Best of Vietnam & Laos Tour

Meal: n/a

Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane

Buddha Park

Back to the city center, we head to the religious museums of Wat Sisaket and Ho Prakeo. Wat Sisaket is the oldest temple to have survived the Siamese War of 1828 and its cloister contains more than 8000 Buddha statues. Ho Prakeo was the former home-temple of the Emerald Buddha statue, or Pra Keo, from the early Lane Xang Kingdom until the 18th century. Today it contains a collection of Buddha statues, antiques and artifacts found in Vientiane.

Wat Sisaket Temple

We then drive to That Luang Stupa, the single most important monument in Laos. This Stupa was built to cover the original, smaller stupa containing a piece of the breast bone of Buddha. That Luang is the largest stupa in Laos and serves as the main symbolic stupa for all of Laos. It’s also our national symbol, a gathering place for our national Buddhism ceremony, and recognized throughout the world.
We then head to Patouxay, sometimes called the Arch de Triumph of Vientiane. This landmark is not as old as the other landmarks we visit but provides an interesting insight into Lao’s more recent and turbulent history. Despite its more modern history this is still an important landmark for the people of Laos and serves an important role in many national celebrations.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane

Luang Prabang Town

You will start your first tour in Luang Prabang with a visit to Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a range of interesting artifacts. Our next stop is Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its golden bas-relief, which is one of the most beautiful temples in town.
In the late afternoon, we climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a panoramic sunset view of the city and the Mekong River.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

Pak Ou cave

A short distance away from Pak Ou Caves we visit a village which has been making clay jars for centuries. These jars are then used to ferment Lao rice wine wine. Nowadays the tradition continues however the village now also specialises in producing a wide range of ‘Lau Lao’ Lao whisky and ‘Lau Hai’ Lao wine. Be sure to try just a little before we head of back down river to Luang Prabang in the late afternoon.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

Kuang Si waterfall

As we continue onwards the trail leads through rice paddies and vegetable fields before reaching the mountainous forest. Along the way we explore a cave which was used as a bomb shelter by the local villagers during the second Indochina War.
After visiting the cave we continue trekking to one of the many springs which feeds Kuang Si waterfalls, where we can see a beautiful pool full of sacred fish. After descending from the top of the waterfall we enjoy a Lao style lunch amongst some beautiful settings!

A local villager

After lunch we will relax by the waterfall with plenty of time for swimming and taking pictures of the magnificent falls and the turquoise pools.
Before leaving Kuang Si Waterfalls we will pass through a rescue and refuge centre for bears saved from the illegal wildlife trade. On our way back to Luang Prabang we will also have the opportunity to visit Lao’s only buffalo dairy and try some of their buffalo cheese. We will then drive back to Luang Prabang. Arrive the hotel in late afternoon.

Meal: Breakfast/Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

Hanoi Old Quarter

Your local guide will give you an insight into the intricacies and traditions of Vietnamese food culture including details on ingredients and historical backgrounds of popular northern dishes. We eat as we go, trying seasonal fruits and sampling a tasty French-inspired snack from a street cart.

Bun Cha

Walking through the maze of bustling streets that make up Hanoi’s Old Quarter, we tempt our tastebuds with the famed Hanoi dish Banh Cuon at a local eatery. Watch in awe as the skilled chefs demonstrate for you how this tasty dish is put together. Continuing into the atmospheric heart of the Old Quarter, we wander past street stalls and quiet residential lanes where you can observe local life that has changed little since Hanoi was founded over 1000 years ago.

Banh Cuon

Our next two snack stops are at outdoor barbeque stalls. We sit down with the Hanoi locals and sample various meat, vegetable and bread specialties that are flame grilled over hot coals for extra flavour. It’s then time for dessert as we venture down a small alley to join in the local tradition of feasting on fresh fruit served in a cup and smothered with crushed iced and condensed milk – this speciality is one not to be missed!

Egg Coffee

Your local guide will then take you to one of Hanoi’s best kept secrets, a hidden street food restaurant to taste top ten street foods in Hanoi is Banh My Hanoi, Vietnamese Rice Wine and famous Egg Coffee. This hard-to-find café is one of the few left in the narrow street inside the old quarter of Hanoi. Or, if coffee is not your style, a cold beer awaits! At the end of the trip you are free to continue exploring the area or your guide will assist you back to your hotel.

Meal: Breakfast/Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Hanoi City

Leaving the President’s complex, we continue to visit the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu). Although several Van Mieu can be found throughout Vietnam, the most prominent and famous is that situated in the city of Hanoi, and was functioned as Vietnam’s first university.

Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Halong Bay

13h00: Lunch is served while cruising through the bay
15h30: Visit exciting Cua Van fishing village. The village is free of busy roads and streets, electric lights, houses and high rise buildings. Instead, there are only herds of little boats and rafts. You will have the chance to discover the traditional culture and customs of the fishermen.
16h30: Enjoy kayaking or swimming (if the weather permits).
17h00: Back on board and continue cruising.
19h00: Dinner is served.
21h00: Take some leisure time to enjoy chatting at the bar or enjoy some night fishing.

Note*: the itinerary and activities on board would vary depending on the boat you choose. Please see the choice of boat in Hotel Inclusions.

Meal: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Halong bay cruises

Sunset in Halong Bay

09h00: Check out and enjoy a fantastic cruise on the bay, passing Dinh Huong Island, fishing villages, Ga Choi Island, Dog Island and Sail Island.
09.30: Buffet brunch (breakfast/lunch) while cruising back through Halong Bay to the pier
11h30: Arrive at the pier. Time to say goodbye to the crew.
12.00: Return from Halong to Hanoi. Arrive Hanoi at about 17pm.

Airport transfer for late flight to Danang. Transfer to the hotel in Hoian upon arrival.

Note*: the itinerary and activities on board would vary depending on the boat you choose. Please see the choice of boat in Hotel Inclusions.

Meal: Breakfast/Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian

15.30 At your hotel, you meet our drivers, guide and classic vintage Piaggio Vespa. After a quick briefing, it’s time to jump on, click on your helmet and off we go! Listen to the sounds of this famous engine as you whir away on the start of your journey. First stop is a Vietnamese traditional cake: Banh Beo – a popular snack of Hoi An people. You will have a chance to talk and take photos with the owner of the shop.

Vespa Tour

16.30 After our first taster, we head across the Cua Dai bridge with its spectacular panoramic views of Hoi An and surrounds. We take a moment to stop for photos and stretch our legs before continuing the trip along little countryside laneways and alleys to the water coconut palm fringed Cam Thanh.
17.00 Afterwards, on our drive through the countryside, you’ll experience up close the resplendent beauty of the rice paddies, grazing buffalo, all of which are guaranteed to provide plenty of perfect photo opportunities.
17.45 Next, our team will ride and take you to a very old pagoda in Hoi An. The pagoda is a place for quiet reflection, listening to your heart, forgetting your troubles and enjoying the harmonious environment of the monastery. The sun is starting to set and the sky begins to change colour. We then take a lovely trip through the countryside and see farmers working on the rice paddies under the sun to Ha My beach and get to sample some of seafood in an atmospheric Vietnamese seafood restaurant, overlooking beach as the sun sets on Hoi An & enjoy a few cold beers.
19.30 To finish the night visit a local coffee shop for live music. Sit down and enjoy the romantic melody by local people in a cosy atmosphere. All will give you an experience of lifetime.

Meal: Breakfast/Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian

Hoian Ancient Town

Optional tour:

• My Son Tower Tour
• Golden Hand Bridge Tour

Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian

In the afternoon, transfer to the station for day train to Hue. Enjoy scenic view of Hai Van Pass on the way.

Train through Hai Van Pass

Arrive Hue in late afternoon. Transfer to the hotel and enjoy free time.

Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

Khai Dinh Tomb

In the afternoon: visit Royal Tombs of Minh Mang and Khai Dinh. We will also visit a Conical hat village and incense stick village. Then free time to explore Hue city.

Meal: Breakfast/Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

Saigon Post Office

Our city tour will help you to see the best of Saigon. We visit the historic Reunification palace and War Remnants Museum, followed by the architectural treats of French colonial Notre Dame Cathedral and the post Office.

Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

Cu Chi Tunnels

Come back to Saigon in early afternoon. Free to explore Saigon and relax.

Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

You board your comfortable wooden Mekong Eyes cruise vessel around noon. After a refreshing welcome drink we show you our on-board facilities and your cosy cabin. As lunch is served, the Mekong Eyes Cruise starts cruising. Sit back and watch the fantastic scenery and the daily life of the Mekong people.

Le Cochinchine Cruise

In the afternoon you can disembark for a guided leisurely stroll through a village and the surrounding fruit orchards or rice fields. Meet the friendly locals and taste the local produce and fruits.
Get back on board and enjoy a drink at the bar or relax on deck as the sun sets over the magnificent water landscape of the Mekong river. The Mekong Eyes Cruise will anchor for the night. The day ends with a delicious on-board dinner. You stay overnight on board your floating hotel in the Mekong Delta.

Meal: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Mekong Eyes/Le Cochinchine Cruise

A Mekong floating market

After breakfast, we will board a sampan boat to Cai Be or Cai Rang floating market, the region’s busiest and most lively markets. Marvel at the sheer abundance of exotic fruits, vegetables and skilfully handcrafted regional products. We will pull up to the boats for talking and bargaining with the merchants. We will also visit some of the local candy and cake making factories or boat through the green water landscape to see local houses, verdant orchards and ship-building yards.
Note*: The floating markets in the Mekong Delta are no tourist markets but wholesale markets where produce of the Mekong Delta like fruits and vegetables are traded. For this reason the number of boats on the market fluctuates depending on harvesting seasons and market demand. Furthermore, modern wholesale markets are becoming more popular in Vietnam. This can result in decreasing numbers of boats being present on the markets.

Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

Note*: late checkout is not included.

Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: n/a