Thailand, Laos & Vietnam Adventure
22 days
From
$ 2700
Duration22 days
See the highlights of Indochina on this epic 22-day adventure. Explore the vibrant cityscape of Bangkok, marvel at the majestic granite peak of Doi Suthep, and savour pad thai in Chiang Mai. Shop for souvenirs in Ho Chi Minh City and join the locals sipping coffee at a lakeside café in Hanoi. This adventure is the perfect balance between have-to-see highlights and free time to venture out on your own.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 22 daysService level: Standard
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Physical Grading: Light
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Ages: 12+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Bangkok
Today is arrival day, so there are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting. Relax, explore the city, and adjust to the pace of life in Bangkok.
Arrive at any time.
You MUST arrive on tour with your Vietnam visa. There is no way to procure this once the tour has commenced.
Day 2: Bangkok/Chiang Mai
Enjoy a 1-hr longtail boat tour of Bangkok's famous klongs (canals). The trip finishes at the Royal Temple of Wat Po for a guided tour.
After, there is time for shopping, a visit to Grand Palace or a stroll along Khao San Rd. In the evening, board the overnight train to Chiang Mai.
After, there is time for shopping, a visit to Grand Palace or a stroll along Khao San Rd. In the evening, board the overnight train to Chiang Mai.
Guided longboat tour of Bangkok’s klongs and Wat Po. Optional Grand Palace and National Museum visits. Overnight train to Chiang Mai.
Note: Due to disruptions of Thai trains in the north during the monsoon season, trips running July through October may use alternative transport.
Meals: B
Day 3: Chiang Mai
Arrive early morning and use some free time to explore. Choose from a range of optional activities or stroll the city independently. Explore the rural lanes of Chiang Mai in a tuk-tuk by pre-booking the Full Day Tuk-Tuk Adventure or experience the flavours and scents of traditional northern Thai cuisine by pre-booking the Northern Thai Cooking Class.
In late afternoon, set off to visit the temple complex, Doi Suthep. If you're lucky, you may witness the chanting of the monks.
In late afternoon, set off to visit the temple complex, Doi Suthep. If you're lucky, you may witness the chanting of the monks.
Enjoy a guided tour of Doi Suthep temple. Optional activities include a cooking class or visit to the night market.
Day 4: Chiang Mai/Chiang Khong
Drive to Chiang Khong, a sleepy trading town nestled on the bank of the Mekong River. En route, visit Wat Rong Khun — the dazzling 'White Temple'. Wander the local food market or sit back and enjoy a slower pace of life relaxing in Thailand with river views of Laos.
Head to Chiang Khong via Wat Rong Khun and enjoy the view of the mighty Mekong.
Meals: B
Day 5: Chiang Khong/Muang Pakbèng
Cross the border to the Laos immigration area, then take a songthaew (local bus) to a traditional slow boat.
Travel down the Mekong River and adjust to the relaxed pace of life in Laos. This predominantly mountainous country has unsurpassed views of the riverside villages, the tropical jungle, and the mountains.
Travel down the Mekong River and adjust to the relaxed pace of life in Laos. This predominantly mountainous country has unsurpassed views of the riverside villages, the tropical jungle, and the mountains.
Cross the border into Laos then travel by traditional boat down the Mekong River.
Day 6: Muang Pakbèng/Luang Prabang
Continue on by slow boat down the mighty Mekong. Before arriving at Luang Prabang, enjoy a visit outside to the Pak Ou caves.
After, re-board the boat and continue to Luang Prabang, arriving in the early evening.
After, re-board the boat and continue to Luang Prabang, arriving in the early evening.
Continue down the Mekong for most of the day. Take a guided tour of the Pak Ou caves before arriving in Luang Prabang.
Meals: B
Day 7: Luang Prabang
Take a tour of the Ethnology Museum — a great chance to learn more about the dress and customs of local people. Drop into Ock Pop Tok for an introduction to Laos textiles and handicrafts. Then, take a half-day trip out to the stunning Kuang Si waterfalls and be sure to pack a swimsuit.
Enjoy a guided tour of the Ethnology Museum and Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Centre before a lunch with a local family. Relax in the afternoon at the Kuang Si waterfalls.
Savour a traditional Laotian meal in a family home, complete with a Buddhist ceremony.
Savour a traditional Laotian meal in a family home, complete with a Buddhist ceremony.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Luang Prabang
Enjoy a free day exploring all Luang Prabang has to offer. Options include cooking classes, temple visits, massages, night market shopping, bike riding, and hiking.
Meals: B
Day 9: Luang Prabang/Vang Vieng
Drive winding mountain roads through gorgeous scenery to reach Vang Vieng. Experience a local homestay in a nearby village.
Here, enjoy traditional Laotian food while getting to know your host family. Your CEO will provide insight into the way of life of village residents.
Here, enjoy traditional Laotian food while getting to know your host family. Your CEO will provide insight into the way of life of village residents.
Spend the night in a local village enjoying traditional Laotian food. Sleep and eat like a local.
Meals: B, D
Day 10: Vang Vieng
Feel like going on a full-day kayaking and caving adventure instead? Opt to pre-book the Vang Vieng Adrenaline Bundle on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Enjoy free time in Vang Vieng. Move to a hotel for the night, an ideal location for exploring the countryside by bicycle or kayak.
Meals: B
Day 11: Vang Vieng/Vientiane
Head out of the mountains to one of Asia's sleepiest capital cities. Opt to visit some of the highlights of Vientiane including Wat Sisaket, one of the city's oldest and most fascinating temples, and Wat Phra That Luang, Lao's national symbol and one of her most sacred sites.
For those who like to shop, don't miss the morning market, which, incidentally, is open all day!
For those who like to shop, don't miss the morning market, which, incidentally, is open all day!
Explore the capital of Laos. Opt to visit temples, see the National Museum, or explore highlights of the town.
Meals: B
Day 12: Vientiane/Hanoi
Take a short flight from quiet Laos into the bustling city of Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Opt for a leisurely walk through the Old Quarter.
Fly from Vientiane to Hanoi.
Meals: B
Day 13: Hanoi
Visit Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, and the former president's house on stilts for insight into an important figure in Vietnam's history.
During the afternoon, use some free time to explore this beautiful city. Opt to visit the Tran Quoc Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, the Museum of Ethnology or just sip delicious Vietnamese iced coffee in a café along the lake. In late afternoon or early evening, attend a performance of Vietnam's famous water puppets before sampling one of Hanoi's amazing eating venues.
During the afternoon, use some free time to explore this beautiful city. Opt to visit the Tran Quoc Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, the Museum of Ethnology or just sip delicious Vietnamese iced coffee in a café along the lake. In late afternoon or early evening, attend a performance of Vietnam's famous water puppets before sampling one of Hanoi's amazing eating venues.
Visit Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, stilt house, and Presidential Palace. Enjoy an included water puppet show. Opt to visit the Temple of Literature, museums, and Hoa Lo Prison.
Meals: B
Day 14: Hanoi/Ha Long
Drive to Bai Chay harbour, the jumping off point for Ha Long Bay. Thousands of islands with intricate cave systems rise dramatically from the waters. Sail past limestone karst mountains in the junk boat and stop to visit some of the islands and caves.
In the evening, devour a seafood dinner, then opt to enjoy a drink on deck under the stars.
In the evening, devour a seafood dinner, then opt to enjoy a drink on deck under the stars.
Enjoy a Ha Long Bay cruise on a junk boat with visits to a cave and an island lookout. Savour a seafood lunch and dinner.
Fresh seafood meal on board.
Fresh seafood meal on board.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 15: Ha Long/Huế
Enjoy breakfast on board before a morning sail back to the port. Drive back to Hanoi for a little more time to enjoy the city before boarding an overnight train.
Cruise back to the port and take a private van to Hanoi. Enjoy some time in the city before an overnight train to Hue.
Breakfast on board a traditional junk boat.
Enjoy an early lunch aboard the junk boat.
Meals: B, L
Day 16: Huế
Arrive early to Hue, once the imperial capital of Vietnam. Start the day with a visit to the Tien Mu Pagoda followed by a visit to the tomb of one of Vietnam’s former emperors. After, opt for a vegetarian lunch at a local nunnery.
While in the city, try some local Hue specialties such as banh khoai (Hue savoury pancakes), and banh bot loc boc tom thit (thin rice paper filled with meat and shrimp). Wash it all down with a Hue beer.
Opt to experience the city from the back of a motorbike - like the locals do - when you pre-book the optional Hue Motorbike Tour ahead of time on the checkout page.
While in the city, try some local Hue specialties such as banh khoai (Hue savoury pancakes), and banh bot loc boc tom thit (thin rice paper filled with meat and shrimp). Wash it all down with a Hue beer.
Opt to experience the city from the back of a motorbike - like the locals do - when you pre-book the optional Hue Motorbike Tour ahead of time on the checkout page.
Guided tour of the Imperial Citadel, Royal Tomb and Tien Mu Pagoda.
Day 17: Huế/Hoi An
Cross the Hai Van Pass (weather permitting), with fantastic views in all directions, before arriving to Hoi An in the afternoon.
With three nights here, there's plenty of time to explore all this charming town has to offer.
With three nights here, there's plenty of time to explore all this charming town has to offer.
Drive the Hai Van pass. Take advantage of Hoi An's many options over the 2.5 days in town. Opt for a cooking class, riverboat trip, bike ride, beach time, tailor visit or My Son ruins.
Meals: B
Day 18: Hoi An
Explore all Hoi An has to offer. Dive into the culture, hang out on the beach or get clothes tailor-made in one of the many shops around town. Enjoy a noodle making demonstration and lunch at Oodles of Noodles, a G Adventures-supported project.
Enjoy a noodle-making demo and tasty lunch.
Meals: B, L
Day 19: Hoi An
Spend a free day exploring all Hoi An has to offer.
Meals: B
Day 20: Hoi An/Ho Chi Minh City
Drive to Da Nang for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City, once the capital of South Vietnam and the country’s commercial centre. Start exploring the small alleys and busy streets, keeping an eye out for laquerware shops and delicious local food stalls.
Fly from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City with free time to explore this hectic city.
Meals: B
Day 21: Ho Chi Minh City
With some free time in the city, opt to visit the Thien Hau and Giac Vien pagodas and stroll through the immense Ben Thanh Market. Also well worth a visit are the Reunification Palace (the residence of South Vietnam presidents before 1975), the city's Chinese quarter of Cholon, and the War Remnants Museum.
Enjoy a guided tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels and learn more about the Vietnam War. Use free time in the afternoon to explore sprawling Ho Chi Minh City.
Meals: B
Day 22: Ho Chi Minh City
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Depart at any time.
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your G for Good Moment: Oodles of Noodles Demonstration and Lunch, Hoi An Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Local Living Moment: Meal with Local Family, Luang Prabang Your Discover Moment: Luang Prabang Your Local Living Moment: Vang Vieng Homestay, Vang Vieng Your Discover Moment: Hoi An
- Bangkok klong trip
- Wat Pho entrance and guide
- Doi Suthep entrance (Chiang Mai)
- Mekong River slow boat excursion
- Pak Ou caves entrance (Luang Prabang)
- Traditional Arts & Ethnology Museum guided tour
- Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Centre
- Kuang Si waterfalls trek (half-day)
- Water puppets performance (Hanoi)
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum entrance (when open)
- Halong Bay caves entrance
- Halong Bay boat cruise with seafood lunch and dinner
- Imperial Citadel and Tomb entrance (Huế)
- Cu Chi Tunnels entrance and tour
- Internal flights
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Transport
Train, Local bus, Air-conditioned bus, Plane, Walking, Songthaew, Boat -
Accommodation
Hotels (17 nts), Village homestay (1 nt), Sleeper train (2 nts), Junk boat (1 nt)