G Adventures
Save 20%Epic Southeast Asia: River Cruises & Karst Mountains
Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand · 40 days · Moderate
fromCAD 3,935
Next: 21 JunThe adventure
From Angkor Wat to remote river towns, journey down the Mekong and into the heart and soul of Southeast Asia. Our Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) will share with you the region’s cultural treasures and natural splendours. Explore the many temples and, if you’re lucky, spot a rare Irrawaddy dolphin. Experience the highlights with a chance to get off the beaten track and explore the remote islands of Don Khong. With local transportation and unique accommodation, like a rural homestay, this adventure offers an intriguing blend of included activities and free time for personal discovery.
At a glance
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
Laos, Cambodia & Thailand
Day 1Arrival dayArrivalThere are no activities planned until the evening welcome meeting.
There are no activities planned until the evening welcome meeting.
Day 2Travel from Thailand to Siem ReapAngkor WatLeave Bangkok and head out on the journey to Cambodia. Cross the border, switch vans and continue on to Siem Reap. The scenery is spectacular and the contrast between Thailand and Cambodia is immediate. Get your first taste of Khmer food in the evening with an included local meal at the New Hope project.
Angkor WatLeave Bangkok and head out on the journey to Cambodia. Cross the border, switch vans and continue on to Siem Reap. The scenery is spectacular and the contrast between Thailand and Cambodia is immediate. Get your first taste of Khmer food in the evening with an included local meal at the New Hope project.
Day 3Take a guided tour of the massive Angkor…Angkor WatToday, opt to see a Cambodian circus. Opt to pre-book the "Phare Circus" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Angkor WatToday, opt to see a Cambodian circus. Opt to pre-book the "Phare Circus" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Day 4Travel to the capital city of Phnom Penh
Travel to the capital city of Phnom Penh. Opt for a cyclo tour through town for a street level view of this busy city.
Day 5Take a guided tour of Tuol Sleng Prison…While in Phnom Penh, witness the darker side of Cambodian history with guided visits to Choeung Ek, the site of the infamous Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng, the notorious Khmer Rouge prison where thousands of Cambodians perished. With a free afternoon, opt to visit the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda or the National Museum. The huge Russian Market is packed with souvenirs and all the necessities of daily life.
While in Phnom Penh, witness the darker side of Cambodian history with guided visits to Choeung Ek, the site of the infamous Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng, the notorious Khmer Rouge prison where thousands of Cambodians perished. With a free afternoon, opt to visit the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda or the National Museum. The huge Russian Market is packed with souvenirs and all the necessities of daily life.
Day 6Travel to Kratie and opt for a boat trip to see Irrawaddy dolphinsTravel to Kratié. En route, pass through Skuon (a small town famous for its delicious spiders), where it's possible to sample an eight-legged snack. Once in Kratié, opt to head out on the water, trying to spot rare Irrawaddy river dolphins.
Travel to Kratié. En route, pass through Skuon (a small town famous for its delicious spiders), where it's possible to sample an eight-legged snack. Once in Kratié, opt to head out on the water, trying to spot rare Irrawaddy river dolphins.
Day 7Cross into Laos and travel to Don Khong…Travel by bus to the Cambodian/Laos border. After completing necessary border formalities, continue the journey to Don Khong Island.
Travel by bus to the Cambodian/Laos border. After completing necessary border formalities, continue the journey to Don Khong Island.
Day 8Enjoy a guided tour of Wat Phu ChampasakTravel through the beautiful province of Champasak, once the capital of the Lao kingdom. Head to Pakse and cross the Mekong River to visit Wat Phu with a local guide. Overnight in a rustic homestay on Don Deng Island. A typical Laotian village environment doesn't have all the creature comforts of home but it allows for insight into the local culture and connection to the people of the village.
Travel through the beautiful province of Champasak, once the capital of the Lao kingdom. Head to Pakse and cross the Mekong River to visit Wat Phu with a local guide. Overnight in a rustic homestay on Don Deng Island. A typical Laotian village environment doesn't have all the creature comforts of home but it allows for insight into the local culture and connection to the people of the village.
Day 9Arrive at charming Luang PrabangFly from Pakse to Luang Prabang and discover Laotian Buddhism and architecture. Opt to visit some of Luang Prabang’s most impressive temples and climb Mt Phousi to watch the sun set over the Mekong River and mountains beyond. Be sure to visit one of the best night markets in all of Southeast Asia. Stroll through the nightly market, bargaining with vendors, sampling local food and picking up some souvenirs.
Fly from Pakse to Luang Prabang and discover Laotian Buddhism and architecture. Opt to visit some of Luang Prabang’s most impressive temples and climb Mt Phousi to watch the sun set over the Mekong River and mountains beyond. Be sure to visit one of the best night markets in all of Southeast Asia. Stroll through the nightly market, bargaining with vendors, sampling local food and picking up some souvenirs.
Day 10Opt to rise before dawn and watch…
Opt to rise before dawn and watch the monks walk through town in saffron robes receiving alms from local residents. Visit the Ethnology Museum and Kuang Si waterfalls. With free time, opt to take a cooking class, go hiking or biking or test out the local Laotian-style massages.
Day 11Enjoy a free day to continue exploring
Enjoy a free day to continue exploring.
Day 12Travel to Vang ViengTake a winding drive through scenic mountains to picturesque Vang Vieng, a town resting on the Nam Song river surrounded by limestone karsts. Watch the sunset over the river and explore some of the many caves in the area.
Take a winding drive through scenic mountains to picturesque Vang Vieng, a town resting on the Nam Song river surrounded by limestone karsts. Watch the sunset over the river and explore some of the many caves in the area.
Day 13Spend the morning in Vang Vieng before travelling…Depart in early afternoon and drive to one of Asia's sleepiest capital cities, Vientiane. Enjoy the highlights of Vientiane, including Wat Sisaket (one of the city's oldest and most fascinating temples), Pha That Luang (Laos' national symbol and one of its most sacred sites), and the Morning Market (an all-day affair selling virtually everything).
Depart in early afternoon and drive to one of Asia's sleepiest capital cities, Vientiane. Enjoy the highlights of Vientiane, including Wat Sisaket (one of the city's oldest and most fascinating temples), Pha That Luang (Laos' national symbol and one of its most sacred sites), and the Morning Market (an all-day affair selling virtually everything).
Day 14Spend a day in Vientiane before an overnight train to BangkokSpend the morning visiting the sights, getting a massage or enjoying the local food scene. In the late afternoon, cross the Friendship Bridge back into Thailand to board the overnight train to Bangkok.
BangkokSpend the morning visiting the sights, getting a massage or enjoying the local food scene. In the late afternoon, cross the Friendship Bridge back into Thailand to board the overnight train to Bangkok.
Day 15Arrive in Bangkok in the morning
BangkokArrive in Bangkok in the morning. The trip ends on arrival at the Bangkok train station.
Traveller reviews
“Loved the diversity of sites and areas we covered. Really loved visiting Luang Prabang - it addressed both my cultural and shopping needs. Also a great city to unwind, relax and take great scenery and people shots. Travelling and accommodations were fine. Sakai has great energy…”
“AMAZING TRIP - LOTS OF TRAVELLING BUT REALLY WORTH IT. A FANTASTIC MIX OF ACTIVITIES AND EVERY MODE OF TRANSPORT!”
“Genuine, educating, full of fun and adventure.”
Discover Laos
A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.
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