LAOS AND VIETNAM AT A GLANCE 6 DAYS

Upon your arrival in Luang Prabang, our local guide will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel for check-in. Your accommodations will be ready for you starting at 02:00 PM. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Dining is on your own arrangement. Have a pleasant stay overnight at the hotel.

Begin your exploration with a visit to the local morning market, an ideal spot to engage with residents, savor Lao cuisine, and observe the bustling activity. Treat yourself to a chilled drink and a piece of savory blood sausage while you take in the scene.

Take a brief journey to the Vat Xieng Thong, or Temple of the Royal City, a revered Lao monastery that stands as a testament to the nation’s religious devotion, regal heritage, and artistic expression.

Next, venture to the breathtaking Kuang Si Falls, a cascade of vibrant turquoise waters. En route, you’ll traverse lush rice paddies and quaint villages scattered along the rural roads. Pause at a few villages to soak in the local ambiance before unwinding at the waterfall. Dive into the cool basins for a rejuvenating swim.

In the afternoon, return to Luang Prabang and explore the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre, housed within a UNESCO-preserved edifice. The exhibits of traditional garments, sacred objects, and everyday tools offer insights into the lives and customs of Lao ethnic groups.

As the day wanes, ascend Phousi Mountain to witness a breathtaking sunset and a panoramic view of the city.

On your way back to the hotel, stop by the H’mong Night Market, a treasure trove of Laotian handicrafts and a haven for street food aficionados. You’ll have the opportunity to dine independently, with our guide recommending excellent spots for traditional Lao meals or a riverside hot pot. Enjoy your meal and overnight stay at the hotel, with dining arrangements on your own.

Please check out from the hotel and leave your bags in the lobby.

At 09:30 AM, a tuk-tuk driver will collect you from your hotel for a trip to the boat jetty.

Board the Nava Mekong, a classic riverboat, to embark on a communal journey along the vast Mekong River, setting sail around 10:00 AM. This voyage offers a chance to witness the breathtaking and serene landscapes, as well as observe the modest lifestyles of the villagers along the riverbanks.

The two-hour sail upstream will take you to the Pak Ou Caves, with a brief visit to Ban Xang Hai village en route. The caves, situated near the meeting point of the Nam Ou and Mekong Rivers, are home to a vast collection of ancient Buddha statues, some centuries old. This site is particularly significant for local religious pilgrimages, especially during the Lao New Year celebrations in mid-April.

As you cruise back downstream, enjoy a variety of traditional Lao cuisine served on the boat.

The return journey to Luang Prabang will last approximately 1.5 hours, with an estimated arrival time of 02:00 PM. Upon reaching the boat jetty, we will arrange your transfer back to the hotel.

Later, our driver will escort you to the airport for your regional flight to Hanoi.

Upon your arrival in Hanoi, our tour guide and driver will greet you and facilitate your transfer to the hotel for check-in. You will be responsible for your own meals. Enjoy your stay overnight at the hotel.

Between 08:15 and 08:30 AM, connect with your tour guide at the designated locations within the Hanoi Old Quarter, which include:

• Tran Quoc Pagoda, a cherished Buddhist site and national treasure situated on West Lake.

• Ho Chi Minh Complex, the memorial area for Vietnam’s most revered leader, featuring his stilt house and the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, a symbol of Hanoi shaped like a lotus flower.

• Temple of Literature, established in 1070 to honor Confucius, sages, and scholars, and recognized as Vietnam’s initial university.

Take some time to unwind and enjoy lunch at a local eatery in the Hanoi Old Quarter. In the afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to discover:

• Bat Trang, a traditional ceramics village. You can tour the showrooms and observe the crafting process.

• Ngoc Son Temple, a temple devoted to Tran Hung Dao, the celebrated General who fought against the Mongol invasions.

At 03:30 PM, you’ll be escorted back to your hotel.

Plan your dinner independently and have a restful night at the hotel.

Please note that the itinerary may undergo minor changes based on weather conditions or other unforeseen factors.

From 08:00 to 08:30 AM, your journey begins with a pickup from your hotel, and you’ll travel in an air-conditioned bus from Hanoi to Halong Bay. The drive, lasting about 3.5 hours, offers picturesque views of the Red River Delta and a glimpse into the lives of local farmers tending to their fields and water buffaloes.

Upon reaching Halong Bay, your memorable day will commence with a day cruise on the bay. Following a brief orientation by your guide, savor a delightful seafood lunch onboard (with vegetarian options upon request). The cruise, spanning almost 4 hours, allows you to soak in the stunning vistas of this UNESCO World Heritage site, dotted with countless limestone formations and peaks. You’ll glide past notable landmarks like the Dog Stone, Burning Incense Islet, and the iconic Fighting-Cock Islet.

Post-lunch, the tour pauses at Ba Hang Fishing Village for an exciting kayak or bamboo boat ride, steered by local villagers. This promises to be a highlight of your Halong Bay experience. Next, you’ll explore the grand Thien Cung Cave (Heavenly Palace Cave), adorned with intricate stalactites and stalagmites.

During a tea break, indulge in the regional delicacy of green bean cake while witnessing a breathtaking sunset over Halong Bay.

The day concludes with a shuttle bus ride back to Hanoi, with hotel drop-off scheduled between 08:30 and 09:00 PM.

Dinner is at your discretion, followed by an overnight stay at the hotel.

Please note that the itinerary is subject to slight modifications depending on weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances.

Feel at ease to unwind until it’s time for your transfer to the airport (a tour guide will not accompany you) for your outbound flight. You may use the room until 12:00 PM. You’ll be responsible for your own meals. This marks the conclusion of your tour.