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Itinerary

Day 1 - Starting: Bangkok & Finishing: Bangkok

Upon arrival you will be transferred to hotel. There are no activities planned. You are free to relax, explore the city and adjust to the frantic pace and humid heat of Bangkok.

Instructions

At this meeting your CEO will ask to see your travel insurance, check that you have a visa for Vietnam and complete some other paper work. Please note that you MUST arrive on tour with your Vietnam visa. Please refer to the visa information section of these trip notes for more information on obtaining your Vietnamese visa.

Day 2 - Starting: Bangkok & Finishing: Chiang Mai

Later today, settle into exquisite surroundings in Chiang Mai and take a relaxing break from the fast pace of Bangkok.

Day 3 - Starting: Chiang Mai & Finishing: Chiang Mai

Visit the market with a local chef to learn about traditional ingredients. Participate in a Thai cooking class and enjoy your creations for lunch. Visit the Doi Suthep Buddhist temple and listen to monks chanting at sunset. Opt to visit the bustling Chiang Mai night market.

Instructions

Our hotel is located in the heart of Chiang Mai city, within 5 a minute walk of the famous night bazaar.

Day 4 - Starting: Chiang Mai & Finishing: Chiang Mai

Today, explore Chiang Mai with some free time. Savour authentic khantoke cuisine this evening.

Day 5 - Starting: Chiang Mai & Finishing: Luang Prabang

After a relaxing morning fly to Luang Prabang, Laos. Take an orientation walk of this World Heritage listed town.

Day 6 - Starting: Luang Prabang & Finishing: Luang Prabang

Rise at dawn to watch the monks collecting offerings of food from the locals and receive a blessing. In the afternoon, visit the Royal Palace Museum, Wat Xiengthong and Wat Visoun Temples, then catch a boat to Pak Ou Temple caves and stop in local villages. Visit Phousi Temple to watch the sunset.

Day 7 - Starting: Luang Prabang & Finishing: Luang Prabang

The morning is free for optional activities, such as visiting textile galleries and the night market, relaxing in one of the town's cafés or visiting the Ethnology Museum. In the afternoon, we take an excursion to Kuang Sii waterfall.

Day 8 - Starting: Luang Prabang & Finishing: Hanoi

Classic French colonial architecture, beautiful decor and a scenic location makes Hanoi a fantastic place to visit.

Day 9 - Starting: Hanoi & Finishing: Ha Long

Visit Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, then continue to Halong Bay for an overnight cruise in a traditional junk boat with a local guide. Explore the limestone caves around the bay, enjoy sumptuous local seafood and relax on deck with a cool drink while watching the passing scenery.

Day 10 - Starting: Ha Long & Finishing: Hanoi

Enjoy a morning cruise around Halong Bay with an option to kayak before transferring back to Hanoi. Take the afternoon at leisure to visit local markets, shops and museums.

Day 11 - Starting: Hanoi & Finishing: Ho Chi Minh City

Catch our flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam and take a thrilling cyclo tour of this bustling city.

Day 12 - Starting: Ho Chi Minh City & Finishing: Ho Chi Minh City

Take a half day trip to the Cu Chi tunnels with a local guide. Allow some free time in the afternoon to sightsee or shop. Try your hand bargaining at the Ben Thanh Market, hire a cyclo (pedicab) for sightseeing or take a boat ride on the Saigon river.

Day 13 - Starting: Ho Chi Minh City & Finishing: Phnom Penh

Flight to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Take an NGO-supported cyclo city tour along the waterfront and key city sights, with option to visit the famous Foreign Correspondents club for sunset drinks.

Day 14 - Starting: Phnom Penh & Finishing: Phnom Penh

Explore the dark side of Cambodian history at Choeng Ek Memorial, the site of the infamous Killing Fields that were the execution grounds for Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge during their reign from 1975 - 1979. We also visit Tuol Sleng prison, the notorious Khmer Rouge prison where thousands of Cambodians perished. This is a haunting look into history which serves to remind everyone that genocide must not be ignored, or those lost, forgotten.

Day 15 - Starting: Phnom Penh & Finishing: Siem Reap

Drive to Siem Reap, Cambodia and take an orientation walk through the entertainment district and visit the exciting night market.

Day 16 - Starting: Siem Reap & Finishing: Siem Reap

Spend two days exploring the ruins of the Angkor Wat temple complex with a local expert guide. Also experience a Khmer lunch at New Hope, a local training school and G Adventures-supported project.

Day 17 - Starting: Siem Reap & Finishing: Siem Reap

We continue to explore the ancient capital of Angkor Wat. Option to visit Angkor National Museum and Tonle Sap floating village.

Day 18 - Starting: Siem Reap & Finishing: Siem Reap

Depart at any time.

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What’s Included

Arrival transfer. Tour of Bankok including boat on the Klong canals, the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew temple. Visit Doi Suthep Buddhist Temple visit. Rural village visit with authentic khantoke dinner in a local family’s home. Thai cooking class with market visit. Orientation walk of Chiang Mai night market. Tour of Luang Prabang, including the Laos Royal Palace Museum, Wat Xiengthong and Wat Visoun temples, and sunset on Phuosi Hill. Boat tour to Pak Ou Temple caves and local village visits. Observe a Laos sunrise Buddhist ritual. Kuang Sii waterfall excursion. Hanoi old town cyclo tour with lunch at a local training restaurant. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum visit. Halong Bay traditional boat with cave and island tour. Ho Chi Minh City cyclo tour. Cu Chi tunnels tour. Phnom Penh cyclo tour. Tuol Sleng Prison Museum tour and Choeung Ek memorial (the Killing Fields) tour. Siem Reap orientation walk and night market. 2-day guided tour of Angkor Wat temple complex. Visit and lunch at New Hope (a G Adventures-supported project). All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Highlights

Enjoy a traditional khantoke dinner in a rural village, observe the daily life of monks and visit sacred temples, learn about Cambodian history (both ancient and modern), take thrilling cyclo rides for a different perspective in bustling cities, eat well while giving back at a G Adventures-supported training restaurant in Siem Reap

Dossier Disclaimer

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Itinerary Disclaimer

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Group Leader Description

All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it’s the best of both worlds.

Group Size Notes

Max 16, Avg 10.

Meals

Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other’s company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. Included breakfasts in some places may be asian style consisting of noodles or congee (rice porridge) or bread and eggs. Vegetarians will be able to find a range of different foods, although in some areas the choice maybe limited. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.

Transport

Private bus/van, boat, tuk tuk, plane, cyclo, traditional junk boat, walking.

Local Flights

All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.

There may be a weight restriction for the internal flight on this tour. Each passenger is allowed to carry one checked bag with a maximum weight of 20 kg (44lbs). Additional bags or excess weight charges may apply. These charges are the responsibility of the passengers.

Solo Travellers

We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Accommodation

Comfort hotels (16 nts), junk boat (1 nt).

Joining Hotel

FuramaXclusive Sathorn Hotel
59 Silom Soi 3 (Piphat 2), Silom Road
Silom, Bangkok 10500
Bangkok
Thailand
Tel: (66) 2 266 8030

Joining Instructions

An arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour and our driver will be waiting for you with a G Adventures Sign with your name on it. Please look for the G Adventures sign near Exit 4 (towards the airport’s official ‘Meeting Point’).

When arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport (pronounced ‘su wan na poom’) in Bangkok proceed to the Arrivals Hall where you can change money into Thai Baht. (You may be approached by nicely dressed, official looking touts offering an expensive limousine service to your hotel; ignore these offers.) You have already paid for an included transfer to your hotel and you should be able to find a representative with your name on a transfer board near the Airport Information Counter at Entrance Door number 3 in the Arrival Hall.

**Please note, the arrival transfer included occurs on Day 1 of the tour. If you plan to arrive prior to Day 1, you will be required to arrange pre-tour accommodation through G Adventures to be eligible for the transport from the airport. Due to customer experience and quality considerations, all services related to the tour must be continuous.

Arrival Complications

We don’t expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your CEO (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details.

If you have pre-booked an airport transfer please meet your driver near the information counter at Entrance Door number 3 of the airport, in the arrival hall. If for any reason you can not locate you driver please call the emergency transfer phone number at +66 (0) 800 562777.

If you have still have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.

Emergency Contact

Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Local Representative (if one is listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

AIRPORT TRANSFER 
If you have purchased an arrival through G Adventures or if an arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour, please note that:

Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, we will do our best to rearrange your arrival transfer however we cannot guarantee this. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please take a taxi to your start point hotel. 

If your call is specifically concerning Bangkok Airport Transfer complications please call our local G Adventures Transfer provider directly at:+66 81 847 3034 (081 847 3034 from within Thailand) or +66 86 339 5881 (086 339 5881 from within Thailand)

EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS
G Adventures Office Bangkok, Thailand
During Office hours (Weekdays, 9am-5pm Local Time)
From outside Thailand: +66 2 381 5574
From within Thailand: 02 381 5574

After hours emergency number:
From outside Thailand: +66 87 049 6074
From within Thailand: 087 049 6074

If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with our 24 hour Sales team, who will happily assist you.

Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0844 272 0000
Calls from Germany: 01805 70 90 30 00
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999

What to Take

What you need to bring depends on the trip you have chosen and the countries or regions you are planning to visit. We suggest that you pack as lightly as possible as your are expected to carry your own luggage. As a rule we try not to have to walk more than 15-20 minutes with your bags which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bag around15kg/30lb. Suitcases are not recommended for G Adventures trips! Most travellers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size (no XXL ones please!). You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras and other electronics like ipods and mobile phones.

Checklist

-Documents
-Passport
-Insurance info
-Flight info
-Cash, credit and debit cards
-Vouchers and pre-departure information
-Required visas or vaccination certificates
-Cash in USD

-Weather-appropriate clothing
•Watch or Alarm clock
Sunblock/Sun hat
Sunglasses
•Small towel and swim wear
•Toiletries (biodegradable)
•Sturdy walking shoes/Sport sandals
•Shorts
•Long trousers
•Shirts/T-shirts
Rain gear
Rain jacket or poncho
Umbrella
Warm clothing
Fleece jacket or warm layer
Hat
Gloves
•First-aid kit (should contain Lip balm with sunscreen, Aspirin, Ibuprofin, malaria pills, band aids/plasters, tape, anti-histamine, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, insect repellent, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)

-Day pack
-Camera with extra memory cards and batteries
-Personal Entertainment
-Binoculars
-Waterproof backpack cover
-Flashlight/Torch
-Outlet adapter
-Insect Repellent
-Moneybelt
-Antibacterial wipes/gel
-Reusable water bottle
-Pocketknife

Laundry

Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

Visas

Please note that visas for Thailand are the responsibility of the individual traveler. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. For the most up to date information please check your Governments Foreign Ministry website or with you travel agent as rules do change.

THAILAND – Most nationalities do not need a visa for Thailand for stays of 30 days or less but if you do they are available on arrival at Bangkok Airport.
Please note that certain nationalities (including: Bhutan, China, Cyprus, Czech, Estonia, Hungary, India, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Maldives, Oman, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Taiwan and Ukraine) may not be able to obtain visa at a land border. If staying in Thailand for more than 30 days, you will be required to obtain a tourist visa in advance. New Zealand passport holders do not require a visa if their stay is 90 days or less. For other nationalities, please ask your travel agent.

LAOS – Your CEO will assist with the arrangements for your Laos visa at the start of your trip. Please have 3 passport pictures and approx. $50 USD ready.

CAMBODIA – Visas can be obtained in advance from your local Embassy or on arrival in Bangkok (if your tour begins in Thailand). You will need at least one full working day to arrange this. You can also obtain your visa at the Cambodian border or Siem Reap Airport for approx. $30 USD very easily. Please have *at least* 2 passport photos with you as well.

*Please have extra USD on hand in case the customs officials charge more at the border crossing.

Cambodia has now also introduced an e-visa that can be applied for in advance. Please contact the Embassy for more details if you would prefer to get your visa in advance (please be sure to check that your nationality is eligible).

Please be aware that you will require two clean pages (minimum) in your passport and at least six months validity.

VIETNAM – Visas for Vietnam need to be arranged ahead of time (BEFORE your trip) as the processing time varies and they are not available at the borders. Please note that an E-visa can not be processed when entering Vietnam at a land border.

Please note that while MOST countries require a Visa ahead of time for Vietnam, certain countries may be allowed entrance for 15 days with proof of exit. As of July 1st, 2015 this will include citizens of Scandinavian countries, Japan, Russia, the UK, France, Germany, Spain and Italy. However, we STRONGLY recommend checking with your Embassy on the requirements as these change often. Please contact your Foreign Ministry for up to date entry/exit requirements.

Spending Money

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

Money Exchange

During this tour the local currencies you will use are the Thai Baht, Laos Kip, US Dollar, Cambodian Riel and Vietnamese Dong. As currency exchange rates in South East Asia do fluctuate, we ask that you refer to the following website for the most up to date daily exchange rates: www.xe.com for each of the above mentioned currencies. The best way to carry your money is in debit cards, withdrawing cash in local currencies from ATM machines. ATMs are found throughout South East Asia and will generally accept cards on the Visa and Mastercard networks. It is a great idea to travel with both a Visa and Mastercard if at all possible in case of loss or problems with one card, you will have a back up. Please note, your bank will charge a fee for overseas withdrawals. USD Cash is recommended for times when ATMs are not accessible. You should bring some cash with you for emergency situations (please refer to our trip dossier) but carrying only cash is a high safety risk. ATM card/s and some cash is the ideal mix. Travellers cheques can be tricky, timely and expensive to exchange. Cash advances can also be made with some banks but are time consuming and tend to have high fees attached. Credit cards can be used at some upmarket restaurants, and at some larger stores if shopping for big items. If you are bringing US Dollars, please make sure that the notes are new and in good condition. Notes older than 2003, or with any tears or blemishes may not be accepted. Be fussy with your bank when buying cash!

Emergency Fund

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $250 (or equivalent) as an ’emergency’ fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

Departure Tax

All departure taxes should be included in your international flight ticket

Tipping

It is customary in Asia to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected – though not compulsory – and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $1.5-$3.5 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $20-25 USD per person, per week can be used.

Optional Activities

Optional activity prices are subject to change and can fluctuate in relation to the high/low season and the number of people on a specific excursion. Not all excursions listed here may be available, due to season, or weather conditions. As generally not a lot of time is spent in start/end cities, you may want to arrange to arrive early, or stay longer after the trip in order to allow sufficient time to participate in optional activities there.

Bike ride, Bangkok – $25 USD
Thai kickboxing exhibition, Bangkok – $50 USD
Visit Chatuchak Weekend Market (taxi transport both ways), Bangkok – $6 USD
Jim Thompson’s House, Bangkok – $3 USD
Grand palace (Bangkok) – USD11
Wat Po (Bangkok) – USD2
Klong(Canal) Tour (Bangkok) – Approx $10-30 dependent on numbers
Thai massage (Bangkok) – USD10 per hour
Doi Suithep (Chiang Mai) – USD2 (plus transport)
Bicycle tour (Chiang Mai) – USD30 for Half Day
Thai Cookery Course (Chiang Mai) – USD30 for Half Day
Kan Toke Traditional Dinner (Chiang Mai) – USD30
Landmine Museum, Siem Reap – $1 USD
Phare – The Cambodian Circus (Siem Reap) USD15.00-45.00
Half day village tour, Siem Reap – $10 USD (transport additional)
Tuk tuk to Tonle Sap lake and boat trip, Siem Reap – $20 USD

All prices are per person in US dollar amounts (unless stated otherwise), and are subject to change as services are provided by third party operators.

Health

Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical information pertaining to the country you are traveling to well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as a full supply of any personal medical requirements. In Asia, you will not find the same drugs as you get at home. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities. Also note that for legal reasons our Leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. For travelers over 70 years a completed Medical Form is required. Discovery Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if, in the reasonable opinion of the CEO, they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.

Safety and Security

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government’s advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers’ cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home – you won’t need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your CEO has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your CEO will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Protests and Demonstrations- Protests and demonstrations, even those that are well intended, have the potential to turn violent with no warning. Counter protests can also turn violent. Action by security forces to disperse demonstrators and protesters may occur at any time. If you are in an area where demonstrators or protesters are gathering, avoid the temptation of staying for a good photo opportunity and leave the area immediately.

Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards) have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).

Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk.

We take all prudent measures in relation to your safety. For ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling, please visit:

www.gadventures.com/travel-resources/safety/

Trip Specific Safety

We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers’ cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home – you won’t need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.

Be aware that petty theft can be an issue in some Vietnamese towns and cities especially late at night. A common tactic is opportunists on motorbikes that drive by and snatch bags. Please always leave valuables and passports etc in your hotel,in safety boxes if available,and only carry with you enough cash to spend for the day. Bags should always be carried over the neck and not left to sit on your shoulder.

We do not recommend passengers to jump or dive into Kuang Sii Waterfalls in Luang Prabang, this may result in injury.

Medical Form

Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility’ is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our CEOs work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day’s activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings in this Trip Details document for more information.

The medical questionnaire can be found online at:

www.gadventures.com/medical-form.

A Couple of Rules

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

Planeterra-The G Adventures Foundation

Through our commitment to responsible tourism we have developed the Planeterra Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of people and communities around the world through support of international charities, local organizations and community projects in the places that we visit on our tours. G Adventures matches all individual donations and pays all administration costs, which means that 100% of each donation is doubled and goes directly to support our projects. For more information about Planeterra and the projects we support, or to make a donation, please visit www.planeterra.org

Planeterra Dollar-A-Day Program
Our Dollar-A-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to help us give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar per day for the duration of their tour. 100% of these proceeds will go directly to support our G Adventures for Good projects.

To participate in this program please indicate at the time of booking that you would like to participate in G Adventures’ Dollar-A-Day program, either by clicking the check box online, or by advising your G Adventures specialist or travel agent. (Note: Donation will be charged in the currency of your booking)

Associated Planeterra Project

On this trip, we visit New Hope, a local Cambodian NGO that works to assist children and families living in a very poor slum area of Siem Reap.

New Hope Cambodia is a grass roots, rapidly growing Non-Government Organisation (NGO) run by two dedicated individuals, a local Khmer called Sot Suo (Kemsour) and an Australian woman, Kerry Huntly.

The focus of the New Hope is ‘free education for all’ as the founders recognize the vital role education plays in helping break the cycle of poverty.

However the organization cannot ignore the chronic malnutrition, ill health and horrific living conditions of its community. For this reason, New Hope Cambodia’s activities and programs address the daily issues facing families in crisis situations and, at the same time, find ways to work toward a better future.

History
In 2007 Soth Kemsour, an ex-Buddhist monk and son of a village chief, purchased land in Mondul 3 after it had been sold off by the army. He soon realized that there was a desperate need for food, education and health care. Much to the dismay of his new wife, Kemsour sold every viable asset they had to build a small grass hut to serve as his classroom. Kemsour taught English and Japanese for three months and then, after a chance meeting with Queenslander Ms. Kerry Huntly, he engaged her support and founded the New Hope Cambodia organization.

Mondul 3 is located in one of the of the poorest slum areas in Siem Reap province, Cambodia. Once a military base, the village is now home to some 300 families made up of army personnel, karaoke/sex workers and displaced men, women and children.

The people of Mondul 3 have no formal education, English language or vocational skills. Living conditions are appalling, work opportunities limited and food scarce.

It is also a village with highly dysfunctional families. Many men have been killed while serving in the army while numerous adults, both men and women, have died of disease. Children often rely on elderly relatives and sibling for care, or are left to fend for themselves.

In order to survive many girls fall victim to the sex trade and often have children themselves at a young age. Without help these girls have no future. Many will die prematurely of sexually transmitted diseases.

Today, New Hope, with the assistance of sponsors and volunteers, treats over one hundred residents per day for illnesses such as severe malnutrition, HIV, hepatitis, typhoid, tuberculosis and dengue fever. Each month, families in need receive food packages and New Hope provides free education to four hundred children and young adults.

NEW HOPE CAMBODIA CURRENT ACTIVITIES and AID
-New Hope Cambodia educates 400 students per day with English/Math/Moral, Computer, Sewing/Cooking, Sport
-has enabled approximately 150 poor students to also receive a formal Khmer education
-feeds 180 impoverished families per month
-treats up to 100 patients per day (that otherwise would mostly never have received treatment)
-runs education classes for mothers on Family Planning, Child care and Food Hygiene and builds awareness of gambling, Drug and Child trafficking issues.
-provides a Shelter Home for orphaned or abused women and children
-provides crisis counseling and support for victims of domestic violence
-feeds 42 starving babies per month with nutritious milk formula
-provides training and permanent employment for 30 poor Cambodians each month
-provides a further 15 casual jobs for illiterate Khmer laborers monthly
-repairs housing, installs water pumps, provides mosquito nets, blankets, woven mats, and bicycles
-encourages and supports independent family businesses
-establishment of self sustainable Farming projects and agricultural training for the poor
-established a Training Restaurant in Mondul 3 village (in conjunction with G Adventures and Planeterra who visit here with their groups for lunch)

Local Dress

When packing be aware that dress standards are conservative throughout Asia. To respect this and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. This means covering shoulders and no very short shorts. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot Asian climate. Shorts should be knee-length.

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Travel Forum – The Watering Hole

Be sure to stop by The Watering Hole, our adventure travel forum. If you’re interested in meeting others booked on your upcoming trip, check out the Departure Lounge section of our forum and introduce yourself. Otherwise, just drop in at anytime to share some travel tips, ask questions, meet other travellers and quench your thirst for travel. Our forum is located at wateringhole.gadventures.com.

Max Pax

Max 16, avg 12

Group Leader

Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.

Day 3 Optional Activities

• Night Market -

Day 4 Optional Activities

• Night Market -
• Chiang Mai Cycling Tour -

Day 7 Optional Activities

• Ethnology Museum Guided Tour -
• Night Market Visit -

Day 10 Optional Activities

• Halong Bay Kayak Excursion -

Day 11 Optional Activities

• Benh Tan Market Visit -

Day 14 Optional Activities

• Royal Palace Visit -
• National Museum Visit -

Day 16 Optional Activities

• Phare - The Cambodian Circus -

Day 17 Optional Activities

• Angkor Museum Visit -
• Tonle Sap Floating Village -

Day 3 Optional Activities

• Night Market -

Day 4 Optional Activities

• Night Market -
• Chiang Mai Cycling Tour -

Day 7 Optional Activities

• Ethnology Museum Guided Tour -
• Night Market Visit -

Day 10 Optional Activities

• Halong Bay Kayak Excursion -

Day 11 Optional Activities

• Benh Tan Market Visit -

Day 14 Optional Activities

• Royal Palace Visit -
• National Museum Visit -

Day 17 Optional Activities

• Angkor Museum Visit -
• Tonle Sap Floating Village -

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