Great Indochina Loop

Arrive in Bangkok and transfer to your hotel, free time to relax or explore until the welcome meeting at 6pm this evening. The following day you will travel by longtail boat down the Chao Phraya River, a world away from chaotic city streets, to explore the famous 'khlongs' or canals of Bangkok (approx 1 hr). Then visit to Wat Pho, and see the country's largest reclining Buddha an impressive 15m high and 43m long, his feet are beautifully inlaid with Mother of Pearl. The temple is also home to a Thai Massage school.This evening you board a comfortable sleeper train to Chiang Mai (approx 14 hrs journey). The trains are clean, with padded berths including sheets, pillow, blanket. Boiling water is available to make drinks or snacks. Most trains have a dining carriage and there are snacks available to buy along the way, sit back and enjoy the ride.  Hotel (1 night), Overnight sleeper train (1 night)

Today you make the long journey by bus through rural countryside to the Thai-Laos border (approx 7 hrs).

Huay Xai is a pleasant border town on the banks of the Mekong River, it has for centuries been an important stopping point for travellers and traders between China and Siam. The river is always busy with passenger ferries and speed boats transporting people and goods around. Guesthouse - 1 night

Today you cruise onwards to the revered Pak Ou Caves which house thousands of Buddha images which have been left here by visiting pilgrims over hundreds of years. Finally your cruise comes to an end as you arrive in Luang Prabang (approx 8 hours journey) nestled in the hills of northern Laos. The city is studded with ornate temples and French colonial architecture. Visit the beautiful Kuang Si Falls, where pale turquoise waters cascade over limestone formations - a perfect sport for a refreshing afternoon dip in the large base pool. During you days here, make a guided tour around the Traditional Art & Ethnology centre which is a non-profit museum dedicated to the collection, preservation, and interpretation of its traditional arts and lifestyles. There is free time in which you can undertake optional activites. Perhaps climb to the top of Mt Phousi for fantastic views over the town and its surrounds or visit Dara Market a great spot to browse and find almost anything you might need to buy. For a taste of local culture, consider taking a long boat across the river to visit a traditional Laotian village.  Guesthouse - 3 nights

Today you make a short public bus journey to Vientiane (approx 4 hrs). Vientiane is a very relaxed city which has retained a traditional feel and has a wealth of cultural delights to discover either on foot perhaps by jumbo (tuk tuk). Dusty tracks along the river pass through villages full of friendly children, dogs and chickens. Vientiane's market is open all day and well worth a visit. A spectacular sunset over the Mekong is a perfect way to end your day.You will visit COPE, an Intrepid Foundation-sponsored organisation dedicated to assistaning those who have been injured by the multitude of unexploded ordinance across the country.This evening you take dinner at the Makphet restaurant (meaning chili in Lao) - an organisation that is run in conjunction with the Peuan Mit Street Children Project which assists disadvantaged children to return to school, society and train to gain employment in the hospitality industry. A worthwhile meal indeed. Hotel - 1 night

Travel by private minibus today to the spectacular World Heritage site of Halong Bay (approx 4 hrs). 2,000 limestone islands rise from the emerald waters of Bac Bo Gulf to make this one of Vietnam's most scenic regions. An area of about 1,500 sq km is dotted with innumerable beaches and natural grottos.You will take a private boat cruise overnight exploring the dramatic limestone peaks. During your cruise you can swim in the famed South China Sea and explore caves filled with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. You sleep on board in twin bed cabins that have air-conditioning and private facilities. There's also a dining room and bar where you enjoy a sumptuous lunch and dinner. Overnight Boat - 1 night

Hue was once the capital of Vietnam and holds the treasures of it's royal past. You will discover here a curious mix of bustling streets and tranquil settings. Visit the Imperial Citadel which was almost destroyed during the American War, and see the Forbidden Purple City. Later if not in festival time enjoy a dragon boat cruise on the Perfume River, before visiting Thien Mu Pagoda. Which is an active Buddhist monastery dating back to 1601. Visit one of the royal tombs either that of Emperor Tu Duc with a central lake set amid a grove of frangipani and pine trees - or Minh Mang which many call the most majestic of the tombs.  Hotel - 1 night

Today you travel to  Ho Chi Minh City (approx 75 mins) taking a short flight from Danang. Formerly known as Saigon this is a large and busy city in which the French influence is still evident with baguettes and coffee on offer. The streets are busy with stalls spreading onto the footpaths selling everything from homemade soup to modern electronic items. Joining in with the preferred means of transport here you will explore the city by minibus including a visit to the War Remnants Museum.  Hotel - 2 nights

Today a public bus will take you to the rural town of Kampong Thom (approx 3 hrs). Here we visit our homestay just outside the township, please expect that facilities will be basic here, and make the most of your chance to experience the everyday life of rural Cambodians. In the evening, enjoy a traditional dinner with your host family as you have this amazing opportunity to discover a bit more about their life here.  Homestay - 1 night

Today you make the long drive from Siem Reap back to Bangkok (approx 8-9 hrs including border crossing and lunch stop). On arrival check in to your hotel. Hotel - 1 night