Welcome to Asia

Here is a map of where we are going in Asia arriving in Singapore on Friday 18th September. We will join our first Intrepid group tour on Sunday 20th September, we usually meet the rest of the group the night before - let the usual unsupported judgements commence!

Itinerary

Colours of Asia (Singapore to Bangkok)

Day 1 - Sept 17th

Board Qantus 747 bound for Singapore

Day 2 to 4 - Sept 18th to 20th - Singapore
Sip a Singapore Sling in the Raffles Hotel where the drink was invented. Meet the othe 10 nervous groupies and our leader on the evening of the 20th.. fingers crossed...

Day 5 - Sept 21st - Melaka
Admire Chinatown's unique Peranakan architecture from the back of a trishaw.

Days 6-7 - Sept 22nd & 23rd - Kuala Lumpur
Absorb the multicultural mix that is Kuala Lumpur - stroll Dataran Merdeka, shop in Suria KLCC or scale the 272 steps up to the Batu Caves.

Days 8-9 - Sept 24th & 25th - Homestay
See how traditional Malays live at a homestay.

Days 10-11 - Sept 26th & 27th - Penang
Visit a butterfly farm for an insight into the enormous variety of Malaysian insects, take a rickshaw tour through the streets of Georgetown or tuck into local treats at the street stalls on Gurney Drive.

Day 12 - Sept 28th - Nakhon Si Thammarat
Famous for its shadow puppets, Nakhon Si Thammarat also has a great night market.

Days 13-16 - Sept 29th to Oct 2nd - Ko Samui
Dive beneath the surface with a snorkel to discover the underwater treasures of Ang Thong Marine National Park - an archipelago of untouched islands surrounded by pristine coral reefs pulsing with life. Wake early to watch the sunrise or to enjoy a final swim before boarding the train to Bangkok.

Days 17-19 - Oct 3rd to 5th - Bangkok
Glide through Bangkok's canals on a longtail boat and gaze at the huge reclining Buddha at Wat Pho. Ride a longtail through the khlongs and take a guided tour of Wat Pho.

The next leg of our big adventure starts on Sunday 4th October where we will meet a new guide and new travelling companions - usual judgements apply...

Trail of the Dragon Tour (Bangkok to Hong Kong)

Day 20 - Oct 6th - Chiang Mai
With over 300 temples and wonderful markets, there's something for everyone in Chiang Mai. Trek to the top of Doi Suthep and gaze over this walled city.

Day 21 - Oct 7th - Chiang Khong
Get a final taste of Thai food in this frontier town.

Day 22 - Oct 8th - Mekong River
Ride a barge down the Mekong, into the revered Pak Ou Caves and into Laos.

Days 23 - 25 - Oct 9th to 11th - Luang Prabang
Take a songthaew to Kuang Si Falls before exploring Luang Prabang's colour-drenched streets.

Day 26 - Oct 12th - Vang Vieng

Days 27-28 - Oct 13th & 14th - Vientiane
Pass through Vang Vieng's dramatic limestone scenery on the way to Vientiane. Trawl the vibrant morning market for local treasures or visit Pha That Luang, Laos' most important national monument.

Day 29 - Oct 15th - Lak Sao
Set amid strikingly beautiful forests, mountains and karsts, Lak Sao is a scenic stop before crossing the border into Vietnam.

Days 30-32 - Oct 16th to 18th - Hanoi
Wander the wide streets of Hanoi taking in pagodas, lakes and French cafes. Be wowed by the water puppets.

Day 33 - Oct 19th - Halong Bay
Explore caves and quiet inlets while cruising among the majestic limestone karsts.

Day 34 - Oct 20th - Cat Ba Island

Days 35-36 - Oct 21st & 22nd - Hua Shan
Enjoy a peaceful first night in China in an isolated retreat accessible only by boat.

Day 37 - Oct 23rd - Liuzhou
Nestled on the banks of the Willow River, Liuzhou is dotted with tranquil parks and striking karst scenery.

Days 38-39 - Oct 24th & 25th - Chengyang
Step back in time and cross into the Dong village of Chengyang using one of the 'wind and rain' footbridges.

Days 40-41 - Oct 26th & 27th - Longji Terraces
Enjoy incredible views through the 'dragon's backbone' of rice terraces.

Days 42-43 - Oct 28th & 29th - Yangshuo
Explore the magical countryside surrounding Yangshuo. Sail down the beautiful Li River.

Day 44 - Oct 30th - Shenzhen

Days 45-48 - Oct 31st to Nov 3rd - Hong Kong
Dynamic Hong Kong offers ancient sights and modern delights.

We then fly to Perth, Australia on Tuesday 3rd November.

Details courtesy of Intrepid Travel