Your Vietnam & Indochina DMC
Tour Overview
Explore the varied beauty of Vietnam and Laos on this 15-day journey that takes you from the busy streets of Saigon to the serene villages along the Mekong River. Experience the two Indochinese countries' magnificent history, distinct cultures, and breathtaking landscapes for yourself.
Departing from bustling Ho Chi Minh City, you will explore majestic historical sites such as the Independence Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, and especially the legendary Cu Chi tunnel system.
Continue your journey to the ancient capital of Hue with its majestic royal architecture and mysterious historical stories. Ancient Hoian will welcome you with its ancient houses, sparkling lanterns, and delicious specialties.
Coming to Laos, you will discover Luang Prabang, a world heritage city, that will captivate you with its sparkling golden temples, majestic waterfalls, and unique traditional festivals.
During Vietnam & Laos Cultural Holidays, you will have the opportunity to experience the lives of local people, explore traditional craft villages, enjoy unique cuisine, and participate in exciting activities such as boating on the Mekong River, exploring mangrove forests, and taking cooking classes.
Let's explore Vietnam and Laos with Asia Links Travel, a memorable and exciting journey!
Tour Highlights
- Explore the unique Cu Chi tunnel system and visit historical relics.
- Riding a cyclo through Ben Tre fruit garden is a great way to enjoy the fresh air and fruit.
- Experience the unique culture of Ben Tre people through hand-weaving mats.
- Take a dragon boat ride through Hue's historical beauty and see the pagodas.
- Immerse yourself in the magnificent beauty of the royal palace and learn about the history of the Nguyen Dynasty.
- Explore the historic architecture of Saigon while meandering through the historic streets of Hoian.
- Enjoy the diverse and rich cuisine of Vietnam and Laos.
Itinerary
Xin Chào! Welcome to Ho Chi Minh - formerly known as Saigon, a vibrant and bustling metropolis in southern Vietnam. It is deeply rooted in history, with influences from French colonialism and the Vietnam War.
The city is known for its rich cultural heritage, reflected in its diverse architecture, delicious cuisine, and vibrant festivals.
Arrive at the airport and meet our driver for transportation to the hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Proceed with hotel check-in and spend the night there.
- Please note: the standard check in time is 14:00. Early check in is not included and subject to hotel availability.
- Meal: No
- Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
After your breakfast at hotel, our local guide and driver will pick you up and head to Cu Chi, which will take about an hour and a half by car.
Upon arrival, you will receive a brief introduction before embarking on your exploration of the tunnels.
An introductory video will provide insight into the construction of the tunnels and the resilience of those who inhabited them during wartime.
Take your time to discover the remaining area and tunnel systems, including specially constructed living areas equipped with kitchens, bedrooms, and other essential facilities such as storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers.
These essential features catered to the basic needs of the tunnel occupants. Additionally, the maze-like tunnels are equipped with hidden trap doors and dangerous traps, strategically implemented for security purposes during the war.
Return to Ho Chi Minh City, where we will begin our tour of the city that was formerly the capital of French colonization, which many people still refer to as Saigon.
The Independence Palace, the Old Saigon Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Opera House, and the well-known Ben Thanh market, where you may browse for trinkets, are some of the major historical monuments.
Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Meal: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
A private car with your tour guide will pick you up at 8:30a.m. in the hotel lobby. We will travel south to Ben Tre Province and start the Ben Tre Mekong Delta Full Day excursion.
We arrive at the Ham Luong River, which is a Mekong run-off, and have a boat ride across its vast length. There will be stops at some of Ben Tre's most well-known handicraft workshops, where industrious laborers fire bricks, process coconut in a variety of ways, and weave mats using a large loom and dried reeds.
Seize the chance to attempt weaving a mat on your own with the assistance of a knowledgeable local.
We will then stroll through a charming community and its stunning tropical surroundings. Travel into the bush in a traditional Xe Loi (motorized rickshaw), where we may explore unusual fruit orchards.
Relax for the remainder of the afternoon while cruising through the famous backwaters of Ben Tre in a sampan boat.
Bring your camera; the enchanting atmosphere created by the overhanging coconut trees and water palms will make you want to capture every moment forever. You will reach Ho Chi Minh City at about 17.30.
- Meal: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
You have some free time before your flight to Hue City. Our driver will pick you up, take you to the airport, and then you can catch your flight to Hue.
After landing, you will check into your hotel in Hue and stay overnight there.
- Please note: the standard check in time is 14:00. Early check in is not included and subject to hotel availability.
- Meal: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Hue
At 08:30 am: Pick you up from the hotel in Hue.
Take a dragon boat to the oldest pagoda in Hue city, Thien Mu Pagoda, also known as Heaven Fairy Lady Pagoda.
Come explore The Citadel – the Imperial city where Vietnam's final royal dynasty, the Nguyen Dynasty, once resided.
Visit Dong Ba Market, Hue's busiest market featuring a variety of food and merchandise.
See the Khai Dinh Tomb, which combines Eastern and Western architectural styles.
4:00 – 5:00 p.m: Drive to your Hoian hotel.
Meals on your own account. Spend the night in Hoian.
- Meal: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian
08:30 am: Our driver and tour guide will take you to the Cam Thanh coconut village.
Here, you'll have the wonderful opportunity to embark on a basket boat ride through the lush coconut forest and gain insight into the daily lives of Vietnamese fishermen, their families, and the close-knit community they live in.
Experience a cast net or round net with the local fisherman by joining them on the river.
Discover the art of paddling the distinctive Vietnamese bamboo basket boat from friendly locals.
Immerse yourself in captivating stories of historical wars and the incredible resilience of the soldiers who endured challenging conditions.
Lunch on your own account.
We stroll through Ancient Town of Hoian in the afternoon, which is one of the greatest ways to take in the splendor of this city.
While strolling around Hoian, discovering the charming little town that even long-time visitors find to be a serene and tranquil spot. There are hints of China, Japan, and Vietnam in this distinct ambiance.
Visits to the Hoian Museum, numerous well-known Ancient Houses in the town with their stunning architecture, and of course the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge are all included in the tour.
The majority of the homes in this area have Chinese or Japanese architectural styles.
Lunch & Dinner on your own account. Spend the night in Hoian.
- Meal: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian
Free to wander and discover the timeless city of Hoian at your own pace today.
Lunch & Dinner on your own account. Spend the night in Hoian.
- Meal: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian
You have some free time before your flight to Hanoi City. Our driver will be there to pick you up and take you to the airport for your flight to Hanoi.
Arrive and spend the night at the hotel in Hanoi.
- Please note: the standard check in time is 14:00. Early check in is not included and subject to hotel availability.
- Meal: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
8h30am: Depart for Ninh Binh province after being picked up by our welcoming guide.
Take a brief 15-20 minute break to unwind.
Take a tour of Hoa Lu, the former Vietnamese capital from 968 to 1010. You can study Vietnamese history during the Dinh, Le, and Ly dynasties when the country was still ruled by feudalism.
Experience the enchanting beauty of Tam Coc on a relaxing 1.5-hour bamboo boat ride. Marvel at the picturesque paddy fields, serene river, peaceful water, beautiful clouds, expansive sky, and an awe-inspiring cave system during the boat journey.
Together, they form a breathtaking masterpiece often referred to as "Ha Long Bay on land" by the Vietnamese people.
Cycle to the tranquil Bich Dong Pagoda for an added touch of cultural exploration.
16h00: Get into the van and head back to Hanoi.
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
08:00 – 08:30 | Pick-up time
You'll be picked up from the hotels around Hanoi Old Quarter for a trip to discover Halong Bay.
11:30 – 12:00 | Reach Tuan Chau Harbor
12:00 | Transferred to the main boat via a tender and ready to embark on an amazing journey with Dragon Bay Cruises!
Greetings from Dragon Bay Cruises! Upon arrival, you'll be greeted with a refreshing welcome drink as our cruise manager gives you a detailed briefing about the cruise and ensures your safety.
Following that, it will be time for you to check in to your comfortable cabin.
13:00 | Savor a delicious lunch
Indulge in a delightful lunch as we embark on the Dragon Bay Cruises – Luxury Cruises for a serene journey through the breathtaking Halong Bay.
This extension of the Halong Wonder offers a tranquil experience with fewer tourists, allowing us to appreciate the renowned Finger Islet, Candle Islet, and the myriad of uniquely shaped limestone towers and islands.
15:30 | Explore Lan Ha Bay – Halong Bay
We are thrilled to take you to the renowned Dark and Bright cave, known for its unspoiled natural beauty and captivating seascape in Lan Ha Bay.
Capture stunning photographs of the romantic and poetic local scenery and immerse yourself in the serene ambiance.
Make the most of this opportunity to engage in bamboo boat rides, kayaking, all of which promise to be captivating activities for discovering the true beauty of the Limestone Mountains and the azure sky of Lan Ha Bay.
Following these adventures, get ready to dive into the emerald green waters of Lan Ha Bay for an exhilarating swimming experience.
Don't forget to bring along your swimming suits, sun cream, and sunglasses to make the most of it!).
17:00- 18:00 | Sunset Party, Happy Hour and Cooking Class
Get ready to unwind and indulge in the stunning sunset at Halong Bay! There's something truly magical about sunsets – the colors, the ambiance, the temperature – it all creates a feeling like no other.
Join us for an exciting cooking demonstration onboard! Immerse yourself in Vietnamese culinary culture as our Cruise Chef guides you through creating traditional dishes like fresh or dried spring rolls and the art of carving various fruits and vegetables.
Get ready to participate in a lively competition to see who can make the dish the fastest, and then savor your culinary creation solo or with your fellow travelers.
Food enthusiasts, this engaging activity is perfect for you!
Our skilled captain will select the most peaceful spot to anchor for the night before dinner.
19:00 | Enjoy a gourmet dinner
Indulge in mouthwatering local cuisine expertly prepared and served by our fabulous onboard catering team.
The mesmerizing night view of Lan Ha Bay is absolutely breathtaking.
- Meal: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch + Dinner on cruise
- Accommodation: On Cruise
06:00 | Sunrise Tai-chi section on sundeck
Join us on the sundeck for a Tai-chi session to rejuvenate your body and mind before heading out on a picture hunt.
07:00 | Have light breakfast
Dragon Bay Cruises is still sailing past breathtaking karst towers. Guests can enjoy a delightful serving of tea, coffee, and a light breakfast while taking in the fresh air and serene surroundings.
08:00 | Explore Lan Ha Bay by kayak
09:30 | Back to the boat for check-out
10:00 | Brunch time
While a delicious brunch is being served, our cruise gently makes its way toward the harbor through hundreds of Karst mountains and emerald water.
11:30 – 12:00 | Back to Tuan Chau Harbor
The Shuttle Bus service will transport you back to Hanoi.
- Meal: Breakfast + Brunch on cruise
- Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
You have some free time before your flight to Luang Prabang. Our driver will pick you up and take you to the airport for your flight to Luang Prabang.
Upon arrival, our friendly staff will greet you and assist with transferring to your hotel. Once in Luang Prabang, you'll discover the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia.
The town's tranquility, charm, natural beauty, and cultural attractions make it an exceptionally delightful place to explore in Laos. Spend the night in Luang Prabang.
- Please note: the standard check in time is 14:00. Early check in is not included and subject to hotel availability.
- Meal: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang
Join us for an enchanting exploration of the city's historical treasures! Our itinerary includes a visit to the ancient Wat Sene temple and the stunning Wat Xieng Thong, where you'll behold the breathtaking "tree of life" mosaic crafted from vibrant colored glass.
At the former Royal Palace, now The National Museum, immerse yourself in the beauty of Lao culture as you peruse a captivating array of artifacts spanning the ages.
Afterward, take some free time to wander through the town's charming shopping districts. Our journey continues with a scenic drive to the exquisite Kuang Si Waterfall, where you can bask in the turquoise pools or meander along woodland trails.
Afternoon get back to Luang Prabang for and climb up to the top of Mount Phousi to investigate the sacrosanct, plated stupa as well as take a magnificent view of the city and the Mekong River at sunset.
Finally, we explore the Night Market, where you can browse through a lovely selection of handmade textiles. Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang.
- Meal: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang
Getting an early start gives you the wonderful chance to observe or take part in the daily alms-giving ceremony to saffron-clad monks in the morning.
Laos is the only country where this procession is still practiced by Buddhists, making it a unique ritual. We then proceed to learn more about the neighborhood morning market before going back to the hotel.
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we embarked on a short-guided tour of the city's oldest temple. Our first stops included the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrines of Wat Aham and Wat Mai.
Next, we hopped on an upstream cruise along the picturesque Mekong River, treating ourselves to a panoramic view of the serene countryside.
Our journey included a stop at the Pak Ou Caves, home to thousands of Buddha images and offering a truly serene atmosphere.
Throughout the day, we visited several villages, including Ban Xanghai where the local rice wine is produced, and Ban Xang Khong, known for its production of Saa paper, a traditional Laotian product.
Spend the night in the hotel.
- Meal: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang
Have breakfast at the hotel. Our driver will arrive around three hours before your departure flight home to transfer you to the airport.
Please note: the standard check out time is 12:00. Late check out is not included and subject to hotel availability.
End of service!
- Meal: Breakfast at hotel
- Accommodation: Until 12.00 noontime
What's included
Trip Notes
Time travel: Possible to travel all year around. March to June and September to October are best time in Sapa when the weather is warmer and days are mainly sunny.
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.
- Easter Holidays: 10 April – 12 April: Extra fee will be applied during holiday.
- Vietnam Lunar New Year: 24 January – 27 January: 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.
Customer Reviews (6)
Beautiful scenery, peaceful pace!
Value for two countries in one trip!
Deep cultural immersion in small villages.
Laos stole my heart!
Perfect blend of city, culture, nature!
An unforgettable two-week adventure through two countries
We can customize this tour just for you
We'll get back to you within 6 - 12 business hours
You might also like...
