Overview
River & Railways Trail Through Vietnam, Laos & Thailand 22 days, which is economical for young and solo travelers, allows you to explore the three countries on the most adventurous journey. Soak up the beautiful landscapes on the train, party with new acquaintances along Vietnam's stunning bay, absorb the French ambiance while sipping coffee riverbank in Laos, and go treasure hunting in local marketplaces. You have complete control over this riverside of Indochina. Feel free to immerse yourself in the essence of this fascinating region.
Itinerary
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Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City Arrival
Morning/ Afternoon
- Arrive at the airport of Ho Chi Minh City
- Meet the guide at pick up point and transfer to your hotel
Evening
- Take a stroll down the walking street or discover the taste of Saigon street food
Meals: NA
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City - Overnight Train to Nha Trang
Morning & Afternoon
- Freely walking around Ho Chi Minh City and feel the beat of local life
- Go sightseeing all the must-sees including Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Saigon Central Post Office
- Visit the temples, local markets, and sacred pagodas
Evening
- Have local dishes for dinner
- Take the overnight train to Nha Trang
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight train to Nha Trang
Day 3: Nha Trang Beach Relaxation
Morning
- Arrive in Nha Trang City
- Look around the local shops and markets
- Relax in a soothing mud bath
- Enjoy sunlight on the beach
Afternoon
- Visit nearby historical sites
Evening
- Join a Nha Trang street food crawl
Meals: NA
Accommodation: Hotel in Nha Trang
Day 4: Nha Trang Discovery - Overnight Train to Da Nang
Morning & Afternoon
- Free to explore Nha Trang on your own
Optional
Discover Nha Trang by Speedboat Full Day: Discover pristine islands and amazing seascape in the bay
Nha Trang Culture Tour Full Day: A deep exploration of the cultural heritages and Cham architecture
Evening
- Get on the overnight train to Da Nang
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Night train to Da Nang
Day 5: Da Nang - Hoi An Free Day
Morning:
- Arrive in Da Nang, then take a short excursion to Hoi An
- Discover the charm of Hoi An ancient town or beautiful beach in the area
Afternoon & Evening:
- Freely to discover the best of Hoi An street food and culture
Meals: NA
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An
Day 6: Hoi An Deep Insight
Morning:
- Join in the noodle-making class
Afternoon:
- Get a deep insight into Hoi An culture
Optional
My Son Sanctuary Half-Day Tour from Hoi An: Visit ancient Cham cultural sites of unique sacred and mysterious beauty
Hoi An Motorbike Street Food Tour Half Day: Explore the world-famous street food around the town
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An
Day 7: Majestic Hue City Exploration
Morning & Afternoon:
- Take a private transfer from Hoi An to Hue
- Join a Hue city tour to explore the landmarks: Hue Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda, and some tombs of the Kings
Evening:
- Free time to discover Hue and its specialties
Optional:
Hue Night Culinary Tour Half day: Get tasty bites of flavorful and colorful local food of Hue on a cyclo ride
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue
Day 8: Welcome to Phong Nha - Ke Bang
Morning:
- Free to enjoy the calm atmosphere of the last morning in Hue
Afternoon:
- Travel to Phong Nha by private transfer
- Sightsee the rocky mountains and dense forests
Evening:
- Stay overnight in Phong Nha
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Phong Nha
Day 9: Phong Nha National Park - Night Train to Hanoi
Morning & Afternoon:
- Discover the breathtaking underground cave systems of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park
- Uncover the turquoise beach of Phong Nha Cave
Evening:
- Take the overnight train to Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight train to Hanoi
Day 10: Hanoi - Halong Bay Cruise
Morning:
- Arrive in Hanoi in the morning
- Transfer to Halong Bay to embark on the overnight cruise
Afternoon:
- Get on a junk boat to explore the majestic caves, floating villages, and hidden gems of Halong Bay
- Enjoy the entertainment and relaxing activities onboard
- Admire the 'blue hour' at the sunset moment of Halong Bay
Evening:
- Stay overnight on Halong Bay cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Halong Bay cruise
Day 11: Halong - Hanoi Old Quarter
Morning:
- Join a Tai Chi session and have breakfast while the ship sailing back to the pier
- Enjoy the refreshing morning amidst the beautiful seascape in Halong
Afternoon:
- Disembark and transfer to Hanoi
- Free to choose between a Hanoi street food tour and relax at your own leisure
Evening:
- Have fun with nightlife activities in Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Day 12: Hanoi - Flight to Vientiane
Morning:
- Soak up the refreshing air in Hanoi before heading to the airport
Afternoon:
- Take a flight to Vientiane, the capital of Laos
- Visit the highlight Phat That Luang, the most significant national monument in Laos
- Enjoy a spectacular sunset over the riverside
Evening:
- Take a stroll around the vibrant streets and colorful night markets
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane
Day 13: Vientiane - Vang Vieng
Morning & Afternoon:
- Travel to Vang Vieng, a small laidback town by the Song River
- Take a guided hike to a popular local lookout point for breathtaking views of the valley
Evening:
- Have some drinks with the new companions
- Enjoy the cool vibe of the town
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Vang Vieng
Day 14: Vang Vieng Free Day
- Spend your free day exploring Vang Vieng
Optional:
- Join a kayaking tour down the Nam Song River, stop off at various caves to hear about the local history, and behold the massive landscapes
- Visit an organic farm to see the production process of mulberry tea and different fruit wines
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Vang Vieng
Day 15: Vang Vieng - Luang Prabang
Morning:
- Depart for Luang Prabang, the vibrant city of Buddhist temples and monasteries in Laos
Afternoon:
- Climb the stone stairs for a short hike to the top of sacred Wat Phousi
- Enjoy a panoramic view of the sunset over Luang Prabang and the Mekong River from the mount
Evening:
- Take part in an evening street food tour
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang
Day 16: Luang Prabang - Kuang Si Waterfalls
Morning & Afternoon:
- Get up early to witness one of the most sacred ceremonies in Laos - Alms Giving
- Watch the monks in saffron robes walk through town before sunrise
- Visit the Kuang Si Waterfalls, a wonderful attraction of nature
Evening:
- Free time to uncover the street food and nightlife in Luang Prabang
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang
Day 17: Luang Prabang - Pak Beng
Morning & Afternoon:
- Get on a houseboat for a 2-day journey up the Mekong River from Cambodia to Thailand
- Enjoy the scenic views of the riverside
- Head to a village homestay and experience the Baci welcome ceremony
Evening:
- Enjoy dinner with the host
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Homestay in Pakbeng
Day 18: Pak Beng - Chiang Khong
Morning:
- Head for the border crossings between Laos and Thailand
- Sit back, relax and take in wild scenery from the cruise view
Afternoon & Evening:
- Cross the border to Thailand
- Experience the nightlife in Chiang Khong
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Chiang Khong
Day 19: Chiang Khong - Chiang Mai
Morning:
- Soak up the mesmerizing countryside views on the drive to Chiang Mai
Afternoon:
- Spend the afternoon learning about this tranquil city, its traditional markets, and magnificent temples like Doi Suthep
Evening:
- See a Thai boxing match, go for a cycling ride, or shop at the famous night market
Meals: NA
Accommodation: Hotel in Chiang Mai
Day 20: Chiang Mai - Night train to Bangkok
Morning:
- Continue to explore Chiang Mai at your own pace
- Take in the sights and sounds of this fascinating city
Afternoon:
- Visit the magnificent Doi Suthep temple, which stands high above the city
- Take a bicycle ride in the countryside
- Relax with a massage
Evening:
- Take an overnight train to Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight train to Bangkok
Day 21: Bangkok Free Day
- Freely discover Bangkok
Optional:
- Choose a temple visit, a boat trip along the Chao Phraya River, or a street food tour
- Treat yourself to a Thai massage, spend time wandering around the street corners to pick up lovely souvenirs
Meals: NA
Accommodation: Hotel in Bangkok
Day 22: Bangkok Departure
- Spend the last day in Bangkok before taking a flight back home
- End of the tour. Say see you again with Asiacharm Tours!
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: NA