Best Of Laos & Vietnam In 12 Days

Arrival to Luang Prabang, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Luang Prabang has been claimed by UNESCO to be ‘the best-preserved city in South East Asia’. 

Overnight in Luang Prabang

After breakfast, embark on cruise boat upstream on the Mekong River, which gives you a panoramic 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. 

Returning to Luang Prabang you have the option of visiting Ban Xanghai, where the local specialty of rice wine is produced; Ban Xiengkek and Ban Xangkhong where villagers making jute paper and continue to visit the textile village of Phanom, a small village known for its hand weaving.

Once return to Luang Prabang city, continue exploring the highlights of Luang Prabang including a visit to the Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a range of interesting artefacts from the Royal period in Luang Prabang; visit the city’s oldest temples, the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roof sweeping low to the ground, representing classical Lao architecture, the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham. We finish the day by observing the view of Luang Prabang town at Phousi mountain and night market.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms (often in the form of sticky rice) from the faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the ritual. 

This morning, we drive to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the pools or walk along the forest trails.

Afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight departure to Hanoi. Upon arrival, car and tour guide pick up and transfer to your hotel.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Take a full day tour to explore Ha Noi’s illustrious history. In the morning, visit the imposing marble edifice housing the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum (CLOSED ON MONDAYS & FRIDAYS) before moving onto his wooden stilt house and the One Pillar Pagoda. You will then explore the first university of Vietnam, the Temple of Literature, which is imbued with the profound philosophies of Confucianism. In the afternoon, visit the Hoan Kiem Lake, the Ngoc Son Temple and an ancient Vietnamese “long house”. A one-hour cyclo tour of Ha Noi’s Old Quarter allows you to catch a glimpse of ancient Ha Noi and learn about traditional Vietnamese architecture.

Overnight in Ha Noi.

Drive through rice paddy fields to Ha Long Bay. You will board a junk for a cruise among the hundreds of islets of Ha Long Bay while enjoying lunch. Drop anchor in the late evening for an overnight stay among the dramatic limestone peaks rising out of the sea.

Overnight on a junk.

Spend the morning cruising through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay before returning to the wharf. Transfer to Noi Bai Airport for your flight to Da Nang. On arrival, transfer to Hoi An.

Overnight in Hoi An.

In the morning, visit Cam Thanh Coconut Village and enjoy a fun basket boat ride through the lush water coconut forest. Continue to Tra Que Vegetable Village, where you will experience local farming life, watch a cooking demonstration, savor a traditional lunch and relax with a herbal foot massage.

In the afternoon, take a guided walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town. Visit an ancient merchant house, the historic Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, along with the lively riverside market.

Overnight in Hoi An.

At 8:00, your car and guide will pick you up at your hotel for a scenic back-road drive, passing through the peaceful Hoi An countryside and offering glimpses of authentic local life along the way.

Upon arrival, enjoy a traditional Cham dance performance, providing an engaging introduction to the culture and spiritual beliefs of the Cham people. Continue with a guided walk through the remarkable ruins of My Son, where ancient brick towers dedicated to Hindu gods and mythology stand as timeless symbols of the once-powerful Champa civilization. Your guide will share fascinating stories that bring this sacred site vividly to life. Around noon, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Hoi An by car. The journey back takes you through charming villages and green rice paddies, creating perfect moments for photography and a relaxing end to your cultural adventure.

Overnight in Hoi An

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, transfer to a hotel and the rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the city.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

In the morning, take a car transfer from Ho Chi Minh City to Cai Be. Arrive at Cai Be Jetty at 10:00 am, where the crew welcomes you aboard the Cai Be Princess sampan with cold towels and a refreshing drink before setting off on a leisurely cruise through the Mekong Delta.

Relax as daily life unfolds along the riverbanks while enjoying tea and seasonal fruits. Visit a 19th-century ancient house and explore local cottage industries, including coconut candy and puffed rice making. The cruise ends at Le Longanier Restaurant, where lunch is served in a charming colonial-style villa set in a lush riverside garden. After lunch, continue cruising past Cai Be Church, through the Dong Phu Canal to Binh Hoa Phuoc and An Binh islands, known for their fruit orchards. Arrive at Vinh Long Pier around 4:00 pm, then transfer by car back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

A sightseeing tour of Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Sai Gon, includes the photo stops at the Reunification Palace, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office. Visit a local market in Chinatown and either the Thien Hau Temple or the Quan Am Pagoda. Observe Cao Dai mass at noon. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast, free until transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your flight departure.