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
Discover the best of Southeast Asia by walking, biking, kayaking, and eating your way though it. This 19-day adventure will have you exploring Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand by getting out on your own two feet, meeting local people and discovering unique nuances you couldn't experience travelling any other way. From strolling through the terraced beauty of Pu Luong, to pedaling your way along picturesque routes leading to the historic Cu Chi tunnels, and setting off on foot through the wilderness of Cambodia's Cardamom Mountains, this is a Southeast Asia adventure unlike any other.
At a glance
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
China
Day 1From the organized chaos of Hanoi and Ho…
HanoiFrom the organized chaos of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to the soothing lush green terraces of Pu Luong, Vietnam pushes you to let go, step out of your comfort zone, and reconnect with your inner explorer. Vietnam can feel unfamiliar and familiar all at once. Try foods you have never even heard of before while being greeted with smiling hosts who feel like familiar friends. Welcome to Hanoi, and to Vietnam, and we invite you to dive in, push your limits, and refill your cup.
Day 2It wouldn't be a trip to Vietnam without…Hanoi
HanoiIt wouldn't be a trip to Vietnam without hopping on the back of a motorbike. Your drivers and guides this morning are all women from a local organization dedicated to empowering women through employment as motorbike drivers in the tourism sector. These women will guide you through the city-stopping the motorbike to allow for exploration of all the must see stops. Walk around the perimeter of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and visit Ba Dinh Square and One Pillar Pagoda. Explore Huu Tiep Lake and Tran Quoc Pagoda. After working up an appetite, return to the Old Quarter for a huge bowl of Pho at a local restaurant. Slurping is highly encouraged.
Your journey through
Cambodia
Day 3Standing as a symbol of centuries worth…Halong BayStep on board our private boat and dig into a thoughtfully catered Vietnamese lunch. Sample local delights like pumpkin soup, fried chicken and Halong steamed tiger prawn. Get in the water with a guided kayaking adventure to explore the natural scenery of the incredible caves within Ha Long Bay. Look out for fossilized shells of oysters and crabs-proof that life existed here millions of years ago. Join your hosts to help prepare springs rolls, or sit back with a well earned glass of local beer. Dinner is plentiful this evening-and served on board.
Halong BayStep on board our private boat and dig into a thoughtfully catered Vietnamese lunch. Sample local delights like pumpkin soup, fried chicken and Halong steamed tiger prawn. Get in the water with a guided kayaking adventure to explore the natural scenery of the incredible caves within Ha Long Bay. Look out for fossilized shells of oysters and crabs-proof that life existed here millions of years ago. Join your hosts to help prepare springs rolls, or sit back with a well earned glass of local beer. Dinner is plentiful this evening-and served on board.
Day 4Tropical rainforest covers the low mountains that surround…Halong Bay
Halong BayTropical rainforest covers the low mountains that surround Pu Luong-with rice terraces as far as the eye can see. Villages dotted throughout the valley are like splashes of colour against a bright green painting. Trekking along the terraces, throughout villages, brings you face to face with day to day life in this picturesque corner of northern Vietnam.
Your journey through
China
Day 5The village of Pu Luong lies just west…Hanoi
HanoiThe village of Pu Luong lies just west of Hanoi, but feels a million miles away. Step out of your wooden bungalow to a vast landscape of green. Start the day with a rich coffee and fuel up for a morning trekking among the rice paddies. Pass by local villages and wave hello to local people as they move about their daily routines. Walk to Ban Cong and dig into a BBQ picnic lunch prepared for you by local chefs just along the riverbank.
Day 6Hoi An roughly translates to "a peaceful meeting…Hanoi
HanoiHoi An roughly translates to "a peaceful meeting place" and we promise it lives up to its name. Admittedly, it's hard to get more peaceful than the rice terraces of Pu Luong, but Hoi An offers a contrast to its northern neighbour. Where Pu Luong boasts serenity and calm, Hoi An offers conviviality and vibrancy. Explore this meeting place with a cooking class led by a local chef preparing a three course meal.
Day 7Discover the highlights of Hoi…The remainder of the afternoon will involve some time at leisure. Your CEO will lead an excursion to a local beach. For the adventure-seekers, we recommend a Jeep tour through the countryside. Learn about the agricultural practices of local farmers by visiting their crops and livestock. Witness how traditional occupations have changed through time from weaving to rice-wine making, to newer industries like bird’s nest farming and aquaculture. Interact with friendly locals, spark conversations, and leave feeling a genuine connection to this place and the people you are meeting along the way.
The remainder of the afternoon will involve some time at leisure. Your CEO will lead an excursion to a local beach. For the adventure-seekers, we recommend a Jeep tour through the countryside. Learn about the agricultural practices of local farmers by visiting their crops and livestock. Witness how traditional occupations have changed through time from weaving to rice-wine making, to newer industries like bird’s nest farming and aquaculture. Interact with friendly locals, spark conversations, and leave feeling a genuine connection to this place and the people you are meeting along the way.
Day 8Hoi An is a must visit on any…
Hoi An is a must visit on any Vietnam itinerary because you can do it all here. From ancient ruins and fascinating architecture, to delicious food and active adventures-there is a dizzying array of things to see and do. You get to choose today between two curated choices. Embark on a kayaking adventure that takes you from the Cua Dai bridge down to a fishing village and beyond. If you would rather explore the ruins of My Son, join a local guide for comprehensive exploration of various complexes of the site, before returning to Hoi An by boat.
Day 9Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam's most populated…
Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam's most populated city with just around 9 million people calling it their home. For every 6 people, 1 motorbike enters the city on a daily basis. This organized chaos is a recognizable feature of many Vietnamese cities and learning to navigate the chaos is all part of the adventure. When you arrive in the afternoon, hop onto a pedaling cyclo to get a bit above the motorbike fray and tour the city with your knowledgeable guide. A sunset boat ride is peaceful way to end the day in the big city.
Day 10The Cu Chi Tunnels remain a testament…Pass through local villages and stop at a local market to sample local produce. Visit the Phu Hoa Dong traditional rice paper village and witness the age-old craftsmanship and traditions that have withstood the test of time. Your cycling adventure comes to an end once you arrive at the tunnels-where your guided tour begins. Venture into the depths of history with a visit to Ben Dinh Tunnel, one of the remarkable sections of the Cu Chi Tunnels network. Learn how the tunnels were used for strategy and for survival. When you return to Ho Chi Minh City, its time to freshen up and prepare for a final farewell dinner with your CEO and fellow travellers.
Pass through local villages and stop at a local market to sample local produce. Visit the Phu Hoa Dong traditional rice paper village and witness the age-old craftsmanship and traditions that have withstood the test of time. Your cycling adventure comes to an end once you arrive at the tunnels-where your guided tour begins. Venture into the depths of history with a visit to Ben Dinh Tunnel, one of the remarkable sections of the Cu Chi Tunnels network. Learn how the tunnels were used for strategy and for survival. When you return to Ho Chi Minh City, its time to freshen up and prepare for a final farewell dinner with your CEO and fellow travellers.
Your journey through
Cambodia
Day 11Siem Reap is home to the famous site…Angkor Wat
Angkor WatSiem Reap is home to the famous site of Angkor Wat but there is plenty to see and do here before exploring the ancient site. Grab a coffee, try some Cambodian cuisine, or hop in a tuk tuk and explore. After a morning flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap, arrive to Siem Reap around lunchtime. Your CEO will take you on a walk through town this afternoon.
Day 12It's possible that there is no quicker way…Your OMG Day begins with an exclusive cooking experience in Chreav village, just a short tuk-tuk ride outside Siem Reap. In the afternoon you can choose between an exhilarating cycle through small villages, ending just in time to take in a peaceful sunset over the rice paddies with a cold drink. If you are looking to take it a bit easier, hop on a boat ride to the magnificent Tonle Sap. The boat will travel to Kampong Khleang floating village, passing by stilt houses, witnessing daily life and observing the marine flora and fauna along the way.
Your OMG Day begins with an exclusive cooking experience in Chreav village, just a short tuk-tuk ride outside Siem Reap. In the afternoon you can choose between an exhilarating cycle through small villages, ending just in time to take in a peaceful sunset over the rice paddies with a cold drink. If you are looking to take it a bit easier, hop on a boat ride to the magnificent Tonle Sap. The boat will travel to Kampong Khleang floating village, passing by stilt houses, witnessing daily life and observing the marine flora and fauna along the way.
Day 13The ruins of Angkor Wat stand as…
Angkor WatThe ruins of Angkor Wat stand as a testament to the dynamic history of the Cambodian people. Though they, like all ruined structures, are little by little being reclaimed by the jungle around them, luckily for us they defiantly remain standing ready to be admired. Witness sunrise at Angkor Wat with your fellow travellers and expert guide.
Day 14Established in 1993
Established in 1993, The Botum Sakur National Park in southern Cambodia, home to the Cardamom Mountains, has been continuously threatened by illegal logging and the poaching of endangered wildlife. The dense jungle of the Cardamoms is one of Asia's seven remaining elephant corridors and is home to gibbons, pangolins and hornbills. This remote and wild place is being protected by an alliance between a number of organizations, and our exclusive stay at Cardamom Tented Camp helps fund the Wildlife Alliance and its partners in protecting this vital piece of our planet.
Day 15Waking up in the jungle
Waking up in the jungle, in a safari style glamping tent, with the sound of the birds and the monkeys rustling overhead is probably not an experience you associate with Cambodia, but from now on it will be. After a refreshing sleep, it's time to explore the Cardamoms. Kayak downriver first en route to the old ranger station. Trek through the lush forest on old logging trails, crossing streams from time to time. Your local Cambodian guides let you in on the history of this special place while you explore.
Day 16When ancient seafarers first caught sight of Koh…
When ancient seafarers first caught sight of Koh Rong’s shores, they were captivated by its beauty, naming it after a mythical cave or "shelter" found within its lush, emerald interior. While its white-sand beaches are world-renowned, the island’s heart is a thriving dense rainforest with hidden lagoons teeming with tropical birdlife and rare butterflies. Some of Koh Rong remains an untouched paradise, and your time on this island begins with free time to discover the island's energetic towns and sun-drenched coves.
Day 17Cambodia shines in this full day exploration…
Cambodia shines in this full day exploration of Koh Rong's natural interior and coastal ecosystems. A morning trek leads you through the rainforest, immersing you in the island's vibrant flora and fauna, and in season toward a secluded waterfall. After a break for lunch, the adventure continues with a guided kayaking excursion deep into the quiet, winding mangroves, offering a unique perspective of the island's serene, sheltered waters.
Your journey through
China
Day 18After departing Koh RongBangkok
BangkokAfter departing Koh Rong, arrive in Bangkok and explore its iconic food scene in an exclusive gastronomic adventure. Board a private custom converted traditional rice barge to head to your first stop-to try the one and only Pad Thai. Created by a politician during World War II, Pad Thai is the most famous gastronomic export from Thailand, and a trip to Bangkok wouldn't be complete without sampling it. Afterwards, head by tuk-tuk convoy through Rattanakosin Historical Island to sample a few more small bites in the colorful Yaowarat Road (Bangkok's Chinatown). A sweet bite, like Mango and sticky rice, is the finishing touch for a delicious evening.
Day 19Departure dayDepartureToday your adventure comes to an end. We hope you loved visiting Southeast Asia as much as we do! We promise you won't need a vacation after your vacation, but we guarantee you'll be ready for another adventure with G.
Today your adventure comes to an end. We hope you loved visiting Southeast Asia as much as we do! We promise you won't need a vacation after your vacation, but we guarantee you'll be ready for another adventure with G.
Discover Vietnam
A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.
Upcoming departures
Last Minute 15% off AVHT261204 · ends 2026-06-22 · auto-applied
DatesPrice / personAvailability
Operated by G Adventures
A TripFinder-trusted operator. We compare the trip and handle your booking with a real advisor — you travel under the operator's terms.
Book my trip →
