Today is the first day of your epic adventure and your Tru Welcome Day! Give us a loud 'Hell yeah!' We're launching into the gateway to Siem Reap, famous for Angkor Wat, rice wine (sraa) that could fuel a ballistic missile, and a food and bar scene that's 78.6 times better than a night in Llandudno. You can make use of our airport pick-up service (see FAQs) or meet us at our hostel, where you'll join the rest of the group, along with your travelling ninja. (By the way: Don't worry, our travelling ninjas are not real ninjas. It's just a name we made up to make us sound cool). You'll have the day at leisure before joining your group for the welcome speech and eating out together near the legendary Pub Street. You heard right. PUB. STREET. A place with crazy bars, weird and wonderful food and enough neon lights to make Blackpool look like amateur hour. And if you fancy it, treat yourself to a drink or two - there's no better way to get to know your Tru family than through slurred, drunken chatter. (But sober chatter is also acceptable).

Activity: Welcome Dinner

Today we are setting off on a Tru exclusive. That's right. An exclusive offer. You can't get this thing anywhere else, folks. Hop in a tuk tuk and ride through the bustling streets of Siem Riep for today's cultural experience. Slip into the shoes of a local mango/rice farmer (not literally. It's against Cambodian law to steal farmers' shoes) and learn what it takes to harvest everyone's favourite fruit (when in season). You'll even get to enjoy the fruits of your labour. Do you understand what we did there? The fruits of your labour. No? Oh, forget it. After all that, it's time to join our local guide at his family home. Then we'll head back to town to relax or swim in the pool before a sunset BBQ tonight. You've got a full day ahead of you tomorrow, so if you've had enough, we'd advise you to get some sleep and sleep off today's mangover (that's 'mango hangover' for newbies).

Cambodia rural experience & sunset barbecue

Lunch

Stand up and shine, people. You won't forget today in a hurry. It's your last day in Siem Reap, and you're going to visit the world's largest religious monument. Say (Angkor) waaaat? Yes, you heard right. We're going to Angkor Wat, a huge 200-hectare complex modelled after Mount Meru, the cot of the Hindu gods. Now, we won't spoil it by saying that this will be one of the most amazing experiences of your life, but... well... this will definitely be one of the most amazing experiences of your life. We will arrive at the UNESCO World Heritage Site in time for sunrise. Get your cameras ready. After all, if you don't post it on Instagram, were you even there? #DefinitelyNoFilterNecessary. The afternoon is yours to explore Siem Reap, call loved ones and tell them about your day, or take a much-needed nap before we spend our last night on Pub Street. Chant with us: PUB STREET! PUB STREET! PUB ST- right? OK, maybe later.

Sunrise at Angkor Wat

Dinner

Say goodbye to Siem Reap and make your way to the capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh. After yesterday's escapades, you'll probably need some sleep, so sit back, close your eyelids and drool on yourself while we all take photos of you. Just kidding. We're not that mean. Then stop for lunch in the countryside. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings and feast on delicious food. Check into our accommodation in Phnom Penh, freshen up and get ready for an evening walk and dinner at a riverside restaurant. After dinner, you can browse for bargains at the night market or skip that and head straight to the bars to get rid of the lingering taste of tarantula.

Dinner on the riverbank

If there is one place that everyone should visit at some point in their lives, it is the Killing Fields, the site of a gruesome genocide in Cambodia that claimed the lives of millions of people, and the S21 prison where the Khmer Rouge held 17,000 people, very few of whom survived. The devastating effects can still be felt today. Your visit here will not be easy. And not pleasant either. But it is a story that will stay with you. It's a big part of Cambodia's recent history that has shaped their modern culture, and so all visitors should take the time to learn about it. After our humbling visit, we return for dinner. It's been an emotional day, so use the rest of your evening as you please. Talk to your Tru friends, go for a walk. There's no right way to feel after such a mind-opening experience. Just be yourself.

Khmer Killing Fields & S21

It's day 6 and do you know what that means? No? Of course you don't. Otherwise you'd be leading the trip and we'd be reading this programme. Well, we're heading to the riverside town of Kampot, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery and picturesque backdrops, where we'll be stopping at Arcadia Water Park. A place with lush greenery, cool water, icy cocktails, rope swings and pontoons. The perfect place to relax and spend quality time with your TruFamily. Because who doesn't love a relaxing afternoon? You know, like relaxing sunbathing on the shore with a cold beer. Or a relaxing paddle in a kayak. Or a relaxing splash in the cool river. Or a relaxing adventure on "The Blob", a giant inflatable structure that launches you into the air before you plunge into the water, lose your bikini bottoms and emerge sputtering. Like I said. Relaxed.

Arcadia Water Park

Today we're off to a local pepper plantation where we'll learn everything you need to know about growing the famous Kampot pepper. Will it be fun? You can bet it will be! You know what, you'll soon realise that you know absolutely nothing about pepper. After this intensive lesson, it's time to use your new pepper knowledge to prepare a delicious, traditional Khmer dish. You'll learn from the best in a traditional Cambodian cookery course. Are you going to get a job as a chef in a Michelin-starred restaurant now? Probably not. But you will have a delicious Cambodian dish in your repertoire that will blow everyone's mind at home. In the evening, we stroll through the quaint streets of faded blue and green wooden shops and make our way to the waterfront for a riverside dinner overlooking the river. Will it be anywhere near as good as the food you cooked before? We all know the answer to that question.

Pepper plantations & cookery course

Lunch

Imagine this. You're on a boat, the sun glistens on crystal-clear water, the cool breeze plays in your hair. You look up. Your breath catches as you are greeted by pristine white sand, picturesque beach huts and boats bobbing lazily in the water. You squint your eyes. There's hardly a soul around, only the occasional friendly local for miles, and the trees along the beach sway gently as if welcoming you to this secluded paradise.

*sigh* Dreamlike, isn't it? Well, you don't have to imagine it, because you are. Today. Check in and spend the afternoon in hammocks over the ocean, hop on a paddleboard or rent a kayak, sit your bum on the famous ocean swings for the perfect Insta photo, or kick back on the idyllic beaches, cocktail in hand, and watch the sun set over this serene island. They say you haven't seen beauty until you've seen this place, and they're right (Koh) Rong.

Hammocks, snorkelling & relaxation

Aaaaaahhhhhhhh. Today is all about relaxation. Sleep in, stroll along the warm sandy beaches, find a delicious local breakfast from a local vendor. Whatever you want to do, this time is all yours. Hop from island to island along Cambodia's emerald waters in a traditional longtail boat (an absolute bargain at $10), soak up the sun, get a tan, and try your hand at a traditional fishing method. Show off your belly flop skills or find your inner Khmer mermaid (get what we did there?), snorkel over the vibrant coral reef and check out the various sea creatures that call the warm waters home. Then join the rest of us on a secluded beach for a delicious BBQ lunch. After you've eaten, return to the island, relax, have a few cold beers, bust out some dance moves, burst into song and dance and perform every song from "The Greatest Showman" for your Tru friends. Whatever takes your fancy. This is your last full day on this incredible island, so enjoy every. Last. Minute.

Longtail boat trip

Today we say goodbye to paradise and the beauty of Koh Rong Samleom! It's been an incredible few days of crystal clear waters and golden sandy beaches, but it's time to head back to the city for one last BIG night! We travel by boat and bus and check into our hotel in Phnom Penh. We have a few hours to relax before getting ready and going out for the grand finale! One last TruFam dinner together! We grab a bite to eat and let the evening take its course!

Boat and bus from Koh Rong to Phnom Penh

It's time to say goodbye to Cambodia, because the next part of your adventure awaits! What an incredible 11 days it's been, but Vietnam is calling! You'll cross the border from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City and have some time to relax. This trip is made up of our 11-day Cambodia Explorer and the 13-day Vietnam Explorer, so some of your TruFam may be there for both parts. In the evening, you'll meet up with those who are joining just for Vietnam and explore the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh!

Travelling from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh

Get up and wake up, TruTraveller, we have an eventful day ahead of us! Put on comfortable shoes, because today we're going to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Built in the late 1940s, the tunnels stretch for almost 250 kilometres and were used for a variety of reasons, including housing troops, transporting communications and supplies, and laying booby traps before returning safely to the tunnels. Don't be fooled, although the operation of these tunnels sounds seamless, some tunnels were so small that they were only about 80cm wide and 80cm high, making it almost impossible for the average person to get through. We will experience the tunnels up close and explore some of the underground hiding places. This is an experience not to be missed and gives a real insight into the challenges of life just 70 years ago. Afterwards, we'll freshen up for dinner, enjoy drinks and get to know your TruFam in the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh!

Exploring the Cu Chi tunnels

Breakfast

It's your first full day in one of the most beautiful and hospitable countries in the world. We start in the iconic and historic city formerly known as Saigon. Despite the generally friendly vibe and cheerful nature of the locals, Vietnam's troubled past is well documented, and after a city tour of some of Ho Chi Minh City's most notable sites, it's time to marvel at what happened here 50 years ago at the Ho Chi Minh City War Museum. This museum attracts half a million visitors every year. Learn about the history of the Vietnamese war, which lasted over 20 years and still affects many lives today. We take a walk and visit the impressive Independence Palace before moving on to the cathedral and post office. Finally, we visit the local food market to sample some of the best food in the region - the local cuisine! We return in the early afternoon for a bite to eat before enjoying a relaxing afternoon. In the evening we head to the airport and on to our next destination - Hoi An!

City tour and war museum, flight to Hoi An

Today we wake up in the picturesque town of Hoi An. A magical place in Vietnam, known for its beauty and fun fact is that it is also a World Heritage Site! Hoi An is probably best known for the Vietnamese lanterns that give the town a surreal, tranquil glow every evening. Would you like one too? Let's take it one step further and teach you how to make one! Choose your silk and learn from the locals how to turn one of these iconic lanterns into your own. Don't worry if you're not so good at arts and crafts, you can always leave the lantern in the dark to hide your shame. Another famous activity in Hoi An is the opportunity to have customised clothes made to your exact specifications. We will visit a local tailor shop where we will see how they create incredible clothes and designs. They will also give us a unique reusable and sustainable TruTravels bag made from the fabric scraps. An amazing lifetime gift from the TruFam and perfect for future adventures. Afterwards we head to Thinhs, an amazing local cafe owned by a Tru friend called Tinh who grows his own coffee beans and has some of the best Vietnamese coffee in the country! (In our opinion ;)). We will learn the process of developing and roasting the beans before tasting our own coffee! The rest of the afternoon is free for us to explore!

Breakfast & Lunch

Today is a day off, so sleep as long as you like. Stroll along the tranquil river and soak up the relaxed atmosphere of this quieter part of Vietnam or take a trip to the famous Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge. It's an Instagram favourite! With winding roads and small bridges, it's easy to see why Hoi An is so popular with travellers. So get out and explore! May we suggest a local beach club for sunset cocktails? Come on, you know you want to!

Breakfast

Today the fun level easily reaches 10,000 out of 10 points - and we mean that seriously. Firstly, we take a morning bike ride through the local countryside and village before we reach our destination for the afternoon! We'll be heading to the coconut groves, which despite the name are actually on 7 hectares of water (don't ask us what a hectare is, it might be some kind of squirrel). Ever heard of a wicker boat? Well, you're about to have your first experience with one, and you'll laugh your head off on one of these crazy traditional Vietnamese boats that have been used for crab fishing for centuries. We'll glide through stunning surroundings before a little too much slipping, sliding and splashing as we demonstrate how basket boats are best utilised. It might not be as relaxing as you imagine, but it'll definitely get the adrenaline pumping. You'll certainly work up an appetite and be hungry enough for a culinary experience when we stop to enjoy delicious food with a local family. This evening will be our last in Hoi An (until your next visit), so we'll make it big with dinner and drinks on the riverside path.

Basket boats & bike tour

Breakfast & Lunch

Don't let the name fool you, we'll be travelling over the legendary Hai Van Pass, made famous by Top Gear, in open war jeeps, not a van, yeah! Leaving Hoi An will be emotional, but once we're on the open road, you'll see some of Vietnam's most spectacular scenery on the way to the city of Hue. We'll stop along the way for some snaps, lunch and maybe even a little dip in the tropical waters before reaching idyllic Hue. Pack a swimsuit! Today we spend the day with wind in our hair, loud music and travelling along this world-famous epic route. A once in a lifetime activity, right? We'll arrive late afternoon and check in, then relax at the hotel! Later in the day, we'll explore Hue's nightlife, where it's all about local beer, rice wine and dancing into the night. Good food and delicious drinks await us.

Breakfast & Lunch

Did you know that Hue was once the home of the emperors? The remnants of their rule can be seen all over the city, but most clearly within the walls of the imperial city itself. Today we fully immerse ourselves in this history. We follow the Perfume River and arrive at a tranquil garden. Sit back and relax, because this is where we're going to spend the day! Are you ready to get cooking? We'll learn how to prepare the delicious Vietnamese food we've enjoyed and loved so much over the past week. No pressure, TruFam, slice and dice away and savour every bite of your culinary masterpiece. It's been an incredible day, so we say goodbye to Hue and head off to our next destination - Ninh Binh!

Breakfast & Lunch

Ninh Binh is also known as "Halong Bay on land", and for good reason, as it is breathtakingly beautiful. We arrive and hop on small boats to paddle through unspoilt caves and around small surrounding islands. Look around and you'll see lush green forests and rice paddies galore. Absolutely breathtaking. Afterwards, we'll head to Tam Coc Valley, where you'll discover limestone hills among the lush trees. One of the best nature destinations in all of Vietnam and not on the typical tourist trail. The afternoon is at leisure, but if the TruFam feel like it, we can hop on bikes and cycle around to take water breaks and those all important insta photos. If you didn't take a photo, you were there in the first place, right? We saved the best for last and towards the middle of the afternoon we head to the epic Hang Mua viewpoint. With around 500 steps to the top, you know it's going to be incredible. After updating our Instastory, sending 100 pictures in your WhatsApp chat and really taking in the magic of Vietnam, we head back for dinner, beers and an incredible sunset over the mountains!

Breakfast

Today we're going to arguably the most iconic place in Asia - this is Halong Bay, and it's certainly been your screensaver before. A bright green sea, 1,600 limestone islands criss-crossing the bay, this is a labyrinth of true paradise and wonder. We leave Ninh Binh early in the morning before travelling to Halong Bay and embarking on our boat for a night under the stars. Lunch is served against a stunning backdrop after we have boarded and made ourselves comfortable. Today we sail into paradise, the programme? Kayaking, viewpoints, beaches and more! We told you that your stay in Halong Bay would be one to remember forever. After a day on the water, we go back on board and learn how to make delicious spring rolls. The evening will be spent watching the sun go down on the open deck, looking up at the stars and sharing a beer or two with your TruFam. Does it get any better than this?

Halong Bay Sailing

Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Wake up, rub your eyes, no, you're really here. Take in your surroundings before heading out onto the open deck for breakfast and a large coffee. Huge limestone rock formations surrounded by turquoise waters and lush green forests. There's no place in the world like Halong Bay, so sit back, relax and enjoy the 360-degree views. We'll spend the afternoon relaxing and swimming before saying our goodbyes and heading to the capital of Vietnam - Hanoi! The late afternoon is free, so head out and explore! In the evening, we'll meet up for dinner, drinks and head out to experience the incredible nightlife of Hanoi!

Breakfast & Lunch

It's been 22 days since this wonderful adventure through Vietnam began, and by now you've travelled over 1,600 km of great experiences, great laughs and great people. Just because the capital Hanoi is the last stop on your Vietnam Explorer doesn't mean these wonderful weeks are over. Hanoi is chaotic, lively and an absolute experience in itself. Time to explore, right? But not before you try one of Vietnam's favourite drinks, a traditional egg coffee. Just trust us, they're pretty good. We're going to a demonstration of how this delicacy is made. Do they use real eggs? Who knows. The rest of the day is all yours to explore. Whatever side of Hanoi you like, be it the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, the beautiful Hanoi Opera House or the countless other mega-photographable spots in the city. It's an incredible day. In the evening, we dress up for our big, BIG night with the TruFam!

Egg coffee & Hanoi exploration

Breakfast

It's a day for aching heads and emotional goodbyes as we come to the end of the tour. But don't worry, while this may be the end of your trip, it may not be the end of your adventure. If not, our Travel Ninjas know Southeast Asia like the back of their hand and can give you advice on where to go next. However, when it's time to leave this part of the world, allow yourself to be sad about it, but promise us you'll be back? It's a very simple promise that's actually easy to keep. You are now a lifelong member of TruFam and by now you know how important that is. See you soon!

Help with onward travel