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104 Asia I Thailand & Vietnam Tribal Thailand Thailand 15 days Grade: B Hilltribes of Vietnam Vietnam 17 days Grade: B Market Day in Sapa An off-the-beaten-track adventure in northern Thailand This trek takes us through a stunning area of Thailand seldom visited by groups of walkers. Staying in village houses, we get a fascinating close-up encounter with the customs and day-to-day life of the hilltribe people who populate this region. For five days we take off our watches and adjust to a completely different pace of life. Either side of the trek we see some of the best of Thailand in Kanchanaburi and Chiang Mai. An adventurous trek into the remote hills of Vietnam, with time in Hanoi and magnificent Halong Bay The H'Mong, Red Dzao, Xa Pho and Tay are just some of the many tribal people who inhabit the northern highlands of Vietnam. This adventurous trek takes us deep into the hilltribe region where tourists are still something of a novelty. Staying in village homes allows us to experience, at first hand, a lifestyle that has been little touched by the modern world and a curiosity from our hosts just as great as our own. The spectacular scenery and sense of adventure make this an outstanding trek. Hanoi in the afternoon; enjoy Hanoi's famous water puppet show in the evening. 15 Day at leisure and a chance for last minute shopping or sightseeing. 16 Free morning; depart afternoon. 17 Arrive London. Profile: 4 full and 1 half day pointto-point walks with full porterage. Altitude maximum 1500m, average 900m. Grade B. Group: min. 3, max. 16, plus leader and appropriate local staff. Min. age 16. Accommodation: 7 nights hotels/guesthouses, 4 nights basic village house, 2 nights sleeper train, 1 night boat. Food: 14 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners included. Profile: 5 days point-to-point walking with full porterage. Altitude maximum 1955m, average 1000m. Grade B. Group: min. 5, max. 16, plus leader and appropriate local staff. Min. age 16. Accommodation: 7 nights hotels, 4 nights basic village house, 2 nights sleeper train. Food: 12 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 5 dinners included. TRIP DETAILS Itinerary: Day 1 Depart London. 2 Arrive Bangkok. 3 Morning city tour including Grand Palace. Afternoon transfer to Kanchanaburi. 4 Day tour to `Bridge on the River Kwai', Hellfire Pass and Erawan waterfalls. 5 Journey to Ayuthaya for converted rice barge cruise; overnight sleeper train to Chiang Mai. 6 Free morning to explore; afternoon walking tour of old city plus a visit to the Hilltribe Museum and Doi Suthep temple. 7/11 To town of Pai; five-day trek to Mae Hong Son, with elephant rides and bamboo rafting. 12 Free morning to explore Mae Hong Son; fly to Chiang Mai; free time to shop at Night Bazaar. 13 Free day to explore or optional Thai cooking class; overnight sleeper train to Bangkok. 14 Early morning arrival into Bangkok; day at leisure. 15 Fly to London. Trip code TOT · 15 days Sun to Sun Start End Flight Land Flight Land inc. only Start End inc. only 2008 12 Jan* 26 Jan 1249 789 16 Nov 30 Nov 1249 789 09 Feb* 23 Feb 1479 789 21 Dec 04 Jan 1699 859 15 Mar*29 Mar 1249 789 2009 15 Feb 01 Mar 1539 819 05 Apr 19 Apr 1539 819 No Local Payment Prices are £ sterling per person Recommended carbon offset £15 Optional single supplement £100 Land only start Bangkok day 2, end Bangkok day 15 *Sat to Sat Insurance £83 TRIP DETAILS Itinerary: Day 1 Depart London. 2 Arrive Hanoi; afternoon free. 3 Morning sightseeing tour; overnight sleeper train to Lao Cai. 4 Transfer by bus to Sapa in the shadow of Fan Si Pan (3143m), Vietnam's highest mountain; optional trek up Ham Rong Mountain for views over Sapa. 5/8 Trek for four days through jungle, valleys, open countryside and remote villages with fantastic views of the highlands; experience different hilltribe areas, each with its own unique customs, culture and dress; overnight in village houses. 9 Last morning trekking then drive to Sapa; afternoon at leisure. 10 Drive to the Chinese border and the colourful market town of Bac Ha. 11 Morning walk through the surrounding H'mong villages; overnight sleeper train to Hanoi. 12 Arrive Hanoi; free day to explore. 13 Transfer to Bai Chay for cruise around Halong Bay; overnight on board. 14 Explore the bay in the morning and return to Trip code TOH · 17 days Fri to Sun Start End Flight Land Flight Land inc. only Start End inc. only 2008 21 Mar 06 Apr 1449 739 15 Aug 31 Aug 1649 739 11 Jul 27 Jul 1629 739 17 Oct 02 Nov 1399 739 2009 03 Apr 19 Apr 1529 759 No Local Payment Prices are £ sterling per person Recommended carbon offset £15 Optional single supplement £75 (7 hotel nights only) Land only start Hanoi day 2, end Hanoi 16 Insurance £83 i FOR TRIP NOTES AND AVAILABILITY ENTER THE TRIP CODE IN THE SEARCH BOX ON THE EXODUS HOME PAGE i FOR TRIP NOTES AND AVAILABILITY ENTER THE TRIP CODE IN THE SEARCH BOX ON THE EXODUS HOME PAGE Local payments now included in the price