• Boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake
• 22 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 3 dinners
• 20 nights 3 - 4 star & special class hotels, 1 night deluxe junk boat and 1 overnight sleeper train (Junk boat: private cabin, Sleeper train: basic, 4 berth cabin)
• Economy class flights Bangkok - Chiang Mai, Luang Prabang - Hanoi, Danang - Saigon, Phnom Penh - Seim Reap
• Longtail boat ride in Bangkok, on the River Kok and from Thailand to Laos. Sampan boat trips in the Mekong Delta
• Halong Bay Junk boat cruise - opt to swim, kayak or explore caves
• Bicycle ride to Tra Que village and cooking demonstration
• Airport arrival transfer day 1 and departure transfer day 23
• Guided sightseeing - Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Luang Prabang, Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Mekong Delta, Saigon, Cu Chi, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and the temples of Angkor
• Escorted by English speaking Thai, Lao, Vietnamese and Cambodian tour guides
• All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles
• Visa approval letter (excl. stamping fee required upon arrival)

Friday. Welcome to Thailand and the start of your holiday! Upon arrival to Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport, after attending to immigration, please proceed to the Arrivals Hall, EXITING VIA DOOR B, where you will be met by an On The Go Tours representative, carrying an On The Go Tours sign. Note: our representative will be waiting for you outside Door B, should you happen to exit via Door A or Door C, please walk to the Door B exit – 100m away where our representative will be waiting for you. Please show this tour voucher to our representatives upon arrival and ensure it is returned to you as you may need it later on your travels. If, for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, or on arrival, you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the emergency contact persons as listed on your tour voucher. Please do not exit the airport and make your own way to the start hotel, please follow the advice given by our emergency contact persons.

If arriving to Bangkok via Don Mueang International Airport, our arrival procedure is the same as above with the exception that after attending to immigration and entering the Arrivals Hall, please proceed to the 'Information' counter near Door No 5 where our representative will be waiting for you.

Once you have met our representative you will be escorted to our awaiting transportation and a driver will transfer you to our hotel. Upon arrival please give your name to the hotel receptionist and check into your room. Now, the adventure begins!

For those arriving a day or two earlier than Day One of the tour, you can spend your time exploring and getting acquainted with the city. Nana BTS Station (Sky Train) is located approx 500m from our hotel. The Sky Train is inexpensive and a great way to travel around the city and connects into the underground rail network truly making all main sites easy to reach.

Day One is designed to be an arrival day for all passengers. Spend the day discovering the city, your way before heading back to the hotel this evening for our welcome meeting hosted by your tour guide, scheduled to commence at 6pm. After you might like to join your guide and other members of the group for a meal.

Day 2: This morning we visit the spiritual and religious heart of the city - the striking Grand Palace. Topped by golden stupas, the complex has been the site of royal coronations and is home to the legendary Emerald Buddha. We’ll also visit the House of the Reclining Buddha, the Original Thai Massage School and the 24hr Flower Market before boarding longtail boats to explore the city’s canals. Known as khlongs, the canals enable surface water to make its way to the sea and have long been a way of getting around Bangkok. On our journey we’ll glide by curious stilted houses and gleaming temples whilst old men fish and children folic about on the waters edge.

Our boats drop us off within walking distance of Khao San Road, popular with backpackers and hippies. Late afternoon offers free time for you to enjoy the many bars, restaurants, street performers, market stalls and tailors - that will measure you up for a new suit, that line this vibrant road. Overnight - Bangkok (B:1)

This morning we transfer to the airport to catch our flight to the northern capital of Chiang Mai. With its more temperate climate, lush vegetation and blend of hill tribe cultures the city is popular with both Thais and their guests in equal measure. Upon arrival its a quick break for lunch for those looking to refuel. We then set off for Doi Suthep, standing like a sentinel over Chiang Mai, with one of the most important temples in the country on its summit. We then

return to the city stopping at the Hilltribe Museum to learn more of the diversity of the region. In the evening your guide will take you to the night market so that you can sample some of the many regional dishes from the numerous small restaurants and stalls found there. Overnight - Chiang Mai (B)

Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai - Chiang Khong. Today we set out for Chiang Rai, passing through spectacular mountain scenery and hill tribe markets along the way. We make a stop at the unconventional White Temple, known locally as Wat Rhon Khung, which displays scenes from modern day movies. We then visit a hill tribe community site where you have the chance to learn more about how five of the most prominent tribes in the area live, including their traditional costumes and homes. We continue our journey to the Thailand’s ‘Golden Triangle’ for a trip to the Opium Museum. We then follow the Mekong River to Chiang Khong - our base for the night before crossing the border into Laos tomorrow morning. Overnight - Chiang Khong (B)

Tuesday. Chiang Khong - Pakbeng. Bright and early we head to the immigration & customs office to exit Thailand. Bidding farewell to our Thai guide we cross the river by longtail boat. Meeting up with our Lao guide we attend to immigration formalities before we're back on the water, cruising by traditional long boat down the Mekong River. Border crossing Point: Chiang Khong Thailand/ Ban Houeyxay Laos. Journey time by boat: approx 6 hours. Serene and timeless Laos is often overlooked by travellers. A peaceful nation of people offering legendary hospitality, resilience and friendliness, Laos is old Asia preserved. As we travel downstream we stop off at a number of minority villages such as the Hmong, Yao and Khmu to get an understanding of their culture and way of life. Upon arrival in Pakbeng, we visit the local market to watch the colourful hill tribe trade their wares before retiring for the night.

Pakbeng - Luang Prabang. We continue our cruise arriving to the golden city of Luang Prabang mid afternoon, lunch included. Journey time: 6 hours. After some rest and relaxation by the hotel swimming pool or a wonderful massage at the hotel spa, we meet with our Luang Prabang tour guide for a quick introduction to the area. (lunch included today)

Day 7 - Consider rising early this morning to view the daily ritual of saffron-clad monks and their procession down the streets of Luang Prabang collecting alms from the residents. If attending you'll meet another group of On The Go travellers who commenced their tour in Vientiane. Many of the group members you will meet today will also be travelling all the way on to Cambodia.

Later, together we commence our sightseeing tour of this enchanting city, starting with a visit to the oldest temple in Luang Prabang, Wat Visoun, and the banyan tree graced grounds of Wat Aham, we stop at the Ock Pop Tok weaving centre. Later we marvel at the former Royal Palace, now a national museum and home to gilded rooms and Buddha artifacts.

In the afternoon we stop at ethnic minority villages before arriving at the beautiful Khouangsi waterfall. Dip in the turquoise pools or take a walk along the forest trails. Tonight there is the option to learn to cook tasty local cuisine at a local restaurant. Overnight - Luang Prabang (B:2, L:1)

On the morning of day 8 we head out of town to a local farm to learn about the production of rice. After lunch we cruise up the Mekong River to visit the incredible Pak Ou caves crammed with Buddha images of all shapes and sizes, stopping Ban Xanghai village en route to sample local rice wine. Later we return to Luang Prabang

stopping along the way at Ban Phanom village - known for its hand weaving, before boarding our evening flight to Hanoi.

Day 9 - Today offers free time for you to explore Vietnam’s gracious capital. Lively markets, beautiful lakes, ancient pagoda’s and the thriving, historic old city, are all easily navigated on foot. Early this evening our welcome meeting takes place. Please check the our welcome letter given to you upon arrival for the exact time. Overnight - Hanoi (B:2, L:1)

Hanoi – Halong Bay. A scenic drive early this morning leads us to the stunningly beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay. Boarding our traditional wooden junk boat we cruise the emerald waters soaking up the panoramic vista of the thousand or so karst limestone islands that stud the bay.

Later opt for a refreshing swim in one of the many sheltered coves before taking row boats to to the pristine 'Dark & Bright Lagoon'. Tonight, there's a Vietnamese cooking demonstration held on the sundeck before an impressive seafood dinner is served. Overnight - Halong Bay, Deluxe Junk Boat (B, L, D)

Halong Bay - Hanoi - Hue. Start the day with a Tai Chi class on the sundeck or a traditional massage. After exploring a lofty grotto hidden beneath towering cliffs, we return to port. Arriving to Hanoi mid afternoon an hour or so is spent exploring the quixotic web of streets, known as the ‘36 streets of the old quarter’ by cyclo (rickshaw). The motorbike swarming narrow lanes are each named after various guilds of the city’s artisan who established themselves here centuries ago. There is Silver Street, Silk Street, Comb Street, Paper Street and more. We explore the maze of rambling streets framed by narrow front tube houses and may have a chance to sample the exotic fruits, sizzling noodle dishes and delightfully sticky snacks being offers by the pavement vendors.

After time to freshen up we board our overnight train (4 berth sleeper cabin, basic standard) on the ‘Reunification Express’ railway line to Hue. Overnight - Sleeper train (B)

Breakfast boxes will be served on the train. Arriving to Hue, we disembark and drive to our hotel. If rooms are ready we can check in, if not we'll depart shortly after on a guided sightseeing tour of the 19th-century Nguyen empire capital. We visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, home to the oldest monastery in the city, whose 21m high tower has become something of a symbol for Hue and the citadel. Within the citadel is the Imperial Purple Palace, an exact copy of the Forbidden City in Beijing, with its impressive ramparts, formal moats and imperial palaces, some of which lay in ruin.

In the countryside lies the Royal Tombs of the Nguyen kings, here we’ll view the elaborate mausoleums of Emperors Tu Duc and Khai Dinh. As the sun sets opt for a cruise in a long boat along the gentle Perfume River or enjoy some retail therapy at the ever lively Dong Ba Market, a few minute's walk from our hotel.

Hue - Road of the Ocean Clouds - Hoi An. Today we take the scenic Hai Van Pass (Road of the Ocean Clouds), which offers magnificent views of beaches to one side and lush hills to the other. En route we stop for a walk along China beach, featured in Francis Ford Coppola’s movie ‘Apocalypse Now’. Perhaps enjoy a refreshing swim in the sea before continuing our journey south along the coast to Hoi An.

The charming, old-world trading port of Hoi An with it cobbled streets, traditional homes and tiny shop houses is a perfect place to lose yourself in a by gone era. Boutique restaurants, hip cafes along the waterfront, delightful craft shops and artisans including some of Asia’s best bespoke tailors (whose services come at a nominal price), all can be found here.

On a short walking tour of the enchanting historical town, we’ll visit the Chua Ong Pagoda, Chinese Assembly Hall, 200-year-old Tam Ky house, former merchants’ homes and the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge.

Hoi An - Saigon Can Tho. Early morning flight to Saigon. Drive to the Mekong Delta. Often referred to as the ‘rice bowl’ of Vietnam, the fertile Mekong Delta is famous for its abundant harvests of tropical fruits, flowers and rice, as well as it fantastic views while boating along the canals. Taking our sampan from Vinh Long we’ll cruise downstream from Cai Be through the maze of waterways watching the hubbub of daily life on the river. Passing colourful trading boats, house boats and children swimming we stop to visit some of the local cottage industries that produce popcorn, coco candies and paper along the way. Lunch is served today in a traditional wooden home on Dong Hoa Hiep Island. Overnight - Can Tho (B, L)

Can Tho - Saigon. Taking longboats we cruise by the colourful and lively Cai Rang floating markets before driving back to Saigon. Once called the Pearl of the Orient, modern Saigon is a thriving metropolis on the move. Sleek sky scrapers, gourmet restaurants, designer malls and swanky bars and spas are scattered between ancient pagodas, colonial era landmarks and lively street markets. Our walking tour of Saigon includes visits to the Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Post office and the sombering War Remnants Museum. Evening at leisure. Overnight - Saigon (B)

Saigon - Phnom Penh. This morning we visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, a sprawling underground network of tunnels and living quarters used by the Viet Cong during the war. Then we drive to the Cambodian border (crossing at Moc Bai/Bavet) and continue on to the capital of Phnom Penh (Monday). Today the nation’s capital offers a bustling mix of Asia’s past and present, a city quickly taking its place amongst the trendy capitals of the region with superb restaurants and a number of attractions.

Day 19 - Today we’ll enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Phnom Penh. The National Museum of Fine Arts, a graceful terracotta building of traditional design, houses the world’s finest collection of Khmer sculpture. We continue with the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, famed for its lavish decorations – the floors are paved with silver tiles and statues of Buddha are encrusted with thousands of diamonds.

We later come face to face with the horrors of the Pol Pot regime as we visit Toul Sleng (Security Prison - S21), a school that was gruesomely transformed into a torture chamber under the Khmer Rouge, and visit the Killing Fields where over 10,000 people were executed. Overnight - Phnom Penh (B:2, D:1)

Phnom Penh – Siem Reap. Hotel check out and transfer to the airport for our included flight to Siem Reap. After time to freshen up we visit the Angkor National Museum - a fascinating archaeological museum dedicated to the collection, preservation and presentation of Angkorian artifacts and Khmer civilisation, with collections mainly dated from Khmer Empire's Angkor period circa 9th to 14thcentury.

This afternoon we explore incredible and iconic Angkor Wat, easily the most famous and bestpreserved of all the temples within the Angkor complex. It is a massive three-tiered structure crowned by five lotus-like towers rising 65 meters from ground level. Believed to be the largest religious building in the world, Angkor Wat contains thousands of wall carvings and extensive bas-reliefs. Spend the evening at leisure. There are plenty of great bars and restaurants in the compact city centre which is easily navigated on foot.

Day 21 : Angkor Thom & NGO circus project

Early this morning opt to see Angkor Wat bathed in the spectacular golden light of sunrise. Then we drive out to see the well-preserved temples of Banteay Srei, stopping at an exotic butterfly sanctuary along the way. Considered by many to be the art gallery of Angkor with some of the finest stone carvings in the world, Banteay Srei is dedicated to Shiva and contains lavishly decorated libraries and stunning reliefs of divinities.

We return to the Angkor Temple Complex this afternoon to explore the ancient city of Angkor Thom. Surrounded by an 8m high wall Angkor Thom was the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. In Angkor Thom you will see the fabulous Bayon Temple, Baphuon, the royal enclosure, and the Terraces of the Elephants and the Leper King. The last stop on our tour of the Angkor Complex is Tra Prohm Temple, which unlike the other temples here has been left in the same ruined state that it was first discovered in. Swallowed by the jungle, vast muscular roots envelop the crumbling towers and walls whilst the trees’ foliage dapples the temple in shadow.

This evening you're guaranteed to be entertained watching the incredible Phare Cambodian Circus. The Phare NGO circus project trains street kids to become talented circus artists and the popular show blends circus skills

with interpretations of modern life and issues in Cambodian society. Overnight - Siem Reap (B)

This morning we drive to Kampong Phluk, a cluster of three villages of stilt house built within the floodplain of Tonle Sap lake about 16 km southeast of Siem Reap. We'll see houses built on soaring stilts which hover over the Tonle Sap Lake whilst nearby, the petrified trees of a flooded forest are revealed whenever the water level drops. After a boat trip on the lake and lunch, we return to Siem Reap where the afternoon is free for you to spend at leisure. Perhaps pick up some last minute souvenirs at the central market or head down to lively Pub Street.

Note: Between Feb - July the water levels at Kompong Phluk village maybe too low to go boating, if so, we will visit Chong Kneas floating village where it will still be possible to go boating. Afternoon and evening at leisure. Overnight - Siem Reap (B)

Saturday. Today marks the end of our holiday. Lap up the hotel facilities this morning before hotel check out and included departure transfer to the airport.

Exclusions

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