Trail of the Khmer - 18 days

Drifters Price: £598.50

RRP: £630.00

Trip Code: INTTK

Local Payment: USD$300.00

Day 1 Bangkok

You and your fellow travellers will be arriving at all times from around the world today, so there are no arranged activities.Your leader will organise a pre-trip meeting for the early evening where they will collect your local payment of USD300 cash. Please bring new bills/notes in large denominations.

This will be followed by an optional group dinner. Look for a welcome note at reception in the joining-point hotel explaining where to meet. For those who arrive early, there is sightseeing information on the Intrepid noticeboard in reception.

Note that hotel check-in time is 12 noon.

Days 2-5 Siem Reap

It is a long day's drive from Bangkok to Siem Reap in northern Cambodia (approximately 10 hrs).

On Day 3 we temple-hop from sunrise to sunset to make the most of our visit to the world-famous Angkor complex with our local guide. These temples were built between the 9th and 13th Centuries when the Khmer Empire was the pre-eminent influence in South-East Asia.

The temples are believed to represent the cosmic world; set in perfect balance, symmetry and composition. The intricately carved bas-reliefs and architecural design are mind-blowing and there are spectacular photographic opportunities at all times of the day. The ruins are scattered over an area of some 160sq km, but the main cluster of temples is close to Siem Reap and we will have plenty of time to fully appreciate the great archeological sites of Angkor Wat, the Bayon and the jungle-covered Ta Phrom. Depending on the season there may be the option of visiting the floating villages of Lake Tonle Sap.

Days 6-7 Phnom Penh

We travel by bus from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh, the nation's capital. (approximately 6 hours). Phnom Penh has many attractions including the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda or Wat Phnom. There is also free time to explore the wonderful Russian Market and the National Museum. You could also take a stroll along the river's famous Sisowath Quay and enjoy a coffee or cocktail at one of the many cafes while observing the bustling river traffic.

On Day 6 we confront Cambodia's tragic past with a visit to the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum, a former school that served as a Khmer Rouge torture centre and to Choueng Ek Memorial at the site of the Killing Fields.

Days 8-9 Ratanakiri

A morning flight takes us to Ban Lung (approximately 2 hours), the provincial capital of Cambodia's Ratanakiri district. Ban Lung is a dusty frontier town some 40km from the Vietnamese border, which survives on border trade. We travel out to the nearby crater lake of Yeak Lom where we enjoy a fascinating visit to a cultural centre. We follow this with a walk with a local guide to explore the lake and its surrounds. There's even a chance for a refreshing swim. We venture out to visit the local indigenous people in their villages - a fascinating experience.

Days 10-11 Don Khong Island

A morning's ride along a rural road brings us to Stung Treng, a real outpost town. Transferring to slow boats, we travel on the waters of the Mekong River to the Cambodia border. It is common when exiting Cambodia at Dong Krolor and entering Lao at Voen Kham, that a nominal border fee is imposed by the border officials. Please alllow USD5 for this. Your leader will advise of the correct amount payable at the appropriate time.

After the necessary border formalities, we continue to the Lao border, and the journey to Don Khong by road (approximately 1 hour). Don Khong, with its rice fields, small villages and ancient wats, is wonderfully scenic and perfect for cycling around. It is also famous for some of the best examples of Laos' fiery national drink, lao lao.

Day 12 Tad Fane

From Don Khong we travel through rural Laos to Pakse (approximately 3 hours). Leaving the lowlands behind we continue up the beautiful Laotian hills and arrive at our mountain resort (approximately 1 hours). This is an area of coffee plantations and a wide variety of ethnic groups with differing cultures and beliefs. Palm-thatched houses dot the landscape and buffaloes graze next to small vegetable plots. There is time to explore local villages and waterfalls or just chill out and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Day 13 Vientiane

We take a songthaew to Pakse (approximately 1 hour) and then fly to Vientiane (approximately 1 hour 15 minutes).

Life in Vientiane is relaxed, with daily affairs conducted at a slow pace. There is a wealth of cultural delights to discover on foot, by bicycle or, for the less energetic, by jumbo. Visit Laos' most important national monument, Phat That Luang, or wander down the dusty tracks along the river 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 for the wealth of local treasures. A great way to round off the day is to watch the sun set over the Mekong at one of the many stilt restaurants along the riverbank.

Day 14 Vang Vieng

From Vientiane, a 4-hour drive brings us to Vang Vieng. Situated on a bend in the Nam Song River, this is a charming and relaxed place. You can explore the limestone cliffs full of caves associated with many of the local legends, walk along the river bank or just sit back and watch the peaceful river scene of local pole boats and fishermen going about their work. For the adventurous there may be the option of river tubing near Vang Vieng.

Days 15-18 Luang Prabang

On Day 15 we drive from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang (6 -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. We visit the Royal Palace Museum, which has remained untouched since the royal family departed in 1975. We hop on a jumbo to the beautiful Kuang Si falls, where pale turquoise waters cascade over limestone formations. At the base of the falls there is a large pool, creating an ideal location for a refreshing swim.

You'll have plenty of free time to further experience the charm of Luang Prabang. A climb to the top of Mt Phousi provides a fantastic view over the town and its surrounds, or visit Dala market, the many temples, or take a long boat across the river to a traditional Laotian village.

You are free to depart any time of Day 18

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