Extended Hitchhiking Journey from Bangkok to Hanoi via Cambodia and Laos: Nature, Wildlife, and Historic Villages

Day 1: Bangkok to Siem Reap

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

8:30AM

Breakfast at On Lok Yun, Bangkok

Start with traditional Thai breakfast and coffee at this classic cafe to fuel your journey. Open 6:00AM - 2:00PM.
THB50, 1h0m

9:30AM

Hitchhiking to Siem Reap

Head towards Cambodia via the border town Poi Pet, aiming for Siem Reap to explore nature and culture.
Free, 7h0m

5:00PM

Dinner at Embassy Restaurant, Siem Reap

Enjoy authentic Khmer delicacies in a rustic garden setting. Open 11:00AM - 10:00PM.
USD10, 1h30m
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Day 2: Angkor Wat and Village Life

Siem Reap, Cambodia on June 5, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Sister Srey Cafe

Organic coffee and wholesome breakfast in a social enterprise cafe. Open 7:00AM - 4:00PM.
USD5, 1h0m

8:00AM

Explore Angkor Wat and jungle surroundings

Visit the iconic Angkor Wat early to avoid crowds, also observe monkeys and birdlife in the surrounding forest. Open 5:00AM - 6:00PM.
USD37 (1-day pass), 4h0m

12:30PM

Lunch at Khmer Kitchen Restaurant

Taste traditional Khmer plates with fresh locality. Open 11:00AM - 9:00PM.
USD8, 1h0m

2:00PM

Visit Puok Village

Explore this traditional rural village near Siem Reap offering local markets, rice paddies, and everyday rural Cambodian life.
Free, 3h0m

6:00PM

Dinner at Viroth's Restaurant

Enjoy sophisticated Khmer fusion cuisine made from local produce. Open 6:00PM - 10:00PM.
USD15, 1h30m
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Day 3: Siem Reap to Mondulkiri

Siem Reap to Sen Monorom, Cambodia on June 6, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at The Blue Pumpkin

Pastries and coffee before setting off. Open 7:00AM - 10:00PM.
USD6, 1h0m

8:00AM

Hitchhike to Sen Monorom, Mondulkiri

Travel northeast to Cambodia’s mountainous Mondulkiri province, known for forests, elephants, waterfalls, and indigenous Bunong villages.
Free, 10h0m

6:00PM

Dinner at local guesthouse kitchen

Simple and fresh Bunong cuisine prepared by local hosts, enjoy cultural ambiance.
USD8, 1h0m
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Day 4: Wildlife and Bunong culture

Sen Monorom, Cambodia on June 7, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at guesthouse

Enjoy traditional Khmer breakfast with local ingredients to prepare for a day exploring nature and culture.
USD5, 1h0m

8:00AM

Visit community conservation forest

Join guided walks in indigenous-managed forest areas to see local flora and fauna, potentially Asian elephants and gibbons.
USD10 guide fee, 4h0m

12:30PM

Lunch in Bunong village

Shared meal with local villagers featuring traditional dishes made from fresh forest produce.
USD8, 1h0m

2:00PM

Explore Sen Monorom market and craft village

Discover handwoven textiles and traditional handicrafts created by the Bunong people.
Free, 3h0m

6:00PM

Dinner at guesthouse

Enjoy a family-style Lao-Khmer fusion meal with locally sourced ingredients.
USD10, 1h0m
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Day 5: Mondulkiri to Pakse

Sen Monorom, Cambodia to Pakse, Laos on June 8, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at guesthouse

Light local breakfast before travel.
USD5, 0h45m

7:45AM

Hitchhike to Pakse via border

Travel east towards Laos crossing at the Veun Kham border, then north to Pakse, gateway to southern Laos natural attractions.
Free, 11h0m

6:45PM

Dinner at Le Bok Lao, Pakse

Authentic Lao food with fresh herbs in a comfortable setting. Open 11:00AM - 9:00PM.
USD10, 1h30m
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Day 6: Bolaven Plateau and Historic Villages

Pakse and Bolaven Plateau, Laos on June 9, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Namkhan Riverside Bistro

Breakfast with river views and organic options. Open 7:00AM - 3:00PM.
USD6, 1h0m

8:00AM

Tour Bolaven Plateau waterfalls and villages

Visit Tad Fane Waterfall, coffee plantations, and visit indigenous Alak villages to experience local life and traditions.
USD7 for local guides and entrance, 7h0m

3:30PM

Lunch in an indigenous village

Enjoy simple home-cooked Lao dishes using fresh mountain ingredients in a village setting.
USD8, 1h0m

5:30PM

Return to Pakse

Rest and prepare for next day journey.
Free, 1h30m

7:00PM

Dinner at Kualao Restaurant, Pakse

Sample Lao fusion dishes highlighting fresh herbs and spices. Open 6:00PM - 9:30PM.
USD12, 1h30m
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Day 7: Historic Champasak Villages and Wat Phu

Champasak, Laos on June 10, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Café Ole, Pakse

Light breakfast with coffee before heading out. Open 7:00AM - 5:00PM.
USD5, 1h0m

8:00AM

Visit Wat Phu and Champasak villages

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Wat Phu, then visit local older villages including Ban Muangkeo to observe traditional Lao rural life and architecture.
USD5 entrance + donation, 5h0m

1:00PM

Lunch at local village home

Savor Lao meals prepared with fresh garden produce alongside local hosts.
USD7, 1h0m

3:00PM

Explore Mekong riverside and elephant sanctuary near Champasak

Visit elephant conservation areas and enjoy nature walking along the riverbanks watching riverine birds and wildlife.
USD10 donation for sanctuary, 3h0m

6:30PM

Dinner back in Pakse

Simple Lao food at small local restaurant focused on fresh ingredients.
USD8, 1h0m
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Day 8: Pakse to Vientiane

Pakse to Vientiane, Laos on June 11, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Parkbench Cafe, Pakse

Fresh coffee and breakfast with a focus on organic and healthy options. Open 7:00AM - 4:00PM.
USD6, 1h0m

8:00AM

Hitchhike to Vientiane

Travel north through Laos, passing rural areas and natural landscapes to reach the capital city.
Free, 10h0m

6:30PM

Dinner at Makphet Restaurant, Vientiane

Organic and locally sourced Lao dishes with a social enterprise focus. Open 11:00AM - 9:00PM.
USD10, 1h30m
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Day 9: Vientiane & Traditional Villages

Vientiane, Laos on June 12, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Joma Bakery Cafe

Pastries and strong coffee to start your day. Open 7:00AM - 9:00PM.
USD7, 1h0m

8:30AM

Visit Phu Xang He Protected Forest and Ban Nakha Village

Explore this forest preserve south of the city with walking trails, and visit the traditional Ban Nakha Lao weaving village famous for silk and textiles.
USD5 for guide, 4h0m

1:00PM

Lunch at local village kitchen

Enjoy a communal meal with local villagers using fresh produce.
USD7, 1h0m

2:30PM

Visit Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan)

See Buddha and Hindu sculptures set among trees in a unique riverside park. Open 8:00AM - 6:00PM.
USD3, 2h0m

6:30PM

Dinner at Lao Kitchen Restaurant

Taste fresh Lao dishes emphasizing herbs and garden vegetables. Open 6:00PM - 9:00PM.
USD12, 1h30m
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Day 10: Vientiane to Hanoi

Vientiane to Hanoi on June 13, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Common Grounds Cafe

Hearty breakfast with quality coffee. Open 7:00AM - 6:00PM.
USD6, 1h0m

8:00AM

Hitchhike to Hanoi

Long scenic trip crossing into Vietnam with mountain and forest views en route.
Free, 12h0m

8:00PM

Dinner at Quan An Ngon, Hanoi

Taste diverse Vietnamese street food-style dishes made fresh daily. Open 10:00AM - 10:30PM.
VND150000 (~USD7), 1h30m
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Day 11: Hanoi and Northern Villages

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 14, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Dinh

Enjoy traditional Vietnamese egg coffee and light breakfast. Open 6:30AM - 10:30PM.
VND40000 (~USD2), 1h0m

8:00AM

Day trip to Duong Lam Ancient Village

Visit this well-preserved traditional Vietnamese village, known for ancient houses, temples, and rice fields about 50 km from Hanoi.
USD5 transport & entrance, 6h0m

2:00PM

Lunch in Duong Lam village

Enjoy local Vietnamese dishes cooked with fresh village ingredients.
USD8, 1h0m

3:30PM

Return to Hanoi and relax at Hoan Kiem Lake

Leisurely walk around the iconic lake to experience Hanoi’s urban nature.
Free, 1h30m

6:30PM

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Savor Hanoi’s famous grilled fish with fresh herbs, a local specialty. Open 10:00AM - 10:00PM.
VND150000 (~USD7), 1h30m
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Day 12: Ba Vi National Park

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 15, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at The Hanoi Social Club

Vegetarian-friendly, organic breakfast options in a cozy bohemian setting. Open 8:00AM - 11:00PM.
VND60000 (~USD3), 1h0m

8:00AM

Day trip to Ba Vi National Park

Explore dense tropical forest, waterfalls, mountain views and spot wildlife including monkeys and birds. Park open 7:30AM - 5:30PM.
VND40000 (~USD2), 6h0m

2:30PM

Lunch at local park canteen

Simple meals made from fresh local ingredients typical of rural Vietnamese cuisine.
VND50000 (~USD2.5), 1h0m

4:00PM

Return to Hanoi

Rest and prepare for departure or further exploration.
Free, 1h30m

7:00PM

Dinner at Green Tangerine

Indulge in French-Vietnamese fusion dishes crafted with organic ingredients. Open 5:30PM - 10:30PM.
VND250000 (~USD12), 1h30m
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