The world's a big place, but for those in the know, South East Asia is on the radar as the continent that has it all with thousands of ways to thrill and chill. Experience amazing contrasts such as from Thailand's capital, where Mercedes compete with tuk tuks and skyscrapers press against ramshackle shop houses, to the serenity of the postcard-perfect Mekong Delta which is all rice paddy fields, coconut palms and sugar fields being tended by farmers in conical shaped hats. Experience the unique and intriguing country that is Laos, with its isolated villages, peaceful and spiritual tribes and French colonial past. Be spellbound as you move from Angkor Wat in Cambodia's jungle to the French colonial atmosphere of Phnom Penh, learning about this fascinating country's tortuous past along the way. This is a tour that allows you to explore and experience all the thrills and chills of Thailand, Laos and Cambodia.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Bangkok
It’s big, booming and bustling and the gateway to Asia, its Bangkok! Meet your crew before sampling the spicy, varied nightlife. Patpong neon lights, Lumpini markets or high class cocktails? Dancing, dining and discovering, this is a city that never sleeps. Hotel
Day 2 Bangkok to Chiang Mai
It’s a culture vulture morning visiting temples, before taking a long-tail boat ride through the waterways of Bangkok where traditional Thai life continues. Relax into the daily rhythm as locals wash, fish and work from ramshackle buildings in criss-crossing canals. Shopping is the national sport, so in the afternoon dive into the endless delights of shopping meccas like Silom, MBK Centre, Siam Square and Sukhumvit before jumping aboard the overnight train to Chiang Mai. Overnight Train (B)
Day 3 Chiang Mai
Head for the hills with the local guide, visit the Wat Phra Thad and later, visit a nearby village to meet and experience the culture of the colourful Hmongs, one of the major hill tribes of Northern Thailand. You could take an Optional cooking class, chill by the pool or kick around town. Hotel (B)
Day 4 Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
Refreshed by the mountain air of Chang Rai, head deeper towards the picturesque Golden Triangle, where the Laos, Myanmar and Thailand borders meet. After a short city orientation with your group, there’s time to explore. In the afternoon, there’s an option to visit the unique villages and see the way of life of the Akha and Yao hilltribes. Hotel (B)
Day 5 Chiang Rai to Pakbeng
After crossing the Thai/Laos border, tuk-tuks whisk you to a private traditional boat. Cruise the mighty Mekong River, the 12th longest river in the world crossing 6 countries. Drift through towering, jungle covered gorges, taking sneak peeks of local life in remote villages along the river banks. Arrive before sunset at a local Guesthouse in Pakbeng for an authentic overnight Lao experience. Guesthouse (B,L,D)
Day 6 Pakbeng to Luang Prabang
Start the day by hearing the busy clatter and distinct scents of the local morning markets in Pakbeng. Continue cruising the Mekong, stopping at the Tam Ting cave where locals have placed hundreds of Buddha statues, finally arriving in Luang Prabang. Take a bike tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town and peruse the night markets where hill tribes sell their textiles and handicrafts. Hotel (B,L)
Day 7 Luang Prabang
Try one of the optional activities including a half day kayak adventure or visit the Elephant Park Project and learn about their conservation efforts. Maybe simply take a break from the hustle and bustle, enjoy a cold Beer Lao – the national drink, and soak up the chilled ambience of this sleepy and charming Laotian town. Stroll the historic streets which feature a unique architectural blend of Asia and colonial French styles, or visit some of the 32 temples! Hotel (B)
Day 8 Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng
Make an early start to take part in the ritual of offering alms (food) to the hundreds of Buddhist monks as they take make their daily rounds. Travel by coach through the unique and spectacular limestone rocks jutting from the otherwise flat landscape. Arrive in Vang Vieng and get active by either jumping in a rubber tube down the river or taking a cycling tour. Hotel (B)
Day 9 Vang Vieng to Vientiane
After a free morning, depart for Vientiane, the capital of Laos. Learn about the effects on Laos of The Indochina or “Forgotten” War at the COPE Exhibition Centre. Visit temples and the ‘Arc de Triomphe’, a nod to Laos’ French colonial past. You’ll have an option to enjoy an authentic Laotian meal at Makphet. Here they train former street children, and return the restaurant’s profits to the Peuan Mit street children project to keep training the next generations of chefs. Hotel (B)
Day 10 Vientiane to Phnom Penh
Goodbye Laos and hello Cambodia as you travel by plane to the capital. Enjoy free time to explore the city once known as the “Pearl of Asia”. Boasting broad, French styled boulevards, walk the streets and absorb the local colour or visit one of the many museums about the regime of the Khmer Rouge. Hotel (B)
Day 11 Phnom Penh
Today tour the Royal Palace and view first-hand, the legacy of the violent Khmer Rouge at the “Killing Fields” genocide sites. Spend a free afternoon visiting boutique shops, and as a highlight, pick an option to travel by tuk-tuk to a 120 year old French colonial building for a traditional Khmer meal before ending the night at a roof top bar. Hotel (B)
Day 12 Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
Today we fly to Siem Reap to see an archaeological wonder of the world. Travel by tuk-tuk to Angkor Wat and explore the temple complex of Angkor, built in the 13th century and comprising of 282 temples, one of the biggest religious monuments ever built. Chillout as the sun sets over the ruins and return for a free night in Siem Reap. Hotel (B)
Day 13 Siem Reap
Explore the floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake by wooden boat before an atmospheric visit to other Angkor temples set in tropical jungle surrounds. You’ll recognise scenes from the movie Tomb Raider with the exotic Ta Phrom (temple). Hotel (B)
Day 14 Finish in Siem Reap
You might receive an early-morning good luck blessing by Buddhist monks before your tour ends around midday. (B)