Asian Adventure for 18 - 35 Year Old Students and Young
Professionals
Overview
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 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 Vang Vieng to
Vientiane 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 Vientiane to
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 12Phnom
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)
Dates & Prices
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Prices |
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Dates |
Prices |
August 11 |
$1654 |
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September 6 |
$1654 |
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October 31 |
$1724 |
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November 14 |
$1724 |
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November 28 |
$1724 |
| December 12 |
$1724 |
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| December 26 |
$1724 |
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| 2011 |
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January 09 |
$1724 |
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| January 23 |
$1724 |
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February 06 |
$1724 |
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February 20 |
$1724 |
| March 06 |
$1724 |
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| March 20 |
$1724 |
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April 03 |
$1724 |
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April 15 |
$1724 |
| May 01 |
$1724 |
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| May 15 |
$1724 |
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| May 29 |
$1724 |
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July 10 |
$1724 |
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July 24 |
$1724 |
| August 07 |
$1724 |
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| August 21 |
$1724 |
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September 04 |
$1724 |
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September 18 |
$1724 |
| October 02 |
$1724 |
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*Prices are not guaranteed until time of booking
Important Trip Details
- On the day your tour begins, your Tour Manager will collect a
mandatory local payment in US$185 cash
- Single Room Supplement USD$379
- Start at 6:00pm & end approx. 12:00 noon
- Visas may be required
Highlights
All these highlights along
with city sightseeing are included in your tour
price!
Included
- Bangkok: Long-tail boat tour of the waterways and canals;
Unlimited Sky Rail pass to explore the shopping districts; Overnight
train to Chang Mai
- Chiang Mai: A visit to the Hmong Hilltribe village and
city orientation tour
- Mekong Delta: Travel in a traditional private boat with
onboard meals; Stay overnight in a local guesthouse visiting remote
villages’ markets
- Luang Prabang: A Bike tour of the UNESCO listed town; Take
part in the ritual of offering alms to the monks.
- Vientiane: A city tour including entry to the COPE
Exhibition Centre, to learn about the Indochinese War
- Phnom Penh: City tour and visit to the Khmer Rouge
“Killing Fields” genocide sites
- Siem Reap: Travel by tuk-tuk to Angkor
Wat, the largest religious monument in the world and watch sunset over the
ruins; Visit floating communities on Tonle Sap Lake; Visit the vine-covered Ta
Phrom temple, seen in Tomb Raider
Optional
Excursions
Chiang Mai
- Learn to cook Thai-style at a cooking Class at Chiang Mai
Cookery School (54 USD)
- Discover the secrets of Thai Cuisine – its subtle flavors
and unique presentation. The Thai Cooking School includes an
introduction to the ingredients, preparation and cooking of
traditional Thai food. Learn the Thai way to stir-fried, steam and
serve food and then enjoy your feast!
Chiang Rai
- Visit Akha & Yao hill tribes
- Experience the amazing cultures of two minorities- of the
Akha, who originated from Tibet and are among the poorest of
Thailand’s ethnic minorities. The Yao are from China and are still
influenced by Chinese traditions. Explore the ruins that dot the
countryside. Take in the view of the Golden Triangle. Experience Mae
Sai, northernmost town of Thailand and Burma and search for unique
souvenirs at the region's many flea markets.
- Visit the ‘Golden Triangle’ where 3 borders meet
Luang Prabang
- Half-day river kayaking adventure
- Enjoy floating through lush countryside and past villages
going about their daily life on this experience... you may even
encounter some small rapids along the way...
Vang Vieng
- Glide down the Mekong on a river tube
- Enjoy a pleasant trip floating 4km down the river. Relax and
enjoy the beautiful scenery!
- Cycle the countryside on a half day bike tour
- Enjoy the scenery as you cycle through the countryside,
taking in daily local life. Marvel at the forest products on offer at
Vang Vieng Market or learn about life at the H’mong village of the
Ban Phudindeng. Drop in at an Organic Farm,where mulberry tea and a
variety of Fruit wines are produced. Cycle back to Vang Vieng via Ban
Vieng Sa Mai village and cross the Nam Song river on a bamboo raft to
take in the awesome sight of rice field being worked by locals. * 4
person minimum *
Vientiane
- Dine at Makphet Restaurant, a training centre for former
street children which serves authentic Laos cuisine
- Makphet offer a wonderful selection of Lao cuisine, with
exceptional presentation of their dishes. Find out a little more
about the exceptional welfare work they do here and how you can
help.
Phnom Penh
- Visit the ancient capital of Udong
- Explore the remnants of ancient and modern history in the
ancient capital. Wander through ruins dating back to the 1600s before
paying respects at a memorial to the victims of Pol Pot. Let
Cambodia's amazing history soak into you.
- Take a tuk-tuk to a Khmer dinner in a 120 year old French
colonial building
Siem Reap
- Receive a good luck blessing ritual by Buddhist
monks
- Take part in a special blessings ceremony- be warned you
might get a bit wet... you want the luck to soak in!
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