Thailand, Laos and Cambodia Adventure

Contiki (AU) · 16 days

5.0

10 Reviews

Duration

16 days

Tour Type

Group Tour

Accommodations

Deluxe

Physical Rating

Easy

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

No two days are the same on this epic quest. As you wander from the Bangkok cityscapes to Siem Reap’s remote beauty, you’ll be completely immersed in South East Asia – past and present.

Highlights

Dining Summary

14 Breakfast (B)
3 Dinner (D)
3 Lunch (L)

FAQs

Bangkok: What does a modular trip mean? A modular trip means fellow travellers will join and leave at various locations. There’ll be some goodbyes, sure, but there’ll also be plenty of hellos with new like-minded travellers.

Included Experience

Bangkok: Nose around the gilded Royal Palace, then travel like a local: floating down the Rivers.
Kanchanaburi: A sombre slice of history. See the Death Railway Museum, WWII Cemetery and the famous Bridge itself.
Kanchanaburi: Cool off in emerald pools, shower under a waterfall and get your step count up. All in a day's work.
Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya: Golden temples, a giant reclining Buddha and so many incredible sights to see. Try not to fall off your bike in shock!
Elephant Nature Park: Help to protect to these majestic giants by learning about their struggle while watching them roam free - the way they were meant to live.
Chiang Rai: Tour one of Thailand’s most-recognisable temples – the White Temple. You’ll find plenty of Buddhist symbolism hinted throughout its beautiful architecture (you know, to satisfy your artistic soul).
Chiang Rai: Blazing blue deities will welcome you at the gates of this mesmerising temple. Don’t forget your camera for a spectacular view of this unconventional style of Buddhist art.
Chiang Rai: Visit the place that has hosted art scholars and researchers for over 50 years. This museum is all about mixing traditional and modern Thai architectural styles, and it’s pretty spellbinding too.
Pak Beng: Float down the Mekong from Pak Beng, past craggy caves and sleepy hillside villages. A proper taste of Laos life.
Luang Prabang: Definitely the most surreal caves we’ve ever seen. Rock caverns packed with thousands of mini-Buddha statues. Pics or it didn’t happen.
Luang Prabang: Cycle around the former capital of Laos, visiting Ock Pop Tock, Wat Xieng Thong, and Big Brother Mouse.
Luang Prabang: Today, you'll get to test out your teaching skills and chat with the students at Big Brother Mouse, who are there to learn English. The team at Big Brother Mouse are working to reduce illiteracy levels across Laos, providing language lessons and publishing/promoting books and other learning materials
Luang Prabang: Meditate at this ornate temple, or just marvel at its gilded beauty and take lots of pics.
Luang Prabang: Step inside the Living Crafts Centre in Luang Prabang and watch over 50 Lao artisans at work, creating beautiful clothes and homeware using traditional weaving techniques. Learn how Ock Pop Tok, founded by Joanna Smith and Veomanee Douangdala in 2000, empowers women by turning their skills into a viable career, while promoting Laotian textiles and crafts across the globe.
Luang Prabang: Always wanted to live like a Buddhist? Here is your chance to offer an ‘Alms’ to monks, in the spirit of karmic giving.
Luang Prabang: Hop onto the train from Luang Prabang, travelling at a dashing 160 km/h. You’ll catch some breathtaking views on the way.
Vientiane: See the incredible work of COPE, a non-profit helping locals with mobility-related disabilities, including victims of unexploded bombs. Witness how they provide prosthetic and orthotic devices, surgery, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation - giving people back mobility, dignity, and independence.
Vientiane: This isn't your typical hectic capital city. Today, you'll walk around the peacefully lovely city of Vientiane and admire Laos' version of the Arc de Triomphe - the Patuxai.
Vientiane: It’s bizarre. It’s beautiful. And it has a lot of Buddha statues. This fanciful sculpture garden will leave you with wonder (and a little bit of confusion) in your eyes.
Vientiane: Fasten your seatbelts folks, we’re off to Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh: Admire the architectural wonder of some of the best buildings from the Khmer Empire of Vietnam – built back in the 1800s!
Phnom Penh: A sombre but important remembrance for the victims of the Khmer Rouge. Visit the fields and Genocide Museum.
Phnom Penh: Spend the evening at one of Phnom Penh's best-loved after-dark hotspots for refreshing beverages and tantalising food.
Siem Reap: Visit Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm and Bayon – where Tomb Raider was filmed. But dress appropriately (no hotpants, soz).
Siem Reap: Not only is the food top-notch, this social enterprise trains and employs street youth (and also gives opportunities to other marginalized or at-risk groups!). Every bite supports these young locals to build skills, confidence and a brighter future. Respect.

Trip Details

Duration

16 days

Transportation

Private

Guide Language

English

Starts

Bangkok, Thailand

Finishes

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Accommodations

Deluxe

Travel Style

18 - 35 Year Olds Only, Budget

Physical Rating

Easy

Itinerary

Day 1: Bangkok

Touch down in Thailand’s capital. If you’re arriving earlier in the day, feel free to get a head start on the fun - explore the city, grab a massage or chill poolside and soak up that first hit of sunshine. At 6pm, the trip officially kicks off as we meet at the hotel to get the lowdown on what’s ahead. Then it’s time to head out and dive straight into Bangkok life with authentic Pad Thai and a night out on legendary Khao San Road.

Accommodation: Nouvo City Hotel (or similar)

Day 2: Bangkok to Kanchanaburi

We'll start the day early, with so much to see, there's no time to waste. Catching Bangkok's water taxi system with the city locals is the most convenient way to get to our first stop - The Royal Palace. With our incredible local guide leading the charge, we will learn all about its 61 acres of incredible architecture and some traditions of the Thailand Royal Family. Then we'll jump on our private boat for a tour of the klongs (canals). Just listing today's sites gives us the butterflies. Once we get back to the hotel, ask your Trip Manager where to find the best local lunch before we wave goodbye to Bangkok. Bangkok, you've been a dream! But the show must go on. Fast becoming a must-visit in this part of the world, we make tracks to our next destination - the sleepy town of Kanchanaburi. We'll start with a stop to visit the most famous bridge in town & WWII Cemetery will give you a healthy dose of history. And then it’s time to reach our home for the night - right on the riverfront! (Yes, you can jump in the river directly from your room.) Nothing like being greeted with a delicious dinner of local specialities, right? We’ll finish the day off watching the sunset over the dazzling landscape.

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

Day 3: Kanchanaburi to Chiang Mai via Ayutthaya

We've got an exciting journey ahead of us today! We'll first make our way to the impressive Erawan falls. Walk across the serene trails. Or dip your feet into the waters before we head to our next destination. We’ll make a stop in the UNESCO listed city of Ayutthaya, once the capital of Kingdom of Siam before being destroyed by the Burmese in the 18th Century. We'll grab bikes & ride past ornate temples, towering spires and ancient palaces. Later, we board our overnight train to Chiang Mai. All aboard for Chiang Mai!

Accommodation: Overnight Train
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Overnight Train to Chiang Mai via Elephant Nature Park

Time to rise and shine. Today we're waking up in Chiang Mai! Right here in this city is everything you’ve been waiting for. That’s right, we’re spending today at an elephant nature park! Watch these majestic giants strolling through their natural habitat as a part of an unforgettable MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. (Who knows, you might even befriend one!). We’ll grab a wholesome lunch at the park and make our way to Chiang Mai. A free evening in this blissful city? How about spending the evening zipping around on a Vespa? Exploring like a local is the best way to explore, after all.

Accommodation: The Empress Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Lunch

Day 5: Chiang Mai

Ah yes. A completely free day in this amazing city - and there’s so much you can do. How about getting into a glove game with a Muay Thai lesson? In the evening, join us on an optional cooking class, starting with a tour of the local markets, guided by the head chef - who’ll then teach you how to rustle up an authentic Thai meal (right in the middle of a rice field!). The city really is all yours to make the most of.

Accommodation: The Empress Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6: Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

It’s time to bid farewell to this lovely place. Why, you ask? Because we’re saying hello to the Chiang (‘city’ in Thai) of colourful temples! We’ll munch on a delicious breakfast, then head straight there. The Black House Museum. A blue temple, and a majestic white one too. Welcome to the city where the beauty of colours culminates. We’ll head straight to the Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) - a modern architectural marvel. You won’t really find any temple like this in Thailand! We’ll then call it a day after admiring the incredible design of Wat Rong Seua Ten (Blue Temple), and the Baan Dam Museum.

Accommodation: Wiang Inn Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Chiang Rai to Pakbeng

Taking a border hop, we’ll cross out of Thailand and into Laos. After collecting our oh-so-valuable passport stamps, we’ll journey to Pakbeng, taking part of the trip by river cruise on a local slow boat. Remote, traditional, and endlessly charming, Pakbeng is a true traveller’s dream.

Accommodation: Local Guest House (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Pak Beng To Luang Prabang

Leaving Pak Beng, we hop back on our slow boat and continue our journey to Luang Prabang - get ready for gorgeous waterfalls, biking explorations and a chance to experience the local community and sacred Buddhist rituals. Ending our Mekong River magic we arrive in the much-loved city of Luang Prabang. Temples dusted in gold, historic French mansions, & monks wrapped in saffron robes make this one of the prettiest places in Asia. Our explorations will involve a sunset from a hill-top stupa & a bout of shopping at the local night markets.

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

Day 9: Luang Prabang

A morning cycle around the city and an optional visit to the 60-metre cascades of Kuang Si Falls in the afternoon will provide our daily nature fix. Otherwise you have the chance to explore any way that suits. Tonight, watch the sunset at a riverside bar, and contemplate just how good life is and how relaxed you already feel.

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

Day 10: Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng

This morning, the early risers will be rewarded with Buddhist rituals – kissed by the sun's morning rays. Take part in the daily ritual of offering alms to the Monks of Luang Prabang's 34 temples. After collecting our good karma, we’ll jump on a high-speed train that’ll whizz us to a lively tourist hub filled with plentiful opportunities for adventure. Makes leaving the charming town of Luang Prabang a little easier, right? Known for its dramatic limestone karsts, Vang Vieng will keep you busy this evening. You can opt to explore the local rivers and caves by kayak, or just chill out surrounded by like-minded travellers, watching the sun set over the mountains.

Accommodation: The Silver Naga Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11: Vang Vieng to Vientiane

Today you should wake up feeling satisfied with your Vang Vieng explorations, and ready to peel back the layers of another Laos hotspot… Welcome to the largest city in Laos! If you’re expecting a bustling Asian capital, prepare to be surprised. The vibe here is strictly chilled. Apart from seeing the beauty of Pha That Luang stupa & the artistic talent of Patuxai, we’ll use our time here to lend a helping hand to the COPE centre - a local charity that provides prosthetic limbs and rehabilitation services to those who have lost their limbs as a result of unexploded bombs. It’s now time to visit the Buddha Park - a fanciful sculpture garden adorned with significant Buddhist images. Spend some time talking amongst the bizarre & sometimes ornate statues, and head back to our hotel for a good night’s rest.

Accommodation: Hotel Aaron (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12: Vientiane to Phnom Penh

This morning we’ll cross the border sky high, flying out of Laos as we make our way to the capital of Cambodia. We’re doing some historical sight-seeing today. We’ll visit The Royal Palace (the official residence of the Cambodian royals) and the Silver Pagoda (one of the finest examples of Khmer architecture). Later tonight, the city is yours to explore as you please.

Accommodation: Mettavary Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

Day 13: Phnom Penh

You'll find reminders of Cambodia’s dark past hidden among the shy smiles and pretty tree-lined streets. Today we'll learn about the horrific Khmer Rouge rule by visiting the mass graves of the ‘Killing Fields’ & the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum with our local guide. Next, you can choose to hit the streets on a tuk-tuk and taste your way through the city's best foodie spots. Then we’ll head back to our hotel located at an after-dark dinner hotspot. (Ask your Trip Manager for some local favourites!)

Accommodation: Mettavary Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

Day 14: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap

We'll take a coach out of Cambodia's capital this morning and drive into the heartland of an ancient masterpiece and what is still the largest religious monument in the world. You're free to explore today! You could relax poolside in the afternoon. Or choose to visit the Phare Circus (which also holds the Guinness World Record for the longest circus show) for some insane multicultural entertainment. There are plenty of things you could spice up your night with - but it's probably best to reserve your energy for our early morning visit to an Eighth Wonder of the World (and something we know you've all been waiting for).

Accommodation: Amber Angkor Villa Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

Day 15: Siem Reap

Up before the sun and out to Angkor Wat for sunrise. Because watching the first light hit those temples is a proper jaw-dropper. Then it’s straight into explore mode with Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm (yep, the Tomb Raider temple where jungle roots are fully taking over). Later, golden hour gets a little more adventurous with an optional quad bike ride out by the rice paddies. For dinner tonight, we’ll swing by a brilliant social enterprise where disadvantaged people are trained in hospitality skills, and yes, the frozen shakes and seriously good food live up to the hype. The evening’s yours for Pub Street and the night markets if you’re keen. Make the most of your last night here.

Accommodation: Amber Angkor Villa Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 16: Siem Reap

Our trip will wrap up in Siem Reap shortly after our final team breakfast. We'll go our separate ways after saying somber goodbyes & making sincere plans to organise a reunion tour.

Meals: Breakfast

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $4,041

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin

Duration: 16 days

Trip Type: Group Tour

Activity Level: Easy

No two days are the same on this epic quest. As you wander from the Bangkok cityscapes to Siem Reap’s remote beauty, you’ll be completely immersed in South East Asia – past and present.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 14 Nov 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

5.0

Amy

Traveled, September 2025

09/25/2025

This was truly the most amazing trip I’ve ever been on! From start to finish, everything was so well-organized, and our trip manager went above and beyond to ensure every single person had an incredible experience. His energy, enthusiasm, and attention to detail made the trip unforgettable. Every activity was absolutely amazing, but if I had to choose a favorite, it would definitely be exploring the stunning landscapes of Laos—it was like something out of a dream! Another highlight was riding quad bikes through Cambodia, which was such an exhilarating way to take in the beautiful scenery. A huge shoutout to Tate, our superstar, for making this journey so special and memorable. And of course, thank you to Contiki for putting together such an incredible adventure! I can’t wait for my next trip with you.

5.0

Spencer

Traveled, August 2024

08/24/2024

From touring the highlights of Northern Thailand, including temples, participating in a Muay Thai training session, to watching a pro muay thai fight, and don't let me forget about the amazing tour guides and food! Then to viewing the small country of Loas with nothing but pride being shown by the locals and tour guide. The hospitality and raw asian experience was amazing. Then in Cambodia, being able to witness the Angkor Watt temple was an experience to never forget! Highly recommend the trip! Trip was very easy to book, picked up the phone and got online with a Contiki rep who handled the rest of the process. There was an issue with not receiving the travel documents prior to my departure, however Contiki rectified the issue with ease and I was on my way to enjoy my adventure!

Tour Operator

Contiki Tours, founded in 1962, is a global travel company specializing in group tours exclusively for 18–35-year-olds, offering over 300 trips across more than 50 countries. Known for its strong social focus, Contiki blends adventure, cultural immersion, and nightlife with the convenience of fully organized itineraries. The brand is part of The Travel Corporation and differentiates itself through unique “Special Stays,” curated experiences, and a community-driven atmosphere that attracts solo travelers and young groups alike. With sustainability initiatives under its “Contiki Cares” program, the company also emphasizes responsible travel, making it a leading choice for younger travelers seeking connection, discovery, and memorable experiences.

In Business Since 1962

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