Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam, by Land and Sea

23 days
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Small Group Tour
Start your journey with Thailand and Cambodia on a trip is jam-packed with experiences and destinations that venture beyond where others go. Thailand's stunning beauty and charismatic culture are ever-present. Witness traditional hilltribe life in a H'mong village, support the rehabilitation of the endangered Asian elephant, step back in time in the ancient k...

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Whip up a culinary storm and taste delicious local dishes in a Thai cooking class in Chiang Mai
    • Travel like the locals do on an overnight sleeper train, the best way to travel long distances, meet locals and maximise time at destinations
    • Make some new pachyderm pals at the unique Friends of the Asia Elephants Hospital and learn about the great work they do to protect these magnificent creatures
    • Uncover the ancient charms of Sukhothai as you leisurely cycle around the ruin-filled Historical Park, and feel your own cheerfulness increasing in the city named ‘Rising Happiness’
    • Pay your respect at the memorials by the infamous ‘Bridge over the River Kwai’ – learn about its dark history and the construction of the death railway in Kanchanaburi during the war
    • Discover the contrasting sides to Cambodia’s history at Phnom Penh’s Tuoi Sieng Genocide Museum (S21) and Choeung Ek, and the city’s Royal palace and Silver Pagoda
    • Dine at the Friends restaurant to taste delicious local food and support an organisation that helps vulnerable local children
    • Uncover the incredible structures and history of Angkor Wat on a fully guided tour
    • Go where few tourists have gone – to the astounding Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, where caves as long as 30 kilometres were discovered only recently
    • The Vinh Moc tunnels and Khe Sanh Combat Base provide an eye-opening insight into the history of the America-Vietnam war

What's this trip about?

    Start your journey with Thailand and Cambodia on a trip is jam-packed with experiences and destinations that venture beyond where others go. Thailand's stunning beauty and charismatic culture are ever-present. Witness traditional hilltribe life in a H'mong village, support the rehabilitation of the endangered Asian elephant, step back in time in the ancient kingdom of Sukhothai and try your hand at creating some gastronomic delights. Cross the border and combine the magnificence of the Khmer Empire with lively Phnom Penh for the perfect way to get acquainted with the captivating nation of Cambodia. Witness the grandeur of ancient Angkor Wat, see the enigmatic faces of the Bayon, confront the tragedy of the recent past and delight in the hopes for the future. Then head to Vietnam to explore the stunning coastline, hundreds of miles long, which is seen mostly by local fisherman. Small-ship adventure cruising, however, is a way of experiencing not only the must-see limestone scenery of Halong Bay, but also those destinations most travellers haven’t discovered yet. The star of this particular show is Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, an unspoiled haven of cliffs, mountains, rivers and impossibly long caves that were discovered barely a decade ago. Add in historic Hue, vibrant Hanoi and the important war sites of Vinh Moc and Khe Sanh, and this becomes one unforgettable week of leisure and discovery in Vietnam.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeGroup - max of 48 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportRound trip airfare and all internal transport included
Start CityBangkok
End CityHanoi

Travel Themes

  • Cultural

Destinations

  • Asia
  • Cambodia
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam

Attractions

  • Angkor Wat
  • Chiang Mai
  • Hanoi
  • Killing Fields
  • Phnom Penh
  • Siem Reap

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Bangkok

Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. Thailand's bustling capital is famous for its tuk tuks, khlong boats and street vendors serving up delicious Thai food. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the ...

Day 2 Bangkok / overnight train

Begin the day with a river cruise down the Chao Phraya River to explore the famous ‘khlongs’ (canals) (approximately 1 hour). Life along these canals seems a world away from the chaotic streets of the capital. Pay a visit to the magnificent Grand Palace and the Temple...

Day 3 Chiang Mai

The most vibrant city in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai has many famous temples and an interesting old city area. Renowned for dazzling beauty and extremely welcoming locals, the ‘Rose of the North’ will leave you spellbound. Chances are, you won’t want to leave. Embar...

Day 4 Chiang Mai

Discover some of the secrets of Thai cuisine by joining a cookery course. Learn about the main ingredients of Thai cuisine, how they are used and stored and what alternatives you can substitute if you can't get them at home. Questions are welcome and you are provided ...

Day 5 H'mong Lodge

Board a minivan for the drive north to the H'mong Hilltribe Lodge, set in picturesque hilly countryside (approximately 1.5 hours). Set in a peaceful valley of a scenic mountain range and surrounded by stunning natural landscapes of jungle with misty mountain views, th...

Day 6 Sukhothai

Depart the hilltribe village this morning and head on to Lampang (approximately 2 hours). Lampang, also known locally as 'mueang rot ma' meaning Horse Carriage City, is considered by some Thais as the last paradise in Thailand. Here you’ll pay a visit to the Friends o...

Day 7 Sukhothai

Located on a fertile plain, Sukhothai was established in the 13th century as one of the first ancient capitals of Siam, and the name means the 'Dawn of Happiness'. It’s now famous for its World Heritage-listed historic park that celebrates the Golden Age of Thai civil...

Day 8 Kanchanaburi

Travel south by private minibus to Kanchanaburi (approximately 6 hours). There will be plenty of stops along the way to stretch your legs and you will take a break for lunch in a local resaurant. Located where the confluence of the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai rivers, Kanchanaburi is home to the infamous 'Bridge on the River Kwai'.

Day 9 Kanchanaburi

This morning you’ll get an insight into the darker side of Kanchanaburi’s history with a moving visit to the Hellfire Pass Memorial, built to honour the Allied POWs and Asian conscripts who died while constructing some of the most difficult stretches of the Thai-Burma...

Day 10 Bangkok

Return to the bustling capital Bangkok by private minivan today approximately 3 hours). The rest of the day (until the evening) is free for you to enjoy all that Bangkok has to offer, and for anything that you might not have got around to at the start of the trip. May...

Day 11 Phnom Penh

Today you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight from Bangkok to Phnom Penh, flight time is approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. Upon arrival you will be picked up from the airport and transferred to your hotel in Phnom Penh. ...

Day 12 Phnom Penh

Today a full city tour introduces you to the sights of Phnom Penh, a city that lies near the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers. The private quarters of the Royal Palace are home to King Sihamoni and are closed to the public. You will, however, be able to v...

Day 13 Siem Reap

Take a short flight to Siem Reap (approximately 1 hour). The small but expanding town of Siem Reap is the gateway to Angkor. This is the most popular destination for travellers in all of Cambodia, perhaps even in South East Asia. You'll probably notice a change of pac...

Day 14 Siem Reap / Angkor Wat

Spend a full day visiting the amazing temples of Angkor on a guided exploration. Angkor Wat is the largest and most complete structure, and the only one of Angkor's temples that has its entrance facing west – the others face east. Then there is Angkor Thom, the 'Great...

Day 15 Siem Reap / Angkor Wat

Embrace a very early start today if you wish to experience a sunrise visit to the Angkor complex (this is optional). Later in the morning, venture to the Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB), a organisation that rehabilitates animals that have fallen ...

Day 16 Siem Reap to Danang

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Danang to begin the Adventure Cruise part of your tour. Meet your shipmates and leader at a central hotel, then transfer to your ship, the Panorama II, for boarding. After a welcome meeting and safety briefing, enjoy a welcome dinner. Spend the night at port.

Day 17 Hue

Depart at 9 am for the short sail to Chan May. From there, take a bus to Hue, the former imperial capital and hub of Vietnam's historic past. Here the group will split up into smaller groups for a tour of the city with local guides. You will visit the Thien Mu Pagoda ...

Day 18 Vinh Moc

Visit the intriguing Vinh Moc Tunnels today. These were built to shelter local communities in the Demilatarised Zone that separated North and South Vietnam during the war. As you'll learn, the the tunnels grew in sophistication as well as depth, and many families resi...

Day 19 Hon La

Arrive in Hon La at around 9 am, then transfer by bus to the unspoiled Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Spanning 885 square kilometres and boasting some of Asia's most ancient limestone karst landscapes, this chunk of land is one of the last true paradises of Vietnam....

Day 20 Halong Bay

Settle into a full day's sailing, heading north towards Halong, which is located just north of Na Trang. Take the opportunity to relax with a drink, play some board games, chat with fellow travellers, or curl up on a comfortable chair on deck with a good book as the sea streams by.

Day 21 Halong Bay

Transfer to a smaller local boat today for a tour around beautiful Halong Bay. Embarking at Bai Chay (Halong City West), soak up the views of this World Heritage-listed beauty and its pretty limestone islands. You'll also visit a cave in the area. During the warmer months your leader will discuss the option for swimming from Ti Top Island. Kayaking along the bay is another great option.

Day 22 Halong Bay to Hanoi

Disembark after breakfast, then transfer by bus to Hanoi, arriving around midday. Your leaders can offer suggestions for lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a walking tour of Hanoi, which includes a visit to a traditional water puppet show. Your host Liem invites you i...

Day 23 Hanoi

Those feeling active can rise early for an optional leader-led walking tour this morning. This includes 'laughing yoga', tai chi, and other lakeside activities enjoyed by Hanoi's local population. The trip comes to an end after breakfast at the hotel.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $6,865
Price per day$298
Last Updated: 12/2/2021

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Intrepid Travel.

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.

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Intrepid Travel

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The Intrepid Travel Experience

If you’re looking for adventure, you’ve come to the right place. For the past 25 years, we’ve been taking small groups of travelers on unforgettable trips around the world. What makes them unforgettable? Take a look for yourself and discover the Intrepid experience.

Our travelers have three styles of tour to choose from: Basix, Original and Comfort. Each has a different level of inclusions and accommodation, but all have unforgettable real life experiences as part of the package. Travellers can also choose themed trips, such as Family, Sailing or Food, to suit their interests.

Our group size has an average of just ten travellers, which allows us to get off the beaten track, use local accommodation and transport, and really get to know the culture. It also ensures we are contributing to the local economy; by choosing local suppliers we were able to keep AUD 60 million in local economies in 2012. We’re also working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and were the first in our sector to introduce carbon offset trips. This, along with our many corporate sustainability activities, has meant we’re one of the travel industry’s leaders in responsible travel.

Why Intrepid?

  •   Small groups - average of 10 people per trip
  •   Sustainability - pioneers for the industry
  •   Local leaders - authentic perspectives
  •   Local transport - get close and personal
  •   Local accommodation - experience real living
  •   Intrepid travelers - like-minded companions 

History

Intrepid Travel has come a long way since its beginnings in 1989. From two university friends, a typewriter and a kitchen desk, it is now a proud member of The Intrepid Group, taking over 100,000 travelers every year.

Intrepid Travel is part of The Intrepid Group of companies, alongside leading small group adventure companies Peregrine, Urban Adventures and PEAK DMC.

Despite growing into a global business with over 1,000 staff based all over the world and over 800 different trips across every continent, we’ve remained devoted to the same grassroots values and responsible travel philosophies that we had at the very beginning.

 

Values

On every trip we operate and in every interaction we have with a client, supplier or local, we live our core values everyday:

  • Integrity – Doing the right thing
  • Responsible – Think global, act local
  • Growth – Stakeholders in our own success
  • Innovation – Thriving on new ideas and embracing change
  • Fun – It’s engrained into who we are and what we do
  • Passion – We are inspired by the work we do and the trips we offer

 

Why we love this operator
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
What they’re known for
Small group tours for active and adventurous travelers at a range of different price points and service levels.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Hotel (9 nights),Lodge (1 night),Overnight sleeper train (1 night),Resort (4 nights),small cruise ship (7 nights),

Transportation & Flights

Overnight sleeper train,Plane,Private Mini Bus,tuk tuk,long tail boat,songtheaw,small cruise ship,zodiac,bus,

Transportation & flights

Overnight sleeper train,Plane,Private Mini Bus,tuk tuk,long tail boat,songtheaw,small cruise ship,zodiac,bus
Guides
On your voyage, as well as the ship and hospitality crew, there will be between 1 and 3 local tour leaders (depending on the total number of passengers). These leaders will be with you on board the ship, and on all included shore activities. They will have good general knowledge of the areas you are passing through including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects, as well as being able to recommend great local eating venues for your on shore meals and what you might like to do with your free time (when you're not relaxing and enjoying the ship's facilities).
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. When travelling on a trip, you won't be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader. If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. http://www.intrepidtravel.com/insurance.php
Visa requirements
Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality. Your consultant will also be happy to point you in the right direction with acquiring visas. Visas can take several weeks to process, so familiarise yourself with any requirements as soon as you have booked your trip to allow for processing time. As a general rule most countries expect that your passport has a minimum of 6 months validity remaining. Please ensure the name on your passport matches the name on your booking and airline tickets. Your passport details are required to complete your booking. Your consultant will contact you when this is required. Take a copy of the main passport pages and other important documents with you, and leave another copy at home with family or friends. VIETNAM VISA: Most nationalities are required to obtain tourist visa in advance to travel to Vietnam. When obtaining your visa you should allow 3 weeks for processing with your nearest embassy or consulate, the cost is approximately US$60 to US$100. Please check with your embassy or consulate for further requirements. Some nationalities are exempt from visas for a stay of a maximum of 15 days, including British, German, French, Spanish and Italian citizens travelling to Vietnam (for all purposes). This exemption period is currently effective until 30 June 2021, and is based upon meeting all conditions prescribed by Vietnamese laws. If you are planning on staying in Vietnam for longer than 15 days you will need to obtain a visa extension in advance (please contact your relevant Consulate or Embassy). Please also check requirements if you plan to re-enter Vietnam. An eVisa is available for some nationalities including passport holders from Australia (from 2018), France, Ireland, Italy, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States of America, valid for a single entry of a maximum of 30 days stay in Vietnam. For information on obtaining an eVisa visit the immigration website: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/ Evisas take up to 3 days to be processed. You will need a clear electronic copy of your passport data page and passport photo, and to make a non-refundable payment as outlined on the immigration website. Keep the customs and immigration form you receive on arrival, as you need it to complete exit formalities on departure. If your visa application asks for a point of contact, please write: Intrepid Vietnam 5th floor HiPT Building, 152 Thuy Khue Street, Thuy Khue, Tay Ho, Hanoi, Ph +84 4 3715 0996. Most nationalities do not require a letter of invitation for Vietnam but if you do need one, please contact your sales agent for more information. THAILAND: If entering by air most nationalities will be granted a 30 day stay on arrival. If entering by a land border, you will be granted a 15 day stay only (some exceptions are citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Italy, Germany and Japan who are eligible for 30 day visa at land borders). A visa extension can be obtained in Thailand at an immigration office for approx. 2000THB or alternatively you can apply for a Thailand visa in advance from your embassy or consulate that will allow a 30 day stay when entering at an overland border. If planning to enter Thailand via a land border multiple times during your travels, we recommend you pre-obtain a 60 day multiple entry visa from you embassy or consulate before you travel rather than attempting to obtain a visa at the border on multiple occasions which may result in being denied re-entry into the country. CAMBODIA: If a point of contact is requested for your visa application, please write: Intrepid Cambodia 92 Taneuy Street Wat Bo Village Siem Reap EVISAS Evisas are now available for most nationalities through the official website: www.evisa.gov.kh Please note there have been reports of fraudulent evisa websites that mimic the official site. Intrepid recommends only using the official website listed above or arranging your visa through your booking agent. VISA ON ARRIVAL Visa on arrival is available for for most nationalities at airports or land border crossings for approx. US$30 (cost subject to change). You will need a passport photo for your visa. OTHER VISAS If you are not eligible for an evisa or visa on arrival you may need to submit an application through your local consulate. Allow up to 3 weeks for processing.
Health & Safety
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trip. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Your cabin has a safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables whilst on board. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. BIKE HELMETS: Please note bike helmets are provided on the included bike activity on this trip but may not be of the same standard as from your home country, if you have any concerns about the quality of the helmets, we recommend you bring your own from home.
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information

Finish point

  • Hanoi Hotel
  • D8 Giang Vo Street
  • Ba Dinh District
  • Hanoi
  • VIETNAM
Trip ID
intrepid-TKKMC

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