Bangkok To Hanoi

All content by Intrepid

13 days (Bangkok)

Destinations visited: Vietnam, Hanoi, Thailand, Bangkok, Laos, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

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Description

Travel from Bangkok to Hanoi experiencing the delights of northern Thailand, the laidback river lifestyle of Laos and the pristine wilderness of northern Vietnam. Join us on a voyage of discovery and relaxation, taking in the bright lights of Bangkok in Thailand, the age-old charms of Luang Prabang in Laos and the buzz of Vietnam's capital, Hanoi. Travel down the mighty Mekong River and become immersed in the tranquillity of remote villages and friendly locals along the way.

Highlights

Cruise down Bangkok's canals on a longtail boat.
Bargain up a storm in Chiang Mai's Night Bazaar.
Relax on a slow boat down the Mekong.
Take a dip beneath Kuang Si falls.
Soak up the French-inspired culture in Vientiane.
Traverse lush mountains in Laos.
Experience diverse South-East Asian cultures.

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Bangkok

Loud, bright, chaotic and delightful, Bangkok is a city of modern excesses intermingled with simple traditions, all wrapped up in the famous smiles of the locals.

Day 3 Chiang Mai

Awash with stunning temples, fabulous markets and a lively city centre, charming Chiang Mai is rich in culture and the gateway to the northern hilltribes.

Day 4 Chiang Khong

Sitting on the Mekong, Chiang Khong is a quiet town on the Thai side of the Thai-Lao border with beautiful countryside and a relaxed atmosphere.

Day 5 Mekong River

The Mekong River gently flows through Laos providing food, water and a transport channel for millions, as well as the aesthetic pleasures of life on the river.

Days 6-8 Luang Prabang

Nestled in the hills of northern Laos, the tranquil city of Luang Prabang is studded with ornate temples, brimming with colourful markets and enriched by French colonial architecture.

Days 9-10 Vang Vieng

Surrounded by stunning limestone karst scenery, Vang Vieng is a small haven with fascinating caves to explore, a myriad of water-based activities and a relaxed atmosphere.

Day 11 Vientiane

As the most relaxed capital in South-East Asia, Vientiane is a lovely mix of riverside calm, outstanding temples, fabulous food and charming locals.

Days 12-13 Hanoi

Hanoi is famous for its tranquil lake settings, French-colonial architecture, ancient temples, delectable cuisine and as the resting place of the revered former leader, Ho Chi Minh.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Accommodation

Guesthouse, Hotel, Overnight sleeper train

Transport

Boat, Jumbo, Longtail boat, Overnight sleeper train, Private minibus, Tuk-Tuk

Important notes

A single supplement is available on this trip.

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from USD$1,930

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