Hidden Vietnam and Laos

Xin Chao and welcome to the traditional and cultural heart of Vietnam, Hanoi. Upon arrival to Hanoi, our representative will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel for check-in and refreshment.

Our half-day tour will begin this afternoon at Hoan Kiem Lake. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the Hanoi city center by discovering the beauty of Ngọc Sơn Temple and viewing the “Turtle Tower”.

Continuing on, you will visit the labyrinth of streets dubbed the “Old Quarter”, famous to international guests and locals alike due to its propensity for its chaotic but photogenic and charming nature.

Meals: No meals

Accommodation: Peridot Grand Hotel & Spa

Dive into the history of Hanoi by visiting the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, designed to resemble a blooming lotus flower, commissioned by the legendary King Ly Thai To in 1049. Just a stone’s throw away lies the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a monument and tribute to Ho Chi Minh, the “uncle” of modern Vietnam, as well as his preserved stilt house and a small museum dedicated to his life.

Pass by 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.

Enjoy an afternoon at leisure until an evening street-food vespa tour in the Old Quarter for dinner.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Peridot Grand Hotel & Spa

Leave the hustle and bustle of Ha Noi and journey 2 hours south to the quaint countryside town of Ninh Binh. This area has recently risen to fame as it was used for the shooting of the Hollywood Blockbuster hit “Kong: Skull Island” in 2017.

Start in Van Long with a unique boat ride moving only by the power of local women using their feet! Lunch at a local restaurant before climbing the 500 steps of Hang Mua, a picturesque mountainside spot with a cave and beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding area, dotted with karst mountains and sparkling rice fields.

The return to Hanoi will leave you the rest of the evening at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Peridot Grand Hotel & Spa

Following breakfast, hotel pick-up will be arranged to bring you to the moment you have all been waiting for, a cruise on 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

What better way to spend your last day in Vietnam than by waking up in the middle of Halong Bay amongst such fresh air and magnificent scenery? 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 the cruise and return to Hanoi for a visit to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. This museum and research center is dedicated to the 54 officially recognized ethnic groups living in Vietnam and boasts a carefully curated collection of tribal art, clothing, furniture, jewelry, spiritual and household items, while the outdoor grounds contain full-sized replica houses and gardens of different ethnic minorities. 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)

After the museum visit, transfer to Noi Bai International Airport for an evening flight to the charming Luang Prabang, located in the land of a million elephants, Laos. Transfer to the gorgeous Satri House in the city center and have your evening free for leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Mekong Riverview Hotel

Sabaidi and welcome to Luang Prabang, the most beautiful town in Laos, famous for its blend of local and colonial culture and architecture.

Take a scenic morning drive south through dense forest to visit the magical Kuang Si Waterfalls for a refreshing swim and picnic lunch in the cool glowing waters.  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.

Upon return to Luang Prabang in the early afternoon, visit Wat Xieng Thong, a black and red temple with lavish gold stenciling dating back to the 16^th century, special for being one of the only temples that was not ransacked by Chinese mercenaries in the late 1800s.

The tour proceeds to Wat Visoun, the Melon Stupa and Wat Aham catching the sunset atop Mount Phousi. 

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Mekong Riverview Hotel

Sit back and revel in the exquisite views on our scenic drive to Muang Xai today. Along the way there are many opportunities to take photos and experience authentic encounters as we stop at markets and minority villages barely visited by international guests.

Upon arrival to the Namkat Yorla Pa Resort, the rest of your day is free to explore the surrounding rice paddies and babbling river stream independently by foot or bicycle.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Namkat Yorla Pa Resort

Wake up to the quiet sounds of nature this morning in Muang Xai and enjoy an afternoon trek to discover the area’s wild jungles and pristine nature. Conquer your fear of heights by strolling across 13 suspension bridges through the jungle and see how many animals you can spot.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Namkat Yorla Pa Resort

Depart Muang Xai this morning and drive 3 hours east to the countryside wonder of Nong Khiaw. Surrounded by karst limestone formations and verdant rice paddies, the setting is perfect for either relaxing and soaking up the atmosphere or trying many adventure activities and working up a sweat.

Enjoy your day free for leisure in the town, although we do suggest to cycle around the village and surrounding countryside or try an herbal steam bath. For adventurers, check out the 400m zipline in the jungle outside of town!

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Nong Khiaw Riverside

Hop into a private roof-covered boat today for a full-day trip up the Nam Ou River to a natural river gorge surrounded by virgin rainforest covered mountains. Make a stop at Ban Sop Jam, a small traditional village on the river banks famous for its beautiful hand-woven sarongs and scarves.

Journey back south to the beautiful village of Muang Ngoi and have lunch after exploring the town and its caves. In the afternoon, the boat will return you when you are ready back to Nong Khiaw.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Nong Khiaw Riverside

After a delicious breakfast, return by a 3-hour drive to charming Luang Prabang.

The afternoon is free for your leisure to pick up those last minute souvenirs, indulge in spa treatments, or perhaps to visit other tourist attractions, such as the well-tended gardens of the Royal Palace. The Royal Palace is now a museum with a wonderful collection of crown jewels, antique cars, royal objects and weapons, artwork and more.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Mekong Riverview Hotel

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. Typical alms givings are usually of simple food such as rice or fruit so that the monks can have their one meal per day.

After the ceremony, return to the hotel to have your own breakfast before checking out of the hotel and transferring to the airport for your onward booked travel.

Meals: Breakfast