Get Social: Big Southeast Asia

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HIGHLIGHTS:

Hanoi - Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hoi An - Hoi An - Nha Trang - Nha Trang - Ho Chi Minh City - Ho Chi Minh City - Phnom Penh - Phnom Penh - Siem Reap - Siem Reap - Bangkok - Bangkok - Koh Tao - Koh Tao - Koh Phangan - Koh Phangan - Khao Sok National Park - Khao Sok National Park - Phuket - Phuket

Day 1 Hanoi (Vietnam)

Blaring horns.

French Colonial buildings. Picturesque lakes. And the smell of incense in the air. Welcome to historic Hanoi! We’ll be kicking off the fun in Vietnam’s second-biggest city. Say xin chao (sin chow) to your travel buddies and then head to a local eatery to gorge on goodies like bánh mì, pho, spring rolls and egg coffee – trust us, it’s tasty. Then: make a beeline for Bai Hoi (aka Beer Corner). No need to guess how this place got its name. Pull up a roadside stool and get to know your crew a bit better over a few cold ones. This is gonna be good.

Day 2 Hanoi

Ready to dive into this incredible city? We thought so.

Slip on the Birks, grab your new travel BFFs and start exploring. Tick off the likes of One Pillar Pagoda, Lenin Park, Northern Gate, Cua Bac Church, B52 Lake and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. If you’d prefer to see the sights on two wheels, jump on our optional vintage Vespa guided tour. Cruise through Hanoi’s buzzing streets and alongside railway tracks, stopping off at local markets and tranquil temples. Need some new threads? There’s also a trip to Van Phuc Silk Village on the cards where you’ll enjoy a masterclass in silk weaving. Tonight: fill your belly with more local treats during an optional evening street food tour. How many spring rolls is too many spring rolls? Asking for a friend.

Day 3 Hanoi – Halong Bay

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 back-flipping off the boat into glittering turquoise water, exploring limestone islands by kayak or chilling with your travel buds. Finish off the day with cocktails at sunset up on deck. Did somebody say Happy Hour?

Day 4 Halong Bay – Hanoi – Hoi An

Head feeling a little sore today? A hearty brunch with your crew will sort you right out.

Then: we’re dropping anchor and heading for Hanoi station. 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 the top bunk!

Day 5 Hoi An

Hop off the train and wave goodbye 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. Need help discovering this gem of a place? We got you. Soak up views of Hoi An's beaut coco palm forest on an optional sunset paddleboarding adventure along the river. Or opt for a local basket boat ride and a cooking class – your mad new gastro skills are sure to impress the Tinder matches back home. Tonight, we’ll have free time to explore the magic of Hoi An Old Town and enjoy a few cocktails along the riverfront. This is what you came for.

Day 6 Hoi An

You wanted more free time to explore.

So, here it is. Need some suggestions? Explore the buzzing Central Market. Get a custom piece made by the city’s famous tailors. Or see every inch of the town on an optional cycle and kayak tour. And tonight? There’s an evening 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).

Day 7 Hoi An – Nha Trang

Fallen in love with Hoi An? You’ve got another morning to tick off any activities you didn’t quite fit in yesterday.

Get any final alterations on your new ‘fit. Or gather the gang for one last lunch at a local eatery in the Old Town. This afternoon, we’ll make tracks back to Da Nang to catch our second overnight train of the trip. Ear plugs? Tick. Pillowcase? Tick. Snacks? Tick. You know the drill.

Day 8 Nha Trang

Second overnight train = completed.

Grab some brekkie at a local café before exploring this beaut coastal city. Nha Trang is Vietnam’s diving capital – but it’s not just underwater marvels that you’ve got to look forward to. Need some recs? Soak up the city’s top sights on an optional guided tour followed by a visit to one of the city’s famous mud baths. Or get horizontal lying on paradisical white-sand beaches during a full-day tour of Nha Trang’s nearby islands. Can’t get enough of Vietnamese grub? There’s also an evening cycle and street food tour on offer. Tonight, show off your best moves at a beach party. This is livin’.

Day 9 Nha Trang – Ho Chi Minh City

Feeling sleepy after last night’s shenanigans? Grab your travel buddies and hit Nha Trang Beach for some sunshine, swimming and snoozing.

Or tick off the city’s best hiking trails. Your Trip Leader has heaps of food recs for when you get peckish. Then, pack up your bags ‘cos we’re making tracks for Ho Chi Minh City. By overnight train, obvs.

Day 10 Ho Chi Minh City

Home to nearly 9 million people, HCMC is a bubbling pot of energy, excitement and hidden gems.

Hop off the train and start exploring. Wanna pull on your history hat? Let’s start with a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels. 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: shop for bargains at the massive Ben Thanh Market or sip beer and soak up epic scenes from Saigon SkyView – the top floor of Vietnam’s tallest building.

Day 11 Ho Chi Minh City

Today = options.

First, we’ll visit the sobering War Remnants Museum to learn more about a key part of modern Vietnamese history. Then, there’s an optional motorbike tour up for grabs. Soak up allll the city’s highlights on two wheels, including Saigon Central Post Office (designed by the same guy as the Eiffel Tower), Dong Khoi Street and Gia Long Palace. Or visit the 'rice bowl’ of Vietnam: the Mekong Delta. Evening plans? Easy. Grab the whole group for dinner and drinks at a rooftop restaurant. Or get lost in the streets and find yourself along the way.

Day 12 Ho Chi Minh City – Phnom Penh (Cambodia)

No cap, today’s a bit of a drive day.

We’ll be swapping one capital city for another as we make tracks to Phnom Penh. Keep your forehead pressed to the window as we whizz past some of Cambodia’s most idyllic rural scenes. When we roll into Phnom Penh, you’ll have a few hours to relax. Then, dinner’s on you tonight. Dishes to look out for: amok trey (coconut fish curry), green mango salad, and steamed pork buns. You might wanna wear your elasticated trousers. Just saying.

Day 13 Phnom Penh

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, 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. Afternoon plans? Completely up to you. Check out the city’s beaut temples or visit a local brewery (craft beer is having a bit of a thing in Phnom Penh right now). You could also quiz your expert Trip Leader on the best bargains to sniff out at the iconic art deco Central Market. Then, the evening’s yours to sample some sizzling street food along Sihanouk Boulevard.

Day 14 Phnom Penh – Siem Reap

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 do some good? There’s an optional half-day tour around some local social enterprises. Learn about a range of awesome projects that are helping make Cambodia a better place. Later, stuff your face during an optional evening tuktuk food tour. Bonus points if you’re brave enough to munch on a few fried crickets. 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.

Day 15 Siem Reap

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.

Day 16 Siem Reap – Bangkok (Thailand)

Today, we’ll be up bright and early to begin our journey to Bangkok – Thailand’s high-energy, temple-filled, market-brimming, food-loving capital.

Bus essentials: snacks, ear pods, a comfy ‘fit. This evening is yours for the taking. Ask your Trip leader for dinner recs. Early disclosure: chawp pet noi (chop–pet-noy) is a phrase some of you will need to remember – meaning you like things ‘a little bit spicy’. Best used when ordering food.

Day 17 Bangkok

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 there’s another optional street food tour via tuktuk on the cards. Thought the pad thai from your local takeout was good? Wait ‘til you try the real, authentic thing *wipes drool from chin*. Then, grab dessert at the Chinatown Market. Or catch up with your group over a few cocktails at a rooftop bar with epic views of Bangkok’s neon-lit streets.

Day 18 Bangkok

Want more free time to explore Bangkok? Wish granted.

Practice your foot jabs and switch kicks in a Muay Thai boxing class. Or hop on the bus and see the sights from the top deck during an optional guided tour. Your guide will also take you down some of Bangkok’s hidden lanes to a great shopping area. Souvenirs = sorted. Afterwards, the evening is yours for the taking. The city’s night markets are a VIBE. Our picks? Jodd Fairs (for bar hopping) or Chang Chui Plane Market (it has a slide, ‘nuff said).

Day 19 Bangkok – Koh Tao

Stuff those souvenirs into your suitcase and say goodbye to the locals.

Today, we’re making a beeline for the INCREDible island of Koh Tao. First though, a duo of awesome markets. Arrive at Mae Klong Railway Market just in time to see the locals pack up their stalls and make way for the train (yep, an actual train) to pass through. Next up: Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. This colourful maze of canals (khlongs in the local lingo) is the place to pick up everything from fragrant spices to cool artwork. Afterwards, board the bus, recline your seat and get comfy. When you wake up, we’ll (almost) be in Koh Tao.

Day 20 Koh Tao

All aboard, sailors! After a quick ferry ride, we’ll arrive in Koh Tao.

Think: lush rainforest, gleaming white beaches (sunnies essential) and turquoise water so dreamy even the Little Mermaid would want to stay there. AND you’ve got the afternoon to explore it all. Tonight? Grab the gang and head to your nearest beach for fruity mocktails, convos, and general good times.

Day 21 Koh Tao

Fancy a free day in the sunshine? Course you do.

Today, Koh Tao is your oyster – whether you want to laze around on the sand or dive into some pretttty awesome activities. Make friends with the local sea turtles during an optional snorkelling trip around Koh Tao and neighbouring Koh Nangyuan. Or park yourself at the nearest beach club for an afternoon of swimming and sippin’ on fruity cocktails. THIS is what you came for.

Day 22 Koh Tao – Koh Phangan

Ready for another day in paradise? Hell.

Yes. Today, we’ll be swapping one beaut island for another as we hop across to Koh Phangan. You’ve got over 48 hours to experience it ALL. Need some recs? Your in-the-know Trip Leader’s got them by the bucketload. This evening: track down a beachside stall selling sizzling satay skewers and end the day on a high.

Day 23 Koh Phangan

Today is totally up to you – but we’ve got the inside scoop, obvs.

Jump in a longtail boat and get ready for an optional underwater adventure around three stunning snorkelling spots. Or visit Angthong Marine Park for kaleidoscopic coral and kayaking adventures. Prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground? Channel your inner eco-warrior with an optional tour of a local sustainable farm. Stroll around lush gardens, learn about habitat restoration and make your own drink out of Mother Nature’s bounty. Tonight, round up your trip mates and tuck into satay, spicy soup and shrimp salad. Sparkling convo = guaranteed.

Day 24 Koh Phangan – Khao Sok National Park

Say lah gorn to the locals: this morning we’re heading to Khao Sok National Park.

After we’ve checked into our hostel and soaked up some serious tropical vibes, the rest of the afternoon is yours. Want recs? We got you. Get your hike on around this stunner of a park to spot the resident wildlife – it’s like being dropped straight into The Jungle Book. Or grab your mates and shimmy your way down to the pool for happy hour. Bliss.

Day 25 Khao Sok National Park

Tums filled with another tropical fruit-laden breakfast, today we’ve got the super-stunning Cheow Lan Lake in our sights.

Not to boast, but this lake is big (like, REALLY big), with magical limestone cliffs and beaut islands galore. Time to activate explorer mode and get out there! Dive into the crystal-clear water and make BFFs (or not) with the local fish. Jump in a kayak and weave around the ultra-dramatic rock formations. And channel your inner Indiana Jones to discover Nam Talu Cave and the glittering hidden waterfalls. Lunch and dinner are on us today, so expect more drool-worthy, rainbow-coloured dishes of dreams. And tonight? We’re hunkering down in a traditional raft house bobbing along the twinkling lake. Sweet dreams.

Day 26 Khao Sok National Park – Phuket

Truth bomb: today is a bit of a drive day.

We’ll be making tracks for Phuket via land and sea, so stock up on local snacks, soak up the tropical views, and put the lingo skills of your travel buds to the test. Crazy-gorgeous beaches. Lip-smacking eats. And a fascinating fusion of cultures and traditions. Phuket sure packs a punch. To kick things off, head up Khao Rang viewpoint and check out this dazzling island at night. You won’t regret it.

Day 27 Phuket – Phi Phi Islands – Phuket

Bad news = it’s our last day in paradise.

Good news = we’ve got an incred optional activity lined up. Opt for a day trip speedboating around the Phi Phi Islands for more emerald waters and mind-blowing scenery. Or do your own thing back on Phuket. There are golden beaches galore, plus a huge white marble Buddha statue you can climb up to for amazing island views. And tonight? Settle in for our final group dinner. WHAT an adventure it’s been.

Day 28 Phuket

Four weeks of non-stop fun? Completed.

You embraced it all and shared the ride with a bunch of strangers who are now like family. Now, all that’s left to do is to swap insta handles – you’ll need them for next year’s reunion trip, obvs.

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