Indochina Backpack Extended: Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand

Route: Hanoi→Ninh Binh→Phong Nha→Hue→Hoi An→Ho Chi Minh City→Phnom Penh→Siem Reap→Bangkok

1. 1Day 1We've arrived, Vietnam!Overnight: Hanoi

   • Welcome to Hanoi

     We meet in Hanoi and head straight into the energy of the Old Quarter. After check-in, the Group Leader gathers the group for a short welcome meeting. In the evening, our welcome dinner is the first real bonding moment, with shared plates and stories from back home. If the group is up for it, we’ll use the Money Pot for the famous water puppet show, a gentle, cultural way to ease into Vietnam before hitting the road.

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2. 2Day 2Ha Long Bay Day TripOvernight: Hanoi

   • Wow moment!

     We wake up early, grab hostel breakfast, and head out of the city towards Ha Long Bay. As the skyline fades, limestone karsts appear, and the day becomes all about nature. On board, we tuck into a fresh lunch while our boat snakes between islands and inlets. There’s plenty of time for photos, chats on deck, and maybe a quick swim or cave stop depending on the route. Relax and enjoy the views.

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3. 3Day 3Hanoi at Your PaceOvernight: Hanoi

   • Old Quarter & Rooftop Sunset

     Hanoi has a different rhythm when you’re not rushing. After breakfast, we go on an optional walk past colonial buildings, street markets, and tiny alleyways, or take time for ourselves. We can visit cultural stops, like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum area or the Women’s Museum. In the evening, a relaxed rooftop drink is the perfect way to watch the sun set over Hanoi’s chaos, with the comfort of knowing your Group Leader and group are right there with you.

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4. 4Day 4Hanoi → Ninh BinhOvernight: Ninh Binh

   • Discover deeper

     After breakfast, we take our included transfer to Ninh Binh, often called “Ha Long Bay on land”. The ride is about 2.5 hours, and we arrive at our new hostel surrounded by rice paddies and karst formations. In the afternoon, we'll go for an easy walk or bike ride through the countryside. If we opt for bikes, we’ll go at a slow pace, cycling past local homes, buffaloes, and rivers.

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5. 5Day 5Hoa Lu, Trang An & Mua CaveOvernight: Ninh Binh

   • Incredible views

     This is one of the trip’s big nature days. The included Hoa Lu–Trang An–Mua Cave tour gives us temples, boat rides, and a sweaty but rewarding climb all in one go. The scenery is spectacular, and the pace keeps everyone moving without feeling rushed. We’ll return to the hostel tired but happy, and depending on the mood of the group, we might enjoy a little extra biking or a round of cold drinks as the sun dips behind the cliffs.

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6. 6Day 6Ninh Binh → Phong NhaOvernight: Phong Nha

   • We continue South

     Travel days are part of the backpacking experience, and this one takes us deeper into central Vietnam. We'll keep the vibe light with games, music and snack stops, and by now the bus feels like our shared living room. We roll into Phong Nha surrounded by jungle-covered hills and check into our chilled hostel. Dinner is informal and self-paid, but we eat together, and ready ourselves for a big day of exploring tomorrow.

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7. 7Day 7Phong Nha CavesOvernight: Phong Nha

   • Another WOW moment

     Phong Nha is all about wild landscapes, and this is a genuine wow moment of the trip. We go on a national park tour so we can explore some of Vietnam’s most impressive caves in a safe, organised way. We’ll spend the day walking through huge caverns, learning about the geology, and maybe getting a bit muddy if the group chooses the more adventurous options. In the evening, everyone drifts back to the hostel, tired but glowing—this is usually a day people remember long after the trip ends.

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8. 8Day 8Phong Nha → HueOvernight: Hue

   • Imperial Capital

     We move from jungle to imperial capital, watching the landscape change through the window. The route towards Hue passes near the former DMZ, a reminder of Vietnam’s more recent history. Depending on preferences, we might include a short stop en route to visit a war site and understand more about the country we’re crossing. Once in Hue, we settle into our hostel and head out for a low-key dinner, ready to dive into temples and tombs tomorrow.

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9. 9Day 9Imperial HueOvernight: Hue

   • Today is for history lovers

     With the moneypot, we hire a local guide who brings the ruined palaces and royal tombs to life, walking us through courtyards, halls, and gardens while explaining the stories behind them. The pace is relaxe,d so there’s time for photos and breaks. In the late afternoon, we return to the hostel, and anyone who still has energy can join an optional walk by the Perfume River as lights come on along the waterfront.

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10. 10Day 10Hue → Hoi AnOvernight: Hoi An

    • Hoi An old town & night market

      This is one of the prettiest travel days. The road south towards Hoi An hugs the coast, with mountain and sea views that make the hours fly by. We arrive in a completely different vibe: lanterns, riverside bars, and tailor shops make Hoi An feel almost like a film set. After check-in, we wander as a group through the Old Town, soaking up the colours and atmosphere without rushing. We enjoy a lovely dinner and go exploring the nightlife together.

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11. 11Day 11Hoi An Flavours & CraftsOvernight: Hoi An

    • Free time & Afternoon options

      Hoi An is a place to slow down and enjoy the details—lanterns, fresh juice, market smells, riverlight. The morning is intentionally open, so travellers can follow their own energy, whether that’s getting something tailored, joining a casual walk, or sitting in a beautiful café. After lunch, we book a group experience together: perhaps a cooking class with a market visit, or a basket-boat trip through the coconut palms. Either way, it’s interactive, social, and full of laughter.

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12. 12Day 12Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh CityOvernight: Hoi An

    • Overnight bus

      Our last day in Hoi An is about squeezing in favourite moments. Some will head to the beach, others will sip coffee in a cute courtyard. Before sunset, we regroup for a lantern boat ride to see the river from the water and enjoy a last look at the town lights. Then it’s time for the overnight bus: earplugs, hoodies, snacks, and shared stories as we head south to the biggest city in Vietnam.

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13. 13Day 13Ho Chi Minh CityOvernight: Ho Chi Minh City

    • Big City Energy

      After the overnight bus, we step into the fast-paced Ho Chi Minh City. Scooters, skyscrapers, and street vendors collide, and our hostel becomes a much-needed base. Everyone gets their bearings, and we go to Quang Phu Cau, the incense village, for an unbelievable scenery. In the evening, we go out to taste local dishes and enjoy the energy of the city while staying together as a group.

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14. 14Day 14Cu Chi TunnelsOvernight: Ho Chi Minh City

    • Vietnam's History

      The Cu Chi Tunnels day is serious but essential. We travel out of the city to an area criss-crossed with underground tunnels and learn about the strategies and human stories of the conflict. The tour is fully included and well supported. Beware that some information about the Vietnam War may be sensitive. Back in HCMC, the evening is flexible: some will want a calm dinner, others might revisit Bui Vien. Either way, your Group Leader is there to keep you having an incredible time.

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15. 15Day 15Ho Chi Minh City → Phnom PenhOvernight: Phnom Penh

    • Welcome to Cambodia!

      It’s time for a new country and a fresh currency. The bus ride from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh is part of the story of moving overland across Indochina. The Group Leader handles logistics at the border and keeps an eye on everyone’s documents, so the process is as smooth as possible. Once in Phnom Penh, we settle into the hostel and stretch our legs along the riverside, where the mix of locals, monks, and travellers gives a first taste of Cambodian life.

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16. 16Day 16Phnom PenhOvernight: Phnom Penh

    • Exploration + Cruise Sunset

      We ease into Phnom Penh with a lighter day before the heavier history tomorrow. We visit some key landmarks, enjoy the walking routes, and visit good cafés. There’s time for solo exploring or resting by the hostel pool if available. Towards sunset, we may gather for a Mekong cruise and watch the skyline glow while we unwind from the journey.

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17. 17Day 17A Dark Tale of HistoryOvernight: Phnom Penh

    • History - not always good things

      Today is one of the most intense but meaningful days of the trip. With a local guide, we visit S-21 and Choeung Ek to understand Cambodia’s recent history and the impact of the Khmer Rouge. The Group Leader will organise the logistics for us so we can focus on listening and reflecting. Anyone who needs to talk afterwards is always welcome. We close the day with something gentler—a quiet coffee, riverside walk, and shared meal—before heading back to the hostel.

      Note: the visit to S-21 and Choeung Ek can shock some people. Optional.

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18. 18Day 18Phnom Penh → Siem ReapOvernight: Siem Reap

    • Gateway to Angkor

      We leave the capital behind and head towards the gateway to Angkor. The bus ride is straightforward, and by now everyone knows the drill—snacks, naps, playlists. In Siem Reap, our hostel is a short walk from the action, and the Group Leader leads a first look at the markets and main streets. Whether you’re in the mood for souvenirs, a massage or a simple noodle dinner, there’s something for every energy level tonight.

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19. 19Day 19Angkor WatOvernight: Siem Reap

    • Highlight of Cambodia

      We’re up before the sun, but it’s worth it. Watching the silhouettes of Angkor Wat appear against a pink sky is one of those spine-tingling travel moments. Our guided tour continues through the day, exploring different temples and carving details that tell stories older than many countries. It’s a long, hot day but incredibly rewarding. In the evening, those with energy left can opt for another cultural hit like the circus, or choose a relaxed dinner nearby.

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20. 20Day 20Siem Reap → BangkokOvernight: Bangkok

    • Welcome to Thailand

      The overland stretch is behind us; today, we fly into one of Asia’s most exciting cities. Thanks to the included flight, the long overland border crossing is replaced by an easy hop, and before long, we’re weaving through Bangkok’s traffic towards our hostel. In the evening, we keep things easy with a short walk and some night food markets, saving the big temple day for tomorrow.

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21. 21Day 21Bangkok TemplesOvernight: Bangkok

    • Incredible

      Bangkok’s temples are dazzling, and today we see the big three. The Group Leader will remind everyone of dress codes and help navigate the boats and streets between stops. With entrances included, it’s a day to focus purely on the architecture, gold, and stories. After a break to have some much-needed lunch and water, we regroup for a nighttime tuk-tuk food tour, weaving through lit-up streets, trying dishes you’d never order alone, and ending the night with full stomachs and big grins.

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22. 22Day 22Last Day in Bangkok & Farewell DinnerOvernight: Bangkok

    • Shopping, Massages, Markets, Memories

      The last full day is all about doing whatever will make you feel happiest to leave: that final pad thai, that last massage, that one souvenir you’ve been eyeing up. At sunset, we regroup for a final dinner, included in the package, then hit a spot that shows off Bangkok’s skyline or riverside beauty. It’s the perfect time to swap photos, connect on socials, and promise to meet again on another WeRoad adventure.

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23. 23Day 23Goodbye, Thailand!

    • See you again, friend

      Our final morning is bittersweet: backpacks on, beds stripped, and one last coffee together in the common area. The Group Leader helps everyone organise their route to the airport. Any remaining Money Pot funds are returned equally, and we say goodbye, knowing we’ve shared something special—23 days of temples, caves, boats, buses, food, laughter, and late-night chats that started with “I booked this on my own” and ended as a group story.

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