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12-Day Laos to Vietnam Tour

By LingUpdated Feb. 21, 2024

This trip is specially designed for those interested in cultural and outdoor activities. Your knowledgeable guides will lead you as you explore Laos and Vietnam's top attractions, which will give you an insight into local life and tradition.

Travel to Luang Prabang in Laos and experience up close its religious treasures and amazing wildlife by offering alms and interacting with elephants. Discover Vietnam from north to south by traveling from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City and Mekong Delta. Immerse yourself in this stunning wonderland and its rich culture and history.

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Highlights

  • Pay your respects to Laotian Buddhist monks by offering alms and drift along the Mekong River, taking in its stunning views at dusk.
  • Reawaken your body and mind in Luang Prabang by participating in elephant conservation activities.
  • Indulge in the extraordinary seascape of Halong Bay and entertain yourself with various fun activities onboard
  • Soak up Hoi An's rich culture and history by leisurely walking in the old quarter.
  • Hop onto a cyclo (rickshaw) and catch a glimpse of life in Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Sample local specialties and get a close view of Mekong Delta's fishing and farming traditions.

Journey Route

 Laos and Vietnam Tour Map

Itinerary in Detail

Day 1
Arrival in Luang Prabang, Laos
Le Sen Boutique Hotel (4-star) / Satri House (5-star)

Upon arrival, your private tour guide and driver will greet you at the airport and then drive you to your hotel. The rest of the day will be free for you to explore at your leisure.

Day 2
Visit the Highlights of Luang Prabang City

Wake up early and express your generosity by offering alms to Buddhist monks. Be a part of this sacred ceremony and witness how the orange worn by monks sets the visual tone of the city.

After having breakfast at your hotel, continue your exploration of the city by visiting a bustling morning market and the historic Royal Palace.

Move on to Wat Xient Thong, a fascinating specimen of traditional Laotian architecture. Then, drift along the Mekong River in a long tail boat and enjoy the stunning views of the town at dusk.

The Wat Xieng Thong Temple
The Wat Xieng Thong Temple
Day 3
Half-Day Mandalao Elephant Experience

Compared with other elephant interaction activities in Southeast Asia, the Mandalao Elephant Experience has been hailed as amazing by wildlife and ecology lovers.

Depart from Luang Prabang to Xieng Lom and meet beautiful elephants after a quick boat ride on River Nam Khan. Make your lifelong dream come true by spending half a day feeding, bathing, and accompanying the elephants in a natural way' no chains, no riding, and no tourist gimmicks, simply be their friend and enjoy their company as you walk alongside them through scenic forests.

After this rejuvenating experience, you can return to Mandalao for a fresh meal. Relax on a veranda overlooking the river and misty mountains before your lunch.

Mandalao Elephant Experience
Have a close encounter with elephant
Day 4
Luang Prabang to Hanoi
Hanoi Pearl Hotel (4-star) / Apricot Hotel (5-star)

After breakfast, you will take a flight from Luang Prabang to Hanoi. Airport transfers in both cities are included.

Day 5
Explore the Highlights of Hanoi City with Light Walking in the Old Quarter

The first chapter of your journey in Hanoi will begin with an introduction to its fascinating history and culture. We will take you to the Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, theTemple of Literature and the One Pillar Pagoda.

In the afternoon, visit the fascinating Museum of Ethnology, which houses an extensive collection of traditional costumes and artefacts from Vietnam's 54 ethnic minority groups. Enjoy a leisurely walking tour through the old quarter to experience the daily life of Hanoians.

Conclude your day by watching an entertaining water puppet performance, a uniquely northern Vietnamese art form said to have originated in the flooded rice fields of the Red River Delta.

Water Puppet Performance
Traditional Vietnamese Water Puppet Performance
Day 6
Enjoy Cruising in Ha Long Bay
Bhaya Classic Cruise (4-star) / Au Co Cruise (5-star)

Depart from Hanoi to the picturesque Ha Long Bay. It's time to switch to a more relaxed vacation mode.

Enjoy the spectacular views and discover the mythical Trinh Nu Cave. Treat your palate with distinctive Vietnamese cuisine and practice your cooking skills at the Master Chef 'Ha Long Bay Edition' Competition. Follow it up with more fun activities: swimming, fishing, and the various drinks available at the open bar onboard.

Halong Bay
Take a Relaxing Cruise in Halong Bay
Day 7
Halong Bay to Hanoi to Da Nang to Hoi An
Silk Sense Hoi An River Resort (4-star) / Hoi An Silk Village Resort & Spa (5-star)

Lay back on the sundeck with a cup of coffee. The amber sky, emerald-colored water, and extraordinary landscapes will be a treat for your eyes. If you'd like to try some activities in the morning, kayak in the scenic Ha Long Bay or practice Tai Chi on the sundeck.

Disembark and drive to Hanoi after your brunch onboard. When you arrive at Da Nang Airport, your guide will pick you up and drive to Hoi An.

Day 8
A Half Day Walking Tour in Historic Hoi An

Hoi An is a city rich with culture and history. Many Chinese, Japanese, and European ships have anchored in this prosperous harbor in the past, which has had a massive influence on all aspects of life in Hoi An.

Wander through the ancient town and learn about to its illustrious past through its historic architecture: the old merchant houses, the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge and the intricate woodcarvings of the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation. Before heading back to your hotel, pay a visit to a local market.

Hoi An Ancient Town
The Historic Japanese Bridge in Hoi An
Day 9
Airport Transfer and Ho Chi Minh Arrival
Liberty Central Saigon City Point (4-star) / Hotel Majestic Saigon (5-star)

Your Hoi An tour comes to an end. Fly to the south of Vietnam and meet its charming capital city ' Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, your private guide and driver will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day will be free for you to explore as you wish.

Day 10
Visit the Highlights of Ho Chi Minh City

You will hear the story of this dynamic city from your knowledgeable guide during your visit to the iconic Central Post Office, the French-built Notre Dame Cathedral, and the historic Reunification Palace. You will also learn about the city's turbulent history by visiting the War Remnants Museum, which exhibits extensive wartime items including a F5A fighter and a UH1-Huey helicopter.

Gain insights into the Saigonese lifestyle and culture by enjoying a cup of coffee at a famed street caf' like the locals. You will also learn some simple words in the local language from your guide.

the historic Reunification Palace
The Historic Reunification Palace
Day 11
Discovery of Mekong Delta and Ben Tre

Situated in the fertile Mekong Delta, Ben Tre is one of the rice- and fruits-producing areas in Vietnam. Take a motorboat ride though narrow canals to Turtle Island, where you will gain a better understanding of how the locals earn their livelihoods while passing by stilt houses, fish farms, fruit orchards, and local shops.

Row a sampan (a wooden boat) to a village and connect with the locals, while they treat you to handmade honey tea and traditional folk songs. Savor the local specialties during lunch at My Tho and return to Ho Chi Minh City.

A boat tour in Ben Tre
Take a boat ride in Ben Tre
Day 12
Ho Chi Minh City Departure

It's time to say goodbye. Your guide and driver will transfer you to the airport for the onward flight.

Asia Highlights is more than happy to be part of your unforgettable Laos and Vietnam tour, and we hope to see you again soon.

Hand-Picked Hotels

We have selected hotels with different styles and for different budgets. Let us know your preferences and we will help you find the right one.

Pearl Hotel
Hanoi
Pearl Hotel
Le Sen Boutique Hotel
Luang Prabang
Le Sen Boutique Hotel

Our Service Includes:

12 days from
US$2,289
per person (based on 2 persons and 4-star hotels)
  • Private transfers and English-speaking tour guide
  • All guided sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary
  • 4-star accommodations for 11 nights
  • Flights between cities mentioned in the itinerary
  • Breakfasts at hotels and lunches for every guided day
  • Governmental taxes

Tour code: ah-mtc-5

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  • Explore at your own pace.
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