Hitchhiking Adventure from Bangkok to Hanoi via Cambodia and Laos: Exploring Nature and Wildlife

Day 1: Bangkok to Siem Reap

Bangkok, Thailand to Siem Reap, Cambodia on June 4, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at On Lok Yun, Bangkok

Enjoy a traditional Thai breakfast with local coffee and egg toast at this classic cafe, a great start before your journey. Open from 6:00AM to 2:00PM.
THB50, 1h0m

9:30AM

Hitchhiking from Bangkok to Siem Reap

Begin your hitchhiking adventure heading towards the Cambodian border, aiming for Siem Reap for natural and cultural exploration.
Free, 7h0m

5:00PM

Arrival and Dinner at Embassy Restaurant, Siem Reap

Try authentic Khmer dishes with fresh local ingredients in a cozy garden setting. Open 11:00AM to 10:00PM.
USD10, 1h30m

Day 2: Angkor Nature Exploration

Siem Reap, Cambodia on June 5, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Sister Srey Cafe

Organic fair trade coffee and fresh healthy breakfast options help fuel your day. Open 7:00AM - 4:00PM.
USD5, 1h0m

8:00AM

Angkor Wat and Surrounding Nature

Explore the Angkor Archaeological Park early morning to experience the iconic temple while spotting wildlife such as birds and monkeys in the surrounding forests. Park open 5:00AM - 6:00PM.
USD37 (1-day pass), 4h0m

12:30PM

Lunch at Khmer Kitchen Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Cambodian dishes using local herbs and fresh vegetables in a relaxing ambiance. Open 11:00AM - 9:00PM.
USD8, 1h0m

2:00PM

Visit Phnom Kulen National Park

A short trip to this national park offers jungle treks, waterfalls, and wildlife viewing opportunities like birds and butterflies. Park open 7:00AM - 5:00PM.
USD8 entrance fee, 3h0m

6:00PM

Dinner at Viroth's Restaurant

Sample creative Cambodian dishes made with organic produce, located in downtown Siem Reap. Open 6:00PM -10:00PM.
USD15, 1h30m

Day 3: Siem Reap to Pakse

Siem Reap, Cambodia to Pakse, Laos on June 6, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at The Blue Pumpkin, Siem Reap

Enjoy fresh pastries and coffee at this popular spot before hitchhiking. Open 7:00AM - 10:00PM.
USD6, 1h0m

8:30AM

Hitchhike to Pakse via Laos Border

Cross into southern Laos heading to Pakse, gateway to natural reserves and waterfalls.
Free, 10h0m

6:30PM

Dinner at Le Bok Lao Restaurant, Pakse

Taste authentic Lao cuisine focusing on fresh herbs and grilled meats. Open 11:00AM - 9:00PM.
USD10, 1h30m

Day 4: Bolaven Plateau Wildlife

Pakse, Laos on June 7, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Namkhan Riverside Bistro

Enjoy breakfast with river views featuring fresh fruit and coffee. Open 7:00AM - 3:00PM.
USD6, 1h0m

8:00AM

Explore Bolaven Plateau

Discover coffee plantations, cascading waterfalls, and opportunities to spot wildlife such as elephants and exotic birds in the lush forest landscapes.
USD5 entrance & guide fees, 6h0m

2:30PM

Lunch at local village restaurant in Bolaven

Enjoy fresh local produce and traditional Lao dishes in a village setting.
USD7, 1h0m

5:00PM

Return to Pakse

Head back to Pakse town to rest before the next leg.
Free, 1h30m

7:00PM

Dinner at Kualao Restaurant, Pakse

Delight in Lao specialties with an emphasis on fresh herbs and spices. Open 6:00PM - 9:30PM.
USD12, 1h30m

Day 5: Pakse to Vientiane

Pakse to Vientiane, Laos on June 8, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Ole, Pakse

Light breakfast with pastries and strong Laos coffee before departing. Open 7:00AM - 5:00PM.
USD5, 1h0m

8:00AM

Hitchhike to Vientiane

Travel north through Laos towards the capital, crossing scenic rural landscapes with chances to see natural wildlife areas along the way.
Free, 10h0m

6:00PM

Dinner at Makphet Restaurant, Vientiane

Enjoy organic and locally sourced meals with a focus on sustainable ingredients. Open 11:00AM - 9:00PM.
USD10, 1h30m

Day 6: Vientiane Nature Sightseeing

Vientiane, Laos on June 9, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Joma Bakery Cafe

Start with hearty breakfast options and great coffee in a relaxed atmosphere. Open 7:00AM - 9:00PM.
USD7, 1h0m

8:30AM

Visit Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan)

Explore a surreal sculpture park with large statues embedded in nature, set along the Mekong River. Opens 8:00AM - 6:00PM.
USD3, 2h30m

11:00AM

Mekong Riverside Walk and Birdwatching

Stroll along the Mekong River to observe local birds and riverside flora, a peaceful nature experience right in Vientiane.
Free, 2h0m

1:00PM

Lunch at Kualao Restaurant

Sample fresh Lao cuisine utilizing local and organic ingredients near the city center.
USD12, 1h0m

2:30PM

Visit Phou Khao Khouay National Park

Take a short trip northeast to this park known for waterfalls, wildlife such as gibbons, and hiking trails. Park open 8:00AM - 5:00PM.
USD5 entrance fee, 4h0m

6:30PM

Dinner at Diego's Mexican Grill (for a change in cuisine)

Try fresh, organic, and flavorful Mexican dishes in a vibrant atmosphere. Open 5:00PM - 10:00PM.
USD10, 1h30m

Day 7: Vientiane to Hanoi

Vientiane, Laos to Hanoi, Vietnam on June 10, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Common Grounds Cafe

Have a nutritious breakfast and coffee before starting your final hitchhiking segment. Open 7:00AM - 6:00PM.
USD6, 1h0m

8:00AM

Hitchhiking from Vientiane to Hanoi

Head northeast crossing into Vietnam, passing through scenic mountains and forest areas rich in biodiversity.
Free, 12h0m

8:00PM

Arrival and Dinner at Quan An Ngon, Hanoi

Enjoy traditional Vietnamese dishes crafted from fresh and locally sourced ingredients in a lively setting. Open 10:00AM - 10:30PM.
VND150000 (~USD7), 1h30m

Day 8: Hanoi Nature & Culture

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 11, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Dinh

Try traditional Vietnamese egg coffee and light breakfast dishes to get your day going. Open 6:30AM - 10:30PM.
VND40000 (~USD2), 1h0m

8:00AM

Explore Ba Vi National Park

Just outside Hanoi, this park boasts tropical forest, wildlife spotting, waterfalls, and panoramic mountain views. Opens 7:30AM - 5:30PM.
VND40000 (~USD2), 5h0m

1:30PM

Lunch at Home Vietnamese Restaurant

Enjoy organic and traditional Vietnamese cuisine made with fresh herbs and local produce. Open 11:00AM - 3:00PM.
VND80000 (~USD4), 1h0m

3:00PM

Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and Botanical Gardens

Relax by the serene lake and nearby botanical gardens to observe local flora and fauna in the heart of Hanoi.
Free, 2h0m

6:30PM

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Taste Hanoi's famous grilled fish dish served with herbs and rice noodles made from fresh, local ingredients. Open 10:00AM - 10:00PM.
VND150000 (~USD7), 1h30m