Bangkok to Hanoi - 15 days

Drifters Price: £456.00

RRP: £480.00

Trip Code: INTBH

Local Payment: USD$200.00

Days 1-2 Bangkok

Travellers will be arriving at all times during the day, from all corners of the world. Feel free to arrive at the joining point at any time on Day 1 as there are no planned activities until our group meeting in the evening. Check the noticeboard on the second floor for a message from your leader confirming the time and place for this meeting. Please note that you will need to bring your insurance documents and passport to the group meetings so that your leader can commence visa formalities for the group's entry into Laos and Vietnam.

If you are arriving late on day 1, your leader will leave a note for you at reception. For those who arrive early, the noticeboard lists ideas on what to do around Bangkok, and be sure to ask for a map from hotel reception. Please note that your leader will collect your local payment (USD200) today.

On day 2 we board a longtail boat to explore the other side of Bangkok and experience life in the famous khlongs. We then enjoy a guided tour of the impressive Wat Pho, home of a magnificent and huge reclining Buddha. There is free time in the afternoon and a popular activity among Intrepid travellers is to experience a traditional Thai massage, a great way to straighten out after a long flight.

In the late afternoon we travel by taxi to the train station where we board our comfortable overnight train for Chiang Mai (approximately 13 hours). Our baggage travels in the carriage with us and there is a food and drink service available on board.

Day 3 Chiang Mai

On arrival at Chiang Mai station we stop for breakfast before checking into our guesthouse.

There is plenty of free time to explore the many temples, the old city of Chiang Mai and the fantastic view over Chiang Mai from the mountain temple of Doi Suthep. Finally, a visit to the vibrant night bazaar or some fine dining on the riverfront is a great way to round off the day.

Day 4 Chiang Khong

After breakfast we take a 5.5-hour journey through rural countryside to the Thai border town of Chiang Khong. We stay in a guesthouse with spectacular views overlooking the Mekong River into Laos - relax on the verandah and enjoy a well-earned drink. For those wanting to stretch their legs, the town can easily be explored on foot. What better way to enjoy the evening than to dine on Thai cuisine, while Laos beckons from across the river.

Days 5-6 Mekong River

We board our boat for the 2-day journey down the mighty Mekong River to Luang Prabang. The journey is relaxed, as we experience the slow pace of village life and the breathtaking scenery along the river. We dock at the small town of Pak Beng to spend the night (approximately 6 hours). The standard of accommodation in this trading port is extremely basic and simple but comfortable.

The following morning we re-board our boat and cruise to Pak Ou Caves, home to thousands of Buddha images, before arriving in the former royal capital of Luang Prabang in the late afternoon (approximately 8 hours).

Please note that the river boat is of a basic standard. Your leader will help arrange the purchase of food and drinks for the boat journeys. It can also be quite cold from November to February so make sure you have some warm gear packed!

Days 7-8 Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang has a magical feel about it. Nestled in the hills of northern Laos on the confluence of the Mekong and Khan Rivers, it is studded with ornate temples and French colonial architecture. We visit the Royal Palace Museum, which has remained untouched since the royal family departed in 1975.

We will also hop on a songthaew to the beautiful Kuang Si falls, where pale turquoise waters cascade over limestone formations.

For a small additional cost there is also the option, for those who feel active and want to stretch their legs, to take a 3 to 4-hour walk through the countryside to the falls (in wet season it may be too slippery).

At the base of the falls there is a large pool, making this an ideal location for a refreshing swim. There is also free time to experience the charm of Luang Prabang. A climb to the top of Mt Phousi provides a fantastic view over the town and its surrounds. You can also visit Dala market, the many temples or take a longboat across the river to a traditional Laotian village.

Days 9-11 Vientiane

Today we take the bus from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng (approximately 7 hours). There is time to explore the town and admire the fantastic limestone karst scenery, wander through the local markets, or take a walk along the river. The numerous caves in the area are also worth the effort to visit, travelling through small villages and gaining an insight into the local life.

Please note that occasionally the road beween Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng may be closed due to road conditions in which case we will have to fly between Luang Prabang and Vientiane.

Life in Vientiane is relaxed with daily affairs conducted at a slow pace. There is a wealth of cultural delights to discover - on foot, by bicycle or, for the less energetic, by songthaew. Visit Laos' most important national monument, Phat That Luang, or meander down the dusty riverside tracks to find villages full of friendly children, dogs and chickens. A visit to Vientiane's vibrant, colourful morning market (which incidentally is open all day!) is worth it to find plenty of local treasures. A great way to round off the day is to enjoy a spectacular sunset over the Mekong at one of the many stilt restaurants along the riverbank.

Day 12 Lak Sao

A bus ride (approximately 7 hours) takes us along the mountains and limestone karsts south and east to the border town of Lak Sao.

Our accommodation is basic though comfortable, with the town offering an insight into Vietnam with its strong cultural presence.

Days 13-15 Hanoi

On day 13 we continue on through rugged mountain scenery and say goodbye to sleepy Laos. After completing immigration formalities, we enter life in the fast lane of Vietnam. This contrast becomes immediately apparent as we descend through the mountains of the Ho Chi Minh Trail and on to the rural plains of Nghe An Province, before turning north to Hanoi. This will be a long, arduous drive, possibly lengthened by delays at the border and road conditions (approximately 12 hours).

We have plenty of time in the capital to explore. This wonderful city is filled with wide tree-lined boulevards and natural lakes, and is a great place to relax in one of the alfresco cafes and watch life pass by. Take a tour of the vibrant old quarter which is comprised of 36 streets where all manner of goods can be found - silk, wood carvings, lacquerware - it's a must for shopaholics. Meeting up in the evening, it's time to watch the famous water puppet performance before our last meal together.

You are free to depart at any time on day 15, as no activities are planned.

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