Best of Southeast Asia
27-day Private Journey
Starts in Bangkok on February 1, 2011

Visiting Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, the Golden Triangle, Pakbeng, Luang Prabang,
Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap (Angkor)
including four UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Introduction

Leaving the familiar world behind and spending four weeks in a totally different place like Southeast Asia is a rejuvenating and rewarding experience. Unique cultures, diverse religions, historic sites, local music, unfamiliar surroundings and interesting people all make you feel more alive. Add very comfortable accommodation, good travelling companions, delicious food and a photograph around every corner and you’ve created the trip of a lifetime!

This philosophy guides the design of all our Private Journeys and the results are truly remarkable. Our clients continually tell us this is the best trip they have ever taken.

Travel with us as part of our small group as we wander through hidden villages, exciting cities, busy markets, historic and cultural sites, archaeological wonders and more; all in comfort and safety. We meet with local people and experience their lifestyles. We travel on modern aircraft, private mini-buses, boats of all kinds and even on elephants, rickshaws and other extraordinary craft. We sample dragon fruit, sticky rice and tom kha. We share stories at happy hour. We watch the sun set over the Mae Khong River. We do hundreds of things you've never even thought of.

On each of our journeys, one or more of our experienced tour leaders rides along with you to offer advice, to smooth any bumps in the road and to make sure your experience is the best it can possibly be. Southeast Asia has been a part of us for over 28 years and we can never get enough of it.

Let us share some of our favourite and very special places with you. Come in and talk to us or call us soon.

 

The Journey

Our 27-day journey follows our favourite route through all four countries -  Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia.

We spend our first two nights in Bangkok where we take time to adjust to the new time zone and to appreciate the fascinating and beautiful Grand Palace and the unique Temple of the Dawn. We then fly north to spend time in the quieter Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai area near the Golden Triangle where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Burma meet.

Then we enter Laos and cruise down the Mekong River for two days visiting hill tribe villages along the way. We then spend three days in the UNESCO-protected city of Luang Prabang and then we press onward to Vietnam's busy capital, Hanoi.

After a few days in northern Vietnam we head south for a look at the city of Hue and its Imperial City, then we drive across the Hai Van pass to the World-Heritage town of Hoi An, where we spend three leisurely days.

Afterwards we enter Cambodia, visiting the capital, Phnom Penh and the incredible Angkor temple complex at Siem Reap. We end our journey back in Thailand's capital, Bangkok.

To examine full details of all parts of this trip, please click on the links at the top left of this page. Please be sure to read the common questions.

For assistance, advice or more information on any Southeast Asia items shown on our website or any other aspects of this trip, please call us. We can be reached at 613-789-1900 in Ottawa or Toll-free at 888-765-7662. Alternately, you can click here to send us e-mail.

If you have already decided to join us please complete the Booking Form and send it to us as soon as possible. You can access the Booking Form by clicking on the "how to book" link at the top of the page. Booking forms are processed in the order which they are received in our office. These journeys are popular and fill up quickly.

As always, our Private Journeys are each limited to a maximum of 16 guests. First come, first served.

 

Pre-tour and post-tour arrangements

For those who wish to arrive at the starting point a day or two ahead of the tour, we can offer pre-packaged options including extra hotel nights. For those who wish to extend their time in Southeast Asia after the tour we can offer many different options including, but not limited to Thailand beaches such as Hua Hin, Phuket or Koh Samui, cruises on the River Kwai, overnight visits to Ayutthaya or many other possibilities in the surrounding countries of Malaysia, Burma or Singapore.

 

Looking for different dates?

If you are unable to travel with us on any of the scheduled dates for any of our Private Journeys, we can create a custom-designed independent departure just for you according to your own schedule. We can also add or subtract days and events as required to meet your needs exactly. Please call for more information.