Bangkok To Hanoi

Good for: transit night

All content by Intrepid

15 days (ex 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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Leave Jun 24, 2012 and save 15% $1,496

from USD$1,760

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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

Travel to Thailand and take a longtail boat ride along Bangkok's khlongs. Why not gaze up at the famous reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, indulge in a relaxing Thai massage or stroll through the lush gardens of the Grand Palace in free time.

Day 3 Chiang Mai

Discover sweeping views of Chiang Mai from atop Doi Suthep. Make like a local and devour a bowl of khao soi noodles at the Night Bazaar.

Day 4 Chiang Khong

Travel through the changing terrain of rural Thailand to the Laos border. Mingle with local villagers before catching a first glimpse of the mighty Mekong River.

Day 5 Mekong River

Take a slow boat down the Mekong River, soaking up the laidback river lifestyle of Laos. Stay overnight in tranquil Pak Beng.

Days 6-8 Luang Prabang

See hundreds of Buddhas carved into the limestone cliffs at the Pak Ou caves before arriving in Luang Prabang. Enjoy the quaint colonial atmosphere, delve into local history at the Royal Palace Museum and swim in the turquoise waters of Kuang Si falls.

Day 9 Vang Vieng

Call in at Laos' famous backpacker hangout of Vang Vieng. Admire the stunning limestone karst scenery or venture further afield on a mountain bike.

Days 10-11 Vientiane

Explore laidback Vientiane and pay a visit to the inspiring COPE prosthetic limb centre. At days end, head to the riverbank to savour a Mekong sunset with a cold Beerlao in hand.

Day 12 Lak Sao

Revel in a striking montage of mountain, forest and karst scenery en route to Lak Sao.

Days 13-15 Hanoi

Cross into northern Vietnam and browse the Old Quarter for traditional artefacts and gastronomic delights - or perhaps explore Hanoi on a cyclo tour.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Accommodation

Guesthouse (7 nts), Hotel (4 nts), Overnight sleeper train (1 nt)

Transport

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

Budget

Allow USD $300 for meals not included.

Check dates and prices
Book this trip with Intrepid Travel on their site

from USD$1,760

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in the airport

thdat 1 1 -1 recommends this, February 3, 2012

I recomend Avi Airport hotel for transit night, it near NoiBai international Airport,
You can visit: http://www.aviairporthotel.com

Good for: transit night

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