Ultimate South East Asia

Touch down in Thailand’s capital. If you’re arriving earlier in the day, feel free to get a head start on the fun - explore the city, grab a massage or chill poolside and soak up that first hit of sunshine. At 6pm, the trip officially kicks off as we meet at the hotel to get the lowdown on what’s ahead. Then it’s time to head out and dive straight into Bangkok life with authentic Pad Thai and a night out on legendary Khao San Road.

We'll start the day early, with so much to see, there's no time to waste. Catching Bangkok's water taxi system with the city locals is the most convenient way to get to our first stop - The Royal Palace. With our incredible local guide leading the charge, we will learn all about its 61 acres of incredible architecture and some traditions of the Thailand Royal Family. Then we'll jump on our private boat for a tour of the klongs (canals). Just listing today's sites gives us the butterflies. Once we get back to the hotel, ask your Trip Manager where to find the best local lunch before we wave goodbye to Bangkok. Bangkok, you've been a dream! But the show must go on. Fast becoming a must-visit in this part of the world, we make tracks to our next destination - the sleepy town of Kanchanaburi. We'll start with a stop to visit the most famous bridge in town & WWII Cemetery will give you a healthy dose of history. And then it’s time to reach our home for the night - right on the riverfront! (Yes, you can jump in the river directly from your room.) Nothing like being greeted with a delicious dinner of local specialities, right? We’ll finish the day off watching the sunset over the dazzling landscape.

• Grand Palace and Klong Tour
• Visit the Bridge on the River Kwai

We've got an exciting journey ahead of us today! We'll first make our way to the impressive Erawan falls. Walk across the serene trails. Or dip your feet into the waters before we head to our next destination. We’ll make a stop in the UNESCO listed city of Ayutthaya, once the capital of Kingdom of Siam before being destroyed by the Burmese in the 18th Century. We'll grab bikes & ride past ornate temples, towering spires and ancient palaces. Later, we board our overnight train to Chiang Mai. All aboard for Chiang Mai!

• Relax at Erawan Waterfalls
• Bike around Ayutthaya

Time to rise and shine. Today we're waking up in Chiang Mai! Right here in this city is everything you’ve been waiting for. That’s right, we’re spending today at an elephant nature park! Watch these majestic giants strolling through their natural habitat as a part of an unforgettable MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. (Who knows, you might even befriend one!). We’ll grab a wholesome lunch at the park and make our way to Chiang Mai. A free evening in this blissful city? How about spending the evening zipping around on a Vespa? Exploring like a local is the best way to explore, after all.

• Hang out with Elephants (Ethically) MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience

Ah yes. A completely free day in this amazing city - and there’s so much you can do. How about getting into a glove game with a Muay Thai lesson? In the evening, join us on an optional cooking class, starting with a tour of the local markets, guided by the head chef - who’ll then teach you how to rustle up an authentic Thai meal (right in the middle of a rice field!). The city really is all yours to make the most of.

It’s time to bid farewell to this lovely place. Why, you ask? Because we’re saying hello to the Chiang (‘city’ in Thai) of colourful temples! We’ll munch on a delicious breakfast, then head straight there. The Black House Museum. A blue temple, and a majestic white one too. Welcome to the city where the beauty of colours culminates. We’ll head straight to the Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) - a modern architectural marvel. You won’t really find any temple like this in Thailand! We’ll then call it a day after admiring the incredible design of Wat Rong Seua Ten (Blue Temple), and the Baan Dam Museum.

• Admire the White Wonderland at Wat Rong Khun
• Explore the Neo-Traditional Architecture of Wat Rong Seua Ten
• Immerse Yourself in the Artistic Baan Dam Museum (Black Museum)

Taking a border hop, we’ll cross out of Thailand and into Laos. After collecting our oh-so-valuable passport stamps, we’ll journey to Pakbeng, taking part of the trip by river cruise on a local slow boat. Remote, traditional, and endlessly charming, Pakbeng is a true traveller’s dream.

• Cruise on a Local Boat

Leaving Pak Beng, we hop back on our slow boat and continue our journey to Luang Prabang - get ready for gorgeous waterfalls, biking explorations and a chance to experience the local community and sacred Buddhist rituals. Ending our Mekong River magic we arrive in the much-loved city of Luang Prabang. Temples dusted in gold, historic French mansions, & monks wrapped in saffron robes make this one of the prettiest places in Asia. Our explorations will involve a sunset from a hill-top stupa & a bout of shopping at the local night markets.

• See 4,000 Buddhas at Pak Ou Caves

A morning cycle around the city and an optional visit to the 60-metre cascades of Kuang Si Falls in the afternoon will provide our daily nature fix. Otherwise you have the chance to explore any way that suits. Tonight, watch the sunset at a riverside bar, and contemplate just how good life is and how relaxed you already feel.

• See Luang Prabang on Two Wheels
• Channel Serenity at Wat Xieng Thong
• Watch the Weavers at Ock Pop Tok Centre MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience

This morning, the early risers will be rewarded with Buddhist rituals – kissed by the sun's morning rays. Take part in the daily ritual of offering alms to the Monks of Luang Prabang's 34 temples. After collecting our good karma, we’ll jump on a high-speed train that’ll whizz us to a lively tourist hub filled with plentiful opportunities for adventure. Makes leaving the charming town of Luang Prabang a little easier, right? Known for its dramatic limestone karsts, Vang Vieng will keep you busy this evening. You can opt to explore the local rivers and caves by kayak, or just chill out surrounded by like-minded travellers, watching the sun set over the mountains.

• Take part in a Buddhist Ceremony
• Jump on a High Speed Train to Vang Vieng

Today you should wake up feeling satisfied with your Vang Vieng explorations, and ready to peel back the layers of another Laos hotspot… Welcome to the largest city in Laos! If you’re expecting a bustling Asian capital, prepare to be surprised. The vibe here is strictly chilled. Apart from seeing the beauty of Pha That Luang stupa & the artistic talent of Patuxai, we’ll use our time here to lend a helping hand to the COPE centre - a local charity that provides prosthetic limbs and rehabilitation services to those who have lost their limbs as a result of unexploded bombs. It’s now time to visit the Buddha Park - a fanciful sculpture garden adorned with significant Buddhist images. Spend some time talking amongst the bizarre & sometimes ornate statues, and head back to our hotel for a good night’s rest.

• Support the Work of COPE MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience
• Wander Around Laos' Serene Capital
• Let Yourself be Baffled by the Buddha Park

This morning we’ll cross the border sky high, flying out of Laos as we make our way to the capital of Cambodia. We’re doing some historical sight-seeing today. We’ll visit The Royal Palace (the official residence of the Cambodian royals) and the Silver Pagoda (one of the finest examples of Khmer architecture). Later tonight, the city is yours to explore as you please.

• Fly to Phnom Penh
• Marvel at the Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda

You'll find reminders of Cambodia’s dark past hidden among the shy smiles and pretty tree-lined streets. Today we'll learn about the horrific Khmer Rouge rule by visiting the mass graves of the ‘Killing Fields’ & the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum with our local guide. Next, you can choose to hit the streets on a tuk-tuk and taste your way through the city's best foodie spots. Then we’ll head back to our hotel located at an after-dark dinner hotspot. (Ask your Trip Manager for some local favourites!)

• Pay respects at the ‘Killing Fields’
• Explore the Bustling Bassac Quarter

We'll take a coach out of Cambodia's capital this morning and drive into the heartland of an ancient masterpiece and what is still the largest religious monument in the world. You're free to explore today! You could relax poolside in the afternoon. Or choose to visit the Phare Circus (which also holds the Guinness World Record for the longest circus show) for some insane multicultural entertainment. There are plenty of things you could spice up your night with - but it's probably best to reserve your energy for our early morning visit to an Eighth Wonder of the World (and something we know you've all been waiting for).

Up before the sun and out to Angkor Wat for sunrise. Because watching the first light hit those temples is a proper jaw-dropper. Then it’s straight into explore mode with Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm (yep, the Tomb Raider temple where jungle roots are fully taking over). Later, golden hour gets a little more adventurous with an optional quad bike ride out by the rice paddies. For dinner tonight, we’ll swing by a brilliant social enterprise where disadvantaged people are trained in hospitality skills, and yes, the frozen shakes and seriously good food live up to the hype. The evening’s yours for Pub Street and the night markets if you’re keen. Make the most of your last night here.

• Tour Cambodia’s Buddhist Temples
• Empower Young Locals by Eating a Scrumptious Dinner MAKE TRAVEL MATTER ® Experience

Saying good-bye to some of your group at breakfast will be sad, but the thought of getting to Vietnam will no doubt cheer you up! With a coriander filled Bánh mì in one hand and a Vietnamese coffee in the other, hit the road and get ready to explore the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh. Tonight we can grab a meal together and explore the exciting Ho Chi Minh City nightlife.

• Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Today we leave Ho Chi Minh City, exchanging fast paced city life for an energy that's a little more quaint. Such is the contrasting beauty of Vietnam. After a 3.5-hour coach ride out of the city, we’ll hop aboard a traditional boat to explore the river’s ever-changing edges. Think floating life, lush scenery and a slower pace. We’ll stop by a rice paper factory, sample Vietnam’s famous rice whisky, then settle in with a home-cooked meal and live local music. Tonight, it’s all about the experience as we stay in a local homestay.

• Catch Your Own Dinner
• See artisans at work

After an early breakfast we'll make our way back to Ho Chi Minh City, detouring past Viet Cong’s Cu Chi Tunnels. See traps, hidden doors & some of the 250kms of tunnels that Vietnamese resistance fighters dug by hand, and even go down into the skinny tunnels to experience them first hand in this look into Vietnam's staggering past. Back in the addictive mayhem of Vietnam's biggest city you will have free time to carry on your explorations. Best part? There'll be a few more Contiki travellers joining us this evening. Continuing to eat your way through Vietnam's culinary highlights would be one wise way to use your time (we think).

• Crawl through Củ Chi Tunnels

This morning we'll put on our discovery boots, hitting up the highlights of Ho Chi Minh on a city walking tour and then checking out the harrowing but important War Remnants Museum. Later, we'll catch a flight to the coastal town of Nha Trang. Golden sand beaches and big night-time energy, that’s Nha Trang. We’ll roll into the hotel this evening, then the night is yours. Grab dinner by the beach or discover the city for yourself!

• Ho Chi Minh Sightseeing Highlights
• Pay Respects at the War Remnants Museum
• Fly to Nha Trang

Good news - we have a whole full day to soak up Nha Trang before heading to Hoi An. Have a massage, sign up for the optional cruise, or just hang on the beach before returning to our hotel to freshen up for our overnight train experience. Tonight, we'll head north via our overnight train - where you'll wake up in our next destination and ready to explore it all.

Time to rise and shine. After travelling North overnight, we'll be waking up in Da Nang and driving on to Hoi An this morning. Join a guided bike tour with a local expert as you ride through the vibrant town, visiting the iconic Japanese Bridge, exploring a traditional ancient house and experiencing the sights and sounds of the central market. Tonight you can opt into a Vietnamese cooking class, whipping up a storm of up to 4 traditional dishes.

• Guided Cycling: Hoi An Ancient Town

Morning travellers! The day is all yours. Poke around in galleries & market stalls (the best shopping spots in Vietnam in our opinion) and devour all of the delectable treats on offer. And for a dose of culture, you could ride on one of Vietnam’s very own Bamboo Basket Boats (Yes, the ones that you’ve probably seen on Instagram). And to top it all off, we’ll grab some fresh coconut water straight from the tree to your tummy.

Leaving Hoi An will be sad. But we’re heading to Hanoi, so there’s hardly an excuse to not be excited. We’ll grab a quick breakfast and head to Da Nang airport… Fasten your seatbelts, folks. We’ll catch our internal flight to Hanoi from this quaint coastal town. Welcome to the city where all the bustling magic happens. We’ll head straight to KOTO for a feel-good feast that supports disadvantaged youth in Vietnam, then jump into culture mode at the Temple of Literature (Vietnam’s first-ever university). Next up: the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a major landmark with big history behind it. Tonight’s yours to do Hanoi your way, or level it up with an optional Hanoi After Dark Vespa ride for street-food stops and neon-lit city vibes.

• Included Flight Da Nang to Hanoi
• Get a Unique Dining Experience at KOTO Restaurant MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience
• Learn at the Temple of Literature
• See the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Next up, we’re heading to the epicentre of Vietnam's show-stopping natural beauty. Do you see them? Those lush landscapes are calling. This afternoon, you can jump on an optional Bike & Boat adventure out in Van Long, cycling through local villages before cruising the rivers by sampan through “Ha Long Bay on land” scenery. Prefer to keep it chill? The rest of the day is yours to breathe in the fresh air, soak up the greenery, and keep your eyes peeled for birds along the way.

Up and about at the crack of dawn today! We’re climbing up 500 steps to the top of the Mua Cave. (You certainly don’t wanna forget your camera for this one). A drive through stunning scenery will evoke plenty of 'oh wow's', but it only gets better as we board our home for the night, a Chinese-style junk boat in Halong Bay. Feel the serenity kicking in immediately as we drift around the limestone island seas of the Gulf of Tonkin. We’ll pass hidden lagoons, thick forests & dreamy grottos and also chill atop the Ti Top Island. A fresh seafood dinner and sunset at our docking spot will polish off a wonderful day packed with unforgettable moments and experiences.

• Catch a Serene Sunrise at the Mua Cave
• Chill at Ti Top Island
• Stay on a Junk Boat

Today will be all about the leisurely vibes as we wake up to breakfast with a quick stop to explore the Sung Sot Caves. Make the most of your time on the junk boat - the views don't get much better than this. After heading back to Hanoi we find ourselves enjoying our final night together on tour. Save the choir of tears for tomorrow - this evening is all about making the most of your free time and staying positive so why not join us for one last family dinner and then onto Ta Hien to dance the night away.

• Stroll around the Sung Sot Caves

Enjoy one final breakfast with the squad this morning before this epic Vietnam trip wraps up. Hug it out & make plans to reunite sometime soon - Latin America perhaps?