Essential Southeast Asia Encompassed

Arrive in Bangkok and make your way to our starting hostel. There is a pre-departure welcome briefing at 17:00, so you can get to know the rest of the group and our tour leader. Please note that we can arrange pre-tour accommodation for you.

At around 18:30, we head out for an included tuk-tuk ride to a local rooftop restaurant. Get to know your fellow travellers over this included dinner. We'll then hop back on our tuk-tuks for a quick tour of the city's main sights. The tour will end at around 21:00 - 21:30 back at the hostel.

Bangkok - Chiang Mai. This morning, join our optional tour to Bangkok's main temples, including Wat Pho, Wat Arun and the Grand Palace (approx 1,000 THB).

Mid-afternoon, we are transferred to the train station where we board our overnight train to Chiang Mai. We board at about 19:45 and dinner is served onboard. However, the quality is not great, and we recommend bringing plenty of snacks with you. Alcohol is not permitted on the train. Please note that sometimes, overnight trains are not available. Alternative arrangements will be made in this scenario.

We should arrive in Chiang Mai just before 9:00. We'll make a stop so you can grab some breakfast and then will transfer to our homestay in the hills of Chiang Mai. Enjoy a included freshly prepared lunch before we head out for a day of trekking in this incredible landscape. We will trek for 2-3 hours, with an approximate distance of 4-6 km. We will enjoy a swimming stop at a local waterfall, so wear your swimsuit under your clothes if you'd like to enjoy a dip.

Back at our homestay, we enjoy dinner and a unique night in one of the homestay's simple local houses. Note that if you have paid for a room upgrade on your tour, this will be unavailable at the homestay.

This morning, we are collected from the hostel and transferred to Chang Chill Elephant Park, an ethical, hands-off elephant sanctuary. With a local guide, we will walk into the forest to observe the elephants from a safe distance as they feed and socialize. Lunch is included at the elephant park before we head to our hostel for tonight.

You can enjoy an evening at leisure or join an optional cooking class (approx 800 THB). There is also a Muay Thai show for those interested in this Thai martial art (approx 600 - 1,000 THB).

This morning, we can ride a traditional songthaew to Wat Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai's most famous temple. Back at the hostel, you can spend the rest of the day at leisure, or join an optional tour to the Sticky Waterfall, known for its unusual face.

If the group fancies it, we can head out for a few drinks at some of Chiang Mai's popular bars this evening.

Today is completely free for you to explore Chiang Mai at your own pace, or to partake in some of the optional activities available. You can enjoy trekking (approx 1,400 THB), white water rafting (approx 2,400 THB) or both (approx 2,900 THB), and will need to book these activities in with your tour leader in advance.

If you prefer, head into the Old Town independently, your tour leader will be able to advise you on where to go. You could visit the local market too, a great place to enjoy local street food and shop for souvenirs.

Chiang Mai - Luang Prabang (Laos). We are saying goodbye to Thailand as we cross the border into Laos and head to the city of Luang Prabang. The exact timings of our journey vary by departure, your tour leader will make sure you have all the necessary information. Many nationalities can get a Laotian visa on arrival, but please check in advance of your tour.

After settling in to our accommodation, we can head out for a group dinner, and perhaps browse the famous Hmong night market.

You can choose to rise before sunrise if you'd like to see the Takbat Lao Ceremony, when local monks collect food from all around the city. There's also an optional cooking experience this morning (approx USD $20). If joining this tour, a tuk-tuk will pick you up from the hostel, whisking you off to explore a local wet market where you can pick up fresh ingredients for your cooking experience. Upon arrival, enjoy a refreshing welcome drink and a brief rest before diving into a hands-on cooking class. Other optional activities this morning include volunteering at Big Brother Big Mouse, a local school or a rice experience (approx USD $36). Finally, you can opt for a cycle ride to a pottery making class (approx USD $22).

After a morning of activities, we have an included trip to the famous Kuang Si Waterfalls this afternoon. We will be able to hike around the waterfalls and enjoy a swim at this scenic spot. Back at the hostel, there's an optional dinner at a local home (approx USD $21) where you will join a Baci ceremony.

Today is completely free for you to explore Luang Prabang, or you can join our optional visit to an ethno-village (approx USD $30). From the hostel, you will travel by local transport to the boat pier, where you'll embark on a scenic Mekong River cruise. First stop: a riverside village, offering a glimpse into local daily life and customs. Continue to the renowned Whisky Village to learn the craft behind their famous rice wine and whisky, with a chance to sample the local brew. Sail onward to the Pak Ou Caves, home to over 4,000 Buddha statues and accessible only by boat, adding to its mystique. Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant before the return trip to town, where you'll finish the day watching the sunset over the stunning views from Mt Phousi.

Luang Prabang - Vang Vieng. We are leaving Luang Prabang today, and heading to Vang Vieng. Put your swimsuit on underneath your clothes, as we are stopping en route at Blue Lagoon 2, a beautiful natural pool at the foot of a mountain. We'll spend around 3 hours here, with plenty of time for you to have a swim. We'll arrive at our hostel in Vang Vieng at about 17:00, and the rest of the day is at leisure.

You can enjoy another free day today. Our tour leader will be leading an optional bike ride to the Pha Ngern View Point (approx USD $5), and you can also opt for a half day rock climbing experience (approx USD $30) or try your hand at tubing (approx USD $6).

Vang Vieng - Vientiane - Hanoi (Vietnam). At around 9:00 we depart Vang Vieng and head to the airport in Vientiane, Laos' capital city. We are flying to the Vietnamese capital, Hanoi, and will then travel by public bus (86) to the centre of the city and our hostel. Some members of the group may be ending their tour in Hanoi, and others may be joining the group. To help everyone get to know each other, we suggest a group dinner tonight, and perhaps a bar crawl - our tour leader will know the best spots in town.

Today’s itinerary begins with an included visit to Hoa Lo Prison, known as the "Hanoi Hilton" during the Vietnam War, offering insight into the nation’s complex history. Next, you can head to Hoan Kiem Lake, a serene spot with a central temple steeped in legend, surrounded by wide, French-designed streets in the heart of Hanoi’s historic district. Enjoy a leisurely walk around the lake, observing locals as they gather for games and activities. If you’re ready for a bite, explore the nearby Old Quarter, packed with street food options showcasing Hanoi’s culinary diversity.

In the afternoon, enjoy free time to wander Hanoi’s narrow streets, learning the art of crossing its famously lively roads. For an authentic cultural experience, end your day with an optional Water Puppet Show - a traditional art form unique to northern Vietnam (approx 100,000 VND).

Hanoi - Halong Bay. We are travelling to Halong Bay by bus. You can leave your luggage at the hostel and just bring a day bag with you for our night at Halong. On arrival, we'll board our Halong Bay cruiser and set sail. See Lan Ha Bay and enjoy plenty of swimming opportunities, plus don't forget to jump off the boat into the emerald waters. Lunch and dinner are included onboard.

Halong Bay - Phong Na. This morning, there's time for kayaking, included as part of the cruise. You will enjoy mesmerizing views of the karst limestone islets that Halong is known for. We enjoy lunch onboard before disembarking and heading back to Hanoi. Arriving at around 17:00, you have time to freshen up and take a shower before we board the sleeper bus bound for Phong Na.

Arriving in Phong Nha around 4:00, we’ll head straight to our hostel to catch up on some well-deserved rest. Later, we set off on an included scenic bike ride to Bong Lai village, where we’ll stop at a laid-back pub - perfect for a refreshing drink, a friendly game of volleyball, and a hearty local meal. As evening approaches, ask your tour leader for top recommendations to experience the best of Phong Nha’s lively nightlife.

Phong Nha - Hoi An. Today is at leisure in Phong Nha, or you can join an optional tour to the Phong Nha’s vast cave systems, including Paradise Cave and Dark Cave (approx 1,350,000 VND). Lunch is included on this tour, and remember your swimsuit - this activity needs to be booked with your tour leader in advance.

We are travelling to Hoi An aboard the sleeper bus tongiht, so grab some snacks and download something to watch on Netflix - we'll set off at around 19:30.

Arriving in Hoi An at around 4:00, you’ll have the morning to rest at our accommodation. In the afternoon, dive into local culture with an included hands-on lantern-making workshop, creating one of Hoi An’s most iconic crafts. Then, enjoy an included guided tour of the ancient town and picturesque riverfront, uncovering Hoi An’s rich history as a key trading port shaped by Japanese and Vietnamese influences. See the Japanese Bridge and other town highlights. In the evening, join your group for an optional dinner to sample some of the region’s flavours.

Enjoy a free day to discover Hoi An at your own pace, or consider a day trip to Ba Na Hills (approx 1,670,000 VND) - a charming French-style village accessible via the world’s longest cable car. Here, explore Le Jardin, old wineries, remnants of French villas, and the serene Linh Ung Pagoda. You can also see and walk across the famous Golden Hands Bridge.

For a closer look at local life, visit a nearby farm or rent a bike to explore Hoi An’s scenic beaches. As evening falls, dive into the local cuisine or explore the vibrant nightlife. For a truly unique experience, join us for the Hoi An Memories show (approx 600,000 - 1,200,000 VND) - a captivating live performance that brings Hoi An’s 400-year history to life with stunning lights and sound.

Hoi An - Da Nang - Ho Chi Minh City. Start your morning with a quintessential Vietnamese experience - an optional ride in a traditional coconut basket boat (approx 450,000 VND). Glide along the waterways in these unique, round vessels before making your way to a local farm, where you’ll get a hands-on glimpse of rural life and farming practices in Vietnam. Then it's time to say goodbye to Hoi An and transfer to the airport in Da Nang for our included flight to Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon. Enjoy a quiet evening at the hostel, or we can head out for a group dinner and a bar crawl.

This morning our tour leader will lead a 2.5 hour orientation tour of Ho Chi Minh City, which was once the capital of South Vietnam. Our tour ends with an optional group lunch at a local restaurant and the rest of the day is at leisure. We strongly recommend a visit to the War Remnants Museum (approx 40,000 VND), where you can learn more about the turbulent history of Vietnam and the Vietnam War. You could visit the local night market this evening.

This morning, opt to explore the Cu Chi tunnels (cost dependent on group size), an impressive underground network used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. You can even have a go at firing automatic weapons at the firing range, for an extra fee. In the afternoon, dive into an optional hands-on coffee workshop (approx 450,000 VND), where you’ll master the art of making Vietnamese coffee and enjoy tastings in a cosy local shop. For a memorable final night in Ho Chi Minh City, we gather with the group at a lively karaoke bar tonight - perfect for sharing laughs and singing along!

Ho Chi Minh City - Phnom Penh (Cambodia). Today we are crossing the border into Cambodia and making our way to the country's capital, Phnom Penh. You will need USD $40 cash and a passport photo in order to get your Cambodia visa. On arrival, we'll take a 2-hour orientation walk with our tour leader and there's an optional group dinner tonight too.

For those that fancy it, enjoy a bar crawl along Bassac Lane (approx USD $10), the city's main nightlife hub. You'll get a free t-shirt and free shots at each bar.

We have a new tour leader for the final part of our journey. Get to know them at a welcome meeting this morning, before we embark on an included visit to S21, also known as Tuol Sleng and the Killing Fields. This is a shocking but educational experience, as you learn about the horrors of the Khmer Rouge regime, which massacred around one third of all Cambodians in just a few short years from 1975 - 1979.

In the afternoon, you can opt to relax at the hostel or join a sunset cruise on the Tonle River with a local guide and unlimited beer and soft drinks. Our tour leader will be heading out to the night market tonight, if you wish to join them.

Phnom Penh - Sihanoukville. We set off for Sihanoukville and board a ferry to Koh Rong Samloem, a tranquil island paradise famed for its powdery white sands, clear turquoise waters, and serene atmosphere. Arriving at around 13:00, you can spend a relaxing afternoon on the beach or opt for an adventurous kayaking experience (approx USD $15).

As evening approaches, we’ll gather at a cliffside bar to enjoy refreshing cocktails while taking in a spectacular sunset. Later, head down to the beach, where we’ll wade into the water to experience the magical glow of bioluminescent plankton under the night sky.

This morning, we enjoy an included buffet breakfast at a local cafe.

October - May departures
At around 10:00, we collect our camping equipment for tonight’s adventure, then stroll to the beach to set up our tents. Once everything is ready, venture through the local fishing village to the stunning Clearwater Bay.

Here, you can enjoy a refreshing swim or simply relax on the beach while indulging in a picnic lunch (included). After an hour of leisure, a boat will take you to snorkel the vibrant coral reefs at a nearby island before returning to the village. Please note that this activity is weather dependent, and you’ll be responsible for any drinks purchased on the boat.

After cleaning up, explore the village for dinner before gathering your overnight bag and walking back to your camping spot with your guide for a cozy night under the stars.

June - September departures
At 11:00, your guide will meet you for a trek to Clearwater Bay, passing through a charming traditional fishing village. Upon arrival, unwind with a swim or relax on the beach while enjoying a picnic lunch (included).

After an hour of leisure, a boat will take you to snorkel the vibrant coral reef at a nearby island before returning to the village. Please note that this activity is weather dependent, and you'll be responsible for any drinks purchased on the boat.

During the rainy season, the tropical rains fill a natural series of cascading rock pools just a 20-minute walk from the village. At 16:00, embark on a scenic jungle walk to these refreshing pools, where you can enjoy a dip in the cool waters before heading back to the village for a free evening. Please note that this activity is also weather dependent, and dinner is not included.

Sihanoukville - Siem Reap. Kickstart your day with a range of exciting options to choose from. If you’re feeling adventurous, join a scuba diving session led by certified SSI instructors and a divemaster, where you can explore the underwater world (approx USD $50 - 110). Alternatively, you can participate in a beach clean-up, working alongside local islanders to combat marine plastic pollution by collecting debris from the shore (minimum donation of USD $2.50). If you prefer a more leisurely morning, simply relax under the sun and soak up the rays.

After your morning activities, savour a delicious included BBQ lunch on the beach, taking in the beautiful surroundings and playing football, frisbee and other games. In the afternoon, we make our way back to the mainland by speedboat. We are catching the sleeper bus bound for Siem Reap.

We’ll arrive at our hostel bright and early, and you can enjoy a few hours of well-deserved rest.

Late in the morning, head back into the city for an included walking tour that takes us along the riverside, through the Royal Gardens, and to the Made in Cambodia market. During the tour, you’ll also receive a blessing for safe travels at Wat Prum Rat Temple.

In the afternoon, treat yourself to a rejuvenating spa session at a nearby facility. As evening falls, consider joining your group for a visit to the Phare Circus (approx USD $18). This remarkable social organization provides free education and arts training to over 1,200 children each year. Their acrobatic performances tell a unique Cambodian story while supporting the development of the arts in the community.

Today is perhaps the most awaited day of your month in Southeast Asia. We wake early for an included visit to Angkor Wat at sunrise, one of the world’s true ancient wonders. With insights from your expert local guide, explore this magnificent temple and uncover the history of the ancient Khmer Empire. Afterwards, continue to the enigmatic Bayon Temple, celebrated for its towering carved faces, and Ta Prohm Temple, known for its atmospheric ruins and giant trees weaving through the stonework - a stunning site made famous by the Tomb Raider film.

In the afternoon, hop on a tuk-tuk for the Apopo Hero Rats Tour (approx USD $12), where you'll discover how specially trained rats are playing a vital role in Cambodia’s demining efforts, proving to be among the most effective tools in landmine detection.

As evening sets in, you can join a lively 1.5-hour tour on a pedal-pub car, complete with a complimentary drink as you pedal through the city (approx USD $10). Afterwards, dive into Cambodian culinary culture with the chance to sample local delicacies including crickets, silkworms and frogs.

Start your final full day of the tour with an included half-day cycling trip through scenic lotus fields and an authentic Cambodian village. Along the way, we’ll stop to explore local life up close, visiting a duck farm, learning about traditional rice cultivation, and even sampling some local palm wine.

In the afternoon, for those seeking adventure, there’s an option to visit Cambodia Wake Park (approx USD $24), where you can spend an exhilarating few hours on the water. Try your hand at wakeboarding, navigate the inflatable obstacle course, or simply relax on their inland beach.

As evening falls, gather with your group for a memorable farewell dinner (not included), a chance to look back on the highlights of your journey and share stories from your adventure.

Siem Reap - Bangkok (Thailand). After an incredible 31 days exploring Southeast Asia’s breathtaking landscapes, today marks the final day of your adventure. It’s time to bid farewell to your travel companions as you make your way back to Bangkok. You’ll arrive by bus around 17:00, leaving you with fond memories and a lifetime of stories. Safe travels!