PRIVATE ASIA TOUR EXPERT

The Best Vietnam Laos Tour for the First-time Travelers

This 19-day Laos and Vietnam tour will take you to experience all the highlights of these charming destinations along the Mekong River.

Starting from Vientiane, you will explore the scenic valley of Vang Vieng, enjoy the peace of the old town of Luang Prabang, and experience stunning Vietnam from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh via popular tourist sites along the coastline.
Travel Route: Vientiane - Vang Vieng - Luang Prabang - Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hue - Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh City
Day: 19
Best for: First-timers
Tour Type: Escorted private tour with personal tour guide and vehicle
Why Travel with Us
We Live in this Country:
The specialist who designs this trip have lived in this country for several years, in some cases, born here. Our first-hand knowledge will help you have an authentic experience, making the most of your vaction.
Worry-Free Planning:
We guarantee 100% deposite refund during the pandemic, and provide 24/7 emergency service during the trip.

Highlights

Get the Panoramic View of Laos

Visit Vientiane, Vang Vieng, and Luang Prabang together to get the overall image of the kingdom of Laos.

Explore Vietnam from the North to the South

Start from Hanoi and travel south to Ho Chi Minh City via Hoi An ancient town on the east coast of Vietnam to get a full view of this charming land.

Cruise along the Mekong River

Take a boat trip along the Mekong River to explore the stunning caves and experience the village life and interesting floating markets.

Enjoy the Unique Karst Landscape of Halong Bay

Cruise on the turquoise sea to closely enjoy the stunning landscapes of the limestone peaks.

Trace back to the Glory of the Ancient Khmer Dynasty

Take a full-day trip to Angkor Wat to discover the mystery behind the ancient stone faces.

Vang Vieng
Wat Wisunarat Temple
Floating market of Cai Bei

Tour Itinerary

 
Day 1: Vientiane Arrival
Welcome to Vietnam!
Upon arrival, our guide will meet you at Vientiane Wattay International Airport and take you to your hotel. The rest of the day is for you to take a good rest or have a leisure walk around to have a glimpse of the city.
Stay overnight in Vientiane.
Day 2: Vientiane
Today, you will take a full-day trip in Vientiane. You will first go to visit the famous Wat Si Saket, which is the oldest temple in Vientiane. The temple was completed in 1818, and have a collection of more than 2,000 ceramic and silver Buddha images. Then travel to the spectacular Patuxai Monument, which is a large victory arch, marking the independence of Laos from French colonial rule.
After that, you will move on to Pha That Luang, a 45 meter high gold-covered Buddhist stupa and the national symbol of Laos. It is built in 16th century, and has a history of more than 450 years.
The final visit of the day will be the COPE Visitor Centre. Laos is one of the most heavily bombed countries in the world. And the COPE Visitor Centre teach visitors to Laos about the rehabilitation process for people injured by unexploded ordnance hidden in the Lao countryside.
Stay overnight in Vientiane.
Wat Si Saket, the oldest temple in Laos.
Day 3: Vientiane to Vang Vieng
In the morning we will pick you up and take you to Vang Vieng, a town in the north of Vientiane. It takes about 4 hours to reach Vang Vieng by van from Vientiane.
On the way, you will visit the traditional Hmong village at KM 52 and the archaeological site of Vang Xang, which was a Buddhist sanctuary during the 11th century. You will also visit the fishing village of Ban Houy Mo, and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
After arriving in Vang Vieng, you will enjoy a boat cruise along the Nam Xong River and get immersed in the beautiful scenery.
Stay overnight in Vang Vieng.
The archaeological site of Vang Xang
Day 4: Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang
Today’s tour starts with an exploration to Tham Jang Cave, one of the most famous caves in Vang Vieng.
Then, you will continue the journey to north to Luang Prabang. En route, you will visit Ban Huani Ngai village and experience the local village life.
Upon your arrival, you can have a good rest in the hotel.
Stay overnight in Luang Prabang.
Spectacular view of Tham Jang Cave
Day 5: Luang Prabang
Today you will spend a full day exploring the city of Luang Prabang. After breakfast, you will first visit the Royal Palace Museum, where you can see many interesting artifacts, such as traditional costumes, jewelry, ornaments, rare furniture, etc.
Then, you will visit Wat Xieng Thong, which is the most famous and beautiful temple in Luang Prabang. Built-in 1560, the temple is a distillation of the ancient temple architecture style. Here, you can appreciate the classical Laotian aesthetics up close, from the roofs sweeping low to the ground to the gold pillars carved with patterns.
After that, you will move on to the Wat Wisunarat Temple and Wat Aham with impressive stupas.
In the afternoon, you will head to the Arts and Ethnology Centre to learn more about Laos’ ethnic cultures and continue to visit the weaving villages of Ban Xiengkhong and Ban Xienglek.
Later, you will get back to the city and visit Wat Mai before climbing up Mount Phousi. You will be indulged in the sunset view of the city and the Mekong River.
At night, you can explore the Night Market, where you will find kinds of handmade textiles, homemade handicrafts, etc.
Stay overnight in Luang Prabang.
Royal Palace now is the National Museum in Luang Prabang.
Day 6: Luang Prabang
Before breakfast at the hotel, you will first partake in a Morning Alms (Sai Bat) on the street.
Then, after having breakfast, you will go to take a 2-hour boat trip along the Mekong River to the Pak Ou Cave. En route, you will not only enjoy the scenery along the Mekong River but also see how the locals lead their life at the riverside.
Later, you will explore the Pak Ou Cave, where a number of gold lacquered Buddha statues are.
The last site for today is Kuang Si Waterfalls. You can enjoy the natural scenery, take some exciting outdoor activities, or just relax in the park.
After the tour, you will be transferred back to the city.
Stay overnight in Luang Prabang.
The stunning natural scenery of Kuang Si Waterfalls.
Day 7: Luang Prabang to Hanoi
Today is free for you until you take the flight to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam.
Upon arrival, our guide will meet you at Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport and take you to your hotel. The rest of the day is for you to take a good rest or have a leisure walk around to have a glimpse of the city.
Stay overnight in Hanoi.
Day 8: Hanoi
Today’s tour starts with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum. Then, you will visit the tranquil Temple of Literature.
In the afternoon, you will visit the Ethnology Museum.
At the end of today’s tour, you will explore the Old Quarter, the bustling area of narrow open streets and alleys.
Stay overnight in Hanoi.
Temple of Literature is a Temple of Confucius in Hanoi.
Day 9: Hanoi to Halong Bay
After breakfast, you will transfer to Halong Bay, the spectacular World Heritage-listed site. You will board a traditional wooden junk boat and explore the jade waters studded with karst islands.
After lunch onboard, you will visit Trinh Nu Cave to see the stunning array of stalactites and stalagmites.
Then, you can go swimming or kayaking as you like in your free time.
Stay overnight on a cruise in Halong Bay.
The stunning array of stalactites and stalagmites.
Day 10: Halong Bay to Hue
In the morning, you can join in a T’ai Chi class on the deck of the Junk boat. The time before we leave for the train station is your free time. You can enjoy a refreshing morning swim or take one last look at Halong Bay.
In the afternoon, you will transfer to Hanoi train station and board the Reunification Express for the overnight train to Hue.
Stay overnight on the Train.
Join in a T’ai Chi class on the deck.
Day 11: Hue
Upon you arrive in Hue in the mid-morning, your local guide will pick you up at the train station and send you to your hotel to check in and leave your luggage.
In the afternoon, you will visit Tu Duc Tomb, a royal resting place for an emperor. Strolling in the garden, you will enjoy the perfect combination of characteristic architecture with local flavor and beautiful natural scenery. And then, you will visit Thien Mu Pagoda, the best-preserved religious monument in Hue.
Stay overnight in Hue.
Tu Duc Tomb, a royal resting place for an emperor.
Day 12: Hue to Hoi An via Da Nang
Today you will continue the journey to Hoi An via Da Nang. Driving through the beautiful peninsula of Lang Co, you can enjoy fantastic views over the South China Sea/Eastern Sea outside of Hue by passing through the Hai Van Pass.
Arriving in Da Nang at noon, you will have lunch here and visit Marble Mountain to explore the large caves which were used as hospitals by the Viet Cong during the war. Also, you will get stunning views over My Khe beach and the surrounding countryside.
Then, you will head to Hoi An, the most atmospheric town in Vietnam.
Stay overnight in Hoi An.
Hai Van Pass, the most wonderful pass in Vietnam.
Day 13: Hoi An
Today you will enjoy a full-day tour in Hoi An, the most atmospheric town in Vietnam. Strolling through the old town, you can get a close look at traditional Chinese, Japanese, and local Vietnamese architectures, experience the colorful local markets, and visit ancient temples.
You will visit the Chua Ong Pagoda, Chinese Assembly Hall, 200-year-old Tam Ky House, former merchants’ homes, and the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge. Also, you can visit the colorful local markets to experience the local’s life.
Stay overnight in Hoi An.
Hoi An is the most atmospheric town in Vietnam.
Day 14: Hoi An
Today you will enjoy some free time in this delightful old town. You can take a bike tour to the gorgeous surrounding countryside, or take up a cooking class in the town.
Insider Tips:
For more full-day or half-day tours in Hoi An, you can ask your travel consultant in advance.
Stay overnight in Hoi An.
Day 15: Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City
After breakfast, you will get to take a morning flight from Da Nang airport to Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon.
Upon arrival, your local guide will meet you at the airport and send you to your hotel to check in and leave your luggage.
Then, you will head to Dong Khoi Area to explore the highlights of Ho Chi Minh City. You will walk to the Opera House and the former Hotel de Ville, visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, and wander up to the War Remnants Museum to gain a glimpse of the war.
Your last sight for today is the Ben Thanh Market, where you can deeply feel the lifestyle of the old Saigon.
Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Notre Dame Cathedral is the top famous attractions in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 16: Ho Chi Minh City
In the morning, you will go to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, from which you can delve into Vietnam’s turbulent history from the previous century. You will see how the tunnel network works and get to walk into the underground tunnels yourself and feel the wartime atmosphere.
After the tour, you will get back to Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy the last night in Vietnam.
Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Cu Chi Tunnel is one of the popular attractions in Vietnam.
Day 17: Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta (Vinh Long)
Today, you will head to Vinh Long, a major transfer hub in the Mekong Delta, where you can experience island life.
Upon arrival, you will take a boat trip on the Mekong River to Cai Bei to see the interesting floating market. While passing many orchards, you could take a stop to see some small cottage industries such as rice paper and coconut candy, and get a chance to taste some local produce.
Tonight, you will sleep at a simple homestay guesthouse built in the style of a local house.
Stay overnight in Vinh Long.
The floating market of Cai Bei
Day 18: Vinh Long back to Ho Chi Minh City
Before getting back to Ho Chi Minh City, you will take a walk through the fruit orchards and cruise through the small canals by a traditional wooden sampan.
Then, you will take a drive back to Ho Chi Minh City. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the city on your own.
Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 19: Ho Chi Minh City Departure
Say goodbye to Vietnam!
You are free to arrange your time before taking the scheduled transfer to the airport.
Enquiry Now

Service Included

Private transfer and English-speaking tour guide
All entrance ticket fees for sightseeing listed in the itinerary
Flight and train tickets mentioned in the itinerary
Private van for land transportation
Meals as specified in the itinerary
Hotel accommodation
Governmental taxes

Service Excluded

International air tickets
Visa Handling fee, visa stamp fee
Meals as not listed in the itinerary
Tips and gratitude to the guide and driver
Surcharge for public holidays (if any)
Personal expenses, like laundry, phone call, snacks, soft drinks, etc.

Vietnam and Laos Travel Restriction

In an effort to restart tourism and help the local economy recover, both Vietnam and Laos have lowered COVID-19 travel restrictions.

Before entering Vietnam you will need to purchase travel insurance with COVID-19 full coverage and download and use the “PC-Covid Viet Nam” Mobile app in order to enter the country.

And while entering Laos, you need to provide a valid vaccination certificate or proof of a negative COVID-19 test (no more than 48 hours before arriving) and register it online with a health declaration form. Then, you will get a QR code to show on arrival.

We are well aware of the need for safety in traveling abroad in the post-pandemic era. We will provide you with one-to-one travel consultant service throughout the whole process to assist you in completing the visa application and proof of vaccination required by the destination quickly and safely. Professional local guides, drivers, and other services will escort your trip.

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Comfortable 4-star
Economy 3-star
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