Southeast Asia: Hilltribes & Street Food

Arrive at any time and welcome to Bangkok - Thailand's bustling capital! This evening, the famous Khao San Road is on the itinerary for your first night out. Explore this buzzing traveller hub with your CEO and check out the lively bars and dance parties that line the street. Grab a Thai beer or tea and connect with your fellow travellers. Don't forget to sample local delicacies, and try a deep fried scorpion if you dare!

Included Experiences

• Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
• Connect With New Friends: Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.

This tour is off to a colourful start with a day to freely explore Bangkok. Visit Wat Pho, the Grand Palace, National Museum, or Jim Thompson's House. Try a riverboat trip along the Chao Phraya River and through the canals (or klongs) for a different perspective of daily life in this busy city. Tonight, you'll take the overnight train to Chiang Mai.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Get out and explore bustling Bangkok!
• Basic Overnight Train (beds): Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.

Optional Experiences

• Klong Riverboat Tour: Travel by longtail boat on the busy Chao Phraya River and through the small canals of western Bangkok's Thonburi district. Observe colourful scenes of everyday life along the river banks.
• Entrance - Royal Barge Museum: Located along the Chao Phraya River, the museum is home to many ceremonial barges. The barges are only used for special occasions so this is a chance to catch a rare glimpse of their ornate decorations and symbolic features.
• Thai Massage: Lie back and soothe aching muscles with a wonderful Thai massage. Affordable and amazing—don't miss out! (15-30 USD per person)
• Wat Po Visit: This temple is known for its reclining Buddha, its feet covered with mother-of-pearl engravings of Buddhist symbols. Explore the large grounds and other compounds to see other Buddha figures, murals and the chedis that contain the ashes of Buddha. This is also the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
• Grand Palace Visit: Visit the King’s official residence (made up of many buildings, halls, lawns, gardens, and courtyards) on the banks of the Chao Phraya River and see the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Please note the cost of this optional activity does not include the entrance fee.

Make sure you've got room for more than three meals today, because you're heading to the best street food spots in Chiang Mai. Besides eating, there's lots to do here — like a visit to Doi Suthep temple or taking it easy with a soak in the Sankampang Hot Springs.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Get out and explore this bustling city in northern Thailand.
• Chiang Mai Street Food Crawl: Bring your appetite and your wallet. The CEO will bring the group to the best spots to eat and teach everyone about the local street food. Yum!

Optional Experiences

• Northern Thai Cooking Class: Channel your inner chef with a home-style Thai cooking class. Take a trip to the market with your teacher and learn about regional flavours as you pick out fresh ingredients. Head back to the cozy kitchen for a hands-on lesson in whipping up delicious local favourites like hot and sour soup, green curry, and sticky rice.
• Doi Suthep Temple Visit: Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a golden Buddhist temple outside of Chiang Mai on the Mt Doi Suthep. Climb 300 steps to reach the temple and be rewarded with an unforgettable view. Admire the many Buddhist relics at this sacred temple and visit the white elephant shrine. Legend has it that the location of the temple was chosen after a white elephant carried a relic to the mountain and trumpeted three times before dying on the spot. Also, with a little luck, you may witness the chanting of the monks.
• Khantoke Dinner and Show: Enjoy dinner northern Khantok style, with local entertainment. The main dishes on the Khantok usually include sticky rice, Hang-le curry (Burmese-styled curry), and some chilli pasted with crispy pork.
• Chiang Mai Cycling Tour: This Chiang Mai half-day ride takes you on a memorable tour of the countryside's most interesting sights. You'll go beyond the city to see local Buddhist temples, markets, organic farms, rice paddy fields and more. Get a sense of how the locals live, stop when you want for photos, and check out the nature along the city's main river, the Ping.
• Yoga Class: Stretch and hold poses in this gentle but effective form of exercise.
• Massage: Lay back and soothe aching muscles with a famous local massage. Affordable and amazing, don't miss out.

It's time for a change of pace. Today, drive from Chiang Mai to Mae Malai village, where you'll set off on a trek through rugged forests to see how diverse this region of hilltribe communities really is. Every village you'll see has its own language, belief system, style of dress, and traditions. It's a few hours to the first village of hilltribe thatch bungalows, but every step is worth it as you get to know the lay of the land.

Included Experiences

• Pickup Truck: Hop into the back and ride along to the next destination.
• Hilltribe Trek Day 1: Hit the road in an open pickup truck for Mae Malai where there is time to visit a local market to purchase food and snacks. Start the trek through forests and rugged terrain to Baan Mae Jok, a Karen village.

Trek for 2–3 hours before stopping for lunch. Then head to a Karen village to see how traditional blankets and scarves are made. Keep trekking for a few more hours (you've got this!) before stopping in the next village for the night. Along the way, you might get the chance to stop at Mae Tang River to learn to fish using local tools or build a raft using bamboo.

Included Experiences

• Hilltribe Trek Day 2: After breakfast, trek 3.5-4 hrs to reach the lunch stop. Take in the beautiful scenery along the way. Enjoy lunch before carrying on another hour or so to the Karen village of Ban Pa Khao Lam.

After breakfast, leave the village by bamboo raft and get a closer look at other villages along the way. Meet the van after lunch and head back to Chiang Mai, a foodie's paradise. Try the city's most famous dishes like khao soi (noodles in curry broth) and sai oua (northern Thai sausage) and get ready for your big night out. Venture to the best bar in town to cheers to a completed trek and life-changing adventures!

Included Experiences

• Bamboo Rafting to Lahu Village: Board the traditional bamboo raft for a leisurely ride down the Mae Tang River. Reach the Lahu hill tribe village near Ban Pong Ngan. Enjoy a visit with the locals here and learn about the life and unique culture of the Lahu tribe.
• Lahu Village Visit: Take a bamboo raft down the Mae Tan River for one hour journey to a Lahu village to witness a lifestyle that dates hundreds of years.
• Bamboo Rafting to Shan Village: Board a traditional bamboo raft and enjoy a ride through some small rapids on the Mae Tang River.
• Pickup Truck: Hop into the back and ride along to the next destination.
• Chiang Mai Celebration: Tonight's the night to celebrate all the wild and humbling adventures you've just shared with new friends. Head out into the city and reminisce the night away!

Make the most of Chiang Mai with more free time, where you can go shopping in the market, get a Thai massage, or explore any of the many temples. Or, hey, you could always go back for another taste of khao soi curry. Tonight, catch up on sleep during an overnight train and wake up in Bangkok.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Enjoy a final day to check out Chiang Mai.
• Basic Overnight Train (beds): Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.

Optional Experiences

• Doi Suthep Temple Visit: Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a golden Buddhist temple outside of Chiang Mai on the Mt Doi Suthep. Climb 300 steps to reach the temple and be rewarded with an unforgettable view. Admire the many Buddhist relics at this sacred temple and visit the white elephant shrine. Legend has it that the location of the temple was chosen after a white elephant carried a relic to the mountain and trumpeted three times before dying on the spot. Also, with a little luck, you may witness the chanting of the monks.
• Cooking Class: Pick out the best ingredients at a local market and learn how to make delicious Thai dishes.
• Chiang Mai Cycling Tour: This Chiang Mai half-day ride takes you on a memorable tour of the countryside's most interesting sights. You'll go beyond the city to see local Buddhist temples, markets, organic farms, rice paddy fields and more. Get a sense of how the locals live, stop when you want for photos, and check out the nature along the city's main river, the Ping.
• Massage: Lay back and soothe aching muscles with a famous local massage. Affordable and amazing, don't miss out.
• Chiang Mai City Tour: Enjoy a tour of spectacular Chiang Mai, a delightful city surrounded by rolling hills and filled with impressive architecture. Explore the great cafes, shops and accommodations of the old city; an important Buddhist centre since the 14th century, it is home to more than 300 temples. Many visitors come here to attend meditation retreats, massage classes or yoga lessons.

Get out and explore this fantastic city where there is endless sightseeing to be done.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Get out and explore bustling Bangkok.

Optional Experiences

• Grand Palace Visit: Visit the King’s official residence (made up of many buildings, halls, lawns, gardens, and courtyards) on the banks of the Chao Phraya River and see the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Please note the cost of this optional activity does not include the entrance fee.
• Wat Po Guided Tour: Immerse yourself in Thai Buddhist culture and visit the famous giant 46m (151ft) reclining Buddha, covered in gold leaf. Relax with a traditional Thai massage at the country’s leading school of massage at Wat Po.
• Jim Thompson's House Visit: Tour the Jim Thompson House, a Bangkok museum that was once the home of American businessman Jim Thompson, the “Legendary American of Thailand.” See his collection of Buddhist and secular art, amassed while building his silk company.
• Klong Riverboat Tour: Travel by longtail boat on the busy Chao Phraya River and through the small canals of western Bangkok's Thonburi district. Observe colourful scenes of everyday life along the river banks.
• National Museum Visit: See Thai artifacts on display from the Dvaravati, Srivijaya, Sukhothai and Ayutthaya periods as well as other Southeast Asian collections. Please note the cost of this optional activity does not include the entrance fee.
• Massage: Lay back and soothe aching muscles with a famous local massage. Affordable and amazing, don't miss out.

Get on first-name basis with Thailand's capital city by bike with an optional bike tour. Today, you can check out Wat Pho and the Grand Palace, go for a street food crawl, relax with a Thai massage, or explore the klongs (canals) by boat before boarding the overnight train.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Get out and explore Thailand's capital city.
• Basic Overnight Train (beds): Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.

Optional Experiences

• Grand Palace Visit: Visit the King’s official residence (made up of many buildings, halls, lawns, gardens, and courtyards) on the banks of the Chao Phraya River and see the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Please note the cost of this optional activity does not include the entrance fee.
• Wat Po Visit: This temple is known for its reclining Buddha, its feet covered with mother-of-pearl engravings of Buddhist symbols. Explore the large grounds and other compounds to see other Buddha figures, murals and the chedis that contain the ashes of Buddha. This is also the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
• Thai Massage: Lie back and soothe aching muscles with a wonderful Thai massage. Affordable and amazing—don't miss out! (15-30 USD per person)
• Klong Riverboat Tour: Travel by longtail boat on the busy Chao Phraya River and through the small canals of western Bangkok's Thonburi district. Observe colourful scenes of everyday life along the river banks.
• Entrance - Royal Barge Museum: Located along the Chao Phraya River, the museum is home to many ceremonial barges. The barges are only used for special occasions so this is a chance to catch a rare glimpse of their ornate decorations and symbolic features.

See southern Thai hospitality in action with breakfast at G Adventures-supported Khao Thep Pitak Community-Owned Farm & Restaurant, where you can also meet other international visitors. Later on, enjoy free time. Opt to go to Lake Cheow Lan where you can take in the views while hiking or swimming in the national park. Spend tonight falling asleep to the sweet sounds of the jungle. This area is known for its natural beauty. You know what that means: lots of chances for photos.

Included Experiences

• Local Bus: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
• Free Time: Get out and explore the natural beauty of the area.
• Kao Thep Pitak Community-Owned Farm & Meal: Indulge in traditional Southern Thai cuisine prepared by members of Kao Thep Pitak village. Your meal will be made with ingredients picked from local organic farms and a fruit orchard on the property. Over 140 families benefit from the community-owned and managed eatery through the Kao Thep Pitak Community Ecotourism Enterprise, supported by Planeterra and G Adventures.

Optional Experiences

• Tubing: Grab a tube and enjoy how the locals like to beat the heat - by floating down the river!

Your next stop is just a ferry ride away. Today, explore Ko Samui Island's beauty by catching the sunset at Chaweng Beach before eating your weight in street food at the night market. For your big night out, you'll celebrate life-changing adventures and dance the night away.

Included Experiences

• Ferry: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
• Free Time: Head to the beach to splash around or relax in the sand.
• Koh Samui: Head to the beach and immerse yourself in Koh Samui's nightlife paradise. Cheers to all the amazing adventures you've already shared with newfound friends, then see where the night takes you!

Optional Experiences

• Cooking Class: Learn about local ingredients and then use them to make some healthy traditional Thai dishes.
• Ko Samui Boat Tour: Take in the beauty of the island from the water, passing the magnificent Big Buddha Temple among other many other sights. Visit Swallows Nest Island and Green Peace island, where you can opt to snorkel or relax on the shore.
• Koh Samui Island Tour: Visit the iconic sites of the Big Buddha Temple and the intricately designed Chinese temple. Then take a trip to the south coast of the island to see the unusual and amusing Grandmother and Grandfather rock before taking in the more scenic views from the island view point, visiting majestic waterfalls along the way.
• Water Skiing: Experience the thrill of water skiing and glide on water as you are pulled along by a motorboat.
• Stand Up Paddleboarding at Koh Samui: Glide your way along Ko Samui's coastline on a stand-up paddleboard. The water in this area is generally calm and always warm, you'll be tempted to jump off for a swim.

Take a scenic day trip to pristine Ang Thong National Marine Park. As a protected nature area consisting of over 40 islands, the views here are unforgettable — perfect for making friends back home jealous. Try to spot all the different kinds of marine life and explore above the water by foot or below the water by snorkel. Be forewarned: it might take you all day to take in all this beauty.

Included Experiences

• Angthong National Marine Park Visit: Ang Thong National Marine Park is a protected nature area consisting of over 40 islands. All of the islands are uninhabited and undeveloped except for one. This full-day leisure excursion through the astonishing archipelago offers many different experiences including hiking, snorkeling by the beach, and sightseeing.

Gear up for a long day of travel. Ferry back to the mainland and continue by private vehicle to cross the border into Malaysia and on to George Town, Penang.

Included Experiences

• Ferry: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
• Border Crossing (Thailand - Malaysia): Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.

Get a full day in Penang. Explore the busy streets and check out the colourful famous street art. Trust us: they make for a great backdrop!

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Get in touch with nature or walk around a museum and learn more about the history of Malaysia.

Optional Experiences

• Indian Street Visit: Enjoy a visit to charming Little India, which consists of three streets: Lebuh Chulia, Lebuh Queen, and Jalan Pasar. Purchase colourful Indian fashion, eat spicy food, and listen to beautiful Indian melodies for a taste of India in Malaysia.
• Penang Hill Visit: Visit this colonial hill station for a great escape from the city’s heat and beautiful views of Georgetown from one of its seven hills. The highest is Western Hill, which stands at 833m (2,723ft) above sea level. Discover tropical plants, like the carnivorous pitcher plant, and catch a glimpse of the dusky leaf monkeys or the greater racket-tailed drongo, which is a local bird.
• Clan Jetties Excursion: Experience real-life history visiting the clan jetties. More than 100 years ago, the Chinese community started building stilt houses along the waterfront, clustered into clan villages that still exist today. Most of these houses are in the Chew Jetty area.
• Kek Lok Si Temple Visit: This three-tiered hilltop Buddhist temple, the country’s largest, is affectionately known as the Temple of Supreme Bliss. Its main attraction is the Ten Thousand Buddhas Pagoda, and the pavilion of the Four Heavenly Kings – each said to control a compass point. An enormous statue of the Goddess of Mercy is found on the hilltop as well as more gardens and temples.
• Khoo Kongsi Visit: Visit one of the grandest clan houses in Malaysia, built by the Chinese Khoo Kongsi clan more than 100 years ago it operated much like a self-governing village. As a sign of wealth, the house was built in an ornate fashion with elaborate Chinese architecture.
• Penang Peranakan Museum Visit: Learn about the Peranakans (also known as the Babas and Nyonyas), the Chinese community that made their home in the Straits Settlements and developed unique customs that incorporated Malay and British influences in their cuisine and language. Tour the museum, a recreated home of a rich Baba, to see displays of more than 1,000 antique pieces and architectural design – of special note is the staircase, dining room, and parlour.

Learn about local culture (especially how to properly tie a sarong!) at this island homestay, nestled in the middle of a beautiful lake. Tonight, relax as you take in the scenery and connect with the family that runs this homestay.

Included Experiences

• Chenderoh Lake Homestay: Experience all the charm of a traditional “kampung” or village at this quaint homestay. Made up of repurposed old wooden homes, this lakeside retreat offers picturesque scenery and the opportunity to interact with locals. Opt to trek, kayak, fish, or just kick back and relax in a hammock.

Enjoy slightly cooler temperatures in the Cameron Highlands. Here, explore the well-marked trails through the lush tropical forest, visit a tea plantation, or search for the rafflesia: the world's largest flower.

Included Experiences

• Orientation With CEO: Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
• Free Time: Use free time to enjoy and explore this mountainous region.

Optional Experiences

• Rainforest Expedition: Enjoy exotic flora and fauna during the Rainforest Expedition, which includes seeing the Rafflesia, the world's largest flower (depending on season). Also, visit an aboriginal village and see a blow pipe hunting demonstration. Go on a 1-2 hr jungle trek. Enjoy a waterfall swim and visits to a tea plantation and a reptile farm.

Today is yours to take on. Walk around and explore, but don't skip trying the national dish of Malaysia, nasi lemak — a traditional rice dish made with coconut milk and pandan leaf. Once the sun sets, see another side to the city as you stop by the famous Petronas Towers (which light up at night) before checking out the local nightlife.

Included Experiences

• Local Bus: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
• Free Time: Get out and explore bustling Kuala Lumpur.

Optional Experiences

• Islamic Arts Museum: Tour this museum to see thousands of artifacts and art objects ranging from jewellery and armour to ceramics and ancient Islamic glassware. The museum is home to a number of galleries: Quran and Manuscripts Gallery, Islamic Architecture Gallery, India Gallery, Chinese Gallery, Ancient Malay World Gallery as well as the Ottoman Syrian Room.
• Petronas Towers Visit: Take in breathtaking views of Kuala Lumpur on this visit to the Petronas Towers. Called Malaysia’s jewel, the 88-storey twin structure has the world’s highest two-storey bridge offering a stunning view of the city from 170m (558ft) high.
• Orang Asli Museum Visit: A heritage museum showing the history and customs of the country’s indigenous peoples, the Orang Asli, through photo displays, maps, clothing, hunting tools, musical instruments and story telling.
• Batu Caves Visit: This series of 400-million year old limestone caves and cave temples are the most popular Hindu shrines outside India and the focal point of the Thaipusam festival in Malaysia.

You've got the whole day for exploring. Head out of town to visit the famous Batu Caves or the Orang Alsi Museum. Later tonight, head to some rooftop bars for drinks and dancing, or stop by the night market and find some flavours you never knew existed. Built in 1928 as a fresh market for locals, and revamped in the 1980s as an outlet for all Malaysian handicrafts, the night market is a local institution. Make sure you don't miss it.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Free time to explore the city or landmarks nearby like the Batu Caves.

Optional Experiences

• Islamic Arts Museum: Tour this museum to see thousands of artifacts and art objects ranging from jewellery and armour to ceramics and ancient Islamic glassware. The museum is home to a number of galleries: Quran and Manuscripts Gallery, Islamic Architecture Gallery, India Gallery, Chinese Gallery, Ancient Malay World Gallery as well as the Ottoman Syrian Room.
• Petronas Towers Visit: Take in breathtaking views of Kuala Lumpur on this visit to the Petronas Towers. Called Malaysia’s jewel, the 88-storey twin structure has the world’s highest two-storey bridge offering a stunning view of the city from 170m (558ft) high.
• Orang Asli Museum Visit: A heritage museum showing the history and customs of the country’s indigenous peoples, the Orang Asli, through photo displays, maps, clothing, hunting tools, musical instruments and story telling.
• Menara KL Tower: Standing at 421 metres high, the Menara Tower is a prominent structure in Kuala Lumpur's skyline and the Islamic heritage of the city is reflected in it's architecture. Visit this iconic Malaysian landmark for panoramic views of the city.
• Batu Caves Visit: This series of 400-million year old limestone caves and cave temples are the most popular Hindu shrines outside India and the focal point of the Thaipusam festival in Malaysia.

Today is your day to take on the canals by boat, and see a different side of this old port town. Maybe stop for some famous chicken rice at Kedai Kopi Chung Wah in Chinatown. Locals love it here; they often line up for hours to get a taste. The streets of Chinatown (also known as Jonker Walk) are also lined with Peranakan (Straits Chinese) shophouses offering their traditional cuisine, Nyonya. Explore the many temples, churches, mosques, museums, and forts. Visit the old port town of Melaka, wander the narrow streets and absorb the atmosphere of this historically important town. The streets of Chinatown are lined with Peranakan (Straits Chinese) shophouses offering their traditional cuisine, Nyonya. There are temples, churches and mosques, museums and forts to explore.

Included Experiences

• Local Bus: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
• Free Time: After arriving in Melaka, spend free time exploring on foot or by boat.

Optional Experiences

• Melaka Boat Tour: Sit back, relax, and enjoy the rejuvenated riverfront with new muralled buildings and significant historical landmarks and bridges. Float by a traditional Malay village, the Ghost Bridge of Melaka, Kampung Jawa, and the Clock Tower.

Head to Singapore today, where you can use your free time to see that famous skyline by boat or eat so much street food, you can barely walk. For a peek into the city-state's past life, wander the old streets of Little India and Chinatown.

Included Experiences

• Local Bus: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
• Border Crossing (Malaysia - Singapore): Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
• Free Time: Free time to see wildlife on a safari or get a taste of Singapore at some of the many hawker stands.

Optional Experiences

• Boat Quay Harbour Tour: Tour Quay Harbour, once a busy trade port, many of the historic two and three-storey shops and godowns along the riverbank were restored in the 1990s and transformed into bars, retail stores and restaurants.

Today, it’s time to say goodbye to your group of newfound friends. Be sure to sneak in some last-minute photos and cheers before you head on your way.