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| Explore — Worldwide 2008/09 |
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Page Text Content
SOUTH EAST ASIA
THAILAND " CAMBODIA " VIETNAM
Floating market on the Mekong
Bangkok to Saigon Overland
THAILAND " MALAYSIA " SINGAPORE
Bridge over the River Kwai 16 DAYS HOTELS INDOCHINA OVERLAND
Phnom Rung Khmer Temple
Ref BK
JFMAMJJASOND JFMA
Chiang Mai to Singapore
18 DAYS HOTELS/RAFT HOUSE/TRAIN SOUTH EAST ASIAN ODYSSEY
Ref RMP
Birdwatching & trekking
Bangkok to Saigon Overland Ref BK
k Rae
M eko
Banteay Srei Angkor Wat temple complex
JFMAMJJASOND JFMA
KHAO YAI NP
THAILAND
nom Pha
Dang
Poi Pet
ng
ARANYAPRATHET BANGKOK
SIEM REAP
From the most Northern point of the rail network in Thailand, this classic trip takes us the length of Thailand and on through the Malay peninsula to the terminus in Singapore. On the way we pause at ancient cities and bustling capitals. We ride elephants in the rainforest, relax on tropical beaches, and experience a kaleidoscope of cultures.
Chiang Mai to Bangkok Our journey begins in the hill town of Chiang Mai known as the Rose of the North. Our first experience of Thai trains is when we travel to Sukhothai, the 13th century Siamese capital, where we explore the many wats (temples). In Bangkok, we tour the stunning Grand Palace and theres time for exploration of one of South East Asias most vibrant cities, with its famed nightlife. Rainforest & Beaches A scenic journey takes us to Kanchanaburi and the River Kwai, riding along the infamous Death Railway. The next stage of the journey is only possible by longtail boat as we travel up the jungle-clad river to our raft houses. From here it is possible to walk to local villages, ride elephants and bamboo raft down the river. Travelling by overnight train to the coastal town of Satun, a ferry then takes us across the Andaman Sea to Malaysia and the tropical paradise island of Langkawi. Here we find a perfect spot to spend time relaxing by the sea or to indulge in some excellent snorkelling. Malay Peninsula Continuing by ferry, we arrive in Penang, discovering a melting pot of cultures, with Langkawi/Malaysian Tourist Office
Chiang Mai to Singapore Ref RMP
MYANMAR
CHIANG MAI
MYANMAR
Doi Suthep Temple L AOS Uttaradit Phitsanulock
Grand Palace Emerald Buddha Wat Po Optional Klongs tour
Chong Kneas Floating villages optional boat trip
CAMBODIA
Royal Palace Silver Pagoda Wat Phnom
Lake Tonle Sap
VIETNAM
Ho Chi Minh City Walking tour
PHNOM PENH
Choeung Ek Killing Fields Cu Chi Tunnels
SUKHOTHAI
Ancient city Nam KWAI NOI RIVER Tok Stay in raft house Elephant ride River Kwai Bridge
THAIL AND
Nakhon Pathom
Gulf of Thailand
km
VIETNAM
0
CHAO DOC
Cham Village Mekong Delta
SAIGON
South China Sea Mouths of the Mekong
City tour Emerald Buddha Grand Palace
BANGKOK CAMBODIA
CAN THO
250
floating market
ANDAMAN SEA
Gulf of Thailand
Trang Satun Butterworth
LANGKAWI
Tropical island Beach
PENANG
INDONESIA
SOUTH CHINA SEA
MAL AYSIA
Tampin
KUALA LUMPUR
City tour km 0
MALACCA
600
SING APORE
SINGAPORE
Overland travel affords the opportunity to see more, and on this classic trip across southern Indochina we uncover much of the essence of South East Asia. Experience the bustling and modern (yet still very asian) cities of Bangkok and Saigon; relax in laidback Phnom Penh; wonder at the beauty of tropical rainforests; discover the timeless rhythm of village life and marvel at the treasures of Angkor.
Bangkok & Khao Yai National Park In Bangkok we visit the Grand Palace and glittering temples of the Emerald and Reclining Buddhas. Three hours drive and a world away from the hectic capital is Khao Yai National Park, one of the largest intact monsoon rainforests in mainland Asia. Accompanied by a naturalist guide we trek established trails in search of jungle wildlife; if were lucky we may see elephant, sambar and barking deer, gibbon, stump-tailed macaque and some of the 320 recorded species of bird including the Giant hornbill. Angkorian Temples & Phnom Penh Much has been written of the fabulous temples of the Angkorian kings which lay hidden in the jungle for years. Yet nothing can Magnificent carved heads/Miles Buesst
prepare you for the magical experience of witnessing your first sunrise at the iconic Angkor Wat from across lily-clad ponds. Over three days we explore the best of the temple sites each having their own special atmosphere. Taking the Mekong Express bus to Phnom Penh, our sightseeing here includes the Royal Palace with its Silver Pagoda and Wat Phnom, as well as the museum of Tuol Sleng and Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, both providing a disturbing yet essential insight into Cambodias recent past. Mekong Delta & Saigon A speedboat along the Mekong takes us to Chau Doc in Vietnam, set amidst lush emerald-green paddies. The Mekong Delta is best explored from the water; we use a variety of craft to explore sleepy villages and lively floating markets. Our journey ends in dynamic Ho Chi Minh City, where we stay in the Old Saigon colonial district. We explore the citys historic buildings and museums on foot before heading out into the countryside to Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground base for 10,000 Viet Cong during the war.
both colonial and Chinese influences evident. In Georgetown, we wander through Chinatown and the night-markets, famed for their excellent food! Kuala Lumpur, combines colonial and Moorish architecture set amongst glistening skyscrapers. Our last day in Malaysia is in Malacca, the historic Portuguese trading port with its fabulous old town. Our journey ends in the cosmopolitan city of Singapore, where you can take a step back in time with a visit to the world famous Raffles hotel.
FACTFILE
Itinerary Day 1 Fly London/Bangkok. 2 Fly Bangkok/Chiang Mai. 3 In Chiang Mai; visit Doi Suthep temple. 4 Train and bus to Sukhothai; visit old palace and temples. 5 Train to Bangkok. 6 In Bangkok; visit Grand Palace. 7 Train to Kanchanaburi; visit River Kwai Bridge, longtail boat on Kwai Noi River to raft house. 8 Jungle walk to include tribal village, elephant ride and rafting trip. 9 Drive to Nakhon Pathom; overnight train. 10 Arrive Trang; transfer to port at Satun and take ferry to Langkawi. 11 On Langkawi. 12 Ferry to Penang; visit night markets. 13 In Penang; transfer to Butterworth, overnight train to Kuala Lumpur. 14 Arrive Kuala Lumpur; city tour. 15 Train to Malacca; explore old town. 16 Train to Singapore. 17 In Singapore. 18 Fly London. Accommodation & Meals: 12nts hotel, 2nts raft house, 2nts overnight train; 13 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 2 dinners included. See insert p2. Mode of Travel: Train/Bus/Longtail boat/Ferry/ On foot. Comment: From Northern Thailand to Singapore, this trip offers a blend of cultural contrasts, ancient sites and relaxation. Tour Staff & Support: Explore Tour Leaders (one in each country) and drivers. Group Size: Approx. 12 to 16.
FACTFILE
Itinerary Day 1 Fly London/Bangkok. 2 Arrive Bangkok; optional Klong trip. 3 City tour; drive Khao Yai NP. 4 Trekking in NP with specialist guide; visit park HQ and waterfalls. 5 Drive Aranyaprathet via Phnom Rung Khmer temple. 6 Cross border to Poi Pet (Cambodia); drive Siem Reap, visit Angkorian temples. 7 Full day sightseeing at temples of Angkor. 8 Angkor sightseeing; PM excursion on Lake Tonle Sap to floating villages (optional). 9 Mekong Express bus to Phnom Penh; visit Wat Phnom. 10 Visit Tuol Sleng genocide museum and the Killing Fields; PM free. 11 Visit Royal Palace; boat to Chao Doc (Vietnam). 12 Mekong Delta boat trip to villages; PM drive Can Tho. 13 Boat trip to floating market; drive Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). 14 Walking tour Old Saigon; visit Cu Chi Tunnels. 15 Fly London. 16 Arrive London. Accommodation & Meals: 13nts hotel; 13 breakfasts included. See insert p2. Mode of Travel: Bus (charter & public)/Boats/ On Foot. Comment: An overland journey linking the highlights of southern Indochina with time spent off-the-beatentrack in Thailands Khao Yai NP and the Mekong Delta. Tour Staff & Support: Explore Tour Leader and driver(s)and some local guides. Group Size: Approx. 13 to 18.
For information, inspiration and latest tour availability visit www.explore.co.uk
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