Follow Gordon and discover the food of South-East Asia

Travelsphere, one of the UK’s leading operators of escorted tours, is offering guests the opportunity to awaken their culinary senses and follow in the footsteps of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay whose new Channel 4 documentary sees him embark on a gastronomic adventure through South-East Asia.

The tour operator offers a 21 day trip that takes in Laos, Vietnam & Cambodia, a 12 night holiday to Thailand and a 13 night holiday to Malaysia providing holidaymakers with a glimpse into the cuisine of these fascinating countries.

This week’s Gordon's Great Escape to South-East Asia, the first of the four-part series, sees Gordon travel thousands of miles across Cambodia sampling a host of surreal, unusual and delicious foods including local delicacies, fried tarantula, stuffed frog and raw baby duck eggs. Gordon also meets gifted student Sopheak who shows him how to cook perfect pork and pumpkin curry and then invites him to join him for the culmination of his journey, preparing a traditional banquet for Cambodia’s royal family. In his quest to learn more about Asian food, the four-part series sees him visit Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand.
 
13 days in Malaysia from £1,975 per person - From a guided tour of a tea plantation to dinner in the KL Tower, Malaysia is a truly unique travel experience. Journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the lush heartland of this diverse South-East Asian country, visit Kuala Lumpur and Malacca and discover unspoilt jungles, palm-fringed beaches, the unique Cameron Highlands and Penang. Departing on various dates between September and October 2011, the 13 day Malaysia tour costs from £1,975 per person. Price includes return flights from London Heathrow to Kuala Lumpur returning from Penang, internal flights, transfers, 11 nights’ accommodation on a mixed board basis and eight excursions.
 
21 days in Laos, Vietnam & Cambodia from £3,085 per person - Enjoy bustling local markets, sacred stupas, temples & floating villages on this exciting culinary journey. This remarkable trip starts in Bangkok, Thailand’s seductive capital, continues to enigmatic Laos, on to beautiful Vietnam, and finally the mystical kingdom of Cambodia including a visit to Angkor Wat. Departing on various dates between September to October 2011, the 21 day tour costs from £3,085 per person. Price includes return flights from London Heathrow to Bangkok, internal flights, nine nights’ accommodation on a mixed board basis and 17 excursions.

12 day in Thailand from just £1,249 per person - Thailand is a country of remarkable contrasts - from the semi nomadic hill tribes of the north to the sophisticated resorts of the south; from the jungle and rice paddies to the palm-fringed beaches and islands; from the rich heritage of a devout culture untouched by western civilization to the endless traffic, noise and vibrant nightlife of Bangkok. Stunning bejewelled palaces and wats (temples) form the backdrop to all you see and do. Departing on various dates from September to December 2011, the 12 day package costs from £1,249 per person. Price includes return flights from London Heathrow to Bangkok, internal flights, transfers, 10 nights’ accommodation on a mixed board basis and 10 excursions.

All prices are based on two people sharing and include the services of an experienced Travelsphere Tour Guide and local Specialist Guide.

Gordon's Great Escape to South-East Asia, Channel 4, 9:00pm, Monday 16th May 2011.

For more information and bookings, visit: travelsphere.co.uk