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Vietnam, Laos & Thailand: Riversides & Railways

22 days, Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok

Now's the time to explore Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Party along the beautiful bay of Vietnam's Nha Trang with new friends, channel the French vibe sipping coffee riverside in Laos, and hunt down treasures in local markets. When it comes to this side of Southeast Asia, the choice is all yours. Feel free to soak up the spirit of this amazing part of the world.

22 days

Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok

From$1724USD
was $2299
Valid on Jun 5 2024
Trip Code: AVVL

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

Special Offers

Expires on May 01, 2024 03:59 UTC
Promo Code G24GAV020ADV05

Now's the time to explore Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Party along the beautiful bay of Vietnam's Nha Trang with new friends, channel the French vibe sipping coffee riverside in Laos, and hunt down treasures in local markets. When it comes to this side of Southeast Asia, the choice is all yours. Feel free to soak up the spirit of this amazing part of the world.

Is this tour for me?

Travel Style: 18-to-Thirtysomethings

Fast, fresh, and fun adventures that never slow down, made for young, budget-minded travellers.

Service Level: Basic

Simple and clean hotels and hostels; affordable public and private transport; lots of optional activities.

Physical Rating: 2 - Light

Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; Max 18, avg 12.

Age requirement: 18-39

Check Your Visa Requirements

Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.

View our Entry Requirements tool

Alternative Trips

22 days

Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok

From$1724USD
was $2299
Valid on Jun 5 2024
Trip Code: AVVL

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

Special Offers

Expires on May 01, 2024 03:59 UTC
Promo Code G24GAV020ADV05

See how your trip uplifts communities

In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.

Trees for Days

Help us spread love around the world — with trees! Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.

Trees planted for this trip: 22

Ripple Score

Want to create ripples that change lives? The higher the Ripple Score percentage, the more money stays in the local communities you visit.

Ripple Score for this trip: 100

Map of the route for Vietnam, Laos & Thailand: Riversides & Railways

Places visited

Itinerary

Day 1Ho Chi Minh City

Arrive at any time and welcome to the pulsing Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon.

For your first night out, wander with your CEO and group through Pham Ngu Lao Street that’s popping with many bars and backpackers. Pick the best looking spot to get to know your fellow travellers and cheers to new adventures!

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Welcome Moment Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group| Your First Night Out Moment Connect With New Friends

Day 2Ho Chi Minh City/Nha Trang

Feel the pulse of Vietnam’s biggest city on a CEO-led orientation walk, with free time after to double back to your favourite spots. Shop 'til your heart's content, immerse yourself in local culture, or just wander the streets to take in the city's unique vibe. Tonight, catch up on sleep on an overnight train to Nha Trang.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Discover Moment

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 3Nha Trang

You’ve arrived! Welcome to the eastern sea. Take this morning to explore local shops and markets, rejuvenate in a therapeutic mud bath, relax on the beach, or visit nearby historical sites before an evening street food crawl.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Foodie Moment Nha Trang Street Food Crawl

Day 4Nha Trang/Da Nang

It’s not over yet. There’s more free time to explore Nha Trang today, so soak it all in. Then, hop on an overnight train to continue to Hoi An, stopping first in Da Nang for a short transfer.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 5Da Nang/Hoi An

Hoi An’s excited to meet you. See why on an orientation walk of the city before spending free time in the afternoon. Dig even deeper and choose between a cooking class, cycling to the beach, visiting a tailor, or exploring old town. Tonight's the night for your big night out, grab a drink on our tab and reminisce about your favourite adventures so far. Then dance the night away!

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Big Night Out Moment Reminisce Riverside

Day 6Hoi An

Noodles might be fun to eat, but they’re even more fun to make. Find out how during a visit to G Adventures-supported Oodles of Noodles. The rest of the day is yours, so see what you can discover. Choose to visit the ancient ruins of My Son, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or cruise down the Thu Bon River.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your G for Good Moment Oodles of Noodles

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 7Hoi An/Huế

Head north to the Imperial City of Huế. There’s lots to do here, with options to visit the indestructible Royal Citadel and tombs, cruise along Perfume River, or jump on a motorbike and ride around like the local people.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 8Huế/Phong Nha

Your second day in Huế comes with more free time to enjoy the city. In the afternoon, travel through Vietnam's stunning countryside to the green rocky mountains of Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 9Phong Nha/Hanoi

Today, opt to head underground to explore the awe-inspiring caves of Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, where the oldest karst mountains and longest cave in Asia are found. Then it’s an overnight train to Hanoi.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 10Hanoi/Ha Long

After arriving in Hanoi, the bustling capital of Vietnam, take a private bus to the iconic Halong Bay for a seafood lunch cruise and cave exploring. Be sure to charge your camera so you can grab a shot truly worth sharing!

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 11Hạ Long Bay/Hanoi

Feel like you've gone back in time with an orientation walk through Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Then stop for a drink at Bia Hoi Corner, a spot that serves bia hoi, a local beer made of rice and wheat - and costs a mere $0.25USD per glass!

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 12Hanoi/Vientiane

Explore a bit of Hanoi in the morning before an afternoon flight to Vientiane, the capital of Laos. There is a wealth of cultural delights to discover - on foot, by bicycle or, for the less energetic, by tuk-tuk.

Visit Laos' most important national monument, Phat That Luang, or meander down the dusty riverside tracks to find villages full of friendly people, dogs, and chickens. A visit to Vientiane's vibrant, colourful morning market (which incidentally is open all day!) is worthwhile, to find plenty of local treasures. A great way to round off the day is to enjoy a spectacular sunset over the Mekong.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 13Vientiane/Vang Vieng

Travel to Vang Vieng, a small town nestled among striking limestone karsts and the Song River. Take a guided hike to a famous local view point for incredible views of the valley — no filter necessary. This evening, enjoy a drink on us to celebrate new adventures with new friends. Cheers to keeping life exciting!

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Big Night Out Moment Vang Vieng Nightlife

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 14Vang Vieng

Get the most out of Vang Vieng with a day to freely explore. Check out the caves by bicycle or trek through the countryside. Choose to kayak through Tham None cave and venture to the Blue Lagoon by booking the adrenaline bundle.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 15Vang Vieng/Luang Prabang

Continue to colourful Luang Prabang and make your first acquaintance with this ancient city during an afternoon orientation walk. Afterward, embark on a short trek up sacred Mount Phousi, climbing the stone stairs with scaly golden handrails, past the monks quarters and Buddha's footprint cave, to reach the temple at the top - Wat Phousi. Enjoy a 360-degree view of the sun setting upon Luang Prabang and the Mekong River before an evening street food crawl.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 16Luang Prabang

Skip sleeping in to watch the monks walk through town before dawn. Dressed in saffron robes, they receive daily alms from local residents. Then, visit the Kuang Si waterfalls on a guided excursion before free time in the evening.

Traditional Laotian culture involves giving daily alms to monks. Monks are only allowed to eat food which has been donated to them before noon. Should you rise early, you’ll get to watch one of the most important religious ceremonies in Laos.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Discover Moment

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 17Luang Prabang/Pak Beng

The Mekong never looked so welcoming. Board a long, cozy houseboat that will take you on a two-day journey up the Mekong River en route to Chiang Khong in Thailand. Today, cruise to a village homestay for the night, experience a Baci welcome ceremony, and enjoy dinner with your hosts.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your G for Good Moment Mekong River Homestay & Baci Ceremony

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 18Pak Beng/Chiang Khong

New day, same magnificent Mekong. Today’s your second travel day, where you’ll cross into Thailand arriving in Chiang Khong by the later afternoon. Sit back, relax, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, and enjoy the scenic ride.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 19Chiang Khong/Chiang Mai

Take in the rolling countryside views on the drive to Chiang Mai nestled alongside Thailand's northern mountains. Spend the afternoon getting to know this peaceful city known for traditional markets and glorious temples. Choose to visit Doi Suthep, catch a Thai boxing match, cycle around, or grab a bargain at the famous night market.

Day 20Chiang Mai/Bangkok

Continue to explore Chiang Mai at your own pace making the most of this unique city. Visit the magnificent temple of Doi Suthep as it stands watch over the city from the hills above, take a bicycle ride in the countryside, or relax with a massage. Tonight, catch up on sleep during an overnight train and wake up in Bangkok.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Discover Moment

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 21Bangkok

After arriving in Bangkok, the day is yours to freely explore the many sights of Thailand's bustling capital. Visit Wat Pho, the Grand Palace, National Museum, or Jim Thompson's House. Try a riverboat trip along the Chao Phraya River and through the canals (or klongs) for a different perspective of daily life in this busy city. Use this time to buy any last-minute souvenirs or treat yourself to a Thai massage. In the evening, celebrate the end of this amazing journey with your fellow travellers during a night out you won’t soon forget.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Big Night Out Moment

Day 22Bangkok

Today, it’s time to say farewell to your group of newfound friends. Be sure to sneak in some last-minute photos and exchange social medias before you head on your way. Depart at any time.

Meals included:

Breakfast
View full itinerary

What's Included

  • Your G for Good Moment: Oodles of Noodles, Hoi An
  • Your G for Good Moment: Mekong River Homestay & Baci Ceremony, Muang Pakbèng
  • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
  • Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
  • Your Discover Moment: Ho Chi Minh City
  • Your Foodie Moment: Nha Trang Street Food Crawl, Nha Trang
  • Your Big Night Out Moment: Reminisce Riverside, Hoi An
  • Your Big Night Out Moment: Vang Vieng Nightlife, Vang Vieng
  • Your Discover Moment: Luang Prabang
  • Your Discover Moment: Chiang Mai
  • Your Big Night Out Moment: Bangkok
  • Halong Bay boat cruise with lunch
  • Slow boat on the Mekong
  • Guided hike in Vang Vieng
  • Orientation walk, sunset visit to Wat Phousi, and waterfall excursion in Luang Prabang
  • Orientation walks in Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, and Hanoi
  • Two street food crawls in different cities
  • Internal flight
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodations

Simple hotels (twin-share) (9 nts), hostels (multi-share) (7 nts), sleeper trains (4 nts) homestays (1 nts).

Meals

17 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner
Allow USD230-300 for meals not included.

Transportation

Air-con bus, train, walking, songthaew, local boat, junk boat, plane.

Staff & experts

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Available extras (Add these to your tour when you book)

Caving in Phong Nha - From $50.00

Explore the longest cave in all of Asia - Paradise Cave - by walking the boardwalks and awe at the massive white crystal stalactites. After an authentic Vietnamese lunch, board a dragon boat which will take you to the turquoise waters in Phong Nha Cave where you'll disembark on the caves beach and wander freely throughout the natural wonder.

Hanoi Foodie Culture Tour - From $25.00

Indulge your inner foodie with a street food tour through bustling Hanoi. Follow your guide through the back streets and markets of the city’s old quarter, sampling local fare along the way. Mingle with city natives and experienced street food artists alike, as you taste a variety of Hanoi faves like “nem ran” and “banh goi.” Stop at a streetside bar to savour a draught beer like Hanoians do. Cap off the tour at the Hanoi Food Culture restaurant, a G Values Fund Project, and try the city’s signature specialty coffee.

Hue Motorbike Tour - From $30.00

Grab a helmet, hop on a motorbike driven by your experienced local guide, and get ready for a crash course in authentic Viet culture. Spend the next four hours exploring the stalls of a local market, making a Vietnamese conical hat, sipping on fresh green tea with a local family, learning to plough and make rice, and seeing the most iconic local sights. Don’t forget to bring your camera!

Northern Thai Cooking Class - From $33.00

Channel your inner chef with a home-style Thai cooking class. Take a trip to the market with your teacher and learn about regional flavours as you pick out fresh ingredients. Head back to the cozy kitchen for a hands-on lesson in whipping up delicious local favourites like hot and sour soup, green curry, and sticky rice.

Vang Vieng Adrenaline Bundle - From $30.00

Head North of Vang Vieng where you’ll grab a kayak and depart downstream on the NamSong river. Passing greenery, mountain karst, and small rapids, you’ll arrive at the Tham None cave. Adventure through the cave to the other side of the mountain where you will enjoy lunch before continuing on towards Vang Vieng. The last stop will be at the infamous Blue Lagoon; swim or hang out along the banks after an afternoon of adventure before heading back to the town.

Extend your stay with these add-on tours

Sailing Thailand - Phuket to Phuket - From $1849

Like sailing? Considering adding on our 'Thai Sailing Adventure' after your tour. (Not 18-to-Thirtysomethings but still amazing!)

Make it a private tour

Book this tour as a private departure, with your own CEO and all the benefits of a G Adventures group tour.

Vietnam, Laos & Thailand: Riversides & Railways

| 22 days - Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok - from $1724 USD