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

Welcome to Bangkok, the vibrant capital of Thailand!

Upon your arrival at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by your English-speaking tour guide and local driver. After meeting outside the baggage claim area, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in the city center for check-in (standard check-in time is 14:00; early check-in is available at an additional cost).

Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, relaxing after your flight or beginning your personal exploration of this bustling metropolis.

After breakfast, leave bustling Bangkok behind and travel for just over an hour to Ayutthaya, the former capital of Thailand and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once a flourishing kingdom, Ayutthaya still captivates visitors with its impressive temple and palace ruins.

Upon arrival, hop aboard a Kermit tuk tuk — a distinctive three-wheeled vehicle unique to Ayutthaya and Trang provinces. Your ride will take you to the city’s most iconic landmarks:

• Wat Yai Chaimongkol – Famous for its towering chedi and rows of serene Buddha statues.
• Wat Mahathat – Home to the mystical Buddha head entwined within the roots of a banyan tree.
• A local market stroll en route to Wat Phra Srisanphet – Once part of the Royal Palace, this temple is known for its three majestic chedis.

Continue your journey to the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, a favorite royal retreat since the Ayutthaya era. Its eclectic blend of European, Khmer, Thai, and Chinese architectural styles makes it one of the most beautiful palaces in Thailand.

Return to your hotel for free time at leisure. Overnight in Ayutthaya.

After breakfast, depart Ayutthaya and journey toward Lopburi, where history comes alive at King Narai’s Palace. Built in 1666 by King Narai the Great, who ruled Ayutthaya from 1656 to 1688, this elegant complex served as his seasonal residence for most of the year. Lopburi, designated as the kingdom’s second capital, became a center for royal leisure, hunting, governance, and the reception of esteemed guests.

Continue to Phitsanulok, one of Thailand’s oldest cities, with a history stretching back more than 600 years. Known for its revered temples and intriguing museums, Phitsanulok offers a glimpse into the nation’s deep cultural roots.

After roughly 1-hour transfer, your journey then takes you to Sukhothai, the first capital of Siam and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This historic city is home to a vast collection of ancient temples, Buddha statues, and atmospheric ruins — an open-air museum of Thailand’s golden beginnings.

Morning

Rise early to explore the Sukhothai Historical Park, the first capital of the Kingdom of Siam in the 13th century and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll among atmospheric temple ruins framed by lotus ponds and ancient trees as you visit key landmarks such as Wat Srisawai, Wat Mahathat, and Wat Sra Sri. Each temple tells a story of the kingdom’s spiritual and artistic golden age.

Afternoon

After lunch at a local restaurant, continue north toward Chiang Rai. En route, pause at the tranquil Phayao Lake, where you can sip a coffee while admiring the serene waters and mountain backdrop.

Arrive in Chiang Rai in the late afternoon, check in to your hotel, and enjoy some leisure time to unwind.

Morning

After breakfast, set out to discover the vibrant cultures of Northern Thailand’s exotic hill tribes. Travel along winding mountain roads framed by lush scenery, visiting Akha and Yao hill tribes to learn about their distinctive customs, dress, and way of life. Continue to Mae Sai, Thailand’s northernmost town, located at the border with Myanmar, where bustling markets offer everything from handicrafts to local delicacies.

Pause for a flavorful lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon

Journey to the legendary Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos converge. Visit the Old Opium House to learn about the region’s fascinating history. Reach the provincial town of Chiang Saen, nestled along the scenic banks of the Mekong River. From here, embark on a boat trip to the famous Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos converge.

Return to the hotel and continue the journey north to Chiang Rai. Upon arrival, proceed with check-in and relax at your accommodation.

Morning

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Mae Ka Chan, a well-known stop for its natural hot springs. Continue your scenic journey through rolling hillsides and lush jungles toward Chiang Mai, fondly nicknamed the “Rose of the North”.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon

Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, visit Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, a gleaming temple perched on the mountainside with breathtaking views over the city. Afterwards, transfer to your hotel and check in.

Evening

Savor a memorable Kantoke dinner, featuring a variety of unique and delicious northern Thai dishes. The evening comes alive with traditional music and graceful dance performances. Join in the joyful finale, Ramwong, where you can laugh, smile, and dance alongside the local performers.

Total travel time: approx. 3 hours

Morning

After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide and drive to Mae Taeng Elephant Camp to enjoy an unforgettable encounter with these gentle giants. Watch an engaging elephant show before embarking on an exciting elephant ride across the river and up into the hills. Return to the camp by traditional ox cart, where a buffet lunch awaits.

Afternoon

Begin a 45-minute bamboo rafting adventure along the tranquil river, soaking in the peaceful scenery. Continue to the Orchid & Butterfly Farm, home to more than 500 species of vibrant orchids and delicate butterflies.

Next, visit the renowned handicraft villages of San Kamphaeng and Bo Sang, famous for their traditional silk weaving, wood carving, and umbrella-making.

Return to Chiang Mai and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Morning

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy some free time before transferring to Chiang Mai Airport for your flight to Hanoi, Vietnam’s enchanting capital.

Afternoon

At Noi Bai International Airport, our tour guide will transport you to the hotel in the city center. You will finish the check-in procedure and have free time for the rest of the day.

If you want to explore Hanoi, consider some of our interesting tours below:

NOTE: The hotel check-in time is 14:00 and an early check-in would require a surcharge.

Depending on availability, the city half-day tour can start in the morning or afternoon. Here are the attractions you just must see:

• Start your exploration of Vietnam's first institution, the Temple of Literature, where the elite, mandarins, and nobles studied. 
• Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to see the illustrious founding father of modern Vietnam lying in peace. The most well-known pagoda in Vietnam, One Pillar, has a distinctive style that resembles a lotus blossoming from water.
• Visit West Lake and the Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda, Hanoi's oldest pagoda with a history spanning more than 1,500 years. Enjoy West Lake's refreshing environment and the historic Ly dynasty architecture.

You will have lunch/ dinner in an authentic Vietnamese restaurant.

NOTES: 

• You have the option of leaving in the morning or the afternoon, depending on your schedule. According to consumer preferences, routes could change. The morning trip begins at 8:00, while the afternoon excursion begins at 13:30.
• From June to August, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum will only be viewed from the outside. Shorts, miniskirts, sleeveless shirts, and tank tops are not permitted since you must dress formally.

Evening

Ready for the approximately 6-hour bus trip to Sapa. As the bus leaves the bustling streets of Hanoi behind, the scenery gradually transforms into lush countryside, with mountains and winding roads appearing in the distance.

Upon arrival in Sapa, travelers head to their hotel for check-in. After receiving their room keys, guests can take a moment to relax, freshen up, and enjoy the peaceful mountain atmosphere.

Morning

At around 9:00, let’s depart for a day trip. Visit Lao Chai, Ta Van, two villages of the H’mong and Dzay People, then start trekking from Lao Chai to Ta Van with a distance of about 3 km.

Have lunch at a local family.

Afternoon

Finish the trekking trip at the end of the village this afternoon while gaining an insight into the daily life and exclusive custom of local people, also witnessing their house architecture. 

Our bus will pick you up to get back to Sapa town. (If you stay in the village, you will trek 2 more km to reach your homestay.)

Morning

Have breakfast at your hotel as soon as you awaken. We'll go along the southwest to Cat Cat Village at around 9:00. Let your hair down and enjoy the stunning waterfall at the village.

You may spend time in nature by having a picnic lunch beside the river after the morning trip.

Afternoon

Continue trekking to Sin Chai Village, where you can enjoy the magnificent landscapes of the mountain. Return to the main road to be transferred to Sapa town.

From 15:00 to 15:30, you would be picked up and transferred back to Hanoi

Morning

Kickstart your deep exploration into Vietnam’s picturesque rural Ninh Binh countryside at 8:00.

Your first stop is Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam, and gives you a chance to learn about the history of King Dinh and King Le in Vietnam. Then, take a sampan trip down the Tam Coc River, famous for its charming grottoes and limestone karst mountains.

If time permits, go for a half-hour walk up one of the surrounding limestone karst hills for a spectacular view. Continue for Tam Coc Town (you will have an opportunity to stop for photographs of the villages and landscapes along the way).

Enjoy a Vietnamese-style lunch. 

Afternoon

Adventure lovers can climb up and explore the 15th-century Bich Dong Pagoda near Ngu Nhac Mountain, then get on the bus and return to Hanoi.

Morning

After having breakfast at the hotel, let’s transfer to Halong Bay, a World Heritage Site with outstanding natural beauty and majestic limestone karsts

On the cruise, check-in time is from 11:30 to 12:00. You will be greeted by the friendly English-speaking crew staff with a complimentary refreshing welcome drink and served with a mouthwatering seafood lunch prepared by skilled chefs. You should enjoy the meal while gazing out at the hundreds of huge to little odd limestone islands and the lovely emerald lake.

Afternoon

Depending on each cruise’s itinerary of the day, you will join different activities to discover the beauty of the bay. You are free to create a memorable holiday in Halong by visiting caves, kayaking, or enjoying swimming in the sea

Get back to the junk for relaxing, then have dinner and overnight on board.

Morning

Early risers can enjoy a memorable sunrise over the karst formations of Halong Bay or join a Tai Chi class, depending on the cruise’s itinerary and boost up the energy with a breakfast served shortly thereafter.

Spend the remaining morning time on the cruise to admire the magnificent rock formations while leisurely cruising back toward the port. Upon disembarkation, head back to Hanoi and transport to the Noi Bai airport to catch a flight to Hue. (The flight might take about 1 hour and 20 minutes.)

Afternoon

Our driver will pick you up from Hue Airport and transfer you to your booked hotel in Hue. Check in at the hotel and relax for the rest of the day.

This morning is the time for a half-day city tour in Hue. You might enjoy the view and history of these famous places:

• Visit Thien Mu Pagoda, a famous Buddhism attraction located at the bank of the enchanting Perfume River. Also, admire the fascinating architecture and ancient design of the buildings while immersing in the peaceful atmosphere of the Perfume River.
• Continue to the Imperial Citadel, a well-known attraction for visitors to explore a part of Vietnam's pre-modern history with the luxurious and prosperous lives of the royal. Wander around the citadel, and visit the front gate, the Flag Tower, The King’s Palace.
• Stop at Dong Ba Market, the largest traditional trading place in Hue City and also the adjacent provinces. Seize opportunities to witness the daily business of local sellers, as well as purchase some interesting souvenirs.

After that, you are driven back to your hotel and have the free time to relax on your own.

Be picked up at your hotel in Hue. Transfer to the hotel in Hoi An by shuttle bus or private car.

Your visit starts at Hoi An Market, a busy spot where locals pick up fresh produce and daily goods. It’s an easy way to observe the town’s everyday rhythm.

From there, head to the Fujian Assembly Hall, a place where families regularly come to make offerings and maintain long-standing traditions.

You will then stop at Phung Hung Ancient House and Tan Ky Ancient House, both offering a simple look into how merchant families lived and worked during Hoi An’s trading era.

Afterward, the Museum of Folk Culture provides clear, straightforward exhibits showing tools, clothing, and items used in past generations. A short visit to the Hoi An Traditional Performing Arts House adds a glimpse of local music and stage traditions.

Later, walk over to the Japanese Covered Bridge, a well-known crossing that remains part of daily foot traffic in the old town. To wrap up, explore several handicraft shops and art galleries, then take a brief walk through nearby lanes to see how residents go about their daily routines.

Enjoy your breakfast at Hoi An hotel. Our driver will transport you to Da Nang train station to start the Nha Trang journey. The train journey to Nha Trang will take around 8.5 hours.

Upon arrival, transfer to your booked hotel. Process check-in and relax after traveling for long hours.

Nha Trang is a perfect choice which offers very nice weather and good reasons for traveling, so after having breakfast at the hotel, you can consider some of our suggestions below:

Free time to relax on the beach or go shopping.

After having a free morning, you will be picked up at the hotel and get transferred to the train station for an overnight train to Ho Chi Minh City. The train might take 9 hours.

Morning

You might arrive in Ho Chi Minh City in the morning and would get to the hotel then. Check in and relax in your room (early check-in will be guaranteed with a surcharge).

After that, please get ready for a city tour of this vibrant city. You can choose departure time in the morning at 08:00 - 08:30 or afternoon at 13:00 - 13:30, whenever convenient, to spend time in these must-visit places:

• Do sightseeing at Reunification Palace, a beautifully preserved palace once the residence of the President of the Republic of Vietnam 
• Visit Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office, some of the best examples of classical French colonial architecture
• Head to a local market to discover the local life and culture as well as shop for some interesting souvenirs

Return to your hotel; the rest of the day is your free time to unwind.

NOTE: The Notre Dame Cathedral is under renovation until 2027.

Morning

Let’s go beyond the urban center of the south to explore Mekong Delta, an incredibly fertile region. You are given the opportunity to enjoy the fresh air and immerse yourself in the tranquility and untouched beauty of the countryside.

Then you can board a boat and experience the diversity of the Mekong waterways and go to the fish farms and exotic fruit farms with exciting activities: touring the orchards, visiting paddy fields and swamplands.

Afternoon / Evening

The driver will transport you to your hotel in Can Tho, giving you the rest of the day for relaxation.

Morning

Begin your day with a transfer to the pier and board a wooden boat for a trip to the Cai Rang floating market, one of the Mekong Delta’s liveliest spots.

As you cruise along the river, watch local vendors trade fresh produce and get a firsthand look at daily life on the water.

You’ll also stop at a small noodle workshop to see how traditional noodles are made and sample some fresh tropical fruits along the way. The boat ride offers a relaxing way to experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of the delta.

Afternoon

After the visit, return to Ho Chi Minh City, with a lunch stop at the Mekong Rest Stop before the tour concludes in the city.

Morning

Have breakfast at your hotel, and enjoy your own leisure time before your departure to Siem Reap. The check-out time is at 12:00. We can arrange a late check-out depending on room availability with a surcharge.

Transfer to the airport in Ho Chi Minh City for a flight to Siem Reap.

Afternoon

Arrive at Siem Reap International Airport, get to your hotel, and spend the night there.

Morning

After having breakfast, you will visit the most famous attraction below:

• The South Gate of Angkor Thom, a marvelous ancient architecture dated back to the 12th century
• The Bayon Temple, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, and the Terrace of the Leper King are on your itinerary
• Continue to visit Ta Prohm Temple, a great wonder which was once used as a location in the famous Hollywood film Tomb Raider

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon

Continue your exploration with the architectural masterpiece of Angkor Wat and stroll around this massive monument. Explore many galleries with columns, libraries, pavilions, courtyards, and ponds full of water reflecting the towering temple

Overnight at the hotel in Siem Reap.

Morning

Enjoy a full breakfast at your hotel and we will spend time at Banteay Srei temple (women's castle), a highly intricate and classic pearl in the crown of Khmer art.

Continue to explore Banteay Samre, one of the most beautiful ancient temple sites that tourists should not miss.

Have lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon

Take a boat trip at the Tonle Sap, about 16 km from the southeastern city of Siem Reap. You can pass by a small floating village and have a good insight into the Tonle Sap village lifestyle with fishing and related activities.

Stop at Old Market and purchase some unique artifacts, gold and silver jewelry, precious stones, silk, stone and wood carvings, and many other items for souvenirs.

Later, you will return to the hotel and relax for the rest of the day.

Have leisure time before your departure, then transfer to Siem Reap airport for your onward flight.