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Bangkok, Thailand
Day 1: Welcome to Thailand! Arrive in Bangkok and spend the day easing into
Southeast Asian life. Head out exploring, wander along the river, or just chill
out at the hostel. Meet your guide and group this evening. Your guide will tell
you all about the adventures we’ve got in store for you and you’ll have the
chance to get to know your fellow travellers. Then grab your bag - we’re heading
over to Hua Lamphong Station to catch a sleeper train to Chiang Mai. Overnight
trains are a ‘must- do’ on any trip to South East Asia and a great way of
soaking up local culture. Your seats will be transformed into beds at around
21.30 tonight and you’ll be lulled to sleep by the gentle rocking of the train –
your epic journey has begun!
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Chiang Mai, Thailand
Day 2: Wake up as the train rolls into beautiful Chiang Mai, then hop on the
transfer bus to a local elephant sanctuary. We’ll stop on the way so you can
grab some breakfast. Make sure you’ve got your swimmers handy – we’ll be getting
in the river with the elephants later! Get ready for an unforgettable day.
You’ll feed the elephants and trek through the jungle with them to the river (no
riding), where you’ll give them a wash. We’ll enjoy lunch at the sanctuary
before saying goodbye to these gentle giants. We’ll stop at a beautiful
waterfall to swim and relax, before arriving at the homestay this evening.
You’ll be staying in simple village houses and sharing dinner with the locals –
it’s a really immersive cultural experience.
Day 3: We’ll have breakfast with our homestay families before trekking through
the jungle to a local hill tribe village. Life here remains relatively untouched
by the modern world and it’s fascinating to meet these tight-knit local
communities and to see how they live. After lunch we’ll head back to Chiang Mai
and check into our hostel. This will be our base for the next 3 nights. Chiang
Mai is a fascinating city with a leafy centre and a laid-back vibe, which is
entirely different to Bangkok. With saffron-robed monks on every corner, a
lovely setting on the river, a legendary night market and golden temples galore,
it’s a lovely place to spend a few days. This afternoon you’ll have the option
to take part in a Thai cooking class and this evening you can see some
traditional Muay Thai. The nightlife in Chiang Mai is lively and varied. Live
music is a big thing here, so make sure you catch one of the live jazz or blues
bands in the riverside bars if you’re not going for the Muay Thai.
Day 4: Rise early this morning for a unique optional experience as we visit a
temple and meet some of the monks. Discuss life, the universe and everything
with your monk host, against a beautiful temple backdrop. Our spiritual journey
continues afterwards with a visit to Wat Doi Suthep, one of the most beautiful
temples in Chiang Mai. Admire the seven-headed serpent statues and the gleaming
golden chedi, before heading back to the hostel for lunch. This afternoon,
either chill at the hostel, explore the city or join our optional excursion to
Sticky Waterfall, famous for its unusual face, and if you haven’t had enough
temple action today, we’ve got Wat Ban Den Temple on the menu too.
Day 5: Spend your last day in Chiang Mai at your own pace. Hit up the markets to
pick up some handcrafted souvenirs, relax in the street side cafes and watch the
world go by, explore the bustling old town, or join our optional adventure tours
either as single activities or a combined tour. Choose from an all terrain
vehicle experience, rafting on the local rivers, and trekking through the
stunning countryside around Chiang Mai. Then freshen up back at the hostel ahead
of dinner and an unmissable night out at Zoe in Yellow - a bustling nightclub
with DJs playing hip-hop and electronic music and drinks served in buckets, it’s
a must for backpackers staying in Chiang Mai!
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Luang Prabang, Laos
Day 6: Get ready for some more ink in your passport today as we cross the border
to Luang Prabang in lovely little Laos (type of transportation and departure
times are subject to change). Luang Prabang is a tranquil city, ringed by
forested mountains. Its yellow tinted French-colonial buildings, dusty streets
and ancient temples are incredibly well preserved and when you get off the main
drag, you can easily feel like you’ve slipped into an Asia of the past. There’s
loads to see and do in here, with 33 temples, crystal-clear waterfalls,
mountain-bike trails, night markets and an incredible foodie scene. We’ll arrive
into Luang Prabang late afternoon and check into our accommodation before
heading out for a bite to eat and a Beer Laos or two. You might also like to
check out Hmong night Market to pick up some more bargains.
Day 7: We’ve got a memorable optional activity to start the day – the Takbat
Laos Ceremony, which is the giving of alms to the monks. Tradition dictates that
the monks are only allowed to eat food that’s been donated to them before
midday. It’ll be an early start but as one of the most atmospheric experiences
offered by this serene city, it’s worth it. You can also spend some time with
local children, volunteering at a bookstore. It’s a great way of getting an
insight into daily life. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the milky-blue Kuang Si
Waterfalls for a swim and some amazing photo opportunities – there’s a real
fairy-tale feel to these stunning pools. Tonight, why not check out Utopia Bar
and Restaurant? With incredible views and beanbags scattered around on a deck
overlooking the river, it’s a chilled out place to spend an evening.
Day 8: You might just want to spend today exploring this dreamy town at your own
pace (top tip - renting a bicycle is a great way to explore the area like a
local). However, if you fancy visiting some of the ethnic villages that border
the city, we’ve got a great day trip on offer. You’ll learn how to make the
local rice wine and whisky, learn more about local life and visit the
breath-taking Pak Ou Caves.
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Vang Vieng, Laos
Day 9: Wave goodbye to Luang Prabang this morning – we’re off to Vang Vieng.
We’ll stop en route at the breath-taking Blue Lagoon 2. This idyllic natural
aquamarine lagoon is just as beautiful as the more famous Blue Lagoon 1, but
much less busy. Cool off with a dip or sun yourself on the surrounding rocks.
We’ll arrive into Vang Vieng late afternoon. The town sprawls along the Nam Song
(Song River), with a picturesque backdrop of limestone cliffs and emerald green
paddy fields. Check into your accommodation and explore the surrounding area or
take a dip in the river before the sun goes down.
Day 10: Today is yours to spend however you choose. Chill by the river with a
cold beer, hike into the lush surrounding countryside, or join one of our
optional activities, which include a bike ride to Pha Ngern Viewpoint, half a
day rock climbing and drifting down the river in a tube – bliss!
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Hanoi, Vietnam
Day 11: This morning you’ll transfer to Vientiane airport and take a short
flight to Hanoi in Vietnam. The capital is a fascinating blend of French and
Indo-Chinese influences. It has one foot in the past with the historic Old
Quarter and many people still living a traditional way of life, and another in
the future with beeping mopeds at every turn and pumping nightclubs. The
street-life of the city is one of its greatest assets. Everywhere you go you’ll
see noodle vendors, goateed grandfathers playing chess and farmers selling their
wares. It’s a rich assault on the senses. Dump your bags at the hostel and head
out for dinner, followed by an optional bar crawl. The city’s bars and
nightclubs are conveniently set around Hoan Kiem Lake in the Old Quarter.
Day 12: Today we’ll visit the Hoa Lo prison (known as the infamous Hanoi
Hilton), where you can learn about the history of communism in Vietnam. Then the
afternoon is yours. Explore the narrow roads and alleyways of the Old Quarter,
sample a delicious Vietnamese coffee, or take a stroll round the shores of Hoan
Kiem Lake. This evening, take in a traditional Vietnamese art form with an
optional Vietnamese water puppet show before a bia hoi or two.
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Hạ Long Bay, Vietnam
Day 13: We’re up early today for an unforgettable cruise round Ha Long Bay. With
deep emerald green water and soaring limestone karsts, its beauty has to be seen
to be believed. We’ll stop at a floating village, have lunch on deck and spend
plenty of time jumping into the sparkling bay from the boat. Sail back to dry
land with the salt in your hair after the most amazing day, ready for a barbecue
dinner with your mates.
Day 14: Spend the morning messing around on the water in kayaks before
refuelling with some lunch and transferring to Hanoi. Freshen up in Hanoi and
stock up on snacks before hopping on the overnight bus to Phong Nha.
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Phong Nha, Vietnam
Day 15: We’ll arrive into Phong Nha at 4am. Nestled at the base of soaring
limestone cliffs, Phong Na is surrounded by lush forest and is still relatively
undiscovered. It’s the gateway to the UNESCO heritage Phong Nha-Ke Bang National
Park, which is an exquisite expanse of pristine jungle and truly spectacular
rock formations. The caves are particularly special, and the park is home to the
world’s largest. It’s a uniquely beautiful part of Vietnam, which as yet, has
been unscathed by the heavy hand of tourism. We’ve got a couple of great
optional activities on offer for this morning. You can join a coffee tasting
trip where you’ll sample lots of different types of Vietnam’s famous brew and
learn about the country’s coffee culture. You can also go on a bike ride to Bong
Lai Village. Grab some lunch here and then cycle on to the ‘Pub with Cold Beer’.
No prizes for guessing what they serve! Relax here or get competitive with some
group volleyball. If you’re more in the mood to relax today, you can choose to
spend the afternoon by the pool at the Easy Tiger Hostel. In the evening, we’ve
got everybody’s favourite night out lined up – karaoke!
Day 16: Today you can either just chill in Phong Nha, or join the optional trip
to the National Park (we really would suggest you don’t miss this!). The tour
includes a visit to Paradise Cave and Dark Cave. Enjoy a last dinner in Phong
Nha with your group before getting into your snuggly clothes and boarding the
overnight bus to Hoi An.
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Hội An, Vietnam
Day 17: Arrive in Hoi An around 4am, where you’ll have a chance to top up on
your sleep at our accommodation. After you’re all refreshed, we’ve lined up an
optional activity - a lantern-making experience for around 10am. Hoi An is
famous for its colourful Chinese style lanterns that light the streets up after
dark, and you’ll be able to make your own. This afternoon, we’ll take you on a
tour of the ancient town, with its yellow-toned buildings and dreamy atmosphere.
Wander along the river front, admiring the exquisite Japanese and Vietnamese
architecture, check out the markets and boutiques and perhaps get a new suit or
pair of shoes while you’re here – Hoi An is famous for its tailors. Your guide
can organise a group dinner tonight if you wish.
Day 18: We’ve got some awesome optionals today, all of which kick off in the
morning. You could visit Vietnamese ‘Disneyland’ with the Ba Na Hills tour (a
new and exciting complex, developed to look like a medieval village!), taking
the world’s longest cable car, walking on the golden bridge and visiting the
amusement park. Or have a go on a traditional coconut basket boat and visit some
local farms to see how the farmers here work the land. If it’s some sun and sea
you’re after, we can also take you to the local beach where you can stretch out
on miles of golden sand. Or if you prefer, you can just chill in beautiful Hoi
An and soak up the traditional surroundings.
Day 19: This morning, enjoy a last bit of fun in Hoi An, with an optional
coconut basket boat activity, then transfer to Da Nang Airport where we’ll take
the flight to Ho Chi Minh - a throbbing powerhouse of a city, where the scooters
never sleep! Sleek skyscrapers sit side by side with ornate temples and pagodas
and the streets teem with street stalls offering an amazing blend of French,
Chinese and Vietnamese food. Join the group for an optional dinner, followed by
a bar crawl, including a rooftop bar with views over the city.
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Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Day 20: This morning we’ll take a walking tour of the city, seeing all the
highlights and immersing ourselves in the vibrant life of the streets. You’ll
have plenty of time to explore the city at your own pace as well as enjoying an
optional group lunch. This afternoon, see the city from the water with an
optional waterbus tour, before getting your haggle on this evening at the city’s
night markets.
Day 21: Explore at your own pace today or join one of our fascinating optional
tours to the Cu Chi tunnels, (which were used to smuggle people and supplies
during the Vietnam war), or to the War Remnants Museum where you’ll learn about
the devastating effects of the Vietnam War. The city is even more vibrant after
dark, so get out on the town with your travel buddies tonight!
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Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Day 22: Cross the border into Cambodia by bus on day 22. We’ll spend most of the
day on the road so plug in that playlist, kick back and relax. We’ll arrive in
the afternoon, in time for a quick guided tour. The city is an alluring mix of
golden temple spires and modern commerce. It has risen from the ashes of war and
revolution and is now a thriving metropolis, with hip bars, a strong coffee
culture and an incredible food scene. Enjoy an optional group dinner tonight
before going ‘out out’ with a bar hopping sesh on Bassac Lane.
Day 23: Today begins with a welcome chat, followed by a visit to the infamous
S21 Prison (also known as Tuol Sleng). This museum provides a sombre insight
into the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge in the late 70s and is an
important site for gaining an understanding of the character of this unique
nation. You’ll also visit the moving memorial at the Killing Fields. This
afternoon, there’s an optional visit on offer to the National Museum where you
can get even more insight into Cambodia’s history and unique character, or you
might like to lighten the mood with a round of mini-golf! The evening’s yours to
explore the city’s best bars with the gang or to hit Phnom Penh’s legendary
night market.
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Koh Rong Sanloem, Cambodia
Day 24: Leave the city behind today and travel to the coastal town of
Sihanoukville where we’ll board the speed ferry to paradise (AKA Koh Rong
Samloem). With pristine white beaches, turquoise waters and lush jungle, it’s
the definition of a tropical idyll. Check in to our beachside bungalows before
enjoying sundowners at a cliffside bar. After dark we’ve got something seriously
special lined up as we grab masks and snorkels and head into the water to
experience the natural wonder of swimming with bioluminescent plankton - wow!
After you’ve dried off, join an optional family dinner for delicious local
dishes and an immersive cultural experience.
Day 25: After a lie-in or an early swim in the ocean, get ready to trek to
beautiful Clearwater Bay for an unforgettable camping experience! Take in
stunning jungle scenery and ocean views as you hike, before chilling on the
beach and enjoying a tasty picnic lunch on the sands. Then walk with your guide
to your camping location and get set up. You’ll have dinner cooked fresh on the
campfire and spend the night laughing with your friends under the stars.
Day 26: Head down to the water’s edge and hop on our traditional longtail boat
ready for an adventure on the ocean! The island is surrounded by a pristine
marine park that we’ll be exploring today with stops at two incredible snorkel
spots where we’ll swim with thousands of colourful tropical fish. If you’d like
to go even deeper into this amazing underwater world, there’s an optional scuba
diving experience on the table (must be booked at least one day in advance -
subject to availability). After a day you’ll never forget, sail to your next
destination on Koh Rong Samloem– a funky hostel on its own private beach! Enjoy
some drinks with the rest of the gang tonight.
Day 27: Enjoy a lazy day bumming around on the beach with your friends. Rent a
kayak or snorkel, or just stretch out on the sand and top up your tan – bliss!
Day 28: This morning we’ll head to the pier and take the taxi boat to Saracen
Bay. We’ll leave our bags near the ferry office before taking a 30-minute guided
walk to lovely Lazy Beach. This long stretch of white sand is in a beautiful bay
surrounded by jungle and is an amazing place to spend the morning chilling,
swimming, and sipping on smoothies from the beach bars. Take the fun factor up
another level with some beach games, including in-water volleyball, beach
football and petanque. This afternoon, take the speedboat back to Sihanoukville
where you’ll have a couple of hours of free time to stock up on snacks and
explore before boarding the sleeper bus to Siem Reap.
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Siem Reap Province, Cambodia
Day 29: Arrive in Siem Reap this morning and hop in a tuk-tuk to our
accommodation. Dump your bag and take some time to relax before taking a walking
tour of the dynamic city. Siem Reap is much more than the gateway to Angkor Wat.
It’s become a chic Southeast Asian destination in its own right in recent years,
with a busy creative scene, great shopping, incredible spas and a non-stop party
scene with everything from bustling backpacker bars to high-end hotel bars. This
afternoon, pamper yourself with an optional spa session or pick up some unique
souvenirs at Old Market, then after dark, take an optional 1.5-hour tour of the
city while working those thighs and enjoying some beers with your buddies on an
awesome peddle pub experience, and sample a unique local delicacy – bugs!
Day 30: We’ll leave the hostel at 4:30am today (yes really!) to make sure we get
a good spot at Angkor before dawn. Seeing the sky turn all colours of red,
orange and pink over the ancient temple is something you won’t forget in a
hurry. Our guide will take you to some of the other highlights of the complex as
well, including Bayon and Ta Prohm, the so-called ‘Tomb Raider’ temple, where
vast tree roots and vines have become part of the structure. We’ve got a unique
optional activity on offer this afternoon with a visit to the Hero Rats Visitor
Centre! Learn all about how rats are saving lives in Cambodia by detecting
undetonated land mines. This evening, take an optional sunset quad bike tour in
the stunning countryside surrounding Siem Reap, before joining the gang for a
final group dinner ahead of a bar crawl on the aptly named ‘Pub Street’. It’s
your last chance to celebrate with your travel buddies before the trip ends, so
make the most of it!
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Bangkok, Thailand
Day 31: We’ll hop on the bus back to Bangkok this morning. It’s a long journey
so sit back and relax and maybe catch up on some zzzs after last night! We’ll
drop you off at Ratchathewi Street around 8pm, from where you’ll need to make
your way to your own accommodation (accommodation is not included tonight). Safe
travels and hope to see you soon!