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
Now's the time for an epic adventure through Thailand (with a stop at the famous Full Moon Party!), Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Search for age-old stories at ancient sites like Angkor Wat, see a different side of the country on a northern hilltribes trek, and eat your way through the street food scene of four different cities. You will also tap into the pulse of Southeast Asia’s most famous cities, and find a new watering hole (or two) along the way. This epic 40-day tour features lots of culture, free time and plenty of fun, before ending things with a bang at one of the world's most famous celebrations — the Full Moon Party in Ko Pha-Ngan.
At a glance
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
Vietnam, Laos & 2 more countries
Day 1Arrival dayArrivalArrive 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.
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.
Day 2Cross the border from Thailand into CambodiaAngkor Wat
Angkor WatCross the border from Thailand into Cambodia, your home base for exploring Siem Reap and the incredible Angkor Wat. Opt to check out Phare Circus, a uniquely Cambodian experience.
Day 3Watch the sun rise over the majestic…Angkor Wat
Angkor WatWatch 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.
Day 4Travel to Phnom Penh
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.
Day 5Spend the day diving deep into Phnom Penh's…
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.
Day 6Ride in style to Sihanoukville and board…
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.
Day 7Enjoy your last full day on this pristine island
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!
Day 8Head back to the mainland and journey…
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.
Day 9Cross the border into Vietnam
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.
Day 10Feel the pulse of Vietnam’s biggest city…
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 11You’ve arrived! Welcome to the eastern sea
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 12It’s not over yet
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 13Hoi An’s excited to meet you
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!
Day 14Noodles might be fun to eat
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 15Head north to the Imperial City of Huế
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.
Day 16Your second day in Huế comes with more…
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.
Day 17Today
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.
Day 18After arriving in HanoiHalong Bay
Halong BayAfter 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 19Feel like you've gone back in time…
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!
Day 20Explore a bit of Hanoi in the morning…
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 21Travel to 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 night out to celebrate new adventures with new friends. Cheers to keeping life exciting!
Day 22Get the most out of 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.
Day 23Continue to colourful Luang Prabang and make…
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 24Skip sleeping in to watch the monks walk…
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 25The Mekong never looked so welcoming
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, where you will enjoy dinner with your hosts, experience a traditional Khamu Cultural Performance, and dance with the locals.
Day 26New day
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 27Take in the rolling countryside views…
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.
Day 28Continue to explore Chiang Mai at your own…
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.
Day 29It's time for a change of pace
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.
Day 30Trek for 2
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.
Day 31After breakfast
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!
Day 32Make the most of Chiang Mai with more…Bangkok
BangkokMake 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.
Day 33Get out and explore this fantastic city where…
Get out and explore this fantastic city where there is endless sightseeing to be done.
Day 34Get on first-name basis with Thailand's capital city…
Get on first-name basis with Thailand's capital city by bike with an optional bike tour. Today, you can check out Wat Pho and the Grand Palace, go for a street food crawl, relax with a Thai massage, or explore the klongs (canals) by boat before boarding the overnight train.
Day 35See southern Thai hospitality in action with 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.
Day 36Head across southern Thailand to find yourself in Pha-Ngan
Head across southern Thailand to find yourself in Pha-Ngan. Take the free afternoon to relax beachside before getting ready to hit up one of the world's most famous parties under the light of the moon. The famous Full Moon Party takes place once a month, gathering partygoers from all over the world for one night they won't soon forget. Grab your flip flops and sand pails — it's gonna be a big one.
Day 37It's an easy start to the day before…
It's an easy start to the day before getting to know the best bits of Ko Pha-Ngan on a full-day excursion to idyllic Bottle Beach. After a guided trek through the jungle, savour traditional Thai flavours while soaking up the sun and the beach's laid-back vibes. This evening, it's time for a party you won't soon forget.
Day 38There's no rush as you recuperate from the festivities
There's no rush as you recuperate from the festivities. Spend your time exploring the island's waterfalls, swimming in lagoons, going for hikes, or, hey, napping it all off under the sun.
Day 39Continue discovering all that Ko Pha Ngan has…
Continue discovering all that Ko Pha Ngan has to offer and make the most of your last day on this pristine island. Relax on the white sand beach, snorkel in the turquoise seawater, or venture into the jungle.
Day 40TodayBangkokWant to take the hassle out of getting back to Bangkok? Add the “Bangkok Express: Ko Pha-Ngan to Bangkok” to your trip 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.
BangkokWant to take the hassle out of getting back to Bangkok? Add the “Bangkok Express: Ko Pha-Ngan to Bangkok” to your trip 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.
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