Ultimate South East Asia

BM-23168

2.0Based on

27 days

“

I would skip this contiki and maybe just do specific countries you're interested in. The schedule was jam-packed with temple visits which were often very similar to one another. The Vietnam portion of the trip was party heavy which was a huge contrast to the front end of the trip.

Anonymous | Traveled in June

2 - Poor

Carbon neutral

27 daysDuration

Group TourJoin a group of travelers

48 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 35 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

Ends

Bangkok, Thailand

Hanoi, Vietnam

Select Date

Best price guaranteedNo credit card or booking fees.Carbon neutral tours.

Highlights

Bangkok: Nose around the gilded Royal Palace, then travel like a local: floating down the Rivers.

Kanchanaburi: A sombre slice of history. See the Death Railway Museum, WWII Cemetery and the famous Bridge itself.

Kanchanaburi: Cool off in emerald pools, shower under a waterfall and get your step count up. All in a day's work.

Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya: Golden temples, a giant reclining Buddha and so many incredible sights to see. Try not to fall off your bike in shock!

Elephant Nature Park: Help to protect to these majestic giants by learning about their struggle while watching them roam free - the way they were meant to live.

Chiang Rai: Tour one of Thailand’s most-recognisable temples – the White Temple. You’ll find plenty of Buddhist symbolism hinted throughout its beautiful architecture (you know, to satisfy your artistic soul).

Chiang Rai: Blazing blue deities will welcome you at the gates of this mesmerising temple. Don’t forget your camera for a spectacular view of this unconventional style of Buddhist art.

Chiang Rai: Visit the place that has hosted art scholars and researchers for over 50 years. This museum is all about mixing traditional and modern Thai architectural styles, and it’s pretty spellbinding too.

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: Cycle around the former capital of Laos, visiting Ock Pop Tock, Wat Xieng Thong, and Big Brother Mouse.

Luang Prabang: Meditate at this ornate temple, or just marvel at its gilded beauty and take lots of pics.

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: Always wanted to live like a Buddhist? Here is your chance to offer an ‘Alms’ to monks, in the spirit of karmic giving.

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.

Vientiane: See the incredible work of COPE, a non-profit helping locals with mobility-related disabilities, including victims of unexploded bombs. Witness how they provide prosthetic and orthotic devices, surgery, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation - giving people back mobility, dignity, and independence.

Vientiane: This isn't your typical hectic capital city. Today, you'll walk around the peacefully lovely city of Vientiane and admire Laos' version of the Arc de Triomphe - the Patuxai.

Vientiane: It’s bizarre. It’s beautiful. And it has a lot of Buddha statues. This fanciful sculpture garden will leave you with wonder (and a little bit of confusion) in your eyes.

Vientiane: Fasten your seatbelts folks, we’re off to Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh: Admire the architectural wonder of some of the best buildings from the Khmer Empire of Vietnam – built back in the 1800s!

Phnom Penh: A sombre but important remembrance for the victims of the Khmer Rouge. Visit the fields and Genocide Museum.

Phnom Penh: Spend the evening at one of Phnom Penh's best-loved after-dark hotspots for refreshing beverages and tantalising food.

Siem Reap: Visit Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm and Bayon – where Tomb Raider was filmed. But dress appropriately (no hotpants, soz).

Siem Reap: Not only is the food top-notch, this social enterprise trains and employs street youth (and also gives opportunities to other marginalized or at-risk groups!). Every bite supports these young locals to build skills, confidence and a brighter future. Respect.

Siem Reap: Back on the plane. (Didn’t get a window seat last time? Now’s your chance…)

Mekong River Delta: Grab your buddies and take a shot at catching an elephant ear fish for dinner. FYI: it tastes better than it looks.

Mekong River Delta: Watch and learn as local craftspeople make rice wine, tea, sweets and more local delicacies.

Ho Chi Minh City: Brave this subterranean world. The hand-dug tunnels were built by the Viet Cong to hide out during the war.

Ho Chi Minh City: Tick off all of the landmarks on your bucket list – Notre Dame Cathedral, General Post Office and the Presidential Palace.

Ho Chi Minh City: A meaningful reminder of the atrocities of the Vietnam War and its impact on local people and wildlife.

Ho Chi Minh City: Passports at the ready folks.

Hoi An: This 15th century port and UNESCO site is best explored on two wheels with a local expert. Don’t forget your Go-Pro!

Da Nang: Next stop, Hanoi. But before we hit the streets, it’s time to hit the sky one more time.

Hanoi: Step inside KOTO Restaurant and enjoy a high-quality meal with a twist where you’re helping young, at-risk Vietnamese trainees sharpen their hospitality skills. KOTO (AKA Know One, Teach One) is Vietnam’s first social enterprise, offering a 24-month free training program for disadvantaged youth, with a special focus on empowering women. By eating here, you’re supporting more than just a meal. KOTO equips trainees with hospitality, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills, opening doors to long-term careers and breaking cycles of poverty. Each year, over 100 young people get a shot at realising their dreams—all while serving up delicious, expertly crafted dishes.

Hanoi: Listen up culture-lovers. This shrine – dedicated to ancient philosopher Confucius – is known as ‘Vietnam’s first university’.

Hanoi: Take a look at the resting place of Vietnamese revolutionary leader and President Ho Chi Minh. This is where he, along with his party, declared the independence of Vietnam.

Ninh Binh: Cool tropical breeze. Lush-green landscapes. And an unforgettable view of the sunrise over the shimmery silhouette.

Halong Bay: Grab your new BFFs and hang out in this mini paradise. The powdery sand and turquoise waters will bless you with #islandvibes

Halong Bay: The best way to drift off into dreamy sleep? Drifting along the Gulf of Tonkin in a traditional Chinese-style Junk Boat, of course!

Halong Bay: Yet another work of art from Mother Nature. These huge underground caves are made for exploring. But can you spot the ‘mammoth’?