📍 Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi – Welcome to Vietnam
Welcome to Hanoi, the historic and culturally rich capital of Vietnam.
Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you will be welcomed by our local representative and transferred by private vehicle to your centrally located hotel. After checking-in, take some time to rest and recover from your international journey.
Depending on your arrival time, you enjoy a gentle orientation walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and Hanoi’s atmospheric Old Quarter. Wandering through narrow streets lined with traditional shophouses, local cafés, craft stores and family businesses. The lively neighbourhood provides an excellent first impression of Hanoi, where historic traditions remain part of everyday urban life.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Tour included: Airport transfer, local guide, hotel accommodation.
📍 Day 2: Hanoi Cultural and Historical Heritage Tour
You will enjoy breakfast at the hotel before beginning a full-day exploration of Hanoi’s most important cultural and historical landmarks.
Then, starting at the Temple of Literature, a peaceful complex of courtyards, gardens, ceremonial gateways and ancient stone steles. The site reflects Vietnam’s long scholarly tradition and the importance placed on education throughout the country’s history.
You continue to the area surrounding Ba Dinh Square to see the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum from the exterior and visit the traditional One Pillar Pagoda. Depending on opening schedules, you may also explore one of the nearby historical residences or museums.
After lunch at a Vietnamese restaurant, you will visit the Museum of Ethnology or another cultural museum selected according to the operating calendar. Its exhibitions introduce the traditions, clothing, houses and customs of Vietnam’s diverse ethnic communities.
Next, you return to central Hanoi to explore Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, located on a small island reached by the distinctive red Huc Bridge. Afterwards, enjoy a Cyclo ride through the Old Quarter, passing traditional trading streets, colonial-era façades and bustling local markets.
Conclude the sightseeing program with a traditional water puppet performance, an art form associated with the villages and rice-growing communities of northern Vietnam.
The evening is free for you to explore Hanoi’s restaurants, night markets and café culture independently.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Tour included: Breakfast, lunch, private transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees, Cyclo experience, water puppet performance and hotel accommodation.
📍 Day 3: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Trang An – Hoa Lu – Hanoi
After breakfast, you depart Hanoi for Ninh Binh, travelling through the countryside of the Red River Delta.
Your first destination is Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the political centre of Vietnam during the 10th and early 11th centuries. Visit the historic temple compounds dedicated to the Dinh and Early Le rulers while your guide explains the development of the early independent Vietnamese state.
After that, you will have lunch at a local restaurant with featuring regional dishes.
In the afternoon, embark on a traditional sampan journey through the waterways of the Trang An Landscape Complex. Local rowers will guide the boat along peaceful rivers, beneath limestone cliffs and through naturally formed grottoes. Temples, forested peaks and hidden valleys appear along the route, creating one of northern Vietnam’s most remarkable cultural landscapes.
Moreover, Trang An is recognised as a mixed cultural and natural World Heritage property, combining an extensive tropical karst landscape with archaeological, historical and spiritual values.
Depending on weather conditions and the group’s physical ability, an optional visit to Hang Mua viewpoint may be arranged before returning to Hanoi.
Arrive back in the capital in the early evening and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Tour included: Breakfast, lunch, private transfer, guide, entrance fees, sampan boat journey and hotel accommodation.
📍 Day 4: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay Overnight Cruise
Having breakfast at the hotel and depart for Ha Long Bay. You will travel through the countryside and modern urban areas of Northern Vietnam.
Upon arrival at the marina, complete the boarding formalities and transfer to your cruise vessel. Receive a welcome drink and safety briefing before checking into your private cabin.
Next, lunch is served as the cruise begins navigating between the limestone islands and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay–Cat Ba Archipelago. The World Heritage property includes more than a thousand islands and islets shaped by long-term geological and marine processes.
During the afternoon, participate in activities selected according to the cruise route. These may include kayaking through a sheltered lagoon, visiting a limestone cave, exploring a floating community or relaxing on a small beach.
Then, you return to the vessel in the late afternoon and enjoy sunset views from the sundeck. Guests may join a Vietnamese cooking demonstration or simply relax with a drink while the cruise anchors for the evening.
Dinner is served on board. Afterwards, enjoy free time for squid fishing, socialising at the bar or appreciating the peaceful nighttime atmosphere of the bay.
Overnight aboard the Ha Long Bay cruise.
Tour included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, shuttle bus transfers, entrance fees, cruise activities and private cabin accommodation.
📍 Day 5: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi – Flight to Hue
You should wake early to enjoy the tranquil morning scenery of Ha Long Bay. Guests may participate in a Tai Chi session on the sundeck before breakfast.
The cruise continues to another scenic area, where you may visit a cave, beach or island viewpoint depending on the selected vessel and weather conditions.
Then, you return to the cruise for brunch while sailing back toward the marina. After disembarkation, meet your driver and transfer to Hanoi or directly to Noi Bai International Airport.
Next, you will take a domestic flight to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Upon arrival at Phu Bai International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the city centre.
The remainder of the evening is free. You may take a gentle walk beside the Perfume River, explore a local night market or enjoy Hue’s distinctive regional cuisine at your own pace.
Overnight in Hue.
Tour included: Breakfast, brunch, cruise activities, airport transfers, domestic flight and hotel accommodation.
📍 Day 6: Hue Imperial Heritage and Perfume River Tour
After breakfast, transfer to the riverside pier and board a traditional dragon boat for a relaxing journey along the Perfume River.
Disembark at Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Hue’s most recognisable religious landmarks. Explore the temple grounds, ornamental gardens and historic structures overlooking the river.
Continue to the Hue Imperial City, the former political, ceremonial and residential centre of the Nguyen Dynasty. Enter through the monumental gates and explore the surviving palaces, courtyards, temples and defensive structures of the complex.
The monuments of Hue were designed in relation to the Perfume River, surrounding hills and other natural features, creating a carefully planned imperial landscape.
Next, you enjoy lunch at a local restaurant featuring Hue cuisine, which is known for its elegant presentation and distinctive regional flavours.
In the afternoon, visit one of the royal tombs located outside the city. Depending on the final operating program, the tour may include the Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, Minh Mang or Khai Dinh. Each complex presents a different combination of royal architecture, landscaped gardens, decorative art and historical symbolism.
Before returning to the hotel, stop at a traditional incense-making village, where colourful bundles of incense create an attractive setting for photography.
The evening is free at leisure.
Overnight in Hue.
Tour included: Breakfast, lunch, private transportation, English-speaking guide, dragon boat journey, entrance fees and hotel accommodation.
📍 Day 7: Hue – Hai Van Pass – Da Nang – Hoi An
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and begin the scenic journey from Hue to Hoi An.
Travel past coastal lagoons, fishing villages and mountain landscapes before crossing the spectacular Hai Van Pass. Stop at a suitable viewpoint to admire the mountains, coastline and winding road separating Hue from the Da Nang region.
Continue to Da Nang for lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, visit the Marble Mountains, a group of limestone and marble hills containing Buddhist pagodas, caves, viewpoints and religious sanctuaries. Walk through the atmospheric grottoes and learn about the spiritual importance of the site.
Proceed to Hoi An and check into your hotel. After a short rest, take an introductory evening walk through Hoi An Ancient Town. As daylight fades, the streets become illuminated by colourful lanterns reflected in the Thu Bon River.
Enjoy free time to explore the riverfront, traditional shops, art galleries and restaurants.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Tour included: Breakfast, lunch, private transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees and hotel accommodation.
📍 Day 8: Hoi An Ancient Town and Countryside Experience
You have breakfast at the hotel before meeting your guide for a walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town.
Once an active regional trading port, Hoi An developed through interaction between Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese and European merchants. Its traditional wooden houses, assembly halls, temples, bridges and historic street plan remain remarkably well preserved.
Next, you will visit the Japanese Bridge area, an old merchant house and one of the Chinese community assembly halls. Continue through the market and along narrow streets lined with tailor shops, craft workshops and traditional residences.
After the heritage tour, travel into the Hoi An countryside by bicycle or private vehicle. Pass rice fields, vegetable gardens and village homes before arriving at a local farming community.
You will Meet local residents and learn about traditional cultivation methods. Depending on the season, you may participate in preparing the soil, planting herbs, watering vegetables or harvesting produce.
You continue to visit a local family restaurant for a hands-on cooking experience. Learn to prepare several Vietnamese dishes using fresh ingredients before enjoying the meal you have helped create.
Return to the hotel in the afternoon. The rest of the day is free for shopping, spa treatments, beach relaxation or further exploration of Hoi An.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Tour included: Breakfast, lunch, English-speaking guide, private transportation, entrance fees, bicycle or village transfer, farming experience, cooking activity and hotel accommodation.
📍 Day 9: Hoi An – My Son Sanctuary – Hoi An
After breakfast, depart Hoi An for My Son Sanctuary, travelling through the rural landscapes of Quang Nam Province.
Located in a mountain basin, My Son was an important religious and ceremonial centre of the ancient Champa kingdoms. Explore the surviving groups of brick temple towers and learn about Cham architecture, Hindu religious traditions, construction techniques and the historical relationship between the sanctuary and the wider region.
The sanctuary contains structures developed over many centuries and represents an important surviving expression of Champa civilisation in central Vietnam.
Depending on the performance schedule, you may also watch a short presentation of traditional Cham music and dance.
After the visit, return toward Hoi An and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
The afternoon is free at leisure. You may relax at An Bang Beach, visit local craft villages, arrange a lantern-making workshop or spend additional time exploring Hoi An’s galleries and boutiques.
In the evening, consider taking a small boat ride on the Thu Bon River or enjoying dinner at one of the atmospheric riverside restaurants.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Tour included: Breakfast, lunch, private transportation, guide, entrance fees and hotel accommodation.
📍 Day 10: Hoi An – Da Nang – Flight to Luang Prabang
You enjoy breakfast at the hotel and check out at the appropriate time.
Next, you will be transfered to Da Nang International Airport for your scheduled flight to Luang Prabang. Depending on the operating timetable, the journey may include a connection in Hanoi or another regional aviation hub.
Upon arrival at Luang Prabang International Airport, complete the immigration formalities and meet your Lao guide. Transfer to your hotel in the historic town centre.
If the arrival schedule permits, begin your Laos experience with a visit to the former Royal Palace complex and the nearby Wat Mai temple. Afterwards, climb or drive toward Mount Phousi to enjoy panoramic views over the old town, surrounding mountains and Mekong River at sunset.
Luang Prabang is recognised for the harmonious relationship between its Lao religious architecture, traditional urban buildings and structures introduced during the colonial period.
In the evening, you will be free to exploring the Luang Prabang Night Market, where local artisans sell textiles, handicrafts, artwork and regional products.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Tour included: Breakfast, airport transfers, regional flight, English-speaking guide and hotel accommodation.
📍 Day 11: Luang Prabang Heritage Tour – Mekong Cruise and Pak Ou Caves
After breakfast, begin a guided exploration of Luang Prabang’s religious and architectural heritage.
Visit Wat Xieng Thong, admired for its sweeping rooflines, decorative carvings and detailed mosaics. Continue to Wat Sene or another historic temple in the old town while your guide introduces Lao Buddhist traditions and the historical development of Luang Prabang.
Proceed to the Mekong River and board a local boat for a relaxing upstream cruise. Observe forested mountains, small riverside settlements and scenes of rural life along one of Southeast Asia’s most important waterways.
Stop at a local village associated with traditional rice wine or handicraft production before continuing to the Pak Ou Caves. Located above the river, the caves contain a remarkable collection of Buddha images placed there by worshippers over generations.
After exploring the caves, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant or riverside venue.
Cruise back toward Luang Prabang during the afternoon. Depending on available time, visit a weaving centre or handicraft village to learn how local textiles and traditional products are created.
The evening is free to explore the old town independently.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Tour included: Breakfast, lunch, transportation, English-speaking guide, Mekong boat cruise, entrance fees and hotel accommodation.
📍 Day 12: Luang Prabang – Kuang Si Waterfall – Express Train to Vang Vieng
In the morning, you have breakfast at the hotel before travelling through the countryside to Kuang Si Waterfall.
Along the way, stop at a local village to gain insight into rural life and the cultural traditions of communities living in the Luang Prabang region.
You continue to visit Kuang Si, where water flows through a series of limestone terraces and turquoise pools surrounded by tropical forest. Follow the walking paths beside the cascades, take photographs from the viewpoints or swim in designated areas when conditions permit.
Besides, you may also visit the nearby bear rescue facility, which provides care for bears rescued from illegal wildlife activities.
You wil enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Luang Prabang.
In the afternoon, transfer to the railway station and board an express train to Vang Vieng. The journey passes through mountainous terrain and offers an efficient connection between northern Laos and the Nam Song River valley.
Upon arrival, meet the local driver and transfer to your hotel. The evening is free to walk beside the river, explore the small town or relax at the hotel.
Overnight in Vang Vieng.
Tour included: Breakfast, lunch, private transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees, express train ticket and hotel accommodation.
📍 Day 13: Vang Vieng Nature Discovery – Express Train to Vientiane
After breakfast, begin an exploration of the dramatic limestone landscapes surrounding Vang Vieng.
Travel through rice fields and rural villages to visit one of the area’s accessible limestone caves. Depending on seasonal conditions, the tour may include Tham Jang Cave, known for its elevated viewpoint, or another suitable cave selected by the local guide.
Continue to one of Vang Vieng’s natural lagoons, where you may relax beside the water or swim when weather and water conditions are suitable. The surrounding karst mountains and agricultural landscapes provide excellent opportunities for photography.
Next, you will have lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the town centre.
Transfer to Vang Vieng Railway Station and take the express train to Vientiane. Upon arrival in the Lao capital, meet your driver and transfer to the hotel.
In the late afternoon, enjoy an orientation tour along the Mekong riverfront. Observe the relaxed pace of the city, explore the riverside market area and watch the sunset over the river.
The evening is free for independent dining and exploration.
Overnight in Vientiane.
Tour included: Breakfast, lunch, private transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees, express train ticket and hotel accommodation.
📍 Day 14: Vientiane Heritage Tour – Departure
Enjoying your final breakfast at the hotel before checking out and beginning a half-day sightseeing tour of Vientiane.
Then, you will visit Wat Sisaket, known for its cloistered galleries and extensive collection of Buddha images. Continue to Ho Phra Keo, a former royal temple that now preserves important examples of Lao religious art.
Proceeding to Pha That Luang, an important national and Buddhist monument recognised by its distinctive golden form. Continue to Patuxai, Vientiane’s monumental gateway, where Lao decorative features are incorporated into a grand commemorative structure.
Depending on your departure time, the tour may also include a visit to the COPE Visitor Centre, a local market or additional temples in the city centre. Travellers with a late flight may arrange an optional excursion to Buddha Park, located outside Vientiane.
At the appropriate time, transfer to Wattay International Airport for your onward flight.
Your Vietnam and Laos Heritage Package Tour – 14 Days concludes with unforgettable memories of historic capitals, sacred temples, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, river landscapes and welcoming local communities across two fascinating Southeast Asian countries.
Tour included: Breakfast, private transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees and airport transfer.