Play & Pause: Great Southeast Asia 2024-25

Hungry for a Southeast Asian adventure? Of course, you are! Meet us in Bangkok: Thailand’s high-energy, temple-filled, market-brimming, food-loving capital. Say sawasdee (sah-wah-dee) to your new travel fam before your first group dinner at a local eatery in Chinatown. Cue: stuffing your face with alllll the noodles. Afterwards, the evening is yours for the taking. Grab dessert at Chinatown Market. Get to know your group better over a few cool ones at a rooftop bar. Or chill out at your hotel. Your trip = your vibe.

Ready to explore one of Asia’s most action-packed cities? Experience local life on an optional bike tour around Bangkok’s historic centre. Or brush up on your boxing skills during a half-day Muay Thai class. Need a good lunch rec? Check out Wang Lang Market for some out-of-this-world (and amazingly cheap) street food. Tonight, you’ll be catching your very first overnight train. Stock up on snacks and get cosy. When you wake up, we’ll be in a brand-new city: Chiang Mai.

First overnight train = completed. We’ll head straight to a local restaurant for an included brekkie. Then, you’ve got the rest of the day to explore Chiang Mai at your own pace. Eye-popping architecture. Awesome night markets. A fascinating fusion of cultures and traditions. This city’s got it going on. After getting your bearings, there are a few awesome optional activities up for grabs. Show off your chef skills during a Thai cooking class. Prefer to have your food prepped for you? Tuck into a traditional Khantoke dinner complete with lively music and dancing.

Bad news = today’s your last day in Chiang Mai. Good news = we’ve got heaps more optionals lined up for you. Early riser? Experience a spiritual morning almsgiving ceremony with the city’s resident monks. Then, hop between some of Chiang Mai’s INCREDible temples. Alternatively, pull on your hiking boots and head out into the surrounding countryside. Trek up to a tinkling waterfall in Doi Inthanon National Park: aka ‘the roof of Thailand’. Or venture off the beaten path with a guided walk through Chiang Dao’s pristine landscape. This evening: track down a piping-hot dish of pad thai, grab a satay skewer and end the day on a high.

After another included breakfast, we’ll wave goodbye to Chiang Mai. Press your nose to the coach window and soak up all the stunning mountain views racing past as we enter the Chiang Rai region. We’ll break up the journey with a stop at Mae Kachan Hot Spring (keep your eyes peeled for locals boiling eggs in its bubbling waters). Next, marvel at the White Temple – a huge Buddhist temple made from white concrete and mirrored glass. We’ll continue to the Golden Triangle: the former heart of Thailand’s illegal opium trade. Soak up 360-degree views of the lush scenery from the Golden Buddha viewpoint before diving into the area’s fascinating history at the House of Opium museum.

Rise and shine! Pack your bags and fuel up with an early breakfast. Today, we’re setting off on a cruise down the majestic Mekong River. Sit back, relax and soak up the majestic jungle scenery as we crossover into Laos. We’ll drop into a couple of tiny riverside villages to say hi to the locals before reaching our final destination: Pakbeng. The traditional village is the halfway point of the cruise and where we’ll bunk down for the night.

Today, we’ll continue to meander down the Mekong – and there are a few more awesome stops on the cards. First up is Whiskey Village where you’ll have a masterclass in how to turn sticky rice into Lao Lao whiskey. Then, explore the cool (in both senses of the word) Pak Ou Caves which are filled with hundreds of Buddha statues. When we dock in Luang Prabang, you’ll have time to chill at your hotel before enjoying a guided food tour around the city’s night market. The highlight? Sin Dat – finger-licking good Laos BBQ.

Today = options. See Luang Prabang’s main attractions on an optional city cycling tour. Fill your camera roll with dreamy snaps of Kuang Si Waterfall (don’t forget your swimmers). Level up your chef skills with a local cooking class. Or go temple-hopping around the city – there are over 30 stunning structures to explore. Later, check out Luang Prabang’s Food Street for grub. It's brimming with hawker stalls selling everything from namchuen (crispy spring rolls) to khao nom kok (coconut pancakes).

Wave goodbye to Luang Prabang as we speed (literally) to Vang Vieng on the high-speed train. This former party town turned adventure hub is the full package. We’re talking lush rice fields, dramatic karst mountains, the winding Nam Song River. Ready to get stuck in? Begin with a short hike up to Tham Phu Kham – an absolute stunner of a cave. Check out the golden Buddha in the main chamber, explore some of its tunnels (just don’t get lost) and take a dip in the Blue Lagoon on your way out. We’ll then continue our subterranean adventure with a trip to Tham Jung: Vang Vieng’s most famous cave system which locals have historically used as a hiding spot during various wars.

Fancy another day in Laos’s adventure capital? Don’t say we never spoil you. Need some more recs? Tick off the town’s major players on an optional guided tour. Jump in a kayak and weave your way through yet another amazing cave. Or admire Vang Vieng’s breathtaking scenery on a guided circular cycling tour. Tonight, regroup with your travel fam for food. Relaxed riverside dining or cheap eats on Main Street? The choice is yours.

Pack your bags, grab your snacks and head for the station. Today, we’re making tracks for Vientiane – Laos' sleepy yet stunning capital. When we arrive, we’ll jump straight in with a guided tour to see its best bits. Count the thousands of Buddha statues at the serene Wat Sisaket Monastery (we bet you can’t). Check out the ancient art at Hor Phra Keo: a former temple turned museum. Be dazzled by the glittering golden Buddha at Pha That Luang. You’ll also go past Patouxai: Vientiane’s answer to the Arc de Triomphe.

This morning, you’ve got a few more hours to explore Vientiane before we catch a flight to Vietnam’s second-biggest city. Blaring horns. French Colonial buildings. Picturesque lakes. And the smell of incense in the air. Welcome to historic Hanoi! Our in-the-know Trip Leader will take us to a local eatery for our first taste of Vietnamese grub – trust us, it’s tasty. Then: gather your crew and head to Bai Hoi (aka Beer Corner). No need to guess how this place got its name. Pull up a roadside stool and get ready to relax over a few cold ones.

Ready to dive into this incredible city? We thought so. Slip on the Birks and explore with your Trip Leader – ticking off the likes of One Pillar Pagoda, Lenin Park, Northern Gate, Cua Bac Church, B52 Lake and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (you can visit later, if you like). The rest of the day is 100% up to you. History buffs should check out Hoa Lo Prison. You could also catch a water puppet show at Thang Long theatre. Or stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake. Tonight, there’s an optional street food tour on offer *wipes drool from chin*.

Halong Bay: World Heritage Site. The jewel in Vietnam’s crown. One of the ‘New 7 Wonders of Nature’. Whichever way you look at it, Halong Bay is pretty damn special. So, today we’re gonna do it justice with an overnight cruise. Spend the day swimming in glittering turquoise water, exploring limestone islands, digging into freshly made meals, and watching the sunset with your travel buds. This? This is what makes the memories.

Rise and shine, sailors! Kick off the day with a refreshing dip and a hearty brunch. Then: we’re dropping anchor and heading for the station in Hanoi. Why? Because we’ll be moving on to ancient Hoi An the traditional way – by overnight train! This is your chance to catch up on some zzzs and swap tales with your trip mates. Shotgun top bunk!

Hop off the train and wave to the locals – after a short drive from Da Nang, prepare to be SERIOUSLY charmed by the lantern-filled city of Hoi An. This stunner is a patchwork of all the civilisations that have left their imprint here. Expect: rustic Chinese shophouses, multi-coloured French Colonial villas, and one helluva spectacular Japanese bridge. Want help discovering this gem of a place? We got you. Soak up views of the forest and surrounding villages on a sunset paddleboarding adventure along the river. Or get a custom piece made by the city’s famous tailors. There’s also an optional street food tour to sink your teeth into. Cue = stuffing your face with local bites like white rose (dumplings) and banh xeo (crispy pancakes filled with shrimp and beansprouts).

You wanted more free time to explore. So, here it is. Need some suggestions? Opt for a cooking class and local market visit – your mad new gastro skills are sure to impress the Tinder matches back home. Rather do your own thing? Explore the buzzing Central Market. Or set off on an optional cycle tour followed by a lantern-making workshop. Hoi An souvenir = sorted. Tonight, we’ll have free time to explore the magic of Hoi An Old Town and tuck into a bowl of cao lau (a Hoi An speciality) along the river. This is what you came for.

After brekkie, we'll make tracks to the airport and hop on a flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Home to nearly 9 million people, HCMC is a bubbling pot of energy, excitement and hidden gems. And you’ve got the whole afternoon to explore. Wanna pull on your history hat? There’s an optional visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels up for grabs. Surrounded by jungle that was once a stronghold of the Viet Cong, take a guided tour of the area and learn all about how this underground network was used by guerilla fighters during the Vietnam War. Afterwards: it’s time to return to HCMC for shellfish, rice paper pizza, and the city’s speciality – com tam *wipes drool from chin*.

Today = options. First though, we’ll jump straight in with a morning tour with your Trip Leader. Soak up allll the city’s highlights, including Saigon Central Post Office (designed by the same guy as the Eiffel Tower), Dong Khoi Street, Gia Long Palace and the Old Central Market. You’ll also visit the sobering War Remnants Museum to learn more about a key part of modern Vietnamese history. Then, the rest of the afternoon is yours. Chill out at a local coffee shop, shop for bargains at the massive Ben Thanh Market, or soak up epic sunset views from the Saigon Skydeck. Evening plans? Easy. Grab the whole group for dinner at a rooftop restaurant. Or get lost in the streets and find yourself along the way.

Today’s all about the wet stuff as we set our sights on the 'rice bowl’ of Vietnam: the Mekong Delta. This tropical maze of rivers and swamps looks like it's dropped straight outta The Jungle Book. For real. Wanna know how to make markets more fun? Put them on boats, obvs. First, we’ll check out the world-class pineapple tossing skills of the traders at the traditional floating market in Cai Be. Then: time to take to the waterways with a pit stop at a local bonsai gardener’s home in Vinh Long for lunch. And tonight? We’re hunkering down in a traditional homestay with a local family, where our host will give us a masterclass in Vietnamese cooking. Heads up: rooms are shared here, so settle in and swap notes on the adventure so far.

Wake to the sounds of the village stirring to life. After a group brekkie at the homestay, we’ll say chào to the locals and jump back on the boat. Our next port of call? Chau Doc. This waterfront city on the Hau River is surrounded by miles of leafy forest. It’s also one of the most culturally diverse spots in the region, so expect an awesome mix of architecture and food. You’ll have the rest of the day to chill before regrouping with your travel buds for dinner. Ready to stuff your face (again)?

No lies, today’s a bit of a travel day. But you’ll have plenty of time to catch up on some zzzs and update the fam back home as we roll into Cambodia! Ancient wonders. Serene landscapes. And a fascinatingly diverse history – Cambodia delivers on all fronts. We’ll hop off the bus at Sihanoukville and take a speedboat across to Koh Rong: Cambodia’s very own paradise island. Cocktails at sunset, anyone?

Fancy a free day in the sunshine? Course you do. Today, Koh Rong is your oyster – whether you want to laze around on the sand or dive into some pretttty awesome optional activities. Live your best #boatlife with an island-hopping tour around Koh Rong’s dreamy white-sand bays, including a stop at the peaceful floating village of Prek Svay. Channel your inner sea turtle snorkelling around rainbow corals. Or test your rowing skills on a kayaking adventure down the Mangrove River. Wanna see something that’s out of this world? Don’t skip this evening’s optional outing to view Koh Rong’s glowing bioluminescent plankton.

48 hours in paradise = completed. Take one last look at Koh Rong’s pristine shores before we speedboat back across to Sihanoukville on the mainland. We’ll then make tracks to Phnom Penh, whizzing past some of Cambodia’s most idyllic rural scenes as we go. When we roll into the Cambodian capital, you’ll have a few hours to relax before catching up with the group over an included dins. You might wanna wear your elasticated pants. Just saying.

Warning: today’s set to be an emotional rollercoaster. We’ll begin with a sobering visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum which documents the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge during their ‘revolution’. Then, we’ll head just beyond the city limits to the Choeung Ek Killing Fields. There’s a lot to take in, but learning about this devastating period of the country’s history is important to fully understand modern Cambodia. Later on, you can do some temple-hopping around Phnom Penh during an optional tour. Or why not quiz your expert Trip Leader on the best bargains to sniff out at the iconic art deco Central Market? The evening’s yours to sample some sizzling street food along Sihanouk Boulevard.

Stock up on snacks and dig out that inflatable neck pillow. Today’s a big travel day as we swap Phnom Penh for Siem Reap. When we arrive, you’ll have some free time to settle in and get your bearings. Wanna experience the local entertainment? There’s an evening under the big top with the Cambodian Circus on offer. Afterwards, immerse yourself in the neon jungle that is Angkor Night Market or experience the crazy of Pub Street. Go steady – tomorrow is packed with memory-makers that you’re not gonna want to miss.

Ready for a real-life temple run? This is it. First up: we’ll explore the Angkor Thom complex with our local guide. Venture through statue-lined South Gate, the intricately decorated Bayon Temple and check out the Elephant Terrace. Then it’s onto Ta Prohm – a ruin filled with crumbling towers and overgrown tree roots. Think: Tomb Raider. Refuel and rehydrate – next we’re headed for Angkor Wat temple. The biggest temple complex in the world, ‘otherworldly’ doesn’t even come close to describing this place. Once you’re all temple-d out, gather your mates for dinner. Suggestions? Try coconutty Khmer red curry (it’s less spicy than the Thai version, promise). Or get stuck into sizzling Cambodian BBQ. You won’t regret it.

Ok, nobody panic – it’s almost time to say your goodbyes *tries not to cry*. First, though, we’ll be up bright and early to begin our journey back to Bangkok. Coach essentials: snacks, ear pods, a comfy ‘fit. When we arrive, we’ll settle in for our final group dinner at a local eatery. WHAT an adventure it’s been.

And just like that, your Southeast Asia trip is over. 29 days of awesome adventures. A bunch of new mates. And a lifetime of mems. Get down to breakfast and swap those socials – you’ll need them for next year’s reunion trip. Wait, what’s that? You’re gonna keep the adventure going on our Delve Deep: Southern Thailand trip? We love your style.