Thailand and Laos Adventure - 14 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What types of accommodation are included in this tour?

  The tour includes Hotels (11 nights), a village homestay (1 night), and a sleeper train (1 night).

• Are international flights included in the trip price?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. However, on some combo tours traveling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. For this specific tour, international flights are not included.

• Are local flights included in the cost of the trip?

  Yes, any flights noted on the tour operator's itinerary for this tour are included in the tour services provided. Flight tickets are provided by the tour operator during the tour.

• What health considerations should I be aware of before traveling?

  Inoculations may be required, and it's your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. An average level of fitness and mobility is required. Travelers with pre-existing medical conditions may need to complete a medical questionnaire signed by their physician. It is recommended to carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers/antibacterial wipes.

• What are the entry requirements and visa information for Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam?

  Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveler. For Thailand, most nationalities do not need a visa for stays of 30 days or less. As of May 1, 2025, all non-Thai nationals must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online at least 3 days before arrival. For Vietnam, if a visa is required, it must be arranged ahead of time (minimum 2 weeks) as they are not available upon arrival. Vietnamese E-Visas can be applied for online. For Laos, if eligible, an E-Visa can be applied for online; otherwise, a paper form is required on arrival. As of September 1, 2025, all non-Laos nationals must complete the Lao PDR Immigration Card online before arrival. All countries require passports valid for at least 6 months from the moment of departure.

• Is a departure tax included in the tour price?

  Departure Tax is included in all International and Domestic tickets in China, Thailand, and Vietnam.

• How large will the group be?

  The maximum group size is 16 travelers, with an average of 12.

• Who will be leading the group and what is their role?

  All group trips are accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEO), who act as your main point of contact and trip manager. They provide information on the places you visit, offer suggestions, recommend local eating venues, and handle trip logistics. Local guides are also utilized for more specific knowledge at certain sites.

• What should I know about currency, credit cards, and exchanging money while on this tour?

  The local currencies used are Thai Baht, Laos Kip, and Vietnamese Dong. It's recommended to carry debit cards (Visa and Mastercard) for ATM withdrawals, as ATMs are found throughout Southeast Asia. Bring some USD cash for emergency situations when ATMs are not accessible. Credit cards can be used at some upmarket restaurants and larger stores.

• How much emergency money should I bring on this trip?

  It is recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $250 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (e.g., natural disaster) require a change to the planned route.

• How much spending money do I need for my trip?

  Spending money requirements vary per traveler depending on habits for drinks, shopping, and tipping. Please consider your own spending habits when budgeting for these items.

• What is the minimum age to join this trip?

  You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a tour. For minors traveling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

• How should I dress to respect local customs during the tour?

  In Asia, the dress standard is more conservative. It's recommended to pack loose, lightweight, long clothing that covers knees and shoulders, especially when visiting temples, mosques, or other holy sites in predominantly Buddhist, Hindu, and Muslim countries.

• Are there specific logistics or restrictions I should be aware of?

  A colored copy of your passport is required in advance to confirm Laos transport. This is a combo trip, meaning staff and some travel companions may have previously traveled together or will continue on another tour. There may be a 20kg (44lbs) weight restriction for the internal flight (excess charges apply). Some hotel rooms in major Vietnamese cities do not have windows. Properties with only two stories may not have elevators. Laos High-Speed train regulations prohibit flammable materials (including aerosols, vapes, e-cigarettes), sharp objects, explosive materials, wet or overpowering-smelling foods, weapons, and drugs, and enforce a 20kg luggage limit per person.

• Is travel insurance required for my trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of medical coverage (minimum USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue) has been sighted by your CEO. Coverage for personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage is strongly recommended.

• Is there an extra cost for traveling solo, and what are the rooming exceptions?

  Our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement for solo travelers, who are paired with someone of the same sex. If you book the 'My Own Room' option, you will receive your own single room for all night stops, with exceptions for the overnight train (Night 2) and the village homestay (Night 9).

• What optional activities are available on this trip?

  Optional activities include: Bangkok (Wat Arun, Thai Massage, Jim Thompson's House, National Museum, Royal Barge Museum, Grand Palace), Chiang Mai (Northern Thai Cooking Class, Khantoke Dinner & Show, Cycling Tour, Night Market Walk), Luang Prabang (Night Market, Cycling, various Temple visits, Royal Ballet Theatre), Vang Vieng (Adrenaline Bundle, Kayaking), Vientiane (Wat Sisaket, National Museum, Wat Pha That Luang, Buddha Park), and Hanoi (Tran Quoc Pagoda, Foodie Culture Tour, Temple of Literature, Museum of Ethnology).

• What transportation methods will we take on this trip?

  The tour utilizes a variety of transportation methods including train, air-conditioned van, slow-boat, longtail boat, tuk-tuk, and plane. During local public holidays or monsoon season in Thailand, alternative transport may be arranged for some train journeys.

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  The main highlights include exploring Bangkok's canals, discovering Buddhist temples, floating down the mighty Mekong River, and experiencing the Kuang Si waterfalls.

• What should I know about safety and security on my trip?

  It is strongly recommended to use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables and to leave valuable jewelry at home. Many hotels offer safety deposit boxes. A lock for luggage is recommended. Your CEO has the authority to amend or cancel parts of the itinerary due to safety concerns. When in free time, use good judgment, stay in small groups at night, and take taxis. Avoid protests. Water-based activities are at your own risk unless accompanied by a guide, and jumping/diving into Kuang Si Waterfalls is not recommended due to injury risk.

• What is Planeterra?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism. They develop and support community-owned businesses and integrate their projects into the tour operator’s itineraries globally.

• Are there specific rules of conduct or prohibited items on the trip?

  Illegal drugs are not tolerated and will result in expulsion without refund. The exploitation of prostitutes is also contrary to the tour philosophy. On Laos High Speed Trains, flammable materials, aerosols, sharp objects, explosive materials (like vapes), wet or strongly-smelling foods, weapons, and drugs are prohibited.

• What should LGBTQ+ travelers know about safety and travel considerations on this trip?

  The safety and well-being of all travelers, including those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, is a priority. Resources and tools like Equaldex are encouraged to help address specific concerns regarding destinations.

• What is included in the tour package?

  Included in the tour are a Mekong River Homestay & Traditional Performance, a Meal with Local Baan Ou Community, a welcome meeting with your CEO and group, Bangkok klong trip, Wat Pho entrance and guide, Doi Suthep entrance (Chiang Mai), Mekong River slow boat excursion, Pak Ou caves entrance (Luang Prabang), Traditional Arts & Ethnology Museum guided tour, Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Centre, Kuang Si waterfalls trek (half-day), water puppets performance (Hanoi), Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum entrance (when open), an internal flight, and all transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

• Are laundry facilities available on this trip?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry, so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

• What is the general approach to meals on the tour and what is included?

  The tour includes 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner. The tour operator understands the importance of breakfast and strives to include a basic breakfast where possible, which may be Western or Asian style. Generally, other meals are not included in the trip price to give you maximum flexibility in deciding where, what, and with whom to eat. Your CEO will be able to suggest local eating venues. Vegetarians will find options, though choices may be limited in some areas. Food is included, plentiful, and made of fresh local ingredients when trekking in remote regions.