38-Day Grand South East Asia Loop Adventure

Today we’re going to tour the canals of Bangkok which are known as the Klongs. Far away from the bustling city centre, this tour will take you to see the quieter, ‘real’ Bangkok where you’ll see wooden houses on stilts and colourful temples, meet friendly locals, and spend some time in an unexpected green oasis.

This evening we’ll head to the train station to board the overnight train to Chiang Mai for an overnight sleeper train experience. For those who have never been on one before this is an adventure complete with lie flat beds and a restaurant carriage. It’s the most fun way to travel to Chiang Mai and get to know your new travel mates!

We’ll arrive at Chiang Mai train station around this morning and head for breakfast where you can begin to see the beauty of the city and plan your optional activities. As the largest city in Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is a popular place for many travellers full of endless activity options, such as Thai cooking classes and bike tours to name a few. Once a kingdom unto itself, there are over 300 Buddhist temples to discover and we’d recommend visiting the old walled city to see the Tapae Gate.

This afternoon we’ll head to the Doi Suthep mountain and temple. You have the choice to climb the towering 300 steps or take the scenic cable car ride where you’ll get stunning views over Chiang Mai. At 6pm we’ll hear the chanting of the monks ringing out across the valley. Once back in the centre, we recommend spending your evening browsing the famous night market to score a bargain or you can check out the lively music scene.

Today you’ll visit the incredible Elephant Nature Park where you can observe and spend time with a magnificent elephant herd. This immersive experience allows you to watch them in a natural environment, see them walking down to the river and bathing playfully together.

This morning we’ll depart Chiang Mai and head for the Thailand-Laos border.  We’ll make a stop near Chiang Rai to check out the famous White Temple (Wat Rong Khun). Wat Rong is a unique modern Buddhist temple that features some curious statues and murals that include images from Star Wars and The Matrix, Freddie Kruger’s head hanging in the trees and a giant Predator emerging from the garden. We’ll stop here long enough to grab a snack and take a few photos before we continue on to cross the border into Laos. Once in Laos we’ll take a short tuk-tuk ride to the small town of Houay Xai, our stop for the night.

Leaving Houay Xai this morning we’ll board our private slow boat to cruise down the Mekong River to a secluded village where we’ll get to experience a slice of the ‘real Laos’. Sitting back we’ll soak up this incredible journey as we wind your way through lush farmland, past thriving jungle and rugged mountain scenery, arriving in the village in the late afternoon. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become immersed in Lao culture, where you will get a taste of traditional Lao village before we head to the small riverside town of Pakbeng for the evening.

Today we wave goodbye to the village and its lovely residents and jump back aboard our private boat to head downriver to the famous limestone Pak Ou Caves. Pak Ou is an important pilgrimage site for Lao people where we will see thousands of Buddhist images that have been placed throughout the caves over hundreds of years. Back on board our boat, a short trip takes us to the UNESCO World Heritage town, Luang Prabang, which features a fusion of French Colonial architecture and traditional Lao design. Set against a backdrop of misty mountains and lush green jungle, Luang Prabang is a truly majestic place to spend time.

Today we’ll travel to the Living Land Farm which is an organic farm run by locals for the benefit of Lao people. They grow organic produce, herbs and rice which they supply to leading restaurants and hotels in Luang Prabang.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfalls, where the turquoise water and calm pools offer the perfect chance to cool off and enjoy a refreshing swim. At the base of the falls, you’ll find a rescue centre for the native Asiatic moon bears where you can watch them happily living in a safe environment. If you’re feeling fit, climb up to the very top of the falls and take in the view from the above.

Today you have a full free day to explore Luang Prabang, the ancient capital of Luang Prabang Province in northern Laos. Explore some of the many Buddhist temples, including the gilded Wat Xieng Thong, dating to the 16th century, and Wat Mai, once the residence of the head of Laotian Buddhism or stroll through the incredible food markets and sample some traditional Lao fare.

This morning we head to the train station to board our fast train for a two hour journey to the little riverside town of Vang Vieng, formerly known as the best place to take tubing trips down the Nam Song River to visit riverside bars and indulge in cheap booze. These days you can still go tubing, but now you get to enjoy the beauty of Vang Vieng's landscape without the sound of pounding bass in the background. On arrival we’ll go for an orientation walk around the town and then you’ll have free time to explore.

​​​With its stunning natural scenery, Vang Vieng offers ample outdoor activities to choose from. We recommend hiring a bike to explore the town and visiting the Blue Lagoon, one of the best natural swimming holes in Laos or if you’re looking for more adventure there are also great rock climbing, caving, zip lining and kayaking options. This evening check out one of several international restaurants for a taste of home or head to one of the bars to really get the party started.

Today we’ll board the bus and cruise through to the capital of Laos. On arrival in Vientiane your Tour Leader will take you on a tour of the city’s main attractions, including Putaxai, Pha That Luang, That Dam, the Presidential Palace, and the COPE centre – a non-profit organisation that educates visitors and raises awareness for victims of UXO (Unexploded Ordnance) and the Secret War. After checking in at our centrally located accommodation, you are free to explore the city, get a massage, go shopping or people watch at one of the local restaurants by the river.

Today you have a free day to explore Vientiane and enjoy your last full day in Laos before we head to Vietnam tomorrow. Enjoy the French-colonial architecture, explore the Buddhist temples, stroll along the tree-lined streets and enjoy delicious food in one of the many restaurants and cafes around.

Today we depart Laos and fly to Vietnam where we begin our adventure in the stunning capital, Hanoi. Known for its centuries-old architecture and rich culture, Hanoi is incredibly diverse. Stroll through the vibrant Old Quarter with its narrow, busy streets and relax by the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake to get some respite from Hanoi's hustle. Our Tour Leader will take us on an orientation tour around the centre where we’ll see the main sights.

​​​​​Today you have some time to enjoy Hanoi, an exotic city full of excitement and energy, and thousands of motorcycles that make the simple task of crossing the road seem like a real achievement! There’s an excellent culinary scene so you’re spoiled for choice, we recommend dining at Restaurant 69, which is said to be over 300 years old, or trying some of the delicious street food available on every corner, where the saying goes “the lower the chair, the cheaper the beer.”

Today we’ll make our way to Ninh Binh, the home of the stunning Trang An Grottoes. On arrival, we’ll venture out in traditional canoes to discover the caves in the mountains where we’ll see stony outcrops and dramatic karst formations towering above flat tranquil waters and rice paddies. This evening we’ll enjoy Ninh Binh which is nestled amongst rice paddies, rural plains and massive mountains creating a picturesque landscape to enjoy.

Today we’ll depart rural Ninh Binh and make our way to the world famous Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its iconic  limestone pillars and tiny islets topped with lush forest. On this overnight boat we’ll cruise along emerald waters and enjoy the peace and beauty of this stunning natural wonder of the world.

This morning we’ll wake on the boat in paradise. After spending the morning in Halong Bay, we’ll make our way back to the mainland and back to Hanoi where we’ll board the overnight train to Phong Nha Ke National Park.

Today we’ll arrive in Phong Nha where we’ll enjoy the spectacular rural area of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. This area has pristine rivers (perfect for a refreshing dip or kayak) and boasts a number of impressive caves, including the recently discovered Thien Duong Cave. Inside you’ll find glittering limestone walls, impressive stalagmites and stalactites and a limestone waterfall. This afternoon you have the option to go on a guided tour of the ‘Dark Cave’, suitably named as such because the rock is black. This is an exciting adventure where you’ll explore the cave’s darkness with the help of a head torch, discover ancient fossils and slide down muddy ridges, all while Asian bats fly overhead. Afterwards, back at the mouth of the cave you can wash off all the mud by spending the afternoon swimming and playing in the river.

This morning we’ll depart the stunning National Park and make our way to Hue, a gorgeous city located on the Perfume River. Surrounded by rolling hills, Hue is regarded as the cultural and spiritual centre of Vietnam and is the former home to the Vietnamese emperors.

Today we’ll take a motorbike tour around Hue where we’ll get to explore this stunning area. We’ll see many elaborately decorated temples and beautiful pagodas, including the seven-storied Thien Mu Pagoda (where the most famous Vietnamese monk is buried), the intricate Citadel and Forbidden Purple City. We’ll also get to see a little bit of the ‘real’ Vietnam, motoring through quaint villages and lush rice paddies, we’ll see the historic and picturesque Japanese covered bridge, hear about our future from a local fortune teller, have a go at making incense sticks and learn about the rice growing process at the Rice Museum. We’ll also visit the home of a conical hat maker and explore an Emperor's Tomb and the Citadel's Forbidden City.

Our drive today takes us to the popular tourist spot and UNESCO World Heritage town of Hoi An, a must-see destination with beautifully restored and preserved French Colonial architecture, funky bars, outstanding restaurants, art galleries, souvenir shops and countless tailor shops. With glorious beaches so close nearby, this is paradise! A great spot to hop off and enjoy the local nightlife, try local delicacies (and beers), then meander home through the motorbike free streets.

Take time today to explore this charming town’s many offerings. When the sun goes down is when Hoi An really turns on its charm. Paper and fabric lanterns are lit throughout the streets, bathing the historical French Colonial architecture in a warm glow. Take a sunset stroll through the old town, and try a local delicacy called the ‘White Rose’ - a dumpling stuffed with shrimp or pork bunched into the shape of a rose. Apparently, the recipe is a family secret, held by only one family who supply all the restaurants around town.

Hoi An is full of so many options to experience and enjoy. Rent bikes and cycle down to relax at the beach, make your way to the stunning marble mountains, visit some of the many talented tailors and purchase some clothes, take part in a cooking class or enjoy some sweet Vietnamese coffee in a riverside cafe.

Today we’ll leave Hoi An and make our way to the gorgeous fishing village of Bai Xep. On our way, we’ll make a stop to visit the My Lai Memorial, a site that commemorates an event that marked a turning point in the American War. Our destination for the next few days is Bai Xep, located along a stretch of sandy white beach. Kick back and relax in this peaceful village setting well off the beaten tourist track and as yet untouched by rampant tourism. Don’t be surprised when the locals wave and greet you with welcoming smiles.

Today you are free to enjoy this remote coastal location and all it has to offer. Swim, snorkel and take long walks on the beach, learn to paddle a traditional round boat, go fishing and cook your catch for tea, or just relax at your comfortable seaside guesthouse.

Today you have another full day to enjoy some beach time. Wander the village and get to know the friendly locals or partake in some delicious cocktails at your accommodation.

Today we’ll enjoy our final morning in Bai Xep, go for a last stroll around the village, say goodbye to the locals and make the most of the beach. This afternoon we’ll make our way to Quy Nhon where we’ll board the overnight train to Ho Chi Minh City, our last destination in Vietnam.

This morning we’ll arrive in lively Ho Chi Minh City. Head to the War Remnant Museum and learn about the history of the American and Vietnam War, visit the French Colonial Saigon Opera House, browse the surrounding shopping plazas or go and see a cultural show. Ho Chi Minh even has its own Notre Dame Cathedral, which is said to be a connection between the physical and spiritual life for the Ho Chi Minh people. We recommend taking a trip out to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, a complex of over 200kms of tunnels used by the Viet Khong in the war against the US. Discover how the people lived and survived in these tunnels, built schools and hospitals underground and eventually gained victory. This evening enjoy a traditional performance at the Water Puppet Theatre, or dine out on delicious street food at one of the city’s many restaurants or bars.

Saying goodbye to Vietnam today we’ll make our way to Cambodia. Crossing the border late-morning we’ll stop for lunch and sample our first taste of Khmer cuisine before arriving in Phnom Penh in the afternoon. Phnom Penh is a diverse city with a walkable riverfront, lots of lush parks and great restaurants and historical landmarks such as the ornate Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda. At the heart of the city is the huge Central Market which is always worth the time to explore!

Today we’re leaving the busy city and taking a ferry to the idyllic island of Koh Rong, known for its sandy coves, coral reefs and great nightlife. The dense jungle terrain is dotted with coconut palms and waterfalls. In the south are Jewel orchids, a small zoo home to butterflies, snakes, and birds, and lively Police Beach, a party spot. High Point Rope Park has suspension bridges, rope walks and zip lines.

Today we’re on island time as we wake up on the stunning island of Koh Rong, famous for its serene beauty. Boasting pristine white sandy beaches, warm crystal-clear ocean waters, and a hot tropical climate, Koh Rong is the perfect place to relax and work on your tan.

Today we have another full day to spend on Koh Rong. Take a boat trip to Koh Rong Samloem to see more pristine beaches, spend the afternoon drinking refreshing beverages or eating incredible food at one of the many restaurants, go to the High Point adventure park for an adrenaline rush or head down to the Sok San waterfall if there’s been some rain in the previous days! At night, why not go swimming and see some bioluminescent plankton for a truly magical experience.

Today we’ll depart Koh Rong and make our way to experience Cambodia’s history brought to life with a tour of two of the most infamous attractions: the Khmer Rouge’s Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng S21 Prison. While it is a very sobering experience to learn more about the country’s harsh recent history and the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge, these are among the most recommended things to do in Phnom Penh.

Today we’ll explore the energising capital city of Phnom Penh. With an edgy blend of harrowing history and modern development, Phnom Penh is an incredibly important place for a number of political, economic and cultural reasons. Explore the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and Wat Phnom, take a river cruise, shop for souvenirs at the huge Russian Market or see a living art performance at the National Museum.

Travelling from Phnom Penh today, we’ll make our way to Siem Reap, a bustling city famous for its varied and diverse markets and home to the famous Angkor Wat temple complex. Tonight’s activity is up to you, but we recommend finishing the day with the unforgettably unique Phare Circus, a locally run non-profit troupe that provides disadvantaged young people from the community with a place to learn the skills needed to earn their living as professional performing artists.

No trip to Siem Reap is complete without a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Angkor temples, a crucial part of the Cambodian national identity and one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. Ranked at the top of many ultimate travel bucket lists (including Lonely Planet’s), this awe-inspiring architectural wonder is the largest temple complex in the world. Embrace your inner Tomb Raider as you spend the whole day on a guided tour that will take you to highlight sites including the famous Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm.

Today your journey with Stray comes to an end. Whether you’re spending some extra time in Siem Reap or travelling onwards to your next destination, we hope you’ve had a blast on your great Stray adventure and that you’ve made friends and memories to last a lifetime!