Xi'an to Bangkok Itinerary

Experience the merging of ancient and modern worlds in Xi'an, once China's imperial centre and now a bustling, vibrant city. Meet the foreboding Terracotta Warriors and marvel at the detail and precision of this 2,000-year-old battle-ready clay army.

Visit Taoist temples and absorb the tranquillity and beauty of Wudang Shan Mountain Reserve, one of the most important sites for followers of Taoism.

Drive from Xiang Fan to Yichang to catch a first glimpse of the mighty Yangzi River, witness typical Chinese life and get to know the urban culture.

Glide along the Yangzi on a local ferry boat and take in the incredible scenery of the Three Gorges - Qutang, Wu and Xiling.

Head to Dazu and admire brightly coloured friezes and carvings of the Bei Shan and Baoding Shan caves.

Learn about the plight of endangered pandas at a giant panda breeding centre. In spare time, get a dose of local flavour in the teahouses and markets of Chengdu, one of China's largest cities, and feast on spicy Sichuan dishes such as huoguo (hot pot) and mapo doufu (spicy tofu) when feeling peckish.

Make tracks to stunning, World Heritage-listed Emei Shan - one of China's holiest mountains. Stop en route in Leshan to see the 71 m tall Dafo Buddha on the banks of the Min River.

Jump aboard an overnight sleeper train from Chengdu to Panzhihua.

Meet the descendants of Tibetan nomads in Lijiang - the Naxi people. Perhaps explore the Mu Palace, check out a traditional Naxi music culture show or wander around the Old Town. Those feeling active can embark on an overnight trek amid the spectacular scenery of Tiger Leaping Gorge - one of the world's deepest gorges.

Kick back in breathtaking Dali, flanked by snow-capped mountains on one side and Erhai Lake on the other. Amble along the cobblestone streets lined with original stone buildings. During free time, perhaps visit the historic Three Pagodas, drift across the lake on a boat ride, or ascend to the top Zhonghe peak on the Cang Shan Park cable car.

Enjoy the mild climes of Kunming, 'the city of eternal spring'. Stroll through lush Green Lake Park, crossing lakes via stone bridges to reach small islands with painted pavilions and shady willows, or perhaps visit millennium-old Yuantong Temple - the largest Buddhist temple complex in Kunming.

Roam the Shilin 'Stone Forest', a maze of grey limestone pillars that have been eroded by the wind and rain into bizarre, otherworldly shapes.

Venture towards Xishuangbanna in China's deep south, stopping en route to visit remote villages. Be transfixed by the stunning landscape covered by virgin tropical rainforests and emerald paddy fields.

Cross the border into northern Laos and enter one of the most ethnically diverse regions in the country, home to more than 35 minority groups. Head for the small, laid-back town of Luang Nam Tha located on the edge of the Nam Ha Protected Area, which is home to black-cheeked crested gibbon, tigers and clouded leopards, as well as over 300 species of birds. Choose to explore this breathtaking mountainous area by hiking, mountain biking, kayaking or rafting.

Be dazzled by the intoxicating colours and magical atmosphere of Luang Prabang, a World Heritage-listed city that is dotted with ornate temples and French colonial architecture. Explore the Royal Palace, the Pak Ou caves, or hike up Mount Phousi for unadulterated views over the Mekong.

Take the opportunity to go kayaking or river-tubing in Vang Vieng, or hire a mountain bike and set off to explore nearby caves and swimming holes.

Travel to Laos's laidback capital, Vientiane, where French and Asian cultures collide. Explore the city from the back of a tuk-tuk, sip coffee in a cafe or slurp a bowl of steaming pho soup.

Say goodbye to Laos and travel across the Friendship Bridge into Thailand. Discover a remote region, well off the tourist trail, that offers unique insights into rural life.

Stop by the Khmer temple complex of Phi Mai. Travel onwards through rice fields and small communities with proud cultural heritages to a busy border town.

The riverside city of Siem Reap is the gateway to the magical Angkor Wat temples. Join a local guide to explore these impressive ruins and uncover the fascinating folklore that surrounds their history.

Make tracks to Phnom Penh. Find graphic reminders of Cambodia's tragic history in the bone-chilling Tuol Sleng Museum and Choeung Ek.

In Battambang, crumbling French-colonial shopfronts along the river add elegance to the town. Visit the hillside site of Phnom Sampeau and admire its pagodas and cave shrines.

Return to Thailand, stopping to spend another night in Aranyaprathet.

Step into the chaos of Bangkok's busy streets. Get lost in the maze of markets, visit gilded temples or take time-out for a well-earned massage in the exuberant Thai capital.