Best of Vietnam and Laos 14 days

Day 01: Ha Noi – Arrival 

On arrival at Ha Noi Airport, you are greeted by our guide and taken to your hotel by private transfer.

Ha Noi – The capital of Vietnam, also known that “The cradle of Vietnam’s culture”. Lies besides modern constructions are many hidden gems that still retain their charm and culture from thousands years ago.

Depending on your arrival flight schedule, you either have the opportunity to rest at your hotel if the room is available (please note the check-in time is at 14.00 pm), or take your own exploration of the town. Overnight in Ha Noi.

Day 02: Ha Noi – City discovery – night train to Lao Cai (B)

 Today, we start our exploration of Ha Noi, seeing the most notable landmark of Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (close on Mon. and Fri. and Oct. to Nov). This imposing marble and granite monument was built towards Ba Dinh Square. We follow the footpath to the One Pillar Pagoda rising from the center of a square lotus pond, ascending on a single pillar and resembling a blossoming lotus flower.

The next place will be the fascinating Ethnology Museum (closed Mondays), which is both a research center and a public museum exhibiting the ethnic groups of Vietnam. As an alternative to the Ethnology Museum, visit the highly acclaimed Hoa Lo Prison which was once known as “Ha Noi Hilton”

We continue the trip to the Temple of Literature & Vietnam’s first university, constructed in the 11th century, the gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam's past.

After that, visit Ha Noi’s Old Quarter also known as the ‘36 streets’. Take a walking tour through charming Hang Be Market and around Hoan Kiem Lake. This bustling area of narrow streets and alleys is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. It's a great place to explore with plenty of photo opportunities.

Dinner on your own before transfer to Ha Noi Central Station to take the night train to Lao Cai. Overnight on train.

Note: Local train is in basic condition, you will be shared with other passengers in 4berths carriage, air conditioned.

Day 03: Lao Cai - Sapa - Y Linh Ho - Lao Chai - Ta Van(B)|Hiking information: Around 8km on paved road

Upon arrival at Lao Cai Station, you transfer to a mini hotel for freshening up and breakfast.

Our guide and driver then will welcome you at the hotel and transfer to Sapa town. Leave luggage at hotel and start your hike through the most beautiful landscape of the Muong Hoa Valley, home to magnificent views of mountain terrain with high and steep rice terraces dotted with the houses of H’mong people to Y Linh Ho Village

From the main road, follow the hiking path down to Y Linh Ho Village, alongside Muong Hoa Valley. Capture panoramic views of wonderful rice terraces as far as the eye can see. Then hike along Muong Hoa Stream to Lao Chai Village, home to Black H’mong community, living mainly on rice cultivation in terraced fields. Stop wherever you please to interact with locals or take nice pictures of Muong Hoa Valley. Visit a H’mong family, chat with them about daily life, H’mong culture & lifestyle, while enjoying a local snack with a cup of tea or coffee.

Then the driver will take you back to your hotel in Sa Pa town.  In the late afternoon, you will be free at your own exploration of town. Overnight in Sapa.

Day 04: Sapa - Hike to Ban Khoang - Ta Giang Phinh - Sapa - Limousine bus to Ha Noi (B) 

| Hiking information: Around 4.5km on paved road

The morning day tour today will bring you to visit Ban Khoang & Ta Giang Phinh village, home to H’mong & Red Dzao people, with views of mountain terrain and rice terraces.

A short visit to Ban Khoang gives you an introduction to the Black H’mong & Red Dzao ethnic minorities.

Continue your drive to Ta Giang Phinh village, home to a H’mong community living mainly on rice cultivation in terraced fields on high terrain. Wander around the village, learn more about H’mong traditional customs and culture, and capture panoramic views of wonderful rice terraces as far as the eye can see. Stop wherever you please to interact with locals or shoot nice pictures of rice terraces.

Then the driver will take you back to your hotel in SaPa town. Free time till late afternoon.

After that, the limousine bus and driver will take you back to Ha Noi. Arrive to Hanoi in the late evening and overnight in Hanoii.

Day 5: Hanoi - Hoa Lu - Tam Coc – Ninh Binh (B)

Leaving Hanoi behind, we head out for a 2.5-hours drive through rural northern Vietnam to Ninh Binh Province, famous for amazing karst mountains, misty caves and historical relics. The beautiful rice fields and the area have earned the nickname of ‘Ha Long Bay on land’.

Upon arrival, visit Hoa Lu ancient capital, the heart of the first three centralized feudal states of Vietnam: the Dinh, Le, and Ly dynasties.

Then boarding the sampan for a 1.5-hour boat trip cruising over a small canal among the paddy fields for 1km, visiting Tam Coc- meaning three caves, was created by the river of Ngo Dong flowing through a mountain. A boat will take through these caves amid towering mountain views, via beautiful waterways lined with rice paddies.

After the boat landed, driven to the hotel for checking in. Free time on your own exploration of the town. Overnight in Tam Coc.

Day 06: Ninh Binh - Ha Long Bay (B)

After breakfast, depart to Ha Long Bay, one of the World Natural Heritages recognized by UNESCO with thousands of spectacular limestone islands rising from the clear, emerald sea in the Gulf of Tonkin.

Upon arrival, welcome aboard. Enjoy a welcome drink before check-in your cabin. While the boat is passing many rocky islets, caves, floating villages and beaches, a tasty lunch will be served on board with fresh seafood. Relax on the sundeck. Later on, the boat moves to a quiet area to dock for an overnight stay.

Lunch and dinner with Vietnamese food is served on board. Overnight stay on board.

Note: The itinerary of boats in Ha Long may change without prior notice depending on the situation.

Day 7: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi -  Fly to Luang Prabang (Brunch)

The boat cruises around Ha Long Bay, passing by many islets named by their shapes such as Dog, Incense Urn, Fighting Cock, Finger, etc. Breakfast or brunch is served while the boat then continues cruising towards the wharf.

After disembarkation, travel back to Hanoi city. Then go straight to Noi Bai airport (Hanoi) for the domestic flight to Luang Prabang.

Upon arrival to Luang Prabang, our guide and driver will be waiting and take you to the hotel for check in. 

Luang Prabang is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. The tranquility and charm of this town with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Laos. 

Free time after checking in hotel. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 8: Luang Prabang – Full day city tour (B)

Today, we spend a full day exploring the key highlights that make the elegant tranquility of the charming town of Luang Prabang. Visit the Royal Palace featuring the combination of the French beaux-arts styles and traditional Laos architecture. The palace is now turned to a National Museum (close every Tuesday) boating the precious collections of the Royal artifacts. Drive or enjoy a leisurely walk on through the peaceful tree-lined streets to admire some of Luang Prabang’s famous temples including Wat Xieng Thong, a great masterpiece of mosaics and carved wood featuring traditional Lao style; Wat Vitsoun, the most ancient temple of Luang Prabang, was built with simple architecture and housed the Prabang Buddhas ancient statues and steles.

In the afternoon, visit Wat Mai, one of the town's most sumptuous monasteries, famed for its classic Laos architectural style. 

Climb up to the top of Mount Phousi to explore the sacred, gilded stupa and admire the panoramic sunset view of the Mekong and Khan rivers as well as the mountain range. At the end of the day, opt to stroll around the Street Night Bazaar where you can find the various handicraft collections.

Day 9: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou – Kuang Si waterfall (B)

This morning, get onboard a traditional long-tail boat to discover the famous Pak Ou Caves. Sitting at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ou Rivers, these twin caves are carved into the surrounding limestone cliffs, filled with hundreds of ancient Buddha images and statues.

Upon arrival, start exploring the magical cave systems: the lower cave houses a photogenic group of Buddha statues, silhouetted against the stunning riverine backdrop, the upper cave is a 7-minute climb up steps surrounded by lush trees. You will notice Buddhas in every position, every era of life, and every size line the cave walls and understand a sacred religious practice that depicts the devotion and commitment of Laotian to Buddhism. 

This afternoon, enjoy a scenic 1-hour drive south of Luang Prabang, to visit the Kuang Si waterfall, one of Luang Prabang’s most picturesque sights with a multi-tiered cascade of pale turquoise blue water flowing from the thick jungle above into perfectly sculpted limestone pools below.  Follow the unpaved trail as it gradually climbs through the forest to reach different levels of natural blue pools, some are shallow and one central pool has a rope swing. 

Take a leisurely hike through the natural park past the Asian Bear Rescue Center, housing 23 Asiatic Bears that were rescued from poachers

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 10: Luang Prabang - Vang Vieng (B)

Morning departure for a scenic 4-hour drive to Vang Vieng, home to caves of all sizes and varieties just waiting to be explored. Stop along the way visiting a local school at Ban Huay Sala, and local villages of H’Mong and Khmu hill-tribes. You will have photo opportunities to capture the stunning scenery at Phatang  mountain and to enjoy the panoramic view at the highest peak of the area, which is more than 2000 meter high.

This afternoon, visit the famous cave of Tham Jang which owes its name to a remarkable limestone formation and lies on the banks of the Nam Song River.

The cave was remarkable for sheltering villagers during the Chinese Haw invasion in the 19th century, and again during Laos’ civil war

Embark on a private local long-tail boat, and set out on a relaxing and insightful cruise on Nam Song River. Have your camera ready to capture the beautiful landscape created by rivers and mountains when the sunlight fades. Overnight in Vang Vieng. 

Day 11: Vang Vieng - Xieng Khouang (B)

Heading out of the town, we travel by road to the enigmatic “Plain of Jars”, an impressive archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are littered all over the plateau. These huge jars carved from stone are supposedly over 2,000 years old, but most archaeologists are still mystified about their purpose. There are three sites of jars in place, but more interesting is the premier site where numerous jars in different sizes spread across the entire valley.  We visit one of them before we take a short drive to Muang Khoun, the original capital city of Xieng Khouang. This old town was almost  obliterated by the American  bombing between 1964 and 1973, therefore it was moved to Phonsavanh. Upon arrival in Muang Khoun we have a look at That Foun, an impressive 30 meter tall stupa made of brick with a hole right through  the round shape base. The major attraction of this demolished town is Wat Piawat  where sits in state a large robed Buddha. We visit  this temple  before we set off on  our journey to Xieng Khouang, driving the zigzag mountain road. We arrive in Vang Vieng by late afternoon or early evening depending on road and traffic conditions. Overnight in Xieng Khouang.

Day 12: Xieng Khouang – Vientiane (B)

Today we can get up early to see this stunning scenery  before we  begin exploring some mysterious caves hidden beyond the towering cliffs in Vang Vieng. The local transport takes to the amazing Tham Jang Cave set by the Nam Song River bank. This remarkable cave, housing an important Buddhist shrine, has been named by a  limestone shape  inside. We head to the nearby Tham Hoi Cave, of which the interior goes spirally deep into the mountains, giving an impression of snail. We follow it with the Loop Cave that is naturally adorned with stalagmite formations. The footpaths go along the mountain sides towards the gorgeous Tham Nam Cave.  We  have time to enjoy a leisurely  swim at a nearby pool and glide through the water tunnel.  We take a walk to Phatthao Village where we meet the Hmong ethnic minority and get a chance to understand  a little more about the style and customs of local villagers. We round off our exploration of Vang Vieng and make our way to Vientiane, the capital city of Laos.

Overnight in Vientiane.

Day 13: Vientiane – City discovery (B)

Spend this pleasant day exploring some of Vientiane‘s highlight. We visit  Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple in Vientiane. This beautiful structure features remarkable frescoes and cloister wall where are laying almost 7,000 Buddha statues in all sizes. Nearby is the former royal temple of Haw Pha Kaew, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. 

We continue visiting the Patouxai, a version of own Arc de Triomphe. This imposing structure stands in Lane Xang Avenue and provides a beautiful view over the town center. The current national symbol of Laos That Luang Stupa which is  the  most venerable Buddhist monument. The golden stupa  of this structure was  built in Laos style but influenced by Buddhist beliefs

We follow it with a walk around the vibrant Morning Market, a flagship shopping destination in Vientiane. The market interior is crammed with shopping malls that sell everything from medicinal herbs, electronics equipment, silver jewelry, hand make  silks to everyday sundries.

Finish the day by enjoying a walk along the Mekong riverbank, a good place to enjoy drinks and explore the authentic local way of life.

Overnight in Vientiane.

Day 14: Vientiane - Departure (B)

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy your free time at leisure before being transferred to the airport for the onward flight.

List of our hotels:

The hotels offered by Horizon Vietnam Travel are classified from 02 to 05 stars at the international standard, and comfortable with all the required services.

+ Standard Category: 2 stars. The rooms are correct, clean, and equipped with a bathroom, satellite television, and air conditioning.

+ Superior category 3 stars. The rooms are generally spacious, and the services and facilities are more numerous.

+ First class category: 4 stars. The rooms are luxurious and spacious and have a wide choice of quality services.

+ Deluxe Category: 4-5 stars. Hotels are of excellent comfort and have a wide range of excellent services. (swimming pool, spa, jacuzzi…).

+ On the other hand, we have developed fair tourism, through contact with the local population, the possibility of sleeping with the locals and sharing their daily life. The conditions of these accommodations that we offer you are well insured and with the best possible conditions.

Our services include:

• Private transportation with air-conditioned vehicle
• Accommodation in the planned hotels or similar in the program with daily breakfast as mentioned 
• Meals are provided in local restaurants of typical Vietnamese cuisine (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner included)
• The English-speaking guide for each city.
• All entry fees to tourist sites
• All the permission to enter the tourist areas
• Boat tours as described in the program
• 02 bottles of mineral water of 0,5 (l)/person/day
• Other services as mentioned in the program (bicycle, boat trip, etc...)
• All fees for all other services as clearly described in the program above.

Our services exclude:

• Airfare on all domestic and international flights (quote separately)
• Drinks and surcharge for special requests on foods and meals
• Entrance fees, guide service during free time & other personal expenses
• Surcharge for public holidays (if any)
• Surcharge for other language-speaking tour guides (upon request)
• Travel insurance 
• Vietnam visa stamping fees 
• All other services are not stated in the program.

More information:

Horizon Vietnam Travel gives you an estimated price per person on our website for the group of six people in low season with standard 2 and 3-star hotels.

The price of this trip varies according to the services chosen (category of accommodation, activities during the trip,...), the tourist seasonality of the year (Christmas and end of year holiday, Lunar New Year holiday in Vietnam), the booking delays and especially the number of participants of your group you wish to travel with.

Please note that Horizon Vietnam Travel only organizes private "tailor-made" trips for groups from 2 persons. We generally propose an offer including all the services on the spot from your arrival until your departure.

Depending on your wishes and your budget, this tour can be adapted and modified in terms of duration, content and departure date.

HORIZON VIETNAM TRAVEL calculates its prices as closely as possible in order to guarantee you the best price/quality ratio.

Our advice: the earlier you book, the better your chances of getting good rates, especially for air services, think about it!

Note: The price of international flights is not included in this estimate.

Please note that this tour is only a first draft and you can also customize it according to your wishes. We remain at your disposal to build your trip perfectly to your expectations and your budget

To obtain a detailed and personalized estimate, please contact us to request an estimate.