Vietnam & Laos Deep Discovery Tour: 11 Days

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you will meet our local representative and transfer by private vehicle to your hotel in central Hanoi. After checking-in, the remainder of the day is free for you to rest after your flight or begin exploring the capital independently.

Depending on your arrival time, you may stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, browse the narrow streets of the Old Quarter or sample your first Vietnamese coffee at a traditional local café. Hanoi’s combination of centuries-old neighbourhoods, colonial-era buildings and dynamic street life provides an engaging introduction to Vietnam.

In the evening, you will enjoy free time to discover the city’s diverse dining scene.

Meals: None
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

After enjoying breakfast, you will begin exploring of Hanoi’s cultural and historical landmarks. Firstly, you will visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including the Presidential Palace grounds, Ho Chi Minh’s traditional stilt house and the distinctive One Pillar Pagoda.

Then, you will continue to visit the Temple of Literature, founded in the 11th century and regarded as Vietnam’s first national university. Its peaceful courtyards, ancient gateways and stone doctoral stelae offer insight into the country’s longstanding respect for education.

After your lunch, you will visit either the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology or the Vietnamese Women’s Museum, subject to the operating schedule. Both institutions provide valuable perspectives on Vietnam’s ethnic diversity, customs and social history.

Later, you will explore Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple before taking a walking or cyclo tour through the Old Quarter. Finish the day with a traditional water puppet performance, an art form originating in the rice-growing villages of northern Vietnam.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Following breakfast, you will depart Hanoi and travel through the countryside of the Red River Delta toward Halong Bay. Along the way, you can observe rice fields, small towns and scenes of everyday rural life.

Then, you will arrive at the cruise harbour around midday and board your overnight vessel. After a welcome briefing, you will enjoy lunch as the cruise begins sailing among Halong Bay’s limestone islands, forested cliffs and sheltered coves.

During the afternoon, you will join the cruise’s scheduled activities. Which may include visiting a limestone cave, kayaking through calm waters, taking a bamboo-boat ride or swimming at a quiet beach. The exact programme will depend on the selected vessel, season and weather conditions.

In the afternoon, you will return to the boat in time to relax on the sundeck and watch the sunset. A cooking demonstration may be offered before dinner. You spend the evening admiring the peaceful bay or joining optional onboard activities.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Overnight cruise in Halong Bay

In the morning, you will wake up early to experience the tranquil atmosphere of Halong Bay at sunrise. Depending on the cruise programme, you may participate in a Tai Chi session on the sundeck before enjoying breakfast.

Next, you will continue cruising through the bay while visiting another cave, island or scenic area. A brunch or early lunch is served as the vessel gradually returns to the harbour.

Then, you will disembark and transfer back toward Hanoi. At the appropriate time, continue to Noi Bai International Airport for your flight to Vientiane, the relaxed capital of Laos.

Upon arrival, you will complete the immigration formalities and meet our Lao tour guide for the transfer to your hotel. Check in and enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, brunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane

After having breakfast, you will begin your exploration of Vientiane. This is a quiet riverside capital known for its Buddhist temples, French-influenced architecture and unhurried atmosphere.

Next, you will visit Wat Sisaket, one of the city’s oldest surviving temples and home to an extensive collection of Buddha images. You continue traveling to nearby Haw Phra Kaew, formerly a royal temple and once associated with the revered Emerald Buddha.

Then, you will proceed to visit Pha That Luang, the golden national monument regarded as the most important Buddhist stupa in Laos. Its distinctive structure has become a symbol of both Lao Buddhism and national identity.

After your lunch, you will visit Patuxai, Vientiane’s monumental victory arch. If access is available, climb to its upper level for views across the surrounding boulevards. You may also visit the COPE Visitor Centre to learn about the continuing humanitarian impact of unexploded ordnance in Laos.

Concluding the day beside the Mekong River, where local residents gather in the late afternoon and evening.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane

In the morning, you will enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the railway station or airport for your journey to Luang Prabang. The modern train service offers a comfortable route through the mountainous landscapes of northern Laos. While a domestic flight may be arranged depending on availability and preference.

Upon arrival, our driver will transfer you to the hotel and settle into the peaceful rhythm of this UNESCO-listed town. Luang Prabang is celebrated for its harmonious blend of traditional Lao houses, colonial buildings, Buddhist monasteries and riverside scenery.

Later, you will begin a gentle orientation walk through the historic centre. Visiting Wat Mai, recognised for its elegant multi-tiered roof and richly decorated façade. Then, you will continue traveling to Mount Phousi and climb the steps to the summit for panoramic views over the old town, surrounding mountains and the Mekong River.

After sunset, you will explore the colourful night market, where local communities sell textiles, handicrafts and regional specialities.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

After your breakfast, you will transfer to the river pier and board a traditional boat for a scenic cruise upstream along the Mekong River. The journey offers views of forested hills, riverside gardens, fishing boats and small rural settlements.

In addition, you will stop at a traditional village known for producing Lao rice whisky and locally made handicrafts. Besides, you also learn about village livelihoods and observe time-honoured production methods before continuing upstream.

Next, you will arrive at the Pak Ou Caves, situated where the Nam Ou River meets the Mekong. The two sacred caves contain thousands of Buddha images of different sizes and styles, placed there by pilgrims over many generations.

After exploring the caves, you will return downstream by boat. And stopping at Ban Xang Khong or another craft village to observe traditional weaving and handmade paper production.

End the day, you will return to Luang Prabang in the late afternoon. The evening is free for independent dining or another visit to the night market.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

Early risers may choose to observe the traditional morning alms-giving ceremony, during which local residents offer food to saffron-robed monks. As this is a sacred religious practice, you should remain respectful, dress appropriately and avoid obstructing participants.

Next, you will return to the hotel for breakfast before beginning a guided tour of Luang Prabang. Visiting the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, to discover royal artefacts, religious objects and exhibits illustrating the history of the former Lao monarchy.

Then, you will continue to visit Wat Xieng Thong, one of the finest examples of classical Luang Prabang temple architecture. Here, you can admire its sweeping rooflines, gilded decorations and intricate mosaic work.

Later, our driver will transfer you through the countryside to Kuang Si Waterfall. Surrounded by tropical forest, the waterfall descends through a series of turquoise pools and limestone terraces. Following the forest paths, photograph the scenery or swim in designated areas when conditions permit.

In the afternoon, you may also visit the nearby bear rescue centre before returning to Luang Prabang.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

After your breakfast, you will enjoy free time depending on the flight schedule. You may revisit the old town, browse local shops, relax at a riverside café or explore the morning market.

Then, our driver will transfer you to Luang Prabang International Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Some schedules may require a connecting flight.

Upon arrival in southern Vietnam, you will meet our representative and transfer to the hotel. After checking-in, the remainder of the day is at leisure.

In the evening, you will discover the city’s energetic atmosphere independently. Walking along Nguyen Hue Boulevard, you can explore the central district or enjoy a rooftop view across the illuminated skyline.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

In the morning, you will have breakfast at hotel, then leaving Ho Chi Minh City and drive into the fertile Mekong Delta. The scenery gradually changes from urban neighbourhoods to rice fields, tropical gardens and waterways.

Upon arrival in the delta, you will board a local boat and cruise along the Mekong River. Passing fishing vessels, riverside houses and small communities whose daily lives remain closely connected to the water.

Next, you will continue traveling through narrower canals shaded by water coconut palms. Besides, you will visit a family-run workshop to observe the production of regional products. Such as coconut candy, rice paper or other local specialities. Walk through a tropical fruit orchard and enjoy seasonal produce while learning about delta agriculture.

A local lunch featuring regional dishes is served during the excursion. Depending on local conditions, you may also enjoy a sampan ride, traditional music performance or short village cycling experience.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch 

Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

In the morning, you will have breakfast at hotel, then leaving Ho Chi Minh City and drive into the fertile Mekong Delta. The scenery gradually changes from urban neighbourhoods to rice fields, tropical gardens and waterways.

Upon arrival in the delta, you will board a local boat and cruise along the Mekong River. Passing fishing vessels, riverside houses and small communities whose daily lives remain closely connected to the water.

Next, you will continue traveling through narrower canals shaded by water coconut palms. Besides, you will visit a family-run workshop to observe the production of regional products. Such as coconut candy, rice paper or other local specialities. Walk through a tropical fruit orchard and enjoy seasonal produce while learning about delta agriculture.

A local lunch featuring regional dishes is served during the excursion. Depending on local conditions, you may also enjoy a sampan ride, traditional music performance or short village cycling experience.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch