Meals

Breakfast daily, 5 lunches and 3 dinners

Guide

Guided sightseeing - Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Mekong Delta and Ho Chi Minh City Escorted by an English speaking Laotian and Vietnamese tour guides

Transport

Airport arrival transfer day 1 and departure transfer day 16 All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles

Accommodation

13 nights 4 star and special class hotels and 1 night aboard deluxe junk boat (private en suite cabin)

Others

1 overnight sleeper train Hanoi to Hue in basic 4 berth cabin (or opt to fly - see Add-ons for details) Living land farm experience Halong Bay Junk boat cruise - opt to swim, kayak and explore caves Bicycle ride to Tra Que village and cooking demonstration Sampan boat trips in the Mekong Delta

Flights

Economy class flights: Luang Prabang to Hanoi and Danang to Ho Chi Minh City

Not included:

Others

International flights and visas Tip for your tour guide. We recommend you allow USD$3-6 per day, per traveller. Tipping your guide is an entirely personal gesture

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

Insurance

Insurance is not included

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Day 1 Day 1: Vientiane
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Vientiane

Sunday. Welcome to Laos! Arrival transfer from Vientiane airport to our hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore at leisure.
Day 2 Day 2: Vientiane City Tour
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Vientiane City Tour

After breakfast we explore the charming capital of Laos on a city tour. Highlights include Wat Si Saket, the former royal temple of Haw Pha Kaeo, Pha That Luang monument and Buddha Park with its incredible array of Hindu and Buddhist sculptures. We also visit the COPE Centre, a charity working with victims of unexploded bombs and mines. End the day with a spectacular sunset dinner besides the Mekong River.
Day 3 Day 3: Vang Vieng
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Vang Vieng

Vientiane – Vang Vieng. We leave the capital early and journey north through lush countryside to Vang Vieng, peaceful village of Vang Vieng, situated on a curve of the Nam Song River. In the afternoon, we cross the Nam Song River and venture to the other side, traversing a picturesque, unpaved route that winds through the Vang Vieng countryside, passing small villages and rice fields. This journey leads us to the blue lagoon and the Tham Pou Kham cave. The striking landscape, with its towering karst rock formations between Vang Vieng and the blue lagoon, is a sight to behold and makes the trip truly worthwhile. Inside the cave, we find a maze of chambers, galleries, and crevices adorned with stalagmites and stalactites, and the air inside is cool and damp. Following our exploration of the cave, we descend to the Blue Lagoon, where you can relax, swim, or simply unwind in the refreshing waters.
Day 4 Day 4: Tham Jang Cave, Ban Huai Ngai Village
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Tham Jang Cave, Ban Huai Ngai Village

Vang Vieng – Luang Prabang. We explore the famous caves of Tham Jang this morning, where local people hid during a Chinese invasion in the early 19th Century. Then we get a taste of local life at Ban Huai Ngai village before travelling north to enchanting Luang Prabang.
Day 5 Day 5: Luang Prabang
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Luang Prabang

Consider rising early this morning to watch the daily ritual of saffron-clad monks and their procession down the streets of Luang Prabang, collecting alms from the residents. Afterwards we hop on a vintage tuk-tuk to travel in style around the old quarter of Luang Prabang. Our first stop on this unique sightseeing tour is the bustling Morning Market where we’ll learn about local products. Then we stop at the magnificent Wat Xiengthong temple to admire its classical Laotian architecture. We end our morning with a visit to the former Royal Palace, which is now a national museum. This afternoon we visit ethnic minority villages en route to the beautiful Khouangsi waterfall. Meet the locals and gain a fascinating insight into the local culture. We then drive to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where you can splash around in the turquoise pools or walk along the forest trails.
Day 6 Day 6-7: Living Land Farm & Hanoi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6-7: Living Land Farm & Hanoi

Luang Prabang - Hanoi (Vietnam). On day 6 we head into the idyllic countryside to visit the Living Land Farm for a fun and hands on half day farming experience. Learn how rice is planted and cultivated in the rice paddy and have a go at ploughing the rice paddy with a water buffalo. Then we enjoy a tasty lunch of traditional Lao dishes at the farm’s Rice House, while soaking up the spectacular views of rice terraces and mountains beyond. The afternoon is free for you to independently explore more of Luang Prabang. Consider visiting the sobering UXO Centre to learn more about the Second Indochina War, take in more of the city’s beautiful temples or head to the Ock Pop Tock weaving centre set in beautiful tropical gardens. In the evening we board a flight to Hanoi. Day 7 is free for you to explore Vietnam’s capital at leisure. Why not get off the beaten track and explore Hanoi on our optional Back Streets of Hanoi add-on? Discover the quaint districts of Cho Buoi, Hoang Hoa Tham and Vinh Phuc and ride pillion on taxi-motorbikes through a maze of narrow streets and along the shore of beautiful Ho Tay Lake.
Day 7 Day 8: Halong Bay
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Halong Bay

Hanoi – Halong Bay. After breakfast we enjoy an exhilarating cyclo (rickshaw) ride around the maze of streets in Hanoi’s French Quarter, taking in highlights such as the Opera house and Ly Thai To Park. After the cyclo ride we transfer to heavenly Halong Bay, the jewel in Vietnam’s scenic crown. We explore the pristine jade waters, studded with karst islands, aboard a traditional junk boat. Our cruise starts with a tasty lunch onboard, soaking up the views. This afternoon we visit Trinh Nu Cave, one of the finest caves in Halong Bay, covering an area of 2,000m² with a stunning array of stalactites and stalagmites. There’s also the opportunity to go kayaking and enjoy a refreshing swim. Later this evening back on board, watch a Vietnamese cooking demonstration held on the sundeck before settling down for a sumptuous seafood dinner.
Day 8 Day 9: Floating Villages And Hanoi Old Quarter
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Floating Villages And Hanoi Old Quarter

Halong Bay - Hanoi - Hue. Early birds can start the day with a relaxing Tai Chi class on the sundeck or a traditional massage. Before heading back to port this morning, we explore the beautiful Sung Sot cave (Surprise Grotto), which is 10,000m² and consists of two major chambers which are spectacular and spacious enough to hold thousands of people. Arriving back into Hanoi mid-afternoon we enjoy a leisurely walk around the ‘36 streets of the old quarter’, named after the numerous guilds that once set up shop on a particular street, from silk tailors to traditional medicine shops. Later this evening there’s a chance to freshen up before boarding the train (4 berth sleeper cabin, basic standard) on the ‘Reunification Express’ railway line to Hue. An option to fly from Hanoi to Hue is also available.
Day 9 Day 10: Imperial Hue
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Imperial Hue

Arriving into Hue we embark on a guided sightseeing tour of the former capital of the 19th-century Nguyen Empire. Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, home to the oldest monastery in the city. The seven-tiered pagoda has become a well known symbol for Hue. Within the walled citadel is the Imperial Purple Palace, an exact copy of the Forbidden City in Beijing, with its impressive ramparts, moats and imperial palaces. In the countryside lies the Royal Tombs of the Nguyen kings and here we’ll see the elaborate mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc. As the sun sets take an optional cruise in a longboat along the Perfume River, beautifully illuminated at night. Alternatively, enjoy some retail therapy at Dong Ba Market.
Day 10 Day 11: Road Of The Ocean Clouds
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Road Of The Ocean Clouds

Hue - Road of the Ocean Clouds - Hoi An. Today we take a drive along the scenic Hai Van Pass (Road of the Ocean Clouds), which offers magnificent views of beaches to one side and lush hills to the other. En route we stop for a walk along China beach, featured in Francis Ford Coppola’s movie ‘Apocalypse Now’. Perhaps enjoy a refreshing swim in the sea before we continue our journey along the coast road to Hoi An. The charming, old-world trading port of Hoi An with its cobbled streets, traditional homes and tiny shop houses is a perfect place to lose yourself in a bygone era. Boutique restaurants, hip cafes along the waterfront, delightful craft shops and artisans including some of Asia’s best bespoke tailors (whose services come at a nominal price), can be found here. On a short walking tour of the enchanting historical city, we’ll visit the Chua Ong Pagoda, Chinese Assembly Hall, 200-year-old Tam Ky house and the famous 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge. During your stay in Hoi An, we offer a unique optional Hoi An Street Eats add-on, which explores the city’s most popular local haunts. Cruise the city the way the locals do, by vintage Vespa and enjoy lots of tasty Vietnamese Cuisine. Book early with your reservation consultant, as numbers are limited.
Day 11 Day 12: Tra Que Village
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Tra Que Village

A leisurely bicycle ride into the countryside leads us to Tra Que village this morning (we can arrange alternative transportation at no extra cost for those who don’t wish to cycle). Here we discover age old farming practices and learn about traditional medicine. It’s a fun, hands on experience, where we don conical hats and assist with tending the fields. Then we’ll enjoy an entertaining cooking demonstration and help to cook a tasty lunch.
Day 12 Day 13: Hoi An - At Leisure
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Hoi An - At Leisure

Today is free for you to relax or further explore. You may wish to take a relaxing rowboat journey along the river or spend the day lazing by the beach. Alternatively you can opt to take an excursion to the UNESCO-listed My Son sanctuary or enjoy a day trip to the Ba Na Hills, where you can ride the second longest cable car in the world, explore the resort and walk along the striking Golden Bridge (book and pay locally).
Day 13 Day 14: Crusing The Mekong
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Crusing The Mekong

Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City. We catch an early morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City today and drive to the Mekong Delta. Often referred to as the ‘rice bowl’ of Vietnam, the fertile Mekong Delta is famous for its abundant harvests of tropical fruits, flowers and rice. Boarding our traditional sampan, we cruise along the maze of canals from Cai Be to Can Tho. Stop to visit local cottage industries as we go, then enjoy lunch in a traditional wooden home on Dong Hoa Hiep Island.
Day 14 Day 15: Mekong & Ho Chi Minh City
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Mekong & Ho Chi Minh City

Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh City. Early today we visit the colourful Cai Rang floating market and drive to Ho Chi Minh City. Once called the Pearl of the Orient, modern Ho Chi Minh City is a thriving metropolis on the move. Sleek sky scrapers, gourmet restaurants, designer malls and swanky bars and spas are scattered between ancient pagodas, colonial era landmarks and lively street markets. On our walking tour of Ho Chi Minh City we’ll see the Notre Dame Cathedral (exterior) and the Old Post office. We also visit the sobering War Remnants Museum before this evening is at leisure.
Day 15 Day 16: Ho Chi Minh City
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Ho Chi Minh City

Monday. Today offers free time in Ho Chi Minh City until your departure transfer to the airport. Perhaps opt to shop for souvenirs at Ben Thanh Market or visit the grand Independence Palace, with its secret bunker and military command centre beneath. If extending your stay consider joining us on a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Here you can go underground to explore the vast network of tunnels and hideouts used by Viet Cong guerrilla fighters, see booby traps, trap doors or test your skill with an AK 47 at the firing range.

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16 days tour

Laos To Vietnam - 16 Days

This tour includes:

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Itinerary of your trip Laos To Vietnam - 16 Days

Day 1: Vientiane

Day 2: Vientiane City Tour

Day 3: Vang Vieng

Day 4: Tham Jang Cave, Ban Huai Ngai Village

Day 5: Luang Prabang

Day 6-7: Living Land Farm & Hanoi

Day 8: Halong Bay

Day 9: Floating Villages And Hanoi Old Quarter

Day 10: Imperial Hue

Day 11: Road Of The Ocean Clouds

Day 12: Tra Que Village

Day 13: Hoi An - At Leisure

Day 14: Crusing The Mekong

Day 15: Mekong & Ho Chi Minh City

Day 16: Ho Chi Minh City

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