TUESDAY

1 FEB

BANGKOK – GUEST ARRIVALS

Today is set aside as an arrival day for all guests.

For those who would prefer to arrive prior to the first day of the tour, we can arrange an extra night at the starting hotel according to your wishes. We would be pleased to discuss details of the various options available.

Upon your arrival today at Bangkok Airport you will be met and transferred downtown to your hotel.

The tour leader will meet you at the hotel. No activities are planned for today since guests will be arriving at various times according to their own schedules. 

Bangkok is one of Asia's most distinctive and captivating destinations and the award-winning Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel is a landmark, located on the banks of the mighty Chao Phraya river in the heart of the city. It is renowned for its refined accommodation and its exceptional service.

Overnight in a deluxe river-view room at the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel.

WEDNESDAY

2 FEB

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 facilities at the hotel.

Later this morning we’ll have a short orientation session at the hotel covering a number of important items related to the entire trip including food and beverages, personal security, money, daily activities, day pack contents, traffic safety and more.

This afternoon we climb aboard our own longtail boat and head out on Bangkok’s main river for a glimpse of life along the waterway and some of its canals. We also visit the beautiful Temple of the Dawn (Wat Arun) and finish up at Bangkok’s fabulous Grand Palace where we take time to explore the palace wat and the captivating Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

This evening we’ll get together at the hotel bar for our first ‘happy hour’ and then settle in for dinner together.

Overnight in a deluxe river-view room at the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel.

THURSDAY

3 FEB 

BANGKOK – CHIANG MAI, THAILAND (B, L, D)

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel.

This morning we’ll check out of the hotel and depart for the Bangkok airport to board our flight to the northern city of Chiang Mai. Lunch on board.

Upon arrival in Chiang Mai we’ll transfer to our hotel which is situated in the heart of town with the bustling night bazaar, restaurants and entertainment at its doorstep. You couldn't ask for a better location.

We purposely avoid any pre-planned activities for the rest of the 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 a casual evening dinner at one of our favourite restaurants located in lush gardens alongside the Mae Ping River.

After dinner you can return on foot to the hotel, making your way through the busy night bazaar, the world’s largest craft market.

Overnight at D2 hotel.

FRIDAY

4 FEB

CHIANG MAI, THAILAND (B, L)

Breakfast at the hotel at one of the finest breakfast buffets in Thailand.

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. Your tour leader will have suggestions.

Overnight at D2 hotel.

SATURDAY

5 FEB

CHIANG MAI, THAILAND (B, L)

Breakfast at the hotel. 

This morning we concentrate entirely on Thai food! We begin by heading over to the local market for a demonstration of fresh ingredients used in Thai dishes including various types of basil, coriander, chilis, eggplant, lemongrass, kafir lime and so on.

Next we drive about 30 minutes away from the city to the cooking school located in quiet surroundings. Here we spend the rest of the morning attending lectures and cooking lunch. Each of us will have our own cooking station and will prepare our four-course meal with the assistance of the experienced staff. When all the food is ready, we’ll take time to enjoy the fruits of our labour in the restaurant.

Lunch generally consists of a Thai soup, a Thai green curry, a chicken dish, Thai fried noodles (Pad Thai) and a dessert such as steamed banana cake or mango and sticky rice. The menu is subject to change depending on the ingredients available that day.

After we enjoy our lunch we return to the hotel. 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.

SUNDAY

6 FEB

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

Breakfast at the hotel. 

After breakfast we’ll depart by road toward the north.

We'll stop along the way at the Bai Orchid and Butterfly Farm and at Hmong hill tribe village and museum at Ban Pa Nok Kok and will arrive at Thaton around noon. Here we'll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and then transfer to our own long tail boats 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 at the Legend Resort for a two-night stay.

Situated next to the banks of the 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 stay by pampering yourself with traditional Thai herbal massage treatments in the local spa.

The rest of the late afternoon and evening are at leisure. You may choose 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. Alternately, you may choose to enjoy the spa and the local restaurant at the resort.

Overnight at the Legend Resort.

MONDAY

7 FEB

GOLDEN TRIANGLE (B)

Breakfast at the resort.

Today we drive northward to the Golden Triangle, the point where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Burma converge. From the lookout we can clearly see all three countries at once.

From here we continue on to visit one of the local tea plantations and to try some of their products.

We then drive westward to visit the town of Mae Sai situated on the Burmese border at the northern-most point of Thailand. Here we may be able to cross the river into Burma to take a quick look at the border town of Tachilek. (If you choose to do this you may have to pay a small amount on the spot for a short-term tourist visa stamp.)

We return to the resort later in the afternoon.

The rest of the day is free to enjoy the facilities of the resort or to head into Chiang Rai city for a look at the local night market and the downtown area.

Free for dinner.

Overnight at the Legend Resort.

TUESDAY

8 FEB

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. 

Here we obtain our Lao visas, 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 simple and traditional Lao home-style 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 late 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

9 FEB

PAKBENG TO LUANG PRABANG, LAOS (B, L, D)

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 and along the main street. 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 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 wonderful UNESCO-protected city of Luang Prabang. We are met at the boat landing and transferred to the BelleRive Hotel where we check in for a three-night stay.

Join us for happy hour and dinner together this evening.

Overnight at the BelleRive Boutique Hotel.

THURSDAY

10 FEB

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.

This morning we’ll enjoy an escorted walk through the town with our guide.

We begin by taking a leisurely stroll through the morning market, an excellent example of a typical Lao market with local people selling vegetables, fruits, meats and related food items. From here we continue on to the fascinating and unique Royal Palace museum, the former residence of the royal family prior to their removal in 1975. Parts of the building are preserved as if the residents had just gone out for a brief walk.

After we tour the palace, we’ll continue our walk to visit the most famous and most well-preserved temple in Luang Prabang, Wat Xieng Thong.

Around lunch time we’ll be dropped off in the centre of town where we’ll have an opportunity to enjoy lunch on our own before rejoining the guide for a leisurely drive about 30 minutes from town to visit the famous Kuang Xi Falls and explore the beauty of the countryside around the well-known waterfall. Intrepid guests may wish to bring their bathing suit for a cool dip in one of the pools at the base of the falls.

We return to the hotel in the late afternoon.

Free for dinner. Your tour leader will have suggestions.

Afterwards you may wish to explore the beautiful night market along the main street of town.

Overnight at the BelleRive Boutique Hotel.

FRIDAY

11 FEB

LUANG PRABANG, LAOS (B)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Today 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 walk 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.

Later today, about 4:30 pm, you may wish to visit Wat Phousi to view one of the best sunsets in Asia.

Free for dinner.

Overnight at the BelleRive Boutique Hotel.

SATURDAY

12 FEB

LUANG PRABANG TO HANOI, VIETNAM (B, D)

Leisurely breakfast at the hotel. 

Morning free until we transfer to the airport for our flight to Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city.

Upon arrival in Hanoi, we meet our guide and transfer to the Sofitel Metropole hotel for check-in.

Located in the heart of downtown, this beautiful French Colonial hotel has been a celebrated landmark since the turn of the last century. The hotel is situated within easy walking distance of Hanoi’s Old Quarter and just a block from Hoan Kiem Lake.

This evening we have a “welcome to Vietnam” dinner together.

Overnight at the Sofitel Metropole.

SUNDAY

13 FEB

HANOI, VIETNAM (B, L)

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy the excellent breakfasts available at the hotel for your entire stay in Hanoi. These are some of the best breakfasts of the entire trip.

Today, we spend the entire day visiting the most interesting sites of this exciting city.

In the morning we visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum as well as Ho’s former residences, we’ll walk by the Presidential Palace and will visit the One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature and the wonderful Ethnology Museum, dedicated to Vietnam’s 54 tribal groups.

Lunch is included at one of our favourite Hanoi restaurants.

In the afternoon we visit Hoa Lo prison (the famous Hanoi Hilton) as well as Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son temple. We’ll also enter Hanoi’s Old Quarter and travel through the warren of small streets by rickshaw. We’ll finish off with a live performance of the famous Vietnamese Water Puppets.

The exact timing of these activities throughout the day is subject to adjustment depending on local events and traffic patterns.

Optional happy hour.

Overnight at the Sofitel Metropole.

MONDAY

14 FEB

HANOI, VIETNAM (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Today is entirely free for you to take a closer look at the Old Quarter and French Quarter of this exciting city.

Early birds may wish to enjoy a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake just around sunrise. Here you can find people do their morning exercises – the older people usually practice some form of Tai Chi while others may jog or play badminton. Even at other times throughout the day 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 dinner this evening. Your tour leader will have suggestions.

Overnight at the Sofitel Metropole.

TUESDAY

15 FEB

HANOI – HUE, VIETNAM (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. 

This morning we transfer to the airport for our flight to Hue city.

Upon arrival we meet our guide and transfer to the hotel for check in.

This afternoon we board our dragon boat and enjoy a trip down the Perfume River to visit the Thien Mu Pagoda & the royal tomb of Minh Mang.

Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. Join us for happy hour if you wish.

Free for dinner.

Overnight at La Residence

WEDNESDAY

16 FEB

HUE TO HOI AN, VIETNAM (B, L, D)

Breakfast at the hotel.

This morning we begin with a visit to the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Afterwards we begin our drive south, across the Hai Van Pass toward the city of Danang. On the way, we’ll stop for lunch at the beach at Lang Co.

After lunch we continue on to Danang and Hoi An.

Upon arrival at our hotel in Hoi An, we check in for a three-night stay. The hotel is a beautifully- designed property immediately adjacent to the old town and only a short rickshaw ride from China Beach.

The town of Hoi An has a population of about 30,000, and is a former harbour town of the Champa people on 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.

Join us this evening for a combined happy hour and dinner at one of the town’s many restaurants.

Overnight at the Life Heritage Resort.

THURSDAY

17 FEB

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, to spend part of the day at China Beach or simply to relax at the resort. 

Evening at leisure. 

Overnight at the Life Heritage Resort.

FRIDAY

18 FEB

HOI AN, VIETNAM (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Another entire day at leisure to explore the town or to relax at China Beach or at the resort. 

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

Overnight at the Life Heritage Resort.

SATURDAY

19 FEB

HOI AN TO PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA (B, D)

Quick breakfast at the hotel.

Early morning departure from the resort to the Danang airport to board our flight to Saigon. Here we transfer to the international terminal for our connecting flight to Phnom Penh.

Upon arrival in Phnom Penh 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.

Afterwards, we'll have a group dinner at one of the local restaurants along the quay. 

Overnight at Amanjaya Hotel.

SUNDAY

20 FEB

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 a few of the more interesting ancient Khmer artifacts with our guide. 

Group lunch at one of our favourite restaurants. 

Optional 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, knock-off jewelry and watches, clandestine CDs and DVDs of the latest audio and video hits and software. 

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

Overnight at the Amanjaya Hotel.  

MONDAY

21 FEB

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. 

This morning we begin with a one-hour cyclo tour of the downtown followed by a visit to Tuol Sleng Prison (S21), the world-famous headquarters of the Khmer Rouge interrogators. Afterwards we visit the Killing Fields at Cheoung Ek. We'll return to the hotel area around lunch time.

Afternoon free.

Overnight at the Amanjaya Hotel. 

TUESDAY

22 FEB

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.

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.

Because the weather here can be hot at mid-day, we limit our sightseeing activities over the three days to early morning and late afternoon.

Upon arrival at Siem Reap airport, we transfer to the hotel for check-in. The Victoria Angkor Resort is an elegant and refined hotel in the style of the 1930’s graceful colonial architecture. The Hotel has been designed to be in total harmony with its natural surroundings and is conveniently situated a few blocks north of the town, opposite the Royal Park. 

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 the late afternoon.

Join us for happy hour at one of our favourite bars in downtown Siem Reap if you wish. From here, whenever you get hungry, you can wander over to any of the scores of interesting restaurants along Bar Street or the Alley.

Overnight at Victoria Angkor Resort. 

WEDNESDAY

23 FEB

SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA (B)

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 town 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. 

Free for dinner.

Overnight at Victoria Angkor Resort. 

THURSDAY

24 FEB

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 head out onto the Tonle Sap lake to examine the unusual Vietnamese floating villages on its north shore.  

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 can examine the entire silk-making process from the mulberry bush to the finished product.  

Free for dinner. 

Overnight at Victoria Angkor Resort.

FRIDAY

25 FEB

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

Breakfast at hotel. 

Transfer to the airport for our morning flight to Bangkok.

Upon arrival, transfer to our hotel. Ideally located in the heart of the 'City of Angels', the Dusit Thani hotel sits opposite Lumpini Park at the intersection of Rama 4 and Silom Road. The hotel is adjacent to both the sky train and subway systems and is within walking distance of Jim Thompson’s flagship location, Patpong Market, Suan Lum night bazaar, Silom Road shopping and numerous pubs, bars and restaurants.

The afternoon is entirely free for exploring the area around the hotel or visiting other Bangkok sites as you wish. Your tour leader will have suggestions and local maps and will be available to provide advice and assistance.

Tonight we have a special happy hour together at one of Bangkok’s most unusual bars and a farewell dinner at one of Bangkok’s finest restaurants. You won’t want to miss this.

Overnight at the Dusit Thani Hotel.

SATURDAY

26 FEB

BANGKOK, THAILAND (B,L)

Breakfast at hotel. 

This morning we enjoy our last sightseeing together as we head out of town to Thailand’s most famous floating market at Damnoen Saduak. Afterwards we’ll enjoy a simple Thai lunch at a local restaurant.

We return to Bangkok in time to have much of the afternoon free for last-minute shopping, packing or relaxing.

Free for dinner.

Overnight at the Dusit Thani Hotel.

SUNDAY

27 FEB

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.

For those who wish to stay longer in Thailand or in any of the surrounding countries including Malaysia, Singapore, Burma or China, we can create a post-tour itinerary according to your wishes. We would be pleased to discuss details of the various options available.