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Days 1-2 | Bangkok

Your Asia Adventure tour begins in Thailand.

You can arrive at any time on day 1 as there are no activities planned until the important welcome meeting. Your leader will leave a note at reception telling you where and when this important meeting will take place. Please ask a member of reception for this information. The meeting will be followed by an optional group dinner.

Your leader will collect your local payment on day 1. Please bring notes/bills in large denominations.

Tonight we stay in a conveniently located 2 star hotel which has comfortable rooms with private facilities and airconditioning. The hotel also has a pool and roof top restaurant where you can take in the views of this wonderful city.

On day 2 we set off in the morning for a longtail boat tour of Bangkok's famous khlongs (canals), which is a wonderful opportunity to see Thai everyday life in action. We also make a visit to Wat Pho to see the world's largest reclining Buddha. The afternoon is free to return to the busy streets of Bangkok, to get a taste of Thai cuisine, do a bit more temple-hopping or simply hit the shops.

In the evening, we take a comfortable sleeper-train to Chiang Mai (approx. 14 hours). Trains are clean, with padded berths, sheets, pillow, blanket and boiling water available. Most trains have a dining carriage and there are snacks available on the train along the way.

Day 3 | Chiang Mai

We spend a whole day and night in Chiang Mai, a wonderful town with strong cultural influences from the surrounding hill-tribe villages. There are many options available here for the traveller. You can spend the day exploring the many ancient temples, browsing for handicrafts at the markets or wandering the old walled city of Chiang Mai. The view from the mountain temple of Doi Suthep is a must, and we take a trip up the mountain as a group. In the evening, wander through the enormous, colourful night bazaar, then relax and unwind at a fine restaurant along the riverfront. Make sure to sample some delicious traditional northern Thai food - the signature dish is kao soy, yellow wheat noodles in a curry broth, traditionally served with chicken or beef.

This night we stay in a guesthouse/hotel which has comfortable rooms on a twin or double basis with ensuite and air conditioning.

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Day 4 | Chiang Khong

It's a long journey by bus today, through rural countryside to the Thailand-Laos border (approx. 7 hours). The night is spent at a lovely rural border town on the banks of the majestic Mekong River, the lifeline of Indochina. Partake in a lovely meal and a well-earned drink this evening - there's no better way to enjoy the tranquillity!

Please note: Your trip may stay in either Chiang Khong or Huay Xai depending on availability.

This night we stay in a guesthouse/hotel in simple but clean accommodation.

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Days 5-6 | Mekong River

We board our boat for the two-day journey down the mighty Mekong River to Luang Prabang. The boat travels at a relaxed pace, giving us a chance to experience the slow pace of village life as well as to soak up breathtaking riverside scenery. We dock at the small town of Pak Beng to spend the night. The standard of accommodation in this trading port is simple but comfortable. The following morning we re-board our boat and cruise to the Pak Ou caves, home to thousands of carved Buddha images and figurines, before arriving in the former royal capital of Luang Prabang in the early evening.

Please note: The river boat is of a basic standard and some travellers may find the amount of room restrictive, though most of our travellers are happy with a book to read. Your leader will help arrange the purchase of food and drinks for the boat journey. It can also be quite cold from November to February so make sure you have some warm gear packed!

We arrive in Luang Prabang in the early evening of day 6.

These nights we stay in a guesthouse/hotel with twin or double rooms with private bathrooms and fans.

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Days 7-8 | Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang has a magical feel about it. Nestled in the hills of northern Laos, on the confluence of the Mekong and Khan Rivers, the city is studded with ornate temples and French colonial architecture. We visit the Traditional Arts Museum and afterwards, hop on a jumbo (a Laotian tuk-tuk) to the beautiful Kuang Si falls, where pale turquoise waters cascade over limestone formations. At the base of the falls there is a large pool offering the perfect place for a refreshing swim. Then there is free time to experience the charm of Luang Prabang on your own. A climb to the top of Mt Phoussi provides a fantastic view over the town and its surrounds. The Dala Market sells everything including the kitchen sink, so it's a great spot to browse, and if you'd like to experience more local culture, consider taking a long boat across the river to a traditional Laotian village.

These nights we stay in a guesthouse/hotel with twin or double rooms and private bathrooms.

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Days 9-10 | Vientiane

We take a short flight to Vientiane (approx. 1 hour), the most unlikely of capital cities. Life in Vientiane is relaxed, with daily affairs conducted at a slow pace. The country's history of isolation from modernity and the rest of the world has however, preserved its rich traditions and the city is a wealth of cultural delights to discover, on foot, by bicycle or, for the less energetic, by jumbo. Visit Laos' most important national monument, Pha That Luang, or go down the dusty tracks along the river to find villages full of friendly children, dogs and chickens. Vientiane's vibrant, colourful morning market (which, incidentally, is open all day!) is full of local treasures. A great way to round off the day is to enjoy a spectacular sunset over the Mekong.

Our accommodation in Vientiane is a basic hotel conveniently located to the city centre and Mekong riverside.

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Day 11 | Homestay

We begin the journey towards the Vietnamese border, travelling through spectacular mountain scenery before arriving in the township of Hin Boun, where we spend a night as guests in the homes of local villagers (approx. 6 hours). The facilities are basic but this is a great insight into the local culture - and most travellers find this one of the most rewarding aspects of the trip.

This night we stay in a multi-share homestay, where mattresses, bedding and mosquito nets are provided. Shared toilet and bathroom facilities are basic.

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Day 12 | Ninh Binh

On day 12 we say goodbye to sleepy Laos and complete immigration formalities to enter life in the fast lane of Vietnam. This contrast becomes immediately apparent as we cross the border, descending through the mountains of the Ho Chi Minh Trail and on to the rural plains of Nghe An province. This is an area brimming with postcard-perfect sights: emerald-green paddy fields, water buffaloes, limestone formations and little village hamlets. We spend our first night in Vietnam in the friendly small town of Ninh Binh (approx. 12 hours).

Tonight we stay at a 2 star hotel located in the centre of Ninh Binh near the local market. It has clean rooms with private facilities and air conditioning and a lovely restaurant and rooftop bar.

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Day 13 | Halong Bay

From Ninh Binh, it is a 4 hour drive to Bai Chay Harbour, where we board our Halong Bay boat and cruise among the magnificent scenery of the Halong Bay World Heritage-listed area. We explore at least one cave, swim if it is warm enough, and enjoy incredibly fresh seafood.

Our overnight accommodation on Halong Bay is on a sailing junk with twin bed cabins that have air-conditioning and private facilities. There is also a dining room and bar where we enjoy a sumptuous lunch, dinner and breakfast.

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Days 14-16 | Hanoi

On day 14 we travel by bus from Bai Chay to the attractive city of Hanoi (approx. 4 hours).

Hanoi is filled with old French charm, tree-lined boulevards and loads of character. Its vibrant old quarter, comprised of 36 streets where all manner of goods can be found, from silk to wood carvings and lacquer ware, make it a bargain hunter's paradise. The day is free to explore the many attractions of the capital before we attend a delightful performance with traditional water puppets.

Some places of interest include the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum, where you'll get an insight into Vietnam's recent history and there are a great number of peaceful temples and pagodas which offer a glimpse at the colourful religious culture of the country.

There will also be some free time for exploration; ask your group leader for ideas.

These nights we stay in a guesthouse/hotel, centrally located near the historic Temple of Literature. It has ensuite bathrooms and air conditioning.

On the evening of day 16, we board the historic Reunification Express for our overnight trip to Hue. The train ride is an adventure in itself, providing a wonderful opportunity to interact with the locals. We use four-berth compartments that are simple but comfortable (approx. 13 hours).

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Day 17 | Hue

Arriving in Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, we have a full day to enjoy the many sights and slower pace of this tranquil city. We visit the Imperial Citadel, one of the Nguyen Emperors' tombs as well as enjoy a dragonboat cruise on the Perfume River. Hue, renowned as the centre of Buddhism in Vietnam, has a wealth of pagodas and monasteries to discover. Being also a centre of education, there are often students around the city willing to act as personal guides and show you the many secrets of this regal city. Bustling Dong Ba Market offers all kinds of goods and foods to see and sample, including traditional Hue specialties such as banh khoai, a type of pancake made from cassava, sugar and coconut milk.

Our hotel in Hue is a modern 2 star hotel located near the centre of the city. It has clean twin and double rooms with ensuite and air conditioning, as well as a rooftop restaurant.

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Days 18-20 | Hoi An

Leaving Hue, our bus journey takes us south through beautiful rural landscapes and the picturesque fishing village of Lang Co before ascending the dramatic Hai Van Pass and on to the World Heritage Site of Hoi An (approx. 4 hours). Once a thriving port town, Hoi An retains much of its charming old architecture and hours can be spent discovering its age-old buildings and pagodas - you can even pop into an old house belonging to an established local family to learn about Hoi An citizens' ancient traditions, some of which still live on. Today, the townspeople trade in ceramics, wood-ware, paintings and tailoring - and this is the best place to get a suit custom-made or to pick up presents for the people back home.

The next three nights in Hoi An are spent in a friendly little hotel located near all the attractions of Hoi An Ancient Town. It has clean twin and double rooms with private facilities and air conditioning, as well as a restaurant and a pool.

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Days 21-22 | Ho Chi Minh City

A short flight from Danang brings us to Ho Chi Minh City, the economic hub of Vietnam (approx. 1 hour). The streets are an exhilarating tangle of pedestrians, motorbikes, cyclos, stalls-on-wheels, pavement cafes and markets, and it's virtually impossible not to be caught up by the city's buzz. In the afternoon, we take a leisurely tour of Saigon, in clever little contraptions called cyclos - a cross between a trishaw and a tricycle.

Our hotel is located close to the big, bustling Ben Thanh Market as well as the city's main shopping district, so there is much for you to explore and discover on your last day in Vietnam. You may also choose to take an optional trip out to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a huge network of claustrophobic tunnels which played a vital part in the Viet Cong's war efforts against the US Army.

Our accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City is a comfortable 2 star hotel centrally located in bustling District 1. It has twin and double rooms with ensuite and air conditioning.

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Days 23-24 | Phnom Penh

From Ho Chi Minh City we travel by public bus through rural Vietnam to Phnom Penh in Cambodia (approx. 6 hours). We confront the nation's tragic past as we visit the former school at Tuol Sleng which served as a Khmer Rouge torture centre. We also drive out to Choeung Ek and make a stop at the sobering Memorial Stupa, made up of over 8,000 human skulls, which marks the infamous Killing Fields. Afterwards, you're free to explore the city on your own. Phnom Penh has many attractions including the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, the Russian Market and the National Museum, where you can get your history and culture fix or pick up a few souvenirs. Then take a walk along Sisowath Quay, a wide boulevard lined with cafes and restaurants - it's the perfect way to end a day of sightseeing.

These two nights we stay in a basic hotel/guesthouse located right near the riverfront area. It has twin and double rooms with ensuite and air conditioning.

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Days 25-27 | Siem Reap/Angkor Wat

We take a bus from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap (approx. 5 hours), our base from which to explore the fascinating ruins of Angkor Wat, and nearby Angkor Thom. One of the greatest archaeological sites in the world, these temples were built between the 9th and 13th centuries when the Khmer Empire was the pre-eminent influence in South-East Asia. The temples were believed to represent the cosmic world and were set in perfect balance, symmetry and composition. They were built over an area of some 160 sq km and many of the most famous structures are clustered just a stone's throw away from Siem Reap.

There is plenty of time to explore the Angkor complex at leisure. Be sure to start off at the amazing Angkor Wat, the most well-known of the temples and the most magical at sunrise and sunset. Wander the Terrace of the Leper King for a closer look at the elaborate, intriguing carvings. And certainly don't miss the evocative Ta Prohm, where enormous strangler figs wrap around the crumbling stone structures in a deadly embrace.

Our accommodation in Siem Reap is a comfortable guesthouse 2 star hotel centrally located close to all the sights. It has twin and double rooms with ensuite and air conditioning.

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Days 27-29 | Bangkok

This morning, we travel by private bus to Bangkok (approx. 6 hours in the dry season, possibly longer in the wet season depending on road conditions).

We cross the border and head back to Bangkok on the evening of day 28. It's a great chance to see and do anything you missed the first time as well as the perfect place to enjoy a final meal with your travelling companions.

Tonight we stay in a conveniently located 2 star hotel which has comfortable rooms with private facilities and airconditioning.

There are no activities planned for day 29 and you are able to depart the hotel at any time. Check out time from the hotel is at 12 noon. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel.

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Itinerary Disclaimer

Please note: occasionally our itineraries are updated during the year to incorporate improvements stemming from past travellers' comments and our own research and may change with no prior notice.

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