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
Take 12 days to uncover this laid-back corner of Southeast Asia. While you're free to choose your own adventure, your accommodation and transportation are included, and our expert CEOs will help you make the most of your time. Wander the tranquil monasteries of Luang Prabang and experience the French colonial influence while sipping coffee at a café. Take a slow boat down the Mekong and admire the limestone karsts surrounding Vang Vieng.
At a glance
Where you'll go
Day by day
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.
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.
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.
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.
Day 10Free time in Chiang Mai. Overnight train to BangkokToday, why not visit the magnificent temple of Doi Suthep standing watch over the city from the hills above, taking a bicycle ride in the countryside or embracing the bizarre by getting a massage from the training school at the local woman's prison! Explore the rural lanes of Chiang Mai in a tuk-tuk by pre-booking the Full Day Tuk-Tuk Adventure. Tonight we catch an overnight train to Bangkok.
BangkokToday, why not visit the magnificent temple of Doi Suthep standing watch over the city from the hills above, taking a bicycle ride in the countryside or embracing the bizarre by getting a massage from the training school at the local woman's prison! Explore the rural lanes of Chiang Mai in a tuk-tuk by pre-booking the Full Day Tuk-Tuk Adventure. Tonight we catch an overnight train to Bangkok.
Day 11Opt to visit Wat Pho and the Grand PalaceBangkokWe'll arrive early in the morning to Bangkok, Thailand's capital city. The day is free to explore the many sights of Bangkok. The Grand Palace, Wat Pho, National Museum, and Jim Thompson's House are just a few suggestions. A trip along the Chao Praya river and through the canals (or klongs) gives you a different perspective of daily life in this busy city. In the evening, we'll say good bye and enjoy a Thai meal and perhaps a beer together to celebrate the end of an amazing journey.
BangkokWe'll arrive early in the morning to Bangkok, Thailand's capital city. The day is free to explore the many sights of Bangkok. The Grand Palace, Wat Pho, National Museum, and Jim Thompson's House are just a few suggestions. A trip along the Chao Praya river and through the canals (or klongs) gives you a different perspective of daily life in this busy city. In the evening, we'll say good bye and enjoy a Thai meal and perhaps a beer together to celebrate the end of an amazing journey.
Day 12Departure dayDepartureDepart at any time.
Depart at any time.
Traveller reviews
“Very enjoyable experience, Laos is the favourite of the countries I have visited in Asia. Consider myself very lucky to have travelled there with an excellent guide and for the most part a great group of people.”
“I had a fantastic 12 days. I have travelled a lot over the years and Laos is now definitely up there as one of my favourites so maybe just wished we had longer there! The tour leader was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable and G Adventures really takes the hassle out of…”
“I had the most amazing experience on this tour. Life changing is the only way I can describe it.”
Discover Vietnam
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