Travel Deals: Hike in Malaysia or cycle through France

Plus a brand-new cruise down the Mekong and a bird's eye view of the Grand Canyon in this week's travel offerings.

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United States

Starting off in Las Vegas, this exciting trip runs through Nevada, Arizona and Utah to visit some of the most famous national parks in the US. Walk the Navajo Loop in Bryce National Park, see the cascades at Zion National Park, explore Monument Valley's red mesa and go on an optional jeep trip with a Navajo guide to learn about the area and Navajo Indians. The trip ends with two nights at the Grand Canyon, with enough time for scenic walks or a flight over the canyon. The 10-day trip costs from £949 (Dh5,706) per person and includes most meals, accommodation and local transport. Visit www.exodus.co.uk or call 0 44 2086755550.

France

The pretty, lake-studded landscape of Poitou-Charentes in western France is the setting for this week-long, self-guided cycling holiday. Dotted with several old villages and surrounded by idyllic woods and sweeping pastures, there are plenty of routes - from easy to challenging - to cycle down. A visit to the Coulonges market, full of stalls selling locally grown fruit and vegetables, is well worth the 40km circuit. Or enjoy a picnic beside le Beugnon lakes after a morning of cycling through green meadows. The seven-day, land-only trip costs from £696 (Dh4,185) per person, including accommodation, most meals and bike hire. For more information, visit www.responsibletravel.com.

Vietnam and Cambodia

Get on board the Jahan for its inaugural journey from Saigon to Siem Reap in October. The luxury cruiseliner will sail on the Mekong River with short stops and excursions to various cities and places of interest along the way. Included in the itinerary are a sampan tour of Cai Be floating market, a visit to the French-colonial town of Chau Doc, a tour of Pnom Penh and a day among the floating villages on the Tonle Sap. The journey ends in Siem Reap. The eight-day "lost civilisation" trip costs from US$3,419 (Dh12,558) per person in a superior cabin, based on two sharing, and includes meals, entrance fees and excursions, port taxes, the services of an experienced English-speaking guide and airport transfers. International airfare not included. For more details, visit www.travelindochina.com.

Malaysia

Intrepid Travel's two-week "land beneath the wind" holiday in Sabah and Sarawak takes visitors on an adventure across the island famous for its orangutans, hot springs and tribal villages. Climb Mt Kinabalu, watch sea turtles lay eggs, spend a night in a simple hut in a local village, visit a local conservation project within Kinabatangan forest and stay in a jungle camp, and try your hand at Malaysian cookery. The trip includes moderate-to-challenging treks and high-altitude climbs. Departures are set throughout the year. From $1,920 (Dh7,052) per person for the 13-day trip, including accommodation, most meals, local transport and a guide. International airfare not included. For more information, visit www.intrepidtravel.com or call 00 61 3 9473 2673.

India

Explore the towns and hill stations of eastern India during Cox and Kings's six-day tour. Also included are excursions to Tshangu Lake in Gangtok and the Dello Hills, a visit to Ghoom monastery, as well as a drive up Tiger Hill to watch the sun set over Mt Kanchenjunga (8,598m). From Dh1,082 per person, including most meals, all local transport, sightseeing as in the itinerary and taxes. International airfare not included. Call 04 3572 628 or visit www.coxandkings.ae.