Journey down the Mekong River and through the best spots in Southeast Asia

What To Expect

Physical Activity

Boundless Journeys’ trips are designed for energetic and flexible individuals who have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. Thailand, Laos, Cambodia & Vietnam: The Best of Southeast Asia is rated 1+, easy with some moderate options on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being the most strenuous). The walks on this trip are day walks and short hikes with some vehicle support. Much of the walking will be flat terrain, in and around villages, towns and temples, 2-5 hours per day, broken up by rest and meals.

Meeting Point

Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Departure Point

Hanoi, Vietnam.

Traveling to and From

Most Convenient Airport for Arrival:
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)

Most Convenient Airport for Departure:
Hanoi International Airport (HAN)

Meeting Time and Place:
Your Boundless Journeys guide will meet you in the lobby of the Anantara Chiang Mai at 9am on the first day of the trip.

Departure Time and Place:

Departing flights from Hanoi can be booked any time on the final day of your trip. Hotel check out is 12 noon.

Weather

Generally speaking, November through January is the cool season throughout Southeast Asia. During this period, weather is generallly pleasant and comfortable. Daytime highs will range from the upper 70s (Hanoi) to the mid 80s (Siem Reap), with highs in Chiang Mai and Luang Prabang in the low 80s on most days.

In northern Thailand and Laos, cool air can occasionally come down from the north at this time of year and deliver a refreshing nightime lows (as cold as the low 50s), but daytime highs will always reach the 80s. While rainfall can occur any time of year, it is generally rare during this time of year. The warmest months of the year are March through June.

Please come prepared to walk in rain or warm sunshine, and be sure to pack a range of lightweight, breathable layers of clothing. We will do daily activities as planned, unless weather conditions make it dangerous to do so. You may obtain more detailed weather information at www. weatherbase.com.

When to Go

The best weather in this part of Southeast Asia is generally mid-October thourgh mid-February, when temperatures cool down nicely at night and rainfall is rare.

The peak travel period is from December 15th through January 6th, when hotels are often at capacity and prices spike.

June and July can also be a nice time to visit the region, and those who do will find fewer tourists and decent (if not more variable) weather.

Cuisine

Whether you're sampling snacks at a street-side stall or a high-end restaurant, the cuisine throughout will showcase incredible variety. Regardless of whether you are an adventurous foodie or a complete amateur with Southeast Asian cuisine, this trip will not disappoint.

As you dine across the region, keep in mind that chili peppers weren't found in the region until Portuguese traders introduced them in the 1600s!

Thai cuisine is renowned worldwide for its unique blend of flavors and textures. It's a feast for the senses, with vibrant colors, aromatic scents, and diverse tastes ranging from sweet and sour to spicy and savory. Thailand is home to a plethora of herbs, fruits, and vegetables, and Thai cuisine showcases this diversity in impressive fashion.

Popular dishes like Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong, and mango with sticky rice are just the beginning, as delicious regional dishes, exotic fruits, and street food abound. From curries and stir-fries to soups and salads, every dish is a celebration of Thailand's rich culinary heritage.

Lao cuisine, is a rich tapestry of flavors and textures. It's often spicy, sour, and packed with fresh herbs. A staple food in Laos is sticky rice, or 'Khao Niew', which is served in small baskets and eaten by hand, often accompanied by a variety of dips, sauces, and side dishes.

Two of the most popular dishes in the country are laab (a type of salad made from minced meat such as pork, chicken, fish, or duck) and Tam Mak Hoong, a spicy salad made from shredded green papaya, tomatoes, chili, lime, fish sauce. It's similar to Thai Som Tam, except that it often includes fermented crab and fish sauce for extra flavor. Fear not - our guides know how to order a modified version for those not quite up for the real deal.
Cambodian cuisine, also known as Khmer cuisine, is characterized by its simplicity, freshness, and the use of unique local ingredients. A signature dish that every visitor must try is Fish Amok, a curried fish that is steamed in banana leaves, Other popular items include Bai Sach Chrouk, (pork and rice) and Kuy Teav, a savory noodle soup. Cambodia's most iconic condiment is Prahok, a strong, fermented fish paste that is widely used in Khmer kitchens. It adds a distinct flavor to many Cambodian dishes.

The cuisine of Hanoi and Northern Vietnam offers a unique gastronomic experience. Pho is perhaps the most iconic dish from Hanoi, with broth simmered for hours with spices like star anise and cinnamon, then served with rice noodles, meat, fresh herbs, and lime. Bun Cha, consisting of grilled pork meatballs served with a tangy fish sauce, rice noodles, and a basket of fresh herbs, is another must-try dish. Banh Mi, a French-Vietnamese fusion sandwich, is a popular street food in Hanoi, made with a crusty baguette filled with various meats, pickled vegetables, and herbs. Being so close to the ocean, fresh seafood abounds as well, with fresh oysters, squid, and saltwater fish widely available.

Please inform us of any specific dietary restrictions and we will do our best to accommodate you. Please call our office with any questions or concerns about our ability to meet your needs.