SOUTH EAST ASIAVIETNAM 18 " I loved it all - visiting the tribes, the amazing tailors in Hoi An, the madness of Hanoi.... just generally a darn good itinerary!" Elena Dickson south east asia Essential Vietnam Imaginative Facts Tour code: STES • Activities: Extensive walking at sites • Accommodation: 6 nights in tourist class hotels, 2 nights bungalows on Whale Island, 1 night homestay • Transport: Private air- conditioned minibus/ coach, plane • Flights: Saigon to Nha Trang, Nha Trang to Danang and Hue to Hanoi • Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller tour leader, services of local guides • Imaginative Traveller Suggests: Add our ' Sapa Hilltribe Extension' DAY 1: SAIGON ( HO CHI MINH CITY)- Arrive in Saigon. DAY 2: MEKONG DELTA HOMESTAY-We head south to the Mekong Delta, an area of islands and rivers where boats are the only form of transport. We spend the day exploring the area by boat and on foot. Tonight we are guests of a local family. ( BLD) DAY 3: MEKONG DELTA - SAIGON- This morning we visit an authentic floating market before returning to Saigon. ( B) DAY 4: SAIGON - WHALE ISLAND-Morning walking tour of this amazing city. Afternoon flight to Nha Trang and transfer to the idyllic Whale Island, so named because of the sperm whales which can sometimes be spotted off its shores. ( BD) DAY 5: WHALE ISLAND- A relaxing free day to swim, laze on pristine beaches or go snorkelling amidst lovely coral gardens. ( BLD) DAYS 6 & 7: HOI AN - Today we drive to Nha Trang for a short flight to Danang then transfer to the wonderful ancient trading town of Hoi An. Take a guided tour of the town, a favourite for travellers with its beautiful architecture and picturesque seafront. The rest of the time you are free to wander the streets at leisure. ( Day 6 - B, Day 7 - BD) DAYS 8 & 9: HUE- Drive along the coast via Ocean Cloud Pass, the geographical divide between north and south Vietnam. Arrive in Hue and enjoy an afternoon cruise along the Perfume River to the Heavenly Lady Pagoda and the tomb of the Nguyen Emperor Minh Mang. The next morning take a morning tour of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Imperial City. In the late afternoon we transfer to the airport for a short flight to Hanoi. ( Day 8 - B, Day 9 - BD) DAY 10: HANOI- Enjoy a walking tour of the Old Quarter. Tour ends early afternoon. ( B) All the highlights of Vietnam in a fabulous 10- day journey • Contrast the excitement of Saigonwith the quiet elegance of Hanoi • Explore the Mekong Delta by boat and overnight at a simple homestay • Immerse yourself in the delights of the charming coastal town of Hoi An • Enjoy a two night stay on the beautiful eco- resort of Whale Island • Visit the pagodas and imperial tombsof the UNESCO city of Hue Vietnam Hanoi Halong Bay Saigon Mekong Delta Hue Hoi An Whale Island Essential Vietnam A Taste of Vietnam Thailand Bangkok Chiang Mai Village Homestay A Taste of Thailand • Seasonal Supplement £ 35 Single Supplement £ 165 ( optional) Voluntary Carbon Offset £ 23.36 * Price includes tour price of £ 625and local payment of US$ 170All prices are subject to currency fluctuations £ 715pp Land Only * traveller Tour duration 10 days © Imaginative Traveller © Imaginative Traveller Starts SatEnds Mon SaigonHanoi 2009 03- Jan- 0912- Jan- 09 24- Jan- 0902- Feb- 09 14- Feb- 0923- Feb- 09 07- Mar- 0916- Mar- 09 28- Mar- 0906- Apr- 09 18- Apr- 0927- Apr- 09 09- May- 0918- May- 09 30- May- 0908- Jun- 09 20- Jun- 0929- Jun- 09 04- Jul- 0913- Jul- 09 11- Jul- 0920- Jul- 09 01- Aug- 0910- Aug- 09 22- Aug- 0931- Aug- 09 05- Sep- 0914- Sep- 09 12- Sep- 0921- Sep- 09 03- Oct- 0912- Oct- 09 24- Oct- 0902- Nov- 09 14- Nov- 0923- Nov- 09 05- Dec- 0914- Dec- 09 26- Dec- 0904- Jan- 10 • Starts SatEnds Mon SaigonHanoi 2010 16- Jan- 1025- Jan- 10 06- Feb- 1015- Feb- 10 27- Feb- 1008- Mar- 10 20- Mar- 1029- Mar- 10 10- Apr- 1019- Apr- 10 01- May- 1010- May- 10 22- May- 1031- May- 10 12- Jun- 1021- Jun- 10 03- Jul- 1012- Jul- 10 10- Jul- 1019- Jul- 10 24- Jul- 1002- Aug- 10 14- Aug- 1023- Aug- 10 04- Sep- 1013- Sep- 10 11- Sep- 1020- Sep- 10 25- Sep- 1004- Oct- 10 16- Oct- 1025- Oct- 10 06- Nov- 1015- Nov- 10 27- Nov- 1006- Dec- 10 18- Dec- 1027- Dec- 10 • 25- Dec- 1003- Jan- 11 • • Seasonal supplement applies You can extend your holiday experience trekking in northern Vietnam on our Sapa Hilltribe Extension on page 23. don't forget ... We can also offer Extra Accommodation, Adventure Travel Insurance& Flights Save up to 15% on your tour - see page 243

VIETNAM  THAILAND 19 SOUTH EAST ASIA A Taste of Vietnam Imaginative Facts Tour code: SSTV • Activities: Walking, swimming • Accommodation: 10 nights tourist class hotels, 1 night Jewel of the Bay cruiser in Halong Bay, 1 night homestay, 1 night overnight train • Transport: Private minivan, coach, car, cruiser on Halong Bay, Reunification Express, boat, plane • Flights: Hoi An to Nha Trang, Nha Trang to Saigon • Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller tour leader, services of qualified guide in Mekong Delta • Imaginative Traveller Suggests: Add our ' Angkor Wat Extension' DAY 1: HANOI- Arrive and transfer to your hotel. Our welcome dinner at Quan An Ngon is the ideal place to start our Vietnamese culinary experience. ( D) DAY 2: HANOI- After breakfast we visit the vegetable markets with our chef to learn about different local produce. We also explore Hanoi's Old Quarter on foot. In the evening we gather for a hands- on cooking demonstration. ( BD) DAY 3: HALONG BAY- Today we head out to the beautiful World Heritage Site of Halong Bay. We cruise on a traditional junk, the ' Jewel of the Bay' amongst the spectacular islands of karst limestone. We will then be treated to perhaps one of the most delicious meals of the trip consisting of fresh seafood bought straight from the local fishermen. ( BLD) DAY 4: HANOI- Another opportunity for swimming and kayaking before we return to Hanoi. Overnight train to Hue. ( BL) DAY 5: HUE- On arrival we transfer to our hotel in Hue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We visit the Imperial City and Dong Ba market by cyclo, then in the evening we venture out to a small but very famous restaurant known as ' Lac Thien'. ( BD) DAY 6: HUE- This morning we head out on a Dragon Boat along the Perfume River to visit the famous Heavenly Lady Pagoda and the tomb of Nguyen Emperor Minh Mang. Afternoon free time. This evening we will be dining at a local restaurant where they specialise in ' Royal' cuisine. ( BD) DAY 7: HOI AN- We drive across the spectacular Hai Van Pass, stopping at Danang's fascinating Cham Museum and China Beach before we continue to the quaint coastal town of Hoi An. At a riverside restaurant we are treated to a cooking demonstration by a resident expert. ( BD) DAY 8: HOI AN- Today is a free day. This evening we will dine at ' Mango Rooms', one of the best fusion restaurants in town. ( BD) DAYS 9 & 10: WHALE ISLAND- Fly to Nha Trang and transfer to this beautiful eco- resort in Nha Trang Bay. Whale Island, so named because of the sperm whales which can sometimes be spotted off its shores, is French/ Vietnamese owned and the management train their own chefs to create an amazing assortment of delightful fusion dishes. There is the opportunity to wander the trails to explore the more secluded parts of the island, or to swim and relax. ( Day 9 - BD, Day 10 - BLD) DAY 11: SAIGON- We return to Nha Trang and fly to Saigon ( Ho Chi Minh City). Later, we'll take a walking tour of the major sites and in the evening there is the chance to experience one of our favourite restaurants in Vietnam. There are also other very local delicacies such as scorpion, rat, deer and snake to sample if you dare… ( BD) DAY 12: MEKONG DELTA- This morning we drive to the Mekong Delta, an area of islands and rivers where boats are the only form of transport. We spend a wonderful day visiting different cottage industries. A mouth-watering lunch will be prepared for us by a local family in their house and served in the spacious courtyard. This evening we stay with a local family and enjoy their traditional hospitality. ( BLD) DAY 13: SAIGON- We return to Saigon. Our final evening's dinner will be on a traditional junk on the Saigon River. ( BD) DAY 14: SAIGON- Tour ends. ( B) From North to South, this trip will give you a true taste of Vietnam There is more to Vietnamese food than seafood and crisp fresh vegetables On our culinary journey we will witness cooking demonstrationsand sample food from famous restaurants and family homes. We will also visit Saigon, Hanoi, imperial Hue, charming Hoi An, cruise both Halong Bay and the Mekong Delta and spend two days on idyllic Whale Island A Taste of Thailand Imaginative Facts Tour code: SSTT • Activities: Hiking, elephant ride • Accommodation: 7 nights tourist class hotels, 1 night homestay, 2 nights overnight train • Transport: Private minibus, sleeper train, longtail boat, pick- up truck • Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller tour leader, services of local guides/ chefs • Imaginative Traveller Suggests: Add our ' Hua Hin Extension' DAY 1: BANGKOK- Tonight will be our first taste of Thai cuisine when we visit one of the many local restaurants nearby to explore the taste sensations of Bangkok. ( D) DAY 2: BANGKOK- In the morning we take a guidedtour ofBangkok's magnificent Grand Palace and Wat Phra Keow. This is followed by an exciting longtail boat ride along the city's canals or ' klongs'. ( BL) DAY 3: BANGKOK- Situated in a 19th century mansion, the atmosphere of the Blue Elephant Thai cookery school complements the magnificent dishes created inside. We begin by visiting a local market and buying what we need under the direction of our chef. This gives us the opportunity to build a menu from the raw ingredients and then savour our dishes at lunchtime. The rest of the day is free to relax. ( BL) DAY 4: BANGKOK- Today we have a free day to explore this vibrant city before transferring to the train station to board our overnight train to Chiang Mai. ( B) DAY 5: CHIANG MAI- In the morning we arrive in Chiang Mai and transfer to our hotel. Later, we make an excursion to the beautiful hilltop temple of Doi Suthep. This evening you could try an authentic Thai massage. ( B) DAY 6: CHIANG MAI - A full day cooking class with Chiang Mai's famous chef ' The Master'. From the early morning you will be chopping, frying and steaming - then eating the results! ( BLD) DAY 7: CHIANG MAI - VILLAGE HOMESTAY- We journey by pick- up truck through the cultural heartland of the north, home of the colourful hilltribe people. On the way we stop to visit a local market and buy several vital ingredients for tonight's dinner. Continuing on foot through the mountainous terrain, we arrive at a Palong village where we spend the night in a traditional house. We share the chores with our hosts as we prepare food for this evening's dinner. ( BLD) DAY 8: CHIANG MAI- After breakfast we ride elephants through the jungle to a small river. Later we drive to the orphanage for hilltribe children supported by Imaginative Traveller. We may stay for dinner with them, help them with their homework or enjoy a game of football. On the way back to our hotel we can stop off at Chiang Mai's famous night markets. ( BLD) DAY 9: CHIANG MAI- Today is free to explore the town or relax by the swimming pool. Tonight we take the overnight train to Bangkok. ( B) DAY 10: BANGKOK- We arrive back in Bangkok and transfer to our hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax, do some last minute shopping or explore some of the other ethnic areas of this diverse city. Tonight we enjoy our final dinner together. ( BD) DAY 11: BANGKOK- Tour ends after breakfast. ( B) Join us to explore the taste sensation that is Thai cuisine Be prepared for a sensory overload with vegetables exploding into flames and colourful marketsloaded with exotic produce. We will hone our skills in cooking classesand also find time in between culinary delightsto tour the Grand Palace and temples of Bangkok, ride an elephant, and even have a little time for relaxation. If you love Thai food at home, nothing can compare to the food found in Thailand itself! Single Supplement £ 205 ( optional) Voluntary Carbon Offset £ 23.36 * Price includes tour price of £ 899and local payment of US$ 300All prices are subject to currency fluctuations £ 1055pp Land Only * Single Supplement £ 100 ( optional) Voluntary Carbon Offset £ 22.87 * Price includes tour price of £ 649and local payment of US$ 230All prices are subject to currency fluctuations £ 770pp Land Only * special interestspecial interest Tour duration 14 daysTour duration 11 days Starts SatEnds Fri HanoiSaigon 2009 31- Jan- 0913- Feb- 09 28- Mar- 0910- Apr- 09 23- May- 0905- Jun- 09 18- Jul- 0931- Jul- 09 12- Sep- 0925- Sep- 09 07- Nov- 0920- Nov- 09 Starts SatEnds Fri HanoiSaigon 2010 02- Jan- 1015- Jan- 10 27- Feb- 1012- Mar- 10 24- Apr- 1007- May- 10 19- Jun- 1002- Jul- 10 14- Aug- 1027- Aug- 10 09- Oct- 1022- Oct- 10 04- Dec- 1017- Dec- 10 Starts SatEnds Tue BangkokBangkok 2009 31- Jan- 0910- Feb- 09 28- Mar- 0907- Apr- 09 23- May- 0902- Jun- 09 18- Jul- 0928- Jul- 09 12- Sep- 0922- Sep- 09 07- Nov- 0917- Nov- 09 Starts SatEnds Tue BangkokBangkok 2010 02- Jan- 1012- Jan- 10 27- Feb- 1009- Mar- 10 24- Apr- 1004- May- 10 19- Jun- 1029- Jun- 10 14- Aug- 1024- Aug- 10 09- Oct- 1019- Oct- 10 04- Dec- 1014- Dec- 10 Save up to 15% on your tour - see page 243 Save up to 15% on your tour - see page 243