Play & Pause: Great Southeast Asia 2024-25
Overview
Highlights
- Visit Mae Kachan Hot Spring and the White Temple
- Visit the Golden Triangle, including the Golden Buddha viewpoint
- Visit the House of Opium museum
- Cruise along the Mekong River with traditional village stops
- Cruise along the Mekong River (continued) with stops at Whiskey Village and Pak Ou Caves
- Evening street food tour in Luang Prabang
- High-speed train to Vang Vieng
- Visit Tham Phu Kham and Tham Jang caves
- High-speed train to Vientiane
- City tour of Vientiane with local guide
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Trip includes
- Overnight train, high-speed train, overnight cruise, local boat and private vehicle
Itinerary
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 Ch...
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...
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 ...
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 temple...
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 (k...
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 riversid...
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 wo...
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...
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 stuc...
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 towards yet another amazing cave. Or admire Vang Vieng's breathtak...
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...
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-kno...
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 ...
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 glitter...
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!
Meals: Breakfast
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 sho...
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 Mark...
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...
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 ...
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 ...
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'...
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'...
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 w...
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 ...
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 E...
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...
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 r...
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.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Meals: Breakfast
Want a tailor-made trip instead?
Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:
- You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
- Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Topdeck.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Topdeck Reviews & Ratings
Other Topdeck Reviews
Best Tour Guide every so helpful an always switched on, best part was enjoying Long Drinks on the ferry Keep up the great work
Best Tour Guide every so helpful an always switched on, best pa...
Really great tour overall, got pretty lucky with some of the activities cause they can be weather dependent.
Really great tour overall, got pretty lucky with some of the activities cause they can be weather dependent. Was not able to do black water and white water rafting o...
They will do whatever they can to not…
They will do whatever they can to not honor their obligations
Tour Operator
So, who the hell are Topdeck?
Short answer: we’re the travel-enthusiast fairy godmother you never had. We’re your hassle-free ticket to discovering more destinations. Your exit from the daily grind into life changing experiences. A chance to uncover extraordinary with a bunch of curious, like-minded people – with the freedom to delve deeper and just be you.
Aged 18 to 30-something? We’re devoted to making your travel dreams a reality. And after years in the group travel biz we know what you want – and we aren’t scared of over-delivering. Forget forking out for the logistics, we’ll sort it for you. Accommodation, experiences, transport... we've got you.
Then? There’s all that free time to just. do. you. Be spontaneous. Do your thing. ‘Cause this is what you came for. And if you need local tips, we’ve got your back. Our Trip Leaders are the experts who don’t just lead; who inspire. Who will make your world come alive, and were born to do it.
A Topdeck trip is an alternate reality. A realer real, away from home, work, the usual. Your chance to be the best version of yourself. To be an insider, not a bystander. To share incredible moments with people who are 100% different, but 100% the same. To strip it all back and find the real you.
Trust us, if you go it alone, it sure as hell won’t be the same
About Travelstride
Find your perfect trip
Save time
Save money
Travel confidently
Logistics
Accommodation
Transportation & Flights
Transportation & flights
Breakfasts: 26
Lunches: 4
Dinners: 8
- FYI: these are optional activities available locally. Things might change
- prices are here to give you a rough idea.
- Muay Thai boxing class in Bangkok: prices available locally
- Half-day historic Bangkok bike tour: prices available locally
- Thai cooking class: prices available locally
- Evening Khantoke dinner with show in Chiang Mai: prices available locally
- Almsgiving and temple walking tour in Chiang Mai: prices available locally
- Trekking in Doi Inthanon with waterfall visit: prices available locally
- Trekking in Chiang Dao: prices available locally
- Half-day cycling tour in Luang Prabang: prices available locally
- Half-day tour to Kuang Si Waterfall: prices available locally
- Local cooking and dinner experience in Luang Prabang: prices available locally
- Discover Vang Vieng tour: prices available locally
- Kayaking and visit to Vang Vieng caves: prices available locally
- Cycle tour of Vang Vieng: prices available locally
- Evening street food tour in Hanoi: prices available locally
- Sunset paddleboarding in Hoi An: prices available locally
- Evening street food tour in Hoi An: prices available locally
- Cooking class in Hoi An: prices available locally
- Half-day cycling tour of Hoi An with lantern-making workshop: prices available locally
- Half-day Cu Chi Tunnels tour from Ho Chi Minh City: prices available locally
- Island hopping tour from Koh Rong: prices available locally
- Snorkelling tour in Koh Rong: prices available locally
- Kayak tour along Koh Rong's Mangrove River: prices available locally
- Evening plankton tour in Koh Rong: prices available locally
- Temple tour of Phnom Penh: prices available locally
- Evening at the Phare Circus: prices available locally
Become a member
- Save up to $700 per person
- Access members-only specials
- Personalize trip recommendations