VIENTIANE TO VIETNAM 17 DAYS 16 NIGHTS

Day 1: Vientiane

Welcome to Laos! Airport arrival, our guide and driver will welcome you and transfer you to hotel check in. Free at leisure. Overnight in Vientiane

Day 2: Vientiane city tour (B, L)

After breakfast we explore the charming capital on a city tour. Highlights include Wat Si Saket - the oldest Buddhist monastery temple in the country, the former royal temple of Haw Pha Kaeo, Pha That Luang monument and the Buddha Park with its incredible array of Hindu and Buddhist sculptures. We also visit to the COPE Centre, a charity working with victims of unexploded bombs and mines.

Overnight - Vientiane

Day : Vang Vieng (B, L)

This morning we journey north through breathtaking scenery to Vang Vieng. Along the way we visit Ban Keun, famous for its salt extraction plant and a village of local Lao rice wine whiskey distillation. A next stop is the busy and colourful market of Thalat market, where local hill tribes come to trade and shop and the 11th century archaeological site of Vang Xang. Upon arrival in picturesque Vang Vieng, spend the remains of the day at leisure or opt to explore the local caves, take a scenic bike ride or go tubing along the river. Overnight - Vang Vieng

Day 4: Tham Jang Cave, Ban Huai Ngai village (B, L)

Vang Vieng – Luang Prabang. We explore the famous caves of Tham Jang this morning and visit Ban Huai Ngai village before travelling north to the enchanting Luang Prabang. Overnight - Luang Prabang

Day 5: Temples of Luang Prabang (B, L)

Consider rising early this morning to view the daily ritual of saffron-clad monks and their procession down the streets of Luang Prabang collecting alms from the residents. Then a morning tour, taking in the highlights of Luang Prapang - the fabulous UNESCO Listed former royal capital. Sightseeing includes the ancient temples of Wat Visoun and Wat Aham, the Ock Pop Tok weaving centre and the beautifully ornate former Royal Palace. In the afternoon we stop at ethnic minority villages before arriving at the beautiful Khouangsi waterfall. Overnight - Luang Prabang

Day 6: Wat Sene & Wat Xieng Thong (B, L)

Discover more of Luang Prabang’s holy sites with a morning visit to Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong. Then we set sail on a scenic cruise up the Mekong River to visit the incredible Pak Ou caves, which are crammed with Buddha images of all shapes and sizes, stopping at villages en route to sample local rice wine and shop for local handicrafts. Overnight - Luang Prabang

Days 7:  Fly Luang Prabang - Hanoi

Luang Prabang - Hanoi. Today offers free time for you to relax by the swimming pool or further explore Luang Prabang. Elephant rides, cycling and kayaking can be arranged locally. Late this afternoon we fly from Luang Prabang to Hanoi in Vietnam.

Day 8: Hanoi free and easy (B, L)

It is free day to  to explore Vietnam’s gracious capital. Overnight - Hanoi

Day 9: Hanoi - Halong (B, L, D)

This morning, we will drive to Halong bay, stop on the way for short break, and then continue heading to Halong. Arrival at lunch time, check in our luxury cruise and start your wonderful time in Halong bay. Spend whole afternoon to enjoy magnificent scenery around you, there are thousands of limestone islands standing in the middle of sea water, all of them are covered by a thick layer of green forest which make Halong bay more and more beautiful. Have lunch, dinner and stay overnight on boat.

Day 10: Halong - Hanoi - Hue (B, L)

Halong Bay - Hanoi - Hue. Start the day with a Tai Chi class on the sundeck or a traditional massage. After exploring a lofty grotto hidden beneath towering cliffs, we return to port.
Then you will transfer directly to Noi Bai airport to catch your flight to Hue. Overnight in Hue

Day 11: Hue city tour (B, L)

In the morning, a boat trip cruise on Perfume River brings you peaceful and calm down feeling. Hue is also famous for Tombs of Emperors and pagodas, a visit to there must be a worth. You'll visit Thien Mu pagoda as  well to see a famous Buddhist monk, Thich Quang Duc, who burnt himself in Hochiminh City to protest against regime of Southern Government. Then our guide will take you to visit Ancient Citadel and Purple Forbidden City, one of UNESCO's Cultural Heritages in Vietnam. Lunch at local restaurant.

In the afternoon, you will visit one of the Emperor’s tombs. Overnight in Hue

Day 12: Buddhist sanctuaries (B, L)

Hue - Road of the Ocean Clouds - Hoi An. Today we take the scenic Hai Van Pass (Road of the Ocean Clouds), which offers magnificent views of beaches to one side and lush hills to the other. En route we stop for a walk along Danang beach, featured in Francis Ford Coppola’s movie ‘Apocalypse Now’. Perhaps enjoy a refreshing swim in the sea before continuing our journey along the coast road to Hoi An.

The charming, old-world trading port of Hoi An with it cobbled streets, traditional homes and tiny shop houses is a perfect place to lose yourself in a bygone era. Boutique restaurants, hip cafes along the waterfront, delightful craft shops and artisans including some of Asia’s best bespoke tailors (whose services come at a nominal price), all can be found here.

On a short walking tour of the enchanting historical town, we’ll visit the Chua Ong Pagoda, Chinese Assembly Hall, 200-year-old Tam Ky house, former merchants’ homes and the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge. Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 13: Tra Que village (B, L)

A bicycle ride into the countryside, leads us to Tra Que village. Here,we discover age old farming practices and learn about traditional medicine. It’s a hands on experience today where we’ll assist with tending the fields and gardens and cooking lunch. Overnight - Hoi An (B, L)

Day 14: Hoi An - Fly to Saigon (B)

Free at your leisure until our guide transfer you to the airport to catch your flight from Hoian to Saigon.

Arrival Saigon, our guide and driver will pick you up at the airport and drive to your hotel. Check in. Overnight in Saigon

Day 15: Crusing the Mekong (B, L)

Drive to the Mekong Delta. Often referred to as the ‘rice bowl’ of Vietnam, the fertile Mekong Delta is famous for its abundant harvests of tropical fruits, flowers and rice, as well as it fantastic views while boating along the canals. Taking our sampan from Vinh Long we’ll cruise Cai Be’s maze of waterways visiting local cottage industries that produce popcorn, coco candies and paper along the way. Lunch is served today in a traditional wooden home on Dong Hoa Hiep Island. Overnight in Cantho.

Day 16: Mekong & Saigon (B, L)

Early today we visit colourful Cai Rang floating market and drive to Saigon. Once called the Pearl of the Orient, modern Saigon is a thriving metropolis on the move. Sleek skyscrapers, gourmet restaurants, designer malls and swanky bars and spas are scattered between ancient pagodas, colonial era landmarks and lively street markets. Our walking tour of Saigon includes visits to the Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Post office and the sombering War Remnants Museum. Evening at leisure. Overnight in Saigon.

Day 17: Saigon (B)

Free time to relax until drive to the airport to catch your flight. End of your trip. Thank you very much and we hope to see you again!