30 Days Vietnam and Laos Tour

Trip Highlights

  • Vietnam: Visit Hoian Ancient Town, relax on the sandy beach, explore the colonial Saigon (Ho Chi Minh), and boat cruise to Mekong Delta, cruise on Halong Bay,visit the fishing village of Ban Done Khone on Khong Island
  • Laos: Wander along the tree-lined boulevards in Vientiane and observe how the locals live, prepare yourself to swim and have fun in the falls and enjoy the natural pools, experience the Kuangsi Waterfall swimming and excursion to Kuang Si Waterfalls

At a Glance

Hanoi(6 nights)

Halong Bay(1 night)

Hoi An(4 nights)

Hue(2 nights)

Saigon(3 nights)

Can Tho(2 nights)

Khong Island(2 nights)

Pakse(1 night)

Vientiane(2 nights)

Phonsavanh(2 nights)

Luang Prabang(4 nights)

Itinerary Day by Day

Day 1 Welcome to Hanoi!

Flight: International flight on your own arrangement

Welcome to Vietnam! Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and escort you to Hotel for check in. Then rest are at your leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi

Day 2 Leisure Day in Hanoi | Water Puppet Show

Meals: Breakfast/Dinner

Today is at your leisure to recuperating your physical power after a long time flight.

The evening will start with a Water Puppet Showperformed by the world renowned Thang Long Opera House. This performance features a talent unique to Vietnam. You’ll watch as water puppets perform the folklore legends of Vietnam while live ethnic music sets the mood.

After the show, you’ll enjoy traditional Vietnamese cuisineat Indochine Restaurant which features a French colonial style with imperial overtures.

Once you finish your dinner, you’ll be escorted to your hotel.

Overnight in Hanoi

Day 3 Hanoi – the 100 Year Old City

Meals: Breakfast

This morning see the Tran Quoc Pagoda. This 1,400 year old temple features ten tiers enclosed by gardens, including a bodhi tree grown from a cutting of the original Buddhist tree under which Buddha sat. Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake where you’ll see the Tortoise Tower perched on the water. Enjoy a half hour cyclo tour through Hanoi’s the Old Quarter. The cyclo is a historic mode of transportation in the cities of Vietnam where a cyclist leads you while you sit in a canopied seat affixed to the front. Next, visit the One Pillar Pagoda, situated on a pillar made of a single stone, in the midst of a lotus pond. This pagoda was built by a 9th century emperor who saw it in a dream and regarded this as divine inspiration to recreate the structure in his vision.

You’ll pass by the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum before visiting the highlight of this day – The Temple of Literature. This ancient university was erected almost a millennium ago and has hosted many of the most prominent scholars through Vietnamese history. The site features many gardens, pools, buildings, and ancient trees where Vietnam’s best and brightest studied under the guidance of Confucius teachings.

Overnight in Hanoi

Day 4 Half Day Bat Trang Potery Village

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch

Go to Bat Trang Village – a famous Vietnamese Traditional Pottery Village, 15km from Hanoi. It was found 500 years ago, producing handicrafts with a unique style in special characteristics; design; coloration; sculpture… The history includes many years of research into forms, models, decorations. Enjoy the tour for your own experience about Bat Trang pottery.

Overnight in Hanoi

Day 5 Day Trip to Perfume Pagoda from Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch

After breakfast. We will take a 2-hour road trip to the port of Yen River and then take a row-boat trip to visit the land on the Yen stream it is then about 1 hour to Thien Tru harbor. You can deeply enjoy the attractive mountain views mirror-image in the crystal water mirror of the stream en route. We will then trek to a cave, step by step you will arrive at Huong Tich Cave on the top of the mountain and see Golden-Silver tree. It is now time to have lunch at the bottom of a mountain restaurant. After lunchtime, you will go to visit the Heaven Kitchen pagoda and learn about Buddhism ancient architecture at Le Dynasty. We will then return by row-boat trip to the port for our 2 hour road trip to Hanoi. Arrive Hanoi at 6.00pm

Overnight in Hanoi

Day 6 Hanoi/Cruise along Halong Bay

Meal: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

After breakfast, travel to Halong Bay, one of the Wonders of the Orient (3 hr. drive). Your cruise across Halong Bay starts around noon on Tuan Chau Island at the doorstep of Vietnam’s most fascinating wonder. As the boat sets sails, you will be greeted by the Paradise Crew and Cruise Manager who will aim throughout your stay at providing you with the highest standards of service for pure pleasure and utmost comfort onboard.

During the afternoon, discover some of the treasures spread across the Bay of the Descending Dragon: fascinating caves, pristine beaches, picturesque floating villages, fantastic rock formations rising up out of emerald water. While onboard, you can take advantage at leisure of the Spa, Beauty & Massage services; surrounded by a stunning setting in motion, you can attend the chef’s cooking demonstration and try your skills in the art of traditional Vietnamese cooking.

One of the highlights of your stay on board is the innovative and varied cuisine offered at Lunch and Dinner in the elegant dining-room, accompanied by a wide selection of wines and beverages from around the world.

Overnight in Halong Bay

Day 7 Halong Bay/Return to Hanoi

Meal: Breakfast/Lunch

Wake up to Tai Chi exercises on the sun deck and continue cruising the bays. Breakfast buffet will be served in the restaurant, followed by a visit the limestone grotto. Disembark in Halong City around noon and transfer back to Hanoi

Overnight in Hanoi

Day 8 Flight to Danang

Flight: Internal flight include in quotation and will be on INT’s arrangement

Meal: Breakfast

Wake up to Tai Chi exercises on the sun deck and continue cruising the bays. Breakfast buffet will be served in the restaurant, followed by a visit the limestone grotto. Disembark in Halong City around noon and transfer back to Hanoi airport for your onward flight to Danang, upon arrive , you will escort to Hoi An for hotel check in.

Overnight in Hoi An

Day 9 Century Cham Ruins and Hoi An Ancient Port Town

Meals: Breakfast

In the morning, travel to the My Son Holy Land. Tucked in the mountains up winding roads with serene views, lie the 4th century My Son Holy Land ruins. The surrounding mountains are strictly forbidden for living or development. The ruins lie in a beautiful mountainous landscape. Enter the temples to hear all about the history and stories of the Cham people and this holy site.

In the afternoon, continue on to the Ancient Capital of Hoi An, which features the 16th century port town in its preserved state. Visit the Museum of Trade Ceramics which houses art and pottery dating from the 1,500’s to the 1,700’s. Continue on a brief visit the Chua Ong Pagoda, a temple from the 17th century featuring China’s influence in the region. Enter the Ancient Town as the streets take on a magic of their own with old lanterns, French-style houses, intricately carved wooden doors and more Take a walk through the Old Tam Ky House to see it’s imperial styles meshed with French overtures. Continue on to stroll along the river and see traditional boats and locals on bicycles passing by. You’ll then approach the Japanese Covered Bridge which for centuries connected the Chinese and Japanese sides of town over the waterway. The old wooden structure has shown amazing resilience for more than 400 years.

At dusk, enjoy walking along the riverside as colorful lanterns light up the town. Then return to your hotel for an evening of relaxation.

Overnight in Hoi An

Day 10 Hoi An – Relax on the Beach

Meals: Breakfast

Hoian is also famous for its beautiful sandy beach. Today you will relax to just enjoy sun shine and the beach.

If you want some fun activities today, we highly recommend you to join a fishing tour to experience being a local fishman.

Overnight in Hoi An

Day 11 Full Day Relaxing on Hoi An Beach

Meals: Breakfast

The beach in Hoi An is famous for emerald water and less estuaries. One days in Hoi An beach will help you relax and make you full of energy continue your trip in Vietnam.

Overnight in Hoi An

Day 12 Mountain Coastal Road to Hue

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch

Your guide will assist with check out. Then take a scenic ride along the mountain coasts of Vietnam (4 hours). Start by riding along the beaches of Danang where you’ll see hundreds of traditional fishing boats scattered along the water with beautiful mountains lining the horizon. As you approach the steep and narrow ascent you’ll find the scenery surreal. Along the way, there is a stretch of road which overlooks a beautiful bay with a small fishing village, perfect for a Facebook photo. Continue your climb to a summit where the clouds meet you. In Chinese, the summit is referred to as “Where the Clouds Meet the Ocean”. Onward through mountains, valleys, countryside, and shorelines you’ll find numerous breathtaking scenes, great places to stop for photos. As you enter Hue, you’ll be impressed by the many imperial signs and impressive houses and buildings. Check in to your hotel in Hue.

Overnight in Hue

Day 13 Hue Imperial Citadel and Purple Forbidden City

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch

This morning start with a visit to the Perfume River, renowned for its natural scenery and numerous flowers which envelop it’s shores. Along the river, you’ll view Vietnamese daily life up close. Take a boat ride along the river to the Tomb of Minh Mang, featuring gardens, many steps, and beautiful decorations. Continue on visit Tu Doc, a complex with the private royal residence and a tomb which also houses the body of one of the wealthiest emperors in Vietnam. Legend has it that his body is buried with vast treasures in an inconspicuous place, which archaeologists have tried but failed to find. Visit the Khai Dinh Tomb, a more modern ornately decorated tomb.

In the afternoon, press on to see the Imperial Hue Citadel – the old capital of Vietnam. This Citadel has a moat and wall perimeter 10 km long. View its vast gardens and structural relics. Walk through the outer perimeter of the city to see many of the national treasures and buildings inside. Venture further in to enter the Purple Forbidden City, which was off limits to the general public. Only royalty and the highest officials in the Vietnamese government were allowed to enter. Last stop of the day is the Dong Ba Market where you can purchase local fruits and foods. After all visiting, rest is your own leisure.

Overnight in Hue

Day 14 Flight to Saigon – Half Day Saigon City Tour

Flight: Internal flight include in quotation and will be on INT’s arrangement

Meal: Breakfast/Lunch

Today, transfer to airport for flight to Saigon, upon arrive you will transfer to hotel for check in.

In the afternoon after lunch , see the highlights of Saigon and learn the history of these iconic landmarks. You’ll explore some of the most important sights in Ho Chi Minh. Start by visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral. Constructed by French colonists during their settlement, discover its significance as the largest cathedral in Southeast Asia. Across the road is the Old Saigon Post Office, a neoclassical architectural building considered one of the main attractions in the city. Visit the Reunification Palace, home of South Vietnam’s President during the war. Then stop is Cholon, the Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh. Explore the thickly settled district rife with tea-houses and pagodas, and the famous Binh Tay Market. Finish the afternoon with a visit to the Emperor Jade Pagoda. Also known as the Tortoise pagoda, this figurine-filled place of worship is considered by many to be Saigon’s finest.

Overnight in Saigon

Day 15 Saigon – Half Day Cu Chi Tunnel Tour

Meal: Breakfast/Lunch

This morning you will continue to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. Discover these amazing systems developed by the guerrillas fighting in the Vietnam War. You’ll have an opportunity to see the various weapons used in the war on display. Then learn about the innovative ways the guerrillas survived and fought back in the war. The impressive underground system they built remains to tell the story of the Vietnam War.

Overnight in Saigon

Day 16 Saigon – Free Day Leisure

Meal: Breakfast

Today will be your free day leisure and under your own arrangement.

Overnight in Saigon

Day 17 Saigon – Can Tho Mekong Delta Discovery

Meal: Breakfast/Lunch

Today you will discover the Mekong River and villages at the Mekong Delta region, essential to Vietnamese life.

Your private guide and car will take you to the remote My Tho. This burgeoning capital rests in the Mekong Delta and is surrounded by beautiful countryside known as the “rice basket of Vietnam”. First you’ll Vinh Trang Pagodawhich is decorated with mosaics made from broken pottery. Overlooked by a tall white Buddha, it is set amongst lovely gardens packed with flowers, shrubs, lotus pools and tombs and ornate gates which provide entry. Next, you’ll take a boat ride along the river to view the stilt houses, fruit plantations and fishing villages. You’ll stop at the Tortoise Island where you’ll enjoy lunch in the orchard.

After lunch you’ll visit An Khanh, a small village that specializes in fruit orchards and coconut sweets. If time permits, you can take a short cycling trip through the island. Then enjoy seasonal fruit, honey tea, and delicious coconut candies all to the sound of “Southern Vietnamese folk music”, performed by locals. When the tour is finished, you’ll transfer to Can Tho.

Upon arrive in Can Tho, you will check in hotel and have a rest.

In the evening, you may wander around the night market in the centre of the small town, or enjoy some drinks at the riverside bars.

Overnight in Can Tho

Day 18 Can Tho/Morning Floating Market

Meal: Breakfast/Lunch

Rise early in the morning for breakfast at your hotel where your private guide and driver will meet you to escort you to the pier of Can Tho for an adventure on the river. Your motor boat and captain will greet you and help you on board. You’ll be taken to the largest floating market in Can Tho where local farmers bring their bulk produce for sale. The trip there will see the banks with various flowers scattered throughout.

When you arrive at the market, you’ll see boats with colorful fruits and vegetables local to the region being traded in bulk. After this, you’ll venture up narrow canals to find a local fruit farm hidden in the natural landscape of the creek. You’ll have the chance to see local fruits such as mango, limes, jack fruit, durian and more being grown. Then you’ll have the chance to sit and enjoy fresh cut fruit before returning to town by boat. After the tour, rest is your own leisure.

Overnight in Can Tho

Day 19 Saigon – Flight to Pakse

Flight: Internal flight include in quotation and will be on INT’s arrangement

Meal: Breakfast

Welcome to Pakse ! Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to the boat pier, we board the long tail motorboat downstream the Mekong to Champassak to visit the ruins of Wat Phu, the pre-Angkorian temple, one of Southeast Asia’s most dramatically situated temples. We have time to explore these intriguing Khmer ruins, which are perched at the base of Mount Phu Kao. Wat Phu is one of the Lao World Heritage sites recognized by UNESCO in 2001, this wonderful archeological site of Khmer civilization dates back to the 9th century, predating the famous Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Here we also have a chance to visit some nearby Khmer temples and Buddhist shrines. After lunch we drive to the peaceful Khong Island, one of the largest in the 4000 islands region, on the way we stopover to at the villages of ban Phone Saat.

Overnight on Khong Island

Day 20 Khong Island – Surrounding

Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast, we enjoy a cruise venturing into the widest point of the Mekong River where thousands of islets become visible in dry season, giving this area a lovely name: Si Phan Done. Along the way, we stop at the Liphi waterfalls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls marking the Lao Cambodia border, also known as the Samphamith. We also visit the fishing village of Ban Done Khone. On return, we take a short drive Khone Phapheng, which boasts South East Asia’s biggest waterfall, known as the Niagara of the east. If we are lucky, we may even see the rare freshwater Irrawaddy Mekong dolphin at Ban Hang Khone.

Overnight on Khong Island

Day 21 Khong Island – Tadlo – Pakse

Meal: Breakfast

Upon leaving Done Khone Island, we journey towards Tadlo, through Boloven plateau. The Boloven Plateau is known for its cooler temperature being located high above the Mekong Valley. Rivers run off this high plateau in all directions and then plunge out to lush forests along in a series of spectacular surging waterfalls. A trip to the plateau provides a refreshing break from the heat and allows you to observe the cultivation of rich coffee, tea, cardamom, bananas, and other crops that can be seen en route. This trip gives visitors the chance to venture off the beaten track and to discover some of the lesser-known areas of Laos, exploring the wild beauty of this southern region. Upon arrival at Tad Lo waterfall, we visit the villages of AlakNge, and Katu, populated by ethnic minority groups. We return to Pakse by late evening.

Overnight in Pakse

Day 22 Flight from Pakse to Vientiane

Flight: Internal flight include in quotation and will be on INT’s arrangement

Meal: Breakfast

Check in hotel and rest is your leisure.

Overnight in Vientiane

Day 23 Full Day City Tour

Meal: Breakfast/Lunch

After breakfast, we continue to explore Vientiane capital by visiting the major sights of the capital; including the oldest temple Wat Sisaket with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. Enroute to Lao’s national precious heritage, the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, you will have the opportunity to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph in the afternoon, we continue visiting the rest of Vientiane by foot, including Wat Ong TueWat Inpeng and Wat Haisok. We pass by the major shopping area continuing to the Vientiane Central Market of Talad Sao and Talad Kouadin where various goods are displayed for sale; including fresh food, household goods, souvenirs, textiles, gold, silver and antiques. We return to the Mekong Riverside in the late afternoon in time for a beautiful sunset.

Overnight in Vientiane

Day 24 Flight from Vientiane to Xiengkhouang

Flight: Internal flight include in quotation and will be on INT’s arrangement

Meal: Breakfast

Today transfer to the airport for a flight Xiengkhouang. Upon arrival, we transfer out to visit the Plain of Jars, an impressive archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are littered all over the plateau. If time permits, we may see the old capital of Muang Khoum and its’ surrounding villages which are home to the Hmong hill tribe. They have an interesting local culture and a colorful history.

Overnight in Phonsavanh

Day 25 Xiengkhouang – Muangkham District

Meal: Breakfast/Lunch

After breakfast, we visit the Central Market of Phonsavanh and then drive 50 kilometres to Muang Kham. En route we visit the tribal villages of Hmong, Tai Dam and Khmu… and the hot springs and Tham Piew cave – where hundreds of local people hid during the bombings of the Indo-china War. We explore the local market at Muangkham and visit local villages before returning to Phonsavanh by the late afternoon.

Overnight in Phonsavanh

Day 26 Drive from Xiengkhouang to Luang Prabang

Meal: Breakfast

Following breakfast, we drive along route No. 7 to Luang Prabang (6 hours drive). Along the way, we enjoy the splendid scenery of the surrounding countryside and the mountain ranges. We make a few stops along the way to visit some tribal minority villages and capture amazing landscapes with several photo stops before reaching Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. The tranquility and charm of this town with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Laos. After freshening up, we visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrines of Wat Aham and Wat Mai. We then climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a beautiful sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. From there, we explore the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by the local and hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 27 Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Caves – Luang Prabang

Meal: Breakfast/Lunch

After breakfast, we enjoy a short-guided tour seeing the city’s oldest temple Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with it’s roofs sweeping low to the ground, representing classical Laotian architecture. We then board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which gives us a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. En route, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where local rice wine is produced. We also have time to visit Ban Xangkhong and Ban Xienglek, small villages well known for silk weavings and for Saa (jute) Papermaking.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 28 Buddhist Ancient City and Temples

Meal: Breakfast

Your full day city tour begins after breakfast, with a visit to the Royal Palace Museum (closed on Tuesday), which hosts a range of interesting artifacts. See the city’s oldest temple of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthongwith its roofs sweeping low to the ground and representing classical Laotian architecture. Visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham.

In the afternoon, Visit the Arts and Ethnology Centre to learn about Laos’ many ethnic cultures before heading out of town to see the weaving villages of Ban Xiengkhong and Ban Xienglek. Later this afternoon return to the city for a visit to Wat Mai. Finally climb to the top of Mount Phousi to explore the sacred, gilded stupa and a sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. Finally visit the famous Night Market, where you’ll find handmade textiles made by local and hill tribe peoplesliving in the surroundings.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 29 Luang Prabang – Khouangsi Waterfall

Meal: Breakfast/Lunch

An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms from the faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the procession. From there you will visit the morning Phosi Market where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings. Laos is also known for its traditional handicrafts, and today you will visit local village of Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay and Ban Thapene. We also drive to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where you can take a dip in the turquoise pools or walk along the forest paths. We return to Luang Prabang by late afternoon and continue to Ban Phanom, a well-known weaving village, and then return to the city by late evening for the sunset at Wat Siphouthabath.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 30 Farewell from Luang Prabang

Flight: International flight on your own arrangement

Meal: Breakfast/Lunch

Today transfer to the airport for your international flight back home.

Service End