Name: Vietnam & Laos Exotic Holiday
Brand: Tour

Route

Hanoi Sapa Ninh Binh Halong Bay Hanoi Hue Hoi An Vientiane Vang Vieng Luang Prabang

Duration

16 days / 15 nights

Vietnam & Laos Exotic Holiday is another choice for travelers who would like to visit these two adjacent countries in one tour. Tour start from historic Hanoi Capital in north of Vietnam which is conserved between the traditional culture and modern life. Immerse into the space between the sea and the extremely impressive limestone islands of Ha Long Bay (World Nature Wonder) famed for it’s beautiful landscapes. Enjoy the typical countryside beauty of the Tonkin Gulf with breathtaking scenery in Ninh Binh. By flight to Central of Vietnam to visit the romantic of Hue Citadel, the experience of strolling around Hoi An ancient town and discovering its tranquil beauty.

Goodbye Vietnam, you will continue new adventure in Laos with admired of its Buddhist culture, untouched beauty of sceneries and kind people. Stay in 6-day is a great chance to introduce the best of Laos to travelers. This itineraries will take you in the magical sights which mixed between experiencing modern town of Vientiane and enjoy outdoor activities at remote spectacular landscape of Vang Vieng mountain karst and mountain range of northern Laos. Leave Vang Vieng, your adventure shall be ended at UNESCO ancient town of Luang Prabang where is the Laos’ popular tourist sites that you should not miss out.

Tour Highlights

+ Visit major attraction places in Vietnam & Laos such as Halong Bay, Ninh Binh, Sapa, Hanoi, Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An, Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang.

+ Enjoy activities such as boating in Mekong Delta, Kayaking in Halong Bay, boating in Ninh Binh, boat trip upstream Mekong River to visit sacred Pakou Caves.

+ Experience local cuisine, overnight on Halong Bay cruise.

+ Visit Khouangsi Waterfall - One of the most beautiful waterfall in Laos.

+ Experience local cuisine.

+ High quality transportation, friendly local guide.

Note: This is a sample of tour itinerary designed for your reference, it can be customized itinerary as per your requirement, and match your travel expectation such accommodation type, duration, sightseeing attractions so on. Kindly tell me your requirement, we will help you to make a tailor-made tour with much fun time & unforgettable holiday in Vietnam and Laos.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Hanoi (N/A)

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, you will be warmly welcomed by driver (No Guide) with signboard, then transfer to hotel to check in & leisure (the room is official available after 14:00 pm). The rest time, you will be freely explore Hanoi by your ways. Overnight in Hanoi Meals: None Included: No tour guide, private transfer

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour Full Day - Night Train To Lao Cai (B/L)

Have breakfast at hotel. This morning, we will start a Hanoi tour by visiting outside Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum . Enjoy the architectural and historical aspects of Uncle Ho’s final resting-place. Just next door is Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. Lying to one side of the Mausoleum is the One Pillar Pagoda founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049 the structure has become an important symbol for the people of Hanoi. Continue to visit Tran Quoc Pagoda on West lake (One of the oldest in Vietnam). Have lunch at local restaurant. After lunch proceed to visit the Ethnology Museum , continue to visit the Temple of Literature . Vietnam’s first university constructed in 1070. It is gardens and well-preserved architecture offers a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam’s past. We will take you past Hoan Kiem Lake to see the peaceful waters and visit Ngoc Son Temple, Walking to visit Ma May ancient house ... Note: + On Monday and Friday morning, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed. + On Monday, Ethnic museums is closed, visit Thang Long Citadel instead of Ethnology Museum. Have free time or take your dinner (your own expense). After that, transfer to Hanoi Train Station for night train to Lao Cai city. Note: Tour guide will say goodbye you at Hanoi, you will go to Lao Cai by train without tour guide. Another local tour guide in Sapa will take care you. Overnight on train to Lao Cai Meals: Breakfast, lunch Included: Private tour guide in Hanoi, private transfer

Day 3: Lao Cai - Sapa Town - Cat Cat Village (B/L)

Upon arrival Lao Cai Station at 05:30 am, local tour guide will pick up you from station and drive to Sapa town . Have breakfast at local restaurant & having short break. Then, you will have a trekking full day to Lao Chai & Ta Van Village , home to H’mong , and Dzay people to understand more about ethnic minority community, enjoy imposing mountain scenery, terraced fields, and marvelous nature. Visit ancient sacred stones with big - small ones which have many unique images, secret sigh. See bridge which made by rattan like Muong Hoa stream . This is an absolutely spectacular walk through stunning scenery inhabited by some of the friendliest people you can meet. Have lunch at local restaurant during visit. After lunch, you continue to explore Ta Van village until you are transferred to Sapa town. Check in hotel & leisure. Overnight at Sapa Meal: Breakfast, lunch Included: Private tour guide, private transfer

Day 4: Sapa - Ethnic Minority Market - Night Train Back Hanoi (B/L)

Have breakfast at hotel. After that, you will be picked up by private local guide, then depart from Sapa for 3 hours driving to one of the most colorful markets of the region. Depending on which day of the week it is. The market where you will meet the ethnic minorities from H’Mong Flower, Lachi, Nung, Fula, Thai, Red Dzao … and other ethnic minorities who come to exchange their goods and gossips from their own community. After visiting the market, drive to Trung Do village of people Tay, soft trekking here before transfer back to Lao Cai Train station for overnight train back Hanoi. List of minority markets: We can visit 1 market below, depnend date we arrive Lao Cai + Tuesday: market Coc Ly 60km from Lao Cai / 95km from Sapa + Wednesday: market Cao Son or market Sin Cheng 120km from Lao Cai / 160km from Sapa + Thusday: market Lung Khau Nhin 65km from Lao Cao / 103km from Sapa + Saturday: market Can Cau 100 km from Lao Cai / 140 km from Sapa + Sunday: market Bac Ha or market Muong Hum 80 km from lao Cai / 120 km from Sapa Note: Local tour guide will say goodbye you at Lao Cai train station, you will go back Hanoi by train without tour guide. Another local tour guide in Hanoi will take care you. Overnight on train to Hanoi Meals: Breakfast, lunch Included: Private tour guide, private transfer

Day 5: Hanoi - Hoa Lu & Mua Caves - Tam Coc - Ninh Binh (B/L)

Upon on arrival in Hanoi train station at very early morning around 05:30 am. A driver (No Guide) pick up to transfer to local restaurant for breakfast, and wait here. At 08:00 am, tour guide pick you up at hotel, depart to Ninh Binh province to visit Hoa Lu & Tam Coc , enjoying the beautiful sceneries of the rural areas on the way. Arrival in Ninh Binh , you visit Hoa Lu - the Ancient Royal capital of Viet Nam . We will visit Dinh king temple and Le king temple dating back to the 17 th Century. Next, arrive Mua Caves and start an amazing trek up to the top of Ngoa long mountain for watching the spectacular rice valley with sprecious view of the nature. Have lunch at local restaurant. After lunch you will get on bamboo boat - rowed by the local people - in Small River to visit Tam Coc (three caves) on the way. You pass through three enormous caves that provide a brief respite from the intense summer sun. It takes approximately two hours to go up and down the river and along the way, you witness local fisher folk, village life along the river and, of course, the striking limestone karst formations that Tam Coc is famous for. Overnight in Ninh Binh Meals: Breakfast, lunch Included: Private tour guide, private transfer

Day 6: Ninh Binh - Halong Bay - Overnight On Cruise (B/L/D)

Have breakfast at the hotel. This morning, departure from Ninh Binh for the famous Halong Bay . The road will pass by the Red River delta with green paddy fields and rural villages, where hard-work farmers are busy with their farming jobs, plough buffaloes or planting seedling. Upon arrival in Halong Bay, at 12:00 - 12:30 pm, we’ll take a big boat to cruise the Bay to discover the magnificent beauty of this “ Descending-dragon ” bay, created by thousands odd-shaped limestone rocks and karst grottoes. After a lunch of fresh seafood on board, we can visit the Surprising Grotto , stop for swimming or kayaking, passing floating villages and approach islets to enjoy their beauty in close distance. Back to the boat for dinner late afternoon. Evening attend activities on the boat or relax at your own leisure. Lunch & dinner on the junk. Note: + Program may differ slightly base on cruise ships. I will update exactly itinerary of cruise when tour is confirmed, and cruise is selected. + Private tour guide will not on board together with you, he will wait you at Halong City. On cruise, there another tour guide of cruise will take care you. Overnight on Halong Bay Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Included: Private tour guide, private transfer

Day 7: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Fly To Hue (B/L)

Breakfast on boat, The Vietnamese call the “East Sea” by a point-oriented name “Eastern Sea”, so you may guess how miraculous it is seeing the sunrise over the islets of the Bay. The boat will take us to go about marvelous areas, where almost each islet has its own name, adopting its shape or reminiscent, including the Fisherman’s Head, Turtle, the Sail, the Incense Burner Rock, the cute Sea Dog Rock or Cock Fighting Rocks and so on. Lunch on boat. Check out and get back to the shore. Private tour guide is waiting you at the bank to take you directly to Noi Bai Airport. At 16:30 pm, you arrive Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi for domestic flight to Hue city . Note: + The flight from Hanoi to Danang have to depart after 19:00PM. + Proposal flight: VN1549 HAN 19:15 - HUI 20:30 Upon arrival Phu Bai Airport in Hue City, driver (No Guide) pick up and transfer to hotel, check-in & leisure. Overnight in Hue Meals: Breakfast, lunch Included: Shared tour guide on cruise, private tour guide & transfer back to Hanoi airport, no tour guide in Hue

Day 8: Hue City Tour Full Day (B/L)

Have breakfast at hotel. At 08:00 am, tour guide will meet you at your hotel then he takes you on tour. We start our excursion by taking a boat trip on Huong River to Thien Mu Pagoda which was built in 17th century on the top of the hill overlooking the river and Truong Son mountain range. This pagoda is one of the oldest Buddhist Pagodas in Vietnam and is not only an iconic simple but also the Buddhist school of Hue City. After visiting this place, we continue driving to Minh Mang Tomb which is located on bank of Perfume River . The master plan of this complex and all the buildings in the opposite sides along the main axis from the triple gates to the tomb looks like a lying body whose head is on the top of the burial place looking over the river. Next, drive to Khai Dinh Tomb which is located on the hill step of Chau E Mountain, the tomb is a blend of Western and Eastern style and built in 1920. Have lunch at local restaurant. Later afternoon we visit to the Imperial and Forbidden City of Hue , most of the contraction sites of a heyday royal dynasty were destroyed during the turmoil of the war for many years but there is still the sense of grace and majestic of the rulers. A royal court music show, a world tangible heritage is on our list of thing we must do. Return to our hotel then free at leisure. Overnight in Hue Meals: Breakfast, lunch Included: Private tour guide, private transfer

Day 9: Hue - Da Nang Sightseeing - Hoi An (B/L)

Have breakfast at hotel. This morning, you will have short free time for leisure before check out hotel. Then, drive to Da Nang, passing by the Cloud Pass (Hai Van Pass) . Upon arrival Da Nang, visit Marble Mountain , Carvings-stone village . Have lunch at local restaurant Then, continue driving to Hoi An ancient town . Once in Hoi An , you will check into hotel and have some free time to explore by your ways. Overnight in Hoi An Meals: Breakfast, lunch Included: Private tour guide, private transfer

Day 10: Hoi An Walking Tour (B/L)

Have breakfast at hotel. This morning, you will have short free time for leisure before you will be taken a day walking tour through the narrow, winding streets of Hoi An’s ancient town, you will discover the charming of Hoi An ancient town by walking to visit a traditional Chinese Communal House, Hoi Kien Temple, ancient Tan Ky Merchants’ Houses, the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge & spending time in Colorful Hoi An Local Market , free time for shopping at Hoi An ancient town. Have lunch at local restaurant during visit. After lunch, continue walking through the narrow, winding streets of Hoi An’s ancient town to explore & experience local life of Hoi An citizens. Overnight in Hoi An Meals: Breakfast, lunch Included: Private tour guide, private transfer

Day 11: Hoi An - Da Nang - Fly To Vientiane (B)

Have breakfast at hotel, free leisure until driver (No Guide) pick up you to Danang Airport for your flight to Vientiane. On arrival in the Laos capital of Vientiane, you will be met and transferred to your centrally located hotel. Vientiane is a charming and fascinating capital, with an interesting mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, and American influences. After a short break, we are heading to Night Market tour, you strolling around and watching the sunset and observing local life along the Mekong Riverside. Take a walk by the Great King Chao Anouvong Park and experience the night market where you can find souvenirs, textile, antique items food and drink. We head for dinner at the Mekong Riverside restaurant. Overnight in Vientiane Meals: Breakfast, dinner Included: No tour guide in Hanoi, private transfer, tour guide in Vientiane

Day 12: Vientiane - Full Day City Tour (B/L)

After breakfast back at the hotel we begin our journey to see the major temples of Vientiane including the oldest, Wat Sisaket , with its thousands of miniature Buddha statues, and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo , which housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. We also visit the national icon of Laos, That Luang Stupa , stopping along the way to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument , which is Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph. After lunch, we are heading from downtown center 21km to Buddha Park and stop by at Lao-Thai friendship bridge for duty free and shopping. Back to down town center. Have dinner at local restaurant. Overnight in Vientiane Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Included: Private tour guide, private transfer

Day 13: Vientiane - By Car To Vang Vieng (B/L)

After an early breakfast we depart the capital for our journey northbound. Our drive will take approximately 4 hours passing through spectacular countryside before climbing into the mountains. There will be photo opportunities along the way and a stop at a colorful local market where various hill tribes come to trade goods and buy provisions. After lunch we will visit the famous Than Jang Cave , once used by local people as a hideout from Chinese invaders. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore Vang Vieng take a boat ride down river or just relax by the pool at your hotel. Overnight in Vang Vieng Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Included: Private tour guide, private transfer

Day 14: Vang Vieng - Luang Prabang (B/L)

This morning we drive further into the mountains passing spectacular scenery and numerous hill tribe villages. We will lunch at an altitude of approximately 1,300 meters above sea level surrounded by the endless mountain peaks of this remote region. After lunch we continue on along Route 13 stopping for photo opportunities and arriving in Luang Prabang afternoon. After check in at our hotel we climb to the top of Mount Phousi to explore the sacred gilded stupa and to enjoy the panoramic view of the city and the sun setting over the Mekong River. Descending the mountain your will find yourself in the midst of the famous Luang Prabang Night Market, where you can find a unique selection of handmade textiles and handicrafts locally made by both ethnic Lao and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Your evening is free to explore the market and sample some traditional Lao cuisine at one of the many restaurants the town has to offer. Overnight in Luang Prabang Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Included: Private tour guide, private transfer

Day 15: Luang Prabang - Full Day Tour (B/L)

After breakfast back at the hotel we begin our journey to Khouangsi Waterfall stopping along the way to visit the morning Phousi Market , this where all locals of Luang Prabang come to do their daily shopping. You will see a variety of local foodstuffs and products including dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, fish, vegetables and fruit, everything needed for daily life in Laos. On arrival at the Khouangsi Waterfall you will have the opportunity to cool off with a refreshing swim in the topaz pools below the falls, walk along the forest trails and visit the Bear Sanctuary. You will also enjoy a picnic lunch below the falls. Upon return to Luang Prabang we board our private boat for a pleasant and scenic cruise up on the Mekong River to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves . These caves are an ancient pilgrimage site and contain thousands of gold lacquered Buddha images left there over hundreds of years. Returning to Luang Prabang we disembark our boat and have the option of taking a short drive to Ban Phanom , a village famous for its hand weaving or returning to the hotel for free time to relax Overnight in Luang Prabang Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Included: Private tour guide, private transfer

Day 16: Luang Prabang - Half Day City Tour - Departure (B/L)

After breakfast back at the hotel we begin our half day tours to see some of the highlights of Luang Prabang before departure, including a visit to the Royal Palace Museum , which hosts the city’s oldest temples, the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roof sweeping low to the ground, representing classical Lao architecture, the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham . After lunch you will be transferred to Luang Prabang Airport for your flight to departure. Meals: Breakfast, lunch Included: Private tour guide, private transfer

Things to know

Travel highlights & benefits

+ Accommodation on a twin/double/tripe-share basic with daily breakfast

+ Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)

+ Private door to door transport with air-conditioned

+ Train tickets Hanoi - Sapa (2-way)

+ English Speaking Tour guide

+ All entrance and sightseeing fees

+ Mineral water daily 2 bottle 500ml/per day tour

+ All taxes & services charge

Not included

+ International Air Fare in & out Vietnam, Laos

+ Domestic Air Fare from Hanoi - Hue

+ International Air Fare from Da Nang - Vientiane

+ Beverages and other meals do not indicate in the program

+ Additional sightseeing or extra usage of vehicle

+ Visa fees to Vietnam

- Approval letter for visa on arrival (depend on each nationality)

- Visa stamping fee at airport: 25 USD/Person

+ Visa to Laos (depend on each nationality)

+ Early check-in and late check-out at all hotels

+ Travel insurance (you must buy it from your country)

+ Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, shopping...)

+ Tipping to tour guide & driver together

- Group with 1-2 Persons: 5 USD/person/day

- Group with 3-5 Persons: 4 USD/person/day

- Group with 6 Persons up: 3 USD/person/day

+ Surcharge for peak season & compulsory dinner on X’mas and New Year’s, Lunar New Year

+ Single room supplement

+ Any additional expenses caused by reasons beyond our control such as natural calamities (typhoon, floods), flight delays, rescheduling or cancellations, any accidents, medical evacuations, riots, strikes etc.