Explore Beijing, Trek the Great Wall, See the Terracotta Warriors, Experience space-age Shanghai, Explore mystical landscapes around Yangshuo, See the rice terraces of Longji, Sample rural life at a village stay, Hit the boutiques in Hong Kong, Experience the diversity of Bangkok, Relax on pristine Krabi beaches, Live it up in buzzing 'KL', Sample exotic cuisine in Singapore, Encounter wildlife in Pangandaran, Learn about ecological farming, See the sunrise on Mt Bromo, Enjoy a Balinese dance demonstration
See the best of Asia on this overland journey through seven countries. Admire iconic sights such as Halong Bay and Angkor Wat, and get off the beaten track, travelling through rural Cambodia and the Cameroon Highlands. Busy markets, tasty cuisine and a clash of cultures makes this an unforgettable adventure.
Physical Rating: 3 Culture Shock Rating: 3 Accommodation: Hotels/guesthouses (62 nts), basic guesthouses (6 nts), homestays (2 nts), overnight trains (10 nts), overnight bus (1 nt), national park hut (3 nts)
(China Beijing to Hanoi includes: Hotels (14 nts), guesthouses (10 nts), overnight trains (6 nts) Transportation: Plane, boat, local bus, ferry, train, overnight bus, cyclo, rickshaw, walking Trip Style: Intrepid Basix Group Size: Maximum of 16 travellers per group Budget: Allow for meals not included.
Call (800) 533-5343 for more information or to book today! Mention code 6602137
The energetic buzz of Beijing's modern streets contrasts with the timeless wonder of her ancient sites. Explore the majestic Forbidden City and Summer Palace or wander traditional hutongs full of local shops and restaurants.
Days 4-5
Great Wall
No trip to China is complete without a visit to the Great Wall. Walk along a remote section of the wall and spend the night in a simple guesthouse nearby.
Meet the local Hui people in the Muslim Quarter, admire the distinctive Great Mosque, or ride a bike around the impressive Ming Dynasty city wall. Don't miss a visit to the famed 2,200 year old Terracotta Warriors.
Walk along the elegant Bund, check out the space-age skyscrapers of Pudong or go bargain hunting in Yuyuan Bazaar. Perhaps catch a performance by the famous Shanghai Acrobats in the evening.
Days 12-15
Yangshuo
With its smoky horizons, dramatic limestone peaks and lush countryside, Guangxi is one of China's most photogenic regions. We have plenty of time to try tai chi, take cooking lessons or cycle along country lanes.
Days 16-18
Longji Terraces
From our base in a hilltribe village, explore the towering Longji rice terraces on foot. The extensive terraces are an incredible feat of farm engineering and cling spectacularly to the side of 800 m high mountain peaks.
Our stay in Hong Kong is short so be prepared for some fast-paced action. Head to the shops and bargain hard, cruise the harbour, take the cable car to Victoria Peak or check out the local nightlife.
Days 21-24
Guiyang/Kaili
Immerse yourself in a world of colourful local dress, traditional architecture and the unique cultures of the Miao people on a three day adventure through the countryside of Guizhou Province. Trek past mountains and markets and spend the night in sleepy villages along the way.
Days 25-26
Kunming
Wander through the bird and flower markets of Kunming or take a day trip out to the otherwordly Stone Forest. Be sure to try some local fruit wine in the evening.
Days 27-29
Sapa Trek
Cross the border to Vietnam and discover a strikingly different countryside to explore. Starting at the old French hill station of Sapa, trek through the extraordinary rural mountainscapes that are home to the colourful H'mong, Tay and Dzao people.
An overnight train to Hanoi delivers us back to the fast pace of city life. Use free time to wander the tree-lined boulevards, shop for mementos in the Old Quarter or catch a sitting of Hanoi's famous water puppet show.
Take an optional walking tour to Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum and One Pillar Pagoda.
Days 35-36
Hue
Explore the sights of Hue, perhaps cycling out to the Royal Tombs of the Nguyen emporers or Imperial Citadel with its Forbidden Purple City.
Days 37-39
Hoi An
Dig the relaxed vibe in Hoi An, strolling around town, exploring its fascinating market or maybe rest on nearby Cua Dai Beach. This is a great stop to have a suit tailored or improve your culinary skills with a cooking lesson.
Beautiful white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters await in Nha Trang. Chill out, and consider trying snorkelling or taking a boat trip out to nearby islands.
The air hums with the heady sound of bargaining in the shopping city of Ho Chi Minh, where streets are lined with shops, stalls and vendors with enticing wares. Head underground on an optional tour to explore the famous Cu Chi Tunnels.
Day 45
Phnom Penh
Elegent Phnom Penh is full of fascinating sights, such as the Killing Fieldsd of Choeung Ek and the gorgeous Silver Pagoda.
Day 46
Homestay
Witness everyday Cambodian life and enjoy a traditional-style dinner on a homestay.
Days 47-49
Sihanoukville
Unwind in the tropics in Sihanoukville, a riot of beach, mangrove forests and atmospheric little bars.
Day 50
Phnom Penh
Back in Phnom Penh there is time to hit the Central Market or maybe grab a massage.
Day 51
Kampong Cham
The locals here make their living fishing, and growing tobacco and sesame so it's a good place to get a look at Cambodia's cottage industries. The temples at 'Man Hill' and 'Woman Hill' are well worth a visit.
Days 52-54
Siem Reap/Angkor Wat
Gateway to the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat, Siem Reap also has other attractions: the floating village of Tonle Sap, tasty Khmer restaurants and the Gecko Environment Centre to name a few.
Get a glimpse of the city's Islamic life at the Jamek mosque or head out to Bangsar for a taste of 'KL' nightlife.
Day 70
Melaka
A historic fusion of Chinese, Indian, Malay and European influences, Melaka retains an old-world Asia air. Try a riverboat ride, stop in at a temple or mosque, or climb the steps to St Paul's Church.
At Newton Circus, indulge in an extensive range of cuisines reflecting the country's multicultural heritage.
Day 72
Jakarta
Check out the traditional sailing schooners of Batavia or visit the cultural theme park, Taman Mini.
Days 73-75
Pangandaran
Get close to local wildlife on a nature walk. Don't miss the bats' sunset flight to the fruit trees on the west beach.
Days 76-78
Yogyakarta
Java's cultural centre is perfect for seeing traditional dance performances or the incredible Borobudur.
Day 79
Seloliman Nature Reserve
Unwind on our peaceful retreat while learning about ecological farming from our volunteer hosts.
Day 80
Mount Bromo
Get in touch with Javanese herbal medicine before our journey to the amazing Tengger Caldera and Mount Bromo.
Days 81-82
Lovina
Greet the sunrise on Mount Bromo. Later, snorkel or go on a dolphin-spotting trip in Lovina.
Day 83
Tirtagangga
Relax amid terraced rice-fields or swim in Raja's Water Palace where pools are fed by underground springs.
Days 84-86
Ubud
Go wild doing a traditional kecak dance to cap of this huge overland adventure. There is plenty of time to explore the cultural heart of Bali, perhaps popping into a gallery or visiting the monkey forest.
Disclaimer
* The prices listed are based on the costs and exchange rates current at the
time of printing/posting. Intrepid reserves the right to alter these prices
at any time. For trips departing between 01 January 2007 and 31 December
2007, the land price of your trip is guaranteed when you have paid in full.
For trips departing beyond 31 December 2007, prices are indicative only. The
itineraries and dates online and in our printed brochures are applicable
from 01 January 2007 until 31 December 2007. Beyond 31 December 2007 dates
and itineraries are indicative only and are subject to change. All
information is accurate to the best of our knowledge at time of
printing/posting, but please note that changes to our trips (which can be
significant) can and do occur. Intrepid will make every effort to keep you
informed of any changes, but cannot be held liable for any alterations made
to the published itineraries. Please refer to our website for the most
recent update to any trip. Please note that these conditions apply to
Intrepid group trips only. Variations may apply for Intrepid Independent
trips.
Loss of monies paid applies to all cancelled reservations. The date of trip
cancellation is the date on which the written cancellation is received by
Intrepid.
Please ask your Travel Agent about our full Booking and Cancellation
Conditions.
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