Itinerary
- Day 1
Bangkok
Land in Bangkok and settle in for a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive before then, you'll have time to check out the city on your own - Khao San Road's backpacker scene, the Grand Palace's intricate architecture, or Chatuchak Market where you can haggle for deals. Later in the evening, head out for dinner with the rest of your group.
Optional Activities
- Walk around Khao San Road
- Visit the Grand Palace
- Explore Chatuchak Market
- Dinner and nightlife in Bangkok
Landmarks Grand Palace Khao San Road Chatuchak Market - Day 2
Bangkok
Walk through Bangkok's oldest neighborhoods on a guided tour of Chinatown. Stop by food stalls along Sukorn Alley and browse through Sampeng wholesale market filled with local goods. You'll visit Wat Mangkon Kamalawat temple and have lunch included - try either Fish Ball Noodles or Tom Yam Pork Noodles at Labour Egg Noodle. The afternoon is free before heading to the train station for an overnight journey.
- Meals
- Lunch (Famous Labour Egg Noodle - Fish Ball Noodles or Tom Yam Pork Noodles)
Included Activities
- Chinatown walking tour
- Visit Wat Mangkon Kamalawat
- Walk through Sampeng wholesale market
- Lunch at Labour Egg Noodle restaurant
Optional Activities
- Stop at food stalls on Sukorn Alley
Landmarks Wat Mangkon Kamalawat Sampeng Lane - Day 3
Chiang Mai
Pull into Chiang Mai in the morning and get settled at a guesthouse in the city center. From here, the day is yours to shape however you want. Climb the 300+ steps up to Doi Suthep for mountain views, book a traditional Thai massage, take a cooking class, or browse the night bazaar. Your leader can also set up a bar-hopping tour through the Nimman area if that interests you.
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Doi Suthep
- Traditional Thai massage
- Cooking class
- Night bazaar visit
- Bar-hopping adventure in Nimman area with leader
Landmarks Doi Suthep Chiang Mai Night Bazaar - Day 4
Chiang Mai
Another day to explore Chiang Mai however you like. In the morning, you could try a 1.5-hour Muay Thai class with professional trainers, or choose something completely different like ziplining, white water rafting, cycling, visiting temples, or getting a massage. It's your day to build however you want it.
Optional Activities
- 1.5-hour Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) class with professional trainers
- Ziplining
- White water rafting
- Cycling around the area
- Temple visits
- Traditional massage
- Day 5
Chiang Mai to Nan
After breakfast, take a local bus to Nan and check into your hotel. Once you've freshened up, head out to explore the town. Wat Phumin is Nan's most famous temple, originally built in 1596 and restored during the reign of Chao Ananta Vora Ritthi Det. Spend the evening wandering around at your own pace.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Wat Phumin
Landmarks Wat Phumin - Day 6
Nan
Start with a free morning to explore Nan - maybe grab coffee and wander through a gallery by the Nan River. Later, head to Cocoa Valley chocolate farm for a tour and workshop where you'll learn about making aroma bags, lip balm, or candles. Travel to Pua District to see a hand-weaving center and learn about the Tai Lue community. Your leader will take you to the evening market, and there's an optional dinner at a local restaurant.
Included Activities
- Visit Cocoa Valley chocolate farm
- Cocoa farm workshop (aroma bag, lip balm, or candle making)
- Hand-weaving centre visit in Pua District
- Village exploration in Pua
Optional Activities
- Gallery visit by Nan River
- Evening market exploration
- Dinner at local restaurant
Landmarks Nan River - Day 7
Nan to Luang Prabang
Travel through rural countryside toward the Laos border and stop at Muang Ngeun village in Xayaburi Province to explore local Buddhist temples and see traditional Tai-Lue cotton weaving. Continue to Luang Prabang and take an orientation walk through the old city. Hike up Wat Phu Si for sunset, then head to Talad Mued Night Market for a local BBQ feast called Sindad - grilled meat cooked on a charcoal stove.
- Meals
- Dinner (Local BBQ feast (Sindad) at Talad Mued Night Market)
Included Activities
- Local village visit in Muang Ngeun
- Explore local Buddhist temple in Muang Ngeun
- Luang Prabang orientation walk
- Wat Phu Si sunset hike
- Talad Mued Night Market local BBQ dinner
Landmarks Wat Phu Si Phu Si Mountain - Day 8
Luang Prabang
Have the morning free to explore Luang Prabang on your own terms. Visit Kuang Si, a three-tiered waterfall surrounded by jungle vegetation where you can hike or swim in the pools. Later in the day, board a boat and cruise down the Mekong River as the sun sets over Asia's longest river.
Included Activities
- Sunset Mekong River cruise
Optional Activities
- Visit Kuang Si waterfall
- Round-trip hike at Kuang Si
- Swimming at Kuang Si waterfall base
Landmarks Kuang Si Waterfall Mekong River - Day 9
Luang Prabang
The day is free in Luang Prabang. Take a tuk-tuk to Wat Xieng Thong, a 16th-century temple built under royal patronage where Laotian kings were crowned - check out the carved gilded wooden doors depicting Buddha's life. Or just wander the streets, take photos, hike Mt Phu Si, or sign up for a cooking class.
Optional Activities
- Visit Wat Xieng Thong
- Hike on Mt Phu Si
- Cooking class
- Street exploration and photography
Landmarks Wat Xieng Thong Mt Phu Si - Day 10
Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng
Get up early to see saffron-robed monks on their daily alms collection, a centuries-old practice where townspeople wait outside their homes to offer food. After that, the rest of the day is free to explore town or markets - maybe try noodle soup at a French cafe. Later, transfer to the train station for a high-speed train to Vang Vieng, where you'll see mountains, rivers, and limestone cliffs along the Nam Song.
Included Activities
- Alms giving ceremony viewing
Optional Activities
- Explore town or markets
- Lunch at French cafes
Landmarks Nam Song River - Day 11
Vang Vieng
Today you've got the freedom to shape however you'd like in Vang Vieng. If you're interested in caves, cross the river to check out the West Bank where you'll find massive caverns including Tham Poukham cave, which has a blue-green lagoon and a reclining Buddha statue inside. Prefer something different? You could rent a bike and cycle around town, hop on the Nam Song River for kayaking, or head out to the nearby 16th and 17th century monasteries. Hiking and boating are also options, so it really depends on what appeals to you most for the day.
Optional Activities
- Explore caves on the West Bank of Vang Vieng
- Visit Tham Poukham cave with blue-green lagoon and reclining Buddha statue
- Cycling tour of Vang Vieng
- Kayaking on the Nam Song River
- Explore nearby 16th and 17th century monasteries
- Hiking in the Vang Vieng area
- Boating activities
Landmarks Tham Poukham Cave Nam Song River - Day 12
Vang Vieng to Vientiane
After breakfast, take a private bus to Vientiane, Laos' capital. Start with a French-influenced breakfast with fresh coffee and baguettes before visiting Wat Si Saket, the oldest temple in the city with almost 7,000 Buddha images inside. Your leader will show you around this chic, French-influenced city and take you to COPE, an organization assisting those affected by unexploded ordnances from the Vietnam War. Tonight, explore dinner options with your group on Quai Fa Ngum Road.
- Meals
- Breakfast (French-influenced coffee and baguette)
Included Activities
- Breakfast with French-influenced coffee and baguette
- Visit Wat Si Saket
- Leader-led city orientation walk
- COPE organization visit
Optional Activities
- Dinner on Quai Fa Ngum Road
Landmarks Wat Si Saket Quai Fa Ngum Road - Day 13
Vientiane to Hanoi
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Hanoi, Vietnam's capital. A driver meets you and takes you to your hotel where you'll have a second group meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, wander the streets at your own pace. Later, catch up with your group over food and fresh bia hoi at roadside stalls, watch the motorbike action, or explore the city's bars and cocktail scene.
Optional Activities
- Street exploration upon early arrival
- Bia hoi (fresh beer) at roadside stall
- Food with group
- Nightlife exploration (bars and cocktails)
- Watch motorbike traffic
- Day 14
Hanoi
Free day to explore Hanoi however you like. Check out your reflection in Hoan Kiem Lake, walk shaded boulevards, or relax in a park with street food. Visit museums like Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, or Fine Arts Museum. Grab lunch at KOTO, an organization developing hospitality careers for disadvantaged youth. Explore centuries-old architecture as the sun sets.
Optional Activities
- Visit Hoan Kiem Lake
- Walk along shaded boulevards
- Relax in public park with street food
- Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
- Visit Temple of Literature
- Visit Fine Arts Museum
- Lunch at KOTO
- Street food sampling (spring rolls in rice paper)
Landmarks Hoan Kiem Lake Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Temple of Literature - Day 15
Hanoi to Cat Ba Island
Travel by bus and ferry to Cat Ba Island, the largest island in Lan Ha Bay which is part of UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay. Cruise around Lan Ha Bay surrounded by thousands of limestone islands and traditional junk boats. Enjoy a seafood lunch prepared by your onboard chef. In the afternoon, kayak through peaceful waters and watch the sunset over this dramatic landscape.
- Meals
- Lunch (Seafood lunch prepared by onboard chef)
Included Activities
- Boat trip on Lan Ha Bay
- Seafood lunch prepared by onboard chef
- Kayaking through Lan Ha Bay
Landmarks Lan Ha Bay Ha Long Bay - Day 16
Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh
Take a ferry back to the mainland and head to Ninh Binh province, once Vietnam's capital in the 10th and 11th centuries and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join a local guide on a cycling tour to visit the ancient citadel. Although it once covered 300 hectares, few remains survive today. You'll visit 17th-century temples honoring King Dinh and King Le, plus other temples, pagodas, monuments, and lush grounds surrounded by mountains.
Included Activities
- Cycling tour of ancient citadel
- Visit Temple of King Dinh
- Visit Temple of King Le
- Visit temples, pagodas, and monuments
Landmarks Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel - Day 17
Ninh Binh
Free day to explore Ninh Binh's wonders. Hike to Mua Cave and climb 500 steps to the mountain peak for great views of Hoa Lu and Ngo Dong River. Or take a boat tour past limestone karst peaks, caves, temples, and film locations from King Kong. Tonight, board an overnight train to Hue.
Optional Activities
- Trek to Mua Cave
- Climb 500 steps to Mua Cave mountain peak
- Boat tour past limestone karsts, caves, and temples
Landmarks Mua Cave Ngo Dong River - Day 18
Hue
Arrive by train in Hue, Vietnam's former imperial capital. You'll have the day free to explore - spend a couple of hours in the massive walled citadel and Forbidden Purple Palace, cruise the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda on a dragon boat, browse Dong Ba Market for local goods and street food, or cycle to royal tombs like Emperor Tu Duc's. Tonight, join a local family for a freshly prepared homemade dinner.
- Meals
- Dinner (Freshly prepared dinner with local family)
Included Activities
- Home-cooked dinner with local family
Optional Activities
- Explore Hue citadel and Forbidden Purple Palace
- Dragon boat cruise on Perfume River
- Visit Thien Mu Pagoda
- Explore Dong Ba Market
- Cycle to royal tombs (Emperor Tu Duc's tomb)
- Try banh Khoai royal rice
Landmarks Hue Citadel Forbidden Purple Palace Thien Mu Pagoda Dong Ba Market Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc Perfume River 
- Day 19
Hue to Hoi An
Travel by private bus to Hoi An, a unique town influenced by Europe, China, Vietnam, and Japan. Your leader will walk you through restored streets that look like the area from 100 years ago and show you quieter spots tourists often miss. Visit a historic trader's house, 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 pastime.
Included Activities
- Hoi An Old Town walking tour
- Visit historic house (former trader's home)
- Visit Japanese Covered Bridge
- Visit Chinese assembly hall
- Museum visit
Optional Activities
- Play bingo with leader in town square
Landmarks Japanese Covered Bridge Hoi An Old Town 
- Day 20
Hoi An
Cycle through beautiful surroundings to Tra Que Vegetable Village, established over 500 years ago. Tour an organic vegetable and herb garden run by a local chef where you can see, smell, and taste Vietnamese food ingredients. Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch with ingredients you helped pick. The afternoon is free to explore Central Market for paintings, woodwork, ceramics, and lanterns, visit tailors for same-day custom clothing, or wander lantern-lit streets.
- Meals
- Lunch (Freshly prepared lunch using ingredients picked during tour)
Included Activities
- Garden-to-table tour with local chef at Tra Que Vegetable Village
- Freshly prepared lunch with picked ingredients
Optional Activities
- Cycling through Hoi An surroundings
- Central Market browsing
- Same-day tailor services
- Evening lantern-lit street walks for photography
Landmarks Tra Que Vegetable Village Hoi An Central Market - Day 21
Hoi An to Quy Nhon
Leave Hoi An and drive to Quy Nhon, a coastal city in Bình Dinh province. You have a free afternoon and evening to explore at your own pace. Optional activities include visiting Banh It Tower or Cahn Tien Tower for scenic views, taking a food tour to try local specialties like banh xeo tom nhay or nem nuong, hiking at Eo Gio for coastal views, or dining at local restaurants.
Optional Activities
- Visit Banh It Tower
- Visit Cahn Tien Tower (Bronze Tower)
- Food tour sampling local specialties
- Hike to Eo Gio for coastal views
- Dining at local restaurants
Landmarks Banh It Tower Cahn Tien Tower Eo Gio 
- Day 22
Quy Nhon
Free day to explore Quy Nhon or try optional activities you might have missed yesterday. Visit Con Chim Ecological Zone for fishing or stand-up paddleboarding, head to Ky Co Beach, or take a day trip to Hon Kho Island for swimming. Grab snacks in the afternoon for your overnight train. Board the train to Ho Chi Minh City this evening and watch rural Vietnam pass by through changing light.
Optional Activities
- Visit Con Chim Ecological Zone
- Fishing at Con Chim Ecological Zone
- Stand-up paddleboarding at Con Chim Ecological Zone
- Visit Ky Co Beach
- Day trip to Hon Kho Island
Landmarks Con Chim Ecological Zone Ky Co Beach Hon Kho Island - Day 23
Ho Chi Minh City
Arrive early in Ho Chi Minh City and transfer to your hotel. Explore markets in the early morning, trying pho with local traders. With your group, visit a local market to browse street foods and try iconic Saigon iced coffee with condensed milk as your leader shares stories about life here. Tonight, gather with your group for a meal and drinks on Pham Ngu Lao Street.
Included Activities
- Local market visit
- Local coffee experience
Optional Activities
- Early morning market exploration
- Pho breakfast with local traders
- Meal and drinks on Pham Ngu Lao Street
Landmarks Pham Ngu Lao Street - Day 24
Ho Chi Minh City
Free morning for leisure breakfast or people-watching. You'll have another meeting at 6 pm to meet new group members. While you wait, explore Ben Thanh Market, snack on chao tom (barbecued shrimp paste on sugar cane sticks), or visit Reunification Palace or War Remnants Museum.
Optional Activities
- Ben Thanh Market exploration
- Chao tom (barbecued shrimp paste) snacking
- Visit Reunification Palace
- Visit War Remnants Museum
- Leisurely breakfast
- People-watching
Landmarks Ben Thanh Market Reunification Palace War Remnants Museum - Day 25
Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh
Travel to Phnom Penh by public bus - a long journey that includes two border crossings and a lunch stop. This is a great opportunity to bond with fellow travelers through books or road trip games, and your guide will help with border formalities. Upon arrival, treat yourself to a traditional Khmer massage at Seeing Hands, an organization supporting visually impaired masseurs.
Optional Activities
- Traditional Khmer massage at Seeing Hands
- Day 26
Phnom Penh
Start with an authentic local breakfast near a market. Then visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and Killing Fields of Choeung Ek - sobering but important historical experiences. Explore other sights in your own time like Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, National Museum, or Wat Phnom (Buddhist temple built in 1372). Later, enjoy an included sunset river cruise with a drink as you sail past the city. End the evening at a rooftop bar with city views.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Authentic local breakfast near market), Dinner (Sunset river cruise with included drink)
Included Activities
- Local breakfast near market
- Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) visit
- Killing Fields of Choeung Ek visit
- Phnom Penh orientation walk
- Sunset river cruise with included drink
Optional Activities
- Visit Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda
- Visit National Museum
- Visit Wat Phnom
- Rooftop bar with city views
Landmarks Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum Killing Fields of Choeung Ek Royal Palace Silver Pagoda National Museum Wat Phnom - Day 27
Phnom Penh to Koh Rong
Leave Phnom Penh by private bus to Sihanoukville, then take a speed boat to paradise island Koh Rong. You'll have a couple of days to relax on island time. This afternoon, swim, relax on warm sandy shores, and stroll the coast in the balmy evening searching for somewhere to dine - your leader has great recommendations.
Optional Activities
- Swimming
- Beach relaxation
- Coastal evening stroll
- Dinner exploration
Landmarks Koh Rong Island - Day 28
Koh Rong
Another free day to chill at the beach. Soak in the sun, order cocktails or cold beers, and swim in Koh Rong's serene waters. If you're feeling active, ask your leader about hiking options - there's jungle and hidden waterfalls inland waiting to be discovered. Tonight, party it up at Nest Beach Club, a lively spot known for its nightlife.
Optional Activities
- Beach sunbathing
- Swimming
- Cocktails and cold beers
- Jungle hiking
- Waterfall discovery
- Nest Beach Club nightlife
Landmarks Nest Beach Club - Day 29
Koh Rong to Isanborei
Leave the island and head to Isanborei, a rural community in Sambor Preikuk UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 100 ancient temples. This community-based tourism project involves seven Khmer villages conserving the historic area while providing job opportunities. Meet your local guide and hosts, tour the village, and enjoy a traditional homemade Khmer dinner with your host family as the sun sets over the rice fields.
- Meals
- Dinner (Traditional homemade Khmer dinner with host family)
Included Activities
- Village tour with local guide
- Homestay in Isanborei
- Introduction to local people and host family
- Traditional homemade Khmer dinner with host family
Landmarks Sambor Preikuk - Day 30
Isanborei to Siem Reap
Have breakfast prepared by your host this morning. Optionally visit nearby Sambor Preikuk Temple (6th century ruins), cycle through rural roads past rice fields and local workers, or sample Sombai Cambodian Liqueur. Say goodbye to your hosts and travel to Siem Reap, home to Angkor Wat. Browse the central markets and pick up local food for dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast prepared by local host)
Optional Activities
- Visit Sambor Preikuk Temple
- Cycling through rural village
- Sample Sombai Cambodian Liqueur
- Central markets exploration
Landmarks Sambor Preikuk Temple 
- Day 31
Siem Reap
Head out early this morning to visit the Angkor complex at sunrise - the world's largest religious structure spreads across 400 acres of temples. Take a guided tuk-tuk tour with a local social enterprise supporting women's employment to see Angkor Wat, the grand Bayon, and jungle-covered Ta Prohm. Some buildings are over 1,000 years old from the Khmer Empire. If you'd like, nap and return for sunset views.
Included Activities
- Angkor Temples guided tour by tuk-tuk
- Angkor Wat sunrise viewing
- One day Angkor Pass
- Siem Reap orientation walk
Optional Activities
- Sunset viewing at temples (second entry with time between)
Landmarks Angkor Wat Bayon Temple Ta Prohm 
- Day 32
Siem Reap to Bangkok
Fly from Siem Reap to Bangkok today, traveling unescorted on the flight. Upon arrival, explore Chinatown for street food dinner, relax with a Thai massage, or celebrate your final evening with sunset drinks at a rooftop bar.
Optional Activities
- Chinatown street food dinner
- Thai massage
- Sunset drinks at rooftop bar
- Day 33
Bangkok
Your trip comes to an end with no planned activities. Bangkok offers plenty of options if you're interested: Grand Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha, or Jim Thompson Museum. If you'd like to stay in Thailand longer, speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Optional Activities
- Visit Grand Palace
- Visit Temple of the Emerald Buddha
- Visit Jim Thompson Museum
Landmarks Grand Palace Temple of the Emerald Buddha Jim Thompson Museum
