Indochina: Hilltribes, Thai Islands & Full Moon Party
40 days
From
$ 2932
Duration40 days
Now's the time for an epic adventure through Thailand (with a stop at the famous Full Moon Party!), Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Search for age-old stories at ancient sites like Angkor Wat, see a different side of the country on a northern hilltribes trek, and eat your way through Chiang Mai's street food scene. You will also tap into the pulse of Southeast Asia’s most famous cities, and find a new watering hole (or two) along the way. This epic 40-day tour features lots of culture, free time and plenty of fun, before ending things with a bang at one of the world's most famous celebrations — the Full Moon Party in Ko Pha-Ngan.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 40 daysService level: Basic
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Physical Grading: Average
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Ages: 18+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Bangkok
Arrive at any time.
There's free time to enjoy before meeting your group and CEO this evening. You must arrive on tour with your Vietnamese visa. See the Visa section of the Tour Details for more information and exceptions.
There's free time to enjoy before meeting your group and CEO this evening. 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
Travel to Siem Reap. Taste all manners of salty, sweet, spicy, and sour with a delicious Khmer meal at a restaurant kickstarted by our non-profit partner, Planeterra.
Cross from Thailand into Cambodia, your home base for exploring incredible Angkor Wat. Arrive in time for our included dinner at a Planeterra project restaurant or with a local family in a village outside of Siem Reap. Enjoy a delicious Khmer meal at a G Adventures for Good-supported project.
Cross from Thailand into Cambodia, your home base for exploring incredible Angkor Wat. Arrive in time for our included dinner at a Planeterra project restaurant or with a local family in a village outside of Siem Reap. Enjoy a delicious Khmer meal at a G Adventures for Good-supported project.
Meals: B, D
Day 3: Siem Reap
Prefer to plan ahead? Opt to pre-book the "Siem Reap Quad Biking" or "Phare Circus" activities when booking your tour, to include one of these optionals in your itinerary.
Watch the sun rise over the majestic and mystifying ruins of Angkor Wat. Opt to visit Tonle Sap floating village and Angkor National Museum. Tonight, 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 drinking spots as you wait for tomorrow’s sunrise.
Meals: B
Day 4: Siem Reap/Phnom Penh
Get your first glimpse of Phnom Penh during an orientation walk around Cambodia’s capital.
Meals: B
Day 5: Phnom Penh
Reflect on one of Cambodia’s darkest periods with an optional visit to the Tuol Sleng Prison and the Killing Fields. Later, discover more sides of Cambodian cuisine with a street food crawl.
Phnom Penh can be confusing and we recommend to always keep a hotel card with you when you are exploring.
Meals: B
Day 6: Phnom Penh/Koh Rong
Go to Sihanoukville, where you’re just a boat ride away from your own private beach on Koh Rong. Take the afternoon to try local seafood, snorkel the coral reefs, 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.
Meals: B
Day 7: Koh Rong
Do anything you might have missed the day before, like snorkelling, fishing, hiking, or kayaking. Wait 'til after sunset to swim in a sea of blue sparkles caused by phosphorescent plankton.
Day 8: Chambok Homestay
Head back to the mainland to a village homestay where you’ll soothe your stomach as you eat delicious Cambodian home cooking.
Meals: D
Day 9: Chambok Homestay/Ho Chi Minh City
Go on to Vietnam and the famed Ho Chi Minh City. Take this chance to visit the Ben Thahn Market for souvenirs and handicrafts before taking in the city nightlife.
Meals: B
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. 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.
Meals: B
Day 11: Nha Trang
You’ve arrived! Take this morning to explore local shops and markets, relax on the beach, or visit nearby historical sites before an evening street food crawl.
Optional activities in Nha Trang include a boat trip to nearby islands for some snorkelling or, perhaps, a fun-filled all-day beach party.
Optional activities in Nha Trang include a boat trip to nearby islands for some snorkelling or, perhaps, a fun-filled all-day beach party.
Day 12: Nha Trang/Da Nang
It’s not over yet. There’s more free time to explore Nha Trang today. Then, hop on an overnight train to continue to Hoi An.
The overnight train is to Da Nang, with the transfer to Hoi An following directly after. 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.
The overnight train is to Da Nang, with the transfer to Hoi An following directly after. 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.
Meals: B
Day 13: Da Nang/Hoi An
Hoi An’s excited to meet you. See why on an orientation walk of the city before more free time in the afternoon. Dig even deeper and choose between a cooking class, cycling to the beach, visiting a tailor, or exploring the old town.
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.
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. Later, opt to take a cooking class, cycle to the beach, visit a tailor, or explore the old town with free time.
Meals: B, L
Day 15: Hoi An/Huế
Opt to pre-book the "Hue Motorbike Tour" on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Head north to the city of Huế. There’s lots to do here, with options to visit the Royal Citadel and tombs, or boarding a cruise along the Perfume River.
Meals: B
Day 16: Huế/Phong Nha
Your second day in Huế comes with more free time to enjoy the city. In the afternoon, we drive to Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park.
Meals: B
Day 17: Phong Nha/Hanoi
It’s time to head underground with free time to explore the caves of Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, where the oldest karst mountains in Asia are found. Then it’s an overnight train to Hanoi.
Meals: B
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!
Meals: B
Day 19: Ha Long Bay/Hanoi
Opt to pre-book the "Hanoi Street Food Walking Tour" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
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!
Opt to pre-book the "Hanoi Street Food Walking Tour" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Opt to pre-book the "Hanoi Street Food Walking Tour" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Meals: B
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 children, 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.
Visit Laos' most important national monument, Phat That Luang, or meander down the dusty riverside tracks to find villages full of friendly children, 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.
After exploring Hanoi in the morning, a short flight brings the group to the capital city of Laos.
See the sacred gold-covered monument, Phat That Luang, or stroll down the dusty riverside tracks to see village life as it happens. Stop by Vientiane's vibrant, colourful market to find local treasures. Round off the day with a spectacular sunset over the Mekong.
There is a wealth of cultural delights to discover in Vientiane — on foot, by bicycle or, for the less energetic, by tuk-tuk.
See the sacred gold-covered monument, Phat That Luang, or stroll down the dusty riverside tracks to see village life as it happens. Stop by Vientiane's vibrant, colourful market to find local treasures. Round off the day with a spectacular sunset over the Mekong.
There is a wealth of cultural delights to discover in Vientiane — on foot, by bicycle or, for the less energetic, by tuk-tuk.
Meals: B
Day 21: Vientiane/Vang Vieng
Find a bit of peace partway through your tour with a visit north to Vang Vieng, a small town nestled among striking limestone karsts. Take a guided hike to Pha Ngeun, the town’s highest viewpoint, for incredible views of the valley — no filter necessary.
This quiet town is set along the Nam Song river amidst rice fields, mountains, and caves.
This quiet town is set along the Nam Song river amidst rice fields, mountains, and caves.
Meals: B
Day 22: Vang Vieng
Opt to pre-book the "Vang Vieng Adrenaline Bundle" on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Get more out of Vang Vieng with free time to explore. Opt to see the caves by bicycle or take a countryside stroll.
Meals: B
Day 23: Vang Vieng/Luang Prabang
Leave to Luang Prabang, where you can make your first acquaintance with this ancient city during an orientation walk. Later this evening, enjoy a sunset cruise on the Mekong River.
Meals: B
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.
Traditional Laotian culture involves giving daily alms to monks. Monks are only allowed to eat food which has been donated to them before noon. Should you rise early, you’ll get to watch one of the most important religious ceremonies in Laos.
Meals: B
Day 25: Luang Prabang/Pak Beng
The Mekong never looked so welcoming. Board a long houseboat and cruise to a village homestay for the night.
The boat will take you on a two-day journey up the Mekong en route to Chiang Khong in Thailand. The evening meal is eaten together in one of the houses. The food is typically Laotian - very simple yet delicious. A vegetarian option is always served and the second option is typically a pork stirfry.
The boat will take you on a two-day journey up the Mekong en route to Chiang Khong in Thailand. The evening meal is eaten together in one of the houses. The food is typically Laotian - very simple yet delicious. A vegetarian option is always served and the second option is typically a pork stirfry.
Meals: B, D
Day 26: Pak Beng/Chiang Khong
New day, same magnificent Mekong. Today’s your second travel day, where you’ll cross into Thailand.
We arrive in Chiang Khong by the later afternoon.
We arrive in Chiang Khong by the later afternoon.
Meals: B, L
Day 27: Chiang Khong/Chiang Mai
Explore the rural lanes of Chiang Mai in a tuk-tuk by pre-booking the Full Day Tuk-Tuk Adventure or experience the flavours and scents of traditional northern Thai cuisine by pre-booking the Northern Thai Cooking Class.
Let the rolling countryside views relax you as you drive to Chiang Mai. Opt to visit Doi Suthep temple, catch a Thai boxing match, or grab a bargain at the famous night market.
Day 28: Chiang Mai
Take another free day to explore anything you missed yesterday. There's lots to get up to here.
Explore the rural lanes of Chiang Mai in a tuk-tuk by pre-booking the Full Day Tuk-Tuk Adventure or experience the flavours and scents of traditional northern Thai cuisine by pre-booking the Northern Thai Cooking Class.
Day 29: Chiang Mai/Ban Mae Jok
It's time for a change of pace. Today, drive from Chiang Mai to Mae Malai village, where you'll set off on a trek through rugged forests to see how diverse this region of hilltribe communities really is. Every village you'll see has its own language, belief system, style of dress, and traditions. It's a few hours to the first village of hilltribe thatch bungalows, but every step is worth it as you get to know the lay of the land.
The exact itinerary of the walking on this trip may change from time to time, taking into account the weather and local conditions. Also, please note there may be times when the use of video and/or still cameras may be inappropriate -- your CEO and guides will be able to advise you. Be prepared for the accommodation to be basic; remember, it's all about an authentic and unique experience!
Meals: B, L, D
Day 30: Ban Mae Jok/Pa Khao Lam
Trek for 2–3 hours before stopping for lunch. Then head to a Karen village to see how traditional blankets and scarves are made. Keep trekking for a few more hours (you've got this!) before stopping in the next village for the night.
Along the way, you might get the chance to stop at Mae Tang River to learn to fish using local tools or build a raft using bamboo.
Along the way, you might get the chance to stop at Mae Tang River to learn to fish using local tools or build a raft using bamboo.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 31: Pa Khao Lam/Chiang Mai
After breakfast, leave the village by bamboo raft and get a closer look at other villages along the way. Meet the van after lunch and head back to Chiang Mai, a foodie's paradise. Use your free time to try the city's most famous dishes like khao soi (noodles in curry broth) and sai usa (northern Thai sausage).
Meals: B, L
Day 32: Chiang Mai/Bangkok
Make the most of Chiang Mai with more free time, where you can go shopping in the market, get a Thai massage, or explore any of the many temples. Or, hey, you could always go back for another taste of khao soi curry. Tonight, make your way to Bangkok via overnight train.
Due to disruptions of Thai trains in the north during the monsoon season, trips running July through October may use alternative transport.
Meals: B
Day 33: Bangkok
Get out and explore this fantastic city where there is endless sightseeing to be done.
As this longer tour is comprised of two shorter tours, there is the possibility that you will need to change hotels on this day. Check in with your CEO about this while on tour. The two hotels we generally use are within walking distance.
Day 34: Bangkok/Surat Thani
Get on first-name basis with Thailand's capital city by bike with an optional bike tour. Today, you can check out Wat Pho and the Grand Palace, go for a street food crawl, relax with a Thai massage, or explore the klongs (canals) by boat before boarding the overnight train.
Meals: B
Day 35: Surat Thani/Khao Sok
See southern Thai hospitality in action with breakfast at G Adventures-supported Khao Thep Pitak Community-Owned Farm & Restaurant, where you can also meet other international visitors. Later on, go to Lake Cheow Lan where you can take in the views while hiking or swimming in the national park. Spend tonight falling asleep to the sweet sounds of the jungle.
This area is known for its natural beauty. You know what that means: lots of chances for photos.
This area is known for its natural beauty. You know what that means: lots of chances for photos.
End place: Khao Nom Sao
Meals: B, L
Day 36: Khao Sok/Ko Pha Ngan
Start place: Khao Nom Sao
Head across southern Thailand to find yourself in Pha-Ngan. Take the free afternoon to relax beachside before getting ready to hit up one of the world's most famous parties under the light of the moon.
The famous Full Moon Party takes place once a month, gathering partygoers from all over the world for one night they won't soon forget. Grab your flip flops and sand pails — it's gonna be a big one. Pre-book the Full Moon Party Pack extra at the time of booking this tour to ensure you're party-ready.
The famous Full Moon Party takes place once a month, gathering partygoers from all over the world for one night they won't soon forget. Grab your flip flops and sand pails — it's gonna be a big one. Pre-book the Full Moon Party Pack extra at the time of booking this tour to ensure you're party-ready.
Meals: B
Day 37: Ko Pha Ngan
It's an easy start to the day before getting to know the best bits of Ko Pha-Ngan on a full-day excursion to idyllic Bottle Beach. After a guided trek through the jungle, savour traditional Thai flavours while soak up the sun and the beach's laid-back vibes. This evening, it's time for a party you won't soon forget.
Depending on departure date the Full Moon Party will take place tonight or tomorrow night.
Meals: L
Day 38: Ko Pha Ngan
There's no rush as you recuperate from the festivities. Spend your time exploring the island's waterfalls, swimming in lagoons, going for hikes, or, hey, napping it all off under the sun.
Depending on departure date, the Full Moon Party will take place either on the day prior, or this day of your tour.
Day 39: Ko Pha Ngan
Spend your time exploring the island's waterfalls, swimming in lagoons, going for hikes, or, hey, napping it all off under the sun.
Day 40: Ko Pha Ngan
Want to take the hassle out of getting back to Bangkok? Book the Bangkok Express, a two-day post-tour Extra. Speak to your Global Connection Officer or travel agent to book.
Today, it’s time to say goodbye to your group of newfound friends as the tour ends. Be sure to sneak in some last-minute photos and cheers before you head on your way. If booking a flight out of Ko Samui airport, make sure not to book one earlier than 11:00am.
Add the “Bangkok Express: Ko Pha-Ngan to Bangkok” to your adventure and make your way back to bustling Bangkok with the guidance of a CEO. This nifty post-tour Extra includes a ferry to the mainland where you’ll board an overnight train to Bangkok arriving in the city early the next morning. Speak to your Global Connection Officer or travel agent to book.
Inclusions
Included
- Your G for Good Moment: Local Khmer Meal, Siem Reap Your G for Good Moment: Oodles of Noodles Demonstration and Lunch, Hoi An Your G for Good Moment: Mekong River Homestay & Baci Ceremony, Muang Pakbèng Your G for Good Moment: Kao Thep Pitak Community-Owned Farm & Meal, Ban Ta Khun Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Big Night Out Moment: Siem Reap Your Discover Moment: Phnom Penh Your Local Living Moment: Home Meal, Chambok Your Discover Moment: Ho Chi Minh City Your Discover Moment: Luang Prabang Your Discover Moment: Chiang Mai Your Discover Moment: Bangkok
- Guided tour of Angkor Wat temple complex
- Orientation walks in Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Phnom Penh, and Luang Prabang
- Halong Bay boat cruise with lunch
- Witness the giving of alms in Laos
- Slow boat up the Mekong
- Two street food crawls in different cities
- Internal flight
- Visit to Chiang Mai night market
- Hilltribe trek
- Bamboo rafting
- Street food crawl
- Lake Cheow Larn excursion
- Full Moon Party
- Bottle Beach full-day excursion
- Beach time on Ko Pha-Ngan
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Transport
Local bus, Air-conditioned bus, Train, Walking, Tuk-tuk, Local boat, Junk boat, Plane -
Accommodation
Simple hotels (twin-share) or hostels (multi-share) (30 nts), Basic hilltribe huts (2 nts, multi-share), Homestay (2 nts) sleeper trains (5 nts)