Vietnam & Laos: Homestays & Houseboats

20 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Additional images not provided by operator
Video not provided by operator
4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
100%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Small Group Tour
Now's the time to explore Vietnam and Laos with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Make your way from city to city, exploring local markets, relaxing on the beach, or visiting historical sites (or all of it if you’re really ambitious). You’ll get the chance to hike in Vang Vieng, cruise the Mekong, visit the Doi Suthep temple, or catch a Thai b...

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Explore vibrant cities
    • Shop in quaint hoi an
    • Float among the karsts of halong bay
    • Explore phong nha's underground cave and river network
    • Discover sleepy laos
    • Cruise the mighty mekong river
    • Learn how to make noodles at a g adventures-supported enterprise
    • Spend the night at a local village homestay
    • Visit the stunning temples of luang prabang
    • Sample local fare on a street food crawl through hanoi

What's this trip about?

    Now's the time to explore Vietnam and Laos with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Make your way from city to city, exploring local markets, relaxing on the beach, or visiting historical sites (or all of it if you’re really ambitious). You’ll get the chance to hike in Vang Vieng, cruise the Mekong, visit the Doi Suthep temple, or catch a Thai boxing match before you go home. There's lots to do in this part of Southeast Asia — you won't want to miss a thing.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 18 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityHo Chi Minh City
End CityChiang Mai

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

  • Asia
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam

Attractions

  • Chiang Mai
  • Da Nang
  • Hanoi
  • Ho Chi Minh
  • Hoi An
  • Luang Prabang
  • Mekong River
  • Vientiane

Activities

  • Adventure & Adrenaline
  • Culture
  • History
  • Nature
  • Wildlife viewing

Trip includes

    • Your G for Good Moment: Oodles of Noodles Demonstration and Lunch
    • Hoi AnYour G for Good Moment: Mekong River Homestay & Baci Ceremony
    • Muang PakbèngYour Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and GroupYour First Night Out Moment: Connect With New FriendsYour Discover Moment: Ho Chi Minh CityYour Big Night Out Moment: Reminisce Riverside
    • Hoi AnYour Big Night Out Moment: Vang Vieng Nightlife
    • Vang ViengYour Discover Moment: Luang Prabang
    • Halong Bay boat cruise with lunch
    • Street food crawl (Hoi An)
    • Orientation walk around Hanoi's Old Quarter
    • Slow boat on the Mekong
    • Temples of Luang Prabang
    • Witness the giving of alms (Luang Prabang)
    • Internal flight
    • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

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 fel...

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. Tonigh...

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.

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.

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 ni...

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.

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.

Day 8 Huế/Phong Nha

Your second day in Huế comes with more free time to enjoy the city. In the afternoon, cruise through Vietnam's stunning countryside to the green rocky mountains of Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park.

Day 9 Phong Nha/Hanoi

It’s time to head underground to explore the chilling 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 exp...

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!

Day 11 Ha 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 Street Food Walking Tour" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this yum on your tour.

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...

Day 13 Vientiane/Vang Vieng

Find a bit of peace partway through your trip with a visit north to Vang Vieng, a small town nestled among striking limestone karsts and the Song River. Take a guided hike to Pha Ngeun, the town’s highest viewpoint, 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 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.

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 a...

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 g...

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.

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.

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.

Day 20 Chiang Mai

Today, it’s time to say goodbye 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.

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $1,444
Price per day$72
Last Updated: 2/28/2020

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with G Adventures.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Travelstride Gift Card
One card, thousands of extraordinary trips
Gifts Card

G Adventures Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
Excellent
32,225
Great
10,081
Average
8
Disappointing
6
Terrible
28
Write a Review

Other G Adventures Reviews

S

Steve

Nov 2023

Written on

One of the Best Trips Taken to Europe!

We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimat...

K

Kim S.

Jun 2023

Written on

Great itinerary filled with variety of experiences & wonderful guide

Trip exceeded my expectations - not only did we have an excellent guide who was very personable, fun, and put extra attention to everyone's needs, but the country an...

C

Cara R

Jan 2023

Provided byG Adventures

I had the experience of a lifetime - the combination of the amazing country, our amazing tour guide and an amazing group made this the best trip imaginable.

I had the experience of a lifetime - the combination of the amazing country, o...

Write a Review

Travelers also viewed

Tour Operator

G Adventures

preferred
View Profile

G Adventures is an adventure travel pioneer offering the planet's most awe-inspiring selection of affordable small-group tours, safaris and expeditions. Our award-winning trips embrace authentic accommodation, exotic cuisine and local transport to put travellers on a first-name basis with the planet’s people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife.

Adventure travel is more than a vacation. It’s a chance to get to know your world better by putting yourself on a first-name basis with the people, places, and things that make it worth exploring. This is your planet. Come and get it.

All G Adventures tours share a common love of adventure, but life-altering experiences come in a variety of flavors. Here are some of the Travel Styles we offer:

"Comfort": “Adventure travel” doesn’t have to mean “roughing it.” Comfort tours offer the genuine experiences you want with more extras, frills, and upgrades.

"Classic": An unbeatable mix of uncommon experiences, insider access, cultural contact, and all the must-sees and -dos, Classic is adventure perfected.

"Active": Why just see the world when you could bike, hike, kayak, and multi-sport it? Why, indeed. Active tours keep travellers who like to move on the move.

"Yolo": You’re only young once. Make the most of it with Yolo tours, fun-filled and fast-moving adventures designed just for travellers aged 18 to 39.

"Family": Just because you settled down and had kids doesn’t mean your adventuring days are through. Family makes our big planet small enough for all.

"Local Living": Want to get under the skin of some of the most gorgeous and out-there places? Local Living tours grant access that even locals don't have.

"Private Groups": Got a group of eight or more and want to keep the fun to yourselves? Try a Private Group tour. You pick the who and where, we’ll handle the what.

No matter what kind of traveller you are, we’ve got a tour (or a dozen) that’ll fit you just right.

  • 100% Guaranteed Departures
  • Lifetime Deposits
  • 24/7 Service
  • Awards include one of National Geographic Traveler's Tours of a Lifetime and one of National Geographic Adventure's "Best Adventure Tour Outfitters." Several times named Canada's Favorite Adventure Tour Operator.

To speak with G Adventure Travel Specialist call 1-855-667-9514 

Why we love this operator
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
What they’re known for
Curated culturally immersive adventures for young adults and families that are tailored to a destination or specific theme.

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

Accommodation

Simple hotels (twin-share) (2 nts), hostels (multi-share) (13 nts), sleeper trains (3 nts), homestay (1 nt).,A variety of styles of hotels/guest houses 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. 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.

Transportation & 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. Local bus, air-con bus, train, walking, tuk tuk, local boat, junk boat, plane.,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.

Transportation & flights

Local bus, air-con bus, train, walking, tuk tuk, local boat, junk boat, plane. 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.
Guides
Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.
Requirements
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.,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.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Visa requirements
Please note that visas for Thailand, Vietnam 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 your 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 note that as of December 2008, 30 day Thai visas are no longer available at land borders. Only 15 day tourist visas are issued when you enter 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. 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 2 clean pages (minimum) in your passport and at least 6 months validity.
Health & Safety
Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. In Asia pharmacies tend to stock the same western drugs as you get at home but they are usually produced locally so please bring the full drug name with you when trying to purchase a prescription drug. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Be aware that petty theft can be an issue in some Vietnamese towns and cities especially late at night. A common tactic is opportunists on motorbikes that drive by and snatch bags. Please always leave valuables and passports etc in your hotel,in safety boxes if available,and only carry with you enough cash to spend for the day. Bags should always be carried over the neck and not left to sit on your shoulder. We do not recommend passengers to jump or dive into Kuang Sii Waterfalls in Luang Prabang, this may result in injury.
Meals Included
15 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Important Notes 1. COMBO TRIP Please note that this trip is a combination of multiple G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and/or particular vehicles operating your tour may change between tour segments. You may also expect some group members to join or leave the tour, between tour segments. Also note that in some major cities in Vietnam, many hotel rooms do not have windows. 2. EXTRAS Looking to add to your experience? Check out our Extras! Specially designed for travellers with unique interests, Extras are optional add-ons to your G Adventures trip that make your adventure more you-centric. Extras must be booked prior to departure, please see details in our optional activities field and ask your sales GCO or travel agent about booking. 3. BORDER CROSSING Ban Houayxay, Laos to Chiang Khong, Thailand - Laos to Thailand 4. WEIGHT RESTRICTION There may be a weight restriction for the internal flight on this tour. Each passenger is allowed to carry one checked bag with a maximum weight of 20kg (44lbs). Additional bags or excess weight charges may apply. These charges are the responsibility of the passengers. 5. PROOF OF EXITING VIETNAM Important thing to note for our travellers arriving into Vietnam, and travelling onwards with G Adventures to neighbouring counties (i.e. Cambodia & Laos). When you are checking onto your international flight heading to Vietnam, you will often be asked by airline ticket counter personnel to provide a proof of exit from Vietnam. In respect to this requirement, we encourage our travellers to print out a copy of their tour vouchers, along with a PDF copy of their Tour Details from the webpage. These references, along with entry and exit details on travellers Vietnam visa should be sufficient information.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.Dossier Disclaimer The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Trip ID
gadventure-24466

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save

Popular Trips

Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >
Sign in to reveal savings up to $700 per person!