Day 1  Arrive Bangkok
Tour commences in Bangkok at arrival hotel.

Day 2  Bangkok City Tour (or alternative arrival day) (B)
Today is a relaxing day to get over your flight before the start of your overland journey. However there is time to explore Bangkok on a half day City and Temple tour. This tour includes three of the most unusual Buddhist temples in Bangkok: Wat Trimitr with its invaluable Golden Buddha (5.5 tons of solid gold); Wat Po, the most extensive temple in Bangkok, with its colossal Reclining Buddha; and the Chedis of the Kings: Wat Benjamaborpitr, the White Marble Temple, one of the finest examples of Thai architecture. This afternoon and evening you are free to explore.

Day 3  Bangkok - Battambang Cambodia (B)
Early morning start as we board our bus for our trip across Thailand to Aranyaprathet near the Cambodian Border. Continue across border on foot to Poipet your first Cambodian village. Here our Cambodian guide will meet us. After clearing border formalities travel by road through the Cambodian Countryside to Battambang. Over night in hotel.

Day 4  Siem Reap (B)
Today we transfer to the riverside, where we board our boat along with local people for the beautiful boat trip down river and through the sunken forests, then across the top of the Tonle Sap Lake to Siem Reap, the town nearest to the famous Angkor Temple ruins.

Day 5  Siem Reap - Angkor Temples (BD)
Full day tour to explore the spectacular Angkor ruins near Siem Reap. An early start to watch the sunrise over Angkor before beginning an exploration of the ancient city of Angkor, visiting Angkor Thom via the South Gate, the ruins at Bayon, Baphoun, the Royal Palace, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terraces, Ta Keo, Chau Say Tevada, and Thommanon. In the afternoon, visit the epic Angkor Wat, viewing its well-known architecture and bas-reliefs. Dinner enjoying Apsara Traditional Performance.

Day 6  Siem Reap (B)
Free day in Siem Reap. We will help you make arrangements if you wish to return to the ruins. There is plenty to do in this pretty little laid back town, markets to explore, handicraft centre and Silk Emporiums. Why not try a massage at the Blind Institute.

Day 7  Boat From Siem Reap To Phnom Penh (B)
Today you transfer to the pier and board your boat to travel across Tonle Sap Lake and then bus to Phnom Penh. Tonle Sap large is massive; at times it is impossible to see the shores. You will be travelling with mostly local people and fellow travellers. Note: if the lake level is too low this journey will be made by road.

Day 8  Phnom Penh (B)
City tour of Phnom Penh City tour includes the National Museum, Silver Pagoda, Royal Palace, Wat Phnom, and Toul Sleng Museum of Genocidal Crime (optional – please be warned that the displays are graphic in nature). Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 9  Boat Phnom Penh To Vietnam (B)
Board our boat to travel down the Mekong River and into the Delta in Vietnam. We will stop at the border for visa formalities before continuing to Chau Doc. Overnight at hotel in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam.

Day 10  Mekong Delta (BLD)
A visit to Vietnam’s Mekong River is one of the best ways to experience rural life. Visit some of the myriad of estuaries and islands, the floating market, orchards and bonsai gardens and sample the wonderful array of fruit. You spend the night in the home of a local family. Your accommodation is simple but the experience unforgettable, with some amazing local cuisine to end a perfect day. O/N at Mekong Delta

Day 11  Saigon (B)
Travel through rural Vietnam to Saigon stopping en route at the Cao Dai Temple. Cao Dai is an attempt to create a perfect synthesis of world religions. It is a combination of Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Confucianism, Hinduism, Geniism, and Taoism. Established in the Southern regions of Vietnam in the early 1920’s, the religion was officially codified in 1926. The functioning centre of Cao Daism is located in the Tay Ninh province. Transfer to Hotel.

Module 2: Discover Indochina - Vietnam tour can be joined here

Day 11 (Continued) / Day 1  Saigon
Arrival in Saigon by flight and transfer to hotel. Meet and greet on arrival in Saigon and transfer to your hotel for check in. The rest of the day is free time at leisure. Tonight meet up with the Cambodia Overland Group at arrival Hotel in Saigon.

Day 12  Saigon To Chu Chi Tunnels (B)
A day tour showcases Saigon’s biggest attractions. In the morning the Cu Chi tunnels one of the few intact monuments to the Vietnam War. Beneath the ground lie 200km of underground tunnels, dug by hand and inhabited by the Viet Minh during the US war. There are two areas open to the public, which show some of the tunnels, field kitchens and hospital. A video of the tunnels in use is also shown. On the return to Saigon visit a lacquer ware workshop. In the afternoon: visit Cholon (China Town) and the Wholesale Market, the War Museum, Thien Hau Pagoda and the stunning Notre Dame Cathedral.

Day 13  Saigon Free Day (B)
The day is free at leisure today to rest or explore the city and markets, a great place to shop.

Day 14  Saigon - Dalat (B)
We meet at your hotel at 8a.m. Leave Ho Chi Minh City after breakfast for a scenic drive through rubber and tea plantations en route to the cooler climes of Dalat, 300km from Ho Chi Minh City. Established as a hill station at the beginning of the century, Dalat is reminiscent of an alpine town with its French chalets and pine forests. An afternoon of sightseeing in Dalat takes in the art deco former summer residence of Emperor Bao Dai, the old Dalat Railway Station, Xuan Huong Lake, the Central Market and Lam Ty Ni Pagoda where a Buddhist monk, Vien Thuc, produces his abstract paintings and writes poetry. We also visit Hang Nga Crazy House and the hand embroidery villages of ‘XQ history’. Overnight in Dalat.

Day 15  Dalat Pinhatt Mountain Hike (BL)
Today we drive along picturesque scenic roads to the Pinhatt Mountain Trailhead, where we start our journey. The first section of the trail is through ethnic minority farms and pine forests. Don’t be alarmed if you meet an elephant along the way! Continue to walk through forest paths until we come to the base of Pinhatt. Climb approx 45 minutes to the summit of Pinhatt. The views from the top are worth the effort! After lunch during your descent you will notice a very dramatic difference in the flora and fauna. The valley you enter is no longer pine forest, but jungle. The short but interesting bit of jungle that you walk through emerges at a campsite, where you can relax or take a swim, while waiting for your boat. The boat will cruise across the lake to the beautiful Truc Lam Meditation Pagoda and its lovely gardens. In the afternoon head back to Dalat, for overnight.

Day 16  Dalat To Jun Village (BLD)
After breakfast at our hotel, we leave Dalat for Lak lake. The journey to Lak lake takes around three hours (150km) along a very scenic route. Upon arrival, we take a dugout canoe ride on the lake and an hour’s elephant ride through the M’Nong villages of Yun and M’ling tribes. Walk around one of the villages to learn about the daily lives of the ethnic minority people in the Central Highlands. Return to Jun village by boat. In the evening, we are introduced to specialist local ethnic dishes and enjoy their Gong music performance. Tonight we stay in traditional longhouse or bungalow.

Day 17 Juin Village To Buon Ma Thuot And Pleiku (BL)
After breakfast, we head to Buon Ma Thuot (50km), along the way we stop to visit Akothon minority village of the Ede ethnic people and Draysap waterfall. Spend time to strolling around Buon Ma Thuot city before continuing on our journey to Pleiku. Pleiku city is known for its natural attractions such as Bien Ho lake which provides deep blue and clean water all year round. Chu H’Drung mountain can be seen from the center of the city and bares a striking resemblance to the roof of a local Roong House. After checking into the hotel, your time is free to explore this charming mountain town. Overnight in Pleiku.

Day 18  Pleiku- Kon Tum- Hoi An Via Ho Chi Minh Trail (BL)
Today is a full days drive (320km) along the dramatic Ho Chi Minh Trail to Hoi An, via Kon Tum. En route we visit Pleiphum village of the Jarai people and the Yaly hydroelectric power plant. Stop in Kon Tum for lunch before continuing on to Hoi An. We will stop at ethnic minority villages along the way. Arrive in Hoi An in the late afternoon. Hoi An was a major Asian trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries and its architecture and relaxed lifestyle has changed little over the years. We take a short orientation of Hoi An to learn a little about the architecture and history of this ancient town.

Day 19  Hoi An Free Day Or Cooking School Optio (B)
Known as Faifo to early Western traders, it was one of South East Asia’s major international ports during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. The rest of day is free to explore Hoi An, a wonderful town for getting clothes tailor made or for buying souvenirs. Hoi An also boasts an excellent beach just 5km away. If you have not chosen accommodation at the beach then it is easily accessible by cycle, taxi or as a motorbike pillion. Or you may like to take part in the Red Bridge Cooking school. (Pre-booking essential)

Day 20  Train To Hanoi (B)
Transfer to Danang Station stopping en route at China Beach made famous by the movie of that name. A visit to Marble Mountain to explore the many outlets selling marble sculptures. From tiny marble boxes to huge lions the size of a house. If your energy allows climb the mountain to the Temple of Heaven. Tonight you will sleep on board the Reunification Express train to Hanoi. Your accommodation is in a shared four-berth sleeping cabin.

Module 3: Discover Indochina - North Vietnam china tour can be joined here

Day 21  Hanoi Cyclo City Tour (Module 2-BD; Module 3 Only-B)
If you are joining us here you will be welcomed from your flight and transferred to your Hanoi hotel. Depending on your time of arrival you may like to join us on a Cycle ‘orientation’ of the old quarter and a brief look at Hoan Kiem Lake. The old quarter is steeped in history, busy crowded merchant streets named after their wares, i.e. Hang Gai – ‘Silk St’ Here you can purchase anything from silk pyjamas to herbal medicines. Hoan Kiem Lake – ‘Lake of the Restored Sword’ gets it’s name from a 15th century legend where Heaven gave Emperor Ly Thai a magical sword to drive out the Chinese. Tonight we sample Vietnamese cuisine at a local restaurant.

Day 22  Halong Bay - Hanoi (BLD)
Visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and his house before departing for Halong Bay on a two-day overnight cruise. Journey East along Highway 5, across Hai Hung Province to Halong on the coast. Your driver will stop at various places of interest, including the Humanity Centre, a program for disabled young people to learn crafts such as silk embroidery. Halong is a popular resort for local people and the departure point for your boat journey to Halong Bay World Heritage Park. Overnight onboard your boat.

Day 23  Hanoi City Tour (B / Brunch)
Continue your boat trip through this magical land. Halong Bay is one of the most spectacular and romantic of all Vietnam’s physical wonders. From the emerald waters, a thousand islands rise steeply to create a dramatic seascape, said to be the ‘dragon descending into the sea’. The boat will stop at various points of interest, caves and lagoons. Arrive at the pier around 11:00am and it’s time to say goodbye to the crew. Return journey to Hanoi.

Day 24  Hoa Binh Ethnic Minorities (BLD)
Today we journey east to the area known as Hoa Binh, built close to a large lake, which is also a power generated hydro scheme. The area is well known for its tribal people who have their own unique handicrafts, in particular embroidery. Arrive to LAC, a Thai tribal village at noon. Lunch break. The whole afternoon is spent visiting villages scattered around Mai Chau valley, exploring Thai’s unique culture. There will be plenty of opportunities for meeting people at home and at work. Thai women spend most of their time making brocades and embroidery. Evening is highlighted with a Thai folk performance. Stay overnight in a traditional stilt house of the Thai People.

Day 25 Mai Chau (B)
Take a morning walk around the village to view the daily activities of village life. Here women sit under the stilt houses to weave their beautiful silk scarves, men and women tend the fields, others harvest the silk cacoons. Driving back to Hanoi past the Hoa Binh Hydo power station. Arrive Hanoi at noon. Afternoon is at your leisure. Transfer to railway station for night train to Lao Cai on the Chinese Border.

Day 26  Bac Ha Hill Tribe Sunday Market - Sapa (B)
Today is the Sunday Market at Bac Ha and we are headed overland to see it. Hill tribes come from miles around to sell their handicrafts and other wares. In the afternoon we transfer to Lao Cai and on to Sapa. Sapa is an incredibly picturesque village that lies on the Hoang Lien Son mountain range near the Chinese border in NW Vietnam, The French called it the Tonkinese Alps. Here you can see a variety of hill tribe people and their villages set amongst rice terraces, lush vegetation, and dominated by Mt Fansipan, the highest peak in Vietnam. Sapa has magnificent scenery and a diverse mix of ethnic cultures. Unlike the nearby hill tribe villages the architecture of Sapa looks distinctly European. For nearly 100 years until 1954, many French people moved there from other parts of Vietnam to escape the tropical heat. The H’mong and Dzao people are the largest ethnic groups in the region, while the most eye-catching people are Red Dao, who wear scarlet head-dresses with woollen tassels and silver trinkets. The most numerous are the Hmong people, who make up over one third of the district’s population. Hmong women are the most commercially minded, selling their embroidered indigo blue waistcoats, bags, hats, and silver jewellery to tourists. Breakfast at local restaurant on arrival and the day is free to explore. In the afternoon you may like to join us for a walk to Cat Cat Village Cultural Village. The path leads to every corner of Cat Cat village. A leisurely walk within the old village provides visitors with a better understanding of the traditional customs and practices of the ethnic group H’Mong who live there.

Day 27  Start Hill Tribe Trek (BLD)
We store our main luggage at the hotel and begin our Hill Tribe Trek. The journey is not difficult but you will be walking for 5-6 hours a day so participants need to be reasonably fit and adventurous. We walk at a leisurely pace so remember to stop to ask locals about their crafts, lives and houses. Traditionally, H’Mong people use wood to build their houses and the roof of the building is sawn timber. The house usually consists of three rooms with three doors. Women sit by looms, weaving colorful tho cam (ethnic fibre) fabrics featuring flowers and other designs, which they will dye and embroider. The H’Mong people are also skilled at making gold and silver which can be purchased in many of the villages. If there is the interest we can split into two groups, with a fitter group taking a more mountainous route. Our trek takes us down through the valleys and across terraced fields Overnight in an ethnic homestay. Here we will stay as guests of one of the many tribes. Each homestay is different but although basic it is clean and comfortable. Beds are normally mattresses on the floor with bedding and a mosquito net. The food is amazing!

Day 28  Trek Across Border / Return Train To Hanoi (BL)
Continue your trek through hill tribe villages and to the road that leads back to Sapa.
Those continuing to Kunming on the North Vietnam China walking tour, Cross Chinese border travel to Kunming. Overnight in hotel
Those finishing their trip in Vietnam will transfer to Lao Cai and take overnight train to Hanoi.

 Discover Indochina - China can be joined in Kunming

DAY 29  KUNMING (BL)
Kunming is situated in central Yunnan and north of the Dianchi Basin. It is skirted on three sides by mountains, with one side opening onto the Dianchi Lake. The city is nicknamed ‘City of Spring’ due to the fact that it is covered all the year round with the rich verdure of trees and plants. Endowed with a pleasant climate, the city's 15,000 square kilometres of land is adorned with more than 400 kinds of flowers. The city's highland scenery is alluring, its karst landform is bewitching. Its people are known for their varied and exotic habits and customs, and its land is pockmarked with historical artefacts, places of cultural interest, and gardens landscaped with a picturesque taste. Day trip to the Stone Forest 120 km south of Kunming: a massive collection of pillars up to 30 metres high. The Stone Forest is about 120 kilometres (75 miles) from Kunming and requires only a three-hour drive. It covers an area of 400 square kilometres (96,000 acres) and includes both large and small stone forests, as well as many other scenic spots. An old local saying says, “If you have visited Kunming without seeing the Stone Forest, you have wasted your time.” Truly, the Stone Forest is one of the most important attractions of Yunnan. Walking through the Stone Forest, visitors can see the natural stone masterpieces and intricate formations. The magnificent, strange and steep landscape creates countless labyrinthine vistas. Overnight in Kunming.

Day 30  DALI (B)
Morning bus to Dali. This beautiful town, situated on the edge of the lake with a backdrop of beautiful mountains, is home to the Bai minority group.

Day 31  DALI TREK (BL)
Today we walk to the start of the Gondola Chair Lift which will take us up high into the Cangshan Mountains to the Cangshan Temple. Apart from the spectacular scenery the mountains are home to monks and nuns who reside in the hills. Armed with a picnic lunch we set off on a flat but amazing walk to Gantong Temple. The walk takes us along the mountain track past pounding waterfalls, streams and valleys offering fantastic views of Lake Erhai and the surrounding mountains. Picnic lunch and a brief stop at one of the world’s most peaceful and beautiful monasteries before heading back down the mountain to town.

Day 32  LIJIANG (B)
A five-hour bus trip brings you to Lijiang. This village of cobblestones, ramshackle wooden buildings, racing canals and bustling markets is the start point for your trek through Tiger Leaping Gorge. Lijiang, ‘Venice of China’ Naxi Autonomous District Lijiang, the district's government seat, is an old city in beautiful surroundings in northwest Yunnan. It is situated on a plateau at an elevation of 2,600m and is impressive because of its scenery and lush vegetation. The people of Naxi, have developed their land amongst snow-clad mountains and turbulent rivers since ancient times. To their credit the ‘Dong Ba Culture’ is now seen as one of the world wonders, it is a unique all-embracing culture. Lijiang Town is officially called ‘Dayan Town’ – ‘Dayan’ literally means a ‘great inkstab’, a graphic description of the town's location on a piece of rich flat land fed by a river and surrounded by green mountains. There is no other town in China like Dayan that incorporates the folklaw of so many people and the architectural styles of both north and south China. Lijiang is unique in many ways. Bridges are seen everywhere, linking streets and lanes. Many were built during the Ming and Qing period from the 14th to the early 20th centuries which have survived the wars and earthquakes. For all this, the town is known as the ‘Suzhou on the plateau’.

Day 33  LIJIANG (B)
A freedom day to explore Lijiang.

Day 34  TIGER LEAPING GORGE (BLD)
Start trekking the Tiger Leaping Gorge Trail. The trail is naturally divided into three sections, the first section, which is the narrowest and uppermost section, is the mouth of the fast flowing Jingsha River. In the midst of the river's mouth is a large rock that is positioned at the gorge's narrowest section-only 30 metres (33 yards) wide. An ancient legend says that a tiger used this rock as its stepping-stone so it could leap across from one side of the gorge to the other, which is how the gorge got its name. As the river enters the middle section, it drops another 100 metres (330 feet) and its flow rate increases to an amazing speed. Here the thunderous rushing waters slam into sharp, large rocks and crash down into the river forming swirling whirlpools. Can it get more exciting? Yes, it can as the third and lowest section is acclaimed for being the wildest attraction of all! The cliffs overlooking this section are even steeper and much more dangerous. Here, the river twists and turns and the river vigorously surges forward creating high waves and a frothy spew as it collides with the mountainsides. This is a view that inspires a sense of adventure and satisfies the deepest yearnings for magnificent scenery. Today we walk 5-6 hrs to Ben Di Wan village, you will see magnificent Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and river and rapids Overnight stay halfway guesthouse, 2400m.

Day 35  Walnut Grove (BL)
Five to six hours trek along the gorge. Pass the waterfall and Walnut Grove Village and then walk to the ferry to cross-Yangtze River, Arrive Daju. Return to Lijiang.

Day 36  SHANGRI LA (BL)
We depart Lijiang and continue our journey to Shangri-La (Zongdian). The road takes us through Tibetan villages where children in traditional clothes pose for photos for a small fee. On arrival in Shangri-La we transfer to the Tibetan Café Guest House.

Day 37 SHANGRI LA (B)
A half-day trip by public transport to visit the Songzanlin Tibetan Monastery (mini Potala Palace), which is an amazing experience.

Day 38  AIRPORT TRANSFER (B)
Transfer to flight to Kunming and onward journey.

LOCATION
Bangkok, Thailand to Kunming, China
Back Roads of Asia – Complete Adventure 38 days / 37 nights
DATES
21 Sept 2011 NZ$10575.00
20 June, 19 Sept 2012 NZ$11750.00 estimated price 2012

LOCATION
Back Roads of Asia - Cambodia Vietnam 23 days / 22 nights
DATES
21 Sept 2011 NZ$5925.00
20th June, 19th Sept 2012 NZ$6580.00 estimated price

LOCATION
Back Roads of Asia – Vietnam 13 days / 12 nights
DATES
1 Oct 2011, NZ$3800.00
30 June, 29 Sept 2012 NZ$4222.00 estimated price


LOCATION
Back Roads of Asia - North Vietnam 09 days / 08 nights
DATES
11 Oct 2011 NZ$3015.00
10 July, 9 Oct 2012 NZ$3350.00 estimated price

LOCATION
Back Roads of Asia - North Vietnam China 18 Days/17 nights
DATES
11 Oct 2011 NZ$5544.00
10 July, 9 Oct 2012 NZ$6160.00 estimated price

LOCATION
Back Roads of Asia China11 Days/10 Nights
DATES
18 Oct 2011 NZ$3680.00
17 July, 16 Oct 2012 NZ$4090.00 estimated price

INCLUDED

• Western Tour leader plus local guides with groups 6 or more
• Meals as Indicated
• All entrance fees
• Accommodation in 4 star superior hotels where available, homestays & on boat
• bus, flight & boat

Meal Inclusion Details
Back Roads of Asia - Complete Adventure

• 38 x Breakfasts
• 15 x Lunches
• 9 x Dinners

Back Roads of Asia - Cambodia/Vietnam Overland

• 21 x Breakfasts
• 6 x Lunches
• 1x Brunch
• 4 x Dinners

Back Roads of Asia - Vietnam

• 11 x Breakfasts
• 1 Brunch
• 5x Lunches
• 3 x Dinners

Back Roads of Asia - North Vietnam
08 x Breakfasts
04 x Lunches
05 x Dinners

Back Roads of Asia - North Vietnam/China

• 18 x Breakfasts
• 9 x Lunches
• 6 x Dinners

Back Roads of Asia - China

• 10 x Breakfasts
• 5 x Lunches
• 1 x Dinners

Key Terms & Conditions
Prices are subject to change. This tour is a guaranteed departure and does not depend on minimum numbers. The itinerary may be subject to change without notice. While every effort is made to adhere to the itinerary as provided, our company reserves the right to alter the touring and attractions as dictated by circumstances and conditions beyond our control.

Tour departs with minimum of 6 travellers
The itinerary is subject to change owing to local conditions at the time.


Additional Information
Western Escort accompanies sections with six or more travellers
Tour can be sold as four stand alone tours
Tour can be joined or departed any major city
Pre-Tour option Bangkok / Thailand tours
Post-Tour option Shanghai, Xian and Beijing