Highlights of Laos and Vietnam (16 days and 15 nights)

	Name of the trip: Highlights of Laos and Vietnam
	Trip Code: VNLT-MPT-01
	Length of the trip: 16 days and 15 nights
	Trip type: Private & Daily departure
	Trip Starts from: Luang Prabang (Laos)
	Trip Ends in: Saigon City (Vietnam)
	Extension: The trip can be extended if tourists want to visit Angkor Wat or spend some days in Bangkok, Thailand
	Required booking time: At least 20 days in advance for individuals and 45 days in advance for group
	Call to book this trip: +84.91.2270058 (24/7)
	Email to book: info@vietnamprivatejourneys.com

Day 1: Arrive in Luang Prabang City 

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Luang Prabang is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. The tranquility and charm of this town with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Laos. Today is free at your leisure to explore the city. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 2: Luang Prabang Sightseeing (Meals: B)

After breakfast, we enjoy a short-guided tour seeing the city’s oldest temple of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. Today, we also visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrines of Wat Aham and Wat Mai. We then climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a panoramic view of the city at sunset and the Mekong River. From there, we explore the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by local and hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 3: Luang Prabang Sightseeing (Meals: B)

An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms (often in the form of sticky rice) from the faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the ritual. From there you will visit the morning Phousi Market, where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings. Laos is also known for its traditional crafts, and today you will visit local villages of Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay, a Hmong village, Ban Ou, Laoloum Village and Ban Thapene, all Khmu villages.  This then takes us to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the pools or walk along the forest trails. After returning to Luang Prabang by late afternoon, we continue to Ban Xangkhong, a village well known for its silk weavings and for its Saa (jute) Papermaking. We return to the city by late evening to admire the sunset at Wat Siphouthabath.

Day 4: Luang Prabang - Hanoi (Meals: B)

Today, we embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside, before reaching the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Transfer back to the town and then we will go to the airport for flight to Hanoi. Pick up upon arrival and transfer to hotel in Hanoi. At leisure and overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

Day 5: Hanoi Sightseeing (Meals: B)

Full day city tour to visit landmarks and other the major interesting sites like Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, The Temple of Literature "Vietnam's 1st University built in the 10th C". Break time for lunch and we will visit the Vietnam National History of Museum with good collection of prehistoric artifacts and everyday items of early history through eras and dynasties. Then we will take 1 hour by cyclo ride through Hanoi's Old Quarters to experience daily life of people who are living in the oldest parts of the city, Enjoying the famous traditional water puppetry show in Thang Long Theatre where you will have chance to get a general picture of the daily activities typical to Vietnam's rural areas. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

Day 6: Hanoi - Halong Bay (Meals: B/L/D)

Morning depart for Halong Bay, we go through the scenic countryside. The wondrous Halong Bay is truly one of Vietnam’s most impressive scenic sights. Heading out of the town we embark on a boat for an exploration of the legendary Halong Bay. This exciting five hour cruise will provide us a fantastic view of the picturesque scenery blending with the sky and some 3,000 limestone islands rising amazingly from the clear and emerald water. The limestone karsts formations are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. Along the way we will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and an enjoyable visit to one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs. Stay overnight on the Junk Cruise

Day 7: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Hoi An (Meals: B/L)

Waking up and enjoy the sun rising over the Bay. After breakfast, visit beautiful limestone grotto then back to the boat for a final glimpse of the Halong Bay while cruising back to the dock. Transfer back to Hanoi airport for a hort flight to Danang. Pick up and transfer to hotel in Hoi An. Rest of time at your own leisure.

Day 8: Hoi An Walking Tours (Meals: B)

Known as Faifo to early Western traders, Hoi An was one of South East Asia's major international ports and today it still retains that special old-world feel. Enjoy a walking tour through the Old Quarters to see the town's landmarks of Japanese Covered Bridge, ancient Assembly Hall, Phuc Kien Temple and then we take a river trip and you will enjoy the scenery along the Thu Bon River and the general view of Hoi An Ancient Town. Visit ceramic village of Thanh Ha, carpentry village of Kim Bong and Dai Chiem Estuary. Hoi An is also famous for its large number of tailor shops, so if you want to have a new wardrobe made up, this is the time to do it. Overnight in Hoi An

Day 9: Hoi An At leisure (Meals: B)

Free at leisure for whole day in Hoi An. Overnight at hotel.

Day 10: Hoi An - Saigon City (Meals: B)

Transfer to the airport to take flight to Ho Chi Minh City - formerly Saigon, the city located on the right bank of the Saigon River, a tributary of the Dong Nai, Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city, the greatest port, and the commercial and industrial center of Vietnam. It has an airport and is the focus of the country's highways, railroads, and Mekong Delta waterways. On the way from the airport to the city, the tour guide will overview of the city and the sightseeing programme for next days. Check-in hotel and the rest of time you will be at leisure. Overnight at hotel in Saigon City.

Day 11: Saigon Sightseeing (Meals: B)

In the morning, the tour guide will pick you up at the hotel and today you will visit all interesting sites and landmarks in Saigon City. First stop is Notre Dame Catholic Cathedral and short visit to French built Post Office nearby, and then we will proceed to see the Reunification Palace, formerly the Presidential Palace governed by the US-pro government of Republic of Vietnam. Touring the building and then we will visit the War Remnants Museum, which primarily contains exhibits relating to the American phase of the Vietnam War. Break time for lunch. In the afternoon, we drive to Cu Chi district, 50 km to the Northwest of Saigon City, The tunnels of Cu Chi are an immense network of connecting underground tunnels are part of a much larger network of tunnels that underlie much of the country. The Cu Chi tunnels were the location of several military campaigns during the Vietnam War, and were the National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam's base of operations for the Tet Offensive in 1968. Touring the areas and then you will be transferred back to Saigon. Free time at leisure or shopping at Ben Thanh Market nearby. Overnight at hotel in Saigon City.

Day 12: Saigon - Cai Be - Vinh Long (Meals: B/L/D)

Pick up at hotel in Saigon City and drive to Cai Be. The excursion starts from Cai Be town pier at around 10.30 am.Upon embarkation on your river junk, you will be welcomed with fresh cotton towels. The cruise will begin with the visit of Cai Be colorful floating market cruising among local barges full of fruits and vegetables. We will then proceed to Phu An hamlet, an untouched beautiful area reflecting some of the best sights the Mekong Delta can offer.On the way, stop will be made at some local home factories to observe how rice paste, coconut candies and other regional specialties are made. A delicious lunch will await you at "Le Longanier" restaurant, a superb Indochinese villa located by the river, in a lush tropical garden surrounded by fruit plantations. After lunch, your boat will cruise deeper into the country side along smaller rivers and canals. Visits on the river banks will allow you to discover some fruit markets and plantations such as bananas, water melon, coconuts, longans, and some very large paddy fields...
Occasion will be given to establish friendly contacts with the local population. Along the river, local houses are still traditionally made of wood and palm tree leaves. We will cruise under several small bridges traditionally made by wood and bamboos, passing by numerous suspended fishing nets, an ancestral way of fishing in the Mekong Delta. Your river junk will proceed to Dong Hoa Hiep islet reaching an ancient mandarin house where you will disembark for the night.
Free time to discover the old house and surroundings. Dinner and overnight AT ANCIENT HOUSE

Day 13: Mekong Delta Cruising (Meals: B/L/D)

After breakfast, back on board Cai Be Princess to proceed the excursion from Dong Hoa Hiep to An Binh and Vinh Long, a peaceful escape where you will be able to discover the rural life style and daily activities of the delta inhabitants such as roofs making with palm tree leaves, a bricks and tiles artisanal factory, net fishing..
Lunch will await you at a fruit orchard plantation near Binh Hoa Phuc islet.After lunch, discover beautiful landscapes on the river banks, cruising along Dong Phu canal, and An Binh islet. These evergreen islands among the Mekong River bring about large networks of meandering rivers, criss-crossed with countless arroyos, and remaining unknown to many people.
After cruising for about 30 minutes on a small arroyo, we will reach your home for the night (Mai Quoc Nam or Muoi Dai), some traditional charming construction built by the river.
Disembarkation and check in. Rest of the day at leisure in a peaceful and romantic atmosphere. Dinner and overnight.

Day 14: Can Tho - Saigon (Meals: B/L)

After breakfast, back on board your private sampan for your last day cruise in the delta.Crossing the large Co Chien River we will pass under the spectacular My Thuan Bridge.A visit will be made at a beautiful fruits orchard plantation.
We will proceed the cruise up-stream on a beautiful canal. On the banks, some dark smokes in the sky will lead us to one of the biggest bricks and tiles factory where we will you have an interesting visit.
On both sides of the river, locals are recolting water jacinth, another famous Mekong delta product used for furniture and baskets.
Sa Dec is appearing like a little “Venice” with numerous narrow canals, with a lot of activity on the banks. You will disembark at the local market place, one of the biggest of the delta. Lunch will be served at an ancient house (Nha Co). Visit of Sa Dec charming and peaceful town, walking along its narrow streets and beautiful old houses dating from the last century, among some old Chinese temples, ancient Dinh, including the primary school of Marguerite Duras famous writer. (See Marguerite Duras novel turned into a famous movie, “The Lover”).The excursion will end at around 4pm. Transfer back to Saigon City. Overnight at hotel in Saigon City.

Day 15: Saigon at Leisure (Meals: B)

Free at leisure in Saigon City for whole day to make your own exploration. Overnight at hotel in Saigon

Day 16: Depart Saigon back to Bangkok City (Meals: B)

Free at leisure until we transfer you to Tan Son Nhat airport to take flight to Bangkok. End of service.