Best of Laos and Vietnam in 12 Days

Welcome to Luang Prabang! After arriving at the airport, you will be transferred to the hotel for check-in procedures.

After a short rest at the hotel, you can participate in a city tour. The first stop for the tour is the magnificent Wat Xiengthong, a stunning Laotian temple building with a huge two-story roof and gorgeous mosaics. If time permits, we will take a walk on the city center’s small streets, observe the locals’ lives, and visit the traditional houses of Heuan Chan, a 100-year-old Shantal wooden house.

Wat Xiengthong

After that, you will continue to visit the Palace Museum, which was built during the French colonial period in 1904 for King Sisavan Vong and his family.

In the late afternoon, we can climb to the top of Phousi Mountain, explore the sacred Golden Pagoda, and enjoy the panoramic view of the city and the Mekong River at sunset.

Then, there is a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, featuring traditional dances and folk songs. This is your best opportunity to experience the local culture.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Included: Transportation, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Visiting fees, Meals: dinner.

Today, you can wake up early to participate in the daily morning almsgiving, which is the most sacred tradition in Laos, dating back to the 14th century. This is when more than 200 Buddhist monks leave various temples in Luang Prabang to collect daily meals from loyal residents sitting quietly on the streets.

Afterward, you can visit the temporary morning market near the former palace. This is the best opportunity to experience local flavors and watch locals buy and sell rice, vegetables, fish, or chicken.

Returning to the hotel, you can enjoy breakfast and prepare for the next adventure.

Wat Sene

You will visit the oldest temple in the city, Wat Sene, and then board a serene cruise ship on the upper Mekong River to enjoy the magnificent scenery of the peaceful countryside. The cruise ship stopped at the mysterious Pak Ou Cave, a 16th-century Troglodi monastery with thousands of Buddha statues inside. The cave is located on a limestone cliff 25 kilometers north of Luang Prabang, overlooking the Mekong River. After Pak Ou Cave, you will head to Ban Muang Keo, a village famous for its traditional distillation of Laotian rice whiskey.

On the way back to Luang Prabang, we will visit two beautiful temples in Luang Prabang – Wat Mai and Wat Visoun. The last stop of today’s visit is the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center (closed on Monday), where you can learn about many ethnic cultures in Laos.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

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

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to the magnificent Kuang Si Waterfalls, the largest waterfall in the Luang Prabang area. It has three levels leading to a 50-meter drop into spectacular azure pools before flowing downstream. There are swimming pools so you can see tourists and locals coming here to swim.

From Kuang Si Waterfall, you can make a short visit to the Bear Rescue Center, where dozens of animals have been rescued from poachers and traffickers.

On the way back to Luang Prabang, we will visit the Glorious Waterfall Butterfly Park and the Ock Pop Tock, a craft center located near the Mekong River where weavers, spinners, and wax printing manufacturers produce high-quality fabrics. Free visits are provided every half hour.

Kuang Si Waterfall

At the end of your city tour, you will be transferred to the airport and take a flight to the Laotian capital – Vientiane.

After arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Vientiane.

Included: Transportation, Luang Prabang – Vientiane flight ticket, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Visiting fees, Meals: breakfast.

In the morning, we will first visit Wat Si Muang, one of the most popular places of worship in Vientiane. Next, we will head to Buddha Park, a charming collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures on the grassland along the Mekong River. In the park, you can see about 200 religious images from over 500 years ago, created by a mysterious monk who spread his philosophy of life and revealed his views on the universe.

Buddha Park

In the afternoon, we visited Wat Sisaket, which has thousands of miniature Buddha statues, as well as the ancient royal temple Prakeo Temple, where the famous jade Buddha statues are located.

On the way back to the hotel, we will visit the famous sacred building, the Luang Prabang Buddha Pagoda, and the magnificent Patuxay Monument, also known as the Triumphal Arch of Vientiane. You can also enjoy the magnificent view of the Mekong River at sunset at the end of the day.

Overnight in Vientiane.

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

You are free to explore Vientiane before boarding the departure flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival at Hanoi International Airport, welcome and transfer to the city center by the tour guide. The hotel room will be ready after 2:00 pm and early check-in is guaranteed, but an additional fee will be charged.

Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi

The remaining time of the day is free. You may want to adventure outdoors and explore the city alone, or participate in one of our exciting optional tours in Hanoi and its surrounding areas, such as a Hanoi street food tour or a Hanoi half-day cooking course.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Included: Transportation, Vientiane – Hanoi flight ticket, Accommodation, Visit fees, Meals: breakfast.

Once you arrive in Hanoi, do not miss your chance to visit Halong Bay, a beautiful and charming world heritage site. There is no better way to witness this natural wonder than on an overnight cruise.

After breakfast at the Hanoi hotel, you will drive 3.5 hours to Halong Bay.

Halong Bay

Arriving at the port around noon, you will be greeted by friendly and professional staff during the cruise. After checking in, you will have lunch on board and the sailboat will sail towards Ha Long Bay.

After lunch, you can participate in many exciting activities on the cruise ship, including sightseeing and visiting Thien Cung Cave, kayaking, or attending cooking classes on the deck. Fresh seafood will be provided for dinner.

According to the actual schedule of the cruise, you can participate in night activities or just relax overnight and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the bay.

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

On the second day in Halong, it is advisable to get up early, attend a Tai Chi lesson, or simply watch the magnificent sunrise over the bay.

You can then enjoy breakfast, tea, and bread while the boat continues to sail through rocky islands and return to the base.

Sunset in Halong Bay

After arriving at the port, our driver will wait for you to travel to Hanoi for an additional 3.5 hours. Check-in at the hotel and stay overnight in Hanoi.

Included: Transportation,  Accommodation, English-speaking guide on boat, Meals: breakfast, brunch.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will take a half-day tour before boarding the flight to Danang.

The guide for the guided tour will pick you up, We will stop at the Temple of Literature, known as the First Univeristy of Vietnam. Then head to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where you will learn more about our famous leader, President Ho Chi Minh, and how he achieved Vietnam’s Independence.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Next is a visit to the One Pillar Pagoda a unique ceremonial site built on a wooden pole (View the venue from the outside; closed on Mondays and Fridays as well as from June to August).

Then, we will head to a local restaurant to enjoy delicious Vietnamese cuisine for lunch. Then return to the hotel and transfer to the airport to take a flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival at Danang Airport, you will have a short drive to Hoian. Check-in at the hotel Hoian and free time at the hotel.

Included: Transportation, Hanoi – Danang flight ticket, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Visiting fees, Meals: breakfast, lunch.

In the morning, participate in a half-day walking trip.

You will stroll along the old street, passing through several old houses, and see how the locals live their daily lives. During the tour, you will also see how the historical elements of the city blend with modernity, and visit some ancient landmarks, including the Japanese Covered Bridge or the Chinese Conference Hall in Fujian.

Hoi An Ancient Town

Then comes the short break where you can enjoy a cold glass of traditional herbal drink at a streetside shop. If time permits, we will also stop by a craft store where you can buy the best souvenirs of the city to take back to your hometown.

In the afternoon, board the car for transfer to Hue – the capital of Vietnam from 1802 to 1945.

After checking into the hotel, free time.

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

Today, you will join a half-day city trip to Hue before boarding the flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

In the morning, take a city tour of Hue, one of the top destinations in central Vietnam.

Our tour today begins with a visit to Thien Mu Pagoda, a famous Buddhist attraction located on the banks of the charming Huong River. There you can admire not only the ancient design of the buildings but also the peaceful atmosphere of the Huong River.

Hue Imperial Citadel

After leaving the pagoda, we continued to visit the Imperial Citadel. It was once the “home” of the Nguyen Dynasty, the last royal family in Vietnam. You will spend most of your time around the castle, visiting the front gate, flag tower, palace, and Royal Museum of Antiquities.

After returning to the hotel, you will have free time until the flight takes off, and the driver will take you to the airport to board the flight to Ho Chi Minh City. After arrival, the tour guide will pick you up and take you to the hotel for check-in procedures. Free at night.

Included: Transportation, Hue – Saigon flight ticket, Accommodation, English-speaking guide, Visiting fees, Meals: breakfast, lunch.

In the morning, you will visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, located about 55km from Ho Chi Minh City center. There you will have the chance to watch a short documentary film about these tunnels, try some special local dishes, and crawl through the incredible tunnel system.

Notre Dame Cathedral

In the afternoon, walk around the most important attractions, including Saigon Opera House, City Hall, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the former Post Office, to explore the city.

Your next stop is the famous Ben Thanh Market, where you can buy souvenirs for your loved ones.

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

Take some free time before heading to the airport for your departing flight.

The room is ready until 12:00. Please contact our travel advisor if you require a late check-out, It can be arranged subject to room availability and a supplement will be applied.

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