G Adventures: Thailand and Laos Adventure
Day 1: Bangkok
Arrive at any time.
Today is arrival day, so there are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting. Relax, explore the city, and adjust to the pace of life in Bangkok.
Day 2: Bangkok/Chiang Mai
Guided longboat tour of Bangkok’s klongs and Wat Po. Optional Grand Palace and National Museum visits. Overnight train to Chiang Mai.
Enjoy a 1-hr longtail boat tour of Bangkok's famous klongs (canals). The trip finishes at the Royal Temple of Wat Po for a guided tour.After, there is time for shopping, a visit to Grand Palace or a stroll along Khao San Rd. In the evening, board the overnight train to Chiang Mai.
Day 3: Chiang Mai
Enjoy a guided tour of Doi Suthep temple. Optional activities include a cooking class or visit to the night market.
Arrive early morning and use some free time to explore. Choose from a range of optional activities or stroll the city independently. Experience the flavours and scents of traditional northern Thai cuisine by pre-booking the Northern Thai Cooking Class.In late afternoon, set off to visit the temple complex, Doi Suthep. If you're lucky, you may witness the chanting of the monks.
Day 4: Chiang Mai/Chiang Khong
Head to Chiang Khong via Wat Rong Khun and enjoy the view of the mighty Mekong.
Drive to Chiang Khong, a sleepy trading town nestled on the bank of the Mekong River. En route, visit Wat Rong Khun — the dazzling 'White Temple'. Wander the local food market or sit back and enjoy a slower pace of life relaxing in Thailand with river views of Laos.
Day 5: Chiang Khong/Muang Pakbèng
Cross the border into Laos then travel by traditional boat down the Mekong River.
Cross the border to the Laos immigration area, then take a songthaew (local bus) to a traditional slow boat. Travel down the Mekong River and adjust to the relaxed pace of life in Laos. This predominantly mountainous country has unsurpassed views of the riverside villages, the tropical jungle, and the mountains.
Day 6: Muang Pakbèng/Luang Prabang
Continue down the Mekong for most of the day. Take a guided tour of the Pak Ou caves before arriving in Luang Prabang.
Continue on by slow boat down the mighty Mekong. Before arriving at Luang Prabang, enjoy a visit outside to the Pak Ou caves.After, re-board the boat and continue to Luang Prabang, arriving in the early evening.
Day 7: Luang Prabang
Enjoy a guided tour of the Ethnology Museum and Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Centre before heading to the new Planeterra project Ban Ou community. Relax in the afternoon at the Kuang Si waterfalls.
Take a tour of the Ethnology Museum — a great chance to learn more about the dress and customs of local people. Drop into Ock Pop Tok for an introduction to Laos textiles and handicrafts. Then, take a half-day trip out to the stunning Kuang Si waterfalls and be sure to pack a swimsuit.
Day 8: Luang Prabang
Enjoy a free day exploring all Luang Prabang has to offer. Options include cooking classes, temple visits, massages, night market shopping, and cycling.
Day 9: Luang Prabang/Vang Vieng
Spend the night in a local village enjoying traditional Laotian food. Sleep and eat like a local.
Drive winding mountain roads through gorgeous scenery to reach Vang Vieng. Experience a local homestay in a nearby village. Here, enjoy traditional Laotian food while getting to know your host family. Your CEO will provide insight into the way of life of village residents.
Day 10: Vang Vieng
Enjoy free time in Vang Vieng. Move to a hotel for the night, an ideal location for exploring the countryside by bicycle or kayak.
Opt to pre-book the "Vang Vieng Adrenaline Bundle" on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Day 11: Vang Vieng/Vientiane
Explore the capital of Laos. Opt to visit temples, see the National Museum, or explore highlights of the town.
Head out of the mountains to one of Asia's sleepiest capital cities. Opt to visit some of the highlights of Vientiane including Wat Sisaket, one of the city's oldest and most fascinating temples, and Wat Phra That Luang, Lao's national symbol and one of her most sacred sites. For those who like to shop, don't miss the morning market, which, incidentally, is open all day!
Day 12: Vientiane/Hanoi
Fly from Vientiane to Hanoi.
Take a short flight from quiet Laos into the bustling capital of Vietnam, Hanoi. Take a leisurely walk through the Old Quarter to get to know the narrow streets of this city.
Day 13: Hanoi
Visit Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, stilt house, and Presidential Palace. Enjoy an included water puppet show. Opt to visit the Temple of Literature, museums, and Hoa Lo Prison.
Visit Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, and the former president's house on stilts for insight into an important figure in Vietnam's history.During the afternoon, use some free time to explore this beautiful city. Opt to indulge in traditional Vietnamese cuisine while exploring the streets of Hanoi. Choose to visit the Tran Quoc Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, the Museum of Ethnology or just sip delicious Vietnamese iced coffee in a café along the lake. In late afternoon or early evening, attend a performance of Vietnam's famous water puppets before sampling one of Hanoi's amazing eating venues.Opt to pre-book the "Hanoi Foodie Culture Tour" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Day 14: Hanoi
Depart at any time.
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Hanoi
Hanoi is a city with a history that dates back to the 7th century. In 1954 Hanoi was declared the capital of the Democratic Republic of North Vietnam, and in 1976, following the Vietnam War, it became the capital of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. This political history has made Hanoi one of the country's most fascinating cities to explore. The most renowned of all the monuments is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. It is dedicated to Vietnam's most well-respected President, who in 1945, led his country to independence. Other highlights include the Museum of History, containing ancient artifacts from Cambodia, Thailand, Japan and China, the 11th century One Pillar Pagoda and legendary Sword Lake.
Excursions
Hanoi - Hon Gai / Hai Phong Port
Hanoi - Hon Gai / Hai Phong Port
HON GAI / HAI PHONG PORT
Destination: Hanoi
Tour Duration: Within 8 hours (08:00 – 18:00)
Tour Description:
Meet with guide at the ship docking and transfer to town. Car and guide is at disposal.
Note: There is an extra charge for transfer from other ports.
Inclusions:
• Private transfers and transportation on tour
• Sightseeing with local English-speaking guide
• Entrance fees
• Cold towels and water on sightseeing days
Non-inclusions:
• Vietnam visa
• Drinks/ waters on meals
• Other meals where not mentioned in the program
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Tips and Gratuities
• Other services not listed in inclusive column
Hanoi Full Day Tour (10 Hours)
Hanoi Full Day Tour (10 Hours)
HANOI FULL DAY TOUR
Destination: Hanoi
Tour Duration: 10 hours
Tour Description:
On arrival to the port (Cai Lan /Hon Gai/ Halong port) disembark the ship and meet your guide. Then take 4 hours’ drive to Hanoi for an informative city tour.
With ochre-colored colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and scenic lakes, Hanoi is full of charm. Start the tour at the Temple of Literature, the first University for the sons of mandarins, for an overview about Hanoian culture and appreciation for ancient Vietnamese architecture. Then head to the Vietnamese Women’s Museum that offers a broad insight into Vietnam’s people including its 54 ethnic groups through a lens of women’s topics. Walk through diverse exhibitions from street vendors to marriage to family life to traditional fashion.
Lunch is on your own.
End the trip with a cyclo tour from the museum to the Old Quarter. Ride through its narrow streets to indulge yourself in the bustle and hustle of the local daily life. Later, drive back to Halong to embark the ship.
Notes:
• Availability: Morning
• There is an extra charge for transfer from other ports.
Inclusions:
• Private transfers and transportation on tour
• Sightseeing with local English-speaking guide
• Entrance fees
• Cold towels and water on sightseeing days
Non-inclusions:
• Vietnam visa
• Drinks/ waters on meals
• Other meals where not mentioned in the program
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Tips and Gratuities
• Other services not listed in inclusive column
Shore Excursion Hai Phong - Hanoi
Shore Excursion Hai Phong - Hanoi
SHORE EXCURSION HAI PHONG - HANOI
Destination: Hanoi
Tour Duration: 05 hours
Tour Description:
Disembark at the Port of Hai Phong where your guide will be waiting to take you on a 2.5hr drive into Hanoi to explore this charming city, often referred to as the ‘Paris of the East’, with its yellow ochre colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and scenic lakes Begin your tour with a visit to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university built in the late 11th century. The picturesque temple is an example of well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture and is featured on the back of the 100,000 Vietnamese dong banknote. Continue to the Vietnamese Women’s Museum, offering broad insights into the people of Vietnam, including its 54 ethnic groups, through the lens of women’s topics. Walk through diverse exhibitions showcasing everything from street vendors and marriage to family life and traditional fashion. Enjoy lunch at Cau Go Vietnamese cuisine restaurant - located on the top floor of old building which was built 90s with amazing view overlook to Hoan Kiem lake. Conclude with a cyclo tour to the famed Old Quarter known for its ‘36 streets of 36 wares’ named after the original 36 artisan guilds that date as far back as the 13th century. Explore the fascinating maze of back streets, fronted by narrow houses known as “tunnel” or “tube houses”, built to avoid taxes based on the width of their frontage onto the street, a wonderfully eclectic glimpse into Hanoi street life. Drive back to Hai Phong and board the ship.
Note: There is an extra charge for transfer from other ports.
Inclusions:
• Private transfers and transportation on tour
• Sightseeing with local English-speaking guide
• Meals as specified (meals only, no drinks/ waters)
• Entrance fees
• Cold towels and water on sightseeing days
Non-inclusions:
• Vietnam visa
• Drinks/ waters on meals
• Other meals where not mentioned in the program
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Tips and Gratuities
• Other services not listed in inclusive column
Shore Excursion Halong - Hanoi
Shore Excursion Halong - Hanoi
SHORE EXCURSION HALONG - HANOI
Destination: Hanoi
Tour Duration: 05 hours
Tour Description:
Disembark at the Port of Cai Lan where your guide will be waiting to take you on a 3.5hr drive into Hanoi to explore this charming capital city, often referred to as the ‘Paris of the East’, with its yellow ochre colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and scenic lakes. Begin your tour of the highlights of Hanoi with a visit to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university built in the late 11th century. The picturesque temple is an example of well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture and is featured on the back of the 100,000 Vietnamese dong banknote. Continue to the Vietnamese Women’s Museum, offering broad insights into the people of Vietnam, including its 54 ethnic groups, through the lens of women’s topics. Walk through diverse exhibitions showcasing everything from street vendors and marriage to family life and traditional fashion. Enjoy lunch at Cau Go Vietnamese cuisine restaurant - located on the top floor of old building which was built 90s with amazing view overlook to Hoan Kiem lake. Conclude with a cyclo tour through the famed Old Quarter known for its ‘36 streets of 36 wares’ named after the original 36 artisan guilds that date as far back as the 13th century. Explore the fascinating maze of back streets, fronted by narrow houses known as “tunnel” or “tube houses”, built to avoid taxes based on the width of their frontage onto the street, a wonderfully eclectic glimpse into Hanoi street life. Drive back to the Port of Cai Lan and board the ship.
Note: There is an extra charge for transfer from other ports.
Inclusions:
• Private transfers and transportation on tour
• Sightseeing with local English-speaking guide
• Meals as specified (meals only, no drinks/ waters)
• Entrance fees
• Cold towels and water on sightseeing days
Non-inclusions:
• Vietnam visa
• Drinks/ waters on meals
• Other meals where not mentioned in the program
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Tips and Gratuities
• Other services not listed in inclusive column
Vientiane
While visiting Vientiane, you’ll delight in the legendary Lao hospitality and the country’s unspoiled beauty. Until recently, Laos was forbidden to foreign travelers. Vientiane, capital of Laos, is busy and hectic in comparison to the rest of the country, but it is quiet compared with any other capital city in Asia. Vientiane, as are the other major city of Laos, is situated on the Mekong River, which forms the lifeline of the country. Vientiane’s major attractions are the serene Buddhist monasteries that dominate the city streets. The city has kept its timeless charm with tree-lined avenues, brightly painted temples and quaint French architecture. Explore Wat Si Saket. Built in 1818, it is the city’s oldest temple and features over 6,800 Buddha images, which are all ritually cleansed at the time of the Lao New Year. Hophrakeo, once the royal temple of Lao monarchy, was built in 1565 and has been used as a museum since 1970. The main structure, which originally housed Prakeo, the Emerald Buddha, now contains some of the finest Buddhist sculpture and artifacts found in the country. Special displays include antique brass drums and palm leaf manuscripts. Also visit the most famous landmark of Vientiane, the soaring stupa Pha That Luang (Royal Stupa), which was constructed in 1566 by King Setthatirat, founder of the Vientiane capital.
Bangkok
Bangkok is chief port capital of Thailand and one of the most important cities in Southeast Asia. It is the epitome of the country's kaleidoscopic blend of old and new. It is an expression of Thai respect for tradition coupled with their vibrant involvement with modern progress. Rama I built the walled Grand Palace, which contains Temple of the Emerald Buddha. During the 19th century, Bangkok was known as the Venice of the East because of its many canals, which served as streets and commercial thoroughfares. Houses perched along the banks of the remaining canals are still common sight. Some of Bangkok’s most distinctive features are the approximately 400 Buddhist temples, known as wats. Bangkok is Thailand's economic center. Other sights to see include Temples, monuments, museums, Vimarnmekh Mansion, and Jim Thompson’s House.
Excursions
Bangkok City tour
Bangkok City tour
BANGKOK CITY TOUR
Destination: Bangkok
Tour Duration: 8 hours (2.5 hours of transfer per way between Laem Chabang Sea Port and Bangkok city centre, 3 hours of experience)
Tour Description:
From its beginnings as a small trading post during the Ayutthaya Kingdom in the 15th century, Bangkok has expanded to become one of Asia’s most exciting capital cities with over 14 million people. From the port, drive 2.5hr to Bangkok for lunch. Then visit Grand Palace, one of the most impressive palaces in Southeast Asia, the vast 94ha (233ac) grounds encompass more than 100 buildings including the Royal Residence and Throne Halls, government offices and the renowned Wat Phra Kaew, home to the most revered Buddha image in Thailand, the Emerald Buddha (which is actually made of jade or jasper, rather than emerald). Continue to Wat Pho, one of the oldest temples in Bangkok, and home to the famous 45m (148ft) reclining Buddha as well as the original school of traditional Thai massage. Return to the port and your ship in late afternoon.
08.30 hrs Docking time.
09.30 hrs Departure to Bangkok from Laem Chabang Sea Port (2.5 hours drive).
12.00 hrs Arrive Bangkok for Lunch at local restaurant.
13.00 hrs Visit Grand Palace.
14.00 hrs Visit Wat Pho.
15.00 hrs Return to Laem Chabang Sea Port (2.5 hours drive).
17.30 hrs Arrive Laem Chabang Sea Port.
NOTES:
- Pick up time: 09:30
- If docking at Laem Chabang Port, clients will need at least 2 days in port in order to take a full-day shore excursion to Bangkok, taking into account the 2 - 3 hour drive each way from Laem Chabang Port into downtown Bangkok (subject to traffic, road conditions, and ship’s departure time). If clients have only one day in port, there is only time for a half-day excursion to Bangkok.
- If docking at Klong Toey Port, clients need at least 2 days in port for a full-day shore excursion to Bangkok and beyond (i.e. Ayutthaya, etc.) taking into account the 1.5 - 2 hour drive to Ayutthaya each way (subject to traffic, road conditions, and ship’s departure time). If clients have only one day in port, a half-day excursion to Bangkok is possible, but there will not be enough time to visit Ayutthaya and surrounding areas.
- Travel Documentation: All clients must be in possession of a valid passport and necessary visas or permits at the commencement of travel. All such documentation is the sole responsibility of the client. Our company does not accept any responsibility or liability whatsoever for the failure of clients to obtain appropriate documentation.
- These following clothes are strictly not allowed in Grand Palace: Shorts, mini-skirts, short skirts, tight fitting trousers, and tights; See-through shirts and blouses, as well as culottes or quarter length trousers; Sleeveless shirts or vests; Sandals (without ankle or heel straps); Rolled-up-sleeved shirts; Sweatshirts and sweatpants, wind-cheaters, pajamas and fisherman trousers.
Inclusions:
• Private transfer
• Port pick-up and drop-off
• Sightseeing with Local English Speaking guide
• Entrance fees
• Meals as specified (meals only, no drinks/ waters)
• Cold towels and water on sightseeing days
Non-inclusions:
• Thailand Visa (Please contact your cruise for the visa details)
• Other meals where not mention in the program
• Drinks/ waters on meals
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Tips and Gratuities
• Other services not listed in inclusive column
Bangkok City By Helicopter
Bangkok City By Helicopter
BANGKOK CITY BY HELICOPTER
Destination: Bangkok
Tour Duration: 4.5 hours (Including 2hr drive from/to Laem Chabang Port each way and 30min helicopter ride).
Tour Description:
Enjoy an amazing bird’s eye view of sprawling Bangkok on a thrilling 30 minute helicopter ride. From the port, depart on a 2hr drive to AA Bangkok Base where you begin your helicopter flight over Rajamangala National Stadium, the home stadium for the Thailand national football team, and the Erawan Museum shaped in the form of a three-headed elephant. From there, fly over the nearby provinces of Phra Samut Chedi, Paknum Samutprakarn and the Ancient City Museum, a massive 81ha (200ac) outdoor museum shaped like the country of Thailand. Continue over the mudflats and mangroves of Bang Poo and past the Bhumibol Bridge and Rama IX Bridge over the Chao Phraya River. On the way back, fly over Bangkok’s Silom area before landing at the AA Bangkok Base. Return to the port and your ship.
NOTES:
- Suggested departure time: 10:00
- Capacity: Maximum 5 pax.
- Vehicle: Car / 9-seater minivan.
- Landing at the following helipads in the city centre are available on request (surcharge applies): UBC II Tower, Charn Issara II Tower, Bangkok City Tower, Peninsula Bangkok, Amari Atrium, etc. Air space above the Grand Palace and Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) are designated no-fly zones.
Inclusions:
• Private transfer
• Port pick-up and drop-off
• Sightseeing with Local English Speaking guide
• Entrance fees
• Meals as specified (meals only, no drinks/ waters)
• Cold towels and water on sightseeing days
Non-inclusions:
• Thailand Visa (Please contact your cruise for the visa details)
• Other meals where not mention in the program
• Drinks/ waters on meals
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Tips and Gratuities
• Other services not listed in inclusive column