Laos on a Shoestring image
Operated by G Adventures

Laos on a Shoestring

From
Price on request
Duration
10 days
Countries
Vietnam, Laos, Thailand
Activity
easy

The adventure

Start this 10-day tour in vibrant Hanoi and head south to Chiang Mai, experiencing some of the best of Southeast Asia along the way. Caves, city lights, temples, street food crawls – this adventure’s got it all. Feeling active? Hike, bike, or swim in Vang Vieng. Feeling dreamy? Cruise the Mekong and then get a real feel for local life with a village homestay. Once in Chiang Mai, opt to visit Doi Suthep temple or catch a Thai boxing match. Better yet, do both!

At a glance

Duration
10 days
Route
Hanoi → Chiang Mai
Countries
Vietnam, Laos, Thailand
Activity level
easy
Style
Culture & History, Cycling, Food & Drink, Local Living & Homestays, Multi-Country / Grand Tour, Trekking & Hiking
Group size
Ask
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome

Where you'll go

Laos on a Shoestring image

Day by day

Side view of anonymous male fisher in oriental boat fishing in rippled lake against old construction and mountain
Your journey through

Vietnam, Laos & Thailand

Day 1Arrival dayArrivalWelcome to bustling Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Please arrive at our start point hotel before 6pm for an important group meeting. Enjoy one of two street food crawls with the group and CEO while in Hanoi.
Welcome to bustling Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Please arrive at our start point hotel before 6pm for an important group meeting. Enjoy one of two street food crawls with the group and CEO while in Hanoi.
Day 2A short flight brings the group…HanoiExplore 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 children, 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.
Street vendor with a bicycle in the urban market of Hanoi, Vietnam.Hanoi
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 children, 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.
Map showing Hanoi
Day 3Enjoy the beautiful limestone karsts surrounding Vang ViengA picturesque drive north takes us to beautiful Vang Vieng. This quiet town is set along the Nam Song river amidst rice fields and limestone karsts.
A picturesque drive north takes us to beautiful Vang Vieng. This quiet town is set along the Nam Song river amidst rice fields and limestone karsts.
Day 4Free time to explore Vang Vieng
Free time to explore Vang Vieng. Opt to explore some of the caves by bicycle or take an invigorating walk. In the evening, soak in the natural beauty of the countryside as the sun sets over the river.
Day 5This morning travel from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang
This morning travel from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang. Get your bearings with a CEO-led orientation walk.
Day 6Witness the giving of alms to the Buddhist…Traditional Laotian culture is to give daily alms to monks. Monks are only allowed to eat food which has been donated to them before noon. On one of your mornings here, you may decide to rise with the sun, and watch one of the most important religious ceremonies in Laos. This is simply an unforgettable Southeast Asian experience.
Traditional Laotian culture is to give daily alms to monks. Monks are only allowed to eat food which has been donated to them before noon. On one of your mornings here, you may decide to rise with the sun, and watch one of the most important religious ceremonies in Laos. This is simply an unforgettable Southeast Asian experience.
Day 7Cruise the Mekong on a long houseboat before…We board our boat for the two-day journey up the mighty Mekong River making our way to Chiang Khong.
We board our boat for the two-day journey up the mighty Mekong River making our way to Chiang Khong.
Day 8Mekong River travel day. Cross into ThailandThis morning we re-board our boat and continue our leisurely cruise along the river before arriving at the Laos/Thai border and crossing to Chiang Khong in the late afternoon.
This morning we re-board our boat and continue our leisurely cruise along the river before arriving at the Laos/Thai border and crossing to Chiang Khong in the late afternoon.
Day 9Drive to Chiang MaiDeparting Chiang Khong after breakfast, we drive to Chiang Mai where you have the afternoon free to explore this fascinating city, once the capital of the Kingdom of Lan. Experience the flavours and scents of traditional northern Thai cuisine by pre-booking the Northern Thai Cooking Class.
Discover the historical beauty of Wat Chedi Luang, a prominent temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand.Chiang Mai
Departing Chiang Khong after breakfast, we drive to Chiang Mai where you have the afternoon free to explore this fascinating city, once the capital of the Kingdom of Lan. Experience the flavours and scents of traditional northern Thai cuisine by pre-booking the Northern Thai Cooking Class.
Map showing Chiang Mai
Day 10Departure dayDepartureDepart at any time.
Depart at any time.

Discover Vietnam

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.

Serene landscape in Ninh Bình, Vietnam featuring grazing buffalo in lush rice fields.
Stunning aerial shot of lush green terraced rice fields with mountains in the background.
Breathtaking landscape view of a city nestled between lush mountains and the coastline, captured in daylight.
Aerial view of karst mountains with villages and river in a rural landscape.
Picturesque scenery of green hills with wooden houses placed among rice plantations located in countryside in daytime
Operated by G Adventures

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