On this journey we will set out to discover the essential essence of Southern Vietnamese life - so tropically different in style and history from that of the north.

The mountainous provinces of the Cordillera, Northern Philippines, are perfect for trekking. This is the territory of former headhunting tribes who were also the master hydro engineers who constructed the world's first and most impressive rice terraces over 2000 years ago - considered by some to be the eighth Wonder of the World.

Gently cruise the River of Kings, the Chao Phraya, between Bangkok and Ayutthaya, Thailand's former capital, aboard a beautifully converted teakwood rice barge, and watch history unfold.

Cruise the Upper Mekong River between the historic ancient capital of Luang Prabang, a World Heritage site, and Houei Xay, located on the border at the northernmost point of Thailand, near to the infamous Golden Triangle.