Southeast Asia: Bangkok, Laos & The Cardamom Mountains

Your chariot awaits. So, it’s not technically a chariot, it’s a tuk-tuk. But not any tuk-tuk. Your drivers are women from the Lady Tuk-Tuk drivers cooperative. This group was founded to provide women in Siem Reap the opportunity to earn an income and support themselves, their families and their communities. Hop aboard, whizz through Siem Reap en route to another community tourism initiative, Spoons Restaurant. Welcome to Siem Reap, and to Cambodia, we invite you to become part of the community.

Accommodation: Lynnaya Urban River Resort & Spa

Inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner

Your OMG Day begins with an exclusive cooking experience in Chreav village, just a short tuk-tuk ride outside Siem Reap. In the afternoon you can choose between an exhilarating cycle through small villages, ending just in time to take in a peaceful sunset over the rice paddies with a cold drink. If you are looking to take it a bit easier, hop on a boat ride to the magnificent Tonle Sap. The boat will travel to Kampong Khleang floating village, passing by stilt houses, witnessing daily life and observing the marine flora and fauna along the way.

Accommodation: Lynnaya Urban River Resort & Spa

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch

Your new friends from the Lady Tuk-Tuk cooperative greet you again just before sunrise to zoom you to Angkor Wat. Enjoy a magical sunrise over the ruins and then continue on exploring Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm with your local guide. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy a well-deserved bit of rest, or a dip in the pool.

Accommodation: Lynnaya Urban River Resort & Spa

Inclusions: Breakfast

After a short flight and transfer West, board a small boat to head down the Prek Tachan river. Spot birds overhead as you make the half hour journey to camp. Cardamom Tented Camp is our home for our jungle expedition the next two days, and a homemade Cambodian meal awaits you after settling into your tent.

Accommodation: Cardamom Tented Camp

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a refreshing sleep, it’s time to explore the Cardamoms. Kayak downriver first en route to the old ranger station. Trek through the lush forest on old logging trails, crossing streams from time to time. Your local Cambodian guides let you in on the history of this special place while you explore.

After a morning of exploration, return to camp for another home cooked Cambodian meal. The afternoon offers you some much deserved leisure time to enjoy this remote paradise. Swim in the river or kayak the narrow tributaries looking for birdlife.

Accommodation: Cardamom Tented Camp

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, cross the border from Cambodia into Thailand. Take a short ferry to Koh Chang and explore the island with your CEO in the afternoon. A beachside barbecue is the perfect way to celebrate your first evening in Thailand.

Accommodation: The Dewa Koh Chang

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Thailand shines in this full day exploration of Koh Chang by kayak. Paddle from island to island, stopping to jump into the refreshing water. Paddle to Koh Yuak where you stop for lunch and to snorkel the turquoise waters.

Accommodation: The Dewa Koh Chang

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch

After departing Koh Chang, arrive to Bangkok and explore its iconic food scene in an exclusive gastronomic adventure. Board a private custom converted traditional rice barge to head to your first stop-to try the one and only Pad Thai. Afterwards, head by tuk-tuk convoy through Rattanakosin Historical Island to sample a few more small bites in the colorful Yaowarat Road (Bangkok’s Chinatown). A sweet bite, like Mango and sticky rice, is the finishing touch on delicious evening. A sweet way to end an epic adventure.

Accommodation: Riva Surya Bangkok

Inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, cycle through Bangkok’s Chinatown and ride a longboat up the charming canals of Bangkok toward its more rural side. Share a local meal in the area. After a free afternoon, join an evening dinner cruise up the Chao Phraya River. An evening full of delicious food and incredible views.

Accommodation: Riva Surya Bangkok

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Begin your Thailand explorations by heading north to Kanchanaburi. Explore the Thai-Burma Railway Centre, an interactive museum dedicated to sharing the history of the railway to those who visit. Ride the Death Railway train over the steep cliffs and visit the famous Bridge over the river Kwai. As your Kanchanaburi explorations conclude, board a long tail boat to reach our floating accommodation for the next two evenings.

Accommodation: The Float House River Kwai Resort

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Named for the torturous and hellish-like conditions in which the workers toiled away on the railway, Hellfire Pass and it’s namesake interpretive centre offer an incredible glimpse into this pivotal time in global history. Spend some time at the centre and then trek out to Hintok Cutting to experience the trail itself, and imagine what it might have been like for those workers. To cool off after the humidity of the morning, board a flat bottomed raft to float lazily back to your floating accommodation. Want to get a bit of exercise? Paddle yourself upstream a bit and race your neighbor. Enjoy a hearty lunch back at the lodge after working up an appetite.

Accommodation: The Float House River Kwai Resort

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch

Onward and upward today, quite literally. Flying north to Chiang Rai brings us to our last stop in Thailand and the opportunity to experience the unique culture of northern Thailand. Join your CEO and a local expert guide for a foodie walking tour designed to introduce you to some of the regions most famous dishes. Sample Sai Ou, a type of sausage from Laos and northern Thailand and douse everything in Nam Prik, chili sauce with lime, shrimp paste and garlic. You’ll sample over ten types of food and drink, so there’s almost a guarantee you’ll identify your new favorite Thai food item before the night concludes.

Accommodation: Riva Vista Riverfront Chiang Rai Hotel

Inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner

With so much to explore in Chiang Rai, there is no wrong way to spend your OMG Day. If you are looking for some exercise, get out on two wheels and explore Chiangsaen and the Golden Triangle area on a guided cycling tour. Visit an Opium Museum that gives context to the naming of the ‘Golden Triangle’ as you cycle through rice, cassava and pineapple fields. If you relish taking things at a less active pace, join some fellow travelers on an incredible Tea Journey. Head to an area one dominated-and destroyed by- the aforementioned Opium trade, and witness how it has been transformed into a thriving landscape of tea plantations. Join an expert guide as you learn all about tea blending and dipping, and sample some of the local blends. Enjoy an outdoor picnic lunch-with a cup of tea of course.

Accommodation: Riva Vista Riverfront Chiang Rai Hotel

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch

Bid farewell to beautiful Thailand as you board a private chartered slow boat in Laos to cruise along the Mekong River. Spend the day aboard the boat relaxing, snapping photos and taking in life along the Mekong from your unique vantage point. Dine on a delicious lunch aboard and disembark in the late afternoon to make your way to your comfortable hotel in Pak Beng.

Accommodation: Luang Say Lodge

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A final morning on board the slow boat means a few final opportunities for photos of the famous Pak Ou caves and a final lunch on board as your slow boat expedition comes to an end. Journey into Laos further as you head to Nong Khiaw, an area of Laos not yet overly popular with international tourists. After two days of relative relaxation, choose to stretch your legs and see Nong Khiaw’s undeniable beauty on a hike to the Som Nang viewpoint. Sunset from the viewpoint is spectacular, and worth the half an hour walk.

Accommodation: Nong Kiau Riverside

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch

Nayangtai Village welcomes you this morning for an immersion into the local Tai Lue community. Participate in the Baci Sou Kwan ceremony, a cultural and spiritual traditions of the Tai Lue tribe, and then join local artisans to learn about local pottery making and bamboo weaving. In the afternoon, board a traditional boat to ride upstream to Ban Sopkhong village, where a short trek brings you to a beautiful waterfall. Take some time to refresh yourself in the waterfall before returning back to the village and back downstream to your hotel on the riverside.

Accommodation: Nong Kiau Riverside

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

If you are naturally early riser, take advantage of a guided hike to witness sunrise over Pha Daeng peak. This moderate hike features some challenging areas but hikers are rewarded with incredible views over Nong Khiaw and surrounds as the sun pops into the sky. If you are keen for a rest this morning, recharge your batteries with a later start and rejoin your fellow travelers for breakfast after the hike. Our explorations of Laos continue as we head further north to Nam Kat Yorla Pa, a protected forestry area along the Nam Kat river. Grab a few local items at the Muang Xai market before reaching the hotel.

Accommodation: Namkat Yorla Pa Resort

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Witness some of Laos most stunning jungle foliage on a walk over 13 hanging bridges constructed throughout the protected area. These bridges bring you to a secluded waterfall where you will have time to swim and enjoy the sounds of nature around you. Enjoy some time at leisure in the afternoon to explore further on a hike or if you are in need of an adrenaline rush, a zipline through the canopy. Join together for an evening cooking class with your CEO and fellow travelers.

Accommodation: Namkat Yorla Pa Resort

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a final morning and breakfast among the lushness of northern Laos, travel south on a high-speed train to Luang Prabang. Spend time exploring on foot with your CEO at the night market in the evening.

Accommodation: Victoria Xiengthong Palace

Inclusions: Breakfast

Choose to rise early this morning and join your CEO to witness and participate in the almsgiving practice near your hotel. Your CEO will guide you through the Luang Prabang market as it begins to open up, allowing for a less chaotic look at some of the more unusual items on offer. Return to the hotel for a hearty breakfast and choose to spend the day as you choose. Your CEO will offer to guide you on an excursion to the Kuang Si waterfall and Ban Ou, or choose to explore this UNESCO World Heritage area at your own pace. To celebrate a final evening together, join your CEO and fellow travelers for a dinner in the local community. You are welcomed with a traditional ceremony, offering blessings for your onward journeys upon leaving the country. Join your local hosts to help make lemongrass stuffed with pork and dine together on an indulgent meal.

Accommodation: Victoria Xiengthong Palace

Inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner

Your adventure comes to an end, and you can depart at any time today.

Inclusions: Breakfast