Highlights of Vietnam, Laos & Thailand
3 countries, 3 capitals, 3 weeks
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Group Size: Max 22
Trip code: AVVL
Duration: 22 days
Discover the magic of Southeast Asia on this incredible 22 day tour. This dazzling continent has so much to offer. With beaches, historic sites and lush national parks in Vietnam, sleepy riverside towns and French colonial architecture in Laos, and vibrant neon-lit cities in Thailand, it’s the trip of a lifetime! We’ve thrown in street food tours, jungle hikes, cooking classes, a cruise round Ha Long Bay, a slow boat down the Mekong and a rural village homestay too – just spectacular!
Trip Highlights
- Cruise the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay on a traditional junk boat
- Explore the mountains and caves of Phong Nha National Park
- Go tubing in the picturesque town of Vang Vieng
- Wander the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An
- Witness alms-giving to the monks in Luang Prabang
- Take a slow boat down the Mekong
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Days 1 - 2: Ho Chi Minh City. Fly into Ho Chi Minh City on day 1. Meet your group and then head out to sample the nightlife and your first bowl of pho! On day 2 we’ll take you on an orientation walk before letting you explore the bustling city at your own pace – watch out for mopeds! Catch up on sleep tonight with an overnight train to Nha Trang.
Days 3 - 4: Nha Trang. Wake up in the seaside town of Nha Trang. Chill on the sandy beach, explore local markets or take an optional snorkelling trip to the nearby islands. In the evening of day 3, your guide will take you where the locals eat, on a mouth-watering street eats tour. On day 4, we’ll get the overnight train to Hoi An.
Days 5 - 6: Hoi An. Take an orientation walk round the mellow yellow streets of Hoi An. Grab a Vietnamese coffee and get some clothes made at one of the town’s tailors. On day 6, join a cooking class where you’ll learn how to cook different noodles, before tucking into your creations. Then opt for a bike ride to the beach or a river boat trip.
Day 7: Hue. Head north to the imperial city of Hue. There’s lots to do here with options to visit the Royal Citadel or cruise along the Perfume River. You can even pre-book a motorbike tour of the city for the authentic Vietnamese experience!
Days 8 - 9: Phong Na. Travel to spectacular Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Home of lush green mountains and vast caves, Phong Na is still amazingly unspoilt. Hike through the park and join an optional trip underground to the longest cave in Asia. On day 9, snuggle down on the overnight train to Hanoi.
Day 10: Ha Long Bay. Arrive early morning into Hanoi and transfer to Ha Long Bay. Board a traditional junk boat and cruise through the emerald waters past soaring limestone karsts. We’ll stop for a seafood lunch, before returning to Hanoi.
Day 11: Hanoi. Step back in time with an orientation walk through the city’s Old Quarter, stopping for the occasional bia hoi. There are various optional activities today, including pagoda and temple visits, street food walking tours and water puppet shows!
Day 12: Vientiane, Laos. Hop on a short flight to the capital of Laos. Free time this afternoon to explore the vibrant city. Visit some of the beautiful golden temples, the National Museum or take a trip to the famous Buddha sculpture park.
Days 13-14: Vang Vieng. Travel to the spectacular riverside town of Vang Vieng. Go tubing on the river, rent a bike or kayak, or explore stunning limestone karsts and caves on an optional hike.
Days 15- 16: Luang Prabang. Arrive in the picturesque colonial city of Luang Prabang in time for an orientation walk, followed by a amazing sunset at the hilltop Wat Phousi temple, which gives you a panoramic view of the city and the Mekong river. On day 16 we’re up early to witness the sunrise giving of alms to the monks, followed by a trip to beautiful Kuang Si Waterfall for a dip.
Days 17-18: Mekong River. Take a houseboat down the mighty Mekong, taking in the incredible scenery as we drift downstream. Spend the first night in a village homestay in Pak Beng. On day 18 we cross the border into Thailand.
Days 19-20: Chiang Mai. Arrive in the cultural heart of Thailand. Take a cooking class, watch a round of Muay Thai, join a cycling tour, visit the magnificent Doi Suthep temple or explore the rural lanes by tuk tuk on a day long adventure. Don’t miss the famous night market in the evening! On the evening of day 20, hop on an overnight train to Bangkok.
Days 21 - 22: Bangkok. Wake up in Thailand’s vibrant capital and spend the day exploring the sights. Opt to visit Wat Pho and the Grand Palace, take a trip down the Chao Phraya River, or just chillax with a traditional massage. The trip ends on day 22. You’ll need to make your own way to the airport or continue your travels in Thailand. See you soon!
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Online booking is unavailable for this trip
Online booking isn't currently available but if you'd like to enquire please use the form below. Alternatively if you'd like to discuss alternate trips or if you have any other questions please don't hesitate to contact us.The trip begins in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on day 1. You’ll need to make your own way from the airport to your starting accommodation. There are no activities planned for today until the welcome meeting at around 6pm this evening, so you can arrive whenever suits you. (Speak to a travel advisor if you would like us to arrange a private transfer in advance). A note in the hotel reception will let you know where your 6pm welcome meeting will be held.
The trip ends on day 22 in Bangkok, Thailand. You’ll need to arrange your own return transfer as well, but your guide can help you with this.
Please note, we can also arrange a private transfer for you when you arrive. Please contact a Travel Advisor for more information.
Accommodation
This tour includes 21 nights of accomodation. 6 nights will be in simple twin-share hostels, 10 nights in multi-share hostels, as well as 4 nights on overnight transport and 1 homestay.
Multi-share hostels are usually single-sex rooms of about 4-6 people with shared bathrooms. The Mekong homestay involves the group sleeping in the central living area and all bedding and mosquito nets are provided.
Meals
17 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 1 dinner are included on this trip.
The minimum age to join this trip is 18. This trip is designed for travellers aged 18-39.
Vietnam: British nationals will receive 45 days of entry to Vietnam visa-free on arrival.
Laos: Visas for Laos are usually issued upon arrival at the border for a cost of around $35 USD
Thailand: Without a visa, British nationals arriving by air or land can remain in the country for a maximum of 60 days.
Please note: Visa rules and regulations are subject to change. Please check individual embassy websites for up-to-date visa information.
Physical Rating: Light. The activities on this trip are suitable for most fitness levels.
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