The Best Private Trips to Book in Southeast Asia

Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue and Hoi An… it’s all about the Hs on our 12-day epic in Vietnam. We’ll start in the bustling streets of Hanoi, where you’ll dine on street food and discover incredible temples, mausoleums and old quarters. Then it’s out into the countryside of Mai Chau, where you’ll be treated to a truly unique farm day experience with a local White Thai community. Having spent the night at a cosy homestay you’ll hike through the countryside and take a bamboo-weaving class, before hopping on a luxury overnight cruise to Ti Top Island. After going squid fishing and visiting a pearl farm, you’ll finally reach the splendid scenery of Halong Bay. We’ll get back to the city with a street food tour and cooking class in gorgeous old Hue, before rounding off the trip in Hoi An, an atmospheric and diverse coastal town.

The southern regions of Thailand are totally different to the north. Here it’s all about bays, beaches and secret islands, which you’ll get to explore above and below water on this 11-day tropical retreat. On Khao Sok Lake you’ll stay in a floating raft house, spot exotic birds on a longtail boat safari and kayak through mangrove forests and limestone karsts. Then it’s off to Hong Island to snorkel with tropical fish, before a sunset cruise around Chicken Island, capped off with a delicious Thai barbecue. Things really get relaxing on the island of Koh Yao Yai, where we’ll stay at a luxurious beach resort. Swim in the infinity pool, book a Thai massage and chill on the beach, or visit local lobster farms, rubber plantations and an inflatable water park, before we return to Phuket for a farewell dinner with your group.

How does 12 days in paradise sound? That’s what you can have with our Bali itinerary, which beautifully encapsulates the island’s unique ability to combine outdoor adventure with relaxation and authentic local culture. We’ll start with the latter, creating a traditional Balinese offering to place in a sacred temple, before embarking on a hike through rural villages and rice paddies. You’ll have a yoga class and a cooking class, swim in jungle waterfalls and visit Lempuyang Temple. You’ll even hike an actual volcano, Mount Batur, at sunrise for stunning views of the island. Then it’s time to relax with an escape to the tiny island of Gili Trawangan, where a luxurious beach resort awaits. Snorkel with sea turtles, chill on the beach and book yourself a massage, before we return to Bali to round off the trip with a traditional Balinese blessing ceremony.

Ever thought about exploring Southeast Asia by train? Probably not. Well, this two-week Rail Trip blends two of the region’s most beautiful countries thanks to the joys of train travel. You’ll explore the ancient ruins of Sukhothai and take an authentic Thai cooking class, before heading out to the jungle to walk with elephants, go bamboo rafting and glamping. Then it’s across the border to Laos, where we’ll briefly swap train tracks for the Mekong river on a boat cruise. Visit rural villages, ancient caves and a world famous waterfall in the wilds of Laos before taking a high-speed train to Vang Vieng. Explore the Nam Song river by kayak before returning to Thailand and taking the sleeper train to Bangkok, where your group can end the trip with a guided tour of the city and a delicious farewell dinner.