14-DayThailand and Laos Adventure Tour from Bangkok to Hanoi · Mekong River, Kuang Si Waterfall, Pak Ou Caves

Age restrictions

• What are the age restrictions for this trip? You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

Single room supplement

• Is there an extra cost for travelling solo? We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
  Do any exceptions apply to Rooming or “My Own Room” on my tour? Night 2 (overnight train); Night 5 (homestay)

Other restrictions

• What are the mandatory travel insurance requirements for this trip? Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
• For group bookings, the booker or group representative must have consent from all travelers to act as the authorized signatory for the trip. All travelers recognize the representative's signature on the travel contract and its appendices. If you do not have such authorization, please refrain from booking or signing the contract on behalf of others.
• For the safety of minors, we recommend that they travel with their guardian or a companion who carries a letter of authorization from the guardian.

Group information

• What is the maximum and typical number of participants on this tour? Max 16, Avg 12.

Group tour notification

• You'll receive a group tour notification or call from our staff at least 1 day before departure. Keep your phone available. If you don't receive it, contact tours4fun customer support immediately. The meeting time specified in the confirmation notice or by our staff is final.

Booking information

• If the contract ends due to unavoidable events or force majeure, neither the travel agency nor you are liable. If you're stranded, the agency will help with accommodation. You'll cover extra food and lodging costs, while return travel expenses are shared. Please read and understand these terms.
• Please provide accurate and complete information (name, gender, ID number, nationality, contact information, etc.) when booking to avoid booking errors and travel disruptions. You are responsible for any losses you incur due to incorrect information you provide.
• If any attractions or venues cannot be visited due to unforeseen circumstances during your trip, the staff will work with you to either cancel or switch out the affected sites. Alternatively, an on-site refund can be provided based on the ticket price in your travel package (not the venue's listed price).
• If there is any inconsistency between the product confirmation or supplementary terms and the main travel contract, the product confirmation or supplementary terms will take precedence.

Travel guidelines

• [No Shopping] This product includes no shopping stops during the trip (shopping not organized by our company at attractions, venues, or cruise ships is excluded), and there is no compulsory shopping. If unauthorized shopping activities are verified, our company will compensate you with liquidated damages equal to 10% of the total travel expenses.

Transportation

• Are local flights included in the cost of the trip? Please be advised that any flights noted on the G Adventures Itinerary for this tour are included in the tour services provided. Flight tickets are provided by G Adventures during the tour. The date for this service will match the day of the itinerary, for which Day 1 is equal to the start date noted on the Invoice under Land Services: Tour. If flight information is required in advance for visa purposes, please contact G Adventures.
  What are the joining instructions? For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.
  
  If you would like to book an airport Arrival transfer for your tour, please contact our Sales Team or your Travel Agent in advance of travel.
  
  Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK): If you have paid in advance for an arrival transfer, a G Adventures representative will be waiting at the Meeting Point (when you exit to the Arrival Hall, please go to Gate/Exit 4 in the hall, near the airport information counter (AOT) and look for a hand-sign with G logo and your name on it.)
  
  If for any reason you are not met at the airport, please call our local support line. If you are unable to make contact for whatever reason, please make your way to the joining point hotel via taxi.
  
  
  Please note that day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned on this day.
  
  Upon arrival to your Joining Hotel (note that check-in time will be in the afternoon), look for a note or bulletin board in the reception with a note from your CEO. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on day 1 (usually between 5pm and 7pm), where you will get a chance to meet your CEO and other travellers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don’t see a note, please ask reception for details!
  
  If you are arriving later and will miss the Welcome Meeting, your CEO will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need, and with morning instructions for the next day.
  What should I do if I can’t find my airport transfer or experience arrival issues? We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your CEO (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your CEO, please refer to our emergency contact details.
  
  If you have pre-booked an airport transfer please meet your driver at gate number 4 of the airport, in the arrival hall. Look for a driver holding a G Adventures sign with your name.
  
  If you have still have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.

Accommodation

• What should I expect from the accommodations on this trip? Be prepared for simple accommodations as part of an authentic and unique experience. You will stay in shared, gender-separated houses, unless traveling as a married couple. Please note that there is no electricity, running water, mobile phone signal, or Wi-Fi at the Baan Huay Thum homestay, offering an opportunity to fully disconnect and immerse yourself in local rural living.
  What details should I be aware of when planning my departure day? If you would like to book an airport Departure transfer for your tour, please contact our Sales Team or your Travel Agent in advance of travel.

Tour information

• Is there a disclaimer I should read before booking this trip? The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
  
  VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
  Is there a travel disclaimer for my itinerary I should review before booking this trip? While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
  
  Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
  What important notes should I be aware of before the trip? 1. REQUIRED: In order for us to confirm the transport used during your visit to Laos, we require a coloured copy of your passport in advance of travel. We please request you send a coloured copy of the passport you will be travelling on to [email protected]
  
  2. COMBO TRIP
  Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.
  
  3. WEIGHT RESTRICTION
  There may be a weight restriction for the internal flight on this tour. Each passenger is allowed to carry one checked bag with a maximum weight of 20kg (44lbs). Additional bags or excess weight charges may apply. These charges are the responsibility of the passengers.
  
  4. HOTELS
  In major cities in Vietnam, some hotel rooms do not have windows.
  
  5. ACCOMMODATION NOTE:
  Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.
  
  6. LAOS - High Speed Train regulations.
  Items prohibited from being carried by passengers into the stations or on trains:
  - Flammable materials & liquids. Aerosols will be taken away at security.
  - Sharp objects (e.g. pocket knives)
  - Explosive materials e.g. vapes & e-cigarettes. Includes spray-on deodorant, perfume & hair products.
  - Foods which are wet or have an overpowering smell
  - Weapons
  - Drugs
  The high speed train has a luggage limit of 20kg per person.

Tour reminder

• What is the role of the group leader during this trip? All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to see and do, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.
  What are the packing guidelines and luggage restrictions? What you need to bring depends on the trip you have chosen and the countries or regions you are planning to visit. We suggest that you pack as lightly as possible as your are expected to carry your own luggage. As a rule we try not to have to walk more than 15-20 minutes with your bags which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 10-15kg/22-30lb. Suitcases are not recommended for G Adventures trips! Most travellers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size (no XXL ones please!) as they need to fit under the beds when travelling on sleeper trains. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras and other electronics like iPods and mobile phones. If your trip involves overnights in homestays, villages or camping then you usually have the opportunity to rent sleeping bags if need be instead of bringing them with you.
  What should I pack for this trip? Conservative Dress:
  • Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)
  • Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)
  
  Documents:
  • Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
  • Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
  • Passport (required) (With photocopies)
  • Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
  • Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)
  
  Essentials:
  • Footwear (required) (Closed toe suggested)
  • Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
  • Binoculars (optional)
  • Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
  • Cash, credit and debit cards
  • Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
  • Ear plugs
  • First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
  • Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
  • Fleece top/sweater
  • Hat
  • Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)
  • Locks for bags
  • Long pants/jeans
  • Moneybelt
  • Outlet adapter
  • Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Shirts/t-shirts
  • Sleepwear
  • Small travel towel
  • Sunglasses
  • Swimwear
  • Watch and alarm clock
  • Waterproof backpack cover
  • Windproof rain jacket
  
  Health & Safety:
  • Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
  
  Sleep Sheet and Pillow:
  • Sleeping bag liner/sleep sheet
  • Travel pillow
  
  Warm Weather:
  • Sandals/flip-flops
  • Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
  • Sturdy water shoes/sandals
  • Sun hat/bandana
  • Swimwear
  Where can I do my laundry on this trip? Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
  Where can I read detailed notes about this trip? Border crossings during the ATBH:
  Huay Xai, Laos - Thailand to Laos
  What should I know about currency, credit cards, and exchanging money while on this tour? During this tour the local currencies you will use are the Thai Baht, Laos Kip and Vietnamese Dong. As currency exchange rates in South East Asia do fluctuate, we ask that you refer to the following website for the most up to date daily exchange rates: www.xe.com for each of the above mentioned currencies. The best way to carry your money is in debit cards, withdrawing cash in local currencies from ATM machines. ATMs are found throughout South East Asia and will generally accept cards on the Visa and Mastercard networks. It is a great idea to travel with both a Visa and Mastercard if at all possible in case of loss or problems with one card, you will have a back up. Please note, your bank will charge a fee for overseas withdrawals. USD Cash is recommended for times when ATMs are not accessible. You should bring some cash with you for emergency situations (please refer to our trip dossier) but carrying only cash is a high safety risk. ATM card/s and some cash is the ideal mix. Travellers cheques can be tricky, timely and expensive to exchange. While we do not recommend that you bring them as your primary source of funds, it is great to have one or two cheques in case of emergency. Thomas Cook or American Express travellers' cheques in US currency are the easiest to exchange. Cash advances can also be made with some banks but are time consuming and tend to have high fees attached.Credit cards can be used at some upmarket restaurants, and at some larger stores if shopping for big items. If you are bringing US Dollars, please make sure that the notes are new and in good condition. Notes older than 2003, or with any tears or blemishes may not be accepted. Be fussy with your bank when buying cash!
  What emergency funds do I need access to on this trip? Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $250 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
  Do I need to pay a departure tax? Departure Tax is included in all International and Domestic tickets in China, Thailand and Vietnam.
  Are there any health considerations I should know before travelling? Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.
  
  You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. In Asia pharmacies tend to stock the same western drugs as you get at home but they are usually produced locally so please bring the full drug name with you when trying to purchase a prescription drug. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.
  Are there any specific safety considerations for this itinerary? We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
  
  We do not recommend passengers to jump or dive into Kuang Sii Waterfalls in Luang Prabang, this may result in injury.
  Are international flights included in this trip? No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.
  
  However, on some tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details.
  
  In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
  What should LGBTQ+ travellers know about safety and travel considerations on this trip? The safety and well-being of all of our travelers is a priority at G Adventures and that includes our travelers who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. We recognize that there are specific concerns and questions you may have about your adventure in terms of safety and security. We encourage you to visit our LGBTQ+ page for useful resources to ensure you feel safe and comfortable throughout the duration of your trip. The Equaldex tool linked on this page can be of particular help when deciding where you may want to visit next.

GUARANTEED DEPARTURES & CANCELLATION OF A TOUR BY THE TOUR OPERATOR

A departure date for a Tour offered by the Tour Operator will become a guaranteed departure when at least one booking secured by a valid deposit has been made on that departure.
The Tour Operator guarantees that all scheduled Tour departures booked and secured with a valid deposit will depart as indicated on the applicable confirmation, subject to reasonable itinerary changes as described in these Terms or good faith health and safety concerns. This guarantee is not applicable in the case of Force Majeure. Up to date Tour and itinerary information is available on the Tour Operator’s website or by contacting the Tour Operator. Brochures and other printed materials displaying Tour information and departure dates are subject to change may not be relied upon for purposes of this guarantee.
If a Tour is cancelled by the Tour Operator before the date of departure for reasons other than Force Majeure or as a result of a suspension of operations by the Tour Operator and the cancellation is not caused by your fault or negligence, you will have the choice of accepting from the Tour Operator:
(a) a substitute Tour of equivalent or superior value; or
(b) a substitute Tour of lesser value if no Tour of equivalent or superior value is reasonably available and to recover from the Tour Operator the difference in price between the price of the Tour originally purchased and the substitute Tour; or
(c) a full refund of all monies paid for the cancelled Tour.
If a Tour is cancelled by the Tour Operator before the date of departure due to Force Majeure or as a result of a suspension of operations by the Tour Operator and the cancellation is not caused by your fault or negligence, the Tour Operator can offer you either:
(a) a substitute Tour of equivalent or superior value;
(b) a substitute Tour of lesser value if no Tour of equivalent or superior value is reasonably available and to recover from the Tour Operator the difference in price between the price of the Tour originally purchased and the substitute Tour;
(c) a travel credit valued at 110% of monies paid for your Tour; or
(d) a refund minus unrecoverable costs.
If a cancellation due to Force Majeure or a suspension of operations by the Tour Operator occurs after the Tour has commenced, the Tour Operator can offer you either a pro-rata:
(a) travel credit valued at 110% of the monies paid for the days that remain on your Tour; or
(b) refund minus unrecoverable costs of the days that remain on your Tour.
Any travel credit the Tour Operator issues as a result of a Tour that is cancelled for Force Majeure:
• Will have an expiration date that is no sooner than 2 years from the date of Tour cancellation;
• is not redeemable for cash; and
• excludes flights or insurance.
The Tour Operator is not responsible for any incidental expenses or consequential losses that you incur as a result of the cancelled booking including visas, vaccinations, non-refundable flights or rail, non refundable car parking or other fees, loss of earnings, or loss of enjoyment, the Tour Operator reserves the right to issue a full refund in lieu of the choices above, in its sole discretion. Where a significant element of a Tour as described cannot be provided after departure, the Tour Operator will make suitable alternative arrangements where possible. If it is not possible to provide a suitable alternative or if you reasonably reject any suitable alternatives, the Tour Operator may provide you with a refund for unused products or services as determined in its discretion.

CANCELLATION BY THE PARTICIPANT

At the time of booking, a non-refundable deposit(350 USD) in the amount, as applicable, per person per Tour is due to the Tour Operator. If the booking is made 60 days or less prior to departure, full payment is due at the time of booking. The non-refundable deposit should be sent to the Tour Operator or authorized agent, as applicable.
You may cancel your booking by notifying the Tour Operator. Cancellation fees, if any, will be determined with reference to the date on which notice of cancellation is received by the Tour Operator and are expressed as a percentage of the total price paid for the cancelled Tour, product or service (excluding any insurance products).Cancellation of a Tour:
(a) Cancellation received 60 days or more before departure of first product or service in relevant booking: Lifetime Deposit will be held by the Tour Operator in accordance with these Terms, the remainder of the payments made to the Tour Operator in respect of the cancelled product will be refunded.
(b) Cancellation received 30-59 days before departure of first product or service in relevant booking: Lifetime Deposit will be held by the Tour Operator in accordance with these Terms, an amount equal to 50% of the remainder of the payments made to the Tour Operator in respect of the cancelled Tour will be refunded.
(c) Cancellation less than 30 days before departure of first product or service in relevant booking: Lifetime Deposit will be held by the Tour Operator in accordance with these Terms, and no further refund will be payable.
Cancellation of Arrival Transfers, Pre and Post Night Accommodations, My Own Room and optional activities booked directly with the Tour Operator:
(a) Cancellation 31 days or more before departure: you will receive a full refund in respect of cancelled Arrival Transfers, Pre and Post Night Accommodations, My Own Room and optional activities.
(b) Cancellation 30 days or less before departure: No refund will be payable in respect of any cancelled Arrival Transfers, Pre and Post Night Accommodations, My Own Room and optional activities.
Cancellation Terms for Inca Trail Tours
The following cancellation terms apply to all Inca Trail Tours:
Cancellation received 60 days or more before departure of first product or service in relevant booking: Lifetime Deposit less the amount set out below in your booking currency (the “Inca Trail Charge”) will be held by the Tour Operator in accordance with these Terms, the remainder of the payments made to the Tour Operator in respect of the cancelled product will be refunded.
Cancellation received 30-59 days before departure of first product or service in relevant booking: Lifetime Deposit will be held by the Tour Operator in accordance with these Terms, an amount equal to 50% of the remainder of the payments made to the Tour Operator in respect of the cancelled Tour will be refunded.
Cancellation less than 30 days before departure of first product or service in relevant booking: Lifetime Deposit will be held by the Tour Operator in accordance with these Terms, and no further refund will be payable.
The Inca Trail Charges are as follows
125 USD / 200 AUD / 220 NZD / 180 CAD / 115 CHF / 910 CNY / 120 EUR / 100 GBP / 975 HKD / 18960 JPY / 180740 KRW / 170 SGD / 2315 ZAR