Vietnam

Follow the same epic Bangkok-to-Ho Chi Minh City route as Intrepid's popular 18–35s tour — hitting Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Nan, Pua, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Vientiane, Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Cat Ba Island, Hoi An, and more — but do it entirely independently for a fraction of the price. Swap the group leader for locally booked guides and GetYourGuide activities, overnight sleeper trains for the group bus, and tour-operator accommodation markups for well-rated hostels and guesthouses. All the same bucket-list moments; far more flexibility and cash in your pocket. Costs are per-person estimates based on current backpacker rates and assume solo travel with shared dorm or budget private room options.

Travel Crew

~£950

Trip inspired by Intrepid Travel's "Real Cambodia" route, generated independently with the operator margin removed — not booked with or affiliated with Intrepid Travel. Setting my own date, looking for trip mates to join. A self-launched 10-day budget adventure through the heart of Southeast Asia — from the buzzing streets of Ho Chi Minh City, across the Cambodian border to the temples of Angkor Wat, through the riverside charm of Phnom Penh, and on to Bangkok's chaotic brilliance. Ditch the group tour markup and do it yourself: the same iconic experiences, local transport, and hostel beds for a fraction of the price. All routes are well-trodden backpacker trails with plentiful transport links and budget accommodation. Cost estimates are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£280

Trip inspired by Intrepid Travel's "Best of Vietnam & Cambodia" route, generated independently with the operator margin removed — not booked with or affiliated with Intrepid Travel. Setting my own date, looking for trip mates to join. An 18-day self-launched adventure through the highlights of Vietnam and Cambodia — from the buzzing streets of Hanoi and the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay, down through Hue, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City, before crossing into Cambodia to explore the ancient temples of Angkor Wat and the vibrant capital Phnom Penh. By ditching the guided group tour and booking transport, accommodation, and activities independently, you can experience exactly the same iconic destinations for a fraction of the price. Costs below are estimated per person based on current budget traveller rates and are approximate.

Travel Crew

~£737

This self-launched equivalent of Intrepid's popular Essential Vietnam tour takes you from the buzzing streets of Hanoi all the way south to Ho Chi Minh City — hitting Cat Ba Island, Ninh Binh, Hue, Hoi An and Quy Nhon along the way. You'll swap group minibuses for local buses and overnight trains, replace guided inclusions with self-bookable tours via GetYourGuide and Klook, and stay in well-rated budget hotels and guesthouses. Same iconic destinations, same incredible food and culture — just a fraction of the price. All costs are approximate estimates per person.

Travel Crew

~£530

This self-launched version of Intrepid's popular 'Real Cambodia' route takes you from Ho Chi Minh City through Phnom Penh, Koh Rong Island, the rural homestay community of Sambor Prei Kuk, Siem Reap's Angkor complex, and on to Bangkok — all independently, using public buses, shared speedboats and budget flights. You'll swap the group leader for your own curiosity, and the group-tour markup for direct bookings and local prices. All the same iconic experiences, all bookable yourself, at a fraction of the cost. Costs are approximate estimates based on current backpacker rates.

Travel Crew

~£445

This self-launched 9-day adventure takes you from the buzzing streets of Ho Chi Minh City through Cambodia's most iconic and moving destinations — Phnom Penh, Koh Rong Island, the rural homestay community of Sambor Prei Kuk, and the ancient temples of Siem Reap. You'll cross the border independently by public bus, travel between islands by shared speedboat, and book your own Angkor tuk-tuk tour directly with a local social enterprise — all at a fraction of the cost of a guided group tour. Estimated costs are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£353

This self-launched version of Intrepid's popular 20-day Vietnam to Cambodia trip follows the same incredible route — from Hanoi's buzzing streets to Angkor Wat's ancient temples — but swaps group tour mark-ups for local buses, trains, hostels and self-bookable experiences. You'll travel through Hanoi, Cat Ba Island, Ninh Binh, Hue, Hoi An, Quy Nhon, Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, Koh Rong, Sambor Prei Kuk and Siem Reap. All costs are approximate estimates per person based on current budget traveller rates (early 2025).

Travel Crew

~£757

This self-launched version of Intrepid's popular 21-day Vietnam to Cambodia route (ending in Bangkok) lets you hit every highlight — Hanoi, Cat Ba Island, Ninh Binh, Hue, Hoi An, Quy Nhon, Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Koh Rong Island and Bangkok — at a fraction of the group tour price. You'll swap guided group transport for overnight trains, public buses and shared ferries, and trade group-rate hotels for well-reviewed hostels and guesthouses. Every included activity has a self-bookable equivalent via GetYourGuide, Klook or direct booking. Costs below are approximate estimates per person based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£856

This self-launched equivalent of Intrepid Travel's Epic South East Asia tour covers the same iconic destinations — Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Nan, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Vientiane, Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, Cat Ba Island, Siem Reap, Koh Rong and Sambor Prei Kuk — at a fraction of the cost. Swap group tour mark-ups for local buses, trains, ferries, hostels and self-bookable activities via GetYourGuide and Klook. All costs are approximate estimates per person based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£1,095

Experience the very best of Southeast Asia — Bangkok's neon streets, the legendary Ha Giang Loop, Angkor Wat at sunrise, ethical elephant sanctuaries, and Thailand's paradise islands — all on your own terms and at a fraction of the group tour price. This self-launched itinerary follows the same route as Gap360's Southeast Asia Adventure, swapping guided group travel for local buses, trains, ferries and self-bookable activities. Accommodation is budget guesthouses and well-reviewed hostels throughout. All cost estimates are approximate and based on current backpacker rates.

Travel Crew

~£1,350

This self-launched itinerary replicates the Gap360 Vietnam Adventure 12-day tour — taking you from the chaotic streets of Hanoi down through Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City — at a fraction of the cost. You'll swap guided group transport for local buses, trains and shared transfers, and boutique group-tour hotels for excellent-value guesthouses and hostels in the same central locations. Every activity on the original itinerary is independently bookable via GetYourGuide, Klook or direct with local operators. All costs are estimated per person in GBP and are approximate — budget travellers who shop around may spend less.

Travel Crew

~£520

Explore the best of Vietnam and Cambodia independently — from Hanoi's buzzing Old Quarter and the karst seascapes of Ha Long Bay, to Hoi An's lantern-lit streets, the Mekong Delta, and Cambodia's beaches and temples. This self-launched route mirrors the popular Gap360 group tour, swapping the group guide and inflated tour markup for local transport, self-bookable activities, and backpacker-friendly stays. You'll hit every highlight at a fraction of the price, with the freedom to go at your own pace.

Travel Crew

~£780