• 14 Breakfast (B)
• 3 Dinner (D)
• 3 Lunch (L)

• 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. 

• Bangkok: A modular trip means fellow travellers will join and leave at various locations. There’ll be some goodbyes, sure, but there’ll also be plenty of hellos with new like-minded travellers.

Climb the steps to Mount Phousi for golden-hour panoramas over the rooftops and the sunset over the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan. Bells tinkle at hilltop shrines as the town’s lanterns begin to glow.

Descend to the Luang Prabang Night Market, where local artisans lay out textiles, silverwork and bamboo crafts. Soft conversation, warm lights and polished wood stalls set an inviting, unrushed shopping scene.

Explore the ceremonial courts of the Royal Palace, a complex of gilded roofs and airy pavilions that embody classical Khmer architecture. Quiet gardens and lotus ponds soften the grandeur.

Step into the Silver Pagoda, famed for a floor of thousands of silver tiles and treasured Buddha images. Insightful guiding unveils royal rituals, art traditions and the role of monarchy in today’s Cambodia.

Pedal among temple ruins in the Ayutthaya Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site of soaring prangs and royal monasteries. Glide past lily ponds and brick stupas, stopping to admire the famed Buddha head entwined in roots at Wat Mahathat.

Guided commentary brings the former Siamese capital to life—trade routes, dynastic power and the city’s dramatic fall. The flat terrain and atmospheric lanes make for easy riding and vivid photography at every turn.

Observe rescued giants at Elephant Nature Park, an ethical sanctuary set in a river valley near Chiang Mai. Watch family groups roam, forage and socialize from respectful viewing areas while learning about rehabilitation and forest restoration efforts.

Hear how responsible wildlife tourism supports better futures for elephants and local communities. Insightful talks by the park team explain threats facing the species and the careful, long-term work required to help each animal heal.

Marvel at the visionary art-architecture of Wat Rong Khun (White Temple), where mirrored mosaics and celestial motifs shimmer in bright daylight. Continue to the sapphire hues and guardian deities of Wat Rong Seua Ten (Blue Temple).

Contrast the ethereal with the enigmatic at Baan Dam (Black House) Museum, an assemblage of dark teak halls and provocative artworks. Together, these sites chart a bold, contemporary dialogue with Buddhist aesthetics in northern Thailand.

Settle onto a traditional vessel and cruise the great Mekong River, embracing an unhurried rhythm as jungle-clad banks slip by. This classic slow boat route reveals the daily pulse of river life—fishing skiffs, sandbars and water buffalo at the shore.

Glide past sleepy riverside villages and limestone outcrops while savoring open-deck views and the river’s coppery palette. The journey frames Laos at its most timeless and scenic.

Travel upriver to the limestone sanctuaries of the Pak Ou Caves, where thousands of small Buddha images crowd dim alcoves. The gentle boat ride gives shifting perspectives of karst cliffs and forested bends of the Mekong.

Inside the cool caverns, candles and incense lend a hushed atmosphere as you contemplate centuries of lay devotion. The juxtaposition of river light and cave shadow makes this a quietly powerful cultural moment.

Spin through quiet lanes to the gilded roofs of Wat Xieng Thong, a masterpiece of Lao temple art set by the river. Continue along shady boulevards to the Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Centre to see traditional silk weaving in action.

Meet literacy champions at Big Brother Mouse and learn how community projects preserve culture through books and learning. The gentle ride pairs spiritual heritage with grassroots creativity and warm local encounters.

Rise early to offer alms to saffron-robed monks as they file silently through town at first light. The ritual unfolds in a pre-dawn hush, with only soft footfalls and murmured blessings.

Guidance on etiquette ensures respectful participation in this living Theravada Buddhist tradition. The moment’s stillness, incense and pale morning sky linger long after the procession has passed.

Encounter Laos’s national symbol at the gleaming Pha That Luang, a lotus-bud stupa said to enshrine a Buddha relic. Gold-leaf tiers rise above prayer halls and frangipani trees in a serene, ceremonial complex.

Stroll the broad avenue to Patuxai, the city’s triumphal arch, where sculpted reliefs and vantage balconies reveal French-influenced urban planning. Together, these landmarks chart Vientiane’s distinctive blend of Lao identity and colonial-era ambition.

Gain perspective at the COPE Visitor Centre, where interactive exhibits illuminate the legacy of unexploded ordnance in Laos and its human impact. Stories of patients and prosthetic design bring complex issues into clear focus.

See how prosthetics and rehabilitation restore mobility and independence, and how local teams support recovery from injury. Thoughtful interpretation invites conversation, reflection and informed compassion.

Wander a riverside garden filled with the fantastical forms of Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan). From a pumpkin-shaped underworld to reclining colossi, each monument invites playful exploration and quiet contemplation.

Dozens of surreal concrete sculptures merge Hindu and Buddhist motifs into an imaginative whole. Photo stops abound among vines, shadows and weathered stone—an eccentric chapter of modern Lao spiritual art.

Learn with a local guide at the Choeung Ek Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21), confronting Cambodia’s darkest era with dignity and respect. Memorials and survivor testimonies provide human context beyond the statistics.

Quiet reflection spaces, curated exhibits and preserved sites foster understanding of resilience and remembrance in modern Cambodia. This is a challenging but vital encounter with recent history.

Arrive for sunrise at Angkor Wat as lotus pools mirror the world’s largest religious monument in shifting dawn colors. Explore galleries of bas-reliefs before continuing to Angkor Thom and Bayon, home to serene, towering stone faces.

Walk through root-wrapped corridors at Ta Prohm, where silk-cotton trees and temple stones entwine in a spellbinding embrace. Expert insights bring the Khmer Empire’s artistry, cosmology and urban scale into focus.

Dine at a social enterprise restaurant that channels hospitality into training and opportunity. Seasonal Khmer dishes—think fragrant amok, zesty salads and charcoal-grilled specialties—showcase regional ingredients and careful technique.

Hear how skills training supports disadvantaged youth and how your meal fuels sustainable change. The blend of warm service, Khmer flavors and purpose-led dining makes for a gratifying evening.

Zip through on a Vespa to street stalls, family-run shophouses and hidden courtyards where Chiang Mai eats after dark. Sample smoky sai ua sausage, herb-laced curries and sweet coconut treats between lively stops.

Local riders weave you through moats and markets as stories of Lanna flavors unfold. This flavorful safari is at additional cost and bookable on tour, pairing city lights with bold, regional bites.

Channel your inner fighter with a beginner’s Muay Thai lesson at a local gym. Learn stance, basic strikes and footwork under the guidance of a patient trainer, then practice simple pad drills.

Alongside technique, hear how the “art of eight limbs” shapes Thai culture and community. This energetic workout is at additional cost and bookable on tour, with gloves and wraps provided on site.

Begin with a guided market visit to choose fragrant lemongrass, galangal and Thai basil before returning to a countryside kitchen. Under a chef’s eye, pound curry paste and balance sweet-sour-salty-heat like a pro.

Cook amid rice fields and taste your handiwork—creamy curries, tangy salads and stir-fries vivid with herbs. This hands-on class is at additional cost and bookable on tour, with recipes to take home.

Travel into lush hills to the multi-tiered Kuang Si Falls, where travertine pools glow in turquoise beneath a canopy of jungle greens. Meander shady paths, photograph cascades and savor cool spray on warm skin.

Higher viewpoints reward a short, steady walk with broader vistas of the limestone formations. This nature-focused outing is at additional cost and bookable on tour, with time to relax by the lower pools.

Paddle the Nam Song River beneath sheer karst cliffs, drifting past bamboo bridges and riverside farms. Easy rapids and calm stretches suit first-time kayakers and sightseers alike.

Venture into cool limestone caverns to see stalactites and ancient chambers shaped by subterranean rivers. This adventure is at additional cost and bookable on tour, showcasing Vang Vieng’s dramatic geology from water and within.

Climb into a tuk-tuk for a roving feast that hops from tuk-tuk foodie tour favorites to late-night noodle shops. Try sizzling skewers, peppery dips, grilled seafood and spicy kuy teav noodles as the city hums around you.

Vendors share family recipes and local dining customs between bites. This flavorful foray is at additional cost and bookable on tour, with plenty of photo stops and cold drinks along the way.

Experience Phare, the Cambodian Circus, where storytelling meets acrobats and live music in a modern big-top. High-energy performances draw on folklore and contemporary life for a riveting, family-friendly show.

Founded by an arts school for disadvantaged youth, Phare channels ticket sales into education and creative careers. This uplifting evening is at additional cost and bookable on tour, with excellent views from every seat.

Ride a quad bike at sunset along red-dirt tracks skirting rice paddies and palms, as golden light spills across the fields. Gentle speeds and wide routes make for an easy, scenic drive.

Pause to photograph water buffalo and distant temple silhouettes before dusk settles. This outdoor adventure is at additional cost and bookable on tour, offering a different perspective on rural life beyond the temples.

Visit the storied Bridge on the River Kwai, an enduring symbol of the WWII-era Thailand–Burma Railway, set amid tranquil riverside scenery. Walk the span at your own pace and reflect on the lives entwined with this now-peaceful place.

Pay respects at the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery and learn at the renowned Thailand–Burma Railway Centre. Context from curators and exhibits deepens understanding of resilience, loss and remembrance tied to this chapter of world history.

Explore the forest trails leading to the seven-tiered Erawan Falls, a cascade famed for its emerald pools and sculpted limestone ledges. Follow shaded paths, pause for photos and listen to the chorus of cicadas and tumbling water.

Cool mist, jungle scents and filtered light create a restorative escape from the road. Whether you wander to a viewpoint or linger by the lower tiers, the park’s layered geology and clear pools reward unhurried exploration.

Join a guided tour through the glittering precincts of the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), the spiritual heart of Thailand. Admire gilded stupas, mirror mosaics and sweeping eaves that showcase royal craftsmanship and centuries of devotion.

Later, drift along Bangkok’s historic waterways on a serene khlong canal cruise, passing stilted wooden houses, spirit shrines and local markets. The contrast between royal grandeur and life on the canals reveals two essential facets of the city’s character.

Contiki

Begin your journey in Thailand’s capital with a convivial group evening: meet your Trip Manager, share plates of authentic Pad Thai, and soak up the city’s kinetic energy together before heading out into Bangkok’s nocturnal playground.

Walk the legendary strip of Khao San Road, where neon lights, buskers and sizzling woks set the scene. This lively introduction captures Bangkok’s playful side, pairing great flavors with the carefree buzz that has made this backpacker quarter famous worldwide.