Depart your home country on your flight to Chiang Mai.
Most suited for
Couples
Ideal time to visit
October - March
Tours of Thailand and Indochina can often be a little cookie-cutter – whizzing from one main site to another spending a day in each place. This holiday veers well away from the well-trodden route taking in some of the most beautiful but lesser-visited parts of each country. With a focus on natural beauty and local life, travel is at a slow pace and mainly overland or by boat. You won’t miss out on iconic sites like Angkor and Luang Prabang, but we’ll ensure you discover them in a unique and special way.
This trip is ideal for people who have time to spare and have maybe visited Thailand or Vietnam before and are now looking for a more in-depth adventure.
The Back Roads of Cambodia, Laos and Thailand
As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We will create a bespoke package which will be completely unique for you.
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Day 1
Your adventure begins
Days 2 - 3
Chiang Mai
On arrival in Chiang Mai, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel. Spend your first afternoon here getting acquainted with the city on an introductory walk through Old Chiang Mai. Venture out to explore sacred temples, ancient ruins and markets by songthaew, long-tail boat and bicycle. Spend your second day out in the countryside as you walk through the forest, passing tea and coffee fields before observing jungle life from a unique perspective.
Day 4
Thai Lua Community
It’s about two hours north to the neighbouring province of Phayao today. Visit the Thai Lua community, an ethnic minority of Thai people from southern China. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to get to know the people, learn about their fascinating history and see how they have retained traditional ways of life. Visit their temple, wander through the village, help cook food and enjoy a traditional dinner with community members.
Day 5
Phayao Town
You’ll travel an hour or so to Phayao town, stopping on the way to admire Buddha carvings in the cliffs at a temple. Take a trip in a Thai-style punt on the lake before visiting Wat Analayo, with its exceptional views of the lake and relaxing gardens. Continue to the village of Ban Dok Bua to spend a night in a homestay. In this community, the people live by being economically self-sufficient and organic farming is practised. Enjoy dinner with your homestay host family and learn how they maintain this self-sufficient lifestyle.
Day 6
Ban Dok Bua
Gain a deeper understanding of how the community withhold their traditional ways of life, visit a composting enterprise, see how rice husks are used as a cooking fuel, and how bamboo is made into various handicraft products. You’ll also board a Thai-style farm tractor for a ride around the village and up into the hills, taking in the tranquillity and beautiful scenery.
In the afternoon, transfer by road to Chiang Rai and check in to your contemporary resort.
Day 7
Chiang Rai
Discover some of Chiang Rai’s most important cultural sights, beginning with a visit to the home of the region’s most extensive collection of artefacts from the Lanna and Tai cultures. You’ll also visit the Golden Pavilion of Haw Kham and the glittering white temple of Wat Rong Khun, whilst a stop at Wat Phra Kaew provides an opportunity to see where Bangkok’s famous Emerald Buddha was originally found in 1434.
Day 8
Down the Mekong
Today you’ll be driven to the border crossing at Chiang Khong, where you will take a short boat ride across the river to Laos. Once you’ve completed immigration formalities, you’ll depart on your private boat cruise down the Mekong towards Pakbeng. The journey allows you to enjoy the passing scenery and observe rural life along the Mekong. Stop off en route to visit riverside villages and arrive in Pakbeng before sunset for an overnight stay at a simple hillside lodge overlooking the river.
Days 9 - 10
Northern Laos
Today you’ll travel by car towards Oudomxay with scenic stops along the way, arrive in time for lunch and check-in at your off-the-beaten-track resort set amongst a protected forest. Surrounded by mountains and jungle, this is a wonderful base for exploring the area.
This area sees few visitors, making for a very serene environment and the opportunity to experience day-to-day village life without feeling that you are just one of many tourists passing through. For adventurous types, there is some excellent trekking in the jungle-clad hills and, for those who prefer to take it a bit easier, there are some lovely easy walks that could wind up with a picnic at a waterfall or a trip to the local hot springs.
Day 11
Journey down the Nam Ou River
Today your guide and driver will take you to Muang Khoua on the banks of the Nam Ou River. Here you’ll board a private boat for the first day of the river journey downstream to Luang Prabang. The initial part of the journey takes around 2.5 hours towards the Nam Ou Dam, where you’ll cross to another private boat for the second part of the journey towards Nong Khiaw. The scenery en route is remarkable so enjoy sitting back and just taking it all in. The boat stops along the way for swimming and to visit riverside villages. On arrival in Nong Khiaw, you’ll transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 12
Limestone and Jungle and on to Luang Prabang
The beautiful area around Nong Khiaw is excellent to explore by bike or kayak. The hotel has bicycles available for hire, so you could choose to head out with your guide to the picturesque local limestone caves.
In the afternoon, you’ll continue your journey downstream to Luang Prabang, passing more spectacular mountain scenery as the Nam Ou meets the Mekong River. The famous Pak Ou caves are situated near the confluence, and you can visit them if you choose. Later in the afternoon, you’ll reach Luang Prabang – the river route is a lovely way to arrive at one of Asia’s most romantic and beautifully preserved cities.
Days 13 - 14
Luang Prabang
During your stay in Luang Prabang, you’ll spend time with your guide getting a feel for the magical town itself; the effect of Luang Prabang’s ornate Buddhist temples and Indochinese architecture set against a jungle backdrop is spellbinding. A highlight will undoubtedly be the early morning visit to Kuang Sii Waterfalls, where a special permit will allow you to enjoy a gourmet breakfast there before the crowds arrive.
There will be free time too, to absorb the scenery, explore the sleepy backstreets of this UNESCO town, take in the picturesque night markets and perhaps join in with the popular local street sport petanque!
Days 15 - 18
Siem Reap and the Temples of Angkor
Say goodbye to Laos and take the short flights from Luang Prabang to Siem Reap in Cambodia. On arrival, you’ll be met by your local guide.
Each day here will be designed around your particular interests – to ensure you have the best possible experience of this remarkable area. On one day, we might suggest focusing on the more remote temples such as Beng Melea, another day an early start for sunrise over the Tonle Sap Lake, followed by the more famous temples like Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and Bayon. A local restaurant or picnic lunches will be included, as will plenty of time to relax. You might also like to get to grips with the Cambodian food scene; an after-dark food tour by Vespa is a fantastic way to do this.
Days 19 - 20
Phnom Penh
Travel by road to the capital Phnom Penh. You’ll spend a whole day exploring with your guide during your time here, taking in the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, Emerald Buddha and the National Museum. You’ll also have the chance to visit Toul Sleng Museum, formerly used by the Pol Pot regime as a detention centre, and the killing fields. This is a moving example of the difficulties faced by Cambodia between 1975 & 1979. For those who would rather miss the museum, there is the option of taking a cycle tour of Koh Dach island – just a short boat ride across the Mekong from the city centre.
Days 21 - 22
Cardamom Mountains
With your guide and driver, you’ll begin the journey to the Cardamom Mountains in Cambodia’s remote South West. You will take a short boat trip along a peaceful river until you get to 4 Rivers Floating Lodge, where you will have three nights to relax, explore and take in the idyllic surroundings. A variety of activities based around the waterways and its surrounding nature and wildlife are available.
Days 23 - 27
Koh Kood or Koh Chang (Thailand)
From Four Rivers, it’s barely an hour to the Thai border, where you’ll cross into Thailand. Your destination will either be Koh Chang or Koh Kood. Both islands are reached from a jetty near the city of Trat. Unlike other Thai islands, Koh Kood, in particular, still feels relatively unexplored and is idyllic. Spend four nights here, relaxing on the quiet and untouched white sand beaches.
Days 28 - 29
Bangkok
Take a short flight from Trat to Bangkok and return to fast living! Spend two nights at Ariyasom Villa, a stunning boutique hotel in the heart of Bangkok. A personal guide is included to take you to the sites that take your fancy, from the Royal Palace to a boat trip through the never-ending waterways and, of course, the simply unbeatable food stalls!
Day 30
Fly home
Transfer to Bangkok Airport for your flight home.
An Epic Adventure Across Southeast Asia
There were moments while I was out and about where I thought that everyone should experience this kind of mindful travel that Experience Travel organises, as it's not backpacking where you tick off the standard party hotspots, and it's not the typical cruise for tourists to visit the standard sightseeing destinations, but an experience where I really felt I got to know the countries, meet great people and do fun stuff that most people miss.
Sven
3 March 2025Excellent
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What’s included:
With ETG, what’s included goes well beyond the basics. From the moment your trip begins to your final farewell, the essentials are already taken care of, leaving you free to immerse, explore and enjoy without the hassle of hidden extras.
Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:
All flights (unless you’ve booked your own!)
Expert guides and drivers
All accommodation
Many meals and snacks
Immersive experiences throughout
All regional transfers
Tips
24/7 In-Country support
Personal travel consultant throughout
Pricing:
As every holiday is bespoke, prices vary depending on destination, flights, hotel choices, inclusions and travel dates. We aim to include as much as possible upfront, so you know exactly where you are. As an approximate guide:
Bespoke Holidays £4,500 - £8,500pp
Bespoke Luxury Holidays £8,500 - £14,500pp
Bespoke Family Holidays from £4,000 - £7,500pp
Meet Our Cambodia Experts
Ella loves all things Cambodia. She’s explored beyond Angkor Wat and knows how to mix the big sights with those offbeat moments that make a holiday sing. With a knack for finding hotels with real soul (and dodging the overhyped ones), Ella designs trips that show you Cambodia at its most authentic and unexpected.
Ella
Regional Expert
Explore Our Hotels & Villas
Wherever you go, and whatever you do, at the end of every day you can always be sure of a comfortable rest. Every location on our list of hotels is handpicked, and in its own way, shares the history, the hospitality, and the soul of the destination. Below are some examples of the different hotels we use.
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Bangkok
Ariyasom Villa
Highlights
Highlights
Gorgeous pool,
Boutique feel
Best for
Families
Couples
Friends
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Tatai, Cambodia
Canvas & Orchids Retreat
A floating lodge. Close to nature, miles from anywhere. Utterly unique.
Highlights
Highlights
Magical nature,
Privacy
Best for
Families,
Couples,
Nature lovers
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Luang Prabang, Laos,
Le Sen
A stylish and well-located base near Luang Prabang, Le Sen offers modern comfort, free bikes, a pool and great value for couples, families and solo travellers.
Highlights
Highlights
Close to Luang Prabang
Stylish rooms
Best for
Couples,
Families
Gallery
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Muang La, Laos,
Nam Kat Yorla Pa Resort
Nam Kat Yorla Pa Resort in Laos blends comfort, nature and adventure with zip-lining, forest treks, and private pool villas in a remote setting.
Highlights
Highlights
Forest adventure,
Private villas,
Local cuisine
Best for
Couples,
Families
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Shantaa Resort Koh Kood
Highlights
Highlights
Beach villas,
Idyllic island setting
Best for
Solo
Couples
Friends
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The ETG Guarantee
We guarantee you an experience no one else has ever had.
The travel magic you’ll remember won’t be found on a well-trodden – or over-Instagrammed – itinerary. It will be the surprises, discoveries and secrets that you’ll uncover along the way with us.
Do you ever feel like people aren’t listening to you?
We get it. And we will – that’s a promise. Your holiday starts with a proper, no-pressure call to understand what you want, what you don’t want, and what matters to you. From there, we create a completely unique adventure, inspired by our conversation together.
And because of our long-standing relationships with trusted partners across Asia, you’ll have access to experiences you can’t find on Google. The kind of special experiences that are literally impossible to find on your own.
Experiences in Cambodia
Crafting bespoke packages is the heart of what we do. Each holiday is specially designed to confound preconceptions and share magical, memorable, and truly exceptional experiences.
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Luang Prabang, Laos
Evening Game of Petanque
One of Laos’ most popular past times and sports, you’re likely to see many locals playing a friendly game of Petanque (Boules) as you wander the streets. Experience this evening activity for yourself as you battle it out on the green with locals. The team who rolls their balls closest to the stationary ‘jack’ will come out on top! Battle weary, you will end the night with a lovely local-style dinner before heading back to your hotel.
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Luang Prabang, Laos
Luang Prabang Full Day Tour
Visit some of Laos’s timeless monuments on a full day tour around the old city, now under UNESCO protection as a World Heritage Site. At about 8.30am head off with your guide to visit Wat Xieng Thong – often said to be Luang Prabang’s most beautiful. It is characterised by roofs sweeping low to the ground and the impressive “tree of life” mosaic. Next visit Vat Visoun, the site of an impressive stupa, That Makmo. Then walk to the nearby Vat Aham, which is one of the city’s major tutelary shrines.
After lunch at a local restaurant visit Luang Prabang’s National Museum, formerly the Royal Palace (not open on Tuesdays). Displayed inside is a collection of personal artifacts of the former Laotian Royal Family. Continue on to visit nearby Wat Mai – the five-tiered roof epitomises the graceful Luang Prabang architectural style. There is also time to take a stroll through the Hmong Market where locals and ethnic minorities from the surrounding villages sell an overwhelming array of handicrafts. Phou Sii hill stands right in the centre of this small city. Climb its 350 steps to enjoy commanding views for many miles in each direction. Wat Phu Sii sits atop the mountain, alongside the skeletons of Indochina war anti-aircraft guns! Sunset can be enjoyed with a cold drink at one of the cafes located along the Mekong River.
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Luang Prabang, Laos
Breakfast at Kuang Si Falls
After a stroll through the morning markets, you’ll head out to the remarkable Kuang Si falls to enjoy a gourmet picnic breakfast in a peaceful and tranquil setting before most other tourists visit the area. Journey back to Luang Prabang on a private cruise down the Mekong, with an opportunity to visit the famous pottery village of Ban Ou.
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Siem Reap, Cambodia
The Magnificent Angkor Wat
The jewel in the Angkor crown, Angkor Wat is inevitably at the top of every visitor’s wishlist. As one of Southeast Asia’s most recognisable sights, it can feel crowded at times – but with the help of our in-the-know guides and carefully curated Signature Angkor Experience, it can still feel magical.
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Bangkok
Evening Street Food Tour in Chinatown, Bangkok
ETG’s Chinatown Night Walking tour is a fascinating culinary journey through one of Bangkok’s liveliest and most diverse districts.
Guided by a local expert, the tour takes you to seven eateries, ranging from air-conditioned restaurants to simple street food stands, where you will sample a range of this 200-year-old area’s heritage dishes. With a minimum of 11 well-considered dishes to sample, you will likely be quite full by the time you get to the end!
The menu will likely include steamed Dim Sum, Chinese herbal drinks, Chinese Bun, “Guau Jab” (a unique, peppery noodle soup), Lychee Ice Cream, Grilled King Prawns, Succulent Duck Cheek and Black Sesame Dumplings with Ginger Tea.
Bustling with activity, Chinatown is one of Bangkok’s most photogenic neighbourhoods. The tour lasts for approximately three hours, starting at 6pm, when this 24-hour district is just getting into full swing.
Between each tasting location, you will go on behind-the-scenes adventures to get a closer look at this unique neighbourhood: you will meet the food bazaar’s lively characters, hear memorable stories, and visit religious and cultural landmarks.
The tour can be taken privately, with a guide meeting you at your hotel, or as part of a group (if you would prefer to share the experience with other food lovers). The tour has been superbly researched to ensure you get the chance to taste some of the city’s best and safest street food from vendors with decades of experience and repeat customers.
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Bangkok
Discover Bangkok's Hidden Garden
Set on the banks of a small canal, Poomjai Garden is a welcome oasis right in the heart of the city.
What sets Poomjai apart is its commitment to sustainable practices and its unique collection of flora and fauna not typically found elsewhere in Bangkok. It is a fantastic environmental project that also functions as an organic farm and restaurant.
On your visit, you’ll join a guided tour of the grounds, learning about the diverse plant life and the range of animal species supported here. As part of the experience, you’ll also participate in a Thai dessert workshop. You’ll be provided with all the necessary ingredients and instructions to create a selection of delicious Thai desserts, such as Khanom Bua Loi (Small rice dumplings in a sweet coconut cream) and Khanom Tako (Thai pudding with a coconut topping).
An immersive experience where you can support a fantastic little project while enjoying a delicious lunch in a lovely garden setting.
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Chiang Mai
After Dark Vespa Tour in Chiang Mai
Get ready to explore Chiang Mai nightlife like a true local. This evening tour is designed to give you an immersive experience of the city’s rich culture and hidden gems for food and drinks.
Hop on the back of a Vespa for a journey through the winding backstreets and residential neighbourhoods of Chiang Mai. Your guide will lead you to a local restaurant that is tucked away from the tourist trail, where you can dig into some delicious treats and mingle with the locals.
Next, you’ll stop at a small shop where you’ll learn how to make a beloved northern Thai dish. Roll your sleeves up for a hands-on food experience that will tantalise your taste buds.
As the night progresses, you’ll make your way to the banks of the Ping River, where you’ll be greeted with a lively atmosphere of bars and restaurants
The tour wraps up with a nightcap at a live music bar. You’ll experience Chiang Mai’s best local talent in action as you join the crowd. All in all, this will be a memorable evening with flowing music, food, and drinks.
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Bangkok
Overnight Sleeper Train in Thailand
Travelling by train in Thailand is a unique and memorable experience that offers a glimpse into the country’s cinematic landscapes and rich culture. The Thai railway system is extensive, covering most of the country, and has a range of train types to suit different budgets and preferences.
From the bustling city of Bangkok, you can board a train and journey through the lush countryside, passing by rice paddies, rolling hills, and charming villages. The slower pace of train travel allows you to take in the sights and sounds of your surroundings and to connect with local people and cultures along the way.
One of Thailand’s most popular train routes is the Northern Line, which runs from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. This journey takes 11-12 hours, but sleeper trains make it an overnight option, with private cabins and beds.
Another popular train route is the Southern Line, which runs from Bangkok to the South with jumping-off points at Chumphon, Surat Thani (for Ko Samui or Khao Sok National Park), Trang and Hat Yai.
Here at ETG, we really recommend travelling by train at least once in your Thailand trip. Not only is a practical way to get around but it’s also often an adventure in itself: a great chance to see everyday life unfold and different landscapes in a unique way.
(It’s worth noting that it can often be tricky to obtain first-class tickets, as they are few and far between and sell out instantly. Second-class tickets are easier to obtain, and the carriage is still comfortable with air conditioning and seats that convert into sleeper beds).
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Siem Reap, Cambodia
Ancient City of Angkor Thom and Bayon
More than just another temple, the great Angkor Thom is in fact an ancient city, dating back to the 12th century, that was once the capital of the whole Khmer Empire. The city itself, its Bayon temple and Terrace of Elephants are a must-see when travelling to the region.
On our Signature Angkor Tour, you’ll explore the vast city walls with your guide, accessing intricate canals and dusty corners of the complex via avenues of stone gods and demons.
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Important FAQs about Cambodia
Cambodia is far more than the iconic Angkor temples. Travelling with ETG means exploring the country in a way that feels personal, thoughtful, and enriching.
We’ll show you life beyond the ruins: serene riverside towns, thriving local markets, and countryside where time slows down. Our itineraries are designed for a deeper connection, whether that’s dining with local families, gliding along the Tonle Sap in a traditional boat, or unwinding at hand-picked boutique stays. With expert guides and 24/7 in-country support, we make sure you see Cambodia in a way that’s inspiring, seamless, and uniquely yours.
Cambodia’s dry season runs from November to April, when clear skies and warm, sunny days make temple visits and countryside explorations most enjoyable. For fewer crowds, the shoulder months of May and October can be ideal, offering greener landscapes and quieter moments. The wet season (June to September) brings short, refreshing showers and vibrant scenery, and it’s a great time for photographers or those seeking a more tranquil experience.
Every ETG holiday to Cambodia is designed to feel seamless, immersive and stress free. We’ll arrange international flights (if you’d like us to), your drivers and guides, and stays in characterful hotels we know and trust.
You’ll experience Cambodia in a way that’s completely bespoke to you – from quiet moments to big adventures – all planned by our India specialists. And while you’re away, our local team is on hand 24/7, so you’ll always feel well looked after.
The Curious Traveller’s Guide to Cambodia
Cambodia is a truly fascinating country. Get our experts’ tips and tricks in a handy 10 minute read.
