The Orient

Mysterious and exotic, the countries of the Far East hold great allure and fascination.  The cultured traveller is well at home here discovering age-old secrets, remarkable landscapes and fascinating experiences. From China, the world's most populous nation with its myriad ancient monuments to the charming delights of Myanmar, the culinary appeal of Vietnam to the unspoiled attractions of Laos and contrasts of  Japan. There's the diversity of Thailand's southern beaches and its jungles in the north and the 17,000 islands that make up Indonesia. Right throughout the region there's a well organised infrastructure here supported by elegant and sophisticated hotels.

Travelling with A&K, you can expect an affable uniformed face to meet you at every turn, friendly and efficient service at your chosen hotels, the most suitable rooms booked, the finest transport, worrisome extras taken care of, restaurant reservations made and someone on call 24/7.

A&K Special Offers

Escapes: Hideaway the Surin - Save up to 15%
Visit an exclusive beach retreat on the beautiful Andaman Coast & experience traditional Thai hospitality.
Valid for departures: between 01 May - 31 Oct 2013.Twin Share per person $1,290* .Solo Traveller $2,030*
*(includes savings of up to 15%).
Terms & Conditions: Valid for new bookings only made from now until 27 October 2013.
View our Escapes: Hideaway The Surin itinerary for more information.

Escapes: Saigon to Nha Trang - Save up to 15%
Relax at Nha Trang beach, visit villages at the Mekong Delta & explore the history of Saigon.
Valid for departures: between 02 May - 30 Sep 2013.
Twin Share per person $1,945* .
Solo Traveller $2,970*
*(includes savings of up to 15%).
Terms & Conditions: Valid for new bookings only made from now until 22 September 2013.
View our Escapes: Saigon to Nha Trang itinerary.

Escapes: Saigon to Lang Co- Introductory Offer
Visit Saigon and its attractions and enjoy a beach stay on the south central coast of Vietnam.
Valid for departures: between 02 May - 30 Sep 2013.
Twin Share per person $2,360* .
Solo Traveller $3,350*
*(includes savings of up to 15%).
Terms & Conditions: Valid for new bookings only made from now until 22 September 2013.
View our Escapes: Saigon to Lang Co itinerary

Experience Counts
A&K specialises in luxury travel for discerning guests and for nearly 30 years, A&K has been delivering outstanding journeys throughout the Orient. The company has eight offices in the region including three in China, two in Cambodia, one in Myanmar and one in Thailand. and over 75 dedicated staff. A bevy of dedicated experts is on hand to deliver expertly designed holidays with nothing left to chance.

DIFFERENT STYLES OF TRAVEL IN THE ORIENT

Signature Journeys
Our 'Signature Journey' label identifies those itineraries which are designed by A&K to present the best way to see a destination, usually for the first time visitor. The itinerary order, the inclusions and the accommodation choices have been made after thorough assessment by the A&K team and as a result have become our bestselling journeys. The label also signifies that we can provide instant confirmation for you on these itineraries for specific dates throughout the year. Generally falling during busy times, this means you won't miss out on the journey you have selected. Nor will you travel as part of a group but rather with your chosen companion in your own private A&K vehicle.

Solo Traveller
More and more travellers are choosing to see the world on their own. Wherever you travel with A&K there's a friendly face on hand at all times from the arrival Meet & Greet to the farewell. Expert guides bring the destination to life and act as companions while round-the-clock support means your safety and security.

A&K's favourite destinations for Solo Travellers in the Orient include: China's Yangzi River on board Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer; the Ayeyarwady River in Myanmar on board Road To Mandalay, south-east Asia by rail on Eastern & Oriental Express and cruising the Mekong on board The Jahan.

Family
Quality time spent with family is increasingly hard to find. An A&K holiday delivers the perfect opportunity: a journey which lets children learn about the wider world in beautiful locations and parents comfortable in the knowledge that every detail is being taken care of.

A&K has specially tailored journeys in China and Vietnam to appeal to travelling families. The pace of each journey is relaxed and touring highlights take in monuments, locations and experiences to appeal to all ages.

Platinum or Gold
For your convenience and flexibility there is a choice of accommodation given on most journeys in this brochure. This allows you to match the style of hotel, cruise or lodge to your tastes and budget. Those properties with A&K's Platinum grading represent the finest in the destination with upgraded room types a feature. They are handpicked by A&K for the service they deliver, the facilities and their location. Properties with A&K's Gold grading will appeal to the discerning traveller whose travel plans will not be compromised on service and touring inclusions but whose budget is more modest. These hotels and lodges are more economically priced while retaining a high star rating and A&K's seal of approval.

Tailor-Made Travel
Should one of our featured journeys not fit your requirements, A&K's Tailor-Made travel specialists are on hand to customise your journey. Years of experience in the field and time spent absorbing the precise needs of our guests, mean our specialists will work closely with you, taking into account your preferred travel times, the destinations you wish to cover, the style of accommodation sought and any financial constraints in order to craft your perfect journey.
When to go?
Weather patterns throughout Asia are varied. In the tropics of south-east Asia there is little seasonal temperature variation (average daily high in the 30's) with monsoon season May to November. A vast country like China has enormous variations but in general spring (April-May) and autumn (Sept-Oct) are optimum times to visit.

A&K Guides
A&K guides are the best in the business. Each has extensive knowledge and a singular ability to bring local attractions to life. These individuals are multilingual and well travelled, each possessing fascinating insight into the diverse attractions and cultural interactions present throughout the region.

In Cambodia you may well come across Samban Nhean, affectionately known as Sam, who was born in Siem Reap province and has been guiding for 16 years. His friendly and thoughtful nature has allowed the AKP supported project, now known as Sam's Wells, to take shape and flourish.

A&K Special Inclusions
Unless specified otherwise in this section, itineraries throughout the Orient are private journeys for you and your chosen travelling companions (you are not part of a group). The service begins with an A&K airport welcome, assistance with luggage and transportation by private air-conditioned chauffeur drive, complete with bottled water and cool towels. Your own uniformed A&K English speaking guide conducts the sightseeing and is your key contact on the ground. Breakfasts are included and most lunches with soft drinks, tea and coffee. A&K journeys include accommodation and sightseeing as outlined in each itinerary.

Our partner airlines
We work with the best airlines to fly you to the Orient. Our preferred partners are:


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