The Spirit of South East Asia. - Expedition Trip
2 ½ weeks: Bangkok to Bangkok (ta 4)
A 17 Day multi activity adventure through Thailand, Laos and Cambodia.The Kingdom of Thailand, often referred to as 'the land of smiles', draws more visitirs than any other country in South East Asia with it's irresistible combination of breathtaking natural beauty, inspiring temples, renowned hospitality, robust cuisine and ruins of fabulous ancient kingdoms.
Laos' isolation from foreign influence offers travellers an unparallelled glimpse of traditional South East Asian life. From the fertile lowlands of the Mekong River valley to the rugged Annamite highlands. Laos is certainly a highlight of the region.
Ancient temples, empty beaches, mighty rivers, remote forests...and (outside Angkor) only a handful of tourists. But the word is out - Cambodia has emerged from decades of war and isolation and is well and truly back on the South East Asian travel map.
While visiting developing countries certainly brings benefits, namely supporting the local economy, it can also have adverse effects on local communities as the economic gap in much of the developing world widens. Imbalance can be found at all levels where economic developement and globalisation leaves whole communities without access to the benefits and technologies of modern society while at the same time tempting them with the products.
We ensure that all our guides are local and that any visits to indigenous populations are carefully regulated to ensure that they enhance local life and traditional values, we also work in partnership with Global Youth (a U.K registered charity)who provide grassroots support for small organisations working with children and young people affected by some of the issuaes in the areas you will be travelling to. 20% of the tour price will go to Global Youth who will ensure that the money goes directly to the children who need it most. As part of your trip you are welcome to visit one of these organisations and see exactly where your money is going.
Accommodation
The majority of accommodation is local small guest houses. A couple of nights are spent in tree-houses, and one camping with hill tribes. One night will be spent on a train. In the larger cities/towns you will stay in Hotels.
Kitty Notes
Thai Bart
Itineraries
17 Day TourDay 1 - Pick Up from airport
Day 2 - Half day sight seeing, to
incl. Wat Phra Kaew and Grand Palace. Afternoon shopping in Siam Square. Night train to Chiang Mai.
Day 3 - Pick up from station to hotel. Doi Suthep and Baan Thawai handicrafts. Evening meal and night market shopping.
Day 4 - To Chiang Rai for 2 days trekking - one night with the hill tribes,elephant riding/rafting.
Day 5 - Visit Doi Tung/Maesai/Golden Triangle.
Day 6 - Mini Bus to Chiang Khong
Day 7 - Cross border into Laos. Meet The Gibbon Experience, and travel to Bokeo Nature Reserve.
Day 8 - The Gibbon Experience
Day 9 - The Gibbon Experience/Louang Namtha.
Day 10 - Nong Khiao - relax by river/ visit local caves.
Day 11 - Luang Prabang - jewel of Laos - enjoy night life and markets.
Day 12 - Luang Prabang - mountain biking, explore temples and a trip to waterfalls.
Day 13 - Vientiane (capital of Laos) bus tour of city . Then on to Phnom Penh.
Day 14 - Phnom Penh:Killing Fields/S21/chillin on the lake.
Day 15 - Exporation of Phomh Penh.
Day 16 - Siem Reap - the gateway to Angkor Wat.
Day 17 - Sunrise at Angkor Wat - the day exporing the temples - sunset.
Day 18 - Siem Reap - Bangkok
Last updated: 5th February 2008
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