Thai Indochina Grand Tour
Overview
Highlights
- Explore the ancient Angkor complex in Cambodia
- Take a boat trip Vietnam's stunning Halong Bay and discover the Mekong Delta
- Adjust to the relaxed pace of life in Laos
- Visit Bangkok'sRoyal Palace complex and Wat Po
- In Phnom Penh visit the Killing Fields, Tuol Sleng and the Royal Palace
- Crawl through the Cu Chi war tunnels
- Visit the historic trading town of Hoi An in Vietnam
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Activities
Min Group Size
Max Group Size
Trip includes
- 26 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners
- All accommodation
- All transport and listed activities
- Tour leader throughout
- Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
- Arrival & departure transfers
Itinerary
Depart London
This evening there will be a welcome briefing with your leader followed by an optional group dinner at a local restaurant. *Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok or similar*
This morning we travel to the Chao Praya River where we board a long tail boat for a tour of the local canals. Please be advised there may be a possibility of larger groups being accommodated in a bigger boat. Bangkok was once known as the Venice of the East beca...
This morning we fly to Chiang Rai and then visit the Golden Triangle, an area so named after the fact that the opium that moved through was worth more than gold pound for pound. We stand at a view point overlooking Burma (Myanmar), the mighty Mekong and Laos. The ...
An early morning transfer takes us to the Thai / Laos border where we pass through immigration formalities. We say hello to our Laos Tour Leader. We will pass through Laos Immigration, followed by a tuk tuk ride to the river port where we board our private slow boat for the journey to Pak Beng. *BKC Villa Pak Beng or similar*
Boarding our private boat again, we head further down river with Luang Prabang as our final destination. En route we will visit the famous Tam Ting Caves, cut out of the limestone banks which line the river at Pak Ou. These caves are filled with thousands of Buddh...
This morning we journey to Na San village, a small village approximately 1.5 hours from Luang Prabang. Our time here will provide us with an insight into village life as we learn about everyday life but also have the chance to get involved with some of the villag...
Today is free for individual sightseeing or to seize the opportunity to sit back and relax in this pleasant town or stroll amongst the ancient red roofed temples and French colonial architecture. There are a number of interesting temples to visit including Wat Xie...
An early morning departure from Luang Prabang as we drive to the township of Vang Vieng, passing through numerous Hmong villages. Surrounded by lime karsts and set on the banks of the Nam Song (Song River), it is a beautiful location. The stunning drive will take ...
In the morning we climb the 136 steps to the Tham Jang caves, used as a hideout by the local community during periods of war. The rest of the day is free to explore. Optional excursions and activities can be arranged and there are plenty of opportunities for walks...
We leave Vang Vieng in the morning and descend from the hills to the capital Vientiane (translates as Sandalwood City) located near the banks of the Mekong River. We take an afternoon sightseeing tour of this relaxed low-rise city, including Wat Sisaket the oldest...
Today is free to shop or explore Vientiane before we transfer to the airport for our flight to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam (flight times often vary at short notice between the afternoon/evening). *Lenid Hotel or similar*
We make an early start for the approximate 4-hour journey to Halong Bay. This is one of the most stunningly beautiful sights in South East Asia with roughly 3,000 limestone peaks rising directly from the clear emerald sea. We cruise amongst this amazing karst scenery and enjoy a seafood lunch on board. We overnight on board in twin share cabins with en suite facilities. *Overnight Boat*
We cruise back to port in the morning and transfer back to Hanoi where the rest of the day is at leisure to wander around the Hoan Kiem lake and perhaps enjoy a coffee and a baguette in a lakeside café or stroll amongst broad tree-lined avenues dating from the Fre...
We spend the morning sightseeing in Hanoi including a visit to the Temple of Literature; the site of the oldest university in Vietnam with over 2000 graduates, Hoa Lo Prison & the Old Quarter of the city with its '36 Streets' where each street is home to shops...
Arriving mid-morning in Hue we transfer to our hotel. Hue claims to be the cultural and historical centre of Vietnam, and there is plenty to see. The most outstanding sight is the Imperial Citadel with walls six miles in length. Inside are the palaces and halls of...
This morning we continue sightseeing and visit the mausoleum of Tu Duc, one of the most extravagant mausoleums of the great Nguyen emperors who ruled Vietnam from Hue between 1802 and 1945. Leaving Hue, our 130km journey drives through the beautiful peninsula of L...
This morning will include a walking tour of Hoi An, the original European trading port in Vietnam dating back to the mid-16th century. It is now a living museum, with attractive wooden merchant's houses and pagoda-style temples with Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese a...
Today is a free day to carry on enjoying this historic town. Optionals include a trip to My Son, the Cham civilisation's spiritual home, where Cham kings were buried as early as the fourth century. Although wartime bombing has destroyed much of the site, there are...
Today we transfer to Da Nang for our flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), an exciting and absorbing city where scooters pack the streets and temples stand defiantly alongside modern developments. Devastated by the Vietnam War, it is now a bustling free market city...
Today we leave the city behind us and head north to visit the infamous Cu Chi tunnels. Used by the Viet Cong during the war, the network covers 3 levels and approximately 240km of tunnels. Traditionally these were very narrow but some areas have been widened to al...
We drive to Cai Be in the Mekong Delta via a Cao Dai temple used by devotees of this strange indigenous religion that fuses all the great religions of the east and west. The author Graham Greene toyed with the idea of converting to Caodism. The Mekong is locally k...
After a morning walk through the village we board our boats once again and cross the main channel to Vinh Long where we re-join our vehicle for the drive further into the Mekong Delta and the small border town of Chau Doc. After checking into the hotel, the evening is free to wander the town, which is situated on the banks of the Mekong River. *Chau Pho Hotel or similar*
After driving approximately 1 hour to the Tinh Bien / Phnom Den land border we will bid farewell to Vietnam and cross into Cambodia. We continue by road to Phnom Penh (approx 3.5 hours). *Ohana Hotel or similar*
Phnom Penh still retains a frontier atmosphere and today we have a full day of sightseeing in Cambodia's capital city. The day of sightseeing will include the beautiful Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, so named for the solid silver tiles that make up the floor. Th...
Today we have a long drive to Siem Reap (approx. 7 hours). En route we stop at the town of Skuon, famous for its local delicacy - fried spiders. We will also stop off at Sambor Prei Kuk, Cambodia's most impressive group of pre-Angkorian monuments and some of the o...
We spend two days exploring the temple complex at Angkor. We visit the incredible Angkor Wat, the many temples inside the Royal City of Angkor Thom, including the magnificent Bayon, which is comprised of 54 intricately carved towers in one single temple. The Bayon...
Today we have a second day exploring the magnificent temples at the Angkor complex. *Angkor Holiday Hotel or similar*
Depart Siem Reap
Arrive London
Land Only
There will be a welcome briefing with your leader this evening followed by an optional group dinner at a local restaurant. *Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok or similar*
This morning we travel to the Chao Praya River where we board a long tail boat for a tour of the local canals. Please be advised there may be a possibility of larger groups being accommodated in a bigger boat. Bangkok was once known as the Venice of the East beca...
This morning we fly to Chiang Rai and then visit the Golden Triangle, an area so named after the fact that the opium that moved through was worth more than gold pound for pound. We stand at a view point overlooking Burma (Myanmar), the mighty Mekong and Laos. The ...
An early morning transfer takes us to the Thai / Laos border where we pass through immigration formalities. We say hello to our Laos Tour Leader. We will pass through Laos Immigration, followed by a tuk tuk ride to the river port where we board our private slow boat for the journey to Pak Beng. *BKC Villa Pak Beng or similar*
Boarding our private boat again, we head further down river with Luang Prabang as our final destination. En route we will visit the famous Tam Ting Caves, cut out of the limestone banks which line the river at Pak Ou. These caves are filled with thousands of Buddh...
This morning we journey to Na San village, a small village approximately 1.5 hours from Luang Prabang. Our time here will provide us with an insight into village life as we learn about everyday life but also have the chance to get involved with some of the villag...
Today is free for individual sightseeing or to seize the opportunity to sit back and relax in this pleasant town or stroll amongst the ancient red roofed temples and French colonial architecture. There are a number of interesting temples to visit including Wat Xie...
An early morning departure from Luang Prabang as we drive to the township of Vang Vieng, passing through numerous Hmong villages. Surrounded by lime karsts and set on the banks of the Nam Song (Song River), it is a beautiful location. The stunning drive will take ...
In the morning we climb the 136 steps to the Tham Jang caves, used as a hideout by the local community during periods of war. The rest of the day is free to explore. Optional excursions and activities can be arranged and there are plenty of opportunities for walks...
We leave Vang Vieng in the morning and descend from the hills to the capital Vientiane (translates as Sandalwood City) located near the banks of the Mekong River. We take an afternoon sightseeing tour of this relaxed low-rise city, including Wat Sisaket the oldest...
Today is free to shop or explore Vientiane before we transfer to the airport for our flight to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam (flight times often vary at short notice between the afternoon/evening). *Lenid Hotel or similar*
We make an early start for the approximate 4-hour journey to Halong Bay. This is one of the most stunningly beautiful sights in South East Asia with roughly 3,000 limestone peaks rising directly from the clear emerald sea. We cruise amongst this amazing karst scenery and enjoy a seafood lunch on board. We overnight on board in twin share cabins with en suite facilities. *Overnight Boat*
We cruise back to port in the morning and transfer back to Hanoi where the rest of the day is at leisure to wander around the Hoan Kiem lake and perhaps enjoy a coffee and a baguette in a lakeside café or stroll amongst broad tree-lined avenues dating from the Fre...
We spend the morning sightseeing in Hanoi including a visit to the Temple of Literature; the site of the oldest university in Vietnam with over 2000 graduates, Hoa Lo Prison & the Old Quarter of the city with its '36 Streets' where each street is home to shops...
Arriving mid-morning in Hue we transfer to our hotel. Hue claims to be the cultural and historical centre of Vietnam, and there is plenty to see. The most outstanding sight is the Imperial Citadel with walls six miles in length. Inside are the palaces and halls of...
This morning we continue sightseeing and visit the mausoleum of Tu Duc, one of the most extravagant mausoleums of the great Nguyen emperors who ruled Vietnam from Hue between 1802 and 1945. Leaving Hue, our 130km journey drives through the beautiful peninsula of L...
This morning will include a walking tour of Hoi An, the original European trading port in Vietnam dating back to the mid-16th century. It is now a living museum, with attractive wooden merchant's houses and pagoda-style temples with Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese a...
Today is a free day to carry on enjoying this historic town. Optionals include a trip to My Son, the Cham civilisation's spiritual home, where Cham kings were buried as early as the fourth century. Although wartime bombing has destroyed much of the site, there are...
Today we transfer to Da Nang for our flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), an exciting and absorbing city where scooters pack the streets and temples stand defiantly alongside modern developments. Devastated by the Vietnam War, it is now a bustling free market city...
Today we leave the city behind us and head north to visit the infamous Cu Chi tunnels. Used by the Viet Cong during the war, the network covers 3 levels and approximately 240km of tunnels. Traditionally these were very narrow but some areas have been widened to al...
We drive to Cai Be in the Mekong Delta via a Cao Dai temple used by devotees of this strange indigenous religion that fuses all the great religions of the east and west. The author Graham Greene toyed with the idea of converting to Caodism. The Mekong is locally k...
After a morning walk through the village we board our boats once again and cross the main channel to Vinh Long where we re-join our vehicle for the drive further into the Mekong Delta and the small border town of Chau Doc. After checking into the hotel, the evening is free to wander the town, which is situated on the banks of the Mekong River. *Chau Pho Hotel or similar*
After driving approximately 1 hour to the Tinh Bien / Phnom Den land border we will bid farewell to Vietnam and cross into Cambodia. We continue by road to Phnom Penh (approx 3.5 hours). *Ohana Hotel or similar*
Phnom Penh still retains a frontier atmosphere and today we have a full day of sightseeing in Cambodia's capital city. The day of sightseeing will include the beautiful Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, so named for the solid silver tiles that make up the floor. Th...
Today we have a long drive to Siem Reap (approx. 7 hours). En route we stop at the town of Skuon, famous for its local delicacy - fried spiders. We will also stop off at Sambor Prei Kuk, Cambodia's most impressive group of pre-Angkorian monuments and some of the o...
We spend two days exploring the temple complex at Angkor. We visit the incredible Angkor Wat, the many temples inside the Royal City of Angkor Thom, including the magnificent Bayon, which is comprised of 54 intricately carved towers in one single temple. The Bayon...
Today we have a second day exploring the magnificent temples at the Angkor complex. *Angkor Holiday Hotel or similar*
For land only clients, the tour ends this morning in Siem Reap after breakfast.
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Dates & Availability
Check current availability, prices, specials & more.
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.
Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings
Thai Indochina Tour
It was amazing, I did things, saw places and ate food I never thought I would. It was probably the best adventure I’ve ever had and I did it with a fabulous group...
Thai Indochina Grand Tour
If you want to get a taste of the 4 countries, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia, this is the tour for you. The accommodation was brilliant throughout, with a va...
Fantastic trip
Brilliant trip, great balance between cycling and cultural. Our leader "Is" was wonderful - she stops traffic with a wave of her hand and big smile! We were really...
Great Thai Indochina trip
Excellent trip for those wanting to see and do as bike rides and kayaking included with the sightseeing. Ha Long Bay stunning. Angkor complex amazing. Different g...
Brilliant Tour
A wonderful month immersed in the cultures, history, food, people, customs, religions, traffic, and architecture of these four lovely countries. We were lucky to be...
Other Exodus Travels Reviews
Patient and knowledgeable operative
Rick was really helpful and patient. He explained things clearly, was happy to answer questions. It is a long time since I last travelled solo but I felt confident t...
Very professional organisation
Very professional organisation, trip leaders and guides. Good cultural ethics and a genuine interest in sustainable tourism, hence Exodus values are aligned to my o...
India, the Tropical South
An excellent trip, we really enjoyed it and would highly recommend. Our guide Biju deserves a special thank you for being brilliant, he really adds to the experience...
Tour Operator
It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.
At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.
This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.
Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.
All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.
Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.
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Logistics
What's excluded
- Travel insurance
- Single accommodation (available on request)
- Visas or vaccinations
Accommodation
The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.
If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.
If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices.
Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below):
- More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
- Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
- Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
- 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost
Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us:
Cancelation charge
- More than 133 days - Deposit only
- 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost
Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.
If You Change Your Booking
If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking). You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.
You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.
If We Cancel Your Booking
Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.
If We Change Your Booking
-
Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.
-
Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.
2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.
2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason
Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances.
Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.
Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.
If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.
Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.
For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.
- 24 nights hotels, 1 night boat with twin share cabins, 1 night homestay guesthouse to experience Mekong Delta hospitality, and 1 night sleeper train (soft-bed berths)
- Travel by train, private minibus, bicycle, boat and 3 flights
- Some activity in humid conditions
- Discover a variety of cities and countryside on this itinerary
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