19 Days Best of Laos & Vietnam

Welcome to your holiday.
Upon arrival at the International Airport, either Domestic or International arrival, after clearing all customs procedures, please proceed to exit gate and look for your guide who will be waiting at the lobby, holding the signboard with your name on it.
Transfer to hotel for check in. Take a deep break after long journey.
Overnight in Vientiane.

Morning, we start visiting the major sights of the capital; including the Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. Enroute to Lao’s national precious heritage, the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, you will have the opportunity to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph. Afternoon, we transfer to visit Buddha Park. Return to the city, free to visit Night Market.
Overnight in Vientiane.

This morning, transfer to train station to catch speed train to Vang Vieng. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel for check in and stay overnight in Vang Vieng.

This morning, we transfer by car to visit Tham Jang Caves and Blue Lagoon site 1. Free at leisure to swim at the blue turquoise water. Afternoon, we drive 10 km up north of Vang Vieng town to Ban Vieng Samai (Khmu Village) Kayaking starting point. Before your kayaking you’ll know the basic and safety instructions from our Expert River tour guide. You’ll enjoy with the paddling and seeing the green scenery covering the mountain karts along the Nam Song Riverside to Tham Norn cave (Sleeping cave) the cave lies on the banks of the river then Visiting Tham Nang Far (Angel cave) and Tube inside Tham Norn cave (Sleeping cave) you will know the history of this cave when Laos was the second Indochina war from your guide.
After the caves we then continuous other 3km to Vang Vieng town and the kayaking end.
Overnight in Vang Vieng.

Guide and driver pick you up at your hotel in Vang Vieng, and transfer 12km north to Ban Phathao where the trek starts. We begin with climbing the steep mountains which lead us to some spectacular panoramic views! Near the top of the ridge lies the Tham Hok cave, which we will take some time to explore; it contains some of the most impressive stalactites and stalagmites to be found in Vang Vieng. After we begin the descent down the far side of the mo untain to where ‘Secret Eden’ is reached! Here is time to swim before returning to Vang Vieng.
Approximately: 15 minutes transfer, 6 hours trekking

Today, you will transfer to Luang Prabang by speed train.
Upon arrival, transfer to hotel for check in and stay overnight in Luang Prabang.

You have the option to wake up before dawn to witness and participate in offering alms to hundreds of saffron-robed monks – an awe-inspiring sight. Please tell your guide a day in advance if you wish to make an offering so he/she can prepare some food for you to hand over to the monks. This early morning ritual dates back generations in Laos. Watch the town come to life in the morning then return to the hotel for breakfast or join the locals for a bowl of delicious noodle soup after the alms giving ritual. (If you do not wish to make an offering, please keep an appropriate distance and observe the ritual in silence. Dress appropriately – shoulders, chest and legs should be covered).
After breakfast, we visit Morning Market where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings.
Then we transfer to Heritage House and attend a hands-on experience in traditional religious floral decoration uses banana leaves and local flower from the lush jungles that surround in this art form, and will help you create a religious offering, or Van-Cornet. Then we bring our flower set to visit the temple nearby and offer to Monks. Next, we visit National Museum at the former Royal Palace displays a lovely collection of the artifacts reflecting the ric hness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. Continue to Wat Mai the largest and most richly decorated of the temples in Luang Prabang.
Afternoon, we visit the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. Then visit Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center (close on Mondays) where you are able to observe valuable artifacts and traditional clothing and implements from each of the 20 ethnic minority groups which inhabit the Luang Prabang area. Finally we will climb up 328 steps of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a beautiful over view of the city and the Mekong River.

This morning, transfer to Ban Pak Ou, we will visit Manifa Elephant Camp and have a tour of feeding the elephant, riding the elephant. Then we cross the river to visit Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Along the way, we will make a stop at Ban Xang Hai village where rice wine is distilled. We will visit the caves of Tham Ting and Tham Phoum which house hundreds of Buddha statues. We return to Luang Prabang in the afternoon, continue to visit Ban Xang Khong, a village well known for silk hand-weaving and traditional Saa paper-making.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Spend a morning on a communitybased living rice farm situated in the idyllic countryside, surrounded by mountains and rice paddies. Experience the life of a farmer and try your hand at some of the activities. Or just view it all from the comfort of our traditional Lao rice house balcony, which is surrounded by rice terraces and our organic vegetable farm. All can join in and there are great photo opportunities. While there, spend some time to visit some local handicraft workshops like bamboo weaving, blacksmith work, and sugar cane processing. Finally, join a tour of the organic garden with explanation on how natural herbs are used in traditional medicine.
Afternoon, transfer by private vehicle to Khouang Si waterfall. On the way, you can visit to the Lao ethnic minority group at Ban Na Ouane Village, H’Mong Village. Once at the waterfalls, take a leisurely hike through the national park towards t he Khouang Si waterfalls and pass by the Asian bear rescue center. You will enjoy feeling the mist of the cool, turquoise waters of the different waterfalls. Swimming in the refreshing waters is possible.
Overnight in Luang Prabang

Free at your own leisure until pick up to the airport for the flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, our driver will be waiting at the exit gate and pick you up to the hotel for check-in.
Relax and explore the city in your own way.
Overnight in Hanoi.

Get picked up by our friendly guide and start to explore Hanoi City.
Arrive at Tran Quoc Pagoda located on Golden Fish Island in West Lake. It is the oldest pagoda in Ha Noi built in the 6th century.
Then, visit Ho Chi Minh complex (including Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, stilt house, and the Presidential Palace), you have a chance to see the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh then walk around the garden to see 2 houses where he lived & worked from 1954 to 1969.
After that, visit One Pillar Pagoda where worships the Goddess of Mercy – It is the most unique pagoda in the world
(You should dress modestly by covering from shoulders to knees when visiting Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, temples, pagodas…)
Next, visit Vietnam Ethnology Museum to learn about the culture of 54 ethnic groups living in the whole country of Vietnam.
Then you will visit Temple of Literature – the first university of Vietnam, established in the 11-century.
Leave for Hoa Lo Prison Museum which originally used by the French colonists in Indochina for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for U.S. prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. During this later period, it was known to American POWs as the "Hanoi Hilton.
End the day’s explorations; you will enjoy the traditional puppet show at the puppet theater.
Overnight in Hanoi.

Our guide and shuttle bus will pick you up at lobby of hotel at 8.00AM and start journey east to Halong Bay, through picturesque rice-farming villages of the Red River Delta, where we see every day Vietnamese village life. On arrival, we board a beautiful cruise and spend a full day and night cruising the bay’s 3000 magnificent limestone islets. In the evening when the boat is anchored in the middle of the stunning lagoon, we enjoy a wonderful seafood meal and later there is opportunity for an evening swim from the side of the boat. Spend the night on our luxury boat.

Awake early and participate in Tai Chi on the top deck or simply relax and enjoy the sunrise over the bay’s towering islands. Enjoy a morning cup of coffee or tea, before setting out to explore nearby islands by rowboat. Return to the junk for breakfast then take advantage of the sundeck and admire the amazing rock formations of Halong. Have brunch on board the boat before returning to Halong pier to transfer back to Hanoi.
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Danang. Upon arrival, meet our driver at the exit gate, then transfer to the hotel in Hoi An for check in.
Overnight in Hoi An.

08:30 Depart from your hotel, the guide will meet you in hotel lobby, than you will cycle around Hoi An towards the Tra Que vegetable village - About 150 farmers and 400 owners live on there and cultivate about 20 types of vegetables and herbs such as mint, lettuce, basil, cilantro, broccoli and many more. From the more than 40 hectares of land 8 tons of Village Tra vegetables are sold every year. The vegetable growers do not use pesticides or GMOs, using natural fertilizers instead, including seaweed found in the river and harvested by gardeners every morning.
10:00 During the walk, you will cross vast rice fields in the countryside and quiet road, far away from the tourist trails. You will see the activities of the inhabitants through the villages of Hoi An.
11:00 Walk in Tra Que vegetable village and meet local people working in the garden.
The local farmer will teach you all about cultivation methods and how to protect developing vegetable from the insects as well as join the farmers in preparing gardening activities such as raking the ground, sowing, watering greens, transplanting and tending greens.
12:00 Continue riding through paddy field, Ba Le market, kindergarten ... until reaching Van Lang fisherman village and Bay Mau coconut water forest - about 7 hectares, surrounded by mangrove forests, canals, houses covered by coconut water leaf . This place had ever been the refuge for people and local soldiers during the Vietnam War. Nowadays, it is famous for providing the most seafood products.
You will be warmly welcomed at Mr.Han – a 3 generations family, taste of green tea and stroll through the village. You will row a basket boat within the hands of skillful locals and discover their techniques of traditional fishery in water coconut forest.
13:30 Back to Mr.Han’s family where you will enjoy a foot bath with medicinal herbs, traditional therapeutic practice before getting ready to prepare lunch with a local family. Lunch will feature many local delicacies, such as Tam Huu spring rolls, Banh Xeo local pancakes, grilled fish in banana leaf and others.
14:30 After lunch, free time and short rest before returning to your hotel about 16h00.
Overnight in Hoi An.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. This day, you will have free time to relax and explore Hoi An by yourself. You can visit famous tailor-made shops in here or nearby beaches as An Bang Beach or Cua Dai Beach. Enjoy the unique cuisines of Hoi An such as: Cao Lau (a pork noodle dish), Mi Quang (Quang Noodle), Chicken Rice Hoi An, Banh Dap, Mot’s traditional Herbal drink…
Have lunch and dinner on your own and overnight in Hoi An.
*In the evening, Hoi An offers a charming atmosphere with various attractions to explore. Here are my recommendations for places to visit in the evening:
1. Riverside Restaurants: Enjoy a delightful dining experience at one of the many riverside restaurants. Indulge in delicious Vietnamese cuisine while enjoying the scenic views of the Thu Bon River. The riverside area becomes even more magical in the evening with lanterns reflecting on the water.
2. Night Market: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Hoi An Night Market. Browse through a wide range of stalls selling handicrafts, souvenirs, clothing, and local street food. It's a great place to shop for unique gifts and immerse yourself in the local culture.
3. Traditional Cultural Performances (Ky Uc Hoi An): Catch a traditional performance at one of the cultural centers in Hoi An. Experience captivating shows featuring traditional music, dance, and storytelling that showcase the rich heritage of the region. (Ticket fee: about 22 – 45 USD/pax depend on the ticket category)
Enjoy your exploration of Hoi An!

Have breakfast and check out the hotel.
Free at your own leisure until pick up to the airport for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, our driver will be waiting at the exit gate and pick you up to the hotel for check-in.
Relax and explore the city in your own way.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Breakfast at hotel, meet our guide; start visiting to the most attractive places in Ho Chi Minh City including Reunification Palace – a special national relic for its historical and architectural values of Vietnam, and the War Remnants Museum. Next, we will explore a little bit about Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office – the French building in Ho Chi Minh City.
After lunch, depart for Cu Chi tunnel, the trip will take approximately one and a half hours 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.
End of tour, return to hotel and have dinner on your own.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Leaving the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City and start your trip to depart for My Tho, the town lies on the left side of the Mekong River. Upon arrival, boarding the sampan and cruising down the river around the four beautiful islands known as Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix and Tortoise islands.
On arrival at My Tho, take a leisurely cruise on the Tien River to view the four beautiful islands known as Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix and Tortoise islands.
Enjoy lunch at the local restaurant, then visit the coconut candy mill and take an amazing rowing boat trip along the small canal on a hand-rowed sampan under the shadow of the water coconut trees along natural canals. Then enjoy seasonal fruit & honey tea to the sound of Southern Vietnamese folk music; performed by locals.
Meet at the private car and return to Ho Chi Minh City. This trip provides a fascinating insight into daily life in the Mekong Delta and you are guaranteed to take home your own private collection of beautiful memories.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

All things come to an end and, unfortunately, this is the end of your journey! Meet up with our driver who will take you to the airport for your departure flight.
The regular check-out time is at 1200; late check-out is NOT included.