Frenetic yet tranquil, modern yet traditional, sweet yet spicy – South East Asia is the best of everything wrapped up in one tidy package.

A place where natural beauty, sleepless cities, taste-bud-tingling cuisine and wondrous wildlife collide. It’s here, amongst this cluster of captivating countries, that you can honestly say there’s something for everyone. From devouring banh mi at a street food stall in Hanoi to cycling through the green hills of Ubud. Interacting with the local Batak tribe living on Palawan to visiting the world’s first elephant hospital in Chiang Mai. We dare you to discover South East Asia and be able to leave not already craving more. 

Our tours in South East Asia

10 Days From 940

Take a tour of Vietnam from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, with stops to cruise the Mekong...

9 Days From 792

Travel to Bali and experience this oasis off the coast of Indonesia. Bali's Ubud, Mt...

10 Days From 900

Travel through Vietnam from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi. Visit the Mekong Delta, cruise...

18 Days From 1658

Travel into the heart and soul of South East Asia on this tour of Vietnam and Cambodia....

8 Days From 1611

Discover the highlights and traditions of Vietnam on this short Premium adventure from...

Tailor-Made trips

Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary

13 Days From 1280

Experience the Asia of old on a family adventure that captures the spirit of Vietnam....

13 Days From 1362

Experience Vietnamese customs and charms on a 13-day family adventure from Hanoi to Ho...

10 Days From 1841

Journey through Borneo on a wild 10-day adventure from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan,...

9 Days From 774

Travel from Vietnam to Thailand on a South East Asian adventure that explores Cambodia...

15 Days From 1695

Jump in the saddle for a two-wheeled adventure tour of Vietnam. Take in cultural...

15 Days From 1828

Uncover the proud, spirited heart of Vietnam on this classic 15-day adventure. Tour...

12 Days From 3112

Discover Borneo’s wild heart on a Premium adventure. Cruise the Kinabatangan River,...

15 Days From 2444

Uncover Vietnam on a Premium journey from south to north, taking in Ho Chi Minh City,...

11 Days From 1794

This Sabah Adventure tour through the Borneo wilderness will truly capture your...

15 Days From 1292

Journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City on this Vietnam adventure. Trek in the quiet...

8 Days From 1073

Discover the spirit of Vietnam on a small group tour from south to north, visiting Ho...

13 Days From 3411

Be immersed in the rich historic and cultural heritage of Vietnam and Cambodia on this...

10 Days From 482

Discover Bali from laidback Ubud to the Mt Batur volcano. Explore Gili Trawangan and...

13 Days From 2244

Uncover the dramatic histories of these two beautiful countries on a trip through the...

11 Days From 2895

Discover Java's heritage and Bali’s traditions on an exclusive Premium small group trip...

19 Days From 4689

Take a Premium trip exploring Thailand and Vietnam’s highlights, including Bangkok,...

15 Days From 1548

A magical getaway on Indonesia's Islands. Travel across Bali and Lombok visiting arty...

9 Days From 935

Get the most out of your family getaway by cycling, kayaking, walking and cruising...

30 Days From 3337

Travel into the heart and soul of South East Asia on this tour of Thailand, Laos,...

12 Days From 2678

Discover a land of mouth-watering food, stunning landscapes, history, and hospitable...

10 Days From 1522

Experience Thailand’s greatest hits on a 10-day comfort adventure through Bangkok,...

12 Days From 724

Hit Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City then take a trip through Cambodia, visiting Angkor Wat...

11 Days From 518

Take an awesome trip through Vietnam. Head from old-world Hanoi to ancient Hue, Hoi An,...

14 Days From 1569

From Jakarta to Mt Bromo, Seloliman and Permuteran to Ubud, this 14-day tour of Java...

6 Days From 880

Unearth the essence of Cambodia on a leisurely journey that spends time seeing the...

8 Days From 867

Travel from Bangkok to Sukhothai and Chiang Mai on this scenic tour through Northern...

8 Days From 867

Travel from Bangkok to Sukhothai and Chiang Mai on this scenic tour through Northern...

15 Days From 2015

Take an adventure from Thailand to Singapore, via Malaysia. This tour of South East...

12 Days From 1594

Travel the breadth of Vietnam, from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, experiencing Halong Bay,...

15 Days From 2015

Take an adventure from Thailand to Singapore, via Malaysia. This tour of South East...

8 Days From 660

Travel to Lombok and Gili Air in eight days, discovering mountain villages, steamy...

8 Days From 660

Travel to Lombok and Gili Air in eight days, discovering mountain villages, steamy...

14 Days From 1237

See the Best of Cambodia from capital Phnom Penh via the ancient temples of Angkor Wat...

8 Days From 1084

Ricepaddles, rapids, bikes and beaches – find it all as you travel to Ubud, Candi Dasa,...

20 Days From 1040

On this epic trip through Vietnam and Cambodia, you’ll bounce from Hanoi to the...

6 Days From 1341

Uncover the mysteries of incredible Angkor Wat on a Premium tour of Cambodia. Travel...

9 Days From 1008

Visit Thailand, a country with all the ingredients for a holiday in paradise – pristine...

10 Days From 1373

Hop aboard an adventure tour through the wilds of Borneo's Sarawak region. Crawl...

9 Days From 1008

Visit Thailand, a country with all the ingredients for a holiday in paradise – pristine...

20 Days From 4451

Discover the incredible diversity, delectable cuisines, dramatic histories and natural...

20 Days From 2916

Get to know Vietnam and Cambodia, each with their own uniquely enchanting culture and...

15 Days From 1428

Enjoy a comprehensive tour of Thailand’s north that captures the country’s true spirit,...

15 Days From 842

Discover Vietnam’s east coast on this 15-day tour, uncovering the hidden delights of...

15 Days From 711

Take an incredible Vietnam adventure from hectic Ho Chi Minh City to historic Hanoi,...

12 Days From 1337

Travel to Bali and Lombok, two jewels of Indonesia that were made for the active...

11 Days From 1182

Hike, bike and kayak across Vietnam on this active tour based out of Hanoi. Enjoy...

8 Days From 837

Encounter Cambodia's complex history and welcoming culture on a small-group family...

18 Days From 1472

Follow the ancient trails through Cambodia and Vietnam. Explore Angkor’s temples,...

9 Days From 936

Discover rugged and wild Sumatra. Travel from Medan to Bukit Lawang, Gunung Leuser...

8 Days From 940

See the best of Cambodia, learning about its history and customs as you cycle, trek and...

20 Days From 3258

Travel through the wild, untamed lands of beautiful Borneo. From magnificent Mt...

9 Days From 936

Discover rugged and wild Sumatra. Travel from Medan to Bukit Lawang, Gunung Leuser...

10 Days From 1384

Discover the best that Borneo has to offer on this unforgettable family adventure...

13 Days From 1740

See Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand from two wheels on this adventure from Ho Chi Minh...

8 Days From 1505

Travel from Manila to El Nido via the spectacular Sabang. Cruise the Puerto Princesa...

8 Days From 948

Munch your way through Cambodia on this mouth-watering food adventure from Phnom Penh...

8 Days From 632

Follow the ancient trails on a trip to Cambodia, starting in Thailand and ending in...

12 Days From 1436

Enjoy the sights, culture and history of Thailand on a fun family trip. Eat yummy food,...

10 Days From 549

Dive headfirst from Ho Chi Minh City into real Cambodia, visiting Phnom Penh, Siem Reap...

20 Days From 1827

From bustling Ho Chi Minh City to historical Hanoi, the Best of Vietnam tour is an...

11 Days From 596

Get a taste of adventure over 11 days in Vietnam. This escapade from north to south...

8 Days From 1144

Take an 8-day Intrepid tour to Thailand, full of adventure, fun and flavour. Explore...

9 Days From 1760

Explore Flores, Indonesia’s Flower Island. Hike to mountain tops, stay in an isolated...

8 Days From 482

Head down south from buzzing Bangkok to blissful Ko Samui, visit the Khao Sok National...

10 Days From 578

Meet orangutans in the jungle on this trip through Borneo, starting and ending in Kota...

9 Days From 1229

Travel to Borneo to visit orangutan sanctuaries and explore lush jungles. See the best...

23 Days From 2006

Explore vibrant Vietnam, charismatic Cambodia and beguiling Bangkok on this awesome...

9 Days From 888

Cycling allows you to get closer to the real face of Thailand. From bicycles to...

23 Days From 999

See Cambodia and Vietnam on a whirlwind trip that visits Bangkok, Siem Reap, Phonm Penh...

15 Days From 887

Take on an adventure through Thailand’s best spots, including Bangkok, Phuket, Khao Sok...

8 Days From 927

Jump in the saddle for a two-wheeled adventure tour of Northern Vietnam. Take in...

16 Days From 1994

Rice paddies, coral reefs, elephants, temples and tuk-tuks, Thailand doesn’t get much...

16 Days From 1994

Rice paddies, coral reefs, elephants, temples and tuk-tuks, Thailand doesn’t get much...

22 Days From 2657

This Southeast Asia trip snakes its way through the delights of Thailand, Laos and...

22 Days From 2657

South East Asia Uncovered snakes its way through the delights of Thailand, Laos and...

10 Days From 1088

Visit Thailand, a country with all the ingredients for a holiday in paradise. Pristine...

9 Days From 496

Travel to Cambodia on an adventure from Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City to Cambodia’s Siem...

22 Days From 2390

Travel to Indonesia and visit Bali and Java. Explore the bustling city of Jakarta, the...

26 Days From 1472

Experience the best of South East Asia with Intrepid. Marvel at the Angkor complex,...

9 Days From 455

From Bangkok, you'll hit the temples of Angkor in Siem Reap, get rural in Banteay...

28 Days From 3740

Take an adventure from Thailand to Bali, capturing some of the region's best places –...

28 Days From 3740

Take an adventure from Thailand to Bali, capturing some of the region's best places –...

19 Days From 1056

Explore South East Asia on a19-day adventure through Vietnam and Cambodia – Hanoi, Ho...

15 Days From 972

Take an epic trip through South East Asia to Bangkok, Thailand, Kuala Lumpur, Maylasia...

4 Days From 375

On this active trip, you’ll go trekking in Chiang Mai, explore Thailand's lush jungle,...

8 Days From 1080

Tour through Thailand on a multi-active adventure, cycling through Ayutthaya Historical...

5 Days From 428

Travel to Chiang Mai and trek through northern Thailand to discover hilltribe culture,...

13 Days From 851

Take a trip to Laos, checking out Thailand’s Bangkok and Chiang Mai, then heading over...

32 Days From 2178

Take an epic journey to Southeast Asia, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Luang Prabang,...

8 Days From 948

Discover Bali on a cycling adventure from Ubud to Sanur. Visit Mount Batur, Kintamani,...

3 Days From 503

Travel to Thailand’s north on this tour to the famous Golden Triangle. Explore northern...

8 Days From 428

Starting in Bangkok, see the Thai-riffic northern enclaves of Chiang Mai and...

12 Days From 2318

Head into the depths of Borneo’s forests in search of orangutans and other wildlife....

3 Days From 223

Experience a different side of Chiang Mai by hanging out with elephants at a...

27 Days From 3566

Gear up for an energising and rewarding cycling tour that takes in the best of...

8 Days From 1246

Take an 8-day trip across Malaysia and visit the Cameron Highland, Ulu Muda Forest,...

3 Days From 525

Travel to Thailand and experience the bustling streets of Bangkok and the ancient ruins...

5 Days From 340

Trek through Vietnam's mountainous region in the north-west to experience hilltribe...

24 Days From 6368

Discover the highlights and traditions of Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia on this 24-day...

23 Days From 2368

Discover the best of Thailand’s west on a trip that takes you from the jungles of the...

2 Days From 245

Cast away on a traditional-style boat and set sail through hundreds of limestone karsts...

23 Days From 2368

Discover the best of Thailand’s west on a trip that takes you from the jungles of the...

22 Days From 2858

Discover rugged and wild Sumatra. Travel from Medan to Bukit Lawang, Gunung Leuser...

13 Days From 1492

Travel from Bangkok to Vientiane on a tour through Thailand and Laos. Visit Thailand's...

18 Days From 3281

This Adventure tour through Malaysia will truly capture your imagination.

2 Days From 220

See local industry, beautiful islands and what life is like along the mighty Mekong...

20 Days From 2684

Taste the true flavours of Vietnam and Cambodia, feasting on local food and catching...

17 Days From 2066

The delights of the north combine with the spoils of the south on this unforgettable...

22 Days From 2971

Take an Asian adventure from Thailand to Singapore via Malaysia. See Bangkok, Krabi,...

19 Days From 2684

Taste the true flavours of Vietnam and Cambodia, feasting on local food and catching...

19 Days From 2684

Taste the true flavours of Vietnam and Cambodia, feasting on local food and catching...

22 Days From 1364

Take on an adventure from Bangkok to Singapore, stopping in Malaysia along the way....

22 Days From 2971

Take an Asian adventure from Thailand to Singapore via Malaysia. See Bangkok, Krabi,...

17 Days From 2066

The delights of the north combine with the spoils of the south on this unforgettable...

9 Days From 1600

Discover Myanmar on a nine-day trip starting and ending in Yangon. Visit the temples of...

8 Days From 1164

Embark on a unique 8-day Expedition into the heart of Borneo’s Sabah – the Maliau Basin...

15 Days From 2175

Travel to Myanmar and discover mythical landscapes and amazing hospitality. Visit...

4 Days From 623

Take a Thai sailing tour between Phuket and Ko Phi Phi. Snorkel over a vibrant...

4 Days From 597

Set sail on Thailand’s waters between Koh Phi Phi and Phuket. Swim in clear blue waters...

7 Days From 1322

Discover Thailand with this small group sailing trip, from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi. Enjoy...

Highlights of South East Asia

Stay with a local Khmer family

Visit Chambok, a rural spot in Cambodia renowned for its ecotourism, where you’ll join a member of the local community on a village walk and hear stories of their history, lifestyle and ecotourism projects. Meet the family you’ll be staying with before heading to a nearby community centre for a traditional Khmer dinner and dance performance.

Take a Thai cooking class

Ready yourself for a hands-on masterclass in Central Thai cuisine. Start the day with a trip to the morning markets in Kanchanaburi, where you’ll find stalls piled high with fresh fruit and veg, meat, fish and spices. Then make your way into the kitchen where you’ll whip up classics like jungle curry, wing beans and banana flower cake, then feast on your creations for lunch.

Orangutan

Visit the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre

Visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, which was set up to help re-introduce these wonderful creatures back into the wild after a life of domestication or having been orphaned. From the viewing platform, you can watch and photograph these charming creatures as they swing into view and eat the supplementary diet of bananas and milk that is laid out for them twice a day. 

Kayak around Halong Bay

Grab your paddle and explore the far reaching corners of World Heritage-listed Halong Bay. Kayak between the gigantic limestone karsts that lie off the coast of Cat Ba Island and pepper the lesser-visited Lan Ha Bay. If you’re feeling adventurous, make your way through water-carved tunnels and caves. When kayaking at dusk be sure to take a break to admire the sunset over the South China Sea.   

Browse by country

Reviews

A trio of travellers enjoying a boat road down the Mekong.

What to see in 7-10 days in South East Asia

If you’ve only got a week or so to play with, you’re probably better off sticking to a single country. That way you’ll be sure to tick off the highlights whilst leaving time for a bit of rest and relaxation. Vietnam would be perfect! Fly into the vibrant capital of Hanoi, spend the night on a boat at Halong Bay and ride the overnight train to heritage-listed Hue. You could then take the Hai Van Pass to Hoi An, squeeze in a visit to the Mekong Delta, before winding up in Ho Chi Minh City.

Another option would be to head to Myanmar. Home to the floating village communities on Inle Lake, mouth-watering Burmese delicacies, a plethora of golden-domed temples and more. Alternatively, with 10 days in Borneo you could experience Kinabalu National Park, meet the locals in Dusun, meet mischievous orangutans in Sepilok and soak up the sun on Manukan Island.

Trip Name Days From EUR
Vietnam Express Southbound

10

940

Beautiful Bali

9

792

Classic Borneo

10

1841

Cambodian Traveller

9

774

Myanmar Highlights

9

1600

Taking photos of the sunrise on Mt Batur, Bali.

What to see in 3 weeks in South East Asia

You’ll see a fair bit in three weeks and combining the likes of Cambodia and Thailand will help you get a proper feel for South East Asia. You’d be able to amble around the temples of Angkor, experience the hustle and bustle of Bangkok and snorkel off the beaches fringing the idyllic Thai islands. And even after all that, you’d still have time to uncover Cambodia’s tragic past in Phnom Penh and take a bike ride around the tiny rural villages near Battambang.

Swap Thailand for Laos and you could add a two-day slow-boat trip down the Mekong, a refreshing swim at Kuang Si Falls and a pit-stop to explore the Buddha-filled Pak Ou Caves. Island hopping around Indonesia would be another great idea, where you could do everything from witnessing the mythical dragons living on Komodo to watching the sunrise from the summit of Bali’s Mount Batur.

Trip Name Days From EUR
Best of Vietnam & Cambodia

18

1658

Real Thailand
Ages 18 to 29

15

887

Kung Si Falls in Luang Prabang, Laos.

What to see in 6 weeks in South East Asia

With six weeks to spare, South East Asia is your oyster! The traditional loop of Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia never disappoints. Travelling in a circle from Bangkok, you’ll visit the elephant hospitals in Chiang Mai, admire the colonial architecture of Luang Prabang, cruise around picture-perfect Halong Bay and experience the majesty of Angkor Wat. Add a couple of days in Myanmar and you’ll enjoy Yangon, Bago and the famous Golden Rock pagoda too.

Or, if you’ve already tackled the classic route an extended trip through Malaysia would be amazing. You could conquer Mount Kinabalu, soak up the city skyline with a cocktail at the Petronas Towers and see turtles laying their eggs in the sands of Turtle Island. You won’t regret a fleeting visit to Singapore either, stopping off at Little India, Gardens by the Bay, Raffles Hotel and Sentosa Park.

Trip Name Days From EUR
South East Asia Loop

30

3337

Cambodia & Vietnam Experience

26

1472

Bangkok to Bali

28

3740

Bangkok to Bali

28

3740

Malaysia's Ultimate Adventure

18

3281

South East Asia FAQs

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Learn more about Intrepid’s COVID-19 policy

The region of South East Asia encompasses the following countries: 

  • Vietnam
  • Indonesia
  • Singapore 
  • Cambodia
  • Malaysia 
  • Thailand
  • Philippines 
  • Myanmar
  • Timor-Leste
  • Laos 
  • Brunei 

Whether you need a visa to travel to South East Asia depends on what country you're a national of and which country you're travelling to. Generally, passport holders from the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom don't need visas to travel around South East Asia, but visa requirements will vary from country to country. For example, citizens from the previously mentioned countries will need a visa to travel to Vietnam, however, they won't require a visa if travelling to Thailand. 

If you're unsure of the visa requirements of the country you're travelling to, it's best to check on government-run websites or at your nearest embassy or consulate. 

The internet access in South East Asia can vary from country to country and between different regions in that country. Most hotel chains or other accommodation options in major cities will have WIFI, so it'll be easy to connect to the internet. However, buying an international SIM card with a local provider is recommended if you'd rather have no restrictions (and no exorbitant data roaming fees). This still doesn't mean you're guaranteed to have access to the internet though as the signal is often limited or unreliable in rural areas in countries such as Laos, Timor-Leste and Myanmar. 

The toilet facilities in South East Asia differ depending on which country you're in and what region of that country you're in. Most major cities have westernised toilet facilities in places such as restaurants and hotels, but the further from urban areas you are, the more likely you'll find squat toilets, so set your expectations accordingly. Toilet paper is also a rare find unless you're in major cities or popular tourist areas, so it's best to always pack your own in preparation. 

There aren't many countries in South East Asia where the tap water is recommended for drinking, especially in Laos and Cambodia. To avoid getting sick, buy bottled water or use filtered water to brush your teeth. You should also be mindful when showering, ask for drinks with no ice in them and peel all fruit before you eat them. While Malaysia is considered to have the safest drinking water, it still has a different mineral content than your stomach might be used to so it's best to stick to filtered or bottled water where possible. 

The best time to travel to South East Asia is between November and February when the weather is relatively dry, humidity levels are low and temperatures are warm but not uncomfortable. However, this is considered to be 'peak season' so expect large crowds at popular tourist destinations and increased accommodation prices in major cities. If you want to avoid all of that, try travelling during the shoulder seasons of March to May and September to November. If you can, avoid travelling from June to August as this is South East Asia's rainy, cyclone season. 

While it might not be as prevalent as it is in the US, tipping is still part of the culture in most South East Asian countries. However, how much you tip and in what scenarios tipping is expected will differ depending on the country you're travelling in. For example, tipping isn't expected or required in Malaysia and Singapore (and can even be considered rude), but countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia are starting to accept tipping culture. 

The currency you need when travelling in South East Asia depends on which countries you'll be visiting, with each country having its own currency. Below is a list of countries with their currencies:

  • Vietnam - Vietnamese Dong (VND)
  • Indonesia - Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
  • Singapore - Singapore Dollar (SGD) 
  • Cambodia - Cambodian Riel (KHR)
  • Malaysia - Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) 
  • Thailand - Thai Baht (THB)
  • Philippines - Philippine Peso (PHP)
  • Myanmar - Myanmar Kyat (MMK)
  • Timor-Leste - United States Dollars (USD)
  • Laos - Lao Kip (LAK)  
  • Brunei - Brunei Dollar (BND)

It's worth bringing cash with you if you're travelling around South East Asia, as paying with cash is still very prevalent in most countries. Countries like Vietnam and Thailand are big on markets and hawker hall type cafeterias, so having cash is usually the easiest way to buy things and makes bargaining for items more accessible.  

Most of the countries in South East Asia have a thriving LGBTQIA+ scene, especially Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. However, discretion is still advised for travellers of the LGBTQIA+ community when it comes to public displays of affection, particularly if you're travelling away from the larger cities to more rural areas where acceptance of same-sex relationships may not be as common. 

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting Equaldex or ILGA before you travel.

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. However, we’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Learn more about Accessible Travel with Intrepid

Read more about South East Asia