Vietnam & Laos Discovery - 8 Days

Your adventure begins upon arrival in Vietnam, where our private driver will warmly welcome you at the airport. We’ll escort you comfortably to your hotel for check-in. Take some time to unwind and adjust after your flight.

Once you've settled in, explore the vibrant streets of the city at your leisure. Discover its historic charm, architectural wonders, and diverse local offerings. After this initial exploration, return to your hotel for a restful night.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before setting off to explore the Mekong Delta. Our guide will meet us in the hotel lobby between 7:15 and 7:30 am. We will travel to My Tho, situated on the left bank of the Mekong River.

Upon arrival, we board a sampan for a cruise around the picturesque Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise Islands. On Unicorn Island, stroll through the country lanes to explore lush orchards. We'll visit fruit plantations, savour tropical fruits, and enjoy traditional folk music performed by the locals.

A hand-rowed sampan will then take us through the tranquil Thoi Son canal, offering a glimpse of the beautiful countryside. We'll visit family workshops and a honey-bee farm to sample honey tea and coconut sweets.

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch before cycling leisurely around Tan Thach village. Here, we will meet local villagers and gain insight into daily life in the Mekong Delta. Alternatively, you might prefer to relax on a hammock and enjoy the cool breeze.

We'll then return to our accommodation for an overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh City.

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before we set off on an exciting journey to the Cu Chi Tunnels. This iconic site is about 60 km from Ho Chi Minh City, and the drive will take approximately 1.5 hours.

Located in a district renowned for its role during the Vietnam War, Cu Chi's network of underground tunnels spans over 220 km. These tunnels are a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the Vietnamese people, attracting both local and international visitors.

Upon arrival, our knowledgeable tour guide will provide a comprehensive introduction to the site's historical significance. You will then watch a documentary film to better understand the tunnels' history and the intensity of the conflict in this region.

Next, we will explore the tunnel system, including the weapon factory, hospitals, and kitchens. You will even have the opportunity to crawl through portions of the tunnels yourself.

Following the tour, sample some manioc, a staple for guerrilla fighters during the war. For those interested, there's also an option to visit the nearby shooting range and try out weapons such as the AK47 or MK16.

After our visit, we will head back to Ho Chi Minh City. The evening is yours to relax or explore further at your leisure.

In the morning, we'll check out from the hotel and be collected by the cruise. Our journey takes the scenic route to Halong Bay, passing through the Red River Delta, where vast, emerald green rice paddies stretch to the horizon. Upon arrival at Halong, we'll embark on a cruise to explore the stunning limestone formations and karst grottoes.

Following our exploration, we'll enjoy a delicious seafood lunch on board. Afterwards, we visit one of Ha Long Bay's renowned limestone caves. Here, you may choose to go kayaking or swimming, offering a closer look at the floating villages and shops.

As evening approaches, we'll return to the boat for an early dinner. You then have leisure time to either participate in onboard activities or simply relax. We will spend the night on the cruise.

Start your day with a Tai Chi lesson or simply unwind with a hearty breakfast. We will then cruise back towards the port, stopping at the Limestone Cave, renowned for its impressive stalagmites and stalactites.

Following this visit, we'll set sail for the main harbour and return to Hanoi, arriving around 17:00. The evening is yours to explore at leisure.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel this morning. Afterwards, you have some free time to relax before our private cab transfers you to the airport for your flight to Luang Prabang.

Upon arrival in Luang Prabang, you'll be greeted and transported to your hotel. Known as one of Southeast Asia’s best-preserved traditional cities, Luang Prabang captivates visitors with its serene atmosphere and stunning cultural sights, set against a backdrop of beautiful natural scenery.

This evening is yours to explore the vibrant Night Market at leisure. Here, you can discover an array of exquisite handmade textiles crafted by the local hill tribe and residents of Luang Prabang.

You may choose to rise before dawn to partake in the almsgiving ritual, a generations-old tradition in Laos, where local monks in saffron robes receive offerings. If you wish to make an offering, please inform your guide a day in advance to arrange food for you to present.

Following the ritual, which should be observed in respectful silence and with appropriate attire (covering shoulders, chest, and legs), you can either return to the hotel for breakfast or join locals for a bowl of noodle soup as the town awakens.

After breakfast, we visit the bustling Morning Market. Here, you'll find a variety of unique goods such as dried buffalo skin, local tea, and saltpetre amidst the usual array of chickens, vegetables, and hill-tribe textiles.

Our next stop is Wat Xiengthong, a prime example of classical Laotian architecture with its stunningly low-sweeping roofs. We continue to the National Museum, located in the former Royal Palace, which showcases artefacts that illustrate the rich history of Lao culture from early kings to the last monarch.

We travel by private vehicle to Khouang Si Waterfall. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to visit Ban Na Ouane, a H’Mong ethnic minority village. Upon arrival at the waterfalls, we take a leisurely stroll through the national park, passing by the Asian bear rescue centre. Enjoy the cool mist and vibrant turquoise waters. Swimming in the refreshing pools is an option.

In the late afternoon, we head to the boat pier for a traditional sunset dinner cruise. Over 2.5 hours, we'll enjoy stunning views of Luang Prabang from the Mekong River, continuing to Pha Tad Ke Botanical Garden, a beautiful spot for sunsets. Savour dinner on board before we return to the pier, then transfer back to the hotel.

After breakfast, enjoy free time at your leisure until we transfer you to the airport for your onward flight to your next destination. This marks the end of our tour services.