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A small group tour of gives you the chance to get off the beaten track to discover some of the best-kept secrets of Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. Sample local cuisine and culture and enjoy the warm hospitality of local families: these are some of our favourite reasons to try touring in Southeast Asia.
The city of Bangkok has been described as ‘the Venice of the East’ for its network of canals or ‘klongs’, which provide a welcome relief from the often-congested streets of Thailand’s capital city. A private long-tail tour of the klongs will introduce you to a more traditional way of life on, in and around the water.
In the north of Thailand, you’ll find Doi Inthanon National Park, which is sometimes described as ‘the Rooftop of the World’. Sample home-style Thai cooking, prepared with pride by a local family, visit charming villages that have retained their unique character despite the encroachment of modern life, or climb the 400 steps that lead to the spectacularly-positioned Wat Phra That Doi Din Kiu.
One of the main highlights of any visit to Vietnam is sampling the fantastic food: a combination of fresh herbs and spices that will have your taste buds begging for more. Tap into your guide’s local knowledge to sample the best street food in Hoi An, visit a social enterprise restaurant staffed by disadvantaged youth in Hanoi or find out how to recreate your favourite dishes at a cooking school in Ho Chi Minh City.
From a cultural perspective, a visit to the Saigon Opera House is a must, but time away from the cities provides a great counterpoint, and no visit to Vietnam is complete without time soaking up the breath-taking scenery of Halong Bay.
Angkor Wat is probably the world’s best known, and the world’s largest, temple complex, covering more than 160 hectares and dating back to the twelfth century. Wherever you go, you’ll be welcomed with the same, customary Cambodian warmth, but be sure to plan your itinerary to see some of the quieter corners and less-visited temples that you might otherwise may miss.
An oxcart ride to the home of a Khmer family for a simple, traditional lunch; lunch in a riverside cafe in the charming city of Battembang; or a visit to Silk Island, where Khmer families produce hand-loomed silk: these are all highlights that you can experience on a visit to Cambodia.
Southeast Asia is a diverse and fascinating region that offers a kaleidoscope of colours and experiences: start planning your visit by talking to your personal travel manager today.
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