EXCEPTIONAL VIETNAM OVERLAND TOUR TO LAOS – 14 DAYS

* Vietnam Overland Tour to Laos from Hanoi, Halong Bay to Luang Prabang – BRIEF ITINERARY:

Day 1: Hanoi arrival

Day 2: Hanoi sightseeing tours

Day 3: Hanoi- Halong Bay, Overnight on board the junk

Day 4: Halong- Ninh Binh

Day 5: Ninh Binh- Mai Chau

Day 6: Mai Chau– Son La

Day 7: Son La- Dien Bien Phu

Day 8: Dien Bien Phu sightseeing tour

Day 9: Dien Bien Phu- Muang Khua

Day 10: Muang Khua- Muang Ngoi- NongKhiaw

Day 11: Nong Khiaw- Luang Prabang

Day 12: Luong Prabang sightseeing tours

Day 13: Luong Prabang- Living farm

Day 14: Departure

DAY 1: Vietnam Overland Tour to Laos from Hanoi, Halong Bay to Luang Prabang: ARRIVAL- HANOI SIGHTSEEING TOURS

Upon arrival in Noi Bai Airport, you’ll receive cordial welcome and comfortable transfer to hotel. If time permits, enjoy a cyclo ride around the old quarter streets, an interesting introduction of the city. Like other big cities, Hanoi is hustling and bustling, with millions of people riding motorbikes, the most convenient means of transportation in the city.

O/N in Hanoi. 

DAY 2: Vietnam Overland Tour to Laos from Hanoi, Halong Bay to Luang Prabang: HANOI FULL-DAY SIGHTSEEING TOURS – WATER PUPPET SHOW (B/-/-) 

Today we commence our sightseeing of Hanoi with the Ho Chi Minh Complex, containing the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of Hanoi.
Later on, we follow it with a visit to the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam.

The afternoon tour continues with the History Museum, an excellent collection of artifacts illustrating the Vietnamese history. Alternatively, you can visit the Ethnology museum instead if you wish to learn about 54 ethics in Vietnam. Later, you’ll also walk in the old quarters and the peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem where its sacred temple is located. In front of this lake is the famous water puppet theatre – the traditional unique Vietnamese art where we will see a fantastic performance.

O/N in Hanoi. 

DAY 3: Vietnam Overland Tour to Laos from Hanoi, Halong Bay to Luang Prabang: HALONG BAY CRUISE TOURS (B/L/D) 

After having breakfast at the hotel, we journey east to Vietnam’s greatest natural wonder, Halong Bay. We’ll board a beautiful traditional junk and spend a full day and night cruising the bay’s 3000 magnificent limestone islets. In the evening when the boat is anchored in the middle of the stunning lagoon, we enjoy a wonderful seafood meal and later there is the opportunity for an evening swim from the side of the boat. Kayaks are also available if specified at time of booking. Spend the night on our elegant boat.

DAY 4: Vietnam Overland Tour to Laos from Hanoi, Halong Bay to Luang Prabang: HALONG BAY- NINH BINH (B/L/-)

Awake early and participate in Tai Chi on the top deck or simply relax and watch the sunrise over the bay’s towering islands. Enjoy a morning cup of coffee or tea, before setting out to explore the nearby islands by rowboat. Return to the junk for brunch, then take advantage of the sundeck to admire the amazing rock formations of Bai Tu Long Bay as we navigate back to Halong City. Disembarkation for the scenic drive to Ninh Binh which is the former capital of Vietnam

Overnight in Ninh Binh.  

DAY 5: Vietnam Overland Tour to Laos from Hanoi, Halong Bay to Luang Prabang: NINH BINH SIGHTSEEING TOUR- OVERLAND TO MAI CHAU (B/L/-)

This morning, we’ll explore the magical Ninh Binh. First with Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam. We’ll visit two temples dedicating to King Dinh and King Le who ruled the first dynasties of the country. In front of these temples is the rugged Ma Yen mount which involves a walk over 200 steps for a fantastic view over the surrounding areas. The following sight is Tam Coc, surnamed “Halong Bay on land”. We board a sampan for a leisurely trip through the quiet and peaceful landscape of rice fields surrounded by towering limestone cliffs to the grottoes of Tam Coc.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll set out the trip to Mai Chau – a yawning valley, cradling picturesque rice paddies and boarded by looming karst rock formations. The journey offers an excellent opportunity to observe rural Vietnam up-close. Upon arrival, walk around to get acquainted with the village where you will stay overnight.

Home stay in Mai Chau.

DAY 6: Vietnam Overland Tour to Laos from Hanoi, Halong Bay to Luang Prabang: MAI CHAU- SON LA (B/-/-)

This morning we are going to have a short trekking journey (or bike tour) to some of the remote villages of Thai People inhabiting in Mai Chau valley to have your deep insight into the way the locals live.

In the afternoon, we’ll journey further to Son La while passing through the undulating terrains of tea plantations, terraced rice fields. En route we have several stops to stretch our legs and visit some roadside villages. The thrilling drive will deliver us in Son La by mid or late afternoon depending on road and traffic conditions. We check in hotel and enjoy a short walk around this mountain town. There is a little traffic on roads and many Black Thai in traditional costume scurry in all directions. 

O/N in Son La. 

DAY 7: Vietnam Overland Tour to Laos from Hanoi, Halong Bay to Luang Prabang: SON LA- DIEN BIEN PHU (B/-/-)

The provincial museum and the top hill old prison are some of major sights in Son La Town. We include these in a short morning tour before we wind our way past the stunning mountain scenery. The road conditions are very poor therefore we need to bring along our spirit of adventure until Dien Bien Phu, the site of the decisive battle in Vietnam’s struggle for independence in 1954. Once reaching Dien Dien Phu we drive around for the orientation. Check in the hotel and spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. O/N in Dien Bien Phu  

DAY 8: Vietnam Overland Tour to Laos from Hanoi, Halong Bay to Luang Prabang: DIEN BIEN PHU DISCOVERY (B/-/-)

Nestled in a heart shaped basin near the border with Laos, lies Dien Bien Phu. The famous historical battleground, where the Vietnamese successfully defeated the French, marking the end of French colonial occupation in 1954.

Start the day early with a visit to the local market where you will meet charming Thai tribes in their traditional costume purchasing their farm products. The next is the military base and historical site of the First Indochina War. We drive 30 minutes out of the city to the base of The Command of Dien Bien Phu Campaign (Muong Phang) – Located in a primitive forest in Muong Phang commune to the commanding bunker of General Commander-in-chief Vo Nguyen Giap and Hoang Van Thai. 

In the afternoon, you will visit Dien Bien Phu Museum, built in 1984 on the occasion of the year 30th after Dien Bien Phu Victory before visiting A1 Hill – the most important camp of the French and Bunker of the French General De Castries.
Some free time of your own in the afternoon relax by strolling around the town.

Overnight in Dien Bien Phu

DAY 9: Vietnam Overland Tour to Laos from Hanoi, Halong Bay to Luang Prabang: DIEN BIEN PHU- CROSS TAY TRANG BORDER- MUANG KHUA (B/-/-)

After breakfast in the hotel, we drive down south through the peaceful Muong Thanh Valley to the Tay Trang border gate to Laos where our Laos guide and driver are await you.
(It may take 30 minutes to 1 hours for Immigration and customs processes)
Crossing the border, we continue through one of Laos’ most remote regions to Muang Khua, a one-horse border town located on the banks of the Nam Ou River.
Upon arrival Muang Khua, you will check in the guest house and discover the town by you own.

Note: The Tay Trang border gate immigration normally closes for lunch between12.00 – 13.30.

Overnight in Muang Khua

DAY 10: Vietnam Overland Tour to Laos from Hanoi, Halong Bay to Luang Prabang: MUANG KHUA– BOAT TRIP TO MUANG NGOI- NONG KIAW (B/-/-)

This morning, you will take the long tail boat downstream Ou river to Muang Ngoi. 
Along the way, stop off to visit several different ethnic villages. You actually pass straight through Muang Ngoi at first and pay the village of Ban Sop Jam a visit. This village is famous for its traditional Lao silk and cotton weaving, here you can purchase some beautiful textiles if you wish.

In the afternoon continue the journey to Nong Khiaw – a charming rustic little town on the bank of the Ou River. It is squeezed in between some of the most fantastic limestone mountains north of Laos.

Overnight in Nong Khiaw.

DAY 11: Vietnam Overland Tour to Laos from Hanoi, Halong Bay to Luang Prabang: NONG KIAW– LUONG PRABANG (B/-/-)

Have breakfast in the hotel then take a pleasant walk around the village enjoying the village feel with great views over the Nam Ou river or visit a small temple complex in the center of town. Continue the journey of 2 hours drive passing picturesque scenery along the Nam Ou River and beautiful mountainous setting heading to Pak Ou Caves – a pantheon of gold Buddha statues tucked into the nooks of the limestone cliffs.

Enjoy the cruise along the Mekong from the cave to the village of Ban Xang Hai. Stop here to learn how local make Lau Lao (Lao whiskey) and Lau Hai (Lao wine), before continuing this river way down the Mekong to Luang Prabang. Check in at the hotel then take an evening stroll through the quaint streets and enjoy the sunset over the river and surrounding lush countryside. The evening highlight includes a visit to the local night market in the city center, where ethnic minority people come together to buy and sell their wares.

Overnight In Luong Prabang.

Day 12: Vietnam Overland Tour to Laos from Hanoi, Halong Bay to Luang Prabang: LUONG PRABANG SIGHTSEEING TOURS (B/-/-)

Situated where the Nam Khan River meets the Mekong, lies the fabled city of Luang Prabang – the former capital of Laos and a UNESCO World Heritage site. With its lantern lit streets, lined with a mix of faded colonial mansions and sparkling mosaic temples; this city is known to enchant its visitors. Have breakfast at the hotel then enjoy a half-day tour through Luang Prabang. Begin with a visit to the Royal Palace Museum, then head to the magnificent Wat Xiengthong – representative of classic Laotian architecture, before seeing the impressive temple of Wat Mai.

Then visit the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre for insight into the countries various ethnic groups and traditional crafts. Later that day, adjourn to the Phousi Holy Hill to enjoy the marvelous panoramic views of the town at sunset. Free to discover the night market by your own.

Overnight in Luong Prabang.

DAY 13: Vietnam Overland Tour to Laos from Hanoi, Halong Bay to Luang Prabang: LUONG PRABANG- LIVING LAND FARM (JOIN IN GROUP)- LUANG SI WATERFALL (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 (ubiquitous sticky rice) from the faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the procession. From there you will visit the local morning, where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables, and hill-tribe weavings.

Next, the tour guide will pick you up at the hotel for a very exciting tour in Living Land Farm where you can learn the process to make rice and practice it by your own. Today you will become a real farmer to work on the farm, besides, you also will have a chance to communicate with local people and see their daily work.
In afternoon, drive to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the turquoise pools or walk along the forest trails.

Overnight in Luong Prabang.

DAY 14: Vietnam Overland Tour to Laos from Hanoi, Halong Bay to Luang Prabang: LUONG PRABANG DEPARTURE (B/-/-)

Have breakfast at the hotel and then enjoy a free morning at your leisure before driving to the airport to catch your departure flight.

End of service.

INCLUDING:
•    Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver
•    Accommodation in hotels (Twin / Double shared room)
•    Meals as indicated: B = breakfast, L = lunch & D = Dinner
•    Regional English or French speaking guide
•    Entrance fee to indicated sights
•    Boat trip in Halong Bay, Tam Coc, Luong Prabang

•    Water Puppet Show
•    Pure bottled water & wipes
•    Visa Approval Letter to Vietnam

EXCLUDING:
International flights in / out, other meals, tip, drinks, airport tax, single room, personal expenses, insurance,…