Epic South East Asia – 32 days

Sawasdee! Welcome to Thailand. Your adventure begins in the bustling hub of Bangkok with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe get to grips with this awesome city and take a walk around Khao San Road or head to the magnificent Grand Palace. As one of the world’s largest marketplaces, Chatuchak Market is also a great place to practice your haggling and pick up some bargains. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your newfound travel companions and hit the nightlife to celebrate the start of an epic adventure.

Today, explore some of Bangkok’s oldest neighbourhoods on a walking tour with your leader. Wander through Chinatown and along the way, maybe stop by some food stalls on Sukorn Alley for some snacks. Visit Wat Mangkon Kamalawat – home to 58 gods, this is said to be one of the most sacred sites in the area. Offer prayers to the Chinese gods, take your time in this sacred place surrounded by gold statues and red lanterns and then finish with a walk through the bustling daytime Sampeng wholesale market. You’ll have an included lunch at the famous Labour Egg Noodle, so tuck into some Fish Ball Noodles or Tom Yam Pork Noodles. The rest of the afternoon is free to do what you like, until your overnight train this evening.

Arrive in Chiang Mai in the morning. The day is yours to choose your own adventure – see how many (or how little) activities you can pack into your day. You’ll stay in a centrally located guesthouse so you’re close to all the action. You can set off on an excursion to the top of Doi Suthep – there are a few hundred steps to climb here, but the views are well worth it – or maybe treat yourself to a traditional Thai massage. You could also take a cooking class so you can impress your friends in the kitchen when you get home. Tonight, check out the night bazaar and practice your bargaining skills. Your leader will also be available to take you and the gang on a bar-hopping adventure around the Nimman area – a trendy neighbourhood full of jazz bars and lounges.

Another free day, another chance to get your fill of Chiang Mai, with a bunch of optional activities to do. In the morning, maybe learn one of the legendary martial arts – Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) with a 1.5-hour class learning the basics with professional trainers. You’ll be shown how to adapt to be the weapon and how to guard – is there a better way to spend a morning? You could also go ziplining, white water rafting or cycling around the area if you’re feeling active. Maybe just wander around the many temples on offer and end the day with a relaxing massage.

This morning after breakfast, take a local bus to Nan. When you arrive, take the chance to refresh at your hotel before heading out to explore the town. Along the way, visit Wat Phumin – Nan’s most famous wat (a sacred Buddhist precinct, home to a temple, a Buddha and an educational facility). This wat was constructed in 1596 and was restored during the reign of Chao Ananta Vora Ritthi Det. The rest of the evening is free to explore at your own pace.

This morning is free to explore Nan how you like. If you want to grab some local bites for lunch, your leader is always on hand with the best recommendations. You’ll have the option today of visiting a gallery by the Nan River, where you can have a coffee and view modern art by local Thai artists. Later, travel to the Pua District and visit a hand-weaving centre and the local woman who started this enterprise inspired by modern design. Learn how she stays true to her Tai Lue roots and helps to provide employment opportunities for the women in the community. See their beautiful craft of handwoven textiles and then explore the village of Pua. Tonight, you’ll head to the evening market with your leader, with the option to go out for dinner at a local restaurant.

Travel through the rural countryside this morning to the border into Laos. After border formalities, you’ll stop at the local village of Muang Ngeun – a small district in Xayaburi Province. The Tai-Lue and Nan people make most of their income through cotton weaving here as well, but in a different style to Thailand. Explore the local Buddhist temple and see the outskirts of Laos before continuing to Luang Prabang. When you arrive, head out on a leader-led orientation walk of ‘the best-preserved city in Southeast Asia’ (the local government started using this phrase, but it caught on for a reason). Tonight, you’ll hike up to Wat Phu Si for sunset. As the sun goes down, witness some epic views over Phu Si Mountain and then head to the Talad Mued Night Market for dinner. Enjoy a local BBQ feast (Sindad is the art of grilling meat on a hot pan – a type of traditional BBQ set on a charcoal stove that has a surrounding rim full of boiling water for blanching vegetables) and toast to a great night.

Today, you’ll head out on a boat for a gorgeous half-day exploration on the Mekong River – the world’s twelfth-longest river and the third-longest in Asia. Cruise past stunning riverside scenery and distant mountains, among overhanding reeds. Stop to stretch your legs and explore the Pak Ou Caves, which contain hundreds of Buddha statues. After a gorgeous day, the rest of the afternoon is free to explore Luang Prabang. Maybe head to the Kuang Si Waterfall and round out your day full of natural beauty with a refreshing swim in nature.

Today is a free day in Luang Prabang. Maybe take a tuk-tuk to visit Wat Xieng Thong – this temple was built in the 16th century under the patronage of the royal family, and the Laotian kings were crowned here. The main viharn (assembly hall) and buildings have carved gilded wooden doors depicting scenes from Buddha’s life. Otherwise, just wander the streets and take photos of the lush greenery and beautiful buildings. You can also take a hike on Mt Phu Si or take on a cooking class and meet some new friends as you gain some skills.

It’s worth getting up early this morning to view the procession of saffron-robed monks on their daily outing collecting alms – a practice that dates back centuries. The people of the town wait out in front of their houses with food for the monks to collect and take back to the temple. This is done early in the morning as the monks cannot eat anything after midday. The rest of the day is free until your late afternoon train to Vang Vieng. Maybe cruise around town or mingle with the locals at the markets. For lunch, you might want to try some delicious noodle soup at one of the top-notch French cafes along the main drag. Later, you’ll take a transfer to the train station and then jump on a high-speed train to your destination. This beautifully located adventure gateway lies on a bend in the Nam Song. Take in the views of mountains, rivers and big limestone cliffs that are so close you’ll feel like you could reach out and touch them.

Today is a free day to explore Vang Vieng however you like – this natural paradise has no shortage of fun activities! Maybe cross the river and explore the huge caves that line the West Bank – Tham Poukham cave has a blue-green lagoon and a reclining Buddha statue that’s well worth a look – or take a cycling tour of the town. You can also go kayaking on the Nam Song River or explore the nearby 16th and 17th century monasteries. With hiking, ballooning and boating options in this gorgeous area, the day is your oyster.

After breakfast this morning, you’ll take a private bus to Vientiane – Laos’ classy capital. Swap your instant coffee and white rice for a latte and a baguette before snapping a few pics at Wat Si Saket – the oldest temple still standing in Vientiane and home to almost 7000 Buddha images. Your trip leader will show you around this chic, French-influenced city and take you to COPE – an organisation dedicated to assisting those who have been injured or affected by the shocking number of unexploded ordnances (UXOs) in the countryside. UXOs are explosive weapons, such as bombs and grenades that still pose a risk after they were used. About 30% of Laos remains contaminated with UXOs from the Vietnam War and poses a serious risk to residents. COPE provides prosthetics and other assistance to people affected by this devastating war history. Grab some dinner with your travel mates tonight, and explore what Vientiane has to offer on Quai Fa Ngum Road.

Today, you’ll say goodbye to your group members and trip leader and head to Hanoi – Vietnam’s capital. You’ll have a second meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe wander these gorgeous streets and see the sights at your own pace. Tonight, grab your new group and see who’s up for some food and a fresh bia hoi at a roadside stall or watch the motorbikes zoom by. Hanoi is also a great place for local beer and cocktail bars, so maybe hit the nightlife and discover what this city has to offer after sundown.

Today is a free day in Hanoi to explore however you’d like. Maybe check out your reflection in beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake, wander along shaded boulevards or relax in a public park with some delicious street food (spring rolls inside rice paper rolls, anyone?). Museum-wise, you could visit the Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, drop into the serene Temple of Literature or get arty at the city’s Fine Arts Museum. Maybe head to KOTO for a delicious lunch – this organisation is dedicated to developing the hospitality careers of disadvantaged youth. If you’re a bit of a foodie, this is also a great Instagram spot! Later, maybe explore the centuries-old architecture as the sun goes down.

Travel by bus and ferry to Cat Ba Island – the largest island in Lan Ha Bay, connected to the UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay. With thousands of little limestone islands scattered around, this area is one of those quintessential Vietnamese scenes in which bright green water is dotted with traditional junk boats and limestone karsts. Take a cruise around Lan Ha Bay and enjoy a seafood lunch prepared by your onboard chef. What could be better? This afternoon, hop off the boat to get up close and personal with this other-worldly landscape by kayak. Paddle through serene waters and then watch the sunset over this awe-inspiring landscape.

This morning, take a ferry back to the mainland and head to Ninh Binh province – once the site of Vietnam’s capital in the 10th and 11th centuries, which is now a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join a local guide on a cycling tour to visit the ancient citadel. This once covered 300 hectares of land, however, the passage of time has left few remains of the once glorious capital. You’ll visit the 17th-century temples built in honour of King Dinh and King Le, among other temples, pagodas, monuments and lush grounds surrounded by mountains.

The day is yours to explore the many other wonders of Ninh Binh. You might like to lace up your hiking boots and trek to the incredible Mua Cave. While the cave sits at the base of a mountain, be sure to make the trek up the 500 steps to the mountain peak for amazing views of Hoa Lu and Ngo Dong River. Or maybe get out on the water and take a boat tour past limestone karst peaks, caves, temples and maybe even the locations of scenes from a King Kong movie. Tonight, board an overnight train to Hue.

Arrive by train in Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. You have today free to do as you please. You can easily spend a couple of hours exploring Hue’s massive walled citadel and the Forbidden Purple Palace that’s enclosed within. Maybe jump on board a dragon boat and enjoy a cruise up the Perfume River to visit the Thien Mu Pagoda. You could also check out Dong Ba Market, which offers locally made goods, fresh produce and some tasty street food. This is a good place to try the dish that Emperor Nguyen used to feast on – the banh Khoai royal rice. If you like being on two wheels, maybe cycle out to one of the royal tombs like the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc (one of the most excellent remaining examples of its kind). Tonight, head into the home of a local family and enjoy a freshly prepared dinner. You’ll be chatting and laughing over your chopsticks in no time!

Continue along the coast to Hoi An by private bus. When you arrive, your leader will take you on a walking tour of this unique town which has been influenced over the years by Europe, China, Vietnam and Japan. The town was a major trading port from the 17th century onwards, and its old-school flavour is written all over its architecture. For a small town, it’s pretty lively. The tour will take you down the streets that are being restored and look a lot like they did 100 years ago, then you’ll discover some of the more chilled out spots. Check out a historic house (formerly home to a prominent trader), the Japanese Covered Bridge, a Chinese assembly hall and a museum. Later, maybe play bingo with your leader in a town square – a popular local past time.

Start the day by cycling through the beautiful surroundings of Hoi An to the organic vegetable and herb gardens of a local chef. See, smell and taste what makes Vietnamese food so delicious. After a tour of the gardens, enjoy a freshly prepared lunch using some of the ingredients you picked during your tour. Much of the food waste here is composted, recycled or reused. The rest of the afternoon is free for your own explorations. Maybe wander to the Central Market and browse the paintings, woodwork, ceramics and lanterns. Hoi An is also famous for its talented tailors, so if you’ve been wearing the same shirt every day (who hasn’t), why not hit one of the same-day tailors and get yourself something new? Tonight, maybe wander the streets, lit up by lanterns and go on a self-guided photo walk.

This morning, your group will make their way to the train station for your second overnight train journey. If you didn’t last night, you might want to rise early and grab some snacks for the train. As you make your way to Ho Chi Minh City, take the opportunity to get to know your group a little better, play a few (or many) rounds of cards or get stuck into a good book. As the light changes outside, you can watch the everchanging scenery pass you by, showing you a glimpse into what rural life is like in Vietnam.

Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City very early this morning and transfer to your hotel. Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is a whirl of sights and sounds. You can still see the French influence in the top-notch baguettes and coffee. Compared to the north, the food here is spicier, sweeter and more varied. Maybe take advantage of the early morning by checking out the markets and tucking into a bowl of pho with the local traders. With your group, you’ll visit a local market, where you can browse the exotic street foods and maybe take the chance to try some. Then try the iconic Saigon cafe sua da (iced coffee with condensed milk) amid the market’s everyday bustle as your leader shares stories about life in Ho Chi Minh City. Tonight, why not get your group together for a meal and some drinks on Pham Ngu Lao Street?

This morning is free for a leisurely breakfast or some people-watching. You’ll have another meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your new group members. While you wait, maybe wander the Ben Thanh Market, snack on chao tom (barbecued shrimp paste on sticks of sugar cane) or visit the Reunification Palace or the War Remnants Museum.

Today, travel to Phnom Penh on a public bus – this is a long journey that includes two border crossings and a stop where you can grab some lunch. Have your favourite books or road trip games ready – this is a great opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers better. Your guide will assist with the formalities at both sides of the border. When you arrive, why not treat yourself to a traditional Khmer massage to ease the tension? Look no further than Seeing Hands – a great organisation supporting visually impaired masseurs.

Today, you’ll have an authentic local breakfast near one of the markets. Then, the group will head to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek – both sobering but important and informative experiences in Cambodia. After, you may like to explore some of the sights in your own time, like the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, which both offer brighter aspects of Cambodia’s past. You might also head for the National Museum or Wat Phnom – a Buddhist temple built in 1372. The main centre of the city sits on the Western bank of the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers. In the evening, you’ll head out with your group for a sunset river cruise and enjoy an included drink as you sail along the water and see the city from a different perspective. Then, you might like to hit up a rooftop bar with some amazing views of the city – there are tonnes of options to choose from, so just ask your leader, and they’ll point you in the right direction!

Today, leave Phnom Penh on a private bus to Sihanoukville. Then, you’ll take a speed boat to the paradise of Koh Rong. You’ll have a couple of days on the island to really bliss out and adjust to island time – this afternoon is for swimming, relaxing on the warm sandy shores of the beach and walking along the coast in the balmy evening in search of somewhere for dinner (your leader will have some great recommendations).

Today is another free day to chill at the beach. Soak in the sun, order a few cocktails or cold beers to cool down and go swimming in the serene waters of Koh Rong. If you’re looking for something active, maybe ask your leader for your hiking options, as there’s plenty of gorgeous jungle and hidden waterfalls waiting to be discovered inland. Tonight, why not party it up at Nest Beach Club – a lively spot known for its nightlife.

This morning, you’ll leave the island behind and head for Sambor Prei Kuk, once the capital of Cambodia in the 7th century. Head to your homestay in Isanborei – a rural countryside community that maintains a traditional lifestyle. When you arrive, take a tour of the village with your local guide who will introduce you to the local people, your homestay and your hosts. Tonight, catch the sun setting over the rice fields before unwinding as you enjoy a traditional homemade Khmer dinner with your host family.

Enjoy breakfast prepared by your local host this morning. If you didn’t get a chance yesterday, you can visit the nearby Sambor Preikuk Temple – some of the oldest ruins in the country (dating back to the 6th century). Maybe opt to cycle over the rural roads through the village, passing locals working in the rice fields, or perhaps try a sample of Sombai Cambodian Liqueur. After a day of exploring, say goodbye to your homestay hosts and travel on towards Siem Reap – home to the bucket list site, Angkor Wat. When you arrive, maybe spend some time looking around the central markets and pick up some delicious local food for dinner tonight.

Early this morning, you’ll visit the mighty Angkor complex at sunrise – this is the largest religious structure in the world, and it’s pretty special to see the dawn rise over the temples. Get the camera ready because these 400 acres are full of picturesque settings. You’ll take a guided tour of the complex on a Tuk-tuk with a local social enterprise that focuses on providing employment opportunities for women in the community – and see the larger-than-life Angkor Wat, the grand Bayon and the jungle-covered Ta Prohm. Some buildings are over a thousand years old from the Khmer Empire – these beauties were known to represent the cosmic world and were set in perfect balance, symmetry and composition. If you like, try to catch the majesty of the temples at sunset, too – you can even head back to your accommodation after your guided tour for a nap and then re-enter the site in the late afternoon.

Goodbye Cambodia, hello Thailand. Drive from Siem Reap to Bangkok in a private minivan today. After a long travel day, arrive in Bangkok. The khlongs (canals) are a great way to escape from all the chaos – maybe take a boat to the popular Chinatown for a delicious street food dinner. A traditional Thai massage may also be a good option to relax into the evening. There’s some great nightlife and rooftop bars to explore here, so be sure to stake out a place with your travel buddies and watch day turn to night, celebrating your final evening.

There are no activities planned for today and your trip comes to an end. Bangkok is full of things to do, including the Grand Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha, or the Jim Thompson museum. If you’d like to stay in Thailand for longer, just speak to your booking agent.