Classic Vietnam and Laos

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival, Ho Chi Minh City

  Upon your arrival at Ho Chi Minh City, your guide will greet you and escort you to your hotel for check-in. You're free for the rest of the day.

  • Ho Chi Minh City

• Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels - Ho Chi Minh City

  In the morning, head out to the Hoc Mon district, followed by a trip to the extensive underground Cu Chi Tunnels complex, dug-out and used by Vietcong forces during the Vietnam War. In the afternoon, pay a visit to the impressive city landmarks- the Opera House, the Town Hall and the Reunification Palace from the Saigon River, offering a chance to see the diverse lifestyle around Ho Chi Minh City. Later, you will take a stroll along the Ben Thanh Market, which is popular for its local handicrafts and textiles.

  • B L
  • Ho Chi Minh City

• Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City - My Tho - Can Tho

  This morning, set out for a boat cruise on the Tien River after driving to My Tho, followed by a visit to the My Tho Fish Market and later, four intriguing islands. After that, you will observe the dominant rural life as you pass a peaceful little village by cart, before tasting the honey tea at Mr. Muoi Hai's house. If you choose, you can also embrace a knowledge of the region's rich history along the Mekong River on a sampan boat. In the afternoon, drive to Can Tho and spend the rest of the day exploring or relaxing at your leisure.

  • B L
  • Can Tho

• Day 4: Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh City - Hue

  Kick-start your day with a boat cruise along the famous Mekong River. Then, you can explore the largest floating market anywhere in the Mekong Delta, the Cai Rang Floating Market, where you can see hundreds of boats filled with fruit, vegetables, and fish. Later, take a flight to Hue city after returning to Ho Chi Minh City.

  Upon arrival, your local guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel for check-in. You can then spend the rest of the day having a good rest.

  • B L
  • Hue

• Day 5: Hue

  After breakfast, pay a visit to the Tomb of King Minh Mang. Set on the west bank of the Perfume River, the tomb, which is notable for its elaborate ornamentation, is considered the most elegant royal mausoleum in Hue City and indeed southern Vietnam. Then take a royal dragon boat to cruise the Perfume River- named because of its inspiring poetic scenery and perfume-like aroma-truly a remarkable experience! You will then cruise down to the ancient palatial Thien Mu Pagoda. Later, travel to the Imperial Citadel with cobbled paths and the Forbidden Purple City, which is the most extensive ancient palace complex in Vietnam. The last scheduled destination of the day is the traditional Dong Ba Market, which offers a good insight into local lifestyle.

  • B L
  • Hue

• Day 6: Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An

  Today, you will see the spectacular Hai Van Pass. From the top of the mountain, you can take in a breathtaking panoramic view of the city of Da Nang overlooking the extensive and beautiful natural coastline to the north and the south. While in Da Nang, visit the popular Non Nuoc Beach and renowned Museum of Cham Sculpture, boasting a fine collection of Champa civilization sculptures. Then, continue to Hoi An. After checking into your hotel, the rest of the day is at your disposal.

  • B L
  • Hoi An

• Day 7: Hoi An

  After breakfast, take a city tour to Hoi An's only ancient bridge which is known as the "Japanese Covered Bridge", the famous Chinese Temple and the 200-year-old Vietnamese former merchant's house, offering an insight into Hoi An's vibrant and culturally diverse past. After lunch, take a boat cruise and sail along the Huai River down to the Thanh Ha Pottery Village, which is an important hub for the local pottery industry and where you can learn by yourself how these products are made.

  • B L
  • Hoi An

• Day 8: Hoi An - Da Nang - Hanoi

  In the afternoon, you will fly to Hanoi from Da Nang airport. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at your own leisure.

  • B
  • Hanoi

• Day 9: Hanoi

  Your morning tour will commence with some major historic sites in Hanoi: the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Ho Chi Minh House on Stilts, the Presidential Palace, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Tran Quoc Pagoda and the Quan Thanh Temple. The highlights of the afternoon will be the visits to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, considered the pre-eminent modern museum in the country and the Old Quarter (by cyclo) which was the core of ancient Hanoi and the business center. Following this, pay a visit to the refreshing Hoan Kiem Lake. Regarded as the most distinctive traditional staged event in Vietnam, the remarkable Water Puppet Show is sure to broaden your horizons.

  Note: The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum opens all week apart from Mondays and Fridays; most museums do not operate on Mondays.

  • B L
  • Hanoi

• Day 10: Hanoi - Halong Bay

  Today, take a 3.5-hour drive to the beautiful Halong Bay before boarding your cruise. Along the spectacular bay, you will see thousands of limestone karsts and isles of various sizes, traditional sampan vessels sailing on the glinting water and hidden coves coming into view; you can also enjoy numerous optional activities such as swimming, and kayaking, providing a memorable maritime adventure!

  • B L D
  • Halong Bay

• Day 11: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Luang Prabang

  Continue to immerse yourself in the fascinating scenery and explore more scenic areas at Halong Bay this morning. Later, you will be picked up at the pier and driven to the airport for the flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, check into the hotel and have a good rest.

  • B
  • Luang Prabang

• Day 12: Luang Prabang

  This morning, embark on a memorable cruise along the upper Mekong River, which spans several nations in Southeast Asia. Stop over at the mysterious Pak Ou Cave, noted for the miniature Buddha sculptures laid out over the wall shelves in different positions. Following this, you will visit the villages of Ban Xieng Lek and Ban Xang Khong, where you can learn how rice wine is fermented and silk is woven. Then, take a birds-eye view of the city and admire the beautiful sunset on top of Mount Phousi, followed by a walk around the night market which is known for a wide selection of locally-made textiles.

  • B L
  • Luang Prabang

• Day 13: Luang Prabang

  Participate in a daybreak alms-giving ritual where you will see Buddhist monks walking the misty streets to receive rice from the townspeople. Then, pay a visit to the monument of the religious spirit Wat Xieng Thong, before heading for the city's oldest temple, Wat Visoun. The spectacular Royal Palace Museum, with a fine collection of artefacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture, provides your next visit. At the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfalls, you can go for a refreshing swim in the torquoise pool or wander along the forest.

  • B L
  • Luang Prabang

• Day 14: Luang Prabang, Departure

  Today is the time for departure. You guide will send you to the airport for your flight to the next destination.

  • B