Itinerary Details
G Adventures: Essential Southeast Asia: Hanoi, Phnom Penh & Thailand Good Times
Day 1: Hanoi
Arrive at any time, and choose to kick back at the hostel, or head out to explore the city before meeting up with fellow Roamies in the evening. Ready to indulge your inner foodie? Head out for a walk through the back streets and markets of the city’s old quarter, sampling local favourites like “nem ran” and “banh goi.” Take a pit stop at a street-side bar then swing by Hanoi Food Culture restaurant, a G Values Fund Project, and try the city’s signature specialty coffee. Having fun yet? Of course you are!
Day 2: Hanoi/Ninh Bình
Ready to hit the backroads? Let’s go! Start with a visit to Tam Chuc Pagoda, the largest in southeast Asia. Continue on to Ninh Binh and gaze in awe at the limestone cliffs rising up from the rice fields. No filters required as this landscape is already picture-perfect. Ready to chill? Enjoy some free time, you deserve it. Kick back at the hostel and meet some new friends over a cold one or rent a bike to explore off the beaten trail in the beautiful countryside. The choice is yours!
Day 3: Ninh Bình
Today is yours–get out and explore! Go temple-hopping, biking or hike through rice fields. Feeling energetic? Trek up to Hang Mua Peak for ridiculous views of the surrounding countryside. Adventurous? Jump in a small boat to explore the Trang An Grottoes–small caves found along the canals and lakes only accessible by water. Lazy? No worries, chill out at the hostel and catch up on your social feeds. Whatever you choose, don't forget to pack-up before heading out to catch the overnight sleeper train–All Aboard!
Day 4: Dong Hoi/Phong Nha
Are you ready to dive into local life even more? Of course you are! Let's start at the expansive Dong Hoi fish market, a bustling collection of vendors selling all manner of seafood. Hungry? Stop by a stall for a traditional Vietnamese breakfast of Banh Mi–served on soft French baguettes, they are a fusion of French and Vietnamese cuisine. Now you're fuelled up, hop on a bike and ride out into the gorgeous rural countryside. How 'bout some down time? It's been a busy day so head to your hostel in Phong Nha to relax and share your adventures with your mates.
Day 5: Phong Nha
Live it up with a full free day in Phong Nha–an adventure lovers paradise! Caving anyone? You can't miss the chance to explore the world's largest cave system. Don't forget the waterproof case because these shots will make you the envy of your social feeds. Something else perhaps? Your CEO knows all the insiders for hiking and biking excursions throughout this stunning, vast wilderness. You must be thirsty by now? Then it's time to chill out with the option to join an evening bar crawl with the gang-freedom never tasted so good!
Day 6: Phong Nha/Hu?
Ready to explore underground? Find out as you descend into the Vinh Moc tunnels (like the Cu Chi tunnels without the crowds), built by local villagers during the Vietnam War. After, find your way to Hue (pun intended) for a free afternoon. Feeling adventurous? Hop on the back of a motorbike for a thrilling ride around town. Curious? Visit the historic Citadel and Royal tombs. Chill? Kick back at the hostel or lounge at a riverside bar. Does it get any better than this? I think not.
Day 7: Hu?/Hoi An
Ready for an epic day? Let's jump into open-top jeeps for a thrilling drive across iconic Hai Van pass. First stop is the city of ghosts at the infamous An Bang cemetery. Need to cool down? Hit beautiful Lang Co Beach for a refreshing dip in the sea and traditional local lunch. Continue to fill your social feeds with shots from Da Nang bay, an abandoned French fort and Marble mountain pagoda. Seen enough? Of course you haven't! Hoi An awaits with a walk through the old town ending at a lively riverside bar. How's that for epic?
Day 8: Hoi An
Ready to explore? Hoi An offers so much and you’ll have an entire free day to do as you choose. Discover the ancient old town by bike or boat, or go further afield on an excursion to My Son or the Golden Bridge and Ba Na Hills. Don’t worry about the details, your CEO has all the right contacts. Later, meet up with your Roamies for dinner at one of the stylish restaurants in the ancient town of Hoi An. Hop out of your comfort zone and try Nem Rán, G?i Ðu Ð? Bò Khô, or how about Cao L?u; you'll find all the local favourites here. Yummy!
Day 9: Hoi An/Qui Nhon
Ready for some noodles? Then let's dig in! Start the day with a cooking class at the G Adventures–supported Oodles of Noodles training school, enjoying your creations for lunch. Afterwards, you're free to do as much (or as little) as you choose. Feeling fancy? Get fitted for a custom suit. Creative? Learn to make Vietnamese lanterns. Thirsty? pull up a stool at one of the many river-side bars and cafes. Later, it's all-aboard for the overnight train heading south. Settle into your sleeper cabin and catch some zzzzz's.
Day 10: Qui Nhon
Jump off the train and head to Thap Doi to explore the imposing Cham temples. Hungry? You'll stop by Eoi Gio for a local breakfast and walk along the gorgeous coastline. OK, enough is enough, are you ready to hit the beach? Of course you are! With it's white sand and crystal blue water, Ky Co beach is exactly where you want to be. This remote spot is perfect to spend a chill afternoon or grab a snorkel to spot pristine corals and colourful fish. Speaking of fish, later you'll visit one of Qui Nhon's best seafood restaurants for dinner. Try local favourites like Bun thit nuong, Banh Xeo, and banh beo chen–you'll be bursting after this awesome feast!
Day 11: Qui Nhon/Nha Trang
Settle in to your private ride for a bit of a drive today. Catch up on your feeds, take a nap but get ready for a gorgeous stop along the way. Gành Ðá Dia, known as the Giant’s Causeway of Vietnam offers amazing views and angles for your pics–snap away! Next stop is the Mud Baths in the resort city of Nha Trang. Climb into the mud and mineral pools and soak away. The evening is then yours–ready to party? There are a gazillion options and your CEO will suggest the best of the best nightclubs and beach bars for your enjoyment. Really hope you had a nap on the bus.
Day 12: Nha Trang/Ho Chi Minh City
Freedom! The day is yours to enjoy Nha Trang's many beach options. Find a spot and stretch out on your towel to catch some rays and play in the surf. Stroll the extensive promenade for shopping, bars and fun. Why not channel your inner child at the waterpark or jump on a boat for a snorkelling tour–the choice is yours! Tonight brush off the sand and hop back on the train for your overnight journey back to the big city.
Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City
Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City–this thriving metropolis will not disappoint! Head out on a walking tour visiting bustling Ben Thanh market, Reunification Palace and the French quarter. Hungry? Your CEO will order up HCMC's most famous dish; pho–the breakfast of champions. After slurping up your noodles, you are free–why not hop on a cyclo or motorbike tour, visit the infamous Cu Chi tunnels or head back to the hostel to relax. Whatever you do, don't forget to warm up your vocal cords and throw on your most outrageous frock because it's time for karaoke. You'll have a farewell party like no other in one of the city's top sing-along bars. Neon lights, blaring tunes and roaring crowds will entice you to the stage. Get ready–you're next. Own it!
Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City
Late night? You’ve got the entire day to recover, or rally and get out and explore! The city pulses with excitement offering a myriad of experiences to engage your senses. From the back of a motorbike, encased in a cyclo or on your own two feet–Ho Chi Minh City makes you feel alive. Whatever you choose, meet up later with your fellow Roamies for some nosh. Your CEO knows all the secret spots and will lead you on a street food walk sampling the best of local dishes and delicacies the city has to offer. Delish!
Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City/Châu Ð?c
Ready to hit the road? Catch your private ride to Chau Doc in the famed Mekong delta then let's go full on local! Jump on the back of a motorbike and explore. Zoom up to the mysterious Hang Pagoda on the slopes of the mountain and mix with the many pilgrims who visit here. It's time to get zen–inhale the ever-burning incense, observe the rituals and dissolve into the background of chanting and temple bells. After, ride up to the peak of the sacred Sam mountain and settle into a gently swinging hammock. Gaze in awe at the stunning views at sunset over the surrounding delta. No need to pinch yourself, you really are here!
Day 16: Châu Ð?c/Kampot
Up late with your mates? Shake it off as today it's on! Hop in for a sunrise boat trip and watch the river come alive. Next, stop at a small village and fish farm before your visit to Chau Doc Market where you will see vendors selling all manner of wares, food, and drinks–feel free to grab a tea or hot noodles! Tired? No worries you can catch a nap on the drive to the Cambodian border before heading to the fishing village of Kep. Follow in the footsteps of the legendary Anthony Bourdain and explore the famous seafood market. Your CEO will pick the best crabs pulled directly from the sea and you'll dine on pepper crab on the spot. It doesn't get any more real than this. Ready for some down time? Us too–let's head to the hostel in Kampot and kick back for a bevvie (or three.) Cheers!
Day 17: Kampot
Freedom! Today is all yours to explore the sleepy town of Kampot. Looking to chill? That's easy–wander along the river and jump in for a swim, take a yoga class or hang at the hostel with your new-found friends. Want a bit more activity? No problem, your CEO has lots to suggest. Spice things up with a visit to a pepper farm, explore the countryside on a tuk tuk tour or sit back with a beverage on a sunset river cruise. Just don't forget to catch up on your posts–EVERYONE is waiting to see what you do next. Enjoy!
Day 18: Kampot/Koh Rong
Ready for adventure? Head out to Monivong Bokor NP, a wild area known for its palace ruins overtaken by nature and spotted with stunning works of graffiti. Your CEO will lead you around this bizarre contrast of lush jungle and ruins, and jaw dropping coastal views. Now, are you ready for the beach? Of course you are! Travel to Serendipity pier and catch a ferry to the remote island of Koh Rong. Drop your bags at the hostel and head directly to the beach. Searching for paradise? Guess what, you're already there.
Day 19: Koh Rong
Trust us, Koh Rong Island is one of those places you'll talk about for years; the island boasts pristine white sandy beaches, warm crystal-clear ocean waters, a hot tropical climate, and is off the beaten track. No need to pinch yourself, yes–you really are here. This is the island of your dreams and you'll have the entire day to enjoy it. Dive into the calm waters of the Gulf of Thailand, then stretch out and catch same rays. Feel free to chill in a hammock under a palm with a cold drink. No matter what angle you snap your pic, it's absolute perfection. You totally deserve this!
Day 20: Koh Rong/Phnom Penh
Jump back on the ferry to the mainland and swing by a few small villages that make up the Chambok community. We'll set you up with a local guide to get an insider's peak at daily life in these rural villages. Feeling hungry and creative? The local women will get you sorted with a delicious Khmer lunch and then teach you how to make traditional necklaces and bracelets–perfect souvenirs to bring home for your friends. Ready for the big city again? Excellent, as your last stop is Phnom Penh with fantastic nightlife to dive right into. Are you ready to party? Dumb question.
Day 21: Phnom Penh
You have a whole day ahead of you to experience Phnom Penh as you please. Reflect on history with an excursion to Tuol Sleng Museum (S-21 Prison) and Choeung Ek (Killing Fields). Or check out the National Museum, Silver Pagoda and Royal Palace. Your CEO has lots of suggestions–just ask. Later, reconnect with fellow Roamies to soak up the nighttime vibe on a thrilling cyclo ride around the busy streets. Hungry? Good, because we stop by one of best restaurants in Phnom Penh for dinner.
Day 22: Phnom Penh/Siem Reap
Hit the road and settle in for the drive today-don't worry, you'll have plenty of stops along the way. Deep fried tarantula anyone? Test your fear factor at the infamous skun insect and spider market offering a wide selection of deep fried creepy-crawlies for you to sample. Close your eyes and CRUNCH! After regaining your senses, you’ll visit a silk farm for a demonstration of this age-old weaving practice; a perfect place to pick up a souvenir or two. Continue on to Sambor Prei Kuk, a UNESCO world heritage site which predates Angkor by 100 years. Explore these less-visited ruins and fill your feed with awesome pictures of the forest-encased ancient temples. Arrive in Siem Reap with plenty of time to check out the nightlife. Cheers to another epic day!
Day 23: Siem Reap
Ready for adventure? You have the full day to choose from a multitude of activities. Visit Tonle Sap floating village or go for the big ticket item and visit the massive temple complex of Angkor Wat. Choose to channel your inner tomb-raider and explore with a local guide-your followers will thank you for these shots. Ready to eat? Jump in a tuk tuk and head to the G Adventures-supported New Hope training restaurant for a scrumptious Khmer dinner. Ready to party now? The evening is yours to hit the night market or join a bar crawl along Siem Reap's famed "pub street." Who needs sleep anyways?
Day 24: Siem Reap/Bangkok
Road trip! Head out to cross the Cambodia/Thai border with a stop for some shopping at the massive Rong Kluea market. Continuing through Thailand, you'll visit the remote Wat Sothorn Wararam Woraviharn–a temple revered by local Thai's and not often visited by travellers. Need a snack? Your CEO will purchase some local delicacies for you to try–freshly squeezed palm fruit juice and charcoaled grilled sweet glutinous rice wrapped in banana leaf. Yum! Continue on to your hostel in Bangkok and get ready for a night out like no other. Let's hit Khao San Road! Follow your CEO along Bangkok's famed party street and check out the lively bars and clubs. Grab a Singha lager or a bucket and mix and mingle with the throngs of partiers from around the world. This could very well be the best night of your life. Bring it on!
Day 25: Bangkok
Say goodbye to your Roamies and depart at any time.
