TRAVEL INDOCHINA this week launched its latest Small Group Journeys brochure with more itineraries to Asia than any other group tour operator in the UK. Focusing on its area of specialism - Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos - the operator�s new brochure contains new and unique itineraries along with innovative improvements on its best selling classics.

Travel Indochina has introduced 16 new journeys as well as a new destination � Japan � for 2009/10 and increased its focus on responsible travel by highlighting various elements that support the local region and people. The operator has also added a new 13-day Indochina Footprints tour that includes 2-days� volunteering on projects in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, plus a donation by Travel Indochina of US$100 per traveller taking this trip, to the local charities the operator supports.

Amongst the new small group journeys for 2009/10 are: the 15-day �Cycling Cambodia and Vietnam� - where travellers get to take advantage of the new border crossing at Ha Tien; the 15-day �Secrets of Japan� - which is one of three tours featured for this new destination; and the 12-day �Vietnam Insight� that includes staying on a traditional junk boat on Halong Bay and a relaxing stay deep in the Mekong Delta to really soak up the unique atmosphere.

Travel Indochina now features seven Asian destinations � Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, China & Tibet, Thailand, India and Japan - in the brochure with the emphasis on taking travellers to see and experience the �real� Asia in groups no larger than 15 people. With six offices on the ground in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos the operator has more local knowledge than many other operators to this region and their itineraries reflect this. Chris Orme, Travel Indochina�s general manager comments on the new brochure: �This new small group journeys brochure is our largest to date and epitomises our commitment not to cut corners on our itineraries even in these times of economic downturn. Whilst some operators are doing away with western tour leaders, we place continued value on the insight our passionate Asia-based team brings to our travellers. Our local knowledge ensures that our programme is right up to date with what is happening in the region and we can incorporate new hotels, tours, places of interest and logistical changes into our itineraries, which can really make a difference to what is usually someone�s only visit to a country.�

�We are also pleased to introduce this year a tour whereby people can give something back by helping at various projects on route, something that is increasingly popular for travellers. We have also included elements throughout the programme to highlight our commitment to responsible travel such as stays in eco lodges and local home stays, visits to local businesses, restaurants, markets and handicraft centres,� adds Mr Orme.

Key highlights of the new 2009/10 brochure: � 16 new journeys added � now totalling 59, more than any other UK operator to Asia � Japan added with three different tour itineraries � Seven destinations � Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, China & Tibet, India, Japan � Main journey�s renamed from �standard� to �classic� to highlight the quality, character and central locations of the 3* & 4* accommodation on the itineraries � �Classic� accommodation that ranges from eco-lodges to colonial hotels, boutique hotels to beachside properties, home-stays to guesthouses, tented camps to palaces � �Deluxe� options with luxury, 5* accommodation available at legendary hotels such as the Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh and Hanoi�s Sofitel Metropole or unusual options such as the Art Deco Evason Villas in Dalat and the Osian Camel Camp, India � Focus on responsible travel throughout the brochure, plus new �Indochina Footprints� journey with US$100 to charity for every traveller

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Editor�s notes: Additional high res photography available on request. Travel Indochina has 15 years� experience in operating small group journeys to �the real� Asia and unlike many other travel companies limits its group size to a maximum of 15 people. The smaller groups enable travellers to gain the best from both worlds - greater access to the local culture and plenty of opportunities for independent exploration.

Media Enquiries: Richard Hume, Hume Whitehead Limited T. 020 8334 7026 E. richard@humewhitehead.co.uk W. www.travelindochina.co.uk