Essential Southeast Asia: Hanoi, Phnom Penh & Thailand Good Times

Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Indulge your inner foodie with a street food tour through bustling Hanoi. Follow your guide through the back streets and markets of the city’s old quarter, sampling local fare along the way. Mingle with city natives and experienced street food artists alike, as you taste a variety of Hanoi faves like “nem ran” and “banh goi.” Stop at a streetside bar to savour a draught beer like Hanoians do. Cap off the tour at the Hanoi Food Culture restaurant, a G Values Fund Project, and try the city’s signature specialty coffee.

Visit Tam Chuc Pagoda on a CEO-guided tour then take some free time to explore on your own. Opened in 2019, Tam Chuc is the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia. It is a truly beautiful site with the sparkling lake in front and the rolling green mountains behind. Follow along with the many pilgrims who visit here for reflection and prayers.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Enjoy a free afternoon to do as much, or as little as your please.

You've got the whole day to do as you please. Bike, hike, boat or feet-up, the choice is yours!

Stretch out and get some well-earned rest en route to the next stop.

Explore the vibrant Dong Hoi wet/fish market with your CEO. The market is bustling in the early morning where locals come to buy and sell all manner of products including: seafood, vegetables, fruit, chickens, spices; even, frogs! After walking around the market we will grab a traditional Vietnamese breakfast of Banh Mi. The famed Banh mi sandwiches are a typical street food that originated in Saigon and are heavily influence by French cuisine. They are served on French baguettes with a French and Vietnamese fusion inside. Typically, they are mad up of pickled carrots, daikon, chiles, cucumber slices, cilantro, mayo, and (if you choose) a meat.

Hop on a bike and take a short cycling tour of Dong Hoi and the nearby villages. Gently peddle along through the countryside admiring the beautiful landscape and rural way of life including a stop at Bao Ninh fishing village.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

The day is yours with options for hiking and biking. We highly recommend the awe-inspiring caves of Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, where the oldest karst mountains and longest caves in Asia are found.

Built by local villagers to escape World War II bombings, take a guided tour of the Vinh Moc tunnels in a former Vietnamese demilitarized zone. Learn about the history of this complex underground tunnel system and its stories of human resilience.

Take some free time to explore Hua your way!

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Step off the beaten path and visit An Bang Cemetery–one of the largest cemeteries in the country. Covering 250 hectares, it's locally known as the City of Ghosts and is famous for its extravagant tombs for their deceased family members. Many stand two or three stories high and showcase elaborate ornate gold carvings often featuring dragons and other mythical creatures. Some of the larger tombs even include fully functional bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens reflecting loved ones strong belief of the afterlife, and the practice of honouring beloved ancestors.

Enjoy a stop at Beautiful Lang Co Beach. Walk along the palm lined white sand beach and take a dip in the calm turquoise coloured waters.

Drive through the spectacular Hai Van Pass, a 20km stretch of road that represents the division between northern and southern Vietnam, and is also one of the country's highest points at 500m above sea level. In Vietnamese, Hai Van roughly translates to "sea of clouds" and it's easy to see why. As your vehicle winds through the mountain roads, you'll see misty peaks rise above the South China Sea, with glimpses of pristine beaches, forests and the cityscape of Da Nang along the way.

Join your CEO on a stroll through the winding streets of Hoi An's Old Town and spot Chinese assembly halls, historic homes, and well-preserved pagodas along the way. (Entrance fee to Hoi An's Old Town is not included)

Enjoy a free day in Hoi An. You'll have lots to choose from, just ask your CEO for options.

Try some of the oodles of noodles (more than 26 types!) available in the city in this tasty cooking class. Run by our G for Good partners, STREETS International, this class was developed exclusively for G Adventures. Former street youth that are part of this hospitality training program, will help you prepare and cook a number of different types of noodles. This program helps these youth practice their English, increasing their skill-set and opportunities available to them in the tourism industry. Enjoy your yummy creations while learning more about the local cuisine and this initiative which empowers street youth through skills and employment training.

Your afternoon is free to relax, explore or try optional activities like making traditional lanterns, and visiting the ruins of My Son. Your CEO has lots of ideas if you need them.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Stretch out and get some well-earned rest en route to the next stop.

The Quy Nhon province has the highest number of Champaera ruins in Vietnam. The Cham temples were built in the 11th century by Champa rulers and you will visit the ruins of Thap Doi towers. These ancient sandstone structures have very similar characteristics as the Angkor complex in Cambodia.

Take a walk to explore the beautiful Eo Gió (translated as “Windy Waist”) coastline. Admire the jagged cliffs, hidden caves, and deep blue water as it smashes into the massive rocks. Swimming is not allowed, but you can cool off your feet in the rushing waves and keep your eyes open for fish and marine wildlife.

Visit beautiful Ky Co beach (Bãi Kỳ Co) considered one of the best beaches in Vietnam (known as the “Maldives of Vietnam”). Walk along the white sand and dive in to the crystal-clear blue water. Choose to do some snorkelling where you can view massive corals and colourful fish.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Stop at Gành Đá Dĩa, known as the "Giant’s Causeway of Vietnam." This unique landscape is a result of volcanic activity millions of years ago where lava flows reached the sea, solidified and cracks formed the stunning basalt columns. Erosion over thousands of years did the rest, creating unique shapes and forms seen today.

Take a relaxing dip in the therapeutic mud baths of Nha Trang. Thought to possess healing properties, the mud baths are the perfect place to unwind.

Enjoy a full free day in Nha Trang. Choose to hit the beach, go snorkelling, or visit local shops, beach bars and markets.

Stretch out and get some well-earned rest en route to the next stop.

Walk to the bustling Ben Thanh Market, filled with everyday goods, handicrafts, clothing, souvenirs, and lively hawkers trying to win over a customer. Continue to the Reunification Palace and learn about the power struggle between Vietnam's North and South regions. Continue to the French Quarter and admire its colonial architecture. See the Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Central Post Office, City Hall and the Opera House, before ending the tour at the quirky Cafe Apartments.

Wander this bustling market for more insight into Ho Chi Minh City. Pick up souvenirs, sample local cuisine, and experience local living. Learn a little history along the way; Ben Thanh started as a cluster of street vendors selling wares by the Saigon River, and was formalized into a true market in 1859.

The afternoon is yours, get out and explore this bustling city.

Enjoy a night out at one of Ho Chi Minh Citys' most popular karaoke bars!

Today you are free to go your own way. With so much to choose, chat with your CEO for some suggestions.

Follow your CEO on a delicious street food crawl through the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City. Sample a range of local dishes and delicacies that will off the best tastes of Vietnam.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Enjoy a thrilling excursion to sacred Sam Mountain and Hang (cave) Pagoda by motorbike. Hang Pagoda, built between 1840 and 1845 sits on the slopes of the mountain and is a National Historical monument. The pagoda is a mysterious place which is revered by locals for it's legends of a connection to the afterlife. Continue on to the summit of Sam Mountain (284m), a very sacred place with almost 200 temples, pagodas, hermitages scattered about. At the peak there are stunning views from the summit. Here you'll watch the sunset over the rice fields and rivers below.

Enjoy a sunrise boat trip on the Bassac River around the markets of Chau Doc. Wave at the fishermen, children on the way to school, and locals making their way to the work or market. We also make a stop at a fish farm and small Cham village before hopping off to visit Chau Doc Market.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Get ready to cross another country off your bucket list.

Visit Kep, a small seaside town which is renowned for it's seafood, specifically crabs. Follow your CEO through the bustling Kep crab/seafood market showcasing all manner of seafood. After a bit of exploration, your CEO will find the freshest crabs available (often pulled directly from crab pots in the ocean). We'll then connect with a local cook with will prepare the famous pepper crab in the traditional style for us to enjoy for lunch.

The day is yours! Relax at the hostel or choose from a variety of activities such as cycling, swimming, tours and boat cruises.

Take a tour of beautiful Monivong Bokor National Park. Here we'll visit the nature–reclaimed ruins of Damnak Sla Khmao, the former King's residence that was was used between the 50s and 60s. The palace has fallen into ruin and is covered with stunning works of graffiti. It also offers a stunning viewpoint of the surrounding Bokor Hill, home to thosands of butterflies. Also visit the abandoned church at Bokor Hill Station which was built by the French and is now covered in orange moss. Walk to the top of Bokor Hill Station at 1048 metres above sea level to Wat Sampov Pram. Built by King Monivong it is the highest Pagoda in Cambodia. If we're lucky, we'll have clear views across the Gulf of Thailand and the Preah Monivong National Park.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.

Welcome to paradise. We recommend you head directly to the beach–enjoy!

Enjoy a full free day to chill out on the beach, explore or do a little snorkelling. This is the day you've been waiting for–enjoy!

Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Visit a small village in the Chambok Community and enjoy a traditional Khmer meal prepared by the women of the region. After lunch a local guide will explain the history of the communities, and we’ll visit some of the nearby villages that make up the Chambok Community. Meet some of the local residents and learn more about how they live and work in a rural village. You’ll also meet a group women who will teach you to make traditional handicrafts using natural materials from the surrounding forest.

Take the day to do as much or as little as you choose. Check with your CEO for options.

Visit the infamous Skun Market known for selling all kinds of seasoned and deep fried insects and spiders. This bizarre market is a must see, with the stalls of vendors offering their unusual "tasty" treats. Take a walk through the rows and your CEO will purchase some deep fried tarantula's for those that are brave enough to try them.

Visit Santuk Silk Farm for a guided tour and view the process of silk production from beginning to end. Learn about the delicate 7-week life cycle of the silkworm and how from these unassuming creature Khmer golden silk is produced. This farm employs women artisan weavers; and you can watch them weave scarves and other items.

Take a guided tour of Sambor Prei Kuk ancient site–a UNESCO World Heritage site predating Angkor by over 100 years. This huge complex receives fewer visitors and includes almost 300 temples to explore. It's shocking to note that the site only opened up to visitors in 2007 having been filled with landmines from the Khmer Rouge period (these have been cleared for safe visits). Visiting this archaeological zone is exciting as it is less excavated and encompassed by surrounding forest.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Your day is free to explore all Siem Reap has to offer. Chat with your CEO for all the options.

Experience a memorable ride around the city in one of these open-air, three-wheeled vehicles. More chaotic than comfortable, taking at least one wild ride is part of the experience.

Depending on the day of the week your tour visits Siem Reap, you will either enjoy a traditional meal at the G Adventures-supported New Hope project or in a local home in a nearby village. With so many travellers coming through this area, alternating experiences helps to allow multiple small businesses to flourish. Both experiences are truly unique and memorable. The New Hope Vocational Training Restaurant, an initiative kickstarted by G Adventures, provides skill-building opportunities to marginalized community members. The project also funds the adjacent free community school and health centre. Meals at Phila's house support the education of underprivileged children in the area. Visit either project – both run by locals – and see how they have supported positive change in the community.

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

Bangkok's Chinatown is renowned for its mouthwatering street food. Follow your CEO through the backstreets and hidden laneways to sample the very best street-eats on offer.

Epic night life, delicious street food and affordable shopping? Say less!

Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.