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

SOUTH EAST ASIAVIETNAM 20 " Excellent itinerary, just the right amount of time in each place and a brilliant variety of stops!" Catherine Finn south east asia Imaginative Facts Tour code: SAVD • Activities: Optional swimming, bike riding, walking at sites • Accommodation: 11 nights simple hotels, 1 night Mekong Delta homestay, 2 overnight Reunification Express train journeys • Transport: Public and private bus, Reunification Express, Halong Bay cruise boat • Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller tour leader, services of qualified local guides in the Mekong Delta DAY 1: SAIGON ( HO CHI MINH CITY)- Arrive in Saigon and check in to our hotel. DAY 2: SAIGON- We explore the market and see the beautiful old French colonial buildings. In the afternoon you have the option to visit the Cu Chi tunnels outside Saigon, where the Viet Cong hid during the Vietnam War. ( B) DAY 3: MEKONG DELTA HOMESTAY-Driving south we visit the Mekong Delta, a beautiful area of islands and rivers. We explore in a boat of our own, past floating markets and friendly villages and spend the night with a local family. ( BLD) DAY 4: MEKONG DELTA - DALAT-Morning sampan cruise ( small, wooden canoe- like boats) to Vinh Long. Later we drive back to Saigon and onto Dalat in the heart of the Central Highlands. ( B) DAY 5: DALAT- A free day to explore nearby waterfalls and hike through the forest in the cool climes of the Central Highlands. ( B) DAY 6: NHA TRANG- We leave the Central Highlands and travel back to the coast. ( B) DAY 7: NHA TRANG- Free time to take a boat trip and go snorkelling. We then board the Reunification Express train to Danang. ( B) DAY 8: DANANG - HOI AN- Transfer from Danang to the historical fishing and trading village of Hoi An. Tonight you might like to wander the old town with its many cafes, shops and old Chinese merchants' houses. DAY 9: HOI AN- A day to do as you choose. You can visit the many historical sites within the Old Town or swim at Cua Dai beach. ( B) DAY 10: HUE- Drive over Ocean Cloud Pass and onto Hue. You can hire a bike and explore the Imperial City, now listed with UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, or ride to outlying villages and visit some of the many tombs of the Nguyen Emperors. ( B) DAY 11: HUE- Optional boat trip up the Perfume River to the Heavenly Lady Pagoda. The afternoon is free to wander the town and maybe taste some of the specialities of Hue cuisine. Tonight we board the Reunification Express to Vietnam's capital, Hanoi. ( B) DAY 12: HANOI - Arrive in Hanoi and transfer to our guesthouse in the heart of the Old Quarter. DAY 13: HANOI - HALONG BAY- An early start takes us to the spectacular limestone karst area of Halong Bay, with stunning vistas of green steep- sided islands dotted around the turquoise sea. We spend the day cruising the bay, with a spectacular lunch on board and opportunities for a swim. Return to Hanoi in the evening. ( BL) DAY 14: HANOI- A free day to explore the Old Quarter or visit the many temples, museums, French colonial architecture and lakes that make up the heart of this charming city. There is also the chance to watch a water puppet show. ( B) DAY 15: HANOI- Tour ends. ( B) A colourful two week trip taking in all the highlights • Take a cruise through the lush Mekong Delta and scenic Halong Bay • Explore the cool climes of the Central Highlands in Dalat • Relax on the sandy beaches of Nha Trangand explore coastal Hoi An • Cycle into the countryside around Hue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site • Enjoy the exotic delights of both Saigon and Hanoi Vietnam Adventure Vietnam Hanoi Sapa Halong Bay Saigon Mekong Delta Hue Hoi An Danang Vietnam Adventure Colours of Vietnam Nha Trang Dalat Single Supplement £ 195 ( optional) Voluntary Carbon Offset £ 23.36 * Price includes tour price of £ 540and local payment of US$ 170All prices are subject to currency fluctuations £ 630pp Land Only * adventurer Tour duration 15 days © Imaginative Traveller Starts SatEnds Sat SaigonHanoi 2009 17- Jan- 0931- Jan- 09 07- Feb- 0921- Feb- 09 28- Feb- 0914- Mar- 09 21- Mar- 0904- Apr- 09 11- Apr- 0925- Apr- 09 02- May- 0916- May- 09 23- May- 0906- Jun- 09 13- Jun- 0927- Jun- 09 04- Jul- 0918- Jul- 09 25- Jul- 0908- Aug- 09 15- Aug- 0929- Aug- 09 05- Sep- 0919- Sep- 09 26- Sep- 0910- Oct- 09 17- Oct- 0931- Oct- 09 07- Nov- 0921- Nov- 09 28- Nov- 0912- Dec- 09 19- Dec- 0902- Jan- 10 Starts SatEnds Sat SaigonHanoi 2010 09- Jan- 1023- Jan- 10 30- Jan- 1013- Feb- 10 20- Feb- 1006- Mar- 10 13- Mar- 1027- Mar- 10 03- Apr- 1017- Apr- 10 24- Apr- 1008- May- 10 15- May- 1029- May- 10 05- Jun- 1019- Jun- 10 26- Jun- 1010- Jul- 10 17- Jul- 1031- Jul- 10 07- Aug- 1021- Aug- 10 28- Aug- 1011- Sep- 10 18- Sep- 1002- Oct- 10 09- Oct- 1023- Oct- 10 30- Oct- 1013- Nov- 10 20- Nov- 1004- Dec- 10 11- Dec- 1025- Dec- 10 Vietnam measures 1,600 kilometres ( 1,000 miles) north to south, but is only 40 kilometres ( 25 miles) wide at its narrowest point near the centre of the country. amazing fact ... We can also offer Extra Accommodation, Adventure Travel Insurance& Flights Save up to 15% on your tour - see page 243