Essential-Vietnam-Laos-photo2
This truly unique and diverse experience allows you to discover Laos’ northern beauty and top attractions such as Vientiane to the hustle and bustle of Vietnam and so much in between.
This 12-day journey explores Laos’ capital city to the citadel of Luang Prabang, a direct flight to elegant city of Hanoi, the World Heritage Site of Halong Bay, Hue’s Ancient Citadel, Hoian’s tranquility and the modern bustle of Ho Chi Minh City.

Start city: Vientiane

End city: HCM City

Duration: 12 Days 11 Nights

Departure: Daily, upon your request.

Cities to visit: Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Hanoi Halong Bay, Hue, Hoian and HCM City

- Extendable with optional tours from Vientiane and from HCM City

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Essential-Vietnam-Laos-photo2

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Price from: $1333 - Book now!

 

PRICE

Tour Brief

Day 1 – Vientiane Arrival
Day 2 – Vientiane City Tour
Day 3 - Vientiane - Fly to Luang Prabang
Day 4 - Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Caves
Day 5: Hanoi City Tour
Day 6: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Overnight on Junk Boat
Day 7: Halong Bay Cruise – Hanoi – Flight to Danang – Hoian
Day 8: Hoian Walking Tour – Boat trip
Day 9: Hoian – Danang – Hue
Day 10: Hue – Danang – Fly to Saigon
Day 11: Saigon – Mekong Delta day trip
Day 12: Saigon Departure

 

This is sample itinerary for the package of Essential Laos & Vietnam - 12 Days. Contact us for more details and best offer (Prices depend on your travel dates, specific hotels/ resorts and activities).
GROUP SIZE PRICE/Person
6 Persons $1,333 Reservation
4 Persons $1,474 Reservation
2 Persons $1,751 Reservation
1 Person $0 Reservation
> 6 Persons Contact us for even better offer

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • N/A

ITINERARY

Day 1 – Vientiane Arrival
Upon arrival you will be welcomed by local tour guide of Laos Travel and transfer to hotel in Vientiane – the country’s charming capital, with its laidback riverside ambience, and alluring monuments. In the afternoon, enjoy an orientation walk around the hotel area or a guide will show you the riverbank area where you could view the sun sink over the Mekong.
Meals: N/A
Accommodations: Hotel in Vientiane
Vientiane
Day 2 – Vientiane City Tour
Today we have a full day to explore Vientiane- the charming and fascinating capital of Laos, one of the classic Indo Chinese cities which conjure up exotic images, with its intriguing mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, American and Soviet influences. Our visit will take you to the key sites: National Museum, Wat Sisaket the city ‘s oldest surviving temple with thousands of silver and porcelain images in the gloriously authentic temple compound that offers you a glimpse into the Vientiane of the past, the next stop is Haw Phra Kaeo. This large beautiful temple was built to house the famed Emerald Buddha in courtyards filled with frangipani trees.
In the afternoon a stop at the older part of Morning market is recommended before a visit to the Pha That Luang. The giant golden stupa is a sight to see as the bright gold holds a sharp contrast to the pure blue sky. Next you will climb the Arc De Triomphe of Laos, Patuxai. The massive arch has a beautiful mosaic tiled ceiling and once at the top you can see for miles around Vientiane.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel in Vientiane
Day 3 - Vientiane - Fly to Luang Prabang
Have breakfast in the hotel and the staff of Laos Travel will transfer you to the airport for the flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival at the airport, you are welcomed and escorted to the hotel. The rest of the day we will visit The Royal Palace (official name "Haw Kham"), which was built in 1904 during the French colonial era for King Sisavang Vong and his family
Before sunset, ascend the 328 steps to the top of Phou Si Mountain that offers a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding rivers and cityscape before wandering through the bustling Hill tribe Market for traditional textiles and handicrafts made by the hill tribes.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel in Luang Prabang
Vientiane - Fly to Luang Prabang
Day 4 - Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Caves
After breakfast, you will take the cruise along a Mekong River to Pak Ou Caves, where you will discover gold-lacquered Buddha statues of all shapes and sizes nestled deep in the limestone caverns. Embark on a cultural tour of Luang Prabang in the afternoon, you will explore the gilded temples such as Wat Mai, Wat Sensoukarahm and Wat Xieng Thong dotted across the city.
Later in the afternoon, take the flight to Hanoi.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel in Hanoi
Day 5: Hanoi City Tour
Today you have a full day to explore Vietnam’s charming capital. With its wide tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and ancient oriental pagodas. Hanoi is an eclectic mix that offers something for everyone. Your city tour will take you to Hanoi’s key sites: the Ho Chi Minh Complex (Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and stilt house), the Presidential Palace, the nearby One Pillar Pagoda; the Temple of Literature; West Lake including the sedate Tran Quoc Pagoda & Quan Thanh Temple; and one of the city's museums (a choice between the History Museum and the Ethnology Museum). Later in the afternoon, enjoy a traditional Water Puppet Performance – a unique Vietnamese art form hailing from Southeast Asia’s wet-rice culture.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Hanoi City Tour
Day 6: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Overnight on Junk Boat
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, before setting out on a 3 to 4 hour drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site: Halong Bay.
* The following Halong Bay itinerary is a sample of our standard service on a 3 star junk/ cruise. Different programs are available through our luxury cruise itineraries on the Violet, Jasmine, Ginger, Paradise or Au Co. Please contact us for more details. *
Spend 24 hours on a traditional Junk Cruise in the amazing bay: a natural wonderland composed of jutting limestone islands and sparkling turquoise waters. Arrive at the dock around noon and board your junk boat. Savor a gourmet lunch of fresh seafood onboard as we sail out into the mystical bay. In the afternoon, cruise around some of Halong’s many islands, including Dinh Huong and Ga Choi. Along the way visit one of the bay’s 3 largest caves (Thien Cung, Dau Go or Sung Sot). Stop at an island cove with a sheltered white-sand beach and take a dip in the warm waters of the Gulf of Tonkin (weather permitting). Pass the night on your junk boat, lulled to sleep by the gentle rocking of calm waters.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight on Junk Boat
Day 7: Halong Bay Cruise – Hanoi – Flight to Danang – Hoian
Today enjoy a day cruise on Halong Bay: a UNESCO World Heritage Site and natural wonderland composed of jutting limestone islands and sparkling turquoise waters, located in the Gulf of Tonkin. After breakfast at the hotel, you are transferred to the Halong Harbor to board your private junk cruise for a 4-hour journey. Cruise along the calm waters, between looming, limestone outcrops to visit Dau Go Cave “Grotto of the Wooden Stakes,” where, in 1288, one of Vietnam’s most famous generals, Tran Hung Dao, stored hundreds of stakes before battling the invading Mongolian army. A short walk away, visit the newly discovered Thien Cung Cave (“Grotto of the Heavenly Palace “), famous for its stalagmites and stalactites. Savor a fresh seafood lunch, served on board before sailing back to Halong City, where your car will be waiting to take you to Hanoi for your flight to Danang. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Hoian.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Hotel in Hoian
Halong Bay Cruise – Hanoi – Flight to Danang – Hoian
Day 8: Hoian Walking Tour – Boat trip
Immerse yourself in the tranquility and charm of this sleepy riverside town. During the 16th to 18th centuries, Hoian was a thriving international port frequented by Chinese, Dutch, French, Japanese, Portuguese and Arab traders, who came to trade in the high quality silk still produced in the region. Today, Hoian is a relaxing resort popular with tourists for its eclectic architecture, skilled tailors and numerous cafes. Take a half-day walking tour through the narrow winding streets of the ancient town centre, visiting Chua Ong Pagoda, the Chinese Assembly Hall, the 200-year old Tam Ky ancestral house and the famous Japanese Bridge. After lunch, take a short boat trip to a nearby island and visit a handicraft village specializing in ceramics. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon and enjoy a free evening at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian
Day 9: Hoian – Danang – Hue
Depart Hoian for the scenic mountainous drive to Hue. Stop at the dramatic Hai Van Pass, the high dividing line between the climate zones of north and south Vietnam, to admire the spectacular views and at the fishing village of Lang Co for a drink. Spend the afternoon on a leisurely walking tour through Vietnam’s ancient capital city, visiting the Royal Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda and the Mausoleum of King Tu Duc (a replica of the king’s palace built for the next reincarnation of the king), before exploring the Imperial Museum and Dong Ba Market.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue
Day 10: Hue – Danang – Fly to Saigon
Have breakfast at the hotel then drive to Danang Airport to catch your flight to Vietnam’s modern metropolis: Saigon. Arrive in the late morning and enjoy an introduction tour through Ho Chi Minh City’s bustling streets en route to the hotel. Have lunch at a downtown restaurant of your choosing then set out on a guided city tour. Visit the War Remnants Museum; learn about Vietnam’s recent history at the Reunification Palace, visit the nearby neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral and the City's Centre Post Office before passing by the ornate Opera Theatre and the City Hall. Finally, end up at the Ben Thanh Market, where vendors display a vast array of goods and handicrafts, appealing to every taste.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon
Hue – Danang – Fly to Saigon
Day 11: Saigon – Mekong Delta day trip
Today, travel to the Mekong River Delta on a day trip to explore the rich culture and lush fluvial landscape. After breakfast, your guide & driver will meet you at your hotel and take you to Cai Be. Start your tour with a visit to Cai Be’s colorful floating market, cruising among the local barges stuffed-full of fruits and vegetables. Visit some local workshops then enjoy a delicious lunch served at an ancient house (over 170 years old!) in the cool shade of An Binh Island’s orchards. In the afternoon, take a traditional rowboat and venture deeper into the countryside, floating through narrow canals to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Stop at a nursery garden to discover how farmers along the delta produce their world famous fruits and vegetables. The cruise ends around 3:30 PM in Vinh Long. Your driver will meet you at the dock and take you back to Saigon.
Meals: Breakfast. Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon
Day 12: Saigon Departure
Today is free at your leisure for last minute shopping or sightseeing before driving to the airport to catch your departure flight home.
Bon Voyage!
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: N/A.

TRAVEL MAPS

Essential Laos & Vietnam - 12 Days map

FAQs

1. Are tour dates of flexible?

Yes, this tour package is private and you can depart on any dates at your convenience.

2. Can I extend or change my stay?

Absolutely! Extra days can be arranged in most areas if desired. Let us know how you would like to customize your trip and we will do our best to accommodate you. You can ask helps from our travel consultant to amend or extend your stay (subject to availability of hotels and flights; surcharge may be applicable).

3. Are the rates displayed per person or per room?

The prices shown on our website are per person based on twin/ double accommodation.

4. Any surcharges if my travel dates are during Christmas or New Year Holidays?

The rates are regular price and they are not included a compulsory dinner (Gala Dinner) on the day of Christmas or New Year Eve. Surcharges depend on specific hotels you stay at, so our travel consultants will give further information to you in communications.

5. Are there any discounts available?

We offer select trip discounts periodically throughout the year, especially in the low season (Summer time in Vietnam is from May to Sep). Please contact our travel consultants to get more details.

6. How do I pay when I want to book this tour?

We accept payment by debit/ credit card (Visa, Master, Amex), cash and bank transfer. When you confirm a booking with us, we will send you our online payment link or bank details to deposit 30% of the total tour cost. The balance will be due as soon as you arrive in Cambodia. Our travel consultants will give more details via email about payment instruction.

7. Are meals included?

We have tried to balance flexibility and convenience regarding meal options. This tour package includes daily buffet breakfast at hotels and some lunches or dinners as listed in parenthesis next to the tour itinerary on each day tour. In the major cities, where there are a wide variety of restaurants, we generally do not include meals to allow our travelers the flexibility of choosing their own food preferences. Our tour guides can recommend some options for our clients to choose from according to traveler's interest & budget.

8. What type of food is typical of Vietnam?

Vietnamese cuisine is quite varied from the North to the Centre and to the South, having had many external influences over the years that have created an interesting mix of cooking methods and ingredients. French presence in the recent past has led to the assimilation of French cuisine influence, and is often attributed with Pho noodle soup's rise to popularity. Most meals include rice, as well as fish sauce which is a popular condiment added to almost every meal throughout the country.

9. What if I have a special request on food?

You just need to share us your request on type of foods, we will choose a right restaurant and order suitable menus for you.

10. What are the accommodations like?

Vietnam Tours only recommends good hotels rated from 3 stars to luxurious resorts. They are located within walking distance of the town center and the reception generally speaks English. For more information, check with your travel consultants to view pictures of our suggestion on standard hotels/ lodges/ resorts. Don't forget that you can give your favorite name of hotel brands to us, so we can get your concept.

11. What type of transportation is used?

Our Vietnam tours utilize a variety of primarily private transportation (arranged just for your groups) including new and modern vans/ cars, motor boats, etc. We use a mix of private (vans/ cars)/ public transportation (domestic flights, sharing cruises, trains) to provide travelers with the safest and most efficient transit in each area.

12. Is this tour suitable for kids?

Yes! If you have children traveling with, ask your travel consultants to customize the tour program to fit a variety of interests and ages. We also focus on family friendly vacations with less travel and minimum drive times and maximum in-country activity that will keep younger minds engaged.

13. How many people are typically on your tours?

We only offer completely private tours, so only the people you book for will be on the tour. If you are alone, it will just be you and your guide. If you are a couple, just the two of you and your guide, and so on. We believe this is the best type of tour, so that it can be personalized to you, go at your own pace, and so that you can have the full attention of your guide for the duration of the tour.

14. Is this trip a good choice for solo travelers?

Yes, it is. You will still have a private tour guide and driver to accompany throughout the journey. However, you have to cover all expenses regarding accommodations (single room), tour guides, transportations because no-one shares cost with.

15. Do tour rates include international flights?

This tour only includes domestic flights. We find that it is usually less expensive for travelers to book these separately and this also allows you the flexibility to choose the schedule and routing that is most convenient for you. You can purchase international flights on your own, or we can certainly help you arrange these flights with an airfare consolidator who specializes in international flights.

16. How do I get to the hotel from the airport when I arrive?

When you arrive at airports, you will be greeted with your name on our driver/ tour guide's welcome sign, then get transferred to your hotel.

17. How if bad weather such as storm, flood, landslide occurs during my holiday with Vietnam Tours?

Our Travel Consultants and Tour Operators keep checking weather forecast every-day, if the weather is bad and it may affect to your safety, we will discuss with you regarding a tentative program immediately.

18. How much should I budget for tips?

Tips are not compulsory on any of our tours. However, it is customary to offer a small tip for exceptional service. Other travelers opt to bring small souvenirs from their home to give to tour guides and drivers along the way.

19. Is travel insurance included? And is it recommended?

Travel insurance is not included in our tour price. Absolutely, we recommend you to contact with your local agent in your country to buy travel insurance before you go.

20. How to change or cancel my reservation?

- You can change or amend your schedule in advance or during your trip but surcharge maybe applied according to our contract with local suppliers, hotels and airlines. Regarding cancelation terms, please check out this link: https://asiatravelandleisure.com/terms-conditions.html

Want to Ask a question?

Price Included

  • Domestic flights
  • Accommodation with daily breakfast at selected hotels
  • Private tours, transfers and all services as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Services of a private driver and air-conditioned vehicles
  • Service of English speaking guides in every location
  • Entrance fees for all mentioned sights visited
  • Domestic flights
  • Accommodation with daily breakfast at selected hotels
  • Private tours, transfers and all services as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Services of a private driver and air-conditioned vehicles
  • Service of English speaking guides in every location
  • Entrance fees for all mentioned sights visited
  • Meals as mentioned in the itinerary• Meals as mentioned in the itinerary

Price Excluded

  • International flight
  • Meals other than those mentioned in the itinerary
  • Early check-in and late check-out at hotels.
  • Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, drinks, etc.)
  • Tips for guides and drivers
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Laos, Vietnam visa (more at: www.laostravel.com/visa)
Did you know? All of our tours are private and daily depart. Laos Travel can organize any additional accommodations, domestic and regional flights.
Call us on 0084 983 787 868 to speak to one of our experts.

Comments  

0 # Roberta 2018-08-10 20:17
we are 4 people very interested in the private tour 12 days laos vietnam.

our arrival date may be late January. we ask for a detailed program with a sea extension of 1 week and costs with an Italian spelling guide..
Reply | Reply with quote | Quote
0 # Ha Giang 2018-09-07 17:27
Dear Ms. Roberta,
Thank you very much for contacting us.
our travel consultant will provide you full proposal with the price soon.
My best regards,
Reply | Reply with quote | Quote

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LUANG PRABANG - LAOS
No 203, Ban Mano,
Luang Prabang, Laos PDR.
T: +856 7191 9444 - F: +856 7191 9333
HCM CITY - VIETNAM
5th Floor Hong Anh Japan Bld., 24 Truong Son Str., Ward 2,
Tan Binh Dist., Ho Chi Minh City
T: +8428 3535 8444
HANOI - VIETNAM
5 Floor, HTK Building,
98 Nguyen Van Cu, Long Bien Dist., Hanoi
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