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Epic Southeast Asia: River Cruises & Karst Mountains route map

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.

Additional Information: You must arrive on tour with your Vietnamese visa. See the Visa section of the Tour Details for more information and exceptions.

ACTIVITY: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don’t forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

ACTIVITY: Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.

Fly from Bangkok into Cambodia to Phnom Penh. Then drive to Siem Reap, your home base for exploring the city and the incredible Angkor Wat. Opt to check out Phare Circus tonight, 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.

Additional Information: Due to the current border closer between Thailand and Cambodia, the drive from Bangkok Siem Reap is currently replaced with a flight from Bangkok to Phnom Penh, followed by a drive to Siem Reap. When the border reopens, the itinerary will resume as normal with the drive from Bangkok to Siem Reap.

TRANSPORT: Look! Up in the sky! It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s… yup, it is a plane, actually.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

FREE TIME: EVENING Enjoy free time and see the Phare Circus.

Meals: Breakfast

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.

ACTIVITY: Enjoy a tour of the impressive ancient ruins with a local guide. Explore magnificent Angkor Wat temple–Visit the enigmatic faces of Bayon within the walled city of Angkor Thom, and tour Ta Prohm (aka the “Tomb Raider” temple), which is slowly being swallowed by the jungle.

ACTIVITY: Depending on the day of the week your tour visits Siem Reap, you will either enjoy a traditional meal at the G Adventures-supported New Hope project or in a local home in a nearby village. With so many travellers coming through this area, alternating experiences helps to allow multiple small businesses to flourish. Both experiences are truly unique and memorable.

The New Hope Vocational Training Restaurant, an initiative kickstarted by G Adventures, provides skill-building opportunities to marginalized community members. The project also funds the adjacent free community school and health centre. Meals at Phila’s house support the education of underprivileged children in the area. Visit either project – both run by locals – and see how they have supported positive change in the community.

ACTIVITY: Head out for the evening and sample some insects, if you so desire. Cheers to all the life-changing adventures with newfound friends and dance the night away!

Meals: Breakfast,Lunch

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.

TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

ACTIVITY: Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

Meals: Breakfast

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.

Additional Information: Phnom Penh can be confusing and we recommend to always keep a hotel card with you when you are exploring.

FREE TIME: FULL DAY Free time to tour the sites of Phnom Penh.

ACTIVITY: Bring your appetite and your wallet. The CEO will bring the group to the best spots to eat and teach everyone about the local street food. Yum!

Meals: Breakfast

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.

Additional Information: 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.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

TRANSPORT: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.

Meals: Breakfast

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!

FREE TIME: Free time to enjoy paradise and hang around on the beach.

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.

TRANSPORT: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal served at a local residence – it’s a great way to peek into day-to-day regional living.

Meals: Dinner

Cross the 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.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Get ready to cross another country off your bucket list.

TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Meals: Breakfast

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.

Additional Information: During January/February, Tết (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.

FREE TIME: FULL DAY Use your free time as you want in vibrant Ho Chi Minh City. Shop ’til your heart’s content, immerse yourself in local culture, or just wander the streets to take in the city’s unique vibe.

ACTIVITY: Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

TRANSPORT: Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.

Meals: Breakfast

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.

FREE TIME: FULL DAY Spend your free time in this scenic resort town any way you want – go for a spa treatment, cycle around the city or just kick back and relax on a white sand beach.

ACTIVITY: Bring your appetite and your wallet. The CEO will bring the group to the best spots to eat and teach everyone about the local street food. Yum!

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.

FREE TIME: Spend your free time in this seaside resort town any way you want – go for a spa treatment, cycle around the city or just kick back on a white sand beach.

TRANSPORT: Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.

Meals: Breakfast

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, to 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.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Join your CEO on a stroll through the winding streets of Hoi An’s Old Town and spot Chinese assembly halls, historic homes, and well-preserved pagodas along the way. (Entrance fee to Hoi An’s Old Town is not included)

FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Get out and explore this beautiful city.

ACTIVITY: Follow your CEO to the best riverside bar in Hoi An to celebrate new adventures with new friends. Grab a drink and reminisce about your favourite experiences thus far. Later, venture to the dance floor, take advantage of the drink specials, and make it a night to remember!

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.

ACTIVITY: Try some of the oodles of noodles (more than 26 types!) available in the city in this tasty cooking class. Run by our G for Good partners, STREETS International, this class was developed exclusively for G Adventures. Former street youth that are part of this hospitality training program, will help you prepare and cook a number of different types of noodles. This program helps these youth practice their English, increasing their skill-set and opportunities available to them in the tourism industry. Enjoy your yummy creations while learning more about the local cuisine and this initiative which empowers street youth through skills and employment training.

FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Enjoy some free time in Hoi An any way you want. Check out the beach, take in some local culture or purchase some custom-made clothing from one of the talented tailors in town.

Meals: Breakfast,Lunch

Head north to the Imperial City of Huế. 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.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Enjoy your free time in Hue any way you want. Shop, eat, wander or relax – whatever suits your fancy.

Meals: Breakfast

Your second day in Huế 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-Kẻ Bàng National Park.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

FREE TIME: HALF DAY Enjoy your free time in Hue any way you want. Shop, eat, wander or rest – whatever suits your fancy.

Meals: Breakfast

Today, opt to head underground to explore the awe-inspiring caves of Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, where the oldest karst mountains and longest cave in Asia are found. Then it’s an overnight train to Hanoi.

Additional Information: 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.

FREE TIME: Enjoy your free day. We recommend visiting the region’s famous caves!

TRANSPORT: Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.

Meals: Breakfast

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!

ACTIVITY: Come aboard a sailing junk to cruise past thousands of limestone islands and karsts that rise from the waters of Halong Bay. See the intricate caves and beauty of the islands up close. Enjoy a seafood lunch and a visit to one of the island’s caves before transferring to the mainland for our overnight stay.

On rare occasion Halong Bay is closed to tourist vessels by the government authorities due to extreme weather conditions. Should this occur, an alternate activity will be provided.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Meals: Breakfast,Lunch

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.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Take an orientation walk through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, a maze of streets, each one traditionally devoted to a different product or industry. Each street is named after the trade practiced on that street for several generations; it’s an interesting glimpse into the life of a Hanoian in one of the oldest parts of town. Need a rest? Stop at Bia Hoi corner and pull up a plastic stool. Drink the local brew with the locals and make new friends.

FREE TIME: FULL DAY Get out and explore Hanoi.

Meals: Breakfast

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.

FREE TIME: MORNING Explore Hanoi on foot, by bicycle or by tuk-tuk.

TRANSPORT: Look! Up in the sky! It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s… yup, it is a plane, actually.

FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Set out and explore the capital of Laos.

Meals: Breakfast

Travel to Vang Vieng, a small town nestled among striking limestone karsts and the Song River. Take a guided nature walk through the forest to a waterfall, where a refreshing swim beneath a beautiful waterfall awaits. This evening, enjoy a night out to celebrate new adventures with new friends. Cheers to keeping life exciting!

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Set off on a guided nature walk through the forest to Kaeng Nyui Waterfall. Spend time swimming in the natural pools, relaxing by the waterfall, and enjoying one of Vang Vieng’s hidden natural spots.

ACTIVITY: Follow your CEO to the best bar in town to celebrate new adventures with newfound friends. Enjoy a night out and immerse yourself in the Vang Vieng nightlife. Try your hand at some games, enjoy the music, and dance the night away.

Meals: Breakfast

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.

FREE TIME: FULL DAY Set off and explore the beautiful Vang Vieng area, or relax to your heart’s content.

Meals: Breakfast

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.

ACTIVITY: Watch the sunset from Luang Prabang’s number one hilltop temple, Wat Phousi, with a 360-degree view of the city and Mekong River.

TRANSPORT: Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.

ACTIVITY: Bring your appetite and your wallet. The CEO will bring the group to the best spots to eat and teach everyone about the local street food. Yum!

ACTIVITY: Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

Meals: Breakfast

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.

ACTIVITY: Journey to this magnificent tiered waterfall, where relaxing is highly recommended. Opt for a dip in the turquoise waters and explore multiple picture-perfect pools, framed by the jungle landscape.

FREE TIME: FULL DAY From witnessing the giving of alms in town to exploring the countryside, Luang Prabang has something for everyone. Get out and explore!

Meals: Breakfast

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.

ACTIVITY: Enjoy the ride down the Mekong River on our private boat (it’s pretty comfortable and spacious, and there’s a toilet on board). Have some fruit, tea, and coffee (free of charge); water and soft drinks are available for purchase.

ACTIVITY: G Adventures and the Planeterra Foundation have worked with two communities in the Mekong River to help develop their homestay programs, providing a unique cultural experience for travellers and the local community.

Here you have the chance to stay overnight in a Mekong village to get a glimpse into rural daily life. Enjoy dinner with your hosts. Experience a traditional Khamu Cultural Performance, and enjoy the chance to dance with the locals.

Meals: Breakfast,Dinner

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.

ACTIVITY: Enjoy the ride down the Mekong on our private boat (it’s pretty comfortable and spacious, and there’s a toilet on board). Have some fruit, tea, and coffee (free of charge); water and soft drinks are available for purchase.

ACTIVITY: Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.

Meals: Breakfast,Lunch

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.

FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Get out and explore this bustling city in northern Thailand.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

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.

FREE TIME: FULL DAY Get out and explore this bustling northern Thai city.

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.

Additional Information: 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!

TRANSPORT: Hop into the back and ride along to the next destination.

ACTIVITY: Hit the road in an open pickup truck for Mae Malai where there is time to visit a local market to purchase food and snacks. Start the trek through forests and rugged terrain to Baan Mae Jok, a Karen village.

Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

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.

ACTIVITY: After breakfast, trek 3.5-4 hrs to reach the lunch stop. Take in the beautiful scenery along the way. Enjoy lunch before carrying on another hour or so to the Karen village of Ban Pa Khao Lam.

Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

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 to cheers to a completed trek and life-changing adventures!

ACTIVITY: Board the traditional bamboo raft for a leisurely ride down the Mae Tang River. Reach the Lahu hill tribe village near Ban Pong Ngan. Enjoy a visit with the locals here and learn about the life and unique culture of the Lahu tribe.

ACTIVITY: Take a bamboo raft down the Mae Tan River for one hour journey to a Lahu village to witness a lifestyle that dates hundreds of years.

ACTIVITY: Board a traditional bamboo raft and enjoy a ride through some small rapids on the Mae Tang River.

TRANSPORT: Hop into the back and ride along to the next destination.

ACTIVITY: Tonight’s the night to celebrate all the wild and humbling adventures you’ve just shared with new friends. Head out into the city and reminisce the night away!

Meals: Breakfast,Lunch

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.

Additional Information: Due to disruptions of Thai trains in the north during the monsoon season, trips running July through October may use alternative transport.

FREE TIME: HALF DAY Enjoy a final day to check out Chiang Mai.

TRANSPORT: Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.

Meals: Breakfast

Get out and explore this fantastic city where there is endless sightseeing to be done.

Additional Information: As this longer tour is comprised of two shorter tours, there is the possibility that you will need to change hotels on this day. Check in with your CEO about this while on tour. The two hotels we generally use are within walking distance.

FREE TIME: FULL DAY Get out and explore bustling Bangkok.

Get on first-name basis with Thailand’s capital city. Start off the day with a street food crawl, then opt to check out Wat Pho and the Grand Palace, relax with a Thai massage, or explore the klongs (canals) by boat. Later, hop on board the overnight train.

FREE TIME: FULL DAY Relax with a Thai massage or work on those haggling skills at one of the city’s markets.

TRANSPORT: Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.

ACTIVITY: Bring your appetite and your wallet. The CEO will bring the group to the best spots to eat and teach everyone about the local street food. Yum!

Meals: Breakfast

See southern Thai hospitality in action with breakfast at G Adventures-supported Khao Thep Pitak Community-Owned Farm & Restaurant, where you can also meet other international visitors. Later on, go to Lake Cheow Lan where you can take in the views while hiking or swimming in the national park. Spend tonight falling asleep to the sweet sounds of the jungle.

This area is known for its natural beauty. You know what that means: lots of chances for photos.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Indulge in traditional Southern Thai cuisine prepared by members of Kao Thep Pitak village. Your meal will be made with ingredients picked from local organic farms and a fruit orchard on the property. Over 140 families benefit from the community-owned and managed eatery through the Kao Thep Pitak Community Ecotourism Enterprise, supported by Planeterra and G Adventures.

ACTIVITY: Board a longtail boat for a tour of Cheow Lan Lake, taking in views of the limestone cliffs and lush jungle along the way. Stop in at a floating rafthouse for a delicious local lunch and opt to go for a swim, go tubing, or paddle out in a kayak.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

FREE TIME: EVENING Opt for a trek, a dip in the river, or kick back and chill by the pool.

Meals: Breakfast,Lunch

Head across southern Thailand to find yourself in Koh Pha Ngan. Take the free afternoon to relax on the beach or by the pool — which will be easy since tonight, you’ll be staying beachside or poolside in cozy bungalows.

This area is known for its epic nightlife, whether or not there’s a Full Moon Party. Make sure you don’t miss the sunset. It’ll be unforgettable.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

TRANSPORT: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.

TRANSPORT: Grab a seat on the bench aboard this uniquely Southeast Asian commuter bus.

FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Explore this island paradise and the surrounding sea.

Meals: Breakfast

There’s no rush to leave Koh Pha Ngan. Use your second day here to catch up on anything you missed yesterday, like exploring the island’s waterfalls, swimming in lagoons, going for a hike, or, hey, taking another day to relax beachside.

FREE TIME: FULL DAY Get out and explore— the day is yours.

Take the ferry to Koh Tao, a laid-back island known for snorkelling. This afternoon, put on your flippers to see a whole other world underwater. Going beneath the surface not your thing? Go the other way and climb up to the scenic view at Koh Nang Yuan View Point.

TRANSPORT: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Get your fins on! There’s an embarrassment of choices—but the better-known spots are: Hin Wong Bay, Mango Bay, Nang Yuan Island, South Mae Haad and Janson Bay.

Meals: Lunch

Make the most of your last full day in Koh Tao paradise. Spend the day soaking up the sun beachside and be sure to get your fresh seafood fix. For your big night out, venture into the bustling nightlife and cheers to life-changing adventures with newfound friends. If you want to keep the party going, participate in the massive Koh Tao Pub Crawl.

Additional Information: Want to discover the fascinating coral and marine life inhabiting the area? Beginner divers can pre-book the Try SCUBA Dive 1 Day Experience (2 dives) extra to take a dive guided by the experts. Certified divers: please speak to your CEO about booking on the ground.

ACTIVITY: Follow your CEO to the best beach bar in town to celebrate all the wild and humbling adventures you’ve just experienced with new friends.

FREE TIME: Start exploring the island with a free day. There are endless activities to fill your time both on and off the water.

Meals: Breakfast

Today, it’s time to say goodbye to your group of newfound friends as the tour ends. Be sure to sneak in some last-minute photos and cheers before you head on your way. If booking a flight out of Koh Samui airport, make sure not to book one earlier than 11:00am.

Want to take the hassle out of getting back to Bangkok? Book the Bangkok Express, a two-day post-tour Extra. Speak to your Global Connection Officer or travel agent to book.

Additional Information: Add the “Bangkok Express: Koh Tao to Bangkok” to your adventure and make your way back to bustling Bangkok with the guidance of a CEO. This nifty post-tour Extra includes a ferry to the mainland where you’ll board an overnight train to Bangkok arriving in the city early the next morning. Speak to your Global Connection Officer or travel agent to book.

ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

Meals: Breakfast

What’s included

Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout the tour, plus local trekking staff on the hilltribe trek.
30 breakfasts, 9 lunches, and 4 dinners included; typical Asian-style breakfasts (noodles, congee, or bread and eggs). Vegetarian options available but may be limited in some areas.
Accommodation in a mix of simple hotels/guesthouses and homestays; some nights may be triple-share with same-sex travellers; shared bathroom facilities in some locations. Mekong River Homestay provides multi-share sleeping with mattresses, blankets, pillows, and mosquito nets; Chambok Homestay has basic facilities including a squat toilet and douse shower.
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities, using a combination of private vehicles, overnight sleeper trains, Laos high-speed train, ferries, slow boat on the Mekong, bamboo rafts, longtail boats, and one internal flight.
Signature experiences: guided sunrise tour of Angkor Wat; Halong Bay cruise with seafood lunch and cave visit; guided hike and waterfall excursions in Laos (e.g., Kaeng Nyui and Kuang Si) with sunset viewpoints; Lake Cheow Lan longtail boat tour with lunch; multi-day hilltribe trek with bamboo rafting in northern Thailand; full-day snorkelling trip from Koh Tao; slow boat journey on the Mekong.
Cultural and foodie highlights: four street food crawls (Phnom Penh, Nha Trang, Luang Prabang, Bangkok); orientation walks in Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Phnom Penh, and Luang Prabang; visit to Chiang Mai night market; G for Good experiences including Local Khmer Meal (Siem Reap), Oodles of Noodles class (Hoi An), Mekong River Homestay & Traditional Performance (Muang Pakbèng), and Harvesting Local Traditions (Ban Ta Khun).

What’s not included

International flights to the start point (Bangkok) and from the end point (Koh Tao/Koh Samui or onward travel) are not included.
Entry visas as required are not included. A Vietnamese visa must be obtained before joining the tour, and travellers are responsible for visas for Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand as applicable.
Travel insurance is not included and should be arranged by the traveller prior to departure.
Meals not specified in the itinerary (i.e., all meals beyond the 30 breakfasts, 9 lunches, and 4 dinners listed) are at your own expense.
Optional activities and entrance fees not listed as included, such as Phare Circus in Siem Reap, Hanoi Foodie Culture Tour, Hue Motorbike Tour, Vang Vieng Adrenaline Bundle, Northern Thai Cooking Class, Try SCUBA in Koh Tao, and the Hoi An Old Town entran
Personal expenses such as drinks, snacks, souvenirs, laundry, and phone calls are not included.
Excess baggage charges for the internal flight (beyond 20 kg checked and 7 kg carry-on) and any luggage limits on the Laos high-speed train are the traveller’s responsibility.
Airport transfers and any transport outside the included itinerary are not included unless otherwise specified.
Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, boat crews, and hotel staff are not included.

Additional information

30 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 4 dinners

18

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.

Minimum age of 18 years for this trip.

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. BORDER CROSSINGS

Bavet, Cambodia to Mok Bai, Vietnam – Cambodia to Vietnam

Ban Houayxay, Laos to Chiang Khong, Thailand – Laos to Thailand

4. 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.

5. WEIGHT RESTRICTION

There may be a weight restriction for the internal flight on this tour. Each passenger is allowed one checked bag with a maximum weight of 20 kg (44 lbs) and one carry-on bag with a maximum weight of 7 kg (15 lbs). Additional bags or excess weight charges may apply. These charges are the responsibility of the passengers.

6. LAOS – High Speed Train regulations.

Items prohibited from being carried by passengers into the stations or on trains:

– Flammable materials & liquids. Aerosols will be taken away at security.

– Sharp objects (e.g. pocket knives)

– Explosive materials e.g. vapes & e-cigarettes. Includes spray-on deodorant, perfume & hair products.

– Foods which are wet or have an overpowering smell

– Weapons

– Drugs

The high speed train has a luggage limit of 20kg per person.

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, trekking staff.

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.

Some nights on this tour will be triple share with travellers of the same sex.

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 properties, rooming requests of any kind cannot be taken. For private accommodation please see our Classic Travel Style.

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.

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.

Acquaint yourself with Saigon’s pulse on a CEO-led stroll past Ben Thanh Market, French-colonial boulevards, and scooter-filled intersections where old and new Vietnam converge.

Pick up tips on authentic eats, neighborhoods, and how to cross the street like a pro. This guided city orientation helps you navigate with confidence and make the most of your time in Vietnam’s biggest city.

Travel into jungle hills to explore Kuang Si’s tiered falls, where turquoise pools step down through limestone formations. Footpaths and wooden bridges lead to viewpoints framed by ferns and butterflies.

Cool off with a swim or pause to photograph chalk-blue cascades beneath the canopy. Your guide shares notes on local flora and the geology that creates the water’s striking hue.

Wander Chiang Mai’s famous night market where lanterns glow over textiles, silverwork, woodcarvings, and street snacks. Follow fragrant trails to khao soi stands and coconut custards.

Your CEO’s tips help you navigate stalls and practice your bargaining with friendly vendors. It’s a festive window into Lanna crafts and northern Thai flavors.

Glide by longtail boat across jade-green Cheow Lan Lake, ringed by towering limestone karsts and rainforest. Pause at a floating rafthouse for a local lunch and optional swim, kayak, or tubing.

Learn about the lake’s unique ecosystem within Khao Sok National Park and keep an eye out for hornbills along the cliffs. It’s Southern Thailand at its most cinematic.

Toast your island days at a laid-back beach bar where the soundtrack is waves and acoustic sets. Barefoot sands, lanterns in the palms, and tropical cocktails set the mood.

Share highlights with your group and celebrate under the stars. If the energy’s right, keep the night going along Sairee’s friendly bar strip.

Experience Cambodia’s contemporary circus as acrobats, musicians, and storytellers weave modern narratives with traditional artistry. The intimate big top amplifies every leap, drumbeat, and laugh.

This acclaimed social enterprise showcases youthful talent and Khmer culture. Optional experience at additional cost, bookable on tour or in advance.

Explore the Royal Palace complex, with gilded spires and manicured courtyards, then step into the Silver Pagoda, where a floor of silver tiles gleams beneath sacred treasures.

Learn about royal ceremonies and classic Khmer architectural motifs. Optional experience at additional cost, bookable on tour.

Drift along the Thu Bon as the sky warms to amber and lanterns flicker to life. Fishermen haul nets while water palms rustle at the river’s edge.

Glide past tiled roofs and arched bridges for a tranquil, photo-rich evening. Optional experience at additional cost, bookable on tour.

Follow a local trail through alleyway eateries to sample Hanoi’s signature bites—bún ch?, bánh cu?n, egg coffee—while hearing how migration and markets shaped the city’s palate.

From sizzling griddles to family-run shops, this tasting walk decodes Northern Vietnamese flavors. Optional experience at additional cost, bookable on tour.

Paddle the Nam Song to kayak through Tham None cave, headlamps illuminating stalactites and echoing chambers. Emerge to swim in the famed Blue Lagoon, framed by limestone and jungle.

Fast-paced and full of scenery, this is Vang Vieng’s adventurous side. Optional experience at additional cost, bookable on tour.

Cook classic Lanna dishes like khao soi and sai ua with guidance from local chefs. Visit a market to learn herbs and curry pastes before returning to the woks.

Share a feast and bring home recipes that taste like Chiang Mai. Optional experience at additional cost, bookable on tour.

Join a lively circuit of beachfront bars and lounges with hosted games, DJ sets, and drinks specials. Meet travelers from across the island as you hop between venues.

A high-energy evening to cap your island stay. Optional experience at additional cost, bookable on tour.

Join a street food crawl through Phnom Penh’s night markets and side streets, where sizzling woks and charcoal braziers turn out skewers, pepper crab, kuy teav noodles, and sweet coconut treats.

Guided by your CEO, learn how Khmer flavors balance salty, sweet, sour, and spicy. Pull up a low stool, clink glasses, and discover why Cambodia’s capital is as delicious as it is dynamic.

Taste a community-powered Khmer meal at a social enterprise restaurant or local home, where fragrant curries, fresh herbs, and palm sugar sweetness celebrate Cambodian tradition. Dishes change seasonally but might include fish amok, morning glory, and banana blossom salad.

Hear how this initiative—supported by Planeterra—creates training and new livelihoods. Your visit supports a cycle of education and opportunity that benefits families long after the plates are cleared.

Follow your CEO into the neon-lit lanes around Pub Street for a high-energy evening of music, market bites, and convivial bars. Try local beer or fresh sugarcane juice as aromas of lemongrass and grilled skewers drift through the crowd.

Shift between chill lounges and dancing spots as you celebrate with new friends. It’s a spirited snapshot of modern Cambodia, steps from the shadow of the ancient temples you explored earlier.

Settle into a rural village for a community-hosted homestay framed by forested hills. Sit down to a home-cooked Cambodian dinner flavoured with backyard herbs, garden vegetables, and countryside hospitality.

Conversations unfold under starlight as you glimpse daily rhythms—rice fields, woven mats, and the cadence of communal life. Your stay channels income to local families and helps sustain traditional skills.

Follow your CEO to curbside grills and seaside vendors to sample central Vietnam’s coastal flavors. Expect bánh xèo sizzling pancakes, fresh rice-paper rolls, and ocean-to-plate specialties seasoned with lime and herbs.

Stories of fishing villages and Cham heritage add context with every bite. This casual feast turns Nha Trang’s boulevards into your open-air dining room.

Walk the lantern-lit lanes of Hoi An’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, passing Chinese assembly halls, merchant houses, and tailors’ shops that echo its role as a Silk Road seaport.

Hear how Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese influences shaped architecture and cuisine. Your CEO shares local tips so you can return to stroll riverside at dusk or arrange fittings for made-to-measure garments. (Old Town ticket not included.)

Roll up your sleeves for a hands-on noodle workshop developed with STREETS International. Under the guidance of trainees, prepare regional noodle dishes while learning techniques and local ingredients.

Enjoy the results and hear how this program—supported by Planeterra—provides hospitality training for youth. It’s a flavorful way to contribute to meaningful community impact in Hoi An.

Gather at a favorite spot along the Thu Bon to raise a glass by the river as lanterns flicker on bridges and balconies. Music and easy conversation set the scene for a relaxed celebration.

Move between lively bars and quieter corners, toasting shared moments from beaches to marketplaces. This hosted evening captures Hoi An’s mellow, timeless charm after dark.

Cruise among Halong Bay’s limestone karsts aboard a traditional-style boat, gliding past jade coves and fishing villages. A fresh seafood lunch on board pairs perfectly with the scenery.

Step ashore to explore a dripping cavern where stalactites catch the light. Hear legends of dragons and hidden grottoes as the bay’s misty silhouettes unfold around you.

Wander Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where each narrow street once specialized in a single trade—silk, silver, paper fans. Your CEO shares local lore as scooters weave past temples and French shutters.

Cap it off at Bia Hoi Corner, pulling up a plastic stool for ultra-fresh draft beer and savory snacks. It’s an everyday ritual and a lively window into Hanoi’s street life.

Set out on a guided forest walk to Kaeng Nyui Waterfall, where cool cascades spill into emerald basins. Follow shaded paths lined with bamboo and wildflowers, listening for birdsong and river chatter.

Arrive at tranquil pools and swim beneath the falls if you like. This soft hike shows Vang Vieng’s gentler side beyond the town’s adventure reputation.

As dusk settles over the Nam Song, head out with your CEO to Vang Vieng’s sociable bars and open-air hangouts. Expect laid-back beats, river breezes, and mountain silhouettes at the edge of town.

Share a round with your group and celebrate new adventures in Laos—low-key, friendly, and full of travel talk and laughter.

Rise before first light to witness the alms-giving ritual as saffron-robed monks process silently through old lanes. Locals kneel to offer sticky rice and fruit—an enduring practice of merit and community.

Your CEO shares respectful etiquette so you observe without intruding. It’s a contemplative moment revealing Luang Prabang’s spiritual heart before the day awakens.

Climb the stone steps of Mount Phousi, passing golden nagas and small shrines as the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers come into view. At the summit, watch sunset wash over temple rooftops and palm-lined streets.

The 360-degree panorama reveals why Luang Prabang’s peninsula feels like a timeless sanctuary, cupped by forested hills and slow-moving water.

Board a wooden longboat to cruise the Mekong at golden hour, watching fishermen cast nets and children play on sandy banks. River breezes mingle with incense from hillside wats.

Glide past bamboo bridges and stilted villages as the sky softens to rose and amber. This serene sunset on the Mekong captures the unhurried rhythm of Lao life.

Settle onto a comfortable riverboat for a two-day slow cruise up the Mekong, tracing forested banks, limestone outcrops, and tiny hamlets accessible only by water. Fruit, tea, and coffee keep you company on board.

Between village stops, watch river life unfold—cargo skiffs, sandbar picnics, and water buffalo at the shallows—before continuing toward the mountains of northern Thailand.

Step ashore for an overnight homestay in a riverside village, sharing a communal dinner of seasonal dishes and sticky rice. As evening falls, gather for a traditional Khamu performance of song and dance.

Learn about farming cycles, forest foods, and family life along the Mekong. Your visit—developed with Planeterra—supports community-led tourism and cultural preservation.

Trek through forested hills to Karen and Lahu villages, meeting hosts who share their languages, weaving traditions, and mountain cuisine. Trails cross streams and terraced fields with views of teak and bamboo.

The journey culminates on the Mae Taeng as you float by bamboo raft past jungle banks and hanging vines. This multi-day experience reveals the region’s cultural diversity and lush landscapes at ground level.

From sizzling woks to boat noodles, eat your way through Bangkok with your CEO leading the charge. Sample som tam papaya salad, moo ping pork skewers, and coconut desserts straight from the griddle.

Learn how sweet, sour, salty, and spicy balance in Thai cooking while exploring alleys and markets locals love. Come hungry; leave delighted.

Savor Southern Thai dishes at a community-owned farm and restaurant, prepared with produce from surrounding organic plots and fruit orchards. Expect fragrant curries, fresh greens, and seasonal specialties.

Hear how over 100 families benefit from this enterprise—supported by Planeterra—as tourism income is reinvested locally. A delicious way to support community development near Khao Sok.

Set off by boat to snorkel Koh Tao’s reefs at bays like Mango or Hin Wong, where parrotfish, angelfish, and waving anemones thrive in clear water. Gear up and drift over coral gardens between granite boulders.

Time permitting, land on nearby islets to climb for the famous Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint. Sun, sea, and vivid marine life make this a standout island day.

Visit Tuol Sleng (S-21) and the Choeung Ek memorial with context from your CEO to reflect on Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge era. Exhibits and memorial stupas honor victims and survivors.

A difficult but important encounter with history, handled with sensitivity. Optional experience at additional cost, bookable on tour.

Journey into the jungle to the UNESCO-listed My Son Sanctuary, once the spiritual center of the Champa Kingdom. Red-brick towers and sculpted lintels emerge from green hills.

Hear how Hindu deities and Southeast Asian craftsmanship meet in these evocative ruins. Optional experience at additional cost, bookable on tour.

Hop on the back of a motorbike to ride Hue like a local, visiting the moated Imperial Citadel, incense villages, and the serene royal tombs scattered along the Perfume River.

Guides share stories of emperors and battles as you skim through leafy lanes. Optional experience at additional cost, bookable on tour.

Venture underground to vast chambers in Paradise Cave, where cathedral-like vaults and limestone draperies awe at every turn. Continue by boat into a river cave system with turquoise pools.

Learn about karst geology in this UNESCO-listed national park. Optional experience at additional cost, bookable on tour.

Wind up the mountain to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai’s hilltop temple crowned by a gleaming chedi. Panoramas sweep over the city and Ping River plain.

Time your visit to hear the monks’ evening chanting, a serene counterpoint to the bustle below. Optional experience at additional cost, bookable on tour.

Explore the Grand Palace’s gilded halls and courtyards, once the seat of Siamese kings, then step into Wat Pho to marvel at the Reclining Buddha and traditional massage school.

Hear royal and religious history woven into Bangkok’s founding. Optional experience at additional cost, bookable on tour.

Board a narrow longtail to cruise the Thonburi canals, where wooden houses, orchid pots, and spirit houses line the waterways. Watch daily life unfold beyond the skyscrapers.

The city’s old waterways reveal a quieter side of Bangkok. Optional experience at additional cost, bookable on tour.

Take the plunge with professional instructors on a 1-day SCUBA experience featuring two guided dives. Practice basic skills, then descend over coral heads alive with reef fish.

Koh Tao’s calm conditions make it ideal for first breaths underwater. Optional experience at additional cost, bookable on tour.

Rise in the pre-dawn hush to watch sunrise over Angkor Wat, its lotus towers mirrored in the moat. With a local guide, continue to the walled city of Angkor Thom and the Bayon, where serene stone faces watch over shaded courtyards and ancient terraces.

Walk ruined galleries where Ta Prohm’s tree roots ripple over sandstone like sculpture. Learn how this Khmer Empire capital once dazzled the medieval world and why its sacred geometry still captivates travellers today.

Kick off your adventure in Thailand’s capital as you meet your CEO and group and get the lowdown on the journey ahead. Head out together to toast the start of your trip in a lively neighborhood near the Chao Phraya, where street vendors sizzle and tuk-tuks hum.

Soak up Bangkok’s easygoing energy with your group as you connect over cold drinks and swap travel stories. This hosted evening sets the tone for the camaraderie and spontaneous moments to come.

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