Mekong Explorer 17 days

What's Included

• The services of Peregrine's expert English-speaking local tour leaders in each country, and local guides at some sites.

• Local flights: Bangkok to Chiang Rai, Phonsavan to Vientiane, Vientiane to Siem Reap (unescorted) and Siem Reap to Phnom Penh.

• Sightseeing (including entrance fees where relevant): Bangkok - the Grand Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha and Temple of the Reclining Buddha; thousands of Buddha images in Tam Ting Cave; Ban Sang Hai village; Luang Prabang - the procession of monks, Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Wisunalat and the National Museum at the former Royal Palace; Kuang Si Waterfalls; Muang Khun; Plain of Jars; Vientiane - Patuxai Monument, Wat Si Saket, Wat Prakeo and That Luang Stupa; and Phnom Penh - the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, Wat Phnom, Tuol Sleng Prison Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek.

• Visit to the Angkor complex: Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, Preah Khan, Banteay Srei and a sunset over Angkor Wat from Phnom Bakheng.

• Lunch at Sala Bai Hotel School prepared by underprivileged local youths learning skills to find employment in the hospitality industry.

• ‘Slow’ boat cruises in Laos: down the Mekong River to Pakbeng village and to Luang Prabang.

• A night in a simple hostel in Pakbeng village - home to tribal Thais, and a night in a basic hotel in Phonsavan - home to the Hmong hill tribe.

• Boat cruise on a tributary of the Mekong in Vietnam to visit a Cham village, a mosque, a floating fish farm and to see a demonstration of silk weaving.

• Overnight villa homestay on an island on the Mekong Delta in Vietnam. Accommodation in a large communal room with beds (all bedding provided including mosquito nets).

• Boat cruise from Vinh Long to Cai Be, with a visit to a floating market.

• Free time to explore Luang Prabang, Siem Reap and Saigon.

• Arrival transfer.

Accommodation, Transport & Meals

Transport

• Boat
• Ferry
• Plane
• Private bus
• Train

Accommodation

• 13 nights Comfortable hotel
• 2 nights Basic hotel
• 1 night Homestay

Meals

• 16 breakfasts
• 1 lunch
• 1 dinner

Not Included

International flights, airport departure taxes, visas, insurance, other meals, any optional tours and activities during free time, tips and items of a personal nature.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations may be required or recommended for this trip so you should consult with your travel doctor to obtain the latest up to date information. It is your responsibility to ensure that you obtain any vaccinations or preventative medicines for the countries you are visiting – or any which may be required by your home country upon your return.

For travellers from Australia and New Zealand, we recommend the Travel Doctor-TMVC clinics (see www.traveldoctor.com.au or phone 1300 658 844 for an appointment in Australia). Travellers from countries other than Australia and New Zealand should contact similar organisations or their travel doctor for advice. General health and vaccination information is available to all travellers at
www.traveldoctor.com.au/travelreport. Some vaccines require more than one dose, so arrange for your visit at least 4-6 weeks before you travel.

Malaria: There is no vaccination against malaria, which is transmitted by mosquito bites and is a risk in many less-developed tropical areas in Africa and Latin America. Protection against mosquito bites is essential and where the risk is considered high, anti-malarial medications are recommended. Anti-malarial medications should be discussed with experts as there are different medications available and not all medications suit all people or all destinations. Where malaria is considered prevalent in mountainous regions we prefer that trekkers to altitude try to avoid the use of mefloquine (Lariam) if possible.