Slow Journey

Kirimanon Village and Chao Srey Vibal Temple Cycling Tour

Siemreap, Cambodia

Discover Kirimanon, a small Khmer village at the heart of the Angkor Archaeological Park, a peaceful haven of sandy tracks and sugar palm trees, home to descendants of Angkor’s builders. Begin your journey immersing yourself in the traditional Cambodian way of life: meet the warm and welcoming villagers, learn about their culture and customs, and join them in daily activities such as farming, fishing, weaving, or cooking.

After experiencing village life, hop on your bike and cycle eastward along red dirt paths for 8 km until you reach Chao Srey Vibal Temple, a striking hilltop temple that once formed part of a much larger complex covering the entire hill. Unlike Angkor’s more popular sites, this one remains quiet and serene, making it a perfect spot to watch the sunset. Its central sanctuary lies in ruins, beautifully contrasted by an early-20th-century wat nearby, while laterite walls with small entrance halls around the base of the hill hint at the scale and importance the temple once held. Explore the ruins and take in sweeping views of the surrounding countryside.

Duration: 4hrs

Along Japan’s Oldest Road

Nara, Japan

Trace a path through 2,000 years of history on the Yamanobe-no-michi, Japan’s oldest road, hidden in the peaceful countryside of Nara. This timeless route offers an intimate and unhurried encounter with rural Japanese life. Accompanied by an expert local guide, guests walk a selected section of the trail, uncovering the stories, folklore and spiritual significance woven into the landscape along the way. Passing through peaceful farmland and quiet villages before visiting Omiwa Shrine, one of Japan’s most ancient and revered places of worship, where the sacred Mount Miwa itself serves as the shintai. This gentle walk unveils a hidden gem of Nara, beyond its famous park and sacred deer.

Duration: 3hrs

Scenic River Cruise to Mingun

Mandalay, Myanmar

Cruise along the legendary Ayeyarwady River to the charming riverside town of Mingun. In the late 18^th century, ambitious King Bodawpaya used thousands of prisoners of war to build what he hoped would be the world’s largest stupa.

Had it been completed, it would have been 152m (500ft) high, as high as the Great Pyramid of Giza. While the stupa was never finished, the 52m (170ft) base is still incredibly impressive, as is the nearby 90-ton Mingun Bell that King Bodawpaya cast to go with his gigantic stupa. Visit several more notable sites before re-boarding your boat for a traditional Burmese lunch as you cruise back to Mandalay.

Duration: 6hrs

Ballooning Over Inle Lake

Heho, Myanmar

Boating on Inle Lake is an incredible experience, but nothing quite compares to flying over Myanmar’s second largest lake in a hot air balloon. Enjoy hot drinks and a continental breakfast while watching your balloon being inflated in the early dawn hours.

After a full safety briefing from experienced, UK-licensed commercial balloon pilots, begin your 45-60 minute flight, with the possibility of rising up to 3,000m (10,000ft) thanks to being in a sparsely populated area with the nearest airport two mountain ranges away and with no early morning flights. Enjoy the magnificent views over the colourful clapboard houses, the beautiful lines of floating gardens and the surrounding Shan mountains in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Duration: 4hrs

Exploring the Mekong Between Luang Prabang and Pakbeng

Luang Prabang, Laos

The Mekong River touches the lives of millions as it flows some 4,500km (2,702mi), with at least one-third forming the international border between Laos and Thailand. Get to know the Mekong up close and personal as it flows through northern Laos on a two-day, one-night river cruise between Luang Prabang and Pakbeng, halfway to the Thai border.

Shore excursions include visiting a hill tribe village famed for producing lao-lao, a traditional whisky made from fermented rice, and the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, home to some 4,000 Buddha statues left over the centuries by devoted worshippers. In between stops, take in the natural beauty of the river in this particularly scenic stretch of the Mekong.

Duration: 2 days/1 night

The Serenity of Angkor

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Escape the crowds at Angkor at three of the more atmospheric yet less visited spots in the temple complex. Travel by tuk-tuk to the 12^th century Banteay Kdei, an impressive Buddhist monastery also known as the “Citadel of Cells”. Walk around this peaceful compound, surrounded by four concentric walls and look for a rare Buddha statue in the largely Hindu complex.

Also cruise the quiet waters surrounding Angkor Thom in a gondola reminiscent of those used in ancient Khmer ceremonies and battles. In the tranquil solitude, visualise the royal city when it ruled over two million people nearly 800 years ago. Make your way to Prasat Chrung, a small temple built in the style of Bayon, and climb a steep iron staircase to a quiet spot for excellent sunset views over the ruins.

Duration: 3-4hrs

Exploring the River Life of the Mekong Delta (Exclusive)

Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Vietnam’s lush, green Mekong Delta is home to about 20 million people and nearly 3,600km (2,230 mi) of streams, canals and rivers. The Delta is Vietnam’s pantry, producing 50% of the nation’s rice, 80% of its fruit, and 60% of its fish. Spend a full day exploring the sprawling rice paddies, colourful fruit farms and bountiful waterways of the region for a glimpse of how life is lived in the Vietnamese countryside.

Highlights include visiting a small home factory that makes sticky rice wrapped in coconut leaves; scenic motorboat and sampan ride along narrow, tree-lined canals past rural riverscapes; leisurely cycling along small village lanes for a taste of country living; and visiting the Delta’s tropical fruit orchards via your choice of horse-drawn cart or tri-motorcycle.

Duration: Full day