Highlight Of Laos And Vietnam

Day 1 : Luang Prabang Arrival

You will be met by our staff and transferred to your hotel. 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. You'll visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrines of Wat Aham and Wat Mai. We then climb up to the top of Mount Phousi to explore the sacred, gilded stupa as well as capture a beautiful view of the city and the Mekong River at sunset. From there, you visit the Night Market, where you can browse through a lovely selection of handmade textiles.

You stay overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 2 : Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Cave (B)

An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning alms giving ritual to saffron clad monks. This tradition is unique to Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving this procession.

After breakfast, you are going to enjoy a short-guided tour of the city's oldest temple, Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong, where you can see the impressive "tree of life" mosaic set in colored glass. You then board an upstream cruise on the Mekong River, which gives you a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside. You'll make sure to stop at the Pak Ou Caves, sanctuaries consisting of two large caverns, both repositories for thousands of Buddha images.

You will also stop at a few villages during the day, including Ban Xanghai where the local rice wine is produced. On the way back, you pass by a few more local villages and see the royal temple at Wat Longkhoun.

You stay overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 3 : Luang Prabang – Khouangsi Waterfalls (B)

You start your day with a visit to the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre, where you are able to observe valuable artifacts and traditional clothing and implements from each of the 20 ethnic minority groups which inhabit the Luang Prabang area.

Later in the morning you go to Phosi Market, which has an eclectic selection of foodstuffs and souvenirs. Afterwards, you are heading out to visit some ethnic minority villages and see how these colorful people live.

You then drive to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfalls, where you can swim in the turquoise pools or walk along forest paths. You continue to Ban Xang Khong and Ban Xieng Lek - small villages well known for silk weavings and Saa (jute) Papermaking, and return to the city by late evening to observe the sunset at Wat Phabath.

You stay overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 4 : Luang Prabang – Hanoi - Hanoi city tour (B)

After breakfast, you transfer to the airport for the flight to Hanoi capital, Vietnam.

Upon arrival, you start to visit Temple of Literature – the first university of Vietnam, founded by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong and the beautiful bridge on Sword lake. You also have a chance to enjoy a water Puppet Show, and a cyclo ride around the Old Quarter.

You check in your hotel and stay overnight in Hanoi.

Day 5 : Hanoi - Halong Bay Cruise & stay overnight on Board (B, L, D)

After breakfast at the hotel, you are departing for one of the most magnificent scenic destinations in the world, Halong Bay. Halong Bay covers 577 square miles filled with more than 3,000 limestone "peaks" or karsts that jut from the deep blue water as far as the eye can see;

Upon arrival, you are going to get on a Junk cruising around Ha Long Bay with a delicious local seafood lunch, passing Dog island, Incense Urn island, Ga Choi island, Finger island, Hoa Cuong Island and Surprise Cave and enjoy short swimming at Titov beach (if weather is nice enough).

You have a nice dinner on board and enjoy the night fishing. You have a memorable overnight stay on board.

Day 6 : Halong Bay – Hanoi (B)

Rising to the sound of lapping bay water, you can enjoy an early morning dip followed by breakfast. Sitting on the upper deck, you can relax while taking in the breath-taking beauty of the rocky islands rising from the emerald water of the bay. After breakfast, you are going to explore Sung Sot cave, swim and relax. You then cruise back to the jetty while brunch is served. Along the way you will see more of the fascinating formations.

Cruise check-out. You come back Hanoi. You do the hotel check-in at 3:00 p.m. You have free time to go sightseeing in the Old Quarter. You stay overnight in Hanoi.

Day 7 : Hanoi Departure (B)

You have the morning free to relax before you get to the airport for your home flight with memorable days with 3959 Miles Experience.