13 Days — Vietnam & Laos Highlights

Explore the city's iconic landmarks, starting with French-influenced architectural sites. Learn about Vietnam's history at the War Remnants Museum and immerse yourself in the bustling Ben Thanh Market. Enjoy a delicious Vietnamese meal at a local restaurant, with all entrance fees, English-speaking guide and bottled water included.

Embark on a cultural journey to the Mekong Delta, experiencing vibrant local life. Taste tropical fruits, enjoy a Vietnamese lunch (vegan options available), and explore with an English-speaking guide. Transportation and travel insurance are included for a comfortable, immersive experience.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Da Nang (approx. 1.5 hours). Your guide drives you to the charming ancient town of Hoi An (45 minutes), a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its well-preserved architecture and lantern-lit streets. The rest of the day is free to relax or stroll the picturesque town.

Enjoy a leisurely morning, then depart for the lush Coconut Forest in Cam Thanh, stopping at Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village en route. Hop into a traditional basket boat to explore the scenic waterways, try net fishing, and enjoy a basket boat race. Continue to Hoi An's historic centre for a walking tour of 16th-century structures, assembly halls and temples, ending with the famous evening lantern glow.

Drive to Ba Na Hills (approx. 1.5 hours), ascending to the iconic Golden Bridge, held aloft by two colossal stone hands with breathtaking mountain views. Explore Ba Na Hills Resort, including the French Village and Fantasy Park. After lunch, return to Hoi An with an optional Vietnamese cooking class in the afternoon.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Hanoi, Vietnam's capital (approx. 1.5 hours). Check into your hotel and spend the afternoon exploring the Old Quarter, with its lively streets named after traditional trades.

Arrive at Tuan Chau Island for a welcome aboard and safety briefing before a 5-hour cruise on legendary Halong Bay. Visit Surprising Cave with its dramatic stalagmites and stalactites, enjoy optional kayaking or a bamboo boat in Luon Cave, then visit Titov Island to swim or climb Titov Peak for a panoramic bay view. Enjoy a Sunset Party cruising back to harbour before returning to Hanoi.

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Palace and Stilt House, followed by the unique One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university. After a Vietnamese lunch, discover Vietnam's ethnic communities at the Museum of Ethnology, stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, then enjoy a mesmerizing water puppet show.

Enjoy final free time for shopping or sightseeing before transferring to Noi Bai International Airport for your onward flight. Upon arrival at Vientiane Airport, you will be met by Laos Travel's guide and driver and transferred to your hotel. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure exploring the city or the Mekong riverside.

Discover Vientiane's landmarks — Wat Sisaket, Wat Phra Keo and Wat Si Muang — followed by Patuxai Victory Monument and Pha That Luang. Visit an orchid farm before the spectacular drive north to Vang Vieng, set among limestone karsts and emerald rice paddies.

Visit Tham Xang (Elephant Cave) and float through Tham Hoi (Snail Cave) on inflatable tubes, with a swim at Tham Nam (Water Cave). Following a picnic lunch, trek to a Hmong village through rice paddies, then kayak back to Vang Vieng down the Nam Song River, ending with sunset on the riverbank.

Enjoy breakfast before the journey back to Vientiane. Stop for lunch at Nam Ngum Reservoir with a boat trip to fishing communities, then visit Dongmarkhai Market. Transfer to Vientiane's Wattay International Airport for your onward flight.