South East Asia tour, Hanoi to Singapore

country:	Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam
departures:	2008: 13 Oct, 10 Nov, 8 Dec 2009: 5 Jan, 2 Feb, 2 Mar, 30 Mar, 27 Apr, 25 May, 22 Jun
price:	From £920 (7 weeks) excluding flights, plus local payment US $690

Overland tours in Asia here

the amazing things you'll be doing

Prepare yourself for the ultimate South East Asian adventure! You will experience everything from the broad white sandy beaches of Thailand and Vietnam, the famous temples of Cambodia's Angkor, the shopping metropolises of Singapore and Malaysia, and the modest communities of Laos. Discover a multitude of interconnected and contrasting histories and cultures throughout this colourful region. You'll have the chance to explore diverse cities, rural areas and meet many local people on your journey, and enjoy the magical scenery from a range of public and private vehicles. With so many new flavours, scents and colourful sights to tantalize your senses, this trip to South East Asia could be your adventure of a lifetime.

For sheer diversity of cultures and landscapes, you can't beat South East Asia. This impressively comprehensive journey takes you on a range of public transport and private vehicles through Halong Bay and Ho Chi Minh city, with a home stay on Mekong Delta. We then take in Phnom Penh, the holy temples of Angkor and then on to bustling Bangkok where a popular highlight is Khao San Road. Take the optional jungle trek or try your hand at an authentic Thai cooking class in Chiang Mai. Indulge in some fun in the sun and surf in Thailand, such as snorkelling, diving, or relaxing in a hammock at Koh Samui or Ko Phi Phi. Explore the markets of Penang and hike a jungle trail in the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia. The modern city of Kuala Lumpur is the perfect place to burn a hole in your credit card, while at Melaka you can visit traditional temples, churches and mosques. Singapore is also a place where you can shop till you drop.

Best time to go: Generally the best time of year to visit the region is between November and February, when most of the region experiences drier, cooler weather.

day-by-day itinerary

Day 1:	Hanoi (Vietnam). Hanoi is the capital of the Socialist Republic and is dominated by colonial buildings and tree-lined boulevards. In Hanoi, exploring on your own is relatively easy on foot or by bike. Many travellers believe the true appeal and essence of Hanoi is discovered wandering the streets, tasting local market food, observing the local way of life, and taking in the architecture and surrounds.
Day 2:	Halong Bay. Halong Bay is surrounded by spectacular beaches and is, naturally, renowned for its delicious seafood. We take a junk boat for a cruise to visit several beautiful limestone karsts, where we can explore caves full of stalactites and stalagmites. (lunch included) and visit the famous caves and then find a secluded spot for swimming, kayaking and sunbathing. Dinner will be followed by the option of a spot of night fishing if you're still awake!
Day 3-4:	Hanoi. In the morning we will continue to cruise around the bay to find more secluded areas to either swim or kayak in. In the early afternoon we will depart the majestic Halong Bay and travel back to Hanoi for some more free time. On the evening of Day 4 we will board our overnight train trip to Hue.
Day 5:	Hue. Once the capital of Vietnam (during the Nguen Dynasty in 1802-1945), Hue is situated on the banks of the Huong Giang or Perfume River. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a bustling, lively place with many things to see and do.
Day 6-7:	Hoi An. In the morning of Day 6 we depart Hue and drive south to Hoi An via Danang. The drive takes us across the Marble Mountains and via the scenic Hai van Pass. There are stunning views to take in of the surrounding coastline and rice paddies. We have free time in Hoi An to explore the handicrafts, ceramics and fabrics that are sold at an abundance of markets.
Day 8-10:	Hoi An Nha Trang. We take a short drive back from Hoi An back to the railway town of Danang to board the train once again. We will spend the day travelling by train to Nha Trang and should arrive by the early evening. In the evening of Day 10 we get back on the overnight train to Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 11:	Ho Chi Minh City. We arrive in Ho Chi Minh City in the early morning and have the rest of the day free to explore. Ho Chi Minh City was known as Saigon until the end of the Vietnam War (around 1975). Originally a small fishing village, Ho Chi Minh City is now the most important economic centre in Vietnam and is the largest city in the country. If you're interested in the history of the Vietnam War make sure you visit the War Remnants Museum and the Reunification Hall. We include an excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels. A network of tunnels which was home to around 10,000 people who lived underground for several years during the war. If you're in the mood to haggle for a bargain, don't miss Ho Chi Minh's largest market, the Ben Thanh Market.
Day 12-13:	Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh City. This morning we travel to the heart of the Mekong Delta, visiting Cao Dai temple along the way. We will take a boat trip around the tributaries of the mighty Mekong River which provides an insight into a real perspective of Delta life. We will also visit a local handicraft village and you will have the opportunity to purchase souvenirs to support the local community. We will stay with a local family overnight. The next morning we take an early cruise on a traditional sampan to visit the famous floating markets. We will return to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon and spend another night here.
Day 14-15:	Phnom Penh (Cambodia). On Day 14 we travel by bus to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. This bustling city has a turbulent past which you can learn about if you choose to visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (a former torture centre) and the Choueng Ek Memorial at the site of the Killing Fields.
Day 16-18:	Siem Reap. On Day 16 we will take a bus to Siem Reap, which is our base for exploring the famous temples of the Angkor area. There are over one thousand temples here, ranging from small ruins to the famous Angkor Wat, said to be the world's largest single religious monument. You'll have the opportunity to tour the temples with a local guide or explore at your leisure. The Angkor area (in and around the Ta Prohm temple) was the site where the film Tomb Raider starring Angelina Jolie was filmed.
Day 19-22:	Bangkok (Thailand). In the morning of Day 19 we travel by bus from Siem Reap and make for Thailand's capital, Bangkok. We will arrive late in the afternoon and you will have the next few days free to enjoy this crazy, chaotic city! Bangkok is the gateway to South East Asia for most travellers. International backpackers come and go and the streets are always buzzing and full of life. In the evening of Day 22 we will board our overnight train to Vientiane.
Day 23-26:	Vientiane - Vang Vieng (Laos). The capital of Laos is extremely quiet – so quiet that, before 1970, there was only one set of traffic lights in the entire city (a far cry from Bangkok!). We have time to admire this tranquil city with its many murals and markets. Many buildings you will see when you wander the streets are of religious significance. You may wish to hire a bicycle and explore the local streets and markets. The markets are excellent here. On day 25 we make our way north from Vientiane we travel through stunning scenery to Vang Vieng. This peaceful town is situated in a plateau with stunning surroundings of limestone caves and waterfalls, and the area is inhabited by the Hmong and Yao tribes.
Day 27-28:	Luang Prabang. Many say this is the most memorable town in all of Laos. Renowned for a fascinating history and some of the friendliest people in South East Asia, Luang Prabang refers to the holy Pra Bang, Laos' most sacred image of the Buddha given to Fa Ngoum. We have two days to enjoy this sleepy town, which is located 300m above sea level on the upper Mekong.
Day 29-32:	Chiang Mai (Thailand). Heading into the north of Thailand, we travel to Chiang Mai, which is located in the cool mountain climate. We have a couple of days here and there is no shortage of things to do and see. There are stacks of options for you here – choose from visiting nearby national parks and riding domesticated elephants, to floating down Jungle Rivers on bamboo rafts. You can learn some authentic cooking tips and Thai recipes by taking a cooking class, or if its relaxation you're after then there's nothing better than a true Thai massage. In the evening of Day 32 we travel by overnight train back to Bangkok.
Day 33-37:	Bangkok – Koh Samui or Ko Phi Phi. Arriving back to Bangkok in the early morning, we spend another couple of free days in this busy city. In the evening of Day 35 we will board our overnight train and travel to Surat Thani (for tours operating May to October) or Krabi (for tours operating November to April). From Surat Thani we will travel to Koh Samui. From Krabi we travel to Ko Phi Phi. Koh Samui (tours operating May to October): A beautiful island in the Southern Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui is the perfect getaway. Here you can relax on quiet deserted beaches, go snorkelling and learn how to dive. Ko Phi Phi (tours operating November to April): Phi Phi boasts sheer cliffs, crystal clear waters and ideal snorkelling or diving conditions. Don't miss the tranquil Tha Laem Nai - the salt water blue lagoon lake featured in the Leonardo DiCaprio film 'The Beach'.
Day 38-42:	Penang – Cameron Highlands (Malaysia). In the morning of Day 38 we enter Malaysia and make for Penang. We will stay in Georgetown, which is the capital. Georgetown possesses a unique charm, blending old and new cultures. There are many things to do and see here, including: a butterfly farm, strawberry farms, rose gardens, a Chinese temple and vegetable farms. You also have the option to take a jungle trek amongst the cool, refreshing forest air.
Day 43-46:	Kuala Lumpur – Melaka. We arrive in Malaysia's lively capital, Kuala Lumpur. A major tourist hub, ‘KL' (as it is usually referred) is modern, slightly congested, and it offers all the creature comforts of your average major city. High rises abound, shopping is excellent (and one of the city's major attractions) and its bustling day-to-day goings-on provide an insight into Malay business culture. There are also many colonial buildings to visit if you feel like you need a break from the high rises. Melaka is one of Malaysia's most popular destinations and was an important trading port several hundred years ago. There are many attractions in Melaka, from temples to churches, and mosques to museums. The destination is famous for its traditional Chinese Nyonya cuisine, which you can sample from one of the traditional Peranakan shop houses.
Day 47-48:	Singapore. Singapore may be small in size, but its larger-than-life attitude and modernisation will ensure your visit here is truly unforgettable. A major international hub, the city will house travellers and business people from all over the world at any given time. You would be forgiven for thinking you should be donned in a suit clutching a briefcase as you lose yourself between the ultra-modern high rise buildings. Like any major city, the shopping is excellent here (although not always cheap). There are many historical and cultural sights to see if you are after an insight into the tradition of this fascinating country. Visit Little India and Chinatown for a glimpse into the old way of life of the city. You have a free day to enjoy the sights and surrounds before our final group dinner and drinks in the evening! Our tour ends in the morning after breakfast on Day 48.

small group cultural tours

Typically you will be sharing your experiences with between 4-20 like minded travellers (depending on the trip, operator and how many others are booked on the trip) and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends it's good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting new people as well as experiencing new cultures.

how this holiday makes a difference

Travelling on local public buses, sleeper trains, trains, boats and minibuses, this tour gives you plenty of opportunities to get to know the local people of South East Asia while using public transport. This also minimises our impact on the local environment and provides income to local businesses.

All our travellers are encouraged to learn a few words and phrases of the language and interact with the locals as much as possible to enhance their social experiences on tour. In addition to the phrase books which are available for purchase, our tour leaders are able to teach you useful words and phrases on the road. Be courageous enough to test out your language skills on public transport, in restaurants and during local homestays, start a friendly conversation and you'll learn more about the culture than you could from any travel book.

Your tour leader will brief you on etiquette such as the clothing required and behaviour expected by visitors to temples and other sacred places. There are different guidelines for different cultures, so please bear that in mind so that as we travel we can avoid offense wherever possible.

Your tour leader will introduce you to many local restaurants and bars throughout the tour, helping you discover the authentic local cuisine. Local guides will also lend their expertise to the journey, explaining the historical background and cultural significance of the places we visit. They will help you to appreciate the importance of respecting the environment of these heritage sites and understand the conservation efforts undertaken at various parks.

We will visit many local shopping districts and markets along the way, giving you plenty of opportunity to support local merchants. We would encourage you to purchase traditional handicrafts from local artisans rather than mass produced goods from chain stores, as you will learn more about the skill involved in the production, while also support the craft.

Responsible travel policy
We have a full responsible travel policy available on our website, which our reservations team will tell you a link to when you book. It's packed with information about how travellers can reduce their impact as they travel, and details all the measures our company has put in place in the office and on the road to reduce our impact.

Carbon Offsetting
We have teamed up with an international conservation charity to offer clients the ability to offset the carbon emissions of their flights. We encourage all travelers to do their share to reduce the impact of their travel on the environment.

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