G-Adventures logo
!

Sorry! There are no remaining departures for "Laos on a Shoestring" (AVHL), but here are some similar trips.

!

This itinerary is valid for departures in 2017. To view the 2018 LAOS ON A SHOESTRING itinerary click here.

Laos on a Shoestring

10 days, Hanoi to Chiang Mai

Boat floating on the Mekong River in Laos
Map of the route for Laos on a Shoestring
Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Itinerary

Day 1Hanoi

Arrive at any time. Enjoy a street food crawl with the group and CEO.

Welcome to bustling Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Please arrive at our start point hotel before 6pm for an important group meeting.

Enjoy one of two street food crawls with the group and CEO while in Hanoi.

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
18:00

Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Street Food Crawl
Luang Prabang

Bring your appetite and your wallet. The CEO will bring the group to the best spots to eat and teach everyone about the local street food. Yum!

4

Optional Activities - Day 1 HideShow

Hoan Kiem Lake Walk
Hanoi

Take a break from city strolling and wander down by Hoan Kiem Lake. Walk along the water’s vibrant shoreline for some prime people watching. See if you can spot one of the famous 100-year-old turtles, which may still live in the popular lake.

Tran Quoc Pagoda Visit
Hanoi

Visit one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam located on the eastern shore of Tay Ho. Learn about Tran Quoc's history from the 17th-century stela found on site. View it later in the day, if you can – the tall structure is striking against the setting sun.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum Visit
Hanoi
Free-1USD per person

Tour the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum built in the square where Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence in 1945. Get in line to tour the grounds; queues of visitors come to pay their respects daily.

Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu) Visit
Hanoi

Visit this sprawling temple built to honour Confucius, sages, and scholars. Dedicated to learning, it housed the country’s first university in 1076. Explore its five courtyards, containing various gates, altars, sanctuaries, shrines, the stelae of doctors, and the Well of Heavenly Clarity.

Day 2Hanoi/Vientiane

A short flight brings the group to the capital city of Laos. Opt to visit temples, see the golden stupa of That Luang, or scour the markets.

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.

Free Time
Hanoi Morning

Explore Hanoi on foot, by bicycle or by tuk-tuk.

Plane
Noi Bai International Airport – Wattay International Airport1h15m

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

Free Time
Vientiane Afternoon

Set out and explore the capital of Laos.

4

Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow

Wat Pha That Luang Visit
Vientiane
1USD per person

See Laos’ national symbol and most important sacred monument, Pha That Luang (Great Stupa), completely covered in gold leaf. Every November, devoted Buddhists come here to celebrate Vientiane’s most important festival, Bun That Luang, with parades, music, and religious ceremonies.

National Museum Visit
Vientiane
4USD per person

Learn about the history, culture, and people of Laos at the National Museum, including the story of the Pathet Lao. See exhibits containing ancient items ranging from dinosaur bones to early Khmer sculptures.

Wat Sisaket Visit
Vientiane
1USD per person

Visit one of Vientiane’s oldest and most fascinating temples featuring a cloister wall filled with thousands of Buddha images.

Buddha Park
Vientiane
1USD per person

Travel approximately half an hour from the city to visit Vientiane's famous Buddha Park, or Xieng Khuan as it is otherwise known. Marvel at the scale and detail of the hundreds of religious statues that inhabit the park, including a 40 metre high statue of Buddha. Please note that transportation to Buddha Park will cost an additional $50.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 3Vientiane/Vang Vieng

Enjoy the beautiful limestone karsts surrounding Vang Vieng. Free time to hike, bike, swim or go caving.

A picturesque drive north takes us to beautiful Vang Vieng. This quiet town is set along the Nam Song river amidst rice fields and limestone karsts.

Private Vehicle
Vientiane – Vang Vieng3h-4h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Free Time
Vang Vieng Afternoon

Set off and explore the beautiful Vang Vieng area, or relax to your heart's content.

4

Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow

Caving
Vang Vieng

Explore some of the many caves in the area. Some have lagoons for tubing in the dark or smooth terrain perfect for walking through. Ask your CEO for recommendations on which cave to visit for the best time.

Hiking
Vang Vieng

Set off along the banks of the river to explore nearby caves, countryside and meet local villagers to find out more about their way of life.

Swimming
Vang Vieng

Head to the river for a dip. There are also tube rentals available in the area if you'd rather spend some time floating around.

Bike Rental
Vang Vieng
2USD per person

Rent a bike and explore the countryside.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 4Vang Vieng

Free time to explore Vang Vieng. Opt to explore some of the caves by bicycle or take an invigorating walk. In the evening, soak in the natural beauty of the countryside as the sun sets over the river.

Opt to pre-book the "Vang Vieng Adrenaline Bundle" on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.

Free Time
Vang Vieng Full Day

Set off and explore the beautiful Vang Vieng area, or relax to your heart's content.

3

Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow

Hiking
Vang Vieng

Set off along the banks of the river to explore nearby caves, countryside and meet local villagers to find out more about their way of life.

Vang Vieng Adrenaline Bundle
Vang Vieng

Head North of Vang Vieng where you’ll grab a kayak and depart downstream on the NamSong river. Passing greenery, mountain karst, and small rapids, you’ll arrive at the Tham None cave. Adventure through the cave to the other side of the mountain where you will enjoy lunch before continuing on towards Vang Vieng. The last stop will be at the infamous Blue Lagoon; swim or hang out along the banks after an afternoon of adventure before heading back to the town.

Bike Rental
Vang Vieng
2USD per person

Rent a bike and explore the countryside.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 5Vang Vieng/Luang Prabang

This morning travel from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang. Get your bearings with a CEO-led orientation walk.

Private Vehicle
Vang Vieng – Luang Prabang7h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Orientation With CEO
30m-1h

Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 6Luang Prabang

Witness the giving of alms to the Buddhist monks and visit the night market. Opt to take a cooking class, visit temples or cool off at Kuang Si Waterfalls.

Traditional Laotian culture is to give daily alms to monks. Monks are only allowed to eat food which has been donated to them before noon. On one of your mornings here, you may decide to rise with the sun, and watch one of the most important religious ceremonies in Laos. This is simply an unforgettable Southeast Asian experience.

Your Discover Moment
Luang Prabang Full Day

There's plenty to see and do in Luang Prabang, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like learning about Laotian cuisine with a cooking class, getting a massage, and cycling around town.

9

Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow

Royal Palace Museum Visit
Luang Prabang
5USD per person

The ornate rooms of this royal palace-turned-museum house the country’s crown jewels, many religious artifacts, and a 50kg (110 lb) Buddha, cast of gold, silver and bronze. Gifts from visiting heads of state are on display, as are the beautiful silk screens crafted by the Queen.

Wat Xien Thong Visit
Luang Prabang
2.50USD per person

Once a royal temple where Kings were crowned, the importance of this 16th-century Buddhist temple as a religious monastery is not lost on visitors. Wat Xieng Thong stands resplendent among shrines, pavilions, chapels, towers and gardens, and its gilded wooden doors, mosaics, and ceiling displays are representative of typical Laos art and craft.

Phousi Temple Visit
Luang Prabang
2.50USD per person

Climb more than 300 steps to the top of Mount Phou Si for a panoramic view of the sunset over Luang Prabang. Ornate Buddhist shrines dot the pathway up and the glistening seven-tiered golden pagoda of Wat Chom Si awaits at the summit.

Wat Visoun Temples Visit
Luang Prabang
2.50USD per person

Originally built in 1513 and still operational, Wat Visoun is Luang Prabang’s oldest temple. Over the years invaders stole many of its priceless Buddha images, but this temple still offers some unusual architecture like the domed lotus flower stupa, designed by a royal and affectionately called "The Watermelon Stupa."

Kuang Si Waterfalls Excursion
Kuang Si Falls – Luang Prabang
2.50USD per person

Journey to this magnificent tiered waterfall, where relaxing is highly recommended. Opt for a dip in the turquoise waters and explore multiple picture-perfect pools, framed by the jungle landscape.

Cooking Class
Luang Prabang
35USD per person

Enjoy the sights and smells of fresh produce, local spices and exotic ingredients and learn the secrets of Laotian cuisine.

Royal Ballet Theatre
Luang Prabang
15USD per person

Enjoy a traditional performance at the Royal Ballet Theatre and learn more about Laotian culture through the art of dance.

Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Centre Visit
Luang Prabang
8USD per person

Visit Ock Pop Tok "East Meets West" Living Crafts Centre on the banks of the Mekong River to learn from artisans about Laos handicrafts and the importance of woven textiles in Laos culture. Opt to enjoy a drink in the cafe.

Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre Entry
Luang Prabang
4USD per person

Take an independent tour of the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre (TAEC) to learn about the traditional arts and cultures of Laos’s many diverse ethnic groups. Shop in the TAEC Boutique for authentic village-made handicrafts and relax with a drink at the museum café.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 7Luang Prabang/Pak Beng

Cruise the Mekong on a long houseboat before arriving at a village homestay for the night.

We board our boat for the two-day journey up the mighty Mekong River making our way to Chiang Khong.

Mekong River Slow Boat
Luang Prabang – Muang Pakbèng8h-10h

Enjoy the ride down the Mekong River on our private boat (it’s pretty comfortable and spacious, and there’s a toilet on board). Have some fruit, tea, and coffee (free of charge); water and soft drinks are available for purchase.

Your G for Good Moment: Mekong River Homestay & Traditional Performance

G Adventures and the Planeterra Foundation have worked with two communities in the Mekong River to help develop their homestay programs, providing a unique cultural experience for travellers and the local community.

Here you have the chance to stay overnight in a Mekong village to get a glimpse into rural daily life. Enjoy dinner with your hosts. Experience a traditional Khamu Cultural Performance, and enjoy the chance to dance with the locals.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 8Pak Beng/Chiang Khong

Mekong River travel day. Cross into Thailand.

This morning we re-board our boat and continue our leisurely cruise along the river before arriving at the Laos/Thai border and crossing to Chiang Khong in the late afternoon.

Mekong River Slow Boat
Muang Pakbèng – Ban Houayxay8h-10h

Enjoy the ride down the Mekong on our private boat (it’s pretty comfortable and spacious, and there’s a toilet on board). Have some fruit, tea, and coffee (free of charge); water and soft drinks are available for purchase.

Border Crossing (Laos - Thailand)
Ban Houayxay – Chiang Khong

Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 9Chiang Khong/Chiang Mai

Drive to Chiang Mai. Opt to visit Doi Suthep temple, catch a Thai boxing match or grab a bargain at the famous night market.

Departing Chiang Khong after breakfast, we drive to Chiang Mai where you have the afternoon free to explore this fascinating city, once the capital of the Kingdom of Lan.

Experience the flavours and scents of traditional northern Thai cuisine by pre-booking the Northern Thai Cooking Class.

Private Vehicle
Chiang Khong – Chiang Mai6h-7h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Free Time
Chiang Mai Afternoon

Get out and explore this bustling city in northern Thailand.

4

Optional Activities - Day 9 HideShow

Doi Suthep Temple Visit
Doi Suthep – Chiang Mai
2USD per person

Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a golden Buddhist temple outside of Chiang Mai on the Mt Doi Suthep. Climb 300 steps to reach the temple and be rewarded with an unforgettable view. Admire the many Buddhist relics at this sacred temple and visit the white elephant shrine. Legend has it that the location of the temple was chosen after a white elephant carried a relic to the mountain and trumpeted three times before dying on the spot. Also, with a little luck, you may witness the chanting of the monks.

Massage

Lay back and soothe aching muscles with a famous local massage. Affordable and amazing, don't miss out.

Northern Thai Cooking Class
Chiang Mai

Channel your inner chef with a home-style Thai cooking class. Take a trip to the market with your teacher and learn about regional flavours as you pick out fresh ingredients. Head back to the cozy kitchen for a hands-on lesson in whipping up delicious local favourites like hot and sour soup, green curry, and sticky rice.

Street Food Walk at Chiang Mai Night Market
Chiang Mai

Pick up a a souvenir at this shopper's paradise. Wander through the market to find music, food, and local artists selling handmade crafts.

Day 10Chiang Mai

Depart at any time.

Laos on a Shoestring

| 10 days - Hanoi to Chiang Mai - Sold Out