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 to explore Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Take in the ancient splendour of Angkor Wat, trek to meet hilltribes in Myanmar (Burma), opt to explore underground rivers in Phong Nha, and taste all manners of street food at nearly every stop. Take on the epic, the awe-inspiring, and the endlessly fascinating with this journey that covers it all (with just enough free time to explore in between). It's the perfect snapshot of Southeast Asia for first-time visitors.
At a glance
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
Vietnam, Laos & 3 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, catch a Thai boxing match, cycle around, or grab a bargain at the famous night market.
Day 28Enjoy a free day to explore
Enjoy a free day to explore. Opt to visit Doi Suthep temple, catch a Thai boxing match, or grab a bargain at the famous night market.
Day 29Cross the border into Myanmar (Burma) before heading…
Cross the border into Myanmar (Burma) before heading to Kengtung, a remote inland town nestled by lush hilly country. This evening, watch the sun set on Naung Tung Lake and have a relaxing night to conserve energy for your hike tomorrow.
Day 30Find peace among the rice paddies and rolling…
Find peace among the rice paddies and rolling hills on an included trek to meet hilltribe communities in the countryside. Savour a taste of Shan khao swè, a traditional Burmese rice noodle dish that's full of local flavour.
Day 31During your free morning
During your free morning, grab a bite at Kyaing Tong Market. This lively market is host to colourful local produce and delicious food stalls. Later this afternoon, fly to Inle, a serene lake dotted with temples and floating villages.
Day 32Stretch out your legs a bit
Stretch out your legs a bit — it's another day on Inle Lake. Choose between taking a bike around the lake or up to the local winery, taking a cooking class, or touring the lake by boat to take a closer look at the floating villages and gardens.
Day 33Take your time to unwind with your final…
Take your time to unwind with your final day on Inle Lake. Admire the pagodas and monasteries or lay back and watch the fishermen with their unique techniques. Later, hop on an overnight bus and wake up in the temple town of Bagan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 34Start your day with some serenity during…
Start your day with some serenity during a tour of the mesmerizing Sunrise Temple. See the ancient site's ornate pagodas brighten up with the glow of the sun for that envy-worthy Insta shot. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you wish.
Day 35If you're an early bird not afraid of heights
If you're an early bird not afraid of heights, opt to watch the sunrise from an unforgettable hot-air balloon flight over the temples and plains of Bagan (only available Oct-Mar). Or choose to spend the day exploring nearby villages and ruins. Go a little farther out by renting a bike, or e-bike, to see the more distant sites.
Day 36Begin your final day in Bagan…
Begin your final day in Bagan with an included breakfast at Sanon, a G Adventures-supported restaurant and culinary school. Afterward, travel to Mandalay - a cultural capital on the Irrawaddy River. The day is yours: you can climb Mandalay Hill, visit the Golden Monastery, or end the day by watching the sunset at U Bein Bridge.
Day 37Your last free day in Mandalay is full…
Your last free day in Mandalay is full of options. Check out Mandalay's ancient temples, the nearby royal capital of Amarapura, or the world's longest teak bridge. Visit the nearby market for local eats and enjoy your accommodation's rooftop restaurant for those unforgettable city views. This evening, board an overnight bus and head south to Yangon.
Day 38Get to know Yangon
Get to know Yangon, Myanmar's largest city, on an orientation walk. Spend the rest of the day exploring. Choose to visit the incredible, gold-plated Shwedagon Pagoda for the perfect photo op or have a picnic on Kandawgyi Lake. Tonight, immerse yourself in the nightlife and enjoy a drink on us to celebrate all the life-changing adventures you've just shared with newfound friends.
Day 39Continue exploring the country's former capital on this…
Continue exploring the country's former capital on this free day or lounge around with delicious local delicacies recovering from last night's festivities. Head to the temple with an intricate reclining Buddha statue or feed the catfish at Yangon Lake. The day is yours!
Day 40Fly to Thailand and land in the booming…Bangkok
BangkokFly to Thailand and land in the booming capital - Bangkok! Take in this massive metropolis and wander through the ornate temples and towering buildings. Make the most of your last evening with fellow travellers and be sure to end this amazing journey with a bang(kok)!
Day 41Today is departure day
Today is departure day, but do not fret! There is no such thing as goodbye, only until next time. Be sure to sneak in some last-minute photos and exchange social medias before heading on your way. Depart at any time.
Discover Vietnam
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