31-Day Southeast Asia Adventure: Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia

Touch down in this buzzing Asian metropolis and drop your bags – it’s time to meet your Adventure Leader and the rest of your group. You’ll get a quick pre-departure briefing, run through the itinerary, and start getting to know your fellow travellers. By the end, you’ll be clued up and ready for the adventure ahead!

Then it’s time to dive straight in with your first unmissable experience – dinner with a tuk-tuk tour! Hop on board and head to dinner in one of the city’s amazing rooftop restaurants, where you can choose from lots of Thai dishes. Afterwards, your tuk-tuk will take you past Bangkok’s highlights at night.

Finish the night with views of Bangkok from one of the many rooftop bars. Your Adventure Leader will be able to give you some suggestions for where to find the best view!

Enjoy a chilled-out morning or opt to join an Old City temple tour and get your first taste of Bangkok’s incredible history. Explore the iconic Grand Palace, marvel at Wat Pho’s giant Reclining Buddha, and soak up the riverside beauty of Wat Arun. Just a heads-up: if you’re heading out on the tour, you’ll need to check out of your accommodation and arrange for the storage of your luggage in the morning.

Back at the hostel, grab a quick refresh before hopping on the bus to the train station. From there, and in true backpacker style, it’s all aboard for your overnight journey north to Chiang Mai!

Roll into Chiang Mai in the morning and meet your local pickup at the station. First things first – grab a hearty breakfast to fuel up for the adventure ahead, then hit the road to your homestay tucked away in the beautiful countryside.

Once you arrive, settle in and enjoy a delicious home-cooked lunch before lacing up your boots for an afternoon trek through Chiang Mai’s jungles! We’ll travel to the starting point of our jungle trek, from which we’ll hike around 4-6km. It’ll take us a couple of hours – but, of course, we’ll make a refreshing stop at a waterfall to truly make the most of our time in the jungle.

After your trek, return to the homestay for dinner, swap stories from the day with your group, and settle in for a cosy overnight stay surrounded by nature.

Kickstart the day with breakfast at your homestay before taking part in an amazing unmissable activity – a half-day at an elephant sanctuary! After a quick intro to the morning’s plan, you’ll be ready to get up close (from a safe distance!) on a guided walk with the elephants – watch them graze, play, and socialise in the forest. Feeling peckish? Don’t worry, midway through, we’ll stop at a rest station for some traditional Thai refreshments and a little downtime.

By lunchtime, we’ll make our way to the riverside for a delicious meal, then head to our next hostel to check in and enjoy some downtime.

In the afternoon, the adventure continues with optional activities: try a Thai cooking class to learn some local culinary tricks or catch an epic Muay Thai show – a high-energy martial art – to experience Thailand’s national sport up close.

By the end of the day, you’ll have connected with elephants, tasted authentic Thai food, and soaked up Chiang Mai’s culture – all in true Dragon Trip style.

Today’s all about diving into some of Thailand’s most iconic temples! The morning begins with a ride on a traditional songthaew (yep, those classic red Thai trucks), followed by an unforgettable Monk Chat experience where you’ll get a fascinating insight into Thai culture and Buddhism straight from the monks themselves.

Next, we’ll explore more of Chiang Mai’s captivating temples, including the famous Wat Doi Suthep – a mountaintop temple with golden stupa and panoramic Chiang Mai views. Feeling hungry? Grab lunch at the temple, or if you’re up for it, swap it for a visit to a nearby waterfall around noon.

After soaking up the temple views, head back to the hostel to recharge. In the afternoon, for those chasing a little extra adventure, hop back in a songthaew for a 1.5-hour ride to the Sticky Waterfall, a stunning limestone cascade where you can climb its unusual ‘sticky’ rocks.

Return to the hostel in the evening and enjoy some free time for dinner at your own pace. For the partygoers among you, opt to experience Chiang Mai’s nightlife with a trip to Zoe in Yellow, the city’s famous clubbing spot. Directions will be provided by your Adventure Leader, but you’ll make your own way there and back – just don’t lose your hostel card!

Today, you have a free day, and there are several exciting options to choose from. Feeling brave? Take on whitewater rafting along a 10 km stretch of river. Prefer solid ground? Go for a 3-hour trek through stunning northern landscapes. Can’t pick? Do both and make it a full-on adventure day!

For those looking for a slower pace, you can spend the morning exploring Chiang Mai’s Old Town independently. Wander its winding streets, check out temples, cafes, and hidden gems, and pick up tips from your Adventure Leader.

In the afternoon, dive into local life with a visit to a lively market, packed with souvenirs and street food. Sample the flavours, pick up some keepsakes, and soak up the vibrant Chiang Mai atmosphere.

Today, we’re swapping out Thailand for Laos! Check out of your hostel in the morning and catch a flight to Luang Prabang – the jewel of northern Laos!

Once you’ve settled into your accommodation and dropped off your bags, the evening is yours to enjoy! the evening is yours to enjoy! Join an optional group dinner with your group, then head out to explore the town’s lively Hmong Night Market. Wander the stalls, pick up souvenirs, and dive into the sights, sounds, and flavours of local music, crafts, and street food.

This morning kicks off with choices! Rise early to join the enchanting and unforgettable Takbat Lao Ceremony, where monks make their way through the streets collecting alms from the local community. It’s an early-morning cultural ritual you won’t forget!

Then, for those feeling active, opt to hop on bikes for an adventure through the surrounding villages. Cycle past the exciting Exchange Sales, cross the Mekong River, and wind your way through the forest to visit Ban Som and Ban Na hill tribe villages. Then, explore Ban Chan, the local pottery village, and even try your hand at making traditional jars. Finish your ride back across the river to Luang Prabang just in time for lunch.

In the early afternoon, a visit to the Kuang Si Waterfalls is our next unmissable activity for the whole group. After a short transfer, we’ll explore the tropical trails, cool off with a swim in the turquoise pools, and take in the surroundings of one of Laos’ most epic natural sights!

This evening, you can opt to visit a local home for dinner and a welcome Baci – a traditional Lao ritual to bless guests with good luck, health, and safe travels. It’s only a few minutes walk from your accommodation to the house, where you’ll be welcomed by the locals with a welcome drink!

The day is yours to enjoy at your own leisure, but not without some epic optional activities which allow you to dive deeper into Luang Prabang’s culture!

In the morning, opt to immerse yourself in local life with a Rice Experience. Head out to a community farm just outside town, where you’ll learn how rice is grown and even try your hand at some of the 14 steps of the rice cycle – from planting and harvesting to processing. Along the way, you can also try out traditional skills like bamboo weaving and blacksmithing. It’s a unique glimpse into the life of a Lao farmer!

If food’s more your vibe, join a Cooking Experience instead. Hop in a tuk-tuk to the local wet market, pick up fresh ingredients, then learn to whip up authentic Lao dishes in a friendly cooking class. Of course, the best part comes after – sitting down to enjoy the feast you’ve just made!

For those who want to give back, you can also spend time volunteering in the afternoon with Big Brother Mouse, an organisation helping local people improve their English.

By the end of the day, whether you’ve been farming, cooking, or volunteering, you’ll have connected with Lao culture in a truly hands-on way.

This morning, we’re off to Vang Vieng – Laos’ adventure hub, packed of mountains, rivers, caves, and more! After catching the train, we’ll arrive in Vang Vieng and grab some lunch before checking into the hostel.

Once we’re settled, it’s straight into the action with our next unmissable experience – a visit to the stunning Blue Lagoon 2. Dive into the turquoise waters, swim, channel your inner Tarzan with some rope-swinging, or just kick back and relax.

Then, the evening is all yours – take it easy, recharge after the day’s adventures, or check in with your Adventure Leader for tips on the best spots amongst the local nightlife!

Today offers an array of exciting activities to choose from! You can opt for a thrilling rock-climbing experience, take a biking tour to explore the area, and then embark on a hike up to the Pha Ngern Viewpoint, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas.

Alternatively, you can choose to leisurely float down the Mekong River in a rubber tube, pausing along the way to admire the stunning scenery.

The evening is free for you to relax, recharge, or explore the vibrant nightlife of Vang Vieng. Check in with your Adventure Leader for tips on the best spots nearby.

Today, we’re swapping out Laos for Vietnam! Begin your day early with a bus ride to the airport, from where you’ll catch a flight to Hanoi – Vietnam’s vibrant capital, renowned for its history, lakes, street food, and vibrant Old Quarter!

Upon arrival in Hanoi, you’ll be transferred to your new hostel via bus. In the evening, you can either explore the local streets for some delicious street food or opt to join an optional bar crawl for a night of fun with your fellow travellers.

Today’s itinerary includes a visit to the Hoa Lo Prison where you’ll have the opportunity to learn about Vietnam’s history.

Following this, you’ll head over to Hoan Kiem Lake with its central temple. You can leisurely stroll around the lake, observing the locals as they engage in games and activities on the wide streets constructed by the French in Hanoi’s historical centre. If you’re feeling hungry, Old Quarter Street offers a variety of dining options for you to enjoy.

Afterward, you’ll have a free afternoon to explore Hanoi’s narrow streets, where you can try your hand at crossing the bustling roads just like a local. If you’re in the mood for some evening entertainment, consider attending a Water Puppet Show for a unique cultural experience.

Cap off the evening with an optional group dinner and drinks at the Old Quarter Night Market, sampling street food and local treats. For the partygoers, we recommend keeping the night lighter than usual, as there’s an early bus waiting for you tomorrow!

Today, your adventure takes you to Halong Bay today, an enchanting destination nestled in Vietnam’s northeastern region.

Once you reach the shores of Lan Ha, a serene boat cruise will provide the perfect start to your experience. Once aboard, enjoy a delicious lunch while taking in the stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters – it’s a truly unmissable experience. You’ll be guided to the finest locations, inviting you to partake in a refreshing swim and the chance to get that video of you jumping in from the boat.

As the sun sets, enjoy dinner on board before settling in for an overnight stay on the cruise, surrounded by one of the most beautiful seascapes in the world.

Start the day with an energetic morning of kayaking, paddling through hidden lagoons and around towering limestone cliffs. Afterward, tuck into a hearty lunch on the cruise before saying goodbye to Halong and heading back to Hanoi by bus.

Once back in the city, freshen up at your accommodation before climbing aboard the sleeper bus from Hanoi to Phong Nha, ready for more epic exploration in Vietnam’s stunning landscapes.

Arrive at your accommodation in Phong Nha and get settled, before heading out on your next adventure!

Hop on bikes and cycle to Bong Lai Village – a laid-back countryside spot with farms, jungle views, and (most importantly) home to the ‘Pub With Cold Beer’. We’ll take a pit stop here to enjoy some deliciously cold Vietnamese beer, before playing some volleyball and enjoying a few hours of laid-back fun!

As you head into the evening, don’t hesitate to consult your Adventure Leader for suggestions on how to make the most of Phong Nha’s nightlife.

Today’s a free day, giving you the chance to relax or chase adventure. For the thrill-seekers, join the optional tour of Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park where you’ll uncover two of Vietnam’s most incredible caves.

First up is Paradise Cave, where you’ll wander through jaw-dropping limestone formations deep underground. Then it’s time to get the adrenaline pumping at the Dark Cave – think ziplining, swimming, mud baths, SUP boarding – and more!

The tour includes lunch, transport, and entrance fees. A heads up: the main zipline has a 90 kg / 200 lbs limit, but the mini one’s open to everyone! You’ll be back at the hostel by late afternoon – muddy, happy, and ready to relax after an epic day out.

Freshen up and enjoy some free time for dinner for your travel buddies! Don’t forget to grab a bakery snack or two for breakfast tomorrow, as the sleeper bus from Phong Nha to Hoi An will travel through more remote regions with limited food options!

Arrive in Hoi An, a beautiful ancient town in Central Vietnam, where you’ll be picked up and taken to your accommodation. Spend the morning resting and recharging after your journey – or, if you’re raring to go, ask your Adventure Leader for tips on exploring the town at your own leisure.

For those keen to dive into local culture, you’ll have the option to take part in a classic Vietnamese experience – a ride in the famous coconut basket boats! Glide along the water in these unique round vessels, learn about local farming practices, and get a taste of rural Vietnamese life.

In the afternoon, it’s time for our next unmissable experience – a tour of Hoi An’s Ancient Town. Your Adventure Leader will guide you to the entrance before giving you free time to wander the charming streets, discover hidden temples, and see the iconic Japanese Bridge for yourself.

In the evening, join your fellow travellers for an optional group dinner and then head out to explore Hoi An’s nightlife, from lively bars to riverside lantern-lit spots.

Today is your free day to explore Hoi An at your own pace. Alternatively, you might opt for a visit to Ba Na Hills, a French-style village accessible by the world’s longest cable car. On this day tour, you can visit Le Jardin, the old wineries, remains of French villas and the Linh Ung Pagoda.

Alternatively, you can explore a local farm or rent a bike to discover one of Hoi An’s beautiful beaches.

In the evening, savour delightful local cuisine or immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife. You can also opt to join us for the Hoi An memories show, a real-world performance that dramatizes Hoi An’s 400-year-old history through state-of-the-art lights and audio.

This morning, kick off your day with a hands-on cultural workshop – traditional lantern making! Get creative, learn a local craft, and walk away with your very own handmade souvenir to remember the experience.

Afterwards, we’ll transfer to Da Nang Airport for a short flight south to our final destination in Vietnam – Ho Chi Minh City! Once checked into your hostel, the evening is yours to dive headfirst into the energy of the city (and trust us, it’s a lot).

Start with an optional group dinner at a local spot, then choose your own night-time adventure: sink cocktails from a rooftop bar, wander the epic bar street, or join the group for a lively bar crawl. However you spend it, tonight’s all about soaking up Ho Chi Minh’s unforgettable nightlife.

Commence your day with a guided tour of Ho Chi Minh City, exploring some of the city’s renowned landmarks. You can join your group for a delightful lunch at a local restaurant, before the rest of the day is yours.

In the afternoon, you have the choice to visit the War Remnants Museum, an institution that offers vital insights into the history of the Vietnam War.

Come evening, get ready to dive into Ho Chi Minh’s vibrant nightlife! Wander through lively streets buzzing with energy, street vendors, and the irresistible aromas of local dishes sizzling on every corner. Need some food inspo? Try and stop us:

• Banh mi (Vietnamese baguette sandwich)
• Pho (classic noodle soup)
• Goi cuon (fresh spring rolls)
• Banh xeo (crispy Vietnamese pancake)
• BBQ skewers (meat + seafood, grilled on the spot)
• Che (sweet dessert soup with coconut, beans and jelly)

Start the morning with an optional visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a fascinating network of connecting tunnels employed during the war. Your Adventure Leader will arrange private transport there and back, and you’ll pay a small entrance fee. Crawl through the tunnels, explore hidden chambers, and get a real sense of Vietnam’s history.

In the afternoon, dive into Vietnam’s legendary coffee culture with an optional coffee workshop where you’ll learn to make – and taste – some famous Vietnamese coffee in a local shop. You might even pick up some insider tips along the way!

Cap off the day with an unmissable experience: karaoke! Grab the mic in your private 2-hour room, belt out your favourite tunes, and continue the party out in the city.

Rise and hit the road! Today, we travel by bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh, crossing the Moc Bai border into Cambodia along the way. The journey takes around 9 hours and is the perfect chance to watch the landscape change as you roll into a new country.

Once in Phnom Penh, you will meet up with your Cambodian Adventure Leader, check into your hostel, and then set out on a city walk to explore the sights. Afterwards, enjoy a welcome chat at a rooftop restaurant, where you can meet your fellow travellers and hear about the adventures ahead.

In the evening, connect over an optional group welcome dinner before diving into Phnom Penh nightlife on Bassac Lane. With your local host, enjoy free shots at every bar, some karaoke along the way, and a taste of the city’s vibrant nightlife.

Start the day with poignant tour of the S21 Prison and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek with a local guide, travelling by tuk tuk. This is sobering but important experience, offering insight into the country’s harrowing history.

The rest of the day is yours, but not without some epic suggestions! Feeling fancy? Ops for a sunset cruise along the Tonle River where you’ll feast on unlimited beer or soft drinks, snack on fresh fruit, and take in the stunning riverside views as the sun dips below the horizon.

We then suggest finishing the day by heading to the Phnom Penh Night Market. Stroll the stalls with your tour guide, grab some souvenirs, or sample delicious street food for dinner.

Set off for Sihanoukville, where you’ll catch a ferry to the idyllic island of Koh Rong Sanloem – a peaceful haven known for its powdery beaches, clear turquoise waters, and laid-back atmosphere.

Once on the island, meet your local guides for a welcome chat and check-in, before getting stuck into your next unmissable experience (depending on the season):

• October – May: As evening falls, we’ll gather at a stunning cliffside bar to sip cocktails while soaking in a spectacular sunset.
• June – September: Embrace the tropical rains with a walk through natural rock pools, all while enjoying the beauty of a sunset.

For dinner, we’ll gather at Two Ducks – home to some of Cambodia’s best burgers – and take advantage of happy hour (obviously).

As night falls, get your mask and snorkel at the ready for another unmissable experience: swim with the bioluminescent plankton and witness the magical glow of these tiny creatures in the water. It is truly unforgettable.

Commence your day with a delectable buffet breakfast, setting the perfect tone for an island day adventure.

Then dive into an unmissable island experience as you trek through a local fishing village to Clearwater Bay, where you can swim, relax on the beach, and enjoy a picnic lunch. Afterward, hop on a boat for snorkelling at a nearby coral reef before returning to the village to unwind.

Depending on the season, the day wraps up with either camping on the beach under the stars or joining a beachfront pub quiz and bonfire.

Kickstart your day with one of these exciting activities:

• Refresh your mind and body with a morning yoga session (available between October & May).
• Dive into adventure with a scuba diving experience, guided by certified SSI instructors and a divemaster along the shore.
• Enjoy a leisurely kayaking tour for a more relaxed start.
• Experienced swimmers can join a coral reef clean-up to help preserve the local marine ecosystem.

Prefer to take it easy? You can simply unwind under the sun and work on your tan.

Savour a delicious beachside BBQ for lunch, then choose from the following activities:

• Take part in a beach clean-up alongside local islanders, helping to remove plastic and other waste from the shoreline.
• Missed kayaking in the morning? Now’s your chance to paddle out to a neighbouring island.

Later, head back to the mainland to catch your sleeper bus to Siem Reap.

You’ll reach your lodging bright and early and will check in to your accommodation for a few hours’ rest.

In the late morning, it’s back into the city for an orientation tour, where you’ll explore the riverside, the Royal Gardens, the Made in Cambodia market, and receive a blessing for safe travels at Wat Prum Rat Temple.

In the afternoon, you can opt to indulge yourself with a spa session at a nearby facility. Then, in the evening, you can opt to join your group with a trip to the Phare Circus – this incredible social organisation provides free education and arts training to over 1200 children every year. Their acrobatics show features a Cambodian storyline and supports the development of the arts.

Begin your day at the break of dawn as you venture to the UNESCO World Heritage Site – Angkor Wat – the largest religious monument globally! Dedicate a few hours to explore the temples of Angkor, including Ta Prohm, which gained notoriety for its role in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.

In the afternoon, you can opt for the Apopo Hero Rats Tour via tuk-tuk, where you’ll learn more about how these cute creatures are being used as one of the most effective demining tools in Cambodia.

Come evening, you have the choice to partake in a 1.5-hour tour on a pedal-pub car – including a drink! – followed by the opportunity to sample local Cambodian delicacies including crickets, frogs, and silkworms (no, we’re not joking).

Embark on a half-day cycling tour that guides you through lotus fields and a typical Cambodian village. You’ll make various stops, offering you a genuine glimpse into local village life. Visit a duck farm, learn about rice cultivation, and savour local palm wine.

In the afternoon, you might opt to head to Cambodia wake park, for an afternoon of watersports – they’ve got options for inflatable courses, wakeboarding, and an inland beach!

In the evening, relish a farewell dinner with your group, where you can reminisce about the best bits of your tour.

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 say goodbye to your travel crew and get planning your next adventure!