Vietnam - Hanoi - Halong - Da Nang - Quang Binh - Tha Khaek - Vang Vieng - Luang Prabang - Laos

13 days / 12 nights

Photos

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Vietnam and Laos with our 13-Day Vietnam & Laos Exploration Tour. Starting in Hanoi, you will delve into the rich history and culture of Vietnam, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the stunning Halong Bay. Continue your adventure to Da Nang, Hue, and the breathtaking Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Cross into Laos and explore Tha Khaek, Vang Vieng, and Luang Prabang, with its serene temples and stunning landscapes. This tour is perfect for those seeking a deep dive into the vibrant cultures and natural wonders of Southeast Asia.

Trip code: IND0015VNLA13D

Destination: Vietnam - Laos

Itinerary

Arrive in Hanoi - Noi Bai International Airport. You will be met at the airport by your English speaking guide and transfer to your hotel in downtown Hanoi.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Distance        Noi Bai Airport – Hanoi Central: 30 km  50 minute transfer
08:00 A.m: We will visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & Museum, the One Pillar Pagoda,The French colonial Styled Presidential Palace and the historical Temple of Literature, the first university of VietNam, built in 1070 in honor of confucius
In the afternoon we will see the Museum of Ethnology then we will attend a traditional Water Puppet show. This art originates from rural festivals in Vietnam. The artists – men and women – stand waist deep in the water to manipulate the puppets, making them move about, talk and laugh and even dance on the surface of the water. The audience is meant to experience the atmosphere of a village festival. Then visit Hoan Kiem Lake (The Restored Sword Lake) and the Ngoc Son Temple, which is on an island in the northern part of the lake. We will enjoy a Cyclo tour along the narrow streets of the Old Quarter of Hanoi. The Old Quarter includes 36 old streets with each name representative of the type of merchandise sold in it.
Overnight in Ha Noi.
Note: Please kindly take note that Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (the inside) will be opened only in the morning. It will be closed every Monday and Friday. Besides the outside of Ho chi Minh Mausoleum, you can still visit Ba Dinh square, Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s House on stilt, One pillar pagoda as normal. Museum of Ethnography also closed every Monday.
After breakfast, drive to Halong Bay (3 hours), a UNESCO World Heritage site. Whoever comes to Vietnam should not miss the chance to visit Halong Bay, a picturesque blend of harmonious transition between the mountains and the sea.
The program will be changed depending on which cruise choosing.
Halong Bay is in the Bac Bo (Tonkin) gulf and stretches over an area of 1,500 km2 with three thousand green islands that look like jewels. Upon arrival at the harbor we will embark on a junk. We will enjoy a fresh seafood lunch on the boat while experiencing the majestic beauty of Halong Bay. The Junk is a wooden sailboat designed in a traditional Vietnamese style while offering a full range of modern amenities.
Visit the fascinating Dau Go Cave called “The Cave of Marvels” and Thien Cung Cave, the “Heavenly Palace Cave” surrounded by spectacular stalactites and stalagmites.
After dinner, enjoy fishing with local fishermen. The reflection of the limestone outcrops, the sight of fishing boats lit up in the darkness; enjoy these precious moments in one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world.
Overnight on board the junk.
06:30: Early birds are welcome to attend sunrise Tai Chi on our upper deck and it's an excellent way to get your energy levels up for today's adventures. You will be fascinated by the exquisiteness in the early hours as you enjoy a coffee or tea.
08:00: Enjoy a buffet breakfast with the best local coffee brand and fresh fruit juices.
09:00: Next we board our Era Day Boat to head to Viet Hai Village. You will take a bicycle trip along the village path and go through rainforests and dark tunnels. Enjoy the stunning scenery of rice fields on the way. Stop at the village to relax. Visit an ancient local house, made from straw, mud, and bamboo…you will have a chance to see the local life in a valley of local people. An optional electric car service is available (at an extra cost).
12:00: Have lunch with the Signature set menu on our day boat.
In the afternoon return to Hanoi. Guide and car pick up to NoiBai Airport.
Overnight in Da Nang
07h30 – 8:15 AM: Our driver will pick you up at your hotel in Da Nang for transfer to Hue. Then you will join the Hue city tour for 1 day to discover the beautiful Hue city. We will help you enjoy a wonderful trip that is full of fun and interesting experiences.
Minh Mang King’s Tomb: Touted as the most majestic of all
Nguyen Dynasty royal tombs, Minh Mang Tomb is a complex of 40 constructions: palaces, temples, pavilions, etc. Many said that it’s the perfect combination of the manmade and natural beauty of Hue, where architecture fits harmoniously into the surrounding landscape. It takes you 45 minutes to go around this tomb and take photos.
Imperial Citadel: Imperial Citadel is the home of Vietnam’s last royal dynasty – the Nguyen Dynasty.
At 4.00- 4.30 p.m: The car will pick up and move to Da Nang
After breakfast, transfer to Hoi An Old Town. Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky's old house, a handicraft market where you can see the artists at work making beautiful silk lanterns, the Cantonese Assembly Hall, temples and pagodas in the Chinese architectural style, and the Hoi An colorful market.
Transfer to Quang Binh
8h00: Car and guide will pick you up at the hotel. A process on the Ho Chi Minh Trail to visit the World Natural Heritage Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park. Phong Nha-Ke Bang is recognized as a World Heritage site in 2003 and 2015. It is the largest national park in Vietnam, converging to the world-famous tourist sites such as Phong Heaven, Dark Cave ...
09h30: Visiting Galaxy (Thien Duong) cave, visitors can visit the length of 1km inside the cave. Galaxy (Thien Duong) is famous for its spectacular beauty and splendor from the sparkling stalactites.
11h30: Have lunch at the dark cave restaurant
After lunchtime, visitors are taken to Zipline to visit Dark Cave. Dark Cave is used for exploration. With a headlight flashlight, the swimming facilities will have an extremely enjoyable experience while walking, swimming through Thuy Tien Lake, and relaxing with a mud bath activity. Especially on the discovery of the night, you will find a zipline on the Chay River. Create a strong feeling for visitors.
15h00: After the discovery of Dark Cave back, visitors are sailing Kayak on the Chay River. Chay River is a romantic river between Chay village and Me Tri town. It is distinguished by the gentle green jade water that bends around rustic villages.
  16h00: Departure back to Dong Hoi.
Overnight in Dong Hoi.

Upon arrival in Vietnamese and Laos Border, we will take a long drive to Tha Khaek about 6hours on the way we will visit The Rock Viewpoint at Phouphamarn, Being one of the top attractions in the Khammouane Province, this viewpoint allows visitors to immerse themselves in nature, as never before in the natural beauties of Phou Hin boun National Protected Area. Specially developed by our lovely partner, Green Discover Laos, It is the tourist destination for all outdoor enthusiasts. In spite of the fascinating atmosphere created by the never-ending limestone mountains and gush waterfalls hidden in the virgin forest, it is one of the least known natural wonders of Laos. From the bottom to the peak of breath-taking Rock View Point, you will experience the unforgettable hike, a huge climb, zip-line, spider-net and via ferrata all in one! Then continue to Tha Khaek, The provincial capital of Khammouane Province, Thakhek, is located on the banks of the Mekong River. Much of its architecture can be traced to French colonial construction in the early 20th century. The town’s name in Lao means ‘guest landing’ (‘Khek’ literally means guest), a reference to its earlier role as a boat landing for foreign traders. The center of the old town can be found around the fountain square near the river where many old buildings still remain.

Overnight in Tha Khaek

After breakfast, we will take a long drive to Vientiane before Vang Vieng, on the way we visit Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple in the city, dating back to 1818. Wat Sisaket is the most important temple still intact in Laos. It houses thousands of Buddha images from many countries, different architectural styles, sculptures and paintings. Continuation with Wat Prakeo, a former royal temple of the Lao monarchy whose origin dates back to 1565, which houses the image of the Emerald Buddha, Buddhist sculptures displayed along the perimeter wall, including a very precious Dvaravati-style stone Buddha from the VI- IX. We then visit the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa. It is an imposing building whose dome, which served as a reliquary, was once covered in gold leaf. In the Lao language these buildings are called thàat, the equivalent of the Indian stupas. Considered the most important monument of Laotian religious architecture and, due to its strong symbolic value, it was included in the emblem of Laos in 1991. In evening time we visit the imposing Patuxay Monument, an Arch of Triumph. Then we drive to Vang Vieng by High Way Road about 1 and half hours then we take around the city and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Vang Vieng

After breakfast, we will visit “THAMNANGNONE” the Angle cave which will present you the very beautiful limestone cave inside with some stories and alike shapes of believed hidden lives.
Another cave “ Tham Jang” don’t be missed then spend the time at Blue Lagoon for relax and swim.
Evening time sitting along the Nam Song River. Overnight in Vang Vieng
Breakfast and transfer to the railway station to take the express train to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, meet your local guide who will take you to your hotel to drop off your luggage. In the afternoon, visit the National Museum at the former Royal Palace which exhibits a fine collection of artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating back to the times of the first kings to the last ruler. Then you will reach Wat Visoun, the holiest temple in the city, which was entirely rebuilt in 1887 after being destroyed by the invasion of the Black Flags from southern China. In the courtyard of Wat Visoun stands the Watermelon Stupa in the shape of the fruit from which it takes its name. Continue to the small Buddhist temple Wat Aham, whose origin dates back to 1500. Climb the 328 steps of Mount Phousi for a pleasant exploration of the sacred golden stupa thus being able to enjoy the splendid sunset view over the city and the Mekong River. Stroll through the Night Market, where you can find a fine selection of handmade textiles made by the hill tribe and local people surrounding Luang Prabang.
Overnight in Luang Prabang
After breakfast, Visit the magnificent Wat Xiengthong complex with its roofs that descend to the ground, which represents classical Lao architecture. Embark on a counter-current cruise on the Mekong River, which offers the wonderful panoramic view of the peaceful countryside. We will reach the mysterious caves of Pak Ou, full of thousands of Buddha statues left by pilgrims, lacquered in gold and of various shapes and sizes. On the way, we will stop at Ban Xang Hai village where rice wine is distilled. Return to Luang Prabang in the afternoon, visiting Ban Xang Khong village, well known for hand weaving silk and traditional Saa paper making.
Overnight in Luang Prabang
A typical rite in Luang Prabang: hundreds of monks dressed in saffron who pass along the street to receive alms. Please inform your guide a day in advance if you would like to make an offering so that he can prepare some food to deliver to the monks. This morning ritual, when the city begins to come to life, dates back to ancient times. You can return to the hotel for breakfast or join the locals for a bowl of delicious noodle soup after the almsgiving ritual. (If you do not wish to make an offering, please keep a suitable distance, observe the ritual in silence and dress appropriately: shoulders, chest and legs covered). We will then visit the market where the most diverse goods are sold such as dried buffalo hides, local tea, and saltpeter, chickens, vegetables and woven wicker from the hill tribes.
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Khouang Si waterfall. En route, you will meet Lao ethnic minority groups in Ban Na Ouane and H'Mong villages. Visit to the "Buffalo Dairy Farm", where there will be the opportunity to join the farm's activities, pampering the beautiful buffaloes, feeding them, attending practical demonstrations of milking and tasting the tasty ice creams and cheeses prepared with their milk. Arrived at Khouang waterfalls, we will take a short hike in the national park passing by the Asiatic bear rescue center. Return to the city and it’s free time till transfer to the airport

Reviews

"This tour exceeded all my expectations! From the vibrant streets of Hanoi to the stunning landscapes of Halong Bay, every day was packed with incredible experiences. The guides were knowledgeable and friendly, making it easy to learn about the culture and history of both Vietnam and Laos. I especially loved exploring the caves in Phong Nha and the tranquil beauty of Luang Prabang. Highly recommend this tour for anyone wanting to experience the heart of Southeast Asia!"

Inclusions

  • Accommodation in the category chosen or similar (subject to availability) based on double/twin sharing with daily breakfast
  • All local boat rentals as mentioned in the program.
  • Transfer from and to the airports by private vehicle with A/C. Transportation by private vehicle with A/C.
  • Local English speaking guide(s) in Vietnam.
  • Meals as mentioned in the program. B: 12 Breakfast, L: 1 Lunch, D: 1  Dinner, BR.1Brunch
  • All entrance fees and sightseeing as mentioned in the program. Mineral Water (01 bottle/pax/day)
  • 01 FOC in ½ Twin room for group of 16pax onward (excluding internal airfares and visas). Maximum 02 FOC per group.

Exclusions

  • Late check out or Early check in
  • Visa fee upon arrival in Vietnam . Vietnam visa authorization letter (5 USD/ pax). Visa fee upon arrival in Cambodia (30 USD/ pax). Lao visa fee (40 USD/ pax).
  • International flight/ Domestic flight tickets and airport taxes.
    All internal/ regional flight tickets in economy class with/without departure tax (? USD/Pax).
  • Tips & personal expenses. Personal insurance. Any service not clearly mentioned in the program.

Accommodation

3* First Class : 3-Star Hotel

4* Superior : 4-Star Hotel

5* Deluxe : 5-Star Hotel

Important Info

From

$1,203/Pax

Applied for group 16-20 persons