Day 1. Luang Prabang – Arrival – Half day city tour
Welcome to Laos!
Upon arrival at Luang Prabang international Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Luang Prabang has been claimed by UNESCO to be ‘the best preserved city in South East Asia’.
After check into the hotel, we visit The National Museum at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection of artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture throughout the ages. We then climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a panoramic view of the city at sunset. From there, we explore the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textile made by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Meals Included: Not included
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang
Day 2. Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Caves day tour (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, Find out firsthand why Luang Prabang is well-known for more than its gilded temples. We will make sure to visit 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.
From there, we board an upstream cruise on the Mekong River, which gives us a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside. We’ll make sure to stop at the Pak Ou Caves, sanctuaries consisting of two large caverns, both repositories for thousands of Buddha images. We will also stop at a few villages during the day, including Ban Muangkeo where the local rice wine is produced and Ban Xiengmene. We also have a chance to climb up to Wat Chomphet. Here you will have one of the best views of Luang Prabang from across the river.
Once back in Luang Prabang city we visit Ban Xang Khong and Ban Xieng Lek - small villages well known for silk weavings and Saa (jute) Papermaking. Overnight in Luang Prabang
Overnigth in Luang Prabang.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang
Day 3. Luang Prabang – Kuang Si waterfall - Flight to Hanoi – Free time (B)
Breakfast is served at your hotel.
After breakfast, we take a short visit to the Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center, set serenely close to the Mekong, this beautiful, traditionally styled workshop, where weavers, spinners and batik makers produce top-quality fabrics, offers free tours every half-hour.
Afterwards, we continue our excursion to the beautiful Kuang Sy Fall. En route, stop to visit some ethnic minority villages and see how these colorful people live. We then continue to the beautiful Kuangsy Waterfalls where you can swim in the turquoise pools or walk along forest paths.
We also have a short visit to Wat Phonphao on top of a small hill which has beautiful architecture and great view of the city from the top. Afterwards, transfer to the airport for your flight to Hanoi city.
Welcome to Vietnam!
Upon arrival at Noi Bai international Airport, meet our driver and we transfer to the city center. After making sure of your successful hotel check-in, they will be pleased to leave you free time for your leisure to recover after the long flight.
Meals are on your own.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Day 4. Hanoi - Hoa Lu - Trang An day tour (B/L)
Breakfast is served at your hotel.
8.00AM, meet our tour guide at your hotel lobby.
You will then embark on a journey south of about 100 kilometers to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of the Dinh and Le dynasties dating back to the 11th century. Having been eroded over the millennia, the dilapidated ruins have nearly been absorbed by the spectacular scenery creating a mystical atmosphere that will be sure to titillate your imagination.
Lunch is served at a local restaurant.
After lunch, you will continue to nearby Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its outstanding natural beauty and the scenic karst formations which contribute to its reputation as being the “Halong Bay on land.” Board a small boat and meander lazily down the peaceful river while passing through a series of caves. While enjoying the sounds of soaring birds overhead and paddling along the crystal-clear waters of the river will be sure to bring out the photographer in you.
Finally, we return to the pier, where your vehicle will be waiting for you and we transfer back to Hanoi city. Dinner is on your own.
Overnight in hanoi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Day 5. Hanoi - Halong – Lan Ha Bay – Sharing cruise trip (B/L/D)
Breakfast is served at your hotel.
8.00 - 08:30
You will be picked up at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter and transferred to Ha Long. Enjoy the landscape of Red River Delta on the way to Ha Long Bay.
11:30
Arriving at Lot 32 - Tuan Chau Marina – have check-in procedures at the waiting lounge.
You can take special tea at lounge by warm welcome.
12:15
Transfer to Orchid Cruises by a feeder boat. Welcome aboard, we'll have some welcome drinks and gather at the restaurant for a cruise briefing and some safety instructions.
13:00
Passengers will be taking lunch while we cruise and visit Ha Long Bay – Lan Ha Bay - one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature
14:15
We progress to Trung Trang cave by our bus on Cat Ba Island which is in the middle of Cat Ba National Park with Kim Giao Forest around the cave.
Trung Trang cave located in Trung Trang Valley, which is 15km away from the northwest of Cat Ba town. The cave is 300m long through the mountain, possessing a mysterious beauty due to the geological tectonics in million years along with many historical vestiges. The cave has many stalactites with different shapes that stimulate human imagination and amaze visitors.
17:30
Orchid Cruises enters a less populated area at Tra Bau – Lan Ha Bay. Enjoy a nice swim in the green, emerald water.
18:00
Onboard you may join a cooking demonstration and enjoy the Happy Hour (buy 1 get 1) at the bar while watching the view of the bay at sunset.
Option: Massage service available. Please book with our Cruise Manager directly.
19:15
Savor a fusion dinner made with the freshest ingredients in a sophisticated space with elegant French neoclassical style and traditional oriental touches.
21:00
It's time to admire the beauty of the night on the bay, our bar on the sundeck and in the restaurant welcomes you. You may want to try your luck with squid fishing, we also have chess and cards for you. Over night on board.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight on cruise
Day 6. Halong - Hanoi airport – Flight to Hue city (B/L)
06:30
It is a perfect time to refresh and indulge yourself in the peaceful beauty of the bay with a tai chi session on the sundeck. If you want to hunt for dawn, get up from 5:30 to 6:00 depending on the season, and consult our sailors.
07:00
We will have breakfast at the restaurant while continuing the cruise.
07:45
Kayaking activities in the Ao Ech area are held to discover the hidden charm of Ha Long - Lan Ha Bay
08:30 Orchid Cruises welcomes you back on board and it is time for checking out.
10:00
Enjoy a delightful brunch at our restaurant while cruising back.
11:30
Disembark Orchid Cruises at Tuan Chau Marina, say best wishes, and end your cruise with us. Then, we get on shuttle bus transfer to Hanoi city.
You will be dropped off at Aeon Mall Long Bien where our driver is waiting for you to transfer ahead to Noi Bai airport for your flight to Hue.
Upon arrival at airport, meet our driver and we transfer to your hotel for check in and relax. Dinner is on your own. Overnight in Hue.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch or Brunch on cruise
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue
Day 7. Hue – Sightseeing Day Tour (B/L)
Breakfast is served at your hotel.
After breakfast at hotel, we set out for the exploration of Hue's famous highlights, starting with a boat trip on Perfume River to reach the picturesque Thien Mu otherwise known as Heavenly Lady Pagoda. One of the most poignant displays here is the car belonging to a former monk, who in 1963, drove to Saigon and set himself alight to protest against the South Vietnamese regime and its treatment of Buddhists. We then disembark the boat for a visit the elaborate tomb of former emperor Tu Duc, which was built between 1864 and 1867 by 3000 soldiers and workers. It includes fifty monuments surrounded by a 1500m long wall covering. We then head back to Hue for your lunch. Lunch today is served at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, we visit Hue Imperial City, the last royal city of Vietnam with various beautiful structures including the Flag Tower, Ngo Mon Gate, Nine Dynastic Urns, Nine Holy Cannons, Thai Hoa Palace and the Forbidden City or Tu Cam Thanh. Built in the 19th century by the Nguyen dynasty, the City was home to the former Emperors of Vietnam from 1802 until 1945. We then do the walking and shopping in Dong Ba Market to enjoy the specialty of Hue city. Overnight at hotel in Hue.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue
Day 8. Hue – Hai Van Pass – Danang – Marble Mountains - Hoian ancient town tour (B)
Breakfast is served at your hotel.
After breakfast at hotel, we bid Hue farewell and continue our south bound journey to the old trading town of Hoian via Danang. Along the way, we will stop at Lang Co beach for coffee and refreshments. From here we head up to the Hai Van pass, stopping at the top to take in the stunning views north over Lang Co beach and south over Danang city. Then, we stop to visit Marble Mountains before going ahead to Hoian.
Lunch is on your own cost.
Upon arrival Hoian, we take a walking tour to Hoi An Ancient Town – an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. We start our day with the Japanese Covered Bridge – one of Vietnam’s most iconic attractions. Created by the Japanese living in Hoian in the 1590s as a way to reach the Chinese quarter across the water, the bridge is a beautiful historical piece of Japanese architecture. It would be a shortcoming without a visit to Tan Ky House - one of the many ancient houses that making up Hoian Ancient Town. Built two centuries ago with both Japanese and Chinese influences on architecture, this house has been preserved through seven generations. While walking, we will encounter pretty houses of Chinese merchants. Another must-see destination is Phuc Kiem Assembly Hall - an excellent work of architecture considered as a heritage of historical significance. Built in 1690, this Assembly Hall is in fact a temple dedicated to the sea goddess Thien Hau. Lunch and dinner are on your own arrangement. Overnight in Hoian.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian
Day 9. Hoian – Basket Boat Tour - Tra Que Herb village (B/L)
Breakfast is served at your hotel.
09.00 AM: Our local guide picks up you at the hotel lobby and we enjoy a countryside day tour.
Upon arrival in Cam Thanh fishing village, we take a short break in a local family before enjoying 45 minutes ride on Traditional Basket Boat (round boat) in the Water Coconut Palm Forest. Learn how to sail the basket boat.
Then, we continue to drive to Tra Que Organic Vegetable Village where a large variety of vegetable are produced for the local community. At the village, you will be shown the environmentally sustainable practices which the local villagers have used for centuries and is still being used extensively today.
Visit a local family and after a short, informative and fun cooking lesson, we sit down for a delicious lunch.
After lunch, we come back to your hotel for relax. Dinner is on your own cost. Overnight in Hoian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian
Day 10. Hoian – Danang airport – Flight to Ho Chi Minh city (B)
Breakfast is served at your hotel.
After breakfast, check out hotel and we transfer to airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh city. Lunch is on your own.
Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh, meet our driver and we transfer to your hotel. The rest of day you are free at leisure.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh
Day 11. Ho Chi Minh – Cu Chi tunnels – Half day city tour (B/L)
Breakfast is served at your hotel.
After breakfast, enjoy a 2-hour drive northwest of Sai Gon to the Cu Chi tunnels, through urbanized areas and a lush southern Vietnamese countryside. This tunnel complex was dug in 1948 for the guerrillas to hide from French air and ground sweeps. The tunnels also served as communication routes, food and weapon caches, and as hospitals and living quarters for guerrilla fighters throughout the American war. Visit the underground villages to better understand the tunnels’ history, life in the tunnels and the Vietnamese people’s resilience during combat.
Have lunch at local restaurant with Vietnamese cuisine.
In the afternoon, you will take Sai Gon city tour with: the outside of Opera House, The People's Committee building with no public access; the outside of Notre Dame Cathedral.
Next to it, we visit the Central Post Office influenced by Renaissance architecture; and the former Presidential Palace, headquarters of the Sai Gon Government during the American war. Then we will visit the War Remnants Museum, which primarily contains exhibits relating to the American phase of the Vietnam War. Then you are free for shopping at Ben Thanh market.
Dinner is on your own. Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh city.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh
Day 12. Ho Chi Minh city – Flight to Siem Reap – Tonle Sap Lake tour (B)
Breakfast is served at your hotel.
After breakfast, check out hotel and we transfer to airport for your flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Welcome to Cambodia!
Upon arrival at airport, meet our tour guide and we transfer to your hotel.
Then, we visit the Floating Village, take a ride by traditional wooden boat on Tonle Sap Lake to experience the human occupations at the edges of the lake is similarly distinctive – floating villages, towering stilled houses, huge fish traps, and an economy and way of life deeply intertwined with the lake, the fish, the wildlife and the cycles of rising and falling waters.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap
Day 13. Siem Reap – Angkor complex day tour (B)
Breakfast is served at your hotel.
Today, we visit Angkor Thom, the South Gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple, built from the late 12th century to the early 13th century by King Jayavarman VII and consists of 54 towers, the Royal Enclosure, the Phimeanakas, the Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King, then Visit Preah Khan temple, built by King Jayavarman VII dedicated to his father. It is a huge, highly exportable monastic complex, and served as a Buddhist monastery and school, engaging over 1000 monks. Afternoon, visit Ta Prohm, surrounded by jungle and followed by visit Angkor Wat, the largest temples in world and covers an area of 200 hectares and surrounded by moat and an exterior wall measuring 1300 meters x 1500 meters.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap
Day 14. Siem Reap – Departure (B)
Breakfast is served at your hotel.
Today you are free at leisure until time to transfer to the airport for a departure flight without a local expert guide. End of services! We thank you for choosing our services!
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Check out time at hotel is before 12.00PM
Tour Inclusion:
- Transportation with A/C as program
- Accommodation with daily breakfast
- Sharing 2 days 1 night cruise trip in Halong/ Lan Ha Bay
- Local English speaking guide as program
- Meals as stated in the itinerary
- All sightseeing tickets as program
- Tissues and water on coach
- Boat trip as per tour (if any)
Tour Exclusion:
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities (suggest 2-5 USD/pax/day for tour guide and driver)
- Travel insurance, personal insurance
- Beverage
- Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos Visa fee (if any)
- Domestic and international flight tickets (on request)
- Other services not mentioned above
- International flights & departure taxes (if any)
- Peak season or public holidays surcharge (if any)
