Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, ThailandSoutheast Asia: Northern Hilltribe Trekking & Beach Vibes
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.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
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.
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
New Siam 2
Fly from Bangkok into Cambodia to Phnom Penh. Then drive to Siem Reap, your home base for exploring the city and the incredible Angkor Wat. Opt to check out Phare Circus tonight, a uniquely Cambodian experience. Prefer to plan ahead? Pre-book the "Phare Circus" activity when booking your tour to include this exciting activity in your itinerary.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Enjoy free time and see the Phare Circus.
Optional Activities - Day 2Show
Accommodation
Garden Village 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.
Angkor Wat Guided Tour
Enjoy a tour of the impressive ancient ruins with a local guide. Explore magnificent Angkor Wat temple--Visit the enigmatic faces of Bayon within the walled city of Angkor Thom, and tour Ta Prohm (aka the "Tomb Raider" temple), which is slowly being swallowed by the jungle.
Your G for Good Moment: Local Khmer Meal
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.
Your Big Night Out Moment: Big Night Out - Siem Reap
Head out for the evening and sample some insects, if you so desire. Cheers to all the life-changing adventures with newfound friends and dance the night away!
Optional Activities - Day 3Show
Accommodation
Garden Village Siem Reap
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.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Orientation With CEO
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Accommodation
Rose Emerald Hotel
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.
Free Time
Free time to tour the sites of Phnom Penh.
Street Food Crawl - Phnom Penh
Bring your appetite and your wallet. The CEO will bring the group to the best spots to eat and teach everyone about the local street food. Yum!
Optional Activities - Day 5Show
Accommodation
Rose Emerald Hotel
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Ferry
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Accommodation
Onederz Hostel 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!
Free Time
Free time to enjoy paradise and hang around on the beach.
Accommodation
Onederz Hostel Koh Rong
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.
Ferry
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Your Local Living Moment: Home Meal
Enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal served at a local residence – it's a great way to peek into day-to-day regional living.
Accommodation
Chambok Homestay
Cross the 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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Border Crossing (Cambodia - Vietnam)
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Get ready to cross another country off your bucket list.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Accommodation
Phan Anh Backpackers Hostel
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.
Free Time
Use your free time as you want in vibrant Ho Chi Minh City. Shop 'til your heart's content, immerse yourself in local culture, or just wander the streets to take in the city's unique vibe.
Orientation With CEO
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Basic Overnight Train (beds)
Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.
Optional Activities - Day 10Show
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.
Free Time
Spend your free time in this scenic resort town any way you want – go for a spa treatment, cycle around the city or just kick back and relax on a white sand beach.
Your Foodie Moment: Nha Trang Street Food Crawl
Bring your appetite and your wallet. The CEO will bring the group to the best spots to eat and teach everyone about the local street food. Yum!
Optional Activities - Day 11Show
Accommodation
Bondi Backpackers Nha Trang
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.
Free Time
Spend your free time in this seaside resort town any way you want – go for a spa treatment, cycle around the city or just kick back on a white sand beach.
Basic Overnight Train (beds)
Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.
Optional Activities - Day 12Show
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, to 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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Hoi An Orientation Walk
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)
Free Time
Get out and explore this beautiful city.
Your Big Night Out Moment: Reminisce Riverside
Follow your CEO to the best riverside bar in Hoi An to celebrate new adventures with new friends. Grab a drink and reminisce about your favourite experiences thus far. Later, venture to the dance floor, take advantage of the drink specials, and make it a night to remember!
Optional Activities - Day 13Show
Accommodation
Dolphin Hostel 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.
Your G for Good Moment: Oodles of Noodles
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.
Free Time
Enjoy some free time in Hoi An any way you want. Check out the beach, take in some local culture or purchase some custom-made clothing from one of the talented tailors in town.
Optional Activities - Day 14Show
Accommodation
Dolphin Hostel Hoi An
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Enjoy your free time in Hue any way you want. Shop, eat, wander or relax - whatever suits your fancy.
Optional Activities - Day 15Show
Accommodation
DMZ Hostel
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Enjoy your free time in Hue any way you want. Shop, eat, wander or rest - whatever suits your fancy.
Optional Activities - Day 16Show
Accommodation
Sai Gon Phong Nha Hotel
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.
Free Time
Enjoy your free day. We recommend visiting the region's famous caves!
Basic Overnight Train (beds)
Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.
Optional Activities - Day 17Show
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!
Hạ Long Bay Junk Boat Trip
Come aboard a sailing junk to cruise past thousands of limestone islands and karsts that rise from the waters of Halong Bay. See the intricate caves and beauty of the islands up close. Enjoy a seafood lunch and a visit to one of the island’s caves before transferring to the mainland for our overnight stay. On rare occasion Halong Bay is closed to tourist vessels by the government authorities due to extreme weather conditions. Should this occur, an alternate activity will be provided.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Optional Activities - Day 18Show
Accommodation
Halong Centrica Hotel
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Old Quarter Orientation Walk
Take an orientation walk through Hanoi's Old Quarter, a maze of streets, each one traditionally devoted to a different product or industry. Each street is named after the trade practiced on that street for several generations; it's an interesting glimpse into the life of a Hanoian in one of the oldest parts of town. Need a rest? Stop at Bia Hoi corner and pull up a plastic stool. Drink the local brew with the locals and make new friends.
Free Time
Get out and explore Hanoi.
Optional Activities - Day 19Show
Accommodation
Anise Hotel Hanoi
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.
Free Time
Explore Hanoi on foot, by bicycle or by tuk-tuk.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Free Time
Set out and explore the capital of Laos.
Optional Activities - Day 20Show
Accommodation
Vientiane Garden Boutique Hotel
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!
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Vang Vieng Guided Hike
Set off on a guided hike to Pha Ngeun, the highest viewpoint in Vang Vieng. Enjoy beautiful views of the valley below, surrounded by rice paddies.
Your Big Night Out Moment: Vang Vieng Nightlife
Follow your CEO to the best bar in town to celebrate new adventures with newfound friends. Enjoy a night out and immerse yourself in the Vang Vieng nightlife. Try your hand at some games, enjoy the music, and dance the night away.
Accommodation
Thavisouk Riverside Hotel
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.
Free Time
Set off and explore the beautiful Vang Vieng area, or relax to your heart's content.
Optional Activities - Day 22Show
Accommodation
Thavisouk Riverside Hotel
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.
Sunset at Wat Phousi
Watch the sunset from Luang Prabang's number one hilltop temple, Wat Phousi, with a 360-degree view of the city and Mekong River.
Bullet Train
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Street Food Crawl
Bring your appetite and your wallet. The CEO will bring the group to the best spots to eat and teach everyone about the local street food. Yum!
Orientation With CEO
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Accommodation
Flora by Sanakeo Hotel
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.
Kuang Si Waterfalls Excursion
Journey to this magnificent tiered waterfall, where relaxing is highly recommended. Opt for a dip in the turquoise waters and explore multiple picture-perfect pools, framed by the jungle landscape.
Free Time
From witnessing the giving of alms in town to exploring the countryside, Luang Prabang has something for everyone. Get out and explore!
Optional Activities - Day 24Show
Accommodation
Flora by Sanakeo Hotel
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.
Mekong River Slow Boat
Enjoy the ride down the Mekong River on our private boat (it’s pretty comfortable and spacious, and there’s a toilet on board). Have some fruit, tea, and coffee (free of charge); water and soft drinks are available for purchase.
Your G for Good Moment: Mekong River Homestay & Traditional Performance
G Adventures and the Planeterra Foundation have worked with two communities in the Mekong River to help develop their homestay programs, providing a unique cultural experience for travellers and the local community. Here you have the chance to stay overnight in a Mekong village to get a glimpse into rural daily life. Enjoy dinner with your hosts. Experience a traditional Khamu Cultural Performance, and enjoy the chance to dance with the locals.
Accommodation
Ban Huay Thum Homestay
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.
Mekong River Slow Boat
Enjoy the ride down the Mekong on our private boat (it’s pretty comfortable and spacious, and there’s a toilet on board). Have some fruit, tea, and coffee (free of charge); water and soft drinks are available for purchase.
Border Crossing (Laos - Thailand)
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Accommodation
Namkhong Guesthouse
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.
Free Time
Get out and explore this bustling city in northern Thailand.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Optional Activities - Day 27Show
Accommodation
Chiang Mai Gate Hotel
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.
Free Time
Get out and explore this bustling northern Thai city.
Optional Activities - Day 28Show
Accommodation
Chiang Mai Gate Hotel
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.
Pickup Truck
Hop into the back and ride along to the next destination.
Hilltribe Trek Day 1
Hit the road in an open pickup truck for Mae Malai where there is time to visit a local market to purchase food and snacks. Start the trek through forests and rugged terrain to Baan Mae Jok, a Karen village.
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.
Hilltribe Trek Day 2
After breakfast, trek 3.5-4 hrs to reach the lunch stop. Take in the beautiful scenery along the way. Enjoy lunch before carrying on another hour or so to the Karen village of Ban Pa Khao Lam.
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 to cheers to a completed trek and life-changing adventures!
Bamboo Rafting to Lahu Village
Board the traditional bamboo raft for a leisurely ride down the Mae Tang River. Reach the Lahu hill tribe village near Ban Pong Ngan. Enjoy a visit with the locals here and learn about the life and unique culture of the Lahu tribe.
Lahu Village Visit
Take a bamboo raft down the Mae Tan River for one hour journey to a Lahu village to witness a lifestyle that dates hundreds of years.
Bamboo Rafting to Shan Village
Board a traditional bamboo raft and enjoy a ride through some small rapids on the Mae Tang River.
Pickup Truck
Hop into the back and ride along to the next destination.
Your Big Night Out Moment: Chiang Mai Celebration
Tonight's the night to celebrate all the wild and humbling adventures you've just shared with new friends. Head out into the city and reminisce the night away!
Accommodation
Chiang Mai Gate Hotel
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.
Free Time
Enjoy a final day to check out Chiang Mai.
Basic Overnight Train (beds)
Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.
Optional Activities - Day 32Show
Today is departure day, but do not fret! There is no such thing as goodbye, only until next time. Be sure to sneak in some last-minute photos with your newfound friends and exchange social medias before you head on your way. This adventure ends in Bangkok, on arrival at the train station (approximately 8am).
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
