Vietnam, Laos & Thailand: Riversides & Railways

G Adventures · 22 days

4.6

20 Reviews

Duration

22 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Now's the time to explore Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers.

Includes

Activities

Your G for Good Moment: Oodles of Noodles, Hoi An Your G for Good Moment: Mekong River Homestay & Traditional Performance, Muang Pakbèng Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends Your Discover Moment: Ho Chi Minh City Your Foodie Moment: Nha Trang Street Food Crawl, Nha Trang Your Big Night Out Moment: Reminisce Riverside, Hoi An Your Big Night Out Moment: Vang Vieng Nightlife, Vang Vieng Your Discover Moment: Luang Prabang Your Discover Moment: Chiang Mai Your Big Night Out Moment: Bangkok
Halong Bay boat cruise with lunch
Slow boat on the Mekong
Guided hike in Vang Vieng
Orientation walk, sunset visit to Wat Phousi, and waterfall excursion in Luang Prabang
Orientation walks in Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, and Hanoi
Two street food crawls in different cities
Internal flight
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodation

Simple hotels (twin-share) (9 nts), hostels (multi-share) (7 nts), sleeper trains (4 nts) homestays (1 nts).

17 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner

Transport

Air-con bus, train, walking, songthaew, local boat, junk boat, plane.

Group Leader

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Highlights

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

Vietnam, Laos & Thailand: Riversides & Railways

Trip Details

Duration

22 days

Transportation

Air-con bus, train, walking, songthaew, local boat, junk boat, plane.

Guide Language

English

Starts

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Finishes

Bangkok, Thailand

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

18 - 39 Year Olds Only, Budget

Physical Rating

Light

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!

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - 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.Activity - Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.Accommodation - Phan Anh Backpackers Hostel

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.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: 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.Activity - 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.Transport - Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.

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.

Exclusive inclusions: 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.Activity - 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!Accommodation - Bondi Backpackers Nha Trang

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.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: 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.Transport - Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.

Day 5: Da Nang/Hoi An

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.

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - 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. Activity - 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!Accommodation - Dolphin Hostel Hoi An

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 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.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - 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.Accommodation - Dolphin Hostel Hoi An

Day 7: Hoi An/Huế

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.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - 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.Accommodation - DMZ Hostel

Day 8: Huế/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.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - 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.Accommodation - Sai Gon Phong Nha Hotel

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.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Enjoy your free day. We recommend visiting the region's famous caves!Transport - Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.

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!

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - 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.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Halong Centrica Hotel

Day 11: Hạ Long Bay/Hanoi

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.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - 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.Accommodation - Anise Hotel Hanoi

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.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Explore Hanoi on foot, by bicycle or by tuk-tuk.Transport - 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.Accommodation - Vientiane Garden Boutique Hotel

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!

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - 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.Activity - 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

Day 14: Vang Vieng

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.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Set off and explore the beautiful Vang Vieng area, or relax to your heart's content.Accommodation - Thavisouk Riverside Hotel

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.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Watch the sunset from Luang Prabang's number one hilltop temple, Wat Phousi, with a 360-degree view of the city and Mekong River.Transport - Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.Activity - 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!Activity - 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

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.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - 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!Accommodation - Flora by Sanakeo Hotel

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.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - 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.Activity - 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

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.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - 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.Activity - 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

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.

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Free_time - Get out and explore this bustling city in northern Thailand.Accommodation - Chiang Mai Gate Hotel

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.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Get out and explore this bustling city in northern Thailand.Transport - Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.

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.

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Bangkok has so much to offer its visitors. Get out and explore!Activity - Whether it’s a pub crawl, drink specials or a bonfire on the beach, celebrate late into the night with your new best friends.Accommodation - New Siam 2

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.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

From
AUD $2799

AUD $2,239

(Tour only)

Offer ends 01 Apr, 2026 Per Person Standard

Duration: 22 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Now's the time to explore Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 20 May 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

Nathan L.

Traveled, June 2024

07/18/2024

I think that as an overall experience the tour was amazing! I did really enjoy every single day. I don’t think I ever had a day where I didn’t enjoy it. I don’t think it would’ve been so enjoyable if I didn’t have such a good CEO like Sovan

4.5

Max W.

Traveled, June 2024

07/17/2024

Beste Erfahrung aller Zeiten, würde jeden empfehlen so zu reisen!

Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990

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