HIGHLIGHTS

• Discover the charms of this spiritual and historic city of Vientiane.
• Soak up the charming atmosphere and religious landmarks of Luang Prabang, UNESCO World Heritage Town.
• Participate at dawn in centuries-old "Tak Bat" Buddhist alms ritual in Luang Prabang.
• Trek to Kuang Si Waterfalls and visit the Asian Bear Rescue Centre.
• Wander the Old Quarter of Hanoi.
• Cast off on an overnight cruise around Halong Bay's limestone karsts.

Day by Day itineraries

Day 1: Vientiane Arrival.

Up on arrival at Wattay International Airport, you will be welcomed by Laos Travel's tour guide and get transferred to your booked hotel in Vientiane the country's tranquil capital city.

Rest of the day, you are free at leisure, watching the Mekong life drift by...

Meals: N/A.

Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane.

Day 2: Vientiane City Tour.

Today you will discover the essential landmarks and iconic sights that the small and charismatic city of Vientiane has to offer. Vientiane remains a tranquil laid-back character, a world away from the frantic capitals in Asia, and most attractions can be reached on foot.

Start at Wat Sisaket, believed to be Vientiane's oldest surviving temple, left intact after the Siamese invasion of 1828. The interior walls of the cloister are covered in niches containing over 2,000 silver and ceramic Buddha images. Next is a visit to Wat Phra Keo, built originally to house the famed Emerald Buddha and now a religious museum that displays a collection of art representing Lao and Khmer artefacts. Continue to Wat Si Muang - the most popular onet in town, before visiting Patuxai Monument, Laos' version of the Arc de Triomphe and its most prominent monument.

The city tour also takes you to the golden spired Pha That Luang, constructed in the 16th century and regarded as the holiest site in Laos, and the Buddha Park, built in 1958 by Luang Pu, a yogi-priest shaman.



Vientiane has many great restaurants with Lao, Thai, French, Italian, Mexican and Chinese cuisines available, ask the guide for personal recommendations to enjoy your dinner.

Meals: Breakfast.

Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane.

Day 3: Vientiane Fly to Luang Prabang.

Nestled in a mountain valley at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers is the enchanting World Heritage town and former royal capital of Luang Prabang. It's a magical and captivating place with stunning colonial architecture, ornate monasteries and colourful markets.

After breakfast at the hotel, your driver will transfer you to the airport. Fly to Luang Prabang and meet another guide of yours on arrival. Your tour guide will provide an introduction to Luang Prabang.

Wander around the beautiful ancient town of Luang Prabang taking in all of the sights. Enjoy a leisurely walk to the magnificent stupa of Wat Wisunarat, one of Luang Prabang's most historically important temples, built in the 16th century and serving as a small museum for religious artefacts. Next stop is Wat That Luang, traditionally the cremation site for Lao Royalty and housing the ashes of King Sisavang Vong and his brother, interred inside the large stupa, erected in 1910.

Continue to Wat Xieng Thong, a 16th century temple which epitomizes the elegance and grace of Luang Prabang architecture and showcases classic Lao style roofs. This temple was one of only two temples spared by the Black Flag army in 1887, and it was then used as the leaders headquarters during the invasion.



Pay visits to Wat Mai and the nearby former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, before climbing to the top of Mount Phousi at the sunset. The 100 meter (328 feet) hill is crowned by a gilded stupa, That Chomsi, which dominates the old city centre. Enjoy the views of the town across the Mekong and Khan rivers, as well as the surrounding mountains.

In the late afternoon, check-in to your hotel. Luang Prabang has many great cafes and restaurants and also night food stalls which emerge at dusk, ask your guide for some good suggestions.

Meals: Breakfast.

Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang.

Day 4: Luang Prabang Pakou Caves Street Food Tour.

For early risers, there is a very special dawn visit to watch the monks collecting the alms. As the sun begins to rise, long lines of orange-robed monks leave their pagodas and walk barefoot down the streets collecting offerings from Luang Prabang residents. It is a beautiful, serene ceremony that highlights the spiritualism of the Laotian people.

After breakfast, with your guide, embark on a two hour Mekong River cruise to visit the mysterious and sacred Pak Ou Caves. Locally called Tam Ting, the caves are filled with thousands of gold-lacquered Buddha statues of all different sizes. During the cruise out, see the fishermen and local villages along the way. For many in the region, the Mekong plays a crucial role in daily life, representing one of the only means of transport and commerce.

Return to Luang Prabang, stopping en route at a craft village, surrounded by verdant rice paddies, that produces traditional textiles and Lao whiskey.

In the late afternoon, eat like a local on the street food tour and sample an array of delicious delicacies as your guide leads the way to the tastiest stalls. After exploring the winding alleyways of the Night Market, sit down to enjoy a delicious BBQ overlooking the Mekong the perfect way to savour the tastes of Luang Prabang.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang.

Day 5: Luang Prabang Kuang Si Waterfall Fly to Hanoi.

Spend the morning exploring the area around one of Luang Prabang's most impressive and picturesque waterfalls, Kuang Si. Trek through jungle parklands to Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre, located nearby. Established in 2003, the centre has rescued numerous bears from wildlife traffickers and traditional medicine traders. Here, you will help-out with the bears' midday scatter feed. Afterwards, stroll to Kuang Si Waterfall, where cascading tiers plummet down into azure pools. Relax and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. For the adventurous, it is possible to walk to the top of the falls via a steep track where beautiful views and pools await, which are perfect for swimming.

After a picnic lunch in the tranquil park, return to the town. Enjoy some free time before transferring to Luang Prabang Airport for the flight to Hanoi.

Be met by Vietnamese local guide on arrival and the private car will take you to Hanoi centre for checking-in to the hotel. Spend the rest of the evening at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch.

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi.

Day 6: Hanoi City Tour.

Today is a full day to explore Vietnams charming capital. Start with a visit to the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam. Follow it with one of the city's museums (a choice between the History Museum and the Ethnology Museum).

In the afternoon, transfer to the Ba Dinh Square where stands the Mausoleum of President Ho Chi Minh who led Vietnam to its independence from French colonial rule. This site has become an important city landmark and a perfect place to learn more about Vietnam's rich history. From there, wander through the beautiful surrounding gardens toward the One Pillar Pagoda and Presidential Palace, where a replica of Ho Chi Minh's simple working space is on display.

Later, hop on a cyclo, one of the most typical vehicles in Hanoi, is a human-powered transport with a seat at the front for passengers and the driver at the back. With this an hour leisurely ride, which is perfect chance for photos and slow-moving sightseeing, you will have a great local touch.

Finish the day with a traditional Water Puppet Performance a unique Vietnamese Art form hailing from Southeast Asia's wet rice culture.

Meals: Breakfast.

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi.

Day 7: Hanoi Halong Bay Overnight on cruise.

(The itinerary is a sample, depends on weather and it will be different between cruises. Our travel consultants will provide the exact schedule and program if you book other cruise such as Hera Cruise, Ambassador Cruise, Emperor Cruise, Halong Violet, Halong Jasmine, Paradise Luxury Cruises, Orchid Cruise, Indochina Sails, Au Co Cruise, Starlight Cruise etc.)

Halong Bay is one of the most loved spots in Vietnam for a reason - it's gorgeous. On this Halong Bay tour, we take you away from the hectic pace of life in Hanoi and introduce you to the tranquil, beautiful Halong Bay... Following breakfast, journey east through the rich farmland of the Red River Delta to Halong Bay, truly one of Vietnam's most scenic impressive sights. On arrival, you are welcomed onboard a traditional cruise. Settle into a private comfortable cabin and unpack for a two days cruise around Halong Bay. Along the way, enjoy a huge lunch served on board and admire the picturesque scenery of islands. These limestone karst formations are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. You will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and an enjoyable visit to Sung Sot Cave, one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs. The remainder of day is for your own pleasure; observing the bay, lazing around the deck or simply soaking up the sunshine. Dinner is served on board.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Accommodation: on cruise on Halong Bay.

Day 8: Halong Bay Cruise Hanoi.

Awake early and participate in Tai Chi on the top deck or simply relax and enjoy the sunrise over the bay's towering islands. Enjoy a morning cup of coffee or tea, before setting out to explore nearby islands by rowboat. Return to the boat for breakfast then take advantage of the sundeck and admire the amazing rock formations of the bay as you navigate back to Halong City. Have brunch on board before returning to Halong Pier, where your car will be waiting to take you back to Hanoi.



Meals: Brunch.

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Day 9: Hanoi Departure.

After check-out this morning you will be transferred to Hanoi's international airport where your tour concludes.



Meals: Breakfast.