36 days in Thailand, Vietnam & Siem Reap Itinerary

Offering a rich culinary heritage, sun-kissed beaches, exotic culture, tropical climate, and stunning landscapes, a Thailand vacation remains one of the world's greatest magnets for curious travelers. In between the busy and crowded cities, the Asian nation features a quiet countryside: a blend of lush rice paddies, flourishing tropical forests, and tiny villages living according to an age-old agricultural clock that continues to play a major role in the locals' lifestyle. A tour of Thailand reveals a deep devotion to Buddhism, exemplified by eye-catching temples lavishly decorated with golden Buddha statues, simple shrines, and lively religious festivals celebrated throughout the country.

While most Southeast Asian countries have at least one booming metropolis, none seem to bustle nearly throughout like Vietnam does. While busy locals zoom about on motorbikes, visitors fill their Vietnam vacations with a mix of cultural sightseeing and exploring the landscape. Big cities and towns boast colonial architecture, open-air markets, outstanding spa complexes, and modern restaurants. The country also features over 3,200 km (2,000 mi) of coastline dotted with sandy bays that attract scuba divers and kitesurfers. Away from busy urban centers, a tour of Vietnam reveals a rural landscape of lush rice paddies, jagged mountain peaks, and timeless villages unspoiled by the outside world.

Visitors usually come back from their holiday in Krabi Province deeply impressed by the region's natural attractions, which include white-sand beaches, extensive coral reefs, numerous waterfalls, caves, and more than 130 islands. The area encompasses some of the most popular destinations floating just off the picturesque Andaman Coast, including the six islands protected as a national park of impressive natural beauty. Most tours of Krabi Province include an exploration of the vertical karst formations jutting from the sea, a dramatic backdrop for water-based adventures. Although mass tourism in the province increasingly exerts pressure, many of the islands here retain a relaxed feel and offer a bit of solitude in a heavenly tropical setting.

Known for its outstanding natural beauty, the island of Ko Samui lies some 700 km (430 mi) south of Bangkok and features a palm-fringed coastline and hillsides shrouded in virgin rainforest. Take a trip to Ko Samui to discover a heaven for kayakers, snorkelers, and nature lovers of all ages. Together with about 60 other islands, Ko Samui is part of a sprawling marine national park sheltering a diverse wildlife that includes fish, frogs, otters, dolphins, monkeys, bats, turtles, iguanas, cobras, and hogs. Although you can tour Ko Samui's developed beaches in a few hours by car or motorcycle, the island is still large enough for serious adventures in the wild.