14 Days
Vietnam & Laos Passion
From £1.999
START: 
Hanoi, Vietnam END: Luang Prabang , Laos
Vietnam & Laos in One Unforgettable Journey
14 Days / 13 Nights
Sapa’s rice terraces, Halong Bay at sunrise, the monks’ alms ceremony in Luang Prabang… every day delivered something unforgettable. We loved the mix of iconic highlights and hidden gems.
The Ultimate Indochina Adventure
This 14‑day Vietnam & Laos expedition is crafted for travellers who want more than a holiday—they want a story worth telling.
From the buzzing streets of Hanoi to the terraced highlands of Sapa, from the limestone giants of Halong Bay to the golden stupas of Vientiane, and finally the serene spiritual heart of Luang Prabang, this journey blends culture, nature, cuisine, and adventure into a seamless, soul‑stirring experience.
Hanoi – City Tour – Lao Cai – Sapa – Local Villages (Lao Chai, Ta Van) – Bac Ha Market – Lao Cai – Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Halong Bay – Hanoi – Vientiane – City Tour – Buddha Park – Train to Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Cave – Kuang Si Waterfall – Luang Prabang
The itinerary can be flexible, based on your arrival flight schedule.
Prices displayed are based on a single person in a 4-star hotel. You can downgrade to 3* or upgrade to 5* hotel, or get discounts for couple or groups.
Our tour prices include accommodation in shared Twin/ Double/ Triple room with air-conditioning (AC) and private bathroom, meals as stated in the programme (B= breakfast, L= lunch, D= dinner), transfers and tours with local English-speaking guides in private/ joining air-conditioned vehicles, all entrance fees as mentioned in the programme, 2 bottles of mineral water on bus per day, available on the vehicles.
Not included in the price:
- Personal Travel Insurance
- Personal Expenses
- Optional Activities
Also, International Flights and Domestic Flights are not included. (For domestic flights, the fare is about £50 each)
Please check our page for flight deals. Book early to get the best discounts.
Itinerary
You’ll wander through ethnic minority villages, cycle through rice fields in Ninh Binh, cruise the Mekong to the sacred Pak Ou Caves, swim beneath the turquoise cascades of Kuang Si Waterfall, and witness the timeless dawn ritual of Tak Bat, the monks’ alms‑giving ceremony.
Day 1 : Hanoi - Arrival
All guests are warmly welcomed upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport by our local guide then transfer to check in the hotel (Standard check in time: 14:00 local time). Free for your own activities. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.
Day 2 : Hanoi – City Tour (B/L)
After breakfast, a full-day exploration of Hanoi begins. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (note: closed in the afternoon; closed on Mondays, Fridays, and throughout June to August), and his former residence, including the Humble House on Stilts, the historic One-Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university established more than 1,000 years ago.
Continue to Thang Long Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally built on a Chinese fortress from the 7th century and reconstructed in the 11th century under the Ly Dynasty, the Citadel showcases a unique blend of cultural influences from northern China and the southern Champa Kingdom.
In the afternoon, visit the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, built on an island in the 19th century. Once called Ngoc Son Pagoda, it was later renamed Ngoc Son Temple, dedicated to revered saints and national heroes, including Saint Van Xuong, one of Vietnam’s most respected literary figures.
Afterwards, take a leisurely one-hour cyclo ride through Hanoi’s charming Old Quarter. Wander through bustling streets that still bear the names of the traditional guilds and trades dating back to the 15th–18th centuries.
In the evening, enjoy a traditional Water Puppet Show, a unique Vietnamese art form that originated in the Red River Delta during the 10th century. Farmers once performed this captivating art during festivals and harvests, passing down the skill within families. Puppeteers stand waist-deep in water behind a bamboo curtain, skillfully bringing wooden puppets to life on the water’s surface.
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before transferring to a 3-star hotel near the station for refreshment and rest.
Around 21:00 hrs you will be transferred to Hanoi Railway Station. Overnight train trip to Lao Cai in superior 4-berth compartments sharing with other passengers. Train departs at approximately 22:00 hrs (Guide not accompanying during the train journey)
Notes: Train schedule is subject to change. Private compartments on request at a surcharge. Train journeys are part of a great local experience. Cabins are shared with other local passengers (unless a private cabin is requested and all berths paid for – with a supplement). Restrooms at either end of the carriages complete the local experience.
Day 3 : Lao Cai – Sapa – Lao Chai – Tavan – Sapa (B/L)
Early morning (approximately 06:30 hrs) arrival at Lao Cai, the border town to Yunnan, China. The journey starts with a 38 km drive on winding roads up the mountains to Sapa, located approx. 1,500 m above sea level. On clear days you can see the highest mountain of Vietnam, the Fansipan.
After early check-in hotel & short rest, drive from Sapa downtown to Lao Chai village. Views of the Muong Hoa Valley and the magnificent surroundings of mountains and rice terrace fields can be seen from this road. Along the road, people from many ethnic minority groups (H’mong, Zay, and Red Dao) are likely to be met, and there are stalls along the way that serve tea, fruits and sweets. Soon after turning off the main road and taking a local path, we will arrive in the Black H’mong village of Lao Chai, where you will experience the daily life of the villagers.
Continue walking from Lao Chai to Ta Van village, where the Zay hill tribes live. Here you take a rest and enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by your local guide in a local house. After lunch, continue walking to the meeting point for your transfer back to Sapa town.
The rest of the day is leisurely. Discover Sapa town on your own, its bustling market, the colourful dresses of ethnic people, tea and coffee shops as well as the local life in this mountain town.
Overnight at the hotel in Sapa.
Why book with us:
- Local travel experts in Vietnam
- Hand‑picked experiences
- No hidden costs
- 24/7 support during your trip
Sapa
Day 4 : Sapa – Bac Ha Market (Only open on Sundays) – Sapa (B/L)
Upon arrival, visit Bac Ha Market, the largest and most colorful ethnic market in the region. The market is held every Sunday and attracts ethnic groups such as the Flower Hmong, Dao, Tay, and Nung, dressed in traditional costumes.
Wander through lively stalls showcasing local produce, handmade crafts, livestock, and traditional food and drinks, each offering an authentic glimpse into highland life and culture.
After exploring the market, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, visit a nearby ethnic minority village to learn more about local daily life and traditions, then return to Sapa in the late afternoon.
Day 5 : Sapa – Lao Chai – (Train to) Hanoi (B)
Spend the morning enjoying your final moments in the refreshing mountain air of Sapa, perhaps take a short walk around town or visit the local market.
Later, transfer to Lao Cai Railway Station for your overnight train journey back to Hanoi at around 12:05 (noon) (shared sleeping compartments, sharing with other passengers in 2 lower & 2 upper berths per compartment).
Notes: Train schedule is subject to change. Private compartments on request at a surcharge. Train journeys are part of a great local experience. Cabins are shared with other local passengers (unless a private cabin is requested and all berths paid for – with a supplement). Restrooms at either end of the carriages complete the local experience.
19:40 Upon arrival at Hanoi Railway Station, our local guide will be waiting for you outside the arrival hall to transfer you to the hotel for check-in.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Cooking Class: Pho
You can also take a refreshing swim in the pool at the local house. Let the tranquillity of the area help you unwind and recharge.
Then transfer back to Hanoi for overnight.
Day 6 : Hanoi – Ninh Binh – E-Bike Discovery Tour (B/L)
Depart from Hanoi and travel south to Ninh Binh, often referred to as “Ha Long Bay on land” for its majestic limestone mountains and tranquil rivers.
12 PM – Gather at the starting point
12:15-1:30 PM – Experience a typical home‑cooked meal with a local family. Pick fresh vegetables from the garden, take part in the meal preparation, and learn about traditional Vietnamese dining.
1:50 PM – Visit Thai Vi Temple, a hidden gem in the rice fields with its peaceful atmosphere
2:30 PM – Cycle along small backroads to the famous Bich Dong Pagoda, set dramatically against limestone cliffs
3:30 PM – Head to Hai Nham for a 40-minute boat ride
3:40 PM – Experience a relaxing tea ceremony on the boat, surrounded by calm waters and green scenery
4:30 PM – Cycle back through peaceful countryside landscapes
5:00 PM – Return to the meeting point with unforgettable memories
In the late afternoon, return to Hanoi and relax.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Hanoi - One Pillar Pagoda
Day 7 : Hanoi – Halong Bay - Overnight Cruise (B/L/D)
Hanoi to Halong Bay (160 km): 3.0hrs
After breakfast, depart Hanoi for a scenic 3-hour drive to Halong Bay. Arrive at the jetty in Halong City around noon and complete the check-in formalities.
Board your cruise and enjoy a warm welcome, followed by lunch as the boat begins its journey into the bay. In the afternoon, take part in visits and activities according to the boat’s program, or simply relax and admire the stunning scenery.
As the day draws to a close, the boat anchors amidst the dramatic limestone karsts. Dinner will be served on board.
Overnight on the cruise in Halong Bay.
Day 8 : Halong Bay Cuise – Hanoi (B/L or Brunch)
Halong Bay to Hanoi (160 km): 3.0hrs
Wake up to the fresh morning air in the heart of Halong Bay as the sun rises over the limestone peaks. Breakfast is served on board (or brunch on some cruises) while the vessel leisurely cruises back through the magnificent rock formations towards the port.
Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi for check-in hotel. Overnight in Hanoi
Day 9 : Hanoi – Vientiane (B) (International Flight)
Free at your own leisure until transferring to Noi Bai International Airport for your international flight to Vientiane.
(Note: The int’l flight ticket is not included. The cost is approx. £100 + or – depending on the date)
Upon arrival at Wattay International Airport, Vientiane, transfer to your hotel in the city (early check-in subject to availability). The rest of the day is free for you to explore Vientiane at your own pace.
Overnight in Vientiane.
Vientiane Patuxay - Laos
Day 10 : Vientiane – City Tour – Buddha Park (B)
In the morning, visit Wat Si Muang, famous for its spiritual significance, before driving about 45 minutes to Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan), home to over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues.
Return to the city to visit COPE, a center highlighting the impact of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Laos and ongoing clearance efforts.
In the afternoon, explore That Luang, the most sacred monument in Laos, followed by a climb to the top of Patuxay for panoramic city views.
Continue along Lane Xang Avenue to visit Wat Sisaket and nearby Wat Phra Keo, now a religious museum.
End the day with a relaxing stroll along the Mekong River at sunset, with time to enjoy a drink or local snacks at your own expense.
Overnight in Vientiane.
Day 11 : Vientiane – (Train to) Luang Prabang – City Tour (B)
This morning, transfer to the train station for your train to Luang Prabang (approximately 2 hours).
Upon arrival, visit Wat Sene, the city’s oldest temple, and Wat Xieng Thong, a masterpiece of classical Lao architecture.
Continue to Heuan Chan Heritage House, a restored 19th-century aristocratic residence showcasing traditional Lao culture, textiles, and family life, with time to enjoy authentic Lao coffee or tea.
Next, visit the Royal Palace Museum, the former royal residence displaying historical artifacts from Luang Prabang’s past.
In the late afternoon, stop at Wat Prabath to enjoy sunset views.
Conclude the day with a visit to the Luang Prabang Night Market, offering handmade crafts and textiles from local and hill-tribe artisans.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 12 : Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Cave (B)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Enjoy a leisurely Mekong River cruise upstream, taking in views of the peaceful countryside before arriving at the Pak Ou Caves, a 16th-century cave sanctuary housing thousands of Buddha images set in limestone cliffs.
En route, stop at Ban Muang Keo, a village known for traditional Lao rice whisky production.
Return to Luang Prabang and visit Wat Visoun, the city’s oldest and holiest temple, followed by nearby Wat Aham and Wat That, where the ashes of King Sisavang Vong are enshrined.
Continue outside the city to Ban Xangkhong, a Thai Lue village famous for handicrafts, and Ban Xienglek, known for traditional Saa paper making.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Luang Prabang - Laos
Day 13 : Luang Prabang – Kuang Si Waterfall (B)
Wake up early to participate in Tak Bat, Laos’ sacred morning alms-giving ceremony dating back to the 14th century, as monks collect offerings from local residents.
Continue with a visit to the nearby morning market to observe daily local life.
After breakfast at the hotel, climb Mount Phousi (329 steps) for panoramic views over Luang Prabang and the Mekong River.
Then transfer to Kuang Si Waterfall, the largest waterfall in the area, featuring multi-tiered cascades and turquoise pools ideal for swimming.
You may also walk to Ban Thapene Village to explore lesser-visited hidden waterfalls.
A stop at the Bear Rescue Center is available if desired.
On the return journey, visit the Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center by the Mekong River to learn about traditional Lao textiles.
Transfer back to the hotel in the late afternoon.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 14 : Luang Prabang – Departure (B)
You are free to explore the town at your leisure before transferring for your departure flight.
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