contiki holidays asia ebrochure (aud) 2016/17

asia 2016/17

small Group aDventuresThailand, laos, Cambodia, VieTnam, China & Japan

Create the stories now that youll recount for decades

to come.

Make new friends from new places.

Celebrate individuality, diversity, connections and a little bit of

craziness. Live for the moment.

Find comfort outside your comfort zone.

See the world through youthful eyes, with a little bit of naivety and a truckload of optimism.

You have one life. One shot. Make it count.

THIS IS YOUR lIfe. YOU ONlY

GeT TO lIVeIT ONCe.

BUT If YOU DO IT RIGHT, ONCe IS eNOUGH.

The Contiki difference 4Where we go 6What you get 8Ways to travel 10Better ways to stay 12What's included 14ME Time (free time) 16Our Team 17Food in Asia 18 How we travel 20Social & online tools 21

Save big on Asia 22 Compare Contiki 23Contiki Cares 24

DISCOVERY PLUS 25Big Indochina Adventure 26Asian Adventure 28

IN-DEPTH EXPLORER 30Vietnam Highlights 31 Vietnam Experience 32

Japan Unrivalled 34 China Adventure 36

EASY PACE 38Thai Island Hopper West 39Thai Island Hopper East 40

Treadright 41Q & A 42Booking conditions 43How to book 44

CONTENTS

A unique wAy to see AsiA CONTIKITravelling Asia with us is choosing better ways to stay and ultimate culture at unbeatable value. Youll find yourself seeing the best of Asia by day and relaxing at comfy, central accommodation at night, with private air-conditioned transfers to get you around (and included internal flights as well). With the logistics sorted by the professionals (thats us), youre left with the fun, and exploring the best that Asia can offer.

Stay in 3 and 4 star hotels or unique Special Stays each and every night

Travel by plane, train & waterway - we take the quick and scenic route

Give back to the local communities you visit, were all about ethical travel

Have more included as part of your adventure, more than anyone else or going alone

Travel with 18-35 year olds exclusively

Explore Asia in perfect group sizes of maximum 30 people

Travel with the best team in the business, an English-speaking Trip Manager with you every step of the way

Sleep easy knowing its the best possible value and free from the logistical burdens and stress of going it alone

SEE ASIA THE RIgHT wAY. wITH US YOULL...

CHARM CHUREE VILLA, KOH TAO

YANGSHUO

XIAN

SHANGHAI

BEIJING

Guilin

Great Wall of China

HOI AN

Da Nang

HUE

HANOI

HO CHIMINH CITY

MEKONGDELTA

NHATRANG

SIEM REAP

PHNOM PENH

PHUKETKOH PHI PHI

BANGKOK

VIENTIANE

VANGVIENG

PAKBENG

LUANGPRABANG

KRABI

KOH TAOKOH PHA NGAN

KOH SAMUI

CHIANG MAI

CHIANG RAI

HALONG BAY

HIROSHIMA

MT KOYA

KYOTOOSAKA HAKONE

TOKYOTAKAYAMA

MiyajimaIsland

Nara

Mt FujiMatsumotoHida

Limestone islands, stunning turquoise waters,

and French fused cities are just some of the reasons why everyone is in a buzz about visiting Vietnam.

Sashay your way through the chaos of Ho Chi Minh City and

drift down the fairytale of Halong Bay.

From the bright lights of Bangkok to the

vibrant blue seas of Koh Samui, Thailand is a country of diverse appeal. Temples and traditions,

markets and nights spent dancing under a full moon, and more

delicious food than one traveller could ever

dream of.

THAILAND

VIETNAM

CAMBODIA

Perhaps the most underrated destination in

Asia, Laos drips in countryside charm and curious culture.

Even in its capital, Vientiane, you can sit by the Mekong

undisturbed, sipping Lao coffee while youngsters kick a soccer

ball and locals take a sunset cycle.

LAOS

Ticking off the World Heritage site of Angkor Wat is but a fraction of Cambodias magic and appeal. Uncover

history in the capital of Phnom Penh, visit colourful markets in Siem Reap and encounter the friendliest of locals wherever

you go.

YANGSHUO

XIAN

SHANGHAI

BEIJING

Guilin

Great Wall of China

HOI AN

Da Nang

HUE

HANOI

HO CHIMINH CITY

MEKONGDELTA

NHATRANG

SIEM REAP

PHNOM PENH

PHUKETKOH PHI PHI

BANGKOK

VIENTIANE

VANGVIENG

PAKBENG

LUANGPRABANG

KRABI

KOH TAOKOH PHA NGAN

KOH SAMUI

CHIANG MAI

CHIANG RAI

HALONG BAY

HIROSHIMA

MT KOYA

KYOTOOSAKA HAKONE

TOKYOTAKAYAMA

MiyajimaIsland

Nara

Mt FujiMatsumotoHida

MORE TRIPS. MORE INCLUDED. MORE ME TIME. THE BEST VALUE. 6 COUNTRIES. 34 CITIES. 8 UNIQUE ITINERARIES. 3 TRAVEL STYLES.And one fine way to see Asia. As the original travel company for the young, wide-eyed and curious, we know where travellers want to go. From Ho Chi Minh City to Hiroshima to Koh Tao and Kyoto, we cover the must-see destinations across Asia (and beyond). Heres a taster of the 6 countries we visit just a small peek of the destinations that we love.

HAVE THE CurIOSITIES Of ASIA SET yOur TAIL wAggINg? Wait until you hear about our journeys across Latin America, the USA and Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and beyond

WHERE

China will spark your imagination and set your

curious mind racing. Enjoy the metropolis of Shanghai known

as Paris of the East, devour Peking Duck in the city

of Beijing and see the Great Wall from our secret

local spot.

CHINA

Stumble into hidden record stores, soak in steaming hot springs, sing your heart out

in a karaoke bar and savour sushi until youre bursting at the seams. Traditional and tranquil,

modern and manic, Japan is everything you expect and

so much more.

JAPAN

The name of this eclectic city translates to

Fragrant Harbour, not surprising given the spark Hong Kong will set

to your senses. Hike up Victoria Peak for stunning views of the bay

or ferry across the harbour for a spot of shopping.

HONg KONg

ASIA 2016/17 07

Practical Bits

Van Loi Hotel, Hoi An Grand Palace, Bangkok

Tuk-tuk ride, Bangkok

incrediBle exPeriences

The result? Its hard to describe, but its the best feeling in the world. New places, new experiences,

all with a bunch of fun-loving peeps.

HUNDREDS OF FIRSTSWIDENED EYES

A FULLY TIckED BUckET LISTEUPHORIc MOMENTS

FOMO-INDUcING INSTAGRAMSNEW MATES FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Practical BitsTo us, hassle-free travel is spending zero time on

worry and stress. Say farewell to endless wasted hours scouring the web to find the best price and decent

accommodation, or worrying about where to catch the bus or train (and finding someone to watch your bag!)

With us, every detail is taken care of, guaranteed.

INcLUDED TRANSPORTINcLUDED cENTRAL & cOMFORT-PAckED AccOMMODATION

BREAkFAST DAILY & MORE INcLUDED MEALSTHE MOST EXPERIENcED TEAM:

18 TRIP MANAGERS, 7 DRIvERS, 36 LOcAL GUIDES

incrediBle exPeriencesThe Asian experiences youve been waiting for.

We pack more of the things youve been dreaming about into our trips than anyone else FACT.

INcLUDED BLOckBUSTER SIGHTS & cULTURAL HIGHLIGHTSMORE ME TIME OPTIONALS & FREE TIME TO EXPLORELOcAL GUIDES IN MOST cITIES FOR INSIDER AccESS

UNIQUE LOcAL TASTESENDLESS MUST-DO EXPERIENcES

asia 2016/17 09

Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima Island

Our trips are as unique as yOu are. tHats WHy WeVeCurateD 3 DiFFerent traVeL styLes in asia, guaranteeing

yOur aDVenture Meets yOur MinDset

ASIA 2016/17 11

For the culturally curious Go in-depth in your

favourite regions More local eats & Local Guides

Less travel time More time in a single region

4 trIpS from 10 to 13 days

P.30

See it all, do it all Get the most out of your time

More choice

More destinations

More icons

2 trIpS from 14 to 25 days

P.25

For the take-it-easy traveller More ME Time

Later starts each morning

2 & 3-night stays

2 trIpS 9 days

P.38

FinD Out MOre at COntiki.COM/asia

LONG DAYS SPENT EXPLORING THE CORNERS OF ASIA, NEED NOTHING SHORT OF AMAZING BY NIGHT. UNLIKE OTHERS, WE SAY NO TO ROUGHING IT, AND YES TO COMFORT. FOR US WHEN IT COMES TO ACCOMMODATION, NICE JUST WONT SUFFICE. BEDS LIKE CLOUDS, INCLUDED DAILY BREAKFAST FIT FOR A KING & A LITTLE LAP OF LUXURY WHEREVER YOU GO. PLUS WE KEEP OUR STAYS CLOSE TO THE ACTION. JUST ANOTHER REASON CHOOSING CONTIKI MEANS THE BEST VALUE WAY TO STAY IN ASIA.

BETTER WAYS TO

STAYStay connected with WiFi at all hotels.

Casa Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap

Elephant Crossing Hotel, Vang Vieng

Henjokoin Temple Special Stay, Mt. Koya

Sawaddi Patong Resort, Phuket

ASIA 2016/17 13

COMFORT & A LITTLE MORE LUXEGoodbye hostels, see you later camping; youll never get that with us. Well be nesting in 3 and 4 star hotels, thanks very much. Unlike when you travel with others, we have pools, air-conditioning, hot showers and Wi-Fi as standard. With us, breakfast is included each and every day and luxury surroundings really set the royal scene.

UnIqUE EXpERIEnCESA jungle resort on the island of Koh Tao. A traditional Ryokan guesthouse in the Japanese village of Hakone and an overnight junk boat cruise coasting the cliffs of Halong Bay (were the only company that do this by the way). These are just some of the experiences on offer with Contiki where the word accommodation just doesnt say enough. These are memorable encounters that will stay with you for a lifetime.

CEnTRAL LOCATIOnSIs there anything worse than wasting time trekking to and from your hotel, in a sweltering cab with a fare meter clocking in overdrive? It wont happen on our watch. We stay where the vibes are strong and the locations heartbeat can be heard.

CONTIKI.COM/WAYSTOSTAY ASIA FOR MORE DETAILS OF THE HOTELS

& SPECIAL STAYS WE VISIT

VISIT

Junk Boat Special Stay, Halong Bay

Shiralea Resort, Koh Pha Ngan

Casa Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap

Van Loi Hotel, Hoi An

Angkor WAt

By choosing Contiki youre choosing to travel with the company who includes more experiences, sights and sounds in Asia as part of every single trip. Great Wall of China sound like you? Or is a boat ride in Vietnam more your jam? Photo at Angkor Wat on your hit-list? Whatever the Asian moment youre hunting, were bound to include it as part of your trip price. Dont take our word for it either, see opposite for real photos taken by travellers on our trips.

EXPERIENCESInCLUDED

MORE

We give back in the places we visit. Read more about what we

do on p.24.

These dont even touch the surface of what we include as part of our trips. See the snapshot section on our trippages for whats included on each of our 8 unique itineraries, and search for our trip hashtags for even more inspiration.

InCLUDED JUnk BoAt SpECIAL StAy, VIEtnAmShot by @bernadettttte on the Vietnam Highlights trip Included on all trips to Vietnam

InCLUDED VISIt to thE grAnD pALACE, BAngkokShot by @rachybutcha on the Big Indochina Adventure Available on 2 of our trips

InCLUDED rItUAL offErIng ALmS to BUDDhISt monkS, LUAng prABAngShot by @aussiejacattack on the Asian Adventure trip Included on all trips to Laos

InCLUDED VISIt to thE grEAt WALL of ChInA, BEIJIngShot by @ginaolivia86 on the China Adventure trip Included on all trips to China

InCLUDED VISIt to thE fUShImI InArI tAIShA ShrInE, kyoto Shot by @duck_mick on the Japan Unrivalled trip Included on all trips to Japan

InCLUDED VISIt to thE kInkAkU-JI tEmpLE, kyotoShot by @dynomatik on the Japan Unrivalled trip Included on all trips to Japan

InCLUDED VISIt to thE tErrACottA WArrIorS In XIAn, ChInAShot by @antoniobrasse on the China Adventure trip Included on all trips to China

InCLUDED VISIt to Angkor WAt, CAmBoDIAShot by @rachybutcha on the Big Indochina Adventure Included on all trips to Cambodia

SEE ASIA thROugh thE EyES Of OuR tRAvEllERS...

ASIA 2016/17 15

InCLUDED mEkong BoAt rIDE, VIEtnAmShot by @sageoftheworld on the Big Indochina Adventure. Included on 2 trips to Vietnam.

Lets not beat around the bush: no one gives you more me time (free time) than us.

Youve come to Asia to explore, and frankly theres exploring a-plenty in this wild and wonderful continent, so we give you the free time you need to do just that. Skill it up at cooking schools in Thailand, Vietnam or China, or visit a native hill tribe in Chiang Rai weve got a host of options on offer and get you the best deal out there through our well connected network of local friends. Relaxing with a cocktail at sunset more your thing? We get it, and with us you get the time to do just that.

Look for the symbol on the trip pages for some inspiration on how to spend your ME Time.

ME TIME

Free time, Koh Phi Phi

Hill Tribes, Chiang Rai

Cooking class, Chiang Mai

Kayaking, Halong Bay

ASIA 2016/17 17

the Contiki differenCeOn each trip you get our expert team:

TripManager With you 24/7 and your experts on anything and everything Asia

LocaLguidesinMosTdesTinaTions Insider access included

driver To get you around this incredible continent with ease

Ever wished youd had someone right there to ask where the ATM is, the bathroom, or how to get from A to B when you travel? Painful right? You wont get that with Contiki. With us, our 24/7 team are with you every day of your trip and are ready with all the info you need as you explore Asia. And, theres no need to stress about where to go, or hotel and transport bookings. They work hard, and know the sights

and sounds of Asia like its their own backyard. Theyve worked for Contiki in other parts of the world too, they live to travel and can deal with anything you throw their way.

And on our trips, we dont believe in paying extra for the essentials like insider knowledge when you travel. Thats why we partner with Local Guides in almost every spot, all included as part of the trip.

TEaMyour

its not hard to see Why the Words Legend, knoWLedgeabLe, and even guru get throWn around about our team in asia.

Quang, Local GuideShannon, Trip Manager

BREAKFAST DAILY IN EVERY DESTINATION

IncLuDED LocAL DInnERS IN MANY DESTINATIONS

Weve got you covered with some unique & delicious included foodie experiences:

This isnT jusT abouT saTisfying hunger. This isnT jusT abouT enjoying new flavours. This is abouT TradiTion, culTure, and The full specTrum of mind-alTering food experiences in asia. This enTire conTinenT is an aromaTic spin of simmering, brewing and frying delicacies. all uncovered by us and waiTing for you To discover.

Well have you visiting a tea garden by the Mekong Delta, eating dinner at sunset on a private Junk Boat in Halong Bay and supporting a charity restaurant in Phnom Penh. (Just to name a few foodie inclusions that are all part of the package.)

This is all topped off with included breakfasts and a wealth of hot tips from our guides on where to tantalise the tastebuds for your ME Time meals.

SENSATIONasian food

breaKfasT daily & more delicious local meal experiences

LocAL TEA GARDEn MEKONG DELTA, VIETNAM

ASIA 2016/17 19

cooKInG cLASSES IN THAILAND, CHINA,

& VIETNAM

SuShI mAKInG couRSE TOKYO, JAPAN

hIDA BEEF, TEppAnYAKI & oKonomIYAKI DInnERS

JAPAN

We give you all the ME Time (free time) you need to discover Asian cuisine & offer heaps of optionals to get your tastebuds going:

Hoi An

travelhow

we

long tail boats, rickshaws, songthaews, tuk-tuks, and bicycles. in asia, the journey is

genuinely as fun as the destination.

Unlike many other group travel companies operating in Asia, weve mapped our way around the continent without the overnighters on crammed buses and the many days wasted in transit. Comfort, style and convenience are the Contiki way to travel. Its that little extra Contiki flair you wont get if you travel any other way.

WHATS INCLUDED? An overnight junk boat around Halong Bay A bullet train ride through Japan Artfully selected internal flights that save you precious

travel time without foregoing anything scenic Private air-conditioned mini vans with a driver we trust Local transport experiences

Bullet Train, Japan

Tuk-tuk, Thailand Long-tail boat, Bangkok

Junk boat, Halong Bay

Included flights (no low cost airlines) Private coach transfer

Rickshaw, Hanoi

ASIA 2016/17 21

VISIT

contiki.coMCheck out the range of trips on offer, our amazing inclusions

and top deals available

MeetuPs

(contiki.com/meetups) Meet the rest of your travel

group before you go and start chatting. Or download

our App and access MeetUps on your iPhone or Android.

reviews

(contiki.com/reviews) Dont just take our word for it, check out trip reviews and see what our past travellers

have to say. And once youve finished your trip, leave a

review yourself!

get insPired!

(contiki.com)Check out contiki.com to

get inspired no matter what your travel destination may be, whether its Europe, New

Zealand, Australia, Latin America, USA, Canada or Asia.

Read our country pages devoted to highlighting our fave spots around the world, discover our awesome videos or just learn a

little more about us!

Manage your booking

(contiki.com/managebooking) Check in for your trip before you go,

saving you time and paperwork on day one of your adventure.

join the conversation on one of our social channels.

LookINg for INSpIrATIoN To fEED yoUr WANDErLUST?Six-two by Contiki is a travel and lifestyle site bringing you the best of the best from the travel world. Packed with legendary stories, essential travel hacks and insider guides from those in the know, plus a whole heap more, dont you think its time to go explore?

VISIT conTIkI.com/SIx-Two

DownLoAD now, ITS FRee!

our new contiki

aPP!

Meet & Mix before you

travel MeetuPs!

your bookings & triP

itinerary

your daily essentials - 5 day weather

forecast

with you before, during & after your triP

TWITTER(twitter.com/contikiaus)

InSTAGRAm(instagram.com/contiki)

FAceBook(facebook.com/contiki)

YoUTUBe(youtube.com/contiki)

GooGLe PLUS(plus.google.com/+contki)

conTkI APP(contiki.com/app)

VIne (vine.co/contiki)

SnAPcHAT(contiki.com)

PInTeReST(pinterest.com/contiki)

TUmBLR(contiki.tumblr.com)

CHECK OUT THE BEST DEALS AT

CONTIKI.COM/DEALS SAVE#1 SAVE up to

A$560*How? Pay in full before

23rd Dec 2015, & save 10%

#2 SAVE up to A$420*

How? Pay in full before 28th Jan 2016,

& save 7.5%

#3 SAVE up to A$280*

How? Pay in full before 25th Mar 2016,

& save 5%

The facts: all these discounts apply to the land portion of your trip price only (this excludes taxes, included flight costs, extra accommodation & optional activities. Your trip price does not include the costs of international flights to/from Asia that start or end your trip). You can combine loyalty discounts (Travelling Again), group discounts (Book with Friends) multi trip discounts (2 or more) & early payment (Pay Early) discounts on trips of 7 days or longer. Pay Early savings do not apply to bookings made within 45 days of trip departure and are not combinable with Last Minute Deals. Group discounts (Book with friends) is available on all trips. The Pay Early savings above only apply to departures on or after 1st April 2016. Pay early savings of A$560, A$420 & A$280 based on Japan Unrivalled p34.

Cant get enough of Contiki? We know the feeling. Book 2 trips of 7+ days and get A$50 off your

second trip!

BOOK 2 OR MORE TRIPSWe believe in the principle of

the more the merrier! Start early and get your mates on board for

an amazing adventure. Heres how you can save, its

really pretty simple.

4 or More everyone saves 5% 7 or More everyone saves 7.5% 10 or more everyone saves 10%

(orinvite an 11th and bring them or yourself, for free.)

BOOK WITH FRIENDS

Travelled with us or one of our sister companies before? Welcome back to the family with 5% additional

discount. (see p.42 for more)

TRAVELLING AGAIN?

Our trips have an experienced Trip Manager plus Local Guides in some destinations, all included &

with you 24/7! Its priceless knowledge & insight into the

destinations you cant get if you travel alone. Leave the hard work to

us & do what you came to do have fun!

INCLUDED TEAM

Once youve booked your trip, register it online and share with your family and friends, and let

them help to fund your adventure! You can also make payments yourself to pay off your trip

over time. Easy.

PART PAY

Our Gold Seal Protection means that if you cancel your trip before

you leave Australia, we wont charge you a cent. And if youre ill or have to leave the trip early for personal reasons, Gold Seal will

refund you A$40 for each day that you miss and will cover your air ticket costs. See more on p.42.

GOLD SEAL PROTECTION

PAY EARLY, SAVE MORE!Its really pretty simple. Book and pay early for the best deal on your trip and airfares!

ASIA 2016/17 23

CoMpARE CoNtIKITravelling in Asia can come with its fair share of question marks. Where to stay, what to see, and lets not start on finding your way around. It can leave you confused, worried, and stressed before your trip even starts. To lay it out in simple terms, weve compared a typical day travelling alone in Asia vs a day

with us. Check it out and see how Contiki measures up. You choose.

GOING IT ALONEGOING CONTIKI

Ohhh. yes. This is awesome, Im loving the 4-star hotels with pools, air-con and all the

trimmings and its a stones throw from the action, perfect for getting home after a night out. Forget this blissful bed for a minute, its

Mai Tai oclock at the pool bar hello!

Now where IS my hotel? That door could be it, or maybe its that one over there? Hard to tell. I think

this seems like a good location and it looks clean, who really knows. Hope theres air-con and a pool, need to

escape from this heat and get rid of this 20kg bag off my back.

ACCOMMODATION

How does my Trip Manager know everything about the places we visit and drive past? Im not even

going to need my iPod at this rate going to stay up chatting with my group. This is almost as good as

yesterday when I blinked and the included flight from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City was over. More time to

explore for sure.

How do I find the local bus station again? Apparently the bus may come once a day, if were lucky. Going local is cool but in this

heat I could really do with some air-con. How long is this drive?

TrANSpOrT

Is it weird that Ive known these people for a week and I feel like well be friends forever? Our Trip Manager and Drivers are complete legends too. The 24/7 local

advice and the historical talks have been priceless and the Local Guides in each destination are awesome.

Wheres the info centre? If only I could ask someone for some advice on where to go, what to eat, and

more importantly for the facts on what Im seeing. I need some directions, an ATM, and the bathroom before I can even start to see anything cool today.

TEAM

It feels like everythings included on this trip: Accommodation A Trip Manager and Drivers Local Guides Entry to the sites Transport And all the travel hassle.

It doesnt get much better than this.

If I have to withdraw cash or reach into my wallet one more time, Im honestly going to hit the fan. I thought Id spend nothing being in Asia, but its

actually all adding up given how much I want to see and do while Im here, as well as accommodation

costing more than I thought for the comfort I want.

INCLUDED EXpErIENCES

Every breakfast included, were talking omelettes, fresh fruit, cereal, all the goods! Weve had some seriously delicious dinners, and our Trip Manager knows all the hidden gems for our free time too. Yesterdays cafe? Its not even on TripAdvisor

and it was the best meal Ive had in years.

The food here is pretty epic to say the least, but I cant say Ive had a good breakfast. In fact I usually skip it because Im busy hauling my luggage to my

next destination and dont have a spare hand or moment to grab anything.

FOOD

CONTIKIThe best sights, epic memories & new

friends for life. #NOREGRETS

GOING IT ALONEUnexpected hurdles, hours of research & time wasted when I should have been having fun.

TOTAL

CheCk out contiki.com/storytellers, contiki.com/contikicares

and treadright.org for more.

CONTIKI CARES PROJECTSSince 2008, Contiki has been partnered with some incredible organisations and people that we continue to support. These provide backing for sustainability and conservation initiatives, and educate travellers through Earth Month expeditions.

Visit treadright.org to check out our exciting new partnerships with WildAid and Alliance for Artisan Enterprise. See p.41

CONTIKI CARES

CoNtIkI LoVeS the PLANet

Contiki is proud to be using 100% recycled LEIPA paper for the body of our brochures. It is just part of The Travel Corporation way, and

another sign we really dig this planet of ours.

GIVING BACK Here are just 3 of the many ways we give back in Asia, including using family-run hotels and restaurants in many of the destinations we visit.

the CoPe CeNtre, LAoSFounded in 1997, the Co-Operative and Prosthetic Enterprise (COPE) was set up to support victims affected by un-detonated cluster bombs in Laos, a result of the Secret War almost 40 years ago. All Contiki groups travelling to Laos visit COPE and can purchase souvenirs or make a donation to purchase an artificial limb, with their donation being marked by a brick in the COPE wall with the groups name. Contiki has purchased hundreds of limbs over the years, and can count many bricks in the wall as a result of generous donations from our travellers.

FrIeNdS reStAurANt, CAmbodIAFriends Restaurant in Phnom Penh offers a place for disadvantaged youths to work, either in the kitchen or front of house. Dinner at Friends is an included meal on our Cambodia trips, with all profits going directly back into the programme and to the children and youth it supports.

the hoI AN SISterS, VIetNAmTwo sisters from small town Vietnam moved to Hoi An 25 years ago. One a cook, one a seamstress, they set up a restaurant, then a clothing business, and have since expanded to include 4 restaurants and 3 clothing stores. Contiki have worked closely with them since 2009, with regular cooking classes at Market Restaurant, and are regular customers at their stores making high quality, custom made, affordable clothing. Our support allows the sisters to continue expanding their various businesses, in turn providing jobs for hundreds of Hoi An locals.

MAR LEAdERShIP OCEANA

SEA TuRTLE CONSERVANCy & SuRfRIdERS AuSTRALIA

SuRfRIdERS AuSTRALIA

TREAdRIGhT LAuNChES2008

2012

2014

2011SuSTAINABLE COASTLINES

2013ShARKS COuNT

2015CENTRO dE TExTILES

TRAdICIONALES dEL CuSCO

2015

5 wAyS TO TREAd LIGhTLy whEN TRAVELLING

2. Explore cities by foot, bike or public transport on your ME Time to reduce your carbon footprint.

3. Switch off when youre not in your hotel room to conserve energy.

4. Buy local youll support the communities you visit & help reduce shipping from other countries.

5. Conserve water in hotels by turning off the taps when not in use water is a scarce resource in many of the countries we visit.

1. Bring a reusable water bottle & reduce the use of plastics.

Armed with the education of experience and open eyes, travellers understand that exploring the world consciously is of paramount importance. Supporting local communities and the environment is not optional its essential.

The good news is: small steps make big waves. Thats why were committed to making sure its easy for you to take a few strides in the right direction.

ASIA 2016/17 25

SKIP NO CITy, MISS NO MuSEuM, TICK ALL TEMPLES. If yOuR LIfE MOTTO SOuNdS A LITTLE LIKE ThIS, YOUVE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE. LUXE STAYS, HASSLE-FREE ITINERARIES & PRIVATE TRANSFERS WILL

hAVE yOu SEEING IT ALL fOR A fRACTION Of ThE GO IT ALONE PRICE.

Sightseeingtoursofallmajorcitiesplusorientations in all other destinations

English-speakingTripManagers&Local Guides in every destination

Allprivateair-conminibustransfers,includedflights, trains & boat trips

Smallgroups(average26people)

Breakfastdailyplussomedeliciouslocal meals included

Moreincludedtickoffyourbucketlistasyouseeall the big sights & have unique experiences

METimechoosetodiscoverthisexoticcontinent in your own time or get involved in more ME Time optionals

Stayingreatlocations,fabuloushotelswithexcellent facilities & some unique Special Stays that you cant get any other way

Travellingsolo?Roomtomyselfoptionsavailable for a little extra, or well match you up with a same sex room-mate

INCLUDED

Big Indochina Adventure ........................................p.26Asian Adventure .......................................................... p.28

OUR TRIPS

We Love WiFi stay connected with WiFi at most overnight stops

Contiki.com/discovery-plus-asia

Da Nang

HANOI

NHA TRANG

HUE

HOI AN

HO CHI MINH CITY

HALONG BAY

1MEKONG DELTA

PAKBENG

VANG VIENG

VIENTIANE

LUANG PRABANG

BANGKOK

CHIANG MAI

CHIANG RAI

PHNOM PENH

SIEMREAP

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

SOUTH CHINA SEA

THAILAND

LAOS

CAMBODIA

Malaysia

Burma

China

VIETNAM

25 DAYSFROM

#BIGINDOCHINA

5 World Heritage sites visited

BIG INDOCHINA ADVENTURE

Hoi An

DISCOVERY PLUS

Places visitedNightstopsSpecial Stay nightCoach or trainPlane

A$5985 PP* A$240 P/DAY*PAY EARLY & SAVE UP TO A$440 . SEE P.22 FOR DETAILS

Da Nang

HANOI

NHA TRANG

HUE

HOI AN

HO CHI MINH CITY

HALONG BAY

1MEKONG DELTA

PAKBENG

VANG VIENG

VIENTIANE

LUANG PRABANG

BANGKOK

CHIANG MAI

CHIANG RAI

PHNOM PENH

SIEMREAP

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

SOUTH CHINA SEA

THAILAND

LAOS

CAMBODIA

Malaysia

Burma

China

VIETNAM

HOW MUCH & WHEN

THAILAND / LAOS / CAMBODIA / VIETNAM

ITINERARY, SIGHTSEEING & PRICING

SNAPSHOT

2016/17 CODE: BICA Day 1: Arrive Bangkok . Tuk-tuks, neon lights & buzzing street life, its bustling Bangkok! Arrive at the hotel, meet your Trip Manager & fellow travellers, then hit the city for a night out. Hotel

Day 2: Bangkok to Chiang Mai . Take in the sights as we cruise the canals & see locals going about their day, before boarding our overnight train. (B)

Overnight train Visit the Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha Guided klong (canal) tour

M Group photo at Bangkoks Grand Palace Day 3: Chiang Mai . Ask your Trip Manager for some recommendations on what to see, do or taste in magical Chiang Mai today. Tonight you could flex your skills in the kitchen with an optional cooking class. Hotel (B)

M Hands-on cooking class Day 4: Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai . We head towards Chiang Rai & theres an option to visit unique hill tribe villages before exploring the citys famous Night Bazaar. Hotel (B)

M Visit hill tribe villages in Chiang Rai Day 5: Chiang Rai to Pakbeng . After crossing the Thai/Laos border, we board our private boat & cruise the Mekong, seeing local life along the river. Arrive before sunset in Pakbeng for our overnight stay. (B, L, D)

Guest house Special Stay See local riverside villages Day 6: Pakbeng to Luang Prabang . Continue cruising the Mekong before hitting Luang Prabang. Take a sightseeing bike tour then check out the night markets. Hotel (B, L)

Visit the Pak Ou caves Visit Wat Xieng Thong temple 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. Later, cool off with a swim or visit the Royal Palace. Hotel (B)

M Kuang Si waterfall visit Day 8: Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng . Today its 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 hire a bike theres an array of limestone caves, swimming holes, tunnels & bunkers to discover. Wind down with your friends & catch sunset at a riverside bar or an island watering-hole. Hotel (B)

Day 10: Vang Vieng to Vientiane . Arriving in Vientiane, well take a locally guided tour of the French influenced capital. Later, well visit That Luang & view Laos Arc de Triomphe. Hotel (B)

Visit Luang Stupa & Patuxi Visit COPE support centre Day 11: Vientiane to Phnom Penh . In Phnom Penh well see reminders of the countrys dark history, then later wrap up the day at a restaurant where former disadvantaged youth are trained in hospitality. Hotel (B, RD)

Visit the Killing Fields & Genocide Museum Dinner at Friends restaurant Day 12: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap . Catch a flight to Siem Reap, home to incredible Angkor Wat which well be exploring tomorrow. Tonight, maybe visit the Psar Chas (old market) for handicrafts & exotic fresh produce. Hotel (B)

Day 13: Siem Reap . Wake to watch the sunrise 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 . Its free time before we fly to Ho Chi Minh City. Later, hit the thriving Ben Thanh markets & pick up anything from tasty food to iconic conical hats. Hotel (B)

Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta . Today we journey to the Mekong Delta. Well try out sampans (local boats), see floating markets & live like locals. (B, L, D)

Guest house Special Stay Mekong Delta fishing experience 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 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 cruise the local waters for some swimming & snorkelling. Hotel (B)

M Relaxing cruise with swim stops & snorkelling Day 19: Nha Trang to Hoi An . Fly to Da Nang & travel down to Hoi An. Take a guided walking tour & see the countryside at sunset by bike, before opting for a cooking class. Hotel (B)

Visit the towns Old Quarter & Japanese covered bridge

Day 20: Hoi An . Maybe visit the temples of My Son, ride a bike down to the beach or use the day to explore the town. Otherwise relax or walk along the waterfront to the local markets. Hotel (B)

M Guided tour of My Son Temples Day 21: Hoi An to Hue . Enjoy stunning views while driving over the Pass of the Ocean Clouds, then visit the famous sights in Hue. Hotel (B)

Cross the Hai Van Pass Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda & the Imperial

Citadel Cyclo ride

M Group photo at Hues Imperial Citadel Day 22: Hue to Hanoi . Our morning begins with a flight to Hanoi & a visit to the Temple of Literature. Hotel (B)

Visit the Temple of Literature Day 23: Hanoi to Halong Bay . Today we board a traditional junk boat on Halong Bay for our overnight cruise. See amazing views as we pass coves, cliffs & beaches. We stop for a swim before docking for sunset. (B, L, D)

Junk boat Special Stay Visit the Sung Sot Caves Boat cruise to the Luon Cave Day 24: Halong Bay to Hanoi . Wake to more fantastic views from the junk boat before we return to Hanoi. Later you could go to Hanois world-famous water puppet performance before a farewell dinner. Hotel (B, L)

Day 25: Depart Hanoi . Your trip ends after breakfast, so its time to say farewell to your group. (B)

24 NIGHTS HOTELACCOMMODATION Unique Special Stays: 1 overnight train, 1 night in a Guesthouse in Pakbeng, 1 night in a Guesthouse in the Mekong Delta, 1 night on a Chinese style Junk Boat in Halong Bay & 20 nights in 3 star hotels

33 INCLUDED MEALS 24 breakfasts (B), 5 lunches (L), 3 dinners (D), 1 Regional Dinner in our favourite local spot (RD)

ME TIME OPTIONS M Tasty Vietnamese cooking class in Hoi An

M Kuang Si Waterfalls trip in Luang Prabang

See itinerary & visit contiki.com for even more

INCLUSIONS An experienced & professional

Trip Manager & English speaking Local Guides

Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations

All private coach transport 6 internal flights Local taxes, payments &

service charges Tipping for local staff included

VISIT CONTIKI.COM/INDOCHINA-ADVENTURE

EXCLUSIVE INCLUSIONS Private 2-day boat cruise along

the Mekong River Locally guided bike tour of

World Heritage listed Luang Prabang

Guided visit of the COPE centre in Vientiane

Guided bike ride through the Vietnamese countryside

Cyclo ride to Hues ancient Citadel

Visit the Cu Chi tunnels Plus all of the inclusions in the itinerary marked with

LOCAL CULTURE Head to X Bar in Siem Reap for live music, a chilled atmosphere & a half-pipe skate ramp! This rooftop bar is a hidden gem not to be missed.

Carme

Wow, just wow. What an amazing experience this trip was. Everything we did was just extraordinary, from being blessed by monks, travelling through Halong Bay on a private boat, everything just made you say I cant believe I am actually doing this!

* Prices above are based on twin-share (multi-share on train). If youre travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge.

Single room supplement of A$1340 (only applicable in hotels).

Included fl ights: This trip includes flights, as specified on the map opposite, as part of the trip price. Please see Included flights on p.42 for important info.

A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking.

Trip starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am.

These trips will be in Thailand for Songkran (Thai New Year & water festival) or Laos for Pi-Mai Lao (Laos New Year & water festival) or Vietnam for Tet (Vietnamese New Year).

Arrival transfers to your hotel are available. To purchase, speak to your travel agent or visit contiki.com/transfers.

For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger.

Insurance & visas: For important information please see p.42.

Start Finish Total CostA$ pp*


Bangkok Hanoi Bangkok Hanoi

2016Jan 17 Feb 10 5985Jan 20 Feb 13 5985Jan 24 Feb 17 5985Jan 27 Feb 20 5985Jan 31 Feb 24 5985Feb 3 Feb 27 5985Feb 7 Mar 2 5985Feb 10 Mar 5 5985Feb 14 Mar 9 5985Feb 17 Mar 12 5985Feb 21 Mar 16 5985Feb 24 Mar 19 5985Feb 28 Mar 23 5985Mar 2 Mar 26 5985Mar 6 Mar 30 5985Mar 13 Apr 6 5985Mar 20 Apr 13 5985Mar 23 Apr 16 5985Mar 27 Apr 20 5985Apr 3 Apr 27 5985Apr 10 May 4 5985Apr 17 May 11 5985Apr 24 May 18 5985May 1 May 25 5985May 8 Jun 1 5985May 15 Jun 8 5985May 18 Jun 11 5985May 22 Jun 15 5985May 25 Jun 18 5985May 29 Jun 22 5985Jun 5 Jun 29 5985Jun 8 Jul 2 5985Jun 12 Jul 6 5985Jun 15 Jul 9 5985Jun 19 Jul 13 5985Jun 22 Jul 16 5985Jun 26 Jul 20 5985Jun 29 Jul 23 5985Jul 3 Jul 27 5985Jul 6 Jul 30 5985Jul 10 Aug 3 5985Jul 13 Aug 6 5985Jul 17 Aug 10 5985Jul 20 Aug 13 5985Jul 24 Aug 17 5985

2016Jul 31 Aug 24 5985Aug 7 Aug 31 5985Aug 14 Sep 7 5985Aug 21 Sep 14 5985Aug 28 Sep 21 5985Sep 4 Sep 28 5985Sep 11 Oct 5 5985Oct 23 Nov 16 5985Oct 30 Nov 23 5985Nov 6 Nov 30 5985Nov 13 Dec 7 5985Nov 20 Dec 14 5985Nov 27 Dec 21 5985Dec 4 Dec 28 5985Dec 7 Dec 31 5985Dec 11 Jan 4 5985Dec 14 Jan 7 5985Dec 18 Jan 11 5985Dec 21 Jan 14 5985Dec 25 Jan 18 5985Dec 28 Jan 21 5985

2017Jan 1 Jan 25 5985Jan 4 Jan 28 5985Jan 8 Feb 1 5985Jan 11 Feb 4 5985Jan 15 Feb 8 5985Jan 18 Feb 11 5985Jan 22 Feb 15 5985Jan 25 Feb 18 5985Jan 29 Feb 22 5985Feb 1 Feb 25 5985Feb 5 Mar 1 5985Feb 8 Mar 4 5985Feb 12 Mar 8 5985Feb 15 Mar 11 5985Feb 19 Mar 15 5985Feb 22 Mar 18 5985Feb 26 Mar 22 5985Mar 5 Mar 29 5985Mar 12 Apr 5 5985Mar 19 Apr 12 5985Mar 26 Apr 19 5985

ASIA 2016/17 27

PAKBENG

VANGVIENG

VIENTIANE

LUANG PRABANG

BANGKOK

CHIANG MAI

CHIANG RAI

PHNOM PENH

SIEMREAP

1

1

2

2

2

1

1

1

11

SOUTH CHINA

SEA

THAILAND

CAMBODIA

LAOS

Malaysia

Burma

China

Vietnam

14 DAYSFROM


ASIAN ADVENTURE

Grand Palace, Bangkok

DISCOVERY PLUS

NightstopsSpecial Stay nightCoach, train or boatPlane

#ASIANADVENTURE

A$2949 PP* A$211 P/DAY*

PAY EARLY & SAVE UP TO A$235 . SEE P.22 FOR DETAILS

PAKBENG

VANGVIENG

VIENTIANE

LUANG PRABANG

BANGKOK

CHIANG MAI

CHIANG RAI

PHNOM PENH

SIEMREAP

1

1

2

2

2

1

1

1

11

SOUTH CHINA

SEA

THAILAND

CAMBODIA

LAOS

Malaysia

Burma

China

Vietnam HOW MUCH & WHEN

THAILAND / LAOS / CAMBODIA


SNAPSHOT

2016/17 CODE: ASAD Day 1: Arrive Bangkok . Tuk-tuks, streetside BBQs, neon lights & buzzing street life, its bustling Bangkok! Arrive at the hotel & meet your Trip Manager & fellow travellers, then hit the city for a night out. Hotel

Day 2: Bangkok to Chiang Mai . Visit the incredible Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha Temple. Later, cruise the klongs (canals) & see locals going about their day, then dive into the downtown areas plazas or shops in Siam Square. Try Chinatown for some Asian delicacies before we board an overnight train to Chiang Mai. (B)

Overnight train Visit the Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha Guided klong (canal) tour

M Group photo at Bangkoks Grand Palace Day 3: Chiang Mai . Explore Chiang Mai nestled in the foothills of northern Thailand, with over 300 temples. You could take an optional Thai cooking class tonight, chill by the pool or visit the famous Night Bazaar. Hotel (B)

M Hands-on cooking class 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 Chiang Rai to explore or check out a local night spot. Hotel (B)

M Hill Tribes visit 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, seeing local life in remote villages along the river banks. We arrive before sunset in Pakbeng for our overnight stay. (B, L, D)

Guest house Special Stay See local riverside villages Day 6: Prakbeng to Luang Prabang . Continue cruising the Mekong before arriving in the historic hotspot Luang Prabang. Take a bike tour around town, visit Wat Xieng Thong temple & perhaps take a walk up Mt Phu Si, before perusing the night markets where local people sell their textiles & handicrafts. Hotel (B, L)

Visit the Pak Ou Caves Visit Wat Xieng Thong temple 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 Kuang Si waterfalls for a swim or visit the Royal Palace. Hotel (B)

M Kuang Si waterfall visit

Day 8: Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng . Today its 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)

Scenic drive to Vang Vieng Day 9: Vang Vieng . Get hold of a map & explore with a free day. Maybe hire a bike theres an array 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, well take a locally guided tour of the nations French influenced capital. Later, well visit That Luang & view Laos Arc de Triomphe. Hotel (B)

Visit Luang Stupa & Patuxi Visit to COPE Support Centre Day 11: Vientiane to Phnom Penh . Say goodbye to Laos & hello to Cambodia as you travel by plane to the capital city, once known as the Pearl of Asia. View first-hand the reminders of the countrys dark history with a visit to the Khmer Rouge Killing Fields & the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Tonight, wrap up the day at a restaurant where former disadvantaged youth are trained in hospitality. Hotel (B, RD)

Visit the Killing Fields & Genocide Museum Dinner at Friends restaurant Day 12: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap . Catch a flight to Siem Reap then maybe chill out with a visit to the Psar Chas (old market) for handicrafts & exotic fresh produce. Or for a dose of culture, see an Apsara dance performance. Hotel (B)

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 trip ends this morning after breakfast, so its time to say goodbye to your group & Trip Manager. (B)

13 NIGHTS HOTELACCOMMODATION Unique Special Stay: 1 overnight train, 1 night in a Guesthouse in Pakbeng & 11 nights in 3 star hotels

17 INCLUDED MEALS 13 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L), 1 dinner (D), 1 Regional Dinner in our favourite local spot (RD)

ME TIME OPTIONS M Visit hill tribe villages in Chiang Rai

M Kuang Si waterfalls trip in Luang Prabang

See itinerary & visit contiki.com for further details






VISIT CONTIKI.COM/ASIAN-ADVENTURE

EXCLUSIVE INCLUSIONS Private 2-day boat cruise along

the Mekong River Locally guided bike tour of

World Heritage listed Luang Prabang

Guided visit of the COPE centre in Vientiane

Plus all of the inclusions in the itinerary marked with

LOCAL CULTURE Head to Utopia in Luang Prabang at sunset. The views over the Mekong make it the perfect place to chill out & watch the stunning sunset.

Shaun

Get ready for an insane adventure! This trip exceeded all of my expectations and I certainly wont be forgetting the experiences we had as a group any time soon.

Kuang Si Waterfalls, Laos


Single room supplement is available for A$729 (only applicable in hotels). Included fl ights: This trip includes flights, as specified on the map opposite, as part of the trip price. Please see Included flights on p.42 for important info. A copy of your valid passport is required at time of booking. Trip starts 6:00pm & ends approx. 9:00am. These trips will be in Thailand for Songkran (Thai New

Year & water festival) or Laos for Pi-Mai Lao (Laos New Year & water festival).

Arrival transfers to your hotel are available. To purchase, speak to your travel agent or visit contiki.com/transfers. For departure points & stay longer accommodation options see contiki.com/staylonger. Insurance & visas: For important information please see p.42. Note: This trip is part of the Big Indochina Adventure, so when you leave Siem Reap youll be waving goodbye to your group as they depart for Vietnam. Cant take the FOMO? Why not extend your stay for even more fun through Asia.



Bangkok Siem Reap Bangkok Siem Reap

2016Jan 17 Jan 30 2949Jan 20 Feb 2 2949Jan 24 Feb 6 2949Jan 27 Feb 9 2949Jan 31 Feb 13 2949Feb 3 Feb 16 2949Feb 7 Feb 20 2949Feb 10 Feb 23 2949Feb 14 Feb 27 2949Feb 17 Mar 1 2949Feb 21 Mar 5 2949Feb 24 Mar 8 2949Feb 28 Mar 12 2949Mar 2 Mar 15 2949Mar 6 Mar 19 2949Mar 13 Mar 26 2949Mar 20 Apr 2 2949Mar 23 Apr 5 2949Mar 27 Apr 9 2949Apr 3 Apr 16 2949Apr 10 Apr 23 2949Apr 17 Apr 30 2949Apr 24 May 7 2949May 1 May 14 2949May 8 May 21 2949May 15 May 28 2949May 18 May 31 2949May 22 Jun 4 2949May 25 Jun 7 2949May 29 Jun 11 2949Jun 5 Jun 18 2949Jun 8 Jun 21 2949Jun 12 Jun 25 2949Jun 15 Jun 28 2949Jun 19 Jul 2 2949Jun 22 Jul 5 2949Jun 26 Jul 9 2949Jun 29 Jul 12 2949Jul 3 Jul 16 2949Jul 6 Jul 19 2949Jul 10 Jul 23 2949Jul 13 Jul 26 2949Jul 17 Jul 30 2949Jul 20 Aug 2 2949Jul 24 Aug 6 2949Jul 31 Aug 13 2949

2016Aug 7 Aug 20 2949Aug 14 Aug 27 2949Aug 21 Sep 3 2949Aug 28 Sep 10 2949Sep 4 Sep 17 2949Sep 11 Sep 24 2949Sep 18 Oct 1 2949Sep 25 Oct 8 2949Oct 23 Nov 5 2949Oct 30 Nov 12 2949Nov 6 Nov 19 2949Nov 13 Nov 26 2949Nov 20 Dec 3 2949Nov 27 Dec 10 2949Dec 4 Dec 17 2949Dec 7 Dec 20 2949Dec 11 Dec 24 2949Dec 14 Dec 27 2949Dec 18 Dec 31 2949Dec 21 Jan 3 2949Dec 25 Jan 7 2949Dec 28 Jan 10 2949

2017Jan 1 Jan 14 2949Jan 4 Jan 17 2949Jan 8 Jan 21 2949Jan 11 Jan 24 2949Jan 15 Jan 28 2949Jan 18 Jan 31 2949Jan 22 Feb 4 2949Jan 25 Feb 7 2949Jan 29 Feb 11 2949Feb 1 Feb 14 2949Feb 5 Feb 18 2949Feb 8 Feb 21 2949Feb 12 Feb 25 2949Feb 15 Feb 28 2949Feb 19 Mar 4 2949Feb 22 Mar 7 2949Feb 26 Mar 11 2949Mar 5 Mar 18 2949Mar 12 Mar 25 2949Mar 19 Apr 1 2949Mar 26 Apr 8 2949

ASIA 2016/17 29

SKIMMING THE TOP JUST WONT DO FOR A CURIOUS CAT LIKE YOU. THERE ARE QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED, CORNERS TO BE TURNED & HIDDEN TREASURES TO BE FOUND. GET INTO THE HEART OF EVERY COUNTRY YOU

VISIT WITH MORE FREE TIME AND PLENTY OF INCLUSIONS.

Chooseyourcountry&discoveritseverydetail

Sightseeing&orientationsineverydestination

English-speakingTripManagers&LocalGuidesineverydestination

Includedflights&trainjourneysplusprivateair-conminibustransfers

Smallgroupsoflike-mindedtravellers(average22people)

Loadsincludedfromblockbustersights&historicalmonumentstosecretlocalspots

Breakfastdailyplussomeregionalmealexperiences

METimegetinvolvedinourMETimeoptionalsorenjoyfreetimetodigdeeper&discoverthelocalculture

Stayincentrallocationsathotelswithgreatfacilities&experienceuniqueSpecialStaysthatyouwontfindanywhereelse

Travellingsolo?Roomtomyselfoptionsavailableforalittleextra,orwellmatchyouupwithasamesexroom-mate

INCLUDED

VietnamHighlights p31VietnamExperience p32JapanUnrivalled p34ChinaAdventure p36

OUR TRIPS

WeLoveWiFistayconnectedwithWiFiatmostovernightstops

Contikicom/in-depth-explorer-asia

1Da Nang

HANOI

NHA TRANG

HUE

HO CHI MINH CITY

HALONG BAY

HOI AN

1

1

2

2

2

SOUTH CHINA SEA

YELLOW SEA

BO HAI

VIETNAM

Malaysia 10 DAYS 1 COUNTRY



VIETNAM HIGHLIGHTS SNAPSHOT

2016/17 CODE: VIHI

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City . FormerlyknownasSaigon,cosmopolitanHoChiMinhCityisaction-packedTonight,meetyourTripManager&fellowtravellersatthehotelbeforeseeingtheBenThanhmarketsHotel

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang . TakeatourofthecityhotspotsbeforecatchingaflighttothebeachparadiseofNhaTrangHotel(B)

ViewtheNotreDameCathedral,GeneralPostOffice&PresidentialPalace

VisittotheWarRemnantsMuseumDay 3: Nha Trang . Sinkintothelaid-backbeachlifestylewithafreedayDoyourownthingortakeofftothegorgeousturquoisewatersonanoptionalcruise!Hotel(B)

M Relaxing cruise with swim stops & snorkelling Day 4: Nha Trang to Hoi An . FlytoDaNang&traveldowntoHoiAnEnjoyaguidedcitytourthroughtheOldQuarterthensomefreetime,oroptforacookingclasstonight!Hotel(B)

VisitthetownsOldQuarter&Japanesecoveredbridge

M Tasty Vietnamese cooking class Day 5: Hoi An . MaybevisitthetemplesofMySon,rideabikedowntothebeachorusethedaytoexplorethetownHotel(B)

M Guided tour of My Son Temples Day 6: Hoi An to Hue . EnjoystunningviewswhiledrivingoverthePassoftheOceanClouds,thenvisitthefamoussightsinHueHotel(B)

CrosstheHaiVanPass VisittheThienMuPagoda&theImperialCitadel Cycloride

M Group photo at Hues Imperial Citadel Day 7: Hue to Hanoi . OurmorningbeginswithaflighttoHanoi&avisittotheTempleofLiteratureHotel(B) VisittheTempleofLiteratureDay 8: Hanoi to Halong Bay . TodayweboardatraditionaljunkboatonHalongBayforourovernightcruiseSeeamazingviewsfromthejunkboataswepasscoves,cliffs&beachesWestopforaswimbeforedockingforsunset(B,L,D) JunkboatSpecialStay VisittheSungSotCaves BoatcruisetotheLuonCave

Day 9: Halong Bay to Hanoi . WaketomorefantasticviewsfromthejunkboatbeforewereturntoHanoiLateryoucouldgotoHanoisworld-famouswaterpuppetperformancebeforeafarewelldinnerHotel(B,L)

M Kayaking on Halong Bay Day 10: Depart Hanoi . Yourtripendsafterbreakfast,soitstimetosayfarewelltoyourgroup(B)

IN-DEPTH EXPLORER

9 NIGHTS HOTELACCOMMODATION UniqueSpecialStay:1nightonaChinesestyleJunkBoatinHalongBay&8nightsin3starhotels

12 INCLUDED MEALS 9breakfasts(B),2lunches(L),1dinner(D)

ME TIME OPTIONS See itinerary & visit contiki.com for further details

VISIT CONTIKI.COM/VIETNAM-HIGHLIGHTS

EXCLUSIVE INCLUSIONS GuidedbikeridethroughtheVietnamesecountryside

CycloridetoHuesancientCitadel Plus all of the inclusions in the itinerary marked with

FROM

Nha Trang


INCLUSIONSPleaseseetheVietnamExperiencetriponp33forinformationonourstandardinclusions

ThesetripswillbeinVietnamforTet(VietnameseNewYear)

Insurance & visas: Forimportantinformationpleaseseep42Note:Thistripispartofourepic25-dayBigIndochinaAdventure,sowhenyoustartyourtrip,youllbemeetingtravellerswhohavealreadyhadatasteofwhatitsliketoexploreAsiawithContiki,andwhollbeexcitedtohavenewfriendsfortheadventure

#VIETNAMHIGHLIGHTS

A$1935 PP* A$194 P/DAY*

*Pricesabovearebasedontwin-shareIfyouretravellingsolo,wecanshareyouwithasamesexroom-mateatnoextracharge

SingleroomsupplementofA$545(onlyapplicableinhotels) Included fl ights: Thistripincludesflights,asspecifiedonthemapabove,aspartofthetrippricePleaseseeIncludedflightsonp42forimportantinfoAcopyofyourvalidpassportisrequiredattimeofbookingTripstarts6:00pm&endsapprox9:00am


Start Finish Total CostA$pp*

Start Finish Total CostA$pp*

HoChiMinhCity

Hanoi HoChiMinhCity

Hanoi

2016Feb 1 Feb 10 1935Feb 4 Feb 13 1935Feb 8 Feb 17 1935Feb 11 Feb 20 1935Feb 15 Feb 24 1935Feb 18 Feb 27 1935Feb 22 Mar 2 1935Feb 25 Mar 5 1935Feb 29 Mar 9 1935Mar 3 Mar 12 1935Mar 7 Mar 16 1935Mar 10 Mar 19 1935Mar 14 Mar 23 1935Mar 17 Mar 26 1935Mar 21 Mar 30 1935Mar 28 Apr 6 1935Apr 4 Apr 13 1935Apr 7 Apr 16 1935Apr 11 Apr 20 1935Apr 18 Apr 27 1935Apr 25 May 4 1935May 2 May 11 1935May 9 May 18 1935May 16 May 25 1935May 23 Jun 1 1935May 30 Jun 8 1935Jun 2 Jun 11 1935Jun 6 Jun 15 1935Jun 9 Jun 18 1935Jun 13 Jun 22 1935Jun 20 Jun 29 1935Jun 23 Jul 2 1935Jun 27 Jul 6 1935Jun 30 Jul 9 1935Jul 4 Jul 13 1935Jul 7 Jul 16 1935Jul 11 Jul 20 1935Jul 14 Jul 23 1935Jul 18 Jul 27 1935Jul 21 Jul 30 1935Jul 25 Aug 3 1935Jul 28 Aug 6 1935Aug 1 Aug 10 1935Aug 4 Aug 13 1935Aug 8 Aug 17 1935Aug 15 Aug 24 1935

2016Aug 22 Aug 31 1935Aug 29 Sep 7 1935Sep 5 Sep 14 1935Sep 12 Sep 21 1935Sep 19 Sep 28 1935Sep 26 Oct 5 1935Oct 24 Nov 2 1935Oct 31 Nov 9 1935Nov 7 Nov 16 1935Nov 14 Nov 23 1935Nov 21 Nov 30 1935Nov 28 Dec 7 1935Dec 5 Dec 14 1935Dec 12 Dec 21 1935Dec 19 Dec 28 1935Dec 22 Dec 31 1935Dec 26 Jan 4 1935Dec 29 Jan 7 19352017Jan 2 Jan 11 1935Jan 5 Jan 14 1935Jan 9 Jan 18 1935Jan 12 Jan 21 1935Jan 16 Jan 25 1935Jan 19 Jan 28 1935Jan 23 Feb 1 1935Jan 26 Feb 4 1935Jan 30 Feb 8 1935Feb 2 Feb 11 1935Feb 6 Feb 15 1935Feb 9 Feb 18 1935Feb 13 Feb 22 1935Feb 16 Feb 25 1935Feb 20 Mar 1 1935Feb 23 Mar 4 1935Feb 27 Mar 8 1935Mar 2 Mar 11 1935Mar 6 Mar 15 1935Mar 9 Mar 18 1935Mar 13 Mar 22 1935Mar 20 Mar 29 1935Mar 27 Apr 5 1935Apr 3 Apr 12 1935Apr 10 Apr 19 1935

ASIA 2016/17 31

Da Nang

HANOI

NHA TRANG

HOI AN

HUE

HO CHI MINH CITY

HALONG BAY

1

1

MEKONG DELTA

1

2

2

2

2

SOUTH CHINA SEA

YELLOW SEA

BO HAI

VIETNAM

Malaysia

Thailand

Cambodia

China

Laos

Burma

12 DAYSFROM

#VIETNAMEXPERIENCE


VIETNAM EXPERIENCE

Hoi An

IN-DEPTH EXPLORER


A$2335 PP* A$195 P/DAY*


HOW MUCH & WHEN

VIETNAM


SNAPSHOT

2016/17 CODE: VIEP Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City . Formerly known as Saigon, cosmopolitan Ho Chi Minh City is packed with scooters, roadside shops, high-rises & reminders of the Vietnam War. Tonight, meet your Trip Manager & fellow travellers at the hotel before seeing the Ben Thanh markets. Hotel

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta . Today we journey into the Mekong Delta. Well try out sampans (local boats), take in local industries & see floating markets giving a glimpse of everyday life on the water. Tonight, see a musical performance before dinner at our local guest house. (B, L, D)

Guest house Special Stay Mekong Delta cruise Mekong Delta fishing experience See local industry demonstrations Visit a local tea garden Day 3: Mekong Delta to Ho Chi Minh City . We head back to Ho Chi Minh City via the Viet Congs legendary tunnels in Cu Chi. See traps, hidden doors & some of the 250kms 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 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

Visit to the War Remnants Museum 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 turquoise waters on our ME Time optional cruise with swim stops, snorkelling & banquet lunch. Afterwards, perhaps indulge in a mineral mud bath & hot springs experience before getting a taste of Nha Trang by night! Hotel (B)

Day 6: Nha Trang to Hoi An . Fly to Da Nang & travel down to Hoi An. We take a guided tour through the Old Quarter, before some free time. Explore this city, known for its colourful fabrics & tailors who make to order. Then taste why Vietnamese food has such a good reputation with an optional cooking class. Hotel (B)

Visit the towns Old Quarter & Japanese covered bridge

M Tasty Vietnamese cooking class Day 7: Hoi An . Maybe visit the temples of My Son, ride a bike down to the beach or use the day to explore the town. Otherwise, relax or walk along the waterfront to the local markets. Hotel (B)

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 7-storey Thien Mu Pagoda & see the famous sights in Hue. Hotel (B)

Cross the Hai Van Pass Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda & the Imperial Citadel Cyclo ride

M Group photo at Hues Imperial Citadel Day 9: Hue to Hanoi . Our morning begins with a flight to Hanoi. This city is an open-air museum & well start with a visit to the Temple of Literature. Hotel (B)

Visit the Temple of Literature Day 10: Hanoi to Halong Bay . Today we board a traditional junk boat on Halong Bay for our overnight cruise. See amazing views from the junk boat as we pass coves, cliffs & beaches. We stop for a swim before docking for sunset. (B, L, D)

Junk boat Special Stay Visit the Sung Sot Caves Boat cruise to the Luon Cave Day 11: Halong Bay to Hanoi . Wake to more fantastic views from the Junk Boat before we return to Hanoi. Later, you could go to Hanois world-famous water puppet performance before a farewell dinner. Hotel (B, L)

Day 12: Depart Hanoi . Your trip ends after breakfast, so its time to swap email addresses & say farewell to your group. (B)

11 NIGHTS HOTELACCOMMODATION Unique Special Stays: 1 night in a Guesthouse in the Mekong Delta, 1 night on a Chinese style Junk Boat in Halong Bay & 9 nights in 3 star hotels

16 INCLUDED MEALS 11 breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L), 2 dinners (D)

ME TIME OPTIONS M Kayaking on Halong Bay M Guided tour of My Son Temples in Hoi An







VISIT CONTIKI.COM/VIETNAM-EXPERIENCE

EXCLUSIVE INCLUSIONS Guided bike ride through the

Vietnamese countryside Cyclo ride to Hues ancient

Citadel Visit the Cu Chi tunnels Plus all of the inclusions in the itinerary marked with

LOCAL CULTURE While in Vietnam make sure you grab a legendary Banh mi sub sandwich. Famous around the world & packed with all kinds of edible goodness theyre a must try.

Paul

I love to travel & explore & have to say that this was probably the best decision I have ever made. Vietnam was the most incredible country I have ever visited in my life. This adventure had absolutely everything you could ask for; culture, history, tradition & modernity, amazing food & tons of heavy duty exploring.

Halong Bay

* Prices above are based on twin-share. If youre travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge.





These trips will be in Vietnam for Tet (Vietnamese New Year).

Arrival transfers to your hotel are available. To purchase speak to your travel agent or visit contiki.com/transfers.



Note: This trip is part of our epic 25-day Big Indochina Adventure, so when you start your trip, youll be meeting travellers who have already had a taste of what its like to explore Asia with Contiki, and wholl be excited to have new friends for the adventure.



Ho Chi Minh City

Hanoi Ho Chi Minh City

Hanoi

2016Jan 30 Feb 10 2335Feb 2 Feb 13 2335Feb 6 Feb 17 2335Feb 9 Feb 20 2335Feb 13 Feb 24 2335Feb 16 Feb 27 2335Feb 20 Mar 2 2335Feb 23 Mar 5 2335Feb 27 Mar 9 2335Mar 1 Mar 12 2335Mar 5 Mar 16 2335Mar 8 Mar 19 2335Mar 12 Mar 23 2335Mar 15 Mar 26 2335Mar 19 Mar 30 2335Mar 26 Apr 6 2335Apr 2 Apr 13 2335Apr 5 Apr 16 2335Apr 9 Apr 20 2335Apr 16 Apr 27 2335Apr 23 May 4 2335Apr 30 May 11 2335May 7 May 18 2335May 14 May 25 2335May 21 Jun 1 2335May 28 Jun 8 2335May 31 Jun 11 2335Jun 4 Jun 15 2335Jun 7 Jun 18 2335Jun 11 Jun 22 2335Jun 18 Jun 29 2335Jun 21 Jul 2 2335Jun 25 Jul 6 2335Jun 28 Jul 9 2335Jul 2 Jul 13 2335Jul 5 Jul 16 2335Jul 9 Jul 20 2335Jul 12 Jul 23 2335Jul 16 Jul 27 2335Jul 19 Jul 30 2335Jul 23 Aug 3 2335Jul 26 Aug 6 2335Jul 30 Aug 10 2335Aug 2 Aug 13 2335Aug 6 Aug 17 2335Aug 13 Aug 24 2335

2016Aug 20 Aug 31 2335Aug 27 Sep 7 2335Sep 3 Sep 14 2335Sep 10 Sep 21 2335Sep 17 Sep 28 2335Sep 24 Oct 5 2335Oct 22 Nov 2 2335Oct 29 Nov 9 2335Nov 5 Nov 16 2335Nov 12 Nov 23 2335Nov 19 Nov 30 2335Nov 26 Dec 7 2335Dec 3 Dec 14 2335Dec 10 Dec 21 2335Dec 17 Dec 28 2335Dec 20 Dec 31 2335Dec 24 Jan 4 2335Dec 27 Jan 7 2335Dec 31 Jan 11 2335

2017Jan 3 Jan 14 2335Jan 7 Jan 18 2335Jan 10 Jan 21 2335Jan 14 Jan 25 2335Jan 17 Jan 28 2335Jan 21 Feb 1 2335Jan 24 Feb 4 2335Jan 28 Feb 8 2335Jan 31 Feb 11 2335Feb 4 Feb 15 2335Feb 7 Feb 18 2335Feb 11 Feb 22 2335Feb 14 Feb 25 2335Feb 18 Mar 1 2335Feb 21 Mar 4 2335Feb 25 Mar 8 2335Feb 28 Mar 11 2335Mar 4 Mar 15 2335Mar 7 Mar 18 2335Mar 11 Mar 22 2335Mar 18 Mar 29 2335Mar 25 Apr 5 2335Apr 1 Apr 12 2335Apr 8 Apr 19 2335

ASIA 2016/17 33

Mt Fuji

MatsumotoHida

Miyajima Island

Nara

TOKYO

HAKONE

TAKAYAMA

HIROSHIMA

KYOTO

MT KOYA

OSAKA

1

11

2

2

2

2

SEA OF OKHOTSK

SEA OF JAPAN

EAST CHINA SEA

NORTH PACIFIC OCEAN

Russia

China

JAPAN

NorthKorea

SouthKorea

13 DAYSFROM

#JAPANUNRIVALLED


JAPAN UNRIVALLED

IN-DEPTH EXPLORER

Places visitedNightstopsSpecial Stay nightCoach or train

A$5135 PP* A$395 P/DAY*PAY EARLY & SAVE UP TO A$560 . SEE P.22 FOR DETAILS

Mt Fuji

MatsumotoHida

Miyajima Island

Nara

TOKYO

HAKONE

TAKAYAMA

HIROSHIMA

KYOTO

MT KOYA

OSAKA

1

11

2

2

2

2

SEA OF OKHOTSK

SEA OF JAPAN

EAST CHINA SEA

NORTH PACIFIC OCEAN

Russia

China

JAPAN

NorthKorea

SouthKorea

HOW MUCH & WHEN

JAPAN


SNAPSHOT

2016 CODE: JAPN Day 1: Arrive Tokyo . Welcome to the bright lights & big city! With 3 nights here, theres so much time for sights, exploring, shopping & more. Check into your hotel & get ready for your Japanese adventure to begin in the capital of history, culture & modern technology. Tonight, meet your Trip Manager & fellow travellers then head out & explore. Hotel

Day 2: Tokyo . We dive right into this fascinating city with a locally guided tour of the citys must-sees. With our Local Guide leading the charge, youll get the inside track on the city, its monuments & temples. Later, opt to check out the show at the unique & lively Robot restaurant. Think cabaret meets technology meets super random we love it! Hotel (B)

See the Imperial Palace, Asakusa Sensoji Temple, Nakamise Street, Shibuya, Meiji Jingu Shrine & Harajuku

M Show at the Robot restaurant Day 3: Tokyo . Wake up, grab a bite & enjoy a free day in Tokyo to explore your way. Opt to experience the traditional Japanese hot-spring baths with an Onsen experience which many consider a must-do tradition! Enjoy some ME Time with no shortage of things to see, do & experience. Hotel (B)

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building M Onsen experience

Day 4: Tokyo to Hakone . Enjoy your final free morning in Tokyo withan included guided tour of the world-famous Tsukiji fish markets, or opt in to advance your culinary skills with a tasty sushi-making course. After lunch, we say goodbye to the bright lights & buzz of Tokyo & head south to Hakone. Tonight, youll have a night to remember as you go local at our overnight Unique Special Stay, Ryokan (Japanese guesthouse = tatami mats & futons) with a delicious traditional dinner included.

Contiki Special Stay, Ryokan (B,D) Tsukiji fish market See the Hakone Ropeway Hot spring experience

M Sushi-making Day 5: Hakone to Takayama . Next up, its Takayama via Matsumoto. Spend the full day exploring with our Local Guide on hand to give you the insider track on one of Japans most beautiful original castle cities. Then we head to the Hida folk village where you will see dozens of traditional houses & buildings well preserved to exhibit rural life in centuries gone by. Our adventure continues onto Takayama. On arrival, opt to experience a mouthwatering dinner of Hida beef. Delicious! Hotel (B)

See Matsumoto Castle & Hida folk village M Hida beef dinner

Day 6: Takayama . We head out to explore by foot this morning on a locally guided walking tour. Get the insiders look at this traditional Japanese city, including the wonderfully preserved old town & authentic Edo style buildings. Pick up some local delicacies or gifts for the folks back home at the morning markets & see the last remaining Jinya house, restored to its 16th century former glory. Then, enjoy a free afternoon to explore Takayama. Hotel (B)

See Kamisan no machi (Kamisan Town), Takayama morning markets & Jinya house

Day 7: Takayama to Hiroshima . Well head to our next destination on the famous Japanese transport the bullet train! These trains head up to 320km/hr so will thrill those with a need for speed! On arrival in Hiroshima, spend your ME Time discovering the city remembered as the worlds first atomic bomb target during World War ll. Tonight, you could choose to join a traditional Teppanyaki dinner. Hotel (B)

M Teppanyaki dinner

Day 8: Hiroshima . Start the day with a ferry ride over to Miyajima Island. See the beautiful scenery, the traditional Japanese gates at the entrance to the shrine & the islands famous & super cute residents miniature deer, on the way to the stunning Itsukushima Shrine. In the afternoon, visit the Peace Memorial Museum. Then, relish some free time in Hiroshima to dig a little deeper into its noble history or enjoy some of the city sights. Hotel (B)

See Itsukushima Shrine Day 9: Hiroshima to Kyoto . After breakfast were off to Kyoto! On arrival, well get straight into it as we take in the sights including stunning temples, beautiful gardens, colourful shrines & world-famous geisha girls. Later, theres a free evening to explore your own way, indulge in some local cuisine in the Shirakawa area or experience some of the vibrant Kyoto nightlife. Hotel (B)

See Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion & Gion Area Day 10: Kyoto . With a full day here, its all about fully immersing yourself into this awesome city to see what makes it tick, so weve got all the must-sees covered with a locally guided tour. Later, travel to Nara, Japans first permanent capital city filled with historic treasures & heritage sites & visit Todaiji Temple home to the worlds largest wooden building. Hotel (B)

See Fushimi Inari Shrine, Sake Making Museum, Nijo Castle

Day 11: Kyoto to Mt Koya . Enjoy a free morning to take in the last of Kyoto, then hop on the train to Wakayama, one of the villages at Mount Koya. Tonight stay at a local guest house & enjoy a traditional Buddhist meal.

Contiki Special Stay, Shukubo (B,D) Day 12: Mt Koya to Osaka . Wake up & join in the tradition of an early morning Buddhist Service. Well then head out with our Local Guide for an in-depth tour of the Koyasan area before departing early afternoon for the final stop, Osaka. Theres free time on arrival before the final evening kicks off with an optional dinner & what is also considered a must-do in Japan... Karaoke! Hotel (B)

Morning Buddhist service M Okonomiyaki dinner

Day 13: Depart Osaka . Our trip ends after breakfast, so its time to swap email addresses as you say farewell to your Trip Manager & new friends. (B)

12 NIGHTS HOTELACCOMMODATION Unique Special Stay: 1 night in a Ryokan in Hakone, 1 night in a Shukubo on Mt Koya , & 10 nights in 3 star hotels

14 INCLUDED MEALS 12 breakfasts (B), 2 dinners (D)

ME TIME OPTIONS M Sushi-making experience


INCLUSIONS Sightseeing tours of all major

cities plus orientations in all other destinations

All private coach transport Local taxes, payments &


VISIT CONTIKI.COM/JAPAN-UNRIVALLED

EXCLUSIVE INCLUSIONS Locally guided city tour

of Tokyo Guided walking tour of

Kamisan Town Ferry to Miyajima Island & visit

the Peace Memorial Museum Locally guided sightseeing tour

of Kyoto Plus all of the inclusions in the itinerary marked with

LOCAL CULTURE Did you know it could take up to 20 years for sushi chefs to become an itamae & classed as grand master of their trade? That is some serious dedication to perfection!

Torii Gate, Miyajima Island

* Prices above are based on twin-share. If youre travelling solo, we can share you with a same sex room-mate at no extra charge.

A - Single room supplement of A$1495 (only applicable in hotels).

B - Single room supplement of A$1325 (only applicable in hotels).

C - Single room supplement of A$1150 (only applicable in hotels).







Tokyo Osaka Tokyo Osaka

2016Mar 12 B Mar 24 5315Mar 19 B Mar 31 5315Mar 26 A Apr 7 5629Apr 2 A Apr 14 5629Apr 9 A Apr 21 5629Apr 23 A May 5 5629May 7 B May 19 5315May 21 C Jun 2 5135Jun 4 C Jun 16 5135

2016Jun 18 C Jun 30 5135Jul 2 C Jul 14 5135Jul 16 C Jul 28 5135Jul 30 A Aug 11 5629Aug 13 B Aug 25 5315Aug 27 C Sep 8 5135Sep 10 B Sep 22 5315Sep 24 B Oct 6 5315Oct 8 B Oct 20 5315

ASIA 2016/17 35

Great Wall of China

Guilin

BEIJING

XIAN

SHANGHAI

YANGSHUO

HONG KONG

2

2

2

3

1

1

YELLOW SEA

CHINA

Malaysia

Burma

Thailand

Cambodia

Laos

12 DAYSFROM

#CHINAADVENTURE

CHINA ADVENTURE

The Great Wall of China

IN-DEPTH EXPLORER

Places visitedNightstopsCoach or trainPlane


A$3945 PP* A$329 P/DAY*


Great Wall of China

Guilin

BEIJING

XIAN

SHANGHAI

YANGSHUO

HONG KONG

2

2

2

3

1

1

YELLOW SEA

CHINA

Malaysia

Burma

Thailand

Cambodia

Laos

HOW MUCH & WHEN

CHINA


SNAPSHOT

2016 CODE: CHINA Day 1: Arrive Beijing . Home to the 2008 Olympics & the political, educational & cultural centre of Chinaits bustling! Tonight, meet your Trip Manager & fellow travellers then head out & explore the city. Hotel (D)

Peking Duck welcome dinner Day 2: Beijing . Start your adventure with a visit to Tiananmen Square & a tour of the Forbidden City. Afterwards, youll visit the cool 798 Art Precinct for a look at some modern Chinese art, before heading over to the site of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Hotel (B)

Visit Tiananmen Square Tour the Forbidden City Visit the 798 Art Precinct Visit the 2008 Olympic Village Day 3: Beijing . We head to Beijings countryside to the Sacred Way, entrance to the tombs of the Ming Emperors, before heading to the spectacular Great Wall of China after lunch. Hotel (B, L)

Visit the Sacred Way Visit a cloisonn factory Visit the Great Wall (Mutianyu section) Day 4: Beijing to Xian . After free time in the morning, youll visit the narrow streets of Beijings hutongs where you will climb aboard a rickshaw for a ride through this traditional area. Try some tea at a Chinese teahouse before a visit to the Beijing Summer Palace. Tonight it is dinner at a local restaurant & our train journey to Xian. (B, L, D)

Overnight train Visit a hutong Lunch with a local family Ride in a rickshaw Visit the Beijing Summer Palace Day 5: Xian . After breakfast, we depart the city of Xian before a tour of the world famous Terracotta Army complex. Tonight, maybe opt for a tasty dumpling feast & cultural show before heading out for a taste of Xians nightlife. Hotel (B, L)

Visit the TangBo Art Museum Tour the Terracotta Army complex

M Spectacular Tang Dynasty show & dinner Day 6: Xian to Shanghai . Get on two wheels with a bike ride on the ancient Xian City Walls, an orientation tour of the Muslim Quarter with time to

shop & taste local specialties. This afternoon its a change of scene as we fly to Shanghai & soak up city views from the 88th floor of the Jin Mao Tower. Hotel (B, D)

Bike Ride on the Xian City Wall Orientation Tour of the Xian Muslim area Visit to 88th floor of Jin Mao Tower Day 7: Shanghai . Todays yours, so maybe get a shopping fix theres loads on offer here. Try the City God Temple (Chenghuang Miao) for some bargains & stop off at the Bund, Shanghais famous promenade. This evening you could opt for an amazing Chinese acrobatic show or simply find a spot to take in the Shanghai skyline. Hotel (B)

Visit the City God Temple complex Visit Shanghais Bund area Visit a Shanghai silk factory

M Acrobat show Day 8: Shanghai to Yangshuo . We catch a flight to Guilin this morning then head to Yangshuo, located amongst the limestone karsts on the Li River. Hotel (B)

Day 9: Yangshuo . With a full free day, do your own thing. You could try a local cooking school to become a master at Chinese cuisine. Tonight maybe watch the Impressions Liu Sanjie Show set on the local mountains & river with light displays, music & over 600 performers. Hotel (B)

M Cooking class Day 10: Yangshuo to Hong Kong . Sleep in this morning, then we catch a flight to the bright lights of Hong Kong. After checking into our hotel, take an orientation tour of the local area followed by night markets & dinner at leisure. Hotel (B)

Day 11: Hong Kong . Reach new heights as we head to Victoria Peak for panoramic views over this exciting city. Later its onto the fishing village of Aberdeen & a cruise around the harbour. Pick up gifts for friends & family at the Stanley Markets. Tonight, toast your China experience & savour the taste of your last meal in China. Hotel (B)

M Farewell dinner Day 12: Depart Hong Kong . Our trip ends after breakfast, so its time to swap email addresses as you say farewell to your Trip Manager & new friends. (B)

11 NIGHTS HOTELACCOMMODATION 10 nights in 3 star hotels 1 overnight train

17 INCLUDED MEALS 11 breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L), 3 dinners (D)

ME TIME OPTIONS M Impressions Liu Sanjie show in Yangshuo







VISIT CONTIKI.COM/CHINA-ADVENTURE

EXCLUSIVE INCLUSIONS Lunch with a local family in a

Beijing hutong Entry & guided visit of the

Forbidden City & Beijing Summer Palace

Visit to the 2008 Olympic Village

Return cable car journey at the Great Wall of China

Experience a Chinese tea house

Visit historic Tiananmen Square

Entry & guided visit of the Terracotta Army complex

Entry to the 88th floor of Jin Mao Tower

Plus all of the inclusions in the itinerary marked with

LOCAL CULTURE There are over 11,000 restaurants in Hong Kong so what do you choose? Head to Mong Kok for endless delicious eats, with street food stalls on every corner!

Lindsaynk9

This trip was unforgettable. Its definitely the bang for your buck as well, so much is included! I was very nervous about travelling to China for the first time, but I loved it so much.

Shanghai






Arrival transfers to your hotel are available. To purchase, speak to your travel agent or visit contiki.com/transfers.





Beijing Hong Kong Beijing Hong Kong

2016Mar 27 Apr 7 3945Apr 10 Apr 21 3945May 8 May 19 3945May 22 Jun 2 3945Jun 19 Jun 30 3945Jul 3 Jul 14 3945

2016Jul 17 Jul 28 3945Aug 28 Sep 8 3945Sep 11 Sep 22 3945Oct 9 Oct 20 3945Oct 23 Nov 3 3945Nov 6 Nov 17 3945

ASIA 2016/17 37

THIS AINT NO MARATHON, ITS A HOLIDAY! ONE WITH SOFT STRUMMING GUITARS, FLOATING HAMMOCKS AND DAYS SPENT BY THE SEA. ITS TIME TO GET ACQUAINTED WITH SOME STUNNING SUNSETS & SINK INTO THE VIBES OF ISLAND LIFE.

Takeiteasy&enjoyyourtimeineachplace

Minimum2-nightstaysineachdestination

Sightseeing&orientationsoneveryisland

AnexpertTripManagertotakecareofallthehassle

Includedprivateminibustransfers&localferries

Smallgroupsoflike-mindedexplorers

Breakfastdailyplussometastylocaldinners

MegaMETimeheapsoffreetimetodiscoverthestunningThaiIslandsyourway,or,choosetojoinourMETimeoptionals

Stayinthebestlocationsatresortswithgreatfacilities&experienceourSpecialStaybungalows

Travellingsolo?Roomtomyselfoptionsareavailableforalittleextra,orwellmatchyouupwithasamesexroom-mate

INCLUDED

ThaiIslandHopperWest p39ThaiIslandHopperEast p40

OUR TRIPS

WeloveWiFistayconnectedwithWiFiatmostovernightstops

Contikicom/easy-pace-asia

PHUKET

KRABI(AO NANG)

KOH PHI PHI

3

3

2

ANDAMAN SEA

THAILAND

Day 1: Arrive Phuket . Check-intoyourhotel,thenheadouttoexplorePhuket,withitsexoticsights&grea

contiki holidays asia ebrochure (aud) 2016/17

Documents