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Journey from modern Singapore to the beaches of Malaysia and Thailand, and weave your way through majestic Cambodia into stunning Vietnam. Discover beautiful local cultures, travel back in time exploring Buddhist temples and indulge in regional cuisine. Embrace the heart of these destinations on this quintessential journey.

Day 1 to 2 - Singapore
Day 1 is simply an arrival day with no pre-organised activities, so you will have free time to relax and see some of the sights. Singapore may be small in size, but its larger-than-life attitude and modernisation will ensure your visit here is truly unforgettable. A major international hub, the city will house travellers and business people from all over the world at any given time. You would be forgiven for thinking you should be donned in a suit clutching a briefcase as you lose yourself between the ultra-modern high rise buildings.

Like any major city, the shopping is excellent here (although not always cheap). There are many historical and cultural sights to see if you are after an insight into the tradition of this fascinating country. Visit Little India and Chinatown for a glimpse into the old way of life of the city.

Day 2 to 3 - Melaka
Melaka is one of Malaysia's most popular destinations and was an important trading port several hundred years ago. There are many attractions in Melaka, from temples to churches, and mosques to museums. The destination is famous for its traditional Chinese Nyonya cuisine, which you can sample from one of the traditional Peranakan shop houses.

Day 4 to 7 - Kuala Lumpur - Cameron Highlands
We arrive in Malaysia's lively capital, Kuala Lumpur. A major tourist hub, ‘KL' (as it is usually referred) is modern, slightly congested, and it offers all the creature comforts of your average major city. High rises abound, shopping is excellent (and one of the city's major attractions) and its bustling day-to-day goings-on provide an insight into Malay business culture. There are many things to do here – both cultural and indulgent. We have two free days to explore the city (and shop) to our heart's content. There are also many colonial buildings to visit if you feel like you need a break from the high rises!

On Day 6 we travel on to the Cameron Highlands, named after William Cameron, a British colonial government surveyor who discovered the plateau during in 1885. This is a highland region around 1,500 m above sea level. There are many things to do and see here, including: a butterfly farm, strawberry farms, rose gardens, a Chinese temple and vegetable farms. You also have the option to take a jungle trek amongst the cool, refreshing forest air.
The region‘s fertile mountain slopes make it one of the best places in the country to grow tea, and there are many tea plantations. The Cameron Highlands is also a major supplier of vegetables to Malaysia and Singapore.

Day 8 to 10 - Penang - Surat Thani or Krabi
In the morning of Day 8 we make for Penang. We will stay in Georgetown, which is the capital. Georgetown possesses a unique charm, blending old and new cultures. Peddlers exhibit their goods surrounded by modern buildings. Old buildings stand side-by-side with new businesses. Take a rickshaw tour and introduce yourself to this lively town or perhaps visit the 65-storey Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak (KOMTAR), a prominent Penang landmark, which houses Government departments, commercial offices, department stores, shops and restaurants.

On Day 10 we will travel from Penang to Surat Thani (for tours operating May to October) or Krabi (for tours operating November to April). From Surat Thani we will travel to Koh Samui. From Krabi we travel to Ko Phi Phi.

Day 11 to 12 - Ko Samui or Ko Phi Phi
Koh Samui (tours operating May to October)
A beautiful island in the Southern Gulf of Thailand, Koh Phangan is the perfect getaway. Here you can relax on quiet deserted beaches, go snorkelling and learn how to dive. There are options for trekking, or if you simply want to take in the surrounds you can go island hopping and visit many pristine beaches and natural caves.

Ko Phi Phi (tours operating November to April)
Phi Phi boasts sheer cliffs, crystal clear waters and ideal snorkelling or diving conditions. Hire a local longtail boat and visit hidden coves and tropical beaches around neighbouring islands. If you're after something a bit more energetic, hire a speedboat to Phi Phi Lei, the smaller uninhabited island, which offers fantastic snorkelling and vivid turquoise waters. Don't miss the tranquil Tha Laem Nai - the salt water blue lagoon lake featured in the Leonardo DiCaprio film ‘The Beach'.

Day 13 to 15 - Bangkok
Today we will begin the journey from our island haven to Thailand's capital, Bangkok. We will travel back to Surat Thani or Krabi and then board our overnight train to Bangkok.

Bangkok is the gateway to South East Asia for most travellers. International backpackers come and go and the streets are always buzzing and full of life. No visit to Bangkok is complete without a visit to Khao San Road, the famous strip filled with markets, stalls and neon lights. From people watching to shopping, and nightlife to food and drink, this is the place to be on a night out in Bangkok. If you're feeling adventurous you might wish to try a fried insect or two! As an alternative, the Patpong area is Bangkok's most notorious nightlife area. Exotic bars, clubs, neon lights, and night markets abound and you may be able to see some interesting stage shows if you so desire!

Bangkok also boasts hundreds of Wats (temples), with Wat Arun being the main one visited by most travellers. The Grand Palace is also a popular attraction, and for something different you can cruise along the Chao Phraya River and through the canals. Bangkok once had an elaborate network of canals and was given the nickname, ‘Venice of the East', and although some of them have been filled in and converted to streets, many still exist today.

Day 16 to 18 - Siem Reap
On Day 16 we will take a bus to Siem Reap, which is our base for exploring the famous temples of the Angkor area. There are over one thousand temples here, ranging from small ruins to the famous Angkor Wat, said to be the world's largest single religious monument. Angkor Wat pays homage to the Hindu god Vishnu and has a dazzling array of beautiful ornate carvings. We have a full day excursion plus guide included to maximise your enjoyment and time at the famous site of Angkor Wat.

The Angkor area attracts over one million visitors annually. The many ceremonial structures and temples here were built between the 9th and 13th centuries by the Khmer Empire that spanned a period of approximately 600 years. These temples are some of the most famous in the world and take up an area of approximately 160 sq km. You'll have the opportunity to tour the temples with a local guide or explore at your leisure. There are superb photographic opportunities here at most times of the day so make sure your camera batteries are fully charged and ready to go! Tuk-tuks provide a convenient form of transport around the area here, and you can hire a tuk-tuk and driver for the day if you wish. The Angkor area (in and around the Ta Prohm temple) was the site where the film Tomb Raider starring Angelina Jolie was filmed.

Day 19 to 20 - Phnom Penh
On Day 19 we travel by bus to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. This bustling city has a turbulent past which you can learn about if you choose to visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (a former torture centre) and the Choueng Ek Memorial at the site of the Killing Fields.

Phnom Penh has many other attractions, and there is some free time to explore the Russian Market and National Museum. You could also take a stroll along the river's famous Sisowath Quay and enjoy a coffee or cocktail at one of the many cafes while observing the bustling river traffic. You may wish to take a tuk-tuk ride around Phnom Penh (a tuk-tuk is a motorbike-taxi with an enclosed passenger cabin that can fit around 4 people).

Day 21 to 22 - Ho Chi Minh City
On Day 21 we travel by bus from Phnom Penh and cross into Vietnam as we make our way to Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Chi Minh City was known as Saigon until the end of the Vietnam War (around 1975). Originally a small fishing village, Ho Chi Minh City is now the most important economic centre in Vietnam and is the largest city in the country. Traffic in the city is fairly hectic at the best of times. Getting around is relatively easy by taxi or motorbike taxi, although drivers may not always speak English. Bus is the only form of public transport and motorbikes rule the road; there are around 3 million motorbikes cruising around the streets of Ho Chi Minh City!

If you're interested in the history of the Vietnam War make sure you visit the War Remnants Museum and the Reunification Hall. We include an excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels. A network of tunnels which was home to around 10,000 people who lived underground for several years during the war. It took about 25 years to build this underground city. It has living rooms, kitchens, hospitals, weapon factories, storage facilities and command centres. In its hey day the tunnel system stretched over 250km from Saigon to the Cambodian border and was three levels deep. Today the remaining tunnels have become a major tourist attraction giving the visitor a unique experience and a feel of what underground life in the American war must have been like. Or if you're in the mood to haggle for a bargain, don't miss Ho Chi Minh's largest market, the Ben Thanh Market. You can buy everything from cosmetics to live ducks here! There are also numerous food stalls at this market, and at the popular Night Market nearby. The food in Ho Chi Minh is some of the best and most diverse in all of Vietnam so make sure you eat well during your stay! There are also many bars and clubs to spend your evening in.

Day 23 to 24 - Mekong Delta
This morning we travel to the heart of the Mekong Delta, visiting Cao Dai temple along the way. We will take a boat trip around the tributaries of the mighty Mekong River which provides an insight into a real perspective of Delta life. We will also visit a local handicraft village and you will have the opportunity to purchase souvenirs to support the local community. We will stay with a local family overnight. The accommodation on the Mekong Delta has no showers and no hot water. You will be staying in home stays along with other members of your group.

The next morning we take an early cruise on a traditional sampan to visit the famous floating markets. We will return to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon and spend another two nights here.

Day 24 to 27 - Ho Chi Minh City - Nha Trang
We have two free days to explore Ho Chi Minh City further.
On the evening of Day 25 we will travel by overnight train to Nha Trang This beachside city is a popular destination for many travellers and is brimming with restaurants, bars and nightlife. You can choose to relax and swim in the surrounding crystal clear waters, or maybe take a cruise around the islands with a seafood lunch.

Day 28 to 29 - Nha Trang – Hoi An
We arrive in the railway town of Danang and then take a short drive to Hoi An.
We have free time in Hoi An to explore the handicrafts, ceramics and fabrics that are sold at an abundance of markets. Hoi An is renowned for tailoring; pack your favourite item of clothing and get it copied here! If you're all shopped-out, you might enjoy relaxing on the serene coastal beaches with some local cuisine.

Day 30 to 32 - Hue - Hanoi
In the morning we depart Hoi An and drive north to Hue via Danang. The drive takes us across the Marble Mountains and via the scenic Hai van Pass. There are stunning views to take in of the surrounding coastline and rice paddies.

Once the capital of Vietnam (during the Nguen Dynasty in 1802-1945), Hue is situated on the banks of the Huong Giang or Perfume River. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a bustling, lively place with many things to see and do. Hue is renowned for its monuments temples, pagodas and architecture.
The Imperial City, often likened to the Forbidden City in Beijing (and sometimes referred to as the Forbidden City as well), is well worth a visit. Hue also offers many Buddhist pagodas and markets to explore if you just feel like soaking up the lively atmosphere.

In the evening of Day 31 we will board the overnight train trip to Hanoi.

Hanoi is the capital of the Socialist Republic and is dominated by colonial buildings and tree-lined boulevards. The city boasts a convoluted yet elegant history which is characterised by its ‘chameleon of names' – the city has changed names many times throughout history. In terms of recent history, the French withdrew their forces in 1954 and ever since foreign investment and property has developed substantially.

In Hanoi, exploring on your own is relatively easy on foot or by bike. Many travellers believe the true appeal and essence of Hanoi is discovered wandering the streets, tasting local market food, observing the local way of life, and taking in the architecture and surrounds.

Day 33 to 35 - Halong Bay - Hanoi
In the morning of Day 33 we depart Hanoi and drive to Halong Bay. The area is surrounded by spectacular beaches and is, naturally, renowned for its delicious seafood! We will arrive around midday and board our junk boat for a cruise, (lunch included). On our cruise we will visit the famous caves and then find a secluded spot for swimming, kayaking and sunbaking.

Halong Bay (Bay of Descending Dragons) is renowned for its limestone karsts. The bay consists of a dense cluster of just under 2,000 limestone monolithic islands, each topped with thick jungle vegetation, which rise dramatically from the ocean. Several of these islands are hollow and contain large caves, and on our cruise we will be able to explore these caves filled with stalactites and stalagmites. Dinner will be followed by the option of a spot of night fishing if you're still awake!

Local legend describing the origin of the bay claims that the gods sent a family of dragons to defend the land when locals were fighting neighbouring invaders (thus the name ‘Bay of Descending Dragons'). When the dragons came down on Halong Bay they began spitting out jewels, which turned into the various islands that are scattered around the bay, linking together and forming a barrier against invaders. Halong Bay was kept safe and free from impending warriors from then on.

In the morning of Day 34 we will continue to cruise around the bay to find more secluded areas to either swim or kayak in.
In the early afternoon we will depart the majestic Halong Bay and travel back to Hanoi for some more free time. If you haven't seen a water puppet show yet, make sure you do so as it is our last visit to Hanoi! Our tour concludes on day 35.