gecko travel - essential medical online · regards up to date safety information concerning all...

small group adventure toursto south east asia

gecko travel

2 Index and contact details

3 Map of S. E. Asia

4 & 5 About us

6 & 7 Our tours

8 & 9 Thailand “Northern Mountains, SouthernBeaches”

10 Thailand“Jungles & Islands”

11 Thailand“Reefs & Rainforests”

12 Thailand“Southern Explorer”

13 Thailand“Hills of Mae Charim”

14 & 15 Thailand, Laos & Cambodia“Indochina Adventure”

16 Thailand & Cambodia“Ruined Cities, Tropical Islands”

17 Cambodia“Cambodia Overland”

18 Laos“Northern Laos &The Golden Triangle”

19 Thailand & Laos“Emerald Triangle”

20 & 21 Malaysia“Coast to Coast”

22 Malaysia“West Coast explorer”

23 Vietnam“Mountains and Hilltribes”

24 & 25 Vietnam“Hanoi to Saigon”

26 & 27 Sri Lanka“Ceylon Adventure”

28 Family tours

29 Beach and Island extensions

30 Extensions & city breaks

31 Hotels

32 General Information

33 Feedback page

34 Climate information

35 Booking details

2

the south east asia

Contact usTel: +44 (0)23 9225 8859Fax: +44 (0)23 9225 9121Email: [email protected]: www.geckotravel.com

Write to:Gecko Travel, Hidden Places AdventureTours Ltd.94 Old Manor Way, Portsmouth PO6 2NLUnited Kingdom

Air Travel Organisers’ LicensingThe air holidays shown are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority.Our ATOL number is ATOL 5318. ATOL protection extends primarily tocustomers who book and pay in the United Kingdom. If you want to knowmore, please visit the ATOL website at www.atol.org.uk

We are working with the Foreign and CommonwealthOffice to do all that we can to help British travellers staysafe overseas. Before you go overseas, check out theFCO web site at www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo.

3

specialists

4

Gecko Travel is an independent, fullylicensed, UK based tour operator. Ourholidays are protected by the UK CivilAviation Authority’s ATOL, (Air TravelOrganisers’ License # 5318), and wework in close co-operation with theForeign and Commonwealth Office withregards up to date safety informationconcerning all destinations visited.

Our aim is to provide guided, small groupadventure tours for those who wish todiscover the real South East Asia, awayfrom the traditional ‘package group’ trailsand high-rise, overdeveloped resorts.

Extensive knowledge of the regionenables us to offer original tour itinerariesproviding a balance between the well-known ‘must-sees’ and the off-the-beaten-track, ‘best kept secrets’.

Gecko Travel tours will give a real insightinto the countries you are visiting –culture, history, landscapes and naturalworld – and provide the opportunity forgenuine interaction with the local people.

Great care is also taken to ensure thatour practices in Southeast Asia not onlyprovide exciting and memorable holidaysfor those who travel with us, but thatthey make positive contributions to the

region as well. Respect for local peoples;their cultures, traditions, religion andenvironment are essential to ourphilosophy and tours and we work hardto ensure our groups have a positiveimpact on the places and peoplesvisited.

On our tours we will stay in smaller,family-run hotels and guesthouses asmuch as possible and eat in localrestaurants. All guides, drivers and localagents employed are considered friendsrather than ‘business contacts’ – theintention being that you will visit asguests rather than tourists and travel asa bunch of friends rather than a typicaltour-group, so don’t expect stick onname badges or any following ofumbrellas around!

A maximum group size of 9 personsmeans genuinely small groups.Experience has taught us that smallergroups are less intrusive to local culturesand environments whilst allowing moreinteraction with local people. Furthermoreit allows for greater flexibility on a day-to-day basis and on a social level proves tobe more fun. Try being ‘low-key’ in a hill-tribe village or spotting any wildlife with15 other people around.

about us

“Gecko Travel are the Thailand specialists. If anyone canshow you the real Thailand, Gecko Travel can”.

Richard HumeDirector of Marketing (UK), Tourism Authority of Thailand.

5

malaysia laos

vietnam

Some activitiesjungle trekking

night hikescity tours

white-water raftingbamboo rafting

snorkellingscuba diving

swimmingcanoeing

tubingboat trips

bird watchingkayaking

elephant ridingexploring caves

cyclingcamping

homestaysjeep safaris

karaoke barsrailway journeys

local foodcooking

shoppingnightlifewildlife

spa and massage

Some sightstropical rainforests

coral fringed islands

mist shrouded mountains

mangrove swamps

lotus covered lakes

fabulous temples

ruined cities

remote hill-tribe villages

cool hill-stations

tea plantations

spectacular waterfalls

exotic markets

mysterious caves

national parks

fabulous wildlife

unspoilt beaches

Some destinationsBangkok Phnom PenhPenang Kuala Lumpur Hanoi Golden TriangleAngkor HueKandy Luang PrabangChiang Mai Saigon

Your holiday adventure will combine these exotic destinations with this wide rangeof exciting activities, whilst still allowing ample time to relax and unwind.

Please note all activities can be tailored to meet most abilities or fitness levels andnone are ever compulsory. Alternatives can be offered during the tour to anyone notwishing to participate in a certain activity.

thailand cambodia sri lanka

Tour leadersAn English speaking, Gecko Travel tour-leader will accompany the tour at alltimes. In addition, local guides willaccompany the group for such activitiesas trekking, rafting etc.

All our tour-leaders either live in, or havetravelled extensively in the region and arethere to share their knowledge and lovefor South East Asia with you.

AccommodationTour costs are based on 2 personssharing. To ensure there are no singleperson supplements if you are travellingon your own we arrange for you to sharewith someone of the same sex. In certainplaces single room upgrades may beavailable but they are generally paid forlocally unless prior arrangements havebeen made.

Rooms are normally air-conditioned withprivate bathrooms but neither can beguaranteed.

However please note that because we gooff the beaten track certain places youwill stay in, particularly hill-tribe villagesand ‘homestays’ may be quite basic.

Also note that camping is frequently inthe jungle, not on camp-sites andfacilities may be correspondinglyprimitive.

FoodUnless otherwise specified all our toursare inclusive of 3 meals per day. Ourtour-leaders are knowledgeable of localfood and we hope that a ‘guided tour’ ofthe highly varied regional cuisines will bean integral part of your experience. Incertain places Western food options maybe available but usually South East Asiancooking proves to be one of thehighlights of the tour.

Meals are generally eaten together,family style, and in pre-selected, triedand trusted restaurants, though a certaindegree of flexibility is maintained.

Whilst fish is an important part of mostSouth East Asian diets, vegetarianoptions are easily arranged – please feelfree to discuss this or any other dietaryrequirements you may have prior toyour trip.

Please note that Western style 3 coursedinners are not typical of the region andare not budgeted for in the tours.

TransportOur standard form of transport will beair-conditioned minivans but be preparedfor anything...local buses, trains, pick-uptrucks, speedboats, slow boats andwhere time and distance give us nochoice, flights.

Who travels with us?Young or old? A desire for adventure ismore important than age, which so farhas ranged from 2 to 75!

Male or female? More or less a50 – 50 split.

Singles or couples? Again about half andhalf.

Note that no supplement is charged forpersons travelling on their own.

Nationalities? Mainly UK, US andWestern Europe but also countries aswide spread as China, Mexico andHungary.

6

our tours

FitnessSuper-fit or couch potato? Doesn’t matter– all our activities can be tailored to suitany fitness level. And alternatives arealways available for anyone not wishingto participate in any particular activity.

The idea behind our treks and hikes is toappreciate the scenery, reach sites nototherwise accessible and to discover thefantastic local flora and fauna – notmerely walking for walking’s sake.

What yourholiday includesFull board including 3 meals a day unlessotherwise specified.

All accommodation, as per itineraries,based on 2 person sharing.

All activities and entrance fees detailed.

Services of a Gecko Travel tour-leader atall times and of local guides whereappropriate.

All transport, including local anddomestic flights as described in theitineraries.

Direct return flights from London toSouth East Asia. (Non-flight options arealso available.) Please ask for informationon departures from other cities in theUK/Eire if required.

What is not includedVisas where applicable (see page 32),local airport departure taxes, alcoholic orsoft drinks with meals, any drinks orsnacks outside of designated meal times,personal laundry, tips.

Tailor made optionsIn addition to our scheduled tours wealso offer tailor-made or ‘a la carte’options for groups, clubs, families andso-on. These may be a re-arrangementof existing itineraries for timeconsiderations or choice of destination orin order to create a special interest slant.

Tailor-made itineraries and tours aregenerally available for minimum groupsizes of 4 persons.

Please contact us with your request orenquiries.

Family toursSE Asia and our itineraries lendthemselves to family travel - the widerange of activities, friendly people andhigh standards of food hygiene areideal for those families who wantmore out of their holidays than justsun and sea.

We adapt itineraries to the needs ofindividual families and provide a localspeaking tour leader to take theeffort out of your travels. Thisenables you to get off the beatentrack and ensures genuineinteraction with local people. Pleasesee our family holiday section onpage 28 for more information.

HotelsPlease note that apart fromaccompanied tours, hotel and resortreservations are available throughoutSE Asia. (See page 31)

FlightsTours can be taken with or withoutflights from the UK and both pricesare given. Where flights are taken, weare able to offer a high degree offlexibility of dates and from regionalairports. Persons joining us in SEAsia do so on day 2 and leave on thepenultimate evening of the itineraries.

If you are purchasing your flightsthrough us, please ask about flightsfrom regional UK airports or anyspecial offers which airlines mayhave.

7

Ideal for the first time visitor:offering an excellentintroduction to diverseThailand, from the remoteforest clad mountains of theNorth to the reef fringedtropical islands of the South,from hill-tribe villages lost inthe mountains to the vibrantcapital Bangkok.

8

21 days, 20 nights - all year round

thailandnorthern mountains, southern beaches

Highlights:• White-water rafting

• Overnight in tribal village

• Jungle trekking

• Canoeing in mangroveswamps

• Snorkelling on coral reefs

• Deserted beaches

• Elephant riding

• Kayaking

• Chiang Mai

• Bangkok’s palaces andtemples

• Thai food

Day 1 Departure from London.

Day 2 Morning arrival in Bangkok - meetyour tour leader and transfer to adowntown hotel in the City’sBanglamphu district. Afternoon to relax,explore the area or check out some localmarkets.

Day 3 City tour with a difference! CentralBangkok by riverboat, skytrain, tuk-tukand canal boat. Stop-offs including theGrand Palace and fabulous Wat PhraKeow - “Temple of the Emerald Buddha”.

Day 4 Morning departure by train;across the Central Plains and theiremerald green rice paddies, to up-country Phitsanolok town - the Gatewayto the North. Lunch time arrival andtransfer to nearby Sukhothai town withthe afternoon to relax in our guesthousegarden or explore the local markets.

Day 5 Bicycle tour of the nearby, ancientcity of Sukhothai - former capital of Siam- which, with it’s crumbling sandstonetemples, towering Buddha statues andlotus-covered ponds, is one of thecountry’s most sacred and evocativesites.

Day 6 Complete our northwards journeywith a morning ride to remote Nan nearthe Lao border. This charming, town, welloff the beaten tourist trail, was anindependent city-state until 1931 when itwas finally incorporated into theKingdom of Siam.

Days 7,8 & 9 A unique three dayexperience trekking through the dramaticjungle clad mountains bordering Laos.Travelling by jeep and on foot we’ll spendthe first night as guests of a Hmongfamily in a tribal village and the second inchalets on the banks of the scenic WaRiver. A white-water descent of the riverand elephant ride on the final daycomplete the expedition. Return to Nantown on the evening of the day 9.

Day 10 Scenic drive to Chiang Mai withthe afternoon free to explore the town’squiet lanes and picturesque temples.Evening tour of the famous night bazaar.

Day 11 Morning at leisure then time tohead south with a flight to Bangkokwhere we’ll connect with the nightsleeper train for Nakhorn Si Thammarat.

Day 12 Afternoon to discover thissouthern town’s bustling markets andtemples or checkout some of the localhandicrafts.

Day 13 Excursion to Khao LuangNational Park, site of the dramaticKharom Waterfall - one of the highestand most spectacular in SE Asia.Bathing, hiking and scrambling up thefalls!

Day 14 On to Thale Noi Bird Sanctuaryin Phattalung Province - one of theregion’s most important water-bird sites -where we’ll travel by boat through theatmospheric marshes and lily-coveredlakes. Continue via the cave temples ofWat Tham Sumano to Trang Town on theAndaman Sea coast.

Day 15 One day jungle expedition toBan-Traat Mountain. Trek through therainforest, bathe in mountain streamsand visit a Sakai settlement - a hunter-gatherer, jungle dwelling people. (Notethe Sakai are nomadic people and theirpresence at all times of year can’t beguaranteed.)

Day 16 Head for the coast to Ban ChaoMai National Park where we’ll canoethrough mangrove swamps and alongunderground streams to visit thespectacular and mysterious, sacred seacaves. Afternoon transfer to Koh LibongIsland for accommodation at a beachsideresort.

Day 17 Leisurely day on this tranquilisland; make the most of the turquoisewaters and sandy beaches, sling ahammock between a couple of palmtrees or visit the local fishing village.

Day 18 Boat tour through thespectacular scenery of Chao MaiNational Marine Park, snorkel and swimon the archipelago’s vibrant coral reefs.

Day 19 Morning at leisure to explore theisland or top up your suntan, beforereturning to Trang.

Day 20 Cook your own lunch with ahalf-day Thai cookery lesson in a localrestaurant including a fascinating guidedtour of the local market. Evening flightfrom Krabi to London via Bangkok.

Day 21 Morning arrival in London.

9

Fitness: moderate - maximum hiking -approx. 6-7 hours on day 8. Rafting onday 9 - medium (grade 3).

Accommodation: hotel, guesthouse, hill-tribe village, raft house, beach chalets.

Transport: boat, minibus, bicycle, train,pick-up truck, internal flights.

Cost: ex London from £1,600,ex Bangkok from £1,050.

Note: this tour if offered with or without return flights from London. Persons notwishing to take up the flight option will join the tour on day 2 in Bangkok and departin Bangkok on day 20.

A taste of the diversity of Thailand: from the vibrant metropolis of Bangkokto remote, hill-tribe villages, dense rainforests to deserted beaches andfrom riding elephants through the jungle to snorkelling on coral reefs.

Day 1 Departure from London.Day 2 Morning arrival in Bangkok - meetyour tour-leader and transfer to adowntown hotel. Afternoon tour of someof the City’s sites including the GrandPalace and fabulous Wat Phra Keow -‘Temple of the Emerald Buddha’.Day 3 Leaving the Capital we’ll journeyby local train to Kanchanaburi Province,across the historic ‘Bridge on the RiverKwai’ and along the infamous ‘DeathRailway’ towards the remote town ofSangklaburi on the Burmese border.Lakeside accommodation at the small,family-run ‘Burmese Inn’.Day 4 Check out the sights and marketsof this fascinating frontier town with itsbewildering mix of Thais, Burmese andKarens, Indian and Chinese traders andMon refugees from across the border,including a boat tour of the lake to seethe region’s distinctive floating villages.Day 5 An exploration of part of thenearby World Heritage Site of Thung YaiWildlife Reserve, including a jungle trek,rafting and bathing in mountain streams.Day 6 Departure by local bus forKanchanaburi with the afternoon free todiscover some of this historic town’ssites and museums. Accommodation infloating raft houses on the River Kwai.Day 7 An expedition down the jungle-lined river with a choice of kayaks or 2person canoes for the uninitiated. Picniclunch on the riverbanks, elephant ridingand return to Kanchanaburi.Day 8 Morning free to explore the area,cycle around town, try a Thai massage orrelax by the river before catching theevening sleeper train to the southern cityof Phattalung.Day 9 Visit Thale Noi Bird Sanctuary -one of SE Asia’s most importantwaterfowl sites - where we’ll travel by

boat through the vast marshes andatmospheric lotus-covered lakes. In theafternoon we’ll continue via the cavetemples of Wat Tham Sumano to TrangTown on the Andaman Coast.Day 10 One day jungle expedition toBan-Traat Mountain. Trek through therainforest, bathe in mountain streamsand visit a Sakai settlement - a hunter-gatherer, jungle dwelling people. (Notethe Sakai are nomadic people and theirpresence at all times of year can’t beguaranteed.) Day 11 Head for the coast, to Chao MaiNational Park, and canoe throughmangrove swamps and alongunderground streams to visit thespectacular and mysterious, sacred seacaves. Afternoon transfer to nearby KohLibong Island for accommodation inbeachside chalets. Day 12 Leisurely day on this picturesque,unspoilt island - make the most of theturquoise waters and quiet beaches; slinga hammock between a couple of palmtrees or visit the local fishing village.Day 13 Boat tour through thespectacular scenery of Chao MaiNational Marine Park - swim and snorkelon the archipelago’s vibrant coral reefs.Day 14 Morning on the island toppingup your suntan, before transferring toKrabi for an evening flight to London viaBangkok.*Day 15 Morning arrival in London.

Fitness: moderate - maximum trekkingaround 4-5 hours on day 5.Accommodation: hotel, guesthouse,floating raft house, beach chalet.Transport: minibus, train, boat,elephant, local bus, pick-up truck, flight.Cost: ex London from £1,440,ex Bangkok from £850.

10


thailandjungles & islands

Highlights:• Jungle trekking• Elephant riding• Kayaking on the River Kwai• Canoeing through mangrove

swamps• Snorkelling on coral reefs• Exploring caves, deserted

beaches• Bamboo or white-water rafting

(depending on water levels)• Bangkok’s temples and

palaces• Thai food

*Note: a variety of beach/island extensions are available throughout the year as wellas, between October and March, scuba diving ‘liveaboards’ in the Andaman Sea. Note: this tour is offered with or without return flights from London. Those notwishing to take up the flight option should join the tour in Bangkok on day 2 of theitinerary and finish in Bangkok on day 14.Note; during the May to September period we vary this tour to avoid the westernmonsoons and move our beach and snorkelling activities to Koh Thalu Island on themore sheltered Gulf of Thailand coast. Please contact us for further details.


Day 2 Morning arrival in Bangkok - meetyour tour-leader and transfer to adowntown hotel. Afternoon tour of someof the City sites including the GrandPalace and spectacular Wat Phra Keow -‘Temple of the Emerald Buddha’.

Day 3 Departure for the historic town ofPhetchaburi at the northern limit of thePeninsula. Visit the fascinating KhaoWang Palace and park with its colony ofmonkeys before continuing to KaengKrachan National Park for our night’saccommodation as guests of lakesidevillagers.

Days 4 & 5 Two-day trek through thepristine rainforest and stunning sceneryof Thailand’s largest National Park.Check out the amazing flora and fauna,by day and by night and camp overnightin the forest. (The exact itinerary to bedecided prior to trekking afterconsultations with the local guides.)Return to Phetchaburi in the evening ofday 5.

Day 6 Continue south to Chumporn for2 night’s accommodation at a small,lakeside, family run resort hidden deep inthe province’s mountainous interior.

Day 7 Discover the area; hike in theforest, bathe in waterfalls and a raftingtrip down the scenic Pha To River.

Day 8 On to Khao Sok in Surat ThaniProvince - acknowledged as one ofThailand’s most spectacular NationalParks with its dramatic limestone karstscenery, lakes, waterfalls and lush jungle.

Days 9 & 10 2 day exploration of thepark including canoeing, a boat trip onthe lake, elephant riding and junglehiking, with plenty of time to relax, splasharound in the streams and waterfalls orjust kick back in your chalet and admirethe fabulous tropical flora and fauna.

Day 11 Off to the Andaman Sea Coastfor a short transfer by boat to Pha NgaProvince’s Koh Kha Khao Island. Thebeaches, forest and mangroves of thissecluded, unspoilt island, as well as itsnearby coral reefs are home to plentifulwildlife. Stay in a beachside resort incomfortable wooden chalets.

Day 12 Half-day boat tour - visit someof the surrounding islands and swim andsnorkel on the coral reefs.

Day 13 At leisure - relax on the beach orexplore some of the island’s hiking trails.

Day 14 Morning to top up your suntan -and an afternoon transfer to nearbyPhuket Town for a return flight toLondon, via Bangkok.


11


thailandreefs & rainforests

Highlights:• Kaeng Krachan National Park• Village homestay• Jungle trekking• Snorkelling on coral reefs• Deserted beaches• Camping in the jungle• Waterfalls• Khao Sok National Park• Elephant riding• Kayaking• Bamboo or white-water rafting

(depending on water levels)• Palaces and temples• Thai food

Note; during the May to September period we vary this tour to avoid the westernmonsoons and move our beach and snorkelling activities to Koh Thalu Island themore sheltered Gulf of Thailand coast. Please contact us for further details.

Note: this tour is offered with or without return flights from London. Those notwishing to take up the flight option should join the tour in Bangkok on day two ofthe itinerary and leave in Bangkok on day 14.

A exploration of South and Central Thailand: high mountains, steamyjungles, tropical islands, coral reefs, exotic temples and spicy curries- discover the fantastic sites, spectacular scenery and friendlypeople on this 2 week journey through these rarely visited parts ofthe Thai peninsular.

Fitness level: easy to moderate -maximum trekking is around 5-6 hrson day 4.

Accommodation: hotel, guesthouse,homestay, jungle lodge, tent orhammock, beach chalets.

Transport: minibus, pick-up truck,boat, domestic flight.

Cost: ex London from £1,440,ex Bangkok from £850.

Day 1 Departure from London

Day 2 Morning arrival in Bangkok andtransfer to a downtown hotel in the City’sBanglamphu district. Afternoon to relax,explore the area or check out some localmarkets and an evening departure bynight train to Nakorn Si Thammarat.(Note a range of pre-tour Bangkokaccommodation and extensions areavailable.)

Day 3 Afternoon to discover thissouthern town’s bustling markets andtemples or checkout some of the localhandicrafts.

Day 4 Excursion to Khao Luang NationalPark, site of the dramatic KharomWaterfall - one of the highest and mostspectacular in SE Asia. Bathing, hikingand scrambling up the falls!

Day 5 On to Thale Noi Bird Sanctuary inPhattalung Province - one of the region’smost important water-bird sites - wherewe’ll travel by boat through theatmospheric marshes and lily-coveredlakes. Continue via the cave temples ofWat Tham Sumano to Trang Town on theAndaman Sea coast.

Day 6 One day jungle expedition to Ban-Traat Mountain. Trek through therainforest, bathe in mountain streamsand visit a Sakai settlement - a hunter-gatherer, jungle dwelling people. (Notethe Sakai are nomadic people and theirpresence at all times of year can’t beguaranteed.)

Day 7 Head for the coast to Ban ChaoMai National Park where we’ll canoethrough mangrove swamps and alongunderground streams to visit thespectacular and mysterious, sacred seacaves. Afternoon transfer to Koh LibongIsland for accommodation at a beachsideresort.

Day 8 Leisurely day on this tranquilisland; make the most of the turquoisewaters and sandy beaches, sling ahammock between a couple of palmtrees or visit the local fishing village.

Day 9 Boat tour through the spectacularscenery of Chao Mai National MarinePark, snorkel and swim on thearchipelago’s vibrant coral reefs.

Day 10 Morning at leisure to explore theisland or top up your suntan, beforereturning to Trang.

Day 11 Cook your own lunch with ahalf-day Thai cookery lesson in a localrestaurant including a fascinating guidedtour of the local market. Evening flightfrom Krabi to London via Bangkok.*


12


thailandsouthern explorer

An ‘off-the-beaten-track’ view of Southern Thailand beginning witha visit to the little known Khao Luang National Park and spectacularKharom Falls of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, followed by anexploration of the mountains, jungle and caves of Trang beforefinishing the tour on the unspoilt tropical island of Koh Libong in theAndaman Sea.

Highlights:• Jungle trekking

• Canoeing in mangroveswamps

• Snorkelling on coral reefs,deserted beaches

• Cooking lesson

• Thai food

*Note: a variety of beach/island extensions are available throughout the year as wellas, between October and March, scuba diving ‘liveaboards’ in the Andaman Sea.

Note: this tour is offered with or without return flights from London. Those notwishing to take up the flight option should join the tour in Bangkok on day 2 of theitinerary.

Note; during the April to September period we vary this tour to avoid the westernmonsoons and move our beach and snorkelling activities to Chumporn Province onthe more sheltered Gulf of Thailand coast.

Fitness: moderate - maximum hiking -approx. 4-5 hours on day 6.Accommodation: hotel, guesthouse,beach chalet. Transport: boat, minibus, pick-uptruck, internal flight.Cost: ex London from £1,070,ex Bangkok from £525.

The delights of Thailand’sbeaches and islands are worldrenowned - these mistshrouded mountains and lushforests of the far North are stillwaiting to be discovered.Beginning in Bangkok we’lltravel to Kanchanaburi and theRiver Kwai before headingNorth via the ruined ancientSiamese Capital of Sukhothaito remote Nan Province on theLao border to trek and raftthrough spectacular MaeCharim National Park.


Day 2 Morning arrival in Bangkok - meetyour tour leader and transfer to adowntown hotel in the City’sBanglamphu district. Afternoon to relax,explore the area or check out some localmarkets.

Day 3 City tour with a difference! CentralBangkok by riverboat, skytrain, tuk-tukand canal boat. Stop-offs including theGrand Palace and fabulous Wat PhraKeow - “Temple of the Emerald Buddha”.

Day 4 Morning departure by train;across the Central Plains and theiremerald green rice paddies, to up-country Phitsanolok town - the Gatewayto the North. Lunch time arrival andtransfer to nearby Sukhothai town with

the afternoon to relax in our guesthousegarden or explore the local markets.

Day 5 Bicycle tour of the nearby, ancientcity of Sukhothai - former capital of Siam- which, with it’s crumbling sandstonetemples, towering Buddha statues andlotus-covered ponds, is one of thecountry’s most sacred and evocativesites.

Day 6 Complete our northwards journeywith a morning ride to remote Nan nearthe Lao border. This charming, town, welloff the beaten tourist trail, was anindependent city-state until 1931 when itwas finally incorporated into theKingdom of Siam.

Days 7,8 & 9 A unique three dayexperience trekking through the dramaticjungle clad mountains bordering Laos.Travelling by jeep and on foot we’ll spendthe first night as guests of a Hmongfamily in a tribal village and the second inchalets on the banks of the scenic WaRiver. A white-water descent of the riverand elephant ride on the final day

complete the expedition. Return to Nantown on the evening of the day 9.

Day 10 Scenic drive to Chiang Mai withthe afternoon free to explore the town’squiet lanes and picturesque temples.Evening tour of the famous night bazaar.

Day 11 Morning at leisure then time tohead south with a return flight to Londonvia Bangkok.*

Day 12 Arrival in London.

13


thailandthe hills of mae charim

Highlights:• Elephant riding

• White-water rafting

• Overnight in tribal village

• Jungle trekking

• Chiang Mai

• Bangkok’s palaces and temples

• Ruins of Sukhothai

• Thai food

*Note: extensions available forChiang Mai including cookery classesand Spa stays.

Note: this tour if offered with orwithout return flights from London.Persons not wishing to take up theflight option will join the tour on day 2in Bangkok and depart in Bangkok onday 20.

Fitness: moderate, maximum hiking6-7 hours on day 8. Rafting on day 9- medium (grade 3).

Accommodation: hotel, hill-tribevillage, chalet

Transport: minibus, pick-up truck,flight.


14


cambodia & laosindochina adventure

We begin our journey in Thailand’s infamous Golden Triangle, wherethe frontiers of Burma, Thailand and the Lao Peoples DemocraticRepublic meet. From there you’ll travel by boat down the MekongRiver, through Laos’ unspoilt mountains and jungles to the ancientcapital - now World Heritage Site - Luang Prabang.

After exploring the beautiful temples and colonial architecture ofwhat is acknowledged to be the best preserved city in SE Asia,the itinerary takes you to the contrasting, contemporary capitals ofsleepy Vientiane and bustling Phnom Penh, before climaxing witha 3 day visit to the fabulous, ancient imperial capital of theKhmer empire - Angkor Wat - one of the seven wonders of themodern world.

Highlights:• Golden Triangle

• Mekong River trip

• World Heritage LuangPrabang

• Phnom Penh

• Vang Vieng

• Angkor Wat

• local food

15


Day 2 Morning arrival in Bangkok andtransfer by Thai Airways to Chiang Mai,the cultural and historical capital ofNorthern Thailand. Afternoon free to relaxor explore this charming, friendly city andan evening tour of the famous ‘night-bazaar’.

Day 3 Head north to the small town ofChiang Khong on the banks of theMekong - accommodation in a quiet,family-run, guesthouse overlooking theriver.

Day 4 Tour of the infamous GoldenTriangle region, following the banks ofthe Mekong north through the historic,ruined city of Chiang Saen, to thefascinating town of Sob Ruak at the‘junction’ of Burma, Laos and Thailand.

Day 5 Cross the Mekong River to Huay-Xai - our entry point for the Lao People’sDemocratic Republic. Afternoon trip toexplore the surrounding area and visit anearby ‘hill-tribe’ village. Accommodationin local-style, wooden chalets.

Day 6 Charter a boat for a journey downthe Mekong, one of the worlds’s lastremaining untamed rivers, windingthrough mountains and pristine forests tothe ancient Lao capital of LuangPrabang. (Either speed boat or ‘slow’boat depending upon weather conditionsand number of passengers.)

Days 7 & 8 Nestled in the mountains,long isolated from the outside world - thefirst ‘sealed’ road to the city beingcompleted only 5 years ago - we’lldiscover World Heritage Site, LuangPrabang’s fabulous temples, taste Laodelicacies (and the famous Lao beer!) inriverside cafes and stay in a convertedFrench colonial villa.

Day 9 One day trek through thesurrounding hills to visit the spectacularKuang Si Waterfalls and to discover thefascinating, traditional village life of someof the local peoples.

Day 10 Morning bus journey over thespectacular central highlands to thesmall town of Vang Vieng - situated in anarrow, scenic valley and surrounded bydramatic, limestone escarpments. Freeafternoon.

Day 11 Day kayaking trip in thispicturesque setting including a chance toexplore some of the region’s mysterious,limestone cave formations.

Day 12 Morning transfer by local bus tothe Lao capital of Vientiane andafternoon of some of the City’sfascinating sites; markets, temples andmuseums.

Day 13 Flight to Phnom Penh andcheck-in to a small, comfortable,downtown hotel close to the historicriverfront quarter. Afternoon introductorywalking tour including the Grand Palaceand Silver Pagoda.

Day 14 Day tour of some of the sites ofCambodia’s capital city including theRussian Market, the tragic ‘Killing Fields’site and an opportunity to see howCambodians are attempting to come toterms with their recent history with a visitto the Khmer Rouge Genocide Museumat Tuol Sleng.

Day 15 Travel up the Tonle Sap River tothe small provincial town of Siem Reap inWestern Cambodia - our base for thenext few days and the ‘jumping off point’for the nearby Angkor temple complex.(Journey by boat or road depending onweather conditions) Sunset visit to thejungle clad ruins of Ta Prom Temple.

Days 16 & 17 Angkor - an unforgettabletwo-day tour of this fabulous site - itsruined palaces and vast jungle cladtemples - words can’t do it justice - seeit for yourself! A comprehensive tour ofthe major sites, including sunrise andsunset visits.

Day 18 Free morning in Siem Reap:explore the market or visit the handicraftschool and an afternoon trip to one ofthe remoter temple sites such as BanteaySrei.

Day 19 Overland through the scenicCambodian countryside to the Thaiborder at Poipet and on to Bangkok.

Day 20 At leisure in Bangkok - relaxingor last minute shopping with an eveningdeparture for London.


Accommodation: hotel, chalet andguesthouse.

Transport: minibus, boat, local bus,pick-up truck, regional international flight.

Fitness: easy to moderate - max trekking4-5 hrs on day 9.


Note: this tour is offered with or without return flights from London. Persons nottaking up the flight option should join the tour in Chiang Mai on day 2 of theitinerary and leave in Bangkok on day 20. Bangkok to Chiang Mai tickets areincluded in the price of your tour and will be forwarded to you prior to departure.

Note: a variety of extensions in Chiang Mai before, and Bangkok after the tour areavailable.


Day 2 Morning arrival in Phnom Penh,via Bangkok and check-in to a small,comfortable, downtown hotel close tothe historic riverbank quarter. Time torelax and an afternoon walk taking in theRoyal Palace and Silver Pagoda.

Day 3 Day tour of some of the sites ofCambodia’s capital city; the `Russian`market, the infamous ‘Killing Fields’ siteand the highly moving Khmer RougeGenocide Museum at Tuol Sleng.

Day 4 Travel up the Tonle Sap River tothe small provincial town of Siem Reap inWestern Cambodia - our base for thenext few days and ‘jumping off point’ forthe nearby Angkor Temple complex.(Journey by boat or road depending onweather conditions) Sunset visit to theatmospheric ruins of Ta Prom.

Days 5 and 6 Angkor - an unforgettabletwo-day tour of this fabulous site - itsruined palaces and vast jungle cladtemples - words can’t do it justice - seeit for yourself!

Day 7 Free morning in Siem Reap:explore the market, checkout thehandicraft school and an afternoon tripto one of the remoter Angkor sites suchas Banteay Srei.

Day 8 Overland to Poipet on the Thaiborder and on to Thailand’s nearbyChantaburi Province.

Day 9 Recover from Cambodian roadsin the beautiful setting of a small Thai

hill resort. Visit to the local market andafternoon hike to Soi Dao Waterfall innearby Soi Dao National Park.

Day 10 Continue south to the tropicalisland of Koh Chang where we’ll stay inwooden, beachside chalets.

Day 11 Leisurely day on the island;make the most of the turquoise watersand coconut-palm lined beaches, try outa beach massage or for the energetic -explore the island!

Day 12 A boat tour through thesurrounding archipelago includingswimming and snorkelling on some ofthe vibrant, colourful coral reefs.

Day 13 Venture into the mountainousinterior for an elephant ride and visit tothe ‘Ban Kwang Camp’ - established inco-operation with the Asian ElephantFoundation. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 14 Morning on the island to relax ortop up your suntan before returning toBangkok for evening flight to London.


16


cambodia & thailandruined cities, tropical islands

Highlights:• Phnom Penh

• Cambodian river trip

• Angkor Wat

• Jungle hike

• Hill resort


• Elephant riding

• Local food

Note: This tour is offered with or without a return flight from London. Persons notwishing to take up the flight option should join the tour in Bangkok on day 2 of theitinerary.

Note: scuba diving extensions are available on Koh Chang during the November toApril period.

Fitness: easy - several hours walkingon days 5 & 6 during the temple tour.

Accommodation: hotels,guesthouses, beachside chalets.

Transport: flight, boat, pick-up truck,minibus.


Cambodia - this charming, though little known, South East Asian country isnow opening up slowly to the outside world. Discover its friendly people,serene landscapes and fascinating, if sometimes tragic history.

Explore the bustling, present day capital of Phnom Penh and the ancientKhmer imperial city of Angkor Wat, acknowledged as one of the sevenwonders of the modern world, before travelling overland to Thailand andthe tropical island of Koh Chang. Relaxing in a Thai hill-resort, trekkingthrough the island’s pristine rainforest and snorkelling on the archipelago’svibrant coral reefs are some of the activities on offer as well as, and notleast, checking-out just how comfortable those hammocks really are.


Day 2 Morning arrival in Phnom Penh,via Bangkok and check-in to a small,comfortable, downtown hotel close tothe historic riverbank quarter. Time torelax and an afternoon walk taking in theRoyal Palace and Silver Pagoda.

Day 3 Day tour of some of the sites ofCambodia’s capital city; the `Russian`market, the infamous ‘Killing Fields’ siteand the highly moving Khmer RougeGenocide Museum at Tuol Sleng.

Day 4 Travel up the Tonle Sap River tothe small provincial town of Siem Reap inWestern Cambodia - our base for thenext few days and ‘jumping off point’ for

the nearby Angkor Temple complex.(Journey by boat or road depending onweather conditions) Sunset visit to theatmospheric ruins of Ta Prom.

Days 5 and 6 Angkor - an unforgettabletwo-day tour of this fabulous site - itsruined palaces and vast jungle cladtemples - words can’t do it justice - seeit for yourself!

Day 7 Free morning in Siem Reap:explore the market, checkout thehandicraft school and an afternoon tripto one of the remoter Angkor sites suchas Banteay Srei.

Day 8 Overland through the scenicCambodian countryside to the Thaiborder at Poipet and on to Bangkok.

Day 9 At leisure in Bangkok - relaxing orlast minute shopping with an eveningdeparture for London.


17


cambodiaoverland phnom penh to bangkokThis tour takes you overland from Cambodia‚s bustling and

fascinating capital Phnom Penh to the fabulous ruined Khmer

cities of Angkor, one of the 7 wonders of the world, before

travelling overland to our final destination the vibrant,

Thai capital of Bangkok.

Notes: extra accommodation inBangkok or beach/island extensionsare available for those wishing toprolong this trip.

Accommodation: hotel andguesthouse.

Transport: minibus, boat, local bus,pick-up truck, flight.

Fitness: easy - maximum hiking 3-4hrs per day during the Angkor visit.


Highlights:• Angkor Wat

• Phnom Penh

• Cambodian River journey

• Bangkok

• South East Asian food

Day 1 Depart London Heathrow Airport.

Day 2 Morning arrival in Bangkok andtransfer by Thai Airways to Chiang Mai, thecultural and historical capital of NorthernThailand. Afternoon free to relax or explorethis charming, friendly city and an eveningtour of the famous ‘night-bazaar’.

Day 3 Head north to the small town ofChiang Khong on the banks of the Mekong- accommodation in a quiet, family-run,guesthouse overlooking the river.

Day 4 Tour of the infamous GoldenTriangle region, following the banks ofthe Mekong north through the historic,ruined city of Chiang Saen, to thefascinating town of Sob Ruak at the‘junction’ of Burma, Laos and Thailand.

Day 5 Cross the Mekong River to Huay-Xai - our entry point for the Lao People’sDemocratic Republic. Afternoon trip toexplore the surrounding area and visit anearby ‘hill-tribe’ village. Accommodationin local-style, wooden chalets.

Day 6 Charter a boat for a journey downthe Mekong, one of the world’s lastremaining untamed rivers, windingthrough mountains and pristine forests tothe ancient Lao capital of LuangPrabang. (Either speedboat or ‘slow’boat depending upon weather conditionsand number of passengers.)

Days 7 & 8 Nestled in the mountains,long isolated from the outside world - thefirst ‘sealed’ road to the city beingcompleted only 5 years ago - we’lldiscover World Heritage Site, LuangPrabang’s fabulous temples, taste Laodelicacies (and the famous Lao beer!) inriverside cafes and stay in a convertedFrench colonial villa.

Day 9 One day trek through thesurrounding hills to visit the spectacularKuang Si Waterfalls and to discover thefascinating, traditional village life of someof the local peoples.

Day 10 Morning bus journey over thespectacular central highlands to thesmall town of Vang Vieng - situated in anarrow, scenic valley and surrounded bydramatic, limestone escarpments.Afternoon free to relax by the river or visitthe town.

Day 11 Day kayaking trip in thispicturesque setting including a chance toexplore some of the region’s mysterious,limestone cave formations.

Day 12 Morning transfer by local bus tothe Lao capital of Vientiane andafternoon of some of the City’sfascinating sites; markets, temples andmuseums.

Day 13 Return flight to London, viaBangkok. *(This will be either an afternoon

departure arriving in the evening of day 13 in

London or a night departure arriving early morning

of the 14th depending upon availability.)

18

13* days, 13 nights - all year round

laosnorthern laos & the golden triangle

An introduction to this fascinating and little known country. Beginning inThailand’s infamous Golden Triangle we’ll travel down the Mekong River,through Laos’ unspoilt mountains and jungles to the ancient capital, nowWorld Heritage Site, Luang Prabang. After exploring the beautiful temples and colonial architecture of what isacknowledged to be the best preserved city in SE Asia, the itinerary takesyou over the dramatic central highlands of Laos to the present day capitalof Vientiane.

Notes: various extension options areavailable in Chiang Mai prior to orBangkok after the tour.

Highlights:• Golden Triangle tour• Mekong River• Jungle trekking• Temples and colonial

architecture of World HeritageLuang Prabang

• Vientiane• Vang Vieng• Thai and Lao food

Fitness: easy to moderate – maximumhiking approx. 4-5 hrs on day 9.Accommodation: hotel andguesthouse.Transport: minibus, boat, local bus,tuk-tuk, pick-up truck, regionalinternational flight.Cost: ex London from £1,220,ex Bangkok from £675.

19

16 days, 15 nights – all year round

laos & thailandthe emerald triangle

Explore the rarely visited Emerald Triangle region where the borders ofThailand, Laos and Cambodia meet. This adventure tour will take you through Eastern Thailand into the far southof Laos to discover the stunning ‘4,000 islands’ region, where the MekongRiver cascades into Cambodia over a series of spectacular falls. From herewe’ll continue eastwards over the Boloven Plateau to remote AttapeuProvince to visit the infamous Ho Chi Minh Trail and trek through the jungleto minority hill-tribe villages.

Day 1 Depart from LondonDay 2 Morning arrival in Bangkok, meetyour tour-leader and transfer to acentrally located hotel. Afternoon to relaxor explore the area.Day 3 City tour with a difference! CentralBangkok by ‘public transport’; riverboat,skytrain, tuk-tuk and canal boat. On theway stop-offs to take in the GrandPalace, Wat Phra Keow, (temple of theEmerald Buddha), Wat Pho and time torelax in Lumphini Park. In the eveningwe’ll board the night sleeper train forEastern Thailand.Day 4 Exploration of the EmeraldTriangle region beginning with thespectacular mountain-top Khmer ruins ofPreah Viharn, lying just over the border inCambodia. We’ll then return to the Thaiside and follow the border Eastwardsuntil we reach our day’s destination - thesmall town of Khong Jiam on the banksof the Mekong overlooking Laos.Day 5 Head north up river by boat tovisit the prehistoric rock paintings andunusual rock formations of Pha TaemNational Park.Day 6 Time to cross into Lao and travelsouth to the ‘4,000 islands’ - a stretch ofthe Mekong River of outstanding naturalbeauty straddling the Lao/Cambodianborder.Day 7 Explore some of the islands byboat and on foot, visit SE Asia’s largestwaterfalls - the spectacular KhonPhapaeng Falls - and with luck catch aglimpse of some of the rare freshwaterdolphins which still inhabit this stretch ofthe river.Day 8 Free day to relax on the islands orhike to discover some of the localscenery and villages.Day 9 Travel north along the banks ofthe Mekong to the small town ofChampassak, stopping off at Keitngong

village for an elephant trek to somenearby Khmer ruins.

Day 10 Morning trip to the UNESCOWorld Heritage Site of Wat Phu - a pre-Angkor, Khmer temple dramaticallysituated on a mountain slope overlookingthe valley of the Mekong. Afternoon torelax in our riverside guesthouse orcheck-out a local market.

Day 11 Transfer across the BolovenPlateau to the Sekong River, where we’lltravel by boat through limestone gorgesto our final destination, the remote townof Attapeu.

Day 12 This rarely visited region liesclose to the Vietnamese and Cambodianborders and the infamous Ho Chi MinhTrail will be one of the sights on a daytour of the area. Exact itinerary willdepend on weather and road conditions.

Day 13 Day trek into the surroundingjungles to visit some of the minority‘montagnard’ tribes who still inhabit theregion.

Day 14 Drive back across the BolovenPlateau, home to numerous ethnicminorities and centre of Lao’s coffeegrowing industry, to Pakse on the banksof the Mekong. Afternoon to explore thisbustling port town.

Day 15 Afternoon departure by road toUbon Ratchathani in Thailand for anevening return flight to London, viaBangkok.


Fitness: easy to moderate – max.Trekking c. 4- 5 hrs on day 13.Accommodation: hotel, guesthouse.Transport: train, flight, bus, boat, tuk-tuk, elephant.Cost: ex London from £1,520,ex Bangkok from £950.

Highlights:• Cambodia’s Preah Viharn

Temple• Laos’ World Heritage Wat Phu• Thailand’s Pha Taem National

Park• South East Asia’s largest

waterfall• The ‘4,000 Islands’• Trekking to minority villages• Elephant riding• Boat trip on the Sekong River• Ho Chi Minh Trail• Local food

Note: Day 15 of this itinerary ends in Pakse from where you have the choice of returningto Bangkok or flying to Phnom Penh to connect to our 8 day ‘Cambodia Overland’ trip.

20

17 days, 16 nights - March to Sept.

From our starting point in the historic, port ofGeorgetown on the west coast, we’ll ventureinto the rarely visited interior of the Malaypeninsula - still covered by vast expanses ofdense, jungle and inhabited by hunter-gatherertribes - and stay in bamboo, beachside chaletson coral-fringed islands off the east coast, for agenuine, ‘off-the-beaten-track’ look at thisfascinating and surprisingly little knowncountry.

Discover a vibrant mix of cultures: spectacularand varied scenery, exotic flora and fauna,delicious local food and plenty of friendlypeople.

malaysiacoast to coast

Winner of the ‘Best Escorted Tour’ category atthe Malaysian Travel awards, London 2003

Highlights:• Historic Georgetown

• Penang Hill

• Lake Temengor

• Jungle flora and fauna

• Tropical islands


• Trek in Kenong Rimba

• Kula Lumpur

• Malaysian food

Day 1 Departure from London forPenang Island, via Kuala Lumpur.

Day 2 Arrival at Penang and transfer to aChinatown hotel in the heart of oldGeorgetown. Afternoon to relax, orexplore this fascinating historical town.

Day 3 Chinatown tour in collaborationwith the ‘Penang Heritage Trust’:temples, Chinese clan houses and Britishcolonial period architecture.

Day 4 Visit Penang Hill with its Victorianera cable car and spectacular canopywalkway and hike down the forestedslopes to the famous Botanical Gardens.

Day 5 Head off into the interior, throughthe jungle-clad, highlands to tranquilBanding Island in Temengor Lake.Accommodation at a beautifully situated,lakeside resort.

Days 6 & 7 2 day expedition into thesurrounding Belum Forest, trek throughpristine rainforest to mountain streamsand waterfalls, visit a village of theindigenous, forest-dwelling Orang Aslitribe, an exciting night hike through theforest and camping overnight in thejungle. With luck we’ll see monkeys andmaybe even elephants - spectacularscenery guaranteed!

Day 8 Transfer to Kota Baru on the EastCoast - renowned as the centre of Malay,Muslim culture. Evening tour of thecolourful and bustling night-market.

Day 9 Off to the jungle-clad and coral-fringed paradise of the PerehentianIslands. Lunchtime arrival and freeafternoon. Tourism is still relativelyundeveloped in these islands and we’llbe staying in simple, but comfortablebeachside, wooden chalets.

Day 10 A snorkelling tour of some of thevibrant coral reefs that surround theisland. Surrounded by myriad colourfulfish you’ll swim with baby reef sharksand giant turtles.

Day 11 Day exploring the island: into thejungle interior to check out theprehistoric looking, giant monitor lizardsthat roam the islands and visits to someof the remoter bays and creeks.

Day 12 Head south to the small town ofKuala Lipis in the centre of the peninsula.This now quaint backwater was animportant administrative centre andrubber producing town during thecolonial era.

Day 13 Leave by local train for a day tripto the little known Kenong Rimba ForestReserve, where we’ll trek through densejungle, discover the amazing tropicalflora and fauna, visit some of the area’sunusual limestone cave formations andreturn in the evening to Kuala Lipis byriverboat.

Day 14 Continue south by local bus toKuala Lumpur, where we’ll stay in theCapital’s bustling Chinatown quarter.

Day 15 Day tour of some of the sites ofthe fascinating Malaysian capital: LittleIndia, the fabulous Victorian eraarchitecture of Merdaka Square and theCentral Mosque.

Day 16 Morning to relax or anopportunity for some last minuteshopping before an evening return flightto London.


21

Note: This tour is offered with or without return flights from London. Those notwishing to take up the flight option should join the tour on day 2 of the itinerary inPenang and finish on day 16 in Kuala Lumpur.

Note: inexpensive scuba diving options are available on the Perhentian Islands.

Fitness: moderate, maximum trekkingaround 5hrs on day 13.

Accommodation: hotel, resort,guesthouse, jungle camp, beachchalet.

Transport: minibus, boat, local bus,train, internal flight.

Cost: ex London from £1,465,ex Penang from £925.


Day 2 Arrive in Kuala Lumpur andtransfer to our hotel in the heart of theCity’s Chinatown district. Afternoon torelax or explore the area with its livelymarkets.

Day 3 Walking tour of some of the sitesof the fascinating Malaysian capitalincluding the fabulous Victorian eraarchitecture of Merdeka Square, theNational Mosque and Little India.

Day 4 Head North to the CameronHighlands - Malaya’s foremost hill-stationduring the British rule and now apicturesque area of tea plantations,spectacular scenery and mountain vistas.Afternoon at leisure to explore the areaor just relax in the garden and take in thestunning views.

Day 5 Hike through the surroundingforests to discover the lush tropical floraand fauna of the region - giant tree ferns,moss forests and myriad colourful birds.

Day 6 A chance to explore the sculpted,hilltop tea plantations and sample a localbrew, before an afternoon visit to thelocal Butterfly Farm.

Day 7 Head deeper into the interior,through the jungle-clad highlands totranquil Banding Island on TemengorLake. Accommodation at a beautifullysituated, lakeside resort.

Days 8 & 9 2 day expedition into thesurrounding Belum Forest: kayak acrossthe lake, trek through pristine rainforestto mountain streams and waterfalls, visita village of the indigenous, forest-dwelling Orang Asli people, an excitingnight hike and camping overnight in thejungle. With luck we’ll see monkeys andelephants - spectacular sceneryguaranteed.

Day 10 Head back to the West coastand Penang. Check-in to our hotel in theheart of old Georgetown with theafternoon at leisure to relax, or explorethis historic town.

Day 11 Walking tour of Georgetown incollaboration with the ‘Penang HeritageTrust’: temples, Chinese clan houses andBritish, colonial period architecture.

Day 12 A visit to Penang Hill with itsVictorian era cable car, elegant gardensand residences and spectacular canopywalkway, before hiking down the forestedslopes to the City’s famous BotanicalGardens.

Day 13 On to Tanjung Sanctuary, yourlittle bit of paradise on tropical island ofLangkawi. Free afternoon at this scenicbeach side location where you’ll stay inattractive wooden chalets set in asecluded bay.

Day 14 Spend the morning relaxing onthe beach before an afternoon kayakingtrip amongst the dramatic, limestonecliffs and mangrove swamps on the northof the island.

Day 15 A visit to the jungle-clad heart ofLangkawi with a chance to swingamongst the trees, Tarzan style, on the“Flying Fox” trip and hike through thelush rainforest. Evening tour of one of theisland’s colourful, bustling night-markets.

Day 16 Morning to relax on the beach oran opportunity for some last minuteshopping before an evening return flightto London.


22

17 days, 16 nights - October to April

malaysiawest coast explorer

A seasonal variant on our award winning Coast to Coast itineraryincludes the scenic Cameron Highlands hill station with it’s lush,tropical mountain forests and picturesque tea plantations and a3 day stay at a secluded beach resort on Malaysia’s west coastisland of Langkawi.

Fitness: moderate, maximum trekkingaround 5-6hrs on day 5. Accommodation: hotel, resort,guesthouse, jungle camp, chalet.Transport: minibus, boat, Cost: ex London from £1,495,ex Kuala Lumpur from £875.

Highlights:• Historic Georgetown• Penang Hill• Lake Temengor• Jungle flora and fauna• Langkawi• Kayaking in mangrove

swamps• Cameron Highlands• Kuala Lumpur• Malaysian food

Note: This tour is offered with orwithout return flights from London.Those not wishing to take up the flightoption should join the tour on day 2 ofthe itinerary in Kuala Lumpur and finishon day 16 in Kuala Lumpur.

Discover Vietnam’s elegantcapital Hanoi with its tree-linedboulevards and French colonialarchitecture. Journey to theremote, rarely visited North Westof the country - a mountainousarea of outstanding naturalbeauty, inhabited by a myriad ofcolourfully dressed ‘hill-tribe’peoples - where we’ll trek throughthe spectacular scenery, visittraditional villages and stay in thedelightful old French hill-station ofSapa. A 2 day trip to the coast foran exploration of World HeritageSite, Halong Bay completes thisvaried and fascinating tour ofNorthern Vietnam.

Day 1 Departure from London for Hanoivia Bangkok.

Day 2 Arrival in Hanoi and check-in to adowntown hotel. Afternoon free to relaxor explore the city.

Day 3 Day tour of the city: including HoChi Minh’s mausoleum, the 11th centuryuniversity, Hoan Kiem Lake and awalking tour of the narrow streets ofHanoi’s bustling old commercial quarter.In the evening catch a performance ofthe highly original water-puppets.

Day 4 Head North West throughspectacular scenery to Son La district,with a stop-off to visit a traditional ‘BlackTai’ village - just one of the many ethnicgroups inhabiting this mountainousregion.

Day 5 Morning walking tour of Son Laincluding the Hill-tribe museum andFrench penitentiary before continuingthrough some even more dramaticscenery to the remote town of Dien BienPhu on the Lao border. Now a quiet,provincial backwater and colourfulmarket centre for the surrounding‘montagnard’ peoples, in 1954 thisisolated valley was the site of thecatastrophic French defeat that lead tothe end of their rule in Indochina.

Day 6 Walking tour of the museum andkey sites of the battlefield with anafternoon hike into the surrounding hillsto visit a spectacular waterfall.

Day 7 Time to explore Dien Bien Phu’slively market and on to Lai Chau - a tiny,isolated and rarely visited town, lying in a

beautiful valley close to the borders ofLaos and China.

Day 8 Explore the area by boat and onfoot - discover the stunning landscapesof emerald green paddy fields ringed byjagged mountain scenery, the lush floraand the traditional way of life of the localhill-tribe people.

Day 9 Our next leg takes us over the highmountain ranges along the Chinese border,culminating in Tram Ton Pass beforedescending to our destination of Sapa.This picturesque old French hill-stationoverlooking a spectacular valley, lies in theshadow of the mist shrouded FansipanMountain - at over 9,500ft the highestsummit in mainland South East Asia.

Days 10 & 11 Trek through the area’sincredible scenery - known to the Frenchas the Tonkinese Alps - terraced ricepaddies, lush forest, towering peaks andcrystal clear waterfalls. Overnight in aHmong or Dsay tribal village. Return toSapa in the afternoon of day 11.

Day 12 Morning at leisure to explore thetown, roam the bustling hilltribe marketor simply sit back on your balcony andadmire the view. Late afternoon transferto nearby Lao Cai town for the nightsleeper train to Hanoi.

Day 13 Morning arrival in Hanoi and onvia the port of Haiphong to Cat Ba Islandin Halong Bay. Afternoon to explore thesmall port town, swim, or visit the nearbyCat Ba National Park.

Day 14 Day boat trip through theincredible scenery of World NaturalHeritage Site, Halong Bay, with stop-offsfor swimming and cave visits beforereturning to Hanoi in the evening.

Day 15 A chance for some last minuteshopping or time to explore some moreof the city before an evening departurefor London.


Fitness: easy to moderate, maximumtrekking approx. 5-6 hrs on day 10. Accommodation: hotel, guesthouse,hill-tribe village.Transport: minibus, boat, 4WD, train.Cost: ex London from £775,ex Hanoi from £1,475.

23

vietnammountains & hilltribes

16 days, 15 nights – Oct. to July

Highlights:• Hanoi• Spectacular mountain

scenery• Boat trip on the Da River• Sapa hill-station• Trekking• Halong Bay• Hill-tribe villages• Cat Ba Island

Note: this tour is b & B only except:Lunch on days 10 & 14 & dinner day 10.

24

21 days, 20 nights – all year round

vietnamhanoi to saigon

A great introduction to Vietnam, this3 week trip from North to South combinesessential sites and hidden places: Hanoi,World Heritage Hue, charming Hoi Anport, Nha Trang and the rarely visited butspectacular Nam Cat Tien National Park.

Discover the country’s past: ruinedtemples of the little known Cham empire,glorious pagodas and royal tombs of theNguyen Dynasty, the more recent, tragicsites of the Vietnam War and the friendlypeople, exotic cuisine, fantasticlandscapes and exciting cities of Hanoiand Saigon.

Highlights:• Hanoi

• Royal tombs of Hue

• Hoi An

• DMZ tour

• Ruins of My Son

• Snorkelling in the South China Sea

• Montagnard villages

• Trekking in Central Highlands,

• Elephant riding

• Mekong Delta

• Family homestays

• Saigon

Fitness: easy to moderate - hikes can be adjusted toany level.

Accommodation: hotel, island resort, homestay, tribal village

Transport: minibus, train, flight, boat.

Cost: ex London from £1,750, ex Hanoi from £775.

Day 1 Depart London

Day 2 Arrival in Hanoi, check-in to adowntown hotel and afternoon free towander or relax before an evening trip tosee the City’s unique water-puppet show.

Day 3 Day tour of this beautiful old citywith its French colonial ambience: lakes,parks and temples and a stroll throughthe bustling backstreets of the oldquarter before an evening sleeper trainsouth to Hue.

Day 4 Early morning arrival in theancient Imperial capital of Hue, check-into our centrally located hotel and aleisurely cruise by ‘dragon boat’ alongthe Perfume River to visit some of themajestic tombs of the former emperors.Afternoon at leisure to relax or wanderthe streets and old fortified citadelof Hue.

Day 5 More recent history with a day tripto the infamous DMZ, (demilitarizedzone), to visit some of the key sites ofthe Vietnam War, including the Vietcongtunnels at Vinh Moc, Hien Luong Bridgeon the 17th parallel, which marked theborder between former South and NorthVietnam and Khe Sanh Combat Base -scene of some of the most intensefighting of the war.

Day 6 Short drive to nearby Hoi AnTown with stop-offs on the way atmountainous Bach Ma National Park andthe beautiful and spectacular beach atLang Co.

Day 7 Well-preserved and charming,World Heritage site Hoi An was one ofSE Asia’s most important ports duringthe 17th - 19th centuries. A half-day tourof the old town and waterfront area and afree afternoon to roam the beautiful oldstreets at your leisure or bicycle down tothe nearby beach for a dip or massage.

Day 8 Morning relaxing or a visit to thebustling silk market and an afternoon tripto the atmospheric ruined temples of MySon - Vietnam’s most important Chamsite. The city was occupied from the 4thto 13th centuries before succumbing toits powerful Khmer and Vietnameseneighbours.

Day 9 Transfer to Danang to visit theCity’s fascinating Cham Museum beforean afternoon flight south to Nha Trang.From here we’ll continue by speedboatto the secluded ‘Whale Island’ foraccommodation in a beach side resort.

Day 10 A half day snorkelling trip todiscover some of the varied, local marineflora and fauna with plenty of time forrelaxation or an exploration of the islandshiking trails for the energetic.

Day 11 At leisure on the island. (Note -an inexpensive diving option can bearranged for anyone interested.)

Day 12 Time to leave the island andhead over the Central Highlands to theprovincial capital of Buon Me Thuot - ascenic drive with stop-offs to visitvillages and take in the dramatic scenery.

Day 13 On to Yok Don National Park fora morning hike and elephant ride.Situated along the Cambodian border,this remote and rarely visited region isVietnam’s largest conservation area. Inthe afternoon we’ll continue on to thebeautiful Lak Lake where we’ll stay asguests of a M’Nong family in a local‘Montagnard’ tribal village.

Day 14 Morning boat trip around thelake before heading off to nearby ThuYan Sin National Park for a jungle hike.Return in the evening to Buon Me Thuot.

Day 15 On to Saigon, following theCambodian border through morespectacular scenery - tea and coffeeplantations, waterfalls, traditional villages.Afternoon arrival and check-in to ourcentrally located hotel.

Day 16 Morning tour of Cholon, thecity’s Chinatown district, with theafternoon to explore, shop or sit in a cafeand watch the non-stop spectacle of thecity’s traffic!

Days 17, 18 & 19 Our 3 day explorationof the picturesque Mekong Delta beginswith a journey south to Cai Be wherewe’ll visit a floating market and orchidfarm before taking the boat to An Binhisland for a homestay with a local family.Discover the traditional cultures andlifestyles of this beautiful region by foot,bicycle, cyclo and river. 2nd night in CamTho town and return to Saigon in theevening of day 19.

Day 20 Time to relax, last minuteshopping or an optional boat excursionto the nearby Can Gio mangrove forestbefore an afternoon return flight toLondon, via Bangkok.

Day 21 Arrival in London.

25

Note: this tour is b & b only except: lunch days 10 & 11 & dinner days 9, 10, 11,13 & 18.

26

15 days, 14 nights - October to July

sri lankaceylon adventure

This 15 day, accompanied tour will takeyou from the spectacular ancient cities ofthe Central Plains through Kandy - thescenic hill country and tea estates, to thebeautiful and undeveloped SouthernCoast via the wildlife and scenery of YalaWest and Horton Plains National Parks,whilst allowing plenty of time forrelaxation and opportunities to ‘do yourown thing’. An ideal introduction to themagnificent island of Sri Lanka.

Fitness: easy to moderate, maximum trekking 4-5 hrs onday 7.

Accommodation: hotel, guesthouse, camping, beach chalet.

Transport: train, jeep, minibus.

Cost: ex London from £1,400, ex Colombo from £875.

Highlights:• Kandy

• Polonnaruwa ancient city

• Sigiriya rock fortress

• Dambulla cave temples

• Hill country

• Horton Plains national park

• Yala West national park

• Tangalle beach stay

• Galle

• Local food

Day 1 Departure from London and latenight arrival in Colombo. Meet your tour-leader and transfer to a hotel in thenearby coastal town of Negombo.

Day 2 Morning at leisure - swim or relax- before an afternoon train journeythrough spectacular scenery to Kandy,capital of the ‘Hill country’ where we’llstay in a lakeside, colonial era hotel.

Day 3 Day at leisure in this charming, hilltown; visit the superb Botanical Gardens,the Temple of the Tooth, Sri Lanka’s mostsacred Buddhist site, or wander the livelystreets and colourful markets.

Day 4 Set off North to the ‘CulturalTriangle’, or Ancient Cities, region wherewe’ll begin our 2 day tour atPolonnaruwa, World Heritage Site and SriLanka’s medieval capital beforecontinuing to Sigiriya for an overnightstay at the foot of the dramatic rockfortress.

Day 5 Early morning ascent of thisdramatic site - a fortified city hewn out ofthe solid rock of a towering limestoneoutcrop. Wander the paths and rockgardens at the foot of the mountain,admire the famous rock paintings as wewind out way to the summit on the andtake in the stunning view of thesurrounding green plain. Brunch at therest-house and on to the day’s secondWorld Heritage Site - the incredible cavetemples of Dambulla. Late afternoonreturn to Kandy.

Day 6 Time to head South with a drivethrough the scenic hill country to the oldcolonial town of Nuwara Eliya. Mountainviews, tea covered terraces and anopportunity to visit a tea estate itself.Overnight in a 19th century, teak flooredhotel.

Day 7 Early morning departure for the‘Horton Plains’ National Park where we’lltrek through the cool upland heath and

forest to the incredible ‘World’s End’ sitewhere the hill country abruptly drops1000 m to the southern plains below.Waterfalls and wildlife before a scenicafternoon drive to the small hill town ofElla for accommodation in a local family-run guesthouse.

Day 8 Day free to explore thispicturesque town or for the energetic tryout one of the areas numerous hikingtrails.

Day 9 Morning at leisure and afternoondrive out of the hills to the famous YalaWest National Park. Afternoon hike andcamping overnight in the park.

Day 10 Up early for a morning jeepsafari - birdlife, deer, elephants andcrocodiles abound in Yala West and withluck we’ll see one of the rarer speciessuch as clouded leopards. In theafternoon we’ll continue along thepicturesque southern coast road to thesmall fishing port of Tangalle.

Day 11 A secluded chalet resort set ingardens by a beautiful bay is our basefor the next 3 days. Chill out on yourverandah, swim, discover other nearbysecluded bays and beaches or try outthe famous Ayurvedic massage.

Day 12 Excursion to discover the area -the traditional fishing port of Tangalle,friendly town and bustling market - thenearby rock temple of Mulkirigala orRekawa Turtle Sanctuary.

Day 13 At leisure in our resort.

Day 14 On to the old fortified Dutch portof Galle where we can hike along theramparts or check out the town’s formerArab quarter, narrow lanes and curioshops. Overnight in the beach town ofBentota.

Day 15 Transfer to Colombo airport foran afternoon return flight to London.Evening arrival.

27

Note: This tour is half-board (Breakfast and evening meal)

We welcome families and havefound that many of ouritineraries are suitable or easilyadapted for children of all ages.We are happy to discuss withyou suitable itineraries and offera high level of personal servicein helping you plan your trip –whether it is 2 weeks in Thailandor a 3 month tour of SE Asia.

No more “Mummy I’m bored” –pack them off elephant riding,canoeing, making friends withthe locals. Not only fun but veryeducational, we havesuccessfully provided tours forfamilies with children of all agesfrom 3 upwards.

Destinations:

Thailand in particular lends itself to familytours with its convenient, efficienttransport system, friendly helpful peopleand high levels of food hygiene. Junglesand Islands is probably our most popularfamily tour, with Northern Mountains,Southern Beaches being a hit with theolder children and the more adventurousfamilies.

Northern Thailand, Northern Laos andMalaysian itineraries are also easilymodified.

28

family tours

Highlights for kids:

• Elephant riding

• Canoeing

• Rafting

• Snorkelling

• Beaches

• Meeting local children

• Discovering the plants andwildlife

• The weather

Highlights for theFamily:

• One family equals one tour– we do not combine youwith another familythereby ensuring that wecan tailor the itineraries tosuit your family and itsrequirements.

• Parents get to relax andenjoy the holiday – the tourleader sorts out all the dayto day logistics.

• Many families decide tospend the more active andoff the beaten track part ofthe tour with a tour leaderand then dispense withtheir services for somequality family time on thebeach at the end of theholiday.

Recommended by the Mail onSaturday and the London EveningStandard, for families seeking morethan just sun and sea.

Please feel free to call us forreferences or to discuss planningyour family tour.

29

beach & islandextensions

Note: Hotel bookings for all major South East Asian destinations are available as wellas flight bookings within the region.

Note: Koh Ngai and Phuket are easily accessible from the finishing point of our SouthThai tours whilst frequent 1 hr flights connect Bangkok to either Phuket or Trangairports. Koh Chang lying close to the Cambodian border is particularly convenientfor our “Indochina” tour and is approx. 5 hrs by boat and road from Bangkok. Pleasenote many other beach, island and diving options are available through Gecko Travel- please ask for further details.

For those wishing to extend their trip with some quality relaxationtime at a beach or on an island a variety of options at a variety ofbudgets are available. Simple bamboo chalets to international class5* resorts: from Thailand’s world renowned Samui to Vietnam’sremote unspoilt Whale Island, a tranquil spa on the Andaman Sea’sKoh Ngai or live-aboard scuba diving on the stunning SimilanIslands. Below are some of our suggestions....

Scuba diving &snorkelling

Andaman Sea Diving3 to 4 day ‘liveaboard’ scuba diving orsnorkelling trips to the Similan IslandsNational Marine Park in the AndamanSea - one of the world’s top divedestinations. Professional instructorsand PADI licensed - Beginnerscourses, Open Water, Dive Master etcTrips depart from either Phuket ornearby Phang Nga Province. (fullboard, Oct-May).

Koh ChangDiving options are offered on the Gulfof Thailand’s Koh Chang NationalMarine Park from November throughto April. Warm waters, shallow reefsand wrecks.

Whale IslandTry some off the beaten track diving atVietnam’s Whale Island - well awayfrom the bustling resorts of Nha Trangthis secluded island even boasts anunderwater nature trail for snorkellers.(April to September and December toJanuary)

Perhentian IslandsMalaysia’s spectacular Perhentian Islandspossess some of the Peninsula’s clearestwater and best diving from the March toSeptember period. Dive or snorkel withbaby sharks and giant turtles.

Island staysKoh Ngai Island, ThailandBeautiful spa resort on a secludedisland in Trang Province - no roads, nocars just a few well designedcomfortable chalets squeezedbetween a backdrop of jungle and thesandy beach in front. Turquoisewaters, a stunning beach and dailyboat trips available for snorkelling onthe surrounding coral reefs or visitingsome of the other islands of the localmarine national park. Convenient forTrang airport - October to May is thebest time to visit.

Koh Chang Island, ThailandA large, relatively undeveloped islandlying on Thailand’s East coast,accessible by road or short flight fromBangkok. A variety of resort optionsfrom simple but comfortable 3* chaletsto luxury 5* spa resorts can be offeredon this spectacular island where sandybeaches line the west coast, junglecovered mountains fill the interior andnumerous coral-fringed, outlying isletsprovide plenty of snorkelling anddiving possibilities.

Koh SamuiAn excellent choice for the May-September period for a beach stay.During the Summer months, KohSamui has the best weather andalthough the island can be moredeveloped than others which werecommend, we have found the 3*Long Island Resort or the 5* TongsaiBay have been enjoyed by families,couples or singles wishing to relax onthe beach or do some diving.

Chiang Mai extensions

2 day spa resort stay

Pamper yourself at a country spa resort.Located in the hills, a short drive fromChiang Mai town and set in lush gardens,with accommodation in individual villasequipped with jacuzzi and steam bath.Our spa break includes: honey scrub,aromatherapy massage, herbal bodywrap, Thai massage and a candlelittraditional Chiang Mai style dinner.2 days, 1 night (1/2 board, all yearround).

3 day, 2 night Hmong Lodge adventure

Beautifully situated in a small valleybetween wooded hills north of ChiangMai - the Hmong Lodge, run incollaboration with local villagers of theHmong Hilltribe is your base for guidedexcursions by foot, elephant, raft andbicycle to explore the surroundingscenery and villages (full board, all yearround).

Thai cookery class inChiang MaiA fascinating, ‘hands on’ Thai cookerycourse - 1, 2 or 3 days including guidedtours of markets and cookery book.Accommodation in a North Thai styleguesthouse - centrally located butpeaceful in a garden setting withswimming pool for relaxing after a hardday over a hot wok (half board, all yearround).

Thai, country homestayFor something a little more traditional tryone of our ‘Homestays’ which weorganize in various parts of Thailand. Forinstance stay in your own wooden chaletin the hills of Chantaburi - just take in themountain views from your balcony orexplore the area and local villages with awelcoming Swiss/Thai family (full board,Oct to June).

Bangkok

Hotel bookings available for pre or posttour Bangkok extensions - explore thecity at leisure before embarking on a touror spend a couple of days shoppingbefore returning home?

3 to 5* accommodation, airport transfersand guided tours available.Our recommendations:

Viengtai - top range 3* with a greatcentral location.

Royal Orchid Sheraton - 5* with abeautiful riverbank location and easyaccess to river boat and skytrain.

Trips to surrounding areas can also beeasily arranged - e.g. day tours orovernights to Kanchanaburi for example.

30

extensions & city breaks

Note: Hotel bookings for all major South East Asian destinations are available as wellas flight bookings within the region.

Note: whilst these options are obviously suited for any tour beginning or ending inChiang Mai, they may also be booked as separate trips, combined for a longer stayin the region or indeed incorporated into any tour to or from Bangkok. Chiang Mai is1 hr by plane or an overnight train journey away and flights with Thai Airways or traintickets with State Railways of Thailand are also available from Gecko Travel.

Destinationsbangkok

chaing maipenang

kuala lumpurluang prabang

hanoihoi ansaigon

phnom penhsiem reap

hotels

Vietnam

Saigon;

Liberty 4 Hotel - good 3* with a greatroof top restaurant and central location.

Caravelle - one of Saigon’s best knownand finest hotels.

Hanoi

Hoa Binh & Dan Chu - 3 to 4*comfortable and well located.

Sheraton - probably the best downtown5* close to the Opera and Lake.

Sapa

Victoria Sapa - 4* comfort in the remotemountains.

Hoi An

Hoi An Beach Resort 5kms from thetown of Hoi An on a stretch of whitesand beach.

Cambodia

Phnom Penh

Hotel Le Royal - Raffles run 5* and in ouropinion the City’s best location.

Golden Gate - great 3*, comfortable,clean and very friendly.

Siem Reap

Victoria Angkor - recently opened,beautiful designed and our favourite toprange site for an Angkor visit.

Angkor Village - another beautifully laidout boutique hotel in a tropical gardensetting - central but quiet location.

Neak Pean - 3 to 4* with teak suitessurrounding a garden and pool. Helpfulstaff and located opposite the NewMarket.

Laos

Luang Prabang

Villa Santi - boutique resort in the heartof the town. Beautifully restored FrenchVilla in a garden setting.

Malaysia

Penang

City Bayview - our choice of 4* inGeorgetown. Excellent rates and locationin the heart of the old city.

Shangri La, Rasa Sayang - 5* luxury inthe midst of tropical gardens by thebeach at Batu Ferringhi.

Sri Lanka

Colombo

3-4* Galle Face Hotel.5* Mount Lavinia Hotel, Taj Samudra.

Kandy

3-4* The Citadel, Helga’s Folly (eccentricand bizarre)5* Mahaweli Reach.

Bentota

3-4* Club Villa, Taru Villas Taprobana -both boutique hotels.5* Saman Villas (exquisite boutiquehotel), Taj Exotica.

Tangalle

Palm Paradise Cabanas - aptly named,simple but beautifully constructedwooden chalets in an extensive gardenby a secluded bay. You won’t want toleave.

31

Below are only some of ourrecommendations - manyothers available.

Though our itineraries are designed as one off trips pleasenote they are also scheduled in such a way that those whowish to slot 2 or more tours together can do so making for alonger, more comprehensive trip.

32

general informationItineraries

We have taken every care to ensure thatthe details in our brochure are correct atthe time of writing. Please note thatitineraries may need to be altered at thelast minute due to weather conditions orother factors beyond our control. Restassured that any alterations we make willbe in the best interests of an enjoyableand safe tour.

An updated itinerary including anychanges from the printed version will besent to you for acceptance or otherwiseprior to departure.

Passports

All visitors must possess a 10 yearpassport valid for at least 6 monthsbeyond the date of return.

Visas

Thailand: EU and US citizens are notrequired to obtain visas prior to arrivaland will receive a 30 day visa free ofcharge upon arrival in Thailand. For staysof over a month a 60 day visa can beobtained from any Thai consulate.

Malaysia: a 60 day visa is issued free ofcharge to all US and EU citizens uponarrival in Malaysia.

Laos: a 15 day visa will be obtained foryou by your Gecko Travel tour-leaderupon your arrival in Thailand. 2 passportsized photos and £20 (c.$50) arerequired. The process takes from 2 – 3days during which time you will not haveaccess to your passport.

Cambodia: 15 day visas are issued onarrival at Phnom Penh or Siem Reapairports. You will need 1 passport photoand $20.

Vietnam: Visas must be obtained beforearrival in Vietnam and are available fromyour nearest Vietnamese embassy at £40(c. $60). If you need any help with yourvisa please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sri Lanka: EU and US citizens receive afree 30 day visa upon arrival in Sri Lanka.

Insurance

It is a condition of booking that allpersons travelling with us take outadequate personal insurance for the fullperiod of travel. We offer a competitivelypriced, fully comprehensive insurancepolicy through PJ Hayman Ltd. Detailsare available on request.

What to bring?

Detailed ‘what to bring’ lists are availablefor each tour. Please ask our office for ane-mail or postal copy or simply downloadit from our web-site by going to therelevant tour page and clicking on ‘whatto bring’. Note a simple answer to theabove question is “as little as possible” –bear in mind that most items you mayforget are available locally and for afraction of the price.

What to wear?

Suggestions on what to wear for ourvarious tours are also available, takinginto account weather conditions as wellas suitability vis-a-vis the local peopleand customs.

Health regulations

There are no compulsory immunizationsfor EU or US citizens for any of thedestinations included in our brochure.The following vaccinations arerecommended: hepatitis A, polio, tetanusand typhoid. Your GP can advise on theabove. If you are considering anti-malariapills we recommend consulting aspecialist.

A yellow fever jab is required if comingfrom an infected area.

Financial security

Gecko Travel is holder of Air TrafficOrganiser's License (ATOL) No. 5318,granted by the Civil Aviation Authority ofthe UK. All holidays and flightsmentioned in the brochure are therebyfully protected so in the unlikely event ofour insolvency the CAA guarantees fullreimbursement and completion of anyongoing travel arrangements. For furtherinformation please consult the ATOLweb-site at www.atol.org.uk.

Note: Non EU or US citizens shouldconsult the relevant consulate for visaregulations for any of the abovecountries.

feedback

“It’s refreshing to find a tourcompany designed forindependent minds”Stephanie – “Indochina Adventure”

“for those who want anadventurous holiday, butdon’t want to plan it or bepart of a big anonymousgroup, Gecko Travel sets astandard that is hard to beat”Andy – “Jungles and Islands”

“It was like being part of aNational Geographic tour attimes…these are the kind ofexperiences that will staywith the boys for the rest oftheir lives”.Nancy – tailor-made family tour toThailand. Quote from ‘Mail onSaturday’ Newspaper

“To sum up, the experiencewas challenging, rewarding,educational and heaps of fun.I never thought I could learnso much about one countryin three weeks.”Debbie – “Northern Mountains,Southern Beaches”

“The balance of recreation vtrips etc was well thoughtout and although we had abusy tour we didn’t feel asthough it was a route march!Previously we have shiedaway for the concept of toursfearing being herded likesheep from point to point butthis was more like a group offriends exploring the area.”Melanie & Clive – “Ruins and Islands”

33

feedbackfeedback

“The program was a superbcombination of the manyfacets of the country andI would never have seen somuch of the country andhave done so many activitiesif I had travelled on my own.”Ronald - “Reefs and Rainforests”

“I felt the tour was very wellrun ... it had the benefits ofindependent travel with allthe hassle taken out”Dee – “The Hills of Mae Charim”

“You undersell the wholeexperience! It was fantastic!I can’t fault anything!”Philip – “Mekong Adventure”

“Absolutely brilliant holiday.The interaction with the localpeople and guides made itreally enjoyable and definitelygave the feeling that us beingthere was responsibletourism and not exploitativetourism.”Lindsay Winch - “Reefs andRainforest”

feedback

“We were amazed that weand our friends might get adiscount on future holidays -I feared we’d beenblacklisted for being tooenthusiastic!”Susanne - “Coast to Coast”

“Have tried to find acomplaint but really cannotfault the tour whichexceeded all ourexpectations”Mary & Nigel - “Ruined Cities, TropicalIslands”

34

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

North Thailand

Max temp cen. 29 32 35 36 34 32 32 31 31 30 30 29

Min temp cen. 13 14 18 22 24 24 24 24 23 22 19 14

Ave rainfall mm. 10 10 20 55 150 150 185 220 280 12 40 15

South Thailand

Max temp cen. 31 32 33 33 32 31 31 31 30 31 31 31

Min temp cen. 23 23 24 24 25 25 25 24 23 23 23 23

Ave rainfall mm. 40 35 60 130 270 240 220 235 295 290 180 80

Vientiane/Laos

Max temp cen. 28 30 33 34 32 32 31 31 31 31 28 27

Min temp cen. 14 17 19 22 23 23 23 23 23 21 18 15

Ave rainfall mm. 10 20 30 100 280 300 270 280 300 110 20 10

Phnom Penh

Max temp cen. 30 32 34 35 34 33 32 32 30 30 30 30

Min temp cen. 20 22 24 25 25 25 25 25 25 24 23 22

Ave rainfall mm. 10 10 30 80 120 150 170 150 210 250 110 40

Hanoi

Max temp cen. 20 21 23 28 32 33 33 32 31 29 25 22

Min temp cen. 13 14 17 20 23 26 26 26 24 22 18 15

Ave rainfall mm. 10 20 30 80 200 230 320 340 250 100 30 10

Ho Chi Minh City

Max temp cen. 32 32 33 33 33 33 31 31 31 31 30 30

Min temp cen. 22 22 24 26 26 25 25 25 24 24 23 22

Ave rainfall mm. 10 5 10 40 210 310 290 270 340 260 110 40

Kuala Lumpur

Max temp cen. 31 32 33 33 32 32 31 31 31 31 31 31

Min temp cen. 22 22 23 23 24 23 23 23 23 23 23 23

Ave rainfall mm. 170 210 260 200 120 125 140 200 250 270 220 10

Sri Lanka

Max temp cen. 31 31 32 32 31 30 30 30 30 30 30 30

Min temp cen. 22 23 24 25 26 26 25 25 25 24 23 23

Ave rainfall mm. 62 69 130 253 382 186 125 114 236 369 310 168

climateLaos and Northern Thailand have a continental, tropical climate possessing 3distinct seasons: dry and cool from Nov. to Feb., a dry, hot season from Marchthrough to May and a rainy season lasting from June to Oct. Temperatures varyconsiderably during the year - April averages may even reach the 40’s, whilst wintertemperatures in the mountains on occasions approach 0 celsius.

Peninsular Thailand and Malaysia display equatorial weather patterns with littlemonthly variation in temperatures and rainfall more evenly spread throughout the year.

South Vietnam and Cambodia. Temperatures remain relatively high throughout theyear with a distinct rainy season arriving in May and usually lasting through to Octoberby which times large expanses of the region are covered by the annual floods.

North Vietnam. Whilst generally much cooler than the south the heaviest rains alsooccur from May to Oct. As with Laos winter temperatures in the mountains can besurprisingly low and snowfalls in the far north are not unknown.

Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka experiences two monsoons every year, although differentregions of the island are affected. The southwest monsoon (or Yala) brings rain tothe southwest coast and the Hill Country from May to early July and again inSeptember and October, and the northeast monsoon (or Maha) can affect the wholecountry, but particularly the north and east, from November to February.

Note: Weather in the complexgeographical and conditions of SEAsia is unpredictable. You'll seedownpours in the middle of the dryseason and clear blue skies duringthe monsoon. Every season hasadvantages when choosing when tovisit: winter is cooler, the rainy seasonlush and richer in flora and fauna,whilst the hot season is the ‘quietest’time of the year as well as beingflowering period for many of thespectacular trees, shrubs and orchids.

35

It is important to us that you are happywith your adventure tour and that youunderstand the nature of our tours. Wewould, therefore, ask that you take afew minutes to read these bookingconditions as well as the informationcontained in the ‘our tours’ page, and ifyou need clarification on any pointplease do not hesitate to contact us.Passengers will be liable for extratransport costs incurred due to a forcedchange of itinerary because of factorsbeyond our control.

Warning: Your booking is accepted on theunderstanding that you realise the hazardsinvolved in an adventure holiday of this nature,including injury, disease, loss or damage toproperty, inconvenience or discomfort. Ourphilosophy allows for a certain degree offlexibility on the tours, in itineraries, activities andaccommodation. It is a condition of travellingwith us that you accept any necessary flexibility,local inadequacies or unpredictable events whenthey occur. You must abide by the authority ofthe tour leader and your signing of our formacknowledges this. We reserve the right toterminate your travel with us immediately shouldyou commit an illegal act or your behaviour bejudged to be a danger or nuisance to fellowtravellers.

booking conditionsTo make a bookingAll bookings are made with Hidden PlacesAdventure Tours Ltd T/A Gecko Travel (ATOLNumber 5318) and by confirming a bookingyou are agreeing to the conditions set outbelow as well as to the General Informationdetailed above. To secure a booking, GeckoTravel needs a completed booking form andthe necessary deposit or full payment fortravel within 60 days. Persons booking by fax,e-mail or telephone, will be deemed to haveread these terms and conditions and havesigned the booking form. A booking isaccepted and a contract is entered into whenwe issue you with a written confirmation ofbooking. The contract, including all mattersarising from it, is subject to English Law andthe exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts.We reserve the right to decline any booking atour discretion.

Payment for the holidayIf you are booking more than 60 days prior tothe date of departure you will need to send10% of the total cost of the holiday as adeposit. The balance of all monies due mustbe paid to us not later than 60 days beforedeparture (or immediately if booking less than60 days prior to departure). In the event ofnon-payment of the balance we reserve theright to cancel your booking and cancellationcharges will apply. A 1% surcharge will belevied if the final balance/full payment is madeby credit card.

If you cancel your bookingShould you wish to cancel your booking, thefollowing cancellation charges will beimposed. They are calculated from the dayyour cancellation is received in writing:• More than 60 days prior to departure –

retention of deposit• Between 30 and 59 days prior to departure

– 50% of total tour price• Between 14 and 29 days prior to departure

– 90% of total tour price• Less than 14 days – 100% of total tour

price

Transferring of bookingsIn certain circumstances, which we considerto be reasonable, you may be able to transferyour booking to another suitable person. Thiscan only be permitted if all suppliers (e.g. theairline) agree to accept the transfer. If atransfer is acceptable then we will need tomake an administration charge of £50 perperson plus any charges levied by suppliers.

If we cancel your tourWe will not cancel your tour unless (a) we areforced to do so by circumstances beyond ourcontrol such as flight cancellations, war, civilor political unrest or ‘force majeure’; or (b)because the minimum number of bookingsneeded to operate the tour have not beenreached. In the latter case we will not cancelyour tour less than 6 weeks prior to the dateof departure. If we cancel the tour, we willoffer you an alternative tour if possible. If thisis not possible or not acceptable to you,except under 5(a) we will refund all paymentsmade to us in respect of the tour cost, but weare not liable for any incidental expenses youmay have incurred.

SurchargesWe will absorb fluctuations in exchange ratesor increased costs of less than 2%.Surcharges may, however, be imposed up to

6 weeks prior to departure due to rises inexcess of 2% in exchange rates, increases intransport or other costs, or if Governmentaction forces us to increase charges. If anysurcharge is imposed which exceeds 10% ofthe tour cost, you have the right to cancelyour booking within 7 days of the notificationof the surcharge and we will refund anymonies paid to us in respect of the tour.

ComplaintsIf you have a complaint about your tour youmust make it known to your tour leader assoon as possible so that s/he is able to takeappropriate action at the earliest opportunity.If you are not satisfied with our response andyou feel your enjoyment of the tour will besignificantly affected you should contact ouroffice in Chiang Mai or our Head Office inPortsmouth to discuss how we might bestresolve the problem. If on return from yourtour you remain unsatisfied you must notify usin writing within 30 days.

LiabilityThe Company will accept liability for thenegligence of its own employees causingdirect physical injury to passengers only to theextent that it is obliged to do so under EnglishLaw. We cannot be held responsible for anyother mishaps to yourself or your property, inparticular those arising as a consequence offlight cancellations, strikes, wars, riots,robbery, sickness, quarantine, Governmentintervention or other such happenings. TheCompany will not accept liability for damagescaused by the total or partial failure to carryout the contract if the failure is attributable tothe passenger; or unforeseeable orunavoidable and attributable to a third partyunconnected to the Company; or the result ofcircumstances beyond the Company’s control;or the result of an event that the Companyeven with all due care and attention could notforesee or forestall. Where the Company isfound to be liable for damages in respect ofits failure to carry out the contract, themaximum amount of such damages willnormally be limited to the price paid for thetour. Where the damages relate to theprovision of transport by air, sea or rail, orhotel accommodation, any compensationpayable will be further limited by the WarsawConvention as amended by the HagueProtocol 1955 (air), the Athens Convention1974 (sea), the Berne Convention 1961 (rail)and the Paris Convention 1962 (hotelaccommodation). Any independentarrangements that you make which are notpart of the tour are entirely at your own risk.

Transport Details such as airline and aircraft type will beconfirmed at the time of your booking. Pleasenote that we use scheduled airlines for allflights. Timings of all transport are estimatesonly. They may be affected by operationaldifficulties, weather conditions or failure ofpassengers to check in on time. Please alsonote that the carriers’ conditions of carriagethat apply to you have clauses that limit orexclude liability. We do not make anyarrangements at the outbound or inboundairports for flight delays (airlines makeprovision in this case) but we will, however, ifthis affects your outbound flight, do all we canto make any necessary adjustments to youritinerary to ensure that there is a minimumknock-on effect to your overall tour.

tel: 44 (0)23 9225 8859

fax: 44 (0)23 9225 9121

e-mail: [email protected]

web-site: www.geckotravel.com

gecko travel - essential medical online · regards up to date safety information concerning all...

Documents