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Epic South East Asia

33 Days | Experience epic Southeast Asia in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam

18 to 35s
From
GBP £2,225
View dates and book
This trip is for 18 to 35 year olds

Take an epic journey through Southeast Asia’s highlights in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. Hit Bangkok, find good times in Chiang Mai and then cross the border into Laos. Cruise the mighty Mekong, discover gorgeous Luang Prabang, explore a natural paradise in Vang Vieng and learn about Vientiane’s past and future. See old-world Hanoi, ancient Hue, historic Hoi An and bustling Ho Chi Minh City while eating your weight in pho, banh mi and rice paper rolls. Sail on the calm waters of paradise in Cat Ba Island, then hit the waters of Koh Rong. Meet the locals with a homestay in Sambor Prei Kuk, then experience the incredible Angkor Wat at sunrise. From cycling, kayaking and exploring to cruising, drinking and indulging in local massage, this is an adventure you won’t soon forget.

Trip overview

Map of Epic South East Asia including Cambodia, Lao Pdr, Thailand and Vietnam
Start
Bangkok, Thailand
Finish
Bangkok, Thailand
Theme
18 to 35s
Destinations
Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Basix
Ages
Min 18 - Max 35
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
TTYAC
This trip generates 45 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.
Bucket list destinations

Tick off all the popular spots and enjoy unique local experiences

Great value

Affordable trips with the freedom to choose how you spend your time

Meaningful experiences

Connect to the places you go and the communities at the heart of every Intrepid experience


Why you'll love this trip
  • Head out on a sunset hike to Wat Phu Si in Luang Prabang for some amazing views over Phu Si Mountain. After the sun descends, head to Talad Mued Night Market for a BBQ feast – a local favourite.  
  • Cruise down the Mekong River in a traditional-style boat – a classic favourite in Southeast Asia for good reason. Take in the overhanding reeds and enjoy more photo-ops than you can shake a bamboo cane at. 
  • Who'd have thought green seas and giant mossy rocks could be so pretty? Take in the views of Lan Ha Bay by kayak as you explore the limestone islands during your visit to Cat Ba Island. 
  • A homestay in rural Sambor Prei Kuk puts you right in the heart of everyday village life in Cambodia – cycle through the village for the best perspective and see locals working the rice fields or getting stuck into handicrafts.
  • See the sunrise over the incredible Angkor complex and take a guided Tuk-tuk tour of all the best sites (including Angkor Wat and jungle-covered Ta Prohm) with a company focused on employing local women in the community. 

Is this trip right for you?
  • This trip is for travellers who appreciate a bit of independence. You'll get plenty of free time in each location to make your own choices, do your own activities and eat where you like. Your leader is always there to give you tips and suggestions. 
  • You’ll cover a lot of distance on this trip, including on overnight trains. Accommodation and amenities are basic, but the experience of rubbing shoulders with the locals makes it all worthwhile. For more about what this experience is like, see our blog post here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/what-to-expect-on-an-overnight
  • Temperatures and humidity can be high in South East Asia, especially when walking around sights like the Angkor complex, where there may be little shade. Be prepared by taking plenty of drink breaks and wearing appropriate skin protection. Some travellers find an umbrella handy to keep the sun off (this will also come in handy if it rains!).  
  • You'll be spending a night with a local family on this trip. While the accommodation is shared and basic, this is a great opportunity to connect with the local people (and enjoy delicious home-cooked meals!). Read more about the experience here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/cambodia-homestay-experience

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Map of Epic South East Asia including Cambodia, Lao Pdr, Thailand and Vietnam

Inclusions

Meals

11 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners

Transport

Private minivan, Public bus, Slow boat, Overnight sleeper train, Songthaew, Tuk-tuk, Train, Speed Boat

Accommodation

Guesthouse (6 nights), Hotel (16 nights), Overnight sleeper train (3 nights), Lodge (1 night), Multi-share Bungalow (2 nights), Homestay (1 night), Hostel (2 nights), Resort (1 night)

Activities
  • Bangkok - Chinatown walking tour
  • Nan – Orientation Tour
  • Pua – Hand Weaving Demonstration
  • Muang Ngern – Local Village Visit
  • Luang Prabang - orientation walk
  • Luang Prabang - Talad Mued Night Market
  • Luang Prabang – Wat Phu Si Sunset Hike
  • Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Caves
  • Luang Prabang – Mekong River Cruise (Half Day)
  • Luang Prabang - Alms giving ceremony
  • Vientiane - Wat Si Saket
  • Vientiane - COPE visit
  • Vientiane - Leader orientation walk
  • Cat Ba Island - Boat trip on Lan Ha Bay
  • Cat Ba Island - Kayaking
  • Hoa Lu - Temple of King Dinh and King Le
  • Ninh Binh - Bike Tour
  • Hue - Home cooked dinner
  • Hoi An - Old Town walking tour
  • Hoi An - Garden-to-Table with A Local Chef
  • Ho Chi Minh City – Local Market Visit
  • Ho Chi Minh City - Local Coffee Experience
  • Phnom Penh - Orientation Walk
  • Phnom Penh - Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21)
  • Phnom Penh - Killing Fields of Choeung Ek
  • Phnom Penh - Local Breakfast
  • Phnom Penh - Sunset River Cruise
  • Sambor Prei Kuk - Khmer Dinner
  • Sambor Prei Kuk - Homestay
  • Sambor Prei Kuk - Local Community Guide
  • Sambor Prei Kuk - Village Walk
  • Siem Reap - Orientation Walk
  • Siem Reap - Angkor Temples Guided Tour by TukTuk
  • Siem Reap - Angkor Wat Sunrise
  • Siem Reap - One day Angkor Pass
Add on activities
  • Bangkok - Temple & River of Kings Urban Adventure - THB2900
  • Bangkok - Tuk Tuk Experience Urban Adventure - THB2500
  • Bangkok - Grand Palace - THB500
  • Bangkok - Thai Massage - THB250
  • Bangkok - Jim Thompson's House - THB200
  • Bangkok - Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) - THB200
  • Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep Temple Complex (Entrance) - THB50
  • Chaing Mai - Cooking at Home Cookery School - THB1400
  • Chiang Mai - Thai massage - THB200
  • Chiang Mai - Bicycle tour - THB990
  • Chiang Mai – Zipline (from) - THB1900
  • Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep Temple Complex - THB50
  • Chiang Mai - ChangChill Elephant Sanctuary - THB1900
  • Chiang Mai - Doi Inthanon (Entrance) - THB300
  • Chiang Mai – Whitewater Rafting - THB1800
  • Chiang Mai – Muay Thai - THB400
  • Luang Prabang - Kuang Si Waterfalls - USD2
  • Luang Prabang - Laos Red Cross sauna - LAK10000
  • Luang Prabang - Laos Red Cross massage - LAK40000
  • Luang Prabang - Mt Phu Si - USD2
  • Luang Prabang - Wat Xieng Thong - USD3
  • Luang Prabang – Royal Theatre Performance (from) - LAK150000
  • Luang Prabang – National Museum (Entrance Fee) - LAK30000
  • Luang Prabang – Ock Pop Tok Living Craft Centre (from) - USD45
  • Luang Prabang – Wat Visun (Entrance Fee) - LAK20000
  • Luang Prabang – Cooking Class - USD38
  • Luang Prabang – UXO Lao Visitor Centre (Entrance Fee) - LAK20000
  • Luang Prabang - Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre - USD2
  • Vang Vieng - Tham Jung Cave - USD2
  • Vang Vieng - Bicycle hire - USD2
  • Vang Vieng - Kayaking - USD20
  • Vang Vieng - Blue Lagoon (Entrance Fee) - LAK10000
  • Hanoi - Temple of Literature - VND70000
  • Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh Complex - VND80000
  • Hanoi - Street Food Experience Urban Adventure - USD40
  • Ninh Binh - Mua Cave Hike (entrance fee and taxi) - USD12
  • Ninh Binh - Trang An Boat Trip (entrance fee, boat, taxi) - USD21
  • Hue - Highlights & back streets by motorbike (without lunch) - USD23
  • Hue - Highlights & back streets by motorbike (with lunch) - USD28
  • Hue - Perfume River cruise & Thien Mu Pagoda - VND220000
  • Hoi An - Food Adventure Urban Adventure - USD44
  • Hoi An - Cooking class - USD33
  • Hoi An - Private Hoi An: My Son Discovery (from) - USD77
  • Quy Nhon - Eo Gio Hike - VND22000
  • Quy Nhon - Canh Tien Tower - VND15000
  • Quy Nhon - Banh It Tower - VND15000
  • Quy Nhon - Con Chim Ecological Zone - USD31
  • Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum - VND40000
  • Ho Chi Minh City - Reunification Palace - VND40000
  • Phnom Penh - Khmer massage - USD8
  • Phnom Penh - Wat Phnom - USD2
  • Phnom Penh - National Museum - USD10
  • Phnom Penh - Cyclo tour - USD4
  • Phnom Penh - Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda - USD10
  • Sambor Prei Kuk - Temple Visit - USD10
  • Sambor Prei Kuk - Sombai Cambodian Liqueur Tasting - USD3
  • Sambor Prei Kuk - Bike Rental - USD3
  • Siem Reap - Landmine Museum - USD5
  • Siem Reap - Three day Angkor Pass - USD62
  • Siem Reap - Phare Circus Ticket - USD18
  • Siem Reap - Angkor Zipline Silver Tour - USD54
  • Siem Reap - Angkor Zipline Gold Tour - USD87
  • Bangkok - Khlong boat canal tour - THB900
  • Bangkok - Wat Pho - THB300
  • Bangkok -Tuk Tuk Experience Urban Adventure - THB2500
  • Bangkok - Chinatown Sights and Bites Urban Adventure - THB1960

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Days 2, 17, 22 (Overnight train), Days 27, 28 (Bungalow) and Day 29 (Homestay) and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. Please note that some room configurations have two single beds, although a double bed will always be requested if required.
2. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport), for internal flights and train tickets. Ticketing fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket.
3. A Laos visa will need to be applied for in advance at the Laos Embassy in your home country. An E-visa or Visa on Arrival is not accepted at Nam Ngeun border crossing. For further information on visa requirements, please visit the "Passports, visas and entry requirements" section of your Essential Trip Information.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

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Epic South East Asia
From
GBP £2,225