Laos, a country of majestic beauty, spectacular scenery and stunning landscapes, where the meandering Mekong winds its way south towards the Delta. Step into the tranquility of a world dominated by Buddhism as we journey through Laos on this unforgettable trip. From the capital Vientiane, with its wide boulevards and setting on the banks of the Mekong, we fly to Pakse, and from there explore the islands of Si pan don, where we hope to spot the freshwater dolphins that reside there. We visit Vang Vieng, before spending time in and around the World Heritage city, and former royal capital, Luang Prabang, set in the northern mountains. Here the monks in their saffron robes carrying black umbrellas to shade themselves are a familiar sight, and it is here that you can witness the early morning alms ritual. A tour of Laos would not be complete without taking a slow boat along the Mekong, where we encounter some of the many minority tribes living in the fertile valleys, and visit the famous Pak Ou Caves. Laos is a land of natural beauty and many surprises.

This Grand Indo-China trip offers a wonderful chance to explore two of South East Asia's great cultural centres, the North Thailand hills and Laos' Mekong Delta. There can be no better way to witness the stunning scenery and experience the friendliness of the people. After an opening tour of Bangkok, we journey to Chiang Mai in the north. Here we trek by foot and on elephant back - plus rafting on a bamboo raft - to the hillside villages. A highlight of Chiang Mai will be the holy Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep temple visited by Buddhist pilgrims all year round. Next, it's on to Laos - a country standing in great contrast to Thailand and one hardly touched by tourism. Its landscape is both stunning and raw and its people welcome visitors with open arms. The highlight of this leg of the tour is a truly memorable boat trip on the Mekong River with the chance to see in all its splendour the spectacular and ever-changing scenery and the rural waterside life. Following on from there are visits to the cultural centres of Luang Prabang, with its monks in their colourful robes going about their religious rituals, and the capital Vientiane.

Explore some of the major UNESCO World Heritage Sites of South East Asia as you journey from Thailand through Laos and Vietnam to Cambodia. The World Heritage List contains over 850 sites, which form part of the world’s cultural and natural heritage, and which are considered to have outstanding universal value. Beginning in Chiang Mai in northern Thailand, this fascinating tour takes in the old Siam capitals of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya. Flying into Laos, we spend time in the former royal capital and World Heritage City of Luang Prabang, exploring the historic sites, and also witnessing the early morning Alms ritual to the monks in their orange robes. On to Vietnam, and the beautiful city of Hanoi with its lakes and tree lined boulevards. We visit three of Vietnam’s World Heritage Sites – the natural site of Halong Bay where we overnight on a traditional junk, and the cultural sites of Hue’s ancient monuments, and the old trading port and historic town of Hoi An. Ho Chi Minh City could not be omitted, so here we include a tour of Saigon, and explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, before flying to Cambodia and Siem Reap, home to the hidden city of Angkor, the spectacular ancient capital of the Khmer Dynasty. A befitting end to this fascinating tour.

Anyone taking this exciting journey will experience sights and sounds that are sure to be etched in your memory for a long time. Not only will you be able to see three of the leading countries in South East Asia, but also compare their fascinating scenery, cultures and rich historical pasts. Thailand begins in the Grand Palace and the canals of Bangkok, followed by the famous Bridge over The River Kwai and then on to Chiang Mai, the jewel of the north, for trekking among the hillside villages. Here we also meet the tribes people, try bamboo rafting and stay in traditional Thai minority village houses. On to Laos, where you will find some of the friendliest people in the world, who welcome visitors with a smile. The highlight of any visit is a trip along the Mekong, and we have chartered a private boat so that you can fully enjoy its scenery and people. There are also trips to Luang Prabang and Vientiane, the capital. In Vietnam we take you to the lakes of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, and to the beautiful limestone islets that have made Halong Bay a World Heritage site. Hue with its great cultural heritage is followed by picturesque Hoi An, a stopover in Nha Trang with its miles of white sandy beaches, and then time in Dalat in the Central Highlands. The tour ends in Ho Chi Minh City - formerly Saigon - a dynamic and energetic centre, and includes a tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels.

This is the big one. Four countries - the “jewels of Indo-China” in thirty three days. Another exciting and memorable trip, this time taking in Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia with their breathtaking contrast in cultures, history and scenery. The tour opens in Thailand among the khlongs or canals of the capital Bangkok. After a days sightseeing and a visit to The Bridge over The River Kwai we head to Chiang Mai for trekking among the hillside villages of the north. Here we travel by foot, raft and on elephant back to spend time amongst the tribal villages, witnessing at first hand their culture and customs, and staying in traditional Thai minority family homes. On to Laos, the 'forgotten country', and “land of a million elephants”, where the highlight is a trip along the Mekong in a boat so that you can fully enjoy its waters, scenery and people. There are also trips to Luang Prabang with its monks in their bright orange robes going about their religious rituals and the sleepy capital Vientiane, with its wide boulevards. In Vietnam we visit Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum in Hanoi, and then on to the beautiful limestone islets that have made Halong Bay a World Heritage site, spending the night on a traditional junk. Hue, with its cultural heritage, is followed by quaint Hoi An and then a night in Nha Trang, famous for its miles of white sandy beaches. Next we journey inland to Dalat in the Central Highlands to enjoy the cooler mountain air. Moving on to Ho Chi Minh City - formerly Saigon - we enjoy the electric atmosphere of this dynamic city. Cambodia, on the final leg, offers one of the richest cultural legacies in South East Asia.The highlights are Phnom Penh, the capital - containing many memories of the countries violent past - and by contrast the spectacular fabled city of Angkor, home to many exotic religious monuments and the eighth wonder of the world.