Best of Vietnam and Laos Tour – 17 days

Arrive in Vientiane. Greeted by your driver at the airport. Transfer to your hotel in the city centre for check-in and at leisure in the rest of the day.

Overview about Laos

After breakfast, we drive out of town to the eccentric Buddha Park, built by a Lao man after studying in India, in order to teach following generations of Lao about religions around the world. Here we will discover many Buddhist and Hindu statues in traditional and modern styles. One of them is the largest Reclining Buddha in Laos.

Back to the city center, we head to the religious museums of Wat Sisaket and Ho Prakeo. Wat Sisaket is the oldest temple to have survived the Siamese War of 1828 and its cloister contains more than 8000 Buddha statues. Ho Prakeo was the former home-temple of the Emerald Buddha statue, or Pra Keo, from the early Lane Xang Kingdom until the 18th century. Today it contains a collection of Buddha statues, antiques and artifacts found in Vientiane.

Buddha Park

We then drive to That Luang Stupa, the single most important monument in Laos. This Stupa was built to cover the original, smaller stupa containing a piece of the breast bone of Buddha. That Luang is the largest stupa in Laos and serves as the main symbolic stupa for all of Laos. It’s also our national symbol, a gathering place for our national Buddhism ceremony, and recognized throughout the world.
We then head to Patouxay, sometimes called the Arch de Triumph of Vientiane. This landmark is not as old as the other landmarks we visit but provides an interesting insight into Lao’s more recent and turbulent history. Despite its more modern history this is still an important landmark for the people of Laos and serves an important role in many national celebrations.

After breakfast, we drive to the airport for the flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, enjoy half day city tour to explore Luang Prabang.

You will start your first tour in Luang Prabang with a visit to Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a range of interesting artifacts. Our next stop is Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its golden bas-relief, which is one of the most beautiful temples in town.

Luang Prabang Town

In the late afternoon, we climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a panoramic sunset view of the city and the Mekong River.

We depart from Luang Prabang by boarding a boat and beginning our cruise along the amazing Mekong. We pass idyllic scenes of rural riverside life and spectacular scenery until reaching the beautiful Pak Ou Caves, sitting amongst the limestone cliffs where two rivers meet. The caves are filled with thousands of Buddha images and statues which have been placed here over many centuries.

Pak Ou Caves

A short distance away from Pak Ou Caves we visit a village which has been making clay jars for centuries. These jars are then used to ferment Lao rice wine wine. Nowadays the tradition continues however the village now also specialises in producing a wide range of ‘Lau Lao’ Lao whisky and ‘Lau Hai’ Lao wine. Be sure to try just a little before we head of back down river to Luang Prabang in the late afternoon.

We depart from Luang Prabang by minivan and drive to an ethnic Khmu village where we will start our adventure. We start by trekking to a nearby Hmong village. You will be able to learn about the lifestyles of Khmu and Hmong people, these two culturally very different minorities and see how, despite their differences, they work together on a daily basis and even share the same school.

Kuang Si Waterfalls

As we continue onwards the trail leads through rice paddies and vegetable fields before reaching the mountainous forest. Along the way we explore a cave which was used as a bomb shelter by the local villagers during the second Indochina War. After visiting the cave we continue trekking to one of the many springs which feeds Kuang Si waterfalls, where we can see a beautiful pool full of sacred fish. After descending from the top of the waterfall we enjoy a Lao style lunch amongst some beautiful settings!

After lunch we will relax by the waterfall with plenty of time for swimming and taking pictures of the magnificent falls and the turquoise pools. Before leaving Kuang Si Waterfalls we will pass through a rescue and refuge centre for bears saved from the illegal wildlife trade. On our way back to Luang Prabang we will also have the opportunity to visit Lao’s only buffalo dairy and try some of their buffalo cheese. We will then drive back to Luang Prabang. Arrive the hotel in late afternoon.

Enjoy your free time to explore Luang Prabang city. Depending on flight schedule, we arrange airport transfer for the flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and you have free time to explore Hanoi.

The Huc Bridge in Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi

Today, spend your time to discover the most highlights of Hanoi included:

Visit Tran Quoc pagoda, a Buddhist relic and national heritage lying on the West Lake.

Stop outside area Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum where the great President Ho Chi Minh rests in peace. We will visit the traditional stilt house and the respected One-Pillar Pagoda, the special pagoda with a particular structure.

Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hanoi

The next stop will be the Temple of Literature, the famous first university in Vietnam. You will recognize that this is a popular place for Vietnamese students to take commemorative photographs when graduating. Then, the Vietnamese Ethnology Museum. Here, you can deeply explore the life of Vietnamese ethnic groups through history

Wrap your day by enjoying the shopping time in the Dong Xuan market.

Transfer back to the hotel in the late afternoon. Meals on your own and overnight at the hotel.

You will be picked up at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter and transferred to Ha Long
11:30-12:00 Upon arrival at Tuan Chau International Cruise Port, you will enjoy a warm welcome by our cruise staff in the waiting lounge and complete check-in procedure.

12:30 Upon boarding, our crew welcome you with a refreshing drink and cold towel before checking into your cabin. The vessel leaves Tuan Chau Marina, taking you on an exciting journey to discover the beauty of Ha Long Bay. Along the way, you can enjoy the view of some of the most beautiful spots in Ha Long and admire the grandeur of the Bay with thousands of limestone islands while the vessel heads to Surprising Cave.

Enjoy your lunch at our luxurious restaurant on board while the vessel cruises toward Surprising Cave.

Overview of Halong Bay

14:45 Explore the Surprising Cave – the most beautiful cave in HaLong Bay.

After that, we will take you to visit Titop Island – swimming, climbing up to the Top of the Island – take the best view of Ha Long Bay in the Summer time.

17:30-18:00   Back on board, you will participate in Sunset party & cooking class while the vessel cruises toward the shore. You can enjoy relaxing moments while sipping a cup of traditional Vietnamese tea or coffee on the sundeck amid wonderful scenery and beautiful sunset. Ha Long Bay is calm during the day, but when the sun goes down, the Bay becomes even more tranquil and peaceful.

You will be instructed to make delicious Fresh Spring rolls by our chef and then enjoy the rolls made on your own.

17:30-18:30   Happy hour – BUY 2 DRINK GET 1 FOR FREE (cocktails, mocktails…)

19:00-20:00  Enjoy your dinner on the Sundeck (if the weather is favorable)

After dinner, you will enjoy a peaceful view of the Bay at night on the deck. Enjoying music and some drinks at Sky Bar while admiring the breathtaking view of the Bay at night or squid fishing.

The cruise ship anchors for your peaceful night stay in quiet area 

Have breakfast on board while the boat starts cruising to the Natural Preservation Area.

07:45-09:00   Kayaking to explore Luon Cave. If you are lucky, you can catch great photos with mischievous monkeys jigging up and down around the cliffs

09.30  Check-out time. Please put your luggage outside your cabin and leave the room key at the reception desk. Our staff will transfer your luggage to the waiting area. While waiting, you can shop for some products of the cruise.

Kayaking on Halong Bay

10.00   Enjoy an early lunch at the restaurant on the 2nd floor and settle the bills if any.

11.00    Arrival at Tuan Chau Marina and transfer to aiport for flight to Danang. Upon arrival, you will meet your driver and transfer to hotel in Hoian.

Spend a day leisurely cycling through the scenic countryside of Vietnam, far from the traffic the motor scooters, and the noises of the city. You will cross the islands on the Thu Bon river delta using local transportation, including ferries and floating bridges.

Cycling through countryside of Hoian Town

During the tour, the guests will discover

• Enjoy a river crossing on a local ferry
• Traditional boat-building yards.
• Inlaid with mother of pearl.
• How to weave the traditional sleeping mats.
• Traditional Vietnamese countryside house.
• Basket boat builder.
• Testing the basket boat.
• Rice wine family maker.
• The story of the countryside family temple.
• Crossing a floating bridge (when is available).
• 40 minutes boat trip on the delta of the Thu Bon river.

And much more depending on the activities of the people we meet along the way

Enjoy your free day to relax in Hoian town.

Walking around Ancient Town of HoiAn

Free in the morning.

In the afternoon, transfer to the station for day train to Hue. Enjoy scenic view of Hai Van pass on the way. Arrive Hue in late afternoon and transfer to hotel in Hue. Free time to explore Hue by night.

Train over Hai Van pass

08:00 – 08:20: Pickup at the hotel.

Today, we will spend a full day touring Hue city.

In the morning: visit Old Imperial City, Flag Tower, Thien Mu Pagoda and Dong Ba bustling market. Lunch at the local restaurant.

Old Imperial City, Hue

In the afternoon: visit Royal Tombs of Minh Mang and Khai Dinh. We will also visit a Conical hat village and incense stick village.

After the tour, you will be transferred to hotel and free time to explore Hue by night.

Free in the morning.

In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for the flight to Ho Chi Minh. Transfer to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh upon arrival.

Thien Mu Pagoda next to Huong River, Hue

Take the morning trip to visit Independence Palace, also known at the Reunification palace, was built on the sight of the former Norodom palace. The Independence palace is a widely known landmark of Ho Chi Minh City and was designed by the architect Ngo Viet Thu. Continue seeing the beautiful structures from the French Colonial times such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the historic Central Post Office. Followed by the remarkable site of the War Remnants Museum the museum has a vast display of the both the Indochina wars.

Have lunch at local restaurant.

Cu Chi Tunnel

Depart for Cu Chi tunnel, the trip will take approximately one and a half hours bus driving. Upon arrival, before exploring the tunnels, you will have some short introduction followed by introductory video about how the tunnels were constructed and how the people survived in the harsh conditions of the war time. Then, spend your time to explore the remaining area and tunnel systems which included the special constructed living areas with kitchens, bedrooms side by side with other martial facilities like storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers helping whoever lives inside the tunnels meet their basic needs. Besides, there are also many hidden trap doors and dangerous traps within the maze-like tunnels for security purpose during the war. Afterward, special tea and cassava (guerilla’s food during the war) will be served. Break time for relax or time for those who want to try the real shooting gun. And return to Ho Chi Minh.

07:30 AM: Depart for Cai Be by van/bus via Trung Luong Expressway.

Upon arrival in Cai Be, have a boat ride to the remaining site of a renowned wholesale floating market on the Tien River many years ago. This site entitles you to know something about the local trading habit that has changed due to the age of the modern society when more terrestrial transportation and high technique of agriculture have dominated everywhere. There, you can realize how diverse the area is and how rich orchard gardens are, which makes it the basket of fruit in the lower part of the Mekong River.

Mekong Delta

Ramble in small villages where you will uncover the beauty of an ancient house and learn about the indigenous culture. Make a short visit to a small family business where the locals make coconut fudges and crispy rice popcorn. Savor delicious fresh fruit and feel the slow rhythms of Southern Vietnamese folk music – a kind of music entwined with the life and culture of the Mekong Delta people. Paddle through small canals – an exciting experience since you can look around, unwind, and soak up the wonderful atmosphere of the Upper Mekong Delta. Additionally, after arrival on Tan Phong Island, immerse yourself in nature’s tranquility.

At lunch time, you not only enjoy luscious food but also get closer to the locals as it is a chance to learn how to prepare Vietnamese specialties. The meal is cooked on your own and served in the heart of the local garden.

Cycle on the village path through orchards. Meet the local islanders to learn more about the local daily life in the Mekong Delta. Visit Ba Kiệt’s ancient house.

Take a boat ride back to Cai Be and meet your bus for the trip back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Free time till pick up to the airport for the flight departure. Trip ends!

Overview of Ho Chi Minh City