(800) 308-3483 Local: (805) 484-2863
2310 Ponderosa Drive Suite 3 - Camarillo, CA 93010
G Adventures
OFFER ID 1533193
Vietnam, Laos & Thailand: Riversides & Railways
Now's the time to explore Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Party along the beautiful bay of Vietnam's Nha Trang with new friends, channel the French vibe sipping coffee riverside in Laos, and hunt down treasures in local markets. When it comes to this side of Southeast Asia, the choice is all yours. Feel free to soak up the spirit of this amazing part of the world.
Highlights
Relax in quaint Hoi An, cruise the blue waters of Halong Bay, see Phong Nha's stunning underground river network, marvel at the Grand Palace in Bangkok, sample Vietnamese specialities on a street food crawl, explore limestone karsts in Vang Vieng.
Accommodation
Simple hotels (twin-share) (9 nts), hostels (multi-share) (7 nts), sleeper trains (4 nts) homestays (1 nts).
Group Leader
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Group Size Notes
Max 18, avg 12.
Meals Included
17 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner
What's Included
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 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: Bangkok. Halong Bay boat cruise with lunch. Slow boat on the Mekong. Guided hike in Vang Vieng. Orientation walk, sunset visit to Wat Phousi, and waterfall excursion in Luang Prabang. Orientation walks in Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, and Hanoi. Two street food crawls in different cities. Internal flight. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
21 nights from $2,199 per person
G Adventures: Vietnam, Laos & Thailand: Riversides & Railways
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City
Arrive at any time and welcome to the pulsing Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon.For your first night out, wander with your CEO and group through Pham Ngu Lao Street that’s popping with many bars and backpackers. Pick the best looking spot to get to know your fellow travellers and cheers to new adventures!
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City/Nha Trang
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.
Day 3: Nha Trang
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.
Day 4: Nha Trang/Da Nang
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.
Day 5: Da Nang/Hoi An
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.
Day 6: Hoi An
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.
Day 7: Hoi An/Hu?
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.
Day 8: Hu?/Phong Nha
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.
Day 9: Phong Nha/Hanoi
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.
Day 10: Hanoi/Ha Long
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!
Day 11: H? Long Bay/Hanoi
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.
Day 12: Hanoi/Vientiane
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.
Day 13: Vientiane/Vang Vieng
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!
Day 14: Vang Vieng
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.
Day 15: Vang Vieng/Luang Prabang
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.
Day 16: Luang Prabang
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.
Day 17: Luang Prabang/Pak Beng
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.
Day 18: Pak Beng/Chiang Khong
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.
Day 19: Chiang Khong/Chiang Mai
Take in the rolling countryside views on the drive to Chiang Mai nestled alongside Thailand's northern mountains. Spend the afternoon getting to know this peaceful city known for traditional markets and glorious temples. Choose to visit Doi Suthep, catch a Thai boxing match, cycle around, or grab a bargain at the famous night market.
Day 20: Chiang Mai/Bangkok
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, take a bicycle ride in the countryside, or relax with a massage. Tonight, catch up on sleep during an overnight train and wake up in Bangkok.
Day 21: Bangkok
After arriving in Bangkok, the day is yours to freely explore the many sights of Thailand's bustling capital. Visit Wat Pho, the Grand Palace, National Museum, or Jim Thompson's House. Try a riverboat trip along the Chao Phraya River and through the canals (or klongs) for a different perspective of daily life in this busy city. Use this time to buy any last-minute souvenirs or treat yourself to a Thai massage. In the evening, celebrate the end of this amazing journey with your fellow travellers during a night out you won’t soon forget.
Day 22: Bangkok
Today, it’s time to say farewell to your group of newfound friends. Be sure to sneak in some last-minute photos and exchange social medias before you head on your way. Depart at any time.
A four-hour car ride (or six-hour bus ride) north from Vientiane, this town is a center for karstic geologic formations. Nearly vertical limestone cliffs and spires jut up from the floor of a bucolic river valley that lies about 100 mi/160 km north of the capital. The setting is stunning, but despite its natural beauty, visitors will either love or hate Vang Vieng. For the backpacking fraternity it is simply heaven; for the cultural traveler it is an example of how damaging tourism can be to local culture. The once-sleepy riverside town, perfectly located to break up the journey between Vientiane and Luang Prabang, is overrun with cheap guesthouses, bars and restaurants serving Western food. All the Western comforts and support mechanisms are there—so much for adventure travel. As a result, backpackers settle in Vang Vieng for weeks at a time doing very little but lying around watching TV, getting stoned or tubing down the river. Their presence has also encouraged locals to start dealing drugs, and the town has a reputation for the easy availability of opium and amphetamines.
Tubing trips along the Nam Song river are popular, but be aware that the current is very fast in places—inexperienced swimmers have drowned on these trips. Check river conditions locally before signing up for any trip. Several spectacular caverns (some developed, some not) are within a few hours' walk from town.
Ha Noi City Tour & Street Food Tour – 12 hours - Hanoi
Highlights:
Shore Excursion Hai Phong - Halong City
Hoi An’s Countryside & Ancient Town – 8 hours - Hue
Highlights:
Hue - Full Day Hue Classic Tour / Chan May Port
Royal Culinary & Historic Landmark - Hue
Hue - Home Hosted Lunch & Historic Landmark
Chiang Mai is a city built on the roots of a traditional heritage that dig deep into the soil of time. It's a city with a beautiful cultural personality of its own. In addition, it's been blessed with much majestic beauty in nature. The people themselves are an unforgettable part of Chiang Mai. Handicrafts of silk, silver and wood are timeless souvenirs for visitors from all over the globe.
Hanoi - Hon Gai / Hai Phong Port
Hanoi Full Day Tour (10 Hours)
Shore Excursion Hai Phong - Hanoi
Shore Excursion Halong - Hanoi
Hoi An - Full Day Hoi An Town with Lantern Making
FULL DAY HOI AN TOWN WITH LANTERN MAKING
Destination: Hoi An
Tour Duration: 08 hours
Tour Description:
On arrival in Danang (Tien Sa port), disembark the ship and meet your guide. Drive for 1 approximately hour to the ancient town of Hoi An. Between the 15th and 19th centuries, Hoi An known then as ‘Faifo’, was a prosperous trading port, attracting Chinese, Japanese, Dutch, Portuguese and Spanish ships amongst others. Today, this World Heritage ancient town is recognized for its well-preserved architecture, pedestrian-only streets and distinctive local cuisine, allowing visitors a glimpse of its illustrious past. Hoi An’s narrow lanes are ideal for a guided walking tour of its many atmospheric sights including: the old merchant houses with influences from Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese architecture; the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, first built in the 1590s by the Japanese community to link them with the Chinese quarters across the stream; the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation with its intricate woodcarvings; and the colorful market with stalls brimming with local specialties including silk, which can be turned into fashionable garments within a day or two.
Lunch is on your own.
After lunch, meet with Mr. Huynh Van Trung who was born in a traditional lantern making family and learn about the silk lanterns. Silk lanterns, the simple yet colorful handicraft is now an essential part of Hoi An culture. The lantern is inspired and hand-made by local artisans and is meant to bring good fortune. It has really made a comeback thanks to an experienced man - Trung inherits valuable skills in making lanterns from his father - the well-known artisan Huynh Van Ba. Chat with him for a brief introduction to the history, shape, and color of the lanterns as well as the stages of production. Try creating your own lantern and take it home as a souvenir. Later, transfer by road back to the port to embark the ship.
Inclusions:
• Private transfers and transportation on tour
• Sightseeing with Local English-speaking guide
• Entrance fees and boat rides if any
• Cold towels and water on sightseeing days
Non-inclusions:
• Vietnam visa
• Other meals where not mention in the program
• Drinks/ waters on meals
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Tips & gratuities
• Other services not listed in inclusive column
Hoi An Culinary Experience at Market Restaurant
Ancient Town & Home Hosted Meal - Da Nang
Da Nang / Hoi An - Tien Sa Port
Ancient Town & Rustic Meal on River - Da Nang
Ancient Town & Conservation Projects - Da Nang
ANCIENT TOWN & CONSERVATION PROJECTS
Destination: Da Nang
Tour Duration: 4.5 hours
Code: MDDADSE007
Tour Description:
On arrival in Danang (Tien Sa port), disembark the ship and meet your guide. Transfer about 60 minutes to Hoi An, once was a prosperous trading port between the 17th and 19th centuries. Today, this World Heritage - listed ancient town boasts well-preserved buildings, pedestrianized streets and unique cuisine, allowing visitors a glimpse of its illustrious past. Before the walking trip with your guide, chat with a member of Hoi An relics conservation center to get a glimpse of Hoi An culture and the current projects of local Government and UNESCO to this ancient town. The narrow lanes are ideal for a guided walking tour. There is plenty to visit including the old merchant’s houses with influences from Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese architecture; the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge; the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation with outstanding wood carvings. Later, head back to Danang (Tien Sa port), and embark the ship.
Notes:
Buffalo Cart & Fishing Life Tour - Da Nang
Sanctuary of Champa Kingdom - Da Nang
Cu Chi Tunnels & Sai Gon Highlights Tour – 10 hours - Saigon
Highlights:
Highlights of Ho Chi Minh City Tour – 10 hours - Saigon
Highlights:
Mekong Delta Tour – 10 hours - Saigon
Highlights:
Saigon - Cooking Class at Ambassador's Former Residence
Saigon City Tour on Vintage Car
Saigon - City Highlights & Musician Family Visit
Saigon - In The Dark: A Blind Experience
Saigon - City Highlights & Lunch at Ambassador's Home
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.