Join us for a relaxing boat trip around Bentota, the resort town on Sri Lanka's southwest coast.
The boat goes up the Bentota River along the beautiful mangrove banks. As you ride, spot the water monitors, various kinds of birds, and, with a bit of luck, a crocodile in the wild. Birds in the area include kingfisher, bee-eater, egrets, eagles, fruit bats, cormorants and others.
The boat will stop at a home garden where you will be given a demonstration of the coir industry, after which you can enjoy a tea or coffee and some fresh local fruit. If time permits, on the way back the boat will travel to the river mouth, a picturesque place perfect place for nature and photography enthusiasts.
Choose a morning or afternoon departure time. The insured boats hold a twin-engine and are large and comfortable with an overhead cover/canopy. They come prepared with life jackets, raincoats and first aid kits.
Dive deep into the heart of Oman, where the echoes of ancient tales blend seamlessly with modern wonders. Our carefully crafted 'Jewels of Oman' tour takes you from the bustling cityscapes of Muscat, through the tranquility of Oman's emerald wadis, and into the vastness of its shifting sands. Across five enthralling days, witness the majestic play of nature's contrasts — where verdant oases lie hidden amidst barren landscapes and where urban wonders stand in stark harmony with timeless traditions.
Oman's soul beats not just in its ancient forts and bustling souks but also in its silent deserts under star-laden skies and in the melodious ripples of its serene wadis. Embrace this harmony, this dance of old and new, of water and sand, of city and wilderness. Join us on this Omani odyssey, where every day is a new story waiting to be told.
From the neon-lit streets of Tokyo to the tranquil hot springs of Noboribetsu, this 12-day journey across Northern Japan immerses you in the country’s rich tapestry of culture, history and natural beauty. Zip North on a bullet train to Aomori, where you can visit prehistoric sites and fresh seafood markets. Soak in volcanic hot springs, paddle across lakes and discover the vibrant spirit of Hokkaido. After wandering the lavender fields of Furano, end your adventure in Sapporo, where modern energy meets great mountainous views. Japan’s colourful wonders await – are you ready?
Explore a land of natural beauty and rare wildlife on this 20-day adventure in Malaysia. From bustling cityscapes to the blissful countryside to the lush tropical rainforest, unique animals and tribal villages, Malaysia has something for everyone. Experience the very best of mainland Malaysia and Borneo – hike in the Ulu Muda rainforest, climb Mt Kinabalu, share some laughs with your local village hosts and watch sea turtles lay their eggs with an expert local ranger by your side. Each moment of this incredible small group adventure will give you a fascinating insight into Malaysia.
Join us for an exciting day hiking through the wilds of Northern Thailand.
Meeting at your hotel in the city and depart Chiang Mai. Travel by car for approximately 1.5 hour to the trek starting point, in the mountain. Arrive at the starting point and begin your adventure.
Hike along one of the numerous available routes using local trails that can vary depending on the conditions of the day. The versatility of the itinerary will ensure that you experience some of Thailand's most pristine forest up close. Stop for lunch in the lush jungle or at a village, and enjoy a delicious lunch of homemade Thai food with fresh fruits, and a local freshly brewed coffee. (Hike 5 km)
After lunch, short walk to meet our drive or option to hike another hour to reach the next village, on a mostly downhill trail. Encounter friendly locals and get a glimpse into their everyday lives at the village. Drive back to Chiang Mai for an approximate arrival time in the city at 17:00. Drop off at your hotel.
We really enjoyed this comprehensive tour of Vietnam. Including time in more rural areas as well as the well known cities and sites, it gave us a great insight into local culture and there was plenty of opportunity to meet the locals who were incredibly friendly. The trip ran seemlesly in the extremely capable hands of our tour leader Diem, one of the best we've had (this was our 6th family holiday with Explore). Highlights would include all of the bike rides, exploring Tam Coc caves by boat, Saigon by cyclo, the amazing food, so fresh and plentiful, and the kids loved haggling for bargains in the markets and shops (especially Hoi An). Accommodation and transport were both of a great standard. Well done Explore!
Start of Tour (7:30 AM to 8:15 AM)
Your tour guide will pick you up at your accommodation in Hanoi Old Quarter.
Scenic Bus Route
Enjoy a 110-km bus ride through the verdant countryside landscape with a short rest stop.
Hoa Lu (10:30 AM)
Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel to see the Dinh King Temple and Le King Temple, both dating back to the 17th Century.
Lunch (12 PM)
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant to try authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
Trang An Grottoes (1:30 PM)
Leave for the Trang An Grottoes, a beautiful and majestic 20 square kilometre limestone rising dramatically out from rice paddy fields. Deep within the linked chains of towering mountains are mystical valleys, numerous freshwater ponds, and pristine jungles.
Sampan Ride
Embark on a traditional sampan gently rowing down the river through numerous caves. Explore Lam Cave, Vang Cave, Dai Cave and Thanh Truot Cave, passing many spiritual relics.
Mua Cave (3:30 PM)
Arrive at Mua Cave and start an amazing trek up to the top of Ngoa Long Mountain. Enjoy spectacular views of rice valleys clad in nature, known as Love Valley.
Return Transfer (5:30 PM)
Return to your tour bus on a return journey to Ha Noi.
End of Tour (7:30 PM)
Drop off at your accommodation.
The perfect mix of group activities and all important YOU time.Four all-star countries. 17 awesome AF destinations. One amazing travel fam. Ready to do Southeast Asia the right way? There's more to it than snapping selfies next to big golden Buddhas. We’re talking incred temples, mist-filled jungles, heaps of droolworthy food. And don’t forget all those beaut islands perfect for chill time. Ready to play hard AND pause hard? This trip’s gonna be *chef’s kiss* EPIC.
The trip was absolutely incredible! Every city we visited was excellent, and the entire experience was so much fun and perfectly planned. Our trip leader, Hai, was the best thing that could have happened to us—truly amazing and incredibly professional. Highly recommend!
Explore have exceptional guides and exceptional itineraries. You really get to see and explore a country in a safe and sustainable way. With lots of smiles and memories to last a lifetime. We will definitely be travelling with Explore again!
Following a pick-up from your Chiang Mai hotel, transfer to the starting point of your hike (1.5 hour's drive) and begin with a gradual climb past through various plantations and deep jungle. You will be surrounded by unspoiled nature as your experienced trekking guide leads the way. There's a good chance you will encounter people going about their daily tasks. Throughout the hike, you'll come across scenic views of the valley below, and walk by coffee plantations. Your local guide will share information about the area and explain the customs of village life in northern Thailand. End up at a house for a rewarding Thai lunch with local fruits and freshly brewed coffee.
Afternoon, you'll transfer by car (45 min) to the nearby Sri Lanna national park and its scenic lake surrounded by forest and jungle. After a short paddle briefing, you'll navigate on your sit-on-top kayak, exploring the area inside the lake. Paddling and relaxing time. The paddling time is approximately one to 2 hours, depending on participant's fitness conditions.
Change and dry at a local restaurant, then transfer back to Chiang Mai for a drop off at your hotel at approximately 17:30.
