Itinerary
- Day 1
Bangkok
You'll arrive in Bangkok with a welcome meeting set for 6 pm. If your flight gets in early, there's time to check out Khao San Road, the Grand Palace, or Chatuchak Market before meeting up with your travel companions to kick things off.
Optional Activities
- Visit Khao San Road
- Explore Grand Palace (entrance fee THB500)
- Browse Chatuchak Market
- Temple & River of Kings Urban Adventure (THB2900)
- Tuk Tuk Experience Urban Adventure (THB2500)
- Thai Massage (THB300)
- Jim Thompson's House (THB200)
- Wat Arun - Temple of Dawn (THB200)
- Khlong boat canal tour (THB900)
- Wat Pho (THB300)
- Chinatown Sights and Bites Urban Adventure (THB1960)
Landmarks Khao San Road Grand Palace Chatuchak Market - Day 2
Bangkok
This morning you'll walk through Bangkok's oldest neighbourhoods in Chinatown with your leader. You'll stop at food stalls on Sukorn Alley, visit Wat Mangkon Kamalawat temple, and browse Sampeng wholesale market. After lunch at Labour Egg Noodle (included), you'll head to the train station for your overnight journey.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at Labour Egg Noodle - Fish Ball Noodles or Tom Yam Pork Noodles)
Included Activities
- Chinatown walking tour
- Visit Wat Mangkon Kamalawat
- Explore Sampeng wholesale market
- Lunch at Labour Egg Noodle
Optional Activities
- Stop at food stalls on Sukorn Alley
Landmarks Wat Mangkon Kamalawat Sampeng Market - Day 3
Chiang Mai
You arrive in Chiang Mai this morning with the whole day to yourself from your centrally-located guesthouse. Consider hiking up Doi Suthep temple for views after climbing hundreds of steps, trying a traditional Thai massage, or taking a cooking class. Later, check out the night bazaar and the trendy Nimman area with its jazz bars.
Optional Activities
- Visit Doi Suthep Temple Complex (entrance THB50)
- Traditional Thai massage (THB300)
- Cooking class at Home Cookery School (THB1400)
- Night bazaar visit
- Bar-hopping around Nimman area with leader
Landmarks Doi Suthep Temple Chiang Mai Night Bazaar Nimman Area - Day 4
Chiang Mai
Another free day in Chiang Mai with plenty of optional activities. You could take a 1.5-hour Muay Thai class with professional trainers in the morning, or try ziplining, white water rafting, and cycling around the area. Alternatively, visit the many temples and end the day with a relaxing massage.
Optional Activities
- Muay Thai class (1.5 hours) (THB400)
- Ziplining (from THB1900)
- White water rafting (THB1800)
- Cycling tour (THB990 or THB1100)
- ChangChill Elephant Sanctuary (THB1900)
- Doi Inthanon entrance (THB300)
- Temple visits
- Thai massage (THB300)
- Day 5
Chiang Mai to Nan
After breakfast, you'll take a local bus to Nan. Once you arrive, refresh at your hotel and explore the town. Visit Wat Phumin, Nan's most famous temple built in 1596 and restored during the reign of Chao Ananta Vora Ritthi Det. Spend the evening exploring at your own pace.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Wat Phumin
Landmarks Wat Phumin - Day 6
Nan
This morning you have time to explore Nan at your own pace, and your leader can point you toward great local lunch spots. Visit an optional gallery by the Nan River for coffee and modern art by local Thai artists. Later you'll travel to Pua District to visit a hand-weaving centre and learn about the textile enterprise. Explore the village, then head to the evening market with dinner options at local restaurants.
Included Activities
- Hand-weaving demonstration and centre visit
Optional Activities
- Gallery visit by Nan River (coffee and modern art viewing)
- Explore Pua village
Landmarks Nan River Pua District - Day 7
Nan to Luang Prabang
You'll travel through rural countryside toward the Laos border. After border formalities, you'll stop in Muang Ngeun village in Xayaburi Province to explore a local Buddhist temple and learn about cotton weaving traditions. From there, continue to Luang Prabang for a leader-led orientation walk. Hike up to Wat Phu Si for sunset, then head to Talad Mued Night Market for a traditional local BBQ dinner.
- Meals
- Dinner (Local BBQ feast (Sindad - traditional grilling on charcoal stove with boiling water rim for blanching vegetables))
Included Activities
- Local village visit in Muang Ngeun
- Luang Prabang orientation walk
- Wat Phu Si sunset hike
- Talad Mued Night Market visit
- Local BBQ dinner (Sindad)
Landmarks Muang Ngeun Wat Phu Si Talad Mued Night Market - Day 8
Luang Prabang
You'll spend a half-day exploring the Mekong River by boat, passing riverside scenery and distant mountains. You'll stop to explore Pak Ou Caves with hundreds of Buddha statues. The afternoon is free to explore Luang Prabang. Consider visiting Kuang Si Waterfall for a refreshing swim.
Included Activities
- Mekong River Cruise (half-day)
- Pak Ou Caves visit
Optional Activities
- Kuang Si Waterfall visit (USD2)
Landmarks Mekong River Pak Ou Caves Kuang Si Waterfall - Day 9
Luang Prabang
This free day in Luang Prabang is yours to explore as you like. Visit Wat Xieng Thong, a 16th-century temple built under royal patronage where Laotian kings were crowned. Walk through charming streets with lush greenery and beautiful architecture. Optional activities include hiking Mt Phu Si or taking a cooking class.
Optional Activities
- Visit Wat Xieng Thong (USD3)
- Hike Mt Phu Si
- Cooking class (USD38)
- Laos Red Cross sauna (LAK10000)
- Laos Red Cross massage (LAK40000)
- Royal Theatre Performance (from LAK150000)
- National Museum entrance (LAK30000)
- Ock Pop Tok Living Craft Centre (from USD45)
- Wat Visun entrance (LAK20000)
- UXO Lao Visitor Centre entrance (LAK20000)
- Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre (USD2)
Landmarks Wat Xieng Thong Mt Phu Si - Day 10
Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng
Rise early to see the ancient alms-giving ceremony with saffron-robed monks collecting food from locals. Your day is free until late afternoon when you'll transfer to the train station. Explore the town, visit markets, or grab lunch at French cafes. You'll board a high-speed train to Vang Vieng, arriving at this adventure gateway set on a bend in the Nam Song River surrounded by mountains and limestone cliffs.
Included Activities
- Alms giving ceremony view
Optional Activities
- Market exploration
- French cafe lunch
Landmarks Nam Song River - Day 11
Vang Vieng
You've got the whole day to move around Vang Vieng however you like. Crossing the river to the West Bank opens up access to some substantial caves, particularly Tham Poukham where you'll find a blue-green lagoon and a reclining Buddha statue inside. If caves aren't your thing, there's a cycling tour option through town, or you could try kayaking on the Nam Song River instead. The area also has 16th and 17th century monasteries worth visiting if you're interested in that kind of history. Between hiking trails and boating on the river, there's no shortage of ways to spend your time here.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Breakfast included
Optional Activities
- Explore caves on West Bank
- Visit Tham Poukham cave with blue-green lagoon and reclining Buddha statue
- Cycling tour of Vang Vieng
- Kayaking on Nam Song River
- Explore 16th and 17th century monasteries
- Hiking in the area
- Boating activities
- Tham Jung Cave - USD2
- Bicycle hire - USD2
- Kayaking - USD20
- Blue Lagoon (Entrance Fee) - LAK10000
Landmarks Tham Poukham Cave Nam Song River - Day 12
Vang Vieng to Vientiane
After breakfast, you'll take a private bus to Vientiane, Laos' capital. Your leader will give you an orientation tour of this French-influenced city. You'll visit Wat Si Saket, the oldest temple still standing in Vientiane with almost 7,000 Buddha images. Learn about COPE, an organization helping those affected by unexploded ordnances. Enjoy dinner with your group and explore Quai Fa Ngum Road in the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Vientiane orientation walk
- Wat Si Saket visit
- COPE visit
Optional Activities
- Dinner on Quai Fa Ngum Road
Landmarks Wat Si Saket Quai Fa Ngum Road - Day 13
Vientiane to Hanoi
You'll say goodbye to your group and travel to Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, where a second welcome meeting begins at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, explore the city at your own pace. Meet your new group and enjoy food and bia hoi at roadside stalls, or discover the nightlife of local beer and cocktail bars.
Optional Activities
- Explore Hanoi streets at own pace
- Local beer and cocktail bars
- Roadside stalls
- Day 14
Hanoi
This free day in Hanoi is yours however you'd like. Check out Hoan Kiem Lake, stroll shaded boulevards, or relax in public parks with street food. Visit museums like Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, or Fine Arts Museum. Stop at KOTO for lunch supporting disadvantaged youth in hospitality. Explore centuries-old architecture as the sun goes down.
Optional Activities
- Hoan Kiem Lake visit
- Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh (VND80000)
- Temple of Literature (VND70000)
- Fine Arts Museum
- KOTO lunch
- Street food experiences
- Street Food Experience Urban Adventure (USD29)
Landmarks Hoan Kiem Lake Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh Temple of Literature - Day 15
Hanoi to Cat Ba Island
You'll 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, enjoying a seafood lunch prepared by the onboard chef. This afternoon, kayak through serene waters and watch the sunset.
- Meals
- Lunch (Seafood lunch prepared by onboard chef)
Included Activities
- Boat trip on Lan Ha Bay
- Seafood lunch on boat
- Kayaking
Landmarks Cat Ba Island 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. Explore 17th-century temples built in honour of kings, temples, and pagodas set in lush grounds surrounded by mountains.
Included Activities
- Bike tour
- Temple of King Dinh and King Le visit
Landmarks Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel - Day 17
Ninh Binh
This free day lets you explore other wonders of Ninh Binh. Trek to Mua Cave and climb 500 steps to the mountain peak for 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 hike with 500 steps (USD12 entrance fee and taxi)
- Trang An boat trip (USD21 entrance fee, boat and taxi)
Landmarks Mua Cave Ngo Dong River - Day 18
Hue
You'll arrive by train in Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, with a free day to explore. Spend a couple hours exploring the massive walled citadel and Forbidden Purple Palace, or jump on a dragon boat to cruise the Perfume River and visit Thien Mu Pagoda. Browse Dong Ba Market for local goods and street food. Cycle out to royal tombs like Emperor Tu Duc's. Tonight, have dinner with a local family.
- Meals
- Dinner (Freshly prepared dinner at local family home)
Included Activities
- Home cooked dinner with local family
Optional Activities
- Explore walled citadel and Forbidden Purple Palace
- Dragon boat cruise on Perfume River
- Thien Mu Pagoda visit
- Dong Ba Market exploration
- Emperor Tu Duc tomb visit
- Highlights & back streets by motorbike without lunch (USD23)
- Highlights & back streets by motorbike with lunch (USD28)
- Perfume River cruise & Thien Mu Pagoda (VND220000)
Landmarks Hue Citadel Forbidden Purple Palace Perfume River Thien Mu Pagoda Dong Ba Market Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc 
- Day 19
Hue to Hoi An
You'll continue along the coast to Hoi An by private bus. Your leader will take you on a walking tour of this unique town influenced by Europe, China, Vietnam and Japan. Explore restored streets that look like they did 100 years ago, discover chilled-out spots, visit a historic house, the Japanese Covered Bridge, a Chinese assembly hall, and a museum. Later, play bingo with your leader in the town square.
Included Activities
- Old Town walking tour
- Historic house visit
- Japanese Covered Bridge visit
- Chinese assembly hall visit
- Museum visit
- Bingo game in town square
Landmarks Hoi An Old Town Japanese Covered Bridge 
- Day 20
Hoi An
Start your day cycling through beautiful surroundings to Tra Que Vegetable Village, established over 500 years ago. Tour the organic vegetable and herb gardens of a local chef, see, smell and taste the ingredients that make Vietnamese food delicious, then enjoy a freshly prepared lunch using your picked ingredients. The afternoon is free for shopping at Central Market or visiting same-day tailors. Evening offers lantern-lit streets for photos.
- Meals
- Lunch (Freshly prepared lunch using ingredients picked during garden tour)
Included Activities
- Garden-to-table tour with a local chef
- Fresh lunch using picked ingredients
Optional Activities
- Central Market browsing (paintings, woodwork, ceramics, lanterns)
- Same-day tailor services
- Cooking class (USD33)
- Food Adventure Urban Adventure (USD39)
- Private Hoi An: My Son Discovery (from USD73)
Landmarks Tra Que Vegetable Village Central Market - Day 21
Hoi An to Quy Nhon
You'll say goodbye to Hoi An and drive to Quy Nhon, a coastal city in Bình Dinh province. You arrive with a free afternoon and evening to explore at your own pace. Optional activities include visiting Banh It Tower or Canh Tien Tower for scenic hilltop views, taking a food tour sampling local specialities like banh xeo tom nhay or bun ca, or exploring Eo Gio for coastal hiking.
Optional Activities
- Banh It Tower visit with scenic views (VND15000)
- Canh Tien Tower - Bronze Tower (VND15000)
- Food tour with local specialities
- Eo Gio hike with coastal views (VND22000)
- Local restaurant exploration
Landmarks Banh It Tower Canh Tien Tower Eo Gio 
- Day 22
Quy Nhon
This free day in Quy Nhon lets you explore any optional activities you missed. Visit Con Chim Ecological Zone for fishing or stand-up paddleboarding, head to Ky Co Beach for swimming, or take a day trip to Hon Kho Island. Tonight, board an overnight train to Ho Chi Minh City. Grab snacks for the journey and settle in with cards or a book.
Optional Activities
- Con Chim Ecological Zone visit (USD31) - fishing or stand-up paddleboarding
- Ky Co Beach
- Hon Kho Island day trip
Landmarks Con Chim Ecological Zone Ky Co Beach Hon Kho Island 
- Day 23
Ho Chi Minh City
You arrive in Ho Chi Minh City early this morning and transfer to your hotel. This vibrant city (formerly Saigon) blends French influence with local culture. Visit a local market with your group to browse street foods, then enjoy the iconic iced coffee with condensed milk while your leader shares stories about life here. The afternoon is free to explore. Tonight, gather for a meal and drinks on Pham Ngu Lao Street.
Included Activities
- Local market visit
- Local coffee experience
Optional Activities
- Explore markets in early morning
- Pho with local traders
Landmarks Pham Ngu Lao Street - Day 24
Ho Chi Minh City
You have a free morning for leisurely breakfast or people-watching. There's another meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet new group members. While you wait, explore Ben Thanh Market, try barbecued shrimp paste on sugar cane sticks (chao tom), or visit the Reunification Palace or War Remnants Museum.
Optional Activities
- Ben Thanh Market exploration
- Chao tom (barbecued shrimp paste on sugar cane)
- Reunification Palace visit (VND40000)
- War Remnants Museum (VND40000)
Landmarks Ben Thanh Market Reunification Palace War Remnants Museum - Day 25
Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh
You'll travel to Phnom Penh on a public bus, which is a long journey with two border crossings and a lunch stop. Bring books or road trip games to get to know your fellow travellers. Your guide will assist with border formalities at both crossings. Upon arrival, treat yourself to a traditional Khmer massage at Seeing Hands, which supports visually impaired masseurs.
Optional Activities
- Traditional Khmer massage at Seeing Hands (USD8)
- Day 26
Phnom Penh
Start with an authentic local breakfast near the markets. The group will visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, which are sobering but important historical sites. Afterwards, explore brighter aspects of Cambodia's past like the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, National Museum, or Wat Phnom temple built in 1372. Evening includes a sunset river cruise with an included drink along the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Authentic local breakfast near markets), Drink (Included drink on sunset river cruise)
Included Activities
- Local breakfast
- Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) visit
- Killing Fields of Choeung Ek visit
- Sunset river cruise
- Included drink on river cruise
Optional Activities
- Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda (USD10)
- National Museum (USD10)
- Wat Phnom - Buddhist temple (USD2)
- Rooftop bar exploration
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
You'll leave Phnom Penh on a private bus to Sihanoukville, then take a speed boat to the island paradise of Koh Rong. This afternoon is perfect for swimming and relaxing on the warm sandy shores. Walk along the coast in the evening to find somewhere for dinner, and your leader will have great recommendations for local restaurants.
Optional Activities
- Swimming
- Beach relaxation
- Coastal walks
- Local restaurant dining
Landmarks Koh Rong - Day 28
Koh Rong
Another free day to chill at the beach. Soak in the sun, order cocktails or cold beers, and swim in the serene waters of Koh Rong. For something active, ask your leader about hiking options, there's plenty of gorgeous jungle and hidden waterfalls waiting inland. Tonight, party it up at Nest Beach Club, a lively spot known for its nightlife.
Optional Activities
- Sunbathing
- Swimming
- Jungle hiking with waterfall exploration
- Nest Beach Club nightlife
Landmarks Koh Rong - Day 29
Koh Rong to Isanborei
You'll leave the island behind and head to your homestay in Isanborei, a rural community maintaining traditional lifestyle within Sambor Preikuk UNESCO World Heritage Site home to over 100 ancient temples. Your local guide will introduce you to the village, homestay and hosts. Enjoy sunset over rice fields before settling into a traditional homemade Khmer dinner with your host family.
- Meals
- Dinner (Traditional homemade Khmer dinner with host family)
Included Activities
- Village tour with local guide
- Homestay
- Khmer dinner with host family
Landmarks Sambor Preikuk Isanborei - Day 30
Isanborei to Siem Reap
Enjoy breakfast prepared by your local host. Visit the nearby Sambor Preikuk Temple if you didn't yesterday, some of the oldest ruins in Cambodia dating back to the 6th century. Cycle through rural roads passing locals working in rice fields, or try a sample of Sombai Cambodian Liqueur. After exploring, say goodbye to your hosts and travel towards Siem Reap. Upon arrival, explore central markets and pick up local food for dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast prepared by local host)
Included Activities
- Breakfast prepared by host
Optional Activities
- Sambor Preikuk Temple visit (USD10)
- Cycling tour through village
- Sombai Cambodian Liqueur tasting (USD3)
- Central market exploration
Landmarks Sambor Preikuk Temple 
- Day 31
Siem Reap
Early this morning, you'll visit the mighty Angkor complex at sunrise, the world's largest religious structure with 400 picturesque acres. Take a guided tour on a tuk-tuk with a local social enterprise supporting women in the community. See Angkor Wat, the grand Bayon, and jungle-covered Ta Prohm. Some buildings are over 1,000 years old from the Khmer Empire. You can optionally return in late afternoon for sunset views.
Included Activities
- Angkor Temples guided tour by tuk-tuk
- Angkor Wat sunrise visit
- One day Angkor Pass
Optional Activities
- Sunset temple visit
- Three day Angkor Pass (USD62)
- Landmine Museum (USD5)
- Phare Circus Ticket (USD18)
- Angkor Zipline Silver Tour (USD54)
- Angkor Zipline Gold Tour (USD87)
Landmarks Angkor Wat Bayon Temple Ta Prohm 
- Day 32
Siem Reap to Bangkok
Goodbye Cambodia, hello Thailand! You'll fly from Siem Reap to Bangkok today, travelling unescorted on the flight but farewelled and greeted by your friendly local leaders in each country. On arrival, head out for delicious 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
There are no activities planned today and your trip comes to an end. Bangkok has plenty of things to do if you want to stay and explore, visit the Grand Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha, or the Jim Thompson Museum. If you'd like to extend your time in Thailand, speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Optional Activities
- Grand Palace
- Temple of the Emerald Buddha
- Jim Thompson Museum
Landmarks Grand Palace Temple of the Emerald Buddha
