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HIGHLIGHTS
A quick look about this trip!
DURATION
19 DAYS
COMFORT
LANGUAGE
RATING
  • Be wooed by the magic of Laos and Admire the scenery of backpacker mecca Vang Vieng
  • Explore the hidden treasures of Luang Prabang and Take a slow boat up the Mekong
  • Discover the northern charm of Chiang Mai
  • Meet locals on a trek through the hills and Sleep in traditional Thai bamboo huts
  • Enjoy the best of Thailand's shopping in Bangkok
ACTIVITIES ON THIS TRIP
Primary: Trekking
Other: Museums & Expositions, Waterfalls, biking, Swimming, Temples & Shrines, sleeper train, Local Markets
$1695.75USD
Prices vary by date. Make sure to pick your departure date.
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ONGOING PROMOTIONS
"Get 5% off when you book with AdventureLink before May 31st, 2012!"
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Applies to Departures Between:
4/25/2012 and 1/1/2013
Promotion lasts :
From 4/25/2012 To 6/1/2012
TRIP MAP
See the locations you'll visit!

Indochina Adventure

A region with a dazzling array of rich cultures and traditions, Indochina is a feast for the senses. Travel through Vietnam, Laos and Thailand from the French-colonial heritage of Hanoi in Vietnam to the multicultural melting-pot of Bangkok in Thailand.
A region with a dazzling array of rich cultures and traditions, Indochina is a feast for the senses. Travel through Vietnam, Laos and Thailand from the French-colonial heritage of Hanoi in Vietnam to the multicultural melting-pot of Bangkok in Thailand. Whether you're slurping up a steaming bowl of Vietnam's traditional pho at a street stall in Vinh, dining at one of Laos' stilt restaurants in Vientiane, taking it easy in the laidback riverside paradise of Vang Vieng, swimming at waterfalls in Luang Prabang, gliding down the Mekong in a slow boat, meeting friendly hilltribes in rural Thailand or bargaining up a storm in Chiang Mai's Night Bazaar, you'll gain a wonderful insight into Indochina during this incredible adventure.
Day 1: Hanoi
Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam.

Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1.

You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting; please ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader.

The capital of Vietnam is a charming city with a population of around four million. Hanoi is famous for its beautiful lakes, shaded boulevards, verdant public parks and its thriving old town centre, which is an architectural museum piece with blocks of ochre buildings retaining the air of a 1930s provincial French town. As Vietnam develops to compete with other South-East Asian countries, the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake reflects the contrasts of modern office buildings, old Buddhist temples and the tangle of ancient streets in its still surface.

If you arrive early, why not get your first taste of Vietnam exploring the lovely, laidback capital. You can stroll the tree-lined boulevards to get a sense of the old days, wander the Old Quarter to uncover ancient temples and a rich, religious culture or head to the Temple of Literature, an oasis of calm right at the heart of Hanoi.

Optional Activities
Revolutionary Museum, Hanoi - VND15000.00
Temple of Literature, Hanoi - VND10000.00
Museum of Ethnology, Hanoi - VND25000.00

Accommodation
Hotel (1 nt)
Day 2: Vinh
There's time for a bit of last-minute shopping or sightseeing before leaving Hanoi. If you haven't yet explored the Old Quarter, this is your last chance to do it. Some of the most delicious 'pho' (beef soup) in town can be found at stalls lining the narrow streets. There are numerous shops which sell everything from designer knock-offs to religious offerings and fresh herbs.

Board our private bus bound for Vinh - enjoy the diverse countryside on the drive to the birth place of Ho Chi Minh (approx 7 hrs).

The bustling port town of Vinh is famous as the birth place of Ho Chi Minh.

Accommodation
Hotel (1 nt)
Days 3-4: Vientiane
By private minibus journey through spectacular mountain scenery on the Ho Chi Minh trail, before crossing the border into Laos and heading for the capital, Vientiane, it's a long day (approx. 12 hours).

Possibly Asia's most laidback capital, Vientiane is a city where daily affairs are conducted at a relaxed pace. Hardly touched by the modernisation that has completely changed the face of other cities in South East Asia, Laos still has a wealth of cultural delights to discover - on foot, or for the less energetic, by jumbo (tuk tuk).

Follow dusty tracks along the river to find villages full of friendly children, dogs and chickens. Vientiane's vibrant, colourful morning market (which incidentally is open all day!) is full of local treasures. A great way to round off the day is to enjoy a spectacular sunset over the Mekong.
Take to the dusty streets on foot to visit Wat Si Saket, perhaps the oldest temple in Laos. Close by, and once home to the 'Emerald Buddha', visit the former royal temple of the Laos monarchy, Haw Pha Kaew, with a vast array of Buddhist style sculptures. Continuing on to a symbol for Vientiane, Patuxai, or Victory Temple, head to the top for an unsurpassed view of the city.

Visit COPE, an Intrepid Foundation-sponsored organisation dedicated to assistance those who have been injured by the multitude of unexploded ordinance across the country.

Included Activities
Walking tour
Wat Sri Saket
COPE visit

Optional Activities
Buddha Park, Vientiane - USD1.00
Vientiane temples, Vientiane - USD1.00

Accommodation
Hotel (2 nts)
Days 5-7: Vang Vieng
Take a beautiful local bus ride through roadside villages to Vang Vieng (approx 3.5 hrs).

Situated on the Nam Song River, Vang Vieng offers limestone karst scenery, local markets and riverside walks.

There is plenty to do in and around Vang Vieng. The area is renowned for its many caves, many of which are easily accessible from the town, perhaps the most famous is the cave of Tham Chang, a beautiful cavern fed by a natural spring making it a perfect spot for a refreshing swim. Hire bicycles to explore further afield, or a tour of an Organic Mulberry Farm is also an option.

Optional Activities
Bike hire, Vang Vieng - USD1.50

Accommodation
Guesthouse (3 nts)
Days 8-10: Luang Prabang
Take the bus through dusty villages and winding mountain roads to Luang Prabang (approx 7 hrs).
The atmospheric World Heritage-listed city of Luang Prabang is a favourite of many. Nestled in the hills of northern Laos on the confluence of the Mekong and Khan rivers, it's studded with ornate temples and French colonial architecture.

Join our local guide on a walk of the local area, learn more about Laos culture at the ruins of Wat Pha Mahathat and explore the local market where the variety of local produce will amaze.

Head out to the beautiful Kuang Si Falls, where pale turquoise waters cascade over limestone formations. The lovely pool at the base of the falls is perfect for a refreshing afternoon dip.

There's plenty to explore here from the Royal Palace and many temples to the sacred caves of Pak Ou a short distance outside the city. You can also make the steep climb up Mount Phousi, the spiritual and geographical heart of the city, and a great spot to watch the sunset over the Mekong.

Included Activities
Walking tour

Optional Activities
Cooking demonstration, Luang Prabang - USD30.00
National Museum, Luang Prabang - USD2.50
Mt Phu Si, Luang Prabang - USD2.50
Wat Xieng Thong, Luang Prabang - USD2.50
Royal Theatre, Luang Prabang - USD20.00
Kuang Si Waterfalls, Luang Prabang - USD3.00

Accommodation
Guesthouse (3 nts)
Day 11: Mekong River
Board our boat for the two-day journey down the mighty Mekong River to Luang Prabang. The journey is relaxed, so we can experience the slow pace of village life and the breathtaking scenery along the river.

Our river boat is basic in nature, with a toilet, covered roof, and open sides to take in the fresh air. There are seats in the front of the boat and a small open area in the back where you can have a nap on the mat, play cards, read or have lunch.

We dock at the small town of Pak Beng (after about 6 hours) to spend the night. Our guesthouse here is very basic - a standard accommodation in this small trading port.

It can be quite cool from November to February so make sure you have some warm gear packed for this period. Due to dam construction upstream, water levels aren't as reliable as in previous years, and when the river is at its lowest from February to April, part of the journey may occasionally need to be made by land.

Accommodation
Guesthouse (1 nt)
Day 12: Chiang Khong
Reboard our boat and cruise further before crossing the border into Thailand and our overnight in Chiang Khong (approx. 8hrs).

Formerly known as 'Juon', peaceful riverside Chiang Khong remains an important market town for the surrounding hill tribes and trade with Laos.

Accommodation
Hotel (1 nt)
Days 13-14: Chiang Mai
Take a private minibus to Chiang Mai (approx 6 hrs).

The most vibrant city in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai has many famous temples and an interesting old city area. This 'Rose of the North' is also known for its beauty and the friendliness of the local people.

There are so many things to do here - spectacular temples, delicious food, an enormous night market, picturesque river-front and fantastic shopping. Join your leader on a walk through the old city, or undertake the many optional activities available. Chiang Mai is a great place for hiring a bicycle, climb to Doi Suthep temple, sign up for a Thai cooking class or loosen those muscles with some traditional Thai massage.

As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group may change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary and you're welcome to attend, as this is a great chance to meet your new fellow travellers.

Optional Activities
Doi Suthep Temple, Chiang Mai - THB50.00
Bicycle tour, Chiang Mai - THB750.00
Thai cookery course, Chiang Mai - THB750.00

Accommodation
Hotel (2 nts)
Days 15-17: Hilltribe Trek
We have a briefing before setting off on our 3-day trek. The highlight of this trip is meeting the local people in the various villages, each with their own unique language, customs and dress.

The terrain is rural rather than jungle - the hilltribes grow rice and other vegetables on the slopes - and we walk along village tracks.

The trekking on this trip shouldn't be too hard for anyone who is reasonably physically fit. We walk for approximately 4 hours or less each day so there's no great rush. Please take into account that the ground is muddy and slippery during the rainy season (around July - October), though the scenery is at its most lush and spectacular to compensate. The exact itinerary of the trek changes from time to time, taking into account the weather and local conditions.

You carry your personal belongings in a daypack and leave your main luggage at the hotel. All meals while on the trek are provided, but you need to carry and purchase your own water along the way (please allow US$8 for the entire trek).

Accommodation is multishare, sleeping on fold-out mattresses on the floors of the wooden/bamboo huts typical of the villages. There are shared squat toilets and basic washing facilities in most villages (ie. hose or water pipe) or we may be able to wash in a nearby stream. Warmer clothing and sleeping bags are recommended from November to January as the nights are usually quite cool during this period. Most trekking gear (sleeping bags, mats, small packs, etc) can be rented in Chiang Mai.
We return to Chiang Mai on the afternoon of Day 17.

Accommodation
Hilltribe village (2 nts), Hotel (1 nt)
Day 18: Chiang Mai
Enjoy free time for last-minute shopping and sightseeing in Chiang Mai. Check out Wat Chiung Man, a peaceful temple in the old city with inscriptions dating from 1581, featuring beautiful examples of traditional northern Thai architecture, with massive teak columns supporting the inner sanctuary.

Board an overnight train for Bangkok (approx 13 hrs).

Accommodation
Overnight sleeper train (1 nt)
Day 19: Bangkok
Our trip finishes on arrival at Bangkok train station at about 7am. If you are leaving Thailand today, please don't book a flight departing before midday as train delays can and do occur.
TRIP INCLUDES
  • 8 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 2 Dinners
  • Boat, Songthaew, Bus, Tuk-Tuk, Private minibus, Overnight sleeper train
  • Hotel (8 nts), Guesthouse (7 nts), Hilltribe village (2 nts), Overnight sleeper train (1 nt)
TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE
  • Allow USD $320 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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