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Now's the time to explore Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Meet the sunrise through the ruins of Angkor Wat, sample seafood on a cruise through Ha Long Bay, and explore Bangkok by night as you search for your new favourite watering hole. Take time between highlights to explore on your time, and return home feeling like you've made the most of Southeast Asia - and then some.
25 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 4 dinners
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.
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.
Please be advised that any flights noted on the G Adventures Itinerary for this tour are included in the tour services provided. Flight tickets are provided by G Adventures during the tour. The date for this service will match the day of the itinerary, for which Day 1 is equal to the start date noted on the Invoice under Land Services: Tour. If flight information is required in advance for visa purposes, please contact G Adventures.
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, trekking staff.
If you would like to book an airport Departure transfer for your tour, please contact our Sales Team or your Travel Agent in advance of travel.
We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage. Be sure to check weather conditions online before you depart. We recommend you bring sun protection cream from home to ensure it meets your needs.
During the trek, you will only need to carry a daypack with your essentials. Your luggage will be stored at the hotel in Chiang Mai and your valuables in a group safety deposit box.
Your CEO will provide instructions on what you need to bring in your daypack on the trek. Usually, this includes a couple of changes of clothes, wet shoes (for river crossings), personal toiletries, flashlight/headlamp, tissues, any personal medications, and electronics you wish to bring along. A small drybag for electronics and a reusable water bottle may also be useful. During the trek, guides will have first aid kits.
Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
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.
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.
18
Simple hotels (twin-share) or hostels (multi-share) (24 nts), basic hilltribe huts (2 nts, multi-share), homestay (2 nts) sleeper trains (4 nts).
For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.
If you would like to book an airport Arrival transfer for your tour, please contact our Sales Team or your Travel Agent in advance of travel.
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK): If you have paid in advance for an arrival transfer, a G Adventures representative will be waiting at the Meeting Point (when you exit to the Arrival Hall, please go to Gate/Exit 4 in the hall, near the airport information counter (AOT) and look for a hand-sign with G logo and your name on it.)
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 on this day.
Upon arrival to your Joining Hotel (note that check-in time will be in the afternoon), look for a note or bulletin board in the reception with a note from your CEO. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on day 1 (usually between 5pm and 7pm), where you will get a chance to meet your CEO and other travellers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don't see a note, please ask reception for details!
If you are arriving later and will miss the Welcome Meeting, your CEO will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need, and with morning instructions for the next day.
Border crossings
Poipet, Cambodia - Thailand to Cambodia
Bavet, Cambodia to Mok Bai, Vietnam - Cambodia to Vietnam
Chiang Khong. Laos to Thailand
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.
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 near the information counter at Entrance Door number 4 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A variety of styles of hotels/guest houses 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.
Accommodation will be varied throughout your adventure. Some nights on this tour will be multi-share. This may involve 4-6 group members sharing a room. The majority of accommodation will have shared bathroom facilities.
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.
Chambok Homestay: This location has basic facilities including a squat toilet and douse shower (showering with a bucket)
Where we use multi-share hostels, rooming requests of any kind cannot be taken. For private accommodation please see our Classic Travel Style.
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!
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.
1. Please be advised that a 2-week period of traditional slash and burn farming occurs in this region between March and April (start date varies). During this time your trek may follow an alternate route to avoid uncomfortably smoky areas.
1. REQUIRED: In order for us to confirm the transport used during your visit to Laos, we require a coloured copy of your passport in advance of travel. We please request you send a coloured copy of the passport you will be travelling on to experience@gadventures.com
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.
3. EXTRAS
Looking to add to your experience? Check out our Extras! Specially designed for travellers with unique interests, Extras are optional add-ons to your G adventures trip that make your adventure more you-centric. Extras must be booked prior to departure, please see details in our optional activities field and ask your sales GCO or travel agent about booking.
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
5. TREKKING ROUTE
Please be advised that a 2-week period of traditional slash and burn farming occurs in this region between March and April (start date varies). During this time your trek may follow an alternate route to avoid uncomfortably smoky areas.
6. 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.
THAILAND
As the popularity of train travel in Thailand continues to grow domestically, some of the routes used on this tour do not have sufficient space during local public holidays, including New Year's, Songkran (April 13-15), etc. During these times of the year, alternative transport may be arranged for one or more of the train journeys within Thailand on this tour.
VIETNAM
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.
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.
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 customersolutions@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.
Siem Reap
- Phare Circus
- Angkor Museum Visit (12USD per person)
- Tonle Sap Floating Village (25-30USD per person)
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)
C? Chi
- Cu Chi Tunnels Guided Tour (23-27USD per person)
Ho Chi Minh City
- 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)
- War Remnants Museum Visit (2USD per person)
Nha Trang
- Snorkelling
- Nha Trang Boat Tour and Snorkelling (29USD per person)
- Mud Bath Visit (20USD per person)
Hoi An
- Tailor Shops
- Cua Dai Beach
- Hoi An Old Town Walking Tour (6USD per person)
- Hoi An Bike and Boat Tour
- Thu Bon River Boat Trip (12USD per person)
- Hoi An Cooking Class (35USD per person)
M? Son
- M? Son Excursion (38USD per person)
Hu?
- Imperial Citadel Tour (7USD per person)
- Perfume River Cruise (10USD per person)
- Thien 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)
Hanoi
- Tran Quoc Pagoda Visit
- Hoan Kiem Lake Walk
- Hanoi Foodie Culture Tour
- Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre Performance (200000VND per person)
- 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)
- Vang Vieng Adrenaline Bundle
- Kayaking (25USD per person)
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)
- Sunrise Alms-giving
- Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre Entry (4USD per person)
Doi Suthep
- Doi Suthep Temple Visit (2USD per person)
Chiang Khong
- Massage
Chiang Mai
- Northern Thai Cooking Class
- Street Food Walk at Chiang Mai Night Market
- Chiang Mai Cycling Tour (30USD per person)
- Massage
- Cooking Class
- Chiang Mai City Tour
Minimum age of 18 years for this trip.
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!
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.
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.
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 Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - 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: Chiang Mai Celebration, Chiang Mai. Guided sunrise tour of Angkor Wat temple complex. Orientation walks in Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Phnom Penh, and Luang Prabang. Halong Bay boat cruise with lunch. Guided hike, sunset cruise, waterfall excursion and Sunset at Wat Phousi in Laos. Slow boat up the Mekong. Four street food crawls in different cities. Internal flight. Hilltribe trek. Bamboo rafting. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
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.
Wander through Nha Trang's markets, Relax on the beaches of Koh Rong, See the ruins of an ancient temple complex, Witness limestone karsts around Vang Vieng, Trek through forests in Thailand to visit rural villages
Max 18, avg 12.
Local bus, songthaew, river raft, air-conditioned bus, train, walking, tuk-tuk, local boat, junk boat, plane.
Departure Tax is included in all International and Domestic tickets in Thailand.
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.
Please note that while the group will be accompanied to the train station by the CEO, the final overnight train to Bangkok on the evening of Day 32 may be unaccompanied by a CEO.
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.
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? Bàng National Park.
Today, opt to head underground to explore the awe-inspiring caves of Phong Nha-K? Bàng 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, cycle around, or grab a bargain at the famous night market.
Experience the flavours and scents of traditional northern Thai cuisine by pre-booking the Northern Thai Cooking Class.
Continue to explore Chiang Mai at your own pace making the most of this unique city. Visit the magnificent temple of Doi Suthep as it stands watch over the city from the hills above, or take a bicycle ride in the countryside.
It's time for a change of pace. Today, drive from Chiang Mai to Mae Malai village, where you'll set off on a trek through rugged forests to see how diverse this region of hilltribe communities really is. Every village you'll see has its own language, belief system, style of dress, and traditions. It's a few hours to the first village of hilltribe thatch bungalows, but every step is worth it as you get to know the lay of the land.
The exact itinerary of the walking on this trip may change from time to time, taking into account the weather and local conditions. Also, please note there may be times when the use of video and/or still cameras may be inappropriate -- your CEO and guides will be able to advise you. Be prepared for the accommodation to be basic; remember, it's all about an authentic and unique experience!
Trek for 2-3 hours before stopping for lunch. Then head to a Karen village to see how traditional blankets and scarves are made. Keep trekking for a few more hours (you've got this!) before stopping in the next village for the night.
Along the way, you might get the chance to stop at Mae Tang River to learn to fish using local tools or build a raft using bamboo.
After breakfast, leave the village by bamboo raft and get a closer look at other villages along the way. Meet the van after lunch and head back to Chiang Mai, a foodie's paradise. Try the city's most famous dishes like khao soi (noodles in curry broth) and sai oua (northern Thai sausage) and get ready for your big night out. Venture to the best bar in town and grab a drink on our tab to cheers to a completed trek and life-changing adventures!
Make the most of Chiang Mai with more free time, where you can go shopping in the market, get a Thai massage, or explore any of the many temples. Or, hey, you could always go back for another taste of khao soi curry. Tonight, catch up on sleep during an overnight train and wake up in Bangkok.
Due to disruptions of Thai trains in the north during the monsoon season, trips running July through October may use alternative transport.
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 with your newfound friends and exchange social medias before you head on your way. This adventure ends in Bangkok, on arrival at the train station (approximately 8am).
Details
Prices from: €1838.85
Duration: 33 Days
Service Level: Basic
Physical Grading: 3 - Average
Trip Type: Small Group
Merchandising: Planeterra Project
Travel Style: 18-to-Thirtysomethings
Prices from: €1838.85
33 day 18-to-Thirtysomethings tour
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