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Angkor Wat/Alison Harvey
Feeding an Elephant/Tourism Thailand

Magic of the Mekong - A Family Holiday for Teens - 2010/11 Itinerary

15 days - from $2070

• Ride elephants & explore tribal villages in Northern Thailand
• Take a slow boat along the Mekong & experience local life
• Wander around tranquil Luang Prabang & Angkor's mysterious temples

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Spicy Curries & Elephant Poo!
After time in the Thai capital Bangkok, an overnight train takes us north to picturesque Chiang Mai, where we can learn to cook a spicy Thai curry and ride elephants in the jungle at nearby Lampang. We also visit a dung factory where we see how paper is made from elephant poo! During our longtail boat ride to Chiang Rai, we plan to stop at a number of tribal villages where people live in stilt houses and wear traditional clothing.


Slow boat to Luang Prabang
A ferry takes us to Ban Houei Sai in Laos, and we set out on our slow boat journey, following the Mekong along its winding course downstream as it meanders through a wilderness of rugged beauty. Along the way we discover the sacred Pak Ou caves and pass isolated villages. Our destination is Luang Prabang, a picturesque and peaceful mountain town which makes a great base from which to explore nearby waterfalls and villages, hire a bike or visit its many temples and craft shops.


Angkor - the temples of 'Tomb Raider'
Flying on to Cambodia, we stay in Siem Reap and explore the nearby ancient city of Angkor, the setting for various films including 'Tomb Raider'. Once hidden by the jungle, every temple has a different atmosphere from the tree-root clad ruins of Ta Phrom to the mysterious giant faces of the Bayon. We also take a boat ride on Lake Tonle Sap to see some of the floating villages.

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Itinerary:

Day 1 Join Bangkok. There's the option to take a trip along the city's klongs (canals). Day 2 Bangkok We see the Grand Palace and visit Buddhist temples before a sleeper train to Chiang Mai. Days 3/4 Chiang Mai After exploring the city, learn how to prepare a tasty Thai curry at cookery school (optional). At Lampang Elephant Sanctuary we ride these magnificent beasts through nearby jungle. Day 5 Tribal villages We take a scenic longtail boat ride to Chiang Rai stopping at tribal villages en route and also visit an elephant dung paper factory! Day 6 Into Laos Crossing the Mekong into Laos, we stay in relaxing Ban Houei Sai. Days 7/8 Mekong slowboat Weaving our way slowly down the Mekong, we discover friendly villages and sacred caves before reaching the ancient capital of Luang Prabang. Days 9/10 Luang Prabang Time to explore the beautiful Wats (temples),visit the Kuang Si waterfalls or cycle through lush countryside. Day 11/13 Mysterious Angkor Flying to Cambodia, we explore the amazing 'Lost Cities' of Angkor. Built some 800 years ago and engulfed by the jungle, it's the largest temple complex on earth. We also visit the floating villages on nearby Lake Tonle Sap. Day 14 Fly back to Bangkok for our final night. Day 15 End Bangkok.

Accommodations: 12nts hotel, 1nt guesthouse, 1nt sleeper train - the train has curtained-off berths in 2nd class air-conditioned open plan carriage; 13 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 1 dinner included.
Transport: Bus/Train/Various boats/ Flights/Elephant/Bike.
Comment: An adventurous holiday for families with teenagers.
Group: Approx. 13 to 18.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader, plus driver(s), boatmen and some local guides.
Trip Reference: FBM2010

Dates & Prices
Start End Prices in US$ Child Price in US$ Local Payment Availability
19 Dec 1002 Jan 11$2070$1730 0
10 Apr 1124 Apr 11$2070$1730 0
22 Jul 1105 Aug 11$2200$1870 0
29 Jul 1112 Aug 11$2200$1870 0
19 Aug 1102 Sep 11$2200$1870 0
18 Dec 1101 Jan 12$2200$1870 0

Prices and itineraries shown for tours departing from January 2011 onwards are subject to change and confirmation with the publication of our 2011/12 brochure, due to be published in October 2010.