Classical Laos & Vietnam – 12 Days

This journey is inspired by the many sights, sounds and flavours of Vietnam and the most beautiful charming city Luang Prabang of Laos. We are not only visiting the fantastic sights and attractions, but  also getting to know the countries and its amazing people. We want to offer you a real slice of Indochina life.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit Luang Prabang’s Temples And Markets
• Immerse Yourself In Buddhist Culture
• Spend a day venturing through the city, taking in museums, markets and other colorful sights in Hanoi
• A luxury cruise in Ha Long Bay
• A romantic escape in quaint Hoi An Town
• Private boat trip on Mekong River to explore the surrounding floating markets and islands.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Luang Prabang Arrival
Day 2:  Pak Ou Caves
Day 3: Luang Prabang Walking Tour
Day 4: Khuang Si Waterfal/Fly to Hanoi
Day 5: Full Day Hanoi City Tour
Day 6: Hanoi – Halong Bay
Day 7: Halong Bay – Hanoi/Fly to Hue
Day 8: Hue City Tour
Day 9: Hue – Hoi An Ciy Tour
Day 10: Hoi An – Danang/Fly to Ho Chi Minh City
Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta – Ho Chi Minh City
Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City Departure

DAY 1:             LUANG PRABANG ARRIVAL (D)

Arrrival Luang Prabang, you are greeted by our guide and driver at the airport for our transfer to the hotel. Late afternoon, we can go for a stroll around this quaint town and have time to explore the Luang Prabang Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by local villagers and the hill tribes surrounding Luang Prabang. Dinner is at a local house and is accompanied by a traditional Baci ceremony.
 
Overnight at Luang Prabang hotel.

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DAY 2:             LUANG PRABANG – PAK OU CAVES (B, L)

After breakfast we embark on a boat journey upstream along the Mekong River, which gives us a beautiful view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. En route, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, a popular stop-over producing some special varieties of Laolao, the local rice wine. After we visit the caves we make another short stop at a smaller village named Ban Muangkeo. Here we have a stroll through town and get a glimpse of local village life along the Mekong River.
We have lunch at a local riverside restaurant with a stunning view of the Pak Ou Caves. On our return, we stop at the local villages of Ban Xiengmene and Ban Chan then continue to see the royal temple at Wat Longkhoun.
 
The rest of the day is free to spend at leisure in Luang Prabang.
 
Overnight at Luang Prabang hotel.

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DAY 3:             LUANG PRABANG ANCIENT TOWN WALKING TOUR (B, L)

Optional: Early wake-up call possible to join the locals giving food to hundreds of Buddhist monks returning from morning prayers. Take a stroll through Ban Pakham morning market and take part in this everyday ritual.
 
Breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast, enjoy a tour of the city. Your circuit begins at the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, continuing on to Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its golden bas-reliefs. During Pimai (the Lao New Year celebrations in April), the Kingdoms Palladium – known as Prabang and normally housed in the Royal Palace Museum – is put on public display in this temple. Continue on to Wat Xieng Thong, perhaps the most photographed temple in Luang Prabang.

In the late morning visit the unique Wat Visoun, entirely rebuilt after its destruction in 1887 by the invading Black Flags from southern China. In the courtyard of Wat Visoun stands the Watermelon Stupa, which is shaped like the fruit it takes its name from.

In the afternoon start with the excellent Arts and Ethnology Centre which will give you further insight into the ethnic mix and culture of Laos. There is also time to visit the weaving and textile villages of Ban Xangkhong and Ban Xienglek before returning to the Old Town to climb Mount Phousi and enjoy the fantastic sunset view of Luang Prabang, and the Nam Kan River joining the Mekong.

Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang.

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DAY 4:             KHOUANG SI WATERFALLS/FLY TO HANOI (B, L)

After breakfast at the hotel we make our way to the famous Khouang Si Waterfalls. A short walk and visit to the Bear Sanctuary are on the menu first before we have time for a relaxing swim or some relaxing by the water’s edge. Return to hotel around noon time. 
 
Free at leisure until transfer to airport for a short flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival in Hanoi, you will be picked up from the airport and transferred to a hotel for relaxing.
 
Overnight in Hanoi.

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DAY 5:             FULL DAY HANOI CITY TOUR (B, L)

Depart your hotel to visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex (Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh Museum and One pillar pagoda) and the Tran Quoc Pagoda. Continue to the Temple of Literature, the first University in Vietnam dating back to the 16th century. 
 
In the afternoon, enjoy a walking tour through the Old Quarter will provide another fascinating insight into the character and history of the city, before moving on to Dong Xuan Market with its bustling stalls and brisk trading of day-to-day local goods. Finish the day with a traditional water puppet show.
 
Overnight in Hanoi.

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DAY 6:             HANOI – HALONG BAY (B, L, D)

After breakfast, transferred to Halong Bay. Arrive at Halong City at noon and proceed with check-in formalities. After your welcome onboard, a lunch will be served while cruising towards the bay itself. A truly memorable experience awaits you as you cruise the delightful Bay. In the afternoon, enjoy some visits and/or activities depending on each boat’s itinerary or just spend some time relaxing on board. 

Towards the end of the day the boat sets anchor for the night among the karst formations. Dinner is served on board. 

Overnight onboard Halong Bay.

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DAY 7:             HALONG – HANOI/FLY TO HUE (BRUNCH)

Start your day with calming Tai Chi, enjoy the sunrise over the Bay and continue cruising. Enjoy the brunch on the way back to port, transfer to Hanoi. En route visit Thanh Chuong Palace, the home and studio of Thanh Chuong, of the most celebrated painters in Vietnam. More a living space than a museum, the Palace is an architectural gem showcasing Vietnamese traditional cultural objects, exquisite antiques and remarkable structures.

Continue driving to Hanoi Airport, then take a short flight to Hue. Arrival Hue, check in Hotel.

Overnight in Hue.

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DAY 8:             HUE FULL DAY CITY TOUR (B, L)

After breakfast, we visit the Imperial Citadel where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. From here take a cyclo through Dai Noi ‘Old City’ to Tinh Tam Lake where the Emperors used to come to relax. Continue to visit Thien Mu (Celestial Lady) Pagoda overlooking the Perfume River.

In the afternoon see the tomb of the former emperor Minh Mang which is located in a tranquil setting of gardens and ponds. Journey on to Khai Dinh’s Tomb which is traditional Vietnamese in design with a European touch making it unique from the other tombs in Hue.

Before heading back to your hotel take time to stroll around Dong Ba Market, a great place to catch a glimpse of everyday life.

Overnight in Hue.

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DAY 9:             HUE – HOI AN (B, L)

Transfer to Hue via the Hai Van Pass and through the picturesque fishing village of Lang Co. Drive through Danang and visit the Cham museum which contains the finest collection of Cham sculptures in the world. Arrive Hoi An, check in hotel.
In the afternoon, enjoy a walking tour around Hoi An ancient town and explore its treasures: the Japanese Bridge, Phuc Kien Pagoda, Phung Hung Old Merchant House, and Quang Dong Assembly Hall.
 
Overnight in Hoi An.

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DAY 10:           HOI AN – DANANG – HO CHI MINH CITY (B, D)

Free morning at leisure.
 
In the late afternoon, drive to Danang to take the short flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to hotel, check in. Dinner at the local restaurant.
 
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

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DAY 11:           HO CHI MINH CITY – BEN TRE – HO CHI MINH CITY (B, L)

This morning, leave bustling Ho Chi Minh City for the 2 hour drive to the delta town of Ben Tre. Board your local boat through small canals with beautiful tropical scenery. En-route visit the brick making factory, where the locals still use centuries-old traditional methods to make the bricks by hand then visit a small factory producing handicrafts made of coconut. Afterwards, take a ride on a horse driven cart along country roads, through the fruit plantation before enjoying lunch at riverside restaurant.
 
In the afternoon, enjoy a ride in a rowing boat along the palm creek before heading back Ho Chi Minh City. Free evening at leisure.
 
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

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DAY 12:           HO CHI MINH CITY TOUR/DEPARTURE (B)

After breakfast, we visit the Former Presidential Palace, the town’s center with the Notre Dame Cathedral, the City Hall, the Municipal Theater, Quan Am Pagoda, Cho Lon and China town. 
 
You have free afternoon until transferring to airport for your departure flight.

SERVICE INCLUDED

• Shared accommodation in twin/double room with daily breakfast
• Tours as per itinerar with local speaking guide (NO guide on board Halong Bay)
• All transfers and transportation with air-con vehicles
• All entrance fees as program
• Meals (B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner) as indicated in the program
• A bottle of mineral water per day tour

SERVICE EXCLUDED 

• Drinks
• Mineral water beyond that supplied
• Tips
• Personal expenses and tips
• Visa to Laos, Vietnam
• Airfares (international and domestic)
• Meals (other than mentioned in the program)
• Airport taxes  
• Early check in or late check out
• Insurances
• Optional excursions and activities
• Additional transfer required due to any emergency situation
• Items of a personal nature (Phone calls, laundry, beverages…)
• Peak season surcharges if any
• All not mentioned above