Thailand & Vietnam: Mountains & Coastlines
21 days, Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City
Itinerary Notes
Effective May 1, 2025, all travelers entering Thailand through air, land, or sea must complete the Thailand E-Arrival form. You must register at least 3 days before arrival. Please see Trip Details for more information.
Itinerary
Day 1Bangkok
Arrive at any time.
There are no activities planned until tonight's welcome meeting and your First Night Out with the group.
The welcome moment begins at 18:00. Please ensure you arrive at the joining hotel by then to ensure you do not miss it.
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
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.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
New Siam 2 (or similar)
Day 2Bangkok/Kanchanaburi
Enjoy a free morning in Thailand's bustling capital. Transfer to Kanchanaburi and visit the Thai-Burma Railway Museum and War Cemetery, before stopping by the famous Bridge over the River Kwai.
In Bangkok, opt to take a klong boat tour through the city's canals and floating market, or visit the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho. Tonight, stroll through Kanchanaburi's riverside and enjoy the local nightlife.
Thai/Burma Railway Centre and Allied War Cemetery Visit
Visit the Thai-Burmese Railway Museum to learn about the Death Railway's dark history, and the Allied War Cemetery where more than 6,000 prisoners are buried.
Bridge on the River Kwai Visit
Take in a piece of World War II history on this visit. We're sure you've seen or at least heard of the famous movie "Bridge on the River Kwai." Well, now you can tour the real thing. It's massive, majestic, and imposing, offering fabulous views of the river below.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow
Bangkok Wat Po and Klong Tour
Hop on a boat to tour the back canals of Bangkok, or klongs as they're otherwise known. Observe local life along the way, arriving at Wat Po, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. Explore this sprawling temple and see the 46 meter long golden Buddha, one of Bangkok's most iconic sites.
Accommodation
Phae Siam Khuean Sri (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 3Kanchanaburi
Dip into the turquoise waters of the seven-tiered Erawan Falls with an included visit to Erawan National Park. Visit Tham Krasae Bridge, a historic wooden railway carved into the mountains. Travel back to Kanchanaburi.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Erawan Waterfalls
Visit one of the world’s most beautiful waterfalls. Its seven tiers offer a unique experience at every climb, reaching up to 1,500m (4921 ft). Swim in the turquoise pools, snap photos from the top tier, and opt to hike in the jungle to spot monkeys.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Tham Krasae Bridge Visit
Take in spectacular views of the river from viewpoints along the historic Tham Krasae Bridge, part of the infamous Death Railway built during the Second World War.
Accommodation
Pongphen Guesthouse & Bungalows (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Kanchanaburi/Sukhothai
Begin the day with an early drive toward Sukhothai, the ancient capital of Siam. Visit the World Heritage listed Sukhothai Historical Park and bike through its impressive 13th century ruins.
Considered the birthplace of Thai art, architecture and language, Sukhothai is steeped in history and culture.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Bike Ride in Sukhothai Historical Park
Explore the ruins of the Sukhothai Kingdom's 13th-century capital, one of Thailand's best-preserved World Heritage Sites. With 26 temples and countless remains within its walls, hop on a bike to get the most of your visit to this impressive ancient city.
Accommodation
Pai Sukhothai Resort (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Sukhothai/Chiang Mai
Travel to Chiang Mai and enjoy a free afternoon. Opt to visit Doi Suthep, one of the city's most famous and intricately designed Buddhist temples. Tonight, uncover the best spots to eat with your CEO on a street food crawl.
Chiang Mai Street Food Crawl
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!
Orientation With CEO
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO around Chiang Mai. 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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Chiang Mai Gate Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Chiang Mai
Take a full free day to relax or explore the countryside of northern Thailand. Then tonight is your Big Night Out!
Opt to prebook a local cooking class or rent a bike and cycle through Chiang Mai.
Your Big Night Out Moment: Chiang Mai Celebration
Tonight's the night to celebrate all the wild and humbling adventures you've just shared with new friends. Head out into the city and reminisce the night away!
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Chiang Mai, 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 a visit to the Mae Sa Waterfall, or learning about Thai cuisine with a cooking class. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Half-Day Chiang Mai Cycling Tour
1300THB per personThis half-day ride takes you on a memorable tour of the countryside's most interesting sights. Go beyond the city to see Buddhist temples, local markets and organic farms. Just off the beaten track, you'll get a sense of how the locals live and see Chiang Mai from a totally different view.
Northern Thai Cooking Class
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.
Accommodation
Chiang Mai Gate Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Chiang Mai/Hanoi
Fly to Hanoi.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Accommodation
Eco Luxury Hotel Hanoi (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Hanoi
Head out with your CEO for an orientation walk through Hanoi's Old Quarter. Enjoy the rest of the day free to explore.
Old Quarter Orientation Walk
Take an orientation walk through Hanoi's Old Quarter, a maze of streets, each one traditionally devoted to a different product or industry. Each street is named after the trade practiced on that street for several generations; it's an interesting glimpse into the life of a Hanoian in one of the oldest parts of town. Need a rest? Stop at Bia Hoi corner and pull up a plastic stool. Drink the local brew with the locals and make new friends.
Free Time
Enjoy the rest of the day free to explore Hanoi.
Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow
Tran Quoc Pagoda Visit
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.
Hoan Kiem Lake Walk
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.
Thăng Long Water Puppet Theatre Performance
200000VND per personWatch a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show with beautiful live music and intricate puppets dancing in a water stage. The price listed above is for a VIP seat.
Hanoi Foodie Culture Tour
Indulge your inner foodie with a street food tour through bustling Hanoi. Follow your guide through the back streets and markets of the city’s old quarter, sampling local fare along the way. Mingle with city natives and experienced street food artists alike, as you taste a variety of Hanoi faves like “nem ran” and “banh goi.” Stop at a streetside bar to savour a draught beer like Hanoians do. Cap off the tour at the Hanoi Food Culture restaurant, a G Values Fund Project, and try the city’s signature specialty coffee.
Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu) Visit
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.
Accommodation
Eco Luxury Hotel Hanoi (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 9Hanoi/Vinh
Travel to Ninh Binh, a city along the Red River Delta surrounded by towering karsts and winding rivers. Visit a local pagoda, then hop into a paddle boat for a guided tour through the area's stunning limestone caves and seasonal, peaceful rice paddies. Continue to Vinh.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Paddle Boat Tour
Hop into a local paddle boat for a two-hour tour of Ninh Binh's spectacular riverside, dotted with towering limestone rock formations and hidden caves. Take in the scenery as you drift past picturesque rice paddies and observe locals going about their day.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Muong Thanh Grand Cua Dong Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 10Vinh/Phong Nha
Travel through Vietnam's stunning countryside to the mountains of Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park. On arrival, opt to explore the town of Phong Nha by foot or by bike.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Sai Gon Phong Nha Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 11Phong Nha
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.
Free Time
Take a full free day to explore the natural wonders of Phong Nha.
Optional Activities - Day 11 HideShow
Caving in Phong Nha
Explore the longest cave in all of Asia - Paradise Cave - by walking the boardwalks and awe at the massive white crystal stalactites. After an authentic Vietnamese lunch, board a dragon boat which will take you to the turquoise waters in Phong Nha Cave where you'll disembark on the caves beach and wander freely throughout the natural wonder.
Accommodation
Sai Gon Phong Nha Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 12Phong Nha/Huế
En route to Hue, visit the Vinh Moc Tunnels, a complex underground tunnel system in the former Vietnamese DMZ. Take an orientation walk around Hue and enjoy a free evening.
Opt to visit the Royal Tombs, Tien Mu Pagoda and Imperial Citadel.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Vinh Moc Tunnels Visit
Built by local villagers to escape World War II bombings, take a guided tour of the Vinh Moc tunnels in a former Vietnamese demilitarized zone. Learn about the history of this complex underground tunnel system and its stories of human resilience.
Orientation With CEO
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.
Optional Activities - Day 12 HideShow
Hue City Tour
Take a tour of this imperial city to see the Thiên Mụ Buddhist pagoda, the tallest religious building in the country, the Japanese bridge, and the tombs of the emperors. Visit the Dong Ba Markets for local specialties such as banh khoai (savoury pancakes) and banh bot loc boc tom thit (thin rice paper filled with meat and shrimp).
Huế Royal Tombs, Tien Mu Pagoda and Imperial Citadel Tour
Visit the Royal Tombs along the Perfume River. Embracing the concept of Feng Shui, these tombs are extremely ornate and provide fantastic insight into the lives of the former rulers. Tour the Tien Mu pagoda before visiting the imperial citadel, a one-time capital city and UNESCO World Heritage site. See the walled fortress and former palace, which has many palaces, gateways, courtyards, and gardens to explore. The Forbidden Purple City (modelled on China's Forbidden City) inside the citadel was once home to the imperial family and was significantly damaged during the Vietnam War.
Accommodation
Pao Hotel Hue (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 13Huế/Hoi An
Enjoy a free morning in Hue. Later, travel to the port city of Hoi An. Join your CEO on a walk toward the picturesque Old Town and spot Chinese assembly halls, historic homes, and well-preserved pagodas along the way.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Hoi An Orientation Walk
Join your CEO on a stroll through the winding streets of Hoi An's Old Town and spot Chinese assembly halls, historic homes, and well-preserved pagodas along the way. (Entrance fee to Hoi An's Old Town is not included)
Optional Activities - Day 13 HideShow
Hue Motorbike Tour
Grab a helmet, hop on a motorbike driven by your experienced local guide, and get ready for a crash course in authentic Viet culture. Spend the next four hours exploring the stalls of a local market, admiring the view of the Perfume River, learning to plough and make rice, creating your own incense sticks, and seeing the most iconic local sights. Don’t forget to bring your camera!
Accommodation
Paradise Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 14Hoi An
Visit the G Adventures-supported Oodles of Noodles for an unforgettable cooking class. Enjoy a free afternoon before your Big Night Out with the group.
Noodles might be fun to eat, but they're even more fun to make! With free time, opt to visit the World Heritage listed My Son ruins or cruise down the Thu Bon River.
Your G for Good Moment: Oodles of Noodles
Try some of the oodles of noodles (more than 26 types!) available in the city in this tasty cooking class. Run by our G for Good partners, STREETS International, this class was developed exclusively for G Adventures. Former street youth that are part of this hospitality training program, will help you prepare and cook a number of different types of noodles. This program helps these youth practice their English, increasing their skill-set and opportunities available to them in the tourism industry. Enjoy your yummy creations while learning more about the local cuisine and this initiative which empowers street youth through skills and employment training.
Your Big Night Out Moment: Reminisce Riverside
Follow your CEO to the best riverside bar in Hoi An to celebrate new adventures with new friends. Grab a drink and reminisce about your favourite experiences thus far. Later, venture to the dance floor, take advantage of the drink specials, and make it a night to remember!
Optional Activities - Day 14 HideShow
Thu Bon River Boat Trip
12USD per personThe Thu Bon River plays an important part in Hoi An's history and culture. Take a trip down the Thu Bon by river boat for an alternative tour of the city.
My Son Ruins Tour
The Mỹ Sơn temple complex is one of Southeast Asia's largest collection of ancient Hindu temples, constructed between the 4th and the 14th century AD. Like Cambodia's Angkor Wat and Myanmar's Bagan complex, the Mỹ Sơn ruins hold deep cultural significance for the people of Vietnam. Embark on a guided tour of the ruins and immerse yourself in an untold part of this country's history.
Accommodation
Paradise Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 15Hoi An
Enjoy a full free day to explore Hoi An's rich culture and heritage, or just chill out and hit the beach.
Free Time
With lots to see and do in Hoi An, take the day to get out and explore.
Optional Activities - Day 15 HideShow
Cua Dai Beach
Play in the surf at Cua Dai beach about 4km (2.5 mi) away from the Old Town. Make your own picnic of local food and rest under one of the palm trees lining the shore.
Tailor Shops
Go home with some new (handmade!) clothes from one of Hoi An’s famous tailor shops. Walk the streets lined with hundreds of local shops that turn out gorgeous suits, dresses, winter coats, shoes, purses – almost anything – in a day's time to create next season's wardrobe.
Hoi An Bike and Boat Tour
Enjoy a peaceful exploration of the villages around Hoi An, cycling through rice paddies and along narrow country lanes. Take advantage of this tour – it includes a boat trip through the water palm forest and a visit to the farming village of Tra Que.
Hoi An Cooking Class
35USD per personTake a cooking class to learn more about Vietnamese food and its distinct flavours. Tour the local market to buy fresh ingredients before preparing some popular regional dishes. Enjoy your creations when you're done!
Hoi An Old Town Walking Tour
6USD per personStroll through the narrow winding streets of Hoi An’s old town to see Chinese assembly halls, ancestral homes, The Japanese Covered Bridge, and well-preserved pagodas on this self-guided tour. Opt to try local delicacies and fusion food at one of the restaurants for which Hoi An is becoming famous.
Accommodation
Paradise Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 16Hoi An/Qui Nhon
Spend the next few days soaking in the best coastal scenery as we hop from one beach town to another. With an early start, travel to Qui Nhon, a tranquil beach town largely off the tourist radar. Enjoy epic seaside views and opt to try the regional cuisine.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
5 Elements Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 17Qui Nhon/Nha Trang
Travel to Nha Trang via the stunning passes of Cổ Mã and Deo Cả, with sweeping views of the coastline as you drive past secluded bays and lush, green valleys. Head out for an evening street food crawl.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Your Foodie Moment: Nha Trang Street Food Crawl
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!
Accommodation
Mojzo Inn (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 18Nha Trang/Mui Ne
Enjoy a free morning to explore Nha Trang's local shops and markets. Opt to hit the beach, or visit the local mud baths. Continue to Mui Ne, an off-the-beaten-track seaside retreat lined with palm trees and endless white sand.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Unique Muine Resort & Spa (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 19Mui Ne
Enjoy a full free day to experience this little slice of coastal paradise. Opt to view the sunrise over towering sand dunes, visit the local seafood market, go sandboarding or kitesurfing, relax on the beach, or stop by a local fish sauce factory.
Free Time
Make the most of your time in Mui Ne. Get out and explore!
Accommodation
Unique Muine Resort & Spa (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 20Mui Ne/Ho Chi Minh City
Travel to Ho Chi Minh City. Head out for an orientation walk with your CEO and get a feel for Vietnam's buzzing southern capital. Opt to visit the Ben Thanh Market for souvenirs and handicrafts, before hitting one of the city's many rooftop bars.
Orientation With CEO
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO in Ho Chi Minh City. 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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Optional Activities - Day 20 HideShow
Ben Thanh Market
Wander this bustling market for more insight into Ho Chi Minh City. Pick up souvenirs, sample local cuisine, and experience local living. Learn a little history along the way; Ben Thanh started as a cluster of street vendors selling wares by the Saigon River, and was formalized into a true market in 1859.
War Remnants Museum Visit
2USD per personVisit the War Remnants Museum, a gut-wrenching but worthwhile experience that includes three storeys of exhibits and military hardware. Learn about the devastation that occurred in Saigon during the Vietnam War, a period that greatly contrasts the joy and liveliness of the Vietnamese people today.
Ho Chi Minh City Cyclo Tour
10USD per personTake a city tour on a cyclo (cycle rickshaw) – a great way to absorb the sights, sounds, and smells of Ho Chi Minh City while keeping your hands free for that camera action.
Accommodation
A25 Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 21Ho Chi Minh City
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.