Laos-Vietnam Tour 19 days

We welcome you at the airport and transfer to hotel for check in. Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital is a unique city with tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and oriental temples. The rest of the day is at your leisure and yours to explore on your own.

Accommodation          : At the hotel in Hanoi

Meals                          : Break

We then enjoy a city tour starting with the Ho Chi Minh Complex. This famous site contains the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh.

The next destination is the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts.  Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of city. 

We follow this with the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam.  In the afternoon, visit the impressive Ethnologic Museum, dedicated to Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups, several of which we will see on our forthcoming trekking

Lastly take you to watch the water puppet show - a form of entertainment originating in the rural communities and performed in the flooded rice paddies. Puppets depict scenes from rural life, such as planting, fishing, local festivities and parades accompanied by musicians playing traditional instruments. The performances are colorful, intricate and there is a lot of humor as well.

In the evening, we transfer to railway station to board a soft sleep & AC train to Lao Cai/Sapa (22:00). The duration of this journey is 8 hours and 5 minutes. You will reach Lao Cai at 06:05 in the next morning.

Note:  There is no escorting guide from Hanoi to Sapa. We are committed to support the communities by using local guide in Sapa; some of them come from the surrounding ethnic villages. The best thing is their willingness to show you about their cultures, customs and especially they know the area as the back of their hand.

Accommodation          : On the train (Sharing soft sleeper & AC, carriage cabin of 4 berths on train)

Meals                          : Breakfast

Bac Ha market (Sunday only) 

Can Cau Market (Saturdays only)

Cao Son Market (Wednesday only)

Coc Ly Market  (Tuesday only)

Lung Khau Nhin Market (Thursday only)

Arrive in Lao Cai station around 6 Am, pick up and breakfast and transfer to one of above ethnic local markets filled with many different hill-tribe peoples. At the market, you have chance to enjoy the simple life but unique kinds of food with special wines made from rice, cassavas, corn and different sorts of fruits such as plumps, apples, peaches... talking to the minorities through the guide's interpretation.

You get on the car for journey to Sa Pa.

Upon arrival in Sa Pa, we continue to Ham Rong. Located in the majestic Hoang Lien Son Range, at an altitude of nearly 1,800m, Ham Rong Mountain consists of undulating rocks with many interesting shapes. From far away, Ham Rong Mountain is like a huge dragon bending itself, lying toward the west of Hoang Lien Son Range. The top of the mountain was designed by Mother Nature to make random cliffs bring casual images. The people here call the mountain Mount Dragon Head because due to its appearance heading towards the sky. There are many variants of the legendary Ham Rong mountain but these legends refer to the love affection, graceful salinity, the common dragon.

Proceed to the hotel in Sa Pa for checking-in then you are free to relax.

Accommodation          : At the hotel in Sapa

Meals                          : Breakfast, Lunch

Highlights:

Leave the busy life behind to enjoy a nice walk in an quiet area. Inhabited by the Red Dao and Hmong peoples. This valley is quiet and non-touristic which is quite different from Ta Phin or Muong Hoa valleys where the local peoples have changed much because of the strong influence of tourism.

Itinerary:

Met up at your hotel in Sapa by local guide and driver for a short road transfer heading northwards of Sapa along national road 4C to O Quy Ho with several stops for magnificent landscapes of Fansipan, Sin Chai valley and especially amazing flower and vegetable farms. Then turn right to follow a narrow road for half an hour getting through the wild region with thick rain forest covering walled-up mountains, passing several waterfalls before arriving to Ban Khoang, a village of the Red Zao ethnic peoples who live their unique way of life and well maintain their traditional values. The village looks prosperous thanks to the combination of wet rice cultivation on the terraced fields with

cardamom farming under the shade of trees in thick forest. Spend over an hour walking to explore this remote village for a brief understanding of local life. Leaving Ban Khoang and process along the road for about 10km to Ta Giang Phinh valley inhabited by the Black Hmong who live in some small villages scattering along a peaceful stream.

Enjoy an hour lunch break on the bank of a stream before walking along village path which connects village to village to witness daily activities of local life such as plough and harrow the fields, growing, harvesting or doing some house work. In leisure months men often gather to build new houses or repair parts of old ones while women stay home making their traditional costumes. The walk ends in midafternoon, picked up for the road ride back to Sapa.

Approx: 2-hour driving/ 4 hours walking/ 1-hour lunch

And then transfer you back to Lao Cai station to take your overnight train back to Hanoi. Train time is 21:30-05:25

Accommodation          : On the train (Sharing soft sleeper & AC, carriage cabin of 4 berths on train)

Meals                            : Breakfast, Lunch

Upon arrival at the railway station, pick up and transfer you to a mini hotel for breakfast and fresh up and then transfer you to Ha Long Bay.

We then transfer you to a wooden sailing junk for a cruise through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, giving us the chance to take in the stunning scenery of this World Heritage Site. While on board we will be served a sumptuous fresh, local seafood lunch followed by a swim and exploring some of the limestone caves in this area. When the sun comes down we drop anchor for the night nearby a remote island.  Dinner on board. Overnight on Junk

Accommodation          : On Ha Long Bay cruise

Meals                            : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Rising to the tranquil beauty of the bay we have time for an early morning dip with joys and emotions for watching sunrise on sea followed by breakfast. This morning we continue to move around the bay to find more secluded areas. The junk will be near us at all times serving as a back-up vessel for those that require it. At around midday we will return to the main harbor before transferring to our awaiting vehicle for a 3-hour journey back to Hanoi and Noi Bai airport for your flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival pick up and transfer you to Hoian for your overnight

Accommodation          : At the hotel in Hoi An

Meals                            : Breakfast, Lunch

Start your day with a visit to the 4th century Cham religious sanctuary of My Son. It is classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, located in a beautiful green valley surrounded by impressive mountains. While a small site, the ruins at My Son are the largest and most intact remaining in Vietnam. It is also the home to the Museum of Cham Sculpture, which records the development of the culture and history of the Cham people through their elaborate sculptures and carvings. The passable road ends about 1.5 miles from the actual site.

Back to Hoi An for lunch. Afternoon take 2-hour boat trip in Thu Bon

Kim Bong Carpentry Village We will take a 30-minute boat ride to the Kim Bong Carpentry Village. This is a traditional craft village in Hoi An and formed in the 15th century by the Northerners: Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh. Visit and learn about the shipbuilding area where wooden fishing vessels are built using traditional techniques. You will also have a stop at the carpentry workshop where carpenters create handcrafted furniture and sculptures

Thanh Ha Pottery Village Continue taking another boat ride to Thanh Ha Pottery Village where you will observe how the villagers making pottery products such as vases, pots and kettles. Thanh Ha Pottery Village has over 500 years of history from the establishing period up to now. We then visit Thanh Ha Terra Cotta Park Museum, where masterpiece series includes works of art of human architecture & sculpture are clearly and vividly re-appeared, such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa (Italy), Taj Mahal (India), Sydney Opera House (Australia), the White House (USA), Pyramid (Egypt), Notre Dame (France)… made entirely of clay, made by the artisans in village.

Overnight in Hoian.

Accommodation          : At the hotel in Hoi An

Meals                            : Breakfast, Lunch

After having breakfast, we will have our first glimpse of this beautiful boutique town recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site. The tranquil and charm of Hoi An with its low tiled houses of Chinese appearance, Japanese covered bridge, and the colorful riverside market make it one of Vietnam’s most delightful places.

Then, head to Hue.

The scenery en route is very beautiful. We make a stop at the Marble Mountains, the famed China Beach and the Cham Museum. Continue on our way down to the other side and head to Hue. Stop at Lang Co beach for coffee and refreshments before winding our way up the spectacular Hai Van Pass to admire the stunning views north to Lang Co beach and south to Danang City.

Check in at the hotel. Overnight in Hue.

Accommodation          : At the hotel in Hue

Meals                            : Breakfast

We set out for the exploration of Hue's famous highlights, visit the picturesque Thien Mu, or Heavenly Lady Pagoda.

Built in 1601 between the north bank of Perfume Pagoda and a pine forest, it is one of the best know religious and must-see sites in Hue. Here we can see the octagonal tower, a symbol of Hue and an old Austin car which transported the bonze Thich Quang to Sai Gon in 1963 for his self-immolation. Only 4 km far from the Hue city center, both landscape and monuments here are always in harmony and bring a feeling of peaceful, unearthly world for travelers 

Next a visit the elaborate mausoleum of former emperor Tu Duc.

Nestled in a narrow wooded valley in Duong Xuan Thuong village, stretching along the Perfume River, Tu Duc mausoleum is considered to be the most beautiful & picturesque sites of Hue city. The tomb was designed by the Emperor Tu Duc himself and this is the largest works of architecture of Nguyen Dynasty’s royal palaces and tombs. Its major parts and

buildings have been built even before the King death; therefore, Emperor Tu Duc used it as a retreat area. And later after the coup because of unjust taxation in 1866, Tu Duc continued to use the tomb’s palace as residence.

Transfer back to Hue center Hue for lunch by your own.

In the afternoon we continue to visit the Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City.

Situated on the Northern bank of the Perfume River and built in the 19th century by the Nguyen dynasty, the city was home to the former Emperors of Vietnam from 1802 until 1945 and becomes the most important historical and cultural monument in Vietnam. The Citadel is a square 2 km wall encompassing 3 walled enclosures; the Citadel, Kinh Thanh Hue, the Yellow Imperial city, Hoang Thanh and in the centre the Forbidden Purple city Tu Cam Thanh where the Emperor lived. The Hue royal complex has been officially recognized by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

If time permits, we will also visit Dong Ba Market.

We then transfer to Hue airport for a flight to Saigon.

Upon arrival in Saigon, have our guide and driver pick you up at the airport for transfer to check-in hotel.

Accommodation          : At the hotel in Saigon

Meals                          : Breakfast

Morning, we visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels which were an incredible underground network constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle for independence. The tunnels contained hospitals, plus accommodation and schools, and were used as a military base for the Vietcong in the American war

In the afternoon we take a half day to visit all famous sites of this bustling city. The first destination is the now-demolished wartime American Embassy. After that, we head to the Reunification Palace, which was the former residence of the President of Southern Vietnam until end of April 1975, followed by some French colonial structures including the Old Saigon Post Office, the Notre Dame Cathedral. Apart from the religious meaning, the even more special captivating point of this Cathedral is its special neo-Romanesque style of architecture. After visiting the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War Remnant Museum. If time permit, we continue our trip to the bustling Ben Thanh Market, which is firstly well-known as the place for real Vietnamese food. There are a number of vendors and food stalls in the market food section that offers guests many freshly delicious dishes. You also can find any goods for daily use as well as variety of eye-catching local handicrafts, souvenirs here

Accommodation          : At the hotel in Saigon

Meals                          : Breakfast

Pick up at your hotel in Saigon and then move 2 hours to Cai Be. The program will start with a quick visit of Cai Be town & the ancient church from the boat. Then, we’ll come to Tân Phong Island for the rowing boat. They will take you deeper into the countryside on smaller canals to enjoy the peaceful time under the shade of mangrove trees. Stop at local garden to enjoy some fruits with hot tea when listening to the traditional music.

Then, start the biking trip on village paths to see the local daily life: orchard, school, church, pagoda, traditional houses... On the way, we can make some stops to see how they wave the dried water-hyacinth to make many products: baskets, bags, hats, wallets, shoes... (You can walk, but see less).

Back to our boat to go across one of the longest rivers in the world, Mekong River, to come to An Bình Island. Travel on the handmade canal to a local house & have lunch at this traditional house. After lunch, we can walk in the local village to visit the local workshop to see how to make rice paper, coconut candy, pop-rice... Enjoy some sweets with a cup of hot tea.

 Visit the brick kilns where you can see how the local people create beautiful potteries from clay. The cruise will end at the new boat station of VinhLong city! From here we will pick up and transfer you back to Saigon for your overnight

Accommodation          : At the hotel in Saigon

Meals                            : Breakfast, Lunch

The time is on your own until we transfer to the airport for your international flight to Luang Prabang.

Arrival at Wattay international airport and meet your guide, then transfer to your hotel.

Accommodation          : At the hotel in Luang Prabang

Meals                            : Breakfast

An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning alms giving ritual to saffron clad monks. This tradition is unique to Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving this procession. Stop and visit fresh local markets and back to hotel for breakfast.

This morning, depart to visit Wat Visoun, the site of impressive Thad Makmo stupa. The rounded dome is stylistically more Sinhalese than Lao Then Continue to visit Wat Aham. Then, visit to the most photographed temple, Wat Xiengthong. Located at the end of peninsular closed to the confluence of Mekong and Khan River.

This afternoon, continue to former Royal Palace, now the National Museum. Visit Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its golden bas-relief. During Pimai, the Lao New Year, the Prabang normally housed in the Royal Palace Museum is brought and put on public display in this temple.

Meals on your own. Overnight in hotel

Accommodation          : At the hotel in Luang Prabang

Meals                            : Breakfast

This morning, you will be driven to the Elephant Village, a center with a focus on the protection and rehabilitation of elephants in Laos. Upon arrival you will be provided the information about the work in caring for the elephants. Next, enjoy your time with elephants in camp.

This afternoon, travelling outskirt of Luang Prabang, driving through green rice paddies and farms. Stop for visit few villages of H’mong and Lao loum people, your guide can introduce you to local people and its great opportunity for you to involving with their daily activities such as wooden cotton spinning, weaving, rice harvesting and green vegetable farms. On your arrival at the Kuang Sy fall, enjoy your short walking on trails of falls to visit the bear rescued centre and enjoy front main waterfalls with spectacular views and surrounding of orchids inside the park and falls cascade over many calcified tiers and down several hundred feet into a series of cool, turquoise pools. Driver back to Luang Prabang.

Meals on your own. Overnight in hotel.

Accommodation          : At the hotel in Luang Prabang

Meals                            : Breakfast

This morning, drive to Nong Khiew. Stop to visit Nam Bak market and Ban Nayang village. Arrival in Nong Khiew. Lunch on your own. Then embark on long tail boat for a relaxing cruise (~1h40mns) on Nam Ou river to Ban Sojam village where you learn about local life and culture. Then continue your cruise to Muong Ngoy.  Arrival and check-in guesthouse in Muong Ngoy.

Meals on your own. Overnight in guesthouse (Simple comfort)

Accommodation          : At guesthouse in Muong Ngoy

Meals                          : Breakfast

After breakfast, embarking on boat to cruise back Nong Khiew. On the way, stop to visit an authentic village Houi Hoy, located on the bank of Nam Ou river.

Drive from Nong Khiew to Luang Prabang. On the way, wisit Pak Ou caves at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ou Rivers. In these 2 caves are displayed hundreds of sacred centuries-old Buddha images which are the object of pilgrimages during the Lao New Year festivities around mid-April. Heading to Luang Prabang by van. Arrive and check in hotel in Luang Prabang.

Meals on your own. Overnight in hotel

Accommodation          : At the hotel in Luang Prabang

Meals                            : Breakfast

After breakfast, drive to Vang Vieng, drive passes through splendid scenery and past many panoramic lookout points on the winding mountaintop road.  There are several stops en route to take photos in the scenery. 

Arrive in Vang Vieng and descending the Nam Song by long tail boat leads us through idyllic scenes of rural life: a unique sight with the limestone mountain in the background.

Meals on your own. Overnight in hotel

Accommodation          : At the hotel in Vang Vieng

Meals                          : Breakfast

After breakfast, heading to Tham Jang cave 172 steps where you can see the spectacular views of the city and the landscape. Then drive to Vientiane.

Arrival in Vientiane and visit Wat Sisaket with its thousands of miniature Buddha statues. Next, visit the huge golden That Luang monument, where all Lao citizen respect as holy pagoda.

End your day by Victory Monument Patuxay, which looks like the Arc de Triumph. This was built at the end of the Indochina wars with money rumored to be American, and earmarked for the airport’s new runway. Thus the departing Americans dubbed this monument the vertical runway! Have a look at the lovely arches inside the monument.

Meals on your own.  Overnight in hotel

Accommodation          : At the hotel in Vientiane

Meals                          : Breakfast

Free time until your transfer by our driver to the airport for your international flight

Accommodation          : NA

Meals                            : Breakfast