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
Want to explore South East Asis but don't want to go it all alone? On this epic 22-day exploration of Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, you’ll explore the bustling hub of Bangkok, checking out the night markets and bars before trekking the hillside villages outside Chiang Mai. See the city and its colourful nightlife, then find waterfalls, herds of elephants and some unforgettable natural scenery you’d only see from local hilltribes. Kick back on the pristine waters of Ko Samui and cycle through rural villages to waterfalls. Laze on the palm-fringed beaches of Ao Nang (with loads of free time to go sea-kayaking or brush up on your rock-climbing skills) and eat your way through Penang’s street food. Stay with the locals during unique homestay experiences in Phrom Lok and northern Thailand and tuck into some delicious home-cooked Thai food. On this adventure, you’ll visit temples, take street food tours, soak in panoramic views, see UNESCO World Heritage Sites and tantalise your tastebuds with some of the tastiest food in the world!
At a glance
Day by day
Your journey through
China
Day 1BangkokSa-wat dee! Welcome to Bangkok, Thailand. Your adventure kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, there's plenty to keep you occupied – maybe take a walk around Chinatown and explore the vibrant streets or head to the magnificent Grand Palace. Tonight, it’s time to dig into some traditional tastes of Thailand. Bangkok is known for its street food, so maybe head out with your leader and check out some roadside stalls around the Sukhumvit area. Later, maybe discover Bangkok’s nightlife and head out to one (or more) of the best local bars. Ask your guide for directions or grab your new travel mates and attempt to navigate the BTS skytrain and MRT subway.
BangkokSa-wat dee! Welcome to Bangkok, Thailand. Your adventure kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, there's plenty to keep you occupied – maybe take a walk around Chinatown and explore the vibrant streets or head to the magnificent Grand Palace. Tonight, it’s time to dig into some traditional tastes of Thailand. Bangkok is known for its street food, so maybe head out with your leader and check out some roadside stalls around the Sukhumvit area. Later, maybe discover Bangkok’s nightlife and head out to one (or more) of the best local bars. Ask your guide for directions or grab your new travel mates and attempt to navigate the BTS skytrain and MRT subway.
Day 2Bangkok - Overnight TrainThis morning, you have a free day in Bangkok before your overnight train this morning. Maybe start off with a relaxing Thai massage – the perfect way to limber up and start your day. Then, maybe check out Talad Noi by bike, take on the Bangkok Temples. After your day exploring, hop on an overnight train up to Chiang Mai.
BangkokThis morning, you have a free day in Bangkok before your overnight train this morning. Maybe start off with a relaxing Thai massage – the perfect way to limber up and start your day. Then, maybe check out Talad Noi by bike, take on the Bangkok Temples. After your day exploring, hop on an overnight train up to Chiang Mai.
Day 3Chiang MaiArrive in Chiang Mai in the morning and transfer to your guesthouse. Then, you’ll head out on an orientation walk to get your bearings. Chiang Mai is the perfect entrance to the Thai highlands, with misty mountains and colourful hillside villages waiting to be explored. This will be your base for the next few days, as you’ll return here after your hillside trek. Today, you’re free to relax or explore the city. Maybe get active and go ziplining or cycle around the city. Take on a cooking class to learn some local flavours (and pick up some mad skills to take home) or just wander around on foot and visit Doi Sethep Temple and a couple of the cool cafes around the area. Tonight, why not get your group together to go bar hopping or explore the night markets in the happening Nimman area?
Chiang MaiArrive in Chiang Mai in the morning and transfer to your guesthouse. Then, you’ll head out on an orientation walk to get your bearings. Chiang Mai is the perfect entrance to the Thai highlands, with misty mountains and colourful hillside villages waiting to be explored. This will be your base for the next few days, as you’ll return here after your hillside trek. Today, you’re free to relax or explore the city. Maybe get active and go ziplining or cycle around the city. Take on a cooking class to learn some local flavours (and pick up some mad skills to take home) or just wander around on foot and visit Doi Sethep Temple and a couple of the cool cafes around the area. Tonight, why not get your group together to go bar hopping or explore the night markets in the happening Nimman area?
Day 4Chiang Mai - Hilltribe TrekThis morning at around 8 am, leave Chiang Mai and head to Mae Malai Market to stock up on some delicious fresh snacks for your trek. Then, visit Mok Fah Waterfall for a cheeky dose of natural beauty. Sit down for some lunch to refuel with your group at a local restaurant, then continue to the starting point of today’s hike. Your destination for this evening is the Mae Ma Nai Hilltribe Village. Walk along the mountain ridge and take in the views of the natural forest and remote scenery. When you arrive, enjoy a local home-cooked dinner by the campfire to celebrate a successful day. Later, take a walk around the village and chat with the locals. This is a really special opportunity to experience rural Thai life first-hand!
Chiang MaiThis morning at around 8 am, leave Chiang Mai and head to Mae Malai Market to stock up on some delicious fresh snacks for your trek. Then, visit Mok Fah Waterfall for a cheeky dose of natural beauty. Sit down for some lunch to refuel with your group at a local restaurant, then continue to the starting point of today’s hike. Your destination for this evening is the Mae Ma Nai Hilltribe Village. Walk along the mountain ridge and take in the views of the natural forest and remote scenery. When you arrive, enjoy a local home-cooked dinner by the campfire to celebrate a successful day. Later, take a walk around the village and chat with the locals. This is a really special opportunity to experience rural Thai life first-hand!
Your journey through
Thailand
Day 5Hilltribe TrekThe best thing about being deep in the jungle in the morning is waking up to the natural sounds of wildlife calls. After breakfast, begin today’s trek through the storybook landscape of farmland and jungle, exploring other hilltribe villages and seeing how life differs between them. Your whole trek is the perfect nature photo op, so make sure you’ve got your camera handy! Enjoy lunch along the way and reach Pong Ngan Lahu Village this afternoon. After two long days of hiking, relax your legs and soak in some natural scenery before an included home-cooked dinner tonight.
Hilltribe TrekThe best thing about being deep in the jungle in the morning is waking up to the natural sounds of wildlife calls. After breakfast, begin today’s trek through the storybook landscape of farmland and jungle, exploring other hilltribe villages and seeing how life differs between them. Your whole trek is the perfect nature photo op, so make sure you’ve got your camera handy! Enjoy lunch along the way and reach Pong Ngan Lahu Village this afternoon. After two long days of hiking, relax your legs and soak in some natural scenery before an included home-cooked dinner tonight.
Day 6Chiang MaiThe Mae Taeng River awaits you this morning, as you head off on a kayaking adventure towards Sop Kai Village. Paddle downstream as you're immersed by gorgeous surroundings for 2 to 3 hours, taking in the lush green scenery. From here, you can choose to head back to Chiang Mai via private transfer and enjoy a leisurely evening or opt to take to the rapids for some whitewater rafting. Paddle further down the river and get the adrenaline pumping before you head back to Chiang Mai for the night. When you arrive, maybe refresh and recharge or head out to explore the Wat Prasingh and Wat Chedi Luang temples in your free time. Tonight, ask your leader for the best spots for a pad thai or a khao soi.
Chiang MaiThe Mae Taeng River awaits you this morning, as you head off on a kayaking adventure towards Sop Kai Village. Paddle downstream as you're immersed by gorgeous surroundings for 2 to 3 hours, taking in the lush green scenery. From here, you can choose to head back to Chiang Mai via private transfer and enjoy a leisurely evening or opt to take to the rapids for some whitewater rafting. Paddle further down the river and get the adrenaline pumping before you head back to Chiang Mai for the night. When you arrive, maybe refresh and recharge or head out to explore the Wat Prasingh and Wat Chedi Luang temples in your free time. Tonight, ask your leader for the best spots for a pad thai or a khao soi.
Day 7Chiang Mai - Overnight sleeper trainToday is a free day to explore Chiang Mai and you’re spoilt for options. Maybe take the chance to learn one of the world’s legendary martial arts, Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) this morning. Spend 1.5 hours learning the basics of Muay Thai with the pros, plus how to adapt yourselves to be the weapons and the guard. You could also visit the Chiang Chill Elephant Sanctuary and witness these majestic animals roaming the valley and chilling in nature. Or maybe stop by Chuan Chom Vocational Training Center for lunch or a massage. Here, you'll learn about the work that they do to train the women from the correctional institution with skills to go back to society. Later, board an overnight train for Bangkok.
Chiang MaiToday is a free day to explore Chiang Mai and you’re spoilt for options. Maybe take the chance to learn one of the world’s legendary martial arts, Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) this morning. Spend 1.5 hours learning the basics of Muay Thai with the pros, plus how to adapt yourselves to be the weapons and the guard. You could also visit the Chiang Chill Elephant Sanctuary and witness these majestic animals roaming the valley and chilling in nature. Or maybe stop by Chuan Chom Vocational Training Center for lunch or a massage. Here, you'll learn about the work that they do to train the women from the correctional institution with skills to go back to society. Later, board an overnight train for Bangkok.
Your journey through
China
Day 8BangkokYour train is scheduled to arrive in Bangkok early this morning. The rest of the day is free until your second meeting at 6 pm tonight. Why not take a walk around Chinatown while you wait and explore the crowded streets, wander down the tourist hub of Khao San Road or indulge in a Thai massage?
BangkokYour train is scheduled to arrive in Bangkok early this morning. The rest of the day is free until your second meeting at 6 pm tonight. Why not take a walk around Chinatown while you wait and explore the crowded streets, wander down the tourist hub of Khao San Road or indulge in a Thai massage?
Day 9Bangkok – Overnight TrainWake up to the hustle and bustle of Bangkok this morning. Today, you’ll visit Wat Pho – or ‘the temple of the reclining Buddha’. This is one of the largest and oldest wats in Bangkok and as well as the huge reclining statue, this wat is home to over a thousand images of Buddha. Wander around the complex, then take a ferry to Wang Lang Market. Next to Chao Phraya River, the local market is home to food, handicrafts and clothes. After wandering around the market, take the ferry back across the river and wander through the leafy riverside district of Tha Maharaj, maybe grabbing some lunch. Tonight, you’ll hop on an overnight train to Surat Thani.
BangkokWake up to the hustle and bustle of Bangkok this morning. Today, you’ll visit Wat Pho – or ‘the temple of the reclining Buddha’. This is one of the largest and oldest wats in Bangkok and as well as the huge reclining statue, this wat is home to over a thousand images of Buddha. Wander around the complex, then take a ferry to Wang Lang Market. Next to Chao Phraya River, the local market is home to food, handicrafts and clothes. After wandering around the market, take the ferry back across the river and wander through the leafy riverside district of Tha Maharaj, maybe grabbing some lunch. Tonight, you’ll hop on an overnight train to Surat Thani.
Your journey through
Thailand
Day 10Ko SamuiThis morning you’ll arrive in Surat Thani in the early hours before hopping on a local bus and a ferry to the gorgeous Koh Samui. Thailand’s second-largest island is known for its palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves and dense, mountainous rainforest. With your local leader, you’ll enjoy a half-day tour around the island, before settling into island life in the afternoon. Relax on the beach, go cocktail hunting or maybe just find the best spot to park yourself for sunset – the nightly display of colour is a must.
Ko SamuiThis morning you’ll arrive in Surat Thani in the early hours before hopping on a local bus and a ferry to the gorgeous Koh Samui. Thailand’s second-largest island is known for its palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves and dense, mountainous rainforest. With your local leader, you’ll enjoy a half-day tour around the island, before settling into island life in the afternoon. Relax on the beach, go cocktail hunting or maybe just find the best spot to park yourself for sunset – the nightly display of colour is a must.
Day 11Ko SamuiToday is a free day in paradise. Maybe spend your day relaxing by the sea, or maybe you’d like to head out for a sightseeing tour of the island. Explore coastal beach spots or go searching for the many arms of the deities at Wat Plai Laem Temple. Foodies might like to take a cooking class and learn how to dish up some of Thai cuisine. Day trips are also available, like a visit to Anthong National Marine Park or a full day snorkelling trip around Koh Nang Yuan. Your local leader will be on hand to help you choose your own adventure.
Ko SamuiToday is a free day in paradise. Maybe spend your day relaxing by the sea, or maybe you’d like to head out for a sightseeing tour of the island. Explore coastal beach spots or go searching for the many arms of the deities at Wat Plai Laem Temple. Foodies might like to take a cooking class and learn how to dish up some of Thai cuisine. Day trips are also available, like a visit to Anthong National Marine Park or a full day snorkelling trip around Koh Nang Yuan. Your local leader will be on hand to help you choose your own adventure.
Your journey through
Malaysia
Day 12Phrom Lok HomestaySay goodbye to the palm trees, silky sands and bright waters of Koh Samui this morning. When you arrive back on the mainland, you’ll take a private transfer to the Phrom Lok District, where you’ll stay tonight during a unique homestay experience. Meet the local villagers and immerse yourself in local life as you take on their daily activities and gain an insight into their culture. Have a home-cooked lunch together, then hop on two wheels for a cycling adventure around the community. Cycle to Phrom Lok Waterfall and cool off with a swim (depending on the season), then ride to Phrom Khiri District. Tonight, you’ll tuck into an authentic home-cooked dinner of southern Thai food, then try your hand at the art of Batik painting (a textile technique that uses wax and dye to create patterns on pieces of fabric).
Phrom Lok HomestaySay goodbye to the palm trees, silky sands and bright waters of Koh Samui this morning. When you arrive back on the mainland, you’ll take a private transfer to the Phrom Lok District, where you’ll stay tonight during a unique homestay experience. Meet the local villagers and immerse yourself in local life as you take on their daily activities and gain an insight into their culture. Have a home-cooked lunch together, then hop on two wheels for a cycling adventure around the community. Cycle to Phrom Lok Waterfall and cool off with a swim (depending on the season), then ride to Phrom Khiri District. Tonight, you’ll tuck into an authentic home-cooked dinner of southern Thai food, then try your hand at the art of Batik painting (a textile technique that uses wax and dye to create patterns on pieces of fabric).
Your journey through
China
Day 13Ao NangTuck into breakfast with the locals this morning, then head out on the bike again to visit a local mushroom farm, rubber plantation and see a grass broom making demonstration. After, refuel with lunch back at the village, then say goodbye to your hosts and head to Ao Nang. This resort town is known for its gorgeous beaches, colourful sunsets and limestone islands that jut out from the still seas. You’ll have free time from the late afternoon to soak in the beauty of the sky as the sun goes down – maybe ask your leader where the best spot for a local feed or a couple of beers might be and enjoy the balmy evening.
Ao NangTuck into breakfast with the locals this morning, then head out on the bike again to visit a local mushroom farm, rubber plantation and see a grass broom making demonstration. After, refuel with lunch back at the village, then say goodbye to your hosts and head to Ao Nang. This resort town is known for its gorgeous beaches, colourful sunsets and limestone islands that jut out from the still seas. You’ll have free time from the late afternoon to soak in the beauty of the sky as the sun goes down – maybe ask your leader where the best spot for a local feed or a couple of beers might be and enjoy the balmy evening.
Day 14Ao NangYou’ll have a free day for beach activities in Ao Nang today. You can opt to go sea kayaking around the limestone islands, rock climbing on the nearby mountains and cliffs, or take a day trip to the Phi Phi Islands. You can always ask your leader for tips if you’re feeling spoiled for choice.
Ao NangYou’ll have a free day for beach activities in Ao Nang today. You can opt to go sea kayaking around the limestone islands, rock climbing on the nearby mountains and cliffs, or take a day trip to the Phi Phi Islands. You can always ask your leader for tips if you’re feeling spoiled for choice.
Day 15PenangToday, you’ll say goodbye to the beauties of Thailand. Next stop – Malaysia! Today will be a long travel day, but it’s a great opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers a little better, play some road trip games or get stuck into a good book. After border formalities, hop in a private transfer to Penang, Malaysia's prized island. Known for its coastline and Georgetown area – a cool, World Heritage-listed blend of religious sites – this place is also serious about its street food! Head out with your leader tonight on a tour of the best local haunts and pick up some delicious specialties. You might snag an ice kacang (a dessert made with crushed ice, syrup and a mixture of jellies, nuts and sweet beans), a hearty nasi kandar (steamed rice accompanied by curries, fried chicken, seafood or vegetables) or the popular char kway teow (stir-fried rice noodles).
PenangToday, you’ll say goodbye to the beauties of Thailand. Next stop – Malaysia! Today will be a long travel day, but it’s a great opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers a little better, play some road trip games or get stuck into a good book. After border formalities, hop in a private transfer to Penang, Malaysia's prized island. Known for its coastline and Georgetown area – a cool, World Heritage-listed blend of religious sites – this place is also serious about its street food! Head out with your leader tonight on a tour of the best local haunts and pick up some delicious specialties. You might snag an ice kacang (a dessert made with crushed ice, syrup and a mixture of jellies, nuts and sweet beans), a hearty nasi kandar (steamed rice accompanied by curries, fried chicken, seafood or vegetables) or the popular char kway teow (stir-fried rice noodles).
Day 16PenangToday, your leader will take you on an orientation walk through the Georgetown area, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to check out the shophouses, Penang Museum, street art and clan jetties. When you have your bearings, the rest of the day is yours. You might like to get your heart rate up with a testing hike up Penang Hill, where the views are worth the effort. Or maybe check out Kek Lok Si (the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia), Khoo Kongsi (one of the oldest clan houses in Malaysia) or Cheong Fat Tze Museum (if you have an interest in Feng Shui), then go looking for some more local food. This place is famous for its cuisine, and it’s all thanks to the many cultures that have lived side-by-side for ages.
PenangToday, your leader will take you on an orientation walk through the Georgetown area, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to check out the shophouses, Penang Museum, street art and clan jetties. When you have your bearings, the rest of the day is yours. You might like to get your heart rate up with a testing hike up Penang Hill, where the views are worth the effort. Or maybe check out Kek Lok Si (the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia), Khoo Kongsi (one of the oldest clan houses in Malaysia) or Cheong Fat Tze Museum (if you have an interest in Feng Shui), then go looking for some more local food. This place is famous for its cuisine, and it’s all thanks to the many cultures that have lived side-by-side for ages.
Day 17Penang - Cameron HighlandsSpend your morning walking around Georgetown before heading to the Cameron Highlands, stopping at the city of Ipoh along the way. This city looks like it comes right out of an anime movie, with its dramatic rock formations, caves and the ornate Perak Cave Temple. Spend some time wandering around and then carry on to the highlands, making your way into the undulating green hills. This area is beyond gorgeous, and you’ll have a full day tomorrow to choose how to best explore it.
PenangSpend your morning walking around Georgetown before heading to the Cameron Highlands, stopping at the city of Ipoh along the way. This city looks like it comes right out of an anime movie, with its dramatic rock formations, caves and the ornate Perak Cave Temple. Spend some time wandering around and then carry on to the highlands, making your way into the undulating green hills. This area is beyond gorgeous, and you’ll have a full day tomorrow to choose how to best explore it.
Your journey through
Malaysia
Day 18Cameron HighlandsToday is a free day to spend how you want. Enjoy some downtime or maybe explore the district on a sightseeing tour. Take up an optional adventure to Mount Brinchang, trekking through the Mossy Forest or head out to visit the local tea plantation and factory, a strawberry farm, a honey bee farm, a Buddhist temple and the market square. Enjoy a free night to grab some dinner with your group or find somewhere to catch the sunset – your leader will have the best recommendations.
Cameron HighlandsToday is a free day to spend how you want. Enjoy some downtime or maybe explore the district on a sightseeing tour. Take up an optional adventure to Mount Brinchang, trekking through the Mossy Forest or head out to visit the local tea plantation and factory, a strawberry farm, a honey bee farm, a Buddhist temple and the market square. Enjoy a free night to grab some dinner with your group or find somewhere to catch the sunset – your leader will have the best recommendations.
Your journey through
China
Day 19Kuala LumpurWake up to the lush surroundings of the highlands before taking a public bus to Malaysia's capital – Kuala Lumpur. If you're still feeling up for a little adventure when you arrive, you might like to head out to a bar with a view and take in the city lights over a cocktail. Be sure to try and find one with a view of the mighty Petronas Towers, which come to life under the lights of night.
Kuala LumpurWake up to the lush surroundings of the highlands before taking a public bus to Malaysia's capital – Kuala Lumpur. If you're still feeling up for a little adventure when you arrive, you might like to head out to a bar with a view and take in the city lights over a cocktail. Be sure to try and find one with a view of the mighty Petronas Towers, which come to life under the lights of night.
Day 20Kuala LumpurToday is a free day to explore Kuala Lumpur at your own pace. Maybe head out of the city and visit the famous Batu Caves. Check out the tall Murugan statue and the colourful steps that lead up to the limestone karsts (but be careful of the mischievous monkeys.) When you’re hungry, your leader can show you where to find some of the best roti in the city. You can hit Bukit Bintang (for restaurants and bars), the Golden Triangle (for shopping) or Menara Tower (entry fee applies). Kuala Lumpur also has some great nightlife and your local leader will be sure to know the best spots!
Kuala LumpurToday is a free day to explore Kuala Lumpur at your own pace. Maybe head out of the city and visit the famous Batu Caves. Check out the tall Murugan statue and the colourful steps that lead up to the limestone karsts (but be careful of the mischievous monkeys.) When you’re hungry, your leader can show you where to find some of the best roti in the city. You can hit Bukit Bintang (for restaurants and bars), the Golden Triangle (for shopping) or Menara Tower (entry fee applies). Kuala Lumpur also has some great nightlife and your local leader will be sure to know the best spots!
Day 21SingaporeToday, a public bus journey will take you to Singapore. After a long travel day and border formalities, your leader will take you on an orientation walk to give you an introduction to this ever-evolving city. There will be time to take in the retail hot spots like Orchard Road and the 'booming cross-cultural culinary scene' before enjoying an evening with your fellow travellers. You might like to hit up one of Singapore’s famous hawker centres (Newton, Lau Pa Sat or Tiong Bahru) or head to the Sky Bar at Marina Bay Sands, which boasts sweeping views of the Singaporean port and skyline. Maybe grab a couple of drinks here with the gang – the 360-degree views across the city also gives a great bird’s eye view of Gardens By The Bay. While you’re up in the clouds, you might catch its light show!
SingaporeToday, a public bus journey will take you to Singapore. After a long travel day and border formalities, your leader will take you on an orientation walk to give you an introduction to this ever-evolving city. There will be time to take in the retail hot spots like Orchard Road and the 'booming cross-cultural culinary scene' before enjoying an evening with your fellow travellers. You might like to hit up one of Singapore’s famous hawker centres (Newton, Lau Pa Sat or Tiong Bahru) or head to the Sky Bar at Marina Bay Sands, which boasts sweeping views of the Singaporean port and skyline. Maybe grab a couple of drinks here with the gang – the 360-degree views across the city also gives a great bird’s eye view of Gardens By The Bay. While you’re up in the clouds, you might catch its light show!
Day 22SingaporeWith no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end this morning. If you’d like to extend your stay and soak in more of what Singapore has to offer, just speak to your booking agent.
SingaporeWith no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end this morning. If you’d like to extend your stay and soak in more of what Singapore has to offer, just speak to your booking agent.
Traveller reviews
4.4
Based on 9 reviews · via Intrepid Travel
Discover Malaysia
A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.
Upcoming departures
DatesPrice / personAvailability
Operated by Intrepid Travel
A TripFinder-trusted operator. We compare the trip and handle your booking with a real advisor — you travel under the operator's terms.
Book my trip →
