Skip to main content
logo
1-800-590-1161Help & contactEarn free travel
logo1-800-590-1161
Tours
Asia
Grand Tour of...
 

Grand Tour of Southeast Asia: Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand

22 days |  26 days with Laos & Bangkok extension
22 days |  26 days with Laos & Bangkok extension
Group size1222 travelers
Physical activity
New
OverviewItineraryDates & pricesReviewsHotels, flights & FAQ
You have 60 days to get a full refund

Feel good about putting a tour on the calendar today. Enroll in AutoPay or pay in full when you book and if you change your mind, you'll get your money back.†

Experience a kaleidoscope of Southeast Asian cultures.

Asia is home to some of the world’s oldest civilizations. In the continent’s southeastern reaches, well-preserved culinary traditions, temple complexes, historical sites, and cultural heritage come together against a natural backdrop that dazzles with its mighty rivers, emerald rainforests, and unspoiled islands. Spend three weeks exploring historic, spiritual, natural, and modern treasures in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand alongside your fellow travelers and we’re pretty sure you’ll feel forever changed. For even more of the region’s rich offerings, extend your tour and explore Laos, a less-traveled corner of this spectacular continent.

Your tour package includes

  • 19 nights in handpicked hotels
  • 1 night aboard a cruise ship
  • 19 breakfasts
  • 6 lunches
  • 7 dinners with beer or wine
Read more

Included highlights

  • Hỏa Lò Prison in Hanoi
  • Hạ Long Bay cruise in Vietnam
  • Vietnamese cooking lesson
  • Cù Chi tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City
  • Cambodia’s Angkor Wat temple complex
Read more
Start planning today

An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.

Talk to a Tour Consultant

Day-by-day itinerary

Print itinerary
Overnight Flight1 night
Day 1: Travel day

Board your flight to Hanoi today.

Hanoi3 nights
Day 2: Arrival in Hanoi

Welcome to Vietnam! Transfer to your hotel to settle in.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Hanoi
Included meals: Breakfast, Welcome lunch

Join your Tour Director and fellow travelers on a guided exploration of Hanoi. Vietnam’s capital city is known for its centuries-old architecture, as well as its rich, cultural heritage, which includes a mix of Southeast Asian, Chinese, and French influences.

  • Pass Ba Đình Square, where Ho Chi Minh—the revolutionary leader and president of North Vietnam—read the Proclamation of Independence of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam
  • Wander through the 11th-century Temple of Literature, a walled complex that’s dedicated to the Chinese philosopher Confucius and was the site of Vietnam’s first university
  • Visit the site of Hỏa Lò Prison—sarcastically nicknamed the “Hanoi Hilton” by American detainees—where the late U.S. Senator and presidential contender John McCain was held as a POW for more than five years during the Vietnam War
  • Tour the museum that occupies the remaining prison structure, and learn about POWs’ harrowing experiences in captivity
  • Board a bicycle rickshaw and ride through the busy Old Quarter, an area that’s rich with Vietnamese architecture, green spaces, locally owned shops, and street food vendors
  • Pass Đồng Xuân Market (one of the largest wholesale markets in the north of Vietnam), the Hanoi Opera House (built in the early 1900s by a pair of French architects), and Hoàn Kiếm Lake (its name, which translates to Lake of the Restored Sword, derives from a legend that was set there)

Get to know your Tour Director and fellow travelers at a welcome lunch served with beer or wine. Then, enjoy free time for the rest of the day in Hanoi or add an excursion.

Vietnamese Home-Hosted Dinner

From $75 per person

Day 4: Free day in Hanoi
Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day in Hanoi or add an excursion.

A Day in Ninh Bình

From $115 per person

Ha Long Bay1 night
Day 5: Ha Long Bay cruise
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Transfer to Ha Long Bay and embark on a luxurious, overnight cruise aboard a small ship. As you explore this striking setting and UNESCO World Heritage site by boat, you’ll pass by many of its nearly 2,000 limestone islands and islets, most of which are uninhabited and unaffected by human presence.

  • Once on board the ship, enjoy a welcome drink, followed by an included lunch served with beer or wine
  • Cruise past notable natural features, including Fighting Cocks Islet, Thien Cung Cave, and Dau Go Cave
  • Climb aboard a small tender with a guide from your ship and motor across the water to Sung Sot Cave—the largest and, according to many, most beautiful cave in the bay
  • Get back on board your tender for a ride to your next stop, Tung San Pearl Farm, where you’ll learn how pearls are grown using traditional Vietnamese methods and new Japanese technology
  • After visiting the pearl farm, if you’d like, paddle a kayak along the waters of Ha Long Bay to enjoy up-close views of the water and scenery
  • Return to your ship to enjoy a Vietnamese cooking demonstration, then sit down for an included dinner served with beer or wine
Ho Chi Minh City3 nights
Day 6: Ti Top Island & flight to Ho Chi Minh City
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Join a sunrise lesson in Tai Chi—a gentle form of exercise that originated in China as a martial art—on the ship this morning, if you’d like. Then, hop into a small boat and make your way to Ti Top Island for time spent swimming or hiking to the top of the island to enjoy stunning views of Hạ Long Bay.

After enjoying an included lunch, disembark your cruise ship later this morning and board a flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 7: Sightseeing tour of Ho Chi Minh City, War Remnants Museum & Củ Chi tunnels
Included meal: Breakfast

Join your Tour Director this morning for a guided exploration of Vietnam’s largest city, formerly known as Saigon. There’s much to discover in the city, including museums that detail its wartime past, as well as French colonial architecture, modern skyscrapers, and ornate temples.

  • Witness Vietnam’s progression from French colony to unified, independent nation as you enter the Reunification Palace, which was once the seat of South Vietnam’s government
  • Make your way to the French Colonial district, stopping en route to view architectural highlights including the General Post Office, City Hall, and Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica
  • Wander among popular Bến Thành Market’s 1,500 stalls, whose vendors sell everything from food to cosmetics, and stroll along Lê Công Kiều, a street known for its treasure trove of antiques
  • Take a self-guided tour of the War Remnants Museum to get the local perspective on the Vietnam War

Spend the afternoon learning more about the history and impact of the Vietnam War.

  • Travel by coach to the Củ Chi Tunnels, then join a local guide for a tour of the vast underground network built and used by Viet Cong guerrilla troops to transport supplies and communications, house soldiers, and mount surprise attacks against American and South Vietnamese forces
  • See secret trapdoors, underground kitchens, living areas, and meeting rooms

Please note: Your guide will advise you of the length and level of difficulty of each tunnel before entering. Those preferring to remain above ground will have ample opportunity to view excavated areas. Good walking shoes and sun protection are recommended, as are clothes that can get slightly dirty.

Day 8: Free day in Ho Chi Minh City
Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day in Ho Chi Minh City or add an excursion.

Traditions of the Mekong River Delta

From $85 per person

Siem Reap3 nights
Day 9: Flight to Siem Reap
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia, and get settled in your hotel.

Sit down this for an included dinner, served with beer or wine.

Day 10: Sightseeing tour of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom & Ta Prohm
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, you’ll experience some of Southeast Asia’s most iconic sites, including Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument.

  • Rise early today and watch the sun rise over Angkor Wat—a UNESCO World Heritage site that was built as a Hindu temple and became a Buddhist temple, all in the 12th century
  • Follow along as your Tour Director guides you and your fellow travelers through different areas of the temple—and climb a set of steep, narrow stairs to a third-story viewing area if you’d like
  • Depart Angkor Wat and enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant
  • Continue along with your Tour Director to Angkor Thom, the ruined capital complex of the Khmer Empire that dates back to the late 12th and early 13th centuries
  • View the Terrace of the Elephants, the striking, ornamental wall from which King Jayavarman VII looked out over his victorious returning army; the Terrace of the Leper King, which is home to an androgynous statue whose meaning remains somewhat mysterious; and Bayon, the staggeringly detailed state temple of King Jayavarman VII
  • Depart the Siem Reap area and enjoy sunset at Ta Prohm, a temple that has largely been reclaimed by the jungle and served as a filming location for the 2001 movie “Lara Craft: Tomb Raider,” starring Angelina Jolie
Day 11: Tonlé Sap lake cruise & Cambodian Landmine Museum
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Continue your exploration of Siem Reap with your Tour Director as your guide.

  • Take a cruise on the Tonlé Sap—a vast lake and river system whose name means “Great Lake”—en route to Kompong Khleang, a large, floating village whose homes are built on towering stilts
  • Enter the Cambodian Landmine Museum, an organization dedicated to the removal of landmines and unexploded ordnance, or UXO, from Cambodia
  • Watch a short film about Aki Ra, a former Khmer Rouge child soldier who founded the museum
  • Take a guided audio tour of the museum to learn about the organization’s de-mining projects and community development initiatives
  • Learn how the revenue from your visit supports relief projects for those harmed by landmines and UXO

Sit down for an included dinner this evening served with beer or wine.

Bangkok2 nights
Day 12: Flight to Bangkok
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Board your flight to Bangkok, Thailand, this morning. Then, enjoy free time for the rest of the day.

Rejoin your group for an included dinner this evening.

Day 13: Sightseeing tour of Bangkok
Included meal: Breakfast

Join your Tour Director for a sightseeing tour of this bustling capital city set on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.

  • Explore the sprawling Grand Palace complex, which was built in 1782 for the king of Siam
  • Pass by the Wat Phra Kaew temple complex, or Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which is the spiritual core of Thai Buddhism and a pilgrimage site for devout Buddhists
  • Step inside the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, or Wat Pho, to see the famous, 150-foot-long gilded statue depicting the passing of the Buddha into nirvana (it’s the biggest Reclining Buddha statue in the city)

Spend a free afternoon in the city or add an excursion.

Markets of Bangkok

From $79 per person

Chiang Mai3 nights
Day 14: Flight to Chiang Mai, Doi Suthep & night market visit
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting

This morning, fly to Chiang Mai, a city in mountainous northern Thailand that dates back to the 13th century and was the capital of the Lanna Kingdom until the middle of the 16th century. Then, set out to visit some of the region’s most impressive temples and historic sites.

  • Visit Doi Suthep, the regal mountain overlooking the city and home to some of the most deeply loved symbols in the kingdom
  • Take a cable car to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a major temple and pilgrimage destination during the important Buddhist holidays of Makha Bucha and Vesak
  • Opt to take a one-hour hike down a well-marked trail with many stairs, or ride the cable car back to the base of the mountain

Tonight, join your Tour Director to explore the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, a sprawling complex just outside the old city’s ancient walls. You’re in for what’s arguably the best night market experience in Thailand, with vendors selling everything from street food to clothing to antiques. Because prices here aren’t fixed, the market is a beloved spot among bargain hunters.

  • Sample various regional cuisine specialties made by local vendors
  • Enjoy free time to shop and taste more street food at your leisure
Day 15: Sightseeing tour of ChangChill elephant sanctuary & Buddhist monk visit
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Drive through the countryside and visit ChangChill, an organization at the forefront of elephant welfare and responsible tourism in Chiang Mai.

  • Hear how the organization works with the non-profit animal-rights organization World Animal Protection to create a safe living environment for the elephants and an educational experience for visitors
  • Learn about Asian elephants as you watch them roam freely during a hands-off elephant exploration walk
  • Help staffers prepare medicine and food for the gentle, giant residents
  • Chat with the mahouts, or elephant caretakers, and enjoy an included vegetarian meal overlooking the elephants’ natural bathing spot

This afternoon, visit the Wat Suan Dok Buddhist temple, where you’ll meet a resident monk to discuss Buddhism and learn how the monks of the temple live.

Day 16: Free day in Chiang Mai
Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day in Chiang Mai or add excursions.

Mae Kampong Hill Tribe: Village Visit & Hike

From $65 per person

Traditional Thai Cooking Class & Dinner

From $95 per person

Ko Samui Island2 nights
Day 17: Flight to Ko Samui
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, fly to Thailand’s second-largest island, Ko Samui, which is known for its palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves, and lush, mountainous rainforest. Settle into your hotel upon arrival.

This evening, enjoy an included dinner served with beer or wine.

Day 18: Free day on Ko Samui
Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day exploring Ko Samui or add an excursion.

Mu Ko Ang Thong Boat Cruise & Snorkeling

From $95 per person

Khao Sok2 nights
Day 19: Ferry to Surat Thani & transfer to Khao Sok National Park
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel by ferry this morning to Surat Thani, known as “the province of a thousand islands” and the gateway to Thailand’s natural wonders.

Upon arrival in Surat Thani, transfer to Khao Sok National Park, an unspoiled area where towering limestone cliffs, lush forests, and teal water meet. The park is home to the world’s oldest evergreen rainforest, plus 50 mammal species, more than 300 bird species, and countless varieties of reptiles and insects.

After settling into your hotel, sit down for an included dinner this evening served with beer or wine.

Day 20: Khao Sok National Park & Cheow Lan Lake cruise
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Take to the water this morning for a full day in Khao Sok National Park, exploring the stunning Cheow Lan Lake aboard a traditional long-tail boat.

  • Admire dramatic and jungle-topped limestone cliffs and karsts as you cruise along the lake’s turquoise waters
  • Keep an eye out for wildlife, including long-tailed macaques and gibbons
  • Set off on a short hike to one of the park’s many impressive caves
  • Enjoy an included lunch at a floating restaurant followed by free time to swim, canoe, or just relax and take in the majestic scenery
Bangkok1 night
Day 21: Flight to Bangkok
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Return to Surat Thani and board a flight back to Bangkok.

Tonight, join your fellow travelers at a local restaurant for a celebratory farewell dinner served with beer or wine.

Flight Home
Day 22: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport to board your early morning flight home or continue exploring in Laos and Bangkok.

Extension to Laos & Bangkok
Compared to popular spots like Thailand, Laos remains a somewhat hidden gem when it comes to traveling in Asia—and that’s just one reason you’re sure to love it. This tiny country in Southeast Asia packs a huge punch when it comes to history, scenery, and culture. Get to know its capital city, Vientiane, then travel by train to its cultural and artistic hub, Luang Prabang, whose sought-after shops and charming cafes will make you feel right at home.
Vientiane1 night
Day 22: Flight to Vientiane & sightseeing tour of Xieng Khuan
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Fly to Vientiane—Laos’s capital and largest city. Then, pay a visit to the Xieng Khuan, a unique sculpture park situated along the Mekong River.

  • View some of the more than 200 Hindu and Buddhist statues scattered around the open-air park’s lush grounds
  • Learn how yogi-priest-shaman Luang Pu designed the park to reflect his interest in both Hinduism and Buddhism

Sit down for an included dinner this evening served with beer or wine.

Luang Prabang2 nights
Day 23: Sightseeing tour of Vientiane & train ride to Luang Prabang
Included meal: Breakfast

Set off on a guided tour of Vientiane alongside a local guide this afternoon.

  • Visit the golden Pha That Luang—a.k.a. the Great Stupa—which was built in the 16th century and is considered the most important Buddhist monument in Laos
  • See the Patuxai Monument, an intricately designed war monument and triumphal arch built between 1957 and 1968 in memory of Laotian soldiers who died during World War II and the war of independence from France
  • Continue on to Wat Si Saket, the oldest temple in Vientiane, which is home to almost 7,000 Buddha images

Later, take a train to Luang Prabang and enjoy a free evening.

Day 24: Walking tour of Luang Prabang
Included meal: Breakfast

Join your Tour Director on a walking tour to discover Luang Prabang—a city that’s rich with architectural and artistic heritage and that once served as the county’s royal capital.

  • Pass by Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham, the largest Buddhist temple in the city
  • See how Laotian royalty once lived during a visit to the Royal Palace Museum
  • View the Phra Bang statue, the country’s most important and sacred Buddha image
  • Wander along the Mekong waterfront and enjoy free time to pop into local shops and restaurants

Spend a free afternoon in Luang Prabang or add an excursion.

Laos Buffalo Dairy Farm & Dinner

From $115 per person

Bangkok1 night
Day 25: Flight to Bangkok
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Fly back to Bangkok today and join your group for a farewell dinner served with beer or wine.

Flight Home
Day 26: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport to board your early morning flight home.

Show full itinerary
Book for just $99 down

That's all it takes to secure your spot on tour with AutoPay. Then, pay for your trip in interest-free, monthly installments.†

Reviews

Be the first to submit a review for this tour.
Sign in to your account to submit a review.

Hotels, flights & FAQ

Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

Hotels

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.
Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi
Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi

This well-appointed hotel is located in the Hoan Kiem District of Hanoi. Guests enjoy free WiFi, wellness facilities, and 24-hour room service. Nearby...

Read more +
Paradise Cruise
Paradise Cruise

This tasteful hotel is located in Halong Bay. Guests enjoy internet access, a spa, and a sundeck.

Saigon Prince Hotel
Saigon Prince Hotel

This sophisticated hotel is located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. Guests enjoy a spa, a fitness room, and an outdoor pool. Nearby, you’ll find the...

Read more +
Prince D'Angkor
Prince D'Angkor

This elegant hotel is located in the Sangkat Sla Kram neighborhood. Guests enjoy swimming pools, a spa, and a piano bar. Nearby, you’ll find the Angko...

Read more +
AETAS Lumpini
AETAS Lumpini

This stylish hotel is located in the Lumpini neighborhood of Bangkok, Thailand. Guests enjoy the rooftop pool, fitness center and convenient location....

Read more +
Centara Watergate Pavillion Hotel Bangkok
Centara Watergate Pavillion Hotel Bangkok

This stylish hotel is located in the heart of Bangkok. Guests enjoy the rooftop sundeck and dining, fitness center, and steam room. Nearby you’ll find...

Read more +
Eastin Tan Hotel Chiang Mai
Eastin Tan Hotel Chiang Mai

This modern hotel is located in the Nimmanhaemin area of Chiang Mai. Guests enjoy the outdoor pool, fitness center, and on-site restaurant. Nearby you...

Read more +
Centara Villas Samui
Centara Villas Samui

This idyllic resort style hotel is located on Ko Samui Island. Guests enjoy the multiple pools, private beach area, and optional activities offered li...

Read more +
Our Jungle Camp
Our Jungle Camp

This peaceful eco-resort is located in Khao Sok National Park. Guests enjoy their own private huts with private balconies, optional activities like wa...

Read more +
Pullman Luang Prabang
Pullman Luang Prabang

This mountainside hotel is located 10 minutes from downtown Luang Prabang. Guests enjoy the outdoor pool, mountain views, and bike rentals. Nearby you...

Read more +
Green Park Boutique Hotel
Green Park Boutique Hotel

This peaceful hotel is located in Vientiane’s business district. Guests enjoy the outdoor pool, spa featuring traditional massages, and private balcon...

Read more +

Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.
Add our airfare package and you'll get:
  • Round-trip flight for your tour
  • Airport transfers at your destination
  • A great price locked in today
  • 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
  • Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
  • Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
  • Find out more about flights

FAQ

Print FAQ
Passport, visa & entry requirements
  • In order to enter Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand (and Laos on the tour extension), U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of return.
  • We recommend having at least three blank passport pages for entry stamps.
  • There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens traveling to Thailand.
  • U.S. and Canadian passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Vietnam and Cambodia (plus Laos on the tour extension). You must obtain your Vietnam visa in advance by purchasing an electronic visa online via the Vietnam Immigration Department, by applying directly to the Vietnamese consulate, or by using a visa provider, such as our partner company, VisaCentral. You may choose to obtain your Cambodia visa at the port of entry (you will need $30USD and two passport-sized photos), by purchasing an electronic visa online via the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, by applying directly to the Cambodian consulate, or by using a visa provider, such as our partner company, VisaCentral. For the tour extension, you can choose to obtain your Laos visa at the port of entry (you will need $50USD and two passport-sized photos), by purchasing an electronic visa online via the Laos Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or by by applying directly to the Laos consulate.
  • If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
  • You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code GAS.
Was this information helpful?
YesNo
Tour pacing & mobility
  • On this guided tour, you’ll walk for about 3.5 hours daily across uneven terrain, including paved roads, dirt paths, and stairs.
  • Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
  • You should feel comfortable managing your own luggage at times, as well as getting in and out of small boats.
  • Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and they cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
  • If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
Was this information helpful?
Tour Director
  • You will have four separate Tour Directors on this tour: one in Vietnam, one in Cambodia, one in Thailand, and one in Laos on the tour extension.
Was this information helpful?
Transportation & arrival information
  • Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Hanoi and depart from Bangkok. A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival hall, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
  • Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
  • A one-night Hạ Long Bay cruise, a ferry from Ko Samui Island to Serat Thani, and other small boat rides—as well as flights from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap, Siem Reap to Bangkok, Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai to Ko Samui, and Serat Thani to Bangkok—are included in the price of your tour.
  • Flights from Bangkok to Vientiane and Luang Prabang to Bangkok, as well as a train ride from Vientiane to Luang Prabang, are included in the price of the tour extension.
  • All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
Was this information helpful?
Baggage allowance
  • Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
  • Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
  • Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
  • Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
Was this information helpful?
Clothing & packing tips
  • We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
  • A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
  • Waterproof shoes or sandals, a swimsuit, sunscreen, and insect repellent are recommended for outdoor activities.
  • Binoculars are handy for a closer look at local wildlife and scenery.
  • A small bottle of hand sanitizer may be helpful when facilities are not readily available while on the road.
  • You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
  • It is preferable not to visit temples or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).
Was this information helpful?
Health
  • At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
  • Please be sure to take proper care with sun exposure, as the sun can be especially strong in some of the areas you are visiting.
  • Temperatures in this region can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius), especially during the summer months. Drinking plenty of water, limiting your alcohol intake, and using proper sun protection is extremely important in order to prevent the effects of dehydration and heat stroke.
  • There are inherent risks associated with water activities, particularly for those with pre-existing medical conditions. Discuss your planned activities with your doctor or healthcare provider for the best advice on participation.
  • Drink bottled water only. Refrain from drinking tap water, including when brushing your teeth. On the tour extension, we recommend you bring a reusable water bottle so you can utilize water stations at various Lao businesses as part of their Refill Not Landfill Project to limit your consumption of single-use plastic bottles.
  • Avoid eating fresh fruits and vegetables unless they are cooked or washed in clean water and peeled.
  • Bring a small first aid kit, including antacids, anti-diarrhea medication, motion sickness medication, and any prescription medications in your carry-on bag.
  • If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour and any possible delays encountered.
  • If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies, please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.
  • You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code GAS.
Was this information helpful?
Cuisine
  • Flavorful Vietnamese cuisine relies on mint, coriander, cinnamon, ginger, lime, lemongrass, and Thai basil. Foods are cooked minimally, from lightly grilled meats to blanched vegetables. Seafood, often flavored with ginger, is popular, as are chicken, duck, and pork. Don’t miss dishes like spicy beef noodle soup and banh mi—a baguette filled with paté, cold cuts, and pickled vegetables.
  • International influence is evident in the Khmer cuisine of Cambodia, where full flavor is created through the mix of herbs and spices such as sweet basil, Asian coriander, mint, lemongrass, and pepper. The base of almost all Cambodian dishes is rice or noodles, served with a curry, soup, or vegetable stir-fry. Grilled freshwater fish is popular, and the fermented fish paste known as prahok is a traditional seasoning.
  • Traditional Thai cooking uses market-fresh ingredients seasoned with a mix of herbs, spices, and condiments, such as chili peppers and fish sauce. The main staple is rice.
  • On the tour extension, sticky rice is the most popular and most important element in Laotian cuisine. No matter where you go, you’ll find this traditional dish. Travelers should also try green papaya salad and larb—meat or seafood mixed with fresh herbs.
Was this information helpful?
Electricity & air conditioning
  • Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand operate on 230 volts.
  • Vietnam uses Types A, E, or F plugs with two flat pins, two round pins, or three round pins, respectively.
  • Cambodia uses Types A, C, or G plugs with two flat pins, two round pins, or three flat pins, respectively.
  • Thailand uses Types A, B, C, or O plugs with two flat pins, two flat and one round pin, or two or three round pins, respectively.
  • Laos (on the tour extension) uses Types A, B, C, E or F plugs with two flat pins, two rounded pins, or three flat pins, respectively.
  • We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
  • The strength of the air conditioning in Asian hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
  • Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.
Was this information helpful?
Connectivity
  • Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
  • There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
  • Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
Was this information helpful?
Time zones
  • All destinations visited are 11 hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
  • When it’s 9am in New York, it’s 8pm on tour.
Was this information helpful?
Currency
  • You will use the Vietnamese dong in Vietnam, Cambodian riel (or U.S. dollar) in Cambodia, and the Thai baht in Thailand (plus the Lao kip in Laos on the tour extension).
  • In Cambodia, U.S. dollars are accepted everywhere, though change may be given in riel. Most hotels, restaurants, shops, taxis, buses, and airlines list their prices in U.S. dollars, but small transactions (less than a dollar) are usually conducted in riel. Always carry small amounts of riel for motorcycle taxis, snacks, and other small purchases.
  • Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
  • We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
  • You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
  • Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
  • International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
Was this information helpful?
Tipping
  • At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
  • We recommend tipping the equivalent of $8USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
  • If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
  • Tips can only be paid in cash.
Was this information helpful?
Purchasing excursions on tour
  • Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
  • Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
  • Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
  • Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information.
  • International travel is, by its very nature, unpredictable. We must therefore reserve the right to change this itinerary, without advance notice, to meet with local conditions at the time of travel. We appreciate your understanding. Please refer to our website for Terms & Conditions, dates, and prices.
Was this information helpful?