Group Size Notes
Max 18, avg 12.
Meals Included
25 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners
Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. Included breakfasts will usually be asian style consisting of noodles or congee (rice porridge) or bread and eggs. Vegetarians will be able to find a range of different foods, although in some areas the choice maybe limited. While trekking in remote regions food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Transport
Local bus, songthaew, river raft, air-conditioned bus, train, walking, tuk-tuk, local boat, junk boat, plane.
About our Transportation
THAILAND
As the popularity of train travel in Thailand continues to grow domestically, some of the routes used on this tour do not have sufficient space during local public holidays, including New Year’s, Songkran, etc. During these times of the year, alternative transport may be arranged for one or more of the train journeys within Thailand on this tour.
VIETNAM
Train travel in Vietnam is very basic and train cleanliness is often not a priority for train staff. Sleeper trains normally have 4 seats per compartment, which convert into sleeping bunks (two upper and two lower). A sheet, pillow and blanket are provided, although many people prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet. At times, passengers of different genders may be required to share a sleeper train berth and/or share a compartment with people not travelling in your group.
Simple food is available on the train but many people like to stock up on freshly baked bread, cheese and fruit prior to departure. Water should also be bought before the journey.
Train journeys in Vietnam are an experience and allow you to get a real taste of Vietnam.
Local Flights
All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.
Solo Travellers
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
About Accommodation
A variety of styles of hotels/guesthouses are used on this trip. In many instances they might not be like what you are used to back home as service and efficiency can vary. In some areas we stay in simple local guest houses in stunning locations - rooms are small and simple and there may only be shared toilet facilities and showers.
Mekong River Homestay: Typically, the group is divided into two or more houses (depending on group size) in close proximity to each other. Sleeping arrangements are multi-share in the central living area of the homes – mattresses, blankets, pillows, and mosquito nets are provided. Bathroom facilities are shared.
Multi-share Accommodation: Multi-share same-sex accommodation is used on this tour, as such, if you are travelling with someone of a different gender you will not be in the same room. For private accommodation please see tours in our Classic Travel Style.
Chambok Homestay: This location has basic facilities including a squat toilet and douse shower (showering with a bucket)
What to Take
We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage. Be sure to check weather conditions online before you depart. We recommend you bring sun protection cream from home to ensure it meets your needs.
During the trek, you will only need to carry a daypack with your essentials. Your luggage will be stored at the hotel in Chiang Mai and your valuables in a group safety deposit box.
Your CEO will provide instructions on what you need to bring in your daypack on the trek. Usually, this includes a couple of changes of clothes, wet shoes (for river crossings), personal toiletries, flashlight/headlamp, tissues, any personal medications, and electronics you wish to bring along. A small drybag for electronics and a reusable water bottle may also be useful. During the trek, guides will have first aid kits.
Packing List
Health & Safety:
• Face masks (required)
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
• Rubber gloves
Note: Please pack clothing for the season in which you will be travelling. From Nov-Feb weather can be cold, so please pack warm clothing. From May-Oct it is the wet season, so please bring waterproof clothing.
Visas and Entry Requirements
Please note that visas for Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. For the most up to date information please check your Governments Foreign Ministry website or with you travel agent as rules do change.
THAILAND - Most nationalities do not need a visa for Thailand for stays of 30 days or less but if you do they are available on arrival at Bangkok Airport. Please ensure you obtain a multiple entry Visa as we do exit and re-enter Thailand on this tour.
Only 15 day tourist visas are issued when entering Thailand overland. If you are staying more than 15 days you should consider getting your visa prior to your trip.
Please note that certain nationalities (including: Bhutan, China, Cyprus, Czech, Estonia, Hungary, India, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Maldives, Oman, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Taiwan and Ukraine) may not be able to obtain visa at a land border.
CAMBODIA - Visas can be obtained in advance from your local Embassy or on arrival in Bangkok (if your tour begins in Thailand). You will need at least one full working day to arrange this. You can also obtain your visa at the Cambodian border or Siem Reap Airport for approx. $30 $ very easily. Please have *at least* 2 passport photos with you as well.
*Please have extra $ on hand in case the customs officials charge more at the border crossing.
Cambodia has now also introduced an e-visa that can be applied for in advance. Please contact the Embassy for more details if you would prefer to get your visa in advance (please be sure to check that your nationality is eligible).
Please be aware that you will require two clean pages (minimum) in your passport and at least six months validity.
VIETNAM - If you require a visa for Vietnam, they need to be arranged ahead of time (BEFORE your trip) as the processing time varies and they are not available upon arrival.
As of March 2017, a select 40 nationalities are now eligible to enter Vietnam with an E-Visa. Please contact your Foreign Ministry or Vietnamese consulate to see if your nationality is eligible. Please note that you should ONLY apply for a Vietnam E-Visa if you are entering Vietnam by international airport - either Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi) or Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City).
If you are entering Vietnam by land border, please apply for a regular visa for Vietnam. Many of the land borders we travel through do not accept the Vietnam E-Visa.
Please note that while MOST countries require a Visa ahead of time for Vietnam, certain countries may be allowed entrance for 15 days with proof of exit. As of July 1st, 2015 this will include citizens of Scandinavian countries, Japan, Russia, the UK, France, Germany, Spain and Italy. However, we STRONGLY recommend checking with your Embassy on the requirements as these change often. Please contact your Foreign Ministry for up to date entry/exit requirements. Your sales agent can assist with departure documentation from Vietnam once we are within 30 days from departure.
LAOS - Visas are issued upon arrival in Laos. You will need two passport size photographs and approx $50. Tourists are generally admitted to Laos for 15 days with a visa on arrival or for 30 days with a visa issued at a Lao embassy. Please bring lots of visa photos with you.
Please be aware that you will require four clean pages (minimum) in your passport and at least six months validity.
Optional Activities
Siem Reap
- Angkor Museum Visit (12$ per person)
- Tonle Sap Floating Village (22-26$ per person)
- Phare Circus (18$ per person)
- Siem Reap Quad Biking
Phnom Penh
- National Museum Visit (10$ per person)
- Silver Pagoda Visit (10$ per person)
- Tuol Sleng Museum (S-21 Prison) & Choeung Ek (Killing Fields) Half-Day Guided Tour (22-26$ per person)
Củ Chi
- Cu Chi Tunnels Guided Tour (20-25$ per person)
Ho Chi Minh City
- War Remnants Museum Visit (2$ per person)
- Ben Thanh Market
- Cholon Visit
- Reunification Palace Visit (2$ per person)
- Ho Chi Minh City Cyclo Tour (10$ per person)
- Dam Sen Water Park Visit (4$ per person)
Nha Trang
- Boat Tour and Snorkelling (25$ per person)
- Snorkelling
- Mud Bath Visit (20$ per person)
Hoi An
- Tailor Shops
- Cua Dai Beach
- Hoi An Bike and Boat Tour
- Hoi An Cooking Class (30$ per person)
- Thu Bon River Boat Trip (12$ per person)
- Hoi An Walking Tour
Mỹ Sơn
- Mỹ Sơn Excursion (30$ per person)
Huế
- Imperial Citadel Tour (7$ per person)
- Perfume River Cruise (10$ per person)
- Tien Mu Pagoda Visit
- Royal Tombs Entry (5$ per person)
- Cycling (10$ per person)
- Hue Motorbike Tour
- Hue City Tour
Phong Nha
- Caving in Phong Nha
Ha Long Bay
- Kayaking (10$ per person)
- Optional Welcome Meeting for Travellers on Combos
Hanoi
- Tran Quoc Pagoda Visit
- Hoan Kiem Lake Walk
- Thăng Long Water Puppet Theatre Performance (6$ per person)
- Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu) Visit
- Hanoi Foodie Culture Tour
Vientiane
- Wat Pha That Luang Visit (1$ per person)
- National Museum Visit (4$ per person)
- Wat Sisaket Visit (1$ per person)
- Buddha Park (1$ per person)
Vang Vieng
- Hiking
- Caving
- Bike Rental (2$ per person)
- Kayaking (25$ per person)
- Vang Vieng Adrenaline Bundle
Luang Prabang
- Wat Visoun Temples Visit (2.50$ per person)
- Phousi Temple Visit (2.50$ per person)
- Royal Palace Museum Visit (5$ per person)
- Wat Xien Thong Visit (2.50$ per person)
- Cooking Class (35$ per person)
- Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Centre Visit (8$ per person)
- Royal Ballet Theatre (15$ per person)
- Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre Entry (4$ per person)
- Sunrise Alms-giving
Chiang Mai
- Night Market
- Muay Thai Fight
- Northern Thai Cooking Class
- Chiang Mai Cycling Tour (30$ per person)
- Massage
- Full Day Tuk-Tuk Adventure
- Cooking Class
- Chiang Mai City Tour
Doi Suthep
- Doi Suthep Temple Visit (2$ per person)
Chiang Khong
- Massage (Southeast Asia)
A Word of Warning
Please do not buy gems in Bangkok unless you know what you are doing. Even if genuine you should not expect to be able to sell them at home. If you fall victim to a gem scam, we are unable to assist you.
Planeterra Foundation - the non-profit partner of G Adventures
Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism. Planeterra connects underserved local communities to the benefits of tourism by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses. These businesses support Indigenous people, empower women, grant youth access to employment opportunities, and protect the environment. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating their projects into G Adventures’ itineraries globally.
G Adventures is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need.
G Adventures Dollar-a-day Program - Make Every Day Count - Turn your travel into impact with
Planeterra Foundation.
Did you know? Most communities around the world do not benefit from tourism. Give back to the places you visit on your travels by creating opportunities for local people to earn an income, and protect the environment.
Make every day count by donating $1/day for the length of your trip, and join us in empowering the communities you will visit when you travel. 100% of your donation goes directly to Planeterra projects.
Minimum Age
Minimum age of 18 years for this trip.
International Flights
Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
Group Leader
Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.