Timeless Mysteries (Multi-Activity)



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Timeless Mysteries


	Golden Palace, Bangkok - Thailand [Full Image]

Another trip of splendid contrasts. From Thailand's northern cultural heritage and the jungle park and beaches of the south to the excitement and hustle of the great centres of Bangkok, Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. The tour begins in the Thai capital Bangkok, before journeying by night train to Chiang Mai in the north for trekking by foot, bicycle and elephant back. Then we head south to the Khao Sok National Park to explore its tropical rainforest, followed by the sparkling waters and white sandy beaches of Rai Leh, and snorkelling, diving and cruising offshore. We start early for the long journey to Malaysia and drive to the scenic island state of Penang with its original Chinese atmosphere. Explore the town by rickshaws, travel on a funicular, or shop in brightly lit night bazaars. Trek through the jungle to a waterfall; relax, swim or canoe. Next, it's on to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's capital, old colonial architecture set among the gleaming new high-rise office blocks. Finally, a night train takes us to the richly-successful island of Singapore at the southern end of the Malay Peninsular.

Details

Price Includes

(MT-3278-P)

16 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners

All activities + entrance fees as per itinerary

Fully escorted tour. Kumuka Tour Leader and/or Local Guide

Accomodation

Price Excludes

Flights.
All optional excursions and meals unless otherwise stated in the itinerary, visas, pre-tour and post-tour accommodation.

Countries / Places Visited

Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore

Suitability / Level

Moderate

Max Group Size

Itinerary & Highlights

Day 1: Bangkok. Our first day is a get together day, designed for you to meet all the other tour guests who will have come from different destinations around the world. The hotel for the first two nights in Thailand has plenty of facilities as well as being near to lots of local restaurants and bars. The Pre Departure meeting will be in reception and will take place at 18.00pm. You will probably already have realised during your trip into the city that Bangkok is throbbing with life and noise. Nine million people live here and the streets are always buzzing. Once you are through the initial culture shock you will discover Bangkok's many and varied charms - the exciting markets, the peaceful temples, the noisy nightclubs and the grand historic buildings. Our biggest challenge this evening is to decide where to eat, as there are hundreds of restaurants all serving delicious food!

Day 2: Bangkok. Today we start with a long-tail boat ride on the Chao Phraya river, which has been the lifeline of Thailand's ancient kingdoms and agricultural sustainability. We see traditional houses still perched at the edge of the river and its' canals and pass the Royal Barge Museum. We then visit one of Thailand's greatest visual wonders, the Wat Phra Kaeo, the Grand Palace. This is Thailand's holiest Buddhist Temple and because of that you must make sure you wear ankle length trousers or a long skirt, a top fully covering the shoulders and proper sandals or shoes (no flip-flops/thongs). The Wat Phra Kaeo Royal Chapel houses the Emerald Buddha, actually made of jade. The Thais believe that as long as they remain keepers of the Emerald Buddha, their country will be safe. A local guide will be with us to show us this and many other stunning buildings in the 61-acre site. Afterwards we visit Wat Pho - the oldest temple in Bangkok, older than the city itself where Buddhist monks live. Wat Pho houses the incredible reclining gilt Buddha, which is nearly 50 feet high and 151 feet long with ornately inlayed mother-of-pearl feet. And here's a bonus: the compound houses the Traditional Massage School offering Thai Massage and Foot Reflexology, a good way to end the day. For lunch we head to the Khao San Road, also known as backpacker central in Bangkok and afterwards you are free to shop and explore the area. Breakfast.

Day 3: The Bridge Over The River Kwai. We start today with a trip round the Floating Markets. It is best to get there first thing so breakfast is early. On the way, we stop at a coconut sugar maker and a teak woodcarving factory. Shopping on water is a novel experience. Our long tail boat will take us through a network of canals, which is crowded with small paddleboats crammed to overflowing with exotic fruit and vegetables, such as coconuts and pomelos, and arts and crafts. Local housewives paddle through the throng of boats, stopping to bargain for their shopping. Here's a chance for you to make some purchases in traditional Thai style. After a morning in the hurly burly of the floating markets we take off for Kanchanaburi and a visit to the world famous Bridge over the River Kwai. Kanchanaburi is a provincial capital city set in a lush landscape framed with limestone hills set on the banks of this river, which is so rich in 20th century history. During the Second World War Kanchanaburi was the site of a massive prison camp, run by the Japanese. Allied prisoners were forced to build a railway over the River Kwai and into Burma. The story is told in one of cinema's great classics. After a late lunch, we will visit the Jeath Museum, which is housed in bamboo huts like the ones where the prisoners lived. The museum holds unique documents, pictures and other material telling the story of the prisoner's lives. From the museum we go to the War Cemetery where there are nearly seven thousand Prisoner of War graves - the last resting place of troops who died building the bridge and the railway. After this long day of touring, our comfortable hotel in Kanchanaburi is a welcome respite. Breakfast.

Day 4: Kanchanaburi to Ayutthaya / Night Train to Chiang Mai. This morning after breakfast we transfer to Hellfire Pass. Upon arrival we take a walk down the trail to the actual pass, and then return to the museum. The museum explains to visitors the story of why and how the railway was built and attempts to convey the hardships and suffering endured by so many who were forced to work in extremely harsh conditions. After a visit to the museum, we transfer to Ayutthaya, where we embark on a bike tour of the old town and ruins of Ayutthaya. After the bike tour there is time for a shower before dinner on the Rice Barge cruise. Our day concludes with a transfer to the train station for the overnight train to Chiang Mai. The trains we use in Thailand are Second Class Air-conditioned sleeper (No meals included), so you should arrive relaxed and refreshed in Northern Thailand.

Day 5: Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai is the capital of Northern Thailand and we arrive here in the early morning. We will take the local taxi transport, a songthaew, to our Guest House for our first night's stay. In recent years Chiang Mai has grown, although with a population of 200,000 it is still a comfortable size and you will find that people here are relaxed and easy going. After lunch we take a road trip up the mountains to the Doi Suthep temple, a pilgrimage sight in Northern Thailand. From here you will see spectacular views down the mountain to Chiang Mai. For dinner, we include a traditional Thai dinner, combined with a classical dance performance.

Day 6: Trekking In The Hills. Today we start the second phase of our trip. After the buzz of city life we are going to taste the peace of the country with a trek through the mountains around Chiang Mai offering us an opportunity to meet some of the different tribes who have migrated into Thailand from Southwest China and Burma. We start with a truck journey south for about 2.5 hours to Mae Tang district. We begin our trek from Pongdeud, using the local footpaths through orchards and up and over mountains. A lunch box will be provided and we will stop for a picnic lunch in the jungle. Our destination this first day is a Karen Village. The Karen or Kariang are thought to have originated in Tibet, and have lived in Burma for hundreds of years. They have been in Thailand since the 18th Century. Today there are some 4 million Karen in Burma, and 280,000 in the mountain areas all along the Thai side of the Burmese border. The Karen people believe a white younger brother will come from over the waters bringing with him knowledge of writing that had been lost long ago. As a result, many embraced Christianity easily upon meeting the foreign missionaries. The Karen have a special relationship with elephants, and the Karen trainers are the best in Asia. Our base for the night is a traditional White Karen house, made of wood and on stilts, basic but clean. Mattresses will be provided as well as a sheet, blanket and mosquito net. Although there will be plenty of water for washing, facilities will be basic. Electricity will depend on the village, so it is recommended to take a torch. Dinner will be cooked for you after your day's exertions. Breakfast/lunch/dinner. Please Note: This trekking trip can be quite strenuous at times. A lot of the trekking is uphill, and in warm weather. Also, during this 2-day trek, you will not have access to your main luggage. Your main luggage will be securely stored in Chiang Mai.

Day 7: Trekking To Muser (Lahu) Village. After breakfast, we set out on elephant back, riding for about 1 hour from the village through the jungle to the Elephant Camp. We have a picnic lunch and then trek for about 2 hours to the Muser Village where we will spend the night. There are some 60,000 Lahu in Thailand. They started to arrive at the beginning of the 20th Century, and there are several different clans distinguished by their dress. Although many Muser have now adopted Christianity, their own belief is in a Supreme being, and many spirits remain strong. The Muser long for the blessings of this life and the next, for things that are good and pleasant, and, in accordance with the message of an old legend, men are particularly caring of their partners. Tonight we stay in a traditional Lahu house. Facilities will again be basic, but clean, and bedding will be provided. Breakfast/lunch/dinner included today.

Day 8: Back To Chiang Mai And Bangkok. After breakfast we walk down to the Maetang River, where we set off by bamboo raft in what is one of the most idyllic settings for this sort of journey - you will get wet, you may get soaked! For those not wishing to raft, there is the option to walk along the trail to meet the group at the end of the rafting. The rafting will take about 2 hours and will end at the Sobkai Village, where we will meet our driver. After lunch we are then transported back to Chiang Mai, arriving in time to catch the overnight train back to Bangkok. Breakfast, Lunch.

Days 9-10: Bangkok. Arriving back into Bangkok you have a day to discover this vibrant city. Amongst all the chaos you have a chance to discover markets, like Chatuchak Weekend Market or Pratunam Market alongside hushed golden temples. If you've seen enough of buddhas and sarongs, there are also plenty of museums and possibly a day trip to Ayutthaya to keep you busy. In the early evening of day 10 we board the train and head down to Surat Thani in the south of the country. Breakfast on Day 10 only.

Days 11-12: Khao Sok National Park. On arrival in Surat Thani in the southern part of the country, we are transported to Khao Sok National Park, where we shall stay for the next two nights in jungle lodges, located by a lovely stream. After the bustle of Bangkok you can relax and enjoy the beauty of this rich, rainforest environment. Khao Sok was established in 1980 and is believed to be older rainforest than that found in the Amazon or Africa. It is a terrain thick with trees and features many clear waterfalls, lots of streams, limestone cliffs and a lake studded with little islands. After lunch at the lodge, we travel like the locals, on elephants, to see still more of the rainforest. Dinner is with an orchestra of jungle life. When you wake up you will probably need to pinch yourself for you are likely to hear the screech of baboons in the rainforest outside - a morning moment to remember. After breakfast, we set off on a trek through the rainforest to take a look at the abundant wildlife and plant life. There are more than 180 species of bird, as well as the occasional long-tailed macaque, that we can be on the look out for. Because of the geography of this area, it is a watershed and the vegetation is lush. You will see flora such as lianas, bamboo, ferns and rattan. Our trek finishes at one of the spectacular waterfalls in the park complete with a relaxing swimming hole. We return to the guesthouse for lunch and then spend the afternoon in either canoes or inner tubes for the next adventure, a guided trip down the river. This is a unique way of seeing and experiencing this centuries old landscape and unique karst topography. Watch out for some colourful water birds, such as the kingfisher along the way! 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners.

Days 13-15: Beach Escape. After breakfast we travel further south to Krabi Province on the wonderful western Andaman Sea coast of Thailand. The Krabi area offers the beaches you have always dreamt of - white sand as far as the eye can see, beautiful blue iridescent water against a backdrop of stunning limestone cliffs. Our hotel is situated in the area of Rai Ley Beach. On the first day you are free to do what you like; rest and relax on the beach in the sun or, if you feel a bit more active, do some snorkelling, diving, sea kayaking, or island tours. For the more adventurous, there is the option of experiencing some world-class rock climbing along the coast. The limestone cliffs are a treat; there are lots of pockets for grip and some interesting overhangs. Krabi has an excellent choice of restaurants and bars to spend the evenings. On the second day we offer an optional* trip in a traditional long tailed boat for a trip out to four pretty islands that are dotted off the coast. If you fancy some snorkelling, this is the time to do it - the sea is home to some beautiful fish and there are some fascinating coral reefs here too. On the last day in Krabi, you are free again to explore more of the islands off the coast such as James Bond Island, relax on the beach, get a Thai massage, or maybe take a Thai cooking course. 3 breakfasts.
Note: Tours operating between May and October will stay in Koh Samui on days 13 ? 15 due to climatic conditions. The optional Longtail boat trip will go out to Coral Island for snorkelling and swimming. On the free day you can take various excursions such as visits to coconut plantations, boat trip to Marine National Park, hiring mopeds to explore inland rainforest and waterfalls or visit Chawery beach.

Days 16-17: Malaysia - Penang. Today we set off early to cross the border into Malaysia, travelling by bus. Our destination is Georgetown on Pulau Penang. It is a long drive but with fascinating scenery to while away the travelling time. Penang, as with most of Malaysia, is one of those areas, which over history has become a unique multi-cultural region with Indian, Chinese, Malay, Baba and Nyonya, Armenian, Arab, and European peoples converging. The local cuisine alone is testament to the wide variety of influences! The state consists of the island Pulau Penang and a strip of the Malaysian mainland. It was the first state of Malaysia to come under British rule, when Sir Francis Light arrived to set up a duty-free port to compete with the Dutch trade in 1786. After breakfast on day 9 we set off in search of Penang's colourful past and to get an up-close-and-personal feel for the place we take a trishaw ride through the streets. We visit Fort Cornwallis, Victoria Tower, a Chinese Fishing Village, Khoo Kongsi Clan House, and Sri Mariamman, exemplifying the various cultures still thriving in the city. After lunch south Indian style on a banana leaf, we finish the tour with a stop at Penang Museum, which is a wonderful overview of the island's diverse history. In the afternoon, there's a change of pace and temperature when we take a funicular ride to the top of Penang Hill. At 830m high Penang Hill is cooler than the humid streets below and offers panoramic views across Georgetown. Swiss engineers built the funicular railway in 1928, and during the 30-minute journey to the top of the hill you will see the bungalow homes built for British officials. After dinner we can spend the evening wandering around the busy night bazaars and do a bit of bargaining for those all-important souvenirs or have a drink on the waterfront as in colonial days at the famous Eastern & Oriental Hotel. 2 breakfasts.

Day 18: Cameron Highlands. Leaving our hotel early we drive to the Heritage hotel and the Cameron Highlands. The scenery on route is amazing. The photo stop will be on the return route as we have to get to our hotel for lunch and then we have two tours in the afternoon planned, these will include tea plantations, waterfalls, aboriginal villages butterfly parks, which will cost around 30 Ringets each. For those who wish to opt-out of the tours for a relaxing afternoon they can wander around the hotel area or take a hike to nearby waterfalls.

Day 19: Kuala Lumpur. Today we make our way back towards Kuala Lumpur and have many photo opportunities. Time permitting we will stop at the Batu caves before arriving in Kuala Lumpur and enjoy a 3-hour city tour with photo stops at the Petronas Towers, Orchid gardens, Royal Palace, National Mosque, War Memorial and other highlights.

Day 20: Kuala Lumpur. After relaxing in the hills you?ll be raring to go off and sample the buzz of city life. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's capital has a lot to offer with a fascinating mix of the old and new. During the short-lived Malaysian economic boom of the 1990s modern skyscrapers sprang up to change KL's skyline ;it boasts the two tallest buildings in the world, the Petronas Twin Towers at 451m, and the Menara Tower, the world's 4th tallest telecommunications tower. But KL has also kept its historic past and lots of character. There are old colonial buildings, mosques and temples, Chinese, Indian and Malay quarters. During our city walking tour, we stop by the Petronas Towers, Chinatown and ascend Menara Tower for a bird's eye night view of the city below. You have free time to shop in Chinatown for CDs, DVDs, or stock up on your fake watches and handbags or try making your own batik before we take an overnight train with air-con from Malaysia into Singapore - the thriving city/state island at the tip of the Malay Peninsular. Breakfast.

Day 21: Singapore. This former British colony is yet another jewel in South East Asia?s historic crown. Its people and architecture reflect the marked cultural mix of influences that you have seen throughout your trip. Our walking tour takes in the diversity of the Singapore streets starting along Arab Street, the Muslim centre. Look out for the Sultan Mosque and note all the Arab ware on sale - hookah pipes, exotic perfumes, basketware and rattan items. We continue on into Little India. This area has a large produce market and you can also buy Indian brassware and textiles. Shops to look out for in the streets sell jewellery, saris, Indian music and lots of traditional items. Notice that the streets are named for the greats of India's colonial past and look out for the Hindu shrines, Buddhist and Jain temples. We head down the colonial-named Victoria Street and up to Fort Canning, or Forbidden Hill as natives used to call it, to visit the Battle Box. This underground military operations complex was where the British decided to surrender to the Japanese invasion on February 15th, 1942. The city offers lots of shopping opportunities for last minute gifts, crafts and batik being some of them, in addition to the variety of street food stalls. A visit isn't complete without a walk through Chinatown or afternoon tea at the colonial Raffles Hotel. All the lively bustle adds to the atmosphere and is a delightful way to end your holiday. Our last dinner together will be on Boat Quay, where the soaring skyscrapers that mark Singapore's thriving economy dip their toes in the Singapore River and the country's historical past. Breakfast.

Day 22: Singapore. The tour finishes after breakfast in Singapore.

Accommodation & Centre Details

We have put a lot of thought and effort into locating the most appropriate type of accommodation for each tour. It will always be clean, comfortable and of a high standard. Accommodation is mainly in comfortable tourist class accommodation. This ranges from overnight train sleeper or cruise boat through to delightful lodges and excellent hotels (generally 3 star plus). On the trek in North Thailand, we will be staying in Traditional Thai Minority village homes, these will be clean but basic. Mattresses will be provided as well as a sheet, blanket and mosquito net. Although there will be plenty of water for washing, facilities will be basic.

If you wish to spend a few additional days in your start city before the departure of your tour, then we can arrange accommodation for you. On the last day of the tour we usually arrive at our final destination in the late afternoon, when the tour ends. If you would like to book accommodation for that night or even stay additional nights, we will be more than happy to arrange this for you as well. All our accommodation is carefully chosen, conveniently located, clean and comfortable.

In most of the hotels in South East Asia you may be required to deposit your passport at Reception. This is a perfectly normal practice and nothing to be concerned about. Just make sure that you retrieve it before when you check out of the hotel.

-Hotels (10 Nights)
-Luxury Lodges (2 Nights)
-Jungle Lodges (2 Nights)
-Guest House (3 Nights)
-Sleeper Train (4 Nights)