Essential Vietnam - Lao

Upon arrival at airport, you are welcome by our local tour guide and driver for short drive to your preferred hotel for check in. Rest of the day, free at leisure.

      Meal: None
      Accommodation:  Vientiane

After breakfast at your hotel, set out to explore the famous city landmarks of Vientiane. First, we'll visit Wat Sisaket, the oldest Buddhist monastery in Laos and features around 6,800 images of the Buddha in wood, stone, and bronze. Then move on to the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which houses the famous Emerald Buddha Image. 

The tour continues with visit the golden-domed That Luang stupa (Great Sacred Stupa), a national symbol of Laos built in the 16th century Make photo stop at the imposing Patuxay Victory Gate Monument, which is the capital city’s own Arc de Triumph. Take short flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, Transfer to your preferred hotel for check in. Explore night market. 
 
  Meal: Breakfast  / lunch   
  Accommodation: Luang Prabang. 

Exploration of the charming town starts at the National Museum, formerly the Royal Palace, where you will learn the history of Laos. Continue on foot to Wat Mai, a temple famous for its golden bas-relief, and Wat Sensoukarahm, which features a beautiful dazzling golden façade. Wrap up your morning foot tour at Wat Xieng Thong, the most revered Buddhist temple in Luang Prabang. Located at the end of the confluence, close to the Mekong, this temple was built in 1560 by King Setthathirat and is decorated with ornate carvings and mosaics.

Lunch with local cuisine. 

We start our afternoon on an excursion along one of the longest rivers in the world, Me Kong river. The boat journey takes us to Pak Ou Caves (locally called Tam Ting), filled with thousands of gold-lacquered Buddha icons. The icons range in size from a few centimeters tall to the height of a human and are crammed into the cave which is nestled in a limestone cliff. The caves are frequently visited by local pilgrimages.
Return to Luang Prabang by car with stops at Ban Xiengkek and Ban Xangkhong where local villagers make jute paper. 

In the late afternoon, we make a  visit to Phousi mount, located right in the heart of the old town. Here, you can make the climb up 300 plus steps to the top of the hill where you can take in / capture spectacular views of most of Luang Prabang.  You'll also enjoy views of the Khan and Mekong rivers. 

  Meal: Breakfast  / lunch 
  Accommodation:  Luang Prabang. 
 

This early morning, take the special dawn visit to watch the local monks collecting the alms.  As the sun begins to rise, you will see long lines of orange-robed monks walking barefoot down the streets collecting offerings (Alms Giving) from faithful local residents. This beautiful, serene ceremony is unique to Laos, making it the only Buddhist nation still preserving the daily procession.  

Return to your hotel for breakfast. 

Make a visit to the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre, a museum dedicated to showcasing the rich diversity of Laos’ ethnic groups. 
Our tour guide and driver will come to transfer you back to the airport for short flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival at airport, you are welcome by our local tour guide and driver for short drive to your preferred hotel for check in. 

  Meal: Breakfast  / lunch 
  Accommodation:  Hanoi. 

City tour begins with drive through French area to the Ba Dinh Square where Ho Chi Minh read the independence declaration in the morning of September 2nd 1945. 

Lining up for entering inside the Soviet-style mausoleum where late president Ho Chi Minh’s corpse has been reserved for years. Then walk through the gardens of the Presidential Palace to House 54 where Ho Chi Minh lived during 1954-1958. Strolling along the little pond, you will see Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts, the humble dwelling was modeled of hill tribes traditional dwelling far north of the country where Ho Chi Minh and his government ever lived during French war. Take photos of the distinctive One Pillar Pagoda - one of Vietnam’s most iconic temples which was built since 11th century. 

Continue to picturesque Ho Tay (West Lake) where houses  the 6th century Tran Quoc Pagoda. 

Short drive to the 900-year-old Temple of Literature, which served as the first national university of Vietnam till end of 18th century.

Lunch with Ha Noi specialty at a local restaurant. 

Drive out of the central city to visit the Museum of Ethnology showcases the diverse culture of Vietnam's 54 ethnic minority groups through a collection of clothes, textiles, musical instruments and many other items from daily life.

Visit Hoan Kiem lake which has been considered one of the most beautiful lakes in Hanoi. Stroll through the red bridge to Ngoc Son temple which is dedicated national heroes as well as Saint Van Suong, here you will learn about why the story of  "Lake of the Restored Sword” as well as take photos of Turtle tower. 

Explore the fascinating Old quarter  by cyclo before wrapping the tour with water puppet show, an unique folk art of Viet Nam from about 11 century. 
Please note : The Ho Chi Minh mausoleum is closed every Monday and Friday (outside grounds and garden area will be open on these days) and normally closed from June 15 through August 15 for preservation and maintenance of the building.

  Meal: Breakfast  / lunch   
  Accommodation: Hanoi 

9:00 set off for Ha Long Bay - the bay of the descending dragon. Arrive in the early afternoon and transfer to the pier to  board luxurious boat.  The overnight excursion on Ha Long Bay includes visits to a sandy beach and a limestone cave full of stalactites and stalagmites. Besides, also may choose to go kayaking and partake in demonstration cooking class onboard.

Ha Long Bay has been twice recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, in 1994 and 2000 as well as named one of the seven natural wonders of the world,  Ha Long Bay, located in the Gulf of Tonkin and 165 kilometres from Hanoi, covers an area of 43,400 hectares and includes over 1,600 islands and islets. The exceptional scenic beauty of the limestone pillars complemented by biological interest is an ideal model of a mature Karst landscape developed during a warm and wet tropical climate. The outstanding value of Ha Long Bay is centered around the drowned limestone karst landforms, displaying spectacular pillars with a variety of coastal erosional features such as arches and caves which form a majestic natural scenery. 

  Meal: Breakfast  / lunch / dinner 
  Accommodation:  Cruise boat 

Start day with early get up and practicing Tai Chi exercise with help of a crewmember. Then continue unforgettable Halong Bay cruise until a big brunch is finished and then disembark the cruiser at around 10:00 am.  Guide and driver will meet you at the pier then drive back to airport Hanoi for short flight to coastal city Da Nang. Upon arrival, you are welcome by local tour guide and driver for short drive to  preferred hotel for check in.
 
   Meal: Brunch
  Accommodation: Hoian

Today morning, set off 90-minute road excursion through lush rice fields, passing by the peaceful rural villages to My Son holly land, Vietnam’s most significant relics from the old Champa, which prospered between 2nd and 15th centuries. My Son was built as a religious center as well as burial place of choice for the Cham kings in the 4th century in an isolated valley surrounded by towering mountains. The site was listed as the World heritage site by UNESCO in 1999. You'll learn much more about the history of My Son and its surroundings as we stroll through these red-brick ruins, enjoying time to admire the delicate structures and to take in the peace of the place.

Having lunch at local restaurant prior to a 3hour walking tour of Hoi An, a UNESCO world heritage site retaining a diverse mix of architecture influenced by the many nations that traded in this historic port of call.

The tour starts with a visit to the Fujian Assembly Hall, established as a meeting place by Chinese merchants fleeing the Manchu conquest of China in 17th century. The hall is dedicated to the goddess of the sea, Tian Hau, and the Chinese merchants' ancestors, and is adorned with ornate carvings and statues. Continue to the Old House of Tan Ky, the iconic 400-year old Japanese covered bridge, and then to Trade ceramic museum. The city exploration on foot concludes at the vibrant riverside market nearby.  

  Meal: Breakfast  / lunch   
  Accommodation: Hoian 

This morning, transfer back to the airport for flight to Ho Chi Minh city, still called Sai Gon by many people. Upon arrival, met by local tour gudie for short drive to preferred hotel for check in. 

Start our city tour with visit to the historic Reunification Palace formerly the Presidential Palace of the South Vietnamese government, which was attacked by Viet Cong troops on April 30, 1975, marking the end of the Republic of Vietnam. 

We then stroll to European-style landmarks neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral, which dates from the late 19th century and is built of red brick with two distinctive spires, the Central Post Office - one of Vietnam’s most beautiful examples of French colonial architecture.
Continue our city tour with visit to War Remnants museum, which displays a number of exhibits relating to the war with the U.S. and battles with occupying French forces. Back to your hotel via the magnificent Saigon Opera House (Municipal Theatre), city Hall, continental hotel. If time permits, we will have brief look at famous Ben Thanh market. 

  Meal: Breakfast  / lunch   
  Accommodation: Ho Chi Minh. 

Make 2hours journey outside of bustling Ho Chi Minh City to discover the famous Mekong Delta that considered “Rice bowl of Vietnam”. The delta is blessed with the best weather, excellent geographic location and a vast area of 3.8 million hectares of rice cultivable area. Our destination is Ben Tre where is famous for its coconut plantations.

Upon arrival in Ben Tre city, taking private sampan ride to visit local brick kilns to learn how the local burn bricks in traditional method. Continue sampan ride along one of the town's scenic and peaceful canals where you can disembark to visit a riverside coconut candy workshop to learn about making the sweet keo dua the region is known for.  Taking brief walk into local village to visit a mat weaving family, where sedge mats are woven by using a hand loom.

Riding on motor cart (Tuk Tuk) on shady village road, passing by lush rice fields and vegetable plains next. Stop at local restaurant for delicious lunch featuring such local specialty as elephant-ear fish and river shrimp. 

Go back to the main boat by sampan rowing boat. 

  Meal: Breakfast  / lunch   
  Accommodation: Ho Chi Minh 
 

Today, you are free discovering the city your self.  Check out of your hotel room by noon. Our tour guide and driver will come to transfer you back to the airport for your departure flight.

  Meal: Breakfast