Be enchanted by Hanoi’s ancient streets and sail between the soaring limestone islands in Ha Long Bay. Experience the eighth wonder of the world Angkor Wat, and finish in the charming city of Chiang Mai.
Comprehensive package of excursions:
The tour where you get to experience three fantastic countries in Southeast Asia: Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand.
You start in the Vietnamese capital, Hanoi, where you experience the city’s notable temples and the charm and vibrancy of the Old Quarter and its bustling streets. You sail past hundreds of green limestone cliffs in Ha Long Bay on a mini cruise, and along the way, you will have the opportunity to swim at the golden beach on Ti Top Island and admire the views of the bay from the island’s vantage point.
You leave Vietnam and fly on to the charming city of Siem Reap in Cambodia. Here, you can go for a stroll in the French Quarter with its charming old houses, or along the city’s river, where you will find delightful cafés and good restaurants. You experience the eighth wonder of the world Angkor Wat on a morning bicycle ride, and local life on a lovely boat trip on Tonlé Sap Lake.
The journey ends in Northern Thailand in the charming and mountainous city of Chiang Mai. Here, you feel the wind in your face on a refreshing bicycle ride through the city’s historic centre.
It is possible to extend the tour with a city break in Bangkok and/or a beach holiday on some of Southern Thailand’s best beaches.
Today marks the start of your travel adventure, where you will experience some of the highlights of Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. You fly from your chosen airport to Hanoi in Vietnam with connecting flight(s) along the way.
You’ll arrive at Hanoi Airport, make your way through immigration and collect your luggage. Your guide will be waiting outside the arrivals hall, beyond the exit doors. Look out for someone in a TourCompass uniform, holding a TourCompass sign, to help you find them easily.
You’ll be transferred to your centrally located hotel in Vietnam’s vibrant capital. After check-in, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. You might choose to meander through the busy little streets of the Old Quarter, pausing along the way to take in the sights and the city’s fascinating array of sounds. Or perhaps a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake is more your style – it takes about half an hour and is delightfully refreshing beneath the shade of the towering trees.
Today, you can look forward to an exciting city tour that takes you to some of Hanoi’s most iconic attractions.
Your guide will pick you up from your hotel, and the day will begin with a Vietnamese coffee at a local café overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake – the city’s green heart and a natural meeting place for locals of all ages.
From here, you cross the iconic Huc Bridge to Ngoc Son Temple, beautifully located in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake. The bridge’s name means “the place touched by the morning sun’s rays”. Here, you’ll hear the legend of the emperor, the magical sword, and the giant turtle, and learn how the lake got its name and special significance to the city.
You’ll then be driven to the Temple of Literature, a peaceful complex built in the 12th century by followers of the Chinese philosopher Confucius. With nearly a thousand years of history, the temple is a rare and well-preserved example of traditional Vietnamese architecture, complete with colonnades, ponds, and verdant courtyards, where young students still come to pray for luck before their exams.
Lunch today is served at the KOTO restaurant – a place that’s far more than just somewhere to eat. KOTO stands for “Know One, Teach One” and is a restaurant that trains and supports young Vietnamese people from disadvantaged backgrounds, giving them a professional education and a fresh start in life with the skills and confidence needed for long-term employment. At the same time, you’ll enjoy delicious Vietnamese dishes in calm surroundings. You can read more about the restaurant here.
The tour then continues by traditional cycle rickshaw – also known as a cyclo – winding through the old quarter’s maze of narrow streets and bustling trade. The old quarter is famous for its 36 streets, each originally named after the goods once sold there: bamboo, silk, paper, and tin. Many of these street names have survived to this day, and the atmosphere is still brimming with local charm, where Hanoians shop, chat, and serve steaming bowls of pho from street kitchens.
After an exciting cyclo ride, you’ll visit the historic Long Bien Bridge, an iconic landmark from the French colonial era built in the early 1900s. The distinctive iron bridge stretches across the Red River and was badly damaged during the Vietnam War, yet today it stands as a powerful symbol of Hanoi’s resilience and history. From the bridge, you’ll gain a vivid glimpse of everyday life in Hanoi, with locals commuting to and from work on scooters, cycling, or walking side by side. Looking down from the bridge, you’ll see the bustling Long Bien Market, alive with activity from the early morning, while the view over the river provides a calm contrast to the city’s vibrant pace. The bridge is a popular subject for photographers and travellers eager to capture the spirit of Hanoi.
The day’s sightseeing tour concludes with a performance at a water puppet theatre – a centuries-old Vietnamese tradition where puppets dance gracefully across the water’s surface, accompanied by live music and a classic narrative.
After an exciting day, you’ll be driven back to your hotel, where the evening is yours to spend as you wish.
Today, you’ll have plenty of time to explore Vietnam’s vibrant capital city – at your own pace. You might like to join one of our optional tours, or perhaps you’d rather set off and discover the city independently.
Begin your morning early with a visit to the famous Train Street, when there are fewer people around and the atmosphere is calm. Here, the train passes right next to the street’s small cafés, offering a unique glimpse of daily life before the city properly stirs to life.
Afterwards, make your way to the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake. The narrow streets and French colonial buildings here conceal charming shops, colourful art galleries, and cosy cafés. Settle down with a Vietnamese coffee and watch everyday life unfold, as locals and visitors cross paths. Not far away stands the iconic St. Joseph’s Cathedral – with its Gothic façade and lively square, it’s a popular meeting place for both locals and travellers.
For lunch, head out in search of Hanoi’s famous street food. Try a steaming bowl of pho, enjoy the aroma of grilled bun cha, or grab a crispy banh mi to eat on the go.
From here, you can continue towards the area around the Long Bien Bridge and the nearby Long Bien Market, where the trade in fruit, vegetables, and flowers spills out into the streets, offering a vibrant glimpse into daily life in the city. The pace is lively and the atmosphere authentic, no matter the time of day.
If you’re curious about Hanoi’s history, you can also visit the ancient Imperial Citadel, which stands as a fascinating reminder of the city’s past. In the same area, you’ll also find the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – one of Hanoi’s most iconic landmarks and a key site in Vietnam’s modern history.
When night falls, Hanoi truly comes alive. The streets glow with the flames of street kitchens, and the air fills with the aromas of grilled meat, fresh coriander, and fragrant broth wafting through the narrow lanes. Take a leisurely stroll through the Old Quarter and soak up the atmosphere, or settle at a rooftop bar to enjoy a view of the city’s vibrant nightlife.
From Hanoi, your journey continues through the lush delta of the Red River towards Ha Long Bay, where you’ll board a mini cruise featuring two days at sea with one overnight stay. The drive takes approximately 3 hours, with a stop along the way for a refreshment.
Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam’s most striking natural wonders. Hundreds of verdant limestone karsts rise vertically from the sea, which shifts from a deep blue to a rich jade green as the months roll by. For travellers, Ha Long Bay is first and foremost a world-class natural attraction, but for the Vietnamese, it is also steeped in myth and tales of dragons and legendary dramas. Covering an area of about 1,500 km², the bay has held a place on the UNESCO world heritage list since 1994.
You’ll arrive at Tuan Chau Marina, where you’ll be checked in and can unwind in the lounge before boarding your cruise ship.
Once on board, you’ll be welcomed with a refreshing drink while the crew gives a short introduction to your mini-cruise. Afterwards, a delicious lunch is served as the boat quietly glides out onto the emerald-green waters. Along the way, you’ll pass some of Ha Long Bay’s most iconic rock formations, such as Incense Burner, Dog Stone Islet, Fighting Cock Islet, and Three Coconuts Island. Later, you can settle into your cabin and make yourself comfortable.
In the afternoon, you’ll visit Sung Sot Cave, the largest and most impressive limestone cave in Ha Long Bay. To reach it, you’ll climb around 800 steps, but the effort is well worth it for the mesmerising landscape of stalactites and stalagmites that have taken millions of years to form. We recommend wearing sturdy, closed-toe shoes, especially in wet weather.
Afterwards, you’ll have the chance to explore Luon Cave, either by kayak or bamboo boat.
Back on board, you can unwind with a drink at the bar before the crew invites you to a cooking demonstration, where you’ll learn how to make traditional spring rolls.
In the evening, a delicious dinner is served with a selection of local dishes prepared by the ship’s chefs.
Please note that all activities are optional. You can therefore simply choose to enjoy the view from the ship and relax on the sun deck.
PLEASE NOTE: In the event of bad weather or storms, the authorities in Vietnam reserve the right to suspend sailing in Ha Long Bay for safety reasons. This only happens a few times a year. In such cases, the mini cruise will be replaced by a hotel stay and an excursion.
Begin your day by experiencing Ha Long Bay bathed in the soft light of the morning mist.
After breakfast, you’ll head to Ti Top Island, a small limestone island with one of Ha Long Bay’s finest sandy beaches. Here, you can take a refreshing dip in the emerald-green waters or climb to the island’s summit for a magnificent panoramic view of the bay.
When you return to the boat, there’s time to pack and get ready for check-out before an early lunch is served. Meanwhile, the ship quietly sails back towards the harbour, giving you one last chance to take in the bay’s stunning scenery from the deck.
Back on board, it’s time to check out. As the boat leisurely makes its way back to Tuan Chau Marina, brunch is served. Relax in the restaurant or unwind on deck and soak up your final impressions of Ha Long’s magical landscape.
Upon arrival at the harbour, your guide and driver will be waiting to greet you before you return to your hotel in Hanoi. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you wish – perhaps take in the atmosphere around Hoan Kiem Lake, where colonial-era buildings sit alongside an array of shops, charming cafés and vibrant art galleries. Or why not pay a visit to the lively Train Street?
When hunger strikes, set off on a culinary adventure among Hanoi’s countless street food stalls, where you can sample traditional dishes such as pho (noodle soup), bun cha (grilled pork with rice noodles) and banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich).
The morning and early afternoon are yours to explore and enjoy Hanoi at your leisure.
At midday, you’ll be collected from your hotel and driven to Hanoi airport, for your flight to Siem Reap in Cambodia.
Upon arrival in Siem Reap, you’ll pass through immigration and collect your luggage. Your guide will be waiting for you outside the arrivals hall, easily identified by their TourCompass uniform and a sign bearing the TourCompass logo. From here, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, which is about an hour and a half away.
After check-in, the rest of the evening is free for you to enjoy. You could visit the local night market or explore Pub Street, which is brimming with restaurants and bars.
You wake early, because today you are going to experience one of the world’s greatest sights: the ruined city of Angkor, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Angkor was originally the capital of the Khmer Empire, and the ruined city lies just 5 km north of Siem Reap, where you will be driven to with your guide.
You will arrive in time to enjoy the sun as it quietly rises behind the many temple ruins. What a sight! It is the perfect time to visit the ruined city, as it is not too hot and there are not as many visitors as later in the day.
There is no need to put off the excitement, so Angkor Wat is naturally the first temple you will visit on today’s excursion. Angkor Wat is the best-preserved and most famous temple in Cambodia, and it is also the world’s largest religious monument. The spectacular temple rises in three levels and is crowned by the five towers, which are shaped like the buds of the lotus flower. In the inner courtyards and vaulted corridors with the endless friezes and fantastic carvings, most people are blown away in amazement.
Afterwards, enjoy a delicious breakfast in the peaceful surroundings before embarking on an unforgettable bicycle adventure through the ruined city. The bicycle ride is about 20-25 km long. You cycle along paths and through lush jungle, and along the way you see the Bayon temple, where an impressive sight awaits you with a myriad of smiling Buddha faces. You also experience Ta Prohm, which is very special because large beautiful trees have taken root in the temple buildings, so that they appear fused.
After the bicycle ride, enjoy today’s lunch at the tranquil Srah Srang reservoir.
You will then be driven to Tonlé Sap Lake, which is located 15 km south of Siem Reap and is Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake. The size of the lake varies greatly, covering 3,000 km² in the dry season to 10,000 km² in the rainy season. The lake is an important part of Cambodia’s economy, and is also home to an abundant wildlife with more than 300 species of fish and 100 birds.
You arrive on the shores of Tonlé Sap and board a boat that will take you to one of the lake’s floating villages. Here, you are able to see close-hand how life unfolds for many of the families who primarily make a living from fishing. The families live along the lakeshore in colourful houses that stand on long stilts so that they can cope with the high water levels during the rainy season (August to early February), when the village’s narrow streets are transformed into small canals. In the dry season (mid-February to July) with lower water levels, it is easy to see the tall stilts.
You sailed on through a mangrove forest, which is home to many animals, including various species of birds and the crab-eating macaques.
You will then be driven back to your hotel, where the rest of the day is at your leisure.
Siem Reap is a charming and laid-back city where you can go for a relaxing walks in the French Quarter or under the shady trees along the Siem Reap River. There are lots of small shops, cafés, several markets and some really good restaurants. A walk past the Royal Gardens, a nice little park, is also recommended. Or perhaps one of our exciting optional tours might appeal? Read more below.
Your guide will pick you up at your hotel and drive you to the airport, from where you fly to Northern Thailand.
You land in Thailand’s second-largest city, Chiang Mai, which is a city rich in culture, history and picturesque landscapes. The city is located in a valley surrounded by mountains, including Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain in Thailand. Chiang Mai is also the former capital of the old Lanna kingdom, which existed from 1292 to 1775, and you will therefore find that there are many influences from this time around the city.
Once you’ve landed, you’ll make your way through immigration and collect your luggage. Your guide will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall, easily recognisable in a TourCompass uniform and holding a TourCompass sign, so you’ll have no trouble spotting them. You will then be transferred to your hotel, conveniently located in the heart of Chiang Mai.
After check-in, the rest of the day is at your leisure. Put on your swimwear and take a dip in the hotel pool or head out into the city. You can stroll through the charming streets and explore the small local shops and cosy cafés. You can also experience the vibrant city life at one of the city’s markets, where you can taste local delicacies and buy local handicrafts.
In the evening, you can enjoy the sunset along the Ping River, where you will find several good restaurants offering delicious local specialties.
Today, an exciting bicycle ride awaits in historic Chiang Mai – this is a great way to experience the city. Much of the route takes place in the shade, so you will feel the wind in your hair.
You will be driven to our partner’s office, where you will be supplied with a bicycle and bicycle helmet. After a quick briefing, it’s time to pedal off and experience the charm of the city. The route is easy and flat, so it is suitable for most. You cycle through Chiang Mai’s small and quiet streets to the fine temple Wat Inthakhin Sadue Mueang, known for its 700-year-old, white Buddha statue. The bike ride continues past the Three Kings monument to the city gate, Tha Phae Gate, which was where vendors brought goods into the city in the old days. Here, the guide will tell you more about Chiang Mai as a former trading centre. You continue to the nearby market Somphet, where you will have time to walk around and take in the atmosphere. You will also have the opportunity to taste the colourful fruits and sweets. After this, Wat Chiang Man awaits, which is Chiang Mai’s oldest temple. It is here that the 1,800-year-old crystal Buddha and the 2,500-year-old marble Buddha are kept. Finally, you will visit the city’s largest and iconic monument, Wat Chedi Luang, which was once home to the Emerald Buddha, and which today is well preserved in the temple Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok.
After a 3-4-hour bicycle ride, a well-deserved lunch awaits you. Lunch consists of the dish khao soi, a spicy noodle soup and a speciality of northern Thailand. Lunch is served at the restaurant Naree De Klang Vieng, which is run by inmates from the women’s prison Klang Vieng. Thanks to the prison’s excellent rehabilitation project, the women, who have typically been convicted of selling or producing drugs, have the opportunity to train in various service professions that will prepare them for a new life outside the prison walls. The food and service are second to none!
Learn more about the rehabilitation project here.
You will then cycle the short way back to where the tour started, and from here you will be driven back to your hotel, where you have the rest of the day at your leisure.
There are no excursions planned today, and you can enjoy Chiang Mai on your own and at your own pace. There is lots to see and do, and the city is also the perfect starting point for excursions in the surrounding area. You can read more about our exciting optional tours below.
In the evening, stroll around the old town and take in the sight of the illuminated temples and monuments. Or how about a visit to one of the city’s popular night markets, where you can shop for souvenirs and try some of the many delicious street food dishes?
Today, the adventure ends for now.
You will be picked up from your hotel and driven to the airport, from where you fly to Europe with connecting flight(s) along the way.
You land at your chosen airport after a memorable tour to some of Asia’s most amazing countries.
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Krabi offers a wealth of activities and beautiful beaches, all of which have views of the many limestone cliffs and small islands that characterise the province.
As standard, you stay at the Tub Kaek beach, which is known for its stunning sunsets over the Andaman Sea as well as its untouched beauty and tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal base for peace and relaxation. The range of restaurants is small but good.
You can also choose to stay in Ao Nang, which is about 20 minutes away. Ao Nang is for travellers who prefer more life and a wider range of restaurants and activities. The long main street stretches for several kilometres with a wealth of international restaurants and eateries with a focus on local Thai cuisine. You will find both the quiet Nopphara Thara beach, which is perfect for sunset strolls, and the Ao Nang beach, where you can swim during the day.
Other beaches worth visiting during your stay in Krabi are Railay Beach, Phra Nang Beach and Tonsai Beach, which attract visitors from all over the world with its white sand, crystal-clear waters and impressive rock formations. Off Krabi are also some of Thailand’s most beautiful islands, including the Phi Phi Islands, Hong Island and many more.
In addition to beach experiences, you have the opportunity to explore Krabi’s fantastic nature at the kayaking paradise of Ao Thalane. Or how about a trip through lush jungle and small streams to the nearby mountain Khao Ngon Nak, where you are rewarded with unforgettable views of the area?
Here in the Krabi province, you also have the opportunity to experience Thai culture characterised by two religions. Here, Buddhists and Muslims live peacefully side by side, and the multicultural society is especially expressed in the local cuisine and in the range of cultural experiences.
See our range of extra excursions below.
If you’re after a quiet holiday paradise where you won’t be disturbed, choose Khao Lak – a place that’s synonymous with tranquillity and adventure. Khao Lak lies just under 100 kilometres north of Phuket, yet the atmosphere and pace of life here are worlds apart. It’s calmer here, and you still have everything you need – from beautiful scenery to great restaurants.
Khao Lak consists of several interconnected beach areas that together make up this lovely, relaxing holiday paradise with turquoise sea on one side and lush, unspoiled rainforest on the other.
The days in Khao Lak are at your leisure, and it is entirely up to you how you want to spend them. Put on your swimsuit and find your favourite spot on the honey-coloured sand.
In addition to lazing on the beautiful beaches, we also highly recommend a snorkelling trip to either the Surin Islands or the Similan Islands, which have some of the best spots in Thailand for snorkelling and diving. Both places are designated as national parks, and boast impressive marine life with brightly coloured fish, whale sharks, sea turtles and rays as well as untouched nature, chalk-white beaches and crystal-clear water. Read more about the excursions below.
In the evening, head into Khao Lak and explore the wide variety of restaurants and shops.
Extend your tour with a wonderful beach holiday on Koh Samui, which is Thailand’s second largest island and known for its good sandy beaches, cosy atmosphere, historic temples and lush nature with breathtaking waterfalls.
As standard, you will stay on the north coast of Koh Samui at the quiet and idyllic beach town of Mae Nam, which offers a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere with a fine honey-coloured beach. The beach is not very wide, but the waters are calm and pleasantly warm. Mae Nam is next door to Bophut, which is known for its beautiful bay with golden sandy beaches and calm waters. This is also where you will find Fisherman’s Village – a charming area with a wealth of small shops with local arts and crafts, bars and, not least, delicious restaurants.
If you are more into city life, you should go to Chaweng, located about 15 km from Mae Nam. Here the selection is larger, and the pace is faster. The main street offers a wealth of restaurants, cafés, shops and bars. But also, on the beach at Chaweng Beach, there is a lively atmosphere in the evening, when restaurants set the tables for dinner under the open sky.
The days are at your leisure, so it is entirely up to you what you want to do. Perhaps you just want to laze around at the hotel’s beach with a good book or explore the attractions of the island? If you are looking for adventure, we highly recommend a boat trip to the postcard-like Ang Thong Marine National Park. Or how about an enchanting visit to the world-famous islands of Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan, known for their incredible visibility and colourful underwater wildlife?
Phuket is Thailand’s no. 1 beach holiday destination and also the country’s largest island. Phuket is especially known for its vibrant atmosphere and its 30 splendid beaches.
You will be staying at Kata Beach, which is located on the southwest coast of Phuket, and which is one of the most well-known beaches on the entire island. Kata Beach actually consists of two beaches: Kata Yai, the ‘big’ beach, and Kata Noi, the ‘small’ beach. Both beaches have fine, golden sand, shady trees and palms. The waters are clear and calm and relatively shallow, which is ideal for both children and adults. Kata Beach is a lot quieter than lively Patong, but it still has plenty of good restaurants, cosy bars and shops.
On Phuket, it is tempting to spend your days lazing on the golden beaches and swimming in the warm sea. However, if you nevertheless feel like an adventure, Phuket has a lot to offer with its outstanding nature and cultural experiences. Our optional excursions are listed below.
Extend your tour to include an exciting city break to Bangkok and fall head over heels for the hectic and fascinating capital, which is home to around 12 million inhabitants.
There are no planned excursions today, so you can explore the city at your own pace.
When it comes to getting about in Bangkok, you needn’t worry about the notorious traffic, as there is a wide range of transport options other than buses and taxis. The river taxis are popular and account for a significant portion of the city’s public transport, as they dock at many of the city’s sights. You can also take The Sky Train, which winds its way between the many high-rise buildings and is a good, fast and cheap way of travelling.
Bangkok is divided into east and west by the 372-km-long Chao Phraya River, which flows south of Bangkok all the way up to Nakhon Sawan.
The eastern part of the city is considered to be central Bangkok, where the popular areas of Silom and Sukhumvit have a high concentration of shopping centres, local markets, good eateries and cool sky bars. It is also on the eastern side that you will find the historic part of Bangkok, which is home to the spectacular royal palace, the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Phra Kaew.
Fortunately, Bangkok also has many green oases when you need to retreat from the tropical heat and noisy traffic. These include Lumpini Park and Benjakitti Park or the green island, Bang Krachao, which is often referred to as “Bangkok’s jungle” – it’s as if time stands still here.
On the western side, on the other hand, you experience a completely different world without skyscrapers and honking tuk tuks. You will encounter a more authentic Bangkok and a maze of canals here, where houses stand on stilts and postmen make their deliveries by boat. This is such a stark contrast to eastern Bangkok that you feel like you are in a different place entirely – however, the city’s great contrasts are precisely what make Bangkok such a fantastic and fascinating city to visit!
In the evening, China Town, the Asiatique outdoor shopping and entertainment area, and the many sky bars are especially popular. Known from the film “The Hangover Part II”, Lebua Sky Bar is an ideal place to enjoy a refreshing drink before dinner while watching the sun set over the capital.
Whatever you decide to do, we guarantee that you won’t get bored!
Discover the greatest highlights of Indochina on a classic journey to Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia, where UNESCO sites line up like pearls on a string.
Discover the very best of Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia – from the serene atmosphere of Luang Prabang, Sapa’s lush rice terraces, and the imperial city of Hué, to vibrant life on the Mekong Delta and the awe-inspiring temple ruins of Angkor.
Look forward to experiencing the wonder of the world, Angkor Wat, enjoy the view over Luang Prabang from Mount Phousi, and fall in love with the charming city of Chiang Mai.
Emily loves to travel and is extremely passionate about helping others achieve their travel dreams.
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