Undiscovered Vietnam and Laos 14 Days 13 Nights

At 8:30 am, depart from Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Tre. Arrive at Ham Luong Pier in Ben Tre town at 10:30 am, located opposite the hotel with the same name. Embark on a boat trip along the Ben Tre River, one of the Mekong River's tributaries. Observe lively activities such as fishing and water transfer taking place along the river. Witness the traditional method of brick-making, where they print and bake bricks. Visit a coconut processing workshop situated along the canal. Take a stroll to a family workshop where they produce sleeping mats and drink fruit and tea.

Ride a motor cart (xe loi) or a bicycle to explore life under the shades of trees, passing through green rice fields and vegetable plains while learning about tropical culture from the locals.

Enjoy lunch at Hai Ho family's house, and to reach the pier, take a rowing boat. Take a car transfer to the homestay, where you can relax around the village.

Join in cooking with the family members at 6:00 pm and have dinner at the homestay at 7:00 pm.

Overnight at homestay in Ben Tre.

Best Time To Visit Ben Tre

After having breakfast, you will embark on a cycling tour to explore the local market, witness the process of making brooms and soy sauce at their respective workshops. If you wish, you can also visit a local school to get a glimpse of the educational system in Vietnam. Later, you will enjoy lunch at a local house.

In the afternoon, you will return to Ho Chi Minh City and check-in at your hotel.

Dinner is at your own expense.

Overnight at the hotel in Ho Chi Minh city.

Special Gifts For Your Loved Ones During Your Visit To Ben Tre

After savoring your breakfast, head to the airport for your flight to Da Nang city. Upon landing, a driver will greet you at the airport and escort you to Hoi An. Along the way, you will make a pit stop at Non Nuoc Marble village, famously called "Mountain and Water" in Vietnamese, located approximately 8km southeast of Da Nang City.

Following that, you will continue your journey to the historic town of Hoi An. It was a thriving trade center during the 17th and 18th centuries and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Once you arrive, check into your hotel and enjoy leisure time to explore the quaint town.

Meals on your own.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Top 10 Best Restaurants In Hoi An

What a wonderful itinerary! You will have the opportunity to experience some of the most famous and beautiful sights in Hoi An, while also venturing out into the peaceful countryside for a day of cycling and cultural immersion.

The morning walk through the ancient town sounds like a great way to start the day, with visits to some of the most significant historical and cultural sites.

The Quan Cong temple and Phuc Kien pagoda will offer insight into the Chinese influence in Hoi An, while the Japanese Bridge and Tan Ky ancient house will showcase the town's diverse heritage.

Lunch at a local restaurant is a perfect opportunity to refuel before embarking on an afternoon of cycling through the picturesque countryside. It will be refreshing to get away from the busy city and enjoy some peaceful time in nature. The Van Lang fisherman village and Bay Mau water coconut forest sound like stunning destinations, full of history and natural beauty.

Meeting Mr. Han and his family will be an incredible opportunity to learn about the local culture and traditional way of life. The basket boat tour and foot bath with medicinal herbs are unique experiences that will surely be remembered for years to come. And of course, dinner with a local family is an excellent way to sample traditional Vietnamese cuisine and connect with the local community.

Overall, this itinerary offers a great balance of history, culture, nature, and food, making it an unforgettable experience for anyone visiting Hoi An.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Top 17 Best Things To Do In Hoi An

After enjoying your breakfast, you will be escorted to the airport to catch your morning flight to Hanoi, a vibrant city known for its rich cultural and historical heritage as well as its central role in Vietnamese business, education, and politics. Hanoi boasts numerous universities, research institutes, government offices, and a thriving startup and technology community.

Upon arrival in Hanoi, a professional driver will be waiting for you at the airport to take you directly to your hotel, ensuring a hassle-free start to your exciting journey.

Meals on your own.

Overnight in Hanoi.

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After breakfast, your day kicks off with a visit to the square in front of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, honoring the nation's founder. Your guide will narrate the country's independence history before you capture memories in photos.

Next, head to the Defense Pagoda by West Lake, ending your morning with an insightful trip to the Hanoi Ethnography Museum, showcasing Vietnam's diverse ethnic cultures.

Lunch awaits at a local eatery.

In the afternoon, a fascinating stroll through the Hanoi Old Quarter awaits you. Start with the Long Bien Bridge - Paul Doumer Bridge (Trần Nhật Duật Street side) and continue to Cao Thắng Street, famous for its traditional spices. Then, explore the Đồng Xuân Market, the largest market in Hanoi, and soak in the lively atmosphere of Hàng Mã Street, known for its decorative items, Chinese toys, and colorful lanterns.

Continue your exploration through Lương Văn Can, Lãn Ông, and Hang Buồm streets, taking the time to visit the Bạch Mã Temple (76 Hang Buồm Street), the oldest temple in Hanoi. Take a well-deserved break at Café Market (Hanoi Coffee Culture, 45 Nguyen Huu Huan Street or another café boutique) to enjoy a complimentary coffee.

Capture the vibrant atmosphere by Hoan Kiem Lake before attending a mesmerizing Hanoi water puppet show in the evening.

Dinner is on your own, followed by an overnight stay at the hotel in Hanoi.

Bach Ma - The Best Temple In Hanoi Old Quarter

Your day will begin with an 8am pickup from your hotel for a transfer to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay in Quảng Ninh Province, Vietnam. "Hạ Long" means "descending dragon" in Vietnamese.

We'll arrive at Tuan Chau Port between 11:45am and 12:00pm, where you will board our boat and receive a welcome drink. Your Cruise Manager will provide a safety briefing and instructions before serving a delicious deluxe Vietnamese Set Menu Lunch. If you wish, you can also book a massage service in advance to enjoy throughout the cruise.

While we cruise through Halong Bay, we'll pass by the most beautiful and serene areas, including Incense Burner, Dog Stone Islet, Fighting Cock, and Finger Islet. Our next destination is the breathtaking Surprise Cave (Hang Sửng Sốt), one of the largest and most stunning grottoes in Halong Bay. To reach the mouth of the grotto, we'll climb approximately a hundred stone steps.

After exploring the Surprise Cave, we'll sail for about 30 minutes to anchor overnight. During this time, you can attend a Fruit and Vegetable Carving Lesson led by our Head Chef. Our chef will demonstrate fruit and vegetable carving and teach you how to decorate and make some traditional Vietnamese food.

Dinner will feature fresh seafood, followed by various activities. Board games like cards or Parcheesi will be available, as well as massage services throughout the cruise. Everyone can also try their luck at squid fishing on the boat with the help of the crew.

Overnight on boat.

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You have the option to rise early at 6:30am to enjoy a light breakfast and hot drinks in the dining room, but it's not mandatory. For those who are interested, there will be a Tai Chi session lasting around 30 minutes on the sundeck at 6:45am.

After the Tai Chi session, a tender will take you to Titov Island, where you can spend approximately one hour hiking to the peak for a stunning 360-degree view of the Bay. For those who don't want to climb, there's an expansive viewing deck available halfway up the island. After the climb, you can unwind on the beach and go for a swim.

Upon returning to the boat, you'll have 30 minutes to freshen up and pack your belongings. We kindly request that you collect all of your belongings from the cabins and leave heavy luggage outside of them. Our staff will transfer your luggage directly to the pier. A full breakfast will be served in the dining room, and you can settle your bills after breakfast. While we approach the pier, you can relax on the sundeck or in the dining room, enjoying the beautiful bay scenery.

We are scheduled to arrive at Tuan Chau port at 11:00am, where you can relax inside the pier building while waiting for transportation back to your hotel. Please note that the itinerary is subject to change due to weather conditions, tide levels, and operational conditions. The times provided are approximate and may vary.

At 12:00 PM, your memorable cruise experience will come to an end, and you will be transferred to Ninh Binh. During the journey, you will stop to savor the mouth-watering green cake, a popular local delicacy.

In the afternoon, you'll arrive in Ninh Binh and proceed to check-in at your hotel. Your comfortable and cozy accommodations await, offering you the chance to relax and unwind after a long day of adventure and exploration.

Dinner is on your own tonight.

Overnight in Ninh Binh.

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Your day will begin with an 8am hotel pick-up and explore the majestic Bai Dinh Pagoda. Not only is this the largest pagoda in Vietnam, but it is also the largest in Southeast Asia. Situated on a hill at the back, with views overlooking a river at the front, its prime location has made it one of Ninh Binh's most impressive tourist attractions.

Continue to Trang An, you will embark on a delightful two-hour sampan cruise through various waterways, where you can marvel at the stunning rural scenery of limestone cliffs. Trang An Grottoes is similar to Tam Coc, but with many more caves to explore. Unfortunately, some of the caves have been widened to allow boats to pass through, compromising their natural beauty.

After the cruise, enjoy a delicious lunch at a nearby local restaurant.

In the afternoon, return back to Hanoi to explore the city at your leisure. Dinner is on your own tonight.

End your day by spending the night in Hanoi.

Top 10 Things To Do In Ninh Binh

After enjoying your breakfast, you will be escorted to the airport to catch your morning flight to Luang Prabang (Laos).

Upon arrival at Luang Prabang airport, you will be warmly escorted to your hotel in this well-preserved traditional city. Luang Prabang's serene ambiance, stunning landscapes, and cultural landmarks make it a captivating destination in Laos.

After check-in, take the time to immerse yourself in the town's tranquility and charm. Explore the picturesque streets, adorned with architectural wonders and natural beauty. Discover ancient temples or venture into the surrounding mountains and waterfalls for an unforgettable experience.

Indulge in the unique local cuisine and enjoy leisurely strolls along the Mekong River, witnessing mesmerizing sunsets. In Luang Prabang, time slows down, allowing you to unwind and savor the simple pleasures of life. Embrace this opportunity for a journey that will awaken your senses and create cherished memories of this idyllic destination.

Meals on your own.

Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang.

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For early risers, an optional opportunity awaits to participate in the captivating morning alms giving ritual to saffron-clad monks. This unique tradition, preserved solely in Laos, sets it apart as the only Buddhist nation still observing this procession. Following this enlightening experience, take a moment to explore the vibrant local markets before returning to the hotel for breakfast.

In the morning, set off to visit Wat Visoun, home to the remarkable Thad Makmo stupa with its distinctive rounded dome, showcasing a Sinhalese influence. Next, continue your journey with a visit to Wat Aham, followed by a stop at Vat Xiengthong, a temple renowned for its captivating beauty. This temple, situated at the tip of a peninsula where the Mekong and Khan Rivers meet, has become one of the most photographed in the region.

In the afternoon, proceed to the former Royal Palace, now transformed into the National Museum. Delve into the rich history as you explore its halls. Then, visit Wat Mai, a renowned temple celebrated for its exquisite golden bas-relief. During Pimai, the Lao New Year, the revered Prabang statue, usually housed in the Royal Palace Museum, is brought to this temple for public display.

This afternoon's itinerary promises a blend of cultural exploration and historical immersion, offering insights into the intriguing heritage of Luang Prabang.

Meals on your own.

Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang.

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In the morning, you will be transferred to the pier where you'll embark on a relaxing cruise upstream on the majestic Mekong River, aboard a traditional long-tail boat. As you sail, immerse yourself in the stunning mountain scenery and observe the simple rural lifestyles along the riverbanks. Your journey will lead you to the Pak Ou caves, situated at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ou Rivers. These caves house hundreds of sacred Buddha images that date back centuries and serve as objects of pilgrimage during the Lao New Year festivities in mid-April.

Afterward, cruise back to Luang Prabang, making a stop at Ban Xangkhong, a weaving village. Here, you have the opportunity to engage with local experts and even try your hand at the wooden looms for a hands-on experience.

In the afternoon, venture through picturesque green rice paddies and charming farms. Upon reaching the enchanting Kuang Si waterfall, take a leisurely walk along the trail, allowing you to appreciate the cascading falls and the surrounding beauty. Don't miss the chance to visit the bear rescue center, where you can witness their conservation efforts. The park reveals a spectacular display of orchids, and the falls cascade over multiple calcified tiers, descending several hundred feet into a series of cool, turquoise pools. After relishing the awe-inspiring views, make your way back to Luang Prabang.

This day's itinerary offers a blend of scenic exploration, cultural encounters, and natural wonders, ensuring a memorable experience in Luang Prabang.

Meals on your own.

Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang.

Free time until your transfer by our driver to the airport for your international flight back home.

End of Vietnam Laos Itinerary 2 weeks.