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HIGHLIGHTS
A quick look about this trip!
DURATION
29 DAYS
COMFORT
LANGUAGE
RATING
  • Canals of Bangkok, Buddhist temples
  • Float down the mighty Mekong, visit majestic caves
  • Cascading waterfalls, stunning limestone karsts
  • Explore Hanoi, sail a junk through Halong Bay and shop Hoi An
  • Explore tunnels in Cu Chi, cruise the Mekong Delta
  • Sunrise over amazing Angkor Wat
ACTIVITIES ON THIS TRIP
Primary: Local Culture & Cuisine, Historical Sites, Walking Tour
Other: Waterfalls, sightseeing, temple, cruise, cave
$2999USD
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TRIP MAP
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Indochina Encompassed

From the vibrant cityscape of Bangkok to Halong Bay's magnificent limestone karsts, this trip encompasses the highlights of Indochina. Marvel at the wonders of Angkor Wat, sail the Mekong and savour noodles in Chiang Mai.
From the vibrant cityscape of Bangkok to Halong Bay's magnificent limestone karsts, this trip encompasses the highlights of Indochina. Marvel at the wonders of Angkor Wat, sail the Mekong and savour noodles in Chiang Mai. Shop for souvenirs in Ho Chi Minh City and join the locals sipping coffee at a lakeside cafe in Hanoi. With hotels, transport and a number of included activities arranged by our CEOs, this adventure offers up the perfect combination of must-see highlights and free time.
Day 1 Bangkok
Today is arrival day so there are no activities planned. You are free to relax, explore the city & adjust to the frantic pace and humid heat of Bangkok.

Please arrive at our start point hotel before 6pm for an important group meeting where you will meet you Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and the other group members. Please look for a sign on the hotel's notice board for the time and location of your group meeting.

At this meeting your CEO will ask to sight your travel insurance, check that you have a visas for Vietnam and complete some other paper work. Please note that you MUST arrive on tour with your Vietnam visa. Please refer to the visa information section of these trip notes for more information on obtaining your Vietnamese visa.

After your meeting, you may choose to head out for an optional dinner to further get to know your CEO and fellow group members.

We spend this evening in Bangkok. Our hotel is located in China Town, next to the central train station and MRT (Subway), and is only a short USD2 taxi ride from Khao San road and the central shopping area of Siam Square, MBK, Siam Paragon, etc. All rooms are double or twin share with air conditioning and en suite bathroom. The hotel has a small pool and wifi is available at extra cost.
Day 2 Bangkok (B)
Enjoy a one-hour long tail boat tour of Bangkok's famous klongs, or canals. Our boat trip finishes at the Royal Temple of Wat Po. Our included guide will introduce you to Thai Buddhist culture and show you the famous reclining Buddha. When your guided tour ends there will still be time for some afternoon shopping, a visit to Grand Palace or a stroll through the backpacker area. We will meet back at the hotel within easy walking distance to the train station where we board our overnight train to Chiang Mai.

Tonight's accommodation is an overnight sleeper train. Beds are dormitory style, with bunks on two layers along the side of the train carriage. There are curtains along each bunk for privacy. Your luggage will be accessible during the journey. The train has air-conditioning and clean bedding is provided for each bunk. There are both western style and asian style toilets at the end of each carriage. Food and drinks are served on the train but you can always bring your own food from the shops and restaurants in the train station.

Approx travel time:
Bangkok to Chiang Mai by sleeper train is 12-13 hours.
Day 3 Chiang Mai
We arrive in the early morning and have free time to explore for the rest of the day. To fill your free time you can chose from a large range of optional activities or stroll the city independently.

Surrounded by rolling hills, Chiang Mai is the cultural center of Thailand. Enclosed by a moat and crumbling walls, the old city features great cafes, shops and over 300 temples. Many visitors come here to attend cooking courses, massage classes or yoga lessons. It is also a mecca of handicraft production, with a long history of silverwork, woodcarving, pottery-making and weaving. A trip out to the countryside is available for those interested in riding elephants or cruising down a stream on a bamboo raft. The fun does not end when the sun goes down, as the night bazaaar opens. The bazaar is a series of covered markets, shops and stalls that offer the best selection of handicrafts in Thailand.

Late afternoon we set off to visit the temple complex, Doi Suthep. Here we can delve deeper into Thai Buddhist culture and we may be fortunate enough to witness the chanting of the monks.

We overnight in Chiang Mai. Our hotel is well located within walking distance to Chiang Mai Night Bazaar and other city destinations. All rooms are double or twin share with air conditioning and en suite bathroom. Free wifi is available.

Approx travel time:
Chang Mai to Doi Suthep temple, 45 mins each way.
Day 4 Chiang Kong
A 5 hour bus drive takes us to Chiang Khong where our guesthouse affords spectacular views of the Mekong River. Enroute we can visit Wat Rong Khun - the dazzling White Temple. Wander the local food market or sit back and enjoy the slow pace of life as we spend our last evening in Thailand peering across the Mekong into Laos.

We spend one night in Chiang Khong, a small border town which is a part of the trade route between Laos and Thailand. Free wifi is available in the lobby at no charge. All rooms are double or twin share with air conditioning and en suite bathroom.

Approx travel time:
Chiang Mai to Chiang Kong is 5 hours by private transport.
Day 5 Mekong River
We cross the river border today to Laos by small local boats to Ban Houay Xai and Lao Immigration. Once we have completed the immigration process we take a songthaew (local bus) to our traditional slow boat. As we travel down the Mekong River you slowly adjust to the relaxed pace of life in Laos. A predominantly mountainous country, we have unsurpassable views of the riverside villages, the tropical jungle and the mountains.

Our private boat is reasonably comfortable and spacious. A toilet is available on board. Fruits, tea and coffee, are provided free of charge for you to enjoy and other drinks, such as water and soft drinks are all available for purchase on the boat. It can be quite cold from November to February so make sure you have some warm gear packed.

We overnight in Pak Beng village, a stopover for local traders heading to Luang Prabang. As for tourists, the town offers an interesting vibe and good introduction to Laos. Our guesthouse is located some 500 meters from the pier. All rooms are double or twin share with air conditioning and en suite bathrooms.

Approx travel time:
Chiang Kong to Pak Beng is approximately 9 hours by slow boat.
Days 6-8 Luang Prabang (3B,1D)
On day 6, we approach Luang Prabang in the late afternoon. Before arriving, we will make a stop outside of town at the Pak Ou caves. This dramatic cave houses thousands of Buddha statues and images and is considered an important spiritual sight by many Lao people. After our visit, we re-board the boat and continue to Luang Prabang, arriving around 5pm.

Located at the confluence of the Nam Khan and Mekong Rivers, Luang Prabang is without a doubt the most charming city in Laos and one of the loveliest towns in the whole of South East Asia.

The center of the UNESCO world heritage listed town is quite small and is accessible either on foot or by bicycle. You can visit the most impressive of Luang Prabang's 32 temples including Vat Vixoun, Vat Sene, and Vat Xiengthong. Why not pack a picnic to eat on Phousi Hill and watch the sun set over the horizon or rise at dawn to watch the monks walk through the city collecting offerings of food from the locals. Take an afternoon to browse the many textile galleries and relax and enjoy a local coffee in on of the town's cafes. We take a tour of the Ethnology Museum- a great chance to learn more about the dress and customs of the local people.

We also make a half-day trip out to the stunning Kuang Si waterfalls. Don't forget your swimsuit. During our stay, we will enjoy a traditional Lao meal experience in a local home partaking in pun pa, a type of grilled fish, noodle and fresh salads wrap, Lao style!

We overnight three nights in Luang Prabang. Our hotel is centrally located within walking distance to Luang Prabang Night Market (Black Market in Laos). All rooms are double or twin share with air conditioning and en suite bathroom. Free wifi is available.

Approx travel time:
Pak Beng to Luang Prabang by private slow boat is 9-10 hours.
Days 9-10 Vang Vieng
A scenic drive through winding mountains will take us to the picturesque town of Vang Vieng Nestled along the Nam Song river and surrounded by limestone karsts, Vang Vieng is a great place to explore the countryside by bicycle, or just relax by the river.

We stay two nights in Vang Vieng. Our hotel is located by the riverside of Nam Song overlooking the sunset over the sheer limestone cliff. All rooms are double or twin share with air conditioning and en suite bathroom. Free wifi is available.

Approx travel time:
Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng is 7 hours on a winding mountain by private minivan.
Day 11 Vientiane (1B)
A 3 hour drive takes us to one of Asia's sleepiest capital cities. Enjoy the highlights of Vientiane including Wat Sisaket, one of the city's oldest and most fascinating temples and Phat 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!

Our hotel is centrally located within walking distance of all the town's main sights. All hotel rooms are double or twin share with air conditioning, safe deposit box, and en suite bathrooms. Free wifi is available.

Approx travel time:
Vang Vieng to Vientiane is approx 3 hours by private minivan.
Days 12-13 Hanoi (1B)
A short flight on day 12 takes us away from quiet Laos and into the bustling city of Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. A leisurely walk through the Old Quarter perhaps followed by a traditional Vietnamese meal are the perfect way to start your visit to this diverse country.

On day 13 we visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, his Presidential Palace and House on Stilts. The Mausoleum houses the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh, the founding father of unified Vietnam. Please note: the mausoleum and museum are closed for refurbishment from October-November each year.

During the afternoon, your time is free to explore this beautiful city. Visit the Tran Quoc Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, the Museum of Ethnology or just take a walk through Hanoi's Old Quarter – a virtual maze of fascinating streets, each one traditionally devoted to a different product or industry. Late afternoon or early evening, we attend a performance of Vietnam's famous water puppets before sampling one of Hanoi's amazing eating venues. Ask your CEO to tell you more about the local Northern delicacies.

We spend two nights in Hanoi. Our hotel is located in the Old Quarter. All rooms are double or twin share with air conditioning and en suite bathroom. Free wifi and a public computer are available at the lobby.

Approx travel time:
The flight time from Vientiane to Ha Noi is approximately 1.5 hours. Transfer from the airport to city center is 45 minutes. There is an opportunity to exchange money at the airport into Vietnamese Dong.

Please note: As this is a combination trip, some of your tour members many depart in Hanoi and you may be joined by some new traveling companions on Day 13.
Days 14-15 Halong Bay/Hanoi (2B,2L,1D)
On day 14, a 4 hour drive takes us to Bai Chay harbour, our entry point to Halong Bay. Thousands of islands rise dramatically from the waters of Halong Bay and, to further their beauty, intricate cave systems naturally exist throughout these limestone karst formations. Our sailing junk will take you to visit some of the islands and caves. You could enjoy a pre-dinner swim (depending on the season) and have an evening drink on the deck beneath the stars. Our accommodation tonight is a truly special experience – sleeping on a boat surrounded by high limestone karsts. All cabins are double or twin share with air conditioning and en suite bathroom.

On day 15, after an early lunch on board the boat we head back to Hanoi. You have enough time for shopping or further sightseeing until our overnight train to Hue, the first of 3 sleeper trains you will take in Vietnam.

The sleeper trains throughout Vietnam are quite comfortable. Each cabin sleeps 4 people in 2 bunk beds. You will be able to lock the door from the inside. All bedding is provided. The train is air conditioned and has squat and Western style toilets with a wash basin at the end of each compartment. Bags can be stored in your cabin and accessed at anytime. Food and drinks are available for purchase on board. This is not to everyone's taste, so we recommend you bring your own.

Approx travel time:
Halong Bay to Hanoi is 4 hours by private bus. Toilet stops can be made en route.
Overnight sleeper train Ha Noi to Hue is approximately 14 hours.
Day 16 Hue (1B)
We arrive early on day 16 into Hue, once the imperial capital of Vietnam. After checking in to our hotel, we start our day with a visit to the wonderful Tien Mu Pagoda. Built over 400 years ago, and at seven stories high, Tien Mu is still the tallest and perhaps the most elegant pagoda in Vietnam.

We then visit a tomb of one of Vietnam's former emperors. These tombs are extremely ornate and embrace the concept of Feng Shui.

Afterwards, you may choose to enjoy a vegetarian lunch at a local nunnery and there are various options to head out by bike to explore the local countryside.

Please ask your CEO for more information.
In the evening, take the chance to 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). You might want to wash it all down with a Hue beer. Yum!

Our accommodation tonight is centrally located in the main street of Hue. All rooms are double or twin share with air conditioning and en suite bathroom. A swimming pool is also available.
Days 17-19 Hoi An (3B)
This morning we'll start our day touring the wonderful ruins of the Imperial Citadel, from where the whole of Vietnam was once ruled. You'll enjoy exploring the many palaces and gateways, courtyards and gardens of this beautiful complex and of course hearing the stories of the emperors who once lived here.

In the late morning we begin our drive to Hoi An. After crossing over the Hai Van Pass, with fantastic views in all directions, we will stop at Lang Co Beach, arriving in Hoi An in the afternoon for our three night stay. Once known as Faifo, Hoi An was an important trading town with strong south Chinese influence and connections. You can take a walking tour of this living museum which includes the Museum of History and Culture, the Tan Ky house, the Japanese bridge, the Fujian Assembly Hall and lunch at a riverside restaurant to sample some of the local delicacies. Hoi An is also a shopping mecca for tourists in the region. Tailors can produce virtually anything overnight, with clothing, silk lanterns, lacquer ware and many other crafts abound. For sun worshipers, Cua Dai Beach, 4kms from town makes for a great, flat bike ride.

We overnight three nights in a Hoi An. All rooms are double or twin share with air conditioning and en suite bathroom. Free wifi and a public computer are available in the lobby. The hotel also has a swimming pool to relax beside.

Approx travel time:
Hue to Hoi An by private minivan is approx 4 hours.
Days 20-21 Ho Chi Minh City (2B)
Today we drive to Danang airport where we will catch a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City, This sprawling metropolis was once the capital of South Vietnam is still commonly referred to as Saigon by the locals. Saigon remains the country's finance and commercial center.

On the morning of Day 21 we take a guided tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels complex. During the Vietnam - American war the locals used these tunnels as both a refuge and a hidden base to attack opposing troops. This afternoon is free. Perhaps visit the immense Ben Than Market and grab a snack at one of its many food stands. Those with an interest in Vietnam's recent war history may like to visit the Reunification Palace or the War Remnants Museum. The Palace was the residence of the presidents of South Vietnam before 1975. Also very interesting is Cholon, Saigon's Chinese quarter. A cyclo can take you to any of these places for a very reasonable price and is a fun way to travel around Ho Chi Minh City.

In the evening, why not 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.

We spend two nights in Ho Chi Minh City. All rooms are double or twin share with air conditioning and en suite bathroom. The hotel is within walking distance to the Benh Than Market, the backpackers area, the War Remnants Museum and all the French colonial buildings. Free wifi and a public computer are available in the lobby.

Approximate travel time:
Hoi An to Danang airport is 45 minutes.
Flight time Da Nang to Ha Noi is approx 1 hour.
Airport to our Ho Chi Minh hotel is approx 30 minutes
Ho Chi Minh City to Cu Chi tunnels- 90 minutes each way

Please note: As this is a combination trip, some of your tour members many depart in Ho Chi Minh City and you may be joined by some new traveling companions on Day 21 for the remainder of your journey through Cambodia to Bangkok.
Day 22 Mekong Delta Day Trip (1B)
Today we travel to where the mighty Mekong River approaches and empties in to the South China Sea. We board a small boat and navigate through the narrow canals, witnessing local lifestyle, floating vendors and small industrial boats. You will notice that many of the Vietnamese boats have eyes painted on the front to ward off evil spirits and to help guide the boat and crew safely back to land.

We disembark our boat to visit some cottage industries for which the area is famous such as delicious and chewy coconut candy, rice cakes, Vietnamese popcorn and pottery production. Don't miss the chance to try the unique regional 'elephant fish' at a local restaurant during our lunch break.

After a day of touring this unique region, we return to Ho Chi Minh City in time for dinner.

Approx travel time:
The round trip to Mekong Delta by private bus is approx 6 hours.
Days 23-24 Phnom Penh (2B)
On Day 23, we cross into Cambodia by public bus.The drive to the Vietnam/Cambodian border takes around 2 hours. After completing the border formalities, we continue by bus to Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital, arriving mid-afternoon.

After years of civil strife and political turmoil Cambodia is open for visitors. Late afternoon we take a short Cyclo ride around the city.

With our local guide on day 24, we witness the dark side of Cambodian history with visits to Choeng Ek, the site of the infamous Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng prison, the notorious Khmer Rouge prison where thousands of Cambodians died at the hands of their captors.

Afterwards, continue sight seeing on your own.You can explore the cities many sights: the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum. There is time to visit the huge Russian Market packed with souvenirs and all the necessities of daily life. Late afternoon is a great time to visit Wat Phnom: the sanctuary where the city's namesake once stood. It is a Buddhist shrine, although a Taoist goddess and numerous monkeys also reside here. Wat Phnom is a popular hangout for residents of the city in the afternoon heat. A drink in one of the many riverside café's watching the sunset is a fitting finale to the day.

We spend two nights in Phnom Penh. All rooms are double or twin share with air conditioning and en suite bathroom. Free wifi and a computer are available at the lobby.

Approx travel time:
Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh is approx 6 hours including a short lunch at the local restaurant and border crossing.
Days 25-27 Siem Reap/Angkor Wat (2B)
After a private bus trip through the Cambodian countryside we arrive in Siem Reap, our base to explore the ancient city of Angkor, the former capital of the Khmer kingdom and one of the wonders of the archeological world. Rediscovered at the end of the 19th century by French explorers this vast ruined city is becoming one of the most popular sites in Southeast Asia. Over 2 days, with our professional local guide, we visit some of the highlights of this ancient capital including the enigmatic Bayon within the walled city of Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm, also known as the 'Tomb Raider' temple. Watching the sunrise over Angkor Wat is an experience not to be missed.

We spend two nights in Siem Reap. Our hotel swimming pool is a great place to escape the heat of Siem Reap. All rooms are double or twin share with air conditioning and en suite bathrooms. Free wifi and a public computer are available in the lobby. Our hotel is located within a walking distance of the town centre.

Approx travel time:
Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by private bus is approx 6 hours.
Day 28 Bangkok (B)
It's a long travel day today as private bus ride takes us from the countryside of Cambodia to the modern kingdom of Thailand. The drive from Siem Reap to the border is around 3 hours. Please be aware that the border crossing formalities can take up to one hour. Upon entering Thailand we continue our journey to Bangkok.

We have time to check-in to our centrally located hotel and head out for an evening meal to celebrate the end of a wonderful journey.

Approx travel time:
Siem Reap to Cambodian border 3 hours.
Border crossing formalities, up to 1 hour
Thai border to Bangkok, 4 hours
Day 29 Depart Bangkok (B)
You are free to depart at any time today.

We look forward to receiving your evaluation regarding this tour itinerary and your CEO's performance. We value your input into what we could improve to make this trip even better and of course love hearing about what we are already doing well! You will be sent a post tour email on your return with details on how to go in line and fill in this simple form. Thank you so much in advance.
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Kimberly
Made things so much easier then planning everything on your own. Having the basics done for you helps to have a pretty stress free travel experience.
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Garry
I have been singing its praises to all our friends since returning, and will be sure to book our next adventure with G Adventures..
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Helen
Fabulous trip-so many highlights! 2 days on Mekong River, over night on Halong Bay, Cu Chi Tunnels, homestay in Laos, motorbiking near Hue, visits to 2 orphanages, visiting the Killing Fields, experiencing a taste of Cambodia, etc.
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Joann
Both Kevin and I had a fantastic trip, and felt the tour was a good introduction to the countries visited. We look forward to our next G Adventure, and would not hesitate in recommending the company to others.
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TRIP INCLUDES
  • Bangkok Klong trip, Entrance and guide to Wat Po, Entrance to Doi Suthep, Entrance to Pak Ou caves, Guided tour Traditional Arts & Ethnology Museum (Luang Prabang), Kuang Si Falls trek (half day), Traditional local Lao meal experience, Water puppets performance, Entrance to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (seasonal), Halong Bay caves entrance, Halong Bay boat cruise with seafood lunch and dinner, Entrance to Imperial Citadel and tomb, Cu Chi Tunnels entrance, Mekong Delta Day Trip, Phnom Penh cyclo tour, Entry and guide to Tuol Sleng and Choeung Ek (Killing Fields), Entry and guide to Angkor Wat complex including Sunrise Tour. 
  • 19 Breakfasts, 2 Lunch, 2 Dinners.
  • Hotels/guesthouses (25 nts), sleeper train (2 nts), junk boat (1 nt). 
  • Train, local bus, aircon bus, plane, walking, songthaew, tuk-tuk, boat. 
  • Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides 
  • Small group experience; Max 15, Avg 10
TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE
  • Allow USD550-725 for meals not included
CANCELLATIONS: 20% cancellation fee applied if cancelled 60 days prior to departure. Cancellations within 60 days are 100% non-cancelable

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