Das Beste von Indochina

Day 1 - Arrive Bangkok
The first day of your tour is simply an arrival day with no pre-organised activities. In order to allow time to relax and see some of the sights you may wish to add pre-tour accommodation.

Thailand's capital, Bangkok, is a crazy and chaotic city! Known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon pronounced or Krung Thep "city of angels" for short, Bangkok was a small trading post at the mouth of the Chao Phraya River during the Ayutthaya Kingdom. Bangkok is now the gateway to South East Asia for most travellers and international backpackers come and go and the streets are always buzzing and full of life.

Optional Excursions:
Thai Massage per hour from – THB 250
Wat Phra Kaew – from THB 500
Thai cookery course – from THB 1200
Bangkok canal tour – from THB 750

Accommodation:
1 night in a hotel at New Siam II or similar.

Day 2 - Bangkok
Today we will visit Bangkok Grand Palace, home to the revered Emerald Buddha. Admire the ornate architecture and visit the temples inside. Returning to hotel we will take a river taxi along the Chao Phraya River. Bangkok once had an elaborate network of canals and was given the nickname, 'Venice of the East', and although some of them have been filled in and converted to streets, many still exist today. Travelling through these canals you will see how the locals live along the riverside - you almost forget you are in a large, bustling city.

Included Excursions:
Bangkok Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha, Bangkok river taxi

Accomodation:
1 night in a hotel

Day 3 to 4 - Sukhothai
Leaving Bangkok we fly to Sukhothai, Thailand's ancient capital. It is home to the ancient ruins of the former city. A popular highlight of Thailand, it was the capital of the Thai empire for approximately 140 years and translates literally to “Dawn of Happiness”.

The temples and monuments have been since excavated and reconstructed in places, the restoration now naming the destination Sukhothai Historical Park.

The old city has many zones interspersed with lakes and bridges to island bound ruins, and covers roughly 70 square kilometers. We will take a bicycle tour around the World Heritage Site and explore the typical Thai architecture including the Wat Mahathat, one of the most spectacular Buddhas seated amongst the stone ruins.

Included Excursions:
Bicycle tour of Sukhothai

Accommodation:
2 night(s) in a guesthouse at Vitoon Guesthouse or similar.

Meals:
1 Breakfast

Day 5 to 6 - Chiang Mai
Our journey today culminates in Chiang Mai , the 'Rose of the North', where you can enjoy a Thai cooking course, relaxing massage, take in a night-time Thai kick-boxing bout (Muay Thai) or haggle the night away at Chiang Mai’s famous evening street market.

Optional Excursions:
Thai cookery course – THB 800 per person (depending on class size)
Doi Suthep temple by Songthaew (type of Thai vehicle) – THB 300
Bicycle tour – from THB 800 per day
Watch Muay Thai Boxing - from THB 400

Accommodation:
2 night(s) in hotels at Winner Inn or similar.

Meals:
2 Breakfast(s)

Day 7 to 8 - Chiang Rai & Golden Triangle
Leaving Chiang Mai head to the bus station to board our bus to Chiang Rai. The journey only takes 3.5 hours so you have the afternoon to explore. The next day we will have a full day tour to discover the surrounding area. We will head to the Golden Triangle viewpoint where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar all meet on the Mekong River and the old Opium Museum where you can learn about Asia's past illicit opium production. Next we will see the giant Golden Buddha sitting on a boat by the riverside and the stone elephants there to protect him.

We will also visit Wat Rong Khun, famously known as the White Temple. Many tour leaders have claimed that Rong Khun is the most fascinating temple they have visited and during your visit you’ll be amazed at the decorations both inside and out! You can compare this with the Black Temple. Discover the stark contrasts not only in colour but in architecture and design too! We will return to our hotel in Chiang Rai which is situated near the popular Night Bazaar Market. All this exploring is hungry work so be sure to sample a freshly-cooked pad thai in this vibrant night spot.

Included Excursions:
Full day trip to the Golden Triangle including Opium Museum, Giant Golden Buddha in Sop Ruak, White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) Black House (Baan Dam)

Accommodation:
2 night(s) in hotels at Baan Pordeedin Guesthouse or similar.

Meals:
2 Breakfast(s)

Day 9 to 10 - Luang Prabang
Today we have a flight to Luang Prabang. Many say that Luang Prabang is the most memorable town in all of Laos. Renowned for a fascinating history and some of the friendliest people, 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 300 metres above sea level on the upper Mekong. As you explore you will see that Luang Prabang is dominated by Phousi - the marvellous hill-top temple that sits in the middle of the town. We will ascend up to visit Wat Tham Phounsi and to admire the breath-taking views of Luang Prabang. You'll notice a combination of Lao, French and Lao-French colonial influence as you admire the city's buildings and architectural highlights - all of which you can see discovering the town on foot. We will also visit the monks at sunrise who collect alms that are donated by the locals.Included Excursions:
Trip to and up Mount Phousi to visit Wat Tham Phousi, Visit to witness the local Monks collecting Alms

Optional Excursions:
Royal Theatre dance performances - US$20
Royal Palace LAK 30,000
Wat Xieng Thong - LAK 20,000
Wat Poa Phon Phoa - donation expected
Kuang Si Falls - LAK 20,000 (not including transport)

Accommodation:
2 night(s) in hotels at Treasure Hotel or similar.

Meals:
2 Breakfast(s)

Day 11 to 12 - Vang Vieng
As we make our way south from Luang Prabang we travel past stunning scenery to Vang Vieng. This peaceful town is situated on a plateau with stunning surroundings of limestone caves and waterfalls, and the area is inhabited by the Hmong and Yao tribes. The limestone caves are renowned in ancient mythology and have featured in the prose of many artists throughout time. Vang Vieng is an excellent place to try the local cuisine and there are markets to indulge in. Here we will take a tuk-tuk tour off the beaten track through some of Laos' most incredible scenery and see the local villages and paddy fields. Make sure you bring your swimming costume as we will visit the Blue Lagoon where you can take a dip.

Included Excursions:
Vang Vieng tuk-tuk tour to the Blue Lagoon

Optional Excursions:
Bamboo rafting/kayaking including visit to caves - US$20
Caves - most entry fees are US$2

Accommodation:
2 night(s) in hotels at Vilayvong Hotel or similar.

Meals:
2 Breakfast(s)

Day 13 - Vientiane
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 which are excellent here.

Laos was a victim during the Vietnam War and is actually the most bombed country in the world. During the fighting 270 million submunitions were dropped on Laos between 1963 to 1974, and many of those failed to explode, still remaining live in the ground.

In Vientiane, we visit the COPE Centre and learn about the UXO problem in Laos and how the country is managing the situation. We learn about the work undertaken by COPE to provide disability services for people affected by the bombing. As part of the exhibition, you can also watch a number of excellent documentary films where you can learn more.

Included Excursions:
Visit the COPE Centre

Optional Excursions:
Temples – most entry fees are US$2
Wat Pra Kaeo (Grand Palace and museum) – LAK 5000
National Museum – LAK 20,000
Buddha Park – LAK 8,000 entrance (plus transport starting from LAK 80,000)

Accommodation:
1 night in a hotel at Mali Namphu Hotel or similar.

Meals:
1 Breakfast

Day 14 to 15 - Hanoi
A short flight takes us to the colourful country of Vietnam, landing in Hanoi.

Hanoi offers a beguiling combination of tranquillity and chaos, from the elegance of its crumbling colonial architecture and tree-lined boulevards, to the boisterous cacophony of street vendors and motorcycles. Much can be absorbed of daily life by wandering the streets of the old quarter, tasting local market food, and people-watching. For the culture buffs there are museums, temples and tombs which offer insight into a city rich in history and character.

Optional Excursions:
Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum – free
Ho Chi Minh's house and presidential palace – VND 20,000
Ho Chi Minh's Museum – VND 20,000
Temple of Literature – VND20,000
All tombs and citadels – VND 20,000
Ngoc Son Temple – VND 5,000
Fine Arts Museum – VND 20,000
Military History Museum – VND 20,000 Perfume pagoda – VND 20,00

Accommodation:
2 night(s) in hotels at Golden Charm Hotel or similar.

Meals:
2 Breakfast(s)

Day 16 - Halong Bay
We depart Hanoi for the mystical Halong Bay, boarding a traditional Chinese sailing vessel which will take us out to the UNESCO world heritage site. The bay includes hundreds of islands with towering limestone karsts draped in verdant foliage. The boat – called a ‘junk’ – will be our home for the evening and staying overnight in the bay means we have time to explore caves, go kayaking and swimming and soak in the beauty of the area.

Translated, Halong means ‘Bay of Descending Dragons’ and local legend describes a great dragon coming down from the mountains, gouging out the valleys and spitting out jewels which turned into the various islands. Tonight we are treated to dinner aboard our boat followed by a spot of night fishing… if you’re still awake!

Included Excursions:
Halong Bay overnight stay on a junk boat
Guided tour & entrance to caves

Accommodation:
1 night on a Halong Bay junk. No single room upgrade available.

Meals:
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Day 17 - Hanoi
This morning we’ll do some final exploring around the bay, perhaps to see some of the large caves filled with stalagmites and stalactites that lay hidden behind the towering cliffs, before making our way back to the mainland, arriving back in Hanoi sometime in the afternoon.

Included Excursions:
An evening trip to the Vietnamese Water Puppet Theatre

Accommodation:
1 night in a hotel

Meals:
1 Basic Breakfast, 1 Lunch

Day 18 - Hanoi
Today your Tour Leader will take you on trip to visit a number of sights. Discover Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, the Stilt House and the famous 1-Pillar Pagoda.

You can also visit “coffee street” in the old quarter for a ca phe sua da (a milky iced coffee) for a caffeine fix, or grab some hearty bowls of Pho from the street vendors selling delicious Vietnamese street food. You can also head to the pretty Hoàn Ki?m Lake and try and spot the endangered large soft shell turtles that are hiding in the water, before crossing the red Huc Bridge to visit Jade Island where the Ngoc Son Temple (Temple of Jade Mountain) stands.

Included Excursions:
Half-day trip to visit Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, Museum, Presidential Palace, Stilt House and the famous 1-Pillar Pagoda

Accommodation:
1 night in a hotel at Golden Charm Hotel or similar.

Meals:
1 Breakfast

Day 19 to 20 - Hue
We’ll have one more morning in Hanoi, the perfect opportunity to see some of the sites you may have missed before our cruise, before we head to the airport to catch our short flight to Hue. Before we leave, make sure you have visited the Temple of Literature, the country’s first university and discover the stone tablets with the names of graduates from over the years.

The time-worn grandeur of Hue has been the stage of many battles from the dynastic rivalry and rebellions of the 17th and 18th centuries, to French occupation and most recently as the site of the Battle of Hue, one of the longest and bloodiest conflicts in the Vietnam War. Its location at the geographic heart of Vietnam has perhaps done it no favours, but uncovering its past and exploring its relics is a delight for travellers in a place where history interweaves and overlaps with modern life.

The picturesque Perfume River winds its way through the city, past the citadels and pagodas that make this a UNESCO world heritage site. Hue is also a centre of artistic and intellectual learning and the community of artists, poets and scholars that have called this place home contribute to making it captivating and engaging city.

Here we tour around the ancient forbidden citadel. The citadel was only for the emperors and those closest, with severe punishments if you were caught trespassing. Along the Perfume River we can visit the tombs of those who used to dominate the citadel.

Included Excursions:
Visit the Forbidden Citadel with tour leader

Optional Excursions:
Thien Mu Pagoda – US$2
Amphitheatre and elephant temple – free
Imperial Museum & guide – VND 105,000
Military Museum – VND55,000 + US$3
Ho Chi Minh Museum – VND 40,000
Bicycle hire – from VND 30,000
Perfume River boat cruise – US$2

Accommodation:
2 night(s) in hotels at DMZ Hotel or similar.

Meals:
2 Breakfast(s)

Day 21 to 22 - Hoi An
We depart Hue and travel south to Hoi An. Our drive takes us up and over the famous and scenic Hai van Pass (ocean cloud pass) where you will enjoy stunning views of the surrounding coastline and rice paddies. The name of the road refers to the mist from the sea, and is renowned for its beauty, featuring predominantly on the British motoring programme Top Gear. Before arriving in Hoi An our short journey takes us through the city of Da Nang, along Non Nuoc Beach, more familiarly known as China Beach before stopping for a brief exploration of the hidden temples and caves of Marble Mountain, a small cluster of 5 mini-mountains on the south side of Da Nang. For those adventurous to head for the very top , amazing city and sea views are your just rewards.

While the journey from Hue is incredible, Hoi An is even better. Largely spared damage during the Vietnamese conflict, The old trading port of Hoi An is a UNESCO Heritage town offering an amazing central old town with small friendly streets dotted with an abundance of small family run shops, restaurants and coffee shops. Whether you want to stop for a nice cheap beer while watching the sun set over the river or splash out on an incredible seafood supper, Hoi An has it all within walking distance. One of the main highlights of Hoi An, other than its beauty, culture and history are the more than 300 tailor shops located all over town and on every street corner. Where else can you have designer, tailor made to measure clothes fitted and ready to take away the next day for less than an off the peg purchase back at home? If you love clothes and want something special or unique you may never want to leave Hoi An. If clothes aren’t your thing why not rent a bicycle and take the short 5km ride through country lanes bordered by rice paddy fields to the wholly unspoiled Cua Dai beach for the day or join an organised excursion to visit My Son, another UNESCO World Heritage site located close to Hoi An and the location of some of Vietnam’s best preserved ancient Hindu Temple ruins dating back hundreds of years to the Champa era?

Included Excursions:
Marble Mountain
Visit Hai Van Pass

Optional Excursions:
Sightseeing ticket (allowing entry to 5 sites) – VND 100,000
My Son Cham ruins – VND 60,000 entrance, plus transport with guide US$8
Cookery class – from VND 250,000
Tu Bon River boat trip – US$20
Bicycle rental US$3 (Daily)
My Son Excursion US$ tba

Accommodation:
2 night(s) in hotels at Hoang Trinh Hotel or similar.

Meals:
2 Breakfast(s)

Day 23 - Overnight Train to Nha Trang
Enjoy most of the day exploring Hoi An before catching an overnight train to Nha Trang.

Accommodation:
1 night on an overnight sleeper train. No single room upgrade available.

Meals:
1 Breakfast

Day 24 to 25 - Nha Trang
Situated on the beach, Nha Trang is a perfect place to relax. You can opt for a snorkelling boat trip or visit the sulphur mud bath spas. There are also a number of cultural sights including the Long Son Pagoda, Alexandre Yersin Museum and the Po Nagar Cham Towers.

Accommodation:
2 night(s) in hotels.

Meals:
1 Breakfast

Day 26 - Ho Chi Minh City
Today we catch a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City. This bustling and vibrant city, the former capital of South Vietnam and formerly known as Saigon until the end of the Vietnam War (around 1975) and the infamous ‘Fall of Saigon” when the city was renamed after North Vietnam’s illustrious and revered leader Ho Chi Minh. Originally a small fishing village, it is now the most important economic centre in Vietnam and is the largest city in the country.

Traffic in the city is fairly hectic at the best of times but getting around is surprisingly easy by taxi although drivers may not always speak English. Bus is the only form of public transport and motorbikes rule the road; there are around 3 million motorbikes cruising around the streets of Ho Chi Minh City.
Although we have one night in Ho Chi Minh, we will be returning after our overnight adventure on the Mekong Delta for two full days in which to explore and enjoy this vibrant city.

Optional Excursions:
The Reunification Palace – VND 20,000
Cu Chi Tunnels - VND 235,000

Accommodation:
1 night in a hotel at La Felix Hotel or similar.

Meals:
1 Breakfast

Day 27 - Mekong Delta
This morning we travel to the heart of the Mekong Delta, a region in southwestern Vietnam where the Mekong River, the longest river in South East Asia, approaches and empties into the sea through a network of distributaries. Life in the Mekong Delta revolves much around the river, and many of the villages are often accessible more easily by rivers and canals rather than by road. The region produces half of the country's rice output which is more than Japan and Korea combined.

Once we arrive to the Delta, we board a long boat and begin our day exploring life in and around the river and its tributaries, visiting local workshops where the local people are always happy to see you and the children will follow you around wearing their western football shirts. Visit a local Bonsai garden, fruit orchard, ceramics workshop and local brickworks to discover how local needs are met without the modern technology we take so much for granted. Want to try the local ‘snake wine’ or ‘rice wine’ then today you get your chance when we visit a local homestay where you’ll be invited into the family home and offered the local wines. Whatever you do, don’t take the term ‘wine’ too lightly as these drink pack a powerful kick! During the day your guide will take you to a local home for a wonderful local seafood meal (quality non-seafood options are available). Don’t forget your cameras.

Included Excursions:
Mekong Delta Overnight Excursion

Accommodation:
1 night in a homestay. No single room upgrade available.

Meals:
1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

Day 28 to 29 - Ho Chi Minh City
The next morning after breakfast and before returning to Ho Chi Minh City, we take an early cruise on a traditional sampan through the famous floating markets and past the imposing Christian Church to visit local craft shops and a chance to support the local community by purchasing a gift or two for your friends back home. Whether it’s a treat from the sweet and candy workshop or a souvenir snake wine, we’re sure you’ll find something of interest . Late in the morning we disembark our boat, say farewell to our guide and boat captain and head back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Your Tour Leader will take you on a walking tour where you will visit the War Remnants Museum and the Reunification Hall. If you're less of a history buff and more in the mood to haggle for a bargain, don't worry – we will also explore Ho Chi Minh's largest market, the Ben Thanh Market. You can buy everything from cosmetics to live ducks here. There are also numerous food stalls at this market, and at the popular night market nearby. The food in Ho Chi Minh is some of the best and most diverse in all of Vietnam so make sure you eat well during your stay. There are also many bars and clubs to spend your evening in.

Included Excursions:
Tour Leader local walking tour to B?n Thành Market, Opera House, Notre Dam Cathedral & Eifell Post Office, Independance Palace, War Remnents Museum (entrance to musuem included)

Accommodation:
2 night(s) in hotels at La Felix Hotel or similar.

Meals:
1 Buffet Breakfast, 1 Basic Breakfast

Day 30 to 31 - Sihanoukville
We fly to Cambodia heading to Sihanoukville. Originally started in the 1950's as an Cambodia's first deep water port, Sihanoukville, named after the King of the time.

We spend two nights here and there is plenty of time to enjoy the many beaches and snorkel in the sparkling waters. Enjoy sunset views from Wat Leu, an ornate temple situated on the forested hills.

Accommodation:
2 night(s) in hotels at Grand Sihanoukville Hotel or similar.

Meals:
2 Buffet Breakfast(s)

Day 32 - Kampot
Today we travel to the French colonial town of Kampot located by the Praek Tuek Chhu River on the route to Phnom Penh. It is famous for its pepper plantations and salt fields and we will take a tuk-tuk tour of the countryside.

Included Excursions:
Countryside tuk-tuk trip to the Kampot Salt Fields.

Accommodation:
1 night in a hotel.

Meals:
1 Buffet Breakfast

Day 33 to 34 - Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is Cambodia's bustling capital city with a turbulent past. Sitting on the juncture of the Mekong River and the Tonle Sap river, Phnom Penh has been the national capital since the French colonised Cambodia during the 19th century. The city has grown from a small fishing village to what is now the industrial, commercial, cultural and historical centre of Cambodia.

During our time in Phnom Penh we visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former school which was transformed into one of the Khmer Rouge’s most feared prison and torture camps during the Pol Pot regime. The building is now a haunting tribute to the thousands who died here and at the other 150 similar camps throughout the country in the late 1970’s. Those who were detained at the camp were later taken and executed at the Choueng Ek extermination Centre, more commonly known as ‘The Killing Fields, a site we also visit to learn more of and try to understand this wonderful country’s turbulent past.

Whilst the aforementioned visits are included in the tour they are also entirely optional should anybody prefer not to visit and Phnom Penh has a lot more to offer including the Russian Market and National Museum. Or you could also take a stroll along the river's famous Sisowath Quay and enjoy a coffee or cocktail at one of the many cafes while observing the bustling river traffic. Our Tour Leaders particularly recommend the Foreign Correspondents Club or F.C.C. as it’s better known. You may wish to take a tuk-tuk ride around Phnom Penh (a tuk-tuk is a motorbike-taxi with an enclosed passenger cabin that can fit around 4 people).

Included Excursions:
Entrance to the Genocide Museum & Killing Fields

Optional Excursions:
Royal Palace – US$6.50
National Museum – US$5
The Silver Pagoda – US$3
Wat Phnom – US$1

Accommodation:
2 night(s) in hotels at Pacific Hotel or similar.

Meals:
1 Buffet Breakfast, 1 Basic Breakfast

Day 35 to 36 - Kratie
Heading away from the big city life, we head into the Khmer countryside to enjoy a couple of days in relaxing Kratie to enjoy some of the best Mekong River sunsets available. As well as being one of the very best locations to spot the fast becoming rare freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins, Kratie is home to a number of interesting temples from different era’s, a museum that hardly ever opens (ask your Tour Leader to try for you) and some marvelous countryside tours to see the other side of this wonderful country and its people. So, soak up the peaceful rural life, wander the central marketplace to pick up handmade souvenirs and admire the French colonial architecture, and the village homes built upon wooden stilts.

Accommodation:
2 night(s) in hotels at Ly Cheu Hotel or similar.

Meals:
 2 Breakfasts

Day 37 - Kompong Cham
Staying in close touch with the mighty Mekong River which so dominates Southeast Asia we travel slightly South to the riverside town of Kompong Cham and back into civilisation so to speak. Literally meaning “port of the Chams’ and referring to the local ethnic Cham people living in the province, Kompong Cham offers a chance to experience yet another different facet of the Cambodia that many miss when passing through.

Enjoy the colonial charms of the sleepy city, situated along the Mekong River. Watch traditional Apsara dances or visit Nokor Wat to admire the Angkor architecture.

You may also like to get a tuk-tuk or a boat down the river to Wat Maha Leap, one of the remaining wooden pagodas in Cambodia. Over 100 years old, it was one of the few pagodas not destroyed by the Khmer Rouge because they used it as a hospital. Monks since reformed it to it’s original beauty and you can see the gilded patterns on the black wooden pillars that support the stunning blue roof in total contrast to the nearby, impressive Kizuna Bridge which at 1.5 km long is still Cambodia’s 2nd longest and the first to cross the Mekong in Cambodia.

Accommodation:
1 night in a hotel at Monorom VIP Hotel or similar.

Meals:
1 Breakfast

Day 38 to 39 - Battambang
Crossing from Eastern Cambodia to the Western side, our day’s journey allows a visit on route to Cambodia’ famous Spider Market where the more adventurous of you may can try the local delicacy, fried spider.

An important former trading city, Battambang is Cambodia’s second most populated city, and appeals to tourists due to its vibrant personality as well as its cultural highlights and many nearby temples.

Soak up the cultural atmosphere in Battambang with it’s blend of modern city and well preserved colonial architecture, admire the statues that pepper the streets, and the art deco buildings such as the Central Market and train station or visit Cambodia's most famous circus, Phare Ponleu Selpak.

Today we will taste the traditional khmer wine before making our way through the rice paddy covered land to the ride the famouse Bamboo Railway. In the evening - take an optional tuk tuk ride out to the Battambang bat caves at Phnom Sampeu where you will witness thousands upon thousands of bats streaming out of the cave and flying off into the sunset

Included Excursions:
Spider Market
Khmer Wine Tasting
Ride the Bamboo Railway (when operational)

Accommodation:
2 night(s) in hotels at King Fy Hotel or similar.

Meals:
1 Breakfast, 1 Basic Breakfast

Day 40 to 41 - Siem Reap
Siem Reap is our base for exploring the famous temples of the Angkor area. The name Siem Reap means 'Defeat of Siam' - today's Thailand - and refers to a century-old bloodbath which you can see commemorated in stone in the celebrated bas relief carvings of the monuments around the area.

Our first day we head out on our included excursion to the most famous temple, Angkor Wat, with a guide to give us an overview of the history and layout of the temple. Our remaining time in Siem Reap can be spent at our own leisure exploring this expansive site armed with our cameras and the knowledge from our guide.

There are over one thousand temples here which attract over one million visitors annually. The temples range from small ruins to the famous Angkor Wat, and the site is said to be the world's largest single religious monument.

Angkor Wat, a UNESCO world heritage site, pays homage to the Hindu god Vishnu and has a dazzling array of beautiful ornate carvings. The many ceremonial structures and temples here were built between the 9th and 13th centuries by the Khmer Empire that spanned a period of approximately 600 years. These temples are some of the most famous in the world and take up an area of approximately 160 square kilometres.

There are superb photographic opportunities here at most times of the day so make sure your camera batteries are fully charged and your memory card is ready to go! Tuk-tuks provide a convenient form of transport around the area here, and you can hire a tuk-tuk and driver for the day if you wish. The Angkor area (in and around the Ta Prohm temple) was the site where the film Tomb Raider starring Angelina Jolie was filmed.

Included Excursions:
Guided Tour of Angkor Wat

Optional Excursions:
Tonle Sap Lake entrance including boat ride – from US$7 (depending on group size)
Landmine Museum entrance – US$3 (US$7 including transport)
Blood Donation to children's hospitals

Accommodation:
2 night(s) in hotels at Xing Angkor Hotel or similar.

Meals:
2 Breakfast(s)

Day 42 - Bangkok
Today we fly to Bangkok where we can enjoy dinner and spend the night.

Accommodation:
1 night in a hotel at New Siam II or similar.

Meals:
1 Breakfast

Day 43 - Depart Bangkok
Your adventure of a lifetime comes to an end today. If you have a late flight or have lengthened your stay by adding post tour accommodation you will have more time to explore the sights.

Meals:
1 Breakfast