ICS Encounters

Experiences that are off the beaten path and provide close cultural interaction and deep immersion for an authentic and memorable experience in our destinations Walk the Rail Tracks of Hanoi Hanoi

Start your tour between the rails a few meters north of Hanoi’s main train station. Walk along the very narrow streets hosting the rails sometimes not even a meter away from the entrance door of the houses!

Enjoy this original and photogenic scene walking along the street until 153 Phung Hung where you go back down to the road and follow the street’s sidewalk. Walk past the funeral home where you will probably see a group of people mourning and wearing the traditional white fabric around the forehead, which is equivalent to the western tradition of wearing black clothes. Continue walking toward Long Bien train station. From Long Bien train station start to cross the bridge and stop half way to go down the stairs onto the urban island. Have a rest and visit the orchards.

Continue crossing the bridge and meet the car which will transfer you to Gia Lam train station. Take your train ticket and jump in to cross the bridge the other way, riding with the Highlights locals in the hard seater wagon. On week days you will stop • Ride a local train over the bridge to the other side of at Long Bien as the final station and on Saturday and Hanoi. Sunday you will stop at Hanoi Station. Meet the car when • Walk along tracks where trains pass right next to disembarking and transfer back to your hotel. people’s doors. • Get a glimpse into a unique railside funeral home. Hidden Saigon at Night Saigon

Transfer to the Saigon Opera House, the city’s cultural and architectural icon, built by the French in 1898. Sit back in your seat in the oval auditorium and get ready to watch a fascinating cultural show depicting Vietnamese village life. The show is an energetic mix of contemporary dance, traditional folk music and breathtaking acrobatic acts using long bamboo poles. The performance has generated so much enthusiasm that part of the crew is currently on a tour of Europe.

After the show take a walk to a restaurant popular with the locals. Soak up the lively atmosphere as you sample some delicious Vietnamese street .

The evening ends in a hidden shop where you can sit back with a drink and listen to talented local musicians perform Vietnamese and Western songs. Highlights • Watch a spectacular acrobatic show in the iconic Saigon Opera House. • Sit among the locals and sample delicious and authentic street food. • Experience the vibrant Vietnamese nightlife in a hidden bar. Cholon – A Photogenic Experience Saigon

Transfer from your hotel to District 5, the Chinese quarter also known as Cho Lon. The photo tour starts at Binh Tay Market, the bulk goods market used by Saigon’s smaller market and street vendors.

Stop at the photogenic Thien Hau Pagoda. With hundreds of smoking incense sticks, the Pagoda offers excellent opportunities for photos. Explore the small hidden alleys and capture the lively local street life. Away from the tourist trail, pass by different themed streets and narrow alleys, home to a diverse array of goods grouped by theme such as fabrics, housewares, and apothecary street stalls, to name a few.

Highlights

• Visit the historic district of Cho Lon on a different angle: get the chance to see the backstreets and local life. • For all photography aficionados. Beginner level or advanced photographer: we will bring you to the best spots at the right time of the day for you to take the best shot. Beginners will learn how to get the most out of their camera. It is also possible to join the tour without taking pictures as there is plenty to see and experience. • A selection of the photographers’ best pictures taken during the tour will be sent to participants. Bamboo Artisanry of Hoi An by Bike & Boat Hoi An

Combine an off-the-beaten-track bicycle ride with a glimpse into the traditional arts of Hoi An.

The town of Hoi An has a reputation for its distinctive arts and crafts. It is home to many factories and workshops where the ancient techniques first introduced by the ancestors of the town’s families are still being followed to this day. These exquisite handicrafts are produced using local materials such as bamboo, wood and Vietnamese fabrics.

Hop on your bike and cycle to the pier. Then, along with your bicycle, board a boat for a cruise to Cam Kim Island. Ride through the lush surroundings stopping at some of the authentic workshops to see how wooden boats, traditional basket boats, and beautiful carpets are made.

From here take another cruise to the east of Hoi An and visit Cam Thanh village where endless nipa palm forests cover hectares of land. These abundant forests provide the locals Highlights with bamboo, an essential raw material from which they build houses as well as producing beautiful handicrafts and • Exploring traditional arts of Hoi An by cycling. even sturdy bamboo bicycles. • Cruising to Cam Kim Island and riding through the lush beautiful surrounding. Visit a bamboo workshop and try your hand at this popular • Visiting the east of Hoi An and taking a boat through the craft before cycling back to the old town. endless nipa palm forest. • Joining the Bamboo Workshop and learning how to make crafts with bamboo. Folk Art of Hue with an Artist Hue

Take a peek into the stunning home of a professional artist and try your hand at producing Vietnamese folk art under the guidance of the expert himself.

Visit the house of Nguyen Van Tan, an artist who studied at the College of Arts in Hue and whose work has been exhibited throughout Vietnam and . He generously opens the doors to his beautiful residence and invites visitors in to see his home and art. Everything in his house and garden, from the artworks to the plants and rocks, has been arranged in an artistic way in order to fuse art and nature.

Browse through his paintings and wander through the beautiful garden to see the water features and enjoy the peace and serenity.

Mr. Tan will take you through the history of Vietnamese art, and will personally teach you how to produce some traditional folk art of your own. Highlights • Visit Nguyen Van Tan an artist who studied at the College of Arts in Hue and whose work has been exhibited throughout Vietnam and Thailand. • On this tour you will talk more in-depth about Vietnamese Art and your host will personally teach you how to produce some of the traditional folk art which you can bring home as a memory. The Animist of Cambodian’s Ethnic Minority Banlung

Spend the day discovering the natural beauty of the jungle, glorious waterways, and meeting indigenous tribes.

Close to the Sesan River is a small cluster of villages home to Khmer and other ethnic minorities. We will take a boat along the tranquil river passing fishermen casting their lines, farmers at work in the fields, and villagers setting out in their small boats. Back on dry land, a two-hour trek will take us through the beautiful forest to the O Ahchah Waterfall for and a refreshing dip in the cool water.

At Koh Peik Village we will visit the cemetery of the KaChork families, a remote minority tribe. The tribe bury their dead in the forest and in front of each grave two statues are erected. After the funeral ceremony the graves are left to decay and become part of the forest. We will spend time chatting with the KaChork villagers and learn more about their culture. Highlights • Take a boat trip passing riverside scenes untouched by tourism. • Trek through the forest and cool off under a beautiful waterfall. • Visit the forest cemetery of the KaChork, a remote minority tribe. Snaps in Phnom Penh Phnom Penh

Set out on foot and explore a photogenic local community and discover how the work of street artists has transformed this central urban neighborhood.

Experience the wildly diverse murals lining the walls of the community, from the intricate work of Cambodia’s first female urban street artist, Lisa Mam, to the large format, pop art style paintings of gesturing hands by Chifumi, a French artist who is also a co-founder and organizer of the annual Cambodian Urban Art Festival.

While snapping photos of the talented artist’s concrete canvases, learn more about the community and the locals that call it home.

Highlights • Explore a rarely visited area of Phnom Penh on foot. • Take photos of the community, along with the wonderful street art and murals created by Cambodian and international artists. Local Life Discovery on Sangker and Tonle Battambang – Siem Reap V.V In the morning board the private traditional wooden boat for the cruise along the Sangker River from Battambang to Siem Reap. The journey takes you through the lush scenery of protected wetlands. Watch the fishermen as they throw their nets into the rust brown water. As the boat navigates its way through wide waterways and narrow canals get a glimpse of daily life on the riverbank. Women washing their clothes in the water, and children splashing in their watery playground.

Stop for a short time at Bak Preah boat station. Back on board enjoy a picnic lunch as you relax and take in the picturesque views.

You will pass by villages where the buildings are balanced on long wooden poles in the river, and others where the houses float on rafts on top of the water. Visit a floating school and the ancient pagoda of Wat Chheu Khmao, which means ‘black wood pagoda’. Highlights After a while the river opens up into the Tonle Sap Lake, a • Witness the daily life of the river people at close range vast inland sea. Here you will find Prek Toal floating village, as you cruise along the Sangker River. whose stunning location is the home of a freshwater bird • Visit floating villages and an ancient pagoda and see sanctuary. Visit the Saray community and see how they how life revolves around the water. weave dried water hyacinths into handicrafts that are then • Cross the great freshwater Tonle Sap Lake, home to sold in their floating shop. water birds and creative communities.

After crossing the great lake you will arrive at Chong Khneas, another floating village just on the outskirts of Siem Reap. in the Countryside Siem Reap

Travel by remork to Treak Village set in a rural location. The cooking class is held in the outdoors in a bamboo pavilion, surrounded by trees, bamboo and a fish pond.

Take a short walk to the village to visit a local family and their garden.

Spend some time here to see how the various , fruits and herbs are grown, and to learn a little about food superstition and beliefs.

Back in the interactive class you will learn how to cook up delicious Cambodian dishes at your own cooking station.

Sit down to enjoy your freshly cooked in a lovely pavilion perched over the fish pond and surrounded by flowers and a herb garden. Highlights • Enjoy a very interactive cooking class in a beautiful countryside venue. • Learn how to cook typical Khmer dishes. • Support the local communities by purchasing the ingredients from their organic gardens. Cycling on the Silk Island Phnom Penh

Enjoy a leisurely bike ride through the outskirts of Phnom Penh by crossing the Cambodia-Japanese Bridge and then continuing northwards to a small island which presents authentic Cambodian life in its simplest and most beautiful forms.

Koh Dach or “Silk Island” is located on the banks of River where you can explore the local lifestyle of Khmer villages including a pagoda, a school, and traditional silk weaving handicrafts.

Besides silk weaving, people on the island also generate their income from fruit and plantations such as beans, corn, , and sesame. Enjoy a local lunch shaded by huts along the river.

On the way back into town, visit another neighbor island called Koh Ouknhatey where you can observe the silk making process. Highlights • Cycling approximately 40 kilometers around the outskirts of Phnom Penh, seeing authentic Cambodian life. • Exploring Koh Dach, known as “Silk Island” where locals weave silk handicrafts. • Visiting people on the island who generate their income from farming, and have lunch in the shade of the huts along the river. MYANMAR Exploration of Myanmar Spirits Bagan

Mount Popa, an extinct temple-topped volcano is the most important place in the country to worship the legendary ‘nat’ spirits. This curiously-shaped sheer-sided hill rises up from the flat plain and is topped by golden stupas. We will walk to the top of this famous pilgrimage site via the winding staircase, watched by mischievous monkeys hoping to be fed.

We will have the unique opportunity to witness a ceremony to the spirits, known as Nat Pwe. We will watch mediums as they dance and embody the nat’s spirit in a trance. Music adds to the mystical atmosphere of the ceremony with many participants becoming entranced.

On the way back there’s time for more spirits – in the form of jaggery, a local fiery drink. At a small hut we will Highlights see how palm juice and oils from native plants are pressed to make jaggery and other items. • Climb to the top of a sheer-sided volcano dedicated to ‘nat’ spirits. • Join the many pilgrims as they worship amid the golden stupas. • Witness a unique ceremony where mediums embody the spirits. The Art of One-Legged Rowing Inle Lake

Enjoy an authentic experience learning the traditional skill of one-legged rowing and getting to know an Intha family. In the morning, along with your guide, climb into a long-tail boat and set off across the picturesque Inle Lake. Relax and enjoy the peace and quiet of the shimmering water surrounded by undulating mountains.

Arrive at Pauk Par village, an Intha village of wooden stilt houses. Change into Shan baggy trousers and a bamboo hat – the traditional clothes of the fishermen working on the lake. Now you look the part, it’s time to meet the Intha fisherman who will teach you the art of one-legged rowing. Learn how to balance on one leg with the other leg wrapped around the oar to steer and turn the boat. Once you have mastered the manoeuvres, set off across the water and around the village. This traditional rowing technique requires good balance. Don’t worry if you wobble and fall in the water – it’s all part of the fun! Highlights After the rowing activity, spend some time at a local house where an Intha family will warmly welcome you into their • Learn the traditional Intha skill of one-legged rowing. home. For another authentic experience, take an open air • Enjoy a typical Intha lunch in the home of a local family. shower before changing into dry clothes. Then sit down to a • Get an in-depth look at the authentic life of Inle Lake. cup of green and some local snacks such as tofu crackers and crackers. This is followed by a typical Intha lunch while chatting and getting to know about the life of your hosts. After saying your goodbyes, return to the hotel by long-tail boat. Portraits of Mandalay Mandalay

Meet Linn Pin Zaw, a forward-thinking and self-taught graffiti artist. He is popular among Mandalay locals for drawing the famous “Stop Riot” illustration for Myanmar-Muslim peace.

Professional gym trainer and fitness model, Su Pyae Thin Thin, is next on the itinerary. In addition to working out every day, she also stars in commercial photo shootings in Mandalay.

Then, head to Amarapura Township to visit and observe the dying art of bottle and glass painting. After famous and talented glass painting artist U Chit Mya passed away, his son, Mr.Lynn inherits and creates beautiful paintings on dried gourd shell and shell as well as glass and bottles. Highlights If time permits, walk along the 1.2 kilometre-long wooden U Bein Bridge before transferring back to • Get an intimate insight into everyday life beyond Mandalay. On arrival, escape the afternoon heat with the main tourist sites. a locally made ice cream or cold drink at a local ice- • Meet Mandalay’s locals and learn about their daily cream bar. struggles and pleasures. • See the differing styles and techniques of traditional Remark: If you do this tour in the evening, then, sample and contemporary artists. some local food such as fried crab and fish at a nearby food stall of U Bein Bridge. Colonial Walking Tour Yangon

Explore the architectural heritage of Yangon on your own pace and learn the fascinating history behind the city’s colonial style buildings.

Yangon’s streets are full of magnificent buildings dating from the late 19th century. While some have been restored to their former glory, others are dilapidated and crumbling – in ruins after decades of isolation.

Start your exploration passing by the derelict Secretariat Building (also known as the Ministers’ Building), a beautiful Victorian structure where Aung San, father of pro- democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, was assassinated in 1947. Afterwards, explore Myanmar’s last Armenian Church, St. John the Baptist. Dating back over 150 years, this small beautiful church is surprisingly well maintained and offers a patch of calm in the middle of the bustling city. Walk down Strand Road to explore the historic but abandoned Gandhi Hall, where the National League for Democracy drafted the Highlights Gandhi Hall Declaration in 1990. Also, visit the Post Office, then stop at the legendary Strand Hotel and the Port • Visit a local non-profit organization that’s working to Authority building. You will pass by the Accountant preserve Yangon’s urban heritage. General’s Office & Currency Department, home to an • Stroll along the city streets exploring the city’s exquisite ornamented winding staircase. Turn onto Pansodan architectural gems, and learning about their history. Road and you will see the Yangon Heritage Trust, a non- • Visit a local park in the heart of the city that offers profit organization that works to preserve and protect the sweeping views of the surrounding colonial buildings. city’s rich urban heritage. Portraits of Inle Inle Lake

After board a boat and cruise to Kyay Sar Kone village on the western bank of Inle Lake. Meet with artisan boat builder U Than Hla. His building techniques have been passed down through the generations and U Than Hla is now teaching his son these traditional skills.

In the same village, meet Ma Shwe Myint Mhe, the owner of a cheroot workshop. Watch the young girls skillfully rolling the cigars at a dizzying pace while Ma Shwe Myint Mhe shares her experiences as a female entrepreneur. Her family business provides an important means of livelihood for the villagers. Carry on to Tha Pyay Pin village to meet U Aung Mya Win, a local farmer who grows his crops on the lake’s floating gardens. He will share his knowledge about the unique eco- system and agricultural techniques of Inle Lake.

From here, visit Pauk Par village and spend some time with an Intha family who will generously open their home for you. Highlights Sit and chat with them while enjoying a home-cooked Intha lunch. • Get a rare insight into the daily struggles and pleasures Next, meet U Htun Shwe, an expert in constructing religious of life on the lake. shrines, thrones and glass mosaics; along with his wife Daw • Witness the traditional techniques and skills used by Myint Aye. His outstanding skills earned him the privilege of Intha farmers and artisans. designing the royal barge shaped like a Karaweik (mythical • Listen to the stories of an Intha family while enjoying a bird), the centre piece of the annual Phaung Daw Oo home-cooked lunch. Pagoda festival.

Return to your hotel by boat. Handmade Cotton Experience at Ban Lue Handicrafts

Day 1 (Lunch – Dinner) Journey to the remote and rural village of Ban Na Yaing Nua in the countryside around Nong Khiaw. Here an enterprising local will welcome you for an immersive experience into the traditional lifestyles and handicrafts of the Tai Lue ethnic group.

In this peaceful village, the women sit under the stilted wooden houses to do their spinning and weaving, creating a wide range of hand-spun and hand-dyed indigenous cotton accessories and accents. With the help of a master weaver, we’ll get hands-on and learn the entire process from cotton picking to hand spinning and loom weaving using traditional tools.

A stroll around the village will reveal the local way of life where the arts and crafts are very much alive. After a home-cooked dinner, we’ll retire to our homestay – a basic but charming wooden house on stilts. Highlights

Day 2 (Local breakfast – Lunch) • Get back to basics with a stay in a traditional house of Wake to the sounds of the village coming to life. After a the Lue ethnic group. local breakfast, we’ll continue with our hand weaving • Immerse yourself in the rural lifestyle, traditions and project. As a final step we’ll dye our scarves using natural cuisine of the village. products – a fantastic souvenir to take home! • Learn how to weave and dye a beautiful Lao-style scarf using age-old techniques. Transfer to your next destination. Explore the Capital by Tuk Tuk

After being picked up by a private tuk tuk, stop for a favorite local sweet snack, “Kao larm” – a sticky rice and coconut snack in bamboo tubes. See how this delicious snack is made and sample this tasty treat! Continue to a local fresh food market to discover the amazing diversity of Lao food, and take in the bustling market while enjoying a traditional Lao coffee.

Visit the workshop of a family-run silversmith producing intricate traditional and modern pieces. See how these pieces are formed and how this traditional craft is being preserved in the family. For lunch, go behind the scenes in the of a popular local restaurant that provides training and support for street youth, and then relax and enjoy the delicious Lao lunch you have seen being prepared.

After lunch, head to the COPE Visitors Centre and learn about the ongoing challenges with unexploded ordinance Highlights (UXO) that face on a daily basis. Discover the amazing and inspirational activities developed to support • Explore the hidden spots of Vientiane in a comfortable people affected by UXOs. Next, visit a temple and learn to “Tuk Tuk”. make mak beng and pasaat peung, the traditional Lao • some local delicacies sold by typical street food Buddhist banana leaf and wax flower offerings. Then, carry vendors or at the market. your new creations to Wat Simueang, one of the city’s most popular local temples, to learn more about Lao Buddhist traditions. Portraits of Luang Prabang Luang Prabang

Spend the morning meeting talented and inspiring artisans keeping traditional arts alive.

Our first visit is with the artist, Thone, at his home in Ban Don Keo village on the bank of the Nam Khan River. Thone graduated from the Art School of Wat Xieng Maun, a project set up by UNESCO to help preserve the exquisite art and decorations in temples and other ancient buildings. These include mural paintings, glass mosaics, wood carvings and lacquer work. Thone specialises in painting and currently sells his artworks in the night market. Some of his traditional murals can also be seen adorning the walls of hotels and restaurants in Luang Prabang.

Next, meet the sisters, Mone and Keo, skilled in the ancient tradition of weaving. From a Katu ethnic Highlights group, they grew up in a small village on the Salavan plateau in the south of the country. From an early age • Meet three innovative and enterprising locals in their mother taught them how to weave using Luang Prabang. techniques that have been passed down through the • Get an intimate insight into their early and current generations. lives. • Witness traditional artisanal techniques and skills. An Intro to Vientiane

Spend an evening in the home of a local and learn from the best how to cook delicious Lao dishes.

Travel to Ban Nong Bone Village, where the Head Chef, Vanpheng, will welcome you into her home and begin your cooking class. Over the next few hours you’ll learn how to cook three local dishes using traditional ingredients and techniques. Afterwards, relax and enjoy the feast you’ve created together. Traditional sweets and snacks will also be on offer, although the savoury dishes tend to be most popular to prepare. Tropical drinks are also included with the .

Say farewell to Vanpheng and spend the rest of the evening at leisure.

Afterwards we recommend a stroll along the banks of the Mekong River through Chao Anou Park and the Night Market, observing locals and taking in the views. Both are Highlights situated along the Mekong and this area is most appealing at night. Adventurous foodies can sample a wide range of • Meet a local Lao chef in her village home. local snacks along the way. Cap off the night enjoying a • Learn how to cook authentic traditional dishes. bottle of the , a tasty local beer brewed from the • Sample local snacks next to the Mekong. best local rice and high quality malt. Meditation & Wellness in Luang Prabang Luang Prabang

Take a break from the usual tourist sights and immerse yourself in the art of yoga and meditation.

In the afternoon your guide will meet you at your hotel and take you by local tuk tuk to the pier. Board the boat and then sit back and relax for a cruise along the mighty Mekong River. Enjoy the scenes of riverside life and the distant misty mountains.

Further down the river the boat will cross to the opposite bank where the temple, Wat Had Siew, is located. After exploring the tranquil temple, you will be introduced to your monk teacher who will take you through the art of meditation. Your guide will be on hand to help with the translation.

After clearing your mind through meditation in the spiritual surrounds, travel by boat and your tuk tuk to the yoga school. After a warm welcome from the instructor, you will Highlights be taught some yoga positions that aim to improve both mind and body. • Journey along the Mekong to connect with your spiritual side. Fully rejuvenated physically and mentally, return to your • Meditate with a monk in a serene riverside temple. hotel by vehicle. • Learn yoga moves to improve your body and mind. THAILAND Sak Yant Tattoo from World Famous Tattoo Master

Ajan Noo Kanpai is a celebrated master of traditional spiritual tattoos, also known as Sak Yant. Born from humble beginnings, he has decorated the bodies of celebrities such as Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt.

After a consultation with Ajan Noo in his tattoo shrine, you have the incredible opportunity to receive your own sacred tattoo. Known as a Ha Taew, this traditional intricate design consists of five vertical rows of sacred scripture. Each row offers a different powerful blessing which is personalised to offer protection, success and love. It is a versatile, beautiful, and powerful Thai tattoo.

The tattoo is inked using traditional bamboo with a disposable needle to ensure safety and hygiene. The synergy of the sacred scriptures and mantra Highlights prayers combined with blessings and incantations from Ajan Noo activate the magic powers within the Sak • A unique opportunity to be inked by the world Yant tattoo. famous tattoo master. • Ward off evil spirits and find success with a powerful Sak Yant tattoo. • Receive ancient blessings and incantations from the master. Distillery Tour Phuket Phuket

In the afternoon depart from your hotel and drive to the ‘Three beach viewpoint’ where you can enjoy the far reaching views of Kata Noi, Kata and Karon beaches as well as the deep blue Andaman Sea. Take some time to appreciate the breathtaking scene and snap plenty of photos.

From here transfer to the Chalong Bay Distillery where 100% natural rum is produced. This handcrafted drink is made from an indigenous single variety best-in-crop using a centuries old French distillation process. The result is an award-winning organic rum with a smooth tropical taste and aroma.

Visit their cocktail workshop and bar and learn how to mix beverages such as Mojitos and Ti’Punch. Then of you get to sample these delicious rum-based cocktails!

From here make your way to Promthep Cape, the most Highlights southerly point of the island and the best place for sunsets. Witness the changing colours of the sky as the sun slowly • Soak in the breathtaking views of three beaches and sinks into the Andaman Sea. the Andaman Sea. • Learn how to make delicious cocktails using 100% handcrafted organic rum and test them. • Witness a stunning sunset from the most southerly point of the island. The Perfect Family Day with Elephants Chiang Mai

This full day tour is all about elephants! Interact, feed and touch the elephants and discover how their poop is used to make beautiful paper products.

In the morning depart from your hotel into the countryside of Mae Sa to a very special home for elderly elephants. In the lush countryside is the Thai Elephant Care Centre, set up to provide care for elephants who have retired from working in the logging camps and elephant shows. The centre offers a better life and a loving home for elderly elephants that are not able to look after themselves. Spend time lavishing much-deserved affection on these gentle giants. Help to prepare their food, and after feeding them, walk together into the jungle and treat them to a delicious mud bath.

After saying goodbye to your four-legged friends, drive to Mon Cham, located high up on the ridge of a small mountain. This is the perfect spot from which to view the Royal Project farms and rural villages scattered amongst the Highlights distant hills and lush valleys and have lunch at Mon Jam. • Care for elderly elephants in their final home and treat After a Thai lunch visit the unique and eco-friendly Elephant them to a fun and messy mud bath. Poo Poo Paper Park. This very enterprising outdoor museum • Learn how to turn elephant poop into paper in an produces colourful paper products from elephant poop entertaining, eco-friendly park. fibers! Take a walk through the fun and interactive stations to • From a spectacular viewpoint, capture the views of the learn the history and see all the stages of the paper rolling mountains of northern Thailand. production. After shopping for unusual souvenirs in the ‘Poo- tique’ gift shop, return to your hotel. Bangkok Art and Culture Walk Bangkok

Depending on where you are staying we will either take a skytrain and boat, or a taxi directly into the heart of Chinatown. Visit the Chinese temple of Wat Leng Noei Yi. Stop for a coffee or tea in a Chinese coffee-house that looks exactly like it did decades ago.

Then hop on to a bus to explore the Indian quarter. Stroll across the old iconic bridge, Saphan Phut, which leads into the interesting Portuguese quarter. Here you will find Wat Prayoon, a relatively unknown yet beautiful temple that has been decorated with the UNESCO “Excellence Award”. Visit the 18th century church of St. Cruz and stroll through the old alleys stopping to taste exquisite homemade snacks. Board a longtailed boat for an exhilarating ride down the klongs to Klong Bang Luang, a small artist village.

Explore the stilt-houses full of art and watch a puppet show (except Wednesday & Fridays). Stop to feed the fish in the klongs before returning to your hotel. Highlights • Immerse yourself in the cultural Chinese, Indian and Portuguese areas. • Join the locals for a brew in an old-fashioned Chinese coffee-house. • Whizz down the canals in a longtailed boat to a waterside artist village. Daily Lifestyle of a Lanna Family Chiang Mai

A short transfer takes you into the outskirts of Chiang Mai to meet your host family in an authentic Thai neighborhood. After being welcomed with a refreshing drink by your host, spend time with the Thai family learning about traditional Thai architecture and the graceful teakwood homes and structures.

Stroll through the orchard and herb garden with your host family, who will also demonstrate how to make bamboo baskets and cigars from banana leaves. This rich cultural experience will wrap up with a delicious home-cooked Northern Thai lunch or dinner that you will prepare with the family. After the meal transfer back to your hotel.

Highlights • Spend a day with your lovely family and learn how to cook Northern Thai food and enjoy lunch with your host family. • Learn more about the Thai culture and their traditions for a typical Northern Thai family. • Experience the local way of life with the manufacturing of handicrafts made from local products. INDONESIA Trunyan the Mystical Balinese Village Bali

A boat takes us across the shimmering Lake Batur to the remote and isolated village of Trunyan, known for its unique traditions and funeral rites.

See the village temple and hear the fascinating story about the sacred Neolithic effigy that lies in its underground chamber. It is only brought out once a year during an important religious ceremony.

Another boat ride brings us to the cemetery. Here, the dead are not buried or burnt – instead they are laid on the ground under a sweet-smelling ancient tree and left to decompose. When nature has reclaimed the body, the skull is placed on a stone altar. These Trunyanese funeral rites date back to a neolithic sect from pre-Hindu times.

There is time to reflect on these unusual customs with a dip in natural hotsprings near the lake before returning to the hotel. Highlights • Take a boat to a remote and culturally-isolated lakeside village. • Learn the history about the village temple and its sacred Neolithic effigy. • Discover the unique cemetery where bodies are laid out to decompose. Borobudur by VW Borobudur

In the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel in a VW Cabrio car for the drive to Borobudur Temple.

This colossal Buddhist monument was built by hand from thousands of volcanic and river stone blocks during the 8th and 9th centuries. Some 432 serene faced Buddha images stare out over the surrounding rice fields and distant mountains. Nearby is the exquisite Mendut Temple, even older than Borobudur. Here, you can see three magnificent and well preserved carved stone statues set inside the pyramid shaped temple.

At Pawon Temple admire the relief panels and beautiful architecture of this small and solitary Javanese temple. After visiting the temples, relax over lunch in a local restaurant. Then drive through the beautiful countryside with views of paddy fields and seasonal plantations. Pass through rural villages such as Wanurejo and Karanganyar catching Highlights glimpses of local life. • Unravel the mysteries behind the temples of Borobudur, Take a walk through a rural village to gain an insight into Mendut and Pawon. how the ancient traditions are being preserved. Learn about • In a local village learn about ancient traditions and rural the agricultural system of multi-cropping and experience the farming methods. preparing of the soil for cultivation, planting and picking of • Visit a local house and try your hand at playing a seasonal fruits. Javanese musical instrument. Selogriyo Trekking Magelang

In the morning, depart for Campurrejo, a local village. From here start the nature walk to Selogriyo Temple via lush green rice fields and small paths, passing local villages and farms, and enjoying panoramic views of spectacular Javanese landscapes. You will be accompanied by a villager and our guide, and will walk slowly for about 2 hours through the beautiful valley, stopping to chat with locals along the way.

In the middle of the trek you will come to a stairway that takes you up to a small Hindu temple called Selogriyo. This temple is quite modest, and is believed to have been a place for meditation in the past. From the temple, continue walking until we reach the main road again. Then it’s just a few meters ahead to the restaurant where we will stop for lunch.

After lunch drive back to Magelang. Passing the city centre, stop at OHD Private Museum of modern and contemporary Indonesian art, founded and owned by an art collector. The Highlights collection numbers more than 2000 artworks, ranging from paintings, sculptures, installations and new media arts. This • Trek through a breathtaking valley of lush rice fields, museum inspires visitors to appreciate, enjoy and preserve farms and rural villages. Indonesian arts. • Ascend a staircase to a small Hindu temple surrounded by stunning scenery. • Admire contemporary Indonesian paintings and sculptures in a private museum. Diving to Pemuteran Underwater Temple Bali

Early morning set off to Pemuteran, in the northwest of the island. This laid-back coastal village has become popular with visitors due to its waterfront resorts and the extreme natural beauty of the surrounding area – both inland and at sea.

It is also home to the largest artificial biorock reef project, a marine conservation effort that is not only extremely effective but is also creating unusual and beautiful underwater art.

On arrival get yourself prepared for a diving trip to the Underwater Temple, which is a project initiated locally as an addition to a reef conservation project funded by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAid). The temple is located at depths of about 15 metres and 29 metres. Marine life has Highlights made the temple its home, creating a magical manmade reef garden. You’ll be treated to a myriad • Dive to a conservation site in Pemuteran, home to of fish and maybe even turtles swimming among the the best diving on the island. stone statues of Buddha set behind an ornate • Discover a mysterious underwater temple covered gateway. in coral and marine life. • Swim with the fish around stone statues of Buddha Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. set in the reef garden. Local flavors of Yogya Yogyakarta

Dine like a sultan on a culinary journey to unique eateries located throughout the streets of Yogyakarta.

Late afternoon your driver and guide will collect you from your hotel and drive to Lotus Mio Cafe where the appetizer will be served. This traditional Yogya style café is located in the center of the city.

From here, climb into the back of a becak, a local cyclo, to be whisked off to Gadri Restaurant located inside Prince Joyokusumos house. Enjoy the regal atmosphere of the antique filled surroundings while feasting on the main course of authentic Javanese cuisine.

After desert you go back to the becak and drive to Alun Alun Kidul to end the evening at the famous South Square, known for its twin Banyan trees. The locals meet here to chat, socialise and enjoy the evening hours. Highlights Watch the flickering lamps of the odong odong go karts and how the friendly locals spend their evenings while you enjoy • Explore Yogyakarta in the evening by the becak and some local tea or coffee from any of the stalls that line the have the feast on the main course of Javanese cuisine square. Return to your hotel. at the regal atmosphere of the antique-filled surroundings. INDIA INDIA Rafting in Rishikesh Rishikesh

The beautiful Ganges and its tributaries in Rishikesh make river rafting a must try. Drive to Brahmpuri and then walk down to the water where your raft is waiting.

After putting on the necessary equipment and listening to a safety briefing, set off down the river. Because of its rugged and uneven settings, the flow of the river offers some fun and exhilarating rapids with names such as Initiation, Double Trouble, Hilton and Terminator. The more adventurous can actually get into the water and try body surfing and cliff jumping.

Further down the river you will float past suspension bridges, ghats, ashrams, temples and scenes of riverbank life along the Ganges. View the town of Rishikesh, located at the foothills of the mighty Himalayan range. The trip ends on arrival at Muni Ki Reti. Highlights • Get soaked in the adrenaline rush of river rafting on the Ganges. • Experience the exhilaration of fun-filled rapids and body surfing. • View the scenic riverbank life flanked by the mighty Himalayas. Jewish Heritage of Mumbai by Walk Mumbai

Meet the guide for a brief orientation of India’s Jewish neighbourhood before starting the tour. Visit Sassoon Docks, one of the oldest docks in Mumbai, built by an influential family of Baghdadi Jews.

See the Gateway of India, the Fort Heritage District and the Kala Ghoda Art District. Here, visit the beautiful Keneseth Eliyahoo Synagogue, with its elaborate interiors; and the David Sassoon Library, a protected monument. Continue to the towering Gothic-style Magen David Synagogue and then to Shaar Harahamim, the oldest synagogue in Mumbai. Also known as the Gate of Mercy Synagogue it was built in 1796 by Samaji Hasaji Divekar, a Bene Israeli.

The tour will also pass by many other significant buildings including Victoria Terminus. A stop will be made for lunch (at own expense). Highlights • Gain insight into the history, culture and sects of India’s Jewish communities. • Visit the historical docks and stunning synagogues set in vibrant communities. • See other famous sights such as the Gateway of India and Victoria Terminus. Biryani Cooking Class Hyderabad

Around midday you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the house where the cooking class will take place. Meet the chef and then proceed to his local kitchen. Here he will show you how traditional Biryani is made using age old techniques that have been passed down through the generations.

Biryani is a staple in South Indian homes. It is a mix of rice, vegetables, and meats resulting in a cornucopia of rich flavours and aromas.

The class ends with a delicious lunch at the house where you get to enjoy the authentic Hyderabad style of biryani.

Highlights • Take part in a cooking class in the kitchen of a local house. • Learn how to prepare traditional biryani using age-old techniques. • Enjoy a delicious lunch of authentic freshly cooked Hyderabad biryani. Delhi Cultural Safari Delhi

Meet your local guide and together make your way to the Metro Station, Rajiv Chowk Connaught Place, to start the tour of Old Delhi. Begin with a journey on the metro, a fast and efficient way to get around the city. Next hop onto a cycle rickshaw and enjoy the sights and sounds as your driver navigates his way through the narrow maze of streets in Old Delhi. Visit Jama Masjid, the great mosque. This highly decorative mosque has three gates, four towers, two tall minarets, and a courtyard capable of holding 25,000 devotees.

Walk through the bustling lanes and colourful bazaars. Witness first-hand the lifestyle of the people who make their living in this historic area. Visit a market and immerse yourself in the aromas and colours of Indian spices.

After lunch in a local restaurant travel by tuktuk through New Delhi. See famous British landmarks such as Rashtrapati Bhavan, parliament building, the government secretariat Highlights and India Gate. • Discover Delhi’s historic time-honoured Mughal and At the end of the tour your driver will take you back to your British heritage. hotel by car. • Weave in and out of the vibrant streets of old Delhi by cycle rickshaw. • Travel by tuktuk through the broad, tree-lined avenuesof New Delhi. Fort Cochin by Tuk Tuk Cochin

Uncover the charm of Cochin in a local tuk-tuk. The driver will take you down the backstreets and narrow lanes of Fort Cochin to reveal a side rarely seen by tourists. The area offers an intriguing mix of crumbling mansions, an old synagogue, ancient mosques and huge cantilevered fishing nets.

Explore the beautiful Mattancherry Dutch Palace. This iconic building was built by the Portuguese in 1555 and renovated by the Dutch in 1663. Walk through the rooms and admire the vibrantly coloured murals telling the story of the epic Ramayana.

See the Jewish Synagogue in the old quarter, also known as Jew Town. Wander through the picture-postcard streets lined with 17th century Dutch and Keralan-style houses. Visit St Francis Church, the oldest European church in India.

Take a ferry over to the mainland to compare the characterful streets of Old Cochin with Ernakulam, the Highlights business hub of modern day Cochin. Then relax for a while over lunch in a local restaurant. • Travel by tuk-tuk through the narrow alleys and picture- postcard streets of Fort Cochin. • Visit the 16th century St Francis Church, and the Jewish Synagogue in the old quarter. • Walk through ancient rooms to see the exquisite murals in the Mattancherry Dutch Palace. BHUTAN Along the Heritage Trail (10D/9N) Paro – Haa Valley - Thimphu – Punakha

Take a journey of discovery into the “Land of the Thunder Dragon”, experiencing its stunning Himalayan scenery, vibrant Buddhist culture and delightful people. Make a pilgrimage to the iconic Taktsang Monastery or “Tiger’s Nest” as it is commonly known, Bhutan’s most famous landmark and holy site.

This incredible gravity-defying monastery clings to a sheer cliff face 900m above the Paro Valley. Travel to the remote Haa Valley, lined with pristine forest, and visit local villages.

Explore the capital city, Thimphu, and learn more about the country’s history and culture, visiting museums and schools. Travel by road along the Dochula Pass, taking in sweeping views of the Himalayas, en route to Punakha.

Here you will see what is considered by many to be the country’s most beautiful dzong, the Punakha dzong, set at the confluence of the Chu and Mo Chu Rivers. Bhutan through the Lens (12D/11N) Paro – Thimphu – Punakha - Wangduephodrang – Phobjikha – Trongsa – Bumthang - Wangdue

Thimphu Visit an inspiring vocational school - a non-profit making organisation and the only one of its kind that helps children and young people with different abilities. Through training, they are then able to integrate with the mainstream population.

Paro Taktsang Make the trek to the Taktsang Monastery, aka the Tigers Nest. This incredible gravity-defying monastery clings to a sheer cliff face 900m above the Paro Valley. It’s worth the steep climb to visit this sacred Buddhist site and admire the surrounding views.

Punakha This is a different type of rafting. We’ll gently drift down the Highlights river admiring the incredible mountain scenery and enjoying Bhutan is full of spectacular photo opportunities. From the the tranquility. There are a few small but exciting rapids to bustling markets of Thimphu to the serenity of the get the adrenalin going! Phobjikha Valley and the breathtaking Himalayas, there are so many magical moments. Travelling around Bhutan is truly inspiring, and is full of surprises, happiness and beauty in every direction. Five Valley Trek (12D/11N) Paro – Haa Valley - Thimphu – Punakha – Gangtey

Thimphu Visit an inspiring vocational school - a non-profit making organisation and the only one of its kind that helps children and young people with different abilities. Through training, they are then able to integrate with the mainstream population.

Paro Taktsang Make the trek to the Taktsang Monastery, aka the Tigers Nest. This incredible gravity-defying monastery clings to a sheer cliff face 900m above the Paro Valley. It’s worth the steep climb to visit this sacred Buddhist site and admire the surrounding views.

Punakha This is a different type of rafting. We’ll gently drift down the river admiring the incredible mountain scenery and enjoying Highlights the tranquility. There are a few small but exciting rapids to get the adrenalin going! • Discover an ancient Himalayan kingdom, closed off from the world for centuries, shrouded in myths and legends. Walk to remote gold-roofed temples and monasteries, and hike up steep slopes across windswept meadows filled with wildflowers. Visit lively villages in emerald valleys surrounded by spectacular Himalayan scenery. Learn about local culture, enjoy local culinary delicacies, and take part in an evening of traditional song and dance. Misty Mountains & Monasteries (11D/10N) Paro – Thimphu – Gangtey – Gogona – Khotokha – Altitude – Tikke Zampa - Punakha

Set amidst the mighty Himalayas, and steeped in ancient traditions, the “Land of the Thunder Dragon” delivers true one-in-a-life time experiences. Make a pilgrimage to the iconic Taktsang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest as it is commonly known, which clings to a sheer cliff face 900m above the Paro Valley.

Cycle through picturesque valleys and hike along rugged mountain passes, stopping in remote local villages and meeting the friendly Bhutanese. Take a thrilling rafting expedition on the Pho Chu River, with a backdrop of alpine landscapes and the stunning Punakha Dzong.

Gain insight into Bhutan’s artistic heritage, discovering its 13 traditional arts, or “zorig chusum” on an urban adventure in its capital city, Thimphu. SRI LANKA Sri Lanka Adventure Package (10D/9N) Negombo – Sigiriya – Kandy – Nuwara Eliya – Udawalawa - Colombo

Visit traditional village and observe villagers day to day life pattern, domestic activities, and cultural framework. This tourist village tour includes the track winds its way on a flat terrain through the village past patches of jungle, Chena cultivations, Bull cart ride, catamaran boat ride in the village lake.

Visit Horton Plains. Horton Plains is a National Park with the highest plateau at 7000ft (2134 meters), visited by tourists and a large number of Sri Lanka tourists. Sri Lanka Adventure Package (6D/5N) Colombo – Dambulla – Kandy - Negombo

Specially you can visit traditional village and observe villagers day to day life pattern, domestic activities, and cultural framework.

Enjoy a 4 X 4 jeep safari at the Minneriya National Park. (4 hours).

Minneriya National Park, 8889 hectares in extent, is famous for its large population of Elephants in herds of 100 to 150 roaming in the jungle and seen in the catchment area of the lake.

Visit Fort and Pettah for Shopping. The Hindu Temple at Sea Street, lined with goldsmith’s shops, the Dutch Church at Wolfendaal, dating back to 1749. Sri Lanka Adventure Package (10D/9N) Dambulla – Kandy – Negombo - Nuwara Eliya - Sigiriya - Udawalawa

Enjoy a jeep safari at Wilpattu National Park,Visit to Anuradhapura is the capital of Sri Lanka from the 05th Century B.C. to the end of the 10th Century A.D. was the most celebrated of Sri Lanka’s ancient ruined cities.

Cooking Class at Thotupola Residence- Our kitchen can provide you both spicy or none spicy Sri Lankan recipes prepared just for your appetite.