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 fast-paced Japan, there's a well organised infrastructure here supported by elegant and sophisticated hotels.

50 years of travel with A&K - Experience counts

Established in Kenya in 1962, Abercrombie & Kent founded the original African safari company. As travelling choices broadened, new destinations were identified and subsequent operations set up. A&K has been operating in the Orient for nearly 30 years and today there are eight offices throughout the region including three in China, two in Cambodia and one in Myanmar. A bevy of dedicated experts is on hand to deliver expertly designed holidays with nothing left to chance. A&K talent in China includes the likes of Gerald Hatherly, resident China Specialist since 1986, whose accolades include top travel specialist for China from Conde Nast Traveler in 2009.

A&K specialises in luxury travel for discerning guests and expertly designs holidays to match. It does not compromise by lessening standards to capture a broader audience. This means the quality and range of special experiences and services is unparalleled and hand-selected.

Individualised travel, tailor-made for you

Throughout the Orient, A&K delivers individualised and personalised travel. Itineraries are tailor-made - and the only limitations are for those cruising the Yangzi or Ayeyarwady Rivers where there are specific cruise departures and designated river guides who share their expertise with all onboard. Otherwise, guests travel at their own pace with their chosen companion and their own guide and driver. In Beijing there's even an elite arrival service to fast track passengers through immigration to luggage collection (Platinum only). When guests have lunch included the menu is a la carte, they make their own selections with their guide to steer them in the right direction. Added extras like tea, bottled water, soft drinks and local beer are also included during lunches.

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.

When to go?

Spanning a great distance from north to south 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.

Family

Quality time spent with family is increasingly hard to find. An A&K holiday delivers the perfect opportunity: this is a bespoke journey tailored to your needs letting children learn about the wider world in beautiful locations, parents relaxing in the knowledge that someone else is in charge, home comforts in hand-picked lodgings, fun and adventure for young and old alike. 

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.

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 onboard Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer; the Ayeyarwady River in Myanmar onboard Road To Mandalay and south-east Asia by rail on Eastern & Oriental Express.

Preferred airlines:  Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Thai Airways

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.

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.

Insider Access

In Hanoi, spend a half day with a local chef, cooking and dining in her family home in the Old Quarter. You'll visit the market, prepare tasty northern Vietnamese dishes and learn about local dining culture while enjoying the hospitality of a Hanoi resident.