Highlights of Asia

This morning we travel to Vang Vieng passing some stunning scenery on route. The landscape here is just as impressive as the final destination and you will witness scenes of village life on the way. The serene town of Vang Vieng is situated on a plateau surrounded by mystical limestone caves and beautiful waterfalls. The area is inhabited by the Hmong and Yao tribes, and the countryside here offers some of the most beautiful scenery in the country.

Indulge in some local cuisine and explore the markets which are filled with fruits and handcrafted textiles. The food in Laos is colourful, vibrant and packed with herbs and spices. Sticky rice is a staple and you will see the residents eating it by hand and dipping it into various sauces.

Approximate Travel Times 4h on a local bus including a 30 min lunch break.

Optional Excursions

Bamboo rafting/kayaking including visit to caves – US$20 • Caves – most entry fees are US$2

Accommodation

1 night(s) in a guesthouse at Garden Pany Hotel or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

Today we enjoy a scenic Tuk Tuk ride through the incredible scenery and out to see local villages and rice paddies. Make sure to bring a swimming costume as we will also visit the Blue Lagoon where you can take a dip. Lush jungle, hanging trees and crystal blue waters make this hot spot a fun and beautiful place to swim and relax.

The rest of the day is free to further explore and relax. A great option is to hire a bike and explore the surrounding area further. Thanks to the nature that surrounds it Vang Vieng is the perfect place for a host of outdoor activities and you could tube down the river, kayak or explore the nearby caves. Simply walking through the rice paddies is a great way to experience the calm nature of the area and be sure to look out for giant snails, dragonflies and frogs!

Included Excursions

Scenic Tuk Tuk ride to the Blue Lagoon

Optional Excursions

Bamboo rafting/kayaking including visit to caves – US$20 • Caves – most entry fees are US$2

Accommodation

1 night(s) in a guesthouse at Garden Pany Hotel or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

Enjoying more of the calming scenery in Laos we make our way to Luang Prubang on a four hour local bus journey. Many say that Luang Prabang is the most memorable town in all of Laos. Renowned for a fascinating history and its many temples, Luang Prabang refers to the holy Pra Bang, Laos' most sacred image of the Buddha given to Fa Ngoum.

As you explore you will see that Luang Prabang is dominated by Phousi - the marvellous hill-top temple that sits in the middle of the town. A popular highlight of any visit to Luang Prabang is to visit Wat Tham Phousi located on a small 'mountain' in the town's centre offering breathtaking views of the town and surrounding area. You'll notice a combination of Lao, French and Lao-French colonial influence as you admire the city's buildings and architectural highlights - all of which you can see discovering the town on foot.

Approximate Travel Times 4h45 on a private minibus.

Included Excursions

Entry to Mount Phousi

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Malida Hotel or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

We awake early to visit the monks at sunrise who collect alms that are donated by the locals. This is a very memorable experience and gives great insight into the local traditions and way of life of the Laos people, which dates back centuries. The practise is done early since monks cannot eat after midday.

The rest of the day is free to enjoy the sites. Head to the beautiful cascading Kuang Si Falls, a multi level waterfall with the green and blue waters flowing into each other. The area is perfect for a relaxing dip and is well maintained with walkways and bridges.

You could also explore Luang Prubang's best known Buddhist temple, Wat Xieng Thong, which dates back to the 1500's.

Included Excursions

Early visit to see Monks collect alms

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Malida Hotel or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

We return to Thailand and the head to the Rose of the North otherwise known as Chiang Mai. A vibrant and bustling city, Chiang Mai is renowned for its temples and unique old city. Founded in 1296, it was the capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom until 1558. The city is a wonderful blend of old and new, with plenty of temples to be seen. The surrounding mountainous landscape makes for the perfect backdrop, and there are also some lovely gardens and parks to relax in. Chiang Mai is also the largest city in northern Thailand and provides a lovely contrast to Bangkok.

We arrive early evening in time to explore the local area and enjoy some Thai cuisine. Chiang Mai has a mouth watering food scene with plenty on offer for everyone.

Approximate Travel Times 1.15hr flight to Chiang Mai.

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Winner Inn or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

Today is free to enjoy the city and its host of activities. Learn the secrets of Thai cuisine on a cooking course, indulge in a relaxing massage in some of the best spas in the country or take in a night time Muay Thai match. Chiang Mai is also home to a dazzling night bazaar where you can sample street food and browse the large selection of crafts, clothing and art.

Northern Thailand is famous for having amazing food and there will be plenty local delicacies to sample. Try the Khao Soi, a coconut and curry soup filled with egg noodles and topped with crispy noodles.

Optional Excursions

Thai cookery course – THB 800 per person (depending on class size) • Doi Suthep temple by Songthaew (type of Thai vehicle) – THB 300 • Bicycle tour – from THB 800 per day • Watch Muay Thai Boxing - From THB 400

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Winner Inn or similar

Meals

1 Basic Breakfast(s)

A highlight of Chiang Mai is to visit Doi Suthep, located about 12 km outside the city that has fantastic views of the surrounding area. The mountain is also home to a 13th century temple and replica of the Emerald Buddha.

Take a stroll down San Kamphaeng Road, also known as the Handicraft Highway due its pottery, wood carving and silk products. This area is also well known for selling Celadon, a type of pottery that has a green glaze making it look almost like jade. Some of the finest silversmiths in Thailand also sell their work here, so keep an eye out for some unique jewellery.

Optional Excursions

Thai cookery course – THB 800 per person (depending on class size) • Doi Suthep temple by Songthaew (type of Thai vehicle) – THB 300 • Bicycle tour – from THB 800 per day • Watch Muay Thai Boxing - From THB 400

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Winner Inn or similar

Meals

1 Basic Breakfast(s)

This morning we travel to our next destination, the ancient and golden city of Sukhothai.

A UNESCO World Heritage City, Sukhothai is home to various temples and other historical sites. The Sukhothai Kingdom, which ruled from around the 12th to the 14th century, is known as the birthplace is Thai civilisation, and where Thai art and language have their origins.

Tomorrow we will enjoy a bike tour of the Historical Park and it's sites, so the rest of today gives the perfect opportunity to relax and perhaps sample some of the food on offer. Check out the markets and try one of the beloved dishes, such as the Sukhothai noodles, a style of rice noodle soup which is popular in the area.

Approximate Travel Times 5h30 on a local bus.

Accommodation

1 night(s) in a guesthouse at Vitoon Guest House or similar

Meals

1 Basic Breakfast(s)

Sukhothai is a wonderful place to soak up Thai history and tradition, and today we do just that in the Historical Park. It has over 200 ancient sites to be explored, including temples, ruins, statues and other religious symbols. We depart just after breakfast while the weather is still cooler, with the opportunity to stop for ice cream on route.

A must see in the park is the Wat Si Chum, which is home to what is said to be Thailand's most beautiful Buddha statues. Wat Saphan Hin, due its elevated position, offers views of the surrounding area and the 11 meter tall Buddha found here was once a favourite spot for royalty to worship.

Included Excursions

Bicycle tour of Sukhothai Ancient ruins

Accommodation

1 night(s) in a guesthouse at Vitoon Guest House or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

This morning we hop on a local train and head for Bangkok. The following four days are free in Bangkok to soak up the city, take a day trip or two or simply relax and recharge before the next section of your trip!

You could take your own street food walking tour, enjoying delicacies from the many vendors dotted around the city. Foods to look out for include green papaya salad, Thai fried rice, Pad thai and pork skewers. You could even take a Thai cookery course and learn more about the secrets behind these mouth watering foods.

Approximate Travel Times 7h30 on a local train.

Optional Excursions

Entrance to the Grand Palace – THB 500 • Thai Massage per hour from – THB 250 • Thai cookery course – from THB 1200 • Bangkok canal tour – from THB 750 • Wat Arun – Entry THB 100 • Golden Mountain – THB 50 • Chatuchak Weekend Market (Saturday and Sunday only) – Free

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at New Siam II or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

This morning we enjoy a short riverboat trip experiencing a different perspective of the Bangkok skyline. We disembark at Wat Pho and visit the famous reclining Buddha.

If you have booked post tour accommodation, tomorrow you can also visit the famous Chatuchak Weekend Market, Bangkok's largest market which is also said to be the largest in the world. There are over 15,000 stalls offering anything and everything that you could dream of. Mingle with the locals and immerse yourself in the bustle of vendors and shoppers going about their daily lives.

Included Excursions

Bangkok River boat to the Giant Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho (entrance included), walking back via the Grand Palace. (entrance and guide to Grand Palace optional)

Optional Excursions

Entrance to the Grand Palace – THB 500 • Thai Massage per hour from – THB 250 • Thai cookery course – from THB 1200 • Bangkok canal tour – from THB 750 • Wat Arun – Entry THB 100 • Golden Mountain – THB 50 • Chatuchak Weekend Market (Saturday and Sunday only) – Free

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at New Siam II or similar

Today is free to enjoy Bangkok. Walk Khao San Road and explore the markets in the surrounding area, or visit one of the many museums in the city. If you would prefer to get away from the hustle and bustle for an afternoon, wander around the lush green spaces and lakes in Saranrom or Lumphini Park.

You could also spend time at the floating market, sampling all sorts from fruit to coconut ice cream. An afternoon in a local spa getting a Thai massage is always a popular activity! There are plenty to choose from and you can choose foot massages, head massages or if you really need it, a full body massage!

Optional Excursions

Entrance to the Grand Palace – THB 500 • Thai Massage per hour from – THB 250 • Thai cookery course – from THB 1200 • Bangkok canal tour – from THB 750 • Wat Arun – Entry THB 100 • Golden Mountain – THB 50 • Chatuchak Weekend Market (Saturday and Sunday only) – Free

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at New Siam II or similar

Today we travel overland into Cambodia and the small but vibrant and historically important city of Siem Reap. Not only is Siem Reap the gateway to the ancient temples of Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat (of Lara Croft movie fame!), but it's also a modern travellers Nirvana, with culinary delights ranging from tasty and downright unusual street food to mouth-watering high-end restaurants.

This evening the group will head out to the famous Pub street with the tour leader to sample a local beer or to catch a local apsara dance show.

Approximate Travel Times: 8 hours on a tourist bus (including a 1 hour stop at the border for immigration. This stop may be shorter or longer depending on the day)

Included Excursions

Organised evening of drinks with group

Optional Excursions

Tonle Sap Lake entrance including boat ride – from US$7 (depending on group size) • Landmine Museum entrance – US$5 (return tuktuk will cost 15 to 20 USD)

Accommodation

1 night(s) in a guesthouse at Lub D Hotel or similar

Today you are free to explore Angkor Wat, the most famous temple in Cambodia. There are over one thousand temples here which attract over one million visitors annually. The temples range from small ruins to the famous Angkor Wat, and the site is said to be the world's largest single religious monument.

Angkor Wat, a UNESCO world heritage site, pays homage to the Hindu god Vishnu and has a dazzling array of beautiful ornate carvings. The many ceremonial structures and temples here were built between the 9th and 13th centuries by the Khmer Empire that spanned a period of approximately 600 years. These temples are some of the most famous in the world and take up an area of approximately 160 square kilometres.

You can either make your own way by tuk tuk to the close-by Archaeological Park, or your tour leader can arrange a group tour with an experienced and knowledgeable guide. A good option is to wake early to enjoy the sunrise with the wonderful photo opportunities, Capture the sunrise reflection of Angkor Wat in the surrounding lakes and ponds or the less busy but no less spectacular views from atop Angkor Hill, looking down into the Angkor complex through the early morning haze.

Please Note Entrance to Angkor Wat is not included on the tour.

Optional Excursions

Entrance to Angkor Wat

Accommodation

1 night(s) in a guesthouse at Lub D Hotel or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

Today's journey through rural Cambodia brings us to Phnom Penh, Cambodia's bustling capital city with a very turbulent past. Sitting on the juncture of the Mekong River and the Tonle Sap river, Phnom Penh has been the national capital since the French colonised Cambodia during the 19th century. The city has grown from a small fishing village to what is now the industrial, commercial, cultural and historical centre of Cambodia.

Phnom Penh is a welcoming and friendly city, abundant with culture, arts and music, far removed from the darker chapters in the country's history.

At night, why not head down to the riverside to experience the international and local cuisine scene and a slow cold Cambodian beer.

Approximate Travel Times: 7 hours on a tourist bus including lunch stop.

Optional Excursions

Royal Palace – US$10 • National Museum – US$10 • The Silver Pagoda – US$3 • Wat Phnom – US$2

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Pacific Hotel or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

Today we visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former school which was transformed into one of the Khmer Rouge's most feared prison and torture camps during the Pol Pot regime. The building is now a haunting tribute to the thousands who died here and at the other 150 similar camps throughout the country in the late 1970's. Those who were detained at the camp were later taken and executed at the Choeung Ek extermination Centre, more commonly known as "The Killing Fields", a site we also visit to learn more of and try to understand this wonderful country's turbulent past.

Whilst the aforementioned visits are included in the tour they are also entirely optional should anybody prefer not to visit, in which case you will be free to further explore other activities and landmarks in the city.

Included Excursions

Tour of the Killing Fields and Genocide Museum

Optional Excursions

Royal Palace – US$10 • National Museum – US$10 • The Silver Pagoda – US$3 • Wat Phnom – US$2

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Pacific Hotel or similar

Meals

1 Buffet Breakfast(s)

Today we travel South along the Mighty Mekong River by boat with our final destination being Vietnam and the border town of Chau Doc , the gateway to the Mekong Delta.

In Chau Doc you can enjoy your first authentic Vietnamese meal and a stroll along the Mekong River before retiring for the night and a brief, yet welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of South East Asian city life.

Approximate Travel Times: 6 hours on a river boat (equipped with toilet)

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at La Felix Hotel or similar

Meals

1 Buffet Breakfast(s)

The bustling city of Ho Chi Minh is the former capital of South Vietnam and formerly known as Saigon until the end of the Vietnam War (around 1975) and the infamous ‘Fall of Saigon” when the city was renamed after North Vietnam’s illustrious and revered leader Ho Chi Minh. Originally a small fishing village, it is now the most important economic centre in Vietnam and is the largest city in the country.

We start our exploration of this captivating city with a local walking tour where we will visit Ben Thanh Market, Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral & Post Office, Independence Palace and the War Remnants Museum.

Included Excursions

Local walking tour of Ho Chi Minh City including entrance to the War Remnants Museum

Optional Excursions

Mekong Delta: Early morning boat trip to the Floating Market and Local Village – price varies depending on numbers Ho Chi Minh: The Reunification Palace – VND 40,000 • Cu Chi Tunnels - VND 235,000 (only available for those who have booked extra time in HCMC)

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at La Felix Hotel or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

Your adventure of a lifetime comes to an end today. If you have a late flight or have lengthened your stay by adding post tour accommodation you will have more time to explore the sights.

Meals

1 Buffet Breakfast(s)