Compare Southeast Asia Discovery: Seasides and Street Food by G Adventures vs The Mekong and Icons of Southeast Asia: Ha Long Bay, Angkor Wat & Luang Prabang by Road Scholar

Day 1 Bangkok

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.

You must arrive on tour with your Vietnamese visa. See the Visa section of the Tour Details for more information and exceptions.

Day 2 Bangkok/Siem Reap

Cross the border from Thailand into Cambodia, your home base for exploring Siem Reap and the incredible Angkor Wat. Opt to check out Phare Circus, 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.

Day 3 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.

Day 4 Siem Reap/Phnom Penh

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.

Day 5 Phnom Penh

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.

Phnom Penh can be confusing and we recommend to always keep a hotel card with you when you are exploring.

Day 6 Phnom Penh/Koh Rong

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.

Please note that during monsoon season (between June to October), this itinerary may be subject to change based on weather conditions. If heavy rains and flooding prevent our boat from safely travelling to Koh Rong island, we will provide alternate activities and accommodations in a nearby town.

Day 7 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!

Day 8 Chambok Homestay

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.

Day 9 Chambok Homestay/Ho Chi Minh City

Cross another 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.

Day 10 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.

During January/February, Tết (the Vietnamese Lunar New Year) sees millions of Vietnamese commute to be with their families and celebrate. While this is a fascinating time to travel through Vietnam, availability of transport may mean that we will replace the overnight train with an overnight bus.

Day 11 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.

Day 12 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.

Day 13 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, grab a drink on our tab and 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.

Day 14 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.

Day 15 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.

Day 16 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.

Day 17 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.

Pre-book the full-day Caving in Phong Nha adventure to explore the longest cave in Asia, Paradise Cave, with massive stalactites. Enjoy a sumptuous Vietnamese lunch, then boat to the turquoise beach of Phong Nha Cave.

Day 18 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!

Day 19 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.

Day 20 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.

Day 21 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 drink on us to celebrate new adventures with new friends. Cheers to keeping life exciting!

Day 22 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.

Day 23 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.

Day 24 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.

Day 25 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.

Day 26 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.

Day 27 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.

Day 28 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.

Day 29 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.

Day 30 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.

Day 1 In Transit to Program In Flight

Day 2 En Route In Flight

Day 3 Arrival Hanoi, Orientation, Welcome Dinner Hanoi

Hotel check-in available from 2:00pm. Arrivals throughout the day and early evening. Please note: If you arrive at the program late and miss Orientation, the Group Leader will give you a brief overview the following day.

Check in to your hotel and rest after the long journey to Vietnam. Please note: if you arrive at the program late and miss Orientation, the Group Leader will give you a brief overview the following day. *Orientation*: The Group Leader will greet everyone with a warm welcome and lead introductions. In addition to the program theme and logistics, we will review the up-to-date daily schedule and any changes, discuss responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. We will review COVID-19 protocols and will adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines and requirements throughout the program. Please be aware that indicated times are approximate and that program activities and schedules could change due to local circumstances such as weather, traffic conditions, etc. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. During free time, the Group Leader will often be available for informal excursions, activities, or meals not included in the program. You are welcome to join if you wish, with any associated costs at your own expense, or you may explore independently.

At leisure.

Welcome Dinner with a welcome drink at the hotel, featuring a taste of local food. Bottled water, coffee & tea included; additional beverages available for purchase.

Day 4 Hanoi Exploration, Museum of Ethnology Hanoi

Getting on/off motorcoach; minimal driving. Walking up to 2 miles total throughout the day on paved, mostly level, surfaces.

We begin the morning with a presentation on the History of Vietnam, led by a local expert. Next, we board a private motorcoach and visit Ba Dinh Square where Ho Chi Minh himself read out the Declaration of Independence in 1945. Inside Ba Dinh Square, revel at the simplicity of Ho Chi Minh's house. Visit the One Pillar Pagoda, constructed to celebrate the heiress Emperor Ly Thai Tong, who dreamt about receiving a son from the Buddhist goddess of mercy and compassion.

We board the motorcoach and transfer to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university. For those interested, we continue on a guided visit of the Museum of Ethnology and learn about the lives and cultures of the 54 ethnic groups that live in Vietnam. The remainder of the afternoon is free for us to explore on our own.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

At a local restaurant. Bottled water, coffee & tea included; additional beverages available for purchase.

This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on our own to enjoy what we like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.

Day 5 Transfer to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site Halong Bay

The transfer from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay via motorcoach is approximately 3 hours with a rest stop en route.

We board a private motorcoach and drive to Halong Bay. Along the way, we learn about Northern Vietnamese life from our Group Leader. Late morning, we board a traditional Vietnamese Junk for one night. "Ha Long" which means "Bay of Descending Dragons," is a stunning a site, famous for its scenic ocean karst topography and peaceful horizon.

Using small rowboats to come ashore, we visit Thien Canh Son Cave. Later in the afternoon we have a presentation on the ecology and environmental issues of Halong Bay.

At leisure.

Buffet at the hotel.

Aboard the boat. Enjoy characteristic Vietnamese cuisine with appetizer, choice of entrée, and dessert.

Aboard the boat. Bottled water, coffee & tea included; additional beverages available for purchase.

Day 6 Halong Bay, Coach to Hanoi, Old Quarters, Water Puppet show Hanoi

The transfer from Halong Bay to Hanoi via motorcoach is approximately 3 hours with a rest stop en route.

Enjoy sunrise and a leisurely morning cruising through Halong Bay. On an early morning excursion, we reboard our small rowboats to explore a local fishing village. Afterwards, we return to the boat for brunch and prepare for check-out.

Explore Hanoi's vibrant Old Quarter beginning with a cyclo ride near Hoam Kiem Lake. We also visit a restored 'tube house' to see how residents in this area once used to live. Remnant of a bygone era, the Old Quarter has the original street layout and architecture of old Hanoi. At the beginning of the 20th century the city consisted of only about 36 streets, most of which are now part of the Old Quarter. Each street then had merchants and households specialized in a particular trade, such as silk traders, jewellery, etc. The street names nowadays still reflect these specializations, although few of them remain exclusively in their original commerce.

Engage in a traditional northern Vietnamese “Mua Roi Nuoc” performance -- a water puppet show. Water puppetry is performed in a pool, and typically depicts scenes from rural life and episodes of national history. This uniquely northern Vietnamese art form is a centuries old variation on ancient Asian puppet traditions. Puppets would be put out to watch over crops and, when fields flooded, villagers would entertain themselves with the puppets.

Early morning coffee, tea and pastries.

Brunch on board the boat before returning to the port of Halong Bay, disembarking and transferring back to Hanoi by private motorcoach.

At own arrangements.

At a local restaurant. Bottled water, coffee & tea included; additional beverages available for purchase.

Day 7 Fly to Laos, Board Riverboat, Explore Night Market Luang Prabang

Flight from Hanoi to Laos approximately 1 hour. Board Mekong Sun. Please note: Every river cruise on the upper Mekong is a pioneering experience and is subject to constantly changing river conditions, including floodwaters and shallows. The river-cruise itinerary of this tour may be altered due to the logistical complexities, or for safety reasons, depending on weather and river conditions.

Luggage out and hotel check-out. We transfer to the airport for our flight to Luang Prabang, Laos.

Arrive in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Upon arrival, we transfer by coach to board the Mekong Sun - our home for the next five nights. We have time to settle in before dinner.

After dinner, those interested can take a 10 minute walk into town and hike up Phusi Hill. The hike up is approximately 20 minutes along a path with some steps. In front of Phusi Hill is the Hmong Night market. This is where a lot of ethnic minorities, especially the Hmong community, sell handmade items. There are many other items for sale making this market a great place to explore. It is a huge part of the Luang Prabang community in the evening.

Buffet at the hotel.

Light lunch provided on the flight.

On board the boat. Three course plated meal.

Day 8 Luang Prabang, Alms Giving, Morning Market, Wat Xieng Thong Luang Prabang

After breakfast, we embark on a walking discovery of Luang Prabang town. This town is unique as it dotted with temples and lies on the confluence of the Mekong River and the Nam Khan river. The morning discovery, takes you through the small town, exploring the architecture and the way of life. End the walk at Wat Xieng Thong, one of the most important Lao monasteries and a significant monument to the spirit of religion, royalty and traditional art. The temple complex has over twenty structures including a sim, shrines, pavilions and residences. It was built from 1559-1560 by the Lao King Setthathirath and was a royal temple where the Lao kings were crowned until 1975, when the monarchy was dissolved in Laos. The temple is a good representation of typical Lao art and craft.

After lunch we return to the boat and participate in a safety drill before beginning our cruise on the Mekong River. Later in the afternoon, we join the cruise director for a talk on the plight of Asian Elephant.

At leisure.

Before breakfast, we walk into town to witness a very traditional part of Lao culture, Tak Baht. Observe the devout Buddhists giving alms to monks as they make their daily procession along the streets. Hundreds of Monks from different temples will walk through the city in their daily ritual of collecting alms for their meals. Afterwards, we explore the morning market before returning to the Mekong Sun for a buffet breakfast.

At a local restaurant. Laos food served family-style.

Captain's Welcome Dinner on the sundeck.

Day 9 Village Visit, Elephant Experience, Pak Ou Caves Mekong River

Getting off and on smaller boats. There are around 220 steps to the first and second set of caves to see all the Buddha images.

Embark on a small local boat up the Mekong River to Pak Ou Village. Here we can watch and feed the Asian Elephants in the village. We return to our boat and cross the river to Pak Ou Caves.These caves house thousands of votive Buddha statues left by pilgrims. We take a short walk through the forest to visit a traditional Laotian village. In the village, you see how the villagers make Lao-Lao - a traditional local rice liqueur.

We cruise down the scenic Mekong River. Later in the afternoon we enjoy a talk on Laos, the country and its people.

At leisure.

Buffet on board the boat.

Buffet on board the boat.

On board the boat.

Day 10 Wild Nature Along the Mighty Mekong Mekong River

The boat cruises further along the Mekong River, passing impressive landscapes and awe inspiring rock formations. This morning we visit a local village school that is supported by the Mekong River Cruise fleet. Here we meet the local school children and learn a bit about the education system in Laos (school visit subject to holidays and exam schedules).

Further along the Mekong, the boat stops at a sandbank for the evening.

At leisure.

Buffet on board the boat.

Buffet on board the boat.

On board the boat.

Day 11 Kuang Si Waterfall, Luang Prabang, Baci Ceremony Luang Prabang

The boat continues cruising towards Luang Prabang. We stop at a village and board a minivan to visit Kuang Si Waterfall. This is a great place to see some locals enjoying time with their families. We return to the boat by minivan.

We arrive back in Luang Prabang with some free time before dinner to further explore this amazing town.

Participate in a traditional Laos Baci Ceremony that serves as a farewell (or welcome) ceremony giving you good wishes for your journey ahead.

Buffet on board the boat.

Buffet on board the boat.

'Farewell Dinner' on board the boat.

Day 12 Disembark Boat, Fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia Siem Reap

Flight time from Luang Prabang, Laos, to Siem Reap, Cambodia, is approximately 1 ½ hours.

This morning we disembark the boat and transfer to the airport for our flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Upon arrival in Siem Reap, we transfer to our program hotel. After checking in, we join our local guide for a quick orientation to Siem Reap and Cambodia. Afterwards, we watch a film about Cambodia's history in the hotel meeting room.

At leisure.

Buffet on board the boat.

Light lunch provided on the flight.

At the hotel. Bottled water, coffee & tea included; additional beverages available for purchase.

Day 13 Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Free Time, Apsara Dance Siem Reap

Walking 2-3 miles on uneven surfaces with many steps, some without railings.

Enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Angkor Wat as it is silhouetted in the sky during sunrise. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 15th century. As the best-preserved temple at the site, Angkor Wat, is the only temple to have remained a significant religious centre since its foundation is Hindu - dedicated to the god Vishnu - then Buddhist. The temple is at the top of the high classical style of Khmer architecture. We return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast we explore Angkor Thom, the last and most enduring capital city of the Khmer empire. Established in the late twelfth century by King Jayavarman VII, at the center of the city is the mesmerizing temple of Bayon.

After lunch we have free time to explore Siem Reap, or simply relax at the hotel. In the late afternoon/early evening, we gather once more in the hotel meeting room to watch the movie "The Flute Player".

Enjoy an Apsara Dance performance by a group of local artists that are working to preserve traditional Cambodian classical arts. As evidenced in part by the innumerable apsaras (celestial dancers) that adorn the walls of Angkorian and pre-Angkorian temples, this dance has been a part of Khmer culture for more than a millennium.

At the hotel.

At a local restaurant.

At a local restaurant. Bottled water, coffee & tea included; additional beverages available for purchase.

Day 14 Ta Prohm, Banteay Srei, Landmine Museum Siem Reap

Early morning departure by motorcouch to visit Ta Prohm temple (approximately 7 miles/20 minutes drive), then walking around 1½ miles on flat dirt paths through forest to reach Ta Prohm. Motorcoach transfer from Ta Prohm to Banteay Srei temple (approximately 16 miles/45 minutes drive) then walking around ½ mile. Visiting Banteay Srei can be very hot as there is very little shade.

We have an early start to visit Ta Prohm temple in Siem Reap Province before the crowds get there. Built at the height of the Khmer Empire by Jayavarman VII as a Buddhist monastery and center of learning, Ta Prohm has a traditional Khmer structure consisting of a series of gradually smaller enclosures, the largest of which is about 1000 by 650 meters (3,300 x 2,100 feet). The sanctuary is centered around the huge, elevated stone face of Prajnaparamita, the personification of wisdom, whose features were modeled after those of the king's mother. Ta Prohm's popularity has soared in recent years along with the rest of the Angkor complex, but especially because of its appearance in the movie "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider." We continue to Banteay Srei - the Citadel of Women - a pink, sandstone temple built in the latter half of the 10th century by Rajendravarman II and Jayavaraman V.

Explore the Landmine Museum and learn about the landmine issues in Cambodia. We return to the hotel in Siem Reap by coach.

Say farewell to new Road Scholar friends and pack and prepare for departures tomorrow. The Group Leader will discuss transfers to the airport.

At the hotel.

At a traditional Khmer style house in an open-air setting with fan.

'Farewell Dinner' featuring local cuisine with bottled water, coffee & tea included; additional beverages available for purchase.

Day 15 Program Concludes, Departures Home In Flight

Hotel check-out at 12:00noon.

If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and Instagram feed to share photos of our program. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Hotel buffet. Program concludes.