WEDNESDAY
JAN 7

BANGKOK – GUEST ARRIVALS

Upon your arrival today at Bangkok Airport you will be met and transferred to our beautiful hotel, situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya, Bangkok’s main artery. 

The tour leader will assist you with the check-in procedure. No activities are planned for today. 

Overnight at the Montien Riverside hotel.  

THURSDAY
JAN 8

BANGKOK (B,D)

Breakfast at hotel. 

We suggest you take it slow this morning and give yourself time to adjust to the new time zone. It’s still a good idea not to sleep in too late but you certainly don’t need to get up at the crack of dawn. 

Have breakfast when you feel hungry and take some time to get organized or simply relax and enjoy the hotel. 

This morning we’ll have a short orientation session at the hotel covering a number of important items including transportation options, traffic safety, food and beverages, money, local maps and more.

This afternoon we climb aboard our own longtail boat and travel down the famous Chao Phraya river for a glimpse of life along this famous waterway. We visit the beautiful Temple of the Dawn (Wat Arun) and finish up at Bangkok’s fabulous Grand Palace where we take time to appreciate the beautiful and famous Emerald Buddha. 

This evening we’ll get together at the hotel for our first ‘happy hour’ and then head out for dinner together at one of our favourite local restaurants. 

Overnight at the Montien Riverside hotel 

FRIDAY
JAN 9

BANGKOK – CHIANG MAI, THAILAND (B,D)

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel.

This morning we’ll depart for the Bangkok airport and board our flight to the northern city of Chiang Mai. TG110 departs at 1240 and arrives at 1350.

Upon arrival we’ll transfer to our hotel for check-in. Our hotel is situated in the centre of town, just steps from the famous night-bazaar. You couldn't ask for a better location.

We purposely avoid any pre-planned activities this afternoon so you can take time to ease into the culture of northern Thailand and shake your remaining jet lag! You can choose to walk around in the pleasant streets of downtown Chiang Mai or to simply relax by the hotel pool.

Late afternoon happy hour at the hotel followed by evening dinner at one of our favourite restaurants in Chiang Mai city. 

After dinner you have the option of walking over to the night bazaar and spending a few hours exploring the world’s largest craft market or simply returning to the hotel.

Overnight at D2 hotel.

SATURDAY
JAN 10

CHIANG MAI, THAILAND (B,L)

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Today we drive about an hour north of the city into the jungles of Northern Thailand and visit an elephant camp where we witness the close relationship between the elephant and his trainer, watch the elephants at work & play and spend an hour or so on our own elephants along the jungle trails. We then set off on simple bamboo rafts for a gentle drift down the pretty Mae Taeng river before transferring by road to Lisu Lodge for lunch. 

Nestled in a rich green valley that time seems to have forgotten is a Lisu tribal community that has managed to hold onto its cultural origins while benefiting from the progress of responsible tourism. A key factor in this success story was the creation of the Lisu Lodge, a small group of thatched roof buildings with bamboo walls reflecting the traditional style of the Lisu tribe. There is a tranquil and soothing atmosphere here and the food is wonderful. 

Staffed and managed by the people of the tribe, the lodges overlook the lush fields of the valley and serve as a relaxing spot for our Thai lunch. 

After we’ve eaten and had a short rest, we’ll spend some time exploring the Lisu village, meeting some of the local tribe members and learning about their lifestyle.

We return to the hotel late in the afternoon just in time for happy hour. 

Free for dinner.  

Overnight at D2 hotel.

SUNDAY
JAN 11

CHIANG MAI, THAILAND (B,L)

Breakfast at the hotel. 

For those who would like to try their hand at Thai cooking, we'll offer a morning class and Thai lunch at one of the local cooking schools.

The afternoon is free for exploring some of Chiang Mai's streets, alleys, wats and shops on your own or for simply relaxing or catching up on your notes. 

Free for dinner.

Overnight at D2 hotel.

MONDAY
JAN 12

CHIANG MAI TO CHIANG RAI, THAILAND (B,L)

Breakfast at the hotel. 

After breakfast we’ll depart by road toward the northern city of Thaton and we'll make a few stops along the way to explore some of the local Thai culture.

Once we reach Thaton, we'll enjoy lunch on the edge of the river and then transfer to our own boat for the trip to Chiang Rai. We’ll spend a few hours boating along the pretty Kok river passing many hill tribe villages along the way. Upon arrival in Chiang Rai we check in to the Legend Resort.

Situated next to the banks of the Kok river, the resort is secluded from the city of Chiang Rai yet is just a quick tuk-tuk ride away. The buildings reflect contemporary Lanna style and Thai culture rich in architectural design, paintings and pottery. You may wish to make the most of your one-night stay by pampering yourself with traditional Thai herbal massage treatments in the local spa. 

The rest of the day and evening are at leisure. This evening you may wish to explore the Chiang Rai night bazaar in the centre of town where you’ll find a unique selection of Northern Thai crafts and a small selection of restaurants and local watering holes. 

Overnight at the Legend Resort. 

TUESDAY
JAN 13

CHIANG RAI, THAILAND TO PAKBENG, LAOS (B,L,D)

Breakfast at the resort.  

Early morning departure from the hotel and transfer by road to the Thai town of Chiang Khong - the gate to Indochina. Here we clear Thai immigration and cross the Mekong River to the town of Houeixay in Laos. 

We clear Lao immigration and board our private riverboat for a two-day journey down the magnificent Mekong River. Using our own boat offers us the chance to discover the delights of Northern Laos in style, safety and comfort while travelling through a region that has hitherto been virtually inaccessible. 

Our route takes us on a stretch of the Mekong between the Lao town of Houeixay and the World Heritage city of Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos and one of the best preserved ancient cities in Asia. 

En-route today, a stop will be made at a Lao hill tribe village to observe rural life along the Mekong. We’ll enjoy a traditional Lao home-style buffet lunch on board as we cruise down the river and we’ll arrive at Pakbeng village before sunset. Here we’ll check-in at Luangsay Lodge, a beautiful, rustic Laotian style teakwood lodge featuring a score of simple cottages connected by wooden walkways on the north bank of the Mekong river in the middle of nowhere. 

The rest of the afternoon and evening are at leisure. Happy hour on the terrace. Dinner in the open-air restaurant high above the Mekong River. 

Overnight at Luangsay Lodge 

WEDNESDAY
JAN 14

PAKBENG TO LUANG PRABANG, LAOS (B,L)

Breakfast at the lodge. 

After breakfast we'll take a walk to Pakbeng village, about a kilometer away where you'll find lots of good photo opportunities in the local market. Afterwards we board our boat for the second leg of the cruise.

We’ll make a stop at another Lao hill tribe village this morning and will once again enjoy a buffet lunch on board as we continue down the river. 

In the afternoon as we approach the mouth of the Nam Ou river you will see a huge cliff and a cave with several steps leading to a semi-open entrance. This is the famous Tam Ting cave containing over a thousand Buddha images of all sizes and shapes which have been deposited there during the 18^th and 19^th centuries. According to local history this cave was a place where occultists came to perform ritual ceremonies and to pay homage to spirits, souls and gods. 

Before sunset we arrive at the UNESCO protected city of Luang Prabang. We are met at the boat landing and transferred to the hotel where we check in for a three-night stay. 

The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Join us for happy hour if you wish . Free for dinner.

Overnight at Villa Maly 

THURSDAY
JAN 15

LUANG PRABANG, LAOS (B)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Luang Prabang city is currently home to about 30,000 people. Until the communist takeover in 1975, it was the royal capital of the Kingdom of Laos. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage site chosen as an outstanding example of the fusion of traditional architecture and Lao urban structures with those built by the European colonial authorities (primarily French) in the 19th and 20th centuries. Its unique, remarkably well-preserved townscape illustrates a key stage in the blending of these two distinct cultural traditions.

You have a full day at leisure to explore this amazing town.

We suggest getting up early today or tomorrow to observe the monks' walk and alms-giving. This is a site you will only see in this town; hundreds of monks in their saffron robes walking slowly through the streets of the town as they collect their breakfast of sticky rice from the local people. A makeshift tripod or steady hand will help in the low light of the early morning. You may also wish to visit the morning market as well, an amazing example of a typical local Lao market full of photographic opportunities. About 4:30 pm you may also wish to visit Wat Phousi to view one of the best sunsets in Asia.

Free for dinner.

Overnight at Villa Maly 

FRIDAY
JAN 16

LUANG PRABANG, LAOS (B)

Breakfast at the hotel.

This morning we’ll enjoy an escorted walk to a few of the most important temples of Luang Prabang with our guide including the famous Wat Xieng Thong - the most well-preserved wat in the city and a magnificent example of a traditional wat.

Afterwards we'll take a leisurely drive about 45 minutes out of town to visit the famous Kuang Si Falls and explore the beauty of the countryside around the well-known waterfall.

We return to the hotel in the early afternoon.

Join us for happy hour before dinner if you wish.

Overnight at Villa Maly  

SATURDAY
JAN 17

LUANG PRABANG TO VIENTIANE, LAOS (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. 

This morning we enjoy a guided visit to the fascinating and unique Museum & Royal Palace, the former residence of the royal family prior to their removal in 1975. The building is preserved as if they had just gone out for a brief walk.

Afterwards we transfer to the airport for our flight to the capital city of Vientiane. QV102 departs at 1220 and arrives at 1300.

Vientiane is a small city with about 200,000 inhabitants, situated on a sweeping bend of the Mekong River across the border from Thailand. It became the capital of the French Protectorate of Laos in 1899 and remains the capital of the country today. Originally “Viang Chan”, the French chose the romanized spelling "Vientiane" because of the difficulty they had with pronouncing the hard "ch" syllable.

Upon arrival we transfer to the beautiful French Colonial-styled Settha Palace hotel, the best hotel in the city and one of our favourite small hotels in all of Southeast Asia. 

The remainder of the afternoon and evening is free for exploring the downtown on your own. Join us for happy hour, if you wish, on the shore of the Mekong River. 

Overnight at the Settha Palace

SUNDAY
JAN 18

VIENTIANE, LAOS TO HANOI, VIETNAM (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. 

This morning we invite you sleep in a bit and to relax and enjoy the beautiful pool at the hotel.

This afternoon we will visit a few of the important sites of Vientiane with our guide including the beautifully-preserved Wat Sisaket, the Ho Phra Keo museum and the impressive That Luang stupa. We’ll do a quick photo shoot at Patuxai monument as well if time permits prior to our departure for the airport for our flight to Hanoi. VN840 departs at 1800 and arrives at 1900.

Upon arrival in Hanoi this evening, we transfer to the beautiful Sofitel Metropole hotel for check-in. The hotel is situated just a few blocks south of Hanoi’s Old Quarter and just a block from Hoan Kiem Lake. 

Overnight at Sofitel Metropole 

MONDAY
JAN 19

HANOI, VIETNAM (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Free morning to explore the area around the hotel. Early birds may wish to enjoy a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake. Here hundreds of people do their morning exercises – the older people practice Tai Chi while others may jog or play badminton. Even later in the morning there is always lots of activity around the lake and especially at the north end near Hang Gai street. Photographers will find many subjects and shoppers will find many bargains.

Free for lunch. 

In the afternoon, we will be picked up at the hotel and we'll visit Ngoc Son temple with its beautiful Chinese-style red bridge and afterwards we'll head into the narrow streets of the old quarter in our own  cyclos (Vietnamese rickshaws) to experience the hustle and bustle of this busy part of town. From here we head over to the theatre for an afternoon performance of the world-famous Water Puppets. 

Free evening.

Overnight at Sofitel Metropole

TUESDAY
JAN 20

HANOI, VIETNAM (B,L,D)

Breakfast at the hotel. 

This morning we visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace and Ho’s former residence, the house on stilts. We continue on for a quick stop at the One Pillar Pagoda then move on to the Temple of Literature, the first university in Vietnam and for centuries the principle center of learning. Parts of the temple date from 1070. The temple is still actively used as a place of worship, with many altars of burning incense and statues of the Buddha.

At an appropriate time we stop for lunch at Wild Rice, one of our favourite local restaurants.

In the afternoon we visit the wonderful Museum of Ethnology, a collection of indoor and outdoor exhibits depicting the life and culture of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups.  Then we move on to Hoa Lo Prison for a look at the 'Hanoi Hilton' where US pilots were held during the American war.

Tonight we have happy hour and dinner together.

Overnight at Sofitel Metropole 

WEDNESDAY
JAN 21

HANOI TO HOI AN, VIETNAM (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. 

This morning we transfer to Hanoi airport for our flight to Danang. VN315 departs at 1020 and arrives at 1135.

Upon arrival we take a short drive to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Hoi An and check in to the hotel, a 5-star beach resort on China Beach. We’re here for a three-night stay.

Hoi An, with a population of about 30,000, is a former harbour town of the Champa people at the estuary of the Thu Bon river. It was an important trading centre in the 16th and 17th centuries, where Chinese from various provinces as well as Japanese, Dutch and Indians settled. In 1999 the old town was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO as a well-preserved example of a Southeast Asian trading port of the 15th to 19th centuries whose buildings display a unique blend of local and foreign influences.

The rest of the day and evening are free to explore parts of the town or simply to enjoy the resort.

Join us for happy hour if you wish.

Overnight at the Life Resort

THURSDAY
JAN 22

HOI AN, VIETNAM (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Entire day at leisure to explore the streets, markets, shops, restaurants and bars of old Hoi An or simply to relax at the resort. 

Happy hour. Evening at leisure. 

Overnight at the Life Resort

FRIDAY
JAN 23

HOI AN, VIETNAM (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Another entire day at leisure to explore the streets, markets, shops, restaurants and bars of old Hoi An or simply to relax at the resort. 

Happy hour. Evening at leisure. Be sure to get some sleep. We have an early start tomorrow. 

Overnight at the Life Resort

SATURDAY
JAN 24

HOI AN TO PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA (B)

Early morning departure from the resort to the Danang airport to board our flight to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh city). VN321 departs at 0800 and arrives at 0910.

Here we transfer to the international terminal for our connecting flight to Phnom Penh. VN817 departs at 1225 and arrives at 1315.

Upon arrival we transfer to the Amanjaya hotel and check in for a three-night stay. 

The Amanjaya is a small Khmer-style hotel with a unique contemporary interior of rosewood floors and liberal use of Khmer art and textiles. Private balconies overlook the Mekong River and the famous Sisowath Quay, the heart of downtown Phnom Penh. We couldn’t ask for a better location. 

The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Join us for happy hour if you wish. Free for dinner. 

Overnight at Amanjaya Hotel 

SUNDAY
JAN 25

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA (B,L)

Breakfast at the hotel. 

This morning we visit the impressive Royal Palace and some of its important buildings including the Silver Pagoda a structure so named because of its 5000 floor tiles made of pure silver. The compound is home to the Cambodian King Sihamoni – the son of Sihanouk. 

Afterwards we proceed to the unique National Museum where we explore the more important ancient Khmer artifacts with our guide. 

Group lunch at Friends Restaurant. 

Afternoon visits to the Central and Russian markets to look for bargains among a dizzying array of Khmer and Vietnamese crafts, textiles, hardware, clothing, food and knock-off watches and clandestine CDs and DVDs of the latest audio and video hits. 

Join us for happy hour. Free for dinner. 

Overnight at the Amanjaya Hotel  

MONDAY
JAN 26

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Morning visit to Tuol Sleng Prison (S21), the world-famous headquarters of the Khmer Rouge interrogators. Afterwards we visit the world-famous Killing Fields. We'll return to the hotel area around lunch time.

Afternoon free.

Join us for happy hour if you wish. Free for dinner. 

Overnight at the Amanjaya Hotel 

TUESDAY
JAN 27

PHNOM PENH TO SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA (B,L)

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Transfer to the airport for the morning flight to Siem Reap, the town which supports the incredible Angkor Temple Complex, the most famous archaeological site in Southeast Asia. FT992 departs at 9:35 and arrives at 10:15.

Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for check-in. 

Angkor was the site of a series of capital cities of the Khmer empire for much of the period from the 9th century to the 15th century. Their ruins are located amid forests and farmland to the north of the Great Lake (Tonle Sap) and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temples of the Angkor area number over one thousand, ranging in scale from nondescript piles of brick rubble to the collection of unique temples in the city of Angkor Thom to the magnificent Angkor Wat, said to be the world's largest single religious monument. Visitors to Siem Reap approach one million annually. 

We’ll enjoy lunch at the hotel then depart for a late afternoon visit to the most famous temple of them all, Angkor Wat. 

We’ll return to the hotel in time for happy hour. Evening at leisure in Siem Reap. 

Overnight at Victoria Angkor Resort. 

WEDNESDAY
JAN 28

SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA (B,D)

Breakfast at hotel.

Morning visit to the magnificent city of Angkor Thom including the South Gate, the Bayon, Baphuon, Phimeanakas, Elephant Terrace and Leper Terrace. Afterwards we visit Preah Khan, the first of the two famous jungle temples at Angkor. 

We return to the hotel in the late morning. 

In the afternoon we drive to the far north of the temple complex to visit the beautiful temple of Banteay Srei, the pink and green “Citadel of the Women”. This temple, although tiny, has the most perfectly preserved stone carvings in all of Angkor. 

This evening we head for the Apsara theatre for a Cambodian dinner and Khmer cultural show. 

Overnight at Victoria Angkor Resort. 

THURSDAY
JAN 29

SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Morning visit to Ta Prohm temple, the second of the two famous jungle temples, and the one which is being steadily attacked by huge tree roots which are pulling the blocks of the temple apart and leaving it in ruins. This temple is a magnificent site and shouldn’t be missed. 

Afterwards we depart for the village of Chong Khneas and the unusual Vietnamese floating villages on the north shore of Tonle Sap. On the way back to Siem Reap we’ll stop to visit a typical and picturesque Cambodian town. 

We return to Siem Reap around lunch time. Later this afternoon we make a visit to the very interesting silk farm at Puok where we see the entire silk-making process from the mulberry bush to the finished product.  

Join us for happy hour at the FCCC if you wish. 

Overnight at Victoria Angkor Resort. 

FRIDAY
JAN 30

SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA TO BANGKOK, THAILAND (B,D)

Breakfast at hotel. 

Transfer to the airport for our morning flight to Bangkok. PG924 departs at 9:50 and arrives at 10:45.

Upon arrival, transfer to our hotel which is located in the heart of Bangkok on famous Silom Road.  

The afternoon is free for visiting a few of Bangkok's interesting sites on a casual basis. Your tour leader will have suggestions and local maps and will be available to provide advice and assistance.

Tonight we have happy hour together at one of Bangkok’s most unusual bars and a group farewell dinner at one of our favourite local restaurants. 

Overnight at 222 Silom Hotel 

SATURDAY
JAN 31

BANGKOK, THAILAND (B)

Breakfast at hotel. 

Full day free for last-minute sightseeing, shopping, packing or relaxing.

No planned activities. Free for dinner.  

Overnight at 222 Silom Hotel 

SUNDAY
FEB 1

BANGKOK DEPARTURE (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Free time until your transfer to Bangkok airport to board the flight home. We will arrange transfers to the airport at appropriate times for all guests.