Relaxing Stay in Vietnam and Laos 22 Days

On the first day of 22 days in Vietnam and Laos, you will arrive in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), the busiest city in Vietnam.

Saigon city

Upon arrival, your private guide will greet you and escort you to your hotel. After checking in, you can enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Included: Transportation, Accommodation.

In the morning you will explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, which will give you a better understanding of guerrilla tactics and underground life during the Vietnam War.

After lunch, you will embark on a journey through Saigon’s main sites: marvel at Notre Dame Cathedral, send a postcard from the old Saigon Post Office, reflect on history at the Reunification Palace, and stroll through the bustling Binh Tay Market in Cholon (Chinatown).

Saigon Central Post Office

Your day will end with a peaceful visit to the Jade Emperor Pagoda, a site of worship and architectural splendor of Saigon.

Included: Transportation, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Visit fees, Meals: breakfast, lunch.

Today, your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Vinh Long in the Mekong Delta, about 136 km away. Once there, you will take a boat cruise to the bustling Cai Be floating market and explore the enchanting coves of Binh Hoa Phuoc islet.

Cai Be Floating Market

Interaction with local farmers and visiting traditional tile and ceramic houses, rice paper, and coconut candy kilns will immerse you in the daily life of the locals. In the afternoon, we will drive to Can Tho, check in at the hotel, and have the opportunity to explore the lively night market in the evening.

Included:  Transportation, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Visit fees, Meals: breakfast, lunch

Early in the morning, after breakfast at your hotel, your private guide and driver will escort you to Can Tho Pier for a river adventure. After meeting your captain and motorboat, you will cruise to the largest Cai Rang floating market to observe local farmers trading.

Cai Rang Floating Market

After visiting the market, return to Saigon to catch your flight to Nha Trang. Upon landing, you will be guided to your hotel and assisted with check-in formalities.

Included: Transportation, Ho Chi Minh City – Nha Trang flight ticket, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Visit fees, Meals: breakfast

You will embark on a journey through Nha Trang with our guide and driver, starting with the ancient Cham Po Nagar tower, an intriguing temple complex on Cu Lao Mountain, rich in the history of the medieval principality of Khauthara.

Po Nagar Cham Towers

Your next stop will be Long Son Pagoda, famous for its imposing white Buddha that overlooks the city from the top of Trai Thuy Mountain. End your day by exploring the vibrant Dam Market, a must-see since the 1970s, where you can buy everything from unique dried seahorses to fresh produce.

Included: Transportation, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Visit fees, Meals: breakfast, lunch.

In the morning, our guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the port where a boat will transport you to explore the four islands of Nha Trang Bay. You will first visit Mun Island, renowned for its preserved coral species and vibrant marine life, which you can observe by diving or aboard a glass-bottom boat.

Mun Island, Nha Trang

Afterward, you can relax with a musical program called “Sea Dance” and a lively “Floating Bar” evening on Mot Island. Next, Tranh Beach offers both relaxation and optional water sports (additional cost), while a visit to Mieu Island unveils the unique Tri Nguyen Aquarium, which features an array of special marine and coral species in a pirate ship theme.

Included: Transportation, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Visit fees, Meals: breakfast, lunch.

On day 7 of your 22-day Vietnam and Laos holiday, you will be transferred to the airport and fly to Danang, where your private driver will meet you and escort you to your hotel in Hoi An. In the afternoon, you will explore the ancient town of Hoi An, witnessing its 16th-century charm, and visit the Museum of Commercial Ceramics, which displays artwork from the 1500s and 1700s.

Japanese covered bridge in Hoi An, UNESCO World Heritage in Vietnam

You will also explore the 17th-century Chua Ong Pagoda and the charming old town, where you can stroll around the ancient Tam Ky Old House and along the river to the Japanese Covered Bridge. At the end of the day, a lantern-lit riverside walk will round off your day.

Included: Transportation, Nha Trang – Da Nang air ticket, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Visit fees, Meals: breakfast. 

This day will allow you to explore the bustling Hoi An market, immerse yourself in the vibrant colors, and learn about Vietnamese cuisine ingredients from your guide. Then, you will take a scenic 30-minute cruise on the Hoi An River to Red Bridge Cooking School, taking photos of local life along the way.

Cooking class in Hoi An

Upon arrival, you will discover the aromatic herbs in the lush garden and take part in a hands-on cooking class outdoors by the river to learn how to prepare dishes from skilled chefs. After about two hours, including a lesson on the art of Vietnamese plate decoration or food carving, you will enjoy the delicious meal you have prepared.

Included: Transportation, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Visit fees, Meals: breakfast, lunch.

You will enjoy a relaxing time in the morning until the transfer to Hue in the afternoon. Hue, the ancient capital of Vietnam, is well known for its historical monuments, which have earned it a place in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Perfume River, Hue

Included: Transportation, Accommodation, Meals: breakfast.

Today, your driver and guide will escort you along the scenic Perfume River, offering a glimpse into daily Vietnamese life, followed by a boat ride to the architecturally impressive Minh Mang Tomb.

King Minh Mang Tomb

You will then visit the opulent Tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh, each of which reveals intriguing stories of Vietnamese emperors. The tour continues with an exploration of the Imperial City of Hue, which features a blend of European and Asian architectural trends throughout the circles of its vast citadel.

The day will end with a visit to the bustling Dong Ba Market for a brief shopping experience.

Included: Transportation, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Visit fees, Meals: breakfast, lunch.

You will enjoy your morning at leisure until you are transferred to the airport for your flight to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Upon arrival, your driver will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Hanoi’s Old Quarter

Included: Transportation, Hue – Hanoi air ticket, Accommodation, Meals: breakfast.

Your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel and you will start your tour by visiting the picturesque Tran Quoc Pagoda, then the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Stilt House.

One Pillar Pagoda

Your exploration will continue with a visit to the One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature, the first college in Vietnam. In the afternoon, you will choose to visit the Museum of History or the Museum of Ethnology, followed by a serene view of Hoan Kiem Lake with Ngoc Son Temple, and end your day with a cyclo tour of the bustling Old Quarter.

Optional:

In the late afternoon, you can watch a water puppet show for one hour. This is a traditional show unique to Vietnam.

Included: Transportation, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Visit fees, Meals: breakfast, lunch.

After breakfast, drive to Halong Bay, where you will be welcomed on board with a drink and a brief introduction to the activities and safety before settling into your cabin.

Halong Bay, Vietnam

In the early afternoon, enjoy a Vietnamese set menu while cruising around Bai Tu Long Bay. Then, you will kayak and relax around Cap La Island, and enjoy a sunset evening on the return boat. A delicious dinner will be served at 19:00, followed by free time for games, squid fishing, or cocktail tasting. Overnight on board.

Included:  Transportation, Accommodation, English-speaking guide on the boat, Sightseeing fees, Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

In the morning, start your day with a tai chi session on the sun deck or enjoy the morning view of the beautiful bay with tea or coffee in hand. A Western-style breakfast will be served, preparing you for a day full of adventure. Explore the secluded Thien Canh Son Cave and watch a Vietnamese cooking demonstration, learning how to create a tasty dish. A traditional Vietnamese lunch will be enjoyed on the boat.

Thien Canh Son Cave

You will return to Hanoi, say goodbye to Vietnam, and transfer to the second country of your 22 days in Vietnam and Laos. Your flight will take you to Vientiane, where your private driver from IDC Travel will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel in Vientiane city.

Included: Transportation, Flight ticket Hanoi – Vientiane, Accommodation, English-speaking guide on the boat, Visit fees, Meals: breakfast, brunch.

After breakfast, your guide will drive you through the peaceful capital of Vientiane, starting at the exquisite Wat Sisaket, which is filled with miniature Buddha statues. You will visit Wat Phra Keo, which displays the richness of Lao and Khmer art, and catch a glimpse of the colonial-era Presidential Palace.

Wat Sisaket

The tour will continue to COPE (The majestic museum and information center offers exhibits and films on the history of bombings and casualties) to better understand the current impact of unexploded ordnance (UXO) from the US-Vietnam War. In the afternoon, climb the Patuxay Monument for a panoramic view of the city, marvel at the sacred Pha That Luang, and finish with a relaxing sunset stroll along the Mekong River.

Included: Transportation, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Visit fees, Meals: breakfast, lunch.

After breakfast, you will be taken to Vang Vieng, stopping at the 11th-century Vang Xang archaeological site. 

Tham Jang cave

Upon arrival in Vang Vieng in the afternoon, you will explore the Tham Jang Caves, then trek through magnificent mountains to visit Tam None Cave and surrounding hill villages. The day will end with a mesmerizing sunset over the Nam Song River.

Included: Transportation, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Visit fees, Meals: breakfast, lunch.

In the morning, head to Tham Phu Kham Caves to explore the stalactites and stalagmites, as well as a revered reclining Buddha inside the cave.

Blue Lagoon at Tham Phu Kham Cave

Outside, you’ll relax by the scenic Blue Lagoon, with the chance to try abseiling and water slides. A picturesque picnic lunch is provided before the return trip to Vang Vieng town. For the rest of the day, you’ll have time to explore at your leisure.

Included: Transportation, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Visit fees, Meals: breakfast, lunch. 

After breakfast, you will embark on a 5-hour journey to Luang Prabang, stopping along the way at the Phahom Valley Street Market.

View from Mount Phousi

Once you arrive, your driver will escort you to your Luang Prabang hotel for check-in. You can then climb Mount Phousi to watch the sunset over the Mekong or explore the city and its night market at your own pace.

Included: Transportation, Accommodation, Meals: breakfast 

Your day will begin with a city tour, starting at the Royal Palace Museum, and then exploring several temples, including Wat Sene and Wat Xiengthong.

Royal Palace Museum – Luang Prabang

In the afternoon, you will visit the Art and Ethnology Center, then the weaving villages of Ban Xiengkhong and Ban Xienglek, as well as Wat Mai.

Your day will end with an evening stroll through Luang Prabang‘s famous night market, which showcases handmade textiles by local artisans and hill tribes.

Included: Transportation, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Visit fees, Meals: breakfast, lunch.

Begin the day by participating in the morning almsgiving ritual, which involves making an offering to the monks to obtain their blessing, and then have breakfast at the hotel.

Then, embark on a 2-hour private boat trip along the Mekong River to the Pak Ou Caves, observing local life and beautiful scenery.

Kuang Si Waterfall

Inside the caves, discover the gold-lacquered Buddha statues. Then, visit the Kuang Si Waterfall, which will offer you a natural landscape and allow you to relax. Your evening will be free to explore Luang Prabang night and local life.

Included: Transportation, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Visit fees, Meals: breakfast, lunch.

Today, you will immerse yourself in the sustainable practices of Living Land Farm, a community project in Luang Prabang. Participate in the traditional and ecological process of rice making, from plowing the fields with a water buffalo to planting and harvesting, all while supporting the farm’s mission to promote organic farming and fund the education of underprivileged children.

Living Land Farm

Included: Transportation, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Visit fees, Meals: breakfast, lunch.

It’s time to say goodbye to your 22 days in Vietnam and Laos. You will have some free time in the morning before being transferred to the airport. We hope you had a safe journey back and look forward to traveling with you again!

Included: Airport drop-off and breakfast at the hotel.