On this amazing Southeast Asian experience you
will explore 3 countries with complex cultures, elaborate
monasteries and temples, and colourful festivals and markets.
Outside the
cities, you will be in awe of the lush, tropical rainforests, beautiful
green rice paddies, stunning cliffs and mountains, and idyllic
coastline beaches.
Our
first destination is Thailand, where our group will visit the city
of Bangkok, both modern and ancient, bustling with crowds, street
vendors and tuk tuks (3 wheeled vehicles) that whiz people around
the city. The architecture spans centuries and huge Buddha statues
and temples with ornate spires are characteristic of this region.
We
move to the coast to experience the diverse flora and fauna in the
tropical rainforest where our journey takes us to several national
parks and beautiful idyllic bays and beaches.
Our
next destination is Vietnam, a country that, after being ruled by
European colonial powers and a tumultuous history, opened its doors
to the world. We visit the city of Ho Chi Minh once know as
Saigon
to explore the Water Markets along narrow canals, green rice paddies
outside the city, and visit the underground tunnels built during the
Vietnam War. We boat along the historic Mekong River on which
thousands of fishing families earn their living, to see the villages
and markets that have developed along the banks.
And finally we end in
Cambodia, a country with magnificent temples situated deep within
forested areas, lakes teeming with hundreds of species of birds and
fish, amazing beaches, and huge rice paddies spread across the land.
We explore the regions
of Phnom Pehn and Siem Reap visiting sanctuaries and some of the
largest temples in the world built centuries ago
– architectural
masterpieces ornately and exquisitely carved.
We visit local villages
to watch Cambodians work at their trade and take a boat ride along
the Tonle Sap, a major lake in the region and an important water
source for the villagers.
There
will be thousands of stories to share, after you explore the beauty
of these countries, experience the culture of these very friendly
people, and understand their turbulent past and hopeful future.
Enroute to Toronto we will stop in Hong Kong for a day to explore a
city that never shuts down!
We
move to the coast to experience the diverse flora and fauna in the
tropical rainforest where our journey takes us to several national
parks and beautiful idyllic bays and beaches
forested areas, lakes teeming with hundreds of species of birds and
fish, amazing beaches, and huge rice paddies spread across the land