This was a fantastic tour. This tour page will be left up for a time for reference.

Southeast Asia
World Heritage Sites

A Soft Adventure Tour

February 2-21, 2007
 

Harlan Hague

Writing
Travel
Tours
Search

While enjoying the magnificent natural and cultural attractions of Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand, our tour will focus on World Heritage Sites in the four countries. World Heritage Sites are designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural organization. From UNESCO's web site: "Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration." World Heritage Sites include such far-flung wonders as East Africa's Serengeti, the pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and baroque cathedrals in Latin America. So too the designated World Heritage Sites in Southeast Asia are part of the cultural heritage of all peoples of the world.

ITINERARY

Be flexible; be cool: This itinerary is based on air schedules that can change abruptly. Though the itinerary should serve as a very close guide to how the tour will progress, some adjustments may be required, right up to the departure date. Hotels listed are our preferred and indicate the quality of our accommodation, but they could be changed. Any changes in flights or hotels will be shown on the hotel list and/or itinerary sent to you as part of your final documents. If changes are made after these are sent out, our Tour Leader will mention them in the first briefing in Hanoi.

International flights: Days devoted to international flights are not included in the numbering for the tour schedule. Take care to note that Day 1 is the arrival day in Hanoi, not the departure day from your home airport.

Booking your own air? Passengers booking their own air should reconfirm dates and start/end cities with Adventures Abroad periodically.

The Schedule

Day 1 Arrive in Hanoi
Transfer from the airport to our hotel today is included if Adventures Abroad booked your international air.

Hanoi is a lovely city with lakes, fine boulevards and flourishing parks, and a striking public center. The city is situated on the right bank of the Red River (Song Hong) which is spanned by two bridges, the old Long Bien Bridge and the new Chuong Duong bridge.

Depending on your arrival time, this day is free to wander about the city. Our Adventures Abroad guide can suggest what to see that will not be visited on the city tour on Day 5.
Overnight in Hanoi. Nikko Hotel. Dinner.

Day 2 Hanoi-Halong Bay
Pack a small overnight bag for the trip to Halong Bay. Your large bags will be stored securely in Hanoi. Halong Bay is almost always smooth as glass. That said, better be safe than sorry. If you are bothered by motion, take care to bring your usual remedy.

This morning we depart Hanoi by chartered bus for Halong Bay. We drive through the countryside, via the port city of Haiphong, arriving at Halong Bay in the early afternoon. Located on the Gulf of Tonkin, Halong Bay is dotted with more than 3,000 limestone peaks rising from its brilliant emerald water. With its white sandy beaches and grottoes created by wind and waves, it is one of the natural wonders of Vietnam and is designated a World Heritage Site. The name Halong means "where the dragon descends into the sea". A legend tells about a magnificent dragon that was sent by the gods to protect the country from an invading army. The angry dragon, lashing about with his tail, formed the islands and sea passages. So says the legend. Locals still look for "tarasque", Halong's version of the Loch Ness monster.

On arrival at Halong Bay, we will board our modern Huong Hai junk and enjoy a welcome drink. The Huong Hai (Ocean Flavors) junks, replicas of the original 18th century craft that sailed these waters, feature comfortable air-conditioned cabins with private bath, ample deck space and an on-board chef who prepares local dishes.

After lunch on board, we will sail around Dinh Huong Island, Ga Choi Island, Dog Island, Sail Island and visit Sung Sot Cave. Those who wish may swim at Titov Beach. We will enjoy sunset and dinner on board.
Overnight on the junk. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 3 Halong Bay-Hanoi
After breakfast on board, we sail to Man's Head Island and Tortoise Island, visit Luon Cave by small bamboo boat, and cruise on Bai Tu Long Bay. We'll enjoy an early lunch on board and disembark around noon and drive back to Hanoi, arriving in late afternoon. The rest of the day is free.
Night in Hanoi. Nikko Hotel. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 4 Hanoi
Today we have a full day of sightseeing, including the Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, a pilgrimage site. Unless something has changed since this writing, we will view only from outside since the interior is closed to visitors. The building was constructed from materials gathered from all over Vietnam. Modeled closely on Lenin’s Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh lies in this Vietnamese version. We will also admire the elegance of the One Pillar Pagoda, originally built in 1049. The temple is lotus-shaped and is situated in the middle of a water-lily pond.

Later we will visit the Ho Chi Minh Museum, with displays dedicated to the public and private side of Ho Chi Minh’s life. Next we tour the Fine Arts Museum, housed within a large colonial building, where we will see contemporary Vietnamese art and handicrafts. From the Fine Arts Museum, we will walk to visit the nearby Temple of Literature which was the site of the first national university dating back to 1076. This is one of Hanoi’s best-preserved ancient sites.

After lunch we will visit the new Ethnology Museum, one of Vietnam’s finest. Dedicated to the ethnic minorities of Vietnam, this museum provides educational displays and descriptions and provides a real insight to the ethnic groups found primarily in the high country. Our tour today will include a visit to the Lake of the Returned Sword and the nearby Old Quarter, also known as the Quarter of 36 Streets.

Tonight we will enjoy a water puppet show. This is a fantastic art form unique to Vietnam, deriving from the Red River Delta area.
Overnight in Hanoi. Nikko Hotel. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 5 Hanoi - Hue
This morning we transfer to the Hanoi airport for our short flight to Hue, a World Heritage Site.

Hue was the capital of the old Nguyen dynasty and traditionally one of Vietnam’s cultural, religious and educational centers. Here there are splendid tombs of the emperors, several stunning pagodas and the citadel which houses the forbidden Purple City, situated on the banks of the Perfume River.

This afternoon we tour the Citadel, a fortress surrounded by a moat that has a six-mile perimeter. At the Forbidden Purple City we can see the remains of the former home of the emperors. The Imperial City is built on the same principles as the Forbidden City in Beijing. It is enclosed by thick outer walls (Kinh Thanh) of 23-33 feet, along with moats, canals and towers. There are ten gates which pierce the four walls of the citadel, although many are in poor condition. The city has not only been damaged by war, but also by natural disasters such as floods, which inundated the city in the mid-nineteenth century to a depth of several feet. The complex has undergone partial restoration with the aid of UNESCO.
Overnight in Hue. Huang Giang Hotel. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 6 Hue - Hoi An
We begin our day by motorized sampan down the Perfume River to visit the delightful Thien Mu Pagoda, considered the finest pagoda in Hue. It was built in 1601 after an old woman appeared to Nguyen Hoang, the governor of Hue, and said that the site had supernatural significance. Later we continue our sampan ride to Emperor Tu Duc’s tomb, set amidst pine woods in a rural area near Hue.

This afternoon we travel from Hue to Hoi An by air-conditioned motor coach. En route, we will pass through the Truong Son Mountains, the former border between North Vietnam and South Vietnam. Hai Van Pass, or literally “Pass of the Ocean Clouds”, offers spectacular scenery over the South China Sea. After passing through Da Nang, we drive past the nearby Marble Mountains: five limestone peaks with marble outcrops known for their beauty and their caves. At the foot of Marble Mountain, an important religious site for the Chams, an ancient Vietnamese culture of Malay ethnic stock, one can see many artisans crafting fine marble objects.

We continue to one of the most charming towns in Vietnam, Hoi An. The ancient town, formerly Faifo, lies 32 km (20 miles) south of Da Nang on the banks of the Thu Bon River.
Overnight in Hoi An. Hoi An Hotel. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 7 Hoi An
Today we will enjoy the atmosphere of this small town, a World Heritage Site, on a walking tour. The unique architecture, the temples and the market make Hoi An one of the highlights of our trip.

We'll see the Japanese covered bridge, built in the sixteenth century, perhaps earlier. On its north side is a pagoda which is said to protect sailors. The bridge's name  reflects a long-standing belief that is was built by Japanese, although no documentary evidence exists to support the claim. At the Tran Family Temple, we will see the fusion between both the Chinese and Japanese styles. This temple has survived for fifteen generations.
Overnight in Hoi An. Hoi An Hotel. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 8 Hoi An-Da Nang-Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
This morning we have a bit of free time to further explore this charming town, known for its relaxed atmosphere and excellent shopping.

We depart by road to Da Nang, situated on a peninsula at the point where the Han River flows into the South China Sea. It lies close to the various ruins of the powerful ancient Kingdom of Champa. In Da Nang we visit the Cham Museum, which houses the largest display of Cham art anywhere in the world.

This afternoon we fly to Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon, as it is popularly called. This is the bustling business and tourist center of Vietnam. Immediately on arrival, we drive from the airport to the Cu Chi tunnels northwest of the city. This underground complex housed as many as 10,000 people during the height of the war. It contained sleeping quarters, hospitals and schools. Afterwards, we drive to our hotel in Saigon.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 9 Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon, Vietnam-Siem Reap, Cambodia
Today, we'll visit some Saigon highlights on our guided tour. We'll see the War Remnants Museum and Reunification Hall, formerly the site of Norodom Palace, the residence of the French governor-general of Indochina. It was here that tanks of the revolutionary army smashed down the gates and took control of Saigon. We then proceed to Cholon, the center of the city's Chinese population. This is one of the most vibrant sections of the city.

In late evening, we fly to Siem Reap for the night.
Overnight in Siem Reap. City River Hotel. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 10 Angkor Wat & Angkor Thom
Please note: Due to weather, flight times and other scheduling considerations, the order in which the Siem Reap area sightseeing is accomplished may change at the discretion of our Tour Leader.

This morning, we will visit the South Gate of Angkor Tom, Bayon Temple, Ba Poon, the Elephant Terrace and the Leper Temple.

This afternoon, we visit the magnificent grounds of the splendidly preserved twelfth century temple of Angkor Wat. Considered the best example of ancient Khmer architecture, it is the largest and most impressive of all Cambodian monuments. It is considered one of the finest religious structures in the world. The construction mirrors the concept of the ancient universe, and its bas relief carvings and intricate murals tell a fascinating story of life here over 800 years ago. The “Apsaras”, or Heavenly Dancers, have lost none of their grace and beauty as they cavort on the walls, frozen in time.
Overnight in Siem Reap. City River Hotel. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 11 Siem Reap: Banteay Srei
Today we visit some temples a bit farther afield, including the exquisitely carved Banteay Srei. Banteay Srei is something of an anomaly. It wasn't built by a King, but by a spiritual teacher, Yajnavaraha, the Brahman of King Jayavarman V, in A.D. 967. At that time, it was called Tribhuvana Mahesvara and stood in a town called Isvarapura. The name Banteay Srei means the "Citadel of Women". It was one of the first temples to be restored by the French early last century.

We will visit the Central Market at some point during our stay at Siem Reap.
Overnight in Siem Reap. City River Hotel. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 12 Siem Reap, Cambodia-Bangkok, Thailand
This morning, we will see the remaining highlights of the Petit Circuit: Sras Srang (Pool of Ablutions); Ta Keo (the first Khmer temple built entirely of sandstone); and Ta Prohm in its natural overgrown setting. This vast complex, covering several square miles and including carefully engineered canals and reservoirs to control flood waters and survive droughts, at its peak  was probably the largest city in the world, housing as many as one million inhabitants.

Early this evening, we fly to Bangkok.
Overnight in Bangkok. Miracle Grand Hotel (airport). Breakfast and dinner.

Day 13 Bangkok, Thailand-Luang Prabang, Laos
Late this morning, we fly to Luang Prabang, a World Heritage Site.

Note: the order of our sightseeing in Luang Prabang may vary, depending on flight schedules which change often.

In the 14th century, Luang Prabang was established as the royal capital by Fa Ngoum, the first monarch of Lan Xang, the “Land of a Million Elephants.” By this time, the city had already been the seat of local kingdoms for 600 years. According to legend, the site of the town was chosen by two resident hermits and was originally known as Xieng Thong (copper tree city).

We'll have an orientation of this charming town, with its one main street lined with colonial era buildings, housing, shops and cafes. We have a chance to explore the town on foot and to climb to the top of Phu Si Hill. Looking directly downwards, one can see that the former royal palace has a cruciform ground plan. We finish at Ban Phanom, a 300 year old weaving village, where shawls and sarongs are made from silk and cotton. The people in this area, originally from South China, were traditionally the King’s weavers, soldiers and palace servants. The inhabitants make sarongs (pha sin) with dragon motifs (lai naak) and shawls (pha biang), which are often dyed an indigo color, using a natural dye extract from the plant, Indigofera tinctoria. Some of the cloth woven in the village is embroidered with delicate silver and gold thread. From a very young age, girls are taught  the skills which were handed down from their forebears in Xishuangbanna District in China’s Yunnan Province.
Overnight in Luang Prabang. Le Parasol Blanc Hotel. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 14 Luang Prabang: Pak Ou Caves
An early departure today takes us to the Mekong River for a boat journey to visit the Pak Ou Caves. The covered boat is long and quite large, with comfortable seat cushions, life jackets and a WC.

The Pak Ou caves are two clefts in the side of a mountain, filled with thousands of ancient Buddha images. The site has long been sacred for the Lao, even prior to Buddhism, when they worshipped spirits. The lower cave has over 4,000 images, ranging from three inches to nine feet tall, stuck into nooks and crannies. The upper cave's Buddha images are placed far back into the cliff, so it is wise to carry a flashlight. Highlights of a trip to the caves are the delightful views of the mountains, villages, and fishermen during the two-hour boat ride.

We return to Luang Prabang where we visit some of its most famous and beautiful temples. We tour the 16th century Wat Xieng Thong, which has a richly decorated wooden interior. Wat Mai is another historic temple of classic Luang Prabang design, with gracefully curved roofs. We'll see many centuries-old wooden Buddha statues at Wat Wisunalat. We finish with a visit to Wat That Luang and Wat Saen.
Overnight in Luang Prabang. La Parasol Blanc. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 15 Luang Prabang: Royal Palace
This morning we visit the Royal Palace in Luang Prabang, a museum containing a collection of 15th-17th century Buddha statues, including the dazzling Golden Buddha. The last member of the Lao royalty to live here was Sisavang Vong’s son, Crown Prince Sisavang Vatthana. The private chapel is in one of the most interesting wings of the palace. Here we will see the priceless gold Phra Bang Buddha in Abhayamudra (dispelling fear). It is made from 90% pure gold and is said to weigh 110 pounds.

The remainder of the day is at leisure. Our Tour Leader will give us suggestions.
Overnight in Luang Prabang. La Parasol Blanc. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 16 Luang Prabang, Laos-Bangkok, Thailand
This day must be left flexible due to the fickle flight schedule. There will be free time in either Luang Prabang and/or Bangkok, depending on the flight time.
Overnight in Bangkok. Royal Benja Hotel. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 17 Bangkok
This morning, on a guided city tour, we will visit the Grand Palace, situated on the Chao Phraya River. Begun in 1782, the complex is a collection of buildings covering almost a square mile. Within the grounds, we visit Wat Phra Kaeo, known for the venerated Emerald Buddha. Sitting on a golden altar, it is carved from green jade and is only thirty inches high. Since its discovery in the 15th century, the Emerald Buddha has known many homes, including Lampang, Chiang Rai and two locations in Laos, Luang Prabang and Vientiane.

This afternoon, we visit Wat Pho, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. The temple, 200 years old, is the largest in Bangkok. On its grounds, we will see the tremendous 150 foot long, 49 foot high gold-plated reclining Buddha. The sole of his feet have detailed work of mother-of-pearl. Wat Pho also has more than 1,000 bronze images from Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, rescued by Rama I's brother.

We continue our day by crossing the “khlong” (river) by boat in order to visit Wat Arun, or the Temple of the Dawn. The temple is named after the Indian god of dawn, Aruna. It was built in the early nineteenth-century. Its tower is the highest in Thailand, measuring 265 feet. The tower, or “prang”, is covered with pieces of Chinese porcelain. Its beauty is particularly appreciated from a distance. Here there are superb statues of the Buddha at the most important stages of his life: at birth (north); in meditation (east); preaching his first sermon (south); and entering Nirvana (west).
Overnight in Bangkok. Royal Benja Hotel. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 18 Bangkok - Sukhothai: Si Satchanalai
This morning we fly to Sukhothai, declared in its entirety a World Heritage Site, and begin our sightseeing program on arrival.

Note: the order of sightseeing in the Sukhothai area may vary, due to local circumstances. The Tour Leader will brief the group on any changes.

We drive first to Si Satchanalai Historical Park. Together with Sukhothai, Si Satchanalai grew from a rural area to become an important urban center. The ancient town, formerly called "Muang Chailang," was named "Si Satchanalai" during the Phra Ruang Dynasty when a new administrative center was established to replace Chaliang. Ruins of 134 monuments have been discovered within the park. Inside the town walls of old Si Satchanalai are temples and Royal palaces and residences of court officials. Townspeople built their homes outside the walls, specifically along the eastern wall which curved along the bank of the Yom River. The city walls, pierced by seven entrances, were surrounded by moats.

We return to Sukhothai, passing through rich agricultural lands and small villages. Rice is a major crop in this area, as well as tobacco, which is grown extensively.
Overnight in Sukhothai. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 19 Sukhothai and Phitsanulok-Bangkok
This morning we visit the museum and archaeological site at Sukhothai. Wat Mahatat is dominated by a fourteenth-century lotus-bud tower and encircled by a moat. Some of the best architectural ornamentation is found in the main tower. Dancing figures and other scenes, such as Queen Maya giving birth to Prince Siddharta, and scenes from the life of Buddha are just some of the most notable features. We also see the remains of the Royal Palace. We continue our sightseeing by viewing Wat Si Sawai, a Hindu shrine, later converted into a Buddhist temple.

We continue to the Ramkhamhueng National Museum, which provides an excellent introduction to the historic city, including much in the Sukhothai style. Look for the chart showing the evolution of the Thai alphabet, thought to have been invented by King Ramkhamhaeng, a set of photographs showing the overgrown ruins before restoration in 1953, and a copy of a Khmer stone that has told scholars much about the history of the site.

This afternoon, we visit Phitsanulok, the birthplace of King Naresuan the Great of Ayuthaya, who reigned 1590-1605, and his brother, Prince Ekathosarot. Phitsanulok has long been an important center for political and strategic reasons. Phitsanulok also was a major recruitment center when Ayuthaya waged war with Burma, and was the capital of Thailand for twenty-five years during the reign of Ayuthayaos King Boromtrailokanat, 1448-1488.

Next we visit the monastery of Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, commonly called by the inhabitants as "Wat Yai". This is the most important monastery of Phitsanulok, the home of the famous Phra Buddha Chinnarat. It is located a the foot of Naresuan Bridge on the city side of the river. The monastery was built in the reign of Phra Maha Thamma Racha I (Phraya Lithai) in 1357. It houses the Phra Buddha Chinnarat, regarded as the most beaufiful Buddah image in Thailand. It is cast in the attitude of subduing evil.

We transfer to the Sukhothai airport for our early evening flight to Bangkok.
Overnight in Bangkok. Miracle Grand Hotel. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 20 Depart Bangkok
Leave Bangkok today for your flight home. Transfer to the airport today is included for those whose international air was booked by Adventures Abroad.
Breakfast.

Is traveling with a tour
right for you?

Before you decide to sign on this tour, or any tour, consider carefully whether tour travel is right for you. If you find it a bother and a distraction to have to research a destination, plan an itinerary, arrange transportation, search for accommodation, hunt for a place to eat,  handle baggage and other travel chores, a tour is right for you. On the other hand, if you would find adherence to a schedule planned by someone else too confining, if you prefer the flexibility of making changes on the spot, if you would find it a bore to see the same faces each morning, then you should not join a tour group. Traveling independently is more flexible to be sure, but it is considerably more difficult than tour travel. Tour group members are willing to give up some options for the assurance that they can devote their full attention to enjoying travel without the time-consuming distractions required by having to make their own day-to-day arrangements.

Tour members should be in reasonably good physical condition and health. While there are no heavy duty hikes scheduled, we will do some walking every day. Further, while porterage often will be available, there inevitably will be occasions when each tour member will have to handle all of his or her own luggage.

COSTS

Program fees listed below are per person, double occupancy. Fees are shown for three group sizes. We intend to form a group of 15-20.

                                           20 members  15 members  10 members

Land only                             US$2,750      US$2,895    US$3,130

Single supplement: none if you are willing to share  and we can pair you with a suitable roommate. Unfortunately, if we cannot, a single supplement of US$400 must be assessed.

Air

Internal air in Southeast Asia is included in the tour price.

International air: Adventures Abroad can book international air from your city. We're flying on Singapore Airlines, which repeatedly receives high marks and is often rated the world's best airline. On the outward flight, we will have an overnight in Singapore, provided and paid for by Singapore Airlines. If you want to spend more time in Singapore, on the outward or return flight, tell the Adventures Abroad agent when you are booking international air. See this web page for more information about the Singapore stopover.

Singapore Airlines is a member of the Star Alliance, but Adventures Abroad's contract with Singapore Airlines precludes earning frequent flyer miles. However, you can earn miles on any member airline of the Star Alliance, including United Airlines, by paying an additional fee. Ask the Adventures Abroad agent for details.

Taxes: Taxes are not included in the trip and international air quotes. The latter can change frequently and are not assessed until the final statement. The amount likely will be approximately $225-250. Taxes of $70 on the tour cost, which is associated with internal air in Southeast Asia, is billed in the initial statement that you receive after registering.

The tour price includes:

• Service of an expert Adventures Abroad guide.
• Transportation while on tour, from arrival in Hanoi to departure from Bangkok.
• Arrival and departure transfers in Hanoi and Bangkok if air booked through Adventures Abroad, and if you arrive on the first day of the tour and depart on the last day.
• Sightseeing and entrance fees
• Shared accommodation in 3 and 4 star hotels, or best available
• breakfast and dinner daily (also lunch on Halong Bay cruise)
• Porter service where available
• All gratuities (except for Adventures Abroad Tour Leader). Thus, one need not tip any others who provide services associated with the tour, such as bus drivers, local guides, baggage handlers, and hotel and restaurant employees, except where the service is personal rather than related to the tour.

The tour price does not include:

• International air. International air can be booked by Adventures Abroad and added to the land-only tour cost.
• Airport departure taxes and/or user fees
• Visa fees
• Arrival and departure transfers if air not booked by Adventures Abroad, and you do not arrive on the first day of the tour and depart on the last day
• Lunches (except included on Halong Bay cruise)
• Adventures Abroad Tour Leader gratuity

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Travel insurance is strongly recommended. When you register, the Adventures Abroad agent will ask if you wish to purchase travel insurance. Adventures Abroad uses RBC Insurance. You might wish to look at the RBC coverage in advance. Travel insurance is optional, and you may purchase from any provider you wish. Ask questions so you will know precisely what coverage is included.

Note: insurance companies that cover pre-existing conditions usually require that the insurance be purchased within 7-14 days of making your initial trip deposit. Investigate if you are concerned about coverage for a pre-existing condition. Also ask the insurance company for their definition of a pre-existing condition. It varies.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

Take care that your passport will be valid six months beyond the ending date of the tour. Upon booking, Adventures Abroad will send a packet describing how and when to procure visas for the countries that we will visit.

QUESTIONS?

All arrangements are handled by Adventures Abroad, a leading soft adventure travel company, specializing in culturally and ecologically responsible small-group travel.

In addition to the expert leadership of an Adventures Abroad guide, who will be with us the entire tour, the tour group will be escorted by Harlan Hague, Ph.D., writer and retired history professor. For information on my background and experience in organizing and escorting tours, please see my home page. I hasten to emphasize that I am not the guide. I am the tour organizer and escort. If you have questions, please write to me.

READY TO SIGN ON?

The Adventures Abroad office is open Monday-Saturday, 6:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Pacific time. If you are ready to book, or if you wish to contact Adventures Abroad directly, telephone 800-665-3998. Tell the agent that you are signing on "Tour QTH, Harlan Hague's Southeast Asia tour." Be prepared to give a $300 deposit by credit card for each registrant. You will be asked if you wish Adventures Abroad to book international air and whether you wish to purchase travel insurance. Tell the agent if you are doing the Singapore stopover. This will alter the departure date from your home airport.

Final Payment: if your final payment is made by cheque and will be  received in the Adventures Abroad office by 75 days before departure, deduct 1.75 % of the tour cost. This is explained in the tour packet that you receive after registering.