No immunizations are required,
but the U.S. Center for Disease Control strongly recommends the following
inoculations: tetanus, hepatitis A & B, cholera, yellow fever and
Japanese encephalitis. Please consult with your personal physician
or your local travel clinic to determine which immunizations are recommended
for you. You should only drink boiled or bottled water in all locations
on this tour.
Exit Requirements—The Vietnamese departure tax is
$12.00 U.S. The Laos departure tax is $10.00 U.S. The Thailand departure
tax is
700 Baht (or $21.00 U.S.). The Cambodia departure tax is $25.00 U.S.
These fees must be paid at the airports prior to departure and are
not included in your tour cost.
Suggested Viewing
- Indochine (1992)—Vietnam
- Three Seasons (1999)—Vietnam
- Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001)—Angkor
Wat scenes
- Beautiful Boxer (2003)—Bangkok
WHAT TO BRING
We will visit various areas within Indochine, requiring
a sweater or light jacket for cool nights and mountainous areas, and
shorts and
t-shirts for steamier jungle climates. Temperatures ranges: Hanoi
60 -70 Degrees F; Halong 70 – 83 F, Luang Prabang 60 – 85
F, Vientiane 68 – 85 F, Bangkok 75 – 90, Siem Reap 70 – 90
F.
Suggested Packing List:
____ Proof of citizenship. Passport and Visas required.
____ Comfy walking shoes for day tours and walks. Sturdy hiking
sandals (like Tevas or Keen) should be sufficient.
____ Polo shirts / T-shirts.
____ Light weight long sleeve shirts for sun protection.
____ Shorts.
____ Lightweight long pants for dinners.
____ Casual outfits (for dinners and special occasions).
____ Cool sleepwear.
____ Sunscreen / lip balm.
____ Sunglasses / sun hat with tie-on.
____ Mosquito repellent, with Deet.
____ Waterproof rain jacket.
____ Personal toiletries (Bring an anti-diarrheal remedy just
in case!)
____ Swimsuit.
____ Camera & plenty of film.
____ Ziploc Bags (sandwich size for documents, gallon size for
wet items or toiletries).
____ Voltage converter for 220 volts.
____ A good book for the long flights.
MONEY MATTERS
This tour covers four countries and you will deal with four currencies,
so take out only a small amount of cash at ATMs when you arrive at
each airport. Use a credit card for any hotel extras. Shopping in
markets and bazaars will require cash. It is relatively easy to find
bank machines in the major cities and capitals, but could prove difficult
to find an ATM in Cambodia. Go to www.oanda.com to
find out current exchange rates.
Tipping Guidelines—We will
make collective tips to our drivers and guides at the conclusion
of our stay in each destination. A suggested tip amount
will be provided prior to departure.
To reserve a place on this tour, click on the “Reservations” link
above. Type in the information requested in each field, print the form,
then sign and mail it to Toto Tours with your $600 deposit check. You
also have the option to pay for your tour deposit with a Visa or MasterCard.
The remaining balance is due 80 days prior to departure (by November
24, 2008). Tour registration is not complete until we have received
both the form and your deposit check.
Toto Tours does not accept credit cards as a form
of payment except for the amount of the tour deposit ($600 maximum can be charged
per tour). An installment plan is possible. Our mailing address is: Toto Tours,
1326 W. Albion Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60626-4753. Make checks payable to: Toto
Tours, Ltd.
LIABILITIES / DISCLAIMERS
Making a reservation with a deposit shall be deemed to be consent
to these conditions: Toto Tours does not accept responsibility in whole
or in part for any delay, loss, accidents, personal injury, sickness,
medical expenses, or property damage occasioned by fault of any person
from whatever cause. All tour participants are required to sign a standard
liability form.
The tour operators reserve the right to accept or decline
any person as a member of the tour at any time and to make whatever changes become
necessary with or without notice. Guaranteed departure with a minimum
of 10 participants. Toto Tours is not responsible for airline cancellation
or change penalties incurred by individual tour participants for air tickets
purchased prior to notification that the tour is a confirmed departure.
We strongly encourage you purchase Travel Insurance
to cover all aspects of your travel in Southeast Asia! We will provide the necessary
forms upon receipt of your deposit, or you can apply online by following the
link at
the bottom of this page. You can also book your travel insurance with a phone
call to Toto Tours.
THE TOTO SPIRIT
Toto Tours provides Adventure Travel Experiences as differentiated
from tours in the traditional sense. Adventure Travel allows (even
encourages) you to be an active participant. Adventurers can be identified
by certain traits. They are:
- fun-loving optimists who have a sense of humor and accentuate
the positive;
- good natured realists who are willing to accept situations
as they exist;
- undaunted by the unexpected, like occasional delays or bad
weather;
- willing to forego some of the amenities we normally take
for granted;
- eager to try new things & test limits;
- punctual;
- not whiners!
Toto Tours continues its tradition of offering exciting, exotic destinations
with this unique feast for the senses, with four distinct Asian flavors.
Join us, and savor the glories of Indochine . . . a rare dream of magical,
mystical, and exotic kingdoms.
Please feel free to call,
toll-free, if you have any questions: 800-565-1241.
THE BOTTOM LINE
(tour prices per person)
Price: $4,395 double occupancy
Private Room: $1,100 extra, if available.
(Paying a single supplement is not required. Toto Tours will try to
match you with a roommate if you are traveling alone and prefer to
share
a room. If this is not possible, a single supplement will be applied
to your reservation before the final payment date.)
Deposit: $600 (Due at time of registration
for the tour. May be paid with a credit card.)
Remaining Balance: $3,795 double / $4,895
single
(Assumes $600 deposit has already been made)
Remaining Balance Due: November
24, 2008
(Full payment required with reservation form if enrolling after this date.)
Included: Ten nights accommodations; internal
flights from Hanoi to Luang Prabang and Vientiane to Bangkok; air-conditioned
transportation during land transfers and excursions; all meals, activities
and transfers
as listed in the itinerary; fully guided and escorted tour.
Not Included: Round trip airfare to Hanoi,
Vietnam and return from Bangkok, Thailand; Visa fees; airport taxes
and departure fees; ground transportation for sightseeing on your own
(taxis, local guides, etc.); meals and optional activities not specifically
listed in the itinerary; tips to local guides and drivers, gratuities
for meals; alcoholic beverages; insurance; laundry; telephone calls;
faxes; or any other expenses of a personal nature.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We recommend you purchase travel insurance with AIG Travel Guard to
cover for unforseen events prior to and during your trip. Please follow
the link below or call us for more information.
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