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| Kuoni Travel — Indochina, Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos 2008 |
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 | Touring through Indochina contd…(8 more) |
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INDOCHINA
TOURING
see & do
VIETNAM Needing little introduction, Vietnam's modern history is notorious, though its origins date back some 500,000 years. For some the first visit to Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi is a complete culture shock with the massive rush of motorcycles jamming streets, which are a hive of trading activity. One can be overwhelmed by the wave of traders appealing for custom, but a smile and a firm `no' works wonders. Outside of this commercial hub, Vietnam remains relatively untouched. Traversing mountain paths and coastal roads Vietnam holds astounding panoramic views, providing some of Asia's most fascinating landscapes, truly a contrast to the flat lands of Cambodia and the landlocked nation of Laos. Travelling north to south or south to north this country is as varied as the region and provides a colourful range of cultures and religions. From the proud and Imperial city of Hue and the artistic and reserved northern capital of Hanoi, to the warm water shores of Nha Trang or Cua Dai Beach in Hoi An, Vietnam creates an ideal beginning or end to your pan Indochina tour - enjoy!
CAMBODIA Travelling through Cambodia on your trans Indochina tour the first thing you become aware of is the overwhelming friendliness of the local people. This Kingdom is not wholly represented by its temples and the ancient capital of Angkor, however they do form the basis of a proud Khmer nation. See more of Cambodia now than ever before, taking time to explore the country and its remote east or more commercial west. Scars of Cambodia's history still remain providing insights into the three decades of civil war including the four year struggle against the genocidal Khmer Rouge. The past should never detract from the fact that modern Cambodia is an enchanting and delightful country steeped in near and distant history just waiting to be explored. Its modern day facet provides huge contrasts with the rise of the Khmer Empire in around 802AD, and the wonderful beaches of Sihanoukville provide the perfect opportunity to relax after an exciting tour of the region.
LAOS Laos is a pristine emerald nation of incredible beauty, vastly unpopulated and very laid back. The nation remains devoutly Buddhist with many Lao males choosing to ordain as monks for a period of time in their lives. Though Lao culture has been influenced by both the Vietnamese and Khmer, the strongest cultural and linguistic links are with Thailand and so touching another's head or pointing your feet is taboo. A visit to Laos on your tour will not only make a huge contribution to the economy but add a tranquil and highly interesting contrast. Age old temples, crumbling, colonial architecture, a varied array of unique minority groups, relaxing river cruises and the mountainous backdrop of its landscape provide a timeless and enchanting land, which is somewhat sleepily elegant.
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1 Kamu dance, Laos 2 Hanoi, Vietnam 3 Sunset at Angkor Wat, Cambodia 4 Bayon Temple, Cambodia 5 River life in Vietnam 6 Rural Vietnam
touring tips
TAKE WITH YOU..... CASH We recommend US Dollars in small bills for your immediate arrival for tipping. ATMs and travellers cheques can provide the bulk of your spending money. Kuoni can arrange money exchange without commission in advance of your trip. CLOTHES Lightweight cottons and linens, breathable fabrics especially if trekking or on a cycling tour. In the northern regions temperatures can drop in the winter so a fleece often proves useful. Long sleeves and long trousers do actually keep you cooler than short sleeves and not wearing shorts allows you to enter most of the temples and pagodas.
MEDICINES Pharmacies in Cambodia and Laos are not widely available and we suggest you take what you think you may need from plasters to insect repellent to antihistamines and sun cream. RAIN GEAR A small umbrella or lightweight jacket are essential for the tropical climates of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. GENERAL Money belt and earplugs. Out in the sticks you may be woken by the local rooster and in cities the size of Ho Chi Minh City to keep the traffic noise at bay. BUY LOCALLY..... SARONG Checked scarf (in Cambodia) or sarong to be used as scarf protection against the sun or dust and useful as a towel.
MOSQUITO COILS Extremely useful at night in your tour accommodation, particularly when heading off-the-beaten-track. TIGER BALM All purpose salve for irritable mosquito bites, headaches and daytime insect repellent should you want to avoid the smell of deet. JUST SAY NO In many of the larger cities traders can be persistent in the pursuit of a sale. This isn't targeting visitors, rather a way of life. A firm `no' with a smile once is often enough whilst a gentle `no thanks' said often is regarded similar to the approach taken by the traders and will be ignored.
call 01306 740500 I www.kuoni.co.uk I see your travel agent
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