2019 Wilderness Travel Catalog of Adventures

Indochine AN EXTRAORDINARY CULTURAL JOURNEY TO LAOS, VIETNAM, AND CAMBODIA

Discover the natural beauty and unique cultures of three fascinating countries.

HIGHLIGHTS • Explore Luang Prabang’s lively markets and ethereal temples, meet hill tribe people in their villages • Discover Hanoi’s famous Old Quarter by bicycle rickshaw and on foot • Savor the karst landscapes of World Heritage-listed Bai Tu Long Bay on an overnight cruise • Enjoy Hoi An’s atmospheric riverside setting and historic architecture • Sample the famous cuisine of Hue, Vietnam’s royal city • Experience the majesty of the temple-city of Angkor, one of the wonders of the world • Get an insider’s introduction to three ancient cultures DETAILS • 16-day trip begins in Luang Prabang, Laos, and ends in Siem Reap, Cambodia • 14 nights deluxe hotels, 1 night aboard private traditional junk • All meals included except 1 lunch and 4 dinners

Gold-leafed pagodas glinting in the tropical sun, women carrying goods to market by yoke basket, shy young monks in saffron robes—the visual images of Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia are striking. In Luang Prabang, Laos’ charming temple town, we boat along the Mekong and meet Hmong and Khamu hill villagers. Exploring Vietnam, we take a bicycle rickshaw through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, overnight on our own private boat in Bai Tu Long Bay, stroll the lantern-lit lanes of 17th century Hoi An, and marvel at the imperial palaces of the Nguyen emperors in Hue. Our final treat is Angkor, Cambodia’s surreal “lost city” rising out of an enveloping forest, where we explore the soaring stone towers of a medieval metropolis. Days 1-4 Luang Prabang, Laos Laos’ royal capital until 1975, Luang Prabang is a tranquil oasis of colonial architecture and hundred- year-old frangipani trees set along the wide Mekong River. We visit its 15th century pagodas, climb up to Buddhist cave-grottos, and visit Hmong and Khamu hill tribe people. At sunrise one morning, we’ll “make merit” by giving alms to the monks. The town’s lively night market is a great place to look for hill tribe crafts.

OTTO STADLER

Days 5-11 Hanoi, Vietnam / Bai Tu Long Bay / Hoi An / Hue / Saigon Taking in the sights and sounds of Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter by rickshaw and on foot, we stop for a delicious lunch of cha ca , Hanoi’s famous fish and noodle dish, and visit the studio of a local artist. In Bai Tu Long Bay, far less crowded than nearby Halong Bay, we board our own traditional junk for an overnight cruise amid the wonder of this World Heritage-listed landscape. We walk the riverside lanes of Hoi An, and in Hue, see the splendid royal legacy of the 19th century Nguyen rulers. Our last stop is Saigon, with its French colonial architecture and compelling museums. Days 12-16 Siem Reap, Cambodia / Temples of Angkor With intricate bas-reliefs, pavilions, and reflecting ponds in a park-like tropical landscape, Angkor is a lasting monument to the glory of the Khmer Empire. Timing our visits for the least crowded times, we visit many of these evocative stone temples, including breathtaking Ta Prohm, where huge fig, banyan, and kapok trees have grown through the temple’s walls. Depart Siem Reap on Day 16.

DATES Nov 3-18, 2018

Nov 9-24 Dec 21, 2018-Jan 5, 2019 Dec 2-17 Jan 12-27, 2019

Jan 4-19, 2020

Jan 15-30 Feb 12-27

Feb 1-16

Feb 15-Mar 1

Feb 15-Mar 2

TRIP COST FALL 2018 / SPRING 2019

$6495 (11-12 members) $6895 (6-10 members) Single supplement: $1395 Internal airfare: $790 (subject to change)

Holiday surcharge (Dec): $330 Bangkok extension: from $795

TRIP LEVEL 1 + 2 3 4 5 6 7 Cultural explorations and walking tours

FOR MORE DETAILS ON OUR ASIA TRIPS, VISIT WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM/TRIPS/ASIA 95