Beijing to Bali

Itinerary

Days 1-3 Beijing

The energetic buzz of Beijing's modern streets contrasts with the timeless wonder of her ancient sites. Explore the majestic Forbidden City and Summer Palace or wander traditional hutongs full of local shops and restaurants.

Days 4-5 Great Wall

No trip to China is complete without a visit to the Great Wall. Walk a remote section and spend the night in a simple guesthouse nearby.

Days 6-8 Xi'an

Meet the local Hui people in the Muslim Quarter, admire the distinctive Great Mosque or ride a bike around the impressive Ming dynasty city wall. Don't miss a visit to the famed 2,200-year-old Terracotta Warriors.

Days 9-11 Shanghai

Walk along the elegant Bund, check out the space-age skyscrapers of Pudong or go bargain hunting in Yuyuan Bazaar. Perhaps catch a performance by the famous Shanghai Acrobats in the evening.

Days 12-15 Yangshuo

With its jagged horizons, dramatic limestone peaks and lush countryside, Guangxi is one of China's most photogenic regions. There's plenty of time to try tai chi, take cooking lessons or cycle along country lanes.

Days 16-18 Longji Terraces

From a base in an ethnic minority village, explore the towering, extensive Longji rice terraces on foot. Marvel at this incredible feat of farm engineering that clings spectacularly to the side of 800 m high mountain peaks.

Days 19-20 Hong Kong

The stay in Hong Kong is short so be prepared for some fast-paced action. Head to the shops and bargain hard, cruise the harbour, take a cable car to Victoria Peak or check out the local nightlife.

Days 21-24 Kaili

Immerse in a world of colourful local dress, traditional architecture and the unique cultures of the Miao people on a three-day adventure through the countryside of Guizhou Province.

Day 25 Kunming

Wander through the bird and flower markets of Kunming or take a day trip out to the otherworldly Stone Forest. Be sure to try some local fruit wine in the evening.

Days 26-29 Sapa

Cross the border to Vietnam and discover the strikingly different countryside. Starting at the old French hill station of Sapa, trek through the extraordinary rural mountainscapes that are home to the colourful H'mong, Tay and Dzao people.

Days 30-31 Hanoi

An overnight train to Hanoi delivers us back to the fast pace of city life. Use free time to wander the tree-lined boulevards, shop for mementos in the Old Quarter or catch a sitting of Hanoi's famous water puppet show.

Day 32 Halong Bay

Cruise through the spectacular limestone karsts and emerald waters of Halong Bay and enjoy a seafood feast along the way.

Days 33-34 Hanoi

Take an optional walking tour to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex and One Pillar Pagoda.

Days 35-36 Hue

Explore the sights of Hue, perhaps cycle out to the royal tombs of the Nguyen emperors or visit the Imperial Enclosure with its Forbidden Purple City.

Days 37-39 Hoi An

Dig the relaxed vibe in Hoi An - stroll around town, explore its fascinating market or maybe rest on nearby Cua Dai Beach. This is a great stop to have a suit tailored or improve your culinary skills with a cooking lesson.

Days 40-42 Nha Trang

Beautiful white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters await in Nha Trang. Chill out and consider a snorkelling excursion or take a boat trip out to nearby islands.

Days 43-44 Ho Chi Minh City

The air hums with the heady sound of bargaining in the shopping city of Ho Chi Minh, where streets are lined with stalls bursting with enticing wares. Head underground on an optional tour to explore the famous Cu Chi Tunnels.

Day 45 Phnom Penh

Elegant Phnom Penh is full of fascinating sights, from the sombre Killing Fields of Choeung Ek to the gorgeous Silver Pagoda.

Day 46 Homestay

Witness everyday Cambodian life and enjoy a traditional-style dinner on a homestay.

Days 47-49 Sihanoukville

Unwind in the tropics in Sihanoukville, a riot of beaches, mangrove forests and atmospheric little bars.

Day 50 Phnom Penh

Back in Phnom Penh there is time to hit the Central Market or maybe grab a massage.

Day 51 Kompong Cham

The locals here make their living fishing, and growing tobacco and sesame, so it's a good place to get a look at Cambodia's cottage industries. The temples at 'Man Hill' and 'Woman Hill' are well worth a visit.

Days 52-54 Siem Reap/Angkor Wat

Gateway to the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat, Siem Reap is also full of other attractions - the floating village of Tonle Sap, tasty Khmer restaurants and the Gecko Environment Centre to name a few.

Days 55-58 Bangkok

Explore the hectic streets of bustling Bangkok. Perhaps take a longtail boat down the river, visit the grand reclining Buddha at Wat Pho or navigate the many markets by taste.

Day 59 Overnight Train

Leave the hustle and bustle behind and take a sleeper train south to Surat Thani.

Days 60-61 Khao Sok National Park

Head to Khao Sok National Park by songthaew. Take a guided walk through the jungle to a small Buddhist temple and stay overnight in rustic bungalows.

Days 62-64 Krabi

Mellow out on pristine beaches, snorkel among colourful reefs or go island-hopping.

Days 65-66 Penang

Chinese temples, colourful bazaars and night markets combine to make a fascinating introduction to Malaysia. Perhaps have your fortune told or see the fascinating herbs and tinctures of a traditional herbalist.

Days 67-68 Kuala Lumpur

Get a glimpse of the city's Islamic life at the Masjid Jamek or head out to Bangsar for a taste of KL nightlife. Visit the Petronas Towers for a great view over the city.

Days 69-70 Port Dickson

Take some time out and relax on the beach or jump into some great optional activities including kayaking or canoeing. Head to the Tanjung Tuan lighthouse for great views - all the way to Sumatra on very clear days.

Day 71 Melaka

An historic fusion of Chinese, Indian, Malay and European influences, Melaka retains an old-world air. Try a riverboat ride, stop in at a temple or mosque or climb the steps to St Paul's Church.

Day 72 Singapore

At Newton Circus, indulge in an extensive range of cuisines reflecting the country's multicultural heritage.

Day 73 Jakarta

Take the time to learn about country's ancient and modern history at the National Museum and Purna Bhakti Pertiwi.

Days 74-76 Pangandaran

Get close to local wildlife on a nature walk. Head to the west beach for sunset and watch hundreds of bats as they depart for their evening feast.

Days 77-79 Yogyakarta

Java's cultural centre is perfect for seeing a traditional dance performance or to visit the incredible temple at Borobudur. There are also plenty of great shopping opportunities in the local markets and batik workshops.

Day 80 Seloliman Nature Reserve

Unwind on a peaceful retreat while learning about ecological farming from volunteer hosts. If the evening is clear, spend a little time just watching the heavens.

Day 81 Mount Bromo

Get in touch with Javanese herbal medicine before our journey to the amazing Tengger Caldera and Mount Bromo.

Days 82-83 Lovina

Greet the sunrise on Mount Bromo. Later, snorkel or go dolphin-spotting in Lovina. Take the opportunity to head to the hills and visit the hot springs. Gear up for an evening out.

Day 84 Tirta Gangga

Relax amid terraced rice fields or swim in Raja's Water Palace where pools are fed by underground springs.

Days 85-87 Ubud

Get swept away in a traditional kecak dance to cap off this huge overland adventure. There is plenty of time to explore the cultural heart of Bali; perhaps pop into a gallery or visit the monkey forest.