Essential Southeast Asia Encompassed

Touch down in Bangkok and drop your bags – it’s time to meet your Adventure Leader and the group. We’ll run through a short pre-departure briefing, outline the itinerary, and help you get to know your fellow travellers so you’re ready for the journey ahead.

This evening we dive straight in with our first unmissable experience – dinner with a tuk-tuk tour. We’ll ride to one of the city’s rooftop restaurants, where you can choose from a range of Thai dishes. After dinner, we’ll cruise past Bangkok’s night-time highlights by tuk-tuk.

Round off the night with skyline views at a rooftop bar. Your Adventure Leader will suggest the best spots.

Bangkok - Chiang Mai. Enjoy a relaxed morning or opt to join an Old City temple tour for a first taste of Bangkok’s history. You can visit the Grand Palace, Wat Pho’s Reclining Buddha, and riverside Wat Arun. If you join the tour, you’ll need to check out in the morning and arrange luggage storage.

Back at the hostel, we regroup, then transfer by bus to the station for our overnight train north to Chiang Mai – classic backpacker style.

We arrive in Chiang Mai in the morning and meet our local pickup. First, we’ll refuel with breakfast, then drive to our countryside homestay.

After a home-cooked lunch, we lace up for an afternoon jungle trek. We’ll transfer to the trailhead and hike around 4–6 km over a couple of hours, with a refreshing waterfall stop along the way.

Return to the homestay for dinner, share stories with the group, and settle in for a cosy night surrounded by nature.

After breakfast at the homestay, we head to a half-day elephant sanctuary experience – an unmissable highlight. Following a short briefing, we’ll take a guided walk to observe the elephants from a safe distance as they graze and socialise in the forest. Midway, we pause at a rest station for traditional refreshments.

By lunchtime, we’ll move to the riverside for a meal, then check in to our next hostel for some downtime.

In the afternoon, you can opt to join a Thai cooking class or catch a high-energy Muay Thai show to experience Thailand’s national sport up close.

This morning we travel by songthaew to a Monk Chat for a direct insight into Thai culture and Buddhism.

Next, we continue to Chiang Mai’s temples, including Doi Suthep – a mountaintop temple with a golden stupa and panoramic views. You can grab lunch at the temple, or opt to visit a nearby waterfall around noon instead.

After a recharge at the hostel, those seeking more adventure can opt for an afternoon trip to the Sticky Waterfall, where the limestone rock helps you climb the cascades.

Enjoy a free evening for dinner at your own pace. Night owls can opt to experience Chiang Mai’s nightlife at Zoe in Yellow – make your own way there and back, and keep your hostel card handy.

Today is free. You can opt for white-water rafting along a 10 km stretch of river, a 3-hour trek through northern landscapes, or both for a full adventure day.

Prefer a slower pace? You can explore Chiang Mai’s Old Town independently. In the afternoon, we’ll visit a lively market to browse souvenirs and sample street food.

Chiang Mai - Luang Prabang. We check out and fly to Luang Prabang. After settling into our accommodation, the evening is yours – you can join an optional group dinner, then explore the Hmong Night Market for crafts, snacks, and local music.

Rise early to opt into the Takbat alms-giving ceremony – a memorable morning tradition.

Active travellers can then opt for a cycling adventure through local villages. You’ll cross the Mekong, visit Ban Som and Ban Na, explore Ban Chan pottery village, and try making traditional jars before riding back to town for lunch.

In the early afternoon, we all transfer to the Kuang Si Waterfalls – an unmissable group experience. We’ll follow tropical trails and swim in turquoise pools.

This evening, you can opt to visit a local home for dinner and a Baci ceremony – a traditional Lao blessing for luck and safe travels.

Enjoy a free day with meaningful options:

You can opt for a Rice Experience at a community farm to learn and try steps of the rice cycle, plus traditional skills like bamboo weaving and blacksmithing.

Alternatively, you can join a Cooking Experience – ride by tuk-tuk to the wet market, shop for ingredients, and learn to prepare Lao dishes before sitting down to your feast.

In the afternoon, you can volunteer with Big Brother Mouse, supporting local English learning.

Luang Prabang - Vang Vieng. We take the train to Vang Vieng, Laos’s adventure hub. After lunch and check-in, we head to Blue Lagoon 2 – our next unmissable experience. Swim, try the rope swing, or relax by the turquoise water. The evening is free – your Adventure Leader has nightlife tips.

Choose your pace today:

You can opt for rock climbing, a biking tour, and a hike to Pha Ngern Viewpoint for sweeping vistas.

Or you can float down the river in a rubber tube, stopping to enjoy the scenery.

The evening is yours to unwind or explore local bars.

Vang Vieng - Hanoi. We travel by bus to the airport and fly to Hanoi. On arrival, we transfer to our hostel. In the evening, you can explore street food spots or opt to join a bar crawl with the group.

This morning we visit Hoa Lo Prison to learn about Vietnam’s history.

We then walk to Hoan Kiem Lake with its central temple and broad French-built streets. You can choose a lunch stop in the Old Quarter.

Enjoy a free afternoon to wander Hanoi’s narrow lanes. In the evening, you can opt for a Water Puppet Show, then an optional group dinner and drinks at the Old Quarter Night Market. If you’re partying, keep it lighter – we have an early bus tomorrow.

Hanoi - Halong bay. Today we travel to Halong Bay. We’ll board a serene cruise in Lan Ha, enjoy lunch on board, and soak up the limestone karsts and emerald waters. We’ll stop to swim and, if you wish, jump from the boat.

As the sun sets, we have dinner on board and stay overnight surrounded by spectacular scenery.

Halong Bay - Phong Nha. We start with morning kayaking through hidden lagoons and around towering cliffs. After lunch on the boat, we return by bus to Hanoi.

Freshen up at our accommodation before boarding the sleeper bus to Phong Nha for the next leg of our adventure.

On arrival in Phong Nha, we check in and head out. We’ll cycle to Bong Lai Village for laid-back countryside views and a stop at the ‘Pub With Cold Beer’ for a chilled drink, volleyball, and a relaxed afternoon.

Ask your Adventure Leader for evening suggestions in Phong Nha.

Phong Nha - Hoi An. Today is free or you can opt to join a full-day Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park tour.

Paradise Cave – stroll through vast limestone formations.
Dark Cave – ziplining, swimming, mud bath, and SUP boarding.

Lunch, transport, and entrance fees are included on the tour.
Note: the main zipline has a 90 kg or 200 lbs limit, but the mini zipline is open to all. You’ll be back by late afternoon – expect to be muddy and happy.Enjoy a free evening for dinner. Pick up a bakery snack for tomorrow’s journey – food options are limited en route. We take the sleeper bus from Phong Nha to Hoi An.

We arrive in Hoi An and transfer to our accommodation. Use the morning to rest or ask for tips to explore at your own pace.

You can opt to try a classic experience – coconut basket boats – gliding along waterways and learning about local farming practices.

In the afternoon, we regroup for an unmissable Ancient Town visit. Your Adventure Leader will guide you to the entrance, then you’ll have free time to wander the lanes, discover temples, and see the Japanese Bridge.

Join an optional group dinner, then explore Hoi An’s lantern-lit bars and riverside spots.

Today is yours. You can opt to visit Ba Na Hills by cable car to explore Le Jardin, old wineries, French villa remains, and Linh Ung Pagoda.

Alternatively, you can visit a local farm or rent a bike for one of Hoi An’s beaches.

In the evening, enjoy local cuisine or opt to see the Hoi An Memories Show – an outdoor performance tracing 400 years of history.

Hoi An - Danang - Ho Chi Minh. This morning we join a traditional lantern-making workshop – a hands-on cultural highlight and a take-home keepsake.

We then transfer to Da Nang Airport for a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City. After check-in, the evening is yours: opt for a group dinner, visit a rooftop bar, wander the bar street, or join a bar crawl.

We start with a guided city tour of key Saigon landmarks. You can join the group for lunch, then enjoy a free afternoon.

You can opt to visit the War Remnants Museum for deeper context on the Vietnam War.

In the evening, dive into Saigon’s nightlife – from street food to buzzing bars. Street food ideas: banh mi, pho, goi cuon, banh xeo, fresh BBQ skewers, and che for dessert.

This morning you can opt to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels by private transport and pay a small entrance fee. Crawl through sections, see hidden chambers, and gain a real sense of history.

In the afternoon, you can opt for a Vietnamese coffee workshop to learn and taste iconic brews.

This evening we regroup for an unmissable experience – a private 2-hour karaoke session – then continue the celebrations in the city.

Ho Chi Minh - Phnom Penh. We travel by bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh, crossing the Moc Bai border. The journey takes around 9 hours.

On arrival, we meet our Cambodian Adventure Leader, check in, and stretch our legs on a city walk. Later, we regroup at a rooftop restaurant for a welcome chat about the adventures ahead.

You can opt to join a group welcome dinner, then sample Phnom Penh nightlife on Bassac Lane with free shots at each bar and a little karaoke along the way.

This morning we take a guided tuk-tuk tour of S21 Prison and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek – a sobering but essential experience.

The rest of the day is yours. You can opt for a Tonle River sunset cruise with drinks and fruit, then head to the Phnom Penh Night Market for souvenirs and street food.

Phnom Penh - Sihanoukville - Koh Rong. We set off for Sihanoukville and ferry to Koh Rong Sanloem, known for soft sand and clear water. On arrival, we meet our local guides and check in.

Seasonal unmissable experience:

October–May: sunset cocktails at a cliffside bar.
June–September: a walk through natural rock pools at sunset.
Dinner is at Two Ducks – famous for excellent burgers and happy hour. After dark, we don masks and snorkels for a magical bioluminescent plankton swim.

Pease Note:At certain times of the year, particularly during the low season, weather and sea conditions may prevent us from using boats to access some parts of the Koh Rong islands. In such cases, we will adjust the itinerary accordingly and provide alternative activities of similar value.

These conditions may also affect camping and hammock stays. Should this occur, we will adapt the tour to include village homestays or accommodation on other beaches around the island.

After a buffet breakfast, we trek through a fishing village to Clearwater Bay for swimming, beach time, and a picnic lunch. We then take a boat to snorkel over nearby coral before returning to unwind.

Depending on the season, we either camp under the stars on the beach or join a beachfront pub quiz and bonfire.

Koh Rong - Siem Reap. Start the day your way:

October–May: you can opt for morning yoga.
You can opt for a guided shore dive with SSI instructors and a divemaster.
You can opt for a leisurely kayaking tour.
Confident swimmers can join a coral reef clean-up.
Prefer to relax? Beach time is always an option.

We enjoy a beachside BBQ lunch. In the afternoon, you can opt to join a beach clean-up with locals or head out for kayaking if you missed it earlier.

Later, we return to the mainland and take the sleeper bus to Siem Reap.

We arrive early and check in for a few hours’ rest.

Late morning, we explore the riverside and Royal Gardens, browse the Made in Cambodia market, and receive a blessing at Wat Prum Rat Temple.

In the afternoon, you can opt for a spa session. In the evening, you can opt to see the Phare Circus – acrobatics with a Cambodian storyline that supports free education and arts training.

At dawn, we visit Angkor Wat for sunrise and spend a few hours exploring the complex, including Ta Prohm.

In the afternoon, you can opt for the APOPO Hero Rats tour by tuk-tuk to learn how rats assist with demining.

Come evening, you can opt for a 1.5-hour pedal-pub ride with a drink included, then sample Cambodian delicacies like crickets, frogs, and silkworms if you’re adventurous.

This morning we join a half-day cycling tour through lotus fields and a typical village, with stops to learn about duck farming, rice cultivation, and local palm wine.

In the afternoon, you can opt to visit Cambodia Wake Park for watersports – from inflatable courses to wakeboarding and an inland beach.

In the evening, we share a farewell dinner and celebrate the journey.

After 31 days across Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia, it’s time to say goodbye to your travel crew. We’ll help with local advice for onward plans – until the next adventure.