Glance of Lao - Vietnam

Upon arrival at Noi Bai airport, you are welcome by our local tour guide and driver for 30 minutes drive to your preferred hotel for check in.
Rest of the day, free at leisure.

  Meal: None   
  Accommodation: Ha Noi

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. 

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 Embark 3-hour drive through Red river delta’s peaceful villages and lush rice fields. Upon arrival in Halong city, board luxurious overnight cruise boat and get ready sailing into the breathtaking Ha Long Bay. 

The overnight journey includes visits to a sandy beach and a limestone cave full of stalactites and stalagmites. Doing kayaking to quite lagoon and partaking in cooking demonstration are part of listed activities as well. 

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 the day with early get up and practicing Tai Chi exercise with help of a crewmember. Then continue your unforgettable Halong Bay cruise until a big brunch is finished and then disembark the cruiser at around 10:00 am. Our guide and driver will meet you at the pier then drive back to Hanoi for flight to Luang Prabang. 

Upon arrival, you are welcome by our tour guide for short drive to your preferred hotel for check in. 

          Meal: Brunch  
          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.

Visit 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. 

Climb up 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 spectacular views of most of Luang Prabang.  You'll also enjoy views of the Khan and Mekong rivers. Explore night market on your own. 

        Meal: Breakfast  / lunch   
        Accommodation:  Luang Prabang.
 

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.

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