Best of Vietnam and Laos

Our representative/tour guide will meet and greet you at the airport in Ho Chi Minh City, which is formerly known as Saigon. Ho Chi Minh City is a sprawling metropolis that is home to over 10 million people and a fast-paced city full of contrasts as street vendors selling fruit and vegetables can be seen next to glitzy western-style bars and boutiques. Overnight at the hotel in Saigon.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave Saigon City for Cai Be - The excursion starts from Cai Be town pier at about 10.30 am. Upon embarkation on your sampan you will be welcomed by your crew. We will visit the bustling Cai Be floating market, cruise among local barges full of fruits and vegetables and then we will proceed to Phu An hamlet, an untouched beautiful area reflecting some of the Mekong Delta’s best sights. On the way, we will stop at some local home factories to observe how rice paste, coconut candies and other regional specialties are made. Lunch will be at "Le Longanier" restaurant, a superb Indochinese house located by the river, in a lush tropical garden surrounded by fruit plantations. After lunch, your sampan will proceed to Sa Dec - known as a little “Venice” with numerous narrow canals. These evergreen islands among the Mekong River bring about large networks of meandering rivers, criss-crossed with countless arroyos, and remain unknown to many people. We will then cruise on a small beautiful canal through water hyacinth plantations… You will take a small row boat for a cruise along a narrow canal, passing a local tiny village and fruit plantations. Further on the banks, some dark smoke in the sky will lead us to one of the largest artisan brick and tile factories where you will have an interesting visit. You will disembark at the local market. Before sunset, we will have an interesting visit at a splendid ancient house or “Nha Co” dating from the early 19th century. After being greeted by the owners, we will cater a candlelight dinner for you; an unforgettable experience in a very unique atmosphere; overnight onboard.

The day will begin with a guided visit of Sa Dec, a charming and peaceful town, walking along its narrow streets with beautiful old French houses and Chinese temples. You will also visit the local market and the Trung Vuong primary school where well known writer Marguerite Duras spent her childhood – (see her famous novel “The Lover”). Then, back on board your private sampan for your second day cruise in the Delta. While your sampan will proceed upstream on the Mekong River to Long Xuyen, a delicious lunch will be served on board. Long Xuyen is a peaceful typical provincial town lying on the Mekong’s banks, dotted with an attractive floating market.  In the afternoon, an excursion to “Ong Ho” island to visit the museum of Ton Duc Thang, the second president of Vietnam. At the end of the day, we will organize an exciting evening with your dinner arranged at a local ancient house. You will be able to share experiences with family members and learn about traditional southern lifestyles, a highlight of your journey to be kept for a long time in your memory. You will return back on board your private sampan for your second night on the river. The sampan will slowly cruise during the night, back to Can Tho.

Breakfast will be served onboard and then we will transfer you back to Saigon City for your flight to Danang, and our representative will pick up upon arrival and transfer you to Hoi An. Hoi An Ancient Town is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. Its buildings and its street plans reflect the influences, both indigenous and foreign, that have combined to produce this unique heritage site; overnight in Hoi An.

Known as Faifo to early Western traders, Hoi An was one of South East Asia's major international ports and today it still retains that special old-world feel. Enjoy a walking tour through the Old Quarter to see the town's landmarks of the Japanese Covered Bridge, the ancient Assembly Hall, Phuc Kien Temple and then we take a river trip and you will enjoy the scenery along the Thu Bon River and the general view of Hoi An Ancient Town. Visit the ceramic village of Thanh Ha, the carpentry village of Kim Bong and the Dai Chiem Estuary. Hoi An is also famous for its large number of tailor shops, so if you want to have a new wardrobe made up, this is the time to do it. Overnight in Hoi An

Free day at your own leisure at the beach resort or make your own explorations in Hoi An town. Overnight at the hotel in Hoi An.

This morning we drive to Hue; we will cross Hai Van Pass where you will have a magnificent view of the Eastern Sea. We will stop at Lang Co to have break and then check-in at the hotel in Hue City. Hue served as Vietnam's capital under the emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1945 and the city’s regal past can still be seen inside the walls of the Citadel and the Imperial City. Both were heavily damaged during the Tet Offensive of 1968. We will tour the ancient Imperial Citadel, and then return to the Hotel - the late afternoon at your leisure; overnight at the hotel in Hue city.

A morning boat trip on Perfume river to visit Thien Mu pagoda; touring the countryside around Hue is a great way to discover the "real" Vietnam. The cultural, religious, and educational centre of Vietnam, Hue has many historic sites waiting to be discovered. Visit the 500-year old village of Phuoc Tich with its worship halls and communal houses for a taste of ancient Vietnam; stop at the historic Thanh Toan Bridge, one of two covered bridges remaining in the country and then we will drive to visit the handicraft village of Phu Cam - one of the best-known places for making conical hats for hundreds years. This guided tour will teach you more about these hidden gems and their legacy, as nearly all of them have direct links to the old Imperial Court. The houses are not only attractive, but they also are a great way to learn about the traditional beliefs and rituals of the Vietnamese people. Back to hotel and overnight in Hue city.

Morning flight to Hanoi - the capital city of Vietnam is an elegant city located on the banks of the Red River with the tranquil Restored Sword Lake at its heart. North of the lake are the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, each street named after the trade that used to take place there.

A full day city orientation tour including essential sights of the city: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and historical relics of the Presidential Palace, the Stilt House and the One Pillar Pagoda nearby. Next stop is the Temple of Literature - Vietnam's 1st University built in the 10th Century. A lunch break, and then we will visit the Vietnam National Museum of History, with its collections of prehistoric artifacts and everyday items of the early historic eras and dynasties. Then we will take a 1 hour by Cyclo ride through Hanoi's Old Quarter to experience the daily life of people who are living in the oldest parts of the city. Enjoy the famous traditional water puppetry show; this is a great chance to get a general picture of the daily activities typical to Vietnam's rural areas by watching different shows. Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi.

The journey from Hanoi to Hoa Lu is about two hours and takes you through the picturesque countryside and agricultural land. On arrival your expert guide will lead you through this ancient complex which formed the capital city of Vietnam under both the Dinh and Le Dynasties between 968 and 1009 AD. The area is also one of astounding natural beauty with limestone peaks whose splendor is often said to surpass that of Ha Long Bay. Afterwards, head south towards Tam Coc, meaning ‘Three grottoes’ where you will board a three hour boat trip along the Boi River. This is a perfect way to marvel at the stunning limestone peaks and jade valleys. We return to Hanoi and at 9:00PM, we will transfer you to the train station to board the night train to Sapa. Overnight on the train.

The train arrives in Lao Cai at 05:00 am. We will drive uphill to Sapa. At an elevation of 1,500 meters, Sapa is the former hill retreat for French administrators when the heat in the lowlands became unbearable. The remoteness and simple lifestyle of the ethnic minorities are a highlight of Sapa, although conditions are very basic. After checking into the hotel we can soak up the fresh mountain air as much as we want by spending time to wander around. The ethnic people are frequently seen in this hill town and small vendors along the street sell local textiles and handicraft. In the afternoon, we trek to Cat Cat village (2 km from Sapa town) where you will visit the village of Black H’mong hill tribes. Enjoy the beautiful landscape of Sapa Valley. Then we return to your hotel.

This morning, a trekking to visit Lao Chai and Ta Van villages inhabited by the Black H’mong and Dzay ethnic minorities. Enjoy the amazing and breath-taking landscapes of terraced paddies, green valleys and meet with the friendly local people. Back to the hotel, and a free afternoon at your leisure. In the late afternoon, we transfer you back to Lao Cai station to take night train back to Hanoi. Overnight on the train.

Pick-up at the train station at 05:00 and we will transfer you to Halong Bay. As we depart for Halong Bay, we go through the scenic countryside. The wondrous Halong Bay is truly one of Vietnam’s most impressive scenic sights. Heading out of the town we embark on a boat for an exploration of the legendary Halong Bay. This exciting five hour cruise will provide us a fantastic view of the picturesque scenery blending with the sky and some 3,000 limestone islands rising amazingly from the clear, emerald water. The limestone karsts formations are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. Along the way we will anchor for a leisurely visit to one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs. Stay overnight on the Junk Cruise.

Start a new day with Tai Chi on the sundeck with a beautiful morning view of Bai Tu Long, followed with a cup of tea or coffee. Have breakfast in the fresh air while cruising to the Cong Do area.

Explore the well- hidden Thien Canh Son Cave, one of hundreds in the Halong area, before enjoying a final example of Halong hospitality with an early buffet lunch on the way back to the harbour. Drive to Hanoi airport for your departure flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival in Luang Prabang, meet with our guide and transfer to hotel for check in.

Start the morning with a visit to one of Laos’ most picturesque temples, Wat Xieng Thong. Located at the end of the peninsula, close to the Mekong River, this temple was erected in 1560 by King Setthathirat and is deeply revered by Lao people. Walk to the boat pier, near the temple, and board the Nava Mekong, a beautiful wooden riverboat for a cruise up the Mekong to the Pak Ou Caves(depart around 10:30). The journey takes around 2 hours. Along the way, be surrounded by spectacular views, pass by small villages on the river banks and witness fishermen out for their daily catch. Upon reaching Pak Ou, disembark to explore the caves. Here, see thousands of gold-lacquered Buddha statues crammed into two caves carved out of a towering limestone cliff. The statues range in size from a few centimetres tall to the size of a human, and the view from the mouth of the cave provides sweeping views of the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers. The caves are also a destination for local pilgrimages, especially during the Lao New Year period of Pii Mai, making them a great place to get in tune with local culture. Following lunch at the local restaurant, return to Luang Prabang for a half day city tour to visit the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum. Here, explore the history of Laos. Then continue on foot to Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its golden bas-relief, and Wat Sensoukarahm, which features a beautiful dazzling golden façade.

Alms giving takes place daily as the sun rises, beginning on the main street of Luang Prabang before spreading out to all the side streets.In the early cool of the morning, walk downtown through quiet streets to watch the daily procession of about three hundred young monks walk silently by, collecting sticky rice and other foods in their bronze bowls. Watch as the monks disappear down the road in a long, saffron-coloured ribbon. Feel free to take photos, however please use discretion and refrain from using your flash. Now is the perfect time to stroll through Luang Prabang’s morning market where you will see the locals haggling for fresh meat, fruit and vegetables. Then you will be driven through the Luang Prabang countryside to Kuang Si Waterfalls. Along the way you will drive through beautiful landscapes of rice fields, hills, and small villages. There are also viewpoints overlooking the Mekong River. Picnic lunch at the waterfall.

You will be transferred to airport for your departure flight out.