Wonders of Southeast Asia

Day 1: Bangkok Touchdown

Arrive in Thailand's capital and make your way through the streets bustling with tuk tuks, street vendors, and mopeds before checking into our hotel. Get your first taste of that tropical sun by the rooftop pool, before heading out for a Pad Thai and a Singha or two.

Day 2: Jungle Raft Hotel

Hop in a water taxi to the Royal Palace. A local guide will take us round the complex, before a boat tour of the khlongs. Next up - the River Kwai, where we'll visit the famous bridge and get a dose of history at a local museum and cemetery. We'll spend tonight on the river in a jungle raft hotel!

Day 3: Waterfalls & Bikes

Head to the emerald-green pools of Erawan Falls before travelling to historic Ayutthaya. Explore the city by bike with a guided tour of its ornate temples, and grand palaces. Then snuggle down in your cosy cabin on the overnight train to Chiang Mai.

Day 4: Elephant Park

Wake up as the train rolls into Chiang Mai. We're heading to the original and best elephant park where we'll see these majestic giants in their natural habitat and learn all about how the park is working to protect them. Explore Chiang Mai's winding streets on an optional Vespa tour tonight.

Day 5: Chiang Mai Free Time

Enjoy a day at your own pace in the capital of North Thailand. Tantalise your tastebuds with some street stall mu ping (pork skewers), treat yourself to a Thai massage, join a Thai cooking class, or work up a sweat with a Muay Thai class.

Day 6: Chiang Rai Temples

Head to Chiang Rai today where we'll visit the dazzling and totally unique white temple at Wat Rong Khun, the beautiful blue temple at Wat Rong Seua Ten, and Baan Dam Museum, a quirky art gallery. Sample some of the city's signature dish tonight, Kai Soi (yellow curry noodle soup).

Day 7: Local Boat to Pakbeng

Cross the border into Laos before taking the slow boat down the mighty Mekong. Glide down the muddy river, with lush landscapes unfolding all round. We'll spend the night in an authentic guesthouse in Pakbeng, getting to know the locals.

Day 8: Caves & Night Markets

We're back on the slow boat today, stopping at the Pak Ou Caves, where over 4,000 Buddha statues look out over the Mekong, before arriving in pretty Luang Prabang. We'll kick off our stay by watching sunset from a hilltop stupa and practicing our haggling skills in the local night markets.

Day 9: Scenic Bike Tour

Discover Luang Prabang's faded French villas, hazy mountains, and saffron-robed monks on a bike tour. Pay a visit to Wat Xieng Thong, watch the Master Weavers do their thing at the Living Crafts Centre, and join our optional trip to the turquoise waters of Kuang Si Falls.

Day 10: Vang Vieng

We're up early to join an unforgettable Buddhist ritual - giving alms to the city's Buddhist monks as the rising sun bathes the streets in gold. Then journey to Vang Vieng by high-speed train. Explore the river by kayak before drinks with a jaw-dropping view in one of the waterfront bars.

Day 11: Vientiane

Head to the capital of Laos today. Vientiane has a laid-back vibe with stunning temples and great markets. See the ornately carved Patuxai gateway, the fanciful Buddha Park sculpture garden, and visit the COPE Centre, a charity that provides prosthetic limbs to victims of unexploded bombs.

Day 12: Fly to Phnom Penh

Take the short flight to Phnom Penh, Cambodia today. We'll drop our bags at our cool hotel in the Bassac Quarter before admiring some Khmer architecture with some historical sightseeing. We'll visit the Royal Palace, and the Silver Pagoda before drinks back in buzzing Bassac.

Day 13: Khmer Rouge History

We'll learn about Cambodia's tragic past under the Khmer Rouge today with a visit to the Killing Fields & Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. When we've finished paying our respects, we'll raise a glass to the past in some of the city's lively bars.

Day 14: Fly to Siem Reap

We'll take another included flight to Siem Reap today. So much more than just the gateway to Angkor Wat, Siem Reap has a creative cultural scene and lively bars and restaurants. Cool off in the hotel's saltwater pool, before opting to visit the Phare Circus for some multicultural entertainment.

Day 15: Angkor Wat Sunrise

It doesn't get more bucket list than watching sunrise at Angkor Wat - we've got goose bumps just thinking about it. Take a pool break at the hotel before heading back to Angkor Thom and jungle smothered Ta Prohm. Then visit an amazing community restaurant run by former street children.

Day 16: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Hop on another flight to the former Saigon. Get straight out onto the dizzying streets, thronged with mopeds, street-food stalls, and busy markets. Grab a coriander stuffed banh mi and an ice-cold bia hoi, pick up some souvenirs in Ben Thanh Market, or check out the Notre Dame Cathedral.

Day 17: Mekong River Delta

Slow it down today as we head into the Mekong Delta in a traditional boat. We'll explore a floating market, have a shot at catching elephant ear fish, and visit a rice paper factory before a night in an authentic homestay with music, rice whiskey, and home-cooked food.

Day 18: Cu Chi Tunnels

We'll make our way back to Ho Chi Minh today, stopping to see the Cu Chi Tunnels, where the Viet Cong took shelter, transported goods, and launched attacks. It's an amazing insight into the resilience and ingenuity of the Vietnamese people.

Day 19: Fly to Nha Trang

After a tour of Ho Chi Minh's historic highlights, including the fascinating War Remnants Museum, we'll take the short flight to the picturesque beach resort of Nha Trang. Relax on the golden sands, swim in the stunning turquoise bay, or book a relaxing mud bath and hot spring experience.

Day 20: Beach Day

We've got a full day of sun-soaked fun in Nha Trang. Top up the tan on the beach, join our optional island boat trip, or spoil yourself with a luxurious massage. After dark, Nha Trang has everything from hippie bars to glitzy cocktail joints, so take your pick.

Day 21: Fly to Hoi An

Take another flight to Danang, and a short drive to the historic canal town of Hoi An. Ride through the dreamy Old Quarter, with its Chinese shop houses and faded yellow buildings on bikes, stopping at one of the town's famous tailors. Tonight, get sizzling at an optional Vietnamese cooking class.

Day 22: Hoi An Free Time

Today's yours to explore the town's incense-scented temples, riverside cafes, and markets. Pick up some tailor-made clothes, check out the Japanese Bridge, shop for handicrafts, or take a bamboo boat ride. After dark, walk the waterfront, lit up with colourful Chinese lanterns.

Day 23: Fly to Hanoi

We're high in the sky again today as we fly to Vietnam's atmospheric capital. Enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by disadvantaged young trainees in a local community restaurant before visiting the Temple of Literature and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, resting place of the revolutionary leader.

Day 24: Ninh Binh

We're headed to 'Ha Long Bay on land' today as we journey to the emerald landscapes of Ninh Binh. Take an optional tour in a Vietnamese army jeep or spend your day exploring the lush rice paddies and soaring limestone peaks by bike or on foot.

Day 25: Ha Long Bay Cruise

Rise early today to climb the 500 steps to the top of Mua Cave for sunrise. Then drive to the shores of Ha Long Bay, where we'll board our traditional junk boat and cruise into the emerald waters. Chill on Ti Top Island's white sands, kayak round jungle topped karsts, and dine under the stars.

Day 26: Sung Sot Caves

Start the day with a swim before a leisurely breakfast on deck, then head underground into Sung Sot Caves where we'll marvel at the otherworldly rock shapes. Make the most of your last bit of time on the Bay before heading back to Hanoi for a final farewell dinner with the group.

Day 27: Goodbye

Share one last breakfast before the trip wraps up. See you next time!