22 Days Vietnam and Laos Relax Tour

Meals: B

Today, you will be escorted to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. Discover these amazing systems developed by the guerrillas fighting in the Vietnam War. You'll have an opportunity to see the various weapons used in the war on display. Then learn about the innovative ways the guerrillas survived and fought back in the war. The impressive underground system they built remains to tell the story of the Vietnam War.

In the afternoon, see the highlights of Saigon and learn the history of these iconic landmarks.

You’ll explore some of the most important sights in Ho Chi Minh. Start by visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral. Constructed by French colonists during their settlement, discover its significance as the largest cathedral in Southeast Asia.

Across the road is the Old Saigon Post Office, a neoclassical architectural building considered one of the main attractions in the city. Visit the Reunification Palace, home of South Vietnam’s President during the war.

The next stop is Cholon, the Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh. Explore the thickly settled district rife with tea-houses and pagodas, and the famous Binh Tay Market.

Finish the afternoon with a visit to the Emperor Jade Pagoda. Also known as the Tortoise Pagoda, this figurine-filled place of worship is considered by many to be Saigon's finest.

Overnight in Saigon.

Meals: B

In the morning, our guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel and transfer about 136km to Vinh Long, a riverside town located in the Mekong Delta.

Upon arrival, enjoy a boat cruise to the Cai Be floating market with sellers and buyers bargaining and exchanging goods from their boats, and then go to Binh Hoa Phuoc Islet where the maze o shady creeks will surely fascinate you. You will have a chance to mingle with local peasants, learn the secrets of their bonsai gardening. You will pay a visit to local homes where the families produce tiles and ceramics, drop into rice-paper kiln and coconut-candy kiln, and observe daily country life.

In the afternoon, we will drive to Can Tho and check-in hotel. In the evening, wandering around the night market will be recommended for you.

Overnight in Can Tho.

Flight: Domestic flight will be on GTT arrangement and include in Quotation

Meals: B

Rise early in the morning for breakfast at your hotel where your private guide and driver will meet you to escort you to the pier of Can Tho for an adventure on the river. Your motorboat and captain will greet you and help you onboard. You'll be taken to the largest floating market in Can Tho where local farmers bring their bulk products for sale.

After that, we will drive back to Saigon for your flight to Nha Trang. Upon arrival, you will be escorted to the hotel and help you check-in.

Overnight in Nha Trang.

Meals: B

Today, our driver and guide will pick you up at the hotel. You will depart to visit Po Nagar Cham Towers. It is a complex of temples erected approximately before 781 A.D. This complicated site belonged to the medieval principality of Khauthara, a small country near modern Nha Trang. The Po Nagar Towers are now situated on a mountain called Cu Lao, in downtown Nha Trang and next to Cai River. Optional mud bath in a special Spa (customer’s expense).

After that, you will visit Long Son Pagoda. This pagoda is situated on the foothill of Trai Thuy Mountain in the city of Nha Trang. The temple is famous for its large white Buddha image, which sits top the mountain crest and can be seen from anywhere in town.

Of course, no tour of Nha Trang is complete without a visit to the Dam Market, which dates from the early 1970s and is the local favorite for everything from clothes to dried seahorses to produce. This massive market is a must-see during your tour.

Overnight in Nha Trang.

Meal: B

In the morning, our guide and driver will pick you up at the hotel and move to the harbor, then the vessel will take you to 4 islands on Nha Trang Bay.

Firstly, you will move to visit Mun island. The sea surrounds Mun island is the first marine conservational area in Vietnam that protects 350 species of coral and marine creatures. It takes approximately four to five meters from the coast; you will be amazed while diving to watch colorful coral reefs as well as beautiful fishes and many other sea creatures. You may also see the coral in the glass-bottom boat.

Then, you will enjoy the excellent music program “Dance Of Sea” by our band’s performances that promise to bring you moments of relaxation and leisure. Next, you will join with us in the “Floating Bar Party” on Mot island; enjoy cocktails and fruits along with the music being harmony with small waves’ sound on the romantic blue sea.

After that, visiting Tranh beach. Here, you can rest, relax on the beautiful beach. You can also participate in water sports such as banana float, water motorbike, parachute pulled by boat (costs excluded). After visiting Tranh beach, you are able to enjoy the taste of the seasonal fruit on the vessel.

Finally, the vessel will go ashore at Mieu island to explore the mystery of Tri Nguyen Aquarium designed to look like a stranded mysterious pirate ship on the reef. The aquarium is located on the ship - which displays many strange species of coral and marine life. Outside the ship, it is Lo Thien aquarium where tourists can buy food to lure turtles and fish going out of the water.

Overnight in Nha Trang.

Meals: B

In the morning, transfer to airport for flight to Hoi An. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport. You will be escorted to Hoi An for hotel check-in.

In the afternoon, start to visit the Ancient Capital of Hoi An, which features the 16th-century port town in its preserved state. Visit the Museum of Trade Ceramics which houses art and pottery dating from the 1,500’s to the 1,700’s.

Continue your visit to the Chua Ong Pagoda, a temple from the 17th century featuring China's influence in the region. Enter the Ancient Town as the streets take on a magic of their own with old lanterns, French-style houses, intricately carved wooden doors and more Take a walk through the Old Tam Ky House to see it's imperial styles meshed with French overtures.

Move on to stroll along the river and see traditional boats and locals on bicycles passing by. You'll then approach the Japanese Covered Bridge which for centuries connected the Chinese and Japanese sides of town over the waterway. The old wooden structure has shown amazing resilience for more than 400 years.

At dusk, enjoy walking along the riverside as colorful lanterns light up the town.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Meal: B

This morning, we will head to Hoi An’s bustling market and experience the amazing and colorful sights as you stroll through the market with your guide, who'll introduce you to the ingredients used in Vietnamese cuisine.

Next, board the Red Bridge boat for a leisurely 30-minute cruise along the Hoi An River to the Red Bridge Cooking School. Along the way, enjoy photo ops of local life on this scenic river.

Upon arriving at the Red Bridge Cooking School, walk through its abundant herb garden and learn about the herbs that give Vietnam’s cuisine its distinctive flavors.

Then head to the school’s open-air riverside building, a beautiful and breezy location for your cooking class. The chefs demonstrate the preparation of each dish (see menu below) and help as you learn to prepare the dishes yourself.

To finish the day’s lesson, which takes about two hours, observe an introduction to Vietnamese plate decoration or food carving, which is truly an art in itself.

After the class, sit down and enjoy eating the delicious meal that you have made!

Overnight in Hoi An.

Meals: B

Enjoy some relaxing time in the morning until transfer to Hue in the afternoon. Hue, the ancient capital of Vietnam, it is well known for its historic monuments which have earned it a place in UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.

In the evening, you can enjoy a royal dinner in a royal residence with a descendant of the imperial family, it is an excellent opportunity for you to experience the imperial life in ancient time.

Overight in Hue.

Meals: B

Today's tour starts with a visit to the Perfume River, renowned for its natural scenery and numerous flowers which envelop its shores. Along the river, you'll view Vietnamese daily life up close. Take a boat ride along the river to the Tomb of Minh Mang, featuring gardens, many steps, and beautiful decorations.

Move on to visit Tu Doc, a complex with the private royal residence and a tomb that also houses the body of one of the wealthiest emperors in Vietnam. Legend has it that his body is buried with vast treasures in an inconspicuous place, which archaeologists have tried but failed to find. Visit the Khai Dinh Tomb, a more modern ornately decorated tomb.

Next, you are able to explore the Imperial City of Hue. With an area of 500ha and a system of three circles of ramparts, namely from outside to inside: Kinh Thanh Hue (Hue Capital Citadel), Hoang Thanh (Royal Citadel) and Tu Cam Thanh (Forbidden Citadel) and Khai Dinh Tomb, Hue Citadel is the result of the intermingling of many architectural trends: European and Asian, as well as ancient and modern.

After that, visit Tu Duc Tomb and Dong Ba market for shopping.

Overnight in Hue.

Flight: Domestic flight include in quotation and will be on GTT arrangement

Meals: B

Today, enjoying your free morning until transfer to airport for your flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, you guide will meet at airport and escort to your hotel for check in. The rest of the day is your own leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Meals: B

In the morning, your guide and driver will pick up at your hotel, start the tour to beautiful Tran Quoc Pagoda located on the shores of West Lake. This Pagoda is full of amazing Buddhist symbolism that visitors can learn more about.

Then, head to visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the final resting place of Vietnamese great father, President Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house, where he lived on and off from 1958 to 1969.

The next destination is One Pillar Pagoda, a group of structures consisting of a pagoda and a tower built in the middle of a square lake. Leave the pagoda for the Temple of Literature, which is the first college of Vietnam.

In the afternoon, you need to choose one of the city’s museums (History Museum or Ethnology Museum) to visit. After that, drive back to admire Hoan Kiem Lake with Ngoc Son Temple before taking cyclo tour through the Old Quarter, also known as the 36 streets, this bustling area of narrow streets is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. It’s a great place to explore in Hanoi.

Optional:
Later afternoon, you can watch a Water puppet show for one hour. It is a unique traditional performance of Vietnam.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Meals: B / L / D

After breakfast, travel to Halong Bay, one of the Wonders of the Orient (3 hr. drive). Your cruise across Halong Bay starts around noon on Tuan Chau Island at the doorstep of Vietnam's most fascinating wonder. As the boat sets sails, you will be greeted by the Paradise Crew and Cruise Manager who will aim throughout your stay at providing you with the highest standards of service for pure pleasure and utmost comfort onboard.

During the afternoon, discover some of the treasures spread across the Bay of the Descending Dragon: fascinating caves, pristine beaches, picturesque floating villages, fantastic rock formations rising up out of emerald water. While onboard, you can take advantage of the leisure of the Spa, Beauty & Massage services; surrounded by a stunning setting in motion, you can attend the chef's cooking demonstration and try your skills in the art of traditional Vietnamese cooking.

One of the highlights of your stay on board is the innovative and varied cuisine offered at Lunch and Dinner in the elegant dining-room, accompanied by a wide selection of wines and beverages from around the world.

Overnight in Halong Bay.

Flight: International flight include in quotation and will be on GTT arrangement

Meals: B

Wake up to Tai Chi exercises on the sun deck and continue cruising the bays. The breakfast buffet will be served in the restaurant, followed by a visit to the limestone grotto. Disembark in Halong City around noon and transfer to Vientiane.

Upon arrival in Vientiane, your private local guide from IndochinaTour.com will welcome you at the airport. And you will be escorted to your hotel in Vientiane city.

Overnight in Vientiane.

Meals: B

Voday, your guide will take you to visit the highlights of Vientiane. You will firstly get to know some more history of Laos by visiting the Royal Palace Museum. Then, go to visit Wat Si Saket which is the oldest surviving temple with thousands of Buddhist images. This tour will also take you to visit the symbolic site That Luang Stupa and Patuxai Monument.

In the afternoon, visit the Arts and Ethnology Centre to learn about Laos’ many ethnic cultures before heading out of town to see the weaving villages of Ban Xiengkhong and Ban Xienglek. Afterward, return to the city for a visit to Wat Mai.

Later, climb to the top of Mount Phousi to explore the sacred, gilded stupa and a sunset view of the city and the Mekong River.

Finally, visit the famous Night Market, where you’ll find handmade textiles made by local and hill tribe people living in the surroundings.

Overnight in Vientiane.

Meals: B

After breakfast, we will drive to Vang Vieng. We will see some breathtaking scenery en route as we pass through spectacular countryside towards the mountainous region. We make a stop along the way at Vang Xang, a famous archeological site dating back to the 11th century.

We will arrive at the final destination in the afternoon, Vang Vieng, which is nestled on a bend of the Nam Song River. On arrival at Vang Vieng, we cross the Nam Song River to Tham Jang caves and then enjoy a short trek through breathtaking mountain landscape to explore the Tam None Cave and some hill villages.

Today's tour ends with a superb panorama of the sunset reflecting over the Nam Song River.

Overnight in Vang Vieng.

Meals: B

After breakfast, we will head to Tham Phu Kham Cave, an improvised eco-water park in a scenic village close to Vang Vieng. Along the way, you have a chance to explore the local cultures by greeting the local villagers and learning about their daily lifestyle.

After arriving at your destination, observe sharp stalactites and stalagmites as you descend down steep walls to reach the largest hall of the cave, which holds the bronze statue of a reclining Buddha, with several other smaller Buddha images revered by locals. The green-blue waters of the lagoon outside the cave provide a beautiful relaxation spot. You can also try your hand at abseiling one of the water slides. You will have a picnic lunch enjoying the scenery. After spending the day at the caves and its surrounding areas, we make our return to the Vang Vieng town.

Overnight in Vang Vieng.

Meals: B

After breakfast at the hotel, we will continue our journey to Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang is located in northern Laos and has one of the most beautiful settings in southeast Asia.

This drive journey is about 5 hours. On the way, we will stop at a street market at Phahom Valley to experience the local trade.

Upon arrival in Luang Prabang, our guide will meet you up at the hotel and help you check in. The rest of the day is at leisure. You can head to climb Mount Phousi and enjoy the sunset over the Mekong River. Or wander around the city and the night market to discover the local life of Luang Prabang.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meals: B

Your full day city tour begins after breakfast, you will visit the Royal Palace Museum (closed on Tuesday), which hosts a range of interesting artifacts; See the city's oldest temple of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground and representing classical Laotian architecture; Visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham.

In the afternoon, head to visit the Arts and Ethnology Centre to learn about Laos’ many ethnic cultures before heading out of town to see the weaving villages of Ban Xiengkhong and Ban Xienglek. Later, return to the city for a visit to Wat Mai. Finally climb to the top of Mount Phousi to explore the sacred, gilded stupa and a sunset view of the city and the Mekong River.

At night, you will visit the famous Night Market, where you'll find handmade textiles made by local and hill tribe peoples living in the surroundings.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meals: B

Your memorable trip will start from partaking in an alms ritual in the morning, you will accept the blessing by monks who you give the alms. Have breakfast in the hotel and then, visit the Royal Palace Museum to learn some history of Laos. Continue to you will embark on a private boat for a 2 hours boat trip along the Mekong River to the Pak Ou Cave. During the boat trip, you will enjoy the beautiful scenery along the Mekong River and see the daily fishing life of local people in the riverside.

Then, go to visit the Pak Ou Cave which locates by the Mekong River. Here, you will discover a number of gold lacquered Buddha statues in the cave.

After that, you can have an excursion to Kuang Si Waterfalls, where you will enjoy the beautiful natural scenery, have fun in waterfalls and relax.

In the evening, you can wander around the city and the night market to discover the local life of Luang Prabang.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Meals: B

Today, the tour will bring you to experience the process of making rice at a Living Land Farm, a project that supports the local community through the cultivation of rice, vegetables, and herbs.

This organic project was started in response to destructive farming methods that persist elsewhere in Laos, and the farm sells produce to Luang Prabang restaurants and supports education for underprivileged children.

Start by helping out in fields where farmers plow, plant, and harvest without the aid of machinery. Roll up your pants and push up your sleeves as you get knee-deep in the mud to plant rice, or learn to steer a water buffalo to plow the field. Help out with picking the herbs, plucking vegetables, or husking the rice, or just enjoy the view from the shady verandah.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Flight: International flight on your own arrangement or upon request

Meals: B

Today, the guide will transfer you to the airport. Hope you have a nice trip home and look forward to traveling with you again!

Service End.