This Laos and Vietnam tour is great for those who don’t want to miss out on some of Vietnam and Laos’s best scenery when flying between these two spectacular countries. This itinerary offers an overland journey from Luang Prabang to Hanoi, to make sure you don’t miss a thing on the ground. Starting in the World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang you will have the chance to explore the beautiful town and get some great handicrafts at the night market before taking a boat along the Nam Ou River and the Mekong to see life on the banks as you make your way to the Pak Ou Caves. From here you will head through the mountains to Phonsavan, the home of the Plain of Jars, mysterious ancient stone jars of unknown origin.
From Phonsavan you will take a scenic drive to Vieng Xai, in the northeast of Laos, on the Vietnam border. You will get to explore the Vieng Xai Caves, which served as a secret base for the Pathet Lao leadership during the war. The following day you will cross the border into Vietnam and arrive at Mai Chau, a base for trekking among the villages and rice fields of the White Thai minority. From here continue further east to Vietnam’s sophisticated capital Hanoi. Walk down tree-lined boulevards along with the splendour of French colonial architecture, explore the city’s old and French quarter, with its extensive markets, art galleries, eateries and coffee shops. Enjoy a water puppet performance in one of Hanoi’s theatres and watch Hanoi on parade whilst sipping ice-cold coffee in one of the cafes by Hoan Kiem Lake.
Amidst this time in Hanoi you will be whisked off to Halong Bay, where you will cruise through thousands of sharp limestone islands at this UNESCO heritage Bay of Halong. Explore small, hidden coves and impressive caves with glittering stalactites – a sure highlight of your Laos & Vietnam tour.
Highlights
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Luang Prabang City Tour
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Stunning views from Mount Phousi
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Nam Ou River Experience & Pak Ou Caves
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Plain of Jar sites 1, 2 and 3
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Full day tour of Vieng Xa
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Mai Chau walking tour & Minority Villages
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Ha Long Bay Junk boat cruise
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Hanoi City & Country Life Tour
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After enjoying a scenic flight you will arrive at Luang Prabang airport. On arrival, you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel. Where you have the afternoon to relax and settle into your new surroundings.
Overnight in Luang Prabang (Meals: _/_/_)
Day 2
Luang Prabang
Morning Alms & City Tour
Rise early before dawn to experience the fascinating traditions of Luang Prabang by witnessing the daily ‘Tak Bak’ morning alms ritual. Lines of orange-clad monks line the streets which are a truly magical sight. From here you will move on to explore the morning fresh markets before discovering the rest of this chocolate box town. You will take in all the main sites of this beautiful UNESCO town; Wat Visoun, Wat Xiengthong and of course finishing at the top of Mount Phousi to get an ariel view of town.
Overnight in Luang Prabang (Meals: B/_/_)
Day 3
Luang Prabang
Nam Ou Experience
This morning you depart Luang Prabang for a day’s river adventure. Driving north to the village of Ban Don Ngurn you will board a local traditional private longboat for a cruise down the beautiful Nam Ou River. You will enjoy a lovely picnic lunch on the picturesque banks of the Nam Ou River before continuing to visit a traditional weaving and dyeing village and then the sacred Pak Ou Caves crammed with thousands of Buddha images.
Overnight in Luang Prabang (Meals: B/_/_)
Day 4
Phonsavan
Luang Prabang to Phonsavan
Today you will be driven to Phonsavan, the home of the Plain of Jars, through picturesque mountain roads. You will stop off at Ban Kiu Kam Pone and Ban Son Boom Villages before your final stop at the Buddha Cave which served as an army hospital during the war. Once arriving in Phonsovan you will visit the Mines Action Group (MAG) to learn about the important work they do in clearing land mines.
Overnight in Phonsavan (Meals: B/_/_)
Day 5
Phonsavan
Full Day Tour to Plain of Jars
After breakfast, you will be driven to the local market to buy food for a picnic for the day before driving on to Ban Kai, the land of the Bomb craters. From here you will be driven to a Hmong village where they build houses from bombs and recycle other war materials for everyday living. Following this you will be taken to the fascinating Plain of Jar sites 1 & 2 before returning to your hotel to reflect on what you have seen.
Overnight in Phonsavan (Meals: B/_/_)
Day 6
Vieng Xai
Phonsavan to Vieng Xai
Today you will be transferred from Phonsavan to Vieng Xai in Houaphanh province in the northeast of Laos. This is a full day scenic journey which offers some of the most magnificent views in North Laos.
Overnight in Vieng Xai (Meals: B/_/_)
Day 7
Vieng Xai
Full Day Tour
You will spend today by first visiting the Pathet Lao revolutionary headquarters at Vieng Xai. This is where the senior communist leadership spent their time directing the war in the 1960s and 1970s from caves set within limestone hills. You will visit the most important caves here; Tham Souphanouvong, which originally houses the ‘Red Prince’ and Tham Than Kaysone, used by the first communist President, Kaysone Phomvihane. Returning you stop at a Hmong village and visit the 80m high waterfall at Tat Nam Neua.
Overnight in Vieng Xai (Meals: B/_/_)
Day 8
Mai Chau
Vieng Xai to Mai Chau
Today you will cross the border at the remote crossing of Nam Xai and Na Meo into Vietnam. Arriving in the Mai Chau Valley you will travel along beautiful mountain roads climbing into areas of striking karst scenery till you reach your destination of Mai Chau. Once there you can relax and explore under your own steam.
Overnight in Mai Chau (Meals: B/_/_)
Day 9
Mai Chau
Full Day Walking Tour
After breakfast you will head out to see the daily life of the local people, exploring the White Thai villages of Pom Coong. To reach the villages you will undertake a light walk along mountain paths and rice fields. On arrival, you will get an insight into this ethnic minority that specializes in weaving, with your hosts being happy to show you their skills as you learn about their culture.
Overnight in Mai Chau (Meals: B/_/_)
Day 10
Hanoi
Mai Chau to Hanoi
After Mai Chau, you will be transferred by private vehicle to Hanoi. Once arriving you will be taken to your hotel and will have the rest of the day to enjoy at your leisure. Alternatively, we could arrange a fun-fuelled Vespa evening food tour, perfect to find your bearings around this busy city and to also try some of the regions tastiest street food.
Overnight in Hanoi (Meals: B/_/_)
Day 11
Ha Long Bay
Hanoi to Ha Long Bay
In the morning you leave Hanoi behind again and travel out to the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay; a world Heritage site of outstanding beauty. You then board your junk boat and enjoy lunch as you set sail. In the afternoon you will stop to explore ‘Sung Sot Cave’, considered to be the most beautiful cave in the Bay. Back on board you then enjoy dinner and settle in for the night.
Overnight on Board (Meals: B/L/D)
Day 12
Hanoi
Halong Bay to Hanoi
Rise early for an amazing sunrise view over the sea and feel the silence of the beautiful misty bay. Brunch will be served while cruising further to explore the beauties of the Bay before returning to the Wharf. The boat continues cruising toward Ha Long port, where you will disembark at noon and then travel back to Hanoi for your last night in Vietnam’s capital.
Overnight in Hanoi (Meals: B/_/_)
Day 13
Hanoi
City & Country Life Tour
After an early arrival in Hanoi you travel to the Village of Bac Bien, crossing the Long Bien Bridge along the way. On arrival, you’ll get to embrace local Vietnamese village life, and visit the nearby pagoda. In the afternoon, you’ll return to Hanoi and visit some of its most notable sights such as the Temple of Literature and the famed Old Quarter on foot. You’ll later hop on a traditional bicycle rickshaw and explore the busy streets old French Quarter.
Overnight in Hanoi (Meals: B/L/_)
Day 14
Hanoi
Departure
Depending on your departure flight, you may have some free time in the morning before we transfer you to the airport for your departing flight home.
(Meals: B/_/_)
Tour includes
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Airport pick up and drop off
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Overnights as mentioned
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Excursions as mentioned
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Transportation in private A/C vehicle
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English speaking guide
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Meals as mentioned (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner – excludes drinks)
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All taxes
Tour excludes
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All flights unless included in itinerary & Visa fees
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International airport tax (Included in Airline Ticket)
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Meals, unless mentioned differently
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Beverages and personal expenses
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Other excursions and entrance fees
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Travel insurance (cover against all cancellation costs, medical expenses, including repatriation and evacuation in the event of accident of illness)
Please note: You must have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining on it as well as bringing with you 4 passport size photos with you for your visa, as well as having a couple spare.
Call us on 0208 150 5150, for International callers 004420 8150 5150, send us an e-mail [email protected] or just use the form opposite.
Your next steps:
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Get in touch and talk to our specialist Asia travel team
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We then craft a unique and tailor-made itinerary just for you.
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We will stay in touch with you all the way through your holiday experience
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Pack you bags and get ready for your Asia holiday of a life time
On arrival in Asia we will meet you at the airport, transfer you to your hotel and then sit down to run over your holiday program again. We then introduce you to your local guides and give you some helpful local travel tips; such as local restaurant and bar suggestions and some cultural insights.
Towns & Cities in Laos
Laos has no shortage of captivating destination to visit on your holiday. Refer to our Towns & cities guide to plan the perfect trip.
There are so many beautiful hotels to choose from in Laos. So we have selected a few of our most favourite and characterful hotels; giving you a taste of what you can expect.
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