SE Asia: Bangkok to Siem Reap

Welcome to Bangkok! Get ready for a wild mix of food, heat, and glorious chaos. Tonight, you’ll roll into Khao San Road with your Trip Manager and the crew for your first hit of neon lights, street eats, and that proper first-night buzz.

Bangkok's all yours today — tuk-tuks, temples, street stalls - the whole lot. You can go big with an optional half-day Floating Markets mission and see the city’s waterways in full swing, or even jump on a street food tour and let Bangkok feed you properly.

One last day to soak up Bangkok’s energy. Opt in for a hit of royal history at the Grand Palace and cruise the city’s klongs to see the city from the water.In the evening, we’ll transfer to the station and board an overnight bus to Chiang Mai (a proper Thailand travel rite of passage). The ride will take around 11 hours, so you’ll rest on the way and wake up ready for fresh air and mountain views.

Morning, sleepyheads. This morning, we'll wake up to Northern Thailand’s fresher air and roll into Chiang Mai where a Local Guide will be waiting for us.Today's yours to tailor. Join an optional local market wander followed by a cooking class to dish out your fave Thai cuisine. Wanna turn up the energy? Book an optional Muay Thai session.

A free day? In Chiang Mai? Oh my. Yup, this laid-back mountain city is all yours to explore today too. You can choose to visit Elephant Nature Park to see the biggest and cutest local residents up close. Later, you’ll also have the option to jump on a Vespa tour and see the city in night mode.

Catch ya later, Chiang Mai. Today, we'll hit the road to Chiang Dao, rolling past rice paddies and big green views. You’ll stop at Sri Lanna National Park, then climb up Bua Thong “Sticky” Waterfall (yep, you ain't slipping here).Next, we’ll head into Chiang Dao Cave for a guided walk through huge limestone chambers, epic formations, and hidden Buddhist shrines. In the afternoon, we'll continue on to Chiang Dao and check into our hotel. The rest of the day is all yours to do what you please.

Fuel up with breakfast, then head further north towards Fang. Today will be all about slowing down and soaking up Thai highland scenery. We'll stop at Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park for its natural hot springs, where you can dip into mineral-rich pools, chill in the sauna, and watch steam rise with mountain views in the background.After a very special spa session with Mother Nature, we’ll roll into Fang. Use up the rest of the day to explore the local town. Or do absolutely nothing and enjoy that quiet mountain air.

Time to swap the main roads for a 4WD ride into the hills, heading to the secluded village of Doi Pu Muen.Wander through tea and coffee plantations, try your hand at picking leaves, and learn how tea is heated and dried using traditional methods passed down through generations in the Lahu community. Then you’ll sit down with your hosts to taste the goods, hear their stories, and share a delish local lunch.After lunch, we’ll head back down the mountain and transfer to Chiang Rai.

Bye-bye, Thailand. We'll cross into Laos via the Huay Xai border, then jump on a private slow boat for a two-day cruise down the legendary Mekong River. This ain't just transport — you’ll kick back on deck, watch river life roll by, swap stories with the crew, and even enjoy lunch onboard before docking for the night in riverside Pak Beng.Once you arrive, we’ll check into the hostel and have the evening to settle in.

Back on the boat and cruising onward, we'll leave Pak Beng behind on a roughly 7-hour journey to UNESCO-listed Luang Prabang. Along the way, we'll also visit the stunning Pak Ou caves and grab a simple lunch onboard.Hey there, Luang Prabang. This is place where ancient temples and French-colonial streets will set the vibe straight away. If you’re keen, you’ll have the option to hike up Mount Phousi at sunset for panoramic views over the city and river.

Prepare to be absolutely stunned! Today, we'll head out to the postcard-worthy Kuang Si Falls — a multi-tiered cascade with turquoise pools (that’ll be begging for a swim). Afterwards, we’ll visit a local social enterprise supporting women through traditional weaving, where you’ll learn about the craft and the impact behind it. Next: free time to wander Luang Prabang’s night market and maybe even lock in the perfect souvenir.

You can choose to start the day with Alms Giving (a quiet, meaningful Luang Prabang moment before the pace switches up). Then jump on the high-speed train and rocket your way to Vang Vieng.Limestone cliffs on full display and the river running the show - that's how you know you're in Vang Vieng. You’ll have the rest of the day free to choose your own adventure, whether that’s chilled-out exploring or turning the dial up.

Today's a you-do-you kinda day. Need ideas for things to do in Vang Vieng? Your Trip Manager will point you in the right direction. Feeling adventurous? Join the crew for some kayaking on the Nam Song River.

Next stop: Luang Prabang. We'll jump on the high-speed train and be back by the river in about an hour.Rolling into Luang Prabang, you’ll transfer out to Ban Laesivilay and get the kind of welcome that makes you instantly relax.Once you’ve dropped your bags, we’ll head out into the plantations to see what’s growing in season and get a real feel for village life. We’ll hop on a local boat and cruise the Nam Xeuang, with stops along the banks to try gold panning and traditional fishing. Then it’s back to the homestay for a big shared family feast — you’ll get involved in the cooking, learn a few Lao faves, and sit down together for a night of food and stories.

Start the morning with an included Lao-style breakfast made by your hosts, then head out on a village walk to see how daily life runs out here. Expect farming chats, hands-on moments, and a proper look at the rural rhythm beyond the tourist trail.By midday, it’ll be time to slow it down, say your goodbyes, and transfer to Luang Prabang airport. Time to jump on a plane to Hanoi — swapping quiet village scenes for big-city buzz in one smooth move.Touchdown Hanoi. The rest of the evening is yours to explore — street food, wandering, or easing into the city’s night-time energy if you’re keen. Plus, we'll be linking up with more of our Contiki crew tonight.

Hanoi will hit you right in the senses today — in the best way. You’ll have a free morning to explore before we head out on an orientation walk through the Old Quarter, where each street will have its own speciality and decades of local trade behind it. You’ll snack as you go (we're talking: banh mi and other local faves), then wrap up on iconic Train Street with an egg coffee in hand (keeping an eye out for a train rolling past just inches away).

Ready to swap scooters for sea air? Today we'll head out of Hanoi and make our way to Cat Ba.Drop into coastal mode fast and hop straight onto the boat. Island time incoming...Lan Ha Bay will do the flexing today — limestone karsts, glassy water (and an included lunch onboard too). Then you’ll grab a kayak and paddle into hidden corners and quiet lagoons you won’t reach any other way.Back on Cat Ba for the night, you’ll be sun-kissed, salt-sprayed, and fully in your “why don’t I live on an island?” era.

Make the most of the morning to soak up your last island moments — one more cafe, one more viewpoint, one more wander. Then we’ll regroup and roll back to Hanoi by private bus.Back in the capital, you’ll have time to grab dinner and stock up on train snacks — because overnight journeys and empty stomachs don’t mix.Tonight you’ll board an overnight sleeper train to Central Vietnam — classic traveller mode activated. You’ll be in 4-berth soft-sleeper cabins with bedding included, your bags kept in-cabin (space is tight, so an overnight bag will be your best mate), and the ride will take roughly 10 hours depending on the service.

You’ll roll in during the early hours and transfer with your local guide from Dong Hoi station to Phong Nha National Park (around 1 hour). Later, you’ll have the option to head out on a half-day Phong Nha Cave boat trip — river cruising, caves up close, and a solid first taste of this area’s wild scenery.

Road trip day. We’ll head south with a few big history stops along the way — including the Vinh Moc Tunnels, where you’ll have the chance to walk through an underground village and see how families lived below the surface during the Vietnam War.Next up, we'll hit the road once again, travelling along the iconic Hai Van Pass. Cameras at the ready for those charming coastal views!Then it’s straight into lantern-lit Hoi An. Tonight you’ll have time to wander the markets, pick out dinner, and ease into the city’s bar scene with the crew.

Guess what? You've got a full free day to do Hoi An your way — lantern streets, coffee stops, or a beach reset. Keen for something more hands-on? Opt into the Tra Que Herb Village Experience for herb gardens, farm-to-table cooking, and a traditional herbal foot massage to finish.

Yep, another free day in Hoi An. Jump on a bamboo basket boat ride, or use up the day to hit the famous tailor shops and get something made.

After a dreamy stint in Hoi An, we’ll switch lanes and head for beachy Quy Nhon. On the way, we’ll stop at Bich Hoa Tam Thanh Village for a colourful peek at rural life — and a bit of a culture reset before the coast takes over once again.We’ll roll into Quy Nhon and the rest of the afternoon will be yours. Pick a beach, claim a spot, and settle into full seaside mode.

More free time today, and plenty of ways to use it. Maybe check out the ancient Cham towers for a history hit, or chase the coastline.Later tonight we’ll board the overnight sleeper train to Ho Chi Minh City.  Lights out, reset, and a whole new vibe waiting when we wake up.

Hello Ho Chi Minh! Formerly known as Saigon, this city is pure energy. We'll arrive early, your TM will take you on an orientation walk to a local market for an authentic Vietnamese coffee experience and local breakfast. The rest of the day is yours. Why not explore the city's history at the War Remnants Museum, shop at the Ben Thanh Market, visit the Reunification Palace, or just wander the streets and enjoy the city's vibrant atmosphere.

This city is yours today. You can opt in for a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels for a deeper look at the city’s history, or just get out and explore its electric atmosphere at your own pace.

Grab your passport. Today we’re road-tripping to Cambodia. Hop on for a private transfer, crossing the border at Bavet. Then settle in for the drive to Phnom Penh.Hello, Phnom Penh. Drop your bags, freshen up, then hit the streets for an orientation walk to explore riverside scenes, Wat Botom Park, and local snack action. Oh, and of course, we'll wrap up with a beef jerky tasting at a local-fave spot. Wanna explore the food scene even further? Opt in for a food tour this evening.

Time to take a deeper look at Cambodia’s history. First we'll visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) and then the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. Afterwards, we’ll switch gears with time to wander Phnom Penh’s colourful markets, including the iconic art deco Central Market. The rest of the day is yours to explore.

Goodbye, Phnom Penh. Today, we'll trade traffic for rice fields on a private drive to Battambang. En route, we’ll swing by Kampong Chhnang (AKA pottery central) to see artisans shaping clay the old-school way.Welcome to Battambang. Drop your bags, catch your breath and head out to Phnom Sampeau for an absolutely unforgettable sunset. Then it’s homestay time, with an included dinner shared with a local family.

Spend the day getting a real taste of local life (think fresh banana chips, rice paper, bamboo sticky rice and a stop at a rice wine distillery for a sip and a story). Plus, we'll swing by the famous prahok market for a true Khmer flavour hit. After a break back at the homestay, jump on the iconic bamboo train for a bumpy ride through the countryside (if it’s running). And finally, finish with an authentic Cambodian dinner with a local family. Cute.

Bye-bye, Battambang. Today, we'll roll through Cambodia’s green countryside toward Siem Reap. On the way, we’ll stop at Pouk Silk Farm to see the full silk story (all the way from mulberry leaves to hand-woven threads) and even meet the artisans keeping this centuries-old craft alive.Sup, Siem Reap? It's a free afternoon with two optionals up for grabs: tear through the countryside on a quad bike adventure, or grab a seat at the Phare Circus where acrobatics, theatre and Cambodian storytelling collide in one seriously high-energy show.

Wakey wakey, that Angkor sunrise will be worth the early alarm (promise). Time to roll into Angkor Wat in the dark, grab our spot, and watch the temple light up. Later, we'll head inside for a guided deep-dive through carvings, legends, and seriously next-level architecture. Next? Hop on bikes and weave through the park’s back trails to Angkor Thom and Bayon (cue the famous stone faces) before finishing at Ta Prohm, where jungle roots have fully claimed the ruins. Tonight, we'll jump on an open-air bus and see the city from a new POV.

And just like that, our Southeast Asia adventure has officially wrapped up. Share a few final laughs, swap details with the crew, and head off with a camera roll full of memories.