Zeitlose Mysterien II

[die Tourbeschreibung ist momentan nur auf Englisch verfügbar]

Day 1:
Singapore. Our first day is a get together day, designed for you to meet all the other tour guests who will have come from different destinations around the world. Your tour leader will be available at 18.00pm for a Pre- Departure briefing in the hotel lobby area giving us a chance to meet and get to know the rest of the group.

You have probably already realized during your drive into the city that Singapore has lots of shopping opportunities, electronics and crafts being some of them. There are lots of street food stalls adding to the multi-cultural atmosphere and making it a delightful way to start your holiday. Our first dinner together will be on Boat Quay, where the soaring skyscrapers that mark Singapore’s thriving economy dip their toes in the Singapore River and the country’s historical past.

Day 2:
Singapore / Overnight Train To Kuala Lumpur. This former British colony is yet another jewel in South East Asia’s historic crown. Its people and architecture reflect the marked cultural mix of Chinese, Indian, Arab, European, and Malaysian influences that you will continue to see throughout your trip. Our walking tour takes in the diversity of the Singapore streets starting along Arab Street, the Muslim centre. Look out for the Sultan Mosque and note all the Arab ware on sale –hookah pipes, exotic perfumes, basketware and rattan items, and you can't miss all the fabric shops! We continue on into Little India. This area has a large produce market and you can also buy Indian brassware and textiles. Shops to look out for in the streets sell jewellery, saris, Indian music and lots of traditional items. Notice that the streets are named for the greats of India’s colonial past and look out for the Hindu shrines, Buddhist and Jain temples. We head down the colonial-named Victoria Street and up to Fort Canning, or Forbidden Hill as natives used to call it, to visit the Battle Box. This underground military operations complex was where the British decided to surrender to the Japanese invasion on February 15th, 1942. A visit isn’t complete without a walk through Chinatown or afternoon tea at the colonial Raffles Hotel.

Tonight we will board the night train to Kuala Lumpur. The overnight trains we reserve are in the air-conditioned berths, so you should arrive feeling relaxed and refreshed.

Breakfast.

Day 3:
Kuala Lumpur. Before relaxing in the hills we continue to sample the buzz of city life. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital has a lot to offer with a fascinating mix of the old and new. During the short-lived Malaysian economic boom of the 1990s modern skyscrapers sprang up to change KL’s skyline - it boasts the tallest buildings in the world, the Petronas Twin Towers at 451m, and the world's 4th tallest telecommunications tower - Menara Tower. But KL has also kept its historic past and lots of character. There are old colonial buildings, mosques and temples, Chinese, Indian and Malay quarters. During our city walking tour, we stop by the Petronas Towers, Chinatown and ascend Menara Tower for a bird’s eye night view of the city below. You have free time to shop in Chinatown for CDs, DVDs, or stock up on your fake watches and handbags or try making your own batik.

Day 4:
Kuala Lumpur. This is a free day for you to go to do your own thing. Shop in the markets, visit the sights, visit the bird, snake and orchid parks. Freshen up before heading out into the tropical evening and its dazzling array of nightlife – free drinks at Planet Hollywood for ladies all night.

Breakfast.

Day 5:
Cameron Highlands. We have an early start today and drive towards the Cameron Highlands, the breeze will brush away the remains of the previous evenings adventures. We may stop at the Batu caves before arriving at the Heritage hotel with some options of tours to butterfly parks, local tribal villages, and waterfalls at around 30 Ringets each, or we can chill out at the hotel and surrounding area or take a hike to a nearby waterfall.

Breakfast.

Days 6-7:
Georgetown, Pulau Penang. Today our destination is Georgetown on Pulau Penang. Penang. We may visit a tea plantation on the way to Penang.

As with most of Malaysia, is one of those areas, which over history has become a unique multi-cultural region with Indian, Chinese, Malay, Baba and Nyonya, Armenian, Arab, and European peoples converging. The local cuisine alone is testament to the wide variety of influences! The state consists of the island Pulau Penang and a strip of the Malaysian mainland. It was the first state of Malaysia to come under British rule, when Sir Francis Light arrived to set up a duty-free port to compete with the Dutch trade in 1786.

After arriving into town we set off in search of Penang’s colourful past and to get an up-close-and-personal feel for the place we take a trishaw ride through the streets. We visit Fort Cornwallis, Victoria Tower, a Chinese Fishing Village, Khoo Kongsi Clan House, and Sri Mariamman – exemplifying the various cultures still thriving in the city. After lunch south Indian style on a banana leaf, we finish the tour with a stop at Penang Museum, which is a wonderful overview of the island’s diverse history.

In the morning on Day 7, there’s a change of pace and temperature when we take a funicular ride to the top of Penang Hill. At 830m high Penang Hill is cooler than the humid streets below and offers panoramic views across Georgetown. The funicular railway was built by Swiss engineers in 1928, and during the 30 minute journey to the top of the hill you will see the bungalow homes built for British officials. After dinner we can spend the evening wandering around the busy night bazaars and bargain for those all-important souvenirs or have a drink on the waterfront as in colonial days at the famous Eastern & Oriental Hotel.

2 breakfasts.

Days 8-10:
Drive To Krabi – Rai Leh Beach Escape. On Day 8, we set off early to cross the border into Thailand, travelling by minibus to our destination of Krabi Province on the wonderful west coast of Thailand. It is a fairly long drive but with fascinating scenery to while away the travelling time.

Set on the Andaman Coast, the Krabi area offers the beaches you have always dreamt of - white sand as far as the eye can see, beautiful blue iridescent water against a backdrop of stunning limestone cliffs. Our hotel is situated in the Rai Leh beach area.

On the first afternoon you are free to do what you like - rest and relax on the beach in the sun or, if you feel a bit more active, do some snorkelling, diving, sea kayaking, or island tours. For the more adventurous, there is the option of experiencing some world-class rock climbing along the coast. The limestone cliffs are a treat - there are lots of pockets for grip and some interesting overhangs. Krabi has an excellent choice of restaurants and bars to spend the evenings.

On the second day we offer an optional* trip in a traditional long tailed boat for a trip out to four pretty islands that are dotted off the coast. If you fancy some snorkelling, this is the time to do it - the sea is home to some beautiful fish and there are some fascinating coral reefs here too.

On the last day in Krabi, you are free again to explore more of the islands off the coast such as James Bond Island, relax on the beach, get a Thai massage, or maybe take a Thai cooking course.

3 breakfasts.

Note: Tours operating between May to October will stay in Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand on days 8-10 due to climatic conditions. The Optional Longtail boat trip will go out to Coral Island for snorkelling and swimming. On the free day you can take various excursions such as visits to coconut plantations, boat trip to Marine National Park, hiring mopeds to explore inland rainforest and waterfalls or visit Chawery beach.* See end of itinerary for cost.

Days 11-12:
Khao Sok National Park. Khao Sok National Park if our jungle destination, where we shall stay for the next two nights located by a lovely stream in this rich, rainforest environment and away from the hustle and bustle. Khao Sok was established in 1980 and is believed to be older rainforest than that found in the Amazon or Africa. It is a terrain thick with trees and features many clear waterfalls, lots of streams, limestone cliffs and a lake studded with little islands. This afternoon, we travel like the locals, on elephants, to start our exploration of the surrounding rainforest. Our first dinner is with an orchestra of jungle life.

When you wake up the next morning, you will probably need to pinch yourself for you are likely to hear the babble of gibbons in the rainforest outside - a morning moment to remember. After breakfast, we set off on a trek through the rainforest to take a look at the abundant wildlife and plant life. There are more than 180 species of bird, as well as the occasional long-tailed macaque, that we can be on the look out for. Our trek finishes at one of the spectacular waterfalls in the park complete with a relaxing swimming hole. Because of the geography of this area, it is a watershed and the vegetation is lush. You will see flora such as lainas, bamboo, ferns and rattan. After refreshing and relaxing at the lodge for lunch, we set out in either canoes or inner tubes for the next adventure, a guided trip down the river. This is a unique way of seeing and experiencing this centuries old landscape and unique karst topography. Watch out for some colourful water birds, such as the kingfisher along the way!

2 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners.

Day 13:
Drive Surat Thani / Overnight Train To Bangkok. After breakfast and a relaxing morning in the park, we are transported to the Surat Thani train station in time to catch the night train to Bangkok. This is a second class fan-cooled train with sleeping berths. Bangkok is like no other city you may have visited with its throbbing and seemingly chaotic life. Nine million people live here and the streets are always buzzing. Once you are through the initial culture shock you will discover amidst the activity Bangkok’s many and varied charms –the exciting markets, the peaceful temples, the noisy nightclubs and the grand historic buildings.

Breakfast.

Day 14:
Bangkok. Today we start our City Tour with a long-tail boat ride on the Chao Phraya River, which has been the lifeline of Thailand’s ancient kingdoms and agricultural sustainability. We see traditional houses still perched at the edge of the river and its’ canals and pass the Royal Barge Museum. We then visit one of Thailand’s greatest visual wonders, the Wat Phra Kaeo, the Grand Palace. This is Thailand’s holiest Buddhist Temple and because of that you must make sure you wear ankle length trousers or a long skirt, a top fully covering the shoulders and proper sandals or shoes (no flip-flops/ thongs). The Wat Phra Kaeo Royal Chapel houses the Emerald Buddha, actually made of jade. The Thais believe that as long as they remain keepers of the Emerald Buddha, their country will be safe. A local guide will be with us to show us this and many other stunning buildings in the 61- acre site. Afterwards we visit Wat Pho - the oldest temple in Bangkok, older than the city itself where Buddhist monks live. Wat Pho houses the incredible reclining gilt Buddha, which is nearly 50 feet high and 151 feet long with ornately inlayed mother-of-pearl feet. And here’s a bonus: the compound houses the Traditional Massage School offering Thai Massage and Foot Reflexology - a good way to end the morning. For lunch we head to the Khao San Road, also known as backpacker central in Bangkok and afterwards you are free to shop and explore the area. Amongst all the chaos you have a chance to discover markets, like Chatuchak Weekend Market or Pratunam Market, or the 40 plus Wats hiding throughout the city.

Day 15:
Bangkok. You have a day to discover this vibrant city. Amongst all the chaos you have a chance to discover markets, like Chatuchak Weekend Market or Pratunam Market alongside hushed golden temples. If you’ve seen enough of buddhas and sarongs, there are also plenty of museums to keep you busy.

Day 16:
The Bridge Over The River Kwai. We start today with a trip round the Floating Markets. It is best to get there first thing so breakfast is early. On the way, we stop at a coconut sugar maker and a teak-wood carving factory. Shopping on water is a novel experience. Our long tail boat will take us through a network of canals, which is crowded with small paddleboats crammed to overflowing with exotic fruit and vegetables, such as coconuts and pomelos, and arts and crafts. Local housewives paddle through the throng of boats, stopping to bargain for their shopping. Here’s a chance for you to make some purchases in traditional Thai style.

After a morning in the hurly burly of the floating markets we take off for Kanchanaburi and a visit to the world famous Bridge over the River Kwai. Kanchanaburi is a provincial capital city set in a lush landscape framed with limestone hills set on the banks of this river, which is so rich in 20th century history. During the Second World War Kanchanaburi was the site of a massive prison camp, run by the Japanese. Allied prisoners were forced to build a railway over the River Kwai and into Burma. The story is told in one of cinema’s great classics. After a late lunch, we will visit the Jeath Museum, which is housed in bamboo huts like the ones where the prisoners lived. The museum holds unique documents, pictures and other material telling the story of the prisoner’s lives. From the museum we go to the War Cemetery where there are nearly seven thousand Prisoner of War graves - the last resting place of troops who died building the bridge and the railway. After this long day of touring, our lushly seated hotel on the banks of the river is a welcome respite.

Breakfast.

Day 17:
Kanchanaburi to Ayuttaya / Night Train To Chiang Mai. This morning after breakfast we transfer to Hellfire Pass. Upon arrival we take a walk down the trail to the actual pass, and then return to the museum. The museum explains to visitors the story of why and how the railway was built and attempts to convey the hardships and suffering endured by so many who were forced to work in extremely harsh conditions.

After a visit to the museum, we transfer to Ayutthaya, where we embark on a bike tour of the old town and ruins of Ayutthaya. After the bike tour there is time for a shower before dinner on the Rice Barge cruise.

Our day concludes with a transfer to the train station for the overnight train to Chiang Mai. The trains we use in Thailand are Second Class Air-conditioned sleeper (No meals included), so you should arrive relaxed and refreshed in Northern Thailand.

Day 18:
Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai is the capital of Northern Thailand and we arrive here in the early morning. We will take the local taxi transport, a songthaew, to our Guest House for our first night’s stay. In recent years Chiang Mai has grown, although with a population of 200,000 it is still a comfortable size and you will find that people here are relaxed and easy going. After lunch we take a road trip up the mountains to the Doi Suthep temple, a pilgrimage sight in Northern Thailand. From here you will see spectacular views down the mountain to Chiang Mai.

In the evening you are free to wander around the famous night markets where there are also plenty of food options.

Day 19:
Trekking In The Hills. Today we start the second phase of our trip. After the buzz of city life we are going to taste the peace of the country with a trek through the mountains around Chiang Mai offering us an opportunity to meet some of the different tribes who have migrated into Thailand from Southwest China and Burma.

We start with a truck journey south for about 2.5 hours to Mae Tang district. We begin our trek from Pongdeud, using the local footpaths through orchards and up and over mountains. A lunch box will be provided and we will stop for a picnic lunch in the jungle.

Our destination this first day is a Karen Village. The Karen or Kariang are thought to have originated in Tibet, and have lived in Burma for hundreds of years. They have been in Thailand since the 18th Century. Today there are some 4 million Karen in Burma, and 280,000 in the mountain areas all along the Thai side of the Burmese border.

The Karen people believe a white “younger brother” will come from over the waters bringing with him knowledge of writing that had been lost long ago. As a result, many embraced Christianity easily upon meeting the foreign missionaries.

The Karen have a special relationship with elephants, and the Karen trainers are the best in Asia.

Our base for the night is a traditional White Karen house, made of wood and on stilts, basic but clean. Mattresses will be provided as well as a sheet, blanket and mosquito net. Although there will be plenty of water for washing, facilities will be basic. Electricity will depend on the village, so it is recommended to take a torch. Dinner will be cooked for you after your day’s exertions.

Breakfast/lunch/dinner.

Please Note: This trekking trip can be quite strenuous at times. A lot of the trekking is uphill, and in warm weather. Also, during this 2-day trek, you will not have access to your main luggage. Your main luggage will be securely stored in Chiang Mai.

Day 20:
Trekking To Muser (Lahu) Village. After breakfast, we set out on elephant back, riding for about 1 hour from the village through the jungle to the Elephant Camp. We have a picnic lunch and then trek for about 2 hours to the Muser Village where we will spend the night.

There are some 60,000 Lahu in Thailand. They started to arrive at the beginning of the 20th Century, and there are several different clans distinguished by their dress. Although many Muser have now adopted Christianity, their own belief is in a Supreme being, and many spirits remain strong. The Muser long for the blessings of this life and the next, for things that are good and pleasant, and, in accordance with the message of an old legend, men are particularly caring of their partners.

Tonight we stay in a traditional Lahu house. Facilities will again be basic, but clean, and bedding will be provided.

Breakfast/lunch/dinner.

Day 21:
Back To Chiang Mai And Bangkok. After breakfast we walk down to the Maetang River, where we set off by bamboo raft in what is one of the most idyllic settings for this sort of journey - you will get wet, you may get soaked! For those not wishing to raft, there is the option to walk along the trail to meet the group at the end of the rafting.

The rafting will take about 2 hours and will end at the Sobkai Village, where we will meet our driver. After lunch we are then transported back to Chiang Mai, arriving in time to catch the overnight train back to Bangkok.

Breakfast, Lunch.