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
1068
Take a ten-day tour of Vietnam from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, with stops to cruise the...
9 Days
From
996
Travel to Bali and experience this oasis off the coast of Indonesia. Bali's Ubud, Mt...
18 Days
From
2176
Travel into the heart and soul of South East Asia on this comprehensive tour of Vietnam...
10 Days
From
1002
Travel through Vietnam from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi. Highlights include meeting...
8 Days
From
2005
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
11 Days
From
2512
This Sabah Adventure tour through the Borneo wilderness will truly capture your...
9 Days
From
945
Travel from Vietnam to Thailand on a South East Asian adventure that explores Cambodia...
15 Days
From
3137
Uncover Vietnam on a Premium journey from south to north, taking in Ho Chi Minh City,...
8 Days
From
1312
Discover the spirit of Vietnam on a small group tour from south to north, visiting Ho...
6 Days
From
1455
Uncover the mysteries of incredible Angkor Wat on a Premium tour of Cambodia. Travel...
6 Days
From
1233
Unearth the essence of Cambodia on a leisurely journey that spends time seeing the...
15 Days
From
1492
Journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City on this 15-day Vietnam adventure. Trek in the...
11 Days
From
852
Head from old-world Hanoi to ancient Hue and on to pretty Hoi An via Ninh Binh,...
15 Days
From
2331
Uncover the proud, spirited heart of Vietnam on this classic 15-day adventure. Tour...
12 Days
From
3287
Discover a land of mouth-watering food, stunning landscapes, history, and hospitable...
13 Days
From
4285
Be immersed in the rich historic and cultural heritage of Vietnam and Cambodia on this...
13 Days
From
1661
Experience the Asia of old on a family adventure that captures the spirit of Vietnam....
13 Days
From
1624
Travel from Bangkok to Vientiane on a tour through Thailand and Laos. Visit Thailand's...
18 Days
From
2525
Follow the ancient trails through Cambodia and Vietnam. Explore Angkor’s temples,...
15 Days
From
2810
Travel to Myanmar and discover mythical landscapes and amazing hospitality. Visit...
8 Days
From
1056
Travel from Bangkok to Sukhothai and Chiang Mai on this scenic tour through Northern...
15 Days
From
1958
Jump in the saddle for a two-wheeled adventure tour of Vietnam. Take in cultural...
15 Days
From
1212
Discover Vietnam’s east coast on this 15-day tour, uncovering the hidden delights of...
20 Days
From
5465
Discover the incredible diversity, delectable cuisines, dramatic histories and natural...
10 Days
From
2399
Journey through Borneo on a wild 10-day adventure from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan,...
14 Days
From
1654
See the Best of Cambodia on a trip from the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh, via the...
11 Days
From
1055
Get a taste of adventure over 11 days in Vietnam. This escapade from north to south...
12 Days
From
990
Hit Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City on a 12-day adventure through Cambodia with Intrepid....
9 Days
From
910
Follow the ancient trails on a trip to Thailand and Cambodia. Explore the temples of...
12 Days
From
1888
Travel the breadth of Vietnam, from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, experiencing Halong Bay,...
24 Days
From
8075
Discover the highlights and traditions of Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia on this 24-day...
12 Days
From
3710
Discover Borneo’s wild heart on a Premium adventure. Cruise the Kinabatangan River,...
12 Days
From
2065
Enjoy the sights, culture and history of Thailand on a fun family trip. Eat yummy food,...
11 Days
From
3296
Discover Java's volcanoes and cultural heritage and immerse yourself in Bali’s...
13 Days
From
2035
Experience Vietnamese customs and charms on a 13-day family adventure from Hanoi to Ho...
11 Days
From
1458
Hike, bike and kayak across Vietnam on this active tour based out of Hanoi. Enjoy...
13 Days
From
3230
Uncover the dramatic histories of these two beautiful countries on a trip through the...
15 Days
From
1292
Take a 15-day Vietnam adventure from hectic Ho Chi Minh City to historic Hanoi,...
9 Days
From
1313
See the best of Cambodia, learning about its history and customs as you cycle, trek and...
30 Days
From
4980
Travel into the heart and soul of South East Asia on this comprehensive tour of...
14 Days
From
2330
From Jakarta to Mt Bromo, Seloliman and Permuteran to Ubud, this 14-day tour of Java...
9 Days
From
1665
Travel to Borneo to visit orangutan sanctuaries and explore lush jungles. See the best...
15 Days
From
1934
Enjoy a comprehensive tour of Thailand’s north that captures the country’s true spirit,...
20 Days
From
1981
From bustling Ho Chi Minh City to historical Hanoi, the Best of Vietnam tour is an...
22 Days
From
2162
Bounce from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island, through Phnom Penh, Kampot and Siem Reap, then head...
9 Days
From
1600
Visit Thailand, a country with all the ingredients for a holiday in paradise – pristine...
12 Days
From
1058
Travel to Cambodia on a 12-day adventure from Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok. Explore...
9 Days
From
750
From Bangkok you'll hit the ancient streets and temples of Angkor in Siem Reap, get...
15 Days
From
2713
Take an adventure from Thailand to Singapore, via Malaysia. This tour of South East...
15 Days
From
2160
A magical getaway on Indonesia's Islands. Travel across Bali and Lombok visiting arty...
9 Days
From
1945
Discover Myanmar on a nine-day trip starting and ending in Yangon. Visit the temples of...
22 Days
From
2323
Explore South East Asia on a 22-day adventure through Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand –...
10 Days
From
1748
Hop aboard an adventure tour through the wilds of Borneo's Sarawak region. Crawl...
26 Days
From
1911
Experience the best of South East Asia with Intrepid. Marvel at the Angkor complex,...
10 Days
From
889
From laidback Ubud to the Mt Batur volcano, from Gili Trawangan to Seminyak, this trip...
10 Days
From
1980
Experience Thailand’s greatest hits on a 10-day comfort adventure through Bangkok,...
8 Days
From
2165
Travel from Manila to El Nido via the spectacular Sabang. Cruise the Puerto Princesa...
12 Days
From
1056
Dive headfirst from Ho Chi Minh City into real Cambodia, visiting Phnom Penh, Siem Reap...
9 Days
From
1365
Munch your way through Cambodia on this mouth-watering food adventure from Phnom Penh...
13 Days
From
2805
See Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand from two wheels on this 13-day adventure from Ho Chi...
8 Days
From
944
Travel to Lombok and Gili Air in eight days, discovering mountain villages, steamy...
10 Days
From
1322
Visit Thailand, a country with all the ingredients for a holiday in paradise. Pristine...
20 Days
From
3952
Travel through the wild, untamed lands of beautiful Borneo. From magnificent Mt...
23 Days
From
2741
Explore vibrant Vietnam, charismatic Cambodia and beguiling Bangkok on this awesome...
20 Days
From
4024
Get to know Vietnam and Cambodia, each with their own uniquely enchanting culture and...
12 Days
From
1920
Travel to Bali and Lombok, two jewels of Indonesia that were made for the active...
9 Days
From
1320
Discover rugged and wild Sumatra. Travel from Medan to Bukit Lawang, Gunung Leuser...
9 Days
From
810
Head down south from buzzing Bangkok to blissful Koh Samui, visit the Khao Sok National...
8 Days
From
1733
Take an 8-day trip across Malaysia and visit the Cameron Highland, Ulu Muda Forest,...
8 Days
From
662
Starting in Bangkok, see the Thai-riffic northern enclaves of Chiang Mai and...
16 Days
From
2925
Rice paddies, coral reefs, elephants, temples and tuk-tuks, Thailand doesn’t get much...
17 Days
From
2725
The delights of the north combine with the spoils of the south on this unforgettable...
11 Days
From
1960
See orangutans, stay in an eco-friendly jungle lodge, climb Mt Kinabalu and soak in hot...
12 Days
From
1624
Jump aboard an active tour of Northern Thailand. Visit Bangkok, explore Chiang Mai,...
23 Days
From
2083
Take a trip with the lot – Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hue, Phong...
14 Days
From
1647
Take a trip to Laos, checking out Thailand’s Bangkok and Chiang Mai, then heading over...
14 Days
From
1637
It’s all jungle fun and swimming on this trip, from bustling Bangkok to Khao Sok, with...
16 Days
From
1915
From bustling Bangkok, go deeper for a taste of real Thailand. From temples in...
35 Days
From
4559
Join us for the South East Asian trip of your dreams – a little bit of Bangkok, a pinch...
22 Days
From
3211
Travel to Indonesia and visit Bali and Java. Explore the bustling city of Jakarta, the...
22 Days
From
3855
South East Asia Uncovered snakes its way through the delights of Thailand, Laos and...
9 Days
From
1088
Get the most out of your family getaway by cycling, kayaking, walking and cruising...
8 Days
From
1245
Encounter Cambodia's complex history and welcoming culture on a small-group family...
8 Days
From
1672
Take an 8-day Intrepid tour to Thailand, full of adventure, fun and flavour. Explore...
10 Days
From
2043
Discover the best that Borneo has to offer on this unforgettable family adventure...
9 Days
From
1450
Cycling allows you to get closer to the real face of Thailand. From bicycles to...
21 Days
From
2831
From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the jungle of Khao Sok, sleep on a raft, kick...
22 Days
From
4290
Take an Asian adventure from Thailand to Singapore via Malaysia. See Bangkok, Krabi,...
8 Days
From
1205
Jump in the saddle for a two-wheeled adventure tour of Northern Vietnam. Take in...
12 Days
From
3055
Head into the depths of Borneo’s forests in search of orangutans and other wildlife....
20 Days
From
3583
Taste the true flavours of Vietnam and Cambodia, feasting on local food and catching...
27 Days
From
5145
Gear up for an energising and rewarding cycling tour that takes in the best of...
22 Days
From
4065
Discover rugged and wild Sumatra. Travel from Medan to Bukit Lawang, Gunung Leuser...
8 Days
From
1188
Discover Bali on a cycling adventure from Ubud to Sanur. Visit Mount Batur, Kintamani,...
8 Days
From
1324
Embark on a unique 8-day Expedition into the heart of Borneo’s Sabah – the Maliau Basin...
4 Days
From
453
Trekking in Chiang Mai, explore Thailand's lush jungle areas, go rafting on the Mae...
23 Days
From
3600
Discover the best of Thailand’s west on a trip that takes you from the jungles of the...
3 Days
From
710
Travel to Thailand’s north on this tour to the famous Golden Triangle. Explore northern...
5 Days
From
505
Travel to Chiang Mai and trek through northern Thailand to discover hilltribe culture,...
18 Days
From
4041
This Adventure tour through Malaysia will truly capture your imagination.
3 Days
From
330
Experience a different side of Chiang Mai on this 3-day adventure, hanging out with...
5 Days
From
400
Trek through Vietnam's mountainous region in the north-west to experience hiltribe...
3 Days
From
645
Travel to Thailand and experience the bustling streets of Bangkok and the ancient ruins...
2 Days
From
260
See local industry, beautiful islands and what life is like along the mighty Mekong...
2 Days
From
350
Cast away on a traditional-style boat and set sail through hundreds of limestone karsts...
8 Days
From
1585
Ricepaddles, rapids, bikes and beaches – find it all as you travel to Ubud, Candi Dasa,...
28 Days
From
5515
Take an adventure from Thailand to Bali, capturing some of the region's best places –...
4 Days
From
920
Take a Thai sailing tour between Phuket and Ko Phi Phi. Snorkel over a vibrant...
4 Days
From
775
Set sail on Thailand’s waters between Koh Phi Phi and Phuket. Swim in clear blue waters...
7 Days
From
1815
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.
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
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 | Start city | Destination | Style | From USD | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam Express Southbound | 10 |
Hanoi |
Vietnam |
Original |
|
|
| Beautiful Bali | 9 |
Ubud |
Indonesia |
Original |
|
|
| Cambodian Traveller | 9 |
Ho Chi Minh City |
Cambodia |
Original |
|
|
| Classic Borneo | 10 |
Kota Kinabalu |
Malaysia |
Comfort |
|
|
| Myanmar Highlights | 9 |
Yangon |
Myanmar (Burma) |
Original |
|
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 | Start city | Destination | Style | From USD | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best of Vietnam & Cambodia | 18 |
Hanoi |
Vietnam |
Original |
|
|
|
Real Thailand
Ages 18 to 29
|
16 |
Bangkok |
Thailand |
Basix |
|
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 | Start city | Destination | Style | From USD | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South East Asia Loop | 30 |
Bangkok |
Vietnam |
Original |
|
|
| Cambodia & Vietnam Experience | 26 |
Bangkok |
Vietnam |
Basix |
|
|
| Malaysia's Ultimate Adventure | 18 |
Kuala Lumpur |
Malaysia |
Original |
|
|
| Bangkok to Bali | 28 |
Bangkok |
Indonesia |
Original |
|
Read more about South East Asia
Nov 22, 2022
What to expect on a cycling trip in...
Southern Thailand is the ultimate cycling destination in South East Asia – full of...
Dec 18, 2022
What to expect at a Cambodian homestay
One of the most genuine ways to understand a country’s culture is to experience a...
May 30, 2018
5 stunning ways to step off the...
Does Vietnam tickle your travel taste buds? If so, you’ve got great taste. This...
Apr 26, 2019
6 easy tips for solo female travel in...
After several extended trips in South East Asia on my own, I share some of my top...
May 04, 2023
22 new ways we’re creating positive...
Our not-for-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, is welcoming 22 new partners in 2023....
Nov 13, 2022
Why travelling with your child is the...
When Mark and his 11-year-old daughter Quinn decided to travel together through...
Jun 28, 2022
Meet the Vietnamese young people...
In Hanoi, an inspiring social enterprise is giving disadvantaged young people new...
Jun 29, 2022
Inside the Cambodian ‘factory’...
What if we told you that you could help 52 at-risk Cambodian youth break the cycle...
Sep 29, 2022
Pat is taking a (very) long walk to...
Pat O’Neill loves a long walk. And thank goodness for that, because on Sunday 9...
Nov 22, 2022
“When you have no income, you have no...
This year, we’re encouraging travellers to go beyond the hotspots in Asia. Check...
Jan 02, 2023
9 ways to make meaningful cultural...
Sizzling street food. Spice market tours. Life-changing tapas and noodles galore....
Jan 02, 2023
6 ways you can go beyond Asia’s...
The world’s biggest, most populous continent has so much to offer, it can be...
Apr 20, 2023
10 ways to get closer to nature with...
Whether we’re exploring sparkling glacier caves in Iceland or virgin rainforests...
Sep 03, 2022
Cambodia or Vietnam? The Asian...
Deep dive into both Cambodia and Vietnam to figure out your next holiday...
Sep 06, 2022
The top 8 destinations for travel in...
From rum tasting in Cuba, to gondola riding along Venice’s many canals. Here's...
Feb 20, 2018
7 reasons to make your next trip an...
Think you know everything there is to know about cruises? Think again.
Apr 11, 2018
Everything you need to know about a...
Don’t let the thought of spending a night or two on an overnight train put you off...
Aug 17, 2022
The top 9 destinations for travel in...
From hiking in Patagonia to spotting newborn wildlife in Uganda, here's where you...
Oct 26, 2020
The top 8 destinations to travel to ...
Find out where to travel while giving back to local communities.
Sep 24, 2022
Vietnam vs Thailand: Where to travel...
Eeny, meeny, miny, moe. Chicken pad thai or a bowl of phở? If only it was that...
Sep 08, 2022
The top 7 destinations for travel in...
From the jungles of Central America to the beaches of Southeast Asia, here's where...
Sep 03, 2022
Why Ninh Binh and Lan Ha Bay should...
"We were mere dots in a tiny vessel surrounded by statuesque rock formations...
May 11, 2022
Your definitive guide to the best...
Bangkok’s nightlife has something for everybody – and that’s particularly...
Mar 17, 2021
7 unforgettable experiences you can...
When it comes to our new range of Intrepid Premium trips, we’re excited to unveil...
Mar 16, 2021
6 unique places you can stay on an...
Here are some of the most exciting places you can stay on our brand new Intrepid...
Oct 02, 2022
Malaysia or Indonesia? Your next...
It turns out that choosing between Malaysia and Indonesia for your next holiday...
May 26, 2022
Everything you need to know before...
For a lot of travellers to Malaysia, Mt Kinabalu is the whole reason they visit:...
Apr 24, 2022
3 reasons why you shouldn’t drink...
There's a whole lot more to this "poo coffee" than meets the eye.