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A wide-ranging journey showcasing the best of Laos’ and Vietnam’s wonders, fascinating cultures and history, this 18-day trip offers a combination of guided excursions and free time to explore natures, beaches, ruins, urban culture, and awe-inspiring landscapes. Explore the city of Vientiane, Luang Prabang. Cruise the Mekong for a day or 2 and overnight on a boat cruise in Halong Bay. Enjoy the atmospheric imperial capital of Huế, and the charms of Hoi An to the modern day life of Ho Chi Minh, experience the energy of Vietnam and Laos in 18 jam-packed days.
Meal: n/a
Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane
Buddha Park
Back to the city center, we head to the religious museums of Wat Sisaket and Ho Prakeo. Wat Sisaket is the oldest temple to have survived the Siamese War of 1828 and its cloister contains more than 8000 Buddha statues. Ho Prakeo was the former home-temple of the Emerald Buddha statue, or Pra Keo, from the early Lane Xang Kingdom until the 18th century. Today it contains a collection of Buddha statues, antiques and artifacts found in Vientiane.
Wat Sisaket Temple
We then drive to That Luang Stupa, the single most important monument in Laos. This Stupa was built to cover the original, smaller stupa containing a piece of the breast bone of Buddha. That Luang is the largest stupa in Laos and serves as the main symbolic stupa for all of Laos. It’s also our national symbol, a gathering place for our national Buddhism ceremony, and recognized throughout the world.
We then head to Patouxay, sometimes called the Arch de Triumph of Vientiane. This landmark is not as old as the other landmarks we visit but provides an interesting insight into Lao’s more recent and turbulent history. Despite its more modern history this is still an important landmark for the people of Laos and serves an important role in many national celebrations.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane
Luang Prabang Town
You will start your first tour in Luang Prabang with a visit to Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a range of interesting artifacts. Our next stop is Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its golden bas-relief, which is one of the most beautiful temples in town.
In the late afternoon, we climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a panoramic sunset view of the city and the Mekong River.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang
Pak Ou cave
A short distance away from Pak Ou Caves we visit a village which has been making clay jars for centuries. These jars are then used to ferment Lao rice wine wine. Nowadays the tradition continues however the village now also specialises in producing a wide range of ‘Lau Lao’ Lao whisky and ‘Lau Hai’ Lao wine. Be sure to try just a little before we head of back down river to Luang Prabang in the late afternoon.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang
Kuang Si waterfall
As we continue onwards the trail leads through rice paddies and vegetable fields before reaching the mountainous forest. Along the way we explore a cave which was used as a bomb shelter by the local villagers during the second Indochina War.
After visiting the cave we continue trekking to one of the many springs which feeds Kuang Si waterfalls, where we can see a beautiful pool full of sacred fish. After descending from the top of the waterfall we enjoy a Lao style lunch amongst some beautiful settings!
A local villager
After lunch we will relax by the waterfall with plenty of time for swimming and taking pictures of the magnificent falls and the turquoise pools.
Before leaving Kuang Si Waterfalls we will pass through a rescue and refuge centre for bears saved from the illegal wildlife trade. On our way back to Luang Prabang we will also have the opportunity to visit Lao’s only buffalo dairy and try some of their buffalo cheese. We will then drive back to Luang Prabang. Arrive the hotel in late afternoon.
Meal: Breakfast/Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang
Hanoi Old Quarter
Your local guide will give you an insight into the intricacies and traditions of Vietnamese food culture including details on ingredients and historical backgrounds of popular northern dishes. We eat as we go, trying seasonal fruits and sampling a tasty French-inspired snack from a street cart.
Bun Cha
Walking through the maze of bustling streets that make up Hanoi’s Old Quarter, we tempt our tastebuds with the famed Hanoi dish Banh Cuon at a local eatery. Watch in awe as the skilled chefs demonstrate for you how this tasty dish is put together. Continuing into the atmospheric heart of the Old Quarter, we wander past street stalls and quiet residential lanes where you can observe local life that has changed little since Hanoi was founded over 1000 years ago.
Banh Cuon
Our next two snack stops are at outdoor barbeque stalls. We sit down with the Hanoi locals and sample various meat, vegetable and bread specialties that are flame grilled over hot coals for extra flavour. It’s then time for dessert as we venture down a small alley to join in the local tradition of feasting on fresh fruit served in a cup and smothered with crushed iced and condensed milk – this speciality is one not to be missed!
Egg Coffee
Your local guide will then take you to one of Hanoi’s best kept secrets, a hidden street food restaurant to taste top ten street foods in Hanoi is Banh My Hanoi, Vietnamese Rice Wine and famous Egg Coffee. This hard-to-find café is one of the few left in the narrow street inside the old quarter of Hanoi. Or, if coffee is not your style, a cold beer awaits! At the end of the trip you are free to continue exploring the area or your guide will assist you back to your hotel.
Meal: Breakfast/Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Hanoi City
Leaving the President’s complex, we continue to visit the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu). Although several Van Mieu can be found throughout Vietnam, the most prominent and famous is that situated in the city of Hanoi, and was functioned as Vietnam’s first university.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Halong Bay
13h00: Lunch is served while cruising through the bay
15h30: Visit exciting Cua Van fishing village. The village is free of busy roads and streets, electric lights, houses and high rise buildings. Instead, there are only herds of little boats and rafts. You will have the chance to discover the traditional culture and customs of the fishermen.
16h30: Enjoy kayaking or swimming (if the weather permits).
17h00: Back on board and continue cruising.
19h00: Dinner is served.
21h00: Take some leisure time to enjoy chatting at the bar or enjoy some night fishing.
Note*: the itinerary and activities on board would vary depending on the boat you choose. Please see the choice of boat in Hotel Inclusions.
Meal: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Halong bay cruises
Sunset in Halong Bay
09h00: Check out and enjoy a fantastic cruise on the bay, passing Dinh Huong Island, fishing villages, Ga Choi Island, Dog Island and Sail Island.
09.30: Buffet brunch (breakfast/lunch) while cruising back through Halong Bay to the pier
11h30: Arrive at the pier. Time to say goodbye to the crew.
12.00: Return from Halong to Hanoi. Arrive Hanoi at about 17pm.
Airport transfer for late flight to Danang. Transfer to the hotel in Hoian upon arrival.
Note*: the itinerary and activities on board would vary depending on the boat you choose. Please see the choice of boat in Hotel Inclusions.
Meal: Breakfast/Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian
15.30 At your hotel, you meet our drivers, guide and classic vintage Piaggio Vespa. After a quick briefing, it’s time to jump on, click on your helmet and off we go! Listen to the sounds of this famous engine as you whir away on the start of your journey. First stop is a Vietnamese traditional cake: Banh Beo – a popular snack of Hoi An people. You will have a chance to talk and take photos with the owner of the shop.
Vespa Tour
16.30 After our first taster, we head across the Cua Dai bridge with its spectacular panoramic views of Hoi An and surrounds. We take a moment to stop for photos and stretch our legs before continuing the trip along little countryside laneways and alleys to the water coconut palm fringed Cam Thanh.
17.00 Afterwards, on our drive through the countryside, you’ll experience up close the resplendent beauty of the rice paddies, grazing buffalo, all of which are guaranteed to provide plenty of perfect photo opportunities.
17.45 Next, our team will ride and take you to a very old pagoda in Hoi An. The pagoda is a place for quiet reflection, listening to your heart, forgetting your troubles and enjoying the harmonious environment of the monastery. The sun is starting to set and the sky begins to change colour. We then take a lovely trip through the countryside and see farmers working on the rice paddies under the sun to Ha My beach and get to sample some of seafood in an atmospheric Vietnamese seafood restaurant, overlooking beach as the sun sets on Hoi An & enjoy a few cold beers.
19.30 To finish the night visit a local coffee shop for live music. Sit down and enjoy the romantic melody by local people in a cosy atmosphere. All will give you an experience of lifetime.
Meal: Breakfast/Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian
Hoian Ancient Town
Optional tour:
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian
In the afternoon, transfer to the station for day train to Hue. Enjoy scenic view of Hai Van Pass on the way.
Train through Hai Van Pass
Arrive Hue in late afternoon. Transfer to the hotel and enjoy free time.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue
Khai Dinh Tomb
In the afternoon: visit Royal Tombs of Minh Mang and Khai Dinh. We will also visit a Conical hat village and incense stick village. Then free time to explore Hue city.
Meal: Breakfast/Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue
Ho Chi Minh Post Office
Our city tour will help you to see the best of Ho Chi Minh. We visit the historic Reunification palace and War Remnants Museum, followed by the architectural treats of French colonial Notre Dame Cathedral and the post Office.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
Cu Chi Tunnels
Come back to Ho Chi Minh in early afternoon. Free to explore Ho Chi Minh and relax.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
You board your comfortable wooden Mekong Eyes cruise vessel around noon. After a refreshing welcome drink we show you our on-board facilities and your cosy cabin. As lunch is served, the Mekong Eyes Cruise starts cruising. Sit back and watch the fantastic scenery and the daily life of the Mekong people.
Le Cochinchine Cruise
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 Mekong Eyes Cruise will anchor for the night. The day ends with a delicious on-board dinner. You stay overnight on board your floating hotel in the Mekong Delta.
Meal: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Mekong Eyes/Le Cochinchine Cruise
A Mekong floating market
After breakfast, we will board a sampan boat to Cai Be or Cai Rang floating market, the region’s busiest and most lively markets. Marvel at the sheer abundance of exotic fruits, vegetables and skilfully handcrafted regional products. We will pull up to the boats for talking and bargaining with the merchants. We will also visit some of the local candy and cake making factories or boat through the green water landscape to see local houses, verdant orchards and ship-building yards.
Note*: The floating markets in the Mekong Delta are no tourist markets but wholesale markets where produce of the Mekong Delta like fruits and vegetables are traded. For this reason the number of boats on the market fluctuates depending on harvesting seasons and market demand. Furthermore, modern wholesale markets are becoming more popular in Vietnam. This can result in decreasing numbers of boats being present on the markets.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
Note*: late checkout is not included.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: n/a
Important Note*
Note*:
Note*: Once all flights have been issued, additional cancellation charge of US$590/person for the 4 included flights.
Note*: The rate for children applicable for one child sharing a twin or double cabin with two adults
Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call the travel consultant whom you deal with and then our hot line contact. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please send us a detailed message and contact information by email, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.
Our all travel consultants use WhatApps. Please ensure that you have the contact number. It's best to buy a local sim-card. Most hotels offer free wifi. So it's very easy to contact in urgent case.
Emergency contact numbers
Mr. Kelvin Do: +84 986759655
Ms. Thuy Pham: +84 984654964
If you book small group tour option, please note that the tour combines with our other tours. As such, the staff and/or particular vehicles operating your tour may change between tour segments. You may also expect some group members to join or leave the tour, between tour segments.
You can start the tour on any date (please contact our consultant in advance to avoid peak dates or holidays) and customize itinerary with extra days/activities at any destination.
If you book private tour for your group, we will use private cars, different stationed guides at each location. For some long routes (or Halong/Mekong cruise package), private car would be not necessary, and very expensive (unless you are a big group). We would suggest join bus transfer where possible then.
For all internal flights - if included, we would use any as Vietnamairlines, Vietjesair, Jestar, Cambodia Angkorair or Laos Airlines, depending on the itinerary. Most domestic flights in Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar, airlines would use small 70 seat ATR72 for short distances. Most airlines in Vietnam use the Airbus A321. 20kg for checkin luggage and 7kg for hand-bag is included in the price.
International flights pre/post tour must be booked by your self before travelling date.
Please do not buy gems unless you know what you are doing. Even if genuine you should not expect to be able to sell them at home. If you fall victim to a gem scam, we are unable to assist you.
Train travel in Vietnam is very basic and not at western standard. Sleeper trains normally have 4 seats per compartment, which convert into sleeping bunks (two upper and two lower). A sheet, pillow and blanket are provided. At times, passengers of different genders may be required to share a sleeper train berth and/or share a compartment with people not travelling in your group. For short distance - 3 hours (as Hue to Danang or vv), you will do the trip on soft/hard seat carriage.
Simple food is available on the train but many people like to stock up on freshly baked bread, cheese and fruit prior to departure. You should have meal and buy water before the journey.
Train journeys in Vietnam are an experience and allow you to get a real taste of Vietnam.
We would use different hotel categories and you can select any basing on your budget. So your travel companions would not stay at the your hotel. A Hotel Voucher will be provided once your tour is confirmed with all hotel details. In case suggested hotels are full, we would use others of similar standard/price.
Note*: if you want other hotels instead of our suggested ones, please contact us for details.
Yes, there is. Free wifi is available at all hotels in Vietnam.
Most of the cafe, hotel, Shop, Restaurants in Vietnam also provide free wifi.
Compare to other neighboring countries, Wifi access in Vietnam is so much convenient.
All airport transfers are included in the tour price. You should provide us your arrival/departure flight details and we will arrange things basing on the information. A meeting sign with your name and all flight details will be sent to you. Please be ready at the lobby at pointed time for pickup.
Driver/guide should always be present at the airport before your arrival time. If you could not find the driver, please contact your travel consultant who you deal with. For any reason that airport transfer could not be arranged, please take the taxi to the hotel. We will refund the money then.
Travel insurance is not included in our tour price. When travelling with us, you are suggested to buy insurance that covers all medical coverage, cancellation, personal liability, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travelers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelry at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Be aware that petty theft can be an issue in some towns and cities especially late at night. A common tactic is opportunists on motorbikes that drive by and snatch bags. Please always leave valuables and passports etc in your hotel in safety boxes if available and only carry with you enough cash to spend for the day. Bags should always be carried over the neck and not left to sit on your shoulder.
Conservative Dress
Note*: Please pack clothing for the season in which you will be travelling. From Dec-Feb weather can be cold, so please pack warm clothing. From May-Nov it is the wet season, so please bring waterproof clothing.
Documents
It is customary in Asia to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected - though not compulsory - and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $3-$5 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service.
Indochina Countries use 220V, and a mixture of flat 2-pin, round 2-pin or 3 pin plugs. It is recommended to bring a universal plug adapter.
Please note that visas for Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos are the responsibility of the individual traveler. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. For the most up to date information please check your Governments Foreign Ministry website or with you travel agent as rules do change.
CAMBODIA - Visas can be obtained at the Cambodian border or Siem Reap Airport for approx. $35 USD very easily. Please have *at least* 2 passport photos with you as well.
VIETNAM - As of March 2017, a select 80 nationalities are now eligible to enter Vietnam with an E-Visa. Please contact your Foreign Ministry or Vietnamese consulate to see if your nationality is eligible. Please note that you should ONLY apply for a Vietnam E-Visa if you are entering Vietnam by international airport - either Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi) or Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City).
If you are entering Vietnam by land border, please apply for a regular visa for Vietnam. Many of the land borders we travel through do not accept the Vietnam E-Visa. Please view this link to apply E-Visa: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/web/guest/trang-chu-ttdt
We will help you apply an approval letter for visa on arrival if you enter Vietnam through international airports. You will have to pay for stamping fees to the custom at the airport.
LAOS - Visas are issued upon arrival in Laos. You will need two passport size photographs and approx $35. Tourists are generally admitted to Laos for 15 days with a visa on arrival or for 30 days with a visa issued at a Lao embassy. Please bring visa photos with you.
Please be aware that you will require four clean pages (minimum) in your passport and at least six months validity.
Excellent professional and reliable tour company Just returned from 16 day Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos tour with this company. Excellent prompt attention, excellent hotes, transfers, guides. Not one slip or problem. Anna was very conscientious and always attentive an trying to answer our needs. Would recommend this company.
Excellent professional and reliable tour company Just returned from 16 day Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos tour with this company. Excellent prompt attention, excellent hotes, transfers, guides. Not one slip or problem. Anna was very conscientious and always attentive an trying to answer our needs. Would recommend this company.
Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos Anna did a great job organizing our complete trip. 3 week private tour, excellent value. Three airfares included and wonderful accommodation.
Outstanding trip and service Kelvin and his team did an outstanding job putting together a 12 day private tour to Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia for my husband and me. And while we traveled, Kelvin was always available to answer questions or help make... read more
Reliable Travel company - Professional Staff ! We booked our 3 weeks holiday to Vietnam and Cambodia with Indochintreks. All have been handled well as planned. Starting from Siem Reap, we took the boat trip down Mekong river to Saigon, flew to Hue, spend few days relaxing... read more
Cambodia-Vietnam; Exellent experience We booked at trip to tour Siem Reap and a one week criuse on the Mekong river from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Min City. Kelvin provided excellent services and was very responsive through the whole planning/booking process. Once we... read more
| Cities | 3* Hotels | 4* hotels | 5* Hotels |
| Hanoi | Hanoian Central Hotel & Spa | Golden Silk Boutique | Oriental Jade |
| Sapa | Sapa Panorama Hotel | Sapa Amazing Hotel | Victoria Resort |
| Halong Bay Cruise | Swan Cruise | La Regina Cruise | Sealife Legend |
| Ninh Binh | Tam Coc Friendly homestay | Lalita Boutique Hotel | |
| Hue | Hue Orchid hotel | Hue Eldora | Imperial Hotel |
| Hoian | Kim Ann Hoi An | Vinh Hung Riverside | Victoria Hoian Resort |
| Ho Chi Minh | Queen Ann Hotel | Alagon D'Antique hotel & Spa | Renaissance Riverside |
| Phnom Penh | Saravoan Royal Palace | Harmony Phnom Penh Hotel | Shokha Phnom Penh |
| Siem Reap | Angkor Holiday Hotel | Somadevi Angkor | Shokha Angkor |
Note*:
Depending on your budget, you can choose a suitable hotel category
Early checking/late checkout are not included and you can change the to any other hotels and room type if required. Additional charge/discount will be made accordingly
The list of hotels are used for our all tour itineraries which may includes Cambodia
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