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. You can ease into the day or join an optional temple tour of Bangkok’s best-known sights. The route takes in the Grand Palace, the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho and Wat Arun on the riverbank. If you join the tour, you will need to check out first and leave your bags in storage.

Later, you have time to freshen up and find dinner close by.

We then head to the station and board the overnight sleeper train north to Chiang Mai.

The train pulls into Chiang Mai in the morning. After a breakfast stop, we travel out to our homestay in the countryside.

Once we have shared a home-cooked lunch, we set off on foot into the jungle around Chiang Mai. The trail includes a stop at a waterfall, where you can cool off in the water.

Back at the homestay, we sit down to dinner together and spend a quiet evening as a group, with the night spent out in the countryside.

After breakfast, we spend the morning at an elephant sanctuary. Following a brief introduction, a local guide leads us into the forest to watch the elephants feed, interact and wander, keeping well back so as not to disturb them.

We pause along the way for traditional Thai refreshments, then make our way down to the river for lunch. Afterwards, we return to Chiang Mai, with time to freshen up and rest.

Your evening is free. You can join an optional Thai cooking class to learn a few local dishes, or watch a Muay Thai show and see Thailand’s national sport up close.

Riding in one of Chiang Mai’s red songthaews, we climb into the hills for a monk chat. It is a chance to hear about Buddhist life first-hand and ask questions about local traditions.

We then explore Wat Doi Suthep, with views across Chiang Mai from its hillside setting.

In the afternoon, you can join an optional trip to the Sticky Waterfall, stopping for lunch first.

If you still have energy, you can make your own way to Zoe in Yellow, one of the city’s best-known nightclubs.

Your day is free. For an active option, you can join a full day of jungle trekking and white-water rafting, or choose either a 10 km rafting trip or a three-hour trek through the countryside around Chiang Mai.

For something slower, you can wander through the Old Town, stopping at temples, cafes and quiet side streets. Your Adventure Leader can suggest a few places to start.

Later, you can visit a local market to shop for souvenirs and try some 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.

Please Note: Private rooms are not available in Mad Monkey Hostel in Luang Prabang

You can spend the morning as you like, or join an optional bike ride through the countryside around Luang Prabang. The route follows forest trails and passes through villages before reaching Ban Chan, a pottery village where you can learn how the clay jars are made and try shaping one yourself.

In the afternoon, we head out to the Kuang Si Waterfalls. Forest paths lead us past blue-green pools and falls, and there is time for a swim before we return to Luang Prabang.

This evening, you can join an optional dinner at a local home, starting with a traditional Baci Ceremony before a Lao meal with your hosts.

Luang Prabang - Vang Vieng. Your morning in Luang Prabang is free, with a few options to fill it. You can rise early to watch the Takbat Lao Ceremony, as monks walk through the streets collecting alms.

Alternatively, you can visit a community farm on an optional Rice Experience, following the journey of rice from the paddy to the table and trying some of the steps yourself. You could also volunteer independently with Big Brother Mouse, helping local people practise their English.

Later, we travel on to Vang Vieng. Our Adventure Leader will share the latest details of the journey before we set off, and the evening is free once we arrive.

You can begin with an optional half-day of rock climbing, tackling Vang Vieng’s limestone cliffs with experienced instructors on hand.

In the afternoon, we head to Blue Lagoon 2 to swim in the lagoon or relax on its banks, surrounded by the area’s scenery.

Your evening is free. Ask your Adventure Leader for ideas if you would like to head out after dark.

Your day in Vang Vieng starts with an optional bike ride through the countryside, followed by a hike up to Pha Ngern Viewpoint for wide views across the town.

In the afternoon, you can float down the river in a rubber tube, with a shared tuk-tuk to the starting point included as part of the activity.

The evening is free to rest, find somewhere to eat or ask your Adventure Leader for tips on a final night out in Vang Vieng.

Vang Vieng - Hanoi. Leaving Laos behind, we head to the airport for our flight to Hanoi. Vietnam’s capital is known for its history, its lakes, its street food and the lanes of its Old Quarter.

On arrival, we make our way into the city and check in.

This evening, you can join the group for dinner, then carry on with a bar crawl through Hanoi.

This morning, we visit Hoa Lo Prison, one of Hanoi’s key historic sites, and learn about the stories behind it and Vietnam’s past.

You can join the group for lunch before heading off to Hoan Kiem Lake. Stroll around the water and visit Ngoc Son Temple, then wander the Old Quarter’s narrow lanes of cafes, shops and street-food stalls.

In the afternoon, you can catch an optional Water Puppet Show, one of Hanoi’s best-known traditions.

Later, you can meet the group at the Old Quarter Night Market for dinner and drinks. It is worth keeping the night low-key, as tomorrow starts early.

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 - Hanoi - Phong Nha. Our last morning on the bay begins with a kayaking session among the limestone scenery.

Back on board, we have lunch before leaving the bay and returning to Hanoi. You can freshen up using the communal showers at the accommodation.

We then board the overnight sleeper bus to Phong Nha.

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. You can spend the day as you like, or join an optional tour of the national park to see two very different caves.

At Paradise Cave, you walk through vast chambers lined with limestone formations. Dark Cave is more hands-on, with swimming, kayaking and other activities depending on conditions. Transport, lunch and entrance fees are part of the tour.

You then have free time and a chance to eat before the evening’s journey. We board the sleeper bus to Hoi An later on.

Please note: Food options are limited on the journey to Hoi An, so it is worth picking up some snacks beforehand.

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.

Your day is free. You can join an optional full-day trip to Ba Na Hills, starting with a cable car ride up into the mountains.

At the top, you can see Le Jardin, the ruins of French villas, Linh Ung Pagoda and the Golden Bridge, with views high above Da Nang. There is also time for Fantasy Park if you want to fit more in.

If you prefer a quieter day, you can relax at the beach.

In the evening, you can watch the optional Hoi An Memories Show, a large-scale production that tells 400 years of local history through music, dance, lighting and traditional costume.

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.

The day begins at the War Remnants Museum, which tells the story of the Vietnam War and its lasting effects.

We then join an orientation tour of Ho Chi Minh City, taking in its key sights and getting our bearings.

In the evening, you can head out to see the city after dark, with plenty of street food and local haunts to discover. Your Adventure Leader can point you towards a few favourite places to eat.

You can start with an optional trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels, exploring the hidden chambers and tight passageways of this wartime network.

Back in Ho Chi Minh City, your time is free to browse the markets, try more street food or pick up a few souvenirs.

This evening, we get together for two hours of karaoke. Afterwards, you make your own way back.

Ho Chi Minh - Phnom Penh. Today we travel by bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh, crossing into Cambodia at the Moc Bai border.

After checking in, we meet our Cambodian Adventure Leader for a welcome chat about the days ahead.

As the city lights come on, we explore Phnom Penh by cyclo, passing its main monuments and stopping for photos along the way. The ride ends at the night market, where our Adventure Leader introduces us to some Cambodian snacks before we take a tuk-tuk back.

This morning, a local guide joins us as we travel by tuk-tuk to Tuol Sleng, also known as S21, and then on to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. It is a sobering morning that helps explain Cambodia’s recent history.

The rest of the day is free. You can join an optional sunset cruise on the Tonle River, with fresh fruit and free-flowing beer or soft drinks on board.

In the evening, you can join the group for dinner before a bar hop along Bassac Lane with a local host, taking in a few bars and some karaoke, then head back by tuk-tuk.

Phnom Penh - Sihanoukville - Koh Rong. Leaving Phnom Penh behind, we travel to Sihanoukville and take the ferry across to Koh Rong Sanloem. On arrival, we meet our island guides and check in.

You can join an optional cocktail-making class at a cliffside bar, learning to mix a couple of house favourites and enjoying them with views of the sea.

As the sun goes down, we head up to the cliffs to watch the sunset over the water towards Koh Rong. You can then join the group for dinner at Two Ducks, known for its burgers and happy hour, and the rest of the evening is free.

Please note: At certain times of year, particularly in the low season, weather and sea conditions may stop boats reaching parts of the Koh Rong islands. If this happens, we adapt the tour and offer alternatives of equal value.
Please note: Conditions may also affect camping and hammock stays. If this happens, we arrange a stay in a village homestay or on a different beach on the island.

After a buffet breakfast, we set out for a full day on and around the water. You can also opt for a scuba diving session with certified instructors.

From November to May, we hike through the fishing village and over the island to Clearwater Bay for a swim and time on the beach, then head out by boat to snorkel over a nearby coral reef. From June to October, we walk through the fishing village to Clearwater Bay for a swim and beach time, followed by an afternoon boat trip to snorkel on the reef.

From November to May, the evening brings a beach bonfire and a snorkel among bioluminescent plankton before we camp out under the stars. From June to October, we head to Long Beach after dark and wade in to watch the plankton light up around us.

You can start the morning with an optional kayaking trip to a neighbouring island, with a beach stop and some snorkelling over the coral reef, or simply relax by the water.

Later, we take part in a House Reef Conservation and Beach Clean. After learning a few snorkelling techniques, half the group clears litter from the reef while the other half works on the beach, swapping over midway so everyone helps in both places.

From November to May, you can head over to Koh Rong in the afternoon to spend a few hours on Long Beach. From June to October, we swim in the island’s rock pools and then watch the sunset from a cliffside bar.

In the evening, you can join an optional village crawl, riding around on a local tractor with drinks and snacks.

Your last morning on Koh Rong Sanloem is free. Depending on the season, you can join a rooftop yoga session above the beach or take on the group at mini golf.

Later, we sample some of Cambodia’s lesser-known tropical fruits at a tasting, learning a little about each one and finishing with a taste of local whisky.

We then leave the island and board the sleeper bus to Siem Reap.

Arriving in Siem Reap, we check in and have some time to rest before heading out of the city.

We cycle through the countryside past rice fields to a local village, stopping to talk with the people who live there. The ride continues to a nearby pagoda, where we receive a traditional blessing for good health and safe travels before pedalling back towards town.

The rest of the afternoon is free, and you can treat yourself to an optional spa session.

In the evening, you can watch the Phare Circus, an energetic Cambodian show combining acrobatics with storytelling, which helps fund arts education for young people.

We rise before dawn to watch the sun come up over Angkor Wat, then spend the morning exploring the temple complex with a local guide. The visit includes Bayon, famous for its giant carved stone faces, and Ta Prohm, where tree roots wind through the ruins.

In the afternoon, you can visit the APOPO Hero RATs centre on an optional guided tour, meeting the rats that sniff out landmines across Cambodia and finding out how they learn the job.

Later, you can join an optional Bugs and Barcycle ride, pedalling around Siem Reap with a drink on the go before trying local delicacies such as crickets, frogs and silkworms. To finish, you can join an optional goodbye dinner with the group.

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.