Southeast Asia Adventure Tour

Day 1 – Bangkok, Thailand:

Welcome to Bangkok – the first day of your South East Asia Adventure Tour! You will meet the Adventure Leader and the rest of the group at the hostel around 5pm. You’ll have a briefing and get to know your travel companions. After that, you’ll head straight to the station to board your night train to Chiang Mai – your train will depart at 8.05pm from the station, so don’t be late!

Day 2 – Chiang Mai, Thailand:

You’ll wake up to Northern Thailand’s stunning scenery as your train passes through the mountains before arriving in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai is 700 years old and has an Old City which possesses original parts of walls and moats from its history as a religious hub, meaning it’s home to hundreds of stunning Buddhist temples.

You will spend the morning at the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, an ecotourism project set-up by The Karen Hilltribes Trust. This is where you will feed, walk, wash and learn about these elephants. This is one of the main highlights of Chiang Mai, so enjoy!

After, you will head to a homestay and enjoy some dinner cooked by the locals. You will spend the evening at a local house.

Day 3 – Chiang Mai, Thailand:

Wake up and head out on a jungle trek to a local hill tribe village. Here, you can gain an insight into this unique way of life and experience the authentic side of Northern Thailand.

In the evening, you have the option to learn how to cook authentic Thai dishes. Or, if you want to experience traditional Thai entertainment, you can watch a Muay Thai Boxing Show and cheer on the fighters!

Day 4 – Chiang Mai, Thailand:

Today, you’ll either hop on a songthaew to Wat Doi Suthep, a Buddhist temple located in the mountains, or join in on an opportunity to chat with a Buddhist Monk. Then, you’ll head back to the hostel where you can take some time to enjoy a spot of lunch. 

After lunch, you will be driven by songthaew to a stunning limestone waterfall, famous for its unusual face. After your hike here, you’ll visit Wat Ban Den before heading back to the hostel. In the evening, you can visit ‘Zoe in Yellow’ – one of Chiang Mai’s most iconic bars.

Day 5 – Chiang Mai, Thailand:

Today you have the option to either explore the city’s dozens of temples and cultural delights. For the thrill-seekers amongst you, there’s the option to get your adrenaline pumping by trekking, driving a quad bike, or rafting down the Mae Taeng River. 

For your last night in Chiang Mai, why not explore the vibrant famous night market, complete with souvenirs and street food? 

Day 6 – Luang Prabang, Laos

Today you will fly to Luang Prabang. Upon on arrival you will transfer to your hostel and sit down for an optional group dinner. Afterwards, why not pay a visit to Hmong Night Market, a venue for traditional music, crafts and food.

Alternatively, you can opt for a truly unique experience and head to a traditional house to have dinner prepared by a local. They’ll welcome you with a drink, and you’ll then attend a Baci ceremony – a tradition of the Lao people, this ritual is performed before special events to bring luck. After this, you’ll be treated to a meal of delicious Lao food.

Day 7 – Luang Prabang, Laos

This morning you can either opt to have a lie-in or witness the must-see Takbat Lao Ceremony, a Buddhist ceremony. This morning ritual is a collection of food for monks, where they receive food from the locals and tourists.

Afterwards, there are a number of options for how you spend your day.

• You can choose to spend the rest of the morning at the Big Brother Mouse volunteering program, interacting with local children who are learning English and developing your understanding of Laos’s culture.
• You can learn about ‘the farm to table process’ of making rice at the Rice Experience farm. Here, they farm rice the traditional way, as well as maintain an organic garden and running a cooking school.
• You can attend a cooking experience nearby – you’ll be picked up, taken to the local wet market to grab ingredients, and then taken to a class where you’ll have the chance to prepare and eat traditional Lao food.
• Finally, you can opt to join a bicycle tour which will help you explore the area. You’ll end up at a local pottery which makes jars, and you’ll even get the chance to learn how to make them yourself!

Spend the afternoon at the impressive Kuang Si Falls, made up of three tiers, located in the Luang Prabang area. The falls begin with shallow pools – so, jump in and prepare to have lots of fun! These waterfalls are a favourite attraction for tourists in Luang Prabang.

This evening is yours to spend how you’d like – why not visit the Old Town?

Day 8 – Luang Prabang, Laos

Take part in an optional visit to Ban Xanghai village, a place famous for its whisky and rice wine. Afterwards, hop on a boat and sail down the Mekong River to explore the historic Pak Ou Caves filled with over 400 Buddha statues – you’ll stop for lunch at a delicious local restaurant outside the caves.

On your way back to the hostel stop off at Mt Phousi and soak up the golden hues as the sun sets behind the mountains.

Day 9 – Vang Vieng, Laos

In the morning, it’s time to make your way to Vang Vieng, a small town in central Laos. Head straight to the Blue Lagoon where you can swim in the refreshing waters. This is the perfect way to escape from the heat and humid weather. Bring your waterproof camera if you have one!

Later, you will transfer to the hostel, where you can a free evening to relax, grab a drink in one of the many riverside bars or find a nearby party.

Day 10 – Vang Vieng, Laos

Today, you’ll have the option to try your hand at rock climbing or take a biking tour of the area, followed by a hike up to Pha Ngern Viewpoint for breath-taking views. It will take about half an hour to hike to the lower viewpoint where you will be greeted with a stunning view. You can also hike up an additional 500 meters, to reach the highest viewpoint with a much better view.

For a different viewpoint of Vang Vieng’s limestone mountains, drift down the Mekong River in a rubber tube, stopping along the way to admire the views. Tubing in Vang Vieng has long been a backpacking right of passage in Laos and while the bars are no longer as boozy, it’s still a must-do activity.

Enjoy some free time in the evening to further explore the wonders Vang Vieng at night.

Day 11 – Hanoi, Vietnam:

In the morning, you will take a bus to the airport and fly out to Hanoi, Vietnam. Hanoi is the big bustling capital of Vietnam’s north and it’s known for its narrow streets, French architecture, rich culture and incredible street food. After checking into the hostel at around 6.30pm, if you’re not too tired, join in the free bar crawl, which heads out around the city’s Old Quarter. If you’re hungry, you don’t have to go too far. Street food sellers line the pavements in the evening and the smell of pho and banh mi fills the air.

Day 12 – Hanoi, Vietnam:

Today you will visit the Hoa Lo Prison and learn about Vietnam’s history. This was a prison used by North Vietnam and the Viet Cong communists, for U.S. prisoners during the Vietnam War. After, you will head over to Hoan Kiem lake with its temple in the centre. You can walk around the lake, watching the locals play games on the wide streets built by the French in the historical centre of Hanoi.

If you’re hungry, you can grab lunch at Old Quarter Street followed by a free afternoon to explore Hanoi’s narrow streets and practise crossing the road like a local.

In your free time, you could pay a visit to the Hanoi Opera House, built by French colonial administration – you can take a look around the building for free or pay to see one of the shows on offer. If you fancy some evening entertainment, why not watch a unique Water Puppet Show?

Day 13 – Ha Long Bay, Vietnam:

In the morning, you will travel to Halong Bay. Located in northeast Vietnam, Halong Bay is recognized for its emerald waters and towering limestone islands topped by rainforests. The area is known for its beautiful and dramatic landscape, defined by its towering peaks. Here, you’ll spend the afternoon on a boat cruise, stopping at various swimming spots along the way and if you are bold enough, you can go cliff jumping.

The cruise will stop overnight in the heart of the bay. Surrounded by stunning views of the limestone karsts raising dramatically from the blue waters, you can watch the sunset from the ship’s deck, enjoy a great buffet dinner and party atmosphere, and fall asleep to the gentle sound of waves lapping against the boat. 

Day 14 – Ha Long Bay, Vietnam:

Today, wake up to a beautiful sunrise and enjoy a relaxing breakfast. To start the morning activities, you can hop into a kayak and explore the famous peaks of Halong Bay on the water, paddling through sea caves and spotting monkeys. A true highlight of our Southeast Asia adventure tour.

Grab some lunch to refuel before heading back to Hanoi. You will arrive in Hanoi around 5pm and then hop on a night bus to Phong Nha, this bus will leave around 6.30pm and arrive at Phong Nha at 4am.

Day 15 – Phong Nha, Vietnam:

After a long night of travelling, you can either sleep in until 10am to get some rest or you can some optional activities. Either treat your tastebuds to a Vietnamese coffee tasting session or enjoy a late morning cycle into Bong Lai village. Bong Lai is a rural valley in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park area, with farms and small villages. Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park is one of Vietnam’s hidden gems and much quieter than anywhere you have been to yet. It’s towering limestone karsts dot the landscape and winding roads make for dramatic views.

In the afternoon, you’ll bike to the brilliantly named ‘Pub With Cold Beer’ – here, you can take a chance to relax, play some volleyball, eat some food and jump in the river.

Tonight, spend the evening enjoying some karaoke with your group. You should be comfortable enough to sing around each other now, right?

Day 16 – Phong Nha, Vietnam:

You have the option to spend the day exploring Phong Nha’s giant cave systems. They are the biggest in the world and while you can’t visit the biggest (it is very expensive and takes several days to hike there) there are plenty of others to explore. You can also enjoy hiking along the Ho Chi Minh Trail and mountain biking You may also be lucky enough to spot wildlife including tigers, bears and elephants.

This evening, you’ll take the sleeper bus to Hoi An.

Day 17 – Hoi An, Vietnam:

You’ll arrive in beautiful Hoi An at around 4am, where you’ll be picked up by your accommodation and taken to rest up. Once you’re feeling refreshed, you’ll head to a lantern making experience, where you will participate in making your own handmade souvenir.  

In the afternoon, you’ll have a tour of the old town and the riverfront, learning about the town’s Japanese and Vietnamese history as an important trading post. Hoi An is the place to shop until you drop and tonnes of tailors line the streets. The shops will perfectly tailor anything you need, taking your measurements during the day and working on the design overnight – all for prices you wouldn’t see at home.

This evening, you have the option of joining us for a bar crawl!

Day 18 – Hoi An, Vietnam:

Today is a free day!

You have the option to embark on a Ba Na Hills day tour. Ba Na Hills is one of the latest attractions in the country, it’s a mountaintop complex that looks like a medieval castle, but with modern accommodation, world-class restaurants and a theme park.

You can also hire a bike and cycle out to Hoi An’s beach or have a go on a crab boat.

Alternatively, go to a local farm and learn about how local farmers work in the area. Enjoy a free evening to grab some delicious food, pick up your new clothes or explore Hoi An at night.

Day 19 – Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam:

In the morning, you can either have a lie in or grab some breakfast and head coconut basket boating. During the farming experience, you’ll learn about how local farmers work in the area.  

Before checking out of your hostel, grab some lunch and board the bus to Da Nang airport. Then, catch a flight from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City and arrive at your accommodation at around 8pm.

Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s bustling capital and the traffic and motorbikes is like nothing you have ever experienced. Once you’ve arrived, you can sit down for an optional group dinner at a local restaurant. After, head to the hostel’s rooftop bar, the first stop of this evening’s bar crawl.

Day 20 – Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam:

This morning, you’ll begin with a tour of Saigon and explore the local sites. After your tour, sit down for an optional group lunch at a local restaurant. 

For the rest of the afternoon, you can either enjoy some free time or explore Ho Chi Minh via the river by taking the water-bus! On your journey down the river, you’ll be able to spot Bitexco, Saigon Bridge and Landmark 81, the tallest building in the city. 

In the evening, explore a local night market and indulge in some local delicacies. 

Day 21 – Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam:

Today you have the option to have a day of history at the Cu Chi tunnels dug by the Communist guerrilla group. These tunnels were used as a war asset to fight American and South Vietnamese troops during the civil war. Spend your afternoon at the War Remnants Museum to learn about the huge and lasting impact of the Vietnam War (1955-1975) on the country.

Use the evening to explore Ho Chi Minh after dark.

Day 22 – Phnom Penh, Cambodia: 

Wave goodbye to your Vietnam adventure leader, because t’s time to leave Ho Chi Minh City and head for Cambodia. We’re onto our next stop, Phnom Penh! 

Once you’ve arrived, you’ll have a chance to explore the city a little before heading to an optional group dinner. Then, if you fancy an evening on the town, join us as we bar-hop around Phnom Penh’s lively Bassac Lane.   

Day 23 – Phnom Penh, Cambodia: 

This morning, you will visit the S21 prison and then continue to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, to learn about the darker times in Cambodia’s history. 

In the afternoon, if you fancy you can join us for a round of mini-golf! Then, you’ve got the opportunity to take an amazing 2-hour cruise at sunset on the Tonle River, before joining us for a look around the Phnom Penh Night Market. 

Day 24 – Koh Rong Sanloem, Cambodia: 

Transfer to Sihanoukville and take the ferry to Koh Rong Sanloem. Koh Rong is known for its white-sanded beaches and coral reefs, but also has luscious jungles dotted with coconut trees and waterfalls. Embrace the beautiful paradise island you have now entered, full of stunning beaches and moon parties. 

In the afternoon, you’re taking an amazing boat trip, where you’ll get a chance to snorkel and relax on deck, before M’Pai Bay. There, your guide will meet you with masks and snorkels so that you can wade out into the water to experience the wonder that is the bioluminescent plankton. 

This evening, explore M’Pai Bay’s nightlife, enjoy the range of restaurants available in the village, or just relax and have a chilled night.   

Day 25 – Koh Rong Sanloem, Cambodia: 

After a delicious buffet breakfast at a local café, your guide will collect you from the hostel for a trek to neighbouring Clearwater Bay. When you arrive, enjoy a swim or relax on the beach and have a picnic lunch.   

That evening, walk to the top of the bay with your Adventure Leader where you will visit a cliffside bar to watch the sunset.    

Day 26 – Koh Rong Sanloem, Cambodia: 

If you’d like, today you can spend a free day on Koh Rong Sanloem. 

Alternatively, you can join us in the afternoon for an amazing scuba diving experience, where you’ll get to see all the marine life that the island has to offer.  

In the evening, you’ve got the opportunity to spend the night sleeping in a tent on a deserted beach, falling asleep to the gentle sound of waves. 

Day 27 – Koh Rong Sanloem, Cambodia: 

Spend a free final morning on Koh Rong Sanloem – if you haven’t snorkelled, now is your last chance! Enjoy a barbeque lunch on the beach for before you head back Sihanoukville. Here, you’ll have a chance to spend some free time before we board a sleeper bus that takes you all the way to Siem Reap! 

Day 28 – Siem Reap, Cambodia: 

After a rest morning in Siem Reap, you might fancy treating yourself to a spa session…  

Then, later on, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a night at Cambodia’s incredible acrobatic circus! The Phare Circus is a social organization that supports the Phare School in Battambang, which provides free education and arts training to over 1200 children from poor or impoverished backgrounds every year. This is a lively show with a Cambodian storyline that doesn’t use animals and supports development of the arts.   

Day 29 – Siem Reap, Cambodia: 

It’s an early morning wake-up call today to visit Cambodia’s number one tourist highlight, Angkor Wat. Sunrise is one of the best times to see the ruins. 

Angkor Wat is the largest religious site in the world. It was originally constructed as a Hindu temple but has gradually transformed into a Buddhist temple towards the end of the 12th century. Much of the site is still being restored and you can spend days exploring all of the different temples. Some of the most popular are Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple and Ta Prohm and each one has a different story and features to look out for. 

This afternoon, escape the heat and enjoy some free time by the pool. Then, later on, you’ll have the opportunity to join Apopo Hero Rats tour – visit the center to learn about demining in Cambodia. 

In the evening, the evening is yours. However, you might want to join us for our Bugs & Barcycle experience! It’s a 90-minute tour on a peddle pub-car that gives you the chance to try some local Cambodian delicacies – including crickets, frogs, silk worms and more!  

Day 30 – Siem Reap, Cambodia: 

Take a walking tour through Siem Reap, where you can explore the lovely riverside and the Royal Gardens, visit the Made in Cambodia Market, and receive a monk blessing for safe travels at Wat Prum Rat Temple.  

Then, if you fancy shopping a little, your leader can take you to Psar Chas (Old Market) where you can buy souvenirs and test out your haggling skills. After that, it’s back to the hostel before you’re collected to take an amazing quad-bike ride out into the Siem Reap countryside. Here, you’ll get a stunning sunset over the rice fields.   

Then, tonight, join your group for a farewell dinner! 

Day 31 – Siem Reap, Cambodia:

After 31 days of revelling in some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes, today is the last day of your Southeast Asia adventure tour. It’s time to bid farewell to your companions. You’ll take the bus back to Bangkok which will arrive at around 5pm. Safe travels!!