Vietnam, Laos & Thailand: Riversides & Railways - 22 Days



Who is this trip for
Genders
- Female75%
- Male25%
Average age
Start / End
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Bangkok
Physical rating
Group size
1 - 18Meals included
21Highlights
- Relax in quaint Hoi An
- Cruise the blue waters of Halong Bay
- See Phong Nha's stunning underground river network
- Marvel at the Grand Palace in Bangkok
- Sample Vietnamese specialities on a street food crawl
- Explore limestone karsts in Vang Vieng.
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Summary
Now's the time to explore Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Party along the beautiful bay of Vietnam's Nha Trang with new friends, channel the French vibe sipping coffee riverside in Laos, and hunt down treasures in local markets. When it comes to this side of Southeast Asia, the choice is all yours. Feel free to soak up the spirit of this amazing part of the world.
Itinerary
Day 1
Ho Chi Minh City
Arrive at any time and welcome to the pulsing Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon.
For your first night out, wander with your CEO and group through Pham Ngu Lao Street that’s popping with many bars and backpackers. Pick the best looking spot to get to know your fellow travellers and cheers to new adventures!
Day 2
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 3
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 4
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 5
Da Nang/Hoi An
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 6
Hoi An
Noodles might be fun to eat, but they’re even more fun to make. Find out how during a visit to the tour operator-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 7
Hoi An/Hu?
Pre-book the "Hue Motorbike Tour" on the checkout page ahead of time to include this speedy activity on your tour.
Day 8
Hu?/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 9
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 10
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 11
H? Long Bay/Hanoi
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 12
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 13
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 night out to celebrate new adventures with new friends. Cheers to keeping life exciting!
Day 14
Vang Vieng
Pre-book the "Vang Vieng Adrenaline Bundle" on the checkout page ahead of time to include this excitement on your tour.
Day 15
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 16
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 17
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 18
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 19
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, catch a Thai boxing match, cycle around, or grab a bargain at the famous night market.
Day 20
Chiang Mai/Bangkok
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, take a bicycle ride in the countryside, or relax with a massage. Tonight, catch up on sleep during an overnight train and wake up in Bangkok.
Day 21
Bangkok
After arriving in Bangkok, the day is yours to freely explore the many sights of Thailand's bustling capital. Visit Wat Pho, the Grand Palace, National Museum, or Jim Thompson's House. Try a riverboat trip along the Chao Phraya River and through the canals (or klongs) for a different perspective of daily life in this busy city. Use this time to buy any last-minute souvenirs or treat yourself to a Thai massage. In the evening, celebrate the end of this amazing journey with your fellow travellers during a night out you won’t soon forget.
Day 22
Bangkok
Today, it’s time to say farewell to your group of newfound friends. Be sure to sneak in some last-minute photos and exchange social medias before you head on your way. Depart at any time.
What's Included
Accommodation
Simple hotels (twin-share) (9 nts), hostels (multi-share) (7 nts), sleeper trains (4 nts) homestays (1 nts).
Meals
Breakfasts: 17, Lunches: 3, Dinners: 1
Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
Vegetarian options availableLocal Guide
GuidedThis adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
Wifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Dates & Prices
Aug 25
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- Save 2%Mon 1 Sep 2025 > Mon 22 Sep 2025Guaranteed Departure🔥1 space of 18 left£1,499£1,469
- Save 26%Mon 8 Sep 2025 > Mon 29 Sep 2025Guaranteed Departure🔥2 spaces of 18 left£1,499£1,102
- Save 2%Mon 15 Sep 2025 > Mon 6 Oct 2025Guaranteed Departure🔥1 space of 18 left£1,499£1,469
- Save 31%Wed 17 Sep 2025 > Wed 8 Oct 2025Guaranteed Departure6+ spaces of 18 left£1,499Best offer£1,028
Customer reviews & ratings
It was an awesome experience. We did so much in such a short period of time and I got to experience things I definitely wouldn?t have been able to do on my own. You really get to experience the culture on these tours. I felt like doing a tour made it possible for me to do so much in a short period of time. I went a lot more places and did a lot more things than I would?ve done on my own. Plus it was super convenient having transportation arranged already. The tour guide makes things run smoothly.
Torrie Oct, 2024 VerifiedOne of the most amazing trips of a lifetime! First time in Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand and it was incredible. Sovann was a huge part of why the trip was amazing. We had a great group and all got along so well and was able to see everything in each country and really experience the cultures. Sovann knew so much about each place and was able to speak the languages of each place which was amazing. 100% because of our CEO Sovann. He was the most amazing tour guide and made sure everything went so smoothly. I never once felt stressed about anything. He was the best to hang out with and he truly made the entire experience amazing. Even when there was someone I did not want to room with, he was so understanding. Any trip that he leads is one that I would 100% go on!
Nicole Oct, 2024 Verified
Essential trip information
Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.
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