SE Asia: Bangkok to Siem Reap Tour by Contiki

33 daysDuration

Group TourJoin a group of travelers

48 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 35 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

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Bangkok, Thailand

Siem Reap, Cambodia

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Highlights

Chiang Dao: Time to test the name. Head to Bua Thong Waterfall, where the mineral-rich rock makes the surface surprisingly grippy (meaning you can actually climb straight up the cascading tiers!). Shoes off, camera ready, and straight into nature’s version of a jungle gym.

Chiang Dao: Step into Chiang Dao Cave, a vast limestone cavern packed with stalactites, stalagmites, and hidden Buddhist shrines. With a Local Guide leading the way, we’ll wander through echoing chambers and learn how this place became both a natural wonder and a spiritual site.

Fang: Deep in the hills, we’ll visit Doi Pu Muen — a beautiful town that's home to the Lahu hilltribe community. Expect tea plantations, warm welcomes, and a look into everyday village life and what shapes the rhythm of the day.

Pak Beng: Float down the Mekong from Pak Beng, past craggy caves and sleepy hillside villages. A proper taste of Laos life.

Luang Prabang: Definitely the most surreal caves we’ve ever seen. Rock caverns packed with thousands of mini-Buddha statues. Pics or it didn’t happen.

Luang Prabang: Kuang Si waterfalls have a beautiful aqua colour. With transfers and entry included you can check out the 4 different swimming areas. You might even be fortunate enough to check out the nearby bear conservation centre.

Luang Prabang: Step inside the Living Crafts Centre in Luang Prabang and watch over 50 Lao artisans at work, creating beautiful clothes and homeware using traditional weaving techniques. Learn how Ock Pop Tok, founded by Joanna Smith and Veomanee Douangdala in 2000, empowers women by turning their skills into a viable career, while promoting Laotian textiles and crafts across the globe.

Luang Prabang: Hop onto the train from Luang Prabang, travelling at a dashing 160 km/h. You’ll catch some breathtaking views on the way.

Ban Laesivilay: Settle into a homestay in Ban Laesivilay and experience village life the local way. Expect a warm welcome, time to wander the surrounding plantations, and a shared family feast where we’ll help cook authentic Lao dishes before sitting down together to eat and swap stories.

Ban Laesivilay: Boat time, people. We’ll hop on a local boat and glide along the Nam Xeuang River, passing jungle-covered banks and quiet village scenes. Along the way we’ll stop to try traditional river skills like gold panning and fishing — a hands-on look at how the community lives alongside the river.

Ban Laesivilay: Head out with our host for a walk through Ban Laesivilay and get a proper look at the village rhythm. Expect a deeper dive into rural Laos — from learning how locals farm and plant to pitching in with seasonal tasks and everyday chores that keep the community running. It’s hands-on, human, and the kind of morning that makes the homestay feel real (and not just a place to sleep).

Luang Prabang: Time to switch countries! We’ll fly from laid-back Luang Prabang to buzzing Hanoi, trading quiet Mekong rhythms for the full-throttle energy of Vietnam’s capital.

Hanoi: Take Hanoi one bite at a time on a street food walking tour through the Old Quarter. Expect busy lanes, sizzling stalls, and a running commentary from a Local Guide who actually knows where the good stuff is. Come hungry.

Hanoi: Hit up the legendary Train Street, grab an egg coffee, and settle in for the main event — a train rolling through so close you’ll feel the breeze. It’s chaotic and so very iconic.

Lan Ha Bay: Hop on a boat and spend the day gliding through Lan Ha Bay’s limestone karsts and calm, glassy water (Halong’s cooler, quieter cousin). Best part? You'll get to enjoy a delish lunch onboard - all with epic views in the backdrop.

Lan Ha Bay: Paddle time! We’ll jump in kayaks and weave through hidden corners of Lan Ha Bay — slipping into quiet lagoons and threading between the karsts where the big boats can’t go.

Phong Nha: Step underground at the Vinh Moc Tunnels and walk through the maze-like network where families once lived during the war. It's a real eye-opener.

Phong Nha: We’ll cruise the Hai Van Pass for those unreal coastal views — mountains on one side, ocean on the other, and plenty of photo op moments.

Quy Nhon: Want a glimpse into rural Vietnam? We’ll stop at Bich Hoa Tam Thanh Village for a quick culture reset — colourful streets, local life, and a slower pace.

Ho Chi Minh City: Come discover the Ho Chi Minh City with an orientation walk with a Local Guide. We'll drop by a local market, then lock in an authentic Vietnamese coffee (of course!) and a proper local breakfast to match.

Phnom Penh: Hit the streets for an orientation walk — waterfront vibes, Wat Botom Park, and snack stops along the way. We’ll finish with a beef jerky tasting at a local favourite before the evening opens up.

Phnom Penh: Step inside Tuol Sleng, a former school turned prison during the Khmer Rouge regime. It’s confronting, but it matters — and it adds important context to everything you’ve seen so far.

Phnom Penh: Just outside the city, we’ll visit Choeng Ek. A space to pause, reflect, and better understand Cambodia’s recent history before returning to the rhythm of Phnom Penh.

Phnom Penh: We’ll swing by Phnom Penh’s Central Market — a huge art deco icon where you can shop, snack, and people-watch like a pro. Expect everything from souvenirs and jewellery to clothes and street food, all under one very photogenic roof.

Battambang: Welcome to Cambodia's pottery capital! We’ll wander the village, meet local artisans, and see traditional handmade pottery techniques still going strong.

Battambang: Ready to see Phnom Sampeau just before sunset? Grab a seat at the base of the hill, and watch the nightly bat exodus. Think millions of bats streaming out of the cave in a wild ribbon across the sky. (Don't worry, it's not as scary as it sounds.)

Battambang: Dive into Battambang’s local flavours and craft — fresh banana chips at a family workshop, rice paper-making in a village, and a taste of bamboo sticky rice (krolan) roasted in bamboo with sticky rice, black beans, coconut + palm sugar. Then we’ll stop at a traditional rice wine distillery (herbs, fruit, and even scorpion infusions for the brave) before hitting the famously pungent prahok market to see how fermented fish paste is made. After a break back at the homestay, we’ll jump on the iconic bamboo train — a motor-powered bamboo platform on an old rail line — for a bumpy ride past rice paddies (if it’s running), then finish with an authentic Cambodian dinner with a local family.

Battambang: Head to a local family home for an authentic Cambodian dinner — home-cooked favourites, big welcomes, and the kind of meal that feels more like being hosted than being served.

Siem Reap: Yes, it’s an early start — and yes, it’s worth it. We’ll head straight inside Angkor Wat as the sun rises, then head into Ta Prohm while it’s still quiet, where jungle roots wrap around ancient stone and the atmosphere does all the talking.

Siem Reap: Ride from Angkor Wat to the South Gate, along the top of Angkor Thom’s ancient wall with your local cycling guide leading the way. We'll stop at Prasat Chrung, explore the iconic Bayon Temple (and even see its legendary stone faces). Plus, we'll pedal past an ancient Baray and a swinging bridge, straight to the crumbling ruins of Ta Nei.

Siem Reap: Jump on an open-air bus and cruise into Siem Reap’s local night scenes — monastery stop for a Monk’s Blessing, market wandering, sunset over rice paddies, then street-food time at the 60m Road Night Market.