Thailand, Burma & Laos Itinerary

Jump straight into the action in flamboyant Bangkok.

Travel to the entertaining border city of Aranyaprathet.

Battambang is a real rural gem full of well-preserved villas and shop houses clustered around a lazy riverbank. Enjoy the slow pace of life here, and check out a nearby floating village before venturing onward to the capital.

Reflect on Cambodia's years of war at the Tuol Sleng Museum and head out to the notorious Killing Fields.

Travel from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap where a visit to the city’s old market is a must. Wander through the stalls and surrounding shops and haggle for bargains in the form of silks, sarongs, silver and statues. Marvel at the magnificent temples of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom, one of the most visited sights in South-East Asia. Be blown away by the sheer magnitude of these grand ruins, outlined against a bright orange sunset.

Head back across the border into Thailand.

Get a glimpse of the Thailand of old, a country where rice fields run on as far as the eye can see and discover that Thailand's classic hospitality and enthralling culture is very much alive and well here. Explore Phi Mai, one of the country's best surviving Khmer temples.

Farewell Thailand and travel into Laos. Come face-to-face with the fusion of Asia and Europe in Vientiane, a relaxed city with friendly inhabitants and plenty to see and do.

Chill out in Vang Vieng, enjoying the dramatic limestone surrounds. Mountain biking and cave exploring are two popular optional activities here; however, tubing in Vang Vieng has become somewhat of a pilgrimage for backpackers - and it's certainly a fun way to spend an afternoon.

Head north and absorb the air of quiet romance in Luang Prabang. This delightful city has plenty of well-preserved wats (temples) that are worth visiting, and climbing to the top of Phu Si at sunset is also well worth the effort.

Make tracks to Luang Nam Tha on the banks of Nam Tha River. While here, why not enjoy some optional outdoor pursuits including kayaking, rafting and trekking.

Make the jump into China and travel through remote villages and vast, dramatic landscapes.

Pay a visit to Shilin, known as China's 'Stone Forest', and discover an intriguing maze of towering limestone pillars.

Back in civilisation, explore the markets of Kunming and perhaps swing by the ancient Yuantong temple.

Travel from Kunming to Dali. Soak up the relaxed atmosphere of this lakeside town, bordered on one side by snow-capped mountains and on the other by stunning Lake Erhai. Wander through cobblestone streets and admire the stone buildings inside the historic city walls. Adventure junkies can indulge in a plethora of outdoor activities - such as exploring the nearby mountains or taking a boat ride on the lake - while those seeking slower pace can sip tea and watch the world go by in a local cafe.

Explore the famous hot springs, volcanoes and waterfalls of Tengchong in Yunnan's scenic Baoshan county.

Head towards Burma and spend a memorable night in a local guesthouse near the border town of Ruili.

Cross the Burmese border and spend the night in the town of Muse, which is located on the Shweli River and marks the frontier between China and Burma.

Be blown away by the beautiful landscapes surrounding the relaxed Shan village of Hsipaw. Enjoy free time to trek to surrounding villages, cycle through the countryside or visit nearby caves, waterfalls and hot springs.

Set up camp in the scenic hill town of Pyin U Lwin in the Shan highlands, then set out on foot to explore more of this spectacular region.

Travel to the former capital of the Burmese empire, Mandalay. Roam Mandalay Hill and discover the highlights of Burma's 'Jewel City' with a local guide. During free time, perhaps float along the river to the archaeological wonder of Mingun or visit the sacred Buddha image of Mahamumi Paya, which is covered in a 6-inch thick layer of gold leaf and is believed to be more than 2000 years old.

Encounter 500,000 images of Buddha at Mohnyin Thambuddhei Paya, a Buddhist temple on the banks of River Chidwin, then head to Monywa for the evening.

Cruise along the the lifeblood of Burma, the Ayerwaddy River, on a boat journey rarely taken by travellers. Pass agricultural plantations, watch locals performing their daily work and appreciate the lushness of the river region.

Experience the largest collection of Buddhist temples, stupas and ruins in the world on a guided tour of Bagan. 4,500 temples in various shapes and forms dot the horizon, drawing comparisons between Bagan and majestic Angkor.

Escape the heat in the remote mountain town of Kalaw. Surrounded by pine forests, it's the perfect place to embark on a trek to out-of-the-way villages, or to simply chill out and share a cup of tea with the locals.

Take a short drive to gorgeous Inle Lake. Packed with incredible floating gardens, built from water hyacinth and water weeds, the area is one of Burma's true gems. Gaze at floating apple orchards while gliding across the lake on a boat trip and learn about local life on a village visit.

Spend the morning exploring more of the watery haven that is Inle Lake. Perhaps cycle around the scenic shores, admiring the exceptional skill of the local 'leg rowers' navigating the lake. In the afternoon, head south to Bago.

Encounter colonial architecture and a glittering golden temple in the former Burmese capital of Yangon. Get to know this fascinating city on a guided tour, and be sure to experience the bargaining madness of Bogyoke Market.

Ascend Burma's spectacular Mt Kyaiktiyo. Get a ride up the first two-thirds of the mountain, and complete final part of the ascent on foot. Follow a steep, winding path to reach the Golden Rock and Pagoda - the most important Buddhist pilgrimage site in Burma. The pagoda is perched on top of a giant golden boulder, rumoured to be held in place by a strand of Buddha's hair.

Travel overland through Burma's southern Mon state. Visit local markets, admire amazing temples and munch on delicious local cuisine.

Cross the border into Thailand and continue the our journey towards Chumphon. Camp beneath the stars for the night.

Get acquainted with Thailand's loud, bright and chaotic capital Bangkok. Why not end the adventure by taking a riverboat to Chinatown, experiencing the buzz of Khao San Road or delighting in the magic of a Thai massage.