South East Asia Uncovered

22 days
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Small Group Tour
Travel from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City, experiencing the delights of northern Thailand, the laidback river lifestyle of Laos and the cultural richness of Vietnam. From the bright lights of Bangkok to the age-old charms of Luang Prabang and the buzz of Hanoi, go on a voyage of discovery and relaxation. Travel down the mighty Mekong and become acquainted with ...
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$4,282
From$3,172
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • The two day boat journey down the iconic Mekong River passes incredible rural scenery and is one of the must-dos to truly experience South East Asia.
    • Sample local food wherever you go, from a seafood dinner on Ha Long Bay, street snacks at markets, a meal at a buddhist nunnery, coconut candy and tropical fruits in the Mekong Delta, and a final dinner at KOTO restaurant.
    • Sail through Ha Long Bay's limestone karsts and island caves, visit a centre that turns the bay's discarded trash into treasures and spend the night checking out the stars on an overnight cruise.
    • Discover the mysterious beauty of the Lao jungle as you walk side by side with recently rescued elephants on stroll through their natural habitat.
    • Rise with the sun and watch saffron-robed monks shuffle between houses, where the faithful wait with offerings as part of an alms giving ritual.

What's this trip about?

    Travel from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City, experiencing the delights of northern Thailand, the laidback river lifestyle of Laos and the cultural richness of Vietnam. From the bright lights of Bangkok to the age-old charms of Luang Prabang and the buzz of Hanoi, go on a voyage of discovery and relaxation. Travel down the mighty Mekong and become acquainted with the tranquillity of remote villages and friendly locals along the way. Sip coffee by the lake in Hanoi, stroll the pristine shoreline around Ha Long Bay, take in the charming old-world ambiance of Hue and marvel at the hectic pace of life in Ho Chi Minh City. This is an adventure full of beauty and contrast that will introduce you to the delicious cuisine, friendly people, beautiful landscape and cosmopolitan cities of these fascinating countries.

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range15 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityBangkok
End CityHo Chi Minh City

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • High Adventure
  • Local Immersion & Homestays

Destinations

  • Asia
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam

Attractions

  • Bangkok
  • Chiang Mai
  • Halong Bay
  • Ha Long Bay
  • Hanoi
  • Ho Chi Minh
  • Hoi An
  • Hue
  • Luang Prabang
  • Mekong Delta
  • Mekong River
  • Saigon
  • Vientiane

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing

Trip includes

    • Bangkok - Khlong boat canal tour
    • Bangkok - Wat Pho
    • Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep Temple Complex (Entrance)
    • Chiang Rai - Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)
    • Mekong River - 2 day boat trip
    • Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Caves
    • Luang Prabang - Kuang Si Waterfalls
    • Luang Prabang - Alms giving ceremony
    • Luang Prabang - Laos Buffalo Dairy social enterprise visit
    • Luang Prabang - MandaLao Elephant Conservation trek
    • Luang Prabang - Lunch at Manda Lao Elephant Conservation
    • Vientiane - COPE visit
    • Vientiane - Wat Si Saket
    • Hanoi - KOTO dinner
    • Halong Bay - Overnight Boat Cruise
    • Halong Bay - Cave entry
    • Halong Bay - The Green Life Visit
    • Hue - Imperial City entrance and guided visit
    • Hue - Royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc
    • Hue - Highlights & back streets by motorbike
    • Hue - Thien Mu Pagoda
    • Hue - Motorbike Tour Lunch
    • Hoi An - Old Town walking tour
    • Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum
    • Ho Chi Minh City - City tour
    • Mekong Delta - Mekong Delta Day Trip & Village Tuk-Tuk Tour
    • Mekong Delta - Lunch

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Bangkok

Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. Thailand's bustling capital, Bangkok, is famous for its tuk-tuks, khlong boats and street vendors serving up delicious local food. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, if you arrive earlier, why not venture out into th...

Day 2 Bangkok - Overnight train

Begin the day with a 1-hour river cruise down the Chao Phraya River to explore the famous ‘khlongs’ (canals). Life along these canals seems a world away from the chaotic streets of the capital. Pay a visit to Wat Pho, one of the Bangkok temples, with a 46-metre long g...

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 its lively cafe scene and extremely welcoming locals, this place captivates many travellers. First, embark on a scenic, winding drive up a mou...

Day 4 Chiang Mai

Today is free for you to explore and there are plenty of optional activities available. Perhaps join a local cooking class today and discover the secrets of real Thai cuisine, you'll learn the key ingredients, how to use them, and what to use in their place if you can...

Day 5 Chiang Khong

Take a journey through rural countryside to the Thai border town of Chiang Khong (approximately 5.5 hours). On the way visit privately owned Wat Rong Khun, more commonly known as the White Temple – a must visit in Chiang Rai. This contemporary temple is constantly bei...

Day 6 Mekong River - Pak Beng

After crossing into Laos and for the duration of our time in the country we will be joined by additional Laos guides – a government requirement. Board a slow boat for the 2-day journey down the mighty Mekong River to Luang Prabang. The journey is relaxed, so you can e...

Day 7 Mekong River - Luang Prabang

Reboard the boat and cruise to the Pak Ou Caves. An important religious site overlooking the river at the junction of the Mekong and Ou Rivers, the revered Pak Ou Caves consist of two sacred limestone caverns filled with Buddha images of all styles and sizes, brought ...

Day 8 Luang Prabang

Once the heart and soul of the ancient Lao Kingdom (Lan Xang) and designated a World Heritage site in 1995, Luang Prabang is endowed with a legacy of historic red-roofed temples and French-Indochinese architecture, not to mention some of the country's most refined cui...

Day 9 Luang Prabang

This morning, experience a wonderful local elephant project in nearby Mandalao that will give you a new perspective and profound understanding of these magnificent beasts. Discover the mysterious beauty of the Lao jungle as you walk side by side with recently rescued ...

Day 10 Vang Vieng

Take a high-speed train today to Vang Vieng (approximately 1 hour). Situated on the Nam Song River, Vang Vieng is surrounded by towering limestone karsts and is a great place to enjoy being out in and surrounded by nature. After checking in to the hotel, use tonight to plan out your next few days with your group and leader.

Day 11 Vang Vieng

There’s plenty to do in and around Vang Vieng, known as an adventure town thanks to its unique and varied surrounding country. The area is renowned for its caves, many of which are easily accessible from the town. Perhaps the most famous is the cave of Tham Chang, a b...

Day 12 Vientiane

Continue by private minibus to the country's capital, Vientiane (approximately 3.5 hours). Possibly Asia's most laidback capital, even here everything seems to be conducted at a relaxed pace. Vientiane has a wealth of cultural delights to discover on foot, or for the ...

Day 13 Hanoi

Today you'll be taken to the airport and fly from Vientiane to Hanoi (approx 1 hour). Please note you will be unaccompanied on this flight. In the arrivals hall of Hanoi Airport you will be met by an Intrepid representative, who will take you to your Hanoi hotel. You ...

Day 14 Halong Bay

Travel by private minibus to World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay, which is dotted with sandy coves, grottoes and 1600 limestone islands formed over millennia by wind and water erosion. Board a private boat and cruise the bay, exploring Surprise Cave and perhaps even enj...

Day 15 Hanoi – Overnight train

Wake up on the waters of Ha Long Bay, and before you leave the memorable scenery behind, it’s time for one last stop. The Green Life Centre is committed to turning Halong Bay’s trash into treasure by collecting discarded items and skillfully turning them into beautifu...

Day 16 Hue

Arrive in Hue this morning and transfer to the hotel. Once the imperial capital of Vietnam, Hue holds the treasures of the country’s royal past. Enjoy free time in the morning to rest or explore. If you choose the latter (and who can blame you) the bustling Dong Ba Ma...

Day 17 Hue

See Hue like a local – from the back of a motorbike! Straddle the saddle and whiz around town with a local guide, taking in historic and contemporary sights along the way. Stop at Thanh Toan to see the 18th-century covered bridge and villagers shopping at their local ...

Day 18 Hoi An

This morning travel by bus through coastal rice paddies and the spectacular Hai Van Pass. After a photo stop on the way, arrive into Hoi An. Recently declared a World Heritage site, Hoi An was a major international trading port during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries...

Day 19 Hoi An

Today is a free day to explore Hoi An. Maybe browse the cobbled streets and art galleries or hire a bike and cycle through rice paddies out to Cua Dai Beach. Maybe browse for paintings, ceramics and colourful cloth lanterns in the town’s markets and preserved Chinese ...

Day 20 Ho Chi Minh City

Today take a short, early morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City has a fascinating history and is arguably Vietnam’s capital of commerce and culture. After landing, take a sightseeing tour around the city by bus. Pass the Reunif...

Day 21 Mekong Delta – Ho Chi Minh City

This morning head out on a day trip to explore the Mekong Delta. Board a private boat to Ben Tre to visit the coconut gardens and stop at a local home to sample tropical fruits and coconut jams. After, paddle in sampans (small rowing boats) past coconut trees along th...

Day 22 Ho Chi Minh City

There are no activities included and you’re free to depart your accommodation at any time as long as you comply with check out time. If you would like to spend some more time in Ho Chi Minh City, just speak to your booking agent.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,172
Price per day$144
Last Updated: 6/4/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
06 Nov 2024
27 Nov 2024
$3,838
09 Nov 2024
30 Nov 2024
$3,838
16 Nov 2024
07 Dec 2024
$3,710
20 Nov 2024
11 Dec 2024
$3,812
23 Nov 2024
14 Dec 2024
$3,502
26 Nov 2024
17 Dec 2024
$3,502
27 Nov 2024
18 Dec 2024
$3,502
30 Nov 2024
21 Dec 2024
$3,638
03 Dec 2024
24 Dec 2024
$3,570
07 Dec 2024
28 Dec 2024
$3,838

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.

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Tour Operator

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 highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
What they’re known for
Small group tours for all types of travelers at a range of different price points and trips to off-the-beaten-path destinations.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Guesthouse (2 nights),Hotel (16 nights),Overnight boat (1 night),Overnight sleeper train (2 nights),

Transportation & Flights

Boat,Motorbike,Overnight sleeper train,Plane,Private Mini bus,Taxi,Longtail boat,Sampan,Tuk Tuk,

Transportation & flights

Boat,Motorbike,Overnight sleeper train,Plane,Private Mini bus,Taxi,Longtail boat,Sampan,Tuk Tuk
Guides
All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative. Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative 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 your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services MOTORBIKE INCLUDED ACTIVITY: Please note that for this particular trip, your travel insurance must also cover riding pillion on a motorbike. The motorbikes used are 125cc or less.
Visa requirements
PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements DUAL PASSPORT HOLDERS For travel between countries in South East Asia you will need to travel on the same passport for all border crossings. Immigration authorities will need to see entry and exit from the previous country before allowing you to enter their country. E-VISAS AND OVERLAND BORDER CROSSINGS Holders of a Cambodian or Vietnamese E-Visa may be required to pay an extra service fee when crossing overland between the two countries. This fee is charged by local bus companies as a service fee and will be between USD1-3, subject to change. Please ensure that you have adequate USD in cash for this fee. Your visa application form may require you to state the dates on which you enter and exit that country. We suggest you list your date of entry a few days before, and date of exit a few days after, your intended dates in case you encounter any delays or problems en route. The following are the international/administrative border crossings for this trip: On Day 6 we cross the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge IV border from Thailand to Laos via minivan: The Thai border is Chiangkhong. The Laos border is at Houy Xai. On Day 13 we fly from Laos to Vietnam: We depart from Vientiane, Laos. We arrive in Hanoi, Vietnam. LAOS Visa on Arrival Evisa is recommended for Laos but If you plan to get an visa on arrival at the border, please ensure that you have at least 1 passport photo and up to USD45 cash for your application. Please provide your sales agent with accurate passport details prior to the departure of your trip as these details will be passed on to your leader to help speed up the process. Those without a photo, or who are arriving on a weekend, holiday or after hours, will have to pay an additional one or two dollars. All visa fees are payable in cash only. HOTEL ADDRESS FOR LAOS VISA APPLICATION If you require a hotel address for your visa application please use: BKC Villa 2 Ban Pakbeng 1 Oudomxay Laos Ph: +856 20 55 118 080 LOCAL CONTACT INFORMATION FOR LAOS VISA APPLICATION If you require a local contact for your visa application please use: Mr. Vimansawanh Nouanesengsy Address: Ban Sokkham 20 Sokkham Rd Saysettha district Vientaine Lao PDR Ph: +856 20 555 03065 ADDRESS FOR VIETNAM VISA APPLICATIONS If you require an address for your visa application please use: Intrepid Vietnam Ground Floor, Ladeco Building 266 Doi Can St Ba Dinh District, Hanoi Vietnam Ph +84 4 3715 0996 To help calculate the exact dates of these crossings we have found the following website to be very useful - http://www.timeanddate.com
Health & Safety
Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice 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 destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your group leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your group leader or local representative will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips. https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines FIRE PRECAUTIONS: Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which we use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms. SEAT BELTS: Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and not all the transport which we use is able to provide seat belts. PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY: While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing. MOTORBIKE BAG SNATCHING: Be particularly aware of motorbike bag snatching, especially in the bigger cities. BICYCLE HELMETS Bicycle helmets are not provided on the optional cycling activity in Vang Vieng. If you wish to wear a bike helmet we recommend you bring one from home.
Age Requirements
15 years and up
Additional Information

Finish point

  • Queen Ann Hotel
  • 86-88 Bui Thi Xuan Ben Thanh
  • District 1
  • Ho Chi Minh City
  • VIETNAM
  • Phone: +84 839254444
  • Fax: +84 839259007

Alternate Finish point

  • For trips departing on the following dates, use this finish point.
  • 16 Oct 2024 (TLSXC2410162), 10 Dec 2024 (TLSXC2412102), 11 Dec 2024 (TLSXC2412112), 14 Dec 2024 (TLSXC2412142)
  • Riverside Hotel Saigon
  • 18 - 19 - 20 Ton Duc Thang st., Dist 1
  • Ho Chi Minh City
  • VIETNAM
  • Phone: +84 28338224038
  • Fax: +84 2838251417
Trip ID
intrepid-TLSXC

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