Royal Princess Hotel, Larn Luang

269 Larn Luang Road

Pomprab

Bangkok 10100

Thailand

Tel:   +66 02 2813088

Fax:  +66 02 2801314

Bangkok - City Tour.  The Pre Departure meeting will be in reception and will take place at 8.30am. It is important that you attend the meeting as following the meeting we depart for the City Tour.

We take a long-tail boat ride on the Chao Phraya river, which has been the lifeline of Thailand’s ancient kingdoms and agricultural sustainability. We see traditional houses still perched at the edge of the river and its’ canals and pass the Royal Barge Museum. We visit one of Thailand’s greatest visual wonders, the Wat Phra Kaeo, the Grand Palace. This is Thailand’s holiest Buddhist Temple and because of that you must make sure you wear ankle length trousers or a long skirt, a top fully covering the shoulders and proper sandals or shoes (no flip-flops/thongs). The Wat Phra Kaeo Royal Chapel houses the Emerald Buddha, actually made of jade. The Thais believe that as long as they remain keepers of the Emerald Buddha, their country will be safe. A local guide will be with us to show us this and many other stunning buildings in the 61-acre site.

Afterwards we visit Wat Pho - the oldest temple in Bangkok, older than the city itself where Buddhist monks live. Wat Pho houses the incredible reclining gilt Buddha, which is nearly 50 feet high and 151 feet long with ornately inlaid mother-of-pearl feet. And here’s a bonus: the compound houses the Traditional Massage School offering Thai Massage and Foot Reflexology.

After the tour we head to the famous Khao San Road where you can take lunch and explore. The remainder of the day is free, allowing you to return to the hotel when you choose.

Kanchanaburi to Ayutthaya / Night Train To Chiang Mai.  This morning after breakfast we transfer to Hellfire Pass. Upon arrival we take a walk down the trail to the actual pass, and then return to the museum. The museum explains to visitors the story of why and how the railway was built and attempts to convey the hardships and suffering endured by so many who were forced to work in extremely harsh conditions.

After a visit to the museum, we transfer to Ayutthaya, where we embark on a bike tour of the old town and ruins of Ayutthaya. After the bike tour there is time for a shower before dinner on the Rice Barge cruise.

Our day concludes with a transfer to the train station for the overnight train to Chiang Mai. The trains we use in Thailand are Second Class Air-conditioned sleeper (No meals included), so you should arrive relaxed and refreshed in Northern Thailand.   Breakfast/Dinner

Trekking In The Hills.  Today we start the second phase of our trip. After the buzz of city life we are going to taste the peace of the country with a trek through the mountains around Chiang Mai offering us an opportunity to meet some of the different tribes who have migrated into Thailand from Southwest China and Burma. We start with a truck journey south for about 2.5 hours to Mae Tang district.

We begin our trek from Pongdeud, using the local footpaths through orchards and up and over mountains. A lunch box will be provided and we will stop for a picnic lunch in the jungle. (Approx 15km / 4 hours trekking today)

Our destination this first day is a Karen Village. The Karen or Kariang are thought to have originated in Tibet, and have lived in Burma for hundreds of years. They have been in Thailand since the 18th Century. Today there are some 4 million Karen in Burma, and 280,000 in the mountain areas all along the Thai side of the Burmese border. The Karen people believe a white “younger brother” will come from over the waters bringing with him knowledge of writing that had been lost long ago. As a result, many embraced Christianity easily upon meeting the foreign missionaries. The Karen have a special relationship with elephants, and the Karen trainers are the best in Asia.

Our base for the night is a traditional White Karen house, made of wood and on stilts, basic but clean. Mattresses will be provided as well as a sheet, blanket and mosquito net. Although there will be plenty of water for washing, facilities will be basic. Electricity will depend on the village, so it is recommended to take a torch. Dinner will be cooked for you after your day’s exertions. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included today.

Please Note: This trekking trip can be quite strenuous at times. A lot of the trekking is uphill, and in warm weather. Also, during this 2-day trek, you will not have access to your main luggage. Your main luggage will be securely stored in Chiang Mai.

Rafting & Return to Chiang Mai. After breakfast we walk down to the Maetang River, where we set off by bamboo raft in what is one of the most idyllic settings for this sort of journey - you will get wet, you may get soaked!  For those not wishing to raft, there is the option to walk along the trail to meet the group at the end of the rafting.

The rafting will take about 2 hours and will end at the Sobkai Village, where we will meet our driver. After lunch we are then transported back to Chiang Mai where we overnight.  The remainder of the day is free at leisure.  Breakfast/Lunch

Laos And Cruise Along The Mekong.  This morning we cross the Mekong from Thailand into Laos using a typical local long tail boat. The journey takes only five minutes and we land at Huay Xai (Housay). This is an important Mekong trading town, which has been used for centuries to transport Chinese goods.

Once we have cleared Customs we will board a private wooden boat, called the Pak Ou and start our trip south along the mighty Mekong River. With its source in the Tibetan Plateau, the Mekong runs through China where it is known as the Turbulent River and then into Laos and Cambodia, reaching the sea at Vietnam. It is the tenth longest river in the world and its rich fertile valley is the main agricultural area for Laos. Fish from the Mekong is another vital source of food for Laos.

Our first stop is Yao village where you will see the traditional way of life on the river. This part of our journey takes us through the mountainous scenery of Northern Laos, which is breathtaking when viewed from the river. Onboard chefs will cook meals for you. This part of the trip lands us at Pak Beng. As the sun goes down you can sit on the terrace and enjoy a cool drink before having dinner.   Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner.

Luang Prabang.  Luang Prabang is the jewel of Indochina, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995.  The ancient royal city is surrounded by mountains at the junction of the Mekong and its tributary, the Khan river.  In the centre of the city is Mount Phousi with stunning views of the surrounding temples and hills. Luang Prabang is a city where time seems to stand still. Once occupied by the French, it has some typical French provincial architecture, which adds a foreign flavour to the street scene. Luang Prabang is principally famous for its many historic temples and as you walk around you will see the gleaming temple roofs. If you get into town early enough look out for the Buddhist monks in their saffron robes walking in single file with their bowls held out for people to place food in.

In the morning we start our city tour with the Royal Palace and then Wat Xieng Thong Temple. The Royal Palace is worth a visit for its museum, which gives a good local history. Look out for the Pha Bang, - a solid gold Buddha.  

Later we visit a local village and then travel to the Kuang Si Waterfalls south of the town.  These falls are special - a wide waterfall tumbling in several tiers over the limestone into striking turquoise pools. And you can swim in them (but not in the rainy season – July-December). It is such a magical place that we spend the afternoon here before returning to town for another special treat.  We climb the steps up Mount Phousi for a stunning panoramic view of Luang Prabang and its temples as the sun goes down.  Breakfast.

Vientiane.  This is the finale of our trip through Laos. We are off to the capital city Vientiane, further south on the Mekong and near the border with Thailand. After checking into our hotel we take a tour of the city. Although Vientiane is the country’s largest city, it is relatively small. The older part along the Mekong River is very attractive. There are tree-lined roads with temples. Our first stop off is at the Morning Market, which is actually open all day. The market is famed for its fabric’s - modern ones sold by Indians and Pakistanis and traditional Lao-style fabrics by locals. This is the chance to buy some last minute souvenirs.

Our next port of call is the Wat Pha Kaew, which was once a royal temple. It is now a museum and houses some of the best examples of Buddhist sculptures in Laos. There are stone Buddhas dating back as far as the 6th century and some bronze standing and sitting Buddha’s. The royal gilded throne and interesting wood carvings can also be seen here. Our last visit in Vientiane is to the Patuxai Victory Monument. You will immediately notice its resemblance to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. But close up you will see that its ornamentation is typically Lao in style. It was built in the 1960s to commemorate the Lao people who died in pre-Revolutionary wars. We will climb to the top for a fine view out over the city.

On our last evening in Laos we will pick a place to eat from Vientiane’s many restaurants. This city is a good place to eat and offers food ranging from local dishes to the best French cuisine.  Breakfast.

D'Rose Hotel

339 Pangkhom Road

Sisakhet Village

Chantabuly District

Vientiane

Tel: +856 21 215 038

The Pre-Departure meeting is held at 8.30am THE DAY of the scheduled departure date. This will be followed by the Bangkok city tour. The pre-departure meeting is held to discuss the tour itinerary in more detail, meet your guide and fellow passengers.

In each departure city we have named a joining hotel from where the tour will leave. It is your responsibility to make your way to this hotel. 

PLEASE ADVISE KUMUKA OR YOUR AGENT IF YOU WILL BE ARRIVING LATE AND ARE THEREFORE UNABLE TO ATTEND THE PRE-DEPARTURE MEETING.

In addition the guide will check that all passengers have the necessary travel documents, insurance and immunization certificates for the tour. It is IMPORTANT that you attend this meeting. Please advise KUMUKA or your AGENT if you CANNOT attend this meeting.

All passengers MUST bring:
1. Passport.
2. Vaccination Certificate.
3. Travel Voucher.
4. Travel Insurance Policy.

In most of the hotels in Asia you may be required to deposit your passport at Reception. This is a perfectly normal practice and nothing to be concerned about. Just make sure that you retrieve it when you check out of the hotel.

Your passport is a valuable document and you should exercise extreme care in keeping it safe. We recommend that you keep your passport on you at all times, preferably in a money belt that is worn under your clothing. We advise that you take copies of relevant pages in your passport and any visas that you may purchase in case of loss or damage. Your tour leader will require your passport details at the pre-departure meeting. Again, we recommend that you have a photocopy of all passport details, kept separate. Your passport must be valid for six months after the END of your tour, and must have one blank page for each country to be visited.

Thailand – Exit Tax, Bangkok International Airport  = 500B ($US11.4)

Laos – Exit Tax by Air, Vientiane International Airport = $US10 to be paid locally in US dollars. Domestic Flights: $US1

Please note that these taxes are subject to change.

You might like to read up on the destinations that you are about to visit as these cities all have interesting sites and histories. We recommend a variety of guidebooks such as Lonely Planet, The Rough Guide and Insight Guides. All these publications have good general information as well as more specific country information that will help orientate you in the countries you visit.

Tipping is not expected in South East Asia, but salaries are very low and any gratuities for good service will be gratefully accepted. Bargaining is the rule in markets and when hiring vehicles, but in most countries you won't need to be as forceful as you would in Thailand or Vietnam.

NOTE: In order to ensure that you receive the best service from our local guides and operators we use throughout the tour, we operate a Tip Kitty. For this we request an amount of Thai Baht 980 (approximately US$30) per person.

The tip kitty is monitored during the tour and detailed in a tip kitty report form for the tour leader to record all tipping expenses for the tour - and they will ask a passenger to sign as reference.

How much should I take?

• Please bring lightweight walking shoes or sandals, and a day sac. Pack essentially for hot conditions: days are hot and humid. Lightweight rain gear is essential at all times.
• Because of limited luggage space on transport, we must limit each passenger to ONE main suitcase or frameless backpack and one day bag. Your main bag must not weigh more than 20 kg’s.
• A frameless or internally framed backpack is the best way to carry your belongings since it is easy to lift on and off vehicles.
• A small daypack is practical for keeping general items (e.g. camera, books, wallets etc.) at hand when your main pack is out of reach. It is also handy for day trips and excursions. We also recommend that you keep your passport, credit cards travellers checks etc. on you at all times, preferably in a money belt worn under your clothes.

TRAVEL TIP: You might be tempted to buy a few souvenirs here and there, so leave a little room for those extra purchases!!

Trekking Grading: It is always hard to classify because lots of the time depend on personal abilities.

Consider the following just as a general guide to our trek grade, which should help you, prepare for your trip. However, if you still have doubts call us now for more detail information. Remember that the more prepare you are, the more you will enjoy yourself!

Grade: Moderate to hard.

This trek involves long walks (around 4-6 hours) at lower altitudes but in hot conditions and hilly terrain. During the summer, due to the high levels of humidity, trek conditions are likely to be more demanding.

Please note that the support crew will be only at the beginning of the trek and once started there is no turning back.

We do suggest doing some fitness activity before joining the tour in order to enjoy more your holiday. However, this walks should be suitable for anyone with an average level of fitness and mobility that is those who normally lead an active life.

The national language in Thailand is Thai. It has five different tones, which determine the meanings of words, which would otherwise be identical. It is a difficult language for most foreigners to grasp.  The National language in Laos is Lao and Vietnam is Vietnamese. Cambodia is Khmer and unlike most other languages in South East Asia is not tonal. However, there are a number of sounds in Khmer, which are difficult for English speakers to pronounce. Nonetheless we encourage you try to speak a few words of Khmer as the locals will certainly appreciate your efforts!

Thai cuisine is pungent and spicy, seasoned with heaps of garlic and chillies and a characteristic mix of lime juice, lemon grass and fresh coriander. Galangal root, basil, ground peanuts, tamarind juice, ginger and coconut milk are other common additions. Fish sauce or shrimp paste are mainstays of Thai dishes, and of course rice is eaten with most meals. Main dishes include hot and sour fish ragout, green and red curries, various soups and noodle dishes. Thai food is served with a variety of condiments and dipping sauces. Snacks and appetisers include fried peanuts, chicken, chopped ginger, peppers and slices of lime. There is an incredible variety of fruit available, either fresh or juiced. Sugar cane juice and, for something stronger, rice whisky are favourite local tipples

.Food is one of the highlights of any trip.

As in many South East Asian countries, rice is the staple food diet. This usually served with dried, salted fish, chicken, beef or pork. Fish is often fresh from Tonle Sap Lake and is eaten with a spicy peanut sauce called Tuk trey. Popular dishes include a noodle dish called Khao Phonne; sam chruk, a roll of sticky rice stuffed with soya bean and copped pork; and amok, boneless fish cooked in coconut and spices. In more upmarket restaurants you can find dishes like barbecued shrimps and other seafood, roasted sunflower seeds, and duck eggs. If you are really adventurous may also like to try some more exotic delicacies like chong roet-crunchy cicadas!

Vegetarians or those with special dietary needs can also be catered for however in some countries the type of food may be limited. Please let the Reservations team know your special requirements as soon as possible so we can do all possible to assist your needs.

The variety of food will differ, as you will be visiting a number of different countries. We try to ensure that you get the most experience from your Kumuka trip and one of the ways to do this is by trying local cuisine.

Pre-booked transfers - If you have booked an arrival transfer, please look for our representative who will be holding a sign with your name or Kumuka once you have cleared Customs and Immigration.

Kumuka endeavors to advertise a compliment of optional activities available locally during tours with selected ground handlers to make your tour more enjoyable. These ground handlers and activity partners are selected for their standards in quality, professional ability and reputation. Whereas, Kumuka has developed a travel insurance policy to cover all activities offered during your journey, Kumuka can not be held responsible for injuries or claims arising from adventurous activities by third party.

Below is a list of optional excursions available at your expense on your Asia tour. Please note that these are intended as a guide only and prices and availability cannot be guaranteed.

Your tour leader will be able to organise any optional excursions on your behalf.  The list below is by no means comprehensive. There will be many other optional activities available.  All activities are undertaken at passenger’s own risk.

All costs are in US$ and are per person:

Thailand:

1. Cabaret Show (Bangkok) - Ticket US$25 per person

2. Thai Classical Dancing Show (Bangkok) - US$20 per person

3. Thai Professional Boxing (Bangkok) - US$50-70 per person

Tour Questionnaire - We would like to hear about your experiences on tour. One week after your tour ends you will automatically receive a feedback questionnaire via email. If we do not have your email address you can still complete a questionnaire by visiting www.kumuka.com/feedback

Email - If you have any specific comments about your tour then please write to us by email to operations@kumuka.com