Highlights of Vietnam, Laos & Thailand

Days 1 - 2: Ho Chi Minh City. Fly into Ho Chi Minh City on day 1. Meet your group and then head out to sample the nightlife and your first bowl of pho! On day 2 we’ll take you on an orientation walk before letting you explore the bustling city at your own pace – watch out for mopeds! Catch up on sleep tonight with an overnight train to Nha Trang.

Days 3 - 4: Nha Trang. Wake up in the seaside town of Nha Trang. Chill on the sandy beach, explore local markets or take an optional snorkelling trip to the nearby islands. In the evening of day 3, your guide will take you where the locals eat, on a mouth-watering street eats tour. On day 4, we’ll get the overnight train to Hoi An.

Days 5 - 6: Hoi An. Take an orientation walk round the mellow yellow streets of Hoi An. Grab a Vietnamese coffee and get some clothes made at one of the town’s tailors. On day 6, join a cooking class where you’ll learn how to cook different noodles, before tucking into your creations. Then opt for a bike ride to the beach or a river boat trip.

Day 7: Hue. Head north to the imperial city of Hue. There’s lots to do here with options to visit the Royal Citadel or cruise along the Perfume River. You can even pre-book a motorbike tour of the city for the authentic Vietnamese experience!

Days 8 - 9: Phong Na. Travel to spectacular Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Home of lush green mountains and vast caves, Phong Na is still amazingly unspoilt. Hike through the park and join an optional trip underground to the longest cave in Asia. On day 9, snuggle down on the overnight train to Hanoi.

Day 10: Ha Long Bay. Arrive early morning into Hanoi and transfer to Ha Long Bay. Board a traditional junk boat and cruise through the emerald waters past soaring limestone karsts. We’ll stop for a seafood lunch, before returning to Hanoi.

Day 11: Hanoi. Step back in time with an orientation walk through the city’s Old Quarter, stopping for the occasional bia hoi. There are various optional activities today, including pagoda and temple visits, street food walking tours and water puppet shows!

Day 12: Vientiane, Laos. Hop on a short flight to the capital of Laos. Free time this afternoon to explore the vibrant city. Visit some of the beautiful golden temples, the National Museum or take a trip to the famous Buddha sculpture park.

Days 13-14: Vang Vieng. Travel to the spectacular riverside town of Vang Vieng. Go tubing on the river, rent a bike or kayak, or explore stunning limestone karsts and caves on an optional hike.

Days 15- 16: Luang Prabang. Arrive in the picturesque colonial city of Luang Prabang in time for an orientation walk, followed by a amazing sunset at the hilltop Wat Phousi temple, which gives you a panoramic view of the city and the Mekong river. On day 16 we’re up early to witness the sunrise giving of alms to the monks, followed by a trip to beautiful Kuang Si Waterfall for a dip.

Days 17-18: Mekong River. Take a houseboat down the mighty Mekong, taking in the incredible scenery as we drift downstream. Spend the first night in a village homestay in Pak Beng. On day 18 we cross the border into Thailand.

Days 19-20: Chiang Mai. Arrive in the cultural heart of Thailand. Take a cooking class, watch a round of Muay Thai, join a cycling tour, visit the magnificent Doi Suthep temple or explore the rural lanes by tuk tuk on a day long adventure. Don’t miss the famous night market in the evening! On the evening of day 20, hop on an overnight train to Bangkok.

Days 21 - 22: Bangkok. Wake up in Thailand’s vibrant capital and spend the day exploring the sights. Opt to visit Wat Pho and the Grand Palace, take a trip down the Chao Phraya River, or just chillax with a traditional massage. The trip ends on day 22. You’ll need to make your own way to the airport or continue your travels in Thailand. See you soon!