Indochina Cross Country
15 days/ 14 nights
Day 1 & 2: Bangkok
No activities are planned for
Sunday, so you may arrive at any time. On Monday morning we meet our local
guide for a short walking tour of the city, visiting Wat Pho, the Emerald
Buddha and the Grand Palace,
before boarding our northbound overnight sleeper train for Chiang Mai.
Day 3:Chiang Mai
We enjoy a free day in this northern Thai city, where there is time to
explore its many temples, appreciate the scenic view from Doi Suthep or
learn to prepare the local cuisine in a Thai cooking class. In the evening
you can wander through the famous Night Bazaar and hunt for bargains.
Day 4: Huay Xai
Travelling through picturesque countryside and rural farming communities, we
travel through northern Thailand and arrive in Chiang Khong, where we
complete immigration formalities and cross the mighty Mekong River
into Laos.
In Huay Xai, we have ample time to explore this small riverside town, as our
Gecko’s leader makes the final arrangements for tomorrow’s journey.
Day 5: Mekong River/Pakbeng
Travelling by slow boat down the
Mekong, we observe the tranquil
rural lifestyle of the inhabitants along this important waterway. The pace
is very relaxed as we sit back and watch the world go by. In the late
afternoon we arrive at the small village of Pakbeng,
where we stay overnight in a simple guesthouse.
Day 6 & 7: Luang Prabang
It is a total change of pace today, as we board our fast boats and take an
exhilarating ride down river to Luang Prabang. We break our journey to
explore the peaceful Buddhist temple caves at Pak Ou. During our stay in
Luang Prabang we explore the many beautiful temples and admire the French
architecture of this former royal capital. We also take an excursion to the
spectacular Kuang Si Waterfall.
Day 8 & 9: Vang Vieng
Today we travel by local bus through the spectacular mountain scenery of
Laos, passing Lao and other villages along the way. Our destination is Vang
Vieng, located on the banks of the Nam Song and surrounded by stunning lime
karst cliffs. During our stay we take the opportunity to explore the caves
that line the west bank of the river.
Day 10: Vientiane
A free day to explore other sights that Vientiane has to offer including
Buddha Park,
which is located outside town.
Day 11: Lak Sao
The mountain scenery is stunning, as we
travel onward by local bus to the town of Lak Sao, situated on the border
with Vietnam.
Day 12: Lak Sao
The mountain scenery is stunning as we travel onward by bus to the town of
Lak Sao situated on the border with Vietnam.
Day 13: Vinh
We cross into Vietnam
and then drive for three hours to the port city of Vinh, birthplace of Ho
Chi Minh. Here we board the Reunification Express sleeper train, for the
300-kilometre train journey to Hanoi.
Day 14: Hanoi
Hanoi has a charm of its own, with its French colonial architecture and
tree-lined boulevards. We enjoy a city tour, visiting such historic sights
as the One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature
and Hoa Lo Prison (the infamous ‘Hanoi Hilton’).
Day 15: Hanoi
Our Indochina Cross Country adventure finishes today.
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