Bangkok to Hanoi: Chiang Mai, Night Markets & Streetside Bars

Bangkok to Chiang Mai to Hanoi, and some unbelievable places in between. Sound good? Then snag a spot on this nine-day, hostel-based adventure. You’ll cruise through Bangkok in the back of a tuk-tuk, ride along the infamous Death Railway, cycle around the ruins of an ancient kingdom, then hop on a night train to Chiang Mai. There, you’ll soak up all the local flavours as you wander its night markets before catching a quick flight to Hanoi for some final days filled with bicycle tours and street bars.

Day 1 Bangkok
Arrive at any time, and kick back at the hostel, or head out to explore the city before meeting up with fellow Roamies in the evening. Hungry? Hop on a tuk tuk and head to Chinatown where your CEO will lead you through the alleys and backstreets on a street food crawl. Savour your first taste of the best eats in Thailand–yum!

Day 2 Srinakarin Dam NP, Kanchanaburi
Ready to explore the “Venice of the east?” Climb aboard a motorized long-tail boat and zoom along the canals–known as klongs, that snake through Bangkok. Catch a glimpse of local life by the river; wooden houses built on stilts and ferries taking people to work, temples and school. Is it lunchtime yet? Good, because the next stop is Yimsoo Cafe, a G Adventures–supported project where you’ll slurp up a filling boat noodle lunch. Then it’s bye-bye big city as you head out for an overnight stay like no other on a unique floating-raft accommodation at Srinakarin Dam NP. It’s playtime here–choose to chill out on the deck, dive in for a refreshing swim, explore in a kayak or go for a wet-raft ride. Tonight you can fill up with a delicious Thai barbecue. Having fun yet? Of course you are and it’s only day 2.

Day 3 Kanchanaburi
Ready to explore? Head out to the infamous Hellfire Pass and delve into some World War II sites, walk along the trail and visit Saiyok Noi Waterfall area for a tasty local lunch. All aboard as you jump on the local train, commonly known as the Death Railway and chug towards Kanchanaburi town. Visit the famed Bridge over the river Kwai, the Thailand-Burma Railway museum, and the war cemetery before heading to the hostel for some down time. Beer o’clock anyone?

Day 4 Kanchanaburi/Ayutthaya
Ready for another epic day? Of course you are! Stop by a rice farm then fill up on pad thai from a local shop before jumping on a bike at the iconic Ayutthaya ruins. Snap that perfect picture at the Mahathat temple–famed for its Buddha head in the root of a banyan tree. Cycle around the massive reclining Buddha at Wat Logayasutharam in search of the perfect angle. After, hop on a boat for a ride around the city's island and stop at Wat Chai Wattanaram for more insta-worthy pics. Want more? Visit the food market and choose to share a plate of river prawns before hopping into a rocket-nosed tuk tuk to the train station. That was a busy day! Regain your strength in a sleeper car during the overnight train ride heading north.

Day 5 Chiang Mai
Hit the ground running as you disembark the train and climb on one of the famous red Songthaews–a local open-air truck. Khao soi for breakfast?? Yes, please! Stop at a street-side shop for this traditional northern Thai noodle soup with coconut milk and sweet curry–yum! From here walk through the old town to your hostel, then the afternoon is yours. Sample delicious street food, visit temples or just kick back with your new friends with a Singha lager. Later, delve into the bustling Chiang Mai night bazaar. Shop-til-you drop, kick your feet up in a lounge chair for a foot massage or try the bizarre, yet satisfying fish pedicure. Living your best life? Yeah!.

Day 6 Chiang Mai
Early riser? Come on, there must be some! Join in the age-old tradition of alms giving to local monks at the foot of the Suthep Hill. After, indulge in a blessing and do some chanting at Wat Prathat Doi Suthep. The rest of the day you are free to do as much or as little as you desire–your CEO has you covered. Feeling zen? There are hundreds of Buddhist temples to visit. Feeling active? Jump on a bicycle or tuk tuk to explore the countryside. Want an adrenaline rush? Why not catch one of Thailand’s most popular sports–Muay Thai. Or, how about channeling your inner chef at a cooking class learning to make a perfect Pad Thai. Freedom can also be hanging back at the hostel, as always, you're the boss! Just be back in time, cause tonight you've got a date with your new besties.

Day 7 Chiang Mai/Hanoi
Ready for Vietnam? Don’t fret the details, we’ve got you covered. An included flight will get you to Hanoi in time to kick back at the hostel, or head out to explore the city before meeting up with fellow Roamies. Ready for some fun? Of course you are! Jump on a cyclo and take a thrilling ride around Hanoi's old quarter to watch the streets come alive at night. Finish off with some tasty street eats for dinner.

Day 8 Hanoi
Freedom! Today is yours to explore and your CEO will help get you sorted. Want to immerse yourself in Hanoi–take a full day city tour. Feeling the culinary vibe–we'll book you a cooking class. Looking to escape–we'll get you on a full day excursion to Halong Bay. How's that for options? Regardless of your plans, you'll group back together for dinner at the famed Hoa Sua Training Restaurant. With full bellies, it's time for a microbrewery crawl including a stop at Hanoi's most popular beer joint–Bia Hoi corner. Pull up a plastic stool and order a local draught. Cheers!

Day 9 Hanoi
Say goodbye to your Roamies and depart at any time, or keep the adventure going by heading out to explore the backroads of Vietnam on the next leg of this epic adventure.