Trails of Indochina has been the leading expert in tailor-made travel to Southeast Asia since 1999. Our professionally curated journeys reflect our depth of experience and creativity. Our extensive insight into the region allows us to deliver an exceptional, authentic experience that connects travellers to the local people for a deeper understanding of the culture and history.
Trails of Indochina is proud to share our signature Tailored Experiences offering exclusive access to unique cultural experiences and special interests. They range from half-day to full-day programmes and can be incorporated into any customised itinerary for a more meaningful and enriching travel experience.
Discover the electric energy of Bangkok after dark on a journey through the area’s hidden bars and stylish cocktail dens. Glide through the buzzing streets of Bangkok’s Chinatown aboard a boutique electric tuk-tuk, moving almost silently past neon signs and street food stalls, to a rooftop lounge tucked away in the heart of the neighbourhood. Savour expertly crafted cocktails in a setting where contemporary design meets speakeasy-inspired charm.
Continue on to a selected hideaway for a further round of well-balanced drinks, from smoky whiskey blends to Thai-inspired creations, prepared by skilled mixologists. Conclude at a venue inspired by the elegance of old Shanghai, where vintage décor, soft jazz, and staff in classic attire create a memorable final stop before returning to your hotel.
Duration: 3.5 hrs
Step into the sanctuary of Ryodaishi, a Japanese Esoteric Buddhist temple, and you may find yourself enveloped in monks’ chanting, ringing bells, singing bowls, the sharp scent of incense, and the mesmerising crackle of a sacred blaze. This is the Goma Fire Ritual, or Homa, a thousand-year-old purification ceremony practised chiefly by the Shingon and Tendai sects. Begin with the simple, time-honoured gestures of purification, washing your hands at the stone fountain and letting the incense smoke clear your mind, before stepping into the main hall, where monks kindle a sacred flame said to burn away worldly cares. Offer a personalised wooden charm of your own for good health or safe travels, then move from fire to stillness with a guided Zazen meditation, the seated practice at the heart of Zen Buddhism, which strips away visualisation and mantra to leave only the essentials: your breath, your posture, and the present moment. Together, the two traditions offer a rare, complete reset for both mind and spirit. The visit closes with a hand-stamped goshuin, a small paper keepsake carrying home a little of the temple’s quiet peace.
Duration: 2hrs
Discover Kirimanon, a small Khmer village at the heart of the Angkor Archaeological Park, a peaceful haven of sandy tracks and sugar palm trees, home to descendants of Angkor’s builders. Begin your journey immersing yourself in the traditional Cambodian way of life: meet the warm and welcoming villagers, learn about their culture and customs, and join them in daily activities such as farming, fishing, weaving, or cooking.
After experiencing village life, hop on your bike and cycle eastward along red dirt paths for 8 km until you reach Chao Srey Vibal Temple, a striking hilltop temple that once formed part of a much larger complex covering the entire hill. Unlike Angkor’s more popular sites, this one remains quiet and serene, making it a perfect spot to watch the sunset. Its central sanctuary lies in ruins, beautifully contrasted by an early-20th-century wat nearby, while laterite walls with small entrance halls around the base of the hill hint at the scale and importance the temple once held. Explore the ruins and take in sweeping views of the surrounding countryside.
Duration: 4hrs
Luang Prabang’s architecture tells the story of two worlds meeting on the same street: classical Lao temples, with their low, tiered roofs and gilded facades, best exemplified by 16th-century Wat Xieng Thong, and colonial-era shophouses and villas left from the French protectorate, when the town served as the royal capital under French rule.
Experience this heritage firsthand on a sketchwalk with Paul Bloxham, a British artist who has spent over two decades sketching Luang Prabang’s architecture and daily life, with work shown as far afield as London’s Royal Watercolour Society. Guests are guided to a location hand-picked on the day, whether a temple courtyard, a riverside bend along the Mekong, or a quiet colonial lane, where Paul shares simple techniques suited to any skill level. As the sketch takes shape, so does a quieter, more personal read of the town: its light, its rhythms, its passing monks and residents. By the session’s end, guests carry home more than a sketch; they take a felt sense of Luang Prabang itself.
Duration: 4hrs
Immerse yourself in authentic Lanna village life, still preserving the traditions of the ancient Lanna Kingdom that shaped Chiang Mai’s unique identity. Ride a classic Red Songtaew, Chiang Mai’s iconic bright-red open-air shared pickup truck, to visit a local family for a hands-on workshop learning Lanna drumming and the graceful Fon Choeng and Fon Dab sword dances, culminating the day with a fun mini-performance with friends and host family.
Duration: 7hrs
Trace a path through 2,000 years of history on the Yamanobe-no-michi, Japan’s oldest road, hidden in the peaceful countryside of Nara. This timeless route offers an intimate and unhurried encounter with rural Japanese life. Accompanied by an expert local guide, guests walk a selected section of the trail, uncovering the stories, folklore and spiritual significance woven into the landscape along the way. Passing through peaceful farmland and quiet villages before visiting Omiwa Shrine, one of Japan’s most ancient and revered places of worship, where the sacred Mount Miwa itself serves as the shintai. This gentle walk unveils a hidden gem of Nara, beyond its famous park and sacred deer.
Duration: 3hrs
China is famous for Kung Fu — a living discipline rooted in thousands of years of history that weaves together strength, balance, mindfulness, and philosophy, reflecting the deep cultural soul of the nation. As dawn breaks over Xi’an, join an early morning Kung Fu session with a local master on the Ancient City Wall. Under expert guidance, move through fundamental techniques while absorbing the principles of harmony, focus, and inner energy that have defined this revered practice for generations. Take home the basic movements to carry the practice into your everyday life. This experience is a profound connection to the enduring spirit of ancient China.
Duration: 1 hr
Ho Chi Minh City is known for its endless energy, buzzing streets, and millions of motorbikes, yet hidden within the heart of Saigon are peaceful corners that feel worlds away from the city’s fast pace. Hop on an e-Moto and journey through narrow back lanes and local neighbourhoods rarely explored by visitors. Cross the river by ferry to discover a hidden peninsula where lotus ponds, open fields, and village-like scenery quietly exist alongside the modern city. Along the way, interact with market vendors and local residents for an authentic glimpse into everyday Saigon life. Return to the city centre aboard a waterbus along the Saigon River, revealing a greener, calmer, and more authentic side of Saigon known mostly to locals.
Duration: 5 hrs 30 min
Step beyond the bustling streets of Hanoi and discover of Ho Khau Ancient Village through an authentic cultural experience with a local family. Guided by your welcoming host, wander through centuries-old communal houses and an iconic ancient gate that beautifully preserve the spirit of old Hanoi amid the city’s vibrant modern energy. Explore a lively local market to handpick fresh ingredients before returning to your host family’s home for a hands-on cooking experience. Learn traditional recipes, share stories about daily life and local customs, and enjoy a home-cooked Vietnamese meal together in a warm family setting.
This immersive journey offers a rare glimpse into the living heritage of Hanoi, blending meaningful cultural connections, authentic flavors, and the enduring beauty of Vietnam’s ancient village traditions.
Duration: 5 hours
Phở, Vietnam’s iconic masterpiece, embodies the soul and sophistication of the nation’s culinary heritage. This meticulously curated journey invites discerning guests to explore its storied origins, exquisite regional interpretations, and the refined harmony of fragrant broth, rare spices, and carefully selected traditional condiments. Guests will savour a guided tasting of six distinctive Phở variations, masterfully prepared by certified Vietnamese chefs to reveal the subtle nuances in flavour and artistry. The experience continues with an exclusive visit to a dedicated Phở Museum, followed by the crowning moment: a premium bowl of Phở served in an elegant, intimate setting — an unforgettable sensory celebration of Vietnam’s most treasured culinary legacy.
Duration: 3-4 hrs
Step into the refined charm of Phuket Old Town, where culture and cuisine intertwine on an elegantly curated journey. From the vibrant energy of Ranong Main Market, discover the essential flavors of Southern Thai and Peranakan cuisine, before retreating to a hidden Burmese tea salon and a celebrated artisanal roti atelier for exclusive tastings. Drift through the historic streets of Thalang Road and Soi Romanee, where beautifully preserved Sino-Portuguese architecture tells stories of a bygone era, then pause to enjoy a leisurely lunch highlighting Phuket’s distinctive culinary heritage. Your exploration continues with privileged access to the island’s past at Baan Chinpracha and the Thai Hua Museum, alongside a photo stop at the stately Blue Elephant Mansion, before concluding with relaxed time to browse boutique galleries and stylish cafés, and a comfortable return to your hotel.
Duration: 7-8 hrs
Tabanan, a regency in southwestern Bali known as the island’s “rice bowl,” is famed for its emerald rice terraces, rolling hills, and timeless villages that embody Bali’s rural charm. In the heart of this serene region, visit a local Balinese family and immerse yourself in the island’s traditions, spirituality, and natural beauty. Wander through lush gardens, picking coconuts, papayas, and mangosteens fresh from the trees, and learn to craft intricate offerings from coconut leaves and flowers. Enjoy a wholesome vegetarian lunch prepared with organic produce before visiting Septa Ganga (Tamba Waras), a sacred temple renowned for its healing waters. Join a water purification ritual and offer prayers for balance and well-being—a heartfelt glimpse into the soul of Bali.
Delve into Vietnam’s centuries-old healing traditions on this sensory and spiritual journey. Wander Hanoi’s herbal medicine street, where fragrant dried herbs spill from apothecaries that have served generations. Learn about the legendary physician Le Huu Trac, who documented hundreds of native plants and crafted remedies deeply attuned to Vietnam’s climate and way of life. Continue to the historic Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, a sanctuary preserving the rituals and philosophies of Oriental medicine. Then, shift into the tranquil rhythm of tea with artisan Hoang Anh Suong, a sixth-generation tea master. Guided by the mindfulness teachings of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, discover how tea becomes meditation—an art of presence, reflection, and healing. Savor lotus and red teas to complete this soulful experience.
Vietnamese cuisine is unique in Southeast Asia for its many influences, including the Chinese who ruled parts of Vietnam for a thousand years and the French who occupied Vietnam close to a century. Participate in an engaging half-day cooking class highlighting the bold, fresh flavours of southern Vietnamese cuisine at the exclusive former residence of US Ambassador Henry Cabot Lodge Jr. Begin with a trip to Ben Thanh, Saigon’s iconic market. Its central location and volume of shoppers means it has some of the city’s freshest ingredients. At the villa, learn more about this historic home with a tour and a short video, and enjoy a private, hands-on cooking demonstration, with tips on presentation and chopstick usage before savouring your culinary creation.
Duration: 3hrs
Stretching almost 400km from central Thailand down to the Gulf of Thailand, the mighty Chao Phraya River commands a place in Bangkok’s sprawling landscape. Board a lovingly restored rice barge on a luxury evening cruise along the River of Kings.
Sail past beguiling temples and modern skyscrapers, with chic boutiques standing side by side with 100-year-old shops selling congee and roast duck. Best of all, you will be accompanied by a Thai historian who will breathe life into the story of how the Chao Phraya has helped shape the City of Angels, along with its role in the development of Thai heritage, culture and economics. Enjoy a feast of Royal Thai cuisine, backed against a hypnotic parade of ferries, barges and steamboats gliding by in the magical evening hours.
Duration: 3.5hrs
The mysterious disappearance of Jim Thompson in 1967 continues to captivate the imagination of many. While much is known about the American businessman who helped revitalise the Thai silk industry in the 1950s on the way to becoming a global silk brand today, very few know about the other half of his legacy.
Upon discovering a community of skilled weavers of Cham descent living across the canal from his Bangkok home, Jim Thompson decided to build his company right next to the community and hired the weavers to produce his prized silk. Visit the last of his original weavers who still produce silk and listen to their fascinating childhood stories of when they watched Jim Thompson cross over to their homes every morning to visit his weavers and their families.
Duration: 6hrs
Casual visitors to Cambodia may not readily see signs of the tragedy brought on by the Pol Pot Regime more than 40 years ago, but underneath Cambodia’s friendly veneer, the wounds still run deep. Gain a personal perspective of this tragic event by spending some time with a local family who lived through those tumultuous years. Meet a former soldier who was in his 20s when Pol Pot came to power. Learn about his life before the Khmer Rouge, working with the French to restore the Angkorian temples, and hear stories from his time as a soldier fighting against the regime. Over tea and local sweets with his family, listen as he recounts his strikingly real personal narrative filled with incredible highs and devastating lows, marked by adversity, survival and hope.
Duration: 2hrs
Recent democratic reforms in Myanmar have spurred the growth of its contemporary art scene, particularly in Yangon where private galleries represent a diverse range of artists experimenting with different subjects and art forms.
Visit the home gallery of a Yangon resident artist, considered one of Myanmar’s masters of watercolour paintings, well-known for depicting Buddhist monastic life and the detailed temple architecture of Bagan. View his latest paintings in progress and listen as the soft-spoken artist shares stories of his humble beginnings and how the country’s fascinating political events as well as his own personal experiences have influenced his work. Afterwards, the artist will accompany you to visit a couple of his favorite art galleries.
Duration: 2-3hrs
The literacy rate of Laos falls short of most of its Southeast Asian neighbours at just over 70% and is often even lower in rural areas where children must walk long distances to reach the nearest school. Other factors that add to the problem include poor-quality classrooms, limited teacher training and a dearth of appropriate reading materials.
To help combat the issue, the Luang Prabang Public Library, in tandem with Cooperative Learning International, aims to bring books into the hands of children through its Lao Children’s Library Boats and Tuk-Tuk Library. Join the mobile library for an inspiring morning of visiting a village school with books, games and learning activities. See how hygiene is promoted through songs, stories and drama and help distribute a health bag containing soap, a toothbrush and other personal items or a learning bag with exercise books and pencils to the children.
Duration: 4-5hrs
Meaningful Experiences with Local Connections
Trails of Indochina’s handcrafted itineraries take guests on a journey to the heart of the destination, connecting travellers with the local people and culture.
Explore some of our exciting handcrafted sample itineraries for ideas and inspiration for your customised journey to Southeast Asia.
Luang Prabang – Vientiane – Hue – Hoi An – Bach Ma – Hoi An – Siem Reap
Guided by local experts, experience prolific natural wonders, historic sites and cultural experiences on our extensive ‘cross border’ odyssey through old Indochina – Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia – and some of their enchanting destinations.
Guided by local experts, experience prolific natural wonders, historic sites and cultural experiences on our extensive ‘cross border’ odyssey through old Indochina – Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia – and some of their enchanting destinations.
Guided by local experts, experience prolific natural wonders, historic sites and cultural experiences on our extensive ‘cross border’ odyssey through old Indochina – Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia – and some of their enchanting destinations.
Hanoi – Lan Ha Bay – Hoi An – Saigon – Ho Tram
Vietnam has quietly become one of Asia's finest golf destinations, its fairways shaped by names like Greg Norman and Nick Faldo across Da Nang, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Play championship courses, savour three distinct regional cuisines, cruise Lan Ha Bay's limestone karsts aboard a private balcony suite, wander the lantern-lit lanes of Hoi An's ancient port, and unwind on some of the region's finest beaches.
Bangkok – Phuket – Koh Yao Noi
Play four championship courses, from Alpine's rolling greens to Blue Canyon's dramatic canyon landscapes. Tee off across Bangkok's most storied fairways before island-hopping to the turquoise hush of the Andaman Sea, including the untouched shores of Koh Yao Noi, James Bond Island, Hong Island's sea caves and the stilted village of Koh Panyi.
Phnom Penh – Siem Reap – Koh Rong
Tee off amid the ancient wonders of Angkor and the timeless charm of Phnom Penh. Play three of Cambodia's finest courses, from Nick Faldo's Angkor-inspired fairways to Phokeethra's palm-lined greens. Wander UNESCO-listed temples, chase a tuk-tuk food crawl through the capital's back streets, race across paddy fields at sunset by quad bike, and trade the clubhouse for Koh Rong's turquoise shallows. An enriching blend of golf, culture and coastal calm across Cambodia.
Guilin - Yangshuo - Namning - Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Phong Nha - Hue - Hoi An - Phu Yen - Phan Thiet - Ho Chi Minh city
An unhurried journey from Southern China to Southern Vietnam, by train. Begin in Guilin, where hidden gems have been immortalised for centuries in Chinese ink paintings, then experience the Vietnam–China international train, crossing the border overland into Vietnam, for an enriching journey through nature, culture and heritage along Vietnam's long and beautiful coastline aboard the SJourney luxury train.
Kathmandu - Manakamana - Chitwan - Paro - Thimphu - Punakha
Nepal and Bhutan offer two distinct yet complementary Himalayan experiences — Nepal's vast wilderness and dramatic peaks contrasting with Bhutan's exclusive, sustainably managed mountain sanctuaries. This 12-day active journey weaves both worlds together through soft adventure, wildlife encounters, and spiritual discovery.
Seoul - Tokyo - Kanazawa - Kyoto - Osaka
South Korea and Japan draw global travelers with food cultures that feel both rooted and alive—from Korea’s bustling street food to Japan’s refined, Michelin-recognized dining. This gastronomy journey is a rare immersion into the artistry, heritage, and rituals that define the cuisine of these two countries at its most authentic and elevated.
Paro - Bumthang - Gangtey - Punakha - Thimphu
Discover Bhutan’s remote valleys and explore how communities preserve their cultural heritage through faith, traditional crafts, and local practices. Learn about the country’s guiding philosophy of Gross National Happiness and its impact on daily life. Gain insight into spiritual customs, folk healing, and the crafts that define Bhutan’s unique cultural identity.
Taipei - Hualien - Taitung - Okinawa
Embark on a restorative journey through Taiwan and Japan. Practice meditation with monks in Taiwan’s mountain forests and along its quiet shores, and learn how these spiritual customs foster inner balance. In Japan’s Ogimi Village, explore the principles of healthy aging through daily rituals and community connection that support a purposeful life.
Yangon – Mandalay – Inle Lake – Pindaya – Bagan
Discover the handicraft traditions of Myanmar and learn about crafts unique to the country. Gain insight into ‘Pan Sel Myo’, the ten religious traditional arts, and meet with contemporary artists for a personal perspective of the thriving art scene.
Siem Reap – Kratie – Phnom Penh
Amazing nature, ancient sites and Khmer traditions make Cambodia an ideal destination for all the family to enjoy unique educational and fun activities.
Siem Reap
Siem Reap is a haven for photography enthusiasts, offering iconic sights like Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, and Bayon Temple. Beyond the temples, explore vibrant local markets, capture the rhythms of life in Khmer villages, and immerse yourself in the beauty of Tonle Sap Lake.
Chiang Rai – Chiang Khong/Huay Xai Border – Pakbeng – Luang Prabang
Our adventurous cross-border journey takes intrepid travellers deep into the spectacular mountainous countryside of Northern Thailand and Northern Laos. This enthralling itinerary features several days cruising along the mighty Mekong River and engaging in authentic cultural experiences
For more information or to start planning your trip, contact us or your travel agent.
