Best of Laos and Vietnam

Day 1: Vientiane / Arrival

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Arrival at airport in Vientiane, we welcome you and transfer you to hotel. Check-in at hotel.

We start the tour by visiting at the Patuxay monument, Laos’ version of the Arc de Triomphe, where you can climb the stairs to the roof for sweeping panoramic views of the city. Take some photos before we continue out visit at Pha That Luang, the holiest site in Laos. Constructed by King Setthethirat in the 16th century, the temple is resplendent as the sun is shines upon its towering golden spire.

We drive out of the city to visit the Buddha Park. Buddha Park, also known as Xieng Khuan, is a sculpture park located 25 km southeast from Vientiane, Laos, in a meadow by the Mekong River. Although it is not a temple, the park may be referred to as Wat Xieng Khuan, since it contains numerous religious images. The name Xieng Khuan means Spirit City.

Overnight in Vientiane. (B,L)

Day 2: Vientiane

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After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour to discover the hidden charms of Vientiane. Vientiane is one of the quietest capital cities in the world, far away from the bustle and hustle of other Asian capitals.

We begin our tour by visiting the serene Wat Sisaket, the only temple left intact after the Siamese (Thai) invasion in 1828. It is one of the most beautiful temples in the capital, and its breezy teak covered hallways are filled with thousands of miniature Buddha statues.

Continue on to the nearby Wat Phra Keo. Used as a religious museum, Wat Phra Keo displays a collection of both Lao and Khmer works of art. Also nearby, is the Presidential Palace.  Although you are not allowed to visit inside, it is a good glimpse in to the town’s colonial past as this building formerly served as the French governor’s palace.

Next, we visit COPE, an association working to help landmine victims. A visit to the center provides in-depth information about the history of the American/Vietnam war and the lasting impact of unexploded ordinances (UXO) in the area and the efforts underway to clear them.

Afternoon, we leave Vientiane and head to Vang Vieng. Along the way, we visit Ban Houy Mo (if we have enought time), a fishing village oh the way. Arrival in Vang Vieng, check-in at hotel.

Overnight in Vang Vieng. (B,L)

Day 3: Vang Vieng

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In the morning, we will first stroll around the town to visit the local market to catch a gimpse of everyday life in a typical Lao rural area. We then visit Organic Farm Vang Vieng.

After that, we visit the cave of Tham Jang, which was used in the early 19th century in defense against the Chinese invaders. We also cross the river to Ban Huai Ngae, a very pleasant village where we can explore the different local lifestyles.

Early morning, start cycling to Blue Lagoon (7Km from the town center), of which the waters are an aqua-blue, and are always cool. We will also visit the nearby Tham Phoukham Cave, which contains a reclining Buddha statue as well the requisite formations normally found in caves.

We go back to the city and board on a leisurely long-tail boat along the Nam Song River to admire the sunset.

Overnight in Vang Vieng. (B,L)

Day 4: Vang Vieng

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Morning, your leisure time in Vang Vieng. After early lunch, we leave Vang Vieng and head to Xieng Khouang.

It's time to bid farewell to Vang Vieng and drive to Xieng Khouang.

Arrival in Phonsavanh, the capital of Xieng Khouang province and check into your hotel.

Overnight in Xieng Khouang. (B,L)

Day 5: Xieng Khouang

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In the morning, we make a visit to the 3 "Plain of Jars" sites and also discover some local villages where you can observe local village life. Site 1, close to the town is settled at Thong Hai Hin and is the biggest site. Site 2 is at Hai Hin on Phou Salator, “Phou” in Lao means “Mountain”. End your tour at site 3 in Hai Hin Lat Khai. Site 3 is the most impressive with over 150 jars. Close to this site, you will visit Ban Xiengdi where there is a small monastery with Buddha images. On the way back, you will pass areas that were important battlefields during the American secret war. You can still see bomb craters from that time today.

Attention: The Plain of Jars has been heavily bombed during the war and you have to respect all the signs and stay along the defined trails due to bombs, UXO and landmines.

The Plain of Jars is a huge archaeological complex littered with mysterious 2000 years old stone jars sized from 70cm up to 3 or 4 meters. Their true origin remains a mystery. It seems that they were carved into boulders. Several researches lead by the French archaeologist Madeleine Colani in the 30’s suggested that they could be old graves, but to this day they remain an enigma.

In the afternoon, enjoy a half day trip to Muang Khoun. Muang Khoun one place in the old provincial capital that was not been destroyed by the American bombings during the secret war. Muang Khoun is home to unique sitting giant Buddha as well of some old pagodas that lies in ruins. The foundation and columns of Wat Pia Wat are still standing and close to this site, there is also an old 30m stupa constructed in the Lan Xang/Lanna period.

Return to Phonsavan.

Overnight in Phonsavan. (B,L)

Day 6: Luang Prabang

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After breakfast, we have time today to explore the site and some nearby villages, populated by the Hmong hill tribe and Tai Dam people. Even though living a poor life, they possess a vibrant local culture and an interesting history.

We leave Xieng Khuang and drive to Luang Prabang. Arrive at Luang Prabang by late afternoon.

Overnight in Luang Prabang. (B,L)

Day 7: Luang Prabang

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In the morning, we visit the Traditional Art and Ethnology Center to learn about Laos’ many ethnic cultures. Our next place to visit is Wat Xieng Thong. Built by King Setthathirath (1559), Wat Xieng Thong is the royal city's most important temple. Its multiple roofs sweep low to the ground and there's a stunning 'tree of life' mosaic set on its western exterior wall.

We then embark on the a leisure cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside, before reaching the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the local rice wine. Have lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, we visit the fascinating National Museum (Royal Palace). The National Museum in Luang Prabang, Laos, was built in 1904 during the French colonial era for King Sisavang Vong and his family. The site for the palace was chosen so that official visitors to Luang Prabang could disembark from their river voyages directly below the palace and be received there.

We continue our visit at Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham (often simply Wat Mai or Wat May) is a Buddhist temple or wat in Luang Prabang, Laos. It is the largest and most richly decorated of the temples in Luang Prabang. Built in the 18th century, it is near the Royal Palace Museum. An emerald Buddha statue sits inside the red-gold interior.

We'll visit either the UXO Visitor's Centre (UXO Museum is closed on Saturday & Sunday, we can visit peruse local crafts at Ock Pop Tok alternatively).

Next, we’ll explore the 16th century Wat Visoun, known for its enormous stupa and its collection of old gilded Buddhas.

We end the day’s tour on top of Mount Phousi in the city centre. Enjoy a sunset view of the gilded stupa as well as a panoramic view of the city and surrounding landscape.

Overnight in Luang Prabang. (B,L)

Day 8: Luang Prabang

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After breakfast, we drive to Living Land Lao Organic Farm at Phoung Van village. Upon arrival, your guide and the representative of the farm will brief about the historical and activity of the farm. After that it is your chance to experience the real activities and life of a Lao farmer. You will really have your hand on all the activities including ploughing, seeding, manuring, until reaping the harvest.  For sure you will know how hard to grow the rice. Last but not least, we will have a short visit to the vegetable garden and the guide will teach you how to realize many type of vegetable. It is really exciting to learn all those things for the first time.

Afternoon, we drive to the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfall where you can splash around in the pools or walk along the forest paths. Before coming back to Luang Prabang, we still have time to visit Kuang Si Falls Butterflies Park, newly opened January 2014, it is now one of the must-see spots in Luang Prabang. We return to the city.

Spend your leisure time in the city until we transfer you to airport for flight to Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi. (B,L)

Day 9: Hanoi

[car]Morning, you will start the tour by visiting Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Ho Chi Minh Museum. Enjoy the architectural and historical aspects of Uncle Ho’s final resting-palace. Just next door is Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts where he used to live in the past. Lying to one side of the Mausoleum is the One Pillar Pagoda, built by King Ly Thai To in 1049 the structure has become an important symbol for the people of Hanoi. Continue to visit the Temple of Literature (Quoc Tu Giam) – Vietnam’s first University constructed in 1070. Its gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam’s past. Have lunch at a local restaurant. Proceed to visit the Ethnology Museum. After that we will take you to Hoan Kiem Lake, see the peaceful water, and visit Ngoc Son Temple. Take an hour cyclo tour around the bustling old quarter to see the ordinary life in Hanoi. Read more about these attractions / Watch video At 18.00, Back to your hotel. It’s your free time now to have dinner and a short while to explore the streets of Hanoi. Stay overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

Day 10: Halong bay

[boat]Around 8.00am, Our guide Pick you up at your hotel and go to Halong bay on a shuttle bus. Take a rest at Humanity center and enjoy local specialties after 2h. Arrival in Halong at 11.45. The captain and crew welcome you aboard. Savor the delicious lunch as boat pass through thousands of Islands and Islets with different shapes. After the lunch, explore the biggest and the most amazing cave in Halong Bay - Surprise Cave. Then Kayaking for an hour around the fishing village and discover the life of community there. Then back to boat for Sunset Party, get to calm, clean water place for swimming. Enjoy delicious and romantic dinner with some barbecue courses. In the evening, free time for entertainment with the funny plays such as squid fishing, karaoke program, stars watching on sundeck… Spend romantic night aboard. Stay overnight on boat in Halong bay.

Day 11: Halong bay

[boat]In the morning, breakfast, fruits, coffee and tea are served on board. Cruise further and stop-over at a pearl farm to sea real peace cultivated by local fisherman. After that, we continue cruising further, go throught many islands and islets to discover the hidden charm of the bay. Join a cooking class opened right on the cruise for all the people are interested in cooking, especially cooking Vietnamese food. Cruise back to the prier while having lunch. Say goodbye to the crew and disembark. Get on bus to go back to Hanoi. Arrival in Hanoi around 04.30pm. Stay overnight in Hanoi.

Day 12: Hanoi / Departure

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Breakfast at hotel. Your leisure time in Hanoi to explore the city on your own until we transfer you to airport for your departure flight.

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