Laos to Vietnam - 16 Days
16 Days Starting in Vientiane, Laos and ending in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Visiting: Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Can Tho, Ho Chi Minh City
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 24
Age range:
18-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact On The Go Tours with specific dietary requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 16-day journey from Laos to Vietnam, exploring the rich cultural tapestry and stunning landscapes of Southeast Asia. Begin in Vientiane, Laos, with a city tour of iconic landmarks and a sunset dinner by the Mekong River. Venture north to Vang Vieng, where you’ll explore the Tham Jang Caves and the serene countryside. In Luang Prabang, enjoy a tuk-tuk tour of the Old Quarter and a visit to the Khouangsi Waterfall. Experience traditional rice farming at the Living Land Farm before flying to Vietnam. Discover Hanoi’s vibrant streets, cruise the emerald waters of Halong Bay, and explore the ancient cities of Hue and Hoi An. Conclude your adventure in Ho Chi Minh City, with a sampan cruise through the Mekong Delta and a visit to the bustling Cai Rang floating market. This small group tour offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion and breathtaking scenery.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Vientiane
Location: Vientiane
Sunday. Arrival in Laos. Included transfer from airport and overnight stay in Vientiane.
Day 2 : Vientiane City Tour
Location: Vientiane
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Tour of the capital city, including the Wat Si Saket and Haw Pha Kaeo temples, Pha That Luang and Patuxay monuments, Buddha Park, and COPE Centre. Sunset dinner by the Mekong River.
Day 3 : Vang Vieng
Location: Vang Vieng
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Vientiane - Vang Vieng. Early departure north to Vang Vieng, stopping at the Ban Keun salt plant, a local Lao village, Thalat market, and the Vang Xang archaeological site. Free time to explore Vang Vieng.
Day 4 : Tham Jang Cave, Ban Huai Ngai Village
Location: Luang Prabang
Meals Included: Breakfast
Vang Vieng - Luang Prabang. We explore the famous Tham Jang caves and Ban Huai Ngai village before travelling further north to Luang Prabang.
Day 5 : Luang Prabang
Location: Luang Prabang
Meals Included: Breakfast
Rise early to view the daily ritual of monks collecting alms, then enjoy a sightseeing tour of Luang Prabang. In the afternoon we stop at ethnic minority villages before arriving at the beautiful Khouangsi waterfall.
Day 6 - 7 : Hanoi
Location: Hanoi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Luang Prabang - Hanoi. Visit a local rice farm on the morning of day 6. After lunch, we cruise up the Mekong River, visiting the Pak Ou caves before returning to Luang Prabang. Evening flight to Hanoi.
Day 8 : Halong Bay
Location: Halong Bay
Accommodation Name: Deluxe Junk Boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hanoi – Halong Bay. This morning drive to beautiful Halong Bay. Boarding a deluxe junk boat we cruise the emerald waters and visit the spectacular Trinh Nu Cave. Tonight, there's a Vietnamese cooking demonstration and tasty seafood dinner on board.
Day 9 : Halong Bay
Location: Halong Bay
Accommodation Name: Sleeper train
Meals Included: Breakfast
Halong Bay - Hanoi - Hue. Start the day with a Tai Chi class on the sundeck before exploring the beautiful Sung Sot Cave. Travelling back to Hanoi we embark on a guided cyclo tour of the French Quarter, followed by a walking tour of the Old Quarter. Later, board overnight sleeper train to Hue.
Day 10 : Hue
Location: Hue
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Breakfast onboard the train. After arrival and hotel check-in at Hue, we tour the city's Thien Mu Pagoda, ancient citadel, and the countryside Royal Tombs. As the sun sets, cruise along the Perfume River, or enjoy some retail therapy at the Dong Ba Market.
Day 11 : Hoi An
Location: Hoi An
Meals Included: Breakfast
Hue - Road of the Ocean Clouds - Hoi An. We take the scenic Hai Van Pass (Road of the Ocean Clouds) to the port of Hoi An, stopping for a stroll along China Beach. Enjoy a short afternoon walking tour of the historic old town.
Day 12 : Hoi An
Location: Hoi An
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
We take a leisurely bicycle ride to the rural village of Tra Que, where we’ll assist with tending the fields and cooking lunch.
Day 13 : Hoi An
Location: Hoi An
Meals Included: Breakfast
Free day in Hoi An. Optional excursions to My Son or the My Lai Memorial.
Day 14 : Can Tho
Location: Can Tho
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City - Can Tho. Early morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Drive to the Mekong Delta. Taking our sampan from Cai Be we cruise downstream to Can Tho through the maze of waterways, watching the hubbub of daily life on the river and enjoying short stops at some of the local cottage industries.
Day 15 : Ho Chi Minh City
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
Meals Included: Breakfast
Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh City. Early today we visit the lively Cai Rang floating market before departing for Ho Chi Minh City. Our walking tour of Ho Chi Minh City we'll see the Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Post Office, and visit the sobering War Remnants Museum. Evening at leisure.
Day 16 : Ho Chi Minh City
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
Meals Included: Breakfast
Monday. Free time in Ho Chi Minh City until included departure transfer to airport.
What's Included
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Accommodation
4 star -
Breakfast daily, 5 lunches and 3 dinners
Enjoy daily breakfast, along with 5 lunches and 3 dinners during the tour.
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13 nights 4 star and special class hotels and 1 night aboard deluxe junk boat (private en suite cabin)
Stay in 4-star and special class hotels for 13 nights and enjoy 1 night aboard a deluxe junk boat with a private en suite cabin.
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Economy class flights: Luang Prabang to Hanoi and Danang to Ho Chi Minh City
Economy class flights are included from Luang Prabang to Hanoi and from Danang to Ho Chi Minh City.
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1 overnight sleeper train Hanoi to Hue in basic 4 berth cabin
Experience an overnight sleeper train from Hanoi to Hue in a basic 4 berth cabin.
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Guided sightseeing - Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Mekong Delta and Ho Chi Minh City
Enjoy guided sightseeing tours in Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Mekong Delta, and Ho Chi Minh City.
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Living land farm experience
Participate in a hands-on experience at the Living Land Farm.
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Halong Bay Junk boat cruise - opt to swim, kayak and explore caves
Sail on a Halong Bay Junk boat cruise with options to swim, kayak, and explore caves.
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Bicycle ride to Tra Que village and cooking demonstration
Enjoy a bicycle ride to Tra Que village and participate in a cooking demonstration.
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Sampan boat trips in the Mekong Delta
Take sampan boat trips in the Mekong Delta.
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Airport arrival transfer day 1 and departure transfer day 16
Airport transfers are included on day 1 upon arrival and on day 16 for departure.
What's Not Included
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International flights and visas
International flights and visas are not included in the tour package.
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Tip for your tour guide
Tips for your tour guide are not included.
It is recommended to allow USD$3-6 per day, per traveller. -
Entrance Fees
Entrance fees are not included and are estimated to be USD$50-60 per person, payable in USD.
Age Policy
18 or 15 accompanied by an adult
Accommodation
Experience a blend of comfort and cultural design at the Vasana Vang Vieng Hotel, Santi Resort and Spa, La Casa Hotel, Bhaya Classic I Junk Boat, Syrena Junk Boat, ÊMM Hotel, Mondial Hotel, Vinh Hung Riverside Resort, and TTC Hotel Premium Can Tho. Enjoy modern amenities, complimentary Wi-Fi, and stunning views across various locations in Laos and Vietnam.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with private air-conditioned vehicles, economy class flights from Luang Prabang to Hanoi and Danang to Ho Chi Minh City, and an overnight sleeper train from Hanoi to Hue. Enjoy a deluxe junk boat cruise in Halong Bay and sampan boat trips in the Mekong Delta.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a variety of unique experiences such as a vintage tuk-tuk tour in Luang Prabang, a hands-on farming experience at the Living Land Farm where you can plough a rice paddy with a water buffalo, and a bicycle ride to Tra Que village with a cooking demonstration. Additionally, there is a cruise on a traditional junk boat in Halong Bay with opportunities for kayaking and swimming.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are several optional activities available during the tour. In Hanoi, you can explore the city on the optional Back Streets of Hanoi add-on. In Hoi An, there is an optional Hoi An Street Eats add-on, which includes a Vespa ride and sampling local cuisine. Additionally, you can opt for excursions to the My Son sanctuary or the Ba Na Hills.
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides accommodation in 4-star and special class hotels for 13 nights, and one night aboard a deluxe junk boat with a private en suite cabin. The hotels are well-equipped with modern amenities, and some offer unique features such as a pool overlooking the river or a spa center.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes breakfast daily, 5 lunches, and 3 dinners. Meals are provided at various points throughout the tour, including a lunch at the Living Land Farm and a seafood dinner on the junk boat in Halong Bay.
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Is there any transportation provided between the destinations?
Yes, transportation is provided between destinations in private air-conditioned vehicles. The tour also includes economy class flights from Luang Prabang to Hanoi and from Danang to Ho Chi Minh City, as well as an overnight sleeper train from Hanoi to Hue.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.