Itinerary
- Day 1
Bangkok
You'll arrive in Bangkok and head to a 6 pm welcome meeting to connect with your group. If your flight gets in early, there's time to check out Khao San Road, walk through the Grand Palace, or browse Chatuchak Market before meeting everyone. After the welcome meeting, you'll explore Bangkok's nightlife scene with your new travel companions.
Optional Activities
- Walk around Khao San Road
- Visit Grand Palace
- Browse Chatuchak Market
- Dinner with travel companions
- Explore Bangkok nightlife
Landmarks Grand Palace Chatuchak Market Khao San Road - Day 2
Bangkok
A guided walking tour takes you through Bangkok's oldest neighbourhoods, including Chinatown and Sukorn Alley. You'll see Wat Mangkon Kamalawat temple and then browse through Sampeng wholesale market. Lunch at Labour Egg Noodle is included, and then the afternoon is free before you head to the train station for your overnight departure.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at Labour Egg Noodle - Fish Ball Noodles or Tom Yam Pork Noodles)
Included Activities
- Chinatown walking tour
- Visit Wat Mangkon Kamalawat
- Sampeng wholesale market visit
- Lunch at Labour Egg Noodle
Optional Activities
- Food stall stops on Sukorn Alley
- Dinner and evening activities
Landmarks Wat Mangkon Kamalawat Sampeng Lane - Day 3
Chiang Mai
You'll arrive in Chiang Mai this morning and get settled at your centrally located guesthouse. The rest of the day is yours to plan. You could climb Doi Suthep for great views, try a traditional Thai massage, sign up for a cooking class, or check out the night bazaar. Your leader can also help arrange a bar-hopping adventure in the trendy Nimman area if that interests you.
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Doi Suthep
- Traditional Thai massage
- Cooking class
- Night bazaar visit
- Bar-hopping in Nimman area with leader
Landmarks Doi Suthep - Day 4
Chiang Mai
Another free day in Chiang Mai with lots of optional activities on offer. There's a 1.5-hour morning Muay Thai class with professional trainers, or you could try ziplining, white water rafting, or cycling. If you prefer something quieter, wander through the many temples and finish the day with a relaxing massage.
Optional Activities
- Muay Thai class (1.5 hours) with professional trainers
- Ziplining
- White water rafting
- Cycling around the area
- Temple visits
- Relaxing massage
- Day 5
Nan
After breakfast, you'll take a local bus to Nan. Once you arrive, refresh at your hotel and then start exploring the town. You'll visit Wat Phumin, Nan's most famous temple from 1596. The evening is free to explore at your own pace and get familiar with the area.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Wat Phumin
Optional Activities
- Explore Nan town
- Evening exploration
Landmarks Wat Phumin - Day 6
Pua
The morning is free for exploring Nan on your own, and you might check out a gallery by the Nan River with local Thai art. Later, you'll tour Cocoa Valley farm to learn about cocoa bark waste management and take a workshop making aroma bags, lip balm, or candles. You'll also visit a hand-weaving centre in Pua District and explore the village. Your leader meets the group at the evening market, where you can grab dinner at a local restaurant.
Included Activities
- Cocoa Valley farm tour and workshop
- Hand-weaving centre visit
- Pua village exploration
- Evening market visit with leader
Optional Activities
- Gallery visit by Nan River
- Dinner at local restaurant
Landmarks Cocoa Valley Nan River - Day 7
Nan - Muang Ngeun - Luang Prabang
You'll travel through rural countryside toward Laos and pass through border formalities. Stop at Muang Ngeun village in Xayaburi Province to see the local Buddhist temple and learn about Tai-Lue and Nan cotton-weaving traditions. Then you'll continue to Luang Prabang for an orientation walk through Southeast Asia's best-preserved city. Hike up to Wat Phu Si for sunset views before heading to Talad Mued Night Market for a traditional BBQ feast.
- Meals
- Dinner (Traditional BBQ feast (Sindad - grilled meat on hot pan with boiling water rim for blanching vegetables) at Talad Mued Night Market)
Included Activities
- Muang Ngeun village visit
- Local Buddhist temple visit
- Luang Prabang orientation walk
- Wat Phu Si sunset hike
- Talad Mued Night Market visit
- Traditional BBQ dinner (Sindad)
Landmarks Wat Phu Si Phu Si Mountain - Day 8
Luang Prabang
The morning is free to explore Luang Prabang at your own pace. You'll visit Kuang Si waterfall, a beautiful three-tiered cascade surrounded by tropical foliage where you can hike or swim. Later, board a boat to cruise down the Mekong River at sunset and watch the light change across Asia's longest river.
Included Activities
- Sunset Mekong River cruise
Optional Activities
- Kuang Si waterfall visit
- Round-trip hike at Kuang Si
- Swimming at Kuang Si
Landmarks Kuang Si Waterfall Mekong River - Day 9
Luang Prabang
You have a free day in Luang Prabang. Take a tuk-tuk to visit Wat Xieng Thong, a 16th-century temple where Laotian kings were crowned, with carved gilded wooden doors depicting Buddha's life. Alternatively, wander the streets, hike Mt Phu Si, or take a cooking class to meet other travelers and pick up new skills.
Optional Activities
- Visit Wat Xieng Thong
- Street walking and photography
- Mt Phu Si hiking
- Cooking class
Landmarks Wat Xieng Thong Mt Phu Si - Day 10
Vang Vieng
Wake up early to watch the saffron-robed monks' daily alms procession, a centuries-old tradition where townspeople wait outside their homes with food. Spend the rest of the day exploring town or visiting local markets. Enjoy lunch at a French café, then head to the train station to board a high-speed train to Vang Vieng on the Nam Song River, surrounded by mountains, rivers, and limestone cliffs.
Optional Activities
- Monks' alms procession viewing
- Town exploration
- Market visits
- Lunch at French cafés
Landmarks Nam Song River - Day 11
Vang Vieng
This free day lets you check out Vang Vieng's natural scenery. Cross the river to explore caves on the West Bank, including Tham Poukham cave with its blue-green lagoon and reclining Buddha statue. Alternatively, take a cycling tour, go kayaking on the Nam Song River, explore 16th-17th century monasteries, go hiking, or try boating.
Optional Activities
- Cave exploration (Tham Poukham)
- Cycling tour
- Kayaking on Nam Song River
- Monastery visits
- Hiking
- Boating
Landmarks Tham Poukham Cave Nam Song River - Day 12
Vientiane
After breakfast, travel by private bus to Vientiane, Laos's capital. You'll visit Wat Si Saket, the oldest temple still standing in Vientiane with almost 7000 Buddha images. Tour this French-influenced city and visit COPE, an organization assisting those injured by unexploded ordnances from the Vietnam War. Enjoy dinner with your group and explore Quai Fa Ngum Road's evening offerings.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Wat Si Saket visit
- COPE visit
- Leader-guided city tour
Optional Activities
- Dinner with travel companions
- Quai Fa Ngum Road exploration
Landmarks Wat Si Saket - Day 13
Hanoi
You'll depart Vientiane for your flight to Hanoi, Vietnam's capital. A driver meets you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel. At 6 pm, you'll attend a second group meeting. If you arrive early, explore the city at your own pace. Tonight, join your new group for street food, fresh bia hoi (beer), or discover Hanoi's nightlife and cocktail bars.
Optional Activities
- Street exploration and sightseeing
- Street food and fresh bia hoi
- Roadside stalls and markets
- Nightlife and cocktail bars
- Day 14
Hanoi
You have a free day to explore Hanoi at your own pace. Check out Hoan Kiem Lake, wander through shaded boulevards, or relax in a public park with street food. Visit the Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, Temple of Literature, or the Fine Arts Museum. Try lunch at KOTO, an organization developing hospitality careers for disadvantaged youth, and explore historic architecture as the sun goes down.
Optional Activities
- Hoan Kiem Lake visit
- Boulevard walks
- Street food exploration
- Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh
- Temple of Literature visit
- Fine Arts Museum
- KOTO lunch
- Architecture exploration
Landmarks Hoan Kiem Lake Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh Temple of Literature Fine Arts Museum - Day 15
Cat Ba
Travel by bus and ferry to Cat Ba Island, the largest island in Lan Ha Bay (connected to UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay). Cruise around Lan Ha Bay with thousands of limestone islands and traditional junk boats. An included seafood lunch is prepared by your onboard chef. In the afternoon, kayak through serene waters and watch the sunset over the limestone landscape.
- Meals
- Lunch (Seafood lunch prepared by onboard chef)
Included Activities
- Boat cruise around Lan Ha Bay
- Kayaking excursion
- Seafood lunch prepared by onboard chef
Landmarks Lan Ha Bay Ha Long Bay Cat Ba Island - Day 16
Ninh Binh
After taking a ferry back to the mainland, travel to Ninh Binh province, formerly Vietnam's capital in the 10th-11th centuries and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join a local guide on a cycling tour of the ancient citadel, visiting 17th-century temples honoring King Dinh and King Le, along with pagodas, monuments, and lush grounds surrounded by mountains.
Included Activities
- Bike tour with local guide
- Ancient citadel visit
- 17th-century temples visit
- Pagodas and monuments exploration
Landmarks Temple of King Dinh and King Le - Day 17
Ninh Binh
You have a free day to explore Ninh Binh's highlights. Trek to Mua Cave and climb 500 steps to the mountain peak for great views of Hoa Lu and Ngo Dong River. Alternatively, take a boat tour past limestone karst peaks, caves, temples, and King Kong movie locations. Tonight, board an overnight train to Hue.
Optional Activities
- Mua Cave trek with 500 mountain steps
- Boat tour past limestone karst peaks, caves, temples
Landmarks Mua Cave Hoa Lu Ngo Dong River - Day 18
Hue
You'll arrive in Hue, Vietnam's former imperial capital, by train in the morning. This free day lets you explore the walled citadel and Forbidden Purple Palace, or cruise the Perfume River by dragon boat to visit Thien Mu Pagoda. Browse Dong Ba Market for local goods and street food, try banh Khoai royal rice, or cycle to royal tombs like Emperor Tu Duc's. Tonight, dine at a local family's home for a homemade meal and conversation.
- Meals
- Dinner (Freshly prepared dinner at a local family home)
Included Activities
- Home-cooked dinner with local family
Optional Activities
- Citadel exploration
- Forbidden Purple Palace visit
- Dragon boat cruise on Perfume River
- Thien Mu Pagoda visit
- Dong Ba Market visit
- Royal tomb cycling tours
- Emperor Tu Duc tomb visit
Landmarks Forbidden Purple Palace Thien Mu Pagoda Dong Ba Market Perfume River Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc 
- Day 19
Hoi An
Travel to Hoi An by private bus along the coast. Your leader will guide you through this unique town, influenced by European, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Japanese cultures. You'll visit historic houses, the Japanese Covered Bridge, a Chinese assembly hall, and a museum. Explore restored streets with 100-year-old architecture, discover quieter neighbourhoods, and optionally play bingo in a town square, a popular local pastime.
Included Activities
- Hoi An Old Town walking tour
- Historic house visit
- Japanese Covered Bridge visit
- Chinese assembly hall visit
- Museum visit
Optional Activities
- Bingo game in town square
Landmarks Japanese Covered Bridge Hoi An Old Town 
- Day 20
Hoi An
Cycle through Hoi An's surroundings to Tra Que Vegetable Village and tour a local chef's organic vegetable and herb garden established over 500 years ago. See, smell, and taste ingredients that make Vietnamese food special. Enjoy freshly prepared lunch using vegetables you picked yourself. The afternoon is free to explore the Central Market, browse paintings, woodwork, ceramics, and lanterns. Visit same-day tailors if you need custom clothing, then stroll through lantern-lit streets for great photos.
- Meals
- Lunch (Freshly prepared lunch using vegetables picked during garden tour)
Included Activities
- Garden-to-table experience with local chef
- Tra Que Vegetable Village tour
- Lunch prepared from picked ingredients
Optional Activities
- Central Market browsing
- Tailor visits for custom clothing
- Evening lantern-lit street strolls
Landmarks Tra Que Vegetable Village Hoi An Central Market - Day 21
Quy Nhon
Leave Hoi An and drive to Quy Nhon, a coastal city in Binh Dinh province. The afternoon and evening are free to explore at your own pace. Optional activities include visiting Banh It Tower for hilltop views, Cahn Tien Tower (Bronze Tower), food tours featuring banh xeo tom nhay (crunchy prawn pancakes), nem nuong (grilled pork rolls), bun ca (fish noodles), hiking at Eo Gio for coastal views, or dining at excellent local restaurants.
Optional Activities
- Banh It Tower visit
- Cahn Tien Tower (Bronze Tower) visit
- Food tour with local specialties
- Eo Gio hiking
- Local restaurant dining
Landmarks Banh It Tower Cahn Tien Tower Eo Gio 
- Day 22
Quy Nhon
You have a free day to explore Quy Nhon's optional activities. 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 in blue-green waters. Pick up snacks this afternoon for your overnight train journey toward Ho Chi Minh City. During the trip, play cards, read, or watch the changing rural Vietnamese landscapes pass by.
Optional Activities
- Con Chim Ecological Zone visit
- Fishing
- Stand-up paddleboarding
- Ky Co Beach visit
- Hon Kho Island day trip
Landmarks Con Chim Ecological Zone Ky Co Beach Hon Kho Island - Day 23
Ho Chi Minh City
You'll arrive early in Ho Chi Minh City and transfer to your hotel. Explore this whirlwind of sights and sounds, seeing French colonial influences in baguettes and coffee. The food here is spicier and more varied than the north. Visit early morning markets and enjoy pho with local traders. Your group visits a local market to browse street foods and stalls, then try authentic Saigon cafe sua da (iced coffee with condensed milk). Tonight, gather your group for dinner and drinks on Pham Ngu Lao Street.
Included Activities
- Local market visit
- Local coffee experience (Saigon iced coffee)
Optional Activities
- Early morning market exploration
- Pho breakfast with local traders
- Pham Ngu Lao Street dinner and drinks
Landmarks Pham Ngu Lao Street - Day 24
Ho Chi Minh City
Take a free morning for leisurely breakfast or people-watching. A group meeting happens at 6 pm to meet new members. While you wait, explore Ben Thanh Market, snack on chao tom (barbecued shrimp paste on sugar cane sticks), visit the Reunification Palace or the War Remnants Museum.
Optional Activities
- Ben Thanh Market exploration
- Chao tom snacking
- Reunification Palace visit
- War Remnants Museum visit
- Leisurely breakfast or people-watching
Landmarks Ben Thanh Market Reunification Palace War Remnants Museum - Day 25
Phnom Penh
Travel to Phnom Penh by public bus, a long journey with two border crossings and a lunch stop. Bring books or road trip games to get to know fellow travellers. Your guide helps with border formalities at both crossings. 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 one of the markets. You'll visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, sobering but important historical sites. Then explore brighter aspects of Cambodia's past at the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum, or Wat Phnom (built in 1372). An evening sunset river cruise with an included drink along the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers follows, then explore rooftop bars.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Authentic local breakfast near one of the markets), Dinner
Included Activities
- Authentic local breakfast near market
- Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) visit
- Killing Fields of Choeung Ek visit
- Sunset river cruise with included drink
Optional Activities
- Royal Palace visit
- Silver Pagoda visit
- National Museum visit
- Wat Phnom visit
- Rooftop bar exploration
Landmarks Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum Killing Fields of Choeung Ek Royal Palace Silver Pagoda National Museum Wat Phnom - Day 27
Koh Rong
Leave Phnom Penh by private bus to Sihanoukville, then take a speed boat to the paradise island of Koh Rong. Spend the afternoon swimming, relaxing on the warm sandy beach, and walking along the coast in the balmy evening searching for dinner. Your leader has great restaurant recommendations.
Optional Activities
- Swimming
- Beach relaxation
- Evening beach walks
- Dinner at leader-recommended restaurants
Landmarks Koh Rong - Day 28
Koh Rong
Another free day to chill on Koh Rong's beach. Soak in the sun, order cocktails or cold beers, go swimming in serene waters. For something active, ask your leader about jungle hiking options and hidden waterfall discoveries inland. Tonight, party at Nest Beach Club, a lively nightlife spot.
Optional Activities
- Beach sunbathing
- Swimming in serene waters
- Cocktails and cold beers
- Jungle hiking
- Hidden waterfall discovery
- Nest Beach Club nightlife
Landmarks Nest Beach Club - Day 29
Sambor Prei Kuk
Leave Koh Rong and head to a homestay in Isanborei, a rural community maintaining traditional lifestyle within Sambor Preikuk UNESCO World Heritage site with over 100 ancient temples. This community-based tourism project involves seven Khmer villages conserving the historic area and providing job opportunities. Tour the village with your local guide, meet local people and your homestay family. Enjoy sunset over rice fields, then share a traditional homemade Khmer dinner with your hosts.
- Meals
- Dinner (Traditional homemade Khmer dinner with host family)
Included Activities
- Village tour with local guide
- Homestay with local family
- Traditional homemade Khmer dinner
Landmarks Sambor Preikuk - Day 30
Siem Reap
Enjoy breakfast prepared by your host this morning. Optionally visit Sambor Preikuk Temple (dating to 6th century), one of Cambodia's oldest ruins, or cycle through rural villages past rice fields. Try Sombai Cambodian Liqueur if interested. Say goodbye to your homestay and travel toward Siem Reap, home to Angkor Wat. Upon arrival, explore central markets and pick up delicious local food for dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast prepared by local host)
Included Activities
- Breakfast with host family
Optional Activities
- Sambor Preikuk Temple visit
- Rural village cycling
- Sombai Cambodian Liqueur sampling
- Central market exploration
- Local food pickup for dinner
Landmarks Sambor Preikuk Temple 
- Day 31
Siem Reap
Head out early to visit the mighty Angkor complex at sunrise, the world's largest religious structure. Get your camera ready for 400 acres of temple settings. A tuk-tuk guided tour with a local social enterprise supporting women's employment takes you through Angkor Wat, the grand Bayon, and jungle-covered Ta Prohm. Some buildings are over 1000 years old from the Khmer Empire. Optionally return for sunset views after a rest.
Included Activities
- Angkor Wat sunrise visit
- Angkor complex guided tour by tuk-tuk
- Angkor Wat temple visit
- Bayon temple visit
- Ta Prohm temple visit
- One day Angkor Pass
Optional Activities
- Sunset return visit to Angkor
Landmarks Angkor Wat Bayon Ta Prohm 
- Day 32
Bangkok
Fly from Siem Reap to Bangkok, travelling unescorted on the flight but farewelled and greeted by friendly local leaders in each country. Upon arrival, explore Bangkok at your leisure. Enjoy street food dinner in Chinatown, relax with a Thai massage, or celebrate your final evening with sunset drinks at a rooftop bar.
Optional Activities
- Street food dinner in Chinatown
- Thai massage
- Rooftop bar sunset drinks
- Day 33
Bangkok
No activities are scheduled for this final day. Bangkok offers plenty of options including the Grand Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha, or the Jim Thompson Museum if you want to explore further before your trip ends today.
Optional Activities
- Grand Palace visit
- Temple of the Emerald Buddha visit
- Jim Thompson Museum visit
Landmarks Grand Palace Temple of the Emerald Buddha Jim Thompson Museum
