South East Asia Loop

Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. Your adventure begins in the bustling capital of Bangkok, famous for its tuk-tuks, khlong boats and street vendors serving up delicious local food. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet your local leader and group of fellow travellers. It’s recommended you arrive a few days early to explore the city – uncover the Chinatown area, visit the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, wander down Khao San Road, indulge in a Thai massage or see the backstreets of Bangkok by bike on an Urban Adventure. After the meeting tonight, maybe tuck into some into world famous street food for dinner.

Begin the day with a river cruise down the Chao Phraya River to explore the famous Khlongs (canals). Life along these canals seems a world away from the chaotic streets of the capital. Visit Wat Pho – one of the Bangkok temples, with a 46-m-long gold-plated Buddha reclining inside. Even the feet of this statue are incredible, 3 m long and intricately decorated with mother of pearl. The temple grounds are equally fascinating, filled with beautifully decorated stupas, halls and shrines. This evening you’ll head north to Chiang Mai on an overnight train journey.

The most vibrant city in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai has many famous temples and an interesting old city area. When you arrive, embark on a scenic, winding drive to one of the country's most stunning temple complexes – Doi Suthep. A 300-step naga-guarded stairway leads you to the temples, and the climb is well worth the effort. Take in the hypnotic atmosphere of chanting Buddhist monks and the sweeping views over the city. After making your way back down, you’ll check into your hotel and have a free afternoon and evening to explore. Maybe wander through the Night Bazaar or relax at a restaurant along the riverfront. Make sure to sample some traditional northern Thai food – the signature dish is kao soy (yellow wheat noodles in a curry broth, traditionally served with chicken or beef).

Today, you’ll have a pretty special time visiting the ChangChill elephant experience. Take a 1.5-hour drive out of Chiang Mai to ChangChill, where you’ll begin to learn how this organisation supports the protection, conservation and lifestyle of free roaming elephants in the region. You’ll observe the daily patterns of these jungle giants from a safe distance, seeing how they graze and socialise with their other friends. The expert local guides will be able to give you a ‘live lecture’ on the elephants themselves, its sustainable tourism practices and conservation efforts in the area. Enjoy some refreshments nearby the elephant’s mud pit but be careful not to get a spray! Be treated to some lunch in a riverside sala (pavilion) alongside your giant friends, who will be enjoying a meal too. Return to Chiang Mai where the rest of the time is at leisure.

Take a journey through rural countryside to the Thai border town of Chiang Khong. On the way, visit privately owned Wat Rong Khun, more commonly known as the White Temple – a must visit in Chiang Rai. This contemporary temple is constantly being updated, and its strange design references to Buddhist mythology, human sin and pop culture icons such as Michael Jackson, Harry Potter and Superman. Formerly known as Juon, riverside Chiang Khong remains an important market town for the surrounding hill tribes and for trade with Laos. Stretch your legs with a stroll around town, then maybe continue to Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Luang. Tonight, why not enjoy a final Thai drink and dinner, while Laos beckons from across the mighty Mekong.

After crossing into Laos, you’ll be joined by additional Laos guides (a local government requirement). Board a slow boat for the 2-day journey down the mighty Mekong River to Luang Prabang. The journey is relaxed, so you can experience the slow pace of village life and the breathtaking scenery along the river up close. The river boat is basic in nature, with a toilet, covered roof and open sides to take in the fresh air. There are seats in the front of the boat and a small open area in the back where you can have a nap on the mat, play cards, read or have lunch. Dock at the small town of Pak Beng to spend the night. Hmong and tribal Thai people are frequently seen on the main streets, where vendors sell local textiles and handicrafts.

Reboard the boat and cruise to the Pak Ou Caves – an important religious site overlooking the river at the junction of the Mekong and Ou Rivers, consisting of two sacred limestone caverns filled with Buddha images of all styles and sizes. The lower cave, known as Tham Ting, is entered from the river by a series of steps and can easily be seen in daylight. The higher cave, Tham Phum, is deeper and requires a torch for viewing. Continue to the former royal capital of Luang Prabang. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed city is a favourite of many travellers, sitting in the hills of northern Laos on the confluence of the Mekong and Khan rivers. The city is claimed to be ‘the best-preserved city in South East Asia’ by UNESCO. Stay in a hotel tonight and if you’re feeling energetic, maybe climb Mt Phousi for some sunset views. You can climb the 328 zigzag steps up to the sacred gilded stupa and big drum of the Phu Si Temple for a panoramic view of Luang Prabang and its surroundings.

Once the heart and soul of the ancient Lao Kingdom (Lan Xang) and designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995, Luang Prabang is endowed with a legacy of historic, red-roofed temples and French Indochinese architecture. Today, head to Kuang Si Falls – a multi-level cascade of bright blue pools. After a swim, visit a local social enterprise that supports and trains local women in weaving. Aiming to empower, while also preserving the traditional skill of making Laos textile, this enterprise will teach you about their work as you have a drink by Mekong River.

Rise with the sun this morning and witness a traditional alms giving ceremony. View the procession of saffron-robed monks on their daily outing collecting food offered by devotees (a practice that dates back centuries). The offerings must be collected early, as the monks cannot eat anything after midday. By giving food to a monk, it is believed you ‘het bon’ (make merit) which will be carried over into the next life. Your leader will guide you through the dos and don’ts and help you to take part. The rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure in this idyllic town.

Take a high-speed train to Vang Vieng. Situated on the Nam Song River, Vang Vieng is surrounded by towering limestone karsts and is a great place to enjoy being surrounded by nature. After checking in to the hotel, use tonight to plan out your next few days with your group and leader.

There’s plenty to do in and around Vang Vieng, known as an adventure town thanks to its unique and varied surrounding country. The area is renowned for its caves, many of which are easily accessible from the town. Perhaps the most famous is the cave of Tham Chang – a beautiful cavern fed by a natural spring, making it a perfect spot for a swim. Hire bicycles to explore further afield, hike the trails to nearby lookout points, join a daytrip to go kayaking on the river, or visit an organic mulberry farm just outside town.

Continue by private minibus to the country's capital, Vientiane – possibly Asia's most laidback capital. Vientiane has a wealth of cultural delights to discover on foot, or by jumbo (tuk-tuk). Faded mansions, tree-lined boulevards and old temples create an atmosphere of timelessness, particularly in the older part of town along the Mekong River. Visit Wat Si Saket – the oldest temple still standing and home to almost 7000 Buddha images. Visit COPE visitors centre – an organisation dedicated to assisting those who have been injured by the multitude of unexploded ordinance across the country. This is an excellent cause and a chance to educate yourself about Laos' devastating war history as well as buy a snack or drink from their Karma Cafe. This evening, maybe join your fellow travellers for dinner and celebrate a trip well travelled.

Say goodbye to Laos today as you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Hanoi. A driver will wait for you and take you from the airport to your hotel in Hanoi. You’ll have some free time to explore at your own pace before your next welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet your new group and leader. Consider booking an urban adventure tour if you have time or maybe take it at your own pace and wander the Old Quarter to admire the city’s French architecture. After the meeting, head out to dinner at KOTO restaurant. This organisation is dedicated to developing the hospitality careers of disadvantaged youth.

Travel by private minibus to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay, which is dotted with sandy coves, grottoes and 1600 limestone islands, formed over millennia by wind and water erosion. Board a private boat and cruise the bay, exploring caves and beaches on the way. If you like, you can also take on an optional kayaking tour of the bay and see the gorgeous natural scenery from a different perspective. Spend your evening aboard the boat beneath the night sky, watching as the stars come out and maybe grab a drink at the restaurant bar, getting to know your fellow travellers a little better.

Wake up on the waters of Ha Long Bay and maybe watch the sunrise as the eagles soar overhead. Then return to Hanoi by bus, and enjoy a free afternoon until tonight’s train voyage. Be sure to grab a bowl of pho while you’re in town and slurp down this local specialty made from broth, noodles and meat. Maybe chill by Hoan Kiem Lake until you board an overnight train to Hue this evening.

Arrive in Hue this morning and transfer to your hotel. Once the imperial capital of Vietnam, Hue holds the treasures of the country’s royal past. Visit a local village recycling hub dedicating their work to address their local environment challenges through recycling and try the local specialty – salt coffee, while you are here. In the afternoon, visit the war-damaged ruins of the Imperial Citadel – a sprawling city-within-a-city which contains the remains of temples, state houses and the emperor’s palace.

See Hue like a local today – from the back of a motorbike! Straddle the saddle and whiz around town with a local guide, taking in historic and contemporary sights along the way. Stop at Thanh Toan to see the 18th-century covered bridge and villagers shopping at their local market. Visit the 17th-century active Buddhist monastery of Thien Mu Pagoda and see the car that belonged to Thich Quang Duc – the monk who self-immolated in 1963 in protest against the treatment of Buddhists by the South Vietnamese regime. For lunch, sit down to a vegetarian feast in a nunnery. Finish at the lakeside royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc before heading back to town.

This morning, take the bus through coastal rice paddies and the spectacular Hai Van Pass. After a photo stop on the way, arrive in Hoi An – recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, Hoi An was a major international trading port during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Today, parts of the beautifully preserved town retain the feel of centuries past. This is also a very popular town for shopping, famous for its many tailors. When you arrive, your leader will take you on a sightseeing walk through the Old Town to visit a handful of the city's major attractions. You’ll also be given a sightseeing pass so you can further explore select attractions at your leisure.

Today is a free day to explore Hoi An. Maybe browse the cobbled streets and art galleries or hire a bike and cycle through rice paddies out to Cua Dai Beach. Maybe browse for paintings, ceramics and colourful cloth lanterns in the town’s markets and preserved Chinese shophouses. If you’re craving a new look, you could visit to one of the hundreds of tailors and get an outfit custom made. Hoi An is also known for its delicious regional food, so you could have dinner a riverside restaurant or partake in a cooking class.

Today, you’ll take a short, early morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City has a fascinating history and is arguably Vietnam’s capital of commerce and culture. After landing, take a sightseeing tour around the city by bus. Pass the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Opera House, then stop in at the War Remnants Museum to discover some of the sobering stories of the 20-year-long Vietnam/American War.

This morning, head out on a daytrip to explore the Mekong Delta. Board a private boat to Ben Tre to visit the coconut gardens and stop at a local home to sample tropical fruits and coconut jams. After, paddle in sampans (small rowing boats) past coconut trees along the Mekong Delta. Take a tuk-tuk tour around the villages and learn about rural life and the industry created around coconut products like brooms and coconut fibre mats. Eat lunch at a restaurant in the heart of the Delta, sampling regional specialties like elephant ear fish. After, return to Ho Chi Minh City and maybe grab dinner with your fellow travellers to toast to a great adventure!

Enjoy a free day in Ho Chi Minh to get out and discover the city at your own pace. Alternatively, why not get an up close and personal history lesson on guerrilla warfare during an Urban Adventures tour to the Cu Chi tunnels. This underground network in the middle of the jungle was used by the Viet Cong during the war. Take the chance to climb into the tunnels and imagine what it would’ve been like to eat, sleep, work and cook – even go to school underground as conflict raged above. Return to Ho Chi Minh where there will be a meeting at 6 pm to welcome any new travellers joining you on the next stage of your adventure. After, perhaps get to know your new travel buddies over an optional group dinner.

Fly from Siem Reap to Bangkok today. On the flight, you’ll be unescorted, but your Cambodian leader will see you off at the airport in Siem Reap and your Thai leader will be ready to welcome you in Bangkok. Thailand's bustling capital is an exciting world of tuk tuks, khlong boats and street vendors serving up delicious Thai food. Perhaps head out to sample some local specialties as a final farewell with your fellow travellers.

Your trip comes to an end this morning, with no further activities planned. However, if you have more time, Bangkok is full of things to do, including the Grand Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and the fascinating Jim Thompson Museum. Just speak to your booking agent if you'd like to extend your stay.