Vietnam and Laos Tour 14 Days: Ho Chi Minh City to Luang Prabang

After breakfast, depart from Ho Chi Minh City at around 8:30 AM for Ben Tre, a peaceful province in the Mekong Delta known for its coconut groves, winding waterways, fruit orchards, and authentic rural lifestyle.

Arrive at Ham Luong Pier in Ben Tre at approximately 10:30 AM and embark on a scenic boat trip along the Ben Tre River, one of the tributaries of the Mekong River. As you cruise along the waterway, observe local daily life along the riverbanks, including fishing activities, river transportation, and traditional village scenes that reflect the unique culture of southern Vietnam.

Continue your Ben Tre Mekong Delta tour with a visit to a traditional brick kiln, where you can learn how bricks are shaped and baked using local techniques. Then, stop at a coconut processing workshop to discover how Ben Tre’s famous coconuts are transformed into various local products. Continue along the canal and take a short walk to a family-run workshop where sleeping mats are made by hand. Enjoy fresh tropical fruit and tea while meeting local people and learning more about their daily life.

Next, explore the countryside by motor cart, locally known as xe loi, or by bicycle. Travel along shaded village paths, passing green rice fields, vegetable gardens, and peaceful rural landscapes. This is a great opportunity to experience the slower pace of life in the Mekong Delta and gain insight into the region’s tropical culture.

Enjoy a meal at a local restaurant featuring authentic regional dishes. After lunch, take a traditional rowing boat through narrow canals before returning to the pier. Later, transfer by car to your homestay and spend some free time relaxing around the village.

In the evening, join the host family for a hands-on cooking experience at around 6:00 PM, followed by a homemade dinner at the homestay at approximately 7:00 PM. This is a memorable way to experience local hospitality and authentic southern Vietnamese cuisine.

Spend the night at a homestay in Ben Tre.

After breakfast at the homestay, enjoy a relaxing cycling tour through the peaceful countryside of Ben Tre, one of the most authentic destinations in the Mekong Delta. Ride along quiet village paths shaded by coconut trees and observe the daily rhythm of local life in southern Vietnam.

Visit a local market to experience the lively morning atmosphere, where residents shop for fresh produce, herbs, seafood, and household goods. Continue to small family-run workshops to learn about traditional local crafts, including broom making and soy sauce production. These visits offer a closer look at the rural industries, local skills, and village traditions that have shaped life in the Mekong Delta for generations.

Subject to the school schedule and local permission, a short visit to a nearby local school may be arranged, offering a respectful glimpse into everyday education in rural Vietnam.

Later, enjoy lunch at a local house, where you can taste home-cooked southern Vietnamese dishes and experience warm Mekong Delta hospitality.

In the afternoon, say goodbye to your host family and return to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel, then relax and enjoy the rest of the day as you wish.

Dinner is not included, giving you the flexibility to explore Ho Chi Minh City’s restaurants, cafés, or night markets at your own pace.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for your morning flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang, the gateway to central Vietnam. Upon arrival at Da Nang International Airport, you will be welcomed by your local guide and transferred to Hoi An, one of Vietnam’s most charming heritage towns and a highlight of many Vietnam inbound tours.

On the way to Hoi An, stop to visit the Marble Mountains, a famous cultural and natural attraction in Da Nang known for its limestone hills, Buddhist pagodas, caves, and panoramic viewpoints. This visit offers a great introduction to the landscapes, history, and spiritual heritage of central Vietnam.

Continue to Hoi An and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant featuring regional specialties. After lunch, check in at your hotel and take some time to relax.

In the afternoon, you will have free time to explore Hoi An Ancient Town at your own pace. This visit is arranged as self-guided leisure time, allowing you to wander through the lantern-lit streets, visit local shops and tailor boutiques, relax at a riverside café, discover traditional houses and assembly halls, or enjoy the charming atmosphere of this UNESCO-listed heritage town independently.

The evening is also free at leisure. You may continue exploring Hoi An Night Market, enjoy the magical lantern scenery, shop for tailor-made clothing, or experience local restaurants and street food on your own.

Dinner is not included today.

Overnight in Hoi An.

After breakfast at the hotel, start your day with a scenic cycling trip to Tra Que Vegetable Village, a peaceful farming community located just outside Hoi An Ancient Town. Known for its fresh herbs, organic vegetables, and traditional farming methods, Tra Que offers an authentic introduction to the rural lifestyle of central Vietnam.

Upon arrival, take a gentle walk through the vegetable gardens and learn how local farmers grow herbs and vegetables using natural techniques. Depending on the season and local conditions, you may have the opportunity to join simple hands-on farming activities such as watering, planting, or preparing the soil.

After exploring the gardens, join a fun and interactive Vietnamese cooking class using fresh local ingredients from Tra Que. Learn how to prepare traditional dishes under the guidance of local hosts, then have lunch with the food you have cooked. This is a memorable way to experience Hoi An’s countryside culture, local cuisine, and warm hospitality.

In the afternoon, continue to Cam Thanh Coconut Village for a traditional basket boat ride through the water coconut forest. Cruise along the narrow waterways, experience the unique river culture of Hoi An, and learn how local fishermen use round basket boats in their daily life.

Next, visit Thanh Ha Pottery Village, one of Hoi An’s long-standing traditional craft villages. Walk through the village, meet local artisans, and learn about the pottery-making process. You may also have the chance to try shaping a simple pottery item by hand under the guidance of local craftsmen.

After the visit, return to your hotel in Hoi An. You may spend the remainder of the day as you please.

Dinner is not included today.

Overnight in Hoi An.

After breakfast at your hotel in Hoi An, enjoy some free time to relax or take a final walk through the charming streets of Hoi An Ancient Town. Depending on your flight time, your driver will transfer you to Da Nang International Airport for your domestic flight to Hanoi, Vietnam’s vibrant capital city.

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you will be welcomed by your local driver and transferred to your hotel in Hanoi. Check in and take some time to rest before starting your evening food experience.

In the evening, join a guided Hanoi Old Quarter street food tour, one of the best ways to experience the city’s rich culinary culture. Walk through lively local streets, hidden alleys, family-run eateries, and traditional food stalls while tasting some of Hanoi’s most popular dishes. Depending on the route, you may try local favorites such as pho, bun cha, banh mi, fresh spring rolls, Vietnamese coffee, and other authentic Hanoi specialties.

More than just a food tour, this experience gives you a closer look at local dining habits, daily life in Hanoi, and the stories behind Vietnam’s famous street food culture.

After the tour, return to your hotel and enjoy your overnight stay in Hanoi.

After breakfast at your hotel, begin a full-day Hanoi city tour to discover the capital’s important historical landmarks, cultural sites, and authentic local life. This well-balanced itinerary combines classic Hanoi sightseeing with a guided walking experience through the vibrant Old Quarter, making it ideal for first-time visitors to Vietnam.

Your morning starts at Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of the oldest Buddhist pagodas in Hanoi, beautifully located beside West Lake. This peaceful stop offers a different side of the capital, away from the busy streets, and gives you a closer look at Vietnamese Buddhist traditions.

Next, visit Ba Dinh Square, in front of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, one of the most significant historical landmarks in Vietnam. Your guide will share stories about President Ho Chi Minh and Vietnam’s journey to independence while you learn more about the country’s modern history. Continue to the nearby One Pillar Pagoda, a unique Buddhist pagoda known for its lotus-inspired architecture and spiritual meaning.

Continue to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, one of Hanoi’s most insightful cultural museums. The museum showcases the traditions, costumes, houses, tools, and daily life of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups, offering a deeper understanding of the country’s cultural diversity.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, where you can savor authentic Vietnamese dishes and experience the rich flavors of local cuisine.

In the afternoon, explore the historic Hanoi Old Quarter on a guided walking tour. Start near Long Bien Bridge, also known as the former Paul Doumer Bridge, an iconic landmark connected with Hanoi’s colonial history and daily local life. Continue through selected streets of the Old Quarter, where each area has its own character, trade, and story.

Walk through local highlights such as Dong Xuan Market, the largest traditional market in Hanoi, and Hang Ma Street, famous for colorful decorations, lanterns, paper goods, and festival items. Continue along atmospheric streets such as Lan Ong Street, known for traditional herbal medicine, and Hang Buom Street, one of the oldest commercial streets in the city.

During the walk, visit Bach Ma Temple, the oldest temple in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. This historic temple is closely connected with the foundation of ancient Thang Long, the former name of Hanoi.

Take a relaxing break at a local boutique café, where you can enjoy a cup of Vietnamese egg coffee and experience Hanoi’s café culture. Afterward, continue toward Hoan Kiem Lake, the symbolic heart of the capital, and enjoy the lively atmosphere around the lake.

In the evening, attend a traditional Hanoi water puppet show, a unique Vietnamese art form that reflects rural life, folklore, music, and local legends. After the show, dinner is on your own, giving you free time to explore Hanoi’s restaurants or street food at your own pace.

Rest and recharge overnight at your hotel in Hanoi.

After breakfast at your hotel in Hanoi, depart for Halong Bay in Quang Ninh Province, one of Vietnam’s most famous natural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The scenic drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay takes you through the countryside of Northern Vietnam, with views of local towns, villages, and rural landscapes along the way. In Vietnamese, “Ha Long” means “descending dragon,” a name linked to one of the most well-known legends of the bay.

Arrive at Tuan Chau International Marina around midday and board your Halong Bay overnight cruise. After check-in, enjoy a welcome drink while the Cruise Manager provides a short safety briefing and introduces the cruise program.

Lunch will be served on board as the boat begins cruising through the emerald waters of Halong Bay. During the journey, admire spectacular limestone islands and famous rock formations such as Incense Burner Islet, Dog Stone Islet, Fighting Cock Islet, and Finger Islet. These iconic landscapes make Halong Bay one of the most photographed destinations in Vietnam.

In the afternoon, visit Sung Sot Cave, also known as Surprise Cave, one of the largest and most impressive caves in Halong Bay. After climbing a series of stone steps to the cave entrance, explore its spacious chambers, dramatic stalactites, and beautiful natural formations.

Continue to Ti Top Island, where you can relax on the beach, swim in the bay, or hike to the viewpoint for a panoramic view over Halong Bay’s limestone karsts and blue-green waters.

After the afternoon excursion, return to the cruise and sail to a peaceful overnight anchorage area. Enjoy leisure time on board, join a Vietnamese cooking demonstration or fruit carving class, relax on the sundeck, or enjoy sunset happy hour while watching the bay change color in the late afternoon light.

Dinner is served on board, featuring fresh seafood and a selection of Vietnamese and international dishes. After dinner, enjoy the quiet evening atmosphere of Halong Bay. You may relax on the deck, join board games, try optional squid fishing with the crew, or simply enjoy the night views from the cruise.

Please note that cruise activities may vary depending on the cruise operator, weather conditions, tide levels, and local authority regulations.

Overnight on board your cruise in Halong Bay.

Wake up early and enjoy the peaceful morning atmosphere of Halong Bay. Guests may join a refreshing Tai Chi session on the sundeck, a relaxing way to start the day while watching the sunrise over the limestone islands.

Afterward, enjoy a light breakfast with tea, coffee, and pastries before the morning excursion begins. Depending on the cruise schedule, transfer by tender to Luon Cave, a beautiful water cave surrounded by limestone cliffs and calm emerald water. Here, you can enjoy kayaking or a bamboo boat ride, offering a close-up view of Halong Bay’s natural scenery.

Return to the cruise and take some time to freshen up, pack your belongings, and relax as the boat slowly cruises back toward the harbor. A brunch will be served on board while you continue enjoying the bay views from the dining room or sundeck.

Arrive at Tuan Chau International Marina around late morning. Disembark from the cruise and meet your driver for the transfer to Ninh Binh, one of Northern Vietnam’s most scenic destinations, known for limestone mountains, peaceful rivers, rice fields, ancient temples, and countryside landscapes. The drive from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh usually takes around 4–5 hours, depending on traffic and rest stops.

On the way, you may stop at a local rest area where you can try regional snacks such as mung bean cake, a well-known specialty in Northern Vietnam.

In the afternoon or early evening, arrive in Ninh Binh and check in at your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax after your Halong Bay cruise and transfer. Dinner is on your own, giving you time to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere or explore local restaurants nearby.

Rest and recharge overnight in Tam Coc, Ninh Binh.

After breakfast at your hotel, your guide and driver will pick you up for a full-day discovery of Ninh Binh, one of Northern Vietnam’s most scenic destinations. Known for its limestone mountains, peaceful rivers, ancient temples, and rural landscapes, Ninh Binh is often described as “Halong Bay on land.”

Your first visit is Trang An Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Ninh Binh. Board a traditional sampan boat for a peaceful journey through winding waterways, limestone karsts, hidden caves, and quiet valleys. The boat ride usually takes around 2–2.5 hours, depending on the selected route and local conditions. This scenic experience offers excellent photo opportunities and a relaxing way to enjoy the dramatic landscapes of Northern Vietnam.

After the boat ride, continue to a local restaurant for lunch, where you can enjoy regional Vietnamese dishes and local specialties.

In the afternoon, visit Bai Dinh Pagoda, one of the largest and most impressive Buddhist complexes in Vietnam. Set among green hills and peaceful countryside, the pagoda is known for its grand architecture, long corridors lined with Arhat statues, large bronze Buddha statues, and spiritual atmosphere. Your guide will share stories about Vietnamese Buddhism, local beliefs, and the cultural importance of this sacred site. Due to the large size of the complex, some walking is required, and electric buggy service may be used depending on the tour arrangement.

After visiting Bai Dinh Pagoda, return to Hanoi by private transfer. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure. Dinner is on your own, giving you time to explore Hanoi’s local restaurants, cafés, or street food areas.

Rest and recharge overnight at your hotel in Hanoi.

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy some free time at leisure until your transfer to Noi Bai International Airport for your flight to Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos and one of Southeast Asia’s most charming heritage towns.

Upon arrival at Luang Prabang International Airport, you will be welcomed by your local guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Take some time to relax after the flight and settle into the peaceful atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage city, known for its golden temples, French colonial architecture, traditional wooden houses, and scenic riverside setting between the Mekong River and Nam Khan River.

If time permits, in the late afternoon, visit Mount Phousi with your guide. Climb the steps to the summit for panoramic views over Luang Prabang, the Mekong River, and the surrounding mountains at sunset. Afterwards, continue to the Luang Prabang Night Market, where your guide will introduce the area before you enjoy free time to browse local handicrafts, textiles, souvenirs, and traditional Lao products at your own pace.

Afterwards, enjoy a leisurely walk through the Luang Prabang Night Market, where you can browse local handicrafts, textiles, souvenirs, and traditional Lao products.

Accommodation tonight will be at your hotel in Luang Prabang.

For early risers, there is an optional opportunity to observe the traditional morning alms giving ceremony, one of the most meaningful spiritual rituals in Luang Prabang. In the soft morning light, saffron-robed monks walk silently through the streets to receive offerings from local residents. Guests who wish to take part should do so respectfully, following the guidance of the local guide and local customs.

Afterwards, visit a lively local morning market, where you can see fresh produce, herbs, local snacks, and daily ingredients used in Lao cuisine. Make your way back to your hotel and enjoy breakfast.

After breakfast, begin your city tour with a visit to the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum. This elegant landmark offers a fascinating insight into Laos’ royal history, cultural heritage, and traditional court life.

Continue to nearby Wat Mai, one of Luang Prabang’s most important temples, admired for its graceful Lao architecture and beautiful golden bas-reliefs.

Next, visit Wat Xieng Thong, one of the most beautiful and significant temples in Luang Prabang. Located near the confluence of the Mekong River and Nam Khan River, this temple is renowned for its low-sweeping roofs, ornate decorations, intricate mosaics, and serene atmosphere.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, where you can taste authentic Lao cuisine and local specialties.

In the afternoon, continue your cultural discovery with a visit to Wat Visoun, one of the oldest temples in Luang Prabang, known for the distinctive That Makmo stupa with its rounded dome. Then visit Wat Aham, a peaceful temple with deep spiritual significance and an important place in the city’s religious life.

The remainder of the afternoon is free at leisure to relax, enjoy a café, or explore the charming streets of Luang Prabang at your own pace.

Enjoy an overnight stay at your hotel in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast at your hotel, transfer to the pier and board a traditional long-tail boat for a relaxing upstream cruise along the Mekong River, one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic waterways. As you sail, enjoy peaceful views of forested mountains, riverside villages, local fishing boats, and the simple rural lifestyle along the riverbanks.

Arrive at the famous Pak Ou Caves, also known as Tham Ting Caves, located near the confluence of the Mekong River and the Nam Ou River. These sacred limestone caves are among the most important spiritual sites near Luang Prabang and are home to thousands of Buddha images placed by local devotees over generations. Explore the lower and upper caves with your guide while learning about Lao Buddhism, pilgrimage traditions, and the cultural significance of this riverside sanctuary. The official Luang Prabang tourism site notes that local people have brought Buddha statues to the caves as a way of making merit since Buddhism was introduced to the area.

After the visit, cruise back toward Luang Prabang and stop at Ban Xangkhong, a traditional craft village known for silk weaving and handmade Saa paper. Here, you can meet local artisans, observe traditional weaving techniques, and learn how mulberry bark is transformed into beautiful handmade paper. The official tourism site describes Ban Xangkhong and nearby Ban Xieng Lek as places where visitors can understand first-hand how handmade paper is produced around Luang Prabang.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, where you can taste authentic Lao cuisine and regional specialties.

In the afternoon, continue by road to Kuang Si Waterfall, one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Laos. Set amid lush tropical forest, the waterfall is famous for its multi-tiered cascades, limestone formations, and clear turquoise pools. Take a gentle walk along the forest trail, enjoy photo stops, and admire the refreshing natural scenery. Weather and local conditions permitting, guests may have time to swim in designated areas.

During your visit, stop by the Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre, located near the waterfall area. The centre provides a safe home for rescued moon bears and helps raise awareness about wildlife protection in Laos. Free the Bears states that the rescue centre is located around 30 km south of Luang Prabang at the foot of Kuang Si Falls.

After enjoying the natural beauty of Kuang Si Waterfall, return to Luang Prabang and spend the evening at leisure.

Accommodation tonight will be at your hotel in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy some free time at leisure until your transfer to Luang Prabang International Airport for your departure flight.

Depending on your flight schedule, you may take a final stroll through the peaceful streets of Luang Prabang, relax at a riverside café, or do some last-minute shopping for Lao handicrafts, textiles, local souvenirs, and handmade products.

Your journey through Vietnam and Laos comes to an end with beautiful memories of historic cities, cultural treasures, scenic landscapes, Buddhist temples, local markets, the Mekong River, and the timeless charm of Luang Prabang, one of Southeast Asia’s most beloved heritage destinations.

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