VIETNAM – LAOS HIGHLIGHTS

Upon arrival at the airport in Vientiane, you will be met and transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day is yours. You may like to walk along the Mekong river for photographic opportunities.

After breakfast, you will take a half day city tour of the most interesting sites in Vientiane, which include: the local Chinese Market of Sang Chieng – Wat Sisaket (the former Emerald Buddha house Wat Prakeo). Afterwards transfer to the airport for your short flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

After breakfast, you will take an in-depth tour of the most interesting sites in Luang Prabang, which include Wat Visoun – That Makmo – Wat Xieng Thong – climbing up to Phousi hill for a view over the city – then take a trip to the stunning Kuang Si Falls. Afterwards return to the hotel for refreshments. The rest of the day is yours.

After breakfast, you will take a scenic boat ride along the Nam-Ou river & Mekong River. During your cruise, you will see lots of the stunning scenery, villages & local life. You will pay a visit to Pak Ou cave before returning to the boat for your lunch. Afterwards cruise back to Luang Prabang. Spend the rest of the day strolling around this UNESCO World Heritage town.

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your short flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, you will be picked up and driven to the city center, where you will take an in-depth tour of the most interesting sites in Ha Noi. The tour includes the visits to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – Ba Dinh Square – The old residence of Ho Chi Minh – One Pillar Pagoda – Temple of Literature – Ngoc Son Temple. Afterwards you will take an in-depth walking tour of Hanoi Old Quarter for an overview of the local life and businesses before your transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is yours.

You will take a 4 hour drive on a countryside road through the paddy fields to Ha Long Bay, one of New Seven Natural Wonders. Upon arrival at the harbor, you will board a traditional boat – set sail through the limestone islands – have a nice seafood lunch – take a sampan ride to visit a traditional fishing village – attend a short cooking class – settle down on the upper deck for some drinks whilst watching the sunset – enjoy a delicious dinner. The rest of the day is your leisure. Why not play cards, try your luck at fishing, watch movies or simply enjoy some drinks and chat with your friends at the bar on board.

Up early – top deck – Tai Chi! Then you will enjoy your light breakfast – disembark for an easy exploration of the cave close by – return to your boat – check out your cabins – enjoy a nice brunch while sailing back to land. Upon arrival at the harbor, board your private transfer and head back to the airport in Ha Noi. On the way back (if your time permits), visit Ba Vang Pagoda – a ceramic factory. Afterwards proceed to the airport for your departure flight.

After breakfast you will take an in-depth tour of this historical city. The itinerary includes visits to: Cau Ngoi Village – the countryside market – The Hue Old Citadel, which contains the Imperial City and the Purple Forbidden City – Thien Mu Pagoda – Minh Mang Tomb. Afterward return to the hotel for your refreshment. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

After breakfast you will take a 3 hour drive south along the coast road with stops at the top of Hai Van pass (Cloudy Pass), the Cham Sculpture Museum, Non Nuoc Beach, and Marble Mountain. Then proceed to Hoi An. Upon arrival, check in the hotel for refreshments before an in-depth walking tour of the most interesting sites in Hoi An, which include the Japanese Covered Bridge, Chinese Assembly Halls, Tan Ky Ancient House, and The vibrant market. Afterwards return to the hotel for refreshments before a nice dinner in the local restaurant in the ancient town. The rest of the day is yours

Today you will take a short drive to Cam Thanh Coconut Village, where you get a feel for what the village life is like. Upon arrival, board a bamboo basket boat – float along the river to the Water Coconut Forest – try your luck at catching fish, crabs and shrimps – continue to Tra Que Herb Garden -try your hand at hoeing, finding uses for seaweed, transplanting and watering vegetables – join the villagers in a cooking class to prepare for lunch in a traditional way – get to eat what you have prepared!. Afterwards return to the hotel for refreshments. The rest of the day is yours.

After breakfast, transfer to Da Nang airport for your morning flight to Sai Gon. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to the city center, where you take a half day city tour of the most interesting sites: The War Remnant Museum – Reunification Hall – Notre Dame Cathedral and The Central Post office nearby – Jade Emperor Pagoda – the lively Ben Thanh Market. Afterwards transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day will be at your leisure.

Up early – breakfast – take a 1,5 hour drive to visit the Cuchi Tunnels for a good insight into the history of Vietnam. After the tunnel, you’ll continue to the Cao Dai temple in Tay Ninh. Afterwards transfer back to Saigon. The rest of the day is yours.

Today you will take a 3 hour drive to Ben Tre. Upon arrival, you will: visit a brick factory – board a traditional style boat for a scenic cruise along the Mekong River – make some stops at local houses along the way – hope on bikes for a leisurely ride through the countryside – lunch in a traditional Mekong village restaurant – board a motorboat to explore more of the Mekong Delta. Afterwards transfer to the car for your transfer back to Saigon. The rest of the day is yours!

There is some free time for your own exploration until your transfer to the airport for your departure flight. End of the services.