2017 – Journeys Within Tour Company

We believe travel can teach us so much about the world and we want to celebrate those who help teach others, which is why Journeys Within will offer all school teachers and college professors a 10% discount off a customized independent tour in Southeast Asia this summer (travel must take place between June 1 – Aug. 31, 2018). Please feel free to pass along this offer to any teachers who’ve made an impact in your life! Call 877-454-3672 to start planning your summer adventure.

Sample Tour Itineraries

First Time Asia Tour

This tour is designed for first time Asia goers. Through experience we’ve determined how people imagine Asia and the kind of trip they enjoy on their first visit. Fly into Bangkok and spend some time getting to know this amazing city before heading for the hills. Chiang Mai is the epitome of Thailand, a bustling city surrounded by beautiful countryside and interesting hill tribes. (We also have a First Time Asia for Families option.)

Give As You Go: Laos & Cambodia Tour

At Journeys Within, we’ve specialized in custom Southeast Asia tours for philanthropically minded travelers from the very beginning – what we call “active philanthropy.” So for us, the 15-day “Give As You Go: Laos & Cambodia” tour is our holy grail – each hotel, restaurant and experience included in this itinerary was chosen with the idea of giving back and supporting local community development efforts. At Journeys Within, we believe that this type of travel not only helps those countries we visit, but also creates incredible experiences for our travelers.

Cambodia Highlights – Green Season Special

Cambodia has a lot more to show for itself than just temples, and witnessing everything the country has to offer during the “green season” (May – October) is an adventurous and affordable way to get a glimpse of life in this fascinating country with few other travelers around. From the bustling capital with its tree-lined boulevards, to visiting the amazing 4 Rivers Ecolodge and eating pepper crab on a deserted beach… With this itinerary, we can guarantee you’ll love the temples, but we can’t guarantee they’ll be the highlight of your trip.

Enjoy the new Phnom Penh nightlife, be amazed by the temples of Angkor Wat, soak up the beauty of the amazing national parks and relax with the locals on white sand beaches. This tour will take you beyond the tourist traps so you can get a true sense of this incredible country.

Backstage Pass to Vietnam Tour

Our 16-day “Backstage Pass to Vietnam” tour begins in Saigon, exploring the cultural and culinary heritage of the city. You will will continue their exploration of southern Vietnam with a trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels, where guerilla fighters constructed an amazing underground base and village during the French Resistance and Vietnam War, followed by dinner in the home of a veteran of the Vietnamese-American war. In the historic port city of Hoi An, you’ll ride bicycles around Cam Kim Island where families still produce traditional crafts such as ornate furniture, coracle basket boats and sleeping mats by hand. In Hue, witness the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hue’s Imperial City and Citadel, and enjoy dinner in the home of former Nguyen Dynasty princess Ngoc Son – now occupied and preserved by a multi-generational family of Vietnamese historians and feng shui experts. Pass through the infamous DMZ on the way to Phong Nha where a three-day underground caving adventure in the mountainous region awaits. In Hanoi, You will have the opportunity for an intimate look at the city via bicycle tour along the banks of the Red River, stopping along the way to learn about local village life, traditional handicrafts, and agriculture in the area. Finish your tour with an overnight trip to Halong Bay – another UNESCO World Heritage site aboard a private junk boat sailing amidst the limestone islands jutting out of the bay is the perfect way to end this insider’s look at the highlights of Vietnam.

*Ann and Ashley Olin sporting stylish palm hats with a local shopkeeper*

We strive with every tour to make sure that our guests to enjoy the trip of a lifetime in Southeast Asia, and we love seeing their photos and hearing their feedback. Here is a wonderful note and photos from Ann & Ashley Olin:

First of all, I wanted to say how happy I was with the entire tour — from Thailand to Laos to Cambodia, and finally, to Vietnam. The service, the knowledge and professionalism of all your guides exceeded my expectation — from the time they met us at the airport to the time they dropped us off for our next destination. Will highly recommend Journey’s Within to friends and family.

*Ann & Ashley Olin learning to weave palm fronds*

There is, however, one particular guide that Ashley and I were most happy and impressed with, and that is Tai. Tai was more than just a guide to us. He had become family while we were under his care. Tai was helpful, knowledgeable, and I am impressed with his command of the English language! One of the highlights of that particular segment of our journey was taking a cyclo to meet his family — that was special. Then we also got to meet his lovely wife on our way to Saigon, and he was our date for Valentine’s Day! Tai certainly went above and beyond what was called for. It was also helpful that him and Ashley are close in age, so having two young people with me made me feel young.

*Ann and Ashley Olin with Guide Tai and his family*

The hotels and its staff were lovely and the activities you booked for us were excellent. We particularly enjoyed the cruises and meeting the locals in various villages, which gave us an enriching experience of the culture in each country.