Experience Overview
Now's the time to explore Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Share stories over drinks among Siem Reap's market stalls, learn the fine art of noodle-making in Hoi An, and catch the day's last rays among the brillantly blue waves of Ko Pha-Ngan. This 40-day adventure is plenty of time to sync your pulse with this part of Southeast Asia — and it's sure to leave you coming back for more.
Highlights
- Witness sunrise over Angkor Wat
- Eat your way through the street food of four different cities
- Stay overnight in a local village
- Trek through the rugged forests of northern Thailand
- Swim in Ko Pha-Ngan's idyllic lagoons
- Explore the magnificent caves of Phong Nha
Trip Details
Product Code: 1580
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Local bus, air-conditioned bus, train, walking, tuk-tuk, songthaew, local boat, junk boat, plane.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles: 18 - 35 Year Olds Only
Supplier Code: ATIS
Starts: Bangkok, Thailand
Finishes: Ko Tao, Thailand
Duration: 40 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating: Average
Includes
Activities
- Your G for Good Moment: Local Khmer Meal, Siem Reap Your G for Good Moment: Oodles of Noodles, Hoi An Your G for Good Moment: Mekong River Homestay & Baci Ceremony, Muang Pakbèng Your G for Good Moment: Kao Thep Pitak Community-Owned Farm & Meal, Ban Ta Khun Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends Your Big Night Out Moment: - Siem Reap, Siem Reap Your Discover Moment: Phnom Penh Your Local Living Moment: Home Meal, Chambok Your Discover Moment: Ho Chi Minh City Your Foodie Moment: Nha Trang Street Food Crawl, Nha Trang Your Big Night Out Moment: Reminisce Riverside, Hoi An Your Big Night Out Moment: Vang Vieng Nightlife, Vang Vieng Your Discover Moment: Luang Prabang Your Discover Moment: Chiang Mai Your Big Night Out Moment: Chiang Mai Celebration, Chiang Mai Your Discover Moment: Bangkok Your Big Night Out Moment: Beach Bar, Ko Tao
- Guided sunrise tour of Angkor Wat temple complex
- Orientation walks in Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Phnom Penh, and Luang Prabang
- Halong Bay boat cruise with lunch
- Guided hike, sunset cruise and waterfall excursion in Laos
- Slow boat up the Mekong
- Five street food crawls in different cities
- Internal flight
- Visit to Chiang Mai night market
- Hilltribe trek
- Bamboo rafting
- Lake Cheow Lan Excursion
- Full-day snorkelling trip from Ko Tao
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodation
- Simple hotels (twin-share) (21 nts), hostels (multi-share) (9 nts), basic hilltribe huts (2 nts, multi-share), homestay (2 nts), sleeper trains (5 nts).
- 30 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 4 dinners
Transport
- Local bus, air-conditioned bus, train, walking, tuk-tuk, songthaew, local boat, junk boat, plane.
Group Leader
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, trekking staff.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 4699 (CAD 117 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Bangkok
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 2: Bangkok/Siem Reap
Cross 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 3: Siem Reap
Watch 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 4: Siem Reap/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 5: Phnom Penh
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 6: Phnom Penh/Koh Rong
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 7: Koh Rong
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 8: Chambok Homestay
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 9: Chambok Homestay/Ho Chi Minh City
Cross another 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 10: Ho Chi Minh City/Nha Trang
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 11: Nha Trang
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 12: Nha Trang/Da Nang
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 13: Da Nang/Hoi An
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, grab a drink on our tab and reminisce about your favourite adventures so far. Then dance the night away!
From Danang, it is only a short drive to the picturesque port town of Hoi An. Once known as Faifo, it was an important trading town with strong south Chinese influence and connections.
Day 14: Hoi An
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 15: Hoi An/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.
Pre-book the "Hue Motorbike Tour" on the checkout page ahead of time to include this speedy activity on your tour.
Day 16: Huế/Phong Nha
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 17: Phong Nha/Hanoi
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 18: Hanoi/Ha Long
After 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 19: Hạ Long Bay/Hanoi
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!
Interested in local cuisine? Opt to pre-book the "Hanoi Foodie Culture Tour" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this yum on your tour.
Day 20: Hanoi/Vientiane
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 21: Vientiane/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 drink on us to celebrate new adventures with new friends. Cheers to keeping life exciting!
Day 22: 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.
Pre-book the "Vang Vieng Adrenaline Bundle" on the checkout page ahead of time to include this excitement on your tour.
Day 23: Vang Vieng/Luang Prabang
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 24: Luang Prabang
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 25: Luang Prabang/Pak Beng
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, experience a Baci welcome ceremony, and enjoy dinner with your hosts.
Day 26: Pak Beng/Chiang Khong
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 27: Chiang Khong/Chiang Mai
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, cycle around, or grab a bargain at the famous night market.
Experience the flavours and scents of traditional northern Thai cuisine by pre-booking the Northern Thai Cooking Class.
Day 28: Chiang Mai
Continue to explore Chiang Mai at your own pace making the most of this unique city. Visit the magnificent temple of Doi Suthep as it stands watch over the city from the hills above, or take a bicycle ride in the countryside.
Day 29: Chiang Mai/Ban Mae Jok
It's time for a change of pace. Today, drive from Chiang Mai to Mae Malai village, where you'll set off on a trek through rugged forests to see how diverse this region of hilltribe communities really is. Every village you'll see has its own language, belief system, style of dress, and traditions. It's a few hours to the first village of hilltribe thatch bungalows, but every step is worth it as you get to know the lay of the land.
Day 30: Ban Mae Jok/Pa Khao Lam
Trek for 2–3 hours before stopping for lunch. Then head to a Karen village to see how traditional blankets and scarves are made. Keep trekking for a few more hours (you've got this!) before stopping in the next village for the night.
Along the way, you might get the chance to stop at Mae Tang River to learn to fish using local tools or build a raft using bamboo.
Day 31: Pa Khao Lam/Chiang Mai
After breakfast, leave the village by bamboo raft and get a closer look at other villages along the way. Meet the van after lunch and head back to Chiang Mai, a foodie's paradise. Try the city's most famous dishes like khao soi (noodles in curry broth) and sai oua (northern Thai sausage) and get ready for your big night out. Venture to the best bar in town and grab a drink on our tab to cheers to a completed trek and life-changing adventures!
Day 32: Chiang Mai/Bangkok
Make the most of Chiang Mai with more free time, where you can go shopping in the market, get a Thai massage, or explore any of the many temples. Or, hey, you could always go back for another taste of khao soi curry. Tonight, catch up on sleep during an overnight train and wake up in Bangkok.
Day 33: Bangkok
Get out and explore this fantastic city where there is endless sightseeing to be done.
Day 34: Bangkok/Surat Thani
Get on first-name basis with Thailand's capital city by bike with an optional bike tour. Today, you can check out Wat Pho and the Grand Palace, go for a street food crawl, relax with a Thai massage, or explore the klongs (canals) by boat before boarding the overnight train.
Day 35: Surat Thani/Khao Sok
See southern Thai hospitality in action with breakfast at G Adventures-supported Khao Thep Pitak Community-Owned Farm & Restaurant, where you can also meet other international visitors. Later on, go to Lake Cheow Lan where you can take in the views while hiking or swimming in the national park. Spend tonight falling asleep to the sweet sounds of the jungle.
This area is known for its natural beauty. You know what that means: lots of chances for photos.
Day 36: Khao Sok/Koh Pha Ngan
Head across southern Thailand to find yourself in Ko Phangan. Take the free afternoon to relax on the beach or by the pool — which will be easy since tonight, you'll be staying beachside or poolside in cozy bungalows.
This area is known for its epic nightlife, whether or not there's a Full Moon Party. Make sure you don't miss the sunset. It'll be unforgettable.
Day 37: Koh Pha Ngan
There's no rush to leave Ko Phangan. Use your second day here to catch up on anything you missed yesterday, like exploring the island's waterfalls, swimming in lagoons, going for a hike, or, hey, taking another day to relax beachside.
Day 38: Koh Pha Ngan/Ko Tao
Take the ferry to Ko Tao, a laid-back island known for snorkelling. This afternoon, put on your flippers to see a whole other world underwater. Going beneath the surface not your thing? Go the other way and climb up to the scenic view at Kho Nang Yuan View Point.
Day 39: Ko Tao
Make the most of your last full day in Ko Tao paradise. Spend the day soaking up the sun beachside and be sure to get your fresh seafood fix. For your big night out, venture into the bustling nightlife and grab a drink on our tab to cheers to life-changing adventures with newfound friends. If you want to keep the party going, participate in the massive Ko Tao Pub Crawl.
Day 40: Ko Tao
Today, it's time to say goodbye to your group of newfound friends as the tour ends. Be sure to sneak in some last-minute photos and cheers before you head on your way. If booking a flight out of Ko Samui airport, make sure not to book one earlier than 11:00am.
Want to take the hassle out of getting back to Bangkok? Book the Bangkok Express, a two-day post-tour Extra. Speak to your Global Connection Officer or travel agent to book.
Similar Experiences
Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures is an operator of small-group escorted tours. It is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with 28 offices worldwide. It offers more than 700 itineraries in more than 100 countries, and carries 200,000 travelers from 160 countries each year.
In Business Since 1990
Reviews
Ramona F. - Traveled, October 2023
Too many big sharing sleeping rooms, too many not included activities
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/21/2023
Amelia G. - Traveled, October 2023
I enjoyed the trip
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/21/2023
Benjamin M. - Traveled, October 2023
it's a good way to experience amazing destinations in a safe and secure environment, and you get to connect with other amazing people.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/14/2023
Sara E. - Traveled, October 2023
Loved the trip and it suited me for what I needed perfectly! Acknowledge that it's not the perfect trip to recommend for everyone though.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/14/2023
Carole Meta W. - Traveled, October 2023
the experiences were great! I felt very safe during the whole trip. it was very well organized and guided by the CEO. The program was a lot of fun and very varied.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/28/2023
Annika E. - Traveled, October 2023
Having someone like Sovann as a tour guide
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/14/2023
Christopher W. - Traveled, October 2023
Good value, well organized, easily contacted
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/09/2023
Nora Miriam Khachane A. - Traveled, October 2023
Because of what you stand for how you want to help locals and how you have structured the trip
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/07/2023
Jack T. - Traveled, October 2023
My artiste recommended this tour to me so I went for it, now I would do the same if someone asks about it. I know it is a good way to travel
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/30/2023
Cholette C. - Traveled, October 2023
This trip has been one of my best travel experiences to date with well organized travel days and fun activities throughout. Our CEO always helped to keep the mood high even on those long days.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/14/2023
Robyn H. - Traveled, October 2023
It was a really nice itinerary, but I felt like we spent to little time in certain places.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/09/2023
Mary O. - Traveled, October 2023
Great experience meeting new people and doing so many things. Also great CEOs Tun Jai and Spicy Joe
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/30/2023
Esra W. - Traveled, September 2023
Good opportunity to travel as a solo traveler. Had lots of fun while experiencing culture, nature and people of the country.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/30/2023
Chloe O. - Traveled, September 2023
Incredible adventure
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/02/2023
Aoife C. - Traveled, September 2023
Really well organized, everything ran smoothly, the accommodation was good and we had a good variation of activities to choose from. Both my CEO's were really good. I liked how many places we saw but it was quite fast paced.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/26/2023
Flavia G. - Traveled, September 2023
I've already been recommending the trip to friends and family!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/26/2023
Saoirse H. - Traveled, August 2023
Great bang for your buck, everything was organized for us so took away the stress. Great mix of typical tourist things and unique experiences
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/05/2023
Moya E. - Traveled, August 2023
Tours are a great way to see the local life and G Adventures has a great way of highlighting this as well as partnering with only local guides and suppliers
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/05/2023
Mathew F. - Traveled, July 2023
Amazing overall experience, I just felt slight more activities should have been included for the price.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/21/2023
Francesca N. - Traveled, July 2023
G Adventures organizes everything for you and makes it easy to select what you want to see of the top sights
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/21/2023
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