Welcome to Laos! Upon arrival, meet by travel-to-nature Asia representative/guide and transfer to your hotel. Please look out for your name-card once you exit out of arrival area.

Situated in the centre of northern Laos, Luang Prabang is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding cultural, historic and architectural values and its harmonious relationship between the natural and built environment.

You are free to stroll around the city for your own first impression of this ancient city.

Accommodation: Grand Luang Prabang Hotel

After breakfast, you will first visit Royal Palace Museum, which was built in 1904 during the French colonial era for King Sisavang Vong and his family. We then embark on 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.

On arrival back in the city, we will visit magnificent Wat Xiengthong a superb piece of Lao temple architecture, which presents a sweeping two-tiered roof and ornate mosaics including a beautiful ‘tree of life ‘glass montage on the rear temple wall. Afterwards, we will visit the Traditional Art and Ethnology Center (closed on Monday) to learn about Laos’ many ethnic cultures. From there, we will transfer to visit Wat Prabath to admire the sunset; this is the really peaceful place to catch the last beauty of the day. The tour ends after a visit to the famous Night Market, where you can find a lovely collection of handmade textiles made by local and hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.

Accommodation: Grand Luang Prabang Hotel
Meal: Breakfast

Wake up as the sun rises, we will prepare to join the most sacred tradition of Laos, the daily morning alms giving, which dates to the 14th century. More than 200 Buddhist monks depart from various temple to gather their daily meal from the faithful residents sitting quietly on the streets.

From there, we will visit the temporary morning market near the former Royal Palace. Just set on the ground, the local people come here to barter their day’s catch from rice, to vegetable, to fish, or chicken. This is the best chance to experience the flavor of local life

After breakfast at the hotel, we ascend the 329 steps to the top of Phousi Hill for a panoramic view of the city and the Mekong River. From there, we drive to the Kuang Si Falls Butterfly Park (closed from 15 Apr – 30 Jun; 01-14 Sep, & 01 Jan every year), whose mission is to create a research centre studying and publishing about Laos butterflies, host plants and preservation.

This then takes us to to the beautiful Kuang Si waterfalls which is the biggest in the Luang Prabang area with three tiers leading to a 50-metre drop into spectacular azure pools before flowing downstream. The pools also make great swimming holes and are very popular with both tourists and locals. There is also the chance to walk to the nearby village of Ban Thapene, and explore the hidden waterfalls, which is rarely visited by other tourists

If you wish, we will also take a short visit to the Bear Rescue Center, which houses a couple of dozen animals rescued from the hands of poachers and traffickers. On the way back to Luang Prabang, we will take a short visit to the Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center, set serenely close to the Mekong, this beautiful, traditionally styled workshop, where weavers, spinners and batik makers produce top-quality fabrics, offers free tours every half-hour. This is also one of the best spots to admire the sunset in Luang Prabang

Accommodation: Grand Luang Prabang Hotel
Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast, we make our way over the mountains to Xieng Khuang, the province which is best-known for having been heavily bombed during Indochina War. But of course it is also famous for the historic Plain of Jars. The journey takes about 8 hours and we can make some stops at villages to observe the rural life of local people, including ethnic minorities such as the Hmong people. Our first stop is at Ban Kiew Nya for the panoramic view before continuing down to Ban Phoudam, where we can see the two hill tribe minorities of H’Mong and Khamu living in harmony. After that we visit the H’Mong market at the junction of Phoukhoun. From there, we will drive further to visit Tham Pra, which served as the hospital for the army during Indochina Wars. Arrival in Phonsavanh, the capital of Xiengkhouang province and check into your hotel. Overnight at hotel in town!

Accommodation: Vansana Hotel Plain of Jars
Meal: Breakfast

The “Plain of Jars” is an impressive archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are scattered all over a plateau. These huge jars are supposedly over 2,000 years old, but most of archaeologists still question their purpose. We have time today to explore the Plain of Jars site 1 and some nearby villages, populated by the Hmong hill tribe and Tai Dam people; they are very poor but possess a vibrant local culture and an interesting history.

We leave Xieng Khuang for our scenic drive to Vang Vieng, a small town, which is nestled on a bend of the Nam Song River. Its stunning scenery with its limestone outcrops remains unspoiled, despite recent developments with the advent of tourism.

From there, we will stop at the peak of Phou Phiengpha, which offers the panoramic view over the region. Our next photo stop is Phatang Mountain view point to admire the beautiful scenery before reaching Vang Vieng. Overnight in Vang Vieng.

Accommodation: Riverside Boutique Resort
Meal: Breakfast

In the morning, we will first stroll around the town to visit the local market to catch a glimpse of everyday life in a typical Lao rural area. After breakfast, we transfer to visit the cave of Tham Jang, which was used in the early 19th century in defense against the Chinese invaders.

After that, we head out of the city and make our way to Nam Ngum, a huge reservoir created by damming the Nam Ngum River. On the way, we’ll stop at a fish market in Ban Tha Heua where you can view the abundance of fish indigenous to Laos. On arrival at Nam Ngum Lake, we embark on a long tail boat enjoying a leisurely cruise on the lake and having lunch on boat. Along the way back, we will stop at Ban Keun, which is famous for its salt extraction plant and a village that distills the local Lao whiskey. From there, we drive further to Dong Makkhai Market, where various hill tribes come to trade goods and buy provisions. We arrive in Vientiane in time to catch the sunset. Overnight in Vientiane .

Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Vientiane Hotel
Meal: Breakfast

In the morning, we will first visit the major sights of the capital; including the oldest Wat Sisaket, the temple with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image.

On the way to Lao’s national icon, the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, we stop en route to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph.

Afterward transfer to airport for the flight to Hanoi. Arrival in airport Hanoi, you will picked up by your guide and transfer to hotel.

Accommodation: Golden Silk Boutique Hotel
Meal: Breakfast

In the morning you will depart Hanoi for a three and a half hour drive through the Red River Delta to Ha Long Bay City. On the way, you will stop for refreshments, and upon arriving in Halong City, you will take a tender transfer to your junk and set sail through the bay while lunch is served. As you cruise the magical bay, you will notice thousands of sculpted limestone islands rising from the waves like dragons’ teeth.

Later in the afternoon, you’ll visit a fishing village with the opportunity to interact with fishermen who have been living in the bay for almost three generations. Back on board, you’ll enjoy cocktails or a cooking class while watching the sunset, and later you can unwind at a restaurant with a lavish dinner. To end the day, you can enjoy some evening activities such as movie night, board games, or a beauty treatment, before an overnight stay on the junk.

Accommodation: Emperor Cruise
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After rising to the sound of the ocean coming to life, you’ll enjoy breakfast, take a Tai Chi class and watch the sunrise over the bay (if you choose to get up that early!) You will visit a beautiful limestone grotto, and then head back to the junk for a final glimpse of Halong Bay while cruising back to the dock. Disembarking at the Cruise Café Lounge, you’ll rejoin your private car for transfer back to Hanoi.

Visit Ngoc Son Temple and enjoy a water puppet performance.

Accommodation: Golden Silk Boutique Hotel
Meal: Breakfast

In the morning, you will transfer to the airport for a flight to Ho Chi Minh City (or Saigon).

In the afternoon, you will have a private tour of Ho Chi Minh City, the country’s commercial center and home to a growing number of upscale restaurants and shops. You’ll visit the Reunification Palace, the Opera House. If you desire, you can visit the powerful War Remnants Museum.

Later, explore outdoor markets and Dong Khoi Street, the city’s main shopping boulevard, with fashionable boutiques and accessories designed by up-and-coming Vietnamese designers. There are also hill tribe crafts, high quality linens and house wares to be found before you settle in for an overnight stay in HCMC.

Accommodation: Saigon Prince Hotel
Meal: Breakfast

We pick you up at your hotel in Saigon and will take you back there after your cruise. The drive to Cai Be takes about 2 hours, to Can Tho about 4 hours.

You board your comfortable river cruiser. After a refreshing welcome drink we show you our on-board facilities and your cosy cabin. As lunch is served, the boat starts cruising. Sit back and watch the fantastic scenery and the daily life of the Mekong Delta people.

In the afternoon you can disembark for a guided leisurely stroll through a village and the surrounding fruit orchards or rice fields. Meet the friendly locals and taste the local produce and fruits.

Get back on board and enjoy a drink at the bar or relax on deck as the sun sets over the magnificent water landscape of the Mekong river. The cruise boat will anchor for the night. The day ends with a delicious on-board dinner. You stay overnight on board on your compfortable river cruiser.

Accommodation: Le Cochinchine Cruise
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Tours start in Cai Be on even dates, in Can Tho on odd dates.

Wake up well rested to the sound of the river and get ready for another exciting day of sightseeing in the Mekong Delta. At 6.30 am the cruise vessel sets off for a sunrise cruise. Watch the locals go about their daily work drying exotic fruits and building ships on the wooden yards while enjoying an early breakfast.

After breakfast, we explore the canals of the Mekong Delta around Cai Be with a small sampan or by foot. After the excursion it is time to start the journey back to Saigon.
From Cai Be we travel by road transfer back to Saigon.

In Vinh Long you say good by to the Mekong Delta with a lunch break offering typical Mekong Delta dishes.

Accommodation: Saigon Prince Hotel
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

Drive to Phan Thiet for beach vacation, where endless white dream beaches await you. Spend a dream holiday among palm trees, sun and sea for next couple of nights. After check-in at the resort, the rest of the day is yours to swim and relax.

Accommodation: Coco Beach Resort
Meal: Breakfast

Day at leisure at Phan Thiet.

Today we spend relaxing at the beach, pool or spa. Optionally, we can take part in various excursions, such as a visit to the sand hills and the pink river or a trip to the Ham Tien coconut forest and much more.  For all adrenaline seekers, a wide variety of leisure sports activities are offered, such as surfing and kite surfing on the beach.

Accommodation: Coco Beach Resort
Meal: Breakfast

Transfer to Saigon international airport for your homeward-bound flight.

Meal: Breakfast