Price

$1785

Available: 5 spaces

Secure your place on this trip with $350 deposit. Final payment due 60 days before departure.

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      • Hotels: Standard Class

      • 07/01/2023 - 07/14/2023

      • Max Participants: 16

      • 14 Days / 13 Nights

      Overview

      On this program, you will travel to the dynamic capitals of Thailand (Bangkok), Laos (Vientiane) and Vietnam (Hanoi). This trip spends a large portion of its time in the hidden gem that is Laos. Lesser known than its neighbors, Laos was once known as the Land of A Million Elephants. You’ll have the opportunity to visit amazing Buddhist temples and bustling night markets, cruise on the Mekong River, explore majestic caves and endless rice fields, swim under cascading waterfalls and kayak below gorgeous karst mountains. Visit Southeast Asia with us, all while earning professional development credit with other educators.

      This is a shared departure with G Adventures, which means that it is open to the general public and there may be non-teachers in the group who book directly through G Adventures. Participants who book with G Adventures must be at least 12 years old.

      Our first priority is our travelers’ safety, especially so during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please click here for more details regarding our health and safety policies.

      What's Included:
      • Bangkok klong trip
      • Mekong River slow boat excursion
      • Wat Po entrance and guide
      • Doi Suthep entrance
      • Pak Ou caves entrance
      • Traditional Arts & Ethnology Museum guided tour
      • Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Center
      • Kuang Si waterfalls trek (half-day)
      • Laotian homestay experience
      • Water puppets performance
      • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum entrance (when open)
      • Internal flight
      • Border crossing support
      • G Adventures Tour Leader throughout and local guides
      • 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner - allow $165-215 USD for meals not included
      • Hotels/guesthouses (11 nts), village homestay (1 nt), sleeper train (1 nt)
      • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities by Train, local bus, aircon bus, riverboat, tuk-tuk, songthaew, taxi, cyclo, plane
      What's Not Included:
      • International air
      • Incidentals
      • Travel health and cancellation insurance
      • Applicable visas
      • Tips or gratuities
      • Airport taxes
      • Beverages
      • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
      • Optional tours and admissions
      • Airport transfers

      Itinerary Download PDF

      Today is arrival day so there are no activities planned. You are free to relax, explore the city & adjust to the frantic pace and humid heat of Bangkok. Please arrive at our start point hotel before 6 pm for an important group meeting where you will meet your tour leader and the other group members. Please look for a sign on the hotel's notice board for the time and location of your group meeting. At this meeting, your tour leader will ask to see your travel insurance, check that you have a visa for Vietnam and complete some other paperwork. Please note that you MUST arrive on tour with either your Vietnam visa or the completed paperwork for your Vietnam visa on arrival. Please refer to the visa information section of these trip notes for more information on obtaining your Vietnamese visa. After your meeting, you may choose to head out for an optional dinner to further get to know your tour leader and fellow group members. We spend this evening in Bangkok. Our hotel is located in Chinatown, next to the central train station and MRT (Subway), and is only a short taxi ride from Khao San Road and the central shopping area of Siam Square, MBK, Siam Paragon, etc.

      Enjoy a one-hour long-tail boat tour on Bangkok's busy Chao Phraya River and through the famous klongs, or canals, of western Bangkok's Thonburi district. Our boat trip finishes at the Royal Temple of Wat Po. Our included guide will introduce you to Thai Buddhist culture and show you the famous reclining Buddha. When your guided tour ends there will still be time for some afternoon shopping, a visit to the Grand Palace or a stroll through the backpacker area. We will meet back at the hotel within easy walking distance to the train station where we board our overnight train to Chiang Mai. Tonight's accommodation is an overnight sleeper train. Beds are dormitory-style, with bunks on two layers along the side of the train carriage. There are curtains along each bunk for privacy. Your luggage will be accessible during the journey. The train has air-conditioning and clean bedding is provided for each bunk. There are both Western-style and Asian style toilets at the end of each carriage. Food and drinks are served on the train but you can always bring your own food from the shops and restaurants in the train station. Approximate travel time: 12 hours on overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Please Note: Due to disruptions of Thai trains in the north during the monsoon season, we may end up needing to use alternative transport.

      We arrive in the early morning and have free time to explore for the rest of the day. To fill your free time, you can choose from a large range of optional activities or stroll the city independently. Explore the rural lanes of Chiang Mai in a tuk-tuk by pre-booking the Full Day Tuk-Tuk Adventure or 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. Climb the 300-step naga (mystical serpent) staircase to one of northern Thailand's most sacred temples, or opt to take a cable car and enjoy the view. Learn all about Doi Suthep’s history from a local guide – built on top of a mountain, the temple sits among pagodas, statues, bells and shrines.

      En route to Chiang Khong, visit Wat Rong Khun, the dazzling "White Temple." This unconventional Buddhist temple was designed by prominent Thai painter-turned-architect Chalermchai Kositpipat. Be wowed by the temple’s contemporary exterior made up of a mosaic of mirrors. View the interior walls that have pop culture and sci-fi influence. Find murals of Batman, Superman, Predator, and The Matrix. We spend one night in Chiang Khong, a small border town that is a part of the trade route between Laos and Thailand. Wander the local food market or sit back and enjoy the slow pace of life as we spend our last evening in Thailand. Approximate travel time: 5 hours by private transport.

      We cross the river border today to Laos by small local boats to Ban Houay Xai and Lao Immigration. Once we have completed the immigration process we take a songthaew (local bus) to our traditional slow boat. As we travel down the Mekong River, you will slowly 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. Our private boat is reasonably comfortable and spacious. A toilet is available onboard. Fruit, tea and coffee, are provided free of charge for you to enjoy. Other drinks, such as water and soft drinks are all available for purchase on the boat. We overnight in Muang Pakbèng village, a stopover for local traders heading to Luang Prabang. For travelers, the town offers an interesting vibe and a good introduction to Laos. Our guesthouse is located some 200 meters from the pier. Approximate travel time: 30 minutes by private vehicle, 8-10 hours by riverboat depending on river conditions.

      Continue down the Mekong for most of the day. We approach Luang Prabang in the late afternoon. Before arriving, we will make a stop outside of town at the Pak Ou caves. This dramatic cave houses thousands of Buddha statues and images and is considered an important spiritual sight by many Lao people. After our visit, we re-board the boat and continue to Luang Prabang, arriving around 5 pm. Located at the confluence of the Nam Khan and Mekong Rivers, Luang Prabang is one of the loveliest towns in the whole of Southeast Asia. Approximate travel time: 8-10 hours by boat depending on river conditions.

      The center of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town is quite small and is accessible either on foot or by bicycle. You can visit the most impressive of Luang Prabang’s 32 temples including Vat Vixoun, Vat Sene, and Vat Xiengthong. You can pack a picnic to eat on Phousi Hill and watch the sunset over the horizon or rise at dawn to watch the monks walk through the city collecting offerings of food from the locals. Take an afternoon to browse the many textile galleries and relax and enjoy a local coffee in one of the town's cafes. We take a guided tour of the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center, a great chance to learn about the traditional arts and cultures of Laos’s many diverse ethnic groups. We also visit Ock Pop Tock "East Meets West" Living Crafts Center on the banks of the Mekong River to learn from the artisans about Lao handicrafts and the importance of woven textiles in Laos culture. During our stay in Luang Prabang, we will enjoy a traditional Lao meal in a local home partaking in a traditional Buddhist ceremony and enjoying some Lao delicacies. We also make a half-day trip out to the stunning Kuang Si waterfalls. Don't forget your swimsuit if you intend to opt for a dip in the turquoise waters framed by the jungle landscape.

      Enjoy a free day exploring all Luang Prabang has to offer. Options include cooking classes, temple visits, massages, night market shopping, bike riding, and cycling.

      Today we embark on a scenic drive through winding mountains to a small village where we will experience a local homestay. Enjoy traditional Laotian food while getting to know your host family. Here, your local guide will explain the life of the people in this village. Typically, the group is divided into 2 or more homes in close proximity to each other. Mattresses are placed across the floor in the central living area for sleeping. Each mattress will also include a blanket, pillow and a mosquito net. Bathroom facilities are shared. The evening meal is eaten together in one of the houses. The food will be very simple and an excellent opportunity to experience typical Lao cuisine. A vegetarian option will be available. Approximate travel time: 7 hours on a winding mountain road by private transport.

      Move to a hotel in Vang Vieng for the night, an ideal location for exploring the limestone karst vistas of the surrounding countryside by bicycle or kayak. There is also the option to go caving.

      A drive out of the mountains takes us to one of Asia's sleepiest capital cities. Enjoy the highlights of Vientiane including Wat Sisaket, one of the city's oldest and most fascinating temples and Phat 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! Approximate travel time: 3 hours by private transport.

      A short flight on day 12 takes us away from quiet Laos and into the bustling city of Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Opt for a leisurely walk through the Old Quarter followed by a traditional Vietnamese meal as the perfect way to start your visit to this diverse country. We spend two nights in Hanoi. Our hotel is located in the Old Quarter. Approximate travel time: 1.5 by plane, 45 mins by private vehicle.

      Today we visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, his Presidential Palace and house on stilts. The mausoleum houses the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh, the founding father of unified Vietnam. During the afternoon you will have free time to explore this beautiful city. Visit the Tran Quoc Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, the Museum of Ethnology, or just take a walk through Hanoi's Old Quarter – a virtual maze of fascinating streets, each one traditionally devoted to a different product or industry. In the late afternoon or early evening, we attend a performance of Vietnam's famous water puppets before sampling one of Hanoi's amazing eating venues. Ask your tour leader to tell you more about the local Northern delicacies. Opt to pre-book the "Hanoi Foodie Culture Tour" ahead of time to include this optional on your tour.

      Depart Hanoi at any time. Want more adventure? Book two or more GEEO trips in the same year and receive a discount! GEEO will give you 10% off of the lesser value program(s) (up to 3 programs). If you don’t see a program that interests you that pairs with this trip, but still would like to extend your time abroad, let us know. We will work with you to find a non-teacher trip from our tour operator’s much larger catalog. Even better, if you are an educator we can still offer you a discounted price on the trip you choose!

      Details

      Frequently Asked Questions
      Please click here to go to our general FAQ, which has essential information that applies to all of our programs.
      Resources to Learn & Teach About This Region
      Visit our recommended reading page to see the list of books GEEO recommends reading before your program (this is not required reading). We also have lesson plans and Pinterest boards that may be useful for you as you learn about your destination and prepare to bring lessons back to your classroom.
      Terms and Conditions
      It is very important for you to visit our Terms and Conditions page before signing up for this program.
      Cancellation policy
      All cancellations must be submitted to GEEO in written form by emailing your request for cancellation to travel@geeo.org. If you do not receive a confirmation that we have received your written cancellation request, please call us at 1-877-600-0105. Verbal cancellation requests will not be honored.
      • If you cancel 60 days or more prior to departure, all your program fee payments will be refunded besides your $350 deposit which is kept on file for future use
      • If you cancel between 30 and 59 days prior to departure, you will receive a 50% refund and your deposit is kept on file for future use
      • If you cancel within 30 days of departure, you will receive no refund, but your deposit is kept on file for future use
      Group Leader Description
      All GEEO/G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of G Adventure’s group leaders, which they refer to as Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues, and introduce you to our local friends. Our itineraries often have plenty of free time to explore on your own. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting – we think it’s the best of both worlds.
      Fitness Level
      Trip includes light walking and hiking that is suitable for most fitness levels. The heat and humidity are the biggest physical challenges. Make sure you stay hydrated!
      Single Travelers
      Half of the people that travel with GEEO are traveling by themselves, so please don’t worry if you have no one who can join you on your trip. Our pricing is based on double occupancy or, in other words, two people to a room. You never have to pay for a single room unless you want one. GEEO can find you a roommate of the same gender. Most of our trips have a “My Own Room” option, also known as a “Single Supplement,” which is an extra fee that will allow you to have a room to yourself. If you want to room alone, please email travel@geeo.org. To see the price for the “My Own Room” option, please click here where you can look up your trip in the extra services spreadsheet.
      Joining Instructions
      Day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned. Upon arrival to the city on Day 1 (or earlier if you have booked pre-accommodation with us), please make your way to the joining hotel. Please note: Check-in time will be in the afternoon. Once you arrive at the hotel, look for a note at reception from your tour leader. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on Day 1 (usually between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.), where you will get a chance to meet your tour leader and other travelers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don’t see a note, please ask reception for details! When you arrive at the airport we recommend taking a taxi to the hotel. Some of our programs have an optional airport transfer that can be paid for in advance. If you book the airport transfer, someone will meet you at the airport with your name on a sign and will take you to the hotel. To see the price for an airport transfer, please click here where you can look up your trip in the extra services table.
      Emergency Contacts
      Should you need to contact G Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call their local office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so that they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible. Emergency Contact Details: After office hours emergencies: From outside Thailand +66 (0) 92 338 9222 From within Thailand (0) 92 338 9222 If you are experiencing complications with your Bangkok airport transfer that was booked through G Adventures please call: +66 86 321 0729 (086 321 0729 from within Thailand) or +66 82 450 2777 (082 450 2777 from within Thailand) If you are unable for any reason to contact their local office, they have a toll-free line within North America (or our regular direct line), which will connect you directly with their Toronto office. In the event that you cannot get through, you can reach a member of their Operations department at the mobile number below. Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100 Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000 Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000 Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618 Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307 Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999
      Packing List
      Please read this article on GEEO’s blog for our staff’s suggestions on the best gear to pack for your upcoming travels. You must be prepared to carry your own bags and be comfortable carrying them up and downstairs, on and off transportation, and to hotels. As a rule, we try not to have to walk more than 15-20 minutes with your bags, which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 22-30 lb. Most travelers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size. No XXL bags please! A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person plus a daypack per person. There may be a weight restriction for the internal flight on this tour. Each passenger is allowed to carry one checked bag with a maximum weight of 15 kg (33 lbs). Additional bags or excess weight charges may apply. These charges are the responsibility of the passengers. Health & Safety (Required!)
      • N95/KN95 Face masks (At least three per week)
      • Hand sanitizer
      • Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
      • Quick Covid Test/Antigen Tests (At least 5, and for longer trips, 3 per week of travel)
      Suggested Checklist
      • Light windproof/waterproof jacket or umbrella
      • Sun hat
      • Personal clothing for hot weather – t-shirts, shorts, etc.
      • Daypack
      • Sturdy walking shoes
      • Sport sandals or flip-flops
      • Sunblock
      • Sunglasses
      • Watch or alarm clock
      • Flashlight or headlamp
      • Clothes for religious sites – knees and shoulders must be covered
      • Small Flashlight
      • Toiletries – your hotels will have soap and shampoo
      • Camera
      • First-aid kit, including: lip salve, Aspirin, bandaids, anti-histamine, Dramamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, electrolyte powder, insect repellent, extra prescription drugs you may be taking
      Optional Checklist
      • Lightweight silk sleep sheet
      • Travel pillow
      • Money belt
      • Water bottle
      • Phone/Tablet for internet – most hotels have WiFi
      • Chargers for electronics as well converters/adapters, if needed
      • AirTags or Tile trackers
      • Packing cubes
      • Ear Plugs
      • Snacks – packing a few granola bars is a good idea; you can buy snacks when you get there too, so don’t go crazy here
      • Ziplock bags for wet clothing
      • Reading/writing material
      • Hand sanitizer/Baby wipes
      Document Checklist
      • 3 Passport-sized photos
      • Passport (with photocopies)
      • Travel insurance (with photocopies)
      • Airline tickets (with photocopies)
      • EUR/USD cash
      • Credit or debit card
      • G Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information, and dossier
      • Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
      • GEEO Classroom action plans for your group – this is sent 10-30 days before departure
      Laundry
      Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge or ask your group leader where the nearest laundromat is. If you want to do your own laundry, we suggest you bring your own non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
      Passports and Visas
      All GEEO trips require that the participant have a valid passport. Please see our general FAQ for information on obtaining a passport. As with all of our trips, we try to provide the most accurate information we can, but governments sometimes change visa rules. It is your responsibility to double-check the information we provide below by searching here. Thailand Americans do not need a visa for stays in Thailand of less than 30 days. Please check with your nearest Thai Embassy if you are not American. Laos Your tour leader will assist with the arrangements for your Laos visa at the start of your trip, so you do not need to get it in advance of your departure. You will need 2 passport pictures, and it costs approximately $50. Vietnam You will need to get a tourist visa for Vietnam. U.S. citizens must have a valid passport and a visa to enter Vietnam. Your passport must be valid for six months beyond your planned stay, and you must have at least one blank visa page. If you arrive in Vietnam without an appropriate visa or pre-approval for a visa on arrival, you will be denied entry. You have until about 2 weeks before departure to complete your online application, but we suggest getting it done at your earliest convenience. We suggest using Sherpa's services, available here, or applying for an e-visa through the Embassy of Vietnam here. The e-visa fee is $25 USD, and the processing time is 3 business days. Here is the information you will need for your application:
      • Intended date of entry: 12/07/2023 (July 12, 2023)
      • Intended temporary residential address in Viet Nam: GEEO will provide this to registered participants
      • Intended length of stay in Vietnam: GEEO will provide this to registered participants
      • Entry checkpoint: Noi Bai Int Airport (Ha Noi)
      • Exit checkpoint: GEEO will provide this to registered participants
      • a photo of the ID page of your passport
      • a passport-style photo of yourself against a light background
      Travelers with an e-visa can go directly to the immigration checkpoints at their point of entry and do not need to wait in line at the Visa-on-Arrival counters. Non-American participants should check with their government or nearest Vietnamese Embassy to find out if they need a visa. Please be aware that you will require 3 empty pages (minimum) in your passport and at least 6-months passport validity for this trip.
      Money Exchange
      As currency exchange rates fluctuate, we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com. ATMs are also widely available that distribute the local currency, and this is what we recommend as your primary source of cash while traveling. Please make sure you bring at least $200 USD in cash as emergency money just in case you have trouble with the ATMs or lose your bank card. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops, but they may charge a 2-4% transaction fee. Traveler's checks have security advantages, but they can be difficult to change. Visa and MasterCards are useful for cash advances in an emergency situation. Please note that, if you are carrying U.S. Dollars, they should be in good condition (i.e., not torn, wrinkled, or marked on in any way) and printed recently.
      Tipping
      It is customary in Asia to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected – though not compulsory – and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is an opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. You may do this individually, or your tour leader will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $1-$2 USD per person per day, depending on the quality and length of the service. Ask your tour leader for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. Also, at the end of each trip, if you felt your G Adventures tour leader did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, but we recommend using $20-$25 USD per person per week as a guideline.
      Vaccinations
      We legally cannot give you any medical advice. It is very important to consult your doctor or a travel clinic about which vaccinations you will need for your trip. Please take this seriously!
      Flights
      We find the best prices for flights are often available 60 days before departure, but of course this varies greatly from route to route and year to year. We advise that you wait until this trip is confirmed before booking non-refundable and non-changeable flights. GEEO and G Adventures bear no responsibility for any flights purchased before the trip is confirmed. Your trip begins in Bangkok and ends in Hanoi. Please double-check our itinerary for the date by which you must arrive in Bangkok and the earliest time you can depart Hanoi.
      Plugs and Converters
      There are two components to provide external power to your device: adapters and transformers. The adapter is the plug, adapting the prongs on a standard U.S. two to three-pronged power cord to match the prongs required by the local outlets. The transformer changes the local voltage to that required by your device. Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam use a combination of both American and European outlets, known as type A and type C plugs. In all three countries, the voltage is 220-240 Volts. U.S. outlets are 120V. Most new devices (phones and laptops) can handle the different voltage rates, but some devices only work on the U.S. standard of 120V. Check your device to see what voltage range it handles. Most transformer blocks will have an “Input” line that defines its voltage capacity. For example, “Input: 100-240V” means that it will work on voltages from 100V to 240V. If your transformer can’t handle the different voltage, you’ll need to purchase a voltage converter. You can find world regional voltage converter power packs at various vendors.
      Expectations
      Before you decide on traveling with GEEO it is important that you read all of the information about the program you are considering. Remember, our programs are quite adventurous.
      • The purpose of the accommodation is to provide a safe place for you to sleep. Sometimes you will be pleasantly surprised, but do not expect luxury. Sometimes the accommodation is not air-conditioned.
      • We use a mix of transportation that gets our guests from location to location safely. Sometimes you will have full days and nights of transportation as our trips tend to cover a lot of ground. The transportation will often be an adventure in itself.
      • You must be able to easily carry or roll your luggage, so do not over-pack.
      • Many of our programs occur in locations where it is very hot during the day. Please make sure you have thoroughly read the itinerary and can handle the group activities, which sometimes include day hikes with your daypacks.
      • We recommend always carrying snacks with you. Meals can sometimes be far apart.
      • Please make sure you understand the role of your tour leader on this trip as they are not the traditional “guide” you may be expecting. While our trips are educational, they aren’t study/lecture trips. We want you to learn through exploring, and much of your experience will be based on how active you choose to be in acquiring knowledge and interacting with locals.
      Hopefully this is the kind of adventure you are interested in!
      Itinerary Disclaimer
      While it is our intention to adhere to the routes described on our website, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable, to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The information on our website is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
      Advice From Past Participants
      “I would recommend a cooking lesson at the ‘Little Hanoi’ cooking school. It is amazing and the instructor ‘Tin’ is a culinary artist. Our guide recommended it to us and it was phenomenal, one of the highlights of the trip, and we stumbled into it on the last day. It’s run by a small family, and ‘Tin’ is their head chef.” “Even though this trip is rated for a person of average fitness, some of the days were fairly challenging, and I am reasonably fit. I was fine, but some people in the group struggled. I would just mention that you should make sure you can climb a steep hill (embarking and disembarking from the Mekong) and lug your bags around.” “Stress packing light. Those people who didn’t really regretted it! Mention how HOT is, so people pack appropriately. Women need appropriate clothes for visiting temples. Make sure you bring sunscreen and bug spray!” “I wish I had known where the swimming pools were in advance!”
      Weather
      In parts of Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand, the wet season runs from around May to October. The wet season is characterized by a downpour for a few hours each day rather than all-day torrential downpours. The advantages of this season are somewhat lower temperatures, cleaner air, and smaller crowds.

      Costs

      Please keep in mind this trip offers some free time to pursue activities that interest you. Make sure you look over all of the optional activities and note these additional costs when deciding whether you can afford this program. The prices below are in U.S. Dollars and are rough estimates for budgeting your trip.
      Tour Company Fee
      See price in top right corner
      Optional Activities
      $60-$120 USD
      International Airfare from the USA
      Roughly $1,000-$2,000 USD If you require assistance in booking your international airfare we would be happy to help you.
      Insurance
      $67-$200 USD Please note it is mandatory for all of our travelers to have Emergency Medical insurance that covers both emergency evacuation and repatriation to the sum of $200,000 USD. We also strongly recommend purchasing cancellation insurance as well.
      Tipping
      $50 for your tour leader, another $30 total for other tips like local guides and drivers.
      Meals Not Listed in the Itinerary
      $165-215 USD
      Laundry, Drinks, Phone Calls, etc.
      Variable. Make sure you budget for these types of expenses.
      Vaccines
      Variable. Please consult your doctor.
      Visa
      $50 for Laos, $45 or $70 for Vietnam
      Souvenirs
      Variable. At your personal discretion.
      Non-Educator Donation
      $100 USD (Suggested donation) This is only for non-educator guests traveling with an educator on a GEEO trip. Educators and retired educators should not make this donation.

      Optional Activities

      Most optional activities are booked and paid for locally in the local currency. You do not have to decide in advance for which activities you would like to sign up. The prices listed are based on the latest information we have received from our participants and G Adventures. They are not guaranteed to be accurate. Please feel free to use them as a guide for budgeting your trip.
      Bangkok
      Grand Palace: $15 USD Visit the King’s official residence (made up of many buildings, halls, lawns, gardens, and courtyards) on the banks of the Chao Phraya River and see the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Jim Thompson’s House: $4 USD Tour the Jim Thompson House, a Bangkok museum that was once the home of American businessman Jim Thompson, the “Legendary American of Thailand.” See his collection of Buddhist and secular art, amassed while building his silk company. National Museum: $1.50 USD See Thai artifacts on display from the Dvaravati, Srivijaya, Sukhothai, and Ayutthaya periods as well as other Southeast Asian collections. Royal Barge Museum: $3.50 USD Located along the Chao Phraya River, the museum is home to many ceremonial barges. The barges are only used for special occasions so this is a chance to catch a rare glimpse of their ornate decorations and symbolic features. Wat Arun: $3 USD Visit Wat Arun, a Buddhist temple and one of Thailand’s best-known landmarks. Tour inside to see its central prang (a Khmer-style tower) adorned with colorful porcelain. Thai massage: $15-30 USD Lie back and soothe aching muscles with a wonderful Thai massage. Affordable and amazing—don't miss out!
      Chiang Mai
      (Keep in mind that we have a relatively short amount of time in Chang Mai.) Bicycle Tour: $30 USD Meander through Chiang Mai by bike and get an alternative view of this bustling city. Northern Thai Cooking Class: $33 USD Channel your inner chef with a home-style Thai cooking class. Take a trip to the market with your teacher and learn about regional flavors as you pick out fresh ingredients. Head back to the cozy kitchen for a hands-on lesson in whipping up delicious local favorites like hot and sour soup, green curry, and sticky rice. Khantoke Dinner and Show: $30 USD Enjoy dinner northern Khantok style, with local entertainment. The main dishes on the Khantok usually include sticky rice, Hang-le curry (Burmese-styled curry), and some chili pasted with crispy pork.
      Luang Prabang
      Royal Palace Museum: $5 USD The ornate rooms of this royal palace-turned-museum house the country’s crown jewels, many religious artifacts, and a 110 lb Buddha cast in gold, silver, and bronze. Gifts from visiting heads of state are on display, as are the beautiful silk screens crafted by the Queen. Phousi Temple: $2.50 Climb more than 300 steps to the top of Mount Phou Si for a panoramic view of the sunset over Luang Prabang. Ornate Buddhist shrines dot the pathway up and the glistening seven-tiered golden pagoda of Wat Chom Si awaits at the summit. Wat Xieng Thong: $2.50 USD Once a royal temple where Kings were crowned, the importance of this 16th-century Buddhist temple as a religious monastery is not lost on visitors. Wat Xieng Thong stands resplendent among shrines, pavilions, chapels, towers, and gardens, and its gilded wooden doors, mosaics, and ceiling displays are representative of typical Laos art and craft. Wat Visoun Temples: $2.50 Originally built in 1513 and still operational, Wat Visoun is Luang Prabang’s oldest temple. Over the years invaders stole many of its priceless Buddha images, but this temple still offers some unusual architecture like the domed lotus flower stupa, designed by a royal and affectionately called "The Watermelon Stupa." Royal Ballet Theater: $15 USD Enjoy a traditional performance at the Royal Ballet Theatre and learn more about Laotian culture through the art of dance.
      Vang Vieng
      Vang Vieng Adrenaline Bundle: $30 USD Head North of Vang Vieng where you’ll grab a kayak and depart downstream on the NamSong river. Passing greenery, mountain karst, and small rapids, you’ll arrive at the Tham None cave. Adventure through the cave to the other side of the mountain where you will enjoy lunch before continuing on towards Vang Vieng. The last stop will be at the infamous Blue Lagoon; swim or hang out along the banks after an afternoon of adventure before heading back to the town.
      Vientiane
      Wat Sisaket: $1 USD Visit one of Vientiane’s oldest and most fascinating temples featuring a cloister wall filled with thousands of Buddha images. National Museum: $4 USD Learn about the history, culture, and people of Laos at the National Museum, including the story of the Pathet Lao. See exhibits containing ancient items ranging from dinosaur bones to early Khmer sculptures. Wat Pha That Luang: $1 USD See Laos’ national symbol and most important sacred monument, Pha That Luang (Great Stupa), completely covered in gold leaf. Every November, devoted Buddhists come here to celebrate Vientiane’s most important festival, Bun That Luang, with parades, music, and religious ceremonies. Buddha Park: $1 USD plus transport Travel approximately half an hour from the city to visit Vientiane's famous Buddha Park, or Xieng Khuan as it is otherwise known. Marvel at the scale and detail of the hundreds of religious statues that inhabit the park, including a 130-foot-high statue of Buddha. Please note that transportation to Buddha Park will cost an additional $50.
      Hanoi
      Museum of Ethnology: $2 USD Learn about Vietnam’s various ethnic groups on this visit to the Museum of Ethnology – considered to be the finest modern museum in Vietnam. Temple of Literature: $1 USD Visit this sprawling temple built to honor Confucius, sages, and scholars. Dedicated to learning, it housed the country’s first university in 1076. Explore its five courtyards, containing various gates, altars, sanctuaries, shrines, the stelae of doctors, and the Well of Heavenly Clarity. Tran Quoc Pagoda Visit: Free admission Visit one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam located on the eastern shore of Tay Ho. Learn about Tran Quoc's history from the 17th-century stela found on site. View it later in the day, if you can – the tall structure is striking against the setting sun. Hanoi Foodie Culture Tour: $25 USD Indulge your inner foodie with a street food tour through bustling Hanoi. Follow your guide through the back streets and markets of the city’s old quarter, sampling local fare along the way. Mingle with city natives and experienced street food artists alike, as you taste a variety of Hanoi faves like “nem ran” and “banh goi.” Stop at a street-side bar to savor a draught beer like Hanoians do. Cap off the tour at the Hanoi Food Culture restaurant, a G Values Fund Project, and try the city’s signature specialty coffee. Fine Arts Museum: $1 USD Women’s Museum: $1 USD Army Museum: $1 USD Taxi (to each museum): approx. $3 USD