Embark on a captivating 20-day journey from Saigon to Luang Prabang, exploring the cultural and natural treasures of Vietnam and Laos. Travel through bustling cities, historic towns like Hoi An and Hue, the stunning Halong Bay, and the peaceful countryside of Mai Chau and Ninh Binh. Conclude your adventure in the spiritual city of Luang Prabang, with its vibrant markets and ancient temples. This private tour is perfect for those seeking a deep and authentic exploration of Indochina.
Upon your arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, our local driver will greet you at the pickup area and transfer you to your hotel in the city.
9:00 AM: Pick up from your hotel to the Independence Palace, once used as the home - office of the Presidents of South Vietnam. Our visit includes the North Vietnamese tank which effectively attacked the palace in 1975 to bring the controversial Vietnam War to an end and the five-story palace with its rooms have been preserved in their late 1960s, 1970s style and a bunker basement.
Continue by a leisurely waking tour. Head to the Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, originally built between 1863 and 1880, evidently reflects the French colonist influences. It’s a picturesque spot in the city.
Toward to Nguyen Hue walking street, you take a few walks to the unmissable city's famous landmark. The Saigon Central Post Office is a stunning building, designed by the famous architect Gustave Eiffel. It is an actually working post office with beautiful indoor decorations.
Have a break for lunch or drink (on your own account) then in the afternoon go to the top visited in Ho Chi Minh – the War Remnant museum. The exhibits offer you all-sided views of the Vietnam War that might bring a big surprise than you are probably used to hearing and seeing.
End of the day, visit the most famous market in the city, Ben Thanh Market, which has been opened since 1870. The market not only supplies the daily needs of local people but also excellent place to pick up inexpensive souvenirs and enjoy Vietnam’s local street foods.
Come back to your hotel. Free to discover city or just relax
Meet our tour guide and driver for your transfer to Cai Be. Visit Cao Dai temple on route. On arrival, experience the rhythm of life on the legendary Mekong River by visiting the canals lined with orchards.
Visiting craft workshops of rice popcorn, coconut caramel and rice cake…Go biking or walking on the village paths to discover the ancient and beautiful Phu Chau pagoda where the serenity reigns and meet the local people. Enjoy lunch in an open air restaurant where you can taste a famous local specialty, the elephant ear fish. Finally, enjoy tasting delicious fruits while rowing a small rowboat in the canals, shaded by the fruit trees.
Continue your boat trip to Vinh Long and meet the driver at the pier for a transfer to Can Tho. Arrive in Can Tho in the late afternoon. Check in your hotel and relax. Enjoy free time on your own to discover the city located on the Mekong River side.
Have breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the pier for a boat trip to visit Cai Rang floating market, the largest and most lively market in the Mekong Delta. There are so many colors and smells in the bubbling atmosphere where hundreds of sampans are filled with goods such as rice, fruits, and craft products. Everything is shown to sell from the early morning.
Leave the market and continue the boat trip through the canals and visit a fruit garden. Head back to An Binh Market which is full of fish, fruits and vegetables. Stop at Binh Thuy ancient house which contains the orchid garden where “The Lover” was filmed.
Transfer back to Saigon and arrive in the late afternoon.
8:00 AM: Leave from your hotel to visit the most striking place in the history of the Vietnam War, the Cu Chi Tunnels.
Cu Chi is a real underground city made up of a large network of tunnels covering an area of over 250km long where the Viet Cong conducted the war of resistance against American troops. All of the tunnels were dug over a period of twenty years using only pickaxes and shovels. The tour includes special entering some part of tunnels.
Option:
At the Cu Chi shooting range, guests can enhance their experience by trying real gun firing. This service allows visitors to test their aim with a variety of firearms under supervision. It’s a thrilling option for those seeking a bit of adventure. This is an optional service not included in the tour price, and guests will need to pay on the spot.
Our driver will pick you up from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and take you to Tan Son Nhat Airport.
Upon your arrival at Da Nang airport, our local driver will greet you and transfer you to your accommodation in Hoi An, a journey of approximately 1 hour. Once you reach your hotel, you’ll have the rest of the day to relax and enjoy at your leisure.
9:00 AM: Pick up from hotel for Hoi An excursion. Hoi An used to be one of the most typical South-East Asian trading ports dating from the 15th to the 19th century and the Old Town is still well-preserved. The exchanged cultures is displayed on many historic buildings, religion, daily business and enriched by the authentic lifestyle of local inhabitants.
First stop is Cam Pho - one of the oldest communal houses in Hoi An. It was built in the shape of Chinese character means the country for worshipping and trading business and cultural exchange between locality and Chinese, Japanese traders.
Leisurely walk to the Hoi An city’s symbol - the Chua Cau or the Japanese Covered Bridge, built in the 17th century to allow the Japanese quarter to be accessible from the Chinese neighborhoods. The bridge’s original style has been carefully preserved for the last 400 years.
Continue walking through the town, immersing into local life and stop at Quan Thang ancient house - one of the most authentic old houses in Hoi An with the lively and fine architecture and sculptures were made by craftsmen of famous Kim Bong carpentry village in the oriental style. The house offers a good look of Hoi An family's daily life.
Enrich your tour by visit Phuc Kien or Fujian Assembly Hall, built since 17th century, is the gathering place for residents, traders and visitors from a specific area in China called Fujian. It is also a religious site to honor the deity Thien Hau. Spend a visit, you will admire the colorful fountains in the courtyard, the ornate gates surrounding the property and the beautiful carved dragons in the main room.
In the afternoon drive to Tra Que farming village. It is famous for its aromatic herbs, mint and basil. Their leaves are smaller than normal ones and have a special flavor. Enjoy an interesting introduction to the village’s history, the vegetable cultivation and the usage of vegetables as traditional Vietnamese medicine. It is also a good opportunity to meet and take pictures with local people.
After the excursion, travel back to city, free to explore town or leisure on beach.
8:00 AM: Pick up from hotel then travel to Hue by passing Da Nang along the sea road. Once you arrive in Da Nang, stop to visit the Cham Museum which preserves the most important Cham culture collections in the world. Then, walk to My Khe beach where you can enjoy the view of giant Goodness of Mercy statues in the Linh Ung Pagoda. Take photos of fishermen by the beach then continue driving along the coastline to Hue ancient capital. Make a stop at top of the Hai Van pass to enjoy the breathtaking view of the ocean.
Arrival in Hue, enjoy lunch then visit Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest pagodas in Hue, dating back to 1601. This is the spiritual highlight of the city and well known for its majestic octagon tower and beautiful view of the Perfume River.
Keep your tour Visit the most important sites in city - Hue Citadel, the only vestige symbol for what was once the imperial city of Vietnam. It is inspired by the fortification of Vauban. The city is composed of three parts: Kinh Thanh (the Capital city), Hoang Thanh (the Imperial city) and Cam Thanh (the Forbidden City). The most beautiful sites in Hue are concentrated in this area including the flag tower, the South gate, the palace of supreme Harmony, the Dynasty temple area and the settlement area.
End of the day, check in hotel and enjoy stay in ancient capital.
Transfer from hotel to visit the Emperor Minh Mang's tomb, an architectural masterpiece that harmoniously highlights the nature and imperial religious works. The tomb was planned during Minh Mang’s reign (1820–40) but built by his successor, Thieu Tri with the effort of ten thousand workers and artisans.
Continue your trip, take a boat along Huong River (or Perfume River) to Thuy Bieu Village, admire the picturesque landscapes on both sides. After 1 hour, we arrive to Thuy Bieu, well-known for its divine grapefruit trees where you can take a bike around the village under the shade of the grapefruit trees and enjoy their pleasant perfume aroma and the harvested straw. The peaceful atmosphere is in every corner of the village. Then, visit a temple dedicated to the village protector, a traditional garden house built several centuries ago. This is a wonderful opportunity to stop for great photos and interact with the villagers working in the gardens and vegetable fields which should not be missed.
Join in cooking class with Hue's specialties selected then have lunch in village then transfer back to city in the afternoon. Take a short flight to Hanoi capital.
Upon your arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you’ll be greeted by our driver at the pickup lobby. You’ll then enjoy a 45-minute drive to the heart of Hanoi, passing over the Red River, where you can catch a glimpse of the city’s unique architecture and its famously bustling traffic. Once you arrive in the Old Quarter, the driver will drop you off at your hotel.
9:00 AM: Get Pick up by tour guide to the Temple of Literature which was built under the Ly dynasty in 11th century for worshipping Confucius and teaching Royal children. Enjoy a walk in the garden to the city’s symbol Khue Van Cac. You will then visit the World Heritage "stone steles” which shows the name of outstanding students. Continue to explore the Quoc Tu Giam which is considered as the first national university of Vietnam.
Follow it with a visit to one of the city’s museums (choose among the National history museum, Hoa Lo, Museum of Ethnology and Fine art museum) before having a break for lunch or some drink (by your own budget).
In the afternoon you visit the French Quarter – it is a “little Paris” in Hanoi with tree-lined boulevards, government head offices and a big square. Visit (outside) Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum before having a leisurely walk in the botanical gardens to visit the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts where he used to live and work. Towards the unique One – pillar pagoda which is one of the city’s symbols. It takes us from 1 to 2 hours to explore this complex, depending on the number of traveler.
Finally, explore the Hanoi Old Quarter which was built in the 15th century as a trading center in the capital city with 36 streets of different products. Despite the changes, the Old Quarter is always considered a live city museum. The unique tube houses, small alleys, temples, open door markets and street vendor foods come together in a beautiful harmony. Discovering the town by walking is the best way to stimulate all your senses.
Finally enjoying the water puppet shows that is the unique performances, first appeared in the 11th century. In these shows, the daily life, culture and belief of Vietnamese people are described by puppets on water. The show usually integrates a traditional music performance as well.
Come back to hotel. End of the day
8:00 Am: Meet tour guide and driver then depart to Mai Chau. On the way, visit a Muong village. Continue to Thung Khe pass where you can view magnificent panoramic views of the valley before arriving in Mai Chau town. Mai Chau is a beautiful valley located 145 km away from Hanoi. It is great place with harmonious landscapes, green mountain ranges, rice terraces and White Thai ethnic villages.
Arrive in Mai Hich, check in your accommodation and enjoy local food cooked by the host. Later Explore Mai Hich village by bike (optional) or walk along the trails and concrete roads. You will be seduced by the gorgeous landscapes as the villages, rice fields, mountains and streams are in perfect harmony with one another. Do not miss the opportunity to communicate with the friendly local people who are always willing to welcome you into their house to enjoy a cup of tea.
Depart from Mai Hich directly to Eo Ken, 30km away, where the Muong ethnics live. Walk down the slope and enjoy the spectacular view of Pu Luong Nature reserve, rice field terraces and mountains. Visit a Muong ethnic family in Eo Kenvillage and discover their authentic life. Continue walking through this beautiful landscape and cross a stream to reach HangVillage.
Start your day by hiking down into the beautiful valley from your accommodation, passing through spectacular rice fields and follow small paths to slowly reach Chom Uoi and Chom Lan villages. Your camera will help you capture these unforgettable moments. During the hike, you will witness the changing landscapes of rice terraces intermingled with villages, fields, ponds, streams and mountains. Continue walking to Pho Doan to have lunch at a local restaurant.
Head to Chieng Lau, a picturesque area renowned for its lush rice fields and bamboo water wheels. Here, embark on a scenic walk, allowing you to engage with local residents and catch a glimpse of the bamboo water wheels used for irrigation.
Transfer to Ninh Binh, a scenic drive that takes approximately 4 hours. Along the way, you'll pass through rural landscapes and peaceful villages, offering a glimpse into the daily life of the Vietnamese countryside. The route is a blend of winding mountain roads and flat terrains, making for a picturesque journey.
8:00 Am: You can choose to embark on a 10 km bike ride (one way) or a 20 km ride (round trip) along the dyke, offering stunning views of rice fields, a river, and limestone mountains. Take optional stops along the way for picturesque photos and interactions with locals. Continue your exploration by visiting Thung La Temple, which dates back to the 11th century. Don't miss the opportunity to experience traditional musical instruments that are integral to the spiritual life of the Vietnamese people.
Continue to Take a sampan boat trip along the stream and among the limestone mountains to discover the beauty of Van Long nature reserve. If lucky, you might get to see white monkeys and egrets on the cliffs. After the boat trip, visit an embroidery village and take part in an embroidery course under the instruction of local craftswoman, Mrs Lam. She will proudly explain the techniques of her traditional craft. This will be a good opportunity for you to practice on fabric like a real craftsman.
Return your bike to homestay, say good bye the host. Travel from Ninh Binh to Hanoi, enjoying the scenic views of the Red River Delta along the way. You can opt for a rest stop to stretch your legs or take photos of daily life. Upon arrival in Hanoi, you'll be dropped off at your accommodation.
8:00 AM:8:00 – 8:30 AM: If transport is included, our driver will pick you up from your hotel in the heart of Hanoi. From there, we’ll begin our journey to Halong City, enjoying a scenic drive through the picturesque Red River Delta. The trip takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, with a convenient stop along the way for restrooms if needed.
11:00: Arrive at Tuan Chau Marina and check in at the waiting lounge.
12:00: Board the cruise ship, enjoy welcome drinks, and receive a short briefing. Check into your room and prepare for lunch.
12:30: Indulge in a Vietnamese and international lunch while taking in the scenic beauty of the bay, passing by iconic landmarks such as the Incense Burner, Dog Stone Islet, Fighting Cock Islet, and Three Coconuts Island.
14:30: Explore Halong Bay further by visiting the Pearl Farm. This is an ideal opportunity for kayaking and experiencing the timeless beauty of Ha Long Bay up close.
16:00: Explore Sung Sot Cave, also known as the Grotte des Surprising, the largest limestone cave in the area. Marvel at the stunning stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years. (Proper footwear is highly recommended, especially in wet conditions.)
17:45: Return to the boat and enjoy the bar’s Happy Hour (buy 2, get 1 free).
(Option: Massage service available. Please book directly with the Cruise Manager.)
19:30: Delight in a deluxe dinner featuring traditional and fusion dishes prepared by our talented chefs.
21:00: After dinner, unwind at the bar and spa, participate in squid fishing, watch a movie in your cabin, play cards or chess, or simply relax on the sundeck.
23:00: Overnight on board.
06:15: Start your day with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck to awaken your senses, followed by breakfast in the restaurant.
06:30: Enjoy breakfast with coffee, tea, and pastries.
07:30: Visit Titov Island, known for its stunning sandy beaches and panoramic views of the bay from the top of the limestone island. (Proper footwear is recommended, especially when wet.)
09:30: Return to the cruise ship. Check out and settle your bill at the reception.
10:00: Enjoy brunch while cruising back to Tuan Chau Marina. Relax on the sundeck or in the restaurant.
11:30: Disembark at Tuan Chau Marina and bid farewell to the crew.
Our driver will greet you at the Cruise Waiting Lounge and transfer you to Hanoi. The journey takes approximately 2.5-3 hours, with a restroom stop available along the way (optional).
Our driver will pick you up from the lobby of your hotel in Hanoi and take you to Noi Bai Airport. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes.
Upon your arrival at Luang Prabang Airport, our local driver will welcome you and take you to your hotel. Recognized by UNESCO as the best-preserved city in Southeast Asia, Luang Prabang offers a unique blend of history and culture.
Visit the Royal Palace Museum, which houses fascinating artifacts from the city's royal era. Discover Luang Prabang’s oldest and most impressive temples, including Wat Xiengthong, famous for its sweeping, low-hanging roof that exemplifies classical Lao architecture, the striking stupa of Wat Visoun, and the peaceful shrine of Wat Aham.
Take part in a fun-filled 30-minute group farm tour (available daily from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm). You'll get up close with our gentle 450-kilo buffaloes—cuddle them, feed them, and marvel at the size of our growing buffaloes! After their meal, it's bath time—buffalo style. You'll help wash and scrub them in what we like to call a “buffalo day spa”. But the buffalo aren’t the only stars of the farm! Our playful pigs, energetic goats, and lively rabbits promise plenty of fun for visitors of all ages.
We’ll drive to the breathtaking Kuang Si Waterfall, where you can cool off in its turquoise pools or stroll along scenic forest trails. You’ll also have the chance to visit the nearby bear sanctuary, managed by Free the Bears Fund Inc.
We’ll ascend Mount Phousi to explore its sacred gilded stupa and enjoy panoramic views of the city, the sunset, and the Mekong River.
Visit to the vibrant Night Market, offering a beautiful array of handmade textiles crafted by local artisans and hill tribe communities around Luang Prabang.
We’ll board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, offering panoramic views of the serene countryside. Along the way, we’ll visit the fascinating Pak Ou Caves - two interconnected caves filled with thousands of gold-lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes, left behind by generations of pilgrims.
Laos is famous for its rich heritage of traditional crafts. We'll take a short drive to Ban Phanom, a village renowned for its traditional handwoven textiles. We’ll also visit Ban Xangkhong and Ban Xienglek, two small villages known for their silk weaving and the production of Saa (jute) paper.
We'll stop at the Ock Pop Tok Living Craft Center for a guided tour, where you’ll learn about silk production, meet the talented weavers, and discover the vital role of women artisans in preserving these cultural traditions.
We'll head to the Elephant Village Camp. Upon arrival, you'll be warmly welcomed and given a brief introduction to the elephants and the camp. Get up close and personal with these gentle giants as you feed them. Explore the camp by visiting the elephant hospital, museum, photo gallery, and dung paper-making area. Experience the life of a mahout by learning how they communicate with the elephants, and even practice these skills yourself. Then, head to the Nam Khan River to help bathe the elephants—an unforgettable experience!
Next, embark on a scenic 2-kilometer trek along our Trail of Falls, surrounded by lush forests and natural beauty. Afterward, enjoy a picnic lunch at our camp restaurant, with vegetarian options available.
Following lunch, continue the hike for another kilometer along a picturesque stream that leads to the breathtaking Tad Sae Waterfall. Relax, dip your feet, or take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters. End the adventure with a peaceful ride in a traditional Lao longboat as we make our way back. You'll be transferred back to your hotel in Luang Prabang.
Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time to relax before being transferred to Luang Prabang airport for your departure.