Southeast Asia: Bangkok, Laos & The Cardamom Mountains - 21 Days

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. Spoons Restaurant hosts your first meal in Cambodia. This restaurant provides vocational training for young people in the service industry, while of course, serving up delicious specialties like Num Kruk, a corn and coconut crisply dumpling, and Steak Lok Lak. Dig in and do good.

It's possible that there is no quicker way to understand a culture than by cooking and eating. Spend the morning in the local market with a chef, smelling and tasting the local ingredients. Continue on to Chreav village just outside of Siem Reap and join the chef in cooking some delicious local dishes. With a full belly, the afternoon is yours to choose between a sunset bike ride from village to village, or a scenic boat tour to Kampong Khleang Floating Village. 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.

The ruins of Angkor Wat stand as a testament to the dynamic history of the Cambodian people. Though they, like all ruined structures, are little by little being reclaimed by the jungle around them, luckily for us they defiantly remain standing ready to be admired. Witness sunrise at Angkor Wat with your fellow travellers and expert guide. 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.

Established in 1993, The Botum Sakur National Park in southern Cambodia, home to the Cardamom Mountains, has been continuously threatened by illegal logging and the poaching of endangered wildlife. The dense jungle of the Cardamoms is one of Asia's seven remaining elephant corridors and is home to gibbons, pangolins and hornbills. This remote and wild place is being protected by an alliance between a number of organizations, and our exclusive stay at Cardamom Tented Camp helps fund the Wildlife Alliance and its partners in protecting this vital piece of our planet. 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. Oh, and don't forget to look up-the nighttime sky here is out of this world. (See what we did there?)

Waking up in the jungle, in a safari style glamping tent, with the sound of the birds and the monkeys rustling overhead is probably not an experience you associate with Cambodia, but from now on it will be. 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.

When ancient seafarers first caught sight of Koh Rong’s shores, they were captivated by its beauty, naming it after a mythical cave or "shelter" found within its lush, emerald interior. While its white-sand beaches are world-renowned, the island’s heart is a thriving dense rainforest with hidden lagoons teeming with tropical birdlife and rare butterflies. Some of Koh Rong remains an untouched paradise, and your time on this island begins with free time to discover the island's energetic towns and sun-drenched coves. Take a boat to Koh Rong and explore the island with your CEO in the afternoon. A BBQ seafood dinner is the perfect way to celebrate your first evening on the island.

Cambodia shines in this full day exploration of Koh Rong's natural interior and coastal ecosystems. A morning trek leads you through the rainforest, immersing you in the island's vibrant flora and fauna, and in season toward a secluded waterfall. After a break for lunch, the adventure continues with a guided kayaking excursion deep into the quiet, winding mangroves, offering a unique perspective of the island's serene, sheltered waters. This full day adventure offers plenty of opportunity to enjoy the island paradise that Koh Rong offers. Hike to a beautiful waterfall (in season) followed by professional kayak guides leading an adventure through the mangroves.

After departing Koh Rong, arrive in 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. Created by a politician during World War II, Pad Thai is the most famous gastronomic export from Thailand, and a trip to Bangkok wouldn't be complete without sampling it. 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 for a delicious evening. Depart Koh Chang, returning to Cambodia mainland. Drive to Phnom Penh to board a flight back to Bangkok. The afternoon is at leisure to relax and rest up before your group meal.

Life along Bangkok’s canals is a mix of old traditions and daily hustle. Discover why this city is often called the “Venice of the East” as our cruise introduces us to its charming and historic canal lifestyle. Scenes of classical wooden-framed homes on stilts, mothers doing their daily washings, and kids splashing away the tropical heat will captivate us along the ride. The Chao Phraya River, central to Bangkok, offers a glimpse of the city's harmonious blend of culture and urban energy, with its shimmering temples and modern skyline standing side by side. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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