Itinerary
- Day 1
Bangkok
You'll land in Bangkok and settle into the city's vibrant chaos. After checking in, the group heads to Khao San Road for food and drinks, then you'll hop between street bars with everyone, getting a feel for the nightlife.
Optional Activities
- Explore Khao San Road area
- Street bar hopping in Bangkok
Landmarks/POIs Khao San Road - Day 2
Bangkok
Following a laid-back morning, you'll board a traditional longtail boat to cruise Bangkok's back canals and the Chao Phraya River. The afternoon includes stops at Wat Arun and Wat Pho temples, then a tuk tuk ride back to the hotel for an evening with the group.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Longtail boat cruise through Bangkok's back canals and Chao Phraya River
- Visit Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) with climb for city views
- Visit Wat Pho temple
Landmarks/POIs Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) Wat Pho Chao Phraya River - Day 3
Bangkok to Surat Thani
Start with a traditional Thai massage to recover from the first couple days. After that, you'll head to the train station for an overnight journey south to Surat Thani, watching the Thai countryside roll by as you travel.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Traditional Thai massage
- Overnight train to Surat Thani
- Day 4
Khao Sok National Park
You'll arrive at Surat Thani and make your way to Khao Sok National Park. Board a longtail boat on the lake, cruise through limestone mountain scenery, then swim and relax before settling into floating bungalows. Dinner is a Thai buffet with views over the emerald water.
- Meals
- Lunch, Dinner (Thai buffet dinner at floating restaurant and bar)
Included Activities
- Longtail boat cruise on Khao Sok Lake through limestone mountains
- Swimming in Khao Sok Lake
- Stay in floating bungalows on the lake
- Thai buffet dinner at floating restaurant
Optional Activities
- Kayaking on the lake
- Relaxing by the lake in tubes with drinks
Landmarks/POIs Khao Sok National Park - Day 5
Bottle Beach
Travel by boat to Bottle Beach, only accessible by water or 4x4. Spend the day relaxing on the pristine sand, swimming, kayaking, playing volleyball, or hiking to a viewpoint. Dinner happens right on the beach followed by cocktails and a private fire show.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Boat transfer to Bottle Beach
- Beach activities: swimming, kayaking, volleyball, hiking to viewpoint
- Dinner on the beach
- Private beach fire show with cocktails
Landmarks/POIs Bottle Beach - Day 6
Bottle Beach to Koh Phangan
You'll have a slow morning on the beach, then head to a local gym in the afternoon for an introductory Muay Thai lesson with professional trainers. Later you'll check into your beachfront resort on Koh Phangan for a two-night stay.
Included Activities
- Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) intro lesson at local gym
Optional Activities
- Beach activities in the morning
- Jungle trek or viewpoint hike
Landmarks/POIs Koh Phangan - Day 7
Koh Phangan Sailing
Board a sailboat for a day exploring Koh Phangan's coast and nearby small islands. You'll stop for swimming and snorkelling to see marine life, have lunch on the boat with music, and return around sunset. The evening is yours for dinner and nightlife.
- Meals
- Lunch
Included Activities
- Sailing tour around Koh Phangan coast
- Beach activities at small islands
- Snorkelling at designated spots
- Lunch on the boat
Landmarks/POIs Koh Phangan - Day 8
Koh Phangan to Koh Tao
After leaving Koh Phangan, you'll take a ferry to Koh Tao, a quieter island known for diving and nice beaches. Check into your hotel near Sairee Beach, then spend the afternoon walking around the town and beach. The evening is free for exploring beach bars and local restaurants.
Included Activities
- Ferry transfer from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao
Optional Activities
- Explore town of Koh Tao
- Relax by pool
- Beach activities
Landmarks/POIs Koh Tao Sairee Beach - Day 9
Koh Tao Snorkelling
Join a boat trip for snorkelling around Koh Tao and Koh NangYuan. Snorkelling gear, lunch, and drinks are all provided. You'll explore the marine life, swim, and relax on the beach. An optional hike to a viewpoint is available for photos, then the evening is open for group dinner and beach bar visits.
- Meals
- Lunch
Included Activities
- Boat trip to Koh NangYuan
- Snorkelling with provided gear
- Lunch on the boat
- Drinks on the boat
Optional Activities
- Scuba diving session (can be arranged in advance)
- Sunbathing on the boat
- Hike to viewpoint for photos
- Optional group dinner at local restaurant
- Drinks at beach bars
Landmarks/POIs Koh NangYuan - Day 10
Koh Tao
On your final Koh Tao day, you have options. Head to Tanote Bay for a beach day, try extreme activities like rock climbing or water sports, or just stay at your accommodation and relax. Check-out is later in the day with transportation arranged.
Optional Activities
- Beach day at Tanote Bay
- Rock climbing
- Scuba diving
- Water sports
- Rest in accommodation
Landmarks/POIs Tanote Bay - Day 11
Koh Tao to Phi Phi
You'll depart Koh Tao in the morning on a speedboat heading to Phi Phi island. After checking in, you have free time in the early evening before the group gathers for a welcome dinner on the island.
Included Activities
- Speedboat transfer to Phi Phi
Optional Activities
- Explore Phi Phi in early evening
Landmarks/POIs Phi Phi - Day 12
Phi Phi Island Boat Tour
Board a boat for a full day tour hitting Maya Bay from 'The Beach', Viking Cave, and Monkey Beach where you'll spot local monkeys. Snorkel at designated spots, have lunch on the boat, and watch the sunset from the water before heading back to the island.
- Meals
- Lunch
Included Activities
- Boat tour to Maya Bay
- Visit Viking Cave
- Visit Monkey Beach
- Snorkelling
- Lunch on the boat
Landmarks/POIs Maya Bay Viking Cave Monkey Beach - Day 13
Phi Phi to Phuket
Start the morning with an optional hike to a viewpoint in Phi Phi for photos, then travel by boat to Phuket. You'll check in near Patong Beach and spend the afternoon getting to know the area. The evening is free for the group to gather and enjoy your final night together.
Optional Activities
- Hike to Phi Phi viewpoint
Landmarks/POIs Patong Beach Phuket - Day 14
Phuket to Phnom Penh, Cambodia
You'll travel from Phuket to Cambodia today. Spend time adjusting to your new surroundings and getting comfortable, then tomorrow your new guide takes over and shows you what Cambodia has to offer.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Explore Phnom Penh
Landmarks/POIs Phnom Penh - Day 15
Siem Reap
Explore Siem Reap at your own pace during the day. In the evening, head to Pub Street with the group for dinner and to experience the lively bar scene and local food. You might continue out for drinks and socializing after.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Explore Siem Reap
- Dinner on Pub Street
- Visit bars on Pub Street
Landmarks/POIs Pub Street - Day 16
Siem Reap Rural Experience
Today is a Tru Exclusive experience. You'll travel by tuk tuk through Siem Reap to explore local farm life, learn about harvesting mango and rice (depending on season), and sample fresh fruit. Then visit your guide's family home for an authentic cultural moment. Back in the city, you'll relax by the pool before a sunset BBQ dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Sunset BBQ)
Included Activities
- Tuk tuk transfer through Siem Reap
- Local mango/rice farm experience
- Visit to local guide's family home
- Sunset BBQ dinner
Landmarks/POIs Siem Reap - Day 17
Angkor Wat Sunrise
You'll rise early to head to Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious monument and a UNESCO site. Arrive in time for the sunrise over the temple complex, then spend the rest of the day exploring and relaxing. Your final evening includes another trip to Pub Street.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Sunrise viewing at Angkor Wat
- Explore Angkor Wat UNESCO Heritage site
Optional Activities
- Explore Siem Reap
- Rest and nap
- Return to Pub Street for final evening
Landmarks/POIs Angkor Wat - Day 18
Siem Reap to Phnom Penh
Travel from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital. You'll stop for lunch in the countryside and take in the scenic surroundings. Check into your accommodation, freshen up, then head out for an evening walk and dinner at a riverside restaurant, or check out the night market and local bars.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Transfer to Phnom Penh
- Countryside lunch stop
Optional Activities
- Evening stroll in Phnom Penh
- Night market shopping
- Explore bars
Landmarks/POIs Phnom Penh - Day 19
Phnom Penh Killing Fields & S21
You'll visit two significant historical sites today. The Killing Fields and S21 Prison document Cambodia's recent tragic history during the genocide. These are sobering visits that provide important context for modern Cambodia. Return for dinner and spend the evening reflecting or socializing.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Killing Fields
- Visit S21 Prison
Landmarks/POIs Killing Fields S21 Prison - Day 20
Phnom Penh to Kampot
Travel to the riverside town of Kampot surrounded by mountain views. You'll spend the afternoon at Arcadia Waterpark with its greenery, cool water, cocktails, rope swings, and pontoons. Whether you sunbathe, kayak, swim, or try 'The Blob', it's all up to you.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Transfer to Kampot
- Arcadia Waterpark access and activities
Optional Activities
- Sunbathing
- Kayaking
- Swimming in the river
- 'The Blob' water activity
Landmarks/POIs Arcadia Waterpark - Day 21
Kampot Pepper Plantation & Cooking Class
You'll visit a local pepper plantation to learn about the famous Kampot peppers, then participate in a traditional Cambodian cooking class with local experts. Head to the waterside for dinner, enjoy both what you've prepared and the river views.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Meal prepared during cooking class)
Included Activities
- Pepper plantation tour and education
- Traditional Cambodian cooking class
- Waterside dinner overlooking the river
Landmarks/POIs Kampot Pepper Plantation - Day 22
Kampot to Koh Rong
Travel by boat to the secluded island of Koh Rong. Check in to your beachfront accommodation and spend the afternoon relaxing on white sand beaches with a cocktail, watching the sunset over the tranquil water.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Boat transfer to Koh Rong
- Beach relaxation time
Landmarks/POIs Koh Rong - Day 23
Koh Rong Island Paradise
Have a full day on Koh Rong. Sleep in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast, then go island hopping in emerald waters, snorkel over vibrant coral, try traditional fishing methods, or just relax on the beach. Your afternoon is free to chill, drink cold beers, and hang with the group before your final night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Island hopping activities
- Snorkelling over coral
- Traditional fishing experience
Optional Activities
- Belly flopping into the water
- Swimming
- Sunbathing
- Cold drinks with friends
- Music and dancing
- Entertainment with group
Landmarks/POIs Koh Rong - Day 24
Koh Rong to Phnom Penh
You'll leave Koh Rong by boat and bus, heading back to Phnom Penh. After checking in and taking a few hours to rest and freshen up, you'll head out for evening food and see where the night takes you.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Boat and bus transfer back to Phnom Penh
Optional Activities
- Evening exploration of Phnom Penh
- Dinner with group
- Nightlife in Phnom Penh
Landmarks/POIs Phnom Penh - Day 25
Cambodia to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Cross the border from Cambodia into Vietnam. You'll travel to Ho Chi Minh City where your new Travel Ninja guide meets you and begins showing you what Vietnam has to offer over the next two weeks.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Border crossing to Vietnam
Landmarks/POIs Ho Chi Minh City - Day 26
Ho Chi Minh City Cu Chi Tunnels
Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground network built in the late 1940s spanning nearly 250km. These tunnels housed troops, transported supplies, and included booby traps. You'll explore sections of the remarkably tight passages (around 80cm wide and high) to understand the challenges faced during this period of Vietnamese history.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Cu Chi Tunnels tour and exploration
Landmarks/POIs Cu Chi Tunnels - Day 27
Ho Chi Minh City Exploration
Walk through Ho Chi Minh City's historic spots on a guided tour. You'll visit the Ho Chi Minh War Museum to learn about the 20-year Vietnamese War and its impacts. See the Independence Palace, cathedral, and post office, then visit a local food market to sample authentic cuisine. After lunch, head to the airport for a flight to Hoi An.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Ho Chi Minh City historic sites
- Ho Chi Minh War Museum visit
- Independence Palace viewing
- Cathedral and post office visit
- Local food market visit and tasting
- Flight to Hoi An
Landmarks/POIs Ho Chi Minh War Museum Independence Palace - Day 28
Hoi An Lantern Making & Tailoring
Wake in Hoi An, a World Heritage town known for beautiful Vietnamese lanterns. Learn to make your own silk lantern from local artisans, visit a traditional tailor to see custom clothing creation, and receive a sustainable TruTravels tote made from fabric scraps. Stop by a local coffee shop to learn about beans and roasting, then try Vietnamese coffee. The afternoon is yours to explore.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Traditional lantern making lesson with locals
- Local tailor visit and clothing demonstration
- TruTravels sustainable tote bag gift
- Tinh's coffee shop visit - coffee roasting and tasting lesson
Optional Activities
- Afternoon exploration of Hoi An
Landmarks/POIs Hoi An - Day 29
Hoi An Free Day
You have a free day in Hoi An. Sleep in, walk along the calm river, and soak in the relaxed atmosphere. Optionally visit Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge if you're up for it, or head to a local beach club for sunset cocktails. Take your time exploring this quieter, charming part of Vietnam.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Walk along the river
- Visit Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge
- Beach club visit for sunset cocktails
- Explore local attractions
Landmarks/POIs Ba Na Hills Golden Bridge - Day 30
Hoi An Countryside Bike Ride & Basket Boats
Start with a morning bike ride through the countryside and villages. Arrive at Coconut Woods (7 hectares of water) for the afternoon. You'll ride traditional Vietnamese basket boats used for centuries in fishing, getting splashed and laughing as you go. Enjoy a meal with a local family, then finish your last Hoi An evening with dinner and drinks on the boardwalk.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Meal with local family)
Included Activities
- Morning countryside bike ride
- Basket boat experience through Coconut Woods
- Traditional basket boat fishing demonstration
- Meal with local family
Optional Activities
- Dinner and drinks on the boardwalk
Landmarks/POIs Coconut Woods - Day 31
Hoi An to Hue via Hai Van Pass
Travel from Hoi An to Hue via the legendary Hai Van Pass from the Top Gear episode. You'll drive in open-top jeeps along one of Vietnam's most spectacular scenic routes, stopping for photos and optional swimming. Arrive in Hue in the late afternoon, check in, and relax. The evening includes exploring local nightlife with beers, rice wine, and dancing.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Hai Van Pass jeep tour through spectacular scenery
- Stops for photos and swimming in tropical waters
Optional Activities
- Hue nightlife exploration
- Local beers and rice wine tasting
- Dancing and evening entertainment
Landmarks/POIs Hai Van Pass - Day 32
Hue Imperial City & Vietnamese Cooking Class
Explore Hue's Imperial City, once home to Vietnamese emperors. Travel along the scenic Perfume River to a tranquil garden. Participate in a Vietnamese cooking class, learn to prepare traditional dishes, then cook and eat your own masterpiece. In the evening, depart on an overnight train to Ninh Binh.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Meal prepared during cooking class)
Included Activities
- Perfume River travel
- Imperial City exploration
- Vietnamese cooking class in garden setting
- Overnight train to Ninh Binh
Landmarks/POIs Hue Imperial City Perfume River - Day 33
Ninh Binh
Arrive in Ninh Binh, known as Halong Bay on land. Board small boats and paddle through untouched caves and around small islands surrounded by emerald forests and rice paddies. Visit Tam Coc valley with limestone hills, or do an optional bike ride to explore. Head to Hang Mua viewpoint with its 500 steps for sunset views, dinner, and beers.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Small boat paddle through caves and islands
- Tam Coc valley exploration
Optional Activities
- Countryside bike rides
- Hang Mua viewpoint hike (approximately 500 steps)
- Instagram photo stops
- Sunset viewing
Landmarks/POIs Ninh Binh Tam Coc Valley Hang Mua Viewpoint - Day 34
Ninh Binh to Halong Bay
Travel early from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay, one of Asia's most iconic destinations. Board your overnight cruise boat and settle in. Lunch arrives as you take in views of the bright green sea and 1,600 limestone islands. Kayak, visit viewpoints, and explore beaches. Learn to make traditional spring rolls, then watch the sunset from the deck with your group and beers.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Transfer to Halong Bay
- Overnight cruise boat boarding
- Kayaking on Halong Bay
- Viewpoint visits
- Beach exploration
- Traditional spring roll making lesson
- Sunset on open deck with group
Landmarks/POIs Halong Bay - Day 35
Halong Bay to Hanoi
Wake surrounded by massive limestone formations in teal waters with lush greenery. Enjoy breakfast and coffee on the open deck. Spend the afternoon swimming and relaxing before departing for Hanoi. The afternoon is free to explore the city, then evening includes dinner, drinks, and experiencing Hanoi's incredible nightlife.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Halong Bay morning on deck
- Open deck breakfast and coffee
- Swimming in Halong Bay
- Transfer to Hanoi
Optional Activities
- Afternoon exploration of Hanoi
- Dinner with group
- Hanoi nightlife experience
Landmarks/POIs Hanoi - Day 36
Hanoi Exploration & Egg Coffee
Explore Hanoi on your final Vietnam day after covering over 1,600km. Start by trying traditional Vietnamese egg coffee and learning how it's made. Spend the day at your own pace visiting the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, the Opera House, or other iconic spots throughout this vibrant, chaotic city. Dress up in the evening for your big final night out.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Egg coffee demonstration and tasting
Optional Activities
- Old Quarter exploration
- Hoan Kiem Lake visit
- Opera House visit
- City exploration and photo opportunities
- Final group dinner and nightlife
Landmarks/POIs Hoan Kiem Lake Hanoi Opera House - Day 37
Tour End
It's the final day of your incredible Southeast Asia journey. You'll likely have sore heads and emotional goodbyes as you reflect on everything you've experienced. Your Travel Ninjas are available to advise on next steps and further travel options. You're now a lifelong member of the TruFam.
