VIETNAM LAOS: CULTURE AND HERITAGE – 14DAYS

Itinerary: Hanoi arrival – Mai Chau valley – PuLuong – NinhBinh – Ha Long- fly to Vientiane – LuangPrabang Departure

TOUR CODE: XSEV0081- Multi country tours

Highlights:

14-day trip to Northern Vietnam for exploring the most authentic and amazing landscape and gives you a glimpse into both past and future of Laos, also a chance to understand the wonderful smiling people & pace of life in laid-back Laos.
Admire yourself with Hanoi capital city: the political center and cultural heart of Vietnam
Visit Mai Chau - a peaceful valley sheltered by the outside world by a dramatic ring of hills
Reach to a hidden gem – PuLuong nature reserve for rich forest, limestone panoramas, magnificent rice terraces and breathtaking scenery.
Explore authentic NinhBinh with Hoa Lu – Tam Coc–Mua Cave
Discover the Wonder of the World – a Ha Long Bay with its bewitching scenes. Enjoy your memorable days with our professional services and enthusiastic tour guide.
Explore The Capital of Laos -Vientiane city and the Beauty of LuangPrabang. Enjoy your days of rest with our professional services, and enthusiastic tour guide.

Overview

14 days will help you discover Culture & Heritage of Vietnam & Laos. Let’s consider this north Vietnam tours to Hanoi, MaiChau, PuLuong, NinhBinh & Ha Long Bay. This itinerary offers you less touristic destinations to Mai Chau, PuLuong nature reserve with impressive views of mountains & valleys dotted by ethnic villages & their terrace rice fields, to NinhBinh- known as Ha Long Bay on land and Ha Long Bay- a new natural wonder with overnight cruise into islands & islet on emerald sea water. Explore the culture of Luang Prabang and local religious sites on an environmentally friendly electric bike tour around three magnificent temples. Learn about life in lesser-seen local villages. Visit the majestic Kuang Si Waterfalls. Enjoy an educational and enjoyable morning at The Living Land Organic Farm.

Tour summary:

DAY 1: HANOI ARRIVAL

Private driver

Distance: Noi Bai Airport – Hanoi Central: 35 km = 45 minutes transfer
Arrival in NoiBai airport, you will be picked up then transferred to the hotel for check-in. Overnight in Hanoi
(Check-in time is 14.00 PM, early check-in is not included in itinerary and subject to availability). Meals: None
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Hanoi

DAY 2: HANOI – ORIENTATION (B,L)

Private driver & guide

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
After breakfast, the day starts with visit to the complex dedicated to Ho Chi Minh- the nation’s founder, containing Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (viewed from outside on Mondays, Fridays and every afternoons due to closure), and the house on stilts, One Pillar Pagoda. Next up visit Tran Quoc Pagoda – Hanoi’s oldest pagoda on the bank of West Lake &Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university which was constructed in 11th century. Back to your hotel
In the afternoon, take a cyclo ride around the Old Quarter streets which were named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places. Stop at Hoan Kiem Lake to learn about legend of the lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple, followed by the Water Puppet show – a uniquely Northern Vietnamese art form depicting scenes from rural life and episodes of national history. Check in the hotel for a short relaxing, Dinner is on your own. Stay overnight in Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Hanoi
OPTIONAL 1: HANOI FOOD TOUR ( Star 18:00- 20:30)
You should try one with street food in Hanoi.

DAY 3: HANOI – MAI CHAU GREEN VALLEY (B/L)

Private driver & guide

Distance : Hanoi – Mai Chau: 120 km = 3 hours
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel You will leave Hanoi for Mai Chau. Our driver will take you through a beautiful mountainous province of Hoa Binh which is located in the Southwest of the capital of Viet Nam. Four hours on the way, you’ll see gorgeous scenery dotted with limestone and rice paddies while passing several small villages of Muong, Thai, H’Mong, and Dao people. Descending the last 14km of your first day of the tour on a steep mountain road into the stunning valley of Mai Chau, you will reach village of Thai Ethnic people. Your lunch will be served at a local Thai house. 14:00- 18:00:After check in your hotel, take a short rest, then take an easy walk of 1-2 hours around the village and valley. 18:00:Tonight enjoy folk dance performance with charming Thai ladies at Mai Chau. Overnight at the Hotel in Mai Chau.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Mai Chau

DAY 4: MAI CHAU- PU LUONG RETREAT (B/L,D)

Private driver & guide

Distance : Mai Chau- PuLuong: 60 km = 2 hours
Water wheels walk and rafting | 3 km easy walk – 1.5 hours | 1 km rafting – 1 hours
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel – Morning: Have free time in Mai Chau until get pick up for transfer to Pu Luong. Arrive at PuLuong Nature Reserve in time for a delicious lunch, followed by free time to explore the beautiful retreat, with its captivating panoramic views and tranquil setting. – Afternoon: You will be transferred to a suspension bridge over the Cham River, where you begin your walk in search of stunning water wheels. Get up close to each wheel and discover how water is moved from river to handmade bamboo aqueducts via simple constructions of all sizes. Arriving at a local fisherman’s house, you have a short rest to gear up for the bamboo river rafting. Float along the calm river and enjoy the views, in between learning how to paddle and steer your handcrafted rafts. Arriving at scenic Tan Lap bridge, you disembark to be transferred back to Pu Luong Retreat for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch , Dinner
Accommodation at a selected hotel in PuLuong retreat

DAY 5: PU LUONG ENTHRALLING TREKKING ROUTES ( B,L)

Private driver & guide

Enthralling trekking routes | 19 km easy walking – 6 hours
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel – Morning: Start early to descend into the beautiful valley facing the Retreat where you walk around tumbling rice terraces. Trek through small paths shrouded in vegetation to slowly reveal a picturesque village sitting at the base of a towering mountain. Your camera will not be able to sit still! Continuing to the base of the valley, you weave between roads and farmland, villages and wild fields, ponds and rivers, mountains and open land. Savor the ever-changing scenery as you trek to a beautiful spot to enjoy a simple picnic lunch. – Afternoon: After enjoying delicious food, you have free time to explore the refreshing water to the nearby river, before moving to our pick up point to be transferred back to the Retreat. Dinner is on your own. Stay overnight in PuLuong
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation : at a selected hotel in PuLuong retreat

DAY 6: PU LUONG NINH BINH- TRANG AN CAVE ( B,L)

Private driver & guide

Distance : PuLuong – NinhBinh: 90 km = 2,5 hours
Village life and the community | 4,5 km easy walk – 2 hours
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel Then get pick up for the transfer to NinhBinh .Arrival NinhBinh, check in hotel and relax.
12:00: we have an hour for lunch is at local restaurant
After lunch, we take a boat trip to explore the cave complex in Trang An. Enjoy peaceful moments with clear water, fresh air and spectacular views of mountainous areas. Trang An Landscape Complex is a spectacular landscape of limestone karst peaks permeated with valleys, many of them partly submerged and surrounded by steep, almost vertical cliffs. This area was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
16:00: Our driver will take you check in hotel. Dinner is on your own. Stay overnight in NinhBinh
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation : at a selected hotel in NinhBinh

DAY 7: NINH BINH- HON GAI HARBOR – BAI TU LONG BAY – CONG DO – CAP LA ISLAND – TRA SAN (B,L,D)

Private driver & guide

Distance : NinhBinh- Ha Long: 185 km = 4 hours
Explore Ha Long Bay by deluxe cruise.
Notes: Ha Long Itinerary is subjected to change based on weather conditions and each Cruise.
08:00 – 8:30: We will pick you up from your hotel and head to northeast of Vietnam
12.30: Arrive Ha Long, transferred by a tender to Cruise on BaiTu Long bay
12.45: Enjoy a welcome drink with all staffs on board, listen briefly to safety on boat and activities included then check in cabin.
13.30: Delicious Vietnamese set menu while leisurely cruising to the core of BaiTu Long Bay.
15.00: Arrive to Cap La Island the beautiful area in BaiTu Long bay. Enjoy kayaking through the karst and breathtaking nature, swimming and relaxing
17.30: Get back to the boat and enjoy sunset tea (enjoy tea and fresh fruit).This time is regarded as “Happy hour”- Buy two get one free while our cruise sailing to the overnight anchorage.
19.00: Sumptuous set-dinner on board.
20.30: Free time for joining games, you may also try your luck with squid fishing.
(Please inform our guide if you want to join in karaoke activity)
Overnight in BaiTu Long bay cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch , Dinner
Accommodation : Overnight on Ha Long cruise

DAY 8: TRA SAN – THIEN CANH SON CAVE – HON GAI HARBOR- HANOI (B,L)

Private driver & guide

Distance: Ha Long- Hanoi : 160 km = 4 hours
06.30: Freshen up your new day with doing Tai Chi
07.00: Breakfast will be served in Western style and furthermore with Vietnamese traditional food. Tea and coffee is available
08.00: Explore ThienCanh Son cave. Your guide will explain the history of Ha Long Bay, BaiTu Long Bay and this Cave, made by Mother Nature
09.30: Back to your boat by tender then finish packing.
Please remove all of your belongings from your cabin, you may leave heavy luggage outside of the cabin (staff will transfer directly to the pier).
10.30: Cooking demonstration is organized by our guide at this time. You have a chance to make Vietnamese cuisine- “BanhCuon” by yourself.
11.00: Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch.
12.00: Disembark in Hon Gai pier
12.30: Say goodbye Ha Long Bay then returns to Hanoi and drop off at your hotel around 16:30. Free and easy, Dinner is on your own. Stay overnight in Hanoi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation : at a selected hotel in Hanoi

DAY 9: HANOI FLY TO VIENTIANE SIGHTSEEING (B, L)

Private driver & tour guide

Distance : Hanoi center to airport : 35 km = 45 minute transfer
Distance : Airport to center :4 km = 20 minutes
Free and easy until pick up and transfer to airport for flight to Vientiane
Arrival in Vientiane airport, you will be picked up then transferred to the hotel in city center where you will have the chance to freshen up before heading out for a half-day tour to uncover the wonders of this peaceful city
This afternoon, Your tour will begin at Wat Si Saket, one of the most spectacular temples in Vientiane and said to be the last remaining temple after an invasion by the Thai army (then Siam) in 1828. The impressive structure features a wall that holds more than 2,000 ceramic Buddha effigies.
You’ll then pay visit to the nearby Haw PhraKaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) which is a former temple that now houses an interesting museum and see the Presidential Palace, which served as the governor’s residence during French rule.
Your next stop will be at Watsimuang, possibly the most popular temple in Vientiane, located near the eastern entrance to the capital city. Within the temple grounds is an Angkorian-era pillar and legend has it that anyone who circles the column three times will be granted any wish. Next you will visit COPE, an association that works to help landmine victims from exploded ordinances left over from the Vietnam War with the USA.
You will visit the most important national symbol of Laos – That Luang, a gold-covered Buddhist stupa in the center of the city which was commissioned by King Setthethirat in the 1th century. Sadly not the original, the latest incarnation of the temple was reconstructed in the 1930s after numerous invasions and plundering.
Finally you will visit Patuxai, which literally translates to ‘Victory Gate’, a war monument in the center of Vientiane, built between 1957 and 1968. The large gateway was built in memory of Laotian soldiers who lost their lives during World War II and the war of independence from France in 1949.. Overnight in Vientiane.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Vientiane

DAY 10: VIENTIANE - PHOU KHAO KWAY NATIONAL PARK (B,L)

Private driver & tour guide

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
After breakfast, you will take an excusion to PhouKhaoKway National Park – an area 90-minutes’ drive outside Vientiane.
The trek aims to promote environmental awareness as well as encourage orchid preservation and conservation. Your walk will begin from PhaXay which offers a beautiful view of the waterfalls. You’ll then trek through the lush forests and immerse yourself completely in the park’s spectacular natural beauty, spotting wild animals foraging for food and unusual, distinctive flora along the way. Led by your expert Backyard Travel guide and experienced villager, you’ll visit the best spots to see the wild orchids.
At lunch time you will find the ideal place for a serene scenic picnic, allowing you the chance to rest and relax in an area of perfect tranquility, surrounded by beautiful nature. Refueled and recharged you’ll then resume your walk to Tad Xay Waterfall, a picture-perfect scene of a seven-tiered waterfall with pools to bathe or swim before finishing off your inspirational scenic trek. You will return to Vientiane late in the afternoon and will have the evening free to spend at your leisure. Overnight in Vientiane.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Vientiane

DAY 11: VIENTIANE - LUANG PRABANG BY FLIGHT (B,L) BY FLIGHT

Private driver & tour guide

Distance : Hotel to Airport 4 km = 20 minutes
Distance : Airport to LuangPrabang center : 5 km = 30 minutes
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
After breakfast, you will be free & easy until the drive pick you up at hotel and transfer to Airport for flight to LuangPrabang.
Upon arrivalLuangPrabang, You’ll then have the chance to get some rest and relaxation at your own leisure before your guide picks you up in the late afternoon and takes you to climb the 328 stairs to the crest of Mount Phousi. From the top of the mount you’ll be able watch the spectacular sunset over the picturesque city, rivers and hills that surround you as you soak up the spiritual essence of laid-back Laos.
After descending the 150-meter-high mount in the twilight you will be transferred back to your hotel, making a stop on the way at a hill tribe evening market for a spot of shopping. The nightly market is one of the highlights of any visit to LuangPrabang and features an abundance of locally produced craft items for sale. Many villagers come down from the surrounding hills to sell their hand-made produce and fabrics. Overnight in LuangPrabang.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation at a selected hotel in LuangPrabang

DAY 12: LUANG PRABANG SIGHT SEEING (B,L)

Private driver & tour guide

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
After breakfast, your electric bike tour will begin at the former Royal Place which now exists as the National Museum.
Here you can learn about Laos’ rich history and culture and there are usually special exhibits on display to see. You’ll then move on to Wat Mai Buddhist temple, one of the most richly decorated temples of Luang Prabang and WatSensoukarahm which is decorated in a stenciled gold facade.
You will then return your eco-bikes and have the rest of the day to spend at your leisure. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Luang Prabang

DAY 13: LUANG PRABANG - KUANG SI WATERFALL - LUANG PRABANG (B,L)

Private driver & tour guide

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
After breakfast, you will take an hour drive through beautiful landscapes, small villages and rice paddies to the famous Kuangsi Waterfall. An elegant three-tier waterfall, the main fall of Kuang Si is approximately 60 meters high and there are several turquoise blue pools in which to bathe.
Once you’ve had your fill of the natural beauty around the falls you will next have the opportunity to visit the Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Center located near the falls. The center is home to around a dozen sun bears that were rescued from the grasps of poachers. The center attempts to rehabilitate the bears and raise awareness of the plight the endangered species face.
On the return journey back to Luang Prabang you will also have the chance to stop at two hill tribe villages to interact with locals and catch a glimpse into their daily lives. Depending on time, you may also have the opportunity to visit Ock Pop Tock, a shop that utilizes the skills of locals who produce goods using traditional weaving techniques.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation at a selected hotel in LuangPrabang

DAY 14: LUANG PRABANG DEPARTURE (B)

Private driver

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
Free morning. Then driver will take you to the airport. Departure to the next destination. Saying goodbye to Laos & Xuan Son Travel see you again.

Since this can be private or group tour, the price per person varies and depends on many aspects, such as your group size, the hotel ratings and your departure date. If you want to get a custom price quote for this tour, please fill out the online inquiry form and give you as much information as possible about your trip. Your online travel consultants will be at your service and help you make the most of your travel time and dollars!

NOTES

1/ The weather & our latest advice on the weather

Light clothes regardless of the season in the south but for the visit of temples and pagodas, make sure you have a top with sleeves (shoulders must be covered) and bottoms going at least up to the knee. From November to March it can get pretty cold in the North, make sure to have warm clothes for mornings and evenings.

Northern Vietnam:

Dec – Feb: 10°C to 25°C, mostly dry, grey.
March: 15°C to 30°C, season change, dry.
April – June: 25°C to 35°C, some heavy showers.
Sept – Oct: 25°C to 35°C, clear weather, occasional showers.

Note: from 5°C to 10°C less in the mountains; make sure you have warm clothes.

Laos

Dec –April : 10°C to 25°C, Cool and mostly dry, Special on Mar – April dry and very hot
May– Nov: 25°C to 35°C, Rainy season

Note: from 5°C to 10°C less in the mountains; make sure you have warm clothes.

2/ Visa

To go to Vietnam /Laos you must have a valid passport valid at least 6 months after the date of return.
The Government of Vietnam promulgates the Resolution on Vietnamese Entry Visa Waiver for Citizens of Five European Countries: UK, France, Germany, Spain and Italy. This exemption is applied for a maximum period of 15 days regardless of passport categories and purpose of entry into Vietnam, and is valid until June 30, 2021.
To go to Laos you must have a valid passport valid at least 6 months after the date of return.
Laos free Visa for citizens of the following countries are also exempt from Laos visas: Vietnam ( 30 days), Brunei (14 days), Cambodia (30 days), Indonesia (30 days), Japan (15 days ), Luxembourg (15 days), Malaysia (30 days), Mongolia (30 days), Myanmar (14 days), Philippines (30 days), Singapore (30 days), Korea (15 days), Switzerland (15 days), Thailand (30 days) and Russia (30 days).
For any stay lasting more than 15 days, or for a multiple entry stay in a period of less than 15 days, a visa is required. A period of 30 days is required after the last exit from Vietnam in order to once again benefit from the visa waiver measure for a stay not exceeding 15 days.

To get more info => Click Here

3/ International flight

Our offer does not include international flights between your country and Vietnam for two reasons:
International flights from your country are more expensive if purchased in Vietnam. It is therefore more beneficial for you to buy them from a ticketing agency in your country.
The payment and booking conditions for international flights are strict while it is difficult for us, a local agency, to apply the same conditions to you (full payment before travel). Since international financial transactions give rise to significant bank charges, you will be led to pay unnecessary surcharges.

4/ Which language?

The official and most widely spread language is Vietnamese.
English is spoken in all touristic areas.

5/ Cancellation Policy:

More than 30 days before arrival: no cancellation charge will be done (Client’s non-refundable deposit will be forfeited)
14-29 days before arrival: 10% of the cost of the tour is forfeited
10-13 days before arrival: 40% of the cost of the tour is forfeited
Within 10 days before arrival: 100 % of the cost of the tour is forfeited

6/ What to Bring

Sun Glasses, Sun Block, Wide Brim Hat, Insect Repellent, Swimming Suits
Warm Clothes (in winter from November to April)
Original Passport

ACCOMMODATION

LIST OF OUR HOTELS: The hotels offered by Xuan Son Travel classified from 02 to 05 stars at international standard, comfortable with all the required services.

Homestay/local homestay: we have developed fair tourism, through contacts with the local population, the possibility of sleeping with locals and sharing their daily lives. The conditions of these accommodations that we offer you are well assured and with the best possible conditions
Standard Category: 2 stars. The rooms are decent, clean, equipped with bathroom, satellite TV and air conditioning.
Superior Category 3 stars. The rooms are generally spacious and the services and facilities are more numerous.
Deluxe category: 4 stars. The rooms are luxurious and spacious, with a wide choice of quality services have swimming pool, spa, Jacuzzi
Luxury Category: 5 stars. Hotels with excellent comfort and a wide range of excellent services. Swimming pool, spa, Jacuzzi…)

CITIES /AREAS	HOME STAY	HOTEL-STANDARD	HOTELS-SUPERIOR	HOTEL-DELUXE	HOTELS- LUXURY
HANOI	….	Maison d’Orient Hotel..	Hong Ngoc Dynastie/ Icon 36/ Flower / Hanoi Era/Gondola hotel..	La Siesta Classic Premium / Golden Silk/ Pearl/ Thang Long opera/Flower Garden	Sofitel Legend Metropole / L’Opera/ Movempick Hotel
CRUISE	….	….	Oriental Cruises/ V’Spirit Cruises….	Swan Cruises/ Renea cruise/Calypso cruise/ Victory cruise ….	Dragon Legend cruise/ Heritage/Dynasty/Orchird/ Genesis cruise……
MAI CHAU	Mai Chau homestay	….	Mai Chau sunset boutique or similar	Mai Chau Lodge/Bungalow or similar	Mai Chau Ecolodge or similar
PU LUONG	Puluong homestay	….	Pu Luong Bungalow	Pu Luong retreat / Pu Luong eco garden	….
NINH BINH	Tam Coc Homestay	Tam villa/ La Belle or similar	Tam Coc boutique Garden/ Chez Loan or similar	Vissai Ninh Binh/ The reed hotel or similar	Emeralda resort or similar
VIENTIANE	….	Sengtawan Hotel or similar	Lao Orchid/ Chanthapanya Hotel/ Season Riverside /S 2 Modern Boutique Hotel or similar	Vieniane Plaza / Mercure/ Phasouk Vien Chantra hotel or similar	Don Chan Palace / Green Park Vientiane/Salana Boutique or similar
LUANG PRABANG	….	Villa Oasis/ Phousi Guesthouse hotel or similar	Villa Pumalin/ Villa Chitdara /Villa Saykham/ Le Sen Boutique or similar	Villa Santi/ Maison Dalabua hotel/ Kiridar hotel or similar	Souvannaphoum/ Luang Prabang View/ Luang Say Residence hotel or simalr

SERVICES & PRICE

TRAVEL PRICE: VIETNAM LAOS: CULTURE AND HERITAGE – 14DAYS
From…. To… usd /per
Excluding international flights

Inclusion

The English speaking guide as guided time
Accommodation based on double sharing room with daily breakfast
2 days 1 night on cruise in Ha Long Bay (sharing cruise, not private)
Meals as indicated (B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner)
All transfers with the air-conditioned vehicle
Thai’s traditional dance and Ruou Can in Mai Chau
Mineral water & cool towels on car during the trip
Government taxes & service charge.

Exclusion

International Flight tickets from/to your Home
Internal Flight Ticket from Hanoi, Vientiane , Vientiane – Luang Prabang
Early check in/ late check out
Meals, drinks & beverage not indicated
Vietnam /laos visa stamp fee (about 25$/pax) & personal travel insurance
Personal expenses such as Telephone and Laundry bills
Tips and gratuities

Customize this tour

This tour is designed with balanced activities and pace. If you want to customize it, you may always change its itinerary and accommodations according to your needs.

PARTICIPANTS AND DATE OF TRAVEL

Your group includes: *

Adult(s)

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The date of your trip: *

Expected duration (in days):

Arrival date:

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2. Your personal information and contact details

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Full name

Telephone number

E-mail

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My name is Nicky, English & French speaking advisor at Xuan Son Travel. I have been the specialist in tailor-made trips to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia for 18years. I love the charm of the small streets of Hanoi as well as the charm of the countryside, with magical landscapes, warm and smiling inhabitants in all regions of Vietnam. As a Travel Consultant, I put it at your disposal and will assure you that your wishes and desires are perfectly suited to your trip to Asia.