Southeast Asia Few regions of the world can match Southeast Asia as a destination for its beguiling combination of scenery, culture and cuisine. Here, mighty rivers flow though jagged mountain scenery past brilliant green paddy fields to deserted beaches. The region's vibrant cities are packed with cultural interest: temples, markets and impressive architecture, both ancient and colonial. The people of Southeast Asia are renowned equally for their welcoming smiles and delicious cuisine and our carefully researched collection of treks and tours benefit from both.Temple guardian, Neil CunninghamJapan

F lying via Bangkok we arrive in the former capital, Luang Prabang, where it is easy to imagine bygone days when the king occupied his palace on the banks of the Mekong. After exploring the old city and impressive Pak Ou caves we travel to Luang Namtha and Muang Sing in the northern hill country. Here we make day walks to villages whose women wear tribal costumes lavishly decorated with silver. Namtha is a bio-diversity conservation area and home to a wide variety of exotic animals, plants and birds. We then fly on to atmospheric Vientiane to enjoy the tree-lined boulevards, faded colonial grandeur and grand temples. Throughout this trip we will be staying in colonial style hotels or distinctive lodges. W e will visit some of Laos' ethnically diverse 'minority' tribes who will welcome us to their villages and provide guides, simple accommodation and delicious local food. Our trek therefore helps support the communities we visit. We will trek in the northern mountains out of Luang Namtha and Muang Sing and in the jungles of the Xe Pian National Park in the far south. On trek accommodation in village guest houses will be simple but elsewhere comfortable accommodation includes colonial hotels and good quality eco lodges. This wonderful journey also includes two river journeys on the Mekong, sightseeing in Luang Prabang, a visit to historic Wat Phou and an elephant ride to the strange ruins at Phou Asa.Gentle Trekking Laos Hill tribes, colonial cities and river trips; a thorough exploration of the highlights of Laos. Mekong & Minorities Eco Trek, Laos A rewarding trekking experience through rugged terrain that helps sustain local communities. Guaranteed to run for a minimum of 3 clients£2,145£2,145£2,795£3,165Land OnlyLand OnlyFlight IncludedFlight IncludedFri 04 Feb - Wed 23 Feb 11Fri 11 Nov - Wed 30 Nov 11Fri 03 Feb - Wed 22 Feb 12On Trek: 9 days Local LeaderAccommodation (nts): Hotels: 9 Lodges / Village Homes: 9Optional: Single Room £400Insurance: £99Trek | Duration: 20 DaysOther Christmas trips - pages 12, 14, 26, 30, 32, 36, 40, 45, 51, 52 & 73 Grade: ModerateDay Walks: 5 Local LeaderAccommodation (nts): Hotels: 7 Lodges: 6Optional: Single Room £400Insurance: £95Trek | Duration: 15 Days£1,975£2,645Land OnlyFlight IncludedSat 19 Feb - Sat 05 Mar 11Sat 29 Oct - Sat 12 Nov 11Sat 18 Feb - Sat 03 Mar 12Grade: Gentle Guaranteed to run for a minimum of 3 clientsFor detailed itineraries see www.mountainkingdoms.comFor detailed itineraries see www.mountainkingdoms.com50Download holiday itineraries fromwww.mountainkingdoms.come: info@mountainkingdoms.comLaos & CambodiaThese enticing destinations evoke many images: opulent temples, ancient palaces, languid rivers, jungle villages and atmospheric colonial cities. Our carefully designed itineraries combine classic sights, such as Luang Prabang and Angkor Wat, with some of Indochina's hidden gems.Royal Palace Phnom Penh, Nick RayFri 16 Dec - Wed 04 Jan 12