Embark on a Southeast Asian odyssey, discover the serene charm of Luang Prabang in Laos (optional pre-trip), delve into the bustling streets of Hanoi, cruise through the ethereal beauty of Halong Bay, explore the historical riches of Hue and Hoi An in Vietnam, and culminate the journey in Siem Reap, Cambodia, amidst the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor Wat—an expedition weaving together diverse landscapes and cultural wonders.
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You are an active traveler who loves to see things up-close and personal. You aren’t bothered by standing or walking for long periods of time (1-2 hours) and you can navigate uneven surfaces and easily climb into and out of different kinds of vehicles or vessels. You can handle the rigors of exploring the world in a hands-on way, even if that means getting up early or staying up late!
Main trip to Vietnam & Cambodia:
*Included airfare is limited to the following flights:
• Hanoi to Hue
• Hoi An to Siem Reap
NOTE: International return flights should be booked departing from Siem Reap, Cambodia
Pre-trip to Laos:
Main trip to Vietnam & Cambodia:
Pre-trip to Laos:
**Itinerary Subject to Change**
Most flights arrive late in the evening. You’ll be greeted at the airport and assisted through immigration, then transferred to the beautiful Apricot Hotel where your room will be waiting for immediate check-in.
No Meals
Apricot Hotel
Today is all about creativity and culture: the morning will be spent participating in creating fabric mosaics inspired by folk paintings of years gone by and the evening capped off by a performance at the famous Lotus Water Puppet. We’ll enjoy lunch together, with the afternoon on your own. Then regroup to head the puppet show, followed by our Welcome Dinner at a very special rooftop venue.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Apricot Hotel
We head out of the hustle and bustle of Hanoi and into the quiet, otherworldly serenity of Halong Bay. We’ll board our intimate ship (the Ginger) that will whisk us through the most incredible scenery you’ve ever laid eyes on! There will be time on board to enjoy a swim or spa treatment. But don’t get too relaxed – you won’t want to miss the excursion to Cat Ba Island, where we’ll be transported back to a much simpler time. Gourmet lunch and dinner served on board.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Heritage Line Ginger Vessel
Waking up in a place you’ve only dreamt of, you’ll have one more opportunity to enjoy the scenery and a dip in the bay or a cruise in the kayak before being served a hearty breakfast to fuel you for your busy day ahead. From the ship, it’s off to Hanoi for lunch, then catch a short flight to Hue, a historic city known for its ancient imperial citadel, picturesque Perfume River, and vibrant cultural heritage. Our home-away-from-home in Hue is the beautiful Ancient Hue Garden Houses – an absolute oasis. Dinner will be on your own.
Breakfast & Lunch
Ancient Hue Garden Houses
If two days of being on a boat didn’t quite do it, we’ve got one more boat ride for you – this time in a traditional Dragon Boat to cruise along the Perfume River visiting historical, iconic sites along the way and ending at Dong Ba market. Lunch will be on your own, with plenty of dining options at your fingertips! Stroll around the city or head back to the hotel to savor its beauty – the afternoon is yours. We’ll regroup to head to dinner at the former home of Princess Ngoc Son, enjoying traditional Hue specialties.
Breakfast & Dinner
Ancient Hue Garden Houses
Today it’s all about YOU! This day is completely free to do as you please… sleep in, get a spa treatment, do a little shopping, lounge around the beautiful hotel… or all of the above! Breakfast is served at the hotel, but lunch and dinner will be on you – with plenty of great recommendations, of course.
Breakfast
Hue Ancient Garden Houses
We leave Hue and continue on with our adventure to Hoi An. After our 3-hour drive, we’ll arrive in Hoi An and check into the amazing Four Seasons Resort, The Nam Hai. Then it’s off to enjoy a delicious lunch, followed by a walking tour of the narrow, quaint streets of this charming seaside town. Once you’ve become oriented with the town, you’ll have the afternoon, evening, and dinner on your own to do what you wish.
Breakfast & Lunch
Four Seasons Resort, The Nam Hai
You get to sleep in today! Or, if you prefer, lounge around the hotel grounds or walk around town. We’ll meet up around noon and head to lunch, followed by an afternoon of culinary delights… and you’ll be cooking them! Yes, we’re going to the famous Red Bridge cooking school, but first we’ll enjoy a welcome drink then a visit to the local market to collect our ingredients for our dishes. Then it’s a 20 minute boat ride to the school, then a stroll through the herb garden before we prepare our feast. We’ll enjoy our delicious creations for dinner!
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Four Seasons Resort, The Nam Hai
Today is about giving back. We’ll be learning the art of paper lantern making while supporting a business that employs people with disabilities (PWD). The Reaching Out Center is located in the heart of historic Hoi An and was founded by folks with a passion for integrating PWD into society. The artisans are all PWD and the profits earned are returned to the business to develop job training and employment for PWD. Your heart will be full after this morning experience, but your tummy won’t – you’ll be free to find a fabulous restaurant for lunch (and the afternoon) on your own. We’ll meet up for dinner at a local restaurant.
Breakfast & Dinner
Four Seasons Resort, The Nam Hai
Pack your bags – we’re headed to Cambodia! We say farewell to amazing Vietnam and hello to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Our morning flight takes us to Siem Reap via Ho Chi Minh City, arriving around noon for check-in at the beautiful Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection. Lunch and the afternoon are yours to enjoy. As dinnertime rolls around we’ll meet up and head out to dine in town, then it’s off to the circus! You will be absolutely blown away by the talent you will see tonight!
Breakfast & Dinner
Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection
Today it’s all about the history of this amazing place. We’ll get up early to catch the sunrise over famed Angkor Wat. We’ll enjoy a walking tour and learn all about the significance of this spectacular temple from a scholar-historian. Following our tour we’ll have lunch at a local restaurant, then resume the afternoon activities by tuk tuk, exploring a couple of the more unique temples. We then make our way by boat to an even more remote temple with a sunset view of the over the horizon. After we return to the hotel for dinner on your own.
Breakfast & Lunch
Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection
We will visit a nonprofit – APOPO – that is utilizing a surprising hero to combat the problem of land mines in rural areas. These “hero rats” sniff out landmines and save lives – we’ll see them in action! After our visit you’ll have time to relax at the hotel or stroll into town to do some last-day shopping. Lunch and the afternoon will be on your own. We will regroup and head to dinner to celebrate this remarkable journey and bid farewell to Southeast Asia.
Breakfast & Dinner
Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection
Today we head to the airport for in Siem Reap for our flights home with our hearts and minds full of memories of this very special adventure.
When scheduling your international flights, be sure to originate your return journey from Siem Reap Airport (REP), Cambodia.
Breakfast
Located at a historic location on Hang Trong Street, with sweeping views of the legendary Hoan Kiem Lake, Apricot Hotel is a perfect property to explore the essence of Vietnamese art and culture. Veiled in neo-classical design with artistic Vietnamese touches and located in the heart of the city center, this beautiful hotel is perfect for your first stop in Vietnam.
Room Category: Gallery Room or Gallery Garden Room
Ginger, sailing through Lan Ha Bay, combines Vietnamese heritage with modern touches, featuring local arts and traditions in both public areas and suite interiors. Ginger’s very unique highlight is the culinary focus that comes alive in the nearly 360-degree glass-surrounded restaurant, which introduces an open kitchen with live cooking for an unforgettable experience. Picturesque scenery, relaxing spa treatments, adventurous excursions are all yours on this fabulous voyage!
Room Category: Junior Suite
Close to Hue Imperial City, overlooking the Huong (Perfume) River and its nearby Thien Mu Pagoda, Ancient Hue Garden Houses captures the essence of the Nguyen Dynasty. The sprawling grounds provide a serene natural environment within which to relax and revive. The grounds are the perfect oasis retreat with a spa, pool, and extensive gardens.
Room Category: Ngu Binh Room, Vong Canh Room, Truong Tien Room, or Kim Phung Room
Shinta Mani Angkor boasts a quiet and leafy setting within the French Quarter of Siem Reap – just 15 minutes from the UNESCO World Heritage Temples of Angkor Wat. With friendly residents, numerous dining options, eclectic shops, local and international artists and designers, and a relaxed town atmosphere, Siem Reap is re-emerging as a destination with its own charm… and Shinta Amani Angkor is within walking distance of all that!
Room Category: Bayon Room
Most flights arrive late in the evening. You’ll be greeted at the airport and assisted through immigration, then transferred to the beautiful Satri House Hotel where your room will be waiting for immediate check-in.
No Meals
Satri House Hotel
The day will start with a walking tour of Luang Prabang – a UNESCO World Heritage site. We’ll enjoy the iconic highlights of this beautiful town and end by climbing up to the top of Mount Phousi to admire the panoramic views across the Mekong and Khan rivers. Lunch will be enjoyed together, returning to the hotel for the afternoon to relax or explore. We’ll meet up at dinner time as we set out to experience Luang Prabang’s famous night market, then on to dinner where we’ll enjoy a traditional Sindad bbq prepared right at the table!
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Satri House Hotel
Nature is on the itinerary for today! An hour’s drive outside the city we’ll come to the Kuang Si Bear Rescue Center where we’ll learn all about Laos’ most endangered species – the Asiatic Black Bears (Moon Bears). These bears were saved from the traditional medicine trade and we get to interact with them! Afterwards, walk to the beautiful cascading Kuang Si Waterfall to swim in the refreshing turquoise waters. We’ll return to the hotel in time for lunch and the afternoon on your own, regrouping for dinner together at a local restaurant.
Breakfast & Dinner
Satri House Hotel
After breakfast we’ll head to the airport to start our main trip to Vietnam and Camodia! We say a fond farewell to Laos as we begin the next adventure. We’ll arrive in Hanoi in the afternoon, check-in and enjoy lunch, the afternoon, and dinner on our own (tons of great recommendations, of course!). Please refer to main trip itinerary for details.
Breakfast
Built as a residence for a branch of the Lao royal family in the late 1900s, Satri House was once the childhood home of Prince Souphanouvong. It is one of the most exquisite places in this ancient city, designed with a style inspired by Lao culture and set in a truly relaxing environment. Here you can enjoy private moments to yourself and really unwind or sit and watch the everyday life of local people from your balcony.
Room Category: Junior Suite
Vietnam & Cambodia 2024
Dates:
12-night package: December 4-16, 2024
3-night pre-trip: December 1-4, 2024
Cost:
12-night package: $6,625 per person double occupancy; $8,395 single occupancy
3-night pre-trip: $1,255 per person double occupancy; $1,975 single occupancy
Unless otherwise noted, all participants on a WOW! trip must be at least 18 years of age at time of travel.
Payment Schedule:
Space is limited. Reservations will be made on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation:
Penalties vary depending on the date of cancellation:
* We will do all possible to resell your space should you cancel. If we are successful, we will refund you in full, less $875 per person.
NOTE: We are constantly monitoring travel conditions as relates to the COVID-19 virus and entry requirements into Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. In these unprecedented times, we want to give you as much flexibility as possible. Should a United States or a Vietnamese, Cambodian or Laotian governmental body determine that travel is not allowed, the trip will be rescheduled with an option of full refund.
Air Transportation:
You may make your own flight arrangements, or we can assist with a $75 per person service fee (waived for WOW! Travel Club alumni). We cannot book mileage tickets or upgrades, which must be done directly with the carrier. If you would like us to assist, contact Gabriel Haigazian (gabriel@wowtravelclub.com or 818-444-2700) or Howard Wise (howard@wowtravelclub.com or 818-444-2710). It is the responsibility of the traveler to provide the legal name as on the passport. Carriers may deny boarding if name on ticket does not EXACTLY match name on passport.
Supplemental Travel Insurance for Trip Cancellation / Interruption:
Your package includes basic trip insurance:
Additional trip cancellation insurance is available for purchase to cover financial penalties if you need to cancel your trip. Travelers may insure all prepaid and nonrefundable payments against cancellation and interruption due to covered reasons. Note that fear of travel is not covered under these policies. Certain plans include coverage for Pre-Existing Medical conditions, financial default, “Cancel for Work Reasons” and “Cancellation for Any Reason.” Coverage varies by product. Please note that most insurance companies require you to purchase insurance within 14 days of the initial deposit date in order to be covered for pre-existing conditions.
For further information and purchase options click HERE for plans offered by Travel Guard. If you prefer, contact Travel Guard Insurance directly at (800) 826-1300, ext. 3 and speak with an agent. Please provide Agency Code #05-614836.
MedJet Assist – Air Medical Travel Protection Membership
MedJet Assist provides and pays for hospital-to-hospital medical transfer of a member if injury or illness occur during domestic or international travel, more than 150 miles from home. Unlike most travel insurance, a MedJet Assist member is transferred to their home hospital of choice, regardless of medical necessity. There are no “acceptable facility” clauses, no claim forms, no cost caps and no surprise bills after the transport. COVID-19 is covered (with some restrictions).
MedJet Assist is complimentary to travel insurance – it’s recommended to purchase both. Here’s a great 2-minute video that explains the coverage and how it differs from travel insurance. Click HERE to view the video.
Short-term or annual memberships are available. Click HERE for pricing and to enroll:
For those of you 75-84 years of age, you’ll need to call MedJet Assist to enroll at 800-527-7478.
Pricing:
All prices quoted are based on tariffs and exchange rates in effect as of January 2024 and are subject to change. Rates are based on a minimum group size of 16 paying guests. Should the group size(s) fall below this minimum number, package price or inclusions may be modified. Unused tour items, missed meals or activities, etc. are not refundable.
Tips and Taxes:
The package includes all service charges, taxes and entrance fees etc. Basic gratuities to drivers, guides, and porters are included. You are welcome to extend additional gratuities for anyone who has provided exemplary service.
Baggage:
Please check applicable baggage allowances and fees with your international airline carrier. Overweight luggage and/or additional checked bags can be purchased directly from the airlines.
Passport/Visa:
You must have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity from the date of re-entry to your home country. Visas are required for US citizens to enter Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. Further details will be provided closer to our trip dates.
Health / Vaccinations:
We are constantly monitoring requirements for travel and will advise if COVID requirements change. As of January 2024, no proof of vaccination or testing for COVID-19 is required although it is recommended that you are up-to-date on all vaccines. As of June 12, 2022, you are no longer required to provide a negative COVID test to return to the United States. You may wish to consult your physician for recommendations. Additional information is available on the CDC website for Vietnam and Cambodia, Laos and the US.
Travel Documents:
Final travel documents will be sent to your mailing address approximately two weeks prior to departure.
Risks of Travel and Your Responsibilities:
International travel involves inherent risks. The CTP Group/WOW! Travel Club (CTP/WOW) cannot be liable for any injury, death or loss of personal property in connection with your participation in CTP/WOW activities. By participating in this CTP/WOW travel program, you assume risk of inherent dangers (including without limitation, annoyance and expenses) related to military or political action, civil disturbances, quarantine, strikes, detention, mental trauma, pilferage, weather, epidemiological events, acts of God or any other circumstances over which CTP/WOW has no control.
I understand that CTP/WOW reserves the right to refuse as a trip participant or remove from a trip, any person it judges to be incapable of meeting the rigors and requirements of participating in activities, or who it determines to detract from the enjoyment of the trip by others. I agree to follow all written and verbal rules of safety presented to me by CTP/WOW. CTP/WOW reserves the right to make route, hotel, itinerary and trip modifications as required or desirable to improve the trip quality and/or to accommodate the comfort and well-being of guests.
CTP/WOW reserves the right to alter or cancel any trip due to weather, sickness, political climate, and/or insufficient registration or other unforeseen circumstances beyond our control. While CTP/WOW will make every effort to obtain full or partial refunds from suppliers, CTP/ WOW cannot guarantee your ability to recoup payment.
The above Terms and Conditions are hereby expressly incorporated into the “Release, Waiver and Indemnity Agreement” to be signed by you as a WOW! Travel Club participant.
WOW! Vows:
All guests will be asked to sign and agree to the WOW! Vows for responsible travel:
Consent:
Payment of the deposit OR any other partial payment for registration of a participant for CTP/ WOW activities constitutes consent by all guests/participants registered by the party completing online registration. You and your guests/participants hereby agree to the Terms & Conditions of this website. The Terms & Conditions set forth on this website may not be modified or amended except in writing by an authorized officer of CTP/WOW.
All guests/participants are required to initial and sign a Release Waiver and Indemnity Agreement, which will be sent electronically prior to departure. The signed Release must be received prior to the start of your trip.
Please note: This trip includes full days of sightseeing and significant amounts of walking on stairs and uneven surfaces. You should be in good physical condition to participate in this journey to its fullest.
January 2024 CST # 1016440-10
What will the weather be like?
December is a great month to visit Southeast Asia. The weather is cooler and rainfall low. Here are temps for the areas we’re visiting:
Hanoi and Halong Bay: Daytime temps average 72°, while night time temps average 60°
Hue and Hoi An: Daytime average 73°, night time average 66°
Siem Reap: Daytime average 87°, night time average 71°
Pre-Trip: Luang Prabang: Daytime average 84°, night time average 64°
What should I wear?
Pack light weight clothes with a light jacket or sweater. Cool and casual are the operative words here! Be sure to pack sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes. Dress standards can be more conservative outside of major cities in Southeast Asia. To respect this, and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend wearing modest clothing. This means clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, particularly in pagodas and religious sites.
Do I need to get any vaccinations?
Nothing specific is required, but you should be up-to-date with all routine vaccinations. Consult the Center for Disease Control website for current recommendations: For travel to Vietnam, Cambodia, or Laos. Check with your physician at least 30-60 days prior to travel.
Are there any special precautions for COVID-19?
Currently, there are no COVID-related travel restrictions when entering any of the Southeast Asian countries we are visiting from the United States or when returning to the United States. We will, of course, advise if this changes.
Are there any special requirements/documents I need to visit Vietnam, Cambodia, or Laos?
Yes! So glad you asked. You must have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity from the date of re-entry to your home country. Visas are required for US citizens to enter each of the countries on our trip. The visas are issued electronically and are not included in your trip price, as you will enter your credit card information at time of purchase. Further details will be provided closer to our trip dates.
IMPORTANT: Vietnam and Laos require travelers to have two consecutive completely blank pages in their passport upon each arrival in the country. You will be denied entry if you do not have at least two consecutive blank pages. This does not include endorsement pages.
Two consecutive pages means if you are looking at your open passport, both the left and right sides should be blank. Since we are visiting other countries, you should have two sets of two consecutive pages blank (four pages total – if you are doing the pre-trip to Laos).
What about airfare?
International airfare is not included in the package. We can assist with reservations for a service fee of $75 per person. (Service fee is waived for WOW! Travel Club alumni.)
Will I need an adapter to plug in my appliances and chargers?
In the United States, we have plugs A and B. In Vietnam, they use power outlets of type A, C and D. In Cambodia they use power outlets of type A, C and G. In Laos, they use power outlets of type A, B, C, E and F. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins, plug type D is the plug which has three round pins in a triangular pattern. Plug type E has two round pins and a hole for the earth pin (type C will work in type E). Plug type F is similar to a Type E plug; however, instead of a hole for the earth pin, it has two earth clips on the sides (type C will work in type E). Please note: even with an adapter, a US hairdryer should not be used. All hotels will have hairdryers available.
Can I use my cell phone in Southeast Asia?
With most providers, it’s best to activate an international data and telephone plan. We suggest that you contact your carrier to discuss potential costs for data and voice communications.
What is the currency?
The official currency in Vietnam is the Vietnam đồng, symbolized by ₫ or VND. Vietnamese notes are a mix of small paper bills (no coins are used), and larger polymer bills, in values from 10,000 VND to 500,000 VND. As of this posting (January 2024), the exchange rate is 24,477 VND to one USD. For reference, a bottle of beer at a cafe is 20,592.09₫ or $.84. A great way to figure out prices while you travel is to install an exchange app on your phone – we recommend My Currency Converter (it’s free to install).
As for Cambodia: The official currency in Cambodia, the Cambodian riel (KHR) and trades at around 4,000 riel to one USD. For reference, a bottle of beer at a cafe is 3000KHR or $.73. Interestingly, there’s a high level of dollarization in the country – meaning, the US dollar is Cambodia’s unofficial second currency. Most restaurants and shops will take USD – just make sure they are crisp, clean, unmarked bills.
In Laos: The official currency is the Lao kip (LAK). Notes come in denominations of 500 to 50,000. There are no coins. U.S. dollars are accepted and are generally used for larger transactions. If you are carrying larger amounts of cash, then it is best to carry dollars. Also bear in mind that the kip is non-exchangeable outside Laos. For reference, a bottle of beer at a cafe is 15000LAK or $.72.
Of course, Visa and Mastercard credit cards (many merchants do not accept Amex) are accepted widely, as well as USD. Bank-associated ATMs are available and generally charge a better exchange rate than an exchange office.
What about travel insurance?
We recommend insurance to cover financial penalties if you need to cancel your trip. Information will be provided upon receipt of deposit. Here are links to two travel insurance providers: Travel Guard and MedJet.
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