Itinerary
- Day 1
Bangkok
You'll arrive in Bangkok at whatever time works for you and get settled into Thailand's capital city. Later this evening, you'll meet your CEO and the other travelers in your group. It's a good chance to get to know everyone and celebrate the start of your trip together.
Included Activities
- Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
- Connect With New Friends
- Day 2
Bangkok to Siem Reap
After flying from Bangkok, you'll land in Siem Reap where you'll base yourself for exploring Angkor Wat. If you're interested, there's an option to check out Phare Circus in the evening, which offers a uniquely Cambodian cultural experience you won't find elsewhere.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Phare Circus
- Day 3
Siem Reap
Start early to catch the sunrise over Angkor Wat's ruins, then head to lunch for Khmer food at either a Planeterra-supported restaurant or with a local family. Later, you'll make your way to Pub Street where the energy picks up with food stalls, bars, and a lively atmosphere to explore.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Local Khmer meal at a Planeterra partner restaurant or with a local family)
Included Activities
- Angkor Wat Guided Tour
- Local Khmer Meal
- Big Night Out - Siem Reap
Landmarks/POIs Angkor Wat Pub Street - Day 4
Siem Reap to Phnom Penh
You'll travel by local bus to Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital along the Mekong River. Once there, your CEO will lead an orientation walk to help you get oriented, then the rest of your evening is free to settle in and relax as you wish.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Orientation With CEO
Landmarks/POIs Mekong River - Day 5
Phnom Penh
Today focuses on Phnom Penh's culture and history. You can choose between visiting Tuol Sleng Prison and the Killing Fields to learn about Cambodia's complex past, or take a more peaceful route at the Silver Pagoda or Royal Palace. Later, join a street food crawl to discover the city's food scene.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Street Food Crawl - Phnom Penh
Optional Activities
- Tuol Sleng Museum (S-21 Prison) & Choeung Ek (Killing Fields) Half-Day Guided Tour (22-26USD per person)
- Silver Pagoda Visit (10USD per person)
- Royal Palace Visit
Landmarks/POIs Tuol Sleng Prison Killing Fields Silver Pagoda Royal Palace - Day 6
Phnom Penh to Koh Rong Island
A private vehicle takes you to Sihanoukville, then you'll catch a ferry to Koh Rong island and your own private beach. Once there, try some local seafood, grab a refreshing drink, or take a swim in the warm waters surrounding the island.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Local seafood dining
- Beach relaxation
Landmarks/POIs Koh Rong Island - Day 7
Koh Rong Island
Your last full day on the island is yours to fill. Try activities you might have skipped like fishing, hiking, or kayaking. As the sun sets and evening arrives, swim in the phosphorescent plankton that create glowing blue sparkles in the water.
Optional Activities
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Kayaking
- Phosphorescent plankton swimming
Landmarks/POIs Koh Rong Island - Day 8
Koh Rong Island to Chambok Village
You'll head back to the mainland and travel to Chambok Village for the night. There you'll sit down to a home-cooked Cambodian meal and spend time getting to know the local people and learning about life in this remote region.
- Meals
- Dinner (Delicious Cambodian home cooked meal with local family)
Included Activities
- Home Meal
Landmarks/POIs Chambok Village - Day 9
Chambok Village to Ho Chi Minh City
After crossing into Vietnam, you'll arrive in Ho Chi Minh City and stay at a popular backpackers hostel. Before nightfall, check out Ben Thanh Market for souvenirs and handicrafts, then experience the city's nightlife. If rooftop bars appeal to you, many offer panoramic views and live music.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Border Crossing (Cambodia - Vietnam)
Optional Activities
- Ben Thanh Market visit
- Rooftop bar experience
Landmarks/POIs Ben Thanh Market - Day 10
Ho Chi Minh City
Your CEO will lead an orientation walk through Vietnam's biggest city so you get a feel for the pulse of Ho Chi Minh City. After that, you'll have free time to revisit favorite spots, shop, wander the streets, or soak in the unique vibe. That evening, you'll board an overnight train heading south toward Nha Trang.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Orientation With CEO
Optional Activities
- Shopping
- Cultural exploration
Landmarks/POIs Ho Chi Minh City - Day 11
Nha Trang
You've reached the coast and Nha Trang awaits. Spend your morning however appeals to you: browse local shops and markets, relax in a therapeutic mud bath, chill on the beach, or visit nearby historical sites. This evening, join a street food crawl to explore local flavors.
Included Activities
- Nha Trang Street Food Crawl
Optional Activities
- Shopping at local shops and markets
- Mud bath visit (20USD per person)
- Beach relaxation
- Historical sites exploration
- Snorkelling (29USD per person for boat tour)
- Nha Trang Boat Tour and Snorkelling (29USD per person)
Landmarks/POIs Nha Trang Beach - Day 12
Nha Trang to Hoi An
More free time to explore Nha Trang and take in everything the coastal city has to offer. Later, you'll board an overnight train heading north to Hoi An, with a short stop in Da Nang for a transfer.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Nha Trang exploration
- Day 13
Da Nang to Hoi An
Upon arriving in Hoi An, your CEO will lead an orientation walk to show you why this city captivates visitors. You'll have free time in the afternoon to pick from options like a cooking class, cycling to the beach, visiting a tailor, or wandering through the old town. Tonight's your celebration night to reminisce and dance with your group.
Included Activities
- Hoi An Orientation Walk
- Reminisce Riverside
Optional Activities
- Hoi An Cooking Class (35USD per person)
- Cycling to the beach
- Tailor visit
- Old town exploration
- Hoi An Old Town Walking Tour (6USD per person)
- Hoi An Bike and Boat Tour
- Thu Bon River Boat Trip (12USD per person)
- Cua Dai Beach visit
Landmarks/POIs Hoi An Old Town Thu Bon River - Day 14
Hoi An
Start the morning at the G Adventures-supported Oodles of Noodles facility where you'll learn to make noodles from scratch. After that, the rest of the day is yours to explore the area however you'd like. You can head out to My Son, an ancient UNESCO World Heritage Site with ruins dating back centuries, or opt for a cruise down the Thu Bon River instead. Both options give you a chance to see more of the region, so it really depends on what appeals to you more.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Visit to G Adventures-supported Oodles of Noodles noodle-making experience
Optional Activities
- Visit ancient ruins of My Son (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Thu Bon River cruise
Landmarks/POIs My Son Thu Bon River - Day 15
Hoi An to Huế
You'll travel north to Hue, Vietnam's Imperial City, which offers multiple options for exploration. Consider visiting the Royal Citadel and tombs, cruising along the Perfume River, or hopping on a motorbike to explore like the locals do.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Royal Citadel visit (7USD per person)
- Royal Tombs entry (5USD per person)
- Perfume River Cruise (10USD per person)
- Hue Motorbike Tour
- Cycling (10USD per person)
- Hue City Tour
- Thien Mu Pagoda visit
Landmarks/POIs Imperial Citadel Perfume River Thien Mu Pagoda - Day 16
Huế to Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park
Your second day in Hue gives you more free time to enjoy everything the city offers. In the afternoon, you'll travel through the Vietnamese countryside heading toward Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park with its distinctive green rocky mountains.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Huế exploration
- Imperial Citadel tour (7USD per person)
- Perfume River cruise (10USD per person)
Landmarks/POIs Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park - Day 17
Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park to Hanoi
You have the option to explore the caves of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, home to Asia's oldest karst mountains and longest cave. After your cave exploration, you'll board an overnight train heading to Hanoi.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Caving in Phong Nha (full-day adventure exploring Paradise Cave with Vietnamese lunch and boat to turquoise beach of Phong Nha Cave)
Landmarks/POIs Paradise Cave Phong Nha Cave - Day 18
Hanoi to Halong Bay
Once you arrive in Hanoi, Vietnam's bustling capital, you'll take a private bus to Halong Bay for a seafood lunch cruise and cave exploration. Make sure your camera is charged so you can capture some really good shots.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Seafood lunch cruise)
Included Activities
- Hạ Long Bay Junk Boat Trip
Optional Activities
- Kayaking (10USD per person)
Landmarks/POIs Halong Bay - Day 19
Hanoi
Start with breakfast, then a private vehicle takes you through Hanoi's Old Quarter on an orientation walk. The narrow streets and old buildings give it that historic feel that takes you back several decades. You'll stop at Bia Hoi Corner to grab a local rice and wheat beer for about 25 cents a glass. If local food interests you, there's an optional Hanoi Foodie Culture Tour you can arrange ahead of time.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Old Quarter Orientation Walk
Optional Activities
- Hanoi Foodie Culture Tour
Landmarks/POIs Hanoi Old Quarter Bia Hoi Corner - Day 20
Hanoi to Vientiane
You'll spend the morning exploring Hanoi before heading to the airport for an afternoon flight to Vientiane, Laos's capital. Once there, you can get around on foot, by bicycle, or tuk-tuk to see Phat That Luang, the most important national monument, meander through riverside villages, or check out the morning market. End the day watching the sunset over the Mekong.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Vientiane
- Bicycle tour of Vientiane
- Tuk-tuk tour of Vientiane
- Phat That Luang visit (1USD per person)
- Buddha Park visit (1USD per person)
- Wat Sisaket visit (1USD per person)
- National Museum visit (4USD per person)
- Morning market exploration
- Mekong sunset viewing
Landmarks/POIs Phat That Luang Mekong River - Day 21
Vientiane to Vang Vieng
You'll travel to Vang Vieng, a small town surrounded by dramatic limestone karsts and the Song River. A guided hike will take you to a famous local viewpoint with incredible valley views. Tonight, join your group for a celebration night out to mark your new adventures and friendships.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Vang Vieng Guided Hike
- Vang Vieng Nightlife
Optional Activities
- Hiking
- Caving
- Bike rental (2USD per person)
- Vang Vieng Adrenaline Bundle
- Kayaking (25USD per person)
Landmarks/POIs Song River - Day 22
Vang Vieng
Make the most of Vang Vieng with a full day to explore freely. Rent a bicycle to check out caves or trek through the countryside. If you want more action, consider booking the adrenaline bundle to kayak through Tham None cave and visit the Blue Lagoon.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Hiking
- Caving
- Bike rental (2USD per person)
- Vang Vieng Adrenaline Bundle (kayaking through Tham None cave and Blue Lagoon visit)
- Kayaking (25USD per person)
Landmarks/POIs Tham None Cave Blue Lagoon - Day 23
Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang
You'll head to colorful Luang Prabang and take an afternoon orientation walk to get oriented. Then trek up sacred Mount Phousi, climbing stone stairs past monks' quarters to reach Wat Phousi temple at the top for 360-degree sunset views of Luang Prabang and the Mekong. Later, join a street food crawl.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Sunset at Wat Phousi
- Street Food Crawl
- Orientation With CEO
Landmarks/POIs Wat Phousi Mount Phousi Mekong River - Day 24
Luang Prabang
Set your alarm early to watch monks in saffron robes walk through town at dawn collecting daily alms from residents. After that, head on a guided trip to Kuang Si waterfalls, then enjoy free time in the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Kuang Si Waterfalls Excursion
Optional Activities
- Alms-giving observation
- Royal Palace Museum visit (5USD per person)
- Wat Visoun Temples visit (2.50USD per person)
- Wat Xien Thong visit (2.50USD per person)
- Cooking class (35USD per person)
- Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Centre visit (8USD per person)
- Royal Ballet Theatre (15USD per person)
- Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre visit (4USD per person)
Landmarks/POIs Kuang Si Waterfalls - Day 25
Luang Prabang to Mekong River Homestay
You'll board a long houseboat for the first day of a two-day journey up the Mekong River toward Thailand. The boat will take you to a village homestay where you'll experience a Baci welcome ceremony and have dinner with your hosts.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Dinner with homestay hosts)
Included Activities
- Mekong River Slow Boat
- Mekong River Homestay & Traditional Performance
Landmarks/POIs Mekong River - Day 26
Mekong River to Chiang Khong
Day two on the Mekong continues as you cruise toward Thailand, arriving in Chiang Khong by late afternoon. Sit back and watch for wildlife along the scenic route as you cross the border.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Mekong River Slow Boat
- Border Crossing (Laos - Thailand)
Landmarks/POIs Mekong River - Day 27
Chiang Khong to Chiang Mai
You'll drive through rolling countryside to Chiang Mai in Thailand's north, nestled among mountains. Spend the afternoon exploring this peaceful city known for traditional markets and temples. Options include visiting Doi Suthep, cycling around, or hunting for deals at the famous night market.
Optional Activities
- Doi Suthep temple visit (2USD per person)
- Cycling
- Night market shopping
- Northern Thai Cooking Class
- Street Food Walk at Chiang Mai Night Market
- Chiang Mai Cycling Tour (1500THB per person)
- Massage
- Cooking class
- Chiang Mai City Tour
Landmarks/POIs Doi Suthep - Day 28
Chiang Mai
Continue exploring Chiang Mai at your own pace and take advantage of what this unique city offers. Visit the magnificent Doi Suthep temple on the hillside above the city, or take a bicycle ride through the countryside.
Optional Activities
- Doi Suthep temple visit (2USD per person)
- Cycling
- Massage
- Northern Thai Cooking Class
- Street Food Walk at Chiang Mai Night Market
- Chiang Mai Cycling Tour (1500THB per person)
- Cooking class
- Chiang Mai City Tour
Landmarks/POIs Doi Suthep - Day 29
Chiang Mai to Hilltribe Trek
It's time to shift gears and head from Chiang Mai to Mae Malai village for a trek through forests to see the region's diverse hilltribe communities. Each village has its own language, beliefs, dress, and traditions. It takes a few hours to reach the first village with its thatch bungalows, but the trek is worth every step.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Hilltribe Trek Day 1
Landmarks/POIs Mae Malai Village - Day 30
Hilltribe Trek Day 2
You'll trek for 2 to 3 hours before stopping for lunch, then head to a Karen village to see how blankets and scarves are traditionally made. The trek continues for more hours before you stop in the next village for the night. Along the way, you might learn to fish with local tools or help build a bamboo raft at Mae Tang River.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Hilltribe Trek Day 2
Optional Activities
- Fishing at Mae Tang River
- Bamboo raft building
Landmarks/POIs Karen Village Mae Tang River - Day 31
Hilltribe Trek to Chiang Mai
After breakfast, you'll leave the village by bamboo raft to get a closer look at other settlements along the way. Meet the van after lunch to head back to Chiang Mai, a food lover's destination. Try khao soi and sai oua, then celebrate your trek at the best bar in town with your group.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Bamboo Rafting to Lahu Village
- Lahu Village Visit
- Bamboo Rafting to Shan Village
- Chiang Mai Celebration
Landmarks/POIs Lahu Village Shan Village - Day 32
Chiang Mai to Bangkok
You have more free time in Chiang Mai to shop at markets, get a Thai massage, explore temples, or grab another bowl of khao soi. This evening, you'll board an overnight train heading back to Bangkok.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Market shopping
- Thai massage
- Temple exploration
- Khao soi curry dining
- Day 33
Bangkok
It's time to depart, though this isn't really goodbye, just until next time. Take a few last photos with your new friends and exchange contact information before heading on your way.
Included Activities
- Departure Day
