Highlights of Thailand in 1 Week
If you have one week in Thailand, be sure to hit Bangkok (in the south), Sukhothai (central), and Chiang Mai (in the north).
Day 1-3, Chiang Mai: See Mae sa waterfall, shop at a night market, stroll or bike through rice paddies, and explore the Temples of Wiang Kum Kum.
Day 4-5, Sukhothai: Visit the ruins of Old Sukhothai (ancient capital of Siam), tour Sukhothai Historical Park, home to 21 different historical sites.
Day 6-7, Bangkok: Join a night tour of the glitzy and glamourous city, famous (or perhaps infamous) for its nightlife. Visit the Emerald Buddha and the temples of Wat Arun and Wat Pho.
Cambodia With Angkor Wat in 7-10 Days
With two weeks in Cambodia, you can take the time to explore farther afield than the major cities of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Enjoy everything from beach days to bike days, temple explorations to delicious food markets.
Day 1-2, Phnom Penh: Phnom Penh is where many tours in Cambodia begin. This city is a vibrant combination of ancient and modern, history and nightlife. You’ll visit The National Museum, observe the photogenic French influenced architecture, and enjoy delicious fusion cuisine, as well as spectacularly classic street food.
Also in Phnom Penh, you’ll take a tour of the infamous Killing Fields. This excursion can be hard, as it exposes a particularly ugly period in Cambodian, and in fact human history. During the time of the Khmer Rouge regime, more than a million people were killed, and this mass grave marks the horrific events.
Day 3-4, Khmer homestay: Experience local life in a traditional Cambodian household. You’ll learn about the everyday tasks of rural province living, get to participate in each part of the day, learn to cook meals, and meet friendly families of all ages. You may also get to see and learn traditional dances and customs.
Day 5-6, Floating Village of Kompong Luong: This floating village is quintessential Cambodia, providing a glimpse into a unique community. The residents here live entirely in “floating houses”, raised on stilts, rising out of the Tonle Sap waters. Take a boat trips through this fascinating microcosm of daily life, and be sure to have your camera ready for some beautifully poignant shots.
Day 7-8, Battambang: Unique stone statues of animals and deities line the streets in this quaint colonial town, with perfectly preserved architecture and distinct French influence. A lovely riverfront, calm town, Battambang is a great place to rent bikes and experience a slower paced Cambodia than is found in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap.
Day 9-10, Siem Reap: In Siem Reap, you’ll enjoy time outdoors, exploring colorful markets and meeting locals. Enjoy classic Cambodian cuisine, from street stalls as well as many restaurants and markets.
Angkor Wat - Siem Reap is of course the jumping off place for tours to Angkor Wat. Generally one day is not nearly enough time to get a full appreciation of the breadth and depth there is to see and do among the many temples of Angkor. Try to spend at least two days to explore this ancient, beautiful ruin city.
Highlights of India's Golden Triangle
The Golden Triangle is a famous northern route that connects the national capital of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. This is India’s most well-traveled route, providing visitors a glimpse of India’s diverse landscapes.
Day 1, Delhi: See the Gandhi memorial museum, Red Fort, and the Jama Masjid, the largest Mosque in India.
Day 2-3, Jaipur: Visit the Pink City of Jaipur, former residence of the royal family, and the capital of Rajasthan. See the Hawa Mahal, the “Palace of Winds”, and Amber Fort, the former capital. Popular tour activity: Watch a Bollywood film at the famous Raj Mandir Cinema.
Day 4-5, Agra: See the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, a palatial walled city of sandstone.
Day 6-7, Delhi: Return to Delhi and enjoy some shopping or a rickshaw ride around the city.
Highlights of China in 2 Weeks
China is one of Asia's most popular countries for travelers. For first time visitors traveling to China, there are some classic must see sites. As it is a sprawling country, allowing two weeks will give you enough time to see the cities as well as get out to the beautiful countryside.
Day 1-4, Beijing: Forbidden City, Great Wall of china (Simutai or Badaling), Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and Tiananmen Square.
Day 5-7, Xian: Xian is one of the best preserved walled cities. See the UNESCO world heritage site of Emperor Shi Huang’s Terracotta Warriors. Walk through the Muslim quarters and try the kebabs at the food stalls.
Day 8-11, Yangshuo/Guilin (Guanxi province): See the Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave, and cruise down the Li River on bamboo raft. This region is known for its serene rice paddies and karst mountains.
Day 12-14, Shanghai: Shanghai is known for its eclectic architecture, blending the old (Old Town “Nanshi”) and the new (Shanghai World Financial Center). Stroll along the Bund and Pudong District, see Yu Garden (Yu Yuan), and take a boat ride along Huangpu River.
Coming Soon!
Highlights of Southeast Asia
Highlights of Mongolia