Day 1 BangkokJump straight into the action in flamboyant Bangkok. Day 2 AranyaprathetTravel to the entertaining border city of Aranyaprathet Days 3-4 BattambangBattambang 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. Days 5-6 Phnom PenhReflect on Cambodia's years of war at the Tuol Sleng Museum and head out to the notorious Killing Fields. Days 7-9 Siem Reap/Angkor WatTravel 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. Day 10 AranyaprathetHead back across the border into Thailand. Day 11 Phi MaiGet 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. Days 12-13 VientianeFarewell Thailand and travel to 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. Days 14-15 Vang ViengChill 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. Days 16-18 Luang PrabangHead 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. Days 19-20 Luang Nam ThaMake 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. Days 21-23 XishuangbannaMake the jump into China and travel through remote villages and vast, dramatic landscapes. Spend a few nights bushcamping amid this rarely visited part of Asia. Day 24 ShilinzhenPay a visit to Shilin, known as China's 'Stone Forest', and discover an intriguing maze of towering limestone pillars. Day 25 KunmingBack in civilisation, explore the markets of Kunming and perhaps swing by the ancient Yuantong temple. Days 26-27 DaliHead to the lakeside town of Dali and choose to explore this fascinating region by bike, boat or cable car. Days 28-30 LijiangWander through the cobbled streets of picturesque Lijiang and learn about the Naxi people, who are descendants of Tibetan nomads. If feeling energetic, take an overnight trek to the spectacular Tiger Leaping Gorge. Day 31 Overnight TrainMingle with friendly locals on an overnight sleeper train to Emei Shan. Days 32-33 Emei ShanMake the pilgrimage to Emei Shan and perhaps take the opportunity to hike up China's holiest of mountains. Days 34-35 Leshan/ChengduStop to gaze up at the 71 m Buddha 'Da Fo' en route to Chengdu. Home to spicy hot pot cuisine, this bustling Sichuan city has plenty of food and culture on offer. While here, get up close and personal to giant pandas at the research base and breeding centre. Day 36 DazuTravel onwards to Dazu. Admire the sleeping Buddha in the Bei Shan caves. Day 37 ChongqingHead east from Dazu to Chongqing. Days 38-39 Yangtze River CruiseGet an insight into rural life along the Yangtze River. Be lulled to sleep at night by the gentle rocking of the boat. Days 40-41 YichangWith feet back on solid ground, set off to explore the picturesque town of Yichang. In free time, why not treat the feet to a traditional reflexology massage. Days 42-43 Xiang Fan/Wudang ShanExplore the mountain reserve of Wudang Shan, the backdrop to the epic film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Days 44-47 Xi'anArrive in Xi'an and admire the 2,000-year-old army of Terracotta Warriors, discovered by farmers in 1976. Spend a free day exploring; perhaps visit the Bell and Drum Towers or wander through the night market, soaking in the intoxicating sights, smells and sounds. Days 48-49 Yan'AnVisit the Revolution Museum and see where the 12,500 km Long Walk came to a rest in historic Yan'An. Day 50 LijiashanSpend a memorable night in a cavehouse in Lijiashan. This 550-year-old village is still home to over 600 families and scales nine stories. Days 51-52 PingyaoExplore the ancient city of Pingyao, an atmospheric walled town that exudes the ambience of old-world China. Days 53-54 Wutai ShanMake the pilgrimage to Wutai Shan and join thousands of years of travellers who have come from all over China and Mongolia to experience what is believed to be the earthly abode of Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom. Experience beautiful Himalayan art and lush mountain scenery. Days 55-56 DatongMarvel at the Hanging Monastery and explore the World Heritage-listed Yungang Grottoes. Day 57 JinshanlingTake a walk along the monumental Great Wall as it snakes its way through rolling hills as far as the eye can see. Days 58-59 ChengdeStroll through the lush Shanzhuang gardens in the footsteps of past Emperors who holidayed here. Take in the rich heritage of Chengde by bicycle or admire Mongolian and Tibetan influences in local temples and monasteries. Days 60-62 BeijingEnd the tour by joining the buzzing hive that is Beijing. Visit the Forbidden City to admire imperial architecture or the sprawling Summer Palace on the banks of Kunming Lake.
|
