My Travel Itinerary

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Before I go I thought I would put up my travel itinerary so that people can get an idea of what I'll be doing and so that you will also be able to find out whereabouts I'll be on any day! Enjoy, hope it makes you jealous :P

Day 1 Bangkok: 9th September
Today is arrival day so there are no activities planned. You are therefore free to relax, explore the city &
adjust to the frenetic pace and humid heat of Bangkok. Please try to arrive before 6pm for an important
group meeting where you can meet the tour leader and the other group members.

Day 2-3 Siem Reap/Angkor Wat: 10th-12th September
After breakfast on day 2, we leave Bangkok on the way to the Thai Cambodian border. It's a long bus
ride to Siem Reap. It will take approx 4 hours from Bangkok to the border. It is possible to get
Cambodian visas at the border; ask your leader for details. Then, we will disembark with our luggage
and cross the border by foot. This process can take up to an hour or more. After the border formalities
are complete, we continue on to Siem Reap. This section of the drive is on mostly unsealed roads and it
is very bumpy!!! Although its only 160 km in length, it can take about 5-6 hours. The scenery is
spectacular though and there's an immediate contrast between Thailand and Cambodia.
Angkor, the former capital of the Khmer Kingdom, is one of the wonders of the archeological world.
Rediscovered at the end of the last century by French explorers, this vast ruined city is becoming one of
the most popular sites in Southeast Asia. You can buy a pass to visit some of the highlights of this
ancient capital, like the magnificent temple of Angkor Wat, the enigmatic Bayon within the walled city
Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, Preah Khan and Banteay Srei.

Day 4-5 Phnom Penh: 13th-14th September
On day 4, we journey by local bus taking in the spectacular scenery to Phnom Penh, the capital of
Cambodia. After a brief walking tour by your leader you are free to explore Phnom Penh. Sights you
might want to visit include the National Museum and adjacent complex of the Silver Pagoda and Royal
Palace. After 1975, when Pol Pot and his henchmen grabbed power, Cambodia was thrown into an
abyss of unspeakable violence and mass-murder. Millions of Cambodians perished during this time.
Witness to this genocide are the Killing fields of Choeung Ek and the Tuol Sleng prison. A Tuk Tuk can
be hired locally to take you there, or you may wish to explore town or go shopping at the famous
Russian Market.

Day 6-7 Sihanoukville: 15th-16th September
A three hour drive takes us to Cambodia's southern coast and the beaches of Sihanoukville. Relax on
the sand whilst having a massage and eating fresh seafood, or join a boat trip for snorkelling and lunch
on an uninhabited island.

Day 8 Mekong Delta: 17th September
We'll drive 4-5 hours to the Cambodia/Vietnam border. After completing the necessary formalities, we
will continue on to Chau Doc (Vietnam), a 45 minute drive. You should arrive mid afternoon with time to
relax and adjust to the change of pace. A trip up to Sam Mountain on motorbikes to watch the sunset, a
boat trip through the fish farms, or a walk through the local market give you a taste of life in the Mekong
Delta.

Day 9-10 Ho Chi Minh City: 18th-19th September
After breakfast on day 9, head to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Lose yourself in the maze of Saigon’s
central market, here you’ll find everything from bolts of brocade to flanks of beef. Write a quick postcard
in Saigon’s stately French colonial post office, one of many French-era buildings that add grace this
modern metropolis. On day 10, we take an overnight train to Nha Trang.

Day 11-12 Nha Trang: 20th-21st September
Arrive in Nha Trang in the morning. Explore the local shops and markets, sit on the beach soaking up
the sun or visit nearby historical towns. Optional activities can include a boat trip to nearby islands for
snorkeling and scuba diving.
On the evening of day 12 we take an overnight train to Danang.

Day 13-14 Hoi An: 22nd-23rd September
From Danang, it is only a short drive to the picturesque port town of Hoi An, once known as Faifo, was
an important trading town with strong south Chinese influence and connections.
You can take a walking tour of this living museum which includes the Museum of History and Culture,
the Tan Ky house, the Japanese bridge, the Fujian Assembly Hall and lunch at a riverside restaurant to
sample some of the local delicacies. Hoi An is also a shopping mecca for tourists in the region. Tailors
can produce virtually anything overnight, with clothing, silk lanterns, lacquer ware and many other crafts
abound.And for sun worshipers,Cua Dai Beach is 4kms from town.

Day 15-16 Hue: 24th-25th September
Just a 3 hour drive to the north of Hoi An is the city of Hue. Our drive takes us over Hai Van Pass and
past Lang Co beach.
Upon arrival in Hue, once the imperial capital, tour the Citadel which also contains the Forbidden Purple
City, modeled on the Forbidden City in Beijing. Badly destroyed during the Tet Offensive in 1968,
significant restoration work has since occurred. A true highlight of Hue is the surrounding countryside.
Traveling by boat along the Perfume River visit Tien Mu Pagoda and the tombs of two of the Emperors
Minh Mang and Khai Dinh.
Late afternoon of Day 16 board an overnight sleeper train to Hanoi (approx 13hrs).

Day 17 Halong Bay/Bay Chai Harbour: 26th September
Arrive in the early morning to bustling Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. We will then transfer to a private
bus for a 3 hour drive to Halong Bay.
Thousands of islands rise dramatically from the waters of Halong Bay and, to further their beauty,
intricate caves have been hollowed out through these limestone karst formations. Aboard a sailing junk
we'll enjoy a seafood lunch before visiting some of these islands and caves. Perhaps we'll have a
chance to take a pre-dinner swim, before transferring to the mainland for our overnight stay.

Day 18-19 Hanoi: 27th-28th September
After breakfast, we'll transfer back to Hanoi. Upon arrival you can visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, the Temple of
Literature (Van Mieu) or Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and Museum. The Mausoleum houses the remains
of Ho Chi Minh, the founding father of the unified Vietnam (the mausoleum and museum is closed
October-November). Or take a walk through Hanoi's Old Quarter - a maze of street, each one
traditionally devoted to a different product or industry. In the evening you have an option to attend a
performance at the famous Water Puppet Theatre and sample some of Hanoi's amazing eating venues.
They offer all kinds of delicious Vietnamese food, one of the world’s most delightful cuisines.

Day 20 Lac Sao: 29th September
Today is a long travel day (approx 12hrs). We travel through spectacular mountains before crossing into
Lao.
Lac Sao is a sleepy town with a great local market. The pace of life is dramatically different from
Vietnam. We’ll arrive late afternoon with a chance to have some dinner and enjoy a cold Beer Laos.

Day 21 Vientiane: 30th September
A 6-7 hour drive takes us to the capital city.
There is a wealth of cultural delights to discover - on foot, by bicycle or, for the less energetic, by tuk-tuk.
Visit Laos' most important national monument, Phat That Luang, or meander down the dusty riverside
tracks to find villages full of friendly children, dogs and chickens. A visit to Vientiane's vibrant, colourful
morning market (which incidentally is open all day!) is worth it to find plenty of local treasures. A great
way to round off the day is to enjoy a spectacular sunset over the Mekong at one of the many
restaurants along the riverbank.

Day 22 -23 Vang Vieng: 1st-2nd October
An afternoon 3 hour drive north takes us to beautiful Vang Vieng. This quiet town is set along the Nam
Song river amidst rice fields and limestone karsts. On Day 23 explore some of the caves by bicycle or try
kayaking. In the evening, soak in the beauty of Vang Vieng as the sun sets over the river.

Day 24-25 Luang Prabang: 3rd-4th October
Today we take the bus from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang (approx 7 hours)
Luang Prabang has a magical feel about it. Nestled in the hills of northern Laos on the confluence of the
Mekong and Khan Rivers, it is studded with ornate temples and French colonial architecture. A visit to
the Royal Palace Museum, which has remained untouched since the royal family departed in 1975, is
sure to impress.
We will also have an option to hop on a songthaew to the beautiful Kuang Si falls, where pale turquoise
waters cascade over limestone formations.
For a small additional cost there is also the option, for those who feel active and want to stretch their
legs, to take a 3 to 4-hour walk through the countryside to the falls (in wet season it may be too slippery).

Day 26-27 Pakbeng/Chiang Khong: 5th-6th October
We board our boat for the 2-day journey up the mighty Mekong River to Chiang Khong. The journey is
relaxed, as we experience the slow pace of village life and the breathtaking scenery along the river. We
dock at the small town of Pak Beng to spend the night (approx 8 hours). The standard of
accommodation in this trading port is basic but comfortable.Note that Pakbeng only has electricity from
6pm to 10pm and 6am to 10am.
The following morning we re-board our boat and cruise leisurely up the river before arriving at the
Laos/Thai border and crossing in to Chiang Khong in the late afternoon (approx 7 hours).
Please note that the river boat is of a basic standard. Your leader will help arrange the purchase of food
and drinks for the boat journeys. It can also be quite cold from November to February so make sure you
have some warm gear packed!

Day 28 Chiang Mai/Overnight Train: 7th October
Leaving Chiang Khong early in the morning we drive to Chiang Mai (approx 5 hours). You'll have the
afternoon to explore. In the evening, we board our fan cooled overnight train for Bangkok (approx 12
hours).

Day 29 Bangkok: 8th October
We'll arrive early in the morning to Bangkok, Thailand's capital city. The day is free to explore the many
sights of Bangkok. The Grand Palace, Wat Po, National Museum, and Jim Thompson's House are just a
few suggestions. A trip along the Chao Praya river and through the canals (or Klongs) gives you a
different perspective of daily life in this busy city. In the evening we'll say good bye as we enjoy a Thai
meal, some of the world's best food!

Day 30 Depart Bangkok: 9th October
I'm staying here for a few days untill my flight home on the 11th October

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Comments

[Mum]

Best wishes
Hi Becca, Just to say that I hope you have a wonderful time and have an experience of a lifetime I have read your itinerary and it looks as though you have a very packed schedule. I look forward to following your exploits on here and hearing all about your travels. Take very good care, and I hope you make some very good friends along the way. I love you very much and I am sure I am going to miss you. lots and lots of love Mum xxx

[simon]

happy birthday.
happy birthday for friday becka enjoy your travelling no stopping you now.soon as you get the taste you wont stop. do it all while your young keep safe and have fun best time of your lifes.believe me.