thailand beach scene

Chapter One:

3 months in Southeast Asia

Vietnam. Cambodia. Laos. Thailand.

Spend the winter exploring Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand in comfort, depth and good company.

Trip summary

This is DECADES Chapter One – a three-month journey for 8–12 adventurous retirees who want more than just a holiday. We’ve designed it to help you kick off retirement the way you always hoped you would.

  • One month in Vietnam & Thailand, two weeks in both Cambodia & Laos

  • Small group of like-minded people

  • Beautiful shared homes - A/C, WiFi, spaces to relax and a pool

  • Weekly hosted experiences – the rest of the time is your own

  • Apply or chat to our founder to see if it’s right for you

Stay in homes you’ll love living in

You’ll stay in thoughtfully chosen homes with comfort, calm and community built in. We move just 2–3 times in each country — so you can settle in, immerse in your new location and not live out of a suitcase.

  • Air Conditioning & WiFi

  • Full kitchens and shared living spaces

  • Pools wherever it’s possible (almost everywhere!)

  • Clean, stylish, welcoming spaces

Travel with peers, make it your own

This isn’t a rigid itinerary – it’s a springboard for something more personal.

Chapter One gives you a balance of structure and freedom: connection when you want it, space when you don’t.

📌 This structure is perfect if you want the safety net of a group as well as the freedom of independent travel. No pressure, no packed schedules. Just meaningful experiences on your terms.

Who it’s for

This trip is designed for retired travellers who want more from this next chapter.

You might be:

  • Craving meaningful adventure, something a bit different

  • Keen to connect with new people – but not be stuck with them 24/7

  • Independent, flexible, and open-minded

  • Looking to do something unforgettable with this next exciting stage of life

Come solo or with a partner. If you’re happy to share a room, we’ll match you with someone thoughtfully.

Founding Member Pricing

This is our first-ever Chapter. As a Founding Member, you’ll get our best price ever – you can join us for less than cost price, and in return, you’ll be the first to experience DECADES and shape how it evolves.

YOUR OWN ROOM

Founding Member’s Price

£10,369 for 3 months

just £864 / wk

vs full price of £23,595

SHARE A ROOM

Founding Member’s Price

£8,364 for 3 months

just £697 / wk

vs full price of £16,495

No single supplement logo
Likeminded small groups icon

What’s included

    • 🛏️ 3 months of high-quality accommodation

    • 🚙 All internal transfers

    • 🌴 Weekly hosted experience

    • 📍 DECADES trip host for smooth logistics and local know-how

    • 👥 Carefully selected group of 8–12

    • 📨 Ongoing support from our team before, during and after the trip

    • International flights - fly from where you want, when you want, how you want.

    • Food & drink - food is immersion. Mix exploring local haunts with cooking at home as you fancy.

    • Insurance & vaccinations - unique to each of us, we each handle our own insurance.

    • Visas - unique to our passports, we each handle our own visas.

Your flight leaves in Febuary 2026

  • Lush green rice paddy fields in Vietnam – part of DECADES' gap year for over 50s.

    1 month in Vietnam

    Month 1: Historic Cities & Coastal Charms.

    Hanoi – Wander the atmospheric Old Quarter, savour traditional pho at hidden street-side stalls, and explore Hoan Kiem Lake and its vibrant weekend markets. Jumping off point for Halong Bay & mountain hiking. Sleeper train connection!

    Hội An – Step back in time within the UNESCO-listed Ancient Town, cycle through lush rice-paddy landscapes, and sample fresh seafood along the Thu Bồn River. Jumping off point for pristine beaches.

    Ho Chi Minh City – Discover French-colonial architecture in District 1, delve into history at the War Remnants Museum and Cu Chi Tunnels, and relish a buzzing rooftop café scene by night. Jumping off point for the Mekong Delta.

  • Angkor Wat temple at sunrise – part of the DECADES itinerary through South East Asia.

    2 weeks in Cambodia

    Month 2 (part 1): Ancient Wonders, Human History & Island Life.

    Phnom Penh– Experience vibrant riverside life, uncover Cambodia’s history at the Royal Palace and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, and browse bustling night markets.

    Siem Reap – Greet dawn at Angkor Wat, explore serene temple complexes by bicycle, and savour authentic Khmer cuisine in atmospheric local eateries.

  • luang prabang city scene with greenery

    2 weeks in Laos

    Month 2 (part 2): River Journeys, Hill Culture & Slow Adventure.

    Luang Prabang – Slow mornings start with alms-giving at dawn, followed by golden temples, café-lined streets, and sunset boat rides on the Mekong. Cool off at Kuang Si Falls, join a traditional cooking class, or take in sweeping views from Mount Phousi.

    This peaceful town also makes the perfect launchpad for more adventure:

    Nong Khiaw - kayak or trek your way through jungle hills in Nong Khiaw.

    Vang Vieng - head south to Vang Vieng for caves, cycle routes and dramatic karst landscapes.

  • Island beach with turquoise water and longtail boats in Thailand, ideal for retirees' travel gap year.

    1 month in Thailand

    Month 3: Temples, Monastery Stay & Countryside.

    Chiang Mai – Explore centuries-old temples in the Old City, learn authentic Thai cooking in a local kitchen, and browse the famous Sunday Walking Street market. Multi day motorcycle adventure!

    Monastery Stay – Midway up the winding route to Pai, immerse yourself in daily meditation sessions, receive morning alms alongside resident monks, and live simply in a serene forest retreat overlooking mist-shrouded hills.

    Pai – Wander laid-back backroads by scooter through rice terraces, bathe in natural hot springs, and watch live folk music at a riverside café as the sun dips behind limestone peaks.

FAQs

    • Absolutely. In fact, most of our travellers come solo. DECADES was designed specifically with solo retirees in mind.

    • That means you’ll have your own room as standard - a private space to recharge when you want it - but also built-in community when you don’t. Think shared dinners, cards evenings, spontaneous day trips if you want them, and plenty of time lounging around the poolside with new friends.

    • We also heard that having a safety net was important - that’s why you’ll also have a dedicated DECADES host; there to welcome you at the airport, plan the fun bits, and be on-call throughout for anything you need.

    • Check out the retirees we built DECADES with and for here

    • It’s a fair question — and a common one. You’re spending three months with new people, and that can feel like a big leap.

    • The good news is: to an extent, the group is curated. Everyone fills in an application form so we can get a sense of their outlook, travel style and whether they’re in the right headspace for a trip like this. It’s not about perfection — just making sure there are no red flags, and that everyone’s open, respectful and kind.

    • If you're up for it, we’ll introduce you in a private group space before the trip. You’ll have time to say hello, share a bit about yourself, and get familiar with the others — so the first day feels exciting, not awkward.

    • Out there, you’ll have your own room to retreat to, and a DECADES host on hand for support, structure and to gently guide group dynamics without ever forcing connection.

    • You don’t need to click with everyone. But you’ll likely find a few people who just get it — and that’s where the magic happens.

    • Each villa is like an oasis — a calm, comfortable base to return to after the buzz of exploring.

    • You’ll have your own private room, plus beautiful shared spaces designed for connection: open-plan lounges, shaded terraces, and a pool to cool off in — in most locations. (A few cities, like Hanoi, simply weren’t built with pools in mind, but we prioritise comfort and charm wherever we go.)

    • There’s a fully equipped kitchen if you feel like cooking, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and all the modern comforts that make long-term travel feel easy.

    • We’ll share photos before you go — but the feeling is always the same: clean, safe, relaxed, and somewhere you can truly settle in.

    • Take a look at the kind of thing we have in mind here

    • Yes — and we’ll help you figure it all out, step by step.

    • For most travellers, these are simple, low-hassle requirements. We’ll send you a clear checklist covering visa info, recommended vaccinations, and what kind of travel insurance you’ll need — plus trusted resources to make it all feel manageable.

    • You won’t be left guessing. We’re here to support you with the admin, as well as the adventure.

    • We keep things relaxed — this is long-form travel, not a packed itinerary like a tour or a cruise.

    • You’ll have one fully hosted day each week, organised for the group and led by your DECADES host.

    • The rest of the week? Completely yours. Explore the area, read by the pool, take a nap after lunch — or head off on a solo jaunt (or see who’s up for joining you) as you follow whatever drew you to the region.

    • We’re always nearby if you want suggestions or help planning something. But mostly, we leave you space to settle in, find your own rhythm, and immerse yourself in a new reality.

    • Ahh, the joys of slower travel.

Ready for the retirement you always dreamed of?

Chapter One is where it begins.

We’re inviting a small group to help shape the future of DECADES. You’ll join us at the beginning of something exciting, and in return, you get:

  • Better-than-half-price trip cost

  • More personal attention and flexibility

  • A chance to help co-create what comes next

Already know this is for you? Brilliant. Apply now to secure one of just 8 spots.

Still got questions? Book a free 30-minute call. We’ll talk it through together and see if DECADES is the right fit for your adventure.

Money is protected icon
100% human support icon
Secure checkout icon