Indochina In-Depth: Temples & Teal Water
41 days
from Bangkok to Bangkok
From
$ 3136
Duration41 days
If you think it’s impossible to cover all of Indochina in 41 days, well, we’d like to prove you wrong. This epic, fast-paced journey covers five countries in Southeast Asia (Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar), making it the perfect snapshot for first-time visitors. Your days will be packed to the gills with activities like visiting Angkor Wat, trekking with hilltribes in Myanmar (Burma), exploring underground rivers in Phong Nha, and touring temples and markets. And with two overnight homestays, sleeper trains, and three included flights, you can rest easy knowing you’re getting the most out of your time in this mind-blowing region.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 41 daysService level: Basic
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Starts in: BangkokPhysical Grading: Light
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Ends in: BangkokAges: 18+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Bangkok
Arrive at any time.
You must arrive on tour with your Vietnamese visa. See the Visa section of the Tour Details for more information and exceptions.
Day 2: Bangkok/Siem Reap
Cross from Thailand into Cambodia, the home base for exploring incredible Angkor Wat. Arrive in time for our included dinner at a Planeterra-project restaurant or with a local family in a village outside of Siem Reap.
Travel to Siem Reap. Enjoy a delicious Khmer meal at a G Adventures for Good-supported project.
Enjoy a delicious Khmer meal at a G Adventures for Good-supported project.
Meals: B, D
Day 3: Siem Reap
Prefer to plan ahead? Opt to pre-book the "Siem Reap Quad Biking" or "Phare Circus" activities on the checkout page ahead of time, to include one of these optionals on your tour.
Guided tour of Angkor Wat temple complex. Opt to visit Tonle Sap floating village and Angkor National Museum.
Meals: B
Day 4: Siem Reap/Phnom Penh
Transfer to Cambodia's capital. Take an orientation walk around Phnom Penh.
Meals: B
Day 5: Phnom Penh
Sights you might choose to visit this afternoon include the National Museum and adjacent complex which includes the Silver Pagoda and Royal Palace. To learn about Cambodia's sombre history, visit the Tuol Sleng Prison and the Killing Fields, reminders of the genocide that took place under Pol Pot's reign as leader of the Khmer Rouge.
Opt to learn about Cambodia's sombre history with a visit to the Tuol Sleng Prison and the Killing Fields. Later, head out for a street food crawl with the group and CEO.
Phnom Penh can be confusing and we recommend to always keep a hotel card with you when you are exploring.
Meals: B
Day 6: Phnom Penh/Koh Rong
Travel to Koh Rong and feast on fantastic local seafood, take a day trip to snorkel the coral reefs and explore the islands, or just sit back in a deck chair and let the warm breeze caress you as the waves splash gently at your feet. It doesn't get much better than this.
Transfer to Sihanoukville then take a boat ride to your own private beach on Koh Rong. Check in and go for a swim in the warm waves before relaxing with a drink on the beach.
Meals: B
Day 7: Koh Rong
Swim, relax by the beach or opt to go snorkelling, fishing, hiking or kayaking. On nights without a large moon opt to swim in a sea of blue sparkles caused by phosphorescent plankton.
Day 8: Chambok Homestay
Travel back to the mainland, then to a village homestay. Enjoy a homecooked meal with the hosts.
Meals: D
Day 9: Chambok Homestay/Ho Chi Minh City
This evening, head to one of the rooftop bars such as the Rex Hotel, one of the classic colonial Saigon institutions, where there is often live music.
Cross the border to Vietnam and continue on to Ho Chi Minh City. Opt to visit the Ben Thahn market before enjoying a night out in town.
Meals: B
Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City/Nha Trang
Discover the energy of Vietnam's biggest city on a CEO-led orientation walk and continue exploring with free time. Overnight train to Nha Trang.
During January/February, Tết (the Vietnamese Lunar New Year) sees millions of Vietnamese commute to be with their families and celebrate. While this is a fascinating time to travel through Vietnam, availability of transport may mean that we will replace the overnight train with an overnight bus.
Meals: B
Day 11: Nha Trang
Optional activities in Nha Trang include a boat trip to nearby islands for some snorkelling or, perhaps, a fun-filled all-day beach party.
Arrive in Nha Trang in the morning with plenty of time to explore local shops and markets, relax on the beach or visit nearby historical sites.
This evening, go on a street food crawl with the group and CEO to get to know more about the delicious local specialties.
This evening, go on a street food crawl with the group and CEO to get to know more about the delicious local specialties.
Day 12: Nha Trang/Da Nang
In the evening, take an overnight train to Da Nang, then transfer to Hoi An.
Free time in Nha Trang. Overnight train to Hoi An.
During January/February, Tết (the Vietnamese Lunar New Year) sees millions of Vietnamese commute to be with their families and celebrate. While this is a fascinating time to travel through Vietnam, availability of transport may mean that we will replace the overnight train with an overnight bus.
Meals: B
Day 13: Da Nang/Hoi An
From Danang, it is only a short drive to the picturesque port town of Hoi An. Once known as Faifo, it was an important trading town with strong south Chinese influence and connections.
Get your bearings with an orientation walk before free time in the afternoon. Opt to take a cooking class, cycle to the beach, visit a tailor, or explore the old town.
Day 14: Hoi An
Enjoy a noodle-making demonstration and local lunch at the G Adventures-supported Oodles of Noodles Project. Later, opt to take a cooking class, cycle to the beach, visit a tailor, or explore the old town with free time.
Meals: B, L
Day 15: Hoi An/Huế
Opt to pre-book the "Hue Motorbike Tour" on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Continue the journey north to the city of Hue. Opt to visit the Royal Citadel and tombs, or take a cruise along the Perfume River.
Meals: B
Day 16: Huế/Hanoi
Free time in Hue. Overnight train to Hanoi.
End place: Hanoi
Meals: B
Day 17: Hanoi/Ha Long
Start place: Hanoi
Arrive early morning to bustling Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Transfer to a private bus and head to the beautiful and famous Halong Bay.
Visit Halong Bay for a seafood lunch cruise and cave visit.
End place: Ha Long
Meals: L
Day 18: Ha Long/Hanoi
Start place: Ha Long
Get to know Hanoi with an orientation walk through the Old Quarter. Opt to see Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, and the Hoa Lo Prison, or shop in the Old Quarter.
End place: Hanoi
Meals: B
Day 19: Hanoi
Start place: Hanoi
Spend time exploring Hanoi.
End place: Hanoi
Day 20: Hanoi/Vientiane
Start place: Hanoi
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 children, 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.
Visit Laos' most important national monument, Phat That Luang, or meander down the dusty riverside tracks to find villages full of friendly children, 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.
A short flight brings the group to the capital city of Laos. Opt to visit temples, see the golden stupa of That Luang, or scour the markets.
End place: Vientiane
Meals: B
Day 21: Vientiane/Vang Vieng
Start place: Vientiane
A picturesque drive north takes us to beautiful Vang Vieng. This quiet town is set along the Nam Song river amidst rice fields and limestone karsts.
Enjoy the beautiful limestone karsts surrounding Vang Vieng. Free time to hike, bike, swim or go caving.
End place: Vangviang
Meals: B
Day 22: Vang Vieng
Start place: Vangviang
Why not explore some of the caves by bicycle or take an invigorating walk. In the evening, soak in the natural beauty of Vang Vieng as the sun sets over the river.
Free time to explore Vang Vieng. Opt to explore some of the caves by bicycle or take an invigorating walk.
End place: Vangviang
Meals: B
Day 23: Vang Vieng/Luang Prabang
Start place: Vangviang
This morning travel from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang. Get your bearings with a CEO-led orientation walk.
End place: Luang Prabang
Meals: B
Day 24: Luang Prabang
Start place: Luang Prabang
Traditional Laotian culture is to give daily alms to monks. Monks are only allowed to eat food which has been donated to them before noon. On one of your mornings here, you may decide to rise with the sun, and watch one of the most important religious ceremonies in Laos. This is simply an unforgettable Southeast Asian experience.
Witness the giving of alms to the Buddhist monks and visit the night market. Opt to take a cooking class, visit temples or cool off at Kuang Si Waterfalls.
End place: Luang Prabang
Meals: B
Day 25: Luang Prabang/Pak Beng
Start place: Luang Prabang
We board our boat for the two-day journey up the mighty Mekong River making our way to Chiang Khong.
Cruise the Mekong on a long houseboat before arriving at a village homestay for the night.
The evening meal is eaten together in one of the houses. The food is typically Laotian - very simple yet delicious. A vegetarian option is always served and the second option is typically a pork stirfry.
End place: Muang Pakbeng
Meals: B, D
Day 26: Pak Beng/Chiang Khong
Start place: Muang Pakbeng
This morning we re-board our boat and continue our leisurely cruise along the river before arriving at the Laos/Thai border and crossing to Chiang Khong in the late afternoon.
Mekong River travel day. Cross into Thailand.
End place: Chiang Khong
Meals: B, L
Day 27: Chiang Khong/Chiang Mai
Start place: Chiang Khong
Departing Chiang Khong after breakfast, we drive to Chiang Mai where you have the afternoon free to explore this fascinating city, once the capital of the Kingdom of Lan.
Drive to Chiang Mai. Opt to visit Doi Suthep temple, catch a Thai boxing match or grab a bargain at the famous night market.
End place: Chiang Mai
Day 28: Chiang Mai
Start place: Chiang Mai
Enjoy a free day to explore. Opt to visit Doi Suthep temple, catch a Thai boxing match, or grab a bargain at the famous night market.
End place: Chiang Mai
Day 29: Chiang Mai/Kengtung
Start place: Chiang Mai
Cross the border into Myanmar (Burma), then travel inland to the ethnically diverse town of Kengtung.
End place: Kengtung
Day 30: Kengtung
Start place: Kengtung
Enjoy an included trek through rice paddies along a countryside dotted by various hilltribes. Try Shan khao swè, a noodle soup and regional staple—it's delicious.
End place: Kengtung
Meals: B
Day 31: Kengtung/Inle Lake
Start place: Kengtung
Opt to soak up the lively atmosphere of Kyaing Tong Market with a free morning. This afternoon, travel in style with a quick flight to serene Inle, home to the Intha people, floating villages, and leg rowers.
Please note the flight from Kengtung to Inle Lake (Heho) has temporarily been canceled. During this period of time, travelers will instead travel from Kengtung to Tachilek (4 hours), and fly from Tachilek to Heho airport. This message will be updated when this flight starts up again.
End place: Inle Lake
Meals: B
Day 32: Inle Lake
Start place: Inle Lake
Enjoy free time to explore the area. Opt to rent a bike, take a cooking class, or tour the lake by boat, visiting some of its floating villages and gardens.
End place: Inle Lake
Meals: B
Day 33: Inle Lake/Bagan
Start place: Inle Lake
Continue exploring Inle Lake with another free day. Later this evening, board an overnight bus to Bagan.
End place: Pagan
Day 34: Bagan
Start place: Pagan
Arrive early in the morning and visit the ancient site of Bagan for a sunrise temple tour. Enjoy free time for the rest of the day.
End place: Pagan
Meals: B
Day 35: Bagan
Start place: Pagan
Enjoy a free day to visit nearby villages or further explore the ruins.
End place: Pagan
Meals: B
Day 36: Bagan/Mandalay
Start place: Pagan
Enjoy an included breakfast at Sanon, a G Adventures-supported restaurant and culinary training school. Afterwards, travel to Mandalay and enjoy free time. Opt to climb Mandalay Hill or visit the Golden Monastery.
End place: Mandalay
Meals: B
Day 37: Mandalay/Yangon
Start place: Mandalay
Opt to check out Mandalay's ancient temples, visit the nearby ancient royal capital of Amarapura, or traverse the world's longest teak bridge.
Enjoy a free day before boarding an overnight bus to Yangon.
End place: Yangon
Meals: B
Day 38: Yangon
Start place: Yangon
Enjoy an orientation walk in the country's largest city, and opt to visit the incredible Shwedagon Pagoda.
End place: Yangon
Day 39: Yangon
Start place: Yangon
Spend a free day exploring the country's former capital.
End place: Yangon
Meals: B
Day 40: Yangon/Bangkok
Start place: Yangon
Fly back to Thailand. Enjoy a final night with the group in the country's capital city.
End place: Bangkok
Meals: B
Day 41: Bangkok
Start place: Bangkok
Depart at any time.
End place: Bangkok
Inclusions
Included
- Your G for Good Moment: Local Khmer Meal, Siem Reap Your G for Good Moment: Oodles of Noodles Demonstration and Lunch, Hoi An Your G for Good Moment: Mekong River Homestay & Baci Ceremony, Muang Pakbèng Your G for Good Moment: Meal at Sanon Restaurant and Culinary Training School, Bagan Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Big Night Out Moment: Siem Reap Your Discover Moment: Phnom Penh Your Local Living Moment: Home Meal, Chambok Your Discover Moment: Ho Chi Minh City Your Discover Moment: Luang Prabang Your Discover Moment: Chiang Mai
- Guided tour of Angkor Wat temple complex
- Halong Bay boat cruise with lunch
- Witnessing the giving of alms (Luang Prabang)
- Slow boat up the Mekong
- Trekking excursion (Kengtung)
- Sunrise temple tour (Bagan)
- Orientation walks in Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Phnom Penh, Luang Prabang, and Yangon
- Two street food crawls in different cities
- Internal flights
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Transport
Local bus, Air-con bus, Private vehicle, Train, Walking, Tuk tuk, Local boat, Junk boat, Plane -
Accommodation
Simple hotels (twin-share) (19 nts), Hostels (multi-share) (14 nts), Sleeper trains (3 nts), Sleeper bus (2 nts), Homestays (2 nts) -
Meals
28 breakfasts,
3 lunches,
3 dinners