Taste of Vietnam & Laos – 14 Days

General Information

Duration: 14 days/13 nights
Start/End: Ho Chi Minh City/ Luang Prabang
Tour Route: Ho Chi Minh City – Hue – Danang – Hoi An – Hanoi – Halong – Luang Prabang

Highlights

Tour Categories: Vietnam Laos tours
Tour Customizable: Definitely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Guides: Local Guide (English Speaking Guide, Other Languages upon Request)
Transportation: Private first–class air-conditioned vehicles
Accommodation: Listed below or equivalent. Rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, porterage, tips, and service charges

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh – Arrival
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh – Cu Chi Tunnel
Day 3: Ho Chi Minh – My Tho – Can Tho
Day 4: Cai Rang Floating Market – Ho Chi Minh – Hue
Day 5: Hue Sightseeing
Day 6: Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An Town
Day 7: Hoi An Sightseeing
Day 8: Hoi An – Da Nang – Fly to Hanoi
Day 9: Hanoi Sightseeing
Day 10: Hanoi – Halong Bay
Day 11: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Luang Prabang
Day 12: Luang Prabang
Day 13: Luang Prabang
Day 14: Luang Prabang – Departure

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City Arrival

Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam! Upon arrival, our guide and driver will greet you with the warmest welcome at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free at your leisure.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnel – Ho Chi Minh City (B, L)

Your visit this morning focuses on one of the most extraordinary destinations in Vietnam – the underground maze of Cu Chi Tunnel. Constructed by persevered Vietnamese soldiers during the war, this massive subterranean structure is sure to leave some unforgettable impression on you. It’s a good chance to learn about Vietnamese history, but prepare yourself for some sad and tragic stories because the war is devastating to both parties.

In the afternoon, explore the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh on foot. Start from the Saigon River past the Opera House and the Town Hall, you get the chance to admire the beauty of Ho Chi Minh City and its architecture with buildings that have French colonial style. Afterward, stop by the grand Reunification Palace to gain some insight into the Vietnam War before we go to the famous Ben Thanh Market for some mouth-watering local dishes and a variety of nice things to admire.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City – My Tho – Can Tho (B, L)

After breakfast, we take you to My Tho for a poetic boat trip on Tien River. While in My Tho, pay a visit to the Fish Market and the famous four islands. You can interact with a traditional Vietnamese family when we take you to one of the locals’ houses for a cup of honey tea. You also have a chance to row on a sampan on the rich water of the Mekong River.
In the afternoon, we drive you to Can Tho. After check-in, you can enjoy some leisure time on your own.
Overnight in Can Tho

Day 4: Cai Rang floating market – Ho Chi Minh City – Hue (B, L)

The fourth day of your trip takes you on a boat cruise along the endless waterway of the mighty Mekong River. Making your way to the vibrant floating market of Cai Rang to have a taste of the local cuisine and engage in people’s ways of life. Afterward, head back to Ho Chi Minh City for your flight to the regal city of Hue. Check-in and relax.
Overnight: Hue

Day 5: Hue Sightseeing (B, L)

The whole day is dedicated to the captivating and ancient beauty of Hue. After breakfast, visit the majestic Tomb of King Ming Mang before sailing the Perfume River on Royal Dragon Boat to the serene Thien Mu Pagoda.After that, we take you to the cobbled pavements through the grounds of the Imperial Citadel that was built almost 700 years ago with remarkable historic buildings and monuments. Let your photography sense fly high as we take you around the Forbidden Purple City of Hue for a peek at its glorious past.Little did you know that Hue can be as bustling as it is majestic. As we take you to Dong Ba Market, get ready to soak in the energy, the rich odors, and the undying sounds of this trading spot.
Overnight in Hue

Day 6: Hue – Danang – Hoi An (B, L)

After having a delicious breakfast, take a three-hour drive to the poetic town of Hoi An. The view along the way is truly a feast to the eyes. Take in the azure sight of the coast and Da Nang from the top of Hai Van Pass.

Once arrived in Da Nang, visit Non Nuoc Beach and Cham Museum to learn about the rich culture and long history of the people. There are several relics and artwork dating back 1,000 years ago that you may not want to miss. Upon arrival in Hoi An, the rest of the day is at your leisure.
Overnight in Hoi An

Day 7: Hoi An Stroll (B, L)

The tiny town of Hoi An is great for a light excursion. Stop by the ancient Japanese Bridge, the famous Chinese Temple and former Vietnamese merchants’ houses for a look at the mixed architecture of this poetic town and hear interesting stories about these historical relics.
To explore the town in depth, you should pay a visit to Thanh Ha Pottery Village by boarding a boat and sailing along the Huai River. Take a look at the way local people making handicrafts in a professional way that has been handed down through generations.
Overnight in Hoi An

Day 8: Hoi An – Danang – Fly to Hanoi (B)

After breakfast, the morning is free at your leisure before we transfer you to Da Nang airport for an afternoon flight to Hanoi. After check-in, you’re free to relax and prepare for a day of wonder lies ahead.
Overnight: Hanoi

Day 9: Hanoi Sightseeing (B, L)

Start your morning sightseeing tour by visiting the famous Ho Chi Minh Complex. Get to know about Ho Chi Minh – the greatest and most beloved leader in Vietnam – by paying a visit to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts, and the Presidential Palace. To take a look at the ancient Vietnamese architecture wonders and admire the country’s colorful and distinct culture, visit One Pillar Pagoda, Tran Quoc Pagoda, and Quan Thanh Temple.

Vietnam is also a land of ethnic diversity, and you can get the full idea by coming to the interesting Museum of Ethnology, a research center and a public museum exhibiting the ethnic groups of Vietnam. There are full-size models displayed on the ground of the museum that make you feel like you’re no longer inside the capital city.Afterward, have a rickshaw ride and travel in style along the narrow streets of the famous and bustling Old Quarter. Stop by the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake to watch a traditional Water Puppet Show in the afternoon.
Overnight in Hanoi

Day 10: Hanoi – Halong Bay (B, L, D)

You will spend the next one day and a half on an exciting Halong Bay cruise. It starts with a 3–hour’s scenic drive from Hanoi to the World Heritage site of Halong Bay, where you can see nearly 2000 limestone islands scattered across the crystal water of the bay, exploring grottos and hidden caves, marveling at the lush green forests, all the while joining other traditional sampans and junks that sail the glinting water.
It is a true ocean adventure! There are also a variety of optional activities on board such as kayaking, swimming and diving to add more fun to your trip around this magnificent World Heritage site.
Overnight on board

Day 11: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Luang Prabang (B)

Enjoy the last wonderful moment in Vietnam with your unforgettable Halong Bay cruise and a big brunch served on the cruiser. Our guide and driver will then meet you at the pier and drive you back to Hanoi for your flight to Luang Prabang. Check–in and have a good rest in Luang Prabang.
Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 12: Luang Prabang Sightseeing (B, L)

Today’s sightseeing tour begins with a cruise on the Mekong River to explore the grand and mysterious Pak Ou Caves. This is a cave temple with thousands of Buddha statues that were brought to the caves after generations. Pay a visit to the idyllic Ban Xieng Lek and Ban Xang Khong where you can witness local people making traditional crafts including weaving paper and drum making.
After that, have a little workout by climbing up Mount Phousi to explore the sacred stupa and admire the beautiful and panoramic view of the city and the Mekong River at sunset. In the evening, venture out to the night market and observe local life there to gain a better understanding of Lao people.
Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 13: Luang Prabang Sightseeing (B, L)

The alms-giving ceremony is a great way to learn about Lao people and their piety towards the long-established religion of the country. In the early morning, you can join local people and give alms to the monks, or simply take in this religious sight before having breakfast. Your local guide will help you to prepare some food to offer to the monks, so you should inform him/her at least 1 day in advance. However, if you do not want to make an offering, you can stand quietly on other sides of the streets to observe the rituals. Keep silent and have a respectable manner as this daily ceremony is very important to the local. Especially, you should choose appropriate suits that cover your shoulders, chest & legs.
After that, set out to see the magnificent architecture of Luang Prabang temples – Wat Xieng Thong and Wat Visoun. Then have a tour around the Royal Palace Museum before we drive you to the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfalls, a tropical paradise where you can cool off in the glistening natural pools or relax under the cooling shade of the tree.
Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 14: Luang Prabang, Departure (B)

Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. You have leisure time to rest and reflex upon the amazing trip before taking a departure flight back home. We wish you have a wonderful time with our carefully–planned itinerary. See you again soon!