-
Zagreb, Croatia
Zagreb serves as your departure hub. If you have time before your flight, stroll through the Upper Town (Gornji Grad) and grab a coffee on Tkalčićeva Street. The city has a charming café culture and great pastries to fuel up before a long journey.
-
Patong Beach, Thailand
Patong is Phuket's most vibrant beach town, known for its lively Bangla Road nightlife and long sandy beach. Try fresh seafood at the local markets and rent a scooter to explore nearby Kata and Karon beaches. It's a great spot to shake off jet lag and ease into Thai beach life.
-
Koh Yao Noi, Thailand
Koh Yao Noi is a peaceful, largely undeveloped island in Phang Nga Bay with stunning karst limestone scenery. Rent a bicycle to explore rubber plantations and fishing villages, and enjoy fresh grilled fish at beachside shacks. It's a perfect antidote to Patong's bustle, with a slow and authentic Thai island vibe.
-
Bangkok, Thailand
Flying into Suvarnabhumi, Bangkok is a sensory overload in the best way — explore the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and the vibrant street food scene around Yaowarat (Chinatown). Use the BTS Skytrain and Grab app to navigate efficiently. Don't miss a rooftop bar sunset over the city skyline.
-
Khao Yai, Thailand
Khao Yai National Park, near Saraburi, is a UNESCO-listed jungle haven with elephants, gibbons, and dramatic waterfalls like Haew Narok. Take a guided night safari for a chance to spot wildlife, and enjoy the cool upland climate with a glass of locally produced wine from the surrounding vineyards. The nearby Mittraphap Road has great local Isaan food stops.
-
Phetchabun, Thailand
Phetchabun is an off-the-beaten-path northern Thai province known for its misty mountains and the scenic Khao Kho plateau. Visit Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park with its dramatic highland landscapes and historical WWII-era sites. Local markets serve delicious khao tom and fresh tamarind products unique to the region.
-
Vientiane, Laos
Vientiane is one of Southeast Asia's most laid-back capital cities, perfect for a gentle introduction to Laos. Visit Pha That Luang, the golden national monument, and stroll the Mekong riverside promenade at sunset with a Beerlao in hand. The city has excellent French-colonial bakeries and baguette sandwiches — a delicious legacy of French Indochina.
-
Vang Vieng, Laos
Vang Vieng sits in a jaw-dropping valley surrounded by karst mountains and the Nam Song River. Kayak, tube, or cycle to the famous Blue Lagoons for a refreshing swim in turquoise waters. The town has a great mix of budget-friendly guesthouses and increasingly upscale resorts, with lively restaurants serving larp and tam mak hoong.
-
Luang Prabang, Laos
Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage city where gilded temples and French colonial architecture line the Mekong River. Wake up early to witness the sacred almsgiving ceremony (tak bat) as saffron-robed monks collect offerings at dawn. Don't miss Kuang Si Falls, a multi-tiered turquoise waterfall about 30km from town.
-
Koh Samui, Thailand
Koh Samui is a well-developed island in the Gulf of Thailand with beautiful beaches like Chaweng and Lamai, plus a lush coconut palm interior. Explore the Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) and treat yourself to a traditional Thai massage on the beach. The island has a great range of dining from street food markets to high-end beachfront restaurants.
-
Koh Phangan, Thailand
Koh Phangan is world-famous for its Full Moon Party on Haad Rin beach, but beyond the parties it offers gorgeous quiet beaches like Bottle Beach and Thong Nai Pan. The island has a growing wellness scene with yoga retreats and organic cafés around Srithanu. Take a longtail boat to snorkel the crystal-clear waters around Koh Ma just offshore.
-
Ko Samui, Thailand
-
Pattaya, Thailand
Pattaya is a lively coastal city just two hours from Bangkok, known for its vibrant nightlife, water parks, and the beautiful Sanctuary of Truth wooden temple. Take a boat trip to nearby Koh Larn for clear water and snorkelling away from the city crowds. The Thepprasit Night Market is a fantastic spot to try cheap, authentic Thai street food.
-
Bangkok, Thailand
End your adventure with a few final days in Bangkok to shop, eat, and explore anything you missed. The Chatuchak Weekend Market is unmissable for souvenirs, while the riverside area around Iconsiam offers a luxurious final splurge. Treat yourself to a farewell feast of pad kra pao and mango sticky rice before your flight back to Zagreb.
-
Zagreb, Croatia