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Backroads of Northern Indochina: Vietnam, Laos & Thailand
Group Tour
Overview
A rich and varied overland adventure through northern Vietnam, Laos and northern Thailand, this trip is perfect for those who enjoy immersive travel, cultural encounters and time in nature. Blending gentle activity with meaningful local experiences, this trip offers a slower pace and a strong focus on regional traditions, food and ways of life. Travelling by road, boat and on foot, we'll explore hill tribe villages, forested national parks, historic towns, and vibrant markets—taking in dramatic ...
A rich and varied overland adventure through northern Vietnam, Laos and northern Thailand, this trip is perfect for those who enjoy immersive travel, cultural encounters and time in nature. Blending gentle activity with meaningful local experiences, this trip offers a slower pace and a strong focus on regional traditions, food and ways of life. Travelling by road, boat and on foot, we'll explore hill tribe villages, forested national parks, historic towns, and vibrant markets—taking in dramatic landscapes and lesser-visited places along the way.
We'll begin in the vibrant streets of Hanoi before taking a small boat cruise through the karst-studded scenery of Ninh Binh and trekking between weaving villages and waterfalls in Pu Luong. Crossing into Laos, we'll learn about the country's complex past in the caves of Vieng Xai, search for wildlife on a jungle night safari and relax along the Nam Ou River in Nong Khiaw. The journey continues with a two-day cruise up the Mekong to the Thai border, followed by time in the cool, tea-growing hills of Doi Mae Salong. The adventure ends in Chiang Mai, where local street food and a cycle through quiet neighbourhoods and countryside paths brings our journey to an end.
HIGHLIGHTS
At a glance
MEALS
TRANSPORT
GROUP SIZE
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
ENTRANCE FEES
FITNESS RATING
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wherever possible we aim to use characterful accommodation that enhances the overall travel experience. This can obviously vary greatly across both countries and tours. On this particular trip we will be in hotels, eco-lodges & national park accommodation.. Please note that the accommodation mentioned in the itinerary is intended as a guide only and is always subject to availability.FITNESS RATING
LOW: You should be comfortable walking around towns and cultural sites. May include some optional walks (typically 1-2hrs).LOW/MODERATE: May be of a long duration and/or involve numerous border-crossings. May include easy/moderate day walks (up to 2-3hrs/day). You should be relatively fit and lead a generally active lifestyle.
MODERATE: May include several easy/moderate day walks (up to 2-5hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You should be relatively fit and lead a generally active lifestyle. Previous experience of similar trips helpful.
MODERATE/HIGH: May involve several days of moderate hiking (up to 3-6 hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You must be a fit and active traveller with appropriate trekking experience.
HIGH: May involve several days of moderate/strenuous trekking (up to 4-7 hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You must be a very fit and active traveller with appropriate trekking experience.
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
Map & Itinerary
Individual departures may vary so please refer to the information in the tour specific links in the Dates and Prices section below
Day 1 Tour starts in Hanoi (Vietnam)
Day 1 Tour starts in Hanoi (Vietnam)
The tour begins at our group hotel in Hanoi. As the suggested group flights typically arrive in the early evening there are no meals or activities included today but rooms will be available from mid-afternoon.
Day 2 Hanoi: Ethnology Museum & Street Food
Day 2 Hanoi: Ethnology Museum & Street Food
Vietnam’s capital is a noisy, chaotic city where the modern blends with the old. We will start our exploration of Hanoi today at the Museum of Ethnology*; here a large collection is dedicated to the 54 ethnic tribes of Vietnam, a great introduction for us before we head into the hills in the coming days. We will stop by the Temple of Literature from where we then enjoy lunch at KOTO, a social enterprise supporting under-privileged youth by assisting them into careers in the hospitality industry. In the afternoon we will visit one of Hanoi’s Ancient Houses, built in the 19th century, for a glimpse into the lives of Hanoi’s residents at this time. In the evening we will head out on a food tour in the Old Quarter, soaking up the atmosphere of the narrow lanes and trying some of the delicacies that can be found here such as pho, a noodle soup, xoi, a sticky rice dish and banh cuon, filled steamed rice rolls.
*Please note that the Ethnology Museum is closed on Mondays. For departures that start on a Sunday, we will instead be visiting Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House. This simple wooden residence is where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked from 1958 until his death in 1969. Set within the peaceful grounds of the Presidential Palace Historical Site, it offers a glimpse into his modest lifestyle and leadership legacy.
Day 3 Hanoi – Ninh Binh: Karst Mountains & River Cruise
Day 3 Hanoi – Ninh Binh: Karst Mountains & River Cruise
Leaving the city today we will head south through the countryside passing through lush paddy fields and small villages. As we reach Ninh Binh we will find limestone karst mountains rising up around us. We will stop at the Bich Dong Pagoda, a sequence of cave temples and pagodas nestled in to the mountains from which there are enchanting views of the countryside. We’ll enjoy some traditional dishes in a local home for lunch and meet the family who live there. In the afternoon we’ll board small rowing boats for a trip on the Ngo Dong River, cruising past mountains, caves and green rice fields.
Day 4 Ninh Binh – Pu Luong: Mountain Scenery
Day 4 Ninh Binh – Pu Luong: Mountain Scenery
Leaving behind the flat plains and limestone karsts of Ninh Binh we will pass through rolling hills and valleys before reaching the lush forested mountains of north central Vietnam. Here we will find tiny villages with stilt houses, rice terraces layered into the hills and winding roads crossing mountain passes. The journey to Pu Luong is around 4 hours and this afternoon we will learn some traditional culinary techniques from local experts in a cooking class. This evening we will experience some of the vibrant culture of the region with a dance performance in the local community.
Day 5 Pu Luong: Village & Waterfall Hike
Day 5 Pu Luong: Village & Waterfall Hike
Heading out on foot today We will be exploring some of the villages, farmland and rice terraces which we will pass through as we descend into and through the valley. Our walk takes us to Lan Village, a traditional weaving village where the brightly coloured fabrics are still created on traditional looms and where we will learn about the skills used by the weavers and about life in the village. Continuing on with our walk we will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and have a chance to swim at Hieu waterfall before returning to our lodge by vehicle.
Walking distance: 6-12km
Day 6 Pu Luong – Na Meo Border – Sam Neua (Laos)
Day 6 Pu Luong – Na Meo Border – Sam Neua (Laos)
Our journey to the border with Laos will take us along mountain roads passing ethnic Thai villages. We will stop for an early lunch before we take a little time to complete the immigration formalities leaving Vietnam and entering Laos. We will begin to glimpse traditional Laotian life in Hmong and Khmu villages as we journey to Sam Neua through the forested mountains.
Day 7 Sam Neua: Vieng Xai Caves
Day 7 Sam Neua: Vieng Xai Caves
We will head to the local market on a walk around Sam Neua this morning; the town is particularly known for its weaving products including the Lao skirt or sin. We will then drive to the Vieng Xai caves, which became home to over 20,000 people during the covert US bombing of Laos during the Vietnam War. It served as the headquarters of the Pathet Lao, the Lao communist movement. Here the Pathet Lao leaders lived for nine years during the “Secret War”. An audio tour will help us to understand the history of this fascinating place. In the afternoon we take an easy walk around some of the lesser visited caves and enjoy the beautiful limestone karst scenery.
Day 8 Sam Neua – Ban Son Kua – Nam Et National Park : Night Safari
Day 8 Sam Neua – Ban Son Kua – Nam Et National Park : Night Safari
After an early morning breakfast we leave Sam Neua and drive 3 hours to the village of Ban Son Koua where a local guide will show us around. From here we board a longtail boat and cruise on the Nam Nern River deep in to the jungle for 1.5-2.5 hours to the camp. This afternoon we’ll have a walk around the forest and learn about the different medicinal properties of the many plants. Later we will depart for a night safari, heading upstream in the longtail boats and stopping on the river bank where we can relax around a campfire and enjoy a BBQ dinner. Once dark has set in, we then float down the river quietly while our local guide looks out for wildlife by torchlight. Arriving back at the jungle camp, our accommodation for the night is in traditional basic Lao-style huts in the forest, surrounded by the sounds of the jungle.
Day 9 Nam Et National Park – Nong Khiaw : Mountain Drive
Day 9 Nam Et National Park – Nong Khiaw : Mountain Drive
Waking early this morning with the sounds of the jungle we will have breakfast before we take the boat back, around 1.5 hours, to Ban Son Koua. Leaving out boat crew and local guide we will then have a long road journey through breath-taking karst scenery. The road is rough with many potholes however the views around us are spectacular and we will pass through many traditional villages where we will glimpse village life. On arrival in Nong Khiaw we will check in to the hotel before dinner. Nong Khiaw is set on the banks of the Nam Ou River surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.
Driving time approx. 7 hours
Day 10 Nong Khiaw: Nam Ou Villages & Tad Mok Waterfalls
Day 10 Nong Khiaw: Nam Ou Villages & Tad Mok Waterfalls
We will take to the water again today as we cruise up the Nam Ou River to the Khmu village of Ban Sob Kong, where we begin our trek to the Tad Mok waterfalls. The walk is approximately 1 hour each way through lush nature and there will be time to swim in the natural pools of the limestone formations before we head back to the boat. Continuing our cruise we will head on to a village known for its silk and cotton weaving. We'll have lunch at a guesthouse here before wandering through the village where we will see looms set up outside nearly every house on the streets. Later in the afternoon we will cruise back to Nong Khiaw stopping off at the village of Ban Sob Khan where we will take a walk around stopping to chat with some of the families. We'll have some free time in Nong Khiaw this afternoon.
Day 11 Nong Khiaw – Luang Prabang: Afternoon at Leisure
Day 11 Nong Khiaw – Luang Prabang: Afternoon at Leisure
This morning we head south to Luang Prabang, a journey of around 4 hours through rolling countryside where the Nam Ou River snakes surrounded by rice paddy fields. Arriving in Luang Prabang for lunch, the rest of the afternoon is free to explore this charming city. Set on the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers and surrounded by jungle clad hills, the city is a blend of colonial and traditional Laos architecture and ornate temples.
Day 12 Luang Prabang: City Tour & Kuang Si Waterfalls
Day 12 Luang Prabang: City Tour & Kuang Si Waterfalls
After breakfast we will visit the country’s most historic and enchanting temple, Wat Xiengthong, with its roof sweeping low to the ground, representing the classical Luang Prabang style. We’ll head out of town to the beautiful Kuang Si waterfalls where we can cool off with a refreshing swim in the turquoise pools, or walk along the forest trails. Here we will be able to visit the Bear Rescue Centre here, which does a great job in protecting and rehabilitating the rare Asiatic Black Bear. Finally we’ll return to Luang Prabang where we’ll visit the quaint Royal Palace Museum, which gives a good overview of the local history.
Day 13 Luang Prabang: Tak Bat & Mount Phousi
Day 13 Luang Prabang: Tak Bat & Mount Phousi
Before breakfast we’ll have an optional early morning start to witness the daily morning ritual of ‘Tak Bat’ or giving alms to the monks. This is a unique ritual still followed by the locals in Luang Prabang and provides some fantastic opportunities for observing an age-old practice. We can also visit the local fresh market to see how the locals shop, before returning to our hotel for breakfast. We will then head out of the city to learn about one of the Lao staples, rice. At the Living Lands Organic farm we will learn about the traditional way in which rice is grown and taste foods made from rice. In the afternoon we will visit the Arts & Ethnology Centre giving us an insight into the ethnic and cultural fabric of Laos before the short climb up Mt Phousi where we will be rewarded with spectacular views over Luang Prabang and the Mekong River. Finally we will stop at a local Wat to observe some Buddhist chanting.
Day 14 Luang Prabang – Pakbeng: Mekong Cruise & Pak Ou Caves
Day 14 Luang Prabang – Pakbeng: Mekong Cruise & Pak Ou Caves
We will spend the next two days slowly cruising up the Mekong on a private boat, meandering through jungle-covered hills and dramatic limestone cliffs. This morning we will make a stop at the sacred Pak Ou Caves where thousands of Buddha images are crammed in, placed there over the centuries by pilgrims. Continuing our cruise, we will enjoy lunch on board as we pass by villages and water buffalo, bathing in the river. We will stop at the Khmu village of Ban Thone, where we may be able to stop and meet villagers weaving, panning for gold or see the blacksmiths at work. We will arrive into Pakbeng, a quiet town with a small market in the early evening.
Day 15 Pakbeng – Huay Xay – Chiang Khong: Mekong Cruise & Minority Villages (Thailand)
Day 15 Pakbeng – Huay Xay – Chiang Khong: Mekong Cruise & Minority Villages (Thailand)
Early risers can take a walk through the local market and up to a small temple before breakfast at the lodge. We then board our boat for the final leg of the journey through Laos, stopping off along the way at a Hmong village and a Thai Lu weaving village. Lunch is taken on board and we will disembark at the Thai border in the late afternoon. Passing through immigration we will transfer to our hotel set on the riverfront looking back across the river to Laos.
Day 16 Chiang Khong – Doi Mea Salong: Farm, Sauna & Cookery Class
Day 16 Chiang Khong – Doi Mea Salong: Farm, Sauna & Cookery Class
From the banks of the Mekong we will head into the hills of Thailand through rolling countryside, passing rice paddy fields, banana groves and quiet Lahu and Akha villages. The roads will become more winding as we climb higher into the forested hills and tea covered slopes. The area of Doi Mea Salong has a strong Yunnan Chinese influence after a number of soldiers settled there in the 40s and 50s; we’ll find tea plantations, Chinese lanterns and signs and hear Yunnan dialects spoken by residents. We’ll head to a farm where we have the opportunity to take a chicken cage herbal sauna; these individual saunas involve a basket structure in which you sit covering all but your head. We then enjoy a cookery lesson, learning techniques of northern Thai cuisine and making delicious dishes with organic produce gathered from the farm. Well-fed and relaxed we’ll continue on to our accommodation on a tea plantation.
Day 17 Doi Mae Salong – Chiang Mai: From the Hills to the City
Day 17 Doi Mae Salong – Chiang Mai: From the Hills to the City
After waking to the views of the morning mist rolling across the hills, we will head to the local market to wander the produce stalls and perhaps pick up some souvenirs from the local minority tribes. We’ll also taste some of the tea grown in the region before we journey on to Chiang Mai, one of the most vibrant cities in the north of Thailand and home to a number of temples and an interesting old city area. Checking in to the hotel there will be some free time before we venture to the night market to try out the local street food for dinner.
Day 18 Chiang Mai: Cycle Tour
Day 18 Chiang Mai: Cycle Tour
We will explore Chiang Mai’s quieter streets by bicycle this morning, heading through the city to visit the Wat Suan Dok Temple surrounded by beautiful gardens before taking in the Wat Umong Temple. From here we will venture along local roads through fields of rice paddies, passing through different communities, stopping to learn about life here and take in an art gallery. Our route will take us to Royal Park Ratchapruek where we’ll wander through the landscaped grounds before passing by the Doi Suthep foothills. After our morning’s ride we will tuck into a local speciality of Khao Soi, a coconut noodle soup. The afternoon is at leisure before we have a farewell dinner in a local restaurant.
Day 19 Tour ends in Chiang Mai
Day 19 Tour ends in Chiang Mai
The tour ends this morning in Chiang Mai with those on the suggested group flights being transferred to the airport.
ACCOMMODATION USED ON THIS TOUR
Champton Hotel, Hanoi
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Hanoi, the Champton Hotel is a prestigious hotel which blends traditional charm with contemporary sophistication. With over 100 elegantly-designed guest rooms, the property is also home to a rooftop swimming pool with panoramic views, a breezy sky bar and a fine-dining restaurant offering a blend of Asian and western cuisine. There is also a tranquil spa and modern fitness centre on site for those looking to indulge in a bit of self-care.
Emeralda Resort, Ninh Binh
Located centrally in the town, the Emeralda Resort offers spacious, villa-style rooms in a stunning setting. Surrounded by landscaped gardens, it features a spa, 2 swimming pools a restaurant and bar. Furnished in a modern Vietnamese style, all rooms have large windows and a balcony overlooking the river, gardens or swimming pool. Room amenities include flat-screen satellite TV, minibar and free Wifi.
Horkeo Boutique, Sam Neua
The contemporary hotel, Horkeo Boutique, is found in centre of town offering comfortable rooms in an elegant three-storey building. Each room is well equipped with modern bathrooms, plush bedding and plenty of light. There is a bar and restaurant serving local dishes as well as international favourites and Thai food.
Nam Et Jungle Forest Camp, Nam Et National Park
This jungle camp is built and managed by the local community. You will have a private hut set on stilts with bamboo sides, wooden beds, and a small sit out. Bedding with thick duvets and blankets is provided, temperatures can drop quite low at night in the winter. Bathroom facilities are simple with separate toilet, sink and shower, these are a little walk from the huts and shared if other people are staying at the lodge. This is the only option within the National Park and although rustic offers a unique experience waking to jungle noises. Some huts have views onto the river and there is a larger hut for meals cooked by the camp crew and briefings on the wildlife you could see on the safari. During your downtime you can go for a swim in river, (Please note there can be strong currents and are swimming at your own risk) explore the camp or relax in your jungle hut.
Phaxang Resort, Nong Khiaw
Set on the river's edge, 20 minutes walk from the centre of Nong Khiaw, the Phaxang Resort offers cosy bungalow-style rooms surrounded by nature. Each low rise room is built in a traditional style and offers a seating area with views of the gardens or the river. Rooms come with both an air-conditioning unit and a fan, a refrigerator and private bathroom. Phaxang Resort's on-site restaurant serves local, Thai and western dishes all day and there is a pool for guests' use.
Choasis Hotel, Luang Prabang
In a quiet neighbourhood close to the centre of Luang Prabang, close to the Nam Khan River, the Choasis is a new hotel offering 35 spacious rooms in low rise buildings set around the pool. The hotel is modern in design with traditional flourishes, textiles and wood carving. Each room is bright, neutral in decor and has a private balcony. The restaurant and café serves a range of local, Thai and western dishes and there is a poolside bar offering drinks and cocktails.
101 Tea Green View Resort, Doi Mae Salong
Perched on the slopes of Doi Mae Salong in northern Thailand, 101 Tea Green View Resort offers a peaceful escape surrounded by misty mountains and vibrant tea plantations. The resort features a selection of cosy yet modern rooms, each thoughtfully designed with natural materials, soft lighting and many with private balconies that open out to sweeping vistas of the valley. Guests can unwind in the resort’s serene gardens, take part in tea tasting sessions, or relax with a book in the open-air lounge. The restaurant serves freshly prepared Thai and Chinese-inspired dishes, often made with ingredients grown nearby in the surrounding hills.
The Rim Resort, Chiang Mai
The Rim Resort Chiang Mai is located in the heart of the city’s historic Old Town, along the picturesque canal road and within walking distance of ancient temples, local markets and cultural landmarks. The resort offers a peaceful escape from the city with its Lanna architecture, quiet garden courtyards and warm wooden accents. Each room at The Rim Resort is thoughtfully designed with classic Lanna décor, featuring teakwood furniture, handcrafted details and rich fabrics. Guests can enjoy modern comforts such as complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, private balconies and spacious bathrooms with rain showers and soaking tubs. The hotel also offers a fitness centre, an outdoor swimming pool surrounded by tropical greenery and a library lounge. Dining at The Canal Restaurant showcases Thai and international cuisine made with fresh local ingredients, while the shaded poolside area provides a casual spot for light bites and refreshments throughout the day.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation displayed here should be taken as a guide only. *Please refer to the Detailed Itinerary of your individual departure for more information.
PRIVATE HOLIDAYS: DATES DON’T FIT?
All group tours can be taken on a private basis.
Additional Details
Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
Reducing Single Use Plastic
We recognise the environmental issues and challenges around single-use plastic in many countries we visit and are actively working with our partners on the ground to reduce plastic waste on our tours and within the hotels and restaurants we visit. You can help to reduce your personal plastic waste by taking a refillable, filtered water bottle with you on your trip. Filtered water bottles can be refilled from water sources including your hotel room and restaurant taps, drinking fountains and refill stations. Every time you refill your bottle without the use of single-use plastic, you will be helping to reduce waste and protect the environment. Filtered Water Bottles | Wild Frontiers (wildfrontierstravel.com)
Local Cookery Classes
Delve into the local cultures of northern Vietnam and Thailand through their delicious cuisine. Experience lunch with a local family in Ninh Binh before learning how to make traditional dishes in Pu Luong and Doi Mae Salong. In a region with such a rich ethnic mix it is a great opportunity to spend time with locals and learn about their culture.
Support a Wildlife Rescue Centre
Free The Bears located near Luang Prabang works to rescue animals, predominantly bears from the wildlife trade. Taking a tour of the centre contributes directly to the work that the team are doing to rehabilitate and care for the animals and gives visitors an insight into the challenges the team face.
Nam Et National Park night safari
The Nam Et and Phou Louey National Park is home to over 40,000 people who are learning to co-exist with the wildlife and protect their environment. The night safari is part of an eco-tourism project set up which employs local people, many of whom would have been hunters in the past, to work with the tourists. Part of the fee paid by tourist also goes directly back to the villages in the park.
Supplementary Information
Boat travel in northern Laos
Travelling by boat in Laos is a great way to see the beautiful scenery, but it is also adventurous. Access to and from the boats is via the river banks which can be steep with rough cut steps in the ground. The boats have small (yet noisy) engines at the back and travel quickly over the water sometimes resulting in some spray coming into the boat. Passengers are close to the water in the smaller boats and there can be some small rapids that are skilfully navigated by the drivers. Life jackets are always provided.Getting There
If you would like us to send you a quote for the suggested tour flights or on any alternative flight that may suit you better, please let us know, noting that for our US clients, we will most likely refer you to one of our preferred partners. For this trip our suggested flights from the UK (subject to change) are shown below.
If you wish to arrange your own flights you are completely free to do so and in this case we can arrange any transfers or supplementary accommodation that you may require. However please note that if you are planning on making your own flight arrangements, we recommend that you first check with us to see if the trip is guaranteed. We then suggest that you purchase flights that are flexible and ideally refundable as due to the nature of adventure travel, itineraries and destination accessibility can change at any time. For more information, please refer to our booking conditions.
| Flight Code | Departing | Arriving |
|---|---|---|
| TG 917 | London Heathrow (LHR) 21:35 | Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) 16:00 |
| TG 564 | Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) 17:30 | Hanoi Airport (HAN) 19:20 |
| TG 103 | Chiang Mai Airport (CNX) 09:25 | Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) 10:50 |
| TG 916 | Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) 13:20 | London Heathrow (LHR) 19:35 |
Visas & Vaccinations
VISAS
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact a reputable visa agency. More details can be found here - https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/visa
For this tour UK passport holders do not require visas for Vietnam and Thailand but must obtain a visa for Laos prior to travel. It is necessary to complete a Thailand Digital Arrival Card up to 72 hours before arrival. Passports should ideally be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the end of your tour.
For your entry into Laos from Vietnam please make sure your Laos visa covers the land crossing at Na Meo. Please see your PDI and our trip itinerary for more information. Your Laos visa must be obtained before travel due to the land crossing - you cannot use an e-visa or visa on arrival in Laos for this trip.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.
VACCINATIONS & ADDITIONAL TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements for travellers to Vietnam, Laos and Thailand.
For all destinations, please make sure you are up-to-date with any standard vaccinations (e.g. MMR, Hepatitis A, Tetanus) as recommended by your local health care provider. Malaria is present in some parts of Laos and precautions maybe recommended.
For the most up-to-date information on all vaccination requirements and the most suitable anti-malarial tablets, we strongly suggest that you seek advice from your local travel centre or consult an official travel health website such as www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.travelhealthpro.org.uk
Covid Testing: No mandatory testing is currently required for vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers.
If necessary further details will be sent out to you upon booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas & vaccinations are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Extensions
If you have more time available, why not arrive early to adjust to a new time zone or just to get a feel for the country before your tour starts? Alternatively, you might choose to allow a few extra days after the tour to relax or to undertake some further exploration.
The choice is completely yours and we can usually arrange anything from simply additional accommodation and transfers to full tailor-made itineraries*. Please contact the office for more details and to discuss your requirements.
*Please note bespoke, tailor-made itineraries need to be a minimum of 7 days and we can only offer them in countries where we have a tailor-made expert
Governmental Travel Advice
Many governments issue advice which highlights potential hazards their citizens might experience when travelling abroad. We strongly suggest you refer to your country’s particular advisory site before booking and contact us if you have any queries or concerns. Click to follow links to the advice of the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or the US State Department.
Non-UK citizens should consult the travel advice of their respective governments.
Key Information
CLIMATE
The area across northern Vietnam, Laos and Thailand has hot and rainy summers from May to September or October and cooler, dryer winters. Hill areas are cooler and greener and can get cold at night.
IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?
It may sound obvious, but not all Wild Frontiers tours are the same, and it is important that you choose a tour which is suitable for you. To help you decide and ensure you choose a suitable tour, please refer to our helpful guide here. As a minimum, you should make sure that you read the day-by-day itinerary and the Key Aspects to Consider sections carefully. Should you still have any concerns about your ability to partake in any aspect of the tour, then please contact us.
KEY ASPECTS TO CONSIDER
Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, however, please note there will be some walking in hill areas and forests, long journeys on bumpy roads and some basic accommodation in the Nam Et National Park with no electricity or hot water and shared bathrooms. There will also be a lot of river transport and full days spent travelling by boat. Most of the itinerary will be spent in hill villages and therefore meals, while delicious will be typical of the region.
NEW TOURS
Never complacent, here at Wild Frontiers we are continually on the look-out for new tour ideas. Each year we aim to put on a selection of new tours in order to continually provide our clients with a fresh and varied choice of some of the best journeys on the planet. Although a lot of fun, these tours will often involve a greater element of unpredictability than our better-established tours, so please come prepared.
THE NATURE OF ADVENTURE TRAVEL
We feel that it’s worth pointing out that while we will always strive to stick as close to the stated itinerary as possible, it may be necessary from time to time to make changes to our itineraries or services (due to weather, political and religious influences etc.) and this can happen with little or no notice. This unpredictability can be one of the most exciting aspects of adventure travel and for many of our clients often leads to unexpected highlights as the tour-leader necessarily adapts the tour to the changing conditions. However we are aware that this lack of assuredness may not suit everyone. As such, with the greatest respect, if you are someone who needs to know that everything will happen exactly as planned, we would kindly suggest that perhaps our tours are not for you. Adventure travel can be infectious and once you’ve caught the bug, it is likely to never leave you, but especially if this is your first such tour we would strongly urge you to give us a call if you have any concerns whatsoever about your suitability for this trip.
TRAVELLING SOLO AND SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip. On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights apart from Nam Et National Park due to the limited number of rooms available there. For our 15th December 2027 departure, the single supplement will also not apply to The Rim Resort, Chiang Mai.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
INSURANCE
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details.
General Information
TOUR PRICE
All our tours are priced on a land-only basis, giving you maximum flexibility when deciding how to get to and from your tour.
DEPOSIT
A 10% deposit is required to confirm your booking.
PROTECTION FOR YOUR MONEY
For further details please see our travelling with peace of mind page
WILD MILES
This tour will earn you 11494 Wild Miles
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.
Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour/nationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
WILD FRONTIERS COMMUNITY
If you’re still not sure if this trip is right or just want to see get some different perspectives, then why not have a look at the wide variety of resources we have on our website? Browse our community section to read our blogs, watch videos and find out about our events.
WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
We are frequently asked what makes Wild Frontiers different from other tour operators. Visit our Why Wild Frontiers page to find out.