LAO12 – Best of Laos and Vietnam – For Carol Kroger

Day 1: Vientiane (arrival)

On arrival at the Vientiane airport, you will be met and transferred to check in the hotel (early check-in upon availability) There is no activities planned for today, so you may stroll around for the first impression of this ancient city. Overnight in Vientiane.

• Overnight at hotel in Vientiane
• N/A

Day 2: Vientiane (city tour)

We begin our tour by visiting the serene Wat Sisaket, one of the most beautiful temples in the capital. Continue on to the nearby Wat Phra Keo. Used as a religious museum, Wat Phra Keo displays a collection of both Lao and Khmer works of art. Next, we visit COPE, an association working to help landmine victims. Lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, we stop at the Patuxay monument, Laos’ version of the Arc de Triomphe. Continue out visit at Pha That Luang, the holiest site in Laos. We drive out of the city to visit the Buddha Park which contains numerous religious images. Back to the city.

• Overnight at hotel in Vientiane
• B,L

Day 3: Vientiane → Vang Vieng

Morning, we drive to Vang Vieng. Upon arrival, check-in at hotel. Enjoying lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon, 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 visit the famous Tham Jang Cave, which was used by the local people as a refuge from Chinese invaders 200 years ago.
From there, we will drive further to Tham Nangfa or Angel Cave, which is filled by the huge limestone formations and has spectacular stalactites in various unique formations.

You have ample time to visit Blue Lagoon, which is a great spot to relax and cool off before transferring back to Vang Vieng.

• Overnight at hotel in Vang Vieng
• B,L

Day 4: Vang Vieng

After breakfast, our songthaew driver will take you 14 km north to the amazing Tham Xang (Elephant Cave), located on the banks of the Nam Song River. This important Buddhist temple is named for its remarkable limestone formations resembling elephants.
Next, we head to the nearby Tham Hoi (Snail Cave), which winds deep into the mountains. We’ll spend 45 minutes exploring its numerous long corridors and stunning limestone formations.
We will also explore the Loop Cave, known for its impressive stalagmite formations, before continuing on to Tham Nam (Water Cave). At Tham Nam, a cool spring pool lies at the cave’s mouth, making it a perfect spot for a refreshing swim. We’ll tube through the water-filled cave, which is crystal clear during the dry season.
After this, we trek 2 km to the Hmong village of Phathao, passing through rice paddies and vegetable gardens. Upon arrival, transportation will take us back to Vang Vieng.
Overnight in Vang Vieng.

Optional (not included): In the late afternoon, join a hot-air balloon ride over the mountains of Vang Vieng at sunset, admiring the beautiful surrounding nature. A surcharge of $135 per person applies (subject to change based on gas prices and/or tax policy changes). Check with our team for further information.

• Overnight at hotel in Vang Vieng
• B,L

Day 5: Vang Vieng → Luang Prabang

Morning, breakfast at hotel. Spend your leisure time to explore the city on your own.

We then transfer out to the train station to take the speed train to Luang Prabang (ABOUT 1 hour). Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in town.

• Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang.
• B,

Day 6: Luang Prabang (city tour)

Begin your day with a visit to a community-based rice farm near Luang Prabang, where you can participate in farming activities or observe from a traditional Lao rice house. Explore nearby artisan workshops and learn about traditional medicine in an organic garden. In the afternoon, visit the stunning Kuang Si waterfalls, perfect for swimming, followed by a stop at the Bear Rescue Center. End your day at the Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center, where artisans create high-quality fabrics, before returning to your hotel in Luang Prabang.

• Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang
• B,L

Day 7: Luang Prabang (boat trip)

After breakfast, visit the Royal Palace Museum, built in 1904 for King Sisavang Vong, then enjoy a leisurely cruise on the Mekong River to the Pak Ou Caves, filled with thousands of Buddha statues. Stop at Ban Xanghai village to sample local rice wine before returning to visit Wat Sene and Wat Xiengthong, known for its stunning architecture and mosaics. Explore Heuan Chan, a 19th-century mansion showcasing Lao culture, and enjoy authentic Lao coffee or tea. End the day with sunset views from Phousi Hill and a visit to the vibrant Night Market in Luang Prabang.

• Overnight at hotel in Luang Prabang
• B,L

Day 8: Luang Prabang → Hanoi

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Spend your leisure time in the city until we transfer you to airport for flight to Hanoi

• Overnight at hotel in Hanoi
• B,

Day 9: Hanoi (city tour)

Explore the Temple of Literature, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and discover the rich history of Vietnam’s first university. Walk around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, and visit the Ngoc Son Temple, perched on an island in the lake. Continue your exploration at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, which showcases the diverse ethnic groups of Vietnam through fascinating exhibits and artifacts.

Take a cyclo tour for sightseeing around the Old Quarter of Hanoi. Watch video.

• Overnight at hotel in Hanoi
• B,L

Day 10: Hanoi → Ha Long Bay

Morning, enjoy breakfast at hotel and depart for Halong Bay at approximately 8:00am.

Upon arrival in Halong Bay, we will board the vessel and partake in a delectable lunch. During the meal, we will cruise through thousands of stunning islands and islets. Following lunch, you may freshen up in your room before embarking on a visit to the Surprising Cave, kayaking, swimming, and other activities. Later, return to the vessel, get a drink and enjoy the picturesque sunset scenery in the bay. Halong photo.

• Overnight on cruise
• B,L,D

Day 11: Halong bay → Hanoi

In the morning, breakfast will be served on board. We will then proceed to cruise to a Pearl Farm village and continue exploring the enchanting Halong Bay, navigating through numerous captivating islands and islets.

During lunch on board, we will make our way back to the pier before transferring back to Hanoi.

• Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.
• B,L

Day 12: Hanoi (departure)

Morning, your breakfast at hotel.

Your leisure time until we transfer you to airport for flight back to your country.

• NA
• B,

End of service!