VIENTIANE TO VIETNAM only 17 days 16 nights

Day 1: Vientiane

Saturday. Welcome to Laos! Airport arrival transfer and hotel check in. Spend the afternoon and evening at leisure. Overnight -Vientiane

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 2: Vientiane city tour (B, D)

After breakfast we explore the charming capital on a city tour. Highlights include Wat Si Saket - the oldest Buddhist monastery temple in the country, the former royal temple of Haw Pha Kaeo, Pha That Luang monument and the Buddha Park with its incredible array of Hindu and Buddhist sculptures. We also visit to the COPE Centre, a charity working with victims of unexploded bombs and mines. End the day with a spectacular sunset dinner besides the Mekong River. Overnight - Vientiane

  

 

 

Day 3: Vang Vieng (B, D)

Vientiane – Vang Vieng. This morning we journey north through breathtaking scenery to Vang Vieng. Along the way we visit Ban Keun, famous for its salt extraction plant and a village of local Lao rice wine whiskey distillation. A next stop is the busy and colourful market of Thalat market, where local hill tribes come to trade and shop and the 11th century archaeological site of Vang Xang. Upon arrival in picturesque Vang Vieng, spend the remains of the day at leisure or opt to explore the local caves, take a scenic bike ride or go tubing along the river. Overnight - Vang Vieng

 

 

 

Day 4: Tham Jang Cave, Ban Huai Ngai village (B)

Vang Vieng – Luang Prabang. We explore the famous caves of Tham Jang this morning and visit Ban Huai Ngai village before travelling north to the enchanting Luang Prabang.Overnight - Luang Prabang

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

Day 5: Temples of Luang Prabang (B)

Consider rising early this morning to view the daily ritual of saffron-clad monks and their procession down the streets of Luang Prabang collecting alms from the residents. Then a morning tour, taking in the highlights of Luang Prapang - the fabulous UNESCO Listed former royal capital. Sightseeing includes the ancient temples of Wat Visoun and Wat Aham, the Ock Pop Tok weaving centre and the beautifully ornate former Royal Palace. In the afternoon we stop at ethnic minority villages before arriving at the beautiful Khouangsi waterfall. Overnight - Luang Prabang

 

 

 

 

Day 6: Wat Sene & Wat Xieng Thong (B, L)

Discover more of Luang Prabang’s holy sites with a morning visit to Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong. Then we set sail on a scenic cruise up the Mekong River to visit the incredible Pak Ou caves, which are crammed with Buddha images of all shapes and sizes, stopping at villages en route to sample local rice wine and shop for local handicrafts. Overnight - Luang Prabang 

  

 

 

 

 

Day 7: Fly Luang Prabang - Hanoi

Luang Prabang - Hanoi. Today offers free time for you to relax by the swimming pool or further explore Luang Prabang. Elephant rides, cycling and kayaking can be arranged locally. Late this afternoon we fly from Luang Prabang to Hanoi in Vietnam.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 8:  Hanoi free day (B)

Today is set aside for free time to explore Vietnam’s gracious capital. Lively markets, beautiful lakes, ancient pagoda’s and the thriving, historic old city, are all easily navigated on foot. Overnight - Hanoi

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 9: Junk boat cruising Halong (B, L, D)

Hanoi – Halong Bay. A scenic drive early this morning leads us to the stunningly beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay. Boarding our traditional wooden junk boat we cruise the emerald waters soaking up the panoramic vista of the thousand or so karst limestone islands that stud the bay. 

 

Later opt for a refreshing swim in one of the many sheltered coves before taking row boats to the floating fishing village of Vong Vieng. Tonight, there's a Vietnamese cooking demonstration held on the sundeck before an impressive seafood dinner is served. Overnight - Deluxe Junk Boat 

 

  

Day 10: Hidden grottoes (Halong Bay) - Ha Noi - Hue (B)

 Start the day with a Tai Chi class on the sundeck or a traditional massage. After exploring a lofty grotto hidden beneath towering cliffs, we return to port. 

Arriving to Hanoi mid afternoon an hour or so is spent exploring the quixotic web of streets, known as the ‘36 streets of the old quarter’ by cyclo (rickshaw). The motorbike swarming narrow lanes are each named after various guilds of the city’s artisan who established themselves here centuries ago. We explore the maze of rambling streets framed by narrow front tube houses and may have a chance to sample the exotic fruits, sizzling noodle dishes and delightfully sticky snacks being offers by the pavement vendors. After time to freshen up we board our overnight train (4 berth sleeper cabin, basic standard) on the ‘Reunification Express’ railway line to Hue.Overnight - Sleeper train 

 

Day 11: Imperial Hue (B, L)

Arriving into Hue we embark on a guided sightseeing tour of the 19th-century Nguyen empire capital. We visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, home to the oldest monastery in the city, whose 21m high tower has become something of a symbol for Hue and the citadel. Within the citadel is the Imperial Purple Palace, with its impressive ramparts, formal moats and imperial palaces, some of which lay in ruin. 

In the countryside lies the Royal Tombs of the Nguyen kings, here we’ll view the elaborate mausoleums of Emperors Tu Duc and Khai Dinh. As the sun sets opt for a cruise in a long boat along the gentle Perfume River, beautifully illuminated at night. Overnight - Hue 

  

 

Day 12: Buddhist sanctuaries (Hue- Hoi An) (B)

Today we take the scenic Hai Van Pass, which offers magnificent views of beaches to one side and lush hills to the other. En route we stop for a walk along China beach, featured in Francis Ford Coppola’s movie ‘Apocalypse Now’. Perhaps enjoy a refreshing swim in the sea before continuing our journey along the coast road to Hoi An. 

The charming, old-world trading port of Hoi An with it cobbled streets, traditional homes and tiny shop houses is a perfect place to lose yourself in a by gone era. Boutique restaurants, hip cafes along the waterfront, delightful craft shops and artisans including some of Asia’s best bespoke tailors (whose services come at a nominal price), all can be found here. 

On a short walking tour of the enchanting historical town, we’ll visit the Chua Ong Pagoda, Chinese Assembly Hall, 200-year-old Tam Ky house, former merchants’ homes and the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge. Overnight - Hoi An 

 

 

Day 13: Tra Que village (B, L)

A bicycle ride into the countryside, leads us to Tra Que village. Here,we discover age old farming practices and learn about traditional medicine. It’s a hands on experience today where we’ll assist with tending the fields and gardens and cooking lunch. Overnight - Hoi An 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 14: Hoi An - at leisure (B)

A free day for you relax or further sightsee. You may wish to take a relaxing rowboat journey along the river or spend the day lazing by the beach or hotel pool. It’s also possible to take an optional excursion to the most holiest and evocative of Vietnam’s Cham sites, My Son or to Quang Ngai, the site of the My Lai massacre memorial. The massacre was a significant turning point in the Vietnam War and the story is told through photo presentation on a walk through the village. Overnight - Hoi An 

 

 

 

 

Day 15: Crusing the Mekong (B, L)

Hoi An - Saigon. Early morning flight to Saigon. Drive to the Mekong Delta. Often referred to as the ‘rice bowl’ of Vietnam, the fertile Mekong Delta is famous for its abundant harvests of tropical fruits, flowers and rice, as well as it fantastic views while boating along the canals. Taking our sampan from Vinh Long we’ll cruise Cai Be’s maze of waterways visiting local cottage industries that produce popcorn, coco candies and paper along the way. Lunch is served today in a traditional wooden home on Dong Hoa Hiep Island. Overnight - Can Tho 

  

 

 

 

Day 16: Mekong & Saigon (B)

Can Tho - Saigon. Early today we visit colourful Cai Rang floating market and drive to Saigon. Once called the Pearl of the Orient, modern Saigon is a thriving metropolis on the move. Sleek sky scrapers, gourmet restaurants, designer malls and swanky bars and spas are scattered between ancient pagodas, colonial era landmarks and lively street markets. Our walking tour of Saigon includes visits to the Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Post office and the sombering War Remnants Museum. Evening at leisure. Overnight - Saigon 

 

 

 

 

Day 17: Saigon (B)

Monday. Today offers free time in Saigon till your departure transfer to the airport. Opt for a relaxing foot massage, shop for souvenirs at Ben Thanh Market or visit the grand Independence Palace, with its secret bunker and military command centre beneath! 

 

If extending your stay consider joining us on a day trip to Chu Chi. Here you can go underground to explore the vast network of tunnels and hideouts used by Viet Cong guerrilla fighters, see booby traps, trap doors or test your skill with an AK 47 at the firing range. 

 

 

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Trip includes:

• 16 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 3 dinner

• Economy class flights Luang Prabang - Hanoi and Danang - Saigon

• Bicycle ride to Tra Que village and cooking demonstration

• Airport arrival transfer day 1 and departure transfer day 17

• Escorted by an English speaking Laotian and Vietnamese tour guides.

• Visa approval letter (excl. stamping fee required upon arrival)

• 14 nights 4 star and special class hotels, 1 night deluxe junk boat and 1 overnight sleeper train (Junk boat: private cabin, Sleeper train: basic, 4 berth cabin.)

• Halong Bay Junk boat cruise

• Sampan and row boat journeys in the Mekong Delta

• Guided sightseeing - Vientaine, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Ho Ain, Mekong Delta and Saigon

• All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles

• Maximum group size: 24 travellers

 

Trip excludes:

• International flights and visas. Vietnam visa letter included - stamping fee required upon arrival

• Entrance Fees: $40 - $45 USD

• Tip for your tour guides. We recommend you allow USD$3 - 6 per day, per traveller. Tipping your guides is an entirely personal gesture.