G Adventures
Save 20%Epic Southeast Asia: River Cruises & Karst Mountains
Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand · 40 days · Moderate
fromCAD 3,935
Next: 21 JunThe adventure
Experience the lively traditions and cultural riches of Southeast Asia on this epic adventure, taking you from Singapore’s dynamic streets to Malaysia’s lush rainforests and the stunning temples of Thailand. Cross the boundary between city and wilderness in Singapore’s Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and the Lake Gardens of Kuala Lumpur, and explore the remnants of an extraordinary past in multicultural Melaka and the ancient Thai capital of Ayutthaya. Savour local flavours at bustling markets overflowing with exotic fruits; and roll up your sleeves to whip up delicious Thai dishes at a cooking class.
At a glance
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
Malaysia, Thailand & Singapore
Day 1Arrival dayArrivalAfter the welcome meeting your CEO will take you to the historic Raffles Hotel to try the legendary Singapore sling cocktail. Head to the Marina Bay sands to view the incredible Singapore skyline from this iconic building.
After the welcome meeting your CEO will take you to the historic Raffles Hotel to try the legendary Singapore sling cocktail. Head to the Marina Bay sands to view the incredible Singapore skyline from this iconic building.
Day 2Spend a full day exploring Singapore
SingaporeSpend a full day exploring Singapore, beginning with a guided tour of the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, an important rest stop for thousands of the world’s migratory bird species. Enjoy free time in the afternoon before setting out on a walking tour to sample Singapore’s famed street food. Savour flavourful chicken rice, spicy noodles, and chili crabs in this melting pot of Chinese, Malay, and Indian cuisine. Explore on your own this evening, opting to catch sunset views from a rooftop patio or wander among the stunning neon-lit sculptures at the iconic Gardens by the Bay.
Day 3This morning
This morning, cross into Malaysia en route to the multicultural city of Melaka, ruled over its history by Malay sultans and Portuguese, Dutch, British, and Japanese colonists. Delve into layers of history on a walking tour of the city’s most prominent landmarks, from busy Jonker Street to the 17th-century Cheng Hoon Teng temple. In the evening, opt to gain an alternative perspective on the city as you explore by boat or bicycle rickshaw.
Day 4Today
Today, head to the buzzing metropolis of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital. Enjoy free time to explore on your own, getting a taste of the city’s vibrant mix of ancient and modern influences. Choose to visit the Petronas Twin Towers, soaring 1,483 feet above the busy streets below; delve into Malaysia’s Muslim heritage at the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia; or stroll among tranquil pools in the lush Lake Gardens park. Tonight, opt to enter the colourful world of Kuala Lumpur’s night market, sampling delicious dishes and browsing stalls offering an endless variety of goods.
Day 5Spend a full day exploring Kuala Lumpur
Spend a full day exploring Kuala Lumpur. Marvel at the brightly coloured staircase and temples built among the limestone cliffs of Batu Caves, and visit the modernist National Mosque, with its distinctive bright blue roof. Stroll Merdeka Square, once a private cricket ground, and explore the extensive historical collections of the National Museum.
Day 6Travel by road and boat to our forest…
Travel by road and boat to our forest lodge in Taman Negara National Park, home to one of the world’s oldest areas of deciduous rainforest and several rare tropical species, including the Asian elephant and the Malayan peacock-pheasant. After dinner, set out on a nighttime jungle walk with a naturalist guide, looking for the tracks of the elusive Malayan tiger and listening to the calls of birds and frogs.
Day 7Venture into the lush
Venture into the lush, green heart of the rainforest on a trek to the top of Teresek Hill. Traverse an elevated canopy walkway, enjoying stunning aerial views of the park and keeping an eye out for a multitude of colourful bird species. After a picnic lunch, cruise up the Tahan River to Lata Berkoh, a series of waterfalls cascading into deep pools.
Day 8Leave the rainforest behind and drive…
Leave the rainforest behind and drive into the green hills of the Cameron Highlands, named for a British explorer who first mapped the area for the colonial government. Visit the BOH tea plantation, one of many plantations spread over rolling hills, and one of the primary suppliers of black tea in Malaysia. Spend the rest of the day exploring on your own, opting to hike along one of many trails winding past hillside terraces, visit another tea plantation, or relax in the cool mountain breeze.
Day 9Descend from the highlands and travel west toward…
Descend from the highlands and travel west toward the coast. Stop en route to visit the Ubidiah Mosque and enjoy lunch at Suka Suka Homestay, offering a glimpse into traditional Malay kampung, or village, life. Continue to Penang, an island off the western coast. Spend the afternoon exploring George Town, Malaysia’s second largest city and a historic center of exchange between Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Day 10Enjoy a morning walk along the bustling streets…
Enjoy a morning walk along the bustling streets of George Town, passing colourful colonial mansions and vibrant street art, and opt to grab a bite at food stalls. Spend the afternoon exploring Penang on your own. Choose to set out on a bicycle rickshaw tour or ride a funicular to the top of Penang Hill, taking in sweeping views of George Town spreading towards the sapphire sea. Delve into cultural heritage at several historic temples, or wander among the stalls of the lively night market while sampling local delicacies.
Day 11Transfer to the airport and fly to Phuket
Transfer to the airport and fly to Phuket, Thailand. Settle aboard a speedboat for the exhilarating journey to Ko Yao Yai, a secluded island in Thailand’s stunning Phang Nga Bay. Ko Yao Yai, and its sister island Ko Yao Noi, remain some of the least developed islands in the region, offering a truly authentic tropical getaway among dense forests, golden beaches, and sparkling seas.
Day 12Today
Today, set out to explore Ko Yao Yai on your own. Stroll down sweeping crescents of sand and enjoy the view of soaring limestone karst islets just offshore. Opt to rent a kayak and paddle along the island’s untouched coast, or slip on a snorkel and fins to discover vivid underwater worlds. Visit a local village and stop for a chat with friendly residents, or simply choose to relax by the pool.
Day 13Hop aboard a boat to explore Ko Hong…
Hop aboard a boat to explore Ko Hong and other nearby islands. Marvel at vine-draped limestone cliffs towering above turquoise bays and white-sand beaches shaded by swaying palms. Anchor in secluded inlets where you’ll have the opportunity to swim in warm waters, snorkel with colourful tropical fish, or relax on the sand surrounded by rhythmic waves.
Day 14This morningBangkok
BangkokThis morning, travel to Phuket, where we’ll catch a flight to Bangkok. Enjoy free time to explore Thailand’s dynamic capital, and opt to visit the spectacular Wat Pho temple for a glimpse of the city’s Buddhist heritage. This evening, stroll Bangkok’s bustling lanes at leisure and sample Thai street food in the vibrant night markets.
Day 15Enjoy a free day in bustling Bangkok
BangkokEnjoy a free day in bustling Bangkok. Opt to visit the dazzling Grand Palace, formerly the official residence of the Thai royal family, and gaze upon the sacred statue of the Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew. Browse the stunning collections of Thai art and artifacts at the Bangkok National Museum, including weaponry, ceramics, textiles, and musical instruments; or hop on a bike to explore the quieter side of the city, pedalling past hidden temples and lush parks.
Day 16After breakfastBangkok
BangkokAfter breakfast, travel to the city of Kanchanaburi, situated at the convergence of the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai Rivers. Board a train for a winding journey into World War II history as you cross the bridge made famous by the 1957 film The Bridge on the River Kwai. At the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, learn about the Burma Railway, constructed by imperial Japanese forces to connect Bangkok and Burma; then visit the nearby Kanchanaburi War Cemetery to see where the prisoners of war who worked on the railway were laid to rest.
Day 17This morning
This morning, hike into the lush landscapes of Erawan National Park, located high in the mist-shrouded Tenasserim Hills. Take a dip in the turquoise pools of the Erawan Falls—so called because its top tier of cascades resemble the three-headed, mythological elephant known as Erawan. This afternoon, transfer to the historic city of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, a former capital of the medieval kingdom of Ayutthaya, also known as Siam. Sample traditional Thai dishes during dinner on a converted rice barge from the 1930s.
Day 18Set out to explore the UNESCO World HeritageBangkok
BangkokSet out to explore the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Ayutthaya Historical Park, centered on the old city which served as the Siamese capital from the 14th to 18th centuries, when it was one of the largest and most cosmopolitan regions in the world. Stroll down well-planned city streets to view magnificent palaces and Buddhist monasteries that set the standard for Thai architecture for generations to come. Later, return to Bangkok and transfer to the airport for your flight to Chiang Mai. Visit a traditional village in the countryside and enjoy a khantok-style dinner, served on low pedestal trays.
Day 19Delve into the bustle of Chiang Mai’s morning…
Delve into the bustle of Chiang Mai’s morning markets with a local chef, and learn about colourful fruits and fragrant herbs as you select ingredients for a Thai cooking class. Enjoy your creation for lunch, then set out to visit a historic temple. Gain insights into core Buddhist principles and daily life in the temple through a conversation with a Theravada monk, an alumnus of the International Buddhist University in Sri Lanka, and a respected teacher of Buddhism and meditation at a renowned international center in Chiang Mai. Later, clear your mind to the chanting of monks at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of the most spectacular gilded temples in Thailand.
Day 20Spend a full day exploring Chiang Mai’s temples…
Spend a full day exploring Chiang Mai’s temples and forested hills on your own, or choose between a variety of optional activities. Opt to take a cycling tour through verdant rice paddies and the elegant historic district. In the evening, choose to visit Chiang Mai’s vibrant night market.
Day 21This morningBangkok
BangkokThis morning, fly to Bangkok and visit Wat Pho, Bangkok’s largest and oldest temple complex, and often considered Thailand’s first public university—its many inscriptions were intended to instruct visitors. Marvel at the magnificent statue of the Reclining Buddha, glittering with gold leaf and mother-of-pearl. Then board a traditional klong boat for a ride along the winding canals that have earned the city the nickname the “Venice of the East.” Glide past colourful temples, modern skyscrapers, and houses perched above the water.
Day 22Departure dayDepartureDepart at any time.
Depart at any time.
Discover Malaysia
A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.
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