The Lot Flexi Tour of Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam

All about the The Lot Flexi Tour of Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam

The Lot Flexi Tour of Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam
Tour itinerary - 40 Days

• Day 1 Arrival in Bangkok
  Sawadee, Sabaidee (hello) and welcome to Stray! Your adventure kicks off in the buzzing Asian metropolis of Bangkok, Thailand. If you arrive early in the day feel free to check out the vibrant markets and ancient temples that make up only a small side of this multifaceted city. Be at our Stray Shop on Khao San Road at 6 pm to meet your Tour Leader and your new travel mates for a Welcome Night introduction. We’ll cover how Stray works, answer any questions you have and make sure everyone is ready for tomorrow morning’s departure. Afterwards, make the most of your first night by getting to know each other over a delicious Thai dinner and a few cold beverages on Khao San Road.
  Accommodation included: Comfortable guesthouse near Khao San Road
  Activity included: Welcome Night meeting with Stray Tour Leader and group
• Day 2 Bangkok to Chiang Mai (via Ayutthaya)
  Meet your Stray Tour Leader back at the Stray Bangkok Shop in the morning to depart for the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ayutthaya. We arrive mid-morning, allowing you plenty of time to explore the ‘Venice of the East’ by bike or boat. Ayutthaya is the former capital of the Siamese empire and was once a grandiose city, but many of the ancient monuments were ruined when it was attacked by an invading army. Nevertheless, it is still a fascinating historical park that offers a glimpse of bygone splendor. This afternoon we board our overnight train and head for the city of Chiang Mai.
  Accommodation included: Overnight train or bus
  Activity included: A half-day boat or bicycle tour of the impressive Ayutthaya UNESCO Temples.
• Day 3 Arrival in Chiang Mai
  We arrive into Chiang Mai train station between 8 am – 11 am. Chiang Mai is a popular place to hop off for many travellers and an amazing city full of endless activity options, such as Thai cooking classes, bike tours or Muay Thai kickboxing. There are over 300 Buddhist temples to discover, you can visit the old walled-city, see the Tapae Gate or pick up a bargain at the famous night market and check out the live music scene.
  Accommodation included: Guesthouse located within the historic old quarter
• Day 4 Chiang Mai
  Today you get to experience one of our favorite adventure activities, the Flight of the Gibbon zip-line tour. After the swinging good adrenaline rush of the zip-line, you are free to enjoy dinner at one of the many great restaurants in Chiang Mai, then browse the night market, take in a ladyboy show or the Muay Thai boxing or head out for a few drinks with friends.
  Accommodation included: Guesthouse located within the historic old quarter
  Activity included: Flight of the Gibbon Zip-line (full-day): Soar through the tree tops of lush rainforest on an exhilarating zip-line adventure. With over 33 different platforms, two suspended sky bridges and two abseil descents, you will enjoy a guided tour of the wildlife and vegetation whilst flying along the longest zip-line in Southeast Asia. Keep an eye out for the elusive Gibbon!
• Day 5 Chiang Mai to Houay Xai
  This morning we depart Chiang Mai to head for the Thailand-Laos border. We’ll make a stop near Chiang Rai to check out the famous and intriguing White Temple (Wat Rong Khun). Wat Rong is a unique modern Buddhist temple that features some curious statues and murals that include images from Star Wars and The Matrix, Freddie Kruger’s head hanging in the trees and a giant Predator emerging from the garden. We stop here long enough to grab a snack, stretch our legs and take a few photos before we continue on to cross the border into Laos. Once in Laos, we take a short tuk-tuk ride into the chilled out town of Houay Xai, our stop for the night.
  Accommodation included: Guesthouse with views across the Mekong River
• Day 6 Houay Xai to Mekong River Homestay
  Leaving Houay Xai you’ll board our private slow boat up the Mekong River to the secluded village that will host you for an overnight homestay experience. Sit back and soak up this incredible journey as you wind your way through lush farmland, thriving jungle and rugged mountain scenery, drifting past water buffalo, locals fishing, and kids splashing in the shallows. We arrive in the village in the late afternoon. Here you will get a taste of traditional Lao village life by staying with a family in their home. Experience a special Baci (welcoming) Ceremony, swim in the river, visit the school and help the kids with an English lesson. Play a game of football with the kids, explore the local temple, go fishing and don’t forget to try the local whiskey.
  Accommodation and activity included: Overnight on the banks of the Mekong River in a traditional homestay*: Well off the beaten track and a Stray exclusive, this is a great opportunity to become immersed in Lao culture, a once-in-a-lifetime experience and true highlight of any trip to Southeast Asia (includes meals).
  *Stray homestay includes accommodation in an indigenous family home, traditional Baci Ceremony, dinner, breakfast, local activities and contribution to the village fund/project.
• Day 7 Mekong River Homestay to Luang Prabang
  We wave goodbye to the village and jump back aboard our private boat to head downriver to the famous limestone Pak Ou Caves. Pak Ou is an important pilgrimage site for Lao people, and here you will see thousands of Buddhist images that have been placed throughout the caves over hundreds of years. Back on board our boat a short trip takes us to the UNESCO World Heritage town, Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang has an old world feel that gives you the sense you’ve stepped back in time into a picturesque postcard setting. The fusion of French Colonial architecture with traditional Lao design set against a backdrop of misty mountains and lush green jungle makes this a truly majestic place.
  Accommodation included: Guesthouse with fan or AC private rooms close to night market
• Day 8 Luang Prabang
  Enjoy all this UNESCO World Heritage town has to offer. Luang Prabang is home to the National Palace Museum, Wat Xieng Thong (the oldest monastery in town) and plenty of other ancient Buddhist temples and sacred sites to explore. It’s a great place to spend a few days exploring, with options to discover rural villages by cycling or trekking the area, take a traditional Lao cooking class, kayak the Mekong River, shop at the night market or, for culture buffs, visit one of the many beautiful temples. So you get the most out of your stay in Luang Prabang, your itinerary includes the unforgettable half-day ‘Rice Experience’ and a trip to the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfalls with entrance to the Free the Bears centre.
  Accommodation included: Guesthouse with fan or AC private rooms close to night market
  Activities included:
  • Rice Experience: Just 15 minutes outside Luang Prabang is the organic Living Lands Farm, where you’ll spend half a day getting hands on to discover all there is to know about the rice growing process. Rice is the foundation of everyday life in Asia and you’ll be amazed by the incredible 14 step process involved in its cultivation. Not only will you learn how to select the correct seeds, how to plant and plough with the help of the farm’s friendly water buffalo, but afterwards you can taste samples of the local products.
  • A half-day Kuang Si Waterfall tour (includes entrance fees and transport): Travel to this iconic, off the beaten track waterfall nestled in the jungle near Luang Prabang. Travel through rural countryside, spot local wildlife and hill tribes and visit the Free the Bears rescue centre at the entrance to the falls.
• Day 9 Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng
  It’s an early start as we head south through mountainous terrain on one of the most scenic journeys you’ll experience on the Laos travel route. Travel past hill-tribe villages, vast green valleys and rolling hills; we’ll make a special stop at the ‘loo with a view’. Our journey today takes us to the little riverside town Vang Vieng, formerly known as the best place to take tubing trips down the Nam Song River to visit riverside bars and indulge in cheap booze. These days you can still go tubing, but now you get to enjoy the beauty of Vang Vieng's landscape without the sound of pounding bass in the background. Upon arrival into Vang Vieng there is plenty of time to go tubing, start partying or kick back and watch re-runs of old TV shows playing at the bars around town.
  Accommodation included: Family run guesthouse in the centre of the action
• Day 10 Vang Vieng
  With its stunning natural scenery, adventurous outdoor activities and reputation for a party scene, it’s no surprise that Vang Vieng is a popular spot for travellers. The tubing experience is more sedate now than in days past, but it’s still a real highlight to float down the river soaking up the beautiful mountain surrounds. Aside from tubing, Vang Vieng offers great rock climbing and kayaking options. We also recommend visiting the Blue Lagoon, one of the best natural swimming holes in Laos. The fun doesn’t stop after an adventure filled day either! This evening, check out one of the several international restaurants for a taste of home or head to one of the bars to really get the party started.
  Accommodation included: Family run guesthouse in the centre of the action
• Day 11 Vang Vieng to Vientiane
  Today we cruise through to the capital of Laos, stopping at the impressive Tham Jang Cave that was once used as a bunker during a Chinese invasion in the 19th century. On arrival in Vientiane your Tour Leader will point out the city’s main attractions including Putaxai, Pha That Luang, That Dam, the Presidential Palace, and the COPE centre – a nonprofit organisation that educates visitors and raises awareness for victims of UXO (Unexploded Ordinance) and the Secret War. After check-in at our centrally located accommodation, you are free to explore the city, get a massage, go shopping or people watch at one of the local restaurants by the river.
  Accommodation included: Hotel with modern facilities including WIFI
• Day 12 Vientiane to Kong Lor (7km Cave)
  An early escape this morning takes us away from the crowds and south to Kong Lor in the Phu Hin Bun National Park. About an hour into the journey we visit Wat Prabat Phonsone, the ‘Buddha’s Footprint,’ a popular and important pilgrimage site for local communities. Tonight you stay in the very rural and very remote Kong Lor village, surrounded by rice paddies, stunning limestone karst mountains and tobacco fields (Tham Kong Lor to the locals). Enjoy your chance to venture deep into the 7km abyss by riding in a motorised canoe on an underground river through the mountain.
  Accommodation included: Comfortable garden view bungalows with spectacular views and a short drive from the cave
  Activity included: Guided boat trip: Explore the underground river that winds its way through the stunning 7km Kong Lor Cave. Discover impressive columns, bird-like cages, stalagmites and stalactites illuminated and protruding from the limestone rock as you travel by motorboat through this colossal cave system.
• Day 13 Kong Lor (7km Cave) to Thakek
  Today is a short travel day as we head for the small town of Thakek on the banks of the Mekong River. Thakek is a major trading point and border town between Thailand and Laos. It has a strong French Colonial influence and is a great base for hopping off to explore the Lao jungle, limestone cliffs, pristine rivers, lakes and hidden waterfalls in the nearby Phu Hin Bun National Park.
  Accommodation included: Mekong riverside guesthouse
• Day 14 Thakek to Xe Champhone
  This is what Stray is all about: getting totally off the beaten track! We head into the Xe Champhone wetlands - an area so remote that occasionally our Stray buses can't access it, so we have to jump on board an off-road truck. Today we’ll stop at Old Wat Taleow, a beautiful temple that was bombed during the Secret War and somehow the golden Buddha inside remained undamaged. Then it’s on to Turtle Lake where you might spot and possibly get to feed the sacred soft-shell turtles. Next stop is the 200-year-old Hotay Pidok Buddhist library, a fascinating stilt structure that’s home to thousands of Sanskrit scriptures and bamboo tablets. Before heading for our guesthouse in the small village of Ban Keng Kok, we stop at the aptly named Monkey Forest to get up close with curious and friendly wild rhesus macaque monkeys. Don’t forget to grab some bananas!
  Accommodation included: Rustic guesthouse
• Day 15 Xe Champhone to Pakse
  Driving south this morning we head for the bright lights of Pakse. From here, you can check out the refreshingly cool climate of the Bolaven Plateau. The Plateau features a lush green landscape, fertile coffee and tea plantations, and many spectacular waterfalls, including the stunning Tad Ngeuang Waterfall where you can go for a swim. For those who want a little adventure, Pakse is a great place to hop off the bus and experience the unforgettable Tree Top Explorer adventure. This amazing experience includes a trek through the jungle, tree house accommodation, wildlife spotting, thundering waterfalls, and a zip-line system that will have you flying through the tree-tops.
  Accommodation included: Guesthouse in centre of town
• Day 16 Pakse to Don Det (4000 Islands)
  An early start takes us to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Wat Phou, an ancient Khmer temple and the former capital of the Khmer empire before the Angkor Wat. We allow time to explore the site and climb up to the mountain top temple for some spectacular views over the man-made reservoir. We’ll then head south to the backpacker mecca of Si Phan Don, otherwise known as the 4000 Islands. Here you can experience the laidback lifestyle and natural beauty of Laos’ landlocked islands with a leisurely tubing trip down the Mekong River, floating past locals fishing and people lounging on their bamboo riverside verandas. It’s also a great place to take a boat trip to spot rare Irrawaddy dolphins, or cycle across to the neighbouring Don Khone Island to discover the remaining remnants of the only steam engine railway in Laos and marvel at the thunderous Li Phi waterfall.
  Accommodation included: Rustic style guesthouse
• Day 17 Don Det to Siem Reap (Express Day)
  Say goodbye to Laos – it’s an early start to join the Stray bus for the journey into Cambodia. A short drive will bring you to the Don Kralor Border where you will complete the immigration process and continue into Cambodia. Today your destination is the small, but vibrant city of Siem Reap, best known as home to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Angkor Temple complex. Arriving in Siem Reap in the late evening there will be time to freshen up before dinner and drinks with your group along the iconic Pub Street.
  Accommodation included: Guesthouse in the centre of town, breakfast included
• Day 18 Siem Reap
  After your first night on Pub Street, you’ll probably enjoy a free day to sleep in, relax by the pool at your accommodation or get out and explore more of the downtown area during the day. Finish the day with the unforgettably unique Phare Circus, a locally run non-profit troupe that provides disadvantaged young people with the community with a place to learn the skills needed to earn their livings as professional performing artists.
  Accommodation included: Guesthouse in the centre of town, breakfast included
  Activity included: Phare Circus performance & dinner: Prepare to be amazed! Indulge in a delicious three-course meal, then sit back and enjoy the show as this troupe of talented young artists share authentic modern and folk Cambodian stories through an energetic display of acrobatic feats, music and dance. The circus is run by a non-profit organisation that only employs and trains local children and young adults.
• Day 19 Siem Reap
  Today you get a full day to experience the highlight of any visit to Siem Reap: a guided tour to see the UNESCO World Heritage Angkor temples, a crucial part of the Cambodian national identity and one of the world’s most iconic landmarks.
  Accommodation included: Guesthouse in the centre of town, breakfast included
  Activity included: Full day Angkor temple tour: Spend the day exploring the magnificent ancient city of Angkor. Ranked at the top of many ultimate travel bucket lists (including Lonely Planet’s), this awe-inspiring architectural wonder is the largest temple complex in the world. Highlights of the tour include the famous Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm, which most people recognise from Angelina Jolie’s Tomb Raider movie.
• Day 20 Siem Reap to Battambang (Homestay)
  Today you depart Siem Reap early enough to arrive in Battambang for a late lunch. After lunch, we’ll take a ride on the Bamboo Train, a rail system that was built by the French and destroyed by the Khmer Rouge, but the locals still use it as a simple form of transport. Then we make our way to tonight’s village stay, where you’ll stay in a Cambodian family’s home to experience rural community life first-hand. Many people consider this to be one of the highlights of their Cambodia trip and you’ll soon see why after meeting your hosts, sharing a meal with them and wandering through the village and nearby rice paddies.
  Accommodation and activity included: Overnight in a traditional Cambodian village*: Spend the night in a Cambodian family’s home in the picturesque countryside for a truly memorable experience. Immerse yourself in this rural community nestled amongst rice paddies by sitting in on a lesson at the local school, helping the kids with their English and enjoying a delicious traditional dinner and breakfast with your host family.
  *Stray village stay includes accommodation in a Cambodian family’s home, local activities, dinner, breakfast, and contribution to the village fund/project.
• Day 21 Battambang to Sihanoukville
  A full day of travel takes us from the countryside to the popular seaside town of Sihanoukville on the Cambodian coast. En-route we pass through the bustling riverside Khmer town Kompong Chhnang (pronounced ‘kom–pong–ch–nang’), with its busy market and floating village. Arriving in Sihanoukville by late afternoon, settle in at your guesthouse and then you are free to wander down to the beach for a refreshing dip or kick back at one of the many beachfront restaurants and bars. Tonight join one of the beach parties or have seafood BBQ on the beach.
  Accommodation included: Guesthouse with private rooms
• Day 22 Sihanoukville
  Today is yours to relax in Cambodia’s premier beach location. Catch some rays on the beach and go for a swim, or do one of the many water sports including diving, fishing, snorkelling, kayaking or hire a jet ski. Learn to cook Khmer classics like Fish Amok or deep fried bananas at the traditional Khmer cooking school, or hire a bicycle and explore the nearby beaches. Tonight you can head to Ochheuteal Beach for some partying with the rest of the backpacker crowd, or watch the sun go down at one of the beachfront restaurants.
  Accommodation included: Guesthouse with private rooms
• Day 23 Sihanoukville
  With two full free days in Sihanoukville, you have plenty of time to hop on an island boat tour to check out beautiful Koh Rong and the other nearby islands just off shore. With crystal clear turquoise water and empty stretches of white sand beaches, the Cambodian islands feel like castaway paradise, the perfect spot to snorkel in the waves and watch the rainbow of colours cast by another stunning sunset.
  Accommodation included: Guesthouse with private rooms
• Day 24 Sihanoukville to Kampot
  A three-hour drive brings us to the little riverside town of Kampot where you will have a free afternoon to visit the fascinating salt and pepper farms, go cycling or trek in the Bokor National Park. Your itinerary includes a relaxing sunset boat cruise on the Kampot River. Tonight we recommend sampling the exceptional regional seafood dishes at one of the many restaurants on the riverfront –the fried shrimp with green pepper corns is an absolute must try!
  Accommodation included: Guesthouse with private rooms
  Activity included: Sunset river cruise: Take a leisurely boat cruise up the Kampot River. You’ll be encouraged to sit back with a refreshing cool beverage and absorb the spectacular views of Bokor National Park and the Elephant Mountain as the sun sets over the calm river waters.
• Day 25 Kampot to Phnom Penh
  From Kampot we head inland for the bustling Cambodian capital Phnom Penh, stopping for lunch before we take an afternoon tour of the infamous Khmer Rouge S21 Prison and Killing Fields. While it is a very sobering experience to learn more about Cambodia’s harsh recent history, it is one of the most recommended things to do in Phnom Penh. This evening you are free to walk around and discover the many sights of this energetic city or get out mingling with the locals while watching the sun set over the Mekong River.
  Accommodation included: Guesthouse near the main tourist area
• Day 26 Phnom Penh
  A free day today gives you the chance to explore this energizing capital city and visit the many markets selling silk, silver, gems and antiques. Visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, Wat Phnom, and the Russian Market. See a living art performance at the National Museum, or learn a Cambodian craft, dance or kick boxing at the Backstreet Academy. For something different, why not join the locals at dusk for an aerobic workout at the Olympic Stadium. Here you’ll find local ladies garbed in Western-style pyjamas, getting their groove on to Khmer techno music in order to burn a few calories. It may not be your most coordinated moment, but will be good for a giggle (even if you’re just laughing at yourself)!
  Accommodation included: Guesthouse near the main tourist area
• Day 27 Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City (Express Day)
  This morning you’ll board an unguided public bus organised by your Cambodia Tour Leader and head to Moc Bai on the Vietnamese border, where you will be processed through immigration (you must organise your Vietnam visa in advance for this land border crossing) and then drive on to Ho Chi Minh City, arriving mid-afternoon. Spend the afternoon exploring the narrow streets on foot, hop into a cyclo for a comfortable ride amongst the millions of motorbikes or choose a restaurant teeming with locals for a taste of the best cuisine.
  Accommodation included: Centrally located hotel or guesthouse, breakfast included
• Day 28 Ho Chi Minh City
  Today is a free day for you to explore the hot and lively Ho Chi Minh City. Learn about the history of the American and Vietnam War at the War Remnant Museum, visit the French Colonial Saigon Opera House, browse the surrounding shopping plazas or see a cultural show. Ho Chi Minh even has its own Notre Dame Cathedral, which is said to be a connection between the physical and spiritual life for the Ho Chi Minh people. We recommend taking a trip out to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, a complex of over 200kms of tunnels used by the Viet Khong in the war against the US. Discover how the people lived and survived in these tunnels, built schools and hospitals underground and eventually gained the victory. This evening enjoys a traditional performance at the Water Puppet Theatre, or dine out on delicious street food at one of the city’s many restaurants or bars.
  Accommodation included: Centrally located hotel or guesthouse, breakfast included
• Day 29 Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat
  Leaving behind the chaos and heat of Ho Chi Minh City, we head for the refreshingly cool climate of Da Lat, known as the ‘honeymoon capital of Vietnam’. Our journey today takes us through fertile farmlands that specialize in rubber, coffee, and tea, locally produced wine, vegetables and flowers. Just a short distance from Da Lat we make a stop at the beautiful 20m high Datanla Waterfall, where legend has it K’ho fairies often come to play and bathe at the base of the falls. You can either walk down to the waterfall or, for those who like a little bit of adrenalin, you can drive your own mini roller coaster to the site. Afterwards, we’ll head to Da Lat, where you can spend the rest of the day checking out the large market near the guesthouse or at one of many friendly cafes selling excellent coffee on every corner.
  Accommodation included: Local guesthouse in the center of town
• Day 30 Da Lat
  Da Lat vaguely resembles a French town with sprawling old villas and towering pine trees. It is not on the main tourist trail so locals are curious and very friendly to Western visitors. There are plenty of adventurous activities on offer here, but many people opt for an adrenaline-packed canyoning trip where you abseil over waterfalls and jump off a 5-metre high drop into the pool below. If that’s not for you, you can visit the last Emperor’s Art Deco-style summer palace. Your itinerary includes a full-day motorcycle tour for a glimpse of what Da Lat has to offer.
  Accommodation included: Local guesthouse in the center of town
  Activity included: Full-day motorcycle tour: Spend the day on the original ‘Easy Rider’ fully guided motorcycle city tour around scenic Da Lat. You’ll see notable city sights such as the Crazy House, the French Quarter and railway station, as well as visit the aptly named Paradise Lake and a coffee plantation to learn about ‘weasel coffee.’
• Day 31 Da Lat to Bai Xep
  Leaving behind the cool climate of Da Lat we’ll head for the Vietnamese coast, stopping for refreshments at the coastal city of Nha Trang, a popular spot to hop off for those who have the time. Driving on your destination is the tiny fishing village of Bai Xep located along a stretch of sandy white beach. Kick back and relax in this peaceful village setting well off the beaten tourist track and as yet untouched by rampant tourism. Don’t be surprised when the locals wave and greet you with welcoming smiles.
  Accommodation included: Accommodation right on the beach, includes light breakfast
• Day 32 Bai Xep
  Today you are free to enjoy this remote coastal location and all it has to offer. Swim, snorkel and take long walks on the beach, learn to paddle a traditional round boat, go fishing and cook your catch for tea, wander the village and get to know the friendly locals or just relax at your comfortable seaside guesthouse.
  Accommodation included: Accommodation right on the beach, includes light breakfast
• Day 33 Bai Xep to Hoi An
  A coastal drive takes us to the popular tourist spot and UNESCO World Heritage town of Hoi An. Before arriving in Hoi An, we’ll stop along the way to visit the My Lai Memorial, a site that commemorates an event that marked a turning point in the American War. Hoi An is a must see destination, with beautifully restored and preserved French Colonial architecture, funky bars, outstanding restaurants, art galleries, souvenir shops and countless tailor shops. With glorious beaches so close nearby, this is paradise! A great spot to hop off and enjoy the local nightlife, try local delicacies (and beers), then meander home through the motorbike free streets.
  Accommodation included: Centrally located, family run hotel, breakfast included
• Day 34 Hoi An
  See Hoi An from a different angle with a two-hour river boat cruise that we’ve included in your itinerary. Take time today to explore this charming town’s many offerings. When the sun goes down is when Hoi An really turns on its charm. Paper and fabric lanterns are lit throughout the streets, bathing the historical French Colonial and Chinese architecture in a warm glow. Take a sunset stroll through the old town, and try a local delicacy called the ‘White Rose’ - a dumpling stuffed with shrimp or pork bunched into the shape of a rose. Apparently, the recipe is a family secret, held by only one family who supplies all the restaurants around town.
  Accommodation included: Centrally located, family run hotel, breakfast included
  Activity included: Two-hour river boat cruise: Observe a slice of rural river life as you cruise down the Thu Bon River from Hoi An to where the river meets the sea. Relax and enjoy banter with your boat captain as you idle past islands, Chinese fishing nets and commuting boats.
• Day 35 Hoi An to Hue
  Today you travel to Hue, considered Vietnam’s most liveable city. Surrounded by rolling hills and located on the Perfume River, Hue is regarded as the cultural and spiritual centre of Vietnam and is the former home to the Vietnamese emperors. Here you’ll see many elaborately decorated temples and beautiful pagodas, including the seven-storied Thien Mu Pagoda (where the most famous Vietnamese monk is buried), the intricate Citadel and Forbidden Purple City. This is a great place to take a motorbike tour of the Vietnamese countryside so we’ve included one in your itinerary.
  Accommodation included: Local guesthouse, breakfast included
  Activity included: Motorbike tour: Jump on the back of a motorbike and discover a little bit of the ‘real’ Vietnam with a local guide. Motoring through quaint villages and lush rice paddies, you’ll see the historic and picturesque Japanese covered bridge, find out your future from a local fortune teller, have a go at making incense sticks and learn about the rice growing process at the Rice Museum. Visit the home of a conical hat maker and explore an Emperor's Tomb and the Citadel's Forbidden City.
• Day 36 Hue to Phong Nha
  This morning we head for the fascinating Vinh Moc Tunnels, an impressive underground complex that was used by more than 90 families to live and work during some of the heaviest bombings in the American War. From there it’s on to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, passing through the provincial town of Dong Hoi on our way to the charming hotel in Phong Nha town that will be our base for exploring the park.
  Accommodation included: Comfortable private hotel room with breakfast included
• Day 37 Phong Nha
  Today we visit the spectacular rural area of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, 45km from Dong Hoi. This area has pristine rivers (perfect for a refreshing dip or kayak) and boasts a number of impressive caves, including the recently discovered Thien Duong Cave. Inside you’ll find glittering limestone walls, impressive stalagmites and stalactites and a limestone waterfall. This afternoon you have the option to go on a guided tour of the ‘Dark Cave’, suitably named as such because the rock is black. This is an exciting adventure where you’ll explore the cave’s darkness with the help of a head torch, discover ancient fossils and slide down muddy ridges, all while Asian bats fly overhead. Afterwards, back at the mouth of the cave, you can wash off all the mud by spending the afternoon swimming and playing in the river.
  Accommodation included: Comfortable private hotel room with breakfast included
  Activity included: Entrance to Thien Duong Cave (Paradise Cave) and Phong Nha-Ke National Park: Thien Duong Cave only opened to tourism in 2010 and is one of the largest in the world. Located in the Phong Nha Ke-Bang National Park, this UNESCO World Heritage site was discovered by British cave explorers in 2005 and named Paradise Cave (Thien Duong) because of its beauty. Discover spectacular stalactites and stalagmites in the longest cave in Vietnam.
• Day 38 Phong Nha to Ninh Binh
  Our journey today takes us through beautiful countryside and stunning limestone karst mountains. We’ll stop along the way for a chance to stretch your legs before continuing our express journey to Ninh Binh. We arrive late in the afternoon, but you have time to wander around and acquaint yourself with the tiny town before dinner. Nestled amongst rice paddies, rural plains, and massive mountains, Ninh Binh is almost overwhelmed by the spectacular landscape surrounding it. The best way to take it all in is to hire a bicycle and explore the countryside at your own pace.
  Accommodation included: Locally run hotel with excellent restaurants nearby, breakfast included
• Day 39 Ninh Binh to Hanoi
  This morning we venture out in traditional canoes to discover the Trang An Grottoes. Sometimes called the ‘Halong Bay on land’, we’ll coast through caves in the mountains to view stony outcrops and dramatic karst formations towering above flat tranquil waters and rice paddies. After lunch in Ninh Binh, we jump back on the bus bound for the chaotic streets of Vietnam’s capital. Hanoi is an exotic city full of excitement and energy, and thousands of motorcycles that make the simple task of crossing the road seem like a real achievement! There’s an excellent culinary scene. We recommend dining at Restaurant 69, which is said to be over 300 years old, or trying some of the delicious street food available on every corner, where the saying goes “the lower the chair, the cheaper the beer.”
  Accommodation included: Local guesthouse or hotel or backpacker-style dorm, breakfast included
• Day 40 Hanoi
  This morning your Tour Leader will take you out to see the main sights of Hanoi on foot. We start our walking tour by visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, then the old Royal Palace Gardens and Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House. From there, we’ll head over to the One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature. The main tour will end at Koto Restaurant and Training Centre for refreshments; those that are feeling fit can carry on to the Old Hanoi Hilton Prison and finish at Hoan Kiem Lake.
  This is where your journey with Stray comes to an end, but there is plenty to see and do in and around Hanoi. If you have some extra days to spend here, we highly recommend booking a cruise around breathtaking Halong Bay or making a trip inland to visit the hill tribes of Sa Pa. Both of these excursions can be organized for you by your Tour Leader. We hope you’ve had a blast on your great Stray adventure!

Real Aussie Says:

This Thailand, Laos and Cambodia Flexi Tour Itinerary is a unique combination of a guided Stray pass and prepaid accommodation and activities, based on the recommendations of hand-picked Stray experts. This allows you to make the most of your time in Southeast Asia. You can still hop off anywhere, spend longer at your favorite places and opt for extra activities along the way.

Please contact us with any questions

Departure information