Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City Arrival (B)
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City – Fly to Pakse – Khong Island (B)
Day 3: Khong Island – Khone Island & Surroundings (B)
Day 4: Khong Island – Pakse – Fly to Vientiane (B)
Day 5: Vientiane City Tour – Train to Vang Vieng (B)
Day 6: Vang Vieng – Tham Jang Cave – Blue Lagoon – Train to Luang Prabang (B)
Day 7: Luang Prabang – Khoang Si – Sunset Cruise Dinner (B, D)
Day 8: Luang Prabang – City Tour – Connecting Flight to Danang, Hoi An (B)
Day 9: Hoi An – Free Time (B)
Day 10: Hoi An – Walking Tour – Marble Mountain – Danang (B)
Day 11: Danang – Bana Hills with Golden Bridge (B, L)
Day 12: Danang – Hue – City Tour (B, L)
Day 13: Hue – City Tour – Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (B)
Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City & Cu Chi Tunnels (B, L)
Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City Departure (B)
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City Arrival (B)
Upon arrival in Tan Son Nhat, meet your local guide then transfer to your city hotel for check-in and relaxation. The rest of the day is for you to spend at your own leisure. Explore the bustling nightlife of the city that never sleeps of Vietnam, you can enjoy the night market with food stalls opening till as late as 3 am. Discover why this was deemed the national busiest city!
Today is included the early check-in based on your arrival time.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City – Fly to Pakse – Khong Island (B)
After breakfast, we will be free until your driver arrives to take you to Noi Bai Airport for your flight to Pakse.
Upon arrival at airport, meet tour guide, transfer Khong Island which is quite relaxing in the day while pretty at night. Rest of the day is in your hands.
Overnight in Khong Island
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Khong Island – Khone Island & Surroundings (B)
Following breakfast, we enjoy a visit to the surrounding countryside, and embark on a local boat tour to Don Khone, where we disembark and have the option of exploring the island by bicycle, which takes you to visit the remains of the French period and Liphi Waterfall or "the Corridor of the Devil". We also have chance to visit Don Det, a small Island nearby Don Khone.
We return to the mainland at the fishing village of Ban Nakasang and drive further south to visit Khone Phapheng. Khone Phapheng is considered the largest waterfall by volume in South East Asia; this is a really impressive site near the Lao-Cambodian border, set within an area which is teeming with wildlife, making this area one of the most breathtaking destinations in Laos. Then we drive back to Khong Island for your overnight stay.
Overnight in Khong Island
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Khong Island – Pakse – Fly to Vientiane (B)
After breakfast, we leave Khong Island and transfer to Champasak District, visit the ruins of Wat Phou Temple Complex, one of Southeast Asia's most dramatically situated temples. We have time to explore these intriguing Khmer ruins, which are perched at the base of Mount Phu Kao. Wat Phu is one of the Lao World Heritage sites recognized by UNESCO in 2001, this wonderful archeological site of Khmer civilization dates back to the 9th century, predating the famous Angkor Wat in Cambodia. A festival of this site is held yearly during the full moon in February and attracts numerous pilgrims from all over southern Laos. Then transfer to airport for flight to Vientiane.
On arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. REST after a long night flight and time for yourself.
Overnight in Vientiane
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5: Vientiane City Tour – Train to Vang Vieng (B)
After breakfast, we start to visit Wat Sisaket, the city's oldest temple. Dates back to 1818, Wat Sisaket is the most important heritage temple now standing in Laos. It houses thousands of Buddha images from many countries, long lost architectural styles, sculptures and paintings; Wat Prakeo, former royal temple of the Lao monarchy and originally built in 1565, is home to the Emerald Buddha image, Buddhist sculptures are displayed along the perimeter wall, including a 6th to 9th century Dvaravati-style stone Buddha and several standing and sitting Buddhas. On the way to the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, Vientiane's own Arc de Triumph. Afternoon, we transfer to train station to catch speed train to Vang Vieng. Upon arrival, meet tour guide and transfer to hotel for checking in.
Overnight in Vang Vieng
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6: Vang Vieng – Tham Jang Cave – Blue Lagoon – Train to Luang Prabang (B)
This morning, we get up early and depart to Phanam Xay View Point to have leisure hike to the top of the hill and admire the beautiful landscape of the small town. Descending the hill, we transfer to visit Blue Lagoon site 1 and free to swim or join in zipline here (zipline fee on your own account). Then we transfer back to the town to visit Tham Jang Caves then take speed train to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, meet tour guide and transfer to hotel for overnight.
Overnight in Luang Prabang
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7: Luang Prabang – Khoang Si – Sunset Cruise Dinner (B, D)
After breakfast at hotel, transfer by private vehicle to Khouang Si waterfall. On the way, you can visit to the Lao ethnic minority group at Ban Na Ouane Village, H’Mong Village. Once at the waterfalls, take a leisurely hike through the national park towards the Khouang Si waterfalls and pass by the Asian bear rescue center. You will enjoy feeling the mist of the cool, turquoise waters of the different waterfalls. Swimming in the refreshing waters is possible. Return to Luang Prabang.
Late afternoon, we go to boat pier to embark on a traditional cruise for sunset dinner. The 2.5 hours slow boat trip gives us the opportunity to see the view of the city from Mekong River. We continue sailing to Pha Tad Ke Botanical Garden with the most beautiful sunset area. Enjoy our time with a dinner before returning to our pier. Transfer to the hotel for overnight.
Overnight in Luang Prabang
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8: Luang Prabang – City Tour – Connecting Flight to Danang, Hoi An (B)
Breakfast, we then visit the Morning Market, where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings. Then we visit the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. Continue to the National Museum at the former Royal Palace displays a lovely collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. There will be free time to venture into town and stroll around the shopping area. The tour ends after your transfer to the airport for departure.
Upon your arrival in Danang, our guide will pick you up at the airport and then we transfer you to the hotel in Hoi An for relaxing.
Overnight in Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9: Hoi An – Free Time (B)
Today is a free day.
Overnight in Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10: Hoi An – Walking Tour – Marble Mountain – Danang (B)
Today, we will start our walking tour around the ancient town to visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Pottery Museum, Tan Ky’s old house, the Cantonese congregation, the Silk Street of Hoi An, the temples, and pagodas of Chinese appearance. After that, we transfer to Danang, and on the way, we will have a brief visit to Marble Mountain – the five elements of the Universe (water, wood, air, fire, and earth).
Overnight in Danang
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11: Danang – Bana Hills with Golden Bridge (B, L)
After breakfast at hotel, we drive to Sun World Ba Na Hills and have full day entertain in Ba Na Hills. We first take the cable car up to the mountains, enjoy the specular of Truong Son Mountains and most specially, the Golden Bridge – the new symbol of Danang thanks to its unique design and magical settings.
Free time to wander through the Le Jardin Garden with hundred kinds of flowers or admire the architecture buildings at French village. Buffet lunch is included. In the afternoon, we take the cable car down and transfer to the hotel in Danang to relaxing.
Overnight in Danang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 12: Danang – Hue – City Tour (B, L)
After breakfast at the hotel, we travel by vehicle to Hue along scenic highway 1A. Along the way we will stop to contemplate north to Danang city and the stunning views North, to Lang Co Beach (No guide on the way).
On your arrival, we will board the Dragon Boat on the romantic Perfume River heading out for the countryside. Being the ancient capital, Hue is surrounded by ancient tombs of emperors past, and a visit to the most beautiful tombs will be on the itinerary for today. The charming Lady Pagoda (Thien Mu Pagoda) will be the first stop of the day. We will enjoy a great view of the Perfume River and the surrounding area. Thien Mu Pagoda is considered the symbol of Hue and of Buddhism in Vietnam. From here, we rejoin our van and go visit King Khai Dinh's Tomb or King Minh Mang's Tomb. After the tour, we transfer to the airport for relaxing.
These are the famous Hue Street Food that you should know and try in Hue city
o Banh Uot – Grilled Pork Wrapped with Hue Wet Rice Paper
o Coffee Viet – black or with condensed milk
o Che – Sweet Soup
o Bun Bo Hue – Hue Beef Vermicelli Soup
o Banh Khoai – Hue Fried Pancake
o Cha Hue– Hue Sausage
o Banh Loc – Filtered Tapioca Dumplings
o Banh Ram It – Fried dumpling topped with Sticky Rice Dumpling
o Nem Lui – Grilled Ground Pork on Stick.
o Me Xung – Sesame candy
o Bun Thit Nuong – Grilled Pork Vermicelli
o Banh Beo – Steamed Rice Discs Topped with Shrimp
Overnight in Hue
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 13: Hue – City Tour – Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (B)
In the morning, we visit the Imperial Citadel where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945, after exploring the ruins of this wonderful monument. We will then depart to the Hue Royal Fine Art Museum, which is housed within the former Dien Long An Royal Palace. After the tour, we transfer to airport for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Upon arrival in Tan Son Nhat, meet your local guide then transfer to your city hotel for check-in and relaxation. The rest of the day is for you to spend at your own leisure. Explore the bustling nightlife of the city that never sleeps of Vietnam, you can enjoy the night market with food stalls opening till as late as 3 am. Discover why this was deemed the national busiest city!
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast
Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City & Cu Chi Tunnels (B, L)
At 7.30 am, we will pick you up at the hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. The first place of the morning trip is Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification palace, which was built on the sight of the former Norodom palace. The Independence palace is a widely known landmark of Ho Chi Minh City and was designed by the architect Ngo Viet Thu. We continue seeing the beautiful structures from the French Colonial times such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, and the historic Central Post Office. Followed by the remarkable site of the War Remnants Museum the museum has a vast display of both the Indochina wars. Lunch will be served in the local restaurant
Depart for Cu Chi tunnel, the trip will take approximately one and a half hours of bus driving. Upon arrival, before exploring the tunnels, you will have a short introduction followed by an introductory video about how the tunnels were constructed and how the people survived in the harsh conditions of wartime. Then, you can spend your time exploring the remaining area and tunnel systems which included the specially constructed living areas with kitchens, and bedrooms side by side with other martial facilities like storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers helping whoever lives inside the tunnels meet their basic needs. Besides, there are also many hidden trap doors and dangerous traps within the maze-like tunnels for security purposes during the war. Afterward, special tea and cassava (guerilla’s food during the war) will be served.
We have a break time for relaxation or time for those who want to try a real shooting gun. At 7 pm, we return to Ho Chi Minh City.
Notes:
*The Notre Dame Cathedral has been restored, so the guests just visit outside.
*Drop-off time is subject to traffic, weather...so the finished time could be later than expected.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City Departure (B)
Time will be free until our car arrives at the hotel to take us to the airport in good time to board our departure flight. Trip ends!
See you in another journey with Indochina tours!
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