Voyage Through South East Asia

Depart your home country on your flight to Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand.

Arrive in Chiang Mai where your guide and driver will meet you for your private transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day can be spent at leisure.

Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai’s most revered temple, 1,676 metres above the city. From here, sweeping views stretch across the valley below, setting the tone for the day ahead. To reach the temple, you can climb the staircase flanked by imposing Naga sculptures, symbolic Thai water spirits, or alternatively take a cable car to the top. At the summit, the golden pagoda gleams, offering a calm and contemplative space.

Later, continue further into the mountains before switching to a local songtaew, a semi-open red truck with bench seating, for the final stretch to Chang Kien Hmong village. The journey itself is part of the experience, as the road narrows to a single track winding through forested hills.

After around 30 minutes, you’ll arrive at this small community, home to roughly 800 residents. They still wear traditional hill tribe clothing and maintain customs dating back centuries.

While here, there’s time to pause and take in the slower pace of life. You may also wish to stop for a cup of locally grown Arabica coffee, produced as part of the Chang Khien Coffee Research Project. Return to Chiang Mai, descending from the hills as the day draws to a close.

Today, you’ll visit the Elephant Nature Park, a renowned sanctuary where you can observe and spend time with elephants in a natural, ethical environment.

It’s a chance to learn more about their care and behaviour while watching them roam freely.

Today, fly south to Bangkok, a short journey of around one hour. On arrival, you’ll be met by your local guide and driver, who will accompany you to your hotel, ensuring a smooth transition into the capital.

Settle into Ariyasom Villa, a peaceful retreat tucked away in the heart of the city. Much like Tamarind Village in Chiang Mai, it offers a sense of calm and character that feels far removed from Bangkok’s busy streets. It’s an ideal place to unwind while still being within easy reach of the city’s key sights.

Start the day with a traditional long-tail boat ride through Bangkok’s klongs, offering a different perspective on the city. Glide along waterways past teak houses, noodle shops and greenery far from the city bustle. Along the way, stop at a lively local market before continuing to a riverside temple that sees few visitors.

In the afternoon, your personal guide is on hand to shape the rest of your day. Whether you want to track down the best markets, sample standout street food or tick off Bangkok’s key sights, they will help you make the most of your time.

The following day centres on a guided food tour, giving you the chance to experience Bangkok through its flavours. As you move through lesser-known neighbourhoods, explore temples, side streets and local hangouts that you would be unlikely to find independently.

Depart Bangkok this morning for a short flight to Singapore, marking the next stage of your journey through Southeast Asia. On arrival, there’s time to prepare for the experience ahead before boarding one of the region’s most iconic trains.

Later in the afternoon, step aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express. Settle into your private cabin as the train begins its journey north through Malaysia’s lush landscapes. As the scenery shifts from city to dense jungle, the pace slows, allowing you to unwind fully.

In the evening, head to the dining carriage where a refined dinner is served.

Rise early this morning to make the most of the views as the train travels along Malaysia’s famed “jungle line”. As the landscape unfolds, dense rainforest stretches in every direction, offering a glimpse into some of the country’s most untouched regions.

After lunch, disembark to explore Taman Negara National Park. This is one of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests, estimated to be around 130 million years old. Here, a choice of guided excursions allows you to experience the forest from different perspectives, whether on foot, by boat or from above the canopy.

Return to the train and settle in for the evening. As the journey continues north, enjoy cocktails followed by dinner on board, with the ever-changing scenery providing a fitting backdrop.

Spend the morning relaxing on board, taking in the passing scenery as the train continues its journey. Disembark to explore Penang, one of Malaysia’s most culturally rich destinations.

You can join a guided tour of George Town’s historic quarter, where colonial architecture and vibrant street life sit side by side. Alternatively, sample some of the island’s renowned cuisine or take part in a hands-on cookery experience. If you prefer, there’s also the option to explore independently, allowing you to set your own pace.

Later in the afternoon, rejoin the train as it begins its journey south. As evening falls, settle in with drinks, enjoy onboard entertainment and dine in the elegant surroundings of the dining carriage.

Enjoy a final breakfast on the train before arriving in cosmopolitan Singapore, where you’ll disembark the train and transfer.

Today, discover Singapore on a guided tour that introduces the city’s contrasting character. Begin at the Botanic Gardens, a peaceful green space in the heart of the city. Then continue to the lively streets of Chinatown, where tradition and modern life sit side by side. From here, head to Orchard Road, known for its cosmopolitan feel and wide range of shops.

In the evening, Singapore’s diverse food scene takes centre stage. As a crossroads of cultures, the city offers an exceptional mix of Chinese, Malay and Indian cuisine. It’s well worth heading out to sample some of the local specialities, whether at a casual hawker centre or a more refined setting.

Begin today in Yogyakarta with a visit to the Kraton, the traditional residence of the Sultan and the heart of the city’s royal court. This living palace offers a fascinating glimpse into Javanese culture, where history and daily life still intertwine.

Continue to the Taman Sari Complex, also known as the Water Castle, originally built in 1758 as a royal retreat. Set around an artificial lake, it features a distinctive two-storey mansion raised on an elevated mound, alongside an intriguing network of tunnels, sunken bathing pools and meditation chambers. As you explore, you’ll also come across remnants of its 18 ornamental tropical gardens, which hint at its former grandeur.

After lunch in town, travel out to the 10th-century Prambanan temple complex. Although restoration is still ongoing, its scale and craftsmanship remain deeply impressive. In particular, the intricate reliefs and sculptures on the main Shiva temple are considered some of the finest examples of Hindu art in Indonesia.

As the sun begins to set, climb one of the eastern temples and watch the light fade between the three largest structures to the west, casting the site in a dramatic and atmospheric glow.

Before dawn, depart your hotel for an early morning visit to Borobudur, one of the world’s most remarkable Buddhist temples. Built between AD 750 and 850 by the Sailendra dynasty, the structure is formed from around two million stone blocks carefully arranged around a natural hill. It rises in a series of six square terraces, topped by three circular levels that draw the eye upwards.

Although the architecture is extraordinary in itself, the real highlight often comes as the sun begins to rise. Gradually, soft light spreads across the surrounding landscape, revealing the temple through shifting mist and creating an atmosphere that feels especially still and memorable.

Once the sunrise experience concludes, your guide will escort you back to your hotel. On arrival, you’ll enjoy breakfast and have a few hours at leisure, giving you time to rest after the early start.

Later in the day, your guide will return to take you to Candirejo, a traditional Javanese village set within a peaceful natural environment. Here, daily life continues at an unhurried pace, offering a window into rural customs and community traditions. This visit provides a gentle yet insightful contrast to the grandeur of Borobudur earlier in the day.

Transfer to the airport and fly to the naturally beautiful and culturally fascinating island of Bali.

Your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day will be spent at leisure.

Begin the morning with a visit to a local market, where you’ll browse vibrant stalls and select fresh ingredients alongside your guide. As you move through the market, take in the colours, aromas and daily rhythm of local life while gathering everything needed for your cooking session.

Afterwards, continue to a local restaurant for an authentic Balinese cooking course. You’ll be introduced to traditional techniques and methods that sit at the heart of Balinese cuisine, and learn how key ingredients are combined to create the island’s distinctive flavours.

Enjoy two full days at leisure to unwind on Bali’s beautiful beaches, with time to fully settle into the laid-back rhythm of the island. From your hotel, you can simply relax by the sea, take a swim, or enjoy the surroundings at your own pace.

Because Bali is relatively small and easy to navigate, you may also choose to explore further afield. The island offers a rich mix of natural landscapes and cultural sites, all within reach should you wish to venture out and discover more.