Enchantment of Vietnam & Laos
10 days - Saigon, My Tho, Hanoi, Halong Bay, Luang Prabang
10 days - Saigon, My Tho, Hanoi, Halong Bay, Luang Prabang
This 10-day program combines the best of Vietnam with the beauty of Luang Prabang in Laos. Saigon is Vietnam's largest city, and teems with energy, activity and motion. The French influence is readily seen in the old colonial buildings, such as the Opera House and City Hall, which serve as a contrast to the luxury hotels, shopping malls, and gourmet restaurants springing up across the city. Experience a quieter side of Vietnam's south with an excursion to My Tho, in the lush Mekong Delta region. Hanoi is the modern-day capital of Vietnam that still retains the mystery and charm of past centuries. The narrow lanes and traditional shophouses found in the Old Quarter invite exploration, while it's many beautiful public spaces - lakes, parks, tree-lined boulevards and monuments - give it an air of elegance and harmony with nature unique among Asian capitals. Scenic Halong Bay, located on the South China Sea, is home to beautiful limestone islands and floating fishing villages, best explored aboard a traditional wooden boat. We finish in Luang Prabang, truly the highlight of any visit to Laos. A quiet, lulling peacefulness permeates the city, from the beautiful temples to the warm smiles of the friendly residents. Each morning a long procession of saffron-robed monks take alms from the locals along the main street, while provisions for the day are purchased at the morning market. The visit includes a fun boat ride on the Mekong River to see the Pak Ou Caves, and back in town there are charming shops to explore, and excellent restaurants and cafes to relax in and unwind.
Private tour itinerary
Day 1: Saigon. Arrive at Saigon's Tan Son Nhat International Airport and transfer by sedan to your hotel in Saigon.
Day 2: Saigon. Explore Saigon today, Vietnam's largest city. This morning tour the Reunification Palace, followed by a visits to the War Remnants Museum, Emperor of Jade Pagoda, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Central Post Office. Pass by classic European-style landmarks such as the ornate City Hall and old Opera House, and finish at central Ben Thanh Market. In the afternoon embark on an excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an important Vietcong base during the war. Walk through the area and learn about the day-to-day life of the Vietcong, and even venture inside the tunnel if you choose. Afterwards return to Saigon. (breakfast).
Day 3: My Tho/Saigon. Travel to My Tho, located in the rich agricultural region of the Mekong Delta. Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, a beautiful temple recognized as a national historical and cultural relic. The pagoda features a lovely garden of ancient and ornamental trees, and also serves as a sanctuary for orphans and other needy children. Afterwards board a local boat to explore the Mekong River islands, stopping at a fruit orchard to enjoy fruit and tea, and some local music. There is time for a brief sampan ride through the tiny waterways that thread the island before returning to Saigon. (breakfast).
Day 4: Hanoi. Fly to Hanoi, capital city of Vietnam. Late afternoon see a performance of Water Puppets, a fantastic art form where puppets appear to "dance on water." (breakfast).
Day 5: Hanoi. Full-day private tour of Hanoi city. Sights include the Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House, Hoan Kiem Lake, and view colonial landmarks such as the Opera House and St. Joseph's Cathedral. From the lake, explore the Old Quarter on foot. The network of narrow alleys and shophouses are also known as "The 36 Streets," each street being named after the merchandise traditionally sold there. In the afternoon visit one of Hanoi's famous museums, either the History Museum, including exhibits spanning the entirety of Vietnam's history, or the Museum of Ethnology which brings to life the astonishing ethnic diversity in Vietnam. (breakfast).
Day 6: Halong Bay/Hanoi. Depart Hanoi in the morning for a drive to scenic Halong Bay. Upon arrival at the pier at midday begin a cruise aboard a traditional wooden junk boat, passing craggy limestone cliffs, and stopping at different islands to explore some of the areas many caves. Lunch will be served aboard the boat. Late afternoon return to Hanoi. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 7: Luang Prabang. Fly to Luang Prabang, the enchanting Laotian town filled with historic temples and colonial-style buildings. (breakfast).
Day 8: Luang Prabang. Sightseeing this morning focuses on sights around town. In the morning see the bustle and activity of a local market, then continue to visit some of Luang Prabang's most important temples; Wat Visoun, the oldest operating temple in Luang Prabang with a collection of gilded wooden Buddhas from the 15th and 16th centuries, Wat Aham, known for it's two large banyan trees, and Wat Xieng Thong, the crown jewel of all monasteries and temples in the city. Also visit the National Museum (Royal Palace), a turn-of-the century royal residence which has been preserved as it was when the royal family lived there; and Wat Mai, Luang Prabang's largest and perhaps most photographed temple due to it's rich decoration. In the afternoon embark on a boat excursion up the Mekong River to the steep limestone cliffs overlooking the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers, home to the Pak Ou Caves. These extraordinary caves are filled with Buddha images of every style and material imaginable. On the return journey stop at Ban Xang Hai Village, a local village famous for the production of lao lao, the local rice wine whisky. (breakfast).
Day 9: Luang Prabang. Travel by road to visit the local village of Ban Muang Khai. Continue by road to Kuang Si Waterfall, located in a perfect natural setting near Luang Prabang, this multi-tiered waterfall tumbles over limestone formations into a series of turquoise pools. There is a chance to swim in the clear water, or simply relax in the natural environment. Finish with a visit to Ban Tha Pene, a nearby Khmu village. (breakfast).
Day 10: Depart Luang Prabang. Transfer to Luang Prabang Airport. (breakfast).
Meals: breakfast daily (9), and one lunch.
Cost per person, double occupancy from $2,890.
Day 1: Saigon. Arrive at Saigon's Tan Son Nhat International Airport and transfer by sedan to your hotel in Saigon.
Day 2: Saigon. Explore Saigon today, Vietnam's largest city. This morning tour the Reunification Palace, followed by a visits to the War Remnants Museum, Emperor of Jade Pagoda, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Central Post Office. Pass by classic European-style landmarks such as the ornate City Hall and old Opera House, and finish at central Ben Thanh Market. In the afternoon embark on an excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an important Vietcong base during the war. Walk through the area and learn about the day-to-day life of the Vietcong, and even venture inside the tunnel if you choose. Afterwards return to Saigon. (breakfast).
Day 3: My Tho/Saigon. Travel to My Tho, located in the rich agricultural region of the Mekong Delta. Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, a beautiful temple recognized as a national historical and cultural relic. The pagoda features a lovely garden of ancient and ornamental trees, and also serves as a sanctuary for orphans and other needy children. Afterwards board a local boat to explore the Mekong River islands, stopping at a fruit orchard to enjoy fruit and tea, and some local music. There is time for a brief sampan ride through the tiny waterways that thread the island before returning to Saigon. (breakfast).
Day 4: Hanoi. Fly to Hanoi, capital city of Vietnam. Late afternoon see a performance of Water Puppets, a fantastic art form where puppets appear to "dance on water." (breakfast).
Day 5: Hanoi. Full-day private tour of Hanoi city. Sights include the Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House, Hoan Kiem Lake, and view colonial landmarks such as the Opera House and St. Joseph's Cathedral. From the lake, explore the Old Quarter on foot. The network of narrow alleys and shophouses are also known as "The 36 Streets," each street being named after the merchandise traditionally sold there. In the afternoon visit one of Hanoi's famous museums, either the History Museum, including exhibits spanning the entirety of Vietnam's history, or the Museum of Ethnology which brings to life the astonishing ethnic diversity in Vietnam. (breakfast).
Day 6: Halong Bay/Hanoi. Depart Hanoi in the morning for a drive to scenic Halong Bay. Upon arrival at the pier at midday begin a cruise aboard a traditional wooden junk boat, passing craggy limestone cliffs, and stopping at different islands to explore some of the areas many caves. Lunch will be served aboard the boat. Late afternoon return to Hanoi. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 7: Luang Prabang. Fly to Luang Prabang, the enchanting Laotian town filled with historic temples and colonial-style buildings. (breakfast).
Day 8: Luang Prabang. Sightseeing this morning focuses on sights around town. In the morning see the bustle and activity of a local market, then continue to visit some of Luang Prabang's most important temples; Wat Visoun, the oldest operating temple in Luang Prabang with a collection of gilded wooden Buddhas from the 15th and 16th centuries, Wat Aham, known for it's two large banyan trees, and Wat Xieng Thong, the crown jewel of all monasteries and temples in the city. Also visit the National Museum (Royal Palace), a turn-of-the century royal residence which has been preserved as it was when the royal family lived there; and Wat Mai, Luang Prabang's largest and perhaps most photographed temple due to it's rich decoration. In the afternoon embark on a boat excursion up the Mekong River to the steep limestone cliffs overlooking the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers, home to the Pak Ou Caves. These extraordinary caves are filled with Buddha images of every style and material imaginable. On the return journey stop at Ban Xang Hai Village, a local village famous for the production of lao lao, the local rice wine whisky. (breakfast).
Day 9: Luang Prabang. Travel by road to visit the local village of Ban Muang Khai. Continue by road to Kuang Si Waterfall, located in a perfect natural setting near Luang Prabang, this multi-tiered waterfall tumbles over limestone formations into a series of turquoise pools. There is a chance to swim in the clear water, or simply relax in the natural environment. Finish with a visit to Ban Tha Pene, a nearby Khmu village. (breakfast).
Day 10: Depart Luang Prabang. Transfer to Luang Prabang Airport. (breakfast).
Meals: breakfast daily (9), and one lunch.
Cost per person, double occupancy from $2,890.
Our deluxe Indochina tours are carefully designed to provide a unique experience in the destination, promote cultural understanding and exchange, flow smoothly from place to place, allow time for relaxation and exploration on your own, provide maximum value, and very importantly to be enjoyable. The itinerary can be modified to suit your tastes, time frame, budget, and special interests.
