Grand Southeast Asia Journey: 4 Weeks in Thailand, Vietnam & Cambodia

Welcome to Bangkok, the vibrant capital of Thailand. Upon arrival at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, your English-speaking guide and local driver will meet you outside the baggage claim area.

Transfer to your hotel in the city centre for check-in. Standard check-in time is 14:00, while early check-in can be arranged with an additional charge.

Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Relax at your hotel after the flight or begin exploring Bangkok independently.

Morning

After breakfast, leave Bangkok and travel for just over an hour to Ayutthaya, the former capital of Thailand and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once the centre of a prosperous kingdom, the city is now known for its historic temples, palaces, and ancient ruins.

Upon arrival, explore Ayutthaya by kermit tuk-tuk, a distinctive three-wheeled vehicle found in Ayutthaya and Trang provinces. Visit some of the city’s most notable landmarks:

• Wat Yai Chaimongkol – Admire its towering chedi and rows of serene Buddha statues.
• Wat Mahathat – See the famous Buddha head nestled among the roots of a banyan tree.
• Local market – Walk through the market before continuing to Wat Phra Srisanphet, a former royal temple recognised for its three impressive chedis.

Afternoon

Continue to the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, a royal retreat dating back to the Ayutthaya era. Explore its distinctive mix of European, Khmer, Thai, and Chinese architectural influences before returning to Ayutthaya.

Return to your hotel for free time at leisure. Relax at your hotel or explore Ayutthaya independently.

After breakfast, depart Ayutthaya and travel towards Lopburi, a historic city with strong connections to Thailand’s royal past. Visit King Narai’s Palace, built in 1666 by King Narai the Great, who ruled from 1656 to 1688.

The palace served as King Narai’s seasonal residence and reflected Lopburi’s importance as the kingdom’s second capital. It became a centre for royal leisure, hunting, administration, and receiving distinguished guests.

Afternoon

Continue to Phitsanulok, one of Thailand’s oldest cities, with a history spanning more than 600 years. Explore its cultural heritage through its revered temples and museums before continuing towards Sukhothai.

After approximately 1 hour of travel, arrive in Sukhothai, the first capital of Siam and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its historic area features ancient temples, Buddha statues, and atmospheric ruins that reflect an important period in Thailand’s history.

Check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Morning

Start your day with an early visit to Sukhothai Historical Park, the first capital of the Kingdom of Siam in the 13th century and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk among ancient temple ruins, lotus ponds, and mature trees as you explore highlights including Wat Srisawai, Wat Mahathat, and Wat Sra Sri.

These historic sites offer insight into Sukhothai’s religious traditions and artistic heritage during one of Thailand’s most important historical periods.

Afternoon

After lunch at a local restaurant, continue north towards Chiang Rai. Stop at Phayao Lake along the way for a coffee and time to enjoy the peaceful lake and surrounding mountain scenery.

Arrive in Chiang Rai in the late afternoon and check in to your hotel. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure, relaxing after the journey.

Morning

After breakfast, set out to explore the diverse cultures of Northern Thailand’s hill tribes. Travel through scenic mountain roads to visit Akha and Yao villages, where you can learn about their traditional customs, clothing, and way of life.

Continue to Mae Sai, Thailand’s northernmost town on the border with Myanmar. Explore its lively markets, where local handicrafts and regional products are available before stopping for lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon

Continue to the Golden Triangle, the area where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet. Visit the Old Opium House to learn about the region’s history, then travel to Chiang Saen, a historic town situated along the Mekong River.

From Chiang Saen, take a boat trip to the Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos converge. Afterwards, return to Chiang Rai for hotel check-in and time to relax.

Morning

After breakfast, depart Chiang Rai and travel towards Mae Ka Chan, a popular stop known for its natural hot springs. Continue through the scenic countryside, with rolling hills and lush forests along the route to Chiang Mai, often known as the “Rose of the North”.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing your journey.

Afternoon

Arrive in Chiang Mai and visit Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, a revered temple situated on the mountainside overlooking the city. Take time to admire the temple and surrounding views before transferring to your hotel for check-in.

Experience a traditional Kantoke dinner, featuring a selection of northern Thai dishes served alongside traditional music and dance performances. The evening concludes with Ramwong, a lively traditional dance where you can join the performers and experience a local cultural tradition.

Total travel time: approx. 3 hours

Morning

After breakfast, meet your guide and drive to Mae Taeng Elephant Camp. Watch an elephant show before taking an elephant ride across the river and into the surrounding hills. Return to the camp by traditional ox cart and enjoy a buffet lunch.

Afternoon

Continue with a 45-minute bamboo rafting trip along the river, taking in the peaceful scenery along the way. Then visit the Orchid & Butterfly Farm, home to more than 500 species of orchids and a variety of colourful butterflies.

Next, explore the handicraft villages of San Kamphaeng and Bo Sang, known for traditional silk weaving, wood carving, and umbrella-making. Return to Chiang Mai and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Morning

After breakfast, enjoy some free time in Chiang Mai before transferring to Chiang Mai Airport for your flight to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam.

Afternoon

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel in central Hanoi. Complete the check-in process and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

If you would like to explore more of Hanoi, consider one of the following optional experiences:

Note: Standard hotel check-in time is 14:00. Early check-in is subject to availability and an additional charge.

After breakfast, enjoy a half-day tour of Hanoi - visit several of the capital’s notable cultural and historic landmarks:

• Temple of Literature – Explore Vietnam’s first national university and learn about its role in the country’s educational history.
• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & One Pillar Pagoda – Visit the mausoleum complex and see the distinctive One Pillar Pagoda, designed to resemble a lotus rising from the water.
• West Lake & Tran Quoc Pagoda – Enjoy the peaceful surroundings of West Lake and visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of Hanoi’s oldest Buddhist temples.

Enjoy lunch or dinner at a local Vietnamese restaurant.

Notes:

• The tour can operate in the morning or afternoon, and the itinerary may vary depending on availability.
• The mausoleum is closed Mon and Fri and from Jun - Aug. You can only take photographs from the outside.
• Please dress respectfully when visiting the mausoleum complex. Shorts, miniskirts, sleeveless tops, and tank tops are not permitted.

Evening

In the evening, board a bus for the approximately 6-hour journey to Sapa. As you leave Hanoi, the urban landscape gradually gives way to countryside, with mountain scenery appearing along the route.

Upon arrival in Sapa, transfer to your hotel for check-in and time to relax after the journey.

Morning

Around 09:00, depart from Sapa for a day of exploring the surrounding mountain villages. Visit Lao Chai and Ta Van, home to H’mong and Dzay communities, before beginning a trek from Lao Chai to Ta Van covering approximately 3 km.

Enjoy lunch at a local family and take a break while experiencing the welcoming atmosphere of village life.

Afternoon

Continue your trek through Ta Van and the surrounding countryside. Along the way, gain insight into local daily life, traditional customs, and distinctive house architecture.

At the end of the trek, the bus will pick you up and return you to Sapa town. If you are staying at a village homestay, continue trekking for approximately 2 km to reach your accommodation.

Morning

After breakfast, depart Sapa at around 09:00 and travel southwest to Cat Cat Village, a traditional H’mong village surrounded by mountain scenery. Explore the village and enjoy the scenic waterfall before continuing through the surrounding landscape.

After the morning visit, enjoy a picnic lunch beside the river and take some time to relax in the natural surroundings.

Afternoon

Continue trekking to Sin Chai Village, taking in views of the surrounding mountains and valleys along the way. After completing the trek, return to the main road and transfer back to Sapa town.

Between 15:00 and 15:30, meet your transport for the road journey back to Hanoi. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Morning

At 08:00, depart Hanoi for Ninh Binh and explore its scenic countryside. Your first stop is Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam, where you can learn about the history of the Dinh and Le dynasties.

Continue to Tam Coc for a sampan boat ride along the river, passing through scenic grottoes and surrounded by limestone karst mountains. If time permits, take a 30-minute walk up one of the nearby karst hills for panoramic views.

Continue to Tam Coc Town, with opportunities to stop for photographs of the surrounding villages and landscapes. Enjoy lunch at a local Vietnamese restaurant.

Afternoon

For those seeking more activity, climb to Bich Dong Pagoda, a historic 15th-century temple complex near Ngu Nhac Mountain. Afterwards, board the bus for the return journey to Hanoi.

Morning

After breakfast, transfer from Hanoi to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its emerald waters and dramatic limestone karsts.

Board your cruise around noon and receive a welcome drink from the English-speaking crew. Enjoy a seafood lunch on board while taking in views of the bay’s numerous limestone islands and surrounding scenery.

Afternoon

Depending on your cruise itinerary, take part in activities designed to explore Halong Bay. You may visit a cave, go kayaking, or enjoy a swim in the bay, subject to weather and cruise conditions.

Return to the cruise and spend some time relaxing on board. Enjoy dinner as the vessel anchors for the night, surrounded by the peaceful scenery of Halong Bay.

Note: The cruise itinerary may vary depending on the cruise you book.

Morning

Early risers can enjoy the sunrise over Halong Bay’s limestone karsts or join a Tai Chi session, depending on the cruise itinerary. After breakfast, spend the rest of the morning exploring an attraction before cruising back towards the port while enjoying the surrounding scenery.

Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi, then continue to Noi Bai International Airport for your flight to Hue, which takes approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.

Afternoon

Upon arrival at Hue Airport, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel. Check in and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure, relaxing after the journey.

Morning 

Begin your half-day city tour with a visit to Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Hue’s best-known landmarks on the banks of the Perfume River. Admire its historic architecture and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere surrounding the river.

Continue to the Imperial Citadel, the former centre of Hue’s royal court. Explore the historic complex, including the Front Gate, Flag Tower, and King’s Palace, while learning about Vietnam’s imperial heritage.

End the tour at Dong Ba Market, Hue’s largest traditional market. Observe local vendors going about their daily trade and browse a variety of regional products and souvenirs.

Afternoon

After the tour, transfer back to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

After breakfast, meet your driver at your hotel in Hue and begin the road journey south towards Hoi An.

Travel by shuttle bus or private car, depending on your selected transfer option. Enjoy the changing scenery as you travel from central Vietnam’s former imperial capital towards the historic town of Hoi An.

Upon arrival in Hoi An, check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Begin your tour at Hoi An Market, a lively local market where residents shop for fresh produce and everyday goods. Take some time to observe the town’s daily routines before continuing into the historic centre.

Visit the Fujian Assembly Hall, an important cultural site where the local community continues traditional practices and offerings.

Continue to Phung Hung Ancient House and Tan Ky Ancient House, two historic homes that provide insight into the lifestyle and trading activities of merchant families in Hoi An’s past.

Visit the Museum of Folk Culture to see traditional objects, clothing, tools, and other items reflecting local life. Continue to the Hoi An Traditional Performing Arts House for an introduction to the town’s traditional music and performing arts.

Walk to the Japanese Covered Bridge, one of Hoi An’s most recognisable landmarks and a historic connection between different parts of the old town.

Finish the tour by exploring local handicraft shops and art galleries, followed by a short walk through the nearby lanes. Return to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Morning

After breakfast at your hotel in Hoi An, meet your driver for the transfer to Da Nang Railway Station. Board the train to Nha Trang and enjoy the approximately 8.5-hour journey through central and southern Vietnam.

Evening

Upon arrival in Nha Trang, meet your transfer and continue to your hotel. Check in and enjoy a relaxing evening after the long train journey.

After breakfast, enjoy a full day at leisure in Nha Trang. Relax on the beach, explore the city independently, or choose an optional tour to discover the surrounding islands and coastal waters.

Consider one of the following experiences:

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Nha Trang. Relax on the beach, explore the city, or browse local shops and markets at your own pace.

Enjoy a free morning in Nha Trang. Take some time to relax or explore the city before returning to your hotel.

Meet your driver at the hotel and transfer to the railway station for your overnight train to Ho Chi Minh City. The journey may take approximately 9 hours, allowing you to travel south while resting on board.

Morning

Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City in the morning and transfer to your hotel. Complete the check-in process and take some time to rest. Early check-in can be arranged for an additional charge, subject to availability.

Afterwards, begin your half-day city tour:

• Reunification Palace – Visit the former presidential residence and learn about its role in Vietnam’s modern history.
• Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral & Old Post Office – Admire two prominent examples of French colonial architecture in central Ho Chi Minh City.
• Local market – Explore a traditional market, observe everyday local life, and browse for souvenirs and regional products.

Afternoon

Return to your hotel after the tour and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Note: Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral is currently undergoing renovation.

Morning

Leave the urban centre of southern Vietnam and travel towards the Mekong Delta, a fertile region known for its waterways, orchards, and rural landscapes. Enjoy the peaceful countryside and experience a slower pace of local life.

Continue by boat along the Mekong waterways, passing fish farms and fruit-growing areas. Visit local orchards, paddy fields, and wetlands while taking in the scenery of the delta.

Afternoon/Evening

After the excursion, continue by road to Can Tho. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Morning

Transfer to the pier and board a wooden boat to Cai Rang Floating Market, one of the Mekong Delta’s best-known markets.

Cruise along the river and observe local vendors trading fresh produce from their boats. Continue to a small noodle workshop to see how traditional noodles are made, then sample fresh tropical fruits while exploring the waterways.

Afternoon

After the visit, begin the journey back to Ho Chi Minh City. Stop for lunch at the Mekong Rest Stop before continuing to the city.

Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

After breakfast, enjoy some free time in Ho Chi Minh City before checking out. Standard check-out time is 12:00. A late check-out can be arranged subject to room availability and an additional charge.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Upon arrival at Siem Reap International Airport, meet your transfer and continue to your hotel. Check in and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Morning

After breakfast, begin your exploration of the Angkor Archaeological Park, starting with the South Gate of Angkor Thom, an impressive entrance dating back to the 12th century.

Continue to Bayon Temple, known for its carved stone faces, then explore the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, Elephant Terrace, and Terrace of the Leper King. These historic sites offer insight into the architecture and heritage of the Khmer Empire.

Next, visit Ta Prohm Temple, where ancient structures are intertwined with surrounding trees. The temple also gained international recognition after appearing as a filming location for Tomb Raider.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon

Continue to Angkor Wat, one of Cambodia’s most significant architectural landmarks. Explore its extensive galleries, columns, libraries, pavilions, courtyards, and reflecting ponds while learning about the history and design of the temple complex.

Return to your hotel in Siem Reap and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Morning

After breakfast, visit Banteay Srei, also known as the “Citadel of Women”. This intricately carved temple is recognised for its detailed stonework and distinctive Khmer architecture.

Continue to Banteay Samre, another well-preserved temple complex featuring distinctive Khmer architectural details. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing the afternoon’s activities.

Afternoon

Take a boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake, approximately 16 km southeast of Siem Reap. Cruise past a floating village and observe local life on the water, including fishing and other everyday activities.

Return to Siem Reap and stop at the Old Market, where you can browse local products and souvenirs, including silk, jewellery, precious stones, and stone and wood carvings.

Afterwards, return to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Enjoy some free time in Siem Reap before your departure. Take the opportunity to relax at your hotel or explore the city at your own pace.

At the appropriate time, transfer to Siem Reap International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your journey through Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia.