cambodia!

I'm in Cambodia! It's very hot and sticky, but there is icecream available. Today I'm going to the national museum, and perhaps the palace and a pagoda of some description, then off to do sad stuff about the genocide. If anyone wants some knock-off dvds gimme a shout xx

what a wonderful birthday!

I'm having so much fun! On my birthday I went on a tour of Hue... on the back of a motorbike. and i went on a boat on the perfume river. and the lovely people i'm travelling with bought me presents and a cake! happyhappy :D can't wait to get home to see you all xx

vietnam is weird.

that is all. much love xx

a brief update on how i'm doing, though not what ive been up to as that would take so long:
I'm having a wonderful time, but its really hot! kinda homesick though :( the countries i have been to so far are AMAZING, when i get back ill have to describe everything to you with excited voices and lots of hand gestures. when i decided not to get the rabies jab, i didnt realise how many cute puppies and kittens there would be running around everywhere! avoiding them is taking up alllll my willpower. also, i now hate mosquitos with a fiery passion, but they really love me. especially my toes. bleurgh. i'm looking forward to my birthday; ill spend it in Hue, on a boat ride down the perfume river and lots of other exciting stuff. yay! lovelovelove xx

ahhhh

having lots of fun, now in vientiane, flying to vietnam tomorrow. very busy, unable to reply to any messages, but everything is wonderful. may have problems with internet (facebook, at least) in vietnam. communism stuff. i rode an elephant! lots of love xxx

more stuff what i've been doing

busy busy busy! I need to go shop/swim in a waterfall/visit a museum/visit a hill tribe today, so this will have to be a quick update again. Anyway:
SHOPPING
TEMPLE
MONKS CHANTING
4TH FLOOR- NO STAIRS
LONG BUS JOURNEY
CASHEW NUT FACTORY
REALLY SHINY TEMPLE
CROSSED THE MEKONG TO LAOS
PRETTY PASSPORT STAMPS
FUNNY MONEY
PEOPLE I'VE MET FROM CAMBRIDGE COUNT: 3
PRETTY PRETTY PLACES TO STAY
CARD GAMES OVERLOOKING THE MEKONG
SLOOOOOOOOOOWNEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
TUKTUKS
TWO DAYS ON A BOAT
HILL TRIBE (waaaay too much 'hill' involved there)
GECKO
NIGHT MARKET

ok. so thats an overview of what ive been up to of late, from chiang mai to huay xai to pakbeng and now i'm in luang prabang. everything is wonderful, you should all be jealous (except lottie, who would hate every minute of it) xxxxxx

forgot to say...

I've bought and written some postcards but i wont be able to send any post now til i reach vietnam :(
Lottie: I was planning you something for our birthday but it wont get to you in time, sorry :( I'll just have to buy you something extra pretty to make up for it :) I've bought a load of little presents for people (same but different) which i also hope to post back from vietnam.

right, i'm off! xxx

so much fun!

right, bit short on time so I'll have to make this quick:
EEE FUN!
SHOPPING!
FISH FOOT SPA!!!!
TEMPLES!
CHANTING MONKS!
OVERNIGHT TRAIN!
COCKROACHES!
TRAFFIC!
HORRIBLE TOILETS!
SUNRISES!
NICE PEOPLE!
SO MUCH FUN!

i'll fill you in properly when i get back :) today we're off to the border with laos, and i'll be without internet for a while :( love you all xxx

a random selction of things i've seen today

a view from the hotel

on the boat

statue at wat pho

mother of pearl inlay on reclining buddha feet

buddha shrine, at the place where monks get officially monked

enormous reclining buddha

At the hotel, etc.

at reception, i was told to go up to the rooftop bar. there, i met the rest of my group, consisting of: two Brits, twin sisters from st neots! (it's a small, small world); an American on her own; an Australian on her own; an older Irish/Italian woman on her own; a couple from Sydney, an older Tasmanian couple, and an older Canadian couple. all are very nice! we went for dinner after the welcome meeting, which was lovely (and about 2 quid).
I shared a room with the American, Celeste, and probably will for the rest of the trip. neither of us slept very well, but didn't realise the other was still awake! So, I'm pretty tired right now. breakfast was plentiful but not very exciting, and the room is nice but not up to Lottie-standards.
at 9, we met in the lobby for a brief walk, local tour guide in tow (as well as our tour leader), to a boat, then we had a tour down the rivers around/through Bangkok. might try to upload those now, actually... further updates to come when I've had a chance to write it down! love you all very much and missing you enormously.

I'm here!

Hi! I am now safely in Bangkok and having a wonderful time! Mum, I tried to text you to say i had arrived but international phone code things confuse me so i rather doubt it got through. this is bound to be full of typos etc, as I'm short on time and some of the keys keep sticking. Anyway, here's what I've been up to (as written in my journal):
At the departure gate
OK, got a bit teary-eyed going through security after saying goodbye to my lovely family (and Sydney, my new adorable cuddlemonster) but i suppose that is only to be expected. I'm now sat in the lounge at gate 13, without much to do. to my delight, however, they have a BEN AND JERRIE'S VENDING MACHINE! i can't actually stomach a pot right now, but knowing such things exist makes me feel a bit brighter.
i can see the place through the window and its huge!
there was a fight in the terminal lounge, but i missed most of it. joined the crowd anyway.
on another note, I'm not sure my flight socks are actually flight socks, but they are comfy so they stay (don't worry, I'll move my legs a lot).

the flight
so, it turns out economy long haul flights are not much fun. not much lg room, very difficult to sleep. however, it does come with a lot of food. i mean A LOT of food. a ricey/veggie starter, beef and Guinness pie with mash and greens, a roll, a rich toffee mousse and various beverages for dinner, then they handed us a 'snakc bag' with polos, water, a chocolate cookie and vegetable crisps. THEN, for breakfast, orange juice, yogurt, a cinnamon whirl, tea/coffee and a choice of a pile of cooked stuff or muesli. i couldn't eat the vast majority of that.
we have flown mainly over land, which would make for great views except we had to keep the window shutters down until breakfast. booo.
estimated 1 hour 4mins until we land in Bangkok
...
OK, just as i finished writing that, they handed out forms. bleeh. did my best to copy the nice woman next to me, and got through immigration at the airport no problem. on the way there from the plane i got talking with the two girls who were sitting behind me for the flight. they thought their hotel was probably close to mine so they offered to share a taxi. i declined, being the adventurer that i am, and made my way though customs in good time and found my way to the taxi rank. problem: the woman who sorted out taxis needed to know where the hotel actually was (i.e. which district) and i, in my infinite wisdom, never actually checked the address. there were information stands with maps nearby, but the grande ville hotel wasn't listed on them. commence panic. i had on hour until the welcome meeting, and i knew it could be an hour long taxi ride to the hotel if only i could actually gt one. i had my mobile with me, so after a couple of false starts trying to work out the country codes, i got through to the hotel. i asked here which district they were in. she told me. yeeeah, there was never any chance of my being able to pronounce that to the taxi lady. panic continued. more maps were searched in vain. then: BRAINWAVE: I called the hotel again and got the taxi lady to talk directly to the hotel lady (pretty clever for a jet lagged, terrified person, i thought). success! the nice taxi driver got me to the hotel with 15 minutes to spare, and got a large tip.
TO BE CONTINUED (right now, hopefully, i just want to upload this before my session runs out)

Fiji

I fly into Fiji on the 3rd of April, I leave on the 12th, and inbetween I'm doing this:

Sector 1: Nadi to Mango Bay, Coral Coast
Departs: Mon, Wed, Sat

First stop this morning is Wailolola Beach where your Guide and Driver will outline the Feejee Experience product. Then it’s onto Nadi Town markets to get some supplies and barter with the locals. From Nadi town we head south to our lunch spot and one of Fiji’s most famous beaches, Natadola Beach for sunbathing, body surfing and mingling with the locals all whilst your Driver and Guide cook a BBQ lunch. Early afternoon is the first cultural experience at Malomalo Village, where your Guide will explain traditional customs in a Fijian village. The last activity is on the Coral Coast itself - sand boarding the Sigatoka sand dunes! Later in the afternoon we arrive at our accommodation, Mango Bay - a beachfront resort, complete with free snorkelling, kayaking, pool, volleyball and loads of other free and paid activities.

Highlights:

• Bartering at Nadi Markets
• Natadola Beach
• Malomalo Village Visit
• Sandboarding down the Sigatoka Sand Dunes
• Mango Bay Resort
• Activities in the evening - these vary from quiz nights, night club
• Kava ceremony, beach bonfire and more!

Sector 2: Coral Coast > Pacific Harbour
Departs: Tue, Thu, Sun

Have a FREE breakfast at Mango Bay Resort before our short drive to Pacific Harbour, Fiji's Adventure Capital! Arriving at Uprising Beach Resort early, you have the option to either join those keen for a jungle trek ending in secluded waterfall swimming or stay at the resort to soak up the sun all day long. Upon returning from the trek the afternoon activities begin with the Coconut Carnival on Uprising Beach. Learn to crack a coconut and make some custom jewellery whilst enjoying some more of the resort's unique free activities such as horse boarding!

Highlights:

• Uprising Beach Resort – includes breakfast
• Relax in the sun, horse boarding, kayaking, massage or join other activities
• OPTIONAL 1-2 hour trek through the Namosi rainforest
• Swimming in secluded waterfall
• Coconut Carnival

Sector 3: Pacific Harbour to Volivoli Beach
Departs: Wed, Fri, Mon

Today we take you to Volivoli – an amazing beach resort! Before we get you there we take in the highlights of Fiji’s capital – Suva. Then it’s inland to visit a local school orphanage, travel to the remote Wailouta village to meet the chief in a traditional sevu-sevu (kava) ceremony and join the villages bilibili rafting. At Volivoli Beach – kayak, snorkel, or play volleyball. We top it off with a bonfire at night!

Highlights:

• Tour of Suva – Fiji’s capital
• Local school or orphanage visit
• Wailouta Village visit
• Traditional sevu-sevu (kava) ceremony
• Bilibili rafting down the Wainibuka River with the Wailotua villagers
• Enjoy FREE nightly activities and entertainment with your fellow travellers

Sector 4: Volivoli Beach to Nadi
Departs: Thu, Sat, Tue

We start at midday today so you have time to learn to dive, snorkel, kayak, swim or chill out in the sun. We’ll then head west on the Kings Road of Viti Levu focusing on our Indo-Fijian culture. Driving through the heart of sugar cane farming we’ll arrive at our first stop of the day at Ba Town for curry lunch and an Indo-Fijian culture experience. We’ll finish the day heading inland again for a swim at the Sabeto Valley mud pools and hot pools.

Highlights:

• Dive, snorkel, kayak, swim or chill out in the sun
• Ba Town
• Curry Lunch
• Indo-Fijian cultural experience
• Sabeto Valley mud pools and hot pools

My Itinerary for Sydney and New Zealand!

I get to Sydney on the 6th, staying at the Sydney Harbour YHA. On the 7th, I do this, and on the 9th I fly to Auckland, where I start doing this:

Auckland to Paihia (Bay Of Islands)Take a trip to the winterless north and pack as much as you can into a weekend!
We arrive in the Bay of Islands around midday and check out the sights surrounding Paihia, including the historical location of Waitangi. Northland is rich in history and Maori culture and with its clear water, huge kauri forests, and 144 islands to explore you will soon see why Kiwi Experience heads up north. Swim with the dolphins, experience the Excitor Fast Boat, ride out to the famous hole in the rock, or go kayaking, sailing, fishing, diving, snorkelling, or just relax on the beach!

Paihia to AucklandSqueeze in those activities you haven’t completed yet before heading back to Auckland
Departing late afternoon, you have the best part of the day to experience one of the many activities on offer in the Bay, or simply chill on the beach with a good book.  The drive back to the “big smoke”, which us Kiwis affectionately call Auckland, is relaxed and we have you back in the city in time to find some dinner and hit the town.
Auckland to Mercury Bay (Whitianga)Spend the afternoon at the beach or kayaking!After visiting the Kiwi Experience office and Mt Eden (one of many dormant volcanoes in Auckland) we head towards the Coromandel Peninsula and spend the afternoon at Cathedral Cove; accessible only on foot or by kayak. This beautiful coastal spot is great for swimming, sea kayaking, and spotting dolphins if you’re lucky. Provided the tides are right we may also check out Hot Water Beach and dig our own hot pools.
Mercury Bay (Whitianga) to RotoruaCheck out New Zealand’s gold mining history and rocket down a hill, on the way to the Maori culture capital of New ZealandAfter an early start our first stop is the Karangahake Scenic Reserve to explore a native bush-clad gorge, swing bridges and the history of gold mining in New Zealand.  On arriving into Rotorua you will have the chance to go luging or zorbing before experiencing a traditional Maori hangi (feast) and concert in the evening with Tamaki Tours - a night not to be missed!
Rotorua to WaitomoExperience the glow-worms, underwater caves and forest walks of Waitomo.Today we start with a visit to Te Puia - a large geothermal reserve with New Zealand’s largest geyser, and a chance to see our famous Kiwi bird.  Next it’s onto Waitomo caves (wai meaning water, tomo meaning cave) which are made out of limestone (basically 40 million year old dead fish). We spend the afternoon checking out the Ruakuri reserve. Apart from glow-worms in caves, you will see stalactites, cave coral, fossil oysters and other crazy stuff like tubing and rafting 40 metres underground!
Waitomo to TaupoA popular backpacker destination, with New Zealand’s biggest lake and plenty to keep you occupied!
The bus departs late today so that you have enough time to experience the caves! Other adventure activity options include quad biking or the brand new Ruakuri Cave walk, which is an engineering masterpiece.  Around midday, we leave Waitomo behind and head for Lake Taupo, which is known as the adventure capital of the North Island with skydiving, bungy jumping, jet boating and the spectacular Tongariro Crossing!
Taupo to River ValleyVisit Tongariro National Park, take and enjoy some stunning free walks before arriving at River Valley Adventure LodgeWe head south around the “great lake” towards the Tongariro National Park for a picnic lunch and a two hour walk through native bush and waterfalls. In the afternoon we travel through to the ultimate adventure lodge - River Valley, situated amongst towering cliffs and bush-clad hills. The lodge offers grade five rafting on the Rangitikei River, scenic horse riding, and a small golf course. Spend the evening enjoying the delicious roast dinner and relaxing by the open fire.
River Valley to WellingtonNew Zealand’s capital city is full of culture, cafes and cable cars!We head away late after a morning white water rafting or horse riding, and head throughthe rolling hills full of deer, cattle and sheep.  We arrive in Wellington late in the afternoon. This city is the undisputed capital of culture, the arts, restaurants, fashion and nightlife.  It’s home to the largest cultural attraction in New Zealand, Te Papa Museum, which is well worth a look (and it’s free).
Wellington to Picton to NelsonTravel across the stunning Cook Strait to the seaside town of Picton, then on to the golden beaches of Nelson.
You can choose to take the Interislander ferry across to the South Island, through the magnificent Marlborough Sounds; or arrange a flight. Travel via the Pelorous Bridge to Nelson, New Zealand’s sunniest city. Nelson’s a great place to jump off the bus and explore the Abel Tasman National Park. There is an option to explore New Zealand’s youngest National Park by foot and camping, or by kayaking with some adventurous locals of the area.
Nelson to WestportSnow-capped mountains and adventure activities on the Buller River
We visit the Nelson Lakes National Park for a walk in some awesome beech forest and to view one of the more spectacular lakes in the area, surrounded by beautiful snow capped mountains.  En-route to Westport we meet the team (and Rata the dog) from Buller Adventure Tours where you can experience the best value for money jet boating, horse trekking and quad biking in New Zealand.
Westport to Lake MahinapuaContinue down the West Coast via the world famous ‘Highway 6’ and be treated to some amazing sights.Today we cruise down the spectacular Highway 6 that stretches along the rugged Tasman shoreline. The road winds along diverse landscapes, which never cease to amaze both locals and visitors alike. Highlights include the Cape Foulwind seal colony, rugged beach walks and the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks.  Tonight your Driver Guide will arrange a group meal for you at the Mahinapua Hotel, known as the legendary “Poo Pub”.  It’s an awesome evening of fancy dress and a good way to get to know your fellow travellers.
Lake Mahinapua to Franz JosefIncredible views of glaciers towering over subtropical rainforests.
Our first stop this morning is the Bushman’s Centre, where you will get an insight into how people make a living on the coast with helicopter deer recovery, old timber-milling techniques and possum trapping.  We then head through to the Franz Josef Glacier Village, nestled in the Westland National Park.
Franz Josef (Extra Day)We recommend staying an extra night in Franz Josef because there’s so much to do there. If you’re short on time, you can always skip this extra day, timetable allowing, and get to the next stop sooner.
Today is your chance to hike on the Franz Josef Glacier, rated as one of the top three activities to do in New Zealand, by Kiwi Experience passengers.  You could also take the option of a heli-hike, and be flown up the glacier, or take a more sedate approach and explore the various walks in the area.
Franz Josef to WanakaTake the time to chill out by Lake Wanaka.We start out early in order to catch the perfect mirror reflection of Mt Cook and the Southern Alps on Lake Matheson. We then cruise down the last stretch of Highway 6, stopping at popular scenic spots along the way. Then it’s into Mount Aspiring National Park, arriving in the awe-inspiring destination of Wanaka in the afternoon.
Wanaka to QueenstownAdventure capital of New Zealand…and the world!
It’s only a short drive today through to New Zealand's adventure capital, Queenstown. Highlights include Puzzling World, skydiving over Lake Wanaka and stopping at the world’s first commercial bungy site - the Kawarau Bridge. On arrival in Queenstown you can book all activities and confirm onward bus travel at Base, as well as get a group photo with all your new West Coast mates.  Then it’s out on the town exploring Queenstown’s infamous nightlife with all the crew! 
Queenstown to ChristchurchHead to the ‘garden city’, with optional drop off points for Mt Cook and rafting in Rangitata
We head out of Queenstown, through the Lindis Pass, so get your cameras ready because this is ‘Lord of the Rings’ territory. After dropping people in Twizel for the connection to Mt Cook, we travel through to the amazing aqua blue Lake Pukaki, with a stunning view of Mt Cook.   We stop for lunch beside Lake Tekapo and the picturesque Church of the Good Shepherd. From there we have a straight run into Christchurch arriving late afternoon.

Here's the dates for each bit:

Auckland to Paihia on the 10th of March
Paihia to Auckland on the 13th
Auckland to Mercury Bay on the 14th
Mercury Bay to Rotorua on the 15th
Rotorua to Waitomo on the 17th
Waitomo to Taupo on the 18th
Taupo to River Valley on the 20th
River Valley to Wellington on the 21st
Wellington to Picton to Nelson on the 24th
Nelson to Westport on the 26th
Westport to Lake Mahinapua on the 27th
Lake Mahinapua to Franz Josef n the 28th
Franz Josef to Wanaka on the 30th
Wanaka to Queenstown on the 31st
Queenstown to Christchurch on the 2nd  of April

My Itinerary for SE Asia!

I get to Bangkok on the afternoon on Saturday (5th Feb) and then I do this (taken from here):

"Days 1-2 Bangkok

Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand.

You can arrive at any time on day 1 as there are no activities planned until the important welcome meeting. Your leader will leave a note at reception telling you where and when this important meeting will take place. Please ask a member of reception for this information. The meeting will be followed by an optional group dinner.

On day 2 we set off in the morning for a longtail boat tour of Bangkok's famous khlongs (canals), which is a wonderful opportunity to see Thai everyday life in action. We also make a visit to Wat Pho to see the world's largest reclining Buddha. The afternoon is free to return to the busy streets of Bangkok, to get a taste of Thai cuisine, do a bit more temple-hopping or simply hit the shops.

In the evening, we take a comfortable sleeper-train to Chiang Mai (approx. 14 hrs). Trains are clean, with padded berths, sheets, pillow, blanket and boiling water available. Most trains have a dining carriage and there are snacks available on the train along the way.

Day 3 Chiang Mai

We spend a whole day and night in Chiang Mai, a wonderful town with strong cultural influences from the surrounding hill-tribe villages. There are many options available here - you can spend the day exploring the many ancient temples, venture outside the city to ride elephants, take a Thai cooking class, browse for handicrafts at the markets or wander through the old walled city. The view from the mountain temple of Doi Suthep is a must in the late afternoon, and we take a trip up the mountain as a group. In the evening wander through the enormous, colourful Night Bazaar, then relax at a fine restaurant along the riverfront. Make sure to sample some delicious traditional northern Thai food - the signature dish is kao soy, yellow wheat noodles in a curry broth, traditionally served with chicken or beef.

This night we stay in a guesthouse which has comfortable rooms with ensuite and air conditioning.

Day 4 Huay Xai

It's a long journey by bus today through rural countryside to the Thai-Laos border (approx. 7 hrs). The night is spent at a lovely rural border town on the banks of the Mekong River, the lifeline of Indochina. Partake in a lovely meal and a well-earned drink this evening - there's no better way to enjoy the tranquility!

Tonight we stay in a guesthouse/hotel in simple but clean accommodation.

Days 5-6 Mekong River

We board our boat for the 2 day journey down the Mekong River to Luang Prabang. The boat travels at a relaxed pace, giving us a chance to experience the slow pace of village life as well as to soak up the riverside scenery (Approx. 8 hrs on day five and 8 hrs on day six) . We dock at the small town of Pak Beng to spend the night. The following morning we re-board our boat and cruise to the Pak Ou caves, home to thousands of carved Buddha images and figurines, before arriving in the former royal capital of Luang Prabang in the early evening.

Please note: The river boat is of a basic standard with a toilet, covered roof, and open sides to take in the fresh air. There are seats in the front of the boat and a small open area in the back where you can have a nap on the mat, play cards, read or have lunch. Your leader will help arrange the purchase of food and drinks for the boat journey; on Day 6 it is sometimes possible to have a local lunch cooked by the family on board the boat while floating down the Mekong. It can be quite cold from Nov to Feb so make sure you have some warm gear packed!

Due to Dam construction upstream water levels are not as reliable as in previous years. When the river is at it's lowest (FEB-APR) groups may need to take an alternative route via bus on day 5 instead of the boat. This is due to safety reasons and is advised by our local operators.

In Luang Prabang we stay in a guesthouse/hotel with twin/double rooms with private bathrooms and fans.

Days 7-8 Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang has a magical feel about it. Nestled in the hills of northern Laos, on the confluence of the Mekong and Khan Rivers, the city is studded with ornate temples and French colonial architecture. We visit the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Museum then hop on a jumbo (a Laotian tuk-tuk) to the Kuang Si falls, where pale turquoise waters cascade over limestone formations. At the base of the falls there is a large pool offering the perfect place for a refreshing swim. Then there is free time to experience the charm of Luang Prabang on your own. A climb to the top of Mt Phousi provides a fantastic view over the town and its surrounds. The Dara Market sells everything and is a great spot to browse. If you'd like to experience more local culture, consider taking a long boat across the river to a traditional Laotian village.

These nights we stay in a guesthouse/hotel with twin or double rooms and private bathrooms.

Days 9-10 Vang Vieng

On day nine we drive from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng (approx. 6-7 hours). Situated on a bend in the Nam Song River, this is a charming and relaxed place known for its outdoor adventure activities. In your time here, you can explore nearby limestone cliffs and caverns, many associated with well known local legends, walk along the river bank or simply sit back and soak up peaceful river scenes of local pole boats and fishermen going about their work.

These nights we stay in a simple hotel or guesthouse.

Day 11 Vientiane

On day 11 we take a short public bus journey from Vang Vieng to Vientiane, (approximately four hours), the most unlikely of capital cities. Life in Vientiane is relaxed, with daily affairs conducted at a slow pace. The country's history of isolation from modernity and the rest of the world has however, preserved its rich traditions and the city is a wealth of cultural delights to discover, on foot, by bicycle or, for the less energetic, by jumbo. Visit Laos' most important national monument, Pha That Luang, or go down the dusty tracks along the river to find villages full of friendly children, dogs and chickens. Vientiane's vibrant, colourful morning market (which, incidentally, is open all day!) is full of local treasures. A great way to round off the day is to enjoy a spectacular sunset over the Mekong.

Our accommodation in Vientiane is a basic hotel conveniently located to the city centre and Mekong riverside.

Day 12 Hanoi

Today is free for further exploration until our flight to Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam (approx 1 hour). We overnight at our hotel in Hanoi before heading on to Halong Bay in the morning.

Tonight we stay in a 2 star standard hotel with restaurant.

Day 13 Halong Bay

From Hanoi it is a 4 hr drive to Bai Chay Harbour where we board our Halong Bay boat and cruise among the magnificent scenery of the Halong Bay World Heritage-listed area. We explore at least one cave, swim if it is warm enough, and enjoy incredibly fresh seafood.

Our overnight accommodation on Halong Bay is on a sailing junk with twin bed cabins that have air-conditioning and private facilities. There is also a dining room and bar where we enjoy lunch, dinner and breakfast on the junk.

Days 14-15 Hanoi

We travel by bus from Bai Chay to the capital city of Hanoi (approx. 4 hrs).

Hanoi is filled with old French charm, tree-lined boulevards and lots of character. Its vibrant old quarter, comprised of 36 streets, from silk to wood carvings and lacquerware, make it a bargain hunter's paradise. The afternoon is free to explore the many attractions before we attend a performance with traditional water puppets.

The following day visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum, where you'll get an insight into Vietnam's recent history. You'll also have time to visit some of Hanoi's numerous peaceful temples and pagodas which offer a glimpse at the colourful religious culture of the country.

These nights we stay in a comfortable centrally located hotel, with ensuite bathrooms and air conditioning.

On the evening of day 15, we board the historic Reunification Express for our overnight train journey to Hue (approx. 13 hrs). The train ride is an adventure in itself, providing an opportunity to interact with the locals. We use 4-berth compartments that offer simple sleeping quarters. Water boiling facilities and basic snacks are available on the train. A sleeping bag inner sheet can be purchased in Hanoi for a small sum and can be useful for the journey.

Day 16 Hue

Arriving in Hue, the former imperial capital, in the morning we have a full day to enjoy the many sights and slower pace of this tranquil city. We visit the Imperial Citadel, one of the Nguyen Emperors' tombs, Thien Mu Pagoda as well as enjoy a dragon boat cruise on the Perfume River. Hue, renowned as the centre of Buddhism in Vietnam, has a wealth of pagodas and monasteries to discover. Being a centre of education, there are often students around the city willing to act as personal guides and show you the many secrets of this regal city. Dong Ba Market offers all kinds of goods and foods to see and sample, including traditional Hue specialties such as banh khoai, a type of pancake made from cassava, sugar and coconut milk.

Our hotel in Hue is a modern 2 star hotel located in the heart of the old Imperial City of Hue. It has clean twin and double rooms with ensuite and air conditioning, as well as a swimming pool and restaurant.

Days 17-19 Hoi An

Leaving Hue, our bus journey takes us south through rural landscapes and the fishing village of Lang Co before ascending the dramatic Hai Van Pass and on to the World Heritage Site of Hoi An (approx. 4 hrs). Once a thriving port town, Hoi An retains much of its old architecture and hours can be spent discovering its beautifully faded French Colonial buildings and Buddhist pagodas - you can even pop into an old house belonging to an established local family to learn about Hoi An citizens' ancient traditions, some of which still live on. Today, the townspeople trade in ceramics, wood-ware, paintings and tailoring.

The next 3 nights in Hoi An are spent in a small hotel located near all the attractions of Hoi An Ancient Town. It has clean twin and double rooms with private facilities and air-con, and a pool.

Days 20-21 Ho Chi Minh City

A short flight from Danang brings us to Ho Chi Minh City, the economic hub of Vietnam (approx. 75 mins). The streets are a tangle of pedestrians, motorbikes, cyclos, stalls-on-wheels, pavement cafes and markets, and it's virtually impossible not to be caught up by the city's buzz. In the afternoon, we take a leisurely tour of Saigon, in cyclos - a cross between a trishaw and a tricycle.

Our hotel is located close to the bustling Ben Thanh Market as well as the city's main shopping district, so there is much for you to explore and discover on your last day in Vietnam. You may also choose to take an optional trip out to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a huge network of claustrophobic tunnels which played a vital part in the Viet Cong's war efforts against the US Army.

Our accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City is a comfortable 2 star hotel. It has twin and double rooms with ensuite and air conditioning.

Days 22-23 Phnom Penh

From Ho Chi Minh City we travel by public bus through rural Vietnam to Phnom Penh in Cambodia (approx. 7 hrs). We confront the nation's tragic past as we visit the former school at Tuol Sleng which served as a Khmer Rouge torture centre. We also drive out to Choeung Ek and make a stop at the Memorial Stupa, made up of over 8,000 human skulls, which marks the infamous Killing Fields. Afterwards, you're free to explore the city on your own. Phnom Penh has many attractions including the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, the Russian Market and the National Museum, where you can get your history and culture fix or pick up a few souvenirs. Then take a walk along Sisowath Quay, a wide boulevard lined with cafes and restaurants - it's the perfect way to end a day of sightseeing.

These 2 nights we stay in a basic hotel/guesthouse located right near the riverfront area. It has twin and double rooms with ensuite and air conditioning.

Day 24 Homestay

From Phnom Penh we travel by public bus to the rural town of Kampong Thom (approximately 3 hours), and then on to our homestay located outside the township. Facilities are very basic, but this is an opportunity to experience the everyday life of rural Cambodians. In the evening, we enjoy a traditional dinner with our host family.

Tonight at our home stay conditions are basic, with shared toilet and bathroom facilities.

Days 25-27 Siem Reap/Angkor Wat

On Day 25 we take a bus from Kampong Thom to Siem Reap (approx. 3 hrs), our base from which to explore the fascinating ruins of Angkor Wat, and nearby Angkor Thom. One of the greatest archaeological sites in the world, these temples were built between the 9th and 13th centuries when the Khmer Empire was the largest influence in South-East Asia. The temples were believed to represent the cosmic world and were set in perfect balance, symmetry and composition. They were built over an area of some 160 sq km and many of the most famous structures are clustered close to Siem Reap.

There is plenty of time to explore the Angkor complex at leisure. Take in the amazing Angkor Wat, the most well-known of the temples and the best at sunrise and sunset. Wander the Terrace of the Elephant for a closer look at the elaborate, intriguing carvings. And certainly don't miss the evocative Ta Prohm, where enormous strangler figs wrap around the crumbling stone structures.

Our accommodation in Siem Reap is a comfortable 2 star hotel centrally located close to all the sights. It has twin and double rooms with ensuite and air-con.

Days 28-29 Bangkok

This morning, we travel by private bus to Bangkok (approx. 7 hrs in the dry season, possibly longer in the wet season depending on road conditions).

We arrive to Bangkok on the evening of day 28. It's a great chance to see and do anything you missed the first time as well as the perfect place to enjoy a final optional meal with your travelling companions.

There are no activities planned for day 29 and you are able to depart the hotel at any time. Check out time is 12 noon. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel."

I leave Bangkok again on the 5th of March, arriving in Sydney on the 6th.