Welcome to the vibrant capital of Thailand! After checking into your hotel, you’ll have the chance to kickstart your adventure with some DIY exploring, a relaxing massage, or lounging by the pool while soaking up the tropical sunshine. In the evening, gather with your new travel group for a trip briefing, where you’ll get the lowdown on all the exciting plans ahead. Later, try some authentic Pad Thai and dive into the electric nightlife of Khao San Road.

Accommodation: Nouvo City Hotel (or similar) | Bangkok

Start your day with an authentic Bangkok experience, hopping onto a water taxi to visit the iconic Royal Palace. Your expert local guide will bring the 61 acre palace complex to life with fascinating insights. Next, board a private boat for a tour of the klongs (canals) and enjoy a bit of fish feeding along the way. After soaking in Bangkok’s charms, you’ll head to Kanchanaburi, where you’ll visit the historic Death Railway Museum, WWII Cemetery, and the famous bridge over the River Kwai. End your day at your riverfront accommodation, where you can literally jump into the river from your room before enjoying a delicious dinner and a stunning sunset.

Accommodation: River Kwai Jungle Rafts (or similar) | Kanchanaburi
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Kick off the day with a visit to the breathtaking Erawan Falls. Whether you choose to hike the trails or dip your feet in the emerald pools, this spot is a nature lover’s paradise. Next, travel to Ayutthaya, a UNESCO-listed city filled with history and ancient architecture. Hop on a bike to explore ornate temples, grand palaces, and towering spires. In the evening, board the overnight train to Chiang Mai for the next leg of your adventure.

Accommodation: Overnight Train to Chiang Mai
Included Meals: Breakfast

Arrive in Chiang Mai, where the day starts with a visit to the incredible Elephant Nature Park. Spend the day watching these gentle giants roam freely in their natural habitat as part of a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience. After a wholesome lunch, return to the city for a free evening. For an extra thrill, explore Chiang Mai like a local by zipping through its streets on a Vespa.

Accommodation: The Empress Hotel (or similar) | Chiang Mai
Included Meals: Lunch

Enjoy a completely free day to make the most of Chiang Mai. Why not try a Muay Thai lesson or join a local market tour led by a top chef, who’ll guide you through creating authentic Thai dishes in the heart of a rice field? The day is yours to discover this amazing city your way.

Accommodation: The Empress Hotel (or similar) | Chiang Mai
Included Meals: Breakfast

Say goodbye to Chiang Mai and hello to Chiang Rai, home to some of Thailand’s most vibrant temples. After a hearty breakfast, visit the Black House Museum, the stunning Blue Temple, and the jaw-dropping White Temple, a one-of-a-kind architectural wonder crafted from white glass.

Accommodation: Wiang Inn Hotel (or similar) | Chiang Rai
Included Meals: Breakfast

Today you’ll be bidding farewell to Thailand and crossing the border into Laos. After securing your passport stamps, embark on a scenic journey by boat along the Mekong River to reach Pak Beng, a charming riverside town that oozes tradition and tranquility.

Accommodation: Local Guest House (or similar) | Pak Beng
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Continue your journey down the Mekong River to the enchanting city of Luang Prabang. With its golden temples, historic French architecture, and saffron-clad monks, this city is one of Asia’s most picturesque destinations. Cap off your day with a stunning sunset from a hilltop stupa and explore the lively night markets.

Accommodation: Luang Prabang Inn (or similar) | Luang Prabang
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Spend your day discovering the wonders of Luang Prabang. Opt for a bike ride, a visit to the spectacular Kuang Si Falls, or explore the palaces and temples at your own pace. End your day relaxing by the river or enjoying a stunning sunset at a local riverside bar.

Accommodation: Luang Prabang Inn (or similar) | Luang Prabang
Included Meals: Breakfast

Rise early to participate in the sacred ritual of offering alms to monks. Afterward, hop on a high-speed train to Vang Vieng, known for its striking limestone karsts and outdoor adventures. Spend your evening kayaking the rivers or unwinding while the sun sets over the mountains.

Accommodation: The Silver Naga Hotel (or similar) | Vang Vieng
Included Meals: Breakfast

Take the morning to soak in the serene beauty of Vang Vieng before heading to Laos’ capital, Vientiane. Visit the iconic Pha That Luang stupa, explore the whimsical Buddha Park, and lend a hand at the COPE Centre, a local charity that provides prosthetic limbs and rehabilitation services to victims of unexploded bombs.

Accommodation: Hotel Aaron (or similar) | Vientiane
Included Meals: Breakfast

Fly from Vientiane to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s bustling capital. After settling into your hotel for the next couple of nights, visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, shining examples of Khmer architecture. In the evening, explore the vibrant Bassac Quarter for great food and drinks.

Accommodation: Mettavary Hotel (or similar) | Phnom Penh
Included Meals: Breakfast

Dive into Cambodia’s history with visits to the Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. It’ll be a sombre visit, but worth learning more about the history here. Later, hop on a tuk-tuk to discover the city’s best street food and finish your day with dinner at one of Phnom Penh’s vibrant hotspots.

Accommodation: Mettavary Hotel (or similar) | Phnom Penh
Included Meals: Breakfast

Fly to Siem Reap, the gateway to the Angkor Wat temples and home to the famous Pub Street. Spend your day exploring this vibrant town, from relaxing by the pool to catching a live show at the famous Phare Circus. Rest up for tomorrow’s adventure at Angkor Wat, one of the world’s greatest wonders.

Accommodation: Amber Angkor Villa Hotel (or similar) | Siem Reap
Included Meals: Breakfast

Start your day before sunrise and get ready to witness one of the most breathtaking sights in the world – sunrise over Angkor Wat. Marvel at the ancient Khmer architecture as the first rays of sunlight illuminate this iconic UNESCO World Heritage site. After taking in the views, explore the intricate carvings and hidden corners of this vast temple complex. From the majestic Angkor Thom to the serene Ta Prohm temple, where nature and history intertwine, your day will be filled with unforgettable moments. Spend your evening strolling through Siem Reap’s lively night markets or unwind at a local café.

Accommodation: Amber Angkor Villa Hotel (or similar) | Siem Reap
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

It’s time to say goodbye to an incredible adventure. You’ve made friends, seen the best of Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia, and now it’s time for more incredible travel destinations.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Supplier cancellation and refund policy:
Refunds will be processed according to the following time frames:

Cancellations between 1-7 days incur a 75% fee.

Between 8-21 days incur a 50% fee.

Between 22-59 days incur a 25% fee.

Cancellations 60 days and over you can transfer your deposit to another trip for free with FlexDeposit.

Please see our Terms and Conditions page for Happy Travels specific cancellation and refund policy.

The best time to visit is during the cool, dry season from November to February when temperatures are comfortable, and there’s less rain. March to May is hotter, while the rainy season (June to October) brings lush landscapes, cascading waterfalls, but occasional heavy downpours.

Each day offers a balance of scheduled activities and free time, allowing you to explore or relax according to your preference.

While the tour covers a handful of your meals and activities, it’s recommended to bring extra cash for personal expenses, snacks, souvenirs, and optional activities. This tour also gives you the chance to explore local foods and street food of your own choice and budget to really experience this tour as authentically as you please. We recommend about $50 AUD or more a day, depending on your budget habits.

Absolutely! This tour is perfect for solo travellers, with group activities that are great for meeting new people. You’ll be travelling with a diverse group of fellow adventurers, making it easy to socialize and bond during the trip.

Yes, visa requirements vary by nationality:

Thailand: Many travellers can enter visa-free for up to 30 days. Longer stays may require a visa.
Laos: Most travellers need a visa on arrival or an eVisa, valid for 30 days.
Cambodia: A visa on arrival or eVisa is required for most nationalities, usually valid for 30 days.

Always check official government websites for the latest visa requirements before traveling.

The tour is generally able to accommodate dietary restrictions like vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free. Make sure to notify your Trip Manager in advance so they can ensure suitable options are available for you throughout the trip.

Group sizes stay fairly small on this trip – as low as 12 or up to 30 travellers max.

Detour trips offer a different type of experience and max out at 16 people led by a local host.

Included in the cost are essential travel elements such as accommodation, transport, and meals (breakfast is typically offered daily, along with selected authentic meals). Included Experiences feature must-see attractions and activities. You’ll also benefit from expert Contiki staff support throughout the trip. Special requests, such as birthdays or proposals, can often be accommodated with prior communication.

Contiki trips offer a great degree of flexibility so certain elements are not included in the base price. Flights to and from the trip’s starting and ending points must be arranged separately. Some experiences and activities require additional costs and are available as Free Time Add-Ons. Meals outside of included options and travel insurance are also not covered.

The Trip Manager is responsible for organising the trip and providing essential information, fun facts, and local food recommendations. They ensure the trip runs smoothly, addressing any concerns or issues. The Trip Manager also offers cultural and historical insights, delivering informal talks when relevant.

Contiki are leaders in organised youth travel, offering incredible travel experiences for young people between 18 and 35 years old since 1962. With over 60 years of expertise, Contiki specialises in creating memorable, social, and immersive journeys. The brand focuses on two core values: “Make Every Moment Count” and “We’re About People”. The “Travel Together” philosophy embodies the spirit of shared travel experiences, connecting people with destinations, cultures, and the environment in meaningful ways.

Contiki tailors travel experiences specifically for 18-35-year-olds, ensuring fun, dynamic itineraries that bring together like-minded people. This age range fosters connections that feel instant, creating a social travel environment that blends adventure and new friendships.

Contiki revolutionises hassle-free travel. From solo adventurers to groups, every trip is meticulously planned, ensuring that every detail, from accommodation to transport, is taken care of. This allows travellers to enjoy stress-free experiences, while adding personalised activities during their free time. Each journey is led by an expert Trip Manager who provides hands-on support, ensuring everything runs smoothly.

Contiki is committed to sustainable travel practices, working towards a low-carbon future with its four-point Climate Action Plan. Since 2022, all Contiki trips are carbon natural, contributing to environmental sustainability. The company is on a journey to Net Zero, prioritizing carbon reductions and supporting environmentally conscious travel.

Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all Contiki tours, covering cancellation, medical expenses, personal injury, loss of property, and adventure activities. It’s essential to ensure the policy covers all the activities included in the trip.

World Nomads travel insurance policies offer coverage for more than 150 activities. Get a quote, make a claim, or buy or extend your policy while on the road.

We endorse the recommendation of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade that all travellers take out travel insurance. If you already have Travel Insurance please understand that it is your responsibility to ensure that your Travel Insurance covers you for all of the adventure style travel you have booked with us.