Touch down in Thailand

The first stop on your Asian odyssey is Bangkok, the bustling heart of Thailand. Once you’ve checked into your accommodation, there’s plenty of time to get to know the fellow adventurers in your group over a drink or bite to eat.

Bangkok is home to an endless list of activities and sights, so head out and discover what makes this enigmatic city so popular. Whether it be cruising down the floating markets of the Chao Phraya River, enjoying an authentic Thai massage or zooming between the likes of the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha on a tuk-tuk, there's genuinely something for everyone.

Experience Indochina

This journey will take you to the north of Thailand on a sleeper train to the somewhat more relaxed pace of Chiang Mai, before crossing the border into Laos and meandering down the famous Mekong River on the authentic slow boat. Soak up the incredible scenery on this two-day trip with your newfound friends. You’ll then get to experience the remarkable wildlife of the jungle as you walk side by side with rescued elephants in their natural habitat, a truly unforgettable experience.

Next up, Vietnam awaits! Board your flight and arrive in Hanoi, the nation’s capital, where impressive architecture displays a blend of South East Asian, Chinese and French influence. After sightseeing to your heart's content and building up a healthy appetite, indulge in some of the best cuisine the country has to offer. Whether it be a hearty pho, delicious nem, or bánh mì, the sandwich born out of Vietnam’s colonial past, your next ‘best meal ever’ is always just around the corner here!

Travel south via spectacular Halong Bay, where you’ll have the chance to take a dip in the balmy waters, and vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, before crossing into Cambodia and stopping at the sombre but important Killing Fields on your way to the capital, Phnom Penh. Spend some time exploring the city before heading on to iconic Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious building, offering a perfect blend of symbolism and symmetry.

Complete your Asian loop by heading back to Bangkok, as you edge ever closer to your backpackers’ trip Down Under.

Time to say g’day!

Leaving Asia behind, laidback Australia awaits. Arrive in Sydney and spend some time getting to know the city – you’ll quickly become accustomed to the relaxed Aussie way of life. Get your fill of all the famous landmarks including Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge and be sure to have a beach day (or five!) at Bondi before activating your Greyhound Whimit Pass. This is a flexible bus ticket that takes you all the way up the eastern coast of Australia to Cairns, allowing you break up the journey with as many or as few stops as you like!

While it’s certainly worth seeing everything along the way, highlights include Byron Bay, where you’ll take part in a Mojosurf camp, the famous Whitsundays, where a two-day sailing trip awaits (including the opportunity to snorkel around the Great Barrier Reef!), and Queensland, home to tropical climates and unspoiled beaches. And to top things off, you won’t have to worry about organising a place to rest your weary head after a long day of adventuring as you’ll also have ten open dated nights of accommodation to use at any Base or Nomads hostel as and when you see fit!

Next stop…?

The rest of the year is yours to do as you please. Whether it be getting a job and settling down in Melbourne or Sydney, continuing your exploration around Australia, or moving on to New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, the world is your oyster!

Wherever your adventures take you, TTA is on hand 24/7/365 to get you moving.