There are trips that change the way you see the world – and then there are journeys that change the way you see yourself. My 30-day adventure through Southeast Asia with Intrepid falls firmly into the latter. What began as a bucket-list tick turned into something far more meaningful: a whirlwind of breathtaking scenery, heartwarming hospitality, unexpected friendships and unforgettable moments across Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia.

The journey started in Thailand, a country that delivers on vibrancy and flavour. From the chaos of Bangkok’s traffic to the serenity of its temples, there’s something magnetic about this place (and their mango sticky rice). But it was when we crossed into Laos that the magic truly started to unfold.

Laos quickly stole my heart.

It’s hard to describe the peaceful rhythm of life in Laos without experiencing it for yourself. The scenery is like something from a dream: lush mountains, winding rivers and sunsets that bathe the sky in gold. But it was the people who left the deepest impression. Laotians have a quiet warmth and generosity that made me feel instantly welcome. Whether we were cruising the Mekong or wandering the streets of Luang Prabang, there was an effortless calm to everything.

And the food: wow. From street-side noodle stalls to steaming bowls of laap (minced meat salad) with sticky rice, every meal felt like a discovery. It was here that our group really started to bond over bites, beers, soju and Uno.

At MandaLao Elephant Conservation, connecting with these magnificent creatures goes beyond the physical: it’s a spiritual experience that resonates deep within the soul. The sanctuary is dedicated to the ethical care of elephants, offering a safe haven where visitors can interact with these gentle giants in a respectful and natural environment. Spending time with the elephants, feeding them and walking alongside them through the lush jungle creates a profound bond. Elephants, with their wisdom and grace, seem to exude an ancient energy that is both grounding and transformative.

Outside Vang Vieng (what an interesting place…), there is the Nam Xay Viewpoint, or as I like to call it, the “Mountain of Death”. The trek up is no walk in the park, it’s a serious test of endurance. Halfway up, I began questioning every life choice that led me to this point, wondering if there was even a viewpoint at the top or if this was some elaborate joke. My legs were screaming, my water bottle was empty and the thought of turning back was too shameful to entertain. But then, after what felt like a century of gruelling uphill climbing, I reached the summit only to be greeted by a swarm of mosquitoes and a crowd of influencers posing dramatically with the view. So, if you do decide to tackle the hike, just remember: there may be breathtaking views, but there’s also a lot of people trying to get their perfect #wanderlust shot, and a whole lot of bug spray you’ll wish you brought.

As we journeyed east into Vietnam, the energy shifted as we inherited an almost entirely new group. The buzz of Hanoi hit me like a shot of espresso… fitting, since Vietnamese coffee became my daily ritual. And not just any coffee: coconut coffee. Imagine silky coconut milk blended into rich Vietnamese espresso. It’s dessert, it’s fuel, it’s obsession-worthy.

Ha Long Bay was a dreamscape of limestone karsts and emerald waters. Waking up to sunrise over the bay, eagles soaring overhead, felt like something out of a fantasy novel. We visited The Green Life Centre and learned how locals are turning trash into treasures by transforming waste into bags, scrunchies and crafts. It was a powerful reminder of the resourcefulness and resilience of people everywhere.

From there, we journeyed south by overnight train, waking up in the former imperial capital of Hue. The city’s grandeur was shadowed by its wartime scars, but its spirit remains intact. We toured the Imperial Citadel, zipped through alleyways on the back of motorbikes and shared a vegetarian feast at a Buddhist nunnery.

Hoi An was straight out of a storybook. Lantern-lit streets, tailor shops, art galleries, and riverside cafés. It’s the kind of place you instantly feel at home in. I spent my free day biking through rice paddies to the beach, then browsing local markets for handmade ceramics and silk lanterns. If you’re ever in Hoi An, bring an empty suitcase and you’ll want to fill it.

We flew south to Ho Chi Minh City, where the contrasts of old and new, war and peace, tradition and modernity collide in fascinating ways. The War Remnants Museum offered a sobering look into the Vietnam War from the Vietnamese perspective, a deeply moving and eye-opening experience. And yet, just streets away, the city thrived with life, colour and flavour.

Then came Cambodia a country that left us speechless with its beauty, history and resilience.

In Phnom Penh, we faced the painful past of the Khmer Rouge at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields. It was hard. Uncomfortable. But necessary. These visits reminded us how important it is to bear witness, to learn and to honour the lives lost.

In Battambang, we visited local artisans and learned about traditional crafts, then cycled through the countryside to meet families making rice paper, banana chips and sticky rice in bamboo tubes.

Then came the moment I’d been waiting for: Angkor Wat.

No photo can prepare you for the awe of standing in front of this ancient marvel as the sun rises behind it. We could have spent days there and still not seen it all.

On the final day, we crossed back into Bangkok, where the trip began. Thirty days, four countries and countless memories later, I felt like a different person. More grounded. More connected. More curious.

But perhaps the most unexpected gift of the trip? The friendships.

There’s something about travel that brings people together in unique ways. You bond over shared moments: nights out, magic sunsets, surprise rainstorms, weird snacks and deep conversations. Our group became a little family, supporting each other through early mornings, language barriers and long travel days. And that connection, that sense of shared humanity is what I’ll carry with me the longest.

This journey wasn’t just about seeing places. It was about feeling them. About learning, connecting and growing. If you’re ever thinking of doing a trip like this: do it. Let yourself be surprised. Let the world change you.

Because it will.