Overall, amazing trip!
From the moment I rang up and spoke to lovely Mandy, I was impressed by Explore.
I was part of a group of 8 ranging from 30s-70s, by the end of the trip, we were like old friends. I hadn’t done a group trip before and you are spending a lot of time together so be prepared for that if you are also sharing a room.
Luckily we all got on really well and had a laugh together but you do have to carve out some solo time.
Itinerary - this trip is described as moderate but it’s quite full on. So many activities are squeezed in to the available time and a fair bit of travel in between, but this is broken up by stops on an off the bus for points of interest.
It meant we saw so much of Sri Lanka, we covered 2000km. Think, temples, wildlife, food, hiking, boat / train trip, beach, cities, and history and beautiful scenery.
Accommodation - some were lovely, some not so much, but all were clean / acceptable, some just a bit more basic than others.
Most had pretty good food as we eat at the hotel most nights due to often being off the beaten track.
You are accompanied for the whole trip by your tour guide and we were very lucky to have Sam.
Sam made the trip.
He has such and in depth knowledge of Sri Lanka and was so willing to tell us everything we wanted to know about the history and customs of the country that we really felt like we had gotten to know the country in depth. He had so many little extras ‘up his sleeve’ from stopping the bus to show us how to blow bubbles with a soap plant to arranging for us to go into the signal room at the train station.
I am sure all of the guides are brilliant, but know if you are lucky to be assigned Sam, he is something special.
The trip was fantastic, so many experiences packed into two weeks and friends I hope to stay in touch with. If you’re considering this trip, 10/10 recommend.
From spice-filled bazaars to white sandy beaches, opulent palaces to spice plantations, discover India in all its glory on this well-balanced 15-day adventure. Delve into a world of delicious street food, ride rickshaws through narrow alleyways, stroll by beautiful lakes and forested hills, mingle with Mumbai merchants, and explore centuries-old icons. Finish up on the shores of easygoing Goa, where yoga, cocktails, and golden sands are all you need to chill out after the bustling big towns of India. Now that’s an idyllic Indian adventure.
This trip was the perfect balance. I’d always been curious about Thailand but I wasn’t looking for a beach holiday. I wanted a deeper connection, something that would help me understand the soul of the country. Thailand Odyssey delivered that and more.
What stood out to me most was how thoughtful the experience felt. Nothing was overdone or overly “touristy.” Whether we were visiting temples, walking through old ruins, or floating past boats stacked with mangoes and steaming dumplings, it all felt genuine and grounded in place.
The pace was just right. I never felt rushed and yet we saw and experienced so much. Some moments were vibrant and full of life, like drifting through the floating market or sharing meals at small, local spots. Others were more contemplative like taking in the quiet beauty of ancient temples or riding the train past green hills with history hanging in the air.
Traveling in a little group made a real difference. We had enough time and space to connect with each other but also room for quiet reflection. The accommodations were comfortable, the meals were memorable (I’m still thinking about that green curry), and the logistics were smooth from start to finish.
This isn’t a flashy tour. It’s not about luxury or checking off Instagram shots. It’s about slowing down, absorbing your surroundings, and returning home with stories that linger. If that sounds like your kind of travel, I can’t recommend it enough.
Experience the perfect blend of vibrant city life, coastal relaxation, and rich cultural heritage on this unforgettable tour. Begin in Ho Chi Minh City, where the energy of Vietnam’s bustling capital meets the elegance of colonial-era architecture. Explore landmarks like the Notre-Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office, and delve into the country’s wartime history with a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an intricate underground network used during the Vietnam War. Then, leave the city’s buzz behind as you travel 125 kilometers south to Ho Tram, a peaceful seaside haven famed for its unspoiled beaches and laid-back charm. Here, the rhythm of life slows, inviting you to unwind for five glorious nights in a setting where the blue waters meet soft sands, and every sunrise feels like a fresh beginning. Whether you prefer luxurious spa treatments, water sports, or simple beachside relaxation, Ho Tram offers the perfect sanctuary. Beyond the shore, the surrounding countryside beckons. Explore lush green landscapes, traditional villages, and rice paddies that stretch endlessly, offering a window into Vietnam’s pastoral soul. Take leisurely excursions at your own pace, discovering the simplicity and authenticity of rural life, untouched by the hustle of the modern world. Return to Ho Chi Minh City for your flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia, where you’ll explore the awe-inspiring Temples of Angkor, one of Southeast Asia’s most important archaeological sites. Marvel at Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, and other ancient ruins, surrounded by jungle and steeped in history. This journey offers the best of both worlds—city buzz, beachside serenity, and the timeless beauty of ancient temples.
Gemma Woods as our leader made this trip one of a lifetime. Im incredibly satisfied and happy about how the things were organized for the trip: destinations, accommodations, food, transportation, etc. Gemma helped us connect as a group and this made my experience more comfortable. There was always fun, respect, and joy. Thank you Intro for having such a professional and amazing person in charge of this adventure!
Looking for a tropical escape that blends adventure and relaxation? The Bali & Gili Islands Trip: 13 Days takes you from the lush heart of Bali to the turquoise waters of Lombok and Gili Air Island. Designed as a guided group tour, this journey weaves through Indonesia’s most beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and laid-back island life, all with accommodations, transport, and meals included.
Whether you want to snorkel with sea turtles, catch a legendary Gili sunset, or simply unwind on white sands, this trip offers the perfect mix of discovery and downtime. The main draw is its seamless itinerary—connecting multiple islands and experiences in one comprehensive tour package so you can fully enjoy the magic of Indonesia’s paradise isles.
Magical Southern Thailand boasts all types of impressive scenery, from awe-inspiring beaches to tropical forests packed with flora and fauna. Giving a rich mix of cultures, wildly different from the northern regions, from their traditional cuisine to landscapes, and even language. Prepare yourself for a complete adventure at your own pace!
Coconut palm-fringed islands, sparkling white beaches, tranquil lagoons, turquoise blue waters studded with colored corals, and an abundance of marine life all combine to form the breathtaking beauty that is the Maldives and sets the backdrop to our adventure packages.
The best way to experience this natural beauty and to gain an insight into the culture and tradition of Maldivian life is to travel to an inhabited island. This provides the opportunity to combine local island life with watersports and a little relaxation. Travel to local islands and stay in local guesthouses; visit family homes, mosques and boat yards, All combined with plenty of snorkeling opportunities allowing discovery of the underwater beauty of the Maldives.
This trip was incredible from start to beginning!! All the activities were so much fun and so unique. Our tour guide Med was amazing and made the trip even more fun! I met so many new people, made so many friends and created memories for life!
There's no destination quite like Japan, and there's no better way to see it than by bike. Get off the beaten path, cycling from the historic village of Shirakawa-go to the Sea of Japan and Toyama Bay. Explore the hidden gem of Sado Island on two wheels. Along the way we see one of the finest Japanese gardens in Kanazawa, rest your head in a traditional ryokan, sample excellent local seafood and soak in coastal scenery. Finally, hop on a bullet train to explore the neon-clad, beating heart of Japan, Tokyo.
Sado Island - Discover breathtaking landscapes, rugged coastal beauty, rich culture and historical significance
Kyoto and Tokyo - Get lost amongst the bustle and vibrancy of Japan's two biggest cities, teeming with cultural hot spots and ancient sites
Delicious local food - Refuel with tasty Japanese cuisine from street food in the city, to authentic local meals in the countryside
Book this tour and enjoy an incredible cruising experience in Vietnam. Start your journey from Hanoi, where you will be picked up by our representative and transferred to La Pinta Cruise. Board the cruise and sail past the islets Da Chong, Con Vit and Gia Luan.
Cruise to Lan Ha Bay, whose limestone outcroppings and emerald waters are equally as impressive as that of the Ha Long bay but often sees less boats and travellers as compared with its more popular twin. The bay is also known for its beautiful beaches and mysterious caves.
Stop at Vung Tra Bau. Choose between either kayaking or swimming in its emerald waters before heading to the world-famous Ha Long Bay. See its towering limestone islands, called karst, which are covered with rainforests. Enjoy the beauty of its emerald waters and see various islets around it.
Explore the traditional fishing village of Viet Hai, located in the middle of a jungle, on a bicycle (you will travel around 5km on your bike). Observe the life of the people and the natural beauty of the place.
Observe local fishermen netting their catch. Learn to prepare well-known Vietnamese cuisine during this trip. Fish squids in calm waters in the evening. This cruise has been designed with your utmost comfort and entertainment in mind. Admire panoramic views of the bay and the surrounding areas from the cruise. Give us the opportunity to serve you and we will ensure that you will never forget your La Pinta memories.
From world-class sushi to legendary geisha, enthralling Japan is the perfect destination to discover by bicycle. Our cycling adventure gives you a slowed down, up close look of this fascinating country and allows ample opportunity to meet locals and glimpse the unique culture of the Land of the Rising Sun. From the temples, shrines and geisha of Kyoto to the frenetic but exhilarating chaos of Tokyo, and the beautiful mountain serenity of the Gifu Prefecture countryside in between, this cycling adventure has it all.
Join us on this 10-day 'Treasure of Vietnam and Bali' tour to uncover the pleasures and splendors of two of the top South East Asian holiday destinations. Start in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and work you way toward Mekong Delta, taking in all the sights and culture, before flying to Bali, Indonesia, where you will get to explore the famous temples, rice terraces, and beaches.
In Vietnam, tour the city of Saigon, the famous tunnels of Cu Chi, and floating villages of Mekong Delta, while in Bali, enjoy the tour of the iconic floating temple of Ulun Danu, the Unesco-listed Jatiluwih rice terraces, and the 11th century Gunung Kawi temple complex. While in Bali, you will have two free days to explore the sights and attractions on your own, or simply relax in the beaches.
With accommodations, meals, transport fares, and guide services all taken care of, all you have to do is enjoy the tour.
For more details, go through the itinerary section below.
