This website uses cookies to collect information about how you use this site.
This information is used to make the website work as well as possible.
See our Cookie Policy for more details.
We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions.
The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site.
We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze how you use this website, store your preferences, and provide the content and advertisements that are relevant to you. These cookies will only be stored in your browser with your prior consent.
You can choose to enable or disable some or all of these cookies, but disabling some of them may affect your browsing experience.
Now's the time to explore Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Take in the ancient splendour of Angkor Wat, trek to meet hilltribes in Myanmar (Burma), opt to explore underground rivers in Phong Nha, and taste all manners of street food at nearly every stop. Take on the epic, the awe-inspiring, and the endlessly fascinating with this journey that covers it all (with just enough free time to explore in between). It's the perfect snapshot of Southeast Asia for first-time visitors.
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
A variety of styles of hotels/guesthouses are used on this trip. In many instances they might not be like what you are used to back home as service and efficiency can vary. In some areas we stay in simple local guest houses in stunning locations - rooms are small and simple and there may only be shared toilet facilities and showers.
Mekong River Homestay: Typically, the group is divided into two or more houses (depending on group size) in close proximity to each other. Sleeping arrangements are multi-share in the central living area of the homes - mattresses, blankets, pillows, and mosquito nets are provided. Bathroom facilities are shared.
Multi-share Accommodation: Multi-share same-sex accommodation is used on this tour, as such, if you are travelling with someone of a different gender you will not be in the same room. For private accommodation please see tours in our Classic Travel Style.
Chambok Homestay: This location has basic facilities including a squat toilet and douse shower (showering with a bucket)
Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $500 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
In Asia the dress standard is more conservative than it is back home. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate of Asian summers. In predominately Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim countries we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting temples or mosques or other holy sites. In Pakistan we recommend a head scarf for women while walking around.
Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops
We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your CEO (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details.
If you have pre-booked an airport transfer please meet your driver at gate number 10 of the airport, in the arrival hall. Look for a driver holding a G Adventures sign with your name.
If you have still have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
What you need to bring depends on the trip you have chosen and the countries or regions you are planning to visit. We suggest that you pack as lightly as possible as your are expected to carry your own luggage. As a rule we try not to have to walk more than 15-20 minutes with your bags which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 10-15kg/22-30lb. Suitcases are not recommended for G Adventures trips! Most travellers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size (no XXL ones please!) as they need to fit under the beds when travelling on sleeper trains. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras and other electronics like ipods and mobile phones. If your trip involves overnights in homestays, villages or camping then you usually have the opportunity to rent sleeping bags if need be instead of bringing them with you.
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Be aware that petty theft can be an issue in some Vietnamese towns and cities especially late at night. A common tactic is opportunists on motorbikes that drive by and snatch bags. Please always leave valuables and passports etc in your hotel,in safety boxes if available,and only carry with you enough cash to spend for the day. Bags should always be carried over the neck and not left to sit on your shoulder.
We do not recommend passengers to jump or dive into Kuang Sii Waterfalls in Luang Prabang, this may result in injury.
When arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport (pronounced 'su wan na poom') in Bangkok proceed to the Arrivals Hall where you can change money into Thai Baht. (You may be approached by nicely dressed, official looking touts offering an expensive limousine service to your hotel; ignore these offers.)
You have three transport options; public bus, the Airport Train & MRT or public taxi. All transportation is located on the ‘ground' floor.
Public Bus
The Airport Bus operates 4 bus routes to downtown for a cost of 150 Baht for the entire route. Bus AE2 goes to Banglamphu and Bus AE4 goes to Hua Lamphong train station. Our hotels are located in both the Bang Lamphu and Hua Lamphong areas.
Taxi
The airport is located 30km's away from downtown Bangkok. Approach the taxi counters, advise them where you are going and they will write this information down for you along with the taxis registration details. Taxis should always use the meter and you are required to pay a 50 Baht airport surcharge on top of the metered fee plus any tollway fees (approx 70 Baht depending on the route taken). Total journey will cost between 350 THB - 500 THB, depending on traffic and toll fees. The expressway is substantially faster, so tell the taxi driver to use the expressway, you can say either ""kuen ton-way"" (from 'tollway') or ""kuen taang duan"" in Thai (but most understand Tollway/express way in English).
Airport Train
If you are staying at the Bangkok Centre Hotel you can take the Airport Train. Board the express airport train at a cost of 150 THB to the City Air Terminal; Makkasan. Here you will need to disembark and change to the MRT (subway) Blue line, boarding at Phetchaburi Station. From Pethaburi Station travel to the last stop, Hua Lamphong, and follow the signs at the exit for the Bangkok Centre Hotel.
Arrival Transfers
If you have paid in advance for an arrival transfer, a G Adventures representative will be at the airport to meet you (go to gate 10). If for any reason you are not met at the airport, please call our local support line. If you are unable to make contact for whatever reason, please make your way to the joining point hotel via taxi.
Please note that Day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned for that day other then your welcome meeting in the evening, so you can arrive at any time.
A G Adventures Representative will organize a short meeting soon after arrival, during which you will meet other tour participants and receive information about general and specific aspects of the trip. A welcome note will be left for you in the hotel so you have all the necessary information regarding the meeting time. If you arrive late, s/he will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning.
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Siem Reap
- Phare Circus
- Angkor Museum Visit (12USD per person)
- Tonle Sap Floating Village (22-26USD per person)
- Siem Reap Quad Biking
Phnom Penh
- National Museum Visit (10USD per person)
- Silver Pagoda Visit (10USD per person)
- Tuol Sleng Museum (S-21 Prison) & Choeung Ek (Killing Fields) Half-Day Guided Tour (22-26USD per person)
Ho Chi Minh City
- War Remnants Museum Visit (2USD per person)
- Ben Thanh Market
- Cholon Visit
- Ho Chi Minh City Cyclo Tour (10USD per person)
- Dam Sen Water Park Visit (4USD per person)
- Reunification Palace Visit (2USD per person)
C? Chi
- Cu Chi Tunnels Guided Tour (20-25USD per person)
Nha Trang
- Snorkelling
- Nha Trang Boat Tour and Snorkelling (25USD per person)
- Mud Bath Visit (20USD per person)
Hoi An
- Tailor Shops
- Cua Dai Beach
- Hoi An Bike and Boat Tour
- Thu Bon River Boat Trip (12USD per person)
- Hoi An Walking Tour
- Hoi An Cooking Class (30USD per person)
M? Son
- M? Son Excursion (30USD per person)
Hu?
- Imperial Citadel Tour (7USD per person)
- Perfume River Cruise (10USD per person)
- Tien Mu Pagoda Visit
- Royal Tombs Entry (5USD per person)
- Cycling (10USD per person)
- Hue Motorbike Tour
- Hue City Tour
Phong Nha
- Caving in Phong Nha
H? Long Bay
- Kayaking (10USD per person)
- Optional Welcome Meeting for Travellers on Combos
Hanoi
- Tran Quoc Pagoda Visit
- Hoan Kiem Lake Walk
- Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre Performance (6USD per person)
- Hanoi Foodie Culture Tour
- Temple of Literature (Van Mi?u) Visit
Vientiane
- Wat Pha That Luang Visit (1USD per person)
- Buddha Park (1USD per person)
- National Museum Visit (4USD per person)
- Wat Sisaket Visit (1USD per person)
Vang Vieng
- Hiking
- Caving
- Bike Rental (2USD per person)
- Kayaking (25USD per person)
- Vang Vieng Adrenaline Bundle
Luang Prabang
- Wat Visoun Temples Visit (2.50USD per person)
- Phousi Temple Visit (2.50USD per person)
- Royal Palace Museum Visit (5USD per person)
- Wat Xien Thong Visit (2.50USD per person)
- Cooking Class (35USD per person)
- Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Centre Visit (8USD per person)
- Royal Ballet Theatre (15USD per person)
- Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre Entry (4USD per person)
- Sunrise Alms-giving
Chiang Mai
- Muay Thai Fight
- Khantoke Dinner and Show (30USD per person)
- Chiang Mai Cycling Tour (30USD per person)
- Northern Thai Cooking Class
- Street Food Walk at Chiang Mai Night Market
- Cooking Class
- Massage
Chiang Khong
- Massage (Southeast Asia)
Doi Suthep
- Doi Suthep Temple Visit (2USD per person)
Kengtung
- Kyaing Tong Market Visit
Inle Lake
- Biking
- Cooking Class
- Boat Tour
- Cheroot Factory Visit
- Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Visit
- Morning Market Visit
- Nga Phe Chaung Monastery Visit
Bagan
- Nyaung Oo Marketplace
- Bagan Temple Pass
Bagan
- Guided Bagan Cycling Tour
- Ballooning in Bagan (Oct - Mar)
Mandalay Hill
- Mandalay Hill Climb
- Kuthodaw Pagoda Visit
- Kyauk Taw Gyi Pagoda Visit
Mandalay
- Shwenandaw Kyaung (Golden Palace Monastery) Visit
- Mahamuni Pagoda (Buddha Temple) Visit
Amarapura
- Amarapura Visit
- U Bein Bridge Walk
Yangon
- Shwedagon Pagoda Visit
Minimum age of 18 years for this trip.
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Max 18, avg 12.
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. Included breakfasts will usually be asian style consisting of noodles or congee (rice porridge) or bread and eggs. Vegetarians will be able to find a range of different foods, although in some areas the choice maybe limited. While trekking in remote regions food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
During this tour the local currencies you will use are the Thai Baht, US Dollar, Cambodian Riel, Vietnamese Dong and Laos Kip. As currency exchange rates in South East Asia do fluctuate, we ask that you refer to the following website for the most up to date daily exchange rates: www.xe.com for each of the above mentioned currencies. The best way to carry your money is in debit cards, withdrawing cash in local currencies from ATM machines. ATMs are found throughout South East Asia and will generally accept cards on the Visa and Mastercard networks. It is a great idea to travel with both a Visa and Mastercard if at all possible in case of loss or problems with one card, you will have a back up. Please note, your bank will charge a fee for overseas withdrawals. USD Cash is recommended for times when ATMs are not accessible. You should bring some cash with you for emergency situations (please refer to our trip dossier) but carrying only cash is a high safety risk. ATM card/s and some cash is the ideal mix. Travellers cheques can be tricky, timely and expensive to exchange. While we do not recommend that you bring them as your primary source of funds, it is great to have one or two cheques in case of emergency. Thomas Cook or American Express travellers' cheques in US currency are the easiest to exchange. Cash advances can also be made with some banks but are time consuming and tend to have high fees attached.Credit cards can be used at some upmarket restaurants, and at some larger stores if shopping for big items. If you are bringing US Dollars, please make sure that the notes are new and in good condition. Notes older than 2003, or with any tears or blemishes may not be accepted. Be fussy with your bank when buying cash!
Departure Tax is included in all International and Domestic tickets in Thailand.
Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. In Asia pharmacies tend to stock the same western drugs as you get at home but they are usually produced locally so please bring the full drug name with you when trying to purchase a prescription drug. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.
Simple hotels (twin-share) (19 nts), hostels (multi-share) (14 nts), sleeper trains (3 nts), sleeper bus (2 nts), homestays (2 nts).
For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.
Please do not buy gems in Bangkok unless you know what you are doing. Even if genuine you should not expect to be able to sell them at home. If you fall victim to a gem scam, we are unable to assist you.
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customerservice@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.
Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Your G for Good Moment: Local Khmer Meal, Siem Reap
Your G for Good Moment: Oodles of Noodles, 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: Welcome Meeting - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Your Big Night Out Moment: - Siem Reap, Siem Reap
Your Discover Moment: Phnom Penh
Your Local Living Moment: Home Meal, Chambok
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: Celebrate New Adventures, Yangon. Guided sunrise tour of Angkor Wat temple complex. Halong Bay boat cruise with lunch. Guided hike for sunset visit to Wat Phousi and waterfall excursion (Vang Vieng, 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. Three street food crawls in different cities. Internal flights. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
It is customary in Asia to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected - though not compulsory - and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $1.5-$3.5 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $20-25 USD per person, per week can be used.
Cold Weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers
Conservative Dress:
• Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)
• Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)
Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Required visas or vaccination certificates (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
Essentials:
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket
Health & Safety:
• Face masks (required)
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
• Quick Covid Test/Antigen Test
Light Hiking:
• Hiking boots/sturdy walking shoes
• Hiking pants (Convertible/Zip-off and quick dry recommended)
Sleep Sheet and Pillow:
• Sleeping bag liner/sleep sheet
• Travel pillow
Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear
Note: Please pack clothing for the season in which you will be travelling. From Nov-Feb weather can be cold, so please pack warm clothing. From May-Oct it is the wet season, so please bring waterproof clothing.
18
Revel in the majesty of Angkor Wat, trek along the rice paddies in Kengtung, cruise magical Halong Bay, scour markets across five unique countries, explore temples and stupas from ancient times in Myanmar (Burma), learn how to make noodles at a G Adventures-supported enterprise, experience an overnight village homestay along the Mekong
1. EXTRA ACCOMMODATION AT THE BANGKOKIANS
If your tour begins or ends at the Bangkokians City Garden Hotel, and you are looking to add nights before or after the tour, the extra accommodation will be located at Hotel De Bangkok. Hotel De Bangkok is an affiliate hotel of the Bangkokians, and the two properties are right next to each other. If you are interested in adding extra nights of accommodation to compliment your tour, please reach out to our GCO Sales team who will happily add this service to your booking.
2. COMBO TRIP
Please note that this trip is a combination of multiple G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and/or particular vehicles operating your tour may change between tour segments. You may also expect some group members to join or leave the tour, between tour segments. Also note that in some major cities in Vietnam, many hotel rooms do not have windows.
4. BORDER CROSSINGS
Aranyapathet, Thailand to Poipet, Cambodia - Thailand to Cambodia
Bavet, Cambodia to Mok Bai, Vietnam - Cambodia to Vietnam*
Ban Houayxay, Laos to Chiang Khong, Thailand - Laos to Thailand
Mae Sai, Thailand to Tachilek, Myanmar - Thailand to Myanmar
5. WEIGHT RESTRICTION
There may be a weight restriction for the internal flight on this tour. Each passenger is allowed to carry one checked bag with a maximum weight of 20kg (44lbs). Additional bags or excess weight charges may apply. These charges are the responsibility of the passengers.
30 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 2 dinners
All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.
Local bus, air-con bus, private vehicle, train, walking, songthaew, tuk tuk, local boat, junk boat, plane.
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
Border crossings
Poipet, Cambodia - Thailand to Cambodia
Vinh Xuong, Vietnam (or Chau Doc). Cambodia to Vietnam
Chiang Khong. Laos to Thailand
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Planeterra and G Adventures built the New Hope Training Restaurant that provides skills training in the tourism and hospitality sector to underserved people in the Siem Reap community. This restaurant has been built directly in the New Hope Cambodia Outreach Centre, which was founded to provide accessible education and health care for the community. Siem Reap has undergone a recent boom in tourism, an opportunity that was not benefitting many of the local people. The restaurant trains groups of marginalized Khmers skills to access new job opportunities. G Adventures travellers visit the restaurant, and funds from the restaurant go to support the program as well as the health and education centre in the same compound.
Train travel in Vietnam is very basic and train cleanliness is often not a priority for train staff. Sleeper trains normally have 4 seats per compartment, which convert into sleeping bunks (two upper and two lower). A sheet, pillow and blanket are provided, although many people prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet. At times, passengers of different genders may be required to share a sleeper train berth and/or share a compartment with people not travelling in your group.
Simple food is available on the train but many people like to stock up on freshly baked bread, cheese and fruit prior to departure. Water should also be bought before the journey.
Train journeys in Vietnam are an experience and allow you to get a real taste of Vietnam.
Arrive at any time and welcome to Thailand's bustling capital - Bangkok!
Tonight, meet your CEO and get to know fellow travellers as you cheers to new adventures.
You must arrive on tour with your Vietnamese visa. See the Visa section of the Tour Details for more information and exceptions.
Cross the border from Thailand into Cambodia, your home base for exploring Siem Reap and the incredible Angkor Wat. Opt to check out Phare Circus, a uniquely Cambodian experience.
Prefer to plan ahead? Pre-book the "Phare Circus" activity when booking your tour to include this exciting activity in your itinerary.
Watch the sun rise over the majestic and mystifying ruins of Angkor Wat. Then, taste all manners of salty, sweet, spicy, and sour with a delicious Khmer meal at a restaurant kickstarted by our non-profit partner, Planeterra, or with a local family. Later, head to the infamous Pub Street, where the party goes round the clock. Grab a bite to eat (deep-fried tarantula, anyone?) and let the beats move you through market stalls and bars.
Travel to Phnom Penh, Cambodia's busy capital nestled along the mighty Mekong River. Get your bearings on an orientation walk and spend the rest of the evening at leisure.
Spend the day diving deep into Phnom Penh's culture and history. Opt to reflect on one of Cambodia's darkest periods with a visit to the Tuol Sleng Prison and the Killing Fields. Or venture to the Silver Pagoda or Royal Palace for a more peaceful experience. Later, discover the foodie side of this city on a street food crawl.
Phnom Penh can be confusing and we recommend to always keep a hotel card with you when you are exploring.
Ride in style to Sihanoukville and board a boat to your own private beach on Koh Rong island. Take the afternoon to taste local seafood, or sit back and relax with a drink before hitting the warm waves.
Please note that during monsoon season (between June to October), this itinerary may be subject to change based on weather conditions. If heavy rains and flooding prevent our boat from safely travelling to Koh Rong island, we will provide alternate activities and accommodations in a nearby town.
Enjoy your last full day on this pristine island. Do anything you might have missed the day before, like fishing, hiking, or kayaking. Wait 'til after sunset to swim in a sea of blue sparkles caused by phosphorescent plankton. Ooh la la!
Head back to the mainland and journey to Chambok Village where you'll spend the night and get to know the local people over a delicious Cambodian home cooked meal. Immerse yourself in the community and wander around this remote region.
Cross another border into Vietnam, stopping in the famed Ho Chi Minh City where you'll spend the night at a popular backpackers hostel. Take this chance to visit the Ben Thanh Market for souvenirs and handicrafts before taking in the buzzing nightlife. Choose to venture to one of the many rooftop bars for a panoramic view and live music.
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.
During January/February, T?t (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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Head north to the Imperial City of Hu?. 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.
Pre-book the "Hue Motorbike Tour" on the checkout page ahead of time to include this speedy activity on your tour.
Your second day in Hu? 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-K? BĂ ng National Park.
Today, opt to head underground to explore the awe-inspiring caves of Phong Nha-K? BĂ ng National Park, where the oldest karst mountains and longest cave in Asia are found. Then it's an overnight train to Hanoi.
Pre-book the full-day Caving in Phong Nha adventure to explore the longest cave in Asia, Paradise Cave, with massive stalactites. Enjoy a sumptuous Vietnamese lunch, then boat to the turquoise beach of Phong Nha Cave.
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!
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!
Interested in local cuisine? Opt to pre-book the "Hanoi Foodie Culture Tour" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this yum on your tour.
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.
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!
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.
Pre-book the "Vang Vieng Adrenaline Bundle" on the checkout page ahead of time to include this excitement on your tour.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Cross the border into Myanmar (Burma) before heading to Kengtung, a remote inland town nestled by lush hilly country. This evening, watch the sun set on Naung Tung Lake and have a relaxing night to conserve energy for your hike tomorrow.
Find peace among the rice paddies and rolling hills on an included trek to meet hilltribe communities in the countryside. Savour a taste of Shan khao swè, a traditional Burmese rice noodle dish that's full of local flavour.
During your free morning, grab a bite at Kyaing Tong Market. This lively market is host to colourful local produce and delicious food stalls. Later this afternoon, fly to Inle, a serene lake dotted with temples and floating villages.
Stretch out your legs a bit - it's another day on Inle Lake. Choose between taking a bike around the lake or up to the local winery, taking a cooking class, or touring the lake by boat to take a closer look at the floating villages and gardens.
Take your time to unwind with your final day on Inle Lake. Admire the pagodas and monasteries or lay back and watch the fishermen with their unique techniques. Later, hop on an overnight bus and wake up in the temple town of Bagan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Start your day with some serenity during a tour of the mesmerizing Sunrise Temple. See the ancient site's ornate pagodas brighten up with the glow of the sun for that envy-worthy Insta shot. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you wish.
If you're an early bird not afraid of heights, opt to watch the sunrise from an unforgettable hot-air balloon flight over the temples and plains of Bagan (only available Oct-Mar). Or choose to spend the day exploring nearby villages and ruins. Go a little farther out by renting a bike, or e-bike, to see the more distant sites.
If you're visiting between October to March and have always dreamed about floating in a hot air balloon, pre-booking the "Balloons Over Bagan" activity to include this exciting experience on your tour.
Begin your final day in Bagan with an included breakfast at Sanon, a G Adventures-supported restaurant and culinary school. Afterward, travel to Mandalay - a cultural capital on the Irrawaddy River. The day is yours: you can climb Mandalay Hill, visit the Golden Monastery, or end the day by watching the sunset at U Bein Bridge.
Your last free day in Mandalay is full of options. Check out Mandalay's ancient temples, the nearby royal capital of Amarapura, or the world's longest teak bridge. Visit the nearby market for local eats and enjoy your accommodation's rooftop restaurant for those unforgettable city views. This evening, board an overnight bus and head south to Yangon.
Get to know Yangon, Myanmar's largest city, on an orientation walk. Spend the rest of the day exploring. Choose to visit the incredible, gold-plated Shwedagon Pagoda for the perfect photo op or have a picnic on Kandawgyi Lake. Tonight, immerse yourself in the nightlife and enjoy a drink on us to celebrate all the life-changing adventures you've just shared with newfound friends.
Continue exploring the country's former capital on this free day or lounge around with delicious local delicacies recovering from last night's festivities. Head to the temple with an intricate reclining Buddha statue or feed the catfish at Yangon Lake. The day is yours!
Fly to Thailand and land in the booming capital - Bangkok! Take in this massive metropolis and wander through the ornate temples and towering buildings. Make the most of your last evening with fellow travellers and be sure to end this amazing journey with a bang(kok)!
Today is departure day, but do not fret! There is no such thing as goodbye, only until next time. Be sure to sneak in some last-minute photos and exchange social medias before heading on your way. Depart at any time.
Details
Duration: 41 Days
Merchandising: Planeterra Project
Physical Grading: 2 - Light
Travel Style: 18-to-Thirtysomethings
Service Level: Basic
Trip Type: Small Group
41 day 18-to-Thirtysomethings tour
The Department of Foreign Affairs has up-to-date advice for Irish citizens on staying safe and healthy abroad. For more security, local laws, health, passport and visa information see https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/ and follow dfatravelwise