PRIVATE ASIA TOUR EXPERT

The Best Vietnam Laos Tour for the First-time Travelers

Traveling from the bustling Ho Chi Minh City to Laos’ capital Vientiane within 18 days, you will have an unforgettable travel experience including the colorful cultures of local people, the scenic countryside of Mekong Delta, superb sceneries of Halong Bay, the breathtaking scenery of Vang Vieng, and the charm of Luang Prabang with various ancient temples.
Travel Route: Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta - Hoi An - Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hanoi - Luang Prabang - Phonsavan - Vang Vieng - Vientaine
Day: 18
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

Enjoy City Sightseeing Tours in the Major Cities

Visit the essentials in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Luang Prabang and Vientiane to get general ideas about Laos and Vietnam, the two graceful and atmospheric countries in Southeast Asia.

Step back in Time in Hoi An Old Town

Spend days in Hoi An Ancient Town to visit the exquisite architecture and experience the unique culture of the former international trading port of Vietnam, which is influenced by Chinese, Japanese, and European culture for centuries.

Enjoy the Unique Karst Landscape of Halong Bay

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

Explore the Mysterious UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Plain of Jars

Visit the plain in Xieng Khuang that is dotted with huge giant limestone jars that for centuries no one knew what they were used for.

Visit the stunning mountain town of Vang Vieng

Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Vang Vieng while explore various featured caves and do kayaking along the Nam Song river.

Arts and Ethnology Centre
Vang Vieng
Hoi An Old Towm

Tour Itinerary

 
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City Arrival
Welcome to Vietnam!
Upon arrival, our guide will meet you at Tan Son Nhat International Airport and take you to your hotel.
Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City
Today, 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 3: Side Trip to the Mekong Delta
Today, you will take a full-day trip to the Mekong Delta. After breakfast, you will first take a drive to My Tho, the gateway of the Mekong Delta to visit a distinctive Vinh Trang Temple.
Then, you will head to My Tho and transfer into a motor boat for a cruise along the Mekong River. You will enjoy the landscape of the Mekong Delta and visit a local family on a small island to see how the local’s life is and taste the fresh fruits, honey tea, and honey wine with the family.
After your Mekong Delta tour, you will get back to Ho Chi Minh City.
Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Vinh Trang is a Buddhist temple near My Tho.
Day 4: Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An
After breakfast, you will get to Hoi An by taking a flight to Da Nang first. Your guide will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel in Hoi An.
Hoi An is the most atmospheric town in Vietnam. In the afternoon, you can get a close look at those historical architectures that were influenced by European, Chinese, and local Vietnamese cultures. 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 5: Hoi An Tour
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 6: Hoi An to Hanoi
Today you will transfer to Da Nang for the flight to Hanoi.
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 7: Hanoi
Today’s tour starts with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Museum, the tranquil Temple of Literature, and the Ethnology Museum to have a better understanding of this capital city as well as the country.
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 8: Hanoi to Halong Bay (L, D)
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 to swim or kayak as you like in the free time.
Stay overnight on a cruise in Halong Bay.
The stunning array of stalactites and stalagmites.
Day 9: Halong Bay to Hanoi (B)
In the morning, you can joining a T’ai Chi class on the deck of the Junk boat. The time before we leave is your free time. You can enjoy a refreshing morning swim or take one last look at the Halong Bay.
In the afternoon, you will get back to Hanoi. The rest of the day is for you to take a good rest or have a leisure walk around the city.
Stay overnight in Hanoi.
Join in a T’ai Chi class on the deck.
Day 10: Hanoi to Luang Prabang
Today, you are free until you take a flight from Hanoi to Luang Prabang, the most popular travel destination in Laos.
Upon arrival, our guide will meet you at Luang Prabang 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 Luang Prabang.
Day 11: 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 12: 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 Waterfall. 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 Waterfall.
Day 13: Luang Prabang to Phonsavan
Today, you will take a long time drive from Luang Prabang to Phonsavan, where the Plain of Jars is.
Upon arrival, your local guide will take you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you.
Stay overnight in Phonsavan.
Day 14: Day Trip to the Plain of Jars
After breakfast at the hotel, you will take a drive to the Plain of Jars, a UNESCO world heritage site in Xieng Khouang.
Together with Stonehenge in England, Easter Island in Chile, and the Stone Man Circle in South America, the plain of jars is known as one of the "Four Great Stone Mysteries of the World". You will be amazed to see a large number of limestone jars scattered on the plain. No one knows what they were used for. The mystery of these stone jars makes this rural area attractive to many tourists from all over the world.
After the tour, you will get back to the town.
Stay overnight in Phonsavan.
Plain of Jars, a UNESCO world heritage site in Xieng Khouang
Day 15: Phonsavan 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 6 hours to reach Vang Vieng by van from Vientiane.
Vientiane is a famous leisure tourist destination in Laos. The unique karst topography and caves along the Nam Xong River make it perfect for cave exploration and rafting. Also, the villages along the river are good places to relax.
After arriving in Vang Vieng, you will check in at the hotel and explore around on your own, or just take a break in the hotel.
Stay overnight in Vang Vieng.
Day 16: Vang Vieng to Vientiane
After breakfast in the morning, you will leave Vang Vieng and head to Vientiane, the capital of Laos.
After checking into the hotel, you could take a sightseeing tour of the surrounding areas to see the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge and visit Budda Park.
Later, you will enjoy a spectacular view of the sunset over the Mekong River.
Stay overnight in Vientiane.
lao-thai-friendship-bridge
Day 17: Vientiane Tour
Today, you will enjoy a Vientiane city tour to explore the highlights of this city, like Wat Si Saket, Wat Ho Prakeo, and That Luang Stupa. Also, you will see the Patuxay (also known as Lao Arc de Triomphe), the landmark of Vientiane.
In the afternoon, you will visit Wat Ong Tue, Wat Inpeng, and Wat Haisok, to see the rest essentials of Vientiane.
Later, you will return to the Mekong Riverside and enjoy the last night in Laos.
Stay overnight in Vientiane.
Wat Si Saket, the oldest temple in Laos.
Day 18: Vientiane Departure
Say goodbye to Laos.
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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