Asian Adventure - Contiki

Day 1 Bangkok              
Welcome to Bangkok fellow globe roamers, where a glorious adventure lies ahead of you. After checking into your swanky hotel you may wish to do some DIY exploring, grab a massage or just lie by the pool soaking up those sweet Thai rays. Later the group will join forces to hear what's in store for the trip, then the night is yours.              

Day 2 Bangkok to Kanchanaburi              
The Royal Palace and its 61 acres of incredible buildings will be number one on today's to do list. Start with a tour of the klongs (canals) and some fish feeding, as well as watching locals go about their day and living life along the river. This afternoon, make tracks to your next destination, the sleepy town of Kanchanaburi. Hop into a boat along the River Kwai where you'll reach your home for the night, The Jungle Raft Hotel. Rooms lit by candle light are what you'll be greeted with, followed by a delicious included dinner at dusk. You can even jump in the river directly from your room. Amazing!              
Day 3 Kanchanaburi            
Wake up in jungle paradise. First up on today's activities is Elephant Haven, where you'll spend half a day learning about how the sanctuary rescue and care for these beautiful creatures. Have a go at bathing the elephants, they love a bit of mud - so hope you're ready to get a little messy. Finish up with some lunch and a shower before visiting the famed Bridge on the River Kwai, without our guide giving us all the info we need on this riverside spot steeped in history. Afterwards, you've got some free time to explore Kanchanaburi town.

Day 4 Kanchanaburi to Chiang Mai
Make a stop in the UNESCO listed city of Ayutthaya, once the capital of Kingdom of Siam before being destroyed by the Burmese in the 18th Century. Grab bikes and ride past ornate temples, towering spires and beautiful palaces. Later, we board our overnight train to Chiang Mai.

Day 5 Chiang Mai            
The laidback city of Chiang Mai is yours as you wake this morning. Buddhist rituals, traditional architecture and surrounding countryside will see you smitten. The day is free for you to roam the old quarter - the city's heart - on foot.  

Day 6 Chiang Mai  
Another free day in this amazing city is a great opportunity to explore. Maybe hit the street food scene or treat yourself to a traditional Thai massage. Tonight you'll be dabbling in the art of Thai cooking - this is one class that's deliciously irresistible.

Day 7 Chiang Mai to Pakbeng      
Taking a border hop, cross out of Thailand and into Laos. After collecting your passport stamps you’ll journey to Pakbeng, taking part of the trip by river cruise on a local boat. Remote, traditional, and endlessly charming, Pakbeng is a true traveller’s dream.          

Day 8 Pakbeng to Luang Prabang        
Ending your Mekong magic, arrive in the much loved city of Luang Prabang. Temples dusted in gold, historic French mansions, and locals wrapped in saffron robes make this one of the prettiest places in Asia. Your explorations will involve a sunset from a hill top stupa and a bout of shopping at the local night markets.              

Day 9 Luang Prabang          
A city cycle and a swim under the 60 metre cascades of Kuang Si Falls will provide your daily nature fix, but most of the day is free to visit palaces, temples and to watch local life by the river - or choose to explore any way that suits. Tonight, watch the sunset at a riverside bar.  

Day 10 Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng        
This morning early risers can take part in a sacred Laotian ritual offering alms (food) to Buddhist monks. This morning we take an overland journey to a lively tourist hub filled with opportunities for adventure. Known for its dramatic limestone karsts and world food flair, Vang Vieng will keep you busy. Explore the local rivers and caves or chill out surrounded by like-minded travellers, watching the sun set over the mountains.  

Day 11 Vang Vieng  
Today is yours to conquer Vang Vieng. Stuck for ideas? Grab a pushbike and allow yourself to get a little lost, stopping at swimming holes and weaving through limestone caves, watching life unfold in the pretty countryside of Laos.            

Day 12 Vang Vieng to Vientiane              
Welcome to the capital of Vientiane. If you’re expecting a bustling Asian capital, prepare to be surprised; the vibe in this quaint Mekong town is strictly chilled. Apart from seeing the beauty of Pha That Luang stupa and the artistic talent of Patuxai, you’ll also visit the COPE centre, a local charity that provide prosthetic limbs and rehabilitation services to those who have lost their limbs as a result of unexploded bombs. Your visit here will also provide an insight into Laos’ troubled history, and is a great chance to lend a helping hand to the Laotian community.              

Day 13 Vientiane to Phnom Penh            
This morning cross the border sky high, flying out of Laos as you make for the capital of Cambodia. Although it's easy to find reminders of Cambodia's dark past in the city of Phnom Penh, it is also a place brightened by shy smiles and pretty tree-lined streets. Learn about the horrific Khmer Rouge rule by visiting the mass graves of the ‘Killing Fields’ and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum with your Local Guide. Lighten the mood by paying a visit to the Tree Alliance Restaurant, where disadvantaged and former street children are trained up in hospitality skills.              

Day 14 Phnom Penh to Siem Reap              
Another included flight takes you to Siem Reap: the heartland of an ancient masterpiece and what is still the largest religious monument in the world.        

Day 15 Siem Reap        
Journey to Angkor Wat through dawn's hours in preparation for sunrise. Nothing can quite describe the feeling of watching the day's first rays touch this ancient spiritual site, it's pretty much magic. After a siesta, head back to the temples to explore Angkor Thom and the Tomb Raider temple of Ta Prohm, which is slowly being swallowed by the jungle. With no early rise on tomorrow's agenda, you can let loose on the city's famous Pub Street and the buzzing local night markets.              

Day 16 Siem Reap  
Say farewell to your crew and depart at any time.