-
Zagreb, Croatia
Your departure point. Zagreb's Franjo Tuđman Airport has good connections to Southeast Asia via hub airports. Grab a final coffee in the Upper Town before heading to the airport.
-
Patong Beach, Thailand
Phuket's most famous beach strip, buzzing with nightlife, water sports and seafood restaurants along Bangla Road. Arrive via Phuket International Airport and take a taxi or shared minivan to Patong. Try the fresh seafood at the beachfront restaurants near Kalim Beach just north of the main strip.
-
Koh Yao Noi, Thailand
A peaceful, largely undeveloped island sitting between Phuket and Krabi in Phang Nga Bay, perfect for cycling, kayaking and spotting karst limestone scenery. Take a longtail boat from Bang Rong Pier on Phuket's east coast. The island has a relaxed Muslim fishing village atmosphere with excellent fresh seafood at local restaurants.
-
Krabi, Thailand
Base yourself in Ao Nang or Krabi Town to explore iconic Railay Beach, the Four Islands, and Tiger Cave Temple with its 1,237-step climb. Longtail boats from Ao Nang beach take you to otherwise inaccessible beaches. Don't miss the fresh seafood night market in Krabi Town along the riverside.
-
Khao Yai, Thailand
Fly into Bangkok Don Mueang and head northeast to Khao Yai National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for elephants, gibbons and stunning waterfalls like Haew Narok. The gateway town of Pak Chong offers guesthouses and tour operators for jungle night safaris. The area around Saraburi also has vineyards and a cooler mountain climate.
-
Vientiane, Laos
The sleepy but charming Lao capital sits along the Mekong River and is home to the golden Pha That Luang stupa and the quirky Buddha Park. Cross from Thailand via the Friendship Bridge at Nong Khai or enter by bus. The riverside cafes and French colonial architecture make for a pleasant afternoon stroll.
-
Luang Prabang, Laos
UNESCO-listed Luang Prabang is arguably the most beautiful town in Southeast Asia, with gilded temples, saffron-robed monks and the spectacular Kuang Si waterfalls nearby. Wake early for the tak bat alms-giving ceremony as monks file through the misty streets at dawn. The night market along the main street sells superb handicrafts and Lao street food.
-
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Cambodia's vibrant capital sits at the confluence of the Mekong, Tonle Sap and Bassac rivers and is home to the magnificent Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. A visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek Memorial is sobering but essential for understanding Cambodian history. The riverside promenade and Central Market are great spots for street food and local life.
-
Sihanoukville, Cambodia
Cambodia's main coastal city is the jumping-off point for the beautiful islands of the Gulf of Thailand. The town itself has changed significantly in recent years but Otres Beach remains a calmer, more pleasant spot. Take a ferry from the port to reach Koh Rong.
-
Koh Rong, Cambodia
One of Southeast Asia's most beautiful islands with powdery white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise water and bioluminescent plankton that lights up the sea at night. The island remains relatively undeveloped outside of Long Beach and Village Beach areas. Ferries run regularly from Sihanoukville port throughout the day.
-
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Gateway to the breathtaking Angkor Archaeological Park, the world's largest religious monument complex including Angkor Wat, Bayon and Ta Prohm. Hire a tuk-tuk driver for a two-day temple circuit and catch sunrise over Angkor Wat's iconic reflection pool. The lively Pub Street area and Old Market offer great Khmer cuisine including fish amok and lok lak.
-
Bangkok, Thailand
Thailand's electrifying capital needs little introduction — explore the Grand Palace, Wat Pho's reclining Buddha, and the rooftop bars of Silom. Fly in from Phnom Penh into Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang airport. Street food is phenomenal everywhere from Yaowarat Chinatown night market to the stalls of Khao San Road.
-
Koh Samui, Thailand
Thailand's second-largest island offers a great mix of beautiful beaches, luxury resorts and a lively expat scene centred around Chaweng Beach. Fly from Bangkok to Samui Airport or take a bus-ferry combination from the southern bus terminal. Don't miss a Thai cooking class and the iconic Big Buddha temple on the northern coast.
-
Koh Phangan, Thailand
Famous for the legendary Full Moon Party on Haad Rin beach, Koh Phangan also has gorgeous quieter beaches like Bottle Beach and Thong Nai Pan on the north coast. A short ferry from Koh Samui gets you here in about 30 minutes. The island has excellent yoga retreats and jungle waterfalls for those seeking something beyond the party scene.
-
Pattaya, Thailand
A lively resort city just two hours south of Bangkok by bus, known for its beach promenade, water parks, cabaret shows and the nearby Sanctuary of Truth wooden temple. Walking Street is the epicentre of Pattaya's famous nightlife scene. Day trips to nearby Koh Larn island offer cleaner beaches just a short speedboat ride away.
-
Bangkok, Thailand
Return to Bangkok for your final days before flying home to Zagreb. Use the time for last-minute shopping at Chatuchak Weekend Market or MBK mall, and enjoy a farewell dinner of authentic Thai cuisine on the Chao Phraya River. Suvarnabhumi Airport has good connections back to Europe via Middle Eastern or European hub airlines.