South East Asia Holidays

It’s hard to think of a more enduring souvenir of a visit to Vietnam than being able to make some of its best-loved dishes back home. On this half-day culinary exploration, you’ll start at Hoi An’s lively market, with its heady sights, sounds and smells, where you’ll meet some of the stallholders and learn about the ingredients you’ll be using later. From here, it’s a scenic 25-minute boat ride along the river to the Red Bridge Cooking School - be sure to have your camera to hand. Following a tour of the school’s herb garden, you’ll hear the story behind some famous national and local dishes before the cooking begins in earnest. After a demonstration from the resident chefs, you’ll prepare dishes such as cao lau, made with yellow noodles, pork and pickled hot peppers, and mi quang, another favourite local noodle speciality, before sitting down to eat what you’ve cooked for a memorable lunch.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 8am to 1pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
The class is suitable for families with children aged 6 and above.

There are colourful hanging lanterns everywhere you look in Hoi An’s atmospheric Old Town, a picturesque legacy of the days when this once-important port attracted merchants from China and Japan. On this engaging hands-on workshop, you’ll learn about how the craft took hold here and evolved in its own unique way, gaining an insight into the region’s history and culture along the way. Then it’s time to make your own example, from choosing the shape and picking the silk to learning how to glue it all together and smooth out any creases. At the end of the class, you’ll head off on a short walk around Hoi An - carrying your precious new creation - where you’ll be able to truly appreciate the skill that has gone into making the many lanterns that dot the city. And if you’re wondering how you’re going to get your handiwork home in one piece, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s conveniently foldable.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 1.30pm to 4pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
This workshop is suitable for families with children aged 6 and above.

Hoi An is a wonderland of international influences, particularly in its delightful – and UNESCO-listed – Old Town which was once a bustling centre of trade. This guided walking tour is a great way to get your bearings and find out more about its layers of time. Highlights include a visit to a traditional house and the Hoi An Museum, a trove of local treasures collected through the ages. You’ll also visit Cau Temple, which is commonly referred to as the Japanese Covered Bridge and finish your exploratory morning with a boat trip along the Thu Bon River for a different view of the city.

• Daily departures from Hoi An or Danang
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

A glimpse of rural life provides an unbeatable insight into a country and its culture. And it gives a chance to take a break from the buzz of the city. From Hoi An or Danang, you’ll head into the countryside and cycle through the countryside to the fascinating Tra Que vegetable village, a settlement where the focus is on growing some of the highest quality produce in the region. As well as meeting farmers and hearing about their methods you’ll have the opportunity to get hands on and join in with raking, sowing, watering and tending the vegies. Following your work in the garden, you’ll be treated to a therapeutic foot bath and then help prepare lunch alongside a local family. Learn how to make a Tam Huu spring roll and Bang Xeo pancake and try a host of other Vietnamese delicacies.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 8am to 2pm
• Daily departures from Hoi An and Danang
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Good to know
The cycling distance is approximately six miles and there will be no back-up vehicle, so you need to be physically fit and mobile.

Vietnam’s former capital, which is set on the banks of the Perfume River, is a surprising city that doesn’t seem to get the same attention as Hoi An, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. This full-day exploration, available from Hoi An, Danang or Hue itself, gives you the perfect chance to uncover its charms. The tour starts off at the Minh Mang Tomb, the tranquil final resting place of a 19th-Century Nguyen Dynasty leader. Next up is the towering Thien Mu Pagoda which has seven ever-decreasing storeys, followed by a trip back along the river on a traditional dragon boat. The highlight of the day is the visit to the sprawling walled Citadel and the Imperial City, the former capital of Vietnam. The last stop of the tour is the buzzing Dong Ba market, Hue’s centre of trade.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 8am to 6pm
• Daily departures from Hoi, Danang or Hue
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Phnom Penh’s Highlights in a Day The best way to get to know a city is to immerse yourself in it, and this full-day sightseeing tour packs in all of Phnom Penh’s top attractions. Start off with a visit to the Royal Palace complex, which is a wonderful example of Khmer architecture. The stand-out feature here is the ornate Silver Pagoda, which gets its name from the five tonnes of glistening silver floor tiles – there are a whopping 5329 tiles in total. You’ll be introduced to the country's largest archaeological and cultural history collection on a trip to the National Museum, then see the ancient hilltop temple of Wat Phnom. We’ll take a break for lunch before a sobering but important visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, also known as S-21, which served as a prisoner camp during the Khmer Rouge regime, and the Killing Fields. To round off an insightful day, put your haggling skills to the test and barter for souvenirs at the Russian Market.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 8am to 6pm
• Departing daily from Phnom Penh
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
To visit the Royal Palace, you’ll be required to cover your shoulders and knees to show respect for the local culture. It’s also worth noting that the palace can be closed without prior notice if the King is in residence or an event is taking place.

Discover some of the best local food spots in town on this mouth-watering evening street food tour. Phnom Penh’s street food scene comes alive after dark, and you’ll zip around in a tuk tuk to indulge in traditional Cambodian cuisine. Ride across the city from Independence Monument to the buzzing Russian Market, where you can wander through a maze-like bazaar packed with colourful crafts and fragrant food. We’ll take you to family-run restaurants and stalls, so you can learn the story and culture behind each dish you taste, before washing it down with craft beer and cocktails at a local bar.

• Duration: evening
• Time: 6pm to 9.30pm
• Departing daily from Phnom Penh
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
Unfortunately, due to the nature of street food, this tour is not suitable for anyone with dietary requirements (including vegetarian and gluten-free diets).

Get a deeper understanding of Cambodian cuisine (and impress your friends back home) by learning to cook the Cambodian way. This immersive cooking class starts with a trip to the local market, where you’ll experience the hustle and bustle of a typical market – it’s a wonderful assault on the senses with vibrant colours, fragrant spices and the buzz of haggling. You’ll be introduced to classic Cambodian fruits, vegetables and herbs, then buy the freshest ingredients for the dishes you’ll whip up later. Back in the kitchen, an expert chef will guide you through tried-and-tested Khmer cooking techniques. With the chef's guidance, you’ll learn to prepare traditional dishes and tuck into your tasty creations for lunch.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 8am to midday
• Departing daily from Phnom Penh
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
The cooking class isn’t best suited to young children, but older children with an interest in cooking will enjoy it.

Spend a memorable evening soaking up the sunset as you cruise along the beautiful Tonlé Sap and Mekong rivers. Your journey begins at Phnom Penh’s floating pier, where you’ll set off on a gentle cruise along the Tonlé Sap and Mekong rivers. As you leave the capital behind, you’ll see people going about their daily lives, passing by fishermen who are finishing for the day and working boats cruising along the waterway. Tuck into a mouth-watering dinner on board as you drift peacefully along the water with the glistening lights of Phnom Penh in the distance. This is a special experience for couples in particular and a great addition to a honeymoon.

• Duration: evening
• Time: 5pm to 8.45pm
• Departing daily from Phnom Penh
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
Please let us know of any dietary requirements when you book.

There’s no better reason for an early start than getting to watch the sun rise over majestic Angkor Wat, and a bike tour means you’ll be able to whizz around peacefully between the incredible ancient sites of temple-studded Angkor Archaeological Park. We’ll arrive at the park at dawn, in time to watch the sun bathe Angkor Wat in golden light. The photo opportunities as the light changes are fantastic. Breakfast will give you the energy to explore Angkor Wat, jungle-clad Ta Prohm, the several sites at Angkor Thom and richly decorated Bayon Temple where 216 huge smiling faces are carved in stone.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 5am to 2pm
• Departing daily from Siem Reap
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
You’ll be required to cover your shoulders and knees at all sacred sites to show respect for the local culture. You'll have the support of a back-up vehicle during the experience and there’s the option to return to your hotel by vehicle instead of cycling.

The remarkable temples of Angkor are the ideal subjects for keen (or budding) photographers. A professional photographer will guide you around the awe-inspiring Angkor Archaeological Park and teach you the best ways to shoot the temples, using light and shadow to create beautiful images. Taking your time to capture these ancient temples means you’ll get to appreciate the ornate detail and understand the astounding amount of planning that went into creating them. Plus, you’ll have the perfect keepsakes of your time at this bucket-list location.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 8am to 2pm or 2pm to 6pm
• Departing daily from Siem Reap
• Operates year round
• Private experience\

Top off a day exploring the largest temple complex in the world with a stunning sunset cruise, complete with Champagne and canapés. We’ll take you to all the highlights of the Angkor Archaeological Park, including the iconic Bayon Temple with its 216 smiling faces, the temple of Phimeanakas, the Royal Enclosure, Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of Leper King. Tuck into a much-needed lunch to refuel before the main attraction: Angkor Wat, followed by a calm sunset cruise across the Tonlé Sap lake. This is the beating heart of Cambodia and you can watch local life unfold with a glass of Champagne in hand as you pass fishermen, working boats and floating villages. It’s the perfect end to a day of discovery.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 8am to 6pm
• Departing daily from Siem Reap
• Operates from mid-July to end of February
• Private experience

Good to know
You’ll be required to cover your shoulders and knees at all sacred sites to show respect for the local culture. The upper level of Bayon Temple is closed for renovation, but guests can still visit the lower level. Young children might find this full-day experience a little long.

Get a better understanding of Cambodian cuisine and learn to cook like a local in a gorgeous setting. The cooking class takes place in Mahob Farm’s tranquil garden, surrounded by trees, flowers and a lotus pond, just five minutes away from Angkor Wat. The farm specialises in heirloom varieties of seasonal fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes, cucumber, squash, eggplant and local lettuce. There’s a natural approach here – fresh and flavourful ingredients are grown without any synthetic fertilisers or pesticides. You’ll get to pick your own ingredients straight from the garden, before learning how to prepare some traditional dishes with your friendly expert teacher. The best bit? Tucking into your tasty creations for lunch in the farm gardens.

• Duration: 2½ hours
• Time: 10am to 12.30pm
• Departing daily from Siem Reap
• Operates year round
• Private experience

If you’re looking for something a little different from your time in Cambodia, watching the hugely successful Phare Cambodian Circus might be just the ticket. If that’s not enough, how about taking part in a pre-performance acrobat tutorial? Phare’s talented young artists are full of energy and they use theatre, music, dance and modern circus acts to tell historical, folk and modern Cambodian stories. We've included the best seats in the house, so you'll be as close to the action as it gets. If you dare, you can arrive before the performance to take part in your own acrobatic tutorial and try out some of the basic moves that make up this unique circus! Kids will be amazed by what they’re watching, so this is a firm family favourite.

• Duration: evening
• Time: 6.30pm to 9.15pm
• Departs Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from Siem Reap
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
If you’re planning to take part in the workshop, we recommend wearing comfortable loose-fitting clothes.

If you prefer to set your own sightseeing agenda, this ‘your way’ experience is the perfect choice. You’ll have the services of an English-speaking guide who will take you around the city to the places within the city limits that interest you the most. The city’s main spots are definitely worth a visit, but you could also head off the beaten track a little with help from your knowledgeable guide.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 8am to midday or 1pm to 5pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Good to know
The tour does not include tips, personal expenses and entrance fees/permits.

Supporting the communities we visit is an important part of travelling. In Cambodia, the Smiling Gecko project aims to improve the lives of people in rural regions by providing training and creating local jobs for young Cambodians in industries such as agriculture, education and hospitality. On this full-day trip out of town you’ll visit the Smiling Gecko Farmhouse and learn more about the valuable work they do on a project tour with a local guide. The tour is followed by a lunch that’s packed with traditional Khmer specialities and before returning to the city, there’ll be some time to relax by the pool and take in the calm countryside atmosphere.

• £10 of each excursion sale goes towards the foundation
• Duration: full day
• Time: 8am to 4pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Good to know
The tour does not include tips, personal expenses and drinks.

City rooftop bars are often the best address in town for an evening out. The Rosewood Hotel is the setting of Sora, Phnom Penh’s highest sky bar, which has unbeatable views of the urban skyline and the streets below as the sun dips towards the horizon. This is the perfect spot for a special occasion whether it’s a honeymoon treat, an engagement or a birthday celebration. Or just because.

• Duration: evening
• Time: 6pm to 9pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Good to know
Transport is available until 9pm; if you wish to stay at the SkyBar later than 9pm, an extra charge will be payable to the driver locally or you can use local transportation to return to your hotel. For guests over 18 years. Smart casual dress code including shoes that cover your toes.

The temples of Angkor are a of course a must-visit while in Siem Reap but there are plenty to pack in. To start, we’ll take you to the highlight spots such as the South Gate of Angkor Thom, where the entrance is watched over by the statues of Hindu Gods and Goddesses, Banyon Temple which is adorned seemingly countless carved faces, and the relatively modest Phimeanakas. Some parts of the vast temple complex have been reclaimed by nature such as the Terrace of Elephants and the iconic Ta Prohm with its moss-cloaked stonework and towering trees growing from the walls.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 8am to 6pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

A vintage 1970s-style VW Jeep tour is one of the coolest ways to explore central Bali. Jump on board this classic icon and travel to your first stop: the 1000-year-old Batuan Temple, which is a village and ancestral temple that’s cared for by the residents of Batuan. Your driver will then continue through local villages to artsy Ubud – the cultural heart of Bali and a hub of traditional crafts and dance. Highlights here include impressive Puri Saren Agung Palace, the arts market and famous monkey forest, where playful brown macaques dart around the ancient trees and ornate statues. A scenic drive through rice fields and sleepy mountain villages then awaits to reach imposing Mount Batur. The view of the volcano, caldera and Lake Batur is breathtakingly beautiful, so make sure you’ve got your camera ready. Next up is a drive down into the crater to the lava fields, where you’ll have time to wander through the unique rock formations. Lunch-with-a-view will be served on the edge of the crater before your journey continues to the tranquil and lesser-visited temple of Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu – a beautiful water temple built on a natural spring and surrounded by lotus ponds and thick forest. The final stop will be Tegallalang, where giant steps have been carved into the landscape to create lush rice terraces.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 7am to 4pm
• Departing daily from South Bali, Seminyak or Central Ubud hotels
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
We recommend bringing a light jacket or jumper and long trousers as it can get cool in the mountains. A sarong will be provided to allow you to cover up for temple visits.

Watching the sun rise from the top of Bali’s Mount Batur is an unforgettable experience. A very early start awaits as we’ll need to start the climb around 4am to make sure we reach the summit in time for sunrise. Mount Batur is a 1717-metre-high active volcano to the north west of Mount Agung. The climb will take around two hours and we’ll reach the top just as the sun rises for a magical and peaceful moment high above the island. Tuck into a well-earnt breakfast and enjoy time to soak up the panoramic views over the volcanic landscape and mountain peaks and acknowledge your achievement. You’ll then head back down to base camp, where a soothing soak in hot springs will be waiting for you. This sunrise trek would be a fantastic adventure to add on to a honeymoon or beach holiday.

• Departing Monday, Thursday and Friday from South Bali, Seminyak, Ubud, Uluwatu and Candidasa hotels • Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
There are a number of things we recommend bringing for this trip: warm clothes, hiking shoes, long trousers, swimwear, camera and sun block. Your professional tour guide will provide a head lamp, walking sticks, gloves, hiking bag, rain coat and a small water bottle to make the climb much easier. This climb is classified as a medium level of difficulty, so a good level of fitness is required (as a guide, it’s suitable for those that enjoy hill walking).

Bali’s colourful VW 181 Safari Jeeps are a classic sight around the island. They also provide a seriously cool way to explore. Jump on board for an adventure around western Bali to see some of the island’s most famous temples and stunning diverse landscapes. Your tour begins with a trip to Bali’s most popular attraction: the ancient sea temple shrine of Pura Tanah Lot, which is perched on a rock formation offshore. A morning visit will hopefully mean you’ll have a more tranquil experience. You’ll then be driven through villages and rice fields up into the mountains to the rainforested slopes of Batukaru volcano, home to impressive Pura Luhur Batukaru, which you’ll explore on a guided tour. A drive through Bali’s most spectacular rice terraces around UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jatiluwih follows, before you arrive at Bedugul, located 1200 meters above sea level. We’ll stop at Beratan Lake to visit beautiful Ulun Danu Temple, which sits in the middle of the lake, and have a buffet lunch in the tropical gardens. On our route back, we’ll head to a colourful local market so you can experience the buzz of local life and then look around a traditional Balinese family compound, which has a distinctive design, for an insightful end to the day.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 7am to 4pm
• Departing daily from South Bali, Seminyak and Central Ubud hotels
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
We recommend bringing a light jacket or jumper and long trousers as it can get cool in the mountains.

If you’re short on time but can’t bear to miss out on Indonesia’s most idyllic tiny islands, this stunning day trip will give you a taster of what Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan are all about. Your first glimpse of these car-free islands, ringed with white sands and dotted with coconut palms, will be from the Malimbu Hill viewpoint on Lombok. You’ll then cross the sea by outrigger boat (be prepared to embrace your adventurous side and get a little wet!) to Gili Air. Here, you’ll have the choice to spend the day on a beautiful beach to swim, snorkel and sunbathe. Or, you can jump back on the outrigger to visit the two other Gilis: Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno. Gili Trawangan – nicknamed ‘Gili T’ – is the most popular of the three islands, but it’s still super low-key, with most of the activity centred around diving. Rustic Gili Meno is the most secluded island, perfect for lazing on coral sands and snorkelling with turtles. As each island has its own character and landscape, this is the perfect island-hopping day.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 8am to 3pm
• Departing daily from Senggigi
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Head out on a laid-back day to play castaway on Lombok’s most unique beaches: a pink-sand beach and a secret island that only appears at low tide. Your day will begin with a visit to Indonesia’s second largest fish market. At Tanjung Luar – where most of the traders are women – you’ll buy fresh fish ready for your barbecue lunch. We’ll then hop on a boat to Sand Island: a tiny white-sand speck which, at hide tide, is completely submerged apart from its Indonesian marker flag. The next boat stop will be Maringkek, where you can step ashore and wander around the fishing village, before we continue to Pink Beach, which gets its name from the pink-hued sand. The nearby islands of Pantai Semangkuk and Gili Petelu offer the chance for snorkelling, while later in the afternoon, there’s time to relax on peaceful white sands at Pantai Sebui before your beach barbecue lunch and return boat trip.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 6am to 4pm
• Departing daily from Senggigi
• Operates year round
• Private experience

There’s no better way to get back to nature on Lombok than by donning your trainers and heading for the rice terraces. You’ll begin by getting a taste of local life with a visit to a traditional market in Narmada, before driving on to Sedau for the start of your two-hour soft trek through the beautiful rice terraces. This is a leisurely trek and along the way your guide will tell you about the different tropical plants that you spot. At the end of the hike, a rest and lunch-with-a-view awaits in Suranadi. You’ll also visit Gunung Sari to explore the temple of Pura Agung Gunung Sari, which makes an impression with its three pagoda-like places of worship. Heading north, we’ll cross the Pusuk Pass where you’ll see cheeky monkeys wandering around and causing mischief. The last stop is Malimbu to take in some of Lombok's best sandy beaches.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 6am to 4pm
• Departing daily from Senggigi, Lombok
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Afternoon tea at Raffles is something of a Singapore institution and it’s a stylish and indulgent way to mark a special occasion or just treat yourself. It may have moved from the celebrated Tiffin Room, a part of the hotel’s story since 1892, to the recently restored Grand Lobby, but the experience is as evocative as ever. Sitting in the suitably palatial atrium, where three layers of Victorian pillars soar up to a vast skylight like a giant wedding cake, you’ll feel as if you’ve travelled back in time to a more elegant era. The effect is enhanced by the meal itself: delicious finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with jam and cream, and impeccably made seasonal cakes and pastries served on a three-tiered silver stand. Complementing the food, the exquisite teas come from a long-established French company, Mariage Frères, with everything from Earl Grey Imperial to South African rooibos.

• Duration: half day
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
The dress code is casual chic: collared shirts and trousers or dress shorts for men, and dresses, skirts or trousers for women. Please advise of any dietary requirements when booking.

For those short of time, or who just like to make the most of every minute, this action-packed three-and-a-hour tour will give you a comprehensive overview of Singapore. The journey begins at Kampong Glam, one of the city-state’s oldest areas, whose colonial-era buildings now house trendy bars and eateries. After that, you’ll drive around the Civic District, home to the wide-open space of Padang playing field and Singapore Cricket Club, the historic Parliament House and the National Gallery Singapore, well worth returning to later for an insight into south-east Asian art. Afterwards, you’ll stop at Merlion Park to enjoy the impressive views of Marina Bay and take a selfie with one of two statues of Singapore’s part-lion-part-fish official mascot. You’ll continue to the 200-year-old Thian Hock Keng temple, before driving past Chinatown and on to your final port of call, the UNESCO-listed Singapore Botanic Gardens. A walk through the National Orchid Garden, with an eye-popping display of 60,000 orchid plants, makes a perfect finale to the trip.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 9am to 12.30pm or 2pm to 5.30pm
• Departs Monday, Wednesday and Friday to Sunday
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
Merlion Park will be replaced with Mount Faberon on car-free Sundays.

In multicultural Singapore, food is something of a national obsession and you’ll soon discover why on this culinary adventure through two of its most vibrant districts. You’ll dive into the hustle and bustle of Geylang Serai and its popular covered market, designed to look like a traditional kampong, which has been a hub of the local Malay community since it opened in 1964. It’s packed with stalls selling all manner of ingredients, from live fish to spices, used in Malay and Middle Eastern cooking. Upstairs is the hawker centre, where there’s time for a local-style breakfast: perhaps a roti prata, a type of flatbread served with various spiced dips and chutneys. From here, you’ll head to colourful Tekka in Little India, Singapore’s largest wet market, where you’ll hear languages from all around the world and pass stalls selling everything from saris to piquant Indian snacks.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 8.30am to midday
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Explore Boneo from on and underneath the water with a fun SUP and snorkelling adventure. The seas are typically calm in the morning, so you’ll have a gentle paddle around sand bars, coral bars or floating pontoons, depending on the tide. Then it’s time to dip under the waves with your snorkel and mask. The area is known for its clownfish colony, so you’ll spot brightly coloured fish darting through the waters. Your guide will also capture the best moments on a GoPro.

• Duration: 3 hours
• Time: 8am to 11am
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
You’ll need a good level of fitness. Children must be at least 6 years old to take part. Children aged 6-12 must be accompanied by a guardian.

Watch the sun sink into the ocean from your peaceful perch out on the water. Stand-up paddle boarding is a memorable experience at any time of day, but it’s particularly beautiful at sunset. You’ll paddle around sand bars, coral bars or floating pontoons, depending on the tide, and pause to appreciate the changing colours as the sky is reflected in the water. Your guide will also capture the best moments on a GoPro.

• Duration: 3 hours
• Time: 4.30pm to 7.30pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
You’ll need a good level of fitness. Children must be at least 6 years old to take part. Children age 6-12 must be accompanied by a guardian.

Cooking classes are a wonderful way to delve deeper into the local culture while learning new skills at the same time. Your host begins the experience with a stroll through the local market. Finding the freshest local ingredients and chatting with the stallholders, you’ll learn which spices to use and buy the groceries needed to whip up a Malaysian feast back in the kitchen. At your cooking station, you’ll learn how to prepare traditional home-cooked dishes and understand how food is such a big part of Malaysian heritage. After an insightful morning, you’ll get to tuck into your creations.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 9am to 1.30pm
• Departing daily from Kota Kinabalu
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Leave the buzz of the city behind and take a journey into the past to see, hear, taste and feel the identity of Sabah. Meeting some of the people of the remote Mari Mari Cultural Village, you’ll get to understand what traditional daily life is like in this rural region. We’ll be welcomed into the homes of various indigenous people, who’ll chat to us about how their houses were built by tribal descendants and what the different architectural styles represent. As we explore the village, we’ll also stop at demonstration huts to see traditional activities such as blow piping, fire lighting and tattooing.

• Duration: half day
• Timings: 10am, 2pm or 5pm to 2pm or 6pm to 9pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

The journey is part of the adventure on this full-day experience. A scenic two-hour drive will whisk us away from city life, as we pass villages and paddy fields and wind our way up the mountainous roads of the Crocker Range. A short stop at lively Nabalu Market will showcase local fruits, vegetables and handicraft souvenirs before reaching the main attraction: Kinabalu Park. The park has around 4,500 species of plant, including a whopping 1,500 species of orchid – 77 of which are endemic to Kinabalu. It also supports more than 280 species of birds and 290 different types of butterflies. You’ll notice the change in air temperature and enjoy the cool air as you set off on a walk along the botanical garden nature trails. On a clear day, you might spot majestic Mount Kinabalu in the distance. After lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll continue to the Poring Hot Spring for a canopy walk. Climb up to 41 metres above ground level and walk across the suspension bridges hanging in the tropical jungle treetops.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 7.30am to 5.30pm
• Departing daily from Kota Kinabalu
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
There’s a small charge of MYR5 to use a camera and MYR3 to use a video camera at the canopy walkway (payable locally).

A delicious melting pot of heritage and culture, Kota Kinabalu has a top street food scene. The markets come alive after dark, so put on your walking shoes and taste your way around the various influences. Your expert guide will take you around the best spots in the night market and tell you about all the foods on offer. You’ll have time to chat with the stallholders and get to know the subtle differences in food between Sabah’s tribes before tucking into authentic dishes such as noodle soup, hinava (a raw fish dish similar to ceviche) and pinasakan (braised fish with turmeric and fruit).

• Duration: 2 hours
• Time: 5.30pm to 7.30pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

A scenic day awaits on this blissful back-to-nature escape. On a two-hour drive through the Klias Forest Reserve, we’ll pass coastal views and picturesque villages on the way to the Klias River Village Jetty. Tea, coffee and cakes will be waiting to refresh you ahead of your river cruise through the mangrove forests of the Klias River. Keep your eyes peeled for proboscis monkeys, abundant bird species, monitor lizards, crocodiles and other wildlife. We’ll return to the jetty for a traditional Malay buffet dinner. Then, as dusk sets, we’ll hop back on the boat for the best vantage point to watch flickering fireflies light up the riverbanks.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 2pm to 9pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Join a private guide for a tour of Kota Kinabalu tailored precisely to your specification. Decide how long you want the time to last and where you want to go, and the driver will take you from place to place and offer expert commentary.

• Daily departures
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Take to two wheels and immerse yourself in Kuala Lumpur’s rich cultural landscape. On this leisurely bike tour, you’ll cycle around the city’s inner and outer districts, taking in the harmonious landscape of temples, mosques and other cultural influences. See the colonial-era architecture around Merdeka Square close to the Klang River, where Malaysian independence was declared in 1957, and head to lively Chinatown to explore the buzzing markets. Visit Moorish-influenced Jamek Mosque – one of the city’s oldest mosques – and join locals going about their day at Central Market. Then venture north to Little India, with its colourful maze of jewellery and textile shops, and upmarket Bukit Bintang, which dazzles with its glitzy restaurants and designer malls. Keep your eyes peeled throughout to see how many times you can spot the iconic Petronas Twin Towers that tower over the city.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 8am to midday
• Departing daily from Kuala Lumpur
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Get creative with a batik class, where you’ll learn all about this traditional wax-resist dyeing technique. Batik uses wax resists to create beautiful patterns and you’ll see examples of this clever ancient technique in homes all around the world. In this class, you’ll experience how to fill in colours on a fabric that’s been pre-waxed with a batik pattern. Mix primary colours to create secondary colours and shade in the material for a special keepsake.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 10am to 1pm
• Departing daily from Kuala Lumpur
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Cooking classes are a fantastic way to delve deeper into the local culture and provide you with authentic recipes that can be shared for years to come. Home-cooked food is an important part of Malaysian life and you’ll get an insight into the culture and social structure of the country through its mealtimes. You’ll have plenty of help on hand as you whip up a selection of delicious dishes for an appetiser, main course and dessert. Enjoy tasting your creations and the bonus of not washing up.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 8am to 12.30pm
• Departing Monday to Saturday from Kuala Lumpur
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Enjoy the flavours of Kuala Lumpur on this mouth-watering evening street food tour. Your driver will expertly zigzag through the city as you experience the sights, sounds and tastes after dark as a passenger on the back of a Vespa scooter. Hang out with the locals at the best foodie spots away from the tourist trail, visiting a Malaysian night market and heading down to Brickfields: a vibrant maze of shops and street food restaurants serving dosa pancakes and Indian curries. Sample everything from hokkien mee and satay to the towering roti tissue. Then you can head back to your hotel or carry on to a local night spot to watch a live band.

• Duration: evening
• Time: 7pm to 11pm
• Departing daily from Kuala Lumpur
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Spend an evening in rural Malaysia to get an insight into local life outside of the city. Kuala Selangor is just an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur, but daily life here takes on a different atmosphere. This small tranquil town is where the Selangor River meet the sea. It’s known for fishing and farming, and on a visit to the hilltop fortress of Bukit Melawati, you’ll get to look out over the Straits of Malacca. Seafood is a staple food here, so you’ll tuck into a Chinese-style local seafood dinner before the highlight of this experience: firefly watching. Climb on board a boat and head upstream, where you’ll see thousands of fireflies flickering like Christmas lights in the mangrove trees that line the riverbanks.

• Duration: evening\ • Time: 4pm to 10pm
• Departing daily from Kuala Lumpur
• Operates year round
• Private experience

You decide how long you want your Kuala Lumpur tour to last and the places you want to see with a private driver to take you to the sights and offer expert commentary. This highly bespoke trip allows you to see the Mogul-style domes and modern skyscrapers, including the iconic Petronas Towers and visit the streets lined with food stalls shaded by banyan trees.

• Duration: half day or full day
• Daily departures
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Your day begins with a visit to the Royal Selangor Pewter factory, where you’ll see the different processes involved in working with pewter, such as casting, filing, polishing, soldering, hammering, and engraving. Afterwards, you’ll briefly stop at the Batik Centre, a craft centre selling local handicrafts, before heading to the Batu Caves. This famous Hindu shrine features 272 colourful steps leading up to the site, which includes five limestone caves and several temples.

• Duration: half day
• Daily departures
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Explore the natural beauty of Langkawi on a peaceful morning gliding across calm waters. You’ll be greeted by the sights and sounds of nature as you paddle through a small mangrove channel that’s inaccessible to boats for a secret journey under the shade of tropical mangroves. Your expert guide will take you to the best places for that particular day, introduce you to the local flora and fauna, and provide you with power snacks to help you keep up your energy levels throughout the morning. This tailor-made kayaking adventure is a beautiful way to see Langkawi from the water.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 8am to midday
• Departing daily from Langkawi
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Soak up the scenery from two wheels as you coast peacefully around some of Langkawi’s most spectacular natural landscapes. In the northwest of the island, Langkawi’s UNESCO Global Geopark is the first geopark in South-East Asia, renowned for its ancient rock formations and rich biodiversity. On this three-to-four-hour bike ride you’ll cycle around limestone formations, alongside river banks, past paddy fields and into forests to get an appreciation of the hundreds of millions of years of geological history here. There will be plenty of time to stop off in local villages too, for a glimpse into local daily life.

• Departing daily from Langkawi
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Get a better understanding of your surroundings on a visit to Laman Padi in Pantai Cenang. In Malay, ‘Laman’ means ‘field’ and ‘padi’ means ‘rice’, and at this open complex of rice fields, herb gardens, galleries and museums, you’ll get to experience the process of rice cultivation and harvesting. We’ll spend time among the lush greenery, learning how rice (Malaysia’s primary export product) is cultivated. We’ll also be shown the ropes on a guided tour of the padi planting process and padi museum.

• Duration: half day
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

This is the ultimate day in Malaysia for serious birders, travelling around Langkawi’s diverse habitats to spot many different species. Langkawi has more than 260 types of bird – about a third of these are migrants, who flock here between September and April. There’s an early start and an evening finish, as the best time to observe birds at the equator is either early morning or early evening when they are most active. In the rainforest, birds to look out for include flowerpeckers, hill mynas, dollarbirds, babblers, eagles and oriental pied hornbills. We’ll head on to a mangrove forest to spot the brown-winged kingfisher, collared kingfisher, white-bellied sea eagle and little heron. Our final stop for the morning is at the rice paddies to see paddy field birds such as sandpipers, lapwings, egrets, chestnut-headed bee-eaters and spotted doves. After re-energising with some lunch, we’ll travel up in the hills to a local village pond frequented by lesser whistling ducks, little herons, needle-tailed swifts and striated swallows. Afterwards, a drive to Langkawi’s highest peak holds the highlight of the experience: spotting the great hornbill, which measures 1.3 metres from the tip of beak to tip of tail.

• Duration: full day
• 7.30am to 7.30pm
• Departing everyday except Mondays (May-Oct) 
• Departing Tuesdays and Thursdays (Nov-April) 
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
You’ll return to your hotel for lunch before the afternoon session.

This four-hour trip will reveal the stories of Langkawi, focusing on the locals and learning about Malay ethnicity. Away from the typical tourist trails, you’ll follow village lanes, passing paddy fields, and journey through jungles and past village houses. Along the way, you’ll witness the architectural designs influenced by the Chinese, Indian, Moorish and Europeans. You’ll see medicinal plants and taste exotic and seasonal fruits. The trip then ends with an authentic meal served by locals in Kuah town.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 10.30am to 2.30pm
• Departs Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Join a private guide for a tour of Langkawi tailored precisely to your specification. Decide how long you want the time to last and where you want to go, and the driver will take you from place to place and offer expert commentary.

• Duration: half day or full day
• Daily departures
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Put on your walking shoes and leisurely taste your way through Penang’s rich history and heritage. You’ll meet a local historian, who will be your guide during this informative evening tour, and take in the island’s kaleidoscope of cultures. As you sample tasty street food, your guide will help you understand the influences behind each flavour, tracing its culinary origins through links to the East, West and the rest of South-East Asia. You’ll also have the chance to see Penang’s many heritage sites and colonial-era architecture.

• Duration: evening
• Time: 5pm to 8pm
• Departing Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from Penang
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Spend a few hours exploring the beautifully preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town and its indigenous and colonial architecture. You’ll begin at Pinang Peranakan Mansion, which displays over a thousand pieces of Peranakan antiques and collectable items. Next, you’ll take a short walk to the colourful enclave of Little India, which sells colourful sarees and aromatic Indian spices. You’ll pass Penang’s oldest Hindu temple, then continue to Teochew Temple, with its ornate rooftops and intricately carved dragon pillars, before learning the history of Dr Sun Yat-sen at the Sun Yat-Sen Museum. You’ll hunt for Penang’s famous street art before continuing to one of Penang’s ancient traditional clan houses. The tour concludes with shopping for some local goodies at Cocoa Boutique.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 9am to 2pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Tailor your perfect tour of Penang, deciding how long you want your time to last and where you want to go. A private driver will show you the city and provide expert commentary. Visit the temples in Little India and the mosques in Chinatown, both hives of activity in the shadows of looming skyscrapers. Take snaps of the vibrantly-hued Blue Mansion and observe the colonial architecture — pausing to taste the famous street food.

• Duration: half day or full day
• Daily departures
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

The ancient art of Muay Thai - also known as Thai boxing - is an integral part of the country’s culture, and there’s no better place to learn about it than in its birthplace. For this two-hour masterclass, you’ll be collected from your hotel by an English-speaking guide and driven to one of Bangkok’s most important boxing stadiums. If you’re a Ryan Gosling fan, it might just look familiar; it was one of the locations for the action film Only God Forgives, in which he played the lead role. During the training session, you’ll learn some of the principles of “the art of eight limbs”, before trying out some basic moves for yourself under the supervision of an expert instructor. Afterwards, you’ll be taken back to your hotel for a well-earned rest.

• Duration: half day (class is 2 hours)
• Time: 8am to midday
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
Soft drinks, coffee, water and all the boxing equipment you’ll require are provided, but you’ll need to bring a towel and wear suitable sportswear.

For those who like to pack the maximum into each day, this trip will take you to some of Bangkok’s most famous sights in comfort. The first stop of the morning is Wat Traimit, home to a three-metre-high statue of a seated Buddha made from solid gold; from here, you’ll travel to another temple, Wat Pho, with another statue of Buddha - this time reclining - that’s a massive 46 metres long. Next on the itinerary is the Grand Palace, a former royal residence, and the temple of the Emerald Buddha, though the statue is actually made of jade. After lunch, you’ll board a traditional boat to cruise along some of the city’s canals, taking in the sights of daily life along the way, before disembarking at your final temple of the day: the riverside Wat Arun, known for its distinctive multicoloured spire.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 8am to 3pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
You’ll need to dress appropriately for visiting the various temples: that means long trousers - not leggings - or skirts below the knee, and covered shoulders. Carry a lightweight, though not see-through, cover-up if you want to be more casual the rest of the day.

In the evening, temperatures drop and there’s less traffic, so it’s an ideal time to discover a different side of Bangkok. On this fascinating tour, you’ll travel by tuk tuk from the departure point at Lebua State Tower, a luxury hotel with amazing views from its various bars, to Chinatown for a herb-infused cocktail (or soft drink) and a Thai meal. Afterwards, you’ll whizz around the city’s historic heart past some of its most famous sights, including the Grand Palace - all lit up to spectacular effect. You’ll stroll through the grounds of a temple to admire the illuminations and explore bustling areas known for their amazing street-food scene. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to try some local sweet treats such as kluai thot - deliciously sticky pieces of deep-fried banana coated in sesame seeds - the perfect way to round off the evening.

• Duration: evening
• Time: 6.30pm to 10.30pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
The tour is not suitable for children under 10. As for what to wear, you’ll need smart casual clothing if you want to visit the Lebua State Tower before the tour and suitable clothing for visiting temples. It can get surprisingly cool zipping around at night in an open-sided vehicle, so you’ll be grateful for the extra coverage. Transfers to departure point not included

Whether you know precisely what you want to see or are looking for some suggestions from someone who knows the city like the back of their hand, there’s no better way of exploring Bangkok at your own pace than with a private guide and chauffeur. With the help of their insider tips, you’ll be able to get unique insights into the city’s most famous sights, discover hidden gems you’d never have stumbled upon on your own and learn about the country’s culture along the way. With stops wherever and whenever you want, and the ability to change course on a whim, it’s a superb option for those travelling with children and those who want a tailor-made immersion in the history and culture of Bangkok.

• Duration: half day or full day
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
You’ll have to pay locally for parking fees and tickets to any attractions you visit, and for any refreshments.

Thailand is known for its delicious street food, and one of the best places to sample it is in Bangkok’s historic Rattanakosin district, also known as the Old Town. On this four-hour tour, you’ll head off on foot with a local English-speaking guide to explore the narrow streets and alleyways of this atmospheric area, stopping at family-run shops, tiny cafés, street vendors and market stalls to sample their wares and learn about how they’re made. Sip a cup of old-style coffee, the thick and sweet kafae boran; feast on Chinese chive dumplings and succulent roast duck; and try typical sweet treats such as sticky-rice dumplings filled with mung-bean paste. Be sure to leave room for some coconut ice cream, handmade by the same family for generations.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 8.30am to 1pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
Suitable for children aged 12 and upwards. The tour includes visits to a temple and shrine, so dress appropriately. Transfers not included

If you have a passion for history and a love of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, you won’t want to miss the chance to explore Thailand’s ancient capital. The city of Ayutthaya was one of the world’s most important urban areas from 1350 to 1767, before being sacked by the Burmese, and its ruins are a fascinating place to wander. On this engaging private experience, you’ll travel by train from Bangkok to Ayutthaya. Here, you’ll hop on one of the distinctive local “kermit” tuk-tuks - so-called because of their frog-green colour - to enable you to explore every corner of the Historical Park effortlessly, something that families, in particular, will appreciate. Soak up the views of crumbling temples, ancient statues and romantic towers, before boarding a riverboat for a restful, and scenic, return to Bangkok.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 6.30am to 4pm
• Departures every Wednesday to Monday
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
Proper clothing is required for visiting temples. Includes roundtrip transfers.

One of Bangkok’s more colourful attractions, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is rightly on many visitors’ not-to-be-missed lists. Heading out in the cool of the early morning, you’ll stop at iconic Wat Bang Kung, an ancient temple almost completely surrounded by the roots of a vast banyan tree, to soak up its unique atmosphere and learn about its not-always-peaceful history. From here, you’ll carry on to the floating market itself, which occupies a maze of narrow canals (khlongs) crowded with narrow wooden sampans piled high with produce. You’ll venture out on the water in your own boat, where you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take some superb photos and bargain for typical snacks. Your final destination is the extraordinary Rom Hub Railway Market, whose stalls lie on either side of an active railway track, meaning that the vendors have to pull everything out of the way every time a train goes past - which is quite a sight!

• Duration: half day
• Time: 6.30am to 1pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
Not recommended for families with younger children.

Symbolising the horrors of World War II in Asia, the bridge on the River Kwai at Kanchanaburi is almost a place of pilgrimage for history buffs, film aficionados and anyone curious about the relatively recent past. On this poignant trip, you’ll learn all about the building of the infamous bridge that was designed to link up a direct railway line from Bangkok to Rangoon (now Yangon) to support the Japanese occupation of Burma (now Myanmar) in 1943. You’ll visit the graves of members of the Allied Forces on a tour of the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, before looking at historical photographs and paintings at the JEATH War Museum, both emotionally moving experiences. To complete your day, you’ll take a memorable ride on the Thailand-Burma Railway itself, also known as the Death Railway because of the thousands of POWs and forced local workers who lost their lives during its construction.

• Duration: full day
• Time 6.30am to 6.30pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
The trip is suitable for all ages.

Northern Thailand’s distinctive food culture is a product of its history and geography, with influences from Laos, Burma and the Khmer Empire. On this gastronomic evening tour, you’ll learn all about its most typical dishes from someone who grew up eating them, and discover Chiang Mai’s laidback nighttime vibe at the same time. Your foodie experience will kick off with a starter at a small restaurant that specialises in the local Lanna cuisine, as it's called. Afterwards, you’ll continue on to the nearby night market - a hive of activity after dark - where stall after stall serves up irresistible street food and drinks of every kind. You’ll learn how each is made and, of course, sample more than a few. Rounding things off in style, the tour concludes with a nightcap at a hip riverside bar.

• Duration: evening
• Time: 6pm to 10.30pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
The tour is not suitable for under 18s. Local beer is included, but there’s a surcharge for the optional craft-beer tasting.

Thailand’s second city is an engaging place to spend a few days, and it’s not short on must-see sights either. On this half-day adventure, you’ll start in the hustle and bustle of Warorot, Chiang Mai’s oldest market. Inside the three-storey building, there are stalls selling a dizzying array of local foodstuffs, as well as clothing, beauty products and more, and the action spills out into the streets around it. From here, you’ll cross into the city’s moated old quarter for a complete change of tempo at Wat Phra Singh, known for the beautiful and intricate gilded facade of its main building. Next you’ll head to Wat Suan Dok, just beyond the city walls, with its garden of whitewashed tombs and golden pagoda. Finally, you’ll be driven up the winding road to the summit of Doi Suthep mountain to visit the ancient and venerated Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. On a clear day, you can see the 600-year-old gold-plated Chedi at its heart from miles away, and it’s even more impressive up close. Don’t miss the promenade at the rear of the temple: the view of the city from here is stunning.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 8.30am to midday or 1pm to 5pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
As the itinerary includes several temples, you’ll need to dress appropriately: long trousers, below-the-knee skirts and covered shoulders.

It’s hard to think of a more long-lasting legacy of a trip to Thailand than being able to recreate some of its best-loved dishes back home. On this half-day cooking class, you’ll begin with a visit to the local produce market to learn about the key ingredients - from herbs and spices to vegetables and roots - and how to choose the best. From here, you’ll head into the kitchen where a professional chef will teach you how to prepare three classic Thai dishes, which you’ll enjoy for lunch.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 9am to 3pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
Suitable for children over 12. The cost includes private transfers to and from Chiang Mai, but the class itself is shared with other participants.

Thailand’s second city is an engaging place to spend a few days, and it’s not short on must-see sights either. On this half-day adventure, you’ll take one of the distinctive red local taxis, or songthaew, to a laidback guesthouse by the main entrance to the moated old quarter. From here, a short walk will take you across the moat to Somphet, a typical small food market packed with stalls piled high with fruit, vegetables and more. Next, you’ll wander along atmospheric alleyways to Wat Chiang Man, Chiang Mai’s oldest temple. After a visit to the fascinating Folklife Museum, where you’ll learn something of the local Lanna culture, you’ll explore two more ornate temples: Wat Phan Tao and Wat Phra Singh. Finish with a taste of local street food for lunch before another songthaew whisks you back to your hotel.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 8.30am to midday
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
The tour is mainly on foot, so parents should ensure their children will be fine with walking or able to be carried if necessary. As the itinerary includes several temples, you’ll need to dress appropriately: long trousers, below-the-knee skirts and covered shoulders.

You’ll be collected from your hotel early and taken to ChangChill, an elephant sanctuary 90 minutes from Chiang Mai. On arrival, you’ll take an elephant walk, following a guide into the forest to watch the elephants grazing and socialising. You’ll learn more about ChangChill's four resident elephants and facts about Asian elephants. You’ll meet the mahouts and have the chance to ask questions about elephant conservation. You’ll pause for traditional Thai refreshments, watching the elephants bathing and playing in a mud pit. Then, you’ll head to a riverside Sala to help fill the elephant's feeding tubes with corn, sugar cane, grass, and bananas. During and after a lunch of delicious vegetarian Thai dishes, you’ll watch the elephants eating before you transfer back to your hotel.

• Duration: morning
• Time: 7.30am to 12.30pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

Your day begins with an early morning collection from your hotel, heading to ChangChill, an elephant sanctuary around 90 minutes from Chiang Mai. On arrival, you’ll take an unforgettable elephant walk through the forest, led by an experienced guide. You will witness the majestic creatures grazing and interacting with one another. During the walk, you will learn more about the resident elephants at ChangChill and some interesting facts about Asian elephants. You'll take a break to enjoy some traditional Thai refreshments when you can continue to watch the elephants take a refreshing dip in a mud pit and play. Afterwards, you'll lend a hand in filling feeding tubes with a variety of elephant treats such as corn, sugar cane, grass, and bananas. Following a vegetarian Thai lunch, there'll be a traditional herb lesson which takes place in the sanctuary's own herb garden, and a 'cooking class' during which you will prepare the four elephant's supplements.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 7.30am to 5.30pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

Explore must-see locations in the provincial capital of Petchburi province, visiting the hilltop summer palace of King Rama IV and the ancient temple Wat Mahathat . The second part of the tour explores the magical atmosphere within the Khao Luang Cave, scented with incense and filled with 170 illuminated golden Buddha images, several chedis, and stalactites.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 8.30am to 4pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Embark on an exciting journey through pineapple plantations and trek to Pala-U Waterfall, located in the jungle of the Kaeng Krachan National Park near the Myanmar border. The waterfall has 14 different tiers, and you can either take a stroll to the third station or climb to the top for a more challenging experience. Later, you’ll stop at the Wat Huay Mongkul temple, famous for its colossal 12-meter statue of one of Thailand's most renowned monks, Luang Pu Thuat.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 8.30 to 4pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Discover one of the world's most vibrant cities, Bangkok. During your visit, explore the city's cultural highlights, including the Grand Palace and Royal Palace, as well as Wat Pho, home to a 46-meter-long reclining Buddha. Afterwards, continue your exploration by taking a cruise down the Chao Phraya River and witnessing the local way of life on both banks. Enjoy a delicious lunch before strolling through Chinatown to visit the Golden Buddha temple, Wat Trimit. This temple is home to the most significant golden Buddha in the world. Finally, take a stroll through the famous flower market.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 7am to 7pm
• Departs on Sunday
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Visit one of Thailand's famous floating markets, Damnoern Saduak. Watch as lively vendors on small boats chat with the shoppers on the banks before boarding a traditional long-tail boat and cruising through the small canals. Afterwards, you will take a journey on the Death Railway through the beautiful landscape. After lunch, you’ll visit the world-famous bridge over the River Kwai, followed by a visit to the Jeath War Museum and War Cemetery.

• Duration: 3½ hours
• Departs on Thursday
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

With a Bib Gourmand from the Michelin Guide people for its authentic southern Thai cuisine, Nai Mueang is well worth a visit. For anyone who’d like to recreate some of those dishes at home, this quirky little restaurant also runs regular cookery classes that will appeal to food-loving couples and honeymooners. Your morning starts with a visit to the restaurant's herb and vegetable garden where you'll pick your ingredients. You’ll learn about Thai herbs, cooking techniques and vegetable carving, before getting busy preparing the food itself under the guidance of one of the chefs. You’ll end the session by sitting down in the delightful retro-themed dining room to eat what you’ve prepared for lunch.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 10am to 2pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
Bring insect repellent, money for tips and a notebook for jotting down extra information about the various techniques you’ll be taught.

Fringed by powder-soft beaches lapped by crystal-clear azure waters, the Similan Islands are everyone’s idea of a tropical paradise. You’ll spend a day travelling by speedboat and taking in their natural charms, above and below the waves, with plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkelling and hiking. The first port of call is the wonderfully named Donald Duck Bay on Koh Similan, where there’ll be time to climb up to the curiously shaped granite boulder known as Sail Rock to take in the views. After a stop to check out the colourful world underwater, you’ll drop anchor at Koh Similan. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch on the picture-perfect sands of Princess Bay before following the short nature trail to Honeymoon Bay, a stunning spot where you can swim or sunbathe. There’s one final stop at either Koh Similan or Koh Bon for a snorkelling session over a pristine coral reef teeming with life before you head, reluctantly, back to the mainland.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 6am to 4.30pm
• Daily departures
• Operates November-April
• Group experience

Good to know
You’ll need to provide a copy of your passport at time of booking to comply with new Similan Islands National Park regulations. The trip is suitable for all except children under four, those who are physically challenged and pregnant women. Travel is by speedboat.

A cluster of tiny specks of land adrift in the Andaman Sea, the Surin Islands have an unspoiled beauty that will enchant everyone who comes here. After an early start, you’ll reach Ao Mae Yai, a picturesque bay on the main island of Ko Surin Nuea blessed with a sweep of white sand and calm, clear waters - it’s a perfect spot for snorkelling. From here, you’ll cruise past a tiny village that houses the Moken, sea nomads who traditionally lived from and on the sea between Thailand and Burma, and who have a fascinating history. Ashore, a 2km trail through the jungle leads to the National Park’s rustic restaurant overlooking another sheltered beach, where you’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch. There’s just time before heading back to the mainland for another snorkelling stop and, in season, for a whale shark watching session.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 6am to 4.30pm
• Departs Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays
• Operates November-April
• Group experience

Good to know
The itinerary is not completely set in stone, as the choice of snorkelling spots depends on conditions on the day.

Make an early getaway to Koh Phi Phi to enjoy this scenic archipelago in the Andaman Sea at its tranquil best. Travelling by speedboat, you’ll arrive first at Koh Khai, a tiny island tucked away in Phang Nga Bay. Here, you’ll stop to take in the powder-soft white beach lapped by crystal-clear turquoise waters and have a serene swim surrounded by tropical fish. On arrival at Koh Phi Phi, you’ll make for stunning Ao Pileh lagoon on the second-largest island, whose emerald waters are a delight for photographers and snorkellers alike. Other sights include the so-called “Viking Cave” which owes its nickname to the images of different types of boats - including one that looks like a Viking longboat - painted on its walls, and Monkey Beach, home to a colony of long-tailed macaques. After lunch, on the way back to port, there’s a final stop at low-lying Bamboo Island to snorkel along pristine coral reef: the perfect finale to a scenic adventure that will appeal to all.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 6.30am to 6pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
This trip is not recommended for the under fours, the over 70s and pregnant women.

Sometimes the best souvenirs to bring back from holiday are the ones you can’t see, such as great memories and new-found skills. This relaxed cooking class fits the bill on both counts, thanks in part to its superb beachfront setting. Under the supervision of a professional local chef, with the sound of the waves in the background, you’ll learn the skills and techniques you’ll need to make authentic Thai favourites such as green curry, stir-fried chicken with cashew nuts and several fragrant soups. The reward for your efforts is a laidback lunch overlooking the sea, listening to music and enjoying the dishes that you’ve prepared, plus a fistful of recipes to take away so you can recreate the dishes back at home. It’s a delightful way to spend a morning that will appeal to everyone from couples to groups of friends and families with older children.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 10am to 2pm
• Departs Wednesday to Sunday
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
The class is unsuitable for children under 12. All dishes can be adapted for vegans, vegetarians or those with any allergies. It’s a good idea to bring extra cash to buy drinks, kitchen utensils or sauces to take home as unique souvenirs.

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of one of the most idyllic corners of Koh Lanta Marine Park. Zipping across the Andaman Sea in a speedboat - a burst of joy in its own right - you’ll arrive in next to no time at the craggy twin islands of Koh Rok Nok and Kho Rok Nai, separated by a narrow channel. The more adventurous may opt to hike through the lush, rugged interior looking out for monitor lizards; others will be happy to spend the day on the beach, marvelling at the powder-soft sand and enjoying the occasional lazy swim in the sparkling turquoise sea. The crystal-clear waters around Koh Rok are a snorkeller’s dream, thanks to an extensive reef system that’s teeming with colourful aquatic life - the keen-eyed may be lucky enough to spot hawksbill turtles, moray eels or even a black-tip shark.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 8am to 5pm
• Daily departures
• Operates from November to May
• Group experience

Good to know
The National Park fee is included in the price. The tour is not suitable for children under the age of four.

Enjoy a relaxing day discovering the natural delights of Koh Phi Phi, a scenic archipelago of six specks of land in the Andaman Sea roughly halfway between Koh Lanta and Phuket. Travelling by speedboat, you’ll arrive in around half an hour at beautiful Ao Pileh lagoon on the second-largest island, where you’ll have a chance to plunge into its emerald waters for a swim and a snorkel. Once you’ve dried off, the next port of call is the so-called “Viking Cave” which owes its nickname to the images of different types of boats - including one that looks like a Viking longboat - painted on its walls. From here, you’ll make for another highly rated snorkelling spot, passing the main filming location for Leonardo DiCaprio’s The Beach. The day ends on Phi Phi Don, the largest island and the only one that’s inhabited, where you’ll have time to swim, hike to the viewpoint or browse the tiny street stalls.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 8am to 4.30pm
• Daily departures
• November to May
• Group experience

Good to know
The National Park fee is included in the price. The tour is not suitable for children under the age of four.

There’s more to Koh Samui than its gorgeous beaches as you’ll discover on this half-day journey around the island’s best-known sights. Top of the list is Wat Phra Yai, also known as Big Buddha Temple, on its own little island reached by a short causeway. Its star attraction is its impossible-to-miss 12-metre-high golden statue of Buddha, in a seated pose that represents purity. Take in the hilltop view over the sparkling sea and marvel at one of natures peculiar wonders - Grandma and Grandpa Rocks. Finally, you’ll visit Wat Khunaram and its slightly macabre claim to fame: the mummified body of a monk who died there in 1973, displayed in a glass case, and have some time to do some shopping in Nathon, the island's capital.

• Duration: half day
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
Bring plenty of cash, as the prices at Nathon’s market are good value compared to those in the main tourist areas.

See a side of Koh Samui that most visitors don’t even know exists on this adventure-filled safari by all-terrain 4x4. The imaginative itinerary includes a mix of headline destinations and off-the-beaten-track gems that even the locals rarely get to. You’ll stop to admire the 12-metre-high gilded statue of Buddha at Wat Phra Yai - a real island landmark - and the mummified body of a monk in a glass display case at Wat Khunaram. But you’ll also make two visits to the majestic waterfalls at Na Muang - once to splash in the pools at the bottom and later to take in the striking outlook from the top - and follow sandy tracks to a stunning viewpoint only insiders know about. You’ll discover a verdant secret Buddha garden high in the hills, from where you can see for miles, and find that even lunch comes with stunning views.

• Duration: full day • Time: 8am to 4.30pm • Operates Monday, Wednesday and Friday
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
The trip is suitable for all, but the path to the waterfall is quite steep, so wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and carry your belongings in a backpack to leave your hands free.

A cruise on a traditional Burmese “junk” sailing boat is a memorable way to spend a day exploring the beauties of Koh Samui’s laidback neighbour, Koh Phangan. Three times a week, the characterful wooden Chantara heads off to some of the island’s loveliest spots, such as Koh Ma reef; blessed with crystal-clear waters, it’s a top snorkelling destination, and there’s a dizzying abundance of underwater colour and life, from tropical fish to sea anemones. After a Thai-style buffet lunch, the Chantara stops at Thong Nai Pan beach where you can relax with a cooling drink, maybe have a massage, and appreciate the tranquillity of this secluded bay. As the journey back to Koh Samui begins, you’ll have a final opportunity to soak up the natural beauty of the island’s rugged coastline, stunning coves and deserted beaches - and maybe take just a few more photos.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 10.30am to 6pm
• Operates on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
Bring plenty of sun cream, but snorkelling gear and towels are provided.

A day surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of Koh Hong is a treat in itself, and it’s even more memorable with the luxury of a private longtail boat just for you and your loved ones. There’ll be plenty of time to explore the tiny tropical archipelago, with its powder-soft beaches, limpid azure waters and lush greenery. Beyond the beach on the main island is an 800-metre nature trail for the more energetic to explore, but the main attraction is the stunning lagoon surrounded by soaring limestone formations, accessible only by boat. Created when a giant cave collapsed thousands of years ago, it’s perfect for swimming and a delight for photographers. After lunch, you will continue to the even more unspoiled islets of Ko Pak Bia and Koh Lao Lading, also known as Paradise Island, where you will have free time to chill out or explore at your leisure.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 7.30am to 4.30
• Departs daily
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
The tour is not recommended for children under the age of four. The price includes the National Park fee. Please mention any special dietary requirements when booking.

Delve into the nature, culture and adventurous spirit of Krabi. Kick-start the day at one of Thailand’s most famous monasteries, the sacred Wat Tham Suea (Tiger Cave Temple). Here, you can meet the monks who live and worship in this maze of emerald caves, poised gracefully on a jungle-clad hilltop. Scale the 1260 steps to the top of the temple and you’ll be rewarded with jaw-dropping views over Thailand, or stay put and watch families of macaque monkeys play among the temple grounds. At Khao Pra-Bang Kramv rainforest, scan the skies for black hornbills and take a dip in the clear-as-glass Emerald Pool and Blue Lagoon. Stop for lunch at a local Thai restaurant, before an afternoon at the Hot Springs where a private spa zone has been reserved for you. Away from the crowds, bathe in the warm mineral-rich waters of these volcanic springs and emerge rejuvenated.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 7.30pm to 5pm
• Daily departures from hotels in the Tubkaak, Klong Muang or Ao Nang areas
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Ever since the first Thai restaurant opened in London in 1967, the British have been slowly falling for the country’s food culture with its potent mix of intense tastes, and learning how to prepare some of its most delicious dishes is a truly satisfying way to spend a morning. Under the guidance of a well-regarded and experienced local chef, you’ll discover the essential facts about the ingredients and techniques that are the keystone of the cuisine, and how to combine pungent flavours so they complement each other. After watching a demonstration, you’ll get going on preparing your own lunch from scratch, with help if needed. As a hands-on experience, it’s great fun for anyone of all ages from teenager upwards - and you’ll leave with a new-found talent with which to wow your friends and family back home.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 8am to 1pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
The experience is not recommended for the under 12s. Please mention any special dietary requirements or allergies when booking.

Drift between the soul-stirring islands of the Andaman Sea and sink your toes into the sands of Krabi’s most astounding beaches. You’ll feel your shoulders relax the minute you step on board, with the warm breeze on your skin and an icy glass of prosecco in-hand. While the sun shines, sail to picturesque shores and jump off the boat for swimming and snorkelling. Plunge into the powder-blue waters, where limestone karsts pierce the surface, and marvel at the kaleidoscope fish darting between coral. In the evening, you’ll be whisked off to a secluded island in the middle of the ocean for a cool glass of sparkling wine. Later, small bites and a sunset cocktail will be served on Pan Beach, where you can watch the sun dip below the horizon and wait for the stars to stud the night sky.

• Duration: full day
• Daily departures
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Krabi is famous for its delicious street food. Spend an evening exploring the town and the beach areas to find a variety of street food options that are tasty and affordable. The food of Southern Thailand draws on influences from India and Java, where traders once sailed into the many ports of the peninsula. The coconut is a prominent part of the local cuisine, used for everything from thickening soups and curries with its milk to frying foods with its oil and even using its grated flesh as a condiment. Cashew nuts and pineapples are also grown in abundance and are an integral part of the cuisine.

• Duration: evening • Time: 4.30pm to 8pm • Daily departures • Operates year-round • Private experience

Join a kayaking adventure in the beautiful Krabi region, known for its diverse scenery and abundant wildlife. During this trip, you’ll kayak through mangroves and caves in Ban Bothor, exploring areas only accessible by kayak. The area is surrounded by nature and protected by cliffs, providing a serene atmosphere as you paddle down the narrow river of Tam Lod Nuea. Your guide will take you through the tunnel of Lod Cave, which is full of impressive stalactites and stalagmites, leading to hidden lagoons. As you continue down the river, you’ll enter Pee Hua Tho Cave, adorned with ancient wall paintings dating back centuries. Wild monkeys, crabs, and mud skippers are commonly seen in this area. This adventure is suitable for everyone, regardless of your previous experience level.

• Duration: full day • Time: 8am to 4pm • Daily departures • Operates year-round • Private experience

Phang Nga National Marine Park is dotted with tiny islands adrift in the Andaman Sea, with spectacular scenery that invites thorough exploration. On this memorable visit, you’ll be paddled by an expert local guide around its most appealing sights in a super-stable inflatable kayak, so all you have to do is sit back and relax. During the trip, you’ll venture into atmospheric sea caves, check out pristine beaches and marvel at extraordinary rock formations. You’ll stop on spectacular islands such as Koh Panak, where your guide will take you through the caves, pointing out the local wildlife, and Koh Hong, known for its beautiful hidden lagoon. You’ll pause for photos at Khao Phing Kan, otherwise known as James Bond Island because it features in The Man with the Golden Gun. And along the way, there’ll be opportunities to swim in the crystal-clear water or pick up the paddles yourself.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 9.30am to 7pm
• Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday departures
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
This trip is not recommended for the under four. The itinerary is not completely set in stone, as it depends on conditions on the day.

Enjoy a relaxing day discovering the natural delights of Koh Phi Phi, a scenic archipelago of six specks of land in the Andaman Sea roughly halfway between Koh Lanta and Phuket. Travelling by speedboat, you’ll make your first stop at low-lying Bamboo Island to snorkel along its pristine coral reef. From here, you continue on to Phi Phi Don, the largest island and the only one that’s inhabited, where you’ll have time to swim, hike to the viewpoint or browse the tiny street stalls before lunch. You’ll motor on to Monkey Beach, home to a colony of long-tailed macaques, and “Viking Cave” which owes its nickname to the images of different types of boats - including one that looks like a Viking longboat - painted on its walls. At beautiful Ao Pileh lagoon on the second-largest island, you’ll have a chance to plunge into its emerald waters for a swim and a snorkel, before a final stop at Koh Rang Yai where pearls are farmed.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 8am to 6pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
This trip is not recommended for the under fours, the over 70s and pregnant women.

Fringed by powder-soft beaches lapped by crystal-clear azure waters, the Similan Islands are everyone’s idea of a tropical paradise. You’ll spend a day travelling by speedboat and taking in their natural charms, above and below the waves, with plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkelling and hiking. The first port of call is the wonderfully named Donald Duck Bay on Koh Similan, where there’ll be time to climb up to the curiously shaped granite boulder known as Sail Rock to take in the views. After a stop to check out the colourful world underwater, you’ll drop anchor at Koh Similan. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch on the picture-perfect sands of Princess Bay before following the short nature trail to Honeymoon Bay, a stunning spot where you can swim or sunbathe. There’s one final stop at either Koh Similan or Koh Bon for a snorkelling session over a pristine coral reef teeming with life before you head, reluctantly, back to the mainland.

• Duration: Full day
• Time: 5.30am to 6pm
• Daily departures
• Operates November to April
• Group experience

Good to know
You’ll need to provide a copy of your passport at time of booking to comply with new Similan Islands National Park regulations. The trip is suitable for all except children under four, those who are physically challenged and pregnant women. Travel is by speedboat.

A cluster of tiny specks of land adrift in the Andaman Sea, the Surin Islands have an unspoiled beauty that will enchant everyone who comes here. After an early start, you’ll reach Ao Mae Yai, a picturesque bay on the main island of Ko Surin Nuea blessed with a sweep of white sand and calm, clear waters - it’s a perfect spot for snorkelling. From here, you’ll cruise past a tiny village that houses the Moken, sea nomads who traditionally lived from and on the sea between Thailand and Burma, and who have a fascinating history. After another swim-and-snorkel session, you’ll head to the National Park’s rustic restaurant overlooking another sheltered beach, where you’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch. There’s just time before heading back to the mainland for another snorkelling stop and, in season, for a whale shark watching session.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 5.30am to 6pm
• Departs Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays
• Operates from November to April
• Group experience

Good to know
This trip is not recommended for the under fours, the over 70s and pregnant women. The itinerary is not completely set in stone, as the choice of snorkelling spots depends on conditions on the day.

Make an early getaway to Koh Phi Phi to enjoy this scenic archipelago in the Andaman Sea at its tranquil best. Travelling by speedboat, you’ll arrive first at Koh Khai, a tiny island tucked away in Phang Nga Bay. Here, you’ll stop to take in the powder-soft white beach lapped by crystal-clear turquoise waters and have a serene swim surrounded by tropical fish. On arrival at Koh Phi Phi, you’ll make for stunning Ao Pileh lagoon on the second-largest island, whose emerald waters are a delight for photographers and snorkellers alike. Other sights include the so-called “Viking Cave” which owes its nickname to the images of different types of boats - including one that looks like a Viking longboat - painted on its walls, and Monkey Beach, home to a colony of long-tailed macaques. After lunch, on the way back to port, there’s a final stop at low-lying Bamboo Island to snorkel along pristine coral reef: the perfect finale to a scenic adventure that will appeal to all.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 5am to 6pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
This trip is not recommended for the under fours, the over 70s and pregnant women. Early morning start.

Go behind the scenes of Phuket and get to know its famous highlights and island industries on a full-day group tour. The day begins with a scenic drive along the coast road, hugging some of Asia's most beautiful beaches. You’ll arrive at Nakkerd Hill to visit the Big Buddha, a 45-metre-tall marble Buddha. Savour the panoramic view over southern Phuket before moving on to Wat Chalong, Phuket's largest and most revered monastery. There’s a late morning visit to a traditional cashew nut factory before visiting the oldest Chinese temple in Phuket Town to learn about Chinese influences on the island. Before lunch, there’s time to visit Chin Pracha House, a Sino-colonial mansion. Lunch is served at a local farm in Old Phuket. You’ll visit a typical farmhouse and watch a demonstration at a local rubber plantation and see how rice is planted and grown.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 7.30am to 5.30pm
• Daily departures
• Operates daily
• Group experience

This half-day trip is a fantastic opportunity to get close to Thailand’s remarkable elephants, where the emphasis is on learning from the sanctuary’s caretakers. After a scenic drive through a local village, you’ll arrive at the elephant sanctuary in a picturesque jungle dotted with ponds, open fields, and hills for the elephants to roam around. Your visit starts at the Tree Top Lounge, where you’ll be shown a documentary to prepare you for your encounter with the elephants. Next, you will feed the elephants. While they enjoy their baskets of fruits, you have a chance to learn from the caretakers about the background of each elephant. You’ll venture into the sanctuary and explore Thailand’s longest canopy walkway and nature trails to locate the elephants and observe them foraging and bathing freely. By keeping a safe and respectful distance, the elephants can express their natural behaviour, play and socialise with each other. Before your trip ends, a delicious vegetarian Thai lunch is served.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 9am to 1pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

You won't want to miss out on this unique entertainment complex in the mountains. Get picked up and taken to Suoi Mo station where you will catch a ride in a cable car. Once you reach the top, there’s an array of activities for you to pick from. Stroll through the cobbled paths of the French-style village and make your way to one of Vietnam's modern iconic landmarks, the Golden Bridge. After taking your Instagram-worthy pictures of the giant hands seemingly holding up the walkway, you can take a wander through the beautiful gardens. The fantasy park awaits if you’re seeking more thrilling activities. As the largest indoor amusement park in Vietnam, this is perfect place for children (and adults that are still kids at heart). For more of a laid back experience, you can admire the spiritual pagodas or take a break and try traditional Vietnamese-style tea whilst taking in the beautiful views. Once you’ve had your fill of fun, catch the cable car down to Toc Tien station and transfer back to your hotel.

• Duration: Full day
• Timings: 8am to 5pm
• Departs daily from Danang/Hoi An
• Operates year round
• Private experience

This scenic four-hour day trip through the limestone majestic peaks of one of the seven natural wonders of the world is just the ticket for those unable to indulge in an overnight cruise. As you weave through the towering karst pillars on a traditional junk boat, relax on the sundeck and admire the serene natural beauty of the islands as you tuck into a delicious Vietnamese feast prepared onboard. You’ll be accompanied by an English-speaking local guide who has a deep understanding of the area and knows all the best grottos and bays to explore for those once in a lifetime photographs.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 8.30am to 6.30pm
• Departing daily from Hanoi
• Year Round
• Private experience

Good to know
A perfect trip for both honeymooners and families but please note the cruise will be shared with other passengers and for maximum enjoyment, due to the nature of the trip, we recommend children are six years old or above.

Combining a scenic four-hour cruise through the majestic karst islands of Halong Bay with a spectacular flight over the UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is a wonderful experience for those celebrating something special. As your seaplane soars through the sky above the towering limestone islands, you’ll have the best viewpoint of the entire bay giving you a real sense of scale of this phenomenal natural wonder. The rest of the day moves at a more gentle pace from the comfort of your traditional junk boat. Cruise between the towering pillars, stop off at pretty lagoons and fascinating grottos and soak up the scenery on the sun deck before enjoying a delicious Vietnamese lunch on board.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 7.30am to 7.30pm
• Departing daily from Hanoi
• Year round
• Private experience

Good to know
A perfect trip for both honeymooners and families but please note the cruise and flights will be shared with other passengers and we recommend children are aged six or over.

Whether you already have a list of famous landmarks you want to tick off your ‘to see’ list or you’re looking for some direction during your stay, there’s no better way of exploring Hanoi than with an expert local guide. Pointing out places of interest as you travel across the city in your own personal car, with their insider knowledge you’re sure to uncover a whole different side to the capital. A fantastic option for those travelling with kids or couples who want to dive deeper into the culture of Hanoi.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 9am to 5pm
• Daily
• Year Round
• Private experience

Good to know
You’ll benefit from a personal car with driver and local guide for the entire day but please be aware fees to any attractions you decide to visit will be payable locally.

It has been said that one of the best ways to immerse yourself into a new culture is through the local food and this evening street food tour through Hanoi won’t disappoint. As you weave through the narrow streets of the Old Quarter packed with locals perched on plastic stools amongst sizzling woks and bubbling pots, you’re sure to leave with a greater understanding of local life and a firm grasp of Hanoi’s favourite dishes. Enjoy a refreshing glass of local ale – you’ll soon discover Vietnam has a thriving craft beer scene – as you people watch at Bia Hoi corner before diving into Ly Quoc Su, the city’s famed food street with your personal guide. Tuck into freshly made Banh Goi, crescent-shaped fried pastries filled with pork, mushrooms, onions and spices with sticky rice and mouth-watering Pho before finishing with dessert from Hanoi’s most famous ice cream parlour.

• Duration: evening
• Time: 5.30pm to 8.30pm
• Daily
• Year Round
• Private experience

Good to know
While every effort will be made to cater for any specific dietary requirements, please talk to your guide when booking to ensure the tour can be shaped around your needs. Suitable for children six years and over.

What better souvenir than the knowledge of how to recreate your favourite Vietnamese dish. Not only that, when taking this class at KOTO restaurant you’ll be contributing to the fantastic community work they do, helping to provide hospitality training to local street kids. Supported by our own Der Touristik Foundation, founder Jimmy Pham set up KOTO (Know One, Teach One) when he realised all these children needed were the skills to get a stable job – you’ll learn all about their mission in the morning as you sip Vietnamese tea and get acquainted with the team. Having collected all your fresh ingredients from the local market you’ll get to work beside a current trainee learning more about their lives and a recipe that’s sure to stay with you forever before tucking into your culinary creations!

• £10 of each excursion sale goes towards the foundation
• Daily departures
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

Good to know
Although the class can cater for children over six, this experience is more suited for adults looking to give something back to the local community.

Located on the banks of the Red River, just outside Hanoi, the ancient Bat Trang Ceramic Village is a must-see for history enthusiasts and those interested in local crafts. Dating back seven centuries, this traditional trades village is also home to some of the best craftsmen in the country, making it the perfect place to learn the art of pottery and create a memorable souvenir. Step inside one of the hundreds of private workshops that line the narrow streets in the village and immerse yourself in the daily life of a local. Equipped with your own rotary table and clay you’ll get to work creating your own masterpiece under the watchful eye of the experts who will be on hand to guide you step by step through the process. After all that hard work, cool down with a refreshing glass of sugar-cane juice and sample a Bánh tẻ - a speciality of Bat Trang made with rice, ground meat and black mushrooms.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 8.30am to midday
• Daily
• Year Round
• Group experience

This is a fantastic introduction to Vietnam’s capital, packing many of Hanoi’s sights into a day. You’ll begin in the city’s Ho Chi Minh Quarter, the site of the mausoleum of the former revolutionary statesman. Other attractions in this corner of central Hanoi include the Presidential Palace, the lotus blossom influenced One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature. The tour then proceeds to the most well-known neighbourhood: the Old Quarter. With the guide, you’ll wander through the wonderfully busy streets that are lined with a jumble of French colonial buildings. Stop for a traditional egg coffee at the well-thought-of Café Giang, before ending the day at a visit to the Water Puppet Theatre to learn about an entertainment form that’s over 1000 years old.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 8.30am to 5pm
• Daily departures from Hanoi
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Good to know
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed every afternoon and on Mondays and Fridays so a stop to take a picture will be included in the tour on these occasions. The mausoleum is also closed 15 June to the 15 August for the annual renovation.

A great way to get to know what life in a city is – or was – like is through street art. On this half day tour of Hanoi’s glorious Old Quarter there’s a focus on murals and mosaics, starting at the famous Phung Hung Street. A handful of local and South Korean artists have created beautiful depictions of urban memories in each of railway arches. The next stop is the Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural, a 4-mile-long artwork that was produced in 2021 to celebrate 1000 year since the foundation of Hanoi. The intricate mosaics portray various aspects of Vietnamese history, culture and tradition. The tour will end with a visit to Café Giang for an egg coffee, a Hanoi delicacy.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 8.30am to midday
• Departs daily from Hanoi
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Spend a few hours being whisked through the streets of Hanoi’s beautiful Old Quarter on a cyclo. The first port of call is Ngoc Son temple, the most visited temple in the city which is located on an island in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake. To reach the island, a tiny land of legends, you’ll cross the pretty, scarlet hued Huc Bridge. Then head to Hanoi’s beautiful Opera House before weaving your way through the historic streets of the Old Quarter.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 8am to midday
• Daily departures from Hanoi
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Set off southwards out of Hanoi and head to the Ninh Binh province, a wonderous world of riverside rice fields punctuated with limestone casts that’s known as Halong Bay on land. You’ll board a small boat and be transported slowly along the Ngo Dong River to the Tam Coc cave system. After entering one of the caves in your rowboat, you can enjoy the unhurried trip back to the pier and take in life on the riverside. It’ll then be time for a delicious local lunch and a 3-mile bike ride to Hung Mua, another of the three Tam Coc caves. You’ll then ascend nearly 500 steps to the top of Hang Mua Peak for some unforgettable view across the surrounding landscapes.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 8.30am to 6pm
• Daily departures from Hanoi
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

There are few more relaxing and rewarding ways of spending a day exploring Saigon, aka Ho Chi Minh City, than in your own car, complete with a driver and guide. It gives you the freedom to set your own itinerary and then change your mind if you spot something enticing along the way. There’s no timetable to stick to, so you can stop for a break when you want and stay for as long as you like - something that families will particularly appreciate. Want to mix up the guide-book highlights with places only the locals know about? Your guide will be happy to suggest options tailored to your interests, whether that’s a quirky shopping centre in what used to be a block of flats, a newly opened trendy café or just an overlooked corner of one of the city’s main sights.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 9am to 5pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
Entrance fees are not included. Mileage up to 100km is included; you can pay a small supplement directly to the driver for any extra distance or time.

If you’ve always wanted to experience Saigon like a local, this fun-filled morning tour by vintage Vespa scooter is for you. Riding behind an experienced driver who knows the streets like the back of their hand, you’ll be whisked around a beguiling blend of must-see landmarks and off-the-beaten-track gems. You’ll discover a secret weapon bunker dating from the Vietnam War, watch coffee made the traditional way in clay pots at Saigon’s oldest café and be dazzled by the colour and scent of a vibrant flower market. You’ll also explore a historic residential district, stop at breathtaking Buddhist temples and check out specialist markets dedicated to everything from spare parts for motorbikes to fabrics from all around Asia. Lunch at a neighbourhood restaurant that serves authentic Vietnamese cuisine is a perfect way to round off an adventure that’s sure to be a hit with couples and honeymooners.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 8am to 12.30pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
This trip is suitable for those over the age of 16 only. Helmets - and raincoats in case of showers - are provided.

Plunge into Saigon’s dynamic night-time scene local-style as you zip between some of its buzziest foodie haunts on a vintage Vespa. Riding pillion behind an expert driver, you’ll begin the evening with a tour around several vibrant downtown districts, passing some of the city’s must-see sights. After pausing for a drink and a spot of people-watching at a neighbourhood café, you’ll head for one of Saigon’s best stalls for banh mi, a stubby baguette sandwich with an array of delicious classic fillings. The next stop is a bustling night flower market, ablaze with colour, followed by a taste of traditional rice pancakes and seafood at a popular restaurant. No gourmet experience is complete without something sweet to finish things off, so the final tasting of the evening is Vietnamese che - a sort of dessert soup - which comes in a dizzying range of varieties.

• Duration: evening
• Time: 6pm to 10pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
This trip is suitable for those over the age of 16 only. While every effort will be made to cater for food allergies or special diets, this may not always be possible.

Explore a fascinating side of Vietnamese history in the countryside to the north of Ho Chi Minh City. During the Vietnam War, Viet Cong communist fighters dug a 250km-long network of tunnels here in which they could hide for long periods, store food and weapons, communicate with other resistance groups and more. For this visit, you’ll travel by private transfer straight to Cu Chi, where you’ll learn all about these extraordinary relics of the country’s past. You’ll hear about the challenging conditions in this three-level underground “village” at the time, from the darkness and foul-smelling air to invasions of snakes and scorpions, but also the ingenuity that enabled the creation of subterranean hospitals, kitchens and wells. A short section of tunnel has been widened a little (and cleared of insects), so brave and curious visitors can get an insight into what life was like below ground for themselves. From here, you’ll return to Ho Chi Minh City in time for lunch (not included).

• Duration: half day
• Time: 8am to 1pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private

Good to know
The heat and humidity make the narrow tunnels even stuffier than you’d imagine possible, so don’t feel you have to experience them if you’d rather not.

A fantastic way to get to an introductory view of one of Vietnam’s largest cities, or explore if you are short on time, is by taking this private, guided tour. Begin in the historic heart of the city and walk along Dong Khoi Street, a District 1 thoroughfare once known as Rue Catinat which is lined with grand colonial buildings. Then it’s on to see the exterior of the Notre Dame Cathedral, a Romanesque landmark built in the 1800s, the grand Saigon Central Post Office and the Reunification Palace. The focus later in the day is Cholon, Vietnam’s largest Chinatown. Wander along Tran Hung Dao Street and through the clothing market, Soai Kinh Lam, and n to Cha Tam Chuch and Thien Hau Pagoda, the heart of Chinese culture in the city. The last stop of the day is the Ben Thanh Market, a city icon and a great place to bargain for textiles, jewellery and speciality dishes.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 8am to 5pm
• Daily departures from Ho Chi Minh City
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

Travel south from Ho Chi Minh City, the gateway to the Mekong Delta. Known as the "rice bowl" of Vietnam, the Delta is the most fertile region in the country and the main producer of rice and tropical fruits. Board your boat to begin your discovery of the mighty Mekong River as well as its narrow canals, gaining a real insight into the lives of the local people. Late afternoon you'll return to Ho Chi Minh City.

• Duration: full day
• Time 8am to 6pm

Indulge your inner Robinson Crusoe with a day on a deserted island in Nha Trang Bay. It’s the perfect away-from-it-all option, whether you’re looking for a romantic experience with someone special or quality time with the family. You’ll be whisked by speedboat to your destination, where you’ll be able to swim, snorkel and relax on the secluded picture-perfect beach without a care in the world. And when you start to feel a little peckish, your private staff will be a discreet distance away ready to serve a delicious barbecue picnic lunch. When it’s time to leave - though you may not want to - the boat will be there to carry you back to civilisation.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 8am to 4pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
It’s an obvious thing to say, but you’re on a desert island, so be sure to bring everything you think you can’t live without for the day, from sun cream and hats to child-friendly snacks.

Spend an enjoyable morning learning how to prepare some popular Vietnamese dishes from scratch with the help of the staff at one of Nha Trang’s best-loved eateries. After meeting up with the chef at Lanterns Restaurant, you’ll hop on a cyclo - a typical three-wheeled bicycle taxi - for a fascinating trip to a local produce market. Here you’ll get a colourful lesson in the ingredients that are key to the country’s culinary culture and how to choose and haggle for the best, pausing for a refreshing sugar-cane juice along the way. On returning to the restaurant, you’ll be taken through the necessary steps to create a three-course meal, starting with fresh spring rolls, perhaps, followed by lemongrass chicken or fish cooked in a clay pot depending on what’s on the menu that day. You’ll also discover the secret of cooking perfect rice and how to flambé fruit for an impressive dessert without setting anything else on fire. The well-deserved finale is, of course, sitting down to eat what you’ve made in the company of your fellow cooks.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 9am to 1pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Group departures

Good to know
The class is suitable for families with children aged 6 and above. While every effort will be made to cater for food allergies or special diets, this may not always be possible.

Experience the city of Nha Trang like never before with a four-hour cyclo ride that takes you to local vendors to indulge in scrumptious street food specialities. Riding on a traditional Vietnamese three-wheel bicycle taxi, you can sit back and relax while your driver takes you on an unforgettable culinary journey. Savour the delicious Banh Can, a hot cake that is skilfully prepared by pouring flour into moulds and baking over a warm coal brazier. Try the Bun Cha Ca, rice vermicelli with grilled fish and a broth made with boiled sailfish and mackerel bones that boasts a unique and flavourful taste. The Nem Nuong, a grilled pork roll, is a must-try dish, with its crispy meat and spicy sweet and sour blend, served with a refreshing green papaya salad. Try the shrimp dumpling, Banh Tai Vac, and end your experience on a sweet note with the Che Choui Nuong, a banana and sticky rice dessert.

• Duration: evening
• Time: 5pm to 9pm
• Daily departures from Nha Trang and Cam Ranh
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

If you want a special way to celebrate, consider a night cruise on Nha Trang Bay with a delicious Vietnamese seafood dinner and unlimited drinks. On board the Emperor Cruises traditional Junk, enjoy the beautiful scenery of Nha Trang at night while sipping cocktails and wine on the sundeck. Musicians will entertain you before a sumptuous five-course seafood dinner. After dinner, you can return to the deck for a romantic moment or to celebrate with loved ones over drinks and cocktails. This experience is perfect for couples, honeymooners, and anyone looking to celebrate a special occasion.

• Duration: evening
• Daily departures from Nha Trang and Cam Ranh
• Operates year-round
• Private experience

The island of Phu Quok is a glorious tropical playground in its own right, blessed with dazzling beaches and lush landscapes. But as you’ll discover on this full-day private cruise, the remote islets off its south coast are even more unspoiled, making them the perfect location to indulge your desert-island fantasies as a couple or family. Boarding your traditional fishing boat at An Thoi harbour, you’ll head out on a scenic journey across the Gulf of Thailand. On arrival at your destination, you’ll spend a wonderfully lazy day swimming in crystal-clear waters, snorkelling across virgin coral reefs in deserted coves and chilling out on pristine talcum-white beaches fringed by jungle. Making it just a tiny bit easier to tear yourself away, you’ll be served a mouthwatering local light lunch on board as you sail back towards Phu Quoc.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 9am to 5pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
It’s an obvious thing to say, but you’re in the middle of nowhere, so be sure to bring everything you may need for the day, from sun cream and hats to your children’s favourite snacks.

During the tour, you’ll get to experience a variety of activities in Phu Quoc. You’ll start by visiting a pearl farm to learn about pearl cultivation and its importance to the island. Next, you will stop at the Sim Wine factory to try a local drink made from Rose Myrtle fruit. You’ll then visit the Ho Quoc Pagoda, a Buddhist temple with sensational views of the Gulf of Thailand. Afterwards, you’ll head to Sao Beach, renowned for its soft sand, palm trees, and turquoise waters. Take a break from the tour to have lunch at a local restaurant and enjoy some free time on the beach. The tour ends with a stop at Phu Quoc Prison, also known as Coconut Tree Prison, constructed by French colonialists and served as a prison for Viet Cong captives during the Vietnam War.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 9am to 5pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year-round
• Private experience