Your Vietnam & Indochina DMC
Tour Overview
Are you looking for a travel itinerary that combines the natural beauty, rich history, and unique culture of Southeast Asia? This 11-day trip to explore Vietnam & Laos is for you! The journey will take you to famous destinations in Vietnam, such as vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, the rich Mekong Delta, the ancient capital Hanoi, Ninh Binh with the scenic Trang An "Ha Long Bay on the shallow" and finally the mysterious Halong Bay.
In Laos, in addition to exploring the beautiful city of Luang Prabang, you can also visit ancient temples, the majestic Kuang Si Waterfall, and the sacred Pak Ou Cave.
Don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes, learn about the unique culture of each region, and enjoy the unique cuisine of Vietnam & Laos travel!
Tour Highlights
- Embark on a city tour to discover Ho Chi Minh City and explore the Cu Chi Tunnels.
- Journey through Mekong Delta, experiencing its unique canals and local life.
- Delve into Hanoi's ancient temples and historical sites on a city tour.
- Discover Hoa Lu, boat through Trang An, and conquer Mua Cave's viewpoint.
- Cruise amidst the limestone pillars rising from emerald waters in Halong Bay.
- Immerse in the charm of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Hike to the turquoise waters of Kuang Si Waterfall for a swim escape.
- Explore the mystical Pak Ou Caves, filled with hundreds of Buddha statues.
Itinerary
When you land in Ho Chi Minh City, your driver will be waiting for you at the airport. Move to Ho Chi Minh City.
Please note: the standard check-in time is 14:00. However, an early check-in at the hotel is not guaranteed and depends on whether they have rooms available. Meals on your own. Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Around 07:30 AM: Our day starts with a trip to the Independence Palace (Reunification Palace), built on the former Norodom palace site. This iconic landmark, designed by architect Ngo Viet Thu, showcases French colonial architecture. We'll also see Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. Next, we head to the War Remnants Museum, known for its exhibits on the Indochina wars.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, we'll take a 1.5-hour bus ride to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Upon arrival, a brief introduction and video will explain the tunnels' construction and wartime living conditions. Afterward, you can explore the remaining tunnels and see special areas built for living, including kitchens and bedrooms. These tunnels also housed military facilities like storage, weapon factories, field hospitals, and command centers. Hidden trapdoors and dangers lurk within the maze-like tunnels, remnants of wartime security measures. We'll then enjoy special tea and cassava, a food source during the war. There will be break time to relax and, for those interested (at an additional cost), a chance to try shooting a real gun.
Finally, we'll return to Saigon, marking the end of our trip.
Please take note:
- With the restoration complete, visitors can now admire the Notre Dame Cathedral from the outside.
- Drop-off time is subject to traffic, weather, etc., so the finished time could be later than expected.
Around 7:30 AM: We escape the lively Ho Chi Minh City for My Tho, a town nestled on the Mekong River's bank. Our first stop is Vinh Trang Pagoda, a historic site dating back to the late 1800s.
We'll then board a traditional sampan and cruise down the river, passing by four charming islands named after mythical creatures: Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise.
On Unicorn Island, we'll take a stroll along country lanes, admiring fruit orchards, and indulging in delicious tropical treats. Residents will serenade us with traditional folk songs, further enriching the experience. We'll also have the opportunity to visit a fruit plantation.
Next, a hand-rowed sampan will take us through the Thoi Son Canal, where we can soak in the scenic countryside. We'll visit a family-run business and a honeybee farm, enjoying honey tea and learning about coconut candy making.
After a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, we'll have some free time to relax.
In the afternoon, the adventurous can explore Tan Thach village on bicycles, getting a glimpse into the daily life of the Mekong Delta locals. Those who prefer to unwind can relax in hammocks, enjoying the cool breeze.
Finally, we'll head back to Ho Chi Minh City, marking the end of our trip.
Please note: Drop-off time is subject to traffic, weather, etc., so the finished time could be later than expected.
Free time until your flight to Hanoi.
The flight depends on your arrangement
Upon arrival, meet and transfer to the hotel of your choice for check-in or dropping off your luggage. Stay overnight there.
Please note: the standard check-in time is 14:00. However, an early check-in at the hotel is not guaranteed and depends on whether they have rooms available.
Meals on your own.
Around 8:00 AM: Your tour guide and bus will pick you up at your hotel in Hanoi and whisk you away to start exploring the city!
8:45 AM: We'll head to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, the final resting place of the beloved Vietnamese leader, Uncle Ho. Here, you'll have the chance to pay your respects and see his embalmed body (closed on Mondays and Fridays, but you can still take pictures outside!).
Afterward, take a stroll through the peaceful gardens and see the two houses where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked from 1954 to 1969.
The next stop is the One Pillar Pagoda, a truly unique structure dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy.
Please note: When visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, temples, and pagodas
- Dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered.
- The Mausoleum undergoes annual maintenance and may be closed for at least two months between June 15th and August 15th.
- 10:15 AM: Visit the Vietnam Ethnology Museum to learn about the culture of 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam.
Special Note: We will visit the Vietnamese Women’s Museum instead of the Vietnam Ethnology Museum, which is closed on Mondays.
12:30 PM - 12:45 PM: Lunch at our restaurant. Enjoy delicious Vietnamese cuisine, with vegetarian options available.
1:30 PM: Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, located on Golden Fish Island in West Lake and built in the 6th century.
2:30 PM: Continue to the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu Quoc Tu Giam), one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Northern Vietnam and the first university in Vietnam, founded in 1070.
3:30 PM: Head next to Hoa Lo Prison, originally called Maison Centrale by the French. This prison, built between 1886 and 1901, when Vietnam was part of French Indochina, was known as "A Hell on Earth." Today, it serves as a war museum for those who want to learn more about the Vietnamese fight for independence from France.
4:30 PM: Our bus will take you back to the hotel, marking the end of the trip!
7:00 AM: Your tour guide picks you up from your hotel in Hanoi. We then embark on a journey to Ninh Binh Province, approximately 120 kilometers away.
9:00 AM: Enjoy a relaxing 20-minute break.
10:30 AM: Our first stop is Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam. Here, you'll discover the reasons behind the capital's relocation to Hanoi today. Prepare to be awestruck by the remarkable architecture of the 17th-century temples of King Dinh and King Le, the first and second emperors of ancient Vietnam. Let the spirit of Hoa Lu transport you back in time.
11:30 AM: Hop on a bike for a 45-minute exploration of the village, gaining insights into the lives of the locals.
12:30 PM: Take a break for a buffet lunch at a restaurant featuring a variety of local dishes, including goat meat, fried rice, and vegetarian options.
1:30 PM - 2:00 PM: Embark on a visit to Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized in 2014. Trang An boasts a magnificent cave system, which is why the Kong: Skull Island film crew chose this location for the 2016 movie. A boat trip through Trang An will unveil the breathtaking beauty of the landscape, including caves like Sang Cave (Light Cave), Toi Cave (Dark Cave), and Nau Ruou Cave (Cooking Wine Cave), alongside the verdant river and natural scenery.
4:00 PM: Board the bus for Mua Cave (Dancing Cave). For a breathtaking panoramic view of Tam Coc, conquer the nearly 500 steps to the summit of Lying Dragon Mountain.
5:30 PM: Take the bus back to Hanoi.
7:30 PM: Arrive in Hanoi and get dropped off at your hotel, marking the end of your trip.
Note: The Tour guide will arrange the itinerary depending on the weather conditions
7:30-8:00 AM: Pick up from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter and depart for Halong Bay by Expressway Transfer.
10:30 AM: Enjoy a relaxing 20-minute rest stop.
12:00-12:30 PM: Upon reaching Tuan Chau Harbor, embark on the Cozy Bay Premium Cruise. Embark on a scenic 5-6 hour lunch cruise through a renowned route with hidden islets and unique rock formations.
2:00 PM: Venture into Surprising Cave and marvel at its mesmerizing stalagmites and stalactites, which curiously resemble sea creatures.
3:00 PM: Head to Titop Island, a paradise beach with a towering limestone mountain. Climb Titop Peak for a breathtaking panoramic view of the bay.
4:00 PM: Choose between kayaking or a bamboo boat ride through Luon Cave to discover its beautiful lagoon.
5:00-5:30 PM: Relax and enjoy the sunset party with tea, cakes, music, and stunning scenery. Mingle with fellow travelers and soak up the incredible natural beauty.
6:00-6:30 PM: Board the bus for your return to Hanoi via Expressway, with a short 20-30 minute break.
9:00-9:30 PM: Come back to your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter. Dinner is not included.
NOTE:
- Swimming at Titov Island can be our choice, depending on the season. Your full itinerary is here.
- You should bring your swimming suit, sunglasses, and insect repellent.
- The cruise schedule may change due to weather or other conditions.
Free time until your flight to Luang Prabang.
The flight on your arrangement
Upon arrival, meet and transfer to the hotel of your choice for check-in or dropping off your luggage. Stay overnight there.
Please note: the standard check-in time is 14:00. Early arrival is not guaranteed and depends on room availability.
Meals on your own.
Our day starts with a guided tour of Wat Sene, the city's oldest temple, followed by the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong, known for its stunning "tree of life" mosaic. We'll then delve into Lao history at the National Museum, housed in the former Royal Palace. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore the town's shops. In the afternoon, we'll drive to the Kuang Si Waterfalls, where you can cool off with a swim or take a peaceful walk through the forest.
After returning to Luang Prabang, we'll set sail on an upstream Mekong River cruise, offering stunning views of the countryside. As the sun sets, we'll ascend Mount Phousi to admire the sacred stupa and capture breathtaking panoramic views of the city and river. Our day concludes at the Night Market, where you can find unique handmade textiles before returning to our hotel for the night.
Kick off your day early to witness the mesmerizing alms-giving ceremony for saffron-robed monks, a unique tradition only found in Laos. After this spiritual experience, delve into the lively atmosphere of the local morning market before returning to your hotel for breakfast.
In the afternoon, embark on a guided city tour to explore the historic temples. Marvel at the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and visit the sacred shrines of Wat Aham and Wat Mai. Then, set sail on a scenic upstream cruise along the Mekong River, soaking up the tranquility of the surrounding countryside. Along the way, we'll stop at the Pak Ou Caves, sanctuaries filled with thousands of Buddha images. We'll also explore nearby villages, including Ban Xanghai, famous for its local rice wine, and Ban Xang Khong, where artisans craft the unique Saa paper. Relax and unwind overnight at your hotel.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before exploring Luang Prabang at your own pace.
Find unique souvenirs to bring back to loved ones or go for a scenic walk and take photos to commemorate your visit on this 11-day Vietnam and Laos exploration tour.
Make the most of your time in this charming city - your hotel room is available until noon before you transfer to the airport to catch the departing flight that concludes these cultural holidays.
End of service with Vietnam Travels!
What's included
Trip Notes
Time travel: Possible to travel all year around.
Rooms are available from 14.00 on arrival day until 12.00 on departure day, room supplement charge will be added for request of early/late check in/out.
Airfares (if any) may change without notice prior to e-ticket issuance.
Price for infants and children will be quoted as follow:
- Children under 2 years old: Free of charge (Maximum 1 child under 2 years old travels with 2 adults; from the second child, 50% of the regular fare will be applied)
- Children from 2 to 5 years old: 50% of the regular fare will be applied
- Children from 5 to 11 years old: 75% of the regular fare will be applied
- Children from 12 years: 100% of the regular fare will be applied
During Peak Season and special occasions, surcharges may be added to the price:
- Christmas and New Year’s Eve: Compulsory meals would be added during these times of the years, depends on hotels or resorts you will stay overnight.
- Vietnam Lunar New Year: 24 January – 27 January: Extra fee will be applied during holiday.
- Laos New Year: 12 April – 18 April: Extra fee will be applied during holiday.
Visa requirements:
For Vietnam: You must have a valid passport and a visa (or pre-approval letter for a visa on arrival) to enter Vietnam. Our consultant will be happy to advise you on visa requirements.
Your passport must be valid for six months beyond your planned stay, and you must have at least one blank page for each visa stamp.
We can customize this tour just for you
We'll get back to you within 6 - 12 business hours
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