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23 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners

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 (day 9)

Ban Houayxay, Laos to Chiang Khong, Thailand – Laos to Thailand (day 26)

4. 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.

5. 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, local guides.

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, separated by gender. 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.

What you need to bring depends on the trip you have chosen and the countries or regions you are planning to visit. We suggest that you pack as lightly as possible as you are expected to carry your own luggage. As a rule we try not to have to walk more than 15-20 minutes with your bags which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 10-15kg/22-30lb. Suitcases are not recommended for G Adventures trips! Most travellers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size (no XXL ones please!) as they need to fit under the beds when travelling on sleeper trains. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras and other electronics like Ipods and mobile phones. If your trip involves overnights in homestays, villages or camping then you usually have the opportunity to rent sleeping bags if need be instead of bringing them with you.

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.

Bring an appetite on day 5 as your CEO leads a street food crawl through Phnom Penh’s evening markets. Sample smoky skewers, pepper-laced crab, and bowls of kuy teav or nom banh chok while vendors ladle fragrant broths and shave green mango into salads.

Along the way, hear how Cambodia’s flavors blend Mekong fish, Kampot pepper, and tropical herbs, and learn the etiquette of casual, curbside dining. Expect bold, balanced tastes—salty, sweet, sour, and spicy—in a lively, local setting.

On day 6, travel from Sihanoukville by coastal ferry to Koh Rong and settle into sandy serenity. Spend the afternoon soaking in the lakeside atmosphere—toes in powder-soft sand, palms swaying, and warm Gulf waters lapping at the shore.

As night falls on day 7, wade into the dark shallows to witness a natural marvel: phosphorescent plankton sparkling with every movement. This gentle island interlude offers unhurried time for swims, seafood grills, and starry skies.

Journey inland on day 8 to Chambok, a community near Kirirom National Park, and settle into a simple homestay. Share a home-cooked Cambodian meal featuring garden vegetables, fragrant rice, and family recipes, and learn about everyday rural life.

Evening brings cool air and the chorus of insects as hosts share stories of community projects and forest conservation. This is an intimate window into Khmer hospitality—basic facilities, warm smiles, and genuine exchange.

On day 10 in Ho Chi Minh City and day 19 in Hanoi, join a guided orientation walk to navigate Vietnam’s two great cities. In the south, pass Ben Thanh Market, the Saigon Opera House, and elegant boulevards; in the north, wander the Old Quarter’s guild streets and lakeside lanes.

Along the route your CEO flags essential services, transit tips, and great spots for coffee or bánh mì. In Hanoi, cap things off at lively Bia Hoi Corner to sip ultra-fresh brew on tiny stools among locals—a classic capital ritual.

As evening unfolds on day 11, follow your CEO through Nha Trang’s lantern-lit streets on a street food crawl. Taste coastal specialties like nem nu?ng (grilled pork rolls), crisp bánh can, and sizzling seafood pulled straight from bamboo baskets.

Between bites, learn how Cham, Chinese, and Vietnamese traditions shaped the menu, and how fishermen sell the morning’s catch along Tran Phu Boulevard. It’s a tasty survey of this resort town’s saltily satisfying cuisine.

Arriving on day 13, join a guided stroll through Hoi An’s UNESCO-listed lanes, lined with ochre merchant houses and mossy rooftops. Spot the Japanese Covered Bridge, atmospheric Chinese assembly halls, and riverside quays where ships once unloaded spice and silk.

Hear how the port thrived as “Faifo,” blending Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences. As dusk nears, lanterns flicker to life and you can enjoy a free afternoon to browse tailors or cafés along the Thu Bon River.

On day 13, head to the riverfront to toast your journey so far at a favorite local bar. Celebrate new adventures as candlelit lanterns drift on the Thu Bon and traditional melodies mingle with modern beats.

With drink specials and dance-ready tunes, this sociable evening captures Hoi An’s romantic, festive mood—perfect for swapping stories before another day of discovery.

On day 14, visit a youth training project to explore central Vietnam’s noodle culture. Watch trainees handcraft regional classics and sample noodles like cao l?u and mì Qu?ng while learning how culinary skills open doors to hospitality careers.

This engaging session blends flavor with purpose, shining a light on Hoi An’s food heritage and the project’s impact on the local community.

After arriving from Hanoi on day 18, board a classic junk to cruise the emerald waters of Halong Bay. Glide past towering limestone karsts, drop anchor for a seafood lunch, and step ashore to explore an illuminated cavern such as Sung Sot or Thien Cung.

Hear legends of dragons carving the bay and learn how fishermen live among sheltered inlets. The shifting light, salt air, and echoing grottoes make this a highlight of northern Vietnam’s seascape.

Rolling into town on day 23, join a guided orientation walk through Luang Prabang’s saffron-hued lanes and leafy riverbanks. Your CEO points out markets, wats, and the best spots for sunset and coffee.

As evening arrives, set out together to sample street food at the night market—grilled river fish, sticky rice, and coconut treats—while hearing how Lao flavors balance herbs, citrus, and fermented notes. It’s a gentle immersion in the former royal capital’s relaxed rhythm.

Late on day 23, ascend the roughly 300-step staircase, guarded by naga balustrades, to Wat Phousi. From the summit, pause for photos and reflection as the sun sinks over the Mekong and the old quarter’s palm-fringed rooftops.

Along the way, pass small shrines and Buddha images tucked among frangipani. The panoramic view reveals why Luang Prabang’s setting—between two rivers and ringed by hills—has captivated travellers for centuries.

Rise before sunrise on day 24 to quietly observe the dawn alms ceremony as lines of saffron-robed monks collect offerings from locals. Your CEO explains respectful conduct and the meaning of almsgiving in Lao Buddhism.

The streets are hushed save for temple bells and murmured chants. It’s a serene, culturally sensitive moment that connects travellers to a living tradition at the heart of Luang Prabang.

Mid-morning on day 24, drive into the forested hills to explore Kuang Si Falls, a tiered cascade pouring into turquoise pools. Follow shaded paths, listen to cicadas, and cool off with a swim where it’s permitted.

Your guide shares insight on local wildlife and conservation while you take in jungle scents of damp stone and tropical leaves. The milky-blue water against red earth and green canopy is a photographer’s dream.

On days 25–26, settle onto a comfortable longboat for a slow journey up the Mekong, watching fishermen cast nets and karst hills drift by. Stop at a riverside village for a welcoming Baci ceremony and share dinner at a community homestay.

Back on board, sip tea as you pass sandy banks and forested bends en route to the Thai border. Cultural performances and everyday encounters reveal life along one of Asia’s great rivers, unhurried and timeless.

On day 21, tackle a short, steep trail to Pha Ngeun viewpoint, where misty mountain passes, rice fields, and the Song River unfurl below. Your guide sets a steady pace and points out limestone flora clinging to the karst.

That evening, celebrate with a night out in Vang Vieng’s compact bar scene—games, music, and easygoing vibes—before a free day to explore caves, rivers, or cafés at your own rhythm.

Back in the capital on day 29, gather for a final evening to celebrate late into the night. Choose a skybar view over the Chao Phraya or the buzz near Khao San Road, clinking glasses to a journey of seasides and street food.

It’s a lively finale, with your CEO on hand for recommendations as you savor the city’s after-dark energy and trade contacts with new friends.

In the evening on day 2, opt to experience Phare Circus, a high-energy blend of acrobatics, live music, and storytelling by performers trained through a social enterprise. The show traces modern Cambodian tales with humor and heart.

Staged in a big-top on the edge of town, this uplifting night showcases creativity born from resilience. This experience is at additional cost and bookable on tour with your CEO.

Also on day 5, opt to explore the Royal Palace complex and the Silver Pagoda, where floors are inlaid with gleaming silver tiles and a revered Emerald Buddha sits among treasures.

Gardens, gilded stupas, and Khmer roofs reveal royal aesthetics and spirituality. Entry fees apply; this visit is at additional cost and bookable on tour.

On day 11, slip away to a local spa for a therapeutic mineral mud bath followed by warm soaking pools. It’s a soothing counterpoint to the beach, reputed to ease travel-weary muscles.

Facilities range from rustic tubs to leafy outdoor basins. This indulgent break is at additional cost and bookable on tour.

On day 13 or 14, join a market-to-table class: browse Hoi An’s produce stalls, then board a river boat to a cooking school to master herb-packed central Vietnamese dishes.

Learn knife skills, balance flavors, and savor your creations as boats glide past water coconut palms. This hands-on experience is at additional cost and bookable on tour.

Steal a morning on day 14 to visit My Son, a forested bowl of red-brick Cham temples dating from the 4th–13th centuries. Walk among sculpted lintels and linga-yoni altars while learning about the Hindu Cham kingdom.

The site’s resilience and setting are compelling for culture lovers. Entrance and transport are extra; this tour is at additional cost and bookable on tour.

On day 15, hop pillion with an experienced driver to trace backroads to Thien Mu Pagoda, craft villages, and hilltop viewpoints before circling the Imperial Citadel—the Nguyen dynasty’s moated stronghold.

Feel the breeze, hear the Perfume River below, and gain a vivid sense of Hue’s royal legacy. Helmets provided. This experience is at additional cost and bookable on tour.

Use day 17 to venture into the UNESCO-listed karst of Phong Nha–Ke Bang. Walk boardwalks beneath cathedral-like chambers in Paradise Cave, then boat the river to explore the sculpted passages of Phong Nha Cave.

Guides illuminate geology, sparkling stalactites, and wartime histories hidden underground. This full-day outing is at additional cost and bookable on tour.

On day 19, dig deeper into the capital’s flavors: smoky bún ch?, pillow-soft bánh cu?n, and creamy egg coffee in tucked-away cafés of the Old Quarter.

Your guide shares how Hanoi’s cuisine balances herbs, broth, and charcoal-grilled meats—perfect fuel for evening strolls. This delicious discovery is at additional cost and bookable on tour.

On day 22, paddle the Song River to kayak into Tham None, switching on headlamps to float beneath limestone arches. Then cool off at the Blue Lagoon’s startlingly clear pools ringed by jungle.

Expect splashes, cave echoes, and limestone scenery in abundance. This active combo is at additional cost and bookable on tour.

Across days 27–28, opt to ascend the naga-flanked staircase to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Gaze at the golden chedi and panoramic views, then explore Old City wats like Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh.

Monks’ chants, incense, and burnished teak halls reveal Lanna heritage. This temple-focused outing is at additional cost and bookable on tour.

Make the most of day 29 with a classic trio: tour the Grand Palace, admire Wat Pho’s Reclining Buddha, and board a long-tail to cruise the Chao Phraya and Thonburi klongs past stilt houses and gilded shrines.

Hear tales of Chakri kings, temple artistry, and life on Bangkok’s canals. Entrance and boat fees apply; this comprehensive experience is at additional cost and bookable on tour.

When evening buzzes to life on day 3, follow your CEO to Pub Street for a celebratory crawl through neon-lit bars and sizzling snack stalls. Try local brews or durian-scented sweets and dance the night away amid the city’s infectious rhythms.

Between clinking glasses and street beats, soak up the carnival-like atmosphere that makes Siem Reap’s nightlife a rite of passage for travellers. It’s a spirited way to mark a day spent among timeless temples.

On arrival in the capital on day 4, join a CEO-led orientation walk to get your bearings around central Phnom Penh. Stroll past French-colonial facades to riverside Sisowath Quay, spot markets for later browsing, and note ATMs, pharmacies, and key meeting points.

Your CEO weaves in stories of the city’s rebirth and points out landmarks like the Royal Palace precinct and bustling boulevards that trace the Mekong–Tonlé Sap confluence. You’ll finish ready to explore with confidence and enjoy a free evening.

Use your free time on day 5 to visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) and the Choeung Ek Killing Fields. Exhibits and memorials offer a sobering, essential context to Cambodia’s 1975–79 Khmer Rouge period.

Guides share survivor testimonies and the country’s path toward remembrance. This poignant visit is at additional cost and bookable on tour; your CEO can arrange transport and timing.

At lunch or dinner on day 3, sit down for a traditional Khmer meal at a community-led social enterprise supported by our nonprofit partner. Taste regional staples—amok curry, lime-dressed salads, and fragrant rice—while learning how hospitality training provides new opportunities.

Your host explains how the project funds education and health initiatives, and how recipes reflect Cambodia’s countryside harvests. It’s a warm, authentic encounter that lets you sample regional cuisine and see how travel can positively impact local lives.

Wake before dawn on day 3 to watch sunrise over Angkor Wat, its lotus-bud towers silhouetted in mirrored pools. With a local specialist, join a guided panoramic tour through the walled city of Angkor Thom and the serene stone faces of Bayon before wandering among the root-strangled galleries of Ta Prohm.

Hear how the Khmer Empire flourished in the 12th–13th centuries and how these temples were rediscovered by the wider world. Expect moments to pause for photos and reflection among laterite gates, dancing apsara carvings, and jungle birdsong—an evocative encounter with Cambodia’s spiritual heart.

Arriving in Thailand’s capital, start on day 1 by meeting your CEO and fellow travellers for a friendly briefing on the journey ahead. You’ll meet your Tour Director, run through practical tips, and get oriented to the neighborhood near Bangkok’s Rattanakosin district before heading out together.

As evening falls, connect with new friends over casual drinks and street eats, soaking up the city’s energy around the old town’s lively lanes. Your CEO shares pointers for navigating Bangkok’s river ferries and night markets, setting the tone for a trip that blends local flavor with small-group camaraderie.