National Geographic Adventure Called This a “Trip of the Year”—Discover Why You’ll Call It the “Trip of a Lifetime”!
The lands of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia—once collectively known as Indochina—are where Indian and Chinese heritage, a French colonial legacy, Cham temples and spicy cuisine, emerald mountains and azure seas intersect. And where differences meet, adventure is sure to happen. Natural Habitat Expeditions is the
only company that offers a kayaking expedition—with a healthy side of cultural encounters—through these three Southeast Asian “pearls.”
Travel with the Most Experienced Sea-Kayaking Operator in Indochina
More than two decades ago we pioneered guided sea-kayaking trips in Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay—even before local outfitters got into the business. We have the longest history of paddling these waters, so why would you trust your kayaking adventure to anyone else?
Explore a Wealth of Natural & Cultural Riches
To many, Southeast Asia may be best known for its cultural treasures. But nature reigns here, too: Laos is home to some 1,200 wildlife species! While paddling the Mekong River, you’ll look for one of the most rare: the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin. Elsewhere, we explore tropical forests and rural hinterlands that others miss entirely—because no tour company immerses you in nature the way we do! Yet we don’t skip cultural highlights, either. Few archaeological sites on the planet can compete with the grandeur and scale of Cambodia’s storied Angkor Wat. Here, more than 1,000 stone temples and palaces dating from the 9th to the 15th centuries lie among the forests and rice fields, many of them half-buried beneath a lush tangle of jungle vines. And that's one of the cultural wonders you'll encounter on this multifaceted adventure.
Varied and Distinctive Accommodations Reveal Local Cultures
Most tour companies operating in Southeast Asia use standardized hotels, rarely getting you out of the cities. We, on the other hand, provide a truly authentic local experience. After getting refreshed on arrival in a contemporary new hotel in the heart of Hanoi, we sleep aboard a comfortably appointed classic Vietnamese junk while cruising Ha Long Bay. Nature surrounds us at a serene and environmentally conscious ecolodge in the “Emerald Triangle” at the crossroads of Laos, Thailand and Cambodia. Then, as we paddle the Mekong River, we are immersed in rural village life as we camp nearby in spacious, walk-in dome tents. There’s no better way to experience the real Indochina than by accessing traditional places that few other tourists ever see.
Your Guide Is One of the World’s Most Accomplished Kayakers
At your side for the entire adventure is Expedition Leader Mick O’Shea, one of the world’s premier paddlers and adventurers with unparalleled experience in Southeast Asia. Mick made the very first kayak descent of the Mekong River from its source on the Tibetan Plateau to its mouth on the China Sea—and he did it solo! His feat has never been repeated. Mick is just one example of our outstanding NHA Expedition Leaders, who receive additional training and resources provided by WWF’s top scientists.
See Expedition Leader bios with traveler comments regarding the quality of our leaders.
A Small Group Assures You of One-on-One Time with Your Trip Leader
Because this tour is limited to approximately 12 adventurers, you can be confident that you’ll have ample time to get to know our extraordinary guide Mick on a personal level. Share stories, thoughts and reflections during energetic endeavors during the day, and relax together meals in the evenings. And, we have support from local kayaking guides, too, to assure your every comfort.
We Guarantee You’ll Be Talking About This Adventure for Years to Come!
Natural Habitat Adventures guarantees that we will meet or surpass the expectations you have for your trip as detailed in our promotional materials. To our knowledge, this is the most ambitious promise made by any adventure travel company.
Read our exclusive Quality & Value Guarantee.
Feel Good About the Way You Travel
We all care about the planet, and you can travel with us knowing that the emissions from your trip are 100 percent carbon-offset. Natural Habitat Adventures is the world’s first carbon-neutral travel company and in industry leader in sustainable travel practices.
Natural Habitat Adventures Is World Wildlife Fund’s Travel Partner
Because of our commitment to environmentally friendly travel, as well as the exceptional quality of our small-group nature adventures, World Wildlife Fund, the world’s leading environmental conservation organization, has named Natural Habitat its worldwide travel partner—a designation that makes us exceedingly proud!
Location of Adventure
Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia
Group Size Limit
Approximately 12 Travelers
A very important feature of our Indochina expedition is the limited group size, as kayaking adventures in authentic cultural settings are best experienced with a small group of travelers.
Included
Airport transfers on Day 1 and final day of itinerary (and on day prior to start of trip if you are staying at the Gia Bao Grand Hotel), accommodations, land transportation, meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on final day, purified drinking water during activities, and drinking water and soft drinks at meals, all kayak and camping gear and safety equipment, services of an NHE Expedition Leader and local guides, most gratuities, all permits, entrance fees and taxes.
Not Included
Travel to and from the start and end points of the trip, internal flights, early arrival airport transfers (other than those described above), late departure airport transfers, passport and visa fees, optional activities, items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry, Internet, etc.), alcoholic beverages, some gratuities, airline baggage fees, required medical evacuation insurance and optional travel insurance.
Mandatory Insurance
Medical Evacuation Insurance is mandatory for all Natural Habitat Expeditions trips. If you decline the medical evacuation insurance coverage provided by Natural Habitat, note that the cost of a medical evacuation policy will be added to your tour invoice until you provide our office with proof of coverage, including your insurance company’s name and contact number, and your insurance policy number.
Physical Requirements
This trip is rated
Demanding
Our Indochina adventure features three days of easy sea kayaking and five days of river kayaking at a beginner level. This trip is suitable for those with no paddling experience, although it will be helpful to know in advance that you actually enjoy kayaking before signing on for this tour. The Mekong River is swift-flowing but the water is relatively flat. We expect to paddle up to 5-1/2 hours per day, segmented with regular breaks, as we travel between camps. However, if adverse conditions such as strong winds and currents impede our progress, we may need to paddle longer in order to reach our evening destination. Note that a long-tail boat will be available for any guest who wishes to opt out of paddling or who is unable to keep pace with the group. Hikes ashore are gentle and typically last under two hours, sometimes across trailless territory. The itinerary includes three nights of camping in dome tents (two nights in riverside villages and one night next to an orchard), sleeping on Therm-a-Rest pads with quality sleeping bags and pillows. While camping we will bathe in the river, and our toilet facilities will consist of a basic pit-style latrine with sit-down seat, in a private toilet tent. Meals will be eaten with the local people. Our guests often tell us that the camping experience is one of the top highlights of their trip!
Important Information
Your safety while participating in this expedition is a prime concern. Toward that end we provide highly competent Expedition Leaders and the very best equipment. Our Expedition Leaders are thoroughly trained in emergency wilderness first-aid techniques and have extensive experience in this environment. Ultimately, our guides make decisions with everyone’s comfort and safety in mind, while trying to maximize the adventure experience for each individual. In Vietnam we use rigid, plastic sit-in double and single sea kayaks, and in Laos we use inflatable sit-on-top kayaks. Well-functioning, sturdy plastic paddles will be provided; feel free to bring your own paddle if you wish. We also supply personal flotation devices, boating and safety gear.
Getting There & Getting Home
Arrive in Hanoi in time for our 6:30 pm welcome dinner on Day 1. For 2013 trips, you are free to depart Hanoi anytime after 11 pm on the final day of the trip. For 2014 trips, you are free to depart Siem Reap at any time on the final day. We can best serve you if our Natural Habitat Adventures Travel Desk makes your reservations, as we are intimately familiar with the special requirements of this program and can arrange the most efficient travel. Please call us at 1-800-543-8917. Note that while we offer you the best possible rates available to us on airfare and additional nights' accommodations, you may find special web rates or better fares online.
Reading List
Longitude Books has created a custom comprehensive listing of the
Paddling & Exploring the Pearls of Indochina travel books for this trip.
(800) 543-8917 for Availability 
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