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Voyage Through South East Asia

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Voyage Through South East Asia

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This is a fantastic tour taking you to the highlights of rural and urban Thailand then meandering down to Singapore aboard the iconic Eastern and Oriental Express. After a couple of nights exploring Singapore you head to Bali where you have time to enjoy the wonderful island with its exotic beaches and mystical hills. 

Highlights include

  • Interacting with elephants in Northern Thailand
  • Exploring bustling Bangkok and laid back Chiang Mai
  • 3 days on board the Eastern and Oriental Express Train between Bangkok and Singapore
  • Discovering the River Kwai region of Thailand
  • 4 days relaxing on the beach in beautiful Bali

DAY 1  DEPART THE UK

Depart the UK on an overnight flight to Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand.

DAY 2  CHIANG MAI

Arrive in Chiang Mai where your guide and driver will meet you for your private transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day can be spent at leisure. 

DAY 3 CHIANG MAI

Visit mountain temple of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the most famous landmark of Chiang Mai situated 1,676 metres above the city. You can either climb up the staircase adorned with imposing looking Nagas - the mythical Thai water spirits - to visit the exquisite golden pagoda or take a cable car. In the afternoon you will be driven further up the mountain before switching to a local songtaew – the local taxi which is a semi-open red truck with two rows of seats opposite each other – for the drive to the Chang Kien Hmong village. It is about a half hour drive on a single-track road to this small village where the 800 inhabitants still wear their traditional hill tribe clothes and practice a culture that dates back 500 years. There's a great opportunity to  stop for a local cup of ‘Arabica’ coffee which is grown locally as part of the Chang Khien Coffee Research Project before returning back to Chiang Mai.

DAY 4   CHIANG MAI

Today we include a visit to the Elephant Nature Park where you have the chance to interact with elephants in the wild.

DAY 5   BANGKOK

Today you head down to Bangkok, just 1 hour by plane. On arrival your local guide and driver will meet you for your transfer to Ariyasom Villa, in the same spirit as Tamarind Village, this hotel is a calm oasis in the heart of the city.

DAY 6  BANGKOK

Take an exhilarating traditional long-tail boat ride through the canals, or klongs, of Bangkok. Cruise past teak houses, local noodle shops, fruit orchards and rice fields, then visit a bustling local market and discover a riverside temple far from the tourist crowds. In the afternoon you will have a personal guide at your disclosure to advise on anything you want to do in Bangkok; from the best markets on a given day, to the most delicious hawker stands to sample local street food, and of course, Bangkok's highlights. 

DAY 7   BANGKOK

Today’s highlight is the Bangkok Food Tour which gives you the chance to sample some delicious food and explore temples, side streets and cultural sights in a part of Bangkok you would be unlikely to come across alone.

DAY 8 THE EASTERN AND ORIENTAL EXPRESS TRAIN  (BANGKOK)

Most of the day is free for some last minute shopping or simply to relax around the pool at the Peninsula. 

In the evening your exciting journey aboard the Eastern and Oriental Express train begins. Your guide will transfer you to Bangkok station where you’ll be welcomed onto your carriage and given time to settle into your cabin before dinner is served.

DAY 9  THE EASTERN AND ORIENTAL EXPRESS TRAIN (THE RIVER KWAI)

We’d advise waking early this morning to take in the views as the train makes its way along a wooden viaduct beside beautiful limestone cliff scenery as it travels through Kanchanburi province. Soon after, you leave the train for a day excursion to the River Kwai; here you’ll take a tour of the area during which an experienced guide will give you an informative historical overview. Learn about the Thailand-Burma railway and visit the Don Rak War Cemetery. The evening is spent back on the train where you’ll enjoy cocktails on the observation deck and dinner on board as you snake down into Thailand’s Southern jungles.

DAY 10  THE EASTERN AND ORIENTAL EXPRESS TRAIN (PENANG)

After breakfast you’ll cross the Thailand/Malaysia border and arrive into Butterworth; here you’ll disembark and cross to the island of Penang.  Spend some time exploring Penang’s colonial capital Georgetown. In the afternoon you’ll rejoin your carriage for the journey on down through Malaysia. 

DAY 11 THE EASTERN AND ORIENTAL EXPRESS TRAIN (SINGAPORE)

Enjoy a final breakfast on the train before arriving in cosmopolitan Singapore; here you’ll disembark the train and transfer to Traders. This is a larger hotel than some of the others included on the tour in a great location to explore the city during your short stay.

DAY 12   SINGAPORE

Today you’ll take a guided tour of Singapore. Highlights include the beautiful Botanical Gardens, bustling China Town and cosmopolitan Orchard Road. Singapore is a great crossroads of cuisine so in the evening we’d recommend trying out some of the excellent Chinese, Malay or Indian food available.

DAY 13 – YOGYAKARTA

Today you leave Singapore for a flight down to the vibrant and mystical island of Java and to the historic capital Yogyakarta. You will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel, where the rest of the day will be spent at leisure.

DAY 14 – YOGYAKARTA

On today’s tour of Yogyakarta, visit the Kraton, the traditional home of the sultan and the royal court. Next visit the Taman Sari Complex, also known as Water Castle, built in 1758 as an elaborate retreat with a two story mansion built on an elevated mound rising out of an artificial lake. Other attractions include the underwater tunnel, sunken bathing pools, meditation chambers and 18 lavish tropical gardens.

After lunch in town your guide will take you to visit the tenth century Prambanan temple. While it has not yet been fully restored, it is undoubtedly a magnificent piece of architecture and the sculptures and reliefs on the main Shiva temple are amongst the best examples of Hindu art to be found. The best time to visit the temple is at sunset, when you can climb one of the eastern temples and watch as the sun sets in between the three largest temples to the west.

DAY 15 – YOGYAKARTA

Depart your hotel before the sun rises to explore Borobudur temple, a Buddhist temple built sometime between AD750-850 by the rulers of the Sailendra dynasty. The temple itself was constructed using two million individual bits of stone that were wrapped around a small hill and the resulting structure has six square terraces that lead up to three circular terraces on top. While the major attraction is the temple itself, the light that the rising sun brings to the stunning surroundings is worth the early wakeup call in itself.

After witnessing the sunrise and explore the temple in the misty morning light, your guide will return you to your hotel, where you will be able to enjoy breakfast and take a few hours to get over the early start! In the afternoon, your guide will return to take you to Candirejo, a traditional Javanese village in a beautiful natural setting.

Day 16 – Bali

Transfer to the airport and fly to the naturally beautiful and culturally fascinating island of Bali. Your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel, where the rest of the day will be spent at leisure.

Day 17 – Bali

In the early morning visit a local market to look for and purchase ingredients and then return to a local restaurant for an authentic Balinese cooking course, introducing you to the techniques and methods used in traditional Balinese cuisine. Spend the morning cooking and building up your appetite and then lunch will be had testing your creations.

Day 18 & 19 – Bali

Have two full days to relax and enjoy the beautiful beaches of Bali from your hotel. The island is small and easy to explore alone should you wish to visit any more of Bali’s natural and cultural wonders.

Day 20 – Fly home

Transfer to the airport for your flight home. 

As every holiday is unique to you, prices vary. To give you an indication, two-week holidays range from roughly £3,000 to £8,000 per adult, with an average price of £3,500. We also offer substantial child and seasonal discounts.

To start your journey, talk to one of our friendly consultants today.

Since every traveler is unique - Call our experts on 1-888-577-8452 to create your personalised vacation itinerary.

Inclusions

Your personalised quotation with Experience Travel Group will include:

  • International Flights (which can be omitted from your quotation if you prefer)
  • Accommodation as described
  • Privately guided tours and transfers
  • Original Experience Travel Group "Signature" experiences
  • Full financial protection (full ABTA and ATOL bonding)
  • Meals as described
  • 24 hour in-country backup whilst away
  • Your own dedicated travel expert in the UK

For more on our pricing policy read here.

 

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the hotels and villas within this holiday as standard...

137 Pillars

137 Pillars, Chiang Mai

Oriental elegance in a beautifully converted historic teak homestead in the heart of Chiang Mai.

Ariyasom Villa

Ariyasom Villa, Bangkok

A beautiful boutique hotel built around a 1940's house in central Bangkok, with an award-winning vegetarian restaurant.

Belmond Jimbaran Puri

Belmond Jimbaran Puri, Jimbaran

Luxurious beach-side villas in a relaxing environment on the pristine sands of Jimbaran Bay.

Plataran Bali

Plataran Bali, Canggu

A romantic and peaceful oasis in a tropical garden away from the hustle and bustle.

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the experiences & activities within this holiday as standard...

Elephant Nature Park

Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai

Sanctuary and rescue centre for elephants providing "elephant friendly" experiences (no elephant riding).

Explore the Mysteries of Borobudur

Explore the Mysteries of Borobudur, Borobudur

Magical and magnificent Buddhist temple, surely a rival for eighth wonder of the world.

Historical Yogyakarta tour

Historical Yogyakarta tour, Yogyakarta

Explore the palaces of the only remaining sultan in Indonesia, starting with the official residence of the Kraton before the Water Palace Retreat.

Personal Guide to Bangkok

Personal Guide to Bangkok, Bangkok

Avoid the tours groups and the traffic and find the hidden gems of Bangkok.

Street Food Tour of Bangkok (Day Time)

Street Food Tour of Bangkok (Day Time), Bangkok

A superb walking food tour taking in five tasting locations and eight local dishes.

Map showing Hotels & Experiences associated with 'Voyage Through South East Asia'

Ready to enquire about this holiday?

Each journey with ETG is different. Let us know your needs, hopes and fears, and our friendly travel team will help you discover your ideal holiday.

Get in Touch

Call us 020 7924 7133

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  • Destinations
    • South Asia
      • Sri Lanka
      • The Maldives
      • India
      • Bhutan
    • South East Asia
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
      • Cambodia
      • Laos
      • Myanmar
      • Indonesia
      • Malaysia
      • Borneo
      • Indochina
    • Middle East
      • Oman
  • Holidays in Thailand
    • Hidden Thailand Holidays
    • Family Thailand Holidays
    • Ultimate Holidays
    • Multi-Country Holidays
  • Guide to Thailand
    • Why choose Thailand
    • Weather & When to go
    • Hotel inspiration
    • Experiences inspiration
    • Free Country Guide Download
  • Info on Thailand
    • Northern Thailand
      • Overview
      • Chiang Mai
      • Chiang Rai & The Golden Triangle
      • Mae Hong Son
      • Pai
    • Isan
      • Overview
      • Loei
      • Nakhon Phanom
      • Udon Thani
      • Phanom Rung
    • Central Thailand
      • Overview
      • Ayutthaya
      • Bangkok
      • Kanchanaburi
      • Erawan National Park
      • Khao Yai National Park
      • Lopburi
      • Phitsanulok
      • Sukhothai
    • Central Beaches & Islands
      • Overview
      • Hua Hin & Cha-Am
      • Koh Chang
      • Koh Kood
      • Koh Samet
    • Southern Thailand
      • Overview
      • Ao Phang Nga National Park
      • Khao Sok National Park
      • Trang
    • Western Beaches & Islands
      • Overview
      • Phuket
      • Koh Lanta
      • Koh Lipe
      • Koh Phi Phi
      • Koh Yao
      • Khao Lak
      • Koh Jum
      • Koh Ngai
      • Krabi
    • Eastern Beaches & Islands
      • Overview
      • Khanom
      • Koh Samui
      • Koh Pha-Ngan
      • Koh Tao
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