Essential Laos and Vietnam
Discover the essentials of Laos and Vietnam in this tour that hits major highlights in a relaxed fashion. Stroll along the riverbanks and spot monks heading towards their temples in Luang Prabang, get up close and personal with elephants at a rescue center, wander the cute alleys of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, cruise Halong Bay, and go back in time with a visit to Hoi An and Hue.
Destinations
Destinations
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Luang Prabang
Sabaidi and welcome to Luang Prabang, the most beautiful town in Laos, famous for its blend of local and colonial culture and architecture. Surrounded by the mighty Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers, the city center is an easy place to stroll and admire the simple and classic beauty of both natural and man-made creations.
Upon arrival to Luang Prabang Airport, our representative will transfer you to your charming hotel for refreshment. Your afternoon visit of the city will include stops at Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Visoun, the Melon Stupa and Wat Aham before catching the radiant sunset atop Mount Phousi. Finish the evening at the daily night market where you can peruse all the local handicrafts on display
Meals: No meals
Accommodation: Satri House
Day 2: Gain an elephant as an acquaintance at Mandalao Elephant Conservation Center
Learn why Laos is called the land of a million elephants with a trip to the Mandalao Elephant Conservation Center just outside of Luang Prabang. Throughout the day, get up close with elephants as you feed, bathe, and play with them after a short training course from a Mahout.
Enjoy a lunch at the camp before visiting Pak Ou Caves, a spiritual site with over 1000 Buddha images are kept.
Return to Luang Prabang by slow boat, stopping along the way to visit the Lao Whisky Village to see the process of how villagers make the potent Lau Lao, a special type of whiskey made from rice.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Satri House
Day 3: Swim in the turquoise waters of Kuang Si Waterfalls
Try one of many delicious Lao breakfasts before hopping into the car for a scenic 1-hour drive south through dense forest to visit the magical Kuang Si Waterfalls. En route, a stop will be made at a colourful ethnic Hmong Village to learn about one of the 49 recognized ethnic groups in the area.
Take a leisurely stroll around the Kuang Si Waterfalls and even take a refreshing dip into the turquoise waters before enjoying a packed picnic lunch.
Upon return to Luang Prabang in the early afternoon, the rest of the day is free for your leisure to browse the beautiful streets along the banks of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Satri House
Day 4: Offer alms at sunrise before catching a flight to Hanoi
Rise before the sun and take part in the iconic tradition of Luang Prabang, offering alms to a long line of monks in dusky saffron robes at Ban Vat Sean.
After the ceremony, transfer back to the hotel to have your own breakfast before checking out of the hotel. Visit the Royal Palace and then transfer to the airport for a late afternoon flight to Hanoi, Vietnam.
Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, our representative will transfer you to your boutique accommodation in the city center.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Peridot Grand Hotel & Spa
Day 5: A day in a life of a Hanoian
Start your morning by diving into the history of Hanoi by visiting Vietnam’s first university, Quoc Tu Giam, otherwise known as the Temple of Literature. The grounds offer a quiet oasis in the center of Hanoi and will show you an interesting glimpse into the cultural elite’s past, dating back from 1076.
Afterwards, visit the iconic One Pillar Pagoda and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a monument and tribute to Ho Chi Minh, the “uncle” of modern Vietnam. The mausoleum is closed every October and November, as well as every Monday and Friday throughout the year.
Enjoy a gentle stroll between West and Truc Bach Lake to the Taoist temple of Quan Thanh and Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda, before stopping at The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. All displays are clearly labeled in English, French, and Vietnamese, with guides available at the main entrance for
those who want to hear more in-depth information. (Closed on Mondays)
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Peridot Grand Hotel & Spa
Day 6: Board an overnight cruise in Halong Bay
Following breakfast, head 2.5 hours east to Halong Bay. Established as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994 and newly nominated as one of the new 7 natural wonders of the world, Halong Bay’s otherworldly atmosphere and landscape of emerald green waters, sandy beaches, and thousands of towering limestone karst islands are sure to leave you speechless.
Check into your cabin as we embark on an overnight cruise to experience the bay in all her glory. Activities include cooking demonstrations, a visit to a floating fishing village, kayaking and swimming, depending on the boat’s itinerary and weather.
At the end of the day, the boat will anchor while guests enjoy the cocktail happy hour and fresh seafood dinner. Try your hand at squid fishing in the evening or perhaps watch a film or stargaze before retiring to your cabin for a restful sleep.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Bhaya Premium Cruises
Day 7: Wake up in Halong Bay and fall asleep in Hoi An
Good Morning Vietnam from Halong Bay! Start the morning with some tai chi on the sundeck as the sun rises, and munch on a light breakfast before participating in a cave visit.
Brunch will be served after the cave tour, which gives you time to savor the views as the boat gently glides through the incredible rock formations towards the dock.
Disembark from the cruise and return to Hanoi to have some time to explore the iconic Old Quarter surrounding the charming Hoan Kiem Lake at leisure before an evening flight south to the beachside getaway of Da Nang and charming ancient town of Hoi An.
Check into the boutique Lasenta hotel amidst the rice fields of Hoi An and enjoy the quiet serenity of Central Vietnam’s countryside.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Lasenta Boutique Hotel Hoi An
Day 8: Feel the charm of Hoi An Ancient Town
After breakfast, explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hoi An Ancient Town. Hoi An is a very cute and well-preserved town, known for its importance in Vietnam’s history as a major port city from the 15th to 19th century. Take a walking tour through the ancient town, admiring the diverse architecture styles, ranging from wooden Chinese shops to grand French colonial houses, traditional Vietnamese “tube” houses and the iconic Japanese covered bridge. The city is also famous for its many brightly colored and delicately painted lanterns which hang in droves on many different shop walls and doors.
The afternoon is free for you to explore. Check out the wide variety of tailors available throughout the city, shop for ready-made clothing, shoes, bags, quilts, accessories and souvenirs, or sip tea in charming tea houses.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Lasenta Boutique Hotel Hoi An
Day 9: Visit Hue - the ancient imperial capital
Take a scenic drive up the coastline of Vietnam along the Hải Vân – Ocean Cloud Pass to the ancient imperial capital of Hue.
The day tour will visit major Hue attractions such as Thien Mu Pagoda, the ancient citadel, and the tombs of Emperor Ming Mang and Emperor Khai Dinh of the Nguyen Dynasty, the last family to rule Vietnam before the French colonial takeover.
Return to your Hoi An hotel in the early evening and have the night free at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Lasenta Boutique Hotel Hoi An
Day 10: Time to say good-bye
Enjoy a last free morning at the beach before your transfer to Da Nang International Airport for your onward booked travel.
Meals: Breakfast
Best price guarantee
When you travel with Mundo Asia through any of our destinations, we're confident you'll return with memories that truly last a lifetime. That's why we are proud to promise you a best price guarantee with unbeatable prices for the highest quality and value. If you are able to find our exact program and product for a lower price on another website, we will refund you the price difference (terms and conditions apply).
Why book this tour
- Explore the classic highlights of Vietnam and Laos
- Plenty of time at each destination to relax and enjoy your surroundings
- Flexible meal plans to taste local flavors
- Stay at boutique properties with charm and favorable customer reviews
- Premium value at affordable prices
- 5% off total package when you book and pay deposit 60 days before arrival
Information
General information
Hotel
Important notes
Services Included
- Shared accommodation in twin/double room with daily breakfast
- Domestic flights (economy class) as mentioned
- Tours as per itinerary with local English speaking guide
- All transfers and transportation with air-conditioned vehicles
- All boat trips as program
- All entrance fees as program
- Meals as indicated in the program
Services Excluded
- Airfares (international) and airport taxes
- Early check-in or late check-out
- Personal expenses & tips
- Meals other than mentioned in the program
- Visa fees, travel insurances
- Additional transfer required due to emergency situation
- All services which are not mentioned in “services included”
Services Included
- Shared accommodation in twin/double room with daily breakfast
- Domestic flights (economy class) as mentioned
- Tours as per itinerary with local English speaking guide
- All transfers and transportation with air-conditioned vehicles
- All boat trips as program
- All entrance fees as program
- Meals as indicated in the program
Services Excluded
- Airfares (international) and airport taxes
- Early check-in or late check-out
- Personal expenses & tips
- Meals other than mentioned in the program
- Visa fees, travel insurances
- Additional transfer required due to emergency situation
- All services which are not mentioned in “services included”
Satri House
Luang Prabang★★★★★
Considered as one of the most charming accommodation in Luang Prabang, Satri House is the ideal place to lay your head especially if you are on your honeymoon. The hotel provides the utmost of comfort with high-quality amenities in its 28 rooms and 3 suites.
Peridot Grand Hotel & Spa
Hanoi★★★★★
An oasis of tranquility in the hustle and bustle of Hanoi Old Quarter, Peridot Grand Hotel and Spa stands out as an artistic and urban-chic place, combining sophisticated luxury with captivating grandeur and uncompromising service.
Bhaya Premium Cruises
Quang Ninh★★★★
Bhaya Premium Cruises are one of the top-rated overnight cruises with ten years of experience exploring Halong Bay. The wooden boat offers a cozy atmosphere complemented by excellent customer service. It is a perfect place for those looking for boutique accommodation.
Lasenta Boutique Hotel Hoi An
Quang Nam★★★★
With 73 contemporary furnished rooms filled with traditional Vietnamese motifs overlooking paddy fields, Lasenta Boutique Hotel is a guest-favourite in Hoi An. The hotel is located 1 km outside of Hoi An Ancient Town, offering a quiet respite from the noise and crowds of the city.
About this tour
- This itinerary is a privately guided tour through major highlights of Vietnam and Laos
- An airport arrival and departure transfer is included. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum of 15 days prior to travel
- This package requires a visa to Vietnam and Laos
- The tour leader in Vietnam will be not be the same as in Laos
- Laos is a conservative country so take care to pack loose, lightweight, long clothing to be respectful in religious monuments and keep cool in the predominantly hot climate. Don’t forget a jacket or sweater as the evenings and early mornings can be quite chilly.
- All overnight Halong Bay cruises must have permission to operate from the Management Board of Halong Bay. If your cruise is suddenly affected by poor weather conditions (monsoon, storms, high winds), Mundo Asia takes responsibility to change to an alternative option
- Consider adding a beach extension on day 10 in Da Nang or head further south to Nha Trang or Mui Ne to spend some days relaxing in style
How to book
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If you see a package that is already perfect, just click “book now” and fill in the details to start your journey!
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Flexible cancellation policy
Worried about cancellation fees? The only payment required is a 30% deposit of the total fees once all services are confirmed after the planning stages. In addition, Mundo Asia has a flexible cancellation policy which you can learn more about in our booking terms and conditions for more information.
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