Indochina Discovery

On the first day you’re free to relax, explore the city and adjust to the amazing frenetic pace and humidity of Bangkok. There’ll be a group meeting in the evening where you can meet your tour leader and your soon to be lifelong friends.

Leave Bangkok behind and journey through some spectacular scenery into Cambodia. You’ll travel to Siem Reap, home of the amazing Angkor Wat. Angkor, the former capital of the Khmer kingdom, is one of the wonders of the archaeological world. Rediscovered at the end of the last century by French explorers, this vast ruined city is becoming one of the most popular sites in Southeast Asia. Marvel at the tantalising blend of Hindu and Buddhist art and architecture.

Explore this pleasant riverside city. Check out the colourful cafés, shady streets and the thriving markets full of vibrant textiles and curios.

Relax on the white, sandy beaches of Cambodia’s southern coast. Take a boat trip out to one of the many uninhabited islands and enjoy fresh seafood and a cold drink as the sun slowly sets. Some would call it perfection - on a (satay) stick.

Cross into Vietnam, to the Mekong Delta. Check out this rich green river world of orchards, rice fields, floating markets and cottage industries.

Lose yourself in the maze of Ho Chi Minh City’s central market - you’ll find everything from bolts of brocade to flanks of beef. Write a quick postcard in the stately colonial post office, one of the many French-era buildings that add grace to this modern metropolis. Dine out like a king at a local restaurant and take a step back through time at the spine-chilling War Museum.

Explore the local shops and markets, sit on a perfect beach soaking up the sun or visit nearby historical towns. Opt for a nearby island boat trip to get in some snorkelling or scuba diving.

Wander through the picturesque streets of this 16th century trading port. The buildings bear traces of Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and French architectural styles. Hoi An is also a shopping mecca for tourists. Tailors can produce virtually anything overnight. For sun worshipers, Cua Dai Beach is 4km from town.

Explore riverside garden tombs built for Vietnam’s last emperors or take a motorbike trip out into the stunning countryside.

Float through the strangely shaped islands that dot this vast, emerald bay in a traditional wooden junk (boat). Take the chance to enjoy a pre-dinner swim before you head to Cat Ba Island, where you’ll spend a peaceful and relaxing night.

Explore one of dozens of traditional guild streets that make up Hanoi’s thousand-year-old Old Quarter and join Buddhist monks for prayers in a serene lakeside pagoda. In the evening you’ll have an option to attend a performance at the famous Water Puppet Theatre and sample some of Hanoi's amazing eateries.

A long journey through scenic mountains takes you to the sleepy Laos town of Pak Xan. Explore the exotic local market brimming with weird and wonderful fruit and veg and watch the locals playing a game of petanque as the sun beautifully sets.

There is a wealth of cultural delights to discover in the capital city of Vientiane - on foot, by bicycle or, for the less energetic, by tuk tuk. Visit Laos' most important national monument, Phat That Luang, or meander down the dusty riverside tracks to find villages full of friendly children, dogs and chickens. Find plenty of local treasures at Vientiane's vibrant, colourful markets. Round off the day with a spectacular sunset over the Mekong at one of the many riverside restaurants and lazy cafés.

The quiet town of Vang Vieng is set along the Nam Song river amidst rice fields and limestone karsts. Explore the caves by bike or float down the river in a tyre tube stopping off for a cold drink and a zip line ride at one of the numerous bamboo bars. In the evening, soak in the beauty as the sun sets over the river.

The beautiful town of Luang Prabang has a magical feel about it. Nestled in the hills of
northern Laos on the confluence of the Mekong and Khan Rivers, it is studded with ornate temples and French colonial architecture. Check out the impressive Royal Palace Museum, untouched since the royal family departed in 1975. Opt to hop on a songthaew to the beautiful Kuang Si falls, where turquoise waters cascade over limestone formations.

Begin a two day river cruise - a truly amazing ‘live like a local’ experience. Head up the mighty Mekong River through magnificent jungle covered hills to Pakbeng, an ethnic minority town. Pack up your provisions and get your woollies out if you’re travelling from November to February, it can get just a wee bit chilly!

Continue by slow boat up the Mekong and cross into Thailand at the Houeisay border. Chiang Khong is a small riverside town with cross border trading from nearby villages.

A drive through the hills of Northern Thailand takes us to Chiang Mai where you’ll have the afternoon free before catching an overnight train.

Arrive into Bangkok early in the morning and set out exploring the many and varied sights. Check out the Grand Palace, Wat Po, National Museum, and Jim Thompson's House - just for a few suggestions! A trip along the Chao Phraya river and through the canals (or khlongs) gives you a different perspective of daily life in this busy city. Get yourself into the colourful nightlife and enjoy a good few goodbye drinks.

Your amazing adventure comes to an end on Day 30. Time to start planning the next one then!